Durban High School

Guy - nice to see you!

What struck a chord with me was your comment about your grandaughter using a Centenary mug to wash her hair! We are all grandparents, (I guess a good many of us anyway), and the 50 year "time warp" as you aptly put it was beautifully summed up by Clyde Bartel in a message to me when I turned 60 (and THAT was already a few years back): "from 16 to 60 in a heartbeat!" Also, to paraphrase Paul SImon: ""How terribly strange to be (almost) 70." But somehow I still feel as young as ever, keeping fit and busy with a dozen projects on the boil...enjoying my two grandsons and being fully involved in my kids lives: they are all three of them "millenials" with wonderful, bright, intuitive, creative, even disruptive opinions, attitudes and approaches to life. Keeps me and my wife alert and on the run!

Best

Larry B

08/04/16 08:56 PM

#52

Stan Coffey

Geez Guy, please tell us what elixir you are on. I want some!!

Geoff, what do you mean? Battered survivors hobbling around, varicose veins, dodgy prostrates, hip replacements!!! If you want to be silly by completing 30 Duzis, speak for yourself! (LoL)

05/06/16 04:32 PM

#53

Gary Maas

Great coctail party guys it certainly a memory wake up good to see gus like Roy Neal John Wallet Rod Coleman Densil,Warren,the list is endless even a mention for Hilton Langauge i have a letter his mom wrote to me in 1964 and i quote his death was by devine wish for devine reasons .Thanks guys for the memories i will end it by wishing you all this message .FOREVER YOUNG I WANT TO BE FOREVER YOUNG!!!!!!!!!!!

06/06/16 04:51 PM

#54

Denzil Andrews

Thanks Gary - it certainly was a great evening altho the festivities continued well into Sunday pm

I surprised you mentioned Roy as he tells me he out fished you regularly!!

I'll be following up with Candice tomorrow when I see her - a complete shambles but I'm sure she will get it corrected to save further embarrasement

Thanks for the Forever Young wishes - to one and all as well

10/06/16 06:29 PM

#55

David East

Hi - here's a short tale that added to my respect for Wrinkles who put many a stripe on my backside.

I and 3 other classmates had committed yet another heinous crime and were sent to Wrinkles for disciplining. The prefect who has caught us, told Wrinkles what we had done (I cannot remember what it was) and left.

Wrinkles looked at us and started with the boy furthest from me. "What's your excuse, boy?" The boy launched into a complicated excuse with me watching Wrinkles. The next boy burbled another far-fetched tale. And, the last boy before me did likewise. I realised that Wrinkles had not bought any of the excuses and he seemed to be getting more and irritated.

Then Wrinkles looked me. I immediately deleted the cock and bull story I had concocted and said: "I have no ëxcuse, Sir."

He got up, and advised the three storytellers that they were getting 3 cuts each. I was rewarded with 2 cuts.

24/02/18 12:18 AM

#56

Wonderful article about Alan Turton. I took art with him and was on of of the trips to Sunnyside (I think Doug Drysdale was also with us) - I was either in 3rd or 4th form. I vividly remember setting out very early one morning for a hike up the nearby mountain: it was bl...y freezing and we had been given warm goat's milk on starting out. Felt sick all the way there, up the mountain, and back! I also clearly remember the river and the firs along its banks, sketching them, trying to catch the evasive light...Reading this article clarified why Alan loved that place so much.

Anybody else remember that trip? Or similar?

Larry B

12/10/18 10:58 AM

#57

Dave Geary

Hi All, I have just finished reading Larry's recently published book Train in the Distance. I copy below my five star review on Amazon and would urge you to purchase it either in print or on Kindle. Well worth the read and it will help sustain our "impoverished author".

The title of Larry Butchin’s first novel is from Paul Simon’s song “Train in the Distance”. I must admit that whilst the title vaguely stirred a memory the lyrics were lost in the mists of time. Intrigued as to why he had chosen this title I looked up the lyrics and the final stanza was a revelation:

What is the point of this story
What information pertains
The thought that life could be better
Is woven indelibly
Into our hearts and our brains.

