Shared at the Old Greys’ Union AGM on September 18, 2024.
Good evening all
Tonight is for me an evening of gratitude as my term as the National President of the Old Greys’ Union comes to an end.
People often ask me why I’ve spent the better part of 30 years of my life working for Old Grey in various capacities, from cricket and squash clubs to the Old Greys’ Union, as well as The Grey Foundation.
Many years ago, at a meeting, Bryan Knox and the late John Lynch asked me to join the Union Committee and, one day, hopefully, take over the running of the Old Boys; it was an easy decision to make, and I have never looked back!
Before I end off with my message to the Old Boys worldwide, I need to reflect specifically on 2022 and 2023 and, in doing so, outline what has happened with all that is The Grey.
2022 saw our post-Covid return to complete normality, but a lot had changed! The manner in which we did business had changed; the manner in which we went about schooling had changed: in fact, the entire world had changed! One of the saddest consequences of the Covid period was that young men had missed out on their victories and losses on the Grey fields that are special to all of us; they had missed classroom antics which create the camaraderie we all hold so dearly and will never be forgotten. Spare a thought for those who missed out on so much. It was evident in the classrooms and on the fields that the ‘New Boys’ did not know the traditions and these had to be re-taught.
The Hurr family legacy. Pictured from left: Dale Hurr, Rector Chris Erasmus, Former Rector Neil Crawford, Ed Hurr, Dave Hurr, Former Headmaster Lindsay Pearson and Michael Hurr
The Old Grey Club, an asset of the Old Greys’ Union, received a major facelift with the launch of Padel Tennis. My thanks to Graham Howell and Patrick Grewar (1975), along with Africa Padel for entrusting us as their venue of choice in Port Elizabeth. Peter Simmons (1996) spent a lot of his personal time, as the Old Grey architect, in seeing to the completion of this project.
The renovations and improvements to the SAPS fields continue unabated after we signed a 20-year lease with their committee. The Schools are our partners in this agreement.
We have also recently signed a maintenance and use agreement with the committee of the PE College fields adjacent to the Police fields. This will grant us a little respite for our fields.
The re-signing of the Fitch and Leedes sponsorship for a second term allowed us to renovate our ‘Deck’ at the Club and also helped with a much-needed upgrade to our parking areas.
Thanks to John Drinkwater (1993) and Gavin Hogg, Cerebos has come on board with a sponsorship for the patio and braai upgrade, as well as our new boardroom. We thank them for entrusting us with their brand. These upgrades will assist us in generating much-needed funds for the Club.
We must thank both the Junior and High Schools for using the Old Grey facilities and making the Club their second home. It is always pleasing to us Old Greys’ to see the young guys charging around our fields.
The entire upgrade of the Club started when Gary Sim became involved in 2007. He worked tirelessly sorting out the Club and finding a solution to the food and beverages. This culminated in outsourcing the facility, which has worked very well. Gary, our sincere thanks for all you did for both the Union and the Club during your time here.
Scott Rollo replaced Gary in March 2022 and has spent the subsequent period at the Club improving the fields and facilities. Scott voluntarily spends every morning at the club, and with his input, the upgrades have been exceptional. The Old Grey Club is the place to be in Port Elizabeth – Thanks, Scott, for a tremendous job!
The Old Greys’ Union have hosted far too many events to mention. However, the Reunion events are stellar and are the highlight of any year. Our Executive Manager, Lauren McCleland, along with Class Reunion Leaders works tirelessly to create these memorable occasions. At times I wonder how it all runs so smoothly! The answer is simple – Lauren you have been nothing short of a complete professional and you are certainly someone who will not accept second-best. My personal thanks to you for always keeping me calm and for your good, solid advice when it was needed. You are a gem!
The Grey Foundation, reignited by Bryan Knox as Chairman, really shook up our fundraising initiatives. Bryan has been of massive support to me as we have strived to build the Foundation and the Union into profitable entities, all aimed at benefitting the Schools. Bryan has also understood that change is good and selected his successor Andrew Bradley to take over from him as Chairman. Andrew, being a very astute and capable businessman, has been highly influential in several changes for the better. He has been a personal sounding board for me, and my grateful thanks go to him too.
The Manager of The Grey Foundation, Bev McCarthy, must get a special thanks too for all her valuable advice on, and great knowledge of fundraising. My personal thanks to you, Bev!
To the Old Grey Committee – the men who, over the years, have come and gone: it has been an absolute privilege to have served with you all. The deep thinking around problems as well as the discussions on marketing, and finance that carry late into the evening have been an enriching learning experience. Everything we do is done voluntarily, and you have all served to the best of your ability. I hasten not to mention all of you by name as there is a possibility of me leaving a committee member out, but you know who you are. I have found it to be very rewarding to meet, work with and become friends with all of you; long may those friendships continue. A massive thanks to you all.
