I can’t believe that we are now only four weeks away from Christmas. What an action packed few months it’s been!

The Annual Old Boys' Golf Tournament was held on Friday 2 October at the Christchurch Golf Club Shirley Links. What a day, and it was a sell out! Thank you to my wonderful Golf Committee and everyone who donated prizes or gave their time to help. The Christchurch Golf Club put on a stunning day and great golfing was had by all. We have some exciting news for next year so please save the date now – Friday 15 October 2021.

I loved our Gentlemen's Lunch which coincided with the 65 & 75 Years On Reunion in October. The roast beef and congregational singing were definitely highlights, along with Commander Richard Harding (in his 99th year) making the effort to travel down all the way from Greytown in the Wairarapa. Please read his article further in the newsletter. My thanks must go out to Julian Holderness and Derek Hargreaves from the class of 1955 for all their time and effort rallying the troops.

We have held the Auckland and Wairarapa AGM Long Lunch; it was a lovely turn out of Old Boys of various ages.

We had our infamous Christchurch Long Lunch with Guest Speaker Old Boy Guy Helvelt – on Friday 20 November. Guy, a TVNZ sports reporter and producer shared many stories and gave a highly entertaining address to an appreciative crowd. It was a very successful lunch and a good chance for Old Boys to reconnect.

The New South Wales Long Lunch is happening – Friday 4 December BOOK HERE

Planning is well underway for our 2021 Reunions. If you started College in 2001, 1991, 1981, 1980, 1971, 1961, 1951 or 1941, information is coming to you this week so you can book. If you have any friends or relatives who started in those years and haven't heard from us, please forward the newsletter or get them to touch base with us. A huge thank you must go out to the wonderful Old Boys who are helping pull this fantastic event together. It’s certainly going to be a weekend to remember!

We have farewelled our Year 13s. They are about to become our newest members of the CCOBA and they are so lucky to be part of such an amazing network of Old Boys. Angus Dysart-Paul (CCOBA Committee member) had a chat with them on their last day of school and the CCOBA gave away a Prezzy Card to one lucky Year 13 to welcome them to the Club.

Planning is also underway for our 175th anniversary in 2025 – we are trying to track down relatives of the first 175 boys at College. Please check the article by Jane Teal from Archives and let us know if you are able to help.

Thank you for making my first year at CCOBA so enjoyable. I look forward to meeting more of you at our regional events and keeping you in touch with fellow Old Boys in 2021. Thank you to my hard working CCOBA Committee for showing me the ropes, and to our President Richard Polson.

If you have any news about Old Boys, please let us know.

We want to hear from you!

Our most popular stories from the community are ones about you, our Old Boys – so, please, if you hear of a good story or you have some exciting news to share, then let us know. We would love to hear from you.

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Old Boys do all sorts of interesting things ...

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Introducing your local branch representatives

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There is plenty of activity ahead. Book now to secure your place.

UPCOMING DATES

3 December	Carols on the Quad – Everyone's welcome
4 December	New South Wales Long Lunch – BOOK HERE
14 February 2021	Annual CCOBA cricket match – EMAIL HERE
19 February 2021	Annual General Meeting – BOOK HERE
19 February 2021	CCOBA Cocktail Party – BOOK HERE
19–21 February 2021	Reunion Weekend 2021 20 Years On – 2001–2005 – BOOK HERE 30 Years On – 1991–1995 – BOOK HERE 40 Years On – 1981–1985 – BOOK HERE 41 Years On – 1980–1984 – BOOK HERE 50 Years On – 1971–1975 – BOOK HERE 60 Years On – 1961–1965 – BOOK HERE 70 Years On – 1951–1955 – BOOK HERE 80 Years On – 1941–1945 – BOOK HERE

SAVE THE DATE

28 February 2021	Joe Studholme Classic Car Rally
6 March 2021	The Marlborough Yacht Race

External events

14 February 2021

Calling all cricketers – the annual CCOBA cricket match Make sure those cricket whites are ready to go for the Old Boys cricket match at the Valley of Peace. This year we’re playing Old Boys' Collegians in what’s sure to be a hard-fought and entertaining match. We’re trying to get the team sorted early to avoid any last minute scramble. If you’d like to be part of the Christ’s College contingent, please contact ccoba@ccoba.com to register your interest. Cost per player is $30 and includes lunch. Old Boy Derek Banks, is the Patron of the Valley of Peace and likens playing there to a village green in England. An avid cricketer for many decades and captain of the 1st XI when he attended Christ’s College, Derek finally retired from cricket five years ago, instead turning to tennis which he plays three times a week.

