The mixed media format sent out yesterday was no good – back to a conventional approach. Elph

From John McNamara

The Queensland and Northern Rivers crew had a great lunch organised by John Black at Southport this week. We had a good roll up; 20 all told. Don and Deidre were the newcomers to the group, having ventured north from their new home at Byron Bay. Don was a bit out of his comfort zone as he was supposed to wear a silly shirt – he’ll be off to Lowes now that he has seen what is expected of him.

Well done Blackie – it was a great day, thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Our next lunch is planned for Brisbane on 26 February 25 and our special guest will be Denis Brennan from Thailand. His last lunch with us was very eventful so if you are game we would like to extend an invitation to one and all.

A big prize is on offer for this month’s competition . . . . what do you call a collection of 3 prime, red roosters as per the last photo below?

Cheers John Mc

From John Mcnamara

The Queensland and Northern Rivers crew had a great lunch organised by John Black at Southport this week .

We had a good roll up; 20 all told.

Don and Deidre were the newcomers to the group, having ventured north from their new home at Byron Bay. Don was a bit out of his comfort zone as he was supposed to wear a silly shirt – he’ll be off to Lowes now that he has seen what is expected of him .

Well done Blackie – it was a great day, thoroughly enjoyed by all.

SO, to this month’s competition . . . . what do you call a collection of 3 prime, red roosters?

Our next lunch is planned for Brisbane on 26 February 25 and our special guest will be Denis Brennan from Thailand . His last lunch with us was very eventful so if you are game we would like to extend an invitation to one and all .

Cheers John Mc

From John McNamara

Classmates,

Unfortunately I have decided to pull the pin on Coffs for August 2024 . This week we have had a number of classmates withdraw for upcoming medical ops or recovery from same. Just a part of the stage of life we are experiencing .

So , looking forward , “ Coffs 2025” is planned for Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August 2025 at The Pacific Bay Resort https://pacificbayresort.com.au/ This willbe two and a half years since our 50th .

Now is a great to reserve a room at good rates and yet you wont have to pay until 48 hours before you arrival.

If you do book please let me know so I have some idea of who is coming so we can do a just a little planning .

Sorry about this cancellation !

Mates Forever,

Mac

Maurie set up a lunch to welcome Dave and Trish Cran to the great south east again. Unfortunately, due to good old Covid-19, they couldn’t attend and neither could Maurie and Joan at the last minute. So we went ahead anyway and had a good lunch on another sparkling Brisbane day. Photo below.

And from John Mc,
Just to refresh you on the Coffs Harbour Recce No 2. It is planned for 20-21 Aug 2024 , arriving Tuesday and departing Thursday at The Pacific Bay Resort , Coffs Harbour  https://pacificbayresort.com.au/. Its a low key, do your own thing, informal get together so if you are still thinking about it, take the plunge, and, (for most people) head north to escape the winter blues.

Please let me know if you are coming so we can arrange to have a meal together on both nights .

Regards,
John Mc

From Maurie . . .

Thank you to all those who have responded re the lunch.
 Details are:
       The Ship Inn
        www.theshipinn.com.au
       Meet at 12pm for drinks/lunch (pay as you go at the bar); reserved table.
       We will be sitting outdoors so rug up accordingly.

Attendees so far:
       David Cran and Trish
       John Elphinston and Sandy
       Maurie Meecham and Joan
       John McNamara
       Kevin Loughrey and Jan
       Trevor Smith and Ainslie
       Jon Mander Jones
       Peter Teys and Helen

If anyone else who is not normally on our list is around and about in the great south east, feel free to join us.
Cheers

Jon Mander Jones sent the photo of Tony Borchardt, his wife Dao, Denis Brennan and Jon at lunch organised by Jon in Brisbane. How good to see!

Well look who you run into when wandering around Thailand, far away from the land of the long white cloud.

Can you pick them? Roger Simmons called on Denis Brennan at his hotel in Chang Mai. No doubt talking about the novice boxing competition given they both won their weight divisions.

A small group of classmates and partners gathered at Southport yesterday at a seafood restaurant selected by Blackie. The day was so successful we decided to used the same venue for a Christmas Llunch which is now planned for Wednesday 4 Dec 24 . Please put this date in your diary and all classmates and their partners are welcome .
Coffs Harbour was discussed and we are still planning a “ Recce in Force “ this year for the nights 20 and 21 August 24 (roughly two and a half years since our 50th) .
Remember for the Coffs recce in 2024 you can book now (I think we have about a dozen booked so far) and you can cancel 48 hours prior if necessary without charge.
“ Mates forever”
JohnMc