HOGA Newsletter - 2017

The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Newsletter 2017

The Hermitage Church of England Girls’ Grammar School, Geelong

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

1

2

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Office Bearers and Committee 2016–2017 PRESIDENT

ARCHIVES

Deidre Griffiths mob: 0414 216 160 email: deegriffiths@iprimus.com.au

Kristeen Hunter Jan Koch Jill Nicholls

VICE-PRESIDENT & SECRETARY

LIGHT BLUE COORDINATOR &

Ann Tyers tel: 03 5250 4055 mob: 0448 504 055

NEWSLET TER

Ann Tyers

TREASURER

Prue Webb

Allison Rhodes tel: 03 5288 7162

RECORDS

GOLF DAY

Ann Tyers

COMMIT TEE

Rosalind Leigh tel: 03 5249 1380 Jan Koch tel: 03 5264 1237 Kristeen Hunter tel: 03 5221 1001

PHOTOS

Ann Tyers Jan Koch

Libby Nicholson tel: 03 5258 1297 Jill Nicholls tel: 03 5342 4889 Sue Callahan tel: 03 5264 1550 Zoe de Vries tel: 03 5222 1397

POSTAL ADDRESS

The Secretary GPO Box 591 Geelong Victoria 3220 EMAIL AND WEB ADDRESS

hermitagegirls@gmail.com

www.ggs.vic.edu.au

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

3

Dates for Your Diary 2017 OLD GIRLS’ DAY AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH LUNCH

Saturday 2nd September 2017 Darling Hall, Geelong Grammar School AGM: 11.00 am Drinks: 12.00pm Luncheon: 12.45pm GOLF DAY

Monday 2nd October 2017 Barwon Heads Golf Club

Monday 4th December 2017 All Saints Hall, Newtown 11.20am For information concerning these functions contact: The Secretary Ann Tyers tel: 03 5250 4055.

For the Golf Day contact Prue Webb tel: 0407 554 785

The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Awards Tenable at Geelong Grammar School:

The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Prize for Service Stephanie Louey The Hermitage Old Girls’ E V Krome Cup for Sportsmanship

Sasha Culley Tenable at Geelong College: The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Prize (for all round Leadership)

Bibi Holten

4

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

From the Editor ‘As I write this Editorial once again our country is battling drought conditions in Western NSW and Queensland, floods in Sydney and northern NSW, fires in Western Australia and closer to home fires which have ravaged Wye River and our beautiful Great Ocean Road escarpment along with other areas of Victoria.’

That was the paragraph I began with last year. What a contrast this last 12 months have been with wonderful rains basically across the whole of Australia, and some farmers reaping crops with yields that this generation of farmers have never seen. There are parts of Queensland and NSW still needing rain. Hopefully 2017 will provide us with that.

Ruth was a staunch supporter of The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association and continued to come to all the functions held in Geelong till shortly before her passing.

We had about 64 members attend Old Girls’ Day in September. Judy Vanrenen told lots of stories of her wonderful tours through Botanica. Anyone who is interested in doing one of these tours should book directly through her, and let her know you are a member of HOGA for a discounted price.

Her speech is printed in this Newsletter, but unfortunately you will not see the wonderful photos she presented.

The Committee has worked tirelessly this year to have the guidelines for scholarships updated. In the past the I would very much like to pass on HOGA and Miss Morres Scholarships congratulations from all Old Girls’ to Janice were only available for those entering GGS McGowan (Evans) 1956, Sue Henry in Year 10. After many discussions with (Vedmore) 1961, and Ros Leigh (Tayler) Enrica Longo who worked in Community 1961 who were all awarded OAMs. More Relations, the Principal Stephen Meek details are in the Newsletter. has agreed to make the Elsie Morres Scholarship just for descendents of I, along with many Old Girls’ attended the Hermitage Old Girls’. These scholarships Memorial service for Ruth de Fegely held will be available to students entering any on the 1st February 2016. It certainly was year from Year 7. This is indeed wonderful a wonderful tribute to Ruth and all facets news for our Association and the many of her busy life were recognised. But the generations of past Hermitage Old Girls’ main emphasis of it all was how important families. More details are in the Newsletter. family was to her, and the joy she received from her grandchildren and helping others. We also welcome Geoff Laurenson to Philip forwarded me the Eulogy and I have the Archives Dept. He looks after all the printed it further along in the Newsletter. Archives. Kristeen Hunter has nearly finished putting everything on the data base and as a result it will be easier to trace what Archives we have.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

5

Please remember that from this year invitations to Old Girls’ Day, the Golf Day and the Christmas Lunch with Music, will be emailed out mid-July from the email address of oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au. When you see this incoming email do not just delete it, please open it. If you do not have email, the invitations will be mailed.

If you do change your email address or actually acquire an email address, you must remember to let us know. You can email your address to oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au.

Postage is now a large expense to 1345 members, and it seems to just keep going up.

oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au so our database can be kept up to date.

Thank you to all who sent or emailed Cooeegrams. From the response to the Newsletter I know people enjoy reading it, but we need more input so hoping I receive many more this year. Email your Cooeegrams to hermitagegirls@gmail.com.

Do hope many Old Girls’ will send them in by December 31st, 2017. They are what make the Newsletter possible.

Please remember that all HOGA mail outs are done in envelopes with Geelong Grammar School on them, so please do not throw them out without opening.

Because of the cost of organising the Year Group Reunions, the girls doing it try to email information to their year group.

Best wishes, It saves a huge cost to you all if they do Ann Tyers not have to mail out information. This is another reason to keep email addresses up to date so please notify us when changes are made. Please email changes to

President’s Report This year our association is one hundred and seven years old and once again we have had an extremely busy but rewarding year. Today’s Hermitage Old Girls’ Association reunion and luncheon gives us a wonderful opportunity to review and celebrate our year, remember our school days and catch up with friends.

Committee members have once again worked tirelessly to make our social events – including today – happen and we thank them for their great contributions. I would also like to acknowledge, as we do each year, the great work of past Committee members of many years; without them, the association would not have continued to this day.

During the year we have been delighted to see our beautiful history book continue to We have been very sad to lose some of sell and be very well received by readers. our Old Girls’ during the year, and family

6

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

members, and our sympathy goes out to their families and friends. I know that our shared memories of happy times spent with them are a great comfort to us. We have also lost much loved members of the broader GGS community and we particularly extend our deepest sympathy to their families and friends.

We are also sad that Zoe de Vries, our former treasurer, is stepping down from the Committee. We would like to thank her for her wonderful contribution to the work of the Association over several years, including in the extremely busy history book project period. We will miss you Zoe! Each year our annual reunion gives us an opportunity to reflect on our school days at The Hermitage, feel gratitude to our teachers and other school staff for all their work and also to our families for enabling us to attend the school. I know that many of you will agree that what we gained from our education, and the many wonderful friendships we made, continue with us throughout our life. They are strengthened and enhanced by the Old Girls’ Association and, in turn, strengthen the Association. We are very glad that our History book now captures all of this as a lasting testament.

Once again this year I am pleased to be able to report that we are made to feel very much a part of the continuing Geelong Grammar School community, which also helps to keep the spirit of The Hermitage CEGGS alive. We would like to thank the school staff, and particularly Katie Rafferty, for their ongoing support of our activities. Once again this year

we are extremely grateful to Russell Woodford for being our pianist today. We also have a special thank you for Enrica Longo, who is Geelong Grammar School’s newly arrived Associate Director of Community Relations. We are very happy that Enrica has been able to join us today.

As Ann Tyers will explain, Enrica has been enormously helpful to us in relation to our scholarship fund.

We have again this year enjoyed our involvement with the continuing GGS as part of the OGGs committee, participating in various OGGs’ and school events. It will soon be time for the annual OGGs Car Trial, which has recently become a favourite event for the Grammar community, and I can highly recommend it to Old Girls’ as a very enjoyable way to spend a day. Details are available on the school website. I believe there is now an associated bicycling event which may be even more inviting for some of us!

Our OGGs representative also shared several memorable evenings this year, attending OGGs committee meetings, dining and reminiscing. As full voting members of the OGGs committee, along with Clyde, we feel able to make a significant contribution to the work of the OGGs. We would like to thank the wonderful catering team at GGS and school staff, for their much appreciated contributions towards the success of today’s event.

Finally, I would like to again extend a special welcome to our guest speaker, Hermitage Old Girl, Judy Vanrenen, of Botanica, who – as some of you no doubt

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

7

know – organises truly amazing garden tours around Australia and Europe. A very warm welcome to you! Also an extremely

warm welcome to all Old Girls’! We are delighted that you are able to join us today.

Deidre Griffiths

Secretary’s Report This is the 107th Secretary’s Report for the Hermitage Old Girls’ Association. We now have 1354 on our mailing list, and of these we have email addresses for 786 Old Girls’. There are unfortunately 1688 Old Girls’ for whom we have no contact details and 279 who want no mail.

A wonderful day was had at the Barwon Heads Golf Club for the annual Hermitage Golf Day. Fortunately the sun shone and the golfers once again enjoyed clear skies.

Lib Nicholson has taken on the Presidency of the Barwon Heads Golf Club and I think that is nearly a full time job. Prue Webb (Spittle) is taking over the running of our Golf Day which this year is on the 3rd October. You will all have received the invitation by now and have hopefully replied if you are going to it.

A few parents from Bostock came, but think their numbers were slightly down.

This was followed by a lovely lunch of sandwiches and with so many slices and cakes it was difficult to decide which one to choose. It is a wonderful opportunity for those attending to mingle and move around tables to catch up with friends made at school.

