The guestbook from April 1998 – December 2007
14 entries.
I have only recently found the website and was very interested to read "Rhodesian Mike`s" post of the passing of Alan. I know it is quite old, however I would be very interested in hearing from Him or any others who were at the Vag over winter 67 /68.
I did read a response from Hobie [Jim] McClelland, again this was some years ago. We both worked at the Bar.
I look forward to hearing from anyone who was about at this time.
Happy New Year to all from a cool summer day in Melbourne.
PS. I will be traveling to Verbier at the end of this month. Hopefully there will some snow by then!! It will be nearly 50 years since I was last there. I guess it has changed a little.
I m a friend of Michel Piaget. I studied and graduated ftom GIHE leysin that was where we met. Couple years ago Michel visited me in BKK and we lost in touch. I tried to look for him and found out that he has passed away. I was deeply sorry and i have lost the contact of his wife Ya and her daughter and her son. If anyone could give me the contact details of Ya the Thai lady i would really appreciate. Thank you very much. Dao email k_dutdao@hotmail.com
We lost another one recently. Claude Paquette who was at Vagabond Lodge in the Early 70s passed away after a long battle with the b "C"
He will be remembered.
Alouette, gentille Alouette
Lark, nice lark
Alouette, je te plumerai
Lark, I will pluck you
Je te plumerai la tête
I will pluck your head
(Je te plumerai la tête)
(I will pluck your head)
Et la tête
And your head
(Et la tête)
(And your head)
Alouette
Lark
(Alouette)
(Lark)
O-o-o-oh
Alouette, gentille Alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Je te plumerai le bec
I will pluck your beak
(Je te plumerai le bec)
Et le bec
(Et le bec)
Et la tête
(Et la tête)
Alouette
(Alouette)
O-o-o-oh
Et le cou
And your neck
Et le dos
And your back
Et les ailes
And your wings
Et les pattes
And your feet
Et la queue
And your tail
La Conclusion
The Ending
O-o-o-o-oh
Alouette, gentille Alouette
Lark, nice lark
Alouette, je te plumerai
Lark, I will pluck you
Naturally, the literal English translation does not match up well with the meter of the song, so a slightly less literal (but more singable) version would be:
Little skylark, lovely little skylark
Little lark, I'll pluck your feathers off
I’ll pluck the feathers off your head
I’ll pluck the feathers off your head
Off your head - off your head
Little lark, little lark
O-o-o-o-oh
And adding:
Off your beak
Off your neck
Off your back
Off your wings
Off your feet
Off your tail
Happy Christmas, froffies!
I am not sure whether this is the best place to post this, but I am actually looking for work in Leysin, Switzerland and was wondering if anybody knew off hand if there was any work available for a hardworking young girl. I am headed there hopefully in a couple days, if you know of any work available please let me know. thanks 🙂
Oh my God, was on google and found this horrible pic of me! Anyway, would have been nice to find some old friends here, though I saw some photos I didn't knew! Who mad this photo of me??? Anyway it's cool to have found this side 🙂
Hello to Gail Giblin
Yes that is me - Brian Farrell's little sister. Brian is very jealous he could not attend the reunion but we had a fabulous time. I can't see your email address so am trying to connect this way. Cheers!
Had a fabulous evening last saturday.
Thanks Johanne, David and all others who helped!
Will be back in Leysin this winter!
That hairy arm could only belong to the one and only...Dickie! Nice tadd-oo mate!
Just checked out the site for various "food choices" as you guys reunion without me. First of all, ENORMOUS KUDOS to Johanne and Dave for making this work - yet again - after all these years to get so many special folks back where we truly celebrated the joy of life and living, and truly most of us worked hard in Leysin every day to buy the ole toothpaste AND the necessary bar card. So I was thrilled to peruse the lists of folks who had returned - and who had each made an impact on my life - in an always positive way. I hope I did the same for each of you. And so sending love and great salutations of a very special, special time - now being re-captured a bit.............
I salute and remember and love you all....
Ariane; Laurie H. (assume you are now without the black jacket and black thing around your neck...); Re-Pete (your lifelong friendship with Black Pete and later dearest Shona touched me - I can STILL sing most of Hoki Mai (sp??) from memory thanks to YOU); Bev and Marinette (M - you took Brian F. back!!); Scott and Carol - just enormous thanks and kudos for hiring just about ANYONE who needed a lift and a respite - May dearest Alan be always remembered and RIP); Andre Hefti (loved your dearest Mum and of course, Pierre. Your love and kindness to Laurie Ramsey a/k/a "Petit Camion" sparked her every day - may she, too, RIP; Don and Tinks - WOOHOO!! - love you both.......and remember your visit to my wee flat in Collonges Fort L'Ecluse - found the panties in MY bed!!; Simon - thank you for taking time with Kim to "pose" in front of L'Horizon yesterday - you made my day; thrilled that Helen Neithardt is there, too - Guy was one of most special, special Swiss friends - even coaxed me to climb with him - NOT a wise decision as I freaked. Lillian Walsh - is that you Lillian, Brian's dear sister??; and to Rob and Dorothee - thrilled that you could make it back.....
