ODU NEWSLETTER 15th SEPTEMBER 2017
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Administration Appointment
On behalf of the OD community and the committee I would like to welcome Nicole Du Rand as our OD Union Administrator.
I would like to thank OD committee members Adam Pike (1992O), John Macey (1979O), Guy Lanfear (1979G) and WP van Zyl (1997K) who formed the ad-hoc subcommittee tasked with the job of establishing a short list of applicants and interviewing the candidates.
Congratulations to Nicole on her appointment and we welcome her officially into the Bishops family on a permanent basis.
HAMILTON MVELASE BURSARY LAUNCH FEEDBACK
On Wednesday 13 September, the Bishops Trust celebrated the legacy of a courageous young man, Hamilton Mvelase.
The Hamilton Mvelase Bursary Fund will provide an opportunity for talented young boys from previously disadvantaged communities to receive a Bishops education, one they would ordinarily be unable to afford.
The evening was a wonderful success and was attended by members from all the Bishops constituencies. We were honoured to have the Mvelase family present. Mrs Mvelase expressed her gratitude and took comfort in the fact that Hamilton’s legacy would live on through this worthy cause.
WP Van Zyl (1997K) opened proceedings with a heart-rending account of the day Hamilton was murdered and emphasized how great this particular loss was. Hamilton was an extraordinary boy who sacrificed his life for another. He grabbed every opportunity Bishops offered with both hands and there is little doubt that if fate had dealt a different hand on that day, Hamilton would be standing up amongst so many other successful ODs.
It was wonderful to welcome back John Gardener (1947G), Principal at the time of Hamilton’s tragic death who spoke about what was unquestionably a devastating time for the Bishops Community.
This emotional talk was followed by Samantha Petersen, Chairperson of the Trust, who provided information on the 175 Campaign.
Moshe Apleni (1997F), in true Bishops form, inspired individuals by recounting how being awarded the Hamilton Mvelase Scholarship in 1993 changed his life, and how his Bishops education contributed to his success It is for this reason that Moshe has played an integral role in reviving the Hamilton Mvelase Bursary Fund.
To view photos of this wonderful event please see here.
The Trust Facebook page has also gone live today and we encourage you to please like this page if you would like to follow the progress of the campaign.
OD BLAZERS
Exciting news – Jamie Pike (1998F) has generously offered to tailor our OD blazers at cost. Being far more affordable, there is now no excuse for an OD not to own a magnificent OD blazer. However, for the logistics of this operation to work, we need minimum batch orders of 50 blazers at a time. The price will be R1499 each (R979 Cut, Make, Trim; R100 buttons and badge; R420 fabric) and we are in the process of making samples. We currently have orders for 25 blazers, so the sooner we can generate more orders, the sooner we can get this show on the road. Samples are being made and will take 4 weeks to produce. We hope to store a role of OD material at the OD Office so that ODs who would like to tailor their own blazers can just order the material, buttons and badge. Once we receive a sample we will give more feedback. We thank Jamie Pike (1998F) for his service in this matter as he has kindly provided his time for the design and liaison with manufacturers at no cost to your Union. Please contact Nicole for more information and to place your order.
SUMMER IS APROACHING
The wonderful gentlemen that work for the Bishops maintenance and support department have always enthusiastically helped out at The Mitre with moving heavy furniture and arranging seating for events. With summer on its way they approached us for assistance towards some cooler head gear apart from the usual beanies that they wear in winter. Considering the wonderful support they have always offered, the ODU helped them out in their request. Please see photo here.
ODs AROUND THE WORLD
UK
A MUST READ - To read the typically dynamic and exciting UK OD newsletter please click here. Thank you, Nicky, for all your sterling work!
Canada
John Hueton from Canada reports on the recent Florida flooding and hurricanes: “Dr Poldevaardt (Past Staff 1943-44) in a geography lesson on Florida in the 1940’s suggested: ‘Florida is low-lying and prone to flooding and hurricanes and so should not be lived in’.
Taken from John Gardener’s Bishops 150 quotes: “Poldervaart Dr A 1943-44 He taught Mathematics and Science and returned to his former work for the Netherlands Government. He was an erudite man.”
