Scotch College

A round-up of OSCA dinners

Hobart Nostalgia

The Hobart Branch held its 39th Annual Dinner at the Athenaeum Club on Friday, 3 March.

Considering the relatively small population base of the 'Apple Isle', we were delighted that twenty-two attended this year, including long-time members Jack Braithwaite ('27), Russ McNaughton ('38), Ken Nicolls ('33) and Peter Fay ('43).

Our Master of Ceremonies this year was our Branch President, Robert Riggall ('55), who has capably kept the night flowing over the last three years. His successor, Robin McQuilkin ('59) was elected during the evening.

This year we were honoured that the Principal, Dr Gordon Donaldson, and his wife Joyce, were able to join us, accompanied by the President of the OSCA Michael Stillwell.

A regular attendee at our functions is Emeritus Professor Richard (Dick) Selby Smith, a former Principal of the school.

With Dr Donaldson in attendance this year, it was seen as most appropriate that Dick presented the Toast to the School, where he informed those present of the background leading to his appointment as Headmaster and his distinguished career after leaving Scotch.

Dr Donaldson responded to the toast and provided an insight into the activities of the School and informally answered some incisive questions 'from the floor'.

The Hobart Branch looks forward to its 40th Dinner next year, when it will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the School.

Wayne Alexander ('83) Branch Secretary

At the Sapphire Coast dinner

The Annual Sapphire Coast Branch Dinner was held on March 11 last, at the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club, and was attended by thirty Old Boys and their wives.

Unfortunately, the numbers this year were limited as the date clashed with Moomba weekend in Melbourne and the Grand Prix. This precluded the number of Melbourne supporters, including our President Michael Stillwell from attending. In addition some of our locals had arranged to go to Melbourne for the weekend.

Despite this the evening was an unqualified success and those who attended voted it our best yet. The Golf Club recently completed a new function room and we had the first ever booking. The meal, venue, service, etc. were absolutely first class.

A feature this year was the inclusion of various members of the Scotch Family as a result of which we were able to welcome two Old Scots boys and their wives and one from Scots College Sydney - one from Scots College Warwick, Queensland. They all enjoyed themselves immensely and say they are certain starters next year.

The highlight of the evening was a (very) short speech from distinguished Old Boy - ex test cricketer Bob Cowper, who presented one of his Australian X1 blazers to be included in the archives at the school - a fine gesture.

This year's Dinner Convener, Tom Turnbull, is already making plans for the Dinner next year, which looks like being on Saturday, 28 March with all the trimmings, Haggis, piper, et al.

A grand evening in Ballarat

Branch leader Bill Arnold ('49) welcomed forty members of the Scotch Family at the inaugural Ballarat Dinner held at the Mid City Motel on Friday, 12 May last.

After a warming bowl of soup, Leigh McGregor persuaded nearly all present to try the Haggis and Atholl Brose.

School Principal Dr Gordon Donaldson and his wife Joyce were special guests for the evening, as were Mr Doug Galbraith, Dean of Boarding, and his wife Lesley.

Bill Arnold delivered his toast to the School with warmth and sincerity, and Dr Donaldson responded with an update on School affairs and activities. He thanked the Branch for organising the Dinner.

The Dean of Boarding Mr Doug Galbraith gave a most interesting insight into boarding at Scotch and talked about the new renovations, which left some of the ex-boarders most envious of the marvellous conditions for the boys today.

Senior School Choir Master, Mr Andrew Hunter, led the School's Barber Shop Quintet in two brackets of songs. Adam Braithwaite, James Worladge and Richard Rosalion of Year 12 and Andrew Moffat and Alex Davey of Year 11, received a great ovation for their wonderful performances.

Master of Ceremonies Leigh McGregor wound up the evening by officially appointing all present 'Deputies' for the School, in spreading the good news of the boarding opportunities at Scotch.

Our oldest Old Boy Ron Corp ('46) echoed the comments of others when he said he hoped to come back again next year.