16–17 December 2021

Lansdown Anniversary Concerts The beautiful Golden Room in Lansdowne Homestead (old Tai Tapu Road) is the perfect backdrop to celebrate two birthdays in mid-December. It will be the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth and christening (1770), and the 170th anniversary of the birth and founding of the Canterbury settlement (1850). 16 December 11am–12pm – All Beethoven. Martin Riseley (violin) and Terence Dennis (piano) 2.30pm–3.30pm – Works by Mendelssohn/Schubert/Clara Schumann. Cathy Irons (violin) and Jeremy Woodside (piano). 17 December 11am–12pm – All Beethoven. Jonathan Tanner (violin) and Jeremy Woodside (piano) 2.30pm–3.30pm – All Beethoven. Tomas Hurnik (cello) and Jeremy Woodside (piano) Tickets are $25 per person. BOOK HERE

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Hastings Quad Tournament

The College Old Boys Golf Team were victorious at the Quadrangular Tournament. The event was played at the Hastings Golf Club on Monday 16 November, where the team successfully defeated Wanganui Collegiate (2nd), Wellington College (3rd), and Nelson College (4th) to claim first place.

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Young Old Boys (YOBs)

We had a great turn out of YOBs at our Christchurch event. It is good to see these young men getting on with, and getting so much out of, their lives.

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Community Visits

Over the past two months we have held our Greymouth, Blenheim and Nelson Community Visits. Here we are at our joint events with St Margaret’s College and Medbury School.

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Obituaries

William Michael Wardell (6096), aged 79

Bill Wardell was a distinguished medical scientist in pharmaceutical research and drug development. He was solely responsible for major changes in the approval of new medicines, particularly in the USA ...

Read full article here

Cassels Kernahan (4868), aged 94

On June 6, 2020, at Christchurch Hospital, aged 94 years. Loved husband of the late Jean (Peg).

Read full article here

Antony John Courage (6016), aged 81

Tony was the eldest child and only son of John and Betty Courage who farmed at Amberley, North Canterbury.

Read full article here

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Deaths

August–November 2020

We have learned of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy and understanding is extended to their family and friends.

Michael McLeish WYNNE (5726)
Canterbury, 26 August 2020

Barrie Maitland JONES (5495)
Christchurch, 1 September 2020

Geoffrey William SMITH (5353)
Canterbury, 1 September 2020

Kim Ryland HARRIS (8754)
Hawke's Bay, 7 September 2020

Richard Keith PEARS (5700)
Christchurch, 18 September 2020

John Stuart Allister WEARN (5811)
Christchurch, 21 September 2020

Harry George Bayly DE LAUTOUR (12785)
Hawke's Bay, 28 September 2020

Bruce Reynolds Guyon CAREY (4841)
Christchurch, 29 September 2020

Roderick Cameron HEARD (5761)
Marlborough, 29 September 2020

John Stephen Pitt PALMER (5514)
Christchurch, 3 October 2020

Alistair Blair McCREDIE (5598)
Christchurch, 7 October 2020

Peter Russell RITCHIE (6561)
Otago, 7 October 2020

Kenneth Hilton KERSLEY (4964)
Bay of Plenty, 7 October 2020

Peter William BOWEN (6119)
Wellington, 26 October 2020

Peter David INNES-JONES (6167)
Canterbury, 29 October 2020

Jamie Heathcote McCROSTIE (9465)
Canterbury, 30 October 2020

Simon Nicholas MIEKLE (9477)
Wellington, 30 October 2020

Hugh William VAN ASCH (6966)
Hawkes Bay, 13 November 2020

John Edward Ross FULTON (5935)
Wellington, 18 November 2020

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Contributions welcome

If you would like to contribute an obituary for The Chronicle please email Lizzie ccoba@ccoba.com.

As a guideline, we suggest each obituary be approximately 500 words, however we are happy to accept longer or shorter options.

*Please note that this office may edit obituaries submitted.*

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A celebration of 20 years – the Old Boys' Theatre

Robyn Peers’ report in the 2000 Register on the opening of the Old Boys’ Theatre – at the time of College’s sesquicentennial celebrations in October 2000 – begins, “How to launch a new theatre with aplomb”.

