NEWS FROM GRAMMAR 2015

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A return school visit from a WW2 Evacuee to Tasmania In February, 72 years after he left, Mr Neil Wimberley returned to the school which provided him with so many fond memories. almost as good as fish and chips) … The only difference in sport was Australian Rules instead of Rugger …The School war cry was a new experience which I hadn’t met before. I can still remember it. Neil’s memories of school during his visit focussed on the Boarding House- his home during term, his lessons, friends (he was in the same year as Peter Sculthorpe and preparations for war. Stephen Norris, Neil Wimberley, Sarah Wimberley, Amanda Crooks Mr Wimberley, accompanied by his daughter Sarah, enjoyed the tour of the school with Headmaster Stephen Norris and Development and Alumni Officer Manager Amanda Crooks. Neil was twelve and a half when he and his sister arrived in Tasmania to be looked after by the Cameron family. After some time at the farm to settle in to life in Australia, he began school as a Grade 8 boarder. I went to Grammar in January 1941, aged just 13. School seemed very similar to what I was used, and had expected, as were living arrangements, discipline and food (except for saveloys which I hadn’t met before, and hated, but I took to mutton birds, I can recall digging air raid trenches along the hedge of the Headmaster’s House (which were always full of water) of younger masters and older boys enlisting, and a great interest being taken in the cadet corps (especially when we were issued with modern informs, instead of the previous Boer War kit, and Bren and Owen guns replaced the First World War Hotchkiss machine guns). Staying at Grammar for three years until the end of Grade 10 in 1943 and aged 16, his father (against Neil’s wishes) arranged for him to attend Geelong Grammar. He then enlisted in the British Army and returned to the UK in January 1945. An incident filled return trip eventually saw him reunited with his parents before he commenced training. Neil continued in the army as an officer and after the war in the Pacific had finished, served in many parts of the world. After 22 years he settled in Scotland. Many of his family members have since visited Tasmania. page 22
There is no doubt in my mind that spending my teen age years in Australia had a great effect on my life, and I have much to thank Tasmania, and Tasmanians, for all the friendship and help I received at what could otherwise have been a traumatic experience; I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. As my family know I look at it as my second home. Following a tour of the Boarding House, Neil and Sarah enjoyed an afternoon tea with Boys Boarding Captain, Tristan Jamson, Vice-Captain Kayden Hine and Boarding House Master Terry Sheehan. While entertaining the students with some fascinating memories of his time at Grammar, he also enjoyed hearing about life as a boarder today. Stephen Norris presented Neil with an Elizabeth Street Chapter tie and a package of relevant publications at the end of the visit. page 23
Page 1 and 2: nEWS FROM GRAMMAR ISSUE 59 JUNE 201
Page 3 and 4: From the Headmaster’s Desk Build
Page 5 and 6: Co-Captains Converse 2015 Co-Captai
Page 7 and 8: There used to be dedicated radio an
Page 9 and 10: We have high expectations, particul
Page 11 and 12: After some lovely days in Istanbul
Page 13 and 14: Boarding House Dining The dining ro
Page 15 and 16: Christmas Camp 2005-2014 - My Journ
Page 17 and 18: Never Bored- 6 questions for Adam M
Page 19 and 20: Alex Frain (Class of 2004) When I l
Page 21: Nurture Nurture Challenge Pip Manso
Page 25 and 26: Book Launch The launch of the book
Page 27 and 28: Launceston Grammar Prefects 1931 Th
Page 29 and 30: Class of 2004 - 10 Year Reunion Cla
Page 31 and 32: 2015 Annual Fund Doing, thinking, f

NEWS FROM GRAMMAR 2015

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