The September Duntroon Society Newsletter 2/25, is now available on the Society web site at: www.dunsoc.com.

A hardy group braved the 11 degree day to meet at the Kingo. Not the Kingo as most would remember it, but a dark, book-lined dining room like something out of a Jane Austin novel. And the novels lining the walls were fake!

Anyway, a great catch up.

And all in together……

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.

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:

A final lunch as Jon Mander-Jones couldn’t make the Southport gathering.

We were blessed with some additional family members as well, as Maurie was on Grandparent duties with his Grandson Jack and Jon’s youngest son Chris had just flown in that morning from the USA.

Some of the group had a wardrobe malfunction by choosing the same silly shirt for the day – some people just can’t keep out of uniform !

Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to all.

Regards,

JohnMc

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.