From the Advancement Office - Hilton College
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Edition 47 | May 2018
From the
Advancement Office
Halfway through the second term, we bring to you the next edition
of old boy and school news. This year has been particularly busy,
but also very satisfying as we experienced many successes on the
sports field, in academia and even on stage. There is a buzz around
the current positive trajectory of the school and we look forward to
starting the build-up towards our 150th year. Thank you to everyone
who attended our events and contributed to the enjoyment of these
interactions. We look forward to hearing from you or welcoming you
on campus. Please also feel free to send your news and achievements
to me or Esti so that we can enjoy them with you and fellow old
Hiltonians.
Kind regards, The Old Hiltonian Club
Linda van Wyk
Director of Advancement What busy first and second terms we’ve had, and we’re anticipating an
even busier third term.
Thank you to all Old Boys for your consistent support.
Linda van Wyk
Director of Advancement
Postal address: Telephone: +27-33-383 0100
The Headmaster, Hilton College Fax: + 27-33-383 0080
Private Bag 6001, Hilton, 3245 Email: hiltonoldboys@hiltoncollege.com
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Reunions 10 Year Reunion More than 50 Old Boys from 2008 attended the dinner on 27 April 2018 before enthusiastically supporting Hilton taking on Kearsney the next day. 40 Year Reunion After having enjoyed a day on the golf course, and a braai at the boma on Friday 16 March, the Old Boys from 1978 also attended lunch and watched Hilton take on Durban High School on the rugby field, before the reunion dinner on Saturday 17 March. The reunion was well-attended by more than 50 Old Boys. Yann LeClezio and his committee ensured that the guys had a memorable time. Some feedback from an Old Boy who attended: “I have returned to Joburg having had a most special weekend with you all. What great memories to add to our Hilton life. We are truly blessed that Hilton brought us together all those years ago, and for the lessons learned there. You guys have created a wonderful camaraderie that all other Hilton Old Boys should share with their peers. I think George, Linda and their team will be working hard on this aspect, especially as we head towards the 150th in 4 years’ time. I am looking forward to that excitement.” Philip Reunert (Newnham 1974 – 1978)
45 Year Reunion
More than 30 Old Boys from 1973 and their partners attended the reunion dinner on 16 March. Some of the Old Boys also enjoyed watching the rugby
against Durban High School on the following day.
Thank you to all the Old Boys who have attended the recent reunions. We are excited about the 25, 30 and 50 year
reunions still to come. Please contact Esti Lindner at eil@hiltoncollege.com or events@hiltoncollege.com for more
information about the upcoming reunions.
REUNIONS 2018
Reunion date Rugby dates (home games)
50 Year and AGM Dinner Friday, 25th May Saturday, 26th May Westville Home
25 Year and 30 year Lunch Friday, 15 June
th
Saturday, 16 June
th
Michaelhouse Home
We are looking forward to welcoming you back!
Branch Regional Activities
We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Chairmen of the Branches for their enthusiasm and tireless work in ensuring that the
branch events take place and Old Hiltonians stay in touch! Thank you so much, guys! Below are the events scheduled for the remainder of the
year in date order.
Please note, some details are still to be confirmed and we will update the events web page regularly.
