PE 1961 - 1963 Before Name Change
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S.T.C. Motto: Lumen Siccum
"Let there be Light"
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This website has been upgraded with Photos of our 50th Reunion
Sydney Teachers' College
The motto "Lumen Siccum" was adopted on the suggestion of Dr L H Allen, lecturer in classics at the College in 1914 and translated by Dr Allen into the phrase, "Let there be Light". The words "lumen siccum" come from the writings of the Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus.
This website has been designed and updated by Geoff Hingerty - email geoffhingerty@gmail.com
Exspectata ut nostrum Quinquagesimus Celebration
"Welcome to our Fiftieth Celebration"
The year is 1961
An elite group of 20 males and 20 females began a 3 years Diploma Course of study in Physical Education. The venue was Sydney Teachers’ College within the grounds of Sydney University.
Our Lecturers included: Eric Hawcroft, Frank Whitebrook, John Gurd, Allan Coles, Noel Whiteley, Dr Evelyn Mc Cloughan, Jean Neil, Dave Anderson, Mark Faulkes, John Gray, Edith Cockrane, Bill Collins and others as our long-term memories kick in.
Allan Coles - photo taken 48 years ago
Mark Faulkes
Fun At Broken Bay
The Boys
The Five Star Forest Lodge
Stand up and be counted
Play Centre Training at Broken Bay
50th Reunion at Tuncurry
Sweet and Sour Pelican
Photo supplied by Jan's husband, Des
2011 Around the BBQ
John Franklin - A Manly Boy in Canadian Snow
2009 Bash
2010 Bash
Lionel Banbury in red - Jack's father
The Skilful Game of Coloured Balls
They still look good
Our 50th Anniversary - Our Place in History
Captain James Cook discovered Australia 240 years ago; Captain Arthur Phillip sailed into Sydney Harbour 222 years ago; the Wright Brothers had their first flight 107 years ago; the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened 78 years ago ;the first canned beer was made 75 years ago; the cane toad was introduced 75 years ago; nylon was invented 72 years ago; the atomic bomb was invented 65 years ago; the first Holden came off the production line 62 years ago; the Pill was invented 56 years ago; we began our teacher training 50 years ago; John F Kennedy was assassinated 47 years ago; permanent-press fabric was invented 46 years ago; the first hand-held calculator was invented 43 years ago; colour TV was introduced into Australia 43 years ago; the first Australian heart transplant occurred 42 years ago; the Radio Telescope at Parkes (CSIRO) relayed television images of first moon landing across the globe 41 years ago; CSL develops a polyvalent snake antivenin 41 years ago; the Sydney Opera House opened 37 years ago; Jaws The Movie was screened 35 years ago; the 1st Australian ATM was installed 31 years ago and Viagra was invented 12 years ago.
We are History
Our Celebration Venue - The Great Lakes Tuncurry
The next reunion is at Tuncurry on the first weekend in May 2012
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Jack Banbury's dad, Lionel, in red shirt
and Wayne fancying Jack
Around the BBQ
What are your happy memories 1961-1963 and events of interest 1964-2011
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John Franklin, also known as “Franko”, remembers 1961-63 as three wonderful years, where his social life was miles ahead of his academic life and where the then young PE group made their best efforts to lead him astray.
Some College Memories
Ron, Wayne, Howard, Geoff, John in West Side Story
The first day as we competed for selection into the final 20 boys and 20 girls, when a slick haired candidate, Ron Clarke, tried to intimidate a perceived competitor, by informing him that his sports coat was too loud for him to be accepted. Little did Ron know that he was speaking to Mark Faulks who would soon be evaluating him.
Primitive dance classes with Al Coles and those ballet exercises meant to improve our flexibility but more likely the cause of old age arthritis and hip replacements.
The boys sneaking into the girls’ cabin after lights out at Fitness Camp only to have the lecturers raid the place. This was followed the mad dash in the dark to escape and get back to the boys’ lodges undetected. I didn’t see the railing though at the bottom of the hill. Ouch!
Student teaching as a group in Richmond and living in lodges where Jack Banbury used vodka on the cement floor and put a match to it as a method of cleaning.
The boys skipping classes and renting a house on Narrabeen Beach and Gary Mac on a surf board when dorsal fins appeared. The life guard, Jack Banbury, seeing the fins, was seen running from the kitchen to the rescue with a knife in his mouth.
Music classes which I am sure were the reason for the PE Boys’ Choir performing “ The Lion Sleeps Tonight” as well as they did.
Johnny Gurd , our athletics lecturer, timing the boys at the Oval in a 400 meter run and wondering why the times were so slow. He didn’t know that there had been a young couple having an amorous session on the Oval hill and the boys had stopped to watch.
The Forest Lodge … the cause of headaches and lateness to class on Friday afternoons.
Then there was final meeting to hear Frank Henry give us our first teaching assignments.
Balgowlah Boys High…phew… close to home on the Northern Beaches.
John Franklin After College
Wanderlust in 1966. Left Grenfell to teach in a small town in northern Alberta, Canada. Bonnyville was my first experience of Arctic winters with temperatures dropping to -40 degrees C. in winter. Learned how to drive on ice roads, onto frozen lakes and to fish through holes in the ice. Being a foolish Aussie it took me a winter to realize that shorts and long socks were not winter attire but they were a source of amusement for the local indigenous people.
Finished my B.P.E. the following year and started teaching in Edmonton. During these late 1960’s and early 70’s there was no shortage of Aussie P.E. friends. Bill Yeomans , Gary Wilsmore , Len Harvey, Bill Spaul, Mike Booth, Jack Banbury, Paul and Sue Rudd ( nee Sneddon) , Rhett Samin, and Frank Henry Jr. were all P.E. grads from S.T.C. who came to Edmonton to attend university. During those early years you couldn’t help but to run into an ex collegiate somewhere. Lou and Paula Dryden in Calgary, Don Davies in a restaurant in British Columbia, and even Allan Coles at a party in Edmonton.
