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* Excludes Lexus, however contact the team for exclusive offers available to Knox Old Boys. Free servicing must be carried out at a McCarroll Service Centre as per servicing handbook guidelines. Valid from June 15 - Dec 31st 2014. TheWelcome to the very Clanfirst edition of the The Clan is published by Old Boys magazine The Clan. 4 OKGA. All rights reserved. For the past 85 years news of OKGA This publication may not be activities has appeared in the school reproduced or transmitted in any magazine The Knox Grammarian, and in form in whole or part without more recent years as part of the school the written permission of the publication The Thistle. And this will publisher. Liability: while every continue. However, with more than 10,000 6 care has been taken in the OKGA members, we wanted to be able preparation of this magazine, to include more news and information 2 the publishers can’t be held specifically for Old Boys around responsible for the accuracy of Australia, and indeed around the world. the information herein, or any For some time now the OKGA consequence arising from it. Any has been expanding communication artwork will be at owner’s risk. options for its members. We now have an updated Website, plus the use of 11 Publisher/Editor: Bruce Kennedy Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Skype [email protected] that has greatly increased our coverage. T: (02) 9487-0449 (D) And of course the weekly E-News keeps CONTENTS Design: Melissa Price Design Old Boys up-to-date with news of both www.melissaprice.com.au Old Boy and School events. 2 Where are they now? The Clan will be a bi-annual magazine 4 From the archives Printing: Fine Impressions published in June and November, 6 New Knox Building Pty Ltd Pymble which we hope you will find lively and 7 Respect your Elders, www.fineimpressions.com.au informative, with lots of news, articles by Bruce Elder Advertising enquiries: and photos across all age groups. But 8 Knox Chapel Organ Bruce Kennedy it is your magazine, and will only be as 10 Governor General visits Knox [email protected] good as the information and photos we 11 Chilvers & Livermore receive from members. Every Old Boy 12 Tony Pa s k ins Contributions: has a story to tell, and we hope you will 14 Ian Sinclair AC [email protected] share your experiences. I trust you enjoy 14 OKGA milestone Contact: OKGA Office our first magazine and your feedback 15 Nick Minchin P.O. Box 5008 and suggestions will be welcome. 15 Stuart Semple Lunch Wahroonga NSW 2076 15 Networking breakfast Phone: 61-2-9487-0419 Bruce Kennedy | OKGA MANAGER 16 Senior Knoxonians Email: [email protected] 17 Graduation success Website: okga.org.au 17 The 1950’s Luncheon Cover image: 17 Old Boys Pipe at Bundanoon /OKGAssociation The Hon Justice M.D. Ireland 18 ANZAC Memorial Service /OKGA_online Chairman Knox Grammar School 20 Matt Hymers okga_1 Council 1989 - 1994 20 The Rugby Lunch OKGA President 1973 -1975 21 Brothers 4 Brothers Photo: Warren Norris 21 Golf Day 22 News of Old Boys 22 Australia Day Honours 23 School calendar 23 School reunions 24 Obituaries

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 1 WHERE ARE

THEYDR. STEVE CUTLER PNOW?h D. MBA. (OKG’77)

Wallabies great Steve Cutler (OKG’77) has no him on the move. He has little connection to rugby regrets he didn’t play rugby in the professional era, these days but occasionally watches a Six Nations and is more than happy with what he achieved. game televised from the UK. In a career spanning ten years (1982-1991) Steve Not surprisingly, most of his close friends are represented Australia in 40 Tests, including the 1984 former school mates from Knox, and he keeps in Grand-Slam winning Wallabies Tour of the UK, the touch with the likes of Phil Tuck, Ian Bownes, Rich 1986 Bledisloe Cup series win in NZ, and 6 World Vaughan, Dougal Cole, Charlie Armitage, Nigel Cup games including the inaugural RWC in 1987 Hardwick & Grahame Pratt who always call to see and the 1991 squad when the Wallabies won. him if passing through New York. He catches-up Steve left Australia shortly after his rugby career with former Wallabies coach Alan Jones and many ended in 1992 and, except for a brief period, has been of his old rugby mates occasionally when they out of the country virtually ever since. It’s hard to travel to the US. imagine he is now 53 years old and based close to In November this year, there will be a 30 year New York. reunion of the 1984 Wallabies team, and Steve is He spent some years in the UK, but now lives hoping to be in for the function. At the last with his wife and two children in Short Hills, New reunion in 2012, 25 of the 30 team-mates gathered Jersey, just a 45 minute train-ride from Grand from around the world to celebrate and share the Central station in NYC. These days Steve is the close bond that exists between them. Chief Operating Officer of Icon plc, a global Steve is nostalgic about his days at Knox and provider of outsourced development services to the his time playing rugby, but doesn’t envy the current pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device players. The emphasis on training and bulking-up industries. His office is not in New York, but in a would probably have precluded him from obtaining town called North Wales, Pennsylvania, north-west a University degree and developing a business of Philadelphia. career. He recalls with some laughter being paid Icon’s Head Office is located in Dublin, Ireland, the princely sum of $30 per day when touring with and has 75 offices in 45 countries and a global staff the Wallabies and wonders how the modern-day of 10,500. Consequently, Steve travels a great deal players would survive on that. and spends a lot of time in Europe, Asia, India and the Steve said he and his family may return to USA. The last time he was in Sydney was late 2012. Australia one day, but probably not before he Steve and wife Carolyn (a Sydney girl) were retires. At that time he’d like to spend time back in married in 1990. They have two children, 20 year old Sydney every year playing golf with his OKG and Ben, who was born when they were based in Britain rugby mates. But whatever he decides he won’t and is currently a college Freshman, and 17 year old be forgotten. He may live across the world but his Emily who is in Junior High School. (equivalent to our friends and many fans will remember him with Year 11). Emily was born in Australia where Steve affection and wish him the best. and Carolyn were based for a short period in 1996. Steve Cutler may be out of sight, but is certainly Steve keeps fit playing golf and going to the gym not out of mind! two or three times a week. He also plays tennis with Carolyn, who is a very good tennis player and keeps By Bruce Kennedy

2 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 L-R: Steve’s son Ben, daughter Emily, Steve & his wife Carolyn in Sedona near the Grand Canyon November 2013

PHOTO: GEORGE HERRINGSHAW, SPORTING-HEROES.NET

Steve playing for

the Wallabies, Steve (right) & his brother Rob (OKG’80) 22 October 1988

L-R: Rob, Ben, Dan (Rob’s son) & Steve in SFO over Christmas 2013

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 3 From the

ARCHIVESCOMPILED BY JO TAIT, MODIFIED FOR THE CLAN – Courtesy of Knox Remembers 1939-1945 –

For many Old Boys, the Middle East was their first experience of active service. Devon Minchin (OKG’36) was a RAAF Kittyhawk pilot with 450 Squadron (as was A.J. Blackburn (OKG’34), who was killed in 1943). Devon tells the story of two Old Knox Boys.