As Deidre has told you Zoe is stepping down from the Committee today. On behalf of every member of HOGA I would very much like to pass on many thanks to Zoe for her help and input on the Committee. She held the position of Treasurer for a number of years–a job I do not envy, as it was quite a task during the selling of the books to keep records of just what money belonged to which accounts –but Zoe appeared to do it so easily, and Numbers were up for our Christmas hopefully with no lost sleep. Thank you so Concert and luncheon last December, held much Zoe for all your good work. again in the All Saints Hall. Once again, the Bostock Choir and string orchestra I would also like to say a special thank entertained us with magical singing and you to Judy Laird and her group who put beautiful music. How sweet the voices in a lot of time naming the girls on the are of little people, and what a wonderful front cover of the book. Not a bad feat music programme they participate in. I considering it is about 65 years since they genuinely believe they love performing left school. for us. Always very happy to receive an icy pole and drink for all their hard work.

8

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

I would like to say a very big thank you to Judy Vanrenan, our guest speaker for today. I like to put in the Newsletter each year who our guest speaker is going to be at Old Girls’ Day, and here it was January and I still had not sorted a speaker out.

Something jogged my memory and I could remember typing up a Cooeegram from Judy several years ago writing about her travels and work with Botanica tours and APT. So the search was on to find the said Cooeegram. It turned out to be in the 2013 Newsletter. I immediately emailed Judy, and my words worked like magic. Quite quickly she replied saying that she would not be away touring on the 3rd September, and would be delighted to speak here today. So I offer her a very warm welcome and I know we are all looking forward very much to her talk.

Year 7. So from next year, 2017, it means that any student entering GGS from Year 7 upwards can apply for the HOGA scholarship, shared by a few. Also, from 2017, very generously Stephen Meek has stated that the funding of the Elsie Morres Scholarship will be done from school funds. This scholarship is ONLY for descendants, boy or girl, of Hermitage Old Girls’ but is now available from Year 7 as well. So wonderful to think that many grandchildren and endless great great grandchildren, all being future generations of Hermitage descendants, will have the opportunity to apply for this Scholarship thanks to Geelong Grammar School.

Many of you will have received the invitations to the Golf Day, Christmas Lunch and today via email. From next year all Old Girls’ with email addresses will only Now to the business end of my report. receive mail from HOGA via email (except After many conversations, meetings and for the Newsletter which will always be emails with Enrica Longo from Community mailed out). Therefore it is most important Relations, we have reason to celebrate that when changing your email address, the Changing of the Guidelines for The and/or moving we are notified. The cost HOGA Scholarship and The Elsie Morres of postage is becoming prohibitive, and Scholarship with agreement from Stephen the mail takes a long time to arrive in your Meek. In the past these have only been box. To the girls who do not have an email available to students entering GGS from address your invitations will be mailed out.

Year 10. Some of you will be aware that But please if or when you have one could many of the country high schools do you let us know. not offer a broad range of subjects, so I cannot finish until I have pleaded with many families, like ours, have to send you all to send in a Cooeegram. From the their children away to boarding school reports I receive back, everyone enjoys prior to Year 10. To give you an example of why the change is important, I can cite reading the newsletter to see what everyone else has been up to. Well, now my own case, where although my girls is the time for everyone else to send in were the third generation of Hermitage a Cooeegram. I had to do a ring around descendants, they did not meet the again this year and plead with Old Girls’ for guidelines to apply for either of those Cooeegrams to give me enough to print scholarships having come to GGS in THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

9

the Newsletter. Please could you make a real effort this year and send one in. It does not have to be long, just a few lines, and particularly for girls who live too far away to come to functions the Newsletter is their lifeblood of their time at School.

Cooeegrams and death notices can be emailed if possible to me. The address hermitagegirls@gmail.com is in the newsletter. This all helps with keeping our database up to date.

Golf replies go straight to Prue Webb who is here today and I am sure she would be happy to accept replies and payment.

I would like to thank GGS for all the support they give us organising today, and particularly Katie Rafferty in the OGGs office. Also a big thank you to the HOGA committee for the work they do on your behalf. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Golf Day in October or on Monday 5th December at our Please remember to send in your replies to Christmas lunch. the Golf Day and also the Christmas lunch.

Ann Tyers

Archives Report It is with pleasure that I present the Archives report for 2016.

treasures. We are hoping to have a display for you at the Christmas Lunch.

This year has been a little slow as far as donations go; we would still like anything you think that we may be missing, and please, we would love you to add a little story about the gift, so as to give it more of a living history. We do have some items that we do not really know what they are, including some badges. At the moment we are still sorting and cataloguing the collection. As I mentioned before, we are sorting through some special badges, buttons, tie bars and cuff links. Included in this we have Old Girls’ badges through the years as well as Red Cross, Brownies, sport and music badges and House bars to name but a few, so as you can see it is very interesting to work with these

This year the staff at the Library have been most supportive as usual, and we now have a very enthusiastic young Archivist named Geoff Laurenson, who is very helpful and forthcoming with his advice, and is working towards digitising everything, which will in turn preserve our history and make it more accessible.

10

We are unable to attend to our display in the Hawker Library at the present, as the library is being used as a work space for the staff in the Positive Education Department for the next 12 months. I am sure as soon as they vacate Kristeen will have us, dusters in hand, attending to our display cabinets.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

We are so fortunate that Prue Southern, Head of Hermitage House, who is so obliging to the Old Girls’ and has said that the building is always open for us to wander through and see our treasures happily living there. The painting we spoke about last year, which was painted

by Miss Morres’ sister Gwendoline, has now been framed with reflective glass, and looks very impressive on the wall alongside many other of our prints and paintings, in Hermitage House. Our display cabinet in there is filled with all sorts of treasures, from early uniforms, hats, crockery, trophies, tennis racquets to name but a few, well worth a look.

As you wander you will notice a lot of the beautiful furniture from the old school, which will ignite wonderful memories of school days. Of course when we wander outside Hermitage House, we see the magnificent oak tree which is a descendant of the original tree from The Hermitage.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Archive team for their dedication and hard work, especially Kristeen Hunter who is a virtual walking encyclopedia of anything Hermitage and spends endless hours poring over the collection.

Jill Nicholls

GEOFF L AURENSON – NEW ARCHIVIST GGS

I started my career in archives at University of Melbourne after completing a Master of Archival Studies at the University of British Columbia (Canada).

I was appointed to the role of Archivist at Geelong Grammar School in April 2016. A large part of my job involves answering enquiries from past students and the general public about the history of the School (including The Hermitage and Clyde School). I am often asked by members of the community to determine whether or not their relative attended the School. I also manage the physical storage, cataloguing and preservation of the Archives collection.

Over the past year I have had the pleasure of working with The Hermitage Old Girls’ who volunteer in the Archives.

I also respond to offers of gifts to the Archives, and if accepted, ensure that they are properly documented. If you have an enquiry relating to the history of The Hermitage or a family member that attended the School, please don’t hesitate to contact me: glaurenson@ggs.vic.edu.au or call 03 5273 9869.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

11

GOLF DAY REPORT

INTERSCHOOL GOLF CHALLENGE

The Barwon Heads Golf Club provided a delicious lunch for 83 Old Girls’, with some travelling from interstate. 40 golfers played 18 holes in extreme wind with some good scores. The winners were:

The 87th Women’s Inter-School Challenge Cup was again held at The Metropolitan Golf Club contested by 30 schools who each entered a team of four players. This event was initiated in order to support a charity which aided either women or children and this year we again supported the Cottage by the Sea with a donation of $3,500. Anne Catchlove from this organisation gave us a very informative talk as many of the players know very little about this worthy organisation.

Jennifer Jackson (Bingley) 37 points Runner up :- Jan Embling (Bell) 34 points Team Winners:- Helen Rymill (Jackson), Julie Bingley (West), Jo Richie, and Evelyn Collins 113 points Next year this event will be on Monday 2nd October at the Barwon Heads Golf Club. Our HOGA committee and I look forward to seeing you there.

Prue Webb

This year we were represented by Prue Webb, Jan Curtain, Ginny Palmer and Jenny Warnock. Although not winners ourselves, we were delighted that Geelong Grammar won and we offer them our congratulations especially as it is only their second year in the competition!!

Lib Nicholson

12

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

At the Golf Day were (Above) Jennifer Jackson and Jan Embling (Below) Robin Spry, Judy McCowan Opposite Page: Angela Langley, Judy Chirnside and Ceal Gubbins

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

13

Scholarship News Supplied by: Sheila Colwell, Associate Director Community Relations Geelong Grammar School

We are delighted to announce that the Miss Elsie F Morres Scholarship is now dedicated to supporting either a girl or boy who is a descendent of a past student of The Hermitage. Geelong Grammar School is honouring the educational legacy of Miss Morres and The Hermitage tradition through their support for this special award. The award has been created to appeal to as many Hermitage descendants as possible.

Applicants may wish to enter the School in any year from Year 7 through Year 12.

This award will be means tested so the value of each Scholarship and the number of Scholarships available each year is at the discretion of the Principal. The scholarship or scholarships will be given to an applicant who both meets the usual admissions criteria and is likely to make a positive contribution to the life of the School.

While the recipient may enter any house, if the recipient is a girl and entering Senior School, it would be ideal if she entered Hermitage House. Please share this good news with all of your family or other members of our Hermitage community.

On the following page is a breakdown I have written to give you more information on the two Scholarships offered associated with The Hermitage.

