NEWS
C O L L E G E C R O M W E L L
CROMWELL CELEBRATES IN STYLE
2 0 0 4
Magazine
Within the University of Queensland
J U L Y
Issue 2
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Editor • Hugh Begbie • Volume 3 •
What a stunning success. The celebration of 50 years of residency held on the weekend of the 5-6th of June could not have been more wonderful. Three hundred and thirty people attended the Dinner Dance at the Hilton Hotel and they all had a fabulous time. Apart from the good food and dancing inspired by the great music of Faded Blues, the program included an excellent PowerPoint presentation which was both informative and fun, a brief welcome from the Principal and the unveiling of a portrait of Rev Dr Lindsay Lockley. It was truly a night to remember. As depicted in the photo above, it is evident that the night created a sense of nostalgia and excitement at catching up with old friends. All present felt the deep sense of community associated with Cromwell College. Even the band commented on the atmosphere saying it was the best event of its kind they had attended. If you were unable to come maybe you can commit yourself to joining in the next celebration whenever that might be, or even organising your own local celebration with the help of Jane Thomas friends@cromwell.uq.edu.au Sunday saw 150 guests returning to their old haunts, checking out their old room, walking around to see what had changed, and generally enjoying the walk down memory lane. Included amongst them were the happy bunch above. The Open Day
A Magazine for Ex-Cromwellians, Current Residents and their Families
included a service of thanksgiving with the Moderator of the Uniting Church, Rev Allan Kuchler as speaker, a replay of the PowerPoint presentation, an historic photo display, a chance to tour the College and a wonderful lunch that almost looked too beautiful to eat.
What’s INSIDE President’s Report
2
Current Residents Celebrate
2
From the Principal
3
Previous Principals Return
3
Feedback
4-6
Thanksgiving Service and Open Day
7
College News
8
Preserving the Past
8
Clowning Around
9
New Memorabilia
9
Roundup
10
Thank You
11
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From the COCA President
Dr Stu Bade welcomes guests to the Dinner Dance
I still can’t work out how a dead horse managed to make it’s way into Dowling wing at College in the 1960s ... this being one of the many facts I learnt at the Cromwell College 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance. However what I am sure of is the fact that Cromwell College comradery is alive and well. Cromwell certainly has a unique ethos - an ethos which seems to have its origins right back with the first 15 residents who entered College on June 5, 1954. This ethos and community spirit has transcended through 50 years of College history and I believe is evident in the present cohort of Cromwellians. My wife and I had a wonderful time at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the College, catching up with old friends and hearing innumerable anecdotes of Cromwell history. Cromwell definitely holds a special place in many people’s memories. Thank you to everyone who could attend the events over the weekend and make these celebrations such a success. Thank you to all those who helped in the planning and preparation for the weekend. In particular, it is pleasing to see that the College Foundation has employed Jane Thomas for the next 2 years. I’m sure that Jane will be a great asset for the College and for COCA. If you weren’t able to attend the weekend you can purchase some memorabilia products
COCA News 2004 • Page 2
if you contact the College and ask for Jane on 3377 1232 or on our new website www.cromwell.uq.edu.au The 50th Anniversary celebrations provided the opportunity to honour those people who have contributed significantly to the College over its history. Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr Ben de Jong, unveiled a portrait of the first Principal of the College, Rev Dr G Lindsay Lockley. He also paid particular tribute to the Hancock family, which as we all know, has contributed generously in many ways to the College for more than 50 years. It was wonderful that Sue (grand daughter of Viv and May Hancock) and Des Williams could attend the weekend’s celebrations to represent the Hancock family. Mr de Jong announced that the late Mrs May Hancock OBE had left a bequest to the College in her estate. As a former Collegian and as a Member of the Board of Governors I realise how much this sort of support is appreciated and that it will make a significant difference to the development of the College.
Current Residents Celebrate The current residents were not forgotten. On Tuesday 1st June a special Thanksgiving Dinner was held in the College. During this dinner the PowerPoint Presentation was first shown and each current resident was given a special 50th Anniversary badge. The guest who provided the voice over for the presentation was Dr David Bade, whose dry humour added greatly to the already wonderful presentation.
Jill Catt (2000) & Dr David Bade (96-98) at the Dinner Dance
Hope to see you all at the next COCA dinner!!!!
Dr Stuart Bade
Current resident, Justine Graham from Zimbabwe, watches the PowerPoint Presentation
President also a Parent
We remember with thanks the generosity of Mrs May Hanocck OBE in leaving the College a bequest. This important contribution will go towards helping to ensure Cromwell maintains its place as a home away from home for students from all over Australia and the world.
COCA President Dr Stuart Bade and wife Natacha Bade are now more than a married couple. With the arrival of Danielle Tatiana Bade on 9th July, they are now a family.
From the
Principal
“I have a dream” These famous words from Martin Luther King Jr. became the rallying cry for the civil rights movement in the United States and proved a turning point in modern U.S history. But they also provide a clear illustration that dreams do matter, that the pictures we have in our heads inform our attitudes, our choices, our relationships and many other aspects of our lives.
Dreams, of course, occur at differing levels. Some, such as the one held by Martin Luther King Jr., are fundamental, able to bring change to a whole community. These foundational beliefs are mostly religious or philosophical and help define our basic view of reality. My foundational vision is inspired by the two great commandments of Jesus, the first being to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and the second to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. This commitment lies at the heart of how I live and what I do including the deep desire I have to encourage the residents of the College to seek out for themselves the essential beliefs and values necessary to live life well. For me relationships are more important than economic outcomes though economic outcomes cannot be forgotten. Basic dreams in turn support many subdreams, some easy to achieve, others quite difficult. Over the years we have talked about various possibilities including the hope of constructing another self catered building, or the demolition and rebuilding of the older wings, but today I want to share a dream that has significant social implications. As any Head of College will tell you, the most demanding aspect of managing a University College is dealing with the alcohol culture. Social drinking presents no challenges, indeed I am a social drinker myself, but many young people drink too much and too often. They have allowed themselves to be misled by the vision that drinking heavily is an essential part of being grown up and having fun. This characteristic is not exclusively Australian but it is a problem for our community. Here is where my dream comes in. I would love to be able to build a purpose built hall
on site that could be used for conferences but more importantly, provide a venue for regular social functions that are not alcohol dependent. This could include regular bush dances, group classes (and socials) in Ballroom or Latin dancing, aerobics or exercise yoga, music performances, plays, public lectures, inter-college activities etc. All these would provide an opportunity for social life which is not alcohol based and which enhances the social skills of our residents. The aim is to provide a positive alternative to the drinking culture that is both instructive and fun. You may have a better way of tackling the problem and I am open to suggestions. What is clear to me, however, is that many young people have a picture in their heads that is ultimately destructive. The selfabsorbed, push the boundaries, don’t care about the neighbours attitude to life may be characteristic of youth but cannot be sustained without great personal and social harm. The earlier we can help each other grow out of this mindset the better.
The 50th Anniversary Celebrations indicated clearly to me that many residents have gained enormously from the College and look back on their time here with great warmth. I am hoping that this nostalgia can be translated into positive assistance. I need your help to dream and I need your help to fund the dreams. The College can do only so much - without exorbitant fee rises its dreams must inevitably remain modest. I have a dream. I dream that Cromwell College will provide a positive life changing experience for all who come here. I have a dream; a dream that College will provide a positive alternative to many of the more destructive aspects of modern western life. I have a dream; a dream that many residents will discover in this place the true foundation for life; the joy of loving God and loving the neighbour; the understanding that it is ultimately relationships that lie at the very heart of the universe.
Previous Principals
Return Included amongst the guests were Mr Ashby Utting, who administered the College as acting Head in 1973, Dr John Roulston, Principal from 1973 - 1975 and Rev Dr Clive Krohn Principal from 1975-1994. We were privileged to have Mr Utting present. Until recently his role in the College had slipped through the cracks of history and had been forgotten. So it was great for us, and I think for him, that he was finally rediscovered thanks to Ken Bishop.
Mr Ashby Utting & Dr John Roulston at the Dinner Dance
Judy & Rev Dr Clive Krohn (the 4th and longest running Principal - 19 years). Dr Krohn not only attended the dinner but helped out at the thanksgiving service on Sunday. Thanks Doc.
COCA News 2004 • Page 3
FEEDBACK From the weekends Celebrations. We asked a few ex-Cromwellians to reflect on the weekend and this is what they had to say...
Richard (Wallace) Barnett (54) The 50yrs just ‘vanished’ as we spoke to one anotherA) those of the 1954 intake B) those of the rowing crew of 1955 The PowerPoint and commentary was very moving The evening wear of the ladies of so wide an age range was spectacular (or in 21st century speak, ‘awesome’ ) The choices of venues and menus were ‘spot-on’ The ‘capacity’ chapel service was very special
If you would like to know the guest list of Saturday and Sunday please contact Jane on 3377 1232 or j.thomas@cromwell.uq.edu.au
Des Yesberg (54) Five of the inaugural students (and their partners) now all retired, enjoyed the weekend immensely, renewing and making new friendships. Don McKenzie was the first student admitted and now studies the palaentology of the Tambo district. Rev. Graham Hall devotes his life to the Congregational and Uniting Churches. Eric Hammermaster as a forester and builder of international experience. Des Yesberg was a chemical technologist in local industry. We look forward to the unfolding of the next 50 yrs of ever increasing development.
The Sunday (buffet,etc.) arrangements were splendid The succession of 50 year photos’ on screen was impressive The collection and display of photos and memorabilia was a stout effort The book registers, scrap books and computer databse were most welcome It was wonderful to have G L Lockley’s son and daughter present Hugh Begbie showed why he is such a ‘good shepherd’ of the College flocks, and G.L Lockley would be very pleased Jane and the present day students generated a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, both at the dinner and at the College, among other things helping the ‘originals’ to show their wives their old rooms.
From left standing Geoff Harley (6163), Desley Peters, Lester Peters (61-63), Maureen Keers & Bob Keers (61-64) From left sitting Sue Breusch, David Breusch (6263), Hilary Harley & Ian McBryde (61-63)
Lester Peters (61-63) What a nostalgia trip! It’s amazing how many latent memories came bubbling to the surface (no doubt with some embellishment) under the stimulus of shared recollections and plentiful libations. The Ball was a great success. I particularly enjoyed Russell Stitz’s synoptic review of the College’s history and Hugh Begbie’s inspirational remarks. Sunday’s function at St Lucia was also very rewarding. Cromwell has certainly changed physically since my days but its welcoming atmosphere is the same - typified when I visited my old room in North Wing and was so graciously received by its charming current occupant, “Cookie”. A big thank you to all concerned in making the reunion so successful.
Eight representatives of the current residents at College From left standing Georgina Werny with partner Curtis Humphrys, Cara Green, Michelle Hillman & Michael Palmer From left sitting Virginia Hirst, Jennifer Gillin, Anna Green & Nick Stewart
Jennifer Gillin (current resident)
Five of the fifteen original residents who entered Cromwell College on June 5th, 1954. From left standing Don McKenzie first resident, Des Yesberg & Richard Barnett From left sitting Eric Hammermaster & Graham Hall
COCA News 2004 • Page 4
Everyone agreed that it was a really excellent weekend, the festivities and celebrations made it a great atmosphere for everyone to enjoy themselves. It was wonderful to attend, to be able to see the tradition and to feel a part of the 50 year history of Cromwell.
John Millet (56-60) The organisation was professional; the food incidental; and the music was made for dancing to more than conversing over. But mostly the event was of memories, long asleep, awakened by the power-point history, by the displays and by the shared stories - memories of multi-cultural community, of long nights studying, of pranks and other lapses, of memorable moments in sport. Of disappointments there were a few - Crowellians, apparently untraceable. Surprises, too. Some sad - Cromwellians prematurely passed on. From left standing Brian Window (59-62), John Millet (56-60), Mary Hill, David Hill (56-61) & Grahame Brown (58-60) From left sitting Josephine Window, Anne May, Alfred May (60-64) & Jessie Brown
Pleasant surprises, as well - memories of a different sort emerging through time’s thick fog to come alive in the form of a young Cromwellian and fair, glimpsed on the dance floor but missed at the College. The College, three times the size it was in 1956 and with an infinitely more appealing gender mix, was a delight to behold. What books, Leisa, have replaced the engineering ones housed from 1956 to 1960 in the room at the top of the stairs in Thatcher wing?
Alison Fletcher (98-00) Cromwell’s 50th reunion... well what a walk down memory lane. There’s nothing like meeting current Cromwellians to make you feel old! While it’s only my fourth year out of College it seems an eternity ago. But while time flies by, years never affect quality friendships and this function proved just that. Catching up with now mature men and women who were crazy, irresponsible, committment free teenagers not so long ago always makes for an interesting evening. I had a such a fantastic time sharing stories and meeting Cromwellians young and old, it’s just so refreshing to hear what people are up to and what different paths people take. Not quite the debaucherous events one was used to as a fresher, it was a somewhat more sophisticated occasion. Well at least it was in the initial hours...! For those who didn’t go, I only hope you can smile at memories of College life.. and remember that as years turn to decades Cromwell is a connection that will always keep friends together.
Jon Patterson (66-70)
From left standing Rob Robson (63-66), Rod Wilson (66-69), Trevor Wilkins, & Lester Torenbeek (68-71) From left sitting Jon Patterson (66-70), Hugh Isles (66-68) & Helen Macduff (68) Where did all the years go? It seemed like yesterday that we were living the good life at Cromwell, yet it was over 35 years ago! Great to catch up on inmates from my era (19661970) including Chester Wilson from Charleville and other local Wilsons and Isles’s, Wilkins all the way from Singapore, Torenbeek from Yeppoon and Macduff from Sydney. I was reminded of many old stories, some of which cannot yet be committed to writing. Well, it was a less litigious and
From left Emily Saint-Smith (00), Sarah Fuller (97-99), Helen Jones (99-00), Samantha Garcia (97-99) & Alison Fletcher (98-00)
more tolerant era then. No one I met was more tolerant than the then Principal Rev Lindsay Lockley. But for him, I may not have lasted.
hasty exit fromBrisbane. This may explain why Macduff was in heavy disguise at the dinner, in fear of being recognised by McBryde!
Cars were always an interesting topic in my era, and two stories can be told. Jamie Elwing’s Cadet would go along the road like a crab due to some do-it-yourself welding of the rear springs. The back doors were also welded shut to give the car “rigidity” I was told, which explained why the rear passengers were always seen to enter and exit through the windows.
I would like to thank all the organisers for a great night, and hope to see everyone again at the 100th!
Bob Macduff had an old Austin which sometimes stalled when it stopped at an intersection. As with most things with this car, the starter motor did not work, so he would calmly get out with his crank handle and re-start it. He appeared oblivious to all the other irate motorist who were held up by this ritual. The explanation for this feature was that the engine mountings were loose and if he braked too hard, the engine would slide forward causing the fan to hit the radiatorand stall the car. Apparently, being generous in nature and after I declined the offer of the car as a gift, he gave it to his mate Michael McBryde, before he made a
Virginia Hirst (current resident) The weekend of the 50th Anniversary of Cromwell College was a wonderful one. I attended the ball with a group of fellow freshers who were keen to learn more about Cromwell’s history from the people who knew best, old boys and girls. Also attending the ball were my brothers and father who are old boys as well. The night was full of exciting stories and old fashion dancing! The next day at the lunch topped off the weekend. I met many of my dad’s old friends who had endless “interesting” stories about him to tell. Also, reading all the old Protectors gave me an insight into my dad’s time at Cromwell. All in all the weekend was extremely enlightening and a great success!
COCA News 2004 • Page 5
Louise Gorman (94-95)
On the night of the Anniversary Dinner I was struck by the diversity of thriving lives. I remembered our green, growing years at College and marvelled how we had colonised our futures. The ballroom was full of smiling sovereigns. The warmth of the reunion was rare and a testament to our shared experience of Cromwell.
Greg & Mary Ann Palmer
Mike Knowles (57-60)
From left standing Damon Marshall, Andrew Cousins (93-98), Louise De Wit (94-96), Harold Kanasa (93-95) & Shari Marshall nee Smith (95-98) From left sitting Joanne Cousins nee Page (94-97), Donna Grifo (92-96), Angus Nicoll & Louise Gorman (94-95) To go or not to go. It was a last-minute decision that turned out to be the right one, albeit expensive. It was great to see a handful of my old College friends and peers. Remarkably, it’s nearly a decade since I left Cromwell. But everyone looked virtually the same. I only began to feel a touch old when Danielle Jesser told me she is now a mother of two. For the record Dan, you look as good as you did at College. Here’s hoping motherhood has the same affect on me whenever it happens. So it was with a bit of nostalgia that I had to depart the beautiful Brisbane in Winter - my old stomping ground for now, at least.
Todd Porter (91-92)
Mike Knowles (57-60) & Angela Carlisle For those who were able to attend the Golden Jubilee Dinner Dance, this was a once in a lifetime event the pulling-power of which was so great that it attracted past and present students, wives, partners, friends and beneficiaries of the College alike from many parts of Australia. Well wishes flowed in too from others for whom it was impossible to be present, some interstate, some overseas. It was a glorious time to reminisce on the events and moments of one’s days in College and a wonderful opportunity to meet again close friends who had not been seen for anything ranging from several years up to many decades. The sheer delight in reliving experiences with them over dinner and later hearing of others and catching up with them also was the essence of the occasion.
Meggie Palmer (President, Students’ Association)
From left Adam Somerville (91-93), Tennille Rowland (95-00), Alan Brown (91-93), Adam Raliegh (91-92), Todd Porter (91-92) & Jo Davis (92) Having not once received a copy of the COCA News since leaving College twelve years ago, (my fault entirely... not great with those forwarding addresses) I am a little surprised to be speaking to you from these pages. The anniversary was a powerful reconnect. A celebration of the College and our own raw selves on the cusp of adulthood.
COCA News 2004 • Page 6
Current Student Seniors & Student Executives From left standing Shaun Hopkirk, Joshua Stone, Michael Davis, Tom Fuller, Edward Hore, Micah Schulz & Ian Fanton From left sitting Joanna Lee, Heidi Decker, Meggie Palmer & Lisa Rickards
Meggie Palmer with brother Matthew Palmer (current residents) children of Greg & Mary Ann Palmer We wanted to pass on how much we enjoyed the Thanksgiving Service on Sunday. I left feeling inspired and humbled. What foresight to see the need for residential accommodation and then act on it? What courage shown by staff over the years to take on all those young men and women and provide a home so rich in care and guidance. To hear of past students then to enjoy the talents of todays students was inspiring. Thank you to all involved. The 50th Anniversary weekend was a fabulous time for current and old Cromwellians alike. I speak on behalf of all current students involved, when I say that it was a great time to get to know some exCromwellians, and hear their stories about the devious antics they got up to! There were so many great stories to hear. We all learnt a lot about Cromwell and the people that have made College the great place that it is today, and from what we’ve heard, always was! The ball was great fun, it was awesome to mingle with past students in a casual and relaxed environment.
Thanksgiving Service & Open Day The Sunday was very different from the Saturday but equally successful. Those who attended the Thanksgiving Service found it both personal and moving, the lunch was not only great to eat but a visual experience and the chance to walk through College and look at the collection of photographs proved a delightful experience for the 100 or so people who attended. Clinton Singh (57-59) “The Cromwell College Jubilee celebrations on 5th & 6th June, 2004 were up to my expectations. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with fellow Cromwellians, some of whom I had not seen for over 44 years. Some were more recognisable than others. Finding that most of them had retired made one realise how the years have slipped by. Without wishing to detract from the splendour of the Dinner Dance, some of us with declining hearing faculties found it a little difficult to converse at table with the orchestra playing in the background. May I say that the highlight on Sunday for my wife, Corine and myself was the Chapel Service which for me brought back many memories of the Pastoral leadership of the esteemed Principal of my era, Rev. Lindsay Lockley. It was great to hear that the College is still achieving its Mission, despite the ever imposing demands of Government regulations at all levels and the ongoing need to secure adequate funding. During the weekend, my only disappointment was not being able to renew friendships with those of our era who were not able to make it on either day. Also, the time passed so quickly that I came away feeling that I would have liked to have spent more time with each of my many friends from our undergraduate days.”
Thank you Rev Alan Kuchler, Moderator, Uniting Church in Queensland for your contribution to the Thanksgiving Service
The Principal leading the thanksgiving service in the Chapel
Audrey Peacock (wife of the late Neville Peacock who was the Treasurer on the Board of Govenors from 51-56) & Joan Bate (the wife of the past principal the late Alex Steele Craik) Joan came all the way from Adelaide to help celebrate the College’s 50th Anniversary
Looking through old photos and memorabilia
Current residents Katrina Price (left) &Katherine Hamilton (right) with current visitor Mohd Fuzail (centre)
Bruce McBryde (59-60) & current resident Micah Schulz
Corine & Clinton Singh (57-59) at the Sunday Lunch
Previous staff members, Monica Akland, Joy Harris, Pennie Monroe (standing) & Irene Marles
Nola & Rev John Watt. John’s father, the Rev. Norman Watt, played a major role in the founding of the College
Victoria Crighton (Aunt), Alex Steed (current resident), Dorothy Morrison (Grandma)
COCA News 2004 • Page 7
College News
Jane Thomas stays on
Jane Thomas, the friendly voice of Cromwell who rang nearly every exCollegian prior to the Anniversary, has been employed by the Foundation of the College for an initial two years. Jane’s role is to build on the camaraderie of the
Anniversary and help develop long-term involvement with and support of exCollegians for the College. She will also help with marketing and public relations. So if you missed out on the celebrations and the chance to reunite with old friends (like John and Chester below) - never fear Jane is here. Maybe with Jane’s help you could organise a gathering in your area. Maybe you would support another large scale re-union in 2, 3 or 5 years time. Or perhaps you could support the College in other ways, through writing articles for COCA NEWS, giving annually or even remembering the College in your wills. In changing and challenging times the Board wants to prepare the College to move forward, to be a leading College that can continue to provide caring service and a rich community for your children and grand children for 50 or 100 years to come.
John Wilson (78-79) & Chester Wilson (6670) catching up
Cromwell Prepares for the future For 50 years the College has operated on the same switchboard and wiring. In the early days of the College some residents wondered why they had a power point as electrical items were rare. Now residents bring in such items by the trailer full and the College must eventually be rewired. In addition, the Board has decided that it is necessary to air-condition the dining room, Junior Common Room and kitchen. None of these goals can be achieved with the current switch board or power available to the College. With this in mind the College in conjunction with Energex are installing a transformer and a new switchboard while at the same time exploring design options for airconditioning the dining room, J.C.R and kitchen.
1
1. Transformer now installed in College 2. Removing power lines from old pole ready for installation of new pole with upgraded lines to feed the Energex transformer being commissioned on site
COCA News 2004 • Page 8
2
Missing Photo We are missing the 1992 yearly photo with names attached. If you have a copy of this photo or know of anyone who has a copy and would not mind the College borrowing it for a short period to duplicate can you please contact Jane on 3377 1232 or friends@cromwell.uq.edu.au
PRESERVING
Past
the
The extended family of the late Rev Dr Lindsay Lockley gather around his portrait in the Junior Common Room. From left Stuart Lockley (grand son), Betty Lockley (daughter-in-law), Anthony Healy (husband of Kirstine), Barbara Merefield (daughter), Ian Lockley (son) & Kirstine Healey (grand daughter) Preserving the past is a strange expression because it implies the keeping of what cannot be kept, that which has already gone. But in one sense it has a real meaning. An appropriate image helps maintain the sense of belonging we have to a community, a community with a history and a purpose. With this in mind the Board decided to commission portraits for all the Principals of the College. The first, that of Rev Dr Lindsay Lockley has been completed and was unveiled at the Anniversary Dinner. Mr Lockley now watches over the dining room, in some way part of the ongoing celebrations of community life. The portrait of Rev Dr Clive Krohn is currently near completion and will be unveiled some time later this year, probably at the Academic or Valedictory Dinner.
Clowning AROUND
A very muddy start to College life (or memories of what is no longer legal)
Buri Kidu, rolling drunk (like most of us) had his fly unzipped and a bottle of beer was poured over his exposed genitals. In those days, Kodak checked every slide it processed, and was not allowed to return lewd or lascivious material. They sent me a most polite letter telling me that there was a slide in my film that it was inappropriate for them to return to me, so I cannot pass that one on for Cromwell memorabilia! Maybe that is no bad thing.
Chester Wilson (66-70) One of the pleasures of Cromwell back about the time of the Boer (well, Vietnam?) war was the initiations. Freshers copped various activities, ostensibly as part of the team bonding process (just like NSW footballers, but less expensive). A level of subservience and obedience was expected of us, and generally enforced, though rarely nastily. One of these activities was going for a run to one of the more delightfully muddy drainage areas around the back of
Who are these lads standing where they should not be - Chester hasn’t told us yet: Maybe he is protecting the guilty? We have been told that this was taken after various stages of their ablutions.
Not one but two Dead Horses were found at College? Cameron Dorr (89-92)
Chester Wilson in his muddy disguise the university, wallowing appropriately, then running back. Mostly we headed for the hoses then the showers, but I ran to the house of Trevor Watt, the then VicePrincipal. With great delight he ran for his camera, and this photo was taken at the top of the stairs leading down to his place. The picture of the group of lads standing on the roof in front of the Cromwell sign is other freshers after various stages of their ablutions. Ah, memories! I was wandering around the college, and when I got to the area on the Walcott St end of Thatcher just beside North, I remembered singing in the shower one night. And being ordered, butt naked, oustide in this area and being told to sing out there. I got through the whole of “Jerusalem” before being allowed back inside, much to the improvement in the sonic and visual attributes of that part of the College! Must go through some more of my pictures some time. I think I have several shots of our Baccalympics, except for the one where
The PowerPoint presentation exposed some of the many practical jokes of residents’ behaviour at College, but the one that shocked people the most was the dead horse found in Dowling wing. It has been uncovered that this was not the only horse that found its way to College. After a few drinks at the Dinner Dance on Saturday night Cameron Dorr was able to fill us in on another horse’s poor demise.
New Memorabilia One of the great outcomes from the 50th Anniversary celebrations was the production of some brilliant new memorabilia. All proceeds of the memorabilia will be divided equally amongst the Helen Begbie Memorial Bursary Fund (for new residents in financial need) and the G L Lockley Fund (for current residents in financial need). Prices and more details can be found on the updated website www.cromwell.uq.edu.au and includes: Cromwell tie Cromwell bow tie Cromwell dress handkerchief Cromwell cuff links 50th Anniversary Wine glasses engraved with Cromwell crest - very tasteful Ladies scarf; can be used with logo or without. Cromwell Crest 50yrs Badge CD complete with script on 50yrs of residential life A fuller booklet version on 50yrs of residential life Every year photo has been scanned at a high resolution and is made available to purchase in a print quality version. Contact Jane Thomas for more details on 3377 1232 or friends@cromwell.uq.edu.au
As a QUT student I had to stay around College a lot longer than most other students at the end of semester break. Consequently I was unfortunate enough to bear witness to a vet student’s wild fantasies of wanting to construct a horse skeleton for research purposes in his holidays. This student’s (who will remain nameless) method was to first acquire a carcass of a horse from the veterinary school and pack it into the College freezer. He then proceeded to strip the meat off the bones in the Thatcher bathroom and throw the bones into the boiler vat to be cleansed. My wing was Thatcher at the time and found the stench unbearable. The cleaners could not get the stains out of the carpet and the stench was still around when I came back from holidays. And to add insult to injury the bones had to be thrown out anyway as they had begun to rot.
COCA News 2004 • Page 9
CHIT CHAT
Round Up
Kelvin Ma & Julien Gillot (01-02)
Allow us to send congratulations from France and Singapore on Crommy’s 50th Golden Jubilee! Julien (Mid-dowling) and I (Bottom-thatcher) had the opportunity of living in Crommy during our one year exchange at UQ from July 2001 to June 2002. Although it has been almost two years since we left Australia to our respective homes, the memories of friends made and experiences shared at Crommy stay fresh in our minds. We take this opportunity to share a little note with everyone. Note from Kelvin :As a foreign exchange student living abroad for the first time, Crommy certainly made an alien land feel like home. My first impression was that everyone at Crommy was so warm and welcoming it felt like I had friends waiting for me before I even set foot in Australia.
Julien and Kelvin I would always be greeted by mates at my Bottom Thatcher door who would stop to say hello or to ask me to join in a game of pool or footy. I will always remember my Senior Ben Day and my neighbour Boff, my corridor chat-mates. I can’t forget Noddy, Copper, Carl, Adam, Farmer, Trent, Louise, Pipper and so many more. All these fun people were there right at the beginning to teach me the Aussie slangs, how Aussie footy is played and how they loved Vegemite, Lamingtons and four spoonfuls of Milo stirred violently in cold milk - in short, the Aussie way of life. A warm thank you to all the students of Crommy, including the admin, kitchen and cleaning staff, and not forgetting the Begbie family. You have all helped to transform an unfamiliar place into a cosy hometown. My only regret must be that I
COCA News 2004 • Page 10
only had one short year to be a part of this great place! Happy anniversary! Kelvin (from Singapore) email: kelvinma99@yahoo.com Note from Julien :“Hi mate! How is it goin’?” How many times did I say these words? The oneyear exchange in Brisbane was the best experience I enjoyed so far. All the people I met there were very nice. Particularly in the beginning, when my english was not very fluent, everyone was ready to help me, and I will never forget that. The first week in Cromwell was O’Week, and I learnt a lot about Auzzie songs during the pub-crawl, Auzzie beers, Auzzie slangs and Auzzie life-style! And one day, I discovered Vegemite: I tried it, but that was the only time, and international students will know why! I was lucky to study in UQ for one year and to stay in Cromwell where we had a lot of fun! XXXX, VB, Vegemite, beaches, blue-skies, nice people, pretty girls: what else do we need?
From left Tim MacNamara, Kelly Harper, Peter Heywood (bending over), Julien Gillot, Camilla Mitchell, Scott Linnane & Leonard Hamilton All I can say now from France is that I miss Cromwell College, Brisbane, Australia, and I will come back. Thanks everyone, I am really glad to have had fun with you all! See you next time, Mates et merci beaucoup! And if you come to France, do not hesitate to send me an email... Julien (from France) email: juliengillot@hotmail.com Glyn Rimmington (76-78) At about the time I was finishing off my PhD, we moved to Melbourne in late 1984, early 1985. I took a post-doctoral fellowship in Engineering. A few years
later, in 1987, I was lucky enough to score a lectureship. We started our family in 1989 with Alexander and then Anne in 1993. In 1991, I got tenure and a promotion. In 1995, I set up the Multimedia Education Unit and made it to Aspro. A research project on electronic networks in the outback combined with a love of flying took me to lots of remote areas, where I helped people onto the Internet as it was just emerging in a project called LandcareNet. My research work took me to China for more than 17 visits between 1993 and 2001, where I worked in the Academy of Science and a provincial university. While working in the US on a project in 2000 with colleagues at the University of Florida, I heard about this job in Wichita and applied and by the end of 2001, we were all here. This job is concerned with incorporating global learning into courses and programs across all colleges (faculties). That involves the WSU students working together on project-based learning exercises with students from many other parts of the world, using Internet-based communication technologies. It is fun. I enjoy leading institutional transformation projects. Barbara, also a Cromwellian, has had an amazing career managing large scale computer projects for big business and government. She started off in the Queensland State Government Computer Center on the Superannuation project and went to work for the Australian Wool Corporation in Melbourne. Her last project in Melbourne was setting up digital archives for the Victorian Government. In Wichita, she is studying for a masters in Computer Science and volunteering at the local elementary school, teaching robotics in the lunch hours. We love travelling and every chance we get, we are off seeing new things. Alexander is now in high school (year 9) in a science magnet and Anne is in year 5 at a core knowledge (international) magnet. Both are gifted, so they are a handful, but a joy to us. We have fond memories of Cromwell, a place where we could learn and develop in many ways. Our home address is: 1020 N Gatewood Ct Wichita, Kansas, 67206 USA Tel +1 316 634 1726 Email rimmo@cox.net
Thank You The weekend would not have happened without the hard work or contribution of many people. One of the great things about Cromwell is its team approach to getting things done. Our most sincere thanks go to all those involved, but particularly those volunteers who did it all for the love of the College.
University
1 Barbara Merefield played a key role in
planning and research. She also provided the voice over for the Sunday PowerPoint presentation. 2 Yvonne Rogers was on the planning
Ambassador
committee and with the help of her daughter Naomi hunted down many ‘lost souls’. Here she is enjoying the Sunday lunch with her husband Rod. 3 Geoff Harley entertained arriving guests at
the Dinner Dance with his usual brilliance. Thanks Geoff 4 The PowerPoint presentation script was
ably read (with entertaining additions) by Russell Stitz. Thanks Russell for a fantastic job. 4 A big thank you to Jill Catt and Gerry
Coleman who helped enormously with Saturday’s preparations.
1
2
4
The University of Queensland is employing Student Ambassadors to help with their marketing. One of them is Charanpreet Soin, a Ugandan Student living at Cromwell. In an article in “Contact” she says: “The friends I have made at Cromwell College will last a lifetime. There are 250 people at Cromwell College and I know almost all of them on a personal basis. I had the hardest first week at University, I thought I’d made the wrong decision and shouldn’t be here, but once I got past that, I now think it was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Charanpreet is also a Senior and a member of the Uni Dive Club.
Bequests 5
3
Cromwell College Foundation Donations Thank you to the following people who are helping to secure Cromwell’s Future The names provided are of those people who donated in the last financial year Richard Barnett Hugh Begbie Boris Christa Tim Courtice May Hancock - bequest Ben de Jong Barbara Jesser Diana Kennaugh Jack Mathewson George McPherson John Millett
Rob Robson John Russell Clinton Singh Karl Van Zanten Bruce Webber Anonymous “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
A feature common to all great Colleges is the debt they owe to their Founders and Benefactors. Cromwell College is no exception. Without the foresight, commitment, and generosity of people such as Mr V.E and Mrs M Hancock, Cromwell would never have been built. The Board is aware that that the College has meant a great deal to many people and today is highly regarded for the service it provides to young adults. It is grateful for the generosity of past supporters and seeks a new generation to help the residents of Cromwell deal with a rapidly changing future. If you would like to make a bequest you can do so by including the following wording in your will. I give and bequeath the sum of $…….. to Cromwell College of Walcott Street, St Lucia, Queensland, to be used for the educational and/or general purposes of Cromwell College and I declare that the receipt of the Chairman for the time being of the Board of Governors of Cromwell College shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executors and trustees. For more information refer to our updated website under the heading Community or email Jane at friends@cromwell.uq.edu.au
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5-6th June 2004 Yes! I am pleased to send my gift to Cromwell College as it helps prepare young people for the future. Please send your gift to Cromwell College, Walcott Street, St Lucia Qld 4067. Phone 3377 1300 Fax 3377 1499 Email stay@cromwell.uq.edu.au Web www.uq.edu.au/cromwell
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Other $ If you prefer not to tear out the Invitation or Appeal Response Coupon, photocopy and mail it instead!
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(If your details have recently changed please indicate in area above). Please note that all gifts are tax deductible - Your receipt will be sent to you.