Some highlights in this era were:
Nearly getting wiped out in a helicopter on a summer job in the Rockies while working for a mining company in remote mountain areas. The helicopter was caught in a big mountain down draft that dropped us 1000 feet and then spat us out 500 meters from the valley floor. Good mountain view though .
Living in a house with Jack and Rhett for a year before my first marriage.
Being married for 6 years.
Single again, and more wanderlust. Hitchhiked across Canada, through the USA to Florida and then flew to London and taught in Wimbledon.
Watched Arthur Ashe beat Bjorn Borg.
Traveled through Spain, France, Italy and Sicily before returning to Edmonton.
Met and later married Jeannie, a P.E. teacher in Edmonton. Now been married for 31 years and have three boys. One is married and another is about to be.
Spent my last 25 years of teaching in school administration with the last 17 as Principal at an Elementary School. Love those little kids. I am taller than them.
Now retired and do some rugby coaching with my old club as well as coaching basketball for my oldest son at his school. He is a P.E. teacher there. See Bill Yeomans sometimes as he still lives in the Edmonton area.
Travel back to Sydney occasionally to see my brother in Dee Why and his family. Enjoyed the last visit in 2009 when I met up with the P.E. boys at Forster.
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Primary Practice at Broken Bay
Howard, Geoff, Wayne and Ron
When I was teaching at Belmore Boys High it rained towards the end of the athletics carnival and we had to run a few events off later. During a lunch break we ran the senior shot putt. There was no safety barrier. I was standing behind the throwers. One huge boy slipped and threw the shot, the big one, up in the air and backwards. I heard people sing out “watch out” BUT. It landed on top of my head. As I went down Warren Ryan said I had enough energy to say “Warren, I’m f------d.” I was unconscious for a while.
I was in hospital for a week. I went cross eyed and lost some hearing. Later, my eyes came back to normal (I think). The doctor asked my wife if she thought I had suffered any brain damage. She said “with him it would be hard to tell.”
My proudest achievement in education: - in almost 40 years of teaching I did bugger all and almost got away with it.
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Beatrice Antella
Life after College
Taught at Leeton High School in 1964-1965, Armidale High School 1966-1967 and Bega High School 1968-1969. I then decided it was time for a change.
January 1970, I obtained a job as a ‘Youth Activities Officer’ at Kormilda College in Darwin. My plan was to work in Darwin for 1 year, save some money and then head off to Europe. Kormilda College was an Indigenous boarding College for “promising aboriginal students” who were especially selected from missions, remote communities and cattle stations from all over the NT. My job was to provide sporting and social activities after school hours and on the week-ends for them. It was a challenging job as my knowledge of aboriginal culture was zilch and I had never met or interacted with ‘full-blood’ aboriginal people before.
I met my husband to be, John, within a few days of arriving in Darwin and thus began a love affair with the Territory and outback.
In 1971, I married John and moved back into High School secondary teaching, where I continued at different levels until 2007 when I retired. My main work was teaching General Mathematics and providing distance education to students in the outback. My PE training was applied to coaching junior sporting teams mainly Little Athletics and netball.
In 1974, I became a cyclone Tracy survivor and made the commitment to stay and help rebuild Darwin along with John who was an alderman on the Darwin City Council. There was much to do getting schools up and running again and every sporting club had to be re-established.
I have 3 children, Scott born in 1972, Caitlyn 1974 and Marissa 1976, they all live in Darwin and they have provided me with 5 gorgeous grandchildren aged between 3 and 8.
Since coming to Darwin my main hobby as been golf. My handicap is a disgrace considering the amount of time I spend playing.
I like to travel as much as I can. Most trips have been to various locations in Asia, around WA and the Kimberleys, throughout the NT, New Zealand, Europe finally in 2000 and we hope to go around Tassie in 2011.
If anyone is ever passing through Darwin, I would love to
catch up with you. I can be contacted on (08)89271387 or email
antellas@bigpond.net.au
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Wayne and Rus at their daughter's, Jenny, Wedding
1964 My first teaching appointment was in Sydney at Fairfield Boys High. My “mentor” was Neil Lloyd [section above us]. We both played rugby that year for Sydney Teachers College. Drove in together after school for training in my 1951 Holden. After one year [like most of us city people] I received my letter from Frank Henry during the Christmas holidays saying-" time for country service".
Met Rus (future wife) at intercollegiate swimming carnival at Auburn. She was introduced by Matti Urvet- a schoolmate of hers from Picton High. He was in PE group behind us.
1965- 1968 Orange High School with Janne Sherbon [same group as Neil].
Day one we were called to see the boss. No welcoming words just “make sure the hall clock is always on time!". Janne and I were the official school clock minders/winders. Enjoyed playing Rugby with the Orange Emus.
Married Rus in January 1966
1969-1971 Arthur Philip High. Still have close friends from these years.
Played Rugby League with Wentworthville. Built first home in Winston Hills.
Our son Gary was born in 1970.
1972- 1983 Westfields High School as Special Master and Sportsmaster.
Met up again with Anne Todd during this time. Played some social Basketball as well as the Rugby League. Completed BA in Economics [never taught it].
Wayne and Rus on "Dress-Up" Cruise
Daughters Linda [1972] and Jenni [1977] born during these years. Began coaching Gymnastics at Castle Hill RSL club. Enjoyed this for 15 years.
Socialised with Bob and Kay, Geoff and Cheryl, Ron and Julie during these years.
1984- 1992 Crestwood High School as Special Master and Sportsmaster.
1993- 1998 Sydney Boys High School as Deputy Principal and MIC Athletics.
Met up with Bob Twible and Ken Teiffel during this time. Moved to Randwick in 1995.
1999- 2002 Narrabeen Sports High as Principal. Retired in July 2003
2004- 2011 Temporary staff at Sydney Boys where I coach Basketball and organise whole school Athletics Programmes.
We now have 7 grandchildren aged from 10-2.
Our friendship with Geoff and Cheryl has continued strongly over the years.
Now we are busy travelling, playing cards, walking, minding grandchildren-(unfortunately no budding rugby players-only 1 keen gymnast and 3 mad soccer players), and generally enjoying life.
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Barbara Chapman
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I was totally over-awed by the whole situation at College.
