The Old Scholars’ archival collection is housed in the Patchell Library Historical Centre, first proposed in 1964 but finally established in 1991. Formerly known as the Patchell Library, this room was officially opened in 1929 as a tribute to headmistress Miss ME Patchell’s 17 years of service.
Volunteers are working on cataloguing a complete repository of photos, handwritten notes and texts, books, magazines, uniforms and much more to be held in the Patchell Library. It is intended that this database will be accessible for all old scholars to view and will act as a research base for future generations.
The Old Scholars Committee welcomes old scholars and their families to visit the Patchell Library and to join them for tea and coffee as well as view the collection.
The MLC / Annesley College Old Scholars Association was formed as the Methodist Ladies College Guild on Wednesday 8 March 1905. The members met on the second and fourth Friday of each month during the school term for literary and music studies and discussions on selected topics. The first Old Scholars church service was held in the Assembly Room on 15 November 1908 and a Centenary Service was held at Malvern Uniting Church during Old Scholars Week in 2008.
A detailed history of the association was written in 1995 by Daphne Gum, entitled ‘A Rich Tapestry of Lives’, in celebration of the 90th birthday of the MLC / Annesley Old Scholars Association. It is available through the school.
In the past, the Association organised a range of events from film evenings to bridge days and fashion parades. The Association donated its Old Scholars Week Service offering to Rose Ward at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as well as donating items and money to the school.
The highlight of the calendar of events is Old Scholars Week to which all Old Scholars, whether financial members or not, are invited to attend.