The search is on for members of the 1969 Ashburton College First XV rugby side. Photo SuppliedThe celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first steps taken by man on the moon prompted ex-Ashburton College student Garry Hampton to start thinking about half century celebrations that were closer to home.

He realised that 1969 also marked his final year at college and dug out the school’s magazine of that year. Flicking through the pages started him thinking about fellow students who had been close mates, many of whom he had lost touch with.

Many of those mates were fellow members of the school’s First XV and when he looked at the end of year photo of the team, Hampton said he realised how many of those students he had lost touch with.

“You drag out an old photo, you look at it and wonder and I realised I didn’t know what a lot of those guys had got up to, where they were now,” he said.

Hampton managed to track down some of the team and enlisted the help of a local, Colin Morgan, to find others, but said he’s still looking for around eight players from the past.

“I am keen to organise a reunion of the team, probably over Christchurch Show weekend this year, but of course tracking them down will be the challenge.”

His own rugby career didn’t end with his school days, and Hampton was active for many years as a touch rugby coach and referee and only stopped playing golden oldies rugby eight years ago.

He’s hoping to have a reunion dinner in Christchurch for team members and their wives and partners and is keen to hear from anyone who has contact details for the team of 1969 members.

Hampton can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Sue Newman © The Ashburton Guardian - 30 July 2019