2001

2023

JANUARY

At the University Club on Thursday 19th of January

Attending (3 persons): Ian Owens, Ian Sando, Wayne Anthoney

Apologies: All the bloody rest of em.

Despite our small number an enjoyable afternoon was spent in discussion and reminiscences on many subjects. Bones who grew up in Orroroo explained at length the many features of his outrageous clown car, Henrietta, which a friend built for him iin London in the eighties. He performed as Albert the Idiot up and down the length of England. He controlled Henrietta electronically with a device in his pocket and it could squirt him and others with large amounts of water, run over him, make all kinds of noises and so on.

Bones and Ian, who found that they had numerous common acquaintances from the mid-north.

Bones and Wayne regaled each other with reminiscences from their short time together working as clowns in the Magick Circus troupe. This included the story of a wonderful week's work at Orroroo Primary School, where they made a circus with the whole school and gave a show for the whole community at the end of the week.

Wayne, who has known Ian from University days in the early sixties, usually refers to him as Ig because his middle name starts with G.

Bones, Ig, Wayne.

This old geezer at a nearby table was having the time of his life.

Nothing to do with lunch but waiting for a bus on North Terrace afterward was very pleasant.

FEBRUARY

At Jolley's Boathouse on Thursday February 17th

Attendees: (10 persons) Wayne Anthoney, Ghil'ad Zuckermann, Ian (Bones) Owens, Wilf Prest, Neville Sloss, Ian (Ig) Sando, Ed Pegge, Ian (Listy) Lister John McGowan, Milton Wordley.

Apologies: (13 persons) Leo Davis, Rob Morrison, Keith Conlon Mike Johnston, Andy Ligertwood, Bob Lott, Tony Parkinson, Paul Kolarovich, Bob Adams, Michael Jacobs, Mark Coleman, Tony Brooks, Arwed Turon.

After some negotiation we have decided to hold Hogarth lunch every second month, so the next one will be in April.

The view of the river from near the restaurant was a delight as promised.

It was very pleasant to be back in the upstairs room at Jolley's again, as we hadn't been since October of last year. Sadly, Leo was unable to come due to illness but it was good to see Milton back again after his six-month recuperation from an injury. I (Wayne A) had to take the role of photographer, with help from Ghil'ad, and scribe. I'm nowhere near as good at this as Leo, who without taking notes has an amazing memory for what transpires around the table.

They had prepared our own special menu. Some gents expressed consternation at reading of Jerk Sauce but when we asked the waiter what it was we did not fully understand his reply.

Clockwise from left: Wilf, Milton, Neville, Pegge, Ig, Listy, McGoon, Ghil'ad, Bones.

Ig and Listy, fine fellows.

There was robust conversation around the table. Ghil'ad and Wilf had much to talk about of academia, with the proposed merger of the Universities of Adelaide and SA.

Clockwise from left: Bones, Wilf, Milton, Neville, McGoon, Ghil'ad. More superb scenery through the window.

Pegge's head. Just my whimsical sense of humour. Sorry.

At one point Ghil'ad produced some photos of a number of astonishing paintings made by his now thirteen year old son, Giovanni.

The woman, he painted at the age of 11. Giovanni particularly likes painting sports stars, mainly basketballers.

Wayne, Milton, Neville

It would be interesting to know what was on Ghil'ad's mind when he took this partial selfie.

There was a brief discussion of the Voice to Parliament (Constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament would be a body enshrined in the Constitution that would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the Parliament on policies and projects that impact on their lives.) This did not last long however, as it became apparent, at least to me, that one person at our table had no idea what he was talking about. Better to drop it.

All in all it was another long and enjoyable lunch.

APRIL

Hogarth: Upstairs at Jolley’s Boathouse Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Attending: (9 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Leo Davis, Andy Ligertwood, Ian Lister, Rob Morrison, Ian Owens, Ed Pegge, Neville Sloss, Arwed Turon.

Apologies: (15 persons): Ian Sando, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann. Mark Coleman, Michael Jacobs, Tony Parkinson, Wilf Prest, John McGowan, Milon Wordley, Sa Harris, Bob Adams, Paul Kolarovich, Rob George, Mike Johnston, Ian Henschke, Bob Lott

Neville Sloss, Andy Ligertwood, Ian Lister, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge, Ian Owens, Leo Davis, Wayne Anthoney, Arwed Turon.

