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2020

JANUARY

Hogarth:Upstairs at Jolley’s Boathouse Thursday, January 16, 2020.

Attending: (22 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Tony Brooks, Mark Coleman, Keith Conlon, Leo Davis, Malcolm Elliott, Rob George, Bill Kay, Michael Jacobs, Paul Kolarovich, Andy Ligertwood, Bob Lott, John McGowan, Ian ‘Bones’ Owen, Ed Pegge, John Potter, Wilf Prest, Ian Sando, Neville Sloss, Peter Tregilgas, Arwed Turon, Milton Wordley.

Apologies: Phil Grummet, Ghil'ad Zuckerman, Bob Adams, David Beaumont, Geoff Shepherd, Mike Johnston, Sa Harris

Arwed Turon. Paul Kolarovich, Peter Tregilgas.
Peter, resident in NSW for some years, was making his first welcome appearance since August 2018.

Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, John Potter.  Ian has lived in London for decades and joins us once most years while visiting family back home in Adelaide.

Our muster of 22, good at any time, extraordinary for January, got us upstairs at last!  And back to the routine of a bonza antipasto table spread, well something more actually, followed by a random presentation of two possible puddings.  All were happy, apart from a couple who would have preferred the other pudding.

With some of the lads now past retiring age it is no surprise that some peers are passing.
Brooks spoke fondly of and proposed a toast to the memory of the recently deceased Denise Crotti.  She was a Footlighter in the early 1960s. 

A toast to Denise.    Arwed, Rob, Michael, Wilf, Paul, Wayne, Mark, Bob, Neville then, recognisable, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Andy Ligertwood, Ian sando, Tony Brooks, Malcolm Elliott, Ed Pegge, Peter Tregilgas, Bill Kay, Keith Conlon.

Paul Kolarovich, Wayne Anthoney, Mark Coleman, Bob Lott, Neville Sloss, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, then lots of backs of heads till Tony Brooks.
Wayne reminded us of Anna Michael who died in recent days, also a past Footlighter.  She joined the regrouped Footlighters, under the BYA banner, 2014.  She brought her great jazz singing skills to that show.
 

Wayne related that Jolley's will be closed for renovations for the months of June, July and August, a three month stretch over which we must find another venue.

Rob George reminded us of another recent death, of a prominent man of the theatre.  We heard anecdotes from Tony Brooks, Malcolm Elliott, John Potter, Rob and hints from Bob Lott (who is owed $30,000 by the late operator).  ‘Bones’, long resident far off in what will soon not be Europe, had no idea who Rick Marshal was.

Leo, looking statesmanlike.

Brooks' nose, Peter Tregilgas, Keith Conlon, Arwed Turon, Rob George, Michael Jacobs, Wilf Prest.
 
We’ve learned that memory is not reliable and you will recall Proust’s recollection and description of a yellow wall under a sloping roof, that does not appear in Vermeer’s painting View of Delft, so it was no surprise to hear contradictory (or complimentary) versions of the story of, was it Rent a Roughy, one of Marshall’s schemes/scams. 
 

Next day Rob sent us the following email.

Gentlemen,

As I announced at lunch yesterday I am planning to compile a tome containing anecdotes about the very many scams, crimes, outrages, swindles, rackets, forgeries, reincarnations, lies, tricks, fakery and shamefaced gall committed by the finally, at 92, recently deceased Ric Marshall.

If you ever worked with or had any association with the aforesaid person would you please send me a note about your experience or give me a call and I’ll come out and record your story. My plan is to essentially put together a verbatim piece - a collection of all the many stories of Marshall’s life of crimes both minor and major. It will make fun reading!

I look forward to hearing from you. My email above obviously and my phone number 0417804307.

All the best,

Rob George

PS: He really is dead.

Neville Sloss, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Andy Ligertwood, Milton Wordley.


Peter Tregilgas, Bill Kay, Keith Conlon, Arwed Turon.

Work had kept Keith away from Hogarth since February last year so it was a proper treat to have him with us today.  He borrowed someone’s hat and passed it around to help make up some of the loss suffered by Bob Lott when he, on the basis of numbers of 20 or more turning up to Xmas at Holden Street for years, catered for 20 with only 11 turning up.  Which led to discussion about avoiding such in future; 2^nd rather than 3^rd Thursday in December?  Skip December and have Xmas in January?

Arwed Turon, Rob George, Michael Jacobs, Wilf Prest.

Rob George, and Peter Tregilgas seated.  Ed Pegge, Bill Kay, Keith Conlon standing.

Two good Johns; McGoon and Potter.

Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Andy Ligertwood, Milton Wordley, Ian Sando.

Malcolm Elliott (founding member of Hogarth; first visit possible since September 2018), Ed Pegge, Peter Tregilgas. 

Pudding arriving and circulating time.

FEBRUARY

Hogarth:Downstairs at Jolley’s Boathouse Thursday, February 20, 2020.

Attending: (10 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Leo Davis, Phil Grummet, Bill Kay, Michael Jacobs, Paul Kolarovich, Rob Morrison, John Potter, Peter Tregilgas, Arwed Turon.
 

Apologies: Mark Coleman, Rob George, Andy Bishop, Wilf Prest, Bob Adams, Malcolm Elliott, Ian Sando, Keith Conlon, Andy Ligertwood, Sa Harris, Mike Johnston, Neville Schloss, Ghil'ad Zuckerman, Ian Hamilton, John McGowan, Milton Wordley, Ed Pegge, Geoff Shepherd, Tony Brooks

Rob Morrison, Wayne Anthoney.


Rob Morrison, Wayne Anthoney, John Potter, Bill Kay, Arwed Turon, Paul Kolarovich, Phil Grummet.

