PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Boy

The 98th Pretoria Boys High School Annual Old Boys’ Dinner was held at the School in the Abernethy Hall on Saturday, 3rd June 2017 at 19:00. Attended by Old Boys from the 1940’s to the present, the event commenced punctually in an elegant setting with round tables covered with white table cloths and green and red serviettes in sparkling glasses; laid around a centrepiece of tall Proteas in the same colours. The waiters were very attentive and professional in their black waistcoats, well done Mr. Louis Legat and the catering team.

The Dixie Band conducted by Dr Niel van der Watt entertained the guests in the preamble to the moment when all were summoned to their seats by the Master of Ceremonies, Mark Gleeson, to welcome all to the event.

Mike Gleeson then introduced Rudi Janse van Vuuren from the year of 1978 to say Grace, after which we were served homemade fish cakes with micro herbs and tartar sauce.

Tony Wilkes, President of the Old Boys’ Association was introduced to propose a Toast to Absent Friends. He was pleased to see so many of us attend to share a few drinks and to catch up on what had been happening with each other, renew friendships and think of those unable to be with us at the dinner and those who had passed on forever, a list of whose names was read out.

John Smit, Springbok Rugby Captain and of Rissik House, proposed the toast to South Africa, encouraging us to have faith in the future of the country.

The Head Prefect, Geordie Collaros next presented his excellent speech ending with a poem he wrote about the School. 

In My Time Here, by Geordie Collaros

I’ve shed tears of joy and happiness to,
I’ve won some fixtures but lost a few.
I’ve broken bones and on Brooks I’ve bled,
This represents our flags colour RED.

I’ve made no friends which goes and shows… how
I’ve only made brothers, the family I chose.
I’ve learned that when I fall I must get up and fight,
This represents our flags colour WHITE.

I’ve had successes and failures as well,
My time here at Boys High approaches a final bell.
Virtute et Labore I have seen,
This represents our flags colour GREEN.

The home of giants, The school on the hill,
It’s just a school so what’s the big deal?
116 years a school, a home,
Never will you ever have to walk alone.

Mr Thomas Rundle spoke next as Chairman of the Old Boys’ Association, acknowledging the work by Inge Paulsen-Liddle as secretary of the Association and the tremendous and excellent effort by Geoff Meyer to convene and make the arrangements for the dinner. He also pledged financial support to the School as in the past. Subsequently the main course was served, consisting of roasted sirloin, sticky grilled chicken, basmati rice, garlic and parsley new potatoes, and broccoli and cauliflower au gratin and Greek salad.

The Guest Speaker Judge of the Constitutional Court and recipient of sundry academic and other accolades, Justice Edwin Cameron (1970) was introduced and told the joke about the accused who appeared before the judge on a charge of drunken driving.

“How do you plead?”

“I was drunk as a judge!” responds the accused.

“The appropriate English expression is, “I was as drunk as a Lord” admonishes the judge.

“Yes, m’Lord”….

We were also amused that the Judge stands up and snaps to attention when he receives a phone call from the Headmaster of his old school.

Justice Cameron then embarked on the sombering part of his address. Boys High was the eighth school he attended. He grew up poor, in a children’s home and was grateful for the wonderful education he received at Boys High. He learned more here than at Stellenbosch or Oxford. Judge Cameron also stated that the courts of the country would uphold the dignity and rights of the people, who had much experience and knowledge of exploitation and we should respect each other’s dignity and rights and address racism. We have extraordinary reserves of good will.

In his outstanding and inspiring Headmaster’s speech, Mr Tony Reeler thanked Justice Cameron for his sobering message and for always extending his support to the school. Mr. Reeler thanked the teachers and support staff for their dedicated contributions that contributed towards the many successes of the school. He did caution though that there was too much pressure on sporting activities at school level and it was more important to love the sport you participate in and enjoy it into your adult life after school than to suffer undue pressure to win at all costs while at school.

The costs of running the School were a major concern and Old Boys were thanked for their past and hopefully, future contributions. The Pretorian Trust under directorship of Mr. Leon Kok, a loyal Old Boy, was looking to further fund-raising in order to sustain the needs of the School particularly of a capital nature.

Mr Reeler thanked Mr John Smit who had addressed the School at the Founders’ Day Assembly and encouraged the boys to be the best version of themselves. Mr Thomas Rundle and the Old Boys were also thanked for their ongoing support.

