6 minute read
TOBAReunion
Over eleven months of intensive planning and preparation came to fruition on Saturday, 26 October, 2002 when the Trinity Old Boys' Association hosted Reunion 2002 in the Foley Gymnasium Centre. Approximately 600 former students of CBC Perth and Trinity College attended what turned out to be a wonderful gathering.
Reunion 2002 - the first major Reunion since the Centenary Reunion in 1994 - was held to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Edmund Rice's first school in Waterford, Ireland. The reunion also marked the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of Trinity College in East Perth, following its relocation in 1962 from the St George's Terrace site - currently occupied by the Duxton Hotel.
The evening's proceedings commenced with Year 11 and Year 12 students from the College conducting twilight tours of the College's modern facilities for Old Boys. The tours included a visit to the new Design and Technology Centre, the modern computing and laboratory facilities and the state of the art fully robotic observatory, the only one of its kind in any school in the southern hemisphere. All past students were "blown away" by the wonderful opportunities that modern Trinity students now have.
The tour concluded for a convivial "friendship session" on the picturesque lawns of Centenary Park outside the Gymnasium. Old Boys had the opportunity to view memorabilia, meet their fellow class mates over a refreshing beer or wine and to listen to music performed by members of the award winning Trinity College Pipes and Drums and Swing Bands.
As dusk descended over the Swan River, Old Boys were invited to take their seats in the specially laid out Gymnasium and were called to order for the entrance of the official party, led in by members of the College's Pipes and Drums Band. The Reunion had begun in earnest.
Grace was said by Brother Pat O'Doherty who had recently retired following 19 consecutive years of service at the College and its students. All present were able to celebrate this truly magnificent effort.
Special mention was made of Old Boy Mr Maurice Brockwell ('65) who was a tremendous supporter of and contributor to the College and who recently passed away.
Old Boys were then invited to dine on a three-course banquet supplemented by a plentiful supply of beer and wine.
The Association would like to thank Mr Chris Brockwell ('67) of Rosie O'Grady's who very kindly donated the beer and soft drinks for the night and to Evans & Tate who provided the wine at a heavily subsidised price.
During the night Old Boys were treated to a number of spectacular digital Presentations designed by Mr Paul Abrahams ('95) and Heath Properjohn ('95) of Loaded Studio
and displayed by Mr Peter Blewett ('70) and Mike Bird ('91) of Perth Audio Visual. This presentation reflected on the Past, Present and the Future of CBC Perth and Trinity College through its Association.
The Presentations can best described as follows and give a true indication of the special relationship and undeniable bond that exists between Trinity College and CBC Perth in Keeping The Spirit Alive;
The Past, confirming and underwriting the very proud tradition created by CBC Perth.
The Present, being the consolidation and further development of this very proud tradition and legacy, so carefully nurtured by CBC Perth and entrusted to Trinity College.
The Future, representing the Old Boys' continued support, upholding and defence of this great heritage in Trinity College.
Officially unveiled on the night was a specially designed commemorative brass plaque that will be installed in the footpath outside the former site of CBC Perth. Also unveiled was the first ever Crest for the Association designed by Mr Paul Abrahams ('95) and Heath Properjohn ('95).
Finally, TOBA's plans for the re-development and upgrade of the pavilion at the College's Waterford Playing Fields in Manning by the provision of a Function Centre to seat 180 people. The proposed development is of particular excitement as it is a very tangible way the Association has chosen to support Trinity College in a practical way. It is hoped that the re-development work will commence towards the end of 2003.
In addition, Old Boy' were treated to a special impromptu rendition of Northerly's win in the Caulfield Cup by Master of Ceremonies Darren MacAuley, which raised a substantial donation that will be used to support the Association's future projects.
At the conclusion of the night's formal proceedings, there was further opportunity for Old Boys to reminisce with their class mates, particularly those who had not seen one another for many years and in some cases since leaving the College. Indeed, for many, the dinner was only the start of their reunion celebrations, which continued well into the early hours of Sunday morning across the city.
On behalf of the Trinity Old Boys' Association I would like to thank Trinity's Principal, Tony Curtis ('56) and his staff for their huge support and encouragement, and for allowing the Association the opportunity to hold Reunion 2002 within the grounds of the College.
As you would imagine, the list of supporters for Reunion 2002 is every long. However, I could not let an opportunity like this go by without special mention of and thanks to Mr Peter Blewett ('70) and Mike Bird ('91) of Perth Audio Visual, Mr Paul Abrahams ('95) and Heath Properjohn ('95) of Loaded Studio, Mr Chris Brockwell ('67) of Rosie O'Grady's, Evans & Tate, our Master of Ceremonies Mr Darren MacAuley, our caterers Heyder and Shears and the many other sponsors and suppliers without whom this night simply would not have been possible.
As well, I would like to thank the members of the Reunion Organising Committee for their great work over the past year and the substantial number of volunteers who gave freely of their time to ensure Reunion 2002 was the major success that it proved to be.
It is only on an occasion such as this that one realises the huge support and high regard the College enjoys within the general community. All Old Boys', whether active or otherwise, should be very proud of the past achievements of CBC and Trinity, and should be very proud of the great reputation it currently enjoys as one of the outstanding schools in Perth.
I trust that those who attended Reunion 2002 enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the next TOBAReunion.
In the meantime, wherever your work or family commitments lead you in the future, please make sure that you keep in contact with your Association by regularly updating your contact details either electronically via our website at www.trinity.wa.edu.au/oldboys or by contacting the College on 9325 3655. Afew minutes of your time is all it takes to ensure that you are kept up to date with all matters TOBA.
Finally, and in keeping with the origins of the Edmund Rice family, I would like to close with an old Irish Blessing. "May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind be always at your back. May the rains fall softly upon your fields and may the sun shine warmly upon your face. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. And may you be half and hour in heaven before the devil knows you're dead."
