11 September 2015 & 12 September 2015
The 50 year reunion of the Class of 65 took place on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2015.
It was a time of laughter, emotion, joy and pride.
Class members and their partners gathered on the lawn outside Solomon House. Name tags were useful, but long standing friendships took up quickly as if there had been no break since last meeting!
Mr Reeler welcomed the group and brought the group up to date with current developments at the School. The weather was good and the walk through the grounds led by Mr Reeler was enjoyed by all.
Many were introduced to the new hall for the first time. It is truly magnificent! We were also shown the start of the next phase of the development currently under construction.
The visit to the remarkable Museum was a highlight with Mr Keith Gibbs providing information.
Tea in the Memorial Quad gave us time to pause before assembly. As always the assembly was very moving. An address from Mr Reeler which included showing a clip on the Tank Man in China after Tiananmen Square in 1989. An address by Gordon Hay and Psalm 86 read by Marius le Roux. The Dixie Band were excellent and then 40 (50) years on ringing through the hall.
A long lunch as we reminisced with Keith Gibbs reflecting on days past and Eric Esterhuysen entertaining us. Trevor Quirk our inimitable MC.
Sherry as the sun began to dip and the Last Post sounded from the Bell Tower.
The dinner on Saturday night was a loud and enjoyable one. Trevor kept the proceedings rolling.
Mike Yates provided information on class members tracked down but unable to attend before saying Grace as the meal began.
Azar Jammine Proposed a toast to South Africa and Rob Fitzpatrick (in from Australia) the toast to absent friends.
Then Rob Schroder and Dieter Vogel (of Dieter and the Raves – big in 1965) entertained us. The wholegroup joined in with the “Young Ones” and the “House of the Rising Sun”.
Gordon Hay proposed the toast to the School and Mr Reeler replied. The School is in good hands.
What does one say? An amazing reunion with new memories made.
Gordon Hay – Head Prefect 1965
