Newsletter 2008 - Wesley College Alumni · Wesley College Newsletter Spring 2008 WESLEY COLLEGE...

Wesley College Newsletter Spring 2008www.wesleyppu.com

WESLEY COLLEGE PAST PUPILS UNION

Notice of AGMThe Annual General Meeting of the Past Pupils Union will be held on Monday 19 May 2008 at 8.00 pm in the College.

All members are very welcome, the committee for the year 2008/09will be elected, reports on the years progress will be presented and the financial accounts reviewed and approved.

After the meeting tea/coffee is provided providing an ample opportunity to meet with fellow past pupils .

Current 2006/07 Committee

President Arthur Ennis President Elect Iris O’Ferrall Immediate Past President Pam Campbell (Whale)Hon Secretary Valerie Grimes (McNeill)Hon Treasurer Alison GalbraithBranches Secretary Ruth Bell (Meredith)Re-Union Liason Lynn McCraveMembership Secretary Kevin Major

Deirdre Chadwick (Fitzgerald), Madeline Cooke, Rodney Evens, Billy Given, Helen Holland (Price), Susan Paul (Fitzpatrick), Peter Squire, Andrew Stroughair, Teddy McDowell (UK rep) (Sandra Ringland and Sean Stewart, resigned )

Newsletter 2008

President’s MessageHaving read newsletter editorials of many of my illustrious predecessors, I now find to my amazement that it is now my turn to produce a few paragraphs for this publication. I was surprised and honoured to be elected to the Presidency of Wesley Past Pupils Union, and I wish to thank all the members that made this possible. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since taking office last May, time has flown and now I find myself in the home straight.

My first engagement was the Northern Branch AGM held in Glaslough, County Monaghan, in the beautiful Castle Lesley on a Sunny Autumnal Saturday. I take this opportunity to thank our northern members for this enjoyable afternoon. Due to a double booking we were forced to move the Golf Outing and Dinner from the August slot to early October, once again lady luck came to our rescue and we enjoyed good weather for the event.

October was a very busy month,

as well as the Northern A.G.M. and the Golf Outing we also had what I consider the main event of our year, the annual Dinner, held once again in The Royal, St George Yacht Club. Present that evening were the Class of1957 who arrived early in great form determined to have a good time. Our Guest Speaker was the versatile veteran of the after dinner circuit, David Rowell who showed what an excellent entertainer he is. The evening was a great success enjoyed by all present.

I had the honour of making the first presentation of the New Transitional Year Award “The Spirit of Transition” at a college prize day. A new event which recognised the growing popularity of bridge was held in the college in November. The tournament was well attended and has the potential to become a successful annual event.

The London reunion held once again in the Gvoman Tower Hotel was well attended and enjoyed by all present. One feature I liked this year was that many of our U.K. members were prepared

to stay on after the meal and socialise with the visitors.

The Friday evening visit to the Theatre is now an established part of the weekend and this year it was “The Sound of Music” which I thought was an excellent production.

As I write this I look forward to the Table Quiz now held in Old Wesley R.F.C. I suppose we should now consider calling this a Pub Quiz. My final outing will be down to Kilkenny for the Midlands and South Reunion. A visit to this city is an enjoyable experience and I look forward to meeting members at this event.

The Web Site is now an important part of communication with the membership and we endeavour to keep it up to date as regards events, photographs etc. Once again the newsletter will be available on line. Please excuse some repetition if you read this article after reading my Web Site Message.

I have enjoyed attending the Dinners’ of our Kindred Associations where hospitality

and friendship were provided in abundance. Apart from a few hangovers and some extra weight I have survived intact. Finally I want to thank my excellent hard working committee which have made my term of office so easy and enjoyable.

A special mention for our Hon. Sec. Valerie Grimes, Hon. Treasure Alison Galbraith, the committee Dynamo Peter Squire assisted by Derek McCullagh who made sure that I did not sit on the job. I hand over my chain of office to Iris O’Ferrall, Our New President in May and I take this opportunity to wish her success and enjoyment in her year of office.

President: Arthur Ennis

ContentsPresidents Message 1AGM Notice and Committee 1AGM Notice and Committee 2Dates for Diary and ASU 2Annual Golf Outing 2007 2Bridge Night 2007 3Northern Ireland Branch reunion 2007 3NIB Advert 3Annual Dinner 2007 4Midland & South Reunion 4Table Quiz 2008 5London Re-Union 2008 5Class Reunion 6Births, Engagements, Deaths and in Memoriam 6Principals Message 7WC PPU Bursaries 7Old College Photos 1950’s 8Spirit of Transition Award 9Appeal for Funds and Bursaries 10For new school leavers 11Items to obtain 12Past Presidents 13Junior Branch PPU 14


1. Arthur Ennis presenting Walter Hegarty with the Wasdale Cup OBU prize, 2. President Arthur Ennis presents Colin Taylor with the Robertson Cup , main prize

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As a recent school leaver your subscription had been paid for the first six years following leaving school. Six years after leaving Wesley College the PPU then approaches you to encourage you to continue your membership and requests that you then pay your annual subscription of 20 Euro.

The PPU continues to focus on recent school leavers and recent past pupils and provide activities and events that might interest this group and to seek how they

might consider supporting the college.

What can we do ? • First, we want to communicate with you and stay in touch with you on-line, have we your email address? If not, send it to Kevin Major, Membership Secretary at: [email protected].

Second we want to listen to you. If you have questions or suggestions on how the PPU might provide appropriate events for recent past Pupils

please contact Lynn McCrave, PPU Reunion Liaison (087 298 5840) •

Third, we welcome your suggestions. How can we improve our Website at - www. wesleyppu.com - or this newsletter that might make them more directed at the younger generation of Past Pupils. Please email your response to Kevin Major at the email address above.

Fourth we want to help you.

Are you planning a past pupils year reunion, be it after 3 years, 5 years, 10 years etc, you should contact Lynn McCrave, Reunion Liaison (087 298 5840) on the PPU committee who can provide you with support. This has proved a great help for some Past Pupils Reunions. If any group of Past Pupils considers doing something to support the College – be it Fund Raising or to run an event or whatever - again contact Lynn.

TO RECENT SCHOOL LEAVERS AND RECENT PAST PUPILS… WHY ARE YOU RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?

12 May Saturday Midlands and South reunion Lunch, Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny 12.30, details from Billy Given 01-2986843 or Valerie Grimes 01-2896069

14 May Monday Annual General meeting in the College at 8.00 p.m. followed by refreshments .

13 July Friday A.S.U. Golf Outing, Beechpark Golf Club

23 August Thursday PPU Members Golf Outing and Dinner, Foxrock Golf Club, booking essential, - Time sheet - Rodney Evens 01-2874224, - Bookings for Supper - Ruth Bell 01-2875710

19 September Wednesday A.S.U. Annual General Meeting and Dinner

6 October Saturday Northern Ireland Branch AGM and Reunion lunch, venue to be decided. Details from Dorothy Kernahan (048) 90792504 or Valerie Grimes 01- 2896069

19 October Friday Annual Dinner, Royal St George Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Bookings to Valerie Grimes 01 - 2896069 February 2008 London Reunion lunch, details to be provided later

Log into the Past Pupils Website to see photos of events and for news of other events or to check final details of an event .

