Page 6 - Southwell School Chronicle July 2018
P. 6

Congratulations to our Southwell old boys, who represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast this year: Jared Gray (2010 - 2011) in cycling, Sam Perry (2007
– 2008) in swimming and Cameron French (2004-2005) in the hurdles event. Earlier in the year, Cameron also broke a New Zealand record in the 400m hurdles, posting a time of 49.33 seconds.
Photo credit: Bruce Lim/Photosport
FEATURE
OBGA UPDATES
CATCHING UP WITH OUR FORMER STUDENTS
The school recently received a letter from Rodney Rodwell, Old Boy (1953 -1957). Below is an excerpt from that letter:
I am delighted that the school is still using the students in building works and in producing operas. The dramatic tradition of the school in my time was, on reflection, quite remarkable. A full G&S production every year, featuring essentially everyone who could sing
in tune. That included the massive Princess Ida. The scenery painted by Paul Sergel and made with him by the scenery guild was extraordinary. The music Teacher P.A. Apthorpe directed with gusto and Joan Cumming ensured that all principals had voice training in the second term (beat squad work on a frosty morning) and stunning costumes. In between times when we were good enough we would enter a play in an outside competition and perform with distinction.
My key recollection, looking back, however is how Southwell managed
to never exude unnecessary privilege
in the way other private schools did
and do. Maybe it was because it was
a tough place. Hot water was not in plentiful supply and any form of heating (classrooms, kitchens, laundry) came from wood chopped by the boys alone. While we could achieve mightily, our environment never let us feel too special. I trust that aspect is retained.
Best of luck to Samanatha Voss (2005 – 2009) who will be rowing in the Women’s Single Scull as part of the New Zealand rowing squad competing at the U23 World Championships in Poznan, Poland in July.
Well done to Southwell old boy, and former Head Chorister, Thomas Voss (2005 – 2011). Thomas is part of Vocal FX, a male acapella group, based in Wellington. Vocal FX will be representing New Zealand at the World Harmony Barber Shop Convention in Florida in July.
OBITUARIES:
Darielyne Hansen - Passed away peacefully in Hamilton on 15 April 2018. Darielyne was a former Trust Board Member, giving 20 years service in this role. She was a past parent of Mathew Hansen (Old Boy 1992 – 1994) and was the grandmother of current students Anna and Thomas Hansen.
Michael McElroy - Old Boy (1940 – 1942), passed away in Auckland on 11 September 2017.
Michael Crowther - Old Boy (1957 – 1961), passed away suddenly in Havelock North on 7 April.
Aaron Jespersen - Old Boy (1992 – 1994) passed away April 2018.
Christopher (Kit) Vennell, OBE - Old Boy (1938 – 1942). We have heard from Old Boy Adrian Vennell (1940 – 1945) of the passing of his brother Christopher. During his time at Southwell Christopher sang principal parts in the annual Gilbert and Sullivan operas, culminating in the part of Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance. He was a member of the 1st XI cricket in 1942. Christopher joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, retiring as a Commander, but continued his naval service for four more years as Resident Naval Officer and Staff Officer HMNZS PEAGASUS. Upon retirement from the naval service Christopher was awarded an OBE.
We celebrate the success of old girl, Isobel Ewing, a reporter and presenter for Newshub. Isobel was the winner of the Environmental / Sustainability Award at the 2018 Voyager Media Awards, beating fellow nominees from National Geographic, New Zealand Listener and North and South magazine.
  Tim Seifert (2005 – 2008) It was
great to have Tim call in for a visit with staff and some young fans! Tim had
a fabulous cricket season, scoring the fastest century in a domestic Twenty20 match in New Zealand, batting for Northern Districts against Auckland
in the 2017-2018 Burger King Super Smash. He made 100 runs off 40 deliveries. In February Tim made his T20 debut for New Zealand against England and has been awarded a contract with Northern Districts for the 2018-19 season.
Daryl Mitchell (2000 – 2004) has also been awarded a contract for the 2018- 19 season with Northern Districts.
     Well done to Quinn Tupaea (2011 - 2012) for being called up as injury cover for the NZU20’s Rugby Team. Quinn has signed with the Waikato Development Squad for the upcoming 2018 Mitre
10 Cup season. Congratulations also
to Bryn Gatland (2005 - 2008) on the signing of a two year contract with the Highlanders. We wish you all the best for your move south.
   Nick Reddish (2008 -2009) rode for New Zealand in the U23 2018 UCI Nations Cup. Nick was part of a six man team who raced in the Netherlands and Belgium.
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