Volume 8 No 3 November 2005

The Scholarship Fund is over $45,000.

WWTC 2005 REUNION A GREAT SUCCESS

The 2005 Reunion was well attended by representatives of most sessions, from the Pioneers47-49 to the last session 71-72 and from all accounts was very enjoyable.

The 91 who attended the Friday night early bird get together were welcomed by Michelle and Pamand were able to chat with friends while treated to a barbecue on the lawns outside the CCC.

After Registration on Saturday buses provided transport to the Botanical Gardens for anexcellent lunch in the Garden Restaurant. The miniature train ride to the Museum was somewhatspoiled when the engine derailed after the points were incorrectly set. However we all arrivedsafely at the Museum for the opening of the WWTC Display.

The official opening was impressive, speakers were Lew Morrell, Councillor Col Kohlhagen, andProfessor David Green. The quality of the display was excellent, however the quantity ofmemorabilia displayed was disappointing. It is to be hoped that more space will be made availableand that the display will be extended in the future. It is certainly worthwhile visiting if you are inWagga.

Pre-dinner drinks were held in Joyes Hall where Professor Green presented framed Citations tofive members of the Alumni Executive.

Nearly 200 attended the Dinner in the Convention Centre and enjoyed excellent food and drinkand convivial company. Professor David Green, Head of the Wagga Campus gave a very enjoyableand amusing speech reminding us that Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College was the foundation ofCharles Sturt University. In his response Alumni President Bob Collard expressed his wish thatCharles Sturt University would continue to support the Alumni Association. He reminded us thatthis was a warm-up for the 60th Anniversary reunion which is to be held in May 2007 and appealedto all sessions to support the Reunion.

The 54-55 Session were there in force celebrating their 50th Anniversary and they entertainedus with a PowerPoint presentation with recollections of their members.

The evening concluded with a resounding rendition of “Gaudeamus”, obviously well remembered byall.

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FROM THE REUNIONTHE PRESIDENT’S PARABLE

When addressing the gathering of theW.W.T.C. Reunion Dinner, the Presidentof the W.W.T.C. Alumni, Bob Collard,stressed the importance of the W.W.T.C.founded in 1947, to Charles SturtUniversity and the city of Wagga Wagga.Since the inception of the W.W.T.C.Alumni in 1997 our Alumni has beenseeking acknowledgement especially aswe have the 2007 celebrations in focus.As part of his address, Bob presented amodern day parable and many attendeesrequested that it be repeated in Talkabout.

“The Parable of the Bear and theAcademic.”

There was once a man trekking through aCanadian forest. He was an academic andhe was an atheist.As he walked through the forest he cameupon a black grizzly bear awakening fromits hibernation. The man ignored the bearand continued on his journey, enjoying the

scenery and pleased with the progress hehad made.This bear, however, showed a definiteinterest in our academic friend - it wascurious and it was hungry.Our bear ambled after this academicatheist, while his target continued toignore him and so continued undisturbedon his journey.The bear made ominous noises and finallyattracted the attention of the hiker. Nowour academic friend began to show aninterest as the bear came closer and didnot seem at all pleased.Obviously the bear and the man haddifferent agendas. Quickening his pacethe man thought to outrun the bear. It wasnot to be.Attempting distraction the man threwaway his pack, but the bear had his ownpurpose and would not be set aside.Theman tried running faster - but the bearclosed the gap.At last the man became concerned. Thisbear posed a threat for there were clearsigns that the bear meant to satisfy hisdesires.

Exhausted from the pursuit the man sankto the ground.The bear with slavering jaws and baredteeth, red angry eyes and extended clawsclosed in.The man in desperation calledout “GOD! Save me!”And the voice of God was heard “I cannotsave you - you are not a Christian”.”Then make me a Christian” pleaded theman. “I cannot” said God, “for I gave youfree will and you chose otherwise”.Now the bear was ready to pounce.Theman’s academic mind reacted.“Then make the bear a Christian” shoutedthe man.At once there was a clap of thunder -darkness descended and when it cleared,the bear stood still - jaws closed, clawswithdrawn, eyes now gentle.Bringing its paws together in supplicationand sinking to its haunches and bowingits head, in a clear voice said,“FOR WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TORECEIVE ——— !!So as to the parable:Problems can be resolved if there is lessintellectualism and more WISDOM.

Roy Parker, Cynthia Strong (Hague), Betty Dunn (Doherty)1951-52, ready for lunch at the Botanical Gardens

1950-51 girls: Margaret Bastick, Shirley Grant (Richards), RobinRyan (Grant), Jeanette Jackson (Cowle), Cecile Herden (Wakeling)

Enjoying the miniature train ride to the Museum President Bob Collard and Professor David Green at the Dinner

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The Museum of the Riverina has set upa display to recognize the existence andinfluence of WWTC, not only oneducation but on all aspects of the cityof Wagga Wagga.On Saturday 1st October, during the2005 Reunion, over 100 Alumni, afterlunching at the Botanical Gardens,crowded into the display area to witnessthe official opening.

Lew Morrell, who was one of thedriving forces behind the display andhas liased with Michelle Maddison,curator of the Museum, welcomedeveryone and gave the following shortaddress.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to theofficial opening of the W.W.T.C.Display here at the Museum of theRiverina. Today marks the culminationof a campaign that began several yearsago to establish and house a permanentdisplay in a suitable location as amemorial to Wagga Wagga Teachers’College. At first we met with littlesuccess. In 2002, during a Committeevisit to the C.S.U Regional Archives inthe Blakemore Building on the oldCollege Campus, we were informed thatit would be possible to put on anhistorical display of the history of ourCollege for a week or so, but, as theyhave continual displays, a permanentdisplay was out of the question. Whilstvisiting Wagga that year, I visited theMuseum of the Riverina.

I complimented the staff on the excellentjob they were doing and suggested thatthere was one important aspect lacking.I explained to them that for twenty fiveyears there had been a Teachers’College at Wagga Wagga that hadsupplied approximately three thousandteachers to the N.S.W. EducationDepartment. During that twenty fiveyears it had participated in a variety ofways in the life of the community. Itsmembers were associated with localgroups and societies concerned witheducation, science, art, music, dramaand the like as well as service groupsand churches, and with sporting andrecreational pursuits.Over the years it

had made an impressive contribution tothe life of the district and there was nomention of it in their history. TheExecutive Officer of the Museum, MrThomas Graham agreed to accept aformal approach from the AlumniAssociation and today you can see theresults of that collaboration. We areindebted to the Wagga Wagga CityCouncil and in particular to MichelleMaddison the Museum Curator and herstaff for the work they have done. I haveone regret and that is that the late JohnRiley is not here to see his work. Johnwas responsible for categorizing,enlarging and filing the photographs ofthe College Display. To all those whohave contributed items for the successof this campaign we are most grateful.From the two years training for ourprofession at this College in Wagga weclaim that there is a part of Wagga inall of us as we all have happy memoriesof this fair city. I would also like tothank Michelle Fawkes of Charles SturtUniversity for her part in theorganisation of this occasion. And nowI would like to welcome Councillor ColKolhagen to officially open the displayon behalf of Council and the Museum ofthe Riverina.”

Councillor Col Kolhagen, an Alumnusfrom 1960-61, who was standing in forthe Mayor, then responded anddeclared the Display officially open.

MUSEUM OF THE RIVERINA “EXCEL WITH HONOUR” DISPLAY OPENING

Lew Morrell giving the address at the WWTC Display Opening.

