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WHO'S ONLINE NOW


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UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS



•   Andrew Cowan  9/10
•   Paul VAN DE Wall  9/10
•   Terence Dowdall (Class Of 1961)  10/10
•   Ian Falconer  13/10
•   Finley Hamilton  15/10
•   David Geary (Class Of 1966)  16/10
•   Dimity Eager (Language)  17/10
•   Bruce Birrell (Class Of 1962)  19/10
•   Peter Disler  19/10
•   Colin Mayne (Class Of 1968)  28/10
•   Keith Barnett  30/10
•   Alan Skjolde  31/10
•   Francois Everson (Class Of 1966)  1/11
•   Peter Glaum  1/11

PROFILE UPDATES


•   Richard Bell (Class Of 1961)  19/8
•   Fred Broom  25/7
•   Rick Prins (Class Of 1962)  6/6
•   Bernhardt Griessel  20/5
•   Paul VAN DE Wall  17/5
•   Cecil Gower  12/3
•   Peter B L Harrison (Class Of 1965)  9/10
•   Harold Silver  2/8
•   Peter Larcombe  10/7
•   Justin Brown  19/6
Show More

WHERE WE LIVE


Who lives where - select from the dropdown to find out.


MISSING CLASSMATES


Know the email address of a missing Classmate? Click here to contact them!

JOINED CLASSMATES


Percentage of Joined Classmates: 53.1%

A:   102   Joined
B:   90   Not Joined
(totals do not include deceased)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

 Nelson Mandela (R.I.P. 5th December 2013)

 

Welcome to the DHS Class of 1964 website.

 

See joining criteria below the "News" section on this Home Page.

 DHS and Foundation "Old Boys" events can be found in the section "DHS Today" (at the left of your Home Page), as well as other news of the school forwarded to the site.

NEWS​​​​​​

Hullo again! Winter is now "verby" and the buds of Spring are springing everywhere you look (if you are living south of the equator) which is something "they" can't take away, so stay calm, don't fret if you are about to turn 80, update your profile page on this site, and check out Discussion Forum No. 653, which may inspire you to write something into that site location. Do it now. Keep smiling.

Another Guest Member has joined the In Memory pages: Anthony Oshry, older brother of our classmate, Tim. We hope to learn more from Tim, to whom we convey our condolences.

Your site manager has been off the air for a couple of months, while he and Ann made a sale of their Sydney house and moved to a scenic spot in the Illawara, south of Sydney, near their family and grand children. We are now in our new house and are busy unpacking.

Tributes to Don Allaway and Andrew Geils (Guest Member) have been added to their obituary pages.

Farewell, Don Allaway: News just received may shock you to know that Don Allaway has died. We thank Rob D'Aubrey and Ian Robertson for this sad intelligence. Please add you thoughts and memories of Don to his obituary page on In Memory.

Discussion Forum rises again:  thanks to Gerald Sack, Dave Levy and Paul Vanderwall for new contributions. They have brought the total of items on Discussion Forum to a total of 652. More please.

The 60th Reunion has come and gone. We are all home safe and sound and our memories of the events are happy ones. Take a moment to click on the 60th Reunion button at the top left of your Home Page for some pictures and a brief description of the events. Please feel free to write some comments on the events and paste them into Discussion Forum. Let's get the site active again. Ja no?

Urgent change to Reunion Lunch date and time:

Owing to the late change and start of the Old Boys Assembly on 31st May (now 12:00 to 13:00 followed by tours of the school), the Class of 1964 60th Reunion lunch at the Spur, Durban North, has been changed to 12:00 on Saturday 1st June. Please arrive early so we can get a start on their normal Saturday clientelle. Let Peter Larcombe know if this means you cant make it. Please spread this news to anyone who might want to come.

If you wish to attend the assembly amd school tour click on the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rBk__BpcLn86KvlNzOmIonwNXxrfYeAIiMVhG4b9E10/edit

The Nest gathering is unchanged. Please make your own bookings and get the special Seniors discount as detailed below.

Our 60th Anniversary Class of 1964 Reunion is almost upon us. Will you be joining us? Here is a reminder of what reunions are like all over the English speaking world. Here is a truncated summary of a social media piece called "Above Inspiration", (author anonimous) sent to me by Finley Hamilton (with thanks). I'll post the link if I can find it.

We have passed the decade that the speaker says is the last significant reunion (50th), so maybe we can all make our 60th something special, in human terms.

Take a look at this:

10th Anniversity Reunion: You are all about 28 years old, in shining health, and you think you're a success. It looks like your high school on steroids: you're parading your life.

20th Year Reunion:  You are now 38 and your fitness is starting to slide, your kids are teenagers and humility prevails. It is a good reunion.

30th Year Reunion: You are 48, almost 50. The looks are gone and you're trying to preserve the past.

40th Year Reunion: You're about to turn 60 and everybody looks the same and you've learned by now that life is not just aquisitiveness and show and things go deeper and you are starting to get smart.

50th Year Reunion: This reunion is the most tender, because now you're about to turn 70 and you're aware of the people who aren't there, who have died. Everything is now pretty much gone: you're down-sizing and you brag about how small your house is and how you have mobility problems and other health issues, and that this is probably the last time together. You look at each other, the rich and the poor and you think: "we made it" and you realise that you should have learned so much earlier that life is not about acquiring and exhibiting but it's things such as faithfulness and loving that are the essence of life, and that count in making a life. And man, how quickly has it gone, that you only have one life and better not waste it.

60th Year Reunion: How will it play out? Will you even bother to be at it, or will the 50th have been the end of the road for you and your mates? Come to the lunch and if possible the Berg stay. This really will most likely be our last Class of 1964 Anniversary Reunion. Read on to get the details and make your plans and commitments now. See you there! (Gabby Bell).

60th Anniversary Reunion Celebrations   31st May to 7th June 2024

             Program of Class of 1964 Activities (For more detail, click the 60th Reunion panel above left)

1.  Assembly of Old Boys of the school:  12:00 to 13:00 followed by school tours, on Friday 31st May 2024.RSVP to:   dhsf@alumnet.co.za

2. Lunch for 64s at The Spur Durban North:  12:00 to 15:00 Satyrday 1st June.   R115 (seniors’ special) to R250 per person (a la carte)

RSVP to: Peter Larcombe by May 10th: petersportlarcombe@gmail.com

3.  The Berg:

Monday 3rd to Friday 7th June (adjust dates to suit yourself when booking)

Gathering at The Nest, Cathkin Valley Road, via Winterton.

             RSVP: Lindwe Zondi, reservations@thenest.co.za.  Ph 036 486 1068

            Special rates including breakfast, dinner and a.m. and p.m.tea/coffee

            R875 pppn sharing or R 975 pppn single.

            Make your own bookings please asap. Late may mean disappointment.

Ahoy Berg goers!  Please contact the Reservations Manager at The Nest, Lindwe Zondi (reservations@thenest.co.za) Ph +27 (0)36 486 1068 and identify yourselves as members of "DHS Class of 1964". Your options are to book for up toi 5 nights from Sunday June 2nd to Friday June 7th.Rates are: R875pppn sharing or R975 pppn single, including breakfast, dinner, a.m. and p.m tea/coffee. You need to book and pay for yourselves. If you wish to vary the dates, please tell Lindwi and pay appropriately.  The road through Winterton to the Cathkin area issafe and relatively short compared to other resorts. Accommodation and food has been recently tested by Old Boys and is  deemed to be very adequate.

Time is ticking by. The decision has now been made to go to The Nest in the Cathkin area of the Berg from Monday 3rd June (in) to Friday 7th June (out). Prices are at Seniors special rates. Please make your own bookings directly with The Nest and cite the DHS "64" group and if necessary, my name.. Please let me know when that has been done. Thanks, Gabby. Note error in dates (June not July) corrected here (17-3-24)

February edition of The Oldie:  The Foundation has come a long way in communicating with DHS alumni, since this website emerged in 2012 from the enthusiasm for fund raising of the late Howard Buttery. It now has several sites on social media and a regular bulletin "The Oldie" which if you have not seen it, you can easily do so now using the link below. Congratulations for sustained and intelligently applied effort to Andrew Shedlock.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WkJffudbfjZ7baw2Eyoo50FyCyHnMfrF/view?usp=sharing

Farewell Mike Procter, great cricket contemporary of our Barry Richards. Mike was an Old Boy of Hilton, but his close association with Barry Richards almost made him one of us. His prowess in the sport of cricket  helped make history for South Africa and the game world-wide. Ed Granger has kindly sent us the following link to an obituary of this famous son of Natal and of our era.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/feb/18/mike-procter-obituary?CMP=share_btn_link

Vale: David Hilton.  Our Classmate David Hilton passed away in the UK on 24th January. Please share your memories of him on the In Memory page . Thanks to Ralph Barnes for sending this sad news.

Reunion Lunch: Change to SPUR at Durban North. The venue will not be the SPUR at Musgrave Centre, but instead we will go to the one at DURBAN NORTH. It is located at the former Glenwood OB club, adjacent to Varsity Club. Please let Graham or Peter Larcombe know if you intend to join us. Guests welcome.

Berg Venue: We have checked out three possible venues and special rates for a gathering in the first week of June: Cathedral Peak Hotel (R1340 pppn for stay of 5 nights or R1405 pppn for stay of 3 or 4 nights, single or sharing a standard room); The Nest Hotel (R875 pppn sharing or R975 per single) 2-7th June; Champagne Castle Hotel: nothing available that week. Fully booked. So that comes down to CPH vs Nest. The former is possibly more luxurious but is a bit of a longer drive and is clearly more expensive. All catering is supplied at both (the Nest omits lunch).  Decisions! Decisions!! Members and Guests (and their significant others) are welcome to join us at one of these places. Please email me if you want to come and which venue you favour and if you will come to either if your choice is not possible. gabbybell@gmail.com.  Terry Dowdall, this means you too. 

Ahoy All! The site is still alive and well, despite the manager taking a long break while he packs up his Sydney house and 36 years of junk, dirt and memories. We are moving to the Illarawa area south of Sydney to be near our kids and grandkids. Now! what about that 60th anniversary reunion?? Are you ready to rock?? Luckily for us, Peter Larcombe has been organising the lunch for Friday 31st May. He has checked out several options and the costs and the menus. The result is an executive decision by him and me to call the LUNCH event at the Musgrave Centre SPUR. Why? It is within walking of the School which many of us will be attending in the morning, it caters for all food types: carnivores, vegitarians and has a seniors menu for those needing less food and less expense. There was no option better than this. In the evening, we may go to a restaurant as a group of friends, not as Class of 1964, so please keep that date and time free.  NOW: save the date and send me a message stating what you want to be in on. This is for the booking of numbers.

We have yet to get a decision on the Berg trip, but something is definitely going ahead, so please save the date for Sunday 1st June to 5th or longer if you wish to make your stay longer.

Guest Members are welcome to join us at all these events.

I'm glad to be back on deck and appreciate greatly the help of Peter Larcombe.

Gabby.

Wishing all Members and their Families a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday Season, and a successful and healthy 2024. Stay well and safe!

You will have received an e-mail about plans for the 60th anniversary reunion. I hope as many members and guest members will come and join us both at the school on 30th, 31st May and 1st June as well as at a Berg resort for 3-5 nights thereafter.  Please "save the dates".

Tributes to John Mason reached a total of 20, on In Memory and Discussion Forum, an all-time record for any of our deceased class-mates and guest members. Clearly this reflects the shock of John's sudden demise, particularly by his close friends from School, but also the respect and affection he engendered in readers of this web-site. Those who followed his funeral service on-line (the date and link were provided by Val Mason and shown in the announcement below) will have been even further impressed by the eulogies made by family and the former headmaster of Mentone Grammar school, and by the presiding clerics of the two churches which were represented. Rest in Peace, dear John.

And so the Discussion Forum has surged on, while your site manager, feeling the shock of John Mason's death as well as overwhelming competing distractions, has been taking a break from updating these NEWS notifications. Two things are note-worthy:

1. You the readers and contributing writers have simply plowed on with some great discussion, on what boundaries should our discussions have, if any; the painful international situation; and the  killings happening in the Middle East. Your erudition is truly amazing!  This shows clearly that the 64 website has a real life of its own: exactly what the site manager intends it to have...thank you all!

2. The response to the call for a show of interest in the 60th  anniversary of our matriculation year (1964) has at best been luke warm, albeit warm-to-hot by a few individuals. If you have not responded, please read the blurb below and email Graham Bell at your earliest convenience. Lack of interest will result in nothing happening in 2024. This may be the last opportunity to get together and say, in person, "cheers and thanks for all the fish".

Live-stream link for John Mason's funeral which will be held at 1p.m. (Australian eastern day-light saving time) on Thursday 12th October 2023;

https://bit.ly/john_mason.

Vale: John Mason (Class of 1966): So very sorry to report the death yesterday (4 Oct) of our stalwart Discussion Forum writer, John Mason. A brief obituary is posted on In Memory. You'll find his entry in the Guest Members section of In Memory. Please add your memories of John. Our condolences go out to Val and the Mason family. Thanks, Lindsay Brown for your early comment on John's passing. A photo has been added taken by Graham Bell in December 2022 when he met John in person for the first time. If you have any photo to add to your comments and have difficulty posting them, please send them to Graham (gabbybell@gmail.com) as jpeg files.

Please reply to Graham Bell at gabbybell@gmail.com before 15th October, if you have not yet done so, concerning the 60th Anniversary Reunion.

Dates for Founders Day in 2024 have been released:

Founders Day is on Saturday the 1st of June but for the Reunions  the following events are being planned by the Foundation (Andrew Shedlock):

Thursday 30th May:          Golf Day

Friday 31st May:                Old Boys Assembly (morning)

Friday afternoon and evening 31st May:  Reunion Dinner and or lunch (organised by Class groups). At the moment no gala event is planned such as was held in 2014 at Mount Edgecombe.

Saturday 1st June:            Rugby & Hockey vs Michaelhouse

Please watch for Andrew Shedlock's communications on how to attend the Foundation events.

Following these events, it is proposed that members of Class or 1964 and friends and families of Classmates will repair to the Drakensberg OR Eastern OFS for 3 or more nights. 110 Classmates have been emailed to canvass commitment and preferences. Please e-mail gabbybell@gmail.com for more information or to express your ideas and preferences.

Thanks to Lawrie, Gerald, John and Terry for latest interesting Discussion Forum on "restorative justice".

The beat goes on! Discussion Forum is alive and well with contributions from all the usual suspects. How about posting a short discussion piece yourself? How are you surviving the eigth decade of your existence? Are all your spare parts still functioning? Keep it short...leave the long screeds to the professionals. Your site manager is back after a wonderful coach tour to the far north west of Oz. We had a wizard of a time. Any ideas for the 60th Anniversary of Class of 1964?

Discussion Forum has reached No. 596, with some long screeds by John Mason (Class of 1996). Thanks, John. I notice fewer readers have logged on recently. I hope at least, if that applies to you, you'll read John's latest on the state of modern South Africa and it's neglect of the example set by the anti-apartheid fighters and heros whose lives were sacrificed to bring the ANC to power.

I'm about to take a couple of weeks out in the Australian Outback (NW WA) and am likely to be out of touch til after 4th September. You'll be spared notifications during that time. Cheers!

New discussion has been contributed by Dave Levy, Terry Dowdall, and John Mason. Thanks!

Thanks for ongoing discussion from Barnes, Caruth and Mason

Beware of scammers:  Never ever respond to requests for money made in the name of this website. A scam has been launched at members of Class of 1966. The Class of 1964 site will never ask you for money. If you wish to donate to DHS please do it through the Foundation.

Thanks for the recent pieces from Lawrie Barnes and John Mason.

The July edition of The Oldie contains the story of Allan Turton's career as teacher and artist plus an article on Des Thompson. There is a link to this edition in DHS Today, which you can reach by clicking the button on the left of this Home Page. If you wish to be on the mailing list, contact Andrew Shedlock of the DHS Foundation (URL is shown at the bottom of this page: scroll down.)

Further discussion has rolled on (20 new entries) with some long pieces by John Mason (Class of 1966) and his classmate Geoff Caruth. Lawrie Barnes explained the 20 book reading project we endured in Third Form, which no doubt was of great value. Lawries high scores no doubt set the tone for becoming our top Afrikaans scholar and later a Professor of Linguistics.

For some extra kultcha, if nothing else, read Marvel's "To his coy mistress"  in John Mason's Discussion Forum No.579.

Always remember to press "Save"! This short announcement replaces a longer one drawing attention to the new items on Discussion Forum and Chit Chat. Thanks okes!

Ten new items have appeared on Discussion Forum since the last notification. No. 545, by Alan Gelb recounts a prank played on Prof Schuddeboom at Natal University and his cool reaction, which is consistent with Barbara Trapido's descriptions of him in her book (see Discussion No. 454). In the next Forum, Lawrie Barnes tells of a teacher assessment he and his third form class witnessed, performed by non other than AW McIver, in 1961. He suspects the axe had already fallen on the teacher as he was soon thereafter transferred to a school on the periphery of Durban. Was McIver going through the motions? He clearly didn't understand a word of the Afrikaans lesson, which was surprisingly well conducted?

Forum 548 by John Mason (Class of 1966) discusses streaming and the promotion of competition it effected at DHS. In 1961 we were bunched into classes according to the subjects were had elected to take: Latin, Biology, 2 Sciences, or Geography. In 1962 through to our matric year (and beyond in the experience of John's cohort), the end of year exam results were scored and the entire form was ordered from top of class to bottom in one "stream". The forms were then labelled A, B, C, D, etc to G or H. So we were mixed in with Geography students, Latin, etc. It became important to watch your performance in the "monthly orders" to see who you were ahead of or behind, and whether you might be relegated to the lower class. John discusses the merits of this system compared with that in which lower performing students sit in with higher achievers, addressing an educational policy that the weak benefit from being with the strong. How did you experience the competitive streaming in our era? Did you suffer from being in 5F? DHS was a very competitive environment in the classroom and on the playing fields, track, and swimming pool. Did this do us any harm?

Geoff Caruth (Class of 1966) regrets the demise of Latin as a high school subject (see Forum Nos.549-551 and 553) which sparked a reply by David Levy (No. 552), not in sympathy. Did you enjoy Latin? Are you now pleased to have taken it?

Most recent is a piece, No. 555 by John Mason (Class of 1966) on the subject of finding long-lost friends. Thanks, John for your continued interest and erudition.

"Lived experience" feature: What was it like to be a person of colour admitted to DHS, in its first ever mixed-race intake of pupils in 1991? Learn what it felt like from one who was there, Sudeshan Reddy (now a communications specialist for the United Nations) and was among the matriculants from DHS in 1993. See DHS Histories. Click on the button on the left side of your home page. 

New Chit Chat entry from Patrick Farrell (Class of 1966). Takes us back to Dudley Andrews School of Dancìng.  Look for this at the top of Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

New discussion can be found in Discussion Forum. Thanks to our current discussants. More please.

Thanks for the virtual deluge of postings on Discussion Forum by Mssrs Mason, Caruth, Barnes and Dowdall.

Andrew Shedlock has asked Graham Bell to write about Allan Turton for the Foundation's social media and their forthcoming issue of The Oldie. You can see this at the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/100051715285875/posts/pfbid02jEKq3KxWrLeUA2GTqv6u187DgKx31dCHVrrAmj7tpCAUT7cuQuXDmFPXaCKAjeNAl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

If you wish to receive The Oldie, contact Andrew Shedlock via this website: click on his name in Guest Members Profile Pages and then on "send Andrew a private message". This is how to contact all your friends on this Class of 1964 site. Or contact The Foundation using the website link shown at the bottom of this NEWS section (scroll down).

Discussion is rolling on. John Mason (Class of 1966) makes interesting observations about the cancellation of affirmative action in recruiting students to US universities by the US Supreme Court. This is followed by three postings on various subjects by Geoff Caruth (Class of 1966), including the anachronistic character of the Head Master of our era. Times change, and we have "lived experience" of much of it. Let us know what you have been around to witness.

