GIFTS TO GRAMMAR

Queen’s CEGGS Prefects 1949 - donated by Debra Gordon, daughter of Audrey Peet (nee Clark), teacher at Queen’s. Standing - L. Philp, J. Gazzard, E. Hall, Middle -M. Stickland, M. Hancock (Head Prefect), N. Cook, Seated on ground - L. Waddy, G. Osborne, M. Stohr, K. Mather

The Archivists, Nola and Ross Squire, thank the Old Grammarians, friends and interested community members who have donated items to the School’s historical collection in recent months. Their thoughtfulness and generosity are very much appreciated.

Wendy Abey (Lidgett, 1960) delivered an array of documents from Queen’s and from the Boys’ School, spanning 1947 to 1968. Prospectuses, Speech Night Proceedings and copies of the school magazines, Mainly About Girls and The Ballarat Grammarian, were included. Kay Blake (Tucker, 1963) has donated a further collection of seventeen items of Queen’s memorabilia spanning her schooldays and reunions from 1961 to 2018. The biographies of the 1962 Class make interesting reading.

Debra Gordon, the daughter of the late Audrey Peet (nee Clark) who was a teacher of Geography and Maths at Queen’s from 1945 to 1957 and in 1964, donated some items of memorabilia including the photograph above from 1949.

G.J. Titheridge, D.R Tucker, G. M. Worswick, P.T. Titheridge, Cox G. G. Peters, Coach G. Wallis

A remarkable megaphone, used by the late Graham G. Peters (1957), cox of the 1957 Crew (pictured above) was the gift of his wife, via the Gullock family: Gary, Olympic rower and Silver Medallist and Tara, and their sons, past rowers Scott (2010) and Campbell (2012). Gary has explained that the elastic was used to strap the megaphone around the back of the coxswain's head so that the mouthpiece would fit closely, and he would then have his hands free to steer the boat with the rudder ropes on either side of his body. The conical, unpowered megaphone would amplify their voice. Gary can remember the cox of his crew in 1974 having one of these and having some issues with it staying in place when the elastic got old and stretched!

Sam Pullin (1996), Head of Rowing, has reported the megaphone of current times is known as a 'cox box' and has a headset with microphone for the coxwain and speakers for each area of the boat. How things have changed! Thank you to Claire Heinz, wife of Michael Heinz (1972), and sister of Carron Bourke (1972) for the Lay Preachers' Pendant from the Diocese of Ballarat, presented to her late father, Miles Bourke (1942), who died suddenly in 1982. Some readers will recall that Miles Bourke was instrumental in the formation of the Victorian Farmers’ and Graziers’ Association and was posthumously awarded the Man of the Year in Agriculture. The donation also included copies of The Ballarat Grammarian from 1955, 1957, 1967, 1968-69, 1971, 1972, and the Rowing Club shirt worn by Stephanie (2007) and/or Alana Heinz (2010). Sandra Lake (1971) kindly donated her copies of Boomalackas 55 to 68 from the years 1988 to 1993 to Archives. The lead articles included: Banquet Auction, Official Opening of Queen’s Wing, The Launch of “Mainly About Girls” written by Sue White, “First Impressions”, The Beckworth Centre for the Arts,” Once Upon A Mattress”, The Sports Pavilion, and the extension and refurbishment of the Science Wing. Memories will flood back for many of you! Whilst there is no connection between our school and that attended by Geo. Ditchburn in 1867, given that we are part of the ongoing history of education in Ballarat, we were pleased to accept the gift of the 1867 Book Prize, Wordsworth’s Poetical Works, presented to him when he was a student at the Ballarat Collegiate and Grammar School. The donor, Malcolm Kinloch, who resides in Mansfield, is the grandson of Geo. Ditchburn, who was known as John; Malcolm retains links with the Ballarat district through the Vendy family.

Coxwains megaphone

Rosemary Ward, mother of Jonathan Ward (1982) sent an article and some interesting notes from her late mother’s long friendship with “Winnie” Winifred Woodbridge, Headmistress of Queen’s CEGGS from 1947 to 1963 and valued staff member before that, from 1929. Rosemary’s mother, Dorothy Brown and Miss Woodbridge were schoolgirls together in Melbourne and they corresponded all their lives. The final card from Miss Woodbridge to Dorothy is dated 31 December, 1976. Miss Woodbridge died in 1977.