REGIONAL ACTIVITIES 2018
Area Name Venue Date Functions
S. Natal - Underberg Guy Bastard The Olde Duck 5 June Dinner
Durban Brad Wanless The Aviator Eatery 14 June Business breakfast
W Cape Myles Hoppe TBC / Cape Town Southern Suburbs 16 June Hilton MHS Live Viewing
UK Andrew Richmond Silvermere Golf course 24 June Golf Day
Gauteng David Heenan Bryanston CC 26 July Annual Dinner
Durban Brad Wanless Durban Country Club - Belvedere Room August Annual Dinner
UK Andrew Richmond TBC 6 September Drinks
Gauteng David Heenan Killarney / BCC 12 October Hilton Michaelhouse Golf Day
Canada Andrew Harington TBC 15 October Annual Dinner
USA Damian Farrell / The Harvard Club, New York 17 October Dinner
David Meachin Feather Sound Country Club, St 19 October Golf
Petersburg, Florida
The Pelican Perch Dining Room 19 October Dinner
Feather Sound Country Club, St 20 October Golf
Petersburg, Florida
Gatsby Private Dining Room, Sea Porch 20 October Dinner
Gatsby Private Dining Room, Sea Porch 21 October Golf
Bel Air Bay Club, Santa Monica 23 October Dinner
W Cape Myles Hoppe TBC / Cape Central 25 October Annual Cocktail Function
UK Andrew Richmond Army and Naval Club, 36 Pall Mall, 27 October Old Boys Dinner
London SW1Y 5JN
Australia John Drake Sydney October
UK Andrew Richmond TBC 13 December Christmas Drinks
Gauteng David Heenan Pirates TBC Old Boys Cricket 6’s
Midlands William Bryant TBC TBC
Zululand Dave Bell TBC TBC
Mpumalanga Philip Tasker TBC TBC Annual Dinner
Information for planned events in 2018 is also available on the website here – www.hiltoncollege.com/old-hiltonians/events
The UK Old Hiltonians would like you to stay in touch via the UK Branch’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/hiltoncollegeuk
You are now able to update your email address, cell number and postal address online – this will enable us to keep in touch with you.
Please go to http://www.hiltoncollege.com/old-hiltonians/update-contact-details/
Warm regards,
Esti Lindner
events@hiltoncollege.com
School News
Recycling
During 2017, Hilton recycled 44 tons of recyclable material. Not only is Well done to Mike Mill, Victor Mchunu, Janet Mwelase, and all the
the school doing their bit towards helping to protect our environment, staff members who took the time to encourage the boys to support
but it also benefitted financially as we received 25c for every kilogram this initiative and also to those that participated by sorting and
recycled. An amount of R10,912 was raised in this manner. recycling at home.
New Boys’ Weekend
Hilton College hosted another successful New Boys’ Weekend on 24-25
March. 188 applicants for Grade 8 in 2019 attended, with over 70 current
boys and almost the entire staff giving up the first weekend of their
holiday to be hosts. This year extra effort was made to ensure parents had
the opportunity to interact with teaching staff and the new boys were able
to experience the new Grade 8 curriculum.
There was also plenty of fun to be had, with a successful Quiz Evening
and an opportunity for new boys to join the orchestra for an impromptu
performance. The feedback was extremely positive.
St John’s and World Schools Festival
During the Easter holidays, the 1st XV had a very tough schedule playing in The team then flew directly from Johannesburg to Cape Town for the final
back-to-back festivals at St John’s and at the World School Rugby Festival Easter matches in Paarl. Here too they showed real determination and
in Paarl. They won against Nelspruit (10 - 8). St John’s followed in the main bravery against two international teams; the AP Dragons, from the Pacific
game on Saturday. With minutes remaining, our boys bashed away at the Islands, and the USA Rhino Rugby. The first match against the AP Dragons
St John’s line with repeated forward play and eventually scoring to break was won 35 -24. The second against the Rhino Rugby created numerous
St John’s hearts, winning (15- 12). In a final encounter on the Monday, the scoring opportunities for the 1st XV and in the end we finished our Easter
1st XV took their time to break down a spirited St David’s outfit. Late tries campaign on a high, winning 78-19.
in the second half sealed a well-deserved 24-10 win.
With minutes remaining, our boys bashed away at the St John’s line with repeated forward play and eventually scoring
to break St John’s hearts, winning (15- 12).
Vula
The Vula Programme was started in 2001 as the
Society’s educational outreach service provider
to under-resourced schools and disadvantaged
communities. Since then the programme has
established itself as the pre-eminent organisation
of its type in the area, having earned a reputation
of providing relevant, meaningful and cost-effective
educational interventions and development
opportunities for its beneficiaries.
Sihle Mabaso
Please view Vula’s brand new videos at http://www.hiltonvula.com/about-us/vula-videos/ to learn a bit more about the programme and
the impact it has on the community.
Sihle Mabaso was in the first VuMA group of Maths teachers in accolade came after he won the provincial award for excellence last
the first school term of 2014. He has recently been awarded for September.
his relentless work as an educator. Sihle is a teacher at Maritzburg
College and was runner-up in the Excellence in Teaching, mathematics The Vula Programme has enabled Sihle to realise his ambition for
category, at the recent National Teachers Awards. The national being an excellent educator.