14

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

THE MISS ELSIE MORRES SCHOL ARSHIP

- Open to a girl or boy who is a descendant of The Hermitage alumnae - Funded by Geelong Grammar School annually up to whatever amount is equal to one Senior School Boarding fee Q: Are living gifts to this scholarship tax-deductible? A: No because the number of possible applicants is fewer than 200,000 Q: Can I make a living gift without any tax benefit? A: Yes Q: Are bequests to this fund tax-deductible? A: No, an estate cannot deduct a bequest gift from any taxes it may owe Q: Can I leave a bequest in my will to this fund? A: Yes, but we request that you first contact Garry Pierson, Associate Director, Community Relations, on: 52739136 or garryp@ggs.vic.edu.au THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION SCHOL ARSHIP

- Open to any girl who wishes to apply from Year 7 - Funded by the past and present charitable gifts of HOGA members and others Q: Are living gifts to this scholarship tax-deductible? A: Yes, because the number of possible applicants is greater than 200,000 Q: Are bequests to this fund tax-deductible? A: No, an estate cannot deduct a bequest gift from any taxes it may owe Q: Can I make a bequest to this fund? A: Yes, but we request that you first contact Garry Pierson, Associate Director, Community Relations, on: 52739136 or garryp@ggs. vic.edu.au Editor: Shelia would be very happy indeed to speak to any Old Girl wishing to make a donation to either Scholarship on 03 52739138 at this time. Gary Pierson is the person to ring if you want to leave a bequest towards a scholarship in your Will.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

15

Above: 1956 Year group at Barwon Heads Golf Club on the 16th May 2016 16

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Reunion Reports SIXTY YEAR REUNION - 1956 YEAR GROUP

Zoe de Vries On a day of lovely autumn sunshine twenty five of us, including two friends from the 1955 Group, met for lunch at Barwon Heads Golf Club. Despite a fairly average range of health and mobility issues for women of our age they came from all over Victoria and three travelled from Adelaide, Yass and Canberra. Another twelve who were either overseas or affected by illness at the time had sent regretful apologies. A wonderful response!

In the spacious members’ bar drinks and ‘nibbles’ were served while guests were arriving, and after photos were taken we enjoyed a delicious carvery of roast turkey, pork and beef served with an array of roasted and steamed vegetables and a variety of trimmings. A tempting selection of mini-desserts and berries followed and an unlimited supply of teas and coffee was available.

It was easy for everyone to move around to chat with girls not seen for a long time and those more frail or less mobile. A photo display prompted much reminiscence of long-ago schooldays… ‘Can it really be 60 years?’ ‘Isn’t Sammy gorgeous!’ ‘Is that me!’ ‘Just look at the joddies!’ The news-exchange was busy, with much filling-in of blank years mixing noisily with stories of our youth sixty, seventy and more years ago: boarding school food, homesickness, daring pranks, icy rainy sleep-outs, the awful daygirls’ toilets, the Rec. Hall, the Indian Dancers, School Fetes, the ‘powerful presence’ of Miss Krome, The Sanctuary, trips to Central Australia, the long-awaited new library, the thrilling 1954 visit to Geelong of a petite, young Queen Elizabeth with Prince Phillip.

Those well-loved and admired teachers (and some not so!) were fondly remembered as were our many absent old friends.

Somehow, amidst the hearty greetings, hugs (and even shrieks!) of welcome our very obliging photographer, Marlene McDonald (née Uebergang, 1965 year group) managed to take photos of everyone. These, together with some taken by Catherine Gray and a collection of personal stories of ‘My Life Since School’, were printed as a memento booklet available to everyone who responded to our invitation.

It was a very happy gathering, all too short for many of us, but long enough for the rekindling of many old friendships and the stirring of memories.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

17

Information regarding Reunions Could the girls who are making reunions happen please email the date and a contact email address to hermitagegirls@gmail.com. These dates can be printed in the Newsletter and Light Blue so girls, particularly those overseas can have some advance warning. Please also email hermitagegirls@gmail.com and katier@ggs.vic.edu.au with the contact lists you make up from your reunions so that our database for year groups can be updated with correct details for all Old Girls’.

May I ask that the girls organising the reunions please send in a group photo and a written report for the Newsletter. Over the last couple of years some have not been reported on as no information has been received. Girls who were unable to attend do like to read of their year group reunions. Photographs for Light Blue and the Newsletter need to be at least 1 mb. Photos are much clearer with a camera rather than an iPad. Girls who are not currently listed as Old Girls’ can be added by forwarding details

Old Girls’ Day 2017 SATURDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2017

I am delighted to let you all know that our Guest Speaker this year is Vicki Hambling (1968 leaver). Vicki trained as a primary and secondary teacher and taught the children of newly arrived migrants in the early 70’s. She then taught in England for a year and from there went to Mozambique where she taught in the International School for 4 years.

Back in Australia, since the 1990’s she has taught refugees and migrants aged from 16 to 90 from all over the world. She currently trains volunteers to work with both refugees and migrants who are settling in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne.

The greatest number of refugees coming in at the moment are from Syria and in Victoria the bulk of these are settling in the city of Hume. This has put a strain on all the services including the volunteer program Vicki coordinates. Vicki will talk about her experiences.

18

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Reunions 2017 SIXTY YEAR REUNION -

FIFT Y ONE YEAR REUNION -

1957 YEAR GROUP

1966 YEAR GROUP

Wednesday, 21st June, 2017 is the date chosen for your 1957 reunion. It is to be held at the Lyceum Club in Melbourne, and more details will be emailed to you shortly by Helen Derrick. If you need to contact Helen, her email address is rosiederrick@gmail.com

As you will remember, your 50 year reunion was put on hold in 2016. Rosie Garner is now organising this reunion and the date chosen is Sunday, 5th November, 2017 in Geelong. Further details to follow by email.

Please make sure we have your correct email address.

FIFTY YEAR REUNION –

FIFT Y YEAR REUNION 2018 -

1967 YEAR GROUP

1968 YEAR GROUP

Lib Nicholson (Calvert) is the organiser for the Fifty Year Reunion for the 1967 year group. The celebration will be on the weekend of the 21st/22nd October, 2017.

More details will follow nearer the date, but Lib has asked that you now put it in your diaries. If you do not hear any further please email Lib closer to the date. email: libnicholson@bigpond.com tel: 0419 398 067

The 20th October, 2018 has been chosen as the date for the 50 year Reunion of the 1968 year group. This date has been decided well in advance in the hope that some of our year group who live overseas will be able to attend. More details to follow but it will be held in Geelong. Please make sure we have your correct email address.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

19

Old Girls’ Day SATURDAY 3RD SEP TEMBER 2016 SPEECH PRESENTED BY JUDY VANRENAN (1969)

This speech is dedicated to my aunt, Janet Austin (née Laidlaw) a Hermitage Old Girl who passed away on 25th August, 2016.

Growing up on a farm in western Victoria, I had no great expectations of a career after leaving school. Coming from four generations of pastoralists, I fully expected to marry a farmer so to find myself four decades later working full time in my own travel business has often caused time for reflection on the twists of fate that lead us on our life’s journey.

Going to The Hermitage, an all-girls school in Year 10 with my long time school friend, Sue Baulch (Bade) from Hamilton College, a co-ed school at the time, was interesting as suddenly there were ‘no boys’ around. Life during my time in the boarding house taught me resilience and the value of friendship which still continues today.

After leaving school I did a secretarial course and worked in a law firm before embarking on an overseas trip with another school friend Judy Wilson (Morgan). This led to my love of travel and resulted in me returning to Australia to become Cook/ Hostess on camping tours to outback Australia in the days before mobile and satellite phones. It was very remote forty years ago and I had to carry emergency supplies for up to ten days in case we were stranded. This experience taught me time and people management skills, which I still draw on today.

This led to an Executive career in Tourism and Business in both Australia and New Zealand working for leading travel companies AATKings, Australian Pacific Tours (now APT) and Evergreen Tours.

My son James was born in New Zealand when my husband was transferred there with National Australia Bank in the late eighties and we very much enjoyed discovering this beautiful country.

After five years we returned to Australia and I became a voluntary business mentor with The Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS), which is a non-profit organisation assisting small and micro businesses in Victoria. During my 13 years with this organisation I assisted over 100 small businesses and learnt as much from them as they did from me. The organisation has a rich tapestry of skills drawn from 90 mentors and I was only one of two women Presidents of the organisation. During my business career I have found it important to pave the way for women in business. It was during my time 20

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

as Chair of the Southern Grampians Tourism Board that the idea to start Botanica was suggested and with my business partner Geoff McGeary of the APT Group, Botanica was born in 2000. Sixteen years later Botanica welcomes over 1,000 guests on our 40 unique boutique tours and cruises around the world. 70% of our travelers are return travelers and one in three are solo travelers who feel very welcomed. Today we are the only botanically themed business in the world to charter small ships of just 100 guests, which appeals to our discerning travelers who have curious minds. With this in mind we also include history, culture, art, architecture and music on some of our trips so there is something for everyone. On cruises, there is also the opportunity for Freedom of Choice touring so that those travelling with others who are not interested in gardens can enjoy general sightseeing.

During my journey with Botanica I have been privileged to work with some very interesting botanical guides and lecturers around the world, including BBC television present Monty Don, leading Garden Historian Dr. Toby Musgrave, author of ‘The Tulilp’ Anna Pavord, RHS Gold Medal winner Anthea Guthrie, ABC Radio garden presenter Judy Horton, Ross Mckinnon, Arno King, Kate Heffernan, Simon Rickard, author Jane Webster and Teena Crawford. We have a strong strategic partnership with the Diggers Club founded by Clive Blazey with their members enjoying special benefits with Botanica.

