On Tuesday, with his agreement, three of Tom’s four books joined his first – The Final Tally – in the Duntroon Museum. The books have a frontspiece added, based on Tom’s bio for the anniversary book.

Brenda and Warwick Elliott were there for the simple handover – Brenda is on the other side of the camera for the photo. The museum is undergoing refurbishment, so the team didn’t get inside: the whole building is being taken over, so it should be quite something to visit when we get back for our next reunion. It is assumed there will be access ramps for our walkers!

Also handed over was a copy of the order of service for Norm’s funeral – hope that gets appropriate treatment.

Tom has sent an update below:

“Thinking about it, during our time at RMC I often found myself “In the BOOK” and so now, some fifty years after our graduation, I find myself back at RMC, but this time “In the MUSEUM,” gathering dust.

Next stop “In the CEMETRY.'”

Speaking of which, after I got back to the US from our 50th Anniversary reunion I started to experience some “light headedness” (no not what you think – too many pints) and on consulting a cardiac specialist it has been recommended that I have a “pacemaker” fitted.

So, while I gather dust “In the MUSEUM” I will not have to worry about having a “heart attack,” sounds like a “WIN-WIN” to me..

However, as you would know the cost of any operation hear in the US is prohibitive..

But, as luck would have it, in 2012, in anticipation of her own retirement in 2018, Margo convinced me to join the US health insurance firm “Blue Cross Blue Shield,” as it takes five years to become fully vested.

Therefore, I have full coverage.

In closing, I will keep you informed of how I progress “In the HOSPITAL” over the next weeks.”

Chris Jones – aka Jabber – has returned more or less permanently to WA, only returning to Vietnam when he can for holidays, dental treatment, or whatever (he says forget the doctors, but many dentists are first class and about a tenth of the cost of Oz.)

Chris is battling a range of health issues. His contact details have been updated in the Class List.

He has sent through a range of photos – a couple of which show his medical conditions: I don’t plan to share those!

The photo below is of a happier time – at our 50th anniversary.

The Duntroon Society’s first Newsletter for 2024 is now available (if the link doesn’t work, go to www.dunsoc.com and follow the links to the Newsletter).

Canberra classmates and partners are meeting on Tuesday 2 April at The Duxton (https://theduxton.com.au) for a lunch time catch up. All are welcome: for non-residents of Canberra and surrounds, if you’re in town, or thinking of coming to here for some cultural enrichment not available in any of your home states, please add this to your itinerary. We’d all be delighted to see you.

For attendance, please let Kim MacMillan know at kymmac@ozemail.com.au

From 1YLI Old Mates re Max Carroll: Sad news from Uncle Max’s son Luke. More to follow.

“Sorry to bear this news to you mate but Max passed away on 24 Jan with Eve by his side and my sister Justine and I with them both.We have told people that a mighty oak has fallen but we know how deeply he was loved by so many, and this is an enormous comfort.We hope that you are okay when you receive this and we will be thinking of you.The funeral will be at 1300 next Fri, 2 Feb at Taree. Details will be on the Becker Family Funerals (Taree) website early next week. The service will be live streamed.”