GRADUATES of the Bendigo Teachers' College have celebrated a very special anniversary, as they marked 60 years since beginning their studies.
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Dozens of students gathered to mark the Diamond Jubilee of commencing teacher-training in 1961, they believe it was the second intake at the Flora Hill facility.
Co-organiser Marlene Gunn said the years just dissolved when she saw her friends at every reunion. She has organised a reunion every year for the class, with friend Judy Hocking, for decades now. Every five years they hold a big event.
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Mrs Gunn said the class from 1961 would probably spend the night gossiping about their grandchildren, as well as re-living the good times studying and living together in Bendigo.
She could remember packing into hostel dorms together to study at the facility on Retreat Road.
Firm friendships formed among the group living in such close-quarters, as well as relationships that resulted in several marriages, Mrs Gunn said.
"We were really mere children when we started out at the teacher's college. Kids today at 17 are more savvy than we were. We were mostly country kids," she said.
"You do form amazing friendships when you're with each other for breakfast, lunch and classes."
Most of the cohort completed two years primary training certificate, with a few who went on to study for a third year.
Mrs Gunn said she left after her two years, because she just wanted to get out and teach. She was sent to Pyramid Hill by the Education Department, then Mildura. She still meets up with some of the grade two students she taught in Pyramid Hill.
Mrs Gunn said the 1961 group was unique, nearly all of the 132 strong cohort were still living and enjoying fairly good health.
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