BHS 1971-1976 40th Reunion – 21st May 2011
Favourite Memories and Highlights of the Reunion – Philip Sutton – MC
(Not in any order of priority are and always will be as follows):

• Obtaining the phone number and address of Jenny Drever (teacher) and talking to her on the phone to invite her to the reunion. (Perhaps these memories are in order of priority!!!).  Unfortunately, Jenny was not able to attend the reunion due to a prior commitment.
• The fantastic organizational abilities of Wendy Talbot and friends from the Old Gold Bendigo Inc. Association.  We should all immediately join ... I have and I know Kerry Marshall (Dobbin) is about to as well.
• Having people ask me if in fact I was Ron Lake (teacher) when I was wearing Ron’s name badge before he arrived.
• Ron Lake’s usual inspirational speech ... I noticed all the science students not daring to take their eyes off Ron or miss a word he said for fear of retribution (some things just don’t change!!!).
• Mistaking John Lane (teacher) for Paul Potter (student) and Paul Potter for John Lane!        Mr. Lane did not look any different, except for a few grey hairs (like most of us!).  Paul Potter had matured very well too.
• Being reminded by Chooka (Chris) Eeles that we use to call Mrs.Cahill/Lake (teacher) “groover”, as well as having the privilege of being on the same table as her (jus t cannot come at calling her Rosalie!) at the reunion dinner on Saturday night.  Incidentally              Mrs. Cahill/Lake did not look any different (including no grey hair!!!).
• Christine Norris (Poole) leading the singing of the school song with other musos, including David Kennedy (teacher) filling in for Bazz (Edmund Beilharz – teacher) who I am sure was there in spirit.
• David Kennedy never changing over the years is a highlight itself (as well as his continued political wisdom).
• The tours of the school with the Vice Principals (they didn’t look like that back in the 70’s!).
• The remembering of those students we have lost over the years for various reasons.
• The taking of the photographs and the photographer himself giving us a few laughs.
• Remembering Rosemary McKenzie (wife of John Brumby) was Dux in 1976 and Steve (Hacka) Harris won the Waverley Essay prize (the what???... yep who cares anyway Hacka!!!).
• The moving comments from Jenny Elvey (Turton/Gamble), Liz Harms (Jewson) and others about the tough times some students have successfully dealt with over the years.
• Leanne Runnalls admitting she had a crush on David (Muzzo) Mayo for the whole 6 years ... what was she thinking!!!
• Lisa Wodetski (Barstow) admitting the first boy she kissed was my mate Graham (Orry) Orr after all these years of thinking it was me ... what the...!!!
• The progressive Pride of Erin (or was it the Barn dance) on Saturday night without music ... well done John Lane, Mal (Telf) Telford etc.
• The amount of happy chatter on Saturday night ... it was fantastic!
• All the fun and laughter all day and the enthusiasm in the ensuing days to make it an annual event (which will happen).
• - getting home at about 4am after having a few quiet ones with Chooka and Hacka at “The Persian Room” for old times sake.
• And the final highlight for me ... Elenor Rayner being a recording star and looking 28 ... well done Elenor!!!

Thank you all for indulging me on the day and now as well
Best regards to you all – Phil Sutton


The Bendigo High School 1971-1976 40th Reunion was another successful celebration of Ex-Student and Staff’s wonderful memories of their time spent at “The School on the Hill” in Rosalind Park.

Ex-Students together with Rosalie Cahill/Lake (BSSC Publicity Officer) and Ex-Staff Members, Nola Punton (Hayes), John Lane and David Kennedy, attended the Lunch and afternoon held in James King Hall.  Philip Sutton and Mal Telford hosted the Roll Call superbly.  BSSC Principal, Dale Pearce, spoke to the group before the official photographs were taken by Photographer, Dennis Spielvogel.  Ex-Staff Member and Principal, Ron Lake also spoke before the School Tours were guided by BSSC Assistant Principal - Meredith Fettling, BSSC Student Manager - Jennie Hughes and BSSC Vocational Learning Manager and Old Gold Representative - Jenny Moloney.  The tours included the new Trade Training Centre and Technology & Design buildings where the groups were greeted by BSSC Technology Teaching and Learning Leader - Tim White.

The most memorable part of the afternoon would definitely have to be the Ex-Madrigal’s accompanied by David Kennedy singing the School Song – magical without music! 
Thanks to Linden Flentje (Young) for bringing copies of her diary of her 6 years at Bendigo High School including memorabilia snippets of the time.

The Pride of Erin was definitely the highlight of the Dinner and evening at The Bendigo Club.  One blonde mullet wig (Peter Mahieu) and some 70’s attire will also be remembered.  The 70’s music supplied was drowned out by the music from next door – the record player and speakers just didn’t cope!  MC Philip Sutton looked rather dashing in the school blazer and tie as did Adell Wright (Hawke) in the school summer hat and tie.
The group is already planning an Annual Reunion.  Philip Sutton, Kerry Dobbin (Marshall) and Phillip Buckland are joining Old Gold as Members and have been attending our monthly meetings.  Sally Pell (Morris) is also a member, joining us last year.

Thank you to everyone for attending and to those of you who sent apologies!

Wendy Talbot (O’Neill)
Old Gold Bendigo Inc.