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A new dawn for the McFarlane Sundial

The Class of 2009 gift to the school.

WORDS: MR BRUCE BROWN – PRESIDENT, OLD SCOTCH HERITAGE CLUB

Not content with contributing to the school’s heritage by designing the torch used for the 2001 sesquicentenary relay and the magnificent Burning Bush sculpture in Old Scotch Square, Jim Derham (‘56) has brought new life to the sundial which for several decades graced the garden on the western side of the school’s grass tennis courts.

The sundial was originally a gift to the school by the family of John Joseph Ellis McFarlane (‘35), and gave expression to his deep attachment to the school. In his final year John had been a Prefect, a member of the 1st VIII and twice a soloist at Foundation Day Concerts. With a magnificent baritone voice he was a finalist in the 1940 Sun Aria, and during World War II as a squadron leader in the RAAF he used his talents to organise entertainment for servicemen and women.

Post-war he was an active member of the OSCA Council as well as countless community and charitable organisations. His wife Marjorie was a gifted pianist, and many Old Boys from the 1950s would remember their performances at Junior School assemblies. Their son John L was Captain of Music and a Prefect in 1962.

Funds for thereplacement sundial were part of the gift to the school by the Class of 2009. ‘I was also pleased when John McFarlane senior’s daughter Cas was so enthusiastic about the project,’ Jim commented once the sundial was ensconced in its new home beside the Main Oval.

Cas McFarlane is delighted with Jim’s craftsmanship. ‘My father and our extended families, the Warks and the Summers, have had a deep attachment to the school. He would be thrilled to know that the fourth generation of his line will be at Scotch in 2020 and able to enjoy the sundial,’ she said.

By tradition sundials have a motto providing a reflection on life. The McFarlane sundial carries this motto: ‘Be as true to each other as this sundial is to the sun’. Cas commented: ‘I believe that it encapsulates the Scotch spirit of loyalty to friends and ideals’. GS

Updated: Monday 24 June 2013