Five generations at BGS

BGS Old Boy Peter Huxley ’69 and wife Lesley have a connection with Brisbane Grammar School that will soon enter a fifth generation, encompassing both sides of their family.

Peter and Lesley have been philanthropic supporters of the School since their sons graduated, contributing to the Bursary Fund.

“Many years ago, at a BGS Speech Night, we heard Noel Pearson speak about giving Indigenous people an opportunity,” Lesley said. “He explained that Indigenous people can climb up the staircase, but at the top, someone has to open the door. Education was a great opportunity to help open the door.”

“When our boys finished school, we thought our family could afford to help another boy to benefit from the excellent academic teaching and pastoral care at BGS. My brother Nick Heath and our mother Betty Heath joined with us to contribute to the Bursary Fund to support an Indigenous boarder through BGS.”

Lesley Huxley’s grandfather, Leslie Norman Pitter and best friend William Charles Day (pictured together) both graduated from BGS in 1916 and enlisted in the army. Leslie’s brother, William Rhodes Pitter (1905), attended BGS on an extension scholarship.

Leslie eventually became a regional civil engineer responsible for maintaining the road between Rockhampton and Brisbane during WWII. William became a dam engineer in the Queensland Irrigation and Water Supply Commission. Leslie married his best friend William Day's sister, Annelia.

On the Huxley side of the family, Peter and Lesley’s two sons – architect Richard Huxley ’99 and industrial engineer Cosmo Huxley ’11 – are also BGS Old Boys, as is his brother Bruce Huxley ’72.

Lesley said family tradition played a role in selecting BGS for their sons, but it was their choice for several reasons. “We also lived close by and it was the best school in Brisbane,” she said. “Both boys were enrolled at birth. In other words, we were confident they were in the best hands.”

Reflecting on his BGS journey, Peter, a pharmacist, said the School played an important role in preparing him for life. “I started at BGS in Year 8 in 1965,” he said. “I was a late developer academically and repeated Year 12, which was of great benefit to me as it prepared me for many years of university study over several degrees.”

“BGS taught me self-discipline and perseverance, which has held me in good stead during my life. Friendships and shared experiences stand out, and it is amazing to be able to rekindle these with fellow students after 50 years.”