Lyndon Taylor

From the past:

"I never realised the skills(?) most of you were learning on the back seat of the West Pymble bus. Was there a roster or what? ..."

2004

After driving, walking or riding past ABHS on an almost daily basis for the last 40 years, with barely a thought for ancient happenings within those hallowed walls, the many recollections floating around these last few weeks have sure brought back interesting memories long forgotten (or suppressed?).

As a resident of Asquith I used to think my walking to and from school was an asset - now I find it set back my education.! I never realised the skills(?) most of you were learning on the back seat of the West Pymble bus. Was there a roster or what? By the sound of it there wouldn’t have been room (or time) for one more anyway!

Dr. Goldstein seems to attract the clearest memories, especially his dislike for fouled atmosphere. I’m surprised no one else has recalled the long walk down the corridor behind a fuming Goldstein ( I swear he had steam coming out his ears) to the staff room at the opposite end of the building where he would produce his cane, announce that you made him sick, then raise the cane and strike the door or an overhead light before repositioning himself and finally inflicting the punishment.

Another Goldstein favourite was standing disruptive students in the “two-tone corner”, with a slap to the back of the head as they passed by. I recall times when most if not all corners were occupied. Had a close look at those corners myself from time to time ….. but I certainly wasn’t alone.

I seem to recall another song better than I do the school song. One apparently important day when we all needed our Drama books (whatever!), one Aubrey Spargot forgot his book (perhaps the only day he ever forgot something, who said life was fair?). Mr. Holmes was not pleased! So to the tune “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” …..

“When Aubrey brings his drama book, Hoorah! Hoorah!

We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hoorah! Hoorah!

The boys will shout, Mr Holmes will cheer,

We’ll all sit down and have a beer,

And we’ll all be gay (really?) when Aubrey brings his book.”

I know it’s crook! I fancy Andy Royal claimed authorship … probably won’t admit it now! (By the way, Andy’s father Martin was surely the “voice” of the ABC those days).

I have to confess my disappointment when Miss Dear became Mrs Spring ……. Wouldn’t you think she’d wait for a lad to finish his schooling?

Who remembers which teacher required the collection of paddle pop sticks as a detention exercise? Was it Mr. Wall? I recall building up a stock of them and storing them for future use behind the black vinyl skirting. Don’t remember using them - wonder if the bulging vinyl has been investigated and/or repaired yet, probably not!

Someone mentioned a teacher throwing chalk and dusters at students …… Was it “sleepy” Williams, the maths teacher?

Then there was the art teacher who …… no, I’ll save that one!

Haven’t seen Peter Robinson’s name on the mailing list. Over the years I’ve run into Peter in the street in Hornsby from time to time, but don’t know where he works or lives. I recall in the 60’s Peter used to live in the house next door to the school, now long demolished to extend the school grounds on the northern side.

Since ABHS I’ve kept a low profile, from recollection I’ve only seen Graeme Dobson, Keith Hornshaw, Peter Robinson, John Berne ….. sorry anyone I’ve forgotten!

After Leaving Certificate I went to Sydney Water Board, did Engineering Drafting at STC followed by Architectural, then Engineering Surveying and Engineering (Civil) Diplomas.

Moved into Local Government and ultimately finished up opposite the site of the burnt out school where all this started. At Hornsby I’ve had a satisfying career, these days enjoying diverse activities from building management and building refurb/fitout work to dog’s-body work scribing wordy corporate blurb, budget preparation and undertaking projects no one else wants to do. For all I know I may pass one or two of you at FMA functions.

In 1969 met a nurse just finishing her General training (married in ’73). She then began training at North Ryde Psychiatric Centre (I think in order to understand me better). She enjoyed Psych, staying there until we finally moved from Hornsby to the Central Coast full time just as Wyong Hospital opened around 1980. She took on Evening Supervisor there until tiring of ward work and changed to Community Nursing, driving around attending to people in their homes. These days she’s stationed at Mangrove Mountain from where she singularly cares for a huge rural area from Mooney to Spencer, Peats Ridge, Kulnura and beyond Bucketty ….

In the early 70’s began to buy a few blocks of land when you could get good blocks in Bateau Bay ($1200) and Berkeley Vale (elevated, opposite waterfront $1750). Hard to imagine now, would’ve bought the whole countryside if I’d known then …… Consolidated to a nice elevated waterfront where we enjoy life to this day although the great Central Coast lifestyle is fast disappearing as Sydney’s expansion takes over.

Dad died in ’88 from melanoma related brain tumours. Mother battles on in her 91st year despite also having a long-ignored melanoma the medicos reckon should have taken her out by now.

With that heritage I stood no chance and 3 years ago had a “harmless” blob removed from my leg. That turned out to be my first melanoma (didn’t look like one) and after a wider excision and losing a few lymph nodes for testing I was given the “all clear”. Regular check ups at RPA continue …..

Enjoyed some great travels over the years, Europe/UK twice, USA/ Canada 3 times + Mexico, New Zealand twice, Asia, Fiji and much of Australia. China later this year and South America next year to realise a long-held ambition to visit Machu Picchu (you beat me Alex).

A quiet but good life ………. still wishing I’d lived in West Pymble.