The definition for Brat in the Dictionary is 'unruly child'. Its probably safe to say some of us were, unruly children, but here the word defines someone whose Father went to work each day in a white, blue or khaki uniform. Every few months or years he would come home from his workplace to inform his family that they were being relocated once more. Sometimes we were happy to move to the new location, sometimes we didn't want to leave where we were.  Either way an uplift was inevitable and like it or not we learned how to accept this life style.

 

As Brats we also learned survival skills somewhat like our Fathers ...

 

-to keep affects and belongings to a minimum

-to evaluate and assimilate with our surroundings with minimum fuss

-to differentiate between our enemies and allies

-to never show fear and uncertainty

-mateship and knowing that there is always someone there to cover your back

-to say goodbye, believing we would meet again some where along the track one day

 

When ANZ Military Brats of Singapore was founded, on the top of the list of goals was to gather together brats to be a part of reunions in both Australia and New Zealand.  After 3 very successful weekends of fun and reminiscing in Australia, we have finally made our way across the Tasman to New Zealand to create more great memories to add to our Brat Story.  This is due to the effort (and bravery) of Lorie-Jean Millar and her committee, Mike Ellis, Wendy Harris and Sue Hickey.  I can't thank them enough for taking on this task.  What a wonderful thing you have all done in bringing us all together - my heart felt Thanks.
For me personally it is a journey I have wanted to since sharing a classroom filled with Kiwi's who often talked about 'home' and I wondered if it was different from my own. After Singapore I came back part Aussie, part Kiwi, part Singaporean. No-one could figure out where my accent came from and I know I'll come home from this trip with my 'kossie' accent...and be proud of it.

For those of you who are on this journey of memories for the first time, breath in the atmosphere, saviour it and let yourself be transported back in time.  Ask any of the past attendees and they will tell you the experience is addictive. You will feel numb with nostalgia, your face will be sore from smiling and when you return to 'normality', you will drive your family and friends insane as you relive the moments of the weekend, because you never want to forget it. They will wonder what all the fuss is about and won't quite understand, but don't feel alone with your memories, because your fellow brats share them too.

Happy Memories.

Kia Ora

 

jo

 

Jo-Anne Rendle

ANZ Military Brats of Singapore