Volume 26 No.3 November 2016

National Champions Grammarphones in the USA Academic Success Three students win gold at the The Grammarphones embarked Four Year 11 students accepted 2016 Australian Schools’ Swimming upon the ‘trip of a lifetime’ across into The University of Queensland Championships. the United States of America. Young Scholars' program. From the Headmaster...... 2

From the President...... 17 Academic Success...... 2 Old Boys' Reunion Dinner 2016...... 19 Grammar-Downlands Day and The O'Callaghan Cup...... 3 Old Boy News...... 21 New First XI Cricket Coach...... 4 Obituaries...... 25 Boyce House Victory...... 4 Editor: Toowoomba Grammar School Publications Department Sony Children's Holiday Camp...... 5 Design: Jason Seiler, Publications and Digital Media Officer National Champions in Swimming...... 7 Photography: TGS Publications Department and various students and Annual Cadet Camp...... 8 staff members Front Cover: The First XV Rugby Team From the Junior School...... 9 after a mudslide following their last game win against Brisbane Grammar School Photo: Wes McRae USA Tour, The Grammarphones...... 11 A publication of Toowoomba Grammar School Take Note Concert...... 13 PO Box 2900, Toowoomba Qld 4350 24 Margaret Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Tel: 07 4687 2500 Fax: 07 4687 2582 Japan Language and Cultural Tour...... 15 Email: [email protected] Web: www.twgs.qld.edu.au Cricos Registration No: 00525D ABN 86 510 299 250 Football Tour to Japan...... 16 Incorporating Balliwanga, the newsletter of the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association Inc. Outstanding Achievement (2015 Senior Prefect)...... 16 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tgsoba.org.au ABN 38 614 918 181

1www.twgs.qld.edu.au Download the TGS App Toowoomba Grammar School @toowoombags From the Headmaster As we approach the conclusion of yet another school year, I reflect on the personal, academic and social development exhibited by the boys during the year. Their enthusiasm, humour, commitment and loyalty combine to give us, as teachers, considerable joy and vocational fulfilment.

The boys and staff have commented on the assess those personal qualities deemed to boys’ report cards, I am sure that we would speed with which the year appears to end be so important both now and certainly in note the appearance of hundreds of A+’s. due to the intensity of the academic and later life – integrity, honesty, compassion, I continue to be immensely proud co-curricular offerings we present during loyalty, truthfulness, commitment, patience, of the young men of Toowoomba the term. At the end of the year the boys will resilience, good manners and respect to all. Grammar School and am grateful to be judged by a school report card outlining The pursuit of developing these qualities the staff for their dedication in seeking the number of A, B and C grades they attain. in our boys, also with the committed to develop them even further. Just as important, often more so, will be support of their parents, is a priority for the our assessment of them as young men. It staff and one we take very seriously. If we Peter B. Hauser is a shame that school report cards do not included these personal qualities in the Headmaster Academic Success During the year we have celebrated the academic success of a number of our students who gained recognition from external institutions by being awarded places in prestigious programs.

Four Year 11 students were accepted into The of New South Wales (UNSW) International Research’s Assessment of French Language. University of Queensland’s Young Scholars’ Competitions and Assessments for Schools The Australian Mathematics Competition Program. Also from Year 11, two students (ICAS) Science Competition while two also provided pleasing results with four were accepted into the Queensland Youth students received a High Distinction in the High Distinction awards being presented to Parliament. The National Youth Science UNSW ICAS English Competition. Senior students across Years 9 to 11. Furthermore Forum is a national program that supports Chemistry students performed particularly a Year 12 student was awarded a High students with an interest in Science-based well, with nine High Distinctions in the Distinction in the Earth and Environmental tertiary studies. Three of our Year 12 students Australian National Chemistry Quiz. High Science Australian Olympiad Competition. were accepted into this program. During the Distinctions were awarded to four Year Academic endeavour from the boys and a year we also commended one student for 12 students and two Year 10 students in commitment to doing as well as possible receiving a High Distinction in the University the Australian Council for Educational is an accepted feature of our School.

2 Grammar-Downlands Day and The O’Callaghan Cup A game attracting major interest in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs is the annual rugby fixture against Downlands College. The annual rugby contests have been ongoing since 1931 when Downlands College was first founded except for two years in 1942-43 during World War Two when Downlands was used for the war effort and their students were transferred to Dalby.

In 1950 the rugby competition was named “The O’Callaghan Cup” after five O’Callaghan brothers who attended Downlands College. This year Downlands College fielded a fast and highly skilled, competitive team and we were fortunate to get away with a win, 33 to 29. This victory represented our third consecutive win in the O’Callaghan Cup and the fourth in the previous five encounters. Despite this, Downlands College still retains bragging rights having won the Cup on thirty-five occasions and we have won it twenty-nine times. There have also been three draws. Across the various age levels our School recorded some massive wins in most games and no losses were recorded on the day. One of the O’Callaghan brothers, Patric, regularly travels to the annual fixture from his home state of Western Australia and he presents the Cup to the winning captain. In the first photograph taken at this year’s game is Patric O’Callaghan (left) with Colin Boyce who was the Captain of the TGS winning team in 1979 (TGS 15 d DC 11). The second photograph was taken 37 years earlier when Patric was presenting the Cup to Colin as captain of the winning TGS team. This is only one story of so many associated with the tradition of the O’Callaghan Cup since 1950.

3 New First XI Cricket Coach Mr Steven Fryer has been appointed as the School’s new 1st XI Head Cricket Coach and Teacher of Physical Education and Geography.

He commenced with us in August 2016. This follows the relinquishment of this role by the School’s Director of Enrolments, Mr Ben Foley, due to the impact of the cricket coaching on his Executive duties. Mr Fryer’s former employer was the Anglican Church Grammar School (‘Churchie’) where he was a teacher and Director of Cricket. He was the Coach of the Churchie GPS Cricket Premiership team in 2012. Mr Fryer has also worked within the High Performance Department with the Queensland Cricket Association (2002-2007) and, as the Emerging Players Co-ordinator, was responsible for talent identification. He has completed a Level 3 Cricket Australia High Performance course and has delivered Levels 1 and 2 Coaching courses on behalf of Cricket Australia both domestically and overseas. Also, as Head Coach of Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club, Mr Fryer’s team won both a First Grade (2012) and T20 Premiership. He has coached both the Queensland Under 15 and Under 17 teams. The School welcomes Mr Fryer, his wife and four children to Toowoomba.

Boyce House Victory The School congratulates Boyce House on winning the Headmaster’s Shield for 2016 after a 19 year drought. Boyce House also claimed the Singing and the Swimming Shields for 2016.

Pictured are (L-R) Mrs Gabrielle Battersby (Boyce Day Housemaster), Mason Watts (Boyce Day House Captain), Lachlan Boyce (Boyce Boarding House Captain) and Mr Tony Wallis (Boyce Boarding Housemaster).

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Sony Children’s Holiday Camp The School hosted its tenth Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp over the recent September holidays. This Camp involves a large number of Year 11 boys volunteering their services for three days in the Term Three holidays to provide full-time care for a child with a disability.

