Old Trinitarian celebrates 90th birthday

Milestone birthdays are always an exciting time in our Trinity community. Last month, Mr Richard Bishop attended Mr Neil Bonnell’s 90th birthday celebrations in Warwick, Queensland.

Mr Bonnell first came to Trinity as a student in 1945 where he threw himself into Co-curricular activities, including the 1st XI Cricket team as a Wicket Keeper, the 2nd XV Rugby team and, in his final year at Trinity, he was the School House Doubles Table Tennis Champion with playing partner Martyn.

He was also a Prefect of School House, an appointment that began a Bonnell family tradition, with his three sons and one of his grandsons also entering into student leadership roles in their time at Trinity in the decades to come.

In 1951, Mr Bonnell left Trinity on a Teachers’ College Scholarship, a move that saw him pursue his education further and put his skills to the test in various schools, including a school in Uganda.

But the pull of Trinity was strong and, in 1972, he returned to the School as a staff member. During his time on staff, he embraced various roles including an appointment as Director of Studies for the duration of his tenure, Year Master, Acting Headmaster (1980) and plenty more roles in addition to teaching.

In 1984, Mr Bonnell’s time at Trinity came to an end when he left for the position of Principal at a school in Queensland, where he still resides.

Attending his 90th birthday celebrations in early May, Mr Richard Bishop said “It was a celebration of a man who is through and through a Trinitarian. From being a Boarder and Student at the School in the 1950s to a Senior member of the teaching Staff in the 1970s and 80s – he has kept the School very close to his heart.

“Neil is a man of faith who has clearly led a life of service to others in the many educational pursuits he has followed over the ensuing years. The party was a celebration for the whole family and his close friends as we celebrated not only a great man but a humble, kind, generous and Godly man.”

Trinity’s Headmaster, Mr Tim Bowden, was unable to attend the celebrations but sent a video message in his stead to thank Mr Bonnell for his contributions to the Trinity community and congratulate him on a life lived with Trinity’s values and mission at the centre.