IN THIS LETTER …
 
Dear ODs

What a month it's been. The Football World Cup is not going according to plan (not Russia's plan anyway), the British Cabinet has some unexpected vacancies and snow has fallen in the Cape.

At the end of last month we enjoyed the annual UK ODU black-tie dinner (at which the header photo was taken) and by all accounts ODs and their guests thought it one of the best. Guy Pearson, Bishops Principal, was our gust of honour and speaker. He followed the Grace read by Matthew Golesworthy (K, 2011), the Toast to Bishops proposed by Nick Dowdall (G, 2008, picture left) an a welcome from the ODU President, Raymond Ackerman (S, 1948). Choppy Bands (K, 1990) replied on behalf of the ODU and thanked Guy with a small present. Tom Baigrie (F, 1978, picture right) our MC guided, cajoled and even threatened us keeping the evening light , focused and moving along. We are indebted to Anthony Record MBE (S, 1956) not only for again donating the dinner wines from his fabulous estate, Domaine Gayda, but also being our sponsoring member of the Carlton. The full report and photos can be seen HERE.

I and Matthew Golesworthy were fortunate to be able to visit the new premises of the Old Haileyburian Society and were welcomed by the OH Secretary, Jane Everard. Haileybury has a long and close relationship with Bishops, supplying us with Anthony Mallett (Principal from 1964-1982) and, each year since since 1976,  receiving a Bishops pupil on exchange. The 11th August is our first golf match against The OHs and once again, the OD team is led by Alex Price (M, 2008). Coincidentally, two of the OD team members, Stuart Commins (F, 2006) and Doug Mallett (M, 2007) have direct connections to Haileybury; Stuart was himself an exchange student to Haileybury and while Doug's relationship (referred to above) is third order both have alerted the team manager to the possibility of a conflict of interest. Only the ODs' insatiable desire to win makes him feel more relaxed. More about the match is written later in the letter.

Congratulations to Stuart and Lisa Commins on the birth of their first child, Olivia (see photo). And also to Nic Bell ((S, 1998) and Nicoll on the birth of their second daughter, Emma. Lots of joy to all of you and may they select from the best of the ODs when the time comes.

It is around this time that I start to think about next year's functions and events which include the standing items - the dinner year-end party and the annual golf matches - but also in the planning is a winetasting event at which the wines of ODs and one or two other winemakers from estates owned by likeminded alumni will be featured. If anyone has any ideas for what else can be included, please let me know.

If you're off on a summer holiday, safe travels. If you're staying at home to enjoy the magnificent UK weather (without the water restrictions - yet) have a relaxing break.

Kindest regards

Nicky Bicket


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OD TOUR OF THE LANGUEDOC
 
In last month's newsletter, I reported on the OD tour of the Languedoc. Unfortuately the link to the report and photos didn't work. If you're interested in reading about and seeing ODs surrounded by wine, please click HERE.
DENBY MEYER EXHIBITION OPENING
 
You are invited to the opening of Denby Meyer's exhibition The Lightness of Summer at the Everard Read Gallery in Fulham on Thursday 12th July from 6pm-8pm. Denby, a celebrated South African Artist is the wife of Sean Kritzinger (F, 1983). Painings by South African artist Philip Barlow (St Andrews College) will also be on show. Because this is a private drinks reception (there is no charge) you will need to RSVP - to Angus - by clicking HERE.

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ODs ON THE MOVE

Our congratulations go to:

Simon Woolf (M, 2007) has been promoted to Consultant at BCS a boutique financial services management consultancy based in London
John Battersby (W, 1966) has a started as a senior policy advisor at Gplus Europe
Michael van Rooyen (B, 1996) has been appointed Managing Director of Ridgeback Recruiting 
Douglas Craig (F, 1991) started as a Programme Manager at Deloittes


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ODs v OLD HAILEYBURIANS GOLF MATCH
 
On Saturday 11th August, the OD Golf Team take on for the first time ever, the Old Haileyburian Golf Team. As mentioned elsewhere in this letter, Bishops and Haileybury have a close relationship. But on the greens, any sense of mercy will be set aside as the ruthless ODs seek to start as they mean to finish - as winners. Spectators most welcome to follow the golfers and/or join for drinks at around 6pm in the golf clubhouse (or outside if the weather holds).. The RAC is a beautiful setting and well worth the visit. Tee-off is between 12 noon and 12.30pm:

Now might be the time to correct an oversight in the report on the OD v Old Tonbridgian match played last month. Even though the OTs lead 3-1, it was said that Doug Mallett (M, 2007) had in the history of the tournament, never lost a match. In fact while that is true, rather upsettingly the reporter failed to mention that neither had Zandy MacDonald (F, 2007). This was not a malicious omission and both Doug and Zandy are to be congratulated -  and may their form last.

The team to play the OHs (in the photo as listed below from top, left to right) is: 

Alex Price (M, 2008, captain), Greg Baldwin (O, 1975) Stuart Commins (F, 2006), Zandy MacDonald, Doug Mallett, Stephen Suckling (F, 1976), Seb Golding (F, 2011) and Daniel Linegar (K, 2010)


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NEW ODU CUFFLINKS
 
The "link" OD cufflinks which I mentioned in last month's newsletter sold out within days. A new order has been placed which will be with me in a week's time.

