08 May 2009
WELCOME TO MAITLAND BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1959 50th Year Reunion
Glad you could make it!
To add or updade your listing here, email your material to me:
misslena@avalonenterprises.net
Thanks!
'Lena
Ashley Pepper
lorrainepepper@tafe.nsw.edu.au
Maitland Boys High School – 1955-1959
SCHOOL MEMORIES
Most of my memories of MBHS are associated with the hostel (Hinder House) where I lived while at school. My best friends were Alan Spinaze, Hugh Spencer, Geoff Westbury and Dick Carter. Teachers I particularly respected also lived in at Hinder House; Russell Hodge, headmaster at both hostel and school and Garth (Bottle) Green who was also my maths teacher for all five years. I thought he was a great teacher and responsible for my liking of maths and career choice of engineering.
I vividly remember some incidents at the school:-
• Chemistry class when teacher Clem Ellis put Tom Kiever’s silver coin in nitric acid with Tom watching apprehensively as the vigorous reaction took place;
• Physics class with teacher Ian (Inky) Petit when all students held hands in a chain connected to a Ford coil. There was quite a fuss when Inky suddenly ramped up the voltage;
• Music teacher Miss Forbes walking across the quadrangle during a school assembly and the wind blowing her dress up - quite a distraction for the whole assembly. She had terrific legs.
PERSONAL HISTORY AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL
1960-61 Trained as primary teacher at Newcastle Teacher’s College
1962-64 Appointed to Railwaytown (Broken Hill) and the Bulli Primary Schools. Started part time study in Science/Engineering at Broken Hill and Wollongong colleges of University of NSW.
1965 Resigned from teaching and started work as technical officer with Hunter District Water Board
1969 Married Lorraine. Have 5 adult children (all daughters} and 5 grandchildren with one on the way
1970 Completed Bachelor of Engineering degree at University of Newcastle after studying two years part time and two years full time as an employee of HDWB
1975 Studied full time at UNSW for M Eng Sc degree in Public Health Engineering after receiving a post graduate scholarship.
1974 -96 Worked at HDWB (now Hunter Water Corporation) in Sewerage and Design Sections working on a variety of projects involving pipelines, reservoirs, structures, water and sewerage treatment, becoming an A Grade Engineer in Design Section in 1978. Most significant projects include:-
• Design team leader for raising and strengthening of Chichester Dam
• Project Manager Dungog Water Treatment Plant and Anna Bay Water Treatment Plant
• Project Manager George Schroder Pumping Station Amplification
1997 -2002 Principal Engineer in Hunter Water Engineering (consulting group of HWC). Most significant projects include:-
• Conceptual design, replacement of Chichester Gravitation Main - Tarro to Shortland
• Conceptual design, Newcastle Stormwater Transfer System
• Hydraulic Design, Cessnock Wastewater Treatment Plant Amplification
2003-08 Retired in 2003, subsequently undertaking some consulting work for HWE
PERSONAL INTERESTS
• Family
• Building and renovating which at our present house is ongoing (much to Lorraine’s dismay).
• Am a keen cyclist and walker. Highlight was 26 day trek in Indian Himalayas (Kashmir). Magic!
• Enjoy touring. Lorraine and I have traveled many times to SA, Vic and Qld .
• Classical music. Learned the saxophone (alto) while at Broken Hill and enjoy playing with my violinist friend at church once every month.
Allan Spinaze
dwspinaze@ozemail.com.au
A Brief History Since Maitland 1959
1960's
Attended UNE -- Armidale; graduated B.A. (Hons in Economics) Dip. Ed. President of Wright College; Orientation Director; Played Hockey, Member Evangelical Union, To India with Student Union Exchange.
First Teaching Appointment: Enmore Boys' High ...Economics, Geography, Business Principles teaching load; sang "Bumble" in School Musical "Oliver". Enmore had big migrant intakes from central Europe in those days; about one third of the classes had no English, or were just learning to speak the language, "fresh off the boat". Very interesting and challenging.
Married Fiona Martin (of Woodburn and UNE) 1966 ... Science teacher, first appointed to Moree.
1969 -- To Canada (for one yr and stayed nearly 8!)
1970's
First taught at Wainwright High School ... the prairies of Alberta; then appointed Principle Irma School .. 20 km from Wainwright. Gr 1-12 Rural School. Skied Banff at Easters; every summer travelled through Nth America, Europe, Alaska, Australia. Still have contact with friends from there.
Our two older children (Nathan, Katrina) were born while we were in Irma. Very happy years.
Active in Alberta Teachers' Association ... "Salary Negotiating Cttee", Convention Cttee, etc., sand in local choirs. Wainwright Ski Club.
1976 -- Returned to Australia ... aging parents; young family we wanted to be "Aussies" ... somewhat irrational decision.
NSW Ed Dept. refused to even give interview; Education Queensland offered teaching appointment to Heatley High School, Townsville; we have been in Townsville ever since.
Our third child, Damian, was born in Townsville.
1980's/90's
Active in Queensland Teachers' Union ... Regional and State Councils; Chaired Org Cttee for three large Regional teacher Conferences; Promotional Committees for Ed. Qld.
Geography Subject Master; later Head of Department Social Sciences; Kirwan High School ... 2500 enrolment (we had 17yr 8 classes of 34) ...was (still is?) largest school in the state. Involved in School Musicals; debating; student teachers; nominated for National Teaching Awards; Mooting Competitions. Chair of Local Economics Subject Panel for Board of Secondary Studies, for many yrs.
Involved with Anglican Church at parish and Diocesan levels; singing with Townsville Choral Society in NQ Eisteddfods; and shows.
2004-09
Took "somewhat early retirement"; did some contract teaching for several private schools over several terms.
U3A member; JP Rosters; Casual local Live Theatre Usher; Social Tennis; Church Lay Reader.
Now ... we are both "grey nomads"; volunteer patients at JCU Med School; Examination Supervisors for JCU; still singing in Chorale; Society; even heavier involvement in Anglican Diocesan Affairs (Treasurer of Diocese; General Synod Member, various committees...); Lay reader at Parish level. Canon of St. James Cathedral; Justice of the Peace.
Some overseas travel, recently to the Middle East. Most grey nomading seems to involve visiting kids and grand-kids in ACT.; although we do get to other places in Queensland, NSW, Vic, SA, Tas, etc. as well.
We enjoy "general good health" and hope that "self-funded retirees" can remain afoat for a long time yet. Life can be very good after the heavy stresses (and good times) of a life well spent in education.
Bob Wells
bobiwells@yahoo.com
MBHS 1955-59
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1960-61 Attended Newcastle Teachers’ College
1962 Took up a teaching position at Scone
1964 Commenced B.A. at U.N.E.
Married to Rosalie Nancarrow, (E. Maitland). 2 adult children, 2 grandkids, all living nearby.
1968 Completed B.A. (Pure Maths/Economics)
1972 Moved to Gorokan on the Central Coast (and ain’t leavin’.)
1977 Lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA while completing my M.A.
1978 Back to the real world
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATON
1960 Industrial Chemist @ Comsteel until Kel Clarke blew up the lab with us in it – headed straight for Teachers’ College.
1962-71 Teacher, Scone High School
1972-89 Head Teacher, Maths, Wyong High School
1974 Rotary Foundation Study Award to Michigan, USA
1977 Returned to Michigan with family. Completed M.A. (Evaluation & Ed. Measurement)
1990-94 Managerial work in Club Industry
1995-201 Back to teaching Maths at Morriset, The Entrance and Asquith
2002 Teaching in U.K.
2003 Pulled the pin with much vigour after 6 weeks
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Sport and travel leave little time for anything else.
Played Rugby League 62-67, Refereed 68-73, played 74-75 (DUMB), refereed76-78.
Played Squash 62-78 and basketball 62-69.
Bowls and Golf are now my active sports but still involved in League as Chairman of the Wyong Rugby League Club Group (5 clubs with annual revenue of over $20 million).
Have travelled extensively in Australia, US and UK since bug was contracted in 1977.
Brian Burley
theburleys2@bigpond.com
BRIEF SUMMARY AFTER MBHS DAYS
1960 - 61 Armidale Teachers College (Small School's Course)
1962 - 66 Teacher in Charge - Bulby Brush School PS
1967 - 72 Teacher in Charge - Tallwood PS
1973 - 74 Teacher in Charge - Hernani PS (Residing in School Residences)
1975 - 78 Assistant - Thirroul PS (Lived in Wollongong area until retirement)
1979 - 87 DM/AP - Briar Road PS
1988 - 2001 AP - Corrimal PS
Qualifications:
Teachers Certificate
Dip. Sch Admin. Arm. TC 1978
Bach of Ed (Prim) Wollongong Uni. 1985
Family:
Married to Nancy
Children - Suzanne and Timothy
and 4 Grandchildren
Previous Interests:
Travel
Member Apex Club - Blayney.
Bushwalking - Especially National Parks
Gardening & Landscaping
Native Orchid growing
Sport - Rugby League, Golf, Indoor Cricket, Tennis
Children's Debating and sport coaching
Reading
Electoral Returning Officer spanning 28 years
Since Retirement at Port Macquarie NSW:
Interests:
Member of Corporate Body of our unit complex
Bushwalking, holidaying especially God Coast and hinterland, golf
Active member of Probus Club
Volunteering - Driver Reviver Centre
Douglas Vale Historic Cottage and Vineyard, with
main involvement in Grapevine care, pruning, harvesting
and wine tasting. An 1860 property- fruit from original vines
gardening/landscaping
Walking for fitness
Boating and fishing on Hastings River and kayaking in local canals
Socialising with friends and family and wine enjoyment
Busier now and wonder how we ever found time to go to work!!!!!!!
Dennis Spinks
dwspinks@unwired.com.au
1960/61- Newcastle Teachers College
1962- commenced teaching at Canley Heights in Western Sydney
1965- married Judy.We have two adult children - Fiona in Sydney with Dwain and our three grandchildren,Zoe,Jasmin and Thijs Rod married to Kylie in Adelaide
1966-commenced a degree at UNE as an external student -completed 1974
1999-retired from teaching and began working in landscaping with a partner.
2000-03-completed a Certificate III in Horticulture and Landscaping at Richmond Tafe
2006- retiredfrom the workforce as a full time carerÊfor Judy who sadly passed away in October
2008 I spend as much time as I can at the van at Huskisson
Am a keen grower and collecter of Australian Orchids which I show at Parramatta District Orchid Society Enjoy a game of golf and walking my two border collies.
Some thoughts on MBHS
As a naive country boy who had not been away from the extended family environment at Chichester Dam(near Dungog) a modicum of fear and trepidation greeted me as I looked out for the first time on the 900 plus boys lined up on the quadrangle.I have fond memories of Foomph Evans,("that boy there"),ÊArthur Brownlea,Dave Evans and John Bloomfield. However,my 38 years of teaching was influenced greatly by the advise and example set by Russel Hodge. MBHS was a great character building experience which I will never forget. During the visit to the old school after the reunion a miriad of memories flooded back and are still now.
Dick Carter
RICHARD JOHN CARTER CitWA, B Comm, FTSE, FAusIMM, FAIM, FAICD
Richard J (Dick) Carter is a company director with special interests in the minerals industry, board leadership, corporate governance, strategy formulation and occupational health and safety. He is Chairman of Macmahon Holdings Ltd a director of ERA Ltd and of Marion Energy Ltd. In the not-for-profit sector he is Chair of Prahran Mission-UnitingCare and Chairperson of UCA Funds Management. He is a past director of several listed companies, including North Ltd and he was Chairman of Ticor Ltd and of Consolidated Minerals Ltd. His executive career spanned thirty seven years with the BHP Group (now merged into BHP Billiton) from which he retired in 1997 as BHP Minerals' Chief Executive Officer. Dick has also had wide experience in industry and professional representative groups (including The Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy of which he was President in 1998) and government bodies concerned with regional development. He was Western Australia’s Citizen of the Year in 1996 and he was awarded the Centenary Medal.
PERSONAL DETAILS: Born Newcastle, NSW, 23 November 1942.
Son of Mrs MG Carter & the late DJH Carter, Rouchel,
NSW.
Married to Hon. Heather B Carter. 2 sons, 1 daughter.
HONOURS/AWARDS: Centenary Medal (Citation: “For service to Australian society in technological industries”).
WA Citizen of the Year (Industry & Commerce), 1996.
Sir Willis Connolly Memorial Medal, 2001.
The AusIMM’s Beryl Jacka Award, 2002.
EDUCATION: Maitland Boys High School 1959
B Comm., University of NSW, 1964
Australian Administrative Staff College.
Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program – AMP93, 1984).
PROFFESSIONAL & LEARNED ASSOCIATIONS:
Fellow, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
Fellow, Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy
Fellow, Australian Institute of Management
Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors
CURRENT POSITIONS:
Chairman, Macmahon Holdings Ltd 2001 -
Director, Energy Resources of Australia Ltd 1999 -
Director, Marion Energy Ltd 2008 -
Chairman Adv Board, Zeal Consulting Pty Ltd 1998 -
Chair, Prahran Mission-UnitingCare 2000 -
Chairperson UCA Funds Management Group 2006 -
Trustee AusIMM Education Endowment Fund 1996 -
THE BROKEN HILL PROPRIETARY CO LTD:
Dick Carter joined the BHP Group (now merged in BHP Billiton) as a commercial trainee in 1960 at Commonwealth Steel Co Ltd, Newcastle, NSW and retired in 1997 after almost thirty seven years service. Senior management positions he held during that time include: -
1996-1997 Executive General Manager & Chief Executive Officer, BHP Minerals
1996 Executive Vice President & Group General Manager Steelmaking
Raw Materials
1990-1996 Group General Manager, BHP Iron Ore
1989-1990 Group General Manager, Asia-Pacific Minerals Division
1987-1989 General Manager Non Ferrous Metals & Business Development
1982-1987 General Manager Resource Planning & Development
1980-1982 General Manager Aluminium Division
1974-1980 Finance Manager Minerals Division
1973-1974 Manager Project Evaluation
PAST PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS:
Consolidated Minerals Ltd Chairman 2005-2008
Ticor Ltd Chairman 1999-2004
North Limited Director 1999-2000
Orbital Engine Corp Ltd Director 1994-1996
BHP Gold Mines Ltd Managing Director 1987-1990
OTHER PAST POSITIONS & DIRECTORSHIPS:
Zeal Consulting Pty Ltd Principal &
Chairman 1998-2004
Risk Management Technologies Pty Ltd Chairman 2001-2002
The Australasian Institute of Mining &
Metallurgy President 1998
Councillor 1993-2000
Minerals Council of Australia, National
Tertiary Education Taskforce Chairman 1996-1999
CSIRO, MEM Sector Advisory Committee Chairman 1996-1999
Minerals Council of Australia Vice President 1997
Councillor 1994-1997
Victorian Minerals & Energy Council Vice President 1999-2004
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA President 1994-1996
Councillor 1990-1996
Pilbara Development Commission Chairman 1993-1996
Regional Development Council of WA Chairman 1995-1996
Australian Centre for Geomechanics Chairman 1992-1996
Ok Tedi Mining Ltd Director 1982-1990
Chairman 1985-1987
Managing Director 1987-1990
Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd Director 1979-1987
World Gold Council Director 1989-1990
Aust Gold Mining Industry Council Director 1987-1990
Kooragang Coal Loader Ltd Chairman 1982-1984
CONTACT DETAILS:
Level 3
22 William St
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9628 2151
Mobile: 0416 006 671
Fax: 03 9614 3036
Email: rcarter3@bigpond.net.au
Gary Parsons
gsjcpars@idl.net.au
Maitland Boys High School -- 1955 - 1959
PERSONAL INFORMATION
1959 -- After completing the LC at MBHS commenced working in 1960 with Department of Main Roads as a Road Design Draftsman.
1966 -- Married to Jill Critchley. We have 3 adult children living in Newcastle, Corlette and Sydney. There are 5 grandchildren and 1 "on the way".
1967 -- Built a new residence in Pierce St East Maitland only 50 metres from the old MBHS. After several extensions we still live there.
1977 -- Worked for the DMR for 17 years and then a complete change to a teacher in the TAFE system.
PROFESSION
1977 -- Started Teaching with TAFE at Newcastle Technical College, Tighes Hill as a teacher of Survey Drafting.
1978 - 1980 Completed a Teaching Diploma at the University of Newcastle.
2000 After 23 years with TAFE retired from Teaching as Head Teacher of the Civil Engineering Section at Newcastle Campus.
2000 - 2008 Worked part-time as a Bus Driver with Maitland Community Care Services. This work is very satisfying as it involves working with elderly citizens of the community.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Joined the Lions Club of East Maitland as a Charter Member in 1974 and am still very active with that group.
Still a very keen follower of Rugby League. Started following the Newcastle Knights in 1988 and now a Knights Club Member. My elder son Mark and I have reserved seats and attend all Knights home games.
Jill and I have travelled overseas on holidays to SE Asia, Japan, Canada, UK/Europe and Scandinavia.
We also play Bridge on a weekly basis. It keeps the mind active.
Am a keen Golfer. At present the Captain of Maitland Veteran Golfers (55 years and older) as well as the Handicapper.
Hugh Spencer
www.austrop.org.au
hugh@austrop.org.au
Maitland Boy's High School 1958-1959
One of the 'Hostile Boys' (aka "Hinder House" Boy's Hostel)
Gained Teacher's College Scholarship - and went to University of New England (Armidale) to do BSc in Botany/Zoology- got involved in student politics (silly naive bugger) - left with tail between legs to complete degree at ANU.
1965 Joined Monash University Zoology Dept as STO Electronics (didn't like tracking echidnas in miserable mallee scrub for PHD). Took second degree in Physiology/ Pharmacology at Monash. Tried skiing (Perisher) - very bad at it, rock climbing (good at it).
Married Barbara.
1970 Offered scholarship to University of Manitoba in Winnipeg Canada - brrrrr... (-40C)
did MSC and PHD (Neurobiology) at U Manitoba. Got involved with conservation and ZPG, canoeing and a spot of mountaineering and skiing..especially x-country at -10F. Parted from Barbara (who stayed to become a professor).
1974 Post Doc - Uni of California, Irvine (south LA) - Dept of Psychobiology - sticking electrodes in innocent rat's brains - especially their hippocampuses. More skiing - very good at it now - plus some winter mountaineering. Got involved with alternate energy groups - especially solar. Musical Instrument making. Learned Blues harp. Met Brigitta.
1978 Moved to Australia - Lecturer in Neurophysiology at Uni Wollongong (which morphed into Botany and Physiology as well)- got involved in restoring carousel organs and more musical instrument making, conservation, flying-fox research, setting up2VOX-FM - got fed up and...
1988 Moved to Cape Tribulation in the wet-tropics of far-north Queensland to establish a field research station - after many trials and tribulations - it is now a quite significant operation (with its own flying fox colony). Lost Brigitta (who wants to live here?!) - got trigeminal neuralgia-overcame it, planted a rainforest with the help of innumerable volunteers...and have become one of Al Gore's climate fighters.
Although I have no children - I seem to serve as 'temporary uncle and mentor' of numerous 18-30 year olds from all over the world...
Ian Guy
guy-i-l@hotmail.com
MBHS 1955-1959
After leaving MBHS I did a science degree in physics and mathematics at Newcastle University College, then spent 6 years teaching science at North Sydney Boys' High. In 1970 I joined the academic staff in the physics department at Macquarie University and remained there until I retired in 2002.
I married a local girl, Margaret Stocker, in 1965 and we have three adult children, one of whom currently lives in East Maitland. We spent most of our married years living at Normanhurst in Sydney. In October last year we took the plunge and moved to a house on one hectare of land at Bolwarra Heights.
My main interests in retirement center around music and electronics. I currently play the guitar in a small music group at the local church in Bolwarra, but my main interest is in classical pipe organs and I am vainly trying to develop some kind of skill in playing these instruments.
John Maurer
syl.john@bigpond.net.au
Mailtand Boys High school: 1955 - 1959
Personal information:
Telarah primary School
1955 Maitland Boys High
1960 - 61 Newcastle teachers College - Industrial Arts
1964 Married Sylvia Chappell - two children, four grandchildren
1968 Moved to Marks Point where we still reside.
1994 Retired from teaching due to ill health.
Teaching:
1962 Ariah Park Central School - 60 pupils in the secondary department. My introduction to the profession where I was expected to be an expert on the following subjects:
Art, English Literature, P.E.(did not become Human Movement until much later), Mathematics plus the subjects for which I had been trained. Enthusiasm had to take the place of experience in this situation. All this plus the introduction of the infamous Wyndham Scheme.
1964 Tamworth High School - 1760 pupils - an amazing change - the huge number of students took some getting used to - (at the time, second only to Broken Hill High School). This was an excellent school in what I still regard as the best country town in the state.
1968 Booragul & Cessnock High Schools - itinerant 3 days at Booragul and two days at Cessnock.
Maitland Boys High School - after a car accident in first term I was appointed to my Ôold schoolÕ where I happily finished off the year.
1968-70 Toronto High School - while at this school we witnessed the famous and original Moon Walk.
1971- 94 Swansea High School - by far my longest stay an any school. I held a list position for promotion but I chose only to take relieving positions and these were many and varied:
Head Teacher of the following areas - Special - Human Movement, Art, Languages and Administration, as well as that of Head teacher Industrial Arts, and on one occasion, Head Teacher of what was then called Home Science! No doubt a man of many talents!
Personal Interests:
I continued to play Rugby League until about 26 years of age with only mediocre results and some injuries as a bonus.
I took up white water canoeing with The Hunter Valley Canoe Club which was a very enjoyable phase in my life.
After a long drought which ended my canoeing, I entered the world of sailing and over many years we have had a wonderful, and sometimes successful association with the sport, winning our share of races and three regattas on lake Macquarie. Right now I am playing golf, very indifferently, but I enjoy both the game and the people I associate with.
My wife and I are keen caravaners and 4x4 travellers and we are lucky to have seen a large proportion of this wonderful country of ours.
John Stewart
johnmedn@bigpond.net.au
MBHS 1955-60
BA(UNSW) 1964 BEd(SYD) 1967 MEd(UofT) 1972 LLB(QUT) 1991
MEMORIES MBHS
Steam trains from Kurri; sitting in the wrong carriage and playing cards (I guess against the school rules); receiving the cane from Mr Hodge after being made to wait outside the office for hours; being generally disinterested in study and success but recall some good Maths teachers along the way; being taught dancing by Mr Bloomfield (very funny); someone tittering in Mr Hodges "sex instruction sessions" and getting the "Hodge Glare"(very intimidating).
PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Was supposed to be studying a BA/LLB program but parents grew tired of too much rugby and beer in my life so...with a degree in Pure and Applied Maths, was surprised to have offers to teach at 3 private schools in Sydney - with no teacher qualifications - but they got their pound of flesh.
1964-67 Maths teacher at Trinity Grammar -then off to Canada
1967-72 Maths teacher at Monarch Park, Toronto, Canada
1972-76 Head of Maths/Deputy Head at Scots School Bathurst
1972-93 Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in mathematics education at the now University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba -then a career change
1995-99 Barrister and Solicitor in Toowoomba specialising in criminal and family law - (unfinished business)
1999-03 Manager of Toowomba Advocacy and Support Service (a community legal and advocacy service)
2003- Private practitioner as a mediator, in commercial, family and workplace disputes.
PERSONAL LIFE
Married Robyn Skilton, (Maitland Girls High girl, grandfather was mayor of Maitland for years).
2 sons born in Canada who have now produced four of the most wonderful grandchildren in the world!!
Now in the process of looking at life after work in an unfortunate economic climate. Plan to relocate to Buderim in Queensland.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
As a teacher, becoming a Captain in the Trinity Grammar cadet core knowing that I had been drummed out of the MBHS cadet core for certain misdemeanors.
Part of dynamic Maths team in the school in Toronto, trialling new and creative ways of teaching mathematics
Helped to introduce 7-a-side rugby into Toronto school district, Canada.
Undertaking a 10 day canoe trip down one of Canada's last wild rivers, The Missinaibi
Spending 9 years on the USQ University Council while it underwent major changes - extensive travel in Indonesia for the University.
Surviving a major career change, from the teaching profession into law in later life.
Developing The Advocacy and Support Service into one of Queensland's best community legal centers.
Kelvin Clark
kcl2298@bigpond.net.au
Joined Comsteel as a Trainee Chemist.Completed a P/T BSc. Tech in 1966.
Married 1963 ( Bev)-Son,Peter 1967; Daughter ,Robyn 1970.
Appointed Chief Chemist in 1968 but after about three years decided to remove the white coat and move into broader management.This change lead to positions responsible for Business Planning and Development,Operations, Marketing and Sales(Wollongong), returning to Newcastle in 1981 as AGM prior to appointment in 1982 as Group General Manager Comsteel , later Comsteel Vickers..
In 1986 we decided to establish our own business having two arms, one being Management Consulting,obviously drawing on the exerience and range of contacts developed over the previous 10 years; the second was to push into the then emerging areas of recruitment and outsourcing.
This was a good experience with work as diverse as Project Management of two Hydrgraphic vessels for the RAN,involvement with major accounting firms on Corporate analysis and rescue, to representing the German Submarine builder in trying (unsuccessfully) to introduce fuel cells to the Collins Fleet.
We essentially retired from full time involvement in 1996/97 but the Company continued until 2001 when it was sold.
Numerous study programs were completed along the way at Melboune,Armidale and of course locally. Carryover interests consist of a Directorship of Nationwide Superannuation Fund and Chair of the Board of the Australiasian arm of CSE Global ( CSE Uniserve) a listed Singaporean Company.
Since retirement I have taken up golf and now occasionally chase a white ball around Horizons, where I am a member.This at times means I get involved in bushwalking
Bev has been involved with Red Cross for over 20 years and does voluntary work at the local nursing home. Add these to her role as an interested and much loved Grandma and active Church involvement and time continues to be at a premium.
Essentially 50 years that have been interesting at every turn and have provided us with opportunities at home and abroad - wouldn’t have believed it all possible at the starting line- Dec.1959.
Ken Liddell
kliddell@people.net.au
MBHS 1953 -59
PERSONAL:
1953 – To MBHS from Beresfield Primary.
1958 – Completed Leaving Cert.
1959 – Completed L.C. again
1960 – Began 2yr Manual Arts Teaching Course at Newcastle Teachers College. Completed ASTC (Syd Tech Coll. Dip.) 1972 - part time Syd., completed at Newcastle
1962 – Began teaching at Casino H.S. Later taught at Joseph Banks, Bonnyrigg, Gateshead, Swansea & Francis Greenway, retiring from there in 1999 as Head Teacher Industrial Arts.
INTERESTS:
Family, family, family.
Camping, fishing, surfing, golf, squash(almost retired), retired from waterskiing & beekeeping.
Home maint. & gardening, wood & metalworking.
Home brewing & tasting (non professional)
Music – mostly jazz.
Mike Ford
1954-59 - 'En Avant'
School Memories 1954-59
Racing on pushbike to Greta Railway Station to catch the Singleton train to Victoria Street Station.
Keenly contested handball games on the quadrangle -- pinching balls and throwing them over the assembly hall.
Lining up for delicious cream buns at the tuckshop.
Playing marbles (big ring and pot holes) on the dirt area near the woodwork and metalwork rooms.
The strong rivalry in all sports against the enemy ie. Hamilton Marist Brothers', Newcastle High School and Newcastle Technical High.
The athletic carnivals at Robins Oval and swimming carnivals at Maitland Baths.
School Cadet Band and annual camps.
Enjoyable play days (over 2 or 3 days, I think!) and school dances.
Can't forget some memorable teachers: Moreland, Smith, Ducrou, O'Hearn, Ms Jones, Evans (DP), Brownlea, Plamer, Ingram -- all come easily to mind.
Life Since School
After leaving school in 1959, I first worked in the Bank of N.S.W at Branxton. Whilst on a training course in Surrey Hills, Sydney, I received a late teaching scholarship to Armidale Teachers' College (1960-61).
My teaching career began in a small two teacher school at Garah where I spent an enjoyable three years (1962-64) teaching lower division classes. This appointment changed a naive, inexperienced student teacher into a more mature person and exposed him to the 'real' world.
A further four years (1965-68) at Cessnock West Primary School brought me closer to my home town of Greta. This school was where I met my future wife Margaret, whom I married in 1967, and also where I started a B.A. Degree at Newcastle University.
My primary school teaching was completed at Telarah Primary School where I spent some two years (1969-70).
In 1971, I transferred to Maitland Boys' High School and spent a wonderful fifteen years at the 'school on the hill'. During this time I managed to complete my B.A. Degree and attained my 2nd list and became the proud father of a daughter, Catherine and a son, Mark.
When Rutherford High School opened in 1985, I transferred across and spent four happy years in a school eager to 'establish' itself. My final years of teaching was spent at Singleton High School (1989-2000), as the Head Teacher in the Social Science Department.
I retired in 2000 after thirty eight years of teaching. When I think of the many colleagues and students I've been associated with over this time, I feel so privileged to have been involved in teaching -- it certainly has enriched my life. I'm comforted by the saying, 'To teach, is to touch a life forever'.
Retiring Years
Proud Pop to five grandchildren.
Marg and I have caravanned extensively throughout Australia -- 'grey nomads'.
Enjoy all sports, especially 'golf' -- member of Kurri Golf Club and Branxton Vets Association -- play 2-3 times a week.
Have holidayed to New Zealand, United States of America, Tasmania, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island -- we hope to see United Kingdom/Europe and Canada one day.
A fanatical St George Dragons Rugby League supporter.
Marg and I deliver Meals on Wheels and are regular blood donors.
Have been an active mason for over 40 years and belong to the Maitland Walking for Pleasure Group.
Neville Allomes
nallomes@primusonline.com.au
Maitland High School - 1955 – 1959
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
After leaving school I commenced a traineeship at Stewart and Lloyds, Mayfield.
In 1970 I moved to Phillips Electronics as accountant at their glass factory at Wallsend and was transferred to a number of positions in Melbourne and Sydney eventually becoming Group Accountant at their Head Office.
In 1984 I left Phillips to be Finance Manager for OAK at Hexham and in 1987 went in to public practice at Dee Why and now operate my accounting practice from our home at Umina Beach.
I married Carol in 1965 and had one son and now have two grandchildren.
PERSONAL INTERESTS:
Continued to play rugby league until I went to Melbourne in 1974. Then concentrated on my son’s various sports as coach, manager etc. I have played golf until recently and now I am trying to master lawn bowls.
Peter Rive
prive@bigpond.net.au
Maitland Boys High School 1958-59
Professional Life
After completing the Leaving Certificate at MBHS, took up a scholarship with the NSW Department of Agriculture to study Rural Science at the University of New England in Armidale.
Graduated in 1964 and worked the next five years with the Department as a District Livestock Officer in western NSW and later as a Research Officer in Wagga Wagga.
In 1970, joined the Commonwealth Department of Trade’s Trade Commissioner Service (later to become Austrade) and spent most of my remaining working life overseas representing Australia’s trade interests. The wide ranging work involved, amongst other things, compilation of commodity and market surveys for governments, industry associations and individual exporters, organising trade fairs, liaising with overseas government authorities and assisting in trade negotiations. Postings included Eastern Europe (from Vienna), Malaysia, The Netherlands, USA and Germany.
Personal Life
Married with four adult children.
Retired and living in Melbourne.
Involved with U3A and various sporting associations.
Trying to keep fit through tennis and cycling.
Hobbies include woodworking and tracing my family history.
Richard Dick
dearic@hotkey.net.au
Maitland Boys High School—1956 to 1959
PERSONAL INFORMATION
1960 - After completing the Leaving Certificate at MBHS I left Kurri Kurri and moved to Newcastle to begin a part time Mechanical Engineering course at Newcastle University.
1964 - Married to Deanna. We have three sons living in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth with 5 grandchildren.
1965 – Completed studies in mechanical and production engineering and moved back to Kurri
1968 – Purchased a home in Newcastle.
1981 – Relocated to Gladstone in Central Queensland
WORK INTERESTS
1960 - Joined BHP subsidiary Australian Wire Industries as an engineering trainee, staying until 1974
1974 – Joined BEP Engineering as a sales engineer. This entailed design and supply of pipeline systems including valves, controls, instrumentation, etc.
1993 – Joined Pyrotek Pty Ltd as a sales engineer. This entailed the design, manufacture and supply of high temperature components and systems to the molten metal industry, particularly aluminium smelting.
2004- -Retired
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Was a member of the Newcastle Jaycees from 1970 to 1981. I am an active member of the Port Curtis Rotary Club in Gladstone having joined in 1983.
Travelled to the USA numerous times with Pyrotek, including Canada and Hawaii. Toured Europe from Russia to Ireland and had two driving holidays in the UK.
Active member of Masters Swimming for the last 15 years
Still live in Gladstone but spend much of our time in Brisbane, Sydney
and Perth
Rod Chick
chickar@bigpond.com
Maitland Boys High School – 1956 -59
PERSONAL INFORMATION :
1959 - After completing the Leaving Certificate at MBHS, left Clarence Town and moved to Sydney to commence architectural course at UNSW.
1966 - Married to Ann. Have 4 adult children living in all parts of Australia and Canada; 5 grandchildren.
Currently living in Sydney, but will be relocating in 2009 to Huskisson on the south NSW coast.
1967 - Completed part time Bachelor of Architecture course at University of New South Wales, whilst working in architectural offices.
1972 to 1982 - Spent 10 years in New Zealand, practising architecture, trout fishing and other interests.
1982 to current – living in Sydney.
PROFESSION / BUSINESS INTERESTS:
Chartered Architect. Working in architecture since 1960 in various private practices in Australia and New Zealand.
Owned and operated a boatel (motel with boat access only) in Marlborough Sounds in NZ for 2 years then started and operated own architectural practice for 5 years, before returning to Australia.
Bought into private architectural company in Sydney in 1982 with a business partner. Worked mainly in developing countries in the Pacific and SE Asia.
2003 – Officially retired from the work force
2003 – 2008 – worked part time on projects in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Tonga
2008 – fully retired from the workforce.
PERSONAL INTERESTS :
Was involved in the formation of new Rainbow Ski Field in south island of New Zealand. Was a share holder and a founding member of Narraburra Ski Club in Perisher Valley, NSW.
Am a keen fisherman (fresh and salt water), and associated camping and 4WD’ing.
Have travelled and worked extensively in the Pacific, PNG and SE Asia.
Romney Newman
rne59307@bigpond.net.au
Sydney University - 1960-1965. Graduated MB.BS.
RMO ST. George Hospital Sydney – 1966-1967.
Registrar Pathology and Medicine - 1968-69.
Medical Officer Concord Hospital – 1970-1971.
Member Royal Australasian College of Physicians 1971.
Fellow Royal Australasian College of Physicians – 1975.
Consultant Physician Rockhampton - 1971.
Consultant Physician Taree Hospital - 1972—1996.
Director Coronary Care and Intensive Care - 1972—1996.
Examiner for RACP 2006.
Consultant Physician Forster N.S.W. - 1996-2009
FAMILY
Married to a wonderful wife, Christine. We have 4 terrific children – Jonathon (41), Jenny (39), Alison (37), Rebecca (32) who have given us 13 delightful grandchildren.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Bringing international musical groups to Taree through the establishment of Pro-Musica Society
Establishing personal counselling services as well as divorce and bereavement counselling groups
Lay Preacher and Elder in Uniting Church.
Involved in “Emmaus Walk”, an ecumenical community building movement.
Over the last 3 years involved in Kairos Movement, a Christian Ministry to prisoners in gaol, spending one week each year running a course in Basic Christianity with a follow up programme each Monday encouraging prisoners. This has been very fulfilling as we see men make changes to their lives in amazing ways.
SPORT
As at school, has been an ongoing passion.
Played First Grade Hockey at University and subsequently for St. George where we won the Sydney Premiership in 1968.
Continued to play Hockey and Cricket in Taree representing the district at State Chamionships at Senior and Veterans level.
More recently I have been playing more golf and tennis.
I am part of a men’s Book Club in Forster.
HIGHLIGHTS
Memories of school.
Graduating in Medicine.
Wonderful marriage and family.
An extremely fulfilling career in Medicine.
Winning Hockey Premiership.
Involvement in Church and Community.
Great friends.
Opportunities to travel overseas on many occasions
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