Dates for your Diary

Despite the change of date from August to October this year the PPU Annual Golf Outing in Foxrock GC did not suffer. In lovely sunshine 35 golfers played and enjoyed good golf and most importantly good company and fun.In the evening the Principal Chris Woods and his wife Nicola and 22 other non golfers joined us for dinner and listened to the

stories of what good golf every-body played, all of the “if only” and the “near misses”. A good evening was had by all. Thanks to the Foxrock GC catering staff for looking after us so well.The main prize winners were:The Presidents Prize (Robertson Cup) Colin Taylor (A new name)The OGU Prize (Kingston Cup) Jo Swan (who defended her title)The OBU Prize (Wasdale Cup)

Walter Hegarty (not a new name!!). Well done to all the other prize winners on the day. Thanks to Valerie Grimes, Deirdre Chad-wick, Billy Given and Geoff Bell who assisted on the day, what would we do without them!!!We are very grateful to all our sponsors and would like them to know how much we appreciate their support. Thanks to: Robert

Bell , Arthur Ennis , Rodney Evans Motors , Bluebell Motor Company, AIB Bank , Norman Lauder Ltd, Jack Storey. This was Rodney’s 10th year to organise the event and as usual it all went smoothly on the day, thanks and well done. Finally to our Presi-dent Arthur, enjoy the rest of your term in offi ce and keep the fl ag fl ying for the class of ’63!!

PPU Annual Golf Outing


Annual Dinner October 2007 This year the Royal St George Yacht Club was stretched to its maximum as 128 members and guests attended the Annual Dinner . Its popularity continues to increase and we are getting to the stage that there may have to be a waiting list but perhaps more diffi cult a time will come when we will have to seek a new location to match the growing interest in this event .

Changing is not diffi cult but obtaining another location that can match the ambiance , quality , service , excellent surroundings and location would be a real challenge . So , on one hand one hopes the numbers stay at around 130 or on the other hand larger numbers will show we need to provide for a larger and broader spectrum of members . The last few years as seen a continued increase in

younger members which is a welcome sight showing the increased interest in the PPU’s activities and the continued success of the Annual Dinner .

A recent addition to the event is to invite a visiting speaker and this time David Rowell regaled all those attending the Dinner with an abundance of jokes, varied stories , character assignations particularly of the President and his Cavan background . David is well known in dinner circles in Ireland and once again he came up trumps , keeping the diners totally enthralled with his dry humor and reminiscences .

Christopher Woods the Principal , each time he addresses the PPU at an event , provides an interesting update on the College’s activities but more particularly adds some new activity that past pupils have never considered before as a school activity , demonstrating

how the College is growing , innovating and meeting the needs of pupils in the 21st Century . In particular he was most appreciative of the PPU’s new “Spirit of Transition” award given to the College and which had been just recently presented to the First Winner at the College Prize Giving. ( Referred to separately in this newsletter )

The Dinner was enhanced by the attendance of many of the past pupils of the Year of 1957 reunion . It was a delight to see so many familiar faces of that year , many who had traveled long distances to be at the dinner . The Head Boy of that year , Ian Hill , addressed the Dinner . ( A separate article of the 1957 reunion appears in the newsletter )

Arthur Ennis , the PPU President was master of ceremonies . At his table was Jennifer his wife , friends and relations

of Arthur , Chris Woods and his wife Nicola and David Rowell , At nearby tables 12 presidents or representatives of the various kindred Schools Unions attended along with the President of the Association of Schools Unions ,Rev Roy Byrne . We know these guest enjoyed their evening.

The hopefully future members of the PPU also attended providing a younger element to the event , Head Boy and Head Girl , Daniel Moody and Juliet McCutcheon , Deputy Head Boy and deputy Head Girl , Shane Caffrey and Caroline Head Shaw.

The event would not be what it is without the hard work of , primarily Valerie Grimes and Alison Galbraith but also Rob Grier , Derek McCullagh and Helen Holland . Again thanks to them all

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Northern Ireland Branch – AGM and Lunch with visit to Castle Leslie The Northern Ireland Branch has always used initiative to seek out some pleasant locations to hold their Annual AGM. . Their priority is to seek a place that ensures all who attend enjoy themselves , eat well , remember the AGM - not for its content but for its surrounding. The tradition is for PPU members , North and South of Ireland to come together and share memories of times past at Wesley College and have an AGM .

On a bright beautiful blue sunny

October day , thirty six PPU members including some partners from the North of Ireland and the South of Ireland all converged on Monahan County Museum , first for coffee and then to view some of the more interesting artifacts and other historical items in the county . It was so interesting that Jack Storey could not drag his car passengers away from the Museum .

Other members had great views on the town as they circled around the town many times trying to find the museum - which without street names nearly proved impossible , but thanks to mobile phones the target was found . Then all , heavily imbued with the history of the County , headed off to Castle Leslie.

Castle Leslie — the setting of Paul McCartney’s ill-fated nuptials — you can stay in the newly refurbished private members’ club, whose 20 unique guestrooms are decorated with antiques and Victorian heirlooms. The magnificent 1,000 acre County Monaghan estate — just 70 miles from Belfast, or 90 miles from Dublin beside the picturesque cut stone village of Glaslough. — has also converted its Hunting Lodge into a deluxe hotel with an organic spa and an equestrian center.

The Castle is the jewel in the crown of one of the few remaining Irish Castles still home to the original family, home to the Leslies for over 300 years. It is an enchanted place steeped in history yet gently refurbished to offer modern comforts and luxury.

The Castle is a welcome oasis of calm with no television or telephones. It’s a vast Victorian home filled with beautiful furniture, antiques and heirlooms.You can see why the AGM is held here , the surroundings ensure that

no difficulties arise at the AGM , no angry words , so PPU political maneuvering , cocooned is such a place , gentile utterances are the order of the day . John Harris , Board of Governors Chairman provided and appropriate regal speech highlighting the schools current successes . Walter Evens – once again kept us all on the straight and narrow and created a new record on how fast an AGM of the PPU Northern Branch should be run, ably supported by members who block voted in all proposals. The usual profit figures were released , 40 Euro , perhaps it was pounds Sterling - as it was in the blue , nobody minded . The PPU president , Arthur Ennis concluded by regaling the assembled throng with his plug for all the many activities of the PPU . Jack Storey , historian extraordinaire , then provided a deep and serious exposition of the battles and history of the local area , a tour de force – once again .

After lunch members took the opportunity to traverse the Castle Leslie estate with its lakes

, equestrian facilities , spa ,cookery school and beautiful tranquil surroundings . A day to remember - well done the PPU Northern Ireland Branch .


