The Launch


The book was officially launched on 7 September 2003 in the
Templestowe Heights Primary School library.

Tony Wilson did the honours atop a miniature desk (which
he tumbled off at one point, but, like the professional he is,
he kept on entertaining without breaking stride).

Over 160 people were treated to champagne, wine, Tony’s
wonderful speech, the sights and smells of a genuine 1970’s
primary school and catering by Prue Foley (which included rice
paper rolls, spicy noodle balls, and lunch-order bags full of
Clinkers, Musk Sticks and Redskins).

Guests included present and past Principal’s of Templestowe
Heights, teachers from my era, and virtually every single person I
know in this world.

Thanks on the day go to Ben, Tony, Lawson, Carmela, Lucy,
Jordana, Tamsin, Prue, Julia and Meredith.


Everywhere you looked, it was a packed
house (though most of these people left
when I fessed up that J K Rowling wasn’t
actually coming).
The now infamous “Brett” Cropley (with
clone attached).
Jordana laughs on cue.
Unimpressed with the book on offer,
little Archie goes for something else.




Random launch-goers.




And finally, the “girl” and I, twenty years
after we last sat on this bench.