Rugby reunion draws CIT crew

Where would you go to be serenaded by a famous opera singer in duet with a pharmacist, listen to a coroner tell graveyard jokes and see friends from way back?

The Petone Rugby Club of course!

Former CIT pharmacy students came from as far afield as Ireland and Australia to catch up with old rugby mates at the Petone Rugby Football Club’s 125th Anniversary in May.

Wellington pharmacist Frank Walker says the turnout was one for the books.

A total of 95 former CIT students were in attendance, including every captain from every year, except for one who was at a wedding.

“We were expecting about 50 people tops, but the numbers kept coming in until we had more than a hundred registered to attend the dinner.”

Rotorua pharmacist and “opera buff” Ian Edwards organised for opera singer Ben Makisi to perform at the Saturday night’s dinner. But, halfway through proceedings Ian was pulled up onto stage to sing a duet with Mr Makisi, Mr Walker says, much to the audience’s delight.

Another highlight was MC Wally Bain – former pharmacist and Rotorua coroner who entertained the crowd with a few graveyard jokes.

But perhaps the most significant guest was Don Griffin, former CIT pharmacy rugby coach who coached the team for 19 years.

“A lot of people wouldn’t have turned up if it wasn’t for Don,” Mr Walker says.

He says all agree Mr Griffin is the “glue” that holds everyone together and the outstanding number of participants is testament to Mr Griffin.

Another reunion will be organised in the next couple of years.

“We’ve renewed contacts and renewed friendships. It will be good to keep in touch,” Mr Walker says. RN

<< Back