Search for the old boys
Calling all St Augustine’s Old Boys — the hunt is on.
St Augustine’s reunion organisers are looking for old school mates.
In 2019 the 75th anniversary of the founding of the original St Augustine’s College in Whanganui will be held. Established in 1944 by the Marist Fathers, for the first 23 years of its existence the college was based in an old wooden building known as Villa Maria (aka Hutchison’s Folly). This was where St Mary’s Catholic Church now stands.
In 1967 St Augustine’s relocated to a new site in Peat St and over the years went through various incarnations where today, after combining with Sacred Heart College to become a co-educational Catholic school, it is known as Cullinane College.
Every quarter century since its founding there has been a major college reunion — 1969, 1994 and in 2019 the 75th.
Although there may well be a 100th anniversary in 2044, chances are that unless there are remarkable advances in longevity, 99 per cent of those who spent their school days at the old Villa Maria will have passed on.
A boy who left Villa Maria in 1967 at the age of 18 will in 2044 be 95.
Most of those still alive, who attended the old school are now in their 70s, 80s and 90s.
The reunion weekend is to be held over Labour Weekend next year and will involve less strenuous activities than in the past — no Old Boys v Current Boys rugby match for example.
The organisers are proposing early evening drinks on Saturday, October 26, followed by an anniversary dinner.
Both events will be held at Cullinane College.
On Sunday, October 27 there will be Mass followed by a morning coffee gathering for those who wish to reminisce further.
All St Augustine’s old boys are welcome to attend but in particular the organisers are wanting to find those who were schooled for at least part of their education at Villa Maria.
So that the organisers can reach all old boys who may have an interest in attending they are appealing to readers of Midweek who may know of any St Augustine’s old boys, especially those who attended Villa Maria, to please forward their names and if possible an email address along with a contact phone number (preferably mobile).
■ Please send this information to: Henry@HenryNewrick.com with the subject line St Augs. You may also text/phone Henry Newrick on 027 471 2242 or Patrick O’Leary on 021 576 703.