Scotch College

Cardinal Club Celebrates its 21st Birthday in Style

The Cardinal Club celebrated its 21st birthday at "Albert by the Lake" on Saturday 30th March, 2003, with a very successful evening.

Pictured L to R: Bruce Dumbrell ('73), Craig Cooper ('74), Ian Porter ('74), Andy Guerin ('73) and George Low ('74) all represented Australia at the 1973 Junior World Championships.

On entry there were three dancers from a well known girls' school dressed in Cardinal Gold and Blue bags who created many weird and wonderful shapes and really got the evening off to an interesting start. The decorations were spectacular and the rowing eight, the DRT Macmillan, was positioned down the centre of the room. Pre-dinner drinks were then served to the backing of a singing quartet led by John Ferguson (who really has an excellent voice!!!).

Our M.C. for the evening Mr Paul Runting then took charge of proceedings. Mr Bob Welch ('66), the President, welcomed everyone and outlined the many proud achievements that the Cardinal Club has made over the last 21 years, the least of which was the fund raising for the Cardinal Pavilion and Boat Shed which are now the pride of the School and the envy of every other rowing School in Victoria.

Don Macmillan with the Don Macmillan!

Nick Mitchell (Capt. of Boats) with Rev. Bill Morgan.

The evening was full of events. Firstly the 1973 Crew welcomed the members of the 2003 First Crew into the room who were then individually introduced by Steve Whittington. The quartet struck up the Eaton Boating Song.

Our guest was The Reverend Bill Morgan who rowed in the 1933 crew in six seat, then in 1934 in five seat and in 1935 he was Captain of Boats and Captain of the School. It was a unique occasion to have Nick Mitchell Captain of Boats in 2003 meeting his predecessor of 70 years before. Nick gave the response and spoke about how privileged he and the first crew were to be part of the Scotch College Boat Club history.

We then introduced our Special Guest, Mr Don Macmillan, who coached at Scotch from 1959 to 1986. He recounted many stories of good times he had as a rowing master at Scotch College, with the help of Ross Campbell, the MC for this part of the evening. We heard about his four Head of the River Titles and then taking the 1973 crew to the U.K. to row for Australia. Don gave a passionate account of the highs and lows and the audience of over 350 people were in awe of the man. John Landy, Governor of Victoria, and Dr Donaldson, Principal, sent their best wishes to Don through the video medium.

The Cardinal Club unveiled a new Honour Board in recognition of those Old Scotch Collegians who have represented Australia in the sport of rowing. Mr David Boykett and Mr Graeme Boykett, names synonomous with rowing at Scotch unveiled the board on behalf of some 40 Old Scotch Collegians who have achieved this status.

The Australian Rowing Council chairman, Mr Pat McNamara, sent a letter along congratulating the School for its significant contribution to Australian rowing over a long period of time.

 

An auction of major items was conducted by M.C. Paul Runting, who did a great job and proved very entertaining as an auctioneer, especially his rendition of a 45rpm record played at a 33rpm speed.

The ceremonial cutting of the 21st birthday cake was shared by Past Presidents Mr Gary LeGet, Mr Don Werner who came across from Perth especially for the night, Mr Don Macmillan and David Boykett, inaugural committee members of the Cardinal Club.

The night is one that will not be forgotten, and we have many people to thank. Sarah Bernard who planned the logistics of the function, Wendy Nickson who was the backbone of the event and worked tirelessly in all aspects of the dinner, Jane Borthwick for the decorations, Julie Ramage for the auction. Others who worked tirelessly were Kim Cruickshank. Cathy Emmett, Ann Simmons, Greg Baker and to all those other people who gave up their time, it was greatly appreciated for a job well done.