FLODDEN ABINGDON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The 50th anniversary of the Barbados Seventh-day Adventist Secondary began on September 21, 2002 with the formation of a special committee headed by Dr. Norman Niles the principal of the school. The first item on the agenda was the launch of the celebration. This took place in the month of October, 2002 with a church service at the Ephesus Church on Dalkeith Hill, St, Michael.

The service was attended by past and present students, their family and friends including the first head girl of the school, Mrs. D. Badnock. During the year leading up to the Anniversary date many other activities were held including a Valentine Concert; Barbados Harbor Master Cruise; and Career showcase ant the school.

Week of activities

The high light of he years' celebrations took place during the week of August 11 to 17, 2003. This week of activities started quietly for some of us, here at home, when we went to collect our past student, family and friends returning from the United States, Canada, England, and the Caribbean from the airport the Monday night of August 11th. Many from the NY chapter had not been home for many years if at all since thy left these shores.

The anniversary celebrations started in full at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday in the primary school hall for registration where about two hundred or so past students friends and family met to enjoy and evening of greeting old friends, music, reminiscing, and enjoying some sandwiches and drink.

The evenings proceedings were directed by one of our former teachers, Wendell Ford and it was indeed enjoyable with the sweet steel pan music from the Vauxhall primary school. Souvenir pens etc were also on sale that evening. Much laughter was evoked when old class mates from particular graduating years got together on the platform to sing or remember old days.

Payer and Praise was the name give to the Wednesday night programme at the school hall. It was well attended and the many testimonies and short and 'long talks" were  well received.

Two transport buses rolled into the school yard on Thursday morning to take our past students on an island tour and excursion. After making some historical stops Gun Hill and the signal stations in St. George, St. John parish church and Cogdrinton College we finally stopped for lunch and socialization at Farley Hill. Many other past students using their own transportation join us there to make the day a fun and frolic and of much old and 'long talk'.

Sabbath Service

Sabbath August 16 was the high light of he week when more than 1000 persons gather at the Sherburne Conference Center to worship and sing praises to God. Our them for the day was "50 Years by Faith". Speaker for the divine service was Dr. Kembleton Wiggins from the class of 1955. A mass choir comprising of local as well as overseas base students was among those providing the beautiful music during the day's proceedings. In the evening we all gathered at the school to unveil a plaque and dedicate the new building and class rooms. An anniversary stone was also laid at the sight where the school started 'Flodden' on Colloden road.

At 8pm we return to the Secondary School for a down memory lane concert that showcased the talents of many of the students who pass through the school. All can testify of having a wonderful and fantastic time.

The curtains came down on the celebrations when more then 250 persons again gathered at the Sherburne Conference Center for a Golden anniversary dinner and awards ceremony. Many teachers were awarded for their long and distinguish service to the school. The specially invited guest speaker was Sir. Fredrick Smith.