From the Editor

It has been very uplifting that so many OCs have spoken to me and commended the production of the most recent magazine. They have congratulated the management team on their stories, the variety of these stories and they have been very pleased with the general layout. This is very encouraging as we go forward with this edition.

The past few months have seen a plethora of fabulous events involving many of the OC community. The inaugural OC Sports Day, conceived and planned by our immediate past-President, Joe Karsay, was a massive success. On a wonderfully sunny day, seven competitions were held against the school (basketball, chess, futsal, sailing, tennis, touch football and water polo), which resulted in a narrow OC victory for the Thomas Cup. It was so wonderful to see and chat to many of the old boys who came with families and friends and made the day a success.

The official opening of the Vicars Centenary Building (VCB) and the OCA Presidents’ Dinner to celebrate the
centenary of the association were also held with large numbers present. The opening of the VCB brought together OCs, present parents and families and distinguished guests. It was a day to celebrate many aspects of the school and many closely allied to OC interests and beliefs.

During 2023 there are many events planned for the Alumni to attend. There are numerous reunions planned, Connection evenings, Friday Night Lights at Woollahra, Supporters Cocktail Evening and Handover Ceremony. All these events, and more, will give the alumni the chance to develop and or renew friendships, enjoy warm-hearted conversations all of which will continue to develop us as a school which is vital to the landscape of our city.

I encourage all who can do so, to participate this year and thus enrich our school.

Dr David Thomas
OCA Magazine Editor

Cranbrook Living Histories Podcast

In this episode, David talks with Peter Hone, who shares memories of his own time as a Cranbrookian as well as his father, Sir Brian Hone OBE, the third Headmaster at Cranbrook and the lasting impression he made on subsequent Headmasters.

From the Outgoing OCA President

Joe Karsay (OC 1998) shares his reflections on what was a vibrant year for the Old Cranbrookians’ Association

2022 was a great year for the Old Cranbrookians Association and as I look through the pages of this magazine, I am proud of the connection we were able to make with OCs of many generations. The focus of the OCA Committee for the second half of 2022 was on two new, marquee events.

While undoubtedly successful as inaugural events, they now provide the blueprint for us to refine in the future. The OCA Sports Day held on Sunday September 11, 2022, was a clear example of great collaboration between the OCA and the School. We combined the majority of the OCA versus the School Sports into a single gala day, focused around Hordern and the brand-new buildings which surround it. While pushed back twice due to Covid, the silver lining was that a matter of weeks after the Murray Rose Aquatic and Fitness Centre and the Vicars Centenary Building were opened, we had hundreds of Old Boys come to play against the school teams in Tennis, Touch Football, Indoor Soccer, Water Polo, Chess, and Sailing. The OCA was the recipient of the inaugural David Thomas Cup. It was significant that this was able to coincide with Dr Thomas’ fiftieth year on the Cranbrook staff. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of one of our Country Vice Presidents, Andrew Parker who was the organisational engine behind the event and the Foundation Office for their incredible support. It was also a chance to debut the OCA Terrace which is the Level Four Terrace in the Vicars Centenary Building. This terrace will be the meeting spot for OCA Reunions for generations to come, with a phenomenal vista over Hordern and through the Heads.

We also hosted the first ever OCA Presidents’ Dinner on the same night as the opening of the new Senior School buildings. For this event all past OCA Presidents and past Old Cranbrookians of the Year (or their families) were invited back to the school and mementos of service were presented to each. This concept was the brainchild of Bill Andreas, the other OCA Country Vice President. This was a chance to invite back to Cranbrook some of the most important figures in the life of the OCA. It is an event we are committed to holding every three years.

In late 2022 we were also delighted to announce Luke Johnson (1986) as Old Cranbrookian of the Year and Joe Dusseldorp (2000) as Young Old Cranbrookian of the Year. Luke was the architect for the transformational new Senior School campus facilities and is an architect of public significance in his other works. Joe is a micro-surgeon who is known for both pioneering techniques and for training other doctors in developing countries. Both are men we can be very proud to call our own and I look forward to seeing how we can involve them in the life of the OCA and School in 2023.

Finally, I want to thank the OCA Membership and the School for the honour of being OCA President. 2022 was exceptional in so many ways. Hence, it was with a heavy heart that I decided not to re-nominate or President again this year. However, I made this decision comfortable in the knowledge that I leave the role with a successor who has been ready for some time. Marty Cayzer is so well credentialed to take the OCA into its next chapter, he is an OCA Committee stalwart, current Cranbrook parent and has a deep and enduring love for the school. I look forward to helping Marty create this chapter as a member of his 2023 Committee.

Joe Karsay (OC 1998)
Outgoing President, Old Cranbrookians’ Association

From the New OCA President

Marty Cayzer (OC 1988)

We’re excited about the year ahead. A special welcome to our newest members, the cohort of 2022 leavers. Superb work on completing the HSC/IB and your education at Cranbrook School. We congratulate Lachlan Harris who has been named as HSC Dux of Cranbrook School 2022. And, to Max Lindley on being named our inaugural IBDP Dux for 2022. Just as impressive are the vast number of entries onto the HSC Distinguished Achievers List, with 100 of our 2022 cohort being listed. This year’s merits came from a wide range of courses, demonstrating the cultural and intellectual breadth that exists within Cranbrook and this cohort. Welcome to the OCA Alumni. We look forward to meeting many of you during this year.

2022 was a most successful year for Cranbrook School and I would like to personally congratulate the Headmaster Mr Sampson for what he and his dedicated team achieved against a backdrop of a very challenging and draining year. May 2023 be easier on all possible levels for you Headmaster.

On 7 December 2022, our OCA AGM was conducted at Cranbrook School. As the new President and on behalf of the OCA, I would like to provide a huge thank you to our outgoing President of 2022, Mr Joe Karsay (OC 1998). During his tenure as President in 2022 he achieved so much. Joe rolled out the inaugural OCA Sports Day vs the School which will now remain a permanent fixture on the OCA Calendar, and I urge you all to attend later this year. I am personally so relieved that Joe nominated to remain on committee for 2023 and will take a strong leadership role in our ongoing mentoring and networking programs.

Congratulations to Beau Roberts (OC 2000) on being elected as Treasurer and coming back onto the committee. Welcome to our other two new committee members Hamish Thomson (OC 1997) and Luke Adams (OC 2002). Thank you to our returning committee members. I am so pleased to have you on committee again for 2023!

I welcome Xavier Fryer (OC 2022) on board as our most recent school leaver and know he is destined for great things. I would like to thank George Paul (OC 1960) for his service on the committee over the past 3 years. He has been a great contributor and a voice of reason. George will be travelling overseas this year from April. Given the pending workload for the committee in 2023, George has decided to step off the committee and will be replaced by Cameron Haynes (OC 2003). Welcome Cameron.

Marty Cayzer (OC 1988)
President, Old Cranbrookians’ Association
alumni@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au

Your 2023 Committee:

Person	Position	Class
Martin Cayzer	President	1988
Howard Barton	City VP	1982
Dan Amor	City VP	1990
William (Bill) Andreas	Country VP	1987
Andrew Parker	Country VP	1987
Beau Roberts	Honorary Treasurer	2000
Edward Strong	Honorary Secretary	2013
Tom Findlay	U 26 Committeemen	2021
Peter Foord	U 26 Committeemen	2019
Xavier Fryer	Recent School Leaver	2022
Chris Cunio	Committee Member	2015
Sean Kelly	Committee Member	1986
Josh Cohen	Committee Member	2007
Evan Hansimikali	Committee Member	1999
Hamish Thomson	Committee Member	1997
Joe Karsay	Committee Member	1998
Alec Lesmond	Committee Member	2015
Luke Adams	Committee Member	2002
Cameron Haynes	Committee Member	2003

From Our Patron

The School has begun the new year in great heart: 2023 promises to be an exceptional year, being the first clear academic cycle beyond the interventions caused by the pandemic and, in our case, the constrictions due to building work. We are, indeed, enjoying full access to our transformative and exceptional new educational facilities, which enable us to perform important functions in new and uplifting ways. I write this report on the day of our House Swimming Competition, which we are holding in the Murray Rose Aquatic and Fitness Centre rather than bussing the whole school to an external facility: the day is as much about building community spirit as the pursuit of athletic excellence, and it is so very good to be able to host it at home. School Assemblies are now held in the Centenary Hall within the Vicars Building and benefit from space, natural light and even the civilised innovation of chairs for students. Assemblies are one of those essential elements of school life which bind the community together in a concelebration of aspiration, activity and artistry: they were sorely missed when rendered impossible by COVID and their return, in a new, more focused and tranquil form, has been welcome. We are using our new Chapel as a laboratory for spiritual exploration, and we are relishing the Packer Theatre for its elevation of the performing arts and for the sharing of important messages. The year has, then, begun with excitement and optimism: the traditional values which empower the Cranbrook ethos are being expressed by a vibrant community of the
young.

January 2023 saw the publication of our first set of International Baccalaureate Diploma results: our first IBDP cohort of twenty-four students registered impressive scores, achieving a median ATAR of 92. HSC results were similarly pleasing, and, as an open entry school, Cranbrook can be proud of its overall median ATAR of 89. Max Lindley was our first IB Dux: the HSC honour went to Lachlan Harris, who scored 99.95 and who topped the State in Physics, Chemistry and, last year as an accelerant, Mathematics. As ever, we were proud of our high achievers but also delighted by stories of personal achievement and quiet endeavour beyond the headlines.

Hewan House and Thomas House were launched this year: each takes its name from an outstanding contributor to the life and story of the School. We are determined to sustain pastoral care of the highest order.

We look forward to a fulfilling and progressive year. We are, as an IB Continuum School, embedding a global outlook in all that we do. We are preparing for the admission of girls, by 2026, into Years 7 and 11. We are refurbishing our Music School, in the Perkins building, in order to strengthen further the place of the creative and performing arts at the heart of the School and to complete our stunning new heritage precinct. We relish the support of our alumni as we seek to take this distinctive and important school forward. Powered by our heritage and excited by the prospects before us.

Nicholas Sampson
Headmaster, Cranbrook School

Student Voice: Dan O’Regan (Class of 2023) Deputy Head Prefect and Boarder

Dan O’Regan (Class of 2023) tells us in his own words about growing up in Scone, and hearing stories of Cranbrook from father Adam (OC 1986).

Mum and Dad never thought I would be able to go to Cranbrook. Growing up just outside of Scone on a small farm was great, about 15 minutes from town, or 12 if Dad took the back roads, in my opinion the perfect upbringing. I had all the urban knowledge from Mum, the love for the beach and Big Smoke contrasted with Dad’s rural roots and the understanding of the benefits of a small country town. Pillars of my small town involved horse riding, primary school, and rugby, all kept me busy and made me strive to be that overachieving child.

