A day to remember in Southend
SOUTHEND and Glenbreckrie primary pupils came together for a first official reunion to reminisce on their childhoods.
Two events last Saturday, a memorabilia afternoon held in Southend primary school itself and an evening reunion in the newly resplendent Dunaverty Hall, brought together more than 100 former classmates.
The day was chiefly organised by Margaret Owen-Smith, Jennifer Cameron and Elizabeth Marrison, who were determined to get as many of their old school’s pals together again.
Margaret Owen-Smith said: ‘This has been two years in the making, and we are following Drumlemble’s lead as they had a reunion which gave me the idea of having one for Southend.
‘The afternoon was a great start, with information and pictures taken from the school archives and items handed in from former pupils.
‘We thought it would tie in really well with the evening reunion, which is the first official meeting of ex-Southend and Glenbreckrie primary schools.
‘We have around 150 here tonight, with some from as far as Inverness and Kent.
‘We would like to thank everyone for attending and everyone who helped along the way, you know who you are.’
In the afternoon several ex-pupils helped to caption old photographs with the correct names, as well as discover old artefacts produced by ex-pupils.
In the evening, Margaret presented the two eldest attending former pupils on the night from both schools with personalised Famous Grouse ‘Reunion’ whisky bottles – Jimmy Hall from Glenbreckrie and James Ronald from Southend.
Jean Golder, now living in Kent, received a bottle for travelling the furthest distance to attend.
The merry evening was complete with a more than ample buffet, while Peter McKerral provided a rousing rendition of