Volume 5: No 3 November 2002

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College began in 1947 and became the School of Teacher Education of C.A.E at the commencement of 1972 and eventually Charles Sturt University. For twenty five years W.W.T.C. supplied the N.S.W. Department of Education with between two and three thousand teachers If we were to assume that all students graduated at the age of twenty and spent forty years in the teaching service, then the last graduating Reproduced from a slide taken by Ray Osmotherly in 1961. student will retire in 2012. That is not so very far away. but it may be increased to $2,000 or perhaps The Alumni Association was formed in 1997 and $2,500 by 2004. Whatever happens, YOUR since that time we feel that much has been scholarship continues to grow. Perhaps its format accomplished. could change in future years. Let us look at some of our accomplishments. TALKABOUT SCHOLARSHIP FUND Our official publication Talkabout continues to To date over 800 contributors have donated the grow and with the $10 per year subscription plus magnificent sum of $30,786. Much of this is not the generosity of Charles Sturt University we hope from single donations. Many members donate to maintain the quality of our magazine. annually and whilst donations vary from $10 to We do however invite YOU to submit articles to $50 the fund has grown to the present figure. One YOUR magazine. generous donor contributed $1,500 in memory of These will be published to be enjoyed by all. her late husband. Our very able Secretary, Ann contributes a most Our original goal of $25,000 was achieved giving comprehensive article containing snippets from an annual scholarship of $1,500. At present the the correspondence she receives. Ann keeps a general feeling is that we should retain one record of all correspondence in a bound form scholarship and make it a more prestigious one as which is presented at each Committee Meeting. the fund grows. It will remain at $1,500 for 2003 Continued on Page 2 (Continued from Page 1) a permanent historical display of the suggested that there was one important A sheet is presented to each now defunct Teachers’ aspect lacking. I told them that for member giving the surname, first College. It appears those seeds planted twenty five years there had been a name, year, letter or e-mail, inward or expired or perhaps the fruit withered Teachers’ College in Wagga Wagga outward and subject, and members are on the vine. that had supplied between two and able to refer specifically to any one three thousand teachers to the N.S.W. During the Committee visit to the piece of correspondence. These Education Department. During that Scholarship Presentation this year we documents will indeed become twenty five years it had participated in were most impressed with the Charles valuable archival material. a variety of ways in the life of the Sturt University Regional Archives in community. Its members were Our Treasurer and Co Editor the Blakemore Building on the old associated with local groups and Lindsay has the onerous task of College Campus. societies concerned with education, arranging the layout of Talkabout and The staff was most obliging and science, art, music, drama and the like to assist him in this task the generous in giving us a most as well as service groups and Committee has approved the purchase comprehensive tour of this amazing churches, and with social, sporting and of the Desktop Publishing program repository. We were told that it would recreational pursuits. Over the years it PageMaker. be possible to put on an historical had made an impressive contribution This will simplify the setting up of display of the history of our College to the life of the district and there is no Talkabout and facilitate the transition for a week or so, but, as they have mention of it in their history. from Computer to Printer. continual displays a permanent display The Executive Officer of the was out of the question. However we It is also proposed to convert Museum, Mr Thomas Graham, were informed that certain artefacts Talkabout to a PDF file and publish it granted me an interview and I spoke to concerning our College could be on the Charles Sturt University’s him about the large school building duplicated for our use. For this offer website. which was on the site. It looked like we are most grateful. the old two roomer style building. One (The CSU website can be accessed It would be nice to have a half of it was a typical old style from the link www.csu.edu.au) permanent display of the history of classroom and the other half was REUNIONS our College. There may be two called “The Carpentry Shop”. alternatives that we could pursue: one Reunions for various sessions Mr Graham said that the Carpentry at Charles Sturt University or the continue to be held at various places Shop should not really be there and at Wagga Wagga Museum at Willans and various times. Please do not some stage it would probably be Hill. hesitate to use Talkabout to publicise shifted. I suggested that it would make your reunions and please report on the Recently whilst visiting Wagga I a wonderful site for Wagga Wagga good times had by all. visited the Wagga Wagga Museum at Teachers’ College Museum. Willans Hill. Originally it was It has been suggested that our next He did not seem to be impressed founded, I believe, by the Wagga bi-annual reunion be held in Bathurst but he did agree to accept a formal Wagga Historical Society and mainly in September 2003. This will be open approach from the Alumni consisted of farming machinery etc. to ex-students from ANY year. Association. It is now sponsored by the Wagga I suppose we are a bit like the Our President, Bob is going to Wagga City Council and has been dinosaurs and face extinction in the write to Mr Graham and I’m keeping expanded into an excellent exhibition future so let us go out with a bang and my fingers crossed as this would be a Of Wagga Wagga’s early history and not a whimper. truly wonderful place to house the evolution to this modern country city. history of our College It has also been suggested that at I complimented the staff on the this reunion nominations for the Lew Morrell (1949-50) excellent job they were doing and Alumni Committee be taken. We are in need of new and younger Committee members. These CONTACTS nominations will be read out at the Annual General Meeting in February, President: Bob Collard: 2 Louise Close, Ourimbah 2258 Phone 43622764. 2004 and those present who have been Secretary: Ann Smith: 24 Whitworth St, Westmead 2145 Phone 96350449 nominated will stand for election to E-mail: [email protected]. the Committee Treasurer: Lindsay Budd: 4 Flemington Close, Casula 2170 Phone 96013003, E-mail: [email protected]. OUR PLACE IN THE HISTORY Editors: Lew Morrell: 25 Grandview Drive, Newport 2106 Phone 99971506, OF WAGGA E-mail: [email protected]. Two years ago at a working Lindsay Budd seminar at the Charles Sturt University Teaching Memories: John Riley: 2 Woorak Cres, Miranda 2228 Bathurst Campus some suggestions Phone 95255304 E-mail: [email protected] were made with regards to the housing Alumni Office: Michelle Fawkes: The Alumni Office, Charles Sturt University, of objects, articles, photographs, etc as Bathurst, 2795. Phone 63384629. E-mail: [email protected].

Page 2 the keyboard and play “Summertime”, REUNION IN BALLINA “College of the Riverina”, “Gaudeamus” and other favourites CLASS OF 1957-58 from college days. We remembered the words and sang with great gusto. Due to the wonderful meal we had just completed we refrained from holding knife and fork upright in our fists while singing, “Here we sit like birds in the wilderness … Waiting to be fed. (Chorus: Tap, Tap Taperty Tap.)” Sunday. After breakfast at the Motor Inn we sadly said our farewells, vowed to do it all again in a few years time, and most of us headed off in the direction of winter. All participants would like to thank the organising committee of Brian and Margaret Priest, Bev and Ian Baulch, Neville and Jacqui Smith, Graham and Dorothy Shea and Bob and Colleen Anderson. Special thanks to Neville Doll Studio where modern and antique and Jacqui and Bob and Coleen for A small but enthusiastic group of porcelain dolls are reproduced. their wonderful hospitality at the students from the Wagga College Motor Inn and the Macadamia Class of ’58, together with wives and We returned to Ballina for the semi- plantation. Thanks also to Michelle husbands, gathered in Ballina over the formal dinner in the restaurant at the Fawkes for all her administrative work weekend of August 2, 3 and 4. Ballina Island Motor Inn which is and to Laurie Orchard and Lionel Friday. partly owned by Jacqui and Neville Gailer for their participation. After booking into the very (Elvis) Smith. The meal, the service comfortable Ballina Motor Inn, 31 of and the company were first class. We Attendees were: us met for registration and a buffet looked through nostalgic photographs Tom & Marie Prendergast, Margaret dinner at the Ballina RSL Club. and exchanged more memories of De La Garde, Nancy Munro, Jenny & Alterations to hair styles and WWTC. David Reynolds, Bill & Bev Atkinson, colouring, and body profiles were Nancy Munro enlightened us, Alan Bev & Ian Baulch, Jenny & Barry compared as old friendships were Twomey would have done a song and Briggs, Bob & Coleen Anderson, Len renewed. It was an unexpected dance but surely Tom Prendergast & Bev Anderson, Kerry & Alan pleasure to be able to chat with Lionel took the award for his ‘speech’. Twomey, Neville & Jacquie Smith, Gailer, our Art lecturer, who has a Champagne flowed as the gathering Wendy & Peter Rogers, Rhonda & remarkable memory for past students celebrated Margaret and Sam Priest’s Neville Parnell, Cynthia & James and their misdemeanours. 40 wedding anniversary. Piper, Sam & Margaret Priest, Saturday. Michelle Fawkes, Lionel Gailer, In the morning we boarded the M V Laurie &Penny Orchard. Bennelong for a cruise up the Bill Atkinson and Sam Priest. beautiful Richmond River in glorious sunshine. College, teaching and working memories were exchanged over Interested in having Devonshire Tea as we travelled up to a Reunion? the traffic bridge at Wardell. After the cruise we drove through Alstonville to the picturesque home The Alumni team is here to and property of Coleen and Bob help you. Anderson. We enjoyed lunch in a Just give us a call and we will beautiful garden setting and were be able to assist in the visited by “George Blake”, the organisation of your special Andersons’ resident carpet snake / event. mouse control expert. Bob showed us Laurie Orchard enjoying a cuppa and a chat. through their Macadamia plantation The highlight of the evening came Phone: (02) 6338 4629 and husking plant and Coleen when Laurie Orchard, who, with his E-mail: [email protected] explained her fascinating Porcelain wife, had joined in all the activities of the weekend, was persuaded to grace

