Old boys' news and feedback THE CORONATION OAK

With the recent Coronation of King Charles III, it seems timely reproduce an article from the 2020 Lampstand on Wellington College's Coronation Oak.

In 1937, oak tree seedlings grown from acorns from Windsor Great Park, England were distributed to New Zealand Schools to commemorate the Coronation of George VI.

Class Of 1992 Reunion

The last Reunion for 2022 took place in December (after the 2022 Lampstand had gone to print), with the Class of 1992 assembling for their 30 Years On Reunion. A great effort from Serge van Dam and Sam Buckle in tracking classmates down and encouraging them to return, saw around 80 of the cohort back together again.

Members from the Cohort met at the College for a tour of the school, escorted by Archivist, Mike Pallin and Steph Kane, after being welcomed by Headmaster, Glen Denham.

The 1992ers then gathered in town for a long night of reminiscing. Thanks, Serge and Sam, and the 1992 cohort for coming back and reconnecting.

That was the end of the 2022 Reunion Programmeseven in total. We are now planning the Reunions for 1963, 73, 83, 93, 03... Please get in touch if you can help track down classmates.

Visitor From England

Holiday in New Zealand from England, retired Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bob Pringle (1954 DUX) called into Wellington College and enjoyed a tour of the school and a visit to the Archives. Bob has recently written a book on his late Uncle, Alexander 'Nugget' Pringle called The Unluckiest All Black. Bob also donated an original copy of a class magazine, J Force compiled by members of 4A, 1951.

The Wellingtonian of 1937 reported: May 31... a Coronation Oak was planted to commemorate the accession to the throne of George VI. The ‘oldest boy’, Mr Brodie officiating.

There is currently only one oak tree on the College site, on the lawn in front of what was the Headmaster’s house. Study of aerial photos from the 1940s show a young tree growing on that site through to a large tree in recent photographs. While other oak trees had been planted in subsequent years these were all removed to make way for buildings.

The Oak still stands in the front lawn of the Archives, but will we see another Coronation Tree planted to acknowledge King Charles III? It remains to be seen, but we envisage in this day and age, it would be a native tree.

Wellington College V Wellington Wanderers

The mid-February day dawned fine but overcast for the Wellington College 1st XIs match against the Wellington Wanderers. Thanks to Jeremy Dean (Class of 2003) who coordinated the match.

The two teams play annually for the Roger Moses Cup, and the former highly esteemed Headmaster of the school was on hand to watch the match and present the cup to the winners at the end.

The Wanderers won the crucial toss and elected to bat. Old Boy Sam French (CO 2003) set the scene for the Wanderers and batted superbly to end up on 90 in their score of 218 from their 40 overs.

This normally would have been a target for the 1st XI batting line up but not one player in the top five lasted more than ten balls. It was a tough 65 run loss for the College. Congratulations to Wellington Wanderers for retaining the Roger Moses Cup – we look forward to another tight contest next year.