There were still 80 in attendance which was a phenomenal result, considering so many interstate and overseas attendees had withdrawn due to travel concerns or restrictions. After the frivolity and success of the 20 year event, we also received more than 60 apologies from the lads, who were clearly very disappointed to be missing out.
There’s a special bond amongst this crop of Reds and it shone through all afternoon and into the night (and even morning for some). The day kicked off with a school tour, wonderfully hosted by David Cornish and it was eye popping for many who had not been back since they left the school. The new Boarding House was a stand out, but we were also touched to visit the memorial of Andrew Spears who was one of our alumni that passed away tragically whilst we were still at school.
The team then headed across Dequetteville Terrace to the Adelaide Bowls Club for a sensational afternoon of laughs – and a few bowls…. Tom Twelftree and Matt Johnson hosted the afternoon in front of a slideshow that featured photos of nearly every member of the year group. Marcus Thompson delivered the Toast to the School from his ‘Billabong Bar’ in London and the Headmaster, Bradley Fenner responded in fine fashion. PAOCA’s Alan Letcher also spoke to the group and his overview of the Old Scholar’s current landscape opened a few eyes to what was available to them.
An auction on a number of items was conducted by Chris Crosby – items donated or arranged by Chris Crosby, David Palmer, Heath Brasher, Hugo Wines and the School - was held to raise money for the Jake Bilsborow fund. The group were wonderfully generous as the group pulled together just under $6,000.
The behaviour throughout the afternoon had improved from the event held 11 years prior – we are obviously maturing! 50 of the boys continued at the bowls club until they shut the bar at about 9:30 – social distancing went out the window in favour of hugging. We still had more than 30 together at La Trattoria at midnight, so it was a huge success. ‘Nearly’ everyone loved the day in what was a wonderful extravaganza.
