Generations of College connections
21 Oct 2022
Former College Prefect Peter Skelton (6219), 83, and his grandson, 2022 Head Prefect Benji Ward, 18, have captured the depth of College connections at the Gentlemen’s Lunch.
Peter – Head of Condell’s House in 1957 – was among a large group enjoying catching up with old friends for the combined annual lunch and school reunions while Benji shared his present-day College perspective with the Old Boys.
A former Environment Court judge, Honorary Professor at Lincoln University, and New Zealand’s first Chief Freshwater Commissioner, Peter describes his College days as “among the happiest of my life”.
A pioneer College senior Basketball player, and Tennis, Squash and Athletics champion in his final year, Peter has revelled in being back at school for one more day.
“I have always felt at home at College,” he says. “There were not many dry eyes at my Chapel Leavers’ Service in 1957.”
For Benji, a fourth-generation student, speaking at the Gentlemen’s Lunch and reunion offers an excellent opportunity to share with the Old Boys “all the great initiatives now happening at College, including the focus on character development”.
“It is also a chance to outline how College has prepared us well for whichever path we choose to take,” he says.
In tandem with the annual Gentlemen’s Lunch, College hosted the 65 and 66 and 75 and 76 Years On Reunion. Two of the reunion group gatherings were delayed because of Covid-19.
