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The Old Rearsney Chapel A very interesting document has come into our possession, namely the programme for the Opening Ceremony of the Chapel at the Old Kearsney,known so well to many older Old Boys. Research into the date of openmg had drawn rather a blank, except that Rorviks of Durban, whose firm was responsible for the building, were of the opinion that it was built in 1912, the year before the Stanger Church. Now it transpires that it was opened in 1908. Money had been collected in 1905, but the Bambata Rebellion interfered with the building at once. The actual date was: Sunday, May 23rd, the service being conducted by Rev. W.J. Hacker, Chairman of the Natal District. An interesting brochure attached gives the history of the Hulett family and the work done in the life of the church from 1860 or thereabouts. A smaller chapel had been built in 1870, which served the community for 38 years. Those who remember worshipping in the Old Kearsney Chapel will be interested in the item: "Bees were not in sympathy with the planting of Methodism in this district; on many occasions they drove the worshippers out of the building. Who does not remember that local preacher visiting in the district, who very kindly accepted the invitation to preach. (This was in the first little chapel). And who will forget their feelings when "the busy little bee that peepeth into every flower" peeped above the white waistcoat and commen ced its journey up the sides of the very long collar, till it introduced itself in anything but a kindly manner;the preacher almost losing the thread of his discourse in endeavouring to remove the needle from his neck. Neither will many of you forget that worthy Methodist preacher who was so tormented on one occasion that he closed his book,saying,"we will take the collection and I will then pronounce the Benediction." The Kearsney Chapel has now been declared a National Monument. J.F. REECE ISBN 0 620 03156 5
V^ KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 1978 KEARSNEY COLLEGE, BOTHA'S HtLL NATAL, SOUTH AERICA MARCH 1979. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Cover picture: W.S.Schumann Official groups by Colour Technic Line drawings by Mr B Tucker Other photographs by pupils of the College Printed by TIME PRINTERS Editorial Committee: T. Allen A.Thiselton Mrs H.Gibson P.Tennant W.Schumann Old Boys Section: D.Beatty J.E. Recce
PREFECTS ii".-. _ fftWiT* TiFiinirwo liilBr ■■1 3#i! ■ nms^ jsmtm mm IW V ■ m SuF* * Top Row: C. Gebers, G. Green, M. Brand, C. Rattray, G. Shuker. Second Row: R. Hudson, M. Brokensha, A. Miller, P. Dyson, M. Gevers, F. De Gersigny Front Row: B. Craig, P. Slevers. The Headmaster, G. Whitfield, G. Haird.
r % KEARSNEY COLLEGE a! m ii Pli w m mm ■ The Hulett Gates From the Headmaster I am an optimist- not only in what I hope is going to happen in the future, but in what I want to make happen in the future. I recognise hard times, accept them, work at them and try to overcome them. But always I am optimistic about the outcome. Particularly am I optimistic about the future when I consider the sort of boy Kearsney turns out. He has been introduced to many aspects of life both formally and informally. He has had opportunities to attain academic education as well as that which is called education for life. He has met at close quarters with boys from many different homes and he has had to become more and more independent as he has achieved seniority. A school is often judged by its Old Boys,and here is where my optimism lies. The newest Old Boys, the recent Old Boys and the older Old Boys who I meet have all got that friendly, confident manner which is the mark of a sound person. Long may the school continue to have this sort of boy through its doors. The Avis Thiselton Memorial Garden i fafi-sS mm *S:! m m m. JSs*' V 1
staff Notes Kearsney has always had a very stable staff. Unless substantial promotion was offered elsewhere members of staff stayed on for many years. On the other hand, very few men have retired from here. In January Mr M. Sclanders and Mr P. Cito joined the staff as Mathematics and Science teachers. Mr Sclanders was in poor health and had to relinquish his post soon after he came. It is with regret that we now record his death a few months later. Mr Cito left at the end of the second term to take up a position with Iscor at Newcastle. Mr G. Madeley came to us in the third term to teach Mathematics. He settled in well and we hope he will spend many happy years with us. An experienced teacher who comes from the Transvaal,he is now living in Pembroke where Chris Diedericks is well established as Housemaster. David Lewis-Williams took up a post as lecturer at Wits after receiving his Ph.D. at Natal University. He left at the end of the second term. Tim Allen took over as Head of English and Pip Townshend was appointed Housemaster of Gillingham. We wish him and his family many rewarding years there. The two other Housemasters, Robin Blamey in Finningley and Justin Hall in Haley, are "old hands". While we are short on the teaching staff we were fortunate to have the services of Mrs Peggy Hope again, and staff wives, Judy Schumann,Jean Lamplough and Marilyn Myhill. Staff wives play an important role at our school and help with many activities - too many to record here. The Rev. David Buwalda came back to us as chaplain this year. He was here before as a young man;now we welcome him back with his wife,Trish, and two sons. Miss Fiona Pratt, assistant caterer known for her delicious cookies and puddings, has gone back to England and Mrs Crane, matron in Finningley, is leaving at the end of this year. We welcome Mrs Bourke as matron ofGillingham and Mrs Fisher assister in the Sanatorium. 1978 has been a "fruitless" year — it is the first year for some time that we do not record any new births. Is it a sign of the times? During the year Peter Metcalf spent three weeks in England learning more about his subject. Biology, and Justin Hall and his family spent a term's long leave in Britain. Barry Williams and his family also spent six weeks overseas at the end of the year. While Justin Hall wasaway Barry Williams moved into his house and acted as Housemaster of Haley House. Other staff movements were: Phil Taylor moved into the house vacated by the Townshends. This house, incidentally, used to belong to his aunt, Mrs Marjorie Walsh, and he spent a holiday there as a school boy! Freddie Cocks moved out of Pembroke into the new house where the Taylors were. Ron Irons retired at the end of the year after 8 years on the staff. His connection with the College goes back many more years because he was a parent long before he joined the staff. We wish him and Bernice many happy years of retirement after a full and active working life. On 22 July, the day our first team played Hilton, Bertie Nel passed away suddenly as a result of a massive coronary thrombosis about an hour after the end of the game which he had watched, as usual, from the far side of the field. His smile and keen sense of humour is a loss to the community, but his memory will live on and Bertie will always be remem-
bered with affection when staff and old boys discuss the good old days. We also record with sadness the death of Mr D.M. Arthur,our woodwork teacher for the past two years, towards the end of last term. He joined us after his retirement from fulltime work to teach the boys of the junior forms and they and his colleagues will always remember his unfailing cheerfulness. We extend our sympathy to Mrs Arthur, as well as to his son Andrew,our librarian. Speech Day was a very happy occasion. Stanley and Annalene Osier(Headmaster 1947-64) visited their old school and renewed all the old friendships. It was such a pleasure to have them in our midst again and they obviously enjoyed being here.To make it a realcommand performance Jimmy and Val Hopkins, both looking very well, and the Rev. Derek Timm, our chaplain 30 years ago, were also with us, and of course. Jack and Thea Reece. Mervyn Myhill had to retire before the end of the Comrades Marathon this year but Freddie Cocks completed the course once again and limped for days afterwards. Our most successful runner was Moses, who works for Ron Blackbeard. He finished 244th in the Comrades and later represented Natal at the S.A.Championships in Bloemfontein. No Staff Notes would be complete without mention of the Staff Play,"The Odd Couple" this year. Phil Taylor and Brian Tucker were the odd couple, with the Headmaster,John Harper, Peter Tennant and Pip Townshend the other cronies. Pippa Bromley-Gans and Mary-Lynn Tennant were the "girls". It was a most entertaining and enjoyable evening — both for the audience and the actors! The Oval ft
MRS FANNY PALMER Mrs Fanny Palmer, past student of Epworth, and three times Grand President of the Epworth Past Girls' Union,joined the Epworth/Kearsney Board after the last war,when it constituted a combined Board. She served on this board for 30 years, and earlier this year she and Mrs Forsyth were both made Honorary Life Govemoors of both schools,the first time that such an honour has been bestowed on anyone.She was a familiar figure at Kearsney, as she attended many functions at the school,and never missed a Remembrance Service or Speech Day. She contributed generously to both schools, both financially (she endowed a major scholarship and several minor ones to Epworth and contributed a con siderable amount to Kearsney)and spiritually. Her most remarkable characteristic was the intense enthusiasm with which she undertook any task. An active member of the S.A.W.A.S. during the war, she was awarded the Ouma Smuts War Medal for her service to the organisation and to the Red Cross. She is survived by her husband, Mr Robert C. Palmer, son Frederick, daughter Patricia and five grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who know her. Kearsney pays tribute to this remarkable woman. BERTIE NEL Gert de la Rey Nel was born at Aberdeen in the Karoo on 23 November, 1921. He was one of a family of six children. His father was a schoolmaster and all his children, except the youngest son, became teachers. After matriculating at Aberdeen he went to Stellenbosch University and then started his teaching career at Indaleni from where he came to Kearsney in 1944 as assistant in Gillingham. • Bertie married Nancy Fourie in 1950 and settled in at Milner House where he was House master for some years. They have two sons who are both Old Boys.Johann is now house man at Tygerberg Hospital where Etienne is a 5th year medical student. When Pembroke House was opened Bertie was appointed Housemaster. After his term of Housemastership he, and his family, went to America where he studied at the University of North Dakota for a Master's Degree. He passed with flying colours. When Bertie left Kersney in September 1969 to take up a position as inspector with the Department of Indian Education, Kearsney's loss was their gain. He was missed by all because he was always so full of fun. His infectious laugh always cheered up those near him. His sense of humour will long be talked about. He was a schoolmaster in the real sense of the word. He was one of the most successful Science teachers in Natal. He was very quick to grasp the significance of any situation and make the most of it. He was a good Housemaster and well liked by boysand parents alike. De la Rey loved his Rugby. He spent the last afternoon of his life, as he spent most Saturday afternoons in winter, watching his old school, and the team he used to coach, play rugby. He went home after the match and half-an-hour later he died of a heart attack while sitting at his desk paging through a magazine.He was 56. On Tuesday, 25 July, 1978,a great number ofOld Boys,colleaguesfrom the Department of Indian Education, friends and relatives gathered in the N.G. Kerk in Pinetown to pay tribute and our last respects to a great guy. We sympathise with Nancy and the boys but we also share wonderful memories. J.S,
Speech Day 1978 I m m m I % HEADMASTERS-Pastand Present Left to Right:Messrs C. Silcock,J. Hopkins and S. Oder The Urban Foundation is an organisation which is becoming more and more familiar to South Africans, who, in the daily press, read of the work done by the organisation to alleviate the serious shortage of housing, particularly amongst the poorer members of our society. Kearsney was honoured to have as guest speaker at Speech Day on the 20 September, the Hon.Mr Justice J.H. Steyn,Chairman ofthe Urban Foundation. In his address,Mr Justice Steyn looked to a South Africa of the future. In a rapidly changing society, it was necessary to recognise change and accept it. To this end,he stressed those qualities which would be of most value - tolerance, integrity and honour. Clearly, these ideals were not simply words suited to such an occasion, but the principles of a man who is deeply in volved in the affairs of our changing land. Apart from the guests who are welcomed at Speech Day each year, it was heart-warming to see two past Headmasters of Kearsney. Thus, three of Kearsney's four Headmasters were present for the ceremony — Mr Stanley Osier, Mr Jimmy Hopkins and the present Headmaster, Mr Colin Silcock.They were affectionately greeted by many visitors. Amongst the prize winners, the achievements of the following three boys were especially noted: J. Varker (William and Susan Jones Prize for English;The McLeod Essay Prize;The Jack Reece Prize for Latin); J. Metcalf(Milner Prize for Biology;Geography Prize;Academic Honours); A. Dienst was the recipient of the Alletson/Smith Prize for Mathematics. Apart from the award for Academic Honours,he was also recognized as Dux ofSchool for 1978.
Chapel Notes The Chapel is the one place where most of the Kearsney community come together at least on weekday mornings. At these daily services prayers are conducted by members of Staff and prefects and an effort is made to show a meaningful link between the reading for the day and our corporate life in the school. Apart from regular Sunday morning services conducted by the Chaplain we have had the privilege of welcoming a number of visiting preachers during the year. These included the Revs Cyril Wilkins, Alison Mazibuko, Andrew Losaba, Trevor Moore, Ken Eddy, Andre de Villiers and Victor Bredenkamp. There can be no doubt that visiting preachers play a most important role in that they bring with them that broader perspective of life outside Kearsney that is in the nature of the case denied to the Kearsney community. As a slight departure from past practice we have been experimenting with fewer evening Chapel services and aiming to make those we do have less formal than the morning service. As a result we have had frequent singing services, a number of film services and a visit from the Wesley and Sanctuary Singers who led our worship one evening with song, reading and testimony. The highlights of the year included yet another Tenebrae service at Easter which is a moving act of worship where the extinguishing of candles marks the darkness gathering around Jesus during the last days of his earthly life. The order of the service for Tenebrae was as follows: Processional Hymn 228:'Hail Thou once despised Jesus!' Prayer and Lord's Prayer Hymn 74:'Praise to the Holiest in the height' The Gathering Darkness The Shadow of Betrayal - The Shadow of Desertion Matt. 26:20-25 - -Matt 26:31-35 Junior Chorister Junior Boy Senior Chorister Head Boy Housemaster Deputy Headmaster Headmaster Chaplain Anthem:'God so loved the world' His Agony of Soul Mark 14:26,32-36 His Unshared Vigil — Mark 14: 37-42 Hymn 180:'There is a green hill' Father, the House is Come John 17: 1-6 The Arrest at the Gate — Mark 14:43-50 Anthem:'Ave Verum' The Denial — Mark 14:66-72 The Shadow of the Cross- Mark 15:15-27 Silent Prayer The Light of the World Hymn 182:'When 1 survey the wondrous cross' Benediction. Once again the S.A.B.C. invited us to share a regular Sunday morning service with a larger radio audience and this service was broadcast on Ascension Sunday 1978. The order of service was: Introit: Sanctus Hymn 271: 'Crown Him with many crowns' 8
Prayer: Lord's Prayer Hymn 225: 'Christ, above all glory seated' Readings: Acts 1: 1-11 Luke 24:36-53 Anthem: 'Come down O Love Divine' Prayer Hymn 431: 'Love Divine, all loves excelling" Sermon: The Ascension of Christ Hymn 91: 'All hail the power ofJesus name' A large congregation was in attendance for our joint Anglican/Methodist Confirmation Service at the end of the third term where over 60 boys were recognised as members of their respective churches. The Bishop of Natal, the Rt. Revd. Philip Russell, and the Chairman of the Natal Coastal District of the Methodist Church, the Revd. Dr Donald Veysie, respectively confirmed and received Anglican and Methodist members.The boys were recognised in their respective traditions with both clergymen participating. All then joined in a single communion service which was a joyous occasion. The following boys took this responsible step in their Christian pilgrimage: Methodist: C.A. Alker, A.P. Barrett, T.P. Beningfield, C.R. Blamey, I.D. Blamey, M.J. Burton, C. Bush, P.J. Butterworth, K.W. Dickson, LA. Doidge, C. Doria, D.C. Flottow, B.J. Gazzard, K.W. Gerrard, L. Gilbert, F.D. Goosen, M.G. Green, G.I. Groom, N.G. Groom, G.E. Haird, A.E. Hall, J.J. Hill, R.W. Hulett, R.C. Jordan,G.R. Kidd,O.J. Louw, B.S. Main, A.H. Mandy, H.J. Markram, S.J. Molver, P.I. Morrison, N.G.G. Parnell, T.C. Polkinghorne, R.A. Povall, G.B. Rankin, R.I. Small, D.C. Smith, M.A. Smith, R. van Noordwyk,P.J. Veysie, P.J. Voysey. Anglican: R.O. Brindle, J.R. Brooker, D.J.D. Waddilove, B. Devereux, D.M. Draper, M.C. Draper, D.M. Ethelston, A.P. Freemantle, S.A. Hemingway, H.T. Hillestad, N.G. Lund, G.M. Maritz, M.P. Miller, J.P. Nathan, C. Nicol, D.W. Pons, J.J. Pons, M.J. Rattray, T.A.N. Reis,P.D.F. Whitton. One of the more moving services of the year is the annual Remembrance Day service when one feels that the solemnity of the occasion draws together all the generations of Kearsney whether they are present or not. The service was conducted by the Chaplain, assisted by the Headmaster and there was a strong awareness of the call to today's young men of Kearsney, as the call had come to their predecessors, to dedicate their lives to the service of their fellows. The Chapel year was brought to a now traditional close with the Carol Services. As usual the Organist and Choir made an outstanding contribution to our worship and in an impor tant way led us to reflect on the message and meaning of Advent and Christmas.(The order of service appears elsewhere in the Chronicle). In all the activities of the Chapel an attempt is made to introduce the boys to the rich and varied dimensions of the Christian life. At the same time, in a world of competing and often conflicting interests, stress is laid on the great need for an integrated view of life that allows an individual to achieve his potential and to know the fullness of his Christian heritage. D.BUWALDA
CHAPEL CHOIR f:HE uM A THE CHOIR Numbers picked up after the first term and it was gratifying to see more 6th form members,including prefects,in the senior section. With limited rehearsal time it was necessary to concentrate upon music for the Tenebrae and Broadcast Services, and, more recently,for the Carol Services. The inclusion and assistance of members of Staff and Staff wives is most pleasing, and their participation makes it possible to include music which it would otherwise not be possible to perform. GUILD REPORT Three Guilds, Junior, Intermediate and Senior have been functioning during the past year and have attempted to meet the need for a more informal Christian fellowship among the boys. The Junior Guild has met weekly in Haley House and the pattern of meetings has been mainly the sharing of ideas around a Bible passage. A number of older boys have given their support mainly as musicians in chorus singing. The spirit has been very good at these meetings and the boys have participated keenly in all the discussions. The Intermediate Guild which caters mainly for the third form has been run by a small committee of older boys and has had a varied programme despite the limited time that is 10
available for meetings. A number of interesting and challenging slide/tape shows have attempted to present the guilders with the relevance of Christian faith in our day. Bible quizzes have been popular and every now and again a games evening is well received. The Guild has also enjoyed a visit from Mr Jack Reece who spoke on the early days of Kearsney and showed us some of his interesting archaeological artifacts. The Senior Guild has continued its pattern of a fortnightly meeting and this has proved fairly successful. A six-man committee was appointed early in the year taking two boys each from 6th, 5th and 4th Forms. Inexperience in the functioning of a committee and difficulty in finding a time for committee meetings have been problems but much has been learnt nevertheless. On the whole meetings have been fairly well attended but it has been difficult to engage outside speakers knowing that, because of a test or an exam, a number of boys might not be present. Film evenings have been very popular and the Scripture Union evening of slides promoting Skoegheim was well supported. A Sunday seminar on programme organisation was held in Maritzburg under the auspices of Scripture Union and the committee has benefited greatly from this. A keen spirit prevails in the Guild and we look forward to a good 1979. D.B. Carol Service 1978 AI IL ORDER OFSERVICE Organ music: Yuletide Echoes, Camil van Hulse. Pastorale on "Rocking"John Harper Choral Preludes. J.S. Bach Processional hymn:O come all ye faithful. PRAYERS 1st Lesson: Man's disobedience and salvation. (Reader a junior chorister). Carol: "Dee Gratias". Norman Fulton. 2nd Lesson: God's promise to Abraham (Reader: a junior boy) Carol: "Come Thou, Redeemer of the earth." David Willcocks) Hymn: Hark the glad sound,the Saviour comes. 3rd Lesson: God's promise fulfilled. (Reader: a senior chorister). Carol: "The Cherry tree carol"(English). 4th Lesson: The glory of Bethlehem revealed (Reader: a senior boy) Hymn: O little town of Bethlehem. 5th Lesson: The visitation of the Angel Gabriel (Reader: the Head Prefect) Carol: "RighteousJoseph." (Cornish) (arr. 6th Lesson: The birth of Christ. (Reader: a member of StafQ Carol: "Rocking"(Czech arr. Willcocks) Offertory hymn: The first noel. 7th Lesson: The shepherds go to the manger. (Reader: the deputy Headmaster) Carol: "The Angel and the shepherds."(Bohemian arr. C.H. Trevor) Hymn: Hark the herald angels sing. 8th Lesson: The wise men visit Jesus. (Reader: the Headmaster) Carol: "Rejoice and be merry." (Dorset carol arr. Martin Shaw) Hymn: As with gladness men of old. 9th Lesson: St. John unfolds the mystery of the incar nation.(Reader: the College Chaplain). Carol: "Christ was born on Christmas Day." (arr. John Harper). PRAYERS Recessional Hymn: Unto us a boy is born. Organ postlude: Prelude on "In dulcijubilo" J.S. Bach. 11
Farewell RON IRONS Ron Irons has had an unusual teaching career. After qualifying at Natal University in 1939, he taught for a short while at D.H.S. After the outbreak of War, hejoined the army in 1940. After seeing action in North Africa, he spent three years as a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany. Peace saw him teaching again at D.H.S., but in 1946 he responded to a call to help run his father's businesses. He exchanged the classroom for trading stores in Zululand. Ron's first connection with Kearsney was a parent, when his eldest son Barry came to Kearsney in 1962.Three other sons were to follow. In 1970 Ron sold his businesses in Zululand, and moved with his family to Hillcrest to live in retirement. However, being active and young at heart, he soon became bored, and began to yearn for the classroom. He asked the Headmaster for an opportunity to help out with some teaching to see whether he still had his earlier enthusiasm for the profession. He found that he did and quickly became a permanent member of the Kearsney staff. In his eight years at Kearsney, Ron has in many ways made up for those years during which he was lost to teaching. In his teaching of History he has shown dedication,com bined with interest in and concern for his pupils as individuals. In the sporting sphere, Ron threw himself in with the zest and enthusiasm of a man thirty years hisjunior. For seven years he coached under thirteen rugby players, while during 1978 he arranged all rugby fixtures. Throughout his stay at Kearsney Ron has coached cricket, chiefly the under fifteen 'A' team. It is a rare sight to see a teacher on the eve of retirement devoting so many afternoons and Saturdays to the sporting activities of his pupils. My personal memories of Ron will always be of a most cheerful personality, an eternal optimist, who is always far more prepared to see the good in others rather than the bad. In his rather short career he has revealed all the qualities of the complete schoolmaster. J.L. HALL DAVID LEWIS-WILLIAMS It was in April 1963 that Mr J.D. Lewis-Williams came to Kearsney, having spent five years as a teacher at Selborne College in the Cape. At the end of June 1978, Dr LewisWilliams left Kearsney to become a lecturer in the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand. A man of many parts (scholar, local preacher, conjurer, debater, play-producer, to name but a few), his influence was felt in many spheres during the 15 years he spent at Kearsney. Of all his characteristics, it is perhaps his devotion to matters academic that will be best remembered. As senior English master, he stimulated many of his pupils to appreciate their language and its literature, and he took endless pains to help them improve their vocabularies and communication skills. However, David was not only a teacher; he con tinued to be a scholar too. Having obtained a B.A. degree(in English and Geography)and a Teaching Diploma from the University of Cape Town, he soon commenced part-time studies, mainly during school holidays,for an Honours degree in Geomorphology.This he was awarded by the University ofSouth Africa in 1965. 12
€5 m i m m M DrD.Lewis-Williams and MrP. Tennant on matters Cerebral. David's interests then became directed towards the interpretation of symbolic meanings in the rock art of some of the Bushman people. For more than 10 years he devoted most of his leisure time to recording more than 3600 individual paintings in various parts of the Drakensberg, to studying literature dealing with the subject both here and overseas, and to visiting surviving Bushman people in Botswana. During this period he published ten papers in various journals, was invited to deliver lectures at universities in Italy and Ireland, and was elected to Associateship ofClare Hall,Cambridge, where he spent a year of study leave. Eventually, at the end of 1977, he offered a thesis to the University of Natal. This was described by one of his external examiners, an eminent British anthro pologist, as being "a splendidly argued and brilliantly presented thesis which, on the grounds of scholarship and originality, richly merits the award of the Ph.D. degree." From what has been said, it might be thought that David Lewis-Williams spent his whole time at Kearsney following academic pursuits. Far from it! In his earlier days he had charge of a rugby division; he used to take small groups of boys on frequent 'Berg trips (where they did much to help him with his research); he founded the Archaeological Society and the Demosthenes Society at Kearsney; and he played a large part in setting up our new museum. For many years he ran Parliament and also served on the Chapel Committee. Perhaps his best-known extra-mural activity was in the Dramatic Society — he directed virtually all the plays we have staged since the opening of our Henderson Hall and he nearly always achieved standards ofexcellence far above those normally associated with school productions. David Lewis-Williams was appointed Housemaster of Gillingham in 1970 and boys who were members of his House will remember his tireless concern for their welfare. Many were the hours he spent trying to help them solve their problems! He placed great stress on gentlemanly conduct and diligent application to work, and his dignified, yet kindly attitude made a strong impression on many Kearsney boys who will remember him with gratitude and affection. All who knew Dr Lewis-Williams will be grateful for the many contributions he made to life at Kearsney and will wish him well in his new career. P.E.M. 13
Examination Results 1978 Subjects with a distinction(80% -)-) appear in brackets. NATALSENIOR CERTIFICATE WITH MATRICULATION EXEMPTION: B.K. Alexander(English); S.T.G. Anderson;M.Balladon; M.C. Beckett;M.A. Brand;J.J. Bridger;G.I. Brown;A.J. Browning; P.A. Bryan; A.E. (Tiapman; T.A. Corbeth; B.R. Craig (Aggregate;Maths;Physical Science;History); F.X. De Gersigny (English); K. De Villiers; A.R. Dienst (Aggregate; English; Maths; Physical Science); B.P. Drury;E.G. Egeland; P.J. Eliot;S.J.W. Emmerson;N.A. Engelbrecht; A.C. Fenn (Geography); H.G. Foster; C.W. Gebers; D.T. Gevers; H.C. Guthrie; G.E. Haird; G.N. Hamilton; G.W. Hamilton; E.S. Jordan (Physical Science); G.M. Larkan;Q.H. Leeds;B.D. McMillan;P.J. Metcalf (Aggregate; Biology; Physical Science; Geography); l.C.K. Milligan; M.R. Nel; C.S. Rattray; J. Read; D.P. Richards; M.D. Robinson (Physical Science);G.M. Rogers;M.R. Rouillard;S.J.Schneeberger; B.G. Shuker; N.J.A. Sloane; K.A. Tarr; M.W. Under wood; N. Van Dokkum; J.R. Varker (English; Latin); A.J. Vogel;M.G.O.R. Werner;B.G. Whiting;J.N. Wilkes; K.A. Wright. NATAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: R. Alleson; A.M. Bath; S.E. Bignoux;G.L. Brokensha; C.L. (Thristianson; C.l. Craig-Mackie; P.R. Den Hoed; G.M.R. Dunlop;A.S. Dunnett;G.D.Du Plooy;D.R.Du Toit; P.A. Dyson; G.R. Garlick; R.P. Gooderson; S.J. Grant; G.R. Green; B.R. Gurr; M. Hadiaris; B.A. Helawell; D.R. Hodgkinson; C.J. Holdcroft; G.R.S. Howard; R.J. Hudson; B.D. Hume; P.J. Hutchinson; R.M. Jones; C.F. Lewthwaite; K.C. Lyons; P.J. McLaverty; A.R. Millar; D.L.B. Owen; R.K. Prentice; P. Sievers; W.A. Stiles; W.L. Thomas; D.R. Turnbull; R. Van Loo; D.W. Voysey; R.M. Welchman; G.H. Whitfield,P.D.F. Whitton. A familiar sight ffl -ii r m -m m -m14
I 1m i m m m. m mm M m w KEARSNEY CADET BAND Drum Major: C.Hopkins CADETS The cadet detachment has continued to operate during 1978, but under increasingly difficult circumstances. We have only two active cadet officers on our present establish ment, and are thus particularly grateful to Lt L.P. Zaayman(who has been seconded to Project Mistral) and to Messrs L. Kassier and M.Vassard who have continued to help with cadets training. Our band received only one visit by an instructor and it has struggled to achieve a reasonable standard of musical performance. Fortunately, we have had a good set of WOs and NCOs,and they have served the detachment well. In spite of our difficulties, we have managed to vary the training programme a little. Several lectures and a demonstration of infantry weapons have been provided, and a number of platoons have used the rifle range. Our shooting teams were well placed in the Natal Command Bisley; three of our cadets were chosen to take part in the final trials to select the Natal Command shooting teams;one ofthem. Cadet B. Alexander, won a place ill the senior team. We also spent much time in preparation for two special parades-one on Remembrance Day and the other on the occasion of our Annual Inspection. One cadet attended a camp at Oribi Gorge during July and two others are due to have a similar experience at Karkloofin December. P.E. METCALF 15
HOUSE REPORTS Finningley 1978 has been a great year for Finningley;possibly the most successful ever. Members of the House have excelled in all fields, proving worthy leaders. Finningley bad a particularly good year in the sporting field. The 1st XV was led through a good season by B. Sbuker. Finningley bad nine representatives in that side. C. Hopkins bad a particularly good season at prop and deserved bis Natal Schools selection and bis Honours. Colours were awarded to R. du Toit, C. Hopkins, C. Lewtbwaite, R. Small and B. Sbuker.The House was also represented in the junior sides and this enabled the House to win the Inter-House Seven-a-Side Tournament. In cricket too Finningley was well represented with B. Sbuker captaining a 1st XI with six Finningley representatives. Colours were awarded to B. Sbuker and C. Lewtbwaite and J. Baker (U14) was voted the most promising junior cricketer. In Athletics Finningley won the Annual Athletic Sports and the Standards Trophy for the captained both the House and the School and with R.van Loo, made the Natal Junior the twenty four records broken on Sports Day,fifteen went to Finningley boys. B.Craig captained both the House and the School and with R. van Loo made the Natal Junior Team. R. Van Loo was placed 3rd in the S.A. Under 19 400m and represented the Natal Senior Athletic Team in the S.A. Senior Championships — a remarkable achievement for a schoolboy. B. Craig and R. Van Loo were awarded Honours and G. Wheelwright and R. Jones Colours. B. Craig also captained the School Cross Country Team and was selected to represent his Province, for which he was awarded Honours. He also won the Pinetown and District Under 17 Cross Country Cup. In the Inter-House Competition Finningley won both the individual and team event in the under 13, under 15 and open divisions. Trophy winners include A. Hudson, J. Weller, D. Waddilove, K.Thompson,B. Craig and R. Van Loo. On the squash scene Finningley fared well. Of the six players awarded Colours,four were from Finningley, namely B. Sbuker, G. Garlick, R. Hudson and M. Thiselton. Sbuker captained the side. Captained the Natal B Team and was awarded Honours. R. Hudson reached the final sixteen in the Natal under 23 Championships, beating the Swiss under 19 champion in the process. D.Thiselton, for the second year, was the School under 15 champion and was selected for the Natal under 1 SVi Team. Finningley won the Inter-House Shooting Competition, B.K. Alexander gaining the highest score. He was also selected to shoot for Natal Schools,for which he was awarded Colours. Two Finningley juniors, J. Baker and A.Hudson won the Appletizer Bowl Competition in Natal and Hudson represented the School in the Competition Finals to be played in Stellenbosch in December. On the Hockey field only G. Maritz was awarded Colours. Finningley managed to retain their third position in the Swimming Gala but had six representatives in the Water-polo side, including the Captain, M. Hadiaris. Finningley won the Senior Inter-House Waterpolo Competition. G. Garlick won the Cup for the best Diver and was placed second in the Natal under 19 Championships. On the cultural side J. Varker and S.J. Schneeberger earned Cultural Honours. Varker was placed second in Natal in the Jan Hofmeyr Speech Contest and won the Sutler-Gore Trophy for the Best Public Speaker. B. Webber won the Jacobowitz Cup for the best 16
Junior Public Speaker. S.J. Schneeberger and B.Craig were awarded Academic Colours,in the 5th Form, D. Pons was awarded Academic Honours and M. Russell-Boulton and G. Surridge Colours, and in the 4th Form H. Hillestad gained colours. It is perhaps fitting that Finningley should also win the Parkes Academic Trophy and that the Sportsman of the Year Trophy should go to that versatile sportsman and Captain of three Sports, B. Shuker. Mrs Crane,our efficient and diligent Matron for nearly eight years,leaves at the end ofthe year. We thank her for her years ofservice and wish her a happy retirement.To the other leavers, and the 6th Formers, we hope for good results and wish them a happy and successful future. We thank the Prefects B. Craig, P. Dyson,G.Green and B. Shuker for a good year and we wish them luck in the future. Pembroke 1978 will be remembered as the first year of Mr Diederick's sojourn as Housemaster. He came to represent, at a time when we most needed it, a figure of strength - spiritual, mental and physical. From the time when his impressive bulk first filled the Senior Common Room entrance the boys recognized his authority, and their respect has not died. In instituting a spirit of mutual co-operation within the house, he has maintained his popularity s well as good discipline. In this he has been entirely backed up by his four prefects. Led very capably by Whitfield, prefects Gavin Whitfield, Mark Brand, Fintan de Gersigny and Dirk Gevers managed successfully to establish a friendship with the house whilst maintaining the discipline. Not one recalcitrant youth did not come to respect the fore boding swing of Whitfield's practiced right arm. Between them the four set an example to the house, academically, culturally and on the sports field. Academically we have had, once again, a very successful year. A Dienst and J. Metcalf gained Academic Honours whilst M. Robinson and E.Jordan received Colours. A. Dienst was Dux of the school. Six out of the nine academic prizes were won by Pembroke Boys: A. Dienst — Mathematics; J. Metcalf - Geography and Biology;M.Robinson — Physical Science prizes; A. Vogel - Perseverance; and F. de Gersigny and D. Gevers — English. Pembroke was also very well represented in the cultural activities of the school. The Parliament, Demosthenes Society, Archaeological Society and Scientific Society all had Pembroke boys in positions of Chairmen, Secretaries or committee members. Eight boys took part in 'MACBETH', of whom T. Karnezos, E. Jordan and F. de Gersigny received cultural colours. In the sporting sphere we have not been quite as successful, although we have not dis graced ourselves. We were narrowly beaten by Gillingham in the gala. It should be noted, though, that if there had been a prize for shooting we would most certainly have won it. B. Drury received colours and G. Tonetti represented Natal for diving. The highlight of our year must definitely be the tug-of-war on Sports Day, which, under Mr Diedericks expert guidance, we won against a heavier Finningley team. We were well represented in teams of all sports and in all age groups. G. Whitfield and M. Dunlop gained Cricket colours. P. Campion and G. Hall received Athletics colours. To conclude, 1978 has been an enjoyable year in Pembroke. I think the most important mark of success has been the friendly atmosphere which has prevailed all year — for is it not, after all, a home? D.GEVERS 17
