The Old Hiltonian ClubGreetings to you all!

We had a good start to 2017 and it has been wonderful catching up with some of you!

We are starting to gear up for the upcoming Reunions and we are so looking forward to meeting the Old Hiltonians soon.

Please note, ‘Save the date’ notices and Invitations have been dispatched. If your Reunion is this year and you have not received an invitation yet, it means we do not have your updated email address. Please contact Trish Hayes directly on 033 3830100 and I will forward the relevant notice and invitation to you.

Reunions 2017

Reunion Dates Rugby Dates (All Home Games)

40-year Friday 5 May Saturday 6 May Michaelhouse

50-year Friday 26 May Saturday 27 May

Martizburg College

Annual General Meeting10, 20, 25, 30 years

Friday 2 June Saturday 3 June Kearsney

35-year Friday 9 June Saturday 10 June

Northwood

Edition 43 | April 2017

From the Advancement OfficeAfter only a very short time in the newly established Advancement Office at Hilton College, I am privileged to introduce you to a snapshot of 2017 news from your alma mater. By now you may have heard that the Advancement Office has been coordinating and facilitating all activities relating to fundraising and relationships with Old Hiltonians since January this year. This newsletter reflects on important school news such as the induction of the new Headmaster, Mr George Harris, early February, the wonderful achievement of our rugby team winning the Sevens in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, and touches upon the impact of the Vula Mathematics Academy (VuMA) in the life of a teacher.

As you know, Hilton College is fortunate to have exceptional staff members and impressive physical assets, but that school fees only generate enough income to cover operations. Fundraising activities have therefore always been a part of what we need to do to ensure that the College grows and develops.

We therefore would like to acknowledge Doug, Chris and Andrew Haynes who donated funds to build the new Hockey Pavilion – more in the next edition when building has been completed. Also, various donors and the school assisted the Golf Club to upgrade facilities at the driving range while the Swimming team received a sponsorship of HEAD Swimming equipment from Aqua Divers International, facilitated by Mr Retief Swart, a parent. We also wish to acknowledge a substantial donation received towards the 4-core sports towards the players, coaches as well as infrastructure and equipment.

Hilton College now needs to attract substantial and sustainable support to endow our Plan for Every Boy strategy with the required financial resources to ensure that our boys achieve their full potential - and excel - also ensuring that the grand tradition of Hilton College is perpetuated for future generations. Our relationship with and amongst Old Boys is therefore very important to the College and we know that we can count on you to become part of this very exciting initiative. You may participate by donating in cash or in kind and by opening doors to opportunities to raise financial resources. We are very excited to have everyone participating in this new venture, and hope that you will gladly involve yourself by contacting me in person via 064 756 2205 or at advancement@hiltoncollege.com.

Linda van WykDirector of Advancement

Postal address:The Headmaster, Hilton CollegePrivate Bag 6001, Hilton, 3245KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Telephone: +27-33-383 0100Fax: + 27-33-383 0080Email: hc@hiltoncollege.com

See you at the next reunion!We love welcoming you back to the school, and just in case you wondered we usually assist with organizing at least three reunions annually. The idea is to have reunions at ten year intervals, starting with 20 years and working up to 60+ years. Reunions usually coincide with Rugby home games and is hosted by the Fleur de Lys Club at nominal cost the Friday night before the big game. A small amount is added to the event cost to boost income towards bursaries for the sons of old boys who may have fallen on hard times. The younger guys usually like to make it a guys’ only weekend, therefore the 20 and 30-year reunions may be combined within the capacity of the venue. From 40 years upwards the years are usually not combined unless the interest of a particular year group does not warrant a separate event. Similarly, after the 60-year reunion we may combine year groups because we have fewer people on the invitation list.

We do receive requests to combine reunions, but this usually creates a conundrum as not all will be satisfied by the years selected and we therefore try to steer clear of combining years from the 40-year mark. Some years, like the 1968 group, the most prolific in organising reunions, by mutual agreement have had reunions at less than ten year intervals. This is, however, mostly not feasible unless agreed to by the group and also with the understanding that the dates may not be able to coincide with the Rugby fixtures. It is critical to note that the most successful reunions are usually organized with the initiative and assistance of a prominent individual from the particular year, such as the Head of School or a Prefect.

