BACK ROW: Berend Metz (W); Rob Baillie (W); Giles Butlin (W); Derek Corder (F); Steve Galloway (W); Gavin Douglas-Hamilton (F); Tony Leng (O); Chris Goodwin (S); Richard Llewellyn (F); Henry van der Bijl (F); Mark Huxter (F); Denis Handley (W); Brian Biebuyck (O).

FRONT ROW: Laurie Gardener (O); Mark van Ryneveld (G); Jonathan Mort (O); Richard King (S); Bob Baigrie (F); Anton Handley (G); Mark Lewis (W).

The class of 1974 held its 50th reunion over the Founders’ Day weekend. Richard King, who organised the events, reports:

“More than 40 of us who were together for all or part of our school career gathered for a long ‘weekend’ of shared memories, fellowship and the renewal of many longstanding friendships.

“Estimates of the exact number in the class vary but by cobbling different information together it seems that some 76 of us sat the JMB exams that year. The invitation included the 1974 post-matrics.

“Our initial gathering was held on Wednesday evening at the alumni hub - our splendid ‘Mitre’. At first, there were a number of quizzical looks, but the name labels helped and, as the evening passed, so the camaraderie, banter and laughter grew.

Bob Baigrie entertained us with a slide show – a reminder of the many staff members who helped shape us into the people we are today. We were especially pleased to have Caroline Hamilton-Smith join us but Vivienne Mallet was, unfortunately, out of town. Bob's tribute included a number of notable events from our years at Bishops together with the accompanying anecdotes.

“One of the highlights of the evening was the ‘world premiere’ of Country Roads, a song based on John Denver’s famous hit which evoked wonderful memories of our time at Bishops. The lyrics were adapted by James Gardener and the recording includes voices and musical contributions from a number of others across three continents.

Mark Lewis proposed a toast to absent friends together with a moment to remember those who had passed on.

“A number of us attended the Annual Dinner at Kelvin Grove on Thursday evening. An estimated 400 old boys and their partners packed the ballroom and were richly entertained by comedian, Nic Rabinowitz and old boy Glen Biderman-Pam, a comedian himself and also a director/actor. John Dobson provided a trip down memory lane with his recollections of life at Bishops.

“Everyone was left to participate in Friday’s Founders’ Day events as they saw fit, but on Saturday the Elgin Railway Market beckoned. A small group enjoyed a visit to the food and craft emporium located in the impressive art deco railway station – some travelling from Cape Town by steam train.

“Our final function on Sunday was a spit braai. This final event rounded off a wonderful few days in the company of old friends who share the bond of a privileged Bishops education.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed catching up on the ten years since our last reunion and it was special that so many spouses and partners were able to join in the various events.

“Sadly, there were a number of old boys unable to make the occasion due to schedule constraints and, in some cases, health reasons. It was of course the perfect opportunity to remember the ten members of the group who have passed on.

“In conclusion my thanks to Dedry, Paul, Leon and their support teams – all of whom made the job of organising so much easier. Finally, a sincere thank you to everyone attending, particularly those who travelled from abroad. It wouldn’t have been the same without all of you.”

The ODA Paul Murray was honoured to be invited to drinks where he met with the class. Paul knew many of the ODs either through having met them at Parent-Teachers' meetings, or on previous OD tours.

We wish the members of the Class of '74 well for their celebrations and look forward to seeing them again soon at The Mitre.

BACK ROW: VIC KENT; JONATHAN MORT; CHRIS BOYES; BOB BAIGRIE; GILES BUTLIN; BRETT GAGE; LAURIE GARDENER; HENRY V/D BIJL; PETE MITCHELL.

FRONT ROW: MARK V RYNEVELD; JAMES GARDENER; GAVIN DOUGLAS HAMILTON; RICH KING; MARK HUXTER; ANTON HANDLEY; STEVE GALLOWAY; PAT HARPUR; CHRIS BENEKE; ROB BAILLIE; JOHN MURRAY; NIC DE KOCK; NIGEL LEES; TOM PASSMORE; JOHN BERGH