Happy Birthday Davis

Last Saturday, the 13th of January, marked the 50th anniversary of Davis. Dr Phillip Law landed on the site of the station on the 12th January 1957, and the first building was erected on the 13th. On this date a dedication ceremony was held to officially open and name the station. The name chosen was in honour of Captain John King Davis. To kick off the festivities, a phone conference was held with a few of the ANARE club members closely associated with Davis. The guest of honour was Dr Law himself. It really was such a privilege to have the chance to hear him speak, especially as he is only a few months shy of 95. His stories of the time he spent here were amazing, and his memory has not faltered one bit.

Cookie speaking during the hook-up

Ivan Hawthorn, Bill Bathurst, Dr Phillip Law, David Dodd, Alex Brown in Melbourne

Next on the agenda was a photo of the whole crew down here, with most of the mechanical gear we use to get around and work with. They even landed a chopper in the middle as a kind of centerpiece. This was followed by a recreation of the original station photo, which was taken in the same place - the donga line of the old station. When I get a copy of both of these photos, I shall be posting them here. After the recreation photo, Cookie read out Dr Law's original speech which was fantastic to hear. The links back to the past really made us proud to call this place home

Santa reading out who has been naughty or nice

Me on top of the old station. Note the short bloke who dressed in his tux for the occasion

Once the formalities were over, a treasure hunt/trivia contest was held, and then it was on to the Emergency Vehicle Shelter (EVS) for the spit roast/bbq for dinner. Then it was time to retire to the bar for a few quiet ales before an early night for all... Or maybe that's what I should have done! The band kicked up not long after 9, and the surprise guest vocalist was a smash hit with all the punters.

Jim, Roger, Trevor and Tony

Bet you didn't know I was talking about me when I mentioned the surprise guest vocalist!!! From left: Me, Noel, Jim, Roger and Tony's left arm.