The Old Paradians Association was more than happy to welcome Lance Phillips (1945) back to Parade. The 94-year-old drove down from Kilmore to donate some Parade memorabilia that went back to his time at the College commencing in the early 1940s. Lance started at the Parade scholarship class at St Colemans in Fitzroy taught by the legendary Brother Bowler. Lance recalled riding his bike to and from St Colemans from his home in Preston.

Lance recalled a class of over 50 boys would hear an hourly chime which was the signal to stop work, stand and say a Hail Mary! On one occasion, Lance recalled that Brother Bowler would be writing on his blackboard, write a number, put his hand over the number and demanded that Lance inform him of what the number was. Failing to show 100% attention, not identifying the number, Lance was then to have four straps. Two straps took place interrupted by the chime. A Hail Mary ensued, Lance hoping that Brother Bowler might not inflict the other two straps with the break in prayer. Lance thought it was “pretty rough that he got the other two!”

Lance was recently recognised for his service to the Old Paradians Association serving as President from 1976-1977. His late wife Maree also served the College as President of the Ladies Auxiliary. Lance had two sons schooled Damian (1977) and Marcus (1982).

Recently, Honorary Old Paradian and former teacher John Joss and I drove to Kilmore and had lunch with Lance and Assumption College’s legendary football and cricket coach, Ray Carroll. Ray and Lance often catch up at the old Kilmore Jail Café.

Lance is also a regular at the Old Paradians RACV monthly lunches coming down from Kilmore on the V Line with Mick McAleer.