PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

The big day dawned fair and mild with a light breeze stirring the air. The programme kicked off with the Class of 1955, some of them and their wives and partners, gathered at the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion between 08.00 and 09.00, from whence the school mini-bus ferried them in relays to the Solomon House front lawn.

There they received their name tags and had their first opportunity to greet one another. Recognition at first sight was as usual quite a challenge as physical change over the course of ten years and in some cases even more, can be quite dramatic. Fortunately the previously-mentioned name tags with bold print saved the day and soon thereafter conversation flowed effortlessly.

The first event of the day was an informal welcome by the master of ceremonies, Darryll Verwayen and an amusing briefing by the headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler, all of which was given on the Solomon House lawn. This was followed by a tour and leisurely stroll which the headmaster led down Main Drive to “Loch Armstrong” and then to the rugby and cricket fields. On the way he pointed out interesting topographical features and commented on the importance which the school placed on the preservation of the environment and its birds and wildlife.

A leisurely climb led us past the swimming pool where Terry Collard and his hose pipe were fondly recalled and Joe Leps, apropos, recounted an amusing story involving the infamous red rubber hose pipe with a kink in the middle. Joe had come all the way from London with his charming wife Avrille, to be with us.

Those who could not manage the walk were given the option to be taken on a tour of the excellent school museum and the school buildings, or alternatively the boarding houses with school perfects as their guides..

A highlight of the day was undoubtedly the presence of Danny Swart in our midst whom as we all know was the model for the Battiss statue on the top of the cupola.

The walk-about was followed by an excellent tea and eats at 11.00 in the Solomon House trophy hall, where the schools media centre had mounted an impressive display of school photographs dating back to 1955 and to the Reunions of Forty and Fifty years on.

Thereafter the open air School Assembly was held in front of the main building at 12.00. What was most impressive of the Assembly was the sudden and complete silence that descended on the gathering immediately as the headmaster and his guests appeared from the main entrance. Another sign of the discipline instilled in the boys by the prefects and staff.

he headmaster then dealt with school matters, sports results and awards and welcomed the Class of 1955. Rev (Dr.) John Tooke was then introduced and invited by the headmaster to take the podium for his address to the boys. John delivered a very deep and stirring address from which every boy could take home a profound message on human attitudinal behaviour, loyalty and resilience in the face of adversity.

This was followed by the school pipe band playing Highland Cathedral and a medley of traditional highland pieces. The singing of the Hymn “Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer” rekindled many memories. The Bible lesson was read by Peter Smith and finally the School song was sung – and I know that many a silent tear was shed. Mine was one of them.

For once these words hit home. Many of our class were no longer with us and sadly I think we all knew that it was very unlikely that we would ever meet again under similar circumstances and that the familiar refrain heralded the end of an era.

“Sixty years on, growing older and older.
Shorter in wind, as in memory long.
Feeble of foot, and rheumatic of shoulder
What will it help you if once you were strong?”

After the singing of the School Song group photographs were taken by stalwart Inge and then we all gravitated to the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion for drinks and lunch. On request the school provided a selection of attractive school supporter memorabilia which were displayed on tables adjacent to the dining tables and sold by one of the school mums who volunteered for the duty.

The school did us proud, led by the caterer Steffani Kruger and her helpers, who were dedicated to making the day a memorable one for us all. The tables were very attractively decorated in the school colours and with flower arrangements that toned in perfectly. Above all an excellent menu of appetising food was provided and those who had special dietary requirements were also looked after.

It was here that Darryll came into his own as master of ceremonies and acquitted himself very well indeed. Short speeches were made between the starter and the main course and then between the main and dessert. Tony Reeler once again had an opportunity to address then gathering where he emphasised the diversity that exists at the school but that all of this integrates extremely well within the school fabric where everyone is treated in the same way.

Expressing one’s thoughts on a 60th Reunion is easier said than done, given the many emotions that bombard one’s senses during the course of the day. Suffice to say that nostalgia at meeting old school friends and exploring old haunts assails one throughout the day’s proceedings. Pride wells up at every turn at what a wonderful educational institution Pretoria Boys High has continued to be. Finally, thankfulness at having had the opportunity to have been a part of what is most certainly the “best of the best” boys’ high schools to be found anywhere in the world – and it just keeps on getting better!

That said I have to pay tribute to our organising committee chairman Brian Stewart, for his unflagging dedication to the School and for accepting the challenge of organising the Reunion. He has not only been an
inspiration to Darryll Verwayen and me, but has been a friend of ours of many years standing. Suffice to say that this has not prevented him from being a hard task master, not only with respect to the job at hand, but also on himself. We have enjoyed working with him immensely and had lots of fun in the process.