Thanks for the lastest contributions to Discussion Forum from those chatterboxes: Mason, Dowdall, Caruth, Barnett, Bell, Grainger, and (fanfare) Lawrie Barnes. Brian Berman has contacted the site via Contact Us to suggest that we preserve some of the erudite philosophical pieces before the site disappears into digital oblivion. How? Who will do it? Who will pay for it? Would it include material from our brother websites?  Could we turn over all the site content to a printed edition of an "Alternative DHS History?"

We grow old, we grow old, we shall wear our trousers rolled.

There is a group of good guys murmuring in the wings that they would contribute to a site licence renewal next year. Will you join them? If yes, please let the site manager know. We need to know what deals may be offered by the licensor...that will be known closer to expiry in 2024. Otherwise, it's so long and thanks for all the fish. An indication now of your support (no obligation) will be comforting.

Lively exchanges continue on the topic of nick names on Discusion Forum. Thank you to all contributors.

We have reached our 500th Disussion Forum piece and appropriately this has been achieved by John Mason (Class of 1966), with two submissions on Zulu language and philosophical gems (DF Nos. 499 and 500). The Forum has been a great success over the life of our website, drawing interest from at least half our members each time one pops up. If you have never contributed, why not have a go now?  Time is precious. Get clicking!

Lively discussion on a shared and valued friendship of a deceased tree biologist has ensued in Discussion Forum as well as some interesting reflections on what names have been given to members by Zulus. Have you been aware of what your African country men and women have referred to you as? Your site manager has been "njebe" (beard) and recently "umfundisi" (priest). I suspect the latter is a backhander. Thanks to all who have contributed to the Discussion Forum. More please.

Welcome to our new Guest Member, Viv Thorpe.

Thanks for the latest Discussion Forum contributions to Messrs Butler, Caruth and Granger.

Thanks to those who have submitted their 60th reunion survey replies. Please do so when you get a moment, if you haven't yet done so.

Forum 487 by Ed Granger (Class of 1963) gives the site manager a spelling lesson (where is autocorrect when you need it?) but luckily not a caning with some exotic species of bamboo. The manager's policy is to let our contributors be as creative as they wish with spelling and grammar, himself included. Anyway, the offending word has been corrected, but not yet Ed's reference to a PhD graduate from UND. Could he be referring to the site manager's chicken-torturing efforts at La Trobe University, Melbourne? Who needs spelling ability in the age of AI? Thanks for the contribution, Ed. You nearly had us bamboozled.

Discussion Forum 484 by Billy Crawford, drew out a response (485) by Ed Granger (Class of 1963), which in turn provoked a reply by Graham Bell (486). Our Discussion Forum is working as it should. 102 members have visited the site in the last 30 days. This does not include repeat visits in that time. Discussion Forum is keeping the site alive and kicking. Kick on.

Thanks to Keith Barnett ( former City Engineer) for comments about the frustrations of communicating with news editors who changed his words or outright refused to publish his message. 

Ed Granger (Class of 1963) and Geoff Caruth (Class of 1966) discuss the botanical features of various types of bamboo, which made excellent fishing rods as well as rods for the whacking of boys' backsides. Rowley Beckett remembers a recent encounter with an Uber driver in Johannesburg which sounds to have been profoundly therapeutic and deserving of your consideration (See Discussion Forum).

Three more contributions to Discussion Forum broach the role of media in South Africa, in not reaching the people that might change the system democratically. Thanks to Rowley Beckett, Geoff Caruth (Class of 1966) and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) for their pieces on this topic.

Thanks for all contributors to Chris Thorpe's obituary page and to the Discussion Forum. Your site manager has been on a month's holiday and mostly out of reach. Clearly the site is running very well without these announcements. Please keep it that way! I will be adding material sent to me by Viv Thorpe soon and adding my own memories of Chris, as soon as I am less jet-lagged. Please consider updating your profile page and joining in the interesting Discussions.  Graham.

Death of Chris Thorpe. See In Memory and please add information and your memories of Chris.

John Mason (Class of 1966) comments on Rwanda and the prospect of cleansing South Africa of its entrenched corruption. He holds out hope that it can be done if people use their voting power. What do you think?

What is the truth about Rwanda? Paul Rowe (Class of 1973) offers comments by some Canadian friends and an opinion piece from the New York Times. See DF 444. What to believe?

Discussion Forum No.443 raises the spectre of the return of chaos and another cold war. Thanks, John Mason (Class of 1966) for your insights and poetic references. The prospect of a hot war is "too ghastly to contemplate ".

Keith Barnett discusses awards of colours at DHS in our era...and notes change has happened. See DF 442.

Two amusing comments on parenthood by Dave Levy (No. 439) and Alan Gelb (No. 440) precede a new reflection by John Mason (No. 441) on how, in our era, only sporting achievements were rewarded with colourful braid on our blazers, and never any kind of intellectual achievement, let alone community work or sacrifice. While many may regard this as unjust, was it part of what made us internally strong? If you peruse the infamous 1964 class photograph (which led to Wrinkles refusing to allow whole of Year photos from then on) you will see many individuals have given themselves half colours (by means of a piece of paper showing in the top pocket) and one or two having removed their colours entirely and awarded them to someone else (blazers swapped). This delightful bit of tomfoolery went un-noticed when the 20 or so individuals who had more visibly goofed around (ties made into bows, comb in hair, neighbour's tie in mouth, etc) were called up for caning by the angry (blissful?) Wrinkled One. There was something of a group statement, perhaps an insanity, conveyed in this photograph, regardless of the consequence. By the way, both the person with the tie in his mouth and the owner of the tie were flogged.

Two welcome discussion pieces (437 & 438) are offered by Dave Levy. Many thanks, Dave. Every utterance of mine is falsifiable and often falsified by my children using their phone apps. As a theory I lie in ruin. UND did us proud, all things considered. Nevertheless life away from SA took some adjustment. Please share your experiences of social change.

Clive Wellesley reflects on the culture shock he experienced after leaving South Africa. See Discussion Forum.

Hedley Appleby and Paul Van De Wall share memories of Les Smith. See In Memory 2022.

Two new Discussion Forum pieces will brighten your day: Nos. 434 and 435, by John Mason (Class of 1966) and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961).  As ever, thought provoking. Comments are welcome. 

Two new photos have been added to Photo Galleries, Casual getogethers, of the Bells and Andersons catching up with Peter Larcombe in the past week. How about posting some of your photos? Management is available to help: send Graham jpegs and a short caption for each in a Word file.

R.I.P Les Smith. We have just learned from Ros Smith, that our Classmate, Les Smith, died a year ago in Gauteng after a long period of suffering with a degenerative brain disorder. See In Memory, 2022.

You may be interested and sad to know that one of the popular members of that "Year of The Animal", 1961, Kevin Roberts, a member of the swimming team and all round good guy, has died after also suffering dementia. Kevin had a stella career as a pilot, including captaining 747s. A detailed obituary can be found on the Class of 1961 website. Request guest membership. See link at the bottom of this NEWS section. (Scroll down til your arm aches).

R.I.P. Kevin and Les.

David Papineau was Dux of DHS in 1963. He has made a career in that prince of intellectual pursuits, Philosophy, and occupies a chair of that discipline at The University of London. Ralph Tyrrell has made available a link to a podcast in which David is interviewed about the philosophy of science. Enjoy. Thanks Ralph. Take a bow, David. We who are not far off dying, salute you.

Alan Gelb visited Rwanda in 2016. Read his account, analysis and prognosis for South Africa, in Discussion Forum 432

Two new articles on Discussion Forum (Nos. 430 and 431) deserve your attention: Alan Gelb provides a link (copy and paste into your browser) to a Center for Global Development article on violence (including sexual abuse) to 13-17 year old boys and girls in several countries (but not South Africa), admirably researched and reported by Susannah Hares and Gabriella Smarrelli.

Wouldn't it be great if these authors could present their findings and reasons for doing the work at the next DHS Safe Schools Seminar?

The second article is by John Mason (Class of 1966) on the remarkable example being set in civic order by the African state of Rwanda. Does it take a genocide to achieve this? Is it too late for South Africa to follow suit?

Foundation CEO, Andrew Shedlock has appealed to this site (management) to find out if any of our cohort who were left bitterly uninterested in the fate of DHS (and there are many) might now wish to revive their interest in the modern, changed and improved DHS, by visiting and learning about the current School through social media.He has provided links to Foundation sites as follows:

https://www.facebook.com/thedhsfoundation/

Instagram: @dhsfoundation_1866

These links have been added to the list of brother website links and sites of interest at the bottom of this NEWS section. Scroll way down. From time to time, your site management clears away the antique announcements, but these site links and site joining and policy matters remain a fixture.

The new Astroturf Hockey field is open for games by boys from DHS and (gasp) girls from Maris Stella. See DHS Histories. Click on the panel on the left of this Home Page.

A high quality digital magazine is now in production by the DHS Foundation. It carries a trove of information about all years of DHS Old Boys as well as current events of interest to the DHSOB community. Of particular interest to Class of 1964 members are the planned class reunion activities and dates for 2023, organised as part of Founders Weekend (25-27 May 2023). These indicate what may be in store for us in 2024, and how we may wish to be involved when we celebrate our 60th anniversary. See DHS Today. Click on the panel on the left of your Home Page. Thanks to Andrew Shedlock (Class of 1981 and CEO of the DHS Foundation) for making the links available.

Dave Levy suggests where the line can be drawn and recalls the danger of coersion and how it was dealt with...a happy ending? See DF No 429.

Where should the line be drawn? Keith Barnett gives two troubling examples of sexual crime and punishment.

Two new items from Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) revisit home to school  journeys and provide food for thought about changing societal attitudes to sexual behaviour. See Discussion Forum 426 and 427. Thanks Terry.    Please add comments or pitch in with a new topic.

What can happen to school paedophiles in 2023? See the latest Discussion Forum.

Does anyone know Walter May's new email address? His old one listed on the site is bouncing, so he's not currently receiving site news. If you are in touch with him, please ask him to update his profile info or contact site management.

Paul Van de Wall describes his daily trolley bus ride (EV) to Prep. Thanks for jogging our memories, Paul. You must have some interesting mornings.

Thanks to Peter Disler and Keith Barnett for more interesting  Discussion Forum input on Evs and AVs. Will trucks that are replacing rail freight become electrified?

Cecil Gower is first.  Thanks, Cecil! More please...to follow or wait?

Brian Berman adds a light hearted comment. Thanks, Brian and Vaughan for kicking off the topic of EVs and AVs. See Discussion Forum. No-one has yet fessed up to buying an EV.  Is that you? Or a hybrid? Please share your thoughts and wisdom.

Alan Gelb draws an analogy between AV technology and introducing new financial technology to underdeveloped countries. What principles should guide their introduction? Can anything ever be perfect?  Is it OK to kill or damage people in the process? Thanks, Alan.

Dave Levy tells of the 52 year consequence of the crash in Nick Bulley's Mum's car. And adds some fresh light on Automatic Vehicles. Maybe there's hope for Tesla....

An interesting memory of a crash is relived in Peter Disler's comment on Discussion Forum. Thanks Diz.

Dave Levy explains what happened to autonomous vehicles. Thanks, Dave. Has any member bought an EV? Tell us about it, please.

The discussion on EVs is off and running with enthusiasm for trolley buses leading the charge. Many thanks for comments from Frank Beeton (Class of 1963, Grosvenor). Not much has been said about autonomous vehicles, once so enthusiastically embraced by Elon Musk and friends. The claim was that crashes would be a thing of the past, because driver error would be eliminated. What happened? Can you enlighten us?

Vaughan Mostert gives an interesting and welcome answer to Brian Berman on the subject of electric vehicles. See the latest Discussion Forum. What do you think? Are you a Tesla owner? Have your say...it's free and helps us all keep our brain cells alive. Please!

Two DHS Old Boys from the class of 1937 met recently, each aged 100. See DHS Histories.Thanks to Ed Granger (Class of 1963) for this story from The Sunday Tribune, 5th February, 2023.

Another great photo story in Photo Galleries has been received (with thanks) from Peter and Dawn Glaum.See Photo Galleries > click on photo of Moo the pig and SCROLL DOWN (keep going!) to their latest: a letter home from Perth written a long time ago. Take the trouble to find and read this if you are still capable, if not, ask someone to read it to you for therapeutic value!

Thanks again to John Mason (Class of 1966) for two entertaining stories about the difficulties in getting expelled. Thanks also to Paul Butler for his brief comment. See Discussion Forum Nos. 411, 412 and 413.

Quo Vadis, South Africa? John Mason (Class of 1966) comments on David Geary's (Class of 1966) insights into the current machinations of the ANC. David has a remarkable perspective on the issues and personalities, and John points out how these serve to inform those of us who are far from the action. Thanks to both. Please have your say on this or any other subject.

David Geary (Class of 1966) has posted his follow-up article on the ANC internal election. Many thanks, David. This has been a difficult time for you and Mrs Geary, recovering from a serious bout of COVID. We wish you both a return to full health asap. Comments on David's piece are welcome.

Welcome comments on David Geary's (Class of 1966) piece on the ANC have been posted by his year mate, John Mason. More, please, David.

Two more interesting Forum pieces have been posted by Keith Barnett and John Mason (Class of 1966). Each addresses a different subject and will reward your attention and hopefully inspire you to post a comment or some ideas and memories of your own.

Your site manager recalls the stuff hitting the fan from Forum No. 1 and the ultimate good it did. The lessons were not without pain, and are worth remembering.

Two new postings on Discussion Forum remind us of the Jiggs apology campaign of 2014-15 and the spirit of the times that resulted in child abuse being silenced in schools not only in Durban but around the country and the world. Thanks again to Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) and Paul Van de Wall for their fine words. Paul has also posted a great photo on his profile page. Thanks, guys!

Dave Levy adds a comment on the COBs campaign to get action on Jiggs's outrageous behaviour.  Does doing nothing against wrongful activity actually assist it?

Keith Barnett describes the fate of many conservative clubs. DHSOBA included. Discussion Forum No. 401. 

Two contributions from John Mason (Class of  1966) sets the pace for 2023., and brings up the 400th Forum piece. John has told of the low point Charlie Crewe reached in his alcoholism, when he vomited out of his bedroom window. Poor old Charlie... John has done some reading of the early Forum pieces. It has been a worthwhile use of time, he says. Have you browsed your website lately?

First off the rank in 2023 with some reminiscences about sport now and then, is champion of the school swimming pool, Alan Gelb. Thanks, Alan!

Welcome to the brave new world of 2023.

New Year's eve is nigh. Who will be the first to post an item on the site in 2023? Seeing the old year out are John Mason (Class of 1966), Peter Disler and Keith Barnett, with thoughts of school cricket, the character of our fellows and some of our teachers (DF 395, 6 & 7). Happy New Year everyone!

Two new contributions are posted on Discussion Forum (393 and 394) by John Mason  (Class of 1966) and Paul Van de Wall. John recalls a remarkable oration by one Swan Richards, and Paul relives moments in class with the unique Maniac.

Our sympathy and condolences are sent hereby to classmate, Anthony Hooey, whose two older twin brothers, David and Michael, of the class of 1961, passed away in the last few months.

Dave Levy adds to Discussion Forum with hope for humanity.

Mark Polti contributes a follow-up in similar positive vein. Thanks guys.

And as Tiny Tim said: Merry Christmas, everyone. If you prefer, simply Happy New Year!

Another thought-provoking piece from Terry Dowdall graces Discussion forum. Will the scientific method save the human race?

The question was posed in Tuck Shop Chit Chat, of whether the Class of 1964 would like to have a reunion in the Drakensberg. Silence followed (except for Chris Thorpe, ever a keen starter, who e-mailed Graham Bell expressing positive thoughts). Today, nearly a year later, our members are starting to answer the question, with Stewart Sutherland making useful comments and suggesting that a bus be organised to take "out of towners" to the Berg. What do you think? Shall the site run a survey of members? Meanwhile, please post a comment in the Chit Chat > "Drakensberg Reunion" forum. We need to start getting organised so that members can plan ahead to come together from near and far. The Class of 1961 has just had its 60th in Israel. The Class of 1962 has again missed the boat, (correct if wrong, please) and the Class of 1963 are planning something in Durban in the coming months. Refresh your memories of the 50th using the report accessible from the top left of this Home Page, and the several sets of photos in Photo Galleries.

Opsaal! Die Reunion kom!

A new Discussion Forum (No. 389) by John Mason (Class of 1966) discusses the power of words in shaping social attitudes, with examples from Australia's refugee policies and their communication to the voting masses.

Site management has reformatted David Geary's (Class of 1966) article on the situation in the ANC, to insert spaces in the text that was "crushed up" and difficult to read. No content has changed. A follow-up article is anticipated.

Two new photos have been added to Photo Galleries "Casual Getogethers" of a couple of Old Bollies (Mason and Bell) and spouses who met on 19th December 2022 for the first time ever. History has happened.

And again, with photos of Neil Lamble's (Class of 1973) epic ride to Cape Town, which have finally been added to Photo Galleries, sans captions. For the story, see posting No. 237 of 6-11-21, in Discussion Forum.

Have you posted a photo lately?

Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) tells us about Bill Payne in Discussion Forum, and of English lessons from the great man, and some unusual epithets that have cropped up in his time as a Psychologist assisting in Divorce cases.

Gerald Sack replies to "Letter from Jeff Greenstein" in Tuck Shop Chit Chat with interesting details of his change in direction of teaching nurses, to something that caught their interest. Thanks, Gerald! Maybe you could post some of your notes on Discussion Forum for the edification of our members.

David Geary's (Class of 1966) article is already making an impact...members are piling on to the site and hopefully you'll be thinking of adding your comments.

Thanks to Bruce Birrell (Class of 1962) and John Mason (Class of 1962) for their latest contributions.  Bruce, our 1964 cohort never knew Bill Payne, except by legend, and his portrait in the library.

Welcome back to Roger Jones who adds some thoughts on our English teachers, in Discussion Forum No. 386.

.A special article by David Geary (Class of 1966) can be found at Discussion Forum No. 385. This includes a link to a Defend Our Democracy (DOD) discussion paper issued to coincide with the ongoing ANC internal election.. This give us a privileged insight into contemporary SA politics at a level that few of us could hope to gain. Thank you, David.

Alan Gelb replies on Discussion Forum with appreciation of Golfie's arousal in him of a lifetime interest in theatre.

Peter Disler adds two replies to Discussion Forum. He recalls the influence of Golfie and Theo on the vibes in English classes and Dennis Shaefer's excellent production of Knight of the Burning Pestle. Did you take part in a drama production? What did you do? Your addition to Discussion Forum is welcome. Further advances in topics are also welcome.What do you think of local and international events in your region?

Wow! Another essay from John Mason  (Class of 1966), takes us into the erudite and gifted world of a poetry scholar and teacher... and some high praise for the University of Natal's English Department. Thanks John! Anyone wanting a change of topic should take the trouble to read this. Replies welcome!

 

That should have read 61 years ago!

Some wistful reflections on the chaos that was 3BA in 1961, 59 years ago. It is a wonder anything was learned at all and no wonder that the cane was the main route of entry to the brain. Thanks Paul van de Wall and Ralph Tyrrell for their latest accounts.  Billy Neave was one of a kind. The chalk on the face incident resulted in an alarming assault by the teacher, causing Paul to black out and think he'd fallen out of a tree, just in time for Wrinkles to intervene with his cane. Imagine this happening today? No fun, and lawyers and medical specialists atTen thousand Rands and hour.

Can anyone provide a more serious topic for Discussion???

Lively discussion has proceeded with welcome contributions from Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) and Paul Van de Wall, and  a recent series of recollections from Ralph Tyrrell. Many thanks, all. 

Peter Glaum provides a startling reference for Dog Perkins in support of recent discussion by Paul and Clive. Previous accounts of Dog have remembered him as a bully, alcoholic and paedophile, and amongst the very worst teachers DHS has known and protected. Peter's account will surprise and may even shock you. Many thanks Peter. Dog certainly made a difference to your life.

Two new (ancient) photos have been added to the Photo Gallery "Random Kak..." Thanks to Ed Granger (Class of 1963) for digging these out.  If you have trouble uploading pics, please send them as jpg files to the site manager. To open the Galleries, click on the desired image. There is also a great set of Photo essays by Peter and Dawn Glaum that will amaze you in the Galleries.

Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) replies to Clive Van Rensburg and Paul Van de Wall with some introspection regarding his memories of Dog Perkins. As we grow older, are we more likely to remember the good things about rotten characters we have known in our boyhood? Or did we all see different sides to complex characters, some of us experiencing the good sides and others, the bad sides? Please have your say, if only to stimulate our slowly fading memories and rapidly declining brain cells. Or is this all just a waste of time? If so, what else should we be doing?

Another good word for Dog Perkins, from Clive Van Rensburg. Thanks Clive. Can anyone else remember a teacher in similar good terms? Or not so good? Have your say. It's free and password protected.

Thanks to Paul Van de Wall for a stirring  piece on his memories of teachers and his life after school. It is helpful to know that there was a good side to Dog Perkins and that Paul has had an interesting, good and successful life. See Discussion Forum. Please try posting a comment or something about your life's story. We are all playing in Extra Time now, and your input is appreciated...do it now before the final whistle blows.

A strange document from the vault is posted on Discussion Forum by Ed Granger (Class of 1963). This even looks genuine.

Dave Levy remembers interactions that left a mark in life after school as of greater significance than during his school years. He has had a distinguished career teaching and researching in universities, mostly in South Africa and Australia. His contribution to Discussion Forum reminds us that school days were very short compared with those filling the nearly 60 years that followed. 

More commentary on teachers Nourse and Oellermann from Chris Thorpe and John Mason. How different were their personalities as seen by pupils and fellow staff. Was what we saw the real person or the actor? What do you think?

 Welcome to our latest Guest Member: Andrew Shedlock (Class of 1981). Andrew is the CEO of the DHS Foundation, so you can use the private messaging feature of the site (click on the "send private message" line near the top of his Profile Page) to discuss with him, directly and privately, anything that concerns or interests you about The Foundation.  Of course, you can also open its website using the link at the bottom of this NEWS section: scroll way down to find it and other brother DHS Class Of websites. Welcome to the '64s, Andrew.

Another provocative essay from John Mason (Class of 1966) can be found in the latest Discussion Forum. John raises the topic "Interactions that left a mark - of memories, masters and motivation",  and reflects upon the inimitable Sas Nourse and Oelie Oellermann and a charming junior teacher, Mr Friend, who succeeded in having his whole class caned. You may be interested to learn what became of the two senior teachers after they left DHS. What (apart from the cane) left a mark on you? Have your say. Thanks John, for another masterpiece of penmanship.

Yeni lo fugazi?  When did you last check Tuck Shop Chit Chat or the Photo Galleries? There is a treasury of items to revisit. Maybe you'll rise to the occasion and fling in a comment or two. The topics are still alive and kicking. Photos of your recent wrinkles are particularly welcome. You may even receive an award for safekeeping. Keep the fugazi boiling!

The full fugazi: John Mason doesn't fail to provoke interest and tender feelings in the reader with his ideas and raw honesty, all expressed in his inimitable style and command of our common language. John has recently been diagnosed with a debilitating lung disorder and acknowledges our classmate Clive Wellesley (Knezovich) for important advice offered on coping with the disease. That the two Old Boys have met through this site speaks volumes for its value to us all.This latest essay by John contains much to interest our members. Hopefully many of us are still capable of sustaining the effort to read to its end. Thank you, John!

Discussion has exploded on the Forum, led John Mason and followed up by Ian Poole and Terry Dowdall. Have a good time reading their arguments and have your say using the comments button. The philosophy has added to your site manager's current adventures in remote parts of the land of the Maori and world rugby champions. 

After a quiet month of inactivity on this site, John Mason (Class of 1966) wakes us up with a searing piece of prose and philosophy.  Enjoy reading it, and take the opportunity to add your comments to Discussion Forum.

 

Thanks to Don Allaway for his comment on Ali Maynard.

A brief review of Robin Droogleever's book "Five Good Squadrons" is given in Tuck Shop Chit Chat > Our Teachers > Neil Lamble remembers...

Tributes to Ali Maynard (Class of 1965) are flowing in. Thanks to Paul van de Wall, Rich Bizzell, John Mason (Class of 1966) and Finley Hamilton for theirs. See In Memory. Scroll down to Guest Members.

Welcome to new Guest Member, Robin Droogleever (Teacher). Details of Robin's latest book on Boer War history is given in Chit Chat > Our Teachers > Neil Lamble Remembers Robin Droogleever.

Peter Larcombe has sent a touching and detailed obituary with six photos for Alistair Maynard (Class of 1965). Thanks, Peter. Please find this new site item at In Memory. Scroll down to Guest Members 2022.

The Class of 1961 site managers (Ian Robertson and John Bartlett) have posted the following sad news on their website. Lee Irvine was a prefect and star cricketer in our third form year. Our deepest condolences go out to Lee, Helen and the Irvine family:

"As many of you already know, our classmate Lee Irvine's son Nicholas was killed in a road accident in South Africa last Saturday.  This is a dreadful, almost incomphrehensible loss to Lee and Helen and we have extended to them all our love and support, and will continue to do so in times ahead."

"This is to let you know that the funeral will be tomorrow, Friday 19th August, at 11 am South African time, in the Rosebank Catholic Church on Keyes Avenue in Johannesburg.  The funeral will be followed by a celebration of Nicholas' life, which you can view as a live stream:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUgL7ZUGWyw. "

Sad news comes from Ian Corbishley of the death of Ali Maynard (Class of 1965). An obituary has been posted on his class website. He is remembered as a polio survivor who became a champion swimmer, paddler and marathon athlete for the whole of his life. He was a fine human and was greatly liked and respected.

 

More on Robin Droogleever (correctly spelled here) has been added to Tuck Shop Chit Chat > Our Teachers. He has recently published another history of Australians in the Boer War. Pictures of the covers of his two tomes have been included, and how to contact him, should you wish to purchase copies. Regrettably, South Africa's and DHS's loss of a fine teacher and historian is Australia's gain. However, his works are of great value to South Africa as they record great swags of Boer War history told by actual participants, before letters from war fronts were censored, and when histories based on minimal original reportage by participants, were given the victor's propaganda treatment. (Does this remind you of a certain website?)

Terry Dowdall adds another comment to the Discussion Forum (No. 357) which reminds us of the contrast between what we allow young people to see of violence and death/warfare on screens, yet shriek at the prospect of allowing them to see pornography. What do you think?

Discussion Forum entry No. 355 features some cage-rattling and welcome new thoughts from Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) in reply to those of Dave Levy, on the need for sex education in high schools. Are you too shy to comment? Rattle your cage bars, and let the dust and feathers fly. Enjoy your website and its password protected discussions. Or should this all be put to the censor's knife? Would you prefer another discussion topic? If so, what?

Dave Levy replies with grace and brevity (Discussion Forum No.356).

Sex education at high school using pornography? A half-serious conversation is happening in Discussion Forum. Thanks to Ed Granger (Class of 1963) and Dave Levy for comments on Terry Dowdall's provocative piece . Thanks also to Ed for a thumbs up for the Chit Chat article on Robin Drooglever. Have your say,  please.

Neil Lamble (Class of 1973) remembers Robin Drooglever (teacher) and a prank he performed in one of Mr Drooglever's history classes, which was written up in Jerry Oddy's book "Where the Baobab Grows". See the pages reproduced in Neil's contribution to Tuck Shop Chit Chat > Our Teachers.

Ed Granger (Class of 1963) thinks Terry's suggestion has merit and remembers being flogged by Wrinkles for reading Lady Chatterly.

Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) does it again, with his inimitable wit, on the subject of pornography. See Discussion Forum, No. 351. Nothing to censor there...Terry old bean!

Some discussion on former DHS teacher, Robin Drooglever has appeared in, of all places, the In Memory page for Bobby Hex (R.I.P 21 December, 2019). Please, rather, use Tuck Shop Chit Chat for such exchanges. If there is not a suitable Chit Chat forum for what you want to say or information you seek, simply notify the Site Manager, who will create one for you (use Contact Us, or direct email).

Site Management is puzzled by a mild rebuke posted on Chit Chat by Doug Anderson of Rowley Beckett's piece about retirement travel and lost impetus to visit the USA, in reply to Letter from Jeff Greenstein. The site policy is to censor nothing (except pornography and terrorist provocations, in keeping with our site licence agreement). Not even creative forms of spelling and lousy grammar are cut or corrected. So, please, members, keep writing what you feel and think. Your contributions are much appreciated, as shown by the hundred-plus visits each new posting receives from our membership. And, yes, if you dont like or agree with what someone has posted, post a rebuke or rebuttal. The site is here for you to "let it all hang out." Your erudition will not be censored. The site lives happily on what you have to say, warts and all. Please contribute your story to the latest Chit Chat forum on life in retirement.

Thanks to Rowley Beckett and Paul van de Wall  for their stories on life in retirement. Please add your story. Thanks also to Sean Burke (Class of 1970) for information on  teacher "Snakes" Chandler. How did our teachers get their nicknames? Was Alan Chandler a herpetologist?

New Forum in Tuck Shop Chit Chat: What are you doing in retirement? Are you indulging new interests and activities? Jeff Greenstein has been "amaized to find" that he has time to learn about and enjoy music, for which living in Philadelphia provides much opportunity. Enjoy Jeff's contribution and please add your own story to this new Chit Chat forum.

Thanks to members who have updated their Profiles with their new life events and activities. Also to John Mason for a new Discussion Forum, No. 350, on sportsmanship and control of tantrums, which we were well Schooled in. What role did elitism play in this? Please add your comments or new ideas to the Forum.

Two more Prep photos (5A 1959 and 6C 1959) have been added to Photo Galleries (Prep Memories) by Ed Granger (Class of 1963). Many thanks. Enjoy the reminiscences and the pretty faces.

Ed Granger (Class of 1963) has added three images to Photo Galleries "Prep Memories". Quite a few of his Prep Classmates ended up as our Class of 1964 classmates, or are on this site as Guest Members. While in Photo Galleries, enjoy the wide range of images posted by our members and think about posting some yourself. If that is too ghastly to contemplate (to quote someone from our era), send the jpeg files of your photos to the site manager (gabbybell@gmail.com) and he will add them to your existing gallery or create a new one in your name. This can be done!

New Old Boys' Blazer: Have you bought your's yet? Just think how you'll impress the chicks at the next School reunion, or afternoon tea party!  For information on how to order yours, go to "DHS Today" by clicking the panel on the left of this Home Page.

Billy Crawford writes in sympathy with Owen Van Renen"s suffering with arthritis, describing what it was like when he had it. Thanks,  Billy. See In Memory, Comment No. 13 for Owen.

An exciting creation by Rick Prins (Class of 1962) has just been published and is now available on Amazon. Rick explains the genesis of his novel in Tuck Shop Chit Chat and posts a copy of the front and back cover, which contains some of his output as an accomplished fine artist (and former pupil of Alan Turton). If you can spare a few Rands or other currency to obtain a copy, please post your comments on the book in Chit Chat, on this website.

Another post on In Memory, for Owen Van Renen, by Ed Granger, tells of how much Ed admired Owen's prowess as a swimmer, in the light of the lifelong trauma Ed suffered by nearly drowning in the Beach Baths in his youth. This is a remarkable story.

Thanks to Peter Disler for new comment on Owen Van Renen's passing. See In Memory. Owen's death has touched many hearts.

New Old Boys' Blazer: You may develop an urge to wear something different to this year's July Handicap, Queens Platinum Jubilee street party, or Ice Hockey game. If so consider yourself in the new Old Boys' unique blazer, shown here. To obtain your blazer, contact Andrew Shedlock and pay a deposit of R600 (50% of purchase price). See DHS Today.

John Bradford sends a comment from Canada on Owen Van Renen's passing. See In Memory.

New In Memory comments for Owen Van Renen have been posted by Paul  Van de Wall and Ian Corbishley.  Thanks to all contributors.

John Mason (Class of 1966) embraces the vexed subject of death and eternity in his latest contribution to Discussion Forum.

Five more pictures of Owen Van Renen have been added to his obituary, courtesy of his Facebook gallery.

Further additions to memories of Owen Van Renen have been posted by Lindsay Brown and Finley Hamilton. Thanks, Finley for the photo from our 50th Reunion and the message Owen sent you afterwards. See In Memory.

Memories of Owen Van Renen flow in from all over the world. Thanks for postings from Gerald Sack, Alan Gelb, Grant Lawson, Michael Woodford (Class of 1963) and Don Allaway. Thanks also to Peter Larcombe for the new photos of Owen and his stellar swimming achievements. Group photos also contain several fishy characters from our Class of 1964.

Vale, Owen Van Renen, smiling friend, attendee at the 50th class reunion, and formidable swimmer through his entire life. Owen has been struggling with cancer for many months and today (17th May 2022) he has left us for that great swim meet, beyond all suffering. See In Memory and please add your comments to his obituary kindly submitted by Peter Larcombe. Please send photos as jpeg files to gabbybell@gmail.com.

Derek Law lives! Thanks to Paddy Farrell for finding him and calling him from Canada!  Derek please join the site and tell us about your career and life!

Photos with names: The welcome photographs from the Class of 1962, submitted by Rick Prins, now have the names (as best as he can remember them) for each of the four years. See Photo Galleries. As our cohorts overlapped, Class of 1964 members will find these photos valuable for jogging their memories. If you recognise any of the "blanks" please let our site management know, by direct email or using Contact Us.

By the way, Rick's novel, which includes a character based on Jiggs, is about to be published. Watch this space for more information.

And now for something a bit different: Have we published an obituary for a classmate who is still alive and kicking? It seems that Derek Law (see In Memory 1968) may well be quite hail and hearty and possibly living in the Cape. Thanks to Patrick Farrell (Class of 1966), who knew the family of three boys well,, we have erroneously published a death notice for Derek in confusion with his elder brother, Geoffrey, who was killed in a Harvard trainer 'plane over Dunottar, while Derek went on to have a successful career in the S A Navy. Derek's last known address was 14th Ave, Da Gama Park, Simonstown. If anyone can help us trace Derek and ascertain if he is still alive, please let the site know. Perhaps some members who live in the area might make inquiries on behalf of DHS Class of 1964.

Stan Liansky has added his memories of Tim Jubber, helping to make Tim's the most tribute-filled obituary of our site. We have also received record numbers of members visit our site in recent days. Thanks everyone for staying active and interested.

Thanks to Chris Thorpe for an addition to Chit Chat, General Discussion, on the sad fate of a Ukrainian rugby player. Chris has also added an In Memory tribute to Tim Jubber, as has Paul Van de Wall who recounts some hilarious escapades with Tim in the years after leaving school.

New contributions are welcomed from Lindsay Brown on the sadness of  dementia  (Discussion No.348), Gerald Sack on Lukie and the missing alcohol (see In Memory)  and for comments on Tim Jubber"s tragic death, from Starr Glen-Williamson, Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961), Colin Langeland-Hansen, and Ian Vowles.

Many thanks to ten members who have posted their memories of Tim Jubber on In Memory: Doug Anderson, Richard Bizzell, Don Allaway, Alan Gelb, Clive Wellesley, Grant Lawson, Randal Payne, Finley Hamilton, Cecil Gower and John Mason (Class of 1966). A photo of Tim in 2014 has been gleaned from Photo Galleries...a valuable source of images (please keep them coming!). See In Memory, 2022, Tim Jubber.

On the lighter side, we have a new Discussion Forum posting from Gerald Sack, who will teach about canibalism  to any vegetarian student brave enough to listen, and to us, his old classmates, in need of a laugh. Thanks, Gerald.

Tragic death in Natal floods of Tim Jubber.

Tim died on Tuesday when his car was swept off a low bridge and into Kloof Gorge. The news has come from Ian Corbishley and Clive van Rensburg. See In Memory. Please add your thoughts and memory of Tim. Our condolences go out to his wife and family, and to his brother, Peter (Class of 1961).

Thank you, Ian Poole (Class of  1962), for your interesting contribution to Discussion Forum No. 346. Further ideas from members welcome, without fear of flogging.

Another pause to remember a great DHS teacher: Norman Lucas, who died in 2012 and is remembered now by several photos newly contributed by Ed Granger (Class of 1963).  See In Memory, in the Guest Members section (scroll to bottom of page). Thanks, Ed, this is a moving tribute to a much liked DHS teacher. And, incidentally, we all know you dont live in a hut on a remote island beach...

Gordon Bentley provides and interesting testimonial for Allan Wilkinson, who was fare welled from Howick today. Did any member attend?

 Dave Levy has written some wise words on computer modelling, in the light of the second "one in a thousand year" flood hitting north eastern NSW in under a month! Thanks also to Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) for adding another tribute to Allan Wilkinson.

Three of your classmates have written to DHS to suggest that the piece on Allan Wilkinson, provided by Ian Corbishley, be published in The DHS Herald. This was agreed to and sent on to the Foundation for dissemination to its members. Wilkie's funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday) at Howick. RIP Wilkie.

Many thanks for Ian Corbishley's formal tribute to Allan Wilkinson and the splendid photograph of him. Also to Fred Broom whose words show what a truly exceptional human being Allan was, and to Paul VandeWall, Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961) and Ed Granger (Class of 1963).

Discussion Forum is bulging with interesting thoughts and philosophy from Patrick Farrell (Class of 1966), John Mason (Class of 1966) and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961). See entries Nos. 341 to 344.

Enjoy the latest site entries. We are enjoying over 100 member visits per month at the moment, thanks to the interesting material being contributed by you, the members. Have your say....and why not update your profile page while you're feeling frisky.

Discussion Forum No.340 is an interesting reply to Lindsay Brown from John Mason (Class  of 1966).

New Discussion Forum entries are made by Ed Granger (Class of 1963), Richard Bizzell and Lindsay Brown ( Nos.337, 338 and 339). Lindsay makes chilling observations about the current state of chaos in UK classrooms.

Alan Wilkinson receives further tributes from Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961) and Ed Granger (Class of 1963).

Funeral information: The memorial service for Alan Wilkinson is on Friday 1 April at 2pm at Upper Umgeni Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Howick. Thanks to Ian Corbishley for letting us know.

Tributes pile in to Alan Wilkinson, from Bell, Thorpe, Bizzell, Cornelissen (Class of 1960) and Granger (Class of 1963). Thanks for these interesting pieces, and to Ian Corbishley for alerting us, and writing the main obituary content. Please add your memories, and have a read in the ChitChat topics about Alan and his father, who are richly represented there.

Sad news: Alan Wilkinson, maths teacher to many of our cohort, has died in Pietermaritzburg. Please add your thoughts and memories to his obituary. See In Memory, 2022, Guest Members. Scroll down after opening In Memory.

More comment on Gerald Sack's pieces is added to Discussion Forum by Keith Barnett and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961).

More from our Brains Trust, Levy, Bizzell and Sack, who put the world to rights in Discussion Forum. You too can join in. It's free and fun.

Thanks again to Keith Barnett for sharing his memories of flood mitigation efforts he initiated for the city of Durban. See Discussion Forum. 

Replies to Gerald Sack from Ian Poole (Class of 1962), Keith Barnett and Graham Bell await you in Discussion Forum. and invite you to weigh in.

Wits in fits? Have a giggle with Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) in his reply to Gerald Sack. See Discussion Forum No. 327.

Good news comes via our fellow website (DHS Class of 1960) that Ian Robertson (Class of 1961) is making good progress and walking a couple of miles a day after open heart surgery. Many thanks for the information, Michael Cornelissen (Class of 1960). Keep up a steady recovery, Ian. Our thoughts are with you.

More welcome cogitations to cheer you up: See pieces in Disussion Forum (325 and 326) by John Mason (Class of 1966) and Gerald Sack. Note how Gerald disarmed a hulking Mansfied High pupil..you may even be amaized.