Gillingham 1978 has been for Gillingham both a year of achievement and of change. Thirteen boys earned their colours, two their honours and these same two represented Natal in their particular sports. During the year Gillingham had three matrons and a new Housemaster! The prefects have led the house ably and have created a lively atmosphere. In the first term Gillingham again won the inter-house gala. Swimmers to be congratulated on their performance are Cleator, Houston and Polkinghorne. Cleator represented Natal and was awarded honours for swimming. The first term also saw the inter-house cricket honours go to Gillingham. A. Miller and B. Whiting were awarded their cricket colours. The house also won the Jack Hulett and Sons Silver Salver for the house having the greatest participation in cricket at Kearsney. The seven-a-side rugby competition was won by Finningley this year, but we finished a very close second. C. Rattray was vice-captain of the 1st XV and both he and P. Sievers were awarded their rugby colours. As far as squash is concerned, the house again featured prominently. B. Whiting was Kearsney champion and also made the very strong Natal Schools team. He was awarded his Honours while K. de Villiers who played in the 1st team was given his Colours. When our matron, Mrs Walsh, left us during the second term, our previous matron, Mrs Burrows, very kindly returned to the Gillingham fold in order to help out until Mrs Bourke joined us at the start of the third term. She has proved to be a most kind and con siderate lady, and we hope that her association with the house will be a long and happy one. The third term saw Finningley win the inter-house athletics again! We are getting tired of coming second to them and we hope to see them come second next year. However, a number of Gillingham boys did very well indeed: D. Polkinghorne . . . best under 14 athlete; C. Polkinghorne . . . . best under 15 and M. Rattray . .. . best under 16. M. Rattray, M. Bryan and H. Markram were all awarded their athletic Colours. Other members of the house to distinguish themselves were:G.Brokensha.... shooting colours, C. Livingstone . ... hockey colours,D,Cohen and M.Marshall both earned their academic colours; well done! Peter Sievers, our Head of House, was also Head Boy of Kearsney. He brought great distinction to both positions of authority. We admire and thank him for his never-failing sense of humour combined with his consideration for others and his compassionate guidance. "Joe", as he was knowh to all, will long be remembered.Congratulations go to the following prefects for 1979: C. Cleator . . . . Head of House and Head Boy, M. Marshall, J. Nathan and C. Pilgrim. During the redecorating of the common rooms a number of cupboards were removed. These cupboards, as far as anyone knew, had not been opened for a very long time. Just how long they were last opened became clear when one of them was found to contain an extensive, antique train set. It consisted of 7 locos, 42 units of rolling stock, 7. stations and a large variety of other items such as signals, personnel, bridges, etc., etc. What makes this discovery even more interesting is that a list of the boys who used this set in 1943 was also found together with a plan of the track lay-out which they used at that time. The sons of two of the model train enthusiasts of yesteryear are at present in Gillingham; they are M. Butterworth and K. Forsyth. If any Old Boys who used the Gillingham Model Train Set in those days would care to drop us a line, we would be delighted to hear from them. 18
At the end of the second term Dr David Lewis-Williams left Kearsney to take up an appointment at Wits University as a lecturer in Social Anthropology. He had been House master at Gillingham for more than a decade. As a parting present he gave the House a lovely, framed Hulett crest in full colour, which now hangs near the main entrance. We would like to thank him for his kindly interest shown to all Gillingham lads over the years.(I would like to thank him for bequeathing me such a well run House with such a pleasant atmosphere. R.T.) At the end of the year Mr K. Fish, who has been doing duty at Gillingham for a number of years, decided to have a well-earned rest. We thank him for his interest and hope that he enjoys his rest. All in all, this year has proved to be a most successful and interesting one,and,thanks to the co-operation ofthe boys,a most enjoyable one. C.C., M.M., J.N. andC.P. Haley In 1978 Haley House had a very pleasing year, with many boys excelling in both acade mic and sporting fields. When a balance such as this is attained it is a sign of a healthy house. Although many boys did well, a few deserve special mention. The first to be congratulated in the sporting sphere are A. Hudson and J, Baker who did exceedingly well at tennis. They won the Natal section of the Appletiser Tennis competi tion, and were part of the team which won the Bonnefin Trophy. In addition, J. Baker was awarded the Zululand Old Boys prize for the most promising junior cricketer in the school. Not to be overshadowed by his younger brother, R. Hudson, a prefect in the house, was awarded squash and athletics colours. He also played for the 1st cricket XI, and together with G. Haird,Head of House,played for the 1 st rugby XV. The cottage boys proved themselves in the sporting sphere as well. H. Markram and A. Freemantle both did well in athletics, with Markram obtaining his athletics colours. G. Mungle, an U15 player, was selected for the 1st cricket XI during the Ath term. He was awarded the Foss bat for the most improved and promising player in the school. D. Draper did wellin swimming,and was chosen to attend,the Natal schools water polo trials. Apart from those mentioned, a number ofHaley boys did very well in the swimming gala and at the school sports meeting. Many Haley boys were in the U13 and U14 cricket and rugby teams.In the U14A division, Kearsney was unbeaten in both sports. Moving on to the cultural and academic side, we see B. Webber as a future politician. He won the Jacobowitz Cup for the best junior speaker. C. Gebers, a prefect, was awarded academic colours. He also took an active part in the majority of the school societies. He also played a part in the 1978 production of Macbeth. Finally we thank Mr Williams for taking over the demanding position of Housemaster during the 2nd term when Mr Hall and his family were overseas. G. HAIRD 19
Travels VISIT TO SOUTH WEST AFRICA- 1978 During the Easter holidays 18 boys, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Silcock, Mr Blarney and Mr Clark, went on a trip to South West Africa. This trip lasted just under 3 weeks and the total distance travelled was 7700 kilometres. The Fish River Canyon was a worthy South African equivalent of the American Grand Canyon. And the nearby Ai Ais resort was a worthy South African equivalent of Hell, with its burning sands and everlasting thirst. It was calculated that our party drank 1500 cokes, most of them at Ai Ais. Ai Ais means"hot springs" but the significance of the hot springs was lost in the general heat haze. Our longest stop was Swakopmund, on the coast, where we hoped to do some fishing. The fishing was disappointing and so we turned to dune-board riding instead. Riding down the steep Namib dunes on an upturned piece of masonite was an unforgettable experience, and very enjoyable. Riding down backwards was also an unforgettable experi ence but not quite so enjoyable since the edges of the board tended to fling up sand and fling the rider off(especially halfway through the turning procedure!)The worst part was getting back to the top of the dunes since for every step forward there was half a step backwards. Waterfalls collect a great deal of grit in their plunge pools. In some cases diamonds can be found among the grit. For this reason it has been said that the Augrabies Waterfall on the Orange River should contain millions of rands worth of diamonds. Before the trip Mr Fish, a geography teacher, had said in all his wisdom,that we should try and dive into the falls and look for diamonds. Mr and Mrs Silcock had visited the falls when they were completely dry. But when we arrived at the Augrabies Falls there were no ways of diamond hunting; we had to be content with the somewhat impressive sight of thousands oflitres of chocolate brown water thundering down the falls every second. If anyone found a diamond they certainly kept it very quiet. It is unlikely that anyone returned from the trip, rich, but undoubtedly everyone returned a little wealthier in experience than when he set out. D.PONS WILD COAST VENTURE Mr and Mrs Tennant, John Schneeberger, Kim de Villiers, Richard Egeland, Dirk Gevers, Mildred the Mongrel and myself set off for Port Grosvenor at the start of the July vaca tion. Six hours later, after several navigational mishaps, we lurched down the rutted track to Port Grosvenor. Early the next morning we set off for the cliff-line with 'knapsacks on our backs'. The scenery was, as expected, most impressive, but the cliff-line. Waterfall Bluff in particular, was something new and well worth the trek. After a night in some nearby caves and a somewhat icy attempt to wash in a stream, we set off for Cathedral Rock,the magnificent megalith of that area of the Wild Coast.The view of the sea crashing and seething around its base far below was unforgettable. 20
The hike back to Port Grosvenor began, as all hikes do, with a bounce in the step and a comment for most occurrences, and ended, as most hikes do, with exhaustion, very little singing, and a unanimous decision to restrict further activities to the near vicinity of Port Grosvenor. This decision was adhered to rigidly, and after a surfeit of succulent crayfish we endured the dreadfully dusty trip back to Port Shepstone. Altogether a worthwhile and salubrious trip. Finton de Gersigny. m s s ■ 1 m \ m * ■ m I- i 21
^^1 m I y ■ m m ■ m \ m m * \ ■ ■ m m S ^m. * ■ m ■ Winning Entry: School Photographic Competition -Photo M. RouillarJ - Hn
SPOKIS REPORTS — ATHLETICS ATHLETICS School Captain: House Captains: B. Craig Finningley — B Craig Gillingham — M. Frara Pembroke — F. de Gersigny Inter-House Standards: Finningley Honours: B. Craig,R.van Loo(re-award) Colours: M. Bryan, P. Campion, B. Craig, G. Hall, R. Jones, H.Markram, M. Rattray, R. van Loo,G. Wheelwright School Sports: Finningley won the sports convincingly for the fifth consecutive year with Gillingham second. Pembroke had great satisfaction in winning the tug-of-war. The weather was very kind to us and the brilliant sunshine played a major role in making it a successful day. BEST ATHLETE U13 U14 U15 U16 Open Twenty-four records were established. A. Hudson D.Polkinghorne C.Polkinghorne M. Rattray R. van Loo RUNNER-UP J. Weller G.Hulett C. Livingstone K.Thompson B. Craig 23
Athletes who deserve special mention because of their high standard achieved are: A. Hudson U13 Triple Jump 300m 42,4sec 800m 2m 15,9sec 1500m 4m 46sec J. Weller U13 75m Hurdles 13,0sec G. Hulett U14 Discus 35,66m D.Polkinghorne U14 80m Hurdles 12,4sec Long Jump 5,67m B. Webb U15 80m Hurdles 1 l,9sec C. Livingstone U15 1500m 4m 23,4sec G. Wheelwright U16 3000m 9m 20,3sec M. Rattray U16 Triple Jump 13,17m G. Hall Open Shot Put 13,55m B. Craig Open 800m Imin 57sec 1500m 4min 8,9sec 3000m 9min 2,8sec 5000m 15min 30sec R. van Loo Open 300m Hurdles 39,2sec 100m Hurdles 14,3sec 400m 48,5sec 800m Imin 56,9sec One of the most exciting races ofthe day was 800m open.Few who saw the race will ever forget how R. van Loo closed the gap on B. Craig to win by a whisker. It was a classic race with an older, fit sprinter pitted against an inherently slower boy who had developed a tremendous amount of stamina. The new record time of Imin 56,9sec is very good considering the slow condition of the track. The record stood for 10 years and was held by Tom Groom. Mr W.J. Cochrane presented the trophies. Durban & Districts A League: Due to rainy conditions this meeting was postponed to the Wednesday before our school sports. Kearsney was placed in nearly every event and in some we gained all three places. The final points were: Kearsney Westville George Campbell Glenwood 182 104 98 76 From this meeting 38 Kearsney boys were invited to participate in a selection meeting to choose a D & D team. Sixteen boys were successful and most gained a place in the com petition held between D &D and the Pietermaritzburg and District team. Natal: A number of boys took part in ihe Natal Championships held in Durban in March. Most of these boys were placed in the first three but because of the qualifying standards set down by the S.A. Athletic Association,only B. Craig and R.van Loo were selected to represent Natal at the S.A. Junior Championships. At these Championships R. van Loo, ran third in 400m U19;a tremendous achievement since he had just got out of bed with a dose of'flu. His time of47,8sec is outstanding and 24
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