OLD BOYS UNITED KINGDOM BRANCH

Transcription

1 Branch Members United Kingdom Branch Michaelhouse Old Boys Club 24 th August 2016 SECRETARY S SUMMER LETTER Gentlemen, I write to you having recently returned from the Centenary Commemorations of the Battle of Delville Wood, France. Here a contingent of fifty Old Boys, their families and members of Michaelhouse staff congregated to remember the five Michaelhousians who fell there, as well as the 38 who were killed in action elsewhere during the Great War. The weekend included a fascinating tour of the Somme, led by the renowned author and raconteur, David Walsh. Commemoration Ceremonies were held at the Thiepval Memorial where Gary Ralfe (Chairman of the Board of Governors) and Nigel Tatham (a descendent of one of the fallen) laid wreaths on behalf of the Michaelhouse Community. A moving service, led by Canon Fred Pitout (Old Boys Club Secretary), at the grave a Rector Brown was an opportunity for those attending to reflect on the immense sacrifice made by so many. This proved to be an interesting and poignant weekend which I am delighted the UK Branch could play a part in. A full recording of the South African Ceremony at Thiepval Memorial can be viewed here: There are also a few photos attached to this letter. Our first event this year was an informal gathering, held at the Hereford Arms in South Kensington in March. About twenty Old Boys attended, ranging from matric of 1962 to This was followed by the Live Screening in London of the Hilton vs Michaelhouse 1 st Team Hockey and Rugby matches. The UK Branch are hugely proud that this event, initiated last year in London, was rolled out to other branches around South Africa and the world. To build on the success of 2015, a professional production company was contracted to provide a high definition picture, commentary, drone cameras and an onscreen score. Almost a hundred Old Hiltonians and Michaelhousians attended to enjoy plenty of biltong, Castle Lager and good company. Next year we plan to open up the Live Screening to families of Hilton and Michaelhouse Old Boys which we believe will further improve this event. The Summer Luncheon, held at the RAF Club on 20 th May, was our first formal event of the year. The invitation was extended to all Michaelhousians and saw attendees ranging from 1958 to Professor Sir Alan Dashwood QC (West 1958) attend as a guest speaker. He chose to present on the highly topical subject of the EU referendum, which prompted lively debate and discussion. The Branch Committee continue to meet frequently and we remain focused on achieving the Branch s objectives. I believe we have made good progress and we look forward to updating you on our portfolios as well as the Branch s plans for 2017 at the AGM Dinner in November. There has been a minor change within the Committee, with Calvin Freese (Farfield 2008) joining us as an Associate Committee member to focus on the Branch Database.

2 We ve still got a number of events to look forward to in the latter part of this year (see revised calendar over the page), culminating in the Winter Luncheon and AGM Dinner in November. We are pleased to confirm that the Old Boys Club President, Mark Lynn, and the School Architect, Nick Grice, will be attending both functions. They ll be updating attendees about progress on the Heritage Centre and new Old Boys Clubhouse. Finally, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Flt Lt Patrick Dorehill DSO DFC (with bar), a West House boy from Patrick was one of Michaelhouse's most highly decorated and illustrious pilots, he flew with distinction in the famous Augsburg Raid, considered one of the most daring bomber raids of World War II. In conclusion, we feel that 2016 has proved to be a successful year thus far, with the UK Branch continuing to build on progress made last year. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of the remaining events this year. Very sincerely, Rory McKenna Secretary Copied to: Old Boys Club President, Old Boys Club Secretary, Rector, UK Branch Committee

3 2016 CALENDAR January 13 Jan Publish UKOM Chairman s New Year s Letter 19 Jan Publish Levy Letter Branch Treasurer 28 Jan Committee Meeting, M&G Investments, Governors House, London February March 5 Mar Central Committee Meeting, Balgowan 17 Mar Informal Drinks Hereford Arms, London April 23 Apr Old Boys Day, Balgowan and Central Committee Meeting Branch Chairman attending 29 Apr Committee Meeting, RAF Club, London May 7 May Hilton vs Michaelhouse Live Streaming, Loose Cannon Tavern, London 20 May Old Boys Summer Luncheon, RAF Club, London (Guest Speaker: Sir Alan Dashwood) June July 17 Jul Delville Wood Commemoration Northern France August 24 Aug Publish UKOM Secretary s Summer Letter 30 Aug Committee Meeting, M&G Investments, Governors House, London September 11 Sep Hilton v Michaelhouse Golf Day, Silvermere 23 Sep UKOM Informal Drinks, London (Tattershall Castle) October November 4 Nov Committee Meeting, M&G Investments, Governors House, London 9 Nov Old Boys Winter Luncheon, RAF Club, London 10 Nov Annual Election Meeting, RAF Club, London 10 Nov UKOM AGM, RAF Club, London Nov Submission of Annual Branch report for The Chronicle (exact date tbc) December

4 The grave of Rector Brown Delville Wood Cemetery map The entry, relating to Rector Brown, in the Roll of the Delville Wood Cemetery

5 Canon Fred Pitout (Old Boys Club Secretary) officiating a Commemoration Service at the grave of Rector Brown at Delville Wood Cemetery The Michaelhouse contingent in front of the Delville Wood Memorial

6 Canon Fred Pitout leading commemorations at Thiepval Memorial Mark Lynn (Old Boys Club President), Gary Ralfe (Chairman of the Board of Governors) and Nigel Tatham (a descendent of one of the fallen), Rector Greg Theron and Canon Fred Pitout at Thiepval Memorial