 

Rob Morrison, a chap from Sydney, Wayne Anthoney,


John Potter, Peter Tregilgas with Fringe 60 Year celebration.

We did not expect our Sydney sider to join us for this unprecedented consecutive visit.  He had been flown into town for the celebration of 60 years of the Adelaide Fringe of which he was Director/Administrator in the formative years 1980-84.  His profile, last updated in 2017, shows his shoe size is 8/42.

Main course of flathead wrapped in prosciutto was well received.


Bill Kay, Paul Kolarovich, John Potter, Peter Tregilgas, Michael Jacobs, Phil Grummet, Arwed Turon.

Michael Jacob’s two very well written and informative articles, on the recent Sports Grant scandal, that appeared in the online InDaily, the latest on January 30, were noted and acknowledged for excellence.  Michael said he was considering making a submission to the parliamentary investigation of the issue; deadline for such is tomorrow.
 

Phil Grummet, Arwed Turon, Wayne Anthoney.

A double chemical lift led to entertaining expositions.

Topics of discussion covered the normal range from the COVID 19 crisis, to highlights of The Fringe over the decades, A. Hitler, and puzzlement over persons having less than 50% original inhabitants’ genes identifying with aboriginality.  There were widely different and incompatible positions on this last puzzle. 


Wayne Anthoney, Bill Kay, Paul Kolarovich, John Potter, Peter Tregilgas, Michael Jacobs, Phil Grummet, Arwed Turon.

This Be Your Age/Footlights end of the table was in exceptionally high spirits at afternoon’s end, especially once the last hidden bottle of wine was unearthed.

MARCH

LUNCH CANCELLED DUE TO DANGER OF CORONAVIRUS

APRIL

LUNCH CANCELLED AGAIN DUE TO ANGER OF CORONAVIRUS

MAY

LUNCH CANCELLED AGAIN AGAIN DUE TO THE BLEEDIN' VIRUS!

COME ON JUNE!

JUNE

Hogarth:Private room at T-Chow. Thursday, June 18, 2020.

Attending: (17 persons): Wayne Anthoney, David Beaumont, Tony Brooks, Mark Coleman, Leo Davis, Phil Grummet, Bill Kay, Michael Jacobs, Bob Lott, John Potter, Tony Parkinson, Wilf Prest, Ian Sando, Neville Sloss, Arwed Turon, Milton Wordley, Ghil’ad Zuckerman.

Apologies: (10 persons) Rob Morrison, Pegge, Rob George, Sa Harris, Paul Kolarovich, Bob Adams, Geoff Shepherd, Ian Hamlton, McGoon, Keith Conlon

Mark Coleman, Neville Sloss, Arwed Turon, Bill Kay, Ghil’ad Zuckermna, Wilf Prest, Wayne Anthoney (hidden) Michael Jacobs.
 

Some chaps, well this one, were surprised that we were able to gather again so early, given that we’d grown accustomed to the Covid-19 shutdown that had us last together in February. But where would we meet? Jolley’s is still in renovation and the University Staff Club has not yet reopened. Milton passed on a suggestion from Neville that we try T-Chow. At least four of us have good memories of the tucker and service there (Milton, Neville, Ghil’ad and Leo) from attendance there, over decades, at a Saturday Table. Some, but not at all chaps, found the ‘banquet’ at least satisfactory.

Wayne Anthoney, Michael Jacobs, Ian Sando.

Ian Sando brought along two early century vintage Rockford Black Sparkling Shiraz, to share with all, in celebration of two 80^th birthdays; his next Tuesday and Wayne’s back on May 24.

Milton Wordley, Tony Parkinson, David Beaumont, Tony Brooks, Mark Coleman, Neville Sloss.

Brooks delivered his usual perfect reading, this time about farting, as a prosecutable offence, as reported in today’s Advertiser. Jacobs reminded us of a notable headline in the same journal of serious comment, the day before.

Wayne writes: This is an interesting photo in that it shows why I will never be a great photographer. I think

it is a good idea to include a pic of Leo in our monthly bulletin, but of course he cannot take it himself, so I do it.

Just before I took this one, Leo had is camera to his eye and everyone was laughing uproariously. But by the

time I pressed the trigger thingummy Leo had lowered his device and the others seem to be staring at someone

adjacent to me who had just had a heart attack. (Which was not the case.)

Ghil’ad Zuckerman, Wilf Prest, Wayne Anthoney, Michael Jacobs.

There’s that old joke about the retired comedians, in a retirement home, endlessly retelling the same jokes till settling on just calling out the number (27) of the joke and raising torrents of laughter. The punch line is ‘It’s the way you tell it.’ Wayne performed a trick which a person smarter than I could possibly nut out from simply examining the photo. The key to the success was the way it was performed which of course included ‘It doesn’t always work’ and of course it didn’t, adding to the expectations. And then doing it blindfolded; who could ask for anything more.

Wayne adds: In this photo I am captured performing a one-handed knot-tie in a piece of rope, while blindfolded, which shows what a person can do while in virus lockdown, with plenty of time to practice such completely useless activities.

David Beaumont, Tony Brooks, Milton Wordley, Mark Coleman, Arwed Turon, Bill Kay.

Milton managed the finances, in a few cases collecting $50 cash (what’s that?) but mostly a handful of credit cards that he took to the till. Thoroughly modern Wayne had to use his device to make payment.

Ian Sando, John Potter, Bob Lott, Phil Grummet, Milton Wordley, Tony Parkinson (hidden), David Beaumont, Tony Brooks.


Defacing or considering removing statues got a very severe hiding as an idea, or worse, an action, at the wine stealing table.
 

JULY

Hogarth:Private room at T-Chow. Thursday, July 16, 2020.

Attending: (11 persons): Wayne Anthoney, David Beaumont, Tony Brooks, Mark Coleman, Leo Davis, Phil Grummet, Andrew Hill, Michael Jacobs, Tony Parkinson, Ian Sando, Milton Wordley.

