The big event this month is our annual dinner on Friday 29th June at the beautiful Carlton Club in London. This is always a very happy occasion with plenty of opportunities of networking with ODs you may not know who can be of help as one makes one's way in the UK. It is also probably the last time we will be hearing Guy Pearson speak as he heads into his retirement year. It would be good to have a full house and so if you haven't yet booked, please do so and encourage your classmates to come along as well. Tickets are £65 for those who matriculated in 2007 or earlier and wives and partners and £58 for 2008+ matriculants. This includes all pre-dinner drinks and half-a-bottle of wine each with your three course dinner. To RSVP, click anywhere on the invitation or HERE.
James Johnston (G, 2012, left) is our latest OD to represent his sport at international level. After graduating at Harvard where he rowed for the university's 1st VIII, James has been selected for the Team GB Rowing Squad which recently competed in the World Championships in Serbia. Huge congratulations from all of us, James.
Simon Peile (F, 1979, right), the new Chairman of the Bishops College Council was in London this month and we were delighted that he could join us for a Trustees meeting of the Diocesan College Trust. He gave us a glimpse into his early thinking about the School and its direction and of course the progress of the Bishops 175 Appeal (for more on this see later in the letter). He will also give a short talk at The Christo Brand breakfast.
Laurence is the new addition to the Jos Cunningham (F, 2003, left) dynasty and congratulations to you all. We know the lifestyle change will be very worthwhile. Hello Laurence and we look forward to welcoming you into the ODU in 2036.
Congratulations to Martin Calder (B, 1991, right) and Angela Kerr who married in May. We wish them well for a life of great happiness together (M & A in the photo on the right)..
Steve Hofmeyr (O, 1973) is a formidable British QC and, to be expected, not much gets past his cross and examining eyes. He wrote the following in response to my piece last month on Chris Barnard and the OD connection with specific reference to Dr Rodney Hewitson, Barnard's righthand man:
"I thought Rod Hewitson was a Bishops boy, a contemporary or near contemporary of my father. But I may be wrong – No, I am right. (See his obituary in the OD section of the Bishops magazine (p107/6) HERE.)
He had three (not two) sons at bishops – John (himself a leading cardiac surgeon and Associate Professor at UCT – with Jannie Brink, another OD), Stephen (a pilot) and Bruce (a professor of climatology at UCT). Stephen was in our class until he slipped a year. Was he not with you in Sub-A?
The Hewitson family lived in Silwood Road, in the shadow of White House.
Rod had a police escort from their farm on the Hermanus Lagoon in order to get back for the first heart-transplant. It is said that he did the journey in under an hour! Rod was the surgeon who eschewed the lime-light but did most of the work."
I think the rest of what I wrote was correct!
There has been a good amount of interest in a medical OD even in Oxford, and after meeting with Chris Winearls (W, 1967) who is an important driver of this, we have decided to stick this into next year's diary, probably around March. So please watch this space.
My contact with ODs since the last newsletter has been regular and enjoyable. Among those I met with include Nic Searle (O, 1988) the branch secretary of Eastern Canada who passed through London with his wife Anne (see photo to the left, Nic on the right). Charles McGregor (F, 1968), Peter Robinson (S, 1966), Choppy Bands (M, 1990), John Joubert (O, 1944), John Campbell (F, 1974), Chris Winearls (W, 1967), Anthony Gibson (S, 1973), Rupert Pardoe (F, 1973), Niall Carroll (O, 1981), Steve Hofmeyr (O, 1973), Nick Heesom (W, 1961), Tony Jones (G, 1976), Bruce McGregor (F, 1963), Simon Peile (F, 1979) and Peter Syfret (S, 1961)
Brett Ormrod (M, 2007) has been made an Associate at Foster and Partners where he has been since 2014, working with them as a Senior Mechanical Engineer Matthew Golesworthy (K, 2011) has graduated with an MChem from Oxford where aside from reading for his chemistry degree, was also the Organ Scholar at Trinity James Johnston (G, 2012) has been selected for the Team GB Rowing Squad and this month travels to Belgrade for the first World Cup Rowing regatta of the 2018 season Greg Dooley (G, 1998) has been appointed Digital Marketing Executive at Clyde & Co, a leading, sector-focused global law firm Daniel Woolf (M, 2007) an attorney has been appointed Contract Manager within the legal team at Hutchinson Whampoa where he deals with a wide range of commercial matters with a specific focus on data roaming agreements (apologies for the quality of the photo)
Some of our more sartorially-conscious ODs have spoken to me about an alternative to the cufflinks available from Cape Town. The preferred style among the London City dressers is for chain links. So a virtual OD focus group was convened and polled, the design settled on, a manufacturer selected and I now have, to test the water, 14 pairs of these cufflinks (which come in a very grand presentation box) selling at £35 per pair plus £3 postage (UK delivery only). Should you want a pair, please order HERE. If pre-launch sales are anything to go by, if I run out, we'll have more made.
After many months of planning, 20 ODs and wives assembled in Carcassonne last month for a four-day visit to taste the wines, explore the old city, walk in the woods, eat fabulous food and get to know each other better. Domaine Gayda belongs to Anthony Record MBE (S, 1956) and it was here that we were stationed for tastings of the region's wines - the best being from Gayda - and dinners. Peter Elliott (W, 1967) and Maddy his wife have lived in the region for many years, grow their own grapes and know everything there is to know about everything in the area.. They were our hosts, guides and and and providers of much needed (and appreciated) tea in their lovely home.
The purpose of these tours is to bring together ODs (and wives) who would not otherwise have the occasion to meet and get to know one another. The notion that anyone who went to Bishops automatically knows everyone who went to Bishops is patently silly, yet it is amazing how the common experience of the School makes ODs of every generation feel connected to other ODs regardless of matric year. Such is the value of the ODU and for those who haven't considered joining one of these trips, consider the next trip (when- and wherever that will be (think Italy 2019)).
To read the full report of our trip to the Languedoc and see all the photos, click HERE.
Although going down to the Old Tonbridgians last week, 8 of our OD golfers (and your secretary) enjoyed a near-perfect day (other than the result) at the RAC in Surrey. It might appear at first glance that over four years, trailing 1-3 is an almost insurmountable hill to climb, the spirit, pride, commitment and resolve to close the gap next year brings this objective within easy reach.
It should be a matter of some celebration that Doug Mallett (M, 2007) has played in every tournament against the OTs and is unbeaten - and, in the words of one of his team mates, unbeatable. You go, Doug! Congratulations.
To read the report and see the pictures, click HERE.
Between the next OT showdown and now, however, the OD team takes on the Old Haileyburians at the RAC on the 11th August and anyone wanting to play should contact our captain, Alex Price (M, 2008).
In the team photo above, resplendent in their ODU livery are: (back) Greg Baldwin (O, 1975), Dave Riches (K, 1996), Alex Price, Eric Allan (S, 2010), Seb Golding (F, 2011); (front) Nick Dowdall (G, 2008), Doug Mallett and Zandy MacDonald (F, 2007).
HELP BEAT POACHING IN SOUTH AFRICA SALUBRIOUS SPORTS DAY 28th JULY 2018
Michael Cockburn (F, 2006), Devan du Plooy (G, 2007) and James During (B, 2007) are within a whisker of launching a new beer - Co.Bru. One of their launch events is to sponsor The Salubrious Sports Day in Wimbledon on 28th July.
Last year the day managed to raise £8,000 for the Balule Nature Reserve in South Africa which is at the centre of the prevention of poaching. This year Balule will again be the beneficiary of, hopefully, a lot more money.
The Salubrious Sports Day itself is an energetic but fun-filled day best described by reading the brochure by clicking HERE. If you'd like to be part of the day, book your tickets HERE.
The cause is good, the prizes amazing and if you feel you would like to win one, raffle tickets (the first steps to winning) can be bought HERE.
Perhaps you could donate a prize and if so, please email of Michael.
Having written in this section about deceased ODs, it seemed to be the right time to start celebrating living ODs who are making significant contributions to making the world a better place.
