After half a century without contact, many of Newcastle High School’s 1976 matriculants reunited for a 50-year celebration at the hidden gem of Newcastle Country Club.

Arrival and heartfelt greetings

On Good Friday, just after 11:00, former scholars began arriving from across the country and even other parts of the world. Some flew in from Canada, Namibia, Cape Town and Durban, while others travelled from Nelspruit, Pretoria, Vanderbijlpark and beyond.

They were warmly welcomed by Jeannie Sandow Dickason, the driving force behind the reunion, together with Clarissa Parsons, the lodge’s enthusiastic manager. Parsons and her dedicated team ensured that everything ran seamlessly, serving delicious food throughout the day.

Ernest the barman kept the drinks flowing with ease. The lush green lawns and palm-lined setting created the perfect backdrop for hours of laughter, storytelling and reflection.

Some memories were joyful and others deeply emotional.

Memories, messages and celebration

That afternoon, the group gathered for a short-but-powerful message delivered by Minister Thijs van der Merwe, a former schoolmate.

Thereafter, head boy Nico van der Walt and head girl Willemien van der Berg each shared spontaneous and heartfelt speeches. Their presence made the occasion even more meaningful.

Photographer Jacques Breedt (owner of Studio Elle), together with his partner Jan, captured the special moments beautifully, preserving memories for years to come.

Journey through Newcastle

Thanks to sponsorship from Stucky Motors, two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles transported the group on a nostalgic tour of Newcastle on the Saturday morning.

The trip felt like stepping back in time to old rugby, hockey and netball tour days.

The participants were both surprised and moved by the changes in their hometown. Some childhood homes remain, though in poor condition, while other areas have grown with modern developments. Stucky Motors’ Mercedes-Benz commercial dealership stood out as a flagship business in the town.

A stop at Porto’s Fish & Chips revived treasured memories, once considered a special ‘eat-out’ treat for many.

The reunion served as a powerful reminder of how quickly time passes and how precious connections are.

Many attendees reflected on classmates who have passed on, reinforcing the importance of cherishing the present. The group agreed that this should not be a once-off occasion, but rather the beginning of more regular gatherings. One shared sentiment captured the spirit of the weekend: Live, laugh and get together more often.