Happy family
At Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, I was lucky to have plenty of student volunteers to assist with the footy and cricket, sports organisation, marking of ovals and preparing of wickets, etc.
In the 1970s and 80s young boys who later rose to prominence were terrific helpers. The likes of Neale Daniher, Simon O’Donnell, Bill Brownless, Ray Power and many more.
They all took great pride in the various jobs. Bill Brownless especially loved preparing the pitch with the heavy roller.
Not only boys, but in latter years girl students too were willing helpers.
One of the top contributors was Hayley Comerford a boarder from Wagga Wagga in NSW.
Hayley is now married to Carlton and Gold Coast Suns footballer Levi Casboult with three young children.
The son of a Launceston police officer Levi is a devoted family man and a fine person. He only took up footy aged 17 having previously played soccer and basketball.
It was great of Hayley to call in recently, she had been home at a sad time – the passing of her grandmother and grandfather.
A career police woman, Hayley loved her time at ACK and she certainly made a fine contribution to college life.
Good night at Crown
The inductees to ACK’S hall of excellence plus the rising stars were well received by the crowd at the 130 years Gala at Crown last month. It was an impressive list as outlined by Max Davies in the Review recently.
It was good to see Dr Jim Butler honoured. Butlers Lane in west Kilmore is named after the family.
Jim was among my early pupils at ACK and he was a really bright boy. His highly respected parents were fine people.
Many in attendance at the Gala were students from the 1950s through to the 90s.
Without exception they have fond memories of schooldays and the fine teaching of the Marist Brothers.
In particular the early guys prospered in pretty spartan conditions compared to today, and cherish the lifetime friendships forged ‘one day when we were young’.
***
Congratulations to a wonderful modern-era student who turns 21 in a few days’ time. Chelsea Fowler of Wallan was school captain in 2020 and widely admired by her peers and staff. With her brother Bailey, she did Camp America last year and they will return shortly for another stint.
Meanwhile dad Robbie, wife Katia and the other four children are looking forward to a trip of a lifetime to England in July and to the Lord’s Ashes Test. It was hard work getting tickets as the famous ground sold out in hours for the whole five days.
***
Thoughts and prayers of very many remain with Tom De Sousa and family as he bravely battles his health setback.
Eric’s honour
Nice to note a court has been named the Eric Salter court at Kilmore Tennis Club.
Eric was a fine player, close to Davis Cup level, and had a brilliant Country Week record.
His wife Jeanette and family have all been good players and the whole family has made a splendid contribution to the local club and indeed, the sport they love.
***
Congratulations to Tallarook in the Seymour Distrcit Cricket Association title.
The small, close-knit community has managed to retain its ‘village’ identity against the odds.
It may not have a footy club but its proud cricket club has known plenty of success over the years and has had some very fine teams and players.
The splendid clubrooms at Tallarook’s picturesque oval has known many a fine celebratory gathering.
Happy Easter
Easter is a remarkable three days in the history of Christianity worldwide – hundreds of millions of all races will honour the occasion and for them it will be a truly happy and holy time.
Across Australia, as elsewhere, churches will be packed as they are at Christmas time. From this writer, best wishes to all.
