Old Sydneians’ Newsletter - Volume 36

The Grammar community are coming together on Saturday 10 August to celebrate 150 years of rich rugby history.

We are pleased to have Dr V’s Swing Thing performing live. A number of our rugby greats will be present with stories to tell, including David Kirk and Bob Egerton.

Make contact with your Grammar friends and book soon.
RSVP is essential by Wednesday 24 July.

Enquiries

Sydney Grammar School Community Office
community@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Book tickets here.

Here’s a short message from the Headmaster, Dr Richard Malpass

As the first half of 2024 comes to a conclusion, I am particularly excited about past and future events. 

The OSU saw the launch of a new Grammar in Business Network; an informal symposium by Sydney Grammar School industry leaders for those who are aspiring. The evening was held at Hickson House Distillery and featured brothers George (OS 2007) and Lambros Photios (OS 2010). We are excited about this initiative and are eager to formalise our next one, so please stay tuned.

The OSU also held our inaugural recent Leavers’ Event for Old Sydneians, who finished in 2022 and 2023. At the Phoenix Hotel in Woollahra, we welcomed our newest members and workshopped new ways of engagement and support for our alumni. It was great to see so many new faces.

The second half of the year will be busy for the Old Sydneians with highlights as follows:

Saturday 3 August - The celebration of 50 years of Gramar Football (Soccer) at Weigall

Saturday 10 August - ‘Back to Weigall Day’ recognising 150 years of Grammar Rugby and a Rugby Dinner in the evening (see details above).

Wednesday 21 August - The Great Debate in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre

Thursday 19 September (TBC) - OSU Annual Event

October (TBC) - OSU Golf Day

There will also be additional Grammar in Business Networking events. The OSU is still planning a mentoring program and we continue to make inroads towards implementation.

Our London Branch recently celebrated their centenary with a dinner at the House of Commons. A big thank you to the President Adrian Jack (OS 1980) and his committee for hosting and celebrating such a milestone.

An apology must go out to Michael Stephens (OS 1961), whom I omitted from the list of Old Sydneians winning awards on Australia Day. Michael was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to primary industry, and to the community. Our sincere congratulations, Michael!

Recently the King's Birthday 2024 Honours List was published, and I can proudly announce:

• Mr Daniel Robert Meltz AM (OS1987) was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the law, particularly through international arbitration and dispute resolution.
• Mr Roger Charles Wilkinson OAM (OS1951-2) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community, and to acoustic engineering.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at a number of our events in Term III, particularly the milestone occasions for Sydney Grammar School’s Rugby and Football Clubs respectively.

Nick Manettas (OS 2009)

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 Secretary (OS 1988) spoke. Max Davis, the youngest attendee (OS 2019), proposed the toast to School and Union.

Neil Layton (OS 1978), Richard Basil-Jones (OS 1978), Chris Lever (OS 1978)

On Saturday 15 June several of Alf Pickard’s friends, colleagues and pupils gathered at Weigall to acknowledge his passing. A container bearing his ashes was placed beside a plaque near the rugby grandstand.

Former masters Gordon Cooper, Brian Jones and Geoff Simmons

The 2024 GPS Gold Challenge will be held on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October. The Challenge is a reunion of the nine GPS schools held every two years for students approaching/just turned 50. This year the classes of 1991 and 1992 will have the opportunity to come along and take part in rowing, golf, shooting, tennis, indoor cricket, basketball, touch footy, football, athletics and swimming followed by a debate and dinner on the evening of the 12th at Newington College. The sporting is more social than serious, just like the sideline banter and the event also raises money for the Redkite Foundation.

For more information visit www.gpsgoldchallenge.com.au or reach out to Tim Stoyles (OS 1991) (tim@sydneywyde.au) or Angus Boyd (OS 1992) (angus@angusboyd.com).

