Potts’ Grand Tour 2023

In November 2023, Chris Potter (C 65, OW Liaison) embarked on a Grand Tour to Australia via Singapore:

OWs at the Singapore Cricket Club

13 hrs to Singapore, then a night’s long sleep was preparation for the walking tour that followed as my nephew, with whom we stayed, set a cracking pace in high humidity. Will Jelf (Hg 96) had organised an OW Reception at the Singapore Cricket Club and great fun it was with Espresso Martinis at 2.30am rounding off a memorable fish curry and banter that wouldn’t make its way into Hansard. Gruff Jones (O 06) was elected man of the match, though unable to receive the trophy.

OW Drinks at the Adnate, Perth

Adrian Momber (Pn 76) greeted us in Perth where we acclimatised in King’s Park before joining a genial group of OWs in the bar of the Adnate Hotel for drinks and canapés. The next day was Melbourne Cup Day, when Australia comes to a halt for 200 seconds. We enjoyed lunch with Kate Gould and friends, and no-one backed the winner. We covered Perth, with its beautiful harbours and yacht clubs, by car thanks to Adrian who also whizzed us round neighbouring Fremantle with its docks and second fleet history.

Dinner at The Oval

A relatively short hop to Adelaide, beautiful as ever. Peter Warnes and Jill Hume (ex St Peter’s College) were outstanding hosts, driving us to lunch at Viktor Harbour and a tasting at The D’Arenberg Cube. Afterwards, we met the OW group for drinks and dinner at the stunning  Adelaide Oval, courtesy of CEO Charlie Hodgson (A 96). We also caught up with John Curtis, cruising through his 90s, who had brought SPC cricket teams to Wellington since 1967.

Melbourne was next stop with a jolly lunchtime reception for 20 OWs at the Albert Park Hotel, superbly organised by Nick Speller (Hn 87). Many tales were told but must stay on tour. We were once again hosted in style, by old friends from the 70s, John and Bronwyn Kennedy. We were spoiled for a day by David Myer (M 67) who took us to his lovely home at Queenscliff, a serious drive. Sunday was church, which was so close that it took all of 30 secs from breakfast to pew.

OWs in Melbourne

OW Reunion at The Lord Nelson, Sydney

Potts in Bondi

Sydney was next, with a breath-taking tour by car of the Eastern suburbs, then onto Bondi, with lunch at North Bondi Fish, all courtesy of Ian Low (Hg79) whose garden gate leads onto the beach. We had a marvellous OW gathering of 50 at The Lord Nelson organised by Adam Stitcher (H g03), with ages ranging from 19 to 89. The Manly ferry, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Lavender Bay, The Kirribilli Club, a tour of Shore where I taught 50 years ago, and the days flew by before back finally to a Singapore sling at Raffles, a brave curry in the Indian quarter and home.

Hectic but immense fun and so many thanks to the Community team, Murray, Lucy, and Jen in particular, who made it all happen. Special thanks to the OWs who were simply the greatest company wherever we went, not least the 3 Aussie Hodgsons. Semper Domus Floreat!