Apologies: (14 persons) McGoon, Ghil'ad, Bob Adams, Rob M, Geoff Shepherd, Wilf, Mike Johnston, Neville Sloss, Paul K, Pegge, Arwed, Bill   K, Andy Ligertwood, Rob George


Andrew Hill, Parky’s hand and phone, Ian Sando, Phil Grummet, Mark Coleman, Wayne Anthoney, David Beaumont, Michael Jacobs, Milton Wordley.

Wayne reminded us that his father and Milton’s had worked together as journalists, at The News, so long ago (60 years?) that both of them had Rupert Murdock as a copyboy.

We all have hobbies

Frequent overseas business trips normally keep Tony Parkinson away from Hogarth gatherings. He has attended the last two, a reflection of having to cancel four overseas trips already this year, because of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. He laughed about overseas tourists who visit his Penny Hill cellar door asking to buy ‘a box for $30.’ “Sure’ he replies, ‘What colour do you want the box; black or rainbow?’

Tony Brooks arrived fresh(?) from four consecutive days of full time grand-parenting of two boys. He marvelled at how he’d coped with parenthood, all those years ago. A reminder was given that he may well have been younger then.

Michael Jacobs, Milton Wordley, Andrew Hill.

Michael told of offering to introduce his children to traditional humane chicken slaughter, plucking and gutting, in the manner taught him by his mother. No takers.

Andrew Hill, recently retired, was Head of the Art Department at University of SA and until recently an adjunct professor elsewhere. He was Leo’s guest today

Wayne Anthoney, David Beaumont, Michael Jacobs, Milton Wordley.

Milton is more involved with wine than anyone else at table, many of whom are not aware of his award winning grand review of the story of Penfolds Grange Hermitage. Somehow today, legendary Wendouree wines (especially the Shiraz Malbec) and who actually makes them (Stephen George) came up. You might hunt out Milton’s People of Wine blog on Wendouree, if only for a great photo of sometime and now ailing Hogarthian, Philip White. On an equally upsetting matter, Milton told of his younger brother, Mick, a renowned music producer, having suffered a minor stroke in recent days.

A number of chaps spoke of their hard drinking fathers. My piss pot dad seemed to have had less excuse than some who worked in traditionally hard drinking industries.

Ian Sando, Phil Grummet, 20 year old, Mark Coleman, Wayne (just).

The 20 year old waiter noted that Wayne being four times his age matched with his great grandfather. Much as made of this comparison.

Milton Wordley, Leo Davis, Andrew Hill

Wayne writes: It was an enjoyable lunch but I note that in the photos above not one person is laughing or even smiling.

AUGUST

Hogarth: Staff Club at Adelaide University. Thursday, August 20, 2020.

Attending: (14 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Tony Brooks, Mark Coleman, Leo Davis, Rob George, Phil Grummet, Mick Johnston, Andy Ligertwood, Ed Pegge, John Potter, Wilf Prest, Ian Sando, Arwed Turon, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann.
Apologies: (13 persons) Cobbs, Rob M, Keith C, Bob Adams, Pete Tregilgas, David Beaumont, Parky, McGoon, Sa, Bill K, Paul K, Geoff S, Milton

Chaps seemed well pleased by what the venue had to offer. The wine prices were exceptionally reasonable with little or no mark up on wineshop askings. And the choice of ready cooked (in most cases) meals satisfied most; the chicken and vege soup seemed to win lads over. And Potter had a fool proof formula for getting free deserts.

Wayne: They do charge a very reasonable $4 for corkage.

Andy Ligertwood, Wilf Prest, Ed Pegge (barramundi & chips and veges), Mark Coleman.

Wayne Anthoney (returning with coffee and pudding), Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, Tony Brooks, Lee Kersten (see below), Andy Ligertwood, Wilf Prest.

Tony spotted and approached a woman and bought her to table. In these pandemic times she firmly declined a hug. I caught fragments of the story and later sent a text to Tony asking who she was. He replied and, as Banjo Patterson said, ‘verbatim I will quote it.’

‘Lee Kersten is a researcher in the German Dept U of A. Her father and mine flew Lockheed Hudson bombers from Darwin in those desperate days of 1942 after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour, captured Singapore and bombed Darwin with the first massive raid on Feb 19 followed by dozens more. Hudsons from Number 2 and 13 Squadrons carried out raids on Jap shipping and forces to stop the expected invasion. Our two fathers were on a raid to bomb Ambon harbour on May 22, Lees father in 2 Squadron, mine in 13. Their two aircraft were the last to commence their mast height bombing run and both were shot down by Zero fighters as they tried to catch up with the other 6 planes in the group. My father was 24, I was one year and 11 days old and my sister 5 months from being born. I don’t know Lee’s details. Our fathers were buried on Ambon in the Aust. War Graves Cemetery.’

John Potter, Phil Grummet, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, Tony Brooks, Lee Kersten, Andy Ligertwood, Wilf Prest, Ed Pegge, Mark Coleman.

Rob George, John Potter, Phil Grummet (well hidden), Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, Tony Brooks, Lee Kersten, Andy Ligertwood, Wilf Prest (sitting back), Ed Pegge, Mark Coleman, Mick Johnston (heading off to take a call), Ian Sando (with cheese platter), Arwed Turon. Wayne (up at back right) is returning with his coffee & pudding.

Wayne had commented, correctly, that there were no smiles in the photo record of last month’s gathering at T-Chow. Leo suggested that was because no jokes or anecdotes were told. So Wayne decided to retell the joke he’d sent out with the rallying call. ‘When is the worst time to play charades? When you’re having a heart attack.' And he got some laughs.

