The Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association has recently teamed up with a company called AlumNet and most of you should have received an email or SMS from the new system encouraging you to log in.
All Old Boys will be able to register or log in and update their details on the new portal. As a Life Member of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association this exciting new platform will also allow you to:
Purchase regalia from our online shop within the system
Network and send messages to other Life Members
Place an advertisement in the classifieds section
Take part in forum discussions
And many more features
We would like to ask Old Boys to please refer other Old Boys with whom you have contact to update their details in the system.
This is easily done by clicking on the referral tab on left hand side menu once you have logged on to the system.
If you have not yet received any communication regarding the new online platform or are having a problem logging in, please email info@pbhsob.com
THANK YOU LOUIS
As they say in the classics, all good things come to an end and so has the tenure of Mr Louis Legat, the Manager of PHSOB Club. Louis joined the Club as a marathon member in 1983. He was a 7 time Comrades runner and finisher and also completed over 70 ultra marathons during his running years.
In 1993 he was elected as the Club’s Vice Chairman under Chairman, Mr Abe Berkow, a dedicated Old Boy. In 2006, he was elected as the Club Chairman, a position which he held until 2009 when he tendered his resignation in order to accept the post of Manager at the Club. After giving up running, or perhaps, running giving him up, Louis joined the bowling Club where he spent many happy afternoons with friends rolling his bowls.
As they say in the classics, all good things come to an end and so has the tenure of Mr Louis Legat, the Manager of PHSOB Club. Louis joined the Club as a marathon member in 1983. He was a 7 time Comrades runner and finisher and also completed over 70 ultra marathons during his running years.
In 1993 he was elected as the Club’s Vice Chairman under Chairman, Mr Abe Berkow, a dedicated Old Boy. In 2006, he was elected as the Club Chairman, a position which he held until 2009 when he tendered his resignation in order to accept the post of Manager at the Club. After giving up running, or perhaps, running giving him up, Louis joined the bowling Club where he spent many happy afternoons with friends rolling his bowls.
Louis came from the hotel and catering industry and was the perfect incumbent for the Managerial post. He had had years of experience in food and beverage and kept the Club on an even keel with his depth of knowledge. Even though not an Old Boy, Louis had the Club and the school at heart and spent many hours seeing to the requirements of Club members and functions at the Club and school. He was a familiar face at the Old Boys’ Dinners where he and the Club bar staff operated the bar for each function. He always said that serving the sherry as the Last Post sounded made him feel rather emotional as he felt a strong connection with the school from the day his son arrived in Form I.
Louis and his lovely wife, Shirley, will be moving down to KZN to be near their daughter and grandchildren. He will join a local bowling club and will be able to relax and enjoy his free time with his family and in his garden.
No more opening the Club at the crack of dawn from Monday to Sunday and public holidays! Time to unwind and enjoy!
Louis and his knowledge of the hospitality industry will be sorely missed and we wish him and Shirley a wonderful retirement. We hope they will remember to pop in when they next visit their son in Pretoria.
– Yvonne Uys
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Old Boys
Greetings to you all
Unbelievably it seems that another eventful year is almost at an end. This year I have once again had the privilege of meeting a number of Old Boys at reunions, dinners and elsewhere. I feel that the reunions are of vital importance as they connect memories of the past with the present and it is particularly interesting to hear of their various achievements since leaving school. I have come to realise that inherently our boys don’t change. As good silver is stamped with a hall mark to guarantee that it is pure, so boys who attended our great school have a special unique mark of character which remains with them throughout their lives.
Since last writing to you, my wife and I have moved into the flats at the Old Boys’ club and are so happy to still have some contact with the School.
As this is the last Newsletter for 2017 I should like to take the opportunity of wishing you and your family a very blessed and joyous Christmas season and a prosperous, healthy and happy 2018.
With regards, Tony Wilkes
P.S. You might be interested to know when the first Valediction for Matric boys was held and I quote an article from the 1945 edition of the Pretorian:
“An interesting ceremony was held in the School Hall on the morning of November 23rd to bid godspeed to the boys of the Fifth Form on the eve of the last fortnight of their school careers The function was attended by many parents and also by members of the Governing Body and the Old Boys’ Association. After prayers conducted by Canon Herbert, a member of the Governing Body, the gathering was addressed by the Hon. J.H.Hofmeyr, Minister of Finance who spoke on the subject of Loyalty.”
SUMMER SPORTS DAY 2018
Summer Sports’ Day 2017 will take place on Saturday 20 January at Pretoria Boys’ High School.
