Purchase of Naming rights in Centenary Centre
Centenary Classrooms
Peter Francois Centenary Classroom (KCOB 1954)
John Bester Centenary Classroom (KCOB 1963)
Professor David Hall Centenary Classroom (KCOB 1952)
Richard and Doreen Tolken Centenary Classroom (KCOB 1954)
Kearsney Striders Running Club
Further financial commitments from KCOB Executive and Class of 1977
Centenary Courtyards
USA and Canada Old Boys
“In the spirit of Kearsney generosity and support, the USA and Canada Old Boys have raised R500 000 to purchase the naming rights to one of the two courtyards in the new Centennial Classroom block. I am so grateful to all of our old boys in North America who have made this possible.
The official opening of this courtyard will take place during Founders weekend 2021. Over the next few months, the opinions of all those who contributed to this fund will be solicited to decide how to name this space and what sort of plaque would best honour their generosity.” Michael Hall (Gillingham 1953)
Testimonials
Peter Francois (Gillingham, 1954)
“I am delighted to have the chance to fund one of the classrooms in the new Centenary Centre. This has given me the opportunity to honour the driving force behind my attending Kearsney and my future success, my mother”
Michael Hall (Gillingham, 1953)
“When my brother David passed away in 1999, I continued his legacy when and how I could – so when the opportunity to fund a classroom in the new Centenary Centre came up, it was my privilege to do so, to thank Kearsney for all it had given to the two of us. When I told my brother’s widow, Peta, of my plans she asked if she could share this opportunity to honour David and his commitment to education. And so, the classroom that we have funded together honours David, but also four generations of teachers and especially the support and dedication of our mother.”
John Bester (Pembroke, 1963)
My late father, Brigadier Jack Bester, who served during the 2nd World War with the South African forces in North Africa and subsequently Italy and earned a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and bar (which was presented to him by the King of England in 1947 while they were on the Royal Tour of South Africa) contacted Stanley Osler, (an ex-Springbok rugby player who had served with him in the 2nd World War), and asked Stanley, who was the Headmaster of Kearsney, where he should send this naughty son of his to school. Stanley Osler said to send me to Kearsney and he would sort out all the naughtiness and teach me discipline. My time at Kearsney taught me to fend for myself, discipline, learn to study and participate in team and individual sport. I was a prefect and head of Junior House (now Haley House) and I Matriculated in 1963.
I was involved in sport – playing rugby for the 1st 15 Team, competing in athletics and swimming where I was selected to represent Natal at the SA National Swimming Championships.
After finishing at Kearsney I completed my Military Service and then went to Wits University as a part time student where I completed my degree in accounting and qualified as a CA (SA). I also attending UCT and completed a BCom (Hons) degree. I further achieved a CMS (Oxon) qualification at Oxford University many years later. These achievements were the result of the outstanding education received at Kearsney and all the learning that came from the participation in all that the College offered.
My father funded my first year of University. While I was doing my articles and studying as a part-time student at Wits I earned the princely sum of R60 per month. In my second year my father informed me that he would not be able to fund my university fees as he had to pay for my brothers Gavin and Michael`s Kearsney fees. He recommended that I speak to the father of a Kearsney boy, who I had helped to sort out some issues to ensure that he remained at Kearsney. He lent me R300 to cover my University fees and books and said I needed to pay him back at the rate of R10 per month and to not miss a monthly payment. This taught me the value of money and the discipline relating to managing ones financial affairs.
My brother Gavin started at Kearsney in 1962 and was followed by my younger brother Michael. Gavin’s three sons attended Kearsney as well and as a result of this the Bester family became extremely close to Kearsney.
I have sat on the Board of Governors as well as serving on the Kearsney Trust as a Trustee for the full term on each of these committees. I have been donating to the Kearsney Bursary Trust for years as I believe one should give back to Kearsney for everything that I have earned and learned from that great school. As a result of my connection to Kearsney, the opportunity arose to sponsor a classroom, and I felt it was an honour to be able to give back to Kearsney.
I believe current and future students need to be given the opportunity in the best available facilities to set the pace and enhance their careers.
CARPE DIEM!
Kearsney Striders Running Club
Kearsney Striders Running Club, which has been affiliated with the College for over 20 years, has purchased the naming rights to a Centenary Classroom. This is remarkable and we are most grateful.
Under the guidance of Mr Rod de Villiers (Kearsney staff ,1998 – 2018), the club’s first Chairman, the running fraternity began to see new striking colours at the races around KZN. With the distinctive greyhound on the vest, it continues to be seen, not only on the road, but also at trail runs and track and field events. It is a small club with a big heart, averaging 130 members.
Within a year of the club’s inception, Kearsney Striders runners were seen at the ‘Millennium’ Comrades. In 2002 Kearsney Striders took on the task of hosting its now legendary annual half marathon race held towards the end of January. This race has grown from the initial entries of just under 700 to 1683 entries this year. From its profits, the club has donated to the Kearsney College Foundation, a school in the Valley of 1000 Hills, Rotary International and Hospice. It has consistently appealed to people who want a sense of belonging and purpose. Mr Gavin Bester (KCOB, 1967), who was one of the club’s early members, organised the first 10 Kearsney Striders races. Please join them next year as they mark their 20th Kearsney Striders race in Kearsney College’s Centenary year.
