Learning, friendships and fun

In 1966 I entered Ormond for the final two years of my theological course. Two other ‘theologs’ had encouraged me to become a resident and I am forever grateful.

They had discerned – quite rightly – that I needed to rub shoulders with a wider variety of people, and I am forever thankful for their encouragement and for Davis McCaughey taking me in at short notice. The exposure to and challenges from students of other disciplines equipped me well for the role I played in the communities in which I later ministered.

In my first year I lived in a room at the back of the Main Building but in the next year was in one of the large north-facing rooms in Picken Court. That was a significant upgrade, due to me being a graduate on entry. 

One of my earliest memories was parading around the corridors with other freshmen wrapped in a sheet and singing a ridiculous song based on a passing hearse. For my orientation prank I was part of a group which hung a “Buy Beaurepaire Tyres” banner over the balcony of the Melbourne Town Hall when Ian Beaurepaire was Lord Mayor. The photo was published in the Sun newspaper. 

Ormond was not only a residential College for University students but also the venue of the (then) Presbyterian Theological Hall, so most of my classes were on site, with lectures in Room K or Room A, both of which had very uncomfortable benches. Many of my Theological Hall teachers lived on site in or near the Wyselaskie complex, and we were occasionally invited to a meal or supper. 10pm coffees with other residents were an enjoyable aspect of college life.

On arrival in Ormond I had an on-the-job crash course in carving meat – an art I have never lost. But after-dinner ‘triggles’ ceased when I left college.

I recall that after one particularly rowdy or raucous period in the College, McCaughey gathered all students in the Junior Common Room after Hall one evening. He said that responsible people had the choice of being either a teetotaller or a moderate drinker. “There is no third option” he said. I often recall his words when I am tempted to have yet another red wine. 

An old framed print of the Main Building still hangs in my study, reminding me of two very happy and formative years of learning, friends and fun. 

Rev Allan Thompson, BA., BD
Retired Uniting Church minister living in Launceston, Tas.