Calling Ex-Bougainvillians

To those of you tht had the fortune of growing up on Bougainville here is a excellent website.

http://www.riverbendnelligen.com/bougainvillec1.html

I was over in Cairns last week on a business trip and caught up with Julian Buckrell for a night on the town. Over a few drinks we talked about oragnising a reunion for all the old Bougainville brats that grew up on Bougainville during the 70's and 80's. We discussed the possibility of a trip back to Bougainville for old times sake.

If you are interested in a reunion in the furture for all the old Bougainville brats please respond to this thread so that we can gauge the interest.

Regards,

Ricky Hall (aka Ricky van Kempen)

yep caught up with rick hall...had a **** hot night......as with him...time for a catch up with all..........so yas better pull ya fingas out and lets make it happen

What ever happended to all those fun loving individuals that I grew up with on Bougainville??? The schools holidays in the BCL donga's at Loloho, the parties, Loloho Social Club, Panguna Social Club, NAFIG Club in Arawa; and all the other goods time and mischief that we all used to enjoy???? Have we all turned into boring old farts??? Rufus (Julian Buckrell), looks like "yumi spak tasol".

Well Ricky, you named the gang well...Bougainville Brats does cover it. Julian is still one. ;)
I remember a certain group of boys whose parents were given a dressing down when their kids took cigarette lighters to the edges of the windows in the company jet on the way back to (or home from - I forget that detail) school one time.
And then there was the time we were stranded in Honiara on the way back down to school when our plane had been re-routed to Hong Kong to replace a breakdown there. Several of the boys (my brother included) decided to sample the mini bar and Diet threw up in the restraunt. :P

Nette (aka Annette Herrmann)

Nette,

It has certainly been a long time since I have heard from you you. The last time I spoke to you was by phone was 1986. I do remember you and your brother, Dieter. Are you still living on the Gold Coast? I agree with your comment about Julian (Rufus), he is still a ratbag just like me. We got together in early August while I was in Cairns to have a few drinks (too many) and talk about the old times on Bougainville.

Ricky

I'm still on the GC Ricky, but Diet has moved to Melbourne with his family. (wife and 2 boys) My Mum is there at the moment too and my kids and I are headed down for Chrissy. I was in Cairns with JB a few years ago when Lee died, I will get back there one day for another visit. I do love Cairns. What are you doing in WA?

Hi Ricki,
It was great to read your email,Iam also one of many who grow up on that wonderful Island. I have been talking to those that Iam am till in touch with from the good old days and are planning on heading up to the Bougainville reunion that is held every year in Brisbane -the 18th May.
Hope to catchup with the past pls pass on to as many people as you can,It might be a big one this year.
Regards
Sasha Ravenscroft

I've just found this site, as directed by Kim Ravenscroft (Crow). A reunion sounds like a great idea, and I guess if we can all put out the feelers and track down all the lost souls we should be able to get a good crowd.
Anthony Smith 77'-'87

hi Ricky, well being an ex-bougainville member i like to be in the get togther. Wat year did you leave bougainville

Keno,

I lived on Bougainville from 1976 to 1984. I went to Bovo until 1979 and then boarding school, also spent a year at the Loloho Correspondence School in 1983. After leaving Bougainville we moved to Port Moresby. I went back to PNG in 1997 and worked on the Chevron Oil & Gas projects until 2001. What years were you on Bougainville? Who is Keno (real name)?? There is a PNG reunion scheduled to be held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on saturday, 21st June 2008. I've spoken to several ex-Bougainville brats, who have indicated that they will be attending. There is a thread in the 'Finding Old Friends' forum with a web page link.

Regards,

Ricky

Hi Ricky,sent you a Quick hello on schoolfriends website. May not remember me but I was friends with Gilly Chee,Michael Schuck, Craig Smith, Debbie Howard and many others but I was pretty quiet(I thought so anyway!) There is a reunion each year in Brisbane-this year 18th May and my sister Sasha and I thought it would be nice to put out the word and see if we can get some interest from the "younger generation" ie OURS! I haven't been to one yet but it is usually a family affair. Hope this gives you all something to look forward to. I'm not sure who organises it, but can find out. Regards Kim (Ravenscroft) Crowe



To those of you tht had the fortune of growing up on Bougainville here is a excellent website.

http://www.riverbendnelligen.com/bougainvillec1.html

I was over in Cairns last week on a business trip and caught up with Julian Buckrell for a night on the town. Over a few drinks we talked about oragnising a reunion for all the old Bougainville brats that grew up on Bougainville during the 70's and 80's. We discussed the possibility of a trip back to Bougainville for old times sake.

If you are interested in a reunion in the furture for all the old Bougainville brats please respond to this thread so that we can gauge the interest.

Regards,

Ricky Hall (aka Ricky van Kempen)

i think this site may be able to help you
http://www.vcao.net you can try it
Perhaps may help you！
good luck!

Kim,

I do remember you, as I aslo used to hang around with Michael Schuck, Craig Smith, Debbie Howard and many others. I have run into both Michael and Craig numerous times over the years, having worked with them for approximately 18 months. Have you been in contact with Debie Howard? Do you know where she is or what she is doing? I am currently living and working in Port Hedland, WA - there are a couple of people around with the name 'Ravenscroft'... any relation?