The following activities will be on offer:
Basketball Cricket Cross Country Squash Tennis Table 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 2018, 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
Luvuyo Rubushe
waterpolo@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
Table Tennis
Chan Dowra
CDowra@boyshigh.com
Chess
Jeanne De Meillon
jdemeillon@boyshigh.com
40 YEAR ON 2017 – CLASS OF 1977
The Class of 1977 held its 40th reunion on 03 and 04 November 2017, with Old Boys attending from All over South Africa as well as the UK, Australia and Vietnam. For five years (or more) at the school we faithfully sang “Forty Years On” never thinking that the day would come when it would actually apply to us!!!!!
The day started on the Solomon House lawn where we were welcomed by Mr Tony Reeler, for us a new headmaster from the one we had met at the 30th reunion. It was the first time that “The Boss” was younger than us so we really felt the forty years on!!!!!!! The walk through the school grounds was a pleasant stroll on a summer’s morning and fortunately our breath was not as short as our memories are long!!!!!
While strolling Mr Reeler gave us an informative overview of the school from the health of the trees and veld along Pine Drive, the benefits of no longer applying corporal punishment (resulting in a debate under the jacarandas in which scepticism was rife and an alarming fond or traumatic memories of jacking were expressed), the benefits of building up the fitness in new boys on a large campus with a koppie.
The visit to the school museum was an eye-opener not just for the delight of the familiar, but for all the new facts we were unaware of. From there it was time for tea and scones in the Media Centre where serious socialising and catching up could begin.
Everyone was highly impressed when we were shepherded into the new hall as it truly symbolises how the school continues to develop and improve. The school orchestra playing Yesterday brought smiles to our faces and the professionalism of their repertoire was impressive.
Rev Nicholas Jonsson gave a brief reading on friendship and former Vice Head Boy Dr Lance Coetzee inspired us all with his words on integrity and the role it plays in the Boys High ethos. Mr Reeler put 1977 into perspective and none of us will now forget that it was the year that the High Five was created!!! Assembly ended with singing Forty Years On and tears flowed freely as for some it was a bucket list item to sing it at our 40th reunion.
The spirit at the luncheon in the Sommerville Pavilion was set by the witty banter of our Master of Ceremonies, Mark Feinblum. Gordon Delaney added to the atmosphere of levity with his pithy words on the Class of 1977. We were honoured to be joined by Mr Reeler, Mr Schroder, Mr Penzhorn, Mr Obermeyer, Ms Paulsen-Liddle of the Old Boys’ Association and Mr Sommerville himself. The day at the School ended under the Norfolk Pine with Mr Reeler giving background on the Last Post followed by the moving ceremony.
The dinner on Saturday night at the Sommerville Pavilion was very light hearted with Master of Ceremonies Mark Feinblum keeping us in stitches with his witty repartee. In these serious times the Toast to South Africa was characterised by light hearted banter, Eduard Murray dwelled on the challenges of organising a reunion from London and created mirth as he maintained that his superpower is being invisible and unknown. Mark Manley gave an insightful talk on the Boys High spirit and wondered what creates it. Mr Reeler added to Mark’s thoughts and came to the conclusion that it is the boys themselves. The evening ended with a Vote of Thanks by George Ellinas and a reading of those who have passed on over the forty years.
It was agreed by all that the lack of numbers at the reunion was made up in quality through the strong spirit of camaraderie and rekindled friendships. In true Old Boys’ tradition the night drew to a close at the Old Boys Club with the departure of the last nine “bittereinders” with the waking of the birds at 04:30.
– David du Buisson CONVENOR
A LOOK BACK…
Source: The Pretorian 1977
REGALIA
An exciting new range of “Old Boy” items will be for sale in 2018. This range will be available to all Old Boys of Pretoria Boys High School.
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY 2017
ORDER OF CEREMONY 10:50 – The school assembles in the Abernethy Hall 10:55 – Guests occupy reserved seats 11:00 – The choir sings: O Valiant Hearts Reading – Kyle Brown, Head Prefect Prayer – Christopher Gous, Deputy Head Prefect All stand School Hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past All seated The address by Commander M. Adeel Carelse MMM South African Navy All stand The Roll of Honour is read: Mr Tony Reeler All remain standing The Last Post Military personnel in uniform salute TWO MINUTE SILENCE Reveille All seated The laying of wreaths Lament is played by the Pipe Band All stand The Benediction The National Anthem Military personnel in uniform salute
Remembrance Day and the Two Minute Silence
The two minute silence is the accepted pause during Remembrance Day commemorations that take place annually at 11:00 on 11 November.
This custom started during a church service in Cape Town, in 1916, while the city was in mourning after the publication of South Africa’s first casualty list for World War 1. A local businessman, Mr JA Eggar, proposed that the congregation attending the church service should observe a minute’s silence to honour the fallen.
Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, the famous South African author, politician and mining financier whose eldest son, Major Nugent Fitzpatrick, was killed in action in France in 1917, is credited with the idea of a two minute silence.
Writing to King George V via Lord Milner, the former High Commissioner for South Africa, in November 1919 Sir Percy proposed that a moment of silence be observed annually on 11 November, in honour of the dead of World War 1.