Rosemary recalled: Her mother Dorothy knew “Win”, sisters Florence and Beryl, and brother Arthur – they all attended church together. Dorothy spoke of Win being slight and fair; a sweet, gentle and rather shy girl. However, when Miss Woodbridge was a young teacher, she was sent by the Education Department to a tiny school in a remote part of Victoria and the only place for her to board was a rather rough and unsatisfactory place. Gentle little Win left immediately and also left the Education Department! Over their long correspondence, Dorothy and Win shared letters of the books they liked and people they knew. Dorothy said Win so often mentioned in her letters how much she loved Queen’s and the girls. And how proud she was of her nephew, Reverend Dennis Woodbridge. Win also told Dorothy of her well-loved dog – a Labrador?

In 1974, Miss Woodbridge was invited by the Headmaster, Graeme Renney, to be present at the opening of Woodbridge House, named in her honour. Win wrote to Dorothy about the event, sending an article from the Camberwell paper (included in the donation - see below). She commented proudly that “the Headmaster asked me to turn on the fountain. This was a great privilege and pleasure.” This was the fountain in the Fanny Abrams’ Garden, next to Woodbridge House. Woodbridge House celebrated its Pearl Reunion in 2004 and Reverend Woodbridge participated in the dedication and blessing of the refurbished garden.

Included in the notes, a letter, dated 1st November 1979, from Nina Valentine, Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster, to Mrs Dorothy Brown when Jonathan was a boarder in Dart House, in relation to Jonathan’s grandmother’s long friendship and correspondence with Miss Woodbridge.

Headmaster and Chairs with a gathering of Life Governors at the 2020 Board Dinner. Rear (standing): The Hon. Rob Knowles AO, Phillip Mann (Chair, Foundation Board), Jo Watson, Adam Heath (Headmaster), Shantini Deutscher (Chair, Ballarat Grammar), James Coghlan (Chair, BGS Educational Services), Dawn Macdonald, Graeme Eyres. Front (seated): David Fawell, Lindsay Evans, Bob Bath OAM

CONGRATULATIONS, FAREWELLS AND THANKS

The Grammar community extends heartfelt gratitude to the newly appointed Life Governors, retiring Board member and long-serving staff who departed the School in 2020. The Grammar community applauds the generosity of spirit shown by all.

GRAEME EYRES – LIFE GOVERNOR

Graeme Eyres is one of those quintessential quiet achievers, working behind the scenes, for the benefit of the School over decades. He was educated at Geelong Grammar, but his sister attended Queen’s. His father, Norval, was one of the inaugural Old Grammarians from 1911. Graeme is married to Helen, together parents of two alumni, Catherine (1990) and Robert (1994). As fourth generation proprietor and manager of the family business, Eyres Brothers Hardware, Graeme has carried on the tradition of community service begun by his forebears. The combination of business acumen, industry experience and service has been put to good use on our Grammar Foundation Board where he has served since 1987. He has been a long-serving Deputy Chair, as well as serving on Finance, Property, and Fees Trust Committees. Graeme has played a pivotal role with every major strategic purchase by the Foundation over the past 25 years, as well as serving on the Building committee of the School Board.

Graeme’s faithful service and commitment to the School over many years is honoured with this Life Governorship, and the School thanks Graeme and Helen for their unwavering support.

DAVID FAWELL – LIFE GOVERNOR

David started as a Grammar boarder in 1947, going on to become School Captain in 1954, earning colours for Cricket, Football, Athletics, Rowing and Tennis. He studied Law at the University of Melbourne, as a member of Trinity College, doing naval national service in the 1950s. Whilst sailing to UK in 1963 with his family, he met his wife, Ann – a ship voyage romance! They have two children who both attended the School, Lesley (1983) and Andrew (1985). David joined Cuthberts in 1967 and has worked as a solicitor in Ballarat since.

