Pride in Belonging
February 2021
Dear Old Boys
Happy New Year to you all!
I suspect many of us share a sense of relief that as a nation we have come through the festive and holiday period relatively free of restrictions imposed by the Covid virus. Many will have enjoyed the opportunity to see a little more of New Zealand rather than skipping offshore. Furthermore, I think we are feeling grateful to be so far down under as we hear the gruesome stories emanating from other nations. However, it is not all plain sailing yet and the reported closure of David Jones in Wellington surely underlines the financial impact of the past year. I do wish all Old Boys well as we embark on a new year with so many uncertainties.
Old Boy, Koyren Lee Campbell (2012-2013) was a keen outdoors man who captured the national news in late January when he did not return from a kayak fishing trip off Wellington's Tarakena Bay. A week-long search has now been called off and our thoughts are with his mother and extended family.
THE COLLEGE ROLL
The College year commenced a week ago and Old Boys may be interested to know the status of the roll which has increased significantly over recent years.
One of the sad aspects of Covid is the impact it has had on Rathkeale's International student intake. Usually numbering around 30, the Internationals have made an important contribution to College life over the years and their presence will be sorely missed if enrolment difficulties persist.
Last year the Board applied for an increase in our roll and current enrolment reflects this:
OLD BOYS' CRICKET CLUB VS THE SCHOOL
The annual match against the school took place on the Rathkeale Oval on 15 January. This year the match doubled with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque that acknowledges Craig McBride's significant contribution to school cricket. It was also the first Old Boys game to be played in front of the newly named BG Hamilton Memorial Pavilion.
An attempt was made to have as many players as possible who had been coached by CAM and it was particularly pleasing that Simon Velvin made the effort to come down from Auckland.
The Old Boys' team comprised:
The School batted first and posted a reasonable total. A continual chipping away by the bowlers and the regular fall of wickets meant that the boys never really gained much momentum. Noteworthy bowling figures came from the Clinton Baker brothers who were playing their first ever game together. Between them they claimed half the school's wickets in some fine displays of spin bowling. Good starts by Sam Jonas, Jesse McIntyre and Jack Sorrell (who all made scores in the 30's) saw the School reach a competitive 154 all out.
The Old Boys made light work of that total and victory was assured inside 24 overs. The top 5 of Jake Ross (10), Tim Lucas (39), Paul Lyttle (30), Simon Velvin (29*), and Richard Tosswill (37) ensured that the Old Boys were never in trouble.
Duncan Didsbury did a wonderful job in his new role as captain and certainly was central to the Old Boys' reversal of fortunes after the losses of the last couple of years.
A good-sized crowd ensured a good atmosphere, and the day was enjoyed by all.
Thanks, are again due to those who organised the day and prepared the ground, to the parents for their catering and to the School and ROBA committee for their ongoing support of the fixture.
Past results:
THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL HOUSE BUSH AND ADJACENT LAND AND BUILDINGS
The campaign has been gratifyingly successful. Old Boys of all ages and from home and abroad have rallied to the cause and have enabled a dream to be all but realised. Old Boy donations to date have tallied $126,208.12 and have taken us to within striking distance of our pledge of $200,000, if ROBA’s reserves ($80,000) are used.
However, the ROBA Executive hopes that further additional support of the campaign will mean that we will reach our target without using all those reserves. If new donations are received before settlement at the end of March, the reserves can be applied to enhance our on-going role of connecting Old Boys with each other and with the College by funding gatherings, publications, the database, and scholarships, etc.
It is not too late for individuals or groups of Old Boys to generously join the donor team and thereby ensure that future generations of students and the Rathkeale community benefits from this unique addition to a very special campus.
Donations should be paid to the Rathkeale Fundraising Account: 03 0687 0024454 11. An email confirming your donation, your name, and your years at Rathkeale should also be sent to the Old Boys' email address for charitable receipt purposes. Full information about donating can also be found on our website; https://www.rathkealeoldboys.org.nz/news/news-items/banking-details-for-fundraising-appeal
With all good wishes
Grant Harper (President)
