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THE TIES THAT BIND

Old Sydneians continue to reunite and rekindle their friendships, forged during their school years at Grammar.

 

50 years of Grammar Football

On Saturday 3 August, the School acknowledged 50 years of Grammar Football at Weigall. Several members of the original 1974 team and former players and coaches watched the current First XI defeat Newington 4-1. They all then proceeded to the Weigall Pavilion to hear speeches and mingle. The ‘Originals’ proceeded to a Paddington pub for the afternoon and the stories got bigger and better! Such was the enthusiasm that a WhatsApp Group was immediately created and photos were swapped.

Pictured: Members of the inaugural First XI with Coach Mr Don Schumacher reenacting their original photo from 1974

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OSU London Branch Centenary Dinner

On Thursday 23 May the OSU London Branch celebrated its centenary with a dinner at the House of Commons following drinks on the terrace overlooking the Thames. Dr Richard Malpass (OS 1994) and Dr Ralph Townsend (Headmaster 1989-1999) sat down with fifty-two Old Boys. Dr John Vallance (Headmaster 1999-2017) sent his warmest regards. Dr Malpass read the 1924 sports results including Boy Charlton (OS 1922) winning medals in the 1500m, 800m and 400m freestyle at the Paris Olympics 1924. Dr Townsend explained the challenges of following the legendary Alastair Mackerras (OS 1945, Headmaster 1969-1989) and Adrian Jack, the President (OS 1980), proposed the Loyal Toast. Ian Brett (OS 1958, Secretary until 1994) and James Aitken, the current Secretary (OS 1988) spoke. Max Davis, the youngest attendee (OS 2019), proposed the toast to the School and Union.

Old Sydneian in the spotlight

Chris Oakley (OS 1975) is descended from Edward Pratt, who in 1857 was the first Mathematical master at Sydney Grammar School.

Chris, a retired veterinarian, in accordance with his late mother’s wishes, kindly presented the School with a teapot set that dated back to before Edward’s time. The sterling silver teapot hallmarks show it was made in 1803 in Dublin and embossed with the Pratt family crest. It was passed down to Chris by his mother Nance and his uncle Colin Sefton (OS 1938), who held the GPS 100-yard sprint record for many years. This generous donation is now on display in the Archives Museum at College Street.

Pictued: Chris (centre) with his old schoolmates Rod Mitchell (left) and Steve Gonski (right)

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Class of 1964

The 60-Year Reunion was held on Friday 30 August at the Weigall Pavilion.

Class of 1978

Several 1978 Old Sydneians enjoyed lunch at the Tattersalls Club on Friday 31 May.

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Old Sydneian in the spotlight

Otto George (Tony) Fox, who played one rugby Test for Australia in 1958, is our School’s oldest Wallaby and currently the third oldest rugby international. He attended Sydney Grammar from 1944-46 but had to leave school early due to family circumstances. Jim Cattlin (OS 1961) presented Tony with a copy of his book ‘Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby’ and a replica Waratah cap, which Steve Johnson (NSWRU) provided.

Pictured: Tony Fox wearing his Waratah cap and displaying his Wallaby one.

Old Sydneian in the spotlight

Izac Carracher, who left Sydney Grammar School in 2017, represented Australia in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics. He competed in the beach volleyball with his playing partner, Mark Nicolaidis, making them the second youngest male beach volleyball team to ever contest an Olympics.

Class of 1974

The 50-Year Reunion was held on Saturday 7 September at College Street.

King’s Birthday Honours 2024

Congratulations to the following Old Sydneians:

Member (AM) of The Order of Australia for significant service to the law, particularly through international arbitration and dispute resolution Mr Daniel Robert Meltz AM (OS1987)

Medal (OAM) of The Order of Australia for service to the community, and to acoustic engineering Mr Roger Charles Wilkinson OAM (OS1951-2)

Have your contact details changed?

For more news on Old Sydneian events, to sign up to the Old Sydneians’ e-Newsletter, or if your contact details have changed, please contact the Alumni Office at:

alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

or call (02) 9332 5843

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Sydney Grammar School

College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia

Phone: (02) 9332 5800

Edgecliff Preparatory School

Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia

Phone: (02) 9366 0100

St Ives Preparatory School

Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia

Phone: (02) 8302 5200

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