PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Dear Old Boy
Summer Sports’ Day 2017 will take place on Saturday 14 January at Pretoria Boys’ High School.
The following activities will be on offer:
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Cross Country
- Squash
- Tennis
- Water Polo
- Chess
We look forward to see a great turnout of Old Boys supporting each other and the school!
In order to secure your place at Summer Sports’ Day 2017, we encourage you to please complete an entry form and return it to info@pbhsob.com as soon as possible or for more information, please contact the following persons:
| SPORT | NAME | CONTACT |
| Water Polo | JP Dumas | jdumas@boyshigh.com |
| Squash | Craig Stephens | cstephens@boyshigh.com |
| Cross Country | Lincoln Keeton | LKeeton@boyshigh.com |
| Basketball | Caterina Christodoulou | Cchristodoulou@boyshigh.com |
| Tennis | Gerald Stoffberg | gerald.stoffberg.pbhs@gmail.com |
| Chess | Elena Fratini-Mentz | efratini@boyshigh.com |
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Old Boys
Greetings to you all.
This past year has been quite an eventful one and I have had the privilege of attending the Old Boys’ dinner as well as a number of reunions.
It is always a joy for me to renew acquaintance with Old Boys after so many years. What struck me was that the special “magic” of Pretoria Boys’ High which one encounters while a pupil at our great school seems to grow ever stronger as the years go by. I am most impressed at the number of Old Boys living overseas who come back especially to attend these functions.
At his last Old Boys’ dinner on 21st October 1995, Mr Desmond Abernethy (the Boss) finished his short address with these words and I think he was right:
“Please stay the same, don’t change, this is a wonderful School and you all are part of it. Never think that you can be parted from it because you never can be. May our School go on forever and ever. May God bless the School and all connected with it.”
As the year flies by and as this is the last newsletter for 2016 it remains for me to wish you and your families a joyous Christmas season and a happy, prosperous and peaceful New Year.
With best regards,
TONY WILKES
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2016
A respectful silence filled the Abernethy Hall on Friday the 11th of November 2016 when punctually at eight, the chimes from the Bell Tower tolled the hour and the traditional Remembrance Day Service commenced three hours early to allow for the Education Department’s required exams to be written.
The echoes of the choir’s rendering of “O Valiant Hearts” further enhanced the tone of acknowledgement to those of the School who gave their lives to serve our country. A reading by Georgie Collaros (Head Boy) and prayer by Chezney Drabile (Deputy Head Boy) was followed by all singing the School Hymn, “O God our help in ages past”.
Mr. Tony Reeler, the Headmaster, introduced Mr. David Temple who addressed the Assembly on the ravages of war and the heroic stand of the allies at Delville Wood and special mention was made of the contingent of boys who represented the school at the centenary celebration of that victory. The Headmaster read the Roll of Honour, after which the Last Post, two minutes of silence and the Reveille happened.
Wreaths were laid to the accompaniment of a Lament on the pipes, by the School, Old Boys, Army, Air Force, Navy and Medical Services and Professor Clinton Harrop-Allin. The singing by all of the National Anthem ended a memorable memorial ceremony especially appreciated by the veterans.
Text: Trebot Barry | Images PBHSOB
CLASS OF 1966 – 50 YEARS ON 2016
Reflections on a PBHS, “Fifty Years On” visit and celebration
The first thing that struck me was the behaviour of the boys. I would like to think back to our group fifty years ago and if we were as polite and helpful to strangers. I believe we were, but I felt a far greater sense of self-confidence in them, even extending to those we did not interact with. I will return to this later.
Sitting in the assembly and listening to the Dixie band I wondered how many of us remembered a similar theme of music for our matric dance? The recollections that came flooding back to me were on what was my first (and last) ‘date’ with Eleanor and I wondered whether life had been kind to her!
Then sitting and listening to Ian, so confident of voice, yet knowing that the sands of time were running out. What bravery! What character! A true friend to all who knew him! We shall miss you Fitz!
