Michael S. Ferns (SH 53-58) writes:

“As it is 50 years since I left St. Bees, it seemed a good occasion to let you know that I am still in this world and living an active life in Sydney.

I attended St. Bees, following in my late father’s, Basil A. Ferns (EH 25-27) and late uncle’s, Arthur D. Ferns (EH 25-28), footsteps. On leaving I enrolled at Leeds University for a Diploma of Textile Industries, as ‘A’ levels were not required for entry to that course. I completed this in 1961, then worked in the family wool business in Bradford for a couple of years during which time I spent 6 months in France and Belgium on a scholarship from the Bradford Chamber of Commerce to improve my French language skills. In 1963 I came to Sydney to gain experience in the wool-buying industry and stayed, although I have had several visits back to UK associated with both business and holidays. In 1966 I enrolled in a B.Com degree at the University of New South Wales and gained my degree after attending part time for 6 years. As a mature student I found I was able to use some life experiences to sort the wheat from the chaff, which certainly helped.

My wife Judith and I have just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We have two daughters, the elder one married with a son of her own. She and her husband manage a 20,000 acre cattle property in Queensland, whilst the younger appears to be a career woman, being an accountant. The cattle property is 1100 km by road from Sydney, so a bit too far for Saturday evening baby sitting!

I was invited to join the St. Ives Lions Club 32 years ago and am still a member, being president for the 3rd time this year. We have an active group of men and women who try to help those less able to help themselves. At the time of writing this we are hoping to sell at least 100 dozen Christmas cakes, with the proceeds going to assist camps for children with diabetes. Any Old St. Beghian who is a Lions’ Club member will be aware that the Lions International 2010 convention will be held in Sydney in late June/early July 2010. I should be delighted to meet anyone who is attending and assist them if possible. Our BBQ is always ready! St. Ives is only 45 minutes North from the centre of Sydney, by public transport, and a similar time from the Olympic precinct where I understand some activity will take place (the place where Johnny Wilkinson kicked the drop goal, which won the rugby world cup for England in 2003) as well as the 2000 “best Olympics ever”.

I am sure many people in UK will be getting excited about hosting the 2012 Olympic games in London. Now that the Beijing Games are over there will be a lot more promotion of London, at least if the timetable for Sydney 2000 is any guide. Both my wife and I were volunteers in Sydney, Judith in the accreditation and uniform area, whilst I was a driver. I can heartily recommend being involved, and let’s face it the majority of us will never stand any chance of competing, so being a volunteer is the next best thing. There were 45000 volunteers for the Sydney games and they came from all over the country. When you consider that London is closer to Moscow than Perth, Western Australia is to Sydney then just because you don’t live in or close to London should not deter anyone from considering being a volunteer.

I am sure most of my contemporaries are now retired, being closer to 70 than 65, however I like to say I am semi-retired being involved in a small textile business my father and I developed 25 years ago. Business has certainly changed enormously in the intervening years but I have an interest, which keeps me going and gives a reason to get up in the morning!”

The St. Beghian Society,
St. Bees School, St. Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0DS
Tel: 01946 828093
osb@st-bees-school.co.uk