Earlier this month we had the joy of welcoming back some very special guests – our founding Old Hawthornians from the 1940s through to the 1960s, along with their partners. Most of these dear friends began their school journey at Gatton Point, and it was wonderful to see them return to The Hawthorns. Our guest of honour was Gillian Penny, daughter of our founder Dudley Bull, whose connection to The Hawthorns spans some sixty years.

The Macleay Room came alive with warmth and laughter over lunch, as memories were shared and rediscovered. It was wonderful to see so many Old Hawthornians proudly wearing their OH ties – a lovely symbol of their enduring connection to the School. The Old Hawthornians pored over old school photographs, and found great pleasure in spotting their names in old copies of the Review, school play programmes and on the prefect and scholarship boards. Perhaps most touching of all was witnessing the reunion of two Old Hawthornians who hadn't seen each other since their school days –  truly heart warming.

Huge thanks go to Julian Bull for bringing along the model he made of The Hawthorns School at its origianl location at Gatton Point.