Message from Andrew Shedlock, Chairman of the DHS Foundation:Hi Old Boys.
Hope you are all well?
Founders Day is taking place on Saturday the 28th of May, and I would like to extend and invitation to the Classes from 1960 to 1969, to come and enjoy the celebration with us.
I would formally like to extend the invitation, further, for you to join us for lunch in the Hall at 12 noon. The school will be playing rugby and hockey against Westville so should you wish to stay on and watch the rugby that would be great.
The Festivities will start early in the morning with the age group rugby games, so why can make a day of it at School, should you wish.
After the rugby we will be also be hosting an Old Boys Cocktail Party, in the Hall.
Should you wish to attend the lunch, please let me know. You can contact me on:
ceo@dhsfoundation.co.za

Lindsay Brown thanks John Mason (Class of 1966) for his articles and recalls his own considerable teaching experience and as a sports master, in SA and the UK. See Discussion Forum.

Thanks to Ed Granger (Class of 1963) for his comments on Paul Van de Wall's piece in Chit Chat > Memories of School >  The Assembly Ritual.

A welcome change to lift your spirits: Paul Van de Wall recalls the dangers of having a friend write his absentee note. See Tuckshop Chit Chat / Memories of School/ The Assembly Ritual.

John Mason pays tribute to his pupil, Shane Warne (R.I.P). The iconic Aussie cricketer was coached at school in Melbourne by two DHS old boys. See Discussion Forum.

TERRY Dowdall thanks Martin Gardiner and expresses a wish to attend our 60th Reunion. You'll be welcome, Terry.

We wish John and Val Mason a speedy restoration of their losses incurred in the recent floods in North Eastern NSW (Australia). See Discussion Forum.

Another provocative piece has been posted by John Mason (Class of 1966). See Discussion Forum.

Thanks to John Bradford and Patrick Farrell (Class of 1966), for comments on In Memory ( re A Dowdall and Derek Law). Paddy may have effected a resurrection. Read why in In Memory 1968. Martin Gardiner expresses regret at not staying in closer contact with Anthony Dowdall and adds more information and photos to fill out what we now know of this extraordinary classmate. Thanks to all three contributors.

New comments from Lindsay Brown  in Discussion Forum, and  Martin Gardiner in In Memory (Anthony Dowdall) , are insightful  and welcome. Thanks for your contributions.

Roger Jones remembers Ashley Wallis, and Terry Dowdall thanks Anthony's friends for their condolences. See In Memory: Ashley Wallis (2020) and Anthony Dowdall (2022).

An obituary to Ashley Wallis, who was in our cohort in third and fourth form (but matriculated in 1965) has been provided (with photo) by Ian Corbishley. He died in 2020, so please find his story in In Memory in the 2020 section. Please comment if you remember him and can share something about him.

The Old Red Brick Building, the latest publication by Jeremy Oddy (Class of 1962), former teacher and School Archivist, is now available for purchase in hard or soft cover. See DHS Histories.

A Whole of School Conference on abuse, grooming, harrassment, neglect and sexual exploitation has been scheduled for 5th and 6th April 2022. This will be welcomed by members of this site who supported the Concerned Old Boys group (COBs) "Jiggs Campaign" which began on our site in 2013. See The DHS Herald, 11-2-22, page 1, reprinted in Discussion Forum.

New condolences on the death of Anthony Dowdall have been received from Cedric Parker (Class of 1966), Richard Bizzell, Clive Wellesley (Knezovich), Ed Granger (Class of 1963), Keith Barnett and Clive Van Rensburg. See In Memory.

A number of photos and a comprehensive obituary have been submitted by Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) in honour of his brother, Anthony. See In Memory.

Thanks for new entries on Discussion Forum: Paul Van de Wall, David Levy, and Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961).

Anthony Dowdall succumbs to cancer (3rd February, 2022). Anthony's brother, Terry (Class of 1961) will supply more information. Please add your comments and memories to In Memory.

Update on Ian Robertson (Wednesday 2nd Feb 2022): Ian has had two operations and is anticipating leaving hospital at the weekend. His recovery will take 2 to 3 months. Well done, Ian!

Ian Robertson (Class of 1961), a person of huge importance to the founding of this website, and a protagonist in the COB's Jiggs campaign, has undergone open heart surgery last Friday. All the best for a speedy recovery, Ian. You have many friends in Class of 1964 who will be thinking of you and many praying for you.

Another thought provoking piece by John Mason (Class of 1966) on the place of the works of Shakespeare in teaching English today. See Discussion Forum.

Call for interest in Drakensberg stay and banquet for June 2024. See Chit Chat, latest entry.

Of the many treasures to be found on this website, perhaps none is more wonderful than the photo essays of life in amazing places, submitted to Photo Galleries by classmate Peter Glaum and his wife, Dawn.  Now safely bubbled at their home base of Aurora in the Western Cape, a pile of never seen (by us) essays and a stash of photos  have been unearthed by Peter. One of these, written from Penang Island in Malaysia, is a fine example of Dawn's observations of strange, quirky and exotic lands and cultures. Open Photo Galleries, then click on the first Gallery, with the picture of the giant pig, Moo. Then scroll down (use your fast scroll lever) to the last entered essay, called PENANG. Be truly amaized!

How to be optimistic about the next 28 years is demonstrated by David Levy in answer to John Mason's latest piece. Thanks,  Dave!

More erudition from John Mason (Class of 1966) on Discussion Forum. Enjoy your website! And Novak is out of the game and the AO for the next 3 years. 

Thanks for the amusing anecdote, Richard Bizzell. If only we had smart public servants like that. Those handling Novak are the same ones detaining refugees indefinitely. So he could be KDIDK.

Discussion continues on climate change and tennis...but what do you want in 2024?  Please read Tuckshp Chit Chat. Thanks for latest Discussion from Terry and Chris. Graham explains the Aussie Government's machinations.

Thanks again to Chris Thorpe for new comments on Discussion Forum.  Our site trafic recently has been remarkable.  Tuckshop Chit Chat has kicked off the forum on what kind, if any, 60th Reunion we want. Remind yourself of our 50th by reading the report on it (click on panel at top left of your home page). Something or nothing?  Please have a say.

Three more additions to Discussion from Paul Van de Wall, David Levy and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) to stimulate our members. We've had  106 regular visitors  logging on multiple times. Why not pop your  opinion into the discourse? It's free and password protected.

And Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) and Richard Bizzell opt for the power of evidence over belief. Meanwhile Novak is warming up on the practice court while the nerdy Aussie minister chews his gums. Omicron causes havoc around the world and Russia looms over Nato. Oi gewalt!

The site manager weighs into the Discussion on Climate Change, Tennis and the Jab. Have your say too!

Another two contributions: Rowley Beckett and Richard Bizzell. This is the most chatted-on Discussion Forum in the site's history. Don't stop.

Yes, Chris, thanks for the alert: Djokovich (note more respectful name) has won his case in the Federal Court of Australia and is free to play in the Australian Open. The Federal Government is massively embarrassed (vok hulle almal) and there is a slight chance that the relevant minister will still expell him. If that happens expect your site manager to be joining the Serbian-Aussie protesters (currently happy revellers).

Discussion rolls on: thanks Chris Thorpe and Paul Van de Wall. Dog Perkins, the bast teacher you had at DHS? Kowabunga! Stay on the wave!

New Guest Member: Welcome to Patrick Farrell (Class of 1966).

Thanks for more Discussion from Keith Barnett, Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) and Francois Everson (Class of 1966).

Welcome discussion continues from Chris Thorpe, Keith Barnett and (yay!) Ian Poole (Class of 1962).

Add an exchange each by Terry and Keith.

Have you had the jabs? And then did you catch COVID-19? What happened?

Thanks to Richard Bizell and Keith Barnett for closing (?) Remarks on climate change. Novax remains confined to a virus infested detention hotel in Melbourne. The SH is flying and at any moment we expect Serbia to declare war. A big question is why was he granted a visa? Comments welcome.

John Mason (Class of 1966) returns to Discussion Forum with painful memories from his time recovering from polio. He uses these to illustrate his feeling about Melbourne's anti-vax protesters and to provoke readers to spare a thought for all children who have been saved by the polio vaccine. Meanwhile at this moment the world No 1 men's tennis champion is confined to lockdown while politicians serve it out in the media. Tennis did you say? Comments welcome! 

 

Thanks also to Terry Sandy (Class of 1965), Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) and Rowley Beckett (with new photo) for their latest contributions. 

Discussion Forum is not becoming a pantomine, as Clive Wellesley (Knezovich) suggests (see latest Discussion Forum - thanks, Clive), and no-one is shouting (i.e. using capitals). We have had the pleasure of hearing from many members who seldom or have never written anything onto the site except their profile pages. And this Climate Change topic has attracted nearly 300 visits from password-keyed members. Our regular writers, such as John Mason, are taking a breather (but watching from the wings). Brian Berman commented a few months ago that the change from old school reminiscence to philosphical discourse was a surprising and welcome change. What do you think? This site is for you to contribute to, to your heart's delight. If you want to reminisce, go right ahead. If not, say something else....hit the comment button!

Do you want a 60th Reunion in 2024? Have your say in Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

The Seven Year Itch: Ten of our members have not visited the site in seven years. Are they still alive? If so, look what they are missing! If you are in touch with any of these folk, please encourage them to log on again and see what great progress has been made on this website. If you know of their passing, please let the site know using direct email or Contact Us, so we can post an obituary for them on In Memory. They are: Henry Strous; Robbert Maconnachie (Class of 1965); Anthony Pass; John Wilson; Greg Bolingbroke (Class of 1966); Alwyn Moerdyk (Class of 1963); Alan Logan (Teacher); Tim Jubber; Jan Robbertze; and Mike Kavanagh.

Thanks to Keith Barnett for more on climate change and Don Allaway for switching the topic. Do we need an international body to vet and enforce truth-telling by media that bombard us with half-truths and falsehoods?  All views and topics are welcome.

This is the liveliest debate since the Jiggs issue of 2013 which kicked off  the site's Discussion Forum.  It has brought in new contributors and nearly 300 views. All this activity shows that we are mentally alive and the site is addressing your needs. Thanks for the latest from Paul Butler and another from Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961). The topic will change when YOU change it. It's your site.

Some discussion! More from Richard Bizzell, Rowley Beckett and Doug Anderson. The Discussion Forum is free and unexpurgated. Why not say your piece? Or start a new one? Anyone for tennis?

Is it all just sound and fury? Memories of DHS in the 60s have evoked some of this in Ian Poole (Class of 1962) who thinks our discussants are being too nice about Climate Change while terrible injustices go on in the refugee camps. What do you think? Richard Bizzell is amused. See Discussion Forum, and have your say.

New discussion from Peter Glaum and Keith Barnett  is stimulating and worth your attention. See Discussion Forum. 

Great new additions to Discussion Forum are just in from Clive Wellesley  and Rowley Beckett.  More voices are welcome.

The Discussion Forum continues, thanks to Chris Thorpe and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961). Have your say while you can!

Civilized discussion proceeds with new inputs from Richard Bizzell, Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) and David Levy. It is hard to see a country like Australia (and South Africa?) abandoning coal production while the world keeps buying it. Likewise, SASOL 1 and 2 ceasing production while vehicles run on oil and petrol. What do you think? Have a go at writing a few words or more in Discussion Forum. Sorry, Terry, we dont have a Yes/No button. Fear not, over 100 members have read your articles. Thanks to all.

Our Discussion Forum is alive and well with views being swapped on the subject of Climate Change. Many thanks to Richard Bizzell, Peter Larcombe and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) for providing stimulating and intelligent food for thought. Have your say, too. "Lines are open now!"

Who will step up to stop climate change? Is there really ".no place to hide?" Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961) is girding his loins for the challenge and is channeling Mark Saxon and Werner Swanepoel. See Discussion Forum.

Record numbers of visits from members over the past week, show that there is life in us yet!

2022 is two years off our 60th anniversary, so we need to start thinking about a celebration in 2024. What form should it take, this time? Please have a say on this question in a newly opened forum in Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

Ed Granger has mooted putting together a publication for wider readership from the material we have posted through nearly ten years of our website.  The history of DHS has certainly been revealed in a different light through this and our "brother" websites. Wrinkles would have been amaized.

Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) has written a very interesting (indeed amaizing) piece on the human predicament: religion and the treatment and experiences of refugees around the world, and what the REAL threat is to our children and grandchildren. See Discussion Forum.

Welcome to our latest Guest Member, Jenny Davidson (Class of 1964, St Mary's) (Highley), who has been a long-standing friend of our cohort and this site. She has previously supplied valuable information on deceased members, for their obituaries. Her Christmas letter is posted in Discussion Forum, which is an amazing summary of 2021. Welcome, Jenny, and thanks for allowing us to reproduce your letter.

The Discussion Forum is active with new contributions from John Mason (Class of 1966) and Chris Thorpe, plus an interesting Christmas letter received yesterday from Graham Bell's friend, Jenny Highly, who has agreed to us seeing it in its entireity. Thanks to all. Don't forget you are very welcome to add comments or vent your spleen or other organs on our password-protected website. Guest members have the same access and rights as our 1964 cohort members. So what are you waiting for? Merry Christmas!

​​John Mason (Class of 1966), puts Christianity in Australia under the microscope. He doesn't like what he sees. See Discussion Forum, No. 251.

Were appraisals used to get rid of useless teachers? John Mason answers this question and recounts his associated experiences in Discussion Forum No.250.  Enjoy.

Gerald Sack has added memories of Trevor Goddard in a new piece in Tuck Shop Chit Chat.  See "Great characters: Where are they now?"

A Zoom meeting by seven classmates, held recently across the world, is reported by Peter Disler in a new piece on Discussion Forum. It includes a Screen-shot of the old bollies and a class photo to show the ravages of time,  and sadly 5 other faces, who are now exempt from the aging process.

Our four recently deceased members have received touching tributes, posted into In Memory, as follows: Nigel Button (Class of 1963), from Rob Visick and Don Allaway; Denis Jordaan, from Clive Van Rensburg, Raleigh Keating, Stan Liansky, Peter Bydawell and Gerald Sack; Colin Layman, from Keith Barnett, Clive Van Rensburg, Chris Thorpe and Richard Bizzell; John Broom, from Fred Broom, Don Allaway, Denis Gerson and Peter Polson.

More sadness: We say farewell to  Nigel Button (Class of 1963) who passed away yesterday the 24th November 2021.

Several members have expressed condolences to Fred Broom on the death.of his brother, John.

Please add your thoughts on the passing of our friends by using the comment button in In Memory.

Our deepest condolences go to Fred Broom and family on the passing of his twin brother, John.

Spring Cleaning: Your site has been undergoing a bit of Spring Cleaning, with the photos being added to obituaries that have previously had no picture of our deceased classmates. Thank you, Colin Birbeck, for supplying a great picture of John Pigg, cropped from the 5R (1963) class photo. Friends of the site and relatives of deceased classmates have also helped with information. An interesting contribution has been made by Richard Venniker's widow, Ginny.  We are still looking for photos of Gellately, Lowe, Wright and Nidd. Can you help?  If not, how about updating your Classmate Profile Page? Or spin us a yarn in Tuck Shop Chit Chat or Discussion Forum

Notification: The "ten new obituaries" are those newly updated with photos.

Photos wanted: Do you have a photo of any of these deceased classmates? Graham Wright, Julian Nidd, Don Gellately, John Pigg,  or Robin Lowe? If so please send them as a jpeg or tif file to the site manager, Graham Bell at gabbybell@gmail.com, for insertion into their In Memory obituaries. The aim is to have at least one photo of your deceased classmate in each obituary.The images can be from our school days or later. Please help. Your contributions are appreciated.

More sad news: Our good friend Denis Jordaan has passed away in London after a short illness. Please add your comments and memories of Denis to In Memory. Our deepest condolences are extended to Denis's son Tom, who sent us the news, and to Denis's family.

Welcome comments on the SA local elections and Chris Thorpe's article have been added by Brian Berman and Rowley Beckett: see Discussion Forum, entries 242 and 243.

Welcome feedback on the KZN local elections are posted by Chris Thorpe in Discussion Forum No. 241. Thanks, Chris!

New comments on Neil Lamble's epic ride have been added to Discussion Forum, including some descriptions of the wonderful geography that Neil rode through.

Keith Barnett has added some valuable memories of Colin Layman in In Memory.

How is life after COVID treating you? Are you still locked down or is life returning to normal?

Tar to Turf: See Discussion Forum for the story and photos of Neil Lamble's (Class of 1973) epic ride from DHS to Cape Town in April 2021 to raise funds for a new Astroturf hockey field at the School. His ride raised over R270,000 and the field is now under construction. Members of this website helped with contributions.

Vale: Colin Layman. We are sorry to report the death of our classmate, Colin Layman, in September 2021. We are trying to find more information and to send condolences to his family. Please add your comments on him and his life to his obituary in In Memory.

More sad news: Andrew Macgregor (Class of 1966), a keen supporter of this website, swimmer, surfer and master of the bagpipes, has passed away at his home in the Cape after a galliant fight with cancer. Please add your memories of him to his obituary listed under Guest Members in In Memory.

Further comments on local elections are presented by Rowley Beckett in Discussion Forum No. 236.

Sad news has just arrived via Ed Granger (Class of 1963) (thanks, Ed) that the older brother of one of our classmates has died. Our classmate is Colin Layman and his older brother, Andrew Layman (Class of 1961) has passed away. Unfortunately, Colin has never joined this website, so at the moment we cannot contact him to pass on condolences. If you know how to contact Colin, please send information to Graham Bell via Contact Us, or at gabbybell@gmail.com.

Interesting Discussion by Chris Thorpe and Finley Hamilton on the upcoming municipal elections in South Africa, with thousands of candidates, many of whom are likely to be looking for a ride on the gravy train. See Discussion Forum, Nos. 234 and 235.

In Discussion Forum No.233, John Mason (Class of 1966) discusses the vexed philosophy of death and dying. This is thankfully not a religious tirade, but a thoughtful contemplation, drawing on examples of how some figures from English literature (real people) have approached the final moment.

John Mason (Class of 1966) farewells his great friend from Blackmores, Mike Lalouette, in Discussion Forum No.232. This is both a tribute to Mike and to the friendships that develop at DHS and last a lifetime.

Your attention is called to an important entry by Colin Mayne (Class of 1968) on progress being made in the fight against child sexual abuse using an app that is available to all DHS pupils. See Discussion Forum No. 231.

Updated Obituary: Bobby Crawford, R.I.P. 1998.  Thanks to Billy Crawford for bringing Bobby's In Memory post up to date.

Life in Lockdown: reply by Graham Bell to "Road trips..."   The new "eased" restrictions in NSW based on vaccination rates, may provoke more sound and fury from people who dont meet the criteria or cannot show a vaccine passport into local shops for, inter alia, relief from "COVID hair styles." How are you coping?

Sad News: Our Classmate, David Bolton, died at the end of August 2021. See In Memory. Thanks to Gordon Duncan for the notification.

Thanks to Rowley Beckett for his contribution to Why I live where I live, and the story of his difficulties doing business in Gauteng.

Why do you live where you live? Chris Thorpe tells of his career in education and the many places he has taught in Southern Africa, having decided against emigrating to Australia and New Zealand.. Thanks, Chris. What an amazing life you have led. See Tuckshop Chit Chat. Now, will you tell us your story? Come on School...give it a go!

New conversation about 9-11 moments by Alan Gelb and Gerald Sack. Imagine missing a bus which then explodes! See Tuckshop Chit Chat. More please...this is giving us the oxygen so badly needed.

Thanks also to John Mason for a new article in Discussion Forum on "Winning and Losing". Delve into the thoughts of a philosopher-writer amongst us.

Chris Thorpe describes the moment of hearing of the New York tragedy. You can picture the scene at his school in Swaziland. Thanks, Chris.

Please check out Tuck Shop Chit Chat, and add YOUR memories.

In Discussion Forum, John Mason (Class of 1966) tells of how and why he found a friend for life in Blackmores House in the 60s. Thanks for another great piece of writing, John. More contributions from all members and guest members are welcome. Did you make any lifelong friends at "School"?

Sad News: we regret to inform you that our Guest Member, Dave Morty (Class of 1962) passed away yesterday. His son, Andrew, sent some details, which are posted on In Memory.

Thanks to Alan Gelb for his interesting reply to "Where were you.."

