OC’s Reunite in 2022
2022 was a bumper year for reunions with many Old Cranbrookians connecting back with the School. Covid meant we had a backlog of classmates needing a get together and the School was more than happy to accommodate this.
Class of 1971 50 (+1) Year Reunion – Saturday 8 October and Sunday 9 October 2022
The 1971 group consisted of a tour of the new facilities as well as an intimate Old Boys only dinner on Saturday 8 October, and then a BBQ on Sunday 9 October where partners were also in attendance. Luckily, the Sunday group were able to see the School’s production of “School of Rock” dress rehearsals in action in the amazing Packer Theatre.
An excerpt from convenor, Dr Andrew Byrne’s address:
“I pinched myself every day at Cranbrook and continue to do so for my good fortune in life, part of which is due to my schooling, no doubt. It makes me feel more obliged to assist others who are less fortunate and get on with life in a positive manner.
While we may have had good facilities at the school and gifted teachers, I believe that an even bigger factor comprised my fellow classmates. Interesting and diverse boys with a sense of ‘group’ but with a competitive edge.
So, thanks to all of you for your part in my upbringing. Just in this room, five of them from Street House, John Sze-Tu gave me my first invitation to travel overseas; I went to New Guinea with Clive Lovell; Twice I stayed with Greg Ilich in Paris; Howard Barker invited me and my niece to Cairns to see the solar eclipse (one of the great events of my life); I have a drink at Les Schmalzbach’s house quite regularly in the past few years as we are neighbours in Potts Point. Warwick Stuart was driving me home late from a Cranbrook dinner in Paddington on 11 September 2001 when we heard on his car radio about the unfolding events at the World Trade Center now known as 9/11. I have sat next to David Gilray and Jeff Tobias in synagogue (but that’s another story – see my Cantorial blog if you are interested). Andrew Hilton has invited me to Passover gatherings when in the Southern Highlands (and he knows I’m not Jewish). Matt Sawyer and Janet also became Highlands neighbours for a happy time. Mark and Steph Darling likewise. Graeme Smith’s family connections with Cranbrook were a major factor in my parents deciding on my schooling. I just mention these as one of many examples of networks of friendships which started at school. As convenor I have heard of many such over the years and know there are many more.
Click here to read more from Dr Andrew Byrne’s 1971 blog.
Class of 1972 – 50 Year Reunion – Friday 9 December 2022
After 5 months of tracing, chasing and planning with much help from Rebecca Curran (Associate Director of Advancement), I was looking forward to holding the class of ’72 – 50th year reunion at the school on the 9th December 2022. It was to take the form of a guided tour of the recently built school facilities followed by a BBQ lunch.
Taking advantage of a rare sunny summer’s day that Saturday, I caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Rose Bay wharf near the old flying boat base, then walked up New South Head Road along the harbourside to the school. I remembered having to walk a similar route in reverse from the school to Dangar field for sports practice all those years ago. Thirty-seven of us met up at the Rotunda. Due to the ravages of time, recognising our fellow classmates proved to be somewhat of a challenge however large font name tags proved to be very useful.
Cameron Torrance (Director of Development) led our motley crew on a tour of the labyrinth under Hordern Oval and then up to the Vicars Centenary Building. I was astonished by the new building work and facilities and immediately wanted to re-enrol as a student!! After the tour we adjourned to the dining commons overlooking Hordern Oval for a sumptuous BBQ cooked meal.
Small groups of yore were formed, old war stories exchanged, drinks were drunk, pictures taken and phone numbers exchanged. A good time was had by all. ‘Esse Quam Videri’.
Organisers: Phill Rosen, Michael Fabian and Oliver Frankel.
Class of 1980 40 (+2) Year Reunion – Saturday 6 August 2022
The 1980 Reunion, held on Saturday 6 August, consisted of a tour of the Murray Rose Aquatic and Fitness Centre, a sit-down lunch for over 50 Old Cranbrookians in the Governor’s Ballroom and then down to Hordern to watch the 1sts Rugby play St Aloysius College. Their first game on the oval in three years.
Organisers: David Fuller, James France, Nicholas Cole, James Cullen, Phillip Lewis and Adam Shand.
Class of 1981 40 (+1) Year Reunion – Saturday 8 October 2022
The Class of 1981 rallied and came into Cranbrook to tour the School for their 41 year reunion despite the heavy rain. Thanks to Jon North adding some great anecdotes about the new buildings. A post-school tour celebration was then held at the Royal Oak in Double Bay.
Organisers: Rob Harborne and Matt Sweeney.
Class of 1982 40 Year Reunion – Saturday 30 July 2022
On Saturday 30 July, the Class of 1982 gathered for a tour of the Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre (MRAFC). Afterwards, it was on to the Royal Oak in Double Bay. With close to 60 attendees, their 40-year reunion was a memorable one.
Organisers: Angus Hosie, Andrew Vlachos and Howard Barton.
Class of 1992 30 Year Reunion – Saturday 19 November 2022
It has been 30 years since the members of the Class of ‘92 finished school, and they recently met up in Sydney last November to catch up. The festivities began at the school, where old friends reminisced about their time at Cranbrook and got to check out the new building. Drinks and nibbles were organised for a post-tour catch up on the OCA Terrace and they then moved on to The Woollahra Hotel where they shared stories from their past, caught up on the present and just enjoyed seeing how different some classmates looked while others have not changed at all.
All in all, it was an amazing evening for the Class of ‘92! They proved that even though time passes by quickly, it’s not hard to pick up right where you left off, even after 30 years.
Organisers: Ivan Ang, Damien Alexiou and James Stevenson.
Class of 2000 20 (+2) Year Reunion – Saturday 20 August 2022
Great to see so many turn up for the Class of 2000’s 22-year reunion on Saturday 20 August. Over 50 Old Cranbrookians descended on the Royal Oak Hotel, Double Bay, to have a few drinks and catch up.
Organiser: Dennan Chew.
Class of 2001 20 (+1) Year Reunion – Saturday 26 November 2022
The Class of 2001 caught up after 21 years. It was great to catch up to hear what they’ve all been up to and that a fair few of them have children either currently enrolled or set to join the School in the future.
Organiser: Will Nolasco.
Class of 2002 20 Year Reunion – Saturday 6 August 2022
The 2002 year group celebrated our 20-year reunion in August last year with a tried and true combination of watching the 1st XV on Hordern followed by a function at the Sheaf. About 50 strong, including some who travelled for it, we were given a tour of the incredible new sporting facilities as well having the pleasure of
watching Cranbrook comprehensively beat Aloys on a glorious winter afternoon. Of course, simply catching up and shooting the breeze with a bunch of great school mates 20 years on, was the highlight. One thing we found out about our year group: a huge number of our cohort (65 out of 130) now live and work overseas or interstate. Even though most couldn’t be there on the day, it was fantastic hearing from them too when we contacted them.
Organiser: Hamish Marshall.
Class of 2012 10 Year Reunion – Saturday 20 August 2022
Organiser: Nick Bucci.
Class of 2016 5 (+1) Year Reunion – Saturday 17 September 2022
The Class of 2016 vividly remember the launch of the masterplan back when they were in Year 12. Back when
it was concept and artist renderings. We were lucky to have a group of them back to celebrate their 5 (+1) year reunion and show them the finished product. After the tour, the group headed to Bondi Bowls for some catching up over beers.
Organiser: Tyson Feng.
Class of 2017 5 Year Reunion – Saturday 5 November 2022
Organiser: Alex Cunio.
