Published on: 14 September 2023



During last week’s Senior School Assembly, we were delighted to be joined by old boy Cameron Boys (‘01) to present the Boys Family Christ Church Grammar School Surf Life Saving Cadet of the Year trophy.

The newly rebranded award has been made possible by a bequest from the estate of Cameron’s late grandfather, Dale Boys (‘43). The Boys family connection with the School spans four generations. Eight members of the family have attended Christ Church, starting in 1912 with Harold Boys (‘16), who went on to become both the first and second Captain of School (1915 and 1916 respectively). He was also President of the OBA in 1927-28 and again in 1941.

Cameron’s great-grandfather Harold was a fine sportsman, being the first West Australian to play soccer for Australia, as well as a keen swimmer. Harold learned to swim in the Swan River at the Crawley Baths and future generations of Boys undertook competitive swimming at Claremont Baths in the Swan River.

The Boys family has also been involved with North Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club with Harold being one of the very early members and captain of boats, club champion open water swimmer and a patrol captain. Once more, generations of Boys family men followed suit.

This award recognises the Boys family’s experiences at Christ Church and is awarded to students who share their values. Recipients share a love of water and fitness and are committed to contributing to the broader community. The initial trophy is shared by Tom Offer and Hudson Whiting. These young lifesavers have been instrumental in the delivery of excellent teaching on the beach and are also important members of their respective community lifesaving clubs.

Congratulations on this wonderful achievement Hudson and Tom.

Pictured:

  1. Harold Boys diving at Claremont Baths c. 1916
  2. Christ Church Preparatory School champion under 15 Soccer team, 1913 winners of the Armstrong Cup – Harold Boys pictured front, centre.
  3. From left to right – Cameron Boys, Mark Whiting, Stacy Whiting, Hudson Whiting, Tom Offer, Anne-Marie Offer, David Offer, Co-ordinator of Surf Life Saving Cadets Ali Gould.