Thanks to our stalwart contributors for telling us where they were when they heard the news of the attack on, and destruction of the World Trade Centre buildings in New York. One person was on the toilet, but what followed is seriously interesting and thought provoking...so where were YOU? Check out TuckShop Chit Chat, enter a new topic or leave a reply to the existing pieces. Just leave us something, if only a few words on the subject. Your life and memories are important.

Where were you when the news broke about "9-11"? Did you miss the Big News? Please tell us on Chit Chat. Use the Post New Topic button.

Welcome to our latest Guest Member: Bully De Ricquebourg (Class of 1976).

Thanks for the coments: from Richard Bizzell and a reply by John Mason (Class of 1966). Can we hope for more? How about YOU? Give us some thoughts to ponder...even if it is casting pearls before varkies.

Add your comments to Discussion Forum on Barry Richards. Thanks for those of Don Allaway, Dave Levy and Roger Jones. More please.

If you are bored with lockdown, or simply need a mental pick-me-up, feast your eyes on two items (Nos. 222 and 223) in Discussion Forum, newly contributed by John Mason (Class of 1966) who is doing a supreme job in supplying interesting memories and philosophical stimuli to this website. Many thanks to John, once again. Please add your comments and help provide the oxygen that sustains our rapidly contracting time together.

Welcome to our latest guest member: Nigel Button (Class of 1963).

We have over 200 members and guest members of which more than 80 have already been alerted to the new posts by John Mason (Class of 1966), Terry Dowdall (Class of 1960) and Roger Jones, in Discussion Forum. These 80+ views should herald a small landslide of viewers who will duly read these excellent articles about life and meaning, and our human predicament. Your attention to the articles is highly commended and your comments are welcome.

Is no news good news? After the "Free Zuma" rioting, burning, looting and killing, increasing COVID Delta strain outbreaks around the world, and horrific wild-fires on three continents, a lull in bad news comes as a relief. So what better time is there to update your personal Profile Page on this website?

Or better still, seize the opportunity to write some comments below articles that interest or amuse you? The website needs you to help it stay alive. Please make a small written contribution and your fellow members may follow you with something interesting, witty or cheeky.

Now is a good time.

Thanks to Terry Dowdall (Class of 1960) for his opinion piece on "Free Zuma riots..." in Chit Chat. What is your take on the recent events? Are you on patrol at night with your neighbourhood watch? Have you been able to buy food and get cash yet? Please add your comments to this topic or open a new one.

Thanks to Ed Granger (Class of 1963) and David Geary (Class of 1966) we have some commentary and links to the unfolding situation in Gauteng and KZN. See Chit Chat > The "Free Zuma" riots, burning and looting. Please post your comments and share with us how the situation has affected you.

Some new ChitChat, on The Assembly Rituals has been contributed by Gerald Sack.

The past week has seen horrendous violence, looting and burning in KZN and Gauteng. The Chit Chat Forum "Zuma jailing" to which these frightening events are linked, has attracted no comments or uploads from you, the site members. Presumably it has all been overwhelming and depressing. Or is it inappropriate to have this discussed here? Should it be taken down? You can use Contact Us to have your say in private to the site management.

In another excellent addition to Discussion Forum, John Mason (Class of 1966) contemplates why we might laugh at apparent gullibility or what seems to be an act of ignorance. He remembers his own experience with faith healers and a Zulu witch doctor, both of which were enlisted to try to cure his polio-damaged leg.

Those of us who live abroad and follow reports coming from South Africa will be shocked by the violence, looting and burning going on in Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and on the N3 motorway in Natal. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/12/south-africa-zuma-protests/  These events are linked to the recent jailing in Estcourt of the former president, Jacob Zuma. If you have any comments, news and links to share, please add them to the new forum opened in Tuckshop Chit Chat.

A new piece by John Mason (Class of 1966) in Discussion Forum tells of an amaizing moment in the times we lived through when young men of different race and social status came together in a fleeting moment of pure equality. Thanks, John, for another magnificent contribution.

Another "Life in Lockdown" piece has been added by Graham Bell telling of road trips that have brought pleasure and enlightenment and unloaded some of the cash saved from locked-out air travel.

Revival of the DHS Bulletin by the DHS Foundation has been achieved after a long absense. See https://www.dhsfoundation.co.za/.../DHS-Bulletin-June...

An interesting account of growing up in South Africa amongst leopards and baboons in the Cape, schooling in Durban and teaching university, then emigrating to Israel and living in a very hybrid community in the North, is told by Gerald Sack in "Why I live where I live" in Tuckshop Chit Chat. Thanks Gerald. Amaizing!

By the way: Your Tuck Shop Chit Chat feature has now grown to 40 forums covering 150 topics to amaze you!  Inside each topic, there can be up to 7 or 8 commentaries or "replies". So the actual authored contributions number many more than 150, and the "views" by you the members add up to an even greater number.

The content is thanks to your enthusiasm. Some content has been borrowed from our brother DHS websites (scroll down to the end of announcements for their links) but the vast majority is your original input to "Class of 1964". Your site management thanks all who have jumped onto their keyboards. Please don't stop making Chit Chat and this site truly something special. Remember there is also "Discussion Forum" available to address any subject you wish. You don't need an open Forum to contribute. Just whack it in. We need you to keep this site alive.

Rowley Beckett and Cedric Parker (Class of 1966) chat on, on the topic of life in lockdown 12 months later. Why not join them? Your ideas and experiences are valued! See Tuck Shop Chit Chat> 12 months on, hanging out in Sydney. Feel free to start your own topic inside any of the many Chit Chat forums. Click on the left-hand side of the page to open the list of topics in each forum. There is a button for you to start a new topic. If you want a completely new forum, please contact site management and we'll open one for you. Go ahead and Chat away! It is your site...if you dont use it, you'll not be flogged four...it will just fade away. Boo hoo!

Another hilarious piece by Paul Van De Wall to brighten your day: Paul takes us through his years at DHS as a progression toward the gallery of the school hall, only to be foiled by Wrinkles sending the Sixth Form to the front from where they started in the Third. Curses! No antics from on high for Class of 1964! See Chit Chat>Memories of School>The School Assembly Rituals.

Rowley Beckett reviews Australia's current lock-out policy, particularly for Indian Australians wanting to return to the relative safety of their country after being amid the highly infectious D-strain of COVID in the country of their birth. See Chit chat> Life in Lock-down one year on> 12 months of hanging out in Sydney.

Also: Ed Granger (Class of 1963) comments on School Assemblies Rituals in Chit Chat.

Why do you live where you live? How about contributing a couple of hundred words in answering this question? Just open Chit Chat and go to the Forum on this subject, then get your keyboard fingers moving. It is fascinating to read of why and where you live: some still back in Durban, others spead far and wide in South Africa and the World. Everyone has an interesting story to share.

More comments on the School Assembly rituals by Peter Disler, Brian Berman, Ian Robertson (Class of 1961), Colin Mayne (Class of 1968) and Graham Bell. See Chit Chat> Memories of School> The School Assembly Ritual. If you had been on staff at Speech Day, how would you have robed yourself?

12 months on and a fourth lockdown for Melbourne and all of Victoria. Peter Disler tells how, just when restrictions were easing, Australia is again a prison with a difference: people are locked out, not (totally) locked in. Is this racism in practice? See Chit Chat>12 months after lock-down> Hanging out in Sydney.

Comments from Lloyd Noel (Class of 1966), Harold Silver, Michael Woodford (Class of 1963) and Cedric Parker (Class of 1966) attest to the excellence of Ian Robertson (Class of 1961)'s piece on the School Assembly Ritual. Ian has updated his personal photo to one with a post-lockdown hairstyle (Praise the Lord! Dankie Vader!) See Tuckshop Chit Chat> Memories of School> The Assembly Ritual. The photo of Wrinkles et al was probably taken at a special assembly in 1965 or 1966.

Do you remember how each day at DHS in the 60s, began? You will find the piece by Ian Robertson (Class of 1961) valuable to jog to your memory and a delightful description of what we went through every day. See: Tuck Shop Chit Chat> Memories of School> The School Assembly Ritual.

Welcome to our newest member, Peter Bowers, who lives in the icy north of Canada. We look forward to hearing more about him and his life since leaving DHS.

The sad news is that Allan Ireland, about whom John Mason (Class of 1966) wrote an amazing portrait  in Discussion Forum, died of a heart attack in 2005 in South Africa. We are indebted to Ian Robertson for this information. An In Memory page for Allan has been set up on the DHS Class of 1966 website. Our condolences go to John and to Allan's family, wherever they may be. If you have not read John's verbal portrait, you will gain from doing so now. See Discussion Forum "All about Allan Ireland".

A remarkable piece on Discussion Forum has been posted by John Mason (Class of 1966) "All about Alan Ireland". John is never short of words, but this story is worth your time and effort to read and allow it to evoke some activity in your aging brain cells. Thanks, John.

A fine article on the history of the school bell has been provided by Ian Robertson (Class of 1961) and two welcome comments by Ed Granger and bell-ringer (1961) Peter Disler. By the way, Peter mentions his partner-bell-ringer John Nuyten. Is anyone in contact with John? It would be good to hear from/of him.

A Discussion Forum posting has been made by John Mason (Class of 1966) on the philosophy of the school bell and its place in life in Blackmores. Were YOU a bell-ringer? Have you developed any strange affliction since relinguishing the role? Where is that ship's bell now? What has taken its place? Can you help answer these questions? (Our day-school campanologist for part of Class of 64's attendance was the later Dux, Peter Disler. Any memories to share, Pete?)

Neil Lamble (Guest Member, Class of 1973) has reached Cape Town on his heroic bicycle ride to help raise funds for a new hockey field surface at DHS. Details of how to contribute have been sent to 187 members and guest members by e-mail. If you need more information, contact Neil directly using his profile page on this site.

Fifth entry...rolling on! Billy Crawford looks back nostalgically at life in Durban from his new-found family HQ in Perth. Thanks for this latest entry in "Why I live where I live" (Tuckshop Chit Chat).

Fourth entry...it's feeling like a roll...c'mon school!...See Chit Chat "Why I live where I live" - a reply to the first entry (Bell's) by Lloyd Noel (Class of 1965) who actually rejected a free pass into Oz only to be sent there 15 years later by his company. More please everyone..roll it!

Third entry...are we rolling yet? Are we there yet? See Chit Chat "Why I live where I live" entry by Dave Levy.   Also a link to a blog by John Goott on why he lived on the road during COVID.  Thanks guys!

Second entry. Is this the start of a roll? See Chit Chat: Why I live where I live. Thanks Paul Van De Wall.

Forum Opened: "Why I live where I live": One entry so far. Will you show and tell about why you stayed or why you went? Our members are interested in how and why you have done that. No pressure! Post your piece now...no flogging!

Did you stay or go? Why do you live where you live? You have an interesting story to tell. Please add your piece to the Forum in Chit Chat: "Why I live where I live". Your life IS INTERESTING...tell your classmates what determined your place of abode/s.

Missing member found and lost: Our Classmate, Peter Bellingan, has been found by our new Guest Member, Chris Bellingan (Class of 1973) but sadly Peter died in 2016 from prostate cancer. Chris and Peter's wife, Anne, have supplied the obituary information now gracing In Memory (see entry for 2016). Please add your comments and memories of Peter.

Welcome to new Guest Member, Chris Bellingan (Class of 1973).

Our amazing archive of Chit-Chat: You may be missing a huge amount of commentary and stories by our members in Tuck Shop Chit-Chat. The trick is to click on the LEFT coloumn called FORUMS to see all the stories and chatter in each FORUM. On the right side is the latest addition to that Forum, which unfortunately obscures the previous TOPIC in each Forum. You'll be amazed to find....interesting and amusing rhubarb from members contributed since 2012. Some is actually hilarious and most are fragments of our decaying brain cells. See if you can find the ten accounts of the "school assembly hold-up"...Enjoy your website.

Two thoughtful pieces appear as Discussion Forums #206 and 207 from John Mason (Class of 1966).   Comments welcome. 

Two interesting contributions from Rowley Beckett are posted in Chit-Chat >"Lockdown 12 months on" and "Memories of School". Hear it from a genuine farmer, currently marooned at the top of a hill with a herd of livestock, by once-in-a-century rain. Then tell us how you are coping?

Life in Lock-down one year on: new Tuck Shop Chit-Chat Forum. Tell us what you have been doing and what life has been like for you this past pandemic year.

Request for help from Stewart Sutherland regarding MDS-RCMD. If you have had a similar diagnosis or can offer support in any way, please contact Stewart on his profile page or if you do not require privacy, simply post a reply on Tuckshop Chit Chat> General Discussion. Our website is reaching new levels of usefulness to our classmates and guest members through this kind of post by Stewart. Please help if you can.

Neil Lamble (Class of 1973) introduces himself and reflects on the big issues the 64s have witnessed through the Jiggs affair. It make refreshing reading. See Discussion Forum, No. 205.

DISCUSSION FORUM No.204: Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) contrasts two different responses to the culture of DHS with thought provoking effect and some unvarnished honesty.

Discussion Forum No. 203 carries a special piece by John Mason (Class of 1966), recalling the death of  a pupil he taught in Melbourne, Australia, and its impact on him and the boys.

An appeal will be sent to you by email for a "sponsorship" of an individual ride by Neil Lamble (Class of 1973), one of our latest Guest Members, from his home in Scottburgh to Cape Town. I have given Neil my support, and hope you too will consider doing so.  Graham (Site Manager).

Yes, some DHS teachers were good at promoting learning as well as being entertaining: John Mason (Class of 1966) pays a warm and deserved tribute to Bob Vander Molen. See Our Teachers.

Discussion Forum expands again with a long but very poignant piece by Ed Granger (Class of 1963). See Discussion Forum, No.202.

More erudite input: See Discussion Forum Nos. 198-201 by John Mason (Class of 1966) and David Levy and Brian Berman. It's your site and is what you make it. More erudition or simple ranting is very welcome.

The beat goes on: Cedric Parker (Class of 1966) and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) continue the philosophy of existence and the hereafter in DIscussion Forum, Nos. 196 and 197.

And now for something completely different: Philosophy about the aging brain and the nature of life and death, by John Mason (Class of 1966) and Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) in Discussion Forum Nos. 193, 194 & 195.

Discussion continues on the Forum with reminiscences of the showdown meeting with the school over the Jiggs issue, from Terrence Dowdall (Class of 1961), Roger Jones and Keith Barnett.

Keith adds a rebuke to the School of our era for the violence that went on (typified by boys flogging boys) and ordinary teachers who, apart from being generally hopeless at their jobs, gave vent to their frustrations by bashing boys with their fists: Izaak Van Heerden, being a prime example. See Discussion Forum No.192.

More to think about: Chris Thorpe believes the key to a good school is its leadership. See Chit Chat: "Was DHS a GOOD school?"

Another Discussion Forum addition: Colin Mayne remembers the historic COBs meeting with the school in May 2015.

New entries to Discussion Forum: Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961) and John Mason (Class of 1966) add words of praise to the COBs and the success of SSS1. (Safe Schools Seminar held in May 2019). John remembers a severely disabled friend from The Open Air School who was so fiesty he landed in jail. Roger looks forward to helping with SSS2 currently under discussion.

Tributes to the memory of Howard Buttery have been posted by David King and Gerald Sack. See In Memory.

Ed Granger (Class of 1963) and Justin Paul (Class of 1980) add to Discussion Forum with memories of the crucial meeting in May 2015 when the school management faced the five (Famous Five?) Concerned Old Boys (COBs) and acceeded to demands for an apology over how Jiggs had been allowed to get away with child sexual abuse at DHS for nearly four decades.

Justin Paul (Class of 1980) and Keith Barnett remember the time they were central to reaching an apology by the school management for the protected activities of Jiggs Gray and the strong opposition of Howard Buttery. Now learn about the Safe Schools Seminar (SSS) held in May 2019 and plans to continue more of these. See Discussion Forum.

Welcome to new Guest Member, Jane Watts (Class of 1976, DGHS). Jane sponsors a DHS boarder and will be telling us about how this came about and about her DHS sponsoree. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, Jane, enjoy the site.

Remembering DHSOBs who were not sporting stars: Did you know that a DHS Old Boy was nominated three times for the Nobel Prize? Read the obituary to Philip Tobias (Class of 1944) in DHS Histories.

Surviving Life in Blackmores: New piece by John Mason (Class of 1966) in Chit Chat. A rare glimpse into bonding and brutish behaviour. Comments and your reflections are welcome.

Three new pieces have been added to Discussion Forum, two by John Mason (Class of 1966) and your site manager, Graham Bell. We reflect on truth and lies and how a group of 30 Old Boys made history in 2015 against forces of glory and tradition, all for the betterment of DHS.

Welcome to Neil Lamble (Class of 1973), our latest Guest Member. We look forward to hearing more from you.

Another thought-provoking piece by John Mason (Class of 1966) questions the nature of loyalty and commitment and how these have been manifested in our experience at DHS and in recent years. See Chit-Chat>50th reunion comments.

John remembers an "old gentleman" who would take to cheering on, from the sideline, the spectators and rugby teams  at First 15 matches: a strangely demented old fellow but clearly beloved of the student body. There is an excellent piece in Photo Galleries by Roger Sheppard, explaining who Ralph Whittle, the "old gentleman" was, and how he sustained his lasting brain injury. If you have a photo of Ralph, please send it to the site manager, or post it into Photo Galleries. Comments and evoked memories of Ralph are most welcome.

Thanks to Terry Dowdall and Richard Bell for comments on the "GOOD School" DHS was seen to be.

Was DHS a "GOOD" school? asks Chris Thorpe, in the latest Chit Chat (see top of the list). The outward appearances of the schoolboys in their smart uniforms and British-style bashers, sometimes accompanying their mothers at morning tea in town on a Saturday, did wonders for this "GOOD" impression despite there being no department that marketed the school in those days. In sport and academically, DHS boys and Old Boys, were often at the top of any list.

Thanks to Roger Jones for kicking off the Chit Chat on the 60th anniversary of starting at DHS.

Many of our cohort live in strange and interesting places. Maybe not so strange or interesting...but, anyway, we'd like to know why you live there and what life is like. There is a new topic in Chit Chat for you to wax forth: "Why I live where I live."

60 years ago most of Class of 1964 were arriving at DHS to start Third Form. What do you remember of your first days at School? (Thanks to Roger Jones for this topic). It is our 60th anniversary of starting at DHS! Please write some of your thoughts into this NEW Chit Chat topic.

A memory of the 50th reunion by Paul Van de Wall raises the subject again of Howard Buttery's zealotry for DHS and his abrasiveness that some of us had to endure. Paul looks back with enormous generosity and a hint of discomfort. See Chit Chat 50th Reunion Comments.

Comments are coming thick and fast regarding the HNBH 40th reunion article, "agony.." (see Chit Chat). Many thanks so far to Roger Sheppard,  Brian Berman, Terry Dowdall and Roger Jones for contributions.        Were we living at a different time before things got that bad? Or were we better brought up young gentlemen surrounded by polite and noble Zulus? Were there better things to do and distract us in Durban? Or were we, at heart, (Ducktails - the dread of Wrinkles! - gatecrashing parties and fighting), like the article's author, but just a little more restrained? Had anything changed between 1964 and 1981?

Not everyone anticipates a school reunion with glee and delight. A significant article has been received from Roger Jones, written by a member of the class of 1981 of Highlands North Boys High, Johannesburg, in which the author goes over things that have troubled his mind about meeting up for a 40th class reunion.The link can be found in Chit Chat> Memories of our 50th Reunion.Warning: you may find this article confronting and disturbing.

Tributes flow for Howard Buttery. Close to 100 members have visited the site in the 24 hours after the announcement of the death of Howard Buttery. Comments to his obituary page have been added by Stan Lianski, Peter Polson, Randal Payne, Richard Bizzell, Selwyn Bass, Finley Hamilton, David Geary (Class of 1966) and John Mason (Class of 1966).

Death of Howard Buttery, to COVID-19. News has just reached the site of Howard's death this morning (12th January). An obituary is in preparation. Please add your memories and thoughts to the In Memory entry. Our condolences to Bruce Buttery, Mrs Buttery and family.

