Hi-amazing that you have chosen Keith Bonner to be a 'star' as he was our neighbour in Poatina. When we lived there and Gordon and I remember his parents vividly - Frank and Chris Bonner.

Two of my favourite stories involve his parents. His mum Chris was a large happy lady, never in a bad mood and as a bride arriving in Poatina, was a wonderful neighbour!

I remember that Chris Bonner and I decided to go to the Uniting Church service one Sunday when Denholm----? was the minister . Denholm was a young spunky single guy and lots of fun - not so boring as some, and his services were well attended. This particular Sunday, he must have gone on longer than usual as it was after 12 o'clock. Chris Bonner's tummy started to rumble quite loudly and she just smiled at me. I was young and it really amused me as it continued and continued to emit noises!!!! I became almost to the point of collapse with a fit of the giggles and slid down to hide behind a large lady in a large hat in front of me to hide myself from the earnest young minister.

All to no avail, because as I shook hands solemly with Denholm upon departing, he held my hand and said "I saw you laughing and trying to hide!!!" Chris hastened to say what the cause of my laughter was, and we duly departed for home and lunch!!

The other story involves, Frank Bonner who had a dry sense of humour and was much quieter than Chris.

We had planted a small vegetable garden right against the Bonner's boundary. (Frank was a great vegie grower.) Our beans were just coming up and we thought we were pretty crash hot gardeners. I was out looking at the garden ,weeding it, when Frank leant against the fence and after a brief chit-chat he said, "You know you have put those beans in upside down". I was horrified as I truly believed him!!!!! and rushed into my new husband and repeated Frank's comment. He simply grinned and said that Frank was pulling my leg!!!!

I taught in Poatina at the State School and Harry Maguire was the Principal. Harry was a great boss and a fantastic teacher, but he liked to have few drinks and many a story could be told by people about Harry.

During my recent return to Tasmania among the many things that I did, was to meet up with three of the other teachers who taught at Poatina when I was there. We enjoyed a BBQ in Launceston at Nancy and Mario da Ros' home with Fred and Barrie Menz [Clark] and Ann Coghlan from Vancouver. I had not seen Barrie and Ann for about 40 years. I left Tasmania many years ago and have lived in Queensland for a long time. I have four children and 10 grandchildren and now live on the beautiful Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba.

I have been a teacher, a Principal, Lecturer in this state. I have just returned from China where I was Head of Early Childhood in an International School for two years and prior to that, Hanoi in Vietnam, South Korea, UK and UAE. I am currently doing Relief Teaching on the Sunshine Coast. As you can see, I have been down many paths since Poatina days but it has always remained in my heart and friends from those days, I still have.

I am unsure if I can make it back on that weekend but please keep me updated as everything evolves.

All the best

Marie and Gordon Gracey


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