Newsletter - January 2009

16/1/2009

January newsletter –

Five Year Reunions

* From this year, the Foundation will host a series of Leavers’ Reunions – based on a five year cycle.

The ‘leavers’ Reunion season’ will run from mid-April to mid-June each year with the inaugural assemblies this year featuring gatherings for those who left school in 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974 and 1969.

These will range from a casual get-together in a bar, through to cocktail functions and fully catered sit-down meals. The dates are all but settled and will be made known in the next few weeks.

The rationale behind having leavers’ Reunions is to enable those wishing to celebrate anniversaries of their start years – as in this year’s 50th Reunion of the 1959 intake – to continue that very fine tradition.

Registrations for 2013

* As noted last month, Otago Boys’ will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding in August 2013 – and almost 100 registrations for the sesquicentennial Reunion have already been received.

If you wish to note your interest in being involved, please do so through an email to the Foundation (info@obhsfoundation.co.nz) or a telephone call (+64 3/4778977), the message to include your full name and years of attendance.

A refundable registration fee of $100 will be levied in the next few months to assist with some of the costs associated with the early stages of the organisation.

The Lion Foundation Arena at the Edgar Centre has been pencil-booked for the Reunion dinners – it’s likely there’ll be one major dinner and a series of decade dinners – with this venue the only current Dunedin facility able to cater for the anticipated 1,500-plus crowd; planning has begun on the production of a 150th book and register of all boys (1863-2013); and the official programme will take shape over the next few months.

Reunions for the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s

* Following the success of last November’s gathering of Old Boys who attended Otago Boys’ in the 1920s, the Foundation will host a Reunion for the alumni from the 1930s later this year –around the middle of November.

A similar programme for the Old Boys from the 1940s will be staged next year and a gathering of the pupils of 1950 to 1954 is planned for 2011.

The 1955 intake gathered for a 50th Reunion in 2005 with subsequent years following on with Jubilee get-togethers – but those who attended prior to ’55 have largely been ignored. The Foundation intends to remedy that situation by giving all Old Boys the chance to reconnect with their alma mater and their old mates.

1959 50th Reunion

* Labour Weekend (23rd – 26th October) this year has been set as the date for the 50th Reunion of the intake of 1959.

The proposed programme is –

Friday evening Unofficial get-together

Saturday morning Registration

Official welcome

Photographs

Saturday afternoon Lunch

Museum display

Saturday evening Drinks and official dinner

Sunday Rail trip to Middlemarch on the Taieri Gorge express

Those wishing to attend this Reunion, who haven’t yet registered, should make contact with Ian Horrax at +64 3 4438567 or info@riversongwanaka.co.nz

Tracking Old Boys

* Thank you to all those who have continued to assist with contact details for ‘lost’ Old Boys in recent weeks.

With the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations now under five years away tracking the whereabouts of all living 17,000 alumni is high priority and any contact information you have for those not on our newsletter database would be welcome.

The following boys have slipped off our postal list in the last couple of months. If you know where they now reside, or have any point of contact for them, please let me know:

Howard Mumford (1962-64). Was in Auckland

Bryan McCormack (1982-86). Was in Papakura

Ken Stewart (1966-70). Was in Ohaka, Canterbury

Stephen Coombes (1978-81). Was in Dunedin

John Sligo (1958-52). Was in Sydney

Geoff Asher (1962-65). Was in Melbourne.

Rhys Jones (1999). Was in Wales.

Brayden Hill (2002-05). Was in Central Otago.

Andrew Chang (2005). Was in Dunedin.

Paul Culbert (1986-89). Was in the United States.

Blair Watson (1995-99). Was in London.

John Starkey (1966-69). Was in Wellington.

Dave Jeffery (1987-91). Was in Dunedin.

Foundation members

* Since the December newsletter, the following Old Boys and connections with the school have made pledges or donations and have been registered as Members of the Foundation –

Rodney Eastgate (1929-32) – Old Boys’ life membership

Donation rebate benefits

* A gentle reminder of the new donation rebates now operating in New Zealand …

Those who have made a donation in the current financial year (1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009) will receive a full third in rebate when their tax returns are completed, no matter the amount they donated.

