27 July 2018 & 28 July 2018
Reunions are funny things, both peculiar and really entertaining. This year’s 20 Year On for the class of 1998 was no different. Having been at the 10 years on a decade ago and having enjoyed it thoroughly, I thought the 20 year would not be able to beat it. However, it completely smashed it and was hands down the best one yet. We all met prior to Friday Assembly on the lawns next to the fountain, with a flood of nostalgia and respect rekindled. Everyone has those fears of seeing people you are no longer in touch with – but recognise – and have no clue what their names are. It was the ice breaker that set up the whole weekend.
The school showed off spectacularly. The infrastructure is impeccable. Friday Assembly’s proudest offering was that it had not changed in 20 years. It was well balanced, heartfelt and traditional, with a well cultivated cheekiness that brought back very fond memories. It was as we had hoped it would be. There is something humbling and reassuring when seeing potential that Boys High is offering South Africa.
We had a very enjoyable golf day which allowed everyone the ability to get back in touch. As a poor golfer, it is glaringly obvious that golf has nothing to do with the actual playing of golf. The afternoon allowed everyone to slip back into adolescence effortlessly. We spent the Friday evening after the golf at the Old Boys Club and although we had envisioned a family evening, it was a more social pre-beer reuniting old friends and catching up – it was thoroughly enjoyable. Saturday’s home sports fixture was an opportunity most guys took to have a walk around the school. Some very proudly offering tours to family and friends, others quietly reflecting.
Saturday evening’s black tie dinner was the reason everyone made the effort. Some needed a little more effort to get into their suits than others. The food was great, the company was exceptional. Seeing the Masters was as much a treat as seeing old friends. Grace was gracefully delivered by Brad Gold. Andrew McKeaveney passionately toasted South Africa, paying particular attention to all our hard fought human rights. David Hedding delivered his Absent Friends speech with compassion and reverence. Between the serious stuff we were entertained by our cheeky MC in Gareth Gilbert, who controlled the mood of the evening brilliantly. Stories, stats and forgotten memories of 20 years ago were comprehensively brought back to life by Bruce Van Wyk in his toast to the school. His speech reflected the diverse group of men in the room, touching social, cultural, academic and sporting achievements from 20 years ago. We heard reassuringly from the boss about what is going on, and what is being planned. Boys High is in good hands. It was an evening that celebrated the past. It did so in a very familiar and very impressive present.
It was a weekend filled with seeing different people, catching up and reminiscing. It was a very special weekend, made all the more special by how much effort the school put in. That effort was appreciated and matched by Old Boys, some flying in from around the world and country. Boys High is a special place. Made special by the people that cherish it. Having that many people together that care about something is special in itself. If you ever get the opportunity to go to one of your reunions, take it. It is one of those rare events that offers much more out than you put in. It is very much like Boys’ High that way.
– Trevor Bannatyne
CONVENOR
Class of 1998 Golf Day
The sunny winter weather and Waterkloof Golf Club presented the Old Boys with a perfect environment and setting for the 1998 20 year on reunion golf day. There was keen interest leading up to event resulting in an excellent turnout of 32 “golfers”. A great mix of boarders, dayboys, sportsman, cultured folk and academics participated with most eyeing out the trophy on offer and desperately wanting to avoid the dreaded prize for longest day.
The atmosphere was festive pre tee-off with everyone reconnecting and keeping very well “hydrated”. Out on the course, there were clearly some players who have spent more time playing golf than being in the office over the last 20 years. On the flipside there were some very dangerous looking swings and numerous shanks putting players all over the course at risk of death. The golf was played in good spirit and everyone looked very relaxed enjoying their time spent with friends.
An informal (yet jovial) prize-giving was held in the bar area post golf from which point the bulk of the players headed off to the Old Boys Club for the family braai. A special mention to Gary Sternberg and Andrew Hannay for winning the day. Well done gents!
– Andrew McKeaveney (1998)
