Old Colleagues

Vale Bruce Diggle

May 12, 2015    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues

Dear Colleague

it is with sadness that I pass on the news that Old Colleague, Life Member and Club legend Bruce Diggle passed away this morning.

Bruce a champion of the Judd Cup scrum played from the mid 60s through the 70s notching up 300 games. A proud rugby hooker he always told me he could still remember every tight head he took from the opposition.(All 300 games !!!) Bruce was the imbodiment of the Colleagues spirit that pervaded the club in the old club house during the 60’s and 70’s. Some of the best memories of the old club house were a choir of Colleagues belting out a rugby tune as Bruce hammed the keys of the old upright piano. (eg Ive got friends of every kind)
For now hes a legend lost but in time a legend forever. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Committal service will be held at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, South Chapel, 12 Military Rd, Matraville, NSW, Australia on Monday, 18th May 2015 at 2:00pm.

Go The Colleagues
Boothie

Old Colleagues News – April 2015 Long Lunch Update

April 28, 2015    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues

OLD COLLEAGUE NEWS APRIL 2015 LONG LUNCH UPDATE

Old Colleagues News – February 2015

February 15, 2015    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues

HAPPY BLUE YEAR TO ALL  !!!

Old Colleagues News – Grand Finals

September 16, 2014    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues

Where are those Blue Giants ??? Over the last month with your help we have updated our contact details for over 200 Old Colleagues. We still need your help to find the remaining 700 (50%) who have played or coached at the club over the last 40 years. To make it really easy, we have created a web page with the list of the Colleagues players organised by decade. Click to view Old Colleagues List Take a trip down memory lane and while you are there just click on a name you have contact details for. A welcoming email will be sent to them and they can unsubscribe if they prefer. Go the Blue Giants !!! (Tim Cullen – Old Colleagues Committee)

Old Colleagues News – Semi Finals

September 1, 2014    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues

Your Help is Needed – Where’s Wally ? We need your help ! The club has lost contact details of more than 70% of the 1400 people who have played or coached at the club over the last 40 years. The club has invested in improving the website, outbound email and now needs your help to find the “missing Colleagues”. To make it really easy, we have created a web page with the list of the Colleagues players organised by decade and whether we have their email contact details. All we need you to do is review your decade(s) of players and click on the name and enter the email address of any contacts you may have. A welcoming email will be sent to them and they can unsubscribe if they prefer. Please set yourself a target of finding and reconnecting 5 missing Blue Giants. Click here to see and update member details

Old Colleagues News – August #2

August 15, 2014    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues

Change of games venue for Saturday 16th.
Games on at McKay Oval Centennial Park
This weekend Saturday 16th August is the make-up game against Drummoyne which was a washout from way back in Round 9. With just three games to go before the finals the Colleagues are on the march to T.G.Milner. As usual the dirty reds will be strong opposition right through the grades.

Games this weekend are at McKay oval in Centennial park. Currently Woollahra Oval is under renovation preparing for the Bingham Cup to be played there at the end of August. www.binghamcup.com.au for details.
Plenty of parking available, no seating but there is expected to be blue jerseys crossing try lines all afternoon. Please check www.colleaguesrugby.com.au this Friday afternoon for game times.

After the games, visit the Blue Giants Room at Johnny Ryan’s Woollahra Hotel (you could even walk there) for a few speeches, $5 Carlton’s, half priced meals before watching the first Bledisloe Cup game. Dose it get any better than that!

Go the Colleagues (and the Wallabies)

Boothie

Old Colleagues News – August #1

July 28, 2014    ·    Tim Booth    ·    Old Colleagues    ·    Comments are disabled

Ladies Day Saturday 2^nd August.

Often preferred as a day to get together by the Old Colleagues. The delightful scenery on show around the club at this time of year seems to be a big attraction. Ladies Day is legendary and has been sponsored forever by Old Colleague Angus Logan. Thanks again to Jan Logan Jewellery, did you know they are in David Jones Castlereagh St Store as well as Double bay ? Check out the web site www.janlogan.com

Its been 25 years since the Burke of 1989 held the silver wear high. The band is getting back together for a reunion this Saturday (yes on Ladies Day), so I’m expecting a few laughs and plenty of refreshments on the balconey, could be a big day all round. For anyone choosing to watch the football expect fireworks right through the grades. The Blue Giants are preparing an old fashioned ambush for St Pats and its 1^st vs 2^nd in most of the grades. Bring it on !

Old Colleagues Day Story

Very enjoyable day had by all Old Colleagues Day vs Knox. Plenty of tough rugby played during the day, and it got even tougher in the clubhouse afterwards. Old Colleagues having to repel first the current Colleagues and then the Kiwi Colleagues in sculling races and teaching them both a lesson in that practiced art form !!