More from John Mason (Class of 1966) on "assumptions and harsh realities" in Chit Chat. John remembers how his fellow school mates helped to make time at DHS worthwhile. He draws our attention to their many great achievements in later life, including Phillip Tobias, who became a professor of Anthropology at Wits and made important discoveries about the origins of homo sapiens. Tobias was nominated for the Nobel Prize three times.

Thoughts about a 60th Reunion: Terry Dowdall shares his enthusiasm for a reunion that is spread over several days and urges the Class of 1964 to start planning and saving now. He remembers the Class of 1961's 50th at "Quarters" and another held a year ago in Marrakech, Morocco. This topic has been moved to the top of Chit-Chat for easy access. Comments welcome.

Despite the "harsh realities" of life, DHS gave us all a great start, writes Howard Buttery, in reply to Memories of School (in Chit-Chat).

And yet another erudite piece on "...harsh reality" (Chit-Chat > Memories of School, from one of the school's amazing achievers (working to institute fairness in the SA economy after the fall of apartheid ), David Geary (Class of 1966). Read, and be amazed to find...

What a work of wonder is this website? We have had two astute reflections from great thinkers in our midst within 24 hours: First the long and beautifully written piece by John Mason (Class of 1966) in Chit-Chat > Memories of School (now moved to top of the list for easy access) which he called "Assumptions checked by harsh reality" - a meander through his thoughts and actions in the 60s and 70s that eventually brought him to work and live in Australia; then a reply by psychologist Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) with its own penetrating memories of how he encountered assumptions and harsh reality on his way to working and living his life in CapeTown. Both had begun their journey in the moist warm air of Durban and the British-styled schools we all know so well. His piece is now on top of John's but opening the newer one (Terry's) will also open John's. Read on, dear members. We continue to live in interesting times. This is not necessarily a curse.

Treat yourself to some time in reading John Mason's reminiscences in Chit-Chat>Memories of School (scroll down the topics list to find this one, please). Thank you John!

Terry Dowdall remembers a photo of Dog in his early days. The owner has been tracked to Class of 1961 and asked if he'll share it with us. See Chit-Chat > Our Teachers.

A rare, hilarious account of an encounter with Dog is told by Paul Butler in Chit Chat> Our Teachers. Thanks, Paul, this is a corker.

Welcome to new Guest Member, Rick Prins (Class of 1962).

Better memories of a teacher: Roger Sheppard replies to Mark Polti in Letter to Mr Turton and mentions Moray Comrie who attended  one of the first of Allan Turton's trips to the Berg / Free State. He was one of many artists that Turton taught and in that respect gave to the world. See Chit Chat > Letter to a Teacher.

More on the dreadful Dog. Francois Everson (Class of 1966) endured the worst of Dog's cruel and deranged state of mind, as a boarder in his final (and from friends' accounts, academically exemplary) year at DHS. See Tuckshop Chit Chat> Our Teachers.

Another comment on Dog and our teachers by Chris Thorpe demonstrates the great influence of good teachers on school and later achievement.

Further comments on Dog...from Rowley Beckett and John Mason. See Chit Chat> Our Teachers.

Did Dog have a dismal shag somewhere? In Maritzburg perhaps? The most piercing memories of Dog (Frank) Perkins has been posted on Our Teachers in Tuckshop Chit Chat. Thank you Terry Dowdall. Can you help fill the gaps in this teacher's story? How did the School and NED ever let him into a classroom?

Dancing lessons proved productive in many ways for DHS boys in the 60s. In fact they helped to increase the SA population, as told by Richard Bell. See "Dudley Andrews.." in Chit Chat.

Teachers and their strange nicknames. How were these generated? "Dog", "Spike", "Bad Foot", "Smelly" were some of the cruelest. Were they deserved? Please join the discussion in Chit Chat "Our Teachers". And if you have information on "Snakes Chandler" it will be appreciated by possible friends of his from junior school.

New piece from Lindsay Brown remembers Theo when he lived at the Caister. See Chit Chat> Our Teachers.

Bunking rugby for dancing lessons had a great pay-off for Stewart Sutherland.  See Tuckshop Chit Chat: Saturdays at Dudley Andrews. Delightful!

New Discussion Forum pieces by Don Allaway and Chris Thorpe in tribute to the memory of Des Thompson.  Many thanks. Please keep your memories and ideas rolling...come-on school...

Hooray! Some of us are still alive! Thanks for the private messages and comments...and to Gerald Sack for adding some thoughts on the effect of the COVID pandemic on the quality of education children are getting at this time: pretty grim. He is thankful for growing up in Durban and going to DHS.

Are you still alive?  The site has not heard from you for a long time! Has the virus got your keyboard?

Some members have not updated their e-mail addresses. Only they can do this. So if your name is shown below, please open your profile page and make the necessary changes to your details. Here are our esteemed "Bouncers":  Please come back!

What have you been doing lately?  Please tell us about your life in lockdown or whatever memories you have of life before or since 1964.

John Duncan (Class Of 1965) Johnduncan@saladder.co.za    
Ian Poole (Class Of 1962) ifp@jpra.com.au    
Reg van Rij (Class Of 1963) regvanrij@aapt.net.au    
Walter May wmay@oldmutualpfa.com    
Arthur Connell lconnell@telkomsa.net    
Ian Vowles vowles@telkomsa.net    
John Wilson wilsonjs.mid@iafrica.com    
John Herbst johnh@hc.co.za  

A welcome clarification by Howard Buttery on his position on DHS paedophiles and a recommendation on the Sas Nourse book is posted in Discussion Forum.

Recent (password protected) discussion has attracted over 140 visits.

Please pitch in with what you think and feel. The site's policy is to include every member's (and guest member's) contribution, and to let you have complete freedom to "spill your guts", spell creatively, and use the keyboard in your own personal way!

Where are our missing members? If you know a DHS Old Boy who was in our Class or even not in our Class, who should join in the pleasure of being a member / guest member of this site, please get them to use "Contact Us" to request admission.

Perhaps some have died...please let site management know if you know or think some of our missing members have passed on.

More Discussion to read while you are locked down or up: thanks to Bruce Birrell (Class of 1962), Peter Harrison, Stu Clark (Class of 1963), Cedrick Parker, and Howard Buttery, for stirring the memory cells and pitching their views of "what was hid and what was did."

Another great piece of writing on Discussion Forum has been posted by John Mason (Class of 1966). Also a brief comment from Richard Bizzell. Thanks to both.

New book published on the life of D.G.(Sas) Nourse: Written by Sas's son-in-law, Clive Shedlock and School Historian, Jeremy Oddy (Class of 1963), the 199 page tome is published by The DHS Foundation and is on sale for R300. To buy a copy, contact the CEO of The DHS Foundation, Andrew Shedlock on 038 791 7646 or 031 833 6770, or e-mail: ceo@dhsfoundation.co.za.

Two new thoughtful pieces for your consideration and comment have been posted by John Mason (Class of 1966) on The Wall and Meneer Hager, in Discussion Forum. Both are confronting pieces and worthy of your time.

A very amusing reply to Dancing at Dudley Andrews in Chit Chat has been posted by Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961). This comes close to a "true confession" which should stir a few more from the 100 or so members who usually read these postings.  You have the thoughts and the time...why not share them with your old mates?

Amazing praise for Des Thompson from former DHS teacher, John Mason (Class of 1966). See Chit Chat: Life in Lockdown. Many thanks, John. I had one bad experience of Des, but one swallow does not a summer make (Graham Bell) and Ma Bell spoke highly of him as a headmaster. How about you? These memories are precious, please keep them coming.

Saturdays at Dudley Andrews: What do remember of your experiences learning to dance? See the latest addition to Tuckshop Chit Chat.

New comments on Chit Chat: Thanks to Rowley Beckett and Gerald Sack for their latest contributions. Please remember to click the left Forum panel to reveal the full list of excellent pieces on each subject. Most members have so far missed the excellent writing on "Loyalty and Committment" by John Mason (Class of 1966) in the General Discussion section of Chit Chat (now near top of page). Check it out.

Great new pieces on Tuck Shop Chit Chat:

Alan Gelb posts an interesting study of schools in South Africa and how they were shaped by race, class and language: DHS being a prime example. (See Chit Chat> General Discussion).

That forum is now also graced by insightful memories of DHS by John Mason (Class of 1966), on "loyalty and commitment" (See Chit Chat>General Discussion. Click on Forum topic at the left of the page to find John's piece.) 

Ralph Tyrrell has contributed another sterling memoir of a DHS "PINGO" boys's life on the buses and wistful longings evoked by girl school fellow-travellers. (See Chit Chat > Pingo Boys). Did you know that the families of the Pingo boys were all moved out (to Toti and elsewhere) by the infamous Group Areas Act? Who came from Toti? What was your life like? And the Bluff? Did you ever see Jiggs up there on his racing bicycle?

Welcome to our new Guest Member, Bruce Birrell (Class of 1962).

Long or short, your contributions are welcome: Thanks for recent additions to Chit Chat from Starr Glen Williamson (Blackmores) and Alan Gelb (Life in Lockdown). It is good to know that a letter from Roger to Queen Elizabeth, can have such influence!

Thanks also to Ian Robertson and David Bolton for new information on the death of David Chamberlain in 1992 (See In Memory). The dismal list is growing ever longer but is one of the key features of this web-site. Please add what you remember about those on the list and let the site know if you learn of one of our Members or Guest Members passing away.

Please keep the comments and news coming.

Fourth Form Dorm pic with names, has been posted by Peter Bydawell. See Tuck-Shop Chit-Chat "Blackmores".

With many countries in the world now being hit by the second wave of COVID-19 cases, this site may be more valuable than ever to you, so please update your Profile Page and upload some pics of your life now and in the past....and enjoy the wealth of content the site now contains.

Thanks to Cedric Parker and Paddy Farrell (DHS Class of 1966 web-site) for the piece by Mark Twain on his visit to Durban in 1896. See "Durban in the 50s and 60s" - clearly fascinating despite pre-dating the period covered in our "Histories" section.

More memories on life in Blackmores. Thanks to Paul Butler for his addition to Chit Chat.

How are you coping in the Pandemic? Enough toilet rolls?

New piece on Blackmores by Stu (Mossie) Clark, and several photos of the house from 1961 to 1963. See Tuck Shop Chit Chat> Blackmores > "Dinner time..." (Now top of list) Thanks for lending us your detailed account, and the photos, Stu, from the Class of 1963 web-site. Thanks also to Peter Bydawell for facilitating this acquisition.

Rozanne's poem appreciated: Thanks to Rowley Beckett and Ed Granger for their comments. See Tuck Shop Chit Chat > Life in Lock-down >The World Stood Still.

Tracing  members and guests who have gone before:

We currently have profile information for 187 members and guest members. We have recorded the deaths of 54 of our number, as can be seen by the rose emblems next to names in the Classmate Profiles section. If you have time, please look down the list and see if you can identify any name without a rose emblem who you know to have died. Then let the site management know via "Contact us". Our site depends on your good efforts. Thanks!

The World Stood Still: a creative word picture from Rozanne Baker (nee Language, Guest Member) has been posted on "Life in Lockdown" in Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

Howard Carpendale...in his own words. See Tuckshop Chit Chat. Thanks to Stu Clark (Class of 1963) and to Howard for sharing this amazing piece.

Vale: Chris Swales (Class of 1965, Guest Member). Chris  was looking at the site shortly before he died and his son, Tristin, was able to use it to let Alan Gelb know of this sad news. You will find his obituary at In Memory. Scroll down to the Guest Members. Please add your comments and memories.

More Classmates remember Peter Misselbrook with sympathy and wisdom. Thanks to all who have commented.

Starr Glen-Williamson does his ironing and harvests pecan nuts on his farm in Zim, and chats to Rowley Becket and us all. Thanks for sharing your life experiences, Starr. See his Profile Page.

Six Classmates have added memories of Peter Misselbrook to In Memory. Thanks!

Thanks for contributions to Chit Chat by Mark Polti and Rowley Beckett, both retaining enthusiasm for art practice learned from teacher Alan Turton.

Vale: Peter Misselbrook. Who will not feel their hearts start to break at the news that one of the most talented of our Class, Peter Misselbrook, has passed away? Please share your thoughts on In Memory. Thanks to Fred Broom for alerting us.

Thanks for your comment on Chit Chat: Rowley Beckett.

Welcome new contributions to Chit Chat, "Life in Lockdown" and "Letter to a Teacher" come from John Mason (Class of 1966), Roger Jones and Keith Barnett. Enjoy these, and please consider sharing some of your life and memories with your classmates.

New Topic in Chit Chat: Roger Jones kicks off "20 Years After 1964". Please let us know what you were doing in 1984.  Roger also replies to Peter Glaum's "Hanging out in Aurora." Please enjoy the site and add your memories and recent experiences...stay well and safe!

Hanging out in Aurora: Peter and Dawn Glaum share the times and wisdom. See Chit Chat.

Life in lockdown: Alan Gelb and Roger Jones confess..

More comments posted to In Memory. Thanks Ken, Ed & Martin. More?

New contributions to Chit Chat and In Memory. Thanks to Gerald Sack and Roger Jones.

Please post your comments and photos while you are browsing the site.

R.I.P. Alan Rutherford. Sad farewell. COVID-19 takes another Classmate

Tuckshop Chit Chat: "Life in Lockdown." Tell us what you are doing and dreaming of.

R.I.P. Alec Turner: COVID-19 claims one of our own. See In Memory.

New Chit Chat Topic: "Life in Lock-down". Have a go! And show us in a picture, what you are up to or wish you were up to...see below:

On the brighter side. Here is something you can do to brighten our site and our collective mood: Take the "COVID-19 PHOTO CHALLENGE!"

Post a photo of what you are doing at the moment or wish you were doing at the moment. Go to Photo Galleries and post your picture or send it to Site Management. It must be a jpeg picture file. We can do this!

How?  All Members and Guests are able to add photos to the COVID-19 Challenge gallery. Scroll down to the photos and click on the first "COVID" picture. Then click on the "add photo" button (below the pics revealed on the gallery) and follow the prompts to upload pictures from your computer.

Take the CHALLENGE!

More Sad News:  Death of Mike Macnab (Class of 1963, Guest Member). A moving tribute to Mike, written by Ian Robertson (Class of 1961), is posted on  In Memory. Please share your thoughts.

Thanks for the many contributions to In Memory for Trevor Nicholson.

Sad News: Death of Trevor Nicholson. Gordon Duncan brings us news of Trevor's passing, received on 16th March. Please add your memories of Trevor to In Memory.

Dreaming on: The Edward Disco and "Summertime". Memories from Ralph Tyrrell and Peter Harrison in Chit Chat > Memories of Durban > Peter Chen's Chinese Restaurant.

"Sweet and Sour Reminiscences" from Gerald Sack of his family's connections with and memories of South Africans of Chinese origin. See Tuck Shop Chit Chat > Memories of Durban > Peter Chen's Chinese Restaurant. Thanks for this contribution (belatedly announced here with apologies).

More comments on Sport Scholarships from two former educators. See Discussion Forum.

Sport Scholarships: Six reasons to stop the practice, by Tony Daymond (Class of 1963) and another comment by Alan Gelb. See Discussion Forum.

New comments roll in: Four members have commented on the DHS-Glenwood sporting-ties break. Thanks! See Discussion Forum.

New Tuck Shop Chit Chat on The True Face Of Apartheid, by Gerald Sack. He recalls his research days at University of Natal and working in what was then, an almost taboo field.

All members: Please have your say and share memories on this site. We have had over 100 visits since the Glenwood news broke. Your contributions are keeping the site alive and of value. What do you think?

DHS breaks sporting ties with Glenwood

A letter from the Chair of the DHS School Governing Body, posted on the DHS Facebook page, today (6-2-20), declared that DHS will not play any sport with Glenwood until further notice. The letter is copied on our DHS Today page. Click  the panel on the left of your Home Page. If you wish to speculate on why this has happened and what it might mean, please have your say on Discussion Forum.

Historical document unearthed: At a casual getogether in Sydney on 31st January 2020 (See Photo Galleries), David Bushell (Class of 1967) presented the site with a newly discovered, faded, copy of the Natal Mercury DHS Centenary Supplement of 1 June 1966. A small sample of this 40 page tribute to the School by the people of Durban, can now be found in DHS Histories.

Vale: Bobby Hex. We are sad to report that Bobby died a week ago of cancer, in Australia. Thanks for this information from Howard Buttery.   Please add comments and memories of Bobby to In Memory.

Great new pic of last day of term in 1964 has surfaced: See Photo Galleries> Press Photos. Thanks, Owen Van Renen!

55th Anniversary Getogether: An informal gathering at Hops (Riverside Hotel) was held on Thursday 21st November 2019. People attending are shown in the new Photo Gallery (click panel at left of your Home Page). It is hoped to make this an annual event.

If you have other pics (of anything of interest to members) upload them into Photo Galleries directly, or send to Graham Bell as jpeg files. Please include a caption.

Photo Galleries: Remember the site has a great collection of photos and picture essays supplied by members. Why not check it out and add something of your own to share with members? It is very easy. See latest of Bells and Dislers in Photo Galleries > Casual Getogethers > Graham Bell.

Vale: Kier Struben. Another recent departure for higher service: the imposing figure of Kier Struben. Please add what you remember of him to the In Memory section.

More sad news . . . . 

We have been advised by Pat, his wife, that Mervyn Collocott passed away on 7 September.  As yet, there are no further details.  Please feel free to add your own tribute and memories of Mervyn, a character among our year.

Another of our Cohort has moved on.

Hedley Appleby has advised us that Angus Hilson passed away in January 2017. Please see In Memory for Hedley's remembrances of "Gus".

Bouncing Members: Please help alert these Classmates to contact me with their latest e-mail addresses. They will not be receiving communications from the web-site because their e-mail addresses have changed (we are all hitting retirement) or for some other reason. If your name is on the list below, and you are reading this, please let me know anyway, by e-mail. Thanks, Graham Bell (gabbybell@gmail.com). And the Bouncers are:

Allan Farquharson; Walter May; Brian Hulley; John Wilson; Angus Hilson; Brian Brickman; Cecil Miller; John Brecher; Colin Lanham; John Duncan; Gerald Sack;Roy Morris; Ian Vowles; John Herbst.

 

Coverage of Safe Schools Seminar reaches all South African School Governing Bodies.

The success of the SSS, which began life on this website, has reached unexpected heights with the whole of the South African Governing Body Foundation newsletter, Undercurrents, on 7th June 2019, devoted to detailed coverage of the event. The SSS reportage helped highlight Child Protection Week.

See Discussion Forum, Entry No. 153.

The Safe Schools Seminar was hailed a success on 10th May 2019. Further details are posted in Discussion Forum, Entry No.149.

Vale: Charles Jackson (Class of 1964). Charles died at age 73 on 10th May 2019. If you remember Charles and would like to add to the clipping supplied by Peter Bydawell (thanks, Pete), please go to In Memory and share your memories of him with us.

New photos in Photo Gallery. See Press Photos from 1963 supplied by Stu Clark (Class of 1963) and Lindsay Brown.

Class of 1965 website is alive and well, with 92 profiles and many interesting features. Visit it at: (click link)

https://www.classcreator.com/Durban-South-Africa-1965

Vale: Ian Sumner (Class of 1963), athlete and sportsman of great prowess. See his obituary in DHS Histories. Thanks to our brother websites and Bruce Hearn (Class of 1963) for providing this sad news of Ian's passing in November last year.

Welcome to new Guest Member: Ian Tayfield (Class of 1966). 1 Feb 2019.

DHS Nobel Prize Winner dies aged 92

Sir Aaron Klug OM

11-8-1926  -  20-11-2018

See this important obituary in DHS Histories (click on panel on left of Home Page)

Tuesday 26 September 2018 - DHS takes the lead

The following has been received from the School, a milestone in the ongoing initiative to protect current and future learners, and tackle some of the myriad threats that can impact lives during and beyond the formative years of their education.

