Please note the prices in the post yesterday were not correct.

The correct rates, using the ‘RMC’ code, reduces :

– The Executive One Bedroom Apartment to $245 / night , and 

– The Executive Hotel Room to $215 / night .

Cheers

John Mac

From John Mac

Happy New Year to you all.

I would like to give you a reminder and update on what is planned for 19 / 20 Aug this year in Coffs Harbour for our Class.

As you know a couple of us thought we should try and get together more often outside the scheduled 5 and 10 year reunions. Many gather in ‘tribal groupings‘, but generally don’t see most other classmates until the larger reunions. Coffs Harbour in August is designed to offer a low key, self paced gathering; ideally located mid-way between Sydney and Brisbane and accessible by road or air.  Hopefully it may also offer you a break from the chills of this winter.

Our venue is The Pacific Bay Resort (https://pacificbayresort.com.au/).

This week John Price negotiated a price reduction for us for those who book directly with the resort using the resort’s online booking and or calling them direct. When Booking use the code ‘RMC’ to gain the discount.

The discount is:

• Room Rate for Executive 1 Bedroom Apartment, normal $ 245, with code $215
• Buffet Breakfast, normal $29.50, with code $20.00.

Remember that your credit card is not charged until 48 hours prior to arrival so flexibility is provided for last minute changes.

The Reservations Manager, Kristen Woolgar, is aware of our group and wants those who book online using their website to email her after you book to ensure you get the RMC discount and she will email you back. Her email is :

Reservations@pacificbayresort.com.au

In your email mention the RMC code and mention her name, Kristen Woolgar , in the body of the email – if you don’t get a conformation from her please follow her up.

I am having a coffee with Kristen at Pacific Bay in Coffs at 10am on Thursday 27 Mar25 to discuss how we can best look after you but to do this I need to know the numbers – is it 20 or 40 or more that we need to seat and organise for a beer and wine.

I am looking at a lunch venue offsite for Wednesday 20 Aug and again is it for 20 or 40 ?

To assist me, can you please email me (john.m.mcnamara@bigpond.com) once you have booked so I have an idea of numbers.  If you are only 80% sure why not book anyway, as you can cancel out up to 48 hours prior if needs be with no financial penalty.

See you in Coffs in August 2025.

John Mac

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 .

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.

Sydney Catch Up

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.

69 Dogs Golfers gathered again for second time for 4 nights and 3 rounds of Golf. Last year Orange, this year Tallwoods (near Forster/Tuncurry).
We ate well and consumed some booze, played very average Golf.
Booked again for next year.

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!