Old Collegians

Hi everyone – I hope this finds you well. 

Our 1953-1956 past students group have just had our annual reunion. In total, 27 including wives and partners, attended over the weekend, which was held in York from October 13th to 16th.

We arrived on Thursday, settled in and then spent Friday discovering the many York attractions. Saturday found us on a mystery bus trip which took us firstly to a free-range emu farm. We had an excellent tour which included a gorgeous striped baby emu. Our next stop was the Old Newcastle Gaol at which the volunteer guide told us some of the history of the buildings. The remaining time was spent in Toodyay where we could visit shops and have lunch. The Coca Cola café was very popular as was the Christmas shop and the old flour mill. 

That evening we dined at Settlers House. Unfortunately, local resident and past student (1950-1951) Ken Solly and his wife, Wendy, who I mentioned in my last article, were to be our guests but had to withdraw at the last minute. Finally, on Sunday morning, we had breakfast beside the river Avon before departing for home once again.

All in all, a successful weekend. Next year will be 70 years since the 1953 students joined the school, so are returning to Denmark. We hope to have more participants to celebrate this anniversary.

Delys Ravenhill has advised that their DAJHS class of 1962, celebrating 60 years, are having a reunion in Denmark on November 5th. Over 32 past students have already registered.

The Old Collegians Association is once again donating the George Elliott Memorial Scholarship at Graduation day. This is the 33rd consecutive year we have done this since its inception. We congratulate all those graduating this year.

Ten of us are attending the annual Back to Denmark lunch in Mandurah on November 8th. In  total about 50 former Denmark residents now living in Mandurah will be attending.

Last but not least, we have car bumper stickers available for you to purchase at $5 each. Contact Mike Martin Ph: 0419 836 602 or email: mikemartin37@hotmail.com. Leave a message if Mike doesn’t answer.      

Unfortunately, two past students have recently passed away. Firstly, Vale Peter Mortlock (past student 1959-1960). Peter was a Life Member and has his name on the Honour Wall. He passed away on 5th August and his funeral was held on 23rd August. 

In his early childhood, Peter grew up in Donnybrook before moving to Applecross. It was from there that he enrolled as a boarder at Denmark Agricultural Junior High School, achieving an Honours Certificate in Agriculture. His nickname – Pepper – was gained from a practical joke involving a loose lid on a pepper jar which caused his dinner to be covered in pepper. 

He made lifelong friends from this time. He was a champion athlete in 1960, his other sporting interest being hockey. Living close to the Swan River, he developed a keen interest and love for sailing. He competed in the Sydney to Hobart race in 1977. He did farm work in Dumbleyung where he played football for the local team.

When he moved back to Perth, Peter secured a position with Elder Smith, firstly in the Perth office before transferring to the Livestock Department in Port Hedland for twelve months. He later worked for Chamberlain Industries. Other roles included sales, business management and real estate. Peter was a dedicated and a hard worker.

It was in Perth that Peter met his wife, Sophie. They retired to Mandurah where Sophie unfortunately passed away after 50 years of marriage. They had 2 children, daughter, Kristina and son, Simon. There are also five grandchildren.

On behalf of past students, committee, wives and partners of the Old Collegians, I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Kristina, Simon and all the Mortlock family. May he Rest in Peace.

Vale Peter Mickle (past student 1951-1952). Peter was a Life Member and has his name on the Honour Wall. He passed away on 29th September and I attended his funeral service in Bunbury on 6th October, representing the Association. 

At 17 years of age, Peter, on leaving Ag School, worked as a Rep for Dalgety’s. This was mainly in Port Hedland on cattle stations. At 21 years old, he decided that he really wanted to be a hairdresser so he learned the trade and set to work. He was subsequently able to purchase a grazing property in Donnybrook which was later sold to purchase a farm in Boyanup. Here he grew table grapes and bred racehorses and a few cattle. Hairdressing was never far from his mind and he, along with his brother Tony, eventually owned six salons in Manjimup, Collie, Bridgetown and Bunbury.

He loved to travel, going to many parts of the world. He was also a car enthusiast and loved fishing, boating and swimming. On selling the farm in Boyanup, he, and wife, Pam, moved to a beautiful historic house in Bunbury.

On behalf of past students, committee, wives and partners of the Old Collegians, I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife, Pam, and daughter, Justine and all the Mickle family. May he Rest in Peace.

Get your name on the honour wall - contact us to have your name added. Contacts are: Wendy Sutton 0419 048 694; Marjorie Morrison 9848 1633; Delys Ravenhill 0427 408 051 or myself 0428 526 398, email: hisylvi@bigpond.com.

Don McCausland

Chairperson