23 October - The Robert Gray Medal 2021

Dear Jeremy

We have some important school news this week. Please join me, and the rest of the ODs, in congratulating Anthony Record (1956S), John Gardener (1947G), Dr Robert Adam (1972F) and Bishop Geoff Davies (1959W) on being selected as the recipients of the Robert Gray Medal for 2021. The full article is below.

Enjoy reading why Nick Leggatt (1984W) prefers being in the ocean over the land, what events the ODU got up to before covid-19, who won the annual 1977 OD House Golf Challenge and find out why Ian Derrick (1985W) swam the Channel Relay Swim.

Some housekeeping: Please remember to update your current country on OD connect in your settings

Kind Regards,

Jeremy Ryall (2014)

Important School News

The Robert Gray Medal is the most prestigious award Bishops can award an OD and is given to those ODs who have made a significant and exceptional contribution in his field of endeavour, or to society in general. Guy Pearson awarded the first medals in 2018 to Dr Robert Frater and Mr Raymond Ackerman, followed by Richard Cock in 2019.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients Anthony Record (1956S), John Gardener (1947G), Dr Robert Adam (1972F) and Bishop Geoff Davies (1959W).

Announcement

Stay updated and connected with ODs

Stay up-to-date with all OD related news in your area by contacting your branch secretary and ensuring your details on OD connect are correct (links below).

OD Stories Around The World

Iain Derrick (1985W) Swims for Charity

Iain impressively participated in the Channel Relay Swim last month. He raised money for ASPIRE, a charity that helps people with spinal cord injuries.

1977 OD House Golf Challenge

School House came out victorious in the 11th edition of the 1977 OD House Golf Challenge. The challenge took place in Hermanus on the weekend of 2 October.

Thames hare & hounds alumni associations cross-country

Are you in the UK this December? Find out how to register for the 67-year-old race, which is now called The International Thames Hare & Hounds cross-country race.

The Butcher of Rosebank - Jon Abbott (1951S)

Jon's new book looks at Dr Wynne Lieberthal, The Butcher of Rosebank. The book describes the life of South African's worst-ever surgeon, according to Jon.

The Old Diocesan

We’re currently in issue 6 of the Old Diocesan Magazine. All issues can be found here.

“Coming back into port and wondering what nonsense the landlubbers have got up to. I feel safest at sea.” For Nick Leggatt (1984W), land feels unfamiliar and the tiller of a yacht is his preferred office. Ian-Malcolm Rijsdijk tracked him down to find out about the different path he treads – or sails.

Covid-19 has flipped the idea of social gatherings on its head. Before the virus struck, however, the ODU hosted three standout events: the annual OD dinner in Cape Town, a Founders Day event in London with Francois Louw (2003W) and lunch with Ashley Pople.

The Father of the Tube

James Henry Greathead (1858-60) is forever remembered as the father of the 'tube' - it was the vision and expertise of this OD that made this extraordinary method of transport possible.

The Brooke Chapel, A Bishops Gem

Dr Paul Murray gives an account of how the Brooke Chapel came to be by looking at its architect Edward Baldwin John Knox. Taken from the Diocesan College Magazine, June 2016.

ODU Announcements

The ODU annual financial statements for 31 December 2019 have been finalised, audited and signed.

AFS - 2019

OD Clubs

We have added the new "Business and Professional Network" which aims to support and share knowledge and professionally connect ODs. Please join the club or interest group of your preference and share any relevant news.

Clubs

Milestone Birthdays

We would like to congratulate the following who will be celebrating their 80th birthday during the month of October; Peter Birt (1958W) on the 8th, Allan Baker (1958F) on the 12th, Alan Chippington (1958G) on the 13th, Richard Townsend (1958G) on the 14th, Simon Bekker (1958W) on the 27th, Timothy Ross-Thompson (1958S) on the 27th and Ridgley Hall (1959O) on the 31st.

School News

The ODU would like to wish the matric class of 2020 good luck as they head into their final stretch of the year. Final assembly takes place on Monday 26 October, which will be followed by a meet and greet on the fields in front of the Mitre at 10.15am. Members of the committee will be mingling with the Matrics but we would love having as many ODs join us as possible. If you are interested in coming and getting to know the matric class of 2020 please send me an email at [email protected]

Launch of The College Law Society

The College launched their very own Law Society and to kick things off Professor Bradley Slade speaks about the South African government's response to COVID-19, from a legal standpoint.

Jagger Hall Jam - Concert No. 1

This week on Jagger Hall Jam (JHJ) musicians from the Pre-Pre, Prep and College Departments play a variety of styled pieces. JHJ is the College's new online concert series.

Passing of Friends

The class of 1990 recently had their 30 year reunion, and sadly they found that no less than six of their friends had passed away since leaving school. Greg Bryce, John (JJ) Ovenstone, Nick Wessels, Andrew Lightfoot, Fezile Mayiji (and 1 to be confirmed). We would like to publish obituaries for them and all of OD friends lost. Please search on news, for the names of those you know have passed, and let me know if you cannot find somebody.

Obituaries

Upcoming Events

Mingle with class of 2020 at the Mitre | 26 October | 10:15am

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Get in Touch

To contact the OD Union:

Telephone: 021 659 1020

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.odunion.com/

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