Latest News

Open Microphone: Toks van der Linde - Bill Bowden Pavilion -
4th June 2013 @ 7.00pm

Toks van der Linde, is our next guest at Open Microphone on 4th june. Like our previous guest, Bob Skinstad, Toks is also a commentator with Supersport, ex international rugby player, and successful businessman.

However, we probably all know him from "Oor die Kole' and lately Toks en Tjops. The TV programmes he is involved in. We know that he is a very funny man, and high in demand as an M/C. We are very lucky to have him along, in the middle of the Springboks incoming tours. Toks is of course, a very funny man, and we will change the format, to allow him to tell us some of his famous stories and thoughts on all sorts of things.

The M/C is Tank Lanning, who played with and against him, and always brings out the best in our guests.

We are expecting a capacity audience, so encourage you to book sooner than later.

Tickets are available at R80 per person from Glenda at the Bill Bowden Pavilion or contact Hugh Rowles 021 7972101 or hrowles@wbhs.org.za

Closing date for ticket sales is Friday 31st May 2013.

WOBU President Summits Kilimanjaro

Well done to Arno(1978) and Dean his son on summiting Kilimanjaro.
The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Flag summited at 7.15 on Thursday 14th March 2013.

Old Boys' Dinner 2013

Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Wynberg Old Boys' Union

To all members of The Wynberg Old Boys' Union notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting will be held at the Bill Bowden Pavilion on Wednesday 15th May 2013 at 18h00.

The purpose of the Annual General Meeting is to conduct all required business of the Union as provided for in the Constitution. The Constitution and Proxy forms are available to all members from the offices of The Wynberg Old Boys' Union from Hugh Rowles who may be contacted on 021- 797 2101 or email: hrowles@wbhs.org.za

Senior's Tea 19th March at Wynberg Boys Junior

Once again the Seniors tea was held in perfect conditions at the Junior school. This year we had a full turnout as can be seen by the photos very kindly taken by Mickey Lumb. A big Thank You to Chris Hart and his ladies for putting on a lovely spread.

View more photos

Summer Sport - 6th March 2013

This year Summer Sport attracted four cricket sides, three Waterpolo sides, two tennis sides and one basketball side playing against the school teams. Few things revive the Wynberg spirit like the enjoyment of getting back onto the school field with Old Boys to take on the young talent of our current boys at the school.

The results were not discussed afterwards but doughnuts and boerie rolls were enjoyed by all. The banter between Old Boys' and School Boys went on for a considerable time. We have captured a few photos below. Thank you to all who helped make the day enjoyable, to Glenda, Tim, Will and Thelma, well done. Thank you to the school boy mom's for supplying the cricket teas. View more photos

Open Microphone: Peter Kirsten
Bill Bowden Pavilion - 13th February 2013

The first OPEN MICROPHONE of the year was held on a lovely summers evening, featuring Peter Kirsten, who is well known to many old boys of that era as an outstanding rugby and cricket player, while still at SACS, and then for many years as a fine batsman Peter played in both eras, as an amateur, where he had to work for a living, and then later as a professional with DERBYSHIRE. He spoke about his career, and what it was like to have played both sports at a time when you could. He is now a commentator with SABC on cricket, so has a good insight into the modern game.

The MC was Colin Bryden, a walking encyclopaedia on all things cricket, and a man who was with Peter through out his career, and was able to ask the right questions.

We want to thank both these gentlemen, who gave up of there valuable time to be with us, and provided us with a relaxed, informed and humorous evening.

Thanks to Bill Brown of Cape Photo for the photos and Llew Byrne of Really Great Brand Company for the gifts and prizes and Howard Kahn of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd for additional lucky number prizes. A big thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks. View more photos

Wynberg Old Boys' Union Golf Day
Westlake Golf Club - December 2012

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union's fund raising Golf Day was held in perfect weather conditions with a field of 20 four balls. Prizes were awarded down to the 12th position and that would not have been possible without our generous sponsors. A big "Thank You" to all the Sponsors and please give them your support.

The funds raised from this event will be used for Old Boy initiatives to ensure that Wynberg Boys' High School remains strongly supported through our efforts.

Thanks must also go to Jeff Sternslow and Thelma Rowles as well as to Dalin Oliver(2007) who entertained the guys at the prize giving with a few golfing anecdotes.

