PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

THE OPENING OF THE NEW ABERNETHY HALL
24 JULY 2015

Less than a year ago I paused to look down into the Memorial Quad upon a scene of violent and deliberate deconstruction – smashed concrete, broken bricks, debris, dust, mud…

Today I stood at the same rail and beheld an architectural and engineering masterpiece, a practical and aesthetic miracle of reconstruction.

I was amongst some two score former members of staff, teachers and administrators, all “long serving”, who were the first to enter, wide-eyed, into this new, expansive light-filled amphitheatre, and who were given the privilege of being seated in the front rows of the brand new chairs.

We were in the company of such personages as Mr Bill Schroder and his assistant in fund-raising, Mrs Gail Bloemink; Mr Tony Wilkes and Mr Keith Gibbs who remember the original, the first school hall; Mr Paul Sommerville, who has served the longest innings.

The perimeter hoardings had kept everyone safe throughout the four terms of re-construction, and had prevented anyone from even glimpsing what was happening behind them, with the result that when the boys filed in, in dignified silence, their bright faces sparkled with astonished delight as they made their way to their designated seats – seniors in the three galleries.

Then, to the accompaniment of the organ’s “Grand Choeur Dialogue”, the teaching staff entered in full academic regalia, preceded by the Headmaster with the stage-party. The grandeur was reminiscent of such other momentous occasions as coronations and royal marriages, and equally impressive.

Mr Reeler announced with pride that at last every boy at the school is seated upon a chair, with a view of the stage. He aptly described the new facilities as being world-class, and exhorted that they be used with care and gratitude.

Today’s rendition of “Highland Cathedral”, including three pipers, two drummers, the organ and the orchestra, amplified the stirrings on one’s soul more pronouncedly than ever before.

Mr Illsely spoke with modesty of his role as over-seer of the entire building project, and referred to the New Abernethy Hall as “the human heart” of Boys High in which so many of every boy’s most profound impressions and meaningful memories are made. He drew our attention to the names of some 1600 generous donors, which are recorded for posterity; to the presence still of the original school crest above the original proscenium; to the wooden furnishings of the old hall which now take their
rightful place in the new hall.

Mrs Debbie Cloete’s slide-show took us on an eight minute journey from 1909 to the very present, showing us all of the building, alteration, demolition and re-building which has been undertaken throughout the years in order to accommodate all the boys.

Mr Thomas Rundle unveiled the foundation stone and reminded the boys that they belong to a world-wide community. He thanked the Old Boys throughout the world for their generosity in making the new hall a reality, and commanded the boys to cherish these gifts, to use the example of this sharing of resources as an inspiration in their own lives, in order to cement the school’s traditions.

In celebration of this great occasion, Dr Neil van der Watt had set to music the lyrics by Mr Lindsay Rayburn of a new anthem, “Brothers, let us rise!”, the second verse which ends:

“You do not need to search too far
To find good men and true.
You do not need to search at all –
They are right in front of you.”

Click here to view a recording of “Brothers, let us rise!” on the official PBHSOB Association YouTube Channel.

Canon O’Brien read Psalm 105:1-5 and Peter I:2: 4-6, then drew our attention to the Divine Grace which we experience within the school community, and reminded us that we are each a living stone within the structure of the school, giving life to the buildings.

The ceremony ended with the academic procession, in reverse order, to the accompaniment of the orchestra’s theme from “Game of Thrones”.

This Friday Assembly was extraordinary! Never before had I heard the boys, with the choir sing with such spirited enthusiasm, such gusto, such jubilation! It was profoundly moving to witness, to be part of, two such glorious hours in the life of the school. All of us who were present had witnessed the manifestation of the sublime might of the brotherhood of Boys High – past, present and to come!

On the occasion of the opening of our new School hall, we, the present scholars of Pretoria Boys High School, gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to all whose devotion to the School in the past has made it what it is today, dedicate ourselves sincerely and in humility

To the service of God and our fellows,
both with the community of our school and beyond it;

To the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and wisdom;

To the preservation and promotion of all that is best
in the traditions of our school;

To the practice of mutual respect and goodwill towards
human beings of all types, races and groups;

To making our school a symbol of enlightenment,
true freedom, generous-hearted fellowship and good sportsmanship;

To these we dedicated ourselves to.

– Mashao Mukhari
2015 Head Prefect

I went home feeling that our past had been preserved, shining upon the mirror of our memories, then refracted into the future with our hopes and ambitions, like a shaft of bright, living light.