Previously the maximum amount an individual or business could claim was $630 (representing a third of $1,890). Anything above that amount on an annual basis resulted in no additional rebate for the benefactor. That has now changed and a significant number of Foundation members will benefit from the returns they receive as from April this year.

The Foundation is indebted to their generosity and foresight.

Those contemplating making a donation in the current financial year will also benefit immediately with all gifts made up to 31st March qualifying for the rebate – as will those who support the Foundation and its vision in the years ahead.

Congratulations

* Colonel Brendon Fraher (1965-70) was awarded the MNZM for his operational service to the New Zealand Army and Defence Force in the latest New Year’s Honours.

Col Fraher served as the Commander of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the remote Bamyan Province, Afghanistan from October 2007 until April 2008 where he was primarily responsible for the command and leadership of the 111-strong New Zealand Defence Force staff.

While he has lived in Wanaka for the past five years but has often been based in Afghanistan on operations since 2003.

Col Fraher said his award was unexpected and he paid tribute to the hard work of those he had served with during his time in Afghanistan.

‘‘New Zealanders should be very proud of the achievements of these people and the sacrifices made by them and their family members on behalf of our country.’’

He grew up in Halfway Bush and was head prefect at Otago Boys’ in 1970. After leaving school, Col Fraher joined the New Zealand Army as an officer cadet and graduated in 1974 from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Australia, where he was awarded the Sword of Honour for finishing first in his class.

Col Fraher has served his country all over the world, including stints in Singapore, Britain, and New York, where he was a military adviser to New Zealand’s United Nations diplomatic staff. He developed a close relationship with the local Hasari people in Bamyan, Afghanistan, and oversaw more than 100 community and construction projects.

Col Fraher’s honours citation said he had exercised calm and decisive control during multiple incidents, such as a rocket attack close to the NZDF Bamyan base, two soldiers accidentally shot while on patrol, and a helicopter crash involving six contingent members.

School news

* When Bryce Morgan (2004-08) enrolled at Otago Boys’ High School in 2004 he told rector Clive Rennie that his ambition was to run for New Zealand.

He achieved the first step of his goal in Hamilton last month when he was named in the New Zealand secondary schools track and field championship team after finishing a close runner-up in the senior boys 3,000 metres at the national secondary school track and field championships in Hamilton.

His time of 8 minutes 37.71 seconds was five seconds faster than his previous best.

The Rector indicated at the time that most first-year pupils he interviewed wanted to become All Blacks or play cricket for New Zealand.

Bryce is one of only two Otago athletes named in the team with his selection a fine reward for the effort he has put into his training in the last few months, much of it spent on the sand hills at Sandfly Bay, hill work on the Arthurs Walk steps, speed work in the Dunedin Botanic Garden and time trials on the Geoff Williamson super course at Ross Creek.

‘‘It’s the most training I’ve ever done and it has paid off,’’ he said

He took the lead at the bell and completed the last lap in a fast 62sec, being caught by Harry Dixon (Nayland College, Nelson) with just 50 metres of the race to run.

In reducing his 3 kilometre time by 14 seconds this season, Bryce is closing in on Blair Martin’s Otago 3,000 metre record of 8min 34.67sec for a 17-year-old. He has until April to break that mark.

Bryce headed up a successful Otago Boys’ presence at the nationals with several other strong performances.

* Matthew Aitken (2006- ), competing in the athletes with disabilities division (AWD), at last month’s national secondary school track and field championships won three titles along with taking a second and a third placing.

Matthew’s win in the discus was a New Zealand record and he was a few centimetres short of the national shot put record. His third title was in the 200 metres.

* Sprinters Todd Johnston (2005- ) and Toby Flett (2006- ) finished second in the senior boys’ 100 metres and second in the senior boys’ 200 metres respectively at the championships.

* The school also entered two senior 4 x 100 metre relay teams for the first time ever with the selections qualifying 1st and 3rd fastest. The ‘A’ team was 0.3 second off the New Zealand senior boys’ record with a time of 42.82 seconds. This is the fastest time recorded by an aged 16 team in schoolboy history in this country.

