Welcome to the Nelson College Old Boys' Online Newsletter - March 2024

 

Dear Old Boy, 

Term One is well underway, with a new group of students joining the College in Year 9. 

This year we are planning several events, with our key social functions for the year being around the Quadrangular Tournament which Nelson College is hosting this year. Scroll down for more info under Events.
Keep up to date with all our news via email, and of course remember our regular Facebook posts for those who follow us there and also on Instagram.

Please enjoy the latest news from the Nelson College Old Boys' Association and the College. 

Many of you have already registered and joined our online community, but we welcome those who haven't, to do so.

To access the site and register, CLICK HERE to login. If you have any issues, please don't hesitate to contact us.



NEWS

New Year Honours 2024

Congratulations to the Nelson College Old Boys who were named in the 2024 New Year Honours List.

Graeme Bydder (1957-59)
Emeritus Professor Graeme Mervyn Bydder was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to medical imaging.  Graeme is a pioneer of new MRI methods. He is is currently an emeritus professor of radiology at the University of California, San Diego. Graeme worked with Godfrey Hounsfield, Nobel Prize winner, on the world's first commercial whole-body CT machine at Northwick Park Hospital in London from 1978-80, and he worked on the world's first commercial cryomagnet based MRI system (1981-1990) at Hammersmith Hospital in London. Graeme has published over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles on MRI techniques, clinical applications of MRI, image interpretation and related subjects, and has over 26,000 citations. While at College, he was awarded several scholarships, including the Fell Scholarship.
Tim Bell (1975-79)
Timothy Clinton Bell Bell was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to computer science education. Tim is a New Zealand computer scientist, with interests in computer science education, computer music and text compression.  In parallel with his academic work he has developed Computer Science Unplugged, a system of activities for teaching computer science without computers. The system was actively promoted by Google in 2007. While at College, Tim was Dux 1979, and received the Nelson Science Scholarship.


Louis Munden-Hooper
(2002-2006)
Marine engineer Lieutenant Commander Louis James Munden-Hooper was appointed a New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration, for services to the New Zealand Defense Force. Louis Munden-Hooper was a pivotal figure in the development, delivery and integration of HMNZS Aotearoa. HMNZS Aotearoa was specially built for the RNZN, and at 173 metres long and displacing 26,000 tonnes, is the Navy's largest ever ship. Louis joined the RNZN in 2009 under a scholarship scheme.


Basketball Success

Congratulations to Adam Barton who graduated from NC last year (2023), and James Matthews who is in Year 12 this year (2024) who have recently both been named in the NBS Nelson Giants roster for the 2024 season.


USA Football Signing


2023 Graduate Liam Goodger (2019-2023) has officially signed with Missouri S&T Miners Football team for later this year. The Missouri S&T Miners football programme represents Missouri University of Science and Technology in college football and competes in the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletics Association. In 2012, Missouri S&T became a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference and has remained in the league since.

Anzac Tribute

The ANZAC Story of Arthur J. Gilmour (1906-11)
It may be 2023, but the extraordinary stories of World War One soldiers continue to emerge. Powerful letters written home from the battlefields by Arthur John Gilmour of Manaia, Taranaki, have recently been donated to Puke Ariki's Archive Collection by his family. They were kept for over 100 years, and tell the lively story of Arthur's journey from Manaia to Nelson College, to Otago University, then Trentham Military Camp, and dispatch to fight at Gallipoli and the Somme. Arthur served as part of the Otago Infantry Battalion, in the Sixth Reinforcements of New Zealand's Expeditionary Force. His story is told here with permission of the donors.

Read more

Thank you to Natasha McKinney, curator at Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth, for researching and writing this article, and allowing us to share it.

Cassino Old Boys Remembered

It is known that six Nelson College Old Boys lie at Cassino, Italy, at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, and still today the Nelson College Old Boys' Association acknowledges and honours the sacrifices they made for our freedom.

Late last year, we paid tribute to them through a generous collaboration with the Archives of Palmerston North Boys' High School. Dominic King made the journey to Cassino, and laid a plaque on each of those grave sites.

They were:
Private F E Creasy (NC 1929-32), died 18 March 1944.
Lt K O Davies (NC 1936-37), died 20 March 1944.
Private D A Everett (NC1926-28), died 27 April 1944.
Lance Corporal K H Smith (NC 1925-26), died 17 March 1944.
Major C A Slee (NC 1930-34), died 5 April 1944.
Sergeant D E Eastabrook (NC 1935-36), died 20, February 1944.  

 We will Remember Them.


Photos: Dominic King
 

Private F E Creasy (NC 1929-32), died 18 March 1944.

 

Lt K O Davies (NC 1936-37), died 20 March 1944.

 

Sergeant D E Eastabrook (NC 1935-36), died 20, February 1944. 

 

Private D A Everett (NC1926-28), died 27 April 1944.

