ARMS, Lyndall / I attended Newcastle Girls' High and then Uni of Newcastle, doing a bachelor of mathematics/computer science.
I've worked in computing since 1981 , most of that time with NSW Health.
I am married to Kevin and have 2 children : Annica 20 and Connor 17.
I have lived at Newcastle East , Hamilton North and Adamstown Heights so haven't moved far , but I did marry a boy from Broken Hill.
I still play hockey and love holidays.
ARMS, Greg / Married to Heather (25 years) Children Nicole (20), Michelle (18) & Daniel (14) we all live in Charlestown. I work for Austbrokers Holdings which is a company listed on the ASX, I have worked there for the past 12 years. My job takes all over Australia. The rest of the time I try to spend with my family which keeps both Heather & me pretty busy.
BARKER, David / I'm still in Newcastle, having travelled the great distance from Waratah to Mayfield East, only broken by 18 monthsin Gosford and 2 months in Auckland.Married for 22 years, no children, two cats. After Boys High,nine years at Newcastle Uni as a student: science degree and doctorate in chemistry.
Ihave taught chemical analysis, environmental monitoring & management and forensic science at Newcastle TAFE since 1989 and for 18 months at Granville TAFE before that. Passions: music, travel.
BRANNAN, Robert
BURNS, David / Living in Valentine, married to Dominique, son Christopher, 19, daughter Georgia, 16, currently manager NRMA Home assessing, have been a metallurgist, bread vendor, sales rep, managed various branches of various financial institutes,managed a sports centre and had my own corner shop.
COLQUHOUN, Jayne / All the girls thought Johnno was the hottest teacher at Waratah Primary School ! True ! I do remember that he made learning fun - good, cos I hated school. Today, Johnno would be called " COOL ". Bet he still is !
I went on to Hunter Girl's High School and I loved languages ! My career has been varied, but mainly dental assisting. Now living on the Atherton Tableland. Happily married to Nick (paramedic).Our 4 kids: Camilla, Mitchell, Oliver and Rohanna, make us very proud :)
DAVIES, Lea / Unfortunately distance prevents me from attending but would be interested in finding out how everyone is and putting names to faces. Briefly, my story is medical school at Newcastle Uni, one year in Sydney then I left to go to England primarily to work and travel. I spent 5 yrs there and then went to New York , initially with plans to stay 6 months but have ended up here 20 yrs later!! I am a specialist in pediatric lung diseases and am currently at the University of New Mexico I married an Englishman and have 3 daughters- I stared late so my eldest daughter is only 9 and my twins are 3. I returned to visit Newcastle in 2007 with my eldest daughter and found that Newcastle had changed but I did recognize a fair bit I have also thought about returning for good as there are many problems in American health care system however, my eldest daughter is very American and it would be a difficult adjustment--but who knows I wish you luck with your get together and give my regards to all and Mr Ottery.
Not sure I will be able to send a photo as I am currently on vacation- however may be able to take something will my cell phone !!!
Thanks again and nice to hear from you- hard to believe at times its been
28 yrs!!!!
DUNNE, Geoff / A few lines summarising my life would only be self-incriminating.
GODDEN, Tracey / Attended Newcastle Girls High. Prefect in 1977. Attended Newcastle College of Advanced Education. Graduated in 1980 with a Diploma of Education Primary teaching. Married in 1980 Have 3 children Troy27 (married ) Todd 25 (engaged) and Holly23. Teach at Kotara South Public School Kindergarten Acting Assistant Principal
GOUGH, Wayne / IN SHORT
WENT TO YEAR 10 AT BOYS HIGH
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP AT SHORTLAND ELECTRICITY 1975 AND WORKED FOR THEM UNTIL 1987.
1987 JOINED POLICE.
WEDDED BLISS FOR 28 YEARS
2 BOYS - 27 AND 26 YO. 1 GIRL - 19YO. ALL LEFT HOME LEAVING JUST THE BRIDE AND 2 DOGS.
1 GRANDSON 1 YO AND GRANDDAUGHTER ARRIVING OCTOBER.
MY LIFE IN A FLASH AND THAT'S HOW IT FEELS.
HAWKE, Allison / After finishingthe HSC, I started my nurse training at Royal Newcastle Hospital. Around that timeI met my husband Graeme (a PE teacher) and thenmarriedin 1981.I thenbecame a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Urology) in 1986 and on transferring to JohnHunter, a CNS (General Surgery).