THE ODU MENTORING PROGRAMME
Nicky Bicket (1973F) reports: “The Mentoring Programme is one of, if not the most important initiative the ODU has implemented since the OD Rolodex in 1904. It has and continues to be a great success, valuable and valued by younger ODs looking for advice and guidance as they make their way in the world. The feedback from OD mentors is also overwhelmingly positive. I received a gratifying endorsement of the programme from one of our mentees - see here.”
More details on the progress and future of the programme can be read here.
CONDOLENCES
Rex Pennington (Past staff)
Rex Pennington died peacefully on Saturday morning. He was 94. The family will be holding a memorial service for him at Bishops on Thursday 19th October. Quoting from John Gardener’s Bishops 150: “Rex Frampton Pennington MA (born in 1923), was educated at Cordwalles and Michaelhouse, Rhodes University, (and as a Natal Rhodes Scholar) Trinity College, Oxford. He played squash (with Anthony Mallet) and badminton for Oxford. After military service he taught in Oklahoma City and came to Bishops in 1953. He was head of Latin, producer of many plays, rugby and tennis coach, commander of cadet company which was unmatched in inter-detachment competitions, and Housemaster of White House, 1957-64. He was Rector of Michaelhouse from 1969 to 1977, and then taught at St Peter’s Prep School, Rivonia, and was Headmaster of Pace Commercial College in Soweto. In paying tribute to Rex and Sarah Pennington, Anthony Mallet said of Rex: ‘He showed immense sensitivity towards the boys who most needed his wisdom and guidance…what has shone through all his work has been…humanity and humility.’” Please see photo here.
Obituary – Francis Edward Ray Hawks (1 Nov 1943 to 11 August 2017)
Frank passed away in Johannesburg after a short illness while visiting his daughter. He is survived by his son Josh, his daughter Mandy and grandchildren Sofia, Megan, Kate and Anna. To read his full obituary please click here.
CAPE TOWN MARATHON
DATE: 16th – 17th September 2017
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s only IAAF Gold label status marathon. It is managed by a partnership between WPA, the City of Cape Town and ASEM Running and is endorsed by two of South Africa’s sporting greats, Elana Meyer and Francois Pienaar. The ODU would like to wish all ODs participating in this event, the best of luck. Stay hydrated! Read more here.
ODs OUT AND ABOUT AND VISITING THE MITRE
This past week we had the pleasure of welcoming a few ODs to The Mitre. We had a visit by Mauritius Branch Secretary, Tom van Poucke (1999O), Keith Richardson (1968O) - past Headmaster of Wynberg Boys HS for 17 years, AK Mitchel (1996G) and Adrian Fowler (2010M). Also Jeremy (Jem) Ricketts (1957S) with Jeanne (partner) residing in the Tesselaarsdal, Caledon district, who were dropping their grandson off for his Afrikaans exam. Jeremy has two sons, James (1985S) and Stan (1986S). Jeremy Lawrence (1952F) also paid a visit as well as Case Rijsdijk (Past Staff) who came in to award Angus Thring with the first prize and a Bronze medal for scoring 86% (highest) in the South African Physics Olympiad. We bumped into Bruce Risien (1965G) who was buying the Cape Argus at the local petrol station. Please see photos here.
REUNIONS
1957 60th Reunion Weekend
The class of 1957 will have their 60th Reunion over the weekend of 20th and 21st October starting with a drinks evening on the Friday and a dinner on the Saturday.
1952 Reunion Weekend
The class of 1952 will be hosting their 65th reunion over the weekend of 21st to 23rd September 2017. Starting with a meet and greet on Thursday the 21st at The Mitre. We look forward to hosting the class of 1952.
1987: 30 Year Reunion (Reminder)
The year of 1987 will celebrate their 30th Reunion in September between Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th. There are a few activities planned, including sailing, yoga, a hike up Table Mountain and a music concert on the Sunday. The main reunion dinner will take place on Saturday 23rd September. Please contact your house representatives to book your place at the dinner, or email Catherine on Catherine@thedrift.co.za
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Greg Mills TRILOGY 2017: featuring Haroon Bhorat: 26th September
We’ve brought you Greg Mills with Adv. Thuli Madonsela (March), then Greg Mills with past president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo (May). Now to complete the Trilogy for 2017 we bring you Greg Mills with Prof. Haroon Bhorat (1986G) featuring “Betrayal of the Promise” – the report on the anatomy of the State Capture!
