TRILOGY OCEAN CHALLENGE
OLD BOYS CHRIS OLDNALL & PEET CROWTHER
CONQUER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
On Thursday, 10th April 2025, two Old Boys – Peet Crowther (2007, Matheson) and PBHS Deputy Headmaster Chris Oldnall (2005, Matheson) – each completed a 53km solo swim from Robben Island to Dassen Island — a never-before-done feat in South African open water.
This was the second leg of the Trilogy Ocean Challenge, a 152km swim series redefining human limits.
This daring challenge, which started on Wednesday, 9th April 2025 and therefore involved an overnight swim, saw the duo battling cold waters, strong currents, and total isolation. They were not allowed to touch any part of the boat and they had to be in the water at all times without any assistance. The swim was observed by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association.
PBHS Old Boys, together with the entire school community, were glued to the Trilogy Ocean Challenge WhatsApp group as we were continuously updated on the swimmers’ progress, with photos and videos being posted regularly by the South African Hall of Fame. As the swimmers edged closer to shore the donations increased with various challenges between Old Boys’ classes, head prefects and provinces being made and accepted.
Peet finished first in 18 : 23 : 20.37 with Chris hot on his heels in 20 : 26 : 21.37.
In a video message recorded shortly afterwards, they said the following:
Peet – “From the bottom of my heart I just want to say thanks to each and every one of you. We are still basking in this special major achievement, not just by us, but all of us as a group and a community and I’m so proud to be part of this initiative and everybody’s involvement”.
Chris – “From my side, I’d also like to say thank you. It’s been a humbling experience. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much”.
This was more than just a record-breaking achievement, the swim raised funds for The South African Hall of Fame Legacy Project, giving talented children without resources the opportunity to attend Pretoria Boys High School. To date, 35 scholars have been supported through this life-changing initiative.
This was a swim for the history books — and for a future filled with opportunity.
The final leg of the Trilogy Ocean Challenge is planned for November 2025 and will be a staggering 66km, False Bay Double Crossing – never been completed as a solo open water swim.
The start of the epic history-making swim
All nutrition had to be ingested whilst in the water, without touching the boat
Overnight ocean swim in shark infested waters
PBHS legends after completing the 53km open-water swim
Chris Oldnall was greeted by PBHS boys at OR Tambo Int Airport on his return to Gauteng
CHRIS AND PEET WILL BE GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE ANNUAL OLD BOYS DINNER
The PBHS Old Boys Association is thrilled to announce that both Deputy Headmaster Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther will be the guest speakers at the 106th Annual Old Boys Dinner taking place as follows:
Date: Saturday, 7th June 2025
Time: 18:30 for 19:00
Venue: Central Dining Hall, Pretoria Boys High School
Dress Code: Black tie
Ticket sales are now open, book soon to avoid disappointment by using the link: https://pbhsoba.alumnet.co.za/Event/old-boys-dinner-2025
OLD BOYS’ ACTIVITIES
MARC GERMIQUET CONQUERS THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW AND RAISES OVER P300,000 FOR EDUCATION IN BOTSWANA
In Edition 9 of 2024, we reported on Old Boy Marc Germiquet (Class of 1991) who at that time was competing in The World’s Toughest Row in the Solo Class.
We can now proudly advise that Marc won the Solo Category – an incredible achievement!
His colleagues at Bush Ways, Botswana, share his story:
“We are thrilled to share the incredible achievement of Marc Germiquet, the first person from Botswana to complete the World’s Toughest Row, a grueling 3,000-mile Atlantic ocean rowing challenge that spans from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
Known for its brutal conditions, the challenge pushes rowers to their physical and mental limits, with participants enduring unpredictable weather, dangerous ocean currents, and extreme isolation.
Marc’s 43-day journey on the open ocean was not only an awe-inspiring feat of endurance but also a mission to support a cause close to his heart—improving education for children in Botswana’s remote northwest. Marc finished in 11th place overall and 1st place in the solo category.
