TheHallowian-2021Vol2 - Flipbook - Page 15
160 STORIES
In 1994 I was appointed Head
of Creative Arts at All Hallows’.
I had seen Bill in the years since
I had left AHS, but in his eyes, I still
deserved the same watchful care I had
received as a student at school. Whether working
late in the office, conducting weekend rehearsals, or packing
up after a concert, there he would be sitting on the bench
outside the Old Kitchen until we were ready to leave, so he
could safely walk us to our cars.
While I was still on staff, we had the opportunity to celebrate
Bill’s 80th Birthday – although embarrassed by the fuss, he was
also absolutely thrilled!
After we had our two daughters, we made regular weekend
visits to All Hallows’ to see Bill. When our elder daughter Lucy
started in Middle School, the Sisters in the Convent invited
us to drop in for a cup of tea. As we left, I noticed a little tear
trickle down Lucy’s cheek. I assumed she was feeling nervous
about starting her new school, until she explained ‘Mum, I
always thought that Bill would be here to meet me and now
he’s gone I miss him so much’. Sadly, Bill had died at the age of
84 the previous year.
I know there are thousands of All Hallows’ girls who have
countless stories about their encounters with Bill. He was
always respectful and appropriate. I had known him since my
primary school days at St Ann’s, and I had the privilege of being
with him at Mt Olivet Hospital as he left this world in 2006.
He was friend to many, fierce protector of the Sisters, staff and
students of All Hallows’ School, the kindest grandfather figure
you could wish for. If you ever visit Magnolia Place, you will
find a wooden bench placed there in Bill’s honour by the Parry/
Hennessy and Nash/Rosengren families.
Please take a minute to sit there, looking over the grounds,
just like he did on a daily basis for so much of his life – and
remember our constant friend Bill.
2021 | The Hallowian
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