Pride in Belonging
29th November 2022
Greetings All
As the year rushes to the festive end, it is timely to send out the last Gravel for the year.
The Annual AGM was held last week, and it was good to see several new faces ensuring that we had a full quorum.
Key changes to the Executive include:
President. Grant Harper has stood down after seven years at the helm and Edward Cox, formerly Vice President and Secretary, became the new President.
Vice President. Blair Ewington, who manages the database, has stepped up to the role of Vice President.
Secretary. Tristan Armitage, already an Executive member, became Secretary.
Richard Donworth has relinquished his position on the Executive after becoming a member of the Rathkeale Board of Trustees.
Tim Falloon and Mark Sprowson have stepped out of the Executive but will continue to offer service.
Logan Allen, local Builder and Gladstone Rugby player, has joined the Executive.
An important vote of thanks
With sincerity and much gratitude, we acknowledge the dedication over seven years of service by Grant Harper as ROBA President. Thankfully, he remains in our midst as a member of the Executive. Significant initiatives - Decade Reunions, Old Boys' Honours Awards, School House Bush purchase, Rock Runner Magazine, Gravel Newsletters - have been his vision and drive. His decorum, wisdom and grace have set our Association in good stead for the future.
Functions Held
The Auckland Function organised by David Aitken, Michael Caulton and the St. Matthew's counterparts Kirsty Cowie and Vanessa Edge was an enjoyable and successful occasion. Patron John Taylor, past Principals Bruce and Gwen Levick, and Roba President Grant Harper were in attendance with guest speakers Sophie Maloney (nee Taylor), CEO of SKY NZ, and James Harper, Partner WMC Auckland.
Upcoming Events
The Second Great ROBA and SMOGA Hawke's Bay Dinner
Everyone has had notification of this year's Hawke's Bay event taking place at Tim Turvey's Clearview Winery on December 10th. Following the acclaimed success of last year's gathering, we look forward to another good muster. See you there! Remember to RSVP to James Treadwell at jamesblt@icloud.com
Old Boys vs The College Cricket
On 13th January 2023 at 1:00 PM The Old Boys' XI will once again take on The College at our beloved Oval. This spectacle has been played for many years and we would love to see more Old Boys in attendance to watch the game.
Obituaries
THOMAS, Christopher Charles (Chris). Winchester House 1966 - 69. Passed away unexpectedly at his home in Carterton. Aged 70 years. Our wishes are extended to his family.
FRIEND, Michael David. Winchester House 1966 - 70. Head Boy 1970. 1st XI Cricket and 1st XV Rugby Colours. Passed away recently in Hamilton. Our thoughts are with his family.
Other Snippets
Richard Lukon (American Rotary Exchange Student 1970 / 71) has been back in NZ this week visiting his old mates and reliving old memories on campus at Rathkeale.
Dr Philip Norman (1967 - 71) has just announced the publication of "A Complete Absence of Wit and Wisdom", a selection of his writings from the past five decades. Purchase is available through his website https://www.philipnormancomposer.com/writings Cost is $30.00 plus postage and packaging.
Geoffrey Shirtcliffe (1977 - 81) has recently been appointed to the NZ Law Commission. This is a very significant achievement.
With all good wishes to you and yours for both Christmas and the New Year.
Sincerely
Edward Cox
President