CONTACTS

President: Bob Collard MBE: 2 Louise Close, Ourimbah 2258Phone 02 43622764

Secretary: Dorothy Tanner: 282 Doncaster Ave, Kingsford 2032Ph 02 96633204 E-mail: netanner@optus.net.au

Research and Records Officer:Ann Smith: 24 Whitworth St, Westmead 2145 Phone 02 96350449E-mail: annrae@bigpond.net.au

Treasurer: Lindsay Budd: 4 Flemington Close, Casula 2170Phone 02 96013003 E-mail: lbudd@bigpond.net.au

Talkabout Editors:Lindsay BuddLew Morrell: 25 Grandview Drive, Newport 2106Phone 02 99971506 E-mail: lewismorrell@bigpond.com

Alumni Office: Michelle Fawkes: The Alumni Office, Charles Sturt University,Bathurst 2795. Phone 02 63384629. E-mail: mfawkes@csu.edu.au

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HALL OF FAME

Bob CollardRobert (Bob) Collard, MBE, has been the Chairperson of the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association since itsinception and has been persuaded to retain that position to the present in spite of needing to travel to meetings by train fromhis home at Ourimbah on the Central Coast. His energy and enthusiasm as Chairperson have inspired the Committee toplan several major civic functions as part of the College’s Diamond Jubilee Reunion in 2007. Public service is a tradition inthe Collard family, as evidenced by the naming of Collard Reserve at Ourimbah in honour of the community work performedby Mr R W C Collard, Bob’s father. Bob is still active as an umpire for the Central Coast Cricket Association, havingreceived the inaugural Third Grade Umpires Award in 1987.

Lindsay BuddTo coin a phrase of Theodore Roosevelt, Lindsay Budd “speaks softly but carries a big stick”. Lindsay has excellentcomputer skills which he developed from the earliest day of programmable calculators when he was a maths teacher. Soproficient did he become that he had a leading role in the development and implementation of the OASIS schooladministration system. He has been the treasurer of the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association for many years,and has administered the management fund with aplomb. These funds, amongst other things, allow the quarterly productionof the Talkabout Magazine. Lindsay’s mastery of desktop publishing format and his adaptation of the back page to includemailing details, thus eliminating the need for envelopes, is evidence of his value to the Association and to Charles SturtUniversity.

Lew MorrellLew Morrell along with his friend Lew Crabtree were on the editorial staff of the original Talkabout magazine produced in1950. The team made a comeback as editors when the magazine was relaunched nearly fifty years later. Sadly Lew Crabtreehas passed away but Lew Morrell, with the assistance of others, continues to edit and produce a magazine relevant to thepresent time and the members of the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association. The collection of memorabilia andrecognition of the College is close to the heart of all within the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association. Lewhas played a major role in having it displayed in the “Excel With Honour” exhibition in the Museum of the Riverina atWagga Wagga. This display recognises the role that the College played in the life of the city and in the foundation of CharlesSturt University. Charles Sturt University honours Lew for his dedication and commitment to the Wagga Wagga Teachers’College Alumni Association.

Ann SmithAnn Smith became the Secretary of the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association at its inception in 1997. It soonbecame evident that there was a need to track down and record all of those who had passed through the College from 1947until 1974. Ann has become the bounty hunter of the Association, and her rewards have been several neatly-bound volumesof correspondence from alumni. The Association’s records of students from the College have blossomed under herstewardship. Charles Sturt University owes her a debt of gratitude for her persistence and tenacity in locating “lost” WaggaWagga Teachers’ College students. As the Association’s Research and Records Officer Ann will be forever remembered,honoured and valued by the Association and Charles Sturt University.

John RileyJohn, sadly, passed away on 9th August after a sudden and short illness. From the beginning John played a leading role inthe work of the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni Association. He was an active member of the Association’s emailgroup, being known as John “Raillie” because of his love of locomotives. He was involved in the organisation of thequarterly alumni lunches held at the Masonic Club and was part of the editorial team which produces the Association’smagazine “Talkabout”. However, John will be best remembered for his labour of love that was “Teaching Memories”. Notcontent to sit back and relax in retirement, John encouraged and sometimes cajoled alumni to commit their teachinghighlights and lowlights to paper. The stories and photos, which stirred the memories and hearts of so many, combined underJohn’s skilful hand to form a wonderful volume of memories that reaches out, not just to those who attended Wagga WaggaTeachers’ College but to anyone who is fortunate enough to have read it. A copy of “Teaching Memories” resides in theUniversity Library. Charles Sturt University honours John for his dedication to the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College AlumniAssociation.

At the 2005 Reunion members of the executive of the WWTC Alumni Association were recognised by Charles SturtUniversity.A framed citation was presented to each by the Head of the Wagga Campus, Professor David Green, at an informal ceremony.Professor Green thanked the executive and expressed the appreciation of the University for their efforts in establishing andmaintaining the WWTC Alumni Assocation.

Following is the text of the Citations:

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From Ann’sM ailbag

Once again another reunion has beenheld and the people who talk to meabout it all seem to have enjoyedthemselves. Unfortunately I took ill andmissed the dinner completely. I alsomissed a chance to talk to people andfind some news for the “Mailbag”.I can tell you about the attendance. Thenumbers for the dinner were given tome by Pam and they prove quiteinteresting. Husbands are included inthese numbers. The 54-55 group werealso celebrating 50 years.This was the group who did not have agraduation but they must be keepingtheir lists up to date as they had themost who attended, twenty.The 48-50 “Freshers” and the 49-50session were both next with nineteeneach. The Pioneers and 50-51 werenext. Both had fourteen.From the other end of the attendanceladder 60-61 had a total of seventeen.After John Dawson sent emails tosome of the 70-71 group, ten managedto come. Thank you John for contactingas many as possible of that session,inviting them to the reunion. Could webuild up the email addresses for him asthat is a quick way of contacting you.If you have not already sent him youremail address then you might like tosend it now - dawsons@bigpond.net.auThe 60-61 group propose to have areunion on the 16th February 2006 inMoruya. You can phone Ross Hoskingat 0244715103 or email him athoskornj@acr.net.au if you areinterested.Beverley Irving nee Greig 56-57 sentbest wishes to everyone for a successfulreunion.A reunion is being held at CurribaSchool during the Easter weekend 2006.Peggy MacBeth 61-62 and Doug

