7 November 2015
The reunion for the class of 1995 was held at the school on Saturday the 7th of November. But the festivities had already started the day before at the Swartkops golf course, where five four-balls played a very social round of golf. While many of our peers were making their way into town on Friday, different little informal gatherings were formed and old friendships were rekindled.
On Saturday afternoon, some of the group met for a light lunch under the trees at the old boys’ club, and there was an unsuccessful attempt at a game of touch rugby. The lads made their way across to the school grounds and like we did for the first time in 1991, we once again met in the front of the main building at the fishpond.
Mr John Illsely welcomed the group, and he proceeded to give a tour of the new hall. The chaps then strolled through the memorial quad, and some visited the school museum, before making their way down the cricket pavilion for dinner.
Andrew Tucker took over the MC duties for the evening and his execution was suave and efficient. Duncan Boustead respectfully helped us to remember those who were unable to attend as well as our peers and educators who had passed on.
The renowned wild life photographer, Greg Du Toit delivered a sterling toast to South Africa, while Jimmy Eracleous, humorously reminded the class of our time at the school.
Mr Reeler proceeded to update the group on the current status of the school, and confidently the realization was made that all is well at the helm. Ian Williams then gave thanks to those involved with arranging the evening.
First up on the open microphone was Mr Schroder, who was well received by an upstanding group. A special connection was made between the class of 1995 and Mr Schroder, as the group was the first official intake during his term as principal.
Some messages were read out from guys who were unable to attend and the emotional singing of “40 Years On” brought dinner to a close.
The festivities lasted into the early hours of the Sunday morning at the Old Boys’ Club as the chaps continued to catch up with old friends.
The evening overall was both emotional and humorous. Many old friendships were rekindled and countless memories were shared. I am confident to say that the reunion was a huge success and I definitely believe the occasion can be labelled as a memorable one.
To sum up the evening I leave you with a paragraph from the “toast to school” on the evening:
“Whatever you may be going through, I sense a common desire that we are all feeling to reconnect with each other. Somehow we understand the need to put aside our personal setbacks, and to gather in a common place, non-judgementally, a place that takes us back to the happiest time in our lives. This meeting is long overdue and a healthy dose for the soul.”
– Jimmy Eracleous, Class of 1995
