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