Memories of Mathon Lodge from Dan

Your email to Rex copied to us I’ve now stored amongst my family paper records. For my earliest – and perhaps, strongest – child hood memory is of that Mathon Lodge occasion when the family must have gathered to honour the boys returning. There, to the left, just inside the ‘living room’ door on the sofa where the three waist-coated Uncles. Formidable enough, but there beyond them, up there, a long way up there - from my toddler status - was this tall uniformed stranger, the obvious centre of affection and admiration. Garry, we were both born in 1943; for us to remember – and you to recall the troop ship as well - we must have been 3; this would make the return at least 1946. Possible? I’m delighted you recall this: over the years I’ve been worried my memory conjured this up.

We are anxious to make the short trip up to celebrate Rex’s birthday. A little delay till we are advised of his transfer to more salubrious accommodation.

Sammy Bear – both of you have scrubbed up well. In fact he looks slimmer than you ! No sign of the Mayoral chain, tho’ ??. We enjoyed your last fleeting visit, but pleased you’re not here now. The Gold Coast recorded 250 ml of rain last night. All the Delhi Commonwealth Games Organisers’ fault, no doubt ! Love to Lindy – your use of her email address nomenclature under which to write threw me for a moment !

Cheers Dan ‘n Jude