I was still 16 when we attended Nth Newtown Public School for our first Infants Practical. All I remember is the bean bags and Miss Swain?
The Half-Yearly Exams came and went and I was summonsed into Dr. Turner's Office at STC to explain my failure in 7 out of the 14 subjects. He threatened to cancel my Teachers' College Scholarship if things didn't improve by November 1963.
I was gutted! My Parents were not impressed and I set about turning the academic screws. The trips to Forrest Lodge ended abruptly but I did manage to spend some time at Palm Beach (Narrabeen) and witness the dorsal fin episode.
Bill Collins and John Gurd were my favourite lecturers. Bill Collins actually taught me at East Hills Boys High and strangely remembered the Boughton name.
The Judo lessons? Does anyone remember those? The first lesson was daunting, the instructor was Bruce Paige(?). He was an Olympian and he picked me to demonstrate the "choke" hold. He had me pinned for a long time and only let go because I nearly passed out!
Gymnastics? I clearly remember the height that Garry McFarlane and Terry Abrahams reached on the trampoline. They were awesome. I will never forget the third lesson attempting a back somersault in front of Mark Faulks. He said it was pretty good and I was "hooked".
John Boland (former Dentistry student) and I did something foolish. We managed to sneak into the basement of the Medical School and view the cadavers. We were there for about 5 minutes (overcome with fumes) when a lab Assistant caught us. We were "marched" into the Professors' Office and subsequently verbally abused!. He threatened to ring Dr Kemp and have us dealt with. We didn't hear any more about it!
College in other respects was a complete "blurr". At the re-union a couple years ago, Ron Clarke had us "rolling in the aisles" with his accounts. I will attach this at the end!
I've still have the Final Assembly Programme with a few signatures. You may be interested?
1964 - Belmore Boys High with Warren Ryan. I leant a lot from him!
Sydney Tech Boys High with Frank Jordan. He was a brilliant Teacher and administrator. After being there about 3 weeks he informs me that I was to Coach the Star-Studded U15 Rugby Union side?
Because of my Rugby Union background, the Sportsmaster gave this "raw" 19 Year old P.E. Teacher a chance? Well, the first training session had about 30 (year 9/10) kids. They were a stunning group of athletes.
They chose their Captain, Greg Pierce who led them to a joint Premiership with Birrong Boys High. Greg went on to play for Cronulla, NSW and Australia.
1965,66 - Monaro High School Cooma
1967-75 - Bowral High School. I followed Peter Paske to this seemingly "backwater" place. No showers, I had to hose down my PE Classes with the fire Hose.
Things changed. Facilities, equipment and a new Indoor Basketball Court gave the School a new dimension. State and Australian representatives followed notably Stephen Streeter (Wallabies) and Heather Mclean (Commonwealth Games Marathon Champion)
1975-83 - Science Teacher @ Bowral High
1983- 87 - Science Head Teacher @ Melville High Kempsey. Brand new School, new Science Labs and Agricultural Plot. University Shield Champions with the help of key aboriginal students
1988 - 92 - Deputy Principal Heritage Christian School Port Macquarie
1993 - 96 - Southern Highlands Christian School, Kangaloon Rd, Bowral
1997 - 98 - Founding Principal Liberty Christian College, Goulburn. This was hard work, but rewarding. I had a teaching load of 16 periods (Maths, Science) drove the School Bus and attended Board Meetings twice/monthly!
1999 - 11 - Director, Tuition Time Learning Centre, Port Macquarie NSW.
I'm really looking forward to the re-union. I've been to the last three. Attached is a review of the first one at Forster..
I must pay tribute to Geoff Hingerty, Wayne Baldock and their wives for their determination and fortitude in keeping this alive.
Kind Regards,
Howard Boughton
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Sandra Still
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Wendy Verity
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the original selection trials in early 1961 which were a real test for a country lad from Cootamundra ---including John Gurd’s great capacity to remember names and having to prance around to music to show Allan Coles how much rhythm we had ( nil in my case )
trying to help Bob Elphinston understand basketball better in 1961----and the fact that he is now President of FIBA might go back to those days !!
some of the guys performing part of West Side Story in the creative dancing class ( Ron , Wayne , Howard, Geoff and John )---I remembered this with the West Side Story back on stage here after 50 years
learning soccer ( at which I was very poor ) with Eric Hawcroft who always seemed to have his bow tie on
Marc Fawkes prancing around in the gym
Allan Coles dancing around in the gym with a pretty attractive lecturer whose name I cannot recall but the body I can -----made us all envious
my many debates ( arguments ) with Dave Anderson----for some reason we didn’t get on too well
the 1963 Intercollegiate in Newcastle where we had a really good basketball team ( including Wayne and Jeff Elpho whose memory lives on strongly as does Johnny Weissel who I first met in Albury way before going to College )
stupid lessons with dear Marjorie Swaine which I am sure had a purpose but I am not sure what it was
music lessons where we regularly walked out and went to the cafeteria without the music teaching coming out of his trance
practice teaching at Sydney Boys with Neil where I first came into contact with Brent Rushall ( later Professor )
one female lecturer with pretty good legs who had no difficulty getting the boys to sit in the front row
camp at Broken Bay which convinced me I was never going to be a primary teacher let alone a guitar player
studying of “ Mice and Men “ in English and having no idea what it was about---and still don’t
being overawed in most of my first year by everything but appreciating the level of acceptance that the group extended
some good tennis matches with Geoff but not the one we got trashed by , I think , Tony Roach and partner----I am still trying to work out which way the serve went
walking around on a bushwalk in 1961 at Narrabeen when the lecturer said “ and this is a Cootamundra wattle “. Despite the fact I came from Coota I never knew such a wattle existed----my I was stupid !!
doing a basketball umpires course where the presenter ( Sid Taylor ) left the room discretely for a short time allowing me to provide answers to those around me ---and thank heavens we passed so my reputation remanded in tack.
trying to pass the dance medals with two left feet but somehow getting through with considerable help from Pat
Wayne almost ruining his manhood with an indiscrete tumble on the trampoline
Water polo classes at Balmain pool which was 75 % urine and a miserable way to spend a few weeks
finally graduating and going off to a good year at Fort Street Boys High before Canberra beckoned and eventually other things took over---and the next 50 years have been a joyful ride indeed
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Born- 25/12/37, married Pamela Mary Griffin (1959), 3 children - Kerrie Ann (B 1960), Jennifer Louise (B 1963) and Michael Dennis (B 1967).
