2013 Fish Fry Day - Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys Association

The annual fish frying event took place on Sunday 8 December watched over by “Sister Hanna’s’ Banner” and with the cricket on the screen but with the commentary muted..

The humid afternoon did not detract from the enjoyment with a good numbers in attendance. There were a few absences but it was know in advance that they would not be attending. Each year another new generation of one of our member families is added to the attendance.

It was the first time that Father Joe Rhys was in attendance at one of our get together undertakings, and he was quite busy meeting and greeting.

The cooks and servers were busy delivering platters to the buffet counter. The selection was deep fried fish, dim-sim, scallops, potato cakes and chips all fresh out of the fryer. After the main course had been consumed the ladies homemade presentation of low calorie deserts was the next fare to be attempted. Very soon all platters were cleaned up!

Our two emeritus Old Boys, Jack Willmott and Leo Ramsdale manned the registration desk and conducted the fund raiser for which they are known far and wide. The maître-de Brian Fleming ensured that they were fed at their table so none got in without an entrance ticket. When the draw was conducted it was ironic that Kevin Law who needs the aid of a walking stick went home with a new pair of boots. Three other people including Vice President David Ramsdale had a new pair of socks to start the festive season. [David when not in his Vice President Role is known as Jack]

Jack’s mother Cath was there to see him in a role other than her son. President Arthur Clarke was a late arrival so it fell to David to make a Christmas gift to Father Joe who had to leave after the first course. When Artie did arrive and eat to his full he made further presentation to our religious supporters and also thanked the Kyneton Football Netball Club for the use of the social clubroom.

The wrap up was when Santa arrived and gave the children a small memento of the 2013 event. All who attended were complimentary of the select few who contributed to another memorable day.

Oct 11, 2018
Born in Melbourne on May 30, 1941 Fr John Hegerty was the son of William, farmer and grazier and Sheila, nee O’Brien. He was the oldest in the family of two sisters and one brother, Anne (dec), Michael and Patricia.
John was educated at Metcalfe State School and Marist Brothers in Kyneton. He completed his final four years of secondary education at Xavier College, Kew in Melbourne.
After working on the family property ‘Summer Hill’ at Redesdale, Victoria John began his studies for the priesthood at St Columban’s in Sassafras in 1965 and St Columban’s College, North Turramurra. He was ordained by Archbishop Knox in St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne on August 14, 1971. He was initially appointed to Peru where he studied language studies in Lima before becoming Assistant Priest at Resurrected Christ (Ermitano).
From 1978-1988 John was appointed to the Australian and New Zealand Region where he was Director of Spiritual Year at Turramurra for four years. He spent a year in Wernesville, Pennsylvania, USA studying Spirituality.
Upon his return to Peru, he assisted in the parish of Criso Nuestra Vida and was Director of the formation programme for Peruvian Columbans. He was also the Regional Director and Director of the Columban Spiritual Team. From 2006 until present John has assisted in the Parish of Our Lady of the Missions which is in its final stages of transition from being a Columban founded and established communion of twelve communities to being accompanied and administered by clergy of the local diocese.
For many years, John has conducted bible courses for the local people. Each year they study a bible course on the Gospels of the year which helps in the preparation of the Sunday Liturgy. John says, it has proven to be of help to both the priests and the lay ministers who preside at the Sunday liturgies of the Word with Communion.
Fr John has recently been back in Australia for a well earned rest and to catch up with family and friends. He will return to Peru later in the year.

Father John Hegerty