Mornings were tough. I’ll admit, I was a pest when it came to getting up to ride my horse ‘Thrifty’, but Dad always got me up, and I think that was so important because if he didn’t put that extra little pressure, I became so used to, then I would’ve settled for a 7am wake up with no memories of riding. Dad wasn’t about settling for second best.

My primary school Scone Grammar was awesome, between the handball and the Year 6 discos, I was flat stick once the 9am bell rang, making many lifelong friends, some who have made the journey to Cranbrook with me, Angus Stanford, one of a kind.

Rugby was another standard Scone activity, and one that helped me transition into almost every new environment I went to. I wasn’t a coach’s son. I wasn’t one of the best players either. At the Scone brumbies, we were the team that would travel four hours to Moree to play and not allow the distance to be a factor for a forfeit, although we tried. A culture set up by the parents and owned by the kids.

I remember hearing about Cranbrook for the first time when I was about 8, not really knowing what this unique and fabulous place was. All that was connected to it was dads’ weird stories, like him sleeping on the balcony in Rawson, or his ‘Prime’ rowing in the 1st VIII. Despite being suspended in his final moments of schooling at Cranbrook, he didn’t say a bad word about it. Once I came in Year 8, I could see why. A fresh outlook, from a GPS centric thinking within Scone, was granted. The boarding house welcomed me with open arms, meeting boarders from England, Hong Kong, Condobolin, and the classic ‘Boarder’ all the way from Point Piper. But all were friendly, all were accepted.

Cranbrook is awesome at accepting, at “Celebrating the Individual”, Mr Farraway told me.

My mixture of activities from theatre sports to pushing for the A’s Rugby – the teachers and boys supported me every step of the way. One of my most favourable memories was walking into the Year 12 College and seeing Dad’s 1986-year photo on the wall. The black and white snapshots of the past around me, standing on the grounds they were taken. This created a real connection and made me realise that a school and an old boy are symbiotic. My Dad was not a consistent glory boy, living in his days of high school, but he understood the importance of Cranbrook in developing his open mindset. Coming from Narrabri and knowing horses and Rugby, Cranbrook triggered Dad to be comfortable about being uncomfortable.
I think I am too; this mindset has encouraged me to apply for a Gap Year in Kenya, working at a boarding school there. No agenda but to experience life beyond Red Leaf and Scone.

Cranbrook was always a privilege growing up, not a plan.
Dan O’Regan (Class of 2023)

Dad experienced Uganda, India, and the UK during and after college. The stories of unforgettable nights in Uganda juxtaposed with his terrifying tales of getting lice and diarrhea in India, which made him buzz cut his head and live off Greek yogurt for three weeks, has created this explorative attitude within me. To not settle and take the easy option after school, challenge myself and create something new for me, beyond the O’Regan name.

From Kenya I will travel around Europe, mimicking and expanding Dads legendary polaroid photo collection I see at home. This will all be done alone, but the attitude of the O’Regan’s is you’re only allowed to be new for one encounter, and from then on you should develop any sort of relationship. My brother running into people who have met my mother once and saying wonderful things about her is so inspiring, as it shows me how far being nice and welcoming will get you. And this trip abroad will test that, test my kindness and hopefully give me international ties and friendships for life.

To be brutally honest, anything beyond the year after school is a fog, the idea of choosing a degree that sets me up for the rest of my life is petrifying. Well, mum and dad had about a dozen jobs between them throughout their 20s and 30s, so I think I’ll dive in and go for gold. Get amongst something that will challenge me and not settle.

OC in Profile: Leo Coates (OC 2002) & Tim Knoblanche (OC 2007)

Next time you pop into a McDonald’s, have a closer look at the digital self-order kiosks or the glowing screens with the menus behind the counter, because they’re the work of an Old Cranbrookian – and, in fact, a team that includes many other Old Cranbrookians.

When Leo Coates (OC 2002) bought signage company Coates Group from his father in 2008, he became the CEO of a proud family business that had begun with his grandmother and grew as it created the physical signs for huge brands like Woolworths and McDonald’s. But much like the golden arches Coates Group had installed across the country, it was hard to miss the signs of the approaching global technological revolution, so Leo knew he had to take his company into the 21st century.

“First of all, we knew we needed to grow the traditional business and become a global player, so we set up manufacturing in China and Taiwan,” Leo says. “Then we reinvested all of our profits back into digital. And we made a ton of mistakes along the way, but we knew it was inevitable that we had to go into digital software and hardware.”

The shift to digital has played a big part in the company’s success, as has one of the other big moves Leo Coates took early on as CEO. He knew he wanted to recruit people he trusted, and the first place he turned was Cranbrook. It wasn’t about giving jobs to friends; it was about tapping into networks he knew he could rely on.

“It was as much about them trusting us, as the business trusting them. But secondly it was about the calibre of the individuals,” Leo explains. “Had we gone to market, we would not have been able to attract people at that level or with those smarts and that much potential. And I think a lot of that has to do with the environment Cranbrook always invited, which was a great education platform, great teachers, and fantastic relationships.”

Coates Group has now grown to about 500 staff, with offices around the world, and huge contracts using technology to bring interactivity and flexibility to traditional signage locations. The deal for the McDonald’s digital menu boards and self-order kiosks in Australia led to a rollout across Asia as well. Then came the massive opportunity to do the hardware for all 12,000 McDonald’s drive-throughs in the US, before winning the global McDonald’s deal for signage software and hardware in almost every market around the world!

Being clear about the purpose, working with the right partners along the way, and being clear on what success looks like, I think is really important.
Leo Coates (OC 2002)

It’s a long way from the printed menu boards Coates Group was doing in Australia in the 1970s. Now, it all involves a content management system called Switchboard that the Coates team built, using advanced software to serve ‘smart merchandising’ to customers.

“It’s about showing the online world in bricks and mortar, where it’s about data driven products, showing the right product at the right time, and things like loyalty. It’s localised to restaurants, and it’s personalised to the individual customer,” Leo explains.

Since Leo took over, more than a dozen Old Cranbrookians have worked for Coates Group, and there are currently nine on staff, including Tim Knoblanche (OC 2007), who joined in 2017.

He was running automation projects in Commonwealth Bank branches when he was brought in by Leo to be the head of strategy, with the genesis of their relationship formed in the boarding house where Tim was in Year 7 when Leo was Head of Rawson.

“One of the great things about Cranbrook is it has that intergeneration within your time at
school, so you treat everyone with that mutual respect,” Tim says.

Within a month of joining Coates Group, Tim was spending about half his time in Chicago, and he ended up moving there for four years to work directly with clients and set up operations in Europe. During his time in the US, Coates Group won huge contracts with companies like restaurant chain Starbucks, and Inspire, which owns brands like Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, and Dunkin’. After coming back home during the pandemic, Tim was appointed as Chief Technology Officer.

“I’m not a traditional technology type person,” Tim explains, “but the more senior you get, it’s more about your ability to manage a team, set a clear strategy, communicate that strategy, and manage the teams to those objectives.”

Looking into the near future, Tim Knoblanche sees improvements in automation as one of the big trends that is likely to emerge in the digital space, particularly in terms of handling the challenge of an increasing amount of data. Using artificial intelligence to cleanse and sort all that information into ways that businesses can then use it to innovate will be a big priority, for example. But Tim’s advice for most companies as they continue to digitise their operations and products is to always remember the basics.

“There’s a lot of technology out there that’s technology for technology’s sake and it’s not actually targeting a specific use case in the market. What’s really important ultimately is the reason why you would want to invest in technology is because it should be more effective and efficient than what you have prior.”

You can see examples of that approach at the headquarters of Coates Group in the Sydney suburb of Alexandria, where the foyer is a showcase of some of the company’s most important work, including a mockup of a McDonald’s drive-thru, and a working digital self-order kiosk (although unfortunately you won’t get any burgers from it). But there are also still old-fashioned physical signs – because in many circumstances still today, that’s the most iconic identifier of the brand.

“We are still a proud signage business, and we’re still very proud to say we’re an Aussie business,” declares Leo Coates. “An Aussie business that’s gone global.”

That Aussie pride was never stronger than when Coates was selected as the signage provider in the reintroduction of Ampol, an iconic Australian brand, into the country’s petrol scene in 2021. The signage rollout was completed at the close of 2022 and encompassed 1700 sites across Australia and the design and manufacture of nearly 60,000 signage products.

From buying the solely traditional signage business at age 24, to transforming it into a digital powerhouse, and securing global deals with some of the world’s most famous brands, it’s been an epic ride for Leo so far. He genuinely credits his decision to hire employees from his Cranbrook network as one of the keys to the success of Coates Group, but beyond that it’s also about focus.

“Being clear about the purpose, working with the right partners along the way, and being clear on what success looks like, I think is really important. And that’s applicable, not just in digital, but in any strategy that you’re looking at from a business standpoint.”

And, as the digital world extends into more parts of our daily life, you’ll likely be seeing even more of Coates Group. You could call it a sign of the times.

OC in Profile:
Jordan Swibel (OC 2016)

For Jordan Swibel (OC 2016), football has always been an important part of life. “I was just born with a football at my feet, and that was all I did. Night and day, whether I was at home or at school, I was just always playing football.”

Jordan’s love of football (as well as his talent and hard work) has led to his current career playing professionally for a club in Israel, after several seasons with Australian teams like Sydney FC. And
for those who knew him at Cranbrook, this success is probably no surprise.

“I was always competitive, and I hate losing,” Jordan laughs. “So that was always ingrained in me. I didn’t care whether it was a football game for the 1st XI or the 7A’s or house football day, I just wanted to win!”

This competitive streak saw Jordan gain a spot in the 1st XI when he was in Year 9, later becoming the team’s captain, as well as being selected for the CAS squad in Year 12. At the same time, his father, Michael Swibel, was heavily involved in the campaign to get the new stand, canteen, and scoreboard at Dangar.
To Jordan, it felt like football was getting the same attention as other sports, and it was a great time to be playing in Cranbrook’s top team.

“The school put the money and the time and the effort towards that. So, you could say there was a big change towards the program, and a big mentality switch when I was there.”

While still in Year 12, Jordan joined Sydney FC as a train-on player in the Y-League (Youth League), before formally getting a place in the youth team the following year. He worked his way up the club, getting ten appearances in the A-League with Sydney FC, as well as two games in the Asian Champions League.

“I’m a Sydney FC fan, so to be able to represent my boyhood club was an absolute dream come true,”
Jordan says. “My debut was a very, very special moment. With my family in the crowd and my friends there as well, they knew how hard I’d worked for that first opportunity.”

