One would be forgiven for thinking that the most intense contest fought in the 2023 Rugby World Cup was around the linguistic niceties of some select Afrikaans words. Of course you'd be wrong, because despite those distractions, it was, in the end, all about the rugby. And what rugby it was. As an aside, there was symmetry between the first half scores of the 2019 and this final: the Boks were 12-6 up at halftime in both. Not sure what that means, but someone out there will talk about conspiracy theories.
Well done to the Boks and may their performance on and off the field inspire South Africa to achieve the dream. It can be and was done.
It is not inconceivable that the 2027 squad may include one or two ODs, but until then .... Thankfully for some, I imagine, this is the last UK Branch Newsletter of 2023. It's been quite a year and for those of you who think the highlight has been the incredible Rugby World Cup win, don't forget the UK ODU Carol Service on Wednesday 6th December.
It's been an active year for the Branch. It's worth reflecting on the number (18) and range of events and functions that have taken place over the year to realise how deep and wide — and engaged — this Branch is. And for that I have you to thank:
Many of our events are reported, with photos, on the UK Blog. Here you can read about this years activities as well as those over the past ten years.
ODU events are not a "numbers game" and an event with just one OD present is worthwhile. But I hope here that there is something for everyone, and would love suggestions as to how to broaden the appeal even further. Always, the objective of these events is to create and build the connections between ODs and strengthen the local network. Although we are assured that the demand for places for Bishops is healthy, it is gratifying to know that ODs are doing their bit to ensure that the pipeline stays that way. So we are delighted to welcome Nicholas David Commins (left) to the Matric Class of 2042. Born to Stuart (F, 2006) and Lisa Commins on 29th September, he certainly looks like he has the "moves" of his father and, to your secretary's untrained eye, almost certainly a scrumhalf.
We wish the Commins Tribe loads of happiness with their brand new bundle of joy.
I love these family notices and encourage ODs not to be shy about allowing me to give new wives and offspring "airtime".
Aside from the two Finance Forums (Fora?) and the Oxfordshire Pub Lunch) October's meetings, included spending time with Blaine Tomlinson (G, 1968), David Jordan (W, 1962), Peter Robinson (S, 1966) and Peter Elliott (W, 1967). In Cape Town, I had coffee with Paul Murray, the ODU Ambassador and Dedry Weich, the ODU's Events' Coordinator and Administrator.
Fired up by the victorious performance of the UK ODs in the Thames Hare & Hounds Alumni Cross-Country Race in September, Chris McPetrie (M, 2010, right) one of our team, pushed even further and last month completed the Lisbon half-marathon in 1:42:24. A pretty good time for someone running his first half-marathon in four years. Well done Chris; this bodes well for your next year's TH&H outing. [Apologies for the commercialisation of the photo - I don't think Chris has paid for the unmarked copy!]
I seem to be writing quite often about Nicholas McAdam (G, 2019) who is distinguishing himself rowing for the Princeton University 1st IV. Last week, on top of many other wins, they won the Head of the Charles by more than 14 seconds (apparently quite something), beating other great university rowing teams such as Penn State, Georgetown, and Cornell. In the photo on the left, Nicholas is second from left. As part of promoting cross-Branch collaboration, Mark Charnock (O, 1962) who will be up in the Borders of Scotland fishing, will b having lunch with Robert Murray (S, 1968) and Peter McMorland (F, 1964). Whether they will be eating what Mark catches (or says he'll be catching) or commiserating about the one(s) that got away remains to be seen. We'll know by the next newsletter. Robert who keeps an eye on all ODU matters Scottish is very keen to meet with ODs who might be in or passing through the area (Borders). His mobile number is 07902502233 and can be reached via email at robert.eyedoc@doctors.org.uk. In the photo, Mark, Robert and Peter
Julian Ogilvie Thompson (F, 1951) was one of Bishops superstars and when he passed away in August, it brought to an end a golden era of ODs who played a colossal part in the development of South Africa, politically, economically and socially. A memorial service was held for him in Johannesburg last month and a celebration of his and Tessa's lives will be held this month in London at 2pm on Tuesday 28th at The Royal Academy in Piccadilly. If you would like to attend, please see the RSVP details HERE. September saw an astonishingly large number of 2013 UK-based ODs come together to celebrate 10 years of freedom. They met at The White Horse (aka The Sloaney Pony) a very popular and busy London pub on Parsons (sic) Green, entirely suitable for a group of ODs on a night out. I was very pleased to have been invited to share a drink or two with them at the start of the party, realising quickly that to stay longer was to invite trouble. The photo shows the group in the early stages of the evening. Do click on it to match names to faces.
