Southportonians` Review

Transcription

The Old
Southportonians’
Review
No. 138 SUMMER 2011
“Old boys gathered, exchanged memories and had a great time.
That is what will be remembered…”
Old Southportonians’ Association Council 2011
Founded 1907
OSA COUNCIL 2011
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
President
Paul Wood (Del 80-84)
The Old Southportonians’ Review
B. Rogers (McK 58-62)
K. Hailey (OSA Coordinator)
Vice-President
Peter Lockhart (Tho 62-65)
Hon. Secretary
Nathan Quartermaine (McK 96-99)
Hon. Asst. Secretary
Brodie Cunningham (Tho 02-07)
Hon. Treasurer
Damien Moffrey (Wal 81-88)
Hon. Asst. Treasurer
Ashley Quinton (Kai 84-85)
Patron
Jake MacRonald (Tho 49-57)
Immediate Past President
V. Bruce Wright (Rad 76-85)
NON-EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Hon. Editor – Review
Bruce Rogers (McK 58-62)
Membership Development
Scott Andrews (Wal 94-98)
Young Old Boys Representative
Dominic Buckland (Kai 98-10)
ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS
James Kennett (Wal 70-74)
Ian Browne (Del 82-83)
John Hillier (Atk 78-87)
Christopher Johnstone (Bid 79-90)
Tony Burchill (Rad 78-84)
Ross Norman (Del 85-89)
Simon Nicholls (Tur 80-86)
Jock Beveridge (Atk 86-89)
James Stewart (Del 93-97)
Paul Veivers (Del 75-80)
Vaughan Oxenford (Mel 80-84)
OLD BOYS ON SCHOOL COUNCIL
F.D. Perrin (Rad 78-84)
V.B. Wright (Rad 76-85)
P.A. Graham (Tho 59-65)
M.M.A. Blumenstein (Mau 88-92)
G.C. Rix (Wal 72-77)
School Archivist
Lesley Walker
Auditor
WHK Audit & Assurance,
Carrara St, Benowa
2
THE OLD SOUTHPORTONIANS’ REVIEW
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Csquared Design
BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES
BRISBANE
J. MacAulay (Del 94-96)
D. Fielding (McK 83-87)
CENTRAL WEST NSW
R. Nicholls (Tur 80-88)
CENTRAL WEST QLD
W. Chandler (Del 48-58)
M. Macmillan (Del 83-86)
ROMA
N. Cameron (Bid 85-89)
S. Gray (McK 49-52)
D. Jones (Del 75-78)
SINGAPORE
C. Poetzscher (Wal 83-87)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
H. Muller (McK 49-52)
D. Jones (Del 75-78)
SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND
S. Fraser (McK 71-74)
G. Webster (Tho 57-63)
STANTHORPE
P.C. Blundell (Tho 75-79)
SUNSHINE COAST
M. Elks (Del 73-74)
DARLING DOWNS
B. Battersby (Kai 77-79)
D. Greenup (Del 82-86)
SYDNEY
J.M. Hawker (McK 59-63)
I. Lambert (Wal 74-78)
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
T. McInnes (McK 80-86)
M. Trout (Kai 76-80)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
G. Tweedie (Del 63-65)
HONG KONG
W. Parfitt (Mel 78-82)
B. Michael (Rad 80-93)
Kaye Hastie (Ex TSS Staff)
LOCKYER VALLEY
A.G.M. Kemp (Tho 56-63)
Mrs A.A. Kemp
LONDON
D.G. Serafini (Mel 88-98)
S. Douglas (Tho 83-91)
C. Faes (Tur 83-84)
VICTORIA
W.N. Adderley (Del 59-68)
L. Meerkin (JS 42-47)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
S.J. Conran (Bid 89-93)
WIDE BAY
D. McIver (Del 48-52)
D. Chandler (Del 87-92)
HIDDEN CREEK
Manager – Clinton Cronk
Enquiries (02) 6679 3469, 0410 622 125
clinton.cronk@tss.qld.edu.au
MACKAY
G. McKinnon (Tur 80-84)
NEW ZEALAND
R. Mehta (McK 88-92)
J. Mcllwain (McK 75-83)
NORTHERN RIVERS NSW
P. Kerkenezov (Del 57-65)
NORTHERN TERRITORY
N. Eames (Mel 57-65)
NORTH QUEENSLAND
R.A.W. Lyne (Tho 69-74)
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
C. Burgess (Kai 85-88)
ROCKHAMPTON
D.J.D. Rodgers (McK 01-05)
OSA OFFICE
OSA Coordinator - Mrs Kris Hailey
The Southport School, Winchester Street,
Southport QLD 4215
Tel 07 5531 9803,
Fax 07 5591 2124,
Email osa@tss.qld.edu.au
Web link www.tssoldboys.com.au
Keep in touch
Contents
From the President
Editorial
From the Headmaster
Keeping in Touch
Pg 4
Pg 5
Pg 6
Pg 7
ARTICLE
Cover page
Pictured…
Murray Murdoch (Tho 57-62)
Garth Davidson (Del 48-58)
John Wettenhall (Tho 51-55)
Archie Douglas (Tho 56-61)*
Lance Look (Tho 56-61)*
Reunion Weekend
TSS Foundation
Branch Functions
Race Day
Bursaries
Mentors Update
Births, Baptisms and Weddings
Pg 8-13
Pg 14
Pg 15
Pg 16-17
Pg 18
Pg 19-21
Pg 22-23
Alastair Bassingthwaighte (58-60)*
REFLECTIONS
Ian McLaren (55-61)*
By Bert Cockerill
Pg 24
*Celebrating their 50 Year Reunion
MEMORIES
Pg 25-26
Pg 27
Request to share your ideas
CALENDAR
Dates to remember
Pg 27
OLDEST OLD BOY
William Slane
PERSONAL NOTES
Bill Chandler
Pg 29
Pg 30-31
Pg 32-33
SPORTING UPDATES
Reds
Pg 34-38
TSS SCHOOL NEWS
Pg 39-41
OBITUARIES
Pg 42-45
BEQUESTS
Donald Stuart Scott
Pg 46-47
FINANCIALS
Pg 48-51
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From the President
It is a pleasure to be able to write an overview of the
Old Southportonians’ activities for the last edition of the
OSA magazine for 2011. I’d like to start by giving our
newest Old Boys a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Old
Southportonians’ Association – a community you will be a
part of for ever.
With our Young Old Boys program and the developing support
through the OSA Online Community for mentoring, study and
work experience, please do not wait five to 10 years before
you tap into this valuable resource.
I’m sure you will all agree that time has flown by this year.
The year started with floods in Queensland and New South
Wales, a cyclone in North Queensland, an earthquake in New
Zealand and a tsunami in Japan, not to mention a number
of other natural disasters that happened both nationally and
internationally throughout 2011. The positive from all of
the devastation was the way our community come together
and offered assistance to those in need. These events were
covered in depth in our first edition of the OSA magazine,
published in May this year.
As we are all aware, the economic turmoil of the United
States of America and Europe is having severe effects on not
only Australia, but the rest of the world. Despite the doom
and gloom, we all continue on with our lives. It causes us to
reflect and take stock of what is important to us – our family
– our community. TSS’ community remains strong, as does
the School Spirit, and this is evident with the continued and
ever-increasing numbers of Old Boys that visit the School and
gather for various events held at the School and all over the
world.
This year, the OSA, along with the Branch Representatives,
have held functions in Perth, Port Moresby, Mulgowie,
Katherine, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Barcaldine, Cairns,
Sydney, London, Hollywood and Northern Rivers. The Old
Boys community remains in constant contact with the OSA
Office through quarterly newsletters and bi-annual magazines.
Every day we receive notification of addresses from ‘lost’ Old
Boys through our recently introduced TSS Old Boys website,
narrowing the gap of Old Boys missing from our database.
These events take an enormous amount of preparation and I
would like to again thank all involved.
4
The Reunion Weekend this year was very successful and was
one of the biggest gatherings of Old Boys at the School. This
proves that more Old Boys are realising the importance of
remaining in contact with the OSA – their community. The
range of Old Boys who visited the school is vast; from our
newest Old Boys who left in 2010 to our oldest Old Boys who
left over 60 years ago or more. A very special and unique
event involving the Older Old Boys is organised every year
and this year, over 40 Older Old Boys received the OSA
commemorative tie, which is presented to Old Boys who were
enrolled at the School 60 years or more ago. The special
tie is graciously accepted and worn by those recipients with
immense pride. At this year’s Old Boys weekend I had the
pleasure to invite immediate past president Bruce Wright
to present Bill Chandler with the Mervyn Dane Collings
award. This award has only been presented four times and
is only awarded to those who have contributed enormously
to the OSA and the School over many years. More detailed
information can be found in this publication. Congratulations
Bill.
The OSA Mentor program saw a number of very generous
and accomplished Old Boys give their time and knowledge,
speaking to TSS students this year. The TSS Old Boys’
network is an incredible source of knowledge and has a
wealth of experience that the School holds in high regard.
The School, in conjunction with the OSA Office, is keen to
tap into every Old Boy who is prepared to help guide the
young students of today through their various decisions that
they must make in the later stages of life at school. We
sincerely thank all those who were involved – the names and
details of these caring Old Boys who were involved in the
OSA Mentor program, is published on page 21. We strongly
encourage more Old Boys to become involved in the OSA
mentor program – the rewards are priceless for both you and
the students involved. For more information, contact the OSA
Office.
Editorial
“I wish we had kept in touch.”
How often do we hear those words when
we read of a good friend who passed on?
Because of our busy lifestyles, it seems
almost too hard to keep in touch with our
old friends while being in the business of
making new ones.
Even when you eventually get to be a senior,
over 60, you are sometimes so busy you
cannot think. Everyone knows how that
feels.
This is about keeping in touch – it’s about
remembering that which is important to
you and about looking back in pride at your
achievements while you were at our school.
Our magazine is important for cementing
friendships that have been forged over time
and introducing new friends to our circle.
The OSA Review makes it easy for you to
keep in touch by reporting all the OSA news
and including some favourite columns like
Bert Cockerill’s Reflections – and whether
you are into swimming, rowing, football,
tennis, cricket or any sport, you’ll most
likely find something about your favourite
pastime here.
Remember, keeping in touch is
so important – if you have any old
Southportonians in your circle of friends,
make sure they know about the Review and
all the news contained therein.
Enjoy your read.
Bruce Rogers (McK 58-62)
Editor
Contributions
Welcome
We are always interested in what you
have been doing with your life, news of
your travels and who you have caught
up with from TSS. All contributions
should be directed to: OSA Office, TSS,
Winchester Street, Southport 4215 or
email to osa@tss.qld.edu.au
The OSA publishes personal notes in
good faith as a service to the school
community and to the alumni. The
OSA accepts no responsibility for
publishing information in this section
of the magazine that may be erroneous,
incomplete or false.
From
the President
cont.
From
the President
The OSA Council and Committee have worked hard
again this year to keep the OSA on track financially. The
introduction of one fundraising event each year has helped
to raise much needed funds for those families who would
like to provide their boys with the same education they were
fortunate enough to receive. The bursaries are awarded
annually to students who have a connection with the TSS
community. The OSA Race Day is a very successful event
held in October each year and provides much needed funds
that are allocated to families in need. This has never been
more important for our community – especially in times
like these. Thank you to all those in our community who
supported this event. Sincere thanks to our major sponsor,
SmartPrint Fleet Management, for their generous support to
this very worthy cause.
Thank you for the support of the School Council and in
particular the Headmaster, with whom the OSA has been
working directly with resolving matters facing the School and
the OSA.
It has been a pleasure working with all involved this year
in my first term as OSA President. A special thank you to
Kris Hailey for all of the incredible work she does for the
OSA, not to mention keeping me in line as well. Mention
must also be made to the staff of The Southport School who
actively help support the OSA and endorse the undeniable
value our association adds to the School. The OSA’s
strategic plan presented to the School Council last year
included the implementation of a full-time OSA Coordinator
to assist with communicating and providing support
to all members of the OSA. The OSA Office has been
instrumental in coordinating and maintaining contact with
our members, and this has helped to keep our community
up to date with events and the continuing projects taking
place at the School.
Before I conclude, I would like to mention that this year
we have seen the passing of quite a few members of our
community. To those of you in our community who have lost
loved ones this past year, our thoughts and prayers are with
you.
Finally, on behalf of the OSA Council and myself, I’d like to
wish our entire TSS community, Old Boys and families a very
merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous 2012.
All the best,
Paul Wood (Del 80-84)
5
From the Headmaster
“He is not missing. He is here.”
These words formed part of the address given by Lord
Plumer in 1927 at the unveiling of the Menin Gate
Memorial at Ypres in Belgium.
The Germans needed to control Ypres to go on and take
the Channel Ports through which British support was
flooding into France. Several battles were fought, including
the battle referred to as Passchendael. British and
Commonwealth soldiers often passed through the Menin
Gate (Menenpoort) on their way to the front lines, some
300,000 of them died in the battles. Ninety thousand
of these soldiers have no known graves. The Menin Gate
Memorial’s Hall of Memory contains names on stone panels
of 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who died in those World
War I battles around Ypres, but whose bodies have never
been identified or located.
Ten Old Boys are named on those stone panels.
Following the Menin Gate Memorial opening in 1927, the
citizens of Ypres wanted to express their gratitude towards
those who had given their lives for Belgium’s freedom.
Every evening at 20:00 hours, buglers from the local fire
brigade close the road that passes under the Memorial and
sound the Last Post. In 1993, well before our time at TSS,
Kate and I visited a number of the World War I battlefields.
As a non-historian I was initially a somewhat reluctant visitor
to that part of the world, yet very quickly I came to realise
what an important place it is for Australians. The greetings
and gratitude from the locals when they found out we were
Australian was amazing. To see streets in these small
French and Belgian towns named after Australian cities was
quite surprising.
To learn about the role of our soldiers on the Western Front
was very educational, while being both inspiring and sad
at the same time. At Menin Gate the 8pm service was
particularly moving.
I am pleased that next year a contingent of over 40 boys
from Years 5 to 12, and staff and parents, will participate
in a ‘music and cadet’ tour of the Western Front. The choir
will sing at a number of churches and ceremonies, including
being a part of the Menin Gate ceremony singing the hymn
6
and laying a wreath. It has been arranged that one of our
boys will play the Reveille on that night; a great honour for
the School.
