It was a tradition that all ‘sprogs’ (1st years) were given a nickname by the housemaster (Tony Phelan) at the end of each academic year which appeared in our yearbook. I was given the name ‘Wandoo’ which is a tall native eucalypt.

Being just under six foot I was the second tallest in our year. All my life I have tended to stay out of the spotlight – working behind the scenes to achieve my aims. To this end I was awarded a year prize for the ‘most useful student’.

Uncle Harry told me the key to success was never to show your full hand, which he illustrated by showing four fingers with the thumb tucked in behind.