Nairn Academy class '72 former pupils back together for dinner
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THIRTY former pupils of Nairn Academy who left the school in 1972 were re-united at a dinner organised by Ali 'Kaiser' Mackay.
The evening brought together people whose careers and lives took them to 41 different countries and five continents around the world.
"It was a wonderful night," said Ali, who gave a sometimes humorous but heart-warming tribute to the teaching fraternity of that era at the school who paved the way for many successful careers for their students in many different professions.
Ali thanked John Urquhart of Nairn Museum for his immense contribution collating many photographs, school magazines and other archive material of that era which was on display for guests to enjoy.
"Little did I imagine when, earlier in the year I sounded out the idea of a 50 year reunion with a classmate from Nairn, just how much interest would be generated. Each new contact spawned its own network of further enthusiastic contacts. The reunion was suddenly a reality.
"For many, it was some 50 years since they had last seen their classmates at the end of 6th year at Nairn Academy in 1972. Given the long passage of
time they can be forgiven if they were a little nervous about what the evening might hold.
"They need not have worried. Prompted by the display of old photographs and other memorabilia, including original school ties and scarves all were soon enthusiastically catching up with one another, recognising despite the years, the faces of old school friends."
"Smiles and laughter in the pre-dinner reception carried through to the reunion dinner.
"Over an excellent meal further, increasingly funny and self-deprecating memories were shared, laughter and red faces increasing in response.
"I was struck by the way in which my classmates delighted and empathised in listening to and sharing, both in the achievements and often challenging life events of one another’s differing paths over the intervening years."
"Hearty farewells were made but it was clear to see that many old friendships have, after a gap of 50 years, been rekindled into new ones, set to blossom over the coming years."
Geoff Thompson opened the proceedings with a toast to absent friends and the evening concluded with a warm vote of thanks to Ali for organising the dinner and everyone who attended by Linda Flatley (nee Kerschat) who was the farthest travelled having come from her home in Washington State USA to join former classmates and their partners.
