Students from Kimba Area School’s year 8 class from 1959 held a reunion in their home town from Friday to Sunday, September 20 to 22.
Reunion organiser Lyn Kemp, whose wife Claire was a class member, said the original class had 21 students, of which 14 remained, with seven attending the reunion functions.
Jo Wolfarth was the class teacher and the class have held reunions throughout the years – both in Adelaide and at Kimba.
“The remaining students from the Kimba year 8 class in 1959 celebrated a school reunion last [month],” Lyn said.
“Although it was a joyous occasion there was a touch of sadness amongst the group for those that had lost their partners recently.”
Celebrations started with a formal dinner at Kimba Hotel for students and their partners.
“A lot of history was discussed and laughed about during the meal by the classmates and James Caldwell elaborated with a very interesting comprehension he had prepared for the occasion,” Lyn said.
Marion Sampson (nee Beinke) and Claire Kemp (nee Nielsen) were asked to light the candles to celebrate the 65 years and cut a beautiful chocolate and strawberry cake that was prepared by CJ Kemp for the occasion.
Those that wished attended the Kimba Show and met up with old friends, then carried on the evening with a very enjoyable meal at Tina Wakelin’s home.
On the Sunday morning it was back to school for students and partners with the school bus picking everyone up at the hotel for an informal and nostalgic trip around Kimba which included the White’s Knob lookout, the water conservation area and the Kimba Museum.
The museum was kindly opened by Pat Beinke and Lyall Cliff. Coffee and cake was supplied for morning tea.
“After viewing a lot of information in the old school rooms we proceeded to the camp kitchen at the sport reserve for a barbecue lunch,” Lyn said.
Members farewelled each other and plan to hold another reunion, although a date is yet to be set.
