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 Conception TSS Oxfordshire "Conox" Fairstar liner voyages Fairstar - the 'Funship' Fairstar's Finalé Fairstar Reunion Chronology |
Fairstar Reunion On 1st March 2008, a "Fairstar Reunion" was held at the ANZAC club in Cammeray, Sydney for any ex-crew, passengers or Sitmar/P&O staff members. Ten months in the planning, around 260 guests attended the reunion and upon entry to the event their "passage ticket" was stamped and a commemorative pen was given to everyone. Some of the guests included one of Fairstar's Chief Engineers who came all the way from Italy to attend the event. Other guests came from New Zealand and from around Australia. A comprehensive memorabilia display was set up and included many rare items. There was a complete dinner table display, set up with Sitmar crockery and utensils - reminiscent of the Fairstar's Waldorf or Savoy restaurants! Other items included brochures and liner schedules dating back to the 1960s, a scale model of the Fairstar, pens, keyrings and many other pieces of memorabilia. There were two video displays - one near the memorabilia display that showed a host of photos and a larger projection of both images and video footage. The event was emceed by Graeme Gillies, a DJ played music and there was also a guitarist/singer who played two great sets that everyone enjoyed. Throughout the evening there were many prize give-aways including harbour cruises (courtesy of Captain Cook Cruises), bottles of wine and champagne, and two copies of the book "The Sitmar Liners, Past and Present" (courtesy of Rosenberg publishers). Guests enjoyed some light snacks served throughout the evening and drinks were available at the bar - including a special "Fairstar Reunion Cocktail"! Later that evening, everyone received streamers (courtesy of Frank Fressard) and a fantastic balloon drop occurred which brought back memories of the same event that occurred in the Fairstar's Zodiac Lounge during each cruise! Throughout the night, many stories were told, contact details were exchanged between people who found fellow crew members for the first time in many years, and there were also some shed tears. All-in-all, a successful and fun night and thank you to everyone who attended. Thanks also to the event organisers: Theo Koke, Graeme Gillies, Dennis Mercovich, Damien Bastock, Rosemary Dingli, Sheena James and Mike Ristuccia. Finally, a big thank-you to the following event sponsors, for without them the reunion would not have been possible: • Inter-Marine • Antico International • Pace Farm • Captain Cook Cruises • Rosenberg Publishing. The memory of Fairstar lives on... 
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