 

Lance Corporal K H Smith (NC 1925-26), died 17 March 1944.

 

Major C A Slee (NC 1930-34), died 5 April 1944.


News from the Tumuaki

Kia ora Old Boys,
It is with great joy and warmth that I extend my heartfelt greetings to each and every one of you, our esteemed Old Boys, in this edition of our newsletter. I am now in my second term of "Acting Principalship" and the longer I remain in my caretaker role the more I wish I was two decades younger so that I may have had the opportunity to lead Nelson College for a for longer period than 3 terms! I am only really starting to appreciate the true character, colour and quality of your former school. Nelson College has so much to proud of and so much to look forward to; the new Principal/Tumuaki will have a great springboard to launch into an exciting future.

The spirit of brotherhood that has defined our beloved school for generations continues to thrive. It is with pride and nostalgia that we celebrate the bonds forged during those formative years, bonds that withstand the test of time and distance. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the ongoing support and contributions from our Old Boys community. Your dedication to the values instilled within these walls speaks volumes about the character and resilience that defines a Nelson College man. Whether you're shaping the future in boardrooms, classrooms, local businesses or on the global stage, your impact reverberates far beyond the hills of Nelson. In true Kiwi spirit, our boys continue to excel both academically and in a myriad of co-curricular pursuits. It's heartening to witness the continuation of traditions that have been integral to our identity; traditions that include comradeship, respect and celebration of diversity, competitive sporting pursuits, an extensive cultural programme, and high quality teaching. Our recent achievements are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the indomitable spirit of our boys. Academic successes, cultural accolades, and sporting victories are woven into the fabric of our school's narrative, reinforcing the notion that a Nelson College education will always transcend the boundaries of the classroom. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, we remain committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and values necessary to make a positive impact on the world. In the spirit of camaraderie, I invite you to join us for our upcoming alumni events and reunions. Your presence and shared stories contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our community, reminding us that, no matter where life takes us, Nelson College will always be a homecoming. In closing, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May the memories of our shared experiences continue to inspire and uplift, serving as a beacon of pride for all Old Boys. 

Noho ora mai, 

Tim Oughton 

Acting Principal



Community & Old Boys Working Together

After a long, hot summer our playing fields at Broads were "rock hard",  actually unsafe for sports teams to train on.  Our Old Boys President, Chris Harvey (1965-69), got a phone call to ask what our Assn could do to help. A couple of phone calls later and he had a water tanker spraying 10,000 litres of water per pass and we did four passes. Plus the infield water connection was repaired and water was able to be sprayed onto one playing field. The water tanker was arranged by old boys Roger (1961-65) and Scott (1986-92) Gibbons. The Coffee Company, also old boys – Angus (1969-73) and James Graham (2009-13), remedied the water supply. Chris then monitored the application of water over the next week and the field greened up and was certainly a lot softer for our lads to train on. 

This is another example of the Old Boys and our business community working together to benefit our College. Thanks to all those involved.



HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer to help at Nelson College

Do you have some time to help? 
We are in need of some volunteers to work one on one with our ESOL (English as a Second Language) students. This can be flexible, and whatever time you can offer. 
Please reach out to our Head of Department for Languages,
Cristina Arm-strong Hernandez: ag@nelson.school.nz


Are you an Old Boy in business? -
Our Careers Department Needs You!

Kia ora,

The Careers Hub of Nelson College want to create a data base of people from our Nelson College Community and the careers/industries you are connected to.  We have students who are considering a wide range of opportunities, and one of the most valuable ways we can support them is to connect them with people doing that role so they can explore in a low stakes way if that particular pathway is a good fit for them.   

If you would be willing to offer your time to our students from having a coffee to chat with them about your role to hosting work experience and anything in between, we would really appreciate your filling this form:

Careers Hub Form


Thanks and Ngā mihi, your time is appreciated, 

Vikki Heays  Careers Advisor


Help Bridge the Digital Divide

Thank you to those who have already contributed, we will connect you with the student you have helped!

To be part of this project and donate,  please contact the
NCOBA Office to find out more.

Email Lucy Jackson: lj@nelson.school.nz


EVENTS

Nelson College Anzac Service
A special Nelson College Anzac Service will be held on Wednesday May 1, and any Old Boys as financial members are invited to attend. Please RSVP here or email Lucy, so we know you are coming. Email: lj@nelson.school.nz  
more info

NCOBA Annual General Meeting
All Old Boys are warmly invited to attend the Nelson College Old Boys' Association Annual General Meeting. This is a great opportunity to get involved, and to bring your ideas to the direction of the Association, and be part of new projects from the...
more info

NCOBA Aftermatch Function - St Bede's Game Christchurch
Join us for an aftermatch get together at the Elmwood Trading Co, after the 1st XV Miles Toyota Championship match against St Bede's College on May 25. Come down after the game from 12.45pm for a drink and a yarn.
more info

Everything you need to know for QUAD!