Pegge told us of the first of countless famous persons he’d met, Vivien Leigh, here with a Shakespeare company. As a 19 year old, with connections, Pegge threw a party for lesser members of cast and phoned to invite Leigh to the party and picked her up in his small second hand car. Un-characteristically he remembered a range of folks with whom he’d shared stage and screen, including Sean Connery, whose behaviour had their group banned from some venue. Rob Morrison contributed by telling a nice story about his conversation with Louis Armstrong. This led to some simple fun with lads chirping in with ‘I know her/him’ whenever a name was mentioned, even including when the person was only ‘she’ or ‘he’. So when Rob told a fine yarn involving Lionel Murphy farting in a lift, Andy Ligertwood beamed great pleasure crying out ‘I knew him.’

Ian Lister, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge.

Rob told a ripping yarn involving a John Edmonds Theatre 62 production of King Lear in which he, Rob, performed. An audience of year 12 students of the play showered the stage with jaffas and the chap producing thunder from above the stage fell through the ceiling. The cloud of dust convinced Edmonds a smoke bomb had been detonated so, in his famously flamboyant clothing, he furiously stormed down the aisle and mounted the stage, planning to announce the huge threat, ‘The next person who lets off a smoke bomb will be thrown out’ only to spot the reality of the situation, revealed by legs through the ceiling. Quick wittedly he switched his threat to ‘The next person who throws a jaffa will be thrown out.’

Further Theatre 62 tales had Rob rushed to hospital after an on stage injury and he is proud of what he is sure is a unique entry in RAH records; ‘Wounded in the foot in broad sword duel.’

Ian Owens, Wayne Anthoney, Arwed Turon.

Arwed delivered a passionate warning about the threat to the health care system and budget posed by people who are not as sensible in their diet and other health choices as of course we all are. On diet matters some lads found the steak close to un-chewable and a fuss pot complained of the absence of greens and other vegetables. The first two courses were tasty but both were based upon bread. Some grumbles were heard. The customary retreat by two lads for recreational smoking under the City Bridge will become impossible if a suggested change of venue proceeds.

Course 2, bread and paté, delivered. Ian Owens, waitress, Wayne Anthoney, Arwed Turon.

Wayne Anthoney, Arwed Turon.

Wayne read a poem that was sympathetic to the female condition. Andy asked to be forwarded a copy while Ed insisted that it NOT be sent to him.

Wayne: Here is the poem, by Biff Ward. I find it very moving.

Let's slip off our pedestals
and lie down together.
It's exhausting up here
being perfect, doing everything
fixing it all up.
It's not that I mind really
all the little bits
being a frontline feminist,
an absolutely impeccable listener,
a fabulous cook and fascinating
company, making connections,
arranging jobs and training,
working the bellows to blow up
everyone else's self-esteem,
growing all our own veggies,
helping little old ladies over
the road and bringing up flawless
children.
It's not that I mind really
all the little bits
it's just that it would be nice
to slip off the pedestals
we've placed each other on
and lie down together
at the beach, in the parks,
over the hills, on the living-room
floors and dotting backyards-
all the women lying down
having a rest, having nothing
but a simple bloody rest-
in the sun, under a tin-roof
in the rain with incense smoking,
candles burning, music, voices, silence
quiet.
It's not that I mind really
but it would be nice to stop -
just sometimes - saving the world
from itself and men and IT and THEM-
it would be nice, so nice to REST -
lying down together, heaps and piles
and miles and miles of resting women,
beautiful, prone, resting women
watching, laughing, shrieking, cooing
like flapping doves
as another slips from her pedestal
slipping down to rest with all
the women lying down together
resting.
Biff

Elizabeth Biff Ward is descended, on both sides
of her family, from early South Australian settlers.

Ed Pegge and Columbian waitress/journalist.

Ed tried out his pitch, just to show the mojo is still working, and engaged the Colombian waitress (who says she is a journalist; student maybe?) in lengthy repartee.

Ian Owens, Wayne Anthoney, Arwed Turon, Neville Sloss, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge.

