Friends reunited

Jun 5 2008 by Gary Fanning

TWO former pupils flew half way across the world for a school reunion in Hamilton on Saturday.

George Notman, from Australia, and Brian Robb, from Kuwait, attended a reunion at the Bothwell Bridge on Saturday night along with another 43 ex-St John’s Grammar pupils and staff.

Lyndsey Kelly, from Canada, was thrilled to attend the reunion which was open to all pupils and teachers who attended or worked at the school that later became Hamilton Grammar School.

Former teachers Mr Bryson, Mr Norris and Mr Goodwin, who gave a speech on behalf of the staff, attended the event.

Organisers lined up a range of events including a ‘meet and greet’ coffee morning at the start of the day at Bothwell Bridge Hotel.

Former pupils were also given a tour of their old school.

The school, in Hope Street, is currently being used by pupils decanted from St John The Baptist Primary in Uddingston.

Organiser Irene Prior, of Barncluith Road, Hamilton, a pupil at the school from 1962 to 1967, hailed the day a huge success.

“Everyone had a really good time,” she said.

“I didn’t expect George and his wife to turn up from Australia.

“I was also shocked to see Brian from Kuwait. Everyone was delighted to see them again. A few others came up from England and Lyndsey thoroughly enjoyed it.

“It was really good to meet up with our old school friends again.

“We had a nice meal and drinks at the Bothwell Hotel.

“They were glad to see the school again before it is knocked down.”

It was the second reunion of St John’s Grammar. About five years ago, more than 50 people attended the ‘meet and greet’ at the Avonbridge Hotel.

They also toured the old school building and were able to rekindle memories of time spent in the classrooms.

Many of those taking part then lunched at the hotel.

Irene added: “Everything just seemed to go past very quickly.

“A few asked me if we would be having another reunion in five years time, but I don’t think we will.”

gfanning