4 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 Born in 1918, Harry Gregory were diving into a slit trench. That boys that lasted their lifetimes. was at Knox until 1931 when the alone earned him a DFC. Gregory died in 1992. Minchin Great Depression meant a State Minchin shot down more than farmed papaya and wrote novels in school until he had passed the a fighter-bomber’s quota of enemy South East Queensland. Minchin Intermediate Certificate. He aircraft but looks back on his mourned his old mate until his own worked in retail advertising until rescue of Sydney pilot Dick Rowe passing on 30th May 2014. 1940 when, on no. 7 course of the as his best bit of work. After a Both will be fondly remembered Empire Air Training Scheme, he dogfight, Rowe had to belly-land and greatly missed. was sent to Southern Rhodesia in the desert behind enemy lines. Photos courtesy of the Australian (now Zimbabwe) to become a pilot. Minchin landed beside him and War Memorial. Born in 1919, Devon Minchin brought him back to safety. went to Knox just as Harry Gregory Gregory and Minchin took part left. In January 1935 he became in the conquest of Sicily, then George Patterson’s first office boy spent a year as test pilots for a Devon Minchin and two years later worked his huge maintenance unit back in way to England where he joined Egypt on the Suez Canal. Shot- an advertising agency; but an down aircraft were cannibalised American company, looking for and the parts put together. The a young Australian, made him a two Old Knox Boys then flew cadet executive, sending him to the results, testing every type Ireland, America and (August 1939) of aircraft from heavy bombers to Australia. and fighters to the Tiger Moths He too joined the RAAF and they had first learned to fly in was sent to Rhodesia as a trainee Southern Rhodesia. pilot. Having been there a week, They returned to Australia in the town of Bulawayo, he was together, Minchin with malaria, interested to see another batch Gregory with a burst ear drum. of trainees arrive from Australia, It grounded him but Minchin among them was Harry Gregory. went on to the Borneo theatre, Their friendship was immediate thus ending an uninterrupted and lasted throughout the war. four year wartime partnership They flew Hurricanes and then of two Knox Kittyhawks with the Desert Air Force, notably in the great air battles preceding the battle of El Alamein. Then, with 450 Devon Minchin (left) Squadron, they helped chase the & Harry Gregory (right) Germans from Egypt all the way to Tunisia, until all of North Africa had been cleared of the enemy. Gregory’s most exciting experience was escaping from his captors at Castel Benito airfield, Tripoli. He had been shot down by ack-ack while strafing, but during an Allied bombing raid at night he kept running when all his captors THE K S S A A C A D E M Y

An artist’s impression of the new Knox Senior Students Academy showing the view walking from Warrawee Station (top) and from the KG1 Building (below). The building will be completed in early 2015. The Academy has been created to meet the specific learning needs of Year 11 and 12 students as they transition from school to the more independent world of university.

6 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 Respect your ELDERS BY BRUCE ELDER (OKG’61) Heroic Bruces I have Known

If you went to Knox in the 1950’s or unsportmanlike, if Waverley avoided the 1960’s there was a fair chance you were “bruce tackle” and scored another try at the called Bruce. It was a fine Scottish name Warrawee end of the Oval. and given the school was named after a So what happened? How did this fine famous Scottish cleric and suffused with Scottish name, acknowledging the great good, old fashioned Scottish Presbyterian Robert the Bruce and a byword for dour values, you were as likely heroism, fall out of favour? to be called Bruce at Most authorities blame Knox as you were to be the Monty Python team called Francis Xavier who, on 24 November, at Riverview. 1970, broadcast the Every class had a infamous “Bruces Bruce and they came sketch” in which every in every shape, size and member of the University talent. There were school of Wooloomooloo’s captains (Bruce Taylor Philosophy Department and Bruce Kennedy) was named “Bruce”. brilliant footballers Overnight Australian (Bruce Taafe), fine dullards were all known future headmasters as Bruce. (Bruce Carter) and, most This was compounded impressively, a boarder through the 1980s and from Hong Kong- at 1990s by Bruce becoming Gillespie if I remember synonymous with the correctly (Bruce Lee), a image of a very overtly particularly impressive boy soloist in Miss American gay guy with tight jeans and Taylor’s Glee Club (Bruce Springsteen) a lisp hustling for fun in a bar down the and a rugged and impressive CUO in the exciting end of town. Cadets with a particular prowess on the By the late 1980s it was a brave Aussie rifle range (Bruce Willis). Sorry if you don’t parent who called their male pride and joy remember those last three. (and future Knox boy) “Bruce”. In fact the school was so overladen So what are we going to do? To the with Bruces that all Dr Mackenzie had barricades! We need more Bruces. to do was walk out onto his veranda Can I suggest that all those parents, on a Saturday afternoon and shout out grandparents, and great-grandparents “Brruuucce” and a veritable football team who are expecting a new male arrival in of Bruces would rush to his lawn. that pristine swamp that is the OKGA There was a minor problem. If a Bruce gene pool, think seriously about “Bruce” was about to tackle a Waverley boy and thus … it is a name for heroes and men of prevent a try and the crowd on the bank at greatness. In 17 years time I want to see the Oval shouted out in unison “Brruuucce” an entire First XV where the crowd cry out it often sounded like “Boooooo” which “Brruuucce” in the certain knowledge that was rather disconcerting, and very they are cheering everyone in the team.

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 7 The story of the KNOX CHAPEL ORGAN BY STUART SEMPLE

8 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 Do you know that the chapel has his reputation as a builder of fine ceiling; but the church architect (for three ceilings? If I am correct, there organs in the Baroque style. He was the then Presbyterian Church) later is a story to be told. also creative and innovative, and recommended it be covered with As the chapel neared completion, before we left his workshop that day acoustic tiles. When Ronald Sharp attention turned to the matter we were hearing of other pipes (like and a sound engineer from the ABC of an organ. Like many of Welsh the trumpets on the Knox organ) saw the tiles they were aghast. Good descent, Mr. Thomas, Secretary to that could enhance the music - at recital halls have hard surfaces the Council, had a fine singing voice additional cost of course. like those in Sydney’s City Recital and loved classical music. He was It is important to understand Centre; so another wooden ceiling determined that the chapel would how pipe organs produce sound was added to the chapel roof and have an organ worthy of it. (electronic organs are entirely covering the other two. It is the one In the meantime, he searched different: their sound is electronic). seen in the chapel today. the “For Sale” columns of the Briefly, pipe organs can have One more challenge remained. newspapers for an organ than would electric action or mechanical action The organ would be placed in serve as an interim measure and for releasing air into the pipes. With the rear gallery on its southern asked if I would go with him to check electric action a key is pressed (Turramurra) side. However, the out any that seemed promising. Our and the electric contact causes afternoon sun pours through the first visit was made to Harris Park, air to be released into the pipe: a big western widow onto that site where we missed purchasing an player cannot vary the speed of the and could cause some of the pipes organ by just a few minutes. connection. However, in the case to expand and thus lower their tone: Several weeks later, a home-built of mechanical action (also called the organ would be out of tune. As organ was advertised for sale in trakker action, after the Dutch who I understand it, the organ case has Bexley and Mr. Thomas, Mr. Stuart built such baroque organs), the keys been given a heat-resistant shield the Bursar, and I went to see it. are connected directly to the valves to prevent this happening. Though a small cabinet organ, it had that let wind to the pipes.. So, Ronald Sharp went on to build a nice tone, and Knox subsequently depending on how slowly the player other organs and we should be purchased it. The organ gave some presses the key, the organ can be proud that years of service in the chapel and is, made to “breathe,” almost like a Knox has Knox Abbotsleigh Youth I believe, now at the Prep School. Its pan flute. Mechanical action is Orchestra perform in front owner had built it for his church but the choice of purists; of the Ronald Sharp organ at the Opera House the latter had acquired a new pipe and Ronald Sharp Knox Chapel Organ organ. He asked if we would like to was a purist. go and hear the new organ in his Mr. Thomas church and meet its builder. and I next went to On a later evening, the Chairman Christian Brothers’ of the Council and Mrs. Murdoch, High School in Dr. and Mrs. McKenzie and Miss Kogarah, where Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Mr. I played a single Stuart and I went to the Church keyboard organ in its of Christ in Bexley North (then on chapel and admired Illawarra Road but now a pre-school its tone. Our final centre) and there we met the organ visit was to be to builder. His name was Ronald Mr. Sharp’s largest Sharp. I played the organ and project: the choir thought its tone was breathtakingly organ in St. Mary’s beautiful. Mr. Sharp thought he Cathedral. Once could build Knox a similar organ for again, I played it and around 3,600 pounds ($7, 200!!!!!). found the organ tone The decision was not of course really beautiful. Mr. mine to make; I stress that my role Thomas later told me was very small, though I clearly that Knox gave a monetary gift to a link to all of his hoped that we might acquire an the cathedral in appreciation of the achievements. His largest work is organ like it. warm welcome we had received undoubtedly the grand organ in the On another day, we went to visit that evening. . It has 10,300 Ronald Sharp’s basement workshop So, eventually, it was to be Ronald pipes and no fewer than 2,700 of in his home at Oatley overlooking Sharp who would give Knox its them can be sounded at the same the George’s River. Entirely self- organ. But there was a problem. The time! It is the largest mechanical taught, he was seeking to make chapel had been built with a wooden action organ in the world.

