PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

OLD BOYS’ WEEKEND 2017

Dear Old Boy

The 98th Annual Old Boys’ Dinner will be held on Saturday, 3 June 2017 in the Abernethy Hall at Pretoria Boys High School.

We are privileged to have the Honourable Judge Edwin Cameron as the Guest Speaker at the Dinner this year.

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.

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

Old Boy and former Springbok Captain John Smit (1996) will propose the Toast to South Africa at the 98th Annual Old Boys Dinner on Saturday, 3 June 2017.

Former chief executive officer of the Sharks, John was the 50th captain of the South Africa national rugby union team, and led the team to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He played most of his senior career as a hooker, but also won 13 caps as a prop, where he had also played for South Africa’s under-21 team. He retired from international rugby following the 2011 Rugby World Cup as the most-capped South African player ever, with 111 appearances.

PLEASE NOTE:
Bookings close on Monday 29 May 2017 at 12:00 – Don’t miss out!
Unfortunately NO late bookings / unreserved arrivals on the day can be accepted.

FOUNDERS’ DAY ASSEMBLY

Old Boys are invited to attend assembly at Pretoria Boys High School on Friday, 2 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.

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 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 any of these events 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.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association was held at the Pretoria High School Old Boys’ Club, Hofmeyr Park, Lynnwood, Pretoria on Wednesday the 17th of May 2017.

The following Directors & Office Bearers have been appointed for 2017/2018:

Mr Thomas Rundle (Chairman)
Mr James Lourens (Vice-Chairman)
Mr Jason Webber (Hon. Treasurer)
Mr Geoff Meyer
Mr Mike Von Bardeleben
Mr Glen Corlett
Mr Mike Carnie
Mr Eddie Penzhorn
Mr Memos Kavallineas
Mr Karabo Matang
Mr Rodney Bench
Mr Tony Reeler (Co-opted)

Click here to read the 2017 Chairman’s report.

LOOKING BACK

Lying in bed at night, with the soft and pleasant spatter of falling rain in my ears and the refreshing smell of moist earth all around, my mind often drifts from its common groove of thought. While the wind howls overhead and the whirling oak leaves are washed onto the window panes, I hear, striking faintly in the distance, a clock, and my thoughts involuntarily flow back to that happy morning in January when I first entered the gates of this School. My father was still alive then, and my sole comforter, as I hesitantly made my way into the School building.

Now, after five years, I am able to look back and call to mind many pleasant incidents. I see myself as a small and frightened schoolboy having to carry another boy’s schoolbag as part of my initiation; and then again, bringing home my first cycle card. I see the glistening blue waters of the swimming bath as it nestles among the nodding pines, and I listen nostalgically for the ripple of water. Behind Rissik House the kopje with its thick bushes comes to mind. Overhead the bees drone and the yellow lemons glisten brightly on the trees. From somewhere within the School, comes the sound of a lone bugle and the notes rise and fall like a frivolous spirit darting along the dim corridors.

It is Remembrance Day. Slowly the Headmaster reads the list of boys who gave their lives in the two World Wars. Heads are bowed, a pigeon moves uneasily on the roof of the School, its nails scratching hollowly on the iron, and above the solemn group of boys an aeroplane drones drowsily in the blue heavens.

Once more, it is the day of the Final Cadet parade. The kettle-drum throbs, buckles gleam and endless lines of khaki-clad cadets stand motionless while they are being inspected. The Drum-major marches past, resplendent in his immaculate uniform, while on all sides, proud mothers try to catch a glimpse of their sons.

The School dance comes – and goes. The whirling couples move merrily under the multi-coloured streamers across the roof of the Hall – young boys and girls, all too soon to become men and women and to be precipitated into the world. The lights are dimmed and partners are left with visions of ruby lips and glistening eyes, here and there a kiss is stolen and the words of a refrain are heard. Overhead the school badge stands, a witness of so many similar scenes.

