Spotlight on Warren Falconer (1981-1984)

In his address, Warren reflected on the enduring connection between old boys and the college, sharing his journey as an old boy and as a proud parent of two Bedeans. He reminded students of the values, camaraderie, and shared experiences that define life as a Bedean. His heartfelt words resonated deeply, offering encouragement and inspiration to the Year 13s as they prepared to take their next steps beyond the school gates.

Below is a copy of Warren's inspiring speech:

Good Morning everyone

A month ago I was honoured to be invited by Clare Wilkinson to make this speech at today’s leavers breakfast.
At the time I was enjoying a late afternoon pint or 2 at The Elmwood and it would be fair to say I was 3 sheets to the Wind – for you young lads here that means I was drunk.

Clare must have been speaking to my beloved wife Jo because my family all know that if they want a yes answer all it takes is handful of Speights pints and I am a certified Yes man.
So now here I stand in front of you – petrified.
Kia Ora Katou – Kia Ora Te Whanau
Mr McDowell, Staff, Parents and families
And most importantly – you our Men of Bede.
I am Warren Falconer – Old Boy and Proud Father of Felix (Graduated 2022 ) and Charlie – Year 13 today. I am the Husband of the aforementioned Jo, who is our Rock, and also father to her royal Highness our 13 year-old Princess Jessie.
Now I promised 2 things to my lads – firstly that I wouldn’t embarrass them and secondly that I wouldn’t swear in front of Mr McDowell – I lied about 1 of those things.
Stand up please Felix and Charlie - It’s obvious I am tall I am 6 foot 4 – I should be the alpha male - king of our household.
But as you can all see I am now the third tallest in our family - I am so far down the control panel now that even the family dog is confused as to who the alpha male around home is – I have had to accept my place in the pecking order.
These guys, and all you lads present, are our reason for being here - this school has turned ‘our young boys’ into ‘our young men.’
You enthrall us, you scare us, you enlighten and brighten up our rooms when you walk in.
Don't ever underestimate your parents pride and love for you.
I would like to acknowledge the boarders now - actually lads put your hand up if you are a boarder.
Can we please give a round of applause for these guys - why, well you guys have done it tough - away from families for up to 5 years and the mental fortitude that has taken is heroic and admirable. 
How could I sound so sure -  I lived that life as well for 1 year in form 5 or what you guys now call Year 11. 
Mr Lennon had suggested to my mum that it would -'do that young Fawkner boy of yours some good to go boarding' - like hell it will I told her right back and something else along the lines of -'I am not sleeping in a dorm with a bunch of Chatham Islanders and sheep chasing farmers'.
Plus we lived on Wairakei Road - what a waste of money I said.
Well  it wasn't a waste of money - my knowledge and learning grew as I was then schooled in the finer arts - those of horse racing, beer drinking, car racing and last but not least- tree climbing to smoke a dart while hiding from Shane O’Brien who was a feared prefect – My ‘teachers’ were some of the finest Canterbury farming names of the time in McDermott/Ludeman/Dolan/Bradley- Guys I still share a pint with to this day.
Thinking back to that afternoon Clare invited me to speak it was so typical of how Bedes can positively invade all that you do.
I was enjoying a beer with Jo and a best mate from my Bedes days called Kev Phillips - Peter Curnow (Simon’s Dad) popped past for a quick 2 minute chat - Mr Dunne then stopped by to say Hi and shake a hand - we then shared a beer with Amanda and Nathan who are tasked with the parenting duties of Jacko and Cooper Siave so it was all Bedes Bedes Bedes -if you let it Bedes can be like a wave of positivity that invades your life.
My own time at Bedes was not remembered by sporting or academic achievement, although I did think myself pretty smart for bluffing my way into the A debating team with Mike Methven and Michael Woodbury from the top form class.
For me it was characterised by the friends and connections I made – Guys I travelled with, partied with, got in a lot of trouble with, worked and played with and guys I went into business with.
Look around fellas – these are your people (not your only people of course) but they are the men you are now connected to – no matter what country or situation you are in you have a bond as a Bedean. I can’t stress the importance of keeping connected to the SBCOBA enough – no matter where you are.
Felix and Charlie have both achieved far more academically than I could have dreamed of, and the school and the great team of teachers they harbour are to thank and be appreciated for that.
Felix is now finishing his second year at University – and Charlie is off to follow his flying dream. 
Sport has been immense for them both with their sports of choice being Cricket and Footie, until basket ball became all enveloping.
Watching them grow in these sports and forming friendships with team mates has been an absolute joy – just as fun as having all these lads around home and the constant name calling of Gidday Wozza – Hey Wozza. Shoot in my day it would have been Mr Wozza.
Don’t worry lads I have a name for you all that we use behind closed doors  - Felix’s or Fifi’s mates who are here today  - There’s  Jackster the global wonderer, Herbie The herbitage, The huntsman, and Jared the human tank.
Charlie is Chucksta, then there’s Bender, Ossie, Cammie, Bailo, Nicksta, Lukazade, Hamo and last but not least Nate dog the fricken South African.
Hamo - Why is it there is always a Meates family member in the mix?

How many old boys here had a Meates at school the same time as them?
I would like to start to wrap up by acknowledging the Faith journey these lads have been on.
I have had the honour over the last 10 years of witnessing my lads being baptised, confirmed and receiving their First Holy Communion while also seeing their friends commit to these same sacraments.
This has been so uplifting and heartening to witness while hand in hand watching them grow into Faith based, moral and ethical young men.
We have St Bedes to thank for this – Firstly driven by Mr Boyle who’s work and passion we admired and now Mr McDowell and staff. We are forever grateful.
I want to look at these faces now and appreciate them because if Felix’s final day 2 years ago taught me anything – it is that The owner of the Rose and Thistle or The Rat is a very understanding publican – I look forward to seeing you all there after mass and Tie ceremony for a celebratory jug or 2.
Before I wrap up can I please ask all of you that are not in year 13 -  to please stand now and Katrina I will lead us in charging our coffee cups and hoisting 3 cheers to these amazing men.