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 9 The GOVERNOR-GENERAL VISITS KNOX

Australia’s new Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d) visited Knox on 22 May to give the Address at the Sir John Monash Commemorative Service in the Great Hall, on behalf of The Spirit of Australia Foundation. The Foundation was established to remember and commemorate Australia’s heritage. Its aims are to educate Australians, especially school students, about the great Australian role models who have made a significant contribution to our country in a variety of endeavours, and to remember and commemorate significant Australians and events. Students from many other schools around Sydney joined with the boys and cadet unit of Knox, in a packed Great Hall. The Knox Honour Guard, Catafalque Party, Pipes & Drums, the Bugler, Speakers and the Knox Symphonic Wind Ensemble & Combined Choirs all performed magnificently, and received high praise from the Official Party and guests.

10 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 CHILVERS & LIVERMORE BY SIMON CHILVERS (OKG’56) – Courtesy of Knox in Our Own Words, 1991 –

My first memory of acting was at Knox when I was been fortunate in my acting career that I can give in the Prep School, about 4th class (1949), when I was myself to nearly any part. So we did that play with dressed as a duck. I had one line. As the curtain went great success, raised a certain amount of money and up a bell rang and I said ‘Oh dear, that must be for me’ the Cadet Corps got its kilts. and rushed off stage. That was the most nervous From there nothing happened because the Upper I have ever been on a stage. I remember I had School did not have facilities for drama, until Dr borrowed my grandmother’s Couper came, and at knitting for the occasion and the time I did not miss it to her great annoyance it was particularly. never seen again. When Dr Couper The next year I was one of decided, in 1954, that we three who had to recite Banjo should do Macbeth, which I Paterson’s A Bush Christening, suspect was on the school using an Irish accent. I had curriculum at the time, in always been terrified of the new John Williams Hall, anything like that but I just I played Lady Macbeth (the stood up and did it, and woman again!) and Reg everyone laughed and thought played Macbeth. It came my Irish accent was wonderful. together well. It was a great It was from that, I think, that I success, a huge success. We developed some confidence. were told that the whole of The following year, in 6th Sydney had not seen school Class (1951), we did a play about productions like the quality Roundheads and Cavaliers of the acting in this. On called The Document. In the my report at the end of the year between that performance year Dr Couper wrote all the and the Concert it became a fait usual comments followed by accompli that I would play the ‘and his sleepwalking scene lead. That little play was quite a was the peak of the play’. success and I remember feeling In 1955 Miss Stow and so confident and totally at home Reg decided that they were on the stage. going to do Jane Eyre. Reg There was a deal of emphasis on drama in the played Rochester and I was Jane (pictured left). Prep., perhaps with class plays. Miss Stow and other In his short time at the school Dr Couper introduced teachers like Mr Eyre-Walker took a great interest in it. House plays, and I was involved in them also. The next Then we went to the Upper School, and Reg Livermore year I rebelled at the end of the year. Angus House did was instrumental in getting me started again. I cannot The Monkey’s Paw, and I was group pressured into remember which year it was but I was walking down playing the mother’s part. I played her like a bricklayer, the path towards the station, and I saw this figure and was never asked again to play the female. hurdling towards me down the line of hurdles. It was In 1956, Dr McKenzie’s first year, we decided (with Reg Livermore, who asked me if I was still interested Miss Stow directing) to do Orthello, where I played in acting, because the Cadet Corps was trying to raise Iago to Reg LIvermore’s Othello and three girls took enough money for kilts through a fete, and he and Miss the female parts. Stow had been discussing putting on a little play for It was a huge success. It was the pinnacle. At that the same purpose. stage David Turnbull, who is now the actor David The play was put on at the Prep. for one night. Reg Henry, had joined the school and was in it too. It was asked me to play the woman in it, and I did so, without a very good schoolboy production. I remember how undue concern. I just put a frock on and acted. I have delighted Dr McKenzie was.

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 11 Tony PASKINS SPORTSMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE BY IAN SINCLAIR (OKG’45)

Two qualities all of us find endearing – excellence in sport and larrikinism. A.H.(Tony) Paskins (OKG’45) possessed both and in good measure.

At athletics, swimming and on the rugby field few ball handling, considerable physical strength, speed off were his equal. Tall and well -built for his years, Tony the mark and remarkable swerve proved the school’s in his final year captained the Knox Grammar School secret weapon in that first memorable rugby win swimming and athletic teams and was the star of against Waverley at Warrawee on 4th August 1945. As the backline of the Associated Schools Premiership a fellow team member I can still see today in my mind winning Knox 1st XV. that swerve – it was seemingly effortless in execution Knox was fortunate to have its own 33 metre pool and devastating to the opposing teams defence. but techniques and pools were far less sophisticated Waverley College only joined the Associated than today. Outdoors beside the Pacific Highway Schools in 1944 and after Knox lost twice to them and next to the old gymnasium, the pool’s walls were that year and being defeated 38-10 in the early part of whitewashed annually, the water was unfiltered, the 1945 season, the August victory was particularly heavily loaded with copper sulphate and in the heat of sweet. Needless to say the win was greeted with wild summer often very murky. excitement among supporters, parents and students of The Swimming Carnival, the first event in the the school. school’s calendar was held in early February that year Tony Paskins and five-eighth John Ahern each and Tony excelled. scored tries which Jimmy Thomson converted. The Associated Championships were held the Thomson also kicked a penalty goal. Consistently following week in the memorable 19th century as outside-centre, Tony seemed able to score almost saltwater Manly Municipal Baths in Sydney Harbour, whenever the ball reached him. Yet he was never as the North Sydney Olympic Pool had not yet been selfish with the ball and frequently made openings constructed. Tony led the Knox Team valiantly winning for his teammates, allowing them to score the points. a number of events in the Open Championships, but Although his natural ability was extraordinary, the the school came third behind Cranbrook and Waverley. grounding Tony received at Knox under the skillful if Swimming was not Tony’s main sport, but it contributed not always (to us) gentle hands of the 1st XV Coach to building his upper torso and giving him remarkable A.E.(Poi) Mitchell (a Kiwi) was the foundation of his physical strength. subsequent rugby stardom. Mitchell’s emphasis on In athletics Tony was also a school champion good ball handling, kicking with both feet, tackling displaying the speed so important to his rugby below the waist and packing tight and low are the success. At the School’s Twentieth Annual Sports day basics of any rugby side and were drilled into us in 1944, Tony Paskins is recorded as breaking the 220 morning, noon and night. yards, 440 yards and shot putt records and winning all At School House, Tony enjoyed an uneasy Under 16 events. But these were the preliminaries – it relationship with the doyen of boarding Housemasters was at rugby that Tony really shone. Tony’s excellent V.A.G. (Vag) Green. Tales of the practical jokes Tony

