Leongatha students reunite

WHILE the usual suspect put 50-year reunions on hold for the classes of 1970 and 1971, former Leongatha High School students made up for the delay with a large and lively gathering on Saturday.

The 50-year ‘Gatha gathering was thrown open to those who completed form 6 (year 12) between 1970 and 1972 and classmates who left in earlier years, having started at the high school between 1965 and 1967.

Such was the enthusiasm, conversation and laughter at McCartin’s Hotel, it was difficult to make yourself heard.

While some old classmates were instantly recognisable, name badges came in handy for others.

Memories of school flooded out, including those of Jim and Jenny Williams (Blackley).

The pair used to disregard the stern warnings of school librarian Daisy Baker not to talk to students of the opposite sex.

“We used to meet under the oak tree in the quadrangle, and he bought me a heart ice cream every morning,” Jenny said.

She noted that when their fraternising sparked the consternation of librarian Daisy, it was only Jenny who faced punishment.

“I will not talk to boys,” she repeatedly wrote during a series of detentions.

Still, the momentary glitch did nothing to dent the relationship, with the pair set to celebrate 50 years of marriage this year.

Their fondness for each other became apparent not long into their high school lives.

Brian Thiele completed form 6 in 1970 and the Sentinel-Times found him catching up with former classmates Laurie Martin and Bill Bons.

While Brian was academically minded during his time at Leongatha High School, he explained it was a different environment to that experienced by today’s VCE students.

“There wasn’t the expectation people would go to form 6,” Brian said.

While his favourite subjects were geography and history, as a boy he was encouraged to study science, and with his aptitude for maths that was something he took to well.

Brian initially pursued teaching, something a number of students from his year level did, but later turned his focus to law and business.

While Laurie downplayed his social skills at school, word had it he was renowned for his ability to get on well with others.

Still a member of the Lyric Theatre group, Laurie’s love for the stage can be traced back to a performance at Leongatha High School’s Mesley Hall.

He was delighted to return to that stage 50 years later.

Former student Leila Wilson (White) was the driving force behind the reunion, something for which she’s become renowned.

She was part of the graduating group of 1972, having narrowly missed out on her Higher School Certificate in 1971.

Leila’s motivation for organising the reunions is simple.

“I just liked the thought of catching up with people,” she said.

Expectations of a turnout of 50 people were well and truly surpassed on the day, and many settled in for a lengthy session of memories and laughter.