Worland are trying to trace the five ex-students of WWTC who taught there.Judy Cooper 57-58 in a thank youletter to us outlined the things beingdone by the executive to produceTalkabout and keep alive the spirit ofWWTC.This was rewarded at drinks before thedinner in the presentation of framedcertificates to five of the executive.Among those who could not attend thereunion because they were goingoverseas were Colin Semmler 70-71,Graham Brown 62-63 (cycling),Rhonda Smyth nee McNicol 59-60and Dr Adrian Hurley 61-62 withbasketballers.Col Yarham 48-50 is home again for ashort break to help write eight books onChildren’s Health Services. His eldestgrandchild deferred his Uni course andwent to India where he was able to givea young person’s perspective on things.An apology also came from ColleenElson 54-55.Ronella Stuart nee Sneddon 60-61met up with Tony Sherlock when theywere overseas.Sonya McPhee nee Hoffman 49-50enjoys Talkabout where she lives inCooma. She has promised to send herCollege sewing to give to the Museum.Please remember to look if you haveanything which reminds us of WWTC.Shirley Challinor 64-65 is going tovisit the Museum when they go toWagga. Pat Carr gave me MargaretHindmarsh nee Bastion 56-57address, she has moved to a retirementvillage in Wagga. Karen Croft 70-71 isnow Karen Horey and lives inBrisbane .Robin Cantrill 50-51 busies himself inmany occupations since he retiredfourteen years ago. I sent MichelleCorin, daughter of Isobel Corin neePople 54-55 a copy of Talkabout whereher mother’s life was featured. DeleRiley 69-70 did not stay in teaching.She would like to meet her room mateNoeline Robyn Simmons.Margaret nee Mullins 61-62 andhusband Jim enjoy a wonderful life onthe mid North Coast. CynthiaArmstrong 51-52 finds it so muchnicer on the coast than in the Riverina.Ruth McFadden nee Johnston 47-49has just written a book about the road toCooma. Tell us more Ruth.Thank you to Noel Haberecht for helpgiven re addresses. Geoff O’Brien 48-50 is still battling Parkinsons. “A fair bit

of the pleasure of retirement is takenaway by the problems”.We are still looking for information onquite a number of people. Here is a listof thirteen out of 31 from 70-71 whowere successful in a two year trainedcourse in January 1972:CALL Elizabeth Ann, COOPERPeter John, GRINTER Jill Rosalie,HOGAN Stephen Edward,MATRLIAN Bruna Maria, PAYNESusan Louise, PRICE Ann Elizabeth,SHARMAN Ian Donald, SKUJAJohn Boris, TUK Margaret Leila,WHEELER Marilyn Yvonne,WINNELL Sandra Gay.Their names have never been entered onthe Data Base. Are they married or leftthe state?Thank you to Gretel Ayre who islooking in the National Library forothers.Thank you to Michelle, Pam andNarelle for their care and concern whenI was taken to Wagga Base Hospital onthe 1st October. Also to Graeme Wilsonwho brought me to Wagga and cared forme that same day.

Ann Smith

In MemoriamMorris Griffith 53-54, September 2005Nell Mitchison 47-49, 30th May 2005Guy Pickering 59-60Marian Prosser (Coddington) 48-50Ida (Beth) Blunt (Myers) 51-52Win McGoggan (Sewell) 48-50,September, 2005

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Dear Lindsay,As promised at the recent WWTCreunion, am enclosing a cheque for$100 as payment for all the“Talkabouts” I’ve received over theyears and for which I’ve never paid.The articles are interesting to read –takes one back many many years towhen life was free! (and restricted) butthe product that came off the WWTCproduction line was a good one andchildren in NSW Government Schoolsdid well with our help.Thank you for producing Talkabout.Go well, God blessElizabeth Punton (1948-50).

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2005 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS.

Of the students who applied for the Scholarship therewere three outstanding candidates. They were LianaCroker, Kate Williams and Hayley Ruffles.The interviewing panel could not decide on onewinner so each has been awarded a Scholarship of$1,500 for their final year in Education.Councillor Don Hyde (49-50) represented the Alumniat the Presentation.When the W.W.T.C. Alumni Scholarship wasfounded we were hoping we would reach the goal of$25,000. In a few short years we have raised over$45,395.20 and a target of $50,000 should bereached by the end of 2006.This magnificent sum hasnot been raised by large donations but mainly byregular annual donations. Congratulations to ourdonors and may the fund continue to grow and sohelp our future teachers.Liana Croker, Kate Williams, Don Hyde, Hayley Williams

Dear Ann,I wrote this back in 1978 for a silver jubileereview of External Studies at New England. Itmight ring bells for Alumni who like me leftWWTC with a Teachers Certificate and foundthat didn’t open many doors. So, I went back tothe study externally.Cheers,John Pigram.

Geograffiti:

Thoughts From the Diary of A1730

“Wagga T.C.?? Well, we’ll take what we can get,although of course, non-graduates don’t reallyhave the knowledge and experience for secondaryteaching. Perservere with the G.A.s and P.E. andwe might be able to find you a bit of first yearSocial Studies next year”.

**************Do it externally? Sounds kinky — might keep meout of the pub I suppose.

**************Geography 1? No way, not me, failed it at theLeaving. OK, if you say so — should be able tohandle a few maps and graphs, and a bunch ofPoms who know nothing about this country. Atleast there’s no compulsory school.A wipeout! They shouldn’t put the results in theHerald. Told you I was a mug to take Geography1 — prejudiced against colonials anyway. Oneconsolation — won’t have to go up for theGeography II January school. Hang on — Passwith Merit! Didn’t think to look up there — mustbe a misprint. How far is it to Armidale? Nevermake that in a day — what’s the name of thatpub in Singleton?

**************Welcome to glorious New England! Looks likethe place is closed down for the weekend — atleast Bruyns is serving. Mary White College —women only. Wonder who keeps this bed warm?“Beware of Bevery Bromide” — who’s she?

**************

“Lead a seminar” — what’s that? “Resources arenot — they become” — sounds like the clue for24 down in the crossword. Booloominbah’s a bitlike a rabbit warren, only we’re the bunnies. Stafflook well fed and watered — bet that shape costhim a bob or two.

**************A plane table? Well, I suppose it’s one without atablecloth. Ellis says our map cuts right acrosswhere Dixson Library is going to be. I’ll neversee it.

**************Armidale flies are friendly. Thank God for therain. A pub break? Why not? Thought someonesaid this place was cold. Must have meantGrafton — the beer, stupid.

**************Another Pass with Merit — Economics as well.This is becoming a habit. Another couple moreand 1 qualify for 3-year salary. They can’t say mymotives for study aren’t pure.

**************“Do you think you could handle the GeographyLeaving class?” (Maybe I should sit for the examagain myself.)

**************Life’s hell on a Geography field school — neverdraw a sober breath. Why anyone wants to liveon these Taree islands beats me — flat, hot, andfull of cow dung, mozzies and flies. Need towatch for snakes (and bulls) if you were takenshort out here. At 2 m.p.h. the bonnet of a AustinA40 is certainly built for a bit of mobile fieldmapping. Beer and chops over the coals —hardly a ploughman’s lunch. No one has beennear that oyster lease for years — as big as yourhand! Might need them tonight, these internalshave got to be good for something.

**************Spot on with the exam. form guide — wish therace tips were as good. The cup of tea from theold parson helps a bit — not too worried aboutthe clock either.

**************

Enough Geography and Economics up now toqualify for promotion. What did I do before Itook this on?

**************Five years and goodbye Armidale. Never againnorth of the Hunter — except perhaps next Aprilfor grad. Wonder should I order a gown (What’s ahood), or one of those mortar board things? No!Pessimists get the nicest surprises.

**************Me do Honours?? Turn it up! Anyway subjectmasters can’t be spared. What’s a cotton plantlook like?

**************A Ph.D.?? I know my place — still those lovelyred gowns ... Study leave bonds don’t worry me .. . much.

**************Licensed to lecture! School teaching was neverlike this — no uniforms, no coats, no ties, noshoes, no shirts, no bras — Long hair — jeans,jeans, jeans! (No uniforms??).

**************Deadlines from External Studies — piles of“yellow perils”. Field schools. (Why pick TweedHeads? Why not?)... The treadmill grinds on.Semester break? What semester break?

