A SIMPLE but heartwarming hello and wide grin has brought about a friendship spanning 79 years and two countries.
Bob Atley recalls his family moving to Invercargill in New Zealand when he was six.
Soon after, John Stanway, who lived on the same street, came up to say “Hello” and befriended him.
Their childhood years cemented a rare friendship stretching into adulthood and, now, the Autumn of their lives.
According to John, “We don’t have a lot in common and have never fought; we were in the same school all our lives and were members of the Invercargill Rowing Club.”
Bob, a draughtsman, moved to Sydney in 1964.
He later owned a stationery shop, which he eventually sold, before returning to Invercargill.
Three years later, John, who was a builder, also moved to Sydney.
He then went to Mt Isa in 1973 and Darwin in 1975.
In 2001, he bought and renovated a bus to travel from Queensland to NSW, staying in Tamworth for a week.
John recalled, “I came through Thunderbolts Way and passed Poley’s Place, a working cattle property and camping ground located on the banks of the beautiful Barrington River.
“I stayed there two nights then went to Forster and its surrounds and Port Macquarie, but I couldn’t keep my mind off Poley’s Place.”
John fell in love with it; and he has been staying in his bus at Poley’s Place for 20 years now.
“I love my lifestyle; the freedom to go wherever, whenever I want.
“Gloucester is peaceful and has a nice feel,” the now 86-year-old said.
John and Bob see each other annually, in Invercargill and in Gloucester.
“Calls are free so we frequently ring each other up,” John added.
It’s testament to a friendship that knows no bounds – despite distance and age.
By Kim TEOH
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