Me Dad, Will Sullivan, always told me he helped make the steel for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He was the leading First Hand Smelter at both the North Plant and then the South Plant at Dorman Long Grangetown, where I grew up in Birchington Avenue.

I went to the same school as Vin and was in the same class at St. Peters as Michael, his brother. I first saw Vin singing at the St. Peter's Working Men's Club in South Bank. Back then I think I was one of the only people listening as he sang.   I had the great pleasure and good fortune to be with Vin and Pete Betts and other friends for the turn of the year at midnight 1999/2000.

We taunted each other as kids about Slaggy Island and Cardboard City. (A reference to the walls of the terrace houses near the steelworks.)
I emigrated to Australia in 1974 and visited Sydney in 1998.

To stand on the great bridge and touch the steel with Dorman Long stamped all over it was a strong moment for me.

We, my father and I, parted after he lost his wife and I lost a mother. He despaired and turned to drink. I was young and hated him for his weakness.

Growing older and realising your own stupidity is hard. Serves me right. Now when I look at that bridge I feel both proud (of Dad) and ashamed (Of me).

None of this is very relevant to the Thread. Guess I'm getting old.

BS