Safe Schools Seminar Announcement

Educators and Learners

face daily challenges 

negative digital media, sexual abuse, violence,

substance abuse

Durban High School

cordially invites you to attend the

Safe School Seminar

Exploring the possibilities of creating safer schools

Guest Speakers        Workshops        Exhibits

Date: Friday 10 May 2019

Time: 8am to 4.30pm

Venue: DHS, 255 St Thomas Road, Musgrave

Bookings Open -1 November 2018

Early Bird Price -R450pp (until 31 January 2019) Thereafter -R550pp

 

And now for something completely different: 8 September 2018

Penzance Primary and DHS pupil, now a teacher of note at our School, Winston Owen has sent us the following snippet below.  The link brings back memories of past days spent in the Natal Midlands and the Natal Drakensberg.  Enjoy . . . .

Below is a link to a YouTube video of a song that was influenced by the Beatles Day Tripper.  Being Old Boys from the 60s, I thought that you may enjoy a little bit of old-school influenced pop-rock over the weekend.

Click on one of the links below to view:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ewJPMOaxpQ

YouTube Atom Trippin

Every now and again, we get forced to make time to do things that we actually enjoy doing, rather than work and governance. In my case, I enjoy creating entertainment, whether song writing, recording or creating a video. The song was written after my first visit to the Atom Museum in the beautiful Byrne Valley (Richmond, KZN). When I got home and picked up my guitar, I found this catchy little riff that reminded me of Day Tripper, so I went with it and wrote this song about our day trip.  My sister had to write an article for the Meander Chronicles about the ATOM Museum being relocated to Bainsfield. So she requested that I record the song and film it as an adjunct to her online article.

The singer is Andrew Webster, from Class of 92. The woman in the video is the daughter of a friend of Class of 85. Our friends who live up there in Byrne Valley are from Class of 87. The video was filmed and edited by my daughter (Class of 89).  So, all in all, old School has a lot to do with the beginning and the end-product.

I hope that you all enjoy it.

Regards,

Winston Owen

 

UPDATE 6 September 2018: Don Allaway's tribute to Johnny Slater has been added to the first page at In Memory.

Welcome to Selwyn Bass who has joined!

Selwyn was an all-round prominent member of our cohort during our years at DHS.  His profile is available to view, he is another member of the UK contingent among us, and a worthy addition to Tottenham Hotspur supporters. 

Henry Harkcom and John Mason (1966) have added their own memories of Johnny Slater. 

NEWS Updated 3 September, 2018:

For the second day in a row, we have sad news.  John/Johnny Slater passed away last month and his memorial service was held last week.  In Memory has been updated for Johnny.

He was such a character as a pupil, sportsman and prefect during his time at DHS, and this was still evident at our June 2014 Reunion.

Grateful thanks are due to Paul van de Wall for advising us of this sad news.

Please feel free to add your own memories of Johnny Slater in the comments.

NEWS Updated 2 September, 2018:

In Memory has been updated for Graham Wright who passed away last month.

Graham is one of the Missing among us.  It would be good to know if anyone recalls Graham during our years at DHS and after.  Maybe he is one of the four (?) unnamed in the Matric Class Photo.

Thanks to Finley Hamilton and Ian Corbishley for investigating.

 

NEWS Updated 23rd August, 2018:

Life among the Zulus: memories of running free in the bush above the Botanic Gardens have been recorded by Peter B L Harrison (Class of 1965) in the latest Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

Free to a good home:  a hard copy of THE DHS STORY 1866-1966 by HD Jennings.  Contact Peter Oldfield 0827713222 /  pcoldies@bundunet.com

Welcome back to Class of 1965 website: The site has reopened and is looking great! Check it out and join as a Guest Member: https://www.classcreator.com/Durban-South-Africa-1965/class_index.cfm

"My First Job...and a Seachange" is a very interesting tale of life in 1974 by Alan Gelb. Thanks for the contribution to Tuckshop Chit Chat, What I was doing in 1974.  More contributions welcome!

How do you like the Class of 1964 website? Since it was opened on 5th March, 2012, it has received 101,050 visits. Were you among the visitors? We have around 200 members and guest members, each with a profile page, but about 40 of our classmates are still not signed on. If you know any in this group please encourage them to come on board and share the fun! They will be amazed to find 41 obituaries, 116 Chit Chat topics (and many intra-topic chits and chats), 148 postings on the Discussion Forum, 75 Photo Galleries and lots of interesting information on our years at DHS and the times we have lived in. They can send private messages to you and you to them...thousands of these have been sent since the site started...and isn't it nice to get a birthday greeting from your old mates from the old scooo-wil?  Sex! So you're still reading? Great. We are getting e-mail bouncebacks for Sean Morony, Tim Jubber, Walter May, Raleigh Keating, David Geary, John Wilson, Angus Hilson and John Herbie Herbst. If you have a non-bouncy address for any of these okes, please let site management know and ask them to go onto the site and update their e-mail addresses. Oh and how about updating your profile page too...and posting a recent photo of yourself...OK the bell has rung...see you later!

Billy Crawford meets different kinds of Pom as a student in Cape Town in 1974, keeps his teeth and has a snug night in the veld. See Tuckshop Chit Chat "Good and bad Poms" (attributed to Billy when you open the story).

More 1974 memories please...

OK, so I'll do it! See Graham Bell's account of pleasure and pain in 1974 in Chit Chat. Thanks to Roger and Chris for keeping the chat chitting. Remember to click the left side of the topic table to get the full menu of contributions on each subject.

New date for Safe Schools Seminar: Friday 10th May 2019. More info to follow when available.

John Boshoff has contributed to Life in 1974 including a "cool" photo. Good stuff!  Can you spare a few moments to tell us what YOU were doing in 1974?

Thanks for interesting contributions to "What I was doing in 1974" (See Chit-Chat new topic) by Howard Buttery, Roger Jones and Chris Thorpe. Come on chaps...out of those rocking chairs and let's have your memories of 1974!

New Chit-Chat topic: "What I was doing in...1974".  Ten years after matric, how had the world and life changed for you? Enjoy and share your memories.

Founders Day Events: 31 May to 2 June 2018

Golf Day 31 May

Dinner 1 June

Rugby and Cocktail Function 2 June

Contact for further information: cherbst@dhsfoundation.co.za

Ph. 0312 012 284

Return to Glory? DHS vs Glenwood today:

1st XV kick off at 13h55 - join the crowd at Glenwood, or watch on SuperSport Chanel 210 or www.digitv.co.za.

DHS has just beaten College 45-30. Great win on the home field. Memories of 1961...

Check Tuckshop Chit-Chat under General Discussion, link to the YouTube video of the whole match including build-up

From Fred Broom: My twin brother John is recovering well at Entabeni after his stroke. Many thanks for your prayers.

Event postponed to 2019: The Safe Schools Seminar has been put back to an unconfirmed date in 2019. More details to follow when available.

Turton Pictures: All 11 paintings by Allan Turton, in the estate of Mr John Moot, have been bought by his former pupils. 

Fred Broom has sad news that his twin brother John has suffered a cerebral stroke and is currently in hospital in a serious condition. He asks that you remember John in your prayers.

In Memoriam pages updated for Neville Pretorius.

Many thanks to Bob van der Molen (Teacher, 1961-1965) for the images of staff in 1962 and 1963, now completing our set of Staff Photos 1961-64.

Thanks also to the many comment writers on the passing of Neville Pretorius (see In Memory).

The official announcement and date of the anti-sexual abuse event ("Safe Schools Seminar") planned for 27 July 2018, is eagerly awaited. As soon as I get the official word I'll post a notice with as many details as are available. Meantime, please pencil the date into your diaries and "stay tuned".  Graham Bell.

Terry Sandy has notified us of the passing of Neville Pretorius.  Roger Jones has found out a few details which will be included in the In Memoriam section later.

Neville lived andworked in Stanger and passed away in the hospital there following a cancer diagnosis.  A Stanger person told of the tributes paid to Neville at his funeral last week.  One tribute was from a school friend, possibly a 'Fred'.

One speaker spoke of his first involvement with Neville as a fight over the theft of a bicycle.  Roger J's first interaction with Neville was in 1961 when Neville was still at St Henry before he arrived at DHS the following year; that interaction was also a fight on the pavement in Maze Road below South Ridge Road, the cause is lost in the mists of memory.  More later.

Thanks to friends from Class of 1961 for letting us know of the sad passing of their classmate, John Dunlop who died on 27 February 2018 in Empangeni. At school John was a good runner and also had a fine singing voice. His career after school was successful on several fronts: in commerce (shoe design and clothing shops) and most recently running a B&B called "Raptors Rest" with his life partner of 39 years, Edward Jansen.  Vale, John Dunlop. "May choirs of angels sing thee to thy rest". 

Easter Greetings and thanks for the many Profile Updates. If you haven't updated your profile recently, please have a look at it and bring it up to date.  Also, please help to notify friends whose e-mails are "bouncing" - they need to get onto the site and update their e-mail addresses. Six members are currently on the bounce: David Geary (Class of 1966); Keith Barnett; John Wilson; Angus Hilson; John Herbst; and Howard Buttery.

Do you have news of any of our Classmates' demise? Please let the site management know via "Contact Us" so we can add the information to In Memoriam.  Guest members who "pass on" will also be included (See recent inclusion of Richard Venniker (Class of 1965) in the In Memoriam section.  Please add your memories of our classmates...they are much appreciated.

 

 

Seeking Michael Grainger. If you know Michael's whereabouts please contact joy2robb@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome to new Guest Member: Tony Keyte (Class of 1967).

Does anyone have contact info for Paul ("Sandy") Sandison (Class of 1964) also ex DPHS, Michaelhouse and University of Natal? His friend Vic Hansen wishes to contact him. Please e-mail Graham Bell gabbybell@gmail.com if you can help.

Welcome to new Guest Member: Roger Keyte (Class of 1963).

Impressive marketing video released by DHS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUEDdQHTCRQ&feature=youtu.be

Trolley bus capers: see Chit Chat, now top of the order. Photos??

Vaughan Mostert remembers the wonderful trolley buses that Durban used so effectively in "our era". See Chit Chat > General Discussion.

Photo Gallery added to record Casual Getogethers at the school and at Olive and Oil, Umhlanga, on 19-1-18. (Click on Photo Galleries on left of this Home Page)

School to host Safe Schools Seminar in 2018. See Discussion Forum.

Happy New Year to all our Members and Guest Members. May 2018 be a healthy and prosperous one for you and your families.  Regards from your site management.

Memories of living through the end of apartheid are relived by Gerald Sack (see Chit Chat.."Fear and loathing in the Durban City Hall").

Justin Paul (Class of 1980) adds to memories of Des "Spike" Thompson's peculiar style as Head Master in the late 70s.

Chris Thorpe adds insights into Des Thompson's attitude to school cadets. See Chit Chat, Memories of School, "My best place".

John Mason (Class of 1966) describes the art of the disappearing cadet platoon and master-in-charge. See Chit Chat, Memories of School, "My best place".

Francois Everson (Class of 1966) remembers three years of fotuitous library workouts in lieu of rugby and cadets. See Chit Chat "Memories of School - My best place".

Richard Venniker (Class of 1965) R.I.P. It is with sadness that we announce the death of Richard Venniker, a much loved member of the Durban and school community. Please go to In Memory and add your comments and memories of Richard.

Scroll to bottom of that page to where deceased Guest Members will be listed. If you know of any classmates of Class of 1964 and Guest Members (all years) not listed in  "In Memory" but who are deceased, please use Contact Us to notify the site management.

Nine Lives (Tuck shop Chit Chat): Bill Crawford tells how two of his were used up during mortar and grenade training.

Welcome to Lynton Brown (Class of 1960) our latest Guest Member.

Welcome to Howard Griffiths (Class of 1968) our latest guest member.

Welcome to Chris Swales (Class of 1965) our latest guest member.

New Forum in Tuckshop Chit Chat: "Nine Lives..." Tell us about your scrapes with destiny and let us celebrate your survival together.  Graham kicks off with his 8 out of 9.

Wine auction fundraiser at DHS on Friday 29 September (6:30 for 7:00 pm).R2000 for table of 10, includes food and entertainment by Garvan H Goldstone. Booking: shawn.vanrensburg@durbanhighschool.co.za or phone073 927 8411.

Bruce Gold, our enigmatic classmate and perhaps the last of the true surfing hippies of our era, is still catching waves. See the link to recent photos of him, sent by Jan Francois Everson (Class of 1966) in Tuckshop Chit Chat > Who is Bruce Gold?

Do you have information on our missing or deceased classmates? Please send it to site management using Contact Us.

A novel beginning to The Lord's Prayer is remembered by Chris Thorpe in Chit Chat "Slang of the Sixties".

Memory of Father Cull a substitute English teacher in 1965, by John Mason (Class of 1966), in Chit Chat "Our Teachers".

Welcome to our newest Guest Member, John Lillie (Class of 1965).

Thoughtful commentary on war has been posted in "Memories of Army Days" (Chit Chat) by John Mason (Class of 1966). In lighter vein comments on Paul Van de Wall's use of language for furthering a sales career comes in from Roger Jones, Ed Granger (Class of 1963) and Michael Cornelissen (Class of 1960) - see Slang of the Sixties in Chit Chat..

After 54 years...Van Rij and Bell get together at Dee Wilkinson's: See Photo Galleries, Casual Getogethers. Thanks Deirdre and Reg! Every cloud has a silver lining.

Very funny stuff (not for the delicate amongst us) on how to sell tyres in Northern Natal, has been posted in Chit Chat: "Gripping. Slang of the Sixties" by Paul Van de Wall. Eish!

Please don't call me "Late For Breakfast". What we name our offspring. See Chit Chat "General Discussion" by Roger Jones.

Images from the Border Wars. See Chit Chat "Memories of Army Days".

Latest Chit Chat: "Memories of Durban": Multi-course Chinese meal for R3. Thanks to Terry Sandy for this blast from the past.

Welcome to our latest Guest Member: David Papineau (Class of 1963).

"Memories of Living through the end of Apartheid" (Tuckshop Chit Chat) has begun well with detailed recall by Roger Jones in "Laughter, fear and loathing in the Durban City Hall." This has brought comments and more memories of the event from John Mason (Class of 1966) and Ed Granger (Class of 1963).

Fascinating memories from Paul Van de Wall about pigeons and puza in the bush above the Botanical Gardens. See Chit Chat "Life among the Zulus"

New Chit-Chat forum open: "Memories of living through the end of Apartheid".

This has opened "by popular demand" as the "Zulus" forum has got members reminiscing about the politics of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Contributions now welcome.

Gerald Sack opens what may be, to many, a window on a little known universe, in Chit Chat, "Our life among the Zulus: Being read to". Amazing stuff.

Life among the Zulus continues with interesting memories from Roger Jones. See Chit Chat: "Being read to".

Another great memory: "Rocket" and his amazing take off, from Chris Thorpe, in Chit Chat, "Our life among the Zulus". Thanks, Chris. You were one of very few with isiZulu skill.

The memories roll out: an interesting piece from Roger Jones about a "tea boy" who read Shakespeare. Richard Bell (Class of 1961) tells of Cement Banda the strong tea maker at Cedara College who borrowed small amounts from the staff to effect his permanent return to Malawi. See "Our life among the Zulus" in Chit Chat. Please keep them coming. How many of us could speak any isiZulu back then? Gordon Bentley was fluent...who else?

More memory therapy: "Our life among the Zulus". See new theme at the top of the list in Chit Chat.  Please dig em up...it has to be good for you and will raise many a smile for our members. 

More on Busomworth after DHS from Howard Buttery. See Chit Chat> Memories of Army Days>Inspection and Busomworth.

Roger Jones remembers an amazing accident involving a Zulu on a bike and the Trans-Berea bus. He also makes a kindly comment on the revelations on post DHS Busomworth. See the two latest Chit Chat topics "Stuttafords" and "Busomworth"...same as before.  Keep the Chit Chat going, please.

Lloyd Noel remembers milkshakes at the Lido and the generosity of Bun Robertson in Chit Chat "Impending Death of Stuttafords".

Terry Sandy (Class of 1965) recalls Busomworth and his family, after DHS, in (Chit Chat> Memories of Army Days>Inspection and Busomworth). Many thanks, Terry.

Happy 4th July to our members living in the USA.

More memories of Stuttafords and what could be bought there, of superior quality, are recalled by Richard Bell (Class of 1961).

And the 70 000th site visitor was....(drum roll)... JOHN DUNCAN (Class of 1965). Congratulations. You win praise and glory from all the DHS "Class of" site members! OK John, you now get to update your profile page and submit two photos of your life "then and now". Vat hom Fluffy! Enjoy your moment of stardom!

Many thanks for new additions to Chit Chat>Memories of Durban> Demise of Stuttafords, from Lloyd Noel (Class of 1965), Detolised Santa, akaTerry Dowdall (Class of 1961), Roger Jones and Mark Polti. We're on a roll!  What can you remember?

More from Lloyd Noel (Class of 1965) on the importance of Durban milk bars in the 60s (Chit Chat>Memories of Durban> Demise of Stuttafords) and on Busomworth, from Ian Robertson (Class of 1961) asking for more information on Boesie's life after school (Chit Chat> Memories of Army Days>Inspection and Busomworth). Keep them coming, please! We now have 100 topics (including comments & replies) in Chit Chat. Our web site is about to receiving its 70 000th visit by a member. Who will it be? You, with a new photo?

Thanks to John Bartlett (Class of 1961) for his addition to "Stuttafords" in Chit Chat.

Another series of amusing stories from Ralph Tyrrell's army "daze". See Chit Chat, "Achille's Heel".

Thanks to Terry Dowdall and Ed Granger for comments and questions about Busomworth. (See "Inspections and Busomworth in Memories of Army Days" in Tuckshop Chit Chat) Can anyone help answer? We've had over 170 site visitors (members and guest members) in the past five days. How about leaving a comment or starting a new Chit Chat topic? Have a go!

Terry Sandy provides interesting and compassionate information on Busomworth, and Roger Jones remembers The Model Dairy and scouts in the city. See latest Chit Chat. Please weigh in. Keep the kettle boiling! Start a new topic.

Very funny and close to disaster. Terry Dowdall (Class of 1961) is corpsed at the Colonel's inspection, by Busomworth. See "Memories of Army Days" in Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

Roger Jones, David Morty (Class of 62), Lloyd Noel (Class of 65), Richard Bell (Class of 61) and Peter Harrison (Class of 65) have joined in the Memory Therapy in Chit Chat. What do you remember of life in Durban "back when"? Use the reply button or start your own topic.

Memory therapy? Do you remember the great department stores in the centre of Durban? Let Roger Jones take you there in Memories of Durban in Tuckshop Chit Chat.

It's all about the coaches, says Howard Buttery, and please don't mention the J word. See Discussion Forum.

Roger Jones asks what has happened to improve DHS's standing in school rugby. See Discussion Forum. Have your say. Use the Post Reply button at top left of Discussion Forum, then save at bottom of the page.

Returning DHS to Glory. The rugby results speak volumes for a return by DHS to glory on the sports field. Graham Bell and Ed Granger review some little known events over the past four years which have given DHS leadership in the new world. See Discussion Forum. 

Here is what is happening at the site of the DHS Old Boys Club in Durban North:

Army memories are developing into a veritable tsunami...see the latest additions by Roger Jones, Howard Buttery and Chris Thorpe.

Crazy Days continues with comments on Ralph's heel by Paul Van de Wall. See Chit Chat: "Memories of Army Days".

Army Daze? Dave Levy saves a goal and a shoot-load of square bashing. See Chit Chat: "Memories of Army Days".

New Chit Chat Forum: "Memories of Army Days" Starts with a bang with Ralph Tyrrell's tale of his (and the army's) Achilles Heel.

Founders Day 2017 Report and Photos : see DHS Today.

Class of 1947 Reunion: see

 http://www.iol.co.za/ios/world/durban-high-schools-class-of-1947-reunite---70-years-on-9695684

Thanks to Ed Granger (Class of 1963) for this link.

Chris Thorpe congratulates Scott Mathie and DHS First Rugby Team on winning achievements. See Chit Chat: "Vision of DHS...."

While you're on site, have your say in Chit Chat...and upload some photos...hey, why not also update your profile page?!

If you have not yet signed on for the Founders Day dinner...contact Candice Herbst now. See link at bottom of this page: DHS Foundation.