Friday 30 August – 1964 60-Year Reunion Lunch, Weigall Pavilion (Convenors: Peter Gibby, Col Rooke, Mark Fesq)

Saturday 7 September – 1974 50-Year Reunion, School Tour then Venue TBC (Convenor: Simon Furber)

Friday 18 October – 1984 40-Year Reunion Lunch, North Bondi Surf Club (Convenors: Matt Toll, Jon Isaacs)

Friday 18 October – 1994 30-Year Reunion, School Tour, The Rawson at the Rocks (Convenors: Jon Tindall, Guy Keller)

Saturday 19 October – 2004 20-Year Reunion, School Tour and Big School Cocktail Party (Convenors: Leon Dier, Harry Lehmann, Theeban Rubasingham)

Saturday 26 October – 2014 10-Year Reunion, Big School Cocktail Party (Convenors: Joshua Kovoor, Harry Godber, Sonat Erozan)

Wednesday 13 November –1950-1957 Annual Lunch, AMT Foyer

Saturday 16 November – 2009 15-Year Reunion Gathering, Venue TBC (Convenor: Nick Manettas)

Saturday 23 November – 1969 55-Year Reunion Lunch, Royal Automobile Club (Convenor: Doug Wood)

2019 5-Year Reunion Gathering, Venue TBC (Convenor: Peter Taurian)

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

Left to right: Kymbal Dunne, Bill Hocking, Tim Saul, Rob Glen, Brad Bell, Richard Barnes,
Andrew Blackman, Chris Chapman, Tim Lumsdaine, Andrew Blair, David Harle, Rob Carrick,
Peter Bennett, Alistair Johnson and Grant Leddie

Rugby

The official AAGPS season has commenced. Our First XV beat The King’s School and St Ignatius’ College but lost in the wet to St Joseph’s College.

‘Back to Weigall Day’ is on Saturday 10 August and our First XV will be playing Sydney Boys High School at 1:00pm. 

Football

After three rounds, our First XI recorded two draws and a wash-out.

On Saturday 3 August they will be playing Newington College from 10:30am. An acknowledgement of 50 years of Sydney Grammar School Football (Soccer) will take place after the match around midday in the Weigall Pavilion.

Ithaka Lectures

In Term III there will be two presenters:

Wednesday 7 August: Simon Tedeschi  

Wednesday 12 September: Dr Elizabeth Farrelly  

Major Music Events for Term III

The Term III Concert A will take place on Thursday 1 August at 6:30 pm in the John Vallance Hall. It features many different musical groups as well as the senior bands from both St Ives and Edgecliff Preparatory Schools. Admission is free and limited parking will be available on the Middle Playground from 6:00pm.

If you would like to be on our VIP list and receive invitations to all our Grammar events, please contact community@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

Dr John AL Lee FAHA (OS 1959) has been awarded the DD degree by the University of Cambridge, the highest degree that the University offers. There has been only one previous Australian recipient, Dr Eric Osborn FAHA (1922–2007).

Phil Garling AM (OS 1971) is the President of the Sydney Rugby Union, the governing body that oversees the Shute Shield. He is also a director of NSW Rugby and was the President of Water Polo Australia. Another Old Sydneian, Tony Crawford (OS 1973), is the Chairman of NSW Rugby.

Pictured above: Phil Garling (OS 1971) with UK PM Tony Blair

Pictured above: Tony Crawford (OS 1973)

Graham Walker (OS 1971) was awarded the RNSW Official of the Year at the recent Rowing NSW Presentation Dinner held at the Sydney Rowing Club.

Pictured above: Graham Walker (OS 1971) with Torquil Murray (OS 1970)

BRIG Hugh Meggitt AM CSC (OS 1988) recently visited the US where he was awarded the Legion of Merit by the Commander of Special Operations Pacific. Hugh has also been awarded the Australian Conspicuous Service Cross, United States Army Commendation and Joint Task Force Commander’s Commendation. He was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2023. Hugh was our guest speaker at the School’s Anzac Assembly on Friday 1 May.

James Cryer (OS 1963)

James is the fourth generation of his family to work in the print industry in Australia, his great-grandfather having established a small printery in Sydney in 1903.

After leaving Sydney Grammar School, James joined the family business, WJ Cryer & Co Ltd, a public company which became the first to produce self-adhesive labels under the “Avery” brand, back in the 1960s. After the business was sold, he set up his own packaging consultancy, Project Packaging, and later became the CEO of one of Australia’s leading label printing companies, Pemara Labels.

Almost 30 years ago he set up a recruitment business, focussing on the print and packaging industries, JDA Print Recruitment, which is still flourishing with offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

James has been married now for over 50 years, and he has three children and six grandchildren. He is still a keen jogger (having trained with former headmaster, Colin Healey), and is actively involved in a number of print associations, including the Penrith Museum of Printing (PMOP).

In 2014 he discovered a diary, written in 1913 by his grandfather, whom he had never met. This lavish coffee-table book is the result. It is printed in Australia, and available online by simply googling the title, The Romance of Letterpress.

Ken McMahon (OS 1976)

Ken McMahon (OS 1976) studied chemical engineering at the University of Sydney. He moved to Switzerland in the 1980’s and worked for most of his career for a Swiss chemicals company called Lonza. Ken now has his own consulting business and lives with his family in Zürich.

Since his early experiences with the Endeavour Club, Ken has been a keen rock climber, mountaineer and skier. In the early 1990’s, Ken undertook the very challenging Mountain Guides course and qualified as the first non-Swiss Mountain UIAGM Guide there. He is also the first Australian to gain this qualification and still takes clients on ski mountaineering trips in the Alps.

More recently, he took up swimming after a break of over 40 years and has gradually progressed to the elite levels in Masters competitions. After winning the European Championships in open water swimming in Madeira 2023, he entered the 2024 World Masters Aquatics Championships in Doha in February. He gained the following results in the 65 – 69 age category: Gold medal in the 3km open water race, silver medal in the 800m, 400m and 100m freestyle and bronze medal in the 50m freestyle.

Keeping the sporting family tradition, Ken has two daughters who row internationally for Switzerland.

Remembering the School Swapshop

Here is an extract from the short history of the SGS Swapshop (1963-mid1970s), compiled by Doug Walker (OS 1965), with help from Andrew Jakubowicz (OS 1965) and Tim Rogers (OS 1967).

The idea of the Swapshop appears to have originated from Andrew Jakubowicz’s mother, who noticed the increasing costs of fitting out a growing boy. She suggested that there should be a mechanism through which school suits and perhaps other items of clothing in good condition which boys had outgrown could be made available to younger (or at any rate smaller) boys. 

As a result, a proposal for a “swap shop”, where boys might buy and sell used textbooks and articles of clothing, was first formulated in April 1963. The Headmaster Colin Healey agreed and in June 1963 the Swapshop – Clothing Division opened in what was then the annex to the Science Room 11. The inaugural Swapshop Committee comprised of Form IV boys - Andrew (now Professor) Jakubowicz, Paul Weaver, Paul Frisby, Doug Walker and Martin Williams (who was also an Assistant Master at Grammar for a period in the early 1970s but is sadly now deceased). The Modern Languages master Don Carr, who also looked after Tutor Group 8 next door, held a watching brief over the operation. 

Items were accepted for sale on a consignment basis, with the Swapshop taking a commission, generally in the range of 12 to 20% of the asking price. All items of uniform, including sports clothes, were accepted for sale (except shoes). At the beginning of Term 3, September 1963, business was extended to textbooks, and the shop was open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:25pm to 1:00pm. By 1965 Swapshop hours had been extended to before school (8:40am to 8:55am) and every day at lunchtime.

In 1964 it was reported that £160 was paid to boys who had sold items through the Swapshop. Profits were spent on upgraded facilities, and donations were made to the Headmaster’s Fund and Service Committee, while some items of used clothing were donated to the Smith Family. From early 1964 the Swapshop started to sell a range of new stationery items at competitive prices, an innovation which proved very popular. 

While demand for textbooks remained strong, interest in used clothing (which had been the Swapshop’s first business focus) declined significantly. Possibly the concept of young teenage boys selecting suits in the absence of parental guidance effectively thwarted Mrs Jakubowicz’s vision and from 1965 the Clothing Section was converted to a Sports Gear Section, trading in football gear, gym gear, running shoes and the like.  

Two years after its commencement the Swapshop had a staff of around 25. It was reported that staff turnover had been high, but was improving, and students were being lured into Swapshop service with discounts (presumably on new stationery).

With the pressure on space across the school, in 1966 the Swapshop moved to a small less prominent location at the bottom of the stairwell between the original science block and the extension. With this change, there was a substantial drop in turnover. 

After a disappointing year, however, 1967 proved a comeback with stationery as the backbone of the turnover with sales and stock levels. The value of stock rose by 1500% between May 1966 and February 1967. By June 1968 the Swapshop was receiving better support from the School than ever before and had just registered the 500th customer to sell his goods through the shop. The Swapshop continued to operate for over a decade until the mid-1970s, when it apparently ceased trading.

If anyone is interested in providing information based on their experiences in the Swapshop, please email Doug Walker at mrdoug614x@gmail.com

Sadly, many of our Old Sydneians have passed away in recent times, and the School sends condolences to friends and family. 

Old Sydneians who have passed away since our last Old Sydneian Newsletter:

William (Bill) Geoffrey WURTH (OS 1944)

Raymond Thomas STUBLEY (OS 1944)

Dr John Philip PARKINSON (OS 1944-5)

Keith Lloyd GRAHAM (OS 1947) 

Peter Haldon HODGE (OS 1950) 

Reverend John Edward LANCE (OS 1951)

Michael KAFALIAS (OS 1953-4)

Roger Frank GRIFFITHS (OS 1956)

David William (Bill) SELBY (OS 1962) 

Russell James HOWSON (OS 1963) 

Phillip Leonard COX (OS 1968)

David Keith Gordon MILNE (OS 1968)

Jeremy (Jerry) Rowan YATES (OS 1969)

Ian Keith MALONEY (OS 1974)

Ronald (Ron) William PHILIP (OS 1976)

James Bruce Raymond BELL (OS 1976)

Shaun Patrick O’HARE (OS 1983)

Dr Paul Pin Tee NG (OS 1984)

Christopher ERNST (OS 1994)

Dr Sukumar RAJENDRAN (OS 1994)

Also, a former Sydney Grammar School Geography master and Tutor in TCW House, Lindsay Holthouse (2000-2006)

The latest edition of SGS magazine, Edition 18, Autumn 2024 is available in an online electronic format here.

A vast number of hard copy magazines are ‘returned to sender’ each time the School sends a new edition out to subscribers through the post. If you are regularly on the move and would prefer to receive the SGS magazine online via email, or would no longer wish to receive a hard copy of the magazine via post, please kindly notify the Alumni Office on (02) 9332 5843 or alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

You are able to view most editions of SGS magazine anytime via the School’s website.

The School’s Archives would appreciate some assistance from the Sydney Grammar School community in identifying names in the following cricket photo that was taken around 1959. Any information can be passed on via sgsarchives@sydgram.nsw.edu.au and please let us know whether you do not want your name to be acknowledged as a contributor in the next newsletter. 

Many thanks to Andrew Hunt, Greg Fayn, Tony Wakefield and Jim Killen who tried to assist in identifying the boys in the following 1979 Fifths rugby photo.

Back Row from left: ?, David Neal, Peter Opie, Mark Ludski, Andrew Munro
Middle Row from left: ?, ?, Michael Pain, Seth Richardson, Doug Goldsmith, Russell Philip (glasses) Steve Patrick, Stewart Roberts or Ben Cato
Front Row seated from left: Andrew Hunt, Michael West, Michael Vanderfield, John Atwill, John Sweeney, Rick Johnson 

Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby

Just in time for the 150 year celebration, Jim Cattlin (OS and First XV 1961) has published Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby. The book delves into the 150-year history of rugby at the School, with 440 photos of teams, action shots and illustrations. It is available to pre-order a copy for $65. 

In Gallant Company

Dr Philip Creagh’s (OS 1965-1966) book honouring the Old Sydneians who died in World War I is available, at a cost of $65 plus postage via the following link. This book includes short biographies of each Old Sydneian who didn’t make it home, comprising details of their school career, the circumstances in which they found themselves during the war and events leading to their untimely demise.

Old Sydneians’ Newsletter

Editor:

Mr Steve Gonski

smg@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Alumni Office 

Ms Wendy Scotter
Ms Charlotte McColl

alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Publications Office

Ms Dimetra Skondras-Silva

publications@sydgram.nsw.edu.au