There could not be a more apt title. Larry Butchins was a cohort of mine at school in Durban and post school, during a successful journalistic and PR career, he consistently voiced his opposition to the heinous system of apartheid.

The book, based on biographic fact, is a riveting read. At times it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction as the main protagonist pursues his ideals. Never maudlin it draws one into the South African apartheid era where the regime became increasingly oppressive using both the military and police to brutally crush opposition.

Disillusioned with the situation he and his family seek normality in Israel only to find that man’s inhumanity has no geographic boundaries. It would be remiss of me to elaborate further on the plot suffice to say that the book is full of intrigue and tension and it caused me to introspectively examine my own views. Well worth purchasing.

Regards to from a wet York.

David.

19/02/19 03:51 PM

#58

Hi Cedric, I note that Maurice Presley is not listed on this site. This I’m guessing is because he was not in our cohort but was a year ahead of us. He was the son of a Baptist minister and I think he lived on the Bluff or thereabouts. He was in Blackmores and I seem to recall that he used to cycle home on Sundays. I was not a close friend, but have regretted not making an effort to get to know him better when I had the opportunity. I have often wondered how his life worked out after school. I do have one very vivid memory of him taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Garth Joyner in an inter-House cricket match on the oval one afternoon.

I hope you are well and have come to terms with the contrasting weather conditions that can be typical of Tassie. I once took a touring cricket team on a week’s tour of Tassie, and we barely got to bowl a single over throughout the week in late January owing to persistent rain. Cheers, John Mason.

06/03/19 09:34 AM

#59

Hi John

Lovely to hear from you! Sorry it took so long to respond.

We're used to the weather here, and the experience you had with the cricket team you brought here doesn't surprise me at all! Apart from that we're really loving our season here. We've found a wonderful church in Ulverstone (Life Christian Church), and we're leading a life group in our home - and I'm in the worship team there. I've tried to keep busy by teaching bridge at local schools. Here's a link to an article (and video) that The Advocate published on this earlier this week: https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5931622/finding-the-next-generation-of-bridge-players/?cs=87.

What Felicity is finding very frustrating is that the two year 457 visas that we came here on in August 2017 for her 3 year contract expires at end July, and the visa doesn't exist any more. She can apply for a different visa in order to complete her contract at North West Regional Hospital, but she's been told that she'll have to resubmit all the copies of her qualifications - even though they were provided when she applied for the original 457 visas. Whilst she's been here she's performed really well, and we'll be flying to Malaysia in late April - where the Australian College of Anaesthesiology will confer fellowship on her.

In spite of this she has found that it is now virtually impossible to obtain Australian citizenship due to our age, and thus we'll probably return to South Africa next year.

I think I've found Maurice Presley on Facebook! Look here: https://www.facebook.com/maurice.pressley.5. He's now living in the UK and he's listed as a DHS old boy. He looks the right age from his photo. Ask him to be your friend on Facebook so that you can catch up with him. If he's interested I'll create a Guest membership for him on our website. Let me know if you'd like me to do so (would he have matriculated in 1965?)

Do you ever visit Sydney? We go there fairly often, and it would be great to catch up with you if ever we could coordinate our visits. Alternatively, come and visit us in Tassie! We have excellent accommodation. Here's a link to a drone video a friend did which shows our wonderful environment. Our house is the one with washing on the line - close to the end of the clip: https://vimeo.com/299999436. The password to watch it is cedric.

Best regards

Cedric

08/03/19 11:34 AM

#60

Hi Cedric,

The drone footage brought back some nostalgic memories. We couldn’t help but note the caravans on the foreshore - presumably using this pristine coastal setting as an overnight free camping site. Many years ago we travelled around Tassie in a rental winebago and remember quite clearly the seascape. For some reason I found the drone perspective quite hypnotic. One of the appealing features of Tassie is how so many of the older homes and cottages are retained and cared for - especially in the central parts of Launceston and Hobart - the latter reminds me so much of Cape Town.

