2012 Reunion
Natives of Kyneton understand that although more noted for invigorating days it can be very hot as well. Old Boys will recall learning the poem “Underneath the spreading Chestnut Tree the Village Smithy stands”.
So that sets the scene for the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys. Commencing with Mass conducted by Father Barry Caldwell the short official proceedings took place in St Mary’s Hall and then a family get together underneath the magnificent spreading chestnut trees in the church garden rounded out a superlative day.
After many years as Vice President Arthur Clarke took the high office and will conduct the business affairs supported by David Ramsdale as Vice President who on unofficial occasions can still be known as Jack!! The rest of the Committee remains unchanged from last year and look forward to supporting the new President.
It took some while for mantle of high office to feel comfortable and for Artie to mingle, but once he hit his straps he went for broke.
The numbers were down a little from previous years but members of the Dempsey family were notable in the attendance as was Gerry Danaher who contributes greatly to our listing of past pupils. Gerry advised that he has been to see Brother Victor who said he is happy to be still thought about although he left the order.
Ill health and other commitments were the reason for apologies received. Father John Hegerty who is a missionary in Chile was in Australia but had family commitments in Perth. Mick Law and John O’Dea were both on the sick list. Danny Bowe, John Scott and Mick Halley had prior engagements that prevented their attendance. Brother Kevin Hoare is working in Alice Springs and also apologised for his absence.
Pat Clohesy donated the raffle prizes which were won by Mary Taylor, Kevin Sundbloom and Leo Law. Sales were initially slow but Jack Willmott and Leo Ramsdale who are probably in the Guinness Book of Records for raffle ticket selling made sure that all available tickets were sold.
So we close in on the seventy anniversary of the formation of the Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys we look forward to our new President and Vice President putting their year to good use.
The Annual Requiem Mass for deceased Brothers and Old Boys and their families will be held on Wednesday 8 February 2012 to be followed by the first Committee meeting not chaired by Roly who is now relegated to the back row!!
2011Reunion
The 2011 event was held on Sunday 30 January and the attendance was bigger than last year.
The management Committee was re-elected without change
Damian Vella found out about the Old Boys via our web site and had a busy day renewing acquaintances.
Brother Jordan travelled from Adelaide to join with other brothers and responded to the Alma Mater presented by Frank Walsh who was also celebrating his 80th birthday.
The day was an outstanding success and everyone who attended will have fond personal memories.
2010Reunion
Around 35 old boys attended the 2010 Annual General Meeting held at the RSL Club on Sunday 24 January 2010.
Jack Willmott asked to be allowed to relinquish his position as Secretary which was not disputed.
Pat Clohesy has accepted the position and his Brother Peter has joined the Committee.
No other management changes were made but John O'Dea has been elected as Bendigo Vice President
Many family members joined in the afternoon's proceeding which including a buffet luncheon and the traditional concert.
Michael Halley presented the Alma Mater and Brother Tom responded on behalf of the Marist Brothers
“God moves in mysterious ways”.
We have all heard the phrase “God moves in mysterious ways”.
On Sunday 25 January 2009 the parishioners of the Combined Catholic Parishes of Kyneton and Trentham were joined by members of the Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys Association [Old Boys] for their annual thanksgiving mass before the sixty-third Annual General meeting of the Association.
A member of the Old Boys John Hegerty happened to have taken a vocation and become a Columban Father and happened to be home in Kyneton from his parish in Lima Chile. John officiated at the Mass and to add to the mystique the Gospel for the day was Mark 1: 14-20………. As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him…….
Father John told of his experiences in Lima and clearly showed that there are still Fishers for People following Jesus direction to the Apostles. John’s parish takes in sixty thousand of the nine million inhabitants of Lima and covers twelve communities in the poorest part of the poorest part of the disadvantaged areas. Fifty percent of the people live in poverty 20% are unemployed and 60% are underemployed with little Government support. There is one hospital to cater for nearly two million people in a particularly violent macho society where domestic violence, robbery and assaults are rife. As well there is little understanding of nutrition and admixtures of food that leads to wastage and improper intake of the essential nutrients. [Quite often rice and potatoes are served together.]
The Columban Mission has developed a series of programs beyond the celebration of the mass and includes teaching the values of family life and how to respond as a parent or child. Youth programs focus on interpersonal skills specifically to break the gang mentality and street robbery with violence. The mission of the mission is to Proclaim God’s message by word and actions! Funding is difficult but John said a simple thing like contributing to the Far East magazine is a great boost……………details of the activities of the Columban Mission are at http://www.columban.org
A donation was made to Father John to assist in his work and although in Australia it would be “small beer” in Chile it will give a least one student a chance at tertiary eduction.
Remembering deceased brethren
It is traditional that after the festivities a special mass is convened at another time where people can remember those who have predeceased the collegiate.
Over the past years we have compiled much information including a list of names of past pupils and the thirty two Marist Brothers that have died.
The lists were compiled by the Committee Members and are far from complete but believed to correctly identify deceased mates! [One or two managed to have suffered premature death but corrections were soon made]
The list can be read on the web site or a printed copy can be provided if requested.
It would be appreciated if readers could check the names and advise of any additions or corrections.
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