Preamble

During the past few years we have gathered some of the photographic history of my parents, Enid and John O'Rourke, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We all have copies of As I Recall, reminiscences written by Dad of his childhood and young adult life. It occurred to me that there are other stories that are part of the oral history of the family. Some of these are toasts and tributes at significant occasions in my parents' lives. I will endeavour to track down some of these and record them. They may provide further insights into their lives, seen from the perspectives of friends and relatives.