12 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 played on him and other sincere and diligent few games during school vacations. In mid 1946 he was masters are legendary, predominately true and spotted by Gus Risman, the captain of the touring British many understated. Rugby League side and recruited to join Workington Town Two instances of Tony’s wider impact on school life the following northern hemisphere season. (including one of the influence on the senior boys of Despite never playing for Australia he is regarded Knox of the girls of PLC Pymble) are worth relating. as one of the best centres to emerge in the era At the annual Knox Cadet Camp at Singleton, immediately after the war. He went on to play in Tony was leading an element of my platoon (he was Workington Town’s Challenge Cup win in 1952 and also sergeant) in a simulated war games attack on Corps represented Other Nationalities. Paskins returned Headquarters. Tony led his section through a swiftly to Australia to captain Eastern Suburbs in 1955 and flowing creek at the far end of the Singleton grounds represented NSW the following year against NZ. to circle the main body of cadets defending the HQ. As captain-coach of Oberon in Western NSW he As a result, not only did his section nominally capture led Country to shock wins over City in 1961-2 and the HQ but also the totally surprised supervising Knox captained NSW against Great Britain in the latter year. staff, Officer Commanding Captain A.W.(Moho) Briggs Unfortunately, he was not chosen in the Test sides and his Deputy Lieutenant A.E.(Poi) Mitchell. In the that year but went to Manly as captain coach in 1963, post exercise appraisal the defenders claimed the before returning to the country to play for Narrabri. creek was ‘out of bounds’ to which Tony responded At Knox, Tony Paskins was well liked as an individual ‘in war you have to expect the unexpected.’ and universally respected as a sportsman. His sense In August that year final year students were in the of fun frequently raised the ire of more than one of his middle of their trial Leaving exams (todays HSC). masters, and yet they too respected his abilities. In Room 21, I was endeavouring to concentrate on Tony is probably the best rugby centre Knox Cicero’s Pro Milone in the Latin exam when there was has produced, and on the rugby field, in swimming an enormous groundswell of noise around the School, and athletics his consistently outstanding heralding the Allied victory over Japan, to be known performances enhanced the school’s reputation in thereafter as VP day. We lingered at our papers but inter school competition. prematurely were released to join in the celebrations. There were then only five years of secondary Dr. Bryden, wisely in our view, declared the rest of the schooling and comparatively he was twelve months day a holiday and after recognising there was a limit to younger than today’s school leavers. His immediate the noise we could make in the Knox grounds, the final acceptance into the first grade competition the year boys decided the Sydney CBD was the place to be. year after leaving school and then switching codes Like many Knox boys then and now, Tony had a and playing with distinction in the UK reflects his particular friendship with a delightful girl from PLC enormous talent. Pymble whom he phoned to see if she could join us. Knox has good reason to be proud of his In peremptory tones Tony was advised that at PLC contribution to the School and its reputation. As a it was a normal school day and that Miss Dorothy classmate he certainly enhanced our school year. Knox, the Principal, had prescribed there would be no cavorting in the city or anywhere else for her girls, no matter what the occasion. Tony Paskins & wife Katrina This spurned us into action with Tony leading the cry that there was no alternative but that the Knox students march to PLC and confront the formidable Miss Knox. And that is what significant numbers of the student population did. In retrospect I can remember little of our march down the Pacific Highway, but a good deal about the confrontation with Miss Knox. She faced us first on the PLC verandah. It was then early afternoon and the universal excitement had not left her unmoved. Firmly and politely she told us what she thought of our action, but no doubt having been warned of our intentions by Dr. Bryden, she finally decided that the girls at PLC should have the balance of the day off too. From there a number of us, together with some PLC girls, and of course Tony Paskins and his friend, took the train to Wynyard .The rest is another story. On leaving Knox Tony was recruited into the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club with whom he had played a

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 13 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE IAN SINCLAIR AC

Ian McCahon Sinclair attended Knox from 1941 to 1945 and was Captain of the School after Brian Kelly, who had been appointed Captain when the school year OKGA MILESTONE began, was called up for Military service in March 1945. He graduated in Arts and Law from Sydney University, was awarded a Rugby Blue and admitted to the NSW The 2nd April 2014 marked the 85th Anniversary Bar. In 1953 he acquired a property near Tamworth A T U L A T of the founding of the OKGA. On that day in 1929, O N G R I O N S in northern NSW, managed his cattle and sheep and thirteen ex-students attended a meeting at the C played and coached rugby. In 1956 he married and YMCA in Sydney, with Headmaster, Mr. Neil became involved in the NSW Graziers Association, MacNeil, also in attendance. the Country Party and the University of New England. Mr Russell Le Gay Brereton (OKG’28) was elected In 1961 he was elected to the NSW Legislative Council Chairman (the position later to be named President) and in 1962 appointed a Director of the Farmers and with Robert Morson (OKG’27) elected Hon. Secretary Graziers Cooperative Ltd. In 1963 Ian Sinclair was and Normand Sky (OKG’28) elected Hon. Treasurer. elected as the Country Party Member for the seat of Members of the Genral Committee were William New England in the Federal Parliament and in February Perry (OKG’28) and Neville Rhodes (OKG’26). 1965 appointed Minister for Social Services in the Robert Morson, the first Hon. Secretary lived at government of Sir . Thereafter the YMCA and thus was probably the member who he held successive senior portfolios including Minister booked the meeting room for the founding meeting. assisting the Minister for Trade and Industry, Minister for Shipping & Transport, Minister for Primary Industry, The following significant events all occurred in 1929: Minister for Communications and Minister for Defence. • The first ever Old Boys v School rugby game He was Manager of Opposition Business in the House • Ewan House was offered to the School, and the during ’s Prime Ministership and Prep School opened Leader of the House in the Fraser ministry after 1975. • The Knox Cadet Unit was established Ian Sinclair was Deputy Leader of the Opposition • The Combined Associated Schools was formed in the Hawke years, chaired the 1998 Constitutional • Neil MacNeil was elected first CAS secretary Convention, and in 1998 was elected Speaker. • The population of Australia was 6.4 million He was Deputy Leader of the Country Party under • The adult basic wage was the equivalent of and in 1984 was elected Leader of the $9.05 per week National Party. • In October, the Wall Street Stock market Ian Sinclair had a distinguished political career and crashed precipitating the Great Depression was the last parliamentary survivor of the Menzies, It is doubtful if the founding fathers ever envisaged Holt, McEwen, Gorton and McMahon governments the significance of this first meeting. From being the ‘father of the House’. He was also the last those humble beginnings the OKGA has grown Australian Parliamentarian to be a member of the to become the second largest school alumni Privy Council of the United Kingdom, entitling him to association in Australia, including those schools the prefix “The Right Honourable.” that were founded many years earlier. Knox Since his retirement from Parliament in 1998 Ian Grammar School has produced an amazing list of Sinclair has been an Adjunct Professor of Social eminent alumni in a range of professions, whose Sciences at the University of New England, Chair of standing extends around the world. Good Beginnings Australia, Chair of the Foundation for There is a long list of committed and passionate Rural and Regional Renewal, Chair of the Sheep CRC, Old Boys who have held positions on the OKGA President of the Murray Darling Basin Commission, Committee since 1929, including 28 Presidents, and President of Austcare, President of Scouts Australia they have all played a major role in assisting both (NSW), President of the Australia Taiwan Business the School and fellow members in maintaining Council, Co- Chair of the NSW Healthcare Advisory Knox’s pre-eminent reputation. We salute them all. Council and a Director of the Regional Australia Institute. As a matter of interest there are 36 Old Boys Ian currently lives with his wife Rosemary on a who celebrate their 85th birthday this year. They property on Dumaresq Island just north of Taree, reside in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, TAS, the USA, UK NSW and keeps a keen interest in Knox and his many and Switzerland, and include Rt. Hon. Ian Sinclair friends from those days. and Richard (Dick) Yeldham.

