ON the weekend of March 21 and 22 a group of former students from Bombala’s St Joseph’s School got together to spin stories and renew friendships.
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Mostly they were students taught by the nuns through the 1950s and 60s, and had travelled from Queensland, Sydney, Canberra and other parts to join with the locals of Bombala.
The get-together has been organised by ex-student Pat Ferry since 2007 and has been held every two years, with the exception of 2013, which was the official 125 Year Reunion organised by the school.
Most visitors arrived in town on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, with a number gathering at the Caravan Park for Saturday lunch and a chin-wag.
After lunch most took a walk down memory lane, with a visit to the Bombala Show. Others visited the Bombala Historical Society at the Court House, in search of distant relatives and friends.
On Saturday night, about 40 ex-students attended a dinner at the RSL Club, sharing a few drinks and many tall stories about the old days at St Joseph’s.
During the dinner Pat Ferry announced he would step down as organiser after eight years and four very successful and enjoyable gatherings.
On behalf of all the ex-students, Jan Farrell (nee Bedingfield) gave a wonderful speech of appreciation and thanks to Pat for his effort in starting and organising these very special events, at which about 100 old kids have relived memories of school at St Joseph’s, and growing up in the wonderful town of Bombala.
On Sunday a number of the group visited the Burnima Homestead. All were transported into the very different life of the late 1800s, and recommend it as a “must-do” for all Bombala locals and visitors.
The get-together for St Joseph’s ex-students is planned to continue, with a weekend in Bombala every couple of years - the next one in 2017. Anyone requiring more details should contact Ross Bartlett on (07) 3809-4705, or 0400-776-831, or email rossb@rb-design.com.au