RAAF School Reunion
Newcastle, NSW
26 April 2003

Harbourview Function Centre

Saturday 26th April 2003

There is something very special about the family of RAAF School students. For the second time now, at this our second reunion event, I couldn't help but notice the genuine feeling of friendship and comaraderie shared by us all. There is a special bond between us which comes from a common background of having shared the best schooldays of our lives together, at the best school. Speaking for myself, I was thrilled to be re-acquainted with everyone - those I knew from my classes and others whom I've met through the website.

Reunion Report

Sam Hays
Reunion Organiser

Barbecue
The weekend began with a sausage sizzle/picnic at the Train Shed on the Newcastle foreshore, close to Nobby's Beach. This was a wonderful prelude to a fantastic dinner dance to follow later that night. The barbecue offered an opportunity for us all to meet in an informal, relaxed atmosphere, in the huge and beautifully restored convict-era train shed. Many brought along their old photographs for viewing and still more brought cameras and all brought their memories. Some were even attired in their school uniforms which naturally led to many jokes relating to the original vs current sizing being bandied about.

After a delicious barbecue lunch, several photo sessions and a few hours of intermittent rain and sunshine, it was time to go and get ready for the dinner.

Banquet & Joeys Dance
The evening commenced at 6.30 pm and some good sports came dressed in their seventies gear - and there was a prize for best outfit. We were asked to remember the long hair, mini skirts, hipster flares, flower power and the wet look shirts! Other prizes were awarded for the reunion helpers and winners of the icebreaker competition. Yours truly was much honoured with the presentation of a card and a lovely speech by Sam.

The DJ played great 70s music all night and there was some dancing - I for one however, found that the evening was over so quickly I didn't get one dance in! Never mind - we all enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner while becoming re-acquainted with our school friends and sharing our stories and memories and tracking our life stories to date.

The night was a complete success in that I believe everyone enjoyed themselves - including spouses and partners who had a rare opportunity to glimpse our past. Great music, great food, great company - only problem was - it was over all too soon!

Sunday Celebration
To round off a perfect weekend of fun and festivities, many attended a Sunday Worship service at Sam and Jackie's church, the Newcastle Christian Centre at 85 Tudor St. Hamilton. This way we could continue to be with our school friends a while longer, whilst celebrating the christian life with a lively contemporary worship service, a dynamic, relevant Christian message and extraordinarily beautiful music. School reunion guests received special hospitality and beverages and snacks were enjoyed in the guest lounge prior to the service.

Bulletin Board

View the Bulletin Board to read messages from those who attended.

by
Cynthia

Read messages:
View photos:
Who was there?