Roger Alexander (1953-1955)

“I'd like to take you back to the 3rd February 1953 when it all began, with the arrival of 31 boys from all over the North Island; and I hope I can leave you with a much better appreciation of just how far the college has come since those early years. Unless I look in a mirror or attempt to climb a hill, I find it hard to believe that 65 years have passed since I first arrived at the front gate on a hot February afternoon, bumped over a rattly cattlestop and traveled up a gravel driveway in a cloud of dust.

As I looked to the right I noticed sheep grazing in a paddock and cattle lying quietly under a large weeping willow and by this time I was quite sure my father had taken a wrong turning, because this place looked like no school I'd ever seen before. It was simply a large homestead set in beautiful wooded gardens and surrounded by three paddocks and a pine plantation that ran right up the southern boundary from Pakowhai Road to Frimley Park.

There was no Chapel, Assembly Hall, Library or Gymnasium. No classroom block, science laboratories or sports fields and no tennis courts or swimming pool, just a brass bell lurking behind one of the pillars on the front verandah waiting to take control of our lives at the first possible opportunity. The only buildings outside of the main homestead were an ablution block soon to be known as the 'wash', and a squash court which was used for everything imaginable as time passed. It was our Chapel and Assembly Hall, our Gymnasium. Music Room, Art Room and we even played squash from time to time. Because we were all new to the school and came from all over the North Island we wandered about aimlessly on the first afternoon, and were quite relieved when the bell rang about 6pm and we were called to assemble in front of the verandah.”

The Rector, The Rev F.H. Robertson - previously the Presbyterian minister at Havelock North, was a giant of a man, standing 6ft 2in tall, weighing in at just over 17 stone and was intimidating to say the least, especially with that back to front collar.

After welcoming us warmly, he addressed us at some length on his hopes, plans and aspirations for his new school, and told us that as the foundation pupils we would be required to set very high standards for future generations to follow, as this would eventually be one of the top schools in the country. As you can imagine this was pretty daunting news for a group of boys that had been here less than an hour!

It was to be an all boarding school Form 3 to 7 reaching maximum roll of 120 by year 6. We were also told that this school was unique in that it had absolutely no rules. These would only be introduced if and when proved necessary. I think this was the first lesson ever taught at Lindisfarne - when something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is, because by the following evening we had as many rules as any other boarding school in the country, and by the end of the week a whole lot more as well! That's a (lit!) lesson you could all do well to remember!”

“Lindisfarne taught me that the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary. We also learnt the art of communication, cooperation, consideration and tolerance. Going to Lindisfarne helped me with my career as although agriculture was not one of the subjects available, I spent a lot of time reading farming magazines; usually during French and Latin classes!

In the year after graduating I attended Lincoln College and was lucky enough to be in the last group of students who spent a year working on the College farms, before doing the DipAg course. Thanks to my Lindisfarne background I won the gold medal for excellence in practical farming.

Although it was a hard life in those early years the camaraderie and lifelong friendships that resulted made it all worthwhile. I am still in contact with all my old friends, we were one big family!”

More of Roger’s memories will be shared through the 65 from the Archive campaign.

“Today I am a retired sheep and beef farmer. Recently, over a 30-year period with lots of hard work and enthusiasm, I rejuvenated the Puketapu Lake, we now have a healthy wetland supporting large numbers of healthy eels, smelt and bullies. The birdlife has returned in great numbers, with many species living and thriving happily together – even royal spoonbills. The "smelly eyesore" has been transformed into an attractive entrance to our wonderful village, while discharging lovely clean water in the Tutaekuri River – a win-win situation.

I am also a member of the HB Agricultural and Pastoral Society Committee. For 38 years I host the Taradale Rotary Puketapu Auction and Fair each year and have been an active member of the College Old Boys’ Association since its inception (presently Patron).

I have always been impressed by the College Council members, staff, parents and students, who have all worked so hard over the years to make Lindisfarne the great College it is today.”

PHOTO: Duncan Brown, NZ Herald Country.