Reunion 2005

The story of Reunion 2005 will be more detailed in the next newsletter, but here is a brief summary:

The cocktail event at the Tanoa Hotel function room was a successful lead-in to the reunion week. Formalities were kicked off with the ringing of the original school bell. As expected, much joy and emotion was shown as the re-aquainting and reminiscing progressed throughout the night. Souvenir T shirts, booklets, toiletries and bags were on display for purchase. The evening ended reasonably early, due to the early start the next morning.

Two buses, true to form, arrived in "Fiji time" at the hotel for our journey home to Vatukoula. Not long into the trip, we were soon reminded of the local road rules or lack thereof and the difficulty of trying to chat above the deafening scream of the antique engine.

We were warmly welcomed at the bowling club with a traditional sevu sevu (yaqona/kava ceremony) after which we reboarded the buses for a tour of the mine and town. Although the tour was somewhat rushed, there was more joy and emotion upon seeing and revisiting childhood homes and haunts.

Then it was off to Tavua hotel for a wonderful lunch of local dishes – kokoda, dalo etc. After lunch we had the opportunity to take a stroll down to Tavua town to browse the shops - the bean carts made some good money that day! A three oclock a rendezvous at the school beckoned and the 6 mile journey along the now bitumised road back to Vatukoula passed in a flash.

We were very warmly greeted by the teachers, Francis & Lynda Foster, and soon were able to immerse ourselves in the memories of our primary school years. Francis was a wonderful host. Following encouragment by him, willing folks within our group entertained the rest of us with a series of impromptu sketches and personal tales, which was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all!

Afternoon tea was served and before finally heading back to Nadi , we joined some of the local community for a few drinks and dinner at the bowling club…..

Day ended - all tired but very happy.

It was good to be able to sleep in and relax after the busy preceding day! Friday was left open for folks to do as they pleased – go shopping, go sightseeing, visit relatives and friends or just relax.

Gold was the general theme for the evening, in recognition of our heritage. The dinner dance event was the formal highlight of the program and it comprised speeches, awards, raffles, meke and music entertainment as well as fine dining and dancing. It was a fun filled memorable night and when it was over some folks continued into the wee hours of the morning.

The buses arrived once again in ‘Fiji time’ to take us to Yaqara. Rain threatened to dampen the day but largely held off. However, we did encounter water at the world renowned Fiji Water bottling plant where we enjoyed a guided tour of the impressive high tech facility.

A traditional welcome ceremony was honoured us on our arrival at a picnic ground within Yaqara station. As our spokesperson (chief:), Stuart was presented with a garland and gifts of mats and Tabua.

It was a joy for many to see Mr Silimaibau (aka "Charlie S") here. Although the weather did not permit us to do all of the activities originally planned, we were compensated with a wonderful catered picnic, meke entertainment and singing and dancing by the river with the picturesque backdrop of the Nakauvadra Range. The official Reunion 2005 group photograph (as attached) was taken here.

We gathered again at the Tanoa foyer in our beach attire anticipating a relaxing day of fun in the sun on Beachcomber Island. The day proved to be just that ! The weather was glorious and we had the leisure of "chilling out" in the warm sun absorbing the tropical locality. A delicious buffet lunch was served and the selection of  dishes was enjoyed by all. Although we did not have the opportunity of meeting our host Mr Dan Costello his generous hospitality was evident and conveyed through the wonderful service of his staff.

We returned to the mainland feeling happily relaxed and sunkissed

As the saying goes "all good things come to an end" And so it was as we gathered together for our farewell breakfast at the Tanoa. A few speeches sandwiched between muesli and toast saw the formal program come to a close. Breakfast was kept short and casual to facillitate checkout and further holiday arrangements and also because a small group was heading back to Vatukoula for a more leisurley visit in which an underground tour and swim at Turtle pool was included.

Isa Lei – it was time to say good bye until we meet again….

The general feeling at the conclusion of Reunion 2005 was that there was enough support for another reunion. Consensus indicated that it shouldn't be too distant in the future, and that timing of 2008 - 2010 was about right, with slight preference toward the earlier date. We welcome any feedback on the support or otherwise for another reunion, and if there is enough support, we will start thinking about such details as: timing, program and location/base. Although we have learned much from the experience of the last 2 successful events, we are sure that things can be done better and differently - your suggestions are very welcome. And of course, if another reunion is supported we will need a new committee, so please give that some thought as well.....

