15 January 2021

Dear OD

In our last newsletter of 2020, we announced the launch of the inaugural FOUNDERS WEEK to be held on the School campus during March 2021. A steering committee comprising of representatives of the ODU; School Parents’ Association; Staff; Prep and Pre-Prep has been formed and an exciting programme of events was in the planning stage.

Founders Week is a Celebration of Bishops, along with a serious side: the establishment of an OD "Invest in our Future Fund" in which funds raised during the week would be earmarked for ODs leaving school after matriculation to assist them in post-school activities such as University; acquisition of technical skills and other pursuits.

Along with our lead sponsor, Citadel Wealth Management we have had to make the painful decision of postponing Founders Week until later in 2021 - most probably at the end of the 3rd term or the commencement of the 4th term. We will coordinate this with a major sports event, either Founders Day matches against the school or a highlight school’s fixture.

This decision has been made due to the ongoing uncertainty around COVID and our ability to return to a way of life in which we can socialise and hold bigger events.

However, this does not mean we will stop planning. Events include a Golf day (already over-subscribed); Wine auction with wine and food festival; Beer Fest; Art and Book Fair; and a major Raffle with many exciting prizes. The Steering Committee will use this additional time to make the event bigger and better!

We need to have further discussions with the school about their calendar and then we will be in a position to announce the new dates - important for those ODs who wish to come and visit the school and attend the events.

We will keep you informed.

If you wish to contribute prizes, get involved in the organisation or simply need more information, please do not hesitate to contact the OD Office.

Kind Regards,
Jeremy Ryall (2014F)

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 are in order (links below).

OD Stories Around The World

Bruce Jack on the devastating human and industry cost of Covid-19

As SA looks starts its 2021 harvest it has up to 65% of its 2020 crop still sitting in tanks

Bruce Jack (1987G) has written a deeply personal account featured on The Buyer, of what it has been like on the front lines of the wine industry during the pandemic and the subsequent ban of alcohol.

SA Youth call up for hockey superstar

Congratulations Mustapha Cassiem (2020W) on his selection for the SA under 21 National Squad for the upcoming African Championships in March. Picture: Mustapha in action for the senior national team

John Hueton (1947G; PM 1948) - A true son of Bishops

John with the Diocesan ColIege pennant, in 1978, in the Antarctic.

John, the secretary for the Canada Branch of the ODU in 1976; and in 1989, served in that capacity for an uninterrupted period of 42 years, celebrated his milestone 90th birthday last year.

OD success indoors and out

Congratulations to Dayaan Cassiem who represented Central Hockey Club in the WP Indoor League. Picture: Dayaan and his dad, Casa, celebrate victory for Central Hockey Club.

ODs International Cross Country Team Storm to Their Best-Ever Finish

The 68th annual Thames Hare & Hounds Cross Country Alumni race was virtual this year but the results are real.

OD Rugby Club | Throwback Thursday - 1986 1st XV

Throwback Thursday to some vintage Bishops Rugby. A few highlights of the undefeated1986 1st XV.

The Old Diocesan

We’re currently in Issue 6 of the Old Diocesan Magazine. All issues can be found here. Please enjoy two stories from Issue 6 of The Old Diocesan below. We welcome the contribution of any newsworthy or feature-like stories for inclusion in any of our future digital and printed publications.

One of Bishops’ first kids of colour back in the ’80s, new OD chairman, Wilbur Van Niekerk (1985K) is well aware of the challenges we face in serving ODs of different ages, races and beliefs, all over the world. How, he asks, can we make an impact?

Covid-19 flipped the idea of social gatherings on its head, with few events planned for the foreseeable future. Before the virus struck in 2020, however, the ODU hosted three standout get-togethers.

Memories of a new boy | 1952

In the September 2011 edition of The Diocesan College Magazine, Basil Bey found a short article documenting Ian Bekker's (1956F) first day at the College all the way back in 1952.

Business Directory

We have over 40 different business listings on the OD Connect Business Directory. From the automotive to tech industry, you may just find something you are looking for or you may be interested in listing your own. Follow the link below to find out how to get your business online.

When locked down, write

John Wyatt (1963W) and Peter Elliott (1967W) have recently produced new books, Emergency Procedures for High-Risk Incidents and Thomas Muir: 'Lad O' Pairts', respectively. Find out more, here.

OD Business Directory Tutorial

Watch this quicky and simple tutorial to learn how to get your business profile up and running on OD Connect. Don't forget contact details, social media accounts and your business's location!

OD Clubs

Due to Founders Week being postponed until the 3rd quarter, there is even more reason to build excitement for the various sports events. Browse through all the OD clubs below. If you would like to start your own club, please get in contact with myself at [email protected]

Click here to view a short 2 min video of the 2020 Founders Day sport events.

Milestone Birthdays

We would like to congratulate the following who will be celebrating their 80th birthday during the month of January. Stuart Maxwell (1957S) on the 18th, Sidney Middlemost (1956O) on the 24th and Hans Becker (1958F) on the 26th.

School News

Studying Abroad

The OD union would like to congratulate the following students who via the University Abroad program has been accepted to some of the top Universities World Wide.

Thank you and good luck Caroline

Caroline Berry (left) who has been PA to both Guy Pearson and now Tony Reeler has, after almost five years in the job, decided to return home at the end of this month.

Passing of friends

Reginald 'Reggie' Hands (1968F) | 1950 - 2020

John Dobson (1985K) remembers a very close and dear friend, Reggie Hands, who sadly passed away on 24 December. Our thoughts and prayer are with his family.

Mevrou Ina Fourie | 1937 – 2020

Mevrou Ina Fourie (1937 – 2020) passed away on Monday 21 December 2020, after a short fight against cancer in Strand Somerset West. Our thoughts and prayer are with her family.

Anthony Hugh Vaughan Davies (1956W) | 1938 - 2020

Anthony passed away on 29 December in Pinelands, Cape Town. Our thoughts and prayer are with his family.

Upcoming Events

All founders week events have been postponed to the 3rd quarter of 2021.

OD Connect

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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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