The Northern Ireland Branch of the Wesley Past Pupils Union

will hold our Annual Outing & A.G.M. at

Stormont on Saturday 27th September, 2008

Everyone is invited to lunch at Belfast’s Premier Country Club, Newforge Country Club, New Forge Lane, Balmoral at 12.00 Noon.

We will then proceed to Stormont Parliament Buildings for 2.00 p.m. where we will hold our A.G.M. - followed by a “Conducted Tour” of the Parliament Buildings.

This is a most imaginative A.G.M. and we trust that the support will reflect in the numbers who will attend. Bookings can be made to our N.Ireland Secretary - Dorothy Kernahan on 028 - 90763993 or to your local Wesley Committee.

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1. John Harris , Chairman Board of Governors , 2.Stella Bell , Maud Fitzgerald, Hazel Burleagh, Pam Campbell , 3. Castle Leslie , Hunting Lodge , 4. Ernie Armitage , Daphne Wallace ( Maye) , Anne Storey , 5. Hard Work , Silvia Ashe and Walter Evans , Northern branch PPU, 6. Helen Holland ( Price ) Doris Rolston( Holland ), 7. Helen Holland (Price ) Valerie Grimes , Helen Squire (Morton ) Hazel McCullagh ( Wallace ), 8. James Wilson , Anne Wilson, 9. James Wilson , Arthur Ennis , Deirdre Chadwick , Jennifer Ennis .


PPU Bridge Night November 2007A new Event , Bridge night for PPU members and friends , played in the Myles Hall in the College on a cold November evening.

The PPU wanted to find a new way to raise funds for the PPU Bursaries , a laudable idea , as these bursaries are a key part

of the activities of the PPU that enable a number of children to attend Wesley College , which might not be possible without the support of such bursaries .

The PPU wanted this to be event that would be remembered with the intention it would become an annual event . An ample supper was provided with great prizes. Our thanks to those who sponsored the prizes . Nearly 70 members and friends

attended making up sixteen tables .

John and Aileen O’Keefe , at the helm , well known in bridge circles for their organization skills , scoring capabilities and enthusiasm kept the games flowing and ensured a very successful evening .The PPU President , Arthur Ennis handed out prizes at the end to sixteen prize winners , to many to name here . In addition a large sum

was raised for the Bursary funds

Suffice to say the event was deemed well worth being running again in the Autumn of 2008 an perhaps becoming an annual event . An evening with a worthwhile cause and providing considerable enjoyment

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1. Another prize winner, 2. Bridge is hard work, 3. Cannot interupt , it’s to serious, 4. Derek McCullagh serves supper to the Boate’s and others, 5. John and Aileen O’Keefe hard at scoring, 6. More prize winners, 7. One of many prize winners, 8. Proud and happy at winning.

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News of Past PupilsNick Sweeney, former Olympic athlete, has been inducted into the Varsity Hall of Fame by Harvard University, USA. He is in the employment of an American financial company.

Andrew Hamilton has composed Music for Roger Casement which was performed in Dublin as part of the National Concert Hall’s Contemporary Music Festival early in 2007.

Annie MacManus is a presenter with BBC Radio One. She has been described in the Irish Times as ‘one of the brightest talents in Radio One’.

Dr. Andrew Bowie of Trinity College Dublin has received 1.378 million euro to study in detail aspects of the body’s immune system as it fights vital infections.

Hilary (Livingston) Sloan, Chair of the Education Committee of Belfast Education and Library Board, has been awarded an MBE for her services to education in Northern Ireland.

Theo Morimer is the editor of the Dublin Historical Record which

is published biannually by the Old Dublin Society.

Douglas Bennett who designed the chain worn by the President of the Wesley College Past Pupils’ Union holds the office of Secretary of the Company of Goldsmiths.

Neville Knott is the presenter of RTE 1’s TV programme, Showhouse.

Philip Berber and his wife Donna operate a development charity in Ethiopia called A Glimmer of Hope which has spent more than 12 million euro bringing clean water to more than a million people and building 190 schools, 99 health clinics and 24 veterinary clinics.

Recently one of Donald Teskey’s paintings sold for 54,000 euro at de Vere’s auction in the RHA Gallery, Dublin. In July he had an exhibition in the Rubicon Gallery, Dublin.

Gustav, Hildegarde and Ingrid Mahr received part of their education in Tullamine Kindergarten and Preparatory School and in Wesley College between 1928 and 1939. Their father came from Austria in 1927

to manage the Irish Antiquities division of the National Museum in Dublin, and later was appointed director. Gustav became a leading archaeologist in Berlin. His sisters returned to Ireland in March 2007 for the launch in the National Museum of a biography of their father, Dublin Nazi No. 1: The Life of Adolf Mahr by Gerry Mullins.

Andrew Hogg (Class of 1978) has taken up a new global assignment as Communication Project Manager with Total E & P in Paris.

Sally-Anne Fisher (Class of 1988) is Communications Manager for Trinity College, Dublin. Her work includes internal communications, events management, film and media requests, corporate image management, publishing and overseeing advertising output.

Dr. Ruth Loane holds the office of Chair, Irish Association of Consultants in Old Age Psychiatry.

Dr. Roisin Kennedy was the curator of the Jack B. Yeats exhibition in the National Gallery of Ireland of which she is a fellowship scholar.

Colin Riordan has been awarded a fellowship of the Royal College

of Surgeons in Ireland and is currently practicing in the Blackrock Clinic.

Jane Holland (Class of 1990) was conferred in 2006 with a M.D. from Trinity College.Karen Quigley (Class of 2001) was conferred in 2007 with a Higher Diploma in Psychology with honours from Trinity College.

Kim McCrave – B.A. (Hons)(PE Sports Science & Fine Arts) – Liverpool University

Giles Packham is the creative director of Waveform Studios which provides original music and sound for all media, including radio and television.

Heather Jones has been awarded an Eda Sagarra Medal by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science in recognition of outstanding postgraduate scholarship in her doctoral thesis.

( Thanks to Mavis Johnson - who provides this information for the Wesley College Year Book )


That Class of ‘57 - was “unbelievable” Jack Storey

Sixth Form was the pinnacle of our education at Wesley and that year seemed to fly past because of our extra freedom and impending adulthood. The Classroom was a “two-row” arrangement with girls at the front and the boys in the second row. We realised that at the end of the year we had our Leaving Certificate Examination so we were to discover what Wesley had done for us then. Seated at the door were Hazel Harrison, Susan Fitzpatrick & Yvonne DeRenzy - they were our wise counsellors - Jacqueline Richardson, who joined Wesley the same day as I did, sat quite near the door too. Hazel tells me that she loved hockey, the Sunday evening readings by Miss Cooke, looked forward to the Hockey Trips to Methody and the ‘spangles’ we bought in Belfast, not available in Dublin at that time. Hazel also told me that Miss Cooke insisted that jelly should be eaten with a fork. Hazel became a nurse and did her training at the Adelaide. Susan tells me that her ‘Happy Times’ included the “WONDERFUL DRAMATIC SOCIETY” productions, curried eggs on Fridays, and day girls allowed out to Stephens Green at lunch break in Summer Term. She also says that being allowed to use the library made her feel very important. Yvonne, always very quiet and reserved, later excelled as a “stand-in” for film star, Julie Christie, in a number of films. Yvonne tells me that she knew Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Donald Sutherland and Maggie Smith. She had graduated from Trinity in Social Science, set up the Irish Family Planning Association, was a Marriage Guidance Counsellor, now lives in Wexford where she set up the Hospice Foundations Bereavement Care Service and (my comment) still has the same stunning appearance of 1957. Jacqueline, had lived just down the road from Robert Chatters and was especially bright. Jacqueline still has a “scrap-book” containing lots of pictures and newspaper cuttings from 1957 and earlier.

