4 November 2016 & 5 November 2016
Hello everyone
For the benefit of those who could not attend, and are perhaps not wired into the ubiquitous social networks, as well as by specific request of the Pretoria Boys High Old Boys’ Association I would like to pen this short summary of what transpired at the 1976 40 years on reunion including anecdotal highlights.
To start, a huge thanks to the Old Boys’ Association and the School itself for hosting us and organising what was an unqualified and rampant success. Thank you Mr Reeler, Mr Illsley, Inge, Steffani, Mr Fourie and innumerable staff and boys. Every nuance of this really momentous occasion was meticulously planned and executed, from tea and tags through melancholy walks, meals, drinks and even the Old Boys club remaining hospitable till the wee hours… At no point did anyone so much as miss a beat.
The gratitude we universally feel stretches way beyond our sublimely well organised reunion, it goes out to the current custodians of this unique institution, and to our wise parents for having chosen Boys High as the place for us to be educated at, all those forty years ago. Many mails and messages of thanks, of awe, and of emotions way beyond that, have been pouring in from all quarters.
For those who were unable to attend, herewith a brief synopsis. Mr Illsley very eloquently greeted us on the Solomon House front lawn, welcoming us and giving us some insight into the Schools current operating costs, a staggering R 107 million is this year’s budget, this precludes any capital projects. Government underpins only 20% of this. The balance of operating costs falling to the parent body and fund raising. Truly mind boggling.
Pretty soon we were all on a slow walk around the School grounds; many new facilities were pointed out. Often it was tough to hear Mr Illsley, just too much rising chatter around the group, all finding one another again… A walk through the school museum (the old library) followed, then tea. Perhaps the highlight of the day was next as we all filed into the magnificent new hall for Friday assembly. There was gooseflesh as least and tears in many eyes as this ceremonious assembly just got better and better. Doctor Van Der Watt’s School orchestra performed The Godfather’s Love Theme, competing with the singing of Forty Years On by all and Vernon’s speech for the climax.
This experience was exhausting, everyone soaking up every note, every word. We were transfixed. The discipline displayed by 1500 boys was astounding. We left assembly bursting with pride, knowing the current custodians of our Alma Mater are not just custodians, but are nurturing constant dynamic growth of what we all believe in, the spirit of Boys High.
Lunch followed, stunning views from the Sommerville Pavilion, rousing addresses, great food and a buzz of conversations lifting the lid on this weekend, exposing a universal feeling of belonging, not just to the School, but to one another. The brotherhood was palpable. Lunch melted into the Last Post sounding from the Bell Tower, a superbly fitting new tradition in remembrance of our fallen ones. Accompanied by some really yummy port and sherry this was the perfect end to one of the most memorable days of our lives.
Saturday’s Stag Dinner was another milestone, a wonderful evening focussing on us as a group, showcasing some sublime skills in music and words, starring pipes and guitars at various points. From the accomplished master of ceremonies into various great toasts and talks, a delightful meal, and copious amounts of tipple. On the spur of the moment a proverbial hat was handed around and R 12000.00 cash was pulled out of back pockets with no resistance at all, bringing the total raised for the School through this event alone to over R 32000.00. I would boldly state that we all felt we wanted to do more, and it seems clear that going forward we will. This opulent dinner migrated to the Old Boys Club well after midnight. The chatter stretched into the early hours, hosted well beyond the norm by another great bunch, with at least one of us becoming completely monosyllabic by then…
So this weekend came to an end, an end which many of us are sure is the beginning of something else. The beginning of a more conscious memory, of rekindled friendships and of a refreshed sense of pride. Most of all a revitalised sense of having had the immense privilege to be a part of this South African educational icon.
I said to many when I started out collecting names and numbers that this was to be my first and last reunion, but I have had a proper change of heart. If the group will have me I am just too happy to do this ad nauseam.
From here there will of course be a financial and administrative round-up, thereafter I am going to put together a small media pack of this event for those interested, I am also considering a photo-book which will include everything from mail highlights, anecdotal footnotes and musical inserts to speech transcripts and more, but that will depend on traction from within.
Fond Regards
Ralph Dill (1976)
