The idea of a Sydney reunion was first discussed about 18 months ago, and taking advantage of the research done by the Sydney Olympic Committee into weather patterns, the weekend of 20 September was chosen.   The weather was perfect, although a bit windy, and a good omen for the whole weekend.

 

For me, organising a reunion dinner in Sydney would be just like having people home to dinner, so everything had to be as close to perfect as possible.     I was let down at the last minute by the restaurant I had booked as long ago as January, but it was very fortunate that Ivan and Lissie’s could accommodate so many of us in their small restaurant on the night at short notice.    I wanted to Aussify the evening so it was Aussie wine and Aussie Lamingtons (the national cake).     Gina suggested a gift of vegemite for everyone and from there the idea of little gift bags grew.   Tina made the fridge magnets, and we had gum nuts and leaves on the tables.   For the menus I downloaded the school badge and crest from Dave Wilmot’s school web site.   I did them in colours as close to our school uniform colours as possible, but it was very frustrating, because every time I tried to use the crest my computer crashed!

 

I called in at the hotel after work on the Friday for a drink and caught up with those I’d last seen in Bristol in 2000 and 2002, and also met some new people.    I left them to their “quiet” evening (I think not!).

 

Lunch on the Saturday was great – we had the headmaster who opened and also closed the school – Bill Harrison, with his wife and family (his daughter was christened at the school I think) as well as a teacher from 1953/54 Sheila Carrick (Friend).   However, I’m not sure where the rows and rows of cans of SLIM FAST dietary replacement food came from!   I was told that boxes of it had arrived at the hotel during the week, and because we were Slim School they assumed it was for us.   Once I’d assured the person in charge that we were not a slimming school, the offending cans were removed, but they did create a great laugh, and few believed me when I said I’d had nothing to do with it!

 

We all gathered again at 6.15 at the hotel for dinner.    It was great to see Sheila Middleton (Stone) and Jeanette Brown (Jarvis) – best friends at school – meeting again for the first time since 1956.      We then walked the 1km to the restaurant in crocodile, with the most wonderful vista to our left – the Harbour Bridge lit up, city skyline and lights shimmering on the waters of Lavender Bay.    I never cease to be in awe of our beautiful harbour, and was relieved that it was looking so good for our visitors.    We had a great evening – food was wonderful and included those things we (at least 54-56ers) used to get for Sunday lunch – curry and nasi goreng. Lots and lots of wine was consumed, the restaurant was very noisy especially with Margo leading a rendition of Waltzing Mathilda.   

 

We walked back to the hotel, again in crocodile, Frank in control of Robert’s wheelchair.  I have no idea what time that was, I don’t think I looked at my watch all evening.

 

Thank you,  Dave Heeley, for putting your fear of planes behind you and getting yourself to Sydney – just think what you’d have missed if you hadn’t.