Old Boys enjoy festivities at OCA Christmas Lunch

Nearly 20 Old Collegians enjoyed the start of the festivities at our OCA Christmas Lunch at the Golden City Hotel in Ballarat on Friday 1 December.

It was an opportunity to share in a good meal and great company at the lunch.

We were delighted to welcome the College’s Archivist Halina Sztynda, who spoke about her role and the importance of preserving our history.

Guests were able to gain a sneak peek at a beautifully-designed 130-year history timeline, which provides an impressive snapshot of the College’s tremendous history and will be on display at the College next year.

Old Collegian James Coghlan (SPC 1962-67) also spoke of the College’s important history and encouraged fellow Old Collegians to consider donating their SPC keepsakes back to the College.

James proudly produced his own 1966 First XVIII football jumper, which, he said in the midst of his own downsizing mission, he had decided to donate to the College’s Archives.

We thank James for passing on this piece of SPC history.

Thank you also to Michael Kearney for fulfilling the duties of our MC for the day, and Allan McKinnon who welcomed the crowd on behalf of the Old Collegians’ Association.

A minute’s silence and remembrance was also held for respected Old Collegians and previous supporters of the lunch, College Legend Fr Gerard Dowling OAM (SPC 1949-50) and fellow Old Boy Chris Haintz (SPC 1945-50), who have passed away in recent weeks.

Thank you to those who attended our lunch and we wish all our Old Collegians a very merry Christmas and joy and safe times in the new year.