Hello Boys,

It is with a heavy heart I write this short blog. The wife of Dick Cook, Old Feildian, passed away  last week. Over the years as Dick and I  planned various Feildian projects, Ruby was always there in the background. Every time I rang the Winterholme doorbell to have a meeting with Dick that smile would greet me in the foyer and the words, " Hi Peter, he'll be right with you!"

Ruby and Lisa Cook at a Feildian Birthday Party last year.

I know as we continue to plan Feildian get togethers Ruby will not be there but she will be in spirit. All Feildians feel your sorrow at this time Dick and we are thinking of you and Lisa.

Rugby at Feild

The above picture was taken in 1920 and shows The Feildian Rugby Team for that year. Those of us who went to school when Ralph "Bull" Anderson was headmaster will find him as a student in the front row far right. He was quite lanky then as he was when he was headmaster. Mr. R.R. Wood was headmaster when this photo was taken and he is the man in the back row to the far right. He is wearing a suit.

Rugby was played at Feild from the inception of the school by Bishop Feild. It taught manliness and fair play. It provided robust physical exercise and made a man of you. Our own Dr. Nigel Rusted played on the 1926 championship team. He is in the back row third from the left in the photo below. R. R. Wood was still the headmaster in 1926 and he is in the front row again with the suit. Can you spot another future Lieutenant Governor on the team?

Oldest Feildian Honoured

I was honoured to have been invited to the investiture of Dr. Nigel Rusted to the Order of Canada, Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Government House. Dr. Rusted appeared in his usual manner walking strongly and erect. Remember this man will be 105 years old in July of this year. His Honour and Mrs. Crosbie welcomed the recipient with gracious words and glowing praise. His Honour recounted the highlights of Dr. Rusted's medical career and then as the representative of her Majesty, pinned the insignia of the Order to Dr. Rusted's left lapel. Dr. Rusted was asked if he would like to say a few words which he did most graciously. The ceremony ended and a reception line was formed as  the guests were introduced to their Honours and Dr. Rusted. It was a great afternoon as the oldest living Feildian was appropriately honoured for his life of work and service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. Rusted's acceptance speech.

His Honour and Mrs. Crosbie with Dr. Rusted after his investiture.

Class of 1951

This past September the class of 1951 gathered in St. John's to renew acquaintances and to talk about their days at Feild. Boys came from near and far for the three day event. Below are some of the attendees at the reunion.

BACK ROW: John Tucker, Keith Garland, Roger Barnes, Rob LeDrew
THIRD ROW: Paul Thompson, Doug Rowe, Jeff Levitz, Harry Adams, Greg Barban
SECOND ROW: Max Rideout (Master), Tim Shears, Vic Janes, Bill MacGillivray, Lionel Rowe, Brian Maunder FRONT ROW: Terry Combden, Strat Canning, Calvin Anstey, Boyd Summers, Hugh Miller

Happy New Year

Well it is 2012 and from the blogman I want to send best wishes for the new year 2012. I hope that all of our lives will be blessed and happy in the forthcoming 12 months.


It looks like January's lunch will be held on the 30th. at The Golden Phoenix, same time. I have had many comments from the boys about our lunches and they for the most part have been positive. I think we all like having an easy parking situation and we have a choice of food that is ready as soon as we arrive. I think we should stay there for the time being unless anyone has major objections and if they do they can find us another venue.

Over the Christmas Holidays I received news, most of which you know by now, that our oldest living Feildian has been named to The Order of Canada. It was at the urging of Hugh Miller that I proceeded to gather the documents for Dr. Rusted's application. With the help of his nephew Chris Rusted (OF) and others like John Crosbie, Paul Johnson, Bill Rompkey and Ches Penney we put together an application that could not be refused. Dr. Rusted's daughter, Joan, provided the biographical information which gave a detailed history of her father's work in the medical field in Newfoundland. I know I speak for all old boys when I say three cheers for Dr. Rusted and of course a tiger. Thanks Hugh for putting a fire under my %^&$. Below is a picture of the recipient at one of our lunches.

Dr. Nigel Rusted at Winterholme for his 104th. birthday, July 2011.

 Photo courtesy of Peter Chalker