Regards,

Ricky

Hi, Just found this site, I used to live in Kieta, Happy Valley is what we all called it, we lived there from 81 to 89, a couple of years inbetween was spent at Kimbie, the best years of my life were spent in happy valley, does anyone know Dawn and john Robinson their kids were simone and dean, shannon, dawn had a hairdressing salon at the Divara Hotel. And a couple called Manie and Vihinie (incorrect spelling I would say) The Taylor Family. Anyway we lived across the road from the beach and dad worked for the water board as a sparkie, his name is Howard Johnston. would love to hear from someone. Seeya

Hi Gemma have to catch up soon. Thinking of coming up that way June.

Simone

email me simone71@aapt.net.au

Hi Kiwi
No relations in Port Hedland that I know of. The last time I saw Debbie Howard, she was living in Sydney and had just had her third child. I know her family have all been living in Brisbane but I have lost touch with Debbie as we have both moved around a bit. Tried to get in touch with Michael but he has left the Sheraton Mirage. No luck yet. Tried to ring Craig Smith a while back but couldn't reach him. My brother Jason works in the hospitality industry and saw an article about Craig that he sent through to me years ago, but he may have moved on by now.

well it seems more are turning up out of the woodwork......i heard karl hebbes is in brissy....anyone know what happened to jason forsyth ?????
am going to be in bris for the 18th may...need more details for the piss up..lol
please foward jjbuckrell@optusnet.com.au

So... who's going to the Bougainville reunion in Brisbane on 18th may and the PNG reunion on the Gold Coast on 21st June??????????????? Put the beer on ice, Rufus, I hope you're up to a big day/night on the turps...

To all you old Bougainville Brats here are a couple of links to web sites with information on Bougainville.

www.bougainville-copper.eu this links provides recent photos and video footage of Bougainville and the Panguna Copper Mine.

www.bougainvilleblue.com this link is a book that was written about the conflict on Bougainville.

Enjoy

Ricky Hall (aka Van Kempen)

Thanks Ricky,
I'll have a look after work today.
Annette

Dear All,
Lived in Bouigainville (1970 -1976) - the last 2 years in Kieta. Father was a Kiap (Patrol Officer). Returned to Bougainville last year with my brother (October 2007). We had a fantastic time but if you do decide to visit you need to have fairly realistic expectations.

You can only fly into Buka and travel by vehicle to Arawa (3.5 to 4 hour trip). Arawa is a very sad site - evidence of "the crisis" (as the locals call it) everywhere - damaged, burnt buildings etc. The road to Panguna is blocked with a sign saying that the area is under the control of the B'ville Republican Army. Stayed at the Womens Training Centre in Arawa - basic but pleasant place to stay, however, the manager was most concerned when my brother and I wanted to go for a walk to have look around. Found that the locals were initially wary of us but once we told then our story they soon warmed to us. They seemed particularly touched that we grew up in B'ville and were returning to "our home" and were quick to claim us a "pikinini belong Bougainville".

We lived at Happy Valley in Kieta (1974 - 1976 ) sadly it's all gone and returned to bush - the only thing we could find was a tree overhanging the beach the we played on as kids and the road that ran parallel to the beach. Kieta township (shops etc) is as damaged as Arawa.

For those of you familiar with Buka. Due to the crisis, a lot of people have moved from the south to the area around the Buka Passage - there is a lot of development on either side of the passage. China Town is now known as Buka Town - and now has a hospital, police station, various retail outlets and a number of places to stay. There has been a lot of development between the old "China Town" and Hutjenna (where we lived for 4 years) and there is a lot of development on the Bougainville side of the Buka Passage. Sohano Island is largely unchanged and a family are building a resort on Madahaus Is. which looks like it will be a high standard.

I would encourage anyone to return but you do need to be aware that there has been a lot of change. When we arrived at Buka we made ourselved known at the Police Station and found them to be very helpful. They helped us find my sisters Nanny and also informed the police in Arawa that we were visiting. We felt safe at Buka - but still took all sensible precautions. We felt less safe at Arawa - particularly due to the concern expressed by the manager of the place we were staying. One major hassle was banking - there is one bank in all of Bougainville in Buka Town - hence the ques are long and I found using credit cards and cashing travellers cheques a real problem - the latter taking 3 hours. My brother took cash to cover the Bougainville leg of out trip and I think that is the best option.

Hope you do return to Bougainville - we had a great time, you just need to be aware that there has been a lot of change and evidence of the impact of the crisis is very evident.

David Tierney

hey buddy....back on linine again...stupid computers....couldnt catch ya in bris, got too bloody busy......tok soon rufus..

Hi!

Do you know these Chinese who are living in PNG: Brendan Chan, Mr. Chee, and Kevin Haw. They are associated with C & B Chee PTY. LTD. and Seeto & Chan Supermarket. I really need to know their contact numbers, or Email addresses. Their friend, Wilson Powlose, need their help in the Philippines. This is an EMERGENCY.

Please write to me: ozapanta@gmail.com

Thank you!

Orvard Zapanta