Such disabilities may include vision this year, some of the Year 11 companions with a disability. I learnt that Tommy was just a impairment, hearing impairment, cerebral responded with the following: normal boy who wanted to have a good time. palsy, autism, attention deficit disorder, Joe: I definitely gained many important life Angus: After the camp, you get hit with Chron’s disease, Sanfilippo syndrome, skills that would be hard to come by anywhere the realisation of what you just completed Aspergers syndrome, verbal communication else. Patience, perseverance, creativity and and how much of a ripple effect it has on you, difficulties and so on. The essence of the selflessness were some of the main skills I your guest and their parents. I believe that camp involves the friendship, the caring and gained from the camp. I think these skills since the camp I have gained a greater ability the compassion between the students and will prove to be essential throughout my to understand others and how my stack of the children who attend the camp that make life and the Sony Camp will definitely be assignments and homework means nothing the camp so exceptional and inspirational. For something I look back on for encouragement compared to what these families go through. the Year 11 companions, this is an experience when times are tough or stressful. Austin: For me, I believe the most not easily forgotten and one that can have a William: I found the camp to be extremely beneficial experience was simply meeting and significant impact on the way in which those rewarding in that it provided me an learning about the lives of these kids. It made involved approach life. From the feedback opportunity to develop not only my patience me realise how fortunate I am and taught me following the camp, this is most evident. but also my initiative skills. I think the camp how important it is to give back. When asked what they gained from the camp has also assisted in altering my views of people

5 Since the introduction of the Sony Camp in young guests and, whilst being monitored learning opportunity for the boys is very 2007 at Toowoomba Grammar School, over and supported by staff, they are very much much appreciated and we look forward to a 320 young men and 200 young women from in charge. Through their involvement in continuing relationship with the Foundation. The Glennie School and Fairholme College service activities such as the Sony Foundation Mr Timothy Kelly, the School’s Deputy have cared for in excess of 275 children with Children’s Holiday Camp, we see our Headmaster, has co-ordinated and led a disability. The camp, based on a model young men personally develop as caring, the Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday from St Ignatius College, Sydney, has three compassionate and thoughtful leaders of the Camp at the School for the last ten years. key aims. It is a time of fun for the young future. guests, a time of growth and learning for the The School is grateful for the continued Year 11 companions, and a time of respite support of our Holiday Camp from the Sony for the families of our guests. For three days, Foundation. Their generosity in supporting the companions are the chief carer of their the School provide such a wonderful

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1. Xavier Madden (Year 11) and guest 2. Jackson Cumming (Year 11) and guest 3. William Schmidt (Year 11), guest and Thomas Clark (Year 11) 4. Lachlan Dowling (Year 12) and guest 5. Oscar Smit (Year 11) and guest

6 National Champions in Swimming The School had three students compete at the 2016 Australian Schools’ Swimming Championships held in tropical Darwin in September. Fraser Stewart, Joshua Smith & Simon Geldenhuys represented QLD at this competition.

The School’s Captain of Swimming, Dylan Also in the same age group was Joshua went to Fraser Stewart (Year 11) who is Stevens, was also selected but instead went Smith (Year 10) who won two national the son of the School’s full-time Junior on a cultural exchange to Japan with the gold medals in the 50 metre and 100 metre Swim Coach, former Commonwealth School language tour. Games swimmer Mr Darren Stewart. The photograph below tells the tale. Simon Gendenhuys summed up the Simon Geldenhuys (Year 11) finished the "It was a very good experience, National Championships meet by saying: competition with a remarkable seven and I'm glad I had the opportunity “The Darwin trip was a lot of fun. I really national gold medals. These comprised enjoyed the atmosphere of the outdoor two individual national gold medals in to attend the carnival.” swimming pool and rooming with my mate Under 16 years 50 metre freestyle and Fraser Stewart. Having my coach there (TGS 200 metre backstroke and five gold medals in breaststroke events. The consolation for Director of Swimming, Mr Richard McLean) various relays. Simon also won two national Joshua gaining a bronze medal in the 200 was also very helpful.” Darren Stewart added: silver medals in the Under 16 years 100 metre breaststroke final was that another “It was a very good experience, and I'm glad metres freestyle and 100 metres backstroke. TGS boy won gold in this event. This honour I had the opportunity to attend the carnival.”

National Gold Medallists (Left to right) Fraser Stewart, Simon Geldenhuys and Joshua Smith

7 Annual Cadet Camp

The Brigade RSM discussing construction techniques for the survival shelter

Over the Term Three holidays, 44 cadets Abseiling at Kangaroo Point and two staff members of the Toowoomba Grammar School Cadet unit attended the South Queensland Brigade’s Annual Camp, which ran for the first week of the September holidays and was attended by over one thousand other cadets from the Brigade from as far as St George and Chinchilla up to Bundaberg.

The camp was divided into three tiers us from the TGS unit. The week, intending depending on age and experience, and our to mimic the life of an infantry soldier with unit had representatives on all three. The a weeklong scenario, involved long pack camp was located at Greenbank Military marches with full equipment, a survival Training Area, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera activity, searching for Intelligence in urban and RAAF Amberley dependent on the tiers. environments, room clearance activities, On tier one at Greenbank, the cadets abseiling at Kangaroo Point, an over water learnt the basics of field craft and navigation obstacle course, CGI shoots and live round by day and night, as well as participating in shooting exercises. In true military style all of various teamwork challenges. They also had these activities were done with a standard a visit to Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera and issue defence rifle which the cadets were participated at the WTSS facility, the day/ in charge of cleaning and maintaining for night facility and visited the 2nd Light Horse the week. During the week, the cadets were museum. Tier two, a more advanced camp faced with many challenges and overcame at Greenbank, focussed on building on the all of them with excellent spirits … we skills the cadets already possessed. The cadets even survived some intense PT sessions. participated in weapons training, navigation, All in all, the week had a very positive had a field component, visited Amberley Air impact on the cadets who attended Base, engineering, undertook zip lining and and many are looking forward to going had UNIMOG rides to transport them to the on annual camp again next year. different facilities at Greenbank. The third tier had a smaller number of cadets from CUO Nathan Morgan (Year 12) the brigade taking part, including three of

8 Toowoomba Grammar School From the Junior School

Junior School boys were involved in a great many endeavours during the second half of the year. Will Anderson, in Year 5, achieved first place in Queensland in Speech and Drama, earning a Barbara Sisley Award which was presented to him by the Governor of Queensland in the middle of the year.

In third term, all boys from Year 4 to Year 6 We also had visiting authors and illustrators were involved in our musical performance of and competitions based around reading. Book Shrek, with three evening performances and Week is one of the very best weeks of the His Excellency the Honourable Governor of a matinee. Book Week occurred in August, school year and in a boys’ school, celebrating Queensland, Paul de Jersey AC, Will Anderson culminating in all boys and staff dressing up in reading is essential. and Ms Mary-Lou Fraser (TGS Teacher) at the costume as characters from children’s books. Queensland awards for Speech and Drama

Some of the cast from Shrek, with Harry Gallagher (Fiona) and Izaak Schefe (Shrek) in the centre of the photograph

9 By Scott Campbell Head of Junior School

Sporting success was achieved at a significant level in Cross Country this year. Charlie Randall and Archer Black, both in Year 5 and in the Under 10 years’ division, finished first and second respectively at our School Cross Country Carnival, at the Darling Downs’ Carnival and at the GPS Championships. At State Championships, Charlie finished in second place and Archer was third. Both boys progressed to National Championships, with Charlie finishing 2nd in Australia and Archer 19th. The boys are congratulated for their fine efforts this year. Junior School boys continue to achieve some wonderful results in Chess. Our number 1 team finished in first place at the Toowoomba Primary Schools’ Teams Chess Tournament for the third year in a row. Our number 2 team finished the same tournament in fourth place. This is a significant achievement for both teams, given there were 104 teams from schools across Toowoomba competing in the championship. Both teams qualified for State Championships as a result. This year has been a most positive one for Junior School boys, full of Above: (L-R) Charlie Randall and Archer Black endeavour, joy and achievement. leading the way at GPS cross country

Above: Charlie Randall and Archer Black proudly wearing their State Medals

Above: Prep G boys and staff dressed in their book character costumes Above: Toby Wysel dressed as Fantastic Mr Fox.

10 USA TOUR THE GRAMMARPHONES

1 From 16 September to 1 October the Grammarphones embarked upon the ‘trip of a lifetime’ with a performance tour across the United States of America.