Wayne had too few of his limited printing of his latest book, One Rubber Rooster Is Never Enough with him, so sold all copies and had to take orders.

Wayne: I asked around the attendees about what they thought of the lunch and it was agreed that it was sub-standard and very disappointing. Consider: 1. A small piece of toast with salted butter. 2. A larger piece of toast with duck pate and a quarter of a plum. 3. Somewhat tough rump steak with roast potatoes. That was it. I will be complaining to the management about this.

The health status of absent friends was discussed. Sadly one had to tender an apology for today because of a brain tumour diagnosis. Another’s hearing has declined so much that attendance would be pointless. Milton is making very slow recovery from his fall-induced brain injury. Tony is battling his malady. And the serious health situation of Barry Humphries was mentioned. Of course he died just three days later.

JUNE 2023

Hogarth: Upstairs at Jolley’s Boathouse Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Attending: (11 persons): Bob Adams, Wayne Anthoney, Mark Coleman, Leo Davis, Andy Ligertwood, John McGowan, Ian Lister, Ian Owens, John Potter, Ian Sando, Arwed Turon.

Apologies: (12 persons): Ghil‘ad Zuckermann. Tony Brooks, Rob George, Samela Harris, Michael Jacobs, Paul Kolarovich, Rob Morrison, Tony Parkinson, Ed Pegge, Wilf Prest, Neville Sloss, Milton Wordley

This month's gathering was partly to remember our great friend and beautiful man Mike Johnston, Hogarth Club member and Old Footlighters stalwart, who died suddenly on May 29th, while working at his farm near Willunga.

Ian Lister, Ian Sando, Wayne Anthoney, John Potter, Arwed Turon, Mark Coleman, Andy Ligertwood, Ian Owens, John McGowan.

Comments were repeated, a number of times, about the poor fare provided at the April gathering and there was near consensus about the much improved offering this time. This perhaps disappointed those hoping this would be our last gathering at Jolleys, at $90 per person.

John Potter examines the set menu of today’s offering. Arwed is otherwise concerned.

Mark Coleman, Andy Ligertwood, Bob Adams, Ian Owens, John McGowan, Ian Lister, Ian Sando, Wayne Anthoney, John Potter, Arwed Turon. (‘Snacks’ House made-bread, flavoured butter).

Some celebration was made of the life and admirable qualities of Mick Johnston, who died on May 29.
Ian Sando brought along a class photo, from 1955, that included himself (far right, front row), Malcolm Elliott (who was at the very first Hogarth gathering; 2^nd from left in 3^rd row from front) and Mick Johnston (far left; 2^nd row from front).

At the wake for Mike, held on a wet Saturday June 10th, in a marquee on Mike and Rosie's olive farm in the hills above Willunga. Mike Harbison is speaking about Mike's huge contribution to the olive industry. Rosie, second on left. This is one of the many photos that Leo took to record this moving event.

Wayne passed around a copy of the very poetic tribute to Mick that was delivered by one of Mick’s sons, at the wake at ‘The Farm’ last Saturday. Wayne did not think he could read it to us because the emotions expressed in it would surely undo him. It is appended at the end of this report.

He did read to us Jacobs’ apology for not attending today, it containing an interesting and pertinent reference to Mick’s father. As follows...

Can’t make this one, but I can contribute a bit of history.

The original iteration of The Chesser Cellar, as we all have cause to remember, was as a wine bar dominated by a splendid and very generously priced smorgasbord. It was created by transferring a wine-bar licence from what was not much more than a hole-in-the-wall joint somewhere in Pulteney Street doing a somewhat down-market trade in four crown port and other plonk. The wine-bar licence of the day required the licensee to provide something to eat with the wine, a requirement often enough met by a platter of Jatz Crackers and some Farmers Union matured on a platter on the bar. A wine bar could not have a kitchen delivering an a la carte menu: that would have made it a restaurant. Had it been a restaurant, the nearby pubs (and restaurants, such as the Quality Inn in Grenfell Street) would have persisted in objecting to the Licensing Court, which could have been a nuisance and might have been successful. The strategy which led to a collapse of those objections was an undertaking to only serve cold food, and continue to be a wine bar. That is why for years there was no beer or spirits, and the strongest drinks you could get were the very popular Chesser Nos.1, 2 and 3, which were mixed up in a tub on the premises from various fairly ordinary ingredients. Most of this will be well known to many.

