Some news from Peter Dalbock

Some news from Peter Dalbock ...

Photo taken at Shaka Marine World, while on holiday in Durban, Dec 2010

To my fellow class mates of '72
I have just returned from an International Pastor's Conference and a month long visit with family members in the UK.  Really sorry to have missed the 40^th Reunion – but was thinking about you guys.  I read the contributions to the blog-spot with great interest - and many wonderful memories came flooding back.  The blog is a great idea – and it has been wonderful to "catch up" with some of my old class mates. We become so busy with life that we tend to forget our roots, don't we? But who can ever forget our amazing first rugby team with Cheeky Watson (for whom all would stand and cheer every time he put hands to ball) – and some of our excellent teachers who helped to mould us for the future!
It's hard to believe that it's been forty years, guys – and that we're all close to retirement. Thanks for the photos, Patrick! Good heavens, I could not recognize anyone – except maybe for Isak Smuts and Michael Francis. Life is indeed short – and it's at occasions like this that the reality of our own mortality really hits home! Both mentally and physically, though, I do not feel as if I am becoming old. I manage to keep myself fit through carefully watching my diet, cycling, jogging and going to the gym (weight-training) three times a week – and a little bit of badminton and golf.
On leaving school I went to Rhodes University where I completed a BSc (Biological Sciences) and an HED. While at Rhodes I played in a rock group/dance band called ABACUS - with four other old Graemians (Isak Smuts, Melville Tarr, David and Michael Bilsbury). We had some good times together – and brought in a bit of extra pocket money.

Yes, that's Isak Smuts (with hat), MM Tarr (bless his soul) and the Bilsbury brothers


After Varsity I did my 2-year stint in the army (Oudtshoorn, Pretoria and EP Command) – a chapter in my life I would prefer to forget. Thereafter I began my career in teaching (Queen's College, Jabavu High School - attached to Fort Hare University in Alice - and 15 years at Sea Point High in Cape Town). I taught Biology up to Matric, Physical Science up to Standard 7 – and coached athletics, rugby and badminton to the younger age groups. I eventually became HOD and Deputy Principal at Sea Point High. In 1984 I had the privilege of being approached by Juta & Co. to co-author a Biology textbook series that was used by all the Education Departments in Southern Africa.
While in Cape Town I furthered my interest in music by taking professional lessons in drumming and continuing to play for a number of rock and folk groups. After becoming a committed Christian I decided to use my gifts in the gospel music arena - and played in a no. of gospel music groups (Harvest, Liberty and Spirit of Life). The group "Spirit of Life" was made up of a no. of exceptionally talented vocalists and musicians – and I had the privilege of touring throughout Southern Africa with them – and being invited to tour the Southern States of USA. We also made a no. of studio recordings and cut 2 albums.

I married Robyn Selkirk in 1986 and settled in Tokai, Cape Town (same suburb where Les Green now lives). Robyn works as a Theophostic Counsellor, specialising in psychological problems associated with childhood.

My wife, Robyn and me at her sister's wedding – Dec 1991


In 1993 I decided to change careers after feeling a strong call into pastoral ministry and evangelism. I completed my BTh at Helderberg College, Somerset West - and my MDiv at Andrews University (Michigan, USA). For the past 15 years I have served as a pastor in the Adventist Church in Plumstead (CapeTown); Nahoon (East London) – and at present I am serving a congregation of over 500 members in Silverleaf, Somerset West.
I have two children, Graham and Lisa. My son, Graham completed his BSc (Electrical Engineering) at UCT in 2010. At present he is working for Internet Solutions (a division of Dimension Data) in Bryanston, Johannesburg. My daughter, Lisa is in her first year BA (Psychology).

My two precious children, Graham & Lisa – Photo taken in 2009
I really enjoy my work as a Pastor. It is very challenging, but at the same time very rewarding. There is nothing more satisfying than helping people to connect with their Creator, to understand God's true character, helping them to find meaning in life, and giving them hope in a world where there is so much brokenness, suffering, pain and hopelessness.
I wish you and your families God's richest blessing for the future – and hope to see you at the 50^th reunion when we will all probably be retired and have more free time on our hands.
Sincerely
Peter "Vlam" Dalbock

Some news from Spike Reed

Hi all 1972’ers

I’m sorry I was not able to make the reunion but the thought of having to travel for 50 hrs round-trip was enough to put me off! I travel a lot for work so I try to avoid long haul flights like the plague.

Like most others, I went to the Army in Jan ’73 in Voortrekkerhoogte. Did basics and was selected for officer’s course. Completed officers course in June and the Army asked me to provide 3 preferred postings. My choices were Grahamstown, PE and Oudtshoorn. They posted me to Greeffswalt which is about 80 kms west of Messina (now Musina, I believe), on the Zimbabwe border. Thanks!

I did various things but eventually came into my own in 1981 when I was introduced to computers and have never looked back. I developed software for various customers from ’81 till ’97. A lot of the development involved barcodes and track and trace systems. During that time I developed a keen interest in barcodes.