Mr Reeler expressed his admiration for those members of the judicial system who showed great courage in these times. He shared some of the challenges the school had faced last year and was grateful for the opportunities to discuss racial and cultural issues as a result thereof. Changes made were very positively received but still the hardest part was to get people to listen to each other.

Old Boys were encouraged to support the School by attending sport events and Friday morning assemblies. “Our country is an extension of the schooling system and if we can teach our boys to tend to the needs of others before their own, build up instead of break down and celebrate our differences, we can succeed. We have too much to lose for this country not to succeed. I am optimistic about our country, I am optimistic about our future. Believe in your School and what happens here. Have faith in humanity and the resilience of South Africans. I wish you all great strength and resolve and thank you for having me here.”

The evening ended on this inspiring note and the notes of “Forty Years On”

Click here to listen to the 2017 Dinner Audio on the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association website, or click here to listen to the 2017 Dinner Audio on the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association YouTube Channel.

Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association Chairman, Thomas Rundle, presenting Kyle Schmulow with a small token of appreciation at the 98th Annual Old Boys Dinner this year. Kyle served as a Director of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association for a total of fourteen years – the last four as the Hon. Secretary of the Association. Kyle resigned at the recent Annual General Meeting and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his time and dedication to the Association.

OLD BOYS’ RUGBY

On Saturday 10 June, Pretoria Boys High School had sporting fixtures against St Albans. At the same time it was the St Albans Old Boys’ day and they wished to play rugby against the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys.

When I woke up, I felt like a Boys High boy again. Rolling out of bed and putting on that white PT shirt with those red, white and green socks was a trip down memory lane on its own. Driving down to pick up a fellow Old Boy and bumping into other boys along the way also wearing their white PT shirt was pure Boys High ‘gees’.

We arrived at St Albans school and saw all the Boys High boys dressed in their formal uniforms, sitting on the stands and chanting as the Candies took to the field. A feeling I have not felt in a very long time. We all gathered next to the field and watched the Candies beat St Albans 30 – 8 in what looked like really well structured game of rugby. Next up was our game.

We were 20 Old Boys ranging from our veteran, who was in Matric in 2002, our captain 2007 and our youngest, 2015. As we gathered to perform our ‘warm up’ a.k.a some touch, I was called aside by their St Albans Old Boy who explained to me that they are much fewer than what they anticipated for and opted to rather play 7s rugby instead of the planned 10s. This was a huge disappointment to the Old Boys as we were really looking forward to the promised 10s. But none the less, we agreed, which meant that we would almost be able to field 3 full teams of 7s and this is exactly what we did. We decided that after each try we would rotate the entire team to ensure that everyone got a run on the pitch.

We had our traditional pre-game huddle where we shared some life quotes and as our old and wise veteran said: “The smaller they are, the further they fly”. The first 7 Old Boys ran out onto the field, the whistle blew and the game was underway! It was probably two minutes in and we scored our first try. On ran the second 7, again two minutes passed and another and another and so on until the score was about 25-0 upon when they managed to slip one in. The final score was 30 – 5 to us of course.

Here is a list of our try scorers:
2x Willhelm Theron (Hofmeyr, 2009)
1x Gregor Simpson (Rissik, 2015)
1x Vince Edwards (School, 2013)
1x Darren Petzer (Abernethy, 2015)
1x Dylan Richter (Armstrong, 2009)

The Old Boys then went off to the Pretoria High School Old Boys’ club where they enjoyed watching the Springboks take on France in the first of three test games. We were lucky enough to catch the former Old Boy and talented Ross Cameron, to play a few songs on his bag pipes. Bringing the day to an epic end in true Boys High style.

We look forward to our next Old Boys game which will be against Maritzburg College, one surely not to be missed

– Stephen Eagle (2008)

THANK YOU

We would like to thank all the Old Boys for their recent assistance and generosity by providing much needed aid to individuals affected by the fires in the Garden Route region.

The PBHSOB Association Office received the following letter from Old Boy, Steven Schnetler, who co-ordinated the project along with his sister, Samantha Schnetler:

“There was an incredible turn out from the Old Boys!

People are more than welcome to keep bringing goods and we will ensure that they get down there.

I received e-mails from Old Boys in the Garden Route to help in any way to distribute the goods there, from White River and Groot Brak asking about monetary donations (we provided them with various authorised websites including the SPCA SMS line and Pick ‘n Pay’s website) and even an e-mail from a New Zealander offering any monetary assistance from that side.

Samantha was overwhelmed by mails and phone calls and couldn’t believe the response we received.