Wayne: I can't believe this but I actually stuffed the joke up. I got it in the wrong order and it doesn't make any sense because if one was having a heart attack one would not suddenly say, or even think, "God I'm having a heart attack. What about a game of charades?"
 

Ian Sando, Arwed Turon, Wayne Anthoney, Rob George.
 

John Potter, Phil Grummet, Tony Brooks and Ghil‘ad Zuckermann listening to Wayne’s joke.

But Mark suggested that Wayne had got the joke in reverse and possibly got more laughs, with his version; ‘When is the worst time to have a heart attack?

When you’re playing charades.’

Andy Ligertwood, Wilf Prest, Ed Pegge, Mark Coleman.

Tony Brooks, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, John Potter.

In response to John’s explanation of how to get free pudding, Ghil‘ad showed a very amusing video using the key word.

Wayne: What is Potter's explanation? I paid $4 for my small piece of cake.
 

Mark Coleman, Mick Johnston, Ian Sando, Arwed Turon.

Mick had returned to table for the first time since November 21 last year. He now has a permanently damaged index finger following an encounter with a chain saw. And NOT on his farming (olives, cattle) lands, but at his home.

Wayne: My photo of photographer Leo, once again slightly blurry.

SEPTEMBER

Adelaide University Club, Thursday September 20th 2020 at 12.30 pm

Photos taken and notes written by Wayne Anthoney, neither unfortunately up to Leo's standard.

Attending: (11persons) Wayne Anthoney, Ray Tanner (Wayne's guest), Ghil'ad Zuckermann, Mark Coleman, Bob Adams, Wilf Prest, John (Pottsie) Potter, Phil (Grum) Grummet, Andrew (Lidgo) Ligertwood, Rob George, Tony (Brooks) Brooks.

Apologies (16 persons) Ian (Ig) Sando, David Beaumont, Milton Wordley, Tony (Parky) Parkinson, Samela (Sa) Harris, Leo Davis, Neville Sloss, Bill Kay, Mike Johnston, Arwed Turon, Michael (Cobbs) Jacobs, Keith Conlon, Paul Kolarovich, John (McGoon) McGowan, Rob Morrison, Edmund (Ed) Pegge.

We convened once again t the University Club, which all had agreed was an excellent venue.

Our long table at the northern end of the room, not far from the large selection of wines in racks.

I noticed that very few of the gents bought wine today, though selection and prices are excellent

When I took my place at table next to my guest Ray Tanner I found a brisk debate already going on between him, Brooks on his left and across the table Grum, Bob Adams and Pottsie about the merits or otherwise of Donnie Trump, who it was agreed was not a very nice person with numerous personality defects. Or words to that effect.

Pottsie, Bob, Ghil'ad

Ghil'ad has a new book recently published, titled, "Revivalistics: From the Genesis of Israeli to Language Reclamation in Australia and Beyond." The first paragraph of the review reads, "This goundbreaking linguistic manuscript is wide-ranging in its scope, covering specifically Hebrew, Israeli and Barngarla, but with references to Chinese, Russian, German, Italia and many other languages."

Ghil'ad is amazing.

Lidgo and Rob George.

Pottsie, Bob, Grum

There was once again a very good variety on the menu.

Ghil'ad, Brooks, Wilf

Clockwise from left: Wilf, my vacant chair, Ray, Brooks, Pottsie, Bob, Grum

When Ghil'ad found that Ray had worked for many years as an executive for Food Bank, he was most interested to engage him in conversation. Food Bank in South Australia has a long history of delivering nutritious food to Aboriginal communities in the north, principally APY lands.

Clockwise from bottom: Rob, Pottsie, Bob, Grum, Ghil'ad, Brooks at the servery, Wilf, Ray, Lidgo.

Down at this end of the table, Lidgo was being non-committal about criticising the actions of the Chinese government, he having worked a lot in China, while Mark waxed loquacious on the topic of football fans who can use incredibly strong language and threaten to kill opposing fans during the game but afterward will hug each other and say what a great game it was and what a good time was had by all. (This is in reference to Aussie Rules of course. Fans from opposing soccer clubs worldwide hate each other from cradle to grave.)

Mark addresses the gents on the subject of The Shingles.

It turns out that John (McGoon) McGowan was unable to join us because he has a nasty attack of the shingles on his head. Following on his football fan oration, Mark, a doctor and pathologist, gave us a heartfelt warning about the nature of shingles, how unpleasant and dangerous it can be, and the urgency of getting the vaccination for it. He later wrote to the club and I print his letter here:

OCTOBER

Adelaide University Club, Thursday October 15th 2020 at 12.30 pm

Attending (14 gents): Malcolm Elliot, Wayne Anthoney, Ghil'ad Zuckermann, Mark Coleman, Phil Grummet, Bob Adams, Peter Tregilgas, with guests Harnett and David McClay, David Beaumont, John Potter, Wilf Prest, Leo with guest Andrew Hill

Apologies (15 gents): Tony Parkinson, Ed Pegge, John McGowan, Rob Morrison, Tony Brooks, Milton Wordley, Andy Ligertwood, Bill Kay, Mike Johnston, Nevil Sloss, Paul Kolarovich, Michael Jacobs, Rob George, Ian Sando, Arwed Turon.

This report compiled jointly by Wayne and Leo.

Wayne: It was another amiable gathering at the University Club. No surprises to speak of. One point of interest is that it has always been our practice to bring a bottle of wine to the lunch, and all are normally completely emptied. However here at the UC we can't do this but must instead buy the plonk from the extensive cellar, which can be seen in the picture below. However here only two bottles were bought one by Wayne and one by Trigger (Peter T). Most gents preferred to buy wine or beer by the glass from the bar. Very odd.

Leo:
In his monthly Rally Call Wayne attached the following wisdom;
1. Two guys were arrested for stealing a calendar. They got six months each.

