John Machon

From the past:

"I have come to understand that engineers seem to stay married for ever. My brother married Robert Cairncross' sister and he is on his fourth wife. But then he's an architect..."

2004

I note with interest that most of us have memories of being in trouble at various times. I almost got to a first name basis with Holmes because I went (was sent) to see him regularly. I think Holmes and Reynolds had a pact that if I studied honours for both Maths I and II it would keep me out of trouble. I guess it worked because with the 4 B’s in the other subjects I managed a commonwealth scholarship which allowed me to go to the Uni of NSW.

My recollections of school have been shocked into life with all these bios. Although I don’t now have those dreams of that big bastard who played rugby centre/wing for Normanhurst. However I do remember that he felt it when he eventually hit the ground. (As a digression, I am currently providing some consultancy work for a major upgrade of Royal North Shore Hospital and I came across Dr. Roger Vanderfield who used to referee us at Turramurra in between some Tests - small world).

Probably my major regret at ABHS was the way we treated Goldie. I suspect that many of us remember more about Goldie than the other teachers. We probably even remember some French and Latin. I think we should propose a toast to Goldie on Saturday.

Now quickly about my life. I was born in Fairlight and spent my first 12 years living in Balgowlah. Attended first year of high school at Balgowlah High. My father became very sick and we moved to Mt Colah. Joined Asquith in 2nd year. First taste of ABHS was working on the “gardens” outside the Principal’s office.

Spent some good years of my life with George John Berne and his brothers. I think they helped with my education at NSBH.

After school, studied mechanical engineering at NSW. Spent too much time on trains and buses which is probably why I avoid them now. Finished in ‘69 and missed the draft (never been too lucky with lotteries). Up until 2000 when I semi retired, I worked for three companies (as a Director for the last 15 years) providing building services consultancy. This involved much travel to Asia and USA. Have been fortunate to have been involved in some interesting projects including Chandler pool for Commonwealth Games, Eraring power station, numerous grain and coal terminals, Chifley Tower, East Circular Quay development and Telstra Stadium.

Since 2000 have been working for myself which is less stressful. I now don’t have to worry about my employee’s mortgages and their kid’s schooling anymore.

Met my wife in 71 when she worked for me. Meeting her parents took some time after she went home and said she had fallen in love with her boss.

Somehow I think her parents had this image of an old grey guy who looks

like me now. Have two great kids but no grandchildren as yet. Have been

married for 32 years and still going strong. Something about nymphs. I

have come to understand that engineers seem to stay married for ever. My brother married Robert Cairncross’ sister and he is on his fourth wife. But then he’s an architect.