PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
REUNION NEWS
CLASS OF 1952 CELEBRATES 70 YEAR REUNION
On Friday 6 May 2022 history was made at Pretoria Boys High School as the Class of 1952 celebrated their 70 Year On Reunion in style! It was decided to open the reunion to Old Boys from 1946 to 1956. The group was elated to be joined by former Headmaster Mr Bill Schroder and Headmaster Mr Greg Hassenkamp throughout the day. Let’s hear what the convenors – Ron Sutherland, Denis Vlismas and Pierre Viljoen had to say about their special day as narrated by Ron (with editing by Sally de Beer):
THE 70 YEAR ON EVENT UNDER REVIEW
It’s the rule of three again “omne trium perfectum”. To us ignoramuses, for not following the ancient language of Latin, the rule of three, we thought, meant bad things come in threes, typical negative thinking. I searched everywhere to find any sort of credence to support the negative term and joyfully there were none. The positive (perfectum) was formulated in years older than all of ours put together. “Omne trium imperfectus” does not exist, nor does “Omne trium imperfectum”. So there you have it and as it happens, this is not only confined to things, but is also true of the homo sapiens species. In our class of 1952 reunion’s case, it took three to “tango” down the narrow road, play the closing melody and listen to what has been described by the powers that be as “a huge success”.
I especially made the above a little burdensome to disprove the assumption that in every case “two is company, three’s a crowd” for the simple reason that this was a threesome structure that gave rise to a reunion of great historical dimension, of which the extent of age was the key factor. Whilst researching reunions which reportedly covered a span of seventy years, I found quite a few from overseas countries, which is to be expected I suppose. Certainly, in South Africa, there appears to be none, not one, zilch, as they say; and, if my research is sound, then for that reason alone, no school in our country can claim a similar distinction – Pretoria Boys High stands alone in this respect.
This phenomenon came about quite simply.
Imagine an Old Boy verging on the 360th degree of life, from nappies to nappies, from being fed to being fed, from having a nursemaid to again having a nursemaid, from a perambulator pushed by a caregiver to a wheelchair pushed by a caregiver.
He has enjoyed the school’s celebrations of 30, 40, 50, and 60 Years On tremendously, and has not reached a stage of incapacity yet. He’s still able-bodied enough to move around. Nor has he forgotten how to have a little enjoyment to break the monotony old age can bring, and to kindle a little fire of fun; diversion becomes an expectation of reaching back to times of excitement. “What’s wrong with having a 70 Years On?” he asks himself. Even if it’s just a couple of friends over a cup of tea, or a sundowner – wear our Old Boys ties and drink a toast to the school – “Tis here we learned to live”. This is mentioned to a friend, then a friend of that friend and suddenly a heavyweight in his school’s circles ignites the spark of approval, and soon a raging fire emerges as a full-blown inferno.
Advertising goes out; emails find their way throughout the length and breadth of the land, and yes, even to lands over the sea. Interest is shown, communication takes place, fees are deposited and the game is on – a fully-fledged event back in time as it were. “I have dreamt of something like this” emails one Old Boy. Another writes “I believe it was a great day, sorely missed by me”. All responses, written and verbal were of praise, even enquiries about having a repeat in 2032. I’m certainly up for that!!!
The most asked questions of us oldies, was, I think, “What did you find different after all these years?” Can you reply other than, “After 70 years, there should be changes?”
Besides the magnificent internal alterations, and improvements and extensions to the sports grounds, I experienced the evolution in “head mastering” – I can only guess that this evolves over time, to keep up with the times. Boys High was on the top rung of the school ladder then as it is now, the cement – head mastering. I did not have the privilege of experiencing Mr Tony Reeler’s time, but without mentioning any names, Mr Bill Schroder and Mr Greg Hassenkamp … oops! … well I’ve said it now, have managed to bridge any gaps between then and now. There is no doubt that both headmasters strove and are still striving to lay foundations toward furthering school excellence for the future and as we know, this cannot only lie in the hands of the youth – by natural progression, time does not stand still.
Mr Hassenkamp related an incident that occurred just after our Assembly on Friday 6th May and one could see that it really touched him. A “new boy” approached our headmaster and told him in plain words how proud he was at seeing the school represented as a family, the white-haired grandfathers and grandmothers, the fathers and mothers, Greg and the ladies and gentlemen in black robes and the children, all at one sitting. “From the mouths of babes……….” By the way, Mr Hassenkamp also said that our presence at assembly gave the term “old boys” a new meaning!