Hugh Rowles - Manager WOBU

View more photos
View Sponsor List

Open Microphone: Morné du Plessis - Bill Bowden Pavilion - 21st November 2012

The last OPEN MICROPHONE, of the year, saw over 100 people, listen to former Springbok rugby captain ,Morné du Plessis in conversation with M/C Trevor Quirk. Morné spoke about his brief cricket career, which was brought to an abrupt end when Barry Richards took his bowling apart at Newlands. He spoke about his time in rugby, and also spoke in length about his involvement in the Sports Science Institute with one of Open Microphone's previous guests, Professor Tim Noakes. He has also been involved in the Cape Town Stadium management, the Loreus International Sports Awards and a founder of the Chris Burger-Petro Jackson Rugby fund. Morne is a man of many achievements and honour, but he remains a humble and inspiring man, who allowed us some insight as to why he has achieved his success. Not to be outdone, Trevor Quirk, added in some lovely stories of his friendship and association with Morné, and provided many a laugh, with his dry sense of humour and ability to recall incidents and people.

We would like to thank everybody, who attended and supported OPEN MICROPHONE, and look forward to seeing everybody back next year. Lastly we wish to honour our guests this year, Robin Jackman, Rassie Erasmus, Vince Van Der Bijl, Allister Coetzee and Morné Du Plessis who gave of their free time to be our guests.

Thanks to Bill Brown of Cape Photo for the photos and John Bos (1978) of Croydon Wine Estate for the gifts and the spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks and not forgetting Glenda Martindale and her staff behind the bar.

View more photos.

Old Boys' Dinner 2012

The 2012 Dinner was attended by more than 350 Old Boys ranging from Fritz Johl (1938) to Davis Maasch - Head Boy (2011). The guest speaker for the evening was Old Boy, Dalin Oliver (Class of 2007), an up and coming talented stand up comedian. His impressive sense of humour kept the Old Boys; young and old riveted to their seats. Once again the menu was enjoyed by all; starting with salmon, then spit roast lamb and vegetables, followed by a delectable selection of desserts.

Thank you to all our sponsors and helpers who made the evening the great success that it was.

View more photos.

Open Microphone: Allister Coetzee Bill Bowden Pavilion
12th September 2012

Another successful Open Microphone evening was held at the Bill Bowden on Wednesday 12th September. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Tank Lanning radio and TV commentator and former Western Province Prop, as MC. Allister now holds the position of Rugby Director, a job previously done by one of our former guests; Rassie Erasmus. Allister took us through his playing days, coming in from the other side of the political divide, into provincial rugby. He also took us through his days as the assistant Springbok coach under Jake White. He gave us an insight into his vision for Western Province rugby, and the role of schools like Wynberg, in bringing talent through. He also spoke about some of the problems faced by the Union, as regards contracting of players, and how important it is for the winning of trophies, which bring in so much extra money.

Allister finished off the evening taking questions from the floor, and explaining why certain tactics are employed, how certain sides play the game, and what he said made us realize how tactical and technical the modern game gas become.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening, with Allister showing us great honesty, and sense of humour.

Thanks to Bill Brown of Cape Photo for the photos and Sabastian Verlaque-Napper of Verlaque Fine foods for the gifts and Howard Kahn of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd for the lucky number prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

View more photos.

Open Microphone: Vince van der Bijl - 13th June 2012

Another successful Open Microphone evening was held at the Bill Bowden on Wednesday 13th June. Guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Brad Bing(1981) of Sporting Chance, as the M.C.

Despite the winter cold, we were given a wonderful evening by Vince Van der Bijl, Head of ICC match referees and umpires. We also had Brad Bing-1981, as the M/C , for the first time, and he complimented Vince, so well, that the evening was full of very good cricket facts and stories. Vince, who comes from a strong teaching history, also spoke about his experiences of life, and having done motivational speaking before, he gave a fresh look at the importance of management, people skills. He finished off the evening, taking time to tell us about his work at ICC headquarters in Dubai, and how it all works. We were very privileged to have him share the evening with us, as he was in Cape town for a week only, and took time to give us a great thought provoking, evening.

Thanks to Bill Brown of Cape Photo for the photos and Lew Byrne (1978) of Really Great Brand Company for the gifts and the spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks. View more photos.

Theodore Yach (1976) launches his book.

Open Microphone: Rassie Erasmus - 11th April 2012

Another successful Open Microphone evening was held at the Bill Bowden on Wednesday 11th April. Over a hundred guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Gavin Rich rugby writer for Super Sport, as the M.C.

