Volume 11 No 3 November 2008 THE NEXT STEP A special meeting on Friday, 19th September between the Management Committee of Wagga Wagga Teachers College Alumni and representatives of Charles Sturt University was held to discuss the “Proposed Accommodation Scheme” for students of the Wagga Wagga Campus who will be training as future teachers. The representatives from C.S.U. included Professor David Green, Head of Wagga Wagga Campus of C.S.U., M/s Jan Hudson of the C.S.U. Foundation and M/s Michelle Fawkes of C.S.U. Alumni Office. The Wagga Wagga Teachers Alumni Association had prepared a series of questions which we felt needed to be addressed before we could make a decision to commit to this scheme. Underlying the logistical concerns was the motivating force that has driven our alumni since its inception. That being the recognition of the Wagga Wagga Teachers College as the foundation for the existing Charles Sturt University and the acknowledgement that the future of the W.W.T.C. would not be relegated as a mere historical fact in the future. If the proposal for this accommodation scheme is to proceed then the part played by the W.W.T.C. Alumni would be recognised and so further entrench in the minds of the future teachers graduating from the Wagga Wagga Campus that they are treading where we have trod, hopefully with the same pride and commitment that we engendered. The representatives from C.S.U. were forthcoming in all our discussions and our Management Committee was reassured by their responses that this was a scheme worthy of our support. A final decision will be made once we have received written confirmation from C.S.U. of our tentative agreement and this will be published in Talkabout. Among some of the main points for discussion and agreement were these :- 1. that the proposal emanating from the W.W.T.A.A. had the approval of the C.S.U. governing body. 2. that future funds raised will be sealed, as are our Scholarship Funds, for the specific purpose nominated. 3. that the C.S.U. would undertake the collection of donations from the ranks of approximately 13,000 students who graduated from W.W.T.C., Riverina C.A.E., Riverina-Murray I.H.E. or C.S.U. Campus. 4. contacting the above graduates would be the responsibility of the C.S.U. through the Wagga Wagga staff. 5. collection and management of funds will be organised by the C.S.U. Foundation. 6. “Talkabout” will continue to function with additional communication techniques to be employed for graduates of more current years. The reps from C.S.U. were warm in their praise of the contribution and evolvement of the W.W.T.C. Alumni and commented on the uniqueness of this Alumni and of its stature in the annals of the C.S.U.. I am confident that the scheme, once published in full, will meet with your approval and support. BOB COLLARD, President W.W.T.A.A. WWTC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Miss Alicia McNab, Miss Amy Worsfold and Miss Sheree Chadderton Winners of the 2008 Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association Scholarships with Associate Professor Ros Brennan Kemmis Head, School of Education 21 May 2008 CONTACTS President: Bob Collard MBE: 2 Louise Close, Ourimbah 2258 Phone 02 43622764 Secretary: Dorothy Tanner: 282 Doncaster Ave, Kingsford 2032 Ph 02 96633204 E-mail: [email protected] Retired Research and Records Officer Research and Records Officer (Retired): Ann Smith has moved to a Retirement Ann Smith: F6 23-27 Speers Road North Rocks 2151 Village for health reasons but would like Phone 02 96350449 E-mail: [email protected] everyone to know that she is still Treasurer: Lindsay Budd: 4 Flemington Close, Casula 2170 interested to hear from people. Phone 02 96013003 E-mail: [email protected] Note that her email address has changed Talkabout Editors: to [email protected] Lindsay Budd: 4 Flemington Close, Casula 2170 Lew Morrell: 25 Grandview Drive, Newport 2106 Changes of address, however, should Phone 02 99971506 E-mail: [email protected] now be sent directly to Michelle Fawkes at the Alumni Office. Alumni Office: Michelle Fawkes: The Alumni Office, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst 2795. Phone 02 63384629. E-mail: [email protected] SAVED BY THE BADGE “Well Sergeant, these men were THE HUMOR OF urinating in your garden.” In the early fifties it was decided STEVE WRIGHT that a reunion ball for our Wagga “Well you had better take their Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni be names and details and escort them • Tell a man that there