Thank you so much for the details concerning Maurice’s Presley - I am trying to establish whether he would like to reconnnect with someone he may only vaguely recall. And yes, I have no doubt that it is the Maurice that was a year my senior. As you may guess he was given the nickname Elvis - something of an inevitability given his surname. I suspect he may have been very ambivalent about this given that he was in every way the antithesis of the superstar rock idol.

Val and I have been trying to think of some way of assisting you with your visa applications. What is about bureaucracy that it always seems to complicate that which should be so simple? And why can’t merit and the human dimensions of a case be the determining factors? Unfortunately, this particular issue has become So politicised in recent years that the individual merits of a case seem no longer to be a consideration. Val says that you should appeal in person to Eric Abetz - a conservative politician who professes a strong Christian faith. One good thing about politics in Australia is that the politicians are generally very accessible.

We have also spoken to Barrie and Di Irons. Barrie taught with me at DHS in 1980, and I was able to help him secure a position at Mentone Grammar thanks to a dynamic headmaster who was able to orchestrate matters at that time. Barrie retired last year after several years as deputy headmaster at Hutchins in Hobart - a much-loved teacher and cricket coach. Last year the school, renamed its main oval The Barrie Irons Oval. Unfortunately, they too are bemused and frustrated by current immigration policies in Australia.

On a more positive note, my daughter Sarah’s husband Peter are very close friends with an anaesthetist who is specialising in transplant anaesthesia - Louise Ellard. Peter is a paediatrician and he and Louisa completed fellowships in Toronto about four years ago during which the two families formed a very close friendship. Sarah texted Louisa today and it turns out that she is presenting two lectures/ papers at the conference in Malaysia. We got to know them quite well during our various stays in Toronto and were hugely impressed with her and could easily see why our daughter had such a high regard for this dynamic young woman. She would me more than happy for Felicity to contact her. Her mobile is 0437742820 and will be staying at thenHyatt. Sarah also told me to mention that she’ll have Whatsapp.

Thanks again for the info on Maurice and I shall certainly let you know if he is interested in a guest membership on the 1965 website.

Best wishes and we will certainly be praying that something can be done with respect to your visa aspirations. Unfortunately, we tend to bypass Sydney two or three times a year on our various migrations north to Byron Bay where we have a beach property. The climate and beachscape north of Byron so reminded us so much of parts of the Natal south coast that we bought the beach house about twenty years ago - a blessing for which our children and now grandchildren are wonderfully grateful. If on the other hand you have reason to come to Melbourne you would be most welcome to stay over with us.

Cheers,

John.

09/03/19 10:19 AM

#61

Thanks for your comprehensive response John.

I'll pass Louise's contact details on to Felicity. I'm certain she'll enjoy connecting with her.

Thanks for the invite to stay if we visit Melbourne. We may take you up on this.

Cheers, Cedric

11/03/19 01:56 AM

#62

Hi Cedric, Just heard on the ABC morning news that the Aus government is introducing a new category of extending visas for rural dentists and anaesthetists. So perhaps there is yet hope.

John.

12/03/19 04:11 AM

#63

Hi John. Thanks for the heads up on the new visa. We'll investigate this further.

Have a great day!

01/04/19 02:36 PM

#64

Dennis Gurwitz

Hi Cedric

I have to change my email address. Where to I go to do it?

thanks

and thanks for all your hard work

regards

dennis

03/04/19 03:36 AM

#65

Hi Dennis. In order to change any of your personal particulars click on the "head & shoulders" icon on the top right of the screen - and then select "Edit Contact Info". Thanks for your encouragement. Have a great day!

24/05/21 11:41 PM

#66

Should Old Boys like us tell stories of a school life very different from the current model?

Perhaps the most obvious answer is; why not?

We know that some memories can be painful, and some places remind us of that pain. Most of the Blackmores’ boys from our 1966 cohort cannot possibly have forgotten the Boot Room, not because of some sentimental attachment to their shoes or cadet boots, but because it became the venue for evening canings. I can certainly recall two or three visits to that room for that purpose. Interestingly, someone had protested about canings in the Prefects’ Room under the unflinching glare of senior boys lounging in armchairs - a short trip to the Boot Room seemed a more humane alternative.