My father was the lawyer for Jim Bowen and the others who wanted to set up the Chesser. Mike Johnston’s father was the Licensing Court judge who let it happen.

Regardsjacobs.

Arwed, Mark Coleman, Andy Ligertwood, Bob Adams, Ian Owens, John McGowan, Ian Lister, Ian Sando, John Potter.

Arwed objected that lads referred to him by only his family name and he was assured that it was a term of affection, perhaps arising from many lads having a Private School background, where masters NEVER used given names.

Leo, prompted by an encounter, at a recent demonstration against moving the police horses to the SW Parklands, and again at Mick’s wake, with his year 11 classmate (along with Malcolm Elliott), Legh Davis (no relative).told of the revelation of a 60year old secret. Legh had confessed to an inadvertent recording of his offence, involving him, Tom Balfour and Chemistry master Doug Provis, by Head Master Jack Dunning, on Leo’s student record card, back in 1957.

Bob Adams, Ian Owens, John McGowan. (very buttery mashed spuds with main course).

John McGowan, in his usual charming way, told of finding Mick’s wallet, when both were youngsters and did not know each other. He was disappointed when delivering it to the Johnston house, Mick’s mother simply said ‘Where did he lose it this time?’ and not offering a reward.

There was much discussion of the quality and frequency of trains, within London and from London to a range of Continental destinations. This arose from Bones’ recent 44 days away, in the UK and Europe.

Ian Lister, Ian Sando, Wayne Anthoney.

Ian Sando told us of recent health problems, with the likelihood that recently he’d suffered a stroke and the revelation that he has an inoperable brain tumour, with fairly obvious prognosis.

Arwed Turon and Mark Coleman (his first attendance since May 2022).
Arwed’s humour is sometimes appreciated.

Wayne retold a great joke about Roy Rogers, that works only when told by a master of timing, such as he is. Arwed’s joke was in such poor taste that a motion to ban him from Hogarth was passed with near unanimous voting. In fairness to Arwed, it was late in the afternoon.

Ian Sando, Wayne Anthoney, John Potter, Arwed Turon, Mark Coleman.
Main course, involving half a chicken, shared by two persons.
Wayne was able to sell and autograph a few more copies of the recently released autobiography of his clowning decades, ‘One Rubber Rooster Is Never Enough.’

Ian Sando, Wayne Anthoney, John Potter. Conversation is always serious at Hogarth.

Ian Owens, John McGowan, Andy Ligertwood. Near to day’s end.

EULOGY FOR MIKE JOHNSTON, WRITTEN AND READ AT THE WAKE BY HIS SON BEN

Monday the 29^th of May 2023. Michael Johnston was alone in the place where he most at home. The air was fresh and whilst the countryside was rejoicing in its green complexion after enduring the summer, the world was settling in readiness for the period of hibernation. Autumn brings a stillness, a sunset of colours before the dark night of winter. Dad was outside chopping wood, no doubt appreciative of nature’s gift that would provide him with warmth during the cool night. Everything was as it should be. When he collapsed he fell onto his beloved dirt and he became still. I have an image of my father lying there, no commotion, only communion. Despite the obvious tragedy the scene is also one of peace. There is even bliss. This was the moment that my dad chose to leave his body, and the earth that he loved dearly reached out and gently accepted it. As dad was lying there the earth took him into its bosom and whispered reassuringly into his ear “you are ok, rest, I have you now, for eternity!”. The world was untroubled by the scene. Harmony abounded all around him. The only witnesses, some solitary birds that afforded at most a momentary glance. Birds, like all of nature, are not ones to contemplate their own mortality. When I picture the scene I am comforted by the idea that in those moments the soul of my father entwined itself intimately and forever with a place that was quintessential to his being. No fanfare, just a gentle, wordless coupling of spirits. The poetry of the circumstance is not lost on me. I feel content that my father’s final resting place was precisely where he would have wanted it to be. I believe he knew that and was comfortable with it.