Enough - I am sad that I am not there, but uplifted that so many good folks from my memories. And lastly, thank you Simon for taking the brilliant photo of you and Kim et al for me in front of Paolo's - a/k/a L'Horizon. Cheers and God Bless...........
Hope everyone who is (was) at the reunion has / had a good one..wish Laura and I could have made it..! next time!!( whenever that may be..!)
Keep in touch....
Cheers to all,
Andy,Banff, Alberta, Canada.
(Leysin 1972 - 1989)
We are so excited to attend this reunion! I am bringing my 24 year old daughter with me, for her first trip to Europe. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce her to a beautiful place, wonderful folks and an unforgetable experience!
Vag barlady 72-73. Loved the air up there.
Welcome to the new guestbook. I'll try to import the old one soon.
Brian Farrell said on January 5, 2012
Having seen sister Lillian’s response, thought I had better put a few words in. i was so disappointed not to be able to attend the renuion, had of got my A into G probably could have. I guess it’s hi to Gael,that”s the second letter from yourself with my name mentioned. Am very touched you still remember me, wouldn’t blame Marinette entirely.
Still rember you vividly, we did have great times together. Have very close ties with Campbell Watts, we always manage to have a wee DRAM together and talk over old times. Hi to Marrinette & Bev ( Bev you scored a beaut girl) and any others who remember me
richard headifen said on January 15, 2012
Hi Flange! Great to know that you are alive and kicking. We had some great times together. Cheers, Phones.
Peter Craig said on February 8, 2012
Hi Brian,
Good to hear you are still going well.The reunion was great – pity you could not be there. However there is talk of a down under get together here in Mollymook where I now live in November this year. Later on I will get around to organising something to see what interest there is. Mollymook is about three hours South of Sydney on the NSW South Coast. I live about 2km from Jon Travers so see alot of him. We are going to Vietnam for a month in a few weeks so will do something after that. Keep it in mind.
Cheers, Repete
Peter Craig said on March 7, 2012
At the Vagabond reunion last year it was suggested that we have a downunder get together at Mollymook on the New South Wales South coast in November of this year. If that is going to happen I thought it was time we ascertain what sort of interest there maybe before we make any concrete decisions. Here are a few tentative thoughts: If it happens the weekend of November 17 and 18 might be a good one. A friday night barbecue at the Mollymook surf club and then book out a local restaurant for a dinner on the Saturday night. At that time of the year there would be plenty of accomodation available in motels, private houses etc.
For those who don’t know the area just google Mollymook and all the information will come up.
Next week I am going away to Vietnam for a month’as holiday so during this time have a think about it and when I come back will be in touch again to see what sort of numbers are interested and if enough can go ahead and start organising something. So tell anyone else who may be interested and will be in touch again next month.
If anyone has any queries they can contact me at craigpc@internode.on.net.
Cheers, Pete
Helen Wells-Eyssartier said on March 15, 2012
If I win on the horses, count me in – I’ll take floor space anywhere, but preferably within close proximity of Vi’s canteen!!!
Lillian Walsh (nee Farrell) said on June 19, 2012
Ted and I will certainly be there Pete. Brian is booked in and I have almost convinced Kathy and Caesar to fly out as well. Will be in touch. Lill
Gavin Roache said on April 18, 2012
Hi Peter,
Gavin Roache here , if there is some sought of down under reunion at Mollymook my family would be keen to get down there, we live on the northern beaches. Cheers Gavin from 89, 90.
Peter Craig said on April 23, 2012
Hope you have had a thought about getting together here in Mollymook in November. If anything is going to happen then we need to ascertain what sort of numbers may be interested. I thought a minimum of 30 or 40 would be needed to make the whole thing worthwhile. So if you have an interest please reply here ( that might engender more to consider it) over the next couple of weeks and then I’ll get back to you and if we have the interest start putting some plans together. Don’t be shy as it will only take place if you get involved. For anyone who was in Leysin last year catching up with old mates was unreal and the reunion just took on a life of its own. This is another opportunity to get together for a few drinks and to reconnect with old friends. It’s up to you.
Cheers, Pete
Tim McElhiney said on April 24, 2012
Hi Pete
I would definately be interested in coming down to Mollybrook for a get together. I missed the reunion in Leysin, but managed to catch up with some Vagabonders on a trip to Canada and the US around that time.
Hope that you get the numbers up.