Graeme and I havetwo wonderful daughters; Gillian (1985) B.Soc Sc (Hons)and Lauren (1988)a 3rd yr student studyingOccupational Therapy at Newcastle Uni.
Presently, I am working part-time and looking forward to more leisure time with Graeme.
HOWDEN, Peter / Briefly,
Single, no children.
Newcastle Boys High.
Newcastle University, Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Employed at Touche Ross, then my uncle's, Gary Howard, then KH Perry and self-employed as a public accountant for the past 15 years.
I live in Segnehoe on Wolfe Street overlooking the harbour as I've always had an interest in local history and always liked the art-deco building.
Newcastle Club member to support old establishments.
Interests, reading, cars, sixties Britsh television, old radio broadcasts, computers.
JEFFRESS, David / I'm currently living at Caves Beach and have done for 4 years. I have been married to Dianne, for 7 years. This is my 1st marriage, I didn’t marry until I was 42. I have 4 step children but none of my own. I work as a bus driver for Newcastle buses and have been there for 23 years, before meeting Dianne in 1997 I did a fair bit of travelling. Looking forward to seeing everyone again.
JOHNSON, Mark / Mark Johnson finished the HSC at Newcastle Boys High School, completed a Diploma in Teaching (General Primary) at Newcastle College of Advanced Education. I did some casual teaching for five years, three of which were consecutive at Raymond Terrace Primary. Throughout the rest of my working career I have been an Activities Officer at Newcastle University for five years, the Functions & Beverage Manager at Newcastle Workers Club for three years, an Education Officer with Newcastle City Council for three years, a Project Manager with Dept. Environment and Climate Change for nine years.
For the last four years I have been the manager of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre for Newcastle City Council. I am married with three children two boys Harley 19 yrs, Hayden 16 yrs and daughter (Lily) age 6.
KIDD, Joanne / Since sixth class
I married Paul in 1982 and have a daughter, Jenna, who turns 18 next month. I worked for 17 years at Hunter Water in payroll and fleet before taking redundancy. After that, I worked for a couple of small businesses and then worked 8 years as a temp, before starting at the Department of Lands, where I am now. We live in Merewether, in the house my husband grew up in, and we have been renovating forever. I’ve been pretty lucky, right place , right time and am very grateful to have the important things – love, health and happiness.
And I’m only half-way along the journey.
LEE, Belinda / Vice Captain of Newcastle High School in 1977. Worked at the NRMA, Newcastle, for 12 months after finishing my HSC, just waiting to turn 19 so I could join the NSW Police Force. Started two weeks after I turned 19, and 30 years later, I am still there. I have reached the rank of Superintendent, and am currently the Local Area Commander at Holroyd (which is Merrylands Police Station in the western suburbs of Sydney). During those 30 years I have been stationed in Sydney, Taree, Newcastle (where I have worked with fellow 6A class mates Mark Stone and Wayne Gough), Central Coast, back to Newcastle, and now back to Sydney. I have also worked with Mr Ottery’s son-in-law, Peter Mahon, who is a Detective Sergeant at Newcastle. It is through Peter, that I have had contact with Mr Ottery over the years. I felt very privileged when Mr Ottery asked me to organise this reunion. It has been fun, and the response has been fantastic (Must be something to do with the high esteem in which we hold Mr Ottery).
I have been married to Paul for 17 years, and we have a 10 year old daughter, Georgia. Judy Markey is her godmother.
MAGENNIS, Donna / Here is the last 38 years in a nutshell – sad when you can do it in 4 lines and there’s no working for world peace!!!!!
After partying my way through High School I left after year twelve and worked for 5 years at the Greater Building Society. In early 1983 I left Australia for what was to be a 6 month tour of Europe which subsequently became a 20 year adventure. I worked in various financial institutions in the City of London and married a London bobby. In late 2003 after the humiliation of England beating Australia in the Rugby World Cup final and my subsequent divorce ( I’m not sure which was more upsetting), I returned to Australia with my three lovely children. I now work as a Treasury Coordinator at Bradken Resources and as a taxi service, housekeeper and chef for my teenage children.
MARKEY, Judy / Hi everyone from Mr JTO’s 6A class.
