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2011 NEWSLETTER

OF THE OLD COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ GUILD

Number 22 March 2011

Mrs. Zilla White - Her 100th Birthday! Heartiest congratulations to Mrs. Zilla White who celebrated her 100th birthday on the 16th

January. Zilla is the last of the “Haddon Girls”; the youngest of the two sons and seven daughters born to William and Catherine (Bennett) Pringle in Adelaide. She is also the oldest Old Collegiate girl and has

witnessed a period of history that has seen man progress from the days of travelling by ox wagon to landing on the moon!

She married her late husband, Egerton, in 1934 and for many years resided on Glen Cliff in the

Bedford District where she kept an open home to her many friends and family. Zilla and Ege enjoyed more than 60 years together and had a daughter, Marion, and three sons, Bertram, Justin and Mark. The

eldest son, Bertram, whom we all recall so fondly, died as a relatively young man.

Those that know Zilla will recall her insatiable zest for life – a great friend, a keen gardener and an enthusiastic supporter of the Bedford Tennis Club. Her health has declined in recent years and she is now in the Frail Care section of the Thatcher Home in Fort Beaufort where she enjoys good care and

regular visits from her family.

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CONTENTS

FOUNDERS DAY DINNER 2011……………………………………………………………………………..Page 2 MATRIC FAREWELL LUNCHEON…..………………………………………………………………………Page 3 BURSARIES 2010…..………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 4 SUB COMMITTEES…………………………………………………………………………………………….Page5 COLLEGIATE NEWSMAKERS.………………………………………………………………………………Page 6 NEWS FROM ROSE NEWCOMBE…………………………………………………………………………..Page 7 IN MEMORIUM………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 8 EULOGIES…………..………………………………………………………………………………………… .Page 9 INFORMATION NEEDED ABOUT OLD GIRLS…………………………………………………………… Page10 NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA……………………………………………………………………………………Page 11 LETTERS FROM OLD GIRLS...………………………………………………………………………………Page 12 NEWS FROM GRAAF REINET…….…………………………………………………………………………Page 13 NEWS FROM EAST LONDON/PILLARS OF STRENGTH.......…………………………………………..Page 14 MY SCHOOL PROJECT……………………………………………………………………………………Page 15/16 COLLEGIATE FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAMME…………………………………………………………..Page 17 GREY FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAMME……………………………………………………………..……...Page 18 OCGG “DEAD OR ALIVE”?..................................................................................................................Page 19

OCGG Executive Committee (May 2010 to May 2012) President Cheryl Thompson (Gillingham, 1982) 041 372 1554 cherylthompson26@gmail.com Vice-President Angeline Mclagan (Wiid, 1995) 082 612 1515 angeline@doliodon.co.za Secretary Barbara Ann Kinghorn (Vanston, 1963) 041 373 4469 coraltreepe@lantic.net Honorary Treasurer Pam Cameron Ellis 041 368 1673 camellis@cghs.co.za Bursary Secretary Elizabeth Potts (Flint, 1956) 041 373 2349 epotts@telkomsa.net Membership Secretary Gaynor Berry (Lake, 1967) 041 364 3323 gaynorberry@gmail.com Caring Committee Margo Schuin (Swart, 1968) 041 360 5133 margo.schuin@gmail.com Collegiana Barbara Ann Kinghorn (Vanston, 1963) 041 373 4469 coraltreepe@lantic.net 2011 OCGG Founder Day Dinner The Old Collegiate Girls’ Guild Founders’ Day Dinner of 2011 will take place at Admirals Buffet Restaurant in Walmer on Thursday 12 May, 2011. The cost of the tickets is R200.00 ; members will get a R50 rebate. Tickets for the dinner will be on sale in the foyer of the Collegiate High School on the 3rd, 4th & 5th May from 12 to 2pm. Reunion groups, when booking must please bring a list of all the ladies in the group, names, surnames, maiden names and date matriculated. Payment for the tickets can be made with cash at the school, by EFT or cheque. I encourage all old girls to join the guild, especially the reunion groups. There will be speeches made by the 25th, 40th and 50th reunion groups, speeches to be not more than 7minutes. The menu is extensive with more than 150 dishes to choose from including hot and cold starters, an array of vegetables, traditional foods like tripe and curries, a full carvery, exotic foods like crocodile, stir fry, pizza, seafood and last but definitely not least hot and cold desserts, including a chocolate fountain and candyfloss. This is an evening not to be missed. The 2010 Reunion Dinner Admirals Restaurant was the venue for the Centenary Reunion Dinner, a very special occasion, attended by over 250 Old Girls, including groups celebrating their10th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th and 70thReunions. As part of the Centenary project, souvenirs were sold to commemorate 100 years of the existence of the guild and Debbie Louw was on hand to take photographs of all the reunion groups. It was a rowdy fun evening with plenty of good food and laughter.