First time travelers with Botanica receive a 200 page coffee table book ‘Beyond the Garden Gate’ which I have written just for them. The book showcases many of the stunning gardens we visit both iconic and private. With over 100 private gardens visited each year around the world, our guests love to meet the private garden owners who often only open for Botanica.

If anyone would like to find out more about Botanica please visit www.botanica.travel where you can find an e-brochure or can order your own personal copy.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

21

OAM Recipients 2016-2017 How wonderful to read of one of the current HOGA Committee members Rosalind Leigh (Tayler) 1961 being honoured with an OAM, announced on Australia Day 2017. Ros from Ceres has devoted her time to volunteer organisations, one of which is The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association. Ros joined the Committee in 1966 having left school in 1961 and has served 51 years on the Committee. During her time she was President for 2 years, Treasurer for 13 years, and Secretary for 14 years. Her volunteering began when she was 12 years of age, with the Highton-Ceres branch of the children’s charity Cottage By The Sea. Now she is a life member at Cottage by the Sea (in Queenscliff). Her volunteer work which includes Red Cross, pony club, schools and churches goes on as does the list of organisations she volunteers with.

She is currently the Ladies’ President at the Highton Bowls Club. On speaking to Ros she said ‘I get involved. I work with and encourage the other volunteers, and together we make a difference. The award is about the people I work with and the organisations we work for’.

22

Janice McGowan (Evans) 1956 was awarded an OAM in 2016 for Service to the Community through Social Welfare organisations. For the past 26 years Janice has made sure that Geelong’s needy have food on their plates and someone to have a chat to. She received an OAM for her work with the Christ Church Community Meals Programme.

Sue Henry (Vedmore) 1961 was awarded an OAM in 2016 for Service to the Community of Warrnambool. Sue is involved in Anglicare and the works of the Anglican Church and spent years volunteering with Mpower supporting those with disabilities.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

At Old Girls’ Day 2016 were (above, left to right): Judith Laird and Nancy Cole; Judy Vanrenen and Jill Hambling; Naida Hutton and Jan Sprague; Vicki Hambling and Kristeen Hunter; (below) Jen Stewart, Prue Webb, Judy Vanrenen

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

23

Top: Gerda Scott and Ann Wood Bottom: Stephanie Day and Ros Leigh

24

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Top: Jill White and Jenny Jordan Below: Sarah Horne and Judy Delalande

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

25

Top: Ann Tyers and Kristeen Hunter Bottom: Carla Story, Gerda Scott, Sue Callahan, Hilary Davaies and Ann Wood

26

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Top: Carla Story and Hilary Davies Bottom: Desiree Cohen and Enrica Longo

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

27

Top: Janice Simpson at the launch of her book ‘Murder in Mt Martha’ (See her Cooegram on Page 30 for further details).

Bottom: Jill Buchanan and Zoe de Vries

28

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

At Old Girls’ Day 2016 were (Top) Corinne Robin, Bronwyn Sizer (Bottom) Angela Hucker, Jen Stewart and Sue Baulch

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

29

Top: Jill Nicholls, Vicki Hambling Bottom: Miffy Shelton and Sally Horne

30

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

At the Christmas Lunch were (Above) Judy Nadorp, Shirley Williams and Julie Richards (Below) Jill Nichols, Nova Urquhart, Barb Smith, Prue Rees, Sally Horne and Pauline Greaves

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

31

Cooeegrams Jenny Jordan (Gray) 1952 7A GEORGE STREET, BELMONT. VIC. 3216

For several years, a group of Old Girls’ who left school in 1952/3 have been meeting together on a regular basis for lunch. It is just a small group – in earlier years 8-10 people, these days usually 6-8.

Our members are Jill Byrne (Evans), Jenny Jordan (Gray), Margaret Morphy (Deacon), Wendy Potter (Beilby), Corinne Robin (McHarry), Lesley Robinson (Donaldson), Heather Weiss (Green), Jill White (Baker). Rosemary Little and Lynette James (McDonald) were members in earlier times and sometimes we have shared with people other than Old Girls’.

We have lunched at some wineries on the Bellarine peninsular such as Oakdene, Loam and Bistro on Banks which was run by Heather’s daughter Kate and her husband Nathan until they opened Plume in Mt Pleasant Road and we have already dined there. We have been to numerous places in Geelong, hotels and motels in town and along the beach front as well as places out of Geelong such as Torquay, Anglesea and Bannockburn. We find this a lovely way to keep in touch and we never seem to run out of conversation.

At Christmas time Corinne and Margaret have been extremely generous and invited us to celebrate on alternate years at their homes. We divide the catering between us, each person bringing a plate. Then we can stay and chat to our hearts content.

Barbara Matthews (Macvean) 1953 11 MCGRET TONS ROAD, HEALESVILLE, VIC. 3777

I had a lovely 80th birthday. My daughter organised a party with 40 odd friends and relations who came from far and wide. I have had 2 new great grandchildren in the last 12 months and another one due in September 2016. I now have 11 great grandchildren.

I cannot come to Old Girls’ Day as I cannot walk any more, and am now on a wheelie walker full time.

My sister has moved from Port Welshpool to Low Head in Tasmania.

32

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Wilma Foulkes (Bendle) 1947 ‘YALL AMBEE’. VILL AGE FOR THE AGED, 9 CAMPBELL ST, TRARALGON. VIC 3844

After leaving Loch Sport, having finished my leadership in the Church there, I moved into an Independent unit, within an Elderly Village complex in Sale for nearly one year in 2015.

Towards the end of the year I became very ill spending a number of months in two different hospitals, during which time I was diagnosed, and moved into full time care in Yallambee, Traralgon. Four of my five children live in the Gippsland area.

Before you receive this news 2016 will have finished and I will be 87 years old in January 2017. “Cooee” to all girls I knew in school, who are still alive!!

Dianne Ross-Harris (Harris) 1968 38 HARTS PARADE, HAWTHORN EAST 3123

I retired a few months ago and was reading our HOGA Newsletter and decided to put pen to paper. I worked as an Occupational Therapist/Case Manager in the Mental Health System (including some time in Aged Mental Health in Nursing homes with people with Dementia, and a couple of research projects), for 33 years which was an interesting and rewarding time. I have taken up Art again and always loved gardening and it is amazing how quickly my time filled up.

My husband Bernie and I have rented our house out for a year or so, during which time we will travel to Europe via Singapore, the city where many years ago we became engaged! We also hope to return to South America again where we joined our daughters who were volunteering there in 2010.

Our two daughters are aged 26 and 28 (I was a late starter). One is a Social Worker and the other studying Forestry. She will be studying this in Germany while we are over there.

Neither are married and we have no grandchildren. They have many plans and things to do. Before I go away, my sister and I are going on a cruise to Queensland with my mum.

Bernie and I hope to become ‘Grey Nomads’ in the future and see more of Australia.

Looking forward to our 50th school reunion in 2018, and if I am in Australia plan to come to Old Girls’ Day in 2017.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

33

Marcia Tanswell (Carroll) 1945 OPAL VARSITY RISE, 12 L AKE STREET, VARSITY L AKES, QLD.4227

Wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year. As you see I am still in Aged Care, not really my scene, so I enjoy receiving phone calls and mail. I was surprised to hear from Stephanie Day (Aikman) and Edmee Cudmore (Rushbrooke) after all these years. We talked and talked and all agreed to ‘keep in touch’.

My birthday lunch was a splendid High Tea on the 21st floor of the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Very soon I will be welcoming my 3rd and 4th great grandchildren.

Looking forward to reading all your news later in the year. I do so enjoy all the news on Old Girls’ in this annual publication.

Judy Delalande (Bent) 1968 105 NOBLE STREET, GEELONG 3220

Extract from my retirement dinner speech in June 2016 I had many people to thank that night, mainly my parents, in particular my Dad. He was a policeman and thought my mother was smothering me by not encouraging me to leave home after finishing school in 1968. I had won a nursing bursary in Intermediate which assured me a place at a nursing training school. I had been a day girl at The Hermitage from the age of three and a half.

The Charles Conibere Nurses Home at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Carlton was, in many ways like boarding school. It certainly felt like that to me as a nearly eighteen year old.

Many of the charge nurses had nursed during the Second World War. Some of the contemporary registered nurses worked in Vietnam mostly with hospital surgical teams.

The wards were managed in a militaristic manner, task orientated, we were often bullied but the patients were always cared for efficiently. Remember we were not registered nurses we were students. Lectures often in our own time and a female dominated labour force. Wages $20 per week, with board, all meals, uniforms laundered and linen $7.50 per week! I think the Health Department did quite well financially; that was to change when nursing education went into colleges.

3 uniforms, 6 aprons, 3 caps, grey stockings (suspenders) and black lace up shoes, Very sensible!

Night duty began in 2nd year when we knew what we were doing? By second year we were very well trained, like puppies. One registered nurse to 6 wards at night i.e 180 patients. The ANMF would now have a fit! Oh, happy days, we had such fun, sitting 34

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

in someone’s room with our sunglasses on after a night shift, debriefing. Trauma, we saw it all, but we had amazing support from one another. Doesn’t happen now that students of nursing have their clinical rotation and go home after a shift.

I returned to Geelong to my family. Dear father rang Matron Taylor (a Hermitage Old Girl) on the Friday and I began the staff year the following Monday. Sight unseen, she knew Dad, my training school and perhaps she knew I was an Old Girl.

Marjory Taylor was innovative and a real mover and shaker for nursing. In her role as matron she was very involved in the Royal College of Nursing Australia and wanted nursing education out of hospitals and into Universities.

