Marist Brothers Darlinghurst Old Boys Union

Blue & Blue
Welcome to the third edition of your B & B for 2005.
Annual Mass & Dinner:

Notice is given in this issue that our big event for 2005 is to be held at St Patrick’s Church Hill and afterwards at The Bowlers Club of NSW, York St Sydney on Thursday 3 November. Please get in early by sending back a completed RSVP on the attachment. Mass is at 6pm and dinner 7 for 7.30pm.

From the executive:

Renewals of membership have been a tad slow this year. If you have not yet renewed, please do so using the attached form. We don’t want to lose any old boys through oversight.
The OBU Annual Luncheon held in July last was again a good day out. There were 26 in attendance – including several former Darlo teachers. Of note Fr John Andersen (LC ’63) was able to attend being in Aus for his father’s 90th birthday celebration. I have written about John’s work in Peru where he has been a “bush” Parish Priest for over 20 years. I have copies of an extensive article written about him in the Catholic Weekly a few years back and anyone wishing a copy should give me a call or e-mail to wasu14@yahoo.com.au . Your executive intends that we will assist Fr John with a small donation towards his work in Peru.
Also announced at the Luncheon was the news that St Joseph’s College has named a college building in honour of Br Michael Naughtin. Br Michael, a former Headmaster of Darlo was at the lunch and was of course chuffed at the honour.
Whilst on St Joseph’s College, you may not have heard that the new Headmaster of that College is to be none other than Mr. Ross Tarlington, current Head of Marist Canberra. Ross has attended our annual Dinners in the past and kept us up to date with features of the College that bears Darlinghurst’s colours and motto.

From the members:

Bernie Cannon writes about the passing of Br Francis (Patrick Joseph Donnelly) on 19 June last. Bernie and several old boys and former Darlo teachers attended his funeral. Br Francis taught at Darlo in 1950 and some will remember his keenness for a bowl in the nets and also his coaching of the premiership winning 8 stone team that year.

Old boy Ulf Fraser would like to contact Carl Rainer Weber (LC ’60). Anyone who can help can contact Ulf on 0419160961. Ulf tells he is now retired as Director of Operations at the RTA after a career of 44 years. Ulf continues on as Chairman of a company involved in road transport research both in Aus and SE Asia.

Whilst on Ulf, I noticed he picked up the prestigious Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. It was awarded for outstanding service, particularly at the RTA. The citation notes Ulf was Project Manager of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the M4 toll road and improvements to the Hume and Pacific Highways.
Eddie Wing (LC ’56) says he has retired for the 2nd time and lives in Bomaderry where he and his wife are involved in Nowra Parish activities concerning people with disabilities.

Another retirement of note is that of Fr. Ron Harden (LC ’44). He is living at Bexley and will continue to say Mass at our annual celebration and enjoy attending the Dinner afterwards.

Joe Hall was unable to attend our annual luncheon but kindly sent a donation to sponsor one of the religious attending. He tells us his surviving brothers Frank and Ted are seriously ill and asks that we remember them in our prayers.

Professor Desmond O’Connor writes to us from his home in Jandakot, WA. He is well “but wearing out” and notes Peter Dignam is at a low ebb. Desmond is re-elected for his 3rd term as President of the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation for Relief of Suffering in WA. He has been Councilor of the Foundation for over 25 years.

Phillip Dorrian (IC ’27) mentions he has attained 94 years and can no longer attend our functions but keeps up with news via the B&B. He doubts any of his time at Darlo are around (I think there are a few) and if any do wish to say hello to Phillip, he can be contacted through OBU Secretary, Larry.

Paul Finnane (LC ‘44) retired as prison chaplain in 2001 and is back in Adelaide remand centre in a program for seniors called “Live stronger, live longer”. Although agonising it is very rewarding and highly recommended he says. He was a classmate of Br Brendan Maguire who he notes was their A Grade winger.

Bill Barry (LC ’55) says he had a great time at last year’s annual dinner but was disappointed none from his year attended. He is keen that they recognize this year’s 50th anniversary of leaving Darlo. He can be contacted on 0298718749 or bill_barry@bigpond.com Bill Morgan of the same class says he is willing to come up from Tasmania for such a reunion if it is organized. What about it those of 1955???

Tony Zahra (LC ’61) has been in contact with classmate Darrell Sullivan who now lives in Port Augusta, SA. Darrell had a stroke a few years back but is recovering and would appreciate hearing from any classmates. Darrell or Tony can be contacted through OBU Secretary, Larry.

Warren Thomas
President