Unfortunately, Jordan’s time at Sydney FC eventually came to an end. (“That’s professional football, you know, it’s not sunshine and rainbows all the time.”) He spent a year with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and then headed to Israel where he joined the Hapoel Nof HaGalil Football Club, which is currently competing in the country’s second division league.

From a field at Dangar, via the Sydney Football Stadium, Jordan is now playing professionally each week in stadiums full of thousands of fans, a world away from Sydney.

“There are a lot of similarities because at the end of the day, it’s 11, versus 11 and one round ball,” he says. “But, in saying that, there are a lot of differences. There are things like the pace of the game, how quickly teams move the ball, and the tactical decisions that coaches make for certain teams is different here compared to Australia.”

Jordan credits his teachers at Cranbrook for being supportive and accommodating of his football aspirations, particularly if he had training or travel commitments for games. But even then, when he was sitting in class, the sport was never far from his mind.

“I think I always knew that I was going to be here. If I never thought that I would be here, I wouldn’t be,” Jordan says. “Obviously I do realise how blessed I am, and I count that blessing every day that I do get to play professional football. But it’s taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice, that’s for sure!”

So, what’s next for Jordan? Well, he’s always been goal-oriented and had big plans – and that hasn’t changed.

“I want to play for the Socceroos. I want to play in the top division in Europe. Those have been my goals since I was a little kid, to represent my country and play the biggest games in the world. And that will never stop being my goal. I think if I one day woke up and I said to myself, ‘I just don’t feel I’m going to do that’, then I probably wouldn’t play football anymore.”

So, who knows, maybe next World Cup, we won’t just be cheering for the Socceroos, we’ll also be cheering for an Old Cranbrookian too.

Friends for Life

A very composed and respectful student who took his studies and sport seriously. An accomplished footballer who captained Australia at the Maccabiah Games when he was only 18. An early indication of Jordi’s commitment to excellence was his submission for a Year 9 PDHPE Project which focused on skill development. His submitted video showed Jordi practicing hitting the crossbar of the posts in Rodney Reserve over and over again!
Sam Carroll, PDHPE Teacher & Cranbrook School Head of Rowing

Jordan (Jordi) and I have shared so many amazing milestone moments together during our time at Cranbrook and since. We first met prior to senior school when we played for our local football team, Queens Park FC. Instantly we built a strong friendship, becoming a dynamic duo.
Jordi just so happened to be attending Cranbrook and by absolute luck of the draw we were put in the same house. Jordi was a quiet and unassuming student at Cranbrook, someone who was always there for his friends and gave great advice. I felt privileged to begin school every day with my best mate.
Above anything, football was the priority. What inspired me most about Jordi’s journey to becoming a professional football player was his discipline and relentlessness to never give up on his dream. I feel extremely proud watching Jordi play, knowing how hard he has worked to be out on the pitch.
Matteo Mangioni, OC 2016 and best friend

OC in Profile: The Webber Bros

One day in the mid 1970s, Greg Webber (OC 1977) was at school with his brothers John (OC 1976), and Monty (OC 1979), when they saw across the harbour that water was crashing up against Middle Head. For these keen surfers, that meant something special was happening – great rideable waves at Nielsen Park!

The Webber boys were supposed to be doing ‘filmmaking’ with Mr Stone. But the rare opportunity to surf Nielsen Park during school hours was irresistible. When Mr. Stone arrived to find them getting into their wetsuits, Greg explained “We’re making a surf film!”

All six Webber brothers are renowned within surf culture, principally in relation to their eponymous brand of high-performance surfboards, which they started making in the backyard of their Rose Bay home. But, their passion for surfing has also found expression in journalism, literature, and even film making.

The creative spirit stems in large part from their mother, Diana, who passed away in 2020. Diana’s brothers, Dick and Greg Weight, were part of the famous Yellow House art collective in Potts Point. Diana’s wonderful bronze sculpture of a surf lifesaver stands beside Bondi Pavilion.

Over the decades, Greg Webber’s ingenuity has expanded from surfboard design to surf wave design, through research and development of wave pools, floating reefs, and seawalls. Greg insists that his fascination with wave shape began in early childhood, watching tiny waves break in Rose Bay. But, the potential finally dawned on him, when he took Monty out in a runabout to film the wake peeling faultlessly along the riverbank. Their collaboration resulted in an avant-garde film, which won a cinematography award in France.

Monty has made numerous surf films, and written extensively on surf culture, his most recent book titled Bondi Days: An Obituary. Another award-winning film, Journey On, documents surfing prodigy, Shane Herring, who shot to stardom riding one of Greg’s radical designs.

Dan proposed that surfing be included as a school sport, which was approved in 1981. He and David Gyngell (OC 1983) opened a surf shop at South Bondi in 1986. Dan has been on the front line in the shark debate, critical of the government’s shark mitigation measures. He has also devised a model of the psyche, using surfing as a metaphor. He has an MA in English.

Will and Ben have both worked in the surf industry, shaping and glassing surfboards. Ben won the Australian Junior Championship in 1986 and came fifth in the World Titles the following year.

The Webbers are descendants of the Levey family, who were influential during colonial times. Barnett Levey built Waverley House, and the first theatre in Sydney. His brother, Solomon, married the daughter of William Roberts, who owned the entire Bondi foreshore. Solomon Levey and Daniel Cooper owned Rose Bay, Double Bay, Bellevue Hill and Point Piper. “We didn’t know any of this,” says Daniel, who was interviewed for Secrets of Our Cities. “But you’ve gotta wonder if something of the Levey spirit has echoed down to us. How else can you explain the audacity?”

Greg Webber on the Cover of Australian Surfing World.

OC In Profile: Tim Bonython (OC 1977)

A Super 8 camera gathering dust at the home of John Laws and a passion for surfing led
to a lifelong love and career for Old Cranbrookian Tim Bonython. He has shot some of the
biggest waves in the world and the surfers who are brave enough to ride them, Barton
Lynch, Mark Occhilupo and Cheyne Horan to name just a few.

It was during his schooling at Cranbrook that Tim’s passion for videography ignited.
He was also from a very creative family, father Kym Bonython opened the famed Kym Bonython Art Galleries in Paddington in the sixties and sister Nicole Bonython-Hines is a famous fashion editor and stylist to the stars.

“John Laws was a good friend and client of my fathers, through his art gallery in Paddington, so we were at the Laws’ place a fair bit. I started seeing his daughter so it was one day when I was there with her and I said to John, see that camera over there gathering dust, can I borrow it? He said to me, you can have that camera as long as you make something out of it.”

Tim did make something of it and forty-four years later he is one of the best known and most fearless big wave and surf documentary makers.

“I started shooting down at Bondi Beach with Cheyne Horan and of course that was at a time when the Webber brothers were very much part of the Bondi fraternity – Greg, John and Monty. I noticed that Monty was into shooting with Super 8 as well, so we were checking each other out in terms of how we were shooting.”

1981 was the turning point for Tim, who had since moved back to Adelaide, he asked a local surf shop to fund a trip to Sydney to shoot the Coca Cola Surfabout at Narrabeen and then the 1981 Bells Beach Surf contest. The Bells Beach Easter Classic contest of 1981 was particularly significant due to the size of the waves, it came to be known as “Big Saturday”, one of the biggest swells in surfing competition history.

“The whole idea was to shoot these two events and then edit the footage back in Adelaide and make a film. Back in those days, editing was literally hands on splicing and dicing from tape to tape.”

Tim then put an ad in the local newspaper to promote the film showing, and then set off to pubs and clubs around Australia’s East Coast to start showing some of the most amazing surfing footage ever produced. The Australian Surf Film Festival was born. Punters were lined up around the block to view Tim’s films while enjoying a beer, and he thought to himself, “Okay, this is my career now.”

Tim has to be where the action is, he closely monitors weather patterns on his trusty Mac, specifically using a program that indicates where the most fearsome swells will be. Then, it is a quick scramble to make travel arrangements, call his connections on the ground in Hawaii, Indonesia or Portugal and alert the surfers.

For Tim, the ocean is the star of his film and the surfers enhance its beauty. His entrepreneurial spirit and love of the ocean will continue to take him on the most amazing journeys across the globe. This isn’t a job per se, this is his love.

OC Connect: 3 Island Classic

It was a cracking day on Sydney Harbour on Sunday 28 August 2022 as 9 crews prayed for wind to get them around the 3 Island Classic course.

Congratulations to Monkey Magic in 1st place, skippered by Mark Dagworthy (OC 1996), Crowded Haus in 2nd place, skippered by Graeme Neuhaus (OC 1970) and Next in 3rd place, skippered by Jon Short (OC 1980).

Young One, skippered by Michael Morgan (OC 1980), was presented with the AJ Reed trophy.

It was great to see so many Old Cranbrookians out on the water and afterwards at the Royal Australian Naval Association (RANSA). Thanks to Rob Lewis (OC 1970) for organising an amazing day for the Cranbrook community.

OCs On the Water

Since Rob Lewis and others resurrected this regatta, we have made it a point to be at each one – can’t remember the first of these races but it must have been around 2015.

Each year we have a few 1970 classmates, and their wives join us and it becomes somewhat of a reunion of our classmates.

Rob and Jon Short and Adrian Guzman have spent numerous hours contacting everyone, planning and setting handicaps etc. Early days we were assisted by Peter Frankie supplying the starting boat and
lately by RANSA.

I guess the most rewarding race for us was having 4 classmen from 1970 onboard when we won the
2020 regatta – what a way to celebrate our 50 year reunion before it was canceled by Covid!

Every year we have had very interesting weather – no wind, then wind, occasionally rain, once with gale force winds then sunshine! The fellowship back at RANSA is always most enjoyable and a good reason to catch up and tell tall stories.

Graeme Neuhaus, OC 1970

I want to start by thanking Rob Lewis (1970) and the team for putting on a memorable 2022 edition of the 3 Island Classic. These events take a lot more effort and time than many realise and we have been very lucky to have had Rob and team dedicated to creating such a special event. The event ran without missing a beat, and Rob even organised a perfect winter’s day.

My participation in the 3 Island Classic has been start/stop over the years. I remember attending my first one back in 1996 being on the start and finish boat, while I was actually in Year 12 and Captain of Sailing. This was back in the day when there was raft up in Rose Bay after the race.

After over 14 years overseas, I came back to find the 3IC classic revitalised and was lucky enough to sail with Andrew Dale (OC 1997) back in March 2020 (the good old days before Covid).

This year, I borrowed a friend’s boat to take out some of my 1996 school mates. The banter and stories started before we had left the dock and continued throughout the day and well into the afternoon BBQ at RANSA. It was the perfect ending to come away with the win and after such a great day we all committed to returning in 2023 to defend the title.

I really encourage anyone that can be involved to come and enjoy a wonderful day. The most rewarding aspect of the 3IC is reconnecting with school mates and getting them out onto one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. It is a great way to reconnect with the old boys and relive some of our funniest memories.

