Scotch College

Canberra Dinner Celebrations

The largest number of Old Boys for many years attended the Canberra Branch dinner on 31 May to celebrate Scotch's 150th anniversary.

Held at the historic Commonwealth Club, those present included Lindsay Brand ('34)

the 'oldest' Old Boy present and who proposed the toast to the school, John Fisher-Pollard ('44) who travelled up especially from the South Coast, Barrie West and Adrian Clunies-Ross both of the class of '51, John McFarlane ('56) who thanked our guest and other speakers, and James Morrison ('98) and Ian Cocker ('99), both students at ADFA and the 'youngest' Old Boys present. In Addition, we were delighted with the large number of wives, partners and friends of Old Boys who also attended.

The evening commenced with a very colourful haggis ceremony, including piper escort, conducted by the very able Leigh McGregor ('55).

Our guest speaker, Principal, Dr Gordon Donaldson, gave a fitting and captivating address in which he recounted milestones in the school's history, including its impressive contribution to the development of the nation pre and post federation, and outlined future planning to ensure Scotch remained at the forefront of educational innovation and development. Gordon also showed a video of the historic torch relay, which was preceded by a ceremony during which the torch was passed by hand to all present. OSCA President,

Rob Logie-Smith ('60), also spoke of the importance of the contribution of Old Boys to the school's development, both past and future.

The event was also a fitting occasion for branch President, Ian Dudgeon ('60), to hand over the reigns after six years in the job, to his successor Rob Reid ('72). In the best traditions of Canberra, Rob was 'elected' via a dubious 'democratic' process known only to Leigh.