Page 3 address recorded, while others did not Alison Harrison nee Nixon (1948) From the know that Talkabout existed. thought her niece Barbara Gower (1970) would like to hear from us. Secretary's Desk. WHERE THEY ARE AND WHAT Edith Hawker nee Morton (1948) is THEY ARE DOING in Koraleigh Aged Care Centre Tongala Victoria and would like to For fear of missing some I am not hear from us. listing everyone who sent me a letter Jo and Ross Neich have moved to but I will try to write for you the Elderslie. They really enjoy “newsy” part of some of the letters, Talkabout. emails and phone calls. Judi Old nee Cole (1963) sent me a Geoffrey Barnes (1967) was indeed long letter on her places of teaching the Geoff I was looking for. and many other memories. She Rosalyn Barber (1967) wrote a four included a photo of herself. page letter telling us about her Lynette Phelan nee Johnson(1964) teaching and family. She keeps in resides in Woollamia. Roy Parker touch with Ruth Stuckey nee likes to keep up with the news of what

Roberts. everyone is doing. He had a short For those who have never really Bob Bennetts (1963) has now retired respite and managed to come to the known, Wagga Wagga Teachers and has moved back to Australia after awarding of the scholarship to Ingrid. College began with the Pioneers in thirty four years in British Columbia. Graham Pogue (1967) lives in Port May 1947 and changed to Riverina He now lives in Coffs Harbour. Augusta. College of Advanced Education in Ros Billett nee Hillsdon (1962) Rex Pollard lives in Berry and works January 1972. The third and fourth resigned in 1992 and lives with her in Voyager Communication. Sessions had a truncated course and husband on the Sunshine Coast John Briggs (1953) remembers a plot from then on each session began at the Hinterland. to remove the Dame Mary Gilmore start of each year. In the early days Pauline Agius and Peter Pollock Gates at the College. I think the gates students graduated in a ceremony (both 1968) have new addresses. are still there but the plaques are before they left college. Later this Ann Browning lives in Adelong. She missing. In July Talkabout we wrote changed to being a ceremony held in had never received anything from the up “The Mystery Of Myrtle”. Can about the following April. Some Alumni. anyone send me a story on the gates? students went back for the ceremony Dr Malcolm Beazley OAM (1963) John Riley (1948) and his wife Joan but others didn’t. congratulated the committee and have just travelled around Queensland.

hopes we stay in the jobs. They rode together by different trains. The W.W.T.C. Alumni was formed Colin Cafferky only attended in 1962 Do we have any more train buffs? in 1997 and anyone who attended the and then went to where he Ian Spence (1960) taught at different College for any length of time is repeated the year. schools before he spent nine years as entitled to belong, either as a Susan Connell is principal of Teacher-in-Charge at Molong in the graduated student or as an affiliate. Hebersham Public School. central west. In 1973-74 he travelled

Bruce Donaldson (1961) started at overseas with his wife Heather and TALKABOUT Oxley Park and began a long journey three year old son Nigel, driving and Even after all our work there are still in Special Education. living in a V W Campmobile. He lists quite a number of names which are Bill Frost (1963) went from teaching all the places he taught. He rejoined marked “Temporary Lost” and it is into the army in 1965, for five years. the Department back in 1975 and these people we are still looking for, For the next twenty years he was a finally ended up at Jamberoo in 1987. together with those whose letter was commercial pilot. He returned to He retired to live there in 1998. returned unclaimed back to the teaching in 1988 at Campbelltown, Teaching to Ian was a wonderful and Charles Sturt University Alumni , . He now teaches at satisfying career. He still feels the Office. Please keep looking for these the Catholic High School in Tumut. thrill of working with young children. ex-students. Please ask them do they Roy Flowers and his wife Susan nee During all this teaching and traveling get Talkabout in March, July and Haywood (1967) live in the ACT. his wife Heather did her degree and November. If they say “no” give them Jill Corner (1961) and Tim Golledge taught and travelled with him. my address or take theirs and send it (1961) married thirty years after they Les Sutherland (1962) received his to me. met at college. first Talkabout, thanks to Geoff Piper

Ann Groenenboom nee Kershaw (1962). Les is in Austria. The list in the back of the March (1950) taught at Tyndale Christian Bill Keast (1960) came from Canada Talkabout brought back many School in Blacktown for nineteen for his holidays. Among his “Aussie memories of the ex-students. A great years. She and her husband have Highlights” was having lunch on the number responded by sending retired to south west Victoria. Georges River with Gwenda Starling, addresses or other information by Dr Adrian Hurley OAM (1961) has now Zappert (1960) and Kerry post, email or phone. I really cannot enjoyed a career which has taken him Targett now McNicol (1960). Kerry tell you how many we “found”. Some and his wife around the world. and Gwenda’s families grew up had changed addresses and not together. notified us. Others had never had an

