Honoured Old Boys
DEREK LITTHAUER CLASS OF 1972
I finished my PhD at the University of Port Elizabeth in 1983, lectured Biochemistry there until end of 1991. Moved to Bloemfontein where I lectured Biochemistry at the University of the Free State until the end of April of this year. Also did a lot of research in protein chemistry and structure and biocatalysis, genomics and bioinformatics. Six months ago I made a switch, I am now the director of the SA National Control Laboratory for Biological Products. We test and approve all vaccines for human use which are used in SA.
I married at the end of 1977, my wife teaches introductory mathematics at the University of the Free State. I have two girls, Alida who is 27 did her masters in geochemistry and works at the exploration department of an international gold mining company, she is married to a geohydrologist. The younger, Suzanne is doing her masters in biochemistry, at the moment she is doing part of her research in Holland.
I am really looking forward to the reunion next year. Perhaps we can start putting some pictures of ourselves on a website somewhere. Any suggestions?
Derek
REPORT BACK ON 2011 - MR KROON
UNION HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT: 21 OCTOBER 2011
This year has seen the Tsunami hit Japan, the economic woes in various countries including some in the European Union, lacklustre economic growth and low productivity in many countries including our own, the demonstrations, uprisings and war in some Arab states culminating with Muammar Gaddafi’s death yesterday – lots of turmoil, heartache and so many challenges. And ..On our doorstep, the threat of fracking in the Karoo.
2011 has also been a very challenging year for Union High School but also a very rewarding one.
After serving Union with distinction for 30 years, of which 13 were as headmaster, Mr David Mugglestone decided it was time for him to move on to other challenges. Curro’s gain is our loss. Fortunately he loaned his wife to us for the rest of the year to allow her once again to work her Life Science magic on our grade 12’s - many thanks to you Shirley for all your positive contributions to Union High over many years. You, your enthusiasm, wisdom, sense of humour and diligence will be sorely missed. Given the delays in securing state staff to fill teaching vacancies we regard ourselves as most fortunate in having found a man of the calibre and temperament of Mr William Pringle to lead our School on the next part of its interesting journey. One behalf of all our staff, teaching and non-teaching, our past pupils and parents, I wish to assure you Sir, that you have our full support. We look forward to next year when you and your family will be settled here in the Gem of the Karoo. We appreciate that you have made sacrifices to start with us as quickly as you have. Union High are sorry to be losing the services of Mrs Deirdre Melvill at the end of the term. I am sure that Mr Maree will deal with this loss in more detail at the Primary Prize-Giving next month. Of course, even though the Wiz has been with us for 40 years his retirement will soon be a reality. He has served the School so well in too many capacities for me to list. A bird has whispered that he may still keep his eye-in at the school and contribute in another capacity. His unique service as Graaff-Reinet Scoutmaster has put us on the scouting map. This year Stuart Welman became the 70th Springbok scout (or equivalent) to qualify under Mr Maree’s guidance. Stuart was also awarded Scouting colours. Many pupils have benefited from Mr Maree’s teaching or his coaching. In recent years he has transformed his classroom and “given it wings”. His work with the Old Unionite Association, the Tony Burrell Union and the catering teams and his handling of our Liaison with Salisbury School and the very fruitful exchanges attest to Mr Maree’s thoroughness. I can imagine Bruce saying to himself right now – stop waffling and get on with the report ! Some things cannot however be left unsaid. A HUGE thank you to you Bruce for your unparalleled service to Union High and the Graaff-Reinet community – enjoy your well deserved retirement ! May I also thank Mr Fanie Bezuidenhout for his willingness to work closely with me in ensuring that the School stayed on course for the intervening 6 month period. Your leadership, co-operation and dedication s greatly valued.
The Staff at Union are all very special people. All being human – they have their frailties too but despite this they make a most remarkable team. Their ability to notice where they can be of assistance, and then to volunteer themselves to make the School operate like clockwork is appreciated so much. May I take this opportunity of thanking every one of our teaching, and non-teaching staff for their loyal support and generous input often well past the bounds of duty. This week’s Primary Musical illustrates this so clearly. May I thank you, the parents too, for entrusting us with your children – we also saw how much talent they bring with them. During the course of the year we welcomed Miss Nathne Denis, a past pupil, who joined our music department after lecturing at NMMU. We sympathasize with Mrs Christine Scott and her family with the untimely death of her Mom following a traffic accident. Once Mr Derek Light had presented his plans for the Astro – he had assistance of course, but he supplied the energy and drive to sustain it to completion - many who might have had reservations came around and many hands went up in support of this worthwhile project. Derek then piloted the practical aspects and was our “project manager” while at the same time making tireless efforts to see that the sponsorship and financial implications were suitably in place. Derek we appreciate your foresight and motivation – we know it was a case of many hand made Light work ! Thank you. Clearly tonight’s focus must lie with rewarding those scholars who have given of their very best in our classrooms, on the sports fields and on various stages and in various ways. The array of prizes and trophy’s before us will find owners shortly – some are unaware that Mr Maree will call them up for recognition. To each of you, Union High is very proud of your contribution and trusts that you will be spurred on to do even better in the years ahead.