I need to make special mention of a few people who have certainly helped me in my journey. If I leave anyone out, please forgive me.
To the professional staff of the Old Greys: Lauren McCleland, Bev McCarthy and the staff who have moved on – it is with thanks that today we salute you! It is not always easy at times, but it is certainly very rewarding;
Bryan Knox – Past President of the Union and Past Chairman of the Grey Foundation and my close friend; and a great guy to work with;
Andrew Bradley – Chairman of the Grey Foundation, for your massive support as well as sound advice;
Ian Pringle – the first Executive Manager of the Old Greys’ Union. You launched us into a new space;
The late Thelma Collins – for her huge and unwavering support. (May her dear soul rest in peace!);
Wendy Beaufort – for starting the Marketing department at The Grey and all your hard work;
Richard Gillies – for keeping the finances;
Leslie Bergman – who has been a wonderful friend;
Ron Baynes and Andre Basson – for making my Old Grey trip to London special;
Gary Sim – a valued friend, Past Club Chairman and Past Vice-President of the Union;
Greg Paterson – (Oricol) for always assisting me when needed;
Gary Du Bruin – (Fitch and Leedes) for holding out a big hand when it mattered;
Nigel Bands – (Southsure) for much-needed sponsorship in many areas, and the many robust discussions we have had;
Peter and the Pitsiladi family – for your continued generous support of The Grey over the years;
Ian Parker – (Metalman and Galvanising Techniques) for always being there with advice and financial help;
Charl Posthumous – (DP Trading) for being there whenever help was needed;
Dr Dean Barclay – for unwavering support and a confidant;
Grant Howard – for giving me sound advice; and running a very efficient Grey High SGB
Mark Groch – Past Chairman of the Grey Junior SGB;
Neil Bielby – for always supporting our ideas;
Steve Van Niekerk – for always including me in the cadet days;
Danny Daniels – the man in charge of the Grey High Estate – is always willing to help and assist;
Dr Darren Green – my go-to guy when needed, and a close friend. Your phone calls to check in were much appreciated;
The entire Cape Town Committee;
James Ferrans and the JHB Committee;
The London Committee;
Garth Morris – a road long travelled as SGB Chairmen of both Schools;
Geoff Dakin, Valdie Jensen, Kevin Helm, Grant Barber, Keith Simpson, Dave Truter, Sabelo Sibanda and Mike Abel – all passionate Old Boys;
The various Matric Grade Heads with regards to Valedictory Day;
The various Head Boys we have had the pleasure of working with;
Then the Men of 1984 – all the support and help. Thanks, gents, it has been inspirational;
My folks – Ed and Anne Hurr;
My sister Nicki;
Lastly, a massive thanks to my wife, Beth, and my sons, Michael and Dale, for all the time and help when needed. Also for understanding the time I needed to complete this journey.
Not many of us can boast to have served with Two Rectors: Neil Crawford and Chris Erasmus; as well as two Headmasters, Lindsay Pearson and Grant Butler. It has been a journey which I am truly blessed to have been a part of. The professionalism I have experienced has been magnificent and you have become trusted friends.
The staff of The Grey are never, in my opinion, given enough credit. One forgets the enormous responsibility that they carry: driving buses and educating kids – some clever and some that struggle, but they never give up. Well done to you all!
To the staff who work in the background: the Bursars, the Personal Assistants, the Hostel staff, the Estate staff and all the others who work so hard in keeping the facilities in their current state, and with limited resources – you are ‘YSTERS’!
In closing, I would like to share my reasons for wanting to be a part of all that is ‘The Grey’. I believe in ‘The Grey’ as an institution and I support all that it stands for. In the mess that education in South Africa finds itself in, ‘The Grey’ stands as a beacon of light. My Great Grandfather, my Grandfather, my dad, I and lastly, my boys, attended Grey. I certainly hope that one day my grandchildren attend Grey. For these schools to continue to be what they are, we all need to do our utmost to support ‘The Grey’ into the future.
My parting message:
I firmly believe that most of us don’t do enough and that we all can do more! The Old Greys’ Union and the Grey Foundation, both professional entities, support the Grey Schools and the worldwide network of Old Greys. They also make it possible for us to make a difference. However, to do this efficiently we need funds. Who would organise the Reunion weeks; social events worldwide; compile newsletters and manage social media platforms etc. if we didn’t have the efficient staff that we do? May I remind all that a simple debit order with a minimum value of R100.00 per month (tax-deductible) to the Grey Foundation includes your Old Grey Union membership?
The Grey requires funding to run effectively, with offices and employees. Without the support of our Old Boys, this may all come to an end. We currently have around 650 Old Greys actively contributing – imagine what we could do if we had 3,000 or more! It’s as simple as signing up for a debit order or making an annual contribution.
