First Few Weeks in Robson House Ben and Tom Duddy

My brother, Thomas, and I started in Year 8 and Year 10 respectively at Shore this year.  We live on a property south of Tamworth where we have Angus cattle.  It was our decision to return to Shore to continue the long family tradition after starting our secondary education as boarders at the Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), in Brisbane.  Our dad was Second Prefect in 1983 and Robson House Captain for two years but it is the lifelong friendships, memories and stories that he recalls so fondly that we are now fortunate to experience first-hand.

Our Grandfather, Maurice, watched the Sydney Harbour Bridge being built from his room in Robson House and it gives me a real sense of belonging to now be in the same room looking out of the same window.  It is hard to believe that we have already been at Shore and a part of Robson House for three weeks.  From the moment you first enter Robson you sense from the outset a real sense of warmth and family.  Everyone from Mr. Walker and Mrs. Walker, Mr. Stocks, Mr. McGee and all of our fellow boarders have been very welcoming, inclusive and helpful and as a result you instantly feel a part of your new home away from away home. This has given both Thomas and I a real sense of belonging.

Shore has been very inclusive and welcoming and I spent the first ten days at rowing camp before my first regatta in Geelong.  Apart from half a dozen training sessions in an eight at Churchie dodging the City Cats on the Brisbane River I had never raced in an eight before as my age group are still in quads until the beginning of next year so it has been a steep learning curve.  This has been made so much easier by the support and encouragement from everyone involved the Shore boat-shed.  Thomas has enjoyed being apart of the 14A’s water polo team but cannot wait for the rugby season to begin.  Thank you to everyone for making us feel so welcome and we look forward to enjoying everything Shore and in particular Robson has to offer.