State of the Modern Old Boys’ Union

COMMUNITY

The King’s School Old Boys’ Union (OBU) has had a busy 2019.

In February, we hosted Commemoration Day, which began with a Chapel service, followed by Old Boys competing against the School in tennis, touch rugby, cricket, football and, for the first time, a Figure of Eight race around the School. Whilst there were some impressive performances by our Old Boys, unfortunately The Kurrle Cup remains safely in the hands of the School.

In March, we held a function for our younger Old Boys, which was a great night at the Angel Hotel in the city. Over 50 young men attended, and they took the opportunity to catch up with school mates and renew acquaintances.

In June, the OBU held a Business Networking Night at the Museum of Sydney which saw almost 80 Old Boys get together to hear some insightful presentations from suitably qualified Kingsmen on the state of business and the economy following the federal election. In August, we hosted Old Boys at the Homecoming Day at the School. Those present saw some excellent rugby and football, and over 250 Old Boys enjoyed reunions and the hospitality of the OBU tent overlooking the White Oval. The day was a perfect King’s day – incredible weather, great catch ups, stories shared and a real sense of community.

August also featured the OBU’s launch of the Harrisford Group for all Old Boys aged 70 and over. The Group was hosted at School with over 100 older Old Boys in attendance for a Chapel service, a tour of the School and lunch in the Trophy Room. The Harrisford Group is an excellent initiative and we look forward to more Harrisford Group events in 2020.

In September, the OBU celebrated the contribution of Dr Timothy Hawkes OAM as Headmaster of The King’s School and conferred on him Honorary Life Membership of the OBU. We will honour Dr Hawkes at an appropriate event in 2020.

In October, the OBU held a lunch for almost 70 country Old Boys and their partners in Dubbo. The School’s character is strongly connected to our country boys and given the very tough times in the bush at the moment, the Old Boys’ Union was very happy to host our country members and give them a chance to catch up and enjoy an afternoon off.

Also, in October, over 130 Old Boys attended the Old Boys’ Union Annual Dinner at the Union, University and Schools Club. The night had one of the highest numbers of attendees in many years. Former Master, Mr Alan Jones AO, was the guest speaker and regaled those present with anecdotes of his time at the School. Throughout 2019, the OBU held several careers nights for senior students, focussing on a range of different careers, including trades, medicine, law, engineering, government and the arts. We are very lucky to have a diverse range of Old Boys who happily give up their time to share their career experiences with the current boys of the School.

The OBU has continued its sponsorship of The King’s Old Boys’ Football Club and The King’s Old Boys’ Rugby Club. These clubs provide an important avenue for Old Boys to reconnect with each other and continue their sporting pursuits once they leave school. Our thanks go to the various Old Boys who administer these clubs.

All Old Boys are welcome to attend our events and we look forward to seeing you in 2020. If you are not already on the OBU mailing list, please contact us by email at TKSOBU@kings.edu.au and we will make sure you are kept informed

Michael Thomas President, Old Boys’ Union