40 Years On
singularly poignant speech, bringing us up to date with the education methods of the current generation of College’s young men. His unprecedented grace in te reo was resoundingly praised. James Kerr enlivened the room with his recounts of character-filled events involving the notorious and glorious, with mention of the sadness of the loss of a significant membership of our year. A glass was raised as a toast to the memory of Ben Dawson, the first of our year to lose his life. The responders to James’ overview of the value of our connections to each other filled the room with thunderous laughter and applause, and there were many wiping tears in empathy and identification with his words. Cheering erupted. Without doubt he had captured us all. Dinner and endless conversation followed flowing on well into the wee hours. Some had the stamina to brave a whisky in the city, and others took their joy filled remembrances home. Discussion among the men and partners suggested the need for another event in the nearer future, perhaps in five rather than 10 years. This venue was perfect, but as was pointed out, it was the people present, and those remembered, who gave this night its energy. Thanks to Geoffrey Sullivan for taking on the responsibility of CCOBA President; the committee of John, Ralph, Andrew and Dave, for coordinating the plans, and Justine Nicholl, CCOBA organiser extraordinaire.
The 40 Years On reunion was an outstanding success. Over 100 turned up for the events held over Friday and Saturday, including drinks at the Carlton, brunch and a tour of College and dinner at the Christchurch Club. The event will be remembered as a hearty celebration of being here, 40 years on. Drinks at the Carlton were unpredictably civilised, and many caught up with old, and made new, friends. Brian Le Vaillant represented all our masters, and in inimitable fashion brought laughter and a recognisable tone to this peer group. Garth Wynne explained the difference between 10 years on and 40 years on, and we all laughed at the obvious truth in his observations. Drinks flowed… and flowed… and good connections were made and remade. On Saturday morning the brunch was backdropped with slides of our cultural and sporting past, and we again enjoyed good company and a full breakfast. Tours of the College in different House groups brought back laughs and memories for all, while visiting the converted and renovated houses rekindled the glory days from ’ 78– ’ 82. The group photograph taken in front of School House will hang as a trophy framed for all those still here, with the in-between photos showing many Old Boys on phones, texting business conversations and linking with family. The event at the Christchurch Club was epic. Drinks and nibbles in the glorious anteroom allowed us comfortable introductions and started a party that went well beyond closing time. The dining room was resplendent with well laid out tables and grand furniture. MC John Sandston kicked off events with a
A night worth remembering.
Dave Williamson (9533)
Back Row: Andy Scoular, MatthewWells, Edward Newbigin, Ben Harman, Peter Ward, Ed Broome, Guy Barker, Ian Fleming, Richard Wyles, Guy Sutherland, Philip Todhunter, Andrew Steele, Matthew Rea, Jeremy Speight, Peter Montgomery Third Row: David Grigg, Andrew Russell, Ralph Shand, Paul Scott, Marty Westenra, Richard Schneideman, Perry Sansom, James Kerr, Andrew Bennetts, Simon Felton, Ed Sellar, Matthew Johnstone, David Coull, Stan Wilson, Chris O’Meeghan Second Row: James Macdonald, David Williamson, Alastair Scott, Alastair Studholme, Rupert Moore, TimUrquhart-Hay, Simon Jenkins, Phil Botting, Matt Chamberlain, Richard McIlraith, Phil Gerard, Hugh Fraser, John Sandston, Simon Grigg, Ben Tothill Front Row: Tom Macfarlane, Chris Thomson, Andrew Logan, Simon Meikle, Philip Shackleton, Andrew McLean, Hamish Hepburn, Simon Botherway, Geoffrey Sullivan, Hugh Lindo, Tim Smith, Ian Macdonald, Guy Hughes, Andrew Moon, Charles Batchelor, Vincent Luisetti
College Issue 35 2018
103
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