Bravi Boys High!
Keith Mansfield (Master: 1998 – 2013)

Text: Keith Mansfield | Images: PBHSOB

CELEBRATION OF THE NEW ABERNETHY HALL 30 JULY 2015

On Thursday, 30 July 2015 Old Boys amongst others were invited to celebrate the opening of the new Abernethy Hall.

After the formalities in the magnificently refurbished Abernethy Hall, everyone enjoyed delicious snacks and fantastic entertainment in the Hendry and Memorial Quads.

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CLASS OF 1985 – 30 YEAR ON REUNION

A full year of planning culminated in the absolutely fantastic events of the 30th reunion of the class of ’85 on Friday and Saturday, 21 and 22 of August 2015. Beautiful spring weather welcomed approximately 60 excited former classmates onto the Solomon house lawns from all over the world for morning tea. Most of the chaps although now largely possessed of a wrinkle or two more, a kilo or three more and significantly less hair were instantly recognizable. The formidable organisational support from the Old Boys’ Association and the school ensured that with their smart name tags in place old friendships were instantly renewed once the name and the face were in context. A small group of lovely ladies accompanied some of the luckier
guys.

After an hour and a half of laughter and reminiscing the group were taken on a tour of the school grounds by the gracious headmaster, Mr Tony Reeler, who patiently guided the large group around and showed them all the changes of the last 30 years. Although much was familiar of course, especially for those here for the first time in 30 years, much has changed and of course improved. A tour of the new hall, media centre block to come and the beautiful school museum followed.

A memorable assembly for the group took place in the magnificent new school hall and the group had the privilege of being the first group to be welcomed to a special reunion assembly in the new hall. The singing and the sporting accomplishments of the school made many a chest swell up with pride, and the choir was a highlight. Mr Reeler addressed the group and in turn one of our comrades Glenn Jakins all the way from Utah in the USA addressed the school in a wonderful, warm and witty
address. 

Assembly was followed by a wonderful long lunch at the Cricket Pavilion where Steffani Kruger, the school caterer pulled the first of many gastronomic rabbits out of the hat with a simply delightful lunch. The pavilion positively shook with laughter and the good vibrations of a reunited brotherhood. The “boys” were privileged to be addressed by two of our icon teachers, Rita Bigalke and Chalky Sommerville. Several other very special teachers attended including Lilla Skinner, Jannie Biddulph, Peter Digby, Laurel Becker and Lorna Ferreira. A poignant last post with sherry and port up at the East Bell Tower was the appropriate end to an amazing day.

On the Saturday a larger group of 86 assembled in a perfect late afternoon smelling of damp earth and cut grass to watch the sun slowly slide down behind the silhouette of the trees around Hofmeyr Oval. The last few chaps who were unable to attend the previous days events excitedly reacquainted themselves with the friends of the past and took possession of their specially branded gift commemorative mugs.

This was truly a night to remember. The company was astonishing, the wit rapier sharp, the surprises were brow lifting and the sentiment and feelings were truly genuine. Beautiful toasts were offered by class mates, addresses made by the current headmaster and by Bill Schroeder past headmaster. Paul Anthony sang us a song that had tears rolling throughout the audience with his adaptation of Stings’ “Fields of Gold”.

The highlight of our evening undoubtedly though was a very moving speech by our fantastic head boy Cleave Gass who returned to the school for the first time in thirty years. Cleave had taken over as head boy following the tragic passing of head boy designate, Colin Du Plessis who died in a car accident the day before school begun. In these trying and difficult moments he took over a school bathed in grief and anguish, and in his gentle way he guided the school through a very difficult period. He came under fire from many quarters, but always remained true to himself and loyal to the school and I think that this was a moment so beautifully touched with pathos and humility that at once every person in the room realized what a wonderful job he had done under such difficult circumstances. I think the moment was one of those life defining moments of catharsis both for Cleave and for many of us, and to have him come from so far away to give us this special gift was truly wonderful.

A long and laughter filled evening followed, where boy after boy with the same refrain seemed to note that the school was even better now than when we were pupils. This was a source of great happiness and pride to us. The jolly company then moved to the Old Boys Club where a weary group of enthused classmates finally went home at 5am.

Thirty years seemed to have passed like the blink of an eye and the event was certainly, for me personally and I speak for the organising committee, a highlight of our lives. It was truly a perfect weekend in every sense of the word. The privilege of attending the best school in the world was brought home to us yet again but in a much more meaningful fashion as the mind of an adult is far more capable than the mind of a teenager to appreciate this – ah the irony!!!

The organising committee under the amazing wardship of David Manley was a joy to be on and we look forward to seeing you again in 10 years time.

