183 182 The Chronicle 2021 Centenary Edition The Kearsney College Museum Over the past year and a half the task of renovating the Kearsney College Museum was undertaken by a team of passionate KCOB and dedicated Kearsney staff - a mammoth task as the Heritage Centre was in much need of updated infrastructure and finishings. In the heart of the museum there are two rooms dedicated to preserving the College’s history. The first houses an array of memorabilia, including blazers from as far back as the 1930s, an original dorm bed, shirts from KCOB sporting greats and much more. This space also offers a small lounge where KCOB and visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee. Across the landing there is a second room, which also showcases Kearsney’s history along an extensive timeline, decade by decade. This space will double as a meeting room, comfortably accommodating six delegates. With the completion of the museum, tribute must be paid to the late Mr Colin Downie (Finningley 1957) Colin sadly passed away in September 2021. It is because of Colin’s contribution to establish the Kearsney College Archives and Museum, and the many hours of hard work he dedicated to updating the school’s admissions register in 2013, that we have many fascinating records in the museum. The admissions register records the name of every Kearsney boy who has registered at the College and dates to 1921. Colin’s dedication to the Kearsney College Old Boys and his unwavering support of Kearsney College will be missed. Matric Induction & Tie Hand-over On 06 October 2021 the KCOB hosted an Induction for the Class of 2021. Fifteen KCOB were invited back to the Hill to interact with the boys over a casual dinner, discussing the benefits of staying connected to the Old Boy Network, as well as some stories from their time at Kearsney. This new format of a KCOB Induction was well received and the evening was a resounding success. At the end of November 2021, after the Grade 12 final examinations, the Matrics of 2021 were formally inaugurated into the KCOB, receiving their ties, and bidding their final farewell to Kearsney College by ringing the school bell. An emotional day, but as Old Boys we welcomed them and look forward to celebrating their successes as they start the next chapter in their lives. Highlights of our Centenary Year Launch of AlumNet was a positive development In February 2021 the Kearsney College Old Boys introduced AlumNet, a digital integrated database management solution with the aim of improving engagement, promoting networking opportunities and communicating with the Kearsney College Alumni community. This new online portal has streamlined communications to the KCOB and has been welcomed by both the Old Boys Office as well as the Alumni of Kearsney, with over 4000 persons engaging on the platform monthly. AlumNet offers Old Boys a “Facebook-like” interface which allows them to view the latest KCOB news, check the calendar for upcoming events and connect with fellow classmates or industry peers through the optional network. Facilitated by PayFast, event tickets and shop items can be seamlessly purchased on the platform. Advertising space is available, offering businesses daily exposure on the portal as well as in newsletters generated from AlumNet. Founders Week Activities With COVID-19 still present, traditional Founders Week events were broadcast to Kearsney College Old Boys across the globe. Ikhulunyaka – Centenary Concert Ikhulunyaka, meaning “100 years”, was a celebration of Kearsney’s Centenary involving many Kearsney College Old Boys who once graced the Henderson Hall stage and have subsequently gone on to enjoy musical success. As a virtual event, this was a uniquely international collaboration with Old Boys from as far as the United States and New Zealand being featured. There were also feature performances from the Kearsney College Choir and an address from Kearsney’s Headmaster, Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg. This was certainly a special celebration with the Kearsney community around the world. Centenary Founders Chapel Service Founders Week at Kearsney College is the opportunity for us to remember with deep gratitude what God has done for us in the past and look forward to the future with courage and hope. Reverend Kym Bishop, Chaplain of Kearsney College, led the KCOB in a Centenary Founders Chapel Service, remembering those who have passed on and sharing a message of faith and hope. In celebration of our new Survivors, the Class of 1971, we welcomed back Mr David Graves (Finningley 1971), KCOB and past teacher at the College (1988 – 2017), to convey a message about the values that the Kearsney community share. Centenary Rugby Highlights Reel A traditional Founders Week is incomplete without some good rugby on the Hill. Although our boys could not play, as contact sports were not permitted due to COVID regulations, there have certainly been memorable games in the past which were worth looking back on. A compilation of these highlights was shared with KCOB to keep the spirit of Founders Week alive. The links to the above broadcasts can be found on the Kearsney College Old Boys website https://www.kearsney.com/oldboys/. Golf Day 2021 KCOB Centenary Sporting Events KCOB Centenary Golf Day Postponed The Kearsney College Old Boys’ Centenary Golf Day was scheduled for Thursday 03 June 2021. Old Boys from across the province had gathered, however, the weather took a turn for the worse and the course was closed by mid-morning. In true Kearsney spirit the day was seized, and the Old Boys used the opportunity to re-connect and celebrate the school’s Centenary in the clubhouse! This inaugural Golf Day took place on Thursday 12 August 2021, as the KCOB gathered at Cotswold Downs once again. Albeit with a chilly wind picking up in the after-noon, the rain stayed away and with the exceptional company this memorable occasion was truly spect-acular one. The support from local businesses within the Kearsney community was resounding and the KCOB extend their gratitude to those who contributed to the success of this day. The KCOB Founders Day trophy was awarded to Brett Gray (Finningley, 1986), Guy Stone (Finningley, 1987), Jeremy Nel (Pembroke, 1987) and Greg James (Pembroke, 1987), with winning score of 95. Scan the QR code to link to the concert video. Old Cricks By September 2021 the COVID regulations allowed for cricket to be played and the KCOB seized this oppor- tunity. The Old Cricks Tournament, a match between the KCOB and the 1st XI, is traditionally a one-day affair; however, in celebrating 100 years of Kearsney College, this was extended to a three-day tournament comprising T20 matches played on 10, 11 and 22 September 2021. Three spectacular sporting days with great camaraderie and sportsmanship were enjoyed. It was wonderful to welcome KCOB back to the hill and have good games of cricket on the A H Smith Oval. Playing for the Stuart Brown Memorial Trophy, the KCOB claimed the tournament, for the first time in seven years, by winning two out of the three matches played.
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