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COLLEGIATE MATRIC CLASS OF 1958 – 50TH

REUNION MAY 2008 JENNY BISHOP’S POST-SCRIPTION TO MARY BAINES’ SALUTATION AT THE OCGG DINNER Miss Ellis has no hesitation in reading Mary’s salutation as for me it involved no preparation. However, without prevarication, it gives me gratification to add some augmentation by means of a little salutation, or rather, post-scription, to her citation on this special occasion of our 50

th celebration…

It is with great affection that we, another generation, remember our days of Collegiate education. School was a rotation of preparation, application, examination, and then vacation! Sport gave some alleviation (resulting in perspiration and often need of embrocation) and for boarders there was all-girl dancing for relaxation. Our teachers taught with valiant dedication and perseveration in spite of our giving them much tribulation and vexation. We were little ladies-in-incubation. This meant restriction and limitation on our socialization. To prevent our degradation, aberration and possible perdition we were kept in isolation from the knowledge, the verbalization, and even the explanation of genital mutilation, eructation, erection, sexual deviation, and fornication. However, at last, the culmination of our erudition: matriculation! And with it emancipation from Latin conjugation, English punctuation, ancient civilization, global circumnavigation, and even more in addition…. We were now thrust upon the nation! Higher education, graduation, vocation, occupation and matrimonial amalgamation followed. We discovered titillation, temptation, stimulation, penetration, breast augmentation and breast reduction, dermabrasion, lipo-suction, legalization of same sex combination, contraception, penile implantation, copulation, procreation and in vitro-fertilization. In conclusion and without fear of contradiction, I’d like to say with asseveration that our Collegiate education greatly eased our transition into this world of globalization and computation… It is with veneration that the class of ’58 wishes to give recognition and congratulation to the Collegiate institution for its contribution to our successful maturation. FACTATION NON VERBATION FOR AYE!!!

Matric Farewell Lunch 2010 The Matric Farewell Lunch was held in the Stevenson Hall on the 8th October 2010. This is always a memorable function for the matrics as it’s a farewell from the guild and provides a special meal. I had the sad task of giving a farewell speech to the girls, many of whom I have known since pre-primary. OCGG PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS This speech was written in conjunction with my daughter Kelly who was in matric. “8 days to go, it seems like yesterday you were in pre-primary, with the swinging tyre, monkey bars, running to get the best bike and fighting to have a chance on the computer. Grade 8 was a daunting time but with the amazing invention of mixit school life was that much more bearable and there were of course socials and the new found interaction with guys! Grade 9 was a breeze for most and was quite enjoyable except for those dreaded Carol rehearsals every morning during the third and fourth terms, even though the final night was spectacular. You also had your first taste of the end, choosing your subjects, knowing that what you decided would influence where you went to study and what you would study. Grade 10 was a blur of too many projects and not enough holidays. This was when you started to put away those childhood fantasies of accidently falling into a vat of toxic waste and becoming a super hero and started brainstorming possible careers, although becoming the next Beyonce wasn’t completely out of the question.