1974 and midwifery beckoned, at the Queen Victoria Hospital. My dad had died suddenly in 1972 so Mother came to be my flatmate for the year. We loved living in Kew. Returning to Geelong I was able to practise my new skills in the Birthing Suite for five years. I came across many Hermitage Old Girls’ during that time.

I married Robert in 1979 and a change of direction to my career brought me to Nursing Administration. Matron Taylor made me an offer I couldn’t refuse… Staffing and Allocation for two hundred students and over a hundred registered nurses. Rosters were centralised in those days. Matron Taylor always believed if you gave nurses the hours they want and pay them properly and on time, they will do anything for you!

I left admin after Matron Taylor retired. The following 20 years were filled with infection control, pre AIDS epidemic, surgical in charge, and night duty. During my children’s early years I nursed at St. John of God. Three children along the way, Robert achieved his B Com and I my Bachelor of Nursing.

In 1993 I returned to Barwon Health as After Hours coordinator, clipboards, beepers and all responsibility and no authority. In 2000 midwifery re-entry program through the Australian College of Midwives, wow how things had changed in 20 years Midwives, team midwifery, FBU, High risk, Low risk, Normal risk, MDAU, MGP, LC, and Clinical Midwifery Specialist. The women were not patients!!

The social change has been enormous and that of being with women, antenatally, through birth and postnatally remarkable. Husbands are now partners, don’t leave your loved one at the door and call back later or pace the waiting room floor.

Women are informed and interested in the birthing process, they search for information. They have choice and a voice. They don’t have to do as they are told.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

35

During the 1970’s women had 5-7 days to learn about their babies and themselves in the post-natal period. How to feed and settle their baby. Our women need midwives more than ever before. Many have complex needs, medically, obstetrically, emotionally and need I say their family life can be tricky. Older women, many have had assisted reproduction, and we know so little about their experience trying to become pregnant with the aid of science. Women come to Barwon Health from all corners of the earth.

For some girls/women it is their only chance to really shine, to achieve something important and worthwhile in their lives. Celebrate the birth of their baby with them, help them to acknowledge their ability to be parents, give them the confidence to be good parents and overcome their fears. Australia is the best place in the world to birth a baby and raise a family. Continue to be genuinely caring of the women in your care and don’t forget one another, carers need care too.

I love retirement, now I want to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Best wishes for 2017

Sandra Beck 1957 PO BOX 5725, WEST END. QLD 4101

Having failed maths in last year of school, I completed Year 12 maths with honours a decade ago. I now teach maths to disabled adults two mornings a week and feel as if maths has taken over my life. I do not recall who taught us maths but I do well remember Miss Featherstone writing ‘Utter Nonsense’ on a Biology paper. I was no star at school but have done my best to make up for that.

Sue Hargreaves (Richardson) 1965 K AK AHU GERALDINE ROAD, CANTERBURY SOUTH, NEW ZEAL AND

Two years ago, after our daughter’s wedding, we took a team of Aussies 7 hours down to South Westland to experience a taste of white baiting. They remember the trip for the drizzle, the wide Arrawhata River battling the ocean waves, and our valiant (and successful) attempts to start a fire to cook the tiny fish – we only caught a handful in the bleak weather. They talk about that now more than the delicate whitebait flavour combined with egg, just a little salt, and a squeeze of lemon. They should have been with us this week. We brought 36 kg home. No room in the freezer for anything else.

At this stage in life we seem to live our lives partly through our children. The aforementioned Fiona, after winning a Vodafone World of Difference award, has started a large organic vegetable garden in the earthquake affected red zone in Christchurch.

She and her associates welcome assistance from young people who need direction and encouragement. They plan to be self-sustainable and after two years they have achieved charitable status which opens up all sorts of fundraising opportunities.

36

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Meanwhile our oldest daughter Belinda lost her backpacker business in the earthquakes, and spent three years working in a variety of different jobs – truck driving and shingle spreading for road works, modelling for a friend who has her own label, lingerie marketing and cherry hawking in Christchurch to name a few things. Eventually the earthquake authorities paid her out enough to get started with another backpacker lodge, and she now has three in three different cities.

At home, Gerald has handed over the reins to our son Tom. After remodelling the homestead, he and his wife Anna and baby Francesca have moved in. They are tackling the substantial garden and the Angus cattle stud with zest. Tom is a qualified architect who farms. He designed our new house on the hill. Gerald comes home shaking his head. ‘He’s growing seed crops where I never have’. Then, ‘Tom tells me I’m to clear the gorse on Aitkens Block.’ Gerald has a digger that I call his other woman. He comes in at all hours. Retirement is a figment of the imagination.

Still, I am the most travelled person in our family. My university friend Meg talked me into taking a memoire writing course with Patti Miller – in Paris! Slab would have been disappointed in my French!

A few months later Belinda invited me to accompany her to the Royal Ascot Races – our cousin had become the CEO. It would be a pity to miss the opportunity, said Belinda. He might give it up next year. We could not risk that, so bought and borrowed hats and lost our money at the races. What fun!

I arrived home three days before our bull sale in June, just in time to thaw the soups to feed the crowd, and a fortnight afterwards Gerald and I set off for a camping holiday around the right hand side of Australia. This took three months, and almost everyone has said ‘How super. Did you have a campervan?’ No. We had a tent and a 1990 red Toyota Land cruiser that matched my cousins’ exactly, to the confusion of some.

From Melbourne we drove north through lots of wet weather towards Cape York.

Enroute we tackled the Telegraph Track with enthusiasm. Then, after visiting the Tip, we headed along the Savannah Way to the Northern Territory and Arnhem Land. Smith Point is nearly as far north as The Tip, and the trip up about as rough. Our poor trucks shook their way along, with Gerald operating as mechanic which was a surprise to me as at home, he left others to do that. He fixed our starter motor by hitting it with a hammer. He replaced a wheel bearing. He kept Doug’s air conditioning going. He was so useful! Miraculously we made it via Darwin, Kununurra and Alice Springs (where the wild flowers were growing in profusion) down to Coffin Bay, where we ate oysters; then on through the wine growing areas of South Australia and back to Melbourne.

At one point I suggested we send for more money and keep on driving, but we didn’t.

Nothing much had gone wrong when we got home. Now we need to tackle the left hand side of vast Australia.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

37

Irma Macauley (Skelton) 1947 6/92 APHRASIA STREET, NEWTOWN. VIC 3220

Irma asks: ‘Who remembers back to the pre-amalgamation?’

After the passing of my husband some months ago, I decided it was time to attack his wine cupboard and acquaint myself with its contents. A day or so later a nasty fall (no, the two events were NOT related) found me in hospital with a badly broken arm and time for reflection.

In the early 1970s when the Committee was busy raising funds for the ‘Scholarship Fund’, we held some very enjoyable events. Does anyone remember the fun BBQs, the Dinner Dances at the Geelong West Town Hall, The Table Setting competitions in Edments Basement, the Wine tasting and Lasagna night in the dining room at Highton or probably the best event of all our Wine Bottling fundraiser? Robert Ingpen had kindly designed the label for these bottles and we named the wine Samuel Plimsoll, after the school bell, donated to the school from the sailing ship the Samuel Plimsoll.

Anne Purnell, Molly Grove and I were selected to visit three winery outlets in Melbourne to select two White Wines and two Reds. As I recall none of us knew much, if anything about wine. At our first outlet, the people assisting us were not very interested in our needs so we moved on to the Di Bortoli outlet. Here they were co-operative and offered to supply four very reliable wines which were proving popular and successful with other groups doing the same thing. After a few tastings, we agreed to their choices, which transpired to be as good as they said.

What brought all this to mind? In the aforementioned cupboard I found a perfectly preserved bottle of the said Samuel Plimsoll Claret and I wondered - why did he keep it – nostalgia perhaps? Could this be the only bottle remaining and if so how would it taste?

From the back label, it states: ‘DRY RED 1971 SOUTHERN VALE WINERY This wine has been made from selected Hermitage grapes grown in McLaren Vale, South Australia. This excellent wine was matured in wooden casks for three years and improves with bottle age.’

I guess it’s no good to die wondering, so, as a nearly 87 year old, I think the time has come to pop the cork and drink a toast to the Good Old Days!

38

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Wendy (Spec) Deane (Hopkins) 1953 P.O. BOX 407, YASS NSW 2582

In May 2016 we drove from Yass NSW via Melbourne for a 60th School reunion in Barwon Heads. Firstly visiting my sister Janet Clarke (Hopkins) and Mary Hallam (McBryde) both in their late 80’s and still in touch with their school friends. We also caught up with family and grandchildren. Matilda Maynard in her third year of medicine, Amelia Maynard in her first year at University and current students of GGS Eliza and Herbert Maynard.

Meeting up with Jim and Judy Derham (Bailey) to attend the luncheon at the Barwon Heads Golf Club celebrating 60 years since we had left school. It was such fun to recognise so many who made the effort to attend, from far and wide, maybe with a few more laughter lines, and perhaps a few more grey hairs.

Congratulations to everyone for a very well organised afternoon, having planned photos and a summary as to what we had all done after we left school. I can truly recommend to all to make the effort to catch up. It was indeed very special.