The names of the Old Boys at Menin Gate will be located by
the boys, as will the five graves of Old Boys at the Australian
War Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, where a TSS Ceremony
of Remembrance will also be conducted. The group will
also visit a number of other sites where Old Boys lie or are
commemorated, including Albert, Flanders War Museum,
Fromelle, Le Hamel, Dernancourt and Pozieres.
It will be a wonderful trip and one that key organiser and
Head of the Preparatory School Mr Jeff Symms hopes may
be a regular educational tour on our program.
Thank you - As I write this article I am looking out my
window at the newly completed Bennett Building (to the
west of the Dixon Administration Building) housing the Year
7 Centre, Visual Art Centre and the Leadership Development
facilities. Thank you to the many Old Boys who
philanthropically contributed to this wonderful new threestorey facility. The Year 7 Centre will house staff from now
until late next year, during which time the old Sheil building
will be demolished and a new Student Services, staff room,
Robotics and Drama building will be completed. In 2013,
the Year 7 boys will move into their new Year 7 Transition
Program Centre and join the secondary School.
Between the appeals to refurbish Delpratt House, rebuild
the River Centre and build the new Bennett Building, 2010
was the most successful philanthropic year in recent history.
Again, my thanks, and the thanks of the School Council, to
all who have helped make this happen.
Best wishes
Greg Wain
Headmaster
Online
www.tssoldboys.com.au
Keeping in Touch
Many of you will have been visited our new online community database –
www.tssoldboys.com.au in recent months to update your profile, post photos,
search for your schoolmates, check events, functions and meeting dates and
even join the Super XV footy-tipping competition.
The OSA Office encourages all TSS past students to seek out the website, which has limitless potential in developing a solid
networking support system for all Old Boys. Joining this community database is completely free and all Old Boys are invited
to register. Log on and update your profile, add a picture and your bio, update your contact details so you will receive all the
latest enewsletters, emails and invitations to various events. For more info, contact the OSA Office on osa@tss.qld.edu.au
Footy Tipping – Top 3!
1
Congratulations to the top three placed
Old Boys in the Super XV footy-tipping
competition.
Points
88
87 86
Name
Kevin O’Dowd
David Watts
Timothy Borten
Peer year
1999
1969
1988
A big thank you to our sponsors, Bendigo Bank,
Burling Brown Architects and Baker, Affleck, Moffrey
Chartered Accountants, for providing the prizes. Well
done to all involved and we hope you will all join in
again for the next footy-tipping competition.
1 PHOTO - The very happy Kevin O’Dowd pictured accepting his prize from
Bendigo Bank Relationship Manager Peter Kai-Nielsen.
7
Reunion Weekend
1
2
3
4
1 PHOTO- Reunion family BBQ on TSS river ovals. 2 PHOTO - Jake Ogburn
8
3 PHOTO - Ryan Corrigan, Dave McClymont, Jack Rankin 4 PHOTO - Gladiator Challenge
5 PHOTO - Delpratt Breakfast on Clock Tower lawn
5
Reunion
Weekend
Old Boys gathered,
exchanged memories and
had a great time. That is
what will be remembered...
This year, crowds of Old Boys descended on campus to
reignite and invigorate the Spirit that is definitely alive and
well in TSS Old Boys, both young and old.
A reunion is many things to many people. Its major
significance, though, is to keep contact with traditions and
have a sense of place. Renewing acquaintances with people
and travelling to the places that were once so important in
our lives helps refresh our perspective on what has happened
to us since our schooldays. We also have a chance to give our
significant other, a glimpse into our past.
The Generations Dinner was the start to a very busy weekend
of events. Situated this year in the brand-new ‘Old Gym Café’
were over 150 second, third and fourth-generation families.
The venue, while not the traditional place for the dinner, was
very well accepted and was nicely decorated in school colours,
with photos from archives displayed on photo boards around
the entire area.
The next scheduled event was the traditional Older Old Boys
assembly. Here we had 50 Older Old Boys attend, along with
their wives and families.
1
still managed to entice over 50 Old Boys to share morning
tea and a chat with the Acting Headmaster, Mr Alan Parsons,
joined by Mrs Kate Wain. The Rediscovery Tour of the School
saw over 50 Old Boys visit the various new and old buildings
on campus.
The Reunion Family BBQ on the River Ovals at lunchtime was
a huge success. Entertainment was provided by Young Old
Boys singer Jake Ogburn (Mel 00-07). A gladiator challenge
and jumping castle was provided for the children, as well as
Mr Whippy ice creams for everyone!
The Old Boys’ Reunion Dinner on Saturday evening took place
in the Dining Hall and saw over 180 Old Boys and partners
attend this very special annual dinner. At the dinner, Old
Boy and staunch supporter of TSS Bill Chandler (Del 48-58)
was presented with the very prestigious Mervyn Dane Collings
Award by Past President Bruce Wright.
A very deserving award for a man who has served the School
and OSA for over 50 years.
Pictures do speak louder than words – these photos help to
capture how successful the 2011 Old Boys’ Weekend was…
These Older (and wise) gentlemen commenced school 60 years
ago and were therefore eligible to receive the Commemorative
Older Old Boys tie. All those 1951 Old Boys who were unable
to attend were posted their commemorative tie.
After assembly, lunch followed for all the OOBs and their
families in the Dining Hall. Bert Cockerill (McK 46-55)
was thrilled to do the traditional Roll Call and kept everyone
entertained recounting stories that have grown over the years.
2
Saturday commenced with the Delpratt Breakfast organised
by Phil Ward, Delpratt housemaster, with the most ever
on record of Old Boys attending. Next function was the
Headmaster’s morning tea – after such a large breakfast, we
1 PHOTO - Fraser Perrin, Rev Canon Bruce Maughan,
Bruce Wright, Paul Wood
2 PHOTO - Conrad Brown, Brodie Cunningham, Alex McCowan, Dean
Counter, Josh Perring, Alex Uruchurtu
9
Seated Row: Peter Larner (Junior School 1948-52), Bill Laver (McK 1943-46), Edward Kernke (Del 1945-49), Sam Pollard (Del 1945-48), Bob Akes (Del 1945-47), Keith
Gill (Del 1945-47), Tom Eady (Del 1944-48), Graeme Parry (Tho 1943-51), Trevor Dover (Del 1942-43), Ian Bucknell (Junior School 1939-41), Ray Lewis (Tho 1938-40),
Peter Fletcher (McK 1937-41), Jim Dover (Del 1937-39), Ellis Goldman (Tho 1935-39), Alan Radcliffe (Tho 1927; 1935-39)
Second Row: Paul Brown (Del 1948-51), John Douglas (Del 1948-52), Tom Frith (Del 1948-50), Roger Harding (Mitre 1948-50), Errol Steinhardt (McK 1948-50), Peter
Dowling (Tho 1946-48), Bill Campbell (Tho 1947-56), Neil Goldsmith (Del 1947-53), Bert Cockerill (McK 1946-55), John Walker (McK 1946-50), Charles Eden (McK
1946-48), John Taylor (McK 1945-51), Bob Andrew (Del 1945-51)
Third Row: Lew Cooper (McK 1949-55), A. Gavan Lahey (McK 1943-49), Alan McWilliam (Del 1945-48), Spencer Sutton (McK 1948-50), Graeme Rylance (McK 195056), Jake MacRonald (Tho 1949-57), John Austin (Tho 1950-53), Garth Davidson (Del 1948-58), David Miller (Tho 1948-54), Neville Hawkins (Del 1950-51), Sandy
Taylor (Tho 1949-53)
Fourth Row: John Roberts (McK 1950-51), Bill Chandler (Del 1948-58), Captain Ralph Derbidge (Junior School 1951-52), Peter Lengenberg (Del 1951-54), John
Wettenhall (Tho 1951-55), Frank Young (Tho 1951-52), Rad West (McK 1951-54), Kevin Davies (Del 1951-54), Des Neill-Ballantine (Del 1951-54)
1
Seven of those who commenced in 1951
were presented with the Commemorative
Older Old Boys Tie by Vice-President
Peter Lockhart.
Captain Ralph T Derbidge M.B.E.R.A.
Mr Frank Young
Mr Kevin Davies
Mr Peter Lengenberg
Mr Rad West
Mr Des Neill-Ballantine
Mr John Wettenhall
Junior School
Thorold
Delpratt
Delpratt
McKinley
Delpratt
Thorold
1951-52
1951-52
1951-54
1951-54
1951-54
1951-54
1951-55
1 Older Old Boys presented with their Commemorative Old Boys tie
Seated Row: Rad West (McK 1951-54), Captain Ralph Derbidge (Junior School 1951-52), Peter Lengenberg (Del 1951-54), Frank Young (Tho 1951-52)
Second Row: Kevin Davies (Del 1951-54), Des Neill-Ballantine (Del 1951-54), Peter Lockhart, OSA Vice-President (Tho 1962-65), Missing from photo – John
Wettenhall (Tho 51-55)
10
1 PHOTO - Four generations: Lleyton and Lawrence Sehmaish-Lahey, Gavan and Greg Lahey (portrait of Thomas George Lahey)
2 PHOTO - John Millroy
3 PHOTO - Generations Dinner in Old Gym Cafe
4 PHOTO - John Wettenhall and Graeme Rylance
1
5 PHOTO - Reunion Dinner in the Great Hall
2
5
3
4
11
“The 2011 Old Boys’ Reunion
Weekend proved to be an eye-opener
with recent new building work and the
boatshed looked great. I wonder if they
use as much fuel in winter as some of
the boys did in 1971.”
1
1 PHOTO - Kevin Fowler, George and Judy Gowing
Kevin Fowler (McK 67-71) writes…
Brian Hardiman (Del 1960) writes …
“I met up with George Gowing and his wife Judy for morning
tea and we then went on a discovery tour with the Deputy
Headmaster, Alan Parsons. He was a very vibrant man and
if he is typical of the teachers at TSS then they are a lucky
group of boys. Some of our vibrant teachers were there as well
and Creepy Crowther was still wearing his rubber-soled shoes.
“Congratulations on organising a great weekend in late July.
I could say without fear of contradiction that all the 1961
alumni had a very good weekend – well done.
The Luncheon was the source of many tall tales after I met
up with Denis Stephenson, Wally Campbell, Peter Evans and
Stewie Wells.
We started on a very positive note with a Friday evening
‘gathering’ at Lance and Laney Look’s home, where they very
generously catered for 50-60 ’61ers and their partners. I was
asked for feedback on the catering and service and I am
pleased to say it was fine, and one of my close friends from the
class of ’61, Don Williams (McK 59-61), a professional caterer
much of his life, said as much.
We beat Ipswich Grammar at the Rugby and I heard that a
few others from 1971 were at the game. Chris Calderwood
was one of them. It was good to see and hear the boys
cheering on their team.
One comment though regarding the Reunion Dinner; for many
of us it was a unique opportunity (to attend) and not being able
to hear guest speakers in the Dining Hall was unfortunate.
The Reunion Dinner saw Shane Salmon, Shane Rushbrook
and Alan Postle with his wife Karen add to the numbers.
We lamented the fact that there were not a lot of Old Boys
from 1971, so we proposed that an effort should be made to
see if that could be rectified for the next event.
Overall, I thought the organisation of the Reunion Weekend
went very well, from the first point of contact until the last,
and congratulations for that. On Sunday we were again hosted
by Lance and Laney on their boat – they were extremely
generous.”
I did wonder what to expect at the reunion and I was
pleasantly surprised with our discussions and memories that
came back to me. I look forward to next time.”
Anthony Delaney (Wal 85-91) writes…
“What an excellent weekend I had catching up with
Old Boys, particularly with my ’91 class peers. Yes – some with a little less hair, some with larger
waistlines, and some that haven’t changed at all. But most importantly, there were lots of laughs,
good times reminiscing, and it was great to hear
how the next chapter in each person’s life has
developed. I’m already looking forward to our 30year reunion.”
Tom Lawton (Tho 79-81) writes…
“Coming back to the school and meeting up with
old and sometimes forgotten classmates was a
fantastic occasion, It made me thankful for my
opportunity 30 years ago and proud to have such
close and dear friends. I haven’t laughed like that
for years.”
12
Sincere thanks to the year group coordinators for all their efforts
in contacting their classmates and encouraging them to attend
the 2011 Reunion Weekend…
2 PHOTO - Ben Mack, Collin Myers & Lance Look
2
Messages
from those unable to make the Reunion Weekend
Tony Gill (McK 68-71)
Sends his very best wishes
to his year group as he is
unable to attend the Reunion
Weekend. Tony says he has
owned fine art galleries for 16
years now. He and his wife
Jane own ‘Art of Cairncross’
just outside Maleny and are
often busy organising satellite
exhibitions as far afield as
Chinchilla and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame at Longreach.
Tony would love to meet up with any TSS Old Boys along the
way. He says he has a fascinating life, always full of new
discoveries and great characters – both artists and clients!
Greg Tweedie (Del 63-65)
John Morison (McK 55-59)
Emailed to advise he is currently living in Los Angeles
and is unable to make the reunion. He passes on his best
wishes to all who attended.
Wrote to say he received the letter regarding his 50-year
reunion. … “Thanks for inviting me but, unfortunately, we
will be away travelling in Western Australia. Hope you all
have a great time.”
James Fountain (Rad 00-02)
Has been living overseas for the past three years and is
unable to make this year’s reunion.
Dr Matthew Meerkin (She 42-47) writes…
John Williamson (Del 50-53)
Emailed to advise he is unable to make the reunion this
year.
“My apologies for not responding earlier, but I have just
arrived back from overseas. Unfortunately I will not be
unable to attend the TSS Old Boys reunion.
Justin Andrew Kidd (Kai 78-81)
You would not believe this, but I was walking around
Pompeii on a very hot day a few weeks ago and someone
tapped me on the shoulder to ask if I really went to TSS.
I was wearing a white TSS cap. Of course I said yes and
this guy responded saying his son (standing with him) was
also at TSS and in the same house in the Junior School as
I was – Shepherd House. They were a lovely family. Such a
small world. I’m sorry to be missing the reunion.”
Mark James Stigwood (Del 68-69)
Dan Morahan (Kai 95-01)
Emailed to say he would be in China while the reunion was
on, but passed on his best wishes to his year group.
Emailed classmate and 1971 year group coordinator
Chooky (Kevin Fowler)… “I will have to decline the
invitation to attend the reunion, as I now live in Tanzania,
East Africa.”
Ross Sheil (Del 47-50)
“Sadly, I cannot be with you for this year’s celebrations.
Please present my apologies and give my warm regards and
best wishes to everybody.”
