It was the start of first term in January 1950 when David Feez (1953) and Robin Hart (1953) were on the way to their dormitories to start their schooling at Churchie as boarders, each with their mothers who knew each other well. They crossed paths on the internal staircase of School House. It was in this moment 74 years ago, when the boys were introduced, that their lifelong friendship began.

Robin reflects: “Actually as I remember it, we were both involved in what was a very daunting time in our school life. It was a big move for both David and me. In my case, I was coming from Churchie Prep, into the Main School as a Boarder. While in David’s case he was coming from the renowned Toowoomba Prep where he had spent a number of years as a boarder.  Mother and I were about to go up the internal staircase, in School House to meet with my House Master, Mr. ‘Stiffy’ Wade. Access on this narrow internal staircase is restricted at the best of times, but as Mother and I were about to proceed up, where we were met by Mrs. Feez and her son coming down. Of course our respective mothers knew each other very well and no doubt thought what a wonderful opportunity for their sons to be able meet up on their first day. I don’t think, however, that either David nor I had such expansive thoughts at the time. In fact, as boys do on such occasions which are overwhelmed by their Mothers, we just looked ‘daggers’ at each other. However, little did we know that this encounter and meeting on the stairs for us both, would be the start of a very long friendship for us both. 74 years and still counting!

The opportunity to reflect on this enduring friendship presented recently when David, Robin and David’s son Anthony (1977) meet with Churchie’s Director of Boarding, Mr Mike Symons, to discuss teaching the art of leatherwork to some of the boarders. Many decades ago leatherwork was taught at Churchie, providing boys with the skills to craft their own leather-plaited belts that they would then wear as they went through their schooling years. David, Robin and Anthony are excited by the prospect of reviving this tradition. They aim to blend nostalgia with opportunity in several different spheres and provide inspiration by sharing some of the rich history of industrial arts.

Below (L-R): Mike Symons (Director of Boarding), David Feez (1953), Robin Hart AM (1953) and Anthony Feez (1977).