is that the whole attitude towards anyone of different diversity has changed dramatically. “In my time you had to fit in. You had to play cricket and rugby. It was very white only, and that was not good. How College operates now and what I see today, is wonderful. I was hugely encouraged by the Executive Principal, the staff and the boys’ attitude in dealing with a situation last year that was not expected nor well understood.” Most of Bonnie’s working life was spent overseas in banking. “I realised from those environments – especially living in developing countries – that everybody, whether rich or poor, has essentially the same ambitions in life and the same capacity to achieve. Therefore, I’m very keen on supporting places at school for refugees and other disadvantaged groups. “My own father was the recipient of a scholarship to College; his father worked on the railways. My father was always very grateful for the opportunities it gave him and in his will he also left a bequest to the school. “College ought to be open to whoever will benefit from it – completely regardless of whether you can pay.”
“ We’re trying to improve our gifting relationship so that it is much more rewarding for donors and the school. ” Peter Davidson
“There was only one staff member I can recall who repeatedly offered help. I wish I had had a bit of extra help with some of my other basics, but that wasn’t the way at that time.”
for future generations.”
David’s year group celebrated its 60 Years On reunion earlier this year. “It was wonderful – I saw three fellows that I hadn’t seen since walking out the doors in 1963. I was quite surprised how the majority could still put a name to everyone.” The largest number at the reunion were Richards House boys, he says. “Our group was among the first to go right through Richards for their whole secondary schooling. Richards only opened in 1956.” Another bequestor, Bonnie Perry from Cromwell, wants to recognise College with a legacy for a different reason. At College from 1959–62, Bonnie says the school at that time was very much “a post-war regimented environment.” “College has improved hugely since I was there and what I know from meeting the Executive Principal
David’s association with and interest in College has never waned.
“School has been a lifelong interest and passion for me. When I returned to the farm in 1963, I was approached to become Hawke’s Bay Branch secretary of the Old Boys’ Association, and I’ve held many roles for the branch in the years since, including chair. I’m now a committee member. “My motivations toward leaving a bequest to College also extend from my childhood. My father, his brothers and my cousins were fortunate to have attended College, and my son also attended. We have to remember that our forebears paved the way for us to have the privilege of attending Christ’s College. It is therefore up to us present Old Boys and parents to build upon College in preparation
If you would like to leave a legacy to College, Legacy & Relationship Manager Peter Davidson would love to talk to you. You can contact Peter by email – pdavidson@christscollege.com.
Leaving a legacy
Christ’s College Canterbury
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