Had full intentions to attend the reunion, however,
unfortunately had to cancel due to work commitments.
Dan passes on his best wishes to his 2001 year group.
13
TSS Foundation
OSA McWhirter
Cup Golf Day
1 PHOTO - REGULAR PLAYERS Trent Pevy (Atk 94-98), Richard Brown (Mel 90
97), Simon Anderson (Tur 92-98), Garth Trathen (Mel 93-98), Jason Pohl (Wal
95-06), Hilton Pohl (Wal 95-99), Jon Llewellyn (Sur 92-98)
2 PHOTO - WINNERS OF THE 2011 OSA MCWHIRTER CUP L to R Mark Westcott
(Tho 66-74), Jim Twentyman (Tho 66-73), John Elks (Del 72-74), Murray Elks
(Del 80-84)
1
By Gerry Northausen,
TSS Foundation Coordinator
3 PHOTO - 1968 GROUP Doug Murphy (McK 61-68), Phil Mahoney (McK 67-68)
and Jack Cooper (Tho 64-68)
4 PHOTO - WINNERS OF THE 2011 FOUNDATION GOLF DAY David Wood,
Wayne Washington, Peter Middleton, Jonathan Pitt
This year 100 players competed in the Annual Foundation/
OSA McWhirter Cup Golf Day at RACV Royal Pines. Again
we were lucky with the weather and a great time was had
by all. The winners of the McWhirter Cup were Old Boys
Mark Wescott, John Elks, Murray Elks and Jim Twentyman
with a score of 106 pts. Runners-up were our sponsor Beric
Lynton, Paul Weel, Matthew Busby and Tom Pickett with a
score of 103 pts. Congratulations also to Simon Livingstone
who won the OSA NTP on Hole 7.
The Foundation Golf Trophy was won by the George
Laurens (GC) team of David Wood, Wayne Washington,
Peter Middleton and Jonathan Pitt with a score of 110 pts,
followed closely in second place by Terry Jackman, Peter
Arnison, Des Power, Gary Medley with 109 pts, followed
closely in third place by Rob Whitton, Paul Sanders, Steve
Wyndham and Dan Whitton from Fast Proof Press with a
score of 108 pts.
Congratulations to all those who won on the day and a huge
thank you to all sponsors, especially our major sponsor,
Beric Lynton and Bruce Lynton BMW, our players and RACV
Royal Pines Resort. We look forward to seeing you all again
next year.
4
14
2
3
Branch Functions
1 PHOTO - Caravans camped at Hidden Creek
Hidden Creek… a piece of paradise… If ever you were going to see the real
Australia without travelling thousands of kilometres, you can do it right here in
S.E. Queensland
This is a part of Hidden Creek, the place where dreams
really do come true. Some of our friends, including our
own Kerry Eddowes (Queen of the Clock Tower), took time
out to visit this beautiful place. It has to be one of the
best-kept secrets in Australia. Contact the OSA for more
information on how to get there and how to enjoy this
excellent piece of paradise.
Toowoomba Reception
Tony Watt Director of Community Relations and
Headmaster Mr Greg Wain hosted a reception for current,
prospective and past parents as well as Old Boys at Gips
Restaurant in Toowoomba on Wednesday, September 7th.
Westech (Barcaldine) Function
Bill Chandler (Del 48-58) and his ever- helpful wife
Julann banded together to cater for a bunch of Old Boys
and current parents at the Westech Field Day, Ken Wilson
Pavilion, on Tuesday, September 13th.
Cairns Branch Function
Tony McInnes (McK 80-86) and Michael Trout (Kai 76-80)
welcomed 20 Old Boys, partners and children to a fabulous
family BBQ at Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club at
Kewarra Beach, just outside of Cairns on September 17th.
Tony reports… “It was a great event that went to plan.
Great mixing with all TSS Old Boys enjoying themselves
and sharing all the usual boarding anecdotal stories.
Robert Bryett was replaced (subbed) by young Old Boy
(2008 vintage) Harry Blundell, who is Peter Blundell’s son/
James Blundell’s nephew.
It was encouraging to see quite a few new faces this time
from far and wide that did not attend our 2010 inaugural
Cairns reunion. We were fortunate to have John & Sue
Warner formerly of Cairns up visiting us from Brisbane
where they now live. John is the son of our recently passed
Oldest Old Boy Jack Warner. The Warners are a fourth
generation TSS Family.
In 2012 we aim to get a bigger attendance with our Old
Boys in Cairns and the Far North.”
London Function
The UK OSA Representative,
David Serafini, arranged a very
successful London Branch function
with special guest in attendance,
Mr Greg Wain, Headmaster of The
Southport School, on October 19th. Fourteen Old Boys attended the
function, which was held at The
East India Club in London. The Old
Boys in attendance were:
Mark Beames (Rad 1985), Kieran Blight
(Del 1994), Stephen Cadell (Tho 1998),
Sam Douglas (Tur 1991), Christian
Faes (Sur 1994), Douglas Gadaloff (Del
1985), James Illing (Kai 1998), Andrew
Look (Mau 1999), Carey O’Dowd (Del
1996), David Serafini (McK 1998),
Michael Squirrell (Del 1993), Stewart
Tan (Sur 1989), Aaron Weisz-Koves (Tho
1994), Anthony Whittaker (Del 1987).
2
2 PHOTO - Headmaster Mr Greg
Wain speaking at the London
Branch function
Branch News
On Thursday, March 31, the Class of 54 gathered at
Maleny for a luncheon. Those present were Sandy Taylor,
John and Libby Robertson, Kevin Davies, Des NeillBallantine, Radley and Jill West, Margaret Wyman, David
Walker, Fred and Allison Reichert, John and Di Falconer
and David and Elwyn Miller.
David Miller reports … “It was a most enjoyable day, a
great venue, beautiful countryside and tasty food. Radley
West is hoping for a special reunion in 2014 and asks
that all members of the class of ’54 mark this special
occasion in their diaries as it may be our last opportunity
to get together.”
15
y
a
D
e
c
a
R
Quotes
Jason Ganis, Managing Director of SmartPrint says… “SmartPrint
Fleet Management and staff had a great day at the races and OSA
did a sensational job with the function and promotion. We look
forward to sponsorship in the coming years!”
Susan Presto says… “The food, fashion and photo with the
winning horse all contributed to a fabulous day at the races for
OSA Race Day! Everybody had a fantastic time, and win or lose on
the track, everybody left smiling! Thanks for a GREAT day!”
Tom Ray says...“Thanks to you (Kris) and your colleagues for
organising such an enjoyable OSA Race Day as you did last
Saturday. If there was a tote for the world’s worst punter I’d be
odds on favourite for winner. Fortunately that was no matter
for me in being there - for all the $5 bets I lost with the bookie
throughout the day - it was worth the opportunity to have a
fantastic day out with old friends and even a few past teachers.
I’ll look forward to coming back next year!”
Phil Ward (current Delpratt Housemaster) says… “Jan and I had
a delightful time thank you. It was amazing to catch up with all
the old boys from the late ’80s and early ’90s and to hear of
all their wonderful successes in life – they are all very grateful
to us which was nice of them to say. Good to see many of them
sending their sons back to us.”
16
Thank you to our major sponsor:
The OSA Race Day was held on October 1st at the Gold Coast Turf Club. The
weather held out and the track was dry, allowing all seven races to run on the day.
All guests were able to watch each race from the first-class
viewing deck of the Winner’s Circle Room, providing great
trackside entertainment for all the 140 guests from the local
community who supported the OSA’s only fundraising event
for the year.
Villotti Photography; Outermark Australia; Konc
Hairdressing; Esteem Day Spa Marina Mirage; Coca-Cola;
Streets; Gold Coast Alfa; Coolamon Mining; Pelican Waters
Golf Club; Negoriants Fine Wine Shippers; Surfers Paradise
Marriott Resort & Spa; Shuck Seafood; Gold Coast Turf Club.
Many guests did not go home empty-handed, with over
30 raffle prizes drawn during the day. All prizes were
generously donated by our local community, with prizes
worth hundreds of dollars up for grabs. An auction of a
limited edition TSS Reds players jersey was outbid by none
other than keen Reds and TSS supporter, OSA President
Paul Wood.
Thanks must also go to the Table Sponsors:
The Race Day provided a chance for all guests to enjoy a
good meal, plenty of drinks, a chance to place a bet on any
of the seven local races and numerous interstate races, have
a chance to network and catch up with many people from the
Gold Coast community, all while supporting a very worthwhile
cause.
SmartPrint Fleet Management (Major sponsor); Bendigo
Bank (Race Sponsor); Stewart Silver King and Burns;
Midway Metals; RPS; ISCS; KordaMentha; Anthony Delaney
Lawyers; Yeats; Burling Brown Architects; Ross Wolbers;
Outermark Australia; The Southport School; Aussie Home
Loans, Toowoomba.
No doubt, due to the success of the day, everyone will be
back next year!
The OSA is the only Old Boys association in Australia to
offer bursaries to students wishing to enrol at The Southport
School and all funds raised from this event go towards the
OSA Bursary fund. Bursary conditions apply. Applications
can be found of the TSS website. Inquiries can be directed
to the OSA Office; Tel 07 5531 9803.
Thanks must go to the businesses who contributed to the
extensive list of prizes that were raffled off on the day:
17
OSA Bursaries
Applications close April 13, 2012
Each year the OSA offers up to:
One Nimmo Bursary
One Tritton Bursary
Seven General Bursaries
The Dr J R Nimmo Bursary
This Bursary is a two-year Bursary for students beginning
Years 11 & 12 in 2013. The Bursary has an indicative
value of $3000 per annum, and is only available to
students who intend to pursue a career with a Medical or
Science degree. The continuation of the Bursary, into the
second year, is subject to performance.
The Tritton Bursary
This Bursary is available to boys entering Years 9 or 10
in 2013, and the applicant need not to have had a direct
family descendant who was or is an Old Boy of the School.
The Bursary has an indicative value of $3,000 per annum,
and is for a maximum of two years. The continuation of the
Bursary, into the second year, is subject to performance.
General Bursaries
For consideration of a General Bursary (an indicative value
of $1000-$3000) an existing student or a new applicant
needs to have a family member who is either attending
The Southport School or is an Old Boy of the School. A
family member shall include a direct line descendant and/
or brothers.
The criteria for the selections, except for the Nimmo
Bursary, will be based upon financial ‘needs’. A ‘financial
assessment’ will be required, so please provide as much
relevant and supportive income and asset information as
possible. All applications are strictly confidential, and
will be reviewed only by the members of the OSA Bursary
Committee.
18
Please be advised that OSA Bursaries are limited to two
successful applications per qualifying student. The OSA
Bursary is valid for one year thereafter; you must reapply
for consideration for a second year. Successful applicants
for either Academic, Music, Creative Art, Sport, Foundation
Scholarships, General and Country Boarder Bursaries are
not eligible to receive an OSA Bursary.
Applications close on Friday, 13 April, 2012, and
successful applicants will be notified by mail.
All applications must be sent to:
CHAIRMAN OF THE OSA BURSARY COMMITTEE
OSA OFFICE, THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL
WINCHESTER STREET
SOUTHPORT
Mentors
Update
1
TSS Business guest speaker Mr Craig
Hobart spoke to TSS students and
this report was written by current TSS
student, Brodan Tanner …
1 PHOTO - Craig Hobart talking to TSS Business Students
In August, TSS students were privileged with the honour
of meeting TSS Old Boy Craig Hobart. Mr Hobart shared
with us the knowledge that he had acquired through
past experiences, as well as recommendations on how to
achieve our goals and ambitions in life.
Mr Hobart started his schooling life at The Southport
School, and then went on to study at the University of
Queensland, before graduating from the Macquarie School
of Management. Since then he has had numerous jobs
in the funds management industry and is currently the
Managing Director at Tyndall Investment Management, one
of Australia’s biggest fund management corporations.
He claimed that his accomplishments had come from
following some simple techniques. The most important
was to try and be effective and efficient in everything you
do. Mr Hobart also stated that being accountable and
responsible for your behaviour, utilising leadership position,
implementing tactical and strategic techniques to achieve
goals, and presenting yourself appropriately, were all
distinctive factors between success and failure. However,
the three most memorable attributes that I took from the
lecture were sticking at it, involving yourself and taking
opportunities, and doing something you are passionate
about.
“In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail.”
This quote really encapsulates the strong, recurring
message that is engraved into the members of the Business
Leadership Passport Program. Not a single person will go
through life without making mistakes. Richard Branson,
Steve Jobs, Donald Trump and Bill Gates are some of the
most well-known and influential business leaders of our
generation. But what do they all have in common? They
all possess the ability to learn, and move on from their
mistakes. “Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.” Stephen
Kaggwa.
Another characteristic carved into Mr Hobart, and all past
and present students of TSS, is to involve yourself and take
all the opportunities that present themselves to you. While
at school he involved himself in rugby and rowing, making
it on to the first teams for both sports. He stated, “In life
there are two different types of people, those who make the
best of opportunities, and those who sit back. There are
also those who succeed, and those who fail”. Outside of
school, opportunities are not so apparent. You have to go
out and find them. But by taking on challenges in your life,
you will quite often reap the rewards.
Mr Hobart stressed the importance of this final point. He
stated that to truly succeed in something you must have a
strong passion for it. If you do not enjoy something, then
you will not be very motivated to do it. This is true in all of
our lives and applies to school, work and other activities we
involve ourselves in.
All the boys in the lecture came out with a strong
understanding of the requirements to achieve their
dreams and ambitions in life. Mr Hobart concluded with a
passionate and motivating statement: “Don’t look back and
think what could have been. Know that you made the best
decisions, tried your best, and took all the opportunities
you could.”
On behalf of every person in the Business Leadership
Passport Program, I would like to thank Mr Hobart for
coming in and sharing his experiences and knowledge
with us.
19
OSA Mentor Network
written by Mike Halpin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
“OSA Mentor”… what a great title! What does it mean
and why are we trying to set up this system of connecting
present students with members of the OSA? What’s
involved and what’s the commitment?
TSS has been a leading school on the Gold Coast for over
a century. We have a distinguished body of Old Boys,
successful in the many facets of life. Some have done
amazing things in their lives; many are inspirational people
with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share. Many
have established successful and long-lasting businesses
here on the Gold Coast, while many others have moved
back to home communities or overseas to make the most of
the opportunities that have come their way.