Congratulations to all of them and best wishes for the next decade. "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"
For those of you who have battled (and given up) sending mail to or in South Africa, take comfort in the fact that the South African postal service is not the worst in the world. It just feels like that. In their most recent (and long) report, the Universal Postal Union looked at at the postal services of 172 countries and ranked them based on four main components - reliability, reach, relevance and resilience. South Africa was grouped in Level 4 (10 being the highest and best) way ahead of the likes of Burundi, Tajikistan, Nepal and Libya (among quite a few others). And quite a long way from the bottom.
The best in the world? Switzerland, by far. Ethiopia is the best in Africa (but only at Level 5).
Oh and by the way, the heading for this paragraph is not the official motto of the USA Postal Services, although many believe it is. The words are chiselled the in grey granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue (photo on the right). For those who are interested, it comes from Book 8, Paragraph 98, of The Persian Wars by Herodotus. During the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.) the Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers who served with great commitment and effectiveness. Perhaps a model which could be adopted by the SA Postal Services. The architect of the NYCPO building apparently had a bit of a thing for ancient Greek. The ODU in Cape Town has ordered some beanies which have been delivered to me in London. Postage to Cape Town is prohibitive so I wonder whether any ODs traveling to Cape Town for the December holidays would be prepared to take some down for the ODU. 5 (a pack) each, perhaps (more if you can); they are very light, flat and take up almost no space. And have no dutiable value. If you are prepared to be my mule, please let me know on nbicket@katale.co.uk of call me on 07818014394. I and some warm-headed SA ODs would be very grateful.
And so, from the news desk, until January ...
Nicky Bicket
UK ODU CAROL SERVICE Wednesday 6th December: 6-7.15pm
Our second UK ODU Carol Service is on Wednesday 6th December from 6-7.15pm. Following last year's outstanding success, you, your family and friends would be crazy to miss this relaxed beautiful Ceremony of Nine Lessons and Carols led by the professional choir of All Saints Margaret Street, London. All the carols (with four composed by ODs) you would have sung with such gusto in the Memorial Chapel are here for you to sing next month. ODs will be reading the Lessons. And afterwards, never available in the Memorial Chapel, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies. And after that, many of us will be popping along to one or two of the neighbourhood pubs
Click HEREto watch and listen to last year's final Carol followed by the recessional, Widor's Toccata. And HEREfor all the photos.
There is a voluntary retiring collection in aid of the ODU Bursary Fund, but no charge to attend. For numbers and catering purposes, please RSVP HERE(if you haven't already).
In celebrating the Boks' RWC win and the 200th anniversary of the "invention" of rugby, why not join fellow-ODs on a trip to where it all began. There are a few places left for our tour to Rugby School on Saturday 2nd December. Mike Bayly (S, 1983), Director of rugby will be showing us around the glorious campus and after a pub lunch opposite the School, we'll watch the Rugby v Cheltenham derby on the same field that all this began 200 years ago.
If the School wins, some celebratory drinks. Other than our lunch, there is no charge for the day. There is a direct train that leaves for Rugby from Euston at 9.46am, taking just under an hour.
We are restricted to a small group, so RSVP HERE as soon as possible
Because there is such a preponderance of ODs involved in some way or other in the world of finance (and it's a very broad and at times murky world), it made sense, in pursuit of razor-sharp segmentation of the Branch, to create a forum where like-minded ODs (a now together with those from Michaelhouse, Hilton and St Andrew's) can get together to hear from experts in the field, discuss all matters money and network.
The first Forum was held in April where Niall Carroll (O, 1981) spoke on his particular journey in the field of money management and how to forge a career in it.
