Many of you will be aware that I had radical prostatectomy surgery on 2006 – at the relatively young age of 55 – to remove my prostate due to cancer. I’m not alone: I’m aware of at least three others (off the top of my head) who’ve gone down that path. The outcome for me has been very positive, as my PSA has remained undetectable since, and the usual side effects were short-lived.

I determined to be quite open about my experience in order to help anyone else who was going through the somewhat confronting experience, A friend recently forwarded me the article in the link below, which I think is a pretty accurate description. So, if you get that dreaded diagnosis, please feel free to make contact for a chat. Others who have gone through the experience might also like to join the ‘panel’.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/13/prostate-cancer-happy-diagnosis-operation

Nov 1969 – Staff Cadet Kevin Loughrey with L1A1 Rifle
RMC Annual Field Exercise Brindabella Mountains
Photo by Staff Cadet Warwick Elliott

And a bit more information on our best friend:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=515889492117419&id=100865096953196

A new page has been added to the webpage – Anecdotes at https://duntroonclassof1972.com/anecdotes/.   Ross Eastgate has kindly provided some stories he wrote in the late 1990s to kick it off. I’m sure they’ll bring back (fond?) memories.

Your contributions, short or long, would be welcome.

Courtesy of Army’s Facebook page at this link.

The bottom plaque is particularly apposite – well done, Kev.

Geoff Hay has provided the photo below of a sporting visit to Jervis Bay to play against the RAN College. I’ve loaded it into the 1970 Gallery, as there are two identifiable faces from classes other than ours: John Cochrane from the Class of 1971, and Doug Tyers from the Class of 1973.

Can anyone add anymore information, including identifying those in the picture – mainly the ones partly obscured?

From left to right: Merv Jenkins, TC, face obscured (Pat Cullinan?), Geoff Hay, Dave Leyshon, Peter Jenke at rear, in from of him face is obscured but hair looks like Chris Gibson, then Bob Blue, Doug Tyers, Elph, John Cochrane, Pete Maher.

Still open for discussion!

The message below was sent out by Duncan McInnes today. I expect you’ll have also received it, but just in case……

And a well done to Duncan for organising, coordinating and implementing our contribution to this initiative.

Hi guys,

Would just like to briefly wash-up on our Class Bursary – and wish all a Merry Christmas.

Those who attended recent 45^th Anniversary Reunion in NZ have heard this report via Rowan Tracey.

Those who attended Alternative Dinner in Sydney have also heard this report from myself.

The Bursary Fund was promoted to Australian Classmates; to raise funds for the secondary schooling of Australian Indigenous youth.

 The Podmore Foundation was established in 2007 by members of the Class of 1973.

Peter De Haas, Bob Breen and Ian Steel being the prime movers.  

They joined up with The Yalari Foundation, a scholarship coordinating organisation for Indigenous youth.

Yalari was show-cased recently in an ABC TV documentary.

 In 2011 Podmore was seeking to extend its fund-raising through other RMC Classes.

I presented a proposal to our Class at our Reunion in 2012.

The commitment to be $5,500 annually for five years 2013-2017.

I can now report – Mission accomplished!!

Many Classmates responded to the call and donations have totalled $29,692

We have supported two country lads through boarding school and onto university.

 Thanks Classmates for your backing to strive for better things.

Thanks Classmates for your generous financial support.

Thanks Classmates for staying the course over the years.

 I retire as the Class Bursary Coordinator with much satisfaction.

 And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your partners and families.

 Cheers

Duncan

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Rick Davies has posted news of the death and funeral of SGT ‘Sluggo’ Henderson on the Class of 1972 Facebook page as below:

Just added the 1-1 and 1-2 photos of First Class to the Gallery at this link courtesy of Peter Teys.

Learn a bit more about Yalari, the charity which Podmore Foundation (and our Class Bursary has supported over last five years), featured on the ABC’s Australian Story on 9 October.

It’s on iView at this link