Marist Brothers Darlinghurst Old Boys Union

Blue & Blue
Here we are in May already with another edition of the B&B. First of all thank you to those who have renewed their membership of the OBU for 2003 (about 100). For those who have yet to do so, the committee has decided to continue on with a mail out to the full list of 350 names we have for the time being. Please renew if you have yet to do so. Thanks also to the 40 odd who have advised an e-mail address – this will save us mailing costs.

Attached (again) is a membership renewal form which also includes space for some feedback from you, our members. It also serves as a nomination form for the annual senior members’ luncheon. Please attend to this booking so we can finalise the catering arrangements. The venue is the NSW Bowlers Club in York St, 12 PM 26 June (see the attached for nominations). We expect it will be a luncheon to remember and encourage all who can make it to do so – don’t be put off by the “senior members” tag, it is open to all who wish to attend.

Vale Br Fergus McCann. The passing of Br Fergus some weeks ago was marked by a Requiem Mass at St Gregory’s College and burial at Marist Mittagong. Many of you will remember with fondness the quiet humility which marked this former Headmaster straight A’s. He was at Darlo in 1955/56. May he rest in peace.

News from the membership:

Br Cassian writes from Marist Ashgrove, Qld with some interest information about spiral staircase construction techniques. Space precludes a full re-print here but suffice to say they are an engineering “miracle”. Those of us who raced up and down on a daily basis might think it a “miracle” no one was seriously hurt over all those years. Anyone got a story about the staircase they would like to share? Drop me a note.
Fr Ron Harden writes in support of the association with MBC Pearce and suggests some form of prize in the name of Darlo for scholastic achievement. We will take this on board. If your generous donations keep up we will certainly be able to do some good things in the name of Darlo.
Bill Morgan (LC ’55) would like to get in touch with any classmates of that era. He lives in Bicheno, Tas and can be contacted on 03 6375 2045.
Len Woods sends best wishes to the OBU from Glenn Waverly, Vic. He has been out of NSW for some 36 years and would appreciate a line from Darlo classmates. (03 9560 3793).
Ken See’s wife Enid tells us of the passing of Ken and before him his good school mates (LC ’38) Ted Musgrave, Jim Ryan, Ned McGrath and Tony Dignam. Enid also lets us know her son Peter and a grandson attended MBC Pearce between 1969 and 1992 – a long association. Enid will stay on our mailing list at her request and we thank her for staying in touch and her kind donation.
Fr Ian McGinnity, PP of Quakers Hill, has made contact on behalf of his father,
Bruce, ((LC .

Blue & Blue cont

Fr Ian McGinnity, PP of Quakers Hill writes to tell of his father, Bruce (LC '45). Bruce is not so well lately (Alzheimer's) but would gladly attend the luncheon if someone could provide transport. Ian sees dad weekly and reads him our B&B from time to time. Anyone who can help could contact Fr Ian at the Parish House on 9626 3326.
Bill Kirwin (LC '47) tells us he was pleased to catch up with classmates at last year's OBU dinner, including Jack Keating, Ferdy and Bruno D'Adam and Bill Brennan. He fondly remembers their proud membership of the '47 Darlo Rugby League team.
Rob Quinn (LC '64) sends us best wishes for the future of the OBU. He is happily entrenched in Gerringong with two of his four children still at home. He lays claim to being the oldest Rubber Ducky driver in NSW when patrolling Gerringong Beach for the local surf club. He also has interest stemming from his days at Darlo in swimming, touch footy, local and state politics as well as new interets like flying fixed wing aircraft and lots of travel.
The above spurred my memories of the Quinn boys who I seem to remember lived in a big white house on the hill in South Maroubra.......and some other memories that will have to wait until Rob is able to attend one of our functions and we can share them over a quiet ale.

That's it for this edition of the B&B. Remember, the more you inform us, the more there is to share.

See you at the OBU Luncheon,

Warren Thomas