Old Union Association News

FOUNDERS' WEEKEND 2012 A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

The Founders' Day Weekend for 2012 can only be described as a resounding success. 

The Triathlon on Friday was held under hot conditions, but not a single complaint was to be heard as all categories finished their races with a smile. We congratulate our Iron Lady - Bronwen Jacobs and Iron man - Stegman van Zyl, once again our Old Unionites do us proud!

Our Steak Evening on Friday night saw record crowds attending and we hope this is the start of many more steak evenings where well over 200 guests are entertained

The "Old Boy" Cricket sides and many of our Junior boys fathers' enjoyed the cricket on our beautiful fields, and  the 1st Cricket side lost  by 2 runs to the Old Boys team.  Once again fun was had by all and many a tired player enjoyed the Karoo style braai in the Union after a successful days cricket.  Our moms and daughters spent a pleasant couple of hours at a tea under the trees with cooking demonstrations and eats to die for - so moms and daughters next year, we'll see you there!

We'd like to urge as many Old Unionites to make every effort to attend these Founders Day celebrations each year in January.  This year Union celebrated 93 years as a beautiful, proud school with many more years in the pipeline.

NEWS FROM THE HEADMASTER - NOVEMBER 2011

November 2011

Dear Parents

The fourth term, which usually sees a winding down of activity, has seen quite the opposite this year, as the calendar has been very busy with a wide range of activities taking place and our learners and staff have been challenged both in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities.  We can be extremely pleased with the achievements of our scholars and of our school as a whole during the course of the last three months.

Some highlights of the term include the Opening of the Astroturf and cocktail function, A-10 Dinner hosted by the Preparatory School, the Valedictory Assembly and tea, the Interact door-to-door Cancer Collection Drive which raised R12000 for a very worthwhile cause, the Blood Bank at which our learners donated over 50 units of blood, the Arthur Kingwill House Honours Hour Awards Ceremony and Dinner, the Primary Department production of "In Search of the Wiz", the annual Prizegiving ceremonies and the Remembrance Day Service.

Staff Matters

This has been a challenging term for all our teachers and support staff as they have had to adapt to a new headmaster in the office and to different approaches and policies and I would like to thank all staff for their hard work and professionalism and would like to extend special thanks and words of support to those who have had to cope with matters unrelated to their jobs at the same time.  I would like to think that all our parents also appreciate the efforts of our teachers and the many sacrifices that they have to make on behalf of our scholars in the face of increasing professional pressures.

At the end of this year we say farewell to a number of stalwarts.  Mr Bruce Maree retires after41 years at the school.  He has been a Head of Department since 1980 and assumed responsibility for the Primary Department ensuring that thousands of learners were carefully sifted and moulded in the Maths class.  During his time at UHS Mr Maree also taught Senior Maths, Accounting and commercial subjects.  Mr Maree has had a great influence on the development of the school.  His contributions include a host of activities spanning both cultural and sporting activities.  In his time at UHS he coached cricket, rugby and swimming.  He was also responsible for the running of the Union for 25 years.  In addition Mr Maree was the secretary of the Old Unionite Association for 15 years and for 20 years he produced and edited the Focus magazine which reflected life at the school. He also involved himself in Play Readings. He took over the reins of the Scouts in 1967 and during his time as troop leader 70 scouts obtained Springbok Scout status.  Mr Maree intends to remain involved in this activity.  We wish him well and we trust that he will also experience a sense of spiritual fulfillment in his retirement years. 

We also bid farewell to Deputy Headmaster, Mr Rory Kroon. Latterly Mr Kroon has acted as headmaster under most difficult circumstances, leading the school through difficult and uncertain times while remaining calm and practical in the interests of the school. Ending his career as deputy-headmaster and acting headmaster is a tribute to his abilities and his loyalty to the school. May he and Pam enjoy a long and happy retirement.

Mrs Shirley Mugglestone bids us farewell at the end of the year as she moves to Mossel Bay to join her husband.  We thank her for many years of dedicated service to this school and community.  She will be sorely missed.  Miss Riëtte Vorster has accepted a promotion post in Johannesburg and we congratulate her and wish her well in her new life there.  Mrs Deidré Melvill is also leaving to join her husband in Mossel Bay and we wish her well as she and her family start a new life there.

Mrs Catherine Pringle will be joining the staff from the beginning of 2012 to fill the senior Science post vacated by Mr Kroon.  Mrs Pringle is an experienced senior school teacher and we are delighted to welcome someone of her calibre and expertise onto the staff.  Mr Hanno Sparrius also joins the staff, in the Life Sciences post, and we welcome him and hope that he will enjoy a long and happy association with the high school. 

Mrs Anne Beagley assumes responsibility for the Primary School Department.

Mr and Mrs van der Merwe will be moving into one of the staff flats in Arthur Kingwill House and will add much value there, while Mr and Mrs van Wyk will be residing in Herby Arnott House from the start of the new year.

Mrs Tiani Marais joined the office staff as Headmaster's Secretary during the course of the term and has had an immediate impact.  My very grateful thanks go to Mrs Tinka Tawse for stepping into the breach so willingly when her assistance was required.

Lastly, I would like to extend my thanks to the Union High School and Graaff-Reinet community for the very warm manner in which I have been welcomed.  I am overwhelmed by the support for the school and look forward to a long association with you all.

Academic Matters

We congratulate all our learners who have completed this year successfully.  All learners have the opportunity to start afresh in 2012 and we trust that parents will encourage learners in this regard.  Please note that should you feel that it is necessary that your Grade 10 son/daughter make a subject change, this will only be possible in term 1.  Your request for a change will necessitate a letter from you (the parent) motivating your request, a letter from the learner involved and a letter from the school which acknowledges and agrees to your request if the school deems the change of subject to be feasible and in the learner's best interest. 

Please Note: Pass requirements for 2011 are identical to those that were applicable at the end of 2010.  Pay particular attention to requirements pertaining to Mathematics in grades 7 – 9 (40% is obligatory, otherwise a learner is NOT ready to proceed to the next grade); to Languages in grades 7 – 9 (40% for one of the languages and 30% for the other are obligatory).  In grades 10 – 12 a learner MUST achieve a minimum of 40% for English. Please understand that these requirements are not at the discretion of the school.  Should a learner not achieve the minimum standards, the learner will repeat the grade.

Please study your son or daughter’s report very carefully. The school report contains important information. No parents should be able to claim to be unaware of their children’s academic progress (or lack thereof).  Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with the school with regard to the academic challenges facing their children.  I would like to urge you to be actively involved in encouraging and helping your sons and daughters to achieve as well as possible.  Your involvement is of extreme importance if your children are to be successful in school.

Congratulations to the following learners on their AMESA Maths Certificates:

Gold Awards: Rebecca Langmead, Kelly Rose-Innes, Luke Kingwill.

Silver Awards: Morgan Van Rooyen, Wendy-Lee Scott, Brian Welman, Charlotte Rubidge.

Blue Awards: Lourense Pretorius, Naledi Sineli, Johann Melvill, Ross Stanley, David Forbes, Nadine Kriel.  Well done to all these learners.  We are proud of their achievements.

Cultural Matters

Our clubs and societies have functioned well this term and many of our learners are making good use of the opportunities available to them  There is no doubt, however that much work needs to ensure that the cultural sphere of school life is broadened.  Watch this space!  The highlight of the term was Mrs Beagley's slick and entertaining production of In Search of the Wiz.  It was a very entertaining evening and a touching and appropriate tribute to Mr Maree.Theatrical endeavours, especially those of the Primary Department, have always been close to his heart. The show revolved around a search to find the Wiz to say goodbye and travelled through many of the musicals with which he was involved, to name a few, Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and Sister Act.

Chess continues to be popular at the school and under the direction of Mr Kroon is flourishing.  It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournamentsand is an effective educational tool to teach children strategic thinking and planning.  Please encourage your children to become involved.  Asemahle and Khukanyile Mali will be part of the Under 16 Chess Team representing Eastern Province at the South African Junior Chess Championships which take place at the NMMU Sports Stadium from 12 to 15 July. 

Stuart Welman received his Springbok Scout Badge in November this year.  We congratulate his on many years of dedicated service to this movement.

Sporting Matters

On 15October, The Union Astroturf was officially opened with much celebration and pride. This was a monumental day in the history of Union High School. It was a lovely day filled with excitement and great hockey games. Mr Pringle opened the proceedings by delivering a short speech in which he highlighted the significance of the facility which he hoped would be enjoyed by many in years to come. Mrs Karin Marais, the Chairperson of the Governing Body presented a moving speech in which she paid tribute to Mr Derek Light for his outstanding commitment and contribution to Union High School.

Parents, friends of the school, teachers and pupils were entertained by the matches during the afternoon. The Prep School hockey girls gave a good account of themselves while the junior hockey girls produced a fine display of hockey. Spectators were abuzz when the main match of the day got underway. It was a real privilege to witness the “Old Girls” taking to the field to face the 2011 UHS 1^st team. The half time score was 1-0 in the favour of the UHS girls. They rose to the challenge and scored the second goal shortly after half time. The Old girls fought tenaciously and managed a goal shortly before the final whistle.

The school is deeply indebted to all who have contributed to this venture. We trust that the future of hockey at UHS will be bright and crowned with many victories. The day ended with a cocktail function hosted by the Old Unionite Association. On this occasion Mr Derek Light enjoyed the opportunity of delivering a speech. All agreed it was a fine way to end a perfect day.

The 1st Cricket XI, supervised by Mr van Wyk, Mr Pohlongo and Mr Joseph and a host of supportive parents, attended the annual Cape Schools' Cricket Week during the September break.  Unfortunately the tournament, hosted by Dale College in King William's Town, was disrupted by inclement weather and not much play was possible.  Nonetheless, it was a good experience for our boys who will have benefited from the tour.  The U15A Cricket XI, accompanied by Mr de Jager, attended a cricket festival in Knysna and fared very well.  Cricket is alive and well at Union and the form of the U11's and U13's was very promising this term.  Under the capable guidance of the Sport Department, it will go from strength to strength.  Fixtures were played against Grey High School, St.Andrews College, Clarendon Primary, Gill College, Volkskool and Nico Brummer.

Congratulations to the following cricketers on their selection to the U17 Eastern Province Country Districts Cricket Team: Jason Vers, David Olivier (Vice-Captain), Lance Hobson, Dean Marais, James Moore.  Well done, boys, we are proud of you.  Congratulations to Wiegard Brummer on his selection to the U12 Karoo Cricket Team, not only as opening batsman but also as the Captain of the team. Well done, Wiegard, we are proud of your achievements. 

In October we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon's Athletics competition with our neighbours, Volkskool.  The meeting was hosted by Volkskool and was conducted in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry.

On Saturday 29 October at an Inter-provincial Biathlon meeting contested by Border, Eastern Province, Orange Free State and South Western Districts, Andrew Fischer, represented EP in the U19 section, won the Gold medal.  Jessica and Amy Charles were given wild card entries as it was their first biathlon.  Jessica (U14) finished 8th out of 32 participants in the U15 age group.  She was the 4th EP girl to finish.  Amy came 23rd out of 32 participants in the U13 age group.  This was an outstanding achievement by Andrew and a very good first attempt by the Charles sisters.

UHS is, again, hosting the annual Cricket Festival for a number of excellent teams from all over the Eastern and Western Cape from 5 to 8 January 2012.  Some outstanding cricket is on the cards and you would do well to join us during this time.

All learners are expected to participate in at least one summer and one winter sport each term.  Please be advised that this will be strictly enforced in 2012.

 Arthur Kingwill House Prefects for 2012:S. Dube (Hostel Headboy), D. Anderson, J. Moore, N. Naudé, D. Hobson, X. Blekiwe, S. Bolosha, D. Olivier, Q. Kwayiba. M. Mali.

Herby Arnott House Prefects for 2012:A. Sidloyi (Hostel Headgirl), E. Wessels, B Twetwa, S. Ngxekana, M. Khama, S. Teka. 

School Prefects 2012

Congratulations to the following Grade 11 Learners who were elected to lead the school learner body in 2012: L. Maya, S. Koeberg, J. Moore, D. Anderson, D. Olivier, M. Mali, S. Dube, D. Hobson, D. Broeksma, K. Charles, K. Crankshaw, A. Sidloyi, C. Heunis, S. Teka, I. Marais, C. Pütter.  Further congratulations are extended to Lazlo Maya (Headboy), Christie Pütter (Headgirl), Sifiso Dube (Deputy Headboy) and Imke Marais (Deputy Headgirl).

