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C-BERSS EX-PRESS
March 2004
Issue 1, Vol 7
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All Newsletters : March 2004 : Clontarf Reminders
Clontarf Reminders
December 15 1955 was the day that an horrific bus crash turned the dream of an excitedly anticipated holiday for 53 Clontarf boys into a nightmare that killed one of their mates and maimed or seriously injured 18 others.
At the time, the accident, on the South West Highway near Serpentine, was labeled as one of the State’s worst ever.
It was an experience that left behind a legacy of physical and emotional scars for many of the boys who were on board the bus for that fateful trip.
But it was to “celebrate the life of Michael Bowman” (who died in the crash) that prompted about 20 relatives, friends and old boys to gather in the Clontarf grounds on the 48th anniversary of the crash —15/12/03. Michael, who was seven at the time, would by now have been 55.
The idea to restore Michael’s grave as a tribute to his short life came from Paul Irvine who was one of Michael’s childhood friends.
Paul is featured in the middle of the group of three in the picture at right.
Brother Kevin Ryan also pictured far right took up Paul’s idea helping to arrange the restoration of Michael’s grave and presiding over the ceremony which honoured his memory.
Also pictured at right is Gail Watkins, who is the daughter of Michael’s twin brother Richard (now also deceased).
Gail delivered messages and flowers from Michael’s two surviving sisters, who live in Wales, as well as speaking of what she knew of the uncle she never had the opportunity to meet.
Flowers festooned the gravesite.
As well as the bouquets from niece Gail, and sisters Vivienne and Barbara, bouquets from Joan Kerry of the Australian Migrants Project and from C-BERS followed the scattering of rose petals provided in cane baskets by Brother Kevin.
Bowls of water around the grave site symbolized life and healing.
Compliments of Mike O’Donohue, a ceramic picture of Michael now sits on the headstone as a perpetual reminder of the boy who will be “forever young” in the eyes of those who knew him then.
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