_____________________________

Dear Dr. Pigram,As Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Arts would youplease consider granting me exemption fromattendance at the May Residential School forEsperanto IV? I am sure that you people at NewEngland cannot appreciate the difficultcircumstances under which external students liveand work — the loneliness, the insecurity, thepressure of trying to cope with a job, isolation,and study. The thought of another trip toArmidale is too much. Please put yourself in myplace.

Yours sincerely,Miss E. EverageStony CrossingVia Pookataroo

RECOLLECTIONS OF EXTERNAL STUDIES BY JOHN PIGRAM 1950-51

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POTTED BIOGRAPHIES

AUDREY SCHAECKEN (SEAR)1948-50

I worked in an office, which I left to goto Wagga Teachers College. There Itrained to be an infants teacher.I taught in Canley Vale. From there Imoved to Corrimal for my countryservice. Altogether I taught for 28 years.In 1955 two girl friends and myself leftfor Britain and the continent by ship. Itaught in suburbs of London, for oneyear. My friends and I travelled over theBritish Isles, Scandinavia and most ofEurope. After 2 years we came homeagain.In 1961 I married a Dutchman. He builtour home. We have 2 adult children and2 grandchildren. As a family weholidayed at various beaches. Myhusband and I went for a South Pacificcruise. We also went to Asia and theBarrier Reef. Once retired, we touredEurope in a coach.I look back with gratitude to my twoyears in Wagga and am happy to seefriends at reunions.

MARGARET WATTS(BROADRIBB) (1949-50)

Taught at French’s Forest, Hay, CastleHill, Belrose.Married Dean Watts in 1958. Fourchildren, one boy three girls.Returned to teaching in 1967 afterseveral years of Canteens, Libraries andMothers’ Clubs.Taught at Rooty Hill, West PennantHills, Warrawee.Deputy at Neutral Bay, West PennantHills. Infants’ Mistress at Mt. Colah.Retired at 55.After six months at home did casualwork on North Shore and then at P.L.C.Croydon for five years.Went to T.A.F.E. and completed coursein Advanced Creative commercialNeedlework — a wonderful coursewhich has since been discontinued.

I now spend time gardening, Craftgroups, grandmother duties, etc andalways busy.We enjoy our beach get away - when wehave time.

LEWIS MORRELL (1949-50)

4 years T.I.C. 1951-54: Eringanerin(Gilgandra), Mundiwa Nth. Deniliquin.4 years Sec Assist 1955-58 DeniliquinH. S, G.A. P.E. and Art teacher. C. List.3 years Assist 1959-61 DeniliquinPrimary School. 2 years AssistantPrincipal 1962-63 Deniliquin SouthPrimary School. 2 years Principal 31964-65 Mathoura Primary School. 9years Deputy Principal 2 Quakers HillEast 1966-67, Blacktown North 1968-70, Shelley Primary School 1971-74.3 years Deputy Principal 1 CabramattaPrimary School 1975-77. 9 yearsPrincipal 2 Winston Heights 1978-79,Merrylands 1980-84, Girraween 1985-86. Was retired on medical grounds inMay 1986.Married Pat (High School Teacher) in1955 and have five children (two boysand three girls). We have ninegrandchildren - eldest is a grandson,then a garden of seven granddaughtersand then the youngest is a grandson.Wehave many interests: my main ones:W.W.T.C. Alumni Committee and Editorof Talkabout.President of the Hay War MemorialHigh School Ex-Students’ AssociationInc.

LESLEY MAXWELL (1967-68)ALAN MAXWELL (1966-67)

Lesley Maxwell (Ward) married AlanMaxwell (1966-67) who taught atAvalon, Lethbridge Park, GuildfordWest (AP), Comleroy Rd (P).Lethbridge Park (DP) and medicallyretired with Parkinson’s from St MarysNorth as Principal in 1994.Lesley began at Bourke St, Waitara,West Pymble, 12 years absencechildrearing then Windsor South,Tregear (ET), Wilmot (AP), Tregear(DP and then Acting Principal).Retired in 2002 to pursue alpacabreeding with Alan on our 29 acres atGrose Vale and to have more time toenjoy our first grandchild, Natasha.

ROBERT JACKSON (1966-67)

Completed College in 1967 and wasappointed to Binya PS. This wasfollowed by Leeton and Myall Park.Then followed three years in Balranaldbefore a posting to Goulburn South. Ispent time doing CMF training as wellas renewing my involvement withswimming – through NSW SwimmingAssociation. At Goulburn South I metmy wife, Judy, and together we were onthe School Centenary Committee.From Goulburn South I moved toBradfordville with a short interruptionat Breadalbane and a period of time inEurope.I was active in PSSA with swimmingand athletics before taking onBasketball conversion at Regional andState level. I have 2 daughters and 4grandchildren.

DR RHONDA FORREST (1970-71)

After going to Wagga High School andthen Wagga Teachers College I was alittle anxious about leaving the town Iknew so well and heading for AinsliePrimary School in the centre ofCanberra.Well, since then changes have becomepart of my life history and I have movedand travelled extensively around theworld. I continued upgrading myqualifications at a number ofinstitutions culminating in my doctorateonly a few years ago.So now I am a lecturer and Program Co-ordinator in Early childhood Educationwith my research being in the area ofleadership. Finally I know how to writeessays and I can see why I largelyreceived only passes when I was atTeachers College.My other main interest is in industrialrelations and as President of theUniversity of New England branch ofthe National Tertiary Education Union Ispend as much time negotiating withmanagement for fair pay and conditionsas I do lecturing.My passion for both is building. I am along way from the nervous 20 year oldgirl driving to Canberra to start teachingso long ago.

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COLLEGE MEMORIES

JAMIE MARTIN 1969-70-71REFLECTIONS OF W.W.T.C.

1969 went down as a year of infamyfor several of us. The major culprit wasa Maths course that had no relevance toany Maths being taught at that time inprimary schools. About 6 of us failedthe final and then the post exam inJanuary. We were allowed to repeat buthad to redo all subjects. Music alsobrought several boys undone, mainlythe playing of the ubiquitous recorder.These fellows also had to repeat.

1969, 70, 71 was a terrific time to beat W.W.T.C. Aside from repeating, themateship was remarkable and although Ihave lost contact with 99% of myfellow students of that era, the larks andpranks are still very clear in my mind.

College Reviews were big deals atthat time. There were some remarkableperformances by such talents as JohnnyHale, Allan Baptist, Peter Bowden andTony Dillon. Johnny Hale brought thehouse down with his make-believebagpipe impressions while a realmusician in the form of Allan Baptistwowed them with his brilliant guitarsolos.

Our rivalry with the Aggies (WaggaAgricultural College), is also a clearmemory. Football matches were oftenspiteful affairs. We had this mindset thatthe Aggie boys had more money than usand were able to woo the W.W.T.C. girlswith their cars and cash. This rivalrycontinued throughout my years atcollege. An attempt at reconciliationwas tried. One of our blokes, “Trapper

Tom”, took advantage of a massivemice plague during that time andcaught, skinned and cured severalhundred pelts. He made a rudimentarycoat out of them and presented it to oneof the leading Aggies. It didn’t bringmuch peace though and our footy gamesstill needed a transfusion cart on thesidelines.