Cheers. Tim McElhiney 69,70,71
Patricia Anderson said on April 26, 2012
Hi Pete,
I will definitely be there – count me in. Hope Vietnam was great.
Cheers,
Pat Anderson
Campbell Watts said on May 21, 2012
Hi Pete,
Just happened to look at the web page and see flange’s reply, I will talk to him and would love to attend in November, please keep me updated, sadly missed the gathering in Leysin but will make an effort to attend Mollymook in November, maybe also Margaret.
Kind Regards
Campbell Watts
Peter Craig said on June 27, 2012
I have had several people contact me saying they would like to come to Mollymook but that the date in November is not suitable. Also I now have to go to a family wedding in Perth around that time and our other Mollymook resident Jon Travers will also be away. Because of all this we have decided to postpone the get together to March ( a date to be decided on ) next year. I hope I haven’t buggered upanyones plans by doing this but the November date was getting too hard for too many people. March is a good time of the year here with (generally) good weather, warmer water and not too many tourists. Would still love to see you all so think about March and later on we will start getting a few things organised.
Cheers, Pete
Peter Craig said on November 13, 2012
The weekend of March 15-17 seems like a good one for a downunder Vag reunion here at Mollymook next year.We need now to ascertain who can make it so we can go ahead and organise venues, accomodation etc. Please get back to me at craigpc@internode.on.net if you are interested (This will save clogging up the frof website) so we can go from there. Please tell others as the more people we get the more fun we are going to have. It will be good to get this off the ground.
Cheers, Pete
Peter Craig said on November 19, 2012
Good news. I have heard that Dave and Johanne are planning a trip to Australia towards end of February. However the bad news is that they are planning on leaving again on March 16th. So what we are are going to do is to bring the get together back a week and hold it on the previous weekend 8/10 March. Sorry about having to change the dates yet again but this is a change for an excellent reason. Please let me know on the above address if you are interested. I look forward to nailing it once and for all and the numbers will depend on what sort of entertainment we can organise.
Cheers, Pete
Patricia Anderson said on December 24, 2012
Hi Pete,
I will definitely be available on March 8th – 10th. I will have to rush back to Melbourne afterwards, as some Canadian friends are arriving on the 13th!. I will speak to Jilly as I know she and John were keen to come!
Pat Anderson
Lillian Walsh (nee Farrell) said on December 7, 2012
Good to talk to you the other night Pete, Jon and Vi. The Kiwi Clan will certainly be there in Mollymook on weekend of 8/10 March ie Brian Farrell, sis Lillian and husband Ted, Campbell and Marg Watts from Cambridge, NZ. Pat Anderson will travel up from Melbourne I am sure. We just need to convince Jilly and husband John to make the trip as well. Unfortunately Kathy and Caesar have booked their flight from the US for the following weekend. Mind you I have changed many a flight in the past so I am sure they may consider the same. Thank you for agreeing to use Mollymook for the follow-up reunion. We will be sure to tell everyone what a fabulous time we had in Leysin in September, 20ll.
Peter Craig said on January 28, 2013
t looks as if we will have about 35-40 to the reunion at Mollymook. If anyone who reads this and has not booked accomodation as yet for 8,9,10 March it is best to do so asap as that weekend is also a long weekend for the ACT and alot of public servants come to the coast for the weekend.
The programme is.Friday night an informal gettogether at Bannisters pool bar. The bar opens at 6pm so rock up any time after that. They serve pizzas and other light meals there and the setting is great.
On Saturday night there will be a party at John Travers’ place. We will do the food catering but bring your own refreshments. there are plenty of liquor stores in the area. We will have to charge you $20 a head to cover the costs of food.
On Sunday night we will have a dinner at a local restaurant. I am still talking to them so I cannot give you an idea of price just yet.
Can you please confirm to either John or myself whether you are coming and when you will arrive as we need to start firming up numbers for catering purposes.
Any queries please contact me on craigpc@internode.on.net or (02) 44545494.
Cheers, Pete
Kathy and Caesar Ramsay said on February 10, 2013
Pete, Caesar has emailed you to let you know that we were able to change our flights so that we can get to Mollymook in time for the reunion. Besides the other activities, we will be coming to the dinner on Sunday night — just wanted to let you know, as you said you needed numbers. (I didn’t even know to check this Guestbook until Lillian told me about it.) Caesar and I will keep up with the plans now. Can’t wait to see everyone.
Kathy
Peter Craig said on February 25, 2013
Mollymook reunion.The Sunday night dinner will be at a restaurant called Tallwood, Tallwod ave, Mollymook. We have organised an 11 course tasting menu which should be terrific. The restaurant has also given us adeal on wines and tap beer. the cost is $50 per head, plus drinks. Pre dinner drinks at 6.30 , food coming on from arou nd 7.30. Any queries please get back to either Jon or me.
Cheers, Pete
l