Page 4 The three of them had a great day Ann Elliott nee Graham and Val Barbara Butler nee Spence (1948 – reminiscing and hearing what each Hare nee Lister (both 1962) have left 1950) died in July this year had done with their last forty years. teaching . Laurel Pearce nee Pearson died in Bill included a photo. He also visited Ross Coomber (1967-1969) saw the Northern Territory on 20th June Joan and Alan Kirkham (1959) and Dinnervilles’ Real Estate Office in this year played golf with Dave Martin and Hornsby and found he recognized that Alan Kolsky (1957 – 1958) died in Geoff Peters and Helen Ferguson Ian (1968) was a mate from college. July this year (all l960), Photos included. Gregory Worthington, Phys Ed th Jim Walsh, also 1960, lives in MINISTRY Lecturer (1952 – 1972) died 24 June Canada. He sent a retirement photo of 2002. himself with his wife Fay. Jim is a A few of the members have joined the Please send me details if you know of member of our e-mail group He plans Ministry. I noted down some names as any more deaths. to add many scanned slides to our I read through the letters and emails. files. Some were Patrick Collins and his SCHOOL FRIENDS Ray Osmotherly ‘discovered’ some wife Sharon nee Rook at Ryde. of his college slides which he took in Jim South trained as an Anglican Some more of you may be interested 1961. They printed beautifully. Minister. There was a Baptist minister in joining an internet program called Thanks to Pippa Ingram (1959) for a also. Perhaps there were more than SCHOOL FRIENDS. very generous donation to Talkabout. this but my piece of paper is mislaid. At the time of writing this there are She was to come to Australia in For those who have taken that step let 170 members who went to Wagga August but had to enter hospital for me know for next Talkabout. Let me Wagga Teachers’ College and they follow up surgery. know also any lady who preaches or name the years they attended the Noanie Cameron- Wood (1952) is serves. College. You can send them a looking for her room mates, Meg message and by following the steps Cattell, Maureen McGrath and REST IN PEACE you can contact a friend. The 170 Noeline Walsh. Noanie lives in the named for WWTC, together with the ACT. Again this past term my attention has years they attended, covers primary Margaret Bolte nee Weise (1959) is schools, clubs, contact and the mayor of West Wyalong. been drawn to the fact that certain people are deceased but this fact had biographies. I have contacted quite a Lynette Withington nee Jones number whose name was in the list but (1968) was one of the students who not been drawn to our attention. Dates are not available. I had no address. Nearly everyone I did Junior Secondary. emailed responded and elected to send John Whiteside (1953) lives at Ron Houison (1960 – 1961) died in Indonesia in the late 60’s or early 70’s me their address to receive Talkabout. Eugowra. Kevin Plummer (1958) has You might contact a friend on retired to be an investor, farmer and Carol Kelleher (1962 – 1963) is deceased www.schoolfriends.com.au part time golfer. Special thanks to Warren Poole Bill Connell and his first wife Helen nee Henry (1959 – 1960) are both I enjoyed it because I found so many (1970) for all the work he did and the WWTC ex-students. Why not join! information he sent to me to help us deceased .Bill died 15 June 2000. Gillian Hume (1970) died 15 find more of that 1970 intake. Keep looking for more ex-students by Kay Durham (1968) is still teaching February 1994. She was a wonderful person and a great friend. asking if they receive Talkabout. at Narrabri West. Ken Jorgensen There are still quite a lot whose (1960) is an adult educator with a Janwyn Cox nee Terlick (1957 – 58) th addresses we do not know. Write to defence organization. died 4 August 1994. Bill McNeil (1961 – 1962) passed me if you have anything which might I am told that Margo Hodge nee be put into the archives. Hopman (1960) now has to use a away in 1999. Arthur Osborn (1961 – 1962) was wheelchair. Gretel and John B send Ann Smith (1948-50) their best wishes to her. the Teachers’ Federation Secretary for the Wollongong area. Now dec. Lynette O’Connor(1965) married Robert Fletcher (1964) and they have George Blackgrove (1952 – 1953) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION four children. Rob left teaching for moved into development work with sixteen years but went back to Caltex in Sydney sometime in the MEETINGS 1960’s. In 1970 he took up a position teaching Industrial Arts at Melville The Annual General Meeting of the as Training and Development (Kempsey). Wagga Wagga Alumni Association Helen Isaac nee Gardiner has five Manager with Mt Isa Mines working will be held in the children. She joined the family from their Brisbane Office. During Teachers Credit Union building business. Helen would love to hear his 14 years with them until his 28-38 Powell Street, Homebush retirement in 1984 he was on from anyone from her years 1960- th 1961. (Yes I am still willing to send acknowledged throughout Australia as Tuesday 4 February 2003 on letters if anyone wants to write to a innovative and successful in all areas starting at 11 am. friend.. Ann). of training . He died in 1993 Margaret McPherson died in All alumni are invited to attend.

America this year. Details elsewhere.

Page 5 COMMITTEE NEWS SYDNEY CITY LUNCHEONS

June Hadley (Robson), 48/50 session I had the pleasure of dining with all has moved from West Pennant Hills to These luncheons have been held since three of these three visitors at the same Nambucca Heads and the Alumni 15th July 1997 and are now being held table. Lindsay Budd and Carmel Committee wish her well in her new at The Masonic Club at 169 Dobbie found they had common abode. Castlereagh Street in the city. interests as Carmel’s brother Mick and June has been a member of the The club is only two and a half blocks Lindsay were both in the 1950-51 Committee of the Alumni Association from Town Hall Railway Station and session. Heather and I share a since it was formed in 1997. She was so is within easy walking distance. . common friend in Ann Nelson who the first Treasurer, and after handing Details are on page 11 of the March has promised to come to a future over to Lindsay Budd, became the 2002 Talkabout Vol 5 No. 2 luncheon with Carmel, Leila and Minute Secretary. Heather. June was the original instigator of the The next luncheon is on Friday 22nd quarterly get together luncheons. November 2002 and we will meet at We look forward to make them Originally they were held at various 11.00am in the lounge on the 2nd floor. welcome together with any other locations such as David Jones, At 12 O’clock we proceed up to the people who can come to the next Circular Quay and so on. dining room on the 4th Floor where luncheon . Contact John Riley on 9525 Because June was a member of the tables have been allotted to us. 5304 or myself on 9635 0449 before Masonic Club the luncheons moved 16th November if you are coming. there in order to provide a permanent The cost is approximately $25 and If you can’t come to this one then and central location for these drinks are extra. mark the calendar for Tuesday 11th luncheons. February, 2003. She is a valued member of the Up to this time the people who have Committee and is greatly appreciated. attended were in the earlier sessions of Above you can see Carmel, Leila and We hope she can continue her close the college. However, at our luncheon Heather enjoying themselves at the association with our group. on August 1st last four new people dinner. The picture shows June with our came along. The first was Robin Ryan secretary Ann Smith, Christel nee Grant 1950-1951, who Ann Smith Wangman and Barbara Maynard.(All accompanied John and Shirley Salter of the 1948-50 Session) nee Morcom. Robin lives in Scotts Head and was in Sydney to support her husband while he had hospital WWTC ALUMNI SYDNEY LUNCHEONS treatment. 2003 DATES WHERE – Masonic Club, 169 Castlereagh St., Sydney

Complete a Temporary Member’s card at the Ground Floor, before proceeding The other three new attendees were to the 2nd Floor Lounge to socialise, any time from 11, for 12 o’clock luncheon Carmel Dobbie nee Hayes 1958-1959, on 4th Floor. Leila Andrews 1958-1959, and

Heather Wallace nee Dwyer 1956- WHEN - Tuesday 11th February 1957. Heather told me that they had - Wednesday 14th May thought the dinners were only for the - Thursday 21st August Pioneer Sessions, whereas anyone - Friday 21st November from W.W.T.C., regardless of session COST – Approx. $25; buy your own drinks. is invited. MENU – Select 2 of 3 courses, with choices available in each.

WHO – WWTC Alumni from any session, partners & friends.

Page 6 REFLECTIONS Do You Remember your Childhood! Good Advice?

