School captains Charli Clark and Jerem Hinchliff and vice-captains Kaitlyn Newton and Lachlan Burrows read out some of the “letters to future me” from students which will be placed in a time capsule to be opened in 25 yearsPrincipal Michael Flood looks on as the oldest ex-student present, Jean Bradford (nee Locke) and the youngest current student Nate Collins, 4, who is in Prep cut the anniversary cake
February 15, 2016
Ex-students came back in their droves to Nanango on Saturday to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the State School.
In the morning there were fun and games, songs and poems, presented by current students at the school.
The official part of the “anniverary fair” then kicked off about 11:30am with the ringing of the school bell, located above the main gate.
The spectators then gathered under shade to listen to the guest speakers, and reminiscences from former principals Craig Elmer and Lyal Giles.
Current principal Michael Flood said planning for the big day had begun almost as soon as he was appointed to the school in May last year.
He was relieved the day was going off without a hitch and also pleased with the roll-up, estimating 2000 people had come through the school gates.
The celebrations included a family fun day, memorabilia display and an opportunity to inspect the school’s modern classrooms.
A special 150th Anniversary birthday cake, made by local resident Gloria Fleming, was cut by the youngest student, Nate Collins, and the oldest ex-student, Jean Bradford (nee Locke, 1930-39).
There were a number of other 1930s-vintage students present, including Ron Locke (1936-45), Betty Carey (nee Crone, 1937-42), Allan Weir (1938-46) and Joy Dale (1939-41).
On Friday night, ex-students gathered at Ringsfield House for a meet’n’greet.
Three friends from Nanango who also finished at the school in 1968 … from left, Richard Perrett, Ian Scott and Neil Strack
Ex-students Janelle Bain (nee Andress, 1962-74) and her father Bill Andress (attended the school during World War II)
Joy Dale (nee Murray, 1937-41) and Gwen Hunter (1938-43) … the pair used to live just three houses apart
Nanango State School principal Michael Flood, who joined the school in May 2015, with special guest, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington
Pete Otto, Coolabunia, tries out one of the new picnic tables … he was one of the first pupils at Nanango high school when it opened in 1955
Ex-Nanango State School students Sandra Vincent (nee Bradford, 1955-61) and her mother Jean Bradford (nee Locke, 1930-39)
A plaque honoring the first principal on one of the new picnic tables, sponsored by Heritage Nanango and constructed by the Nanango Men’s ShedGuest speakers on the day included former principals Lyal Giles (2006-2015) and Craig Elmer (1989-2006)A big thank you to the organisers … from left, Robyn Retschlag, Tammy Nunn, Libby Clapperton and Ann Black
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Nanango State School in 1894 (Photo: John Oxley Library)