The Reunion has been the culmination of a year’s work in trying to find Old Boys of our year who are still untraceable. This has been one of the most difficult things to do as many of our number have moved overseas and have not renewed their contact details. Repeated telephone calls have either not been answered, or have been answered by unknown persons in the US, Canada the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Many of these missing members were untraceable for the fiftieth reunion and have remained so for the sixtieth. It must therefore be presumed that they have either passed on or do not wish to be traced. There are a few local Old Boys in this category as well. Given that this is the very last reunion to be held, this task will no longer be pursued. Sadly, we know of at least forty two class members who have passed on over the years, thinning our numbers considerably.

Unreserved tribute has to be paid to the headmaster and staff of the School as well as to the Old Boys’ Association for their unflagging assistance in helping us to cobble this final Reunion together. Mr Clyde MacDonald, the deputy headmaster, gave us his full support in arranging the luncheon venue and bar facilities at the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion, as well as facilitating contact with the school’s media coordinator, the caterer and the clothing store’s memorabilia manager. His support and sound advice has been unflagging.

The efficient secretary and PRO of the Old Boys’ Association, Mrs. Inge Paulsen-Liddle, was a stalwart supporter of the Reunion and provided us with invaluable administrative guidance. She was also responsible for producing the attractive menus, printed name tags and photographic services on the day, as well as introducing us to key members of the school staff. The School’s pamphlet standardising the proceedings for the various reunions has also been an invaluable guide to us as organisers.
With a team like that in full support of our efforts it was relatively easy to put the final touches to a very memorable day. We were most grateful to all of them, as well as to the many unsung members of staff who rendered support behind the scenes. We offer all of them our heartfelt thanks.

The headmaster Mr Tony Reeler made an impression on all of us as a very affable and efficient person and one who is totally dedicated to the school. He stated the importance of inculcating the principles of discipline, respect and good manners in the boys, which he emphasized were absolutely non-negotiable. Observing the orderliness, neat uniforms and politeness of the boys, impressed on us that the School was on the right track, with Tony’s hand firmly on the helm. “Boys High!”

– Trevor Beddy 1955 (TOW)

BEHIND THE SCENES…

One of the wonderful things about Boys High is that there are always a number of helping hands nearby. This was exactly the case last Friday when the gazebos for the 60 Year on Reunion guests at Assembly, blew away. A number of boys came to the rescue and each holding a leg of the gazebo, carried it back to where it belonged in unison.

I approached them to render my deepest gratitude and noticed one of the boys was in the fountain – gallantly carrying one of the gazebo’s legs! When I asked if he fell in and if he was ok, he simply replied “I just carried on walking ma’am..”

What a true reflection of the dedication these boys have for the school and the Old Boys reunions!!

– Editor

OLD BOYS WEEKEND 2015

The Old Boys Golf Day and Dinner is taking place this coming weekend – Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2015. In an effort to accommodate all, last minute bookings are still accepted until Monday 1 June at 8:00am.

Old Boys who are travelling from around the country to attend and who 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 and Centurion. Please email info@pbhsob.com for more information.

FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2015
Founders’ Day Assembly

Old Boys are welcome to attend the Founders’ Day Assembly at Pretoria Boys High School wearing a jacket and tie. Tea will be served in the Media Centre at 08h30 and Old Boys may walk around the school thereafter. Assembly will start at 09h35 at the front of the school and will finish at 10h30.

OLD BOYS’ GOLF DAY 2015

This year the Annual Old Boys’ Golf Day will be held at the Pretoria Country Club and will be an open event. We look forward to welcoming ladies and gentlemen who are not Old Boys of Pretoria Boys High School to enjoy the day with us.

The Pretoria Country Club has recently hosted the Tshwane Open and has a history dating back to 1910.The golf course underwent a major re-design in 2004/2005 by the Gary Player Group and is currently rated in the Top 50 courses in the country.

There are wonderful sponsorship opportunities available for those who are interested and Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association Life Members will receive a Limited Edition Golf Towel.

DATE:	Friday 5 June 2015
VENUE:	Pretoria Country Club
COST:	R 900.00 pp | R 3600.00 per fourball
FORMAT:	4-Ball Alliance – 2 to count
PLAYERS:	Open Golf Day – All welcome
INCLUDES:	Greenfees | Halfway House | Prize Giving | Dinner
	PBHSOB Association Life Members receive a free Limited Edition Golf Towel
SPONSORSHIP:	R1500.00 Per Hole
CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOKING FORM>>

SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2015
Sport at Pretoria Boys High School

On Saturday 6 June 2015 Old Boys are invited to support the Pretoria Boys High School hockey and rugby teams as they compete against St Johns at Pretoria Boys High School during the day.

OLD BOYS’ DINNER 2015

This year we will be privileged to have Robin Jackman as our Guest Speaker at the 96th Annual Old Boys’ Dinner.

