The Life Healthcare Medical 10 is a 10 kilometre fun-run/walk for health professionals. It started in 1978 - with the idea of showing that they practiced what they preached to their patients about a healthy lifestyle. For the past 12 years the venue has been the Western Province Cricket Club Sports Complex off Avenue de Mist, with the route going round the Common and then a loop up the Bishops Avenue - from where there are usually spectacular views of Devil's Peak reflecting the early morning sunshine. The field usually includes a few ODs such a Bob Baigrie (1974F), Tim Noakes (1966W) and Sydney Cullis (1961F). As it is run on a handicap basis with half a minute allowed for each year of age over 40, the "old toppies" often manage to finish towards the top of the field.   Thanks to multiple sponsors the proceeds are donated to a charity - last year the Paediatric Department at Victoria Hospital was Supported.    This year's event will start at 06h30 on Sunday 25th November and is open to all health professionals. For the entry form, click HERE  

This very casual and relaxed affair is on the Friday 30th November, back at the Hollywood Arms in Chelsea. Wives and Partners most welcome  RSVPs closer the time

Dear Fellow OD’s I have had some responses to the emails I sent out in October. I thank all of those that did respond. The majority of the OD’s would like to meet on the 6th of December 2018. The venue that most OD’s preferer is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. You will find a link to the location here: https://goo.gl/maps/VRuKA3BJbft I have booked the tables under my name Dirk van Doorn. The tables are reserved for 18:30. The location itself will be outside the club house where we meet last time for those that attended. https://www.reserveout.com/dubai-en/lakeview-deira Date: Thursday the 6th of December 2018 Time: 18:30 Venue: The Dubai Creek Yacht and Gold Club | Lakeview Restaurant | Dubai | UAE Attire: Smart Casual If there are any changes in terms of the number of people attending please let me know so that we can adjust the seating requirements accordingly. The restaurant runs an excellent kitchen as well as a large variety of beverages that are on offer. As previously done everyone would pay for their own consumption of whatever they have ordered. As a gesture it is proposed that we also use the get together to raise funds for: The Hamilton Mvelase Bursary Fund that Bishops offers to prospective students. It is my hope that we can show a little of the generosity and the big heart that Middle East expatriates have come to be known by when it comes to donating money to a worthy cause. The story of Hamilton can be found online at: https://trust.bishops.org.za/the-hamiltonmvelase- bursary-fund/ It does not matter how big or small the amount is. Any contribution will be welcomed. I will arrange for the transfer and provide a list of the donors from the Middle East branch. If you wish to stay anonymous that will also be respected. I hope we can raise a couple of thousand Dirhams at the event. I look forward to seeing you all at the OD event. Kind Regards Dirk S. van Doorn

On 15th December, for the third year, intrepid ODs take on the best of the UK alumni cross-country teams. Wimbledon Common is the course (first aid afterwards at The Telegraph). Eton and Winchester are in our crosshairs. James Deane (B, 1990)  is selector, coach, and team disciplinarian.

The annual Christmas Carol performance with Richard Cock (1966O) will be held on Saturday 15th December 2017 at 18h00 in the Bishops Memorial Chapel - Diocesan College. Please find more information and to book tickets here.