Mike O'Keeffe summarises the day:

"The 2000 reunion was held on 11 March at the Mercure Hotel, St Leonards Sydney. Sixty people attended from as far afield as New Zealand, Victoria and Queensland. The enjoyment of the luncheon was enhanced by the presence of Mr Ian Macrae who made the trip from his home in Geelong to attend, an effort which in itself warranted the ovation he received when he was introduced.

A gratifying aspect of the reunion was the number of new faces combined with the increase in numbers. The next reunion will be held in March 2001."

Present were:

David & Helen Bendall, Cyril & Mimi Brett, Cyril & Sheila Cocksedge, Chris Coy, Bryan & Lois Dixon-Ward, Noel & Rachel Dowzer, Nick & Yoko Edwards, Bill & Kathy Elton, John & Marilyn Haines, John & Delores Howard, Don & Joyce Hutchinson, Barry & Margaret Keeble, Graham & Ann Lock, Ian Machin, John Marking, Dave McHugh, Bill & Laurel Myers, Ken & Helen Nettleship, Mike & Madeleine O'Keeffe, Olaf Overland, Tony & Margaret Ravenhill, Michael & Tania Seale, Bob & Carolyn Smith, Bob & Jeannette Steer (Bob not in picture), Ron & Irene Sullivan, Alistair & Sunny Thomson, Barry & Elizabeth Whitehead, Jim & May Wilby, Bill & Jane Wilson, Jack & Gwen Winton, William & Gai Woodcock, Malcolm & Nan Wright

We are pleased to have the "linked" names above as SMA members. The SMA membership is international and BlindStu@swiremariners.com would like to hear from any ex-CNCo or SPO hands wishing to join up. Membership includes a listing on our exclusive "SMA Members" page. What more could a man ask for? (another beer? - Ed.)

Extra! Click on this image of the 1998 reunion to see a bigger rendition, and more images of Aussie life.