Regardless of how many years it has been since any of us left Churchie, collectively through a thread of blue and grey, we always remain connected. The last 12 months of the COVID pandemic have been testament to this.

For his 1982 cohort, Old Boy Tim Felton (highlighted in the feature image) is leading the way in COVID Operations. Little more than 12 months ago, Tim moved back to Australia after many years residing in Hong Kong. Soon after he settled in Melbourne, the onset of the COVID pandemic put the city into a massive lockdown. With everyone essentially confined to their computer screens, Tim took it upon himself to reconnect with anyone from his 1982 cohort, including those who weren’t close or necessarily mates at school. So at Tim’s initiation, on the first Thursday of every month since, the Old Boys of the 1982 cohort come together for a video conference session to simply reconnect and stay in touch. Typically, each session runs for about 90 minutes with 6 to 12 Old Boys logging in on each occasion. It’s not a bragging session. It is simply mates chatting with mates, supporting each other and checking on each other’s welfare during these difficult times.

Tim says: “This is a unique opportunity to reconnect globally. Everyone is equal at the end of a computer screen. By having this dialogue and building on these conversations we have been creating a bridge between the past and present.”

In a continued effort to reconnect as many as possible, Tim and his 1982 cohort are signing up to the COBweb which is the exciting new digital platform for Old Boys. COBweb enables Old Boys to connect, network, register for events/reunions and read/share news. One of the key functionalities is Groups, where you can connect with mates from your specific cohort (e.g. Class of 1982). To see for yourself, please click here to register on the COBweb.