Dear Old Campbellians

After 15 years of involvement with the society I wish to announce that I will be standing down as Chairman and from council on 30th April.

I was for 13 years golf convenor where I saw participation grow to nearly 60 OCs. As a council member for 13 years, editor of the magazine for five editions, event organiser, interim manager and Chairman for the past 6 1/2 years.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 15 years and it has been my great privilege to liaise on behalf of the society, with Old Campbellians and with the college.  I have met many wonderful OCs with whom my only connection has been that “we walked the same corridors”. 

Highlights have been the golf and how its participation has grown over the years but more importantly that the field has become considerably younger.  I hope it grows from strength to strength. 

Another milestone was the London Dinner a couple of years ago that sold out within a matter of weeks where our oldest OC and youngest OC were separated by 60 years. Working with Walter Murphy was a pleasure and we had many laughs.

The past 32 months since Walter retired has proved more difficult.  Having initially agreed to carry out the role of manager for 3-6 months, until agreement could be reached regarding a replacement for Walter Murphy, my role extended to 13 months in a paid role.  However, for the last 19 months I have continued to perform the role on a retracted voluntary basis, fulfilling shop orders, organising dinners and other events, as well as answering those queries that come in, alongside fulfilling my role as Chairman and trying to devote the necessary and required time to my business. 

It is now time to go but I would encourage, particularly those younger OCs to get involved.  Attend dinners, events etc.  I have always hoped that we would be seen as an inclusive society but we need younger involvement in order to know best what to deliver.  I am pleased to say that that is now happening but will admit that we can do better, but only with your involvement.

My only regret is only having worked with Headmaster, Mr. Jonathan Anderson for the past 8 months.  He is a gentleman who ‘gets’ the college.  He appreciates both the traditions of the college and the society, and believes in inclusivity.  To him I say thank you and send him my very best wishes for the future.

I look forward to seeing you all at different events over the coming years which I encourage you to attend.  Get involved! 

We have all walked the corridors.

Ne Obliviscaris

Dermot Parker 7467

Chairman