Jacqueline was certainly one of the most considerate girls of that year. Susan tells me also of the excitement of supporting the Hockey and Rugby teams and the songs we sang as we lined along the touchlines at these events.

Valerie Barkman, tall quiet and very bright, always seemed to have the answers to questions which nobody else knew. She sat about half-way along the front row near Margaret Gordon who was a Ward Sister at Whiteabbey Hospital when I spotted her one evening on BBC TV. I phoned her next day and since then we’ve kept in touch and serve on the Past Pupils Union Committee in Northern Ireland. Margaret tells me that one of her jobs in 1956-7 was wakening everyone at Epworth to participate in prayers before breakfast.

Ian Hill, the quiet man of VIth form, had a marvellous career, spending much of his life working in West Africa and South Asia for the World Bank. Ian had achieved recognition by Leinster at Rugby, he excelled at Dramatics and I was not surprised to learn that he had several University qualifications from B.A. (Mod) Geology at Trinity, M.Sc. from the University of the West Indies to a Ph. D. from Reading University. He spent a year at Oxford, then at the University of the West Indies and later working with the United Nations. I recall clearly the amount of time he spent perfecting his “shot-putting” and his excellence as our wicket-keeper at cricket. He was Head Boy during our final year at Wesley. I’ve spoken to several of our classmates of 1957 and everyone, without exception, speaks of Ian as the best Head Boy Wesley ever had. He was big, strong and capable but he never ever threw his weight around. I know of his determination to succeed because my bed in the senior Dorm was next to his and he frequently studied very late into the night.

Alex Burns (known as AKB) had been at Wesley since 1949 and he had converted to full-back on the rugby team where he was presented with the “golden boot” for his place-kicking in 1957. Alex also excelled at Mathematics so it was no surprise to learn that he had

become Chief Executive at his Accountancy Firm KPMG who now occupy the site of the Wesley on Stephen’s Green. Alex tells me of his gratitude to Jimmy Agnew, Mabel Cooke, Frank Morrison & Mac (MacDowell) who helped him reach the top in his career. Alex told me of a phone call he received on the day of an Ireland v England match and how Mac told him “You’re excused class, it’s Noel Henderson and he wants you to play to-day”. Alex was our 1st XV Secretary at that time. Alex was a partner in KPMG for 37 years and he tells me that the front gate is the same as it was in 1949.

Dorothy Skerritt, who was two years in VIth form due to Examination requirements, joined all the ex-Vth formers in September 1956. She became the “Joker” of VIth form and we had some marvellous experiences during that year. Dorothy left a lasting impression with all of us and it was tremendous to meet her again at the Reunion in October. She had no objection to being called “Scary” - her pet-name back then.

Imagine my surprise, on being posted to 43 Squadron (Hunters), Royal Air Force, to find that one of our star pilots was none other than Roy Holmes who had been in the same dormitory as me in 1950 at Burlington House. My wife and I were delighted to have Roy and his wife visit our home in “downtown Nicosia”, Cyprus in 1962. My passion while in the Royal Air Force was rugby and I was part of the RAF Near East Air Force team in that period. I played rugby for Bedford with Budge Rogers and Larry Webb while stationed at R.E.U. Henlow, for Scunthorpe while at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey and for Hull & East Riding with Roger Sangwin while serving with 19 & 92 Squadrons (Lightning Aircraft) at RAF Leconfield. My memories of Wesley were almost entirely of sport and I respected the terrific talents of Jimmy Agnew as a Rugby Coach and Frank Morrison as a Cricket Coach.

Some memories of Wesley are recounted by Mick Kellett who, with Maxie McConnell and myself, frequently explored Iveagh Grounds and the roofs

of Harcourt Street. Saturday evenings in Summer Term were particularly boring so we were forced to invent our own entertainment. It was quite easy to enter Iveagh Grounds via the wall alongside Form 3c. It seemed that the House Masters at Wesley, aware of such activity, turned a blind eye as long as we were not ‘officially’ discovered. Of course, other bright sparks like Robert Chatters, a day boy (“day dog”) - was responsible in later life in the construction of a huge dam in North Wales which provided water for the City of Liverpool. Robert tells me that he often felt sorry for boarders as he could leave Wesley at three o’clock and we, the boarders, were stuck with Wesley twenty-four hours a day. He tells me that the “day-boys’” cloakroom was so congested that he always had difficulty in finding his burberry after school. He studied at Trinity achieving a B.A.I. in 1961. His lasting memories revolve around Dr John Conway & Mr MacDowell and his “higher Maths” which he shared with Isaac Bernstein in the Library, opposite Gerry Myles’ office. I asked him if Mac had ever thrown the duster at him but Robert felt that Mac must have liked him as this had not happened to him.

Vivian Good, a recent arrival at 1Vth Form from Kilkenny College, frequently had the use of his father’s Ford Zephyr while at Wesley. One week-end, he, Mick Kellett and myself cycled out to the Sugarloaf Mountain in South Dublin, climbed it and had a Wesley-prepared lunch on the summit. Miss O’Reilly, the Matron, had prepared sandwiches for us. Mick became one of Alfa Laval’s most valued employees. Vivian’s talents extended to Dramatics also when he took the lead role in Androcles and the Lion. Vivian was certainly one of the most talented boys of that year in terms of personality, sincerity and good looks. He stepped into his father’s footsteps in the family business in Kilkenny and is held in very high esteem there. Tina Tennant, Aubrey Young, Robin Boyd, Isaac Bernstein & Robert John Hunter (Larry) have all left us. In fact, just two weeks

Wesley College Newsletter Spring 2008

before the “Class of ‘57 Reunion” I spoke to Robert John Hunter at his home in Londonderry. His daughter had returned from Australia to be with her father during his last days. Robert was especially delighted to receive all the historic photographs I had sent him. He told me of the research work he had partly completed and of his regret that it might all be wasted. He had been a History Lecturer at the New University of Ulster. I was later to discover that he still had the 1961 Morris Minor Convertible which he had bought from Rodney Evans. On my return from the Middle East my wife and I stayed at the Four Courts Hotel, owned by the Tennant family. We did not meet Tina but the Reception refused to allow us to pay when we

checked out next morning. I received a newspaper cutting from Vivian Good to learn that Isaac Bernstein had died. He had been Chief Rabbii in Margaret Thatcher’s constituency in North London so he probably knew her. Robin Boyd, who until relatively recently had held the “half-mile” record for Wesley died in 1991 and I was frequently in his company towards the end of his life. Robin was a Belfast City Council Engineer, responsible for inspecting the construction of buildings. We had a standing arrangement to meet at Downpatrick Cricket Club every fortnight to enjoy the ballroom dancing there. The resident Band was none other than the “Hills of Hollywood Road” - relatives of Ian Hill. Robin’s talents as an Organist were frequently tested

at Wesley when we, the senior boys, convinced him to play “When the Saints Go Marchin In” as we filed out of morning prayers. Aubrey Young had been chosen to represent the Leinster Rugby side and his presence in our team always gave us that extra bit of confidence. I do not know how his Academic career progressed but he did become a Rector of the Church of Ireland in later life.