I had a call from Old Colleague Peter Ball who tells the story of how his father Aubrey Ball (Colleague legend and Life Member) had a great friend who played for Knox during the 1960’s. Aubrey during that time donated a perpetual trophy to Knox. For many years the Aubrey Ball trophy was presented to the Knox Best and Fairest player for the season. Aubrey not only generous but also a sense of humor !!

Great to see Old Colleague Geoff Travers on the balconey belting out instructions to his son Bill playing in the Burke Cup. Young Bill Travers looks to have all the skills of his dad plus a few more !

VALE: PETER DALEY

Peter sadly passed away on July 17^th.

He played with Colleagues in the late 1960’s. Peter rapidly earned the name ‘Double Up Daley’ since his willingness to act as a reserve after he had played a full game was legendary. On one particular Saturday afternoon, after running out in Judd Cup, he managed to play in Whiddon, Burke and Kentwell. Needless to say he was quick to accumulate 100 games for the club.

A hard running centre/ winger, Peter scored many fine tries and won a Premiership in 1968 in Whiddon Cup.

As an accountant, Peter was a financial wizard and, with the help of his father Larry, transformed takings from the bar from a dismal deficit into a prosperous surplus in a very short time.

Peter was President of Queenscliff surf club for 15 years and used his administrative acumen, together with his skill as an all-round waterman, to great effect. He was also a great mentor and role model to the younger members.

It was a true testament to his popularity when over 1000 people, including various eminent dignitaries, attended his funeral service at St Mary’s Catholic Church at Manly on Friday July 25^th.

We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Cherie, daughter Kellie and son Damien as well as the entire Daley family.

RIP ‘pee wee,’ You are sorely missed.

(Tribute by Vance Lowry)

The French Chef” back in Paddington

Old Colleague and 1996 Kentwell Cup winning hooker Guillaume Brahimi will open the doors of his new restaurant – known simply as ‘Guillaume’ – on August 2. The new restaurant was formerly home to the age-old Darcy’s Restaurant. The menu promises to stick to the classical French cuisine Brahimi is celebrated for. The Guillaume success story is an inspiring one for all Colleagues, a great supporter of the Colleagues we wish him all the best in his new venture.

www.guillaumes.com.au

Marto Married”

Son of Old Colleague Mark Martin and brother of Old Colleague Will Martin, Old Colleague, self made England based publishing guru Tim Martin married Sarah Jones in the South of France this week. (A fair distance from Willow Tree near Quirindi) Congrats Tim and continue the good work keeping those poms on their toes. (Except for the misses that is)

Go the Colleagues

Boothie

Old Colleagues News – July

July 15, 2014    ·    Tim Booth    ·    Old Colleagues    ·    Comments are disabled

Old Colleague News July 2014

Old Colleagues Day Saturday 19^th July.

Old Colleagues to assemble at headquarters for the games against Knox Old Boys. All games are critical for Club Championship points and all games look to be hotly contested. The Club’s players are always highly appreciative of the support on the sidelines from Old Colleagues and a big crowd of Old Colleagues really promotes a home ground advantage.

Its also 30 years since the 1984 Kentwell and Burke Cup teams were victorious in their Grand Finals at Concord Oval. What better way to toast these great victories other than Old Colleagues Day.

“OLD COLLEAGUES DAY”

The Old Colleagues gathered, eighty years of stories to tell,

Of blood and beer and bravery that made the home crowd yell.

They came from near and far, with one reason all the same,

To remember that great club where they played the running game.

There was Jackson and Murchison from nineteen thirty three,

Then Storch and Barraclough in the early days they had the key.

Corlis, Noice and Harriden the club sings their reign,

and Anderson and Edwards in the eighties,

they made the Colleagues name.

They assembled to watch the battle, the Kentwell Cup at stake,

Young and old together a tradition there’s to make.

The sky blue of the Colleagues, against the colours of the round,

It was young and old together no backward step to be found.

And when the final whistle blows the curtain on the day,

When dust and dirt and referee has had the final say,

The Colleagues stand there tall having given to the core,

And then and there together “old and new would count the score”.

And later in the clubhouse when the air is running hot

And the opposition captain cries “Colleagues have got the lot”

An Old Colleague will tell the tale of the one that got away.

Cause its possible they say to beat the Colleagues at their game,

but with old and new together be certain;

“The spirit remains the same”

N.S.W. Suburban Rep Game Vs QLD Subbies.

John (Wal) Corlis and John Noice (Noicey) were both invited by subbies to hand out the Jerseys before the above fixture the curtain raiser to the Wallabies Vs France game at the S.F.S. Both Wal and Noicey are both former coaches of the subbies rep team, with Wal being the first ever coach of that team in 1966 which Noicey actually played in ! They must have done the trick as N.S.W. Captained by Colleagues Captain Dan Kelly romped home with an ten try defeat of QLD, 60-19. It was a all Colleague affair with N.S.W retaining the Barraclough Shield.