STC (1961 - 1963).
1964 - 1967 Appointed to Sydney Boys High, commenced swim coaching (1966) with Forbes Carlile at Ryde Pool Centre
1968 Joined Speedo Aust as Swim Promotions Officer.
1969 - 1972 Attended major swim meets including 1972 Munich Olympics and witnessed Palestine assassins in action.
1973 - 1980 Travelled extensively to major swim meets including Commonwealth Games (1974 Christchurch NZ), World Championships (Cali, Columbia and Belgrade), Olympic Games (1976 Montreal). When Australia withdrew from 1980 Olympics in Moscow, we (Speedo) also withdrew after we had visited in preparation.
1981 - 1984 Moved to Terrigal, Central Coast NSW and opened a sports store (specialising in beach, sports and fishing gear). We chose the Central Coast after visiting the area to race our catamaran - our 3 children are all proficient sailors.
1987 Recommenced swim coaching at Gosford Olympic Pool with coach Les Lazarus. Attended all major local, state and national meets.
1991 Appointed Coaching Director for NSW Swimming - conducted Coach Education Courses state-wide.
1997 Returned to Junior Coaching at West Gosford.
1999 Coached talented junior swimmers for Future School (private squad of 7).
Neil and Pam enjoying retirement
2002 Retired to undertake an around 'Oz caravan trip with 2 friendly couples from Sydney. We have continued to travel extensively in our caravan (currently a 19' 6" Jayco Sterling). Our favourite location is Kununurra (W.A.) with Darwin and Kakadu close behind.
Closer to home, we favour Forster-Tuncurry and usually manage to visit 3 or4 times each year.
Michael (a builder) and his family - wife Melanie, Madison (6) and Miller (2.5) are building at Hat Head (a popular, small sea-side town) about 30 minutes north of Kempsey (with South West Rocks about 20 minutes north).
Jenny and her husband Ian operate West Gosford Swim Centre (25m indoor pool). Lyndel (28) is a Primary School Teacher and a keen dog breeder. Ashlee (20) is in her final year of nursing. Jade (11) is entering Year 6 at Star of the Sea at Terrigal and is a very proficient sports and dance fan.
Kerrie is a partner in Ray White Real Estate at Hardys Bay and lives at North Avoca with her Fireman partner and 3 step children (Lana 12, Ciele 10 and Nash 7).
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Kerrie Davidson
The bare bones of my history since leaving College.
First appointment BANKSTOWN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL- 2 yrs,
then POINT WOLSTONCROFT NATIONAL FITNESS CAMP-2 yrs, then LISMORE HIGH SCHOOL -2yrs.
Met and married Peter Davidson ( Science teacher and Sports Master at the time at Casino High School)
Seconded to LISMORE TEACHERS COLLEGE- 2 yrs - became permanent Lecturer status. Resigned to have daughter Kylie born in 1972.
Casual taught at the TEACHERS COLLEGE and also LISMORE HIGH SCHOOL for 5 yrs. 1977 our son Glenn arrived.
Peter transferred to MUDGEE HIGH SCHOOL as SPECIAL MASTER. I taught as a casual on every subject( except Maths) for the 7 years that we were there.
Peter then transferred to COFFS HARBOUR HIGH SCHOOL in 1984. I casual taught , again on all subjects( with supply casual contracts on Music for one year, Social Science 1 year, and PE Health 1 year, until 1987. Did a Bachelor's Degree from UNE in 1986.
Effectively, I taught casually for 15 years. I then obtained a permanent position at COFFS HARBOUR HIGH SCHOOL as a General Teacher, with a teaching load of Health, PE, and Design and Technology ( Home Science ( Cooking and Sewing) with Yr 7 Computers!!!).
I then transferred into Languages and started teaching FRENCH, with a smattering of beginning INDONESIAN and GERMAN for a couple of years.
I was YEAR ADVISOR twice and also GIRLS SUPERVISOR- and after 10 years transferred to ORARA HIGH SCHOOL ( also in Coffs Harbour) as the designated Language teacher.
Here I managed to take 2 School Groups to France for 3 weeks each, had an exchange group return to Orara High from the same school, and take a school Group to Noumea.
This began our travelling career. From 1996 Peter and I have travelled extensively 2 or 3 times a year either within Australia and overseas, returning for weddings, invites from people we have met or on tours or cruises.( I am a confirmed traveloholic- if there is such a word).
On retirement, I decided to go back to UNI and completed a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Second Languages, which resulted in a job at the local University of Southern Cross , 6 months into the course. I have been teaching foreign students English for the past 9 years . Peter and I spent 12 months based in England , teaching ESL and 'tripping', I then had a stint of teaching in South Korea for 4 months at a wealthy primary school, resulting in a trip back to South Korea the next year for a wedding.
I also completed my MASTERS DEGREE in Education ( ESL ) two years ago. I am still currently employed and working casually at SCU.
Our son has 3 boys, 7,3, and 1 year old, and our daughter ( who has been living in America for 10 years) has 2 girls , 2yrs and 5 months old.
WHEW!! KERRIE DAVIDSON nee PORTER.
Glenn and Kylie
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Patricia Walters
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Jan Fallshaw
Was lovely to hear from Kerrie Davidson (porter) about the reunion next year and I will certainly try to keep the dates free. Would be lovely to catch up with everyone.
I only live about 5 km from Pat Walters (Rixon) and about 10 from Kerrie but in busy lives we rarely catch up. My usual catch up with both of them is in the local supermarket.
Kerrie does a lot of travel and so do we.
I actually gave up full time teaching in 1990 and did some part time till 1998. We were then concentrating on our caravan park which we had bought in 1982 . We sold it end of 2007 when the grey nomads travelling up from Victoria and South Australia in the winter started to look younger than us.
