A Virtuous Shore Cycle
A Look Into The Shore Old Boys Union
T. G. George
EARLIER THIS WEEK, a group of Year 10 Robson students were mucking around on the Old Boys Terrace. An instinctive Mr Reid caught them red handed and set down a creative punishment. The eight boys were to each read a speech in front of the House at roll call, detailing the history and significance of the Old Boys Union (OBU). Specifically, they had to research the creation of the OBU, a building funded by the OBU, and one member or past member of the OBU.
By 7.40pm on Thursday night, after hearing eight iterations of the same speech (I don’t know how the Year 9 History teachers cope), I had a pretty solid understanding of the OBU and a newfound appreciation.
The OBU was formed following an Old Boy’s Football Match in 1894. The Memorial Library, now the Upper Teachers’ Common Room, was the first building project supported by the OBU. If you have ever daringly crossed the forbidden veranda, you may have noticed the beauty of that quaint room. More importantly, that building, as well as the War Memorial Hall and the Chapel, commemorate the bravery of the Shore Old Boys who have fought for our country. When we sit in those Chapel seats or ascend into the WMH, we should all feel immensely proud about their service and acknowledge that the prosperity of the School is a credit to those before us.
South African War Memorial Library 1911
The Shore Old Boys Union, or more generally being a Shore Old Boy, bears even more fruit than just the buildings funded. This sentiment became obvious to me when I attended the 2023 HSC Tribute. Of course, the results were outstanding, but what stood out to me was the camaraderie of the boys returning to the School. They looked genuinely excited to be back and were in sprightly attendance at House meetings. Within just three months, the class of 2023 has already had a reunion of sorts, ensuring that the connection to the School is perpetual.
This everlasting relationship is evident by the array of relatives that have attended the School, and chosen the same path for us. For me, this was my grandfather, Jock Robertson. He was a Boarder from Lismore, in School House, from 1958 to 1963. His journey at Shore was characterised by many ups and downs, but he now looks back at his Senior years fondly. Along his journey, he met Tim Kierath, a fellow Boarder in School House, his best mate for the past 50 years. They are now both members of the OBU.
As I endeavour through the final months of my 6-year stint at Shore, I am relieved that when I pack up my room and bid farewell, my connection to Shore will not cease. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here, and I hope to implement the same sense of service and generosity that Shore has taught me into the betterment of the School for future generations. Vitai Lampada Tradunt.