Go the Colleagues

Boothie

Old Colleagues News – Vale Charlie Onus

July 1, 2014    ·    Tim Cullen    ·    Old Colleagues    ·    Comments are disabled

It is with deep sadness I pass on the news of the death of Charlie Onus

Charlie was the victim of a tragic accident on the family property.

Charlie played in the 1977 Kentwell Cup team as a tough and uncompromising

back rower. He comes from a distinguished rugby family. Both he and his brother Rob

who also played for the Colleagues both played rep footy for NSW. Charlie made an instant impact

playing for the Colleagues Kentwell Cup where his presence in the early round of 1977

enabled Colleagues to gain a convincing win over the previous years Premiers St Ives !

Charlie was the original bushy, what you saw is what you got. He made many close friends

through his short stay with the Colleagues and the tragedy of his demise will come as a great

shock and loss to many of his rugby family in Sydney.

The thoughts of all Old Colleagues are with his family at this time

Funeral details from the Onus Family:

 It is with great sadness that we are writing to formally notify you of the memorials that will be held for Charlie Onus,

our dearly loved husband, father, grandfather and brother.

 A local reception in memory of Charlie for family and friends will be held at the Gundagai Golf Club,

Thursday 3rd of July 2014 at 2pm, following a private family cremation.

 A reception in memory of Charlie will also be held in Sydney at the Royal Sydney Golf Club, Rose Bay,

Monday 7th July 2014 at 2pm. Eulogies will begin at 2.15pm.

Old Colleagues News – June

June 21, 2014    ·    Tim Booth    ·    Old Colleagues    ·    Comments are disabled

On The Paddock

Just about half way through the season and lots to report since the last old Colleague News. The club got out of the blocks at a tremendous rate starting the season playing bright football throughout the grades and leading the club championship. Records tumbled in the Kentwell Cup game Vs Campbelltown as skipper Dan Kelly kicked 12 from 12 (new record) and Changa scored 5 tries (equals his old record) again ! Unfortunately some cracks in fortress Blue Giant have emerged and a couple of losses in the Kentwell and Burke Cups has seen us slide down the points table. Old Colleague regulars are staying positive and are confident the Kentwell in particular can return to the sort of form we saw at the start of the season. Congratulations to Dan Kelly who was again chosen to Captain the Subbies rep side and “big Tim” Sawyer who also made the squad.

Old Colleagues Day 19th July
Calling on all Old Colleagues, pass the word around. 19th July is back to Blue Giant Park day. Games against Knox Old Boys will be closely fought all day and plenty of food and refreshment will be available. A great opportunity to catch up with mates even organise a reunion, can you believe its 30 years since those great Kentwell and Burke teams of the 1980’s !

Long Lunch Wrap
Fantastic afternoon had by all. Special thanks to all the table captions who took time out to organise a table of blue giants (older version). Support from table captains is an invaluable help to put the lunch together. Thanks also to Club Pres Richard McGrath and Jen Blair and her girls who really spiced up the afternoon ! Not forgetting entertaining guest speaker, Andrew Mehrtens and M.C. supremo Toby Lawson. Supporters of the long lunch will be happy to know that the lunch raised a healthy profit. Old Colleagues wanting to attend the long lunch and for some reason can’t at the last minute should be reminded that Doltone House who operate the Tatt’s function space require accurate numbers one week out from the event. Meaning crying off from the lunch directly effects the bottom line profit. Photos from the lunch can be viewed at www.colleagues rugby.com.au

Colleagues Archive news
Happy to report the club is very close to having a complete set of Annual Reports. Great work from Old Colleague Tim Cullen as these reports have been scanned and digital files are now being kept for prosperity. We do however need the 1987 and 2000 reports to complete the set. Colleagues history “Sky Blue winters” (Vance Lowry) is available for $50 including post by contacting Tim Cullen. Email tncullen@gmail.com or at the club house on home games saturdays.

Vale John (Jack) Mesley
John graduated from Cranbrook School in 1962 and joined Colleagues in 1965 where he represented the club in both the Burke A and B sides. He was a very talented 5/8 with a prodigious boot which he used to great effect. He was a wonderful support player backing up to score many fine tries and then proceeding to convert them. John had very good hands, quick acceleration off the mark and the uncanny ability to straighten the back line and get Colleagues moving.
John played in the Burke A Grand Final which was narrowly won 10-5 by Trinity Old Boys.
He was the last surviving of the Mesley brothers (Peter and Dick had sadly passed earlier) and this trio of gifted sportsman had all represented Cranbrook in both the 1st XV and 1st X1. John passed away after a relatively short battle with cancer.
(Information with thanks to Vance Lowry)