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T
he worn out expressions of “time not
being kind to our appearance” and
that “gravity does affect the physique”
are to some extent true; but in respect of
memories of the years at Botha’s Hill - these
seem as vivid as ever.
The wonderful thing about the passing of
time is that only the good times are most
colourfully recalled; those less agreeable
experiences are generally expunged.
These characteristics were no different for
the Class of ’63 that attended this year’s
Founders weekend at Kearsney, 50 years
after departing Botha’s Hill. We reminded
one another of deeds long forgotten and
complimented one another on our appar-
ent good health. And surprisingly we all
seemed to recognise one another.
The event was superbly supported. Our
original complement in 1963 numbered 62.
Sadly eight of this number are no longer
with us, but of the remaining 54, the event
conveners managed to contact 45. Of
these, 31 attended the gathering and apolo-
gies were received from 14 – 10 of whom
live abroad. Special mention must be made
of those who travelled from the USA and
Australia to be present - an immense com-
mitment and hugely appreciated.
A more interesting observation is what did
Kearsney help deliver into society – how
have the Class of ’63 fared over the past 50
years?
The majority submitted short biographies
on their five decades and in a few words,
there’s width of expertise sufficient to run
a small country! Celebrated academics,
specialist physicians, accountants, farmers,
architects, stock brokers, entrepreneurs,
CEO’s, engineers and boat builders… not
to mention a “guided missile designer” (this
man also invented the RAF’s fighter pilots
head-gear electronics), and the author
of IBM’s software that was subsequently
adopted by the parent company in the US.
Of the more unusual occupations – one of
our number (who probably got an “A” for
English) apparently travels the South Pacific
islands teaching the “locals” to speak English!
He mentioned that his life has not been too
pressured!
Impressions of the Kearsney of 2013
The schoolboy of today is blessed with an
enviable environment. The infrastructure
and facilities, the variety of choice, and a
notable ethos focused on achievement,
provides a foundation few schools in SA can
match.
As past pupils, the Class of ’63 is certainly
proud to say “we are Kearsney Old Boys”.
Lorne Maclaine
1963 Class Convenor (Gillingham)
21
| Vol 11 December 2013
Greyhound News |
22
FOUNDERS
FOUNDERS
50YEARS LATER …
A Record Gathering of the Class of ’63
Left:
Participants in
the ‘50th‘
hockey match.
Below:
The Founders
Weekend Victory
Circle after
Kearsney beat
Hilton College
34-9.
Above left:
Kearsney golf winners
(14 June): Gareth Collingwood (1997),
Darren Clark (1997), Benji Hector (1997).
Above:
Class of 2003.
Far left:
Kearsney Ambassador, retired
Judge Vuka Tshabalala, pictured with his
daughter-in-law, Dr Nozuko Mkabayi,
had four sons at Kearsney. His grandson
Ntinga Tshabalala joined Kearsney in
2013 and is the son of the late Ayanda
Tshabalala (1985).
Left:
Barrows men: Eric Ngoei (2005),
Lucien d’Avice (1988), Craig Kidgell (2005).
Above:
Survivors from 1962 at formal dinner : Left to right: Lawrence Feinberg, Martin Wood, Jim van den Berg, Eugene Von Maltitz, John Shire, Gunther Beier,
Thomas Beckett, Barry Todd, Ashley Lowenstein
Below:
1963 Survivor tour group