There has been to the best of my knowledge three major re-unions that include
the Visually Impaired Department.
The first school re-union was held in the mid 1970s and organised by some of the ex-pupils including:
Billy Warwick
Peter Leach
Raymond Semple
Michael walker
Mina McGregor
Yvonne McGregor
Stephen Spiers
James Anderson (teacher) was brought into the equation at a later date.
Having got access to the school records - with the help of Mr Anderson -
and being allowed use of the school gym to hold the event the mammoth task
of contacting as many as possible started. The Blind Center N. I. talking
magazine helped a lot.
As I said the event was held in the school gym and many ex-pupils turned
up, the crowds bolstered by the boarders who were permitted to join in.
Stephen Spiers ensured everyone was entertained by running a disco while Peter Leach and Michael Walker ran a small shop.
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The second major re-union included the whole school and was organised to celebrate Frank Denmarks retirement from the Principals office.
A large number turned out but this event was for all pupils and staff. There
was a little entertainment provided.
Mr Denmark was presented with retirement gifts and suitably short speeches
were made.
Again this event was held in the school gym.
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The third and most recent event was organised by Brendan Foster and Kate Rowan.
It was not held in the school but in a large room in Queens University Belfast.
Unfortunately the Data Protection Act etc. were working against the records being made available this time however a large number of ex-pupils made the effort to attend and indeed a lot of staff members were in attendance.
The sad sight of James Anderson in a wheelchair was seen unfortunately this was to be one of his last events as he died shortly after.
A big difference between this event and previous attempts was that due to
the venue it was possible to have bar facilities. At a small charge of 5.00
per person a reasonible supper was also available through the catering facilities
in-house. It certainly was nice to be able to have a "decent" drink.
It was also one of the latest events and if memory serves me correctly it was about 3.30 am before I got home --- and I wasn't the last to leave.
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Apart from these main events there has been a couple of smaller affairs
organised. Perhaps with the 50th anniversary in 2011 another opportunity
will raise its head.
This page was last updated on Thursday February 17, 2005