The committee commenced its work in June 2018 focussed on tracing class members. The first letter advising classmates of the reunion was sent on 30 July 2018 and various updates were sent to classmates regularly.
Inge Paulsen-Liddle, who heads up the Old Boys Association office, provided invaluable assistance and support providing amongst others, a detailed programme and checklist and a list of her current addresses of our class members.
The Reunion took place on 17 May 2019 and the final tally of attendees was as follows:
- Paid and Accepted – 39
- Unable to attend – 47
- Deceased – 37
- Unable to trace – 17
- Spouses – 16
- Guests – 7
Two classmates who had paid and intended to attend had to withdraw at the last minute so the actual number of classmates in attendance was 37.
The Reunion commenced at 08:00 with guests assembling on the Solomon House lawn. Coffee, tea and rusks were served, name tags were issued, and old friends had time to re-acquaint themselves.
Mr Reeler then took a large group down the driveway towards School House pausing from time to time for explanations. Rather than stating the obvious, he dealt with matters that had changed from 1959 with particular reference to school and staff numbers, changes in dress code, new sports introduced and the like. He explained that whilst he had not attended the School, he had a long association with it which included his father who was an Old Boy.
Those who did not take the walk spent an interesting hour in the impressive and comprehensive School museum and then everyone assembled for tea, coffee and snacks in the Bill Schroder Centre on the south side of the School hall.
Assembly commenced at 12:00, with Mr Reeler extending a welcome to the fifty-niners and their wives. That was followed by the School Song. Although the Song was not known in our day, no one could fail to be moved at the sight and sound of one thousand five hundred and fifty boys in full school uniform singing their School Song passionately with their hands over their hearts.
The School Orchestra then performed two works which confirmed the music department’ s reputation as being the finest in the country, a reputation it has achieved due to the leadership of Dr Niel van der Watt, the director of the department.
Tiny Barnetson then addressed the School emphasising the critical influence that teachers have on all of our lives and encouraging the boys to support and promote this vital profession at all times.
The bugle band of our time has been replaced by an award winning pipe band, and piper Unjoo Kim together with organist Mr Philip Loots gave a moving performance of Highland Cathedral. The familiar Forty Years On was sung by the entire congregation, no doubt bringing back many wonderful and emotional memories for the Class of 1959.
The Reunion lunch was held in the Central Dining Room. Alleyn Field took control as Master of Ceremonies and the thought and preparation he had put into his function was most appreciated.
Joan Hill (nee Bramley), Derek’ s wife said grace, Charles Stewart proposed the toast to the South Africa and David Good toasted Absent Friends. All three lent the occasion the dignity it deserved.
An excellent three course meal was served and a wide range of beverages were not only available but substantially consumed.
Following on his outstanding performance at the 50th reunion, John Dickerson was asked to propose the toast to the School. It proved to be an inspired choice and the obvious thought and time that he had put into his speech was most evident and appreciated.
And then, in a unique turn of events, Andre du Preez announced that he had written the words of a song to the School to the tune of Danny Boy which he sang in a lovely baritone voice. He received a standing ovation.
Messages had been received from a number of classmates who were unable to attend in particularly from Hans Verburg, Tom Law and Keith Kinsella.
Various attendees recalled past incidents and Alleyn closed proceedings at 17:00 to allow enough time to go to the front of the School, sip a glass of sherry and listen to the Last Post played from the western bell tower.
Classmates took leave of each other determined to meet again at the 70th Reunion and united in their appreciation of the extraordinary School they had attended. It had been a wonderful, entertaining and emotional day.
T Barnetson – CONVENOR