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Grade 11 was just a bucket of cold water, the work load all of a sudden tripled and the weekends just never seemed to arrive. Even the holidays were filled with career projects and learning for maths and science tests that were set for the Friday of the week returning to school. Then it arrived! Matric! The long awaited final frontier, where you all become the big cheese. But now it hits you, it’s almost over, the final stage of your school career is here, 8 days to go. For some, 8 more days of “Why am I here?”, for others, 8 more days to prepare for finals. Ending school was scary back in the day when I was a matric and in some ways it’s even more scary for you. Most of you will go to college or university, others may go straight to work and some will take a gap year to see the world beyond these red brick walls. Don’t rush these next 8 days, because they will be the last spent with the family you call the class of 2010. We hope that you have gained something from these 12 years, even if it’s just a best friend that you will never forget. Go well Matrics of 2010 and conquer the world. Bursaries 2010 There are six girls receiving bursaries from the O.C.G.G. Bursary Fund. The Brock Bursary went to Letitia Gerard who is studying Pharmacy at N.M.M.U. The Old Collegiate Girls' Guild Bursary went to Chiney Hobbs who is studying B.Com at University of the Free State. 1.Alyssa Whale - 2nd year B.Com Computer Sc. 2.Abigayle Cloete - 2nd year Physiotherapy 3.Jessica Jooste -3rd year B.Sc. 4.K.Norden - 4th year B.Com Hons. 5.Ruth Snider is in her 5th year Medicine at University of Pretoria. The Annual Seniors’ Tea 2010 The Annual Senior Old Girls’ Tea of 2010 was once again held in the Junior School Hall, one of the reasons being that the hall has easy access for the senior ladies. OCGG Committee Members had great pleasure in hosting individual tables at which Senior Old Girls could reminisce and reconnect with old school friends over tea, and hear news about Collegiate from both Headmistresses. SUB COMMITTEES Membership and Branches:

Gaynor Berry (Lake, 1967-Hon Membership & Branch Sec) gaynorberry@gmail.com Membership of the OCGG is increasing slowly, and we continue to urge all Old Girls to join the Guild for the small fee of R200. Members can now check on the OCGG website to see if their names are there and, if they are not receiving their newsletter, they can contact me to see if their contact details are correct. Please remember to update e-mail as well as residential addresses and phone numbers when they change. All the branches of the OCGG had reunions last year, except for Cape Town, which has decided to meet every alternate year and will therefore be having a reunion this year. There are 6 branches of the Guild operating around the country. They are

Kwa Zulu Natal (Keval-ann Grewer –grewer@gmail.com)

Gauteng (Gwyn Hannington- gwyn@global.co.za)

Cape Town (Aletta Rochat- rochats@wol.co.za)

Midlands (Sigrid Tilney- jkroon@telkomsa.net)

East London (Anthea Megaw – amegaw@net4u.co.za)

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St Francis Bay (Maureen Sands- msands@telkomsa.net)

The Guild would like to extend their gratitude to the presidents and their committees of these branches for their hard work in organising their reunions. If there are any Old Girls living in these areas who would like to join these branches, please contact the organisers and you would be made very welcome. We had some ladies in Australia hard at work trying to see if they could establish an OCGG branch in their country, but they have realised that distances to get together make it unfeasible. We appeal to any Old Girls in the bigger cities to consider establishing an official branch in their area.

Last year we made an appeal for any ladies in London and surroundsto volunteer their services in establishing a branch of the OCGG there, but had no response. I would like to make the appeal again-if any of you are interested in helping get it off the ground or with any ideas or would be interested in getting involved in any way, please e-mail me. Last year we had an offer to establish a branch in Scotland, but no ladies responded to the newsletter so we have no idea how many Old Girls are living there

Caring Sub-Committee: The Caring Committee has been to Goue Jare every Thursday for the whole of 2010, initially

playing UNO and Snakes and Ladders, but all have progressed to Scrabble and just love it. 83 year

old Aunty Pat still remains the champion. Well done !!!

