Ex-students sought

A number of your readers will be former students of Ardmore Teachers’ College.

Ardmore Teachers’ College was established in 1948 to help address the dire teacher shortage which followed the end of World War II. A derelict airforce base, which had been set up during the war beside the Ardmore aerodrome in South Auckland, was utilised as a ‘‘temporary’’ teacher-training institution – and remained in operation until 1974.

Over the 26 years the fully-residential college prepared 6463 young teachers for schools throughout New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and the world. Teachers who trained at Ardmore were widely regarded as the best in the profession.

A unique bond is recognised and shared by all who passed through Ardmore. Most ‘‘intake groups’’ have held gatherings of reminiscence from time to time over the ensuing years – and on occasions there have been special reunions which have encompassed former students from the entire period, from the first students in 1948 – to those of the final intake in 1974.

Almost all have now retired from the teaching profession. Many have passed on. But for the rest – that inextricable ‘‘bond’’ and memories of the ‘‘Ardmore experience’’ remain.

To commemorate those years, to relive some of those memories, and to renew some of those friendships a reunion gathering and luncheon is to be held in Hamilton on March 15 next year.

Any former Ardmore Teachers’ College students in your circulation area who we may not have been able to contact are welcome to come and can contact us at www.ardmorereunion.com, our Facebook group, or make direct contact with our registration secretary at elsievn@xtra.co.nz

Gary Bennett

Ardmore Teachers’ College Reunion Gathering 2019