Mark Dagworthy, OC 1996

OC Connect: The Inaugural Old Cranbrookians’ Assocation Presidents’ Dinner

The inaugural OCA Presidents’ Dinner was held in the newly opened Vicars Centenary Building on Saturday 15 October 2022. This special event honoured past presidents of the OCA (1921-2021), our Old Cranbrookians of the Year Award recipients (1997-2022) and the Old Cranbrookians who worked to revitalise Cranbrook’s Senior School campus.

Honour caps were presented by Dr David Thomas and Headmaster, Nicholas Sampson on the night to those past Presidents who could attend or to their family who came to represent them. Likewise, we were pleased to be able to present a framed honour pocket to the Old Cranbrookians of the Year or their families.

Tom Glasson (OC 1998) kept the tone of the night fun as emcee with many anecdotes of his own time at Cranbrook. We were also honoured to have Tom Berry (OC 2012) give an Acknowledgment of Country.

We plan to hold this event every three years to honour Old Cranbrookians who have given so much to the Cranbrook community and indeed our broader community.

Luke Johnson (OC 1986) was named as Old Cranbrookian of the Year for 2023 at this event. Dr Joseph Dusseldorp (OC 2000) was named as Young Old Cranbrookian of the Year at the Cranbrook Awards night, and both were presented with their honour pockets. The OCA was also proud to name Dr David Thomas as an honorary Old Cranbrookian and presented him with an OC tie.

The event was conceived and planned by OCA Vice President, Bill Andreas (OC 1987) to be an event befitting our OCA Centenary and the opening of the Senior School Campus buildings. We came to the view that the perfect way to do this was to recognise those who have built the OCA into what it is today: the OCA Past Presidents and all past recipients of the Old Cranbrookian of the Year. We also took the opportunity to honour the Old Cranbrookian members of the Masterplan 2 Building and Development Committee.

It is the first significant coming together of these cohorts (and their families) in living memory. These men live “esse quam videri” in their lives and in their service to Cranbrook School.

Old Cranbrookian Presidents 1921 to 2022

The Reverend Frederick ‘Polly’ Perkins 1921-1932. Represented on the night by Mark “Polly” Perkins who attended with wife Jo Perkins, who is the daughter of David and Barbara Stone.
William Mayne (OC 1921) 1932-1939. Represented by his son Phillip Mayne (OC 1968). Phillip was christened and married in the original School Chapel. He made the journey from Port Macquarie for this event.
Frank Little (OC 1921) 1939-1946*
Dr Richard West (OC 1931) 1946-1948*
Rupert Furber (OC 1931) 1948-1951*
William Wiseman (OC 1930) 1951-1953*
Charles Ord (OC 1922) 1953-1955. Represented by his daughter Elizabeth McCabe. Elizabeth told us that throughout his life, her father spoke glowingly of Cranbrook and in particular, his friend “Polly” Perkins. She remembers vividly the day her father snuck her onto Hordern in 1954 to watch the Queen drive past on New South Head Road.
Dr Noel Corlette (OC 1924) 1955-1958. Represented by his son Michael Corlette (OC 1957).
William Scott-Fell (OC 1935) 1958-1960*
Baron Brooke OBE OAM (OC 1936) 1960-1963*
Richard Foster (OC 1936) 1963-1965*
Alan Love (OC 1938) 1965-1968*
Dr Charles Phipps (OC 1944) 1968-1971. Represented by his son David Phipps (OC 1972).
Rex Morgan AM MBE (OC 1953) 1971-1974. Represented by his children Richard Morgan (OC 1980) and Victoria Harper. Rex is the only Old Cranbrookian who has been President of the OCA and has been awarded with the Old Cranbrookian of the Year.
Campbell Alexander (OC 1947) 1974-1977. We were honoured Cam’s wife Jan and son, Jock, could join us to accept this honour on his behalf.
Paul Harriman (OC 1945) 1977-1980. Represented by his stepson Andrew Hyams (OC 1982).
Robin Jones (OC 1950) 1980-1983*
Ross Adair (OC 1952) 1983-1986. Represented by his son Nicholas Adair (OC 1988).
Martin Pitt (OC 1956) 1986-1989. Represented by his children, Lucinda Pitt and Angus Pitt (OC 1990).
Michael Corlette (OC 1957) 1989-1992. Michael attended on the night to accept his honour cap.
David Lynch (OC 1956) 1992-1995. David attended on the night to accept his honour cap.
Kim Clarke (OC 1962) 1995-1998*
Gavin Thomson (OC 1957) 1998-2001. Gavin sadly passed away in 2022. He was proudly represented on the night by wife, Candy and son, Hamish (OC 2012).
James Morrow (OC 1964) 2001-2004. Jim’s son, Rupert, accepted this cap on his father’s behalf.
James Sheller (OC 1987) 2004-2007. James attended on the night to accept his honour cap.
James Williams (OC 1972) 2007-2010. James attended on the night to accept his honour cap.
Anthony Lees (OC 1972) 2010-2013*
David Hing (OC 1978) 2013-2016. David attended on the night to accept his honour cap.
Thomas Kendall (OC 1992) 2016-2018*
Jason Graham-Nye (OC 1987) 2018-2021. Jason was represented by his son Harper Graham-Nye (OC 2022).

Old Cranbrookian of the Year Award Recipients
1997 to 2022

Professor Earl Owen AO (OC 1950) 1997*
The Hon. Kenneth Handley AO CStJ KC (OC 1951) 1998. Ken attended on the night to accept his honour pocket.
John Gaden AO (OC 1958) 1999*
Professor Jim May AC (OC 1950) 2001*
Simon Wincer (OC 1960) 2002*
Craig Carroll (OC 1987) 2003. Craig attended on the night to accept his honour pocket.
Brian Bavin (OC 1952) 2004. Brian was proudly represented on the night by his sons David (OC 1977) and Charles (OC 1978).
Professor David Cooper AC (OC 1964) 2005*
Hugh Gilchrist OAM (OC 1932) 2006*
Martin Sharp AM (OC 1958) 2007. Martin was represented on the night by his cousin Roger Massy-Greene AM.
Dr John Elder (OC 1956) 2008. John attended on the night to accept his honour pocket.
Murray Rose AM (OC 1955) 2009. Murray was proudly represented on the night by his wife, Jodi Wintz-Rose.
James Halliday AM (OC 1954) 2010*
Garry McDonald AO (OC 1965) 2011*
Professor Boris Schedvin (OC 1953) 2012*
The Hon. Sir Laurence L.W. Street KCMG QC AC (OC 1942) 2013*
Jim Maxwell AM (OC 1967) 2014*
Anthony M.F. Abrahams AM (OC 1961) 2015. Anthony attended on the night to accept his honour pocket.
Michael Crouch AC (OC 1951) 2016*
Professor Richard Hunter (OC 1970) 2017*
David Handley AM (OC 1983) 2018. David attended the evening, with father Ken and received his honour pocket.
Professor Michael Coper AO (OC 1962) 2019*
Rex Morgan AM MBE (OC 1953) 2020. Rex was represented by his children Richard Morgan (OC 1980) and Victoria Harper, who received his honour pocket.
Mike Cannon-Brookes (OC 1997) 2021*
Geoff Coombes OAM (OC 1991) 2021. Geoff attended on the night and received his honour pocket.
Steven Solomon (OC 2011) 2022. Steven attended on the night and received his honour pocket.
Samuel Levy (OC 1987) 2022*

Cranbrook School Masterplan 2

Craig Carroll (OC 1987), Cranbrook School Council Director, Cranbrook Foundation Director and Cranbrook School, Building & Development Masterbuild Committee.
Jon North (OC 1981), Cranbrook School Council President and Cranbrook School Building & Development Masterbuild Committee.
Ben Ritchie (OC 1989), Cranbrook School Council Director and Cranbrook School Building & Development Masterbuild Committee.
Simon Swaney, Cranbrook School Building & Development Masterbuild Committee. *
Hugh Dowling (OC 1984), Cranbrook School Council Director, Cranbrook Foundation Director and Cranbrook School Building & Development Masterbuild Committee.
Luke Johnson (OC 1986), Principal, Architectus.
Tony Derham (OC 1986), Managing Director, GF Group.*

*We were unable to honour these Old Cranbrookians’ on the night and will make contact with them or
family members so that we may honour them at our next Old Cranbrookians’ Presidents’ Dinner in 2025.

OCA Presidents’ Dinner 2022 from Cranbrook Foundation on Vimeo.

OCA Sports Day

The inaugural OCA Sports’ Day kicked off at 8.30am on Sunday 11 September. Cranbrook students and Old Cranbrookians gathered to compete against each other in Chess, Tennis, Futsal, Touch Football, Basketball and Sailing and culminated with an awards presentation on the OCA Terrace in the new Vicars Centenary Building.

The OCA Sports Day saw over 300 Old Cranbrookians, Cranbrook students and staff gather at the School for a day of sport, camaraderie and community! It was great to see support from many Old Cranbrookians
and their families who came down on the day to see sporting events played in the new facilities. Particularly, Patricia Lemaire (previously Patricia Walker) who attended with her daughter. Her brother David Walker was School Captain in ‘42 and Uncle F J Walker was one of the Founders.

A very big thanks to the Cranbrook School Sports Staff who helped coordinate the day, in particular Hayden Danks and Matthew Grice. We would also like to thank the Cranbrook Development Office for their support of the day.

We want to recognise the hard work and project leadership of Andrew Parker from the OCA Committee, who put in a champion effort to make this event a reality.

Thank you to all the students and Old Cranbrookians who participated. A special mention also to Headmaster Nick Sampson and to Dr David Thomas for being a part of this special day.

Finally, our thanks also go to the sports convenor’s Martin Cayzer (Touch Footy), Charles Zworestine (Chess), Josh Cohen (Basketball), Evan Hansimikali (Soccer), Alfie Ashton (Water Polo), Campbell McKay (Sailing) and Anthony Shumsky (Tennis).

We have the blueprint for an event which we hope will become a highlight in the OCA/School calendar. In 2023 we will be adding T20 Cricket and many other exciting improvements!

Results:
The winners of the inaugural David Thomas Cup for overall winners on the day were the Old Cranbrookians’ Association.