One such is Greg Mills who is the Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation.
In the picture (2011), Greg (left) is being presented with the NATO Non-Article V medal by General Sir David Richards, the UK Chief of Defence Staff . In presenting the medal, Sir David said, “I have the privilege of presenting many medals but rarely to civilians. And even more rarely to civilians who have shown the same qualities of courage, resourcefulness, leadership and resilience that is expected of the Armed Forces. Today, I have the huge and rare privilege of doing just that. Dr Greg Mills is at heart a soldier with all the attributes I have just listed. On operations in Afghanistan, he proved to be an extremely brave and tough comrade in arms, earning great respect from all ranks. Greg, thank you for your contribution to our common cause. On behalf particularly of your many military admirers, it gives me great pleasure to present you with this Afghanistan medal as a mark of COMISAF's deep respect and gratitude.” (Full citation HERE).
Educated at the Universities of Cape Town (BA and BA Hons) and Lancaster (MA and PhD), from 1990-1994 he taught at the Universities of the Western Cape and Cape Town. From 1994-1996 he was the Director of Studies at the SA Institute of International Affairs, and from 1996-2005 the SAIIA National Director.
In 2008 he was deployed as Strategy Advisor to the President of Rwanda. From 2007-12 he directed the Secretariat to the Presidential International Advisory Board in Mozambique, and from 2012-14 the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Economy of Malawi. In 2006 he was on assignment in Kabul as head of the International Security Assistance Force’s (ISAF) Prism strategic analysis group, and was seconded to ISAF in Kandahar also with Prism in 2010, and to HQ ISAF again in Kabul in 2012. Dr Mills is widely published on international affairs, development and security, a regular columnist for South African and international newspapers, and the author of the best-selling books ‘Why Africa is Poor – and what Africans can do about it’ (Penguin: 2010) and, with Jeffrey Herbst (President of the Washington DC-based Newseum), ‘Africa’s Third Liberation’ (Penguin: 2012).
Based on his peace-building experiences, in 2011 he jointly edited, with General Sir David Richards, ‘Victory Among People: Lessons from Countering Insurgencies and Stabilising Fragile States’ (2011: Royal United Services Institute), and in 2013 published ‘Somalia-- Fixing Africa’s Most Failed State’ (Tafelberg) with Peter Pham and David Kilcullen.
In 2009 he was a visiting fellow at the Centre for African Studies at Cambridge University. In 2013 he was appointed to the African Development Bank’s High-Level Panel on Fragile States. In 2014 he was a visiting senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He also serves on the visiting faculty of Nato’s Higher Defence College, the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, and the SA National Defence College.
‘Why States Recover’ (Panmacmillan/Hurst/OUP) was launched in South Africa in July 2014, detailing his peace and state building experiences across two dozen case-studies.
In 2014-15 he undertook a major project on the South African economy in collaboration with Dr Herbst. Based on more than 300 interviews across the country it was published in July 2015 as ‘How South Africa Works – and must do better’ (Panmacmillan/Hurst/OUP).
In October 2015 he completed a study on Colombia’s post-conflict governance experience with Dr Kilcullen, Dr David Spencer, and General Dickie Davis, which has appeared as ‘A Great Perhaps? Colombia: Conflict and Convergence’ (Hurst/OUP) and ‘¿UN GRAN QUIZÁS? Colombia: Conflicto y convergencia’ (Planeta).
In 2017 together with Dr Herbst, General Davis and President Olusegun Obasanjo, the chair of the Foundation, he has published ‘Making Africa Work: A Handbook for Economic Success’ (Tafelberg/OPL/ Hurst/OUP).
His leisure interests include motorsport, for which he received his national colours in 2016. Greg is married to the artist Janet Wilson and their three children -- Amelia, Beatrix and William -- keep his feet firmly on the ground.
Bishops has just released their sustainability report, the product of a massive amount or research and consultation. It sets the path for the School's philosophy and practice to a greener environment and is something of a trailblazer not only in how schools think about the planet, but in society in general. It is well-worth a read and can be found HERE.
Marek Kanigowski has been selected to represent South Africa in the National Open Polo (equestrian) Team. Marek is one of very few ever to make the National team before turning 18. He is also the first Capetonian to do so.
Congratulations to Jono Bird on his selection to the SA u19 One day cricket squad. The national u19 side will tour the United Kingdom during the July school holidays.
DATES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR Wives/Partners are always most welcome RSVP HERE
UK ANNUAL OD BLACK-TIE DINNER
Friday 29th June
Carlton Club, London
Do your best to attend this dinner which once again is in the beautiful Carlton Club in London. Guy Pearson, Bishops Principal, is speaking
INAUGURAL OD vs OH GOLF MATCH
Saturday 11th August
RAC, Surrey
New on the calendar, our first of hopefully an annual event against the Old Haileyburian Golf Society. They're keen to get off to a winning start. So are we.
EXPLODING THE MYTH
Tuesday 11th September
Venue (London) tba
John Wyatt (W, 1961) speaks about his new book which deals with his distinguished career in explosives and anti-terrorism activities.
YEAR-END OD PARTY
Friday 30th November
The Hollywood Arms, Chelsea
This very casual and relaxed affair is on the Friday 30th November, back at the Hollywood Arms in Fulham.
Invitations closer the time
ANNUAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS CROSS-COUNTRY
Saturday 15th December
Wimbledon Common
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.
James Johnston (G, 2012, left) is our latest OD to represent his sport at international level. After graduating at Harvard where he rowed for the university's 1st VIII, James has been selected for the Team GB Rowing Squad which recently competed in the World Championships in Serbia. Huge congratulations from all of us, James.
left) dynasty and congratulations to you all. We know the lifestyle change will be very worthwhile. Hello Laurence and we look forward to welcoming you into the ODU in 2036.
My contact with ODs since the last newsletter has been regular and enjoyable. Among those I met with include Nic Searle (O, 1988) the branch secretary of Eastern Canada who passed through London with his wife Anne (see photo to the left, Nic on the right). Charles McGregor (F, 1968), Peter Robinson (S, 1966), Choppy Bands (M, 1990), John Joubert (O, 1944), John Campbell (F, 1974), Chris Winearls (W, 1967), Anthony Gibson (S, 1973), Rupert Pardoe (F, 1973), Niall Carroll (O, 1981), Steve Hofmeyr (O, 1973), Nick Heesom (W, 1961), Tony Jones (G, 1976), Bruce McGregor (F, 1963), Simon Peile (F, 1979) 
After many months of planning, 20 ODs and wives assembled in Carcassonne last month for a four-day visit to taste the wines, explore the old city, walk in the woods, eat fabulous food and get to know each other better. Domaine Gayda belongs to 
Michael Cockburn (F, 2006), Devan du Plooy (G, 2007) and James During (B, 2007) are within a whisker of launching a new beer - Co.Bru. One of their launch events is to sponsor The Salubrious Sports Day in Wimbledon on 28th July.
In the picture (2011), Greg (left) is being presented with the NATO Non-Article V medal by General Sir David Richards, the UK Chief of Defence Staff . In presenting the medal, Sir David said, “I have the privilege of presenting many medals but rarely to civilians. And even more rarely to civilians who have shown the same qualities of courage, resourcefulness, leadership and resilience that is expected of the Armed Forces. Today, I have the huge and rare privilege of doing just that. Dr Greg Mills is at heart a soldier with all the attributes I have just listed. On operations in Afghanistan, he proved to be an extremely brave and tough comrade in arms, earning great respect from all ranks. Greg, thank you for your contribution to our common cause. On behalf particularly of your many military admirers, it gives me great pleasure to present you with this Afghanistan medal as a mark of COMISAF's deep respect and gratitude.” (Full citation 
Bishops has just released their sustainability report, the product of a massive amount or research and consultation. It sets the path for the School's philosophy and practice to a greener environment and is something of a trailblazer not only in how schools think about the planet, but in society in general. It is well-worth a read and can be found 
K ANNUAL OD BLACK-TIE DINNER