Romances at Wesley were always talking points and we met at lunch-time, after school and at week-ends. The Green Cinema had double-seats which added to the closeness of the dates. Those of us who were short of money met the girls inside the Cinema. At Wesley the narrow dark corridor leading from the girls’

basement to the boys’ toilets was a favourite meeting place and it seemed that the Teaching Staff took great interest in who was dating who. As a boarder it seemed that Sunday afternoons at the homes of day-girls was the best option. Many of these school-days romances blossomed into marriages.

As a closing remark I wish to remind all of that “Class of 57” that it seems we must do it again soon - “Meet up again”. Because of the brilliant people of that year I feel that recognition should be given to Yvonne, Ian & Alex for their tremendous achievements in life. event to put in your diary for next year.

The Midlands and South Reunion The fourth reunion in Kilkenny again saw a large number travel from most corners of the country . The PPU always seem to bring the good weather with them to the city which allows some of those attending to take time out to visit the sights of the city .

This time the PPU provided an additional treat by enabling those to go after lunch to attend a Bell ringing, session , well to see and listen to the beautiful bells of Bells of St Canice’s Kilkenny Cathedral. The trip was organized by local PPU member Ian McCullagh , a notable bell ringer in his own right .

St. Canice’s dates from the Thirteenth Century , and despite the havoc wrought on it by

Cromwell’s soldiers who left it a roofless ruin , restoration over many years has ensured its original lines have been maintained with its massive squat tower , stepped battlements and austere lines. The interior has many fine medieval monuments carrying effigies and other sculptures . But is was the renowned bells the PPU group wished to see and hear .

Pam Campbell was having her last event as PPU President, handing over to Arthur Ennis the following week at the Annual General Meeting . She regaled those present with some of her experiences as President , continuing in the same form as she started, a year previous, with her enthusiasm, drive and energy and encouraging all to continue to support the PPU as she had done

throughout her year as President. John Harris, Chairman of the Board of Governors, provided an update on the many facets of the Colleges’ activities.

After lunch some 20 of the party adjourned to Kilkenny Cathedral where they were taken on a tour of the Bell Tower by Ian McCullagh, who is President of the Irish Association of Change-Ringers. Ian talked about the history of the Bells and explained how they worked, with a demonstration of them in action. For the intrepid there was a visit to the roof to see the bells at close quarters and take in the magnificent view of the Kilkenny area.

Once again the Midlands reunion is being run this year on Saturday

17 May , 2008 in the Newpark Hotel . As you read this you may want to attend , call Billy Given to book in – phone 01-2986943 , there is still time and Billy will welcome your booking . Billy continues to use his “agents” to drum up support for this event and with his and their involvement it would not be the successful event that we expect it to be in the coming month in May .

Kilkenny is the centre of Ireland so if you are near of in any of the following locations - Kilkenny , Cork, Limerick, Galway, Mullingar, Dublin . Wexford and Waterford etc - do think about attending. It must be said that this does prevent anyone not living in the places mentioned, to attend, you are also very welcome .

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1. Derek McCullagh , ringing in the changes taught by Ian McCullagh, 2. Gordon and Hugh Milne, 3. Happy PPU members, 4. Ian McCullagh explaining the bells, 5. Leslie Harper and Robert Grier, 6. Pam Campbell and Ernie Armitage kilkenny (18), 7. PPU members and friends -networking, 8. PPU members learn about the bells from Ian McCullagh.

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Midlands and South ReUnion Newpark Hotel May 2007

Wesley College Newsletter Spring 2008

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Greetings to all Wesley Past Pupils. This has been a wonderful year for the College I am delighted that I have been able to attend a number of functions of the PPU during the past 12 months. In particular, the Annual Dinner was a great occasion and opportunity to speak to so many of the wider Wesley Community. As always, it was also a pleasure to meet up with so many past pupils at the February re-union in London. It is on occasions such as these that I get to hear much of the detail of what Wesley has been like over the years. Such insight is invaluable, particularly when I am able to relay stories to our current pupils!

I hope that many past pupils have been able to see the Yearbook for 2007.. Once again, the many aspects of life in Wesley are captured for the record and modern technology has enabled us to use more photographs than ever before. I hope the Yearbook will provide enormous pleasure to our pupils and that past pupils can spot sons and daughters of

old friends. Also available to past pupils is the College website, www.wesleycollege.ie. There is a wealth of information available on this site that you might find of interest.

We finished a substantial up-grading of Embury House over the summer of 2007 and phase two of this project will commence this summer when Epworth House is given a make-over. The junior dormitories will be converted into smaller rooms so that the girls will have more privacy in groups of three or four. There is also a great deal of excitement about the prospect of a second artificial grass Hockey pitch that we hope to build during this summer. On top of that we will be expanding the number of Science Laboratories during July and August. Wesley College is now one of the largest second level schools in the country and I am very proud that the Governors have supported a continuous drive to expand and improve all facilities.

Academically, the Class of 2007 ensured they will be remembered for an exceptional set of results. Once again, with an average of

421 points for each student, we are in the position to say that our latest Leaving Certificate group out-performed the year previous to them. This was a tremendous achievement and sets a great standard for the future.

Extra-curricular activities continue to thrive in Wesley. This term the College has hosted the 33rd annual Wesley Inter-school’s Music Festival attracting over 500 students from many different schools. On the first evening 60 choirs participated on a marvellous evening of music with individual instrument competitions taking place on the second day of the festival.

In addition, we hosted the first Wesley College Model United Nations Conference with over 150 pupils participating. Mr Bryan Dobson opened the Conference and our own pupils mixed with visitors from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and other Irish schools to debate and resolve major world issues in a simulation of the real United Nations.

While our two Senior Girls

Hockey teams won both trophies in the Southern Skies Tournament during their trip to Australia, Boys Hockey has achieved an exceptional level of success with a clean sweep of Leinster Cups at all four competition levels, the first time any school has achieved this. Our Senior Boys have retained the Leinster Cup for the fourth successive year in a row.

I would like to wish all past pupils of Wesley the very best and thank your President, Arthur Ennis, for his wonderful work this year. It continues to be a great strength for us in the College to have an active Past Pupils’ Union with and I very much value the all of the work done by the PPU Committee.