I moved to England in 1997 and worked for a company that developed and sold specialized (American spell checker!) barcodes. I was offered a job in the USA in 2004 and took up the opportunity. The US company specializes in computerized vision inspection systems using high end industrial cameras and powerful PC’s. Our primary emphasis is on measuring the quality of barcodes at very high speeds; up to a around 1000 per second. I am currently in charge of R&D and have a bunch of hardware and software engineers reporting to me. I also serve on the AIM Global Technical Symbology Committee. The committee sets international standards for barcodes and comprises around 25 barcode experts from around the world.

I have been very fortunate during my working life and have been able to travel to over 30 countries around the world plus about 40 of the 50 US states.

I live in Peachtree City, Georgia which is just south of Atlanta. It is a beautiful, planned city with around 30,000 residents. The city has 160 kms of golf cart trails and you can get all over the city in a golf cart. I even drive a golf cart to work. The Americans think I’m crazy because I choose not to even own a car; I just rent one when I need one.

Some during the next year or so I will be relocating to the Philippines. I will relinquish my responsibility of supporting the entire world and concentrate on Asia. My area of responsibility will be from India to the International Date Line, both Northern and Southern hemispheres. I can’t wait!

Below are a couple pictures showing what I look like (Dec ’11)now as well as the reason I have chosen to support my proposed region out of the Philippines over, say, Singapore, Hong Kong or Malaysia. Both pictures were taken in Cebu, Philippines.

Cheers

Isak sent some photo's from the reunion

Photos from the weekend:

 

On the Templeton Hall stage, back row: Russell Bradfield, Derek Burmester, Brian du Toit, Paul Soper, Izak Smuts, Ian "George" Suttie, Eric "Tubes" Taylor

Front row: Colin Parkins, Patrick Knowles, Rodney Scheepers.

 

At the Graemian Centre: Colin Parkins, Mike Francis, Derek Burmester, Anthony Pote, Ian "George" Suttie, Ella Wagenaar, Cuan King, Izak Smuts, Robin Clayton, Rodney Scheepers, Eric "Tubes" Taylor, Patrick Knowles, Gordon "Harry" Phillips, Brian du Toit.

A few words from Charles Butt

Hello All,

 

Just a few words from me and what I'm up to. At present I am in Singapore working as a Project Manager for Swire Pacific Offshore on a new building program. We are building four new platform supply vessels and at present are in the drawing approval stage. Next year I will be moving to Japan for three years overseeing the actual building of these ships.

The city I will be working in is called Maizuru and as very little english is spoken there I have been hard at work learning Japanese. So in a year I might be able to say hello and goodbye!!

My roots are still in South Africa and hopefully by the time I retire I will be able to reignite my passion for overland traveling and visiting different parts of africa's wild parks before the Asians get at all the Rhino's and other animals they seem to have a passion for.

So... to all the blokes of '72 keep well and healthy.

 

Best Regards,

Charles Butt

Founders Weekend has Arrived

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

Selwyn Gill sends his best.

Hi Ian and class of '72

     I would like to wish you all of the best and hope you have a FANTASTIC week end.I am truly sorry not to be joining you but as I am committed to cycle for a charity (a young 11 year boy with muscular dystrophy will benefit),I feel his need is far greater than mine,so I will be doing the ARGUS on Sunday.

It is with great interest to read our blog and see how well everyone seems to have done.I don't remember Richard Jourdain being an athlete at school but he certainly has excelled in the Comrades Marathon etc-pity he is an Aussie now.

Nigel Pitt and I have something in common,in that we married sisters.I married Sharon and have two sons,whilst Nigel married Rose and have a daughter.Both marriages unfortunately ended in divorce but I guess that is life.I now have 4 children,Ryan lives and works in the UK,Gareth is a pilot,Kelly is studying law whilst working for an aviation insurance company and finally an 11 year old son,Keagan.

Whilst I have been a very active sportsman in numerous sports over the years,my only claim to "fame" was playing Premier league cricket for a number of years.Due to an ever increasing problem with my back,I have had to stop participating in all sport other than cycling.I had a spinal fusion in 2006 and a second one in 2008.

I did my military training in Outshoorn and ending up largely with the Grey boys from P.E.It was with great pleasure when I won the 100metres in the Defence Force champs,beating the likes of Paul Leisching and Steve Marais (both Grey boys).I completed my CAIB (SA) and have rarely not been involved in some form of studying in my banking career.For the past 8 years I have been the Regional Head of Forex Sales in the East Cape,a position which I expect to retire in as I will not move back to Gauteng.

I wish you  the very best and I hope to see you all at our 50 year reunion.If anyone is ever in PE,please give me a call.

All the best

Selwyn

Fundraising Hits the R6500 Mark

Thanks to the following fourtiers for your kind donations:

Cuan King
Anthony Pote
Izak Smuts
Mike Mills
Pat Knowles
Paul Soper
Ian Suttie
Nigel Pitt (Data Projector)

It is appreciated, lets keep it up!