Bonnie Simpson and Judy Snowden reminisce about their school days.
A GROUP of former Ballarat classmates had a lot of catching up to do when they celebrated their 61-year school reunion.
Thirteen of the original 28 foundation students of Ballarat Girls Technical College came together at Sebastopol Bowling Club on Friday, exchanging 61 years of stories, photographs and memories.
Having wanted for a long time to organise a reunion, Sebastopol resident Bonnie Simpson said it was “amazing” to finally bring the group together again.
“It was all talking and bringing out photographs,” she said.
“Everyone was rapt.
“My friends and I were going to do it when it was 50 years but she got into business and I had an operation so it was put on the backburner.”
Ms Simpson said she had fond memories of her time at the college, where she started as a 12-year-old after sitting an exam to gain entry.
It was originally located in Lydiard Street South, next to the Ballarat Gaol and the girls passed inmates and guards on their way to school.
“It never worried us,” Ms Simpson said.
“I always enjoyed the company of the girls and the teachers were brilliant. It was just like a family.”
After the success of the reunion the group plans to stay in touch and organise a yearly reunion in the future.