A boy I taught at Muswellbrook South (aged in his 30's) sent me an “I remember what it Well I remember the advice was like” list. given to the Small Schools This is my reply to him Section in our final lecture:

“Remember you are going to I am afraid that as well as showing your age, this list also shows your youth! a small community where you My memories of childhood are so different to these. will occupy a position of • There was no tele. When black and white TV did arrive, we stood in front of the shop importance. You will be regarded window for several hours watching whatever was on. The Jack Davy show, the as a fair catch – beware the news!! We crouched over the wireless late at night to listen to Superman, Night Beat farmer’s daughter. As the months and Dad and Dave. pass she will grow prettier and • A treat was to be allowed to go the Saturday afternoon matinee at the pictures, where prettier. When temptation strikes the naughty boys rolled Jaffas down the aisle. grab an axe and go out and cut • The good cowboys wore white and the baddies wore black. You had to come back down a tree.” next week to see the next installment and the newsreel. I often mused on this thinking • The milkman drove a horse and cart, and we went out with the billy, then brought the of our female colleagues assigned milk back and put it on the slow combustion stove and skimmed off the skin. to the small country towns who • The baker delivered half loaves, and if they were still hot, you could pull the middle possibly experienced a similar out and eat it. situation. What were they to do ? • You got school milk that had been left out in the sun all morning and it almost made Arm themselves with an axe and you sick, unless you went to the shop and bought a penny's worth of flavouring to add attack a gum tree in the local to it. park? A mental picture of this still • Dad built the biggest bonfire on cracker night out of telephone poles and old tyres, gives me cause to giggle. and the neighbours added branches. The whole neighborhood gathered. Tuppenny If you have recollections of bungers could blow up a letter box. your early teaching days in • A treat was to have an ice cream in a cone on Saturday afternoon, and a chook for country communities or Christmas. You got one present for Christmas and if you were really lucky, it was elsewhere please share them with something you wanted, not just new clothes. us. • My best Christmas was when I got a 20 year old bike. Our playground games at Lew Morrell (1949-50) school were in every European language as it was just after the Second World War and we accepted refugees. • You owned one pair of shoes, and one good outfit. The boys didn't wear shoes to Among My Souvenirs school. You held your breath when you went into the toilets, as they were pans, and

stank. Remember that lovely • The best boys in the class got to mix up the ink, and the worst boys dipped your plaits tradition where pupils gave into the ink well on your school desk, which had a seat that tipped up and was Teacher a beautiful gift at the end attached to the desk behind. on the school year. • The teachers were ancient and had been brought out of retirement or were maiden At one of my schools one ladies or soldiers back from the war who taught you how to march properly. mother bought a big green • After the War, there was rationing and coupons- for everything from butter to petrol. “Apple for the Teacher”. • My first "real job" was at Woolworths, where you stood behind the counter with the Her 7 year old boy obviously goods displayed in front of you. You added up in your head (pounds, shillings and thought it was sheer waste giving pence) and rang it up on a manual till. I got nine and seven pence for a Saturday that to his teacher so he took it morning's work. and sank his two big front teeth • When I was a teenager, paddle pops came in- they cost fourpence. I got the sack from into it only to find it was a waxed Woolies when I turned 17 as I was too old, and they would have to pay me too much. candle! • I didn't have volleys; I had "sand shoes" which you coated with whitener, so no one His mother made him present could see how old they were. it and add a shamefaced apology. • I paid 50 pound for my first car and 90 pound for my second car. At teenage parties The irony of it is that little boy we played "spin the bottle", a really daring game where you kissed the person the went on to become a famous bottle pointed to. International Cross country • I paid 10 shillings a week off a dress to wear to my High School graduation. This was Skiing Champion and the “apple” the first time I wore high heel shoes and stockings (no such thing as Pantyhose). is one of my favourite souvenirs! • My sister made me dresses out of curtain material so I had some decent clothes to wear to college. "The War" meant World War Two, then the Korean War, then the Shirley James (Cook) 1949-50 Vietnam War. Memories are all relative aren't they? Just think, in a few years' time, today will be "the good old days"! Norma Fowler (Phipps) 1960-61)

Page 7 COLLEGE MEMORIES Joe Lonsdale was the first Bursar in the administration building. I was asked if there was any alternative I appointed to the new Teachers’ pleasantly surprised to see the office suggested the lecturers could be College which was to be housed in an was well set up with nice furniture and involved as they seemed to be having old Air Force hospital in Wagga. wall to wall carpet. We talked for a a fairly easy time. Permission was He writes of his experiences at the while on various aspects of Teachers’ given for me to address the lecturers beginning of that appointment. Colleges, how they operated, who was and seek their help. Fortunately they who and what my role would be in the agreed to be involved. Due to their BARE BOARDS AND hierarchy. Not surprisingly it was efforts most of the basics were there PACKING CASES. double Dutch to me after my crash for the day when the student s who course on non-residential colleges. I became known as the pioneers arrived. The reminiscences that follow go back was relieved when the suggestion was Little did they know how close things many years, so if there are any made that it wouldn’t be a bad idea if might have been except for the efforts inaccuracies I apologize and hope that we went down town and I got settled of the other pioneers. into one of the many local hotels, I will be forgiven. Out of adversity problems are often some of which I may have frequented resolved resulting in life-long In mid-May 1947 I received a in my Air Force days. summons to report immediately to the memories of how people come Secretary’s office. Not knowing why Next day, like a good public servant, I together in times of need to bring this had to take place on my way to his arrived at the College before nine about things that they believe in. I will office I tried to recall if I had done o’clock ready for the many tasks that always remember my days at Wagga anything wrong as I had only recently lay ahead. After reporting to the Wagga Teachers’ College and the been promoted to my present position. Principal I was introduced to Griff Bare Boards and Packing Cases. Duncan, the Vice Principal, several When I had enquired as to why I was Joe Lonsdale. required I was told you will find out members of the lecturing staff, Wal when you get there. Irvine the Public Works Department Foreman in charge of the conversion On entering the inner sanctum the from an Air Force hospital to a Secretary invited me to sit down. This teachers’ College, Mr Smith the Multinyms seemed to indicate that there wasn’t Caretaker and Mrs Whittaker the any wrong doing. To my surprise he housekeeper. Then back to my office According to some definitions a informed me that a new residential section. homonym is a word with the same Teachers’ College was to be opened pronunciation as, but different Horror and surprise! It looked as if a shortly at Wagga Wagga and I had meaning than, another word. Thus bomb had exploded in the room. There been selected to be the Bursar. As homonyms come in pairs. there was some urgency in filling the was furniture plus piles of papers and a considerable number of boxes However, some homonyms come position I had twenty four hours to in triples, or even quadruples: containing heaven knows what. think it over. Having noticed the great number of Triples: After discussing the pros and cons wooden crates stacked in various other • cent, scent, sent with my wife and getting her approval building s I thought it was time to • cite, sight, site, I said I would like the position. After discuss what I’d seen with the • ewes, use, yews two days induction at Sydney Principal. My main concern was who • for, fore, four Teachers’ College, which had no was going to do the work that would • oar, or, ore, residential section, I found myself be required in the short time available • pair, pare, pear aboard the Express on my way before the students arrived. On the nd • poor, pore, pour to Wagga Wagga [2 class ticket]. advice I received I decided it was time • raise, rays, raze to let the Secretary know of my In the early morning, with the usual • road, rode, rowed dilemma. This wasn’t at all successful clatter, the train pulled into the station. • sew, so, sow as I was told that two stenographers The station was not new to me as I’d • to, too, two would be employed a little further been stationed at Forrest Hills during • vain, vane, vein down the track. The problem was the war. As I left the train I observed a • ware, wear, where mine to solve. personage heading towards me. He introduced himself as George Back to the Principal to inform him Quadruples Blakemore, Principal of Wagga that there was no way that I could set • cees, seas, sees, seize Wagga Teachers’ College. Fortunately up all the systems that would be • right, rite, wright, being met overcame my problem of required, unpack and distribute all the write. how to get to the College. contents in the crates. As the task was We had a pleasant drive to the College beyond me I felt I had no alternative and then went to the Principal’s office but to contact head Office, tell them which was situated in a prime position that the task was impossible and that I wished to return to Sydney. When

Page 8 THE PLEASANCE Pool between lectures during a summer's day? Bill Atkinson (1957- 58).

