Academy pupils to reunite 50 years on
Interest in 2019 event from Australia and at home
It is often said school days are the best days of your life.
And former students of Perth Academy have the chance to relive theirs at a 50th anniversary reunion.
The gathering is planned for Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 next year, for ex-students who started at the Viewlands Road West school in 1963.
Organisers are now hoping to track down even more school pals to enjoy the event.
Bill Powrie has been working with a group of his former classmates to track down hundreds of former pupils, and his efforts have seen him make contact with people now living as far away as New Zealand, and as close as 400 yards from the school gates.
However, he is keen to reach out to even more people to make sure as many people as possible can attend the reunion which will include food and drink celebrations, as well as a chance to explore the county and further afield.
Bill explained: “Former pupils of Perth Academy, who started first year in 1963, and would have left in 1969 if they stayed on till sixth year, and those who were in that group for part of that time, are planning a 50th year school reunion.
“A small working group is trying to locate about 60 classmates who are still to be found. So far 150 have been contacted, and those having expressed
Fifth year girls at the school, taken in 1968
an interest in attending come from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and California.
“Then Sussex, Herefordshire, Milngavie, Inverness and Aberdeen - and some from 400 yards from the school gates.
“A number of activities are being planned over the two days, including a drinks reception, a school tour, and a buffet meal in a hotel in Perth.
“Other activities being considered are a golf match, a visit to the V&A in Dundee, a historical tour of Perth and a visit to Innerpeffray Library and nearby Drummond Castle Gardens.”
The idea for the school reunion actually began on the other side of the world.
Two former pupils Peter McVean and Edna Oswald met up recently in Sydney, Australia, and once they got talking, realised it had been nearly five decades since they left Perth Academy.
Bill continued: “The idea quickly spread to Scotland where a small group of volunteers has been planning events and searching for classmates for the last three months - Muriel Dunbar, Evelyn Harding, Lesley Kidd, Alison Currie, Graham Shirra, Ian Sankey, Alan MacDonald, Nick Hosie and myself.”
A dedicated Facebook group called ‘Perth Academy 63-69’ has been set up for the former pupils to share old school photos and anecdotes, as well as plans for the school reunion.
Similarly, the group has also set up a website called http:// perthacademy1963-1969.btck.co.uk
Anyone interested in joining Perth Academy’s 50th anniversary reunion can join the Facebook group or email Bill Powrie on billpowrie@bitinternet. com