Hi everyone. If you are reading this blog and you are a SELFer, then you've come to the right place!
Since the program ran at Byng for a decade, many of you will not know me, so I'll just quickly introduce myself as a SELFer from January 1975 to June 1976 (the year they decided to stop allowing grade 12s in SELF if I recall correctly). SELF had a big influence on my way in the world, and so I've been keen to help organize a reunion. Several folks on Facebook have been getting this idea going. Dave Haddock got together much of the mailing list from which you likely got the link to this blog. Others have been contacting old friends and spreading the word. So I've contributed setting up this blog and the web site at http://www.lordbyngselfprogram.net.
Now it's time for everyone to jump in and help organize an event or two. See the next blog posts for the beginnings of that discussion.
John O
http://www.johnolivermusic.com
Hi John and Selfers,
ReplyDeleteI was in Self from Grade 9 (it started in Grade 9 then, 1971/72, the first year) through Grade 12 (Class of 1975).
I'm a geologist (UBC '79) living in Perth Australia, married since 1986 and have 3 adult boys. My recollections of Self are generally positive. However I would encourage mixed views and not just the facebook-like "life is/was perfect" views. I do think we had something very special and were basically allowed to study what we wanted (at least that was the impression we were given by teachers (Daryl Parker, Rolf Ahrens, Mrs Haremea sp?). Those teachers are exceptional and we were very lucky to have them. I would definitely like to connect with them, if they are willing.
I'm not sure, but I may have taken the photo of the dancing Selfers, since Bill Henderson, Arnold (Mark Armour), DO Griffo (David Griffiths) and George Richards (??), who also carried cameras, are in the picture. I have a copy of the Self journal circa 1974 I may be able to dig up. This may not be flattering to all. My wife Karen looks at pictures of me from those days (especially Joe Weider at the pool) and ..., well, I'm glad she saw them well after we were married.
If I can travel from Perth, I'd be happy to attend a reunion. I've had all the stuff about the 40th Lord Byng reunion but really don't remember many people on the list, and will unlikely go. I do, however, remember ALL of the Self people in that picture, with great nostalgia and fondness. I have managed to stay in touch with or connect to a few former selfers (some mentioned above) and would like to round-out the contacts.
Thanks for making this effort,
Cheers, Bob
Krud! Can't believe it's you Joe Weider ("the lesser"). Fond memories of playing blackjack at lunchtime, and all kinds of other strange fun! You and I are just about as far from Vancouver as each other - I live in Wales (UK since 1989) and am a professor at Cardiff University teaching journalism and media studies. I have a conference in Montreal just before the reunion, so I should be able to zip across to Vancouver for the occasion. Hope to see you there! cheers, Cindy
DeleteI'm moving this out to the main Post area so people can see Bob's post.
DeleteCan I move your comment into the main section?
ReplyDeleteHi Bob. I share your sentiments about not really caring much about a Lord Byng reunion. I have not attended any and am happy this reunion for the summer has legs. I came into SELF in January 1975. We crossed paths perhaps? Since you're coming from such a distance, what date in July would work best for you? For several people coming to town for the Folk Festivals, July 22 is a good date between the two weekends.