Fortunately, my husband Des( the only one) and I keep in good health. Des will be 70 on 14th August , hard to believe that but is better than the alternative.
I have attached a photo of us taken when we walked the Inca trail in Peru in 2007.
Cheers
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Part 1: The boys winning the football.
Going to Bill Collins lectures in gym gear covered by a raincoat.
Singing the college anthem to Hiawatha up in the gallery of the hall.
Hitchhiking to canoeing.
Narrabeen camp.
Me screaming blue murder when trying to be coached to roll over the high bar of the h and l bars--by Edith--never did it again.
Pat--??? lecturer throwing my shoulder out while demonstrating a head flip on me.
Being a nerd--wish I'd been a wild one!!
Doing the polka around the streets of Stanmore trying to teach Kerry Schott.
Squashing into Kerry Porter's little Austin.
Getting drunk on Pimms at --I think--Lois" --21st.
Spending a lot of time in our Science lectures throwing paper aeroplanes and doodling rather than taking notes. And that crazy first aid teacher. I failed.!!
Didn't marry--but have 2 kids--Craig 43--married last year to a 42 year old US/ Hungarian--live in Eumundi with 8 mth old son.
Angela 37-- married the guy she nannied for--has his two sons 21 and 18--and their 2 daughters 12 and 8.
Travelled a bit Greece/Turkey, Cook Islands ,Spain Portugal Morocco, China ,Trans Siberian Railway--and Craig was the guide--Then a few days in London NY and San Fran, 2 digs in Jordan with Sydney Uni archaeological bods. and bits around Oz.
Taught at Katoomba, Cabramatta. Westfields. St.-Johns Park ( present immigration minister Chris Bowen--great kid),
Do volunteer work on the tall ship the James Craig--had a great trip back from Hobart on her last year-- and with Sailability with disabled school kids at Kogarah Bay. Play Tennis--ok--and golf--hopeless but lots of laughs and lunch afterwards!! Can't do photos on computer! Real dinosaur--would rather be outside-- but will get Angela or a friend to help!! In S.Aust for school hols. Cheers to all. Anne.
Part 2: Taught at Katoomba for three years with Geoff. Hitched around NZ in one hols.. Had a son, Craig in 67, he has had a great travelling life--and Married 18 months ago to an Hungarian American he met on the cruise liner he was doing the San Fran Alaska run on. They have a 15 month old, Julius, and live at Noosa ,where Craig is Manager of the Yandina Ginger Factory.
37 yr old daughter Angela, married the guy she nannied for. Three weeks after they moved out together the boys mum said" I cant be bothered with the boys--you can have them ". So at 21, Ange had a six and three year old. All still together , boys 22 and 19 and 2 girls 13 and 8.
I've done 2 archaeological digs at Pella in Jordan with Sydney uni, been to China twice--the second to do the Trans Siberian Railway--on which son Craig was the guide!! Finished with a few days in London , NY and San Fran. Have done a Greece ,Turkey trip, Spain Portugal , Morocco, and had a week in southern France at a friend's flat. Did south NZ with three friends in a Campervan , and loved the Cook Islands. WERE heading for Botswana Safari in July--but that is off now!! And friends and I are lined up for the Danube next year.
I taught 2 days a week yr 11 and 12 life skills after retiring-- having done history for most of the time-- I hated history at school!! --but when they- gave me yr 9 careers instead I jumped out. Do Tennis, golf--for laughs only--sailability and volunteer guiding on the James Craig tall ship--also sailed from Tassie on her--a week's trip. Magic.- Life is good. See you all at Forster. Anne.
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We were all very young when we started our college life. What a time. We were carefree and our days were consumed with playing games and enjoying ourselves.
I missed out on the first round draft pick-I was male number 21 and so I spent the first week in a two year Primary section-then I got the call-someone had dropped out of PE and would I like to take his place-WOULD I!!!Felt a bit out of place at first but then before too long I adapted.
We were the Kings and Queens of the Canteen (especially in third year)
The Forest Lodge benefitted from our attendance, courtesy of any lecturer who was more than five minutes late, perhaps catching a glimpse of our backsides skedadelling down the corridors.
Lots of memories (most of them hazy-but some still clear)-I think my clear ones have all been covered by other scribes.
I spent my first year at James Cook Boys High-my experienced PE Mentor demonstrated his prowess with the cane by lining up all the students in a class who didn’t have their full PE gear and walking down the line of outstretched hands giving each of them two off the best .I couldn’t remember which lecture this had been covered in-perhaps it was a hot summers afternoon and after running around on the oval I was having a snooze.
I survived this first year and was then sent to serve my Country service in-CANBERRA !!!The school I was sent to, Dixon already had enough staff (was I getting an inkling of how the Department worked?). They then sent me to two brand new schools in Canberra-Watson and Deakin-they didn’t have any sports equipment or programmes in place-Yours truly-a complete novice had to fathom all this out-what training did we get at College for this? Not enough-Anyway I survived and so did the staff and students.
The next year I was moved to Campbell High-an established school (relatively speaking). It was during this year that the Departments attitude really got to me. Two of my friends had become engaged and requested that when they were transferred they be moved to the same town. Departments response was to send them to two different towns 100 miles apart.
I had met my first wife (Sandra) in Canberra and had been in touch with Bob and Kay Pearce who was in BC ,Canada at that time. He was planning to come back to Australia as his father was very sick and said (in Bob’s confident manner) Why don’t you come and take over our flat in Vancouver and also my teaching job? We (Sandra and I) talked It over and so the day after we married we were on our way to Vancouver. Things didn’t work out as planned. I went into the Vancouver School Board and said “I’m here to take over Bob Pearce’s job.” “Oh.No” they said. (they don’t employ people that way in BC).
2 Days later I was offered 6 jobs around BC and I took one in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Subsequently I spent the equivalent of 2 years at the University of Victoria and got my Bed. Dr. Alan Morton was lecturing at the Uni. And he was instrumental in getting the 3 years of the Dip. PE fully credited toward the 3 years of the B Ed. Degree.
