Grandparents Day
05 Sep 2025
There’s something extra special about Grandparents’ Day and watching the very close bonds they share with their grandsons.
This year, we welcomed 350 grandparents representing multiple generations who have attended College.
At 104, John Rutherford (4612) is probably our oldest Old Boy. He was on campus earlier this year for the 175th celebrations and back today to visit his six great grandsons who are at College. John is from a long line of Old Boys, with his grandfather starting the tradition back in the 1870s.
Peter Williams (6101), one of our strong Hawkes Bay contingent of Old Boys, flew down especially from Havelock North to see his grandson Henry (Year 9) who is the fifth generation in School House. Peter recalled his days as a boarder when he had to catch a train to Wellington and then the overnight ferry to get to and from Christchurch every term.
It was Rosemarie Tothill’s 10th Grandparents’ Day after having six grandsons through College while past CCOBA secretary Ann Hindmarsh was there with Max (Year 11), a fifth generation. Jerry Burdon, whose father was the first of multiple generations at College when he started back in 1914, was there with grandson Will (Year 13).
Glenys and Greg Carr were enjoying time with their four grandsons – Thomas and Jacob (Year 10) and Henry and Lucas (Year 13).
“We’re so proud of the boys, they’re lovely young gentlemen and we think College has been exceptional,” Glenys said.
Thank you grandparents for the support, love and wisdom you give to your grandsons and the special role you play in their lives.
