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Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: July 16, 2024

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Ray Carroll
Ray Carroll
Ray Carroll is the author of the Review's longest running segment, 'From the Boundary'. A retired coach from Assumption College Kilmore, Ray writes passionately about social affairs within the community, giving the much-loved editorial space over to much-loved current and ex-locals.

FATHER AND SON

Four decades ago, Chris was a popular student at ACK. From a highly respected large family in suburban Melbourne, he came to board and loved his time at the college and the many ‘friends for life’ he made. Married to Caroline Shelton, the daughter of the late and much loved Bombers legend Bluey Shelton, Caroline grew up on the family farm near Avenel. Bluey was not only a great player for Essendon but also is remembered for his football and cricket prowess in the Seymour and district area.

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An astute and energetic person, Chris Dow moved with his wife and young family of four to the UK for more than a decade of this century where he stablished a state-of-the-art recycling plant in East London. The family lived for the time in the quiet Kent village of Plaxtol – a truly beautiful location.

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The family involved themselves in many aspects of village life and made a fine contribution. When they departed to return to their South Melbourne home, the family was farewelled by hundreds of the folk of Plaxtol and surrounds. Chris was a playing member of the village cricket club, Caroline was involved in many activities, and the four children attended the village school and later the renowned Seven Oaks school. On the beautiful school cricket field was where current England test bat Zac Crawley first played the game.

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Twice during the family’s time in the UK, I really enjoyed their hospitality and kindness on visits to the UK. It was really good to spend time with parents and children Emma, Kate, James, and Will – and their Kent friends at their village home and a few of the delightful pubs in Plaxtol and neighbouring villages.

Only a week earlier, Chris had flown to England to visit a dying Plaxtol best mate, a revered villager who was the ‘father’ of the local cricket club. Chris was able to spend an hour with his friend and family. Later that evening his friend passed from this life. A family member said to Chris, ‘Dad was just hanging on until you came’.

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It was a nice surprise when Chris and youngest son James came to Kilmore last Friday for a visit and to have a look at ACK- much changed from Chris and his brother Tony’s time. Chris had helped me a lot with cricket and footy in his time, including coaching junior teams. Son James I had last seen when playing backyard cricket with his brother and dad in Plaxtol in 2015. Now in Year 12 at Geelong Grammar, James is an impressive person, good to talk with, and like his siblings is a product of great parents and grandparents. Following their visit to Kilmore, he was heading to the MCG to watch Essendon V Collingwood in tribute to Bluey Shelton. He now barracks for the Bombers while his dad is a Swans ‘tragic’.

Chris’ wife Caroline is a flight attendant, as is her sister Vivienne. Bluey Shelton’s widow Margery, a lovely lady, still resides in the area.

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A great bonus of my life and times at Assumption is to have retained the friendship of many former students such as Chris.

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LAKE COMO WEDDING

Stephanie Harding, daughter of Kilmore’s Bryan Harding, married Rob Gusanovis recently at Italy’s Lake Como – a romantic setting for the couple and family and friends. Stephanie, a paramedic, attended ACK where she was prominent in studies and sport. She helped me on many occasions as a footy official. Husband Rob’s profession is algorithms and artificial intelligence. Stephanie’s two brothers also attended ACK. Jamie is a school teacher and Nicholas works for an architecture firm. Bryan Harding spent several decades as a senior police officer and secretary of the police association.

SPORT IN THE BLOOD

Well known in this area, the O’Donnell family is steeped in sporting history. Simon is best known for his cricketing exploits with Australia and Victoria. His brothers Michael and Anthony were outstanding Assumption footballers, cricketers, and tennis players. Their dad Kevin played footy for St Kilda and was a fighter pilot in the UK during World War II with the legendary Keith Miller. Simon’s son Tom is captain of Essendon Cricket Club and younger son James is becoming a valued player with Bulldogs in the AFL.

Simon O’Donnell in action against Pakistan at the MCG in 1989.

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