Scotch College

The Lodge’s year of friendship and charity

WORDS: Mr GARY EDWARDS (’60)

Old Scotch Collegians’ Lodge is enjoying the leadership of Dr John Maynard (’56), who was installed as Worshipful Master on 6 November 2008.

The year’s main emphasis is on charity, coordinated by Ian McMurtrie (’58), convenor of the charity and community sub-committee.

Since February, Lodge members have helped demolish hundreds of kilometres of burnt fencing, assisted with re-fencing and related works on farms, and raised funds for bushfire survivors. They again assisted with the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal by doorknocking in Hawthorn and East Hawthorn. With Ian McMurtrie’s organisation, $6,900 was raised, assisted by Bob Arnold (’44), who has led the collection for years.

In June, Lodge members assisted with the distribution of leaflets for the Box Hill Community Chest. Funds went to Alkira Disability Services.

The film night on 9 July at Scotch screened Love Among the Ruins, preceded by a short film showing bushfire devastation and recovery work at Hazeldene, including recovery work by Lodge members. Proceeds were donated to Bestchance to assist needy children.

Members were delighted in March when Ninan Mathew (’00) and Emllyn Green (’03) advanced to the sublime degree of Master Mason. In April the Lodge welcomed Iain Christie (’99) who was initiated into Freemasonry as an Entered Apprentice.

The annual Old Boys’ Night in May had Old Boys visiting from other Lodges. Tim Shearer (’85) attended and gave a captivating update on Scotch. Immediate Past Master Peter Turnley (’57) was congratulated and presented with his 50 year jewel.

In June, Lodge members were treated to a talk by former Grand Chaplain Rev. Neil Oliver. We congratulated the Lodge’s Ray ‘Smokey’ Dawson (’67) on winning three gold and two silver medals at the masters’ rowing regatta in Queensland. Our Ritual work was independently assessed for accreditation by Neil Cunningham (’56). We may become one of the first Victorian Lodges to receive full accreditation.

The July program included the 73rd annual combined schools meeting with Old Boy Lodge members from other schools, including Wesley Collegians, Caulfield Grammarians, Old Melburnians and Melbourne High. Hosted by Old Melburnians’ Lodge, there was great fellowship between Freemasons, albeit that they are old rivals.

The annual ladies’ night in August saw members’ partners welcomed for a trivia night. Partners will also attend the Lodge barbecue at the home of Peter and Ros Turnley in October. GS