Margaret Craddock (Goss) 1954 15 SARAH COURT, MONTROSE. VIC. 3765

Our year group of 1953 now meet every second year in Melbourne. Seven travelled this year into town from all over Victoria to catch up with everyone’s news. Judy Read (Tucker) had been to France and keeps fit by cycling. I took my computer created book of photos of the whales and calves at the Bight. Berry McDade (Angus) came having just stepped off the plane from a conference in South Australia. She told us of her trip to Beijing and walking the wall. Pat Cameron (Gill) went from the Philippines by boat to Borneo then from Indonesian villages to Deli in East Timor. Her highlight was seeing the Orangutans Reserve. Pat Jarrett (Cooke) is currently working on a sculpture commissioned for the Melbourne Museum, to be completed by Christmas 2016. Jane Poyser (Calvert) has hung up her golf clubs but keeps busy with her decoupage and her gardening. Jessie Poyner (Thomson) travelled from Moama and will ‘do’ Tasmania next year. We would love to inform others when our next gathering will take place in 2018, so please let Berry mcdadefamily@hotmail.com or Margot mandrcraddock@ westnet.com.au know your contact details.

Judy Metcalfe (Frencham) 1946 396 VICTORIA STREET, DENILIQUIN NSW 2710

One of our local Old Girls’, Barb Scott (Thomas) was recently awarded a life membership of Sing Australia, at the Deniliquin Sing Australia Choirs’ Birthday celebrations.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

39

School friends will remember Barb’s contribution to the musical scene as school pianist during her time there from 1948-1951.

The local Sing Australia Choir has had the benefit and pleasure of Barb as its sole accompanist since its inception 15 years ago. (that’s an awful lot of keys being tickled!)

Colin Slater, National Director and founder of Sing Australia, came to the Denny Choirs’ celebration to personally present the award to Barb. Well done Barb!

Janice Simpson (1968) PO BOX 47, YARRAVILLE. VIC 3013

I really enjoyed 2016. Things happened on the work, writing and riding fronts, all of which were fun and good.

Starting with the writing bits, my crime novel ‘Murder in Mt Martha’ was launched at Readings Carlton by Leigh Redhead (if you haven’t read Leigh’s rollicking crime, get on to it!). Some good reviews and an accolade from a British crime reviewer who named it Best Non-UK novel in 2016 followed. One of the joys of writing is being invited to speak at various forums, something I really enjoy. Gigs at Sisters in Crime events, several libraries, and Cobargo’s crime fest in October were highlights. Louise Brown (1969) who co-runs Well Thumbed Books in Cobargo, was one of the driving forces and brains behind this excellent literary festival that showcased women crime writers from around Australia. Well done to Louise and her colleagues.

June heralded the last of my work as an academic at RMIT where I have been working since 2009. I really enjoyed being part of a team bringing big ideas to undergraduates.

Teaching is fun. I might go back, but in the area of my PhD studies in writing, rather than where I have been teaching politics, economics and research.

On the bike riding front, I retired from Bicycle Network after nine years on the Board, two spent as Vice-President and two as President. Serving the Australian community to help more people ride bikes more often, has been both enlightening and gratifying. In late July I took off to circumnavigate some of Germany on my bike. Eight friends, seven rivers and 2500 kms later we arrived back in Nierstein (SE of Frankfurt) from where we had left six weeks earlier. It was indeed a good celebration, with perhaps too much locally produced Riesling. But, according to the wine pundits, the Riesling produced in that region is the best in the world so we would have been fools not to enjoy, wouldn’t you think!

40

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Nicole Bodman (Henderson) 1955 1313 GREGORY STREET, L AKE WENDOUREE. VIC. 3350

Having enjoyed the 2016 Newsletter, I am now responding to your urging for news from Old Girls’. I married a South Gippslander from the Yarram district in 1961 and from there we moved to Borriyalloak in the Skipton area in 1977. So our main centre became Ballarat, which is the home of the oldest regional Art Gallery in Australia, not to mention in the British Empire.

We were drawn to it like magnets and when the word spread there was a need for guiding, I became one of the 70 odd people who attended the first meeting of likely participants. The Art Gallery was closed then for renovations, so learning about the art on its walls was a bit tricky. However, we soldiered on and some months later, the Gallery was reopened with about 40 – 50 nervous guides ready to do battle.

So I have been a guide for 28 years, having my eyes opened to the beginning of Australian art to the present day. It has been the most enlightening experience, not only the remarkable collection, but the visitors from around the world, who have made the journey to view this beautiful building and its ever expanding art holding. It has been a tremendous privilege to have been one of the original guides for such a long period.

I am now an Associate, living in Ballarat, as my husband Andrew died aged only 60 in 1996. Such is life. My best wishes to all old Hermo Girls.

June Jones (Davies) 1957 793 UPPER WHEATVALE ROAD, WARWICK . QLD 4370

The past year period (2015/16) has been mentally trying. Youngest daughter Jennifer had a son Huxley James Brown. She gave up being a major career girl to be a stay at home mum, and helping Phillip with his two small business, after both moved from Moree NSW to Toowoomba Qld. Eldest daughter Merrida, who has three lovely children Carly, Claire and William, separated from her husband, but all still live in Warwick in two nice homes. Merrida now works. Children are all adjusting and doing well at school. All has settled down, but it is different and tricky for grandparents on both sides.

Son William Hutchinson stopped his long time small business (making large ornamental gates) at Berry NSW and moved to Nowra and a new home and a permanent job of Fireman at ‘Albatross’ Air base. Also with Nowra SES. His son Jade doing well at 2nd year Wollongong University. He has been to Denmark and then Mt. Everest Base Camp trekking. But experienced altitude sickness and was alarmed to be in a local Hospital, where staff did not speak English, and in very basic conditions. A learning curve for Jade. Williams’s wife Lisa became a Head Chef in a Nowra restaurant, but still teaches ballet at weekends.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

41

My sister Lynette Austen (née Davies 1966) sold her life style farmlet when her last horse ‘Tutunka’ died, and she moved to a nice family home near Wangaratta Golf Course. Her daughter Caroline also moved, building a home near Lynette’s. Her eldest daughter Michelle is expecting her 2nd child.

I myself have age imposing upon me, and will have an operation on my hip before the end of 2016. Knees not good either, too much rock and roll and farming when younger.

So I had a big reduction sale of my ‘Petherton Park’ Welsh Mountain pony stud of 43 years. Just keeping a few very old darling brood mares, and a couple of lovely 6th generation fillies.

Waterholes are desperate at present, so am glad numbers are down. The new happy owners keep me in touch with my Beauties, as they do lots of pony pursuits. Also my old remaining Pomeronium ‘Bundy’ has a touch of arthritis so we both walk like drunken sailors at present.

I thank The Hermitage for my very broad general knowledge. I should go on some show, but the internet has me bluffed. But I do feel that wisdom has settled upon me.

Sally Horne (Jaques) 1968 7 MULLENS ROAD, VERMONT SOUTH VIC. 3133

This year has been another filled with travel, both abroad and in Australia. We have family in Townsville, Canberra and Byron Bay, and have visited them all in 2016. I have also had several trips to Darwin to support our son who is in the Army.

In April we embarked on a wonderful cruise around New Zealand, to celebrate dear friends’ seventieth birthdays. I had never been to New Zealand before, but the magnificent scenery and vivid history were spectacular. We sailed into Milford Sound at seven in the morning, to find it shrouded in cloud. As we neared the sheer, rocky sides of the Sound, waterfalls and fern gullies became visible. An unforgettable sight!

We visited the movie set of Hobbit (from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies), which is an hour’s drive from Tauranga, in the North Island. We were treated to Maori dancing and ceremonies at the Auckland museum, and walked in the glow worm caves and Kauri forests in the Bay of Islands. We are looking forward to going back and doing a land based trip in the near future.

In June we went on a Wendy Wu guided tour of China. It was also a fabulous experience. Arriving in Beijing, we walked on the Great Wall, visited the amazing Summer Palace, and toured Tienemann Square and the incredible Forbidden City. Of course we also enjoyed the amazing authentic Chinese food. We then flew to Xian, and explored the buried city that encases the Terracotta Warriors. Xian has a lively marketplace with illuminations at night, and, as it was the Dragon Boat Festival while

42

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

we were there, we enjoyed the cultural performances very much. We then flew south to join a three day cruise on the Yangtze River. We sailed up to the Three Gorges Dam, visiting many interesting places along the way. We then visited Chengdu, and the wonderful Panda Sanctuary there. As a Biology teacher, this was a particular highlight for me! After several days touring the rivers, caves and small villages near Chengdu we flew into Shanghai. The contrasts between rural China and the huge cities are very startling! In Shanghai we walked on the Bund, then had an evening cruise around the neon lit river. A ride on the Maglev train travelling at 314kph was astonishing! We thoroughly enjoyed China and met some other lovely people on this tour.

In September we travelled to the USA, and landed from Melbourne into Dallas. We had never been there before but really enjoyed their wonderful museums and art galleries. A highlight was the JFK Sixth Floor Museum, on the site where his assassination occurred.

Then we flew to Montreal, to commence a three week tour and cruise of the east coast of Canada and the USA. Another great Scenic guide and a lovely group of people to share the experience with. Highlights were Niagara Falls, Time Square and a Broadway Show in New York, and the Anne of Green Gables Tour on Prince Edward Island. We also were fascinated by the glimpses of Amish life we had while in Pennsylvania, and were able to bring back a little of their beautiful patchwork.

We finished the tour in the old city of Quebec, which was glorious, with all the trees turning colour.

On a personal note, we were very proud that my husband, Alistair Horne (Geelong House, 67) received a Silver Kangaroo, the highest award for an Australian Scout Leader, for his service to scouting over more than 30 years.

