Back to the Seventies

by Rienzie Machado

The Seventies Group of the Peterite community in Melbourne kicked off their inaugural event on a bright spring day on Sunday the 30th October at St James Anglican Church Hall, Dandenong.

The flurry in the sale of 100 tickets in a record time of 2 weeks highlighted the needs of the group to attend such informal chat events. It was a day for casual friendly chats from “How are you Machang to how are you going mate” as the youthful Petes made good use of their time to recall their past memories and friendship. Peterites from near & as far as NSW, turned up for a fitting get-together.

One of the highlights was the presence of six past Peterite presidents which included the inaugural president Nihal Gunawardene to the present day president Chanaka Perera who paid tribute to all the past presidents & committees for their vision and sustenance of the Peterite Social club.

While Rosie & Greg Caterers provided us with a sumptuous meal, LoneStar belted out music that was an enjoyable reminiscent of our era.

The proceeds of the raffle in aid of Prostate cancer were well supported by all the attendees as a few privileged Petes walked away with their raffle gifts.

The Peterite anthem was again sung with pride without the use of lyrics sheet before all the Petes made their way out.

The membership is open to all Petes who attended college, if you did miss out I’m sure the organising thrust behind this movement especially Stephen de Niese & Tyrone Le Mercier will find a way to invite you along.

Based on the success of this event, I am well aware that plans are afoot in organising a bigger event in 2017.

So guys watch this space and do not miss out again as I am sure it will be another sell out.

Last but not least a word of thanks goes out to Stephen, Tyrone & Jean, Johann & members of the current committee along with their spouses who made this happen in a relatively short time frame.

As I was once told ‘Being a Peterite is like a birth right’, so let’s live up to that image with pride & humility, lending a hand & heart to believe who we are.

Rienzie Machado