We closed for the Christmas Holidays ending with a very successful Christmas party. Instead of the

usual Scrabble, we sang Christmas Carols. Firstly we sang in the lounge with all the Scrabble

players and then we went to the Frail Care section. Everyone was truly grateful. They all wore

Christmas hats and thoroughly enjoyed the eats and gifts. It was truly wonderful. I would just like

to thank Mary Pittendrich for her dedication to these darling old people; without you it wouldn’t be

so much fun. In 2011, the Caring Committee plans to have a tea party at a designated Retirement

Village twice a year, starting with Kruger Gardens where there are 6 Old Collegiate Girls and

incorporating the Summerstrand/Humewood area where there are an additional 12 Old Girls. Later

in the year, we plan to go to Aldersgate where there are 7 Old Girls and hope to incorporate the

Walmer area.

If anyone is interested or if anyone needs visiting, please contact Margo Schuin on 041 360 5133

or 083 553 3415.

MARGO SCHUIN

CARING COMMITTEE CO-ORDINATOR

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Collegiana Sub-Committee: Barbara Ann Kinghorn is responsible for the fascinating collection of Old Girls’ memorabilia, housed in the Collegiana Room at Collegiate. Old Girls are very welcome to donate their own photographs, clippings, artefacts, etc. to the collection. This Sub-Committee plans to capture all the information digitally, to make it accessible for future research. Membership Subscriptions: Subscription fee for Life Membership of the Old Collegiate Girls’ Guild has been increased to R200, with Matrics paying R100. This is due to increased costs within the OCGG and like any well- run concern there are always things that need to be done. At this stage this fee is for life membership. However, due to increased costs in running the Old Girls’ Guild, this fee may become an annual fee. This will be discussed at the AGM. COLLEGIATE NEWSMAKERS 2010 Edited samples of Collegiate and Old Girls in the news during the past year: “Beauty aims for ‘top billing’ on TV lifestyle show” (Weekend Post November 2010) A former Collegiate High School pupil Tamika Doubell is on the cusp of realising her dream of being a presenter on the country’s premier style show “Top Billing” having made it through to the top six finalists. The bubbly 22 year old has a degree in film and media studies at the University of Cape Town, and believes she will be a fresh face on television. “New shot at fame for top PE photographer” (Weekend Post September 2010) Her long time passion for photography has taken her around the world. Jill Sneesby formally a Collegiate girl has won countless awards for her outstanding wildlife and nature photography, recently claimed the top prize in the inaugural Africa Photographic Awards. Jill who attended Collegiate from 1971 to 1974, made history in 2008 by becoming the first female president of the Photographic Society of South Africa and is now in charge of international liaison and its judging programme. My Sport – On the Water (Weekend post) This weekend report is compiled by Richard Von Wildermann, son of our own committee member, Rose Von Wildermann. The weekly report is witty and informative of all water sporting events in and around Port Elizabeth.

“Guild makes winter warmer for indigent” (Herald) Those dependent on 12 charities will find winter a lot more bearable after receiving various clothing garments from the Port Elizabeth Clothing Guild last week. One of the members of the guild, Joy McWilliams, along with her team, Rose Rousseau, Connie Broadley and Jean Price collected between them 2500 and 3000 garments for the needy. The charities that benefit include the PE Deaf Association, Santa, Childline and Meals On Wheels. “School Soccer Fever” (Algoa Sun June 2010) The senior primary section of Collegiate Junior School took to their astroturf as different countries to compete in their own World Cup.

“Pearl Scotney” (Published a book in 2010)

“SUTTON DIARIES - A review of the life and contribution of Sir George Morris Sutton (KCMG)

to the Colony of Natal based on his personal diaries (1872 – 1898). It also covers the period of his

life in Natal until his death in 1913.” In the Preface, Pearl reveals that she first came across the

Diaries in 1979 when she was doing other research. This project took nearly twenty years to bring to

fruition – the finished product is a credit to her tenacity and professionalism.

