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Pride In Belonging
5th May 2021
Dear Old Boys
The rain that is currently falling across much of New Zealand is a welcome blessing for many and heralds the end of the prolonged drought that has challenged many parts of the country. It is a reminder that most things do come right if we wait long enough.
Hopefully, that is also true for Covid and that it will not be too long before we all return to some sort of normal.
The Old Boys' Executive had a zoom meeting last week to which we welcomed new member Tim Falloon (1964-68). Planning any sort of ROBA activity for the foreseeable future is challenging but we are committed to ensuring that we make up for lost time at Queen's Birthday weekend next year. This year's Decade Reunions (the groups that finished on a "0" year i.e. 1970, 80, 90, 2000 and 2010) that have been postponed to next year will be joined by the "1" years (i.e. 1971, 81, 91, 2001 and 2011) and hopefully a Reunion of the past 10 years of the Rathkeale Singers and Viva Camerata members. That should make it a wonderful weekend to plan for and to look forward to. At this stage, the Facilitators for the "0" reunions are in place, but we now call for volunteers for the "1" year groups. The task is not too onerous, and several can share the role and ease the load. Please let me know if you are keen to help. We already have one volunteer for 2011 which is excellent.
As people have been confined to their bubbles there have been opportunities to attend to long neglected tasks. In the midst of that perhaps old school memorabilia may have surfaced. Mike Caulton (1973-1977) has uncovered a collection of old school magazines which we gratefully welcome to the College Archives. Remember items of uniform, recordings, photographs, magazines, and anything else related to the College will always be welcome.
Sadly, the Association acknowledges the recent passing of two Old Boys:
Richard John Morris SMYTH (1981-84) died unexpectedly just prior to Christmas. After time at Rathkeale where he was a boarder in Cranleigh House, Richard worked in marketing for a number of years. More recently he has been working with his wife Marianne, a pharmacist, in Hastings. He was an active man, a keen cyclist and at the time of his death was helping to build their new house in Havelock North.
Andrew Wyatt DENNISTON (1978-1982) died as a result of an aircraft accident east of Masterton two weeks ago. Andrew was one of three brothers to attend Rathkeale and was a boarder in Repton House. A keen outdoors man, he was in the shooting team and received colours for Tramping. Later he completed a Diploma of Agriculture at Lincoln. For many years he has been an Aerial Top Dressing Pilot and enjoyed high regard for his ability in this field. A service for Andrew will be held at a later date but we have extended our sympathy to his wife Jo and the wider family.
I am beginning to work on the contents of this year's ROCK RUNNER Magazine. To that end I would be really pleased to hear from anyone who would be keen to contribute an article or who might suggest a likely candidate for an article. A range of topics and of age groups would be excellent!
In the meantime, I extend good wishes to Old Boys wherever you may be and look forward to catching up at Association functions in the future.
Grant Harper
President
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