Our Sports Department, headed by the ever-willing and enthusiastic Mr Gert van Wyk has established itself well in the last year. Messrs Pohlongo, Joseph and Sparrius have a common commitment to vitalize different age groups to bring out and build the talented sports-men and women while also promoting the wider participation of all our scholar in sporting activities. As the Romans said "Mens sano in corpore sano", a healthy mind in a healthy body ! We look forward to the fruits of your labours in due course.
Rugbywise our senior teams were most impressive – we had four of them during the season – all played the game with zeal and spirit. The cherry on the cake was the 16-6 interschools win by our first team but the others did not disappoint. The excellence of our rugby is supported by our first winning 81% of their matches, the seconds, 82% and our thirds 100%. Really remarkable given our numbers compared to those of our competitors.
Our cricketers had great moments but it is fair to say they have scope to reach higher still. We applaud Fanie van Heerden for his selection for the S.A. Midlands team and overly proud of Dean Marais who took 5 wickets against Selborne.
Our hockey teams also give us reason to boast, their excellent 4-0 win again Volkskool was truly the cherry on the top. They won 71% of their matches.
Buyolo Twetwa and Leanne Harris were selected for the Eastern Province B team while Christie Putter made the E.P. C team. Well done !
Our senior tennis players did us proud too. Union High hosted the quadrangular (ourselves, VGHS, St Andrews, and Graeme) for the first time since its inception in 1998, Our boys retained the trophy for the third year in succession whilst the our girls won the their tournament this year. We congratulate Jessica Charles on representing EP in her age group and for achieving good rankings in the tournaments this year. This together with her other activities made her the recipient of the only Excelsior award made this year. Our boys and girls took part in the Clover Sports Day in Bloemfontein – we took 4 teams of 4 players – all did very well with our best girls team finishing second ahead of ten other schools. Colours were awarded to Fanie van Heerden, Dean Hobson, Andrew Johnson and Donnae Broeksma this year.
Swimming remains a prestige sport, many swimmers have gone to great length to give of their best - the last of the Fischer's, Andrew finishes with us this year after a particularly good season. Thanks for the support of the parents, Mr and Mrs Fischer and Mr and Mrs Roelo van Heerden (who I see here this evening) over many years.
Life-saving continues to be well supported and it is encouraging to see how many of our swimmers are eager to enter for the various exams. Andrew Fischer and Fred Kotze who gained their gold life saving certificates this year clearly reaped the benefit of Mrs Beagley’s meticulous instruction.
At present Mr Bezuidenhout and Mrs Janine Kemp are working with our athletes to get them into shape for a combined Athletics meeting with Hoer Volkskool on Tuesday afternoon. While coaching is available it is often the individual athletes who act responsibly and train well to hone their performances. We can brag about Naledi Cona’s 10,9s time for the 100m at Kollie Koeberg – and his top performance on Sports Day. Mziwakhe Mathiale took the limelight by breaking the 200m record at the Cacadu Championships in Humansdorp.
We must never underestimate the role played by our community and the various forms of sponsorships they are willing to invest in our activities. Hopefully they are all thanked appropriately in our School Magazine which goes into print very shortly. Thanks to Mrs Shanene Furter for editing our magazine and putting up with a fair amount of stress getting all to contribute timeously. Thanks also to those who assisted with proof-reading and Mrs Wendy Venter for the excellent photographs she takes of us.
Academic matters
Our results at the end of 2010 gave cause for celebration. Our pass rate was 98,5% and our matrics scored 33 subject A’s between them. Antoinette Offerman, Gabriel Nel, Emily Ingle, Alretha van Heerden and Megan Hume made us very proud with their A aggregates. This week our first matric examinations were written and I want to encourage every one of you matrics to do the very best you can in these exams. Twelve years at school and now the final test – may you each use your time fruitfully in preparation so that you can achieve the results you deserve. I know that you have the ability.
