Plans for a fully blown 50th-year reunion of the class of 1970 were thrown into disarray, like most things in 2020.

As a result, it was decided to defer the big event until next year, when it is hoped that more of our eastern states and overseas members might be able to join us.

But rather than let the year pass by without acknowledgement, a hardy band of around 30 former classmates gathered at Steves Hotel in Nedlands on 14 November to reminisce about times gone by. Although that was only about one-third of the class, the total weight of those attending probably equalled the total weight of the whole of the class in 1970. Notwithstanding some increased bulk, most were readily recognisable, including those who had moved their hair from the top of their heads to their chin.

The passage of time had not dimmed the memories of good times (and some not so good) at Aquinas in the sixties. It was remarkable how easily the conversation flowed as did the laughter as stories were told and events were remembered.

One subject of universal interest was what classmates who could not make the function were now doing and where they are living.

Hopefully, when the full reunion is held in 2021, many of those who could not make it this time will be there to fill in their own stories. The organising committee will be meeting early in 2021 to begin planning and setting the date. The warm-up event at Steves suggests that there is a good time to be had when the “proper” reunion happens.