PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

We are delighted to announce that The Honourable Judge Edwin Cameron will be the Guest Speaker at the 98th Annual Old Boys Dinner this year. The Annual Dinner will be held on Saturday, 3 June 2017 in the Abernethy Hall at Pretoria Boys High School.

Edwin Cameron has been a Justice of South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, since 1 January 2009. He matriculated at Pretoria Boys’ High School in 1970, and went to university at Stellenbosch and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar and won the top academic awards and prizes.

During apartheid he was a human rights lawyer. President Mandela appointed him a judge in 1994. Before the Constitutional Court, he was a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal for eight years, and a Judge of the High Court for six.

He was an outspoken critic of President Mbeki’s AIDS-denialist policies. His prize-winning memoir, Witness to AIDS, has been published in South Africa, the UK, the US and in translation in Germany and in China.

He chaired the governing council of the University of the Witwatersrand for more than ten years (1998-2008), and remains involved in many charitable and public causes.

His latest book, Justice: A Personal Account (2014) won the South African Literary Award for creative non-fiction. It will shortly appear in Korean.

He has received many honours for his work, including a special award by the Bar of England and Wales for his ‘contribution to international jurisprudence and the protection of human rights’ (2002).

He is an honorary fellow of Keble College, Oxford (2003), and an honorary bencher of the Middle Temple, London (2008).

He holds honorary doctorates from King’s College London (2008), University of the Witwatersrand (2009), Oxford (2011), St Andrews (2012) and Sussex (2016).

DATE:	Saturday, 3 June 2017
VENUE:	Abernethy Hall, Pretoria Boys High School
TIME:	18:30 for 19:00
DRESS CODE:	Black Tie or Lounge Suit
INCLUDES:	Three Course Dinner
ENTERTAINMENT:	Guest Speaker – Judge Edwin Cameron Pretoria Boys High School Musical Item
COST:
Age 18 – 23 & 65+	R 380.00
Other:	R 480.00

Click here to make a booking or visit the PBHSOB Association Website for more information

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association Annual General Meeting will take place on 17th of May 2017 at the Pretoria High School Old Boys’ Club, Hofmeyr Park, Lynnwood at 18:00.

We would like to encourage all Old Boys and PBHSOB Association Members to attend the evening and use the AGM as a platform to have a say and voice opinions.

If you are unable to attend, please complete a proxy form allowing another PBHSOB Association Member to vote on your behalf – click here to download the proxy form.

Kindly return the completed form to info@pbhsob.com as soon as possible. The cut-off time for returned proxy forms and apologies is 13:00 on 16 May 2017.

Click here to read the 2016 Chairman’s report.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association will be held at the Pretoria High School Old Boys Club, Hofmeyr Park, Lynnwood, Pretoria on Wednesday the 17th of May 2017 at 18:00.

Agenda

1. Notice convening the meeting
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 18 May 2016
4. Matters Arising from the minutes
5. Annual Report
6. Financial Reports and Balance Sheet
7. Resolutions

a. All other acts and things performed by the Directors on behalf of the Association during the past year are hereby confirmed.
b. Such others of which notice may be given
Note: Resolutions must be submitted in writing and must reach the Hon. Secretary seven days before the meeting.

8. Election of the Directors and Office Bearers for the ensuing year
9. Appointment of the Auditors and fixing of their remuneration
10. General

Date: 17 May 2017 | Time: 18:00
Address: 378 Queen Crescent, Lynnwood, Pretoria.

FOUNDERS’ DAY ASSEMBLY

Old Boys are invited to attend assembly at Pretoria Boys High School on Friday, 3 June 2017 at 9:00. Old Boys who will be attending are requested to please wear a jacket and tie and RSVP to the school at pr@boyshigh.com. Tea will be served afterwards.

If you would like to purchase an Old Boys’ Tie please click here >>

PBHS FOUNDERS’ DAY GOLF DAY

Pretoria Boys High School will be hosting its inaugural Founders’ Day Golf Day at the Waterkloof Golf Club on Friday, 2 June 2017, and we would like to invite all Old Boys, parents and friends of the school to join us.

