Dear OD

We in the UK have had our own version of the SGM, being the political scrum being pushed and shoved around Westminster. We know now, at least for the time being, that a no-deal Brexit won't be happening on Halloween, so the need for Schenghen visas is delayed, thankfully yet again. Bizarrely, the UK branch of the ODU was almost caught in the crossfire insofar as our trip to Amsterdam to explore the Rijksmuseum with Duncan Bull (G, 1971) might well have required additional travel documentation.

This has been a quiet month as many ODs and their families returned from summer holidays and schools and universities reopened their doors for the new academic year. I hope that those who were able to take a break are relaxed and energised for the rest of the year.

The ODU 2020-2025 Strategic Planning process:

Some of you may have read in a Mitre Message - and in subsequent communication from me - that I have been asked to run the ODU strategic planning process. The idea is to use the plan created in 2015 (but not implemented) as the starting point rather than embark on an industrial strength strategic planning process which is neither relevant nor suitable. I would urge you to participate in this. It isn't an onerous task and for the first time in my memory, ODs outside of Cape Town are being asked to contribute to the future of our ODU. This hopefully will end in a strategy which recognises the extent and value of the international OD diaspora and reflects those interests and views as equal to those in Cape Town.

If you haven't completed the questionnaire, please do. It can be accessed HERE.

In addition to the work being done on strategy, a Standing Committee dealing with reconciliation, healing and unity has been set up as a consequence of the undertaking given at the SGM on the 1st August. It is being convened by Craig Howie (G, 1956). The Terms of reference for the Standing Committee are HERE. Expect communication and a request for input soon .
2019-2020 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race:


In April I reported that two OD yachtsmen had had the honour of being two of twelve skippers chosen to lead the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Nick Legatt (B, 1984) and Dave Immelman (B, 1987) set sail from Katherine Docks on Sunday 1st September along with ten other yachts. Chris (K, 1989), Nick's brother, sent me the two photos above. In the one, Nick is on the left and Dave on the right. The second photo shouldn't need any explanation.

Chris writes: "The ceremonial start of the 19-20 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race took place at St Katherine’s Dock, London, on the 1 September. Thousands of supporters crammed the dock, eager to wish the sailors well before the yachts set off through the raised arms of Tower Bridge on the Thames. Two OD’s, Nick and David (Wavey) were chosen to skipper two out of the eleven yachts that are sailing this challenging 41165 NM circumnavigation race. The event which is crewed by amateur sailors is made up of 15 legs and is expected to take 11 months". 

I'll post updates during the course of the race (which is due to finish in August 2020) and hope to be able to persuade either Nick and/or Dave to speak to us about their epic once they're back.
Scotland:

More news from Dr Robert Murray, the secretary of the Scotland branch of the ODU. From north of the border, he sends us news the exploits of Calum Wehmeyer (B, 2017) who is studying Biomedical Science and who Rob has kept a mentoring eye on. In fact, Calum's interest is in medicine itself and in this, he's been supported and guided by Rob's daughter, Elspeth, who is training as a surgeon.

We're also expecting Calum to make great progress in the Scottish Rugby Referees' Society.

In the picture above are Calum and Rob looking relaxed after a mentoring session.

 
UK ODs v Old Haileyburian Golf:

I omitted the link to the report and photos of the OD v Old Haileyburian Golf match. Those can be seen HERE.

Speaking of golf, Alex Price (M, 2008) our energetic and persuasive ODU Golf Captain (and a co-conspirator behind the heading photo) and I have been building our relationships with, as reported in last month;'s newsletter, Michalehouse. A three-way golf match is being planned for next year o include ourselves, Michalehouse and Old Hiltonians.

I was pleased to have been invited to one of their meetings earlier this month which, it turns out, is really an excuse to hone skills acquired (compulsory classes, they tell me) in Balgowan, as the photo shows. This was the report in their newsletter: "The UK Branch Committee met this evening at the Running Horse Tavern in the depths of the RAF Club on  Piccadilly Street, London. We were joined by Rory McKenna, Rick Peacock-Edwards, Ryan Carl Maree as well as Nicholas Llewellen Palmer - who heads up the Scotland chapter of the UK Branch. We were also pleased to welcome Nicky Bicket, Secretary of the Old Diocesan (Bishops) UK Branch, to discuss joint events for 2020. 
Farewell, Ken Wilson:

ODs have been notified of the passing of Ken Wilson (MiC of PE at Bishops from 1976-1995). He was almost 87 years old. Much has been said about the man and the mark he made on all those he taught, both in exercise and what it was to be a gentleman. The embodiment of m
ens sana in corpore sano. In both he led by supreme example. To read so much more about him on the ODU website, click HERE and/or read his obituary HERE.

Hamba kakuhle, Ken



 
Sydney Branch of the ODU:



It may take a sheet of sandpaper to boost Aussie cricket performance, but James "Jimmy" Deane (B, 1990) needs no such artificial assistance to re-energise the Sydney branch of the ODU. Jimmy was a stalwart of the UK branch and despite his love of all things English, wanted, quite understandably, to be where the Ashes were going to and so, sadly for us, relocated. He is now in Sydney and together with the Branch secretary Jonathan Jackson (S, 1991) arranged a dinner for local ODs. The picture below, taken, I would think, later in the evening) shows the assembled gathering toasting Bishops at their dinner at the Glenmore Hotel.

Clockwise from bottom left are: Jimmy, Sandy Calder (O,1976), Robert Estcourt (F, 1966), Matt Gregorowski (G, 1992), Jacques de Haan (1995), Hylton Taylor (F, 1986), Jamie Carroll (B, 1995), Michael van Niekerk (G, 1980), Anton Handley (G, 1974), Chris Marlow (M, 2012) and Matt Stanley both (G, 2012). 

Jonathan Jackson took the picture!



Kindest regards

Nicky Bicket
AN OD LUNCH IN AN OXFORD COUNTRY PUB

You are invited to the annual Oxfordshire pub lunch which this year is on Saturday 12th October. The venue, as always is the lovely Bell at Hampton Poyle (11 Oxford Rd, Hampton Poyle, Kidlington OX5 2QD).

We get together from 12.15pm and sit down for lunch from the pub's
a la carte menu at about 1pm. As is customary, we split the food bill equally between us, but the ODU pays for all the drinks. Dress is very casual.

To RSVP, please click HERE (if you have already RSVP'd, it's not necessary to do so again).



 
ODs ON THE MOVE
 
This month we congratulate Scott Mclean (F, 2008) on being appointed a Support Lawyer at Linklaters in London. Scott, who previously was with SSTB in Cape Town having graduated with a law degree from UCT, is a recent emigre to London and we wish him well in his new role.

Stephen Ryall (F, 2012) has landed himself the role as Lead Software Developer at MOONHUB, who provide high-quality training for forward-thinking companies by immersing their staff in interactive VR scenarios. Previously, Stephen was with Pomerol Partners who provide blockchain platforms

Well done both of you; best wishes for great success.


 
WILLIAM FINLAY

William Finlay (F, 1971) teaches at the University of Georgia where he is the Meigs Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor of International Affairs. He is also Co-director of the UGA Study Abroad Program at Stellenbosch University.

He was in London this week as a nominee for an international award (sadly his university didn't win - fake result, obviously) but found consolation among some of his Bishops contemporaries, some of who he hasn't seen for 50 years.

Seven of us enjoyed a very amusing lunch in London. It's not often that in a non-academic environment two of six ODs are PhDs. But there were. The remaining four waxed proudly about their second class matrics.

From bottom left, clockwise: Nicky Bicket (F, 1973), William Finlay (F, 1971), Paul Winter (F, 1971), Mark Evans (W, 1971), Denis Christie (F, 1971), Jeremy Friedlander (F, 1972) and Markus Crepaz (a colleague of William's at the University of Georgia).

 
THE ODU YEAR-END PARTY
Friday 15th November 2019

Once again, we meet in the Blanchard Room at the lively and friendly Hollywood Arms for our year-end party where we celebrate the past months and look forward to 2020.

There is no charge to attend. There will be a cash bar and the food throughout the evening will be provided courtesy the ODU. It's from 6.30pm until we're thrown out at midnight. Come and go as you please. Dress is very casual.

I'm told that some of the more senior ODs are a bit reluctant to attend as the boisterousness of the younger ones can be a bit overwhelming. That is not the case and in fact the younger ones battle to keep up with the cracking pace set by their elders. All ODs will feel comfortable.

Wives and partners are very welcome

Because of security and catering, please could you RSVP HERE (if you have already, there's no need to do so again).

 
Robert Kotze and Oscar Von Seidel were placed in the top 10 in the junior section of the Mathematics Olympiad in South Africa. This is a fantastic achievement when one considers that over 30 000 pupils enter the first round of this Olympiad. 

Zac Young (12B) has had his Grade 11 exam
essay published in English Alive, an anthology of poetry and prose written by students from all over the country, compiled by the South African Council for English Education.

Three boys each received silver medals in the piano section of the recent Afrikaans Eisteddfod with three boys achieving distinction in the Royal Schools of Music examinations.
 
2019/20 DATES FOR THE DIARY

As always, wives and partners most welcome to all events and functions
_________________________________________

Saturday 12th October
12h15-15h30

Oxfordshire Pub lunch
The Bell at Hampton Poyle, OX5 2QD
RSVP HERE
_________________________________________

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

There is no charge for this function (cash bar, with food courtesy the ODU)

UK ODU Year-end Party
The Hollywood Arms
45 Hollywood Road, Chelsea, SW10 9HX

RSVP HERE
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14th December
14h00

Thames Hare and Hounds Alumni Cross Country Race
Wimbledon Common
Contact Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010)

_________________________________________

Friday 19th June 2020
18h30-midnight

The 2020 UK Annual Black-tie Dinner
The Carlton Club
69 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1PJ


SAVE THE DATE!!!!!
 
Copyright © 2019 UK ODU, All rights reserved.


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