To say the trip was a terrific success is an beautiful weather allowing us to take a understatement as the boys, staff and parents walk in Muir Woods with its giant redwoods experienced concert highlights, sightseeing, (a quick performance for the rangers of adventure and education on a daily basis. course), central San Francisco with a Union After an audition process, 23 students Square performance, Fisherman’s wharf and were chosen to tour and alongside several impromptu performances, cable car 12 staff, parents and family members riding, that windy street (Lombard) and an departed very early in the morning from amazing visit to Alcatraz. A performance Toowoomba in the September school highlight was definitely after visiting the holidays. Being the Grammarphones, within science museum in Golden Gate Park. We a day at San Francisco they had already transferred across to the Music Dome performed a number of times in airports, with its spectacular setting to perform a at scenic views etc. and noted that the full set to grateful picnickers and locals. American crowds were always receptive As well as this we squeezed in two to this kind of spontaneous show. very special experiences. The first was an The School’s Director of Performance opportunity to workshop with Deke Sharon, and Leader of this Tour, Mr Neil Roche- known as the father of contemporary 2 Kelly, continues with the report: a Capella. Deke first worked with the Day 2 also saw our first ‘official’ concert Grammarphones three years ago in and performance, in the San Jose area, so Hobart, and since then his reputation has we headed first to the delightful seaside skyrocketed with two successful ‘Pitch town of Santa Cruz for a beach rehearsal Perfect’ movies under his belt and a third and a chance to enjoy the esplanade and on the way, the successful US TV series, funfair with a rollercoaster ride or two and The Sing Off and he is just about to open to sample all sorts of fried everything. We his first Broadway show ‘In Transit’ – an a then transferred to West Valley College for Capella musical. The boys were suitably a workshop with local clinician and Jazz awed and delighted with his motivation Performer Gus Kambeitz and a combined and enthusiasm for their work. The other dinner, get together and thoroughly highlight was to visit Mountain View High enjoyable concert with Lincoln High School. School in the bay area where we had a truly The next couple of days had us enjoying wonderful combined concert experience. all the San Francisco area has to offer with

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The next day was one of our tour highlights – way up higher for even more magnificent the new World Trade Centre and stunning Disneyland! The boys had been accepted to views. Many times during our performances memorial, Grand Central Terminal and many perform at Disneyland through a successful we were joined by familiar faces of former other areas of NYC. We also took in Broadway audition process whilst in Australia. After staff (including at the Empire State Building, performances, most notably ‘Aladdin’ and some free time the boys met the Disneyland TGS Honorary Old Boy and longest ever along with 50,000 Baseball mad New Yorkers staff and were ushered to the Hollywood serving employee of 54 years, Mrs Judy went to Yankee Stadium to watch the Backlot Stage where we performed to the Gillies) and Old Boys travelling around and Yankees defend against the Boston Red Sox. Disneyland patrons and were very well spotting the uniform. Other impromptu I would particularly like to thank received. The boys found it fascinating to get performances also occurred all over the city in my accompanying members of staff, a glimpse of the backstage operations of the Harlem, Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. Eylece Blaikie (Head of Arts) and Michelle world’s most famous entertainment park. Bryant, Highline, Battery and Central Parks McCorkindale (Junior School Teacher), After flying over to the Atlantic Coast were also great experiences, particularly in who worked tirelessly all tour to ensure and arriving at JFK Airport we stayed not in Central Park where we performed a Beatles the safety, health and happiness of our New York, but over in New Jersey, so the boys song at Strawberry Fields in tribute to John boys, our delightful tour manager Phil really did get to experience local life as we Lennon and in the central tunnel area Hobson and Chris Gibbs and the team took the opportunity to get subway passes affording some of the best acoustics we from World Projects USA and a wonderful and spent the next few days riding the trains have encountered in public performance. set of supportive parents for their terrific and subways of New York, something not There were two touring opportunities work with the 23 students on tour. It was too familiar for some of our Toowoomba that stood out as highlights and we were an experience we will never forget! travellers. Our days in New York were grateful for links that made this possible. crammed solid with highlights, experiences Firstly, Empire Theatre Bursary winner Sam Neil Roche-Kelly and many, many impromptu performances. Nester is an Australian performer who Director of Performance The first of two performance highlights works at arguably the most famous music occurred on our day visit to Harlem where the school in the world, the Juilliard School and boys got the chance to perform on the stage a link with him meant that we were very 1. Walking the streets of Harlem, NYC. at arguably one of the most famous venues fortunate to be able to visit this prestigious 2. A performance in the Music Dome at in the world, the famous Apollo Theatre in establishment, a true experience indeed. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Harlem where performers such as Michael The other touring opportunity was Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and thanks to the Headmaster for organising for 3. (L-R) Mason Watts, Patrick Morrison, James Brown have all trodden the boards. us a visit to the oldest school in the USA, The Hugh Hansen and Anthony Patsalou The other ‘big one’ was a wonderful Collegiate School in New York City, founded (Year 12) at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco performance on the 80th floor of the Empire in 1628. It was fascinating for the boys to see State Building, allowing the boys to perform a private boys’ school run in an office block 4. Times Square, NYC to hundreds of people who either stopped situation just off Central Park and we were 5. Santa Cruz, California to listen (many did) or pass through on their grateful for the tour. Other visits included

12 Take Note Concert On Friday, 14 October, the Arts Department was proud to present our Annual ‘Take Note’ Concert to an appreciative audience.

By Neil Roche-Kelly, Director of Performance

The Clarinet Choir and Scherzo String Quartet leader of strings Andrew Lumsden. The followed by the Saxophone ensemble with a provided Introductory music front of stage Choir delighted with varied repertoire unique arrangement of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. prior to our opening staged act, the Glennie including the poignant Crosby, Stills and The Grammarphones, fresh from Grammar Orchestra. An audience favourite Nash song ‘Find the Cost of Freedom’ tour, performed a number of pieces that was Leroy Anderson’s The Typewriter followed by two other Eisteddfod winners, delighted audiences in the USA including, featuring James Evans on Typewriter solo! the Wind Orchestra with ‘Irish Tune from Bobby McFerrin with a spooky twist, ‘Don’t Some great Spy themes were the feature County Derry’ and the String Consort happy, Be Worry’. The audience was treated for our Wind Ensemble in the form of James with ‘LIbertango’ to bring us to interval. to a short video of the tour while our Bond and Peter Gunn while our Guitar The 2nd Act opened with, arguably, finale ensemble of the evening, RnB Band Ensemble impressed with some very intricate the crowd favourite for the evening, brought it all home with some Earth, Wind playing of the crowd-pleaser ‘The Good, The Harry Egerton’s arrangement of the and Fire and Stevie Wonder. Even all this Bad and the Ugly’. School Song ‘Fidelis in Omnibus’ as amazing music wasn’t enough for some The 2nd combined Glennie/Grammar performed by the Vivace Trio. audience members who stayed behind Ensemble ‘Xpression’ performed a set of The stage was then cleared for two to enjoy more pieces by the RnB Band. contemporary choral pieces, including enjoyable performances, ‘Child Protection’ I would like to congratulate all the the haunting ‘Living with Shadows’ and ‘The Restaurant’ by members of students for their fine work on the evening composed by former TGS Director of the TiGAA Troupe and a special Dance and thank all the people who assisted making Performance, the late Harley Mead. solo by Austin Kelly ‘The Samurai’. the night the success it was, in particular The Saxophone Trio demonstrated why Next up was our newest ensemble the amazing ensemble directors and their they were Eisteddfod winners with their RnBToo with a performance including the work with the musicians and actors of TGS. Danse Espagnole and were followed by the Elvis Presley favourite Jailhouse Rock, the String Orchestra who played Patterson’s Big Band then moved us through a number String Concertino featuring as soloist our of styles including Big Band Jazz and Funk,

Pictured: Members of the Wind Ensemble (L-R) Harrison Hepner (Year 7), Jack Files (Year 7) and Harry Rogan (Year 9) 13 1 2

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1. Hugh Hansen (Year 12) Co-Leader of the Arts 2. RnB Too (L-R) Felix Thomason (Year 7), Julian Lachmund (Year 8) and Sam Dyer (Year 8). 3. Members from the Senior Choir 4. Members from Big Band 5. RnB Too singer John Anderson (Year 7)Take Note Concert 6. TiGAA performers (L-R) Jacob Hicks (Year 12), Sean Johnston (Year 10), Hunter Payne (Year 10) and Kate Scott.