Marc’s journey wasn’t just about personal triumph; it was driven by a deep commitment to make a lasting difference. As the founder and director of Bush Ways, a safari company in Botswana, Marc has always been passionate about supporting local communities. His goal was to raise funds for the construction of a pre-primary school, but thanks to the overwhelming support from donors and sponsors worldwide, this campaign has exceeded all expectations.
Marc’s efforts raised an incredible P150,000 in public donations, which was matched by Bush Ways, bringing the total funds raised to a remarkable P300,000.
Initially aimed at building a new pre-primary school, these funds will now be used to adopt and improve Mababe Primary School, ensuring better educational resources and facilities for students in one of the most remote areas of Botswana.
In addition to the monumental financial support, Marc’s achievement has shone a global spotlight on the importance of accessible education for children in rural Botswana.
Despite facing broken equipment, harsh weather, and mental exhaustion during the World’s Toughest Row, it was the thought of these children that kept Marc going. His perseverance has inspired many and serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential within us all when we work toward a meaningful goal.
The mission of Bush Ways Foundation is to continue empowering Botswana’s youth through education and community development, and Marc’s rowing challenge has brought us one step closer to transforming the educational landscape in remote communities like Mababe.
While this campaign has been a tremendous success, we are still accepting donations and sponsorships.
To contribute to this cause or learn more about our ongoing initiatives, please visit www.bushways.com”.
It is truly inspiring to note that the first two articles in this newsletter feature Old Boys tackling the impossible in the open seas, not for fame or glory, but to raise funds for the educational needs of deserving children.
Marc Germiquet, Class of 1991 (Photo: Worlds Toughest Row)
REUNIONS 2025
The first of six annual reunions will be held from 08:00 on Friday, 16 May 2025 at Pretoria Boys High School when the Class of 1965 will celebrate their 60 Years On.
Arrangements are well underway, with 1965’s Head Prefect Gordon Hay at the helm of the organising committee, and we are looking forward to spending a day with the old boys and their partners as they revisit their beloved school on the hill.
Prefects : The Class of 1965 (Photo from The Pretorian, 1965)
Reunions for the rest of the year:
20 Years On – Class of 2005 – Saturday, 26 July 2025
10 Years On – Class of 2015 – Saturday, 16 August 2025
30 Years On – Class of 1995 – Friday & Saturday, 29 & 30 August 2025
50 Years On – Class of 1975 – Friday,12 September 2025
40 Years On – Class of 1985 – Friday & Saturday, 24 & 25 October 2025
Contact us for more information: info@pbhsob.com
OLD BOYS BRANCH DINNERS
TZANEEN AND WHITE RIVER
During May 2025 two Old Boys Dinners will be held in Tzaneen, Limpopo and White River, Mpumalanga and both will be attended by PBHS Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp and a representative of the Old Boys’ Association’s directorate.
Tzaneen – Tuesday, 20 May 18:30 Fairview Hotel Clubhouse, Tzaneen
White River – Wednesday, 21 May 18:00 at 64 Coolmore Road, White River
To contact the organisers please email info@pbhsob.com.
The next local Branch visits will be a Cape Town Dinner on Tuesday, 5 August and a lunch in Hermanus on Wednesday 6 August 2025.
OLD BOYS DINNER : EUROPE
After extremely successful and hugely popular PBHS Old Boys Dinners were held in London and Amsterdam last year, both attended by Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp who was attending a conference in the UK at the time, the Amsterdam Branch has decided to hold a 2025 dinner for our old boys based in Europe and the UK.
The event will be hosted in Amsterdam on 12 July 2025 at Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Landmark, VOC-kade 600, 1018 LG Amsterdam, Netherlands.
For more information please contact the convening committee at pbhsobeurope@gmail.com.
