Igam Barracks or Lae High

[kerry]

Hi Grant, Kerry Burdell here. Just wanted to let you know that I remember you and still follow this forum. I don't remember a lot as the brain is going. My father (sgt John Burdell of 183 Recce flight) like the rest died of brain cancer two years ago. But I do remember you.
Regards
Kerry

[grantacraig]

Hi Kerry.
I am surprised I received a reply, especially so fast. I must admit my memory is definitely worse than yours, I recall you name but cant place the face, sorry. I did have a great trip down memory lane after I visited this site though. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will keep a look out on this site periodically.
Regards
Grant

[lauwtsl]

Hi Grant
When I started the thread quite a number of years ago I had also just stumbled onto the forum with memories of Lae. As I could not find any Igam posts I asked a question...Probably Facebook would be the place to go now and if I can overcome my apathy I might create a page although there is an "I used to Live in PNG" or something like that page with some stuff on it. This thread remains the closest link though to Igam. So great that people are still contributing memories to it.

I vaguely remember you (were you in Scouts?) - my memory is not as good as it used to be although a picture paints a thousand words as they say... pretty sure I have posted a few photos of the Lauw's of Igam so no guessing who we are. Pretty sure I have some pictures of a Cubs/Scouts walk in Lae.

So any photos of those days would be great (invitation to Kerry too!). Like others fate dealt a great hand when Dad was posted to Igam as the memories are really very hard to beat of growing up in what was an idyllic existence. I still bore my children to death with stories of Igam; the bus ride to Lae High, escaping primary school to creek, playing in the jungle, long bike rides wherever the wheels would take us, of course the Theatre and the canteen, playing British bulldog across from the Ottways place and much more.



regards
San Lauw

[grantacraig]

Hi San.

I find it incredible that 40 years on people are still contacting and remembering each other. All I have read so far is how everyone has such fond memories of Igam, including me.

I must admit, I cant actually remember you, and yes I was in the scouts, so we probably did know each other. As you say, the memories are becoming dim, but several still remain.

It was such an idyllic childhood there, kids of today have no idea that we could have so much enjoyment from such simple things. I am glad I stumbled across this page and will continue to monitor it.

I was trolling Facebook last year and came across all my old High School friends and now we are having a 40th reunion later in the year. Being Army brats like we were, we never really made any live long friends, being uprooted every few years and being dragged from pillar to post. I have never been able to get the travel bug out of my system and cant settle in any place or job for more that a few years.

Currently I am in the Solomon Islands, cant get much closer to PNG.

Regards
Grant

[grantacraig]

Hi All

I have created a Facebook group, IGAM Barracks Kids (Lae PNG).

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1122897847762505/

Feel free to join in and post comments or old photos.

Who knows, old friendships could be rekindled.

Grant Craig

[lauwtsl]

Hi Grant
Yes now I remember you! And great work to start that page. I have lots of photos courtesy of Dad that I can post. Hopefully those in the photos wont be too perturbed although given how long ago it was who would recognise anyone...

I will post a shot on the FB page which I am pretty sure is you (from the rear) at a school sports carnival in Lae. I am at the front of the queue.

And nice shot to use of the FB profile!

best regards
San
PS My wife did a stint on electoral matters for a year in the Solomons. Small world

[lauwtsl]

Hi everyone
Craig mentioned a Facebook group a couple of threads ago. At present it is a fairly elite group...and we would dearly love to have more of you as members!
If your are interested follow his link above.

Aa closed group we'll need to approve you but that only takes a second...
Regards
San Lauw

[Diedre]

And one more thing; kids also associated with kids they saw at the Clubs our folks went to; Yacht Club, Golf Club, Lae Club, RSL and Comworks Club, later known as the Aviat Club. We were Comworks Club people.