Christopher WoodsPrincipal

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1. Eda Byrne, Joyce Synnott , Rodney Evans ,at back Chris Wood sand John Harris , 2. Fegus and Iris O’Ferrall and Rosaalie Myers (Garret), 3. Joan Kerr (Kelly ,) Deirdre Chadwick , Heather Russell , 4. John McMullen and Jim Dixon , 5. Marie Workman , 6. Marion Egan ( Wakefi eld ) , Hazel Elam( Robson) , John McMullan, 7. Maud Fitzgerald, Stella Bell , Hazel Burleigh, 8. Pam Campbell( Whale ) Daphne Renwick( Hennessy) Syliva Howe(Wilson ), 9. President’s Birthday Arthur Ennis , 10. Stuart Mathews and Billy Given , 11. Teddy McDowell , 12. Tower Bridge.


This London Reunion has been running for many years and it is still a surprise to some that it remains such a successful event with over 70 members attending. The primary purpose is to enable past pupils in the UK to come to London to renew acquaintances with old friends . The attraction for the many who travel from Ireland is the opportunity to not alone meet friends but also take in a few shows and see many of the events , buildings and sights of London.

Not alone do members from Ireland travel but we had Marie Workman coming over specially from Canada and Carol Cairns making her annual trip from the Netherlands. Not forgetting Teddy McDowell and Ruth Waters-Fuller who traveled from Scotland and others who came from the furthest corners of England , if we missed someone traveling from Wales , let us know.

We still get first time new members . The PPU Website encouraged , Joyce Synnott to contact the PPU and attend for her first time . She wrote later and said “ Just a quick line to say how much I enjoyed yesterday. Such a lovely day! How kind you all were to welcome me so warmly and many of you didn’t really know me before yesterday. I was left with the feeling that I had known all of you all my life, and I now know that I have made such a special group of friends. Long may it continue.” Just shows how welcoming everyone was at the lunch..

Christopher Woods , the Principal provided information at the lunch on the ever increasing number of activities of the College for the students , to the extent that many of the Past Pupils , open eyed with the broad range of activities , wished they were back in College . Arthur Ennis , PPU President ,

ever improving in his speeches , surprised all with his repertoire of jokes and his sage comments on the PPU and its activities.

Many of the members attended various theatres , shows and musicals – the “Sound of Music” being the most popular. Saturday evening a large group of members went to a new local eatery , which turned out to be a new find with the excellent meal it provided. Westminster Abbey in all its splendor , again welcomed and hosted a goodly contingent of PPU members , for the full Sunday Eucharist service , with its excellent choir and organist providing a beautiful range of psalms , cants and other religious music while ensuring the balanced involvement of the congregation .

Rodney Evans traveled , from Dublin on crutches , with what he thought was damaged ligaments due to a skiing

accident . On returning to Dublin , went into hospital and found he had to have a pin inserted for compressed facture of his hip , no wonder he was in pain in London but hid it very well ! We wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he can get back to his skiing soon .

A new innovation for members , the Grier’s and the Harris’s took time out on the Friday to visit Paris for a few hours availing the new fast Eurostar return service from London ! The Chairman of the Board of Governors , John Harris and his wife Barbara again attended showing his unwavering interest s in the PPU’s activities , happily neither showed any harmful effects from their quick trip to Paris .

Not all this would have been possible without the hard work of Valerie Grimes , Alison Galbraith and Derek McCullagh , our thanks.

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PPU London Reunion February 2008

The Past Pupils Union had been considering how it could be more actively involved with the Col-lege . Besides contributing more funds to the Past Pupils College Bursary , the PPU knew it used to provide a number of Prizes for pupils in past years . So in conjunction with the Principal , Chris Woods , it investigated how it could contribute more appropriately in to-days environ-ment . Thus was born , the idea of “ The Spirit of Transition “ an annual award to the pupil that best exemplifi es the outstanding student of the 4th year - Transi-tion year .

Now the more diffi cult part , what type of award would best display this “ Spirit of Transition” . So the Past Pupils Union went back to the past . Strange you might say , but it became aware of an or-ganization - Celtic Roots located near Athlone - that has cre-ated sculptured awards for such notable persons as President Bill Clinton and President Gorbachev . From the bogs of the midlands of Ireland , natural bogwood has been found , primarily following

turf cutting and land drainage , from which hand crafted beauti-ful sculptures are being created .

The Past Pupils Union commis-sioned a 4,800 year old bog yew to be turned into the Sculpture that is being presented day . This clearly is Transition and is dem-onstrated by the Spirit that rises from an ancient piece of bog yew that you see before you .

The award was presented by the President of the PPU , Arthur Ennis , to Aoife Cassidy , a very worthy winner , at the College Prizing in October 2007 .

This award will presented each year at the October College Prize giving ceremony .

Spirit of Transition AwardPresented by the Past Pupils Union Some 43 years later appearances

have changed !

Today Carol , Robbie and Helen - in colour .

The earlier black photograph was taken on the occasion of a sub- committee (of the Junior Branch formed out of the Old Girls Un-ion/Old Boys Union) meeting to plan a Dinner Dance at the South County Hotel, ( now theStillorgan Park Hotel).

The photograph of Carol, Rob-bie and Helen was taken by the Evening Press Social Diary man of the day Terry O’Sullivan. You cer-tainly can spot the differences in the 2 photographs.

Junior Branch OGU and OBU


Past Pupils NewsBirths

To Nick and Tanja Crawford, a sonTo Derek and Lisa Lew, a sonTo Jillian (Plunkett) and Glyn Lewis, a daughterTo Louise (Edge) and Keith Syms, a sonTo Kate (Squires) and Colin Woods, a daughterTo Lee Sherwood and Vincent O’Brien, - a daughter from the Peoples Republic of ChinaTo Gail (Richmond) and Richard Garry, a daughterTo Trevor and Sinead Lucy, a sonTo Lynn (Howe) and Aidan Hanley, a daughterTo Trevor and Corinna Dolan, a sonTo Nicola (Hobson) and David Reel, a daughterTo Emma (Bell) and Brian Barry, a sonTo Nadine (Smyth) and Gavin Gray, a daughterTo Niall Sisson and Sinead Whiting, a sonTo Jonathan and Clodagh Logue, a daughterTo Simon and Susie Grier, a daughterTo Clive and Eugenie Bower, a daughterTo Scott and Julie McConnell, a daughterTo Rachel (Thorp) and Andy Finucane, a daughterTo TinTin (Bushe) and Peter McGinn, a sonTo Andrew and Taryn (Enoch) Barling, a daughterTo Linda (Hutchison) and Rob Corbet, a daughterTo Daphne (Leybourne) and Clive Smyth, a sonTo David and Joy Ritchie, a daughterTo Trina (Peilow) and Geoff Tracey, a sonTo Melanie (Diaz Martin) and Cormac Moran, a daughter To Bruce and Samantha Hayes, a sonTo Jason and Toni-Marie Warnock, a sonTo Ian and Liz Given, a daughterTo Kerry (Naismith) and Mark Byrne, a daughterTo Daniel and Cherry Berman, a sonTo Gary and Mel McCormack, a sonTo Richard and Elaine Burgess, a daughterTo Nicola (Sutton) and Karl Reid, a son

