I was a little disappointed at first at the number of attendees, but as the weekend progressed that sense of disappointment was replaced by an appreciation of those that did attend and the obvious camaraderie that still exists amongst those members who could and did attend.

Dennis and JO Quinn turned up but a week earlier than the rest of us which was a bit disappointing for both them and us, as we missed their happy input.

Bloo Dennis travels with a dog and as a result camped at Sapphire Beach, a dog friendly camp-site a couple of K’s out side of Coffs, and we set up camp with him. On the 18th Patsy, Bloo and I attempted to enter the Park Beach Bowls Club, only to be refused entry because Patsy’s photo ID on her licence was not available (long story) and as a result missed out on seeing the Quinns, Pom and the England’s. Instead we headed off to the Coffs RSL for their Long Tan service. A pleasant service which included drinks and finger food after. Bloo met up with an old mate from his days at Byfield, and we finished the day chatting with an ex submariner who served with Patsy’s nephew and a RAAF bloke with a very impressive service dog.

Comes Friday, we attempted to get into the Bowls Club one more time, coming across a slightly less aggressive receptionist on this attempt, and were met by Pommy Adcock sitting alone in the club. Over a period of time we were joined by Brian and Yvonne England, Des and Margaret Ralph, Bob and Adriana Wilson and Pommy and Jenny Hallam. A few phone call apologies were received from members who had planned on attending and couldn’t make it, and so the pattern for the weekend was set. During that first evening at the club, we came across Jim Gorman (ex president of the club, now 92) and a number of other bowling club members recognised us as members of 87 (Ken’s mob) and passed on their condolences. Sorry Margaret, but I don’t recall all the names, just realise that a lot of the locals passed on their respects to Ken.

Discussions amongst those attending were tossed around re whether we keep holding reunions over the next few years, and if so how often and where, and what type of format. After a few deep discussions and one or two drinks we decided to put forward a few suggestions for everyone to consider.

1. Should we change the date of our get together to a warmer all round season, say remembrance day 11 November 2023, a time when most destinations are enjoying a reasonable climate? (This would allow Jenny Morcom to enjoy her birthday with family!)

2. Seymour in Vic. has been suggested as a possible site, with it’s memorial wall, proximity to Puckapunyal, where it all started and it’s accessibility being on the main Sydney-Melbourne rail line. Having just gone through our Unit Roll, looking at who is still with us, who is in a fit condition to travel and where the majority of our remaining members live, the Southern states seem the obvious choice and by November most of the Southerners will be back home again anyway.

We would be most interested to hear any ideas anyone has. We don’t need to have any formal type of dinner function, merely a simple get together at a local establishment with each member covering their own costs. Our current President Des has graciously volunteered to do some local leg work if the above mentioned suggestion is acceptable to all.

Back to our 2022 get together. We met each night at 1730 at the Bowls club and enjoyed each other’s company immensely although Bloo Dennis was a little disappointed as he was looking forward to sitting with the widows for dinner each night!! All in all I think it was a very successful and thoroughly enjoyable weekend, at least I know I enjoyed it.