14 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 Stuart SEMPLE LUNCH NETWORKING A T U L A T Twelve former Knox students plus former BREAKFAST O N G R I O N S Headmaster, Dr. Ian Paterson, held a lunch C in honour of former teacher Stuart Semple at Avondale Golf Club on 11th April. Stuart A very successful makes the trip to Australia each year Networking Breakfast Nick to visit one of his two daughters who is, was held on 7th March unsurprisingly, a geographer at Macquaire with just over 80 Old University. Stuart taught geography at Boys and several parents We congratulate Knox from 1957 to 1963 and was Gillespie in attendance. The Nick Minchin (OKG’70) Housemaster from 1960 to 1963. Stuart has audience was treated on being appointed a Canadian wife and two daughters, all of to an informative and Australian Consul-General whom are teachers. They live on the Atlantic inspirational address by in New York. Nick had Coast at Nova Scotia and look across the Warwick White (OKG a very distinguished water to Prince Edward Island. Stuart ’78), the Managing political career in Federal was Associate Professor of Education Director of Coca-Cola Parliament, having been at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Amatil Australasia, who elected as a Liberal Scotia) and is currently Adjunct Professor outlined his thoughts and Senator for South of Geography at Mt. Allison University experiences operating Australia in 1993. In a (Sackville, New Brunswick) Remarkably, a global marketing career spanning 20 years, this is his 59th year as a teacher. He is an company in many parts of Nick held the following esteemed member of his profession and is a the world, and gave many positions in Government: former Chief Examiner in Geography for the tips on working with and Parliamentary Secretary International Baccalaureate Organisation changing the culture of to the Prime Minister, worldwide, former Chair of the Canadian both staff and customers Special Minister of State, Council for Geographic Education as well as in all organisations. Minister for Industry, a fellow and former Governor of the Royal Guests typically Finance & Resources, Canadian Geographical Society. included a large Minister for Finance & Stuart asked especially to cross section of Administration, Leader pass on his occupations from media, of the Government regards to all telecommunications, in the Senate and Stuart Semple his past Knox recruitment, financial Vice-President of the students, and planners, solicitors, Executive Council. in particular building companies, We salute Nick’s the boarders retailers, accountants eminent career and wish in Gillespie and real estate. We him well in his new role. House during look forward to another the early 60’s. Breakfast later in the year and also developing more Left to rigth: Ian Frame, mentoring opportunities Bruce Elder & Alan Foulkes for Old Boys.

PHOTO: GARY RAMAGE, THE ADVERTISER

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 15 SENIOR KNOXONIANS The AGM & LUNCHEON

SENIOR The Senior Knoxonians held their KNOXONIANS AGM & Luncheon on Wednesday 12th March. Both were well attended, with almost 70 members, including The Senior Knoxonians, was initially known as the Knox Over 70’s one flying from , and another Club, and this year is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In 1983 Geoff from . Ian MacPherson Crapp, a Past President of the OKGA, approached some of our “older” (OKG ’55) was re-elected as the Old Boys with the view of forming an Over 70’s Club. These men President, and the committee were were some of our original students and certainly some of the earliest unanimously reappointed. Old Boys, having completed their schooling in 1928-1931. Some 16 Following the AGM, a luncheon members attended the March luncheon in 1984 and at the September was held in the Portrait Room, with luncheon, which included wives, an additional 5 more Old Boys joined the guest of honour being Peter and Jim Bartlett (OKG’28) was formally elected President. (Clary) Castrission OAM (OKG Membership is by invitation, and in the beginning was for any ’01). Clary gave an inspirational Old Boy of Knox Grammar School who had turned 70 years of age. talk about the 40K Foundation, Membership is now open to all Knoxonians who graduated at least 50 an organisation that he set up years ago. This includes anyone who was at the school for even one to assist in getting education to year; the “Class of” year graduation day being the day they would underprivileged children in India. have first been eligible to complete Year 11 if they had stayed at Knox. The luncheon was also addressed The committee may also invite “former teachers, other staff and by the Headmaster, Mr John Weeks, Chaplains of the school who have served for a period/or periods who gave an informative talk on how totalling at least 15 years, or such lesser period as the committee the school has progressed in its 90 in a particular case thinks fit, have attained the age of 65 years and year history, and Knox’s possible who have been offered membership by the committee”. links and influence in China after his The foundations of the “Club” were firmly laid and from those talks with government officials in initial starters we now have a membership of over 350, our oldest Beijing and Shanghai in members are now in their 90’s and our newest members coming early March. from the Class of 1963. We would be delighted to hear from any Old Boy who belongs in a “Class of” who was eligible to sit for the Leaving Certificate at least 50 years ago and who has possibly mislaid or did not receive an invitation to join. We hold two principal luncheon functions during the year, the first held in March is for members only and the second in August/ September being for members and partners. We usually have a speaker and/or an orchestral or choral group of students at these luncheons, which are held in the school function centre. L-R: Ian MacPherson & Clary Castrission The main reason for our being is to maintain contact with Knox L-R: Former teachers Tony Gifford & David Brown and the friends associated with our time at the school, as well as meeting and forming new friendships with those with whom we have this common bond.

Left to right: Sue Miles, Dick Miles & Edric Chaffer

L-R: Phil Nowell & James Sundell

16 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 THE

B O Y S P I P E 50S O L D A T GRADUATION LUNCHEON Bundanoon SUCCESS Although the majority of The Old Boys Pipe Band Old Boys at the reunion were played at the Bundanoon predominately 1955/6 leavers, Highland gathering on Will Sullivan (OKG’11) and this gathering encompassed Saturday 5th April. The town Andrew Watson (OKG’12) are Old Boys from 1952 to 1959. becomes Brigadoon for the day, pictured at their Graduation A total of 23 attendees a little bit of Scotland, hosting from the Tocal Agricultural gathered for drinks before a the biggest Highland games in College earlier this year. sit-down lunch. It was great the southern hemisphere. There Will has a Certificate 4 in to see Barrie Blackwell (1956 were 20 pipe bands and around Agriculture and employment School Captain, former Knox 20,000 visitors. This year the lined up. Andrew has a teacher & Housemaster) who weather was very Scottish. It Certificate 3 in Agriculture and happened to be in Sydney drizzled all morning and rained is doing the Diploma Course from his home at Buderim on all afternoon. But nothing this year. As you can see Will & Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. could dampen the Bundanoon Andrew are proudly displaying Peter Sharp (OKG ’56), owner enthusiasm. As usual, there their Old Boy ties. Tocal of the Blue Gum Hotel looked was highland dancing, country Agricultural College is located after everyone in fine style dancing, caber tossing, the at Paterson in the Lower and joined in the celebrations. stones of manhood, kids’ Hunter Valley, 11 kilometres Peter enjoyed catching up with races and much, much more. north of Maitland. his 1956 1st XV second-row Including the pipe bands... partner, Bill Reeve. Tony Chia The Knox Old Boys Pipe (OKG ’55), who has lived in Band played in the street New York for many years, also march, the massed bands for relished the opportunity to the opening, its own segment meet old comrades again. during the day, and in the massed bands to close the proceedings. It was great to see many Old Boys playing with other bands too. There is nothing like the massed bands at Bundanoon! It was another great day, and we are looking forward to next year’s ‘Bundanoon is Brigadoon’ which will be on Saturday 11 L-R: Warren Norris, David Smith, April 2015. Barrie Blackwell and Brian McGill

L-R: Will Sullivan & Andrew Watson L-R: Dick Arndell & John Mitchell

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 17 18 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 ANZAC MEMORIAL SERVICE The Old Knox Grammarians Association Memorial Service & Ceremonial Parade of the Knox Grammar Cadet Unit.

