PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Dear Old Boy
The Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association recently elected Mr Tony Wilkes (1946 TOW) as the new President of the Association.
The announcement was made at the 95th Annual Old Boys Dinner on 7 June 2014.
The following Life-Vice Presidents were also announced:
Eugene Ashton (1996 SOL)
Kenneth Schmulow (1971 SOL)
Pierre Beguin (1949 RIS)
Graham Hearn (1962 TOW)
Rupert Hector (1961 SCH)
Trebot Barry (1956 SOL/SUN)
John Blackmore (1968 TOW)
Gavin Beckwith (1974 SUN)
The PBHSOB Association would like to thank each of these Association Life Members for their commitment, dedication and service to the Association.
I have a wonderful memory of Mr Wilkes. I was in my last year in primary school and after a conversation with my father (Solomon 1971) decided that I would follow suit and apply to go the PBHS. I found the telephone number in the phone book and on an arbitrary week day in 1991 telephoned the school.My father was the sort of parent who insisted that you got on with what you wanted to do. I introduced myself, once the phone had been answered, it was Mr Wilkes. I will never forget the conversation, he treated me with sincere interest and answered each of my questions in turn, finishing with taking my details to post off the application forms. True to his word they arrived a week later with a wonderful cover note wishing me well and good luck with my application.It is incredible to think that Mr Wilkes (Anthony Richard ‘Tony’) matriculated in 1946. His association with the school was and continues to be lifelong. He is so well known to every schoolboy, to every teacher, every old boy, that it is impossible for me to say anything more than he is the very epitome of a Gentleman and if there is anyone who is front of mind when it comes to living the very values espoused by the School on the Hill, it would be Mr Wilkes.In 1992 The Association introduced the honourary offices of President and Life Vice-Presidents. Mr Wilkes was immediately appointed a Life Vice-President in recognition of his singular dedicated to the School and his service to the Association. Mr Wilkes was, in and amongst other things the Editor of The Phobian for over two decades. How appropriate then, than Mr Wilkes was appointed President of the Association at this year’s Old Boys Dinner. He Follows Mr Abernethy (1992 – 1998) and Ronnie Edwards (1999 – 2013).I was fortunate enough to work at his side for many years as the deputy editor of The Phobian. Mr Wilkes is one of the finest men I have ever met and I think it wholly appropriate that he was appointed to the office of President. Meeting him at this year’s dinner was such a pleasure. In his eye you see the sparkle and delight, the enthusiasm of a Town House boy circa 1946. He is a Gentleman, a fine old boy, and worthy President of our Old Boys’ Association.
Eugene Ashton
Solomon 1996
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Pretoria Boys High School Annual Pipe Band Gathering 14 June 2014
After the correct pitch for their drones, the pipers from 23 bands hugged their pipe bands, puffing and blowing to the accompaniment of their drummers to start the Championship Competition at 9:00.
The school grounds resounded with the characteristic double-reeded sound of the piper as a most enjoyable and prestigious day played out. Many stalls surrounded the perimeter of Hofmeyr Oval providing a variety of eats and goods for sale. There was an enthusiastic crowd and absentees missed out on a great gathering.
The day ended with the stirring performance of the massed bands, led by the Pretoria Boys High School Pipe Band, the winners in their category. They have now won 2 out of the 3 championship competitions and 5 competitions in a row! Well done!
Set aside this Saturday in June 2015 and join the gathering – you will be proud to enjoy it with the School.
Contributors: Trebot Barry, PBHS
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL FIXTURES & EVENTS
- 26 July 2014 – Rugby and Hockey vs Menlopark (Home)
- 31 July 2014 – Orchestra: Musaion
- 2 August 2014 – Rugby and Hockey vs Maritzburg College (Home)
- 2 August 2014 – ATKV Choir Festival
- 4 August 2014 – 8 August 2014 – Squash: U14 Championships
- 6 August – 10 August 2014 – Tennis: National U15 Festival (Home)
- 6 August 2014 – Cross Country League at Eldoraigne
OLD BOY NEWS
Here are a few comments worth sharing the Association Office has received via the “Update Your Details” form on the PBHSOB Association website. If you have not recently done so, please click here to update your details.
I have always been proud to be a Boys High Boy an institution which has taught me that one can achieve anything he wishes with discipline/dedication and passion.
Principles I have followed ever since I have left the school. I thank you
– Yannick O.D. Wombo (2004 ARM)
So sorry I live so far away, but would love to still be kept in the loop. And always available to host boys wanting to visit New Zealand!!
– Matthew Wright (2004 SOL)
Thanks to school for a wonderful day at PBHS on 10 May 2014
– watching my grandsons play against PBHS
Johan Spahr (Jack) Dommisse 1960 (SUN)
BOYS HIGH TILL I DIE
– Bekithemba Mbambo 2010 (ABE)
Thank you for keeping the boys united
– Marco de Sampaio 1989 (SUN)
I must a been a headache to the staff
– Kenny Muleba 2003 (ARM)
I remember my days at PBHS, both as pupil and teacher as if it were yesterday. It is just yesterday I have trouble remembering
– Ronald John (Ron) Brown 1962 (SUN)
Boys High ’til I die!
– Berne Burger 2009 (ABE)
The poster above Ms. Wroth’s blackboard…’Time will pass…will you’… still wake up with nightmares about that one! Let’s go Boys High!
– Gareth David Rogers 1998 (ARC)
UPCOMING OLD BOY EVENTS
- 12 & 13 September 2014
50 YEAR ON 2014 - 24 & 25 October 2014
40 YEAR ON 2014 - 8 November 2014
20 YEAR ON 2014 - 22 November 2014
10 YEAR ON 2014
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