Pat Cullinan was recently in contact with MAJ Damien Freeman, the Curator of the Duntroon Museum in relation to the status of the current Museum refurbishment and the ‘how to’ for donation of memorabilia to the Museum. Damien was most helpful and provided him with the two attachments below.
For info, Damien’s phone contact is (02) 5131 2194.
The Canberra Classmates (plus a couple of blow-ins) met for a very pleasant and social lunch at the Statesman Hotel in Curtin on Monday 17 Mar. Some may remember the Statesman from our glory days of 69-72 as a bit of a dive, frequented mainly by bikies and tradies. But it’s been done up recently and was a perfect spot for a few genteel RMC graduates and their ladies! Paddy Ryan and John Mc joined us – John gave a brief update on the plans for the gathering at Coffs later this year (see our website for details).
Our next lunch will be in early July for the hardy folks who haven’t fled to Queensland to avoid the Canberra winter – details will be advised later, and of course any interstate classmates who might be passing through will be more than welcome.
L-R Marina Houston, Deborah Jones, Paddy Ryan, Steve Jones (hiding behind Paddy), Bill Houston, Pat Cullinan, Mike Swan, Darryl Poole, Warwick Elliott, Kym MacMillan, John McNamara, Brenda Elliott, Rhonda Swan.
A post from Ross Eastgate on the 1YLI Old Mates FB page:
“I’ve had a message from Bob Beer in Canada that Bob Collins (69) has died.
He was admitted to hospital a few days ago when it was discovered he had multiple advanced cancers.
The decline and end were rapid.
I’ll make no comment, except his class recalled his “love of life, his friends and his faith”.
He and his wife endured the loss of their son Sam in 1984. No parents should have to endure that.
I’ll advise more when known.”
The next Class lunch for Canberra-based classmates will be held on Mon 17 Mar at 1200 at the Statesman Hotel, Curtin (https://www.statesmanhotel.com.au). As usual, spouses/partners and any visiting classmates are always very welcome.
Could Kym please have confirmation of attendance (or valid excuse!) by Wednesday of next week (12 March).
The Northern Chapter had a lunch last Wednesday and unfortunately we were so busy talking that we forgot to take a photo. The day had an international flavour with Denis Brennan visiting from Chiang Mai and Kevin Loughrey’s Brother ( Peter ) here from Portugal . We had Lindsay and Sue Rowlands from Pottsville and Don Muirhead and Kevin from The Northern Rivers . 15 in all and it was a great start to 2025 . The Coffs Gathering got a bit of a mention and we now have 21 couples indicating that they will be in Coffs Harbour on 19 and 20 Aug 25 which is a fabulous response.
Mates 4 ever ,
Regards,
JohnMc
The funeral arrangements for Mike Fairbrother are at this link: https://duntroon1973class.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fairo-funeral-notice.pdf
From RMC Class of 1973 website blog:
18 Canberra-based classmates were joined by two from out-of-town (Paddy Ryan and Peter Jenke) for a lovely pre-Christmas catchup at Snappers (part of the Canberra Southern Cross Club). A very hot, dry day but enjoyable on the outside deck – unless you sat in the sun (check out the bottom photo)! Kym MacMillan organised the event and put the bill on his credit card: still chasing a few who thought it was his shout.
L to R: Kym MacMillan, Nev White, Michelle White, Brenda Elliott, Garry Kelly, Alison Kelly, Caroline Hay, Geoff Hay, Warwick Elliot.
L to R: Trish Cran, Elizabeth McPherson, Marina Houston, Bill Houston, Paddy Cullinan, Paddy Ryan, Steve Jones, Peter Jenke, Daryl Poole, David Cran, Geoff McPherson.
Email just received from Chris Jones re his application for a Gold Card (slightly edited version):
“As you know I have for years trying to obtain a long overdue Gold Card for the back complaint that has dogged me all my life.
I have tried two DVA Advocates, both of whom failed to deliver, so I proceeded myself.
I wish to acknowledge the mental support of two of my Duntroon classmates: Bogsworthy and Berry. Their support came at a critical time for me when I was at a very low point. I also recall my friend Wise Thomas’ saying: ‘Ýou need to paddle your own canoe’. I am usually pretty good at this legal and insurance type of business. Unfortunately, at that point I couldn’t due to the Myasthenia Gravis and all its steroid medication. However, with the steroids now dropping and with no MG recent relapses, now I can, and I have.
The result is today, after yet another direct call to my case officer in the DVA, I obtained the Gold Card. This is so important due to all the ailments one can get due to the MG impacting my immune system so hard, and the fact that after so many years in Vietnam I have no local medical cover.
Never give up. Never say die. Will to win.
Thank you Bogs in particular for your timely and on-going mental support. You were there for me when I needed it. If there is anything you need advice wise re contract law, property investment trusts etc, in particular, just say the word. If you are looking for free accommodation if you and your wife ever come to WA, it would be a pleasure if you were my guest.”
Great news.
A bunch (14, including partners) of Canberra-based classmates caught up with out-of-towners Vivienne and John Price for a very convivial lunch at The Duxton on Friday 11 November. Unfortunately it was so convivial that no one remembered to take a photo. Anyway, everyone looked terrific – take my word for it.
Our final lunch for the year is planned for Monday 16 December at Snapper at Yarralumla (https://snapperandco.com.au). All are welcome, so join us if you’re visiting or passing through.
Fortunately our Sydney-based classmates organised a photo early in their lunch catch up at The Little Snail.
Peter Martyn, organiser extraordinaire, commented “What a youthful bunch of young men….. we were in 1969. The ladies realised that and stood aside for this photo. It was a great lunch at the Little Snail. Thanks to Paddy and Judy for discovering TLS. After much chatting with a wonderful lunch it’s best wishes for the festive season and a bright prosperous new year to all. We shall all get together again on 23 Jan 25. Stay safer”
Note the date for the next Sydney catch up should you be in the area.
RMC Class of 1972 