Please contact Trish Hayes if you wish to become part of the organising team for 2018 – we look forward to working with you!

We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Chairmen of the Branches for their enthusiasm and tireless work in ensuring that the branch events take place and Old Hiltonians stay in touch!

Thank you so much, guys! Please note that some of the dates and venues for events still need to be confirmed. We will keep you posted.

Area Name Venue Date Function Details

Australia John Drake Sydney October TBA

Canada Andrew Harington TBA October TBA

Durban Brad Wanless Durban Country Club August Annual Dinner

Gauteng David Heenan Baron Sandton 11 May Quarterly Drinks Evening

Gauteng David Heenan Bryanston Country Club (TBC) 20 July Annual Dinner

Gauteng David Heenan Pirates Sports Club Mid-April Schools Old Boys Cricket 6's

Gauteng David Heenan Bryanston Country Club October / November Hilton Michaelhouse Golf Day

Gauteng David Heenan Pirates Sports Club 17 November Schools Old Boys Rugby 10's

KZN Hiltonian Day Hilton College 03 June Hiltonian Day - AGM

Midlands Brett Armstrong Fleur-de-Lys 16 June Bring 'n Braai get together

Midlands William Bryant Lions River November Bring 'n Braai

Mpumalanga Philip Tasker Lowveld / Nelspruit TBA Annual Dinner

S. Natal - Underberg

Guy Bastard TBA TBA TBA

UK Richard Wood TBC - London 30 March Spring Drinks

UK Richard Wood TBC - London TBC MHS v Hilton Rugby

UK Richard Wood TBC - London 29 June Summer Drinks

UK Richard Wood Silver Lakes TBC MHS v Hilton Golf

UK Richard Wood The RAG London October TBC Old Boys Dinner

USA Damian Farrell / David Meachin

The Slocum Room, Harvard Club, New York

5 October Hilton Dinner in New York City

USA Damian Farrell / David Meachin

Feather Sound Country Club, St Petersburg, Florida

09 October Arrival Dinner

USA Damian Farrell / David Meachin

Feather Sound Country Club, St Petersburg, Florida

10 October Golf starting at 1pm

USA Damian Farrell / David Meachin

Feather Sound Country Club, St Petersburg, Florida

11 October Golf starting at 10am

W Cape Myles Hoppe W Cape 06 May Hilton vs MHS Live Streaming

W Cape Myles Hoppe W Cape 17 June Hilton vs MHS Live Streaming

W Cape Myles Hoppe 12 October Annual Function

Zululand Dave Bell TBA TBA TBA

Branch regional activities

As always we would also like to keep you abreast of some of the events happening at Hilton CollegeAs much as we love to send you a Birthday message – we have had a glitch with our SMS system and have not been able to contact you all, over the last few weeks. Therefore, if you have celebrated your birthday and haven’t received a message, please know – you were in our thoughts and we hope you had a very special day!

The Hiltonian Magazine will be on its way to you in the beginning of May!

Please remember to keep me updated with your contact details and to keep in touch, we are always delighted to hear your news!

On another note - we would sincerely appreciate it if you could please contact our office should you hear of any of our Old Hiltonians who have passed away so that we can amend our records accordingly and also send a letter of condolence to the family.

Looking forward to staying in touch.

Best regardsTrish Hayes

E-mail address: hiltonoldboys@hiltoncollege.comLandline: 033 383 0100 ext. 2159

Event Date

Matric Art Exhibition 17 May

Hilton Golf Day 2 June

AGM 3 June

Michaelhouse/Hilton Sports Derby

17 June

Grandparents Day 29 July

Hilton Arts Festival 15 - 17 September

Speech Day 22 September

Sports Fixtures http://www.hiltoncollegesport.com/

School News

Our New Headmaster - Mr George Harris

Hilton College headmaster George Julian Harris was inducted at a ceremony in the chapel at the school on Friday (10 February) morning.As part of the ceremony, the 17th headmaster at the private school received a bugle that was first used at the school when it was founded in 1872, from the previous headmaster Peter Ducasse.

Harris was appointed to the position after going up against 441 other applicants.