Third major win for DHS First Rugby team on Saturday 27th May 2017: DHS rugby has returned to its former glory with a win against Glenwood yesterday, broadcast on national television. The win followed similar triumphant results in the previous two weeks against Maritzburg College and Kearsney.

New photos from a gathering of former DHS teachers and their managers in Melbourne, on 22 May 2017, can be found in Photo Galleries: Casual Getogethers. Many thanks to Sean Burke (Class of 1970) for the images and captions.

Memories of Durban in the 50s and 60s: see new link to history of Speedway in South Africa.

Eulogy to Steve Bond posted by Mark Polti. See In Memory.

New Photo Gallery of the Trevor Wadley Prize for Year 9 Mathematics, showing the first two recipients of the prize and the Artwork presented to the School at the 150th Anniversary Assembly on 2nd June 2016 by Keith Barnett and two of Wadley's relatives.

New DHS Head Master, Tony Pinheiro, meets the school. See the report published on DHS's Face Book page copied into "DHS Today" (click on panel at left of your Home Page).

Two new photo essays by Dawn and Peter Glaum, dated January and April 2017, about life in Thailand can be found in Photo Galleries. These excellent articles are highly recommended and offer us all entertainment and enlightenment.  Please take a look, and think about producing one about your current life and activities.

If you do, send a Word file to Graham Bell (gabbybell@gmail.com) and photos as jpegs (indicate where in the piece the photos are to be placed). He will then upload it into Photo Galleries.  Click on the panel on the left of your Home Page, find the photo of Moo the Thai Porker, and scroll down to the last two essays.  Thanks Peter and Dawn. You've done it again!  Happy and safe flying, Peter.

Gerald Sack remembers John Thornton who died in July 2014 (not 2015 as previously recorded). Thanks to Gerald and Ian Robertson for this information. See In Memory.

New DHS Head Master announced. Tony Pinheiro, who joined Glenwood High from Stanger in 1994 and rose to Acting Head Master of Glenwood High, has been appointed the new Head Master of DHS. The appointment was announced on the DHS Face Book page at 2pm on Thursday 13th April 2017. The school will make further information available after Easter. 

Howard Buttery replies to Chris Thorpe's piece on the Midlands and Ed Granger adds Meat and Gravy pies (Perks?) to the list of old tuck shop favourites.

Tuck Shop banter and reminiscences float along: thanks to Gerald Sack, Alan Gelb, Terry Sandy and Terry Dowdall. What mystery lay in the Banana Bumper?

Pink nutties?! (See Old Tuck Shop discusssion...thanks Merv and Roger). Any more? What was your favourite purchase?

Interesting Newsletter from DHS Foundation (DHSF&T), March Edition. See DHS Today (click on panel at left of Home Page).

Keep it rolling! Thanks for new Old Tuck Shop Memories from Starr Glen-Williamson, Terry Dowdall and Roger Jones.  And now for your contribution. ...what was your favourite Tuck Shop purchase? Do you remember "candy kisses?" How about up-dating your Profile Page? Upload a photo?

New Chit Chat from Chris Thorpe (General Discussion: "Vision of DHS..") and from Peter Oldfield on "The Tuck Shop under the science block" (see "old Tuck Shop Memories).  Please weigh in with discussion and your own thoughts and memories. Many thanks to all contributors. You are helping keep our website alive and kicking. Click on the Tuck Shop Chit Chat panel at the top of the home page.

Sorry about the April Fools Day joke. Wrinkles is interred and decomposing in safe keeping. Bad taste again...sorry!

Welcome to our new member, Peter Oldfield.

Post a photograph on your profile page today....it's easy.

Or a Chit Chat thought or memory...thanks Roger Jones for your latest from Bosnia.

Welcome to our latest member, Rob Woodward.

Welcome to new Guest Member, Michael Woodford (Class of 1963), bass drummer in the championship-winning school bugle bands of 1962-1963.

New Tuckshop Chit Chat on getogethers and woodwork from Chris Thorpe and Ralph Tyrrell.

Thanks to all contributors. Join in with your thoughts, memories and comments. By doing so you are helping to keep this site alive and kicking. Please update your profile pages and add some photos to them. Now is a good time! The new photo editor is working well.

Welcome to our newest member: John Goott.

A photo of Mike Hurley taken in 2001 has been posted on the In Memory section.

New tributes to Ken Pottinger help fill the portrait of his life: see In Memory.

Photo uploads on your Personal Profile: The system is now working well. Please upload some pics and update your Profile Page. Now is a good time! More photos please!

Gerald Sack reminisces on golf with Mark Polti, divots galore and four-penny meat pies. See Tuckshop Chit Chat > catching up again.

Welcome to David Pullen our newest member.

Please encourage other "missing classmates" to join the web-site. What great value they are missing!

Roger Jones and Gerald Sack discuss Orwell, social media and freedom of speech in Chit Chat> General Discussion. 

Tributes to Roy Cowgill and Colin Pay from Chris Thorpe on Tuckshop Chit Chat > General Discussion

Announcement from Justin Paul (Class of 1980):

It is with sad news that both Roy Cowgill and Colin Pay (my cousin), both of whom taught me at DHS, passed away this last Thursday and Friday respectively. Roy was still at DHS and Colin had retired years ago.

Both were great people whom I totally respected and also respected by many Old Boys.

New link to Old Durban films. Thanks to Andrew Geils (Class of 1960) for sending the link. See Durban in the 50s and 60s (click panel on left of Home Page).

The new format for Classmate Profiles has been accepted after a vote by our membership returnd a narrow win for the (annoying) new format, which nevertheless now restores photo uploads. Please make use of these features now by adding some photos to your personal profile.

And a Happy New Year to one and all!

Christmas Greetings to all Members!  May your days be merry and bright and 2017 be everything you wish it to be.

We have e-mails "bouncing" from 10 of our members. If you know how to contact the following people, please ask them to update their e-mail addresses, or clean out their in-boxes. If your name is listed here and you are receiving e-mails please let me know.  Thanks. Gabby Bell (site managment).

Don Riddell (Class of 1957); Reg van Rij (Class of 1963); Cecil Gower; John Wilson; Ian Corbishley; Malcolm Getcate; Colin Lanham; Cecil Miller; Brian Brickman; Anthony Oshry (Class of 1961).

Denis Jordaan recounts how Sas Nourse gave Izaak a fishy shower. See Chit chat > Our Teachers.

Welcome to Allan Wilkinson (Teacher) our latest Guest Member.

Memories of our English set-book Animal Farm are evoked by Roger Jones in Chit Chat > General Discussion > Orwell. The famous writer's opinions on freedom of speech and society ring true today.

Roger Jones pays tribute to the late Trevor Goddard (DHS 1948): see Chit Chat> Great Characters.. > ..Trevor Goddard.

Denis Jordaan  remembers Sas Nourse's acidic antics and a legendary sombrero on Warner Beach: see Chit Chat> Our Teachers> Sas Nourse. Roger Jones replies with more on Izak.

Chris Thorpe remembers Theo's teaching of English. See Chit Chat > Our Teachers > Theobald for Latin and English.

Wilkie side table made by Alan Gelb: see photo of the original object, good as new, on Chit Chat, DPHS. See Chit Chat > Our Primary Schools > DPHS. Use the scroll bar to navigate the main list of topics on the LEFT side of ChitChat page then enter the topic and scroll down to the latest item. 

See new Chit Chat on Allan Wilkinson (posted by Chris Thorpe) and Allan's dad, Maurice, woodwork teacher at Prep for 57 years, obtained from Allan by Ed Granger. The latter includes three images for those ex-Prep classmates needing a memory jolt.

Recently Found: Tea Trolley made in 1960 by a 12 year-old boy. See Chit Chat, DPHS.

New CEO appointed to DHS Foundation and Trust. See DHS Today.

Site reaches 60,000 visits. We opened this site on 15th March 2012. Since then we have averaged 1428 visits per month.  We must be doing something right. Pity that our Missing Members are Missing the fun.

Some new photos of Nick Bulley in his last years, living in Dubai with his beloved Theresa Du Toit, are now posted in Nick's obituary page. Click on In Memory and then on Nick's name.

Welcome to the site to our never-to-be-forgotten classmate, Dave King.

Obituary to Tim Couzens (Class of 1961) 1944-2016. You will be proud to learn that one of those sixth formers in 1961 was actually an emerging giant. See DHS Histories.

Latest photo-essay from Peter and Dawn Glaum tells of flying on a fluttery heart above Clanwilliam and Thailand at a momentous time in its history. See Photo Galleries. Click on Moo the Pig and scroll down.

Trevor Wadley Prize and Speech is now recorded in DHS Histories

Four Amigos meet for lunch in Sydney 26-10-16 (See Chit Chat, Getting together again, by accident or design).

Welcome to Roger Green (Class of 1965), our latest Guest Member.

Great photo of dinner time at Blackmores in Chit Chat and in Profile Pics (Photo Galleries). Thanks to Francois Everson and John Mason (both Class of 1966). Recognise anyone? Look for BP Wilson in distance!

Welcome to Guest Members John Mason (Class of 1966) and Pierre Kriegler (Class of 1965).

FYI, this recent influx of Classmates of 1965 is part of a rescue mission for those 65s who want to stay connected, after their site shut down. They are welcome to our site which has a policy of being inclusive and as open as possible to all who are in or associated with our 64 cohort.

We still have about 100 64s who have not joined (see missing members). If you know any of them please entreat them to join. Look at the fun they are missing!

Welcome to new Guest Members, Mike Cramer (Class of 1965) and Ken Erwee (Class of 1965).

We now have a new Photo Gallery for Class of 1965 members to share your class photos, sporting pictures...anything you like!  Enjoy the site. The 64s share many of your memories and many of us were in the same sporting teams. Click on Photo Galleries, open your new gallery and upload your jpegs. Remember to write a caption for each pic. If this is beyond your ken, send your jpegs and captions to Graham Bell: gabbybell@gmail.com.

All Members and Guest Members: please use "Profile Pics" in Photo Galleries to store pics you have trouble loading onto your profile pages.

Memories of Snell Parade Races and Hoy Park Speedway have been added to "Durban in the 50s and 60s."

Additional tribute to Leon Erasmus has been added by Chris Thorpe.

A glowing tribute to both Leon Erasmus and the work of the Concerned Old Boys , by Justin Paul (Class of 1980), former Chair of the School Governing Board, can be found in Tuck Shop Chit Chat "General Discussion".

A great tribute to Graham Coutts has been posted by Howard Buttery. See "In Memory".

Welcome to Andrew Geils (Class of 1960, Michael House).

Welcome to Graham Millar (Class of 1965) and Peter Harrison (Class of 1965) our latest Guest Members.

More memories of Graham Coutts from Michael Cornelissen (Class of 1960) and Roger Sheppard (Class of 1961).

"Boots" Coutts remembered by Mark Polti: see "In Memory".

Site Stats at 18/10/16:

Site Created: 5/3/2012

Home Page Visitors*: 57,712

(this number is the cumulative total visitors we have had since creating our web site)

 Percentage of Joined Classmates: 51.9%

 Percentage of Joined Classmates Who Have Added Photos: 26.1%

Welcome to new Guest Members, Francois Everson, Pat Goss, Robert Smith and Tony Dold from Class of 1965. and Greg MacNeillie (Class of 1989). We hope to see many more of the 1965 cohort joining us in the coming days. Welcome!

A new memory from Billy Crawford about the art trips to Sunnyside Guest Farm: see Our Teachers, Allan Turton, in Tuckshop Chit Chat.

Flogging chat continues.  Who received the most cuts in one single day?

Who was the worst flogger? Ed Granger has a firm idea of who this was, after thoroughly sampling the offerings. See Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

Polti meets Bell after 54 years. See Tuck Shop Chit Chat "Catching up...". Please add your own encounters to this section (click Post New Topic) and try to remember to add a photograph...(take the pic before the second glass of wine).

Who was the worst flogger? See new Chit Chat "Multi-flogging..." Were you a flogger? Do you have regrets? Will you atone? We are here to listen with sympathy and forgiveness.

Closure of website: Terry Sandy has informed us that after little interest was shown for the first half of 2016, by the classmates of 1965 in the website he had established, he decided not to renew the site licence. If you know anyone from the DHS class of 1965 who would like to be a guest member of this site, please encourage them to contact our site to join. All welcome!

New Photo Gallery "Profile Pics" by Starr Glen-Williamson containing 5 photos that will transport you to 1962 and 1963.

More pics please. Upload your own photos to any of the galleries or send jpeg files to Graham Bell (gabbybell@gmail.com) for easy uploading. Please include captions (in the e-mail) with as much detail as your memory allows.

New link on the amazing life and times of our classmate, Bruce Gold, has been submitted by Allan Farquharson in Chit Chat: "Who is Bruce Gold?" Allan gives us a link to a recent article from ZigZag surfing magazine and a short film on Bruce's life made by Norwegian film-maker Anders Melchior.

Profile photo uploads: Problem not yet solved, so we have made a Photo Gallery available for you to put your Profile Pics into. Thanks to Allan and Starr for getting this moving. More photos please everyone!

New Chit Chat thread: "Catching up again" - informal meetings with classmates, on your travels, by accident or design. Share your photos and tell us about who you met, where and when. Historical and hysterical accounts welcome.

Welcome to new Guest Member, Mike Macnab (Class of 1962).

New grandchildren? While we are trying to fix a photo upload problem on the profile pages, why not update the text on your profile page? News about you is appreciated by your classmates. The site is password protected, so your information is as safe as that allows. 

Letter from Leon Erasmus announcing his departure from DHS: see "DHS Today."

The Trevor Wadley Prize for Year 9 Mathematics: Is it an inadequate gesture? See the debate in Tuck Shop Chit Chat "Sex abuse at DHS".

Treat yourself to the updated "Facts about Durban 1963 and 1973" compiled by Gerald Buttigieg.   Click on the panel "Durban in the 50s and 60s" on the left of this Home Page.

Resignation of DHS Head Master: Leon Erasmus announced his resignation as Head Master of DHS recently effective from the end of 2016. He is taking up a position at a school in the Cape. Details will be posted in DHS Today as they become available. We wish him and his family all the best for the future and acknowledge the good work he has done over a difficult time in the history of the school. 

New Chit Chat: Gerald Sack on Memories of Durban and Howard Buttery on the Trevor Wadley Prize and the "COBs" in "Sexual Abuse at DHS". Have your say on these web site pages.

Trevor Lloyd Wadley montage presentation and speech by Keith Barnett, made at Special Assembly on 3rd June 2016: see DHS Today

The Ferry

A spine tingling account of a near-death experience for Peter and Dawn Glaum in Uganda in 1997 has been added to the marvelous collection of essays by Dawn, with images by Peter.  Find it in the Photo Galleries under Moo the Porker. Click on Moo and scroll down to the end of the essays for this latest treat. Your scrolling will be well rewarded!

New Photo Gallery: "Random kak from School Magazines". These images are a gift from Alan Wilkinson (Class of 1948), conveyed to us by Ed Granger (Class of 1963). Hope the word "kak" doesn't offend or convey anything other than fun. Please upload any jpegs you have into the Photo Galleries. If you want a new theme for a gallery created, please use a "contact us" message, or e-mail Graham Bell directly.

Photos Please...upload your pictures from the 150th Anniversary events into Photo Galleries. Easy way: put jpegs of your pics onto your desktop, open Photo Galleries, click on the picture of Cathedral Peak, then on "Add Photos". Your desktop will come up fromwhich you can open other parts of your hard drive. Double click on the pics you want to share. Be patient while the program uploads, then add a caption and return to Home Page. Reopen Galleries and your pics will be in a gallery attributed to you.

New Photo Gallery Opened:

150th Anniversary Celebrations. Please upload your photos now.

Missing Persons: Please help find the many members of Class of 1964 who still have not discovered the joys of this website. The list can be found by clicking the Missing Classmates tab on the left of this Home Page.  Every person who was with us in the core years 1961-64 or who would have finished in 1964, or who started earlier and took a bit longer than average, is WELCOME to join this site. 

 

New DHS website launched today: www.classof1968.com. Congratulations to Andrew Stringer, and co-manager Colin Mayne.

You are welcome to join as a Guest Member.

10 Year Site Licence: Thanks to generous donations from a group of members, our site licence has been renewed for a further 10 years. So for the next decade you can visit the site as often as you please, get involved in the discussions on Chit Chat and Discussion Forum, and whack up some pictures (old and new) in Photo Galleries and on your Profile Page.

 

Management Policy Statement:  Current site management policy is that this website is "of the members, for the members" and not "of the school, for the school". All views and material about any subject whatsoever is allowed and encouraged, barring only pornography and nasty stuff (racist, poltically inflammatory, etc) threatenng to our site licence. Our policy is "exclusively inclusive"!  Please feel free to add your opinion on this - or any other topic - to Tuck Shop Chit Chat and to the Discussion Forum. Your photos and scans are welcome on Photo Galleries and elsewhere all over the site, including on your profile page. We have also posted a lot of great material supplied by members in DHS Histories and Durban in the 50s and 60s. Access to the DHS website, news and funding appeals are posted in Current School Notices and the link to the DHS website can be found at the bottom of this Home Page.  All of the above is "what it's for". Enjoy your website!

Membership of this site is free to you. How can you contribute? Find Missing Classmates! Use the Site for your entertainment and enlightenment. Share your anecdotes. Upload your photos, old and new. Send private messages to old friends. Visit often: the site is constantly being updated and has a growing pile of material from you the members.  

IMPORTANT LINKS

DHS Class of 1960 Site Linkhttp://www.dhs-class-of-1960.net

DHS Class of 1961 Site Link: http://www.dhs-class-of-1961.net

DHS Class of 1963 Site Link: http://www.durbanhighschoolclassof1963.com

DHS Class of 1964 Site Link: http://www.dhsclassof1964.com

DHS Class of 1965 Site Link: https://www.classcreator.com/Durban-South-Africa-1965

DHS Class of 1966 Site Link:  http://www.dhs-class-of-1966.com

DHS Class of 1968 Site Link:  http://www.dhsclassof1968.com 

DHS School   Site Link:  http://www.durbanhighschool.co.za

DHS School Official Face Book page. http://www.facebook.com/DurbanHighSchool

DHS Foundation Trust  Site Link:  http://www.dhsfoundation.co.za

Foundation Face Book Page:  https://www.facebook.com/thedhsfoundation/

      and their Instagram: @dhsfoundation_1866

DPHS Old Boys Site Link:  http://www.dphs.co.za/old-boys 

 

 

Welcome to DHS Class of 1964

Membership is open to all who were in our cohort at any time leading to the "graduation" year of 1964. Some of our group started in 1960 or even 1959 and some left us before the end of 1964. Most of the group started in 1961 and finished in 1964. You are all welcome to the cohort.   To join, please find your name on the "Classmate Profiles" list, click on it, and fill in your profile details. If your name (or someone you know from our cohort) is not on the list please use "Contact Us" to let site managers know. There are no fees for membership and the site is password-protected.

Your membership will be validated by site management before it becomes active. So please give ample information about yourself to allow this to be done quickly.

Please let us know if you have contact information for others who have not joined yet.  Also, if you know of anybody who should be on the list,  please let us know.  Please add information to our special In Memory section, on classmates who have "gone before".

Guest Members are Welcome:

Guest members are usually interested members of other DHS years, former schoolteachers, and spouses/partners of deceased classmates, or close friends of members.  A guest member can participate in all our activities.  If you wish to be a guest member please click on  "Contact Us" to request to join. Please provide enough information for the site management to validate your identity. We have a strict "no share, no stare" policy. Guest members are encouraged to actively participate in the site, not "stare form the sideline" and share nothing about yourself. Please post a photo of yourself onto your profile page once your membership is activated.  You will receive a notice when you have been added to the "guest members" list. Please give plenty of information about yourself on your profile page, so members can appreciate who you are. All private information is password protected to members only. All members can view each others profiles.

Private messages sent between members are strictly private.

Use the "notify me" function to be alerted to changes to sections that interest you.

Please help to grow the site by posting interesting photos, stories and comments in Photo Galleries and Tuck Shop Chit Chat.

Gingamalaio!