14 Japan Language and Cultural Tour In the September vacation, a group of 16 students led by Mr Jason Butt and Mr Michael Cocks travelled to Japan on a 20-day tour to experience all aspects of the country’s unique culture and way of life.

After a few days of orientation in downtown of okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), base of Mt Fuji. Here, we rode a replica pirate Tokyo, tasting the food and traversing the grilled oysters and kakigori (shaved ice ship on Lake Ashi, glimpsed Mt Fuji (a rare intricate public transport system, the boys desserts) were also on the agenda. thing at that time of year) and relaxed in the headed to our brother school, Keio Shiki From Hiroshima, we called Kyoto our base evening with hot spring baths, ghost stories Boys High School, for class activities and a for four more days. After experiencing the and sweet potato and cream cheese ice chance to hone their language skills. All of majesty of Kiyomizudera and drinking from creams. We then headed back to Tokyo for a the boys had unique experiences with their its lucky subterranean springs, the students few days at the close of the tour with a visit host brothers over the following four days but visited a wild monkey park on Arashiyama, to the Museum of Science and Emerging some participated in rugby training, met up the National Aquarium in Osaka and the Technology and a day trip to Matsushima, to visit Disneyland or were led on a tour of ancient capital of Nara, the bustling shopping one of the three most scenic spots in the Tokyo Life Safety Learning Centre where district of Shinsaibashi and the crowded but Japan. The energy of this country and the they endeavoured to extinguish virtual fires, adrenaline-fuelled Universal Studios Japan friendliness of its people were not lost on the escape smoke-filled rooms and withstand theme park. The budget included a food boys and feedback suggests it will not be simulated earthquakes. kitty allocated to boys each day so they the last time many of them visit its shores. We then headed to Hiroshima, managing were encouraged to go out and discover to overtake a typhoon in our bullet train, new dishes and meet the local restaurateurs. Jason Butt before turning in for the night. Here, One group dinner included a very well- Senior Teacher of Japanese and Tour Leader the group visited the sombre Hiroshima received all-you-could-eat meat barbecue War Museum and Peace Park, Hiroshima where the boys savoured all manner of Castle, Mazda Factory and Showroom and flesh including heart, liver and tripe. Kure Naval Museum. Activities such as After a very busy two and a half weeks, hiking Mount Misen on Miyajima, singing the boys were happy to relax at our traditional karaoke and eating the local delicacies guesthouse in Hakone National Park at the

Above: The group at Todaiji Temple, Nara.

15 Football Tour to Japan The 2016 Japan Football tour set off for nine days of sporting and cultural experiences with 16 Year 7/8 boys and three staff.

The purpose of the tour was to compete in deluged by a typhoon. Again the boys our hosts, both schools winning one game the prestigious Maebashi Invitational Football adapted and revelled in the wet. Playing each. The next two days of sightseeing in tournament as well visit Tokyo and St Mary’s Urawa Red Diamonds, a J-league youth Tokyo involved negotiating peak hour trains, international school. Despite lack of sleep side, was a great experience despite the braving Tokyo Disney in the wet (yes it was and being in totally unfamiliar surrounds loss. The games on the last day were again still raining), shopping, visiting temples and the boys were excited for the first day of played in the wet, which followed us all seeking the best souvenirs to take back home. the tournament. After we were made to week, and we won both of these games to The hospitality shown to our touring feel extremely welcome as special guests of finish seventh overall and the highest ranked group by all our homestays and the people in honour, three games awaited us. This was international team, an immense feat. Japan has created opportunities for our school the 20th Anniversary of the tournament and We left Maebashi amid tearful goodbyes and we look forward to hopefully taking our 54 teams, including teams from South Korea, from our homestays and took a super quick boys back in 2018. St Mary’s School hope to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand as well as trip on the bullet train to Tokyo to meet our establish a reciprocal touring opportunity. three from Australia had entered the contest. new hosts, St Mary’s International School. The On the first day after the official next three days were spent with our fantastic Peter Broadfoot opening ceremony we were transported hosts St Mary’s International School in Tokyo. Director of Football and Tour Leader to our playing field. In hot and humid The boys spent a day conditions, the boys played enterprising in school with their St and attacking football, winning all three Mary’s hosts, completing games on the day to qualify for the top half lessons and answering of the draw. The team was ecstatic to catch questions about Australia. up with former TGS Residential Assistant This was another great Hiroshi and his team. Bragging rights experience for both our remained with TGS following a 4-2 win. hosts and our boys. Some That night staff were invited to the teachers had posters about opening ceremony which included a Australia and our boys Taiko drum welcome, a superb array of talked about Toowoomba, Japanese dishes and an introduction to the Darling Downs and the frenzy of traditional gift exchange. all areas of Australia. If the first day was hot, then the second In the afternoon we was continual torrential rain as we were played two games against

Outstanding Achievement Senior Prefect (2015), Riley De Jong Riley de Jong (Senior Prefect 2015) commenced a Bachelor of Engineering degree at The University of Queensland this year.

He also joined the residential community own ability and drive, along with the of co-educational Cromwell College within supportive college environment, have the University. Riley is one of five TGS Old led to this outstanding result. Boys currently at Cromwell (with a further Cromwell College Principal, Mr Ross six arriving in 2017) and is the second Senior Switzer (Toowoomba Grammar School Old Prefect of Toowoomba Grammar School in Boy ’77-79), said: “Riley has shown a mature four years to join that College. and determined approach to his academic Riley de Jong and Riley achieved a perfect score studies and to Cromwell College life in his Mr Ross Switzer of 7.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in first semester. He is an absolute credit to at the Cromwell College Academic his first semester at University. Riley’s Grammar and to all associated with him.” Dinner

16 The Official Old Boys’ Newsletter

From the President Brett Priebe (1978-82)

Greetings once again from the TGS Old Boys’ Association. Since the last issue of Omnibus the Old Boys have had a busy few months and we have had a very rewarding time interacting with the School and catching up with many Old Boys.

Old Boys’ Reunion (1953-56), attended and it was great to his time at school who had made meet him. His sporting prowess is of course a significant difference to him. The Old Boys’ Reunion was held this year on legendary and he had many tales to tell. To me it appeared that one of the keys to the first week-end of September. This year we Bill Taylor (1953-56) proposed the toast Steve’s success was his ability to take lessons focused on the Year of the 6’s and again we to the School and reflected on what the and advice from others to help him guide his had a great cross section of Old Boys going all School stood for and had taught us and own success. He was the first to admit that he the way back to the 1940’s. that we should never take this for granted. had some ups and downs throughout his life The week-end started with a welcome The Headmaster’s presentation took the but by continually being positive and taking function at the school on the Friday Old Boys on a journey through time from on new ideas he has always been able to night. Over 140 Old Boys and partners the 1940’s to the current day. It reflected bounce back. He made special mention to us attended before they ventured onto the significant growth the School has “not to worry - it will turn out all right in the their respective year group reunions. undergone and the wonderful achievements end.” It’s great advice for all of us. On the Saturday, Rugby was held at the School has recorded over this time. He has recently written a History of Downlands and TGS had a great day winning The Reunion week-end ended with a the Brisbane Rugby League. This book is every game. The Firsts was an exciting school tour on the Sunday morning. This was an amazing almanac and for those of you game with TGS holding out in the end to hosted by the Headmaster and Mr Ben Foley who followed the BRL it is a wonderful win in a very tight finish. TGS scored three (Director of Enrolments) and again was very reminder of the times. Steve reported that early tries to take a strong lead but a spirited well attended. With a new boarding house the book had sold over 14000 copies and comeback from Downlands saw them (Boyce/Taylor), the Museum and a state-of- it still hadn’t been officially released. overtake TGS on the scoreboard. However, the-art swimming pool, there was plenty for All the very best to Steve and the boys in blue and gold steadied, came Old Boys and their respective families to see. many thanks to him for speaking back and then held on to win 33-29. The at our Business Breakfast. TGS Old Boys’ player of the match was hooker Matthew Faessler whose strong Business Breakfast running and deceptive speed were probably This year’s guest speaker at the TGS Business Rockhampton Reunion the difference between the two sides. Breakfast was Steven Haddan (1971-75). Steve The Headmaster and I had the good Given the rugby result the Reunion proved to be a wonderful, funny, engaging fortune to attend a TGS Old Boys’ Reunion dinner that night was full of good cheer and sensitive speaker. Over 40 people in Rockhampton on Saturday. 22 October. and enthusiasm and over 240 people attended the breakfast and were thoroughly Leon Clothier (1968-72) and Frazer Pearce attended. Our oldest Old Boy on the night entertained by Steve. (1973-77) organised the event and around was Bill Woodside (1943-46) who looked He spoke very fondly of the School 40 Old Boys and partners attended (see resplendent in a full Scottish kilt. One of and particularly made mention of Mr photograph inside-back cover). the most famous TGS Old Boys, Ray Swan John Kennedy, a staff member during