In November 1919, King George V proclaimed that “at the hour when the Armistice came into force, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, there may be for the brief space of two minutes a complete suspension of all our normal activities … so that in perfect stillness; the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.”
The first minute is a time of thanksgiving for those who survived and returned home, while the second minute is to remember those who died in all conflicts since World War 1.
The sounding of the Last Post signals the start of the two minutes silence, while the sounding of the Reveille signals the end of the two minutes silence.
– Eddie Penzhorn
BEER WITH THE BOSS
OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS
Alasdair Donaldson Takes South Africa out of the Group Stages for Tekken
Huge excitement for South Africa as the Protea Tekken player, Alasdair Donaldson (1998), makes it out of the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
A fine all-round bowling display followed by Aiden Markram’s (2012) unbeaten half-century helped the Titans stretch their advantage at the top of the T20 Challenge table with a seven-wicket demolition of the winless Cape Cobras in Centurion on Sunday.
RISING tennis star Benjamin Lock (2011) continued his remarkable run of form on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Pro Circuit over the last three weeks after completing a hatrick of doubles title in Kuwait yesterday..
South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris (2006) is ready to make his comeback after spending a lengthy period of time on the sidelines with a back injury.
The remarkable story of the world’s first brain surgery… on a bear
In 2012, the conservation charity Free The Bears approached Romain Pizzi (1992) with an unusual patient. One of the most innovative wildlife surgeons in Europe and perhaps the world, Pizzi is short, with a goatee, dark receding hair and muscular forearms which, when held out ready for surgery, give him the look of an otter on hind legs. A specialist in laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery – commonplace in humans, but until recently rare in veterinary medicine – he has operated on giraffes and tarantulas, penguins and baboons, giant tortoises and at least one shark, and maintains a reputation for taking on cases others won’t. If you’re in possession of a tiger with gallstones, or a suspiciously sickly beaver, you call Pizzi. As Matt Hunt, CEO of Free The Bears, told me recently,”We have other vets who are incredibly talented. But Romain is one of a kind.”
The patient in question was a three-year-old Asiatic black bear called Champa. Known as moon bears for the white, crescent-shaped markings on their chests, Asiatic black bears are threatened across Asia, where their bile, paws and bones are used as ingredients in traditional medicine. Bears in bile farms are crammed into tiny cages with catheters surgically inserted into their gall bladders to drain the fluid. Countless bears die from infection and open wounds. As a result, moon bears are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating a population decline of 30 per cent or more in the last ten years.
Free The Bears, established in 1993, runs sanctuaries for rescued bile bears – moon bears and also sun and sloth bears, which are similarly at risk – in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. In 2010, the charity had gifted two rescued sun bears to Edinburgh Zoo, where Pizzi works part-time as a veterinary surgeon. In return, the charity received financial support – and Pizzi. He travelled to Vietnam, working to train local vets, and performed the world’s first laparoscopic gall-bladder removals on rescued bears.
HERMANUS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI TIES AND SCARVES AWARDED TO MATRIC PUPILS
Under the guidance of and with the initiative taken by Mr. David Leppan (Class of 1966), the Hermanus branch of the Pretoria Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association awarded the Hermanus High School Matric Class of 2017 with the unexpected but very much appreciated gift of Alumni ties and scarves. This initiative came about after a number of discussions among this branch’s members as to how they could make a difference at the local high school. It is truly wonderful to see the generosity of the Old Boys from our school making an impact in this town. On behalf of Hermanus High School I would like to thank the Old Boys’ Association for this very kind, generous and most thoughtful gesture. There is no doubt that this contribution will in the years to come have a considerable influence on the school which will be hard to measure.
Below follows my address to the Hermanus High School Class of 2017 at their Final Assembly during which I conveyed the message of this gift.
With sincere appreciation GJ Hassenkamp (Solomon House, Class of 1990) Principal – Hermanus High School
“I have further good news. As each one of you leaves this hall for the very last time today, you will be given a gift. Each girl will receive a scarf (which looks like this) and each boy will receive a tie (which looks like this).
As you all know we have made a huge effort over the past few years to build pride amongst our pupils in this school. Pride in representing your school, pride in wearing your uniform, pride in how you perform and pride in how you behave. This has been done not only in an effort to have our pupils represent their school well but more importantly to try to establish a pride in your school that will last for a life time. Written on each of the scarves and ties are the words “Hermanus High School -Alumni”- this means Hermanus High School graduate or, Hermanus High School past pupil.
If Hermanus High School is to truly become the school which it can be, the continued support of its past pupils is vital. In building pride we hope to receive this support in the years to come. We hope that these items will continue to be worn with pride. More importantly we hope they will continue to remind you of the invaluable experience you have had at this school in the hope that when the time is right and you are in a position to do so you will give back to this school as it has given to you.
