Peter Verrills

From the past:

"My birthday fell on the wrong day and I was called up for conscription. However playing soccer did have its benefits as the weekend before the medical I did the ligaments in my ankle. A visit to our team doctor and I was declared medical unfit. I’m pretty sure that I played the following week though..."

???, Peter Verrills, Bob Bowen (who went to Normanhurst?)

2004

Well,you guys have shamed me into writing the life story of Peter Verrills (bloody boring though).Especially in comparison to my old mate Randall Jones. I only learnt to ride a motor bike a few years ago, let alone riding around Oz.

It all began at Gordon West PS where from 1953 to 1959 I met some great mates ,some of whom I’m proud to say have remained life long friends ie.John Jephcott, and Randall Jones .Also met Ann Stewart and Jacqui Weaver. Unfortunately, the bottle of Chanel No 5 that I presented to Jacqui in 6th class didn’t help my early sexual successes, in fact I don’t think Jacqui and I even spoke at Gordon Station during the next 5 years. I didn’t even get a look in at Ann.’s garage parties. Still, I very vaugely remember that the girls at Asquith weren’t all that bad!! .

The years from 1960 to 1964 were spent at Asquith BHS. There were a number of highlights which included:Learning the school song!(Only joking,guys!)

Playing cricket and soccer!

Getting belted most days by Leigh Scott-Kemmis(until I realized it was much more sensible to grovel and Leigh and I became good friends.

Playing hookey one day with Martin Sotter and two charming PLC girls.

Wishfully looking out of the window at 2:30 every afternoon during Maths and watching John Dawes happily walking to Hornsby Station.

Those wonderful French and Latin lessons with Goldstein.

Getting caught drinking at the Waitara pub before the School Dance.I loved washing those windows as the penalty.

Driving to Bilgola Beach after the last exam at the LC and changing gears without using the clutch.

Anyway enough of that!

I “worked”at the Public Trustee between 1965 and 1966. Well truth is I worked from 9:00am to 9:20am and as my daily chores were concluded by then I proceeded to annoy every else til 5:00pm.The highlight of those years was definitely not studying law but the 2 weeks spent in New Caledonia with the NSW under 18 Soccer team.

Left law and the Public Trustee for Balmain Teachers College and 2 years later I started teaching.(Lasted 18 years) Also spent over 5 years at Macquarie University,part time to gain a Degree in Education.

My birthday fell on the wrong day and I was called up for conscription. However playing soccer did have its benefits as the weekend before the medical I did the ligaments in my ankle.A visit to our team doctor and I was declared medical unfit.I’m pretty sure that I played the following week though.

About this time I met Margaret and we have been married for 35 years and have produced 2 fantastic kids. Brad is now 30 and is marrying a lovely New Zealand girl in November while Nicole inherited her grandfather’s brains and has just completely her PHD in cancer research and is currently working at Newcastle University.Her partner,Michael owns a vineyard and winery and they are living at Pokolbin

In 1987 I left teaching and began a small school supply business which I am still running from Warriewood. As we live in Newport, I enjoy the morning drive to the office.

Haven’t been in contact with many ex Asquith mates over the years apart from John Jephcott, Randall Jones, Billy Whiting and Grahame Jones although I know Trevor Remington plays golf at Bayview. I spend far too much time at Long Reef Golf Club where my wife also plays.

We have a family shindig on the 31st but I am still hopeful of getting to the reunion.

A huge “thank you” to Stig for all his work.