Denise Bryer (now Gundry)
Alan Grace
Peter Plumacher - I lived on Ma'ala Strait at the beginning of the "troubles" in Aden (the first bomb was thrown in a bar called "The Oasis" on the ground floor of our block of flats). I have since been in countless "close encounters" in many trouble spots and always lived to tell the tale.
I think the Dalai Lama's philosophy is quite correct (although I'd be the first to admit that it cannot always be carried out):
Live life as if it were your last day, love your wife and family as if it were the last day you could be with them, etc. It does not mean you have to go out and look for danger, just be aware that it's there and know how to avoid the worst - if it really happens, too bad.
Mike Wilson Jan 64 - Aug 65
As you say, we were too young to be boyfriend and girlfriend. We were just classmates who were thrown together due to exam results, but I do remember that you were a popular young lad who was nice to everyone and therefore liked by most people. I was at an age where I was more interested in playing with toy cars and playing cowboys and Indians than anything else. I lived in Crater as you know, and my two best friends were both guys, David Williams (army) and a boy named Paul (air force). We would play together each afternoon when everyone else was napping. We hunted baboons (yes!) in the barren rocks although god knows what we would have done if we'd found one! We also thought it great fun to let off our cap guns in the stairwells of nearby flats as they echoed really well. I'm surprised no-one murdered us!! Of course another great pastime was going to the Lido. What bliss...swimming with mates, cold orange Stim, salty crisps, sunburn... Oh the good old days.
On a slightly more sombre note, I do remember the nasty maths teacher who would throw board rubbers. Unfortunately I was on once the target of his well aimed missile! Both myself (being a very shy and quiet child) and my classmates were shocked and I remember everyone being very sympathetic towards me at the time and making dire remarks about what they would do to him given half a chance!
Living in Crater was a great experience and I was very upset after we returned to Britain and we saw it reduced to rubble on the news.I felt very sorry for the local people who wanted very much for the British to stay and would stop us in the street sometimes and beg us to tell our "leader" this.
Well Peter, we've both come a long way from those young kids, but isn't the memory vivid! Would love to hear any more reminisces you have.
Will try to find photos etc...
Regards,
Sheena McGillvray
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I'm sure you won't remember me but I remember you - you had such a distinctive name! I remember you as a tall, slim, dark haired boy with a dark tan. You, me and one other boy (can't remember his name, but he was short and had, I think, light coloured hair and freckles) got to play board games in the back of the class because we did not have to study for some exam as we had already achieved the standard or whatever, don't remember what it was). Anyway we had a lot of fun and the pressure was off! Do you remember this?? Would love to know.. Sheena
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Hi Peter,
Yes memories do fade, but sometimes all it takes is for someone to remind you of little things that happened in your life so many years ago and suddenly everything comes flooding back.It certainly was hot, and smelly. My bedroom backed onto the fishing harbour and as I was only allowed the air conditioning on at certain times I had to choose between being uncomfortably hot or open the windows and have to endure the awful smell of fish, not an easy decision to make when you're only 13 and think it really unfair that you can't have the air con. whenever you want. I also collected empty bottles(how sad is that?) Good job we were on different beaches... I don't remember worrying about sharks and stingrays but I hated the hundreds of jellyfish that covered the surface of the sea in the mornings, I don't think they were harmful I just hated the feel of them.
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it is strange to know of the dangers we lived in and yet not be particularly afraid,but the presence of the armed guards all around made me feel quite safe(what trust eh?)funnily enough the one place I did not like going to, was Crater. I always felt very vulnerable when I went there with my parents. A great place to barter though, if I remember.
Yes, Tess certainly looks cute, sad that he had to be put down. Do you remember the cows and shoats that wandered the streets eating everything in sight?
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A 'moonie' was that someone who looked really white? Nice bike by the way!
Australia is a place I keep saying I am going to visit . I have relatives and friends over there and keep promising to take a trip over to see them all. maybe one day soon.What made you decide to settle over there? How long have you been in Jakarta,Is that a good part of the world to live? Do you have family with you? sorry I'm asking far to many questions, so will end here for now. I will definitely look out some photos of Aden and try and mail them to you over the next couple of weeks.
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Let me tell you a little about my time in Aden maybe it will help you decide whether I am who you think I am.
I was in Aden from 1963 to 1965 my dad was in the Air Force.I lived in Maalla with my mum and dad and younger sister Christine, my 2 older brothers Mike and Terry came out during holidays(they were at boarding school in England) I used to go to the Tarshyne Club and was a regular at the GWI Club! My closest friends were girls called Kim, Pat Deresley, Susan Pritchard and Sandy. Boys I remember.. Gerry, Rich Walkley, brothers David and Jonathan. Sorry can't remember all the surnames. I'm sure my mum will have some photo's of our time in Aden. I will be going to se my parents next weekend so will ask mum to look them out.
Tell me a little about you and your time in Aden it would be good to hear about your time there.
Regards,
Jackie Sprat
Dear Sheena, Forgot about the weevils in the flour & the triangular cartons of fresh milk - a pain to open. Didn't know it was flown in once a month from Kenya. 'White wat' is what? - the milk ? Denise Gundry
Mr Fletcher - the missile throwing teacher.
Yes that probably was me taking a hit for Mr Fletcher's error..Target in mind and - Fletcher missed?
Really fancied the bloke until then but at the age of 12 realised he was a plonker.
I must have class photos - just have to find them!
Parents loft.?
Sorry I don't remember your name. Names I am not good at.
I wasn't really into boys - Only the Beatles. I could have sat next to you in class but if your name wasn't John Lennon - I wouldn't have been interested. Sad I know - but I did get pass that phase and eventually joined the rest of society.
I first saw the world then got married. Had 3 children and I am still married ! - Not bad for a 60's kid.
I am still sad -according to my kids? As it should be - I thought my parents were sad.!
I have lovely memories of Aden - Girl Guides, Family Club, Steamer Point, Elephant Bay etc.