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My story
1969 - 1971.
B. Economics at the ANU on NSW Teacher's Scholarship. Met Jenny Hendy during Orientation Week as a familiar face amongst strangers. Although we had been in the same Maths class at Telopea we had not spoken before this. We went out together most of this period but went our separate ways at the end of 1971.
!972.
Needed a break from 'school' but the Department didn't understand the concept of a gap year. I paid out my bond and worked a bit, travelled to NZ and UK (with Andrew Wright who later was best man at my wedding and remains a close friend). Worked on an uncle's farm in Essex and went to Europe.
1973.
Returned to WA to do my Dip. Ed. Reconnected with Jenny and married in August.
1974 - 75.
Teaching Maths at Albany High School.
1976.
We travelled through Asia and the USSR to Europe.
1977.
Teaching again in WA (Pinjarra). Transferred to Commonwealth Teaching Service mid year. Living in Garran, teaching at Canberra High.
1978 - 87.
We bought and ran Garran Newsagency. Sarah (1978), Joshua (1979) and Tristan (1983) were born. Sold the newsagency in July and took the kids to Canada/ UK/ France.
1988 - 89.
Not a lot. Hoping for something exciting (work wise) but it didn't happen.
1990 - 2001.
Bought and operated the OZ Design Furniture franchise in Fyshwick. Moved to Forrest.
2002 - present.
Took on a junior partner in the business. Started to cut back on working hours, eventually becoming a silent partner. Moved to Yarralumla in 2007. Became a grandfather to Zoe (2008) and Martine (2010).
Now very happily retired in Canberra, appreciating all that Canberra offers today. A regular visitor to Melbourne where Sarah/ husband Raoul/ the two granddaughters and Josh now live. A very keen and regular bridge player, a not so regular golfer and a compulsive volunteer (Old Parliament House, ANU Film Group, National Folk Festival, Canberra International Film Festival, Blood Bank, Spiral). I still see many Telopea faces around Canberra. I'm really enjoying all the nostalgia and reminiscing involved in the reunion and looking forward to seeing as many people as possible in October.