David’s involvement with the School is immense. He has a 50-year involvement with the Old Grammarians’ Association, serving as President in 1972. He was a member of the coordinating committee for the amalgamation of the Boys’ School and Queen’s from 1972 to 1973, and joined the School Board in 1975, where he served for many years, also chairing the School

Finance committee. After helping to draft the first constitution of the Ballarat Grammar Foundation, he went on to become its first President from 1982 to 1986. The School has been the beneficiary of David’s integrity and sharp legal mind, having been the school lawyer for decades.

We thank David and Ann for their extensive and faithful partnership of service over many years.

MARYANN BROWN – RETIRING BOARD MEMBER

Shantini Deutscher and Maryann Brown As a Board Member for seven years, Maryann Brown has brought a unique perspective as an Old Grammarian (1979), boarder, a past teacher and past parent of the school. She has an incredible commitment to young people and a passion for them to be able to access a high-quality education. On the Board she has brought that passion into helping refine and develop the School’s vision in not just academics but the education of the whole child. Her connections with the rural and regional educational sector at a secondary and tertiary levels have been invaluable. As CEO of YouThrive, formerly known as the MacPherson Smith Rural Foundation, Maryann is committed to strengthening rural communities and mentoring young people through the provision of scholarships, and leadership opportunities. Maryann continues to serve on the Grammar Planning Committee.

Denise with Alan Pitson, House Aquatics in 2019 Denise (A.K.A. “Parko”) came to Grammar in 2010 after returning from Malaysia where she and husband Jamie and young Harry and Mikaylah had been living and working for several years. Joining the Commerce Department and seconded to Manifold House, she was soon seeking further responsibilities and took on the role of Year 10 Level Co-ordinator, running the show with a certain military precision for a few years before becoming Head of Manifold, a position she has held for the past six years. Manifold has benefitted greatly from Denise’s thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication. We wish Denise and her family every future happiness in Kingston, South Australia, their new place of residence.

JO HUNTLEY – 17 YEARS COMBINED

Stephen Higgs, Joseph Huntley, Jo Huntley and Sue Higgs at the 2018 Don Huntley Memorial Piano Recital

Mrs Jo Huntley (nee Hendy) left Grammar in June 2020, after over 17 years combined dedicated service to Ballarat Grammar. Jo, or as some in the Junior School may recall over 1981-1984, Miss Hendy, was the first Junior School Receptionist when Mr Graham Smith was Head of Junior School. In 2005, following the loss of her husband Don (1975), Board Director and Chairman of Finance for many years, Jo re-joined the Grammar staff in administration.During this time, as she cared for daughter Jessica (2006), who has special needs, and her son, Joseph (Dux in 2008), Jo began a tertiary qualification in Human Resources. In 2011, her abilities, compassion and natural affinity with people saw her appointed to the position of Human Resources Co-ordinator. Jo established a positive and inclusive HR framework, setting up processes and procedures; she interviewed, mentored, coached, and listened to staff members, liaised and arranged guest speakers, was instrumental in setting up the International Women’s Day events at the School, presented to colleagues and students, and was a regular panel member for Year 10 mock interviews among many other contributions. Jo’s connection with the School has been extensive, with 12 members of Jo’s family attending Ballarat Grammar over three generations. The annual Don Huntley Memorial Concert continues to provide our students with an opportunity for a masterclass by the guest pianist, as well as renowned performances over many years. Jo gave much to Grammar and is greatly missed around the School.

KARIN MILLER – 21 YEARS

Karin Miller pictured at one of the many Careers events she was involved in organising over the years!

As Head of the Careers Centre, Karin played a significant role in supporting students in their career aspirations. Karin worked hard to ensure all students leaving Ballarat Grammar had access to a meaningful pathway, tirelessly assisting students with scholarships, work experience and college applications, helping all students to feel supported in their transition beyond the Ballarat Grammar gates. Karin was also a passionate teacher of French and English, served as a Boarding Mentor and was very active in supporting East Timorese communities through numerous trips. Karin’s ability to build partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders was extraordinary. She represented the School in an exceptional manner with universities and institutions around Australia and ensured Ballarat Grammar was well-regarded amongst key industry bodies. Karin goes with our gratitude and best wishes for a long and happy retirement.