19 August 2016 & 20 August 2016
An updating of the database for the class of ’86 and a number of meetings of the team organising with about six to eight months of planning culminated in the absolutely fantastic events for the two-day 30th reunion of the class of ’86 held on Friday and Saturday, 19 and 20 of August 2016.
A lovely near spring day welcomed approximately 60 excited former classmates onto the Solomon house lawns from all over the world [including – New Zealand, Australia, the UK and USA] for coffee, tea and rusks. Most of the okes were instantly recognisable, but the name tags provided by the Old Boys’ Association assisted in us better identifying those we had not seen in ten years or more. There were those in our class that were back at their old school for the first time in 30 years. There was less hair than on show during the eighties as epitomised by the class photo of 5C, a few pounds more, but renewed friendships as though we had seen each other yesterday. The formidable organisational support from the Old Boys’ Association and the school should be commended as this has most definitely improved since our previous reunion. A small group of partners accompanied their husbands to check out their old haunts and experience a day at Pretoria Boys’ High.
After an hour and a half of recognition, reminiscing and catching up the group was led on a walking tour of the school grounds by the engaging headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler, who patiently guided the large group around pointing out to them all the changes that had occurred during the last 30 years. Although much was familiar of course, especially for those here with sons at the school or who live close by. There were, however, many more improvements for those back for the first time in three decades. The overall opinion was that these improvements made the school better than in our day. Guided tours of the three hostels were offered followed by a visit to the informative school museum housed in what we had known as the library during our school days.
Tea was held in the newly opened Bill Schroder Media centre and there was time for a look around this truly fantastic addition prior to a memorable assembly for the group which took place in the magnificent redeveloped school hall. The singing of choir was a highlight, the Inter-house athletics results, Science Expo and English Olympiad results of boys made many a chest swell up with pride. Mr Reeler addressed the group setting the scene with what had occurred whilst we had been at Boys’ High and in turn one of our classmates, Steven Davis, who has a son like him in School House, addressed the school in a challenging, encouraging and witty address. He ended it by giving us each ‘homework’ to go and watch a Youtube video.
Assembly was followed by a wonderful long lunch at the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion where Steffani Kruger, the school caterer filled many hungry tummies with a simply delightful lunch. The pavilion positively shook with laughter as many a tale was shared of a reunited brotherhood. We were privileged to have several dignatories present – Bill Schroder, John Illsley, Keith Gibbs and Tony Wilkes along with special teachers in attendance including Paul Sommerville [Chalkie], Rita Bigalke, Lilla Coetzee, Peter Digby, Alan O’Brien and Lorna Ferreira. A poignant last post with sherry and port up at the West Bell Tower was the appropriate end to an amazing day.
On the Saturday a similar-sized group to the lunch assembled after watching a close match between Argentina and the Springboks arriving at dusk to the Sommerville Pavilion. The okes who were unable to attend the previous days events excitedly reacquainted themselves with the friends of the past and further reminisced before the evenings proceedings got under way.
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. Heartfelt toasts were offered by classmates to South Africa, absent friends, masters and lady teachers and the School where there have been changes and aspects that remain unchanged. There was an address made by the current headmaster Tony Reeler and, in between, much eating, drinking and enjoyment. Thanks was said to all involved and a few personal things shared before the singing of 40 Years On.
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 a dozen or so enthused classmates finally went home at 5:30 am
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 – for ’tis here we learned to live.
The hardworking organising committee was a joy to serve on together with Ed Loubser, Andrew Agocs, Mark van Diggelen, Peter McLachlan and Peter Pienaar where each went beyond the call to make this a very memorable occasion. We look forward to seeing those who were here again and those who were unable to there at our 40th Reunion in 10 years time where the words of the song will take on that much more meaning.
– Charles Gibbs (1986 – TOW)
