Marist Brothers High School Darlinghurst
Blue & Blue
1st. November, 2014
Gentlemen,
Welcome to the November edition of the B&B and the last chance to book
for the OBU luncheon on Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 to be
held at the Rugby Club. Joining us fresh from the banks of the Amazon at
Iquitos, Peru, will be Fr. John Anderson [LC ’63]. We also
welcome Mrs. Ronda Boyd, who is responsible for the compilation of names
on the MBHS Darlinghurst WW2 Memorial which
is now residing at Marist College Canberra.
Ronda writes of her brother, Norm Timbrell who has a place of
honour on the Darlo Memorial, “I still remember most of the words of the
school song which my brother used to sing around the house. The
problem was that he was tone deaf!”
We will be marking the centenary year of the outbreak of WW1 at the
luncheon, acknowledging 1000 Australian & New Zealand troops who set
sail from Albany, W.A. for Gallipoli on October 30th. 1914. [WWW1
Memorial]
The 10.30am Mass at St. Patricks, Church Hill
will precede the luncheon. The Class of 1964 are still celebrating their
half-century since leaving Darlo.
The practice of fence-sitting, waiting to see who is attending before
committing to the luncheon, is not only developing into a common
practice but has developed into a fine art form. This results in
subsequent advices of deep regrets with Old Boys advising that they
would have come, had they known that so-and-so was coming because we
don’t have resources to continually update the Attendee List.
Last-minute flurry of registrations puts considerable strains on those
at the OBU who are organising these occasions. Instead of posting
confirmed attendees for each current reunion, we’re posting a list of
those who one might expect to see, many of whom attend regularly, who
have attended the 2013 and 2014 luncheons.
Attendee List
At our last OBU luncheon, lively debate was
sparked with a proposal by John Barclay [LC ’64] to reintroduce
subscription fees for membership. The question was resolved in the
negative after Tony Smith [LC ’64] speaking against it, offered
to pay the fees for all 311 members. Obviously the insurance business is
booming and anybody seeking some should contact Tony. It was resolved
that we’d continue to rely on revenue from the luncheon and donations
for OBU expenses. (Hint!)
A contingent of Old Boys attended the foundation lunch at Marist College
Canberra last month where we were received by the Principal, Richard
Sidorko and subsequently well escorted by the Captain and Vice Captain
through the school and down the MBHS Darlinghurst Hall of Remembrance.
It is an emotionally stirring experience and one well recommended. AT
the luncheon, the Director of the Australian War Memorial, the Hon.
Brendan Nelson speaking as special guest,
gave an impassioned tribute to those who served for Australia during the
wars with special reference to those from our school. It was most
poignant, this being the centenary year of the outbreak of WW1. The
occasion was well attended and immensely enjoyable.
Arrivals:
Bill Duncan [LC ’64]
is a
grandfather for the first time welcoming Lachlan Sidney Duncan on
16-10-2014. Lachlan’s arrival naturally enough took precedence over
Bill’s attendance at the
Marist College Canberra Foundation Lunch on 17 October,
which was also a memorable occasion.
The Br John Murphy perpetual trophy for
the highest achiever in Yr 11 at Marist Canberra will be presented later
in the year, being 10 years since it was first presented in 2004. This
is a wonderful reminder of Darlo and Br John. Br. John’s brother, Br.
Paul Murphy, has returned from his overseas sojourn and is back in
the saddle in Sydney, continuing to assist disadvantaged children in the
Philippines.
Lost contact:
Thanks to Anne Chippendale & Kyran
O’Donnell [LC ’52], writing in response to the “missing” Old Boys,
we are back in contact with Paul Bernasconi [LC ’51]. Anne writes
that her husband, John who passed away last year, and Paul, had a very
special friendship.
“Paul was a very long time & special friend of John; they grew up
together at Neutral Bay & went to school together from kindergarten
onwards. In the last 2weeks of John's life Paul visited him in hospital
almost every day & sat with John quietly just for a short time of each
day. ‘A very special time for them both & a very special friend.”
Paul advises that he’ll be overseas this month and regretfully unable to
attend the luncheon.
Grahame Turner [LC ’62]
helped us contact Colin Jenkins [LC ’62]. “I have not moved, but
since retiring recently I have cancelled my PO Box, hence the returned
mail.” Grahame joined us for a meeting of the OBU Exec at Malabar RSL
recently.
