Page 5 - Southwell_The Chronicle JULY
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OBGA COMMITTEE MEMBER PROFILE
TANDY BRYANT, INTREPID OUTDOORSMAN
he climb to the summit of Mt Taranaki is a grueling 17km hike and definitely not for the faint–hearted. Generally regarded as being one of the toughest day
hikes you can do in the North Island, Southwell old boy Andy Bryant has made the climb more than 50 times
in the past 45 years. This year, on a glorious day in January, Andy took a group of 16, including our Headmaster Jason Speedy (pictured bottom right), to the 2518m summit of this volcano.
Andy’s love of the outdoors stems
back to his twenties. While studying
at Canterbury University, for his Bachelor’s Degree in Science, in Geography and Sociology, Andy was nominated to attend an Outward Bound course. This was to be a life changing experience for Andy and had a big impact on his future, instilling in him a love of the outdoors and exposing him to such pursuits as kayaking, tramping and sailing. The three weeks spent at Anakiwa stretched him beyond what he thought he could achieve and taught him to believe in himself physically. Andy then returned to university completing his degree, followed by
a diploma in teaching. He taught at numerous schools throughout New Zealand where he particularly enjoyed running the Duke of Edinburgh awards programme.
Andy’s passion for the outdoors saw him develop an interest in mountain climbing, in particular Mt Taranaki. Andy has had a long relationship with the Taranaki Alpine Club and has made lifelong treasured friendships with fellow climbers.
Fostering a love of the outdoors in students, at the various schools he has taught at over the years, is something he can be justifiably proud of. Many
of these students are still in contact with Andy today and can credit him with introducing them to the sport of mountain climbing.
Four Bryant brothers, Dan, Vic, Andy and Chris (pictured top right) attended Southwell between the years of
1940 – 1963. The family farmed in the Tauwhare hills before moving to Hamilton during World War II.
Andy has fond memories of his time at Southwell, being part of three operas
– in fact he can still remember the words from ‘The Mikado’ in Japanese! Boarding for six months, Andy enjoyed being part of the routines and structure of boarding life, from daily jobs, dinners and having the Headmaster read to them each evening.
Andy has also enjoyed racing Jaguar cars, travelling and living overseas
and takes an interest in the Bryant Trust, initiated by his grandfather in the
1920s. He believes that the outlook, ethos and faith of his grandfather have been absorbed.
Andy, with his partner Kate, is a great supporter of Southwell. A member of our Old Boys’ and Girls’ Association, he is using his interest in botany and landscaping to compile the history of significant trees and plantings on the School campus. Andy and Kate enjoy being part of the Southwell family and we appreciate their time and commitment they give to us.
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