Grateful thanks to you all for your kindness. It is in times like these that I am truly proud to be an Old Boy and that we are the greatest alumni in the world!”

Kind regards,
Steven Schnetler (2010)

A LOOK BACK…

Goodbye – Noël M Pollock

Noël Pollock – schoolboy of the Pretoria College before the time of the Pretoria Boys’ High School – one of the original scholars of the School when it moved from the centre of Pretoria to the outskirts of the then Far East – distinguished student and named exhibitioner in the Honours List of the Transvaal School Certificate Stage 2 examination – graduate cum laude of the Transvaal University College – ex-serviceman of the German East Africa Campaign of the First World War – assistant master of the school and in Solomon House – Housemaster of Rissik House and first ever official Vice-Principal of Pretoria Boys’ High School – Housemaster of School House and Headmaster of the School – such is the statistical record of Noël Pollock; a record ably described in the Valete of the 1955 “Pretorian” and well illustrated by personal reminiscences of his delightful sense of wit and humour and of his gracious and deep sense of feeling and humanity.

At the school’s farewell to Mr Pollock, as Headmaster and permanent member of the staff, Mr Fair concluded his address: “Mr Pollock is laying down the Principalship, but hopes to return as a teacher next year – so it’s ‘Farewell Mr N.M. Pollock, Headmaster – but Hail, Polly’!”

For a further twelve years, we, the few now left who had worked so appreciatively under him, respecting him as Headmaster and friend, and others, the many, who joined the Staff to become his colleagues, benefitting from his wisdom and experience, hailed him daily as the “Grand Old Man” of the Staff – the wise veteran, moulded by the years to the pattern of the expert Schoolmaster. Not always blessed with the best of health, he was ever willing to shoulder any burden, and always personally lived up to what he wrote of one who was his Classics Master:

“All these years he has toiled to curb the excesses of pupils,
Those to whom elaborate dress et gandia falsa invant”
and
“Patiently strove to encourage the timid to risk an idea”
and
“Cleansing the highways of youth from Scironian hooliganism”
and
“Proving the things of worth above those of the little account”.

Age could not dim the infinite variety of his academic prowess, and to his last Q.E.D. in Maths – his “Finis” in Latin – and with whatever trite remark he concluded his English, he was the master of his fate and of the subjects he taught.

Yet he is not completely lost to us – we hear his wise remarks, sage comments, valuable suggestions, erudite speeches and apt witticisms on special occasions – may these be many and his presence at them frequent.

– W. C. B
The Pretorian 1967

60 YEARS ON 2017 – CLASS OF 1957

On the Friday 26th May 2017 a group of 36 Old Boys of the 1957 Matric Class gathered at the School to celebrate their 60 Year On Reunion. Out of Towners met on the Thursday evening at a local Guest House and started their catch up over a glass or two of wine. Two of our 26 Old Boys living overseas Ray Dunn from Queensland and Sydney Preiss from Jerusalem had come back for their first Reunion.

Friday morning saw us all meeting on the Solomon House lawns where the Headmaster, Tony Reeler welcomed us and gave an outline of the programme for the day. A tour or the School grounds or an option to browse through the fascinating museum gave us all an idea of the amazing developments at Boys High in recent years. We met for tea in the library in the impressive new ‘Bill Schroder Centre’. There was time for some fellowship and sharing old photos and chat about our school days and to recall some fond memories.

We then moved to the gallery of the magnificent new 1500 seater hall for the weekly Friday Assembly. After announcements and presentations to some achievers, the Headmaster called on our 1957 Head Boy, David Dalling to address the assembly. He gave an inspirational message about the need for tolerance and love in all one’s dealings in life. 

David then spoke briefly about Eddie Barlow, great sporting icon of our 1957 year, who apart from captaining South Africa in cricket went on to devoting most of his life to cricket both here and internationally. He presented an inscribed copy of “Eddie Barlow – The Autobiography” to the Headmaster. We were moved by the beautiful singing of the choir and the meaningful words of the school prayer.

After a Group photo on the school steps we proceeded to the Sommerville Cricket Pavilion for the luncheon. Our very able and light-hearted MC, Jack Klaff, ensured we were able to chat and socialise between the various courses. He read out messages and greetings with apologies from many of those unable to be with us.