Date:	Friday 2 June 2017
Time:	Registration 10:00am – 11:00am
Tee off:	11:30 (Shotgun start)
Venue:	Waterkloof Golf Club, Johann Rissik Drive, Waterkloof
Format:	4 ball alliance – 2 scores to count
Registration Fee:	Students (up to 23 years) R400 per person
	Pensioners R400 per person
	Other R600 per person
	Includes green fees, halfway house voucher and snacks at prize giving.

Click here for 4 ball registrations and payments (incl golf carts or caddies)

We are hoping to secure many sponsors and prizes for the event, so you can be assured of an excellent day out and loads of fun whilst contributing to the continued improvement of facilities at Pretoria Boys High School. We have also secured one of our most esteemed Old Boys, Mr. John Smit, as our guest of honour.

The success of such an event is as a result of the involvement of both players and sponsors and we would also like to offer your business the opportunity to be involved by either sponsoring a hole on the golf course at a cost of R 2 000-00, or donating prizes for goody bags. Should you decide to sponsor a hole, you will be able to erect your company’s branding at the sponsored area as well as hold active promotions of your products throughout the day.

We are excited at the prospect of your involvement in our golf day. Any queries can be directed to our Public Relations Officer, Jamie-Lee Fisher on pr@boyshigh.com

Yours sincerely
AD Reeler
HEADMASTER

Old Boys who are travelling from around the country to attend and are in need of accommodation will be pleased to know that reduced rates for Old Boys over this weekend have been arranged at a number of establishments in Tshwane.

Please email info@pbhsob.com for more information.

SIXTY-SIXERS AND FRIENDS

Sixty-Sixers and Friends at Lunch (March 2017)

Front Row: (L-R) Andrew Vos, Mike Stegmann, Dick Nieuwstad, Bill Forbes, Alistair Brande.
Back Row: (L-R) Brian Beckwith, Keith Tindale, Leon Kok (1964), Sasha Forbes (2017), Roy McAllister, Owen Frisby

A LOOK BACK..

I spent the years 1959 – 1963 as a boarder in School House. As I remember, there were two major building operations in our time. Shortly after arriving in 1959, the zinc roofs were replaced on all the boarding houses, and perhaps some of the school buildings as well. School House at that time had some very enterprising inmates, and I use the word specifically, for that they might have been! As you no doubt know, in the “old days” lead washers were used to seal and waterproof the hole in the zinc made by the nails, not these alloy and plastic jobs of today.

Recognising the value of these lead washers on the open market, a group of matrics rapidly formed a syndicate, mobilised some cheap labour (us new boys) and within days anything that was a lead washer had disappeared. For a few days, smoke was seen rising from the thickest bush of the School House koppie and a number of enormous lead ingots were produced which were duely sold at a handsome profit (for the matrics only, of course)!

Some of the new-boys had to explain later to their mothers why their tuck cake tins were in such a bad shape, but as far as I know, no-one suffered any ill effects from lead poisoning! This business venture nearly resulted in serious consequences for the entrepreneurs because the contractors were going to recycle the lead washers! However, that was not the end of the lead business. I suspect the syndicate had got used to a higher standard of living and were loath to leave the business, even with the threat of a lawsuit hanging over them. Again, it was us new-boys who were mustered to sieve the shooting range until every last spent .22 bullet was in the cake tin for smelting!

The next major building operation was the construction of the new school hall. I am not sure when exactly building started, 1962 or 1963, but the hall was not ready for our Valediction. I seem to remember another scam related to these operations, again involving School House matrics and aluminium foil. It was a very hush-hush affair, also nearly ending with serious consequences for the major shareholders (I was not one of them!), but I don’t believe it was nearly as profitable as the lead business.

– Robert J Dowdeswell
Taken from The Pretorian 1987

LETTERS

I am the grandson of ex headmaster, Desmond Abernethy. I wanted to give a brief update on the family of ‘the Krummeck’s’, namely Mrs Valerie Krummeck who is the daughter of Desmond Abernethy, ex headmaster of PBHS, often remembered as ‘the boss’ by pupils under his tenure.