Lastly, may I thank each person who is currently contributing – thank you for making that difference!
Please join! Collectively, we can make a huge difference to the future of our beloved school.
Thank you, one and all, for your support and friendship over the years!
Dave Hurr
Tria Juncta in Uno
CELEBRATE, CONNECT and CONTRIBUTE
A message to Dave from the Former Rector
Loyalty, passion and total commitment are words that immediately come to mind when describing Dave Hurr and his massive contribution, in so many and varied ways, to the Old Greys and to his alma mater. As President of the OGU, he has excelled in every way and has given unselfishly of his time and effort. There is no doubt that the expression, ‘Like Father Like Son’, rings true – Ed, himself, served as the very first chairman of the GIDT (Grey Institute Development Trust), which later became The Grey Foundation and he remains a ‘beacon of light’ amongst the Old Greys to this day!
Dave has been a genuine and visible ambassador for The Grey – our many travels to all corners of our country and abroad to visit OG branches, bear testimony to this. Whether in London or KZN, he has always ‘shouted Grey from the hilltops!’ Together with the Heads and members of The Grey Foundation, he has provided up-to-date information on school news and developments. Communication has been key!
Not to forget – as an Old Grey committee, with Dave as President, we have also enjoyed many hilarious moments of fun – stories abound!
Dave has always taken an immense pride in the achievements and successes of our Grey Men, past and present – he has been a great source of encouragement to so many. His enthusiasm is infectious! Dave is a solid human being who is valued and hugely appreciated!
Dave has also been an integral member of the marketing team when engaging with prospective parents and young men, from around the country, wishing to ‘kick-start’ their educational journey at The Grey. His warm and engaging personality has always been a winner!
As Rector, it was always reassuring to know that President Dave ‘had your back’ – supportive and encouraging, coupled with sound advice. He was a great ‘protector’ of ‘The Boss,’ and always only a phone call away. All the positives totally outweighed the negatives and the odd ‘ tricky’ situation was ‘nipped in the bud’ because of honest and open lines of communication.
Mr President – we salute you! You have indeed ‘walked the extra mile’ in the best interests of our global Old Grey network and our beloved Institution. We wish you well as you step-down from this demanding role of office – thanks to Beth, your Old Grey Sons, Michael and Dale, and the Family for allowing you, as OG President, to serve all associated with The Grey for so many years, Congratulations, Good Sir, on a remarkable and hugely successful ‘innings!’ Yes – you are now stepping down as ‘big-chief’ of the OG’s, but be aware of the fact that we know where to find you. We also know that you will continue with your input and involvement as a trustee of The Grey Foundation – it’s in your blood! Thank you, Dave, for being a wonderful friend and confidant.
TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO
NEIL CRAWFORD (RECTOR: 2001 – 2017)
A message to Dave from the Rector
As Dave Hurr steps down as the President of the Old Grey Union, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering dedication and remarkable service. Dave’s long family history with Grey, dating back to his great-great-grandfather, has been a testament to his deep-rooted passion and commitment.
Dave, a proud member of the Class of ’84, has been a dynamic force, blending seriousness and formality with a playful spirit. His boundless energy and personable nature have made him a beloved figure within our community. He knows the Old Grey community inside and out, and his passion for the school and its people is unparalleled.
Dave’s leadership has been marked by his willingness to get involved, give up his time, and work tirelessly for the benefit of others. He has always been quick to praise and slow to criticize, even when faced with challenges. His unique ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking has been a guiding light for us all.
Grey has been Dave’s beacon, and he has always understood the world through its relationship to Grey. His legacy will continue to inspire us to celebrate, connect, and contribute to the future of our beloved school.
Thank you, Dave, for your exceptional service and for being a true embodiment of the Old Grey spirit. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and we are forever grateful.
Chris Erasmus
Rector, Grey High School
A message to Dave from The Grey Foundation Chairman
On behalf of the Grey Foundation, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dave Hurr for his remarkable service and dedication during his tenure as President of the Old Greys’ Union. We have appreciated Dave’s commitment to fostering unity, goodwill, and pride among Old Greys. Under his leadership, the Old Greys’ Union has grown stronger, with renewed energy and purpose. The programmes he has instituted and the relationships he has nurtured will continue to serve as a foundation for the future success of the OGU and the Grey Foundation.
In Dave, the Union found a leader who has successfully promoted meaningful connections, created lasting memories and celebrated our brotherhood. We acknowledge the countless hours Dave has invested in leading with pride, humility, and passion.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the exemplary work you have done in strengthening the Old Grey community.
It is appreciated by all who have worked with you and we are delighted that whilst you are stepping down as President, you will be continuing to serve on the OGU committee and the Grey Foundation.
Andrew Bradley
Chairman, The Grey Foundation