Prac. teaching was also a big affair.I remember travelling every day for 5weeks on a bus to Gundagai Public in1969. About 40 of us were on the busand we’d drop off people all along theway at the small schools that littered theHighways and Byways at that time. Thepoor blokes that got off 1st about7.30am were also the last to be pickedup at 5.30pm that afternoon. My firstever class was a 6th Grade at Gundagaiand my supervising lecturer was awonderful old gentleman named GregWorthington. He lectured P.E. andspoke sparingly and quietly. He gave memany handy tips. The teacher was afellow called Mick Hogan who was aknock-about sort of bloke who basicallyjust let me get on with it. Anyway thecountry kids were great and I stillremember some of the surnames thatwere in that class (Kynochs andElphicks are a couple).

During our repeat year, 1970, half adozen of us decided we needed toaugment our meagre incomes. Somehowwe scraped together enough money tobuy 6 .22 rifles. Now in today’s age,what about owning a rifle – going into ashop – buying one and then getting ontoa bus to bring it back to college – my,how times have changed!!!

Anyway, we had a Townie matewhose father owned a property about 20miles south of Wagga. He was havingterrible trouble with rabbits, so everySaturday morning we’d pile into aborrowed car and go off and shoot us aboot-full of bunnies. Back about 11,we’d skin and gut them and then racearound the butcher shops, getting 60cents a pair. Some Saturdays, we’dmake about $10 each which was terrificbecause middies of beer were only 12cents each in those days.

The lecturers by and large were greatpeople. Brian Fone, Peter Keeble,Gordon Young, Owen Barry and BrianCambourne are some that I canremember. Brian Fone in particular was

quite a brilliant bloke. He taught dramaat college and I’ve never forgotten theconfidence he placed in me by castingme in several major collegeproductions. I sometimes had to learnhundreds and hundreds of lines but theeffort was worth it because all of uswould do anything for Brian. MikeReilly, Barbara Donaldson and SusieCall are a few names from that dramaperiod.

Gordon Young lectured us inHistory. He was a fascinating bloke. Acommitted Christian, he never let achance go by without inserting abiblical reference somewhere. If youcould refute him or point out an error,he would stop mid-sentence and simplywrite VY. The VY meant Victory overYoung and then he would just resumehis lecture as if nothing had happened. Ihad a special friendship with a lecturercalled Brian Cambourne at that time.Brian lectured us in Reading Theory.Brian is now the world renownedDoctor Cambourne and the last I heard,he was a Professor at WollongongUniversity.

There were some real characters atcollege at that time. Remember, theVietnam War was raging and people ourage were living in a world ofuncertainty. The Cold War was at itszenith and Flower Power was a potentphilosophy. I remember Murray‘Rugged’ Peters, “Dad” Neich, PeterScotchmer, Allan Ruskin, Alan Symes,Ian Pinkerton and Bob Lamaro. Youcould write a book on any one of them.Bob Lamaro stands out. He was anabsolute giant of a man with swarthygood looks. When Bob ran the football,we all ran behind him like the Tribes ofIsrael behind Moses at the parting of theRed Sea. When he graduated, hecaptained the Western Suburbs 1stGrade Rugby Union team in the Sydneycompetition. He was a handy bloke tobe mates with, although one night, afew of us went shooting at a mate’sfarm. Anyway, we all started tellingghost stories and he got as frightened asthe rest of us, although he claimed thebeer we had at the Mangoplah Pub hadweakened him somewhat.

Girlfriends were pretty important tous. In those days, there were very strictrules about fraternisation. About 60metres south of the college dining hall

Page 9

COLLEGE MEMORIESwas an invisible, but very real barrierwe called “The Milky Way”. We wouldwalk our girls to that line after eveningmeals. Sweet words of nothing werespoken, a quick cuddle and the girlswould retreat to their dormitories. It wasa Scholarship Busting / ExpulsionCrime if you were caught crossing thatline. Most of our romancing was doneon the walk home from the TurveyTavern.

Speaking of the Turvey Tavern, itwas definitely our preferred wateringhole. Thursday and Friday nights weregenerally our biggest nights. MostSaturday mornings, quite a few of uswould go down to the Johnny McArthurPub in Wagga’s main street for a coupleof beers. The League’s Club also got afair patronising. Many Sydney blokeshad a Rugby League background andenjoyed the ambience of a ‘PokeyPalace’. One mate, Henry Northey, wasthe best of the Leaguies. Henry, aftergraduating, went on to have adistinguished career with the NorthSydney Bears. He won the U/23 SydneyPlayer of the Year and played many 1stGrade games during the 70’s.

Clandestine activities were plenty.Poker games could be found mostnights in the men’s dormitories. Smallstuff but it was prudent not to getcaught by the ‘Lecturers in Residence’.Water fights fought at roof level wereanother crazy, dangerous diversion.

A place called ‘The Gully’ was asecret destination for many of us onSaturday nights. By then, we hadgenerally run out of any worthwhilemoney so about 6 to 8 of us would poolwhat we had left and buy a dozenbottles of beer. The Gully is no longerthere, as housing estates on the westernside of the railway line have completelyfilled the area, which in 1970, was justbush and shallow ravines.

Rugby League and Rugby Unionwere the big sports for us. The collegecoach, a bloke called Johnny Gurd wasour main mentor. John lectured us inPhys Ed and was a champion bloke. Hehas been a trainer with St George duringtheir glory days and knew a thing or twoabout preparing young men for bodycontact sport. We all idolised Gurdy andwould play our hearts out for him. I’vealready mentioned Bob Lamaro andHenry Northey as great players, butthere were others who were prettyhandy. A good mate called BobbyHogan was a tough little bloke who,upon graduating, had a distinguishedcareer with Thirroul in the WollongongDistrict. Johnny Hale was a hard-headed tight head forward until he wasseverely injured in a road accidentduring a college vacation. John neverplayed again and the last I heard, he wasin a promotions position in Waitarasomewhere.

It’s funny now, reflecting back 35years. Most of my mates who remainedin teaching have gone on to becomeleaders in the Department. AlthoughI’ve lost contact, I know that several ofthe ‘Infamous Repeats’ are Principals oflarge Primary Schools — there could bemore now. As for me — how ironic, afailure at College in Primary SchoolMaths — now teaches Maths and hasdone so for more than 20 years at highschool level.

My career is drawing to a close and Ihave opted for early retirement at 55(not far away). I want to pursue othergoals in my life. I’ve been married toLyn for nearly 30 years, a girl I met inBathurst, and have 2 fine sons and 1granddaughter.

The memories I have of W.W.T.C.are wonderful ones. I consider the 3years I spent there were among the bestof my life. I know some friends fromthat era are no longer with us. BarbDonaldson and a special pal, Dee Kemphave passed on. Many others gaveteaching away to try other careers.

All I know is that if I have been areasonable teacher, I can thankW.W.T.C. because they always taught us“How” to teach, not “What” to teach.

Jamie Martin (1969-70-71)

This photo is from John Riley’s collection. The view is looking towards the front gatewith the Admin Block on the left and the Art/Craft building on the right.

This is what it looked like 20 years before Jamie Martin was there.

Page 10

TEACHING MEMORIESRHONA REMEMBERS

I have been inspired to put pen to paper asa follow on from the Museum of theRiverina’s Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College“Excel With Honour” Display.

The display features material from Ex-Students of W.W.T.C. As it happens, I am ahoarder and was able to donate some“relics” to the display in the form of myGraduation Ball frock, my hand made whitesatin mortar-board cap and various items ofsewing and craft samples and my Geographyassignment. The mortar-board cap andsewing samples were made under the experttuition of Miss Ruby Riach, the Craftsamples under the guidance of Mr Cosierand Mr Donnison, and the Geographyassignment under the careful scrutiny of MrBrock Rowe (Deputy Principal). In thosedays sexism was strong and the girls had tomake an extra cap for the boys!