Some may see their lives as reflecting ‘just a normal life’,
while others may recognise that their lives have been
anything but ‘normal’… whatever that means. We want to
hear your story! We want the current crop of TSS boys to
benefit from your life’s journey, to maximise their learning
opportunities while minimising the pitfalls along the way.
At TSS, like every other school, we have Year 10 boys who
need to make important decisions about which subjects to
study for the last two years of their schooling. We have Year
12 boys who are about to enter the post-secondary phase
of their lives, which involves a working knowledge of the
myriad pathways and careers surrounding them. You were
there once, and you, too, had to make these decisions…
20
for some it wasn’t so long ago and perhaps the mistakes
you made are still fresh! For others, maybe you had a
dream run and ended up where you are now because of
well-made decisions made at critical times. Maybe some
had a helping hand along the way, which made the climb
a bit easier. Some may still be struggling to achieve those
elusive goals. Perhaps some may feel that if they had their
time over again then they would do it all differently.
Whatever your situation, the OSA Mentor Network could
become an invaluable way of sharing your experiences, so
please consider registering your name and details with Kris
Hailey (OSA Office) or Mike Halpin (Office of Vocational
Education and Training), so that current TSS boys can
make informed decisions based on the sound, practical
knowledge and experience of those who have gone before
them.
Mike.Halpin@tss.qld.edu.au
Tel: 5531 9896
Kris.Hailey@tss.qld.edu.au
Tel: 5531 9803
I thank you sincerely in advance for any time you may be
able to give.
Mentors Update
TSS Old Boys have an incredible abundance of school spirit…
The generosity of our Old Boys always delights and at times
amazes me, whether it’s a kind email offering to help at an
event, volunteering time to mentor the current TSS students,
offering donations to rebuild or repair some part of the school’s
heritage, our Old Boys are always there.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Our members have a strong sense of belonging and therefore
continue to be interested and involved in their school. The
mentoring program is gaining serious momentum among our
Old Boys, with offers now coming in daily.
We would like to especially thank the following Old Boys for
their continued support:
7
8
Andrew Taylor – Qantas Pilot
Archie Douglas – Halycon Days
Craig Hobart – Tyndall Investments
Damien Moffrey - Baker Affleck Moffrey Chartered Accountants
Derek Cronin – Cronin Litigation Lawyers
Jon Hui – Bank of Queensland, Manly
Nathan Quartermaine – Burling Brown Architects
Paul Wood -Stewart Silver King and Burns
Jason Carlson – Hynes Lawyers
Michael Gatenby – McLaughlin’s Solicitors
Lt Thomas Usher – Lieutenant, Australian Army
Tony Windle – PricewaterhouseCoopers
Bryan Priestley – Corporate Partnering
Alistair Miller – Vikings Futsal
Dr John Williamson
Complete the form below or log onto the TSS Old Boys website
and register online under the new Mentors module
OSA Careers & Mentor Network
Name
Year of Leaving (if applicable)
Occupation
I am prepared to represent my field/
industry at a TSS/OSA Careers Night
Firm/Institution
Website Address
Home Address (for Careers Dept)
Contact Phone Numbers
(H)
(W)
(M)
Email
House (at TSS)
I am able to offer Work Experience
Placement/School-Based Traineeship
or Apprenticeship
I am interested in the idea of
assisting with a mini-careers night
in my area of employment and/or
industry
Please return to
The OSA Coordinator
The Southport School
Winchester Street, Southport Qld 4215
email: osa@tss.qld.edu.au
Register your interest for mentoring
on the new online community website:
www.tssoldboys.com.au
Please feel free to contact the Vocational Education Coordinator:
Mike Halpin 5531 9896 or email mike.halpin@tss.qld.edu.au
21
Births
Leigh Holtsbaum (Kai 88-99)
and his wife Missy welcome the birth of their third child,
baby boy Fynn Martin Holtsbaum, born March 16th, 2011.
Fynn’s two older sisters, Piper Grace, four years, and
Paeton Rose, two years, just adore their new baby brother.
Daddy is happy to finally have a boy to send to TSS, play
rugby and go fishing with!
Fynn was also baptised at St Alban’s Chapel on April 30,
2011. Godparents were Ryan and Claire Henkey and Will
and Mikayla Lawrie.
Ken Jackson (Del 75-83)
and his wife Renee celebrated the birth of their daughter
Taylor on July 7, 2010.
Baptism
Rhys Evans (Mel 82-90)
and Jennifer baptised their son, Thomas David, in St
Alban’s Chapel on June 19.
Warwick Leitch (Tur 85-92)
and Melissa Beaumont baptised their daughter, Willow
Asha, on November 5 in St Alban’s Chapel. “Our
daughter, Willow Asha Leitch, was born on April 11, 2011.
We have two boys, Harrison aged six and Bailey aged three,
who are both smitten with their baby sister. We live in
Sydney and have done since 1996, but we still support
Queensland in rugby! I have my own business, CALUMO,
and I employ about 40 people. CALUMO is a business
intelligence software company.”
Peter McKnight (Kai 90-94)
and wife Ann baptised their son, Christopher David, in St
Alban’s Chapel on September 10.
22
Weddings
OSA Mentor Network
written by Mike Halpin
Lachlan Jackson (Kai 88-99)
and Dane-Maree Diparts were married on April 7,
2011. Lachlan was assisted by his brother Dougal, also
of Kaiser House. The bride and groom have returned
to live in Dubai. Wonderful to see Rev Jim Stonier
celebrating the wedding.
Owen Henry (Del 91-93)
and Anna Reid from Toowoomba met while working in
Dubai and were married at St Alban’s by Father Crook on
October 16, 2010. Following the service, many guests
from all over the world gathered at Oscars at Burleigh for
the Reception.
Owen and Anna have moved back to Australia and now
live at Coolum.
James Pope (Kai 88-99)
“OSA
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great title!Nov
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performing in the national tour of Wicked, as Elphaba
the green witch.
TSS has been a leading school on the Gold Coast for over
a century. We have a distinguished body of Old Boys,
Their wedding photographer, Rachel Callander, has
successful in the many facets of life. Some have done
just won New Zealand Professional Photographer of
amazing things in their lives; many are inspirational people
the Year 2011 and won a Gold Award for her photo of
with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share. Many
James and Laura on the bike. Their wedding photos will
have established successful and long-lasting businesses
be featured in a NZ bridal magazine later in the year.
here on the Gold Coast, while many others have moved back
James was School Captain in 1999.
to home communities or overseas to make the most of the
opportunities that have come their way.
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are still fresh! For others, maybe you had a dream run and
ended up where you are now because of well-made decisions
made at critical times. Maybe some had a helping hand
along the way, which made the climb a bit easier. Some may
still be struggling to achieve those elusive goals. Perhaps
some may feel that if they had their time over again then
they would do it all differently.
Whatever your situation, the OSA Mentor Network could
become an invaluable way of sharing your experiences, so
please consider registering your name and details with Kris
Hailey (OSA Office) or Mike Halpin (Office of Vocational
Education and Training), so that current TSS boys can make
informed decisions based on the sound, practical knowledge
and experience of those who have gone before them.
Mike.Halpin@tss.qld.edu.au
5531 9803
Kris.Hailey@tss.qld.edu.au
Tel: 5531 9896
I thank you sincerely in advance for any time you may be
able to give.
work at a hedge fund as an assistant Portfolio Manager.”
John Holmes (Tho 80-82)
and his new bride ‘Frankie’ were married in All Saints
Anglican Church in Murwillumbah on January 22. David
and Elwyn Miller had the pleasure of attending the
wedding and supplied the photo of the bride and groom.
23
Reflections
by Bert Cockerill (McK 46-55)
Calling all Old BOYS – The archives are
looking for any memorabilia such as old
photos or movies or even a story that you
have been telling your mates that happened
at TSS while you were there… either address
to the school or myself at bawinner@bigpond.
net.au.
In the last issue, there were several great stories that I’m sure
will be repeated in the years to come... If you didn’t read
them then you have missed out on several great stories and
I’m sure those responsible would get six of the best, if they
had been caught…. Gordon Douglas and his twin Angus, as
well as older brother Archie, have given a full report that their
dad, Pug Douglas, would not be proud of…, yes - these pranks
really happened and if you were the respondent… Masters Tom
Atkinson and Peter Fleming, I hope you took it as a great laugh.
The Older Old Boys reunion on Friday, July 29, 2011, was a
great success with over 50 old farts and their family attending…
Unfortunately, Greg Wain was away but all went well... It was
disappointing that both Wally Miller and Brian Nason who had
intended to come were not there. Lionel Meerkin was another
absentee as he has always been there for any school function.
There were several, or should I say, many, who had obtained the
title of OBE (Over Bloody Eighty). Alan Radcliffe just had his
90th. Congratulations Alan. It was pleasing to note that there
are several who had been a boarder for more than 10 years.
After consulting Bill Chandler and Garth Davidson, I discovered
that I am one of those. Others among the elite were Tom Eady,
Trevor and Jim Dover, Bill Laver, Captain Ralph T. Derbridge
(OBE) and our school patron Jake MacRonald – No relation to
Ronald McDonald.
I must report now on the time that I was given the task of
teaching at the junior school from 1956 through until 1968.
It was a very memorable time and I will take a few issues of
this magazine to tell you the great experiences I had with such
brilliant students and a great collection of teachers under
Ron Pearson, with Don Taylor, Andrew Melville, Bill King, Ron
Morse and Cec Munns. John Buchanan, long-time coach of the
successful Aussie cricket team, started off with these teachers.
In an interview at the ABC and talking to Ron Pearson, who
passed away a few years ago, he recalled his love for cricket
and those who mentored him. In particular, Don Taylor, Bill
King and Andy Melville. A copy of this interview is in the school
archives. I have a 1958 photo of the grades 3 and 4 with some
24
outstanding Old Boys. Can you pick them in the photo? Heath
Goddard (Pillow Talk), Warren Adderley, Roger Seccombe, Ross
Blackman, Bill Norris, Tim Jeffries, Billy Wehl, Peter Lambert
and John Russell to mention a few.
Is there any Old Boy who had a key to the clock tower?
Someone did back in the ’60s as there were reports that the
clock struck 13 several times at midnight, and on inspecting
someone had a used a large hammer to make the extra chime.
When I was a prefect I had access to this area and as I had
suspected certain boys of going to secluded areas on Sandy to
have a smoke, I was watching from the tower for these larrikins.
Late one afternoon, Tex Tritton trotted up from the Armoury
and down the track to his hideout for a quick smoke, but that
was his last. I live close to the school and the clock’s chimes
never bother me, BUT recently, something has happened as it
has been erratic. Maybe it’s the GHOST in the tower again...
For almost 10 years, Lew Cooper has been arranging a luncheon
at the “O.K. CORRAL” (Caxton Hotel Brisbane) for several of
his old school mates. This group, known as “The Beagle Boys”,
comprises of Lew, Arthur and Billy Morgan, Bill Crawford,
Ken Mander-Jones, John Osborne, Charles Elaurant, Elton
Rasmussen and me. We all enjoyed yarning about old times and
enjoyed a very fine luncheon. Just like a little Mulgowie muster
that was held earlier than
usual this year. Thanks to
Annilese and Sandy Kemp
for their organising and
also to Gary Ferguson who
as usual did an excellent
job as MC.
Well I am disappointed that
there are only a couple of
stories for this edition, so
put on your thinking cap
and give it a good go for
next year.
Memories
Rob Gill (McK 63-66) writes…
“Contrary to what the tourism marketing spin doctors would
have us believe, the Gold Coast can turn nasty in winter.
highly qualified Latin mangler. “You will eat your salad,” he
proclaimed from a lofty 6’3”.
At least, that’s the way I remember it in the pre-global
warming mid-1960s … cold and rainy with gusty
westerlies. Gaggles of bedraggled, wet schoolkids smelling
like damp corn sacks, testosterone-fuelled mid rugby
season, hung starving around the doors to the dining hall of
an evening.
Two hundred pairs of eyes watched malevolently as
Pearson returned to his seat at the head table and, in huge
mouthfuls, demolished the world’s largest T-bone steak
smothered in chips and gravy.
There were rumbles of discontent one particularly cold July
night when the meals rolled out on dinner wagons shunted
along by Mavis and her long-suffering cohort. Dinner??? A
couple of cold slices of Devon or Fritz ... I forget what it
was called, but basically, pink-rinded processed sausage …
limp lettuce, tomato and canned beetroot. The hordes were
unimpressed and dinner went largely uneaten. Bread and
butter were the order of the night and, as always, butter
was in short supply. Not particularly appealing for a boy
from a dairy farm.
We had a repeat performance of this culinary delight twice
more that week. By this time the tuckshop was doing a
roaring trade in chocolate or anything else that would fill
the intestinal gap, and there were desperate appeals for
anyone with afternoon leave to bring food back from the
shops downtown.
A couple of days later and the word got around via spies
at the kitchen delivery door that we were to get more of
the same that night. Stacks of tomato boxes and scores of
sad lettuce had arrived. Handbills appeared all round the
school … DON’T EAT SALAD TONIGHT!!
We filed in to dinner, the hubbub of conversation all but
drowned out by the roar of teenage stomachs. Grace
said, (I always enjoyed Allan Radcliffe’s version) … his
dear erudite dad must have turned in his grave at the
exhumation and comprehensive re-murder of an already
dead language. Only Doomp could interpret domi nostrum
as dollar me nostril, as we eschewed the sad array of
beetroot-stained sausage and flaccid lettuce.
Word appeared to have got around and authority stepped
up in the imposing form of Ron Pearson, duty master for
the evening, tennis coach, economics guru and another
Only then did I fully appreciate the term, ‘come the
revolution’.”
Lionel Meerkin (JS 42-47) writes…
“It was late in 1942, and the top school had been taken
over by the American Army as a military hospital. They
expanded all the facilities, including the erection of new
buildings, and as the School had at that time only septic
tanks, they built an elaborate concrete sewerage system,
situated near where the current Headmaster’s house is
sited. This ‘state of the art’ system filtered the sewage and
provided the School with fertiliser for all the gardens and
grounds.
My dormitory was a two-storey building next to Pong Creek
and one night we were awakened by sirens and flashing
lights, being a continuous stream of USA Army ambulances.
This went on for 304 nights and we watched as hundreds
of patients were brought in. We had never experienced
anything like this – the sight of all these wounded soldiers,
most of who had been evacuated from Guadalcanal.
During the weeks that followed, all the US wounded wandered
around in their corduroy dressing gowns, watching us play
sport. It was hard for us to comprehend – some had missing
limbs – and it brought home to us the horrors of war.