Rassie, who has a very relaxed manner, spoke about his playing days, and how he got into coaching. He was one of the first to use a video machine, and as a player helped the coach identify problems. Rassie also spoke about his role of technical director for the Stormers that has just ended. He gave us some of the reasons, and we certainly were given an insight, that very few people would know about.

Rassie ended off the evening, taking questions from the floor, and he gave us some ideas, as to how the game was changing, and how it would continue to do so.

Thanks to Bill Brown of Cape Photo for the photos and Neil Verlaque-Napper of Verlaque Fine Foods for the gifts and Llew Byrne from The Really Great Brand Company for the spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

View photos....

Wynberg Old Boys' Union AGM held on 14th March 2012 at the Bill Bowden Pavilion - Minutes

Please read minutes to meeting here.

Music at the Manor - 19th February 2012

Music at the Manor, took place on Sunday 19th February 2012 on the beautiful lawns of Kaplan House on the Silverhurst Estate.

The Music Department of Wynberg Boys' represented by the Steel Band, Concert Band and the Jazz Band entertained the guests in what was possibly one of the hottest days of the year. The shady trees and umbrellas helped keep the guests cool whilst listening to some amazing music.

This annual event continues to grow in popularity. A thank you must also go to the boys of the 'Service Pillar Boys' who volunteered their time to wait on the tables.

Sandwiches, savouries and sweets were arranged by The Old Boys' Ladies committee ably led by Thelma Rowles and her team. A big thank you goes out to them for their continued quality presentation. The table décor was organised by past parents, Alison Daly and Tracey Oliver.

View more photos ...

Seniors Tea - 21st February 2012 held at Wynberg Boys Junior School

The Senior's Tea was held at Wynberg Boys' Junior in the quad where this year in excess of 35 Old Boys enjoyed tea and snacks with thanks to Chris Hart and his ladies. This event has always been fun seeing old friends reminiscing about the old school days.

View more photos ...

Summer Sport - 7th March 2012

This year Summer Sport attracted four cricket sides, three waterpolo sides, two tennis sides and for the first time in many years; one basketball side playing against the school teams. Few things revive the Wynberg spirit like the enjoyment of getting back onto the school field with Old Boys to take on the young talent of our current boys at the school.

It was also great that Richard Levi, could come and watch the 1st XI play the Old Boys.

The results were as follows:
Cricket: All four Old Boys' teams won their matches, although the school 1st XI only lost by 5 runs.
Waterpolo: 1st Team lost 5-9, 2nd Team won 5-1, 3rd Team lost 4-5
Basketball: The strong Old Boys team were beaten by the school.
Tennis: The school boys were given a lesson in tennis by some very good Old Boys.

View more photos ...

Wynberg Old Boys' v SACS Old Boys' Golf Day Westlake Golf Club 16th March 2012

The Annual clash between Wynberg Old Boys' and SACS Old Boys' took place in windy and rainy conditions to start with. Fortunately the weather conditions improved later in the day with short spurts of sunshine later on.

All the players from both Unions played in good spirit and in the end, much to the delight of especially Jeff Sternslow the Shield remained in the Wynberg Old Boys' cabinet. A big thank you to all who played and made the day all the more enjoyable.

View more photos ...

Welcome to our new President Arno Erasmus (1978)

The Old Boys' Union welcomes Arno Erasmus (1978) as the new President. Arno will take over from Steve Doidge (1990) who will remain on the committee as a member.

It is opportune to thank Steve for his passionate and tireless dedication to the union over the past two years. Steve has also fostered a strong relationship between the Union and the school and we know that Arno will follow this through. Steve's parting words on facebook - "Arno - good luck! We are in great hands."

We know that Arno's role will be an exciting one, as not only is he the new President of the Union but he will also continue in the role of Treasurer.

Arno runs a very successful accounting business ASA Accountants Inc.
He is married to Lorraine and has two wonderful children Danielle 19 years and Dean 17 years.

We the committee wish Arno all the best

Supera Moras

Open Microphone: Robin Jackman - 1st February 2012

Another successful Open Microphone series was held at the Bill Bowden to a packed pavilion. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Colin Bryden; well known cricket writer, as the M.C.

Read on....

Richard Levi (2005)

Wynberg Old Boys' Union congratulates Richard Levi on yet another wonderful achievement, in helping SA to an 8 wicket win with four overs to spare. Richard scored the fastest T20 100 in 45 balls and he also broke the record for the most sixes in a T20 innings of 13. Barry Richards described Richards's innings as "the most powerful, consistent hitting he has ever seen."

