Durban High School
Class Of 1964
Michael E Woodford (Class of 1963)
Michael E's Latest Interactions
My word Mr Mason, your observations in your tribute to the late Chris Thorpe, regarding the DHS culture of our era, had an resonance beyond measure. A powerful summation indeed, incisively and accurately expressed, with rare elegance. You articulated the thoughts of many Old Boys who endured, rather than relished their High School education. Hear hear sir and thank you.
For my part, I only knew Chris slightly, from his days at St Thomas' 4th Durban Scouts, a keen and thoroughly decent young chap. I left the Beloved Country in '67 and made my living in the UK, but was aware of his reputation as an outstanding educator and character through the Class of 64 postings and his own contributions thereto. A good life, well lived, with a proud legacy. Well done Chris, go well. My condolences to Mrs Thorpe and all who loved him.
Michael Woodford
A round, smiley face, a warm, bubbly, enthusiatic character and a jolly good gymnast and swimmer, are my recollections of my early 60's classmate. A thoroughly good guy. Go well Van. Michael Woodford.
Posted on: Feb 22, 2021 at 11:33 AM
I remember Pete well. Not as a close mate, but we were at DPHS together, until end 1959 and we were both members of the very successful DHS Cadet Band (I was the base drummer.) He was a lovely bloke, cheerful, friendly and a cracking bugler. I have this abiding memory of the Band gathering at the Misselbrook home, corner Windmill & Essenwood Roads, just before the Durban & District Cadet Band Competitian. We spent all day polishing kit, bulling toe caps so you could see your face in them, blanching webbing, brasso-ing belt buckles with tooth brushes - "mind you don't leave so much as a flake of dried polish on the back" etc. All under the eagle of Mrs. M and big boet Dave, rooking crafty Texan! A jolly day, hard graft, but worth it. We won the class for best turn out, not dropping a point! In fact DHS won the Natal Cadet Band Competition in Maritzburg that year (1962?) with Peter the top bugler, yet again! I left SA for the UK in '67, after National Service and we only met up once again. 2002 it was, at a St Thomas' 4th Durban Boy Scout 50th Anniversary Reunion at (R)DLI HQ after I had retired and returned to my roots, for a few years Pete was the same warm, engaging character I remembered, with an interesting Life Story to tell. What a pleasure. I'm so glad we had a chance to share a pint and swap a few yarns. Go well mate and thanks for the memories.
Michael Woodford (Woody) Class of '63.