Brunswick Primary School students reconnect after 70 years and celebrate their joint 80th birthdays

In the 1950s they all started school together, learning, playing and growing in their humble country town.

Gathering at the Binningup Bowls Club more than 70 year later, former students from Brunswick Primary School came together on Saturday to reconnect and share stories about life.

Though some of the former students still live in town and have remained close throughout the decades, others had not seen their former classmates since the previous reunion 20 years ago.

A few had not seen their former classmates since they were students at the school.

The reunion was organised by Kaye Scott and Lorraine Stone, who took to the immense job of tracking down their former classmates.

Mrs Scott said it was absolutely amazing to see some of her former classmates who she had not seen in two decades.

“Everybody is happy to see each other and suggesting we do it again,” she said.

“It won’t be another 20 years down the track, obviously.”

Mrs Scott gave immense praise to Mrs Stone, who she has been friends with for well over 70 years, for being invaluable in tracking down many of the former students.

Mrs Stone said it took a lot of work to get everyone together, but eventually they got it done and have been able to have an amazing gathering.

She said she felt very good getting all of her old classmates together to reconnect.

“I mean, it’s hard to recognise some of them,” she said.

“But, it’s been very nice to see everybody.”

Carolyn Chomley was not able to attend the previous gathering 20 years ago and had not seen many of her former classmates in more than seven decades.

“It’s lovely to catch up with everyone and we are going to stay in touch from now on,” she said.

Neil Campbell also missed out on the previous gathering and said he had not seen many of the people in attendance since he was 12 years old.

“It’s good to see everyone,” he said.

“A couple of my old girlfriends aren’t here, but one of them is.”

Michael Italiano has lived in Brunswick his entire life and said it was great to see some of his former classmates who he had not seen in years.

Also at the celebration were a number of members of the Brunswick Bowling Club. Mrs Scott and Mrs Stone said they wanted to open the occasion to members of the community who were turning 80, as so many of the former students turned 80 this year.

So the class reunion also became a birthday party for some of the town’s finest.

Judy Talbot did not attend the school, but she was at the gathering to celebrate her 80th birthday with so many others.

She said it was lovely to catch up with people she knew but had not seen in a while, being very welcomed in the celebrations.

Mrs Scott’s husband Roy thanked everyone for attending and congratulated everyone for reaching the esteemed age of 80.

“They’ve accumulated a wealth of wisdom and life experience, with stories that span across generations,” he said.

“Reaching 80 is an incredible achievement, and it deserves to be celebrated with great fanfare and excitement.”