Two Thousand and Twelve April Meeting On Good Friday, to ensure that our Church Rule about eating meat was not broken, a contingent attended Sankey Reserve Gisborne for the practice football match between Kyneton and Gisborne. Our reputation as graduates of Sos’ fish cooking classes preceded, us and we accepted the invitation to cater for the event. Chef de Mission Peter Clohesy advised that the multitude consumed 210 pieces of fish, 400 potato cakes and bag after bag of chips. [Loaves and fishes parable runs second] Over the years many students at the college came from Gisborne but very few have been part of the Old Boys gatherings. A number of our collegiate quelled hunger pangs and were reunited with mates. We expect that some may attend the next reunion! The fishing trip was discussed at length, cabins have been ordered, and some “strange bedfellows” identified. To pre-purchase food and reserve the cabins a deposit of $50.00 per head has been imposed. Unfortunately in past years a number of no shows on the day has caused some aggravation and overeating! March Meeting The March meeting was, in keeping with tradition, and to honour the memory of Johnny Biddlestone held at his son Gerard’s home in West Meadows. [Other son Steve also attended]. This was the first venture under the control of the new President Arthur Clarke who had similar navigational skills to his predecessor and bus driver Roly Sandilands. So the meeting was late in starting! The defibrillators have all been installed and covered in more detail under News Items. A minute’s silence was observed to honour Des Kelly and Ken O’Meara who had died recently. Our fame as fish fryers has spread and the Gisborne footy club asked if the people that cooked the fish at the Kyneton Good Friday game could do the same for them. It was agreed and the usual suspects are a subcommittee to organise the event. Leo Law raised the matter of the stove at St Mary’s Hall and if we could assist the Senior Citizens in some way. The matter was unresolved after much debate and will be for mention in April when Leo will report back on his continued investigation. Advice was received that Mick Crowe has resigned from the Committee. At the conclusion of the meeting a supper was enjoyed until it was time for the charabanc to depart. Artie thanked Gerard and Sharon for their hospitality to which an emotional response from Gerard where he gave us the “keys to the house in perpetuity” was delivered. February Meeting The annual Requiem Mass in memory of the Brothers and Old Boys and their families who have died over the years was held on Wednesday 8 February 2012. Thirty one Old Boys and parishioners turned out on the evening to acknowledge the deceased. Afterwards the February meeting was held at the Presbytery under the control of the new President Arthur Clarke. Some though that pressure of high office may cause Artie to defect, but he remained in control and will return again. Leo James Law has rejoined the Committee as a member. The defibrillators will be distributed now that the schools have resumed. January Meeting As we approached our sixty-ninth reunion meeting the focus was upon the organising of it and who was responsible for what!! The usual arge-bargey took place but President Roly kept strict control and it will be "all-right on the day". Peter Clohesy who hosted the meeting had his pot bellied stove alight and even in early January it was welcome. He had found a 30 year old newspaper that had a full page story about his brother Pat and a photograph of Jack Willmott. [both have aged as well as the steaks that used to be purveyed by Willmott the butcher] It was reported that our donation to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Primary School was acknowledged with thanks at the presentation to the graduating class of 2011. Some information about the Law brothers was given and is reported at News Items The incoming committee was discussed and will be ratified at the AGM. Two Thousand and Eleven December Meeting The year ended on a high note when it was announced that the school principals had agreed to accept our donation of defibrillators. They will be supplied to the schools in the New Year. We hope that they are never used, but one life saved will be massive return on investment. We honoured our commitment to Kyneton Football Netball Club and reimbursed their treasury for the amount paid for the unit installed at the Clubrooms. THE REUNION be held at St Mary’s hall or the parish gardens -------- still to be finalised . The RSL is unavailable due to the new management now serving lunchtime meals on Sundays. Cura Pastoralis Brother Tom Maher attended his last meeting as he has a transfer to Queensland. Brother Tom has been our pastoral adviser for many years and has regularly made the trip from Bendigo to attend meetings. His expansive and interesting address has always been a highlight of the meetings. Brother’s new address from late January 2012 will be: - MARIST BROTHERS COMMUNITY 82 MOOLA RD (PO BOX 82) ASHGROVE QLD 4060 November Meeting After a stormy trip up the Calder to Kangaroo Flat, under the guidance of pres Roly the Committee arrived at the home of Elaine and Jack O’Dea for the November meeting. President Roly had to rest so Vice President Arthur Clarke chaired the meeting. The provision of defriberltors to the schools is in the words of the late brother sunshine Vin Reardon “under control” The 2012 fishing trip to Torrumbarry is on the weekend commencing on Friday 18 May. Some discussion took place about the venue for the 2012 reunion. A decision will be made at the December meeting. It is opportune for those who attend to consider offering their services to assist the usual suspects who handle the catering and other duties. October Meeting The meeting commenced with an outstanding address by Greg Gibson of Emergency Response Kit the company that is involved with the supply of defibrillators. We have donated one to the Kyneton Football Club and a sub committee [Peter Law and Pat Clohesy] are to discuss with the Principals of the four Kyneton schools about them joining the program. The funding will come from the Shilliday bequest and in keeping with the terms of the legacy will be to “support the community of Kyneton”. The money had been previously allocated to the building of change rooms for the netballers but a tripartite funding scheme faltered and after more than two years of procrastination we withdrew our support. The rest of the meeting covered general business and we learned that Laurie Shearman died a few weeks ago. Other information about old boys is contained at News page. Brother Tom gave his usual comprehensive report including the names of the brothers who have died or are in ill health that are listed on a pray for us site at Fatima. Brother advised that Provinces are being closed all over the world as the Brothers withdraw from teaching and concentrate on missionary work. There are now 25 Provinces where only a few years ago there were 51. Changes are happening in Australia as well and we deduce that some Brothers may have difficulty with their vow of obedience. An attempt to move the fishing trip was defeated due to the calendar for 2012 not being favourable. Gracious in defeat, but as an aside Arthur Clarke advised that there is a Clarke [and Clark] Family reunion at the Mulwala Services Club on November 9. President Roly thanked Brian Patrick and “Mummy” for hosting the meeting and providing a magnificent supper. September Meeting There was a fair bit of discussion about donating some life saving equipment to a number of organizations in Kyneton. Debate was adjourned whilst Peter Law obtains some quotations and the Committee has a chance to consider the costs and ramifications upon our funds. August Meeting Members braved the cold of Malmsbury, but were warmly hosted by IRENE & LAURIE MARSHALL. The Last Person Standing added a reasonable amount to our bank account, but in these troubled times we may be called upon to assist a person in need. We applied for a grant from a supporting fund but were unsuccessful. Mick Law has started chemotherapy after having a major operation for bowel cancer a few weeks ago. He is in good spirits and determined to be hale and health before the Spring Racing Carnival. Many people in Kyneton are suffering illnesses that range from sniffles to terminal cancers. July Meeting The Fallon Family hosted the meeting and provided a sumptuous supper. The main matter under discussion was the Last Person Standing fund raiser and the return of monies and tickets. Mick Law is recovering from his recent operation but is unable to drive for about six weeks. The Senior Sergeant of Kyneton Police sent in a nice letter thanking the old boys for the firewood donation. It was suggested that each member puts a copy in the glove-box! Leo Ramsdale advised that a greeting card and small donation had been sent to Brother Hoare. He also advised that we had incorrectly identified Jim Leahey as Nipper when compiling our deceased old boys list.. Try as we may the residual form the fishing trip has not yet been gobbled up by Geo Adams. The sausage sizzle and the Casino Trip were both successful June Meeting Len Young hosted the meeting and took the opportunity to hand out tickets for the Last Man Standing event that will culminate with a days outing at the Pipers Street Hotel on Sunday 17 July. He also advised that an audit of the fishing trip selection competition revealed a surprise residual. The winner refuses to acknowledge that as a result of the undisclosed discrepancy that another participant is entitled to the first prize. Leo James Law will have his name inscribed on the Perpetual Fishing Trophy. Matters regarding the next fund raising sausage sizzle were discussed as was the annual trip to Crown Casino. “Frizz” Marshall was in attendance after a visit to relatives in Western Australia. Leo Ramsdale will send an official acknowledgment to Brother Kevin Hoare on his attaining fifty years as Marist Brother May Meeting The meeting was hosted by Jack Ramsdale but concentrating on the agenda was difficult as Jack's mum had baked the sponges and filled them with real cream. The letter received from John Chalmers has been dealt at the home page. Most of the meeting was taken up with the fishing trip. Subsequently it was found that some who "put their hand up" failed to turn up thus resulting in too much food being purchased. The last man standing will be held on 17 July. Before that the Casino Trip will be on 26 June. Sausage sizzles are on the agenda but dates not quite finalised. April Meeting The April meeting mainly involved jocular discussion about the fishing trip. Paul Plowman's niece was diagnosed with leukemia last year and is undergoing the usual treatment which must be horrendous for her and her family. Paul and Nick Adams undertook a “shaveathon” recently and raised a considerable sum of money to assist in the ongoing expenses. The ability of the Old Boys to help those of our community who are in necessitous circumstances is very limited as our funds are quite depleted. A couple of sausage sizzles and a “last man standing” are planned for the winter months. That is generally the time when our help is requested. We had a request via our web site from a lady seeking information about her father. Information about a person believed to be him was given and much appreciated. March Meeting The March meeting was the annual pilgrimage to Melbourne to meet at the home of Sharon and Gerard Biddlestone. General matters were discussed at length. The main concern is how to raise funds and some issues regarding the ability to conduct sausage sizzles on days convenient to us. A request for support from a family well respected in the community and whose members have contributed to the association for most of its existence was discussed. The amount of money available for activities was depleted by half when a donation was made. Jim Barron was not in attendance as he is in rehabilitation at Castlemaine after suffering a heart attack and ending up in Royal Melbourne Hospital on life support. Nick Adams and Pat Clohesy passed on the family's sincere thanks for support during the sudden passing of Delia, Nick's mother and Pat's sister. Leon Fallon advised that Laurie Muir his uncle on his mother's side died in 1 March 2011 and had been buried. Laurie was an Old Boy. February Meeting - After the annual Requiem Mass to commemorate the Brothers, Old Boys and family members who have predeceased us the meeting was hosted by Father Barry. In his address to the congregation Father reflected on the teachings of the Marist Brothers and how their indoctrination has remained with the Old Boys. Brian Fleming reported on the Mass, AGM and following festivities. 42 members re-enrolled which was only one up on last year. There were a few new faces at the Mass but overall the numbers are a “reflection of the times” Father Barry had not been at the AGM as he had attended family celebrations for his sister who had passed the Golden Jubilee date of her admittance to the Sisters of Mercy. [Father Barry has 43 years under his belt] The attendance of seven Marist Brothers including Brother Jordan who made a day trip from Adelaide was noted and acknowledged. A vote of thanks was passed to the catering staff and the use of disposable plates was noted. Jack Ramsdale advised that several attendees did not receive a meal but no explanation could be given. [The same amount of food as last year was purchased] Members passed a note of thanks to Elders for the donation of the boots that was the main draw card for the raffle. Jack Willmott advised that neither Sister Carmel nor Sister Madeline had been able to attend the AGM and also that Sister Carmel was leaving this week on a two year sabbatical. January Meeting The wrap up of 2010 took place at Judy and Peter Law's home on the night that four inches of rain fell and commenced the inundation of towns downstream along the mighty Campaspe river. Jim Barron was unable to attend as he has some health problems, Frizz Marshall was flooded in at Malmsbury and Flemmo was "here and there" attending to rising waters. Leon Fallon had visitors and Secretary Pat Clohesy was baby sitting, so Peter Law was not only our host but the scribe. In order to continue the "feeding of the multitudes" at the AGM and other events we invested in two new electric deep fryers. One was donated to the Football Club. Old Boys can hire the equipment on application to Peter Law [conditions apply]. The Committee standing for election at the AGM nominated and will need to be formally voted in. Funds are low with a substantial account for Insurance due to be paid and more drain on our resources during the year taking effect. The opportunities for fund raising during the year have been sparse. The annual subscriptions may not cover the luncheon so unlike the last two years a fee will have to be charged. Donations beyond the meal price would not go unnoticed. Leo Ramsdale sent the six living Brothers who taught at the school a Christmas greeting card. Two Thousand and Ten SPECIAL MENTION We donate weed killer to the Kyneton Cemetery Trust. The conditions of the grounds are exemplary and we wish to acknowledge on behalf of the Kyneton Community the splendid work done by Ron Cribbes, Barry Gray and Carl Neilson |
The first meeting for 2010 was held on Wednesday 10 February in conjunction with the requiem mass for the repose of the souls of all past pupils, brothers and families. The mass was well attended even though some localised flooding occurred in the town and district. The meeting was held after wards and Pat Clohesy under the guidance of the outgoing Secretary Jack Willmott managed to record the proceedings. March meeting The March meeting was held at the home of Sharon and Gerard Biddlestone at Westmeadows. As it is taxing on the President Roly who drives the bus he deputies Michael Halley to chair the meeting. The monies from the Shilliday bequest seem to be finally going to be used and will be transferred to Macedon Ranges Council in June. [See about us!] "WINDARRING" a school for the disabled now occupies the OLD SCHOOL. Bob Snelling a past pupil [whom incidentally has not attended a recent reunion] is the Maintenance Manager and asked for assistance to repair the stone fence [which some of us built as part of our schooling] and some landscaping. A size-able amount of cash was donated. Other general business was dealt with expeditiously! Frizz Marshall raised an issue about the dearth of local news in the local paper and mentioned the Flynn Brothers who had a significant coverage in other publications. April meeting The April meeting was held at the home of Jack Ramsdale but there was only the upcoming fishing trip raised as a matter of importance. There are only a few spaces left. The comprehensive list of old boys was discussed and further debate will ensue after members look at the records. It was advised that Barry Green is not deceased as previously advised but unfortunately John Merton and Robert Quigg were detected by John Scott and have been added to our deceased colleagues list. May meeting The May meeting was over swiftly as no matters of importance other than the fishing trip were brought to attention. June ,July and August Meetings The June meeting was uneventful but the July meeting was sombre as John Willmott a past Secretary had died on Monday and a sadness ensued. The August meeting was overshadowed by the death and funeral of "Packa" Clohesy and the record number who attended the service. John Scott's handling of the send off was mentioned a number of times. It was a fitting commemoration. The wood raffle and snag sizzle held on Saturday 10 July (outside Safeway's) will go into the record books as being the coldest sausage sizzle on record. The annual trip to the Casino was on Sunday 8th August....there were 32 gamblers but like all such events no one admitted losing or winning------particularly the latter. September Meeting The September meeting was uneventful except for the novelty of the Campaspe River in flood. On the evening of the meeting [8 September] the water was up to the edge of the road near Pat Clohesy's stables. October Meeting Much discussion about the ongoing unseasonable rain overshadowed general business but it was revealed that the sausage sizzle and wood raffle contributed to our dwindling funds. Pat and Peter’s Clohesy's nephew Nick Adams has joined the committee. November Meeting Nothing of general interest was forthcoming! December Meeting The "school bus" was used to move the assembly to Bendigo where the meeting was held at Jack O'Dea's home. The heavy rains did not dissuade anyone . The main part of the meeting was about Jack Willmott's health and Pat Clohesy's horse Colourbond. The former appears to be in better health than the horse. Rain and locusts effected the venue and the result which was not good for the punters! The 2011 reunion will be held on Sunday 30 January. The after mass AGM and family luncheon venue is still to be determined. Milestones 2009 The final meeting of the 2009 Committee of Management was held at the home of President Roly Sandilands on Wednesday 13 January 2010 During the past twelve months community support projects were paramount. Five milestones of achievement are: - The Association was the recipient of a Community Grant from Regional 1 Credit Union. Before the signature on the cheque was dry the full amount of the grant was handed onto a family needing assistance with travel for ongoing medical services. Three other families that were in necessitous circumstances mainly because of ill health were given monetary assistance. We supported our clergy particularly at Christmas time. Three opportunities were facilitated whereby firewood was donated to a member of the community. We gave our annual Achievement Award at Sacred Heart College and a diary to the graduates of year six at Our Lady of the Rosary school The recipients of our support were not necessarily associated with the Old Boys or the catholic community. Whilst our Catholic connections underpin our activities we have a non denominational attitude to the less fortunate. We jealously guard the identities of the community members that we assist. Our ability to assist all who come to notice is linked to our ability to raise funds. | 
