September 2009

Hi Everyone,

Earlier this year, not long after our move from Cairns to Brisbane, I was contacted (via my daughter) by Mike Doyle who had gone to some considerable length to track me down and to let me know about the forthcoming Watson High School reunion.

Although I only attended Watson High from mid-1965 to September 1967 (as I spent a great deal of my childhood commuting between England and Australia!) it was a happy time for me and one, which over the years, I have often looked back upon with affection. I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at the photos, memorabilia, stories etc. on the whs website and remember many names and faces. However, where was I when all these group school photos were taken – please feel free to call me the ‘scarlet pimpernel’! I also recall the kindness and dedication of Mr Searle and the perseverance of Ms Somes to involve me (or at the very least to get me to show an interest) in PE lessons!!!

When my family and I returned to England in 1967, I enrolled at secretarial college and after graduation worked as a secretary until our return to Canberra in 1970.

I really enjoyed growing up during the 60’s era; the music and fashions were fab! Even now my family say that I live in a time-warp as I still love the ‘sounds of the sixties’ when it comes to music but as far as fashion goes I think I have outgrown the mini-skirt but take great delight in saying to my children ‘been there, done that’!!

From 1970 till early ’73, I worked in Canberra at the South African Embassy (interesting political times) then a stint with Boeing International and Hawker de Havilland before embarking on a ‘working holiday’ to the UK. Well that trip turned into a rather long holiday as I married Steve (an accountant) and lived in England until we (including children Katie and Charles) settled in Australia in October 1991! During the period 1973 to 1991 my working career spanned across secretarial/personal assistant positions to advertising/marketing account executive roles, and after the birth of my daughter in 1980 decided to embark upon a career change and study for a Diploma in Teaching.

On our return to Oz in 1991, we settled in Kuranda (Far North Queensland), a beautiful village in the rainforest. Steve and I owned and operated a successful business in Cairns for approximately 15 years during which time our children grew up in the picturesque and relaxed environment of the Tropical North. Katie left home in 1998 to attend university in Brisbane and apart from regular trips home to Cairns, has made her life there teaching high school students and lecturing at the University of Queensland. Our son (now 18 yrs) commenced uni this year; hence one of the reasons for our relocation to Brisbane.

I know you can’t follow your kids around forever but why not make the most of them while you can. Steve and I are now semi-retired and are thoroughly enjoying city living and all the benefits of our new lifestyle.

Life has been very kind to us and over the years we have had some great opportunities and experiences. Among these include some wonderful and memorable holidays to the Greek Islands, Europe, Cyprus, Bangkok, Denmark and many more fantastic destinations.

I can truly say that I have had (or should I say, am having) ‘A Fortunate Life’.

I look forward to seeing you all at the reunion. (I haven’t been to Canberra since the early 90’s!).

With very best wishes

Anne (Harkness) Cawte