Earlier last month Magda Wierzycka (wife of past Bishops College Council Chairman, Simon Peile (F, 1979)) founder and CEO of Sygnia Asset Management talked to the Forum at The Oriental Club and covered a wide array of topics ranging from the impact of AI in the world of investments, political and investment challenges and opportunities in South Africa, geopolitical risks and much else. Magda is an energetic, highly articulate and passionate speaker and the questions afterwards spoke volumes about her ability to engage and provoke (in a positive way) the interest of her audience.
In the collage of some of attendees, top: left: Scott McLean (F, 2008), Marc van Heerden (S, 2008) and Chris Leach (S, 2008); right: Joe Miller (S, 2012), Karl Steinhagen (B, 2012), and Craig Vintcent (S, 1986). Bottom: left: Craig Vintcent, Magda Wierzycka and Nicholas Peile (K, 2018); right: Scott McLean, Nicky Grieg (F, 2009) and Tom Horne (B, 2007).
Then later in the month, Maria de Peverelli, a Partner at Stonehage Fleming and Executive Chairman of SF's Art Management, approached a completely different asset class and spoke about art as an (decorative) investment. This is not an area that any of us are familiar with and is extraordinarily complex, with perhaps the easiest part of the subject being the identification of forgeries. But as an investment instrument, art makes stocks, bonds, crypto, anything really, one needs to tread carefully. And in this, there is no one better than Maria to advise.
Our thanks go to Adrian Bottega (W, 2000) who works at SF and who put together the evening with Maria. He was the interviewer-in-Chief and did a fabulous job, mixing bewilderment, insight and humour in just the right amount of proportions. And and of course thanks to Stonehage Fleming Stonehage Fleming who so generously sponsored the evening.
Topping and tailing both evenings were delicious wines and canapes. To Craig Vintcent (S, 1986) who is the ringmaster for our Finance Forum. If you are not on his mailing list, you should be and to do this, contact him immediately.
In the collage, top: Brice Dunlop (F, 2012), Stephen Ryall (F, 2012), Richard Bottger (S, 1993), Tim Loughton (G, 1993), Mikhail Bolus (B, 2012), Craig Vintcent; bottom: Maria de Peverelli, Niall Carroll (O, 1981) Sebastian Carroll (Wellington College), Craig Vintcent and Robert Edwards (Hilton).
And for those in the finance sector, and in particular fintech, this article from AON on the impact of cyber security as it impacts on the value of M&A might be of interest.
Now in its eighth year, we held our annual Oxfordshire Pub lunch at The Bell at Hampton Poyle, not far out of the centre of Oxford.
Quite different to the hurly-burly of the London events, this is a contained but nonetheless lively affair enjoyed by ODs and their wives — and ODettes and their husbands.
All our guests are special, but in particular it was lovely to welcome Rosemary Bravington, widow of the late Tim Bravington (S, 1951).
And so exciting too to be joined by Katie Hoffman (nee Hutchins, G, 1981) and Nicolette Simpson-Frost (nee Frost, B, 2000). These two ODettes add glamour and energy to our gatherings and are a much enjoyed, not so much being something of a rarity, but for their love of Bishops and humour. There are stories which they still have to tell which we look forward to immensely. We were delighted that Katie and Nicolette brought their respective husbands Julien and Paul along with them. They survived!
Also at the lunch were Mark Charnock (O, 1962) and Margie, Chris Danziger (G, 1958) and Seonaid, Chris Winearls (W, 1967) and Beryl, Andrew Floyd (O, 1965), Waine Lawton (F, 1965) and Liz, Andrew Snelling (S, 2007) and Matthew Golesworthy (K, 2012). We missed Martin Harris (G, 1964) and Peter Carter (F, 1963) and Diana who had to drop out. Next year!
In the top collage l-r: Matthew Golesworthy and Liz Lawton; Mark Charnock and Rosemary Bravington; Waine Lawton, Andrew Floyd, Margie Charnock and Katie Hoffman.