Dear Bill: Mentioning frogs, I was banned from the Dining Room at one stage by the Boss, Mrs Churchill, a woman of formidable proportions and demeanour, for putting a tadpole into the milk Ray Osmotherly(1959-60) posted to jug as a protest against the watered - the E-group the above photo of the down milk (and bromided as well). It Pleasance. was a large tadpole, and I think I The following conversation then took caught it in the fishpond between Ipai place: Dorm and Kumbu(?) I recall that it However for the record the photo was Dear Ray: was the same pond with ice on the top not touched up. Taken, developed and Many thanks for the photo. I was part that I was chucked into, in my printed by the photography club, it of Brock Rowe's chain gang who built pyjamas, for my birthday on August 8, was simply an ordinary photo of that Pleasance in 1954. I got into 1954! Myrtle displaying what was then her trouble by admitting that I had been Many years later I took my kids back always polished attribute. drinking on Campus during a grilling to see the Pleasance. by Brock and George in the latter's Thanks for the photo! Our efforts were office. This admission was the subject on a much smaller scale, although Myrtle was removed during the of a special assembly in the some of the stonework looks familiar! vacation presumably to avoid any Auditorium. Instead of kicking me out We also worked, completely student demonstrations. Of course this they sentenced me to a good voluntarily, to help build Laxy did not work and there were protests. behaviour bond and voluntary labour Latham's house after his cerebral One night, for example, the lamp post on the Pleasance, which was Brock's haemorrhage and his subsequent replacing Myrtle was liberally daubed pride and joy. So, with a group of blindness. I can remember being up in with red paint. I seem to remember a other miscreants we laboured every the joists looking at him trying to member of the college SRC weekend for quite a while carting master the Braille machine down subsequently having to hide the red stones, planting, cementing (?) and below. splashes on his duffel coat during a general navvying. John Briggs meeting with Deputy Principal Ray We were proud of the final result, and Bass. celebrated with a quiet beer or two back in Ipai Dorm! MYRTLE REVISITED Coincidentally a friend going through John Briggs (1953-54) a box of my old photos last week I was particularly pleased to read the discovered the offending Myrtle Ray and John, article The Mystery of Myrtle in the photograph. The back still bears the What a great photo of the Pleasance. I July issue of Talkabout, especially printer's notes, including the caption believe it, together with the WWTC because of my supposed "role" in her “I look better from the front than the Rose Garden, should have been removal. back”. retained under heritage status. Immediately after her removal I was I am glad that she has been restored to At the reunion in Ballina a couple of told by a number of staff members that prominence in the grounds of CSU weeks ago we heard, (once again !) , Myrtle was removed because I had and her connection with Wagga of the day in 1957 when 'somebody' published a “touched up” photo of Wagga Teachers College smuggled a Pleasance frog into the Myrtle in Talkabout. Although at the acknowledged. dining room and under Bev Sear's time I was president of the upturned cup. The scream she let out Publications Committee I feel I should Brian Bazzo (1962-63) when she turned the cup over was share this credit or infamy with the heard in South West Rocks. rest of the committee. Unfortunately, reconstruction on the WWTC site has left us with only the Certainly Myrtle was removed in 1963 memories. Who else owns up to during the vacation following a photo cooling off their feet in the Pleasance being published in Talkabout.

Page 9 TEACHING MEMORIES minutes to complete his Herculean On the Saturday before school started, effort and proudly said, after carefully I received a telegram (in those balmy putting his hand up. “Sir, I'm days telegrams were sent on finished.” Saturdays) appointing me as T.I.C.

“Bring out your book and I will mark Fernthorpe P.S. This was a blow, as THE BOMB your work.” after a year in Sydney, I was involved That was when I made my big in sport, a friendship, and was living All my adult life I have suffered from mistake. I sat down! with my family. a dreadful disease or symptom thereof. Now to digress a little. These days One major problem was finding where After I eat lunch my head “goes” and I bomb scares are things we take in out the school was! Noel Bible and Mark become very sleepy, these days almost stride. A voice on the phone says Gaudry were staying with me at the to the point of Somnambulity (Is that a slyly, “We’ve set a bomb to go off in time, and Noel did his best, through a word?). Wait until I check the fifteen minutes. It's in the basement brother in the Post Office to find out dictionary. Well I was almost right. where you won't find it in a hurry.” where I was to go. No Luck! So I Having eaten my meal I'm good for The thinking principal is ready for this decided to wait until Tuesday to visit little if anything. When I reported for though. He sounds the alarm and the Head Office. This I did, and was told duty at Forbes on 20 January, 1952, well trained teachers take their pupils by a rather rude clerk... “You should the first person I saw in the vestibule, out in the well rehearsed evacuation be on duty today Mr. Hayes”. to my great delight, was Marshall procedure. The pupils then wait I finally found my school buried deep Johnson. Marshall and I quietly forever in high glee until some burly in Southern Riverina, and took off on (wrong word) set about livening up policeman condemns them to return to the Albury Mail (An experience many this lovely little town on the Lachlan. the cell from whence they came and have shared) to arrive in Henty at We were about eighteen and would routine prevails. 6.00a.m. the next day. I was tired, spit in the eye of a raging lion. Well, Why do I refer to bombs, you ask? hungry and a little angry on that almost. I considered I was frightened Suddenly there was a tremendous Wednesday morning. When I asked of nothing but a strange thing explosion! A deafening noise caused the porter when the next train went to happened when Jack (no one was me to throw my head up and startled, I Ferndale Siding, the direction I was game to call him Ignatius - which was opened my previously closed eyes given in Sydney, the answer was, his name) Hartcher, the boss, and, disoriented, I slowly came to my “Saturday.!!” introduced me to my fifty-eight little senses in the midst of a gale of hearty I decided to wander over to the Hotel charges, who sat there silently laughter! Sensing anarchy I reached opposite the station, and the first weighing up the new, obviously raw, out and grasped my handy weapon - person I met as I entered the door was young teacher. My knees started to the little flag. Silence descended and Ray Fielder, a college mate, who was shake and I didn't know why. order was restored immediately! teaching at a small school, Grubben, Eventually my severe case of nerves Slowly I took stock and cleverly just out of Henty. This was good subsided and we knuckled down to worked out what had happened. enough for me so I spent the next whatever one did in those days. When I sat down to mark the book I three days as an educational visitor at Discipline wasn't a problem. I went to sleep. The red pencil I was Ray's school. In that short time I saw procured from somewhere a small flag using slowly and silently fell from my how a small school was very with a rounded hardwood handle and fingers and slowly rolled across the effectively run, and I took many of if anyone stepped out of line or did table. It rolled off the table and when Ray's ideas with me to my school. Ray something heinous like speaking to the it hit the floor I heard the seemingly drove me out to Urangeline East, the child alongside him I would dong enormous noise which in my sleepy next school to mine, on Saturday, and them on the tail with this handy little state sounded like an explosion! on stopping to ask our way to weapon. We understood one another. Thus my title - THE BOMB. Fernthorpe School, met Ian McInerney Well, back to my little problem in the Malcolm Hanratty (1950-51) who was T.I.C. there. At the same afternoons. We went in after lunch and time I also met the young lady who being the skilful teacher I turned out to was later to become my wife, and is be I stated with authority, “Children, still my wife after 47 years. My years take out your composition books and at this school were very rewarding, as write me a story of “A picnic.”! (Note FIRST APPOINTMENT it was left in excellent order by Les the careful introduction and the Davey, another Wagga College ex- sensible discussion and lead up to the The latest copy of Talkabout, and an student. That's about enough from me. topic.) Of course I was a thinking e-mail from my sister, Carmel Dobbie I plan to make it to the next reunion, teacher and thinking I was. (Hayes) have finally spurred me to health permitting, and I am looking I knew if I sat in that inviting chair at pen a few lines on the early forward to renewing many old the teacher's table I would go to sleep, experiences of my teaching career. friendships. so I didn't sit down. I watched quietly Seeing Ray Fielder’s smiling Michael (Mick) Hayes (1950-51) while the children dutifully bent to countenance reminded me of my first their task. As is usual in these cases bush appointment in 1952. one of the little brats took about three