On an unseasonably warm May morning, the OKGA Memorial ANZAC Service was held at the School. As it has done for decades, the students and cadet unit put on a wonderful display at both the Service and Ceremonial Parade. The Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO, Chief of Army, gave the Address and took the Salute at the March Past. Lieutenant General Morrison took the unprecedented step of publicly praising the Cadet Unit at the end of the parade, saying they were a credit to themselves, their school and their country. It was wonderful to see a number of WW2 veterans still attending the service. Arthur Pardley (91) Eric Thew (90), Barney Greatix (94), Richard Miles, Don Caldwell-Smith and Marsden Hordern (all 92). Lysle Roberts had bronchitis and was advised not to attend. They all vowed to make the 100 Year Anniversary next year. Old Boys will be interested to know that with over 700 cadets, Knox is the largest army cadet unit in Australia. The number has increased in recent years with the addition of some 100 cadets from Ravenswood School for Girls. Several of the girls are CUOs and the Second in Charge of the Parade & Unit was CUO Jessica Hunter (granddaughter of Tony Williams (OKG’54). And you will probably be amazed to know that the Pipe Band, or the Pipes & Drums as they are now know, has a total compliment of 70 members. Truly a massed band!

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 19 MATT HYMERS (OKG’02) THE Matt writes from Herzogenaurach, in Barvaria, Germany. For the past four years he has been working at Adidas Headquarters as the Senior Product Manager, developing physiological monitoring systems, wearable technology RUGBY LUNCH and fabric sensors for elite sporting teams, including AC Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, the New A chance meeting between Michael Le Couteur (OKG Zealand All Blacks and Major League ‘61) and John (Sparrow) Dowse (OKG’52) at RPA Hospital Soccer Teams in the USA. recently, led to a very enjoyable lunch for a group of rugby A documentary on the project Matt is buffs at The Blue Gum Hotel, Waitara. Former Wallabies working on, titled “The Next Black” was Bruce Taafe (OKG’62) and John Dowse (pictured below) held featured on AEG TV in early May, and sway with some funny stories of days past, both at school explores the development of technology and on the international scene and re-lived many famous in clothing. victories and defeats. John and Bruce were joined Matt is pictured below at work with the by Michael Le Couteur (OKG’61), Ian Frame (OKG’64), football star Gennaro Gattuso who plays Alan Foulkes (OKG’62), Ian MacPherson (OKG’55) and for AC Milan and Italy. Bruce Kennedy (OKG’59). By the end of the lunch, most of the problems afflicting Australian rugby, including coaching, playing styles, referees and finances were solved, including the methods used by legendary school coaches like ‘Possum’ Brown, who was in fact a Kiwi, and who really understood the basics of the game. Being a fellow hooker, Bruce gave particular praise to Nathan Charles (OKG’06) of the Western Force who he rates as the second best hooker in Australia at the moment. Given he also regards the Brumbies Stephen Moore as Australia’s best ever hooker, that is quite a wrap.

20 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 Brothers 4 BROTHERS 2013 BY THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS Golf day

Brothers 4 Brothers started as an idea to get a group of ‘aging’ rugby The 2013 Annual OKGA players out of retirement and back onto the field. Our aim was to bring Golf Day was once again held some joy into the lives of loved ones who had been diagnosed with cancer, at the picturesque Avondale raise awareness of the issues these people face, and in some small way try Golf Club in near perfect to contribute essential funds to assist the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Centre. playing conditions with 100 The Lifehouse Centre is a world-class facility that combines players participating. Old clinical care, research, education and integrative therapies, creating Boys (ranging in Leaving opportunities for innovative research and compassionate holistic Years from 1938 to 2013) joined care for cancer patients, their families and carers. Since commencing current and past parents operations in late 2013, Lifehouse has helped over 4,000 patients. (mums and dads) as well as Since 2012 Brothers 4 Brothers has raised and contributed over $200,000 representatives from the Old to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. $100,000 of which went towards installing Barker Association and The ten state of the art Chemotherapy Chairs, which allows for private Scots College Old Boys Union. treatment in a comfortable environment tailored to patient’s needs. Thanks to the generosity Since last year efforts have been directed towards “The Cosmed Bod of the OKGA Committee in Pod,” an $85,000 piece of equipment that measures body composition financially supporting the Day, through air plethysmography for research and clinical applications. With the best turnout in more than just five minutes total test time, this device will allow Dietitians and ten years was recorded. This Nutrition Consultants to efficiently and effectively assess a patient’s excellent initiative encouraged nutritional needs and tailor a personalized nutrition plan. Maintaining an increased number of healthy nutrition is a vital component of cancer treatment. younger and older players to These are just a few of the great initiatives B4B has managed to participate – a great result and contribute to the Lifehouse Centre. This has only been achieved through much appreciated by all. the support of the Knox community and our sponsors. The OKGA would also like In 2013 we lost our dear brother Lachlan, to cancer. We resolved to express its appreciation thereafter that we would continue to make B4B an annual event in to Phil Tuck (OKG 1977) who honour of Lachlan. This will not only serve as a legacy to our brother, but once again organised a highly also give family and friends of other cancer sufferers a means of coming successful and enjoyable event. together to enjoy the company of like- minded people, playing the game The main prize winners: they play in heaven, and to better the lives of cancer patients by raising • Best Individual Stableford: funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Ian Stewart – 41 Points On 23rd August 2014 we are hosting our third match. This game will • Best 2 Ball Team: Jack Shute become an annual event, with the winner being awarded the ‘Lachlan and Ian Stewart – 48 Points Robertson Cup.’ The ‘Man of the Match’ will win the ‘Tim Cussell Medal.’ • Father & Son: Kel and We will be playing against Old Ignatians Rugby Club at Lofberg Oval, West Brendan Bateman – 47 Points Pymble. Coincidently, Chris O’Briens sons attended St. Ignatius College. • Leavers’ Trophy: 1977 – Nigel Both teams will be filled with heritage players prepared to put their bodies Hardwick, David Nevell, on the line for another shot of glory, renewed camaraderie, and charity. Phil Tuck and John Vohralik We are also organizing some special guests for the annual – 129 Points Sportsman’s Luncheon preceding the big day, on Friday 22nd August at • Nearest The Pin: David Cross the Blue Gum Hotel, Waitara. This function is usually a sell-out, so stay • Longest Drive: Nathan Franks tuned for further details. Please join us on Saturday 23rd August to make this day one for the ages. The OKGA would like to advise that the 2014 Golf Day will be held on Wednesday, 19 November commencing at 12.00pm at Avondale Golf Club – all members of the Knox Community are warmly invited. BROTHERS IV BROTHERS BROTHERS IV BROTHERS

Brothers 1V Brothers started as an idea to get a bunch ofBrothers “aging” 1Vrugby Brothers players started out of asretirement an idea toand get back a bunch onto ofthe “agin field.g” rugby players out of retirement and back onto the field. We wanted to bring joy to the lives of loved ones who hadWe fallen wanted ill to to cancer, bring joyraise to theawareness lives of lovedof the onesissues who people had fallenface ill to cancer, raise awareness of the issues people face who are dealing with cancer and in some small way try andwho contribute are dealing essential with cancer funds and to the in somestart upsmall of the way Chris try and O’Brien contribute essential funds to the start up of the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Lifehouse. ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 21

The Lifehouse is a world-class facility that combines clinicalThe care, Lifehouse research, is a world-classeducation and facility integrative that combines therapies, clinical creating care, research, education and integrative therapies, creating opportunities for innovative research and compassionateopportunities holistic care forand innovative outcomes research for cancer and patients, compassionate their families holistic care and outcomes for cancer patients, their families and carers. Since commencing operations in late 2013, Lifehouseand carers. has Since helped commencing over 4,000 operations patients. in late 2013, Lifehouse has helped over 4,000 patients.