2. I want to grow my own food but I can't find bacon seeds.

3. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

4. My wife said I never listen to her. Or something like that.

5. I checked into a hokey pokey clinic and turned myself around.

Enough!

An apology arrived from Brooks that was read with concern and pleasure:

Ah! Wayne-the Whip of Hogarth and Chaps various,

I present my apologies for inn-attendance at the next gathering at the tuck shop of academe as I prepare for an assault on my corpus and ,in particular, my cranial appendage. At the start of next month I submit my cogitative apparatus to the cut and thrust of the surgeons sabre as he probes the 50 shades of my grey matter accompanied by the incantations and arcane gesticulations of the neurologist. Given my inability at this stage to prognosticate as to my condition come the next third Thursday I respectfully tender my excuses similarly. Anticipating some success from supplications to a litany of curative saints and the sacrifice of a veritable hoard of coin of the realm on the altar of the Hippocratic hierarchy, I hold out some hope to celebrate the anniversary of our good Lord’s birth in the company of such merry gentlemen as your good selves.

Having left the field of cruel and unusual pun-ishment to the whip and reserving, to the post op period, my ramblings in poesy, when the time to rhyme makes an easy peasy pastime

I have taken some of the the lexicon for a lap of the arena in tribute to the great Peter Sellers 'Dictionary Soliloquy’ as a demonstration of rampant verbosity for which there is, I fear, little hope for a cure.

I remain, Totally unrepentant,

Brooks.

Some of us were surprised (pleasantly) to see Peter Tregilgas arrive, from NSW; we should not because he often turns up at the October gathering (birthday Oct 19). He was accompanied two mates (David & Chris) who he’s brought before. Plans are afoot to move back to SA permanently with Wayne and Meredith charged with inspecting properties in the village of Willunga (5 done so far), on behalf of Peter and his good lady.

 

Andrew Hill, Phil Grummet, David Beaumont, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann.(hidden), David McClay, Chris Harnett.

Peter Tregilgas, John Potter, Mark Coleman, Malcolm Elliott, Wilf Prest, Wayne Anthoney, Bob Adams.

Wayne: There was much early discussion down at this end of the table about how appalling Donnie Trump is and how great will our glee will be when he is defeated and the nightmare is over. Also, quite some agreement that his supposed attack of the Covid virus and three-day miraculous recovery was faked. Though how all those doctors were persuaded to be in on it is problematic. Follow the money, I say.

Leo: A firm and confident demand that ‘the dead horse’, too long on public display at the AGSA, should be immediately and permanently be moved into storage (if only to stop the frightening the grandchildren) led to a wide ranging discussion of the very nature of ART. It may or may not have been agreed that different works have different meanings to different folks at different times and that sorting of ART into categories was not always an enlightening activity.

 

Ghil'ad with Trigger's two friends, David McClay and Chris Harnett. Trigger met the latter on their first day at high school
 In the background Lee Kersten (introduced to us by Brooks back in August) sits alone reading her paper.

Leo: Ghil‘ad rose to tell us of two talks to which we are all invited. In the process we learned that he had been elected mayor of his town, in Israel, aged about 11, for one day. He was told that, simply by standing at table today, he was expected to tell a joke. He obliged by reading part of a generic email that all Professors at Adelaide University had received (so Wilf and Ghil‘ad of our gathering) pointing out that if they chose voluntary redundancy they’d contribute to the institution’s determined efforts to redress the gender in-balance in professorships. He also told amusing anecdotes about the treatment by the media, of the Pope’s (Benny?) visit to Israel, decades ago.
 

Wayne: Pottsie, Wilf, Mark, Malcolm. It was good to see Malcolm again after many months' absence, he being one of the seven original founders of the club.

Leo: Queried about whether he was retired or not, Wilf replied that he is indeed and has just completed his joint supervision of his last PhD candidate. This was a wholly positive and pleasing experience, apparently not always the case in such relationships. This news led us on to an explanation of the history of the Court of Chancery and that had to lead to a mention of Jarndyce v Jarndyce.
 

Wayne announces the sad fact of the recent death of Dave Grieve, a great architect and old friend of many of us gathered, from University days at this campus in the sixties. Clockwise from left: Pottsie Mark, Malcolm, Trigger, Wayne, Bob, Andrew's head, Grum.

A toast to Dave Grieve.

NO

Ghil'ad discusses a photo with Leo.

NOVEMBER

Thursday 19th, University Club

With three days to go before the lunch, things were looking good. Seventeen Gents had responded in the affirmative, one being our only female member, Sa harris, who had not been able to attend for over three years!

And then, DISASTER! A sudden outbreak of the wretched Covid-19 virus resulted in an equally suden lockdown of South Australia and our lunch among many other things was quickly cancelled. What a disgusting situation! Bah!

Here's hoping we can meet for Christmas.

DECEMBER

Hogarth: Adelaide University Club. Thursday, November 17, 2020.

Attending: (17 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Tony Brooks, Keith Conlon, Leo Davis, Phil Grummet, Ian Henschke, Andrew Hill, Lee Kersten, John McGowan, Rob Morrison, John Potter, Ian Sando, Neville Sloss, Ed Pegge, Wilf Prest, Milton Wordley, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann.

Apologies: Rob George, Andy Ligertwood, Tony Parkinson, Arwed Turon, Mark Coleman, Bob Adams, Mike Jacobs, Mike Johnston, Sa Harris, Bill Kay.

Things were different this year. The virus contributed to this, mainly in directing us to the Staff Club venue. A consequence, because of house rules, was that there was no Carol singing. The time limitation (we’d to be out by 3:00) allowed none of the traditional seasonal jokes (Booborowie, White Gorilla) or performances. It is likely a script of ‘Rindercella and her sugly isters’ was on hand, if needed, but it was not called upon. What looked like ‘The Even More Complete Book of Australian Verse’ lay unopened on the table. A folded newspaper, never opened, surely had a gem for reading. (look for them in some images).

