On a typically warm Christchurch October evening 250 people attended this year’s dinner held in the sports gymnasium at St Bede’s College.
The gym was abuzz with animated conversation as drinks and nibbles were enjoyed and old friendships were renewed and new friendships established.
A good turnout by Willows members, invited guests and supporters complemented the fourteen schools and colleges represented with many principals and coaches in attendance. It was noticeable how well presented all the young men were in their school blazers and their personal grooming left nothing to be desired.
The seating plan grouped school teams together as we settled down to an action packed evening. Tribute must be paid at the outset to the marvellous job the catering crew undertook, the quality of the food and the service could not be faulted. George Murray from Christ’s College was our pianist for the evening and the wine provided by Wiffen Wines Ltd who have supported our dinners with such loyalty over the years. We also acknowledge our chief sponsor – the ASB Bank – for their generous support.
Master of Ceremonies Max Chu, head prefect of Otago Boys’ High School, soon had us in hand and steered the evening’s programme along with confidence and good humour.
Justin Boyle, Rector of St Bede’s College and The Hon. Sir John Hansen made the welcome speeches which set a warm and friendly tone for the evening.
We were honoured to have Sir Richard Hadlee present the Shadbolt Trophy for the best performance by a junior Willower – this year the trophy was awarded to Ben Dickie from Christ’s College 1st XI. The ’49ers Trophy for the school with the most meritorious performance during the past season was awarded by Sir Richard to the St Andrew’s College 1st XI.
Sir Richard gave us an insight into his motivation and considerable effort researching and writing his book titled “The Skipper’s Diary”; a labour of love and respect and a timely tribute to the legendary 1949 New Zealand cricket tour of England that was captained by his father and our Patron in Perpetuity, Walter Hadlee CBE, OBE.
Sir Richard gave a moving overview of that historic New Zealand cricket team’s successful tour at a time when Britain was recovering from the Second World War. The reported attendance numbers at the matches were amazing for those far off days before television.
Ben Hartland from the Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI gave the Loyal Toast and grace was said by Cameron Jopson from the St Bede’s College 1st XI.
It is many years since most of us had listened to a barber shop quartet but when the St Bede’s College foursome stepped up they had us enthralled by their talent and harmonising.
Tom Dunlop from Riccarton High School 1st XI introduced our guest speakers and what sporting talent was on display! James and Hamish Marshall and our own Peter Fulton (with 121 first- class matches playing for Canterbury under his belt) in the capable hands of consummate interviewer Malcolm Ellis proved a winning formula.
Sibling rivalry and endless games of backyard cricket seemed to be the driver for the Marshalls and with Malcolm putting open ended questions to James, Hamish and Peter we were treated to many insights into the fascinating game of cricket at club, provincial and international level. Particularly interesting were the encounters with the many and varied personalities they encountered within New Zealand, in county cricket in England and also while on tour.
Reuben Thorne, former well known All Black, then gave us a very thoughtful and inspiring speech, the theme being that four letter word GRIT. Reuben’s message, directed more towards the younger members of the audience but also applicable to us oldies, was of goal setting, determination and holding onto a vision. It was a spell-binding presentation from him.
While dessert was being enjoyed Sir Richard presented copies of his book “The Skipper’s Diary” to various guests and indicated his availability to sign copies later in the evening.
All too soon the dinner was drawing to a close as Liam McBreen-Smith (St Andrew’s College) moved the Vote of Thanks to our speakers and Isaac Bird (Christ’s College) moved the Toast to Cricket. The game we love to play, to watch, to ruminate on and treasure the memory of wins and mourn the losses of games played in the years gone by.
President Sir John concluded the evening by thanking our guest speakers and wishing us all an enjoyable cricketing season ahead.
What an entertaining evening! Inspiring speakers well handled by our very own Malcolm Ellis, a milestone cricketing book launched by Sir Richard Hadlee, delicious food and wine, great company in a warm and relaxed atmosphere in the competent hands of Max Chu our Master of Ceremonies – well done St Bede’s College.