In the bottom collage, top l-r: Chris Winearls, Mark Charnock, Rosemary Bravington, Katie Hofman; Katie and Paul Hofman, Nicolette Simpson-Frost, Margie Charnock and Liz Lawton. Bottom: Waine Lawton, Andrew Snelling, Julien Hofman, Matthew Golesworthy and Chris Danziger
Miles Maskell (O, 1953) talks about his new book My Wife's Canary at an intimate lunch at The Carlton on Tuesday 14th November. Miles has lived a varied and adventurous life, and has travelled widely as demonstrated in his anecdotes. He has been a City of London wine merchant, owned two restaurants and a champagne bar, and eventually created a company letting top-of-the-range properties in southern France on behalf of their owners. He has climbed mountains, shot wild boar in Poland, piloted a 4-seater aircraft of which he was a part-owner, parachuted in New Zealand, and ridden the Cresta Run in St Moritz. He is also a sculptor. Written as a lighthearted and easy-to-read series of anecdotes, this is his autobiography and recounts some of the more entertaining experiences of his life to date, as well as a number of amusing incidents encountered by his relations and closest friends.
Included in the cost (£40 pp) of the three-course lunch are all the drinks and a copy of the book, which is a collection of memories and anecdotes which cover his varied and interesting life.
We have a lot to be positive about in South Africa, say Nick Dall (Birt, 1999) and Matthew Blackman.
Many of us will remember chatting with Nick about one of his hugely successful previous books Rogue's Gallery. This one is the flipside of the same coin.
Join a ZOOM conversation with the two of them in conversation about their latest book, Legends: People Who Changed South Africa for the Better. In just 45 minutes you’ll learn why people of all races were awed by King Moshoeshoe of Lesotho and how Olive Schreiner was so much more than a bestselling novelist. You’ll hear about Miriam Makeba’s remarkable rise from prison to the Hollywood A-list and you’ll discover why Sailor Malan – who fought fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa – has been almost entirely forgotten. And to prove that our glory days are not a thing of the past, you’ll be reminded about the exploits of the book’s only living legend, Thuli Madonsela. Nick and Matthew will keep things super informal, and there’ll be time for plenty of questions at the end.
The ZOOM conversation is on Thursday 23rd November from 6.30pm (UK) to 7.30pm (UK). To RSVP and get your ZOOM link, click HERE.
THE BOX
Anthony Sauerman (O, 1981) is turning into something of a prolific author across a variety of genres.
The blurb: When three friends spend the summer of 1905 on a farm, they are inextricably drawn to one another by a force of nature that they neither understand nor feel able to share outside their circle. They have no way of knowing what impact they will have on each other and on the world beyond. Accepting one another for who and what they are, their lives change forever. They have one another to thank for that. And the box.
If you've ever thought that Paternoster Square adjoining St Paul's is somewhat bland compared to it's astonishingly beautiful neighbour, or have been irritated by the traffic congestion at Piccadilly Circus, then blame an old Top House boy.William Holford, (Lord Holford) (S, 1923) had a somewhat lacklustre path through Bishops (matric Bs for History and English, Cs for Latin and French and a D for Maths) but excelling in drama and art - the sketch (left) of the Founders housemaster's study by him appeared in the 1924 magazine during his postmatric year. He then went on to win the British Prix de Rome for architecture. He enjoyed an illustrious career in that field, was knighted in 1953 and made a life peer in 1965, for his contribution to architecture and town planning. Indeed, in his obituary, The Times described him as "the most influential figure in town planning throughout the period during which town planning in Britain was transformed ... to a major activity of central and local government". This period included the reconstruction of London after WW2. As an architect, he designed three buildings for Eton and the iconic Clarendon House in Oxford. And though, apparently, a regular attendee at OD dinners in London and "holding some affection for his old school", he did no work for Bishops. As mentioned, he was involved in the design of Paternoster Square but his plans for the upgrade of Piccadilly Circus (which included a raised pedestrian piazza above the traffic!) were rejected on the grounds that they would not achieve the 50% improvement in traffic flow the project demanded. Born in Johannesburg in 1907, he died in London in 1975.
For some reason, he is not included in the list of Notable Alumni in the Bishops Wikipedia page.
Tobacco manufacturers created one of the most popular collecting hobbies ever in the late nineteenth century when they included attractive cards in their cigarette packets. After the Second World War the anti-smoking campaign was powerful enough to lead to the banning of the issue of cigarette cards in an attempt to prevent youngsters picking up the tobacco habit [well that didn't work] and from the early 1980s cigarette cards ceased to be made and distributed.
