13th December 2019

Dear Jeremy

This has been the most extraordinary year! But taking stock, I accept that it has been chaotic. That is not a bad thing, for chaos precedes creation.

In Genesis, the story is told of how God shaped a deep swirling maelstrom, throbbing with disorder and gave it life. The universe was without shape or pattern. It was a formless void, a dark, dank abyss, and it becomes ordered. And yet, there was a moment between ‘the beginning’ and God saying, ‘Let there be light’. This is the quiet moment between the chaos of the maelstrom, and the creation of the universe.

In our Union, we have emerged from the chaos and now we crave the order that creation promises. Rightly, we all desire the comfort and certainty that order brings. But let us not be tempted to be rushed. Of course, we need to begin again, start anew, dissolve, resolve and leave behind us the chaos of 2019. But let us resist impulsive haste to impose order.

Sometimes, being in that space between chaos and creation is not easy. Too often, we miss the chance to linger and reflect. Often, we need someone to help us establish and maintain that transformative, liminal space. Fortunately, the Union has two such people.

Firstly, there is Judge Craig Howie, who is leading the Standing Committee, whose job it is to guide the Union through healing and reconciliation towards Unity. Having sat and interacted with his team, I can assure you that we are in safe, competent and careful hands.

Then, there is Nicky Bicket, who spent a week meeting ODs in Cape Town. He hosted a strategy session attended by a group of ODs drawn from all over the world, and from all angles of the SGM debate. The morning started off tentatively. Given the industry and commitment of the Craig's Standing Committee and the various sub-committees that have been convened, I am optimistic and positive that the strategy session would have a similar outcome. It did. A clear mandate and a common purpose guided our diverse group to find each other. We worked as one towards giving life to ODs wishes as expressed in the survey.

I saw how we as a Union look when we are at our best. I can tell you this – it looks awesome. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that our Union is strong and resilient. All of the ODs that I've interacted with, including the Observers, the members of the Standing Committee and the strategy delegates want one thing, and one thing only. And that is a united community, a strong, energetic leadership and a clear vision for our future.

During our discussions, we realised that ODs are all bound by a single unifying experience, regardless of age, house, or position in life, and that is the pride at having worn the Mitre on our blazer pocket. With that in mind, our guiding principle emerged, a fierce love of Bishops. And with that realisation, our differences thawed and melted away. And for the first time in a while, I experienced that moment of stillness in the Union.

At the end of long hard year, between the chaos of the past and the order we long for, we have an opportunity to be opened in a transformative way. For the next couple of weeks, we may want to stop, catch our breath and linger. For soon, there will be light, and work will resume.

With that, I thank each one of you for having patience and allowing the Union to reach the in-between space. And finally, on behalf of the Committee, I invite you to rest, before we witness the rebirth of the Union in the new year.

From your chairman, Adam Pike (1992O), and everyone from the OD Union, Happy Christmas.

Kind regards,

The OD Office

OD Updates

OD Farmers facing the water crisis

On Tuesday 10 December the OD Union made a call for any interested party to please help the many OD farmers facing the plight that is the water crisis. We have received many responses since, and we appreciate this. Dan Frater (1994F), along with many others, has done some exceptional work by getting 750 bales of oat hay and 34 tons of white maize to Grant Paxton (1994F) in Aberdeen. In Tuesday's letter we wrote Kevin Van Wyk (1994F), this was in fact incorrect and should have read Kevin Van Wyk (2000S). We do apologize.

While these efforts do go a long way, this drought is the worst in recent memory and so every bit of help makes a difference. Dan Frater (1994F) has set up a trust specifically for drought relief to get these farmers through to the new year.

If you, or someone you know can help, please donate into these bank details. The trust account belongs to an attorney in Paarl ensuring that the funds are safely allocated to the cause.

Name: Clark Cupido Attorneys Inc
Bank: FNB
Account Number: 62757530897
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
Ref: DROUGHT RELIEF [your surname]

Any and all help is greatly appreciated by these farmers during an exceptionally tiring situation.

To read the full story on the situation these farmers are facing, click below.

Wedding Bells and farewells

On behalf of the OD Union and the Bishops family, we wish Nicole Durand the very best for her wedding this coming weekend.

We will also sadly be saying goodbye to Nicole at the end of this year. Nicole has served the OD Union for the past 2 and half years with distinction. A reliable, loyal and committed member of the team, we wish her the very best luck as she embarks on this new chapter of her life, focusing on her marriage, finishing her masters and beginning a new career. We thank you Nicole.

Nicole moved to a part-time role earlier this year and is part of a very capable team at the OD Office. Jeremy Ryall (2014F), who joined the OD Union office in July will be moving into a full-time role as the Communications Officer at the OD Union, while Dedry Weich will be staying on as the OD Union’s administrator and events coordinator.

ODs Around the World

NSW Annual dinner a success

NSW branch secretary Johnathan Jackson (1991S) along with the Aussie based ODs enjoyed a dinner while catching up with old friends and meeting a few fresh faces.

Good luck to ODs across the pond

We wish our UK ODs competing in the Thames Hare & Hounds Alumni Associations Annual Cross Country on Saturday the best of luck.

Tour of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

"What, in initial discussions was going to be a short talk to ODs in London, developed into a mini break in Amsterdam itself..."

UK November Newsletter

Branch secretary, Nicky Bicket (1973F) reports: "In an unusually busy lead up to the year end, I write about three recent successful "set-pieces" enjoyed by a wide range of ODs..."

OD Office Updates

Strategy 2020-2025: Consolidated Results

Last month just under 500 ODs completed an online questionnaire, answering questions about the future strategy of the ODU. The responses were rich in information and we thank you all for taking the time and trouble. Your input was consolidated into a large document which can be accessed in the article below (click on the button).

Richard Cock Christmas Carols

Saturday 14^th December is the annual Richard Cock Christmas Carols in aid of the OD Bursary Fund. On the night there is wine and delicious mince pies served at the interval which is sponsored by various ODs. Should you be kind enough to sponsor any wines, please email [email protected]

Notice - Use of Sports Facilities

ODs are welcome to make use the sports facilities at the College. However, please contact Dedry to arrange this first – [email protected]

The college staff have asked for your cooperation as there are a lot of sporting activities and so facilities may only be used if it is not being used for school sport. Please be mindful of the boarders and residents that reside on the property as well. We therefore ask you not to use these facilities before 7am or after 8pm.

School Updates

News from Bishops cricket
The matrics of 2020 who will continue their journey as part of the Bishops First XI Cricket Team led by captain, Travis Norris. Congratulations to Ethan Kieffer, Seb (Leanne Allison), Keagan (Nicola Blanckenberg) and Travis (Jenny Norris Tim Norris) who received Full Colours for their commitment to the sport.