I think it is important to tell you that these items have been sponsored by the Hermanus Branch of the Pretoria BoysHigh School Old Boys’ Association, a group of gentlemen who have supplied enough scarves and ties to last the school three years and to the value of over R50 000. It is their intention that these items add to the bond you already have with the school and lead to your future involvement in the school.
In particular I would like to thank Mr. David Leppan (who has a grand-daughter at this school) for taking the initiative in this project, and all the gentlemen from this association for their very generous and thoughtful contribution. While Mr. Leppan could not join us this morning due to the fact that he is overseas, Mr. Ed Meyer (Class of 1956), a member of the association, is here. Mr. Meyer, thank you for joining us and please extend our sincere appreciation to the association. I think they deserve a warm round of applause.
Once you have rung the bell, and as you leave this hall this morning for the very last time as a pupil of this school, you will be issued with your scarf or tie in the foyer by Ms. Nel and Mr. Hooneberg. If you choose to do so, we have agreed to allow you to wear these items to school while you write your final exams. We trust and hope that these items will be special to you and will continue to remind you of the wonderful years you spent at this special school.”
GJ HASSENKAMP PRINCIPAL
Principal of Hermanus High School and Old Boy Greg Hassenakmp together with four Matrics from the Class of 2017 all proudly wearing their new Alumni ties. From left to right; Robert King, Ivan Bresler, Greg Hassenkamp, Daniel Landes and Adriaan Heunis.
THE RESTORATION OF THE OLD GYM
The original gymnasium of Pretoria Boys High School Page 33 – Pretoria Boys High – The story of a South African School.
This venue will most likely be remembered by most Old Boys as the music centre which was situated between Solomon House and the East Fountain Quad. It is no longer used by the music fraternity who now have moved to their new headquarters above the library in the Bill Schroeder Centre. Those familiar with the venue when in use by the music department, will recall the raised stepped platforms that extended right to the back of the hall. Cupboards with sliding doors were built along the entire width of the north wall. If you are at all fortunate enough to possess the book entitled PRETORIA BOYS HIGH- The story of a South African School- authored by John Illsley, then turn to page 33 and view what the function of the venue was originally intended for. This is one of possibly three photographs that are known to exist, showing the original gymnasium of Pretoria Boys High School.
The Executive of the school have decided to restore the original gymnasium to much of its former glory. On completion it will be used as a venue for selected events such as art and photographic expositions, to name but two.
The slow, but steady process has begun with the stepped floor platforms and sliding door cupboards having been partially removed. When this is complete it will reveal the state of the original wood floor and the water damage that is very evident. The removal of these structures will also reveal the full volume of the room. Once the flooring is safe enough, scaffolding will be erected so that work can commence on the wooden beams and ceilings, and so down to floor level and final completion.
Regular updates with photographs on the progress will be posted. – Paul Ewart-Phipps
OLD BOY 10’S
PBHSOB
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER
Dear Old Boy
The Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association has recently teamed up with a company called AlumNet and most of you should have received an email or SMS from the new system encouraging you to log in.
All Old Boys will be able to register or log in and update their details on the new portal. As a Life Member of the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association this exciting new platform will also allow you to:
Purchase regalia from our online shop within the system
Network and send messages to other Life Members
Place an advertisement in the classifieds section
Take part in forum discussions
And many more features
We would like to ask Old Boys to please refer other Old Boys with whom you have contact to update their details in the system.
This is easily done by clicking on the referral tab on left hand side menu once you have logged on to the system.
If you have not yet received any communication regarding the new online platform or are having a problem logging in, please email info@pbhsob.com
THANK YOU LOUIS
As they say in the classics, all good things come to an end and so has the tenure of Mr Louis Legat, the Manager of PHSOB Club. Louis joined the Club as a marathon member in 1983. He was a 7 time Comrades runner and finisher and also completed
over 70 ultra marathons during his running years.
In 1993 he was elected as the Club’s Vice Chairman under Chairman, Mr Abe Berkow, a dedicated Old Boy. In 2006, he was elected as the Club Chairman, a position which he held until 2009 when he tendered his resignation in order to accept the post
of Manager at the Club. After giving up running, or perhaps, running giving him up, Louis joined the bowling Club where he spent many happy afternoons with friends rolling his bowls.
Louis came from the hotel and catering industry and was the perfect incumbent for the Managerial post. He had had years of experience in food and beverage and kept the Club on an even keel with his depth of knowledge. Even though not an Old Boy,
Louis had the Club and the school at heart and spent many hours seeing to the requirements of Club members and functions at the Club and school. He was a familiar face at the Old Boys’ Dinners where he and the Club bar staff operated the bar for
each function. He always said that serving the sherry as the Last Post sounded made him feel rather emotional as he felt a strong connection with the school from the day his son arrived in Form I.