Justin Bing (2007) included in the Proteas Standup Paddle Boarding Team

Congratulations to Justin Bing who has been awarded his Protea colours for Standup Paddle boarding. He won the Summer Series and came second in the SA Champs. He will be travelling to Peru in February as part of the SA team.

Open Microphone: Brendon Venter - 1st September 2011

Another successful Open Microphone series was held at the Bill Bowden with 86 guests packed into the pavilion. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Tank Lanning; rugby editor of Sport 24 , as the M.C.

Brendan is currently technical director of Saracens, although based in Cape town, has also coached London Irish, defense coach at the Stormers and assisted the Lions and Free State at various times.

Thanks to Mickey Lumb for the photos and Lew Byrne of The Really Great Brand Company for the gifts and spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

Click here to view more photos.

Mike Meintjes - Class of 1950

It is with deep regret that the Wynberg Old Boys' Union heard of the passing of Mike (Class of 1950) on Sunday 11th September. Affectionately known to all his old Wynberg school pals as "Cheese". Mike was a loyal supporter of the school and the Old Boys' Union. Our sincere condolences to his family.

Read on »»

Richard Levi (2005) included in SA T20 and ODI Cricket Squads

Congratulations to current Cobras' batting star and former Wynberg First XI cricket captain, Richard Levi, on his inclusion in both the South Africa T20 and ODI squads to play Australia. The Wynberg Old Boys' Union congratulate Richard on his selection.

The International Boys' School Coalition Conference held in London from 10th to 13th July 2011

Wynberg must have been one of the best represented Old Boys' Unions present.

Sitting: Neil Crawford (WBHS Staff 1976 - 1984); Keith Richardson (Current Headmaster); Greg Brown (Matric 1977 - Current Headmaster Bishops Prep)

Standing: Neil Eddy (Matric 1987 - Current Deputy Headmaster WBHS); Neil Peacock (Matric 1982 - current Kearsney College); Chris Luman (Matric 1977 - current Deputy Headmaster St Paul's College New Zealand; Vernon Wood (Matric 1977 - current Headmaster Bishops)

Wynberg Old Boys' Union are Proud of two Wynberg Men

Congratulations to Sikhumbuzo Notshe for being selected for the SA Schools u18 team and Dalton Kannemeyer for being selected for the SA Schools u18 Academy team.

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee Congratulate the 3 Wynberg Men and one Old Boy who were selected to represent the u16 and u18 S.A. Schools Hockey Teams.

Wynberg Old Boys' Union congratulates Matthew Moir(95) and Justin Bing(07) on representing South Africa at The World Surfing Games in Panama.

Courtesy of Merton Media Productions

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee Congratulate the 6 Old Boys selected for WP Men's Hockey Sides

Jacques Kallis 1993

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee congratulates Jacques on his achievement as SA Cricketer of the Year for the second time. Below are excerpts from a Sport 24 article.

"Jacques Kallis was crowned as South Africa's Cricketer of the Year at the 2011 South African Cricket Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. It is the second time that Kallis has won CSA's premier award as he previously achieved the distinction in 2004. He achieved a hat trick of awards this time as he was also named Castle Test Cricketer of the Year and received the KFC "So Good Award!" for his centuries in both innings of the Test match against India at Sahara Park Newlands in spite of being handicapped by a painful side injury."

Open Mike - Jonathan Kaplan - 7th June 2011

Another successful Open Microphone series was held at the Bill Bowden with 105 guests packed into the pavilion. The guests were treated to an interesting and entertaining talk with Tank Lanning; rugby editor of Sport 24 , as the M.C.

Jonathan came across as a very humble person and certainly knows the rules of the game. Tank was great with his scrimmaging law questions which Jonathan was able to answer with aplomb. It was obvious on the night , why Jonathan is rated the number one ref world wide.

Keith Richardson, with his usual whit and anecdotes closed the evening by thanking Jonathan for giving up of his valuable free time to chat to us.

Thanks to Micky Lumb for the photos and Lew Byrne of The Really Great Brand Company for the gifts and spot prizes. A BIG thank you to Paul Barichievy for once again organising these top quality speakers and to the Thelma Rowles and her ladies committee for providing the usual top quality snacks.