Repressed memories of bad experiences tend to find expression in aggression directed at other uncomprehending victims - and so the problem escalates. I’m sure road rage is often hostility born of some sense of injustice or hurt entirely unrelated to the driving incident itself. Sometimes sharing a bad memory, helps one to regain perspective and balance. I am fortunate in that I have five rambunctious grandsons and a delightfully precocious granddaughter with whom to share memories of DHS. I try not to use hyperbole or euphemisms to make more palatable and accurate the portrait of school life in those times. Even without using poetic licence these stories have considerable dramatic appeal! Unfortunately, sometimes we become too solicitous of the sensitivities of our young ones which I cannot believe is a good preparation for life.

My wife Val and I take great delight in our feisty, curious and opinionated granddaughter. Her proud father, my son Hylton, who spent two years mustering cattle in the Northern Territory, encourages his daughter to confront challenges without taking a backward step - in my view a very sensible approach to fatherhood. I’m allowed to tell them stories about life in the sixties with special reference to its physical demands in what was at that time a very attractive red brick building - but soon-to-be-demolished owing to its rapidly deteriorating condition. Aurelia, in her delightfully forthright manner, takes everything in her stride including her grandfather’s somewhat gothic tales of school life fifty years ago. I actually think she is quite fascinated by stories of school so different from the relatively protected environment of the international school she attends. However, I think we are belatedly discovering that the threats posed by the darker regions of the internet are far more insidious and destructive than anything we faced. I know that ardent opponents of corporal punishment would argue that trying to justify an injustice by highlighting even greater injustice, is a seriously flawed polemic, and I would immediately concede that there is no way of justifying abuse of any kind, and that you don’t have to beat boys to help them transition into adulthood. Rather we should use whatever teaching skills we have to develop sensitivity, empathy and a love of the creative arts. Sadly, the teaching of poetry as an end in itself (as it was in our time ) is somewhat out of vogue these days, unless you have an English teacher who finds any excuse to include the art of poetic expression knowing that without this our young ones are deprived of something of universal value.

Many years ago I was persuaded that inflicting pain on young teenagers is in fact a form of abuse which should not be tolerated in any form. Nevertheless, trying to avoid the subject all together, as though it never happened can also be counter-productive in terms of preparing young people for life in a society which rewards certain forms of violence. If you’ve watched a game of professional ice-hockey and its ugly confrontations, even more so forms of brutal kick-boxing which is literally a blood sport, you’ll appreciate the cogency of this argument. When we try to shield young people from these often grotesque realities, we do them a disservice; and they have every reason to question the inconsistencies and condescensions in how we prepare them for life. My precious granddaughter certainly would be quick to question or patronisingly point out to her doting Pa, that talking down to her really is not the best way forward for either of us!

26/05/21 09:52 AM

#67

Thanks for this John. It sounds like your grandchildren have got you taped :)

I found DHS very exacting - but I appreciated the sense of tradition - and I felt that the occasional caning was part of the price I had to pay. When I read of Tom Brown's exploits, and the awesome sense of tradition at Rugby, I get a sense that DHS was quite a lot like that. A Sunday Times article from the 70's estimated that DHS had produced more distinguished Old Boys than any other South African School. I'm proud to be associated with the school - and especially the way it has adapted to the present reality in SA

16/10/21 04:04 AM

#68

Dear Fellow Old Boys,

It is with a deep sense of loss that I have to share the news that Mike (Michel) Lalouette died late last month ( Sept 28) after a brief spell in hospital. He had received the devastating diagnosis of COVID two weeks before he succumbed to the illness. An impromptu COVID test at a pharmacy while shopping for other items had revealed he had tested positive. I shall post a tribute to Mike elsewhere on this Website. He is survived by Shirley, Roger and Brigette and their partners. If you have read any of my postings on this and the ‘64 Website you will know how much my Old School and its brotherhood of Old Boys means to me. DHS, as we all know, was at times a challenging experience, but if there is one undeniable fact, it’s that we developed life- long and profound friendships that have if anything grown stronger and more meaningful over time. I note with increasing sadness that we are losing some, perhaps many, of our old friends especially during this period of contagion.