The evening will definitely be one to remember – Book now and come and enjoy an evening of camaraderie with your fellow Old Boys!

DATE:	Saturday, 6 June 2015
VENUE:	Central Dining Hall, Pretoria Boys High School
TIME:	18:30 for 19:00
DRESS CODE:	Black Tie or Lounge Suit
INCLUDES:	Welcome Drink | Three Course Dinner
ENTERTAINMENT:	Guest Speaker | Pretoria Boys High School Musical Item
COST:
PBHSOB Association Life Members:
Age 18 – 23 & 65+	R250.00
Other:	R300.00
Non PBHSOB Association Life Members:
R 500.00 – INCUDING LIFE MEMBERSHIP
CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOKING FORM
Need help completing PDF forms? Click here for a step-by-step tutorial

MANY THANKS TO GRAHAM BECK WINES AND BARDEN TYRE SERVICES WHO WILL EACH SPONSOR A HOLE AT THE OLD BOYS GOLF DAY ON 5 JUNE 2015.

Graham Beck Wines, one of South Africa’s leading family owned wine estates, purposefully endeavours to produce South Africa’s finest wines, to champion the development and progressive growth of its farming community and to be a leader in the restoration and ecological sustainability of the fragile South African ecosystem. Visit www.grahambeckwines.com for more information.

Barden is a Pretoria based tyre, product and services related fitment company with 50 years of experience behind us. We firmly believe that we are a premier tyre dealer and an innovative and progressive company with the desire to constantly improve our products and services. Visit www.barden.co.za for more information.

EUROPE INFORMAL DINNER 2015

There will be an Old Boys Informal Dinner on Saturday 6 June 2015 in Brussels, Belgium. All Old Boys in Europe are encouraged to attend and connect with other Old Boys abroad.

Address: Belga Queen, Rue fosse aux loups, 1000, Brussels

Bookings and more information: Gomsi Segabutle gsegabutle@gmail.com

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

News from the Mathematics Department:

These photographs were taken at the recent A Level Mathematics Exams! At Pretoria Boys High School we offer Advanced Programme Mathematics (IEB subject) as well as Cambridge A Level Mathematics. The registration fee for the AP Mathematics as well as for the Cambridge examinations, are paid in full by our school. Parents only pay for the sitting fee for the A Levels. At the end of 2014 six AP Form V Boys wrote the Cambridge A Level Mathematics examination for the first time and they all passed without additional preparation. This year we decided to start with the A Level examination process earlier in the year and 28 Boys from the AP Mathematics Form V group wrote their first (of four) papers on 6 May 2015.

On 20 May 2015 one of the tutor groups had a surprise. As part of our Social Outreach blanket drive, they were asked to divide into small groups and learn how to knit squares which will be sewn together into blankets.

DESMOND ABERNETHY HALL UPDATE

Building Report: Week ending 24 April 2015

The upper story of the new east wing has had cladding installed. Plastering has been completed on the tiered seating concrete steps in the upper level of the new west wing, the upper entrances to the gallery level (four in total), the alcoves on the ground floor and the music teaching room above the stage area and adjacent store rooms. The steel framework in the main gallery is being completed and drainage pipes have been laid under the hall floor. The concrete for the hall floor has been cast.

Building Report: Week ending 9 May 2015

The insulation cladding and roofing on east wing (upper level) is complete and the roofing on west wing is also complete with the last of the insulation cladding being installed.

Building Report: Week ending 22 May 2015

Memorial Quad:
The stone cladding of the Wall of Remembrance area including shrub boxes is complete. Steel uprights for the enclosure at the Wall of Remembrance installed. Cladding of the Wall of Remembrance completed. Staircase into quad now cast – still to be clad. Levelling of the quad complete in anticipation of paving.

Hendry Quad:
Preparation of foundations for steps below the retaining wall underway. Staircase on the eastern side of the retaining wall cast.
West Wing:
Roof and exterior cladding complete; guttering being installed.Ceiling frames installed.
East Wing:
Cladding still to be applied to exterior.Ceiling frames installed.
Music Rehearsal Room:
Electrical cables being installed. Ceiling panel frames in place.

OLD BOY NEWS

REID-ROSS IS FLYING HIGH

Justin Reid-Ross (2004) is an SA Hockey Player and Olympian, lives in Amsterdam and plays hockey for Amsterdam Club in the Heren Hoofdklasse League – the top hockey league in the world.

Earlier in the season he broke the record for the most goals scored in the Heren Hoofdklasse by a foreign player, in the history of the Hoofdklasse.

The season finished last weekend and Reid-Ross finished as the top goal scorer for the 2014/2015 season, a huge achievement for a South African, when he is playing amongst many top internationals from around the world, including from Holland.