My Mom, Valerie, now 81 years old, lives in Umhlanga with my father Trevor Krummeck (77 years old). They enjoy daily sea views from a lovely unit on the beachfront. I also live in Umhlanga and teach karate fulltime; inspired of course by the wonderful Sensei Eddie Dorey who taught me both karate and Afrikaans at PBHS from age 15. My elder brother Kevin Krummeck lives in Margate KZN and owns ‘the Village Tavern’, a popular local pub. Kev has two stunning children, Kyle aged 27 yrs and Skye aged 25 yrs. My younger brother Craig Krummeck tragically died two years ago leaving his wife Tanja and his two beautiful children, Luca (14 yrs) and Mila (11 yrs). We all miss Craigy terribly. All three brothers went to PBHS and boarded at School House.

In closing, I must remember my Grandfather as the person he was. I am not sure of the memories the pupils under him had, but after chatting to many, I have yet to hear a bad word on the character of Desmond Abernethy. The way I knew him can be summed up in a few words: ‘knowledge speaks; wisdom listens’. In my priveledged years of having him as a grandparent, he would sit at our family gatherings with a beautiful smile of contentment, just observing. He was always quick to listen and slow to speak… but when he did speak… I listened, because I knew that when he opened his mouth, wisdom would flow!

From Derek Krummeck
Proud grandson of Desmond Abernethy
Umhlanga

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

The annual Inter-House Play Festival will take place in the Abernethy Hall from the 9th to the 11th of May 2017.

The following houses will be performing on each night:

Tuesday 9th May – Hofmeyr, Abernethy and Rissik
Wednesday 10th May – School, Matheson, Town and Arcadia
Thursday 11th May – Sunnyside, Solomon and Armstrong

Tickets are now available and can be purchased through the Tixsa online ticketing system by clicking here

The Pretoria Boys High School Basketball Team won the Durban High School festival by beating the hosts (DHS) in the final 61-58. Well done to the boys and the coaches!

The Pretoria Boys High School Hockey 1st Team drew with Clifton 1-1 and ended the Saints Easter Festival unbeaten. Well done to the boys and coaches!

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

LOWVELD BRANCH DINNER

The Lowveld Branch of the PBHSOB Association invites all Old Boys in the area to attend an informal dinner on Friday 12 May 2017.

The Headmaster Mr. Tony Reeler will travel from Pretoria to attend the dinner. We look forward to sharing the evening with you.

Venue: Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria, Baghdad Centre, White River
Date: 12 May 2017
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Dress Code: Smart-Casual
RSVP: Kuen Pappas, 083 256 6591 | kuen@halls.co.za

Please note that the venue has changed in order to accommodate more Old Boys.

EASTERN CAPE BRANCH

Old Boys in the area are invited to attend the 11th Annual Eastern Cape Branch Dinner.

Date: Friday 19 May 2017
Time: 18.30 for 19.30
Venue: Kelway Hotel, Humewood, Port Elizabeth
Cost: R200.00 per person | Students – R150.00
Dress Code: Jacket and Old Boys Tie
Cash Bar Available

The Headmaster Mr. Tony Reeler will travel from Pretoria to attend the dinner. We look forward to sharing the evening with you. For more information and bookings, please contact Mark Muttitt: 064 616 7681 | mark@spectrumgroup.co.za

CAPE TOWN BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER

The Cape Town Branch of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association will hold its Annual Function on Tuesday 30 May 2017 at Rondebosch Golf Club.

The Headmaster Mr. Tony Reeler will travel from Pretoria for the dinner. Jacket and tie would be appropriate. A stag dinner has been organised at a cost of the dinner will be R175.00, payable before by EFT.

Your assistance in contacting some of your old schoolmates and encouraging them to attend will ensure an enjoyable evening amongst your old school friends.

Cost: R175.00 per person
Drinks: For your own account
Dress Code: Jacket & Tie
Time: 19:00

Account Details:
Name: Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association CT
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Constantia. Code: 250148
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 62216338641
Reference: Surname & Last Year at School

Please send RSVP and send a copy of bank EFT by e-mail to mark@gleeson.com

ANNUAL TEACHER AWARDS

FAREWELL

Mr McKillop, Mr Jandrell, Mr Stoffberg, Mr Collard, Mr Murcott, Mrs Geyer, Mr Greeff

At the end of the year, the school lost an unforgettable portion of its life-blood, in the form of six masters and one mistress. Never before had the school lost so many valuable teachers at the end of one year. As master-of-ceremonies to this valediction, Dalling called upon Mr McKillop to speak first.

