WWTC GRUB

Some astute and unastute comments about the tucker we had to consume whilst at WWTC during the early sixties!

These are astute comments indeed, from Di.
Also, I note Di's references to some gastronomic delights we all shared in the mess: Train Smash and the politically challenged Arab's Armpit. I have wracked my Alzheimic brain for other metaphors and can only remember the egg "dish" we called Gangrene and the custard we called Perkin's Paste. Any more for the record?

Oh, the memories of those delicacies! I had forgotten about Perkin’s Paste, and I loved it! So, you called the egg dish Gangrene. Was that the one also known as Yellow Death? I can vouch for my roomie, Dale, consistently claiming ownership of the skin on the custard, affectionately called ‘the flywalk’.

I clearly recall the first meal we ate with the incoming first years (I believe it was the notorious Arab’s Armpit), when we second years, led by Ken Porter, calmly passed the rectangular aluminium serving dish from one end of the table to the other, untouched, informing the first years, including poor Jimmy Pile from Finley, and his mate Graeme Henry from Tocumwal, that we never ate that particular dish because it could kill you. The looks of dismay on their faces at the waste of this apparently good food were priceless. In the days to come, those country boys, with their healthy appetites, proved they had caste iron stomachs, as they consumed everything that was dished up with gusto, much to the disgust of us more discerning diners.

I also remember, carrying home on the college train, at the Easter Break in first year, a carefully wrapped chop, which was like no chop I had seen before, (huge, grotesque, encased in congealed fat and surely from some strange beast) to prove to my parents that we were being ill-treated and malnourished and they should contact the college forthwith and complain. They were unimpressed and assured me that I’d had it too good at home (with dainty loin and chump chops from the local butcher) and that I’d, no doubt, survive! There was no way they wanted me back so soon. Life was more peaceful since I’d left.

A lighter moment was after Sunday lunch when we were often treated with cubes of jelly for dessert. These we would take with us from the dining room and bounce around on the asphalt outside. We were easily amused in those days. My children give me disbelieving looks when I talk about entertainment, WWTC style.


PS Can you believe we actually had to walk to the lecturers’ table and apologize if we were late for a meal? Dale and I did it frequently and I can still remember the disapproving look on Fanny Bridges’ face, with her chin tucked into her shoulder, when one of her Kambu girls disgraced her in this way. It was the strangest experience, when, years later, she supervised a student on my class at Dee Why. My stomach still turned over when I saw her coming.

I do remember the jelly. Our table always checked it against the light in case one of the waitresses (especially the nasty one who was a barmaid in a down town pub and who openly showed her dislike of all females attending wwtc) had 'accidentally' put her left and right thumb prints on the surface as the tray was carried to the table. These 'accidents' happened every Sunday lunch! The 'smile', or one could almost call it a sneer, appeared just as she lowered the rubbery mess onto the table and waited for us to react to the disgusting smudges before us! Yechhhhhh!
I still check smooth food surfaces, just in case ...........

Yeah... and I remember those chops too! But you omitted to mention that there was a tinge a greeness about them. Just a tinge! I never knew till years later that Arab's Armpit was actually a meatloaf! Did you know that?

I can recall saying "Thank you but no thanks" (politely) when offered some Arab's once. The waitress was standing there, dumbfounded. People just didn't turn down food in those days.

I remember I used to grab a desert dish and a spoon and cut up bread and have bread and milk for desert when pudding wasn't on the menu.

Did you know that on one occasion Ken P (name will be withheld for obvious reasons), asked someone on his table to "hit me with the vegemite" (or jam or honey???) One of his table buddies (would have to be a girl) threw the requested item from the other end... successully. Wonder if HE can recall that?

Why don't you ask about students preparing food in the dormitories? Like cooking sausages on the electric bar heater, tilted so the pan would balance on the electrical appliance! Think that was where one of our colleagues decided to introduce OH&S after that.

Also recall Elphick walking out blatantly from the dining hall with a huge jug of milk because my brother Bill was staying (illegally) in the dorm and would have appreciated some tucker from the dining room.

During the revolt when students marched to the bridge in Wagga, some clever dick put up a sign on the dining room... EVEN THE FOOD IS REVOLTING!

Yes Di, I have been sitting with Dale when she has excitedly called out. "Scummies!" as the custard with its anti-mine covering arrived.

Does anyone remember when I arrived with a few other blokes late for brekky.... in PYJAMAS! Bet you can't remember that! I'll tell you the sequence to that if you'd like to hear it.

Any photos available?...... Doug???

MORE CUDMIRRAH REUNION

Van,Lucy and Doug at Berrara.

Walkers and 2 Gra's who missed the boat at Sussex Inet.

Walkers, Lynn, Van, Sue and Gerd at the house in Berrara.

Bocce was a big hit.

