Written by Ian Pringle
The Long Room at the Newlands Cricket Pavilion was the venue for a highly successful lunch attended by 47 older Old Greys. The age of 60 was the cut-off limit. We were also pleased to welcome Rector Chris Erasmus along with Andrew Bradley and Bev McCarthy of The Grey Foundation who addressed us over the meal. It was a marvellous occasion. What could one wish better for? A splendid view over the cricket ground, an excellent three-course meal accompanied by complimentary wines on the table followed by coffee, a great set up, a cash bar and such good camaraderie among all of us present! The oldest Old Grey present was Bill Shewell (1953) who said the Grace and the youngest was Lee Carelse ( 2013) who made it as he is on the local Committee. Jonny Hill also slipped in as he was just two months short of his 60th birthday!
The Rector and Andrew’s addresses were well received and they certainly fully updated us on the affairs at our old school and on the work being done by The Grey Foundation in supporting Grey. The new Music Centre estimated to cost R30 million is well on track and it was astounding to hear of the amount raised by the Farmer’s Market over just two days. We were pleased to host a full table of those who matriculated in the late 1950s – the last of legendary Rector Bruce ( Flash ) Gordon’s boys. A gentleman who is still revered and respected to this day.
John Biesman-Simons ’71 kindly sponsored the table wines and regrettably could not join us as he was on holiday in Greece. Thanks, John! We were also gifted a most appreciated Masterson’s Coffee Hamper which was raffled off for a worthy cause. Lee, a super salesman at the door, sold 200 tickets in no time and we raised R2000 to buy a Colours blazer. The winner was Clive ( Buckie) Buchanan- Class of 1958. The blazer will be gifted by the Rector to a Grey boy whose family may not be able to afford it. Indeed a heartwarming gesture was accomplished and thanks to our Friends of The Grey – the Masterson family for their support in this regard.