Scotch College

Kevin Hickey and Jan Richards retire

Dr Gordon Donaldson, Jan Richards and Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey and Jan Richards retire

Kevin Hickey has recently retired from the Grounds Staff after twenty years of service to Scotch College, sixteen of these as Head Gardener. During his time all the gardens have been a picture. I asked Kevin one day why the cycle was such that when the gardens were in their prime each season that they were dug over to be replanted. He gently explained to me that if he did not do so he would never be able to have them right for the next important date, be it Family Day or the first day of school each year. Despite some very inclement weather at times, but mostly drought through much of the last decade, he never missed achieving a wonderful showing on the required dates. He would even come in to water at the legally allowed times during his Christmas break to ensure that the gardens were just right for the opening of the school year. It is easy to take the excellence of the gardens for granted, but I have been delighted to note the numbers of colleagues and parents who have taken time to thank Kevin for his efforts.

I asked Kevin how he intended to occupy himself in retirement. He hopes to spend much time golfing at a variety of courses and sheepishly mentioned that he will be joining his friend and former colleague Ian Jennings to maintain the garden in a local retirement home. Kevin and Ian have always been good at helping other people without making a fuss about it.

Farewelling Kevin on Friday 13 August, Grounds and Maintenance Manager, Ashley Miller, showing he had erudition to go with his marvellous practical skills, quoted what was said of Bob Horne(snr), our first curator, after he died while preparing a wicket on the Main Oval in 1929:

Si quaeris monumentum circumspice,
which, for those who have forgotten their Latin or have never had the opportunity to study it, translates to

If you seek his monument look around you.

How true this has been, too, of Kevin Hickey.

Dick Briggs

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When in May 1982 Mrs Jan Richards was appointed by Ken Ditterich to the non teaching staff, she little thought that she was starting a career that would see her spend over 22 years at Scotch. It is with great sadness and warm appreciation that during September we will farewell Jan, a valued member of the Accounts Office.

Over many years Jan has paid all the School accounts as well as running the weekly and fortnightly payroll. Jan had a period of service in the Bookroom, where one of her holiday helpers was a young Tim Shearer (now Executive Director of OSCA). However, after a few years, Accounts realised that they could not do without her and Jan returned there and was appointed Office Manager.

Jan has had to cope with the introduction of SGL, FBT, GST, ACNs, ABNs and Tax Invoices, as well as being trained in mind reading. Jan’s many talents are widely recognised by the whole School community. She has been honoured by both the Junior and Senior Common Room Associations with special morning teas to thank her for her help and support over so many years.

In wishing Jan a very happy, fulfilling and relaxing retirement, we record our gratitude for her service, and our appreciation of her friendship.

Hugh Wilson