School Magazine

I extend the thanks of the school to Mrs Furter for the many hours of work she devoted to the annual school magazine.  I am sure that you have enjoyed reflecting on the activities of the year.  The printing and binding of the magazine, which was beyond our control, however, left a lot to be desired and we will be using a different company in future.

Some news from the class of 1978

A matriculant who is starting at Stellenbosch next year has a flat and is looking for a girl, preferably also a first year, to share it with her.  The rent is in the order of R3000.  I will be happy to share details if anyone is interested. Contact Adrian Green on algreen@axxess.co.za

An e-mail received from Lucy Dixon:

We heard the very exciting news this morning that Laura Seegers and PSV Mauser have been selected to ride for the South African team at the Endurance World Championships next year in Newmarket, United Kingdom.  This is a massive honour, as she is one of only six riders chosen.  The others are Naomi Muller, Gillese de Villiers, Eoné Willemse, Corrie van Niekerk and Jacques Grobbelaar.



Laura is the only rider from theEastern Cape, and this is another important milestone for the barefoot community, as Mauser will be the first barefoot South African horse to compete at a World Championship. This rounds off a bumper 2011 season for thePerseverance horses with PSV Jedi being awarded the Eastern Cape Horse of the Year trophy last month at Schanskraal during the East Cape Championships! 



We've also already had our first four foals of the U season - two from El-Jahrousse Amir and two from our ownPSV Orient.  In fact, Lucy just happened to be in the pasture photographing the first 3 foals, when PSV Epic decided it was time to deliver her little chestnut filly, PSV Unique. To see the full sequence of this miracle of nature taking place, please visit www.facebook.com/perseverance.endurance.horses

Now that our ride calendar is a bit quieter, we're holding our last Essential Barefoot Course for 2011 during the first weekend of December.  This is your chance to tap into the formidable knowledge and experience of two of South Africa's pioneering barefoot endurance riders, and an advert is attached. If you'd like to attend, please do drop me an e-mail at lucy@horsefarm.co.za



Finally, we're still doing the calculations, but it looks like it's going to be rather expensive to get Laura and Mauser to the World Champs. So if you have any bright sponsorship/ fund-raising ideas, or are feeling generous, we'd love to hear from you...



An e-mail received from the Class of 1978:

In October a few of us from the Class of 1978 met for a reunion. The  first part was a dinner in Oxford, England, at the home of Diane Wilkinson ( Bunn). 

The first photo was taken at the dinner. From Left to right: Elna Ellis( Sinclair), Janice Knudsen(Knott Craig), Diane Wilkinson(Bunn), Joy van Biljon(Whitlock), Fay Kingwill, Mark Ferreira.

For this reunion Elna travelled from Alice Springs, Australia, Joy came from Ceres, South Africa and Fay from Vancouver, Canada. Mark Ferreira and Janice Knudsen currently live in the United Kingdom.

The second photo was taken in Umbria Italy. Diane, Fay, Joy and Elna then travelled to Italy and spent a week in Umbria.

See photo gallery under Reunion Class of 1978





 

LEGENDS LEAVE UNION AFTER MANY YEARS

RORY KROON.

A son of Graaff-Reinet , member of a well-known local family and past pupil of Union High School, Rory studied at Rhodes University where he was a champion pavement bridge player. There he met and later married Pam Hemple. After working as an industrial chemist in Port Elizabeth, Rory together with Pam and their children, Margot, Ted, Steve and Kathy moved to Graaff-Reinet in 1990, where Rory had accepted a job as a temporary teacher of mathematics and science. Pam filled in for a while as an accounting teacher. All the children matriculated at Union High and were outstanding students, two of whom hold doctorates.

Rory studied through Unisa to obtain a teacher’s diploma and to upgrade his mathematics qualifications. These qualifications enabled him to obtain a permanent post. Although studying for several years he played his full part in the extra-mural activities of the school. Never one to boast, few of his colleagues were aware of his ongoing studies. Rory soon proved himself to be an excellent and thorough teacher. He has an incredible capacity to burn the midnight oil in order to keep up with setting papers, marking and administration. In addition, his calmness of temperament and sharp, analytical mind enable him to give wise counsel. He enthusiastically took over the running of the chess club and for years has been master-in-charge of first aid at sporting fixtures. For many years he was in charge of computers and computer literacy. He is a master of the art of punning and when on a roll his puns become more and more excruciating and outrageous.

Rory’s soundness of character, administrative ability and wisdom qualified him to be appointed as deputy head of Union about 7 or 8 years ago. Latterly he has acted as headmaster under most difficult circumstances, despite which he has managed to remain calm and practical in the interests of the school. He has also served for many years as a lay-minister in the Anglican Church.

Ending his career as deputy-headmaster and acting headmaster is a tribute to his abilities and his loyalty to the school. May he and Pam enjoy a long and happy retirement.     

Tribute to Mr Maree

It is a privilege and a pleasure to write this tribute to Bruce Maree.  As difficult as it may be I hope that the words I choose will leave an image which will reflect what Mr Maree has meant to UHS.  For Mr Maree the time has come to bid farewell to teaching and to enjoy his retirement years realizing goals and dreams he still has for the future.

After matriculating at Cambridge High School in East London Mr Maree began his tertiary studies at the Graaff-Reinet Teachers Training College.  Having qualified in 1970 he accepted an appointment at UHS.  And he is still here!  It would be very interesting  to calculate how many lives have been touched by Mr Maree, how many kilometres he has covered as he walked the corridors of the school and just how many people he has served in the Union.  Well, one would speculate but it is safe to say that there is NO ONE who surpasses his score and this would certainly make him smile.

In 1980 he was promoted to post of Head of Department and assumed responsibility for the Primary Department ensuring that thousands of learners were carefully sifted and moulded in the Maths class.  During his time at UHS Mr Maree also taught Senior Maths, Accounting and commercial subjects.  This all happened before the nightmare of Outcome Based Education (OBE) Mr Maree suffered many sleepless nights because of OBE.  It is true to report that even senior district officials found themselves on the receiving end of his wrath and disdain regarding OBE.

Mr Maree has had a great influence on the development of the school.  His contributions includes a host of activities spanning both cultural and sporting activities.  In his time at UHS he coached cricket, rugby and swimming.  He was also responsible for the running of the Union for 25 years.  In addition Mr Maree was the secretary of the Old Unionites Association for 15 years and for 20 years he produced and edited the Focus magazine which reflected life at the school. He also involved himself in Play Readings.

Of course Scouts deserves a special paragraph.  He took over the reins from Mr C Geard as scoutmaster in 1967.  During Mr Maree's time as troop leader 70 scouts obtained Springbok Scout status.  Mr Maree intends continuing this activity.

I enquired about his plans for the future and true to form he was not very keen to venture an answer.  So allow me to assume an answer.  He plans to travel, visit places and renew friendships.  He will organize his house and spend  hours in his garden.  I would also like to believe that his plans include UHS.. We are not sure who will occupy his special chair in the staffroom but we can assure him if he pops in for tea who ever may be sitting there will vacate it immediately!

And, yes we hope to see Mr Maree strolling on the fields; working in the Union; doing a bit of substitute teaching and keeping in touch with his colleagues.  Mr Maree has seen staff and headmasters come and go and now it is our turn to say farewell.

We wish you well.  We trust that you will also experience a sense of spiritual fulfilment in your retirement years.  That you will do what God requires of you - and that is "to justify, to love mercy and to work humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Graaff-Reinet Represented at RWC 2011

Raoul Larson, son of Roland and Christa Larson will be playing for Namibia in the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Raoul was born in Katima Mulilo, (1984) while his father was practicing as state veterinarian in Namibia prior to moving to Graaff-Reinet in August 1985. He was schooled at Union High to grade 9 and then matriculated at Grey College in Bloemfontein. He represented the Free State at the 2002 Craven Week as well as at under 20, -21 and Vodacom Cup levels. After playing professionally in France for 2 years, he returned to South Africa to play for Eastern Province and Boland. Raoul has fond memories of his junior rugby played in Graaff-Reinet. He often refers to his coaches who laid the sound foundation for his career and the tough games he played on hard pitches! Namibia find themselves in the toughest pool of the RWC competition, with games against Fiji, Samoa, South Africa and Wales. He, however, is looking forward to the opportunity afforded to him. Bismarck du Plessis and Ruan Pienaar (playing for the Springboks) were classmates of his at Grey College and fellow players while still at the Free State.

He is married to Jana and they are proud parents of Jordan, 9 months old.

See gallery for pictures of Raoul in action.

PE GIRL MAKES GOOD

Sonia Doubell (31) was born and raised in Port Elizabeth. Today she's an actress, singer, model and certified yoga instructor. She lives in Chelsea, London. Her photo has featured on billboards across Europe in sexy lingerie advertisements. Now she's launched a fashion label, Shruggs. She previously had a T-shirt label, Sonia Maria. Sonia matriculated from Victoria Park High School, after attending 11 different schools, including Union High School in Graaff-Reinet to one in Valencia, Spain. In 2002 she appeared in the James Bond film, Die Another Day. In 2004 she was introduced to dance music outfit Dark Monk which led to her becoming their vocalist. She has performed live on the British television show, Top of the Pops. In 2007 she had a role alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in The Good Night. Sonia has also appeared alongside Kevin Spacey in the yet-to-be-released Telstar. She's holidayed on Richard Branson’s private island, counting him as a good friend, and taught yoga to Superman (Brandon Routh). Sonia is married to Johannesburg-born Nick Davies, a businessman. Her father, Clive, died in June 2005 in Port Elizabeth. Her sister, Marlisa, is a a Cape Town drama teacher

GAVIN OPPERMAN - ABSA

 

Absa’s own recognised in retail banking leadership

Absa, one of South Africa’s largest financial services groups, today announced that the Chief Executive of its Retail Bank division, Gavin Opperman, has received honorary membership to the International Academy of Retail Banking (IARB) for his extensive leadership experience and standing among retail bankers. The internationally-based academy provides an education programme with in-depth focus on retail banking as a profession.  

Opperman, together with four other senior African retail bankers, last night received membership scrolls at the IARB Africa launch honours ceremony at the South African Reserve Bank in Pretoria.

Commenting on the membership, Opperman said: “I am honoured and humbled to receive this honorary membership. This is confirmation the world is noticing the great work that we, as Absa, are doing in the financial services sector, particularly in the retail banking industry.”  

He added: “Absa is very proud to be associated with the International Academy of Retail Banking. At Absa, we believe in the empowerment of our people through education and the academy provides opportunities for our aspiring retail bankers through the education programmes.” 

IARB offers programmes and certifications for high achievers in the retail banking sector at three levels – foundation, intermediate and expert. Retail bankers who have completed their studies successfully and passed the Expert examination of the academy will become members of the International Academy of Retail Banking and become entitled to use the designation CIRB – Certified International Retail Banker.

The academy will also offer a further qualification for those specialising in the cards sector – Certified International Cards and Payments Professional, with the designation CICPP.

Commenting on Opperman’s recognition, Absa’s Deputy Group Chief Executive, Louis von Zeuner, said: “We are delighted with the acknowledgement of Gavin by the International Academy of Retail Banking for his immense contribution in the retail banking profession. His experience is invaluable to Absa and I have no doubt that it will be just as valuable for the academy as well.” 

Michael Lafferty, chairman of Lafferty Group, worldwide providers of knowledge services in the fields of retail banking, consumer finance, payment cards and e-money, said: “The academy is dedicated to enabling the highest standards of professionalism in the conduct of retail banking. Members will also have access to an unmatched international network of professional retail bankers and to a specialist research facility.”

The Academy has developed its own proprietary coursework and has recruited a core faculty of more than 60 senior retail bankers and payment cards executives from around the world.

This year, academic programmes will be held in South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt as well as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Russia, the UK and Australia.