Louis and his lovely wife, Shirley, will be moving down to KZN to be near their daughter and grandchildren. He will join a local bowling club and will be able to relax and enjoy his free time with his family and in his garden.
No more opening the Club at the crack of dawn from Monday to Sunday and public holidays! Time to unwind and enjoy!
Louis and his knowledge of the hospitality industry will be sorely missed and we wish him and Shirley a wonderful retirement. We hope they will remember to pop in when they next visit their son in Pretoria.
– Yvonne Uys
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Old Boys
Greetings to you all
Unbelievably it seems that another eventful year is almost at an end. This year I have once again had the privilege of meeting a number of Old Boys at reunions, dinners and elsewhere. I feel that the reunions are of vital importance as they
connect memories of the past with the present and it is particularly interesting to hear of their various achievements since leaving school. I have come to realise that inherently our boys don’t change. As good silver is stamped with a hall mark to
guarantee that it is pure, so boys who attended our great school have a special unique mark of character which remains with them throughout their lives.
Since last writing to you, my wife and I have moved into the flats at the Old Boys’ club and are so happy to still have some contact with the School.
As this is the last Newsletter for 2017 I should like to take the opportunity of wishing you and your family a very blessed and joyous Christmas season and a prosperous, healthy and happy 2018.
With regards,
Tony Wilkes
P.S. You might be interested to know when the first Valediction for Matric boys was held and I quote an article from the 1945 edition of the Pretorian:
“An interesting ceremony was held in the School Hall on the morning of November 23rd to bid godspeed to the boys of the Fifth Form on the eve of the last fortnight of their school careers The function was attended by many parents and also by
members of the Governing Body and the Old Boys’ Association. After prayers conducted by Canon Herbert, a member of the Governing Body, the gathering was addressed by the Hon. J.H.Hofmeyr, Minister of Finance who spoke on the subject of Loyalty.”
SUMMER SPORTS DAY 2018
Summer Sports’ Day 2017 will take place on Saturday 20 January at Pretoria Boys’ High School.
The following activities will be on offer:
Basketball
Cricket
Cross Country
Squash
Tennis
Table 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 2018, 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:
The Class of 1977 held its 40th reunion on 03 and 04 November 2017, with Old Boys attending from All over South Africa as well as the UK, Australia and Vietnam. For five years (or more) at the school we faithfully sang “Forty Years On” never
thinking that the day would come when it would actually apply to us!!!!!
The day started on the Solomon House lawn where we were welcomed by Mr Tony Reeler, for us a new headmaster from the one we had met at the 30th reunion. It was the first time that “The Boss” was younger than us so we really felt the forty years
on!!!!!!! The walk through the school grounds was a pleasant stroll on a summer’s morning and fortunately our breath was not as short as our memories are long!!!!!
While strolling Mr Reeler gave us an informative overview of the school from the health of the trees and veld along Pine Drive, the benefits of no longer applying corporal punishment (resulting in a debate under the jacarandas in which scepticism
was rife and an alarming fond or traumatic memories of jacking were expressed), the benefits of building up the fitness in new boys on a large campus with a koppie.
The visit to the school museum was an eye-opener not just for the delight of the familiar, but for all the new facts we were unaware of. From there it was time for tea and scones in the Media Centre where serious socialising and catching up could
begin.
Everyone was highly impressed when we were shepherded into the new hall as it truly symbolises how the school continues to develop and improve. The school orchestra playing Yesterday brought smiles to our faces and the professionalism of
their repertoire was impressive.
Rev Nicholas Jonsson gave a brief reading on friendship and former Vice Head Boy Dr Lance Coetzee inspired us all with his words on integrity and the role it plays in the Boys High ethos. Mr Reeler put 1977 into perspective and none of us will
now forget that it was the year that the High Five was created!!! Assembly ended with singing Forty Years On and tears flowed freely as for some it was a bucket list item to sing it at our 40th reunion.
The spirit at the luncheon in the Sommerville Pavilion was set by the witty banter of our Master of Ceremonies, Mark Feinblum. Gordon Delaney added to the atmosphere of levity with his pithy words on the Class of 1977. We were honoured to be
joined by Mr Reeler, Mr Schroder, Mr Penzhorn, Mr Obermeyer, Ms Paulsen-Liddle of the Old Boys’ Association and Mr Sommerville himself. The day at the School ended under the Norfolk Pine with Mr Reeler giving background on the Last Post followed by
the moving ceremony.
The dinner on Saturday night at the Sommerville Pavilion was very light hearted with Master of Ceremonies Mark Feinblum keeping us in stitches with his witty repartee. In these serious times the Toast to South Africa was characterised by light
hearted banter, Eduard Murray dwelled on the challenges of organising a reunion from London and created mirth as he maintained that his superpower is being invisible and unknown. Mark Manley gave an insightful talk on the Boys High spirit and
wondered what creates it. Mr Reeler added to Mark’s thoughts and came to the conclusion that it is the boys themselves. The evening ended with a Vote of Thanks by George Ellinas and a reading of those who have passed on over the forty years.