On a brighter note, the Americans erected a huge circus
tent on the vacant block opposite the Junior School for
recreation. We were invited in every Friday night to watch
the latest-release movies, but unfortunately for us Junior
School boys, on the orders of our Headmaster, C G Pearce,
we had to leave at 9pm to go to bed. Although we never saw
the end of any movie, the senior boys would let us know the
next morning how the movie finished.”
25
Memories
John Wettenhall (Tho 50-55) writes…
“As a bush kid, I started at TSS Junior School and was
placed in Mitre House by the then Headmaster, Mr Ivor
Cribb. Mr Cribb was very much a father figure who I
thoroughly respected and in later life would see from time
to time in the Queensland Club in Brisbane. There were
about 200 children in the Junior School with an equal
amount in the Senior School.
There were four black bitumen tennis courts for the whole
school and our ‘Olympic Pool’ was two wooden platforms
with boarding 25 yards apart situated in two metres of
water in the Nerang River just in front of the old boat shed.
To pass the ‘river king’ was an initial test. That was, swim
non-stop for one mile in continuous circles around the
boards, about 20 laps is my memory.
In 1951, I was made both Mitre House and Junior School
Captain and was awarded the ‘Watts Cups’ for services
to the School. As Junior School Captain one gained the
privilege of having a private room in the old ‘bell dorm’,
which I shared with Don Rylance as vice-captain. I
understand this section of the old prep has been retained
for heritage reasons.
I was an average student who had to work hard to achieve
and in 1953 I passed the Queensland Scholarship in all
four subjects, Maths, English, Geography and History. I
moved up into Thorold House for my two senior years,
again securing an average pass of 1A, 2Bs and 3Cs in Year
10 or Queensland Junior as it was called.
I enjoyed sporting competition, mainly in athletics, rowing
and football. My only claim to fame was a first in the open
broad jump and second in the 200 yards sprint at the all
Queensland Schoolboys athletic meet in 1955 held at the
Queensland University. We ran on cinders, which were
quite a hoot! I made the 2nd Rugby XV and the 1st IV
rowing crew in my final year (Year 10).
It might have been 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II made
her first visit to Australia after her coronation and TSS sent
their entire cadet company to Brisbane complete with .303
army rifles (no magazine) to line a section of streets where
the cavalcade moved. We were ordered by senior master
Harry Kaiser to form a human barrier and to face the
26
crowd. I was tempted to take a quick look and remember
Prince Phillip’s face and the back of the Queen’s hat. On
the bus trip back to school we called into the Yatala Pie
Shop for a treat, which was always a regular stop when
returning from Brisbane sporting events.
On rare occasions, a few of us would nick out from school
on a weekend into the bushland south-west of the school
where there were some dry dairy heifers running. There
was a funny little yard that enabled us to round them up
on foot, throw a rope around one and buck them out. Just
bush boys having fun! This forested land was about where
Bundall Road runs now.
Again, in my senior school years, three or four of the more
daring would sneak into ‘Mozzie bush’ below the school
to have a puff on a cigarette or two. This stealth was all
part of a boy’s education, however, on one occasion we got
more than we bargained for. We stumbled on a bloke deep
in the undergrowth having his way with one of our school
domestic staff. Stories could go on!
My extended family had a long association with TSS.
There were two Barnes uncles who were some of the first
enrolments at the Dixon School, followed my father-in-law,
Don Parkinson, my brother-in-law Bryan, my brother Robert
and my son Wylie have all attended TSS.
I was married to my wonderful wife Prue in February, 1967
in the delightful School Chapel and that brought back
some wonderful school memories.
I was a rural kid and elected to make a career in the bush.
Working for large companies, I had four years jackerooing
in Western Queensland, seven years as an overseer and
head stockman in Queensland and the Northern Territory
and secured my first management at 27 years of age. I
managed large operations for several years in remote
situations, be it Queensland’s far west, Northern Territory,
Cape York and the Philippines before spending my last
20 years of company life as General Manager for two
separate organisations. We have three children and nine
grandchildren.
We have spent the past 11 years in retirement at the
Sunshine Coast.”
Request to share your ideas
by Lesley Walker, Archivist
The Archives area of the school has a
valuable collection of precious artefacts,
memorabilia and photographs dating from
1901. The School Collection is one of the
largest in Queensland, if not the largest.
Greg Wain has expressed his wish to make the collection
available to the broader school community by proposing
a TSS Museum space be part of the overall school
development. To develop this initiative, planning needs to
be put in place so that a true representation of the School’s
history is presented to the wider community. This is also
very important with regard to the National Curriculum’s
local history component.
Andrew Stark (Head of Library and Information Services)
and I have visited Toowoomba Grammar School and The
Glennie School to see the developments they have made in
this direction. Both schools actively promote their school
history among school members, ex-students and the local
area. We would like to develop a TSS Museum that not
only highlights the School’s unique and varied history, but
creates a space worthy of public patronage and support.
Such a Museum would be a worthy addition to the facilities
of The Southport School.
ory!
t
S
r
u
o
Y
s
u
ll
Te
Policy for the city, and as a member of Heritage Voice,
I support this. The creation of a TSS Museum would
develop and strengthen the position of TSS in the local
area in a number of ways and would reinforce to the local
community the School’s determination to take active
responsibility for its own heritage and history.
To implement this vision we would like to ask community
members from the Old Southportonians’ Association to
share their ideas on what they would like to see in a TSS
Museum, how they see their stories being told, and how
they might like to support this project. Please contact the
School Archivist, Lesley Walker, on 07 5531 9994 or 07
5531 9444 Monday-Wednesday, 7.30am-3.30pm, Lesley.
walker@tss.qld.edu.au for further details.
The Gold Coast City Council Heritage Section is looking
for support to establish a community-fed Heritage
Dates to remember
r
Calenda
for a
s
e
h
s
i
w
Best
stmas
i
r
h
C
y
r
r
Me
y and
p
p
a
h
a
and
2!
safe 201
Sydney – Thursday 10 November
OSA AGM – Monday 28 November
Northern Rivers – Ballina – Saturday 10 December
2010 Young Old Boys Gathering – Friday 23 December – Southport Surf Lifesaving Club
Festival of Cricket – Village Green – Sunday 5 February 2012 – 1st XI v TSS Old Boys
Mulgowie Muster – Sunday 22 April 2012
Old Boys Weekend – Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 August 2012
OSA Race Day – Saturday 13 October 2012
27
Letters
Received
Dear Mr Wood,
My husband (Jim Spence Tho 51-61)
was so pleased to receive the School’
s kind gesture of the Older Old Boys
school tie. It’s so nice, depicting both
current and Old Boys’ badges, and I kno
w he will always be proud to wear it.
These reminders of school days are goo
d for the soul, and recall many memorie
s, both happy and challenging. We
do enjoy keeping in touch through the
Old Boys magazine. Thank you again
for
the tie and accompanying letter.
We did appreciate it.
Yours sincerely, Jenny Spence, of Yepp
oon
Dear Mr Alan Parsons, Acting Headma
ster,& Mr Paul Wood, OSA President
I wish to acknowledge the receipt of an
Older Old Boys tie, which arrived in my
mail yesterday. Consequently, I am
particularly grateful to all at TSS and
to you both in particular for such a mea
ning
ful and generous gesture. I will
wear the tie with great pride.
Although I was unable to attend the
Older Old Boys’ day recently, I feel as
though my interest and involvement
with my wonderful old School has been
recently reborn: I am in constant com
munication with my old McKinley
House roommate, Rob CC Lethbridge,
who sent me a House tie; my old Hou
sem
aster, Malcolm G Ham, who lives
in Sydney; my old English/Modern Hist
ory teacher, Pat Hunt; et al
I often wear my TSS cuff-links, which
I secured by assisting with the recent TSS
building appeal.
Two days ago, I met TSS Staff members
Andrew Stack and Lesley Walker whe
n they were touring the TGS museum
facility, which I have been associated
with since its inception.
Yesterday I spoke by phone to Tony Wat
t to thank him for mailing me copies of
Band of Brothers as well as some
photographs he took of the Honour Boa
rd in the Dining Hall (The Great Hall).
This
new magazine is quite excellent
and I am grateful to him and the School
for listing my name on the mailing sche
dule.
In the not too distant future I will put toge
ther some biographical notes and send
them off so that they may be placed
in the archives if you see fit.
I wish you both well and cheers to the
School, which obviously just goes from
strength to strength. I feel quite
humbled when I think of the opportunity
my selfless parents made to send me
(as
well as my brother, Hayden) to
such a truly wonderful place.
Best Wishes,
Sincerely, John K Winn (JS 51-54, McK
55-58)
28
of Crows Nest
Oldest Old Boy
William Slane (McK 26-29)
At 97, William Slane holds the honour of being the OSA’s Oldest Old Boy.
William’s cousin, Alan Newitt, has written the following
information for us to share with our community…
“I have just received your invitation on behalf of William
Slane who attended The Southport School in 1926 and was
a member of McKinley House. Unfortunately Mr Slane is
unable to attend this year’s function as he has only recently
been admitted to a high-care nursing home at Southport. I
am Bill’s second cousin and his power of attorney and over
the years have heard him speak well of The Southport School
and the time he spent there.
William (Bill) is now nearing 97 years of age and up until
December 2010 he was living and maintaining his acreage in
Brisbane’s Southside. While I am not sure of all Bill’s travels
since attending The Southport School I do know that he went
on to Gatton College and studied agriculture, with which he
continued throughout his life. Bill came from what would
have been in that day a privileged family who owned several
cane farms, to which Bill was the sole heir as he was the only
child.
Bill never married throughout his life and the story goes that
his mother did not believe any of the women he courted were
good enough for him, thus he remained a bachelor (possible
why he has lived so long – just kidding). From an outsider’s
view he has had a wonderful life and to my knowledge has
never had any serious illnesses or injuries and never really
needed to work to support himself. He farmed in his younger
years while also cutting cane and went on to invest in property
after ceasing to farm.
He became a prolific orchid grower and won many awards,
and to date still has a large greenhouse with many rare
orchids still growing.
During the past 20 or so years Bill has spent his time
entertaining at nursing homes around Brisbane, either by
playing the piano at which he was quite accomplished, or
alternatively he would take his cassette player and entertain
the residents with a diverse range of music from his era,
which earnt him the nickname of the Music-Man. As late as
the middle of last year he was still very active as I would ask
where he had been all weekend and he would tell me that he
had travelled from his home in the Logan Shire to an arts and
crafts festival in Caboolture.
This would require him catching several buses and trains both
ways and on the way he would stop in at the Valley to get his
hair cut. He then did it again the next day (at 96 years of
age). Bill has lived a simple life and has been a kind man
who has never been a hindrance to anyone, and I believe that
the Southport School can take a degree of credit for helping
to shape and guide him in his formative years. I hope we can
all live a life like Bill’s.
I’m sure I speak for Bill when I say thank you for your
invitation to attend the ‘Older Old Boys Assembly’, but due
to his frailness I feel it would be unwise for him to leave his
nursing home.”
29
1
Personal Notes
1 PHOTO - Brodie Cunningham
2 PHOTO - Hugh McDonald with parents Bob and Barbara McDonald
2
Guess who turned 21?
Brodie Cunningham (Tho 02-07)
celebrated his 21st birthday party at home in Sorrento
a few days after his actual birthday. Many friends and
relatives joined in to help Brodie enjoy his special day.
Brodie is involved with the OSA and holds the position of
Hon. Assistant Secretary.
Rod Bickell (Del 54-63)
Rod is now President of the Queensland Rifle Association.
He has more than 50 years of shooting experience behind
him so is more than qualified for the top job. A kid from
the country, Rod boarded at TSS and got into shooting
while at school. For three generations, his mother’s family,
the McLeods, held sheep property between Inglewood and
Stanthorpe. In 1960 Rod joined the Southport Rifle Club.
He served as Southport club secretary before coming to
Brisbane to study law. A long association followed with the
University Rifle Club where he has been club captain for
the past 15 years. Rod is a solicitor in private practice and
is looking forward to a big year with the QRA in 2011.
Award for the
prestigious Australian
Student Prize
Congratulations to
Max Lau (Rad 05-10)
who was awarded the Australian
Student Prize for 2010 by the
Minister of School Education, Mr
Peter Garrett.
We have since been advised that
Oliver McDonald (Tur 97-09) was
awarded the same prize in 2009.
Well done to both boys.
30
Hugh McDonald (Tho 00-04)
supplied by Bob McDonald. I thought you might be
interested in what has been happening with Hugh R.
McDonald (Tho 00-04) since leaving TSS.
While at TSS, Hugh achieved Colours in Tennis for three
years – 2002, 2003 and 2004. 2005 was spent as a gap
year travelling to ITF Tennis Tournaments in Australia
and the South Pacific before commencing in 2006 at the
University of Oregon.
He played on the Tennis Team there in his Freshman and
Sophomore Years before transferring to the University of
Idaho on a better Scholarship to play in his Junior and
Senior years mainly at the No. 1 doubles position and No.
4 in singles. He spent a final year at Idaho as Assistant
Men’s Tennis Coach before graduating in May 2010.
He has spent two summers coaching at the 120-year-old
Meadow Club, Southampton, NY and this year has been
coaching at The River Club, Manhattan.
At present he is working in the Marketing Department
at prominent New York residential real estate company
Stribling and Associates.
His sister, Georgie (St. Hilda’s 2002-06), is also working in
New York for J Public Relations.
1
1 PHOTO - Picture L-R Lindsay Forster (McK 96-99), Steve Price
(Friend) and Ian Butler (Del 68-74) – Photo taken at Memorial
Day weekend at the end of May in Aspen, Colorado. Steve Price, a
Queenslander, but not a TSS Old Boy – christened Lindsay Forster the
“Crocodile Dundee of Aspen” as he certainly has that demeanour!
2 PHOTO - David Eddowes & Brett Woodford
3 PHOTO - Angus Lockhart
Lindsay Forster (McK 96-99)
Angus Lockhart (Wal 96-07)
I work for a residential real estate developer and broker in
Aspen, specialising in building and selling one-off estate
homes (large spec homes). I basically run the day-to-day
operations, bookkeeping, banking, contracts, running subcontractors, organising loans, coordinating investors, etc.
I am now living in Basalt, which is a town about 20 miles
north of Aspen. I am an accountant and have been in
Colorado for six years.
The recent semester break at University of Queensland saw
Angus head to the London School of Economics, Summer
School, as one of a select group of 100 odd students
worldwide. He attended the Itermediate Macro Economic
Course and in between lectures caught up with local
Old Southportonians. He joined David Serafini and other
London Branch members at the Henley Regatta in the
Leander and Steward enclosures.
Ian Butler (Del 68-74)
Angus also attended the St John’s College University of
Queensland Alumni reunion at the Oxford and Cambridge
Club.
I moved to Denver, Colorado with my wife Mary in April
2011, having been the Mine Technical Services Manager
at Kalgoorlie’s Superpit, which is a 50:50 Barrick Gold/
Newmont joint venture. Both are gold-mining companies.
I now work exclusively for Newmont, whose headquarters
are in Denver. I am the Geology Manager of Development
Projects in Ghana, West Africa so spend lots of time there.
Newmont has an existing mine (Ahafo Mine) and more in
the pipeline, so it is a very exciting place to be with the
price of gold so high.
Contacts were made in London with visits arranged to
Deutscher Bank and the Swedish Handlesbank as well
as enjoying the comradeship of his fellow international
students.
3
2
David Eddowes (Wal 81-89)
met up with Brett Woodford (Rad 81-89) when he was
recently in Ibiza. David and his brother, Kieron (Rad 8495), are working in the Mediterranean.
31
32
Bill Chandler
(Del 48-58)
At the OSA AGM, held on November 29, 2010, ratification of the Mervyn Dane
Collings Recipient was put to the Council by Mr James Kennett (Wal 70-74). Mr
William (Bill) Chandler was selected as the recipient of this award.
Bill attended TSS from 1948 to 1958. In his final year
he was a Prefect and House Captain of Delpratt. Bill was
an all-round sportsman, and in addition to being Captain
of Boats and a member of the winning VIII in 1958, Bill
also represented the school in swimming, athletics and
shooting.
After he completed his education, Bill maintained close
contact with the School. He coached rowing crews for 17
years, became active in the OSA, and was instrumental in
the formation of the Central West branch.
In 1986 he played a major role in the establishment of
The Southport School Foundation, with his wife, Julann,
and he being Patron members. He remained on the
Foundation as a Director until 1991.
In 1987 he was elected Vice-President of the OSA, and
then President for 1988-89. During this time he was
the driving force and the major donor in the acquisition
and establishment of the Hidden Creek facility. He has
continued his passion for outdoor education as a Director
of the Hidden Creek Foundation.
After his term as President, Bill remained a strong
presence on the OSA Council and was very influential in
the OSA’s efforts to ensure that rugby remained the main
code of football played at the School. This stance taken
by the OSA resulted in the Rugby Improvement Program
being introduced, which led to the premierships won in
recent years.
Bill served on the Parents and Friends committee in
1991, and was elected to the School Council in 1996
and was a member for two years. While he is actively
engaged with his agricultural and commercial interests,
he still continues to give his strong support to the OSA
and the School.
Bill was presented with the very prestigious Mervyn
Dane Collings award at the Reunion Dinner by Past OSA
President Mr Bruce Wright.
History on M D Collings as published in (R68 P36):
1st XI 1906-1907: AIF (15Bn.): Killed in action,
Gallipoli, 13th May, 1915: First contributor and
collaborator with A H Osborn in ‘Tell Tale’:
1907 Founder of OSA formed 21st July, 1911,
secretary and chairman 1911-12 (R81 P2)
Mervyn Dale COLLINGS, 1904-07, was the first
contributor, and with A H Osborn a collaborator in
the ‘Tell Tale’ 1907. He was the early urger for an
Old Boys’ Association, and with Ken Chapman rode
a bicycle from Brisbane to Southport 1911 over
a dirt road with deep ruts, to discuss with Jimmy
the formation of an Association. He was present at
the initial meeting of the SHS Old Boys at YMCA
on 6th July, 1911 as Secretary-Chairman. Jimmy
acknowledged Collings’ efforts in his Annual Report
1911: “Through the splendid efforts of M D Collings an
Old Boys’ Association has been formed.”
Mervyn Collings was generally acknowledged by older
hands as the Founder of our Old Boys’ Association. The
Association lapsed during the war and Collings was
killed at Gallipoli on 13 May, 1915.
33
Exclusive Interview with six TSS St George
Reds’ Players by Angela Hughes.
Embedded within the powerhouse Queensland Reds 2011
rugby side is a formidable contingent of six young TSS Old
Boys, four of whom already have donned their Wallaby
jerseys, plus a few TSS ‘extras’ waiting in the wings.
34
It has been an exceptional season for the Queensland
Reds, scooping their first-ever Super Rugby title against
the Crusaders at Lang Park in July. The win was made
even sweeter by the growing number of TSS Old Boys who
used their GPS grounding to move into the elite ranks of
Australian rugby.
Of the six-strong Reds group, Luke Morahan, James
Slipper, Rob Simmons and Scott Higginbotham have
donned the green and gold to join another TSS old boy and
the most capped second-row Wallaby in Australian history,
Nathan Sharpe, whose career in representing Australia
continues to be etched in the history books of the ‘game
they play in Heaven’.
Joining the four former TSS Old Boys on the Reds bench
this year and displaying finesse and a strong presence
in the final winning games of the series were Ben Tapuai
and rookie Jono Lance. But the depth of TSS’ influence
doesn’t end there Mentoring, cajoling, honing skills and
helping extend their knowledge and playing tactics while
being accountable for the way they approach training and
each game is former TSS rugby coach and Scottish Sevens
representative Matt Taylor, now the Reds assistant coach.
With his sharp analytical mind, the genius chosen by Reds
coach Ewen McKenzie to ‘fix’ the team’s previous poor
defensive play record, Matt has been the glue needed to
keep the players focused and improve their play.
In chatting with the six TSS old boys at their Ballymore
home ground before the big two final matches, all agreed
their schoolboy days of playing rugby and the influence of
Matt, other TSS staff and the GPS competition in general
had given them a thirst to continue with the sport.
Here is what they had to say along with a short synopsis of
their career to date:
35
1
Player Profiles
Scott Higginbotham
(Wal 99-03)
The eldest of the group, Scott is a
third-generation Old Boy, having begun
his education at TSS in Year 5 and
his first foray into rugby in Year 8. The
blindside flanker has been a formidable
player at GPS, Club, State and
Australian representative level.
Admitting that running on the field as a
Wallaby for the first time in 2010 was the most memorable
moment in his career, Scott has remained true to himself.
He attributes his passion of the game to his TSS mentor
Greg Thorne and said the excellent playing fields at TSS
made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Mentored at TSS by Matt Taylor and Eleanor Mackie,
Luke believes it was his days at TSS that brought him
to the attention of selectors. “The GPS competition is a
great stepping stone for rugby,” said Luke, whose younger
brother, Simon, is quietly waiting in the wings to follow
in his brother’s footsteps. Currently studying business at
QUT, Luke said he has many fond memories of TSS and
advises current students to make the most of their time at
the school. “TSS teaches you to be organised and that is
what I need to be to balance my rugby with training, study
and social life. My advice to young players at TSS is be
organised, make sure you train hard and, most of all, enjoy
what you are doing.”
James Slipper
(Tur 05-07)
With 14 Test rugby caps
already to his name, the young
architecture student admits that
despite his catapult into rugby
success at the highest level, he
still misses playing for TSS.
Despite gruelling training sessions each week, Scott also
likes to balance his sport with quality leisure time (and
that means not sleeping during the day he jokes!) and
studying for a diploma in business. He mentally prepares
for each game by listening to his favourite music. Postrugby, his goal is to dip his feet into the property market
and take time out to pursue his other sporting love, surfing.
His advice for up-and-coming TSS rugby players is to only
play the game if you enjoy it, then be prepared to give it
everything you’ve got.
“Being a TSS boy was great fun
and I have found that wherever
you go in the world, you always seem to run into someone
you know from TSS,” said James. Mentored at TSS by Matt
Taylor and Rob Nowlan, James said his career highlights
to date have been many … playing his first game for the
Reds and the Wallabies, and experiencing the winning
feeling against the All Blacks in Hong Kong (2010) and the
Springboks in Bloemfontein (2010).
Luke Morahan
(Kai 01-07)
Playing prop, although he had to sit out the final two Super
Rugby games due to injury, James has been an integral
member of the Reds for the past four years. While playing
in the 2009 Under 20’s Junior World Cup in Japan, he was
chosen as Player of the Year on John Eales medal night.
Luke entered TSS in Year 6 around the
same time he began playing at Under
6 level for Colleges. Luke’s talent as
full-back and on the wing quickly
became evident and it wasn’t long
before his grit and determination led
to a spot in the school’s 1st XV in the
GPS competition, then travelling the
elite pathway of Queensland Under
16s, Queensland Schools and Australia A Schools before
entering the Premier Colts (U19) ranks in 2008 with
University. An Australian Sevens representative, Luke’s
transition within the Reds to his selection as replacement
in the Australian side for Stirling Mortlock in 2009 sealed
his career.
36
James’ advice for players preparing in everything they do
is – eat well, always do your homework on the opposition,
train hard and, most of all, enjoy yourself.
Rob Simmons (McK 02-06)
Almost as soon as Rob started boarding
at TSS he was playing rugby. Inspired at
school by players such as Nathan Sharpe
and mentored by the Taylor/Nowlan
combination, Simmons believes if it
wasn’t for TSS he may not have gone
down the path of playing rugby.
The 200cm lock, who has been five
years with the Reds, said it was the
competitive GPS competition that gave him the right mental
approach to playing each game as though it was a grand final –
something that has stuck with him when playing for Australian
Schoolboys, Australia Under 19 and Under 20, the Reds and the
Wallabies. “Maintaining a winning attitude was one of the most
important lessons I learnt at TSS,” said Rob, who is combining
his love of the game with studying for a business degree.
“I really enjoyed my time at TSS and hope every other student
grabs the same opportunities as I did.” After making his Wallaby
Test debut in 2010 against South Africa in Brisbane, Rob now
claims five Test caps and has his eyes set firmly on adding many
more. When his playing days do come to an end, Rob intends to
make use of his business degree before returning to the family
farm.
Ben Tapuai (Del 04-07)
Playing for the Reds is a dream come
true for rugby centre Ben Tapuai, who
first started playing rugby at the age
of seven at Box Hill in Victoria. Now in
his fourth year with the Reds, Ben put
on an awesome display of tactical skill,
agility and ability in the Reds semi-final
against the Blues of the Super Rugby
series. Currently completing a business
diploma, Ben is yet another prodigy of
Matt Taylor’s influence at TSS and is proud to call himself a TSS
old boy.
“The combination of being educated at TSS, playing in the GPS
competition and having so many opportunities offered to me has
been significant in my rugby career,” said Ben. “My advice to all
students is if you have a dream, go for it.” And ‘go for it’ certainly
is Ben’s attitude as he reflects on one of his most memorable
moments – wearing the Reds jersey for the first time. In the
future, Ben hopes to establish his own personal training business.
Jono Lance (Kai 03-07)
The rookie fly-half is now basking in his third year with the Reds,
having played for University, Queensland A, Australia U20s, Australia
Sevens and the Super Rugby finals 2011.
Currently studying architecture, Jono
has taken up the baton from his father,
Dean, who notched up two rugby league
premierships with the Canberra Raiders.
Reds assistant coach and former TSS
mentor Matt Taylor sees a lot of Dean’s
traits in the rookie, especially his talent
for defending, and is confident we are
going to see a lot more of this young
player in the future. Jono said he has
many fond memories of TSS from being a member of the 1st XV
GPS premiership team, to the quality of coaching and the school’s
sporting environment, which ‘made you always want to push to be
better’. Jono maintains his balance between play, training, study and
social life by keeping in touch with fellow Old Boys, many of whom
are not involved with the sport. A firm advocate of the benefits of
growing up within the GPS competition, Jono’s advice to up-andcoming players is always to have fun when playing sport with your
schoolmates, as you may not get a chance later in life. “I loved my
days at TSS and will always be grateful for what I learnt both on and
off the field while at school,” said Jono.
While not an Old Boy of TSS, this story would not be complete
without a focus on Matt Taylor, whose brief coaching stint at TSS
(and the premierships wins of 2006-07) raised the bar in terms of
sporting success and built a strong rapport with students. “Both my
family and I loved our time at TSS and, one day, hope to return to
teach and coach there,” said Matt. “I would love to send my son,
Cruz, to TSS so he can experience what so many others have over the
years. The GPS competition offers a great grounding for boys to test
themselves at all levels and winning two premierships while at TSS
helped me gain a job with the Reds Academy.”
Matt said one of the most magical moments for him recently was
sitting on the sidelines and watching eight TSS old boys on the rugby
field at the same time (this included Nathan Sharpe (Tur 88-95)
and Mark Swanepoel (Tur 04-08). Under the guidance of the Reds
and Matt’s inspirational coaching, all the young TSS old boys remain
good friends away from the field, another factor they contribute to
the tightness that gelled them together as a group while at school.
Each holds special memories of TSS and concedes they will always
retain special pride for their school as well as their playing career,
whether it is for the Reds or the Wallabies.
And, don’t be surprised if you see a few more TSS Old Boys begin to
appear in Reds jerseys as a fresh pack waits in the wings – names
such as Simon Morahan (Luke’s brother), Jarrad Butler and Jack
Kimmince are all training hard for their chance to reach the elite
level in the sport. Matt also says be prepared for a few more TSS
names to be selected to wear the green and gold in the years ahead,
and they all have the advantage of youth on their side.
37
PHOTO - James Slipper, Nathan Sharpe, Scott Higginbotham, Robert Simmons, Luke Morahan
Stop Press!
At the time of going to press, we are delighted to announce that four of our Old Boys
made selection for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Nathan Sharpe, Scott Higginbotham,
James Slipper and Rob Simmons all won a spot in the team with the Wallabies, scoring a
68-22 win over Russia, completing their final pool phase of the RWC, the Wallabies ended
the tournament finishing 3rd place overall. To their credit, the Wallabies fought to the
end. We congratulate them all!
Mention must be made of Nathan Sharpe’s incredible achievement of his history-making
mark of 100 Tests.
TSS Wallabies Players at Rugby Function
A very impressive line-up of six Old Boys are in the current 2011 Wallaby squad.
The Wallabies based themselves at TSS for two weeks just prior to their Bledisloe
match at Eden park on Saturday, August 6th. The boys were in fine form and
were happy to be interviewed and have their photo taken with 2011 1st XV players
and Old Boy rugby coaches.