Cricket
Congratulations to our Cricketers who were awarded the U13, U17 and
U19 Players of the Year and School of the Year trophies at the KZN Inland
Cricket Awards. Well done to Luc Benkenstein (U13), Michael Sclanders
(U17), Gareth Schreuder (U19) and all the coaching staff.
Twelve Angry Men
The Drama students put on an excellent performance of Twelve Angry The boys worked tirelessly to put on a great performance, three nights
Men a play by Reginald Rose, which was adapted to fit South African in a row during April. Well done to the Drama Department, Theatre
culture and references. team and students for a stunning production.
Old Boys News
Old Hiltonian Club
National Committee
The National Committee of the OHC welcomed 3 visitors from abroad
to their meeting on 16 March – Damian Farrell (McKenzie 1974 - 1978)
third from right, and Philip Reunert (Newnham 1974 – 1978) second
from right, from the USA and Simon Fish, seated first from left, from
Canada (McKenzie 1975 - 1978). This was also the first meeting for Pete
Storrar, the new Marketing Director, seated on the right next to the
Headmaster.
Craig Millar (Newnham 2003 – 2007)
Craig Millar is a fourth generation Kenyan who grew up on a cattle ranch in
the Great Rift Valley. Having always been interested in wildlife and passionate
about conservation, a degree in Zoology from Newcastle University, UK was the
natural choice following high school at Hilton College.
Craig was recently involved with the making of the documentary, The Ivory
Game, which is available on Netflix. The documentary concerns the poaching
of elephants in Africa, related to the ivory trade in China and Hong Kong, and
the repercussions of elephant poaching if it is allowed to continue. The film
features conservationists, rangers and undercover operatives on the frontlines
fighting daily to protect and save elephants from poachers and an illegal ivory
trade that is pushing these animals to the brink of extinction.
Craig is head of security at the Big Life Foundation in Kenya, and tries to stop
poaching from happening in the first place. Millar’s team spend their days and
nights protecting elephants on the vast savannah, scaring off poachers and
preventing local residents from attacking elephants that have destroyed their
food crops.
Angus Curtis (Pearce 2012 – 2016)
Congratulations to Old Boy Angus Curtis who played his first game
for Ulster in April. Well done Angus, we are very proud of you
Robert Edwards (Ellis 2003 – 2007)
Robert is currently working in Ernst and Young’s forensic accounting division in
Durban and was recently awarded SAICA honours for his APC (board 2) exams.
He has been put on the honours roll and is only one of 14 candidates (of 2 700)
who has been awarded this honour.
This result is on top of being placed fourth in the January 2017 ITC (board 1)
exams out of 2 600 candidates.
He is only the third person to be placed in the top 10 for both board exams,
and to also be on the honours roll for the APC.
Well done Robert, keep up the hard work!
Kyle Schoonbee (Falcon 2009 – 2013)
Congratulations to Kyle who was awarded the Sub-Elite Rower of the
Year Award from Rowing South Africa. This is awarded to the rower
who has performed with consistent excellence throughout the year and
achieved a higher level in his/her sport than any other. Well done, Kyle
we are watching your progress with great interest.
Ari Seirlis (Pearce 1976 – 1979) Guy Haines (McKenzie 1965 – 1968) and
Proud moment for two brave men on the Organisation Undoing Rob Maclean (Pearce 1965 – 1968)
Tax Abuse (OUTA) 6th Birthday on 1 March 2018. Ari Seirlis CEO of
QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and member of the Hilton Old Boys, Guy Haines (front of the canoe) and Rob MacLean
National Committee of the Old Hiltonian Club, receives an award for his (back), preparing to start Day 2 of the famous Umkomaas River
undaunted support of OUTA from CEO, Wayne Duvenage. Marathon (17th/18th March, 2018).
They came 35th overall out of 120 starters and won each Masters age-
group class from 60 years to 65 years plus their age category by virtue of
having both been born in 1951!
