Newsletter #5

December 2019

Dear Old Boys

This is the final newsletter of the year. Only Christmas remains of 2019 and our minds are already on the

2020 programme.

The past month has been exceptionally busy. The Chairman, Secretary and Rector attended various Old

Boys’ functions around the globe, with events being held in Edinburgh, London, Auckland, Brisbane,

Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Dubai. As usual, Old Boys were superb in their organising of gatherings, as

well as welcoming and kindly hosting us in each centre. The reports and many photos of these meetings are

large files and they have been added as links to this newsletter.

Wayne Witherspoon is our featured past Head of School in this edition. Three Hensmans: Rory

(posthumous), Sean and Michael are our conservationists for their work with elephants and communities.

Alan Redfern and Michael Strachan are at different points in their journeys in education. Gareth “G-Dog”

Jenkinson and Nick Tatham are becoming prominent voices on the sporting airwaves. In this edition, Gareth

shares his experience covering the rugby World Cup.

In the world of sport, Rory Button is making a name for himself on his bicycles, both at road and MTB

events. Sean Gilson is a member of the Tukkies cricket team, which won the Campus Cricket World Finals.

Cameron McIntosh and Simon Gane met at the EUFOREA medical specialist forum.

On the home front Gordon Bruins and Nick Grice were welcomed as Fellow Associates for their years of

dedication and commitment to the school, particularly with regard to building developments. The Punchbowl

astroturf, donated by the Sacco Family, was opened on 22 November. Des, Angela and Patrick Sacco were

guests of honour at the ceremony.

On the light-hearted side, the winners of the Superbru World Cup Predictor Pool are unveiled.

At the annual Remembrance Day service was held last month, the poignant story of the brotherhood between

two Michaelhouse boys, Mike Rosholt and Peter Susskind was read out by Michael Bradford and Michael

Ross. This relationship is our excerpt from the archives.

This newsletter closes with a message from the Phil Roberts, president of the Old Boys Club and notices

about planned activities for 2020.

May you have a blessed and safe Christmas. My best wishes to you and your families for 2020. Have a blast,

give it horns and make a difference.

Best to you all

PAUL FLEISCHACK

OLD BOYS CLUB SECRETARY

PAST HEADS OF SCHOOL: Where are they now?

Head of School: Wayne Witherspoon

Currently residing in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal.

House: East

Years: 1980 – 1984

Married to Michelle, father to Thomas (East, 2013 - 2017) and Joshua (East, 2015 - 2019)

Since leaving school, Wayne studied at University of Natal, Durban and then Pietermaritzburg, as

well as UNISA School of Business. He worked at Barloworld Equipment Company from 1994 until

2007, where after he started businesses (with two friends) - Metier Mixed Concrete, and Metier

Concrete Products, which he sold out in 2016 and 2017. Wayne is currently involved in businesses

around the logistics and technological development sectors.

Have been involved in various school and community support initiatives, personally and through

the businesses I have been involved in. Actually met Jimmy Carter in 2002 whilst building a house

in KZN Jimmy Carter Foundation/Habitat for Humanity initiative.

On a personal front, Wayne considers the most important thing he has done as being a father to two

fantastic, upstanding sons who are examples of fine Michaelhousians! From a business perspective -

being part of a partnership/brotherhood that grew a business from its tiny beginnings, to being,

arguably, the leader in its sector, as an independent, in South Africa.

One thing which I learnt at MHS that I still use today: Never give up! There is always a solution

that faith, hard work, passion/commitment and tenacity can conquer. Also - it’s always easier with

good, strong, loving company.

Other achievements: Not a major achievement, but recently hiked up Snowdon, in Wales with a

fellow Old Boy - Rodney Hooper (1986)

OLD BOYS

IN CONSERVATION

Sean (East 1995 – 1999) and Michael (East 1999 – 2003) Hensman

The late, Rory Hensman (East, 1960 - 1964), was a wildlife and conservation enthusiast. In 1988, he

rescued two orphaned elephants from culling operations that were taking place in Zimbabwe at the

time. His intention was to release them onto a portion of the family farm that he had dedicated to

wildlife. One of his greatest motivations was to afford his children; Sean, Mike and Mary, the

opportunity to understand, appreciate, admire and love elephants in a natural habitat. Unfortunately,

when the elephant arrived they were too young to release on their own and thus, were raised under

human care. The Hensman family soon became known for their ability to work with problem,

orphaned and “unmanageable” elephants, using positive training methods thereby giving them a

second chance in life.

