HOWZAT
In the days before neutral umpires there sued to be some “dodgy” (or patriotic) officials. The great Dennis Lillee was playing in a northern province game in India. In his third over he had the batsman clearly caught behind but “not out” was the response. A couple of balls later he has him plumb LBW, but the little umpire again said “not out” by this time Lillee was furious and next ball he steamed in and knocked the middle stump flying. Turning to the umpire he shouted, “Bloody near got him this time”.
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A DISTANT STAR
Veteran ear, nose and throat specialist John J Kenny came from Yarrawonga to Assumption in the early fifties. He spent seven years at ACK and in most of those years he was a class leader and in his final year he was head prefect.
He won a commonwealth scholarship then came university and the study of medicine. A fine public speaker and debater his favourite sports right from schooldays have always been football and cricket. He was a fine 1st XI slow bowler and best and fairest in the 2nd XVIII. A lifelong Collingwood supporter he has given great service in various roles at the club. A son Brian has followed in his dad’s footsteps and practices in East Melbourne. John is still involved as a consultant. He gives high praise to his Marist teacher at ACK, “They were brilliant educators who inspired many to high positions in the fields of medicine and law”.
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CHANCE MEETING
The other day I briefly encountered David Bacash who now works as a psychologist at Kilmore Medical Centre. David and John Bacash were fine lads at Assumption in the seventies. A contemporary of football stars Peter McCormack and Laurie Serafini also K.I.A Australia boss Damian Merideth who he keeps in touch with, “Whenever we meet, the great spirit of those times, when 330 boarders were a close-knit family, soon resurfaces”. Years ago, I encountered Bacash family members in a popular store in Corryong the beautiful town in Northeast Victoria. I was visiting some great names in college history such as Herrod, Braniff, McHarg and Cossettini.
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ADVENTURER
Well credentialled Yea Optometrist Kelly Wilsmore is pictured with husband Greg during the bushfires in the area early this year.
The couple are residents in the Glenburn area, a region of rolling hills and valleys. Kelly sure loves adventure. Most weekends she is horse-riding in the high country and in holiday times she has swum with the whales near Broome and visited the Antarctic. Well involved in community affairs Kelly also plays a key role in Murrindindi’s local radio service. The couple have a fine son and daughter-both keen footballers Cassie, the daughter is a star.
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VARIA
Father Grant O’Neill who died recently will be remembered by St Patricks parishioners for his several years as PP in Kilmore. His requiem mass was in Northcote, and the committal was at Kilmore Catholic Cemetery. Active for many years of his priestly life, Father O’Neill had worked in PNG, spent time as a gaol chaplain and served in a number of parishes.
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Graduates of ACK in recent times are young relatives who are progressing well. Cooper Knight-Martin and his sisters Georgia and Nicola attended Assumption while the family lived in Broadford. Cooper is serving with a special force in Malaysia, Georgia is a career nurse, and Nicola is soon to graduate as a doctor in Queensland.
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Over several decades at ACK, I was privileged to be invited to address various organisations, sporting clubs and school assemblies across Victoria and NSW. I never asked for a fee but always received a gift or souvenir. Probably well over 300 locations in all and so great to meet the various local communities. I thought such times had passed so it was really nice to get to speak to a school assembly in Melbourne and a Western district cricket club in recent times.
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Really good to note Cath Mogridge received Kilmore C.C Life Membership at the club’s recent legends tribute night at Trackside. In a busy working life, Cath has found time and energy over a long period to work for the local cricket club which is over 150 years in existence. A devoted mother, Cath has had a strong influence on the club in various roles on and off the field. She is the tireless volunteer type that serve clubs so well across Australia.
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ANZAC SPIRIT
The 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing saw massive crowds assemble for dawn services and later marches across the nation- in cities, towns and tiny outposts. The thousands of mostly young Aussies who gave their lives in the fight for freedom would be happy to know that many Australians still display respect, honour and pride.