Reunion 2005

Program

Period: 17 August – 22 August 2005

Program Details

Registration:Low key “event”, based at Tanoa Hotel during afternoon of Wednesday, for attendees to collect their Registration Pack, pay fees (if not already done) and ‘catchup’

Cocktails:Drinks, nibbles, much talanoa, maybe a small welcome speech, maybe a background video, approx 7:00pm – 11:00pm at Tanoa Hotel

Vatukoula (1):A relatively early start to the day will be required. Bus trip to Vatukoula with extended stop and browse at Tavua en route. Arrival at Vatukoula at School for stroll, welcome, entertainment and lunch. Then a visit to town before tea at either the bowling club or Tavua and return to Nadi.

Dinner / Dance:Buffet style dinner at Tanoa Hotel and some speeches, maybe. After dinner it is proposed that we (try to) entertain ourselves for a while with whatever talents we have in our midst – singing, skits, comedy, story telling, whatever. Finally, some dancing to round out the night

Yaqara:Bus trip to Yaqara. Yaqara ia a cattle property (en route to Caboni beach) over the mountain range from Vatukoula, and now only 25minutes away on bitumen Rd. Great changes are taking place there - apart form a world-famous mineral water plant [FIJI Water!], there is a multifaceted land development proceeding which will include film making, hotels, residential and more. Our day is planned to include BBQ/lovo, horse riding, displays, games, swimming in the river for the game, sight seeing, excursion to Caboni and a visit Fiji Water Plant.

Island Trip:A day to relax after the long day previous, on an island offshore from Nadi (or Lautoka) Buses and lunch will be provided.

Monday Breakfast:A shared short breakfast at Tanoa hotel, with a few speeches and awards, before bus trip to Vatukoula.

Vatukoula (2):Second trip to Vatukoula to enable folks to visit those places they didn’t have time for on Thursday. It is hoped to find time for a visit to Turtle Pool and a mine tour underground, and possibly visit Vatia on the way back.

Registration Deposit /cost

The cost of individual participation for the entire program will be about $250FJ, and about $160FJ for local residents. A non refundable deposit of $50 will be required by end June– details to be provided later.

Accommodation

The event is based at the Tanoa Hotel (see http://www.tanoahotels.com/) in Nadi where an accommodation tariff of $110FJ per room has been secured. Breakfast is not included, but costs only $10FJ for a light one. Bookings can be made by email to reservations@tanoahotels.com.fj, quoting Goldfields 05 to secure the discount rate. It will be recognised that there is considerable benefit in being accommodated together, and although Tanoa has 99 standard rooms, many of these (about ¼) are already booked by Reunion folk – so don’t miss out by leaving it to the last moment!

Car Rental

Special rates for Reunion 2005 attendees have been provided by Avis, as per under:

M = Manual, A= Automatic, AC = Air Conditioning, S5 = Seats 5, 2S = 2 Suitcases

Visit website http://www.vatukoulareunions.com/ for details and conditions - contact Caroline Whippy at cwhippy@avis.com.fj for bookings or further details,

Attendees

List to be added later

Reunion Song

We plan to re-use our Reunion Song of 2002, for which a very modest rendition can be heard here (online connection required). Have a practise – you will be required to sing it at Reunion 2005!!

Our Reunion Song (sung to the tune of Glory Glory Hallelujah)

The 23rd of August is a day of great renown
Cos that's the day the Goldfields mob returned to their home town
Some have come from close at hand and some are from afar
But we're all here together now at VATU-KOU-LA
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A

And we're all here together now at VATUKOULA!!"
Some are from America for this joyful day
And some are from New Zealand and down Australia way
No matter were we're from we're welcome with the rest
In this land of sunshine of the great north west
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A

And we're all here together now at VATUKOULA!!"
The name of this place means "Rock of Gold"
And was the scene of so much fun in the days of old
Today we are gathered here to celebrate our past
And have a mighty party, oh forever may it last
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A

And we're all here together now at VATUKOULA!!"
Dreams were laid and lives were cast in our early school
We laughed and we cried and we sometimes played the fool
We always thought our teachers were such a lovely bunch
Especially if they let us have an extra long lunch
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A

And we're all here together now at VATUKOULA!!"
But now we come to sad bits, coz it almost time to part
We have loved our visit here, and that’s from the heart
We think of those not here today, and the joy they’ve missed
Thank you all, thanks so much, this day has been the best
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
V-A-T-U-K-O-U-L-A
And we're all here together now at VATUKOULA!!"

Passport / Visa & Exchange Rate

Don’t forget to ensure you gave a current passport. A valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of up to 4 months or less for nationals of most countries.

The curernt exchange rate is approximately $1AU = $1.25FJ

Contacts

If you have any queries, please contact any of the persons under, or visit http://www.vatukoulareunions.com/

Stuart Gee – stooge@iinet.net.au

Marie Yee – marie_OCHA@undp.org

Robin Yarrow - yarrow_r@usp.ac.fj

Yvonne Ah Tong - yvonne.anthony@mortgage.westpac.com.au