Robert Cairncross

From the past

25/7/04 from Robert Cairncross

... Six degrees of separation. John Machon' s older brother was my brother-in -law for some years. I think the house colours were green, yellow, red, and blue. I was in Kurrajong which was green and one other was Coobah ? The other two escape me at this point . It might be the Thai tucker I’ve just had. I don't know about you but I am in awe at the diversity of the lives people have led since leaving school. I wonder where 40 years have gone . As a teacher for the last 38 years I have lived in a sort of time warp as the clientele doesn't get any older . I didn't think I had either until I saw a photo taken recently at a family wedding ! I noted you are unable to attend next weekend, however the internet has provided an excellent alternative to those who can't make it . I have just remembered house rugby at Turramurra Oval on a Wednesday. Still remains the hardest football I've ever played.

August 2016

Never did do a full bio.Overwhelmed by those I read . As I approach seventy in a year or two, time to provide a potted summary.

I left Asquith in early 1965 after receiving a deferred scholarship. Some confusion ensued when it was realised I was sixteen and not legally able to go into pubs etc so I finished up at Balmain instead of Bathurst. Spent the next forty years at ten different schools around the state but mainly on the Central Coast to where I was transferred (by mistake) at the end of 1969. After college finished two degrees at Armidale and Newcastle. My teaching was mainly in primary schools with a three year stay at a Central School in Gunning .

While there I started playing rugby again and kept playing for the next eleven years in Yass,Canberra Goulburn, Newcastle and finally the Central Coast. A great way to meet many different people and move beyond work. Also joined Avoca Surf Club in 1973 and took up beach sprinting as a way to keep fit - was better than cricket for that purpose. Through the club ran in five Australian Beach Sprint Finals and managed to place in one and win two in 1975 and 1977 - now a long time ago!

Married in 1974 to Linda and have three children and eight grandchildren. Linda went to Kuringgai High with the same principal and deputy as Asquith.Her family lived next door to the school for a short time. We now live a short distance from Bateau Bay beach.

I still stay in contact with several former students and count Keith Hornshaw as one of my closest friends. Keith designed my current home.I have been very fortunate to maintain contact with many school friends too numerous to list although Aub Spargo who I went to college with and Alan Roberts(a very talented academic) deserve mention as does Pete Comerford( another author of note) The number of authors and playwrights from that group deserves recognition.

This is a short summary of my now 68 years.I look forward to least a few more visits to Asquith Bowling Club or the Blue Gum to socialise-places I hadn't seen in may years. All the best and thanks to David,Greg Stig et al for the work with the site