However, in the final the team was narrowly beaten into second place by Auckland Grammar and the ‘B’ side came home in fourth place – a remarkable effort considering the line up of top athletic schools behind them.

Just a few minutes later the senior 4 x 400 metre relay was pipped for gold just 20 metres from the tape to complete a very fine campaign.

* Several boys and teams from the school have been named in the Otago Daily Times’ secondary schools’ honours board for 2008..

Knowledgeable basketball fans believe Morgan Nathan (2004-08) is the most talented homegrown basketball player Otago has produced since Mark Dickel made his Nuggets debut aged 16 in the early 1990s.

Morgan has been a member of the Junior Tall Blacks for two years, and played for them at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany earlier this year. He was also named in an extended squad to prepare for the world under-19 championships in Auckland in July.

Along with Sam King (2006-), Hayden Miller (2004-08) and Tom Rowe (2004-08), Morgan led Otago Boys to a 31-1 record in 2008. The school won the South Island schools title and was fifth at the national schools tournament.

Nick Ross (2004-08), Blair Tarrant (2004-08) and Hugo Inglis (2007-08) are members of the first hockey XI that shocked many by finishing second in the Rankin Cup, the elite schoolboys competition. Otago Boys’ only earned promotion last year by winning the second-tier India Shield. Nick, Blair and Hugo were also part of the Otago under-18 side that reached the national age grade final. All three were also Junior Black Sticks.

Named in the next 10 have been Matthew Glassford (2004-08, swimming) and Bryce Morgan (2004-2008, athletics) while included in the ‘Best of the Rest’ are Kane Russell (2006-), William Scorgie (2006-) and Todd Johnston (2005-, athletics); Hayden Miller (2004-08), Tom Rowe (2004-08) and Sam King (2006-, basketball); Joe Latta (2005-) and Robert Mears (2006-, rowing); Ben Watts (2007-, softball); Adam Simpson (2005-, swimming); while included in the ‘teams that shone’ section are the school’s junior sprint squad of Todd Johnston (2005-), Toby Flett (2006-), Dillon Todd (2006-) and Kane Russell (2006-) which set a New Zealand junior record in the 4 x 100 metre relay, and the First hockey XI which finished second at the elite Rankin Cup.

Annual Foundation golf tournament

* Old Boys and connections wishing to play in the Foundation’s fourth annual Golf Classic – to be staged at the St Clair course in Dunedin on Friday, 20th March – are invited to register their interest by contacting the Foundation office (03/4778977, info@obhsfoundation.co.nz).

Fees are the same as for last year’s tournament - $140 for teams of four and $35 for individual players.

Annual Old Boys’ vs School Sports Day

* The annual Old Boys vs School Sports Day – featuring golf, tennis and cricket – will be contested in early to mid-February.

While no final date has yet been set, Old Boys wishing to be involved are invited to contact Old Boys’ Society President Norcombe Barker – nork@larnachcastle.co.nz

Old Boys in the news

* Policing resources in the Upper Clutha are rising with the creation of a new Wanaka sub-area, the appointment of a new commanding officer, and a community policing team of four staff in the pipeline.

Senior Sergeant Alan Grindell (1971-75) will transfer from Dunedin Central to take up the new position of Wanaka sub-area supervisor from January 27.

Southern District commander Superintendent Bob Burns said Snr Sgt Grindell would bring a wealth of experience to the position and was well-suited to lead the Wanaka sub-area through a period of rapid growth.

Alan joined the police in 1976 and has worked in Dunedin and Wellington Central. He has been tactical coordinator in Dunedin Central for the past four years and has worked regularly in Wanaka during the busy Christmas and New Year holiday period.

* Dunedin accountant Stuart McLauchlan (1971-75) has been elected pro-chancellor of the University of Otago council.

The pro-chancellor is the deputy chairman of the council, chairing meetings, hosting functions and leading ceremonial occasions when the chancellor is away.

Stuart’s election follows a shuffle in the council’s senior positions which takes effect from January. Long serving chancellor Lindsay Brown is retiring, and pro-chancellor John Ward will become chancellor.

A managing partner of the chartered accountancy firm, G S McLauchlan and Co along with father Gordon McLauchlan (1941-42) and brother Graeme McLauchlan (1981-85), Stuart has been a member of the university council since 2004. He holds a BCom degree from the University of Otago and is a member of the Institute of Directors, as well as chairing or serving on the boards of nine companies and trusts.

* A fine voice plus a sense of adventure have equated to a position at one of the world’s top 10 cathedral choirs for a Dunedin maths teacher.

Queen’s High School head of mathematics Karl Read (1988-92) has been accepted as a lay clerk for the Ely Cathedral Boys Choir in England.

The choir has been part of the English choral tradition since the mid 16th century, and in terms of monastic heritage, its history can be traced back to the time of King Canute in the 11th century.

It consists of 22 boy sopranos and six adult lay clerks who were paid to sing the lower alto, tenor and bass parts. As a counter tenor, he would sing alto parts.

‘‘It has always been an ambition to do the lay clerk thing in England. It’s nice to be paid for doing something you love,’’ he said.

Karl would perform with the choir five or six nights a week, as well as at the usual Sunday services. Alongside daily rehearsals and performances, the choir was in demand for radio and television broadcasts, recordings, concerts and tours.

Despite the hectic schedule, it was not a full-time job, he said. He would continue to teach maths, along with his wife Rebekah Mellor-Read, at the Soham Village College, which made headlines in 2002 when the school’s caretaker, Ian Huntley, was convicted of murdering 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Karl has been a chorister since he was a boy and had been a member of the University of Otago Capping Sextet, the National Youth Choir and Voices NZ (the New Zealand chamber choir). He is also a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir in Dunedin.

He auditioned for the Ely Cathedral Boys Choir in May because he had taught at Queen’s for eight years and felt it was time for change.

‘‘It’s time for an adventure. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m going to live the dream.’’

Karl is the fourth member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir to become a member of the Ely Cathedral Boys Choir, the previous three all being Old Boys - Peter de Blois (1980-84), Tony Sandle (1980-83) and Nick Madden (1995-99).

* Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin (1954-58) says he feels vindicated after ending 12 years as chairman of the Chinese Garden Trust.

Peter stepped down at the trust’s annual meeting in Dunedin last month and was replaced by fellow founding trust member and secretary/treasurer Malcolm Wong (1972-76), also of Dunedin.

The garden idea was conceived more than 12 years ago by Dunedin Chinese community members with the trust formed in 1997 with Peter as chairman. He led the effort to get the garden built, and said he was ‘‘exceedingly proud’’ to see it finished after years of criticism.

‘‘I think that despite all the very negative criticism over the years we have persisted, and we have now got a garden here that I and the trust are hugely proud of, and it looks like the whole community is hugely proud.’’

The garden and the trust have received a steady stream of community awards since opening on July 8, the most recent being the Not for Profit category at the Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards last month.

Income from ticket sales, merchandising, food and tours reached $122,000 in the garden’s first 53 days — more than double the $1000 expected per day.

Peter said he ranked the garden as his ‘‘No 1’’ achievement in public life, but had decided to step aside to allow for ‘‘renewal’’ within the trust. He said he was determined to remain involved ‘‘as long as I feel I’m fulfilling a purpose’’.

Malcolm Wong, the new chairman, paid tribute to Mr Chin’s contribution, saying his ‘‘statesmanship, general leadership and standing in the community’’ had helped see the project to fruition.

‘‘Whilst we have all shared in terms of the glory of the garden and its success, Peter is the one who has borne the lion’s share of the unfounded criticism it has had in the past,” Malcolm said.

He was looking forward to his new role and said there was much to be done — including a book and DVD telling the story behind Dunedin’s garden and the city’s Chinese links

* At a time when the global economy is slowing, yachting may be just the thing to put some wind back in the sails of the New Zealand economy, Emirates Team New Zealand chief executive Ross Blackman (1967-71) says.

Ross was back in Dunedin over Christmas visiting his father Gainor (1937) and oozed enthusiasm about the year ahead for Team New Zealand.

