Old Collegians

Firstly, some news of past students. I hope you enjoy their stories. 

After attending the college 75th anniversary reunion, Vern Norman (past student 1946-1947, life member and with his name on the Don Sheed Honour Wall), left Denmark to visit their Unicup farm on Muir Highway. Some of you may remember that it was there that Vern, whilst shifting cattle on his four wheeler, was stung by a swarm of bees. He rang his wife, Betty, to let her know he was returning to the house but unfortunately, being allergic to the stings, it was already too late. Betty found him beside the bike with his phone still in his hand – he had died .

Betty continued with the farming, managing all their properties with son, Henry. The farms include 1618 acres at Unicup, Boyanup Farm which has been in the family for 100 years as well as Busselton. running a total of 500 breeding cows. Sharing tractors was challenging so recently Betty decided to buy one for herself to help her handle hay rolls and other farm jobs in Busselton. Having spent her whole life on farms she’s a lady who knows tractors so the saleman, Brad Langford from Busselton Machinery, was amazed when she came along with her specifications and bought a 55 kilowatt (75 horsepower) new New Holland TW.755 4WD with a 12x12 hydraulic power shuttle transmission with a Challenge front end loader and fork attachments. He said that at 85 years old, she was the oldest customer to have bought a new tractor from him and it was a pleasure doing business with her. (Photo taken from Farm Weekly 3/3/22)

Good on you Betty. Well done. What a magnificent story. 

Luke Bairstow (past student and prefect 2004-2005) with family trading as Arizona Farms, Lake Grace, purchased a bull at the Coonamble Angus Stud Bull Sale held on the property in Bremer Bay. It was Lot 24 “Coonamble Frontman” R501 bought for $72,000 which was the top price paid in WA at that time. This record was subsequently broken at the Brunswick Supreme Bull Sale last week when the top price was $82,000 for a Simmental bull. (Photo taken from Farm Weekly 3/3/22)

Mel Thomas (past student, prefect 1953-1954, life member, name on the Honour Wall) recently celebrated his 84th birthday. Mel never swore at school – and still doesn’t - but he used the words friggin and frigate instead. 😊 He was staff sergeant in our Cadet Corps and was always frugal in handing out 4x2 wadding cloth for cleaning the barrels of the 303 rifles. Congratulations and best wishes Mal. 

Ray Giblett (past student, prefect, life member, name on the honour wall), turned 82 on 18th February. Ray lives in Broken Hill and is hoping to come over for the 80th anniversary reunion. Congratulations to Ray.

Kasey James (2019-2021 graduate and college captain) has subscribed for life membership and to have her name on the honour wall, making four from last year. Thank you Kasey, we extend a warm welcome. 

Alwyn Jones, wife of Don (past student 1954-1955) and Warwick Jones (past student 1953-1954) have had surgery recently. We wish them a quick and successful recovery. 

During the recent Denmark fires, well known Denmark identity, Richard Ricketts, had about half of his 600 acres burnt out. The fire started at McLeod Road, heading southwest towards Happy Valley Road and the Parryville Hall. The hall was saved despite everything around it being burned. Richard, along with another well-known Denmark family member, Max Middleton, kept on putting out spot fires to save the sheds. The 373 water bomber along with other water bombers, helicopters, fire brigade units from everywhere fought the fire, while the Shire grader was used to put tracks around the farm. Two weeks later the earth was still smouldering and boiling hot. 

Richard lost 200 hay rolls plus lots of fencing. He had to sell cattle as there wasn’t enough feed for them. Other properties affected include John Fleay (1500 acres), Brendan Lang and Kevin Hard. The Toffee Factory was saved but the area all around it was burned. Luckily the wind didn’t change so the town itself was untouched. 

Vale Jim Hart who passed away on 6th February. His well attended funeral was held on 20th February at the Denmark bowling club. I sent a card to the family from the Association. On behalf of the Association, committee, wives and partners, I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Ethel, children Jennifer, Susan and Darryl and grandchildren and great grandchildren. May he Rest in Peace. 

Ethel Hart came to Denmark with her parents, Jack and Linda Clipston, when she was 14 years old. Her father was a boilermaker/driver at Whittaker’s timber mill. She missed out on having an Aggie as a boyfriend. At a dance she was dared to ask Jim for a dance. That was the start of a relationship that lasted for almost 67 years of marriage. 

Jim’s grandparents and parents started farming in Denmark in 1909. They had to clear the trees on the land on McNabb Road, Mt Shadford and live in tents. They called the farm ‘Big Karri’ and ran a dairy. While Jim and Ethel lived on the farm, he started working at the war service land settlement at Rocky Gully until the farm was sold in 1965. They then moved into town and Jim became foreman of the Shire, also being a mechanic from 1972. He was an ambulance driver from the early 1950’s, a foundation member of the fire brigade and volunteer fishing officer. His hobbies were fishing, clay target shooting, tennis and football. 

Even though Jim didn’t attend Ag School, we as an Old Boys/Old Collegians association, connect with Denmark and its folks and I think it is important that we keep doing so. There are happy memories of the togetherness with the town school boys and girls in work experience on farms, manual workshop, football, cricket, athletics, cadets, dances at the school, town girls as girlfriends, dinking on push bikes etc, many of whom are friends today. The “Back to Denmark” lunch in Mandurah each year is well attended by both town folk and Aggies who now live there. There are a lot of their names on the new gazebo near the Denmark TAFE including Jim’s daughter Susan and his sister Shirley. 

I realise that more recent students had a very different experience and would like to hear from you too.  Email hisylvi@bigpond.com 

Wishing you good health and a Happy Easter.

Don McCausland

Chairperson