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“Jeannette McGill (1990)”, graduated with her PhD from the Colorado School of Mines, USA, in

December 2010. Her thesis looked at the mineral economic, mining and economic geology aspects

of competitive platinum group metal supply from South Africa. Dr. McGill is currently a

Competency Area Manager at the CSIR's Centre for Mining Innovation in Johannesburg where she

is responsible for a research team developing novel mining methods.

“Rosemary Newcombe writes”:

1964 OLD GIRLS - NB It will be our 50th reunion in 2014 – please all start contacting one another

& planning to participate NOW! It will be fun. Please inform us of your E<mail addresses & any

changes.

PAT LEITCH retired after many years at the bank & now teaches computer @ a school where her

sister Rosemary is principal.

LYN [FISHER] SHEARER enjoys tennis & has 3 delightful sons – 2 in New Zealand & 1 working

with his Dad from home.

JUDY [SAGAR] CHARSLEY is a Nursing Sister @ Park Drive Village & has 3 children. The

eldest, Frances, teaches @ Junior Collegiate.

JEN [PHILIP] SHONE taught @ a “Nursery” school for many years, then cared for her parents

when they relocated from Burgersdorp. She has 2 sons & a lovely daughter-in-law & little grand-

daughter! NOREEN GRUSKIN has a busy demanding career as a Labour consultant & has

relocated from Addo to Richmond Hill where she restored a delightful old cottage. JENNY

[HALLEY] LEVY, SHARON [BUDLENDER] AIRES, JESSIE [JENKINSON] MCMORLAND,

JACKIE [DOVEY] WEBBER, JENNY [ADAMS] ANDERSON & PAT [GALPIN] BARTELS

also still live in PE.

DAPHNE [EYRE] MCNEILL; BRIDGET [HILTON] CARTHEW; RUTH [DOUGLAS]

COLLETT have all retired to Kenton, where they keep busier than ever.

JILL [DOWER] ROTHMAN is principal of Kuyasa Special School in Grahamstown & PENNY

[KNOWLES] KENNARD-DAVIS lives in Port Alfred.

ELIZABETH [NEARY] COLTMAN lives in Gonubie, has a daughter teaching in UK & works for

the Municipality; MARY [PALMER] ROBERTS has 3 charming

daughters, at least 5 grandchildren & works with husband John in their computer business since

retiring from teaching in EL. LYN [HENDERSON] NEL still lives on the farm near Witmos, busy

with her dogs & horses. She has 3 children.

MOLLY [OUTRAM] HAYWARD & husband Ced, relocated to Pietermaritzburg from Steytlerville

to be near their daughter, LINDI & the 2 grandchildren & are very happily settled. GAIL

[DORWARD] MCKEOWN runs a busy garage & a lovely old B & B, Valhalla, in Mossel Bay. Her

home has an incredible view over the bay. Her son in Oz has 2 little girls & her daughter has a boy

& 2 girls, all giving Gail much fun & joy. Several Old Girls have popped by to see her, one last year

being INGRID [BELONJE] DE WET with husband James on their huge motorbikes!! ANN

[GODFREY] COOPER moved to Knysna in 2007 from EL where her husband was a paediatrician.

They have stayed in England, Scotland & Bahrain. They have 3 children in CT, Portsmouth & PE &

3 grandchildren. DIANA [BRUNETTE] GRAHAM lives in Hogsback, where she is kept very busy

running her Ecoshrine in between exhibitions of her paintings.

It was exciting to hear from CAROLE [LEVINTHAL] SMOLLAN / RUDICK who has lived in

London for at least 12 years. Besides her well-known books on gluten intolerance, she has written a

historical novel & several children’s books & held an exhibition of her Torah covers in New York.

