21 August 2015 & 22 August 2015
A full year of planning culminated in the absolutely fantastic events of the 30th reunion of the class of ’85 on Friday and Saturday, 21 and 22 of August 2015. Beautiful spring weather welcomed approximately 60 excited former classmates onto the Solomon house lawns from all over the world for morning tea. Most of the chaps although now largely possessed of a wrinkle or two more, a kilo or three more and significantly less hair were instantly recognizable. The formidable organisational support from the Old Boys’ Association and the school ensured that with their smart name tags in place old friendships were instantly renewed once the name and the face were in context. A small group of lovely ladies accompanied some of the luckier guys.
After an hour and a half of laughter and reminiscing the group were taken on a tour of the school grounds by the gracious headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler, who patiently guided the large group around and showed them all the changes of the last 30 years. Although much was familiar of course, especially for those here for the first time in 30 years, much has changed and of course improved. A tour of the new hall, media centre block to come and the beautiful school museum followed.
A memorable assembly for the group took place in the magnificent new school hall and the group had the privilege of being the first group to be welcomed to a special reunion assembly in the new hall. The singing and the sporting accomplishments of the school made many a chest swell up with pride, and the choir was a highlight. Mr Reeler addressed the group and in turn one of our comrades Glenn Jakins all the way from Utah in the USA addressed the school in a wonderful, warm and witty address.
Assembly was followed by a wonderful long lunch at the Cricket Pavilion where Steffani Kruger, the school caterer pulled the first of many gastronomic rabbits out of the hat with a simply delightful lunch. The pavilion positively shook with laughter and the good vibrations of a reunited brotherhood. The “boys” were privileged to be addressed by two of our icon teachers, Rita Bigalke and Chalky Sommerville. Several other very special teachers attended including Lilla Skinner, Jannie Biddulph, Peter Digby, Laurel Becker and Lorna Ferreira. A poignant last post with sherry and port up at the East Bell Tower was the appropriate end to an amazing day.
On the Saturday a larger group of 86 assembled in a perfect late afternoon smelling of damp earth and cut grass to watch the sun slowly slide down behind the silhouette of the trees around Hofmeyr Oval. The last few chaps who were unable to attend the previous days events excitedly reacquainted themselves with the friends of the past and took possession of their specially branded gift commemorative mugs.
This was truly a night to remember. The company was astonishing, the wit rapier sharp, the surprises were brow lifting and the sentiment and feelings were truly genuine. Beautiful toasts were offered by class mates, addresses made by the current headmaster and by Bill Schroeder past headmaster. Paul Anthony sang us a song that had tears rolling throughout the audience with his adaptation of Stings’ “Fields of Gold”.
The highlight of our evening undoubtedly though was a very moving speech by our fantastic head boy Cleave Gass who returned to the school for the first time in thirty years. Cleave had taken over as head boy following the tragic passing of head boy designate, Colin Du Plessis who died in a car accident the day before school begun. In these trying and difficult moments he took over a school bathed in grief and anguish, and in his gentle way he guided the school through a very difficult period. He came under fire from many quarters, but always remained true to himself and loyal to the school and I think that this was a moment so beautifully touched with pathos and humility that at once every person in the room realized what a wonderful job he had done under such difficult circumstances. I think the moment was one of those life defining moments of catharsis both for Cleave and for many of us, and to have him come from so far away to give us this special gift was truly wonderful.
A long and laughter filled evening followed, where boy after boy with the same refrain seemed to note that the school was even better now than when we were pupils. This was a source of great happiness and pride to us. The jolly company then moved to the Old Boys Club where a weary group of enthused classmates finally went home at 5am.
Thirty years seemed to have passed like the blink of an eye and the event was certainly, for me personally and I speak for the organising committee, a highlight of our lives. It was truly a perfect weekend in every sense of the word. The privilege of attending the best school in the world was brought home to us yet again but in a much more meaningful fashion as the mind of an adult is far more capable than the mind of a teenager to appreciate this – ah the irony!!!
The organising committee under the amazing wardship of David Manley was a joy to be on and we look forward to seeing you again in 10 years time.
– Fortunato Mazzone (1985 – SUN)