Just before the final examinations are written, the School waves farewell to its matric candidates at the Valedictory Ceremony. With the words of “Forty Years On” ringing in their ears, parents and pupils filter out of the Hall, many of the older people no doubt recalling their own cherished memories of their schooldays. Slowly my thoughts become dimmer. I turn over and while waiting for the charm of sleep, I realise that it is memories like these that make life worth living.

-Mance, Form V D (The Pretorian 1957)

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

LOWVELD BRANCH DINNER

The Lowveld Branch Dinner had a fantastic turn-out of 32 Old Boys as well as Mr. Sommerville and Mr. Reeler. There was a tremendous spread of young and old. The oldest Old Boy there was Andrew McQueen, who matriculated in 1951! The youngest was Gareth Shaw, 2014. As expected, the majority of the Lowveld fraternity were boarders, with Rissik house leading the pack, followed by School then Solomon house.

The evening kicked-off a little later than planned due to an uncharacteristic, yet very welcomed early winter thunderstorm in the Lowveld. The golfers all arrived a little shaken after the drive from Highland Gate but this, like the storm, did not last long.

Mr. Reeler gave his well-received update which was followed by a few toasts and a great Mexican feast thanks to John Davies and Picasso’s in White River. As the evening progressed, tales of great Boys High memories, told many times over, were exchanged to the delight of all.

The evening was enjoyed by all and it was unanimously agreed that the Annual Lowveld Old Boys’ Dinner, would be a certainty in the calendar for years to come.

– Kuen Pappas

EASTERN CAPE BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER

The 11th Annual Dinner was held on Friday night and it was a sad evening due to the loss of Vaughan Abernethy.

Craig Williams, Anthony Marks and myself enjoyed a round golf with Mr Reeler before heading off to the dinner.

Our guests where Mr Reeler and Canon Roy Snyman.

Peter Hollely and his wife Dee travelled from Knysna, Craig Williams from Plettenberg Bay and Glenn and Anne McCreath from Bathurst.

Once all were welcome Canon Snyman said grace and we all enjoyed dinner.

I proposed a Toast to The School and to Vaughan Abernethy.

Once again it was great to have Mr Reeler with us on his seventh visit to Port Elizabeth, where he informed us of the school’s excellent academic results and all the other various sporting achievements and Mr Reeler outlined his new challenges ahead and we certainly wish him well and look forward to updates next year.

The Kelway Hotel did us proud and provided excellent food.

Although the turnout was not as good as previous years, we all enjoyed an amazing evening and the Traditional “One for the road” was enjoyed in the Pub upstairs.

– Mark Muttitt

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

‘LOOKS’ ON CIVVIES DAY

The Boarder Look
This look has existed for centuries and there is no reason to believe it won’t for many more to come. It is a hybrid look, constantly partly of school clothes (sporting or otherwise) and actual civvies. The most common is green PT shorts combined with a civilian t-shirt. The t-shirt is usually dirty and full of stains revealing their barbaric nature. Directly contrasted to this is the fact that boarders conform rigorously to all ‘norms’ that have been set by their predecessors. It is thus, not unusual, that they have no idea why they go for this but in classic boarder style they follow the route laid out before them without question. They also have a pathological need to cling on to some item linked to the school – the reason for which not even Freud would have an answer.

The Jock Look
This look originated on Jo’burg, most probably in and around the St Johns area. I can this easily conclude that those who sport this look are from Jo’burg. It consists of extremely tight-fitting jeans, comfort is sacrificed completely. A golf shirt of which the collar has to be ‘up’ accompanies the jeans. A white belt is essential. Their vocabulary is extremely sparse with the following words forming its foundation: bru, ledge, toxic, raucous, naught, hundreds and ashore.

The Emo / Muso Look
The look is reasonably common, which is something I find to my liking. The basic item is a t-shirt with the name of an “old school” band which had some major influence on the course that music has taken over the last 40 years. These include: The Doors, The Who, ACDC, Ramones, Sex Pistols, Led Zepplin and many more. The shoes worn by such an individual are Converse, All Stars or any variation on them. Metal-studded wrist cuffs are not unusual amongst these individuals. To pull off this look one needs to be extremely laid back and generally involved in some process of introspection. They are thus usually confused, misunderstood and rarely entirely happy.