are 400 held at the Strathfield Town Hall down to the station.” billion stars and he’ll believe you. during the Christmas vacation. Many At that stage the enormity of the Tell him a bench has wet paint and of our ex-students from all over the crime and its disclosure to the public he has to touch it. state gathered for the fray. was frightening. As we turned to go • I went to a bookstore and asked In those days the country custom the resident Sergeant noticed the the saleswoman, “Where’s the self- was for the men folk to ensure that badge on John S’s coat. “That’s a help section?” She said if she told some liquid refreshment was made Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College me, it would defeat the purpose. available and usually a suitable hide badge isn’t it? Are you fellows at the was arranged not far from the dance ball? Do you know so and so?” • I spilled Spot Remover on my dog... Now he’s gone. hall. Alcoholic beverages were not John S answered yes to both these allowed on Town Hall premises questions. “She’s my niece! • On the other hand, you have unless a licence had been procured. Constable we’ll let these gentlemen different fingers. At our reunion ball a suitable hide off with a warning. Gentlemen if you • I bought a dog the other day... I was arranged and all went well. are caught short don’t come into my named him Stay. It’s fun to call After a few visits for refreshments, garden to relieve yourself!” him... “Come here, Stay! Come on the way back to the hall it was There were many sighs of relief and here, Stay!” He went insane. decided that some of our number a firm resolve by all that this would • Someone sent me a postcard needed a toilet relief. An open not occur again. picture of the earth. On the back it garden gate afforded such an said, “Wish you were here.” opportunity and several bodies Saved by our badge! quietly entered the darkened garden. The contributer prefers to remain • Half the people you know are below average. Suddenly a torchlight lit the scene anonymous. Ed. and a voice of authority broke the • There was a blackout at a silence “What do you think you are department store yesterday. doing ?” COMING EVENTS Twenty people were trapped on the We were somewhat dismayed to see escalators. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION a member of the N.S.W. Police • When I get real bored, I like to MEETINGS Force confronting us. One of our drive downtown and get a great number, slightly inebriated addressed The next quarterly meeting of the parking spot, then sit in my car and the uniformed officer: “Sergeant!” Alumni Association will be held count how many people ask me if “I’m not a sergeant, I’m First Class at 11 am on: I’m leaving. Constable so and so” was the stern Tuesday 11th November, 2008. • My mechanic told me, ‘I couldn’t reply. “But, Inspector,” continued repair your brakes, so I made your our would be comedian. “I am not an The meeting will be held at: horn louder.’ Inspector, I am First Class Constable NSW Teachers Federation so and so”. Conference Centre. • The early bird may get the worm, 37 Reservoir Street but the second mouse gets the At this stage we were muttering Surry Hills. cheese. “Shut up !” to our companion and All welcome. were beginning to imagine what the • When everything is coming your Sunday papers, particularly “The way, you’re in the wrong lane. Truth” would make of this — they WWTC ALUMNI LUNCHEONS • Why do psychics have to ask you would have a ball. The Alumni luncheon will be held for your name? As our humorist continued “But in the Icons Restaurant in the • Anywhere is walking distance, if Commissioner,” … lights from the Marriott Hotel Pitt Street Sydney you’ve got the time. house were switched on and a (near the Quay) on Tuesday 18th gentleman clad in a dressing gown November, 2008. • I intend to live forever. So far, so made an appearance. “What’s going good. For bookings contact Lindsay on Constable?” he enquired. Budd on 9601 3003 a week • I can still enjoy sex at 74 - I live before. at 75, so it’s no distance. REUNION PAGE ALUMNI COMMITTEE MEMBERS ENJOY A GOLF DAY Lindsay Budd, Malcolm Hanratty and Phil Bastick on the first tee at the Carnarvon Golf Club. They played in the Teachers Credit Union Golf Day on 2nd October , 2008. GOWN MYSTERY SOLVED The Mortar Board was also worn by me and made by me with expert assistance from Miss Ruby Riach who was the Sewing Lecturer. I was thrilled to get Ruby to stand with me for the sake of old times and in front of Mr Blakemore’s photo.