An event recount by Tony May (CGS ’57)
Arthur Robert’s attendance at the recent reunion of School captains prompted a small gathering of his class of ’57 for lunch at the Canberra Yacht Club. A little glamour was added to the proceedings with two members of the CEGGS 1957 alumni joining the small group – Wendy Townley nee Prance and Lyn Barlow nee Swanson. Wendy was in town for the launch of “For Love of Country” which took place in the school dining room. It tells of the life of Captain Walter Eddison, Wendy’s Grandfather who in 1920 settled in the Woden Valley with his family on a soldier-settlement block.
Beautifully written by Anthony Hill, it is a story of toil, hardship, sacrifice and tragedy. Not once but three times Canon Edwards our first Headmaster made the short but harrowing journey to “Yamba”, the family farm to help console a grieving family over the loss of a son and Old Boy of Canberra Grammar. Rarely has the one family been dealt a crueller blow.
Tony May 1957
Photo: Back L-R: David Brown, Phil Nadin (brother of John), Wendy Townley, Arthur Roberts, Alan Johnston. Front Row (L-R); Tony May, Lyn Barlow, Brian Miller