She has 3 talented children & her grandchildren keep her very happy & involved. She even teaches

artclub at one of their schools. She and her husband Archie also travel in Europe & she certainly

looks as youthful as she did almost 47 years ago! SHEILA [HARDING] KLEYN relocated to

London in 2003 where she does charity work. She has 2 grandsons in LA & a granddaughter in

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London. She encouraged her sister MARSHA to attend her 50th reunion in 2010, which is how we

reconnected with Sheila.

BARBARA [WATSON] CLARKSON has moved about UK quite a lot as her husband, Chris,

lectures. They are now in Leicester & have 2 daughters & 2 1/2

Grandchildren. She plays tennis 3 times a week & helps out at a school. They visit Germany &

Limnos each year & also travel further afield.

IMRAY [BIRCH] VAN BLERK lives in Brisbane in a Granny flat in her son’s garden & is very

happy, helping with the 2 beautiful little grand-daughters when their mom works. She is in her 5th

year of Bible Study & also does the gardening. She has recently visited her other son & his family

in London.

SALLY [THOROLD] DISLER is now in Bendigo, Victoria.

I have lived happily on this dairy farm for 39 years & am very blessed to have our 2 sons, their

wives & 3 small grandchildren [the cutest & brightest ever!] all nearby. The farm school & crèche,

swimming, walking, gardening & Line Dancing are some of the things I enjoy.

My sister GAYNOR [LAKE] BERRY [1967] broke her leg very badly last May & had to undergo

several operations. Although unable to walk for several months, she was extremely positive &

determined & was never idle! She has completed a tourism course & keeps busy with indigenous

gardening, bird-watching & bee-keeping! Her elder son is married & lives in London where her 1st

grandson was born in Sept. Her daughter does English teaching & Christian work in China &

another son works in Jeffreys Bay. A few years ago, we had 4 Lake nieces [studying @ Collegiate]

& a nephew [one of the Grey platoon trooping the colour] on the field on Founders’ Day all at once!

Our aunt, MOLLY [LAKE] BARBER [1936] died in January, in Durban, aged 91.

We are busy compiling a History display & scrapbook for the new Junior Collegiate Hostel,

Robinson House. Sadly, photos & info of those early years are extremely scarce. Does anybody

have any pictures or memories/anecdotes of any sort, however trivial-seeming, of Junior Collegiate

Hostels @ Nahoon or Annerley Terrace that you could send me please??? All will be most

gratefully received. Thank you.

R. NEWCOMBE, PO BOX 10, COLCHESTER, 6175 e<mail rosemary@thorneycroft.co.za

MARRIAGES

Rist/Johnson – Robson Christopher and Beth (formerly Hayward) are pleased to announce the marriage of their son Phillip

to Tracy, daughter of Ken and Ivy in Tulbagh on Saturday August 28 2010.

BIGGS – WYNNE – Robin and Faith are delighted to announce the marriage of Emma, to Philip, son of Dave and Elizabeth Wynne on Saturday 18th December 2010 BIRTHS Catherine and Mark Waudby welcomed into the world, Abigail Catherine at 13h09 on the 15th March 2011, Congratulations to you both on the birth of your special daughter. Congratulation also to granny Pat, a dedicated teacher at Collegiate High School. IN MEMORIUM

With regret, and in sympathy for their loved ones, we record the passing of the following Old Girls: Melissa Maclear (nee Kemlo), 16th April 2010, Melissa was on the OCGG committee for many years, she will be sorely missed. Barbara Ann Ferrett in October, Barbara was head girl in 1952. Margaret McLachlan (nee Kemlo), on the 16th January 2011. One of the most senior and much loved guild members in Natal. Gail Acutt (nee Klaue 1961) on 20th May 2010.