The Die Hard Sports Fan
This look is based on the wearer’s favourite sports team. It is not necessarily a reflection of the person’s personality, although in the most extreme cases his personality is built around the particular sport or favourite team involved in that sport. The ‘Arsenal Shirt’ is perhaps the most common item involved in this look, although ‘Bulls’ and ‘Sharks’ merchandise are close behind. The glory supporters are usually 300 sizes too bug as a result of the ridiculously high prices of sporting merchandise. They are bought to last.

The Fashion Criminals
These boys have absolutely no sense of style. They come in all forms and shapes and there is no particular personality type which is susceptible to this. I am not suggesting one should try to look particularly good on civvies day, but rather that there are a few things in terms of clothing that you just don’t do. The following examples are the most common: A shark tooth necklace, socks worn with slops (also known as the ‘Capetonian’ look) a look in which your jeans are rolled up to your knees, and any form of croc shoes are ridiculous.

– Emile Conradie (Boys Highlights, May 2007)

IN MEMORIAM

VAUGHAN DESMOND ABERNETHY (1963)

Vaughan was born on 18th January 1946 in Walvis Bay, South West Africa, now Namibia, which at the time formed part of South Africa.

Vaughan’s father was employed by the Department of Customs and Excise, resulting in the family having to move often from town to town until finally settling in Pretoria, where he attended his beloved Pretoria Boys’ High School and matriculated in 1963.

While at PBHS Vaughan:
– participated in rugby, captaining the Second Team in his matric year;
– was a Student Officer in the school’s Cadet corp;
– and was a School Prefect.

After completing his schooling at Boys’ High, while Vaughan underwent his military training in Bloemfontein, Bethlehem and Potchefstroom, his family moved to Port Elizabeth.

Upon completion of his military service, Vaughan joined them in Port Elizabeth, where he commenced working for Barclays Bank (now First National Bank).

After a short time in the bank, Vaughan spotted an advert in the local newspaper offering positions to non-qualified seaman to work their passage on a Norwegian cargo ship to Japan. As Vaughan’s father was still employed at Customs, he was able to arrange for Vaughan to work his way as a deck hand to Japan. Vaughan duly resigned from the bank and set off for Japan.

Following Vaughan’s return from Japan a few months later, Vaughan rejoined the bank in whose employment he remained until his retirement in 2005.

As a young, single bank Clerk, Vaughan was appointed as relief staff to the various bank agencies throughout the Eastern Cape.

During 1968 Vaughan accepted a transfer to Butterworth in the former Transkei. It was in this small town in the Transkei where he met Charmaine. According to Vaughan, he was the most eligible bachelor in Butterworth for two reasons – firstly, he owned a motor vehicle and secondly, he was transferable out of Butterworth.

Vaughan was later transferred to Port Elizabeth and he and Charmaine were married in 1972.

Marion and Paul were born a few years later and Vaughan and Charmaine’s lives were never the same again! Vaughan always supported his children in every aspect of both their academic and sporting pursuits which resulted in Vaughan travelling all over the Eastern Cape to watch Paul’s school rugby matches and even driving a car full of screaming school girls to hockey matches around PE.

Vaughan was a keen Blue Bulls supporter, and often commented that he was the only Blue Bulls supporter this side of the Orange River. He even received a Blue Bulls rugby jersey awarded to him by Frik du Preez, a former Blue Bulls rugby legend. Paul and Vaughan would religiously watch Saturday rugby matches together as well as any other current sporting events.

Marion shared in the Vaughan’s love of good old fashioned “Cops and Robbers” movies and TV, especially any BBC detective series or murder mystery from Inspector Morse to Chicago PD. He was known to drive the family crazy though, with his repetitive watching of the classics “Dinner for One” and John Cleese as Basil Fawlty in “Fawlty Towers” and Peter Sellers in “The Pink Panther”, which even though he’d seen a million times, he would still laugh hysterically.

