RAAF 7TH INTAKE 1953
Tottenham/Frognall
Reunion No.13 - Canberra
5th/6th April 2008
We return to Olims Hotel on Ainslie Avenue, Canberra for this reunion where we celebrated our 2001 reunion. Again admirably organised by Len and Barbara Glare.
Golf was arranged for those arriving on Friday at Magpies Golf Club and as related later in the day, many and varied were the experiences of those that attempted to play the game as it should be played.
Friday evening saw the early arrivals attend the Ainslie Football Club for dinner.
Saturday morning was free time and as usual shopping was on the programme or take in some of the sights of Canberra. A Monet exhibition was taken in by some.
The Grosvenor Room at Olims was the meeting place for our formal proceedings to be announced and the venue for our next reunion. Following some discussion and a vote, it was resolved that Geelong would be the venue for 2009, Mildura and Barossa being passed over. Geelong will be supervised by the area reps in Norm McGeary, Ivan Lee and Les McCann, with oversight from Jean McGeary as worthy secretary. Afternoon tea was provided with excellent sandwiches prepared by Barbara Glare.
At 7.30pm on Saturday our Reunion Dinner was taken in the Grosvenor room. Medals were worn and a toast to the Queen was proposed by Len Glare. Special guest for the dinner was Kevin & Barbara's granddaughter, Lindsey Ritchie who added a bit of glamour to the evening.
Of course, and as usual there was much repartee from speakers on the night. None less than from Ron Hearn with 'truth is stranger than fiction' tale of events during time at Tottenham and Frognall.
Norm McGeary presented to the gathering a Perpetual Trophy to record the successes of the golfers. (See Pics) The inaugural winners in 2007 were Col MacKenzie (Scratch) and Len Glare (Handicap). The winners this year were Ron Hearn (Scratch) and Len Glare (Handicap). Les McCann presented the Environmental Trophy to Des Hinds. The Bradman trophy was won by Les McCann. These trophies were the work of Norm using local timbers and were of excellent quality.
Col MacKenzie toasted the ladies and the response was given by Jean MacKenzie.
On Sunday we visited the Australian War Memorial with a Guide, Len Hume, and ex-telegraphist from the Melbourne CTO.
ATTENDEES
1. Kevin & Barbara Bunce (plus Granddaughter Lindsey Ritchie for the dinner)
2. Norm & Jean McGeary
3.Ivan & Margaret Lee
4. Don & Dorothy McLennan
5. Kevin & Claire Weir
6. Des & Betty Hinds
7. John & Margaret Trollop
8. Ron & Heather Hearn
9. Lindsay & Helen Porter
10.Colin & Jean MacKenzie
11.Les & Heather McCann
12.Len & Barbara Glare
Apologies
Noel & Eileen Herbert
Tom Jarred
Dudley Bellchambers
Keith & Heather Thompson
Vernon McDonald
John Ellis
David & Eunice Spencer
Rex Daly
Ian & Monica Green
Alan Mouzon
Neil Tolliday
Brian Weber
Bruce & Annie Stevens
Peter & Margaret Newton
Dean & Joy Standish
Brian & Jo Mewett
Harold & Ann Inglis
John Ball
Colin Bock
Deceased
Graham Wiltshire
(E&OE) Kevin Bunce. April 2008
Addendum
It is with deep regret that I add here the passing of Barbara Glare.
Barbara was a welcome attendee at all our reunions with husband Len.
We remember her for her hospitality at her home in Canberra during this her final reunion. To Len we offer our sincerest sympathy.
Kevin Bunce: 15.5.08
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Reunion 2009
On Saturday 2nd May
Chifley Motel, Geelong.