Memories came flooding back when onesees the green blazer and other memorabilia.(In fact memories of those days, 1953-54are more vivid than those of this year!) Isthere anyone else out there with similarexperiences?

As students of W.W.T.C. I feel that wewere very privileged to have packed somuch learning and social experiences intotwo short years. Students today just rolltheir eyes in amazement when told oflectures, five days per week, from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. and the expected requirement towork in the Library four nights a week. Ifeel grateful that this was the routine as weonly had two years in which to change frombeing a student to a teacher, and, in my caseat age sixteen and out teaching at ageeighteen.

The gap between being a student teacherand a “real” teacher was truly amazing.

In November 1954 I was PracticeTeaching at Lockhart and travelling on the“Stewed-ant’s bus, and then, two monthslater I was a “real” teacher fulfilling my firstappointment at Ariah Park Central School. Iwas fortunate to have a Year 1 class as I hadspecialised in Infants’ Teaching. However,Ariah Park, being a Central School, my jobentailed leading the secondary choir andMusic lessons. My eldest pupil, a 3rd Yearboy was sixteen and I was eighteen!

Conditions were fairly average but theatmosphere of the school was very warmand friendly. It was just as well as theclassroom ( a small school re-located) wasnot warm! In those days it was a three termyear. The Dept. of Public works removed theold wood heater in the May school holidaysand replaced it the September holidays!Teacher and pupils had to leave theirovercoats on for all of Term 2.

In my second year we had the benefit of awood heater. The Year 6 boys had to bringus wood. However, it was often wet and thefire ritual was of more concern than lessonpreparation and presentation!

My original Year 1 timetable is ondisplay.

In those days pupil expectations weresimple. The school socials were held in theKindergarten room with music supplied byyours truly on the piano (no disco, no band,no flashing lights).

Another stand out memory is thedifference between well equipped schools,libraries and teachers’ resources which arenow mandatory and the resources withwhich I was equipped. One had to supply allpictures, Social Studies materials, craftsamples, teaching resource books and,horror of horrors, one’s jelly pad instead ofa duplicator. Pencils were in short supply soone did not use the pencil sharpener on thetable as it chewed up pencils. Instead I had arazor blade and sharpened all pencils byhand! Of course in those days there was nosuch thing as a school secretary or ateachers’ aide.

However despite all these setbacksteaching was very enjoyable with delightful,unspoilt pupils, eager to learn and please.We were a very happy Kinder to 3rd Year(Year 9) school.

My second school, 1957-1959 wasCootamundra Infants. School buildingswere in short supply and my first term wasspent with 49 (Regulations wouldn’t allow50) Kindergarten pupils in a weather shed.In Term 2 we obtained a small schoolrelocated as a classroom at the far end of theplayground. Equipment consisted of ablackboard, tables and chairs. We did sharethe other two Kindergarten classes’ materialon a limited basis.

In 1960-61 I was very privileged to teachat Turvey Park Infants DemonstrationSchool. The contrast between my other twoschools was marked. Equipment wasplentiful and the rooms very spacious. (Hadto allow extra space for 30 students toobserve.)

I really felt I had “come of age” after fiveyears of teaching as I was now beingconsulted by my former lecturers as weplanned Demonstration Lessons for thestudents.

Demonstration Lessons were held twice aweek followed by constructive criticismwith a lecturer and students. I must say thatI hope the students learned as much as I didfrom this experience.

In 1962-63 I was appointed to LeetonInfants. My name was now Rhona Morton,as Les and I were married in Wagga inDecember ‘61.

I was again in a portable building butconditions were good with a very supportiveMothers’ Club.

In 1964-65 life changed dramatically. Iwas appointed as assistant teacher at ArgoonPublic School. We had been successful in aballot for a Coleambally farm in 1962. Wemoved to Coleambally in 1964. The schoolhad opened in April of 1963 in an oldstation kitchen. My room was the cottage.

The P.& C. members knocked a walldown with chain saws to make a room. Atthis stage there was no town and the schoolwas amongst the farms — no electricity, nophone, no fences and an old rainwater tank.In 1964 numbers had grown and a two roomportable building (ex-Narrandera HighSchool) was brought into the town site (2½miles away). At this stage a third teacherwas appointed and I stayed behind in thecottage with Kindergarten and 1st Class.The name of the school was changed in1965 to Coleambally North. This was theforerunner to Coleambally Central. In theearly days the old cottage was the centre ofsocial life with all meetings and also churchservices held there. An organ (pump) wasdonated for church services so this was abonus for singing and music classes.

Argoon and then Coleambally North wasmy last appointment. I retired at the end of1965 and spent the next years teaching myown four children all of whom attendedColeambally Central School for the wholeof their schooling.

I look back with thankfulness for myyears at W.W.T.C. and the lessons I learntand hopefully passed on to my pupils in myeleven years in the classroom.

Rhona Morton (Southwell) 1953-54

COMING EVENTS

Alumni Association Meetings:

at Teachers Credit UnionHomebush

Tuesday 15th November, 2005.AGM will be held on:

Tuesday 14th February, 2006

WWTC Alumni Luncheon:

The next luncheon will be heldat the Masonic Club

Castlereigh Street, Sydneyon Friday 18th November, 2005.

Ring Ann Smith (9635 0449)or Lindsay Budd (9601 3003)

for bookings.

Page 11

LETTERS PAGEA LONG-AWAITED

GRADUATION!

Dear ‘Talkabout’ Committee,I was intrigued to read Philip Porter’s

letter in your July edition regarding the“extraordinary conservatism and narrowmindedness” of WWTC in the sixties. Histerm ‘Christian chauvinism’ is a little strong,methinks, as I cling to the notion that mostChristians are tolerant, compassionate andnon-judgemental. I think ‘Wowseroligarchy’ might be closer to the mark whenI consider our experience and I regret, forPhilip’s sake, that our glorious martyrdomof 1961 did not make his life any easier in1968/69.

Our ‘martyrdom’ was associated withthe tradition in tertiary institutions ofwassailing after Rugby games and finalexaminations and, truth be told, on otheroccasions as well. Now it did not matter thatbeery activity after such events had beenpractised enthusiastically since the MiddleAges in Europe and embraced by allcolleges and universities in the Antipodes aswell. WWTC remained a prim outpost ofsobriety. Students from other colleges,whom we met at inter-collegiate contests,found this custom rather quaint to say theleast but, in fact, it was ‘a custom morehonour’d in the breach than theobservance’.

In fact, it was a rule. Students at WWTCwere not allowed to drink on licensedpremises nor were they allowed to bringalcoholic beverages into the Collegeenvironment. Most students in second yearwere well over the legal age of eighteen butthis law of the land was irrelevant to ourleaders. Many lecturers were aware thatmany students (not just the Rugby players)imbibed occasionally but most turned ablind eye. The attitude of the oligarchy,however, remained an unknown in thisscheme of things.

This attitude became clear after thefootball grand final. We had about 100members in our Rugby Club and most ofthose were players. Consequently, we hadtwo very strong reserve grade sides. Theymet in the grand final so there was quite agathering at the post match wassail. One ofthe group was singing in the chorus of theG&S performance that night. His drinkingdid not affect the performance but a studentwowser noted his beery breath and dobbedthe unfortunate in. We thought safety innumbers was advisable so about forty othermen confessed to drinking as well. Surelyforty-one people would not be expelled!