17 The response to this event was terrific Rockhampton. Frazer Pearce, originally This is a great result for the School. As the and all who attended thoroughly enjoyed from Cecil Plains, is now the editor of the Headmaster said during the assembly, themselves. The Central Queensland area is local Rockhampton newspaper. Alistair premierships are extremely hard to come by home to many Old Boys and it goes to show Gunthorpe (1997-2001) and the youngest and we should rejoice in these results. I think that you don’t necessarily have to have these Old Boy attending, is a Property Valuer. it’s a great testament to the Football program events in capital cities to attract numbers. Dave Cowan (1980-83) is with the ANZ the School has developed and the hard work Extraordinarily there were even Old Boys in Bank and George Cowan (1979-83) is that the boys and the coaching staff are Rockhampton who had been dealing with a solicitor with Rees R & Sydney Jones doing. each other without even knowing they were Solicitors which claims to be oldest I would also like to make note of Old Boys. You can imagine how surprised they continually operating law firm in Australia. the fact that during the assembly the were when they met up at this event. They can trace their history back to 1864! whole School sang the School Song with Oldest Old Boy on the night (pictured John Creedon (1975-77) (Mark’s great gusto. Old Boys would be proud inside-back cover) was Peter Shannon brother) who attended with his wife of how well the School continues the (1944-47) who came along with his Leanne, is a builder in Middlemount. tradition of singing the School Song. wife Betty. Peter mentioned some very Everyone was envious of John Heaps interesting facts about how the school (1972-73) when he mentioned he had been End of Year infrastructure was used by the US sailing around the South Americas over the military during the Second World War. last few years, enjoying life at slower pace. There are a few more functions for the Old Vern Ezzy (1979-80), a famous Old The list of achievements from the Old Boys to attend to and be part of this year Boy whose plaque can be seen on the Boys who attended is endless and I apologise including the Cadet Passing Out Parade, Wall of Achievement, was originally from to those I have inadvertently left out. Cadet Dining-Out night, Year 12 pizza lunch Millmerran and now resides in Emerald. He The Headmaster gave a presentation on and the Year 12 final assembly. We look spoke of his time as a Paralympian in the the School and I think the Old Boys were quite forward to being part of those events before ‘80s and how the Paralympic movement was amazed at the development the School has the year closes. eventually able to convince the Olympic undergone since they had left. The video shot Many thanks to all those who have authorities that the Paralympics were indeed by a drone really shows the School at its best. worked on the committee this year. I know worthy of using the Olympic name. Some Old Boys had never been back all of you are either running businesses, Leon Clothier spoke fondly of the School to the School since leaving. Given the working hard in professions and/or looking and particularly mentioned the “moral fibre” distance to Toowoomba and their respective after families and finding extra time that every TGS Old Boy possesses. Personally work commitments it makes sense to to serve on the committee is not easy. I just wanted to acknowledge Leon’s efforts hold these events in the regional areas. Please know that all of your efforts and with this event. It was his brainchild to hold All in all it was a great event and hard work are very much appreciated. the event but more importantly it was his well worth the visit. A lot of these Many thanks to Jennifer Fordyce who work rounding up everyone for which we Old Boys are coming to the reunion continues to support us in every way. are especially grateful. Special mention and next year and all I can say is “look out”. Without her our work would be very difficult. thanks go to Linda Gibson, Leon’s partner, They enjoy having a good time. Finally to the Headmaster thank you again who helped him with the organisation. for your support this year. As always the Old Boys’ Association appreciates the close There were quite a few boys from Presentation of Premiership the golden era of TGS athletics (early relationship we have with the Headmaster. 70s) and the name of Lindsay Jones Caps at Assembly (LBJ) was often raised in admiration. With a sense of déjà vu (which we don’t Best regards Justin Stower (1981-86), who mind at all mind you!), the Old Boys proudly incidentally is a newly appointed TGS presented this year’s First XI Football Brett Priebe (1978-82) groundsman, attended and as ever his team with Premiership caps at a school President TGS OBA passion for the School never abates. I assembly after the Firsts claimed a back- am sure he will be a wonderful addition back premiership (tie with Nudgee College). to the School’s staff. He even gave me a look of his TGS tattoo again! Tim (1981-82) and Joe Olive (1987-91), cattle breeders from Marlborough attended. Tim runs over 3000 breeders and mentioned TGS Old Boys’ Weekend that he has set up a support network for the homeless in Brisbane. Joe who was in the First 8 - 10 September 2017 XI, spoke of Ron Bourne (Deputy Headmaster late 70s and 80’s), mentioning that it was "Year of the Sevens" - 1947, 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007 Ron who really got TGS cricket back up All Old Boys and partners are welcome. on top during his time as First XI coach. There are quite a few successful More details to follow in 2017. businessmen residing and working in

18 Old Boys Reunion Dinner 2016 - Year of Sixes

1956 YEAR GROUP Back Row L-R: Bill Taylor, Rusty Coleman, Ray Swan, Brian Wippell, Joe Gartner Front Row L-R: Col Wyse, Brian Williams, Bob Johnson, John Provan, Ken Sargent

1966 YEAR GROUP Back Row L-R: Jeff Organ, Graham Turner, Paul Skerman, Allan Hamilton, Lawrie Dore, Drew McDonald, David Jones Third Row L-R: Angus McAdam, Doug Hutchison, Trevor Watters, Hugh Donaldson, Rudy Jager, Allen Parsons, Trevor McIntyre Second Row L-R: Peter Johnson, Glenn Fisher Front Row L-R: Kelvin Jones, Peter Corones, Howard Skerman, John Derrick, Manuel Behnke, Keith Bauer, Greg Anderson, Ross Stevenson

1976 YEAR GROUP Back Row L-R: Greg Gunther, Graham Blue, Greg Rashford, John Tait, Tony Sharman, David Ragh, John Sommerfield, David Custance Middle Row L-R: Glenn Cooper, Ian McGregor, Ian Toia, James Doyle, Peter Nelson, Terry Brennan, Simon McCord, Allen Jackson, Peter Zerk Front Row L-R: Michael Pearce, Bill Alford, Ross Ford, David Goodman, Peter Travers, Tim Glover, Raymond Cranney, Robert Turner, Glenn Faulkner

19 Old Boys Coming Events Reunion Dinner 2017

Wednesday, Feb 1 Old Boys' Association Management Committee Meeting, Old Hall, 7.30pm 1986 YEAR GROUP Monday, Feb 13 Past Mothers' Group Morning Back Row L-R: Bill Burge, Colin Thun, Matt Crook, Paul Armstrong, Spencer Morgan, Glenn Page Tea, Pavilion, 10.00am Wednesday, Mar 1 Old Boys' Association AGM Third Row L-R: Scott Mayall, Grant Sundin, Geoff Ila, Ross Olive, Scott Coventry, Will Officer, Jason and Management Committee Burey, Jason Schutt, Justin Debney Meeting, Old Hall, 7.30pm Second Row L-R: Jason Darlington, Henry Thomson, Andrew Gray, Darryl Pedler, Jamie Deacon Monday, Mar 6 Old Boys' Association (Brisbane Branch) AGM Front Row L-R: Stephen Dryden, Justin Stower, Peter Taaffe, Russell Green, Brian Dumcombe, Thursday, Mar 9 School Open Day, David McDonald, Guy Shannon and Rian Morgan 9.00 - 12.00pm Friday, Mar 10 Old Boys’ Association Generations Gathering, Old Hall, 6.00pm

