Describing the retreat project as ‘ incredibly complex ’, Dean of Boarding , Tim Byrnes said it had been completed while keeping a full contingent of boarding students and conducting an extensive boarding program , all of which occurred in the middle of a global pandemic and a subsequent building industry crisis . ‘ You can probably understand why I am a little greyer with somewhat less hair today than I had four years ago ,’ he said .
Tim also paid tribute to all involved in the project , in particular Max Errington , without whose generosity , he said , ‘ not one stone would have been turned ’. He also thanked the School Council led by former Chairman Alex Sloan (' 71 ), Foundation President Mike Sim , Property Director , Bill Sciarretta , Heads of the Boarding Houses , Andrew Argent , Claire Jones and Pino Cutinelli , and Head of Advancement , Tim Shearer .
Prior to unveiling the opening plaque , School Council Chair Hamish Tadgell (' 85 ) said it was envisaged the Errington Retreat would become ‘ the heart of the Hill ’ and a hub to congregate , socialise , share time together and allow for meaningful interactions and conversations , leading to connections and ultimately lifelong friendships ’. He also thanked all who had been involved in the vison and building of the retreat , particularly expressing his deepest appreciation of Max and Fay Errington ’ s generous philanthropic support . He invited Max and Fay to cut the cardinal , gold and blue ribbon .
After the ribbon-cutting , Scotch Foundation President , Mike Sim (’ 78 ) reiterated Hamish Tadgell ’ s thanks to Max and Fay Errington , also thanking all donors to the project , in particular the 35 key donors listed just inside the front door on the left of the three rooms named after the Lee , Zhu and Zeng families .
He thanked Tim Shearer , Sandra Dick , Rebecca Mortimer and the Foundation office , and paid a special tribute to the Dean of Boarding , Tim Byrnes and Heads of McMeckan and School Houses , Pino Cutinelli and Andrew Argent , as well as the Scotch team who made it all happen , led by Bill Sciarretta , and his team of Greg McMahon , Anthony Bakes , Elliot Green and Curator , Mick Smith . He said : ‘ These people ensure that Scotch ’ s interests and standards are always met – thank you !’
Mike singled out Craig de Mamiel , the Grounds staff member whose domain is the Hill , thanking Craig for all the love and attention he has devoted for many years to the beautiful boarding precinct gardens .
Mike also acknowledged Cox Architects , Building Engineering and DDH Quantity Surveyors for their key roles in the retreat project . With the formalities over , guests were invited to inspect the
Errington Retreat , and drinks and food were served .
MAX ERRINGTON ’ S LONG- TERM INTEREST IN SCOTCH ’ S WELFARE
Born at Traralgon on 21 May 1939 , Maxwell John Errington grew up there and attended Traralgon High School ( 1951-52 ) until boarding at Scotch in School House from 1953 to 1956 . He was also a member of Littlejohn House , which was then the sports House for all boarders .
At Scotch Max was involved in swimming and cadets , and loved the beauty of the Main Oval , which he was allowed to mow with the Scotch tractor . Max ’ s main interest , however , was rowing . He rowed in the 1955 3rd VIII and in the 1956 1st VIII .
Max returned to Traralgon to join the family business , Errington ’ s General Drapers . After 18 months he moved to Errington ’ s Store for Men , which he managed until it closed on 14 July 1991 . Max then retired , and managed a number of commercial properties he owned in Gippsland .
On 22 September 2013 Max married Fay Jeanette Palmer at the Hawthorn Presbyterian Church , where he had been confirmed while at Scotch .
Max inherited his athleticism from his grandfather , Thomas Young Robert Anderson ( born 25 April 1872 , SC 1882-92 , died 12 August 1943 ), who was a member of the 1st XI and 1st XVIII from 1890 to 1892 , winning premierships in both sports in 1891 and 1892 . Other relations at Scotch were Max ’ s great-uncles William David Anderson ( born 8 November 1867 , SC 1881-82 , died 26 October 1940 ), David Calder Anderson ( born 22 September 1873 , SC 1882-87 , died 27 June 1957 ) and Harold James Anderson ( born 15 August 1876 , SC 1883- 90 , died 19 March 1929 ).
Max ’ s ongoing interest in the future welfare of Scotch is as strong as his past connection with it .
OPPOSITE PAGE , MAIN PHOTO : THE SCENE AT THE OPENING OF THE ERRINGTON RETREAT ON 31 JANUARY . MIIDDLE PHOTO : MAX (’ 56 ) AND FAY ERRINGTON CUT THE
CARDINAL , GOLD AND BLUE RIBBON . THIS PAGE , LEFT PHOTO , LEFT TO RIGHT : VICE PRINCIPAL HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL ,
KATRINA BRENNAN , MAX ERRINGTON (’ 56 ), THE PRINCIPAL , DR SCOTT MARSH , FAY ERRINGTON , VICE PRINCIPAL , HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL , TOM SAVILL . RIGHT PHOTO :
HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT , TIM SHEARER (’ 85 ), WITH MAX (’ 56 ) AND FAY ERRINGTON
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 69