Later, when I went to my father, I lay my hands on him and said my final farewell. He was so tiny and vulnerable. I cried for him like a parent might cry for a child, and it was his life that rushed before my eyes. I could feel him as a young boy. There was a simplicity in the profound connection I experienced. I played a scene where my father the boy was there in front of me. I lowered myself onto one knee in front of him and looked into his eyes. I asked the boy “How did you go? Did you live a good life?.” The little boy looked back at me directly in the eye. He was wearing grey shorts, long socks, collared shirt and jacket, eyes blazing with energy and anticipation. His eyes showed an unbridled excitement about life. Every day was an adventure waiting to begin. A fantastic tale in which he was the central character. The world offered him prospects only limited by his imagination. “Did it go like you wanted? Are you happy with what you got?” I continued.

As I said my farewell to my dad I could feel the answer was yes. The child was happy with his lot. He managed to live a life like he would have wanted. He had had some adventures, he had had some wins, he had had some losses. He had managed to find a corner of the world that kept him vital. And he was loved.

My father was overjoyed by how he was loved by his friends. He was a generous man who showed his affection and love through service and loyalty. His friends were very important to him, and he always gladly made himself available to them. And the love they reciprocated was a great comfort to him.

My father loved family. He worked and dedicated himself to providing for them a safe, secure and comfortable life. This was his expression of love. He worked to provide a platform of opportunities for his children. And he loved that he lived to the end with his family around him.

They say you make your own luck, but sometimes you are just plain lucky! “Cherchez la femme”. Often men are too proud to realise that they are only who they are because the partner who is with them makes it possible. My father was a lucky man. He met, married, and spent 60 years of his life with a woman who was dedicated to him being who he wanted to be. She was the keystone that kept the arch of his life upright. I acknowledge my mother today for it was she that enabled my father to live a good and satisfying life, and to leave this earth truly content with his story. She found the boy and she held him. She allowed him to know he was safe in her love. And in that knowledge the boy was able to flourish.

When you see a child, you wish for them a long and happy life. You can’t help but have aspirations for them. The desire to see them happy is irresistible. I feel comforted by the knowledge that the boy my father fulfilled those aspirations and indeed lived a happy life. I am to therefore grateful and content.

Goodbye dad.

AUGUST 2023

Hogarth: Downstairs at Jolley’s Boathouse Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Attending: (11 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Leo Davis, Rob George, Michael Jacobs, Paul Kolarovich, Ian Lister, Bob Lott, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge, Wilf Prest, Neville Sloss.

Apologies: (12 persons): Ian Sando, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann. Mark Coleman, Tony Brooks, Tony Parkinson, John Potter, John McGowan, Bob Adams, Arwed Turon, Andy Ligertwood, Ian Henschke, Ian Owens.

We noted that another of our number had passed away recently. Geoff Shepherd, a gentle soul and good friend to many of us died on May 2nd after a long battle with cancer. In fact, his last appearance at lunch was in September of 2019.

Geoff, flanked by Bill Kay and Phil Grummet, both of whom left the planet in recent years.

Ed Pegge (pink shirt), Michael Jacobs, proprietor Michael, Ian Lister and Wayne Anthoney.

Preparations for an event upstairs had us relegated to the lower level where we were assured we were to be the only patrons. A new proprietor, Michael, in that role only for two weeks, greeted us and acted as sole waiter/attendant. An Australian until age seven, when his parents took him to Paris where he spent around 20 years, he identifies not as French but as Parisian.

Bob Lott eating duck.

There was much positive favourable comment about the food today, it not much different to recent offerings. The main of duck, unlike the steak of some months ago, was well prepared. Bob Lott revealed that this was the second time ever that he had eaten duck. Plentiful ducks on his dam were discussed as possible targets, but not by Bob.

Ian Lister, Wilf Prest and Rob George (signing a copy of his Lake Beauty).

Two of the many authors at table had their books on sale today. Wayne had another round of sales of his One Rubber Rooster Is Never Enough, including swapping one for a copy of Rob George’s murder mystery novel, Lake Beauty, a number of copies of which were purchased at a very fair price.

A further toast was proposed to our late dear Mick Johnston and it was remembered that we had, more recently, lost Geoff Shepherd.

Leo unearthed this relic from his amazing collection, showingthe victorious Prince Alfred College Second Eight.