Bocce (cont)

Dino Forsythe and Doug Walker

Here are some more photos taken at the Ides of March gathering. Thanks Marion. The last photo of Dino and Dougie was taken at an earlier function. Fay and I caught up with Dino at Wallsend Bowling club (Newcasle) for a meal. He lives at Marks Point which is a beautiful spot just out of Newcastle (near Belmont).

REUNION - ACTION REPORT

Lucy and Doug Walker in nautical uniform!

Lynn Ludwig and Barry "Stumpy" Robertson

The performers ... once again!!

Graeme O'Brien explains a few things.

Lynn L listening to Marion Giddy explain a few things.

Bernie Fitzpatrick (64-65) was our BBQ man.

Barbecuing Lucy

Bargain buying at the op shop Doug

Beachwalking Graeme

Bocceing Suzi

Bushwalking Marion

Cooking Sue

Cycling & Tandemming Gerd

Dancing Barry

Drinking & Eating Beth

Entertaining Lynn

House boating Van

Kayaking Grahame

Lounging & Napping Fay

Nibbling Janice

Sunbaking Bernie

Surfing & Wading Elaine

Have I left anything or anybody out? Sorry about the format... they were meant to be in 2 columns!!

Sixteen of us had a ball at Cudmirrah/Berrara. There were a few apologies, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those who did make it. Aren’t we lucky with the people who have joined our group who NEVER even went to WWTC?

Trivia: Did you know that Lynn Ludwig, Marion G and Graeme O’B were in primary school TOGETHER!

As the second oldest at the gathering – only by a fortnight – I had the enviable job of making decisions on things like who will get to go on the houseboat and who will have to stay and go cycling. Tough decisions for tough times! I cycled!

Many thanks to the blokes and ladies who had a hand in the tucker scene. There were salads, desserts, exotic drinks, slices, not to mention the barbecue cooks and of course the cleaner uppers! All up a great team effort. Even GO’B who was prepared to sacrifice himself and swim valiantly through crocodile infested swampland to rescue Beth’s helpless Mexican hat. Where was Captain Barry during all this? Swilling cold VBs aboard the Houseboat like any fearless leader.

Thanks folks for coming and making Cudmirrah/Berrara 08 a very special event. Thanks God for some great weather (although house boat captain Neil claimed some authority there). Thanks Barry for your local knowledge and assistance. Thanks Nicole for Berrara Cottage. I know if there was to be a follow-up it wouldn’t be hard to get about 16 starters!

And the champion bocce team was................

CUDMIRRAH / BERRARA

22 Kirpson Street BERRARA

We will enjoy some beachwalking.

...even at low tide.

While Keasts' mansion - Retreat is not far away!

Our gathering approaches - Friday 7 March for most starters.

Barry & Beth Robertson, Van Davy, Graeme & Suzi O'Brien, Bernie & Janice Fitzpatrick, Lynn Ludwig, Doug & Lucy Walker, Grahame & Fay Keast.

We will be joined by Marion Giddy and Sue & Gerd King on Saturday 8 March. Elaine Saunders might join us for the day.

Eating arrangements:
# bring your own brekky - people in vans usually have this anyway
# Friday night - barbie at 22 Kirpson St Berrara (you'll be able to buy some meat at Sussex if you haven't got any in your van) - that's the house pictured above
# Sat lunch - blokes will probably make team sandwiches to order at 22 Kirpson St
# Sat night dinner - at Bowling Club where Robbo is a Director - complete with courtesy bus
# Sun lunch - like Sat lunch (unless we come up with a better offer)
Sun dinner - RSL Club in Sussex - courtesy bus.
Don't forget to bring your swimmers/togs/bathers, sunscreen and towels.

Those staying at the house will also need to bring sheets, towels, pillowslips.

It'd be great if you could let Grahame know your estimated time of arrival.

GATHERING at CUDMIRRAH-BERRARA

This is our Retreat! It's situated at Surfside Caravan Park at Cudmirrah. It's a very comfortable spot 5 km south of Sussex Inlet. This is where we catch up with Jim & Jan Smart, Gra & Dale Roberts and Barry & Beth Robertson each summer.

We're really looking forward to the WWTC gang heading this way on 7-9 March. There'll be about 21 of us there to foster a fair bit of collambience.

I'll be in touch with all people who've let me know they're coming to Cudmirrah-Berrara over the next week or so. That includes: Marion Giddy, Rob & Julianne Hughes, Merv & Helen Smith, Doug & Lucy Walker, Lynn Ludwig, Van Davy, Barry & Beth Robertson, Bob & Colleen Cureton, Graeme & Suzi O'Brien, Bernie & Janice Fitzpatrick, Keasts and Gerd & Sue King.

Received a card from Jock and Gail.... I think they're in Europe as we speak. They have a daughter working in England.

Found another great spot yesterday for a future gathering. The old rectory at Kangaroo Valley. The old stone cottage has FIVE bedrooms! Can cater for about 20. Anyone interested in, say 3 days midweek one of these days?

