25 August 2017 & 24 August 2017
Class of 1987 rocks!!!
It’s hard to believe that the 20 year reunion was 10 years ago! It felt like the other day that we had dinner at the communal dining room, and then progressed to Old Boys to watch the Springboks in the quarter-finals against England at the Rugby World Cup. In most cases this was the last time we had seen old friends from school, but it felt like yesterday! Yet one steadfast reality is that time doesn’t stand still and we have been out of school for 30 years, some of us have greyed significantly, some have lost all our hair and all of us are fast approaching 50!
After several committee meetings starting in August last year, which involved a very short administrative meeting followed by numerous drinks and good food, the 25th August 2017 dawned and we met on the Solomon House lawns for tea and biscuits and the start of an unforgettable weekend of meeting old friends. The biggest chuckle was seeing Jannie Biddulph greet certain Old Boys, who did not recognize him and wondered where he came from. He has defied time and still looks the same as he did 30 years ago.
After tea, the Deputy Headmaster, John Illsley, led us on a thoroughly informative walk through the school grounds and we caught up on the latest developments and improvements to the school. This was followed by a visit to the school museum, more tea and eats at the very impressive media centre and then the special Friday Assembly for the class of 1987. Despite his nerves and trepidation, Neil Rom, gave a wonderful speech at assembly, providing sound advice and insights into the positive role that Boys High had in his life and career.
We then made our way to the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion, for a lunch with our spouses and partners. One of the legends from 1987, Andre (Cassie) Van Zyl gave a passionate and humorous toast to the Masters. Clearly he had missed his calling and could have taken up public speaking. A new tradition that we had not yet seen, was the playing of the Last Post at 17h30 in front of the School. This was especially moving and we were all overly emotional after the lunch!!
The main event of the weekend was the stag dinner on Saturday evening. We again met at the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion, some of us dressed in suits we had last worn at our weddings. The overriding memory of the evening was the camaraderie and spirit at the dinner. Passionate speeches, a rousing rendition of 40 Years On and genuine discussions and memories of the good old times were the order of the evening. Time flew by and before midnight most of the Boys (Men!) made their way to the Old Boys Club, which stays open especially for these reunions until the early hours of the morning.
At around 04h00, I made my way home (via Uber!!) and was flabbergasted to leave behind at least 20 guys, some of whom went from the club straight to breakfast!
I’m sure I speak for everyone at the reunion, that the whole weekend exceeded all our expectations. The culture of the school, the manners of the school boys and the general standard of the school and facilities were amazing and it gives one confidence and hope that these boys one day will be the leaders and the future of our country.
Till the 40 years on reunion in 2027!
Donald Weir
Class of 1987