After the toast to South Africa by Peter Eedes, Ed Meyer spoke of our absent friends, some 29 who had died since our school days and passed on to higher service. At our 40 Year On Reunion only 6 had died, most notably gifted sportsman Alan Hector. Ten years later we had lost a further 4, including Eddie Barlow, who died in Guernsey in December 2005. Since our last Reunion, as most of us headed into our seventies, understandably we have lost a further 19, eight of whom attended that event. Courageous Johnnie Du Plessis and Rene Lion Cachet had both borne their crippling circumstances bravely, but finally succumbed. Humble, outstanding sportsman Rowan Burns, Captain of Hockey and Tennis and First XI Cricket and Athletics and Tiny Mabbett 1st XV have both passed on. Head of Rissik, Dave Milne the ‘entertainer’ died in Hout Bay in 2015 and his deputy Eric Todd, had a massive stroke in the remote Richtersveld, just after he had set out on his dream retirement safari. Most recently, Howard Soulsby who had planned to be with us at this Reunion died of heart failure in Cape Town. Ed asked those present to raise their glasses in a toast to all their Absent Friends.

Ray Leibman was then invited by Jack to propose a toast to “The School” He recalled with subtle humour a number of incidents and some of his memories of our lives at Boys High in the 1950’s. We had all shared some great times and had the opportunity to be reminded of those days by meeting up with our former classmates at this Reunion. We had been given the chance to view the great developments and progress at Boys High and the important role the School had in generating future leaders and balanced members of our society. Ray then proposed a toast to “The School”. The Headmaster in his reply gave us some insights into the vision he had for Boys High today. We were given an optimistic glimpse into the future, working with the young men who we had seen in our walk around the school campus. He quoted some of the impressive academic results, the broad range of extra mural programmes in sport and cultural activities to equip this generation of young men for important roles in our society.

David Dalling thanked the Headmaster and the School for hosting our 60 Year On Reunion and presented a small gift to him. He then presented flowers to the Headmasters lovely wife, Rose, and called on Inge Paulsen-Liddle of the Old Boys Association to receive flowers for her massive contribution in helping to arrange our function. Jack was asked to take back to Messina a gift for his PA Yolande, who had handled all the admin and communication with our group. In closing, David thanked all the convenors particularly Jack Klaff and Ed Meyer for their help in organising the Reunion.

A small group of stayers then proceeded to the Norfolk pine below the East Tower to experience a newish Boys High tradition. At exactly 17h30 every Friday, the haunting bugle call of the ‘Last Post’ rings out from the tower and two minutes of silence is observed by school boys and guests alike to honour lost family and friends. It was a moving experience to end our emotional Reunion.

– Ed Meyer (1957)

PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Christof Joubert (Form II Matheson) played a solo Cello piece “Elfentanz” by Popper in Johannesburg’s Linden Auditorium on Sunday 4th June 2017.
Click here or below to view.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3g9REqox7c8UmZtekZ2T0JpZms/view

OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS

APS Investigative Psychology Section on the verge of collapse?

Johannesburg, 16 June 2017 – Following a recent resignation, there is now only one remaining clinical psychologist left in the South African Police Service. The video features Old Boy Hayden Knibbs (2002) – Former SAPS Forensic Psychologist and Old Boy Michael Appel (2002) – ENCA Reporter. Click here or on the link below to view

https://www.enca.com/media/video/saps-investigative-psychology-section-on-the-verge-of-collapse

THUNDERGUN LUNCH CLUB

The 50th Anniversary of the Thundergun Lunch Club took place in June this year, with 47 guests, Old Boys and partners in attendance.

The Thundergun Lunch Club started in 1967 and has become known as a gathering where Old Boys not only come together to have lunch once a month, but where they can acknowledge and celebrate the bond and camaraderie that exists between them because of the love, pride, the memories of and the passion they have for their old school, which is so dear to all of us. That is of course Pretoria Boys High School.

Included below is an extract from the speech delivered by Derek Brown at this very special occasion

“It’s our Golden Anniversary, which is rather special as John Golden was one of the founding fathers of this group. It had a very modest beginning in 1967. The story has often been told of how John Golden and Boet Mentz, being neighbours here in Northcliff, one day discovered that they were both Old Boys of Pretoria Boys High School. They arranged to have lunch together one day. They each brought a friend with them. Boet took his cousin; Martin Mentz (an Old Boy) and John took one of his old School House mates, “Houtie” Woodhead, along.

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about “Houtie”, not even his real name and no one knows what became of him. But we do know a little about the others.

Boet, who incidentally has a real name which is Hendryk, is the only one of the four to survive to see this day and he and his good lady Norma are there today looking hale and hearty. Well done Boet and we thank you for starting and keeping this fine tradition alive. Martin’s wife Pat and John’s wife Val are also both here. It’s great to have you with us today to celebrate what John, Martin, Boet and “Houtie” started so many years ago.

