An old photograph of the staff and pupils of Kesh Primary School, taken 40 years ago in 1975, prompted two former pupils of the school to organise a reunion of their former schoolfriends.

The brainchild of Claire Johnston (formerly Johnston) and Susan Gibson (formerly Stevenson), this gathering was held in Kesh Primary School last Wednesday evening, May 27, 2015. The two past pupils’ mothers, Mrs. Doris Johnston and Mrs. Margaret Stevenson, both teachers in the school at that time also attended the reunion.

The current Principal of the school, Jill Parkinson (formerly Loane), also a past pupil of Kesh Primary in the 1970s, kindly agreed to host the event, which took place in the school which has since been extended, demolished and totally rebuilt since 1975.

Around 20 former classmates were able to attend the event, some of whom had travelled considerable distances to be there.

The occasion was an informal get-together with supper, a celebratory cake and an opportunity to look around the school of 2015, guided by Jill. Claire welcomed everyone to the reunion, and Mrs. Margaret Stevenson shared her memories and the antics of the P1 class of 1969 – her first P1 class in Kesh Primary School after having transferred from Ardess Primary School.

The former classmates then had the opportunity to reminisce and catch up on old acquaintances. Susan thanked Jill for hosting the event in the school and she also thanked Heather (Birney) for baking the cake and everyone for attending. She particularly thanked Claire for tracking everyone down and encouraging them to attend. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet up again and some who had been unable to attend the occasion had expressed their disappointment but extended their good wishes. It is hoped that another social event will be arranged in the near future, perhaps around Christmas time to accommodate those who could not attend on this occasion and to widen the invitation to those in other year groups who attended the school in the 1970s.

People are advised to please watch the local Press and Steven Reddey’s Facebook page for further details.