Christmas catch-up for the Class of 1974

The Class of 1974 held an informal Christmas party recently at the home of Old Collegian Peter Todd (SPC 1969-74) in Ballarat. We thank fellow classmate Shane Pianta (SPC 1973-74) for sharing the story and photos with us.

“On Sunday, 20 November 2022, 12 SPC PY1974 students with their partners caught up with each other at Peter and Meredith Todd’s immaculate property in Ballarat East and reminisced about their school days (day scholars or boarders) at St Patrick’s College and what they have been doing since (over 48 years).

It is absolutely amazing that everyone was recognisable to each other. Many stories were told about attending SPC and what we all got up to at the school. The hosts (Peter and Meredith Todd) went out of their way in providing a plentiful supply of nibbles and platters.

Peter and Shane Pianta apologise that only a week’s notice was given of informing of the Christmas catch-up; but everyone attending fully appreciated the meaning of the gathering/get together.

Toddy, kept us all entertained with his discussions as to why was he stuck with playing the Euphonium in the SPC Band, while the majority were out shooting up the hillside at Mt Cole with their guns.

Those SPC PY1974 students attending (and not in any particular order) were – Peter Todd, Mark Bromley, Philip Westbrook, Michael Frawley, Mark Jolly, Peter Clifton, John Fitzgerald, Lou Baker, John Perkins, Tim Fithall, Paul Delaney and Shane Pianta.

A number of partners also enjoyed the afternoon catch-up and conversations. Incidentally, everyone said Ballarat’s weather had not changed from 1974, with the afternoon being sunny one minute and then all of a sudden a huge downpour of rain and small hail arrived unexpectedly. However, a great afternoon into the early evening was enjoyed by all and it was sad our get together and conversations had to cease.

The Todd’s have volunteered to have another Christmas Catch-Up for 2023 in mid to late November 2023 for any SPC PY1974 students and notification of this will be given in September 2023 to such people and in the relevant OCA e-newsletter, giving three months’ notice of the catch-up.

Furthermore, SPC PY1974 students are reminded that our 50^th reunion is anticipated to be held in May 2024 at SPC and we would like to see as many attend as possible.

Finally, the SPC PY1974 students would like to thank the OCA and wish all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2023.”