In November it was lovely to travel by train to Ballarat, to visit the Archibald Prize Exhibition. Jill Nicholls (Holmes, 68) met us and shared the exhibition, and lunch with us before we travelled home to Melbourne. I believe the Exhibition will be in Geelong in 2017, so it would be lovely to catch up with other Old Girls’ at this time.

In 2016 I was able to attend several HOGA functions, including the Old Girls’ Day at Corio, and the Christmas Lunch in December. It is always lovely to catch up with old friends and share our reminiscences of school days, and news from our busy lives.

Cathy Goodier (Forsyth) 1964 6 VICTORIA ROAD, HARBORNE. BIRMINGHAM, B17 0AH UK

I continue to teach ESOL in a deprived part of Newtown, Birmingham, giving insight into life in parts of the city that the middle classes hardly ever encounter.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

43

Sue Baker (Hartnell) 1966 5 COBB AND CO CIRCUIT, TAMWORTH, NSW 2340

After two years our property and business still has not sold, so no retirement for us!

Our eight grandchildren are our lives. Three of them attend Calrossy Anglican School in Tamworth. The addition of Secondary boys and Boarding has been very positive. We love the traditions of the School, the same as David and I grew up with at GGS and The Hermitage. Our youngest addition is 4 months old.

Jennifer Duff (Armstrong) 1972 11 STIRLING ROAD, GREENMOUNT, WA 6056

In 2016 John and I drove from Perth to Darwin and back, with caravan in tow. We enjoyed 3 months exploring this area. The highlights included the Kakadu Experience, Exmouth coast, relaxing in Broome and our two stops in Kununurra. We have now covered most of Australia by road and loved every day of our travels. In 2017 we will be travelling overseas.

Jill Nicholls (Holmes) 1968 165 JOLLYS HILL ROAD, SYMTHES CREEK , VIC 3351

While delivering copies of the history of The Hermitage History Book, ‘Proud to be Women’ I came across a number of ladies who for various reasons were unable to attend Old Girls’ functions to catch up with past school friends. So I thought I would start off by organising an afternoon tea for those from the Ballarat region who attended the school in the 1940’s-1950’s.

I contacted eleven Old Girls’ and five were able to come. These ladies were Pat Fisken (Falkiner), Topsey Nevett (Fisken), Rosemary Holmes, Judy Dean (Hayes), and Kirsty Beckett (McKellar), and from the Committee Ann Tyers (Fairley), Kristeen Hunter (Horne) and myself (Jill Nicholls) also attended. Apologies were received from Janett Oates (McCallum), Nicole Bodman (Henderson), Pamela Brodgen (Logan), Pamela Wotherspoon (Knipe), and Jocelyn Reid (Watkins).

We met at a little café in Smythesdale called Tea Cup Capers, where we all had an afternoon of looking through photographs, reminiscing and enjoying a lovely afternoon tea. The ladies indicated they would like repeat the gathering in the near future. I would like to repeat this with past students from the 1960’s-1970’s for an evening meal early this year.

44

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

45

Above: Judy Dean, Topsy Nevett, Kristy Beckett, Rosemary Holmes and Pat Fisken

Rosemary Holmes 1955 115 SL ATEY CREEK ROAD, INVERMAY PARK . VIC. 3350

Following the book I wrote in time for the twentieth Anniversary of The Australian Lavender Growers’ Association launched in Ballarat in April 2015, it was then time to go to the back of the cupboard and bring out my novel which I wrote in the 1970’s.

I wrote a synopsis of this story and sent it to Sid Harta Publishers in Melbourne. Soon after a telephone call came from Kerry Collison (Publisher) saying they would be interested to read the book. That was fantastic news.

The previous copies of the book (I had three) were of course hard copy and that these days is of no use to anyone. It was a laborious task putting the whole book onto email, taking some words out, changing words and altering sentences.

Finally off to the publisher again, and it was so exciting – another telephone call came to say they would like to publish the novel.

Ballarat in 1995, launched The Australian Lavender Growers’ Association and the following year he opened the first International Lavender Conference, held anywhere in the world, here in Ballarat.

The Hon. Senator Michael Ronaldson had written a forward for me for the lavender book, and at that time he was the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac and Special Minister of State, so he had a busy portfolio.

Now with a little more spare time he was able to come to Melbourne to launch my book. It was a wonderful morning and we were able to have our cups of tea out in the spacious grounds. The second book launch was held a few weeks later in Ballarat at the Midlands Golf Club, and Caleb Cluff from the Ballarat Courier gave a short address and read some gardening passages from the novel.

The novel is titled ‘Adaptation’ and it has The fictional novel is about an old country been selling well, and I am so delighted at property set in Western Victoria and the the comments I receive back: three generations of one family who learnt to cope with drought, low wool prices and -‘From the very beginning the reader is rural tourism. dazzled by the vivid pictures painted by the author.’

With a rural background it seemed -‘Describes scenes from the past with appropriate to launch the book at the nostalgia and joy. It is quite blissful.’

Headquarters of the Country Women’s -‘On describing things the reader is Association in Lansell Road, Toorak. With quite bewitched by it.’ many friends and relatives coming to the morning tea, I invited recently retired Michael Ronaldson to launch the book for me. Michael had, as the Member for 46

The book is available from Collins bookstores in Ballarat and Warrnambool, Readings and online.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Above: Rosemary Holmes at the launch of her book ‘Adaption’.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

47

Margaret Daly (Bland) 1945 192A BARTON TERRACE WEST, NORTH ADEL AIDE, SA 5006

What a lovely surprise to receive a phone call from one of my old students, Margaret Craddock (Goss) inviting me to join her for a meal when she was in Adelaide. Jenny Pope (Oldfield) also joined us – 60 years or so since we had last met! Reunions are great, especially when unexpected.

As for me, Jim and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary by renewing our vows with our family, followed by breakfast at the Grand Hotel on the beach at Glenelg in January.

We spent a week at Palm Cove in June and will celebrate our eldest son’s 60th birthday on the Sunshine Coast in November 2016. Oh yes, he was our honeymoon baby!

Life these days revolves around family, church, and our next generation club. Aqua Aerobics my main activity these days. I have such wonderful memories of The Hermitage both as a student and then as the Sports Mistress. Blessings to you all.

Sue Kurt (Lines) 1973 BONNIE DOONE ST, BRIAR HILL . VIC. 3088

From the Editor: Sue Kurt contacted me to see if Archives would be interested in this piece of Memorabillia which is a song written by the girls in Form 2 at Highton in 1969 and sung to the teachers at the end of the year before they left Highton to go to the main school. It is sung to the tune “In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley. (It is now in Archives). Her note went on to say – I started at The Hermitage in Grade 4 in 1965 and left at the end of year 10 to go and live in South Africa with my parents. I came back to Australia in 1973 and boarded at GGS for my last year. For most of my life, we had lived down the road from Grammar in the Shell Estate. I am hoping the song will prompt some memories for my cohort.

Here is the song: On a cold and windy morn, A busload of kids drove up to the door Of Krome House And the teachers prayed For if there’s one thing that they don’t need Is another class of brats to teach and feed At Krome House In their misery.

48

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

And now that this Form 2 is gone How on earth will they get on Without us To clean their grounds For we do the chairs in the Assembly Room And then although we break few They love us To do their work.

For while the teachers are in their room They talk to us as their form 2 Their Angels For we’re so good We do our work without no fuss Although they pick and pry on us At Krome House And we protest.

And so for Mrs Kratchovil We have an award for love and cheer Towards us Our friend and mate And all the other teachers there Will get their just rewards for their Teaching us To count and read.

Chorus And now today in desperation we will go away To join them all in Main School and will say Goodbye to all those who have been so kind.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

49

Obituaries

50

Ruth Ricardo de Fegely OAM 27.01.1931 - 23.01.2016

Ruth was born in Beaufort to Arthur and Elsie Beggs and was the eldest of 3 children, with siblings Robert and Rosie. Her early years were spent on a property called ‘Niawanda’ and then the family moved to an old Beggs property called ‘Buln Gherin’. Ruth was home schooled until the age of 13 and then she went to boarding school at The Hermitage Church of England Girls Grammar School in Geelong.

She loved The Hermitage making many lifelong friends, receiving school colours and Leadership duties.

At the end of 1948, it was back to the farm to help prepare cattle for the various shows and in that time Ruth was reacquainted with a family friend, Richard (Dick) de Fegely. They married in ‘53 and ran a farm south east of Ararat called ‘Quamby’. They raised and educated 3 boys, Charlie (who runs Quamby), Rob and Phil.

In 1985, Dick won pre-selection for the upper house seat of Ballarat Province with Ruth by his side. She did every conceivable job for the party; doorknocking, fundraising, handing out ‘how to vote’ cards, policy assembly, pre-selection panel, administration , council, women’s section, women’s council Chair person and country vice president - just to name some!

In 2015, Ruth received a 50-year service award for Red Cross.

Raising 3 boys on a farm required knowledge of first aid but she took it to a higher level. She delivered ‘meals on wheels’, taught first aid to schoolchildren and regularly worked at the blood bank taking blood from local residents. Trips to the local prison for blood collection was also a regular occurrence. Whenever there was a fire in the Ararat district, Ruth was on hand to provide first aid and sustenance to the hungry fire-fighters.

Catering was another feat that Ruth took on, supplying catering services throughout the Western District. Many a bride’s day was further enhanced with her culinary expertise.

Ruth was made a life governor of the Ararat Hospital. She was a founding member of McGregor House in Ararat which provided activities and employment for clients with a disability.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

51

She was also a Founding and Life Member of the Ararat Ark Toy Library for children with special needs.

cause no matter how large the challenge with bold enthusiasm, good grace and with a wonderful sense of humour.

