Within the newly-renovated Undergraduate Courtyard, Burgmann College has re-dedicated the Courtyard’s terrace in loving memory of the First College Handyman, Bob Falconer (1971–1979).
Bob is remembered fondly by our early residents as always being ready to lend a helping hand, and we're honoured to celebrate Bob’s memory and legacy with a permanent dedication to him on our beautiful, renovated Courtyard terrace.
‘Bob was very active helping students, particularly with the beginning of WOBCO (Workers of Burgmann College),’ recalls Foundation Resident, Burgmann Historian, and Honourary Fellow Judy Middlebrook (1971–1982). ‘It’s amazing how some of us signed up for work we had no idea about. Thank goodness for Bob. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and he was very good at the work required of him.
‘Helping with students’ bikes was a small part of Bob’s care for Burgmann students. He never turned anyone away, even though it may have been long past his go-home time.’
Judy says Bob was friends to all residents, and residents ‘never had a word against him.’
‘My late husband, Neil Bessell (1971–1973), was Bursar after being a student, so he knew Bob particularly well and they were great friends.
‘[In] reading [my] old diaries, 28 May 1975 came up with another story about Bob Faulkner. I wanted to get some shelves put on the wall of Neil’s room, and it clearly didn’t cross my mind to ask anyone other than Bob.
‘I particularly remember the very loud clapping and calling at end-of-year dinners when thanks were offered to our amazingly wonderful staff. He was such a loss to the College.’
We are honoured to celebrate Bob’s memory and legacy with a dedication to him on our new, beautiful Courtyard terrace. Many thanks to Judy Middlebrook for sharing her memories of Bob.