This is Judy Markey . I am currently living in Maitland with my husband and 2 absolutely beautiful daughters Sophie 20 and Stephanie 15. I am a Head Teacher at Maitland Tafe and have been a Tafe Teacherfor 24 years and still loving my job. The 6A teaching role model I had definitely had an amazing influence on my career choice. My life has revolved extensively around my girls and their interests (hockey, ballet school and uni). I am still passionate about fitness and sport. Our Waratah Primary School softball and vigero days definitely prepared me for lots of wonderful sporting activities, achievements and adventures. Jude
McDIARMID, Kerrie / Kerrie McDiarmid now Sutherland - I went to Uni after leaving school and then worked in a bank. In 1980 I married John and bought our home in Maryland. After the birth of our first child, I left Uni and worked part time until our second child was born. We now have three children (Tony, Megan & Bradley) and one grandchild (Hamish) with twins expected early September. While our children were growing up, I helped on school P & C and canteen committees. I was also a volunteer instructor at the Police Boys Club, recorder at our swimming club, publicity officer for our soccer club and a member of our parochial council for many years. I have worked part time for the past ten years. We now live in Lambton. Besides babysitting, I also enjoy croquet, genealogy and old time dancing.
MIERNIK, William / William Miernik:
I wanted to pass kindest regards to John Ottery and all who were part of the class back in 1971. Unfortunately, family commitments and a series of other events prevent me from joining you all on this great occasion. Life for me has had its up and downs, but as they say, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Warm Wishes to all – Willy.
MILLEN, Andrew / I attended Newcastle Tech High, following which I gained an apprenticeship as an Electrical Fitter. Then studied Electrical Engineering and am now working as an Engineering Officer at Transgrid which is responsible for the State electricity distribution network. I have been married for 21 years and have 2 teenage daughters. After spending 10 years working in the Upper Hunter, where my eldest daughter was born, I was able to transfer to a position back in Newcastle, where we built our current home. Interests include cycling, sailing and bushwalking. Overseas travel includes Hong Kong (before returning to Chinese control), the Maldives (honeymoon) and New Zealand. Have recently taken a family holiday of 3 weeks in Tasmania, where my wife and I would like to spend some more time, especially in retirement.
MILLER, David
MOASE, Jenny / John Thomas Ottery was and still is my favourite teacher!
I only have a few short lines on what I have been doing and it sounds rather boring when I think of it.
I have been with the same guy for 33 years, married for 25 and we have two children. Jess is 24 and working in child care and Jacob 21 is doing economics at uni.
I am a Case Manager with Dept of Ageing Disability and Homecare working with people with an intellectual disability and their families in the community.
NOLAN, Richard / Attended Newcastle Boys High until part way through 5th form. Began learning/playing lead guitar around 13 years old. Played in a few local bands and then left school to pursue a music career. Did a bit of hitch hiking up and down the east coast and experimented with various recreational substances.
Moved to Sydney late teens early twenties. Did a Diploma in Audio Engineering (Dux) then went on to lecture the advanced class. Did a guitar building course (hand built an acoustic guitar).
Moved to the countryside Bungendore then Braidwood (between Canberra and the coast). Continued building guitars, did guitar repairs for a number of Canberra music stores.
Played in a few bands and did quite a bit of live audio mixing for various bands in and around Canberra. Eventually moved to Canberra as my band was playing there so much.
Did a mature age entry into Uni of Canberra (1989) and did an IT degree (mostly so I could have/afford a child, Demi is now 13). I now specialise in ICT Security consulting to Fed Gov and private industry (pays the bills). I still play in a band and mix a bit but much more part time these days.
Managed to get overseas a bit (Europe, Bali, Thailand) and I’ve been to all the Australian capitals except Hobart.
PARROTT, Stephen / I attended Newcastle Boy's High leaving after completing Yr 10 and was fortunate to obtain a job as a clerk with the Maritime Services Board of NSW (MSB) in Newcomen Street. I was with the MSB for three yearsuntil Feb 1979 when I joined the Royal Australian Navy as an adult recruit Musician. I was promoted through the ranks until I completed my Band Officers Course and was commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant in 1999. I retired from the Navy in March 2002 after a career of 23 years (the highlight of which was performing before the Queen and members of the Royal family during a number of performances at the Royal Tournament in Earl's Court England in 1987) and have had a couple of casual/temporary jobs since then. Currently I am unemployed and class myself as 'retired'. I have never married and upon leaving the Navy purchased a house in Newcastle and have settled down with my two dogs Pagan (a dingo) and Baron (a cattle-cross).