This year, Mr Peter Robinson who has been the mainstay of our matric invigilation has decided to call it a day. We thank him for 9 years of dedicated service and a job very well done. We are pleased that Dr Oskar Prozesky is willing to take over this responsibility. We thank him too for so meticulously restoring the sports photographs in our upstairs passages
Hostels
Our hostels and our boarders play vital roles in the school and this area continually receives attention and we keep on trying to improve the facilities. Mr Rory and Mrs Martie Sullivan , Mr Fanie and Mrs Jackie Bezuidenhout and their teams have made it their mission to provide a “home from home” for our boarders. We thank them for the efficient running of these facilities. The duty staff also deserve our grateful thanks. Mrs Ros Krige, as hostels committee chairman keeps her finger on the pulse, and who with her committee provide invaluable support. We take this opportunity of thanking Mrs Rencia van Vuuren for her 19 years as a matron, mother to our boys, as she retires at the end of this year. We thank the hostel staff for their co-operation in using their labours and facilities for our successful Rugby and Hockey Festivals and for the Marking-Centre board and lodging. These are useful fundraisers which we benefit from.
Grounds and Buildings
Mr Donald Kingwill and his staff have worked extremely hard to ensure that our fields and grounds are the envy of all other schools. We are proud and grateful for what we have and for those who’ve made it possible for us to continue to look upon our facilities with pride. Donald had many caps to wear again this year – he had to tailor his activities to meet the demands of the Astro project, he had to investigate the legality and safety of tanks and boilers, He saw to improvements in the hostels. He travels with teams and sees to the wellbeing of our fleet of buses. He acquitted himself well, as usual, as a sports coach and a referee. This sample of his many and varied tasks makes us indebted to a diligent but co-operative colleague We thank you, Donald,
We are pleased to have the involvement of Mrs Avrille Putter. She has assisted us in providing more opportunities for those scholars who have a talent for one or more of the cultural aspects of school life. With the assistance of teachers and scholars we were able to stage a Music, Arts and Drama evening which brought out much talent. This activity is to be taken more seriously in future and more balance looked for in the programme. The Senior music evening was once again able to show the breadth and depth in our Music department.
The Governing Body
The men and women who serve on the SGB deserve our grateful thanks for the work they do on behalf of the school. We are truly blessed to have such a talented group of men and women guiding us in our school. Their unselfish and committed service is truly appreciated. My special thanks to Mrs Karin Marais who stood by us in all matters this year and for all our governors for their contributions. Here I would like to single out Mr Arland Stanley for his financial advice and input, for planning our budgets and for monitoring our compliance. Many thanks.
We are equally grateful to all other parents and supporters of our school for their assistance throughout the year. We cherish the involvement of parents and other members of our community and the opportunity to serve our community in turn. Without this partnership Union High School would not be able to look back upon the many successes of 2011. Particularly striking to me has been the dedication of the Old Unionite Association under Mr Grant Hobson. The entire committee and their spouses are extremely well disposed to our school and they put in plenty of time and effort to support us. Mr Howard Sheard was present at the opening of the Astro even though he had to travel from East London to do so – we appreciate such loyal support.
Interact continues to blaze a successful trail under an active committee and with Mrs Dobby Beagley as teacher-in-charge. They have raised large amounts of funds for the Cancer Association and three or four other institutions in Graaff-Reinet. They have seen the the donation of over 200 pints of blood, The very successful triathlon on Founders day is also thanks largely to them.
Chess in the Karoo is currently becoming more formalized and the formation of the Karoo Chess Union is imminent. Once established it will be able to officially run various open and closed chess championships for our schools. This will provide a conduit for more easily moving top players towards National events. This year Kalusha Mpanza, Asemahle Mali and Kukhanyile Mali played in the Border championships and two were selected as reserves for the under 16 Border team. More recently all three qualified for the S.A. junior championships which takes place in P.E. in December. I am glad to have been associated with this activity. Our Interschool’s chess results were strongly in our favour.
The Media centre under Mrs Lizet Crankshaw strove to broaden an interest in books and the internet path to knowledge. We thank the library monitors for their sterling service in this department.
A huge thank you to our secretaries and bursars for all they do for the school. We specially value the sacrifices that Mr Tinka Tawse has made to run the front office. Mrs Shell is a real godsend to the school and is helpful and involved in many areas including the tuckshop and the running of the bookshop. Mrs Posthumus too deserves our appreciation for the work she does in the clothing shop.
Similarly I want to thank the first aiders now under Maselemo Khama and Sinazo Mhlanga for their selfless service at so many of our sporting activities. Their working together with Francois and the ESS team provides further experience for them. Fourteen first aiders received certificates for their above average contributions. The Mugglestoner magazine made a good impression under the editorship of Courtney Shell.
The Debaters are doing well under Mrs Sue Wynford and did well at Interschools. The Senior Quiz team once again brought us a victory on the same evening Xhamla Dyantyi won the Young Communicators Speech competition this year.
We congratulate Andrew Johnston, Luphumlo Joka, Imke Marais, Christie Putter and Brian Venter for qualifying as All-Rounders this year.
The number and variety of Olympiads in which our scholars participate is continually spiralling outwards. In all instances we are pleased with our measure of success. The two items that stand out this year is the team comprised of Stuart Welman, Wakhela Ndaba and Brian Venter. They won the Scifest Quiz – the fifth time Union has now done so – thus each winning a year’s tuition at Rhodes University. They followed this up by winning the EP.. Gold Division of the Mintek Quiz at NMMU. Here they won cash for themselves and the school. Stuart was chosen as part of the EP team which recently came third in Pretoria in the national Quiz, once more money was won for the school. Well done to you three and to all the others who take part in these activities.
Our 61 matrics and their partners were treated to a fantastic shipwreck party for their farewell function. The efforts of the grade 11 class under Imke Marais and Xhamla Dyantyi and Mrs Janine Kemp saw to it that the décor was fantastic, the food was really good and the ambiance was probably the best we have ever had.
Our Music Department under Mrs Karmin van der Walt continues to interact with community activities and we are proud of the music team and the standards they achieve. Thirteen pupils recently passed the practical section of the Royal Schools Music Exams under their guidance quite a number with distinction. One candidate also passed the theory exam. The comments from the examiners paid great tribute to our music dept.
Sandi Fischer and her Moms-in–touch have provided support and we are pleased with the many committed Christian scholars and adults who have special events, get togethers, assemblies, camps and prayer meetings to further the Lord’s work. Here we thank Mr Roland Calitz. Mr Steve Grewar, Mrs Belinda Grewar and Mrs Shanene Furter and Luphumlo Joka have played leading roles.
As we appreciate God’s guidance and all the human support we received in 2011 we never want to become guilty of the sin of ingratitude that makes a person forget what they have and concentrate on what they don’t have.
Mrs Nelia Read has done much of the work behind the scenes to ensure that all our exams run smoothly. She is also responsible for our prefects and their training and I am grateful that she will also see to the RCL activities next year. Many thanks to headprefects Fanie van Heerden and Clementine Dube and all the prefects for all your assistance throughout the year. The RCL is setting up to start its Waste collection next year and we ask for your support. Christie Putter and Laszlo Maya head the RCL.
CONCLUSION
Ladies and Gentlemen we owe a great debt of gratitude to many people. If I have, inadvertently, omitted reference to any individual or group, please do not be offended. The omission is an unintended error and is not intended as a slight of any kind.
It is clear from my report that Union High continues to build positively upon the foundations of the past, and that, with the continued support of our community, our parents and our scholars, our school will deal with the problems and challenges of 2012 with confidence.
Today is all about being proud of what the school has achieved over the last 12 months. We will quite rightly applaud our prize-winners for their individual achievements but we also think of the rest of our scholars. Those whose names will not be called out this evening may feel left out yet their earnest contributions to teams, drama, etc is makes Union a successful school.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you.
Mr Maree retires at the end of 2011 - The Legendary
Article on Mr Maree to follow
In Memory of Harry Bollon 1937-2011
Harry Anthony Bollon
Personal Reflections From Family & Friends
Read by Stanley Meadows
It is a great honour to be speaking to you today about Harry. I loved Harry for over 22 years of perfect harmony; we never had a cross word. We shared the same sense of humour – in other words, horrible jokes; wonderful singsongs and reminiscences of the old BBC radio shows from our youth; where we knew all the characters and stories. We so enjoyed each other's company along with a glass or two of wine - or three or four - and he and Freda were frequent lunch companions with hilarious afternoon political and historical discussions – often with some very differing exchanges of views.He also gave me great advice in my business. In fact, he was one of the most honourable and decent men I have ever known – straight as a die. I have had the pleasure of being part of the many special times that Harry has had with his family & friends. Without a doubt, he is and will remain in our hearts as the very much loved husband, father, granddad and friend. In fact, the feelings that many of you here today have expressed in your cards, calls and conversations at his passing is that he was a man of “huge integrity, immense kindness, generosity without bounds and good humour.”
So, what made Harry the man that we love & cherish?
Harry was born on 2 June in 1937 to father Harry and mother Grace in Pudsey, Leeds – a Yorkshire man and a Scottish woman. Harry's Scottish heritage loomed large in his life and if any of you still haven't heard about his uncle Rob Roy, that's a story to catch-up with later. When Harry's father was posted to train troops in South Africa, Grace decided to take Harry and his elder sister Grace away from the bombs of the second world war to the safety and beauty of Rothseay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, where her family had a holiday home. This is probably the catalyst which fired his enduring spirit of adventure. For a 7 year old boy this was a playground with no boundaries; he spent his time hopping between islands via ferries absolutely free - by telling the ferry man “talk to me maam; she's behind me and she will pay!” The early beginnings of an independent, courageous man with a strong affinity for nature – and commerce! In 1947 the family decided to emigrate to South Africa and left on the Union Castle ship for the 3 week journey. A little boy's world suddenly grew very large; indeed travel was to be a lasting passion that he shared with his family. Harry, his mother and sister eventually settled in Graaf Rheinett in the Karoo where Harry & Grace attended the Union High school. He loved school; academically 2 years ahead and a keen rugby player. He also loved his school holidays where he would stay with the Kingwills on their 100,000 acre farm or the Van Fuurens nearby. It was here he was able to once again explore a new playground with newfriends – Harry was a man who naturally drew others to him, making friends very easily. I’m sure we can all relate to his ability to bring out the best in others and to make us feel special. He was a great story teller and one that I particularly remember is about him pulling himself up onto a huge rock on the farm and coming face to face with a cobra; the quickest exit was to let go and drop to the ground, scraping his body from head to toe on the way down – a boy with nerves of steel and a keen survival instinct. When he returned for the school reunion in 1999, he revisited the huge rock and discovered that itnow looked somewhat less daunting. He loved his time on the farm where in the winter evenings he sat in front of the fire in the study with his friend David discovering the beauty of English literature with 'Wind in The Willows'; later whenever he saw any reference to that he thought of 'home'. Harry was also something of a frustrated actor relishing the opportunities to entertain and make people smile, whether he was telling his tall stories or performing on stage. He appeared in a number of repertory shows as well as teaching people to rock and rollwhilst starting his banking career at Barclays in Johannesburg in 1954. Then adventure calledin 1958 and he came to - Southport in UK at the invitation of his aunt Frances. After a short time with Littlewoods Pools he secured a role at Barclays in London where he met up again with his friend Darnie Van Fuuren. Little did he know that this was to change his life. Freda was an ex girlfriend of Darnie and when Harry saw her picture he was determined to meet her. She relented to meet him at Bromley South after his 3rd phone call. 52 years ago to this day, as she got off the bus “looking like a polar bear with dirty legs” as Harry joked afterwards, he met his future wife, lifelong companion and beloved best friend. She was wrapped up in what was then the height of fashion; a white fake fur coat, black stockings and green stilettos. They courted for 18 months and got married in1961. Katharine came along a little later and four years after that Andrew completed the Bollon clan. Harry put his professional acting aspirations to one side so that he could build his banking career to support the family towards a better life. In 1969 he switched to international investment banking and they moved to Switzerland where the family had an amazing lifestyle and learnt to ski. This was to be a shared family holiday for many years to come; up until 4 years ago Harry could be seen shooshing down the slopes – smoking his pipe! Throughout, family life was very important to Harry and between him and Freda, after having moved half a dozen times across the UK and then to Switzerland, together they created a beautiful home and garden in Oxted where they lived for nearly 40 years. They were a good team who shared a love of nature; observing the birds that flocked to feed and sharing the seasonal changes of the garden – except the pruning of his roses! As a father, he built an enduring loving relationship with his children by sharing things together – whether it was using his carpentry skills with Katharine on her doll's house or his patience and an eye for detail making second World War model aeroplanes with Andrew. When his nephew Gino asked him how he had become such a great dad despite not having a role model himself, he said “it just came naturally; it's easy because I love them & am so very proud of them”. Harry's loving encouragement led to both Katharine and Andrew having very successful careers and fulfilled lives. To Harry and Freda's delight, Andrew & Susie expanded the Bollon clan in 1994 when George arrived with Luke following in 1996. His natural affinity to be a great dad was easily replicated as a granddad; he was always there for them. When George and Luke were very little boys they used to make cakes with Susie and ice them with some rather dubious colours – but that didn't stop Granddad wolfing them down with relish! He shared his boyhood adventures with George and Luke by building dens and playing soldiers in the nearby woodlands. Together, Harry & Freda spent many happy times in Susie's garden and Luke in particular enjoyed the vegetable plot that they had created together. Latterly George loved Harry's emails and jokes – the naughtier the better! A man of ready and teasing wit; without doubt the greatest teller of a huge joke collection and most entertaining when you were lucky enough to be with him. Harry made a very happy impression on many people's lives in many different ways which reflected his deep joy and delight in the world around him – even in the banking world! Described by his colleagues and clients as a rare honest investment banker. He was incredibly conscientious and focussed on helping his clients to succeed as well as delivering for the bank. Integrity was one of his key values and underpinned his relationships with his clients; many of whom became good friends, including me. He was very highly thought of by major figures in finance and industry who respected him and knew their business with him was in safe hands. A lot of this made possible by coaching and supporting his team in their careers ,as he had been supported by his Head of Treasury in the mid '60s. He continued his passion for travel during his career as an investment banker across Africa, the Americas and Europe, frequently taking his family with him. When he retired he and Freda went walking in the Himalayas, Greece, Tuscany, Spain and across England. As a great lover of walking and discovering the big outdoors, he was held in very high regard by his friends in the Old Askeans Rambling Club; so much so that one is reminded of John Donne's words that “the bell tolls for us in his loss.” He played a very active part in the club by leading walks and hosting teas in front of his open fire to dry off after a particularly rainy day! On his 60th birthday he was thrilled to bits to have had a surprise flight in an old Harvard – the Spitfire training plane - where he soared above the Downs, along the needles and over the Isle of Wight where he was later to sail on the odd weekend with fellow individuals of the Worshipful Company of Loriners. As a Loriner and a Freeman of the City of London, one of his favourite events was the carol service in the Old Jewery city church where the choir would lift the rafters and his spirits. Of course some of you know Harry from the beat at the nearby Titsey Estate where he would demonstrate his keen eye and bag more than a few pheasant, later to end up in one of Harry's very tasty casseroles or to find their way into friends fridges as gifts – with the recipe! I am sure that many of us can remember Harry and Freda's splendid lunches or dinners where Harry would try out one of his cordon bleu inspired recipes, always accompanied by good wine and of course, his port. During his courageous 6 months fighting cancer, he had a hand on the tiller guiding us through in a dignified and calm way. He passed away on new years eve, a significant time when - 'should old acquaintance be forgot' – we can each raise a glass to a most wonderful person; the kindest friend and someone full of fun. Harry, you had the wonderful gift of making each of us feel important and special; and that's how we feel about you Harry. You are forever in our hearts, but we will miss you – you are one of a kind and irreplaceable, dear Harry.
A PROUD DAY FOR UNION HIGH AND OLD UNIONITES
This day the 8th of October must go down in history as an eventful day with various awards and achievements being bestowed on Old Unionites. Firstly Margi Biggs (class of 1970) was awarded a World Award at the SKAL International Congress In Sydney, Australia,(more info to follow), secondly Sulette Damons scored the equalising goal in the CommonWealth Games in India against Australia, who are ranked as the number 1 team at these games and thirdly, David van der Burgh's (Class of 1969) son, Cameron won a gold medal in the Breast stroke 100m at the CommonWealth Games.
Just how proud can we be of our school, the joy that we all feel here at Union High cannot be described, and I'm sure all Old Unionites feel the same.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO A VERY SPECIAL LADY - TINKA
I would personally like to take this opportunity of thanking Tinka Tawse (nee Joubert class of 1982) for her willingness in stepping in to help the school on a number of occassions. During the past 2 years she has joined the office at very short notice. I speak on behalf of all when I say a personal thank you, Tinks, for your amazing willingness, friendliness and competence. You have been a great blessing, an absolute star, and have contributed to our office being termed a "haven". We are certainly going to miss you and whilst we wish you well we look forward to the next time we find ourselves in need.
OUA HONOURS TWO SISTERS
MISS IRENE REX: qualified as a Kindergarten teacher at the Grahamstown Teacher's Training College and started her teaching career at Frankfurt before the war - thence to Bellville Girls' School in Somerset East. Then came many years at Union High School before the new buildings and hall and seperate Preparatory School were built.
Besides Kindergarten she was involved in all aspects of school life: SCA, Netball, tennis-set, stage productions, etc. She is remembered most of all for her gift of teaching. Children mastered reading, writing and arithmetic and were introduced to the wonderful world of books. She was a mother figure to many tiny tots leaving home on farms and entering school and hostel life for the first time.
Alongside the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi and the Serenity Prayer above her bed, the following poem is also framed:
No printed word nor spoken plea
Can teach young hearts what man should be,
Not all the books on all the shelves
But what the TEACHERS ARE THEMSELVES.
She retired from teaching in the mid 1970's and passed away on 20 August 2010 at the age of 95 years.
MRS EDITH MARAIS: graduated from Rhodes University College, Grahamstown in 1939 with a B.Com degree and a teaching diploma. Her first teaching post as Miss Edith Rex was at Union High School. She married the South African composer, S Le Roux Marais and they moved to Ficksburg and then Benoni where she became principal of the Witwatersrand Technical College from 1947-1955.
They moved back to Graaff-Reinet in 1956. Her subjects were Bookkeeping, Commercial Arithmetric, Shorthand, Snelskrif and Typing. She returned in December 1977. It is interesting to note how many pupils who matriculated under her started their school careers in her sister Irene Rex's Kindergarten Class.
She was also very fond of animals and founded the Graaff-Reinet and District SPCA. She was actively involved in the running of it until hear death on 9 August 2010 at the age of 92.
