Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it
The clamouring for renaming the luncheon group reached a deafening roar of which we are often subjected: "change the name of Australia, change the name of the Catholic Church. Change the name of mankind. Remove Scotland from the United Kingdom....".
But without a fully engaged plebiscite, (the GFC Luncheon is known throughout the length of Hobart, Salamanca, Macquarie St, and the yacht clubs and restaurants of the city) - such change will have to await removal of Boris Johnson's veto. or President Biden - whomever has the authority. Bear in mind we are simply an anarchic syndication - no more no less.
However, I invite contributions by way of suggested 'new name' for this child of 2008 - feel free to reply by 'comment' below.
The Ball and Chain - 7th May 2021 -
We welcomed back Bob Glade-Wright - commonly known as 'Bags' - who with wife Annie has relocated after a stint in Melbourne and a decade or more on the Gold Coast, to Crelin Street in Battery Point.
After winding us up with the prospect of being able to access ALL the law regarding matrimonial matters, dissolution of marriage, property distribution, child maintenance and protection, Bob was able to sum up his present re-emergence in the Tasmanian community:
"Born in the UK, lived on the North West Coast, a life at Uni in Hobart, then private practice under Sir Reginald Wright, then on own account in Macquarie St, I felt a need to inject something more into life. On waiting at the Gold Coast airport for a return flight to Tas, I said to Annie "Why are we doing this?"
Thence started the decade of warmth and work, which evolved into the text and commentary service for which Bob is known 'Straya wide: see:
https://thefamilylawbook.com.au/robertgladewright/
But Bob's pithy statement which touched us all was "We just don't know how good it is here. They just don't have it elsewhere".
We know Bob.
Larkey addressed his flock, using his fingers for a counting exercise: "This little piggy went to market, this little piggy had roast beef..." And at that point the waiter Jing brought out the entre.
However Peter, affectionately known as "The Lark Ascending" brought us into his recent bush walk through the Lee's Paddock, confronting some North West coast reprobates, and the difficulty (yet success) of linking through there to the Overland Track, and a traipse to Tasmania's highest peak - Mount Ossa.
Image: Peter Larkey and friends approaching the Peak of Ossa - Central Tas.
Main point: every day, tired, stuffed, sore, buggered. A further reminder that what me do now is as easy as it gets. If you see my point.
That same afternoon, we were very fortunate to have the company of the engaging Merv Simmons. Once referred to as 'the student body' during a stint (which lasted 30 or more years from Dennis Pratt's accounting 1A course (sometimes misspelt as 'curse') through to an MBA in the 2000s) Merv has a very full dance card, and was called away from lunch at 5pm to dress for dinner that evening at Julian Joscelyne's 1 Windsor Street homestead.
Listening quizzically to Merv's interjections was Roger Kimber - who took the podium (well, stood up) and reminded us that our existence is temporary, the health system can not save us from all exigencies, and hence his best advice was "enjoy lunch with your friends".
Wise words indeed.
Stephen Porter admiring Max Reed's full head of hair, with somewhat of a jealous intensity.
Richard McCure, most often bearing witness in the letters to the editor column of the newspaper, chose to introduce Stephen Bourke, and congratulate him on his current endeavour - upon which he illuminated.
Stephen and brother Brendon have re-taken possession of their iconic 'Telegraph' hotel, and are advanced in joint venture arrangements for renovation, revitalisation, and modernisation. Stephen suggests we might get one more GFC lunch in before the doors open and he can welcome us into Telegraph II - probably October this year.
Julian Joscelyn encapsulated the mood of the gathering, just as the steaks were distributed.
Jim Paltos made a special journey from Melbourne principally for the luncheon -and emphasised the good fortune we have in Hobart, the beautiful nature of the Island community, and why he calls Hobart his 2nd home. He pondered, rhetorically, whether he was/is 'an advantaged white male'.
Marcus Taylor - invited to speak on the monetary system, and the process by which capital is made available to businesses, advised that the ultimate recipient of capital is at the end of a very long conga line of suckholes, and that the tertiary industry noses in the gravy train are - understandably - putting hot energy into the housing market.
"Its out of their control" he said, elliptically.
"Whose control" - we wondered.
As the afternoon slipped on, the Mitchells Peppertree shiraz took its toll on the worn and battered house husbands, permitted this just once in a quarter year afternoon's entertainment.
Porter advised "take a glass of water between each glass of wine".
How big is yours? Asked Julian. Stephen said he wasn't sure, but thought 'about this big, that's what it looks like in the photos' - he chimed up.
Alan Haig begged to differ. "No, definitely of varying size, and waxes and wains".
But Alan went on to tell us of a near death experience, being stuck in waves, and just holding on to life via a boogie board, until a couple of surfers jumped in and hauled him to safety. Further evidence of the need to grasp the moment.
Max Reed reflected on life as a youngster in England, and the love of his adopted country. At this point, I must admit, my notes of events are indecipherable.
Chris Cunningham, intent on Max's words, may be able to shed some light on the dark recesses of the late afternoon discourse.
And, the room with a view; Hobart's harbour from just a little higher than the Ball and Chain. A reminder to get the boat out and grab the wind when it says it is ready.
Report on food and refreshments: We were ideally cared for by Craig and Matthew's staff, and Kelvedon Pinot Noir, Mitchells Peppertree, scotch fillet, eye fillet, garlic blue chees, lamb shank, porterhouse etc - very fortunate indeed to have the opportunity to share the afternoon.
Regrets: notwithstanding high engagement on both food and refreshment - the beverage charge at $980 was $71 less than the food charge (at $1,051). A good. Well balanced.
Cheers PAK
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