Past Reunions – 2021
Warragul Past Jaycees and Jaycettes Reunion Luncheon – Friday March 5th 2021 Albert & Smith Restaurant, West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE REUNION GALLERY
Kevin Dale welcomed 43 attendees to the 6th Biannual reunion held at the Albert & Smith restaurant located the West Gippsland Arts centre in Civic place Warragul. After a year of Covid restrictions it was a real treat to able to go out and socialise again. During 2020 the Metropolitan area was locked down to a 5 km travel limit and only essential services such as Supermarkets and Pharmacies open. The country areas restrictions were not so draconian and by comparison had minor inconveniences.
Doug Armour read out the apologies and Max Cameron recognised past members who passed away in the last two years. They included Neil Reeves, Mavis Dye and also Ian Holdsworth.
He also read out a letter from Bruce Borland who now lives in Ashburton and remembers his days in Jaycees with great fondness.
The Smith and Albert Restaurant is located within the West Gippsland Arts centre, the setting for lunch was a long table with a nice view over Civic Park.
General discussion included the Jaycee Farm Location map. There were three editions and Kevin Dale brought two of them along. The first map was map was produced in the late 60’s. the idea came from George Blackstock who seen a similar map in New Zealand. It included the names and locations of all the farmers in the West Gippsland area. It proved to be hugely popular, nearly all the businesses in Warragul had a Jaycee map on display for their own use. The main organisers for the original Map were Ian Armour and John Morgan. It was a laborious task and all the chapter members were involved in ringing around and checking names. Two updates were produced in the 70’s and then 80’s. It was an outstanding success in all respects and a most useful product in its time. However, these days Mr Google and privacy rules have changed the landscape.
Kevin then passed the microphone around the table for members to give an update on what they are doing now and any stories of interest. This proved to be informative and entertaining. It was a thoroughly enjoyable get together with old friends catching up with each other and sharing life’s experiences.
Kevin then concluded the Luncheon activities with a rendition of a Bush ballad by Banjo Paterson; The Man from Ironbark.
The organising committee were Doug and Diane Armour, Max Cameron and Bruce Langdon.
Thanks again to Bruce Langdon for providing the photos and maintaining the Web site at his own expense.
The next Luncheon will be in two years’ time, on the first Friday in March; 3rd March 2023.