Dr Noel Davis' 90th Birthday Service
On New Year’s Day 2023, Dr Noel Davis celebrated his 90th birthday at a service at the Jacaranda Street (Trinity) Uniting Church in Ipswich. In addition to the church congregation, his family and friends, there were a number of Old Girls and past staff members in attendance. It was a privilege to attend and be able to speak with both Noel and Mary.
The theme of the service was ‘Jesus and People’ and Mary Davis read the bible from Matthew 25: 31 – 46. Many Old Girls may remember the hymns that were sung from their school days including ‘I dance in the morning’ and ‘One more step along the world I go’. Dr Davis was chaplain from 1987 until 1998. I started teaching at Somerville in 1991 and when he went on long service leave in 1994, he asked if I would co-ordinate Community Aid while he was away. I continued in the role after he returned for the next 10 years. When we decided to get married at the Somerville chapel, of course Dr Davis agreed to officiate. Over the years I have seen both Noel and his wife Mary at various school events such as staff farewells and book launches. It is always lovely to reconnect and to have stayed in touch. At Speech Night the Davis Award is presented in their honour for the student in Year 11 who best exemplifies qualities of concern for the wider community.
Dr Davis can light up a room with his smile and sense of humour. His kindness and wisdom are remembered by many of his past students. School camps were always a highlight including Year 11s canoeing in the Noosa everglades or Year 8s at Mapleton with trips to the old Australia zoo.
Narelle Cooley, Biology teacher since 1991
