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Old Boys' Dinner 2012

Wynberg Old Boys' Union AGM held on 14th March 2012 at the Bill Bowden Pavilion - Minutes

Please read minutes to meeting here.

Open Microphone: Vince van der Bijl

Wynberg Old Boys' Union is proud to present Vince van der Bijl in our popular 'Open Microphone' series.

Vince is considered one of the finest fast bowlers, who never played test cricket; He was the holder of many records, in the old Currie Cup domestic cricket completion. He was selected to tour Australia in 1971, with South Africa, but for political reasons, the tour was cancelled.

Vince has been the ICC Manager of match referees and umpires for the last 5 years, based at their headquarters in Dubai. Just about every decision on cricket, has involved him. His contract with the ICC finishes at the end of this year. He is a man of great knowledge on all cricket matters, and will be well equipped to answer just about any question there is about cricket.

MC for the evening will be Colin Bryden well known cricket writer, ex editor of the Sunday times, and the author of the book Jackers the autobiography.

Tickets are available at R80 per person from Glenda at the Bill Bowden Pavilion or contact Hugh Rowles 021 7972101 or email hrowles@wbhs.org.za

Closing date for ticket sales Friday 8th June 2012.

Welcome to our new President Arno Erasmus (1978)

The Old Boys' Union welcomes Arno Erasmus (1978) as the new President. Arno will take over from Steve Doidge (1990) who will remain on the committee as a member.

It is opportune to thank Steve for his passionate and tireless dedication to the union over the past two years. Steve has also fostered a strong relationship between the Union and the school and we know that Arno will follow this through. Steve's parting words on facebook - "Arno - good luck! We are in great hands."

We know that Arno's role will be an exciting one, as not only is he the new President of the Union but he will also continue in the role of Treasurer.

Arno runs a very successful accounting business ASA Accountants Inc.
He is married to Lorraine and has two wonderful children Danielle 19 years and Dean 17 years.

We the committee wish Arno all the best

Supera Moras

Music at the Manor - 19th February 2012

Music at the Manor, took place on Sunday 19th February 2012 on the beautiful lawns of Kaplan House on the Silverhurst Estate.

The Music Department of Wynberg Boys' represented by the Steel Band, Concert Band and the Jazz Band entertained the guests in what was possibly one of the hottest days of the year. The shady trees and umbrellas helped keep the guests cool whilst listening to some amazing music.

This annual event continues to grow in popularity. A thank you must also go to the boys of the 'Service Pillar Boys' who volunteered their time to wait on the tables.

Sandwiches, savouries and sweets were arranged by The Old Boys' Ladies committee ably led by Thelma Rowles and her team. A big thank you goes out to them for their continued quality presentation. The table décor was organised by past parents, Alison Daly and Tracey Oliver.

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Seniors Tea - 21st February 2012 held at Wynberg Boys Junior School

The Senior's Tea was held at Wynberg Boys' Junior in the quad where this year in excess of 35 Old Boys enjoyed tea and snacks with thanks to Chris Hart and his ladies. This event has always been fun seeing old friends reminiscing about the old school days.

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Summer Sport - 7th March 2012

This year Summer Sport attracted four cricket sides, three waterpolo sides, two tennis sides and for the first time in many years; one basketball side playing against the school teams. Few things revive the Wynberg spirit like the enjoyment of getting back onto the school field with Old Boys to take on the young talent of our current boys at the school.

It was also great that Richard Levi, could come and watch the 1st XI play the Old Boys.

The results were as follows:
Cricket: All four Old Boys' teams won their matches, although the school 1st XI only lost by 5 runs.
Waterpolo: 1st Team lost 5-9, 2nd Team won 5-1, 3rd Team lost 4-5
Basketball: The strong Old Boys team were beaten by the school.
Tennis: The school boys were given a lesson in tennis by some very good Old Boys.

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Wynberg Old Boys' v SACS Old Boys' Golf Day Westlake Golf Club 16th March 2012

The Annual clash between Wynberg Old Boys' and SACS Old Boys' took place in windy and rainy conditions to start with. Fortunately the weather conditions improved later in the day with short spurts of sunshine later on.

All the players from both Unions played in good spirit and in the end, much to the delight of especially Jeff Sternslow the Shield remained in the Wynberg Old Boys' cabinet. A big thank you to all who played and made the day all the more enjoyable.

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Open Microphone: Rassie Erasmus - 11th April 2012

Another successful Open Microphone evening was held at the Bill Bowden on Wednesday 11th April. Over a hundred guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Gavin Rich rugby writer for Super Sport, as the M.C.

Rassie, who has a very relaxed manner, spoke about his playing days, and how he got into coaching. He was one of the first to use a video machine, and as a player helped the coach identify problems. Rassie also spoke about his role of technical director for the Stormers that has just ended. He gave us some of the reasons, and we certainly were given an insight, that very few people would know about.