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Gill Bent (nee Groch 1961). Joan Bruton (nee Milne 1938). Elsbeth Frost (nee Henry 1950). Lucille Cross (nee Short 1950) on 7th November 2010. Jeanne van Pletzen (Kohler 1950). Wendy van Schalkwyk (nee Scott) husband Pierre died 22nd October 2010. Gilbert, Meg (Margaret Gooch, 1939) she died earlier last year. Our church bulletin advised of the death of Helen Blenkinsop’s sister, Pat Brown nee Blenkinsop who died in East London just over a week ago. She was the matric class of 1945.

MELISSA MACLEAR – A very special Old Girl and long-time committee member Dear All OCGG Committee, It is with a sad heart that I advise you of the passing of Melissa Maclear on Friday 16 April. My memories of her are that she was always an extremely elegant Collegiate Girl and carried herself with such poise that I always admired her and wished I had her grace. She carried her age really well, was always ready with a smile and a laugh. Charlotte Scott was kind enough to let us have her thoughts about her relationship with Melissa, My earliest memories of Melissa Maclear (Kemlo) go back to the Collegiate School, 72 years ago, in 1938. Melissa was a prefect and I was in Std 8. She was a lady, someone we all looked up to. In 1964, we met up again, when I joined Walmer WAA, (an adult education group). Melissa and three other ladies were the foundation members from the Port Elizabeth Branch. I became very aware of her good qualities, she was genuine, loyal, honest, friendly and most attractive, with her beautiful hair. About 25 years ago, I joined the OCGG Committee and there she was, our friendship rekindled and once again we became close friends. I recall how very proud she was when her daughter, Lissa Dyer, was elected President of the OCGG. Thank you (Old Collegiate Girls Guild) for providing me my great friend I could chat to in later years. If any of you are in contact with OCGG Committee members who aren't on the e-mail, will you please advise them? Lots of love Margo PROFESSOR LYDIA Mc DERMOTT (nee TWIST).

Born : 20th

June1945 - Died : 3rd

October, 2008.

Lydia fitted more into her 64 years of life than most of us would even contemplate.

Who else would live in PE with two children and a husband, and drive each Monday morning to

Grahamstown to lecture at Rhodes, and return each Friday?

Who else would talk so fast, remember so much, switch off her ‘phone for hours on end so as to

sleep undisturbed. She could sleep anywhere, anytime, like Winston Churchill, and drove her

friends; family and colleagues demented wondering where on earth she was.

Who else would drive to the Kalahari region on the edge of Namibia, even when she was feeling

really ill, because she’d promised a friend that she would go, and she knew her time was running

out?

She attended Collegiate High School from 1958 to 1962 – coming from Sydenham Primary as a

scholarship pupil. After matric, five of us from Collegiate went to Grahamstown Training College

and all lived in the same dormitory. It was in those years, watching Lydia teach, that we first realized

how gifted she was. She was a born teacher and she loved it! After college, Lydia taught at

Matatiele, and then married John Mc Dermott – a member of our teenage gang – and produced two

children, Rachel (Rae) and Liam. She was struck down with colon cancer, and shared a ward with

her mother, who later died. But Lydia was always a fighter as those of us in her hockey team knew

so well. She overcame cancer, divorce, and many battles with friends, family and colleagues in the

still mainly male dominated universities, and was appointed professor of linguistics in the Dept of

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Afrikaans and Nederlands at the University of Natal, and was later appointed as the Head of the

Centre for Multi-lingual Studies at the same university. Lydia had a zest for life. She was fun,

loving, practical, elegant, frustrating, and she loved cricket, fishing and gardening. She had amazing

energy and always remained young in outlook. In the last years of her life she relocated to

Middelburg in the Karroo, doing what she loved best, fixing up an old stone house, laying a Lydia-

garden, sorting out her beloved books, and coaching school children at her house and scholars in the

hostel. Her cancer returned, and this time there was no reprieve in spite of returning to the doctor in

Cape Town who had performed her original operation. She hated the hospital, and was finally

allowed to go to a hospice where she could sit in the sun in the garden and write down her last

wishes. We will never forget her. Compiled by: John Muirhead

IRENE MAY STEVENSON (McGranaghan, 1947/48?)