That said, we may have had one of the most moving and significant readings ever delivered at Hogarth. Old timers may know better but it was the best at any of the last 21 Christmas Hogarths. Tony Brooks read us a speech he’d delivered at another event, on May 6, 2017, which reprised the story that he told, off the cuff, here at Hogarth, back in August, of the deaths, in separate warplanes, on the same mission, of his and Lee Kersten’s fathers. Then came the moving reading of selections from the letters that Tony had found, after his mother’s death, sent to her by her husband, Tony’s father, up until the day he died. Do please see the transcript below.
 

Andrew Hill, Keith Conlon (a welcome 2^nd only visit in 2020), Wayne Anthoney, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge, Wilf Prest, Phil Grummet, John McGowan, Ian Sando (hidden), Neville Sloss, John Potter, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, Milton Wordley.

As this was Andrew's third attendance at Hogarth Club as a guest of Leo he is now officially a member and was welcomed as such by Anthoney and Brooks, on the condition that he deny it and also deny that he knows any of the other members. Or something like that.
 

Ian Sando, Neville Sloss, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, Milton Wordley, Lee Kirsten, Tony Brooks, Andrew Hill, Keith Conlon, Wayne Anthoney, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge, Wilf Prest.
 

Wayne, Rob, Keith’s forehead, Grum, McGoon, Sando.
 

Tony Brooks (reading the material below), Andrew Hill, Wilf Prest, Wayne Anthoney, Rob Morrison.
 

As above, with Pegge and Grum now included.
 

Tony read the following:

Last Post Ceremony, War Memorial Canberra 6thMay 2017

75th anniversary of the death on 22^nd May 1942 at Ambon, of Flying Officer Philip Gardner Brooks.

I would like to say a few words about the man we honoured today, Philip Gardner Brooks, husband of Marjorie Isobel Lewis and father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and great uncle to those gathered here. In a few days time it will be 75 years since he was killed, on the 22^nd of May defending all he loved - his wife and children, his family and his country.

This brave and frightened young man was only 24, married for less than two years with a one-year-old son-me-, and a wife pregnant with his second child Julie. None of us here knew him, and over a lifetime my sister and I have had to build up a picture of him through second hand descriptions, a few anecdotes and a photo or two.

My mother had kept nineteen letters he wrote in those last few weeks since being posted to 13Squadron in Daly Waters on 13^th April till his death on 22^nd May, and we were able to read them after she died. I reread them over the last few days as I thought about the ceremony today. They give a deeply intimate portrait of the true, unvarnished, un-medalled heroism that was displayed at that time and continues today in those we send to conflict on our behalf.

Every letter is full of expressions of intense love for his wife and babies and of concern for his wider family, in between giving news of his situation, constrained by censorship to vague euphemisms—‘jobs’, ‘busy’, ‘task’, for patrols and raids. I will try to summarise them to give you a picture of the times so that your imagination can envisage what your forebears endured.

Since 1940 Philip had been training to be a pilot in Cootamundra, Point Cook and Nhill with his wife by his side during these postings. Things were still basically normal though wartime restrictions were starting to bite.

In 1942 however, war came to our doorstep- Singapore fell to the Japanese, an invasion force swept through the islands to our north, and on February 19^th they bombed Darwin. Men and supplies were rushed to the north in the chaos that followed, with air raids that continued over the next two months. Many feared the possibility of an invasion.

It was into this maelstrom that Philip found himself on April 13^th.From the pleasant autumn of Victoria to the intense tropical heat and humidity of Daly Waters and Darwin, tormented by mosquitoes and sand fly bites, strange surroundings, makeshift accommodation, limited rations, disorganised and desperate, fitful communications, irregular mail. Then the sudden appalling realities of bombs dropping on you and friends being killed doing the job you must do.

# on the 13^th April Phil wrote to Marj. He was waiting for a task and expecting a raid from the Japanese. ‘I miss you so much but I must not dwell on that. I am relieved you are on the way home from Melbourne. I’m so looking forward to our new baby. How is Anthony? How is the bank balance- could you get statements sent to me too.’

‘How is the little boy? Do you remember our honeymoon. I hope one day soon we can relive that day again.’

# on 15^th April. ‘It is all rush and disorganisation here but I have you and the baby to steady me. I will try and contact Kevin Lewis who must be somewhere near here. The sirens went for a raid but the Japs missed us. Say lots of prayers for me.

# on 19^th April. ‘Jap bombers passed high overhead but were not interested in us. I expect to go over and drop bombs on them soon. Until then we will stay in the trenches.

# on21st April. ‘Tell Anthony to stop kicking you in your delicate condition—or I’ll get cross. I need lime juice or cordial as it is only pineapple here, pineapple jam every day. We are confined to the mess today in case we are needed. I’m glad grandma Brooks died quickly rather than a long illness, it must be a big burden to clear up her affairs. Insects are really bad. Yesterday was particularly nerve wracking. Please number your letters as the mail is unpredictable. Best wishes to all the Lewis clan.

# on 23rd April. ‘Suffering from dengue, tummy settled a bit but a few sores remain and I’m pretty fit. Will try to have a look around Darwin when I get time. How are you off for cash? I will try and send some down but methods are unreliable. Your letters and photos are a great comfort.’

# on 24^th April. ‘I take your little monogrammed case with me on ops. It reminds me of the days I used to take you home after work before we were married. Any discomforts are easy when I know they are sacrifice for you and the baby. There is a film show tonight.”

