50 years on, almost to the day since we had started in the third form at TGHS seemed like a good excuse to get back together again, at Waitangi Weekend 2022.

For many of us this was the first time seeing each other again, in 45 or so years.

As one ‘old girl,’ said, (who sadly couldn’t make it over from Aussie due to Covid) I think I’ve reached the age where getting in touch with school friends seems like a good idea!”

And not only was it a good idea, it was a lot of fun and everyone without exception seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. We decided it would be a low key affair and so it was kept simple with a ‘mix and mingle,’ on the Friday night at the Timaru Town and Country Club (great venue by the way).

Followed by a school tour on the Saturday led by current principal Deb Hales, and many thanks to Deb for an outstanding tour. For many girls this was a highlight and prompted many more memories, especially around those old buildings that are still there.

Saturday night involved drinks and a meal at the Speight’s Ale House and again this was a very good venue, especially around Covid limitations.

Everyone left with fond memories of this occasion and intentions of keeping in touch going forward. There was talk of another get together in five years time. Someone said 10 years is a bit long to leave it, at our age! A social media group is being set up and many email addresses and phone numbers were exchanged.

Right at the beginning of contacting people to get them along, our most excellent head girl (1976) Sharon Aitcheson, made a comment that resonated then, and was particularly poignant over the reunion week-end.

“I do believe we were given a good foundation at TGHS and I think we have a lot to thank some of those teachers for.”

Special mention must go to Mrs Payne and Miss Scott (1972+ teachers), who between them, attended several of the functions.

To end, amongst many other wonderful reminisces, we came up with a ‘theme song’ from our reunion, and it was ‘Jerusalem,’ … ‘And did those feet in ancient time’… and we like to think that our footprints 50 years ago around the environs of TGHS have left some small mark for the better, in some way, and hope that those who have started the third form in 2022, enjoy their time there as much as we did.