The Sunshine Coast chapter of R.A.T.S (Radio and Television Survivors) held its Christmas lunch meeting on Monday Decemeber 21st at the Woombye Hotel.

Retired radio man Graham Miles (a different Graham Miles from the one who runs Hot Tomato) has reported that illness and other engagements kept numbers low this time, but the smaller crowd made it easier to chat.

“We missed the happy faces of former radio men Ralphe Rickman, Les Heil and Max Barrenger. Former 3AW/3UZ personality Henry Gay, now in his late 70’s made the long trip from Hervey Bay and had those attending in fits of laughter with stories about the goings on in Melbourne radio in the fifties and sixties.”

Graham Miles, who started his career at 3AW in 1957, knew most of the people Henry was talking about and many memories were exchanged.

Others to attend the lunch included former 4BK newsman John Knox, Sunshine FM personality Graham Webb and station manager Ken O’Flaherty, former Brisbane identity Ross Meldrum and another 3AW ‘old boy” John Sheed.

Organiser Bob Harding plans another get-together early next year.

Picture above (from last year’s lunch) shows Graham Miles nearest the camera left next to Graham Webb. Ralphe Rickman is next to him, directly opposite Les Heil. Ex Brisbane newsman John Knox is opposite.