Sean, in particular, was always a keen outdoorsman. He involved himself in the outdoor clubs and

societies that were offered at Michaelhouse. It was on this foundation that he pursued a degree and

career in Business Management, Nature Conservation and Tourism. A career choice which

coincidentally proved invaluable to the family businesses: Adventures with Elephants (AWE); as

well as the non-profit Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit (RHCRU). Both companies

work hand-in-hand to facilitate education through interactions, ground breaking research, films,

documentaries, commercials, rural community outreach and upliftment programmes, as well as the

hosting of international conferences such as the International Elephant Foundation’s symposium

which took place in October this year focusing on elephant conservation programs.

AWE and RHCRU offer researchers a unique opportunity to study a herd of habituated elephants at

close quarters in their natural environment. The result being that the herd at Adventures with

Elephants is one of the most diversely researched herd of elephants in Africa. Research conducted at

AWE, which is supported by various conservation organization’s and universities from around the

world, includes scent detection research with the biggest nose in the business, the development of

milk formulas for orphaned elephants, human-elephant conflict mitigation technologies and trials (as

this conflict has become one of the greatest threats to wildlife), anti-poaching technologies and

efforts; elephant welfare; as well as veterinary advancements such as understanding the auditory

acuity and thresholds of elephant.

RHCRU’s current focus is on supporting the South African National Bio-Diversity Institute (SANBI)

to establish an elephant DNA database. The value of this database lies in monitoring inbreeding and

herd health, being proactive rather than reactive in dissuading the illegal markets in pursuing South

African ivory, as well as linking ivory to specific elephants in specific areas, thus improving

prosecution for wildlife related crimes and assisting authorities identify poaching hotspots. An

important part of the database will be in identifying the big tusker gene as, sadly, there are currently

less than 30 big tuskers left in Africa.

One of the most tangibly rewarding research projects involved using the elephants as biosensors for

scent detection which boasts both humanitarian and conservation benefits. The elephant have an

estimated 2000 genes dedicated to their sense of smell, making them suitable candidates for the

detection of minute quantities of target odors such as TNT and other scent such as human spoor. So

far, the elephants have made contributions to remote landmine area reduction and there is a prototype

being used by the Israeli Army based on the research gathered at AWE; identified criminals to crime

scenes; identified 3D printed plastics; kin recognition and have potential to be used for disease

detection, and scent tracking too.

Through realization of the elephant’s intelligence and potential benefits to human society and

wildlife, Sean believes that people will view the elephants as ambassadors for African wildlife,

highlighting the many issues facing wildlife and conservationists in an ever modernizing and

overpopulating Africa.

Sean therefore set out on a mission to increase awareness of the conservation issues facing wildlife

in Africa whilst inspiring awe, joy and interest in African elephants through educational interactions.

Sean’s approach is that, “It’s easier to protect wildlife if you care about it. It’s easier to care about it

if you understand it.” Sean believes that the best chance for the survival of wildlife in the world’s

current state of overpopulation and consequent overdevelopment is for it to have as many different

values to as many different people as possible, so humanity will see the benefits of wildlife in a

modernizing world. Sean further believes that if people will view their herd of elephants as

ambassadors for African wildlife, as well as the potential benefits that elephants at large pose, they

will think about the long term benefits to humanity of conserving wildlife. It’s with these ideas in

mind that Sean has tasked himself with trying to spread his message, passion and accumulated

knowledge on the plight of wildlife and the value of ambassadorial animals.

The impact of what AWE and RHCRU do to create a world-wide love and admiration for elephants

is made possible through the many articles, documentaries, commercials and films conducted with

the elephants, at the reserve. These elephants have been able to educate people and raise awareness

about conservation issues, in homes, all over the world. Working with National Geographic, Animal

Planet, Standard Chartered Bank, Coronation Fund Managers and actors like Tom Hardy and

Elizabeth Hurley has been a privilege and incredible opportunity to create that world-wide love and

admiration for elephants. There is also a local community impact, which is equally if not more

important, that AWE and RHCRU have been supporting. The local rural Vingerkraal community are

neighbors of Adventures With Elephants and as such a great effort has gone into supporting this

amazing community. To date Adventures With Elephants and RHCRU have partnered with

organizations such as Hope Ministries, Foundations for Farming, the Ecological Defense Group and

Conserve Africa Now to build productive vegetable gardens, provide solar lighting to over 300

households, implemented a sewing program for the ladies to make and repair clothing and curios.