Page 10 TEACHING MEMORIES she be paid overtime for this onerous recommendation for placement on the A MEMORABLE INSPECTION task. “C” List. This was the last straw ! Lew Morrell (1949-50) As a G.A. teacher at a high school in “I see from your timetable that you the fifties with a class of thirty eight have a poetry lesson tomorrow pupils, an understanding principal afternoon. I shall be in to inspect that FIRST INSPECTION endeavoured to make my teaching lesson.”. My first inspection was at Port more pleasant by allowing me to teach Kembla Primary School-Girls Dept, Art and P.E. As soon as he had departed the next door to a smelter chimney. I had My wife (an English/History/French) realisation of what had transpired hit 16 nationalities in my class, and 18 teacher had to go on maternity leave me. The class was unaware of what children spending their first year in and I was given seven of the eight had happened but I am sure that they Australia. We did a lot of singing (for periods of Third Year English. The suspected that all was not well. repetition of words), craft and art, eighth period (Grammar) was taken by Fortunately for me, I had inherited which needed no language and a teacher on the Mathematics staff. quite a volume of poetry written by mathematics-, a universal language. The panel of Inspectors arrived for the my grandmother and published in the The special ed teacher resigned after a school inspection and the staff were Bulletin, Weekly Times, Leader and week, so I had these girls as well. all a little nervous, none more so than Sunraysia Daily. That night I selected (One of the highlights was teaching a myself. I knew the local D.I. as he was one – “How He Died”. spastic girl to skip.) I had one girl who the one who had persuaded me to It was a tale of an English new-chum was an elective mute, who didn't want “further your teaching experience” by sent to an outback station. There had to talk in English. She would whisper applying for the G. A. teaching been a personality clash with the to me, which was a great break- position and to me he was a really foreman who had bullied and abused through. I had another Italian girl who good bloke. him no end. The new-chum was sent would scream at me, gesticulate and out to a distant boundary hut for race from the room- she wasn't going As the Inspection proceeded I was several days’ work. Some days later to learn this stupid English! Speak visited by the English Inspector who the horse returned riderless to the Italian! The day before my inspection, disapproved of what he observed on station. The foreman was unconcerned I was coaching the softball team. I put this his first visit. I had only been on stating that the new-chum probably my hand out to slow a ball, and the class for three weeks; the deserted his position and was probably dislocated a finger, which the doctor prescribed novel was “St Ives” which on his way home to England. put in a metal splint. the pupils and I thought was boring Months later a stockman’s horse shied The day of my inspection, one of the and most unsuitable. The pupils were at what appeared to be a dead animal. comments was that I hadn't marked engaged in paraphrasing some It wasn’t, it was the skeleton of the the roll that day. Duh! I was the chapters and this upset the Inspector new-chum. pianist for the choir, so as part of my no end. The poem went down a treat and the inspection was expected to play the I explained that I had only been on the kids loved it. I could see the Inspector piano. I dutifully removed the splint, class for three weeks, that I had to racking his brains trying to recall and in great agony, played the piano- a prepare the novel, the Shakespeare where this poem had come from. piece with a lot of strong chords in it. I and poetry and that I was only Primary At the conclusion of an enthusiastic managed to pass that inspection. One trained. The Inspector wanted to know classroom discussion, I mentioned that of the comments was that I related why I wasn’t teaching the full eight I personally knew the poet. Here I better to the children than to the staff. periods and I explained that I did not noticed that the Inspector’s curiosity I wonder why! feel competent enough to teach was fully aroused. I was 18 at the time, didn't even drink Grammar. I concluded the lesson with “Actually tea or coffee then, and some of the He felt it was a most unsatisfactory set the poet was a poetess, her name was class were 13. The kids wanted to up that a Maths teacher was teaching Annie B. Richardson and she was my know if I had teenage pimples when I Grammar and inferred that this teacher grandmother. was a teenager! By this stage, I was no was not up to scratch in this subject. The aftermath to this was that I was longer driving my 39 Chev panel van Perhaps I was somewhat of a radical – going for my “C” List at that from college days, but had a VW Secretary of the district Federation Inspection and enquired of the local beetle, which could fit the softball Branch of eighty odd teachers – I told D.I. how I was going. He informed me team and its gear. (Seat belts? What him that I felt it was most unethical to that it was not only on his report but are they?) speak of a colleague in such a manner. on the Secondary Inspector’s findings Norma Fowler (Phipps) 1960-61) The Inspector then suggested that as as well. I was devastated. my wife was a qualified teacher in the Weeks and weeks later when the subject she could coach me and help personal Inspection Reports arrived, I me in lesson preparation in the was amazed. The Secondary Grammar section. Inspector’s Report was full of praise By this time the relationship was and at the bottom was the somewhat strained and I asked would

Page 11 TEACHING MEMORIES Perpetual Student We lived at Angelsea in those days supervising students in a masters and spent much time exploring the program and trying to finish my PhD I arrived at Wagga Teachers' College Great Ocean Road. Leonie and I both as an external student through James on Easter Monday in 1959 having completed qualifications as school Cook University. completed my secondary education at librarians. In 1979 we moved to Sale I also do some work as an educational Homebush Boys' High School. Soon High School in Gippsland where I consultant. For my sins, I am president after arriving at college, I was taught Geography and Leonie was of the Northern Rivers branch of the propelled into my first practicum at librarian. Friends of the ABC. I love films, jazz Central School. I thoroughly In 1982 I gained a teaching exchange and folk music and head for the enjoyed my two years at Wagga, to Manitoba. This was a great Woodford Folk Festival each year becoming involved with the social experience. (I remember writing an between Xmas and New Year. committee that organized Saturday article for teachers back home that Although I may seem busy for night dances, playing hockey and was entitled “Where Celsius meets someone who is supposedly semi- pulling the curtain for stage Fahrenheit” - at minus 40 degrees). retired, I am never too busy to greet performances of Gilbert and Sullivan. We lived in Winnipeg and Leonie old friends from Wagga Teachers' My best friends were Brian Webb completed her masters degree at the College. My home phone is (now living in Canberra, Albert University of Manitoba. 0266743830 and my email is: Hockey, Barbara Fewtrell (later to On our return to Sale, Leonie decided [email protected] marry Wagga identity Bill Rorrison) to enrol in a PhD program through and Margo Hopman. Deakin University. To keep up with Neville Jennings (1959-60) I clearly remember the cold winter her, I started a masters degree through mornings when fish ponds were frozen Deakin University after completing a over on the way to the dining hall. Graduate Diploma in Intercultural One morning Tiny Hammond's Studies through Mt Lawley CAE. All football jumper fell off the clothes my post graduate studies have been in line. As we headed for breakfast, it lay external mode while I have been TEACHING MEMORIES frozen solid on the ground under the teaching. clothes line, greeting us with a hands In 1985 we moved to Sydney. I was up salute. Social Sciences Head Teacher at The I also recall some frosty nights on the Pittwater House Schools, Collaroy. lookout above the college, ostensibly This was my one and only experience studying astronomy with women's of teaching in a private school. By warden and Maths lecturer Fanny 1989, I had completed my M asters Bridges. degree and Leonie had finished her Upon leaving college, I accepted an PhD so we headed for Lismore where appointment to Bogan Gate Public Leonie took up a lecturing role at what School and began part time study is now Southern Cross University. through the University of New I worked for some years in a England. After three years in Bogan professional development centre in Gate I moved to Merriwa Central Lismore and then moved to the School. In those fulfilling years as a university, teaching in the Bachelor of primary teacher I completed my BA Education program. I managed a with a major in Geography and moved project called Japanese Language for on to secondary school teaching. Teachers that used CD-ROM Between 1969 and 1975 I taught technology. I started my PhD in the area of citizenship education. social sciences at Meadowbank Boys' In the northern rivers region I met up High. I coached the Shell Trophy The long awaited “TEACHING with some of my college friends such basketball team and acted as MEMORIES” has been a great as Jim Roche and Malcolm Lobb who federation representative just after the success and copies are still available were teaching in local high schools. I famous Meadowbank Extras dispute. I for those who forgot to order one. also taught Warren Cupitt's daughter, was inaugural president of the Asia who is carrying on her father's Teachers' Association and spent every The books are available at a cost of occupation. Last year in October, I holiday, and any long service leave I $20 including postage and may be turned 60, so I decided to wind down could scratch together, travelling in purchased by sending a cheque to the my full time teaching career. the Asia-Pacific Region. Treasurer, Lindsay Budd at: Leonie left the university and has In 1976 I moved to Eden High School 4 Flemington Close retrained as a computer teacher. We and married my partner Leonie in May CASULA 2170. of that year. We moved to Geelong now live at Kingscliff with our small and taught Social Sciences in the dog Portia. I still do some part time Geelong District till the end of 1978. teaching at the Tweed Campus of Southern Cross University. I am

