Class of 1946 – 60 year reunion.

DIAMOND JUBILEE REUNION

Sub-Junior 1943; Junior 1944;
Sub-Senior 1945; Senior 1946

Report prepared by Lawrie Cusack

Members of the 2006 Diamond Reunion gather on Ross Oval - 15 August 2006

The Diamond Jubilee of the 1943-46 group of Nudgee Old Boys was celebrated at St Joseph’s Nudgee College on Assumption Day -15th August 2006.

The tyrannies of ill-health and distance precluded many of the Jubilarians from attending the celebrations and their apologies were duly noted. Those in attendance were Ken Connolly, Fr Martin Doyle, Dennis Flannery, Brian Healy, Keith Killin, Br Len Marshall cfc, Tim McEniery, Keith McGown, Tom McVeigh, Ray Murray, Bill Nicholson, Frank O’Driscoll, Frank O’Hara, Alex Shearer, Br Des Stewart cfc, Reg Stewart, Jim Walker, and Frank Yong-Gee.

Celebration of Mass in honour of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady marked the beginning of the day. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Bernie Thomas OFM and Jubilarian, Fr Martin Doyle. A special altar was erected on Ross Oval and the whole College Community of students and staff, together with the Jubilarians, was accommodated in front of and in the Grandstand. Singing was led by the College Choir.
Following the Mass the Jubilarians joined other guests invited by the College at Morning Tea served in the Old Boys’ Chapel Mall.

Present College students, Will Nicholson, youngest son of Jubilarian Bill Nicholson, Damian Riggall and Chris Beevers accompanied the Jubilarians on an extensive bus tour of the College which ably demonstrated some of the many changes which have taken place at Nudgee over the past sixty years. Old Boys took great pleasure in seeing such facilities as the athletics track, multi-purpose conference centre, Nudgee International College, McKennariey centre, the golf course, swimming pools, Senior Residence, Nitec, the flats and, not least of all, the College vineyard. They were treated to observe the teaching in progress of a Year 11 class.

A Buffet lunch catered by the College and served in Ryan Hall was greatly appreciated by the Jubilarians. Br Vic Larkin cfc, Community Leader of the Brothers’ Treacy residence was a guest at the Jubilee reunion as were President of NCOBA, Michael Waldby and Editor of Signum Fidei, Jim Gray. Fr Martin Doyle led the recitation of Grace. Principal of Nudgee, Mr Daryl Hanly, in proposing a toast to the Jubilarians complemented them on the way they protected, developed and passed on the traditions and ethos of Nudgee. He assured them that Nudgee continues to strive earnestly to cultivate and produce men who will be true examples of the College motto “Signum Fidei”.

In responding to the toast Dr Alex Shearer spoke with deep sincerity as he expressed on behalf of his confreres their thanks and appreciation for the education and Christian example given to them by the Christian Brothers and Nudgee. Alex advised that Br John (Louis) Edwards whom he met as a student at Nudgee in 1943 died in Clayton in Victoria on 14th June. Alex and Br Edwards had regularly corresponded and Alex had met with him on many occasions in Melbourne. He had been a great influence on their lives.

Tom McVeigh moved a vote of thanks to Lawrie Cusack which was carried with acclamation.