Message from Old Boys' Society

By Brent Alexander | Posted: Sunday June 11, 2017

The 12th annual OBHS Old Boys' Golf Classic was held on Friday 7th April with a packed field of some 132 players. It was an excellent day and our sincere thanks go to Nick Fisher and Tom West for their good work in putting the event together. They raised $23,000 which will go towards the school hostel redevelopment. Major tournament sponsor was Crest Clean whose contribution is, once again, valued and very much appreciated.

Hats off also to teacher, and fellow Old Boy, Gwyn Pratley who organised the recent lunchtime function held up at school in the Shand Building which was attended by around 40, mostly local, Old Boys'. This was timed to coincide with kick off for the Kings/OBHS interschool 1st  XV rugby match.  A good hard game of rugby ensued with OBHS winning by a handsome margin.

Grant Humphrey extended an invitation for the Rector and myself to speak briefly at the Kings/OBHS annual Old Boys' bowls competition. The trophy was won this year by OBHS. It was great for Richard and I to see first-hand the friendly rivalry that still exists between the two opposing alumni and has done so for the last 75 years.

Alan Alty and our friends in the North Canterbury branch keep me informed of their activities up that way. Their efforts in keeping up the communication and interest with local members is acknowledged and appreciated. Over the following months both Richard and myself will make more effort to contact members from other branches around the country and the world. It only takes one person to keep the fire ignited and to join together friends and colleagues to share tales from school days. I urge you to keep in touch with each other and with your school. We like to hear stories of Old Boys' and of any events in your area.

My youngest boy, George, attended his Year 13 formal last weekend. I was reminded of our own 7th form formal which was the last social ever held in the old main school hall in the tower shortly block before the demolition crew took over to start its redevelopment. The year was 1981 and I spoke to a few parents at George’s pre-formal gathering who recall also being there. Not much has changed in the intervening 36 years.

Life goes on – the Old Boys’ Society and your school are in very good heart. 

Keep warm.