We were amazed to be fined tenshillings (we expected five quid). We wereequally amazed to be told that it wasextremely unusual for men of our age todrink beer after a football grand final. So

much for the life experiences of ourmentors! However, we were warned to keepabstemious from then on or risk beingexpelled. Exam time was imminent so wehad no difficulty in toeing the line.

After the exams fifteen of us went to aprivate keg party (remember those?). A fewof us came home a little the worse for wearbut there was no bad behaviour. Straight tobed was the only attractive option. However,one of our number had failed hisexaminations and the few that had failedwere finding out this fact, word of mouth,from a lecturer that night. Our friend’s stateof intoxication was reported by the lecturerand, once more, the group owned up toprotect the solitary offender who had notbehaved badly. This time we were told toleave.

When one of our fellows mentionedtentatively that we had broken no lawsbecause we had not been drinking atlicensed premises and had not broughtalcoholic beverages back to the College wewere told “Yes you did bring alcoholicbeverages back to the College—they were inyour systems!” So we were ‘sent down’, notbecause of bad behaviour but because oftwo voluntary confessions and a bit ofsophistry that would have had GeorgeOrwell lunging for his notebook.

One of our group was allowed to remainbecause he had not been at the footballcelebration and thus had strayed just theonce (officially). Needless to say, otherCollege students were having drinkies allover the place and good luck to them!

In recent times, some of our ‘ThirteenMartyrs” have met at golf gatherings. Wehave enjoyed each other’s company and wehave been cheered to find that others of thegroup, too, had quite successful and usefulcareers. However, missing our graduationnight and disappointing our escorts for thatnight (and, of course, our parents) stillrankles. So we have decided to hold ourown ‘graduation’ night and we would loveto have as many of our contemporaries andtheir partners as possible to witness our‘closure’ and join in our celebrations.Alcoholic beverages will be available.

Following are the relevant details:The Thirteen: Ken Eggleton, Mick

Gow, Don Hammond, Billy Hauville, RossHosking, Kev Leys, Mark McCulla, GeoffPeters, Ralph Sadler, Allan Slater, JohnTierney, Dick Winnett, Ray Writer.(Sadly, Ken, Don and Dick are no longerwith us. Any partner, friend or close relativeof theirs is very welcome to attend.)

Some of the escorts: Ros Bastian,Wendy Bryant, Dianne Charlier, JoanCrakanthorp, Jan Everett, DianneHumphries, Ronnie Kelly, Janet Leigh,Joan Sutherland. ( Maiden names ).

Students of 1960-61 and their present-day partners should they wish to attend.

The above are invited to contact RossHosking at 93 Elizabeth Drive Broulee2537, telephone 02 44715103,e-mail hoskornj@acr.net.au .(E-mailing ispreferred).

You will be sent details ofentertainment, possible accommodation andgolfing information.

Broulee and surrounds is the playgroundof Canberra. There aren’t many morecongenial places in Australia in February.Canberra has gone back to work so beaches,restaurants, pubs, golf courses, bush walksand so on are all there just for you. Make aweek of it.

Ross Hosking (1960-61)

Dear Anne,Thank you for the copy of “Talkabout”

which I received this week. I wonder whoknew my address, for you to be able to trackme down? I am happy to receive futurecopies via my email, if that is possible.

I regret that I will be unable to attendthe Reunion in September, but maybe I willmake it to the next one.

Now for some information on my lifesince graduating from Wagga WaggaTeacher’s College at the end of 1962.

I taught at Gunning Central School forjust one term, before being transferred toWollongong to Lindsay Park Primary, whereI stayed for three years. I was thentransferred to Warilla primary school whereI stayed for four years and gained my firstpromotion, before moving to Ainslie Northin Canberra. I worked there for three years,before resigning to marry.

I moved to Yass for several years, wheremy two sons were born, before we moved toWagga Wagga, where we lived for eighteenyears. When my sons were both in school Iwent back to work as a Relief teacher formany years, and also became a Cub ScoutLeader with the group where my sons weremembers.

In 1993, I moved with my husband Jim,back to Yass as he transferred with his work.My two sons were in University so it lefttime for me to follow some of my hobbies,the most time consuming one being tracingmy family tree. After ten years in Yass, Jimretired and we moved to the Mid-northCoast, where we are enjoying a wonderfullife.

I look forward to reading your magazinein the future, and hope one day to seemention of people I went through collegewith, and have never met again.Yours faithfully,

Margaret Thompson (Mullins) 1961-62

Page 12

LETTERS PAGEDear AnnThank you for the email re CurribaReunion.Our plans are moving slowly. We aregoing ahead with the Curriba reunionand have now received replies from alarge number of people who haveindicated that they are interested inreturning for a get together. The reunionshall most certainly be Saturday 15April or Sunday 16 April 2006, (Easterweekend). We have not decided theactual day as yet,(most likely to be theSaturday).A meeting has been arranged for 20October to finalise this matter and drawup the program and for this event. Wehope to have a ceremony and arecognition/rememberance plaque ofsome kind erected, in the morning at theold school site, then we propose tomove into the township of Tullibigealfor a luncheon, re acquaintance, gettogether and a display of memorabiliaand photos and (if we can obtainpermission) visit the Curriba schoolbuilding which is still being used at theTullibigeal Central school. We areputting together a small booklet with theschool history, information, photos,stories, etc gathered from research,students, teachers and associates. (Co-operation has been very good and this isalready being typed up). Would love tohear from anyone who could contributesomething.We would be most grateful to you forwriting it in “Ann’s Mailbag” andgreatly appreciate your help.I will update you with our final decisionfor the date and all the information assoon as I can after the meeting.Thank you again.Ellen Worland (Doug’s wife) on behalfof Doug and Peggy.

Dear Ann

Thanks for your prompt response to myemail.In regard to our reunion in Wagga - Yes,we organised it ourselves From memorywe have organised all our reunionsourselves. This was our sixth reunion. Itwas on 5th, 6th and 7th April. Wethought this one might be our last butthe general consensus was that anotherbe arranged in two years time.

We inspected the old college groundsand were surprised to see how muchremained of the old buildings and theirpoor state of repair, especially theassembly hall. We visited the modernArchives building. The staff there werefriendly and extremely helpful.Amazingly, we spent around two hoursthere looking through old Talkabouts,Wagga newspapers of our years there,old play and musical programmes,college memorabilia etc. They evenproduced a book of individual“mugshots” taken on our last day ofcollege with our immature signaturesunderneath. In the end we had to dragmost of the people away.We visited the museum near theBotanical Gardens where there were amodicum of old college artifacts. Lunchfollowed in the Botanical Gardens. Weenjoyed two dinners, one at theCommercial Club another at theRiverine Club. We visited SturtUniversity and tried the wine andcheese at their cellar door. We hadlunch at the Palm and Pawn Hotel atNorth Wagga, a hotel where some of usimbibed in our college days. We thoughtit was far enough away from the collegeto avoid lecturer detection and being“sent down” for illegal drinking.As a grand finale, we attended a PromNight in the Lagoon Gardens featuringthe Kapooka Army Band and a notedJazz singer. As you can see we enjoyeda full and interesting programme.Best WishesTony Davis (1952-53)

BARRY DESMOND JACKSON(1948-50)