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA BRANCH
It is heartwarming to note that our Old Boys residing in Western Australia are meeting regularly and keeping the Pretoria Boys High School flag flying high. Their continued camaraderie and commitment to the spirit of brotherhood is a testament to the enduring bonds formed during their school years. These gatherings, often filled with shared memories, laughter, and reflections on school traditions, serve as a reminder that the PBHS legacy transcends borders.
Our sincere appreciation to Life Vice President Eddie Penzhorn (1964, Town House) for keeping us informed of their activities.
Hereunder, their latest update:
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL – OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION OUTPOST
Perth Western Australia
On the Sky Deck at the Whitfords Brewing Company
The Outpost hosted a very enjoyable get-together with 23 attendees in total, on the Sky Deck at the Whitfords Brewing Company in Hillarys on 26 March 2025.
Skipper Maish Dolgoy welcomed the lads and their partners, highlighting Anthony Corlett (1982 – Sunnyside) and Francis d’Oliviera (1998 – Hofmeyr) as the two most recent first-timer attendees.
The organising host, Dr Peter Melvill-Smith, shared some admin & log stuff, after which Skipper Maish called on him to propose the toast to “Our Ladies”. Then Peter Abery proposed the toast to “The School”, followed by Keith Chester-Browne who proposed the toast to “The Outpost” and Philip Ash concluded the formalities with the toast to “Absent Friends”.
The evening was pleasant, the beers were cold, the food was good and the beautiful partners patiently supported the lads as they caught up, sharing stories and reminiscing about life at Boys High across the decades.
Finally the partners were visibly moved by our enthusiastic rendition of “Forty Years On”, which ended the evening on a cheerful note!
The Outpost Crew
Perth, Western Australia – another successful Outpost get-together
PBHS OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION
AND
MARITZBURG COLLEGE OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION
TEAM UP FOR HISTORIC GET-TOGETHER
CAMARADERIE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
On Friday, 25 April 2025 during the annual Maritzburg Exchange between Pretoria Boys High School and Martizburg College – hosted by PBHS this year – the two Old Boys Associations held a joint braai at the Pretoria High School Old Boys Club in Lynnwood, Pretoria.
Well over 100 Old Boys from both schools converged on our Old Boys Club on Friday evening to enjoy a first-ever joint get-together and got to know each other in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship which characterises boys and old boys from both schools.
Whilst this was a first-off, it won’t be a once-off and we look forward to many more!
Our sincere thanks to Maritzburg College Old Boys for the experience!
PBHSOB Association Chair Jason Webber (right) and PBHS 2024 Head Prefect
Murray Rogers (left) possibly planning a few war cries
There were indeed war cries!
PBHS : SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Pretoria Boys High School is a hive of activity throughout the year. We have selected a few highlight from this term. All articles and photos courtesy of the PBHS Facebook page.
SWIMMING
We are proud to celebrate one of our own – a South African record holder and senior national medalist!
William le Roux (Form II, ARC) set a new South African record in the 1500m Freestyle event at the Toyota SASAPD Championship held in Gqeberha between 28 March and 1 April.
He also won a bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke at the National SA Championships.
FENCING
Gianpaulo Alvares represented South Africa on the world stage after being selected for the Junior World Championships team.
After a solid performance at the Junior African Championships, he headed to Wuxi, China, where he took part in an FIE training camp before competing in the Junior Fencing Épée Category against over 300 athletes.
He wrapped up the competition ranked 76th in the world – an incredible achievement!
PBHS FRINGE PRODUCTION
The PBHS Fringe Production “The Common Man” was performed in the new school amphitheatre on 23 and 24 April 2025.
“The Common Man” is a sharp, heartfelt comedy that follows five schoolboys as they navigate sport, identity, pressure, and purpose in a world where everyone expects them to be something more.
Blending ancient Greek structure with modern school life, this coming-of-age story is filled with humour, honesty, and unexpected truths performed “en plein air” (open-air theatre).