To Kelda (Wilkinson) and Kevin Barnes, a daughterTo Nicola (Jolley) and Douglas Miller, a sonTo Andrew and Melissa Leeson, a daughterTo Brian and Jennie Edge, a daughterTo Amanda (Elliott) and Ross Berkeley, a daughterTo Colin and Helena Riordan, a daughterTo Michelle (Condell) and Mark Coffey, a sonTo Jan and Clare Fitzell, a daughterTo Lynda (Crawford) and Pierce Hederman, a sonTo Karen (Deering) and Brian Delany, a daughter

Engagements

Suzi Simon to Andrew WatermanLesley Hobson to Iain Hill Amy Plunkett to Lucius FarrellKeith Byrne to Aoife HartyRebecca Sowman to Simon FerraroHoward Meredith to Aine LongJulie Crawford to J.P. MaguireStephen Wann to Judith RajkiAlison Sloane to Paulo Nunes dos SantosConor Miles to Mary HurleyNeville Molloy to Elizabeth KavanaghEmma Richmond to Emmet MurphyMark Harman to Joanna HammondPhilip Grier to Valerie DempseyNicola Hughes to Jeremy GoffCorinne Bower to Eoin HughesRichard Edge-McKenna to Allessandra NormanJenny Osborne to Karl KinchPeter Hamilton to Carrie HintzNicholas Perrin to Sinead McClintonCraig Molloy to Margaret HartyKirstie Petrie to Alwin McAdooJennifer Martin to Keith QuinnAnna Rice to Gregory MageeDouglas Carson to Rosaleen CrushellSarajane Bloomer to John McCarthyRachel Ganly to Rory CreighanVictoria Lefroy to Simon KeoghRachel Faulkner to Donagh ClarkeSimon Freedman to Laura CraigAmanda Vogan to Jeff MoranKaren Hobson to William Robertson

Marriages

Orla Cullen to James HobsonDavid Graves to Shauna WinterDerek Hamilton to Heather WiktorskiBarry McConnell to Christina DullaLouise Harrison to Noel McCallZoe Welsh to Scott HillMargaret Huber to David CourtneySarah Brooks to Alan ByrneMervyn McCullagh to Raing (from East Sumba)Mark Harper to Chipo (from Zimbabwe)Stephen Browett to Regina ChiouJennifer Cope to Ian Meredith

Deaths

Hilary Murphy (nee Slater) (Class of 1969)Amanda Donegan (nee McCaw) (Class of 1977)Solomon WoolfsonEdward LeeChris ReidEmily Lilian HarbronMaxwell MarshallEric de CourcyTommy SmithMolly (Vaughan) HightonWesley PierpointRev. Brian CobbeSylvia (McDonogh) HarperRobert John HunterGladys ThompsonAudrey ( Hennessy)Pollock

Our Thanks to Mavis Johnson, who regularly collates and provides this information both for the Wesley College Year Book and for our PPU Newsletter.

We apologise if we have not mentioned everyone one we should have. Often we do not hear for many months or even longer of the death of former pupils and so continue to send mail. which can be upsetting for families. If you know of a death let us know so we can prevent this.

DOWN MEMORY LANE, PPU PAST PRESIDENTS SINCE THE PPU’S BIRTH.1988 - 1989 Hilda MacShane )

Joint 1998 – 1999 Ruth Bell

Campbell Heather)

1999 - 2000 Jack Storey

1989 - 1990 Sylvia Morton

2000 – 2001 Alison Galbraith

1990 - 1991 Ernest Smythe

2001 – 2002 Robert Grier

1991 - 1992 Sally Scott

2002 - 2003 Helen Holland

1992 - 1993 Tony Sutton

2003 - 2004 Billy Given

1993 - 1994 Margaret Tyrrell

2004 - 2005 Deirdre Chadwick

1994 - 1995 Robert Syme

2005 - 2006 Derek McCullagh

1995 - 1996 Ernest Armitage

2006 -2007 Pam Campbell

1996 - 1997 Valerie Grimes

2007 - 2008 Arthur Ennis

1997 – 1998 Rodney Evans

Wesley College Spring 2008www.wesleyppu.com

Must obtain items

Past Pupils Union Tie

These can be purchased form the deputy Administrator, Wesley College, Dublin 16, costing 13.00 Euro or 15.00 Euro to cover postal delivery to Ireland or Britain.

College Annual Year Book

Elsewhere in this newsletter the Principal has referred in his

message to the College Annual Year Book. A limited number

of copies are available. Contact the PPU to seek a copy.

The Past Pupils’ Union has a vitally important role in the support through the Bursary Funds of pupils who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend Wesley.

Thanks to the generosity of the late Doreen McDonnell, who left a bequest of £250,000 to establish a Bursary Fund, the Union has

been able to provide bursaries amounting to over€200,000 between 1996/97 and the current year, of which €167,000 came from the McDonnell fund. €35,000 came from the PPU Bursary Fund (and the OBU and OGU Funds which are now exhausted).

The value of the McDonnell Fund at the end of last year stood

at €380,000 (equivalent to £300,000 ) so that its original value has been maintained.

The PPU Fund now stands at over €30,000 thanks to individual contributions, fund-raising efforts and the transfer of €10,000 from Union funds and it is hoped to build this up until it can, like the McDonnell Fund, pay bursaries out of

income without touching the Capital.

The Funds are currently supporting 16 pupils with tuition bursaries and 2 with music bursaries and there is still a considerable need for bursaries from people who, for whatever reason, have fallen on difficult times.

Bursary Funds

The PPU are trying to increase our involvement with the College by be-ing more visible and to contribute to the College in various ways whether it be direct or indirect . Last year we set out to sub-stantially increase the value of the Bursary and Benevo-lent funds over the next number of years as the current balances in these funds limit our ability to

helping only a small number of individual children to benefit by way of education in the College.

We launched a voluntary Donation Request particu-larly focused at Life mem-bers, who do not have to pay subscriptions and who constitute by far the largest sector of our membership. We would like to maintain the momentum and raise

similar amounts this year for these funds .

We particularly appreciate and thank those members who have already sent do-nations for use either with the Bursary or Benevolent funds ,

Donations small or large should be sent to the Hon Treasurer Alison Galbraith, 25 Maretimo Gardens East

, Blackrock, Co Dublin (Phone 01 288 8761) All such donations Donation Request for the PPU Bur-sary or PPU Benevolent Funds would be much appreci-ated and will be personally acknowledged .