It was agreed by all that the lack of numbers at the reunion was made up in quality through the strong spirit of camaraderie and rekindled friendships. In true Old Boys’ tradition the night drew to a close at the Old Boys Club with the departure
of the last nine “bittereinders” with the waking of the birds at 04:30.
ORDER OF CEREMONY
10:50 – The school assembles in the Abernethy Hall
10:55 – Guests occupy reserved seats
11:00 – The choir sings: O Valiant Hearts
Reading – Kyle Brown, Head Prefect
Prayer – Christopher Gous, Deputy Head Prefect
All stand
School Hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past
All seated
The address by Commander M. Adeel Carelse MMM
South African Navy
All stand
The Roll of Honour is read: Mr Tony Reeler
All remain standing
The Last Post
Military personnel in uniform salute
TWO MINUTE SILENCE
Reveille
All seated
The laying of wreaths
Lament is played by the Pipe Band
All stand
The Benediction
The National Anthem
Military personnel in uniform salute
Remembrance Day and the Two Minute Silence
The two minute silence is the accepted pause during Remembrance Day commemorations that take place annually at 11:00 on 11 November.
This custom started during a church service in Cape Town, in 1916, while the city was in mourning after the publication of South Africa’s first casualty list for World War 1. A local businessman, Mr JA Eggar, proposed that the congregation
attending the church service should observe a minute’s silence to honour the fallen.
Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, the famous South African author, politician and mining financier whose eldest son, Major Nugent Fitzpatrick, was killed in action in France in 1917, is credited with the idea of a two minute silence.
Writing to King George V via Lord Milner, the former High Commissioner for South Africa, in November 1919 Sir Percy proposed that a moment of silence be observed annually on 11 November, in honour of the dead of World War 1.
In November 1919, King George V proclaimed that “at the hour when the Armistice came into force, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, there may be for the brief space of two minutes a complete suspension of all our normal activities
… so that in perfect stillness; the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.”
The first minute is a time of thanksgiving for those who survived and returned home, while the second minute is to remember those who died in all conflicts since World War 1.
The sounding of the Last Post signals the start of the two minutes silence, while the sounding of the Reveille signals the end of the two minutes silence.
Click here to visit the
PBHSOB Association Online Shop.
OLD BOYS IN THE NEWS
Alasdair Donaldson Takes South Africa out of the Group Stages for Tekken
Huge excitement for South Africa as the Protea Tekken player, Alasdair Donaldson (1998), makes it out of the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
A fine all-round bowling display followed by Aiden Markram’s (2012) unbeaten half-century helped the Titans stretch their advantage at the top of the T20 Challenge table with a seven-wicket demolition of the winless Cape Cobras in Centurion on
Sunday.
RISING tennis star Benjamin Lock (2011) continued his remarkable run of form on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Pro Circuit over the last three weeks after completing a hatrick of doubles title in Kuwait yesterday..
South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris (2006) is ready to make his comeback after spending a lengthy period of time on the sidelines with a back injury.
The remarkable story of the world’s first brain surgery… on a bear
In 2012, the conservation charity Free The Bears approached Romain Pizzi (1992) with an unusual patient. One of the most innovative wildlife surgeons in Europe and perhaps the world, Pizzi is short, with a goatee, dark receding hair and muscular
forearms which, when held out ready for surgery, give him the look of an otter on hind legs. A specialist in laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery – commonplace in humans, but until recently rare in veterinary medicine – he has operated on giraffes and
tarantulas, penguins and baboons, giant tortoises and at least one shark, and maintains a reputation for taking on cases others won’t. If you’re in possession of a tiger with gallstones, or a suspiciously sickly beaver, you call Pizzi. As Matt Hunt,
CEO of Free The Bears, told me recently,”We have other vets who are incredibly talented. But Romain is one of a kind.”
The patient in question was a three-year-old Asiatic black bear called Champa. Known as moon bears for the white, crescent-shaped markings on their chests, Asiatic black bears are threatened across Asia, where their bile, paws and bones are used
as ingredients in traditional medicine. Bears in bile farms are crammed into tiny cages with catheters surgically inserted into their gall bladders to drain the fluid. Countless bears die from infection and open wounds. As a result, moon bears are
classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating a population decline of 30 per cent or more in the last ten years.
Free The Bears, established in 1993, runs sanctuaries for rescued bile bears – moon bears and also sun and sloth bears, which are similarly at risk – in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. In 2010, the charity had gifted two rescued sun bears to
Edinburgh Zoo, where Pizzi works part-time as a veterinary surgeon. In return, the charity received financial support – and Pizzi. He travelled to Vietnam, working to train local vets, and performed the world’s first laparoscopic gall-bladder
removals on rescued bears.