Thanks go out to Pierre Viljoen class of 1951, and Denis Vlismas class of 1952 for biting the bit every inch of the way. We worked together like the machinations of the most expensive Rolex. To Mr Tony Wilkes and Mr Jason Webber for their presence and show of solidarity, Mr John Illsley for his behind-the-scenes organisation, including the museum visit, Mr Bill Schroder our “ignition key” and avid supporter, Ms Sally de Beer, a tigress who’s dictionary does not include the words “Not Possible”, Ms Steffanie Kruger who waved her magic wand to produce a meal to titillate the taste buds of the best food connoisseurs, Ms Karen Botha who went to a lot of trouble to successfully decorate our venue with photos on loan from the Schroder collection during morning tea in the Reeler Room, which proved to be of great interest, also the school Photographic Society for doing a little professional photography, not like my “mik en druk”. And last, but not least by a long shot, Mr Greg Hassenkamp, the man who stood behind our dream, made it all possible, and saw it in full blossom.
CLASS OF 1962 CELEBRATES THEIR 60 YEAR ON REUNION ON 13 MAY 2022
Just one week after the Class of 1952 celebrated their 70 Year On Reunion, the Class of 1962 descended on the school grounds to mark their 60 Year On Reunion. At the time of “going to press”, the convenors under the leadership of Mr Don Jones, were still collecting photographs and inputs from attendees but we can confirm that it too was a great success. About 40 members of the Class of 1962 were in attendance and we can’t wait to hear about their experiences. Again, both Mr Bill Schroder and Mr Greg Hassenkamp were in attendance.
WHEN IS OUR NEXT REUNION?
Our next reunion takes place on Saturday, 30 July 2022 at Pretoria Boys High School. This is the 20 Year On Reunion for the Class of 2002 and the convenor is Mr Devon Light. For those who have not been in contact with Devon, you can email him on devonlight3@gmail.com. The event has already been registered on AlumNet and you can book your tickets via this link: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/Twenty2520Year2520Reunion2520Class2520of25202002
Looking at the Headmaster’s address (3 October 2002) in The Pretorian of that year, Mr Bill Schroder said: “There was always going to be the danger of 2002 being a serious anti-climax year after the excitement and the plethora of activities of the 2001 Centenary Year. This has most definitely not been the case and the class of 2002 has contributed significantly to making this a year as important and as vibrant as the Centenary Year. Their task of leadership of the School has been much harder than in previous years in that it is often easier to be swept up by the excitement of the big occasions and perform accordingly. To perform at the high level we have done – not because there was an occasion but because it is the right thing to do – is most praiseworthy and while this obviously refers to the school as a whole, particular tribute must be paid to the Staff and the Class of 2002 for their leadership”.
We look forward to this Reunion!
BRANCH GET-TOGETHERS
CAPE TOWN
It’s hard to believe that another school term is nearing an end and that we are fast approaching mid-winter and mid-year.
While winter sports are on the go and our sports teams are forging ahead on the playing fields, we also have a few provincial get-togethers on the horizon.
The first Old Boys Branch get-together will take place on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 in Cape Town. Old Boy Mark Gleeson has arranged an Old Boys Dinner at the Rondebosch Golf Club for the evening of 26 July. Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp and Association Chairman Jason Webber will travel from Pretoria to attend the event. Tickets are on sale at R280.00pp. To book your tickets, follow the link:
https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/Cape2520Town2520Old2520Boys2520Dinner
or contact Mark Gleeson at markgleeson21@gmail.com for more information.
HERMANUS LUNCH
IN MEMORIAM
We have been advised by the loved ones of the following Old Boys of their passing and we are awaiting obituaries and photographs for the Old Boys Association’s website:
- Mr Robert Rubinstein (Class of 1956) passed away in July 2021 but we have only now heard of his passing
- Mr Alexius Smuts (Class of 1954) passed away during April 2022
- Reverend Dr John Tooke (Class of 1955) passed away on 30 April 2022)
Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to their loved ones.
THE OLD BOYS CLUB
Living in or visiting Pretoria (Tshwane)? Remember to pop into the Old Boys Club for great deals and warm hospitality!
Please remember to send any snippet of interesting information to info@pbhsob.com for the attention of Sally