MARG CROFTS VISITS

Marg [Stuckey] Crofts called in today. It was great to spend some time with Marg and her husband Steve Allchurch. And I never knew she was a lefty!!

Marg went through WWTC 1961-62. I was just a little first year when she was a seasoned second year student. We have kept a loose connection over the years. Of course she was a Kambu girl wasn't she? Like Barb, Di, Julie, Sandy and even Fay. Did I miss anyone out?  Let me know. Email me at keasty446@gmail.com

GG

We chatted about travel plans, trips we'd made, courses attended recently etc.  They were travelling in a 4WD with a decent camper trailer in tow. Hope they enjoyed their days at Lake Conjola after leaving the Sussex area.

TRIPPING ABOUT

 Bernie and Janice (see previous blog) are gonna be busy this year. Not only are they hosting the ILLAWARRA GATHERING, but they're also heading to Europe to check things out over there. Obviously not at the same time.

 Fay and I caught up with Jan SMART in Bomaderry the other day. I just did a quick check to see if everything was OK. Checked the fridge for beer, the garage and also the piano stool (ask her about that one!) She's going well. Hoping to sell the home (architect designed) and move to Berry pretty soon.

At the Gerroa Fishos Club, an important meeting took place - Annette & Barry LAWRENCE (Nowra), Bernie & Janice FITZPATRICK (Figtree) and Fay and I gathered to do a bit of planning for our coming EUR trip. So far so good! Janice's job is to scam all the BNB and HOTELS and get the best possible deals. She's doin' OK so far. We may take on tour planning eh Janice? Beats gardening, lawn mowing and renovating houses!
Oh, if you have suggestions re Italy and Germany, please send them in - keasty446@gmail.com. Even Greece (if it's still there), the Netherlands and Mexico.
NN
Any other folk have some trip reporting?
PS You'll note I'm not wearing my hat that has been lost!!!! Keep an eye out for the black hat please.

THE FIGTREE GANG

Bernie and Janice are organising the gathering this year. And it's gonna be in the Illawarra. Here's some info...
ccc

As promised, we are now sending out important details of accommodation available for those who intend coming to our Illawarra gathering on the weekend 13/14 April 2012. Arrival at accommodation venues from 2:00pm Friday. Informal meal Friday night at 33 Langson Avenue Figtree, Saturday bus tour of Illawarra highlights, Saturday evening restaurant dinner, Sunday still in the pipeline. We are looking forward to a weekend of fun and conviviality, still being planned

As you are aware, it will be right in the middle of the Easter school holidays, so accommodation is already at a premium.

We have located two accommodation venues in Fairy Meadow, just 10 minutes north of central Wollongong. The two venues are diagonally opposite each other, in Pioneer Road Fairy Meadow. But you will have to book straight away, because both venues are nearly booked out.

For those with own caravans: 

• Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, 201 Pioneer Road Fairy Meadow (incl free use of 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool).
• Phone 02 4283 6999
• www.wslr.com.au
• Powered sites $35 per night - cost includes 2 people

For those wanting cabin or motel accommodation:

Either Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, 201 Pioneer Road Fairy Meadow (same place as for vans, above)

• Phone 02 4283 6999
• www.wslr.com.au
• Only 2 cabins left at this resort, both 2-bedroomers, each accommodating up to 5 adults (all linen provided)
• $225 for the Friday night; $245 for the Saturday night;  minimum of 2-night bookings only - cost covers 5 people.

Or Towradgi Beach Hotel, 170 Pioneer Road Fairy Meadow (motel units are in separate building from the hotel)

• Phone 02 4283 3340
• www.towradgibeachhotel.com.au
• 3 x double rooms available at $125 each room per night

Well, that gives you some info on the April Action. Thanks B&J. Should be a great gathering... as per usual. I know there are a number of people who are committed already. (Sorry about the c word. Bad choice.)

SATURDAY BREKKY

Fay [Bailey] Keast - brilliant academic record at WWTC 1963-64. Also a keen sportsperson.
Barry Robertson   - brilliant sporting record at WWTC 1962-63. Also ... academic enough to graduate in just two years! Both attended Goulburn High School. Both are enjoying living in the Sussex Inlet area.

Here's the Cudmirrah shop. 7 km from Sussex Inlet. Great spot for brekky... or really anytime. Let's know if you wanna join us for brekky.... anytime.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

OK guys.... who can you recognise? Reckon G O'Brien has to be there. Maybe Jimmy Pyle? Sorry photo isn't better. Maybe Merv Smith might be there and maybe even Jimmy Smart. Let me know who you recognise.

 This one's not in doubt - John Kember (rolling one) with Rob Hughes. Guess we're off to dem lessons.

Top photo has got me a bit baffled. Graduation 1964? 63? 65? Maybe the background is a clue.
Bottom one I think is Neil Chapman. Whatever happened to him?
ddd
If you can help with some of these... please add where it says comments, otherwise if that's too tricky, send me an email... keasty446@gmail.com   Good onya!

TRIP PLANNING

Grahame & Fay KEAST and Barry & Annette LAWRENCE are planning a trip in 2012.
Barry graduated from Wagga Wagga Teachers College in 1963 and Fay and Grahame graduated a year later. Fay and Annette were both school librarians.
ggg
So, where are they gonna go? Well, Annette has links to Italy! Got any suggestions of places we should visit over there? We'll keep you posted as to what's happening next.

FANNY DEPARTS

[Message from Doug Walker]

We learnt last week that Fanny Bridges had passed away recently.
She apparently lived in Manly Vale ( Di Edwards' old stomping ground) and was 83.
She passed away on the 21/10/11.
I don't seem to have any other WWTC people's addresses, other than those present.

ddddd

Thanks Doug. 
Anybody got any "Fanny" stories they wanna share? Elwin Lucas has a good one I can remember. Think Bernie and/or Janice have 1 or more too. Obviously I've got a couple... but they are too long to tell here!!! Maybe somebody has a photo we can put here????