Past Oakleigh Technical School student Bryan Membrey excelled in the diverse interests of both Art and Boxing

Past Oakleigh Technical School student Bryan Membrey excelled in the diverse interests of both Art and Boxing
	Bryan is pictured here coaching junior boxing team members on the roof of the school. This picture was taken by outstanding Herald Sun photographer Laurie Richards.


Boxing As extracted from 1949 "Oakleaves" as written by Bryan Membrey. Oakleigh Boxing team and the school are proud of the well-deserved success that was obtained by the team this year when we were successful in winning the coveted Inter Technical School championship. It was an honour that Oakleigh being a young school was successful at its third attempt. We give praise to the boys that tried hard and lost. The boys who lost their bouts only after a good fight also did their bit for the team, for in our training spar's we were able to build the team to its highest strength. Oakleigh had three boys in the final bouts: Membrey won the 7-7 div., Finnegan was successful in the eighth div., and kept his opponent busy trying to dodge his straight right. Dawe won the 8-7 div., and his grit and determination was a big factor in his success. As captain of the team I was very pleased with the showing put up by the first year boys’ namely: Peddle,Bust,Gray and Wright. These boys’ although they lost, put up great fights and it augers well for the team next year when we have the juniors like them take their place in the ring for Oakleigh. I want to see next year a bumper entry of contestants for Oakleigh’s boxing teams motto is going to be: "What we have we hold," and if the boys rally round and enter we will have our name inscribed again on the cup next year. Boxing as a sport builds up determination, courage, self control, besides keeping one physically fit, it is always an asset through life to be able to defend oneself. Our thanks to Mr. Roche who assisted us in our successful year.

These days Bryan is enjoying retirement after a career involving both sport and art. The world's No.1 ranked golfer Greg Norman liked this painting so much he bought the original. Bryan Membrey is pictured with Greg Norman taking possession of the original painting "The Champions"