Then it was Northwards-to Kitimat BC. (near the Alaskan panhandle)3 years there. Lots of snow-420 inches one year-had to throw the snow UP off the roof of the house. Great outdoor life- Salmon fishing etc. but really quite isolated. Son, Rory born.
Then to Merritt BC-14 years there-Semi desert and fairly open. Still some snow in winter and quite cool. Daughter, Sheena born. My marriage broke up and so after 22 years in Canada returned to Australia (not bad seeing we had intended to go for only a year)
Our Son, Rory lives in Vancouver with Chrissy and we have a Grandson, Quinn (5) and Granddaughter Miele(2) and a third on the way so we have an excuse to go to Canada every now and then to spend time with them and also to catch up with friends in BC.
Our Daughter, Sheena is living and enjoying life in London (after being a bit of a Nomad) and will probably stay there for as yet an undetermined time.
I re-married. Libby was my first girlfriend and after all this time we tied the knot.
I casual taught for a while and then became a permanent staffer at J.J.Cahill Memorial High School at Mascot in 1991. I stayed there until I retired fully in 2007.
Libby also retired and we spend some time travelling in our Motorhome-“The Snail”. I am also a keen sailor and race offshore every second Saturday in a friends’ yacht and race our boat every Wednesday afternoon in a twilight race. I also fly a light aircraft when I get a chance.
Days of contact sports are over-apart from our reunions at Tuncurry.
See you there.
Ken
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What an interesting life
BA (Hons) (NE), MA (UBritCol), DPhil (UOxford)
Director, Head Transport Group, Asia Pacific, Deutsche Bank AG-Australia
(I wonder if Kerry will go back to casual teaching after her
retirement).
Dr Kerry Schott, who stepped down as MD, of Sydney Water last month is tipped to join the Infrastructure NSW board. She is on the board of the federal government advisory body, Infrastructure Australia. Prior to joining Sydney Water, Dr Schott, was a former infrastructure investment banker and deputy secretary of the NSW Treasury, Chair of the NSW Film and Television Office, Director of the Film Finance Corporation Limited and Director of Australian Airlines Limited until their merger with Qantas. She has been a member of the Corporations and Securities Panel and a Trade Practices Commissioner.
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Hi
Geoff - I was updating my address file and thought of doing a Facebook
search - and there was Wendy! Sad that I missed the reunion but I hope
we can keep in touch. Will attempt to put together some info for the
website.
Briefly - taught PE until late 1970's and then moved into Career
Education. Taught and worked as consultant until I retired in 2006.
Married Errol Townsend in 1964 (we divorced in 1980) - have 4 children
and 5 grandchildren.
Met
Wal (short for Walter) Pichler in 1993. Wal has built an Adams 45
cruising yacht and so a fair bit of our time is spent sailing. 1996 -
2006 East Coast Queensland. 2006 - 2007 SE Asia - Indonesia, Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand.
2008 - bought 5 acres at Yandaran - 35 kms north of Bundaberg - all the
necessary things - a very big boys shed for Wal, chooks and a garden for
me and a ride on mower which is mine!
2009 started walking to combat some aches and pains - that turned into
jogging which turned into a 10km ruin in July 2009, two Half Marathons
in February 2010 and July 2010 and am now contemplating a Marathon in
July. Training is OK so far but will keep you posted.
More importantly we are sailing off to SE Asia again this year. Will
keep in touch - plan to try my hand at a blog that will keep family and
friends up to date.
FYI - Retirement is having enough time to sit and think about whether
you ought to make a decision or not.
So will talk soon. Fond regards - Robyn Townsend (Blanksby).
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Helen Ariansen
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· After graduation from STC, I taught at Gladesville GHS for 2 years, Wiley Park GHS for almost 2 years.
· September 1967 I travelled to the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon and completed a BSc.
· September 1968, I attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbour, and completed a M.A. in Education.
· My goal was to teach in Canada and I moved to Ontario and taught for 3 years at Banting Memorial High School, Alliston, Ontario
· At this time, I was not sure where my future was to go, so I took a year off and studied Theology in Toronto. It was after this year that I decided to remain in teaching secondary school.
· I then taught for 2 years at a gifted private school in Toronto, moved back to the regular Provincial System and taught at Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia for 13 years and then at Barrie North Collegiate in Barrie for the last 13 years.
· As I moved through these schools, I moved from Physical Education to Guidance/Student Services and Counseling for the last 13 years.
· I have travelled extensively through Canada, USA – travelled back to family in Australia every 4 years – and on the way I have visited New Zealand and other parts of Australia extensively.
· Life is good; golfing is even better; retirement for 12 years is ideal.
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Lea deVos
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Talented
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From Kay Pearce, presented by Wayne Baldock
After college Bob was appointed to Macquarie Boys' High as a PE teacher but, as well as teaching PE, he somehow got involved in a school production "The Gondoliers". As it was a boys only school, Macquarie Boys' High joined with Rosehill Girl's Junior High for the female roles. I happened to be at that school and was put in charge of the group involved. So, that is how we met and a few years later we married and sailed to Vancouver, Canada. Bob was to complete his degree at the University of Edmonton. However, we headed home after six months due to family illness.
Bob was appointed to Fairfield High then several years later to Westfields High. He then had an interesting few years at the North Rocks Deaf and Blind School. We lived at North Rocks so that was convenient both for Bob and the kids at the school as we regularly had them staying weekends and joining us for a good feed at barbecues. Bob was later appointed to Model Farms High as Head of Administration. He always loved his teaching.
Bob was still teaching at Model Farms High when, after a brief illness, he suddenly passed away in '92.
When our girls were growing up we spent a great deal of time at Hidden Valley, a Co Operative property at Ourimbah. Here, Bob and the girls would enjoy riding their horses, playing tennis, swimming and just having great fun. It was our 'country' retreat. We also enjoyed our few weeks each Christmas at Quarantine Bay near Eden catching bucket loads of fish from our little tinny.
