OLD BOYS’ SOCIAL PROGRAM
As part of its social program for 2024 the Old Boys are attending each of the Hunter Wildfires home matches during the season.
The Old Boys have already attended the initial home games and enjoyed the action as the Wildfires try to build on their semi-final position last year.
The Old Boys will meet at the Commonwealth Hotel at midday/12.30pm on each home game Saturday for lunch (at own cost) with the association shouting a drink and paying entry to the ground.
An invitation is extended to all Old Boys to attend the matches.
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Congratulations to the Cricketing Old Boys
The Old Boys congratulate three former players from The Waratahs who have been named by the Waratah-Mayfield District Cricket Club in its inaugural Hall of Fame.
A lot of very talented cricketers were recently inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the cricket club’s centenary celebrations - they include Paul Burke, Steve Christie and Ron Harvey.
It is a well-deserved honour for the three cricketers – and rugby players - and reflected their great sporting prowess across a number of sports. Paul’s stats include 318 matches, 4965 runs and 661 wickets; Steve - 561 matches, 6,031 runs, 1180 wickets and 134 catches; Ron – 6,533 runs.
Ron, along with former Waratah Mayfield Test players, Graeme Corling and Gary Gilmour, are also named in the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Ron and Steve on the cricketing honour, and also to Paul who passed away in 2021.
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RESULTS OF 2024 AGM
The Old Boys’ Association held its 2024 Annual General Meeting on 17 March with the majority of the committee being retained but new faces also coming onboard.
Your committee for 2024 is:
President - Paul Paisley; Treasurer - Ken Beveridge; Secretary - Keith Powell; committee members - John Gibson (new member), John Brown, Mark Queenan, Gary Rawle (new member) and John Stevenson.
The President’s 2024 report and the Secretary’s 2024 Report follow:
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The 2023 season was one that presented challenges for The Waratahs but one in which the Old Boys’ Association was again able to be an integral part of the club in providing benefit for members as well as support for its various operations.
The Old Boys’ Association worked with both the Juniors and the Seniors in the early part of the year to promote the club as it attempted to build both the younger and older age groups. Despite a good build up to the season the club unfortunately announced in early April that it would not be nominating a men’s team because of lack of player numbers.
The Waratahs entered a Women’s team which finished in fifth place after mixed results while the Juniors fielded teams in the lower age groups.
The announcement about The Waratahs not nominating a men’s team for the second consecutive year impacted on the club but the Old Boys’ Committee focussed on its role and I am proud to advise maintained its enthusiasm.
Any organisation is only as good as its members and congratulations must go to those Old Boys members who supported our activities. The Old Boys were able to keep in touch through various social activities and were informed about club events by a regular e-newsletter. Among our highlights were:
· Financial support for the Juniors
· Financial support for the Senior rugby committee
· Financial support for Women’s representative player, Anika Butler, to assist with travel and accommodation costs in a heavy representative calendar
· Financial support for The Hunter Wildfires Colts Development Program
· In-kind support for the Juniors for major rugby events such as the annual Schools Gala Day and NSW Secondary Schools Rugby 7s Carnival
· Subsidised functions for members of the Old Boys’ Association
The Old Boys worked to present value-for-money social activities, examples being the Hunter Wildfires home match social program, the continually successful annual Sports Luncheon where former Wallaby and author Peter FitzSimons was our guest speaker in 2023 and the annual Christmas Function.
A special mention goes to the members of the 2013 First Grade Grand Final team who supported our Sports luncheon in August on the 10th anniversary of their premiership and to the wives and partners who made our Christmas luncheon a fabulous social occasion.
On the reverse, activities such as bare-foot bowls and golf days have faded from our annual calendar as these events are not attracting any participation.
CLUB STATE OF AFFAIRS
During the year the Old Boys’ Committee was conscious of the states of both the senior club and junior club and assisted in talks and discussions, and maintained support.
Members of the Old Boys’ Committee attended the Senior club’s 2023 AGM in December where no nominations were received for positions. Committee members also attended the Deferred AGM in January 2024 when two resolutions were adopted that saw a Working Group nominated to manage the pre-season commitments of the club’s Women’s team and an Interim Seniors Committee formed to work with the Juniors committee to facilitate the transitioning of affairs of the Senior Rugby accounts into the Juniors Club.
Two of the Old Boys’ Committee members, Ken Beveridge and Mark Queenan, were nominated and took places on the Interim Seniors Committee.
On a positive note, I am pleased to advise that members of the Old Boys’ Committee met after the 2023 AGM in December and made a commitment to continue with planning preliminary arrangements for 2024. The committee met in January to formulate the preliminary plans which have been progressed at the time of writing (March 2024).
The 2023 season was the 17th year of operation for the Old Boys’ Association after being established in 2007 and it is only through the great support of our members and supporters that we are a vital part of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club.
