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Who's Left Standing Reunion - 19th October 2019.
There was a very successful 60th reunion at the Kempsey Heights Bowling Club for those who were at KHS in 1959. People started to arrive at 10.00am and there was soon a lot of noise when there was recognition of those who had not seen each other for many years.
Ex-students who attended, included former school captains, vice captains, prefects, class captains, house captains and Dux of the school. Many travelled very long distances to join in the celebrations and renew old friendships. They came from all parts of NSW as well as the ACT, Victoria and Queensland with one former prefect coming from Western Australia. Unfortunately, the couple coming from America did not make it to our little piece of paradise in time because of a blown tyre and a forced landing.
The number of people who attended was very pleasing considering that all who were at KHS in 1959 are all in their 70's now. There were 131 people who attended as well as 42 apologies from others who were unable to come on the day. Nice to see one of our favourite teachers, Clare Porter, in attendance and looking so well. There were also apologies from two ex-KHS teachers, Hazel Dening and Shirley Ducat, and one from Cec Ward, ex West Kempsey Primary, who remembered a lot of the students. One report received stated "it exceeded my wildest dreams", another said it was “fantastic” and yet another commented that “the company was great ... and so was the food”.
Photos have been supplied and can be seen by clicking on the navigation bar on the left. There is a list available for those who wish to share their contact details and these can be accessed by emailing the address below. Any who also wish to share contact details can also advise.
The organisers, Dot Everson (McDonald), Gerry Beatty, and Charlie Cameron wish to thank all those who attended and made photos available. Although there may not be as big a reunion in the coming years, there are two events that have become regular fixtures: in March each year there is a lunchtime gathering of those from Kempsey (not just KHS) at Wests Cardiff , 18 Munibung Road, Cardiff and in October each year there is a lunchtime gathering of those still around Kempsey (as well as those wishing to travel) at the Gladstone Hotel.
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The date for the next reunion at Gladstone for those who were at KHS in 1959 or thereabouts will be Saturday, 17th October 2026 at the Gladstone Hotel from 11.00am.
The next Wests Cardiff get together for lunch for ex-Kempsey people living in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie areas will be Saturday 21st February 2026 from 11.00am.
Written by Shorty Ranger and sung by Slim Dusty, photos provided by the members of Facebook page; "Blast from Kempsey Past". Click on the arrow.
A poem that was originally published on a Facebook site has been sent in and is copied here for your enjoyment.
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