Scotch College

A farewell of fun

It was both a celebration and a farewell, and more importantly it was a night of fun.

The special Retirement Dinner for Leigh McGregor was held in the Cardinal Pavilion on Wednesday 19 June, and was attended by one hundred and forty six family members and friends, as regrettably, the numbers able to attend were limited by the capacity of the Boykett Room.

Joining Leigh and Ros at their Table were Simon ('86), with his wife Julie, Daughter Abigail, son Jon ('92), with his partner Teen Wilson, Daughter and Steve Wilson ('61),

and Gill Armytage, partner and son Matt ('87), who was at the conference in Sydney.

After pre-dinner drinks, M.C and past OSCA President Michael Stilwell, warmly welcomed all present and quickly set the tone for the night with a clear message to all that informality was to be the key, and to expect the unexpected!

The relief on the faces of many present was apparent as a quick perusal of the menu showed…. No haggis!

The McGregor tartan red and green table decorations, had been a worrying sign and the welcoming piper had been ominous; but never fear all was well!

Archie Crow's fine grace led us into the entrée and letters of apology read by Michael Stilwell and Director of Development, Alan Watkinson. All were moving and written with feeling, but no more than the letter from current School Captain, Sam Webb, who thanked Leigh on behalf of all of the students at school, particularly for his coaching of the 2nd XI.

Then followed the formal farewells, in which OSCA president Rob Logie Smith congratulated and thanked Leigh for his great contributions to the Old Boys Council, the Affiliated Societies and the Branches.

The Principal Dr Donaldson commended Leigh particularly for his work with the boys of the school, with his coaching and his work with the Year 12 fundraising group. He also recalled his part of the Haggis ceremony, when he ordered Leigh to do his homework and memorize the Ode.

Chairman of the School Council Michael Robinson recalled that he and Leigh started at Scotch on the same day in 1945 and that they were both robbed of a half day holiday on the declaration of peace, due to the tardy signing of the peace agreement.

After the main course there followed what has been best described as a 'roast' of the guest of honour. This was ably led by Brian Bult, Bruce Brown, Chris Commons, Barry Price and Doug Lording.

As Leigh commented in reply, most of the stories were even true! He continued, with great warmth and humour to thank the many friends and colleagues, who have so influenced his life.

But there was a very special thank you at the end for all the members of the McGregor family and there was one of them who deserved the greatest accolade of all, Ros! About whom he said, 'I could not have done this without her!'.

After that there was nothing more to be said. It had been a night of celebration, memories and thanks.

But above all, it had been fun.