Harris’ appointment was first announced in June last year, but he began his tenure at the school with effect from January 1.

Chairperson of governors Alistair Franklin said he was “extremely pleased” with Harris’ appointment.

“We are fortunate to have selected him from a group of outstanding candidates from around the world who were attracted to the opportunity of leading Hilton, several of whom would have made an excellent head”, said Franklin.“In Mr Harris, we believe we have found a visionary leader who can build purposefully on Hilton’s many strengths and secure its position as one of the best schools in the world” said Franklin.

Harris’ educational background includes a BA in English and Economics from the University of Pretoria and a BA Honours in African Literature from the University of Witwatersrand.

His teaching experience includes tenures at Tshwane Christian School, St Stithians Boys’ College and finally at Lebone II College as housemaster and English teacher.

Harris’ managerial positions include that of chief executive of the Royal Bafokeng Institute.

Married to an architect, Vick-Ann, with two children, Harris expressed enthusiasm at joining the Hilton Community.

“The task of educating young boys so that they mature into men of principle, passion and promise to make their mark in our complex world is a worthwhile challenge I am keen to embrace”, said Harris.

In his first address to Hilton parents Harris assured them that he would preserve Hilton’s “deeply traditional and refreshingly contemporary” goals.

“The world has become a fast-changing place and young men of the future will need to be grounded in their person, with enduring values firmly established, such that they are in a position to embrace and conquer the challenges of the future,” said Harris.

Edward West and Omega Moagi

Article from the Natal Witness 13 February 2017

Vula Pupil, Now Vula TeacherIn 2008 a young man called Gift Zwezwe was a Grade 11 pupil at Dumabeswe, a rural school in the Sisonke district beyond Bulwer.

During that year, Gift was selected by his school to compete in the Pholela Mathematics Olympiad, an enrichment activity initiated by Mrs Sue Southwood, the co-ordinator of the Vula Mathematics Project.

Gift shone in the Olympiad, and of the more than 100 pupils who wrote he ended second and was awarded a scientific calculator.

Gift remembers this achievement with great fondness and he also recalls Mrs Southwood’s visit to his school as this was the first time he had seen a computer being used to teach Mathematics.

Gift Zwezwe writing the Pholela Maths Olympiad in 2008

Gift Zwezwe attending the Vula Mathematics Academy, first term 2017

These events had a profound impact on Gift, and he decided to become a teacher. Nine years later, and Gift is now a qualified teacher of Mathematics at Emzamweni School near Henley Dam.

He is also one of the 16 teachers selected by the provincial education department to attend the Vula Mathematics Academy (VuMA) during the first term of 2017.

Gift and his fellow VuMA teachers have spent the term discovering new and different ways to teach Mathematics. Gift was also one of the teachers accommodated for the term in the Vula Lodge.

There have been seven intakes of Maths teachers totalling ninety teachers into VuMA since the start of 2014. A further intake, VuMA 8, will be with us for the second term of the year.

In Gift’s case, we see the impact of an activity in 2008 coming to fruition in a way which was never planned or expected. Such is the nature of the work of the Vula Programme.

We hope for many similar heart-warming stories in the years to come.

For more information about the programme and to offer support, please contact Lloyd Smuts, Vula Programme at Hilton College by e-mail at LS@hiltoncollege.com

Hilton College Golf Club

The Hilton College Golf Club has, with the assistance of the school and donors, embarked on an upgrade of the various facilities at the driving range. This has been undertaken to ensure that the boys have a practice facility which compares with the best. Phase 1 incorporated the building of a covered area for driving which helps especially in inclement weather as well as two chipping areas which have concrete bases with astro mats.

Phase 2 was undertaken to skim and level out the raised tee box. New grass has also been laid. This has created a larger area for boys to tee off. The bunkers have also been reshaped and the sand revived. The plan for phase 3 is to upgrade the putting green – to create separate chipping greens as well as to ensure that the boys have a proper putting green. This will mean that the current grass will have to be replaced.

PK Ramnarain

End of first termFirst term is over and on Friday 24th March, the boys were ready to pack up and head off for a much deserved holiday with their family and friends.

Sports Achievements

Rugby Sevens tournamentMr George Harris, Headmaster wrote “It is with great pride that I write to inform you of the Hilton 7s success at Rugby School’s 450th International School 7s Festival.

