There were plenty of candles to blow out at this 80th birthday bash.

On Saturday, November 23, Elio Dalpozzo, Robert Smart, Jenny Hamilton, Margaret Dalpozzo, Phil Jarvis, Carmel Ryan, Cecily Dumaresq, Leah Barnes, Ray Rainey and Cathy Rainey reunited in their childhood town to celebrate a round of 80th birthdays.

All born in 1944, the friends met back when they attended St Mary’s College in Seymour, and while now they are spread far and wide over Australia, they all came together for the reunion and celebration of their collective birthdays.

Ms Hamilton said she had known the group for a very long time, with two friends there she had known since she was in Prep.

“It was a great reunion. It was so nice to see everybody,” she said.

“I don’t think they’ve changed very much, I can always recognise them.”

Ms Hamilton grew up in Seymour as one of seven. Her family lived in the Terminus Hotel until she was 15.

Like many in the group, she moved on from Seymour, marrying in Melbourne.

Others have stayed close to home, in Tallarook, Tatura and Mooroopna, while the organiser of the celebration, Ms Barnes, moved up north to Scarborough, Queensland, flying down on Thursday for the event.

The group gathered at Baracca Lane in Seymour, where almost they caught up, enjoyed some cake and shared memories. Friends Carmel Attard and Margaret Wallin weren’t able to make it.

“It was really great, they looked after us very well (at Baracca Lane),” Ms Hamilton said.

“There was lots of chat and recalling all our memories from school.”

Through the many decades, the group still manages to stay in touch.

After celebrating their 70th and 80th birthdays together, hopefully the group will be able to reunite for the round of 90th birthdays too.

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Thursday, 22nd February 2024

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