Moving to Thailand last April, Paul is Head of Asia for Syngenta, a leading science-based agriculture company that helps farmers to grow resilient, healthy crops to feed the growing global population. He heads its work in South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
Each year on 4 July, Nigel Evans receives a phone call from his former Christ’s College History and Divinity teacher, Jim Pine, wishing the Julius House Old Boy ‘Happy Birthday’. Now 92, Jim continues to be a strong and supportive presence in Nigel’s life.
Exemplifying the school virtues of respect, justice, and compassion, Old Boy Jim Goodwin KSO has been presented with the prestigious Senior Honours Tie by CCOBA President Blue Henderson during Assembly.
Personifying the three pillars of giving – time, talent, and treasure – philanthropist, mentor, and businessman Marcel Gray plays an integral role in Christ’s College life.
David Newton our HOD Physics and an Old Boy, has turned his building prowess to making an eye-catching plinth on which to display the hand-carved poppy bowl gifted to Christ’s College earlier this year to mark the 175th anniversary.
Zach May was part of the Iowa State men’s golf team that rallied to win the inaugural Bell Bank Pay It Forward Collegiate golf tourney in Phoenix – with Zach himself victorious as the tournament’s individual winner.
Dr William Rolleston CNZM has been elected as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi for promoting science and technology in the agricultural sector.
International accolades for two top Kiwi entertainers with Sir Sam Neill winning his third Logie Award and Guy Montgomery taking home the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent.
We have a large number of Old Boys in the Hawke’s Bay and they’re always super supportive. We were delighted to welcome so many of them to our recent Community Visit.
Dunedin YOBs
Another good turnout in Dunedin, with our YOBs turning out in force at Emerson’s Brewery, some for their fifth year.
Wellington Long Lunch
We were a smaller group in the capital but enjoyed a great afternoon. The Wellington Club provided a wonderful backdrop for excellent conversation, company, and a delicious lunch.
Akaroa Community Visit
In Akaroa, we have a small and loyal following. Bully Hayes once again did us proud.
Auckland Long Lunch
The Heke is the go-to spot for craft drinks on Waiheke. Owned by Old Boy Mark Hindmarsh, it was a great venue for our catch up Auckland get together.
There are many remarkable Old Boys’ stories in the Archives, and, sometimes, it takes an outside inquiry or a donation to bring one back into focus.
Recently, Richard Overton – grandson of one of three brothers who attended Christ’s College in the late 1800s and early 1900s –faced a decision: What should he do with the College cups, awards, and 1st XV photograph of his grandfather, Charles Fitzroy Overton?
After talking to the school archivist, Richard consulted his family, and prepared to visit College to donate the items. The archivist then began in-depth research into the Overton family. After utilising existing collections – photographs, artwork, obituaries, Registers, and school and form lists – some extraordinary stories emerged.
Thanks to Richard Overton and granddaughter Sue Upston, these taonga will be preserved, and serve as a reminder to current and future students, and Old Boys ofthose who came before, exemplifying their determination, achievement, and bravery.
Percy John Overton (1542) served in both the Boer War and World War I. A captain in the Boer War, he was the recipient of the Queen’s Medal (three clasps) and the King’s Medal. While later serving as a major in the North Canterbury Mounted Battalion, he was killed in action at Gallipoli on 11 August 1915.
Charles Fitzroy Overton (1661) featured in both the 1st XV and the 1st XI from 1897–1898. He also held the College high jump record, won the Old Boys Champion Cup, the Ballantyne Cup, and the Old Boys Race, and was a member of the Canterbury athletics team. Among the donations to College are those same cups and medals.
Guy Stanley Overton (1662) was Head Prefect, a member of the 1st XV for four years and the 1st XI for three years, and the Cadets captain. Guy also lost his life at Gallipoli, just a day before his brother, Percy, on 10 August 1915. Sadly, the family at home heard about the death of the brothers, one after the other.
CF Overton, 1st XV 1897GS Overton, 1st XV 1903Christ’s College Register, December 1915 GS Overton, presented by Ethel Overton. College Archives
The obituaries in the December 1915 Register list the two Overton brothers and their gallant last moments on the battlefields of Gallipoli. Guy died of wounds on the hospital ship Delta. He had been hit by Turkish machine-gun fire on Walden’s Knob. Percy was killed in action while leading the Sikhs and Gurkhas.[1]
On the 110th anniversary of the Overton brothers’ deaths at Gallipoli, great-nephew Richard Overton, and great-niece Sue Upston and Jim Upston donate the 1897 1st XV photo, medals, and cups belonging to Charles Fitzroy Overton to the College Museum.
[1] Christ’s College Register, December 1915. Pg. 289
