The Tweed Curtain Tea

This event was held in a large marquee located on the front lawn of the school on Saturday afternoon. Attending teas was never high on my agenda in 1960, and my preference would have been to sit on the wheel of a hot rod and stirring my coffee with the stem of a burnt exhaust valve. At home, I was usually told to make myself scarce.

So, on Saturday, wearing very casual clothes including jeans, I was quite certain that I would be stopped dead in my tracks at the door by someone suggesting a mismatched tie and tweed jacket "would make me more comfortable." This did not happen and so I ventured in to join Diane Wilson at a corner table where I was soon to spot Gary Taylor looking just the same as he did in 1960 with the addition of glasses. I had a very pleasant chat with him, Reg Reid from Oak Bay Junior days, Mrs. Ron Edmonds and a very spry Don Oliver. For those of you who remember the Oak Bay Hardware, Jack Harness (Class of 33) who managed it through the fifties and sixties was there with his wife. We were soon to be joined by others including Martha Attwell, Charmaine Armstrong and Sherry Willman. Refreshments were served by students wearing 50s style clothes, and a great deal of credit must be extended to the Oak Bay committee who put this all together. Outside we visited with others including Phil Johnston and his mom who was also an Oak Bay student from years gone by. ( Class of 33)

The school was open to wander about and look at memorabilia on various bulletin boards, visit the school archives where donations were happily accepted, and meet in the library which was our class of 60 gathering place hosted by Lianne Catt. There I met Mrs. W. Taylor and her daughter and had a very moving conversation about her late husband and teacher who passed away 18 years ago. I also had a lengthy talk with Mrs. Edmonds who told me about Ron’s heart attack and how he had defied doctor’s orders by having his records and report cards sent to the hospital. Although ill, he did not want anyone else to do them. All in all it was a very pleasant afternoon that wound down at the Penny Farthing Pub with a few of the class.

                                                    The Dance and Silent Auction

It is hard to know where to start.  The event was held in the Oak Bay Recreation Centre which is located just south west of the old Junior High school.  Inside,  a large band and 800 people filled the facility to capacity.  Thanks to the efforts of Phil Johnston, some tables were reserved for us where we gathered to meet up with friends old and new.  We were relieved that dress was casual and enjoyed browsing about the hundreds of items up for auction.  From a signed Wayne Gretzky sweater to art, it was just a matter of leaving your name and bid on a sheet of paper. 

The music covered the 50s through 80s and  kept many of us, myself included, on the floor all night.  Not long into the evening, a very special presentation was made on a large screen for all to see.  It was a montage of photos and newspaper clippings dedicated to students and coaches who excelled in the field of sports from past to present.  The finale was the induction of a very distinguished group into the school sports hall of fame. They included the late Jack Wallace,  coaches Gary Taylor, Don Oliver, Don Horwood and Gill Hawkins; athletes Allison Daysmith and Judy Humber (Badminton), Shelley Winter (field hockey), Bob Hutchinson, Don Carson, Mark Wyatt (Rugby), Bob Wheaton (swimming), Dave Morgan, Alan Wright, Marg Mainwaring, Brian McKenzie, Rob Parris, Dave Kirzinger,  (basketball), .  One by one they were called to the stage amidst loud applause and cheers. 

A no host bar was kept very busy, and  making yourself heard was a challenge especially in the case of our generation.  We found ourselves shouting into the other person's ear until our voices gave out.

From time to time between numbers, we would wander over to the auction tables to see if we had been out bid.  In most cases we had to such an extent, that a bank loan might have to be considered.  Consequently, many left empty handed.  For all those who were there, I am sure they join me in saying that it was a wonderful event and very glad to have been able to experience it.

There is talk that our old school building will have to be torn down in about five years and replaced with a facility more in keeping with the times.  For all those who attended this great school, it just would not be quite the same with the old building gone.  Down the road and looking back, this weekend may turn out to have been her last hurrah.

                                THE FINE ARTS SHOWCASE HELD FRIDAY MAY 6, 2005  By Lianne Catt

In the evening of May 6th several hundred people gathered in the old Oak Bay Junior High School auditorium and enjoyed an evening of unique entertainment. Everyone on stage was alumni of the school.

The place was full (and stuffy) but the excitement ran high in the audience, as a very special event began promptly at 8, with "If My Friends Could See Me Now".

Steve Ivings, a very funny guy, was the MC and had us in stitches with his memories of the years he spent in the school. Half the time he WASN'T in school!

The concert was quite varied. We enjoyed everything from a Ballet choreography, to rap numbers, to the Neil Swainson Jazz Quartet and some wonderful singers, dancers, and comedians.

The cleverness and co-ordination of "If I should Ever Lose My Job" (an old Jerry Gosley Smile Show number) had everyone amazed. The 5 performers dressed in costumes according to the job they were to have held, leaped, swung a bat, swabbed a deck. etc. As these antics took place at the same time as the song was being performed by them, it was no small feat!