HERMANUS HIGH SCHOOL
ALUMNI TIES AND SCARVES AWARDED TO MATRIC PUPILS
Under the guidance of and with the initiative taken by Mr. David Leppan (Class of 1966), the Hermanus branch of the Pretoria Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association awarded the Hermanus High School Matric Class of 2017 with the unexpected but
very much appreciated gift of Alumni ties and scarves. This initiative came about after a number of discussions among this branch’s members as to how they could make a difference at the local high school. It is truly wonderful to see the generosity
of the Old Boys from our school making an impact in this town. On behalf of Hermanus High School I would like to thank the Old Boys’ Association for this very kind, generous and most thoughtful gesture. There is no doubt that this contribution will
in the years to come have a considerable influence on the school which will be hard to measure.
Below follows my address to the Hermanus High School Class of 2017 at their Final Assembly during which I conveyed the message of this gift.
With sincere appreciation GJ Hassenkamp (Solomon House, Class of 1990)
Principal – Hermanus High School
“I have further good news. As each one of you leaves this hall for the very last time today, you will be given a gift. Each girl will receive a scarf (which looks like this) and each boy will receive a tie (which looks like this).
As you all know we have made a huge effort over the past few years to build pride amongst our pupils in this school. Pride in representing your school, pride in wearing your uniform, pride in how you perform and pride in how you behave. This has
been done not only in an effort to have our pupils represent their school well but more importantly to try to establish a pride in your school that will last for a life time. Written on each of the scarves and ties are the words “Hermanus High
School -Alumni”- this means Hermanus High School graduate or, Hermanus High School past pupil.
If Hermanus High School is to truly become the school which it can be, the continued support of its past pupils is vital. In building pride we hope to receive this support in the years to come. We hope that these items will continue to be
worn with pride. More importantly we hope they will continue to remind you of the invaluable experience you have had at this school in the hope that when the time is right and you are in a position to do so you will give back to this school as it
has given to you.
I think it is important to tell you that these items have been sponsored by the Hermanus Branch of the Pretoria BoysHigh School Old Boys’ Association, a group of gentlemen who have supplied enough scarves and ties to last the school three
years and to the value of over R50 000. It is their intention that these items add to the bond you already have with the school and lead to your future involvement in the school.
In particular I would like to thank Mr. David Leppan (who has a grand-daughter at this school) for taking the initiative in this project, and all the gentlemen from this association for their very generous and thoughtful contribution. While
Mr. Leppan could not join us this morning due to the fact that he is overseas, Mr. Ed Meyer (Class of 1956), a member of the association, is here. Mr. Meyer, thank you for joining us and please extend our sincere appreciation to the association. I
think they deserve a warm round of applause.
Once you have rung the bell, and as you leave this hall this morning for the very last time as a pupil of this school, you will be issued with your scarf or tie in the foyer by Ms. Nel and Mr. Hooneberg. If you choose to do so, we have agreed
to allow you to wear these items to school while you write your final exams. We trust and hope that these items will be special to you and will continue to remind you of the wonderful years you spent at this special school.”
GJ HASSENKAMP
PRINCIPAL
Principal of Hermanus High School and Old Boy Greg Hassenakmp together with four Matrics from the Class of 2017 all proudly wearing their new Alumni ties.
From left to right; Robert King, Ivan Bresler, Greg Hassenkamp, Daniel Landes and Adriaan Heunis.
THE RESTORATION OF THE OLD GYM
The original gymnasium of Pretoria Boys High School
Page 33 – Pretoria Boys High – The story of a South African School.
This venue will most likely be remembered by most Old Boys as the music centre which was situated between Solomon House and the East Fountain Quad. It is no longer used by the music fraternity who now have moved to their new headquarters above
the library in the Bill Schroeder Centre. Those familiar with the venue when in use by the music department, will recall the raised stepped platforms that extended right to the back of the hall. Cupboards with sliding doors were built along the
entire width of the north wall. If you are at all fortunate enough to possess the book entitled PRETORIA BOYS HIGH- The story of a South African School- authored by John Illsley, then turn to page 33 and view what the function of the venue was
originally intended for. This is one of possibly three photographs that are known to exist, showing the original gymnasium of Pretoria Boys High School.
The Executive of the school have decided to restore the original gymnasium to much of its former glory. On completion it will be used as a venue for selected events such as art and photographic expositions, to name but two.
The slow, but steady process has begun with the stepped floor platforms and sliding door cupboards having been partially removed. When this is complete it will reveal the state of the original wood floor and the water damage that is very evident.
The removal of these structures will also reveal the full volume of the room. Once the flooring is safe enough, scaffolding will be erected so that work can commence on the wooden beams and ceilings, and so down to floor level and final
completion.
