OKGA E-News 10th April 2015 Vol. 2 No. 11

From the President

I hope you all had a safe and happy Easter!

Although it is school holidays until 20 April, it is certainly not a quiet time in the OKGA Office. Any Old Boy passing should drop in to see Tracey or Lachlan, have a chat and perhaps even get a cup of tea from them.

We have some important interstate functions coming up in the next few weeks – the Dinner on Friday 8 May, and the Brisbane Gathering on the same weekend. I encourage all Old Boys in Canberra and Brisbane to attend.

Old Boys in action this weekend include the Old Boys Pipe Band playing at “Brigadoon at Bundanoon”, a day of Scottish events in the Southern Highlands, commencing at 9.30 am with a parade of pipers and drummers down the main street of Bundanoon. I‟m sure the weather will be an improvement over last year!

Regards

Mark

News of Old Boys

Tom Matthews (OKG ‟08) is currently playing for Gordon Rugby Club. Following their recent Shute Shield match against Eastwood, coach Geoff Townsend complemented Tom for his good form. “He has been in very good form this year. He becomes a better player every time he plays.”

Harry Evans (OKG ‟07) was the Gordon side‟s leading batsman during the Grade Cricket Season. He finished with an average of 62.8 runs, the fifth best in the competition. His highest innings, of 155 runs, came against Northern District in December. He also scored 99 against Fairfield, 63 against and 151 against Manly.

Charles Wannan (OKG ‟38) – The OKGA are very pleased to confirm that Charles is now back home, after a tumble on the Pymble Golf Course and a short stay at Lady Davidson Hospital. A few Old Boys have called the Office enquiring as to his whereabouts, as they couldn‟t find him at home. At 93, Charlie is still working on reducing his handicap and plans to win this year‟s Old Boys Golf Day. (It is not true that Charlie‟s handicap in achieving such a victory is son & golfing partner, Rob (OKG ‟68)).

Memories from Cadet Camp

In the last edition we reported that the School's Cadet Unit was at its Annual Field Exercise (AFX), at Singleton. Tony has sent in some memories from his time at AFX:

I'm sure many of my era would recall Mr. John Briggs (Boggeye) to the non informed, was the Commanding officer of our Cadet Unit. He was just great. A no nonsense type.

We had some clowns decide to draw in chalk 'funnies' on the outside of the tent roof. Everyone got roped in and had to scrub these damn things to remove the images – in the a.m. and with freezing cold water. Took hours.

We all had a great time for the week or so we were in Singleton. Train up there – steam of course from Central Station. I believe a number of those old beautiful brass screwed on signs were souvenired – "Don't Pee out the Window" or "Remove the Water Flask" or……many others were, "borrowed".

I think a "Sargeants" Meat pie then, was probably 6 pence, including lashings of sauce.

Tony Williams (OKG '54)

Engineering challenge….

Last day, debrief before the return home! Regional Dinners and 2015 Reunions

Canberra Dinner – Friday, 8th May

Venue: Civic Pub 8 Lonsdale St Bradden ACT 2612 Time: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: $60.00 $40.00 OKG „09 to OKG ‟14 (drinks not included) Click HERE to register.

Brisbane Gathering – Friday, 8th May to Sunday, 10th May

Venue: Comfort Inn & Suites Robertson Gardens 281 Kessels Road Nathan Qld 4111 Cost: $35 (Friday BBQ Dinner, from 6pm) $70 (Saturday Dinner) A wide range of wines donated by Bill Lawson of Catherine Vale Wines & Ross McDonald (OKG ‟61) of Macquariedale Organic Wines will be available for tasting.

Click HERE to register & pay, or download registration form HERE. For any queries, please contact David Stark [email protected].

Year Reunions

Plans for the year reunions are well under way. If you have any queries about your year reunion, please contact your year coordinator(s) or Tracey Sutton, OKGA Operations Officer, [email protected] 9487 0121.

OKG ’55 – 60 Year Reunion

***Friday 12th & Saturday 13th June Friday Midday Lunch at the Blue Gum Hotel, Waitara Saturday 3:15pm 1st XV (reserved seating) vs. Waverley Saturday 5:15pm Senior School Campus Tour For more details contact John Mitchell [email protected] or Ian Leafe [email protected].

OKG ’60 – 55 Year Reunion

***Saturday 25th July*** This is the last home game for the season (vs. St Aloysius). The plans for the reunion are:

3:15pm 1st XV (reserved seating) 5:15pm Senior School Campus Tour 6:30pm Drinks & Dinner in KG1 (overlooking Knox 1) Cost: $100 RSVP HERE. For more details email Jack [email protected].

OKG ’65 – 50 Year Reunion

***Saturday 13th June*** 3:15pm 1st XV (reserved seating) vs. Waverley 5:15pm Senior School Campus Tour 6:30pm Drinks & Dinner at Warrawee Bowling Club Cost: $90 RSVP HERE. For more details contact Bill [email protected] or Alex [email protected].