Ironically, a matter of a week or two before hearing that I had lost the dearest and most loyal of friends, I had drafted a piece on the uncomfortable subject of dying - which I shall also post on the Website as a further tribute to Mike. He was never much given to writing - hence his limited contributions on this Website - but it would be entirely wrong to think that Mike in any way did not value his time at School - but always, especially for the reason that, for him DHS was a time of shared experiences. If you knew Mike you will know that there was nothing he like more than talking rugby and sharing a few lagers with his mates. So, if you have a moment and a lager in hand celebrate the man, the School and friendship.

Cheers, John Mason.

21/12/21 01:27 PM

#69

Wishing all a very happy, joyous and safe Holiday Season and all the very best for the New Year - "Train in the Distance" is still VERY much on the cards for prpduction as a limited series, with some exciting developments planned for 2022...and another very exciting TV series in the planning stages! Stay tuned! I'd be happy to hear from you.

Best wishes, stay safe, stay vaxxed and stay well!

Larry Butchins

23/12/21 04:30 AM

#70

Great to hear that we may soon see a movie "Train in the Distance" Larry. I trust you've enjoyed Hanukkah. Please give our best wishes to Marlyn.

We're now settled in Sydney, as Felicity was awarded a Global Talent Visa after serving 4 years in Tasmania as an anaesthetist - which entitles us to permanent residence here. Any chance you may visit here?

23/12/21 08:31 AM

#71

Hey Cedric: Congrats, Felicity: I know it's not easy to get permanent residence in Oz - great achievement. Interesting to hear that you are now in Sydney - it's a fantastic city and yes, we are planning a trip there, all being well (and that includes us!) this time next year. Marlyn's brother lives at Daleys Point, about 90 km north of Sydney. We are planning to go to Jhb for my niece's wedding early December and then on to Oz just after New Year 2023. It would be great to meet up. Send me your contact details. BTW I had a nice WhatsApp chat with Guy Frawley in Jhb yesterday - he contacted me after seeing my message. Nice to catch up after many, many years.

I'll keep you in the loop regarding "Train" - it's a very exciting time; I am working with a producer in Cambridge, another one in Israel and making contact with one or two in SA. I'm also developing another series which is very dramatic and action-packed and when it firms up a bit more, will let you know about it. Most important is that I am gradually transitioning from high-tech content development to screenwriting - and am currently working on four projects, one of which is with Indian conterparts in Mumbai. We just have to keep COVID at bay. Israel has just approved a fourth vaccine shot for us "seniors" and health workers. The numbers here for Omicron are around 350 - but they've been climbing rapidly over the past few weeks. So #4 next week!

Keep well and keep in touch - best and "props" to Felicity .

Larry

24/12/21 11:32 AM

#72

Geoff Caruth

Hey Larry

Nice to hear from you Old Sport and trust you guys are all well in the Holy Land. Where did my childhood go...? Still have so many images popping into my head-taking your Mum and Dad to the Premiere of the "Battle of Britain", weekly cards at the Butchins's and your parents kindness, our friend Clyde Bartel(pronounced with a short 'e' :) ) our deceased friend Woody with whom Jan and I were with as he passed from this life, Stearn Frost(talking of trains) on the train from Southern Rhodesia with my sister and I as we left Salisbury on a two day journey to Durban in December 1963, an (incidentally) Afrikaans Magistrate from whom I had meekly requested a petrol permit to go to Zululand during rationing who handed me the requisite form, watched me fill it in and when I passed it back to him stamped it hard and immediately "DENIED!!" ...the beloved country. Still here, business good and with my son and nephew taking the reins. Durban beachfront a vastly improved strip of Palm tree wonder where we cycle of a Sunday but elsewhere the ravages wrought by the Evil Jacob Zuma everywhere evident in mass unemployment and crumbling government edifices. Been with my wonderful wife Jan for 26 years and love her more each day( her affectionate title is my"Wee Fenian Yid". My Presbytarian cousin in Ulster knows what a Fenian is but I had to explain the Yid bit :)
All the Best Dear friend and love to Wife

Geoff and Jan

25/12/21 10:45 AM

#73