Scotch College

The 1960 Vintage maturing well

The 1960 Vintage - maturing well

Like a great Grange, we've got better with age.' That was the universal verdict after the class of 1960 celebrated its '40 Years On' reunion dinner during October. Over one hundred old boys and staff from the era gathered on a superb spring evening to celebrate their years at school and rekindle old friendships.

An enthusiastic planning committee led by John Duguid and Bill Ingram was delighted that Emeritus Professor Richard Selby Smith had accepted an invitation to travel from Tasmania and join esteemed former masters Ron Bond, Stan Brown, Peter Chapman, Keith Darling, Alec Lyne, Bernard Mendel, Frank Paton, David Scott and Dick Shirrefs, for the dinner.

As always the Sydney contingent were great supporters of the function -Ian Graham John McKenzie, Jock Harkness and Ian Watkins were in town while David 'DK' Evans had come from Tamworth to see school friends whom he had not seen for forty years. There were messages from far and wide including Ian Braid (UK) and Ken O'Connor (Canada)

Once current Year 10 student Sam Shields had piped in the guests, the inimitable John Duguid took over as MC, recounting memorable experiences from his heyday at school. Don Draffin and Davd Hills provided entertaining and poignant reflections on life as they proposed a toast to the school, to which Bruce Brown responded with some comparisons between the Selby Smith and Donaldson eras in Scotch's history.

As the night wore on David Dyson and Dick Shirrefs, with the help of Peter Chapman led some rousing renditions of 'Forty Years On' and the other much loved school songs. David had also prepared a fascinating Power Point display of school nostalgia, which ran throughout the night and was a constant topic of conversation. To wind up formalities 1960 school captain, Chris Selby Smith, offered some timely reflections on some of the much loved characters of the era.

When stumps were finally drawn Bill Ingram had the last word. 'The boys were in such good form they were even talking of fast tracking their next reunion scheduled for 2010', he said.

 

 The Boykett Room hosted yet another night of surprise, friendship and consequent talking shorthand on 6 October last.

'Forty years on', as is the tradition, was bellowed out, but this time the words were becoming a reality.

Thirty years prior - 1970, no one could even contemplate the consequences of a reunion, which featured faces and personalities that seemed to have not changed.

Many, on their first return in thirty years, along with the reunion die-hards, enjoyed a great night of speeches, interaction and a general good time.

Euan Littlejohn - 1970 School Captain said Grace.

Dr Rob Moodie took us from the Scotch Quadrangle through the more unfortunate spots around the globe, with an amazing view of the real world.

David Paul took us back then forward, with a very enjoyable discourse.

Craig Nelson made a stunning return with poetry beyond expectations.

Rob White's reflections on those who had passed away was very moving and what would a night be at Scotch without Campbell McComas making a guest appearance.

Say what you like about reunions, this thirty year get together, was simply good fun. Thanks to Lynley and Leigh at the OSCA Office for their assistance to organisers Paul Schloeffel, Rob White, Peter Gauld and Rob Moodie.