In June Nelson College is hosting the
98th Quadrangular Tournament, and the Nelson College Old Boys' Association is planning some exciting events for the week, with our feature event being a Quad Gala Dinner and Auction, and of course of Nelson College Old Boys get together on Tuesday night. 


To book your tickets to both events, please click on the link below.


https://community.nelson.school.nz/NCOBAQUADEVENT


Programme of events:


Tuesday 25th: 

Round Robin Games 

12:00pm Christ's College vs. Whanganui Collegiate on Front Field 

1:30pm Nelson College vs. Wellington College on Front Field 

Nelson College Old Boys' Function 

Nelson Rugby Football Club Rooms - 6pm - Ticketed Event.

$30 per Old Boy (includes registration fees). Partners $10. 

We are excited to join forces with the Nelson Rugby Football Club for our Quad Celebrations, and are looking forward to hosting you for our Old Boys' Get Together at their club rooms. 5 Hathaway Court, The Wood, Nelson 7010 (Near Trafalgar Park) 


Wednesday 26th: 

NCOBA Hosted Charity Gala Dinner & Auction Night.

With key note speaker, Sir Graham Henry. 

ALL FOUR COLLEGES' SUPPORTERS, PARENTS & OLD BOYS ARE INVITED! 

Nelson College Assembly Hall - 6pm - Ticketed Event. 

$150 per person, or $1500 to book a table. 


Thursday 27th: 

Finals Games 

10:30am First Final on Front Field 

12:00pm Second Final on Front Field


Accommodation

If you are travelling from out of town, one of our Old Boys (Toby Munro 2008-14) will look after you at one of his two accommodation establishments! The Tides or DeLorenzo's.


Booking discount if you book direct:

5 % off the best available rate @ Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery  & DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments  
https://www.tideshotel.co.nz/ promo code "12345"   https://www.delorenzos.co.nz/ promo code "12345"

Or email directly:reception@tideshotel.co.nz enquiries@tideshotel.co.nz   or call 0800872459 or 03-5487049. Quote the above promo code.


We can't wait to see you there!

98th Quadrangular Tournament - ALL NCOBA Hosted Events
Get in on the action as Nelson College hosts the 98th Quadrangular Tournament, between Nelson College, Christ's College, Whanganui Collegiate and Wellington College. We have some exciting events planned for you off the field, and here is where you c...
more info

TRUST FOUNDATION NEWS

Nelson College Trust Foundation Update
Please find following a summary of a report written by Andrew Murray, an independent advisor to the NC Board of Trustees and consultant to the Ministry of Education. 

Read More 




To learn more about the structure or to make a donation or bequest, please visit our website, or contact Trust Secretary Lucy Jackson.
Email: lj@nelson.school.nz

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Scriptorium 100 years on


The original brick Scriptorium was opened in 1924 by the Governor-General, just to the south of present day Rutherford House. It was a memorial to the fallen of World War One, and was built of brick with the interior ceiling furbished with ornate stained wooden beams. Inside was an accumulation of reference books which had been donated to the college over many years. The scriptorium operated as a reference library only, but in tandem with the college lending library. It was forbidden to talk in the scriptorium or use a pen of any sort.

The December 1924 Nelsonian captured the opening; "The weather was bad, but in spite of this there was a large gathering of Old Boys, parents and friends in the building, when His Excellency unveiled the memorial bronze." As an aside, it also noted that in Term 3 of 1924 electric light had been installed throughout the College, a "great improvement on the 'dim religious light' of gas." In 1947, structural damage from the 1929 earthquake was discovered, and in 1949 the building was demolished. The new, current scriptorium building was built and opened in 1956. It is still a memorial for the fallen old boys of the two world wars, and also a museum with college & old boys memorabilia, and a photographic & archives collection.


Old boys are welcome to visit any time by appointment. Please contact us if you would like to view the scriptorium.

 

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

We encourage you to update your 2024 membership now, and keep our Association healthy and alive, so we can continue to give back to the College. This is our primary source of income, and we are reliant on you as an Old Boy contributing.

Membership of the Association is open to all boys who attended Nelson College. You may not have joined NCOBA as a school leaver but it is never too late.

Thank you, from our President Chris Harvey (1965-69)


We have two options available: Life Membership for $350.00 or an Annual Subscription for just $35.00. Or you can simply make a donation of your choice.


For recent Old Boys, your first three years upon leaving College are free, but you still need to register to this online community to stay in touch.


DONATE HERE

If you would like to donate to the Nelson College Trust Foundation, your contribution would be gratefully received. Or contact us directly if you would like to make a bequest.

Pietas, Probitas, Et Sapientia

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This is a Nelson College Old Boys' generated email. You can assist with the growth of our Online Community by registering at 
https://community.nelson.school.nz/