Scotch College

Scotch at Cowes

The Group photograph at right is of the boys who participated in the first experimental Camp at Cowes in January 1955.

It is fitting that the two Scotch Masters, Arthur Mitchell and Stan Brown, feature in this photograph. Arthur Mitchell, the first Commandant, was instrumental in securing the property at Cowes for the College, and Stan Brown was involved from the outset, being Camp Commandant from 1957 to 1969.

At the first Camp, boys slept three to a tent. The tents were floorless, circular canvas Bell Tents. Cut bracken fronds growing nearby were collected and used as a floor, hessian palliasses were distributed and filled with straw, which became very comfortable mattresses.

On the first night, boys thought the camp was being attacked by wild pigs, torch beams flashed from the semi-circle of tents, homing into the source of the disturbance. The wild pigs turned out to be a family of local koalas, protesting with full voice at the 'new arrivals' intruding into their domain.

The mess hall, with large holes and cracks in the fibro cement sheet walls, provided 1950's style air-conditioning during the hot summer days. Water was provided from one tap and although sanitary conditions were then rather primitive, the boys from the very first day were enthusiastic about the place.

Phillip Island in 1955 was quite undeveloped compared to today, Cowes with its guest houses and small holiday homes being the hub of the Island. The boys were kept occupied every day. Mr Dick Ellis introduced many aspects of life saving to those interested, and these classes were very popular and well attended. On one occasion, a group were ferried across to the Flinders Naval Depot in a launch manned by Navy personnel, with an exciting roller coaster return as the waters of Western Port Bay cut up rough. One night, a dance was organised nearby and for many boys, this was their first dance. Music came from a selection of old 78 records played on a record player. In that pre-rock era, jazz bands were rather popular and the Graeme Bell Jazz Band's recording of 'Ugly Child' and 'That Woodburne Strut' were nearly worn out during the course of the evening. One incident at the dance which caused laughter, was the sight of one of the camp's characters (obviously his first dance) not knowing how to turn, trundling an unfortunate girl down the hall and straight into the back wall!

Carefree days were occupied swimming, attempting to spear flounder with sharpened sticks in the shallows near the camp, trips to the local picture theatre, sipping mint juleps in the Koala Café/Milk Bar, barbeques and trips to places of interest around Phillip Island, ensuring a great holiday for all. For the boys who attended this first Camp at Cowes 48 years ago, I am sure they will remember it with affection and recall what a successful camp, with plenty of laughs, it was!

For us, and the many hundreds of boys who have been part of Scotch College at Cowes in the decades since, we are indebted to the few who had the foresight to purchase this property, and to the many who have given their time and effort over the years in enhancing this wonderful School asset.

First experimental camp at Cowes - January 1955.

L to R: Geoff Humphries, Bruce Lee and Ian Lindley in front of a Bell Tent

Geoff Humphries ('56)