Louis’ message to the boys on leadership and fortitude; that life serves up its albatrosses for all of us just as it did for Shackleton, and that it is in acknowledgement of our mistakes and humility in addressing them that we find personal strength and salvation.
At lunch, it was a joy to meet with old ‘gabbas’ and their ‘better halves’/’partners’ (pc) and to hear, if only very briefly, the story of lives lived, families raised and aspirations fulfilled. Gray added spice to a delicious meal and Bill had a good message to tell, but it was ‘Diggers’ commitment to his life’s work on the KZN coast that struck an environmental chord in me harking back to Louis’ speech, with the fate of the albatrosses of the Southern Ocean and the leadership fortitude with which South African ornithologists have tackled the threat to their species’ survival.
Returning to the self-confidence of the boys, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to every teacher who has taught at the “School on the Hill” but more particularly to those today so engaged in preparing these young men for life. I believe it was a far simpler task fifty years ago, as the world seemed a less complicated place then, and cushioned by the apartheid state, concerns about careers and the future were mute by comparison. I wonder if anyone remembers the quiet derision with which we greeted the recruiting Brigadier of Police?
But what has changed? If we looked back fifty years ago to our fathers’ generation we saw men who spent their lives in a single profession or place of work and my guess is that at least half of us in our lives were similarly blessed with the security, if sometimes the boredom, this implied. Ours has been a complex world, yet it would be fair to say that by 1966 the threat of a nuclear Armageddon was already subsiding and if computing has altered our lives we have been the beneficiaries.
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Congratulations to the Pretoria Boys High School Drama Club which participated in the Woodhill College One Act Play Festival earlier in November and achieved first place.
Message from the Pretoria Boys High School Admissions Office
This is a special notice to all Old Boys with sons in Grade 7 in 2017.
Boarding applications will open on Wednesday 11th January 2017 and will close on Friday 5th May 2017.
Dayboy applications will only open in April 2017. Exact dates will be advised in due course.
Boarding application forms may be requested by emailing the Admissions Secretary on admissions@boyshigh.com
CLASS OF 1976 – 40 YEARS ON 2016
Hello everyone
For the benefit of those who could not attend, and are perhaps not wired into the ubiquitous social networks, as well as by specific request of the Pretoria Boys High Old Boys’ Association I would like to pen this short summary of what transpired at the 1976 40 years on reunion including anecdotal highlights.
To start, a huge thanks to the Old Boys’ Association and the School itself for hosting us and organising what was an unqualified and rampant success. Thank you Mr Reeler, Mr Illsley, Inge, Steffani, Mr Fourie and innumerable staff and boys. Every nuance of this really momentous occasion was meticulously planned and executed, from tea and tags through melancholy walks, meals, drinks and even the Old Boys club remaining hospitable till the wee hours… At no point did anyone so much as miss a beat.
The gratitude we universally feel stretches way beyond our sublimely well organised reunion, it goes out to the current custodians of this unique institution, and to our wise parents for having chosen Boys High as the place for us to be educated at, all those forty years ago. Many mails and messages of thanks, of awe, and of emotions way beyond that, have been pouring in from all quarters.
For those who were unable to attend, herewith a brief synopsis. Mr Illsley very eloquently greeted us on the Solomon House front lawn, welcoming us and giving us some insight into the Schools current operating costs, a staggering R 107 million is this year’s budget, this precludes any capital projects. Government underpins only 20% of this. The balance of operating costs falling to the parent body and fund raising. Truly mind boggling.
Pretty soon we were all on a slow walk around the School grounds; many new facilities were pointed out. Often it was tough to hear Mr Illsley, just too much rising chatter around the group, all finding one another again… A walk through the school museum (the old library) followed, then tea. Perhaps the highlight of the day was next as we all filed into the magnificent new hall for Friday assembly. There was gooseflesh as least and tears in many eyes as this ceremonious assembly just got better and better. Doctor Van Der Watt’s School orchestra performed The Godfather’s Love Theme, competing with the singing of Forty Years On by all and Vernon’s speech for the climax.
