As we approach Christmas 2020, none of us could have predicted what type of Christmas it would be that we are looking forward to, but I do hope that you are still looking forward to it. 

Sadly the first thing that I wish to inform you about is that due to the various restrictions imposed in the recent past, now and what may happen in the future, we have decided to postpone the Annual Dinner.  Details of the rescheduled event will be on the website in due course.  Also it is with regret that The Old Campbellian magazine this year will arrive with you after the Christmas period.  We appreciate that many of you look forward to receiving this each year, unfortunately you will have to wait a little bit longer before it arrives.

Wherever you are in the world, life is different and will be for some time.  However, there have been shafts of light in recent weeks, but even before that I was heartened by a number of the stories I have heard from OCs and parents of current Campbellians.  In exceptional circumstances experienced by so few before, look for the positives, there are plenty out there.

As a parent of two current Campbellians, I cannot sing the praises of the College and the teaching staff highly enough.  They have continued to engage in a meaningful and interesting way with both pupils and parents.

The Old Campbellian Magazine is our greatest link with you, and has been for many years now, and through it we maintain your link between ourselves and with The College, otherwise, you may have no link.  It will be with you over Christmas and I hope you enjoy it.  The College celebrated 125 years last year and The OC Society will celebrate its own 125th Anniversary in the next couple of years.  Throughout that time our task has been threefold; to be both the conduit to retain your connection with The College and provide The College with support in various endeavours, and to connect OCs in a purposeful and meaningful (entertaining) way.  With that in mind I would urge you to encourage any fellow OCs who have not yet registered on the website to do so and become involved.  We cannot communicate with you if you haven’t registered.  It is primarily through this medium that we can inform you of events as and when we are able to hold them.  Clearly it is hoped, that when we are able, events and Branch events will commence again in earnest.  For these to work we need your support and I wish all the OC Branches well in 2021 in the hope that many OCs will attend whatever we are permitted to organise in due course.

My thanks must go to those who regularly donate to The OC Society to enable us to function.  Without their generosity and, given the year that we have all had, the outlook would be even bleaker.  Do not underestimate the significance or gratitude that even the smallest donation or purchase in the online shop can make. 

We are once again grateful to the Headmaster Robert Robinson MBE, the Bursar Karl Wilson and the Facilities Manager Wayne Harper and his team for their contributions that make our events such a success & the organisation of our Society would not be possible without the tireless work of Walter Murphy (6907).  

I hope to see many of you through the course of the year at our different events, whether as a guest or a volunteer. 

What is Christmas?  It is Tenderness for the past, Courage for the present, and Hope for the future.

(Agnes M Pahro)

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, in whatever way you are able to celebrate it. 

Stay safe and well.

Dermot Parker (7467)