Inaugural Reunion 9th October 2004

The first reunion of the Australian Association was a great success with six members attending along with two wives.
We had apologies from Rev: John Dring on his first holiday in some years. Alvin Hopper who is in the UK and Michael Owens who had prior commitments.

We took the liberty of inviting the UK committee from whom we received three notable apologies. Bill Cullin claimed poverty as he is rebuilding his house. Michael Catterick was singing at a wedding on the day so the time frame was too difficult. The classic was from Martin Graville who pointed out in a forth rite way that he and his wife had a prior engagement planned - they were shopping at Tesco's.

Michael made up for his non attendance by ringing the Blue Gum Hotel and stating that the first round of drinks were on him and left details of his credit card. The self appointed treasurer for the O.M.A.A. - this being the right honourable Mr Richard Munge Esq: assessed that the first round of drinks would total a minimum of 30 British Pounds. His mathematical genius, performed under some duress, determined that this equated to several bottles of wine at the modest cost of $A 22. These were ordered until Richard declared the credit card was finished.
At this point he resigned as treasurer.

Attendees where :-

John Brogden - drove down from Queensland 1200 Km – approx 15 hours over two days.
Nigel Quinsee and his wife Charmaine also drove down from Queensland
David ( Chris ) Winters and his wife Vera came by bus and train from Bathhurst approx 300 Km
Chris Carew – Jones drove down from Port Macquarie 600 Km – 7 hours.
Richard Munge by train from Lane Cove Sydney, 30 mins
Les Roberts by train from Berowra , Sydney 20 mins

Lunch ended at approximately 5:30pm. All were invited to the Roberts residence for further refreshments.
Richard and Chris declined as they had prior commitments. The balance caught taxis and drank till 11:30 pm at the Robert’s bar before retiring to their hotel. John Brogden was staying at my place and remarked in the morning that he must have been wearing his wobbly shoes as he distinctly remembers his legs felt very odd.



We did not have any election of offices as the O.M.A.A. in good Australian style is a relaxed set up. I got volunteered as the main point of contact with the “Mother Ship” and John Brogden got told he was secretary because he was the only one with a pad of paper and a pen. This really sums up our “Association “

We have no sensible questions or comments for the Committee. I have reminded the Aussies on the subs hit list to pay up. They said yes.

We agreed that an annual meeting of the OMAA would be fun and that the second weekend in October was OK or perhaps mid late September. We assessed the geographical logistics and agreed that northern NSW was a good central location for those present. The ACT and Victoria people may not agree but tough.

John Brogden agreed to check out a guest house his daughter runs in this area where we could all meet and take over the joint.

We wish the UK 2004 reunion all the very best. Sorry we cannot reciprocate the offer to buy the first round of drinks. We have however supplied some real wine - Australian - for the raffle if you have one.

Regards

Les Roberts
O.M.A.A. Chairman and general dogs body.