Wynberg Boys' High WP u18 Craven Week Team Selections

Congratulations to the following boys on their WP selection:

WP U18 Craven Week Team:
Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Captain)

WP U18 Academy Team:
Dalton Kannemeyer
Lwandile Sompontsha

Wynberg Heritage, Celebrating our Links

Wynberg Boys’ High cyclists will take part in the first 50 km stage of the 2011 Unogwaja. Daily video diary updates will be blogged via www.RedSockFriday.com and pinkdrive.co.za

90 years ago Wynberg Old Boy, Vic Clapham’s dream of a marathon between “Maritzburg and Durban as a living memorial to the spirit of the soldiers of the Great War was realised: the Comrades Marathon was born.

In 1933, another Wynberg Old Boy, Phil Masterton-Smth, nick-named ”Unogwaja” (the Hare) who, short of the reail fare between Cape Town and Durban, wrote himself into the Legends of the Comrades by cycling 1730 km to the starting line ... and finishing 10th overall.

This ultimate story of one man’s passion, will power and triumph is why the Unogwaja 2011 was created:

Wynberg hockey coach John McInroy, along with Paul Blake, WP van Zyl and Lourens van Zyl will follow the footsteps of Masterton-Smith and attempt the ultimate journey of courage and endurance by cycling from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg and the following day running the Comrades Marathon.

Read on....

Alfred John Adriaan Morris -
(1923 - 2010)

Wynberg Old Boys' mourn the passing of Alf Morris, who made a significant contribution over many years to the lives of so many Wynberg boys in nurturing their academic and sporting development. He continued his strong active support of the School and the Old Boys' Union after his retirement.

We will remember him always with great respect and affection and extend our deepest sympathy to Helena and family on their sad loss.

The Wynberg Old Boys' Union.

Click here to read a tribute to Alfred Morris by the Headmaster, Keith Richardson.

Carole England moving to Ausie

Carole England who for many years administered the Old Boys Union has been persuaded by her son's Wayne and Gary to join them in Sydney, Australia. Carole left on the 31st March.

Carole, whose late husband Chris (56) was a former President of the Union, was honoured with Honorary Life Membership of the Union for the great effort she put into Union affairs. The England family are the only family in the Union to all be Life Members. Both Wayne and Gary emigrated a few years back.

We trust Carole's move to her family will be happy as we know she leaves many close friends behind.

We wish her well in her new home and thank her for all her hard work, support and direction she gave the Union.

We trust that once she has settled in to her new home in Sydney we can get our Australian Branch up and running as we have many old boys' down under.

Mickey Lumb - Vice President Wynberg Old Boys' Union.

Open Mike - Allan Lamb - 8th March 2011

A successful evening attended by 107 guests. Mike Minnaar, the first MC opened the evening with his informative questions and of course Allan did not hold back on the descriptive. Mike covered Allan's local cricket career starting as an 18 year old school boy playing for the WP senior team. The second half of the evening was run by Rob Howing, covering Allan's international career with England. Well the things he and Ian Botham got up to were out of this world. Dickie Bird's car being put up on bricks was classic and indicative of what Lambie was all about.

Spot prizes were donated by Lew Byrne of Really Great Brand Company - bottles of Famous Lambie, aptly labelled.

Click here for more images.

Jacques Kallis Oval - 26 November 2009

Jacques Kallis (93) was honoured by the school when the cricket oval was renamed the 'Jacques Kallis Oval". Jacques says he is "delighted" to be honoured by his school for his contribution to the game of cricket, "it is a very humbling experience and I feel very proud". The idea of renaming the cricket oval was initiated by the RCL last year and after Jacques went past 10000 runs in test cricket the school decided to go ahead with the idea.

Jacques is now one of the world's leading all-rounders and among the top 10 highest scoring batsmen.

The unveiling of the 'Jacques Kallis Oval" plaque took place during the 20/20 game between the Jacques Kallis XI, led by old boy Aubrey Martyn and also included two other Proteas players, Dave Rundle and Paul Adams and the school's 1st XI. The plaque was crafted by Old Boy, Mike Smit (73) and donated by the Old Boys' Union.

Click here for images of the day

Wynberg Old Boys' Union Committee 2009

Mendel Kaplan

It is with a sense of shock and deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Mendel Kaplan in Cape Town on Thursday, 19 November. Mendel was a great benefactor and loyal supporter of the School and Old Boys' Union. His interest in the School's achievements throughout the years has really been appreciated by all.

The upgrading of Silverhurst, now Kaplan House, the building of the Bill Bowden Pavilion and the re-siting and refurbishing of the Eric Tasker and Wynberg Heritage Museums in Kaplan House bear testimony to his generosity and ongoing interest. They are a living memorial.

The Union offers its deepest sympathy to his wife Jill and the whole Kaplan family. He will be sorely missed.

---