Old Lawrentian News 2010/11

NEW SOUTH WALES OL REUNION
W
e
gathered at Finola’s
restaurant at Balmain
Bowling Club (grass
not ten pin). Finola is a
delightful Irish chef who has
built a deserved reputation for
the quality of her table.
The house specialty is the
beef and Guinness pie which,
judging by the orders, was the
day’s favourite selection! Drinks
were ordered from the bar in the
adjoining gaming room that
caters for poker, horses and
one armed bandits. The venue
proved a great success as we
had the place to ourselves.
We had a great turnout of OLs
and welcomed Iain Mars who
travelled down from Brisbane
for the day - a gesture much
appreciated by everyone. Iain
continues to play an important
role in the Australian meat
industry.
John and Valerie Barrow jetted
in from a sojourn in France to
join us and had much to recount
about their Gallic adventures.
Noel and Elizabeth Symonds,
who travelled from the Southern
Highlands, were in good form.
Ann Brockbank had recently
returned from a trip to Africa.
She stayed with OL Pro Jones
at the River Club - a fabulous
lodge he owns and runs on the
banks of the Zambeezi.
She also reported on her visit
to St Lawrence College that
included experiencing the
caffeine extravagances on
offer; a far cry from the tuck
shop we all remember!
Geoffrey Sexton provided us
with his annual summary of our
past reunions and reports that
he is again challenging the
fairways. Unfortunately, Margot
Sexton was unable to attend
this year but we look forward to
seeing her in 2011.
Belinda Piper was a popular
return having spent time in San
Diego over the past two years.
Belinda told us that she will
soon be married and the group
was pleased to wish her well.
John Denton travelled from the
mid-coast and we welcomed his
companion Cynthia Burgess.
Frank and Sherrie Armstrong
provided their usual enthusiasm
and good cheer and following
an absence, it was good to see
Tony Gilbert with us again.
Paul and Margot Priday keep
on keeping on but the stars of
the show were undoubtedly the
Dixon family. It was great to
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
• From left to right, standing: Lesley Reynolds, Noel and Elizabeth Symonds,
John Denton,Anthony Bowesman, Geoff Sexton, Simon Dixon,Ann Brockbank,
Paul and Margot Priday, Tony Gilbert, Sherrie Armstrong, John Barrow, Gail
Dixon, Iain Mars. Sitting:Val Barrow, Frank Armstrong, Connie Dixon, Belinda
Piper, Paul Dixon, Cynthia Burgess.
have Paul and Connie with us.
They were joined by Paul’s son
Simon, his companion Gail and
Connie’s daughter, Lesley
Burgess.
We introduced an aboriginal
custom to proceedings in 2010.
If a person seeks to address
the throng, they need to wear a
particular symbol of authority to
be recognised. In our case it
was a Junior School cricket
colours cap that can be seen
being worn by Paul Dixon in the
group photograph.
Perched ridiculously on the
head of the authorised speaker
it seemed to work. All those
years of school authority and
discipline appear to have had a
lasting effect.
When matters got a bit ragged,
Paul Dixon, donned the cap and
brought us back into line.
In conclusion, our reunion was
a success. Friendships and
acquaintances were renewed
and a good time was had by all.
• Anybody and everybody is
welcome at our 2011 reunion,
which will be held in October or
November. Information can be
obtained from Ann Brockbank
at annbrockbank@gmail.com
closer to the event.
Ann Brockbank
18
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