Memories - Wilson / Kathryn / Catherine / Debbie

Mr. F. J. WILSON, Superintendent, Church of England Boys' Home, Carlingford from 1951-1972, sends a letter,

"During my association with the Boys' Home for 20 years as Superintendent, I had under my care up to 139 orphans and needy boys at any one time, whose ages were from six years to school leaving age and sometimes beyond.

"Having served in the British Army for 22 years, retiring with the honorary rank of Captain, taking over the Boys' Home, a few months after my arrival in Australia with my family, was not too difficult.

"At first, there were many difficulties to overcome. Being a charitable home, the amount of money allocated for food, clothing, salaries and so on was very low. Functions were started to raise money. These included fetes and Blazer Drives.

"Previously the boys had no activities to keep them occupied and were continuously in trouble. A company of the Boys' Brigade was founded in 1951 and this company became famous in the Sydney area. The 2nd Parramatta, the designation of the company, gained many trophies for drill, band, gymnastics and athletics. Soccer and Rugby Union were also played.

"Our boys played an active part in the school sporting activities. One boy, Terry Fahey, played Rugby Union for the school and also represented N.S.W. while at the school. In later years, he also represented Australia at Rugby League and is currently playing for Canberra.

"In scholastic achievements, too, some boys did well. Two, who were at the homes when I took over gained their Higher School Certificates. Kevin Kelleher went on to become a chemist and I see him often. Lionel Cross, who was dux of the primary school in 1947, became a well respected engineer. Wayne Pitman is a Regimental Sergeant Major with the Royal Australian Engineers. His brother, Dean, is a bank manager. Nick Zissis is an area manager in an insurance company. His brother, Phillip, is the manager of a heavy machinery firm. Many old boys are in the N.S.W. Police Force and the Armed Services. Many 'boys' have their own businesses and others are in sound jobs.

"I feel that the liaison between the Homes' staff and teachers from the Carlingford Public School paid dividends and I look back with pleasure to the close association with the school".

KATHRYN SQUIRES (nee LINKS) (1961-1968) of Dundas, particularly notes that she had some wonderful teachers and that she loved the school sports days, carnivals and dancing. Kathryn hopes that, " ... (her) daughter enjoys the school as much as I did".

CATHERINE SLARKE (nee MOORE) (1964-1970) of Seven Hills, can recall posting letters for Headmaster Carolan on the way home from school.

DEBBIE (1972-1978) and LEANE (1974-1980) PENDLEBURY of Carlingford, remember Easter Hat Parades in their early years at the school. They recall Dubbo North inter-school visits which were an annual event for Years 5 and 6 at one stage. "About 40 children ... would travel to Dubbo North Public School, being billeted with the children." Some of the activities included excursions of the Dubbo district, sporting competitions and a dance. Heather Young is remembered as an outstanding swimmer at school swimming carnivals. The Pendlebury's also recall the establishment of a bush track in the school ground in 1976. Headmasters O'Brien and Cox are noted and a special mention is made of Deputy, Miss D. Hogben.

Cornpiled and collated by R. T. GARLAND