OSCA
Film
CELEBRATING ALL THINGS TARTAN
Film Society ’ s very successful Tartan Festival
FROM LEFT : SCOTCH PIPERS AND DRUMMERS . PETER ENGLAND (’ 71 ), ANDREW WILSON (’ 78 ), IAN MACFARLANE (’ 61 ). BERNICE WELLER , KEITH WEYMOUTH (’ 44 ). AILSA WILSON , DAVID PURVIS (’ 44 ), GWEN ADAMS . HIGHLAND DANCERS , INTRODUCED BY MS MORAG BOUCH .
On Sunday 4 July , the Old Scotch Film Society enjoyed a spectacular afternoon in the Lithgow Centre and Fraser Smith Theatre , celebrating all things tartan .
In the foyer the School ’ s Pipes and Drums welcomed everyone , and on the screen was the new tartan that OSCA has developed for the Scotch Family – a tartan that strongly represents the School ’ s colours of cardinal , gold and blue .
Carol Davis , CEO of the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation , spoke about the forthcoming events of the Melbourne Tartan Festival , and showed a DVD of the program .
This was followed by an enthralling performance by highland dancers representing the Victorian State Committee of Highland Dancing . The response from the audience was enthusiastic – the loudest clapping we have ever heard !
The classic film Whisky Galore , introduced by the society ’ s Past President , David Purvis (’ 44 ) was next , and we watched as the local Scots of Toddy
Island outmanoeuvred the authorities and celebrated , in line with the title of the film !
OSCA President Andrew Wilson (’ 78 ) was not the only person wearing a kilt , and was even overheard speaking Gaelic . The program ended with afternoon tea and delicious homemade scones brought by society members , together with shortbread biscuits .
Thank you and congratulations to all the many members who helped to organise this most successful event .
IAN MACFARLANE (’ 61 ) – PRESIDENT , OLD SCOTCH FILM SOCIETY
Heritage
HERITAGE CLUB STALWARTS GEOFF
PATON (’ 57 ), KEN JASPER (’ 55 ) AND GUS
HAWTHORNE (’ 54 )
HERITAGE CLUB CELEBRATES
THE SCHOOL ’ S HERITAGE NOW VERY WELL PROTECTED
The opening of the Tolson Centre in May was cause to celebrate for members of the Old Scotch Heritage Club . Since its formation in 2007 the club has campaigned for upgraded Archives and Museum facilities to protect the School ’ s precious records and artefacts .
‘ Founding members of our club , Robin Stewardson (’ 54 ), Pam Marshall , Bob Welch (’ 66 ) and Gus Hawthorne (’ 54 ), went to great lengths to research and advocate for the importance of protecting the School ’ s heritage ’, club Secretary Ian Kerr (’ 60 ) commented . ‘ We have also appreciated the strong support from both the previous and current Chairmen of School Council , Hon Dr David Kemp AC (’ 59 ) and Mr Alex Sloan (’ 71 ) as well as the School ’ s Archivist Paul Mishura .’ he said .
Coincidentally , the Australian Government was under pressure to upgrade the National Archives in Canberra . On 1 July it announced a funding boost to the National Archives of $ 67.7 million over four years in recognition of the significance of the archives to the lives of every Australian .
A very welcome attendee at the Tolson Centre opening was Geoff Paton (’ 57 ) who had suggested that an open space within the centre be named ‘ The Heritage Club Courtyard ’.
On Wednesday 6 October Scotch will celebrate its 170th birthday . The club intends to celebrate the occasion with a gathering at the School ’ s original site in Spring Street , before walking to Parliament House for a tour and lunch in the Members ’ Dining Room hosted by club member Neil Lucas PSM (’ 63 ).
BRUCE BROWN (’ 60 )
84 Great Scot Issue 163 – September 2021