Marist Brothers Darlinghurst Old Boys Union

Blue & Blue - June 2006

Welcome to the second edition of your B & B for 2006.
From the executive:

The executive met in March to set the diary for 2006 and discuss other matters. At that point the membership renewals were slowly coming in and around 50% had renewed for 2006.
We agreed on some Marist causes to support in 2006 and this will be put to the members at the AGM held in conjunction with the Annual Dinner.
The executive has agreed a long term aim for a very special function celebrating the centenary of the opening of the school on the Darlinghurst site. This will be in July 2011. The purpose of deciding this now is so that we can accumulate a small reserve of funds over the next few years to pay for expenses such as airfares for former Marist teachers and other religious attending from intra/interstate, costs of official guests at any function, etc. This may well be the swansong for the OBU.
Prior to the high school opening on the Monday, a grand procession was held in Darley St. led by the Archbishop of Sydney. Should we attempt to re-enact that event in some way? Anyone with thoughts on what form such a celebration should take could please send them in to the executive via Secretary, Larry.

Membership Subscriptions – Anyone who has not yet renewed for 2006, please complete the attached form and send it back to Larry.

Annual Luncheon – This function will be held on Thursday, July 6th 2006. If you wish to attend please fill in the attached form and return it with your cheque to our PO Box. The lunch will be held in the City Tattersalls Club, 196-204 Pitt St. Names of attendees will be held at the front entrance for sign in purposes. The lunch will be in the Esperanto Room on the 1st floor on the club. Take the lift as directed. Time is 1200 for 1230. As is our custom, old boy religious or former teachers are our honoured guests but we do ask that you send back the form so we know you are coming.

Annual Mass & Dinner – mark your diary now. This function will be held on Thursday, Nov 2nd 2006. Details later in the year.

From the Editor:

Philip Dorrian (‘27), perhaps our oldest surviving old boy at 97 years of age, writes regularly and tells of his time in the ‘20s. He remembers Br Volinda who was class master for the 1925 student intake which was also Phil’s first year at Darlo. Mons Marley mentioned Br Volinda in a previous B&B and said Br Volinda was still teaching in the ‘40s. Phil wonders how many of the Brothers of his era continued on for so many years. Those he remembers include Brs Stanislaus, Ambrose, Dennis, Albertus Loyola, Narius and Stephen. Perhaps Br Michael at St Josephs can help?
While on our older members, John Alderson (LC ’33) tells us he is in his 90th year and sends his best wishes to any classmates. He still has fond memories of Darlo.

Blue & Blue – June 2006 (cont)

Gordon Fetterplace (LC ’50) writes of his having sent his 7 boys! to St Gregory’s which he rates a fine Marist College. He celebrated 50 years marriage to wife Barbara last Feb with a Mass at home and afterwards had a great weekend with all the original bridal party (including groomsman old boy Des Donovan and his wife Pat) as well as their 10 children and 23 grandchildren. What a fantastic family occasion. Well done Gordon and Barbara.
Gordon also gives a plug for the Wests Tigers as he is still serving on the board of Wests Leagues Campbelltown.
Bill Halcro (LC ’49) reminds us of the Golden Jubilee in July of old boy priest Fr Pat McAuliffe, the very popular PP at Cabramatta. He tells us Fr Pat entered the Seminary in 1948 after his Intermediate year in 1947. Pat was an entertaining fullback who could kick with either foot. Bill played with Pat in the premiership winning 2nd 13 in 1947. Bill says all of that time would share unusual memories of Jack Radford who was the elocution teacher at Darlo then. We all join in wishing Fr Pat the very best for the future.
This reminds me that our list of old boys who are members of religious orders is incomplete (Fr Pat is not on it and Fr John Worthington is another). Any suggestions as to how we can identify and get in contact with everyone of them?
Joe Hall (’36) sadly writes of the passing of his brothers Frank last August and Ted a few months later. Frank survived his wife Emily May Jean by just 13 days. Emily was the sister of Maurice Coates who was a classmate of Joe’s. Joe, the last of the five Hall brothers, still attends St Joesephs football and cricket matches and is an active member of Eastwood Rugby Club and Vice-President of Balmain Cricket Club.
Phil Findlay (LC ’61) says he completed 40 years with the NSW Police in 2001 and retired soon after. He is seeking part-time work and in the meantime is keeping busy with numerous sporting interests involving physical training.
Reg Richardson (LC ’53) sends us some interesting news. He has for the past few years been working in a voluntary capacity as a fundraiser for a number of institutions including the Mater hospital at North Sydney and the Sisters of Mercy. He enclosed a newspaper article about a friend and former workmate he encouraged to donate to the Mater Melanoma Research unit. Reg originally approached his mate, Greg Poche, a successful former freight company owner, to donate $20,000 to the Mater but Greg said he would only do so if he could “make a difference”. The story goes on to describe how Greg became more involved and his donation became a staggering $32.5 million. Greg has since encouraged many other wealthy Australians to donate to charitable causes. Well done Reg and Greg!
Kyran O’Donnell (IC ’52) writes with some helpful suggestions about the booking of tables at our Annual Dinner. He also says he often sees Len Owen (IC ’38) of Dalmeny, who is a spritely 84 and intends coming to this year’s dinner. Len was a good sportsman who played alongside Don Dudgeon and both saw the emergence of the famous old boy, Ray Lindwall.
Kyran also says his brother Bill is trying to round up classmates of the LC ’46 for a reunion at the dinner. He would welcome any contact with those interested (9797 6947).
Mark Trainor sends news of the passing of another notable old boy, Len Smith. Some may remember Len was a sensational omission from the Kangaroo tour of 1952. Classmates may be able to pass us stories of their time with Len for inclusion in a future B&B.

That’s it for this issue. Please keep the news coming in.

Warren Thomas
President