Henry Vaughn Ellis, Hilton’s 2nd Headmaster, brought the game of Rugby to Hilton and adopted Rugby School’s white jersey. Our history with Rugby school in uniquely entwined.

10 boys departed on 21 March to participate in Ruby school’s 450th celebrations. The 7s competition played host to 12 schools from around the world who are prominent rugby playing schools: Schools from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Australia and South Africa took part in this two day festival Hilton College finished in 2nd place in their group and were then through to the play-offs on the 2nd day. With a win in the semi-finals, Hilton played Cup Final against Clifton (UK). After trailing 5 – 7 at half time, Hilton came back superbly in the second half and emerged winners of this inaugural cup by beating Clifton College (UK) 21 – 7.

What a win. Well done to the 7s! The number of comments I received from staff at Rugby school, saying how polite the boys were - real gentlemen, Hilton can be proud of. They were fantastic ambassadors for the School.

Congratulations to Hilton College who have just won the international 7s rugby tournament in the UK with a 21 – 7 victory in the final. It’s great for the school in a competition that fielded a massive 270 schools.

Comment from a very proud old boy:

“Dear Headmaster,As a Hilton old boy, (leaver '85), and a current Rugby School parent, I was at the Sevens Tournament this weekend at Rugby School, shouting for the boys. No doubt you've heard how brilliantly they did.”

RegardsMark Norton

Human Rights Day 21 March 2017Today, on Human Rights Day, we as a school signed our Anti-Racism Pledge. We believe that this is one of the many steps in bringing about change in not only our Hilton society, but South Africa as well This term we have spoken about a number of challenging issues that befall our country and society at large. I spoke to boys about the frightening reality of genocide and that anthropologists have articulated the behaviors that lead to genocide, with much recent study being focused on the Rwandan genocide where close on one million people were massacred in a month.

Anthropologists argue that the first error in human judgment in these cases is when we begin with classification, highlighting our differences. A group of senior boys have been particularly concerned with some examples of classification at Hilton. Given the timing of Human Rights day, and the reason for its commemoration, we decided to use it to conduct discussions around prejudice at our school. We also raised the matter of a dominant culture and that of a sub-dominant one, and that we should always be aware of those who feel marginalized by a dominant way of being.

To this end, a group of boys drafted an Anti-Racism pledge for boys to sign voluntarily, in order to raise awareness about this matter, such that we can all be more aware and conscious about how we treat those who appear and behave differently to the way me might. This signing we followed up with group discussions. Although there was robust debate in some groups, I believe the conversations have brought aspects of discontent to the fore and on the whole the boys engaged with honesty in a way that affords us the opportunity to move forward in openness and transparency.

Our South Africa remains fraught with contention around race and class and, as such, this initiative was a step in alerting our boys to the very real challenge that continues to be a blight upon our world.

I am firmly of the belief that as our boys live, work and play together, any issues of difference are challenged in the moment and our boys live in harmony. Great thinkers have always maintained that the more we do together, the more we solve the philosophical challenges of our day. Our boys are first and foremost Hilton boys - their identity is couched in this construct while they develop their adult personas. At Hilton we amalgamate our varied backgrounds and we celebrate our individual unique attributes, within the construct of our school. Boys are boys and we will continue to celebrate each other equally.

Our commemoration of Human Rights day reminded us of the equality of all and as a community we took an active stand against any form of classification and committed ourselves to equality and dignity for all, anew. Each boy at Hilton has his place and each boy should be free to celebrate the gift of Hilton, free of any fear of discrimination. We are all committed to this ideal.

Other News

Cameron Badenhorst (Churchill)

2012 - 2016Congratulations to our 2016 Captain, Old Hiltonian Cameron Badenhorst, who has been offered a full soccer scholarship to study a 4 year internationally accredited degree in the United States of America from August 2017.

We wish Cameron well as he embarks on this wonderful opportunity!

Rusty Barnes (Ellis) 1967 - 1972Memories - I am lying in the front on the left - next to me is Leigh Reilly and to his left is Pete Raleigh.

Middle left is Gary van der Vywer on the right is Mike Clutterbuck.

