RAAF 7th INTAKE 1953
TOTTENHAM/FROGNALL
Runion No.2
Adelaide - 8 & 10 June 1991
The following was received from Brian Mewett of the Organising Committee for the S.A. reunion.
TO ALL RAAF NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINEES FROM THE 7TH INTAKE
If you are mystified on receipt of this letter may I explain. Recently a suggestion was put forward by a South Australian that a newsletter be printed and circulated to all.
I agree with the concept and, as I have been 'told' that I will be involved with the organisation of the next reunion, I feel an inaugural attempt should originate from SA.
At present facilities are not available to print a newsletter so this 'keep in touch' informal letter will suffice in the interim.
It is now some weeks since 32 of us, all former RAAF National Service Trainees, had our special flight down memory lane when we gathered in Mildura for the first reunion.
Some of us accepted the reunion invtation out of curiosity and left our homes for Mildura with a feeling of apprehension. Such was the weekend's success that we returned to our homes satisfied and confident about future gatherings.
It was great that so many of the intake made the trip but disappointingly some were unable to attend. For your information the 1991 reunion, hopefully will be held in South Australia's Barossa Valley and, thanks in part to your donations, we have $140 in the kitty towards funding.
Reunion Reflections:
The guessing game at the Air Training Corps Headquarters as each arrival was discussed by the others with the inevitable question "Who's that?" - the only exception was Dennis M.
John L's sterling effort arranging us in three ranks for the roll call, real military precision and after 36 years too, except for the person who performed the right dress looking left.
First real contact with our old mates, humorous but rewarding.
Formal evening was excellent until the Victorian who managed to appropriate the microphone for some reason or other dropped the remark "even though they are South Australians". His chair was removed to where he belonged, in the corner, by a quick-thinking South Aussie. Don't worry T.F. we still like you.
Who was the schedule maker that did not stick to his schedule? Understandable to extend microphone time when the video camera hasn't yet reached you.
I hope the video turns out better than the stills taken by C.B. There is only one way to get darker prints - leave the lens cap on.
Great job by John L to act as MC at such short notice. Originally Jim L was to have the honour but a motor vehicle accident intervened. Have been assured he will participate in 1991. I hope it's not tempting fate too far to have both him and T.J. together.
I know that we have previously given thanks to the ladies but, once again, I feel we must compliment them for their participation, rapport and support during the weekend.
At the formal dinner a toast was proposed to them and apparently endorsed by R.D. who sprang to his feet shouting "to the ladies" while waving a full galss, (nice evasive action by his wife). Competent reply to the toast by one of the wives, with even a mention of the 'fence girls'. T.J., who can speak with authority about them, tried to explain to a group of us recently the correct story - his version?!!
Good move to visit the Wentworth Club but bad move not to wear name tags. Very embarrassing when one joins a familiar group only to realise you haven't a clue what they are talking about.......Oops, wrong group.
By the way, anyone see the golden oldies in the snappy sports car speeding toward the Club. It seems R.D. was intent on losing his money.
What about the debonair croweater, while playing one of those one-armed bandits, had a win and on seeing the coins cascading out got so excited and appeared to exclaim "How do you stop them"!!
Lonely time waiting for the ladies to get their fill of the machines. Just ask D.S. and L.P., they were seen wandering aimlessly with that lost look.
Airforce Association Update:
Contratulations to the Victorian who had the good sense to join the South Australian branch.
Before concluding I am sure K.M. will be pleased to know that only one fault arose from 'his reunion', Jim L had the identical fault with his barbecue - we had to wait 36 years for the initial invitation.
A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
(Signed) B. Mewett
10.12.89
*****
Edited & Updated by Kevin Bunce 4-7-2002
Reunion No.2 Cont'd
Adelaide - 8 & 10 June 1991
The next communicatioon from Brian indicated the second reunion was to be held at the Barossa Valley, S.A. on the Queen's Birthday weekend, 8th - 10th June 1991.
The proposed venue - The Weintal Motel/Hotel, Tanunda.
The Organising Committee compristed -
Co-ordinator Brian Mewett
Secretary Jim Lewis
Treasurer Rex Daly
Group Leader Tom Jarred
Liaison personnel - Lindsay Porter, Angaston & Dean Standish, Nuriootpa.
*****
On the 9th September 1990, Brian wrote again advising that due to circumstances beyond their control, the venue as previously advised was no longer available. The new venue would be The Holidaymakers Motor Inn, Glen Osmond Rd., Glen Osmond.
At this time the following had forwarded advance payments -
Adam C - SA
Brook C - SA
Bunce K - Vic
Daly R - SA
Farrell T - Vic
Green I - NSW
Hinds D - TAS
Humphries R - TAS
Jarred T - SA
Lee I - Vic
Lewis J - SA
McCann - Vic
McConchie S - Vic
McGeary N - Vic
Meyer N - Vic
Newton P - NSW
Standish D - SA
Thompson K - Vic
Weber B - SA
Regrettably another of our members succumbed to the inevitable and we mourned the passing of Stuart McConchie. R.I.P. before the reunion.
*****
Saturday 8th June 1991.
As normal we assembled in the afternoon to conclude dinner formalities and receive name tags etc. At 6.15pm we again assembled to the viewing of memorabilia and pre-dinner drinks with the usual telling of tales.
7.00pm dinner in the upstairs main dining room.
Sunday 9th June 1991 saw us take up various activities best known to those who participated.
List of Attendees in Adelaide
Clem & Mary Adam
Charles & Dorothy Allen
Colin & Peta Brook
Kevin & Barbara Bunce
Rex & Audrey Daly
Terry & Marjorie Farrell
Len & Barbara Glare
Ian & Monica Green
Ron and Heather Hearn
Des & Betty Hinds
Robert & Claire Humphries
Tom & Sally Jarred
Ivan & Margaret Lee
Jim & Heather Lewis
Colin & Jean Mackenzie
Dennis & Rosemary Mattner
Les & Heather McCann
Norm & Jean McGeary
Brian & Josephine Mewett
Lindsay & Merilyn Millar
Lindsay & Helen Porter
Brian Rodriquenz
David & Eunice Spencer
Dean & Joy Standish
Keith & Heather Thompson
*****
It might be remembered that Noel Meyer was included as an attendee but due to the illness of Shirley Meyer he was unable to attend. Flowers were sent to Shirley during her period of illness. Unfortunately Shirley passed away shortly after. R.I.P.
*****
Edited & Updated by Kevin Bunce - 4.7.2002
