Startling discovery:  1996 was shorter than 1995!

We thought that 1995 was a hectic year with all the travel and new experiences, and hoped for a quiet life back in Hobart.  No way!! A big family and community involvement ensured a busy time for everyone. David spent at lot of time away from home this year.  The Franklin took him to the Indian Ocean and the Bismarck Sea and conferences and other work related duties took him all over the country.  Kerry managed to accompany him on two short trips to Sydney and Melbourne.  One trip just happened to coincide with an invitation to join the University of Sydney’s Alumni at a special dinner to honour a graduate now in Hobart.  David dusted off the tux and they had wonderful time.  Pity about David getting lost in Centennial Park the next day!  Anyway, Kerry had a great picnic with her extended family even without David.

David’s big effort for the year was running for council.  He didn’t get elected, but the results were enough for the team to encourage him to try again next time.  His work with the Planning Advisory Committee, the ALP, the IREE and the resident’s group continued to reap rewards, albeit small ones.  It keeps him out of mischief too.

Kerry’s year was a little less hectic, with only a few historical research jobs and a fill-in position as an Executive Assistant in May.  She continued as chair of the Professional Historians, representing the state at a conference in Melbourne, which also happened to coincide with one of David’s  conferences.  As President of the Sandy Bay Historical Society she has been
hard at work establishing the program of walks, monthly meetings and organising a conference for May 97.  She had a journal article published and one local council has used her work in a guide to an historic site.

On the craft side, the major interest has been machine knitting with the purchase of not one, but two machines and loads of wool. Alex started at Hobart College this year and took on the role of Treasurer of the Student Council.  He helped organise several functions and managed to leave the ledger in the black. He has his eye on mining engineering as a career and is hoping for a cadetship or scholarship offer next year.  He think she hears Toronto calling him back.

The soccer season was exciting with Alex as leading goal scorer right up to the last weeks.  His efforts last Christmas to find a part-time job were successful:  he has been working consistently as a kitchen hand and has more disposable income that Mum and Dad.  Alex may have to start paying board! 1997 is a critical year for Alex as every mark counts.

For Chris, the year was filled with soccer and body surfing. This was the year he discovered lay-by and he has an amazing amount of surf gear.  He has a collection of boards breeding in his room.  Chris represented the school at the Inter High Carnival and enjoyed the soccer season.  He has been able to supplement his meagrepocket money with baby-sitting jobs and
the occasional catalogue delivery.  He has really enjoyed cooking at school and at this stage wants to be a chef.

Phillipa had a bumper year with sports. At her new high school she joined the soccer team and scored heaps of goals.  In netball, she received the Best in Division medal and took out the Most Valuable Player award in basketball.  She is currently being given individual coaching in the hope that she will develop into a high level athlete. Phillipa hopes that her sporting ability will finance her studies in journalism, hopefully overseas.  Good luck Phil!  Apart from that, she’s a nice 12 year old, interested in music and her friends, and borrowing her mother’s make-up.

Dear Victoria, the only child shorter than Mum.  Victoria again played soccer this winter and was well placed in the Fun-Run and the Interschool Sports. Her cello playing has been steadily improving with private as well as the school lessons.  Her performance with the Combined Schools Orchestra was excellent.  Victoria was selected to MC the school’s speech night.  Victoria went to Perth in June to visit her cousin Janet and her new baby, Emily.  This year Victoria continued with piano and learnt to knit and crochet.

For Christmas this year, we are heading up to our shack to wind down and hopefully thaw out.  Phillipa and Victoria are off to NSW to visit relatives, and Chrissie’s headed for the surf. Anyone near a beach who wants a part-time live-in cook?  Chris has all these frequent flyer points to use up, preferably in a warm climate.

New Year resolutions for David and Kerry include staying sane and staying married, as usual.  1997 represents 22 years, so it’s a count-down to our Silver Anniversary.  All of us have enjoyed good health this year, with cycling still a popular family outing.  We would like to do more bushwalking and camping in 1997.  David would like more nights at home with a bottle
of claret, and Kerry would like more wonderful films of the quality she saw this year.  Alex would like better marks in Maths; Chris would like a Sunday bus service to Clifton Beach; Phil would like a three day weekend so she can play league soccer and Victoria wants Grade 6 to be as much fun as Grade 5 was.

We wish all our relatives and friends a very happy holiday season and may all your hopes for 1997 be fulfilled.

David   Kerry   Alexander   Christopher   Phillipa   Victoria