UPDATE ON WWTC FOLK

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN 2008.

Here's some info on a few folks from our gang:

KING Sue and Gerd
"Grahame, I blog on every morning to check for news etc. Love to read new stuff. Please keep up the good work!!!!!!!I have had rather a busy year and have met up with Marion on more than a few occasions! We managed a weekend at the Sapphire Coast and went to the races there, went to Lightning Ridge in July together to help choose the 2007 Opal Queen, spent a glorious 4 days in October in Hobart at a conference together and will be meeting up again on NYE here in Canberra for a 'Bubbly, Bocce and Barbecue' party. I think we are trying to catch up on the 33 years we missed out on, not knowing where the other lived! Gerd joins in with us when he can and loves the fun we have.Our Christmas was really wonderful this year as Gerd and I are now Oma and Opa to granchild Heidi. Couldn't be happier.See you at the coast in March. Looking forward to catching up in person again love Sue" (Upton) King

ROBERTS Graham and Dale – Still married! Next year will be 40 years for them. Dale works for the gov’t and Gra works for a publishing company. Dale gets into the craft (knitting and needlepoint) while Gra is enjoying golf. He still gets to his race meetings. They have 2 daughters in England and 1 in Sydney. They’re planning a trip to NZ for a couple of weeks in Jan with Barry (62-63) & Beth Robertson and Joy (Barr) & Len Sheargold. Joy was 62-63. G & D Roberts are heading to Europe 19 April and return end of May.

SMARTS Jim and Jan – they have 3 daughters – 1 down Sth Cost, 1 at Airlie Beach and 1 about to head for Singapore. They have 4 grandkids including twins! J & J Smart are off on a cruise which will take in most of South America, then the West Indies/Cuba and finish in England. Over 3 months!!!

POLLARD Nev – last seen driving a taxi up near Ballina.

PORTER Ken – lives in Ballina and swims regularly. He’s currently wandering round ACT and South Coast catching up with a few people. I actually caught a few waves with him at Cudmirrah last week.

SAY Gerard – After four months out of action following my six cardiac bypasses and my collapsed lungs after the breathing could not keep up with the new turbo heart, I'm gradually returning to something like normal. I was looking forward to joining you on the South Coast in March.

However, I have discovered that our District Rotary Conference in Bathurst [March 6 ->9] clashes with the WWTC 63-64 south coast get-together. As I'm the next President of the Chatswood Club, I'm fully committed to Bathurst and will have to miss out on Cudmirrah.

Please keep me informed of your next venture.

Have a marvellous Christmas

O’BRIEN Graeme and Susanna – “Madhouse here with preparing for 24 people for Christmas lunch and finishing the painting of the outside of the house.” And that’s as well as preparing for their niece’s wedding 3 days before Christmas!

LUCAS Bruce and Laraine (Cookie) - Cookie is President of the Independent Schools Heads of Junior School for NSW. Enough said! Even though Bruce retired in Dec 04, he is currently doing management consultancy 3 dpw which he feels is fairly non-threatening. He organised the Woolooware High School European Band tour - 21 days through Austria, Germany, Switzerland with a touring party of 95. So they are busy but enjoying life and are proud of their kids and 5.8 grandkids.

GIDDY Marion - As I am too slack to send out Christmas cards this year, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Joyous Christmas, filled with Good Things!!!I wish you the happiest of New Years, with the hope that we all get together again soon for some serious partying.

WRIGHT Graham & Janet - Stiff luck about all that rain.... the damn roses are growing like weeds, so the president of the NSW (or Aust?) Rose Society is gonna be super busy!!! Good onya Graham.

BERRARA / CUDMIRRAH - 21 starters at this stage. Roberts may not make it but Walkers a late entry. We'll have a ball.

Not too sure whether anyone has a look at this blog. If not, I'll save myself the effort. If you want it to keep going, add a comment below. OK? Take care out there, and try not to travel on the roads (unnecessarily.)

Grahame

FROM ADELAIDE

Di (Edwards) Groenewegen lives in Adelaide. She lives with her Mum, June Edwards. Her three boys live in Adelaide also. Early next year Fay and I hope to visit with Di over there as we head to WA.

It's nearly 40 years ago that Di was our bridesmaid! Fancy that! Fay chose a girl I had whizzed in 1963 as our bridesmaid. Fay made sure Di was dressed in red or pink (can't even remember the colour now.) Doesn't time fly?

Jan and Jim Smart celebrate 40 years of marriage on 23 December. Give Jan a ring on 0432 627 121 - congratulate the pair of them. We are currently holidaying with them, and also Di's ex roommate..... Dale! Yes, and her husband Graham Roberts.

2nd photo is of Jan and Jim, their 3 daughters and 2 of their 4 grandkids. Smarts live in Nowra.

Merry Christmas to you all.