The ‘‘hiatus’’ in the America’s Cup created by court proceedings about where and when the next event will be held has caused many yachting fans to lose interest in the sport. However, Ross hoped the new Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, to be raced in Waitemata Harbour from January 31 to February 14 would not only ‘‘ramp up interest’’ in the sport, but bring money to New Zealand.

‘‘There is no question that it will bring an injection of money to the New Zealand economy. It will have quite an impact on New Zealand. How much? I don’t know.’’

Twelve teams will compete. Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle would each provide two boats for the 10 other America’s Cup teams to race. He described the event as a ‘‘summer festival’’ with entertainment which would draw media and yachting fans from New Zealand and abroad.

‘‘It’s a fill-in while the America’s Cup is getting sorted out.’’

Ross campaigned for eight years to win the America’s Cup for New Zealand and continues to lead the team in its bid to regain yachting’s most prestigious prize.

He developed a love for sailing while living in Dunedin, later trained as a sail maker and ultimately established a North Sails franchise with Tom Schnackenberg. He was part of the first America’s Cup challenge when Schnackenberg asked him to join Sir Michael Fay’s team as sail loft manager, was part of the 1992 New Zealand America’s Cup Challenge as business manager and was one of the three founding managers of Team New Zealand’s successful 1995 campaign.

Since July last year, Ross has been on ‘‘sabbatical’’ from America’s Cup duties and has been sailing around the Mediterranean, North Africa and Turkey with his wife, Jo.

Shorts

* Dr Euan Kennedy (1966-70) has spent the last 30 years working as a conservation ecologist, much of it at Lincoln University.

Euan is a founding trustee of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, has been involved in research to improve knowledge of the genetic risks facing New Zealand bird species reduced to critically small population sizes, along with renowned investigation into the Otago skink and the grand skink which are two of New Zealand's rarest lizards.

The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust is the first charity in this country to support a single species and in September last year became the first New Zealand conservation trust to receive the prestigious Bird Life International Conservation Achievement Award.

* Michael Hurring (1982-86) played a major role in ensuring there wasn’t greater loss of life in Boxing Day’s jet boat crash in the Matukituki Valley.

The hip replacement surgeon, part-time deputy sheriff in New Orleans and former Otago and New Zealand basketballer, was on hand to help his sister Dunedin GP Jan Cottle attend to the surviving passengers of a jet boat which flipped near their family picnic.

The pair ran 300 metres to the crash site and then waded through waist deep water to reach the injured occupants.

Dr Paul Woods died at the scene but Mike and Dr Cottle spent the next three hours giving first aid to injured English siblings Leanne and Dave Tonney. with Michael lying for two hours in the freezing waters of the Matukituki River to comfort the injured Mr Tonney and help keep him warm. He told jokes and stories to keep the hurt man from falling asleep in the cold river.

Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter arrived about two hours after the accident to transfer the injured Tonneys to Dunedin Hospital.

Recent deaths

* We extend our condolences to the families of the following Old Boys –

Trevor David Yeoman (1956-61), died in Dunedin on 13th December 2008, aged 65.

Max (Maxwell Charles) Richdale (1944-46), died in Dunedin on 17th December 2008, aged 79. Kenneth, a retired Operations Director with the Auditor General and a keen tramper, was the son of the late Kenneth Richdale (1911-12) and the brother of the late Gordon Richdale (1935-37).

Noel Douglas Fox (1957-60), died in Dunedin on 21st December 2008, aged 64. Noel was the father of Bryan Fox (1989-93) and David Fox (1991-95) and the son of the late Douglas James Fox (1933-34).

Bruce Alexander Gunn (1968-70), died in Brisbane on 21st December 2008.

Noel Ralph Glengarry (1937-42), died in Motueka on 24th December 2008, aged 84. Noel was a retired school teacher and was the father of the late John Glengarry (1960-65). He was a member of the Port Chalmers championship winning rowing four in 1945. The following obituary has been kindly supplied by Ian Church (1955-59).

People who attended the Port Chalmers School between 1951 and 1962 will be saddened to learn of the death of former popular teacher Noel Glengarry at Motueka on Christmas Eve, 2008. Noel was 84 and had been in poor health for the last few years.