From a simple idea, Since 2012 BlVB has has raised andFrom contribu a simpleted over idea, $200,000 Since 2012 to the BlVB Chris has O’Brien has raised Lifehouse. and contribu ted over $200,000 to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. In 2012 we invested over $100,000 towards installing 10In state 2012 of wethe invested art Chemotherapy over $100,000 Chairs, towards which installing allow for 10 private state of the art Chemotherapy Chairs, which allow for private treatment in a comfortable environment tailored to patientstreatment needs. in a comfortable environment tailored to patients needs.

Fundraising from 2013 efforts have been directed towardsFundraising “The Cosmed from Bod 2013 Pod”, efforts an have$85,000 been piece directed of equipment towards “Thethat Cosmed Bod Pod”, an $85,000 piece of equipment that measures body composition through air plethysmographymeasures for resea bodyrch and composition clinical applications. through air Withplethysmography just 5 minutes for research and clinical applications. With just 5 minutes total test time, this device will allow Dietitions and Nutritiototaln Consultants test time, thisto efficiently device will and allow effectively Dietitions assess and Nutritioa patient’sn Consultants to efficiently and effectively assess a patient’s nutritional needs and tailor personalised nutrition plans. Mainnutritionaltaining needs healthy and nutrition tailor personalised is a vital component nutrition ofplans. cancer Main taining healthy nutrition is a vital component of cancer treatment. treatment.

These are just some of the great initiatives BlVB have managedThese are to contributejust some ofto theand great only throughinitiatives the BlVB support have of managed our to contribute to and only through the support of our community and sponsors can this happen. community and sponsors can this happen.

In 2013 we lost a dear brother to cancer. We resolved shortlyIn 2013 thereafter we lost thata dear we brotherwould continue to cancer. to Wemake resolved B1VB shortlyan thereafter that we would continue to make B1VB an annual event, in honour of Lachlan Robertson, serving asannual a legacy event, and in means honour for of friends Lachlan and Robertson, family of otherserving loved as aones legacy and means for friends and family of other loved ones within the community who have been touched by Cancer,within to come the communitytogether and who seek have joy beenin the touched company by of Cancer, like minded to come together and seek joy in the company of like minded people, playing the game they play in heaven, and continuingpeople, to playingmake a thedifference game they by raising play in funds heaven, for theand Chris continuing O’Brien to make a difference by raising funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and bettering the quality of life for cancer patientLifehouses. and bettering the quality of life for cancer patients.

In August we are hosting our 3rd match. This year we areIn playing August Old we Ignatiansare hosting Rugby our 3rd Club. match. This This will becomeyear we andare playingannual Old Ignatians Rugby Club. This will become and annual fixture. The winner will be awarded the “Lachlan Robertsonfixture. Cup” The along winner with willbragging be awarded rights forthe the “Lachlan next 12 Robertson months.The Cup” along with bragging rights for the next 12 months.The best on field player will be awarded the “Tim Cussel Medal”.best onBoth field teams player will bewill filledbe awarded with heritage the “Tim players Cussel prepared Medal”. toBoth put teams will be filled with heritage players prepared to put their bodies on the line for another shot at glory, renewedtheir comaradarie bodies on and the charity.line for another shot at glory, renewed comaradarie and charity.

The day can be enjoyed by all with jumping castle, facepaintingThe day, BBQcan beand enjoyed hospitality by all provided. with jumping castle, facepainting, BBQ and hospitality provided.

We are also organising some special guests for the the annualWe are Sportsman’s also organising Lunch some preceeding special guests the big for day the on the Friday annual 22 Sportsman’s Lunch preceeding the big day on Friday 22 August at the Blue Gum Hotel. Stay tuned for further invitationAugust as at tickets the Blue will Gum be limited. Hotel. Stay tuned for further invitation as tickets will be limited.

Save the date - Saturday 23rd August, 1pm at Loftberg OvalSave West the datePymble - Saturday 23rd August, 1pm at Loftberg Oval West Pymble

Please show your support at Please show your support at https://give.everydayhero.com/au/brothers1Vbrothers https://give.everydayhero.com/au/brothers1Vbrothers Donations are fully tax deductible. Donations are fully tax deductible.

We would like to thank our generous corporate sponsorsWe who would have like come to thankon board our togenerous support corporatethis special sponsors cause. who have come on board to support this special cause.

Please join us to make this day one for the ages. Please join us to make this day one for the ages.

Sincerely, Sincerely, The Robertson Brothers The Robertson Brothers L A U S T R A I A D A Y The Honours

We congratulate the following Old Boys who received awards in the Australia Day Honours List NEWS in January. OF OLD BOYS JOHN DOWSE (OKG’52) OAM For services to the welfare of the aged through a range of health services Jim Press (OKG’55) was unable to make it to the 1955 Reunion Lunch at The Blue Gum Hotel in April, John (Sparrow) Dowse is an OKGA Life Member but sent his regards. His No.1 grandson started and Senior Knoxonian. He is best remembered for year 7 at Knox this year and is in Gillespie House. his sporting achievements, being captain of the 1st Jim hopes he is better behaved than he was and XV and a leading player for Sydney University and might make it to Year 12. Australia. He was a member of the Wallabies team that toured South Africa in 1961 Jonathan Capel (OKG’77) is currently living in Tianjin, China and is teaching English CLARY CASTRISSION (OKG’01) OAM at Jinglingquin School and the University of For services to international relations through Chiangjin. He is living with his eldest son Edward, providing educational opportunities to who is studying mandarin in preparation for being a underprivileged children in India successful business entrepreneur. Jonathan enjoys Clary founded the 40K Group which now has 30 keeping up with the news from Knox via the weekly volunteers and has raised more than $1 million E-News. to build eco-friendly schools and help educate Warwick Doughty (OKG’67) has run Sydney’s thousands of young children in India. Luna Park with his business partner (a Barker Old Clary recently gave an inspiring talk at the Senior Boy) since 2004. Luna Park was recently re-opened Knoxonians lunch and outlined in greater detail the to the public after major renovations. difference it has made to young lives. Peter Anderson-Stewart (OKG’67) emailed from Ust-Kamenogorsk in far east Kazakhstan, BILL GYE (OKG’70) OAM a province of Russia. The city has a population of For services to mental health and to the local 304,000 and is a major mining and metallurgical community of Scotland Island centre. The absolute minimum temperature ranges Bill is General Manager of Recovery Services for from -49 degrees in January to 4 degrees in July. the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Peter must surely be one of the most isolated Knox Old Boys in the world. DR. ROBERT CREESE (OKG’70) Trent Dowling (OKG’95) is currently Captain of Public Service Medal the Davidson Rural Fire Brigade. Trent has been a Robert was awarded a Public Service Medal, one of member for 20 years and a national Medal recipient only eleven awarded in NSW. Robert is Director of for Meritorious Service. There are three other Knox Fisheries Research in the Department of Primary Old Boys in the Davidson Brigade. Justin Robinson Industries at Port Stephens (OKG’93) has been a member for 15 years and is currently the brigade equipment officer. Scott Lawrence (OKG’05) has been a member for 8 years and is one of the Brigade Deputy Captains. Rory Amon (OKG’07) joined the brigade 12 months ago and had his baptism of fire during the Red October fire in the Blue Mountains last year. Rory was recently elected Vice-President. Trent, Justin, Scott all joined the RFS while still students at Knox.

