Countdown begins to 150th celebration weekend

11 March 2004

Countdown begins to 150th celebration weekend

More than 2000 former old boys, old girls, partners, staff and parents from all over the world have registered to take part in Wanganui Collegiate School’s 150th celebration weekend between 18 – 21 March this year.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward will be among the special guests attending, more than 20 years after he tutored at the School in 1982-1983.

A full programme of events including sports, socialising, formal and informal reunions and photos are planned – all of which are based around a giant marquee on the School’s Number One field.

Particular highlights include:
- Current students and staff will launch the weekend with a formal School Dinner in the main marquee on Thursday evening – 18 March.
- Big School Expo – an historic and contemporary display of school life opens for the weekend at 11.30am on Friday 19 March.
- Cocktail Party from 6.30pm Friday 19 March.
- Reunion Breakfast at 8.30am on Saturday, 20 March.
- Black tie 1300 person ball on the evening of Saturday, 20 March
- The Bishop of Wellington will officiate at the 150th Celebration Service at 10.30am on Sunday, 21 March.

People of interest attending include:
- 81-year-old Tony Reeve, the oldest old boy (began Collegiate in 1923).
- Lord Cooke of Thorndon (began Collegiate in 1940).
- Sir Ron Trotter (began Collegiate in 1941).
- High-profile barrister Hugh Rennie, CBE, QC (150th Patron)
- Twin brothers Bruce and Don Hamilton – authors of the School’s history ‘Never A Footstep Back - 1854 – 2003’.
- Court of Appeal Judge John McGrath.
- Dr Philip Rose - Advisor to the Prime Minister of Australia.
- Trevor McKinlay – all the way from Peru.
- A mini-reunion of the 1943 rugby team and 1942/43 cricket team.
- Significant interest from former rowers (the School has won the prestigious Maadi Cup more times that any other secondary school)

As New Zealand’s second oldest secondary school, Wanganui Collegiate is now one of the nation’s few co-educational independent schools offering seven day a week boarding facilities.

The School has a proud tradition of sporting and academic excellence, bolstered this year with a new Headmaster - Craig Considine - a former Australian Commonwealth Games decathlete.

For more information about the 150th celebrations, please visit www.collegiate.school.nz

ENDS

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