Although the club is facing hard times, I hope all Old Boys remember their past playing days or association with the club and know the value of the Old Boys’ Association which will continue in 2024.
In conclusion, I pass on my personal appreciation members of the Old Boys’ committee in Ken Beveridge, John Brown, Keith Powell, Mark Queenan, John Stevenson and Greg Twomey for their great work throughout 2023. The easy working relationship between committee members resulted in smooth operations.
The Old Boys finances continue to be in a good position and special thanks to our Treasurer, Ken Beveridge, for his advice and financial reports during the year.
There is little doubt that the past few years have been difficult or The Waratahs on the field but I am happy that the Old Boys’ Association continue to be active within the club and will be there in support during 2024.
Yours in Rugby
Paul Paisley
President
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SECRETARY’S REPORT
The Old Boys’ Association had a successful year in 2023 despite the challenges faced by the club’s senior rugby committee in fielding teams in the Hunter Rugby Union competition.
Membership was maintained at levels of previous years and attendances at major functions were very good. Financial and in-kind support from the Old Boys for variety of club rugby events and activities was pleasing.
However, there is little doubt that the continuing decline of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club in the Hunter Rugby Union senior competition is having its impact.
The announcement at the beginning of the 2023 season that the club would not field a men’s team for the second year followed by The Waratahs women’s team finishing fifth in their competition and then the deferment in December of the rugby club’s 2023 Annual General Meeting when no nominations were received for positions resulted in continuing diminished interest.
Although support is evident for the Old Boys’ Association and its support work within The Waratahs, a number of activities returned low acceptance numbers. These included the social program for the Hunter Wildfires home matches and the barefoot bowls day as part of the 2023 AGM meeting.
On the one hand, good attendances at major events (we’ll include Old Boys social gathering at the Hunter Rugby Union Grand Final in this list) but relatively small or poor at lesser events and activities.
The Old Boys’ Committee met regularly throughout 2023 with the 2023 Annual General Meeting in March re-electing the following office bearers:
President: Paul Paisley
Treasurer: Ken Beveridge
Secretary: Keith Powell
Committee: John Brown, Mark Queenan, John Stevenson and Greg Twomey
The committee also met informally on a number of occasions and attended the Senior Rugby Club’s 2023 AGM in December and the Deferred AGM in January 2024.
The committee again presented a flexible program for members, including:
· ‘home match social program’ when Hunter Wildfires played at No.2 Sportsground
· support for Juniors with volunteers attending rugby events such as the Annual Schools Gala Day and Hunter region Secondary Schools Rugby 7s at Waratah Oval grounds.
· 2023 Sports Luncheon which was attended by members of the 2013 Grand Final premiership team who celebrated the 10thanniversary of their win.
· the popular Christmas Luncheon organised by Dave Puddicombe
The 2023 Sports Luncheon was well attended by members of the Old Boys’ and we thank them for their support for our major fundraising event of the year where former Wallaby and well-known journalist and author, Peter FitzSimons, was guest speaker.
The function recognised the players and officials of 11 of Grand Final teams from The Waratahs who celebrated a special anniversary in 2023. These were:
· 2013: First Grade – Major Premiers (10th anniversary)
· 2003: First Grade – Major Premiers (20th anniversary)
· 1983: First Grade – Grand Final Runners Up (40th anniversary)
Reserve Grade – Grand Final Runners Up (40th anniv)
Fourth Grade – Grand Final Runners Up (40th anniv)
· 1973: First Grade – Grand Final Runners Up (50th anniversary)
Fourth Grade – Major Premiers (50th anniversary)
President’s Cup – Grand Final Runners Up (50th anniv)
· 1963: Third Grade – Major Premiers (60th anniversary)
· 1953: First Grade – Major Premiers (70th anniversary)
Reserve Grade – beaten in Grand Final Replay (70th ann)
Sponsorship and Support
The Old Boys’ Committee kept a careful watch on its support and sponsorship budget and committed funding to:
· The Waratahs Juniors through the 2023 Support Agreement
· The Waratahs Seniors Rugby Committee through normal channels and for representative player Anika Butler to assist with travel and accommodation costs
· Hunter Wildfires Junior Development Program
The Old Boys assisted the Juniors on numerous occasions throughout the year with volunteers for rugby activities and also assisted NSW Rugby and the Juniors with volunteers for the Hunter Region Secondary Schools Rugby 7s Carnival.
The Old Boys’ Association also participated in the club’s 2023 Meat Raffle Roster at the Hamilton North Bowling Club by providing members once a month for raising of funds.
The Old Boys offered support through its communication channels to Keith Roddom and Tony Hales in publicising a social meeting of former Junior players from the late 1970s/early 1980s.
