From Nightingale to Magpie – McKenna reflects on the journey

At the peak of his sporting powers, Peter McKenna could justifiably lay claim to being the most popular footballer in the country. Acknowledged as one of the VFL’s greatest full-forwards, Peter originally perfected his craft on the ovals of Alphington (Flowerdale), as a Parade College primary school student of the late 1950s.

Not so long ago, Peter took time out from driving duties to reflect on his Parade years, taking part in the following Q and A from the tranquil confines of the old Spargo’s Hotel in Bridge Road, Richmond.

Old Paradians Golf Day set for November 29

The Latrobe Golf Club in Alphington (Melways 31, D12) has been earmarked for the Old Paradians Golf Day, on Monday, November 29, 2010.

Check-in and tee allocation is scheduled for 7.15am, with a mini-shotgun start at 7.45. Early morning coffee will be available, with a luncheon available later in the club’s dining room. Prompt starting at this time is required to assist players in returning in time for Lunch at 1.15 p.m.

Registration forms should be lodged with John Hodder as soon as possible, but no later than October 31.

Parade tanking for all the right reasons

When the historians reflect on the first 15 decades of College life in a little under ten years from now, they will look back on 2010 as, quite literally, a watershed year in the long and illustrious history of Parade.

For history will record 2010 as the year Parade “put up” for the blue planet, by way of its significant investment in the long-term accumulation and storage of the earth’s most precious commodity. Water.

Boundy commits to OPs cause

David Boundy is Old Paradians through and through . . . which is all the more remarkable considering he never attended Parade College. “I never had a time at the school,” David said recently. I couldn’t make it in, but because I played footy for Old Paradians perhaps it helped my younger brother find a pathway to Parade.”

A local boy, David completed his schooling at neighboring Mill Park and, in the early days, chased the leather for Bundoora – combining his football commitments with those of baseball and gridiron. And it was through gridiron that links with the purple, green and blue were first forged.

25th anniversary reunion, class of '85

The Class of 1985 will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary later this year. A Group has been setup on Facebook – search for Parade College Class of 85. Alternatively, send an email to Anthony Peyton for details anthony@greenchip.com.au.

Loyalty runs ocean-deep for Valls boys

Nathan and Josh Valls don’t need any reminding of the motto Tenete Traditiones. In work, as in school, the brothers continue to build on the legacy left by those who came before.