Page 12 TEACHING MEMORIES THE JOKER some specialist subjects such as “Sorry, fellas,” he said, “I saw smoke manual Arts, Home Ec. and Phys Ed. so I thought there must be a fire.” Forgive me for not naming the At the beginning of the net year the As it turned out, none of the boys particular high school, nor the new batch of teachers for the made a complaint. I wonder why not! surname of the teacher involved in this expanding school included the Michael Austin (1950-51). anecdote as, although the incidents requested teacher with the reputation occurred over twenty years ago, when of being a “lion-tamer”. His name was I last came across this teacher, he was Peter. LETTER FROM still on the staff of the same high school. Another of Peter’s traits did not MAURIE ROBSON (1967-68) precede him by reputation. He was The high school, on the southern also a joker with a wicked sense of outskirts of Brisbane, was new. It humour – as well as being a very started with only Year 8 students (the affable staff member. first year of high school in Queensland) and grew by an For example, when Peter faced his additional year over a period of five troublesome group of mainly (but by years. no means exclusively) boys on the first day he told them, “I warn you Like many other high schools guys. You’d better not mess with me. developing in this manner, it had its I’ve got a black belt in origami.” “teething problems”. He had them bluffed for weeks before Dear Anne, Firstly, being in a city-rural fringe area one of the more sophisticated students I recently returned to Australia for a where land is cheaper, a very large of the school informed them that brief family visit and received mail proportion of its student population origami is the Japanese art of paper related to the WWTC Alumni. I am was from single-parent families. Many folding. delighted that a group is operational of the kids were still going through the and enjoyed reading about the various trauma of a marriage break-up. It came to pass that Peter became activities that have taken place. Secondly, the kids had no older year aware that a certain group of boys As you will see from the address levels above them to show them how were smoking in the toilets during below, I am now heading up the to be high-school students. breaks, which in Queensland schools, education programme in Pakistan for Consequently, they still tended to both primary and secondary, are UNICEF. You probably know of behave, in many ways, like primary- known as “little lunch” and “big UNICEF through the greeting cards school kids – albeit that they were lunch” (Can you believe it!). programme and the 'Change for Good' oversized and had far too many However, I have heard a variation programme now running on all Qantas hormones flowing through their made by principals who object to the and British Airways flights. Perhaps bodies. terminology. Instead they have you know it also for the work we do labelled the breaks “little nutrition” all over the world in addressing the Remarks purposely made within the and “big nutrition”. health, nutrition, water and sanitation earshot of teachers were often laced But back to Peter and the smokers! and education needs of children up to with sexual innuendoes. They felt 18 years of age. quite safe in doing this as, after all, it Peter had a spare period before one This is a far cry from WWTC in 1967- was surely their generation which had such break during which he borrowed 68 but in many ways my experiences discovered sex. Oldies wouldn’t know a bucket from the janitor, filled it with then, especially in one teacher schools anything about such things and so water and left it beside one of the have prepared me for the situation would not know what they were washbasins in the boys’ toilets. here. talking about! During the break he observed from a They did not, of course, prepare me When the original intake were nearing discreet distance the smokers enter the for a rather more risky occupation in the end of Year 9, it was realized that toilet as a group. After waiting a the UN. Pakistan is my third something had to be done about those minute or so for the offenders to select appointment, the first was to Burma, students in each class who were not a cubicle and light-up, he sneaked into and the second to East Timor. I seem only underachievers but also whose the toilet to look for the tell-tale wisp to be getting closer to the hotspots!! aim in class was to disrupt the learning of smoke rising above the cubicle I hope the Alumni group managed to process. door. recruit more ex-students and perhaps, on one visit, I will be able to coincide For the sake of the other students – Grabbing the bucket, he emptied its with students in my cohort. and the sanity of the teachers – it was contents over the top of the cubicle With best wishes, decided to lump these students into door. The three soaked boys burst out Maurice Robson one class in Year 10 and put in a angrily to be confronted by a grinning Chief, Education UNICEF Pakistan request for a “lion-tamer” who would Peter. E-mail: [email protected] teach a modified curriculum for all but

Page 13 IN MEMORIAM at Eastwood Public School, which was keeping the old 1934 Chrysler going VALE GREGORY followed by an appointment to Wagga against all odds, teaching his children Wagga Teacher’s College as Physical to be self-sufficient. CHARLES Education lecturer. Now with three WORTHINGTON small girls and a little boy, the family Greg loved to socialise, to dance - moved there in 1952. This balls at the Kyeamba Smith Hall - to appointment brought together and sing, to listen to music. In 1969, after further developed Greg's life long love the children had all left home, he of physical activity, human movement moved to a hobby farm lifestyle and in and teaching. retirement continued rural pursuits as well as helping with his wife's hobbies Many students from Wagga Wagga in potting and weaving– following his Teacher’s College during that period life pattern of working along with through into the 1960’s will remember others, supporting and enabling, but Mr Worthington as a teacher who never taking over from them. always encouraged even the most un- coordinated to attempt, and generally He enjoyed his 13 grandchildren and 9 succeed at, vaults, gymnastics and all great-grandchildren - a visit to the manner of sport and physical gyrations Wagga 'farm', a swim in the that they thought were quite beyond and the them. He ran and supported sports 'Christmas cricket tests' were much- teams, helped develop the college loved highlights for all of the family sports grounds (even ploughing up for generations. ovals on the old grey Massey Wagga Wagga Teachers College 1952 Ferguson tractor with son John Greg was a gentle and modest man - Riverina Murray institute of Higher perched up “doing the steering”). He who leaves a legacy for us all to share: Education 1976 farewelled students at the end of term a love of music, the bush, open spaces, at the railway station, and met those physical activity, teaching, children, Born Sydney 19 October 1913 returning at the start of the next. and simply - a love of living. Greg Died Wagga Wagga 24 June 2002 Worthington was a teacher, coach, Greg built sets for the Gilbert and mentor, colleague and mentor (often Greg was born in Sydney and grew up Sullivan productions, provided all or many of these) to many, many in Manly, the oldest of four boys and children for some of the bit parts, took people and will be greatly missed by one girl. As a child and young person, teams on visits, was part of the all. he roamed the bush, as Manly then Olympic torch relay organising was, the harbour and the beach. These committee in 1956. MARGARET MACPHERSON nature based activities became a (WILLIAMS 1954-55) continuing love of his life. He remained teaching physical education for many years while the Dear Mrs Smith: Greg was schooled at The Convent college grew and changed to become School in Manly and then won a state the Riverina College of Advanced Thank you for your card. Some details bursary to the Marist Brothers at Education and then the Riverina about my wife Margaret Darlinghurst after which he went on to Murray Institute of Higher Education, Sydney Teacher’s College. An early ending his professional career as the She was born in Sydney in January, love of Rugby union saw him play on student liaison officer for distance 1937, did the Leaving Certificate in the wing for the Manly first grade education students. He retired in 1976. 1953 and was at Wagga 1954-55. team. Your last Talkabout mentioned the Like many of his contemporaries, a statue at the college. In 1954 some He started his teaching career at the busy working life was not all. Greg students painted the statue or dressed Christian Brothers School in Manly, built houses for the family throughout it up. Anyway one chap was accused followed a few years later by a state his working life and 2 more in of it but in fact did not do it. He was appointment to a one-teacher school at retirement; continued his youthful sent down and all the students Mt Gillett, near . Greg love of Rugby Union as a weekend marched with him to the station on his married Kathleen Flint in January referee and was integrally occupied way home. For this disobedience there 1940 and they immediately moved to with the myriad of tasks involved in was no graduation ceremony. Canberra where he taught at Canberra bringing up a family - helping with She specialized in infants teaching and High School. homework, mending shoes, the iron was awarded something like best and the toaster, making soap, growing teacher of the year and gave a lesson They moved to Sydney in 1947. After vegies and fruit, gathering firewood, to the college. working for a time at his father in Billy Tea on Plum Pudding Hill, law’s factory Greg took a teaching job