According to some of John’s notes, which he passed on to me, the club was originally simply known as “The Old Boys Northcliff Luncheons” and met once a month at various venues in and around Northcliff. Over the years they gradually collected some more Old Boys. Then, in about 2004 they found out that The Thunder Gun offered a discount for pensioners on Tuesdays and since then this has become our home. Over time we’ve become known as The Thunder Gun Old Boys – a name obviously from the Wild West and probably not totally in keeping with Boys High but it does have quite a nice ring to it for a bunch of old men!”

If you are interested in joining the Thundergun Lunch Club, please contact Derek Brown at ddbrown@wol.co.za for more information.

RISSIK HOUSE MEMORIAL GOLF DAY

issik House would like to invite you to participate in the Pretoria Boy’s High School annual Rissik House Memorial Golf Day at Copperleaf on Friday, 25 August 2017.

This is a major fundraising event for the year and funds raised ensure TOP NOTCH facilities for current & future boys of Rissik House. We value your support & would love to see you there…enjoying a trip down memory lane with your mates!

Details are as follows:
Venue: Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate
Date: 25 August 2017
Registration: 09h30
1st Tee-off Time: 10h30
Cost: R3600 per 4-Ball which includes:

• Gift Bag
• Green Fees, Golf Cart Sharing and Halfway House
• Prize-giving Dinner

Bookings and information:
Kelly Frasca – kelly@cloud9golf.co.za / 082 665 4488
Gina Read – gina@cloud9golf.co.za / 082 805 6098

UNLIKELY

Things you’ll probably never experience at school, no matter how man coins you throw in a wishing well.

Things teachers will never say:
I’ll be away next week, so you have fun in the gallery, because you won’t have any work.
I know you’re tired so I rented a DVD, ordered pizza and booked the GP room.
You’ll never do homework for me.
How about us all going to the sports fields?
You were right and I was wrong.
I’m sorry.
I forgot to prepare for today’s session so you can have the period off.
Stop working so hard and live a little.
Did anyone bring a ball to school?
Who’s hungry? Because I am!

Things teachers will never stop saying:
I’m also tired but we can’t fall behind.
This isn’t really important but we need to do it.
I know you have extra murals but homework comes first.
Your social life can resume after matric.
I won’t give you too much homework but you must do something.
I’m only keeping you out of mischief.

Unlikely events at school:
A virus is spreading in the town, so everyone is sent home just to be safe.
During a fire drill a real fire breaks out and school can only resume the next day.
You lose your bag and your teachers let you photocopy the work from the most diligent pupils.
There is a fight and no teachers or prefects find out.
A staff meeting takes too long and as a result the periods are only 15 minutes long.
A famous rock band has a surprise performance during assembly.
The school organised a matric bunk-out.
The staff bunk.

By Johan van der Merwe – Boys Highlights Number 8, May 2007

LETTERS

It was with great sadness that I read of the untimely passing of Vaughan Abernethy. When I attended PBHS (1960-1963) I was the weird kid with a strange accent from the USA and Vaughan, or “Abe” as he was known way back then, was one of the first boys in Form 3 to introduce himself and ultimately befriend me. He was always a leader, sportsman, and good friend to everyone during my time in Pretoria. After 50 some years since, of all the “boys” I met and with whom I became friends, Abe is the one I remember the most. I’m sure he will be sorely missed.

Fond regards,
Terry Estes PBHS class of ’63.

Hi,

It was with sadness that learnt of Vaughan’s passing. We were aware that he had not been well for a long time but he fought a great battle against cancer with fortitude and courage. We knew him well. The ever affable host at your local dinners which we had the pleasure of attending made him a close friend and we will miss him. That you conferred Life Vice-President Membership on him last year certainly conveyed to all the esteem in which he was held. His son went to Grey and is dare I say is a very loyal Old Grey – that kind of loyalty he learnt from his father. Our kind regards to your Headmaster.

Regards,
Ian Pringle

Executive Manager, Old Greys’ Union
Port Elizabeth

IN MEMORIAM

SYDNEY FRANK BURKE (SYD) (1951)

Syd was married to Jennifer Roberts whom he met on the train going to school. Jen was at Girls High. She stayed in Devenish Street and was close to a station just down from where she stayed. It was easier to go by train than a couple of busses.

I was very keen on Jen but Syd was the leader. During the Polio Epidemic in 1948 the three of us played golf together on open fields at Affies and on the playing fields of the school during the break we had from school because of the Polio.

