From the President  

Dear Old Virgilians, 

Vale Mark Waddington

The St Virgil’s College community is still coming to terms with the passing of Mark Waddington. He died August 25 2022, aged 57, after a courageous and inspirational battle.

Mark commenced at the College as the Director of Development in 2012 and despite the ravages of cancer over a 20 month period, he continued to work up until a short time before his death. Mark’s contribution to St Virgil’s College has been extraordinary, not least of which was in relation to his role as College liaison with the Old Virgilians Association. He was the glue that has held the Association together through the past few years when its very survival was at stake. Hopefully, the Association can build on Mark’s contributions and his dream of its being an integral, vibrant and supportive element of the wider St Virgil’s community.

The funeral service at the Austins Ferry Campus was a remarkable tribute to Mark. The service was streamed live and is still accessible on YouTube. Find more details about the funeral service and eulogies later in this edition of OVAtions.

The Association had voted to grant Mark Honorary Life Membership – the framed certificate has been in readiness for quite some time. It was a matter of when best to present it. He had hoped to get through to Christmas and to the commencement of the inaugural Year 11 at Austins Ferry. The plan was to surprise him with it at the Association’s Annual Dinner on October 14. 

I personally would like to thank Mark for his guidance, support and encouragement as the President of the OVA and a former member of staff at the College. His willingness to help, and go above and beyond what was required in his role, will be sorely missed. 

I’ll miss you mate! 

OVA Annual Dinner

Friday October 14, 7.00 pm 

New Town Bay Rowing Centre

$50.00 pp includes two course meal.

RSVP https://www.trybooking.com/CCPVJ

Booking Arrangements

Numbers will need to be finalized by October 5 2022, so please book your table or ticket today via: https://www.trybooking.com/CCPVJ

The 2021 dinner was cancelled due to COVID-19 and the Association will be able to finally induct Leighton Kearney, Martin Scurrah and Jack Riewoldt onto the Heritage Honour Roll. Leighton and Martin will be present but unfortunately Jack cannot be due to other commitments, however he will provide a video response to his induction. Also, on the night, the Association has voted to add Greg McNamara, posthumously to the roll (Greg’s story is included later in the newsletter). His son, Paul, will travel from Sydney to accept the award on behalf of the family.

Please consider! The Association asks that you support this major function. It needs your support – be part of its growth. Get a group of mates together, and be part of what will be a great night of storytelling and reminiscing of old times at the College. 

OVA Golf Day

The 61st Annual Old Virgilians Golf Day is being held on Friday November 11 at Royal Hobart Golf Club. There are still places available for teams of four to be entered. This is always a fantastic event, and a great opportunity to bond with Old Virgilians on one of the leading Golf Courses in Tasmania. 

Entries close on October 1. Further details and the entry form can be found here: www.oldvirgilians.org.au/event/ova-golf-day   

For any enquiries about the event or registrations, please contact Michael Harvey, rooboy@bigpond.net.au.

Other Events

Details of the scheduled Melbourne Reunion and the annual Memorial Mass/Luncheon are in the process of being finalised and will be conveyed in the October edition of OVAtions.