Membership and Communication
Membership reached 46 in 2023 of which five were Life Members and seven were social members). The total compares to 47 in 2022. The 2023 membership gift was a new Old Boys’ polo shirt after we exhausted existing stocks during the previous 12 months.
The Old Boys’ Committee at its January 2024 meeting decided to keep membership levels the same in previous years - $100 for full membership and $40 for social membership.
An Old Boys’ e-newsletter was distributed about every six weeks during 2023 and early 2024 and many members again said they enjoyed being kept up to date through the publication. The club’s website also includes an Old Boys section under the ‘About Our Club’ banner.
Charter Constitution – Proposed Amendments
Proposed amendments to the Charter of the Old Boys’ Association were raised at several meetings of the Old Boys’ committee which decided, because of the uncertainty about the composition and future of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club, to wait until 2024 before recommending any changes.
Vale
During the year the Old Boy’ Association farewelled a number of good friends of The Waratahs who passed away. Among them were Australian junior representative and representative First Grader, Adrian Bubb; great club stalwart and author of The Waratahs red history book 60 Years in Grade, Bill Adam; former First Grade Coach in the 1980s, Tony Evans; First Grade player in the 1960s and 1970s, John McIntosh who later became a founding member of the Razorbacks Rugby Union Club on the Central Coast; club director for 27 years and another club stalwart in Life Member, Jim Nickerson; supporters of the Juniors, Pam and also Malcolm Garry; and Grade Player from the 1970s/80s, Garry Donnan.
Keith Powell
Secretary
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2024 MEMBERSHIP FEES
Members of The Old Boys’ Association are reminded that their 2024 fees are now due.
The Old Boys’ Committee has decided not to make any increase in membership fees for 2024 and will keep them at the same level as for at least the past nine years.
We are currently looking at our range of benefits but they include complimentary drinks and free tickets to Wildfires home games in 2024, discounts on functions organised by the Old Boys, a membership gift (it’s coming!), social membership to Hamilton North Bowling Club – and great rugby mateship.
Membership fees for 2024 are:
Full Membership - $100
Social Membership - $40 - for former players and supporters who live outside of the Newcastle area and cannot attend a lot our functions and activities.
Membership payment can be made via the Greater Bank – BSB 637000 A/c 715493713 – marking your payment ‘Membership’ with your name.
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OLD BOYS - HISTORY AND CHARTER
The Waratahs Rugby Union Club Old Boys Association was established in 2007 as a formal link for former and current players and officials.
The focus of the Association is to contact all former players and officials and invite them to be affiliated with The Waratahs Rugby Union Club.
The Association is in its 18th year in 2024 and has been a major partner in organising member support and various social and formal activities for The Waratahs. Its achievements have included:
annual financial and in-kind support for the Juniors Rugby Committee and the Seniors Rugby Committee
organising the popular annual Sports Luncheon
organising wide ranging social events for members
75th anniversary celebrations in 2015
80th anniversary celebrations in 2020
50th anniversary reunion of the 1971 Grand Final wining team
Special Anniversary Luncheon in 2023 recognise 11 teams from The Waratahs that played in Grand Finals, including the following:
10th anniversary of 2013 First Grade premiership
20th anniversary of 2003 First Grade premiership
50th anniversary of 1973 Fourth Grade premiership
60th anniversary of 1963 Third Grade premiership
70th anniversary of 1953 First Grade premiership
The Charter of the Association includes:
1. encouraging former players to stay and/or return to The Waratahs Rugby community
2. being a vehicle to allow former players of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club to maintain an active participation in The Waratahs
3. providing activities for social interaction and good fellowship of former and current players and officials
4. providing networks of mentoring and support to the Junior and Senior clubs in the playing and non‐playing spectators
5. facilitating the development of The Waratahs junior players by providing annual financial assistance via grants
The Waratahs Rugby Union Club has a proud history of women being active contributors to the club and membership of the Old Boys Association is open to both males and females.
MEMBERSHIP
Eligibility for membership includes having:
· been registered as a Waratahs Player and participated in one Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union sanctioned senior grade competition game (having worn the Red in battle)
· been allocated a player’s registration number as identified by the club’s records, or the club historian
· served as a club official or committee member for three years
· provided substantiation by way of documentary evidence of exceptional support to the club and/or compelling physical disability evidence.
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The Old Boys’ committee for 2024 is:
President: Paul Paisley
Treasurer: Ken Beveridge
Secretary: Keith Powell
Committee Members: John Gibson, John Brown, Mark Queenan, Gary Rawle and John Stevenson.
To find more details about the Old Boys and becoming a member please contact Secretary, Keith Powell, on 0434 060 862 or email kgpowell51@bigpond.com
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PRESIDENTS
2021-24 Paul Paisley
2018-20 Hugh (Reg) Jarvis
2016-17 Ken Beveridge
2007-15 Mark Queenan
Old Boys’ Association established 2007