Captain Reginald Frederick
Johnson Hayward (1905 – 1911)
100 years ago, Captain Reginald Frederick Johnson Hayward received a When the 1st World War broke out he volunteered and in May 1912
Victoria Cross, along with his Military Cross, on 24 October 1918 from Reginald arrived in the United Kingdom and joined the 6th Battalion
King George V at Buckingham Palace. Wiltshire Regiment and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on
29 September 1914.
Reginald Hayward was the son of a stockbreeder family, Frederick and
Gertrude Hayward, he was born on 17 June 1891 at the Beersheba Apart from his Victoria Cross and Military Cross with Bar he was
Mission Station near Swartruggens, East Griqualand in South Africa. He awarded the 1914 – 1915 Star, British War Medal 1914 – 1920, Victory
was educated at Hilton College and represented Natal against English Medal 1914 – 1919, Defence Medal 1939 – 1945, Coronation Medal
Rugby teams in 1911. Serving with the cadets he became Regimental 1937, Coronation Medal 1953 and Territorial Efficiency decoration.
Sergeant Major.
Reginald died on 17 January 1970 in Chelsea, London and was
In May 1912 he travelled to England and began studying at the Royal cremated on 23 January 1970 in the Putney Vale Crematorium, London
College of Veterinary Surgeons and captained their Rugby XV in 1913. while his ashes are scattered in the Garden of Remembrance. He is
He also played for Rosslyn Park Club and for Middlesex. commemorated in the St Mary’s Church, Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire. His
medals are now held at The Rifles Museum, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
To read the full story of this brave Old Boy who was Head of School in 1911 and related to a whole bunch of Old Hiltonians, please visit
https://samilhistory.com/2018/03/23/superhuman-powers-of-endurance-and-courage-reginald-hayward-vc/
Rudston Steward (Ellis 1987 – 1991)
Rudston, was born in New York and grew up in Italy and South Africa. He
owns a touring company called Maremma Safari Club, which explores
Italy. Rudston, who has many years of experience in living in Italy and
arranging tours there, is actively pursuing this new venture in designing
and leading exclusive, a-typical walking tours of Italy. In order to offer
the best experience, he devoted a year to understanding nine regions
of Italy in great detail. His website – www.maremmasafari.com richly
elaborates on the type of experience and the tours he offers. On the
website, you will also find a brief summary of the impulse behind his
commitment and the club’s motto: “Offbeat, on foot around Italy.”Atlas Foundation
Every year The Atlas Foundation, founded by Jason Leonard OBE,
hosts an annual challenge tour and sends a team of volunteers who
fundraise a substantial amount of £10 000 each for this exceptional
foundation, to join Jason on a unique expedition assisting youth and
education, through rugby, to impoverished communities around the
globe.
In the good company of high profile businessmen and rugby legends,
along with former Hilton Old Boy, Bob Skinstad (Newnham 1990 –
1994), the Atlas team took to the roads and experienced a road trip
tour like no other. The road convoy was a formidable sight to behold
at all times. They covered approximately 720km of rugged terrain in a
couple of days.
En-route, the team visited rugby projects in both Zimbabwe and
Botswana. At Victoria Falls a rugby tournament was co-ordinated
by the Tag Rugby Trust which hosted over 100 girls, boys and their
coaches from local communities in the region. These boys and girls
are motivated and inspired, through rugby, and enjoy a strong sense
of belonging, team participation, self-pride and confidence. The Atlas
team delivered branded boots and kit to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union
and Tag Trust so that they can allow the children to shine and most
importantly, have fun like children should.
Cattle Project
I am pleased to report that we have had a rather exceptional year on A big thanks to Adam Turk and the Johannesburg Old Boys who have put a
the beef project. We were blessed with excellent weight gains and had a golf day surplus to good use by adding 4 Oxen to their holdings!
favourable price move.
Thanks to all of you for being a part of this project, and the contribution
Given the early spring flush and the low feed prices, our decision to add you have made in making it the success it is.
supplementary feed during this period enabled us to achieve an optimal
average sale weight, which in turn optimised our weight gain per hectare Regards
and as such our profit per hectare in the current market conditions was
maximised. Our staggered sales over December 2017 and January and Tim Gibson (Ellis 1988 – 1993)
February 2018 gave us a great spread of excellent prices with our sales (On behalf of the cattle team)
process ensuring the best prices possible as we offloaded the stock as
they reached their target weights.
