3 November 2017 & 4 November 2017
The Class of 1977 held its 40th reunion on 03 and 04 November 2017, with Old Boys attending from All over South Africa as well as the UK, Australia and Vietnam. For five years (or more) at the school we faithfully sang “Forty Years On” never thinking that the day would come when it would actually apply to us!!!!!
The day started on the Solomon House lawn where we were welcomed by Mr Tony Reeler, for us a new headmaster from the one we had met at the 30th reunion. It was the first time that “The Boss” was younger than us so we really felt the forty years on!!!!!!! The walk through the school grounds was a pleasant stroll on a summer’s morning and fortunately our breath was not as short as our memories are long!!!!!
While strolling Mr Reeler gave us an informative overview of the school from the health of the trees and veld along Pine Drive, the benefits of no longer applying corporal punishment (resulting in a debate under the jacarandas in which scepticism was rife and an alarming fond or traumatic memories of jacking were expressed), the benefits of building up the fitness in new boys on a large campus with a koppie.
The visit to the school museum was an eye-opener not just for the delight of the familiar, but for all the new facts we were unaware of. From there it was time for tea and scones in the Media Centre where serious socialising and catching up could begin.
Everyone was highly impressed when we were shepherded into the new hall as it truly symbolises how the school continues to develop and improve. The school orchestra playing Yesterday brought smiles to our faces and the professionalism of their repertoire was impressive.
Rev Nicholas Jonsson gave a brief reading on friendship and former Vice Head Boy Dr Lance Coetzee inspired us all with his words on integrity and the role it plays in the Boys High ethos. Mr Reeler put 1977 into perspective and none of us will now forget that it was the year that the High Five was created!!! Assembly ended with singing Forty Years On and tears flowed freely as for some it was a bucket list item to sing it at our 40th reunion.
The spirit at the luncheon in the Sommerville Pavilion was set by the witty banter of our Master of Ceremonies, Mark Feinblum. Gordon Delaney added to the atmosphere of levity with his pithy words on the Class of 1977. We were honoured to be joined by Mr Reeler, Mr Schroder, Mr Penzhorn, Mr Obermeyer, Ms Paulsen-Liddle of the Old Boys’ Association and Mr Sommerville himself. The day at the School ended under the Norfolk Pine with Mr Reeler giving background on the Last Post followed by the moving ceremony.
The dinner on Saturday night at the Sommerville Pavilion was very light hearted with Master of Ceremonies Mark Feinblum keeping us in stitches with his witty repartee. In these serious times the Toast to South Africa was characterised by light hearted banter, Eduard Murray dwelled on the challenges of organising a reunion from London and created mirth as he maintained that his superpower is being invisible and unknown. Mark Manley gave an insightful talk on the Boys High spirit and wondered what creates it. Mr Reeler added to Mark’s thoughts and came to the conclusion that it is the boys themselves. The evening ended with a Vote of Thanks by George Ellinas and a reading of those who have passed on over the forty years.
It was agreed by all that the lack of numbers at the reunion was made up in quality through the strong spirit of camaraderie and rekindled friendships. In true Old Boys’ tradition the night drew to a close at the Old Boys Club with the departure of the last nine “bittereinders” with the waking of the birds at 04:30.
– David du Buisson
CONVENOR
