President’s Report

OLD BOYS’ UNION

It has been an honour to serve as the President of the Old Boys’ Union this year. The Committee hopes it has met your expectations and that many of you were able to benefit directly from your membership this year.

A key objective of the OBU is to host events for Old Boys. Having been unable to hold any events in the second half of 2021 due to COVID, the easing of public health restrictions at the beginning of 2022 once again brought new hope. The OBU Committee began the year with an ambitious program of events for our Old Boys, with the aim of hosting as many events as possible in the first half of 2022 while the window for doing so was clearly open.

Our first event for 2022 was Commemoration Day, held at the School in February. Old Boys competed against the School in Basketball, Cricket, Football, Tennis and Touch Rugby. For the first time in more than 25 years, this year Shooting was added to the list of competing sports. The Old Boys sadly lost the Kurrle Cup this year to the School in a number of often-close contests. Old Boys also attended a Commemoration Day Service at The King’s School Memorial Chapel, led by the Head of the Senior School, and former School Chaplain, Rev Stephen Edwards. The day concluded with lunch in the Thomas Pavilion, which was a great way to finish the day.

In March, the OBU hosted a Young Old Boys Night at Hotel CBD in the city. This is an event established for those under 30 (along with those still young at heart). Old Boys enjoyed a night of catching up with their school mates, while enjoying canapés and drinks, playing pool or watching sport. We have not been able to host this event for a number of years due to COVID, and it was great to see so many join us on the night. 50th anniversary of The King’s School Chapel’s reconstruction and rededication near Gowen Brae. The Chapel was built in 1889 and was extended in 1922 as a war memorial for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWI. It was relocated from the Old School site over a number of years, before being rededicated in 1972 by the Most Reverend Marcus Loane. At the service, the OBU gave preaching scarves to Reverend Dr Edward Loane (1996), who presided over the service, along with Community Chaplain Reverend Geoff Everett.

In April, the OBU held its Annual Dinner in the Strangers Dining Room at NSW Parliament House. The event was well attended, and we reached the 160-person capacity for it. Our guest speaker for the night was Mick Colliss, who had all in tears of laughter as he told the story of the time he wore the green and gold to represent Australia. An enjoyable evening was had by all, and it was great to be able to resume what is regarded as a flagship event on our calendar.

The OBU held its Annual Golf Day at Castle Hill Country Golf Club in May. The event was due to take place in March but was rescheduled to May due to bad weather. For the first time, the invitation was extended to fathers and brothers of Old Boys. Players of all ability were welcome. As a result, numbers were up significantly on prior years. The day received excellent feedback and we anticipate this event will continue to grow over future years.

Back to King’s Day (formerly Homecoming) was held in August, with King’s playing Scots that weekend. For many, this was the standout event on the OBU calendar.

event, with drinks and canapés served in the Drama Theatre following the conclusion of Saturday sport for Old Boys who currently have a boy at the School, along with their families.

Back to King’s Day (formerly Homecoming) was held in August, with King’s playing Scots that weekend. For many, this was the standout event on the OBU calendar. The OBU had its tent on top of the White Oval, serving food and drinks to our members and their families. This year our tent was surrounded by a picket fence, forming an enclosure, which gave it that sense of exclusivity. In excess of 1,000 people joined us in our enclosure for the day, catching up with mates they may not have seen for a number of years. Such was the popularity of the enclosure, many from the wider School Community joined us.

Due to public health restrictions being imposed for the past few years, this year was possibly a record for the number of reunions taking place, as three years of reunions effectively happened in 2022. In total, we held 20 reunions, many around Back to King’s Day. The OBU was pleased to provide administrative support for these reunions and, as President, it was an honour to attend a number of these. The OBU held two Recognition Dinners at The Australian Club in May and September this year, celebrating the successes of students at the School. Our guest speakers were Dr Robert Paver (1970) and James Lloyd (1964). Both dinners were very well attended, as we recognised Athletics Senior Premiers 2022, Cricket 2nd XI Undefeated Premiers 2022, Cross Country Premiers 2021, Rowing 1st VIII Head of the River Winners 2022, Swimming Premiers 2022 and Tennis 2nd Undefeated Premiers 2022. Attendees also included Honour Colour Recipients for Academics, Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Rugby, Mooting, Music, Performing Arts and Tennis.

In 2022, the OBU continued its annual support of the Old Boys’ Football and Rugby Clubs. These clubs provide an important avenue for past students to reconnect with old friends and continue their sporting pursuits in a seamless manner once they leave school. Our thanks go to the various Old Boys who administer these clubs. The OBU cannot operate without the support of many. I express my sincere thanks to Jacqui Forsyth, the OBU Administrator, who played a key role in assisting with an abnormally high number of reunions in 2022, among other demands.

I would like to thank our Patron, the Headmaster Mr Tony George, for his continued support of the OBU, as well as the support of the School, including the Deputy Headmaster Reverend Stephen Edwards, School Chaplain Reverend Jason Hobba, Community Chaplain Reverend Geoffrey Everett, Director of Sport Peter Phipps, and Britten Housemaster Ms Susan MacDonald.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee members for all their efforts and support. I’m particularly grateful to our Honorary Secretary James Holtsbaum, Honorary Treasurer Gary Honan and Past Presidents Michael Thomas, Peter Whittington and Peter Harvey for their valuable counsel and hard work.

My term as President of the Old Boys’ Union draws to a close at this year’s Annual General Meeting. I have enjoyed the past two years as President and I want to thank the members of the Old Boys’ Union for giving me this opportunity. I wish my successor all the -best in his new role, and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Committee.