As has become the pattern in recent years, there was little in the way presentation of jokes, yarns, to whole of table. Failing hearing of the ageing cohort means the clinking of a glass no longer silences all conversation, so Wayne only managed to get most to listen to his humorous allusion to the possible incarceration of an extraordinary American leader.

Wayne: To be more explicit, I told the following very clever (in my opinion) and topical joke: The world's unluckiest man is living somewhere in America. Nobody, including he himself, knows who he is, but he will soon be sharing a prison cell with Donald Trump.

Wilf Prest and Rob George. (Note the emptiness of the restaurant).

The qualities of Bob Ellis came up, especially his inability not to wreck rooms of residence he was occupying. It became increasingly difficult to find accommodation, with friends or in commercial premises, as his ways became better known. Wayne again sang the praises of Bob’s gifted writing with Rob, while agreeing, saying ‘but too many words.’ He told of working with Bob on one of his, Rob’s, productions.

Reminiscences about drama and film productions had Pegge remind us of some well-known folk he has worked with. That led Wayne to recall performing at a fund-raiser in Alice Springs in the eighties and that Sam Neill was on the piano. Some, particularly Ed, were much surprised at this unknown ability.

A surprise offer, from the new manager, of a bonus free serve of dessert, led to some trying, unsuccessfully, to remember the words to ‘Singing in the pudding’. Where was Brooks when needed?

It was remembered that we did not notice, so did not celebrate our (for those who have been there from the start) recent 50^th anniversary of the formation of Hogarth, in June 1973.

Leo Davis and Paul Kolarovich. (photo by Rob Morrison).

Wayne remembered, post meeting, that he’d forgotten to tell us that he’d phoned Ian Sando and was saddened to hear that the ailments Ian told us of, at the June gathering, are getting on top of him and that he is currently in the RAH.

OCTOBER

Hogarth: Downstairs at Jolley’s Boathouse Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Attending: (6 persons): Wayne Anthoney, Leo Davis, Ian Lister, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, David Thompson, Neville Sloss.

Apologies: (17 persons): Ghil‘ad Zuckermann. Mark Coleman, Keith Conlon, Tony Brooks, Tony Parkinson, John Potter, John McGowan, Bob Adams, Milton Wordley, Wilf Prest, Andrew Hill, Mike Jacobs, Andrew Ligertwood, Paul Kolarovich, Arwed Turon, Rob George, Ian Henschke

Hogarth is no longer a monthly ‘must do’, on most agendas of old time Hogarthians. Half our six today was made up of Neville and our latest two visitors, Ian Lister and David Thompson, both of whom he, Neville, had invited. Advancing years, frailty and illness, grand parenting, increased travel opportunities, may be causes.

David Thompson, Wayne Anthony, Ian Lister.

A phone call was made to Ed Pegge, to check whether he was coming as he’d indicated. He was not. He had to go to the doctor at short notice. Wayne expressed concern that Ian Sando, usually first to reply that he was to attend, not replying at all, suggesting that his health battle is not progressing well.

Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, waitress, Nevill Sloss.

The small muster had us transferred to an a la carte menu and so, unusually, individual orders were taken. A guess is that some lads ordered modestly, looking to a reduced cost but side dishes were ordered by some, without thought of cost perhaps and some were much surprised to find the final shared $95 each (and that with Ian Lister himself paying the $55 for the oysters he ordered ‘for the table’) was higher than the set menu price some have quibbled about in the past. It put that deal in a new perspective.

David Thompson, Wayne Anthoney. Ian Lister.

Leo makes a very good point in conversation with David.

Even at such a small table conversation was difficult because of a large very loud table to our west.

There was much discussion of theatrical days in tough gigs in the north of the UK with Bones telling many engaging yarns. Stories included many now famous names (where was Pegge?) who were starting out their stand up comedy careers in front of difficult, sometimes dangerous audiences. Riveters has access to nuts and bolts, as projectiles. New guest David, who grew up in the region, confirmed many of Ian’s observations of the local culture.

It was noticed that Wayne was wearing cuff links alluding to the title of his latest published book, One Rubber Rooster Is Never Enough.

