Dear OD
The ODU SGM of 1st August proposing a motion of no confidence in the ODU Chairman and Committee has come and gone. Or rather, the Committee has stayed and the motion has gone. Agreement was reached on the basis that the current Committee plus three observers embark on a root and branch analysis of the strategy, structure, operating model and governance of the ODU. Proposals based on these investigations will be presented and voted on at the ODU next year. In addition, a standing committee to deal with matters of reconciliation, healing and unity will be convened to deal with ODs who feel, presumably, alienated, disenchanted and disengaged.
As and when input from ODs is called for, please do "have your say"
Building relationships with the Old Michaelhouse and Old Hiltonian Societies:
 Notwithstanding the fracas in Cape Town, our branch carries on and seems to be calm. Alex Price (M, 2007) and I met with Sean Lumley (Baines, 1992) who is the chairman of the Old Michaelhouse Association in the UK. We explored ways our two associations might collaborate and broaden and strengthen networks and to kick things off, we have agreed on a three-way golf match between them, the Old Hiltonians and ODs in spring next year. And in between some traditional social interaction. (back to the top)
Annual Oxfordshire Pub Lunch:
Back at The Bell, the annual Oxford Pub lunch is on Saturday 12th October and is for all ODs not just those in the Oxford area. All drinks courtesy the ODU!! There is more in a box below, but to RSVP now, click HERE. (back to the top)
Henley brings back memories:
 I wrote in last month's newsletter about Rob and James Johnston successes at The Henley Royal Regatta and in rowing generally. Robert Murray (S, 1968, right) our branch Secretary for Scotland wrote the following:
"Your comments about Henley brought back memories. Quite by chance, about 30 years ago, I met one of the Henley umpires who was on holiday in South Africa, and the next year, on holiday in the UK, my wife and I were his guests at the Regatta. My late father Stewart (also an OD, c 1926) rowed for Pembroke, Cambridge and was a Leander member. Just out of interest, I visited the Leander Club premises and explained to an elderly pink-tied gentleman why I was there. "Good Lord" he cried to his party, "This is Stewart's boy! Here you are, have this one on me". Turns out he had rowed with my dad. Talked about him as if the 58 years since my dad's time there had been yesterday. The 'old school' system turns up odd moments!" (back to the top)
Cricket and a vintage year:
 The 1973s have always been a tight bunch always looking for a reason to get together and getting together even if we don't have one. Last month's feast of cricket did however present one such opportunity when Andy Pycroft (Founders), captain of the Bishops 1st XI in his day, was in London as the ICC Match referee for the England-Ireland test at Lords. Archie Swanson (Gray), Charles Jillings (Founders) and your secretary (alright, why not, also Founders) together with Andy's lovely wife, Karen, met for dinner after Day One and gossiped shamelessly about classmates not present to defend themselves. But all in good spirit and taste - and because we're a pretty tight bunch. Left to right: your secretary, Charles, Archie and Andy. Also of 1973 in London last month were Cormac Petit (Ogilvie) and Niall Brown (Gray). (back to the top)
DPhil (Oxon) Candidates:
Matthew Golesworthy (K, 2011) is very generous with his invitations to Trinity College suppers and last week I was fortunate to be at the SCR dinner for Fellows and Dons. I was even more fortunate to meet Ashley Pople, Bishops first lady Rhodes Scholar. She is reading for her DPhil in Economics. Currently in St Anthony's, she completed her M.Phil a year ago and will be finished her doctorate in two years. Matthew is reading for his DPhil in Chemistry which he'll complete also in two years.
The collage is of Ashley, Matthew and your secretary, the middle one taken at our pre-dinner warm-up (St Cyprians is clearly a good training ground for this) and the two outside ones in front of the Trinity Chapel.
I am trying to persuade Ashley to speak ODs later this year at a lunch about her Rhodes Scholarship an the work she'll be doing once she's finished her thesis. (back to the top)
Memorial Service for Justin Cartwright:
 Talking of Trinity College and its chapel, Garry Southern (W, 1961) was there at the end of July delivering a tribute to Justin Cartwright (right, W, 1960) an alumnus and Fellow of the college, who died in December last year. Justin was a gifted and celebrated novelist, the winner of the Whitbread and Hawthornden prizes for literature. He was also an MBE and FRSL.
Garry was a lifelong friend of Justin's and his tribute to him - which can be read HERE - is moving and affectionate. The Guardian's obituary, published last year, is HERE. (back to the top)
RIP, Justin.
A debut work of fiction from David Maughan Brown:
 How interesting it is that David Maughan Brown (W, 1961) and Justin Cartwright were within a year of each other at Bishops and both in White House. And both novelists. David, until his retirement five years ago, enjoyed a successful career as an academic, first in South Africa and latterly at York St John in York. Then, with time on his hands, he wrote Despite the Darkness, which deals, as a work of fiction based on fact, with his experiences as a "targeted" liberal academic in the darkest days of apartheid. The book is being released on 28th August.
To order David's book (£9.99+£3.40 UK postage), click HERE (back to the top)
Kindest regards
Nicky Bicket
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THE ROBERT GRAY AWARD
Last year, Bishops awarded the Robert Gray Medal for the first time. It is the only award the School makes to ODs, who based on a life of service for the good of society, serve as role models to Bishops pupils.
The citations and presentations of this hugely prestigious award are made by the Principal in front of the whole school at the Founders Day Service.
You are invited - urged - once again to think of ODs worthy of this award and to submit your nominations with a brief motivation to the ODU.
To understand more about The Robert Gray Award and the criteria, please read HERE.
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OXFORD PUB LUNCH
 You, and your partner/wife are invited to the annual Oxford Pub Lunch on Saturday 12th October at The Bell, Hampton Poyle, Kidlington. This is our fourth year and is a popular and congenial gathering for all ODs not just those in the Oxford area.
We assemble in the bar area from 12.15pm with lunch at 1pm. We order from the a la carte menu and all drinks are courtesy the ODU!
To RSVP, please click HERE.
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ODs vs THE OLD HAILEYBURIANS GOLF MATCH
Team: Graham Llewellyn (G, 2010), Eric Allan (S, 2010), Alex Price (c, M, 2008), Doug Mallett (M, 2007), Seb Golding (F, 2011), Gordon Robinson (F, 1990), Dan Linegar (K, 2010) and Greg Campbell (K, 2005)
This year as been a busy and enjoyable year for the OD Golfers, having played the Bishops touring team in April and the Old Tonbridgians in June.
Last Saturday, 10th August, our intrepid ODU team went to battle against the Old Haileyburians at the RAC Golf Club in Surrey. This was our second match against the OHs.
Our captain, Alex Price reports:
Wind. Wind. And a hole in one...
With gusts of up to 50mph, this was going to be tough day for everyone.
Out first, Doug Mallett & Alex Price. Not wanting to go into too much detail, this was one of those matches that you want to put to bed shortly after the round. Alex found no rhythm the entire day (barring a 7ft par putt on the 7th hole), which made it difficult for Doug to bare the weight of two very handy golfers (one of whom is the current director of golf at Haileybury, Mr Ian Sanders). They both played some solid wind golf. Match finished 6&5 to OH - Bishops 1 down
Second pairing was Graham Llewellyn & Gordon Robinson. With some doctoring of Gordon's handicap by the opposition on the first hole, this match was looking to be in a steady position coming down the 8th hole. The Haileyburians put up a huge fight coming home and secured 3&2 victory over Bishops. We were 2 down at this point.
3rd out the blocks: & Eric Allen & Greg Campbell. With a hole-in-one 3-wood on the third hole by opposition, this was definitely the game of the day to be involved in. Eric out-nipping Doug for longest driving on the 6th - coming in at 356yds, and Greg's pinpoint accuracy with his newly purchased irons, they managed to fight back for an amazing 3&1 victory. OD 1 - OH 2
Last out: the young masterful cricketing combo of Seb Golding & Dan Linegar. With some clear golf prep over the last year, this anchor pairing brought it home in a big way, with a 7&6 victory over their competitors, which leveled the scores for the day at OD 2 - OH 2.
A huge thanks to the Old Haileyburians for coming out and making the second instalment to our roster such a success. We look forward to continuing this relationship and levelling the playing fields next year!
In addition to our now annual outings against the OTs and the OHs we hope to be doing battle with the old boys from Michaelhouse and Hilton. Anyone keen to get involved with the UK OD Golf should email Alex Price.
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ODs ON THE MOVE
This month we congratulate:
Des Bravington (W, 1991) on his new role with UNICEF in the States. Des has been with UNICEF for some time, but based in Geneva. His new responsibilities have taken him to New York where he is now wworking. His responsibilities include the roll-out and adoption of SharePoint Online (Modern) communication and collaboration sites across UNICEF offices and HQ divisions globally.
Chad Cruickshank (G, 2006, left)),is once again on the move and seemingly unstoppably upwardly mobile. He was previously at Aon and before that. Aksia, and now has accepted the role of Finance Business Partner at British Airways.
Natale Labia (S, 2001, right) is moving to Milan where he will continue to look after the family business and foundation, but more strenuously, will be starting an MBA in finance at Bocconi in September.
Dr Stephanos Anastasiadis (1986) who currently lectures at The Royal Holloway (part of the University of London) is to take up the position of Professor of Social Sciences at the Police Academy of Lower Saxony, Germany. He starts there in October
Congratulations to Des, Chad, Natale and Stephanos and best wishes for great success |
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60 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CHURCH
 On the 6th August, 1959, Tim Bravington (S, 1951) became The Reverend Tim Bravington, ordained into the ministry in St George's Cathedral, Cape Town.
To the day, 60 year later, Matthew Golesworthy (K, 2011) a DPhil student in chemistry at Oxford was in the Keble College Choir celebrating the 60th anniversary of Tim's ordination.
From all of us, Tim, congratulations and, literally, thank you for your service(s).
In the photo are Tim and Matthew after the service.
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THE AMAZING TRANSFORMATION OF UKHANYO PRIMARY SCHOOL
 The Masiphumelele township is wedged between Kommetjie and Sun Valley in Cape Town. And wedged into the township is the impoverished Ukhanyo Primary School. There, Vince van der Bijl (F, 1965, right) has led the transformation of the school and its pupils using sport - initially cricket - as the platform. Working with the teachers, parents, the community and sponsors, children with massive potential but very little hope are being given the opportunity to develop their talents to the full. On offer now is cycling, hockey and soccer - and chess, which is hugely popular and in which the children excel.
On Tuesday 13th August, Vince was in London to raise awareness for the project (MCC Masi) which is now being extended to the senior school, and many ODs and guests turned out to find out more - and listen to a panel discussion between Vince, former England cricket captains Mike Gatting and Graham Gooch and England spin bowler John Emburey and current Middlesex captain and England batsman Dawid Malan discuss the subject of cricket captaincy and the art of leadership.
To read about the MCC Masi project click HERE. If you'd like to find out more, please email Vince
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MENTORING
 "I think [my mentee] found the exercise valuable ... although I think I may have derived even greater value from the exercise...
"I’d like to thank you for the mentor initiative, and for giving me my first opportunity to spend time with a mentee. This is definitely a two-way street!"
The panel of mentors is building steadily and the requests for advice and guidance increasing. More and more, this programme is being seen as something of real value and it is gratifying that non-ODs are writing in to see whether they too can tap into the wealth of experience available.
The quote above, from one of our mentors Oscar Foulkes (W, 1984) illustrates that it is not only the mentee who derives the benefit from the programme. Our mentors find the interaction with younger ODs stimulating and rewarding as well..
So, if you would like to put yourself as a mentor or request one, please do so via this form.
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CALLING ALL RUGBY PLAYERS
Aside from golf (see above) Bishops continues to enjoy a long and happy relationship with Haileybury. Tony Mallett, Bishops Principal from 1964-1983 was a housemaster there (his son Nick was born there). And since 1976, Bishops has had exchange pupil at the school every year.
The Old Haileyburian Society has been incredibly helpful to the UK branch of the ODU and we have attended each other's functions.
The Old Haileyburian Rugby Football Cl ub have approached us to ask whether there are any ODs who would like to join and play for the OHRFC which is based in Surrey. To find out more about the club, read HERE.
If you are interested in following this up, please email me.
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CLASSICAL MUSIC
 To my mind, still the best (and best value) salon concerts in London, Bob and Elizabeth Boas have just released their programme of recitals until December. These take place at their Marylebone house at 22 Mansfield Street, W1G 9NR. Not only do they put on concerts of the highest standards, but attending gives you the opportunity of viewing their impressive art collection - and meet very interesting people. To view the programme and booking details, click HERE.
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
To order the Domaine Gayda Wines, please go to the UK distributor's website HERE
To order Co.bru beer, please click HERE
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SA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SUMMER DRINKS PARTY
Although not an ODU event, the SACC Summer Drinks Party on Wednesday 21st August provides an excellent opportunity to build your network and have a good time among a familiar accents. This year it's being held on the rooftop terrace at the offices of Quilter, Millenium Bridge House, Lambeth Hill, London
To reserve your place, with costs £24, please RSVP HERE or click on the photo above. If you don't have an SACC account you will be asked to register (for free) before you can book a ticket.
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THE UK ODU PHOTO GALLERY (2014-)
For those of you who haven't visited the UK photo gallery, please do so to have a look at all the pictures and reports of the various functions the UK Branch has enjoyed since 2014. From that year's annual dinner and various golf matches to events in 2019, I hope you'll get a sense as to how active and engaged the ODs up here are.
To view, please click HERE
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This has been a fabulous few months for Bishops in sporting, academic and leadership endeavours.
Connor Evans, a Grade 11 pupil, has been chosen to represent the South African Schools rugby team to play in the upcoming international triangular series.
On the subject of rugby, on Saturday 25th July, in the oldest schools' rugby derby in the country, Bishops 1st XV beat SACS 47-17.
Matt Pettit has qualified as the youngest Rowing Umpire in South Africa
At the end of last term, the Brass Band was awarded the Best Ensemble Prize at the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod Prize winner’s concert. Matthew Newton was awarded the prize for the Best Senior Brass Player
Jake Greenberg took part in the 15th European Maccabi Games in Budapest. He co-captained the South African U16 Futsal team that went on to win a Silver medal. Great Britain won a tense penalty shootout in the final game to clinch the title.
Two boys won bronze and gold respectively at the recent SA National Karate Championships.
Lastly, Wesley Holtmann won a Gold Medal at The President's Award (The President’ Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA) is a full member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award for Young People).
Floreat BIshops
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OD BEANIES
 Summer might not seem a good time to be investing in an OD beanie. But stocks of this must-have designer item are low and if you procrastinate, you'll miss out and, come winter, have cold ears.
They are made from pure New Zealand wool with a warm inner lining, Cost is £14.00 each (plus £3.90 postage)
if you'd like one, please order HERE.
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2019/20 DATES FOR THE DIARY
As always, wives and partners most welcome to all events and functions
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Saturday 10th August
UK ODU vs Old Haileyburians Golf Match
10.30am-6.30pm
RAC, Surrey
Contact Alex Price (M, 2007)
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Saturday 12th October
12h15-15h30
Oxfordshire Pub lunch
The Bell at Hampton Poyle, OX5 2QD
RSVP HERE
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Tuesday 5th-Thursday 7th November
OD Visit to Amsterdam
with a private lecture and personally guided tour of The Rijksmuseum by Duncan Bull (O, 1971) - and a taste of what the city has to offer.
A maximum of 15 people
This tour is now fully-subscribed, but please do put your name down on the stand-by list if you are keen to come. There may be withdrawals.
Register HERE
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Friday 15th November
18h30-midnight
UK ODU Year-end Party
The Hollywood Arms
45 Hollywood Road, Chelsea, SW10 9HX
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14th December
14h00
Thames Hare and Hounds Alumni Cross Country Race
Wimbledon Common
Contact Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010)
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Friday 19th June 2020
18h30-midnight
The 2020 UK Annual Black-tie Dinner
The Carlton Club
69 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1PJ
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