This experience was exhausting, everyone soaking up every note, every word. We were transfixed. The discipline displayed by 1500 boys was astounding. We left assembly bursting with pride, knowing the current custodians of our Alma Mater are not just custodians, but are nurturing constant dynamic growth of what we all believe in, the spirit of Boys High.
Lunch followed, stunning views from the Sommerville Pavilion, rousingaddresses, great food and a buzz of conversations lifting the lid on this weekend, exposing a universal feeling of belonging, not just to the School, but to one another. The brotherhood was palpable. Lunch melted into the Last Post sounding from the Bell Tower, a superbly fitting new tradition in remembrance of our fallen ones. Accompanied by some really yummy port and sherry this was the perfect end to one of the most memorable days of our lives.
Saturday’s Stag Dinner was another milestone, a wonderful evening focussing on us as a group, showcasing some sublime skills in music and words, starring pipes and guitars at various points. From the accomplished master of ceremonies into various great toasts and talks, a delightful meal, and copious amounts of tipple. On the spur of the moment a proverbial hat was handed around and R 12000.00 cash was pulled out of back pockets with no resistance at all, bringing the total raised for the School through this event alone to over R 32000.00. I would boldly state that we all felt we wanted to do more, and it seems clear that going forward we will. This opulent dinner migrated to the Old Boys Club well after midnight. The chatter stretched into the early hours, hosted well beyond the norm by another great bunch, with at least one of us becoming completely monosyllabic by then…
So this weekend came to an end, an end which many of us are sure is the beginning of something else. The beginning of a more conscious memory, of rekindled friendships and of a refreshed sense of pride. Most of all a revitalised sense of having had the immense privilege to be a part of this South African educational icon.
I said to many when I started out collecting names and numbers that this was to be my first and last reunion, but I have had a proper change of heart. If the group will have me I am just too happy to do this ad nauseam.
From here there will of course be a financial and administrative round-up, thereafter I am going to put together a small media pack of this event for those interested, I am also considering a photo-book which will include everything from mail highlights, anecdotal footnotes and musical inserts to speech transcripts and more, but that will depend on traction from within.
Fond Regards
Ralph Dill (1976)
Text: Ralph Dill | Images: PBHSOB
OLD BOYS 10’s
The past weekend saw Pretoria Boys High Old Boys, represent the Old Boys’ Association in the 3rd Annual Old Boys 10’s rugby tournament at the Pirates Rugby Club in Greenside-Johannesburg.
The team was rejuvenated this year with a lot of the younger Old Boys taking part and contributing immensely, for us to reach the Bowl Semi Final, which we lost narrowly to Dale College old Boys 17-14.
The results were as follows:
Friday 4th November:
PBHSOB vs Middelburg OB- 7- 17
PBHSOB vs KES OB- 14-14
Saturday 5th November:
PBHSOB vs Queens College OB- 5-7
PBHSOB vs Soweto OB – 19-7
Bowl Semi-final
PBHSOB vs Dale College OB- 14-17
The aim of the tournament is to align synergies among existing Old Boy Associations of South Africa’s traditional schools through the game of tens rugby and charity. The tournament is televised by Supersport and has grown to a two-day event culminating with a concert on the last day. The funds raised during the tournament are used to enrich disadvantaged lives by using education as a tool for self empowerment through bursaries and scholarships.
Thank you to all the Old Boys that took time off from work and their studies, to participate. The same goes to all those who came to support and share the many memories and laughter. Great Boys High “gees” was shown. We look forward to participating again next year and seeing lots of new Old Boy faces for 2017.
