BROMELL, John Stewart (Jock) (1936-2021).jpg)
J Bromell, 1st XVIII 1955
Jock Bromell was a man of many interests and achievements underpinned by a keen sense of community. He was born to OGC John H. and Nancy Bromell of ‘Illira’ near Cavendish in Victoria’s Western District. Jock came to the Geelong College as a boarder in 1947 and quickly took to school life. He was appointed Captain of the Preparatory School and its 1st football team in his final year there.
The momentum only built through his years at Senior School. Jock was involved in many sports and performed well in each, receiving multiple caps and colours over the years. He was a member of the Athletics team including captain in 1954-1955. He also captained the U16 football team before joining the 1st XVIII from 1953, which he also captained in 1954-1955. He joined the 1st XI cricket team in 1953 and captained them in 1954-1955. His cricket coach, Ken Nicolson, noted in 1954:
“BROMELL: A reliable, conscientious captain with good discipline. His century and good bowling figures were the result of determination rather than of polished cricket, but he is keen and should improve.”Off the sporting field, Jock participated in the Cadets, House of Guilds council and Presbyterian Fellowship of Australia (PFA) council. He was a boarding House Monitor and McArthur House Prefect. Jock’s enthusiastic participation in many facets of College life no doubt led to his appointment as School Captain in 1955. The Principal reported:
“Under the quietly effective leadership of Jock Bromell they have not hesitated to do what they know to be right and to assist in the guidance of boys younger and less experienced in the ways of the College.”Jock continued to live a full life when he returned to work on the family property. Some friends had decided to study agriculture at Canterbury Agricultural College in New Zealand, and he joined them in 1957. Jock recalls that “it was a very memorable part of my life and a great foundation for my career in farming.”
Before settling again at the farm, Jock went on a trip to central Australia with some old college friends. Then in 1961 he was invited to captain the Australian Country Cricket team for their tour of the UK and Germany, a “once in a lifetime, golden opportunity.” He also played in the Cavendish football and cricket teams, including a football premiership in 1960.
In 1966 Jock married Rosalind Gardner at Benalla. They had three children and continued to farm near Cavendish.
Gluepot newsletter, 2021
Jock had a lifelong interest in the environment and community. Locally he was involved in the Glenelg Farm Trees Group (a precursor to the Landcare and the Potter Foundation), Farmers Advisory Council, Hensley Park Fire Brigade, Region 5 CFA, Grasslands Society of Victoria Hamilton Branch. After his retirement he and Rosalind have been volunteer rangers at the Gluepot conservation reserve and part of the Warrnambool Birdlife group.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jock also served a time as the President of the OGCA Hamilton branch.
Jock's brother
Hugh also attend the Geelong College (OGC 1955).
Jock passed away 27 May 2021 at Port Fairy, aged 84 years.
Sources: The Standard 1 June 2021, Pegasus, Ad Astra, OGC 1950.