Prof. Bhorat together with his colleague Vicky McDavid will unravel their report on state capture. Greg Mills will facilitate the discussion. This is a wonderful opportunity for ODs to understand the current scourge of this systemised form of corruption we are facing
Date: 26th September 2017
Time: 07:30 am to 09:00 am
Venue: The Mitre
Please note: this is the morning after the Public holiday (Heritage Day). Please RSVP to Nicole. We are in the process of putting a breakfast together and will pass on more details regarding the breakfast.
Young OD Evening: 27th September
Following on from the success of the YOD launch, we will be hosting the first follow up event of the year. With the idea of a creating a permanent fixture in the monthly calendar, the YODs are invited to a symposium of networking, entrepreneurship and other relevant insights. The focus is on creating a successful transition from school to the big world out there. The evening will include a panel discussion with successful entrepreneurs; Adam Pike (1992O), Moshe Apleni (1997F) and Rob Wilkinson (1987K) and will be hosted by Anton Taylor (2005B).
Please save the date of the 27th of September 6pm at The Mitre. Tickets will be R100, to be paid on arrival and food and drinks will be served. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Mitre.
Please RSVP to Nicole.
Christmas Carols with Richard Cock (1966O): 15th December
The annual Christmas Carol performance with Richard Cock (1966O) will be held on Friday 15th December 2017 at 6pm in the Bishops Memorial Chapel - Diocesan College. Please find more information and to book tickets here.
UK Dates
Lunch with Roland Rudd
Friday 27 October 2017
The Carlton Club
RSVP HERE
Oxford Pub Lunch
Sat. 4th November 2017
The Bell, Kidlington
RSVP HERE
MY SCHOOL CARD 2017
The use of the MySchool Card has been very positive, and many members of the Bishops community have either applied for a new card, or have started using their old ones again. Please remember that you may have more than one beneficiary listed on your card, and we hope that Bishops becomes one of them. Please see here for more information.
EARLY HOURS BAND TOUR
In recent years, the Music Department at Bishops has been an impressive incubator for a number of musicians and bands who have found success in an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into. The latest among them is the supercharged indie rock band Early Hours which was formed by four OD’s who met while in grade 8, at the John Peake Music School in 2010.
The band, which has a string of accolades to their name and several hit songs to their credits, are now rocketing to success on a global scale. In April this year, based on a rapidly growing fan base in Canada, Early Hours was invited to attend and perform at the prestigious Canadian Music week in Toronto.
Now, following three packed-out showcase events and a strong interest from North American industry star-makers, the band has been invited back to Canada to perform another three sets at Indie Week to be held in Toronto in November, as well as an invitation to be part of a high profile panel alongside leading American and Canadian songwriters. An added bonus for the Bishops boys is the opportunity to play two accompanying shows in New York City - the Mecca of the indie music scene - on the same trip.
This opportunity is not to be missed but having recently recorded two new songs independently and after the costs of the first Canadian tour, the band's funds have been depleted. Early Hours would like to reach out to all music-loving ODs to contribute to a ‘crowdsourcing’ fund to cover the costs (estimate: R50 000) of getting them on to Canada and North America come November.
Contributions of any amount will go a long way in helping the band reach their goals. Any referral to company sponsors will be greatly appreciated. Generosity will be returned in kind.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
To read the full write-up please click here.
For further information, contact the band at:
earlyhours@live.co.za
OD SPORT
Newlands Match Brochure
It was lovely to see the Bishops connection in last Saturday’s Newlands match brochure for the match between DHL Western Province and Toyota Freestate Cheetahs. Please see pics here.
Super 7’s Rugby Festival 2017 – OD team entry
The Super Sevens Rugby Festival 2017 has invited the OD Union to enter a team of 15 (including reserves) to take part in the competition. The festival will be held on the 13th and 14th October at the Maties Rugby Club in Stellenbosch. Should you wish to join please contact Nicole at the OD Offices.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
This week’s quote is taken from the DC Magazine March 1968 Vol. LII, No 1 pg. 3 under “Editorial”:
“…we must develop a spirit of inquiry which will lead us to put questions and continue to put them, until we are satisfied that the answers we receive are right. We must train ourselves to think honestly and think straight and then like Socrates follow: ‘whither the argument will lead.’”
Warm regards,
WP and Nicole
The Mitre, Bishops, Cape Town |
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