Recalling a Case of Mistaken Identity

Editor: I recall writing this story for the Centenary History CD. 

Sometime early in 2000s I was doing my monthly shift on Loui’s Van - sponsored by St Vincent de Paul - to cater for those on the street in need of food and companionship. The van was parked outside of the Royal Hobart Hospital. Looking up I spied a young man – baggy strides, white shirt, with tail protruding, and thongs. There was an immediate recognition one of the other. 

Not wanting to pry, nor to be judgemental, the mentor of earlier times proceeded to offer the fare of the night...soup, or sandwich or fruit, or coffee, milo or tea. Each offering was greeted with a polite, “No, thank you.” Finally it dawned on the former ‘chalkie’ – “You’re not here for a feed are you?” Duh! 

"No" replied the younger man. “I’ve just come out of the hospital….. been visiting my Pop who’s not for this world much longer.”

We talked about his Pop for a while; then talk turned to his post school doings. He explained that he had gone to Drysdale TAFE College and graduated in 1995, and that he was presently Senior Sous Chef at the Hilton in Sydney.  A case of gross mistaken identity – to think the former mentor had offered him a ‘sanga’.

A google search has revealed that this ‘vagrant’ has moved on since that day and has since been an executive chef in some of the best hotels across four continents. His name  – Marcus Gregs (SVC 1986-91). Marcus is currently Executive Chef at the 785 room Strand Palace Hotel in central London.