Scotch College

London dinner continues the 150th

London dinner continues the 150th celebrations

The Caledonian Club again played host to the OSCA London Branch annual dinner. Fifty-two members of the Scotch Family joined in a memorable evening on 5 October 2001 to continue the 150th anniversary celebrations.

A punctual start and timely arrivals meant that the Dinner Convener Rod Scott ('78 ) began the evening with a well-attended drinks reception. Afterwards, guests were piped in to dinner by the Caledonian's very skilful resident piper, who played a medley of traditional Scottish tunes, interspersed with Waltzing Matilda.

Visiting Old Boy Michael Scott ('44), fresh from family pursuits in the Oxfordshire countryside, said grace, while motorcycle enthusiast Simon Duerden ('79) later proposed the toast to the school.

We were without an official representative from OSCA headquarters this year due to the three-line whip for the gigantic Melbourne dinner the following night, so guests instead viewed a short video with interesting footage and commentary on the Anniversary Torch Relay from Aberdeen to Melbourne.

Kingsley Oldfield ('91) and Tim Pritchard ('94) were among many Old Boys present who had attended last year's dinner when the London Branch officially received the torch.

It was good to see another strong turnout of younger Old Boys, with a subtle shift this year away from the 90s classes back to the 80s years. Justin Negri ('84) and the ever vocal Andrew Cohen ('84), who led some splendid renditions of the school songs, were among a group of five from the class of '84, the most represented class of the night. Also attending were newcomers Will Allen ('83), Simon Slee ('88) and Marc Duncan ('89) together with regular London diner Sean Corr ('81).

Making the journey again this year from Cambridge was Andrew Holmes ('61) and from West Sussex was the ever cheerful Ian Gordon ('38). Helping spread word of the dinner and rally the team were Kaz Naito ('89), Andrew Croxford ('92) and John Batchelor ('92).

Earliest class representative was visiting Old Boy Len Hewitt ('33) and most recent school attendee was Adam Walkom ('95).

The London branch relies heavily on word of mouth, telephone, e-mail and mental telepathy to cope with the continually shifting population of Old Boys here in the UK.

It is testimony to the strength of the Scotch Family that we continue to see such high attendance figures at the London dinners.

It is this continuing enthusiasm that will no doubt see another great dinner next year.

Rod Scott

 

Some more Annual Dinner thoughts

'This was my first Old Boys' Dinner, even though I'm technically not an Old Boy, and it was an extremely stirring experience. The conversations that I had with complete strangers weren't in the least bit uncomfortable, simply because every man present had a common bond to celebrate: being an Old Scotch Collegian. The atmosphere was warm and accepting, as well as stimulating and nostalgic. Technically, the evening ran without a hitch, the sound system being brilliant, and guest speakers, Mr Paul Sheahan, Principal of Melbourne Grammar School and Governor-General, Rt Rev Dr Peter Hollingworth were captivating. All in all it was an eye opening experience well worth repeating for many years to come.' Brendan Ferguson's ViewSome more Annual Dinner thoughts

One of the three most senior Scotch Collegians at the Old Boys' Dinner was Len Kemp ('27)pictured below left, who recently turned ninety-two. He was just shaded by Frank Stuckey ('24) and Keith Wilson ('26) as the oldest present.

Len was the Captain of Cricket, member of the 1st XVIII, and a Prefect in 1927.

He was the son of C H Kemp (Class of 1890). His two children, Andrew ('60) and Christopher ('68) attended Scotch.

His grandson, Charles Kemp was Captain of Music, Dux of the School and Top student in the State (1996).

His nephew Rod Kemp ('63) also attended the dinner.