After this increased capital expenditure, we were able to show an
approximate surplus of R1.7 million for the season.Condolences
Graham Ducasse (Pearce 1968 – 1973)
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of a most
loved and respected Old Boy of Hilton College, Dr Graham Desmond
Ducasse (1968 to 1973, Pearce) son of previous Headmaster Desmond
Ducasse (1984 to 1986), on 26 March 2018 after a valiant battle with
cancer.
A member of the class of 1972 (post matric in 1973) his Valete
comments indicate that he was a school prefect; received prizes
for Biology and Physical Education; played Rugby for the 1st XV;
was a member of the Afrikaans Debating Society Committee; the
President of the Scientific Society, who later became Chairman of the
Pietermaritzburg and Inland Natal Science Society of South Africa, and
also served as the Secretary of the Natural History Society.
Our deepest condolences to Sandi, Michael (Pearce, 2015), Robyn, Peter
(Pearce, 1974 and previous Headmaster), David (Pearce, 1967) and the
extended family.
“What a great person Graham was. Always smiling, full of fun, and just a
great guy. I remember Graham flying down the steps at CT varsity on his
board, playing wing for WP. And just enjoying life to the full. At school he
was so positive, helpful, and friendly. I also had time with Graham when
he used to come to Greytown hunting with his friend Jonathan Egenar,
we had great times and chats. Graham was one of the few guys who
had maintained his weight at our 30 year reunion, which showed his
commitment to fitness. Graham will and is sorely missed.
Condolences to the whole family.
Rest in peace old friend.
Regards,
Paul Dobson (Newnham 1968 - 1971)”
It is with sadness we report the passing of the following Old Hiltonians:
Jenny Hitch (Staff Member) Peter Barnes (Pearce 1971 – 1974)
Jenny was a loyal member of the Hilton College staff and spent many Peter suffered a massive heart attack on 6 January 2018 and
years in McKenzie House. She sadly passed away on 6 February 2018. unfortunately succumbed on the 22nd. He leaves behind his wife,
Shaley, sons (and Hilton Old Boys) Matthew (28), Anthony (24), and his
Philip Motchman (Churchill 1941 – 1944) daughter Shanda.
Philip, at Hilton in the early 40’s, passed away on 15 February 2018. He
was one of four students from Kenya who attended Hilton College at Xilombe Tlakula (Ellis 2012 – 2016)
that time. We wish to inform members of the Hilton College community of the
passing of Xilombe, on 26 March 2018.
John Acutt (Churchill 1954 – 1958)
John passed away after battling illness on 27 April 2018. He is sorely Xilombe was a great inspiration to many. He lost his arm in a freak
missed by his friends and family, especially his wife and lifelong accident on an outward bound trip to the Drakensberg when he was 15.
sweetheart Moira. John’s father, as well as his two brothers also He dealt with his newly found reality with courage and maturity beyond
attended Hilton College. He had two sons also attending, and currently his years, and it pushed him in ways he couldn’t imagine. He started
has one grandson at the school. giving speeches at schools to motivate others to look beyond their
challenges, and even learned how to write with his left hand.
Brian Lewis (Newnham 1951 – 1954) From this journey, Xilombe founded the Limitless Foundation, which acts
We are sad to let you know of the passing of Brian after a long battle as a support system for youth who are going through similar situations,
with cancer on 2 December 2017. but who do not have access to the same kind of support he had. The
Foundation uses its network to assist with references to doctors, provide
Geoffrey Seekings (Pearce 1945 – 1948) advice and counselling, physical therapy and even equipment such
Geoffrey sadly passed away on 23 February 2018, after a short period of as specialised computers for learners. With this achievement he was
illness. Geoffrey is survived by his twin brother John and a son, Duncan, awarded the Lead SA Youth Hero of the Month last year.
who is married to Anne and lives with their two children in Belgium, and
his daughter Gillian who lives in Newlands with her daughter Alex. It is a great loss to the school, community and world that Xilombe has
passed. On behalf of the school, we offer our condolences to his mother,
Linda and the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this time.You can also read