The community is in the heart of the wilderness area and have become valuable allies in conserving

the area’s wildlife and flora, often helping in reporting crimes and assisting in various policing

operations.

For more information on what we do and how you can get involved, visit www.rhcru.com

www.adventureswithelephants.com or email info@efaf.co.za .

IN EDUCATION

ALAN REDFERN

West, 1984 – 1989

I am privileged to have been involved in the education in South Africa for the past twenty-two years.

More specifically, I have been involved in boarding schools for eighteen of those twenty-two years.

The experiences gained, in both government and private schools alike, have offered me different

perspectives on education in South Africa and an insight into many of the challenges we face in

educating our young men and women in a world which holds an uncertain future. These experiences

have broadened my views and profoundly influenced my thinking.

I studied my undergraduate degree at Rhodes University before completing my Honours in Human

Movement Science at the University of Port Elizabeth (NNMU). I began my teaching career working

as a junior teacher and boarder master at Durban High School. A year later, I moved to Maritzburg

College. My educational philosophy was profoundly influenced by what I learnt in these two big

boys’ schools. It was at Maritzburg College that I met my wife, Dionne, who was on the staff at the

time.

I moved to Michaelhouse in 1999 and was I appointed as the Housemaster of Founders House in

2002. I served in this position for nine wonderful years. Our children grew up to the sounds of the

rising bell, my keys rattling in my pocket, the constant ringing of my cell phone, the war cries in the

main quad and the boys yelling in the Founders showers that backed onto our garden. Sometimes we

wished we could block their ears! This was without a doubt one of the most rewarding times of my

teaching career. In my time at my alma mater, I taught Life Science alongside the one and only Nic

Cahill, the brilliant Iain Guthrie and Paul Fleischack (who had taught me as a school boy!) I was

privileged to run a very successful Canoe Club and work alongside legendary Robin Hall and Ian

Guthrie - men from whom I learnt an enormous amount. My main sporting passion lay on the hockey

field. I coached the Michaelhouse 1st XI for eight years. I recently resigned as convenor of the

National u18 boy’s Hockey Selection Panel – a position I held for three years serving as a selector

for three years prior to that. I also served as the SA Schools u 17 and u18 Assistant Hockey Coach

for three years.

I left Michaelhouse to serve St David’s Marist as a Deputy Headmaster for two years before moving

to St Andrews’ College in Grahamstown as Deputy Headmaster for six years.

I am currently the Headmaster of Stanford Lake College in Limpopo. Stanford has a very close link

to Michaelhouse with the first headmaster coming from Michaelhouse. John Pluke was involved in

advising the board on educational matters during the establishment of the school in the late 1990’s.

Another name from Michaelhouse that I see every day at Stanford Lake is that of the late Ken Shuter

(after whom one of our boarding houses is named)

Dionne and I have two wonderful children: Megan our daughter is writing Matric at DSG this year

and is heading to Stellenbosch to further her studies in 2020. David is in Grade 10 at St Andrews’

College in Grahamstown, where he will stay to finish his schooling. Dionne has been appointed as

Executive Headmistress of Ridgeway College in Limpopo.

As I reflect on my professional career to date, I consider myself fortunate to have served under five

excellent Headmasters: Ken Elliot, Dudley Ford, Guy Pearson, Paul Edey and Alan Thompson. These

men each demonstrate differing styles of leadership and I have learnt an incredible amount from each

of them.

My educational philosophy, whilst rooted in the significant pursuit of academic excellence and rigor,

is not limited to these noble virtues but is about so much more: it is about creating opportunities for

children to thrive and grow through the development of a sense of adventure, sport, culture,

community and spiritual awareness.

Michael Strachan

Farfield, 2005 – 2009

I remember being in grade seven and being ecstatic that I was accepted into Michaelhouse. My

grandfather, father, uncles and cousins had all been before me and I couldn't wait to be involved. I

loved my time at Michaelhouse and have extremely fond memories there. I enjoyed being involved

in the Christian Fellowship and regret not making more of an effort in cultural activities. I

remember thinking that my teachers had a great lifestyle at the time, little did I know of their

marking and preparation behind the scenes, as well as the sacrifices that they made to help me out. I

will forever be grateful for the influence that the teachers had on me during my time at

Michaelhouse.

After school I studied a BComm at Stellenbosch and then did a Post Graduate year at UCT. After

four years of studying I had no clue what I wanted to do and I thought it was best if I took a year off

to travel through the United States. It was during my travels that I realised that I wanted to teach. I

was passionate about sports and I wanted to do something that was rewarding, so naturally teaching

seemed like a good fit. I also think that it was my enjoyment of my high school years that made me

want to teach. At school I loved going from the classroom, to the cricket nets and then to the

Astroturf. Ten years later I'm fortunate enough to do the same thing on a daily basis.

In 2015 I was accepted for an internship at St Stithians College where I did my PGCE over two

years. I loved my time there and learned a lot. What I enjoyed about St Stithians was the strong

cricketing culture that they have managed to instil.

In 2017 I moved to St. Alban's College as a Business Studies teacher. I like the sense of community

at the college as well as the relatively strong boarding culture. 'The Journey' is a 23-day hike and is

somewhat of a rite of passage at the school. I love being part of it as the boys are out of their

comfort zones and they find ways to build mental and physical resilience. To be able to witness the

transition is extraordinary as the young men are thankful for things that they previously took for

granted. I'm enjoying life in Pretoria, although it's difficult when my Afrikaans is as bad as it was in

matric (no surprises there) and being a staunch Sharks supporter in the heart of Blue Bulls territory

also has its challenges.

ON THE AIRWAVES

Gareth ‘G- Dog’ Jenkinson (Tatham, 2004 – 2008) & Nick Tatham (Farfield, 2003 – 2007)

Big in Japan - A first-hand account of the Springboks’ World Cup triumph

by Gareth Jenkinson

It is hard to believe that it has been over a month since the Springboks hammered England to secure

their third Rugby World Cup title in Japan.

The image of Siya Kolisi lifting the William Webb Ellis trophy in the International Stadium

Yokohama will forever be burned into my psyche. Having covered the entire World Cup, the final

was an emotional experience that I was privileged to witness first hand.

I didn't hesitate to say yes when I was asked to write a short review of my trip for the Old Boys

newsletter this month. It's difficult to truly do justice to what I witnessed in Japan, but I hope to give

you a little bit of insight to what the World Cup was like in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The entire experience is the highlight of my seven-year career as a sports journalist and radio

presenter. I was one of just seven South African journalists covering the World Cup and I count

myself lucky to have been part of that small group that reported on the tour.

Firstly, it would be remiss of me to not reflect on what I took away from living in Japan for two

months. For those of you that have spent some time in the country, you would agree that Japan is a

magical place.

I honestly believe the country has the best public transport system in the world and it was an

absolute pleasure travelling around Japan using their fantastic train and Shinkansen (bullet train)

infrastructure.

The food and drink did not disappoint either. I was a huge fan of authentic ramen and had a fair

share of sushi as well. Red meat lovers have to try Wagyu and Kobe beef although the price tag will

put a dent in your wallet. I also didn’t shy away from trying out their beer and whisky, which most

South Africans would agree was of a World Class standard.

The Japanese are resilient and welcoming people. Although locals are fairly reserved and quiet,

strangers on the streets were always happy to help as much as they could when I was lost or in need

of assistance.

What really blew me away was the way in which the Japanese people supported the various teams

that competed in the Rugby World Cup. Fans would make an effort to learn national anthems,

donned jerseys of all teams playing at the competition and generally took to supporting the Rugby

World Cup at fan zones and stadiums across the country.

To top that off, the Japanese people had to overcome one of the worst natural disasters in decades as

Typhoon Hagibis devastated the greater area around Tokyo on the eve of their final pool game

against Scotland.

Bunkered down in my hotel room in Kobe some 400km away from the action, I watched as local

news channels reported on widespread flooding which led to hundreds of thousands of people being

evacuated from their homes and over 70 dead.

In the midst of a serious disaster, authorities and volunteers worked tirelessly for 24 hours to ensure

that their national team played their must-win clash. The Brave Blossoms embodied the tenacity of

their people as they booked their spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in history.

There was a certain sadness watching the Springboks knock Japan out of the competition in light of

the events the week before - but there certainly wasn’t any bad blood between the teams or fans

from either country after the match.

Aside from my experience of Japan, the Springboks took up most of my time and attention. My

daily routine consisted of attending interviews at the Bok hotel and watching the team practice in

the afternoons. I headed out to the stadiums on game days to mingle with fans in my build up before

matches.

