50th anniversary reunion of the group that started their training to be Marist (Teaching) Brothers at Claremont, Timaru, NZ in 1962.

Jubilarians of '62 Carry On.

Celebrations of last year's Marist Golden Jubilarians have continued into this year. At an invitation from Br Martin Pattison, on behalf of the brothers, ten contemporaries received into the Congregation in 1962 joined the seven brothers here in New Zealand. On an overcast and somewhat blustery afternoon on Saturday March 16th an enthusiastic and lively gathering and barbecue was held at the FM Connection Marist Community Remuera. With everyone contributing in pot luck style an abundance of food and drink encouraged rapid fire exchanges of memories, anecdotes, personal histories and reminiscences accompanied by much merriment and the occasional guffaw. Br Kevin Dobbyn welcomed visitors, Br Kieran addressed the the gathering with well chosen words and sentiments remembering in a special way, George Ryan, John Batty, and John Dennett who have already passed away. A special welcome was extended to the wives of contemporaries who not only braved the elements but who also braved the company. We also remembered those who have been unable to be with us on this occasion. As night descended the celebrations continued inside the house where anecdotes and stories continued to flow. Nearly all of the gathering who were available returned on Sunday for lunch at the De Post Belgian Beer Cafe in Mt Eden where it seemed an inexhaustible source of memories continued to be excavated. It seemed with some reluctance the party dispersed as the afternoon wore on and thoughts were exchanged that future encounters of the same kind were to be anticipated with enthusiasm.

(Write up by Br Chris Maney)

The images on this web page were taken by attendees at the two functions. The second set of images are included first. No apologies for repeats: these really are worth looking at twice!! Grateful acknowledgements to those who have shared these with us and others.

Here below are the first set of images: