Binghi 152 - The Armidale School

The Armidale School 

Term 1, 2011 No 152 binghi

In this issue 

From the Headmaster 2 

Cricket 3 

Mountain Biking 4 

National Kayaking 4 

Rugby 5 

Middle & Senior Swimming 6 

Father & Son weekend 7 

Ocean Swim 7 

Middle & Senior Athletics 8 

TAS Rugby Carnival 9 

Grease 10 & 11 

Junior School 12, 13,14 

PICSE Camp 15 

Photography Success 15 

Grandparents' Day 16 

Old Boys' Notes 17-19 

Foundation 20 

Binghi is a production of The 

Armidale School published 

at the end of each term 

Editor/Typesetting 

Anne White 

Editorial 

Tim Hughes, Anne White 

School Photographer 

James White 

Printer 

Evans Printing 

Contributions for inclusion, 

enquiries or letters to the 

editor are welcome. 

Anne White 

The Armidale School, 

Locked Bag 3003, 

Armidale NSW 2350 

Tel (02) 6776 5851 

binghi@as.edu.au 

Web www.as.edu.au 

Cover: The opening 

sequence from the hugely 

popular musical 'Grease' 

staged at the end of term 1 

by TAS in association with 

NEGS and PLC - see page 

10. 

2 Binghi 152 Term 1, 2011 

THAT SPORT IS 

GOOD FOR BOYS' 

DEVELOPMENT? 

That organised sport should be a part of every 

boys’ life has never been questioned at TAS. 

According to the School history, the first Headmaster, 

Reverend Fisher, believed that boys should not have 

any excuse "for that most pernicious of all habits – 

loafing" and so he introduced organised sports in the 

very first year of the School. Just three years later in 

1897, TAS joined the Athletic Association of the Great 

Public Schools, an initiative that failed to rate a 

mention in the Armidalian of 1897, but was to have a lasting impact on the nature, spirit and 

philosophy of sport at the School. 

The practice of insisting that every TAS student should play school sport in summer and winter 

has persisted through our history, as has its perceived value in the TAS experience. Our implicit 

understanding that playing sport is good for boys’ development has come under academic 

scrutiny in recent years and that research is reassuring to any who might have had doubts. 

Earlier this year, educators from boys’ schools around the country met at Shore School under 

the banner of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition to discuss the role of sport in boys’ 

education. Predictably, it was a congregation of the faithful; those with experience and 

ongoing belief in the fundamental importance of engaging boys in healthy competitive 

team activity and there were no surprises presented. Instead, the conference presented a 

compelling affirmation of the role sport can play in the lives of boys growing up in a society 

seemingly dominated by sedantry and passive digital lifestyles. The research presented 

ranged from studies on sport’s contribution to the development of self confidence and 

emotional independence to relatively new work on the positive correlation between 

engagement in school sport and academic performance. 

Amongst its coverage of TAS activities over the past term, this issue of Binghi celebrates some 

of the summer highlights in the sporting life of the School. In doing so, it shows something 

of the extent of the sporting spectrum available today; from traditional offerings such as 

cricket, athletics and swimming, to the newer challenges of mountain bike riding, whitewater 

kayaking and ocean swims. 

This issue also hints at new developments as we move into the winter season. 2011 will see our 

senior footballers in carnivals at Newington and Riverview and TAS engaged in more rugby 

games with other GPS schools, both at home and in Sydney, than at any time in our 114 year 

association and that is very exciting. 

Murray Guest, Headmaster of The Armidale School 

Murray Guest

A SUMMER OF CRICKET 

SUCCESS 

Photo courtesy of Allan Moore 

Strong performances, particularly in bowling and fielding, fuelled success for The Armidale School’s 1st XI, which during the January 

holidays won three of five matches in New Zealand, before taking out the Sydney Cricket Festival in January against schools from 

Sydney, Canberra and Toowoomba. 

In their first trans-Tasman encounter, against Richard Hadlee’s old school Christchurch Boys High, the TAS boys tallied a cautious 150 after 

50 overs – and while their spinners bowled well the pace attack was unable to make an impact on their opposition, and Christchurch Boys 

passed the TAS score in the 39th over with three wickets down. 

Their second game against a combined Kaikorai Valley and Bayfield Schools didn’t start well, with the Armidalians batting poorly against 

a fairly average bowling attack and were all out for 95. However firing up their bowling, TAS eventually won the game by bowling their 

opponents out for 77, with captain Andrew Patrick taking five wickets. 

In their third game, Kavanagh College were all out for 77, with TAS’ AJ Murray taking six wickets for 5 runs off seven overs. At the crease, 

TAS passed Kavanagh’s score in the 15th over, for their second victory of the tour. 

It was not to continue against a talented Southland Boys High who batted first and wracked up 155, a score TAS was not able to meet. 

However in their last hit out, the TAS team redeemed themselves against Wakitipu High School in Queenstown. Batting first, Wakitipu 

were all out for 94 with good bowling from Nic Boulus with two for 8, Andrew Patrick three for 9 and Iain McLean who only bowled one 

ball which was a wicket. 

Patrick, whose personal tour highlights included five for 27 said he was proud of the team’s many achievements, including Harry Guest’s 

46 against Christchurch Boys High, AJ Murray’s fix for five Kavanagh, Tom Walsh bagging three for 8 against Southland Boys High, Nic 

Boulos taking two for 8 and Luke Webster with 40 no against Wakitipu High. 

“The team benefitted greatly from the tour. Not only was it a chance to bond as a team and have a great time, but it also let us experience 

playing cricket against different teams and in a different country,” he said. 

A fortnight after returning to Australia, the TAS 1st XI competed in the Sydney Cricket Festival along with St Ignatius College (Riverview), 

Downlands College, Toowoomba and Canberra Grammar. 

Against St Ignatius, solid batting including a partnership of 48 between Luke Walsh (42) and Luke Webster (35), a 50 not-out from Matt 

Wykniet and Harry Guest unbeaten on 28, helped the team reach a total of 192. Solid bowling from Webster, who finished with five for 

15 off 10 overs, had them under pressure early. Three wickets from Guest and one each from Cal James, Daniel McDouall and Jack 

Scifleet completed a wonderful win that gave the team a lot of confidence heading into the next match against Downlands College. 

Bowling first, early wickets were important. While TAS took two in the first four overs, it was very tight fielding and a run out that 

triggered a huge collapse from Downlands. They moved from two for 37 to eight for 45, and eventually bowled all out for 90. 

Approaching the last game, the boys knew they were close to taking the trophy home, but had to overcome some aches and pains. TAS 

had Canberra Grammar in all sorts of trouble at six for 39, and eventually all out for 102. Andrew Patrick again picked up four wickets, 

with Josh Taylor and Cal James picking up two each. Although losing four wickets, Taylor (24), Matt Wykniet (29 not out) and Toby 

Crothers (20 not out) helped ensure TAS won not just the match but the competition. 

Luke Webster, Andrew Patrick and Matt Wykniet were all named in the ‘Team of the Festival’, while Webster also picked up the All- 

Rounder accolade and Patrick was named Bowler of the Festival. 

Binghi 152 Term 1, 2011 3

BIKING IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS 

In the December holidays a group of TAS boys travelled to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains for a five day mountain bike camp. 

"After indulging in a delicious lunch we headed to the mountains to get a quick ride in before dark. The first ride was a mixture 

of rocky single-track and fast fire roads that pumped us up and set the scene for the week to come. 

The next day we rose at a leisurely hour to be driven to the Jenolan caves. Here, we started the famous six foot track, which 

included an almost 1km drop in elevation to a crazy swing bridge over a raging river. The rest of the riding included the epic 

views, exhilarating tracks and punctures the mountains are known for. There were, of course, many stacks but no ambulance 

was required. The highlight was a bloody mouth…that appeared on one knee. 

We were also able to go indoor climbing and check out town. Dan O’Dell joined us each day to ride and speak from the Bible 

at night. Food was a feature on mountain bike camp and we were treated to delicious meals thanks to Miss Owen and the 

Newton and Sole families. Thanks also to Mr Newton for the vibe and organisation." 

Ben Brunckhorst 

NATIONAL KAYAKING CHAMPS 

On a strong and wild Nymboida river, almost at maximum flow, four TAS boys, Nick Allen (seen above), Alex Cres-Meldrum, 

Tiernan May and Chris Bohlsen, competed in the National Kayaking Championships. Every boy won a medal. 

Nick and Alex began by competing in the Australian Wild Water championships, winning a gold in the teams and individual gold, 

silver and bronze. 

The boys continued their winning streak in the Schools Championship with Nick and Alex winning a silver medal, and Chris and 

Tiernan a bronze. As a team Alex, Nick and Tiernan won gold in the K1 teams event. 

Finally, the boys competed in the Open Nationals competition which included Will Forsythe, a TAS old boy and currently ranked 

as the No 1 kayaker in the country. Nick and Alex won another silver but then the the competition had to be cut short as the 

Nymboida river threatened to flood. The competition was a massive success showcasing the best of TAS canoeing. 

4 Binghi 152 Term 1, 2011

GPS MATCHES BOOST RUGBY 

After an absence of some decades, The Armidale School returns to compete as a part of the GPS fixtures in rugby this season, 

to be played both at TAS and in Sydney providing a boon to both players and supporters. 

TAS Headmaster Murray Guest said TAS and Sydney High will combine to cover most of the regular Sydney High rounds. The 

initiative will mean that for the first time since the late 1960s, TAS will play all the remaining GPS teams – The Kings School, Shore, 

Newington, Scots, St Joseph’s College, Riverview and Sydney Grammar – in the one season, in its own strip. Fixtures will be 

played in all age groups from the under 13s to the opens, but at a fair and competitive level. 

“When Sydney High are ‘at home’, our games will be here in Armidale,” Mr Guest said. “The ability to host 'whole school days' 

on a home and away basis is another significant benefit and will contribute significantly to the ongoing success and growth of 

the sport at TAS.” 

TAS will also host visits from other Australian and British schools, promising a season of quality rugby with three times the number 

of home games as previous years – meaning more competition for players and enjoyment for rugby supporters. As a result the 

school will no longer play in the LBK Boost Juice Cup (formerly Prime Cup) in Tamworth, but will retain home and away fixtures 

with Farrer. This promises to be an excellent season of rugby with such a broad spectrum of games to played. 

Football will also benefit from enhanced GPS opportunities. During the Easter holidays, the TAS 1st XI will participate in a 

football festival hosted by Newington College in Stanmore, Sydney. The team will compete against schools from Sydney, 

Melbourne and as far afield as Perth, offering boys a wonderful touring and carnival experience, Mr Guest said. 

“These enhanced relationships with the GPS in both football and rugby are very exciting. Our schools have the same 

philosophy of sportsmanship and camaraderie, and I am delighted that we will be able to share that.” 

Rugby Season Kicks Off 

Four rugby players were given the chance to impress national youth development 

squad selectors at a training camp in Sydney. 

TheTAS students, Luke Burton (from Dubbo), Lachlan Creighton (Walcha), James 

Kennelly (Woolbrook) and Lachlan McCormick (Wingham )were amongst 60 young 

rugby players from across NSW who attended the weekend camp at Sydney Football 

Stadium on 28 February. 

The Australian Rugby Union’s Junior Gold Squad camp has been organised by the 

ARU’s High Performance Unit who have identified the boys for their rugby potential. 

All four boys are part of the Northern Inland Academy of Sport’s Regional Junior Gold 

Squad. NIAS rugby coach Jamie Moore said it was a great opportunity for the boys. 

“Working with staff from the ARU’s high performance unit is a wonderful opportunity 

for the boys to develop their skill and potential in the game,” he said. “From the 

training camp there is a further opportunity for them to be invited to similar camps 

being held throughout the year.” 

Luke Burton, James Kennelly, Lachlan 

Creighton and (absent) Lachlan McCormick were 

the only boys in northern NSW to be selected for 

the Australian Rugby Union Junior Gold Squad 

The camp comes in the leadup to the TAS Rugby Carnival held over Easter, attended by 42 schools from as far as Sydney, the Gold 

Coast and Brisbane. 


SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 

records tumble at carnival 

Four new records were set at the TAS swimming championships held at the 

school’s indoor swimming centre on 18 February. 

Jay Kennedy broke the 15 year boys 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle 

record, while Tim Pearson also broke two records, in the 18 year boys 50m 

butterfly, and the 100m freestyle. 

Following a tremendous level of participation, the winning house for the 

day in both the Participation Trophy and the Champion House Trophy was 

Broughton House for the sixth successive year, earning themselves a mention 

in Peter Fitzsimon’s column in the Sydney Morning Herald. The ‘Tooth and 

Nail’ Trophy for relays was won in great spirit by Tyrrell House and the War 

Cry competition by Croft House. 

“Beyond the testosterone filled cheering, the important and defining 

characteristic of TAS swimming carnivals is the mass participation. So often 

the support of the masses is reserved for the elite, but it means so much more 

when it is equally hailed by those who simply offer their best,” Headmaster, 

Murray Guest, commented. 

Age champions were: 12 years Liam Donaldson, 13 years Harry Wright, 14 

years William Raleigh, 15 years Jay Kennedy, 16 years Angus Brunsdon, 17 

years Harry Guest, 18 years Tim Pearson. The sub junior champion was Harry 

Wright, the Junior champion Jay Kennedy and senior champion, Tim Pearson. 


Tyrrell prepares for the War Cry competition 

Broughton in full cry 

Mrs Pearson presents the Senior trophy to Tim 

Pearson as the 18 years champion

FATHER AND SON WEEKEND 

A weekend that strengthens the relationship between boys in Year 9 and their fathers was rated the most satisfying expedition 

organised by TAS, according to parents who participated in last year’s TAS survey. The survey, conducted by Macquarie 

Marketing Group, found that 93 per cent of parents ranked the weekend above all other expeditions, slightly ahead of the 

various service projects in Australia and overseas. 

This year the fifth annual Father and Son weekend was held in Chaelundi National Park. 

Year 9 is a time when boys start to look for direction from adult male role models that go beyond simplistic hero worship of 

earlier years. Cat Stevens said it well—his ideas are still current, even 35 years later. “It’s not time to make a change, Just relax, 

take it easy. You’re still young, that’s not your fault, There’s so much you have to know”. 

In Father & Son his lyrics tell of the divide that can develop between young and old, and we know this can start early. So, 

the weekend includes activities in which sons and fathers/significant adults take turns in exercising mentoring or leadership 

for each other. There was structured conversation time and time just to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful 

setting. This was a fantastic opportunity to build connections further and create good memories for both fathers and sons. 

COFFS HARBOUR OCEAN SWIM 

Fifteen of our Surf Lifesavers travelled to Coffs Harbour to compete in the Coffs Harbour Rotary Club 2km Ocean Swim. 

With 500 competitors the event has grown into a sizeable exercise, reinforcing to the boys the importance of developing 

confidence in the water. All of them completed the 2km swim. Their presence was well noted with Harry Guest's interview 

with the organisers on the beach before the swim a highlight of the morning. He swam extremely well to lead the TAS 

contingent back onto the beach in a time of 31:46, just over 4 minutes behind the Open Men's winner. 

As the boys chased each other up the beach to the finish line in an attempt to beat each other, it was evident that their 

training and fitness levels will hold them in good stead for their Surf Bronze Medallion. Ian Lloyd 


MIDDLE & SENIOR ATHLETICS 

The Middle and Senior School Athletics Championships were held on a excellent autumn day. All events ran extremely 

smoothly interspersed with the traditional head shaving by the prefects. 

Congratulations to Tyrrell House who were the winners of the Archdale Cup for the total athletics championships points. In 

fact this was Tyrrell's year as they also won the Champion House (the House which scored the most number of points per student 

enrolled in that House): 

The Age Champions were: 

12 years Oliver Shannon 

13 years Huw Knox 

14 years Wayne Mumbulla 

15 years Matthew Haydon 

16 years Thomas Sanson 

17 years Oliver Crawford 

18 years & over Joseph Moore 

Senior Hurdles (Warren Pengilley Cup): 

Joseph Moore 

Open 1500m (Swinton Cup): Ben Brunckhorst 

3000m (J C Bucknell Trophy): Joe Makeham 


Far left Tyrrell House in winning mode 

Centre: Joe Makeham displays his winning style 

Above: Fiona Taber checking off students

TAS RUGBY CARNIVAL 

TAS playing Pacific Lutheran College during the Rugby Carnival - TAS went on to win B Division 

Almost a thousand young rugby players from NSW and Queensland honed their skills in friendly competition at The Armidale 

School Rugby Carnival, thought to be the biggest junior rugby carnival in Australia. The 11-13 year olds from 42 teams travelled 

with their coaches and families from across NSW and southern Queensland for the seventh annual carnival, which Wallabies 

coach Robbie Deans, who attended in 2009, has described as a “fantastic advertisement for the game”. 

Teams were divided into three divisions – with each team playing four games over the weekend. In the C division final, the 

undefeated Inverell Junior Rugby Club triumphed over St Pius X College of Chatswood in the final, having previously beaten St 

Marys/TAS 39-0, Toowoomba Prep 2 28-0, Kinross Wolaroi 44-0 and Trinity Grammar School 43-0 in their pool matches. 

TAS 1 won the B division ahead of Matthew Flinders College Brisbane and Sydney schools Kings, Scots and Shore, while Padua 

College Brisbane took out the A division defeating fellow Queensland schools Toowoomba Prep, Churchie, Nudgee and 

The Southport School. Team of the Carnival was awarded to Kinross-Wolaroi School from Orange, whose enthusiasm and 

sportsmanship was boundless despite winning only one of their four matches. The event could not have been held without the 

support of major sponsor KooGa. 

Rob Egerton, manager of the Wallabies and member of the 1991 World Cup team was the carnival's official guest. He spoke to 

the junior players on Saturday afternoon and was guest speaker at a function at the Armidale Ex-Services Club in the evening. 

Carnival organiser and TAS sportsmaster Jason Lincoln said the carnival was the first tour for many players. 

“The atmosphere was just fantastic, to have so many young players showing their enthusiasm for their game in glorious 

weather, was just terrific,” he said. “This is an event that can only be done with the support of the wider community, and brings 

together rugby players and supporters from a large section of eastern Australia in competition that is all about team spirit and 

camaraderie.” 


"GREASE" IS THE WORD 

10 Binghi 152 Term 1, 2011

GO "GREASED LIGHTNING" 

Wow!! This was a wonderfully colourful and exuberant 

production of the musical Grease. 

Alex Crabb (TAS) as Danny, Caroline King (PLC) as Sandy and 

Emily Roberts (NEGS) as Rizzo led a hugely enthusiastic cast of 

48, in four sell-out performances. 

It was the first TAS production directed by the school’s drama 

director Emma Buzo, who was assisted by joint musical directors 

Nik Glass from TAS and Leanne Roobol from NEGS, supported 

by a band of professional musicians. 

Congratulations to everyone involved in this spectacular 

show it was so professional it was hard to believe it was school 

students performing. The stage set, the sound and the lighting 

all complimented the show and those involved deserve to be 

told, "well done". This was a truly entertaining evening. 

A special guest at the final performance of Grease was 

Old Boy Mike Hoskins from Texas, USA, the benefactor of 

the Hoskins Centre in which the production was staged. 

He was absolutely delighted by the show. 

Mike has recently donated video cameras, sound and 

technical equipment to the school and in particular the 

music department. Mike is seen below with Anthony Carlon 

and Pat Bradley looking at some of the new equipment 



JUNIOR SCHOOL 

SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 

This year we had two records broken, both by Lucy 

Fenwicke: 10 years 50 freestyle - (previously held by 

Sandra Barratt with 38.15 set in 1997) Lucy’s time was 

37.86 and the Open 100m freestyle – (previously held 

by Tahlia Paull with 1.28.68 set in 2009) Lucy’s time 

was 1.23.77 – nearly 5 seconds faster! Congratulations 

Lucy– a fantastic effort! 

The McCready Cup, given to the highest pointscorer, went 

to Lucy Fenwicke and Lachan Alford – both on 80 points. 

Our Champions were: 

Sub Junior Champions: 

Sophia Rutledge and Sam Meehan 

Junior Champions: 

Lucy Fenwicke and Angus Alford 

Senior Champions: 

Claudia Meehan and Lachlan Alford 

mad scientists abound 

Our Science Activity Day was a great hit with the children. Much fun was had by all and a whole lot of Science learning and 

experimentation was the focus of the day. Our guest presenters, Effie and Chris Howe and CSIRO gave us superb activities 

which were fantastic yet educational.

TAS TO TEZ 

David Wu, Nicholas Bohlsen, Dan Lethbridge, Sam Jeyakumar, 

Oscar McBean with teachers Alex Portell and Lana Bromwich 

took in downtown Osaka during the TAS Junior School visit to 

TEZ school in Japan 

Teacher Lana Bromwich, Joshua Miron, 

Ben Rowe and Isaac Gerdes inspect young 

chickens in their incubator 

JAPAN A HIT 

A 14 year link between schools in Armidale, Australia and 

Osaka, Japan, were strengthened during a cross-cultural 

visit in the December school holidays. 

A group of primary students from The Armidale School 

(TAS) gained many new insights when they were hosted 

by Tezukayama Gakin Elementary School (TEZ), Osaka. 

Tezukayama is a large independent primary school of 

around 700 students, all from one of Japan’s largest cities. 

During the eight-day visit the nine TAS students were 

billeted with host families. While some spoke very little 

English, they took their young guests on various adventures 

including visits to Universal Studios, a baseball game, 

Kayakuan Aquarium, Tennoji Zoo, as well as participating 

in a range of shared classroom activities. The visitors also 

took in impressive world heritage cultural sites at Kyoto 

including the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), and the water 

temple in the Kyoto hills, and the Kiyomizudera (Pure 

Water Temple). 

“It was also amazing to see the lengths to which the 

host families went to accommodate us and organise so 

many fantastic experiences for our students,” said TAS 

Junior School teacher Alex Portell who accompanied the 

students. 

“The activities they experienced, the cultural differences 

they overcame and embraced and the new friends 

they made are sure to be engrained in their memories 

forever, and it also made them more appreciative of their 

circumstances in Australia.” 

… a few weeks later, Isabel Newton, Isaac Gerdes and Sophia Rutledge find they are 

now old enough to handle. 

CHICKS A MAGNET TO YOUNG TAS STUDENTS 

Year 1 students at TAS Junior School have become very clucky in the past few weeks as they have carefully 

incubated dozens of chickens in their classroom. As part of a science unit Am I Alive, the class monitored their eggs 

daily, ‘candled’ their growth and actually watched them hatch, giving them an impressive first-hand understanding 

of the lifecycle of a chicken. By the time their 70 chickens were hatched the children had a thorough understanding 

of what living things need in order to survive. The chickens were then given new homes with caring owners. What 

a busy class! 


ARMIDALE SHOW SUCCESSES 

Congratulations to TAS students on their outstanding performances at the Armidale regional show. These achievements are a credit to the 

hard work of the students. Competing in the public arena and being rewarded is very satisfying and congratulations to all. 

Hugh Fletcher (above left) was awarded Grand Champion of the Fine Arts section with his Arthur Boyd painting completed in his extension 

and enrichment class. Special congratulations to Lucy Ball (above right) in Year 3 who won the sub-junior section of the cattle parading 

– such a tiny, yet confident young lady compared to the massive animal she led around the ring! 

JUNIOR SCHOOL ATHLETICS 

A brilliant Armidale autumn day plus the welcome presence of Minimbah School students combined to create a fantastic 

atmosphere at the Junior School Athletics carnival. Excellent results were produce and the champions were: 


The Headmaster gives the students a helping hand in the students versus parents tug-of-war 

Cecilia McKenzie enjoyed the day with her son Dennis Pitt who 

gave the Welcome to Country at the start of the carnival 

photo courtesy of Anna Gayner 

4 year (girls) Charlottte Portell 

5 years: Jasper O’Neil, Annabel Kaberry 

6 years: Sam Meehan, Ruby Straker 

7 years: Isaac Gerdes, Sophia Rutledge 

8 years: Flynn Jones, Olivia Strelitz 

9 years: Joe Gordon, Charlotte Caldwell 

10 years: Tom Costello, Daisy Meehan & Lucy Fenwicke 

11 years: Harry Tombs, Claudia Meehan 

Sub-junior champion: Sam Meehan, Ruby Straker 

Junior: Flynn Jones, Olivia Strelitz 

Intermediate: Tom Costello, Daisy Meehan & Lucy Fenwicke 

Senior: Harry Tombs, Claudia Meehan 

Highest pointscore: Claudia Meehan 124 points, Tom Costello 

105 points 

House Cup points: Ross 2116, Broughton 2071, Green 1845

INSIGHT INTO RURAL SCIENCE CAREERS 

Two Year 12 boys at The Armidale School now have a much 

clearer idea of career opportunities in the rural science 

field after participating in the University of New England’s 

Primary Industry Centre of Science Education (PICSE) camp 

in January. The internment was part of a national program to 

highlight science-based careers within primary industries. 

The boys, Toby Crothers of Glen Innes, and Levi McKenzie- 

Kirkbright of Lewisham in Sydney, won scholarships to the 

five-day camp which introduced participants to various 

career paths within the broad area of agricultural science, 

including agronomy, livestock nutrition, pastures and 

business management. 

Levi undertook animal health research at Veterinary Health 

Research Pty Ltd in Armidale with Dr Brad Nelson and Toby was 

understudy to Claire Edwards at Industry and Investment NSW. 

Site visits included trips to the Walcha Dairy, Guyra glasshouse 

tomato farm, a malt factory in Tamworth and field trips to 

one farm to find the source of a case of photosynthesisation 

in cattle, and identifying pasture species at another. 

“It was a great week and I learnt a great deal and became 

more confident about what potential career opportunities 

there may be upon achieving a Rural Science degree,” Toby 

said. 

On February 7 the boys gave a presentation of their 

experiences to organisers and were each presented with a 

cheque for $300 as part of the scholarship. 

Photo courtesy of PICSE 

Levi McKenzie-Kirkbright at the Guyra Tomato farm 

ALAN'S A CHAMPION 

Brilliant young photographer Alan Blunt, Year 10, scooped the pool at 

the Armidale Show recently, winning a swag of awards. 

Alan, who is 15 years, was awarded the under 18 Champion Photograph 

for a colour image of four coloured pencils floating in sparkling water. 

For his efforts he won a camera bag, tripod and cash. 

‘Pencils in Soda’ was one of several artworks that won prizes for Alan. 

He was also first in the under 18 Open Shot, first in the under 18 Colour 

Shot and second and third in the under 18 Black and White. Plus Alan 

was first, second and third in the under 18 Digital Manipulation. 

Alan’s love of digital photography will come in handy next term when he 

will be on exchange to Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick, 

Canada. A co-educational boarding school, it is, like TAS, one of more 

than 80 member schools of the Round Square organisation that share 

unique and ambitious goals. Students attending Round Square schools 

make a strong commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal 

development and responsibility. This is achieved by participating in 

community service, work projects, exchange programs and adventuring, 

which often takes students half way around the world. 

“I like the sound of Canada and I’m really looking forward to going on a 

big sea kayaking adventure that the school does,” he said. 

Two years ago Alan was part of an annual TAS service project at St 

Christopher’s Orphanage in Fiji. He is also the recipient of one of 

scouting’s highest honours, the Australian Scout Medallion. 



GRANDPARENTS DAY 

photo courtesy of Tim Barnsley 

More than 300 grandparents from across the state were given a glimpse of modern education at The Armidale School’s 

biennial Grandparents Day. 

Boys from Years 6 to 12 shared many facets of the school with their special family members in an event that was a 

prelude to NSW Seniors Week. From a visit to home classrooms, a tour of the indoor swimming and sports centre and 

Hoskins Theatre and a trip to the school’s new trade training facility, the guests learnt how much in education has 

changed, and yet how much has stayed the same. 

Among the numerous boys at TAS who showed special family members around the school were: (above) Liam Donaldson 

and his grandfather; Tom and Alex Wright (below left) with their grandmother, Mrs Conway from Brisbane; and (right) 

Jonathan Paul with Mrs Gilmore. 

All the photographs taken on grandparents day are available on the school website: www.as.edu.au 

photo courtesy of Tim Barnsley 

photo courtesy of Tim Barnsley

Here and There 

With thanks to Barry Blair, journalist for this story reproduced from The 

Northern Daily Leader of Saturday 5 March. 

I Remember when… Early days of aviation in Australia 

“Get away ‘Tubby’, get away!” Dodo Chapman’s mother screamed. 

Dodo’s fiancé, Charles Douglas ‘Tubby’ Sheardown (30-32), was 

barnstorming the family home when learning to fly a Gypsy Moth at 

the remote northern end of MacMasters Beach in the mid-1930s. 

‘Tubby’ and his wife Dodo of some 51 years were reminiscing about 

the old days at their Brisbane suburban home in 1991. 

Following three years as a student at The Armidale School 1930-32, 

‘Tubby’ was offered the management of an unviable family farm 

near Empire Bay on the Central Coast. The exploits of pioneer aviator 

Charles Kingsford Smith inspired him immensely, and a supportive 

uncle financed his flying lessons at Mascot, but only after dairy cows 

had been moved off the grass runway. 

At the outbreak of World War II, 'Tubby' enlisted with the Royal 

Australian Air Force (RAAF). Following service with the RAAF and the 

Central Flying School, 'Tubby' was decorated with the Air Force Cross, 

and the King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. 

Following the sale of the farm, the Sheardown family moved to a 

lakeside cottage at MacMasters Beach. Taking what spasmodic 

farm-work he could find, ‘Tubby’ soon realised the sky was calling 

him. During 1946, ‘Tubby’ joined the fledgling Trans Australia Airlines 

(TAA) as a first officer. He later flew as captain of DC3s and DC4s. 

Because of small fuel tanks and limited load capacity, the DC3s ran 

numerous ‘rabbit trap runs’ such as Sydney-Melbourne via Canberra 

and Corowa. ‘Tubby’s’ 15-year flying career with TAA was not without 

incident. On one occasion, soon after takeoff, on a flight from 

Canberra to Sydney, weather conditions only allowed for take-off. 

Gaining altitude, ‘Tubby’ realised oil was low in one engine. With a 

constant eye on the oil pressure gauge the engine was shut down at 

4000 ft altitude (1219m). Without further incident, the aircraft made a 

successful landing at Sydney airport on one engine. 

Dear Editor, 

I happened to come across your archives on the website and noted 

that in Binghi Edition 136 there was a query as to the whereabouts 

of your former master, Jim Duff (36-46). As a former student of his 40 

years ago, and a friend of his for the next 35 years, I can inform you, 

if no-one else has done so, that he died in Adelaide in 2006, just short 

of his 96th birthday. 

After leaving TAS, Jim taught in Kenya and at Harrow in England, 

before taking the post of Senior Mathematics Master at Prince Alfred 

College in Adelaide in 1951. He taught there until his retirement in 

1976, and subsequently enjoyed 30 years of active retirement. He 

remained in his own home with his wife of 60 years until his death. 

Beatrice died the following year also aged 95. He had many interests 

Old Boys' Jottings 

but probably greatest of them all was gardening. He was highly 

regarded and respected, and a wonderful friend to me. I had the 

great honour of giving the eulogy at his funeral. 

I hope this might be of interest to you and a few surviving students of 

his era. Yours sincerely, Alastair Hunter 

(Many thanks indeed Alastair for letting us know about Jim Duff. It is 

very much appreciated - Ed.) 

(Thank you to those who contacted me re Branko and Meadowfield 

re Binghi 151 - Ed. ) 

Ian Kiernan (52-58) thinks the photos were taken in 1957. He writes, 

"Somewhere I have photos of the canoes on the Gara River later on 

the same day. I remember Branko Milanovic who looked after the 

ag plots, the tractor, rotary hoe and Rosie the draught horse. He was 

a friendly and jovial bloke and I think a Jugoslav migrant. He lived 

in the cottage that Jim Graham later occupied at Backfield and 

was clearly delighted with his new life in Oz. Not sure if this is suitable 

for print but he had a substantial fist fight with the school sergeant, 

who was also popular with us, but we were thrilled by this gladiatorial 

event. Branko won. I didn’t live at Meadowfield but dear mellow 

Pappy Whitfield was the housemaster there. Previously I reported on 

the boat building activities that he established at Meadowfield. The 

images of the vehicles are Pappy's Humber, another teacher's Holden 

and Jim Graham’s VW. I think Pappy's wife is beside his car as it was a 

strictly male adventure. All three cars are loaded up with the first three 

canoes that we had built and we were going to launch them on the 

Gara River for their first adventure. It seems like yesterday! 

Fabulous to hear from Graham Sturt (47–56). He writes: Henry Belfield, 

the TAS Bursar for many years (40-45, 48-61), reckoned I was the third 

longest boarder at TAS I started when I was seven years and three 

months old. I was a monitor at Meadowfield in its first year of operation 

in 1956. My brother Warwick Sturt (47-54) was Captain of TAS in 1954. 

Binghi 151 mentioned Branko and you recorded the dates as 1962 – 

1975. I left in 1956 and Branko had been at TAS for many years then. 

He was, amongst many other duties, the “keeper” of the Clydesdale, 

the Dray the agriculture plots and the chicken sheds. I enclose a photo 

showing a group of us “working” in the paddock between the Gym and 

Binghi 152 Term 1, 2011 3 17

the Cricket Oval. This would have been done with Branko overseeing 

our efforts. One of the old chicken sheds can be seen in the photo. I am 

uncertain, but I think, those in the photo are from the left: Fred Mulligan 

(49-57), Graham Smith (52-54), Ted Coupland (52-57), unknown and on 

the dray is probably Tony Croft (51-56). I took the photo. 

(This is an amazing photo and I thank Graham for it and the description. 

I would be interested to know if Graham was indeed the longest 

boarder at TAS – or third longest as Henry Belfield thought. I note 

Dennis Martin was at TAS from 1955 – 1965 . Any others out there? Ed) 

Rob Tomlinson (60-64) also remembers Branko, “In particular on the 

Grey Fergie tractor during the preparations for the foundations for 

White House during a wet winter in 1963. Most of us in the agriculture 

class were involved. Branko was like an uncle to us and often shared 

stories of his homeland and early life there.” 

Note from Michael (Mick) Burnett (50-55) who had the pleasure of attending 

a small luncheon for Warwick Vyner (51-55) who was briefly in 

Melbourne in early March. 

A couple of 1955 leavers having a good time - left Michael Burnett, right Warwick Vyner 

News from Simon Pawson (83-87). After a successful career in 

hospitality and having worked for some leading hotel organisations I 

fell into education quite by accident. At the beginning of 2004 I was 

approached by the Dean of The International College of Management, 

Sydney (who was a friend of mine) to teach Marketing 101 for one 

semester as the previous lecturer had suddenly left. I was still working in 

the capacity of Operations Manager for Radisson Hotels, Asia Pacific 

Region. I taught in the evening for one semester and discovered I quite 

enjoyed teaching, and also seemed to have made a good impression 

on my students and senior colleagues. After completing my Masters 

in 2002, I was also interested in pursuing more research that examined 

social and environmental impacts attributed to tourism in Siem Reap - 

Cambodia. I then made the decision to enrol in a PhD program at the 

Australian National University and while completing my research I also 

taught. My PhD thesis was titled 'Tourism Education in Cambodia - Past 

Present and Future'. In 2009 I was further promoted to 'Head of School - 

International Tourism and Hospitality Management'. 

David Johnson (86-91) lets us know that: 

Steve Langdon (85-90) Is working as a police officer in the Northern 

Territory and he and wife Sam had a baby boy Bazzal Langdon in 

August 2010. 

Richard Franklin (85-90) has just accepted a position at James Cook 

University as an Associate Professor and is moving to live in Townsville 

with his wife Emily. 

And by the way, my wife Kerrie and I are excited to announce the 

birth of our first baby Ella Rose Johnson on 8 January 2011. 

Chloe Chick (89-90) now lives in Switzerland with husband James 

McKay and daughter Olive (20 months). Chloe has launched her own 

foundation www.peaksfoundation.org and would be delighted if any 

Armidale women would be interested in participating. 


Congratulations 

Australia Day Honours 

Dr Bernard Huxtable (42-46) was awarded the Order of Australia 

Medal in the latest Honours List for services to medicine and to the 

community. Based in Orange, Bernard has had a distinguished 

career in cardiology and was prominent in bodies such as Rotary. 

He devoted his spare time to the development of community health 

projects in South Asian countries, especially New Guinea. Thanks to 

Phil Bailey for this information. 

Bruce Parsons (58-59) was awarded the Order 

of Australia Medal for Services to Forster- 

Tuncurry. Bruce grew up in Forster and attended 

the local central school then Taree. Boarding 

at The Armidale School in his final year gave 

him an appreciation that the world was a 

much bigger place than just Forster-Tuncurry- 

Taree. With his father, he became involved in 

oyster farming, and his love and knowledge of 

"mucking around in boats and barges" saw him 

join Forster Surf Club in 1955. Bruce joined Apex in 1960 and was a 

member for the next 15 years. In 1975 he joined the Masonic Lodge 

and was Master of the Forster Lodge in 1984, then In 1979 he joined 

Tuncurry-Forster Rotary Club and served as its president from 1990- 

91. Bruce was also a Director of the Great Lakes Aged and Invalid 

Care Association and he began an involvement in local government 

in 1980 which lead to shire president from 1983 to 1987. Describing 

himself as "a doer rather than a sitter", he says he "wanted to make 

things happen". 

Will Crago (92-97) received a Public Service Medal from the Governor 

General in the Queens’ Birthday Honour List in June 2010. Will completed 

a Bachelor of Asian Studies and a Masters of International Business at 

ANU before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As a 

Consular Officer at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta he played a key 

role in Australia’s response to the bombings in Jakarta in 2009. “He was 

stationed at the police morgue to assist with victim identification and 

he provided the highest standard of consular service to victims and 

their families.” Thanks to twin brother James (92-97) for this information. 

Two TAS Old Boys will be Ministers in the new NSW Government. 

Nationals statesman and Member for Upper Hunter George Souris (61- 

67) and Member for Ballina Don Page (63-68), also of the Nationals, 

are both TAS old boys where their time overlapped. Both were 

prefects in their final year. Mr Souris, who was Parliamentary Leader 

of the Nationals from 1999-2003, is one of only two Nationals MPs in 

the government with ministerial experience, having served in various 

portfolios in the Greiner and Fahey governments. NSW Premier Barry 

O’Farrell announced he would head up one of eight super-ministries 

as Minister for Hospitality, Tourism, Racing and Major Events. Mr Page 

will be the new Minister for Local Government for the North Coast. 

Congratulations to Phillip (82-84, 86) and Kate Moffatt on the birth of 

Olivia Katherine Moffatt on 18 January. Olivia is a sister for Andrew, a 

niece for Malcolm Moffatt (76-81), great niece for Bruce Moffatt (51- 

58) and granddaughter for Pearl and the late Peter Moffatt (50-56). 

Martin English (88-93) married Abbie Priest in Port Macquarie in March 

2010. He is a commercial lawyer and has contact with Tony Marshall 

(84-89) also a commercial lawyer from Taree. His brother Roderik (90- 

96) married Melissa Conditsis, also in Port Macquarie in November 

2010, with TAS well represented.

News from Guy Fitzroy (92-97) who is now farming at Delungra. He 

is proud to announce his engagement to Kim Gill of Merriwa. The 

couple plan to marry on 1 October. Both sets of parents are delighted. 

Well done to Will Forsythe (94-04) on achieving the rank of No 1 

Australian National Kayaker. This year as a precursor to the 2012 

Olympics Will has a hectic race schedule culminating in an Olympic 

test event on the London course in September. 

Photo by Richard Fox 

Congratulations to Tom Abbott (95-00) (son of Jack (59-64) and Wendy 

Abbott of Armidale) on his marriage to Lisa Csillag in Sydney on 8 

January. 

Jonathon Wheeler (97-10) has met the requirements to receive the 

Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Formal presentation of his Gold Award 

by Her Excellency Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of NSW, will take 

Obituaries 

Maxwell David Tomlinson (1933-36) was the second eldest of nine 

children. His two brothers John (44-46) and Ted (44-47) attended TAS 

during the war years and the six girls attended NEGS. Max was home 

schooled with a governess and then at Staggy Creek school to which 

he rode on his pony. He commenced his secondary education at TAS 

in 1933 and was an average student but represented the school in 

the 1st XV and the 1st XI cricket and was awarded school colours. His 

sons Robert (60-64) and Geoffrey (64-69)also attended TAS. 

(A full eulogy is available from the editor on request.) 

William Geoffrey (Bill) Amos (42-50) passed away at Manilla on 3 

January 2011. Bill grew up on the family sheep property at Mungindi 

and did his early education by correspondence before going to TAS in 

1942. He very much enjoyed his time at TAS. Bill was the Deputy Senior 

Prefect whilst in his final year at TAS and was involved in a number of 

activities including the 1st XV rugby, captain of the gymnastics and 

a member of the Boxing team. After Bill left school he returned to the 

family property at Mungindi. With his father’s unexpected death in 1953 

Bill took over the running of the property. He was a man of genuine 

humility and honesty. His son Leslie (74-79) also attended TAS. 

It is with much sadness that we note the death on 8 January 2011 of 

Sydney (Roo) Graham Wilson (57-63). He is remembered with great 

affection by his cohort. 

Paddy Flower (62-63) writes, “I had a call from Mathew Wilson (89-94), 

this evening. It seems Roo was in the paddock doing some slashing 

and some wire got caught up and Mathew, who was nearby, came 

over to help. Roo went to the ute to get a hammer and, as he walked 

back he suddenly dropped to the ground. Mathew applied CPR for 

about 30 minutes but the medics suspect a massive heart attack and 

said he was dead when he hit the ground.” 

Ric Hall (60-63) remembers Roo, “a good bloke who had many 

friends and without an enemy. After leaving school I kept in contact 

with him through the Tamworth Winter Clubs etc. I recall going out 

to his place on a number of occasions, at Wallabadah, on shooting 

outings. Roo would get a bag full and I would blast away and hit 

rocks trees etc, animals were always safe. We had a lot of fun. I will 

miss his friendship and dry humour at the reunions.” 

At School Roo was in the A shooting team, the 2nd XI cricket team, 

the 2nd XV rugby and the swimming team. 

Roo is survived by his sons Matthew (89-94), Peter (94-99) and his wife 

Margaret. 

(I have received a wonderful eulogy from Margaret Wilson and while 

space does not permit me to reproduce it in full I quote an incident 

from it. If you would like a copy please contact me – Ed) 

“The provision of food in schools during the 50s was appalling and TAS 

was no exception. There was never enough to eat for growing boys 

and the quality was poor. So in order to finance a decent meal at 

the local café, Graham and few friends began a ginger beer distillery 

hidden behind a board which blocked an old fireplace in the dorm. 

To make the product more attractive a stiffener was added. All went 

well with a healthy cash flow until things began to go wrong. A large 

number of senior boys became ill and then came the day when the 

brown science lab bottles blew up under the pressure of fermentation." 

“It is with great sadness that I (Tony Davidson 70-75) write, “ I attended 

David Morbey’s (1968-71) funeral service in late January. He passed 

away on 19 January aged 55 from melanoma). Around 400 people 

crowded into the church in Mosman to farewell a great friend. Dave’s 

wife Joanna and brother Richard (69-71, 73- 75) (Senior Prefect 1975) 

spoke very bravely about Dave’s very active life; his career in finance; 

his devotion to his family and his particular love of music. Dave will be 

greatly missed by all who knew him.” 

Thanks to Comrie Bucknell (66-71) who has received the following 

death notices from Sir Kina Bona (70-71) (known as Kina Marmari 

while at TAS) on 6 April 2011. 

Changol Pangkiau (70-71) was in Tyrrell House and a member of the 

athletics team (70-71) and the soccer 1st XI (70-71). 

Ai Noka (67-70) was in Tyrrell House, 1st XV (70); 2nd XI (69); athletics 

team (68,70) and the swimming team (69-70). 

Both were from PNG and I believe that both of them were sponsored 

by Mobil Oil on scholarships. 

Comrie Bucknell (66-71) is trying to find the whereabouts of the 

following 1971 Leavers – LOST Old Boys (April 2011) 

JONES Christopher Robert William, 66-69, Tyrrell 

JONES Colin Russell, 67-71, Broughton 

JORDAN Michael David, Mar70-71, Tyrrell 

KAVOP Jeremiah Nagoi (Jerry), 68-71, White 

KENNY Paul Ian, 64/5-May 67, Tyrrell? - Last known 

address: "Ninda", Cooks Road, ARMIDALE NSW 2350 

KRANTZ Paul Raymond, Feb-July 1966, Tyrrell/Abbott 

McMASTER Gregory, Apr68-Apr69, Broughton 

PENISTON Neil Trevor, Sep63-Mar66, White?? 

SULLIVAN David Peter, 64-66, Abbott? 

THOMAS Anthony David, 1969, Abbott/White? 

Comrie Bucknell can be emailed on comrie.bucknell@pacific.net.au 


TAS FOUNDATION NEWS 

This term for the Foundation was particularly special because we celebrated the 100th birthday 

of our oldest Old Boy, Mr Lionel Cohen and at the same time launched the new Bell Tower 

Society with Lionel as our patron. The Bell Tower Society is open to any of our older Old Boys who 

would like to receive our twice yearly publication, “Tales from the Tower” written with relevant 

news and articles for this important group as well receive invitations for specific events. 

If you live in Queensland and are interested in coming to the launch of the Bell Tower Society 

in Brisbane, please let us know. Invitations will be sent to all Queensland Old Boys for the 

launch at lunchtime on Saturday 4 June. 

We will also be launching Jim Graham’s book, A Song to Sing O on 4 and 5 June in Brisbane and 

look forward to seeing as many Old Boys as possible for the event. Details will be sent out soon. 

Please be aware that the Foundation’s Annual Giving Appeal 2011 will be sent out before the 

end of June with two specific projects we are raising funds for. The first is the appeal for the Jim 

Graham Scholarship and the other is our hope to raise funds for proper seating on Backfield. 

The latest developments in the rugby competition for TAS will mean greater crowds and a 

higher profile for our rugby matches and we are looking to improve the experience with better 

seating. Any contribution you are able to give will be gratefully received as the Foundation tries 

to improve our level of scholarship funds and constantly update our facilities. Lionel Cohen, our Oldest Old Boy enjoys a 

birthday lunch on reaching 100 years 

A Celebratory Lunch: Standing left to right: Rob Busby (63-68), Cressida Mort (TAS Director of Development), Alan Smith(42-44), 

Peter Ratcliffe (41-43), Murray Guest (TAS Headmaster), Donald Walker-Smith (42-45), Haille Smith (48-50) 

Seated: Warwick Lewarne (45-49), John Lennox (49-55), Lionel Cohen (26-27), Phillip Lazarus (42-43)- also at the lunch, but absent 

from the photo, was Bruce Rosenberg (42-43) 

TAS Old Boys' Weekend 2011 will be held from Friday 9 September to Sunday 11 September. 

Full details in the next Binghi but if anyone is interested in organising a year reunion could they please contact Donna Jackson 

on 02 6776 5865 or email djackson@as.edu.au 

“TEE OFF” THIS OLD BOYS’ WEEKEND WITH A SOCIAL GAME OF GOLF FOR A GOOD CAUSE... 

TAS OBU proudly presents the INAUGURAL OBU GOLF CHALLENGE Friday 9 September, 2011 

Armidale Golf Club, Links Rd, Armidale Event : four person ambrose, shotgun start at 2.00pm, BBQ lunch from 12noon 


“Tee Up” a team of four or nominate individually! 

Cost $50 per person or $190/team includes : 9 holes of golf in picturesque surrounds, gourmet BBQ lunch and drink vouchers, 

participant pack of gifts, novelty activities, fabulous networking opportunity 

Numbers are strictly limited so don't delay! 

Contact: Shona Eichorn TAS Community Relations on 02 6776 5800 or email seichorn@as.edu.au

Binghi 152 - The Armidale School

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?