Old School Ties 1996 Vol 2 No 3

It was announced that a conditional contract had been entered for a parcel of land known as the Castle Yard Site (adjacent to the Correspondence School), as the School built infrastructure at Northgate for sport. "Completion of these projects will continue to provide an education which challenges…" The works were supported by various means-tested scholarships and by donations to the School Foundation — "indeed a welcomed [boost]." Boys were joined by Headmaster Dr Max Howell [at a Northgate event]; recalling that almost thirty-five years ago Headmaster Mr Harry Newell expressed his vision for School sport, the article links the new facilities to that long tradition.

• Dick Johnson (59) — (see Australia Day Honours below).
• Medical student Jason Wu (88) — competed in the International Collegiate Programming [Contest], navigating the roads of "the Apple Isle."
• Mining entrepreneurs Fletcher and [—] Quinn noted moving floats "from the staid arena of Chartered [accounting]."
• Leon Wolff (79) — indulged [in a pursuit].
• Gary Scott (66) — recalled from his BGS days; an Old Boy appointed BGS Rugby Captain noted.
• A radio Breakfast presenter (an Old Boy) "based exclusively in the United States"; the band "Medical as Anything."
• Geoff Moles (62) — Director [of a firm]; a former prominent Rugby prop.
• A former OBA President (a Chartered Accountant) — "from Captain to a successful Law graduate."

(The full Grapevine is extensive; the above are the cleanly recoverable items — see the scan for the complete column.)

The First VIII secured the School's 18th Head of the River victory in 77 years of competition (only BBC, with 22, has more titles). Terrace's gallant 2nd placing meant the Old Boys Cup left the BGS cabinet after three years — Terrace 100 points to Grammar's 98. The 1st VIII then contested the National Titles at Lake Barrington, Tasmania (Easter vacation), finishing a half-length 2nd in their heat to the Sydney Head of the River champions. In the GPS Head of the River, "the other four crews were a long way back," and Grammar took the overall championship by 40 points over third-placed BBC. The feature reflects on the cost and future of GPS rowing (with State High struggling to field crews) and the foundations of Grammar rowing and rugby — including the modernising influence of Alec Evans on Grammar rugby ("get the ball out, pass the ball out").

The third meeting was held at City Rowers on Wednesday 5 March [1997] — "a resounding success," with about 150 Old Boys and friends across all age groups. A special welcome was extended to Dean Prangley and Bill Mason (both '34). Organiser Bruce Elliott (77) (of Price Waterhouse) and President Ian Whittle (63) (representing sponsor Bank of Queensland) were complimented on getting the Club "up and running." Simon McGuire (86) of Watpac took the $500 prize. Next meetings: Wednesday 3 September and 3 December at City Rowers (business card in the box for the lucky draw).

• Australia Day Honours — AM: Richard Francis (Dick) Johnson (59) — "Service to Motor Sport and the community through support of charities." The multiple Bathurst and Australian Touring Car champion "is greatly respected for his ability as a race-car driver and his high profile as front man for the [sport]."
• Queen's Birthday Honours — a prominent Old Boy recognised in connection with the Presidency of the AMA.

Hamilton Wilson (74) — son Howard O'Hara; Greg Forbes (78) — daughters Louise Maree & Hannah Alexandra; Roy Henzell (66) — daughter Brooke Tayla; Phillip Hogan (75) — daughter Ella Mackenzie.

[—] Thomas (84) to Kersten Manuel (3.5.97), among others.

Social-page captions identify councillors and members including Ross Maddock (59) (noted as a Vice-President), David Laidlaw (56), Mark Sturgess, Ross Duus (58), alongside Ian Elcock (Precision Eyewear), Mac Addis (63), Mal Staniforth and [—] Wenck (both '74), and Simon McGuire (86) / John Gregory (8[—]) among the young professionals. (The formal Executive remained as elected at the AGM of 1 April 1996: President Ian Whittle '63, Snr VP Stuart Bale '55, VP Max Talbot '62, Secretary Roger Cater '60, Treasurer Ross Duus '58.)

• 1998 Centenary of the Association — early planning; Old Boys interested in conducting a reunion gathering encouraged to make contact. Reunion dinners flagged for the classes of 1940, 1947 and 1960, and a Mackay dinner (22 August).
• School Captain Nicholas Brown (97) pictured planting a piece of turf from the No 1 Oval.
• Advertisers (Old Boy connections): Precision Eyewear (Ian Elcock); Purvis Duncan Law; Morgan Stockbroking; Apple/Performa computers.