22 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 2014 SCHOOL CALENDAR JULY - DECEMBER REUNIONS Wednesday 16th July 1954 60th Term 3 Commences Contact: Ian MacPherson – [email protected] Thursday 31st July Details: Warrawee Bowling Club, 20th November - Thursday 7th August Student Art Show 1959 55th Contact: Adrian Stark – [email protected] Friday 1st August Details: Knox Rugby 1sts game & school tour, Blue Gum dinner, 9th August Student Art Show – Opening Night 1964 50th Contact: Ian Frame – [email protected] Friday 5th September or Peter Hammerman – [email protected] Garden Day Details: Knox Rugby 1sts game & school tour, Thursday 11th Warrawee Bowling Club dinner, 9th August September CAS Athletics, SOPAC 1969 45th Contact: John Cottee – [email protected] Monday 15th September Details: Dinner Knox KG1, 25th October 10:00 - 12:00 – Year 12 Speech Day 1974 40th Monday 15th - Friday Contact: Richard Seton – [email protected] 19th September or Al Bennett – [email protected] Australian Business Week Details: Rag and Famish Hotel, North Sydney, 9th August (Year 10) 1979 35th Friday 19th September Contact: Matthew Hunter – [email protected] Term 3 Concludes Details: Knox Rugby 1sts game & school tour, Tuesday 7th October Warrawee Bowling Club dinner, 19th July Term 4 Commences 1984 30th Friday 7th November Contact: Steevie Chan – [email protected] Cadet Chapel Service Details: Knox Rugby 1st game & school tour, Grace Hotel, CBD, 9th August – Honouring OKGA Friday 7th November 1989 25th Contact: Simon Officer – [email protected] Christmas Shopping Night Details: Greengate Hotel, 14th November Saturday 8th November School Play – The Crucible 1994 20th Contact: Stuart Clark – [email protected] or Brian Thomson Tuesday 11th November Details: Knox Rugby 1sts game & school tour, Willoughby Hotel dinner, 9th August 19:00 – Knox Parents Association AGM 1999 15th Saturday 29th Contact: Mark Cairns – [email protected] November Details: Brothers 4 Brothers match, Morrison Hotel, CBD 19:00 – Musical Showcase Under The Roof 2004 10th Contact: Jason Cheong – [email protected] Friday 5th December or James Morton – [email protected] 13:00 – Speech Day Y7 - 11 Details: Hotel CBD, 13th September Friday 5th December 2009 Term 4 Concludes 5th Contact: Zac Gelder – [email protected] Details: TBA

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 – THE CLAN 23 Obituary DEVON MINCHIN (OKG’36) Fighter Pilot –Businessman – Entrepreneur – Farmer – Author DEATHS

Devon Minchin had a remarkable, successful, and varied life, one that Peter Peterson Wallace reads like a Boys Own Annual. Born on 28 May 1919 at Bondi, he attended (OKG’53) – 01/12/13 Knox from 1932 to 1934 when he left after completing the Intermediate Lieutenant-Colonel Certificate. In January 1935 he became George Patterson’s first office boy David Charles Boyall and two years later worked his way to England where he joined an advertising (OKG’42) – 18/12/13 agency. But an American company, looking for a young Australian , made him a cadet executive, sending him to Ireland, America and then to Australia in Darren Bull August 1939. (OKG’96) – 21/12/13 With the start of the Second World War, Devon joined the RAAF and was Nigel Leslie Porter sent to Rhodesia as a trainee pilot. He flew Hurricanes and then Kittyhawks (OKG’46) – 29/12/13 with the Desert Airforce , notably in the great air battles preceding the battle Harry Anthony of El Alamein. Then with 450 Squadron, helped chase the Germans from (Tony) York Egypt all the way to Tunisia, until all of North Africa had been cleared of the (OKG’54) – 03/01/14 enemy. Devon shot down a big quota of enemy aircraft during his time as a fighter pilot. Minchin took part in the conquest of Sicily, then spent a year as Andrew Cameron Dargan a test pilot for a huge maintenance unit block in Egypt on the Suez Canal. He (OKG’68) – 04/01/14 eventually returned to Australia, suffering from malaria. Neil MacKinnon Thomson Devon Minchin began his love of writing while serving as a fighter pilot in (OKG’41) – 18/01/14 the Western Desert. It was during this World War 2 period that he produced Colin Marc Wise his first novel, The Potato Man (1944). (OKG’36) – 18/01/14 After the war, young Devon’s varied and colourful working life included a period spent pioneering the timber industry in Sarawak, Malaysia, and later Barry Hinsby Sweetland running an advertising agency in Hong Kong. After returning to Australia he (OKG’46) – 01/02/14

founded Metropolitan Security Services in 1954, an armoured car and security Robert John service that became the largest security firm in Australia. Dundas-Smith Devon spent six weeks on tour with The Beatles in 1964 as head of security (OKG’57) – 02/02/14 and says they were “naïve youths who needed a good talking-to”. He says Richard Thomas Routley John Lennon was a “bloody idiot” with no concern for his safety. And the band (OKG’59) – 09/02/14 was girl crazy. He used military tactics learned during his six years service in North Africa to try to keep hysterical fans at bay. Edward John Snowden Minchin retired in 1970 and subsequently turned his focus to writing his (OKG’36) – 14/02/14

second novel, ‘The Money Makers’ (1972) which was inspired by an armed David Bruce Walker robbery which took place at his counting house. In 1978 his book (OKG’51) – 19/02/14 was made into a film titled “Money Movers’ directed by Bruce Beresford and Alan Leslie Alcock featuring Ed Devereaux, Charles Tingwell and Bryan Brown. The film grossed (OKG’47) – 19/02/14 over $330,000 at the Australian box office which is equivalent to $1.5 million in 2014 dollars. Francis Bathurst While living in Sydney, he undertook studies at Macquarie University and (Frank) Halliday AM graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1976. In 1981 Minchin moved to the (OKG’33) – 25/02/14 Sunshine Coast and started farming pineapples, bananas and paw paws and Geoffrey Clement became the owner of the Noosa Cine Centre. Morville Gee Devon was married to his third wife, Margo, for 35 years, and passed away (OKG’76) – 18/03/14 on 30th May just two days after his 95th Birthday. His funeral was held in Noosa on 5th June. Jeffrey Lincoln Simpson He had four children , two girls, and two boys, both of whom attended (OKG’52) – 19/03/14 Knox. Nick Minchin (OKG’70) and Devon Minchin (OKG’86) Raymond John Jacques Vale – Devon Minchin – a remarkable Australian & Knox Old Boy (OKG’49) – 24/04/14

24 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014 Wahroonga – Pymble

LJ Hooker Wahroonga-Pymble, known market leader within the Upper North Shore of Sydney continually strives to achieve the best available outcomes for their clients.

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As we are a part of your community, it is important to LJ Hooker Wahroonga-Pymble that we support the local community and businesses to prosper and succeed. Hence, our partnership with the Knox Community began in 2007 and will continue forward well into the future.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL BLACK AND BLUE, KNOX RUGBY CLUB & KNOX UNITED F.C.

The name The Clan was chosen for the Old Boys magazine as clan means “a group of related families who share a common link” (an association, a community, a family). Clann is a Gaelic word meaning family.

26 THE CLAN – ISSUE 1 JUNE 2014