A Quick Douglas Tree
(Disclaimer) The tree below is just a twig on the mighty oak that is the actual family tree. Think of it as a cheeky little branch that decided to stick out, while the rest of the forest is off doing its thing, being grand and complicated!
A cousin recently told me that while none of the sibings attended the same school - they were all Anglican Institutions.
William Neil (Bill) Douglas - Attended TSS from 1931-1933 (Tho)
Children:
William Douglas (Uncle - TSS)
2 Sons: Attended Toowoomba Prep & Churchie
Jeremy Douglas (Uncle - TSS)
1 Son: Attended BBC
2 Daughters: Attended Toowoomba Prep & briefly St Hilda's
Florence Annabelle Douglas (later Swoboda) (Mother - St Hilda's)
3 Sons: Attended TSS
Bill Douglas's Nephews:
Archie Douglas
2 sons: Attended TSS
1 Daughter: Unsure
Gordon Douglas
2 Sons: Attended TSS
Angus Douglas
2 Sons: Attended TSS
2 Daughters: Attended St Hildas
Upon completing Year 12, my family severed all ties with The Southport School and the Anglican Church. Despite having been christened at St Alban's Chapel by Rev Jim Stonier, the former TSS chaplain, the entire experience felt hollow. While the ceremony may have included all the traditional elements that the chapel was designed for, in hindsight, it felt devoid of any real spiritual significance. My brother Benny and I were given Gordon and Angus Douglas as godfathers, while I believe Archie Douglas was chosen for Jimmy. With such esteemed godfathers, one might have expected an abundance of spiritual guidance, but in truth, it was all bullshit.
Coming up, in my next blog post, I will address my confusion, and ask for any clarification as to why there is no longer any reference and/or acknowledgement of what TSS had previously published and branded THE DIXON SOCIETY.
THE DIXON SOCIETY, as i recall having read on a previous version of TSS's website, was an exclusive, invitation only members, of which, Archie, Angus & Gordon Douglas were published as foundation members. As was of course, the current Headmaster, Andrew Hawkins. My understanding that this Society consisted of those individuals that declared to have bequeathed significant financial amounts to TSS upon their death.
I referenced this in an email I sent to Andrew Hawkins on 7 June 2023, along with Cc: CYRMScommittee <CYRMScommittee@tss.qld.edu.au>; OSACoordinator <OSACoordinator@tss.qld.edu.au>; MARKETING <MARKETING@tss.qld.edu.au>; PandF President <PandF.President@tss.qld.edu.au & Angus Douglas. I received one reply, from the Headmaster on 1 August 2023. Both of which I will include as part of my next post.
It strikes me as odd that information once presented with such esteem on TSS's website just a year ago is now completely absent from the current version. The content, which previously held a prominent place, seems to have been quietly removed or left unreferenced.
This shift raises some questions for me, possibly others, about the school's choice to no longer highlight aspects of its history or values that were once deemed significant. Huh!
My research located:
TSS Philanthropy Bequest Brochure - Published on Feb 14, 2017
Page 3
Page 9 - Featuring a direct quote from Gordon Douglas
"When it comes to estate planning, my philosophy is simple: after taking care of your family and loved ones, if you're fortunate enough to have a little left over, why not leave it to an institution that's making a real difference in the world and that you've got confidence in? That's how I feel about TSS.
It's a great school, with a strong tradition of producing young men who are achievers and contributors in our community.
I also know that the School is well managed and that it will be around long after I'm gone, so I feel confident that my bequest will be well used.
I am very grateful for the impact TSS has had on my own life, and I am only too happy to leave a legacy for future generations of TSS boys."
Gordon Douglas
Angus Douglas
Board Member of the Southport School Foundation
Executive Director at Morgans Financial Limited
Page 13: Provides clear instructions, with suggested wording - but not legal advice.
For a Residuary Bequest
"I GIVE the rest, remainder and residue of my estate, free from all debts (secured and unsecured) and all duties and taxes (whether federal or state) payable in respect of my estate to The Southport School Foundation Limited (ABN 990 107 047 48) ("TSS Foundation") for to the Old Southportonians' Association (ABN 72 563 160 608) ("OSA")] for its general purposes.
I DECLARE that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said TSS Foundation [or OSA] shall be a full and sufficient discharge of this bequest."
For a bequest that is a percentage or proportion of your overall estate:
"I GIVE [number]% of my estate, free from all debts (secured and unsecured) and all duties and taxes (whether federal or state) payable in respect of my estate to The Southport School Foundation Limited (ABN 990 107 047 48) ("TSS Foundation") [or to the Old Southportonians' Association (ABN 72 563 160 608) ("OSA")] for its general purposes.
I DECLARE that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said TSS Foundation [or OSA] shall be a full and sufficient discharge of this bequest."
For a bequest of property, shares or specific cash amounts:
"I GIVE [description of the specific gift], free from all debts (secured and unsecured) and all duties and taxes (whether federal or state) payable in respect of my estate to The Southport School Foundation Limited (ABN 990 107 047 48) ("TSS Foundation") [or to the Old Southportonians' Association (ABN 72 563 160 608) ("OSA")] for its general purposes.
I DECLARE that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said TSS Foundation [or OSA] shall be a full and sufficient discharge of this bequest."
**It is noted that ABN 72 563 160 608 (Old Southportonians Association The Southport School Endowment Fund) was revoked in 2019**
Further inquiries pending and will feature any updates in future posts.
It is entirely possible that I have missed something & there is no cause for curiosity or conjecture. Which I will, of course, communicate.
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