What went on whilst we were inside the hall enjoying our school socials
Hi,
My Father Stan Crook wrote the following little note because he though it was time to let everyone know about where the real action was during our school social nights – it seems it was outside.
He wrote – ‘During our time at Watson High a very popular & enjoyable activity was the social evening & dance. Similar activities at other Canberra District High Schools were also enjoyed until a large gang of undesirables including some “bikies†decided to gate crash & disrupt these activities to the extent that other schools stopped having them. The invasions were quite serious – even a fire was started at one of the schools. The parents of Watson decided we would not be forced to abandon our dances.  We could get little help from the police so some of our male parents decided to form a vigilante group. The group consisted mainly of serving military men among them being Cec Chalker (Yolanda’s father) Wally Wark (Faye’s father) & my Dad (Stan Crook). They armed themselves with baseball bats & some short lengths of chain to disable ‘bikies’ bikes. They also patrolled the school grounds while we enjoyed ourselves. The news of the vigilante group spread far & wide & we never had any real problems.
My Dad is 86 now & fortunately he is still able to tell a tale or two. He always attended & assisted with our netball & softball & has spent untold hours coaching & encouraging our three children to enjoy sport & be good sportsmen. I have attached a recent photo of him at our daughter’s wedding last November.
Looking forward to catching up with everyone in a few weeks.
Kind Regards
Pamela Bourke (Crook)
PS Many of our parents did a lot for us at the school that we probably didn’t appreciate (canteen, school fetes, P & C, sports coaching). Thanks, Mums and Dads!
PPS Does anyone else have memories of the school socials? My main memory is of doing the Canadian Threestep (with really big steps) and the Pride of Erin (just like they did in the 19th century!) Also the progressive barn dance. And of course, the Ladies’ Choice!! Did we ever get a chance to dance just to rock and roll type music?? I can’t remember. Editor.
Photos
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I remember one social where a school-based rock band played a couple of numbers (a “modern” dance I think it was announced). Can’t remember who was in it, I think they were the year after 1969, but I’m almost certain they played the Easybeats’ “Sorry”.
I started out in garage bands in 1965 with kids from other schools. Peter Scott (who I believe was in a Jazz band at the time) was instrumental in persuading the powers at the time to allow us to play at either the 1966 or 1967 School Social, I can’t recall which. I was the vocalist, and the track that sticks in my mind was She’s So Fine – Easybeats, because it begins with a scream and our Amps were up about 9. We were asked to turn the volume down! We probably sounded like crap, but from memory most seemed to have a good time. I went on through to 1970 playing gigs like the O’Donnell Youth Centre, lots of parties and functions, all up about ten bands – had a ball!
Attila