Thanks to those writing in response to the B&B Lost Contact section, we
were able to locate 3 of the 3 Old Boys mentioned.
If you’ve lost contact with old mates, feel free to email with an advice
and through the B&B, the OBU may be able to help you locate them.
Sports:
In the classis Souths vs Manly Rugby League
game, early Sept, when Souths beat Manly, Ray Warren mentioned an old
South Sydney player, Les Brennan [LC ’47]. Apparently Les was one
of 2 players who scored 3 tries in his debut for Souths. Les left Darlo
in 1947, where he was an outstanding winger for the A Grade side.
Vale
John Fitzpatrick [LC ’51]
As with many families, sibling followed sibling into the hallowed halls
of MBHS Darlinghurst. Brian Fitzpatrick [LC ‘50] writes to advise of the
passing of his brother, John, at the Netherby nursing home in Wahroonga.
Vale
Tom Akhurst (LC ’58).
Bill Akhurst advises, “Sadly I write to tell you that my brother Tom
succumbed to cancer on 24 August 2014, the day before his 73rd birthday.
He had been ill since late in 2013 but treatment had slowed the advance
of the disease until rather recently. Right to the end he was able to
be nursed at his Beacon Hill home: he died surrounded by his children
and grandchildren. His funeral was held at St John's Church at
Narraweena.
Tom was the second of the five Akhurst boys who
were schooled at MBHSD through the 1950's and '60's. The love of sport
which he developed at Darlinghurst lasted throughout his lifetime, to be
passed on to his children and much-loved grandchildren.”
Vale
Gary Stanmore [LC ’64].
Life-time friend, Frank Restuccia [LC’64] advised of Gary’s passing
after Gary had been struggling valiantly following a heart attack and a
stroke months earlier. The Chapel at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium and
also the side hall were both overflowing into the multitude outside who
could only hear the service.
Vale
Tom Mullins [LC ’47].
Kyran O’Donnell advises that the SMH reported the recent passing of Tom.
As a very tall man, he was a member of the 1st XIII, MCC Premiers in
1947 and later went on to pursue a career in the USA in Marine Science.
His older brother, Peter, was an Olympian in the decathlon at the London
Olympics, in 1948.
Vale
Walter Bruce McGinnity [LC ’45].
Fr. Ian T McGinnity, Parish Priest North Rocks, advises, “I sadly write
to inform you that Dad, Walter Bruce McGinnity (known as Bruce) passed
away on 29 September 2014 after 14 years with Alzheimer's. Dad did his
leaving certificate I think around 1945. Dad worked in the Commonwealth
bank for most of his working life. There may be some from his year still
surviving! You may like to inform them if possible and to request their
prayers for Dad.”
Beyond Blue
continues to provide support for anxiety and depression, providing
resources for recovery, management and resilience.
www.beyondblue.org.au
Gerald Donovan (LC’58)
advises that he has “been in and out of Royal North Shore several times
over the last six months or so but am on the mend now.” Gerald sends his
apologies for being unable to attend the reunion.
Best wishes from all at the OBU for a speedy
recovery, Gerald.
Humour:
Peter Clarke
[HSC’68]
sends the quote of the month: "POLITICIANS AND NAPPIES SHOULD BE CHANGED
OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON".
Remember to get your booking in for the reunion of Nov. 18th.
Simply contact Bill Halcro, OBU Secretary, 20 Paterson St, Matraville
2036 (Tel 9661-7710) or email
darlo@6mins.com
Servo fidem,
Kym Derriman
Marist Brothers Darlinghurst Old Boys’ Union
*LC Year refers to those who sat the LC or HSC in that year and also to their classmates who left school in earlier years.
President, OBU
Kym Derriman
9311 3344
Vice President
Tony Morrissey
9311 4598
Secretary/Treasurer
Bill Halcro
9661 7710
Marist Executive
Br. Paul Murphy
0449 640540
Social Media Portfolio
Tim Martin
Sports Portfolio
Jay Robertson
All mail to:
The Secretary,
MBHSD_OBU
20 Paterson St
Matraville 2036
eMail:
Old Boys' Union
Old Boys' Union
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