At the back from left to right is Richard Maclean, Ray Ellis, Pete Davies and Raymond Dougans.”

Kind Regards Rusty

My experiences of being an international studentChristopher Anthony (McKenzie) 2012 - 2015

After graduating Hilton nearly one and half years ago, I was presented with a tremendous opportunity to study abroad. I’m a first year at the University College Groningen, which is a faculty of the greater University of Groningen. For those of you who don’t know, Groningen is a city in the Northern part of the Netherlands with about 200 000 people. It has the youngest age average in the Netherlands, and every 1 in 5 people are students.

When I first found out I was going to study in the Netherlands, feelings of excitement and anxiety hit me. I mean studying abroad can be a very daunting thought. I was initially scared of the differences in culture and even the language barrier, which nearly put me off moving my whole life not only to a new country but a whole different continent. Leaving my friends and family behind I was met by the friendly University College community. The family created by staying with my peers in the resident building has not only made me felt welcomed but embraced by the Dutch culture. The language barrier is somewhat still an issue, but most people in the Netherlands are affluent enough in English to make everyday life very easy and allowing for a social life outside of the UCG family. Groningen is a vibrant student city, allowing students to party more than they should but still allowing for a friendly working environment, which includes a Starbucks linked to the main university library. The past seven months have passed me by in a flash. I have made friendships, which I think will last a lifetime. University College has connected me with top lecturers and professors, which I would have never had access to back in South Africa and for that I am thankful. University College Groningen has managed to create a warm, friendly environment for both Dutch and international students. No one feels out of place, and we celebrate our diversity. I can gladly call Groningen my second home thanks to the friendly people and the community UCG has built in such a short time.

This experience has taught me a lot in such a short time. Studying abroad allows you to expand your horizons and to create connections you may not necessarily have had access to studying within South Africa. I believe studying at a top 100 in the world university is the suitable successor for a Hilton old boy and should be the goal when leaving high school.

Old Boys News

CondolencesIt is with sadness we report the passing of the following Old Hiltonians:

Mr Michael Donovan Chapman (Pearce) 1944 – 1948Michael passed away on 28th February 2017. Hilton remembers him as a keen motorcar enthusiast and an active member of Pearce House.

Mr Romeo Maboi (Churchill) 2012 – August 2016Romeo passed away in March 2017. We remember Romeo for his friendly, happy smile, his funny jokes and that we was a hard worker and loved his sport.

Dr John Barry Lief Wootton (Ellis) 1954 - 1958Hilton remembers Dr Wootton as a gentleman and a person with great compassion for others.

Our sincere condolences go out to these families.

We asked our Old Hiltonians to send in a photo of their Hiltonian for the Photo Competition – unfortunately we only received three photos of the Hiltonian for this Competition.

The lovely photograph, above, was from Doug Mackenzie (McKenzie) 1978 - 1982.

This wonderful photo was taken of David Handley (Ellis 1942 – 1947The photo was taken of David with the Hiltonian at the front door of his parish church, St George’s, Cadboro Bay, Victoria, BC Canada. He wore a kilt for the Sunday service as a tribute to Rabbie Burn’s Day (Jan 25) on Sunday 29 January 2017.

“Since most people have no clue about tartans, this is the Hunting Stuart. It is the tartan of the Canadian Scottish regiment. I am “noo a Scot”, though for many years I have felt Scotland is my ‘spiritual’ home, and, as an international student at Edinburgh’ I recall receiving the honorary title of “civis edinburghgensis’ when I started on my training in forestry. The kilt is part of my dress as a Scottish Country Dancer. Lastly, I feel very comfortable wearing a kilt and the ladies are very complimentary!”

This photo was sent in by Michael Bernhard (Newnham) 1952 - 1955“Here is my contribution for the Hiltonian magazine competition.All items are 1955 vintage and there are all the copies I got during my time, from spring 1953 up to autumn 1956, plus my lapel badge, blazer badge and tie. Can anyone match this? Of course, I also have ALL the ensuing copies up to now too. Have a great 2017!”

Michael Bernhard - Switzerland

Hiltonian Photo Competition

Thank you to these three wonderful Gents who sent in the photos of their Hiltonians – You are all winners to us!