Text: Yannick Wombo (2004) | Images: Yannick Wombo & Jason Webber
South African Justice Edwin Cameron to give FLAC Annual Lecture
FLAC is delighted and honoured that Justice Edwin Cameron (1970) of the South African Constitutional Court will give the 10th Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture.
Tavare and van Buuren commit their future to Gloucestershire
Will Tavare and Graeme van Buuren (2008) have signed extended contracts with Gloucestershire County Cricket club.
Bok great Smit tackles golf for Gary Player charity
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain John Smit will make his debut in the South African leg of the global Gary Player Invitational…
These are Tshwane’s new MMCs
Old Boy Darryl Moss (1964) has recently become a Memeber of the Mayoral Committee for Water, Sanitation and Electricity at TSHWANE METRO, after the municipal elections.
HUGO ACKERMANN
PORTRAIT OF A MAN WITH QUALITIES THAT MATTER
Hugo Ackermann, who passed away on July 8 this year was a man of many talents. Through his sagacity and leadership, he made major contributions to education in South Africa and the community at large.
A fine person and deeply admired by many, his dedication to serving others was noteworthy and he was arguably one of the country’s wisest and ablest educationists.
THUNDERGUN LUNCH CLUB
The Thundergun Lunch Club takes place on the third Wednesday of every month. Dates for 2017 are as follows:
18 January
15 February
15 March
19 April
17 May
21 June (Ladies welcome)
19 July
16 August
20 September
18 October
15 November (Year end lunch with ladies)
20 December (Ladies welcome)
Contact Derek Brown at ddbrown@wol.co.za for more information.
IN MEMORIAM
HERMAN JOHN (BUNNY) MATTHYSEN (1944)
JAMES ROBERT GALLOWAY (1964)
It is with great sadness that we wish to inform you of the passing of James Robert Galloway. He passed away peacefully at 20:05 on the 30/10/2016 after a long fight with cancer. He was born on the 4th June 1946.
He started at PBHS in 1958 and matriculated in 1964. He was in Rissik House.
Kind regards
Peter Frolich
WALTER HAIN (1940 – 1941)
Former Pretoria anti-apartheid activist Walter Hain, who was jailed and banned before being prevented by the government from working as an architect and forced into exile in Britain in 1966, died peacefully on Friday in Neath, South Wales, aged 91.
Hain married Adelaine Stocks, who was born in Port Alfred, on September 1, 1948. They joined the South African Liberal Party in 1954 and from 1958 became active in its Pretoria branch, he as chairperson, she as secretary.
Because of their anti-apartheid activism, the couple were imprisoned for two weeks without charge in 1961 and then issued with banning orders: Adelaine in 1963 and Walter in 1964.
As the first married couple to be banned, an embarrassed government was forced to insert special clauses in their banning orders enabling them to talk to each other, as banned persons were normally prevented from communicating.
In March 1966, Walter and Adelaine were forced to leave South Africa because they were deprived of earning an income after the government instructed all architectural firms in Pretoria municipality – to which Walter was restricted by his banning order – from employing him.
The family moved to Britain where they lived in Putney for several decades. Father of leading anti-apartheid campaigner and former Labour Cabinet minister and Neath MP, Peter Hain, now Lord Hain, Walter was born on December 29, 1924 in Durban.
He attended Arcadia Primary School in Pretoria and Parktown High and Pretoria Boys High School.
He gained his degree in architecture at the University of Witwatersrand, later specialising in the design of hospital laboratories. He was a Springbok rugby fan and South African cricket supporter.
He also followed football as a keen Chelsea FC fan. Walter and Adelaine have 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
He was active in the British Anti-Apartheid Movement and a founder of Architects Against Apartheid. In 2009 Walter and Adelaine moved to Neath, South Wales.
“Walter devoted his life to the struggle for freedom in South Africa. He had a brilliant mind and never lost his belief in the greatness of this country,” said Hugh Lewin, who served a seven-year prison sentence in Pretoria for anti-apartheid sabotage.
– news@citizen.co.za