The hockey blood and genes run deep in the family.

Justin’s dad, David Reid-Ross, was the SA goalie for 11 years and was rated as one of the top three goalies in the world in his day.

Justin’s uncle, Lindsay Reid-Ross, was an SA hockey player and was captain of the national team at one stage.

Justin also plays for the Ranchi Rays, one of the teams in the Hockey India League. In the team with him is the SA Captain, Austin Smith.

Amsterdam Hockey Club have made it through to the playoffs, finishing 3rd in the competition this season.

LETTERS

Dear Editor,

It was with much sadness that read about the passing of Paul Daniel [May his soul rest in Peace]. My deepest sympathies to all his family. It was pleasing to learn that both son and grandson shared the rare privilege of being at Boys High!

Paul and I were neighbours in Caledon Street, Standerton and he influenced me to go to Boys High-a rare privilege! I was at Rissik House-1941 to 1945 and Mr Pollock was my House Master-another rare privilege!

When I left school I was apprenticed to the other pharmacy in Standerton. In addition to being neighbours we also met regularly on the rugby field playing for the Standerton club. [Paul was much better than me!] I was very fond of his parents and his father used to call me “boetie”. We had good times together.

One school holiday Paul suggested that a mutual friend and I go to Volksrust to visit a mutual friend who lived there. The only way we could get there was by bicycle. On the way we met two Rissik House boys also cycling to Volksrust. They had spent the previous night at the Standerton police station where they slept in a cell – unlocked! Those days young travellers could get free lodging at a police station!!

I attach a photo of the Standerton rugby team taken in 1949. It’s not a good photo but much cherished by me. Paul Daniel is in the back row-extreme right and I am in front, extreme left.

I am still active in badminton [87 not out], playing for fun, helping with coaching of junior players and attending to all the numerous “odd jobs” in a vibrant club-including stringing rackets.

With Best wishes,
Most Sincerely,
Jeff Geffen, Ashdod, Israel (1945 – RIS)

IN MEMORIAM

Raymond George Rethman, 5 April 1944 – 3 April 2015

I knew Ray in the old days at school, although he was a year or so behind me, but our paths crossed in Durban and we both attended several local Old Boy Reunions (see attached photo of OB Lunch at Stokers 23 March 2012). He had also recently attended his 50th reunion at the school, and we shared how meaningful such an occasion had been to both of us. I have asked a very good and old friend of his to write a tribute to Ray, as he knew him far better than me, and which I would like to share with our school.
– Jack Dommisse (1955-1960, RIS)

I have been asked to write a few words about my old friend Ray Rethman who has just died at the age of 71 after battling with cancer over a number of years.

I met Ray in Pretoria in the 1950’s and whilst our school paths went separate ways with me going to CBC and Ray to Pretoria Boys High we developed a firm and lasting friendship of 60 years. Like all of us lucky enough to grow up in Pretoriain the 1950’s Ray had the advantage of growing up in a beautiful city with its freedom to cycle whenever and wherever he wanted, to enjoy a near perfect climate,to enjoy wonderful teenage years, and most importantly perhaps to attend a first rate school.

Ray came over to England in 1965 to adventure and work and during that time I was the best man at his wedding in London on the day England won the soccer world cup in 1966, a date neither of us was ever likely to forget.

Ray alighted on the passion that was to consume his working life and set out to become a chiropractor by going to study at the chiropractic college in Bournemouth, England. After qualifying he returned to SA and settled in Durban establishing a practice which he ran very successfully until his death. He became a hugely popular and much loved Durban chiropractor and a highly regarded member of the chiropractic community in SA, holding various offices within the SA Chiropractic Association.

Durban Royal Golf Club where Ray was an active member for many years flew their flag at half-mast on hearing that he had died, an indication of his club mates feelings towards him.

Ray leaves behind his wife Linda and their two children Scottie and Katy

Ray was…

A lovely warm and always affectionate man with a truly great sense of humour and a wonderful smile
A loving father who adored his family,
A hard working and determined professional man who always did things his way
A tough man who bore great pain and discomfort with great dignity in his later years
And a loyal and much loved friend who will be much missed by many.

Pretoria Boys High School can be very proud of Ray Rethman, his life has brought the school much credit and those of you who knew him during his school years where privileged to have known him and to have shared some of his life.

– Tribute by Howard Stirrup

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Peter Galloway (1962 RIS) 17 November 1944 – 30 April 2015

It is with sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of my brother Peter Galloway class of 1962.

He was all a father, husband, brother, farm boy, grandfather, plumber, uncle, doctor, environmentalist, father-in-law, gardener, worm farmer, fashion guru, story teller, horticultural consultant, handyman, humanitarian and comedian.