Syd played his first round of golf on the Military Golf Course. Sadly my move to Johannesburg broke our close friendship.

Herewith a list of his sporting achievements taken from various Pretorians while at Pretoria Boys High School and after he left school:

Admission No 6760 15-01-1946
Birth Date 13-03-1934
Home Address – Erf 526, Pretoria Gardens, Hercules

1947 – Burke U14A Cricket Team
1948 – Rugby Third Team Colours
1949 – Third Team Cricket Colours, Second Team Rugby Colours
1950 – Second Team Cricket Colours
1951 – First Team Cricket Colours, Second Team Rugby Colours, Captain Town House Senior Cricket Team that won the Inter-House Cricket League, Matric University Pass
1954 – Selection for NE Transvaal Cricket Currie Cup
1957 – Old Boys Hockey lost the services of Syd Burke
1961 – Congratulations are also extended to Syd Burke and Eddie Barlow on being selected to represent South Africa. (Old Boys Cricket Section)
1962 – Hockey – Transvaal Team Inter Provincial Tournament: P Duke, S Burke, A Hofman, N Leathern, P Corbett, J Corbett.
Inter-Town Games – Pretoria “A”: P Duke, S Burke, A Hofman, N Leathern, P Corbett, J Corbett.
1963 – Hockey – Inter-Town Seniors “A” Syd Burke, Nigel Leathern, Keith Verdoom, John and Peter Corbett
1964 – Hockey – Inter-Town Seniors “A” Peter Duke, Syd Burke, Peter Corbett, John Corbett, Frikkie Oosthuizen.
1979 – Old Boys Golf Day – Senior Champion – Syd Burke
1980 – Old Boys Golf Day – Senior Champion – Syd Burke

– Keith Gibbs

NORMAN SCHRAM RODSETH (1940)

It is with sadness that I write to advise that Norman Schram Rodseth, born 05/05/1923 passed away in Cape Town at the age of nearly 94 on 15/03/2017.

Yours sincerely

WINSTON JOHN (DIELO) RITCHIE (1990)

It is with sadness that I inform you of the sudden passing of Winston John (Dielo) Ritchie, Solomon House circa 1986 to 1990 on Monday 29 May 2017.

He resided in his town of birth, Standerton, and leaves his wife Sarena and four daughters.

He was in the employ of the family business, Ritchie Auto.

– Pierre Schnetler

ALAN JOHN FOOT (1950)

My dear old Dad, Alan John Foot passed away today, the 4th of June 2017, he was 83 years old.

Dad attended Boys High from 1946 – 1950. He was the second generation of “Feet” to attend our special school, following my Grandad, Percy. I was privileged to be the third generation to do so and fondly recall finding my Uncle Rob Foot’s (my Dad’s brother) name engraved on a desk in Mr Henry’s class on my first day at school.

My Dad loved the school and was proud of having played for the water polo team and particularly for the 1st Rugby XV in 1949 and 1950. In fact, his rugby prowess and in particular his crash- tackling was apparently well known at the time and led to a lovely little anecdote which has emanated from the School on the Hill.

Dad was injured at some point during the rugby season and this seems to have caused concern, to the extent that even the legendary Bob Fair expressed himself on the subject. In class one day he enquired of my Dad; “How’s your Foot, Alan?”, to which my Dad responded; “Fair, Sir!”

This (true) story has been oft- repeated, much to my Dad’s amusement and with some artistic licence. The only version which worried him, a touch was the one which had Mr Fair saying; “How’s your Foot, Foot?” and my Dad retorting; “Fair, Fair!” My Dad assured me that he would never have been so disrespectful to Mr. Fair.

My Dad played rugby for Harlequins for many years and practiced as an Architect throughout his career in his town of birth, Pretoria. He married my late Mom, Sonya and they produced my sister, Lara and myself. They were both doting grandparents of Lara and my children.

Dad was an unassuming, patient, calm gentleman with a dry wit and considerable intellect. A well- read man of progressive political thought way before this became popular, he loved sport, reading and music and always had a naughty twinkle in his eye.

He will be sadly missed by his loving family.

– Brandon Foot

BRIAN HOWARD FREEDMAN (1965)

Please note that my husband Brian Freedman, who graduated from PBHS in 1965 sadly and suddenly passed away on 16th May.

He was cricket captain and loved to speak about his time at the school.

Regards
Linda Freedman

HOWARD RICHARD SOULSBY (1957)