Our first daughter, Libby (Elizabeth) born in '72, was a travel agent before having her three children (one girl and two boys). Her children are all sporty like their mum and dad, riding horses and motorbikes from the age of three and playing all sports available to them. Luckily for them, they live on acreage which has given them great freedom. Our second daughter Becky (Rebecca), born in '75, lives at Quakers Hill, has a 4 year old daughter and is back teaching four days a week.
I am very lucky to have four such great grandchildren. They are great fun and Bob would have loved them.
I hope you have a wonderful time at your reunion later in the year and I hope you remember Bob as you relive those early days. He loved those college days and the mates he made there.
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We gathered in a room for our first day of lectures. Bob, with all the confidence in the world, stood and announced that a Section Representative was necessary and nominated himself. His appointment was unopposed. One of the duties of a Section Rep. was to mark the roll and hand it to the lecturer at the end of class for his signature. Bob had this uncanny characteristic about him to convince the lecturer that all were present and that the lecturer must have miscounted. How he got away with it when half the guys were at Narrabeen, we'll never know.
Bob played the guitar and sang and was the hit at every party, out came the guitar and people sat and sang with him. He knew so many songs.
Bob was a born leader and we all recognised that a higher position in PE would be his (after Frank Henry passed on). He is Sports Director in Heaven.
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Our Jeff Climbing Every Mountain
Thanks to Ken for his presentation and brother Bob
Jeff (or “Elpho” as he was commonly called in College) was a Cronulla kid. Although he and I only lived 5 minutes apart we didn’t run into each other until we were in College. I knew his surname as his father was a teacher in the Cronulla area and had run in a Government election.
Bob (his brother) informed me that while growing up Jeff had always been a very good endurance athlete in running and swimming (not surprising as he lived a stone’s throw from Wanda beach and the Sand hills). He also enjoyed a lot of outdoor activities including hiking and camping (but never in the snow).
Jeff (Like the rest of us) enjoyed his three years of College. Jeff always had a bit of a smile on his face when he was with the group and loved joining in with whatever mischief we were up to at that time.
I never spoke to him about the fact that his older brother Bob was in the course two years ahead of him, but I would expect that it would have presented it ‘ s own set of challenges. Perhaps it gives a bit of an insight into Jeff’s character that this didn’t faze him and he was his own person.
I remember Jeff competitively participating in all the challenges of our programs with a quiet but determined enthusiasm. I also remember him sitting in Lectures quite often with his eyes closed; seemingly having a bit of a kip, but obviously the knowledge was somehow seeping into his brain because his results never suffered.
After graduating from College, Jeff taught at Granville Boys High School for two years. He was then transferred to Moree for three days a week, and Inverell for the other two days…. He had to travel by train between the two towns, a distance of some154 Kms. I guess the Department didn’t want its’ young teachers to have a social life in those days.
Like his brother Bob, Jeff found a strong interest in Basketball and became a very active coach, in Granville and in Moree particularly, where they had a very strong Basketball programme
I don’t have the exact dates, but in about 1970 Jeff left Australia to enroll in the University of Oregon in a PHD Programme. He went via England where he lived and taught for 6 months…On weekends he travelled to Europe where he learned to Ski. While he was in Europe he developed an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the Mountains.
In Oregon, Jeff combined his love of the mountains with conquering the challenges that they presented. Within 5 years he established himself as an outstanding mountaineer and cross country skier.
At the University Jeff taught the intermediate and advanced Basketball courses (no mean feat in the US).He also taught mountaineering, skiing, canoeing and rock climbing (a taste he developed at Narrabeen during a camp????)He also was the Co-coordinator of the Universities’ Outdoor Education Programme-a position that showed the high regard in which he was held.
It appears that mountaineering became his passion. In North America he climbed in California, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alaska. His Ascents included all of the highest peaks in Oregon, Mt Ranier (3x); Mt.Robson (B.C.); Mt.Steele (Y.T.) and in Alaska, Mt Temple and Mt McKinley (the highest peak in North America). Jeff showed his organizational and leadership skills by being expedition coordinator or leader in all of these.
By 1975 Jeff had almost completed his PHD and was intending to return to Australia. It appears he decided that the pinnacle of challenge left to him would be to climb a group of mountains in Oregon called the “Sisters” .He had once climbed the 7 peaks of the Sister group in 24 hours-solo, a feat that was considered remarkable by other mountaineers. The difference this time was that the climb would be done not only solo, but in winter over a 24 hour time frame-a feat that had never before been attempted! He was very aware of the risks involved and had trained specifically for this climb, building up his strength to peak on the day of his departure.
He started his quest on the Friday of a clear weekend and a full moon-ideal winter conditions.
He didn’t appear on the Sunday. A rescue operation was mounted on the Tuesday; they found Jeffs’ skis and pack outside a snow cave, but no Jeff. The weather turned bad-lots of snow and wind hampered the search-it was called off after 13 days-it was the most extensive search ever conducted .
Jeff never came out of that wilderness.
Jeff was regarded by his associates as unique-“an effective and sensitive teacher with an unusual degree of technical competency and experience in his chosen environment” and “many people were greatly affected by his vital life force and his love of adventure and learning”
Jeff disappeared doing something he loved and most wanted to do.
It would be great to have him here with us now, but this is not to be. We all remember “Elpho” in our own way. Although those memories may dim with time, he will not be forgotten.
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Versary Natvig - Presented by Wendy
Versary was an elegant lady, even when we all first started at S.T.C. in our mid-teens. She had a great presence, a wonderful voice, and beautiful posture. Versary always stood out in a crowd.
Teaching Career:
Versary started her P.E. teaching career at Cooma, in 1964.
Her next teaching post was Blacktown, and it was here she made many friends among the staff, and she and John Loader were married during her time there.
The couple set off for Ontario, in Canada, where Versary taught French in the Queen Elizabeth Elementary School. These were good years, as they travelled and met up with other teacher friends from NSW.
Returning to Australia, Versary took time off to raise her 2 children, Duane (who was born in Canada) and Meagan. Returning to work, Verse worked at the Fisher Road School for the Disabled, as a P.E. teacher.
In 1976, Versary went to Hornsby Girls High School, and from there, retrained as a Careers Teacher, one of the first in NSW.
