THE QUADRANGLE From the President
The shocking events of Friday 15 March have overshadowed our thoughts and actions in everything we do in Christchurch. Our inherent and inherited ways of thinking have been challenged and many are rising to the challenge, instantly learning more about the cultures that make up our city and country. We hear “tolerance” a lot – maybe “acceptance” is better.
AGM Friday 22 February 2019 at 4.30pm – farewell to John Luxton The AGM managed a quorum made up of Fellows and press- ganged Old Boy fathers and uncles attending Sports Day. Not easy to spot them when only around 17% of current boys have fathers who are Old Boys. The absence of some of our finest minds, and past judges, QCs, and government ministers ensured the pre-AGM planning was not derailed and the officers required were voted in without debate. A vote of thanks was passed to John Luxton (8636) for his eight years of service as our oldest, and wisest, committee member. John’s time and contributions have underpinned the essential knowledge transfer as committee members have come and gone over that time. Sam Cowdy (12018) was thanked for his year as Vice President during which he oversaw production of the modernised CCOBA tie and the establishment of the Christchurch Branch Long Lunch as a permanent pre- Christmas fixture. Sam will remain on the committee and run the third lunch. Richard Polson (11785) was elected Vice President with a view to becoming President in February 2020. As the CCOBA enters its
143rd year, we commence planning for our contribution to College’s 175th anniversary in 2025. We also thanked Catherine McMillan and Peter Davie (8882) for their ongoing support in their roles as Fellows on the Board. With two Fellows and Executive Principal Garth Wynne attending meetings, we are very well informed. Treasurer Mac Bolderston (13962) showed our spending is in line with our budget and the funds under management continue to grow and to support the increasing scholarship contributions we make. Reunions, Branch and Community Functions In February at Reunion Weekend, College hosted around 150 Old Boys returning after 20, 30, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years since they started. You can read the various reports in the pages to follow. I always enjoy reminding the 20 Year On mob what the future looks like as they mingle with the 80s – fit and well by any measure. The Gentlemen’s Lunch in October was again well attended by the 65s and 75s, and John Rutherford (4612) took the age honours at 96, having started in Jacobs House in 1936. A number of branch functions have been held (or are soon to be held) in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Auckland, Wellington, Marlborough,
Writing a report of the CCOBA’s last six months seems incredibly mundane alongside the pages of coverage exploring every angle leading up to the event and its aftermath. However, the people from the many cultures and faiths I work with are insisting we get on and get back to normal. The committee has resolved to make a donation of $5000 to College’s Lenten Appeal – the focus of which is the Al Noor Mosque. We think it is fitting that the CCOBA, founded by our immigrant ancestors 142 years ago, should support the current boys wanting to help the more recent immigrants in their time of need.
Christ’s College Canterbury
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