Friday, Mar 17 Cricket Supporters' Group Function - McGrath Foundation Fundraiser, Pavilion, 6.00pm

Friday, Mar 24 TGS P&F Art Show Opening, Assembly Hall, 6.00pm - 10.00pm

Saturday, Mar 25 TGS P&F Art Show, Assembly Sunday, Mar 26 Hall, 10.00am - 4.00pm

Old Boys who have visited TGS since April 2016

2006 YEAR GROUP Joshua Williams, Adelaide Back Row L-R: Marcus Robotham, Rob Gillingham, Donovan Baker, Stuart Valdal, Josh Peter Wilson, Toowoomba Poynter, Justin Vivers, Mitchell Coughran, Dugald Macleod, Dan Riddell, Matthew Dennis Waverley Stanley, Clagiraba Third Row L-R: Jake O'Brien, Nathan Braden, Toby Tapscott, Simon Dennis, Alec Mackenzie, Ken Kelly, Warwick Matt Chambers, Angus Elder John Rush, Kings Beach Second Row L-R: Alex Colquhoun, Nathan Hewitt, Stuart Young, Jack Michelmore, Angus John Kessler, Toowoomba MacDiarmid, Tom Inch, Peter Burns, Doug Gibson, Sam Koning Raoul Thomason, Kaleen ACT Front Row L-R: Toby Mott, Mitch Hogan, Ned Whip, James Prendergast, Matt Tait, Nick Ian Doyle, Birdsville Warner, Dirk Boyce Ray Swan, Joyner Joe Gartner, West End Nathan Dennys, Calico Creek Rex Carney, Gympie Scott Kelly, Northgate John Coleman, Jandowae Ian Nicol, Injune Chris Stephenson, Cairns John Blackburn, Camp Hill Ben Howard, Highfields Dudley Venables, Watson, ACT Rod Swartz, London, UK Steve Haddan, Hawthorne Gavin Corlett, Palmwoods Rusty Coleman, Bill Taylor and Ian Dumigan Scott Beatty, Murphy’s Creek

20 Births, Deaths, Engagements & Marriages

Births Sidney Chambers (2000-04) and Liz, a son, Mason Thomas in August 2016 Danny Beresford (2002-04) and Renee, a son, Max Archer in September 2016 Wil Hamilton (2004-09) and Sarah, a son, Charles Wil in October 2016

Deaths Robert (Bob) Cairns (1954-55) in May 2016 Old Boy News Treveren (Trev) Liesegang (1944-48) in August 2016, a member of the “Invincibles” 1948 First XV Do you have a story to share? Mervyn (Merv) Sanders (1938-40) in August 2016 We are always looking for articles to publish about our Old Boys. For more Peter McDougall (1995-99) in August 2016 information please contact Jennifer Fordyce in the School Associations' Office. Ian Seaniger (1969-73) in August 2016 Email: [email protected] Phone: (07) 4687 2579 Hector (Richard) Handley (1951) in August 2016 James (Jim) King (1973-75) Tim Wilson and Peter Todd (both 1987-91) agribusiness banking team in south-west in September 2016 are working for the CSIRO at the Paul Wild Queensland. Bruce has more than 15 years’ Commodore (Rtd) Peter McKay (1951-53) in September 2016 Observatory near Narrabri, NSW. Tim is the experience in agribusiness and regional Max Wilson (1942-45) in September 2016 Principal Engineer and Peter the Facilities commercial banking and has worked in many Manager. Tim also works at the “Dish” at locations in Queensland and interstate. Alan Baskerville (1938-40) in September 2016 Parkes and has been involved in the design Ross Gilkeson (1960-63) in October 2016 and construction of the ASKAP Telescope in Will Clift (2013-14) features in an Western Australia. Tim said that Old Boys or advertisement for the Australian Institute current families who may be in the area are of Music, Melbourne Campus where he Marriages invited to drop in at Parkes or Narrabri for a is currently studying. (https://youtu.be/ Hayden Schofield (2005-09) special tour. o5LBJHPQlTs) Further to Will competing in to Ellen Desmarchelier in June 2015 the U20 National Rugby Championships at Cameron Meurant (1998-2004) the start of 2016, he has been training with to Leonie Hill in April 2016 the Melbourne Rising Squad and they will Heath Glover (1999-2003) play in the National Rugby Championships to Catherine Hosking in July 2016 shortly. Will certainly possesses all round Scott Meurant (2003-07 talent. to Samantha Walton in August 2016 Harrison Humphries (2001-05 ) We were delighted that John Blackburn to Chantelle Cross in October 2016 (1943-46) and his wife Del visited the School in September. They are living in Brisbane and were having a short stay in Toowoomba to Engagements see the carnival gardens and some of John’s Stephen Cameron (1991-95) is the rural Tom Speed (2007-10) old haunts. Their son Robert also attended division manager for Herron Todd White in to Bri Ladbrook in September 2016 the School as a boarder from 1973 to 1977. the Toowoomba and Roma regions. Andrew Skewes (2003-08) John said that his trips as a boarder from to Hollie Bryant in September 2016 Macknade (near Ingham) to the School were Robert Thallon (1993-97) The Commonwealth Bank has appointed very long and sometimes a group of boarders to Sarah Becker in September 2016 Bruce McConnel (1994-98) as regional from TGS would go by train from Helidon to Charles Booth (2003-06) manager of its specialist regional and Brisbane and then have to wait for the rest to Jacynta Baker in October 2016 of the night at Roma Street Station before bull Dunlop Pilgrim and he was sashed the changed vocations from construction lawyer the train heading north left in the morning. Grand Champion. Dunlop Pilgrim weighed to educator where he works to ensure He also recalled having to use ration books in at 1132kg and the judge commented on potential high achievers are challenged and for basic supplies and that his mother had his structural soundness. He was also senior supported. Alexander was the leader of a seamstress on a neighbouring farm make champion bull at the Wandoan Feature Show Freshney House in 1999 and he credits his his school shirts as many items were in short earlier this year. career change to great advice he received supply during the war. John worked as a from Mrs Lynne Yeabsley, then Freshney’s chartered accountant and has had a lifelong Dudley Venables (1954-55) visited the Housemaster. interest in boats. He and Del still have a boat School in September with his daughter and which is moored at Jacob’s Well. grandchildren. His parents were travelling Donald Dudman (1950-51) lives in around Australia working when he was Bundaberg and he has been teaching young Murray Hobbs (1971-75) travelled to at school so when they settled back in people the rudiments of being a bandsman Germany to celebrate his brother Warren’s Ingham he returned home. He started an by giving drumming instruction. He has been (1974-78) birthday. They are pictured at apprenticeship as an auto electrician with a Unit Support Volunteer with TSBundaberg Oberfranken enjoying a garden party to mark his father’s business before joining the Army and the Navy Cadets since 2008. Don was the occasion. when he was 21. He was in the Infantry awarded a Director General Australian Navy Corps and did two tours to Vietnam at which Cadets Commendation by G.J. Geraghty time his hearing deteriorated so he didn’t AM, Commodore, RANR, Director General return to the Infantry. After 23 years in the Australian Navy Cadets on 12 February 2014 Army, he worked for the Public Service in which he said was a real surprise to him. He Canberra and had three children, two boys gratefully accepted the award and felt really and a girl. Dudley mentioned that when proud to receive it. Don believes in the work he was in the CMF in Ingham, Syd Gardner of all Cadet units, Navy, Army and Air Force, (1947-50) was his platoon commander. that is done for the youth and future leaders of our country. Alexander Mason (1995-99) received a “New Voice” in School Leadership Scholarship Heath Glover (1999-2003) (pictured) from the Australian Council for Educational married Catherine Hosking at the All Hallows’ Leaders in September 2016. He is a fourth School Chapel on 2 July 2016 and his best year teacher of History and English at Grace man was Walter Clewett (1999-2003). Lutheran College which has campuses Heath is the son of Graham Glover (1962- at Rothwell and Caboolture. In 2012, he 65).