In 1988, Versary accepted promotion to Castle Hill High School, as Head Teacher- Welfare.
During her years in Careers and Welfare, Versary guided many young people to make life choices. She was a great listener, with a genuine interest in people, and what made them tick. Friends and colleagues would often bring their children to her home, to discuss their future. Versary had a wonderful skill of finding people’s strengths, and encouraging them to pursue them.
She had many wonderful, loyal friends, who all shared her passion for quality education, conversation, good food and wine. She was never judgemental, and always treated others as equals.
Versary saw her two children achieve high TER’s completing Year 12 in 1990 1nd ’91 respectively.
Versary died not long after this, leaving family and friends with wonderful memories of a very elegant woman, with great strength of character.
Duane, their son is a Project Manager, and Meagan their daughter, works at the ABC as Program Director of Triple J. Meagan has a 3 year old son, Denholm. Versary would have been so proud of their achevements.
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College 1961-1963
I remember a group of 20 guys of mixed background, who over a period of 3 years, never had a fight, nor a bad word. It was decided very early in our course to never discuss politics or religion - so that was that.
The above, however, never stopped us from playing Catholics Vs Non-Catholics Touch Football.
At our first gathering, Bob said we needed a Section Rep. and nominated himself. Voted in unopposed. Great guy, sadly missed.
Played on the wing for the All Blacks and protected by my centres, Wayne and Neil.
Ron and I went to the same school and have known each other since the age of 8.
I booked the well-remembered Narrabeen beachfront home in 1962. One such purpose in doing this was to watch the Perth Commonwealth Games uninterrupted. Unfortunately, the TV didn't work.
While most choose cricket as a choice for Advanced Summer Sport. I chose Athletics which was a pretty good team consisting of Alf Mitchell, Dave Prince and Gary Knoke. Not sure if Bill Yoemans chose Athletics or Cricket.
That 50 mile walk, organised by John Boland, was exhausting. I slept on the shoulder of a lady on the bus on my way home.
Paul and I played a young Tony Roach and Australian Tennis Rep Jan Lehane. We gave them something to think about ???
I did a prac. with Warren at Stanmore. All I remember was his 35 warm bottles of milk drunk at recess to break his daily record.
Did an overnight camp out from Narrabeen NFC. Huge hill we had to climb, harder for Jan since we loaded her backpack with rocks.
Do you remember Corrective PE with Chesworth. Ron was selected to be the subject. With the mention of any abnormality, we found it on Ron and marked him in textra. I seem to recall, the marker was a permanent ink.
Recall, John Franklin in the vaulting box in the Girls' Change Room.
We all remember Jack running down the sand at Narrabeen, waving franticly to Gary, butter knife in mouth, after seeing a black fin close to Gary.
I loved being part of the dance group, trained by Allan Coles.
Someone help me remember who was my dancing partner for our dance exams.
While training on No 1 Oval, my bag was stolen containing my clothes, wallet and all my study notes just weeks before Yr3 Final Exams.
I met my wife, Cheryl, at a Play Centre Camp at Broken Bay. Lost her for months but re-found her as she walked past the gym just as I took a breather in the courtyard, days before finishing college. Lucky girl.
Did a number of pracs. with Wayne who also helped me with gymnastics, laughed and joked for 3 years and have continued to do so for the last 50 years.
I loved the 3 years spent at STC with great guys and beautiful ladies.
After College
It's a small world. Many years after leaving college, we found out that Frank Nance, Wendy's father, was best man for Cheryl's parents wedding. They spent many weekends camping at Burning Palms.
I did a number of sports coaching camps at Narrabeen, but, also a 10 day camp with senior boys at Commodore Heights where it poured for 9 days. After that experience, I looked for other interests.
Made State 800m Final on the Saturday, married on the Tuesday, mumps on the Wednesday. Say no more! Bought a Labrador. Lived at Wentworth Falls on the edge of the National Park.
Studied Science at Macquarie Uni, later studied Human Movement at Queensland Uni where Allan Coles was Head of Department. Did a further degree in Health Sciences through Charles Sturt on way to being a Naturopath. Now retired, I am using my knowledge to improve the lifestyle of PD sufferers and perhaps a miracle cure.
Have 4 children, Shaun (Petroleum Engineer), Kylie (Former Tafe Lecturer, Beauty Therapist own business), Judd (Professional Photographer), Gemma Cherie (Child Care and enrolled in Notre Dame Uni).
Enrolled my first 2 children, Shaun and Kylie, in Judo with Sutherland Police Boys Club. Somehow, I ended up also training. Well, encouraged to make up numbers, I signed up for the District Competition in my weight division. Sounds good so far - the transport carrying my weight division had an accident and I was re-scheduled in the Open Weight Division and faced an Olympic Games nomination. I never saw it coming but I'm sure I gave him something to think about???
One funny story. I organised a St George Region In-Service for PE Teachers at Leura. As was the case, a representative from the Region always attended to see that the money was spent correctly. Well, I had the job of announcing our guest whose name was Russell Mulholland. A sip of wine, another sip and another then I stood up to invite our guest to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce our St George Regional Representative, Mr Muscle Rulholland." Embarrassed as I was, everyone thought it was deliberate and the name stuck.
Always a part-time job, Real Estate Agent, tennis coach, evening fitness instructor. I enjoyed the after-school coaching as well as the adult classes.
Initiated a Fitness Testing Program where elite athletes were tested by my Senior Sports Science Students. Some 80 athletes passed through this brilliant program. Shown on Chn 2, 9 and 10. This was a career highlight.
Not travelled much but did Europe East and West, Malaysia and NZ about 6 times. Needless to say, we like NZ.
Owned a caravan at Berrara on the waterfront for 13 years. My kids did all the nature things - nursed blue-tongue lizards, swam and ran.
Best Buddies - Wayne and Geoff after 50 years, still laughing, still joking
I play tennis twice a week, a little slower than 50 years ago, rely on my serve to get some respect. We play a point then forget who won it. That's life.
The 4 reunions at Tuncurry have been great successes, the most recent being our big 50th. Looking forward to our 51st on the 4th, 5th and 6th May 2012.
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