Vaughan was a supportive husband and partner to Charmaine. She worked for a number of years at Standard Bank, and Vaughan used to joke that he “was sleeping next to the enemy”, but they had so much in common and always put their children first. Vaughan loved everything about Charmaine. He loved being in the garden trimming the Bougainvillas and raking the leaves in the front garden, as he took such pride in the loving home he and Charmaine created. He even sneakily asked Marion to organise flowers for Charmaine on their 44th Wedding Anniversary last year, a few days after he had been discharged from Hospital. He scored big points with Charmaine for that one! You couldn’t slip anything past him!

During Vaughan’s 35 years in the bank, Vaughan would be transferred to various branches throughout Port Elizabeth, ironically finally retiring as the Branch Manager at the Kempston Road Branch of First National Bank in 2005, where he started as a bank clerk 35 years earlier.

Approximately 12 years ago Boys High attended a rugby festival at Grey High School. It was then decided to start a local Old Boys’ Association with Vaughan later assisting on the Eastern Cape Committee, where he assisted with the planning of the Annual Eastern Cape Old Boys’ Dinner. The eleventh function of which will take place this Friday.

Vaughan was also instrumental in organising his 50th Pretoria Boys’ High School Reunion in 2013 by bringing together the class of 1963 from all corners of the world.

He received recognition for his contribution to the Old Boys, by being conferred with the title of Honorary Life Vice President of the Pretoria Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association.

Vaughan was also very involved in the Mill Park, Linkside and Environs Civic Association.

As a result of being admitted to the different wards and units to St. George’s Hospital under Dr Dupper, he became well known to most of the staff. They were all so fond of him and his joke telling and eagerness to get up and follow all their recommended exercises and instructions. Thank you so much to the medical staff, unit managers, nurses, physiotherapists, administration staff, food hostesses and porters at St. George’s who cared for him like their own family and for the extra treats and spoils he received from them all!

Vaughan’s qualities are best summarised in a letter received from Tony Reeler, Headmaster of Pretoria Boys’High School:

” He is a true gentleman – kind, thoughtful and helpful and I found him nothing less than the perfect host. He is humble and sincere, avoiding the spotlight and preferring to do the work in the background. He shies away from any form of recognition, but I want him to know how special he has been to me ever since he welcomed me so warmly as the new Headmaster seven years ago. There are very few human beings in the world with the qualities he has which is a pity because our world be so much better were it filled with more Vaughans. My thoughts are with him as he battles this disease – one he has fought without moaning, complaint and without seeking attention.”

Charmaine, Marion and Paul would like to thank everyone for their love and support, thoughts and prayers during this time, too many to mention by name.

From my side I am sure that you will all support me in saluting and paying tribute to Charmaine, Paul and Marion for their example of selfless devotion and sacrifice in caring and supporting their beloved husband and father during his illness until the end. We hold you close to our hearts and in our prayers as you now walk on this road less travelled. We trust and know that once the pain has gone and time has brought healing you will be left with a wealth of the most kind and loving memories of Vaughn to sustain you and keep him in your lives forever.

HENDRIK FRANCOIS DU PLESSIS (1943 / 1944)

Age could be more kind to us.

I have just come from a Memorial Service for my friend, Hennie Du Plessis. I met him on my first day at School House, and we followed one another for the next 12 years. Through school, University where we both studied electrical engineering, and onto a mine where we did our engineering pupillage.

We split when he inherited his grandfather’s farm in the Ventersdorp area. He left off Engineering for farming.

His grandfather started in 1890, by buying wagons and oxen in the Cape, driving them up to the Potchefstroom district, which was one of the capitals of the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek. There he sold the wagons and returned to the Cape to buy another. He eventually bought a farm in the Ventersdorp district. On his demise, Hennie inherited it, and he farmed it successfully for many years.

Hennie had three sons who attended Boys High. All were in School House and two of them were Head Prefects. I believe he has a grandson currently at the School.

Hennie, May you now, Rest in Pease

Sinclair Perry
1944 – School House