# on 25^th April. ‘I’m a bit shaky today. Six bombs landed within 30 yards of us. A continuous roar, thick black smoke and falling trees. I prayed I would be spared. I would love to hear more of Anthony’s exploits.’

# on28th April. ‘Will it be a brother or sister for Anthony. What about Andrew or Nigel for names? Kevin Lewis demands that a boy will be Kevin. I rather like your Jonathon idea. The dengue is a bit better. It is rather up and down and can make you feel very depressed. I’m not eating much. Kev Lewis is in good shape despite such a long stay in the tropics. Of course, he comes from a family of thoroughbreds.’

# 4^th May. In a letter to his sister Pauline, Philip says he would like some leave but so many are doing such a hard job without complaint. Everyone must just do their job. I feel privileged to defend my loved ones. Phil tells Pauline that a mutual friend came up via Oodnadatta and recalled the Mo McCakey routine when Mo said he lived in Oodnadatta on the land but sometimes went to Alice Springs. “I spend my time between the two. Sometimes I’m in Oona sometimes I’m in Alice.” Mo said with his trademark leer.

# 4^th May. To Marj. ‘I’m fretting over missing mail. How are all at 81 (Queen St. Norwood). I’m feeling better, went for a swim but people laughed because I was so thin. I’m homesick and missing you so very much. The doctor OK’d me for duty. Work is better for the nerves. The swim refreshed me, it is a relief to feel well again. I’m glad Anthony is not afraid of Blackie (the school dog).

# 7^th May. ‘Dad Brooks and Dad Lewis must be missing their races. Saw a waterspout and incredible storms. I flew my machine through a rainstorm and the force of the water meant I had to use full power just to stay aloft. We are having a truly grim struggle up here but we are determined to prevail.’

# 10^th May. Over the last few days we were called at 5am to fly until late in the day. I’m feeling 100% well and there is little time to brood. I consider Mothers Day to be too commercial but I started to appreciate it in the current circumstances. Kym Bonython knows the supply plane pilots and they always bring him a gallon of icecream and gramophone records. Music helps. I led a formation on patrol to a U.S. base and they turned on a slap up dinner—boiled chicken, fresh carrots, mashed potatoes and parsley sauce. We got snatches of news about a naval battle in the Coral Sea. Don't know how it turned out but it means a lot. I hope it was our victory and we can go on the offensive.’

# 11^th May. A birthday, a very big day for Phil Brooks’s family. Just patching clothes and washing. There is a big job this afternoon.

-- In a letter to Pauline Phil says things can happen quickly so don't take precautions lightly. Dig some slit trenches to this formula and get used to them.

# 12^th May. ‘Had a long trip today and struck the worst weather. The storms are to be seen to be believed. I’m so proud of my squadron and the men. I’m a bit disappointed in one or two who are itching to go south to get promotion’.

#16^th May.”Went to the open air pictures, lots of Yanks cheering the mention of familiar places. Went to look at Darwin, a ghost town of abandoned houses, more damage seems to be caused by looters and firebugs than by the bombs. A lot of work for lawyers at the end of the war. Leave for us is impossible for at least six months but our work is vital. The lads said how well I looked and that cheered me up. Had a ration of beer today, West End, it helps the appetite. All the lads are well and in high spirits. I’ll try to see Kev again. He is doing a much more important job than given credit for. He’s been through such a trying time and such a long time in this climate. Would love to tell you more of what is happening, we just have to trust those organising our efforts. General McArthur gives us great confidence and no doubt about our ability to deny these shores to any enemy for generations to come.

# 19^th May. Trekked through the scrub to meet Kev who looks well and fit. I gave him a pound note to treat his boys to a beer ration. It may seem extravagant but they live a hard and lonely life with few if any comforts or luxuries Tried to pot a wallaby with my revolver on the way home. Our boys did a great job a couple of days ago but probably no one will hear about it. After take off today I banked my machine around and made out to strafe his unit. I suppose they knew it was me. About our next baby, Jonathon or Jon Brooks sounds very smooth. Swam at Berry Springs, a very beautiful place, black cockatoos and a seven foot python.

# 20^th May. This letter was written when Philip was in the depths of apprehension and depression. He is fully aware of the dangers ahead and contemplated death. He wanted to talk to Marjorie his wife and no one else, just the two of them. He wondered what Marjorie would do if he died, would she marry again as he said she would deserve to have a secure life. But he says his character is not strong enough to bear the thought of this. He says the pain is too great to contemplate her belonging to another. ‘ I need you to be mine, my wife for ever’.

These are the most powerful emotions. This letter and the next determined Marjory’s life, she remained his widow, faithful until she died.

# 22^nd May. So glad you are proud of me. Nervous tension is now very intense. I took my machine over to Kev’s to wave. We are going to be very busy today. I’m feeling well but in great need of you Marjorie my wife. Pray for me, pray hard. Your husband for ever, Philip.

And so, he took off on the job that was to be his last- to bomb shipping in Ambon harbour.

Here I have a diary extract from Lt. John van Nooten who was a prisoner of war on Ambon and witnessed the whole raid.

On the 22^nd of May another raid was carried out by the same type of plane (Hudsons). On this occasion two planes were shot down by Japanese fighters. They crashed into Bagocala Bay. The body of P.O. Moss was recovered and buried in the Soeli cemetery. The body of ‘Brooks’ RAAF was recovered at Paso (identified by a name tag on a singlet) and buried in the grounds of the Paso school.

Lt. van Nooten advised that on this occasion the formation of Lockheeds came over at about 6000 ft. and dive -bombed shipping in the harbour, coming down to mast height level to do so. Two planes came in at the rear of the formation and dropped their bombs directly on the ships, causing heavy damage, then levelled off , flying very low and took off after the remainder of the formation. From his position he noticed two Jap fighters take off from the drome in pursuit of the Lockheeds. The two planes were still well behind the formation and turned round and directly attacked the Jap fighters shooting one down, at the same time one of the Lockheeds also going down. The remaining fighter shot down the other Lockheed shortly afterwards and he crashed.