That’s indeed what happened; but first, it had to be built.

Building required some alterations to Richards House, a bit chopped off in the front and another layer added on top, and then the Theatre itself finally finishing the arch that had hovered on the end of Jacobs House since 1932.

Left photo: The construction of Richards House third floor
Right photo: The construction of the interior of the Old Boys' Theatre

The roof goes on the Old Boys' Theatre

With Phil Price’s masks on the exterior, the House windows in coloured glass, and the stage, donated seats, and Pamela Maling’s curtain and technical equipment all installed, it was time to see the Theatre in action. A carefully planned day-long programme displayed both the skills and abilities of the performers and the potential of the physical surroundings.

Left photo: Picnic on the Battlefield, directed by Mike O'Brien. (L–R) Sam Anderson, John Ussher, Steph Walker and Harley Bass

Right photo: Sam Neill with the cast of Magic Memories. Year 9 and 10 students from Christ's College and Rangi Ruru Girls' School

Over the past 20 years the Old Boys’ Theatre has proved that the donations of the Old Boys that enabled the building to be completed, were worth the size of the cheque.

The past Presidents of the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association present a cheque for the Old Boys’ Theatre.

Drama has infiltrated every corner of College life. And the building is strategically placed within the College – you can’t miss it when you come through the gates. Whether a boy enjoys being on stage, or behind the scenes working on props, sound, lighting or in the orchestra pit – they all have an opportunity to be involved in the creative energy that flows through the doors. Add to that 20 years of audiences! It’s clear that the Old Boys’ Theatre has entertained and educated us all.

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The first 175 and a few more …

Preparations have begun for the 175th celebrations in 2025 and we’d like to know some more about the first 175 boys who attended Christ’s College. Just over 175 names are in the College List up to and including 1862, and there are also those who attended College in Lyttelton. So, over the next few issues of The Quadrangle, beginning with the A’s to G's, there will be lists of those we’d like to make a connection with. We know that some boys did not have families, but they are included just in case there is a great, great, great, nephew or niece who can help us out. Perhaps you might draw up a family tree and phone the Old Boys’ Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer (03-364-6862) or email it to her ccoba@ccoba.com, or email it to the archivist, jteal@christscollege.com or post it to the archivist at Private Bag 4900 Christchurch 8140.

Families are gathered together in the following list, except where the information we have is not clear about a family connection. If this is the case, names are listed separately.

Philip Boyle ABRAHAM

John ALLAN

Augustus Frederick Clark and Edward Bishop ALPORT

Albert Frederick ASHTON

George Noyes BAGGRETT

Frederick Arnold and Arthur Rossell BAKER

Richard Alfred, Samuel Delabere, Arthur Llewellyn and Francis Henry BARKER

Richard John BARTON

Arthur D’Oyley and Charles Lubbock BAYFIELD

Frederick BIGGS

Vallance Brenchley and Rookwood Comport BISHOP

Henry BOWLER

Alexander BOWLER

Morita BOWRON

Henry Eustace de Bathe BRANDON

Arthur Stanley, Joseph and Francis Henry BRITTAN

William Guise, Frederick George and Harry Lyttelton BRITTAN

Brittin BRITTIN

John Alfred, Edward Hatfield and Henry Samuel BROWN

Laurence Faber BROWN

Arthur Vawdry BUCHANAN

William Boyce, Charles Wesley and Joseph Fletcher BULLER

Thomas De Renzy CONDELL

Walter Selby COOKSON

Henry James CORKE

Arthur James and Francis Henry COTTERILL

John COXHEAD

John Henry CRIDLAND

Charles CRYER

Walter Collier CUFF

George Marsh DANN

Thomas DARTON

John William DAVIS

Alfred and Frederick Nelson DILLON

John DILLOWAY

Arthur Dudley and Edward Henry DOBSON

James Pottinger DRAKE

Sam Routledge DRANSFIELD

Benjamin Thornton, Charles Thornton and Henry Thornton DUDLEY

Andrew DUNCAN

Charles Devy and Roger Barnes FEARON

James Bickerton FISHER

William Alfred FITZHERBERT

Charles Compton FOOKS

Thomas GORDON

Joseph GOULD

Arthur Robert and Edward Rowland GUINESS

Charles Edward GUNDRY

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College – Issue 39 Winter 2020

Keep up-to-date with the latest happenings at College from academic to our diverse co-curricular programme! Plus, a special Old Boys’ section. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

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