Donation Request for the PPU Bursary or PPU Benevolent Funds

To Wesley Past Pupils Union Voluntary Donation

Name:

Address:

Phone Number: Email address:

Please indicate which fund you would like your donation to be assigned

Bursary Fund Benevolent Fund

Amount donated Euro by Cheque Cash By Credit Card - contact the Hon Treasurer to set up. Send to Hon Treasurer: Alison Galbraith, 25 Maretimo Gardens East , Blackrock, Co Dublin (Phone 01 288 8761)


This was the second time for the Annual Quiz to be held in Old Wesley Rugby Football Club, once again a very welcoming location. The attendance was smaller than the previous year, but there were many new faces and the quality of questions combined with the capabilities of the participants to answer these was of the highest order. Competition was fi erce and it needed a – play-off - to decide the winners .

Sixteen tables were challenged over twelve rounds with ques-tions on food and drink, where in the world is?, sport, music, know your celebrities, advertis-ing knowledge, literature, current affairs, science and nature, aspects of religion, and TV and fi lm. You needed to be a complete all rounder to handle the variety of questions that were set by Deirdre Chadwick , her second time to act as question master. Perhaps now that she has taken a rest from teaching it has en-abled her to spend more time researching to come up with questions like these samples - answers at the end!

1 Which style of music was

created in the 1950’s by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto in Brazil? 2 Who wrote a “ Child’s Christ-mas in Wales” ? 3 In which European country is the Parliament called the Sejm ? 4 By what name is the heavenly body, Sirus, also known ?5 According to tradition, the three wise men are believed to be buried in which German cathedral?6 How many soldiers fought at the battle of Waterloo in 1815? 14,000 , 70,000 or 140,000

Despite asking some 80 ques-tions , Deirdre , moved the whole evening along at a fast but comfortable pace, supported by her husband Brian who kept the scores and provided continuous updates as to how each table stood, which kept all the par-ticipants on their toes until the end, Maud Fitzgerald and Peter Squire chased the participants to have their cards completed and provided this input to Brian. Thanks to Deirdre and Brian in particular for their hard work and for providing an educational trip down memory lane.

During the interval, supper was supplied by the Old Wesley steward, Michael Weaver, who as usual, contributed to ensur-ing another successful evening. A Raffl e was run – the proceeds going to the PPU Bursary Fund - an excellent Digital Camera as the top prize, which was won by John Harris .

Arthur Ennis presented the prizes to the Quiz winners, who only got there by answering the fi nal question – How many strings in a harp ? Answers to the editor PPU Newsletter , please ! The Winning team was Yvonne Seville, Rosemary Teggin, Daphne Henly and Billy Given. Second prize went to Bryan and Lisa Evans along with John and Susanne McInerney. Many other prizes were awarded to seven other tables with a special prize for best attempt, to last year’s PPU President, Pam Campbell’s table. Congratulations to all the winners .

The PPU raised over 1,100 euro at the event which will passed over to the PPU Bursary Fund. While a little less than last year is

still a very worthy contribution, thanks to all who attended and contributed. Equally, thanks to all those who donated or sponsored the prizes and to Valerie Grimes and Alison Galbraith who made all the arrangements.

A very enjoyable evening .

(Answers to questions) 1. Bossa Nova, 2. Dylan Thomas, 3. Poland, 4. The Dog Star, 5. Cologne, 6. 140,000

Annual Table Quiz - Fund Raising for PPU Bursary

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1. Alison Galbraith , Valerie Grimes , Mavis Johnson & Diane Boylan, 2. Arthur Ennis , coming near the end , rallies the members, 3. Arthur Ennis present 1st prize , Billy Given , Yvonne Seville,Rosemary Teggin & Daphne Henly, 4. Arthur presents 2nd Prize to John & Susanne McInerney, Bryan & Lisa Evans, 5. Back Again - Gordon & Angela Clark , Norma & Gordon Hender-son, 6. Brian Chadwick , controls the event, 7. Deirdre Chadwick ,askes the questions, 8. Helen Holland brings her friends again , Miriam Coates,Karen Wilson & Sarah Harkin, 9. Michael Weaver , OWRFC steward . welcomes everyone, 10. Surprised winner of the Digital Camera, John Harris, 11. Susan & Stuart Paul with Janet & Tony Sutton.


Half a Century ago there was a little Wesley boarder boy who was all alone in the world. Through circumstances he was estranged from his family and unlike other little Wesley boys at Burlington House where he lived, he had no mother to hug him. Then along came Mrs Katie Myles and in the autumn of 1952 and hugged him for the fi rst time. It was the fi rst of many thou-sands of motherly hugs this little boy would get from the Wesley Principal’s wife. He was only 6 years old when she took on the role of surrogate mother.

On Sundays when all the other little Burlington boys went home to their parents for the afternoon (or for the day on Long Sundays) this little boy had nowhere to go. As he grew up he started going on leave with other boys to their homes, but during his early years

there was one real home he could turn to and that was at 30 Leeson Park, the home of Rev Gerald and Katie Myles. Where his school chums sometimes felt a little afraid to go to the Principal’s house on Sundays, this particular little boy always looked forward to going there. It was just a short walk from Burling-ton House and not only did he always get hugged and feel loved by Katie, he also had a great time playing with her son Richard and fi lling himself from the enormous array of sandwiches, cakes buns, scones etc for which Katie Myles was so well known and appreci-ated.

At the ripe age of 62 there is little which makes me cry, but when I heard the news of Katie Myles ́death it was impossible to hold back the tears. I could feel the swish of my memory banks

rewinding and going back 56 years to that very fi rst hug from Katie Myles because you see.... I was that little boy!

Katie and her husband, our late Principal Gerald Myles, who was like a father to me, did stay in contact with me for many years after my having left Wesley. To many of my fellow pupils they were Principal and wife, but to me they were defi nitely like the parents I so much yearned for during my childhood. Gerald left this life some years go, and now Katie has left us at the grand old age of 100. I ought to be happy and I perhaps ought to celebrate her long and worthy life by going straight to the piano and playing one of Charles Wesley’s pomp-ous Methodist hymns, but the tears just won’t stop falling. They are exactly the same tears that I shed the very fi rst time Kate

Myles took me into her arms and hugged me when I was a little six year old boy at Burlington House.

There have been are many chapters in the History of Wesley College – Katie Myles’ passing has most defi nitely closed another one of them.William “Billy” Butt

WCD 1952 - 1963

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KATIE MYLES AND THE LITTLE WESLEY BOYan tribute by Billy Butt


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1, Boys Dining Hall, 2. Boys Dormitory 1957A., 3. Burlington House, 4. Burlington Boarders 1950, 5. Chapel Choir. 6. First XI hockey 1956-7, 7. Embury House, 8. College Chapel, 9. Front Gates Wesley College, 10. Epworth, 11. Morning Prayers 1958, 12.New Stage - As-sembly Hall, 13.Senior Dining Hall, 14.Senior Singers 1957, 15. Tullamaine, 16. Senior Singers 1955-6, 17. Wesley Staff 1957, 18. VI th Formers v Staff 1957, 19. Staff & Prefects 1957.

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Newsletter 2008 - Wesley College Alumni · Wesley College Newsletter Spring 2008 WESLEY COLLEGE...

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