Scotch College

A farewell to alms

On Tuesday 27 November the Foundation paid its own very special tribute to the remarkable career of its Executive Director, Peter Crook, and to Development Officer of the Foundation, Margaret Long. In Helen Taylor's magnificently realised setting of burning bushes and golden eggs, and overlooked by the beautiful new Foundation Banner, the evening was conducted from the newly donated 'Blenktern' (named after legendary Scotch master Harold Blenkiron), soon to be installed in the School of Communication in the James Forbes Academy, and the gift of five members of the Class of 1969. The evening of speeches and tributes was superbly balanced by former Captain of Music, Cameron Roberts, who played both Liszt's 'Mephisto Waltz' and later a selection of 'money' songs which kept the guests enthralled and entertained.

When organising the dinner it was obvious that there would be an enormous number of people who had contact with Peter and Margaret who would love to attend.

As the capacity of the Boykett Room is strictly limited, it was agreed that the guest list should include only those people who had served on the Board of the Foundation, current School and OSCA Council members and representatives of senior staff.

More than 130 people graced the event, and tributes poured in for Peter and Margaret from around Australia and, indeed, the world. Such has Peter's influence been, that as well as raising more than $34 million for Scotch since joining the Foundation in 1979, he has mentored and advised almost every single development officer and educational fundraiser around this country, and many overseas.

This celebratory dinner recognised his achievements and his extraordinary ability at 'friendraising' and provided the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the high esteem with which he is held by the Scotch family, and by the Foundation in particular.

The dinner was co-hosted by Gordon Donaldson and President of the Foundation, Campbell McComas, and each delivered moving and perceptive tributes to the guests of honour. The Principal paid special tribute to Margaret Long's remarkable knowledge of the school and of the people of Melbourne, as well as her friendly, charming and 'winsome' manner. In proposing the toast, he applauded her service and loyalty to the school and presented her with a gift from the Foundation of a sterling silver brooch from Flynn Silversmiths, who recently exhibited at the Ken Field Art Exhibition.

The true centre of the evening was Peter Crook, and both the Principal and Campbell provided amusing insights into Peter's character and career, while never losing sight of his unparalleled achievements in his chosen field of fundraising.

The Principal's toast was accompanied by the gift of one of the sesquicentenary commemorative Whisky Decanters from Flynn's, as well as a bottle of 'Other People's' whisky - a brand well-known to Peter!

Campbell provided the Foundation's own perspective on Peter's achievements and highlighted Peter's enormous fund of knowledge and wisdom, his friendship and warmth, and his unfailing ability to remain positive and encouraging, despite moments when all around him might have been losing their courage or their commitment. Peter's abilities to handle (and make) endless telephone calls and visits, and to write - and stuff - countless envelopes could not go unacknowledged. But it was Peter the person who emerged so clearly from all that was said about him, and from his typically self-effacing but amusing responses.

The highlight of the evening was the surprise announcement by Sandy Murdoch and Peter Ingham of the naming of the new Drama Workshop in the James Forbes Academy for the extraordinary team of Crook and McComas. The workshop has been called The Crucible, and a plaque will commemorate the contribution made by Peter and Campbell to the realisation of the James Forbes Academy. A letter of congratulation from Arthur Miller himself will also be placed in the room to recognise Peter's achievements.

A final tribute to Peter was made to complete the circle of giving. A beautiful antique Bible has been purchased and inscribed with Peter Crook's name and a commendation from the Principal, the Chairman of Council and President of the Foundation. It will be presented in a special ceremony next year to Peter's alma mater, Port Lincoln High School, where he was Captain of School, and which is thrilled to receive this gift. In echoing the similar gift to Scotch by Sir Winston Churchill of the Bible inscribed to W.S. Robinson, the 'Crook Bible' encapsulates those same qualities of selfless service of the highest order.

This dinner represented the culmination of events celebrating the sesquicentenary of Scotch College. It was a magnificent end to what has been a remarkable year, and was a fitting tribute to both Peter Crook and Margaret Long. We all wish them a long, happy and healthy retirement, and thank them again for what they have done for Scotch.

Mr Alan Watkinson