It was interesting to read the views and opinions of people back home while I was so close to the

Springbok setup in Japan. During the campaign, Eben Etzebeth’s saga with the Human Rights

Commission and the now famous Springbok ‘Bomb Squad’ incident with Makazole Mapimpi were

two major talking points that come to mind.

While South Africans keenly debated both divisive topics, the Springboks remained firmly focused

on the task at hand. Any suggestions of divisions within the team simply weren’t true. The

Springbok players and management are a tight knit group that thoroughly enjoyed each other’s

company.

One need look no further than the fact that the group spent 20 weeks together on their journey to

becoming World Champions. It’s hard not to liken it to a term back at Michaelhouse, crammed into

our dorm rooms. Close proximity brings out the best and worst in people - but many of our

friendships were formed in similar circumstances.

On the Thursday before the Rugby World Cup final the Springbok coaching staff had a long lunch

with the travelling South African journalists. It was fantastic to spend some time socializing with

the Springbok brains-trust and what stood out for me was the determined mood of the coaches.

England had been talked up all week following their demolition of the All Blacks in the semi-finals

and the Springboks were labelled as the underdogs going into the final. Director of Rugby Rassie

Erasmus and his right-hand man Jacques Nienaber were quietly confident that their charges would

prove everyone wrong.

48 hours later we returned to the Springbok hotel to join in the revelry after the final. The players

soaked up the occasion with friends and family as the Webb Ellis Cup was passed around for

photos.

An exhausted but jubilant Erasmus came over to chat to the remaining journalists and spoke at ease

of his joy and the team’s achievement. More than anything, he highlighted his decision to continue

with a 6-2 forward back split which proved decisive in their win.

The sun had already risen when I finally got back to my hotel on Sunday morning and there wasn’t

much time to reflect on what happened the night before.

It was only when I saw the Springboks begin their trophy tour here in Durban a full week later that I

truly realised the magnitude of their achievement. Watching Kolisi lift the World Cup trophy up at

the top of the team bus reminded me of the words he said on the eve of the final:

"We are different South Africans from different walks of life, but we bought into coach Rassie’s

plans and we just said, ‘this is what we want to achieve’. We’ve given it everything, so it would be

huge to show that, as a country, no matter where we come from, we can buy into one plan and we

can achieve our goals.”

This is the message that will stick with me going forward. There is no doubt that South Africa faces

many challenges but the most important thing is for people to come together and work towards a

better life for all South Africans.

The Springboks have once again given us all a bit more hope going forward. We are World

Champions for the next four years and hopefully we don’t have to wait another 12 years for it to

happen again.

On the sports field .. ON THE CRICKET FIELD

Sean Gilson (East, 2013 – 2017) was part of the TUKS team who are the World Champions after winning the

Grand Finale of the Red Bull Campus Cricket World Finals.

…..ON THEIR BIKES

From Rory Button (Farfield, 2002 – 2006)

So, I'm by no means a professional cyclist - although sometimes I like to pretend that I am. I

actually started cycling as a result of a rugby injury. I had a long standing knee injury from school,

which I never looked after properly, that got worse as I continued to play at Stellenbosch.

Eventually went under the knife to sort it out. Part of the rehabilitation and recovery from

surgery involved hours on a stationary bike. Turned out that less impact on the knee resulted in no

pain, so I decided to give the cycling thing a go!

Started with the road cycling about 4 years ago and have recently got into the mountain biking. I

race for a team on the road (Hausberger Financial Services) in our age category, 30-40. We do most

of the road races on the calendar during the year. I usually race between 15-20 road races a year and

the competition is pretty intense so the training becomes a lot too, mostly 6 days a week - probably

why it sometimes feels like a profession. I have a full time job as a Therapy Development Specialist

at a medical device company and it is tricky to fit it all in but so far I'm managing. It’s an incredibly

difficult hobby to be completely satisfied with your performance. I think this drives you to train

harder and be better even though it is not your profession. Like most sports there is a great sense of

achievement in beating yesterday’s performance. Combined with this, I have met a great group of

people with whom I love spending time. These two factors are probably my motivation for getting

up at 4am every morning.

Our road team has done well this year winning a hand full of events in our racing category -

Carnival City Classic (attached picture), Amashova, Satellite Classic, TrapNet.

The mountain biking part of this hobby has been endless amounts of fun. Although still riding for

Hausberger the mountain biking is less team orientated. I've only been on the mountain bike for the

last 4 months and completed in a couple stage races and few one day events. Sarah Hill and I did

the Magoebatrek stage race together as a mixed team and placed 2nd. I did the Carnival City

Mountain bike and landed in 3rd after snapping a chain in the final sprint. I rode the Insect Science

Classic one-day race in Magoebaskloof and also managed a podium spot in 3rd place. The event

started at Stanford Lake College and I never realized that Alan Redfern is the headmaster. It was

great to catch up while I was there. Most recently I did the Nissan Trailseeker @ Cullinan in

Pretoria (attached picture) where I placed 20th and at the 947 Mountain bike I managed 16th.

It’s been hard adjusting to the endurance side of sports as I was always a Rugby and Water polo

player where fast twitch muscle fibre is king! I am loving the journey and enjoying challenging

myself.

……. IN MEDICINE

Cameron McIntosh (Baines, 1989 – 1993) & Simon Gane (Baines, 1986 – 1990)

Both attending EUFOREA medical specialist forum in Sitges Spain.

……. GIVING BACK

Fellow Associate Awards

Gordon Bruins (Honorary Old Boy) and Nick Grice (Farfield, 1968 – 1972) have been made Fellow

Associates in recognition of their many years of service to the school. Feel free to click on the links

below to view their citations.

Citation: Gordon Bruins

Citation: Nicholas Grice

……. SUPERBRU WINNERS

Congratulations to the following Old Boys' who came out tops in their SuperBru World Cup

Predictor Pool and secured some cash and bragging rights. (Image in order below)

Termites: Gary Ellse (Farfield, 1974 - 1978)

Bunnies: Lyle Murray (Farfield, 1997 - 2001)

Colts: Rory Pelser (Mackenzie, 2005 - 2009)

ARRIVALS, MARRIAGES AND DEPARTURES

Departures

Alan Fraser (Pascoe 1958 – 1961)

Marriages

Matt (Farfield 2003 – 2007) & Jess Tatham (nee Duckworth) on Saturday 23 November 2019

SCHOOL NEWS

Michaelhouse recently opened its second AstroTurf on Punchbowl, thanks to the Sacco Family. Old

Boy, Patrick Sacco (Pascoe 1990 – 1994) was on hand to open the Punchbowl Astroturf

OLD BOY EVENTS

It has been a busy period of events for our Old Boys around the world.

Kicking off with the UK Branch, who hosted their Edinburgh Drinks, Winter Luncheon at the RAF Club

and the AGM Dinner also at the RAF Club the following evening.

UK Branch Chairman AGM Presentation

New Zealand, Australia & Dubai

Old Boys Club Secretary’s Report – December 2019

Australian Tour Collage

…FROM THE ARCHIVE

Remembrance Sunday

Our current temporary exhibition theme in the Michaelhouse Heritage Centre, tells the heart-warming story of

Mike Rosholt and Peter Susskind. Two Old Boys who became close friends at Michaelhouse and then went off

to fight in World War 2.

To read the full story, please click HERE.

Pictured below is the temporary exhibition as well as Rector Antony Clark, with Mike Rosholts sons, Hal

(East, 1962 – 1965), Chris (East, 1964 – 1967) and Simon (East, 1967 – 1971) along with Gary Ralfe (West,

1958 – 1961).

As an extension to this we want to hear YOUR stories and experience of the Michaelhouse Brotherhood.

Please submit these via email to robgru@michaelhouse.org, after which they will be shared within our

exhibition.

In the area? Pop in and see if for yourself!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Rector, Ant Clark, and I travelled to the United Kingdom where we attended, firstly, a trustee’s

lunch hosted by Seamus Smythe. The trustees are committed to continuing their support to the school

and pupils for the foreseeable future. We then had the pleasure of meeting a group of senior old boys

at the RAF club, hosted by Rick Peacock Edwards. The Rector and I were able to appraise them all of

the developments in the school as well as within the Michaelhouse Old Boys’ fraternity. Finally, we

had the UK Old Boys’ dinner with over 70 attendees on the15th October, and we were once again

able to give the good news about developments in the school and the various Old Boys branches.

On the 29 of November 2019 we welcomed another 99 Old Boys into the club as this year’s leavers

officially become members.

It has been a busy year, with a few outstanding issues to close out, but generally we should all be

proud of the team that supports all our activities, namely Paul, Michelle and Robyn.

This leaves me nothing more to add other than wishing you all a blessed and safe festive season and a

Merry Christmas to you all.

Phil Roberts

UPCOMING EVENTS / OLD BOYS CALENDAR