This article was originally published in Old Melbournian Connect, a quarterly digital newsletter for the School’s alumni.
The tradition of an Annual Dinner of the London Branch of the Old Melburnians dates to 1919 when a group of Old Melburnians nearing the end of their WWI service gathered in Piccadilly. They have continued uninterrupted since, except during WWII.
Since then the Branch has grown to well over 100 members drawn from all walks of life and across all ages. Even back in the 1930s it was normal for Old Melburnians who graduated in the 1880s to gather with Old Melburnians from the recent past. At the 1950 dinner, a former Prime Minister, Stanley Melbourne Bruce, Viscount Bruce of Melbourne, CH, MC (OM 1901) sat near a future Prime Minister, The Right Hon (John) Malcolm Fraser, AC, CH (OM 1948) with recognisable names such as Sir Russell Grimwade, Chester Wilmot (OM 1930), Sir Clive Baillieu and AJ Smith among others in between. The young Fraser was seated at the junior end of the table opposite the young AJ Smith, part of the tradition of younger Old Melburnians at University in England (or just on a tour) attending.
Two things are striking about these dinners in London.
The first is the regularity of attendance. Lord Bruce, for example, attended almost every dinner during his long and busy residence in England. At the 1984 dinner, Harold Turner (OM 1924) and Norman Berry (OM 1926) were there 50 years after their first dinner in 1934. In 1986, the senior members present were Lewis Black (OM 1922) and Group Captain Glen (OM 1923).
The second is the spirit of the dinner. In 1950 the description was a “deep personal feeling” for the School. In 1987, the description was “Lewis had to be kept in check by his son in law, James Guest”. However described, the sentiment and spirit is the same.
“Visitors” were and are always warmly welcomed. This year, both the President of the Old Melburnians and the Headmaster will be “visitors”. This is also a long standing and important tradition. As recently as 2019, Andrew Maughan (OM 1979) as President convened an important and very successful centenary dinner that will live long in the memory of the Old Melburnians. The attendance of the Headmaster has been a regular occurrence for many years, providing a welcome opportunity for Old Melburnians to hear first-hand about the School as it is and will be.
I look forward to the 2024 dinner although I cannot promise things will be kept in check. I can promise a “deep personal feeling” for the School.
Martin Scott KC (OM 1980)
President, The Old Melburnians