CHAIRMANS THANK YOU

Amongst some of my “Old” papers I found my Old Unionite Life [Then known as U.H.S. Past Pupils Association] membership card – Receipt No 137 dated 19/8/1958. The cost was 3 Pounds and 3 shillings.” (An interesting snippet of news from the class of 1956)

To all the Old Unionites, Parents, Friends and Supporters

A very big thank you to all who made the effort to support the School over this past weekend. As usual it is always great to have the support for the kids who are participating in various disciplines over the weekend. Your financial support in buying food, beverages, clothing or the like is highly appreciated. To those who made donations towards the Astroturf or any other cause, we really thank you!

The School appreciates the time taken out of your busy schedules to support us over this weekend.

To those who were unsure about the Astroturf, I think this weekend proves that we are on the right track. Union did not lose a game and drew only one game. I believe that there were very few goals scored against them over the entire weekend (perhaps 2) and this bodes well for the future. Our Junior rugby battled losing most of the games whilst our Senior sides did a lot better with our 3rd, 2nds and 1sts all winning. We really do believe that the Juniors can be turned around with the appointment of Mr. Lee Joseph as well at the Junior level.To all the Reunion groups we trust that you enjoyed yourselves and caught up with old Friends again. Thank you for making the effort to attend.

We trust that you have all made a safe return to your destinations and to those still travelling later in the week our wishes for a safe and trouble free return for you.

As the Old Unionite committee we thank you for your contribution and continued support.

Look forward to seeing as many people as possible at next year’s Interschools again.

OUA GATHERING IN JOHANNESBURG

OLD UNIONITES FUNCTION

JOHANNESBURG 2011

In keeping with our promise in August 201, we arranged a get-together with past pupils in Johannesburg on 22 July 2011.

Whilst the response was initially poor, ultimately 42 past pupils of all ages responded positively.

Not all arrived, but we had a wonderful fun evening, with a cocktail function at Old Eds in Houghton. 

We have friends from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and from as recently as 2009. 

André Paris, who taught here in the 70's was also in attendance with his lovely wife Lizette (Nortjé – Class of 1973). Adi Arnott as always, was in attendance and very supportive.  Thank you for your wisdom and support Adi. I was able to address past pupils on the current status and performance of the school and the outstanding academic and sporting achievements of our pupils, past and present. This was accompanied by a slide show depicting our wonderful facilities and some activities.  I was able to address them on the schools' finances and in particular, to promote our fund-raising activities relating to the astro turf project. The response was very positive and all present were excited by the fact that the school was progressive and building on its proud traditions.  It really was a pleasant evening and promoted renewed enthusiasm for our alma mater.  It highlighted the need to do this more often.

Frank Wagner (Class of 1977), MD of Unitrans, read a message from the Headmaster (Rory Kroon) and Ken Light (Class of 1980), MD of Skynet, read a message from the Chairman OAU (Grant Hobson), which was very well received.

I was humbled by what our past pupils have achieved in their chosen careers in all sectors, including commerce, economics, advertising, banking and logistics, to name but a few.  I am very proud to be associated with such wonderful people and to have common roots and heritage.

I encourage all past pupils to remain in contact with the school. 

Please contact Trenly Spence at email trenly@spencenguni.co.za, he is updating our website. 

I will, with the support of the OAU, be arranging similar gatherings in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town / Stellenbosch shortly (just watch this space!).

 Our special thanks go to Trenly Spence (1985), Ken Light (1980) and Tim (Killer) Kilassy (1976) for their assistance.

DEREK LIGHT (1976) CHAIRMAN : DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Chair:  Derek Light

Lizette & André Paris (Nortjé – 1973)  

Ken & Dinky Light (1980)      

Tim & Natalie Kilassy (1976)   

Eric & Michelle Dewey (1976)   

Liz & Peter Szabo     

Wendy Stern 

Gavin Opperman  

Frank Wagner  

 Adi Arnott      

Peter Brummer (1971)  

Leonie Grondel (Birch – 1969) 

Dave van der Vyver  

Megan Parker    

Leanne van Zyl (Hugo)  

Clair Hogan & Partner  

Louise Venter (Murray – 1972)   

John Green (1965)   

David van der Westhuizen  

Janine van der Merwe (1979)

Liezel (Smit) & Gary Austen

Gerry Pienaar  

Nolene Kotschan (Breedt) 

Karin van Huysteen 

Anelisa Madaleni (2006)   

Baphiwe Oscar Mfundisi (2006)      

Brenda Stark & Partner    

Kathleen Fitzhenry     

Jenny (Maskell) Slabber   

Harry Myburgh

Jean Reese Myburgh

Wayne Savage

See letter below from  Gerry re above gathering

 

Hi from an ice cold Johannesburg,

Union High has featured rather high on my radar over the last couple of weeks. The Old Boys Association arranged a cocktail party at Old Eds. and it was great seeing some familiar faces like Adrian Arnott, Liz Szabo (Stern), Brenda Prozesky, Elizabeth (Kat) Smith, Peter Brummer and my favorites Noelene and Leonie.  It was fantastic, and a little humbling, to learn what Derek Light and his team of very enthusiastic supporters have achieved at the school. They have raised well over R 3,000,000 for the Astro Turf hockey field and with the support of more Old Boys and Girls the rest should easily be achieved.

I also unexpectedly bumped into Bunny van Niekerk (1971) on Monday evening. His excitement at the prospect of their 40th got me thinking --- Why do we need to wait for another three years before we get together ? So, let’s try to get to Graaff-Reinet next year (2012). It is in my diary!

On a rather sad note I must tell you that Bowen is not very well. I spoke to Barbra last week and it seems that he has suffered another stroke. He is presently in the Greenacres Hospital in Port Elizabeth. Bruce has been to see him and reports that all is not well.

Our best wishes go with Bowen and Barbra.

I am sure that any bit of assistance will be most appreciated. Bowen’s bank account at Standard Bank is 082686114 on branch code 050007.

Fond regards to all and I hope to see you next year.

Cheers,

Gerry

INTERSCHOOLS LOOMS

As we prepare for the start of the Third Term at school, and it promises to be, yet again,  jam packed with sporting and cultural events, we look forward to not only an extra long weekend for our annual Interschools but also an exciting start for a new headmaster to replace Mr Mugglestone.

A reminder to Reunion groups to please let us have their Itinerary for the weekend and if you are still needing accommodation, please feel free to contact the Graaff-Reinet Publicity Association on 049-8924248. They will be able to supply you with contact details and rates for BandB's.

Just an interesting snippet of news we received from Diane Wilkinson of a Reunion of the class of 1978 to be held in Italy.  They already have 6 OUA members from Canada, New Zealand, US and SA.  Should you wish to obtain further info, please contact Diane on diane@dianewilkinson.co.uk This certainly promises to be an unforgettable event and we look forward to hearing from Diane and posting some photo's on our website.

We also wish to congratulate Gareth Light (2006) who has been selected to play for the SA Universities side – first match vs Namibia in Namibia on 6/7th August.  In the same breath we also congratulate Stegmann van Zyl(2009) on being selected for the SA Long Distance Cycling Team.  Well done guys,  if any one has any info that they need us to post on the website, please let me have it soonest by emailing Sharon on unionhigh@gmail.com

With Interschools looming a reminder to Old Boys of the AGM to be held in the Union at 10H30 (after Special Assembly and tea.)   We urge as many people to attend so that we can share our plans for 2012 and our Achievements of 2011 with all.

PAST PUPILS FUNCTION : JOHANNESBURG : 22 JULY 2011

We are pleased to confirm that we have convened a social function for past pupils in Johannesburg on the 22^nd July 2011.The function will take the form of a cocktail function aimed at informal fellowship.The venue is the Old Edwardian Club in Houghton, which is central.  We have previously utilised this venue and found it to be suitable.  We would appreciate it if you would inform all of your members by email and encourage those who read the notice to communicate with their friends (perhaps also on Facebook).It would be nice to have as many people there as possible.

Past pupils are invited to a cocktail function at the Old Edwardian Club, situated at 11, 9^th Avenue, Houghton. 

Date: Friday 22^nd July 2011

Time: 18H30 for 19H00 (7pm) 

Menu: Executive cocktail (no charge)

Cash bar

Derek Light (Class of '76) will deliver a short address on developments at the school and funding of our astro turf project

If you are able to attend, confirmation by 14 July 2011 to facilitate catering arrangements, would be appreciated (if you do not respond timeously, but would like to attend, please do).

RSVP: Email: dlight@intekom.co.za Alternatively, Derek at 083 227 1922 or Moira at 082 496 5421.

If any past pupils from Graaff-Reinet wish to attend the function, perhaps a vehicle could be filled.

66 DAYS TO INTERSCHOOLS!

ONLY 66 DAYS TO GO TO INTERSCHOOLS - AND COUNTING!!!

We need your help!  We are looking for the following Old Unionites for the reunion group of 2001  If you are able to help, please contact Bronwyn on bronwyn21@gmail.com 

Busisiwe Bavuma

Aymodean Grootboom

Patience Makinana

Nomvuyo Mnaba

Tshidiso Tyuku

Yolisa Zukufa

Some wonderful news about one of our Old Unionites. 

In 2008 Yvonne Scott was recognised as the top district learner for the year.  After a year in Germany, she enrolled at the UOFS and continued with her ability as a top performer. At a prize-giving held at the UOFS on 9 May, Yvonne received various accolades for her studies in 2010.  Firstly as part of the top 15% in her faculty she was invited to join Golden Key, a special organisation involveds in leadership developement and community service opportunities.  Yvonne recived the following prizes:

Van Schaik bookstore prize for best 1st year student in psychology, JC and JR Wahl prize awarded to best first year student in English, Volksblad prize for best undergraduate student in printed media and the Radio OFM tropht for best undergradueate in electronics media.  Well done Yvonne and we wish you all the best for your future studies.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RECENT GRADUATES

We recently received a letter from the Director of Students at Stellenbosch, congratulating us on our Past Pupils that were awarded qualifications at an awards ceremony in December 2010 and March 2011.  He thanked us not only for the ties that we have with the university but also with the quality of students who leave Union to study further at Stellenbosch.

We would thus like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following past pupils of Union and express of our pride in their accomplishments:

WA Du Plooy (1997) PD in Financial Planning

SC Lee (2001) PgDNS (Primary Health) (ITE)

BC Noel (2003) BA (Developement and Environment)

J Le Grange (2005) BAccLLB

WJ Southey (2005) BScAgric(A-Eco Ana and Mana)

LA Mugglestone (2007) BAccounting

JJ Southey (2007) BAccounting



Further news from Union - Building on the Astro is still progressing at a steady pace and excitement builds every day as more and more work is done and we are nearer and nearer to seeing our dream materialise.  We again say thanks to Derek Light for his tireless efforts at fund raising and to all who have contributed in some small or big way - THANK YOU. Please don't stop now, we still need funds for the next phases of the project!!

Yesterday, May 5, saw us play Muir College in a nail-biting 1st Rugby encounter which we narrowly lost, as the score of 17-20 reflects.  This is a young team with heaps of potentail and we wish them all success for the season ahead.  To Mrs Kemp (nee Sullivan) and her 1st Hockey Girls, good luck for the season ahead, soon we'll be watching you play the beautiful game on Astro!!

 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE ASTRO BEGINS AT UNION

We wish to take this opportunity to thank all Old Unionites, friends, parents and supporters for all their generous contributions to the Astroturf.  For months now we have been driven with one aim in mind, to raise sufficient funds to start with phase 1 of our project, thanks to the tireless work of Derek Light and his team, construction has begun on the Astro, what an exciting time for us - eventually we will enter into the fast paced game of hockey on the Astro, be more competitive against the larger, more priviledged city schools and show them what Karoo Hockey girls are made of. 

Thank you again to all who contributed in some small way.  I will endeavour to give updates and photos on the progress.  Check the website every so often for photos, as the construction work progresses.  We hope this will inspire all to continue helping us riase funds for the following phases.  For more info - pls contact Derek on 049-8910183 or email him - dlight@intekom.co.za

SYMPATHIES TO THE GRAY FAMILY

Our sincere sympathies go out to the Gray family.  Ian Gray, father of Karen van Huysteen, who was a pupil at Union High , passed away in Port Elizabeth on 6th April 2011 – he was 73 years old so some of the OLD unionites will remember him. Some knew him as William Ian Gray but more as Ian Gray.

To Karen and her family - Gods richest Blessing in your time of need.

NEWS FROM UNION

We look back on a hectic but satisfying first 3 months for 2011 at UNION, and realise that Term 1 is nearly at an end, that our Annual Rugby and Hockey festival looms and our rugby season has kicked off with a win for our 1st XV over St Andrews High School in Bloemfontein. 

Term 1 will however end on a very sad note, as Mr Mugglestone leaves us to take on the leadership of a small private school in Mosselbay.  We wish him all the best for the future and thank him for all that he has done, not only for the school in his 30 odd years at Union, 13 of those being headmaster, but his passion and dedication to the Old Unionites.  His input at our OUA committee meetings has been invaluable and it has been an honour working with him.

Feedback from Old Unionites remains slow and we appeal for any info from graduated OUA members, or even if you have an interesting snippet of news, let us have this news to share with others on our website.

We were lucky to hear from Carmen Moss (older sister of Sasha Cloete - 2008), she is now an associate in the Tax Practice at Webber Wentzel after obtaining her LLB at University of SA and obtained 2 Post Graduate Certificates specialising in Income Tax, VAT and Capital Gains Tax and in 2008 completed her PG Diploma in Law at UCT.  Carmen is currently in her final stages of the MCom degree in the Commerce Faculty at UCT.  Crmen is an asset to the name of Union High and we wish her well with her further studies. 

If you have an upcoming reunion, don't forget to let us have information regarding your events and dont forget that Interschools falls over an EXTRA long weekend this year (5-9 August) all the more reason to come to Graaff-Reinet.

More news and information will follow regarding our Annual Rugby and Hockey festival.  See our photogallery for pictures of our 1st rugby game of the 2011 season.

FOUNDERS DAY

RE:  OLD UNIONITES IN THE UK GET TOGETHER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE ASTRO TURF

As you may (or may not) know, Union has been trying to raise funds for our very own Astro Turf, this is  something us as a ‘platteland’ school do need, our teams are losing out heavily as all city schools now play on astro and by still playing on grass, the skills development lags.  We are also losing out on our teams joining us for the annual Hockey Festival.

I was hoping that at some point in the UK summer – perhaps around Interschools we could arrange a get together for all UK based OUA’s and find ways of getting some funds in.

Here is information from Derek Light who is the frontrunner in raising funds.

We have come a long way with our fundraising efforts, but have a way to go still. The target we have set for past Pupils is R500 000,00 (some 43 000 pounds?) by Interschools (August 2011).

If each Matric class for the last 40 years contributes R25 000,00, we will reach this target.  The Class of 1985 donated over R100 000,00 towards our new kitchen in 2010!

The turf will be built on our school grounds, is a Union effort, and we want to commence construction to take it into use in June 2011, in time for Interschools in August.

We will make the facility available to Volkskool on a rental basis and will pursue a development program for disadvantaged children.

It would be absolutely wonderful if you could organise a fundraising drive in the UK!  A R 1 000 builds a square metre of turf (87 pounds?).

 

If you are interested in getting together, please reply by email and if you are willing to assist with some ideas, this would be most welcome.

 

The past weekend (28/29 January) saw the celebration of the schools Founders Day in 1919 – all of 92 special years at Union.  The weekend also marked the inauguration of our newly remodeled kitchen and its first run at catering for a large crowd.   The weekend kicked off with a special assembly on Friday, the pupils were addressed by Mr Grant Hobson, the chairman of the OUA, instilling a pride and purpose in the pupils and planting the seeds for many more future Old Unionites to nurture.  Thereafter each pupil received a slice of birthday cake and the fun and games started, with a carnival, food stalls and a  mini triathlon, thanks must go out to Mrs Dobby Beagley for her endless dedication to fund raising at Union.  She is truly an inspiration to us all.

As previously mentioned our kitchen catered for over 200 meals on Friday night and everyone who saw it for the first time, after the “big revamp” were most impressed.  To Trenly Spence and his class of 1985, once more, thank you so much, the first phase of our remodeling could not have happened without your fantastic financial support and we guarantee that it was money well spent.

Saturday saw the Old Boys take on the schools 1st, 2nd,U/15 and U/11 cricket teams, and a special mention must be made of all the Old Unionites who participated in these games (ie Guy van Zyl, Jason Olivier, Johnny Marais, Wayne Murray, Gordon Gilfillan, Gordon Idris, Clayton Bosch, Jason Jacobs, Howard Sheard, AC Knott-Craig, Lloyd Short, Dave Short, Jean de La Harpe, Greig Rose-Innes, Kayne Kingwill, John Cranckshaw, Gordon Wright, Kent Krige, Paul Broeksma, Kevin Watermeyer, Beaver Hobson, Garth Charles, Jean Retief, Grant Krige, Derek Light, Joe Kroon - to mention but a few) The wives and girlfriends must also be thanked for patiently watching the "better halves" slogging it out in blistering heat.  Once more a thank you to all who in some way contributed to a very successful Founders Weekend.

As many may have seen, Sulette Damons has been playing Hockey in a test series against China, scoring several goals, amongst others, a winning goal.  Her mother has asked that I thank all Old Unionites on her behalf for those who have watched her games and for their undaunting support.

On a sad note we must report on the passing of two of our Old Unionites namely, Harry Bollon and Christopher Pickels (Class of 1970), our thoughts and prayers are with the families through these trying times.

Once again we implore Old Unionites to contact us with their achievements. An achievement I would like to mention is that of Zuko Hewana's (2003) who graduated from Rhodes with a Bachelor degree in Social Science, majoring in Economicsand Industrial Psychology and a Bacherlor of Commerce Honours in Economics at University of KZN. He is currently employed at Sanlam Capital Markets.  Zuko, you are an assest to Union, fly our flag high.  Other OUA members who have been in contact with us are Geronimo Swartz (2009)(Dipl Accounting) and Taryn Anderson (2009)( B.Comm Accounting) who are both studying at NMMU in Port Elizabeth.  Some news from Baphiwe Mfundisi - he is busy with his 2nd year B Comm marketing at the University of Johannesburg and Ludwe Mfundisi  is studying BCom at Fort Hare, he has a professional football contract that allows him to play rugby for the University team. Anelisa Madaleni has in the meantime graduated in Marketing and Corporate Communications with a degree from the University of Fort Hare and is furthering her studies at UJ towards a Marketing Communications Honours.  We are also proud to announce that she has been selected to become part of the Waggener Edstrom South Africa 2011 mentorship programme, she is 1 out of 10 South Africans who made it into the programme.  We wish them well with their studies and sincerely hope to see them at Interschools.

The Astro project is still going strong with our target well in site.  Should you want a more detailed breakdown of the fund raising to date, pls contact Derek Light on dlight@telkomsa.net .

Regards to all Old Unionites and may they have a Prosperous 2011

IN MEMORY OF HARRY ANTHONY BOLLON CLASS OF 1954

It is with great sadness that we are announcing the death of Harry Anthony Bollon, a former graduate of Union High in 1954 . He died after a courageous battle over 6 months against cancer on 31st December 2010, aged 73. He was a treasured husband and best friend to Freda; a wonderful father to Katharine & Andrew; and a loving grandfather to George & Luke. A man of courage, integrity, kindness and good humour - one of a kind. He will be tremendously missed by us all and by the many friends whose lives he touched with rays of sunshine - and many jokes! The funeral service is on Monday 17th January at 230pm at St Peter's, Limpsfield, Surrey, UK.

REFLECTIONS ON 2010 & ACHIEVEMENTS OF OLD UNIONITES

As 2010 draws to a close, we look back on a year filled with heartache and joy and must praise the achievements of our Old Unionites.  We also need to thank many who have travelled the extra mile for the Union family, gentlemen such as Derek Light, who has literally travelled around the country, raising funds for the Astro turf, Puggy Munnik, who released his book at Interschools and, I'm sure, many, many more that I have not mentioned, and my apologies for the oversight. Another name worthy of mentioning is that of Rian Huisamen, who has assisted Trenly Spence with our database and the collection of so many names to update our database.

Our Old Unionites have also achieved in many fields. To mention but a few: Jeanri le Grange (2005) has graduated from Stellenbosch and receives a degree B.Acc LLB, one of only 30 students to complete this course. She also recently got engaged and will be married in December 2011.  She starts work as an articled clerk for Deneys Reitz in Cape Town in January while her sister, Sunel, has just successfully completed her first year of studies in the physiotherapy field at UOFS. Derick Vorster(2005) graduated from Stellenbosch, B.A. Humanities and is currently the assistant manager of the fitness team at Virgin Active in Lorraine, Port Elizabeth.  Adriaan Venter (2006) has completed his B. Social Sciences and will be completing his honours in Industrial Relations in 2011.  Lynne Mugglestone (2007) graduated cum laude with a B. Acc. degree from Stellenbosch.  She moves into her honours year in 2011.  And a broad smile for and from Zikhona Ruiters (2007) on passing her degree of Bachelor of Arts in Media, Communication and Culture with a distinction in Public Relations and Corporate Communication as her major at NMMU.

While we are proud to see how well our Old Unionites are doing at universities around the country, it is also interesting to see how well a number of our members are doing in the field of creative arts.  Elze Marais  (2007) is achieving well in the field of jewellry design and is currently on a study exchange in Germany.  Have a look at the websites of Daniela Muller-Brunke (photographer) and Tania Lee (sculptor) - they are doing remarkable work.

In the same breath we again appeal to Old Unionites, let us know of your achievements, we would love to put your "name in lights'  on the OUA Website. Keep up to date with daily happenings at Union High by downloading the school communicator from the following website: www.school-communicator.com/downloads and please keep the news coming, we love to hear from you. 

 

Another noteworthy achievement by a member of the OUA family is that of Clive Berlyn, who in conjuction with his partner has, since 2005, started  Caltex Eastern Cape Marketers, with 34 sites. An additional 8 sites have recently opened. These Caltex service stations are still run by the site owners, but the difference now is that, by working through the marketer, they are dealing with a local supplier instead of a global giant. This quickens turnaround time and enables greater communication between fuel supplier and seller.  Clive and his partner, who tragically passed away in September, were able to raise the R10 million to start the business and their company has grown from a staff complement of 4 to 19, reaching a R850 million turnover.  Clive we congratulate you on your astronomical success.  (Should anyone want further info pls visit the website of the Daily Dispatch)

News just in and a special congratulations to Justin Bowles (1996) and his wife on the birth of their son in Port Elizabeth, we look forward to enroling him in the future at the Union Schools. Thank you also to Linda Goss-Ross for her constant feedback and support of our efforts.  We would also like to wish Kiall Wiggill (2001) congratulations on his recent marriage in Poland (30/10/2010) to Aleksandra  and their pending parenthood in July 2011, we look forward to seeing him and his wife, if baby permits, for his 10 year reunion in August 2011.  He has worked his way up in the corporate ladder in the UK and is currently in a management position in a large company in the Southwest of England, well done Kiall, we all miss you in SA and look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Just for interest sake, see the new pics in the gallery of the UHS staff function on 29 November, our theme was "Common" and what a wonderful evening we had!!

And then another appeal to all of you who are in business around S.A. - do make an effort to get your businesses featured on the "Business Links" part of this website.  We would like Old Unionites all over South Africa to be aware of what you are doing in business terms - we would like Old Unionites to support one another in this respect as well.

2011 promises to be a great year and we look forward to continued and increased contact with our Old Unionite members.  Here's hoping to see you all at Interschools 2011.  Remember that your absence will be felt by your former class mates and friends - Your presence will be valued by your former class mates, friends and the school as a whole.

A SAD DAY FOR THE UNION FAMILY

It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of Barry Munnik (1971), son of Mr and Mrs Puggy Munnik, who passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Wednesday evening.  Our sincere condolences goes out to the family and friends of Barry, he will be sorely missed by all.

The Memorial Service will be held on Friday 19th Nov 2010 at the Ridgeway Ministeries - 61 Wessels Road, Woodmead Extension, Johannesburg at 11am.

The minister, (Peter Veysie)'s father, Donald, was headboy of UHS in 1948 - such a coincidence which Puggy only found out this week so that is a comfort to them.

AN UPDATE FROM THE UNION FAMILY

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP ON http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112782345408896

STILL NEEDING REUNION 2011 INFO FOR THE CLASSES OF 1931,1941, 1951 AND 2001 - PLEASE LET US HAVE ANY INFO ASAP!!!

Term 4 is well under way at the school with the annual prizegiving having been held on Friday, 22 October. While on the topic of prizegiving we wish to congratulate all prizewinners and in the same breath, a special word of congratulations to our headboy for 2011 Fanie van Heerden, son of Roelo and Hannelize and brother of Leon, who matriculated in 2008 and Alretha matriculating this year.  Our headgirl for 2011 is Clemetine Dube, congratulations to her family as well.  To the headprefects of 2010, Marc Abrahamson (son of Errol and Debbie and brother of Zita who matriculated 2009 and Rese Moore (daughter of Stephen and Telani), compliments on a job well done.

Renovations to the Union are due to start on Monday, with all the pre-lim building of cupboards already well under way.  We will endeavour to send out a bi-weekly e-mail to all Old Unionites giving a progress report and photos of the progress in the kitchen, at the same time, we must again thank the class of 1985 for their more than generous donations to the kitchen project.

On a sad note, Cynthia Joseph, wife of Graeme Joseph, passed away over the past week, as many may recall he taught at Union and passed away after an unfortunate heart attack whilst coaching rugby. Our condolences to the Joseph family.

What a pleasant surprise to have a visit from Ettiene van Eck (1982) and his wife Margot.  Ettiene is part of the legal fraternity in Vancouver, Canada.  Ettiene is back in SA as a bestman at the wedding of Andre Retief (1984) who got married in October.  Congratulations to Andre, we wish him and his wife all the best.

 Another snippet of news is that Linsley Green got engaged to Hannah Gledhill, a high care nurse in Bedford, England, we wish Linsley and his future wife all the best. 

Its definetely also worth looking at the website of Tania Lee  who has been invited to the PPC Cement Young Concrete Sculptors Awards Exhibition - check out her website www.tanialee.co.za - her sculptures are simply amazing!

Elze Marais (2007) is currently on a student exchange programme with Stellenbosch/University of Pforzheim in Germany until February for  jewellery design.  Is it not wonderful to see our younger "Old Unionites" achieving in the art and design world.

On a sporty note, congratulations to Harry and Margaret Hobson, their son, Lance, scored a century for the U/15A cricket side VS St Andrews, he is indeed growing in stature as a cricketer.  Another family connection which is worthy of note is the Watermeyer family and their tennis achievements. All the great grandchildren of the late Jean and Alex Murray of Graaff-Reinet, namely Lauren and Donnae Broeksma, Kirsten Charles, Lee-Ann and Michaela Harris play tennis for the top 12 girls tennis team, Jessica and Amy Charles play for the Junior 1st team and Matthew Broeksma plays for the U/10A team.  Jean Murray was the 1st Headgirl of Union High School and also the 1st Team tennis captain during the 1920's.  Her daughters Jean (Watermeyer), Shona (Gainsford) and Liz (Charles) as well as her son Walter were all educated at Union High School.  Their children Dianne (Broeksma), and Garth and Helen (Harris) followed in their parents footsteps, ensuring a continuing strong family relationship with Union.

Mr Maree, who has been Chief Scout in Graaff-Reinet for the past 43 years, celebrated 100 years of scouting in Graaff-Reinet with a celebratory weekend for Springbok Scouts and Queen Scouts, inaugurated under his leadership.  The weekend was a huge success and enjoyed by many a happy scout returning to their hunting ground. See our gallery for a reunion photo of the scouts and also the structures built by the current scouts in front of the school hall.

We are also proud to announce that the Astro turf project is definitely on the cards and we need as much support from Old Unionites, current parents and supporters as possible to realise our dream by the 1st of March 2011.  We recently held a triathlon to raise funds for the Astro and thanks to the endeavours of many a young boy or girl, walking from door to door, we managed to raise over R13000.00.  Thank you to Mrs Dobby Beagley for always going the extra mile in assisting with the fund raising.  Note that your contributions do have positive tax implications as well.  Please contact the school to arrange to make your contribution.  Please do not wait for others - we are past the wait-and-see stage and our plans are becoming a reality.

A reminder to all that the school communicator can de downloaded free of charge from the following website www.school-communicator.com/downloads.  This valuable tool allows insight into the daily activities at the school, and we urge as many Old Unionites to download , come on guys stay in touch, spread the word and show your support and loyalty to Union.  Remember the Business Link is available to Old Unionites to advertise their business, make use of it and "lets keep it in the family"

Prize winners and their family connections:

Grade 8 -  2nd prize - Monique Heunis daughter of Garth Heunis

Grade 8 -  5th prize - Mieke Marais daughter of Dakman and Karen Marais

Grade 9 -  1st prize, English prize and Vrede Bilingualism prize - Courtney Shell daughter of Sharon Shell (nee Sullivan)

Grade 9 -  2nd prize - Nadine Kriel daughter of Nanette Gouws

Grade 9 -  6th prize - Lindsay Kingwill daughter of Leonard and Gisela Kingwill

Junior Speech Champion - Lauren Stanley - daughter of Elaine Stanley (nee Jack)

Grade 10 - 1st prize, St James English Prize - Christie Putter - Daughter of Avrill Putter (UHS Staff)

Grade 10 - 2nd prize, Joan Thornton/Bobs Bremner prize - Kirsten Charles - Daughter of Garth and Linda Charles

Grade 10 - 3rd Prize, Vrede Award for Bilingualism - Laszlo Maya, Brother of Gerar Maya

Grade 10 - 4th Prize - Imke Marais - Daughter of Dakman and Karen Marais

Grade 10 - 5th prize - Chanzelle Heunis - Daughter of Garth Heunis

Grade  10 - 6th prize - Kara-Lynn Crankshaw - daughter of John and Lizette Crankshaw

Grade 11 - Ist prize, Physical Science, Bilingualism, Mathematics, English, Life Sciences - Stuart Welman - son of Lesley Welman on our Governing Body

Grade 11 - 4th prize - Andrew Fischer - brother of Carl Fischer(2007)

Grade 11 - 5th prize, Geography - Brian Venter - son of Mrs Wendy Venter UHS staff

Grade 11 - 6th prize - Leanne Harris - daughter of Graham and Helen HArris (nee Watermeyer)

Grade 12 - Ist prize, English Prize, Computer Applications - Meagan Hume - daughter of Charlie Hume and sister to DJ Hume (2006)

Grade 12 - 2nd, Life Sciences, Maths, Accounting, Physical Science - Gabriel Nel - brother of Grace Nel (2009)

Grade 12 - 4th prize, Geography Alretha van Heerden - daughter of Roelo and Hannelize and sister of Leon (2007)

Grade 12 - 5th prize, Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics - Jaco Rich - son of Jackand brother of Wilma Rich (2007)

Grade 12 - Maths Literacy Prize - Zanzi Bouwer - sister of Egmont Bouwer (2008)

 It was also a pleasure to regain contact with Mrs. Nova Coetzee (nee Ayliff) who attended UHS approximately 70 years ago.  Mrs. Coetzee resides with her son and daughter-in-law on a farm in the Nieu Bethesda district.

SULETTE "THE HOCKEY BOKKIE" TO THE RESCUE AGAIN

Sulette has yet again done us proud by scoring the equalising goal in the CommomWealth game VS Australia on Friday, the 8th of October. The final score was 1 - 1, with Auatralia being ranked as the number 1 team at the games.  Unfortunately the game was aired at 5am, so not viewed by too many of us late risers, watch the news!!!  Sulette we are so proud of you. Photos to follow soon!!

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

I (refering to Howard Sheard)was given the name of possibly the oldest Old Unionite alive, Kay King, by her niece, Jean-Margeret Watermeyer, over the interschools week-end and asked to pay her a visit in East London since I now work there.I was unable to get to her on her 95^thbirthday but did get round to her a few weeks later, with a bunch of flowers and a carrot cake as a present from the Old Unionites. I sat speaking with her for a while and enjoyed her willingness to tell all even though her memory is understandably a spot sketchy.  My interview follows.

Kay was born Saunders (1 of 4 girls and 4 boys) on 18 September 1915. Her father was the manager of what was then the National Bank, today First National Bank. She remembers Dr. Massey as the family doctor who happens to be the Great grandfather of Moira Light (Kingwill) and myself. She remembers a picture of the 4 Massey girls and her sisters all lined up tallest to shortest and will forward it when found. One sister married into the Murray family, hence the connection with Jean-Margeret Watermeyer (Murray).She started at school in 1921 when the classes we still in the St James hall. No uniform was worn in those days but by the time she matriculated they had uniforms. She remembers the excitement when they moved to the new school, where it is today. Apparently all the children wrote their names on separate pieces of paper and these were buried in the ground, not sure if at the old building or new one though, maybe someone else remembers. It would be fantastic if this could be located.There were no boarders then, some did however board privately in town. Sports coached by the teacher were tennis and running. Some of the teachers she remembers were: Mr Puttick the headmaster who she says everybody loved. He was a very big man and was called Big Jim and his son Little Jim. Ms Auret who they feared, Ms Retief  they enjoyed, Miss de Ville was very beautiful (not Cruella), Mr Laubscher, the Afrikaans teacher was the most popular. Subjects she remembers were English, Afrikaans, Maths, History and Geography. She remebers that when her dad moved to the Sudays River Valley they boarded privately with a Ms Roberts in close proximity to the war memorial.After marrying she moved to Komga were her husband farmed. She had 3 sons and 1 daughter. 1 son was tragically killed in a flying accident in Australia when out there as a Jackaroo. She has 10 grandchildren and 10 great grand children. Her remaining children all live in and around East London. She now lives in her own house in East London with her little dog Sarah.

I asked if she had a special memory of UHS?, her answer: I JUST LOVED UNION HIGH AND GRAAFF-REINET A VERY SPECIAL PLACE.

Does she have a lasting life lesson taken from school? : Mr Puttick always said FAIRPLAY was paramount.

The lesson I learnt: UHS IS GREAT and FAIRPLAY IS PARAMOUNT – VERITAS, FIDELITAS, JUSTICIA.

See photo gallery!!!

OUA NEWS AT THE START OF TERM 4

Special mention must be made of Cameron, David van der Burgh's (class of 1969) son who has won a Gold Medal at the CommonWealth Games for the 100m Breast stroke.  Below please find feedback regarding scores for The Cape Schools Cricket Week, held during the September holidays.  Special mention and a huge thank you must be made of the T-shirts sponsored by Carl Watermeyer, greatly appreciated by the boys. Thanks also to Carl and Lindsay for providing accommodation for Mr. Mugglestone.  We would also like to thank Puggy Munnik, Barry Evans, the Meintjies brothers and the Stegmann brothers for attending some of the games. It was also wonderful to have Tony Arnott join us at Newlands in the hope of seeing the boys play. A real pity that the game was washed out. Unfortunately the games at Newlands, where we were hoping to meet up with many other Old Unionites, was rained out, much to the disappointment of all concerned.

The new school term has started with sad news for the Union family with the sudden passing of Henry Minnaar (father of Beverley, Liz-Anne and Rae-Anne, husband of Felicity) after an accident on his way home on Friday( 1/10/10) night.   Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family.  Condolences also go out to the family of Ted Outram who passed away on Saturday night, to Jenny and the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A reminder to all that Sulette Damons (our Hockey Bokkie) is playing in the Common Wealth Games in India, as soon as we have information regarding her match times, this too will be posted on the web.

Congratulations to Kate Sheard (daughter of Howard and Judy) on being selected as 1 of 3 finalists for the ATKV Maranatha Art Competition for Afrikaanse Idiome, the final round will be held on Friday night  and further news will follow regarding Kate's progress.

Term 4 promises to be a hectic term for all at the school, with a reminder of Prize Giving and Valedictory on the 22nd of October, all are welcome to attend this showcase of the schools talent.  

Should you wish to be more in touch with the happenings at the school, please feel free to download our school communicator on www.school-communicator.com/downloads thus enabling you to have daily access to functions, sporting events, etc at the school.  We encourage you to make use of this medium to stay in touch with happenings at school.

CRICKET SCORES

UHS VS Rondebosch Boys H.S.

Union 140/10 A Davids 34, D Olivier (son of Kobus)36 and C Bosch 21

RBHS 141/8 D Olivier 4/36, C Bosch 8-1-15-0

Results: Lost by 3 wickets 

WE WELCOME ROSE INTO THE UNION OFFICE

Another hectic, topsy, turvy term has come to an end, with matrics writing internal prelims under strained conditions (related to strike action),  We however did everything possible to keep head above water at Union and are pleased to report that our matrics did fairly well, despite these circumstances.

We are also pleased to announce that Rose Milbank has been appointed as the new Headmasters Secretary, and welcome her into the office and at the same time thank Tinka Tawse (nee Joubert) for her help in the office, Tinks you are a star and we appreciate all that you do for us and dearly love you.We again urge all Old Unionites, especially our folks in the UK, to set up groups on Facebook to assist with the fundraising for the Astro project, if each UK Old Unionite could contribute 100 pounds, converted to Rands, we could be so much closer to our target. 

Mr Mugglestone, Mr De Jager and our 1st Cricket team has travelled to Cape Town for the Cape Schools Cricket week (24-27 Sep) and are playing against big name schools, please support them as much as possible if you are in the Cape Town area. 

Fixture List:

Friday 24 September VS Rondebosch at Cricket A at RBHS starting 9:30

Saturday 25 Septeber VS Bishops at Volkskombius in Stellenbosch starting at 9:30

Sunday 26 September VS SACS at De Villiers field SACS (20/20 format) starting 8:30

Sunday 26 September VS Wynberg at Newlands (1st innings 20/20) starting at 13:10

Sunday 26 September VS Wynberg at Newlands (2nd innings 20/20) starting at 15:30

Monday 27 September VS Paul Roos at PRG A Field starting 9:30

Regards to all and results for above fixtures will be placed on the website in the new term, 4th October

LATEST ADDITION TO THE UNION FAMILY BORN IN PE

We would like to encourage all Old Unionites who are keen to advertise their businesses to make use of the free opportunity offered by the OUA website.  Ideally this link will provide members with information re Old Unionites who offer services that may cater for a range of needs.  Currently websites linked feature news re GRAAFF-REINET and the CAMDEBOO REGION; KAROO ART which features works of art by local artists; ANDRIES STOCKENSTROOM GUESTHOUSE and RESTAURANT; CAMDEBOO MANOR (guesthouse); HOUDCONSTANT GUEST FARM; MIDBOARD FINANCIAL SERVICES and KAROO TAXIDERMY.  These sites are all worth a visit.  But now time for all who have promised themselves that they will make the effort, to do so.  We would like information of businesses from all over S.A. and even abroad (some Old Unionites do travel) to be posted on this link.

Registration of Members

Efforts are being made to stay in regular contact with Old Unionites.  This means that those who are registered will be hearing from us periodically.  The flip side is that there are many of our friends and class mates who remain out of the loop as they are not on our database.  Please encourage all Old unionites that you come into contact with to register on the website and to provide us with contact details.  remember that we also appreciate hearing from you in turn.  Any feedback is appreciated.  Photographs for the gallery are equally important to us - so keep the news coming.  Special mention and a special thank you, must be made of the following Old Unionites who have contacted us in response to our last e-mail sent on 15/9/2010: Leonie Grondel, Beverley Addison, Korky Rous, Justin Bowles, Meryl Prowse, Linda Goss-Ross, Anton de Waal, Malcolm Serman, Grant Pieterse, Dulcie Nel, Charl Booyens, Anelisa Madaleni, Helen Wiggill and  Kevin Watermeyer. 

LATEST ADDITION TO THE UNION FAMILY BORN IN PE

A special congratulations goes out to Karen (Vorster) and Stewart Southey on the birth of their baby girl (Kirsten Louise) this morning in Port Elizabeth.  Grandma Louise is the Grade 6 teacher at Union and is as proud as punch of her new baby girl.  Photos to follow soon!!

Visit from Neil Smith - 1949/1950

The School was honoured to have Mr. Neil Smith who captained the UHS 1st Cricket XI in 1949, pop in for a visit.  Neil's family were involved with Fischer's Jewellery in those days.  He also represented UHS at rugby at first team level.  It was wonderful to hear him reminisce about some of his teachers and class and team mates.  The "History of Cricket at Union High School" shows that Neil was a cricketer of standing in our school history - 35 runs vs P.E. Technical College; 49 vs Gill; 4 for 15 vs Cradock Boys' High; 65 vs Harefield and the like.  Neil is looking fit and well and is keeping himself in good nick by playing golf regularly.  He has been settled in Port Elizabeth since having left Graaff-Reinet.  I trust that Neil will not object to his e-mail address being made available to any of his friends of yesteryear who may wish to get in touch.  Neil can be contacted on at smiths@rowdene.co.za.

Sulette Damons - hockey star

We remain extremely proud of Sulette's achievements on the hockey field. She arrived in Argentina as the only rookie in the SA team, and left as one of the players who made a real mark on the tournament.  There is no doubt that Sulette has huge potential to serve South African hockey with distinction for years to come.  Who knows, we may have a Protea/Sprinbok captain in the making. 

And, of course,with your support for the efforts to secure an astro-turf playing surface for UHS, a few more stars could be lurking in the wings of UHS hockey.

Passing of Miss Irene Rex and Mrs Edie Le Roux Marais

We are sad to announce the recent passing of Miss Rex and Mrs Marais who died within a week or two of one another.  The sisters served our school wonderfully well as teachers for many years and we record their deaths with sadness and with recognition of their services to our school.  Sincere condolences to their family and friends.

Sulette scores for SA

In the Women's World Cup match against Spain last night Sulette Damons came to the party in a big way, and scored a wonderful goal in the last few minutes of the game to win the match for South Africa.  Sulette is certainly not out of her depth at that high level - in fact she looked better than a number of the players who have been in the side for some time.  UHS is tremendously proud of our young hockey star.  If you are on Facebook and have the time - get a message onto Sulette's wall - let her know that we are rooting for her!  The Spain match is repeated on Super Sport 2 at 14.00  and on Super Sport 5 at 18.00 today.  Tune in to see her do UHS proud.   China - on Super Sport 5 at 19.30 tomorrow (repeat on Supersport 2 at 09.00 on Friday; on SS 5 at 12.30 on Saturday).  England on SS5 at 19.30 on Saturday. Korea on 6 September on SS 2 at 22.00.

Some press comments on Sulette's goal:  "Sulette's sizzler sets up investec South Africa hockey upset over Spain";  "Sulette Damons ... scored one of the greatest goals in hockey history to take South Africa ..."; S.A forward Sulette Damons scored a candidate for goal of the tournament to give her team a thrilling win ..."; "Sulette damons brilliantly deflected a high cross into the net with her reverse stick ..."; "S.A. bounced back ... thanks to Damon's wonder strike...".  High praise, indeed.

All the more reason for us to make every effort to get an astroturf for UHS - come on guys, let Derek Light know how you can help.  Check the "projects" link.

Television broadcasts - Interschools Rugby/SA Hockey

For those who may wish to watch the televised highlights of the Interschools win against HVS, broad cast details are as follows:

20/9/2010    -  19.00 on M-Net and SS 1 (Repeat broadcast times to be advised shortly)

 

You would also do well to watch the South African Ladies' hockey team in the Ladies' World Cup Tournament.  Sulette Damons our young hockey star who matriculated in 2007 is representing the Proteas in this tournament.  These matches are being televised as from 30 August 2010 at times ranging from 02.00 to 19.00.  Matches against Argentina, Spain, China, England, Korea are in the offing. Supersport 2 and Supersport 5 seem to be the channels most often used for these matches.  Check your TV schedules.

Industrial Action

All sensible people in SA will be wishing the current spate of strikes and industrial action away.  UHS has, so far, been relatively unaffected by the strikes and our school deserves to be commended for doing whatever it can to maintain its dignity in spite of the current educational turmoil.  As Old Unionites we support the school in its efforts to keep offering the pupils a full educational programme in the midst of the challenges which prevail.  Our thanks to all involved.

Astroturf

Many thanks to all of you who have indicated a willingness to contribute to our astroturf dream.  So far so good - but let us keep this momentum going.  We continue to urge you to consider involving yourself in this project - either through assisting us via pledging some finacial support, or by providing names of people who may be able to assist us in planning or in raising funds from corporate sources.  This astroturf project has the potential to benefit our school in a very big way - not only in terms of addressing hockey issues, but also in a number of other very positive ways.  Please contact us if you have any ideas, suggestions, questions and the like.  Come on all - your involvement will be tremendously appreciated!  If you have already involved yourself, you can keep assisting us by encouraging other Old Unionites to get in touch with us as well.

Cape Schools' Cricket

Our First XI is due to be in Cape Town to participate in the annual Cape Schools' Week. Details re matches will be posted on the website in due course.

Interschools 2010 - A HUGE success,enjoyed by all

A special thank you to all Old Unionites, friends and families that joined us for Interschools this year, it was one of the biggest we at Union have experienced, with the Tony Burrell Union bursting at it's seams on both Friday and Saturday night, various reunion functions being held all over town, and a generally festive atmosphere throughout town.  There is no doubt that those who were unable to get to Graaff-Reinet missed out on a wonderful weekend.

A very special thanks to all who attended the formal (and informal) reunion groups.  It was great to see how your fun and festive approach to the weekend rubbed off on all around you.  Those of you who were instrumental in organising the reunions, in tracing lost friends and in encouraging and cajoling them to join your reunions deserve a huge pat on the back - we know that all your classmates are grateful to you for your efforts.  Without minimising the impact of those involved in any one reunion group, we must thank the Class of 1985 for coming to the party in a very big way financially - your absolutely fantastic donations will help Old Unionites to upgrade the Union kitchen into a place of which we can all be extremely proud, as well as leaving a good sum over as a potential contribution to our astro-turf dream (details re your generosity to follow in due course).

John Crankshaw and his team who saw to refreshments for the weekend also deserve a huge cheer for many hours of toil.  Thanks guys for slaving away on our behalf.  Sharon (Go well; Go) Shell - was absolutely remarkable in getting so much done for the Weekend.  A very loud "Hip, Hip ..." for Sharon too. 

The crowning glory was a resounding win for our 1st XV of 25 - 12 and a satisfying draw of 0 - 0 for our 1st Hockey girls. 

Thanks also to Penny Fitzhenry (Wright - 30 year reunion group - for her e-mail below)

 Thank you so much for a wonderful interschools reunion week end. Everything went so smoothly and it was such a proud feeling to once again be part of all the school's activities. Thank you for the way in which you included the old girls and boys and for all you do to keep the Union Flag flying high. The week end reminded me of what a privilege it is to have attended a school like Union and I look forward to our next visit.

 

More news, photo's and scores to follow later in the week, please  e-mail any photo's you may have taken over the weekend to us.  We would like to post a pile of pictures on the website for the interest of both those who were here and would like a reminder or two of the fun and those who missed the weekend.



NEEDING YOUR HELP - Looking for ex-pupils class of 1975/76 - Jon Tilley, Louise Stirling and Andrea Hay - if anyone can assist, pls contact Sharon (Click on the contact icon)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Old Unionite in Protea Hockey Training Squad

Sulette Damons, daughter of Mrs Frances Buffels, continues to make her alma mater proud with her achievements on the hockey field.

LOCAL BOY - MAN OF THE MATCH

CARL BEZUIDENHOUT,(matriculated 2004, son of Fanie and Jackie) was the PUMAS man of the match on Friday night (9/7/10) in the game against the Blue Bulls in their Currie Cup match.  Carl played rugby for the Sharks, he then played for the Eastern Province in the Premier League in the 2009 season.  He was then contracted by the PUMAS in 2010 when they were promoted to the Currie Cup league.  Although the team lost to the Blue Bulls on Friday night, newspapers reported that they overshadowed the Bulls in the second half of the game, but unfortunately, they under-performed in the first half.  Well done Carl,  Union is proud of you as an excellent ambassador to our Alma Mater.

Lift Needed for Mr. Puggy Munnik 

We are looking for a lift for PUGGY MUNNIK, his wife and sister-in-law from Cape Town for the Inter-Schools weekend  to join the reunion classes (Puggy has promised to play his "mondfluitjie" all the way to GRT !!!! Any Old Unionites prepared to help bring Puggy and his family, please contact Sharon at Union High School.

Old Unionite Association Honours ...

The Old Unionite Association wishes to recognize a group of young academics who are doing our school proud at universities across our country.  In addition we are pleased to honour Mr. Jeremy McCabe for his contributions to the field of journalism in the Eastern Cape.  Please check the Honoured Old Unionites site for details.