FORMER UHS HEAD BOY HONOURED - IAN KNOTT-CRAIG
Ian Knott-Craig, head boy at Union in 1975 (son of Arthur and Jenny Knott-Craig) has been invited to take part in the third Annual Edition of ICERI 2010 (international Conference of Education Research and Innovation) that will be held in Madrid (Spain) from November 15-17 this year. He is now a teacher at Kingswood College and Housemaster on the College campus.
ICERI 2010 is an international forum for those who wish to present their projects and innovations and also have the opportunity to discuss the main aspects and the latest results in the field of education and research. The general aim of the conference is to promote international collaboration in education and research in all educational fields and disciplines. The attendance of more that 600 delegates from 65 different countries is expected.
He will be presenting a paper which is the essence of his Master of Education thesis wich focused on student leadership. The title of the paper is "Do alternative forms of leadership (such as Servant Leadership) merge through community building."
He has had such a wonderful response to his work that he has presented it to the Kingswood College Council, plus the Kwazulu-Natal Headmasters Association and recently accepted an invitaition to address the new managers of a well-renowned Eastern Cape game farm and the SALH (SA Live Herd) conference of 400-500 delegates to be held in Jeffreys Bay next year.
SPENCE FAMILY TRADITION
An interesting fact was brought to our attention in the last couple of days by our newest member of the Old Unionites Committee, Trenley Spence.
His grandfather was one of the founding members of the OUA and the Spence's hold the record for the longest continuous unbroken family at Union, with there being 70 odd years before there was not a Spence at Union.
Our youngest Spence family member is now Trenly and Wilmari's son - Caerwyn, in Grade 3.
A family tradition to be proud of, and a huge thank you to the Spence's for all that they have done for the Union Schools.
Sulette Represents the Springboks
Old Unionite in Protea Hockey Training Squad
AVUSA appoints new Eastern Cape Editors - Jeremy McCabe
Union High School is Proud of Jeremy McCabe
Union High School is extremely proud of the achievements of Jeremy McCabe (1972) who has been acting editor-in-chief of the "Herald" and "Weekend Post" (Port Elizabeth based) for some time. Jeremy has recently been appointed editor of the "Weekend Post". Jeremy will also assume editorship of Avusa Media's community newspapers in the Eastern Cape.
In addition to these responsibilities, Jeremy will be responsible for running a newly created production hub, which serves Avusa Media's Eastern Cape titles, "The Daily Dispatch" and "Saturday Dispatch" in East London. He will also spearhead the creation of an Avusawide production hub located in Port Elizabeth.
This appointment is testimony to the regard that those in media circles have for Jeremy and jusified acknowledgement for the role that Jeremy has played in the journalism field in the Eastern Cape since he first accepted a position with the "Eastern Province Herald". In addition, Graaff-Reineters and others associated with UHS will remember Jeremy as a young journalist writing for the "Graaff-Reinet Advertiser" in the early 80's. We would all like to think that the grounding and experience gained in Graaff-Reinet played some role in his success in the newspaper world.
Jeremy, the Union family is proud to call you one of their own. We wish you only the best as you take on the challenges that you will be facing in meeting the responsibilities of this prestigious new position.
Our Youngsters and their achievements
Our Youngsters and their achievements
So many have done Graaff-Reinet proud over many years – a good while back it was Beyers Naude, Anton Rupert, G.T. Ferreira, Adie Arnott, Oskar Prozesky and others. More recently some Old-Unionites have done us proud. Its impossible to give a comprehensive list but the following come to mind - the Author, Isobel Dixon, Robert, Lauren and Christie Weyer, Garth Kingwill and his sisters Angela, Gillian and Tamlyn, Rotarian Peter Martin, Warren and Gerrar Maya, Karl van der Merwe, Gordon Gilfillan, Chumani Booi, Carl Bezuidenhout and Gareth Light, Dentist David, Vet John and Engineer Stephen Grewar, and Tiffy Wiggill, sports science. Nicola, Wendy, Linsley and Michael Green, Alfred and Phillip Thornton – and,no its not true that Phillip is now the “rotter” of Rotterdam. Vauldi Carelse we see on the news, Sisanda Henna is still putting on an act, Jeanri le Grange and Catherine “Putter” are our legal eagles, Tim and Deirdre Beagley, the Kroons, Hobsons, Naudes – the list goes on and on ! No apologies for stopping the list unfinished.
This year has seen Mark Mugglestone complete his B. Comm (hons) and his sister Lynne being selected as one of the 30 top first years at Maties. Lynne has completed B. Comm second year with excellent results and both she and here long-time friend, Elze Marais are eligible to join the prestigious Golden Key Honours Society. Elze is halfway with her B.A. in jewellery design and Metal Techniques. She is top of her group of 15 students who really enjoy this exciting, artistic but practical course. DJ Hume is another top achiever at Stellenbosch who has made a mark for himself as an academic. Celeste Naude is on the staff Tygerberg Campus and is currently doing her doctorate in Nutrition Studies – she has many publications to her name, and gives advice on radio and television. Steve Kroon lectures in Statistics and computing after his marathon run to complete his doctorate last year. Ted Kroon is a senior lecturer in Physics at Free StateUniversity. Lukhanyo De Beer popped in at his Alma Mater – it is pleasing to report that he is well on his way to becoming a civil engineer. Egmont Bouwer is on the SRC at Rhodes albeit in his first year. He is doing exceptionally well with his studies and activities and is currently in Gaberone as a debater from Rhodes at a Pan African competition.
Union High hopes to add updates like these to its website in the New Year. There it may be possible to give more detail. If you or yours feel snubbed because you were not mentioned in this article PLEASE regard it as an unfortunate oversight and let Sharon at Union High have details.
Old Unionites honour Puggy Munnik
We, as Old Unionites, acknowledge and honour Mr Puggy Munnik for his service to our school over many years.
Below follows and extract from the "Graaff-Reinet Advertiser" dated 7 June 1973.
Mr J X (Puggy) Munnik, vice principal of the Union High School, leaves at the end of the quarter for Cape Town, where he has been appointed Deputy Headmaster of the Simonstown High School. In the 23 years he has played an active part in the sporting life of the town and the Karoo.
He was born in Parow and attended the J.J. du Preez High School in Parow. He took his BA degree at Cape Town and then the Senior teachers diploma. At the University of Cape Town he was awarded colours for rugby and cricket. He played fullback and flyhalf for Varsity. After completing his studies in 1946, he worked for one year at the Bellville High School and for 2 and a half years at the JJ Du Preez High School.
In July 1950 he came to the UHS as a senior school assistant and was appointed Vice-Principal in about 1964. He played rugby for Graaff-Reinet and was a member of the 1951 first team which won the E.P. Grand Challenge. He also played for Eastern Province from 1950-1953 as fullback. His last important game was against John Solomon's Wallabys in 1953 when he turned out at fullback for easter Province Country Districts. He took over as secretary of the Cricket Union from the late Mr Freddie McCabe shortly after coming to Graaff-Reinet, and he has done this work ever since. One of the duties which fell to him was to compile the cricket fixture list every year. This was a big job especially as the schools and the College go on holiday twice in the season which makes finding dates very difficult.
TROPHIES
Mr Munnik played for the UHS and has won the Gladys Nicol Trophy for the batsmen scoring the most runs in first league cricket in the Karoo. He also captained the Karoo and Midlands Cricket teams. He aslo won the Graaff-Reinet Golf Championships in the year the golf course was preparing to move to their new links. He won the singles, doubles and mixed doubles Karoo bad minton championship and he even won a cup for tennis at the Camdeboo Tennis Club. He was heavily involved in the administration of sport being an EP Nuffield cricket selector, manager of the EP Schools Nuffield cricket team, selector of the North Easter Cape Schools teams since 1965 and manager of the Craven Week rugby team. Mr Munnik also refereed several Eastern Province Rugby matches, but strangely enough not one in the North Eastern Cape.
MARRIED
He married Miss Elaine Gibbon in 1952 and the couple have 3 children - Barry, jennifer and Edward. Barry played for the EP School Nuffield team and captained the Karoo Schools rugby team.
His departure for Cape Town is a big loss to the Graaff-Reinet community where he and his family have built up a wide circle of friends, but everybody wishes him only the best in his new surroundings.
In recent years Mr Munnik has continued to serve our school through the writing of the "History of Cricket at Union High School", through his regular visits to Interschools and through his general support of Union High School. A book written by him celebrating his years at U.H.S. will also be available at Interschools 2010.
Looking to Old Unionites
This page is an opportunity for us to recognise and to acknowledge the achievements of former scholars and teachers or other friends of Union High School. The idea is not to make the page so exclusive that nobody is ever featured. On the contrary, if you feel that we need to acknowledge someone, it can be done. Consider achievements of Old Unionites in their careers, in their communities, in sporting events and codes, in services to the school or to the Old Unionite Association. Should you wish to have someone mentioned on this page you can either provide us with the necessary information and we will try to get it ready for posting on the page, or (even better) you can provide us with the completed article. While we would like to acknowledge people and their achievements while they are around to appreciate our thoughts, honouring those who have passed on is equally important.
We look forward to your contributions - do not leave it to someone else. In the meantime, we hope to get started on this project shortly.