– Fortunato Mazzone (1985 – SUN)

Click here to view more photos on our Facebook page >>

Text: Fortunato Mazzone | Images: PBHSOB

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EASTERN CAPE BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER

The 9th Annual Eastern Cape Branch Dinner will take place on Friday 18 September 2015 and will be held at Kelway Hotel, Humewood, Port Elizabeth. There will be a cash bar available and partners are welcome to attend.

Time: 18:30 for 19:30
Dress: Jacket and Old Boys Tie
Cost: R180 per person (Students R130)
RSVP: by 5 September 2015 to Mr Vaughan Abernethy at shadower@global.co.za

REGALIA

Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association Life Members will be pleased to hear that we now have the ever popular Old Boys Bowtie in stock. They are R175.00 each (excl postage & packaging) and are only available to Life Members of the PBHSOB Association. Click here to purchase one from our Online Regalia Shop!

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

The Pretoria Boys High School’s Juvenile Pipe Band achieved a second place overall at the final competition in Benoni High School held on Saturday 25 July 2015, which was enough to clinch the season. They won the first two championships which laid a solid point foundation for them.

The Pipe Band is officially the 2015 Champion of Champions in the Juvenile Grade, and this now, for the second year running. Congratulations!

Images & Text: R Blackmore, PBHS

SCHOOL BUILDING UPDATE

Building Update; 4 August 2015

At present the Media Centre is temporarily based in a room above the new Abernethy Hall. They have an excellent view of the second phase of the building project.

Building Update; 21 August 2015

The foundations have been excavated and currently all of the steel rebar is being installed in anticipation of casting foundations and ground floor pillars.

Images & Text: PBHS, PBHSOB Association

COMMEMORATIVE WALL PROJECT

In celebration of Pretoria Boys High Schools’ rich history and traditions, a commemorative wall will be erected, using bricks that once provided structure to the old school hall. This wall will form part of the new building project.

It is our honour and privilege to invite parents, alumni and other interested parties to make a donation (R2000 and more) towards the construction of this project. Each donor will be recognised for his/her contribution by way of the name
mentioned on a strategically placed glass panel.

Make your contribution towards cementing our history in this unique and meaningful way!

TRAVEL AROUND THE CAPE WINE ROUTE

Join the Parents’ Association for an exclusive wine auction at Pretoria Boys High School taking place on the 4th of September at 18h30 for 19h00.

Enjoy a three course dinner by candle light with complimentary wines on your table. Tables seat 10 guests. Tickets cost R250 per person and there will be a cash bar.

Please contact Ina le Roux on 083 253 4917 or auction.boyshigh@gmail.com to purchase tickets.

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

PBHSOB ON LINKEDIN

The official PBHSOB Association LinkedIn group is now open to Life Members of the PBHSOB Association. Join today and connect with other Old Boys!

The aim of the Pretoria Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association Group is to provide a platform where Life Members of the Pretoria Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association can connect with other Life Members in a formal business environment.

Click here to join the group >>

WELCOME TO BOYS HIGH…

Year in and year out, Form 1s arrive and matrics leave. With this, the boys High Circle of Life – and food chain – resets and reshapes itself. New words are formed, signals are made up and new places to ‘chill’ spring up out of old ruins.

A very important part of Boys High is the slang. Form 1s will often not understand what the other boys are saying and matrics from 10 years ago who come back to school will probably also not understand what we are talking about.

Many people feel that Boys High slang is mostly a combination of slang from different regions in South Africa. Whether this is true or not, I don’t know. All I know is that it is very effective in getting a point across as quickly as
possible.

Here is a beginner’s guide to Boys High slang, gestures and phrases:

One nod up: A very polite form of greeting towards your friends and acquaintances. It is however, unacceptable to greet a teacher in this way.

One nod down: A gesture that means ‘thanks’.

Elbow to Elbow: Serves as a high five or handshake when one or both of the boys have something occupying their hands.

DMC: Deep Meaningful Conversation. Something you have with your Maths teacher when you know you failed his or her test and you are trying to instigate lenient marking.

The Local Dealer: That guy in your Form who does your writing out for you in exchange for a small fee or something from the tuck-shop.

Get Out of Jail Free Card: A signature on your hand from a friendly teacher that allows you to arrive to 30 seconds late for class without getting a lates detention.

Min/Max: A sarcastic and ironic way of stating the obvious. eg. Your Science teacher gives you enough homework to full the surface area of Hofmeyr Oval 3 times. You turn to your friend saying: ‘Ey Joh, min homework’

Boys High Spice: Over exaggeration. You tell your friend that you met a girl at a street braai and that everyone agrees she is very attractive. The next thing you know, everyone is congratulating you on your engagement and
apparently you are moving in with her next week.