Regular updates with photographs on the progress will be posted.
– Paul Ewart-Phipps
OLD BOY 10’S
The Old Boys took part in the annual Old Boys Tens Rugby Tournament which is hosted in Johannesburg at The Pirates rugby club. This tournament gets Old Boys to experience some of South Africa’s best Old School Rivalries being renewed in a weekend
filled with old school rugby passion and at the same time it is used to raise funds. This year all proceeds of the event went towards the Endowment Education Fund to give deserving young men and women the tool they need to success – education.
The PBHSOB team consisted of a wide range of Old Boys ranging from ’02 – ’15 matriculants. Some classic star players included the veterans – Michael Pitt (2002), Brandon Wegner (2003), Yannick Wombo (2004) and Barry Viljoen (2004)
Day 1: PBHSOB got the opening game of the tournament on the main field against the Jeppe Old Boys and they didn’t disappoint by beating Jeppe 17-5. St Andews Old Boys were next, and they managed to beat the over confident PBHSOB and ended up
playing in the cup final.
Day 2: PBHSOB hit back with a convincing 19-10 win over St Johns. With only a few minutes of rest they were back on the field against a very skilled “St Albans” team . I think there were more non St Albans Old Boys in the team than St Albans Old
Boys. The PBHSOB lost 10-12 in a nail biter. It was enough to put the men through to the Shield Semi-Final where they went up against the Trinity House Old Boys. The tired and exhausted men in Red-White-Green came out top by beating them 12-7. This
put them through to the Shield Finals where they took on a very energetic Park Town Old Boys side. The men put up a good fight till the end but didn’t manage to secure the title.
Being one of the few teams that consisted purely of Old Boys from within the school, makes this result even more special and the men can hold their heads up high. One thing for sure, the brotherhood among Pretoria Boys High Old Boys is something
to be treasured.
The Old Boys would like to give a special thanks to the Old Boys’ Association who assisted us in creating a brand new PBHSOB rugby jersey that looks awesome! All Old Boys who assisted helped us raise funds to participate in this exciting
tournament. And of course our photographer who captured lots of moments for us, Shelley Swart Smalley!
To get involved and to stay in the loop for all future Old Boys Rugby details, please follow the PBHSOB rugby facebook page
Regards,
Stephen Eagle (2008)
SCENTS, SOUNDS AND SMELLS
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Gay, irregular splashing of water in the fountain.
‘Mossies’ (Sparrows) gaily chirping in the bell-tower.
Dull roar of a distant aeroplane.
Scratchy sound of a grass broom sweeping over the slates in front of Solomon House.
Deafening scream as Buccaneers fly overhead.
The sound of Nico blowing his nose.
The musty smell of the Solomon House compost heap.
Sun sparkling on the wet grass.
Nauseating smell of dirty oil and petrol.
The sound of a car’s tyres crunching over the pebbles on Jacaranda Drive
The massive sound of the school clock chiming.
A bee buzzing hastily and dangerously around my head.
Dappled light patterns on the tarmac cast by the sun through the Jacaranda trees.
Falling pinecones rattling through the dry branches.
The melodious buzzing of “sonbessies”.
Clear laughter ringing through the trees.
Mr Hofmeyr’s calm voice rattling on and on.
The scent of Frangipanis in front of Rissik House.
– R. Odendaal Form IV A (The Pretorian 1967)
LETTERS
The article in your latest news letter refers. The attached photograph was taken shortly after we returned from Cape Town. It took us months of hard training and dedication to reach the required standard of proficiency required, but it was all
worth it in the end.
It doesn’t seem like 65 years have passed!
Ivan Epstein (1952)
Dear Inge,
I’m back again. It was interesting reading about Cadet Detachment 141 in which I ‘served’ from 1941 t0 1945. I was a keen cadet, after 2 years advancing to ‘acting’ sergeant and joining the Band to start all over as learner bugler and gradually
becoming sergeant and finally Drum Major.Herewith photograph of the Officers,Warrant Officers and Platoon Sergeants of 1945. Lt.Col Wynne, Major Geen and Capt. Bob Fair who at different periods were O.Cs are in the photo. I also include a photo of
the Band.
I keep on saying that I left Boys High but Boys High never left me.
With Best wishes.
Jeff Geffen
Rissik House (1941-1945)
Hi,
I was in Las Vegas at the beginning of October for a business conference and met Martin Ossip, father of Ceridians CEO David Ossip.
Martin was in class of 1956, if I recall correctly, he is now living in Canada.
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 for PBHSOB Association Life Members.
SEASONS GREETINGS
This is the last Email Newsletter for this year and we would like to wish all Old Boys and their families a safe and blessed Festive Season.
Thank you for your support during 2017 and we hope all Old Boys will continue to send news, letters and feedback on the newsletter to us in the New Year.
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
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