Marist Brothers Darlinghurst Old Boys Union

Blue & Blue - May 2007

Welcome to the second edition of your B & B for 2007.
From the executive:

We have had contact with Rhonda Boyd whose brother, John, attended Darlo in the late 40s. She is trying to compile a complete list of all Darlo boys who served in WW2. This list will be incorporated into a memorial at Marist College Pearce in their memory. Anyone with information can send her an e-mail at arthurboyd@optusnet.com.au or give Larry a call so he can pass it on.

The above enquiry led us to ask Br John Thompson, Provincial, about the custodian of the Darlo records at St Joseph’s College. You may recall that Br Michael Naughtin was in charge of this archive until ill-health intervened. Br John has informed us that Br Brian Etherington is now in charge of the archive - contact btetherington@yahoo.com.au or phone 0418 223 002.

Membership Subscriptions – now due for 2007. Please complete the attached form and send it back to Larry.

Annual Luncheon – book now. This function will be held on Thursday, July 5th, 2007. Details are on the enclosed booking form. Last year we changed venue to City Tattersals Club to enjoy ‘fine dining’ in the Esperanto Room. Although a little more expensive, I know those who attended last year will attest to the quality and ambience of the experience. The OBU Luncheon is becoming increasingly popular so I would encourage your attendance, if only to try it for the first time. In time it is likely this will replace the Annual Dinner.

Annual Mass & Dinner – mark your diary now. This function will be held on Thursday, Nov 8th 2007. Details later in the year.

From the members:

Warren Eggins (LC 55) met Roger Constable (LC 56) at St Vincent’s hospital not long back. Roger had been in the Priesthood, became a parole officer, a social worker and is now a senior patient care officer at that hospital. Roger supervised the on-going care of Warren’s mother, Barbara, who is 92 years old. Roger remembers Reg Scott, John Chippendale, Dominic Alfano, Les Woodley, John Pass, Ron Vicary (deceased), Dennis Ryan, Kevin Rialo and Brian Berkery.

I suggest some of the above mentioned old boy members contact Roger and invite him to join us at the lunch or dinner this year as most of the former students he remembers are regular attendees at our functions. That’s how we will keep the OBU alive with some new blood.

Blue & Blue – May 2007 (cont)

From the members (cont):

The 75th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge brought back memories of its construction for John Alderson who observed the action from Darlo classrooms. John happily tells us he is 90 not out. Well done John!

That reminded me of watching the rise of the Australia Square building when in 5th year and a few years later having a send off lunch with my wife in the revolving restaurant on the day I departed for Vietnam in 1968.

John Chippendale tells us that sadly, John Madden (LC 47) passed away earlier this year after a long battle with asbestosis. John and Tony Minogue represented the OBU at the funeral at St Anthony’s, Marsfield.

Pat McMaugh informs us that John Madden’s death was noted in the SMH by journalist, Greg Growden. John was a stalwart of Eastwood Rugby Union Club. John’s brother, Fielding (Fil), died last year.

Ron Yates AM writes saying he is still active in the aviation industry as Vice President, Australasia, for the International Federation of Airworthiness, UK and the Flight Safety Foundation, Was, DC.

Henry Tregillas (LC 46) sends us greetings from the frozen north in Vancouver, Canada. Through the OBU he was able to catch up with an old school mate of 60 years ago, Frank O’Connor, when Harry was last in Sydney. They had a great lunch and talked of old times and some of what has happened to them in the years that have passed.

Don McCallum tells us of his cousin, Bill McMaugh’s 80th birthday party at Bobbin Head last year. There were a large number of family and friends present, including his brothers, Fr Pat and Peter. A highlight was a gracious speech Bill made.

I attended a similar 70th bash for Br Greg Moran in the grounds of Marcellin College, Randwick late last year. We both realised he was 19 when he taught us in 3rd class at Darlo in ’56.

Bernard York has recently retired from the Dept of Education and Training and is looking forward to enjoying the adventures of other old boys he has read about in the B&B. He will be at the Dinner this year and hopes to catch up with mates from the 63-64 classes.

Gerard Donovan (LC 56) is still working for his law firm in the city and in his spare time is also running the men’s comp for the Eastern Suburbs Tennis Association. He was recognized for his efforts over the years by being made Life Member in 2006.

That’s it for now – keep the news coming in. See you at the lunch in July.

Warren Thomas
President

*** A reminder from our Secretary, Larry, that if you have not already done so, would you please make sure we have your current e-mail address.