1969 Rural Science Group
In late September, those who commenced a Bachelor of Rural Science in 1969 and 1970 enjoyed their biennial reunion, this time over two days in Pokolbin. Almost 50 people enjoyed two dinners and a variety of activities, including golf, a garden tour and a visit to Tyrrell’s Wines, hosted by another UNE graduate, Distinguished Alumni Bruce Tyrrell.
“The 1969 group has been getting together every two years since we reunited in Coffs Harbour in 2013,” said one of the reunion organisers, Distinguished Alumni Barry Buffier. “We then combined with the 1970 grads a few years later.
“We have had diverse careers, as research officers, with the World Bank, in law and foreign affairs and farming. One became a Professor at Cornell University, others have worked in politics and several are Distinguished Alumni. And 10 of the couples attending this year met at UNE.”
Guests from the 1969 cohort included Roger and Pam Barlow, Alan and Gay Bell, Chris and Lyndy Bowman, Barry and Jenny Buffier, Tony Gleeson, Bert and Jan Mowbray, David and Gail Parkinson, Tim and Prue Walker, Daryl and Narelle Williams, Warwick and Hilary Yates.
1970 Rural Science Group
The 1970 group included David and Suzy Angliss, Kevin Atkins, Bob and Ros Beeton, Peter and Pam Core, Sandy and Louise Davies, John Dixon, Helen Hearnshaw and Michael Balk, Roger Kelly, Dave Kleeman, David and Annette Lamont, Margaret and Peter Lynch, Garry and Sue Marshall, Jim and Sally O’Connor, Dave Olsen, Bill Palmer, Phil and Sandra Price, Bob and Sue Reid, and (from 1971) Tony and Trudy Dunne.
Their next reunion will be on the Gold Coast in two years’ time.
Then, just days after their more senior alumni, a slightly younger group of Rural Science graduates gathered in Orange to celebrate 50 years since they started at UNE. And it all came about thanks to two mates – Chris Hogendyk and Ralph Grey – who only met again 10 years ago.
This pair of farmers, who enjoy an annual fishing trip to the Top End and speak on the phone once or twice a week, hatched the plan and Chris enlisted the help of his wife Julie Smith to organise the event in their town of Orange.
“We weren’t close friends at UNE – Ralph lived at Wright College and I was at Robb, so we were fierce sporting rivals – but when we met again we discovered we had lots of similar interests and were both still farming,” Chris said.
1974 Rural Science Group
Some 27 ex-students – Ron Munro, Gary Morrison, Peter Allen, Glen Price, Tom Amey, Ralph Grey, Geoff Dunlop, Bernie Meyers, Tom Cowlrick, Ed Nash, Julia Mulligan, Geoff Falkenmire, Robin Godwin nee Barton, Jenny Meyers nee Morgan, Ray Rogan, Mary-Anne Lattimore, Chris Hogendyk, Amanda Falkenmire (nee Hoare), Jane Hain nee Ledingham, Shirley Fraser, Penny Williams nee Mussered, Richard Hicks, Phil Hynd, Graham Wright, Fiona Campbell and Mitch Hooke – attended the reunion with their partners. And to make it easier for attendees to recognise them, the formerly hirsute Chris and Ralph donned wigs reminiscent of their 1970s hairstyles.
The group enjoyed a dinner, winery lunch and brunch at Chris and Julie’s property.
“Some people hadn’t seen each other for 46 years, so we found that name tags were a must. Participants travelled from as far as South Australia, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane to attend,” Chris said. “On the first night, everyone gave a potted history of what they had done and that set the scene for the discussions that followed. Our group have had a huge range of roles and quite a few are still actively involved in farming.
“The resounding chorus as people left was ‘When is the next reunion going to be?’.”
Both groups reflected on the important role of pioneering agricultural scientist and educator Professor Bill McClymont, the foundation dean of UNE’s Faculty of Rural Science.
“He was a driving force in our careers and had a profound influence,” said Chris. “His name came up so many times. Bill was so clever, and a lot of his teachings sunk in and came to the fore as we progressed in our careers.”
Barry said the rigorous approach to science and contest of ideas that Bill encouraged ensured his legacy. “He was well ahead of his time, with his holistic thinking about ecosystems. Bill inspired us to ask the hard questions.”
UNE is still attracting donations from former Rural Science students to fund a scholarship in honour of Professor McClymont. For more information, contact advance@une.edu.au or donate here.
