From the President

To Inform, to Celebrate, to Inspire, to Farewell and to Record

Sadly, our President’s father passed away on 10 November and his funeral coincides with the deadline for content for this issue. As secretary, I write the forward to this newsletter to take the pressure off David at this difficult time.    - Graeme Rainbow

The Association acknowledges the passing of John Mazengarb (SVC 1948-54). The Mazengarb family has had a four generation association with the College and it says something of the quality of John in that two of his sons hold key service roles relative to his / their alma mater – with Andrew holding the position Chair SVC Advisory Council since 2014 and David assuming the position of President the Old Virgilians Association this year.  Further details of John’s remarkable life later in the newsletter.

REUNIONS

The Melbourne Reunion at the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) was a great success with about fifty in attendance.  There was an enthusiasm that a similar gathering be held at the same time next year and every attempt will be made to expand our email data base to garner a greater attendance.  Furthermore, several attendees indicated a willingness to be part of the organizing committee for this event.

Congratulations to the 1983 Leavers Group on its gathering on Sat. 22 Nov. Although there were only eleven at the gathering, a good time was had and it is intended that that year group meet again in 2024 – possibly in conjunction with the 1983 St Mary's College Leavers Group.

BUILDING OUR DATA BASE

You are receiving this email edition of OVAtion simply because your email address is on file. There are numerous alumni who do not receive it – indeed are totally unaware of it. As you encounter other OV’s ask the question – “Do you receive the OVAtion?”  If there answer is ‘no’ encourage them to forward their email details to grainbow@stvirgils.tas.edu.au OR do it for them.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Congratulations to Michael Harvey, Terry Kay and Peter Beven for their preparation for this the 2023 Old Virgilians Golf Day at the Royal Hobart Golf Club – the 62nd time the event has been conducted. At last count we have a total of 30 teams out of a possible 32 teams who have entered.  Full results and acknowledgements in the December edition of OVAtion.

On the Tuesday 21st November the Association will be reviving its Memorial Mass / Luncheon gathering.  Hopefully, a large number will take the opportunity to be present.  It will enable attendees to take in the enormous changes at the Austins Ferry Campus.  Those at the recent Melbourne Reunion viewed a power point presentation prepared by committee member Bruce Woods highlighting these changes and were ‘gobsmacked’.  It is important that those intending to attend – and hopefully there will be many – book in to facilitate catering arrangements.  The necessary details are contained in the Calendar section which follows.

Please also note the details relating to the other events in the calendar section.

• The 60th Anniversary of the OVA Southern Saints Athletic Clubs
• The 1993 Leavers’ Group Reunion
• The End of Year drinks

Thank  you for your ongoing interest and support.

Graeme Rainbow

Secretary