The OSA arranged a Limited edition TSS players signed Red’s Jersey to
be framed. All seven players signed the jersey along with coach Matt
Taylor. The jersey was presented to the School by OSA President Paul
Wood and will be proudly displayed in the School Gym.
38
School News
By Tony Watt, TSS Director of Community Relations
and Karen Martin, TSS Marketing Coordinator
It’s been “all systems go” on the TSS campus
With the end of 2011 fast looming up, the pace still hasn’t let up
in what’s been a year of full-on activity on the TSS campus. From
the sports fields to the classrooms and beyond TSS students
and staff have been giving it their all on all fronts to chalk up yet
another year of noteworthy achievements that have added lustre
to the TSS reputation.
In addition to the medal haul, 3 swimmers qualified for the
Australian Swimming Gold Squad and 8 swimmers made it into
the Silver Squad, while Alex Press was named in the Australian
Junior All Stars after winning the 50m freestyle in 23.15
seconds; a stunning 1.2 seconds faster than his time at the GPS
Championships where he also achieved a new GPS record in the
50m butterfly.
Good sports, win, lose or draw.
The aces up our sleeve
TSS is renowned for its sporting prowess and 2011 has
certainly produced its share of victories, but perhaps even more
importantly, the boys have maintained a fighting spirit at all
times, and whether the contest resulted in a win, loss or draw,
the same sportsmanlike demeanour was upheld. Here are some
highlights.
After the splash, a spirited dash
At the Australian Age Swimming Championships, TSS Aquatics
pulled out all the stops to notch up its most successful National
Age Competition to date. After making it into 27 finals we
managed to bring home 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 5 Bronze medals.
The 14 and Under Boys Medley Relay Team became the first TSS
Aquatics Relay Team to take Gold at a National Championships,
while the Freestyle Relay Team came within a whisker of claiming
double Relay Gold, when they finished 2nd to take Silver.
Out on the courts, TSS tennis players have taken the fight to the
competition in a series of hard-fought matches. Giving no quarter
during the Queensland Secondary Schools Teams Event, the
TSS 1st IV took out the Regional Finals after defeating Somerset
College, Helensvale State High School and Coombabah State
High School. With that win on the board, the team then went on
to gain 3rd place in the State finals held in Rockhampton.
In the ongoing GPS competition with one round washed out, the
1st IV GPS Team had recorded two wins, a bye and one loss, with
the prospect of some further fierce competition against 3 very
strong teams in the final part of the season.. Also worth noting
is the performances of the Open 2nd IV and the Year 9A Teams,
both of whom had been undefeated at the time of going to press.
The revival of the TSS Friends of Tennis has provided a
welcome boost in support through obtaining funding for training
equipment for both Prep and Senior Schools as well as a number
of social activities and fund - raisers.
39
1
School News
On the ball
A record number of teams have been playing in this year’s
GPS Football season and we’ve seen a definite improvement
in the quality of games, the depth of talent and the growing
football spirit. Our A division games have produced some
very pleasing results, with TSS winning more than half of our
matches to place in the top 5 schools in all age groups, while
the 2nd XI defeated some of the big name teams of the GPS
competition. The 1st XI has been plagued with injury during
the season, but despite this the team has played some great
matches.
Our junior players have all benefited from playing Football
in the core PE program, with greater skills and excellent
development in evidence. More and more of the boys
are backing up their TSS Football training with club and
representative team training outside of school, and as a
result 4 of our young players have been selected in State
or National teams this year. Mitch Cooper, Yr 12 has been
selected as a shadow player for the Queensland U19 team.
2011 was another fantastic year of achievement and growth
for TSS Rugby. The 1st XV squad toured Sydney to play three
very competitive fixtures against Knox Grammar, Newington
College and Kings College (NZ). The 1st XV also played as
a curtain raiser to the REDS at Suncorp Stadium. The 16A
squad toured the Sunshine Coast to play Sunshine Coast
Grammar 1st XV and the 15A squad toured Warwick and
Toowoomba with games against Scots PGC and Toowoomba
Grammar. These tours not only provided terrific exposure for
40
TSS Rugby, but also a fantastic experience for all staff and
boys involved. At home, almost 200 TSS students attended
the annual TSS Rugby Camp, which included training and
fixtures against Churchie, Marist Brothers and Far North
Coast Representative Teams.
Ten TSS boys participated in the Queensland Schoolboy
trials at Ballymore as part of the GPS representative team.
Six gained selection in the Queensland State teams to
contest the National Championships at Ballymore, while two
were part of the Championship-winning Queensland 1 team,
making it six consecutive years for Queensland.
The Open division was again strong, with the 5th XV fielding
a very competitive team throughout a season marked by
some fiercely contested victories, including beating Churchie
away. For the 4th, 3rd and 2nd XV the clean sweep against
GT (Old Boys Weekend) in front of a home crowd on the
Village Green was a season highlight. After a couple of very
narrow losses early in the season, the 1st XV still had a very
successful season to finish third overall.
School News
Doing our bit for the games bid
As part of the bid process for the 2018 Commonwealth
Games, our TSS Prep boys participated in the ‘Adopt A
Commonwealth Country’ program, which aimed to educate
Gold Coast students about fellow Commonwealth countries
and the Commonwealth Games. TSS Prep adopted Wales
as its Commonwealth Country, and as future leaders of the
Prep School the Year 6 team of teachers and classes took
on board the project of leading the program to broaden the
knowledge of Wales among their fellow students right across
all year levels of Prep.
The exciting culmination of the project came when four
Year 6 boys represented TSS at an official function for
the European delegation charged with assessing the Gold
Coast’s suitability as the venue for the 2018 Games. At
this function, the boys shared an afternoon tea with the
Welsh delegate, Mr Chris Jenkins, presenting him with some
memorabilia from TSS and told him of the journey we had
taken in researching his country. Mr Jenkins was suitably
impressed with the effort and knowledge of the boys about
his home country and has since kept in contact with TSS.
So if impressions count for anything, then the efforts of our
TSS Prep boys will have ensured the we can at least count
on Wales in supporting the Gold Coast’s bid for the 2018
Commonwealth Games.
Food for thought
The need to feed more than a hunger for knowledge has
been served by the opening of the Old Gym Café as part
of the refurbishment of The Day House Precinct. The
Cafe provides the boys and wider TSS community with yet
another unique facility, complete with wireless access, a
barista and a good selection of meals and snacks.
Dayboys are now able to sit down to a plated-up meal for
lunch just like their boarder cousins, and for those boys who
prefer the DIY lunch, the Café provides sandwich toasters,
microwaves and an instant hot and chilled water facility.
The school community has wasted no time making good
use of this latest addition to the Day House precinct, and
it’s especially pleasing to see the increased interaction of
the boarding and day students in what’s rapidly becoming a
central hub for the eight day houses and three of the senior
boarding houses.
High drama in the house
The annual House Drama Festival gave students a chance
to stand in the limelight and not only display their thespian
talents, but to get involved in a spirited bid to win the
coveted Anning Shield. This year the competition was
given a bit of a makeover with the adoption of a Thematic
Collage based on QCS-Style Stimulus Sheets and involving
a range of performance styles, for example including:
acting, physical theatre/dance/movement, live music, visual
art and media. In keeping with the TSS “Band of Brothers”
ethos the theme adopted for this year was “Brothers”.
Performance material was able to be selected from a
diverse range of sources such as plays, poetry, prose,
songs, music, dance, newspapers, film, video clips,
media, TV and original material. The selection was then
transformed, linked and shaped, then rehearsed and
performed, with a requirement that a minimum of 15
students per House to be actively and appropriately
involved in the performance on stage, although not
necessarily for the whole production. In this respect
alone, the new format was a great success, with over 250
students performing.
And that was the tip of the iceberg
Needless to say this has been just a small cameo of what’s
been keeping TSS buzzing throughout the year and it would
take the whole magazine to tell the full story. But you get
the picture. It’s been “all systems go” in every corner of
the campus for 2011, which means a proud record to look
back on and motivate everyone to aim higher for 2012.
41
Obituaries
Farewell Dear Friends
Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on
And cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s
gone… The OSA extends its sincerest condolences to the
families and friends of the following Old Boys.
Percival George Ernest Alcorn (McK 53-56)
passed away September 13th, 2011.
John Makepeace Bennett (Del 34-37)
Emeritus Professor John Makepeace Bennett AO, FTSE,
was an early computer scientist. His pioneering career
included work on early computers such as EDSAC, Ferranti
Mark 1* and SILLIAC, and spreading the work about the use
of computers through computing courses and computing
associations.
He was born on 31 July, 1921 in Warwick, Queensland.
After leaving The Southport School, he went to the
University of Queensland to study civil engineering.
From 1942 to 1946 (during WWII) he served in the RAAF.
He worked on a radar unit on the Wessle Islands and later
worked in airfield construction. He then returned to the
University of Queensland to study electrical and mechanical
engineering and mathematics.
In 1947 he went to Cambridge University to become
Maurice Vincent Wilkes’ first research assistant as part of
the team working to build EDSAC. This was the world’s
first practical stored program electronic computer and the
world’s first computer in regular operation from 1949. He
used EDSAC to carry out the first-ever structural engineering
calculations on a computer as part of his PhD.
He worked for Ferranti in Manchester and London as a
computer specialist. Here he designed the instruction set
for Ferranti Mark 1*, which was the main improvement of
that machine over Ferranti Mark 1.
In 1956, John returned to Australian to become Senior
Numerical Analyst to the Basser Laboratory at the University
of Sydney. His main work was the development of software
for SILLIAC.
42
Until 1958 he taught associated courses in the use of
computers. In 1958 he established a Postgraduate Diploma
in Numerical Analysis and Computing, which was later
changed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science.
In 1961 he became the Foundation Professor of Computer
Science and in 1972 he became head of the new Basser
Department of Computer Science.
He was also Foundation Chairman of the Australian
Committee on Computation and Automatic Control from
1959-63, the President of the New South Wales Computer
Society from 1965 to 1966, and the Foundation President
of the Australian Computer Society from 1966 to 1967.
In 1981 he helped found the Research Foundation for
Information Technology at the University. In 1983 he
became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
In 1986 John, aged 65, retired. He lived with his wife
Rosalind Mary (nee Elkington) in Sydney’s Northern
Beaches. He had four children and six grandchildren.
John died at home on 9 December 2010.
(retrieved from http;//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_
Makepeace_Bennett)
Jay Joseph Dowie (Del 51-55)
of Toowoomba, formerly of Blackall and Isisford. Born
October 14, 1937 and passed away on December 8, 2010.
Beloved son of Leslie and Esther Dowie (both deceased).
Proud father and grandfather. Loved brother of Jennifer
King (Toowoomba).
Ian Ross Evans (Unk 49)
formerly of Middle Street, Chinchilla, passed away suddenly
on January 21, 2011, aged 69 years.
Denis Selwyn Ferguson (McK 54-57)
Gary, Denis’s brother, advised the untimely passing of his
brother in May 2011 after he suffered in pain for some
time. Gary says… “Denis was at school during a period of
great change. The swimming pool was opened in 1957 (and
hot water was introduced in the same year) and this made
a welcome change for those who represented the school at
swimming. Denis often spoke of the ‘river kings’ held in
front of the boat shed and the oyster-encrusted boards that
everyone had to swim around.
Harold Symons almost coached the U15As to a premiership.
On leaving school, Denis jackarooed at “Norelle” Hodgson, for
the Johnson family (He was great friends with Clyde Johnson
at school). Denis enjoyed the life and even though he wanted
to pursue sport he often regretted leaving.
Denis was Roma Swimming Champion in 1958-59. In
Brisbane Denis joined The Australian Estates Coy Ltd and
developed his swimming further through pool swimming at
State Championships, water polo (representing Brisbane) and
surf swimming at Branch level for the Kirra Club. (Junior Belt
Champion). In winter he played A Grade Rugby for GPS and
was unlucky to miss State representation. Disappointed, he
moved to Rugby League where he played for Valleys, Brisbane
and then Queensland. Denis played a season in Toowoomba
where he represented before returning to Brisbane. In
later years he played Rugby for Citys in Rockhampton and
represented Rockhampton against touring overseas teams.
For almost 40 years Denis worked in the liquor Industry and
forged many friendships with some great personalities of the
sporting and turf industries.
Denis had three children. Lachlan and Barton (both 1st XV)
attended BBC and Sarah attended Clayfield College. His
life partner of 23 years, Sue Whiteman, has been comforted
by the many friends Denis made through his very warm
personality and ability to walk across many boundaries to
make friendships.
Denis attended The Southport School with his older brother,
Ross James Ferguson (McK 1954-56), deceased, younger
brother, Gary Douglas Ferguson(McK 1956-61), and was
uncle to Douglas James Macalister Ferguson (McK 1980-84).
A funeral service conducted by Reverend David Johnstone
(former Junior School Chaplain at TSS) was held on Friday,
May, 6.”
Andrew James Forsyth (Tur 90-98)
Funeral notice in the Courier Mail, 3 October - “Doo” our
brave boy lost his battle on 29 September 2011, aged 30
years. Adored son of Susan and John, best brother of Milly
and Pete, loved uncle of Ava and Thomas, Elgin and Chilli
(the ferals). We are so proud of you, little mate, you never
complained.
Everyone who knew Andrew was invited to attend his funeral
service, which was held in the Chapel of St Alban’s at The
Southport School on Friday, October 7th.
Christopher Maddock Hughes (Del 45-49)
Chris Hughes, age 77, of the Beaverdam community of
Oglethorpe County, Georgia, USA, passed away at the home
he loved on April 18.
The youngest of six children, Chris was born in Mossman,
Queensland, to Alfred Lucas Hughes (Southport High School,
1906) and Dorothy Kildare Vyvyan Hughes. After leaving
school, Chris began his work career as a trainee ranch
manager, and then managed cattle properties ranging from
13,000 to 80,000 acres running up to 5000 head of cattle.
His marriage to American-born Alice Hill led them to Georgia,
USA in 1969 where he began a career in ready-mix concrete
production and retired as plant manager in 2006.
A long-time curiosity about woodcarving led Chris to become a
well-known carver; his work is in collections all over the world.
His first carvings were birds, followed by horses and other
animals, with hummingbirds topping the list in popularity.
He carved Noah’s Arks, Nativity sets and barnyards as special
orders, but Chris’s favourite pieces were his rodeo figures.
In his younger years, Chris built a camper and designated
autumn as the time to explore the United States. He also
loved being at home, as long as he could wander his land
and spend time reading. Chris had strong opinions. His
photographic memory amazed many, facts and history always
ready. He could fix anything, didn’t worry about the little
things, and ate the gushy chocolates in the sampler box.
Chris is survived by his wife Alice, daughter Vyvyan Hughes,
sisters Rosemary Hughes and Katherine Hughes Davidson,
and brother Philip Hughes (Del 1943-44). He was
predeceased by one sister, Norah Hughes Shannon, and one
brother, Charles Hughes (Del 1936-37).
A graveside service was held Thursday, April 21, at historic
Forrest Cemetery in Gadsden, Alabama, USA, where he was
buried alongside several generations of his wife’s family. A
hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” was sung
as a salute to Chris’s Australian roots. His daughter Vyvyan
offered a closing prayer composed by her father’s first cousin,
the Rev. David Cossar of Kent, England.
John Lockhart Gibson (McK 41-47)
passed away on Sunday June 5, 2011.
43
Obituaries
Nigel William Johnston (Del 67-74)
passed away suddenly in May, 2011.
John Gordon Kellas (McK 38-41)
passed away on August 31. A qualified pharmacist and
later a grazier at Middle Creek, Mongogari, south-west of
Casino.
Thomas Murray Knox (Tho 36-40)
Sadly, Murray was unable to make the Older Old Boys
assembly this year. He passed away on June 26. Murray’s
retirement years on the Gold Coast had him volunteering
for Coast Guard, Legacy and in The Southport School Old
Boys Office. He learnt to paint and took up computers. He
continued his contribution to 3 Squadron and went to as
many events as possible.
One of Murray’s great delights was his role as a grandfather
to Heath, Rose, Sam, Campbell and Eli and in the last
couple of years as great-grandfather to Dylan and Marley.
Murray had a wonderful journey with Betty by his side for
66 years, he had rewarding business experiences, wonderful
overseas and family holidays and most importantly the joy
he gave his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Murray’s dear wife, Betty, passed away in May 13th. For the
family to lose both Betty and Murray in such a short space of
time is hard to comprehend, but they know they are together
in a happy and safe place.
Peter McKechnie (McK 52-59)
died suddenly at his Toowoomba home on Thursday, May
26, 2011. Peter was the former local member for thenCarnarvon electorate and Pastor for Stanthorpe, best
remembered as a loving family man and caring politician.
He leaves behind his wife Jeanette and two children, Mark
and Jenny.
Gerald Mills (Del 40-41)
passed away on Thursday, June 23rd and will be sadly
missed as a much loved father and father-in-law by
Rosanne, his daughter and son-in-law, Geraldine and Peter
Stephan, and his grandchildren, Linas and Karolis.
44
Robert Edwin Patterson (Del 45-52)
passed away Friday, June 3. Tim, son of Robert, advised
that the funeral was held in Springshore on Friday, June 10.
Myrtle, Robert’s wife, wrote a lovely letter to the OSA …
“Robert was very proud of that ‘Old Boys Tie’. His four sons
were pall-bearers and they all wore a School tie. He had
planned to go to this year’s Old Boys Day, but that was not
to be. Robert loved his Old School. This is a piece of writing
we found in Robert’s bedside drawer… ‘I am not going to
write my own eulogy although I did think of it, but I will give
my daughter Jenny the pleasure of doing that for me.
I would like to thank all my friends and relations for being
kind and wonderful friends and spending their time to
come to my service. A learned woman once said to me
‘Gee, you are lucky you were born with a silver spoon in
your mouth’. I immediately thought – one makes their own
luck – nothing fell off the back of a truck into my lap, but
as I thought into it more deeply, I realised she was right.
There are certain things in life that one has no control over;
it just happens.
I was just lucky that I was born to such loving, caring
parents, I was lucky I was born in Australia, I was lucky I
was born white, I was lucky I was born so healthy and was
lucky I was sent to the best boarding school in Australia.
All these things I had no control over and it wasn’t until I
was 16 years old that I started to make my own way in life.
I was lucky to find the most wonderful girl God ever made
and I was lucky that she agreed to spend the rest of her
life with me. Then on looking back on my life, if I had the
chance to write up my own life journey I would not change
anything. It was a perfect journey.
God bless you all, be kind to one another, until we meet
again’.”
as a member of the Executive and brings knowledge and
experience of Queensland and the Australian church to the
position. He will commence in the role on 3 October.
I thank Richard for his work as Archbishop’s Chaplain
over the past three years, for his support, dedication and
commitment.
Yours in Christ
The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall
Archbishop of Brisbane
John Rogerson (Tho 51-54)
Many Old Boys and TSS Staff will remember Mrs Lorrie
Royles who worked in the Studies Department for 22 years.
Sadly, Lorrie passed away late September. Most would
remember her working for Harry Kaiser and others in the
Studies Department. Lorrie was a very warm and caring
lady and will be sadly missed by many.
passed away on February 13. John had a stroke some
years ago and in recent times was a resident in a nursing
home. He leaves behind his wife Jocelyn.
Bryan Schmidt (McK 38-41)
Late of Clifton and formerly of Talpa, Wyandra, passed
away at Mossman Hospital aged 85 years. Lovingly
remembered and greatly missed by his daughter and
son-in-law, Tarella and Michael, and his sister Barbara
and by all his family and friends. A service was held in
Toowoomba on Friday, September 16th.
Peter John Watson Stephens (McK 55-56)
Late of Cedar Glen, Beaudesert, passed away of a brain
tumour on January 2, 2011. Peter was the beloved
husband of Janet, devoted father, father-in-law and
grandfather of Anna and Tim.
Barry Robert Wilkinson (Mck 48-49)
passed away on December 24, 2010.
Bishop David Shand (Del 35-38)
It is with sadness I advise of the death of Bishop David on
8 July. Bishop David was born in Queensland and trained
at St Francis College. He was ordained Deacon in 1949
and Priest in 1950 in St John’s Cathedral. He served his
curacy in Lutwyche (1948-52), and was later incumbent
of Moorooka (1952-53), Inglewood (1953-55), Nambour
(1955-60) and Ipswich (1960-66).
Bishop David moved to the Diocese of Melbourne in 1966.
In 1973 he was consecrated as the last bishop of the
Diocese of St Arnaud and from 1978 was a regional bishop
in Melbourne until his retirement in 1988.
His Requiem will be held in St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne
on Friday, July 15 beginning at 10.30am. We give thanks
to God for Bishop David’s faithful ministry and service.
Please pray for his wife Jean, their children, Jenny, Sue,
Michael and Ruth, and their families at this time.
I also advise that the Reverend Canon Richard Tutin has
accep ted appointment as General Secretary of Queensland
Churches Together. Richard has been involved with QCT
Henry Arthur Shannon (Del 53-60)
Art (Henry Arthur) Shannon, late of Ballina in Northern
NSW, passed away August 12, aged 66 years, after years
valiantly fighting a heart condition.
Luke Whistler (Del 95-96) stepson of Arthur, wrote to
advise of the passing of Arthur, who is survived by his
partner Kay Whistler, brother Jock Shannon (Del 53-55)
and 10 beloved children.
Originally from Tabulam, rural Northern NSW, Art was one
of the youngest boarders ever to attend the school when he
arrived in the ’50s. He had many memories of adventures
during his schooldays.
Family and friends were invited to attend Art’s service held
in Ballina, August, 26. The school was proudly represented
at the service, including Zane Moulton (Bid 06-11),
extended family and current students, who delivered the
framed Dellie clock-tower picture gift from the OSA. This
included a reminder of Arty as Junior Scull Champ 1960.
Those gathered at the service recalled Art’s cheerful
appreciation of life when his preferred funeral song was
played, Monty Python’s “The Bright Side of Life”.
Vale Arty!
John Lawrence Woodburn (McK 39-40)
passed away on December 28, 2010.
45
Bequests
Donald Stuart Scott (Tho 43-44), born January 20, 1928. In August 2010,
not long after Donald Scott passed away, the OSA was overwhelmed when
we received word of a very generous bequest of $50,000 from Donald Scott’s
estate.
Don Scott’s Eulogy, August, 24 2010, prepared by
Cameron Brew...
Don Scott, simply put, was a remarkable man. He would be
uncomfortable with that accolade, but all of us here today,
in one way or another, would know this to be true.
In typical understated Don fashion, he has asked a couple
of us “to say a few words”. Well as we all know, Don’s life
and legacy could not be summed up in “a few words!” But
we will do our best!
Don was born on January 20, 1928 at Roma Hospital. He
was the eldest child of Cyril & Doreen Scott. In 1930 his
sister Robin was born, followed in 1934 by his brother
Iain. The Scotts lived on their property “Brookfield” near
(Yulba) Yuleba in the Taroom district.
Don and his siblings were the third generation of Scotts
to have lived in Taroom. “Brookfield” was originally the
outstation of the main property “Hornetbank”. When
“Hornetbank” was divided Don’s father took it over and
ran shorthorn cattle & a flock of ration sheep. They had
pure-bred Smithfield dogs to work the cattle and sheep and
near the house there was an orchard that Don’s parents
maintained. The property was like the Scott’s-neat and tidy
and up-to-date with the latest developments.
In 1938 when Don was 10 he started his formal education
at Toowoomba Prep. He remained there until 1942. In
1943 he started at The Southport School, finishing his
schooling at the age of 16 in 1944. His interests at school
were Boxing, Rugby, Rowing & Tennis.
46
While at TSS Don met John Elliot and the pair became
great friends and it was the start of a lifelong friendship
between the Scott and Elliot families.
On June 4, 1953 Don was elected Councillor for Taroom
Shire. Four years later, in June 1957, at 29 years of age,
he became Chairman of the Taroom Shire Council where
he served until 1964. To this day Don was the youngest
person ever to become Chairman or Mayor of the Taroom
Shire Council.
During his term as Chairman Don set out, against
opposition, to modernise the Council fleet of trucks and
equipment. Once done the Council became very efficient at
road making and maintenance and as a result Taroom had
its first bitumen roads constructed. Don won the respect of
everyone in the shire and soon everyone knew him to talk to.
As Chairman Don also oversaw the survey and construction
of the Taroom aerodrome between Taroom and Wandoan.
This would later become the site of the Tarwan Soaring Club.
Also in 1957 Don learnt to fly through the Darling Downs
Aero Club. A few years later in the early 1960s Don bought
a yellow Auster – “Bravo Yankee Hotel” (affectionately
known as “Bloody Yellow Horror”). This increased his
flexibility and he became proficient at flying the aircraft.
He then built a strip at Brookfield and in retrospect I
suspect Don wishes he built the strip a bit longer as trying
to land on a hot day the Auster would float from one end of
the strip to the other!!
Don spent many of his holidays with his old schoolmate John
Elliot & the Elliot family. He would go over at least once a year
to go fishing at Round Hill near Seventeen Seventy, did this
for decades. John’s brother Rob recalls that in the early days
all the kids looked forward to Don’s visit as he always brought
loads of CHOCOLATES!
it was also the same year that a small English rock’n’roll
band called The Beatle received their MBEs. There was
public outrage and Don was in the thick of it! Being a man of
principle he handed back his MBE in protest!! It was another
22 years before he was awarded his next MBE for Services to
Local Government, Youth & Community!
Don had a love for Humber cars and would arrive in his
Humber Super Snipe with its timber dash and all. It was most
impressive and of course, very well maintained. Don’s trips
were not all fun as often he had to help with musters or other
station work before fishing.
In the late ’60s Don discovered gliding. He initially learnt
to glide at Kingaroy and in 1970 did his Instructors
Course there. It was during this course that he met another
gentleman who would become another lifelong friend. His
name is Gus Mauch, and he is sitting here today.
One story worth telling is when Don flew to Bundaberg and
then on to Round Hill late at night. Next morning Don & the
Elliot boys set off at daylight to go over the bar and catch
a mackerel. The mackerel gear was a 300-pound breakingstrain cord line and a long wire trace that had not been used
for 12 months. It was not long before Don hooked on to a big
one and after playing it a while got it beside the boat. But
as fate would have it, the trace broke. Don politely said a few
words about lack of maintenance and proceeded to double
up the broken trace and put on an old rusty lure. The boys
trawled for hours with no result, but on the way back in and
near the bar “Don’s fish” was waiting. This time he caught
and landed the big mackerel. With the mackerel’s nose on the
ground the tail was almost up to Don’s shoulders. As it was
far too big to go in his eskies it had to be cut into chunks so
he could take it back to Brookfield. It took years to get the
smile off Don’s face whenever he told the story.
Don’s early gliding saw him instruct at Taroom. He was the
chief instigator behind the formation of the Tarwan Soaring
Club, where he also became their first Chief Flying Instructor.
In 1965 at 37 years of age Don took over the running of
“Brookfield” so that his dad could retire. It was also this year
that Don was awarded his first MBE for his work serving on
the Taroom Shire Council ...
Don’s life in the 1970s remained centred around the Taroom
District. His flying became more gliding orientated and his
reputation among his peers as a gliding instructor grew. At
home his busy schedule at “Brookfield” continued along with
his interest in attending many field, pasture improvement and
cattle-breeding days. By the late 1970s he had moved his
gliding interests back to Kingaroy where he later became their
Chief Flying Instructor.
In 1979 and for Don, after 51 years of living at “Brookfield”,
the Scott family decided it was time to sell and move to
Brisbane. Don settled in St Lucia where he lived and cared for
his ageing mother & father while pursuing what had become
his major interest – teaching kids to fly ...
And I, like many here today, am thankful that he did!!
47
Extract Of 2011 Financials
Complete financials can be viewed on the TSS Old Boys website,
by logging onto www.tssoldboys.com.au
48
49
50
Financials
continued from page 50.
51
What if you could make a permanent
difference to our mission?
“My parents made substantial sacrifices to send me to
TSS in the early 1970s. I have always appreciated their
decision and I know that I personally gained so much from
my time at the School – both in the classroom and away
from it. I believe that it is particularly important to give
back to the School and its future students in a personal
manner; beyond the fees paid by my parents at the
time. I hope that the bequest to TSS in my Will can help
other young men get the experience of a fine, all-round
education to prepare them for a productive, honourable
future and a fine life.”
Dr Leighton Cochran (Wal 72-75)
You can...
For more information about how you can leave a bequest to the School or the OSA, please
contact:
TSS Foundation Office
OSA Office
Phone: (07) 5531 9841 Email: bequests@tss.qld.edu.au Phone: (07) 5531 9803
Email: osa@tss.qld.edu.au

Southportonians` Review

Transcription

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