OKG ’70 – 45 Year Reunion – SAVE THE DATE

***Saturday 25th July*** Drinks & Dinner at Garden Pavilion, The Oaks Hotel, Neutral Bay . OKG ’75 – 40 Year Reunion – SAVE THE DATE

***Saturday 19th September*** Drinks & Dinner at The Celebrity Room, City Tattersall Club.

OKG ’85 – 30 Year Reunion

***Saturday 2nd May***3 WEEKS TO GO This is the first game for the season (vs. Barker), and Gala Day. The plans for the reunion are:

3:15pm 1st XV (reserved seating) 5:15pm Senior School Campus Tour 7:00pm Drinks & Dinner at the Greengate Cost $100 RSVP HERE

OKG ’90 – 25 Year Reunion – SAVE THE DATE

***Saturday 25th July*** This is the last home game for the season (vs. St Aloysius). The plans for the reunion are:

3:15pm 1st XV (reserved seating) 5:15pm Senior School Campus Tour 7:00pm Drinks & Dinner at the Rag & Famish, North Sydney Please contact Christian Brooks for details [email protected].

OKG ’95 – 20 Year Reunion – SAVE THE DATE

***Saturday 25th July*** This is the last home game for the season (vs. St Aloysius). The plans for the reunion are:

3:15pm 1st XV (reserved seating) 5:15pm Senior School Campus Tour 7:00pm Drinks & Dinner at the Rag & Famish, North Sydney Please contact Bryn Robertson for details [email protected].

OKG ’05 – 10 Year Reunion – SAVE THE DATE

***Friday 16th October*** Drinks & Dinner at Paddo Bowls, Paddington.

School News

Nyngan Super Camp

At the end of Term 1, Mr Crowhurst (Year 5 Teacher and Wellbeing Leader) along with Mrs Helen Clarke (Senior School Teacher) and five Year 10 and 11 students assisted in running the bi-annual Nyngan Super Camp as part of Knox‟s Service Learning Program. This Super Camp is an opportunity for all one and two teacher schools in the Western Plains area to come together and experience a week of lessons with students of their own age. Knox assisted with Science lessons and PDHPE where students were encouraged to socialise through team sports and work together in groups to complete exciting Science activities that they wouldn‟t normally experience at their own school. Mr Crowhurst will be presenting his experience with Year 5 as a springboard to the start of their Compassion In Action Projects.

Angus Pratt (Y11) enjoying some down time with students at Nyngan.

School Musical – “Crazy for You”

The „Crazy‟ ride is over. Staff, cast, crew and orchestra are in recovery mode after a particularly demanding and rewarding production. The Headmaster described it as the best musical production he has seen in 12 years at Knox. Cast members have continued to come to Dance classes and are most welcome. Adults have been inspired by the tap and jazz routines that were superbly staged and have been asking about classes of their own. Interested adults can email [email protected] to express their interest.

For more school news, get the weekly Knoxonian HERE.

Announcements

OKGA ANZAC Memorial Service & Ceremonial Cadet Parade

Sunday, 26th April, 8:40am

The annual OKGA ANZAC Memorial Service will be held on the Quadrangle, and those Old Boys who never returned from serving their country will be honoured. Following this service, there will be a ceremonial parade of the Knox Grammar School Army Cadet Unit.

PUBLICATION ADVANCE NOTICE

“The History of Lodge Knox (UGLNSW) 909-1957-2010”

Freemasonry numbers in NSW peaked in the late 1950‟s, when on average a new Lodge was being inaugurated every 18 days! Lodge Knox was one such and was inaugurated on 17th April 1957 in the John Williams Memorial Hall and in the presence of some 300 Masons including the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW. Members have included School Councillors, Headmasters, Deputy Heads, Staff, Old Boys and Parents.

Initially 40 founding members rising to 80 but with the inevitable reduction of interest due to changing times meant that the Lodge returned its Charter to Grand Lodge in May 2010 and joined The Schools Lodge No 639 on 10 May 2010. Others in this Lodge are Sydneian, Kings School, North Sydney High School and Fortian.

Authors Tony Osman (Hon Historian OKGA) and Ian Leafe Past Master of Lodge Knox are putting together a book of around 250 pages including photos. Each book will be individually numbered. Estimated price will be $40 per copy. Expressions of interest can be directed to Tony Osman, at address [email protected].

Lodge Knox installation, 17th May 1980

Update from Dick Smith re Lee Rivers and the Rock Ons

Thanks to everyone who responded back to my query. I understand that the band was called Lee Rivers and the Rapids, and it was Roger Louis who was Lee Rivers. It appears Roger has passed away but he had one or two younger brothers. Knox has advised that one of the brothers went to Knox but they have no contact details for him. Does anyone have any knowledge of either of the brothers, if in fact there were two, and which school the other may have gone to? I was also advised that their father owned a well known restaurant or night club in the city so if anyone has any information on this then please let me know. Again, please contact c/- my assistant, Maria Richards by email: [email protected] or phone: 9450-0600.

