IT had been more than 36 years since leaving school, when a chance photo on Facebook set the wheels in motion for a Hanley Castle High School reunion of the leavers from 1978 and 1980. Last Saturday 25 June, about sixty past pupils and ten retired teachers gathered back at the school gates to meet. Some travelled from as far away as Australia and Spain to be there.
It was a day filled with nostalgia and happy reminiscing. A contemplative trip down memory lane. There was an overwhelming feeling of warmth and conviviality as old friends reunited. The years just melted away, as the old Hancastrians, now in their fifties, took a tour around the school, recollecting stories of their student years, and then gathered for a picnic on the Glebe.
Business and Finance Director, Elaine Wilkins and Grant Mathews, Training Manager, were instrumental in opening up the school and allowing the group to re-visit their old stamping ground and explore new buildings. The brand new Sixth Form Centre was breathtakingly impressive with its state-of-the-art facilities.
The old Hancastrians decided it was a good opportunity to contribute towards the fundraising efforts of the school and to date, they have donated over £400. It was unanimously agreed that they shouldn't leave it another 36 years until the next reunion!
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