What an Interesting Storm!

by Anne James
(Adelaide)

I had moved to Darwin from Canberra (Adelaide home city)in July 1974. Working with Doctor Quinn, Registrar of Darwin Hospital at time of Cyclone Tracy. Left the hospital work Xmas party at 2.00pm that afternoon to go on to the Koala Hotel, Mitchell St for drinks with friends.

At around 11pm the publican suggested to the few of us left in the pub that the weather was turning a little nasty and we should go home. After dropping two frinds off, one in Smith street and one a few streets away,I arrived home about 11.30pm. My home at the time was a guest house in Mitchell Street owned by an elderly gentleman. There were 5 residents, myself, Joy,Trevor, John and a couple living in a caravan in the backyard of the property as well as two friends visiting from Canberra. Barry and Richard.
My visiting friends and I sat in my room and drank another bottle of wine - not really bothering about the weather until the power went out.
We lit candles and continued enjoying the wine and conversation about the day's events. It was the loud smashing of the front door plate glass window that prompted some action/re-action. All of a sudden .....