Congratulations to Jackie and Johnny Marais

A special congratulations goes to Jackie (Light) and Johnny Marais (Daughter and son-in-law of Derek Light - OUA Chairman) on the birth of their daughter Leela. (see gallery of a VERY proud grandpa and grandma!!)

Letter from Anne Mary (aka Mella) Jayes - nee Scully

Thanks to Mrs. Mella Jayes for her letter of reminiscences of UHS days - 55 years later.  This letter can be read under the "News" link. All are encouraged to make the effort - well worthwhile, and an example for all who have memories to share.

MEMORIES of UNION 1950

Anne Mary Jayes – nee Scully – aka Mella

3 Byron Mews, Hampstead, London,

                                                                                NW3 2NQ         UK

                                                                                0044 207 485 7624

MEMORIES  FROM A MEMBER OF THE CLASS OF 1950.

Are there still four leaved clovers on the rugby field?  I really would like to know!  There were excitingly many 60 years ago.

Are UHS pupils still sent out to weed the rugby field in spare times – like after exams?  No better way of finding good luck.  

I  don’t know why I didn’t think of googling UHS until today.   But this morning I was walking my daughters’ dogs on Hampstead Heath and looking – as I always do – for a good luck token in all the clover.   I was remembering – as I always do – those ubiquitous 4 leaves.  They were so ubiquitous that I did realise that this was a lucky strain – not a blue moon sign.  But all the same – each one I found made me feel good.  Something one can do with at 16!  And it suddenly occurred to me that  the UHS was bound to have a website.

So I came home – and almost wept with nostalgia as the badge  came up on my screen – is it still on blazers?  And there was the rugby field,  backed by trees and Spandau, and the old photos of the school I remember .     Golly,  you have gone grand now! 

In fact, for me, the four leaves were a very good luck sign. A Capetonian, I was fortunate enough, almost by chance, to spend my high school years at UHS.  I got an incredibly good education – bullied into me by “Lut” (Mr le Roux) and Quas (Mr Barnard),  “Herbie” (Mr Arnot),   and Jack Meyer.  I don‘t think Mr Meyer had a nickname –and  he didn’t threaten to knock our blocks off so they would go rolling down the street,  and he didn’t  actually knock the head of one of the boys  through the blackboard….  But he did manage, by sheer persistence, to get me to read more classics in my matric year (in spite of all that homework!) than I have ever read since.

What a lot I owed them.   Did I ever think of thanking them?  I hope they will look down from Heaven and know that I am thanking them now.    I went on to UCT with no problems as all.  I don’t know about now, but in those days the newspapers were full of comments about failing 1^styear students, badly prepared for university.

 No one could have said that we were not spoon fed.  Lut with his 700 Latin words we had to know – (or get our heads banged through the blackboard).  He used to stand outside the Methodist Hall in which matric exams were written, to get the exam papers as soon as pupils did, and he raised all merry hell THEN if any word not in the 700 was used and not provided, on the paper, with a translation.   Herbie (the headmaster) took over our history himself.  We had had some unfortunate teaching, and he came into our classroom in term 2 of our matric year and announced baldly that we must know that we were all going to fail.  We did.  Unless, he said, we did as we were told.  He wrote notes late into the night, (not without comment!) and dictated them to us next day.   We had to know them by heart the following day (or our heads might have gone rolling).  My A was certainly from those notes, which I turned over in my mind as I wrote the exam. 

Our teachers were on our side – no doubt about it.  My granddaughter says she often feels hers aren’t…..I wonder if that is a common feeling? But not at UHS I’m sure. The spirit must be the same.

We were drilled and drilled and drilled on old exam papers.  It might not have been P.C. – but as a way of coping with exams I, for one, cannot fault it.  It came in jolly handy at UCT.  We were told all the little tricks which make such a difference –don’t put pen to paper for ten minutes by your watch – use the time to read the paper, decide  which questions you will answer, and jot  the odd thought.  Start accurately and slowly… etc etc.  Tricks I have passed on to children and grandchildren – with a surprised horror that they were not being told all this at their schools. 

But of course, life was more than work (only just!).   Are there still sloots in the streets for watering the gardens?  Are text books floated down them after exams?   Are all boarders still allowed the freedom of the town on Saturdays, but NOT ALLOWED to get into cars? Are there still songs sung at the rugby match with Volkskool – which we used to call the “intervarsity” I don’t know why.  Is one matric girl still deputed to see to the Saturday cricket teas?  I was rotten at games so this was my task but I never, until years later, understood what an over was. Or why they scrummed in the winter.  Masculine secrets – and lack of curiosity so blatant that it makes me ashamed.  Do the prefects still get early morning coffee brought to them and pushed through the window onto a locker so they can drink it in bed in the icy Karroo mornings?  No coffee has tasted as good since.

 I see busses from PE etc are mentioned on the web page.  What’s happened to the trains?  I went to and from Cape Town 8 times a year.  Journeys which have given me an enduring love of train travel.  2 nights and a day it took on the old SAR & H.   Wonderful nights with the train saying “to Lancashire to Lancashire to buy a pocket hankercher..”  as one rocked and snuggled into the spotless sheets and heavy blue blankets.  Followed by a truly memorable breakfast – “full house” which meant egg & bacon & sausage & savoury mince on toast & tomato.   In memory of those journeys I subjected one of my daughters to the night train to Scotland recently – she didn’t sleep at all and complained like anything about the shunting. No ver verlate vlakte.   I slept to the Lancashire lullaby but I must admit probably also owing to a sleeping pill and a slug of whisky.  And next morning they brought us our (1st class!) breakfast in a brown paper bag!!  Oh dear . But I don’t think even the Orient Express would rival the SAR & H of those days.  Or allow passengers to get out and walk beside the train as we did when it crept over the Outeniqua pass.  Well, perhaps not “allow” but at any rate hoot so that we were never stranded in the pungent mountain air, with only the unbelievable view and the sharp clear birdsong for succour.  Or allow standing on that (olden day) balcony between coaches so that the wind could blow through our hair as we watched the sun rise, through the doring bossies, over a purple and orange Karroo.  Magic. Privileged magic.

I’m glad it is spread more evenly these days – but I hope that there is still magic.

Wonderful, simple memories.

Well, I don’t know if anyone will be interested in all this – but I have loved writing it.

First Hockey and Rugby visit Namibia

Condolences to Marais Family

All involved with UHS - school and former scholars - express sincere condolences to Peter Marais and his children Gill, Lindsay, Grant, Andre on the sad passing of Mel.  Mel was a wonderful supporter and friend of our school and she will be sorely missed. We all, along with the Marais family, mourn the death of a very special person and wish Peter and his family God's comfort and the comfort and support of friends during this difficult time.

First Hockey and Rugby visit Namibia

The UHS 1st XV and 1st hockey teams travelled to Windhoek last week to participate in a Rugby and Hockey Festival hosted by Windhoek High School.  Details of the trip will be posted later.  Suffice to say that the boys won one (56 - 3) and lost one (21 - 26) while the girls lost two, drew one and won one.  A wonderful experience for all involved.  Special thanks to Stephen Moore and his wife Telane, Helen (Watermeyer) and Graham Harris, Paul and Dianne Broeksma, Rick Moolman and his parents, Chris and Andrea, Leon van heerden and his parents Roelo and Hannelize (who have been such wonderful supporters over the years that they must qualify as honorary Old Unionites, Berna van Rensburg (wife of Johannes and mother of Nasine and the triplets Dickie, George and Jan), Ros (Wright) Rubidge and Teresa Hume (mother of D-J).  Supporters such as these folk are hard to come by and the school and the Old Unionite Association are very grateful to them for their backing the boys in and girls across our borders.

A number of these folk plus the Tawses (Tinka Joubert and husband Peter) and George and Elsanne Stegmann are off to northern Namibia and/orBotswana as well this week - this makes the trouble and expense of their supporting trip even more noteworthy.

Snowfalls in Graaff-Reinet

The mountains around G-R are still covered in snow.  The home of our alma mater is looking fantastic and we can only but wonder what someone like Kobus Olivier's farm on Nardou must look like.  From G-R Nardou is stunningly white and beautiful in the afternoon sun.  Wonder how many of our Old Unionites were at school during times of substantial snowfall.  Even Spandaukop, mountain drive and Lokasiekop were white with snow.  Perhaps we can get a few pictures into the gallery some time.

Soccer World Cup

Pity about Bafana-Bafana's loss to Uruguay - but we still back them for the game against France.  In the meantime South Africa has succeeded in hosting a wonderful international occasion and we are proud to be a part of this!

Interschools

Interschools is almost on our doorstep.  We look forward to having as many of you back in Graaff-Reinet as possible to meet up with old friends (and rivals), and to be a part of creating the buzz that we always associate with the Interschools Weekend.  Get in touch with mates and bring them along.  Those involved with reunions are encouraged to make a special effort and to make the occasion worthwhile for themselves and for all the others who are looking forward to meeting up with as many friends from the past as possible.  If you are still hesitating - don't! Come along and make it fun.

Weekend Results and More

Old Unionites Honour Mr. Puggy Munnik

Mr. Puggy Munnik is the first to be acknowledged on the "Honoured Old Unionites" link.  Mr. Munnik's services to UHS have been remarkable - his being featured on this link is truly well-deserved.

Passing of Mr. Gino Nel

We are sad to report on the passing of Gino Nel late last week.  Gino passed away after a comparatively short illness.  He contributed fantastically to Graaff-Reinet over the years.  Gino's Driving School saw many UHS scholars qualifying as drivers in Graaff-Reinet.  His earlier experience as a member of the traffic department provided Gino with invaluable knowledge in terms of the requirements that were necessary in order to prepare for the tests successfully, and there is little doubt that his success rate was extremely high.  Graaff-Reinet as a whole, along with the Old Unionite Association will miss Gino.  Condolences to Gino's wife and children, to his greater family as well.

Sports Results

The School had an excellent weekend when we look at the sports results from Saturday 29 May 2010.  The junior hockey girls did well throughout, with the 1st juniors beating a strong Herbert Hurd team by 4 goals to 0.  The senior second team beat their counterparts from Burgersdorp 6 - 0 while our under 16A side beat the Burgersdorp 1st team 5 - 1.  Perhaps a good thing that Burgersdorp asked not to be matched against the 1st girls.  All the rugby sides scored good wins, with the first XV securing a hard-fought 13 - 11 win in the last minutes of the game.  Our forwards did well to match a big Burgersdorp team and we scored two excellent tries to secure the match.  First time tackling was not up toits usual standard, so this is an area that could do with some attention.  Two netball sides also took to the courts against Burgersdorp.  These girls are on a very steep learning curve and are getting better every week - in spite of still needing to record their first win.

The coming weekend sees the boys and girls away against Winterberg.  Our junior boys travel to Grahamstown to play Kingswood.

Reunions

All involved with reunions during the Interschools weekend are urged to check the "Reunions" link in order to get some idea of the programme for the weekend.  Those involved with the 40th reunion will see a detailed plan for the weekend.  Rosemary has done a wonderful job in getting things organised.  The organisers of the 25th reunion are still looking for Janice Scriven, Caroline Graham and Susan Florence.  A huge amount of work has also been put into this reunion and the 25th get-together promises to be a fantastic chance to meet up with friends from the past - your organisers deserve a pat on the back.  Those involved with the organising of reunions are urged to let Sharon have as much information as possible so that it can be shared with your classmates and also in order that other organisers can see what your plans are - this avoid clashes.

Mr. Puggy Munnik is also intending to have his book based on his experiences at UHS ready for sale at Interschools - we have no doubt that this book will be a wonderful record of that era at UHS.

Old Unionite Involvement

We continue to encourage Old Unionites to make every effort to contribute to the success of this website.  Your feedback, contributions in terms of news, suggestions, nominations for inclusion in the "Honoured Old Unionites" pages and the like are vital if we are to offer the service that we envisage.  So please do not allow apathy or the waiting for someone else to do so stop you from getting involved - the resposnisbility is yours, so you get the ball rolling.

Weekend Activities at the School - Saturday 29 May 2010

NEEDING YOUR HELP AGAIN - We are looking for the details of Alan Cawood - went to July Scout Jamboree, 1971, with Mr Bruce Maree and left Union during 1971/72.   Mr Maree would greatly appreciate any info on and contact details of Alan - needed for the 100 year celebration of scouts.

Please help, still looking for Janice Scriven,Caroline Graham and Susan Florence for our 25th reunion



The school programme for this coming weekend revolves around senior rugby and hockey at home against Burgersdorp and a major exodus of junior rugby and hockey players who will be involved in fixtures against Herbert Hurd in Port Elizabeth.  The senior fixture against Burgersdorp is always a tough and physical game.  This year Burgersdorp have three provincial players of some or team in their pack of forwards - meaning that the forward encounter will be bruising.  The UHS team has shown a growing confidence in the last few weeks, so it is hoped that they will perform well on Saturday.  We look forward to having as many Old Unionites as possible at school on Saturday - and your are invited to join all in the Union for refreshments after the games.

Personalia

Mr. Mugglestone had a note from Lynne Castle - married and settled in Cairns, Australia.  Lynne's details are on the database should you wish to get in touch with her.  We would love to hear from as many Old Unionites as possible (particularly those who have been out of circulation for a while and from those who are away doing unusual things) so that those who are interested get a glimpse of what you have been up to.  Stuart Mutch, for example, is a "saturation diver" (for those in the know in terms of this jargon).  He does quite a lot of work in the Middle East, but is also well settled in SA.  Spends days on end under pressurized conditions in order that he and his team can dive to ridiculous depths without delays.

Even the more mundane things such as engagements, marriages, births, deaths etc. will be of interest to some of our former scholars.  Andre Retief''s engagement is certainly worth mentioning.  Your contributions about yourselves and/or other contacts are awaited eagerly.

New Appointments at School

The Old Unionite Association, along with the UHS School Governing Body, has played a very significant role in two exciting new appointments that have been made at school.  As from 1 June 2010 two young sports coaches/administrators will be joining Rory Sullivan in a revitalised sports department at school.  Mr. Gert van Wyk, a young man with excellent credentials as a sportsman - particularly in rugby where he has been involved with both Western Province and the Bulls at under 18, 19 and 21 level, squash and golf, as well as Mr. Lutho Pohlongo whose credentials in cricketing terms are excellent, while also having a solid rugby background, will be at school soon.  It is envisaged that these gentlemen will be able to serve the school in an organisational and administrative capacity, while also being heavily involved with coaching from under 9 to under 19 levels.  This should lead to the development of added consistency and quality in our coaching throughout the school.  Both gentlemen also have much to offer as members of the school staff and the Graaff-Reinet community as a whole.

Facebook Contacts

Many of our former scholars will be actively involved on Facebook or on other similar sites.  Please encourage your "friends" to register on the Old Unionite website, so that the database continues to grow - this will make the site so much more worthwhile and will go a long way towards helping the OUA to serve Old Unionites.

Old Unionites Support the School

NEEDING YOUR HELP AGAIN - We are looking for the details of Alan Cawood - went to July Scout Jamboree, 1971, with Mr Bruce Maree and left Union during 1971/72.   Mr Maree would greatly appreciate any info on and contact details of Alan - needed for the 100 year celebration of scouts.



Please help, still looking for Janice Scriven,Caroline Graham and Susan Florence for our 25th reunion.

Received the following e-mail from Frank Biggs - can you help us!!



"Would you be able to help me find an old friend who was at school with me at Union High? I\'m looking for an address for Richard Homann. He matriculated from the school around 1962, if I\'m not mistaken. His father taught English at Union High. I\'d appreciate your help. Sincerely, Frank Biggs."

Posted this request at about 12H30 and received feedback from Robin Abbott at 13H15 - goes to show that we can help each other - thank you so much, Robin!!!



Howard Sheard had to be at his best this weekend when he took over from John Crankshaw serving refreshments to a group from Lions' International who attended a conference at school this past weekend.  As is his wont, Howard's friendly and enthusiastic way won many friends and he kept our visitors happy and entertained as long as the pub was open.  Thanks also to Bruce Maree and John Ross for bringing the Lions to UHS again.  The weather was fantastic and our rugby boys' and girls' performances added to a day that the visitors could not help but enjoy.  Bruce's muffins also played a role in impressing those lucky enough to get hold of one (some).

Weekend's Results

The rugby and hockey teams were at home this weekend and we had a good lot of Old Unionites on the touch lines supporting the teams.  While the likes of Garth Heunis, Paul and Dianne Broeksma, Harry Hobson and Garth Charles backed the youngsters with fairly subdued cheers and encouragement, Stephen Moore, Howard Sheard, Leonard Kingwill and, occasionally, Elaine Stanley (Jack) and Helen Harris (Watermeyer) lent their support rather more vociferously.  George and Elsanne Stegmann were back again - fantastic supporters that they have always been; and it was also good to have quite a few of our older Old Unionites at school as well.  Mrs. Jean Watermeyer's support, for example, is always appreciated.  The school has expressed its gratitude for the support of these Old Unionites and that of the many others whose names have not been mentioned.

The boys' 38 - 5 win over Westering was most pleasing.  They showed signs of a growing confidence in a good win against Middleburg on Thursday and this was evident in their scoring a number of fine tries on Saturday.  Kobus Olivier, at one stage, had both his sons - Jason and David - on the field.  Fred Rubidge (Charles' and Ros's son) had an excellent game as did Dean Hobson (Harry's boy).  Michael Naude's son Nathan also got a run.  Marc Abrahamson, Fanie van Heerden, Jacques Moolman, Frank Adonis, Liso Langman, Gabriel Nel and Brian Venter are youngsters who all had siblings pass through the UHS gates in the last few years.  It is always good to see that so many of our players are connected to the school by their relationships with past pupils.  Most of the other sides also chalked up good wins.

The first hockey side went down to Collegiate by 3 goals to 1, but were rather unlucky to lose as we had the edge over the Collegiate side for most of the game, and were unlucky not to score on at least three other occasions.  Our U16A side scored a good 2 - 0 win, while the U16B's drew 1 - 1.  Meagan Hume (grand daughter of David Hume and daughter of Charles Hume) is showing strong and positive leadership and is captaining the team extremely well and Lauren Broeksma (Paul and Dianne's daughter) is providing excellent support for Meagan both as player and as vice-captain.  Other players in the team who have strong Old Unionite connections include Leanne Harris, Vona van Rensburg, Rese Moore, Samantha Warner, Alretha van Heerden, Leanne van Niekerk and Imke Marais.  The girls are also playing with a sense of urgency and committment.  The UHS junior hockey teams are achieving wonderful results as well.

To show that your alma mater is not only about sport, it is good to note that one of UHS's matrics, Moses Shava, has moved through a number of preliminary rounds and will be representing the Karoo/Port Elizabeth region at a provincial level Young Communicators' Speech Competition in East London in due course.

Rugby and Hockey Trip to Namibia

Old Unionites who are settled in Namibia are reminded that the 1st XV and 1st hockey XI will be at a tournament in Windhoek from 9 June to 13 June.  Your support will be most welcome.  Next weekend (5 June) sees our first teams playing against winterberg at home.  The matches will be followed by a braai at the Union - a fundraising activity for the trip.  Please contact Sharon at school if you would like to join the fun - looking forward to having many of you at the occasion.  Your presence will make the evening more worthwhile for all the others who are attending, so make the effort.

Photographs and News

Pictures often speak more loudly than words - so, if you have photographs that you feel could grace the site's "gallery", let us have them to share with others.  Always to good to see what some of our classmates look like, or are getting up to today.  Similarly, any news of interest to Old Unionites is also welcomed.

We can, for instance, report that Keith Prinsloo's development of 19 or so houses in Graaff-Reinet is progressing well.  If you are looking at buying property in Graaff-Reinet, you could do worse than considering what Keith has on offer.

Previous News and Appeals

Please note that the "Home page" only shows the latest posting.  You are urged to click on the "News" link to access previously posted news items as well as previously posted appeals re, for example, feedback about the website, listing Old Unionites' businesses on the site, participation in honouring former scholars and teachers and the like.

Registration of Past Pupils per year

As promised in our previous news item we have a breakdown of members registered per year from the class of 1948 - 2009. Once again please spread the word - we need them to register!!!

1948 - 2,

1949 - 1,

1953 - 1,

1954 - 1,

1955 - 1,

1957 - 1,

1958 - - ,

1959 - - ,

1960 - 2,

1961 - -,

1962 - 3,

1963 - 1,

1964 - 5,

1965 - 1,

1966 - 2,

1967 - - [come on all - get into gear]

1968 - - [ditto]

1969 - 52 [based on info from last year's reunion]

1970 - 47 [looking good]

1971 - 5 ,

1972 - 7,

1973 - - [come on all - get into gear]

1974 - 4,

1975 - 4,

1976 - 7,

1977 - 14,

1978 - 1,

1979 - 12,

1980 - 13,

1981 - 66 [last year's reunion info]

1982 - 4,

1983 - 11,

1984 - 6,

1985 - 12,

1986 - 15,

1987 - 11,

1988 - 13,

1989 - 18,

1990 - 10,

1991 - 13,

1992 - 8,

1993 - 6,

1994 - 11,

1995 - 6,

1996 - 5,

1997 - 4,

1998 - 5,

1999 - 50 [last year's reunion info]

2000 - 5,

2001 - 5,

2002 - 8,

2003 - 4,

2004 - 3,

2005 - 7,

2006 - 4,

2007 - 4,

2008 - 16,

2009 - 3

Please check the "News" link for news from this past weekend as well as for further information re the website, Old Unionite and school information and news. Regards to all. Sharon OUA Secretary

Outstanding achievement for Gordon Wright

Gordon Wright (Class of 1991) masterchef and owner of Andries Stockenstrom Guesthouse in Graaff-Reinet, was recently visited by Matthew Lewin, a well known and highly respected UK food critic. Lewin awarded Gordon a 4 star rating(highest possible rating) after enjoying a meal prepared by Gordon himself. They are one of the few restaurants in the world Lewin has ever given a full 4 star rating to, an outstanding achievement in restaurant circles. See the website for more details - http://www.asghouse.co.za/images/Newsletter.pdf (see business link) 

SPECIAL RE-UNION IN PORT ELIZABETH

Congratulations goes out to Kim Primic (nee Spencer - Class of 1988), for organising a mini re-union in Port Elizabeth on Friday 23/4/2010. There seems to be lots of excitement in anticipation of class mates and other friends meeting again. Kim is expecting at least 40 "Old Boys and Girls" to turn up and we look forward to feedback and photos from Kim for our gallery.  

UHS Tennis Boys Excel

The boys' tennis team had an outstanding first term, acquitting themselves well in all competitions, leagues, school fixtures and tournaments.

UHS beat Queens College in a school fixture by 16 matches to 2, then travelled to Bloemfontein to compete in a Fichardt Park Tournament. Playing in the "A" competition, the UHS Top 4 players (Fanie van Heerden, Dean Hobson, Gabriel Nel and Fred Rubidge) reached the finals but due to rain, shared the tournament trophy with Menlo Park from Pretoria.

Playing in the "B" competition, Marc Abrahamson, Jason Olivier, Lance Hobson and Andrew Johnston won their half of the draw. They were beaten by Jim Fouche High School into overall second place by only one game.

The top 4 boys, together with the UHS girls, did themselves proud at the Bredasdorp Mixed Doubles Tournament the following weekend. They came second in their half of the draw and third in the tournament. Fanie van Heerden and Dean Hobson were unbeaten as a doubles combination playing some very good tennis. 

OLD UNIONITES IN THE NEWS

OLD UNIONITE NEW HEAD OF ABSA RETAIL BANKING:

Gavin Opperman who matriculated from Union High at the end of 1983 has recently been appointed to Head of ABSA Retail Banking in SA. He heads a department which controls 11 million clients and 20 000 members of staff. Gavin has made a meteoric rise within the banking sector considering that he started his career as a clearing clerk within Standard bank soon after having left school.

Gavin’s career should serve as inspiration to all our youngsters – working his way up in banking from the very bottom, studying part time in order to gain the academic qualifications and know-how, committing himself to his career fully in order to make and to use opportunities for progress.

At school Gavin developed a keen interest in sporting activities, captaining the first tennis team and representing the school at rugby as well. This interest remains, and today he enjoys competitive cycling and golf. Other interests include skiing and Harley Davidson motor cycles.

UHS and the Old Unionites Association are proud to have Mr. Gavin Opperman in their numbers and congratulate him upon his latest appointment. We are confident that he will be very successful in meeting the challenges that his new role will place upon him.