IN MEMORIAM
GRAHAM GIFFORD HEARN (CLASS OF 1962, TOWN)
(Life Vice President)
It is with much sadness that we record the passing of Graham Gifford Hearn on 2 January 2025, aged 80, after a life well lived.
Graham and his twin sister, Gillian, were born in Durban on 6th August, 1944. The family moved to the then Transvaal in 1949. The twins spent 7 happy years at Hatfield Primary School in Pretoria, and then moved on to Boys High and Girls High.
Graham was a second generation Pretoria Boys High School boy who loved his years there and was always proud of having been a “Boys High boy”. Easy-going, kindly, and gregarious, Graham made friends easily at school—and maintained those friendships faithfully over the years until his death.
He loved sport. He was a tenacious rugby player, played tennis, but he loved swimming and water polo best. He was an excellent swimmer and in his Matric year swam for the first team and was awarded full colours in swimming.
Graham played an active role in the school’s cadet squad and in 1962 received the Cadet of the Year trophy.
After school he used his natural swimming ability in the interests of others when he spent several happy holidays doing voluntary life saving duty on the beach at Port Alfred.
After school Graham studied Accountancy at UNISA, completed his 5 years of Articles, but then abandoned all further thoughts of a career in accountancy. He did a brief stint driving overseas tourists on trips around South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, and so grew to love our beautiful country—especially the Kruger National Park, where he spent many happy hours. He then sailed to England “to see the world”.
Typical of so many young South Africans at that time, he took on sundry jobs in London, finally taking groups of young people on camping holidays to tour the Continent. He was well suited to the job, being competent, capable, helpful and hugely popular (especially with the many girls who went on those trips). It was on one of those trips that he met the lovely Averil Lindsay from Cowies Hill whom he married when he returned to South Africa.
Graham and Averil, a radiographer, lived in Pretoria. They had two children, Gareth and Karyn, both married. Gareth is also a proud PBHS Old Boy, has a son and two daughters and his son looks forward to becoming a 4th generation boy next year. Averil sadly passed away suddenly in 2013, shortly before their 40th wedding anniversary.
Graham and Averil enjoyed caravanning and spent many happy weekends in the great South African outdoors with the Trekkers Laager 11 Caravan Club and racked up more than 150 outspans.
In his later years, Graham became a much sought-after and well-loved handyman, admired for the quality of his work and his integrity—and for refusing to charge inflated prices! Always one who believed in serving mankind he was a volunteer police reservist over weekends at Brooklyn police station for almost a decade.
Graham was a proud PBHS Old Boy and passionate about the Old Boys Club, in which he was involved in a variety of roles over the years—secretary, director, and was made an honorary Life Vice-President in 2014. He not only attended many Old Boys Reunion Dinners around the country, but also played a role setting up a branch in Bloemfontein. He worked tirelessly and proudly for the Old Boys, playing pivotal roles in his 40th, 50th and 60th Matric Reunions.
When Graham moved to Hermanus just over three years ago, he joined the Overberg Branch of Old Boys, and continued to contribute to keeping the flag of PBHS flying high.
Graham will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will be cherished.
Valerie Taylor (née Hearn)
Graham Gifford Hearn
ROLF TRICHARD (CLASS OF 1959, TOWN)
Rolf passed away peacefully in the company of his beloved wife Hycie on Monday morning as she was about to take him to dialysis. He had been struggling with renal failure for the past 18 months or so.
Rolf grew up initially in Bloemfontein but moved to Pretoria in 1953 when his parents divorced and he moved with his mother, brother Louis (class of 57) and sister Toekie to Pretoria.
He attended Brooklyn Primary school in grade 6 and 7 before entering Boys High in 1955 and by all accounts thoroughly enjoyed his time there. In his matric year he was a prefect and the hooker for the schools first XV rugby side. He was also a swimmer of some note and an excellent musician. He played mainly, on the piano but had an excellent ear for music and many people have been regaled by him playing on his harmonica. Rolf was a good all around sportsman and enjoyed all that the school could offer him.
