The 2024 Old Paradians Football Club Life Members Lunch was the setting for the presentation of the Association's most recent recipient of the Distinguished Service Award awarded to Club legend John Booth (1953).

Around 140 people filled the Frank Mount Rooms, where the longest serving Club Secretary Damian Hannam was also honoured for his 14 years of loyal and dedicated service and inducted as the Club’s 138th Life Member.

John Booth’s service to the Football Club spanned over 16 continuous years. During this time, he played in 4 VAFA premierships in 1958 (B Grade), 1962 (A Grade) and 1964 (A Grade). He also captained the 1962-1963 premiership teams. Following his highly successful playing career John went on to coach the Club to 4 premierships in 1966 (A Grade), 1967 (A Grade), 1968 (A Grade), and 1971 (B Grade). John and his family have continued to support the Club since his retirement from coaching in 1972. Truly an amazing record of service to the Club and the broader Parade community.