For many Bishops boys, cigarettes were never more than an arm's length away and together with other Southern African Schools, were the subject of their own cards. These were produced in the 1930s. The front and back of the Bishops card is on the left, and the faces of six other schools' cards on the right. Click to enlarge.
These collections command quite a premium — are there ODs out there who have any?
Beanies are back in stock after having soldout like hotcakes. They are available at £20 per beanie.
Ties too - 100% silk - are in stock at £23 per tie
The amazing ODU rugby jerseys are available to order through Black&Blue and if asked for a password, its Bishops1849
Lastly, the beautiful original watercolour of Bishops Choristers in front of the Memorial Chapel Altar is a one off and the proceeds of the sale will be given to the ODU Bursary Fund.
All prices include postage. Delivery to only UK or Europe addresses.
To keep yourself warm, or as much-appreciated Christmas presents, please order HERE.
We welcome a new cohort of about 150 Bishops matrics as our newest ODs. The ODU will be their Bishops home for, on average, the next 55 years and through the Union provide a unique connection to other ODs and Bishops. The ODU vision is "Bishops for Life" and while no one expects that the ODU will be the centre of our lives as we forge our own paths after School, it does (should) provide a safe and familiar "home" which is supportive and fun. I received a note from an OD in the UK and it's worth repeating here:
"I am often struck by the number of ODs who tell me they weren't happy at Bishops, although, in many cases, without being altogether precise on what the cause of that unhappiness was. Teenagers are programmed to be unhappy. It is a period of massive and unpredictable change and conflict between burgeoning independence (the individual) on the one hand and disciplined boundaries (the School) on the other. It's a period when we were fighting with our parents, sisters (or someone else's if we didn't have one of our own), railing against haircuts and curfews, made miserable by over-zealous prefects and, in a more structured way - or that was the hope - beating the daylights out of Paarl Gym. It was all so combative and stressful.
"And then suddenly, School, and that ghastly period of emotional, physical and social change and turmoil was over".
The ODU is a different type of "place" and I get such a kick out of those same chaps who tell me that they were unhappy at School saying how much they enjoy the Union.
None of this is to deny that some boys were genuinely and with valid reasons unhappy at Bishops, and we shouldn't be frivolous or dismissive of those feelings, but in itself this shouldn't mean they will be unhappy ODs. Or at least I hope not.
Next year's Cape Town ODU Dinner is heading back to Kelvin. It was supposed to be there last year and then wasn't. Then it was going to be replaced by a much more informal affair on the field outside The Mitre, but that was cancelled through lack of support. And this year it was in the reception room of the Woodlands Pavilion. The date for next year's is Thursday 7th March should anyone be looking to fill their itinerary for while they're in Cape Town over that period.
Founders Day is on Friday 8th March all over the world, and for those not able to enjoy the joys of Cape Town, diarise the UK Founders Day Lunch being held on that day. As a giant awakening from his slumbers, so the Western Cape Branches are stirring. Last month the NW Boland Branch (yes, apparently there is such a branch although not listed on the ODU website) got together for a dinner and rugby gathering at the estate (Olive Rock) of Nick Stanford (F, 1999). As we know, these functions, enjoyable in and of themselves, over time build engagement which is hopefully what they will do down in the Cape. Click on the photo to enlarge and read the names. To read the full story, click HERE.
Bishops heads to the year-end. The current matrics have had their valedictory ceremony which marked, together with the Avenue Walk, the formal end to their Bishops careers. This group was also welcomed into the ODU as our newest and youngest cohort of ODs. Long-serving staff are also bidding their farewells after long and happy times with the School. New leadership has been elected for next year and we wish Bishops all the best for a happy and successful 2024.
To remind you, Tony Reeler, the Principal, will be up in the UK in July 2024 and we have a dinner slated with him to be held in London on Friday 5th July. Pencil in th date!
As always, the best way to keep abreast of what is happening at Bishops is to read the informative and comprehensive Principal's fortnightly letters by clicking on them below:
