Scotch College

Sydney dinner also celebrates

The new Sydney Branch President Scott Hoddinott ('78) and his equally new Secretary/Treasurer accomplice Justin Butterworth ('91), opted for a change in venue for their annual gathering, to the Royal Automobile Club of Australia.

Although attendee numbers were down, no doubt due to the change to an earlier date from the well established last Friday of August to fit in with the many 150th Anniversary functions scheduled throughout the year, the typical Sydney camaraderie and conviviality was evident.

Less numbers played perfectly into the hands of the new President, who suddenly decided that everyone was to have their two minutes of OSCA fame, by talking about their school and later life. Everyone participated and many felt it was an innovative success, with controlled modesty prevailing.

Dr Gordon Donaldson was the Guest of Honour. He was keen to show a video, highlighting the 150th Anniversary celebration events, which had already taken place. This was a great success, enjoyed by all, culminating in passing around the Scotch Torch, carried from Scotland, lit by the first Scotch Captain of Music, Dr Ross Hayes ('39). Former Sydney Presidents Ross Clarke ('74) and Jim Kelso ('46) proudly held the torch in front of the OSCA flag.

OSCA President Rob Logie-Smith ('60) further expounded on the many various Old Boy functions during the 150th celebrations, which likewise received much interest.

ED Leigh McGregor ('55) and immediate past Secretary/Treasurer David Macdonald ('65) were at their organising best, managing to have the large flag erected as a backdrop despite the inability to use the 12m high ceilings. When it was time to depart, the torch was last seen in Mr McGregor's vice-like grip, heading through the many substantial marble Doric columns of Maquarie Street, to return to the much loved 150 years Victorian seat of learning.

Football fever at September Luncheon

Football Final fever was in the air at our September Luncheon when the Richmond Football Club President, Clinton Casey addressed the gathering in the Cardinal Pavilion.

Outlining his background and subsequent involvement with the Tigers, he told of his sponsorship and support, and seeing the need for stability to achieve the Club's future, he became further committed.

Now in charge, he has clearly set out the needs and the aims that Richmond must address to be a Premiership team.

Beginning with the selection of Danny Frawley as Coach, a very successful and wise choice that has provided a tremendous boost, the Club also took on a major restructuring of the administration, which has had both a dramatic and successful impact. Principally with the appointment of separate managers to the various organisational divisions which were established.

The next target is improvement to the training and gymnasium facilities, something that a League Club now needs to compete with the sophistication of modern training methods and medical demands.

Fund raising is now a very necessary function of all AFL Clubs as they cope with ever increasing demands from players and huge operational costs.

The questions which followed were answered very directly by Clinton. One, which created the greatest interest, was the comparison of the financial returns from playing at the Colonial Stadium or the MCG.

With sixteen sides now in the competition it is very difficult to fulfill the wishes of all clubs, at all times, particularly as it is impossible for them to meet twice in any one season.

It was a most interesting and topical presentation that was greatly enjoyed by those present.

Geoff Bowden