Michael McKenna (1988-92) has opened a new dessert-inspired café in one of Toowoomba’s laneways. It is called The 3rd Monkey and it is located in Club Lane. It is like many Melbourne eateries and patrons will be able to enjoy locally sourced desserts, cakes and coffees in an industrial setting. Michael is also adding a wine bar at the rear of his café which he said was the location of McDonald & Rosbrook many years ago.

Following in his brother Kiel (1997-2001) and sister Hope’s international footsteps, Liam Brown (2000-04) is in France playing hockey with national champions Lille. Last year he reached a career milestone, notching up more than 200 games for Toowoomba Norths and Brisbane side Bulimba. Liam is hoping that this experience will enable him to follow an international career in Europe.

Scott Dunlop (1988-92) and his wife Rebecca from Proston went to the Brisbane Exhibition to show their Santa Gertrudis

22 John Saunders (1945-48) sent an email to Dominic Cansdale (2003-08) is a journalist were asleep in their respective dormitories, advise of the passing of Max Wilson (1942- for ABC Wide Bay and is based in Bundaberg. these three arose like ghosts, dressed, crept 45) in September 2016. John wrote that He reports for radio, TV and online. down to the Masters' Common Room and he had fond memories of Max who was a stole the Saturday book, thereby conferring House Prefect at Beresford in 1945. He had Tom Baskerville advised that his father, Alan a blessing not only upon themselves but very poor eyesight and wore glasses with Henry Baskerville (1938-40) passed away also on the other boys whose names were strong lenses. Max was a member of the 1st on 4 October 2016 and sent us a short story recorded for that week - an unmerited favour XV football team and when playing against that his father had penned. An abridged that was duly acknowledged in the Friday Downlands he ran in the wrong direction. version of this story is included here for assembly when no Saturdays could be read With much shouting from his team mates he your enjoyment. It relates to a mischievous out. With their ill-gotten gain safely secured turned around and scored a try. John had incident but one which involved Old Boys by one of them, our three musketeers worked with Max in the lighting industry so who gave their lives for their country in World stole down to the bike shed, appropriated they had continued their association after War II. three bikes owned either by boarders or by school. day-boys who had not taken them home, “The Saturday Book - This was an exercise and rode through the night some twenty Samantha Meurant sent an email to let us book, suitably ruled, that was kept in the miles to Wolfe's farm where they buried the know about her wedding to Scott Meurant Masters' Common Room. In it were recorded Saturday Book. Then they rode back and (2003-07) at Adora Downs, Mt Tyson in the names of boys who, during the week, had arrived just before breakfast. With sheepish August 2016. A guest list of sixteen Old Boys been awarded a Saturday detention. This may looks they took their respective places at highlights Scott’s strong connections with have been for some misbehaviour in class or the table but, before the repast was over, friends made at boarding school in Taylor for neglecting to complete an allotted task. the 'buzz' had gone around the room and House. They are pictured left to right: Angus The Saturday had to be worked out under their nocturnal exploit and the blow they McAlpine (2002-10), Will Brett (2006- supervision at School between 9am and 12 had struck in the name of freedom became 10), Jonson Schwerin (2003-07), Kieran noon on the forthcoming Saturday and, on common knowledge. At the time, no one Wilkie (2000-07), Simon Mobbs (2003-07), the preceding Friday assembly, the names of thought it unusual that they had ridden Lachlan Rudd (2003-07), Tom Rudd (2006- the miscreants were solemnly read out from forty miles to accomplish something that 07), Jarred Dean (2002-07), Scott Meurant, the platform by one of the masters. There might just have easily been done within Samantha Meurant (née Walton), Jack was a further dimension. If a boy earned the confines of the school's 50 acres. But Mackenzie (2003-07), Cameron Meurant two Saturdays in the one week, not only did boys don't think with an adult's logic. That (1998-2004), Andrew Palmer (2000-07), he have to work them out on consecutive Saturday Book was dead and gone, buried, Clinton Broadbent (2003-05), Allister Saturdays, but he also earned himself a visit never to be remembered again. What puzzled Macdonald (2003-07), Ashton Boully to the Headmaster's study where he collected the masters who conducted classes on the (2003-07), David Brett (2004-08) and Tom the further imposition of two to four lashes Friday, and delighted the boys who were in O’Kane (2005-10). across his backside from the boss. On this them, was that, one after the other, at various

Lieutenant Alec Mackenzie (2000-06) is a week, Tudberry II (he had a twin brother at times and in various classes, Tudberry, Wolfe helicopter pilot at the Oakey Army Aviation school who was Tudberry I), Wolfe and Frizzell and Frizzell dozed off to sleep in the middle Training Centre. He said he was privileged to each had three Saturdays recorded before of the lesson and had to be prodded each be able to land on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval Friday. This was serious business. 'Harry' time into wakefulness. For this exploit, if for in mid-October and to take cadets on a ride would not be in a good mood nor did the no other reason, their names have lived for in the helicopter. The lucky cadets were the prospect of three consecutive detentions evermore in the memories of their school winners of the Tri-Service competition. please. Some decisive action was needed and mates. Sadly, two of them have an even wider needed quickly. On Thursday night, when all memorial. Bill Tudberry (1938-40) was killed

23 on the night of 29 June 1944 in an attack Steve Haddan (1971-75) has released a Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Band and he against the railway yards at Blainville and book titled “Our Game: The Celebration of has had many opportunities to perform for Metz, and Cecil Frizzell (1938-39) died on 5 Brisbane Rugby League 1909-1987”. The the Military including the “Tattoo”. He was the December 1943 when his Lancaster crashed book is very entertaining with previously lone piper in Canberra at the Dawn Service on take-off at Waddington in England. Both unknown or unreported facts being revealed on ANZAC Day. were Air-Gunners serving with RAF Bomber through Steve’s meticulous research and Command.” more than 100 interviews. Steve Haddan was Dr William Yates (2004-08) will be the Guest the guest speaker at the Old Boys’ Business Speaker at this year's Speech Day and Prize- We thank Tom for sharing this story with Breakfast held in Toowoomba on 14 October, Giving Ceremony at the Empire Theatre in us. His father was a Flying Officer in the and he shared life stories and his passion Toowoomba in November. In 2017, William Second World War and was awarded the for the game of rugby league since he was will be working at the Sydney Eye Hospital. Distinguished Flying Cross. Tom also recently a youngster. Many guests at the breakfast sent two letters that Headmaster Barbour had purchased his book which is now available in TGS OLD BOYS REUNION, written to his father when he was stationed bookstores. ROCKHAMPTON in England. There was a lot of catching up to be done Our current boys can learn from the passion Gavin Corlett (1981-85) returned from the when Syd Gardner (1947-50), Ivan Board and interest shown in the School by Old Middle East to Australia in July 2015 with (1961-64), Dal Skirving (1961-64) and their Boys living in Rockhampton and the Central his family to settle on the Sunshine Coast. wives met for lunch at the Headland Golf Highlands. On Saturday, 22 October the After leaving school he returned to PNG and Club in Buderim during October. Headmaster, Mr Peter Hauser, and the worked for an engineering company before his parents suggested that he attend an engineering college near Oxford, UK. Gavin studied agricultural mechanical engineering for four years and then decided that it wasn’t the career for him. He was interested in commercial diving so he went to New Zealand to complete a three month course before returning to the UK where he was required to do another three month diving course at Falmouth in Cornwall before being able to work in the industry. Gavin then went to Abu Dhabi before securing his first diving job in Qatar and he continued his diving career for another eight years. He met his Belgian wife in Dubai and worked offshore for three months on, one month off. Working for a water pumping company for five years followed which involved a lot of travel in L-R Ivan Board, Patsy Gardner, Sue Board, Lil President of the Old Boys’ Association, Mr the Middle East. They then started a marine Skirving, Dal Skirving, Syd Gardner Brett Priebe, flew to Rockhampton to be the engineering business of their own which guest speakers at a TGS Old Boys’ Reunion. spanned twelve years. During this time their Two Old Boys have been trusted with The evening was a roaring success with three sons, including twins, were born. After maintaining and enhancing the appearance 29 Old Boys and their partners/wives in relocating to the Sunshine Coast, Gavin has of our School ovals and wickets. Recently attendance. In true blue and gold spirit, now started a business involving drones Old Boy, Danny Beresford (2002-04) has traditions were upheld. Our current boys which will have many and varied applications been promoted by the Headmaster to the can take inspiration from the oldest Old Boy in the future. position of Grounds Co-ordinator following present at the evening, Mr Peter Shannon, his excellent work as a Groundsman at the who attended our School from 1944-47. Tim Dashwood (1997-2002) has played his School. To replace Danny in his former role Mr Shannon and his wife Betty travelled in wittiest and darkest role yet as Edgar Linton is Old Boy Justin Stower (1981-86) who has from Goovigen to attend the reunion and he in Wuthering Heights at the Empire Theatre in had sound experience in the preparation of passionately led the war cry. June. Edgar Linton is caught in a love triangle first-class turf cricket wickets. We are sure between Catherine and Heathcliff. Tim’s that the Old Boys will be very pleased with Event organiser, Mr Leon Clothier (1968-72) character speaks in a semi-poetic language the efforts of Danny and Justin. is to be commended on his enthusiasm and during the play which takes an interesting love of the School. look at bad relationships, domestic abuse and Following news on Jack Devine (2009-13) emotional blackmail. in the August edition of Balliwanga, he is the Pipe and Drum Major of the Australian