Rassie ended off the evening, taking questions from the floor, and he gave us some ideas, as to how the game was changing, and how it would continue to do so.

Thanks to Bill Brown of Cape Photo for the photos and Neil Verlaque-Napper of Verlaque Fine Foods for the gifts and Llew Byrne from The Really Great Brand Company for the spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

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Open Microphone: Robin Jackman - 1st February 2012

Another successful Open Microphone series was held at the Bill Bowden to a packed pavilion. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Colin Bryden; well known cricket writer, as the M.C.

Read on....

Richard Levi (2005)

Wynberg Old Boys' Union congratulates Richard Levi on yet another wonderful achievement, in helping SA to an 8 wicket win with four overs to spare. Richard scored the fastest T20 100 in 45 balls and he also broke the record for the most sixes in a T20 innings of 13. Barry Richards described Richards's innings as "the most powerful, consistent hitting he has ever seen."

Justin Bing (2007) included in the Proteas Standup Paddle Boarding Team

Congratulations to Justin Bing who has been awarded his Protea colours for Standup Paddle boarding. He won the Summer Series and came second in the SA Champs. He will be travelling to Peru in February as part of the SA team.

Mike Meintjes - Class of 1950

It is with deep regret that the Wynberg Old Boys' Union heard of the passing of Mike (Class of 1950) on Sunday 11th September. Affectionately known to all his old Wynberg school pals as "Cheese". Mike was a loyal supporter of the school and the Old Boys' Union. Our sincere condolences to his family.

Read on »»

Richard Levi (2005) included in SA T20 and ODI Cricket Squads

Congratulations to current Cobras' batting star and former Wynberg First XI cricket captain, Richard Levi, on his inclusion in both the South Africa T20 and ODI squads to play Australia. The Wynberg Old Boys' Union congratulate Richard on his selection.

Wynberg Old Boys' Union congratulates Matthew Moir(95) and Justin Bing(07) on representing South Africa at The World Surfing Games in Panama.

Courtesy of Merton Media Productions

Jacques Kallis 1993

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee congratulates Jacques on his achievement as SA Cricketer of the Year for the second time. Below are excerpts from a Sport 24 article.

"Jacques Kallis was crowned as South Africa's Cricketer of the Year at the 2011 South African Cricket Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. It is the second time that Kallis has won CSA's premier award as he previously achieved the distinction in 2004. He achieved a hat trick of awards this time as he was also named Castle Test Cricketer of the Year and received the KFC "So Good Award!" for his centuries in both innings of the Test match against India at Sahara Park Newlands in spite of being handicapped by a painful side injury."

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee Congratulate the 6 Old Boys selected for WP Men's Hockey Sides

The International Boys' School Coalition Conference held in London from 10th to 13th July 2011

Wynberg must have been one of the best represented Old Boys' Unions present.

Sitting: Neil Crawford (WBHS Staff 1976 - 1984); Keith Richardson (Current Headmaster); Greg Brown (Matric 1977 - Current Headmaster Bishops Prep)

Standing: Neil Eddy (Matric 1987 - Current Deputy Headmaster WBHS); Neil Peacock (Matric 1982 - current Kearsney College); Chris Luman (Matric 1977 - current Deputy Headmaster St Paul's College New Zealand; Vernon Wood (Matric 1977 - current Headmaster Bishops)

Wynberg Old Boys' Union are Proud of two Wynberg Men

Congratulations to Sikhumbuzo Notshe for being selected for the SA Schools u18 team and Dalton Kannemeyer for being selected for the SA Schools u18 Academy team.

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee Congratulate the 3 Wynberg Men and one Old Boy who were selected to represent the u16 and u18 S.A. Schools Hockey Teams.

Wynberg Heritage, Celebrating our Links

Wynberg Boys’ High cyclists will take part in the first 50 km stage of the 2011 Unogwaja. Daily video diary updates will be blogged via www.RedSockFriday.com and pinkdrive.co.za

90 years ago Wynberg Old Boy, Vic Clapham’s dream of a marathon between “Maritzburg and Durban as a living memorial to the spirit of the soldiers of the Great War was realised: the Comrades Marathon was born.

In 1933, another Wynberg Old Boy, Phil Masterton-Smth, nick-named ”Unogwaja” (the Hare) who, short of the reail fare between Cape Town and Durban, wrote himself into the Legends of the Comrades by cycling 1730 km to the starting line ... and finishing 10th overall.

This ultimate story of one man’s passion, will power and triumph is why the Unogwaja 2011 was created:

Wynberg hockey coach John McInroy, along with Paul Blake, WP van Zyl and Lourens van Zyl will follow the footsteps of Masterton-Smith and attempt the ultimate journey of courage and endurance by cycling from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg and the following day running the Comrades Marathon.

Read on....

Wynberg Boys' High WP u18 Craven Week Team Selections

Congratulations to the following boys on their WP selection:

WP U18 Craven Week Team:
Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Captain)

WP U18 Academy Team:
Dalton Kannemeyer
Lwandile Sompontsha

Open Microphone: Brendon Venter - 1st September 2011

Another successful Open Microphone series was held at the Bill Bowden with 86 guests packed into the pavilion. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Tank Lanning; rugby editor of Sport 24 , as the M.C.

Brendan is currently technical director of Saracens, although based in Cape town, has also coached London Irish, defense coach at the Stormers and assisted the Lions and Free State at various times.

Thanks to Mickey Lumb for the photos and Lew Byrne of The Really Great Brand Company for the gifts and spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

Click here to view more photos.

Open Mike - Jonathan Kaplan - 7th June 2011

Another successful Open Microphone series was held at the Bill Bowden with 105 guests packed into the pavilion. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Tank Lanning; rugby editor of Sport 24 , as the M.C.

Jonathan came across as a very humble person and certainly knows the rules of the game. Tank was great with his scrimmaging law questions which Jonathan was able to answer with aplomb. It was obvious on the night , why Jonathan is rated the number one ref world wide.

Keith Richardson, with his usual whit and anecdotes closed the evening by thanking Jonathan for giving up of his valuable free time to chat to us.

Thanks to Micky Lumb for the photos and Lew Byrne of The Really Great Brand Company for the gifts and spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

Open Mike - Allan Lamb - 8th March 2011

A successful evening attended by 107 guests. Mike Minnaar, the first MC opened the evening with his informative questions and of course Allan did not hold back on the descriptive. Mike covered Allan's local cricket career starting as an 18 year old school boy playing for the WP senior team. The second half of the evening was run by Rob Howing, covering Allan's international career with England. Well the things he and Ian Botham got up to were out of this world. Dickie Bird's car being put up on bricks was classic and indicative of what Lambie was all about.

Spot prizes were donated by Lew Byrne of Really Great Brand Company - bottles of Famous Lambie, aptly labelled.

Click here for more images.

Carole England moving to Ausie

Carole England who for many years administered the Old Boys Union has been persuaded by her son's Wayne and Gary to join them in Sydney, Australia. Carole left on the 31st March.

Carole, whose late husband Chris (56) was a former President of the Union, was honoured with Honorary Life Membership of the Union for the great effort she put into Union affairs. The England family are the only family in the Union to all be Life Members. Both Wayne and Gary emigrated a few years back.

We trust Carole's move to her family will be happy as we know she leaves many close friends behind.

We wish her well in her new home and thank her for all her hard work, support and direction she gave the Union.

We trust that once she has settled in to her new home in Sydney we can get our Australian Branch up and running as we have many old boys' down under.

Mickey Lumb - Vice President Wynberg Old Boys' Union.

Alfred John Adriaan Morris -
(1923 - 2010)

Wynberg Old Boys' mourn the passing of Alf Morris, who made a significant contribution over many years to the lives of so many Wynberg boys in nurturing their academic and sporting development. He continued his strong active support of the School and the Old Boys' Union after his retirement.

We will remember him always with great respect and affection and extend our deepest sympathy to Helena and family on their sad loss.

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union.

Click here to read a tribute to Alfred Morris by the Headmaster, Keith Richardson.

Jacques Kallis Oval - 26 November 2009

Jacques Kallis (93) was honoured by the school when the cricket oval was renamed the 'Jacques Kallis Oval". Jacques says he is "delighted" to be honoured by his school for his contribution to the game of cricket, "it is a very humbling experience and I feel very proud". The idea of renaming the cricket oval was initiated by the RCL last year and after Jacques went past 10000 runs in test cricket the school decided to go ahead with the idea.

Jacques is now one of the world's leading all-rounders and among the top 10 highest scoring batsmen.

The unveiling of the 'Jacques Kallis Oval" plaque took place during the 20/20 game between the Jacques Kallis XI, led by old boy Aubrey Martyn and also included two other Proteas players, Dave Rundle and Paul Adams and the school's 1st XI. The plaque was crafted by Old Boy, Mike Smit (73) and donated by the Old Boys' Union.

Click here for images of the day

Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee 2009

Mendel Kaplan

It is with a sense of shock and deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Mendel Kaplan in Cape Town on Thursday, 19 November. Mendel was a great benefactor and loyal supporter of the School and Old Boys' Union. His interest in the School's achievements throughout the years has really been appreciated by all.

The upgrading of Silverhurst, now Kaplan House, the building of the Bill Bowden Pavilion and the re-siting and refurbishing of the Eric Tasker and Wynberg Heritage Museums in Kaplan House bear testimony to his generosity and ongoing interest. They are a living memorial.

The Union offers its deepest sympathy to his wife Jill and the whole Kaplan family. He will be sorely missed.

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