Pat surrounded by the Pinney, Browne and Blair families. Joe and Jean Fairall obtained the old common at McMahon’s Reef which had a tennis court in disrepair which they repaired. Colin’s parents Keith and Mary Maher had a court at “Allandale”. Pat and Jean played on these courts as well as Lou Moses courts in the 1950’s. They are pictured with Colin Maher.
Pat Browne who celebrated his 90th birthday was guest of honour at a party for over 100 guests at the Harden District Bowling Club on Saturday. Friends and relatives came from far and wide to enjoy a lovely lunch catered by the Harden Murrumburrah Hospital Auxiliary. Numerous friends came from Orange where Pat drove a taxi for many years.
Master of ceremonies Colin Maher said that not only was he honoured to take on the role for the day but that Pat was actually his god father. He spoke about the times spent with Pat as a child growing up and how Pat had taught him how to play tennis. Colin went on to establish Maher’s Tennis coaching and has been responsible for teaching generations of local youth the intricacies of the game. Sitting at Pat’s table was 94 year old Jean Fairall from Sanctuary Point, who had played tennis with Pat as a 10 year old. Pat was born at Sister Deacey’s hospital near the Catholic Church in 1926 and was one of six siblings. His sister Audrey became a Pinney and Edna became a Blair. These branches and his brother Keith’s family were represented at the party.
Stephen and June Pinney and their family were credited with organising the day. Photos and placemats were adorned with his cars over the years, said to be in the vicinity of 40 and mainly Holdens and Vauxhalls. He does admit to owning a couple of Fords but they were never used as Taxis. Instead of gifts, photos were taken of guests and these were placed on pages for each guest to write their own personal message for Pat. A book of memories was later presented to him. What a thoughtful and original idea? Bev Holland has owned two of Pat’s Vauxhalls and she spoke of the fun they had planning the courses for car rallies in Orange. She said Pat always threw in some fun things to do during the rally. Bev said that the Orange Car Club would be coming to Harden in the next few weeks. I am sure they will stop and visit Pat. Pat had almost 38 wonderful years with his wife Joan Harding before she passed away in 2008. Some of Joan’s relatives spoke very kindly of Pat. After Joan was gone Pat said, “It was time to come home” so he returned to the Towns of his birth and where he had been a popular taxi driver for many years.
Neill Smith well known poet and performer, penned a poem entitled, “A Bit Worn in the Gears” which described Pat’s life and loves. He then introduced his father Woodley who had shared a lifetime friendship with Pat. Woodley recalled Pat’s first taxi and said he drove a two tone green taxi, yet his name was Browne. He also said that he and Pat had attended 16 Balls in one year as they both loved dancing and that he valued Pat’s friendship. It was decided that Pat Brown from Glenbrook was also somehow connected to Pat and jokes were made about why Pat with an N didn’t have and E on the end of his name. Pat thanked each and every speaker for their kind words before cutting the cake which of course, was decorated with a large car and roads. A smile was never far from his face for the entire day. Pat, we remember writing at the end of your local legend in 2014, “You are one of nature’s true gentlemen” and lots of people agree with us.
Happy Birthday!!!
