I was warmly welcomed on 17 August 1995 when I went to see the finished complex. It is satisfying to see your thoughts and plans put into completion and the test area available. Bill Brann and Don Handcock always said to me a meteorological test area would be a great advantage for future technicians and engineers to have their own area. No doubt they will put it to full use.

I am delighted to see the advancement in the use of electronics and computers in meteorology. Human errors are decreasing.

I have made many friends in Meteorology all over Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and many parts of Africa. To me it is a wonderful science and the team spirit is always there no matter what part of the world you travel. Visiting meteorological personnel always receive a warm welcome in overseas meteorological offices.

My colleagues in Head Office will always be part of me. Bill Gibbs, John Zillman and Mike Moore are very approachable people. K. T. Schmetzer and T. T. Hall were my great mates and still are. The passing of Allan Cornish and Bill Brann were bitter blows to me. Bill Brann moulded me in detail planning. He was a most dedicated man. He had the presence of a headmaster. I had the drive and I was so pleased he took me under his wing.

I was also pleased to see Trevor Fitzpatrick, Colin Maxfield of mechanical, Bill Hite, Engineer, in Melbourne during the reunion. These men are Bureau dedicated.

I do hope that these short personal reminiscences may bring back memories along with the tabulation of the history of installations.

Thank you all.

Reg Stout

Carrara
August 1995

Dr John Farrands, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (left) congratulates Reg Stout (right) at the opening of the Bureau of Meteorology's Training Annexe at Camp Road, Broadmeadows, 10 April 1981, watched by Dr John Zillman. This facility preceded the major facility at Glenlitta Avenue being planned by Reg Stout at the time of his retirement.

Bureau of Meteorology