Basketball – OCA

“OCA Basketball was a huge success, with over 50 OCA and 20 Students participating in the new Centenary Courts. The OCA had participants ranging from Classes of 1992 through to 2021. Both courts were jam packed with exciting games throughout the morning, with a number of nail-biting fixtures taking place. The final game of the day saw the OCA Allstars taking on the 2022/23 1st’s. Although fighting hard, the OCA team was too strong for the 1sts in the Final. James Hunter and current 2nds coach Jock Jensen were the standout players in the final, showing off their deep range and athleticism.” – Josh Cohen (OC 2007), Basketball Convenor

Water Polo – OCA
Alfie Ashton, Water Polo Convenor

Futsal – Cranbrook School
“The inaugural futsal competition kicked off with 4 OCA teams and 4 school teams. In what was a sometimes heated and very competitive round robin competition, the OCA finished with the top two teams on the table. The OCA’s team played off to face the best school team in the final (not the best decision given our lack of fitness). The OCA’s early success and premature celebrations came to a shuddering halt in the final, when the school, in a Messi-like display, shone bright when it mattered most and snatched the trophy from within our firm grip. From the car park I heard cries for an 11 aside rematch, but that was not to be. Till next year.” – Evan Hansimikali, Futsal Convenor

Touch Football – OCA
“New building. New Oval. New Format. What a day!!! The OCA Sports Day. Touch Footy drew 10 x Old Boy and 2 x School teams in a 4 x pool system. Super competitive. Major upset with reigning champs 2002 (Marshall) missing the semi-finals. SF#1 – School vs School with Boarders defeating Day boys by 1 try. SF#2 2014 defeating 2019 (Smith). GF was epic touch footy. OCA 2014 (Carroll/Mahony) winning over School Boarders 2 – 1. Thanks to the School for a great day and congratulations to the Class of 2014 for winning back the Kip Cullip Trophy since their win several years back.” – Marty Cayzer, Touch Football Convenor

Sailing – Cranbrook School
“Sailing Old Cranbrookians from the 60’s, 80’s, 90’s, through to our most recent graduates, combined
and enjoyed challenging current students through to the final teams racing flight. At every course mark rounding, the race umpire was busy. The students executed a flawless sequence of manoeuvres, which saw the students break a long running drought to reclaim the regatta win.“ – Campbell McKay, Sailing Convenor

Chess – OCA
“With two teams of 8 each playing their opponents twice, the Old Boys chess team defeated the School 10-6 in a tight match that was enjoyed by all. Critical were the 2-0 wins to Shane Hill (OC 1989) on Board 1, Charles Zworestine (OC 1984) on Board 2, Blair Chapman (OC 2015) on Board 5 and Robert Krochmalik (1965) on Board 7. The match was hard fought, but the result proved crucial: ours was the final point that brought the OCA their overall 4-3 victory!” – Charles Zworestine, Chess Convenor

Tennis – Cranbrook School
“OCA vs School tennis – a one sided battle for the last 30 years with the School getting a win only 3 times in this period! The OCA started with a fantastic lead, with everything going to plan for the Old Boys as per usual. But on the day where it mattered most, the inaugural OCA Sports Day, the School rallied and came away with a victory! The Old Boys will be back stronger and better than ever in 2023.” – Anthony Shumsky, Tennis Convenor

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.

Welcome to the Family

Oscar, January 2022, Toby Hughes (OC 2003) and Jessica Sue.

Oliver, August 2022, Angus (OC 2008) and Brielle Mordant.

Georgina Prudence, July 2022, Tom Heath (OC 2009) and Nicole Maisey.

Onyx & Rio, William Storey (OC 2005).

Mohamad Aydin Akbar (Aydin), Adi Satria (OC 1998) and Vonica Risyan.

August, June 2022, Jonathon Richards (OC 2005).

Francesca (Frankie), June 2022, Chris (OC 1991) and Mel Crammond. (main picture)

Oscar Stafford, January 2022, Toby Hughes (OC 2003) and Jessica Sue.

Bowie Ann, April 2022, Max (OC 2006) and Lauri Bailey.

Matilda, 2002, Rupert Morrow (OC 2005) and Emmi Savolainen.

Isla, Feb 2022, Fraser (OC 2005) and Bec Chapman.

Ezekiel, January 2021, Alex Wharton (OC 2005) and Jennifer Soncum.

In Memoriam

Gavin Thomson (OC 1957)
24 January 1941 – 31 August 2022

Hamish Thomson accepted an honour cap on Gavin’s behalf at the OCA Presidents’ Dinner and relayed the following words about his father on the night:

“Thank you, OCA presidents, for giving me the opportunity to accept this cap on behalf of Gavin… the latest presidential soldier to be carried from the field. No one can ever take away the fact that Dad is the first to be farewelled in the beautiful chapel above us. And for this generosity from the school, his family is forever grateful.

To say that I am proud about standing here tonight would be the greatest of understatements.

Cranbrook meant the world to dad… and it was a huge part of his life from all the way back to the early 1950’s.

He and the school were a bit like a match made in heaven. He loved this place, the history, the location (I mean who wouldn’t), the education principles, the mix of academia, sport, drama, music… but most importantly the type of man (and soon to be woman) that this amazing school has the potential to produce.

He was one of the great products of this school… but unlike most… and very much like all of you here… he gave back in a way that our family will be eternally proud of.

Esse Quam Videri…

To be rather than to seem to be.

Dad lived by exactly the same values that this motto prescribes.

What you saw was what you got.

He was always true to his word… If he said he’d do something he would do it.

He wouldn’t pretend to agree with you just because it made you feel good.

He didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t.

He could blend into any situation.

He valued other people’s opinions. Especially when they were different from his own.

He was humble.

And I’ve got little doubt that he lived his life in this way because of his time at Cranbrook and the way it forged his life.

I have a great example of how important Cranbrook and the OCA in particular was to dad.
There was a period in the not so distant past when there was a black tie annual OCA dinner held in October. And every year this dinner manages to fall on the weekend close to mum’s birthday. For a very very long time, whenever dad would be asked what he had planned for mum’s birthday, it was the same answer… Candy would be treated to an exclusive black tie dinner with some of her (his) closest friends and those with whom he shares a very special bond.

Tonight is that night, and even though he can’t be here in person he’s here in spirit… inside the two of us… but also a part of the fabric of this very school. It’s a special place, he was a special man. And all of you in this room are special because of the sacrifices you make to continue on with the tradition.

Schola Nostra!”

Hamish Thomson (OC 2012) on behalf of his father Gavin Thomson (OC 1957).

William Howell Blakemore (OC 1958)
13 September 1941 – 30 April 2022

Bill passed away peacefully on 30 April 2022, aged 80 years. Late of Edgecliff Road Woollahra. Bill was the brother of Ann (dec). Stepbrother of Michael and a close friend of many who were able to attend.

Alexander “Sandy” Dawson SC (OC 1989)
27 May 1972 – 28 November 2022

Alexander (Sandy) Tamerlane Sinclair Dawson arrived at Cranbrook in Year 1 in 1978 as a well-dressed, neatly groomed high-achieving student, and left Year 12 pretty much the same way in 1989. His wonderful mind was nurtured well at Cranbrook, and he found his passion in the humanities subjects, studying English, French, Latin and Modern History for his HSC. He was Dux of his year in year 11 and was Captain of Chelmsford House and Captain of Debating in his final year in 1989. He was a brilliant debater, and great fun to be on a team with, whether debating for Chelmsford or for Cranbrook. He was active in school drama and made a memorable surprise cameo as a punk rocker in the 1989 School review (people still debate whether that was actually Sandy!).

Sandy made friends throughout all walks of his life, and Cranbrook was no exception. His school gang, self-nicknamed “The Vikings” stayed close over the more-than-three-decades of life’s ups and downs since school. One of the highlights was an annual weekend of bad golf and good company which Sandy always managed to find time for. The closeness of their friendship was exemplified in how they rallied around him over the last two years.

Sandy went to the University of Sydney in 1990, becoming a resident of St Paul’s College. He was fully involved in college life, acting, student politics, styling his room at college, and occasionally attending some lectures. He finished in 1995 with degrees in Arts and Law, and after serving as an Associate for Justice Graham Hill in the Federal Court, he then worked at Minter Ellison, followed by Freehills before joining the NSW Bar in 2003 and being one of the founding barristers at Banco Chambers (taking Silk in 2016). He loved having our younger sister, Katrina, as a fellow barrister.

His area of specialty was defamation – which probably suited someone who could weaponise
the English language, albeit mostly wrapped with an incredible warmth and wit. His death saw an
outpouring of affection from the legal community and many in media, grateful for how he fought for their right to tell their stories (and accepting of him holding them to account when they overstepped!).

Sandy met Alexandra Hunter, a fellow aspiring actress at university, performing together in Michael Gow’s “Away”. They were married in 2000 and have four wonderful kids together. Sandy was delighted that his two sons followed in his footsteps by going to Cranbrook and being upstanding members of Chelmsford. He was also delighted that they took a different path to him by excelling athletically.

Sandy spent many years running the Red Shield Appeal in the Eastern Suburbs, which involved a typically entertaining speech at school assembly to enrol the Cranbrook students as door-to-door collectors. Many Cranbrook old boys remember these speeches fondly and loved the experience of being part of his collecting crew.

Sandy was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer in early 2021, and died in November 2022, aged 50. He approached his battle with cancer with incredible composure, his trademark humour, and without an ounce of self-pity. He is survived by his wife, Alexandra, his children, Jack, Holly, Freya and Henry, his parents Sandy and Jane, and me, his younger brother. We miss him terribly.

Words by Angus Dawson (OC 1990).

Peter Carr-Boyd (OC 1953)
21 October 1937 – 22 December 2022

Information from David Castle (OC 1953).

As one of Peter’s oldest friends, David remembers him as a great friend who was both creative and clever. Peter introduced David to the world of Peter Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Peter was a sympathetic listener and enthusiastic supporter for Hall. For a period, both Carr-Boyd and Hall worked for MacLachlan Consulting and apparently had many conversations about the Sydney Opera House.

Peter and David decided to publicise and promote Hall as a famous Old Cranbrookian. “We realised the strength of the Cranbrook connection when we visited the home and grounds of Willie Hall in March 2019. Peter and I worked on three illustrated articles in the Old Cranbrookian magazine. Peter was responsible for any technical descriptions of work on the Opera House”.

“There is not yet a fitting memorial to Peter Hall in the Opera House and Peter Carr-Boyd would love the fact that we will never give up until recognition is achieved.”

Following words by Rex Morgan AM MBE (OC 1953).

“In our Final Year, our housemaster had brilliantly placed me in Grey’s Study, the former vice-regal broom and brush cupboard, with lifelong friend Peter Carr- Boyd. During that era of capacity records in such things as mini- minors and telephone booths, we managed one evening during prep to put no less than 78 boarders into Grey’s Study which measured no more than 4 m x 2 m x 3 m high. We dragged juniors from their beds and just about every member of the house into the effort. Our house master agreed to attest to the final count and fell about laughing when the 78 boys had finally emerged and filled the entire anteroom to the ballroom. I believe we hold that record to this day”.