In his abrupt, Scots tones, Mr McKillop told us that the four years which he had spent at Pretoria Boys High could never be equalled anywhere else. This easy-going, popular Art Master will long be remembered for the intense and efficient way in which he helped in the production of school operas – whether in the capacity of stage manager or set director. During the course of his speech, he mentioned that the outstanding quality of the boys of this school, and the quality that he admired the most was that they were men. And for boys to be real men was the mark of a fine school.

Amid the applause which greeted Mr McKillop’s speech, Mr Theo Jandrell rose. We were indeed sorry to see this likeable English and Latin Master go. Mr Jandrell was always surrounded with school activities – whether he was organising a play, helping with an opera or putting up Masters’ League Cricket notices. He thanked the boys for the happy time he had spent at the school. He recalled the mysterious manner in which the prefects had come round to his classroom demanding money for the leaving Masters, and how well this had been concealed from him. He thanked us for his gift and sat down to a loud applause.

Next to speak was Mr Pierre Stoffberg. After just a short stay at Boys’ High this indefatigable master decided that he would enter the staff of Afrikaans Hoërskool, of which he himself is an Old Boy. We were very sad to see this excellent Mathematics Master leave us after such a short spell. The speech he delivered was very short and to the point: “I have enjoyed playing games with you and working with you. Thank you very much for the co-operation that I received from … some of you. Forgive me if I have been rather harsh with you regarding your homework but, believe me, it was only to introduce you to the beauty of Mathematics. Thank you very much for your gift.”

When the clapping had died down, Mr Terry Collard walked to the table in the centre of the stage – or rather hopped, for in fact, Mr Collard’s left leg was encased in plaster. After periods in the United States, as a Pretoria Swimming Coach and for a memorable length of time as P.T. Master at the school, Mr Collard decided to make Umtali, Rhodesia, his home. In his speech Mr Collard expressed the wish that if ever a scholar or master from Boys’ High happened to be passing through Umtali, he should drop in on Mr Collard, where he would be warmly welcomed. Amidst rousing applause Mr Collard hobbled back to his seat.

Mr Hugh Murcott, was next to speak. He left the school with the reputation of being the perfect Latin Master. It was rumoured that he even read ‘Caesar’ for pleasure. In his speech, he explained that he had a great love for the school, as he had been one of four brothers who had all attended Boy’s High. He also added that, if possible, he was going to send his two sons here as well. In conclusion, he thanked the school for their gift to him.

Mr Murcott’s sincere speech was greeted with a burst of applause, which only died down when Mrs Geyer stepped up to the table. After only a year here, Mrs Geyer left us with, we hope, some very pleasant memories. Only the Junior forms got to know Mrs Geyer, but in the short space of twelve months she was respected and popular. As a conclusion to her short delivery, she dropped the following pearls: “I have enjoyed my stay here very much. This is because I like boys: little boys, bigger boys and, I must admit it – even the very big ones too.”

The last to speak was Mr Theo Greeff. He left us to return to the Cape, to teach in a High School in Oudtshoorn. This Afrikaans Master, whose school career was sky-rocketed to fame one day when he uttered the famous words: “Good Grief!” to some unfortunate Form One, excelled himself in the fields of rugby and cricket – a game to which he has only recently been introduced. In a few well-chosen words he thanked us for the courtesy we had shown towards him and for his parting gift.

After the deafening applause which followed and which embraced all the seven teachers leaving, assembly proceeded as usual. But all of us sitting in the old hall were very much aware of the irreplaceable loss which the School was about to suffer. We, too, felt we would never forget these completely different, yet very likeable members of the teaching profession.

– Compiled by JW Price, Form 4B
Taken from The Pretorian 1957

IN MEMORIAM

MICHAEL GROENEWALD (1952)