The final OPA monthly luncheon for the year took place at the RACV Club. The lunch had a festive feel, with a menu of roasted turkey breast and Christmas pudding, together with some bon-bons and complimentary wine.

It was a significant lunch where we were able to acknowledge the outstanding contribution that Keith Sharkey (Hon. Old Paradian 2023) has made to the success and continuation of the lunch. Ray Hangan (1951) spoke beautifully about Keith’s contribution who took over the organisation of the lunch from the late Bill Dunne (1944) 19 years ago. The Old Paradians' Association wish to express our gratitude to Keith. The lunch has served our Association since 1936 and provided a wonderful opportunity for our Old Collegians to gather.

Pat Mount (1962) again, did a great job as our Master of Ceremonies in front of a very good gathering of guests. Our guest speaker was John Bell (1963), he gave an engaging and interesting speech, covering an issue that affected him and many other supporters, the Olympic Rings project in West Heidelberg. John spoke with great passion about his negotiations with the council, and with what seemed to be a council reversal of allocated funds that left the supporter group most disappointed. John had a number of images and photos on slides, he showed what is his most inspiring olympic memory, the 1956 record breaking Women’s 4x100m relay.

Lunch concluded with John Mount (1962) singing some Christmas Carols. Great to see Peter Walker (1946) and Lance Phillips (1945) back at the Lunch after missing the last couple due to some health issues.

We look forward to the luncheon extending into its 89^th year in 2025, and thank all those who attended this year and the speakers that enriched the experience for the guests.