DECEMBER

Christmas Hogarth Club lunch: La Trattoria (per favour Tony Parkinson).
Thursday, December 14, 2023.

Attending: (17 persons): Wayne Anthoney, David Beaumont, Tony Brooks, Leo Davis, Rob George, Ian Henschke, Andy Ligertwood, Ian Lister, John McGowan, Rob Morrison, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Tony Parkinson , Ed Pegge, John Potter, Tass Schmidt, Neville Sloss, Milton Wordley.

Apologies: (8 persons): Bob Adams, Wilf Prest, Mark Coleman, Keith Conlon, Andrew Hill, Paul Kolarovich, Arwed Turon, Ghil‘ad Zuckermann.

In recent months we have lost two more members. Malcolm Elliot, who was one of the seven founding members of the club, died on October 29th and Ian (Ig) Sando, died quietly on September 26th. His first attendance at the club was in December 2017.Wayne remembered Ig from when they were both on the SRC at the University of Adelaide in about 1959.

Malcolm

We drank a toast to Malcolm and Ig.

Beggars of course cannot be choosers but the location (we do thank Tony for his generosity, yet again) was tightly confined, adding to noise levels so extraordinary that persons sitting side by side had difficulty in holding discussion. Cross table conversation was harder and anything futher impossible, hence there is little to report. One conversation overheard conceded the brilliance of our deceased member Bob Ellis’ writing but scoffed at his ivory tower socialism.

Official hand over of responsibilities from Wayne to Neville.

David Beaumont, Neville Sloss, Wayne Anthoney, John McGowan.

Wayne hands Neville the Official Insignia of Office. This plaque in fact belongs to Tony Brooks, who bought it at auction from the Chesser Cellars when the place was closed down in June of 2012.

Rob Morrison, John Potter, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Ian Lister, Wayne Anthoney, John McGowan, Neville Sloss (standing), Tass Schmidt.

Neville Sloss, in taking over Hogarth Marshalling from Wayne, cleverly hijacked and read the acceptance speech of the Secretary General of the United Nations. He promised to work on balancing gender bias, having made a start today by inviting Tass Schmidt.

Andy Ligertwood, Rob George, John Potter, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Ian Lister, John McGowan, Ian Henschke, Milton Wordley, David Beaumont, Tony Parkinson, Neville Sloss (standing), Tass Schmidt, Rob Morrison, Tony Brooks’ hand.

Motions were passed confirming (1) Pegge’s long standing banning and (2) that we meet in 2024 at the usual time on the third Thursday of alternate months, starting in February. At this stage it is to be at Jolley's.

John Potter, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Ian Lister, Wayne Anthoney, John McGowan, Rob George (hidden), Ian Henschke.

A Toast to comrades passed. Wayne farewelled extra lads who’d passed away this year since the deaths of Michael Johnston (May 29) and Geoff Shepherd (Aug 3). These were Malcolm Elliott (Oct 29) and Ian Sando (September 26). ‘Who’ it was asked ‘will be next?’ A raffle was suggested, $10 each to surviving members, with last man standing getting the jackpot.

David Beaumont, Tony Parkinson, Neville Sloss, Tass Schmidt, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge, Andy Ligertwood, John Potter, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Ian Lister, Wayne Anthoney, John McGowan.
Tony Brooks sits away from table at right.

Carol singing was at a higher standard than in several recent years. More songs were completed and with greater enthusiasm, this year. Ian ‘Bones’ Owens took over leading and a combination of his musical skills, informed key setting and several decades working with, martialling children, did the trick.

Andy Ligertwood, John Potter, Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Ian Lister, Wayne Anthoney, John McGowan. Tony Brooks sits away from table at right.

Neville Sloss, Tass Schmidt, Rob Morrison, Ed Pegge.

Ian ‘Bones’ Owens, Ian Lister, Wayne Anthoney, John McGowan, Rob George, Ian Henschke, Neville Sloss. Tony Brooks sits away from table behind waiter.

Something to tempt the older palates. The pudding was sung in, a tradition not honoured in every one of recent years. Tony Brooks circulated the word sheets.

Tony Parkinson brought out a wonderful Penny Hill Vintage Port, carefully poured by a legend of La Trat, Billy the Waiter

And that's all for 2023, folks.