Grammar News Summer 2019

In addition to the OBA Annual Reunion Dinner, celebrations were held in Hong Kong, London, New York and San Francisco, as well as milestone reunions for the Classes of 1968, 1988, 1998, and 2008 to cap off a weekend of celebrations.

The BGS150 London celebration proved a wonderful occasion, with more than 60 community members coming along. BGS musicians on their European tour provided wonderful entertainment.

The BGS150 New York celebration at Sparks Steak House proved a fantastic evening, with more than 30 BGS community members attending. Great food and lively conversation were the hallmarks of a night enjoyed by all.

Class of 1968: Over 50 Old Boys from the graduating class of 1968 enjoyed seeing the grounds and new developments on their tour of the Spring Hill campus, before enjoying dinner in the Great Hall. The group shared memories of classmates and teachers as well as sharing their journeys since leaving BGS 50 years ago. A slideshow prepared by classmate Ian Bates was a highlight of the evening.

Class of 1978: More than 50 Old Boys from the 1978 cohort gathered at the Caxton Hotel in October to commemorate 40 years since graduating from BGS. Classmates enjoyed the chance to relive the high points of their teenage years and reconnect with old friends.

Class of 1988: Sixty Old Boys turned out for the 1988 reunion celebrations, marking 30 years since graduation. The gathering at Gambaro Seafood Restaurant saw classmates enjoying signature canapés and stimulating conversation.

Class of 1998: This year group took the honour of hosting the largest milestone reunion in 2018. Almost 80 Old Boys from the 1998 cohort descended on BGS for a guided tour by classmate Greg Howes, to mark 20 years since graduation. They then reconnected with classmates and former teachers at The Alliance Hotel, which ensured a late night for all.

Class of 2008: A lively gathering of more than 70 Old Boys enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect and share stories of their journeys since leaving BGS 10 years ago, at a cocktail event at The Lilley Centre.

Brisbane Grammar School sporting celebrities and fans celebrated the School's sporting legacy and all things light dark blue at the BGS150 Sports Lunch in September.

Almost 400 Old Boys, parents, staff and supporters walked the green carpet through an arch of blue balloons as they arrived at the Brisbane Showgrounds' Upper Exhibition Hall. Banners featuring every GPS sport and activity festooned the hall, with mannequins dressed in School sports team uniforms adding to the festive atmosphere.

A sports whistle kicked off an inspiring video which answered the question: 'what makes a great competitor?' This set the mood for an afternoon of memories and laughter hosted by Old Boy MC Greg Martin '80. Guests were entertained by the Great Sport Debate, with some of BGS' finest debaters wrestling with the topic 'that cultural activities are the real sports'.

The lunch also featured a panel of Old Boy sporting legends: Olympians Richard Powell '78 (rowing), Ned McKendry '09 (swimming), and Toby Jenkins '97 (water polo); former Wallabies captain Stephen Moore '00; Socceroo and Roar Captain Matt McKay '00; tennis champ Charlie Fancutt '76; Australian representative in Tae Kwon Do and chess Eliot Soo-Burrowes '12; and parent and champion volunteer, Julie Cichero.

Congratulations to BGS Old Boy Neil Peacey '71, who won the Audi raffle, driving away in a new Audi valued at $50,424, proudly donated by Audi Centre Brisbane. The raffle raised funds towards a BGS bursary for a student in financial need. It was the third year in a row Audi Centre Brisbane has donated a vehicle to fund bursaries at BGS, helping the School raise more than $180,000. Neil is a past BGS parent, with sons Tom '05, Max '07 and John '11 attending the School as boarders.

A new art gallery named in honour of BGS Old Boy David Malouf AO '50 was officially opened with a VIP cocktail function attended by the famous writer in August.

The David Malouf AO Gallery, featuring works donated to the School, will display curated exhibitions from the 59 artworks by leading Australian artists and will host other special exhibitions.

Malouf is one of Australia's greatest writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and libretti. He has achieved acclaim both nationally and internationally, and his coming of age novel, Johnno is an Australian classic.

Malouf is also an art aficionado, and many of the artworks he donated to BGS were given to him in recognition for writing the forewords to books published on the respective artists. Many are his close friends and the works are inscribed on the reverse with touching tributes.

The collection also contains works by well-known Indigenous artists, which reflects Malouf's deep respect for Indigenous culture.

Exhibition labels written by members of the BGS Art Committee and Curator Stewart Service provide information on each individual artwork, including the artist, the composition, techniques used and an interpretation of the meaning. This information is aimed at current BGS students, who regularly walk through the gallery between classes, but is equally appropriate for all members of the BGS community.

The School acknowledges the generosity and continued support of one of our most inspiring and influential Old Boys.

An Open Book: Only the third new volume of poetry from David Malouf in nearly 40 years, has just been published. Visit www.uqp.uq.edu.au.

Two prized objects in Brisbane Grammar School's collection – the copper bugle and Hopkins Challenge Cup – have recently been given a new lease of life.

The copper bugle, made by Henry Potter & Co in London in 1900, was used by the School Cadet Corps until it was disbanded in 1975. A student plays this much-loved musical instrument at school ceremonies each year on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

The bugle band was formed in 1906 and the following year it was played by Lilley Gold Medallist, university scholar and sportsman Old Boy Albert Harding Jones (1911), a veteran at Gallipoli. Fast forward more than 100 years and talented music scholar and Old Boy Michael Whitaker '17, now in his first year at the Queensland Conservatorium, played the Last Post at school ceremonies for the three previous years. Mitch Holt is pictured playing the bugle at the 2018 Remembrance Day ceremony at BGS.

The Hopkins Challenge Cup, with its miniature cadet marksman on top, has also been restored. This distinctive presentation trophy, made by J Sanders & Sons in Sydney, was donated in 1914 by Lieutenant Colonel GH Hopkins for the best cadet marksman. That accolade in 1914 went to Gordon Francis Boyce (1914), whose name is engraved on the trophy's first shield.

The bugle and trophy were just two of the items featured in the publication, 150 Treasures of Brisbane Grammar School, as part of the School's BGS150 celebrations this year.

During the evening, Trustee Mr Chris Morton presented the Betty Howell Awards, which recognise volunteers who exemplify selfless service to the School. The event looked back through BGS history and awarded a posthumous recognition to the first President of what was then called the Parents' Committee, Mrs Barr David. A Betty Howell Award was also presented to Mrs Louise Edmonds, a past parent who volunteered in various capacities during her son's BGS journey from 2007 to 2013.

Major donors and sponsors such as the P&F Auxiliary, the Old Boys' Association, ANZ, Morgans, Audi Centre Brisbane, TC Clarke & Son and Hirst & Co Family Lawyers contributed greatly to BGS in the School's 150th anniversary year.