Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News

Past Events

News > ODs Around the World > UK ODs celebrate the appointment of the new ODU Patron

UK ODs celebrate the appointment of the new ODU Patron

UK ODs came together in London last night to celebrate the appointment of Raymond Ackerman (S, 1948) as Patron of the Old Diocesans Union
30 Jan 2019
ODs Around the World
Our Patron talks to UK ODs
Our Patron talks to UK ODs
The Old Diocesans Union has what can only be described as a robust structure, with a president, vice presidents, chairman, vice-chairman, committee members, sub-committees, the OD Secretary and an administrator. And at the top of this pile sits the Patron a largely ceremonial position which adds gravitas and stature to the Union.

Raymond Ackerman (S, 1948) was appointed Patron of the ODU at the end of 2018 filling the vacancy created by the retirement of our previous Patron, Michael Watermeyer (O, 1945). Raymond was previously the President of the ODU, a position which he still retains. Raymond, who does not "do" non-executive, will bring his enormous wisdom, skill and ability to get things done to the ODU.

Last night (Tuesday 29th January) Hamish Sinclair (S, 1992) hosted a reception to celebrate Raymond's appointment at the offices of Stonehage Fleming in London. Among the sixty ODs and guests who attended was Simon Peile (F, 1979) who is Chairman of the Bishops College Council. He was kind enough to update us on the affairs of the School and the progress being made in the appointment of a new Principal to replace Guy Pearson who retires at the end of 2019. We were very pleased to welcome Rudi Beekman (O, 1962) and his wife Marjan who were visiting from the Netherlands

In a fireside chat format, Nicky Bicket (F, 1973) "interviewed" Raymond about the moments in his - Raymond's - life which shaped his extraordinarily successful, influential and philanthropic career. Many of these instances arose out of adversity, starting with the discrimination he experienced at Bishops, unfair dismissal from employment and his unwavering stance against the apartheid government as he built Pick 'n Pay. He talked, too, about the positive influences of key figures in his life (including at the top of the list, his wife Wendy), who taught him inter alia about believing in people, consumer sovereignty - a no-brainer but rare philosophy at the time - and simple models for business success.

Our thanks to Raymond for his talk last night and, of course, his continuing and generous support for Bishops and the ODU.

And our thanks to Hamish for Stonehage Fleming's hospitality and to Bruce Jack (F, 1984) for the donation of his delicious and quickly-consumed wines.

To see this report (again) and the tagged photos, click HERE

 

Gallery gallery

To view this News Article

Similar stories

a stirring presentation in a sold-out Heavy Chef event at Bishops Mitre Theatre in Rondebosch
ODU Events

Techpreneurship at The Mitre - What you missed

More...

WasteShark can be used for the removal of plastic AND bio-materials!
Oliver Cunningham (1991K) is saving our oceans! Watch his interview with BBC News

WasteShark made its UK debut on 22 June 2018 in the town of Poole, Europe's largest natural harbour. More...
Jan Paul (Jan) Steenkamp (1959F)

More...

Chris Sandes (1971O)
Christopher Sandes (1971O) | 1953 -2019

Chris Sandes (1971O) passed away on the 19th of December 2018 More...

John Joubert
John Joubert (1944O) | 1927 -2019

John Joubert, one of Britain's most celebrated composers, died last night, 7th January 2019 after complications arising … More...

Most read

Passing of friends
Raymond David Ackerman. An Encomium of a truly great former Bishops student, and OD.

"When you are in the presence of a great man you walk away feeling great" - said of Raymond Ackerman by a former ODU Chairman. More...

John Dobson, the Stormers Coach.
ODs in the News
A story of 'a Bishops boy' that shows true character.

John Dobson recently received the Robert Gray Award, the highest honour the school can bestow on an OD. More...

This is the 1896 SA Side that played at Newlands on 5 September 1896, with Heatlie the Captain.
Archives & History
The Green Jersey

The history behind the green jersey that is currently worn by South Africa's national rugby side More...

Have your say

 
Alumni Management Software powered by
ToucanTech