Grammar News Summer 2018

As well as the Annual Reunion Dinner in July, BGS Old Boy milestone reunions were held during 2017 for the Classes of 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007, as well as the 1954-1957 and 1957-1960 year groups.

Class of 1954-1957: A total of 26 Old Boys attended a lunch celebration at the Tattersall's Club on Saturday 29 July to mark more than 60 years since attending BGS.

Class of 1957-1960: Old Boys who commenced at BGS in 1957 gathered at the School on 18 November to mark 60 years since starting at BGS. They enjoyed a meal in The Lilley Centre before embarking on a tour of the Spring Hill campus.

Class of 1967: A small representation from the graduating class of 1967 enjoyed a tour of the Spring Hill campus and a cocktail function on Saturday 21 October. The majority of the group had not been back to campus since leaving and enjoyed seeing the grounds and new developments.

Class of 1977: Twenty members of the Class of 1977 gathered at the School on Saturday 11 November to tour the campus and reconnect with each other. The group shared their memories of classmates and teachers as well sharing their journeys since leaving the School 40 years ago.

Class of 1987: Almost 80 Old Boys turned out for the 1987 reunion for a weekend of celebrations marking 30 years since graduation. The fun began on Friday 26 May with 23 Old Boys participating in BGS Golf Day, followed by drinks that night. The reunion dinner was held at Breakfast Creek Hotel on the Saturday night, before an after-party at The Triffid, owned by fellow BGS Old Boy John Collins '87.

Class of 1997: This year group took the honour of hosting the largest milestone reunion in 2017. Ninety Old Boys from the 1997 cohort gathered at Hillstone St Lucia to commemorate 20 years since graduating from BGS.

Class of 2007: Eighty Old Boys gathered 10 years after graduating for their reunion at Newstead Brewery on Saturday 17 June.

"Boarding at BGS was formative for me – we had both mentorship and spirited camaraderie combined with a full school life of engaging studies and competitive sports. Giving back to BGS enables me to both express my gratitude and contribute to the life experience of future boarders." Matt McLennan

BGS boarding is set to benefit from a $657,000 donation (500,000 USD) from Old Boy Matt McLennan '86, a significant first step in the long-term redevelopment and refurbishment plans for Harlin House.

The generous donation from Mr McLennan, who spent five years boarding at BGS, will soon be put to use. Work will commence during the Christmas holidays on the first project, renovating the outdoor barbecue space at the rear of Harlin House.

Mr McLennan, a New York based fund manager considered one of the most influential Australian investors in the world, said he had enjoyed his time boarding at BGS and was thankful for the education he received and the values of hard work and self-betterment instilled at the School. He hoped his donation would not only contribute to improving the boarding experience for students, but also encourage others to contribute to the campaign to upgrade the overall boarding facilities.

• Greg Howes '98, Head of English and BGS Old Boy, contributed a BGS150 reflection on the power of the School's stories: "The richness of our school culture comes from the diversity of these stories and the power they have to remain with us and be retold. BGS150 is a chance not only to appreciate how all stories connect but also to celebrate those who craft them."
• Geoff Clarke '64, BGS Old Boy and former OBA President, contributed a boarding reflection: "I loved my time at BGS and Harlin House was certainly my home away from home.. I'm still in contact with a number of school friends and maintain a close connection through the Old Boys' Association, where I am a former president and current committee member. I also regularly attend Moogerah working bees. I am proud to be a BGS Old Boy."
• 150 years of history (feature). Notes that during the twentieth century's two World Wars, the War Memorial Library (opened 1924) commemorated the 1020 Old Boys who served and the 175 who died in The Great War; after the Great Depression, 2300 Old Boys served in WWII, with 258 losing their lives.
• Remembering anniversaries past (by Helen Penrose, BGS Sesquicentenary Historian). Records that the School's 50th anniversary (jubilee) "was entirely organised by the Old Boys' Association." At the OBA's 1917 annual meeting it was decided to postpone the jubilee until after WWI; celebrations were organised during 1919 and events held in July 1920 so that as many Old Boys as possible had returned from war service. On 15 July they gathered in The Great Hall to hear speeches and acknowledge men from the first group of students who enrolled in 1869; a grand dinner followed on 19 July, attended by 220 people. For the 1968 centenary, Old Boy journalist Keith Willey '45 compiled the centenary history published in 1968 as The First Hundred Years.

• Scott Breton '99, internationally exhibiting figurative fine artist, was welcomed as the feature artist at the BGS Art Show 2017 (Evolve) and gave a reflective speech. His works feature traditional drawing, painting and digital sculpting media.
• Con 'CJ' Primmer (BGS 1951), former Wallaby, named in the Stephen Moore Q&A as the family friend who connected the Moores with BGS.
• Connor O'Grady (current student at time of publication; later Old Boy) named 2017 Queensland Young Designer of the Year and first place in three categories at the Apex Australia Teenage Fashion Awards.