Lt. van Nooten and W.O. Adamson who both witnessed the complete action stated that for sheer courage and bravery they have never seen the likes before or after and that they did a magnificent job in a magnificent manner.

So there you are, some of the story of Philip Brooks, the bank clerk, and Marjorie Lewis, the hairdresser.

Barney Lewis said Philip was a true patriot, motivated by love of country and a sense of duty, and from these letters, a deep, intense love for his wife and little family.

Thank you all for being here to honour this courageous yet fearful young man who died so long ago and so far away.

Think of those times and imagine what our forebears lived through, and what was sacrificed for our future. Think of the anguish and the tears that were shed, that are shed and will continue to be shed for these young men lost to their families.
 

Remember to cherish each of your own.

(A speech made by Anthony Brooks to the gathering of Brooks, David and Lewis families after the ceremony)

Difficult lighting just lets us see Ed Pegge deliver a Henry V parody tribute to the destroyed Union Hall and the spirit of the Footlighters who excelled in it. The piece (see below) was written by Tony Brooks.

A PARODY BY WAY OF AN INVITATION TO the quick and the dead for A REUNION OF A.U.F.C.
 

Mr Pegge enters left, mounts rostrum, adjusts hose and doublet, strikes heroic pose. He clears throat, waits for prompt and, in specially imported fruity tones, addresses the throng:

Once more unto the stage dear friends, once more
And fill Union Hall up with old Footlights past
T’is true nothing provides more fun for man
Than immodest silliness and stupidity
So, although the tinnitus of dotage rings in our ears
Imitate the action of the jester
Unstiffen the sinews, stimulate the blood
Disguise cruel nature and deny the years

Then with mascara and an uplift bra, net stockings or a well packed jock
Give gender a terrible aspect and with Siren song
Entice each listener to the galled rock and see them
Wrecked and add their merry tears to a wasteful ocean.
Now, insert the teeth and trim the nostril hairs,
Get back the breath and bend a creaking spine
To its full height. On, on, you fearless Footlighters
And teach them how to laugh. And you good satirists
Whose quips outshine the internet, show us here
Thy nettles and barbed nature. Let us swear,
Blaspheme and doubt our leaders parentage

There is no joke so mean and base
That doth not with wit provoke lust in your eyes.
I see you now, like freshers at first night
Starry eyed waiting for the curtain
A swig of strong spirit, and on the cue
Cry God- its Harry, Geoff Scott and Rob George!

and is that Bergy, Geoff Ward, the Grum and Bish with sabres raised leading the charge? Now through the mist come the serried rows; there’s lost Albert, Dibby, Lawrence and McGowan. Its Margy, Morrison, Meredith, what Moore do we need. Short and Powell, Conlon and Potter, Leyton, Ligertwood, Hume and Hannam, Tipping, Turon and Taylors 2, Wayne with Warren finding a Way through Horrocks Pass, Bilney and Bronowski too quick to Cotton on while Ritchie brings a Gunn to upstage Steve J’s frightening Spears. With Micalef and Archer it’s sure getting hotter, surely the hall can’t get any Fuller but there’s a queue in the foyer of legends, both quick and mere shades with dozens to list until we’ve got the Lott, four no trumps and in spades.

Pegge, reaching the end of the scene, makes an elaborate curtsy with the full Louis 14^th embellishments, florid twirling of the hands and pointing of the toes. In the midst of the third curtain while bent almost double, Edmund tries to see if the royal Box is still occupied but the contortion this required in neck and eyeballs while maintaining the bow was too much and, reverting to his natural Cockney, he tumbled into the orchestra pit shouting “Where’s the apples n pears? Oooowwww me bonce, oi’ve ‘urt me lump of lead ! Nah mate! Oi could av been brown bread! Gimme me bees’n’honey an’ oi’ll ‘it the frog! “ Exits left via the revolve and Reg’s secret passage.

(audience goes wild with squeals of mirth at the excellent slapstick delivered so unintentionally by E.C.C.Pegge, a Thor among Thespians)

Wayne declares that Pegge's ego is once again completely out of control and moves that he be banned again. General consent.

Wayne Anthoney and Ed Pegge are shown a trick, by Rob Morrison; it involved the careful folding of a $5 note, producing images that may have been decent.
Standards are dropping. Only Wayne wore a tie today; he’ll have told you its significance. (Lee is excused). Checking earlier years, even in the non-airconditioned Hogarth Room, Brooks, Bannon, Lott, Potter, Wayne and more, made the effort at Christmas. But as early as 2010 the beginnings were there. Wilf Prest’s guest, Dick Richards wore no tie and a SHORT sleeved shirt.

Wayne: I wish it recorded here that I was wearing my Collegiate Tie, namely the tie of Hogwart's College, where I taught for many years.

Leo and bottles
 

Keith read an Australian short story explaining what/when Christmas Day is. You see Wayne poised to read the punch line. In front of Lee Kersten (she is at bottom left corner) you can see an image of Tony’s Dad, Flying Officer Philip Gardner Brooks. Lee has some of her own family photos in front of her plus a photo taken of her standing visit to table, back in August.
 

Ian Sando, Neville Sloss, John Potter and Ghil‘ad Zuckermann, who made three points to John. Later John explained to all at table the handing down of the Ten Commandments. Members of all Abrahamic faiths were amused.
 

Ian Henschcke (last at Hogarth October 2015) delivered a detailed account of his round the globe family trip. It had been prompted by an invitation, from Ghil‘ad to join him in Israel.

AND THAT WAS 2020. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS.