2011 Riverina Group Gathering

Over 60 members of the Shore Community including sons and daughters attended the Riverina Old Boys Group lunch in Boorowa last Sunday, 16 October 2011.

Held at the lovely home of Ron and Meg Merriman, parents of Harry (Year 9), those who attended were treated to a wonderful afternoon in the sun and an absolutely scrumptious lunch. The Headmaster Dr Tim Wright and his wife Sue, as well as OBU representative Rick Clive (68) and his partner Jocelyn Read attended the lunch.

Conveners Charles Oliver (72) and his wife Trish together with Gerald Bassingthwaighte (63) and his wife Annie did a splendid job in attracting the largest attendance seen at a Riverina function in more than a decade.

Dr Wright as the guest of the group addressed the gathering on activities involving the School including the development of the Graythwaite mansion and surrounding grounds as well as Stage 2 of the Northbridge development which is planned to be completed by the end of the 2012.

I spoke on all things OBU including the revamped website, the success of the Golf Day and Dinner held at Killara during the past week, forthcoming events on the OBU calendar and the recent success of a number of young Old Boys on the ‘sporting field’.   

The Old Boys’ Union and the School is indebted to the Riverina Group for their continued support of the Golden Boots Debating Award, held each year on the eve of American Tea.  This year the award was won by Tinashe Washaya from Muswellbrook representing Robson House.  The other three finalists were Harry Marshall (Kirribilli-School House), Jae Lee (Killara-Hodges House) and Hugh Morrison (Fairlight-Barry House).  All four young men debated well, with the adjudicators advising that they had a hard time in making their decision.

The Conveners along with the OBU would like to thank Ron and Meg Merriman for their hospitality in making their lovely home available.  Old Friends met again and new friendships were forged as a result of their hospitality.

This function now has a permanent date on the OBU and School calendar with the first Sunday in Term 4 now locked in.

In 2012 the gathering will be held on Sunday 14 October in Wagga Wagga at the home of David Stratton (76) and his partner Jo Mazzocchi.  Invitations will be sent out in early September 2012.  For those in the region we suggest that you make a note of the date in your diaries.

Rick Clive