Reunion 2018.

Patsy and I left home and headed towards Coffs Harbour rather dubiously on the Thursday afternoon, and the reason I say dubiously, was that we both had just recently beaten a rather nasty bout of cold, runny nose etc. that threatened our actual attendance.  Anyway, we recovered and set out in magnificent weather down towards Coffs Harbour in our 1964 Rover car (purchased from Bendigo a number of years earlier following a flying preview by Des and Marg Ralph to ascertain its condition prior to the sale)

We stayed overnight in Ballina (people to see, things to do,) then carried on to Coffs arriving around midday Friday. Met John Horner, Bob and Adrianna Wilson at the Park Ridge shopping complex, had a sanga and a coffee, then headed off to our accommodation at “Sandcastles” almost right opposite the club, where we immediately ran into “the mob from Vic.” Rob Hanisch, Brian and Yvonne Englund and the Hoares’ John and Shirley.. Wally and Sandra Edwards also stayed at the same accommodation but had to go off to pick up that bubbly member of our extended family, Sandra’s Mum, Lorna..

A rather noisy and disruptive but happy gathering ensued, one that slowly moved up the courtyard following the sun and at the same time slowly encroaching onto other guests territory.

By 1630 the sun had moved us on so we donned some more respectable clothes and went “over the road” to the Official ‘Meet and Greet”.

I must say I was a tad disappointed at the attendance numbers this year as a number had pulled out at the last minute so to speak because of varying reasons, medical emergencies, transportation malfunctions and the like of such, but still.

The Park Beach Bowls club once again opened its doors and welcomed our group back in an admirable fashion and before long quite a number of attendees were talking, drinking mingling, and laughing as though the past 52years had hardly passed. I must admit that I did seem to overhear a number of conversations revolving around different medical procedures, and organ replacements and the likes of such.

An amount of finger food was supplied and consumed, many conversations and reminiscence were had and generally a convivial and successful meet and greet was held.

Saturday Morning Patsy and I met Joy Purdie and her daughter and son in law Mary and Ron, for breakfast at the streetside café directly over the road from the club. Similar get togethers were more than likely reflected amongst other attendees. We then spent the rest of the morning touring around the Sawtell area, a cup of coffee at the Surf Club, and generally simply relaxing. The weathe for the whole weekend was extremely conducive to relaxation and enjoyment.

Saturday night saw the regular dinner event, and this was attended by a total of approx. 48 consisting 16 actual members  plus a good representation of widows and supporting family members. The dinner itself was another brilliant presentation by the Bowls club and well worth the money.

Raffles were drawn at the conclusion of the eats and these were generously donated by some of our more capable members and spouses.I must add that everyone present received an extra raffle ticket compliments of BD Smith (who couldn’t be with us because of a transport glitch) and this ticket was handed out by Smithy’s grand daughter Alison  (with some help from Mum).

Jenny Hurnall supplied a number of biros with appropriate decorations, Peter Brooks supplied the sachets of scenred soaps for the ladies and 5 watches, Shirley Hoare supplied 2 xmas Table Runners. 1 large patchwork quilt. 2 medium patchwork quilts. Sandy Edwards: bottle of wine and 3 different lavender packs plus box of maltesers ( which Shayne would have liked to win!)Joy Purdie: Several table runners and 2 sets of embroidered bath towels plus other needle work and embroidery Joy also made a banner with Unit member signatures on.A great night was had by all I am sure, with the most emotive point of the night, to me anyway, being the reading out of the names of the deceased,

Sunday morning saw the group gathering once again for our Bi-annual general meeting where an election of our Committee was held. All the retiring committee members from the previous 2 year stint offered their services once again for the next two years and were duly elected by the members. So, once again we welcome:

Des Ralph as the President,

Ken Sceney as the Treasurer,

Jenny Pidgeon as the Secretary.

Bloo Dennis accepted the role of Welfare Officer.

Congratulations to the new Committee.

Many stayed on and around for lunch and eventually dinner, and started the exodus homewards on the Monday morning, although there were a number of stalwarts who stayed on in Coffs Harbour for a bit longer.