Magin: A shortened version of ‘imagine’. Can be used in many different ways. eg. ‘Magin I’m running 2.4 kilometres tomorrow morning right before I go to that sauna they call a class room.

Shot: Thanks

Getting touched: Getting offended usually as a result of a successful ‘tune’.

Slayer: Someone who has a way with the ladies. eg. Frederick Grobler, Form 4

Cheese Boy: Someone who is so rich that they have an elevator in their house.

Bounce: Removing a lower Form from a desired seat.

Trash/ratchet: Being unpresentable.

Fresh: Something that you find cool but in most cases this refers to a girl rated at least a 9 out of 10, unless you are desperate.

“You think this is ‘The Glen’?”: The phrase used to question trash (see above) behaviour.

Chuck rage: When someone gets extremely angry, usually as a result of someone stepping over the line in a “tune” war.

Pyps: Making a situation worse by “tuning” the person.

Punching: That moment when you feel as if you are going to die if you take another step during Inter-House Cross Country.

Sorry Ma’am, I just had Pollock: A universal excuse for being late.

– By Frederick Grobler
Taken from The Boys Highlights, May 2015

IN MEMORIAM

DERRICK ALBERT DICKENS (1956)

Prof. Derrick Dickens (1938-2015) passed away in Hermanus on August 1 2015, aged 77. An Old Boy of the class of 1956, he was described by his son Peter Dickens as a man “armed with two great arsenals – a love of the creative world and art and a love of the learned world. It forged him into the myriad of things he was to become – artist, author, historian, businessman, marketer, custodian, politician and professor”.

Pretoria-born, he was a major figure in the advertising world but just as well known for his work as an author of books on military aircraft and for his role in forming and managing the PACT Symphony Orchestra.

During his time as executive director of the Association of Marketers he is credited with turning the annual Loerie Awards into the the high profile symbol of success it has become for those involved in advertising and marketing.

“A man with a large appetite for life, a large presence and an admirable, inspiring and ever-growing things-to-do list,” wrote the Hermanus Times in their obituary of him.

– Mark Gleeson

MOGOMOTSI MOERANE (2002)

Mogomotsi Moerane joined Pretoria Boys High School in 1998. He followed his older Khumo into the Sunnyside House, and Learned to Live to become a true Boys High boy.

He tragically passed away in a motor cycle accident on 13 August 2015. Please click here for more information.

He will be remembered for his comforting spirit, his steadfast loyalty and his boundless love of life.

– Keabetswe Moerane

GEORGE BARNARD MURRAY (1964)

Passed away Tuesday, 11 August, 2015

One Sunday morning, a number of years ago, after the 9.30 Service, I was having coffee in the Minor Hall when I saw this Giant of a man who I had never seen before. I went up to him and introduced myself and he said he was George Murray. This immediately created a link as I had an uncle with the same name.

I have a number of Murray relatives but they are not from the same family tree. Funnily enough, many of them live in the Graaff Reinet area. George is from the well-known Andrew Murray clan and was always very proud of his heritage. In fact, he had intended giving us a talk on his Andrew Murray ancestors, and we were all looking forward to it. I know that he even took a special trip to Graaff Reinet to go and see the old NG Church there where Rev. Andrew Murray had preached.

George was a remarkable man in so many ways. Not only was he an exceptional man with a tremendous reputation in the welding field, but he had a remarkable brain and could converse with confidence on an amazing variety of subjects. He also had an extensive general knowledge. If you spent time with him, as I often did, you realised more and more that he was a real man among men.

George had a quiet way about him which made him admired and loved wherever he went, and he was always ready and willing to lend a hand whenever he could and nothing was too much trouble.

I remember, on one occasion, I needed something to be collected from Johannesburg and I knew that George was working in Joburg at that time. I called him and asked if he could pick it up for me on his was home and he immediately agreed. Later that evening he came and gave it to me with a big smile on his face. Only days later did I discover that he had NOT worked in Joburg that day, but had specially driven through from Pretoria to fetch it for me!!

Just like in Lloyd Douglas’s “Magnificent Obsession”, he never spoke about what he had done to help others. It was just between him and God.

Whenever we had a job to be done, George was the first to volunteer. On many occasions I would say that we needed to do something for the Men’s Fellowship Group and he would just look at me, smile and point to himself. He didn’t even need to say anything. He was just there. He was a real example of the expression “Service is Love in a Tangible Form”.