24 Obituaries

IAN RICHARD COOK (at TGS 1962-64)

Ian was born on 8 September 1945 in Sydney, so Ian could go to University to study for his Arrow Energy, Origin, Panax Geothermal the youngest of three boys. His parents were Bachelor of Engineering Surveying which and finally for Zerogen, until 2010 when he married in Salamaua PNG and in 1946, the family he completed in three years. In late 1981, was diagnosed with a very rare sarcoma. moved to Cronulla NSW. the family moved to Roma where Ian was a One of Ian’s great loves was rugby In 1950, the family moved to Glen Aplin surveyor for MJ Hedges and Associates. He union and league, although he could play on the Granite Belt where Ian started school. did a lot of surveying work for oil and gas most sports well without much effort. He After a relative’s death, the family moved to company Hartogen and eventually went to played for the 1st XV in his three years at help run a plantation in Wau, PNG where work for them permanently in 1987. Hartogen TGS mainly at 5/8 though he was also a very Ian continued his primary education. When was taken over by Oil Company of Australia competent halfback, being selected in that around 13 years old, Ian went to boarding (OCA) where Ian continued to work and OCA position for the combined GPS 3rd XV in school in Australia, firstly at All Souls in Charters was eventually absorbed by Origin Energy 1962. After school he played Rugby League Towers and for Years 11 and 12 Ian went to around 2001. He managed operations of and for many years he played for All Whites in Toowoomba Grammar School (1962-64). oil and gas fields in the Surat and Eromanga Nambour as well as in representative teams. On leaving school Ian completed one year basins in southwest Queensland and his Ian loved to go walking and camping in at University before working for Fred Murray job expanded over the years to include the bush. He did several trips to the Victorian and Associates in Nambour as an assistant environmental management, workplace high country and to various spots around SE surveyor. Ian met Fred’s son Mark while at health and safety, and cultural heritage. Queensland. This culminated in his walking the TGS and through the Murrays, he met Gaye In the early 1990s, the family moved to Black Cat Trail in PNG in 2012 but eventually Glanville in 1966. They were engaged in Brisbane and Ian worked for OCA/Origin and bad knees put a stop to these adventures. 1968 and married in 1970. Ian completed his during this time, Ian completed his Masters In July 2015, Ian moved to Buderim Certificate of Surveying by correspondence of Environmental Management in 1998. He where he spent the last months of his and during this time Ian’s two children, worked for Origin Energy until 2007 and he life. Here he lived quietly with his family Wendy (1974) and Luke (1978) were born. then set up his own consultancy and worked and finally began working on his train In 1979, Ian and family moved to Brisbane in this capacity for the EPA, Carpentaria Gold, set. Ian passed away on 24 April 2016.

VALE COMMODORE PETER DUNCAN MCKAY, RAN (Ret’d) (at TGS 1951-53)

Born in Cairns in 1936, Peter McKay was Peter derived much pleasure from reminiscing Captain and Commodore included two years the youngest son of Ronald and Dorothy over their shared TGS and RAN experiences. with Defence’s Strategic and International McKay. He and his brother Donald enjoyed After graduating as dux at the Royal Policy Division and three years as Director- a happy childhood in Queensland when Australian Naval College in 1955, Peter General, Naval Equipment Projects, which they were evacuated from Brisbane to proceeded to the United Kingdom for further involved the management oversight of major live with their Palmer family cousins in training in HMS Triumph and at the Royal Naval acquisitions such as Harpoon missiles and Chinchilla as Queensland was under College, Greenwich. His many appointments Seahawk helicopters. At retirement in 1992, threat of attack by the Japanese. during his 39 years in the RAN included two and Peter was the Commandant of the Australian After the war, the family settled in a half years’ sea-going service with the Royal Joint Services Staff College in Canberra. As a Toowoomba and Peter’s friends from school Malaysian Navy during the period of Indonesia’s Commodore (Brigadier equivalent), Peter was days at Toowoomba Grammar School Confrontation with Malaysia in the early 1960s, the most senior Naval old boy of the seaman remained life-long friends. Keith Denton and two and a half years as the Executive branch to have served in the RAN and is (1951-52) and Peter entered the Royal Officer of HMAS Duchess. In 1973, as a junior recognised on the School’s Wall of Achievement. Australian Naval College together in 1953; Commander, he was posted in command of In 1970 in Geelong, Victoria, Peter shared a flat in Sydney together as bachelors HMAS Tarangau (the RAN’s patrol boat base married Lesley, the sister of friend and naval while on sea-going postings; and until on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea) and to colleague Hamish MacGowan, with whom Keith’s recent death, telephoned regularly oversee the Base’s orderly transfer to the PNG he had served in Malaysia. Their eldest son whenever the Reds played the Brumbies. Defence Force prior to independence in 1975. Alexander was born in Canberra in 1971. Lifelong friend David Stanton (1951-54) Peter commanded the RAN Fleet Tanker James was born in January, 1973 just three and his wife, Elizabeth were among the first HMAS Supply and the Recruit Training weeks after they arrived on Manus Island. to call to offer their condolences after Peter establishment HMAS Leeuwin in Western Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s died. Elizabeth and Peter sat next to each Australia in the 1980s. Early in 1983 he Disease in 1993 but he still managed to other at Toowoomba North State School. undertook a secondment to the UNHCR in follow the Brumbies and Wallabies. Much later, while living in retirement in Geneva and Bangkok to audit the operational After suffering a stroke in December 2014, Canberra, Peter renewed his friendship with and organisational performance and funding Peter lived at Sir Leslie Morshead Manor, an Dick Honor, who had taught him at TGS prior to adequacy of a UN sponsored south-east Asian RSL residential aged care facility at Lyneham, eventually teaching also at the Royal Australian anti-piracy programme for the Gulf of Thailand ACT, and received wonderful care until he Naval College at Flinders in Victoria. Dick and and South China Sea. Other appointments as passed away on 10 September 2016.

25 Obituaries

TGS Old Boy Alec Mackenzie (2000-06) landing on Old Boys' Memorial Oval

'King' Wally Lewis congratulating the First XV on a fine win over Churchie in August

Old Boys' Reunion, Rockhampton, October 262016