Chris Blundell (OC 1960)
10 June 1943 – 27 December 2021

Dr Cliff Hing (OC 1972)
27 April 1955 – 12 August 2022

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the recent passing of Dr Cliff Hing (1972).

Cliff’s time at Cranbrook was littered with prizes for academic achievement. He embraced life at Cranbrook, being a member of a number of diverse clubs and societies including the photography club, sailing club, astronomy society and film society. He was a school prefect and head of Davidson house.
He left school well rounded, humble, curious, wise and with a desire to help others.

Upon leaving school, Cliff commenced medical studies at the University of New South Wales graduating in the late 1970s. After a short time training overseas, he settled into a general medical practice at Mosman with his wife Lin. It was a flourishing practice where he became a significant member of the community serving patients for 40 years. He found time to lecture at the School of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame. He also was passionate about his family, travel, his dogs, photography, the Sydney Roosters and wine, only recently retiring to spend more time at his small vineyard in the Hunter Valley which he approached with his customary enthusiasm.

Cliff collapsed at home from an aneurysm. His passing was sudden, premature and shocking. We who knew him shall miss his infectious smile and good-natured disposition very much. Throughout his life he demonstrated a gentle strength and willingness to participate in life in a meaningful way.
He gave so much more than he took.

Words by David Hing (OC 1978).

Ross Johnstone (OC 1946)
1 November 1929 – 1 January 2022

The School received the following communication from Ross’ daughters, Jenny Michael and Heather Johnstone:

“It is my sad duty to report the passing of our beloved father, Ross Johnstone, born in 1929. Ross was educated at Cranbrook in the early 1940’s, and always remembered his time there with fondness. One of his pleasures late in his life was the reading of The Cranbrookian Magazine you sent him.”

Robin Reece Jones (OC 1950)
17 April 1933 – 8 July 2022

Robin Reece Jones (1950-1951) passed away on Friday 8 July 2022. He was a member of Rawson House and Captain of Boats 1951. Robin played in the First XV in 1950 and 1951. He served as President of the OCA from 1980 to 1983. He had two sons attend Cranbrook, Michael Richard Reece Jones (1970-1977) and Toby William Reece Jones (1971-1979) His two grandsons also attended the School, Andrew Richard Reece Jones (2001- 2007), Head Prefect 2007 and Harry Alexander Reece Jones (2003-2009).

Dr George Frank Hugh Stening (OC 1953)
20 October 1936 – 10 May 2022

The following is an excerpt from Frank’s obituary on the University of Sydney Cricket Club’s website, written by Max Bonnell. It is Frank’s recollection of his first season in First Grade for the club:

“It was daunting to be playing with and against names you had only heard of and not met. Grade cricket in those days was strong and you played regularly against the state players and internationals. Remember too, that NSW was virtually the Test side. And there were many grade cricketers as good as the internationals playing in the competition. In 1955 Peter Hall was our captain, a debonair and slightly eccentric architectural student/graduate. He would arrive at the cricket dressed in a Uni Blues blazer driving a vintage car or Bentley that stood out amongst the opposition, and us, especially at places like Bankstown.

He was unfailingly polite and a handy, but not brilliant, cricketer. My second game in First Grade was on the Monday of the long weekend against Manly at Manly and Keith Miller was captaining Manly. There was a decent crowd there to see Miller, who had been controversially dropped from the Test side. I can remember he strolled into our dressing room before the start not knowing any of us except Saxon and wanted to know our captain. Peter timidly, but very presentably, indicated he was, and Miller immediately demanded ‘do you want to bat or bowl?’ Peter responded that he thought we should toss to which Miller responded, ‘you bat’, which we did. They beat us by an innings in the day and Miller did virtually nothing other than to run me out. That was really how we were accepted in grade, and we ended the season not winning a game and having,
I think, one draw.”

To read more about Frank Stening, click here.

Tony Still (OC 1961)
25 January 1945 – 1 December 2022

We were informed of the passing of Tony Still (OC 1961) by classmate and lifelong friend, Anthony Du Vernet (OC 1961). Tony was a member of Street House. His Valete entry mentions that Tony was a member of the Second XI Cricket Team for the 1961/62 season and that he was the President of the Agricultural Society.

John Spender (OC 1952). Credit: Ryan Osland, The Australian.

John Spender (OC 1952)
2 December 1935 – 13 October 2022

Below excerpt from The Weekend Australian on 15 October 2022, sent to the School by Malcolm Dan (OC 1953).

“Former politician John Spender, the father of teal independent Allegra Spender and ex-husband of fashion designer Carla Zampatti, has died aged 86. His daughter, Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, announced the death on social media on Friday, saying he died on Thursday night.

A distinguished politician in his own right, Mr Spender was elected as member for North Sydney with the Liberal Party in 1980, a post he held for 10 years.

“He crossed the floor in his first term,” Ms Spender wrote on Friday. “There was an amendment that would stop witnesses in the National Crimes Commission being reimbursed for their legal costs. He felt reimbursement was needed for equal access to justice, so he voted with his feet. He was proud of it.”

Mr Spender served as a shadow cabinet minister in the 1980s. Appointed ambassador to France under John Howard, he was awarded a Legion D’Honneur for his mark on Australia-French relations.

“He is someone who reflected on the world, always questioned it, loved a good conversation, and was
gracious to the end,” Ms Spender wrote. “He was warm and generous, amusing and a good friend.”

Mr Spender is survived by his wife Catherine, and daughters Bianca and Allegra Spender.

Credit: Chloe Whelan.

Philip Wall (OC 1966)
29 September 1949 – 15 June 2022

Philip Wall of ‘Athelstone’ Wee Waa was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident at Wee Waa on the 15th June 2022. Philip attended Cranbrook as a boarder from 1957 to 1964.

In 1965 Philip attended Yanco Agricultural College and upon graduation returned to the family property at Wee Waa where he operated and developed the family farming operation until his death. Philip is survived by his wife Trish, his daughter Georgia and son Jim and 5 grandchildren.

Please forward all community news to Rebecca Curran in the Cranbrook Development Office
on email alumni@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.

Cranbrook WWII Honour Roll

The Development Office is currently researching the names on our Honour Roll, which honours Old Cranbrookians who lost their lives while serving.

As we have looked through our database, we are reaching out to those members of our community who have the same surname as those on the honour roll in the hope that there is a family connection.

Cranbrook will be holding a special Memorial Service for Remembrance Day on Monday 13 November and will be inviting family members of our servicemen as we unveil our new Honour Roll at the School.

If you have a family connection with any of the Old Cranbrookians below, please make contact with Melissa Berry in the Development Office on email foundation@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au

ADAMS, Francis John (OC’33)	MCMASTER, Ian Frederick MC (OC’27)
ARCHER, John Geoffrey (OC’27)	MEARS, Arthur Harold John (OC’34)
ARMSTRONG, Hugo Throssell DFC BAR (OC’33)	MIDLANE, Donald Lloyd (OC’32)
BEDKOBER, Lincoln Leopald (OC’28)	MOXHAM, Henry Warner (OC’31)
BOOTH, Anthony Felix (OC’36)	NUNN-PATRICK, Kenneth Brennan (OC’39)
BRITTEN, Frank Terry (OC’31)	NUTE, John Alfonso Adelong (OC’22)
BUCKLAND, James Reginald (OC’30)	O’BRIEN, John Ormond (OC’36)
CARTER, Anthony Edward (OC’32)	OGILVIE, Charles (OC’37)
CATER, Gerald Alfred (OC’29)	OGILVIE, Robert William (OC’32)
CATER, Rex Bowring (OC’34)	OSBORN, Andrew Francis Atterbury DFC (OC’33)
CAY, Maurice (OC’25)	OSBORNE, Henry Lawrence (OC’31)
CHALLANDS, Philip (OC’29)	PARK, Robert Bruce (OC’38)
COOLEY, Geoffrey Glover (OC’30)	PARKER, Thomas Dudley (OC’30)
COX, Barry Mortimer (OC’29)	PAROISSIEND, Bernard CK (OC’34)
DONNER, William John (Jack) DRM (OC’37)	PARSONS, Thomas Edward (OC’30)
ERRATT, Erle Hope (OC’24)	PETERS, Hamilton John (OC’35)
FLASHMAN, James Alan Froude (Alan) (OC’25)	PILCHER, Nigel Minter (OC’30)
FRANKCOMB, John Clarence (OC’31)	RABETT, Reginald Peter Anthony (Tony) (OC’33)
GAME, David RNVR (OC’32)	ROBINSON, Robert Stanley (OC’33)
GARLING, Leslie Chester-Master	ROTHE, Christian James Waldemar (OC’38)
GLASS, Bruce Barnett (OC’36)	SCOTT, Allan Murray (OC’41)
GOLDSMID, Peter Ernest (OC’30)	SIMPSON, Neill Macneill (OC’27)
GORDON, John Forbes (OC’34)	SKARRATT, Michael Carleton (OC’39)
HAVYATT, Harry Geoffrey (OC’36)	SLY, George Ian Mears MID (OC’37)
HOGAN, Frederick Nelson (OC’32)	STACY, Richard Lucas (OC’35)
HOLMES A COURT, Brian (OC’40)	STAPLES, Philip Stirling (OC’31)
HORN, John Read (OC’34)	STEPHEN, Campbell (OC’38)
JEFFREY, Horace Ewen (OC’31)	STEVENSON, James Walter Bryan (OC’32)
JEFFREY, Roderick Lionel (OC’28)	STRONG, Charles Frederick (Con) (OC’29)
JULIUS, Rex Lawson (OC’32)	TOOTH, Peter Nevil (OC’38)
KENDALL, Colin Franklin (OC’27)	TROPMAN, Francis William Gordon DFC (OC’30)
KITCHEN, John Edward (OC’34)	WALKER, Bruce Edmond (OC’33)
KLIPPEL, John Owen (OC’37)	WALKER-TAYLOR, Gregory Edwin (OC’24)
LEA, Reginald John Howard (OC’32)	WEEKES, Frank Watson (OC’28)
LOGAN, Rowland Leslie (OC’35)	WESTGARTH, Brian Dudley (OC’39)
MACARTHUR-ONSLOW, Andrew William (OC’35)	WESTGARTH, Donald Dudley (Tonny) (OC’32)
MACPHILLAMY, Owen Scott MID (OC’41)	WESTON, John Francis D’urban (OC’35)
MAREO, Graham (OC’33)	WHITE, Baden Keith (OC’41)
MARSDEN, William Garnett (OC’38)	WHITE, William Vyner Duckett DFC (OC’22)
MASSIE, John Hotham Hamon (OC’37)	WILLIAMS, William Mervyn (OC’35)
MCCALLUM, Robert James (OC’31)	WILSON, William Stuart (OC’34)

We’d like to thank those families who have already responded, outlining their connection.

