From the President  

As 2022 comes to a close, and our last OVAtions for the year is released, the Old Virgilians Association would like to thank you for your support and ongoing engagement. It has been a difficult year with many changes, and a large hole being left in the Association after the passing of Mark Waddington. Mark’s involvement continues to be missed, and we were happy to see that Mark’s youngest son, Tadhg, able to travel to Kenya to visit our brothers and sisters in the Mary Rice Centre in Nairobi. Please read Tadhg’s reflection on his trip later in this edition of OVAtions to recognise the ongoing support that we can provide to the people of Kenya! 

The OVA is working towards our AGM in February next year, and is holding a workshop in late January to help determine what our purpose is and role as an association will be before the schedule of events being released early next year. With the College returning to Year 11 and 12 next year, we look forward to watching students complete the final years of their schooling at the College.

The Annual OVA Golf Day was a rousing success with in excess of $4 000 being raised, with nearly 30 teams entered in the Irish Stableford Event. I would like to thank Royal Hobart Golf Club for hosting the event, and ensuring the course is maintained to such a great standard considering the ample amount of rain we have had over the past few months. Without the tireless efforts of Michael Harvey, and the assistance of Terry Kaye and Peter Bevan the Golf Day would not have been such an enjoyable and successful event. I would also like to thank our Major Sponsor of the event Raine & Horne, and Minor Sponsors Graham Funeral Home and Tilford Motors for their ongoing support. Thanks to Par Avion, Pennicott Cruises, Peppermint Bay, and the Taste of Summer Festival for providing the raffle prizes as well. Bring on the 2023 event!

Finally, I would also like to thank Graeme Rainbow for producing, researching and developing OVAtions for the year. Remaining informed of the happenings of Old Virgilians fills me with pride to read about fellow Virgilians doing great things all around the world. 

The next edition of OVAtion will be in February 2023.

Thanks for your time and support, and look forward to seeing how 2023 pans out for the OVA. 

Zac Piesse