In her early days at ‘Buln Gherin’, her mother always had help in the house from young girls from the Ballarat orphanage.

That organisation is now known as CAFS, Children and Family Services for Ballarat and district, which Ruth was a board member for many years.

Her memorial service was held at ‘Oyl’, her goddaughter, Sarah Roe’s venue in Mannerim) and her Eulogy was delivered by her 3 sons who each spoke about aspects of her life. Below are the last two stanzas of my piece that was done to verse. A great reader and poetry was something Mum enjoyed and encouraged.

In 2007 Dick and Ruth moved to Point Lonsdale and her community work continued with the Red Cross and delivering ‘meals on wheels’ until mid 2015.

Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff was another organisation that benefited from Ruth’s involvement. She raised over $100,000 in the past seven years by selling Christmas cards donated by John and Bindi Simson of Simson cards.

In 2000, both Ruth and Dick received Centenary medals for their services to the community and in 2007 Ruth received an OAM for service to political life in Victoria through the Liberal Party of Australia, and to the community of Ararat.

Ruth’s mother Elsie Beggs (née Shaw) was a direct descendant of Mary Reibey.

Mary’s portrait graces the Australian $20.00 note. Ruth loved Mary’s ‘rags to riches’ story and I feel sure some of her boldness came from her great, great, great, great grandmother.

Whatever Ruth put her mind to she was formidable (some even say they were a bit scared of her!). She threw herself into the

52

We’ve heard about manners and being a good host but there was one thing that mattered most. lnstilled by generations past to be The importance of having strong family.

So now for reflection, the time has come, A wonderful person, a fantastic mum.

To friends and family that do adore, The legacy you made, lives forever more…

Family was important to her. Not only did her immediate family benefit from her generosity and spirit, but so did her 6 godchildren, 11 nephews and nieces and their offspring and the long list of relatives.

Ruth and Dick shared 59 years of marriage, they were a great team! She is now survived by her 3 boys, their wives Liz, Sarah and Jane, 10 grandchildren and their spouses, two great grand children and her brother Robert.

Phil de Fegely on behalf of Charlie, Rob, Phil and families

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Ann Purnell (Schlesinger) 8.6.1931 – 19.1.2016

A Lifetime of Commitment Written by Kathryn Purnell Reasons are varied as to why Mum first went to The Hermitage - she was an only child, and her parents wanted her to attend a boarding school to continue her education. Her father was impressed by Miss Krome’s reputation and, with other family in Geelong, The Hermitage was an obvious choice and she was packed off to her new school at the age of 11.

The Hermitage, and particularly the boarding house, gave Mum an extended family of lifelong friends. She was quickly re-christened ‘Schles’, and as a member of School House, she threw herself into everything the school had to offer – either on the baseball field or tennis court, in the classroom or choir, or in the boarding house.

One of the memories Mum used to recall to us was of boarding house dinners – she grew to hate marrow, and the hard bits in the stewed apple were said to be the cook’s fingernails! Another memory was of a midnight feast in her final year with others from her dorm – the feast was well planned, and food had been secretly stashed away over time. Unfortunately, they were caught! History doesn’t relate their punishment!

She also told of the spontaneous jubilation felt by the entire school upon the end of war in the Pacific, and that she joined many of the girls on top of the front school wall and out on the footpath, waving and cheering. (We’d heard many stories about the strict protocols for ladylike conduct that the school embodied, and I can remember being amazed that the girls had been allowed to hang off the front fence in such an undignified manner, for all to see!)

Mum finished school at the end of her ‘Leaving Certificate’ – her father was ill, and she returned to Melbourne to begin a new phase in her life. However, it was with old Hermo friends that she later travelled overseas in England & through ‘The Continent’.

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

53

54

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

After Mum returned to Geelong as a new wife, it was a foregone conclusion which school her children would attend.

(It greatly amuses Dad that in the recent Hermitage history ‘Proud to be Women’, the first of 17 Purnells listed in the school roll is actually our brother, who attended kinder!)

My strongest memories of Mum’s long association with The Hermitage are as a young teenager. We’d be eating dinner, the phone would invariably ring, and we’d all roll our eyes and respond with Old Girls’ in knowing voices. Mum had already been an avid member of the Old Girls’ Association for a number of years. She then became President, and happily allowed it to consume even more of her time (and many phone bills) over 2 tumultuous years leading up to Amalgamation.

But there was also her involvement in general school activities, particularly fundraising. Another memory is of a Committee member’s shed being transformed into a wine bottling plant as we all pitched in to bottle and label several varieties of wine for the esteemed Samuel Plimsoll label (of school bell fame). (An unopened bottle still lies in a cupboard at the holiday house!)

Amalgamation came and passed, but Mum was determined that both The Hermitage & Old Girls’ Association would survive. She had already worked tirelessly with other Committee members to sort and document the rich collection of Hermitage archives and memorabilia when the school had finally

left Newtown for Highton, and to later secure a permanent space for part of that collection in the new Highton school library.

With many other Old Girls’, she later became concerned about what was to become of the collection once the school moved to Corio, and was relieved and happy that, over the years, Grammar has found a secure and permanent home for much of this collection in Hermitage House.

Upon Amalgamation, she also enthusiastically supported that Grammar continue the scholarships already offered to daughters of Hermitage Old Girls’, and later, the creation of several ongoing Prizes for descendants of Old Girls’ attending either the Grammar or Geelong College.

But what Mum loved best were the social pleasures of celebrating together the birthdays of old Hermo friends, or organising a table for the next Old Girls’ Luncheon, or attending the next Golf day or other Old Girls’ activity.

Mum loved her time at The Hermitage, and it was The Hermitage that claimed her loyal and ongoing commitment, and remained a constant thread running through her rich life.

So Mum, vale, and “Cooee! Cooee! Long live the school!”.

Kathryn, Helen, Fiona, and Fred Purnell

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

55

Deaths Margaret Grigg (Peel) 1983 Elizabeth Rae Davies (Cochrane) 1936 Rebecca Louise Clifford (Mestitz) 1974 GGS 1976 Joan Mary Gibson (Philip) 1942 Jennifer Irene Stock (Kelly) 1964 Heather Mary Moreton 1956 Judith Ann Barton (Gubbins) 1944 Naomi O’Shea (Ruth) 1957 Janice Martinez (Wurfel) 1947 Elizabeth Cameron Winter Rahles-Rahbula (Morse) 1960 Rosemary Alison Winter Armytage (Morse) 1965 Sylvia Jones (Morrison) 1952 Helen Vautier-Moll 1958 Anne Dyson Blakeley 1944 Joan Frances Marquardt (Beck) 1957 Janice Ingram Blomfield (Meakin) 1950 Anne Florence Bryant (Morrison) 1939 Janet Mary Thomson Austin (Laidlaw) 1944 Dagmar Carbonaro (Ukshe) 1957 Helen Margaret Barclay (McIntyre) 1946 (Isabel) Colleen Shellshear (Doyle) 1957 Pamela Wotherspoon (Knipe) 1951 Carolin Margaret Panichi (Garden) 1955 Mary Jaques (Graham) 1941 Pam Quickmire – Staff member Jenny Lee Lewes 1968 Marjorie Alma Cliff (Coutts) 1938 Victoria Gurr 1968 Marilyn Constance Hage (Tully) 1957 56

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Bereavements Jill Nicholls, Sue Callahan, Glenda Barr (Holmes) – Mother Pauline Carr (McLauchlan) – Husband Jan Phelan (Moreton) – Sister Felicity Stewart, Marigold Debenham (Morse) – 2 Sisters Jean Janecek (Fritsch) – Husband Rachel Klass (Cumming) – Brother Elena, Julia, and Margarita Martinez – Mother Irma Macauley (Skelton) – Husband Michele Coventry (Macauley) – Father Rosie Garner (Langlands) – Husband Caroline (Cee) Street (Blackwell) – Husband Jacqueline Merriman (Bryant) – Mother Lesley Robinson (Donaldson) – Husband Mandy Mitchell-Taverner (Garden) – Sister Lainey Webster – Husband Judy Allen (Meakin) – Sister Priscilla Laird (Kyle) – Husband Robina Henry (Laird) – Brother Janet Mead (Fairley) – Husband Sally Horne, Louise Jaques, Nanette Ashkanasy (Jaques) – Mother Marie Scown, Adele Byrne (Coutts) – Sister Diane Wolff, Louise Wolff – Father Judy McCowan (Bechervaise) – Brother

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

57

Cooee To school fellows near us or distant, We send out our Cooee today; Wherever you be may you hear it, Whether hard at your work or at play.

In our own sunny home or in lands far away Do you hear it? Just listen! We greet you today.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

Australia’s own call to her daughters is the call of your school now as well: May its echoes ring cheerily round you, Making feelings of gratitude swell.

May it be that your conduct will aye prove the worth Of the love of your school and the land of your birth.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

May lessons you learn in your school days, Through life make your path ever bright, May you grow in all virtue and beauty Gentle, honest, and strong in the right.

In all games that you play, in all work that you do, Do the work, play the game, as a girl straight and true.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

May our song in far days waken mem’ries, Of comrades and friends tried and true, Days bright with the freshness of morning, Pleasures many and sorrows but few.

Then here’s to you, schoolmates, young, old, far and near, Accept our glad greeting and ring it back here.

Cooee! Cooee! Long live the School!

58

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

59

The Hermitage Church of England Girls’ Grammar School, Geelong news letter 2017

60

THE HERMITAGE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER — GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL