Dear ODs
In last month's newsletter, I incorrectly wrote that our new ODU Chairman's final year at Bishops was 1989 when in fact he is a far more youthful 1992 matriculant. Completely inexcusable, though, was my referring to his being in Gray House when, as he pointed out - indignantly - he was in Ogilvie. So to Adam Pike (O, 1992) my apologies. I would like to say printer's gremlins, but that, in today's age of cyber communication, is no longer a valid excuse.
In this month's Celebrated ODs below, we feature Tuppy Owen-Smith. There is much to read and admire about him below. He was the quintessential Bishops boy and OD. I want to thank John Gardener (G, 1947), former Bishops Rhodes Scholar, teacher and Principal, for his help. John's eulogy to Tuppy is available in the section below too.
I'm pleased that there is now a new range of chain link ODU cufflinks (see below to order) for sale to ODs. This is in response to some of our City Suits wanting to upgrade their boardroom image - but would enhance even the most basic of casual and country wear.
Next week, 20 ODs and wives assemble in Carcassonne on a three day wine and walking tour of the region. June's newsletter will contain the report and some probably very blurred pictures.
It has been a sociable month too and I was pleased to have met up and endangered livers with: Nicholas Olds (O, 2009), Chris Olds (O, 1999), Paul Betts (G, 2000), Miles Maskell (O, 1953), Peter Robinson (S, 1966), Brian Robertson (W, 1979), Dugald Robertson (F, 2010), John Hawinkels (O, 2010), Caelim Parkes (O, 1990), Francis Eliot (F, 1996), Nic Searle (O, 1988) Justin Fish (M, 2012) and Stephen Ryall (F, 2012). The Robertsons were in London for the Marathon in which they acquitted themselves very well.
Lastly, we wish all our ODs who are at British universities, all the best with their exams or dissertations.
As always, please let me have your news, photos (incl. selfies with other ODs) and generally, ways in which these newsletter can be improved.
Kind regards
Nicky Bicket
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OXFORD STRIKES BACK
 Hundreds of ODs have enjoyed and benefited from an Oxford education. At the end of last month I had lunch with Dee Ferandi (F, 2011 and coming to the end of his Rhodes Scholarship) Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) and Matthew Golesworthy (K, 2010) who were interested in finding out what all the fuss about Cambridge was (April 2018 newsletter). The three line up in the photo (taken in University College quad) in the order mentioned.
 A leisurely and most enjoyable lunch in The Mitre (of course) was followed by an edited tour of a few colleges, in particular University College which is Dee's. Beautiful and ancient (allegedly Oxford's first college) with, apparently, a fairly hit-and-miss but passable approach to plumbing, it boasts gorgeous quads, impeccably cared for.
As is the stunning chapel where we discovered a kneeler celebrating the life of an earlier  University College student, one Robert Gray. Look carefully to see the Bishops mitre on the front. Does anyone know who might have given this to the College?
The third photo is of the now infamous statue of Cecil John Rhodes which looms large over the entrance to Oriel and, from time to time, features in the centre of some or other hashtag row.
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OD v OLD TONBRIDGIAN GOLF MATCH
After weeks of agonising deliberations, in situ form analysis and intense lobbying, the OD Golf Team to play the Old Tonbridgians has been announced.
Congratulations and good luck go to Alex Price (M, 2008) captain, Zandy MacDonald (F, 2007), Nicholas Dowdall (G, 2008), Eric Allan (S, 2010), Seb Golding (F, 2011), Chad Cruikshank (G, 2006) and Dave Riches (K, 1996).
We go into the series 2-1 down so this is extreme stuff.
The match is being played at the RAC in Surrey on Saturday 9th June, with the pairs teeing off between 12 noon and 12.30pm. Supporters are more than welcome to follow the golf on one of England's finest courses or just relax in the clubhouse to await the return of our gladiators (around 5pm) and join in the OD/OT post match refreshments.
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ODs ON THE MOVE
This month, six (at least) ODs give us cause to celebrate.
Top row from left to right:
Caelim Parkes (O, 1990) a director of MSS Capital Ltd in London has been appointed a non-executive director of CRC New Energy (UK) Ltd
Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) has a new job as a software systems engineer with Diamond Light Source, a particle accelerator 158 m in circumference that generates beams of light that are 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Similar to a microscope, these are used for researching the microstructure of new drugs and materials. He'll be working with scientists and engineers to help research teams set up, run and control experiments at the facility.
Darren Bosman (O, 2007) has joined ExCeL London (London International Exhibition Centre) in the newly formed Procurement Manager position after one-and-a-half years at Millennium Hotels & Resorts
Bottom row from left to right:
Trevor Torrington (S, 1978) is the CEO of the Priory Group, the leading independent provider of behavioural care in the UK. This month he is the cover photo of Health Investor and inside shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in the mental health sector generally and within the Priory in particular.
Mark Hartnady (S, 1998) has been appointed a Director at X-Cloud Ltd ia boutique provider of cloud-based business productivity solutions. Specialising in Marketing Automation, CRM, Billing and Payments for SME's and Enterprise customers globally.
James Durrant (G, 1994) on receiving the Freedom of the City and becoming a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers |
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 If you haven't already, do register on the new all-singing, all dancing ODU website by clicking HERE.
And then don't forget to join the UK Branch!
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CELEBRATED ODs
Tuppy Owen-Smith (S, 1927)
 Born in Rondebosch on 18th February 1909, Harold Geoffrey Owen "Tuppy" Owen-Smith was a South African cricketer who played Test cricket for South Africa and a rugby player who played for and captained the England rugby team. He was a triple Blue at Oxford (cricket, rugby and boxing).
Tuppy played cricket in 5 Tests in 1929 for South Africa, all during the tour of England, and was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1930.
But in 1927, he captained School House against Founders (which had 9 1st XI players) and won after a Top House opening partnership of 229 of which Tuppy scored an unbeaten 217!
Playing cricket for South Africa against England at Headingley, batting in a last-wicket partnership with fellow-OD, Sandy Bell, Tuppy scored what has been described as one of the greatest centuries of all time. And he scored it before lunch.
He was capped 10 times in rugby union by England from 1934 to 1937. He was captain throughout the 1937 Home Nations Championship, so he captained England three times. He is regarded as having been a fine attacking full-back and a great of the game.
Tuppy studied medicine at St Mary's Hospital Medical School. While at Oxford (he was the 1930 Bishops Rhodes Scholar in Magdalen) he continued playing rugby and cricket for his university. After completing his degree he went back to South Africa and was a long-serving and much loved general practitioner, largely working from his home in Rondebosch. Those of us lucky enough, relatively speaking, to have been treated by Tuppy when he was the School's doctor, will remember that his default treatment for anything, from tonsillitis to athlete's foot, was Tandril. It seemed to work! He retired as the School doctor in 1979 after 30 years of service.
He died in Rosebank on 28th February 1990.
From John Gardener, two stories which illustrate Tuppy's wry sense of humour:
The first is when playing for Western Province, he found himself fielding at cover for the first over of the match. The first two balls were no-balls which prompted the somewhat irritated Tuppy to ask the umpire when he thought the match might actually start.
The second, also for Western Province, was walking off the field at close on day one, waving his bat at the selectors shouting "not available" as they were about to choose the fortcoming Springbok team. And who was one of those selectors? Pieter van der Bijl (F, 1926, Bishops 1928 Rhodes Scholar (Brasenose) and legendary Headmaster of DCPS).
JB Gardener's eulogy to Tuppy can be read HERE
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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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45th REUNION IN THE UK
 Who would have thought that as the first ever class of the brand new Bishops Pre-Prep school trooped through the doors in 1962, that it would be, arguably - and some do - one of the best ever cohorts ever to have passed through Bishops? And in 1973, those of us who saw it through returned triumphantly to reprise the official photograph taken twelve years before.
Now 45 years on, with the need to have our reunions occur in intervals of five rather than 10 years, the UK-based 1973s are planning to gather in Surrey to celebrate. Not only UK-based ODs, of course, but any of the 1973 vintage. If you are interested, please get hold of me by clicking HERE.
The picture above which appeared in the 1973 December magazine are the two taken twelve years apart, 1962 and 1973. I have identified those in the bottom photo (try to match them with the youthful five-year olds in the top):
Back: Harvey Cassie, Anthony Black, Peter van Ryneveld, Allan Gasson, Anthony Gibson
Front: Nicky Bicket, James Thomas (deceased), Zandy Bicket, our beloved carer, Henry Rippenaar, Anthony Lister, Mike Thompson and Willie Burton (deceased).
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 Last month Bishops hosted the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. There were five Bishops boys representing South Africa and they did fantastically well; John van Niekerk was the champion After Dinner speaker and Nicholas Peile came 3rd in the Persuasive Speaking and 7th overall. There were 170 competitors from eleven different countries.
Two boys achieved a very rare feat when playing for the 6th XI Cricket team against Wynberg Boys. Jeff took three wickets, a hat-trick. What made it special is that all three wickets were stumpings. Following weeks of research, it was found that a hat-trick in which all three batsmen were stumped has happened only once in the entire history of first class cricket (such is the standard of the Bishops 6th XI) in a County game in England back in 1893 ironically involving WG Grace in match between Gloucestershire and Somerset. What makes the Bishops accomplishment even more special is that it was achieved with the first three deliveries of the match.
The 1st XI hockey team travelled to two pre-season hockey festivals in preparation for their league, which starts today. The boys played superb hockey over both festivals against the top ranked schools in the country. The boys involved in both festivals were outstanding ambassadors for Bishops hockey both on and off the field. Playing 11 games in total over both festivals and ended with 7 wins and 4 draws.
Rishay Thakersee played impressive chess in the 2018 South African Junior Closed Chess Championships held in Johannesburg over the April holidays. He finished 11th in the U14 Open Section.
Michael Houlie achieved outstanding individual and team performances whilst representing South Africa in swimming at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Australia. Michael broke his own South African Age Group Record (for boys aged 17) in both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke. He reached the Men’s final of the 50m Breaststroke, finishing in 6th place. Michael also made the semi-final of the Men’s 100m Breaststroke, finishing in a personal best time. Michael won a Bronze Medal, as part of the South African Men’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay team.
Three boys have been selected to represent South Africa at the U16 Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 7 to 17 July 2018.
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CLASSICAL MUSIC
Concerts at 22 Mansfield Street in London continue. The programmes and RSVP details can be read by clicking the links below:
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THE WORLD'S FIRST HEART TRANSPLANT
 Who, alive at the time, can forget the fame and even glamour brought on South Africa on 3rd December 1967 when Chris Barnard performed the world's first human-to-human heart transplant. This wasn't an OD moment, although, as Tom Baigrie (F, 1978) pointed out to me, there are connections: Dr "Bags" Baigrie father of among others Bob (F, 1974 and also a surgeon) and Tom (F, 1974 and 1978) was one of both Chris and Marius Barnard's surgery teachers. Rodney Hewitson, Chris Barnard's number two, had two sons at Bishops. And in the truly interesting, human and moving film with most clips taken at the time, you will notice in the credits that the score was written by Grant McLachlan (F, 1973). To watch the film (45 mins) click HERE, It will make you feel very proud of our homeland.
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DATES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR
Wives/Partners are always most welcome
ANNUAL OD vs OT GOLF TOURNAMENT
Saturday 9th June
RAC, Surrey
Another needle golf match against The Old Tonbridgians at the RAC on Saturday 9th June. We're square at the moment, so everything to play for. Contact Alex Price (M, 2008) if you want to play.
Click HERE
 MANDELA MY FRIEND
Friday 15th June
House of Lords
Christo Brand speaks about his relationship as Nelson Mandela's Robben Island guard at a breakfast for ODs (and wives/partners) on Friday 15th June. House of Lords (tbc) is the venue.
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. Speaker to be advised and invitations to follow later
 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.
Contact Alex Price (M, 2008) if you want to play.
 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.
Register your interest HERE
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