He was the second son of Henry (‘Scotty’) and Ethel Glengarry of Blackman Avenue, Sawyers Bay. His older brother Owen, known as ‘Pete’, was killed in an aircraft accident in England in September 1941. Noel attended Otago Boys’ High School from 1937 to 1942 before entering Teachers’ College. He commenced training in the Air Force but did not get overseas before the war ended. He made a name for himself rowing for the Port Chalmers Rowing Club and in 1945 was a member of the Fours who won the New Zealand Championship at Wanganui.

At Port Chalmers School Noel did much to encourage participation in music and in sport.

He was secretary of the Swimming Baths Committee which raised the funds to allow the present pool to be opened in November 1961. During the School Centennial Celebrations in 1956 he organised a dance for teenagers which led on to the setting up of the Port Chalmers Teenage Club, which organised regular dances, concerts and other activities for the youth of the day. Noel and his first wife, Anne, gave freely of their time and energy to lead these activities for some five or six years.

After he left Port Chalmers he ran a T.A.B. and motor camp in Clive, Hawkes Bay, where he coached rowing, and then moved to Ngunguru on the Northland coast and ran the T.A.B. at Hikurangi. Bridge became his main interest and he organised several trips overseas for his club members. Some years ago he made a final move to Motueka.

Sadly Noel’s only son, John, died in Hawkes Bay on 9 November 2008, aged only 61. Noel is survived by his second wife, Bet, his daughter Joan in Perth, Western Australia, her children John, Geoff and Tracey, and John’s wife Moira and daughter Joanna, who is a doctor in Auckland.

Arthur Henry Ashby (1947-48), died in Dunedin on 4th January 2009, aged 78. Arthur was the son of the late Harold Arthur Ashby (1918-19).

Alec (Henry Alexander) Sime (1938-42), died in Wanaka on 8th January 2009, aged 84. Alec was a Friend of the Foundation.

Bryan Leonard Swan (1966-69), died in Dunedin on 8th January 2009. Bryan was the father of Greg Swan (1999-2000) and Garth Swan (1999-2002) and the brother of David Swan (1963-67).

Ryan Douglas Osborne (1986-88), died in Dunedin on 10th January 2009, aged 36. Ryan was the brother of Elton Osborne (1988-92).

* We also extend our sympathies to –

Miles Rapley (1969-73) whose mother-in-law Florence Bain died in Dunedin on 11th November 2008.

Graeme Miller (1956-59) whose wife Helen died in Dunedin on 13th December 2008.

David Small (1965-69) whose brother-in-law Richard Casey died in Invercargill on 21st December 2008. Richard was the uncle of Barrie Small (1991-95) and David Small (1991-95).

Tecwyn Evans (1985-89) whose mother Bettie died in Dunedin on 23rd December 2008.

Peter Love (1956) whose father-in-law Dave Blewett died in Alexandra on 24th December 2008.

Professor John Mackie (1924-28) whose wife Susie died in Nelson on 25th December 2008. Susie was the mother of Andrew Mackie (1963-68) and the mother-in-law of Derek Bussell (1966-70).

Tim Linzey (1961-65) whose father-in-law George Pilcher died in Christchurch on 25th December 2008.

Graeme Kirk (1955-58) whose mother Christina died in Dunedin on 3rd January 2009.

Ian Duffield (1961) whose father Chris died on 3rd January 2009.

Alan Panting (1957-61) whose father-in-law Cam Moodie died in Dunedin on 3rd January 2009.

Ewen Major (1955-58) whose mother Vincente died in Mosgiel on 9th January 2009.

Bob Robertson (1940-43) whose brother-in-law Kevin O’Driscoll died in Invercargill on 9th January 2009.

Richard Hollebon (1989-93) whose grandfather Trevor Hollebon died in Dunedin on 10th January 2009.

Thomas Kardos (1986-90) whose grandfather Fred Piper died in Christchurch on 14th January 2009.

Charles McLaughlin (1957-61) whose wife Robin died in Dunedin on 15th January 2009.

Steve Davie

Chief Executive