Page 14 IN MEMORIAM She was posted for 6 months to spoke of it as a wonderful weekend The rest of us have no heart for it this “Barum” (I have not seen it spelt), the catching up with friends and renewing time, but will possibly get together next six months was in “Tokemwall” acquaintances. It was for him, a truly next year to remember her in a happier (again a phonetic spelling). Both these happy occasion. time. places are in southern NSW. Her N.S.W. Education Department District Joan mother became ill so she was posted Supervisor, Colin Walter, said Mr back to Sydney at Ryde Infants School Hughes had a great love for children. Fellow WWTC friends, in 1957. We were married in 1959 and she moved to Turramurra Primary for "He was committed to the schools in Following my email regarding the about six months. We had four which he worked. He was committed passing of Libby, some of you emailed children in Australia and moved to to providing a wide range of learning me via the e-group and wanted to Toronto Canada in 1967-1969. opportunities for children, including know a little about her life and Winnipeg for 1969-1971. We lived in creative and performing arts. He had a teaching career, so here is what I Bethlehem Pennsylvania from 1971- real and personal passion for know. 2002 except for three stays at Oxford performing arts. John made a valuable England 1977, 1984, and 1991. contribution to all the schools he She enjoyed using her teaching worked in". Her teaching career started at North experience to teach English to foreign Dubbo 1961. After completing her student’s wives. She did this for John is survived by his wife Helen, bond period, she then went to Papua several years. Of course she had other two daughters Karen and Alison, and New Guinea teaching with a interests such as garden club, faculty grandson Thomas, son-in-law Adam missionary group (Methodist, I think). wives associations etc and brother Douglas. I'm not sure of how much time she To them we convey our condolences. spent there, but I do know she loved it. She died 22 March, 2002 She returned to Australia, married VALE JOHN HUGHES Graham Pearce in NT....separated Sincerely later, but not divorced. They were always still "good mates" according to Alistair Macpherson Libby. LAUREL (LIBBY) She did several university courses & PEARSON (1959-60) (Professor A.K.Macpherson degrees, & taught right up to the time Institute for Biomedical Engineering of her debilitating illness at Yirara and Mathematical Biology College in Alice Springs, where her 19 Memorial Drive West funeral service was conducted. I think Packard Laboratory that Yirara is a boarding college for Bethlehem, PA 18015-3085) aboriginal students. Libby just loved her time, her work and all her connections there. It was a huge part of her life, which was evident in her JOHN HUGHES (1958-59) occasional newsletter, "Libby's Link."

Acquaintances of John Hughes will be In all the years I knew her, she was saddened at his recent passing. John (The following was sent as an e-mail always a kind and caring person and a retired early in 2000 and shortly after to the e-group by Joan Kirkham) wonderful friend, whom I feel found that he was suffering from a 28/6/2002 honoured to have known. brain tumour. John was a student at In 1961 we met in Sydney in school Wagga Wagga Teachers' College in Dear friends, holidays and went to see the new the 1958/59 Session. At College he Sadly, today is the funeral in Alice movie, "Spartacus." had a passion for drama and as well as Springs of another WWTC member, Naturally, at the end of said movie, we acting developed skills on the Laurel Pearson who passed away last had both dissolved into tears, technical side of stagecraft in lighting week after battling an aggressive whereupon I realised I had no hanky and set construction. This he carried cancer most of this year. or tissue. Libby tore her hanky in half on in his schools and communities. She was one of my great dorm pals and gave it to me. As I said, a true His teaching career began briefly at and a truly wonderful person/friend. friend! Horsley Park, then Rooty Hill, South Three years ago, seven of us from the Joan Kirkham (Robinson 1959-60) Bathurst, Bathurst Demonstration dorm had a mini reunion in Sydney.

School, Croppa Creek, Sunshine Bay, She was one of the magnificent seven. Warilla Primary, then finally to his We were planning another in only a greatest joy as founding Principal of fortnight, which she was really Broulee Public School. looking forward to, but unfortunately, John had attended the Forty Year it was not to be. Reunion of his session in 1999 and

Page 15 WWTC ALUMNI EGROUP

If you are connected to the Internet we invite you to join the wwtc-alumni E group. The group is one of the Yahoo Groups and can only be accessed by members. To join go to http://groups.yahoo.com/ and follow the instructions to get a Yahoo ID. OR Send an e-mail to Lindsay Budd at: [email protected] or to Charlie Ferris at: [email protected].

Our group is generally conducted like a typical, friendly staff room or common room. All members may submit new email on any subject of perceived common interest. General conversation of a day-to-day variety is also welcome. It is EXPECTED - NAY, MANDATORY that members feel it their right to butt into any conversation they can understand (or even those that perhaps they occasionally misunderstand ) and put in their ten cents' worth.

The interaction by email or telephone provides worthwhile opportunities to renew old friendships, to form new ones and to relate nostalgia ad nauseam. Indeed, some of the accounts of student and teaching experiences are of very high standard and some will be published with the assent of the authors.

Many members are clever with cameras and send in some astonishing current snapshots. Of course, the SCANNED (and submitted as attachments to email) snapshots from old college and teaching days collections are quite priceless and are highly prized by all members.

Our email is heading towards 5000 electronic communications and many members find it well worth the effort to surf through the entire growing collection in order to sift out the absolute gems of emails that have been received in considerable number in the general sea of jolly conversation.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send them as NEW messages addressed to our general email address, [email protected] or to the OWNER and Head Moderator, Lindsay Budd, address: [email protected]

WAGGA WAGGA TEACHERS COLLEGE 1952 - 53 SESSION GOLDEN JUBILEE REUNION

A GOLDEN JUBILEE REUNION has been organised COST: $120 per head – twin share. for interested members of the 1952-53 session at Wagga Includes accommodation for the Saturday night plus: Wagga Teachers College. The following details of the afternoon tea & dinner on the Saturday and breakfast, proposed reunion are provided for the information of those morning tea & lunch on the Sunday. A conducted tour of who may be interested in attending. Arthur Boyd’s studio and the Bundanoon Homestead (built DATE: Weekend of 29th & 30th March, 2003. in the 1860’s) is included in the program. VENUE: “Riverside” – Yvonne and Arthur Boyd PLEASE NOTE: On-site accommodation is limited to 40 Education Centre. persons and will be allocated in the order that acceptances (On the Shoalhaven River – west of Nowra) are received. (Additional overflow accommodation is ACCOMMODATION: Reminiscent of college days. available in the surrounding district). Two to a room. There is a significant difference, however, Thirty persons have so far indicated their intention to in that the venue was designed by Glenn Mercutt, Wendy attend the reunion. Lewin and Reg Lark and has been described as a Any other interested person should contact either: masterwork of late 20th C Australian architecture. Helene Hotchkis (phone/fax 02 9869 2448) or It won the 1999 award for best public building both in Robin McKinnon (phone 9878 1857) NSW and in Australia and the 2000 K.F. Brown Asia- for program details and/or bookings. Pacific Culture and Architecture Design Award.

Helene Hotchkis (for the reunion committee: Phyll, Robyn, Bev, Marion, Jim, Greg).

Page 16