Details of the event will be sent out shortly.

Notice of AGM 2023

Old Cranbrookians’ Association

ABN 26 455 921 942

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Old Cranbrookians’ Association will be held at Cranbrook School at 5 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, in the Governor’s Ballroom on Monday 11 December 2023 commencing at 7.30pm.

Business at the meeting is to include the following:
1) Confirm the minutes of the last preceding Annual General Meeting and of any special general meeting held since that meeting,
2) To receive from the Committee reports on the activities of the Association during the last preceding financial year,
3) To elect office-bearers of the Association and ordinary members of the Committee. Members are encouraged to participate in the OCA’s committee of management and your committee for 2023 welcomes nominations.

The OCA’s Committee of Management for 2023 looks forward to your presence at this year’s AGM.

More details will be forthcoming.

Reflections on a Brief History of the Old Cranbrookians Cricket Club

Alistair Harvey-Sutton (OC 1949)

1933 -2021

On the 30 September 1933, The Old Cranbrookians Cricket Club was officially established by the Old Cranbrookians’ Association, who had unanimously decided on its formation. They felt that it was time for the OCA to provide club cricket for their members. They noted that Neville Stacy and Richard Parker, both Grade cricketers and Old Cranbrookians, were prepared to build an Old Boys team for the Association.

The only match arranged that season of 1933/4 was lost but the side defeated the School in the annual O C A match on Hordern Oval in the February which led to a decision to enter the City and Suburban Association to play regular cricket. Two clubs sponsored this move, I Zingari and University Veterans and a full fixture list in the City and Suburban competition was arranged for 1934/5.

The club’s success in its first season was only fair but a strong group of regular players took shape under the captaincy of Neville Stacy who was a powerful opening batsman who made 738 runs that season. He was supported by good batting by Bruce Cutler who made the first Club century, Jim Stevenson, Dick Parker and Ian Mclaurin, John Weston, Jim Stevenson, Bruce Walker, and Norm Calvert led the bowling attack. Mclaurin and Cutler joined in a record opening stand of 189 which stood as a record till 1958.

Neville Stacy as President and Richard Parker as Secretary led an active committee who encouraged both the cricket and the Club’s the social life, such as the Annual Ball, held on 30 August 1935 with 180 guests in attendance.

The 1935/6 season was much more successful with twelve wins eleven losses and a draw against strong sides. 3433 runs were made in twenty-four matches and centuries were scored by Stacey, Cutler, and Clark. In this season the Club made its first country trip, on this occasion to Bathurst where two matches were played.

In the 1937/8 season the Club had the great advantage of the Headmaster, General Ivan Mackay, allowing the Club to rent a wicket at Dangar Playing Fields and using Dangar as its own home ground. This was of the greatest help to the Club.

In the last two seasons before the War, Barry Brooke and Ben Wall were the Secretaries The membership and the cricket were steady and the Club finished well before the number of enlistments of members after war was declared in September 1939, made it impracticable to continue.

It is sad that several members of the Club lost their lives during the war, including Jim Stevenson, John Weston, and Bruce Walker. They would surely be happy to see the Club in its established position and history today.

Post War – 1945- 1951

When the Pacific War ended in August 1945, the Club was naturally in a difficult position as the players had dispersed and no cricket had been played since 1940.

However, very soon Dr Dick Parker, Sid Croll, John Anderson, Ross Williams, and John Herman took steps to contact Cranbrook cricketers of the past and present, to form a Club team to play in the City and Suburban Competition, as it had pre-war. They arranged a fixture list for 1945/6 in the competition. Happily, a wicket at Dangar was again provided for the Club by the Headmaster, Mr. Brian Hone.

Mr. Hone, who had been Headmaster since 1940, had been appointed at a tough time for the school which had problems of student numbers and finance in war time conditions. Mr. Hone was a big man with quiet authority and was able to deal with the School’s problems and gained the confidence of the boys and parents. Within a year or so there was an increase in the school numbers despite the difficult conditions. I had been at school since 1938 in the Prep School, and well remember the school starting to win at cricket, athletics, and sport around 1942, as school numbers increased.

The Headmaster had played 1^st Class Cricket for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield before the war and used the excellent school cricket facilities and wickets at Hordern Oval and Dangar Fields to improve the school batting and play. He had a skillful ground -man in George Eccles who made great cricket wickets and had made Hordern a truly first-class cricket oval. Mr. Hone also gave personal coaching to batters of promise which was of great advantage to them.

He was also able, because of the excellence of the Hordern wicket, to invite Test and Shield players there to play against the 1^st Eleven and to practice in the nets as a means of coaching them and the school cricketers, with the best.

I still remember watching the great Keith Miller batting in the nets against the Test leg spinner Bruce Dooland who was able to turn the ball at speed. It was exciting to see Miller’s footwork and skill at playing this high-quality bowling. It was a great incentive for us to try to emulate Miller and Dooland.

The Headmaster also brought cricket into the School Prize Day in each school year by having after the prizes and speeches, the parents given afternoon tea to watch the last session of the 2-day match at Hordern Oval between the OCA and the School 1^st X. This match was a great occasion for the Club and the School

The Headmaster in these ways encouraged the standing of cricket in the School so that the boys were attracted to play the game and represent the School.

Mr. Hone ended his tenure as Headmaster in December 1950 at the same time as I ended my 12 years at the School. He was a great Headmaster. He steadied Cranbrook in wartime and built it up in the post-war years. He incidentally nurtured in me and my generation a love of cricket.

The Club 1951-1972

As the fifties opened the wartime restrictions had been lifted and society and the School were able to return to peacetime life. In 1951 the School looked to modernize and renovate its teaching facilities to service its increasing student numbers. The new Headmaster Mr Gethyn Hewan oversaw the progress of this program.

The Club too organised itself in 1951 with the Headmaster as Patron, the President as Dr Parker, the Secretary as Ross Williams, the Captain as John Sweeney, and the Treasurer as John Parker. They improved the organization of the Club with a new constitution, a printed report for each season, and records for its finance activities and play. They also initiated the Annual Dinner for Club members which proved to be a great unifier.

As the fifties progressed the Club team became based on my generation of Old Cranbrookians. Among others, Alan Johnston, Eddie Bosch, Brian Bavin, Jack Buchanan, Tony Barr, Kirkby Wilkie- Smith, Jim Angus, David Newgrosh, Peter Vicars, Bob Fleming, Michael Corlette, John Corlis, and Neville Gentle, became regular players and Club stalwarts. They were all 1^st and 2^nd eleven players who enjoyed playing cricket and being part of the team. The Club had a wonderful team spirit in its cricket. I was a regular player and became Secretary in 1953 after the retirement of Ross Williams.

With this new team spirit, the Club had increasing success on the field. We were fortunate to have Brian Bavin playing regularly as he was an outstanding all-rounder who had played 1^st Grade cricket with the Paddington Club. Brian had immense success on the field and led the team. Among his achievements he scored 15720 runs with 21 centuries and took over2205 wickets in his career with the Club.

Success in the field lead to a great increase in the number of players. By the 1956/7 season, 47 Old Cranbrookians had played in the season.

By the end of that season the number of players available led the Club officially entering a second team of younger players into the City and Suburban competition. Both teams, known as ‘’the Vets” and the “As,” each played matches on the Saturday afternoon with one team playing at Dangar, the other on their opponent’s grounds. There was also some Sunday cricket played at Dangar, including, in 1959/60, the first club match between the teams.

By the sixties, the Club was further strengthened by a number of new regular players from the School. The wide variety of the membership is shown by those who played in the yearly Club matches at the time. They include:

Jon Human, Alan Johnston, Brian Esquilant, Guy Dawson, David Dickins, Eddie Bosch, myself, Brian Bavin, Norm Corkill, Jack Buchanan, Michael Coper, Peter Bavin, Tony Barr, Frank Stening, John Sweeney, David Turner, Peter Meares, Kirkby Wilkie-Smith, David Newgrosh. John Mesley, Ken Love and Andy McShane.

All these players were of a high standard, but it is notably that Kirkby and David were the two best keepers the Club has had. David took 581 dismissals and Kirby, 481, in their careers

In these years, the cricket in the City and Suburban competition became increasingly competitive as the older Clubs like I Zingari, University Veterans, St George Vets and Scots Old Boys had a high percentage of experienced players while many of the Grade clubs themselves, such as Northern Districts, Gordon and St George had teams in the competition. There were also teams from banks and insurance companies which were well organised and played to win.

As the Club grew in succeeding years, the standard of the cricket and the amount of cricket rose. In 1952/3, there were 27 matches for 18 wins and 6 losses, in 1956/7 there were 37 matches for 25 wins and 4 losses, in 1959/60, there were 58 matches for 31 wins, and 4 losses, in 1964/5 there were 69 matches for 50 wins and 14 losses, in 1968/9 there were 90 matches for 54 wins and 26 losses and in 1970/1 there were 73 matches for 47 wins and 8 losses. In the 1969/70 and 1970/71 seasons the As were undefeated.

The Club expanded its fixture list on occasion in these seasons, to include country games in Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Canberra, Jervis Bay, Goulburn and Mudgee. The Club also played full day fixtures against the touring Cricket Club of India at Hordern Oval in 1962 and 1967.The tourists played several Test players in their sides, but the Club acquitted itself well in these gripping games

As the sixties was ending the playing strength of the Club was shown by the forming of the “Colts,” as the 3^rd Club Saturday side in the Competition. A fixture list was arranged, and the team began regular cricket.

In 1972 the Club played seventy-eight matches for forty-four wins and fifteen losses and had a playing roster of 60 Old Cranbrookians. In view of its playing strength the Club decided to attempt to begin organizing overseas tours, commencing with one to New Zealand later that year. At that time, the Club had, in addition to those players mentioned, other talented members including Jeremy Thiedeman, Jerry Roberts, Tim Cohen, David Brady, Jim Patterson, John Fairfax and James Maxwell. The Club’s playing strength was such that Brian and Peter Bavin, Peter Meares, Frank Stening, Tony Barr, Jim Paterson, and David Newgrosh had all played 1^st Grade cricket while Jerry Thiedeman was obviously of that standard to, having subsequently in his career, scored 14408 runs with 21 centuries and taken 593 wickets. He hit a season’s record of 1221 runs in 1974/75.

New Zealand Tour

That year the Committee asked Brian Bavin, who had exceptional organizational ability, to see if a tour against New Zealand clubs could be arranged. Brian was most successful and arranged a seven match 2-week tour in the North and South Islands for December 1972.

There was an enthusiastic response from the players and the Club touring party of twenty left Sydney on Boxing Day 1972.

