Scotch College

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Heritage Walk and Torch Relay

The 150th anniversary of the foundation of Scotch College will be highlighted by the Heritage Walk and Torch Relay to be conducted on Sunday, 18 February 2001, an historic event in the School's history and one not to be missed by all members of the Scotch Family.

The Heritage Walk and Torch Relay will celebrate, chronologically and geographically, the history and heritage of 150 years of education at Scotch, and will recognise people, places and events which reflect the beginning and growth of our School.

The formal celebrations of the Sesquicentenary began with the lighting of the specially crafted torch at Leochel-Cushnie, the birthplace of James Forbes. The torch has travelled through the OSCA Branch Dinners in London, Perth and Adelaide, and will be relit in a special service at Scots Church on Sunday 11 February. The following week, on Sunday 18 February 2001, a Heritage Walk and Torch Relay, commencing at the original site of the school will carry the torch to the Hawthorn campus for an impressive Welcoming Ceremony and Thanksgiving Service.

The Torch will be lit at 10.00am at the Spring St site where Scotch was first established in 1851. A descendant of James Forbes, John Halliday, will light the torch, and it will then be carried by both current students and Old Boys, firstly on a Heritage Walk and then by Relay to the current site in Hawthorn, acknowledging a number of historic sites along the way.

Included amongst the historic sites to be visited by the Heritage Walk and Torch Relay will be

• Original School Site, Spring Street
• Second School Site, Cnr Spring and Little Collins Streets
• Third School Site, Cnr Cathedral Place and Lansdowne Place
• St Andrews Place, the site of Dr Littlejohn's home
• MCG car park, the site of the first football match and first athletics competition
• Old Scotch Oval - Sports Ground for East Melbourne students
• Morrell landing, South Bank - Start of the first Head of the River

At each site, a Salutation will be read, recognising the historical significance of each location.

Members of the Scotch Family are encouraged to accompany the Torch through the Heritage Walk of the city sites to the Old Scotch Oval and then make their way to the Hawthorn campus to await the arrival of the Torch and to participate in the ceremonial activities. Transport by chartered tram from the Old Scotch Oval to Hawthorn will be available for those who pre-book. (see coupon)

The Torch is anticipated to arrive at the Junior School gate in Callantina Road at approximately 11.10am, being received and welcomed by the Chairman of the School Council with a Salutation to the Junior School. Scotch Family members attending the campus should ensure therefore that they arrive on the Main Oval no later than 11am.

Boarders will then carry the Torch for a Salutation to the Hill and all those who have lived there.

From the Hill, the Torch will then proceed to the Main Oval under Escort where it will be passed by hand by former School Captains prior to a Salutation in the shadow of the Memorial Hall by Sir Zelman Cowen ('35).

The Torch will cross the Main Oval where the whole school and members of the Scotch Family will be located before a Salutation to former Head Masters on the steps of the Chapel.

A short Church Service will then be conducted from the outdoor pulpit of the Littlejohn Memorial Chapel before the Torch reaches its resting place.

The School Choir, Pipe Band and Symphonic Wind Group will all play an integral part in the entertainment, and the ceremonial activities for this historic and symbolic event are expected to conclude at approximately 12 noon.

Following the formal ceremonies, everyone will encouraged to remain at the School to enjoy lunch in a picnic environment. Pre-ordered and pre-packed lunch boxes will be available (refer coupon), and further entertainment will be provided to enhance the family atmosphere of the day.

For the large numbers expected to attend the Hawthorn campus, a large video screen will be provided, tracking the journey of the Heritage Walk and Torch Relay past the historic sites to its arrival at the school and providing enhanced vision of the ceremonial activities and Thanksgiving Service.

Ross Campbell will act as Master of Ceremonies for the day and provide detailed commentary on the progress of the Heritage Walk and Torch Relay, the significance of the historic sites and the ceremonial events taking place at the School.

Sunday 18 February 2001 will be a day of unique celebration and excitement, acknowledging the vision of all those who have contributed to the development and growth of Scotch College. The Heritage Walk and Torch Relay will be a highlight of the Sesquicentenary celebrations, and for members of the entire Scotch community, it will be a day not to be missed. Please note the date and ensure you are part of the enjoyment and celebration of this historic occasion.