The class of 1970 from Fish Hoek School was meant to celebrate 50 years since Matric in 2020. COVID restrictions made this impossible and so we were a little late in having our gathering. About forty of us matriculated in 1970. Most of us started school together in 1959 at Fish Hoek Primary and continued together right till Standard Ten. Ronald, with a great deal of effort and perseverance, managed to find every one of our past classmates and some who had matriculated elsewhere but were with us for most of their schooling. Only about 15 managed to make it to the reunion week. Some of our number have passed away, many are just not able to travel anymore, and those who are far across the oceans, simply could not make the long journey.

One of our classmates who now lives in Port Macquarie, Australia, did the great trek back to her homeland and hometown to catch up with us all. Anne was also part of our planning committee and would zoom with us at what was stupid o’clock for her but simple o’clock for us in South Africa! Others came from different parts of the country too and it was really wonderful to get together again after so many years.

On Monday 21 February, the weather was really stormy and we had planned two outdoor functions! But the gods were kind and we had a beautiful day on Tuesday and our evening bring and share function at Trish Thompson Richard’s house was awesome. The infamous south easer did not blow and the outdoor ambiance of her garden and patio was just perfect. Everybody brought a platter to share and it was all totally delicious. But best of all was catching up and reminiscing about our school days. We had so many laughs especially when Ken regaled us with his hilarious stories.

We had a lovely fire pit around which we all sat and shared stories. Ronald gave a brief speech and we toasted our teachers, absent classmates and those who have passed on.

We especially remember those of our classmates who have already passed on. RIP Boetie Bester, Frances Eastern, Anne Garden, Garick Lotze, Jean Rix, Heather Soloman and John Willis. Also from Primary – Linda (Bierman) Harrington

On Wednesday morning we hoped to sit outdoors at The Bistro at Fish Hoek Beach but after staying away for the evening function the South Easter could not hold it in anymore and it came gusting in with a bit of a chill too. A few of us sat outside for a while and then went to join the less robust indoors! We had a few more past pupils who could not make it the previous evening join us and what fun we had catching up with them too.

Our final function was a dinner at Dixie’s in Glencairn. This was a really special time. We were seated in a secluded area of the restaurant and had wonderful service from our waiter, Jason, and the food was excellent. Thank you Dixies for helping to make this a memorable occasion.

The bond you have with the kids you grew up with runs deep. You think you will be friends forever but life happens and you drift apart. You might be on the same path for a while, watch your kids together at the beach, mix in the same social circles then drift off again. We change in different ways and become teachers, naval officers, administrators, school principals, librarians, businessmen and women, etc not to mention taking on the role of, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents and then suddenly we’re seventy and invited to a school reunion. Will we still have anything in common with those long-ago teenagers? Hell, Yes! It’s like no time has passed. We have a shared history and we simply pick up where we left off. We want to know how each other’s lives have panned out. We listen to each other’s stories and our hearts soar with joy at their highs and break at their lows. We cannot help but feel for these wonderful people we grew up with. Although we have all gone in different directions and achieved different things, the foundation for each of us is the same, thanks to growing up in Fish Hoek and attending the two awesome schools.

Each and every one of us at this delayed Fiftieth Anniversary of Matric had the most amazing time. We all want to do it again very soon! No waiting another ten years! Please, everyone from the Class of 1970, keep in touch and try to join us at the next reunion.

A few more photos taken by Marilyn and others.