Should you wish to order a pair, please click
HERE. Note that at the moment deliveries can be made to the UK only.


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CELEBRATED ODs

Joseph Michael SOLOMON
11 December 1886 - 26 August 1920

I wonder how many ODs who have graduated in UCT's Jameson Hall (or endured the comforts of Smuts Hall (or possibly, heaven forbid,  Fuller)) know that the architect for these buildings was a fellow-OD the Bishops architect Joseph Michael "John" (JM) Solomon.

Born in Paarl, JM Solomon was educated at Bishops where he was recognised for his sketching ability with his portraits of school dignitaries (see Prof Vipan's picture below) for the School magazine and sketches of the school buildings. His drawing of the Chapel colonnade with the Founders clock in the background became the first and enduring cover illustration of the School magazine since its "official" launch in December 1909 to celebrate the Bishops Diamond Jubilee.
 
After matriculating he was articled to (Sir Herbert) Baker & Masey. In 1907 he won the first prize for an essay, 'A style for South African architecture', the topic being set by Masey and adjudicated by Baker. Baker, incidentally was the Bishops architect prior to Solomon's appointment.
 
In the same year, Solomon became assistant secretary to the National Society and in 1908 competed unsuccessfully for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Tite Prize. Baker invited Solomon to join his Johannesburg office in 1910. Here Solomon played a significant role in the decoration of the interior of Villa Arcadia for Sir Lionel and Lady Phillips and his relationship with the Philips was to become important for him.
 
In 1911 was awarded a two-year travelling bursary by the Phillipses which took him to Europe. He not only fulfilled an ambition by studying in Italy but acted as a go-between for Lady Phillips, Robert Ross and Sir Hugh Lane over the purchase of art books and works of art for the Johannesburg Art Gallery.
 
In 1912 he met Sir Ernest Lutyens in London and he was much impressed by Lutyens's practice and seems to have transferred his architectural loyalties - and labour - from Baker to Lutyens around this time. He returned to Johannesburg late in 1913.
 
In 1914, Solomon was struggling for work and asked Sir Lionel Phillips to use his influence to obtain for him the proposed new University of Cape Town buildings, a project coveted by many.
 
After a great deal of lobbying, Solomon was rewarded in December 1917 by his appointment as architect for the new university buildings at Cape Town, an appointment which greatly upset Sir Herbert Baker who felt he should have been selected. Despite being considered, no competition had been held for such a large and prestigious job. Solomon's appointment was surprising: he was thirty years old and relatively inexperienced and had executed very few works on which his performance could be judged. But he had the influential support of the Phillips's for who he had already started to do some work together with Sir Herbert Baker.
 
Solomon visited Europe and America in order to study the latest university designs; he was much impressed with the private funding of large buildings in America.
 
According to Brian Bamford (OD and Bishops 1951 Rhodes Scholar, Solomon's vision for the University of Cape Town was for a university of classic simplicity: 'the centre of the composition would be a hall, pillared and domed, the buildings would be large, bold and symmetrical (see sketch for what is now Jameson Hall against the final build in the picture above. In the final execution of the design, ten columns had reduced to six and the cupola abandoned. Solomon's drawings covered the entire building for the original campus) - detail, intricacy, fine effects of light and shade would stand no chance on the foothills of the towering Devil's Peak - the atmosphere would be Mediterranean.' The design and building took a relatively long time to come to the boil. 
 
In fact, the work grew to such proportions that Solomon became acutely anxious, particularly about the mounting costs. In Spring 1919, Lutyens was requested 'expressly at the invitation of the Council of the University of Cape Town to report on the plans prepared for the new buildings at Groote Schuur'.
 
The first sod of the foundations was turned in August 1920 in pouring rain; but by then, Solomon was troubled by sleeplessness and depression.

On Thursday 26th August 1920, aged 33, he shot himself in his home at The Woolsack, leaving his wife and two young children. He never saw the realisation of his designs.

Of the many 
buildings and works designed by Solomon, the memorial to Robert Falcon Scott is considered one of his finest small pieces. Made in stone, and unveiled by John X Merriman (OD) it was destroyed by vandals in 1948. A replica made after the original was destroyed still exists.Other buildings, including the final part of the south wing of Founders and the original school sanatorium as well as the Old Town House on Greenmarket Square and the remodelled Michaelis Art Gallery at the top of Adderley Street stand, with others, as testimony to his skill and vision. "Imagine..." as the Cape Argus wrote in his obituary "... what he might have done had he lived another twenty years".

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ANNUAL ALUMNI CROSS-COUNTRY RACE
THE THAMES HARE & HOUNDS
2pm, 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. Eton and Winchester are in our crosshairs. James Deane (B, 1990), captain for the past two years, will by the time you read this notice, be doing his bit to clear the Fosters surplus in Australia to which country he has now moved. He will be missed as the team selector, coach, and disciplinarian but fortunately in Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) we have a more-than-adequate - and good deal younger - replacement skipper.

This is an afternoon full of needle and fun and a great way to burn off the calories you will be putting back at The Telegraph Pub post-race.

Bring it home, chaps - register and commit by contacting Rowan
HERE.


The photo is of the 2017 team (in OD running vests) which came 13th out of 45 teams

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THE ODU MENTORING PROGRAMME
 
The ODU Mentoring Programme continues to flourish. ODs are regularly putting themselves forward as mentors and monthly, younger ones are benefiting.

Sometimes the chemistry doesn't work and the mentor-mentee relationship doesn't progress. This is natural and when this happens, mentors and mentees are urged to write to me so I can remedy the situation.

The mentoring relationship on average lasts about three months, but some longer and some for only one meeting/conversation. Mentors are encouraged to stay in contact with their mentees and mentees shouldn't lose touch with their mentors. These are relationships which should be nurtured and cherished. It's what ODs do for each other.

Last month, I had a senior OD living in North America volunteer himself as a mentor saying, "At almost 80 I suppose its a bit late, but I do have experience and insight". 

I bet he does and such giving back to young ODs is truly appreciated and hopefully will soon he will be called into service.

So - to volunteer as a mentor or request a mentor, please click 
HERE.

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The 2018 UCT Maths Competition had over 7,000 entries from 150 schools. A maximum of 75 students from one school may enter the competition. The overall result for each school is based on the scores of the top 30 students. Since the competitions inception, Bishops, Rondebosch Boys High and Westerford have been the only schools to occupy the top 3 positions. This year Rondebosch Boys High won the competition with Bishops second and Westerford third.

Congratulations to the Bishops team of Derek Reissenzahn, Nivar Rajoo and Brandon Snider on winning the Provincial Round of the Minquiz Science Competition. In addition, Derek was selected to represent the province in the National Competition.

 
Michael Houlie, the fastest swimmer in South Africa in his age group, has qualified for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. He will participate in both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke events.

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The following four events have been set up in London to mark the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth. They are not organised by the ODU but might be of appeal to ODs, their families and friends

 

TALK: MANDELA: THE LEGACY DEBATE

Catch a glimpse of the life and legacy of Mandela 

When: 16 Jul 2018, 7.30pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Tickets: Free, but ticketed. 

Catch a glimpse of the life and legacy of Mandela at a debate chaired by BBC presenter Zeinab Badawi, featuring participants who knew him personally. Those whose lives have been deeply touched through their encounters with Mandela are joined by younger voices from South Africa and the diaspora. The panel discuss the essence of Mandela and how they have been inspired by the story of his life. Book HERE.


EXHIBITION: NELSON MANDELA: THE CENTENARY EXHIBITION 2018


When: Opens Tue 17 Jul at 4pm.
Runs 10am – 11pm daily, 18 Jul – 19 Aug inclusive

Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall,
Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, Southbank Centre

Tickets:  Free
Mark the 2018 centenary of iconic leader Nelson Mandela’s birth in this exhibition about his life, career, and commitment to equality and justice. This exhibition explores the life and times of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013) and marks the centenary of his birth. It provides insight into Mandela’s journey from young freedom fighter to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive apartheid system, and an emblem of an ongoing struggle to build a more just and equitable world. More information HERE.


FILM: LIFE IS WONDERFUL

 
When: 26 July, 6.30pm
Where: Curzon Renoir Cinema in Russell Square
Tickets: Price: £12.50 (£10 concessions) 


Life is Wonderful is a new award-winning documentary film about the Rivonia Trialists. Nelson Mandela’s Rivonia Trial was one of the most gripping and important trials in legal history, charging Mandela and members of the group of South Africans who were planning to overthrow apartheid with the capital offence of sabotage.
The film tells the story of Nelson Mandela's co-defendants at the Rivonia trial, the lawyers who saved them from the gallows and some of the other brave men and women who supported them in their fight for a multi-racial democracy. It is told largely through never-before seen interviews with the surviving defendants and lawyers, recordings from the trial and original archive from the apartheid era and the trial. 
Join Brand South Africa at a screening, followed by a Q&A with the director Sir Nick Stadlen, former English High Court Judge.
Book HERE.


TALK: GRANDAD MANDELA

When: 16 Aug 2018, 2:30 pm
Where:  Purcell Room, Southbank Centre
Tickets: Free, but ticketed 
 
Hear Mandela’s daughter and great-granddaughters discuss their children’s book on his life, Grandad Mandela. Their touching book explores what it means to be the family of a man they hardly knew, while the rest of the world regarded him as their own.
Grandad Mandela is also a simple picture book about humility, love, belief, forgiveness and family.
Zindzi Mandela, South Africa's ambassador to Denmark, is the daughter of the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and the late Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela. Co-authors Zazi and Ziwelene are her granddaughters and Nelson and Winnie's great-grandchildren.
Book HERE.


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DATES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR
Wives/Partners are always most welcome


 
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. Spectators most welcome to follow the golfers and/or join for drinks at around 6pm in the golf clubhouse (or outside of the weather holds).

Contact Alex Price (M, 2008) if you want to be on stand-by.


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. Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010)  is selector, coach, and team disciplinarian.

Register your interest
HERE
 
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