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The Old Boys’ Weekend can only be seen as a great success and a great
boost to morale. Several parties of Old Boys came up from South Africa
– including among them a number who had also made it the 40th
Anniversary in 1994. Amongst the South African visitors was Digby
Pocock, a Founder member, and his wife. The class of ‘68 was well
represented; these included Brian Darling from the States and Jerry
Haile from Canada. Many came from Harare and other centres within
Zimbabwe. Some of the more recent graduates, still at University and
on vacation, came from South Africa, Australia and England. The
College was bulging at the seams with Old Boys, many with their wives
and some with children, who were staying for the whole weekend and
were lodged in staff houses, guest cottages, the San, 2 Chubb dorms
for the single and up at Quiet Waters in tents and chalets. Many, many
more came for the day and into the night on the Saturday. The visitors
on Saturday were so unexpectedly numerous that by late afternoon the
pub was running out of beer, necessitating several trips to the
Bursar’s bar and even a trip to the Why Not in Esigodini to replenish
stocks!
THE OLD BOYS’ DINNER
The Old Boys’ Dinner was held in the Turner Hall, decorated most
beautifully by Liz Cumming. Approximately 180 people sat down to
dinner – Old Boys and their wives or partners, members of staff and
College Prefects. Many of the Old Boys were staying at the College for
the weekend but happily the distance and the pot-holed state of the
road between the College and the bridge did not put anyone off and
many came out from Bulawayo for the evening. .
The dinner got off to a later than planned start as flight delays
meant the bulk of the South African contingent did not arrive until
well after 7.00 – and the dinner certainly was not going to start
without them . However, this gave people extra time to mingle and
rediscover old friends over a relaxing drink so no-one minded.
Once all had arrived and found seats in the Hall, the evening began
with the Falcon Septet singing the new school song written by Bud
Cockcroft. As the evening had actually begun much earlier with drinks,
many were feeling sentimental enough for a small lump in the throat as
the boys belted out "Sic Itur Ad Astra, we’ll reach for the stars/
We’ll wear our colours white and blue with pride upon our hearts…."
Then down to the serious business of eating, drinking and more
talking!
The entertainment, between the main course and the dessert, was a
light-hearted look at Shakespeare enacted by the boys, so the meal had
an Elizabethan touch – great roasts of meat and apple pie to follow!
As the dinner was semi-formal there was little in the way of
speech-making beyond a welcome by the Head and the announcement of new
"Old Boys" and Honorary Old Boys. Which left that much more time for
eating, drinking and talking!!
By the end of the evening everyone could agree that it had been a most
memorable occasion – worthy of a Fiftieth birthday!
SATURDAY – CRAFT FAIR, SPORT, MORE SPORT, AND PARTY!
In contrast to the Arctic weather of the Fortieth, the Weekend of the
Fiftieth proved unexpectedly balmy – warm and sunny, almost hot during
the day, perfect for an outdoors Craft Fair and several sports
matches.
The Craft Fair was bigger than it has ever been, with 50 stalls
selling an impressive array of home crafts. It must be said that the
most popular stall of all was the one selling freshly-cooked bacon
burgers and steak rolls! The full range of memorabilia was also on
sale and, in spite of the competition, did steady business throughout
the day. Perhaps being next to the Burger Stall helped!
Also in the morning a number of soccer and hockey matches against CBC
were being played. However, as always at Old Boys Weekend the great
attraction was rugby, particularly the first team game played in the
late afternoon. This year CBC were the opponents – as they too are
celebrating their Fiftieth anniversary, the rivalry was keener than
ever and as the afternoon began the crowds arrived. Not only Falcon
parents and Old Boys but many CBC supporters made the trip out to
support their respective schools. One estimate was that the crowd for
the First Team match must have numbered a good six thousand – but no
official figures exist. The excitement was intense and both sides
played their hearts out. It was close and CBC proved a very strong
side – but in the end Falcon College won, 16-12! The jubilation must
have been audible in Esigodini village.
Needless to say the party that night was a very joyous occasion. Old
Boys, many of them from recent years, had traveled from all over the
country to be there. The food ran out, the beer ran out (several
times!) but everyone had a good time. Bud Cockcroft played in the main
marquee and there was much dancing, drinking, talking and
celebrating!! Eventually the beer ran out finally and the younger ones
headed for Bulawayo to continue the party at Old Miltonians, whilst
the older ones headed gratefully for bed, those who were not already
there.
SUNDAY – HOCKEY, A FUN RUN AND A CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Sunday morning began with Chapel for the dedicated, followed by the
Old Boys vs Falcon hockey match which the Old Boys won, 3-nil. Then
the truly energetic were issued with maps and set off to run the
Olympians’ route or walk the gentler "morning after" routes on the
"Fun Run" to Quiet Waters Study Centre where a Champagne Brunch
awaited those with sufficient orienteering skills to reach it. Ted
Marais, characteristically attired in shorts, long socks and vellies
and a battered bush hat, started the race with a blast into the
overhanging tree from his shotgun – a false start, of course, and
everyone had to start again!
The saner headed towards the Study Centre in their cars. The Brunch
was bigger and better than ever – fried eggs, sausages and bacon,
sliced ham, diced vegetables American style, scones and muffins,
followed by variety of calorie-laden desserts! The sun shone and
people relaxed, ate some more, drank some more and chatted some more.
The first in were the runners – Tim Wigham (‘91) and his girlfriend,
followed very closely by Phil Rudd (’73), who was hot on their heels
in spite of being handicapped by carrying a large camera case. Once
all the Fun Runners and Walkers had slogged up that hot hill, Will
Randle presented the prizes, not excluding categories for the
hung-over and the less athletic. Amidst laughter and handshakes and
thanks and exchange of addresses, the Weekend drew to close. And all
involved – organizers, workers and participants – agreed it had been a
great success and well worth the hard work or the long journey..
Click
HERE to see our
calendar of events for the 50th Anniversary Year. If you are not
yet on the Old Boys’s mailing list, send an e-mail to
falconcollege@comone.co.zw
for the attention of Brigitte Randle.
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