You did not need to know George very long or well to learn that he was a very deep thinker and had a real love of the Lord. He never preached his religion, he lived it, and he was always ready to discuss things of a spiritual nature. This was when the “Real George” came out. This was also when you realised that he was tremendously well read and had an exceptional brain. One of his favourite quotations was, “GOD TURNS YOU FROM ONE FEELING TO ANOTHER AND TEACHES BY MEANS OF OPPOSITES SO
THAT YOU WILL HAVE TWO WINGS TO FLY, NOT JUST ONE.”

Because of his exceptional brain, it is so sad that it was this same brain which took him from us!

When George joined our Men’s Fellowship Group, he soon became one of the leading lights among us. He took a keen interest in organising things via our Committee and he and his family became a pivotal part in the Cooking Team. Because of his generous nature he bought a PA system for us to use to help those of us who have hearing problems. Sadly enough, after our breakfast last month, as I went out to my car, George, Soria, Charl and Monique were loading up his braai equipment and PA system as I walked past them. I said to them that they have become the mainstay of the Cooking Team, and he replied, “What will you do if we are not here one day?” I replied, “Then we will go and find you!” Little did I know exactly what that would mean at the time!

Over the years, George and I became very firm friends and I learned to love and respect him for all he stood for. When Soria came into his life we soon saw that they were made for each other, and each of them was tremendously good for the other.
I know that Soria and ALL of his family will miss George tremendously. The Men’s Fellowship Group will certainly miss him as a friendly, willing, dependable and able colleague, and I will personally miss him as a dear and sincere friend. Someone who was always there for you and to whom you could turn at any time.

He was one of those men who will NEVER be forgotten.

To George we say, “Well done, good and faithful Servant…”

– Ralph Webber

TONY GERTENBACH (1958)

Tony Gertenbach (1940-2015) was co-convenor of the Cape Town branch of the Old Boys’ Association when he passed away suddenly in Cape Town on July 24 2015. He suffered a stroke.

Gertenbach was a boarder at Solomon House and matriculated from Boys High in 1958. He moved down to Cape Town soon after finishing school, becoming an accomplished surf lifesaver before going to become a successful businessman, who enjoyed a well-founded reputation for his understated generosity.

He built his swimming pool building company into an international concern and comfortably reached his goal of being able to call it quits and retire before the age of 50.

But he grew bored quickly and set off on a second career for the next two decades as a successful commercial property broker, proving again his acumen in the world of business.

Tony retired again at the age of 65 and spent a good deal of his subsequent time sailing in the Mediterranean.

Only last year he retired to Langebaan with his wife Christine but continued to be heavily involved in golf and with Old Boys’ matters.

He leaves behind his wife, daughter Alison, son Craig and grandchildren.

A function to celebrate his life was held in Granger Bay and well attended by Old Boys, not only from his matric group but others who had got to known him through the Cape Town association.

– Mark Gleeson

LANCELOT AIDEN BEARD (1948)

It is with great sadness that I inform you of Aidan Beard’s death on July 24th 2015. My father wanted me to contact you and to list his achievements whilst at Pretoria Boys High School.

He was in Solomon House from 1943 to 1948 and was Head Prefect of Solomon House in 1948.
He captained the 1st Cricket Team and played First Team Rugby as well.
He was elected school prefect in 1947 and 1948.

I cherish all the wonderful stories he told me of his time at Pretoria Boys High School and he will be greatly missed by all of us.

– Cathy Beard

VINCENT ANTHONY MOORE (1971)

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UPCOMING OLD BOY EVENTS

• 11 & 12 September 2015
  CLASS OF 1965 – 50 YEAR ON REUNION
• 18 September 2015
  9TH ANNUAL EASTERN CAPE (PE) DINNER
• 23 & 24 October 2015
  CLASS OF 1975 – 40 YEAR ON REUNION
• 7 November 2015
  CLASS OF 1995 – 20 YEAR ON REUNION
• 21 November 2015
  CLASS OF 2005 – 10 YEAR ON REUNION

OLD BOY REQUESTS

The PBHSOB Association Office often gets various requests from Old Boys, hence the inception of “Old Boys Requests” – a page on the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association website dedicated for this purpose. Click here to visit the page.

If you would like to submit a request simply complete an application form and send it to info@pbhsob.com. Once vetted, it will be
placed on the page for a period of one month – allowing fellow Old Boys to reach out, contact you directly and assist you if need be.

Kindly note, this service is only available to PBHSOB Association Life Members.

If you have any interesting news items and photos or just want to let your fellow Old Boys know what you have been up to after school, please send all information to info@pbhsob.com