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This page is intended for anything that anyone thinks anyone else might find memorable, hilarious, or even mildly amusing. Email scanned images here, or post/snail-mail prints to Roger Clarke, 78 Sidaway St Chapman ACT 2611.

This page is organised into the following sections:

The abbreviation behind each contribution is prov. = provenance. (Museum curators and antique dealers use it, so it somehow seemed like the appropriate term to use). The original version of this page, maintained until 11 October 2006, was compiled as contributions arrived, was sorted in date-order by contributor, and had become a bit of a jumble.

Photo Added 27 Mar 2025

Laurie clarified, as follows:

I started work in Maryborough in July 1979, so the event must have been after that (likely in the first few years).

The bushland setting puzzled me for a while, but I think that I drove up to Bundy one day on a weekend, to a gathering at the Wyper Scout Camp, on the southern outskirts of the city. The construction of the hut, and the building in the background with water tanks seem consistent with that. (Other talks were usually held in buildings in rural hospitals, community halls etc).

After thinking about it, the group of young people might have been a group of Scouts. On a weekend camp, they would have been in leisure clothes rather than their uniforms. I think that Scouts and Cubs do various activities, and are awarded proficiency badges to be sewn onto the shirts of their uniforms.

I think it is likely that the Bundaberg St Johns Ambulance people would have been running a First Aid course for the group during that camp (teach a substantial group all at once), and all would have received their proficiency badges.

That reminded me of the real story behind that photo. It was Margaret Wilkinson, who gave sterling service to St Johns Ambulance for many years, and laid the very important foundations.

The St Johns people were always present at sporting events. Over the years, many became nominated first aid officers in workplaces and schools. Many moved on to full time work in Queensland Ambulance Service, and played a major role in increasing QAS skills and equipment. Margaret campaigned actively to ensure that Bundaberg was included in the trial of Intensive Care Paramedics within QAS. Her prolonged efforts were recognised formally with the well deserved award of an OAM.

Getting students at primary school and early high school level involved in first aid activities was a very successful strategy (start them young and train them). There was an active St Johns unit in Maryborough.

Locally, the first aid training is now formalised, with issue of certificates as required by employment regulations. (Mandatory annual CPR refresher courses for all employees, and refreshers for designated first aid officers). Several registered first aid training organisations are present in Maryborough. Interestingly , the principals and their staff all started off in St Johns Ambulance -- so the legacy continues.

In keeping with tradition in that era, the white shorts and shirt were standard summer work wear particularly in hospitals, with long white trousers, white long sleeved shirt and pullover in winter, as Maryborough becomes quite cool in winter. During the week , I wore a tie.

When preparing this message, I Googled "Margaret Wilkinson Bundaberg" and the first item was an article from News Mail 30 June 2009 (Courier Mail now) - "Farewell to a Tireless Volunteer". A beautiful article detailing many of Margaret's activities. Much of the material provided by Neil's elder brother (retired Brigadier Jeffrey).

Photos Added 22 Jan 2025

Thanks to Mary Neville/Wilkinson for keeping them, and to Neil Wilkinson and their daughter Helen for making them available.

BHS Classes and Similar

Exam Papers

Just what you needed to make you feel nostalgic, right?

Senior 1966:

Junior 1964:

So far, you're stuck with the ones Roger sat, and has found. (I avoided Woodwork, Sheet Metal Work (spelling?) and French, because I'd have failed 'em all; and Economics avoided me, because the teachers made it very difficult to take a 7th unit in 5th and 6th Form. Just think, I could have discovered in advance how dismal that pseudo-science is, instead of having to do a whole major in it!).

Contributions welcome!!

BHS Events

Miscellaneous Embarrassing Moments – 1966

Miscellaneous Embarrassing Moments – Post-1966

Pre-BHS Classes

Miscellaneous Embarrassing Moments – Pre-1966

Created: 13 February 2006 - Last Amended: 29 March 2025 by Roger Clarke - Site Last Verified: 15 February 2009
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