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EVENTS
BELLARINE PENINSULA BIDDLECOMBE SOCIETY LUNCHEON
Despite a difficult and confronting start to 2020, the Biddlecombe Society’s Bellarine Peninsula luncheon hosted 86 members and guests at the Barwon Heads Golf Club on 12 March. The Chair, Charlie Sutherland (P’86), noted the remarkable turnout considering the challenging times. The guest speaker was Chair of the Geelong Grammar School Council, Paddy Handbury (M’72). Paddy’s frank and open address was very well received by members and guests, including Old Geelong Grammarians, Clyde Old Girls, Hermitage Old Girls, and past and current parents and staff. Charlie was pleased to have an opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing support for the School and the Foundation.
The Biddlecombe Society grew by eight new members in 2020 to a total of 215 members. It’s a growing group of people who care for and love the School and have committed to supporting Geelong Grammar School’s future through the bequest programme. A thriving Biddlecombe Society will help to ensure the future of Geelong Grammar School.
The Visiting Fellows Programme started apace in 2020, building on the success from the previous year. In February, we welcomed our first Richard and Janet Southby Visiting Fellow, Jane Gilmore, to the David Darling Play House. Jane is a freelance journalist and advocate for women’s rights. The evening was an engaging and, at times, confronting presentation on gendered violence and the role of the media as an often-ineffective conduit.
The programme is designed to broaden the horizons of Geelong Grammar School students, staff and the wider community by bringing challenging and topical speakers to the school. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to invite further speakers to the Corio Campus in 2020. We look forward to continuing to offer a broad range of inspiring visiting scholars and practising professionals when it is safe to resume the programme.