Catriona Cary Paskins

The Old Boys are saddened to learn of the passing of Catriona Paskins, wife of Tony (OKG ‟45), and mother of John (OKG ‟67) & Michael (OKG ‟70).

“Cat” was the granddaughter of John Marden, founding principal of both PLC Sydney and Pymble.

A service for Catriona will be held on Monday 13th April at the Lakeside Christian Outreach Church, 11 Chapmans Rd Tuncurry.

2015 City2Surf Knox Team

Registration is now open for the Knox Grammar School City2Surf Team. Come join the Knox community in one of ‟s greatest community events that will be held on Sunday 9th August 2015.

This event last year had 100 plus Knox Community members registered and was an amazing experience to run or walk with over 60,000 people! Our very own Knox Pep Band was there to “pep up the crowd” and that it did.

We would like to thank this year‟s sponsor Ricoh who are providing all registered members with 2015 Knox City2Surf Team t-shirts. If you have already registered please simply email me and you can be included in the team, receiving a race day t-shirt closer to the time.

To enter;

1. Go to http://www.city2surf.com.au/ and click on the „enter now‟ button 2. Are you part of a team? select „yes‟ 3. Are you creating a team? select „no‟ 4. Choose a team, please select Knox Grammar School from the drop down menu password knox1

This year Knox Grammar School City2Surf Team will be supporting R U OK? Year 12 student Sam Clarke, who is a Youth Ambassador for R U OK? brought awareness of this initiative through organising an assembly last year. Co-founder Janina Nearn and Headmaster John Weeks spoke at the assembly about the importance of having real, meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide with friends and family members. Please see clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdYxPIyDolg, Simply add your donation to R U OK? when registering for the City2Surf.

If you registered on or before Wednesday, April 29, your race bib will be sent to the valid Australian address you provided upon registering. If you registered on or after Thursday, April 30, you will need to collect your race bib from the Fitness & Health Expo at Moore Park or I can collect it for you if you email myself your registration.

Athena Rogers, Knox Director of Development [email protected].

School Gym Membership - $40

Special offer for Old Boys who finished in 2010 – 2014. Join the Gym at Knox for monthly membership of $40. Normally $60. Download brochure HERE

Affiliated Sporting Associations

Knox United Football Club

Well, pre-season is over, the real stuff begins this weekend!

All 8 Knox United teams will start their seasons tomorrow and I know all the players can‟t wait to finally be playing for points again.

Season 2015 promises to be an exciting one for all of those involved with Knox Untied, registrations have increased again this year and we will have more than 100 players lacing on the boots.

We also welcome 4 new „scholarship‟ players to the club this year, this is an ongoing initiative introduced by former president Adrian Alpert (OKG‟08). These 4 players are immediate school leavers, identified by Steven Roche MIC of Football at Knox with exceptional talent who receive their first seasons fees fully paid for congratulations to: - Lachlan Stott (OKG ‟14) - Hamish Denning (OKG ‟14) - Daniel Rahme (OKG ‟14) - James Poulos (OKG ‟14)

For the first time in our history we will have 2 derby matches played at Kent Oval, this has come about as a result of the promotion of last year‟s Division 3 squad and the relegation of our Premier League side from 2014. More information on the derby games will come out throughout the season.

Fixtures this week are: Knox United Black vs Nth Sydney A @ Kent Oval – 1pm/3pm Kick Offs Knox Untied Blue vs Nth Sydney B @ Tunks Park – 1pm/3pm Kick Offs Knox United Division 6 vs Kissing Point @ Samuel King – 1pm/3pm Kick Offs Knox United O35‟s vs Mt Colah @ Foxglove 1 (North) – 1pm/3pm Kick Offs

The 2015 draw can be downloaded HERE.

For all queries relating to Knox United please contact David Guthrie (0422 139 837) or Scott Chappel (0401 518 514) or email [email protected]

Knox Rugby

A very special Saturday has been planned for the Old Boys Rugby, at Lofberg Oval West Pymble. Starting at midday, Oliver Sheer (OKG ‟01), past premiership captain and now CEO of “Be Challenged,” Australia‟s leading team building organisation, will spend the afternoon with our players, preparing them for the following weeks encounter with Drummoyne. Players & partners are very welcome, and will be served complimentary champagne. The day will climax with a bus trip to the Rag & Famish for a “Masters & Apprentices” night. 2015 Draw is now available. For further information please contact Bryn (the Commodore) [email protected].

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Lachlan Liao – OKG98 OKGA Executive Officer | Knox Grammar School P: +612 9487 0419 | F: +612 9488 2908 | 7 Woodville Ave, Wahroonga NSW 2076 www.okga.org.au