OLD COLLEGIANS
President’ s Report
Farewell
Jennifer Hargrave
ANDREW baker
It is difficult to believe we are already so far into 2013, a year during which the Executive wishes to refresh the Association as mentioned in the last King’ s Courier. Personally, the year has also seen our son Cameron starting in Year 9, bringing with it the exciting experience of becoming King’ s parents.
After repeatedly discussing the upgrade of our website and database, it is now significantly closer. Last year we worked closely with the College on this project and it seems that we are now closing in on our goal of re-launching a user-friendly, brighter and more informative website in conjunction with a more up-to-date, functional and easily-maintained database.
I want to acknowledge Mike HALLWRIGHT( Selwyn, 1972-76), a long-standing KCOCA Executive member, for his hard work and patience on this project. I am confident that by the next Courier we will have exciting news on these fronts. From what we have seen, the upgraded College website will strongly enhance the way the College, KCOCA and other affiliates can engage via the internet.
The success of any database is dependent on constant checking and updating. Since databases do not come with mind-reading software it requires regular checking by members. This can be done by members either on-line( remember that password details can be confirmed directly via the site!) or by simply emailing or contacting our new Executive Officer, Tim Kay.
In 2013 we will again host many Old Collegian events, kicking off with the Lakes Branch Dinner in March. In May,“ years-on” reunions are scheduled for those 70, 50 and 40 years from entering the College. I am looking forward to playing my part at the ANZAC Day Service in the Memorial Chapel, at 9.30am, which is always a wonderful tribute to our fallen heroes and the many Old Collegians who have served in our armed forces from the earliest days. All our upcoming events are shown at www. kcoca. com.
We are determined to provide good value and enjoyable events for Old Collegians, ensuring they fulfil the KCOCA goal of reconnecting old friends. As part of refreshing the event strategy the Association will be actively seeking feedback on what you, the Old Collegians of King’ s, want in this regard.
When the King’ s College Old Boys’ Association was formed in 1900, one of its founding ideals was to support the College, an objective that still remains for KCOCA today. It was extremely pleasing in 2012 to provide the College with further funds for bursaries, particularly aimed at the children of Old Collegians. It is hoped this initiative will increase the proportion of current students coming from Old Collegians’ families, as it has done in 2013.
The College is embarking on an ambitious endowment and bequest development programme to safeguard its financial future and this is something that Old Collegians may find an attractive way of supporting this wonderful institution.
Finally, in June, Auckland Grammar School will host the 199th rugby match between the King’ s and Grammar 1st XVs preceded on Friday by our AGM and Annual Dinner where we will acknowledge our 2013 Distinguished Old Collegian, Peter Jackson. It would be fantastic to see a great turn out at both, a prime opportunity to make an exciting weekend of things King’ s.
Virtus Pollet
Andrew( Andy) BAKER( Parnell, 1979-83)
After six years devoted to the best interests of KCOCA and working with five presidents, our Executive Officer Jennifer Hargrave left at the end of March – and is moving on with an exciting new phase in her life, based in Christchurch.
During her time Jennifer has played a strong part in several innovations including launching the annual King’ s V Auckland Grammar tennis match, establishing the annual gathering of bursary holders and working with ex-President Tony CAUGHEY( St John’ s, 1966-70) on the current version of the Messiah and the establishment of the AGM and Annual Dinner at the Northern Club.
Jennifer also took over managing the Floreat Semper Society and served on the Bursary and Scholarship, as well as the Honours Tie committees. In addition, on behalf of KCOCA she joined ADAPE( now Educate Plus) – an Australian-founded group committed to alumni organisations and she presented a paper at their 2010 conference.
Under her watch the introduction of decade reunions for 20, 30 and 70 years-on completed the full range of generational groups. Her portfolio also catered for branch reunions and the highly successful ROCs gatherings in the four main centres.
The KCOCA strategic review early this century laid down that our primary objective was one of reconnecting Old Collegians with one another and their alma mater. Jennifer has steadfastly and very successfully driven this during her term.
With regard to King’ s Courier, Jennifer introduced the regular President’ s column, the listing of College Chapel weddings and an increased range of contributions from Old Collegians.
Members of the Association thank her for her service and wish her well for the future.
The new KCOCA Executive Officer is Tim KAY( Peart, 1970-74) Email: t. kay @ kingscollege. school. nz DDI:( 09) 276 0679
Robin Beckett
AUTUMN 2013 • KING’ S COURIER 29