The party consisted of Dr Parker, B Bavin, P Bavin, T Cohen, J Angus, K Love, J Thiedeman, R Hunter, J Angus, J Roberts, J Maxwell, J Singleton, J Morrow, J Human, M Bishop, A Barr, G Stacy, P Meares, D Brady and A Harvey-Sutton.

The Club was surprised in meeting District, not Old Boys, Cricket team on the tour but played well and all the matches were exciting and competitive. Both teams played to a high standard and for their country in each game. The cricket was very tense and even, but the tourists were able to return with a satisfactory record of three wins, three losses and a draw.

Each match was played on excellent wickets and the players were shown real hospitality by their opponents.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip, which included sight-seeing and entertainment.

The success of the trip encouraged the Club to investigate whether a tour to England could be organised.

England Tours

1975 – 2012

In 1974/5 the Club had a most successful season. The Club played seventy-three matches of which fifty-three won, six lost and eight drawn. The batting was extraordinarily strong with fourteen players scoring over 250 runs and a record 10 centuries being made. In the bowling nine bowlers took over twenty-five wickets each. It seemed appropriate to the Committee that a firm decision should be made to organise a tour to England if this could be done. This decision was encouraged by the advent of the big Boeing 747 jet which had recently reduced the cost of air travel, making it easier for the players to afford the cost of the tour.

Brian Bavin was asked to check whether in fact, such a tour could be organised in1975. He found the English clubs were happy to arrange fixtures for this Australian Old Boys team and sixteen full day matches in London and the south of England in July 1975 were finalised. July was used as it was known as the driest month in the English summer.

Apart from the cricket there was suitable accommodation and the use of cars for sightseeing for the tourists on this trip. These were Dr Parker, B Bavin, J Armati, P Bavin, R Thiedeman, R Hunter, J Maxwell, D Newgrosh, J Patterson, M Corlette, O Landell-Jones, P McWhinney, T Singleton, J Morrow, S Morrow, J Roberts, M Bishop, A Barr, D Brady, and A Harvey-Sutton. They were all looking forward to the tour and were a happy and unified group.

The whole tour was extremely enjoyable. All matches were played on fine cricket ovals and the team was given great hospitality by their opponents. Of the sixteen matches arranged, eight were won, three lost and five drawn. It was a good record. There was a real element of Australia v England in these games which made them extremely important and exciting. The tour was so successful that soon there was interest in touring again as soon as it could be arranged.

As it turned out, this tour of England attracted most of the regular players in the Club over the years so that in fact the Club toured England again in 1978, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1993, and 1997. The 2009 projected tour had to be cancelled due to the financial turmoil in Australia at that time. The 2012 short tour was unfortunately ruined by constant rain.

I toured from 1975 to 1986 and in 1993. On all those tours I could not have had a more enjoyable time.

The Singapore and Malaysia Tour 2016

The Club in April 2016 made a short tour to Singapore and Malaysia to play three matches including that against the Singapore Cricket Club. The tour was successful with all three matches being won and the tourists being given very kind hospitality by their opponents.

All the party enjoyed the entertainments and sightseeing they had and felt the tour to be a most happy time for them.

Club Cricket 1975 – 2000

Apart from the international cricket played by the Club already mentioned, the Club continued in these 25 years to play its cricket based at our ground at Dangar.

The Club continued to have a full fixture list with an average of fifty matches in each season in 1980’s and in the forties in the subsequent decade. The Club’s success continued through all these years with a high average of wins over losses. For example, in 1981/2, the Club had thirty-two wins, and seven losses, in 1984/5, 37 wins and four losses, in 1990/1, 21 wins and three losses, in 1996/7, 29 wins and five losses and in 1998/9, 29 wins and six losses.

The Club had many stalwarts in its ranks apart from those already mentioned in the earlier decades including, among others, Ronnie Johnstone, David Ulm, Tony McFadyen, George Clap ham, Ian Sinclair, Michael Halliday, Marty Green, Darryl Newton, John Lindsay, Andrew Doyle, Michael Doyle, and James Patterson.

There were of course many other find players in this period, including Rob Dickins, Alistair Little, James Bush, Alex McDade, Sam Macfie, Chris Lane, Hugo Pinsent, Matt Ramsay, Julian Levy, Alex and Christian Avramides, Ian Sulman, and Troy Warfield.

The dominate batsman in this period was Michael Halliday who in his career scored 14798 runs and 15 centuries. He topped the Club batting aggregate and average eight times between 1989/90 and1999/2000. He, Brian Bavin, and Jeremy Tiedeman have been the outstanding batsmen for the Club.

The Club continued playing a wide range of fixtures including as many as twenty against overseas touring side, many of them from England. Most of the English sides knew of the Club from its tours to England and it was a compliment that so many wished to come to Australia and play the Club.

The Club match at the end of the season remained a magnificent event for all of us.

The Club remained throughout these decades strong and unified and one of which we were all proud.

The Club Dinner

A feature of the social life of the Club has been the holding of an annual club Dinner at the end of the season. This black – tie Dinner has been held at the end of each season at the School Ballroom, and other venues, to celebrate the Club and its cricket. David Newgrosh has organised and presented the dinner with style and grace,

The Dinner has not only celebrated the Club but its connection with the School and the OCA. The Headmaster and the President of the OCA have always been invited as has the Captain of the School 1^st eleven.

A Guest Speaker has always been invited to talk on Cricket and of the Club in the cricket world. The Guest Speaker has often been a test player from the past and we have had such skillful players as Bert Oldfield, Tony Greig the England Captain in 1975, Martin Donnelly and Alan Davidson together with others from the cricket world as our Guest Speaker. An important aspect of the Dinner is the giving of the playing awards for those members who has excelled in the previous season. Several dinners have been organised for notable events in the Club’s career such as those for the anniversaries of the 50^th and 80^th years of the Club or for the 25^th anniversary of our first England tour.

The dinners have always been well attended with numbers rising to one hundred on occasion. They have always been one of the highlights on the Club’s calendar.

The Club House

The Club in 1968, fully funded the erection of a Club House beside our Dangar ground, consisting of a changing room, kit storage, a servery and bar, bathroom, and verandah. The architect was David Turner who was also a valued Club player. It was a great advantage to us for our cricket and social life. We were happy that the Club House was used for sport for the nearby Cranbrook Prep School.

The Club House was officially opened on the 3^{rd of} March 1968 when a match was also played against a select side from the teams of the City and Suburban Competition. It was a wonderful day for the Club, particularly as the match was won by the Club.

The Club House was updated in 1976 by David Turner as Architect and continued to prove adequate for all the Club’s needs.

The Club in the 21^st Century

The Club in the new Century, continued its fine record with many of its regulars still playing. It was strengthened by younger players from the School playing to a high standard. These included Tom Pemberton, Simon Baggot, David Parsons, Alex Wade, James Garvin, Michael Ashton, Hugo Marshal, James Marshall, Jackson Lemon, Cameron Haynes, Sebastian Schiavuzzi and Ryan Haynes. Simon Baggot, in 2006/7 scored 219 which is the highest total made by Club member in a single innings.

In this new Century changes in lifestyle started to impact the Club’s cricket. There was also a drop in the number of teams in the City and Suburban Competition. Grade Clubs ceased to have teams in the competition, as did banks and insurance companies who had been important teams in the past. The number of Clubs in the Competition dropped from about fifty to about twenty in the early years of the Century.

The Club was further affected by the School’s decision to build a new Junior School on the Dangar playing fields and old Rose Bay Bowling Club site. This necessitated in 2010, the Club playing its cricket on the wicket known as the “centre wicket ground” which was closer to the Woollahra end of Dangar. Subsequently the construction works at Dangar necessitated the Club playing at Hordern Oval or on our opponent’s grounds until completion of these works.

In 2012, the School gave permission to the Club to organise a relay of the centre wicket to ensure that it would be a competitive standard for use by the Club in the future. The Club fully financed this relaying work. At that time, a pavilion donated by the Will Ashton family, was built by the ground for the use of players of sport at Dangar. On completion of the new School at Dangar, the Club was permitted to use the centre wicket ground as its home ground on Sundays, and the pavilion as its Club House. The School used the ground and pavilion at other times.

The Club now has improved playing conditions with a new upgraded wicket, a full field, and an adjoining Club House.

The Club is very appreciative to the School for its important assistance.

Reflections on the OCCC

The OCCC has been an importance support to the OCA and the School by its cricket, and in the growth of the connection of the Old Boys with the School.

The Club, based at Dangar, has played in its career over a many hundred cricket matches, including those in Australia and on its overseas tours. There has been an extensive list of Old Cranbrookians who have played for the Club, including over two hundred whose cricket has been recorded in its batting and bowling averages. Club Old Cranbrookians have supported the School through the OCA, financially through the School Building Fund Appeals, other ways by the sending of their sons to the school. They have also assisted the School itself in other ways over the years and I remember Mark Bishop, when Headmaster, commenting to me that the School was conscious of the value of the Club, as a number of boys from country centres where we had played, had entered the School as their parents had been impressed by our conduct in those matches.

All the Headmasters of the School during the Clubs career have been Patrons of the Club and have given their practical assistance and encouragement to us and, by permitting the Club to use Dangar as its home ground. We are grateful to the present Headmaster, Mr. Nicholas Sampson, for his help in re-locating the Club field at Dangar.

The Club continues to assist the School and OCA, under the leadership of the President of the Club, Alistair Little.

The Club looks to the future with a formidable team with players of the calibre of James Pinter, Tom Mahoney, Hugo Martyr, Oliver Maxwell, David Christodoulou, Oscar Szangolies, Alec Lesmond and Ed Negus, available.

The recently completed season of 2021-2022 gave evidence of a bright future for the club as its all-round cricket rose to a higher level. This despite the disruptions to the season caused by outbreaks of Covid 19 which closed our ground early in the season and by the widespread persistent rain in the Sydney area. In all 11 of the 19 fixtures had to be abandoned.

The feature of the season was the Club’s success in the Jack Pace Shield Competition, which led to the Club being a joint holder of the Jack Pace Shield by season’s end.

The Club in the preliminary round of the Shield had victories including against I Zingari, Cricketers Club and Nondescripts. In the finals round, the Club had a dominant victory in the quarter final against Paddington and a close high calibre win in the semi-final against the current Shield Holders, Old Knoxonians

The Club therefore qualified to play the final against the Old Aloysians but unfortunately the continuous wet weather prevented play so that by agreement, the Club shared the Shield with them.

The batting of the team was very consistent and was led by Hugo Martyr and Ollie Maxwell, Tom Mahoney, and James Pinter. The bowling featured Jake Tierney and William Maddox among others and, was effective in every match. The out cricket was of a high standard and fully supported the bowling.

During the season, player support increased particularly among the younger players so that the standard of play of the Club rose. The Club can be confident in looking forward to success in future seasons.