Barry Jackson was in the “Freshers”session, 1948-50, those who came freshupon the heels of the Pioneers.Big in stature, big in personality, big ingenerosity, and possessed of a livelyintellect, Barry also had a wonderfulsense of humour. It was considered bymany who knew him well that he wasendowed with two outstanding naturaltalents: for rugby league and for acting.in fact if he had decided to follow an

acting career, he would very likely havebecome a celebrity in the entertainmentindustry.Arguably the best footballer of his timeat College, Barry went on to play rugbyleague for NSW Northern Divisionagainst France in 1951 and later, playedfor three seasons with North Sydney,being twice voted Man-of-the-Match.During this time, on one occasion hewas also on stand-by call-up for theNSW State side.Early in his teaching career, Barryresigned from the Service but after atime working in various occupations, hereturned to teaching, completed a BAdegree, and worked as a teacherLibrarian in secondary schools.As a teacher, he was highly regarded byhis students, as nothing at any time wastoo much for a student to ask of him.This generosity of spirit and his likeablepersonality made him universallypopular.When he married his wife, Shirley, anursing sister, he found a loving soul-mate who shared that same warmth andgenerosity of spirit.While he was still teaching in Sydney,Barry and Shirley bought a waterfrontcottage at Gerroa on the NSW SouthCoast. Eventually he secured anappointment to a local high school inthe area and it was in Gerroa that theyfinally settled and spent a very happyretirement.Here they became very involved in thelocal community and earned the extremerespect of their neighbours for theunstinting way in which they both madethemselves available to help others.Barry is, and will continue to be, missedby all the friends that they have madelocally as well as those of us who havebeen privileged to have had ongoingcontact with himself and Shirley forover more than half a century.After a long illness, Barry passed awaypeacefully at home on 6th April, 2005.To Shirley, Jennifer and Andrew, weoffer our sincere sympathy and the hopethat they will use their strength inadversity to cope with their grievousloss.

Nick Bricknell (47-49)and Geoff Spiller (48-50)

IN MEMORIAM

Page 13

IN MEMORIAMMany people, when they die, have few to

mourn their passing — some unfortunatelydie alone, others are mourned only by theirimmediate family. Not so with John Riley,who, when he passed away on Tuesday, 9thAugust, 2005 following a massive stroke onthe previous Friday, was given a finalfarewell at the Anglican Church, Gymea andthe Woronora Crematorium, Sutherland by asubstantial number of persons — family,relatives, family that is the Alumni of theWagga Wagga Teachers’ College, friendsthat were his professional contacts, andassociates of the N.S.W. Railway HistoricalSociety for which he had a passion and inwhich he was a very active participant.

John Francis Riley was born at Camden,New South Wales on 29th March, 1929 butgrew up in Queensland, and had his primaryand secondary education in that state.

Later John’s parents moved to Sydney andJohn, with twin brother George, youngerbrother Max, and sister Pam lived with themat Mortdale. When in Sydney John foundemployment with the Adelaide SteamshipCompany for two years before applying fora N.S.W. Department of Education Teachers’College Scholarship, was accepted andoffered a placement in the second session ofthe fledgling Wagga Wagga Teachers’College commencing June, 1948.

The 150 students per session wereorganised alphabetically into five sections ofthirty and so Riley, Robinson and Ryan(Kevin) were brought closely together. Wethree took our first two weeks of teachingpractice in December, 1948 at the GurwoodStreet Demonstration School on a 5th Class,and our second on the upper division of thethen two teacher school at Lake Albert inMay, 1949.

In our second year at College both Johnand I chose to take the General Primarycourse but for practice teaching went ourseparate ways.

Whilst at College John participated wellin extra curricular sporting activities. Hewas a member of the College Firsts HockeyTeam and Captain of the Table Tennis Team.

After graduating from College in May,1950, my next association with John waswhen we both attended evening lectures atthe University of Sydney for a Bachelor ofArts degree. I learned from him then that hehad not taken up a teaching appointmentimmediately on leaving College as he hadbeen afflicted by a mild case ofpoliomyelitis.

His first appointment, twelve months afterleaving College, was to Mortdale PublicSchool and whilst there lived with hisparents in Mortdale.

At University John and I worked togetheron our Psychology assignments. Oncompleting his Bachelor of Arts degree Johnapplied for transfer to secondary teaching

and was appointed to Kyogle High Schoolin the north of the state. Some years later hewas transferred to Scone High School andon gaining promotion there was appointedEnglish Master at Woolooware High Schoolin Sydney.

It was as a result of his appointment tothis school that I again made contact withJohn Riley as my children were receivingtheir secondary education there at this time.We would meet after school hours once aweek and play Squash. John, being abachelor at this time, would be treated withan evening meal at my Cronulla home.

The next stage of John’s professionalcareer took him to Jannali Boys’ HighSchool as Deputy Principal and it was therethat it was his good fortune to meet Joan, awidow, working as a Clerical Assistant.They married and settled into the Mirandahome John had purchased on his return toSydney.

The final stage of John’s professionalcareer was at Holsworthy High School towhich school he was appointed foundationPrincipal. John retired from this school in1986 on medical grounds as his heart wasbeginning to give him and his doctor causefor concern.

John had his first bypass operation shortlybefore retiring and a second in earlyretirement. He was not able to have a thirdoperation but his heart was kept functioningby medication until his death. John not onlyhad to suffer heart problems but was also adiabetic for many years. However being thedisciplined person that he was in all aspectsof his life he adapted to a rigid medicalregime and, with the help of Joan, was ableto keep this affliction under control.

After retirement at the age of 57 yearsJohn, physically weakened but mentallystrong, participated actively in life. Hebecame thoroughly computer literate andput his expertise in this area to extensive usein his two great interests - The W.W.T.C.Alumni and the N.S.W. Railway HistoricalSociety.

The latter interest saw him as vital “cog”in the activities of that institution both at theadministration level and as a participant inthe many railway excursions organised byits members which took both he and Joan allover N. S.W. and other States andTerritories. On each and every occasionJohn would take detailed notes andphotographs, and on returning to hiscomputer and printer would produce themost interesting records of these events.

The last excursion John and Joanexperienced together was in April of thisyear which took them from Adelaide toDarwin on the Ghan and whilst at the “TopEnd” they visited the Leitchfield NationalPark in the Northern Territory. John’saccount of this excursion, a prime exampleof his journalism, may be published infuture editions of Talkabout.

However it is as a member of theW.W.T.C. Alumni that John is bestremembered by us. John was an avidparticipant in all activities of the Alumnisince its inception. He was an executivemember of the Alumni and always attendedits quarterly administrative meetings andreunions, and encouraged others to jointhem.

Amongst his many contributions to theAlumni was his production of “TeachingMemories” - this publication would neverhave been created without John’s drive forcontributions to it. John was also involvedin the establishment of the W.W.T.C.Display in the Museum of the Riverina inWagga Wagga which, together with all otheraspects of his involvement in the affairs ofthe Alumni, was acknowledged by ProfessorIan Goulter, Vice-Chancellor of C.S.U., in aletter of condolence to his widow , Joan.

At John’s funeral service members ofJoan’s family spoke most affectionately oftheir adopted relative, a representative of theN.S.W. Railway Historical Society alsospoke most appropriately, but the highlightof the eulogies was that presented by BobCollard, President of the Alumni, who spokemost eloquently of John’s worth on behalfof all of us.

GOODBYE JOHN ! — you will be sorelymissed.

Bruce Robinson (1948-50)

JOHN FRANCIS RILEY 1929 - 2005