After school he went to the navy and then to Wits Tech where he studied optometry. He moved back to Bloemfontein and became a pillar of the community there. He was a respected and well like optometrist. He became a very keen golfer and was still very involved and playing good golf well into his 70’s. His highlight may well have been the hole-in-one recorded on the Bloemfontein Golf course 16th hole. He was very involved Rotary in his younger days and was involved in numerous social groups in the city. He led a full and interesting life which included for a time having his private pilots license.
His great joy though was always his family. He was a tremendous husband to Hycie for 57 years and had three beautiful, loving children. Karen, his oldest, who is a lawyer in Cape Town; Charl who followed in his fathers’ footsteps and is an Optometrist in Cape Town and Jackie a teacher in Pretoria. He also has 6 grandchildren who brought him a great deal of pleasure.
My own experience of him was framed by the connection we had through the school. When I started dating his daughter she went home and told her father she was seeing someone. He asked what I did for a living and was intrigued when told I taught at Pretoria Boys. Things improved further for me when she said I had also attended the school and our relationship was secure when she affirmed that I was happy to play golf.
Rolf was a committed Old Boy with a great love of his Alma Mater. When Mr Schroder sought to engage more with the Old Boys, Rolf was happy to organise the Old Boys gatherings in the Free State and would regularly have 15-20 old boys attending a function before the schools fixture against Grey College in the early 2000’s. He also didn’t miss an opportunity to attend his reunions and made it to his 40,50 and 60 year on. At the latter he was one of about 20 Old Boys from his class who attended in 2019. While he was extremely proud of his son and 2 grandsons who attended Grey College I know that he enjoyed having a more even balance of school representation with myself and my sons Luke (class of 2023)and Benjamin (Town House Form IV) to back him up.
He is survived by his wife Hycie, daughters Karen and Jackie and son Charl. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Jean-Louis, Jean-Marc, Josie, Grace, Luke and Benjamin. He will be remembered as a warm loving man who was a friend to many. – Mark Southwood, son-in-law (1990, Town)
Rolf Trichard
ROALD NANNI (CLASS OF 1968)
It is with great sadness that we say farewell to our dad, husband and brother, Roald, who passed away in the evening of 23rd of January.
Roald was an accomplished, interesting and quirky man. With a phenomenal sense of humour, he never took himself too seriously in day to day life but was also a consummate professional in his career as a pilot.
He matriculated from Pretoria Boys High in 1968 and joined the Airforce to do his National Service. It was while serving as an aerial photographer in the SAAF that he developed his great love for aviation.
Following his National Service, Roald went to Botswana to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. Starting out as one of the ‘original’ bush pilots in Botswana, he progressed into the commercial airline industry. As a training pilot he taught both Ian Khama and his brother how to fly, as well as countless other student pilots. He was also one of Sir Seretse Khama’s personal pilots.
A move to South Africa with Safair saw him fly the C130 Hercules on various contracts in Africa and Europe/North America, where we lived as a family in the North of Italy. Moving onto wide body jets, he flew 747’s for Air Mauritius where he received his command on Boeing 767’s in 1990. He also flew for the executive flight in Qatar as well as Alitalia and Air Atlanta out of Iceland, retiring in 2018 whilst working at Ethiopian Airlines as a Senior 777 Captain.
If life is about collecting memories and adventures, Roald certainly lived a full and interesting one. He gave his family so many happy memories to cherish, from flying to fishing in the Okavango Swamps or on the Chobe River, to sailing and scuba diving trips around Mauritius, camping out of the back of a beaten up old Land Rover in the Berg, skiing holidays in Italy and Switzerland, so many trips to Singapore, Hong Kong and Bombay, the odd pub crawl around London after visiting a museum, he was a great Dad to have.
Wheels up Dad, we miss you, we love you and we will always remember you. Jane, Frances, Greg and families.