Died 6 October 2010

Her step-daughter, Kathy Meisser, wrote as follows:

“I am not sure of her years at Collegiate Girls’ High School, but she was born in 1931 her Matric

year would have been around 1947 or 1948. After turning 21, she trained as a Nursing Sister,

winning the Gold Medal for her year and subsequently gaining many of her post-basic qualifications

with distinction. She nursed in Scotland and in South Africa until her retirement, marrying late in

life.”

AUDREY BRIGGS (CRAWFORD, 1948)

Passed away peacefully in Cape Town, 24 June 2010

Her life-long friend, Marea Joubert (de Kock, 1948) wrote as follows:

“Sadly, I wish to inform you of the passing of … a very gifted, loyal and dedicated Old Collegiate

Girl…right from Sub A to Matric. Audrey was a pupil at the Junior Collegiate right from Sub A, but

I only joined her in Std.III. She was married to the Rev. Roy Briggs, and while they lived in Pretoria

for the most part, Audrey also excelled as a scientist at the “WNNR” – (CSIR?)…apart from all her

Church work. Even after her husband died a few years ago, she continued giving all her time and

energy to the Church and Charities. She will be remembered widely for a life of service!”

BARBARA ANN FERRETT (Head Girl in the 1950’s)

Passed away on October 12, 2010 at her home of an apparent sudden heart attack. Lyn Douglas,

Barbara’s sister, wrote from Knysna, as follows: “Barbara matriculated and was head girl I think in

1952 or 1953. She then went to Rhodes University where she obtained her BA degree. She then went

to Rhodesia for a further year of study. She taught at high school level for a few years there. In 1961

she went overseas to England and then went over to Canada where she lived for many years in

Toronto where she worked as the Director of Student Affairs at the George Brown College of

Applied Arts and Technology. After becoming a Canadian citizen she moved to Gibsons Landing,

near Vancouver, British Columbia. Whilst she was there she did a lot of Charity work? Barbara

retired to a new timber house built at Sooke on Vancouver Island where she spent happy days with

her beloved Yorkshire terrier dogs. Barbara had a brilliant mind and a wonderful sense of humour.

She loved her books and had an amazing collection. She loved animals, especially those in need of

help. Barbara will be sadly missed.”

INFORMATION NEEDED ABOUT OLD GIRLS

Re Marjorie Fielden (Teacher, circa 1934.)

Tracey Hughes wrote via email:

“I am currently researching my family tree and have been informed by Roedean School Jo'burg that

my cousin also taught at the Collegiate Girls' High School in Port Elizabeth in 1934 approximately.

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Her name is Marjorie Fielden and at the time of her appointment to your school she was residing

with her sister, Hilda Rowlands (nee Fielden) at Mill Park, Port Elizabeth.

It would be wonderful if you have any information about my cousin, and absolutely fantastic if you

were to have a photograph of her as my family has no photographs of this side of the family.”

Please contact Tracey directly (camhug@hotmail.com) if you have any information to share.

Re Patricia Seaman (Lumsden, 1970)

Via email, Martin Mitchell wrote as follows:

Patricia was a contemporary of mine and we started our schooling together at Walmer Primary.

Somewhere along the line she moved to Collegiate and I moved to Grey. When I was at Rhodes, Pat

was at Training College in Grahamstown and later married a friend from Rhodes, Brian Seaman,

whom she was going out with whilst we were at Rhodes.

A few of her old classmates from Walmer Primary have recently made contact with one another and

it would be wonderful to get in touch with her again. Who knows? We might even have a Sub A

class reunion one of these days.

If she has any doubts as to where I have sprung from, please forward the attached class pic from

1958 to her. I am standing at top left. Pat is seated second from the right in the 2nd

row from the

front.

Kind regards

Martin Mitchley

If you can help, please contact Martin directly. (mjmitch@iafrica.com)

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA Hi there I live in Brisbane, Australia and was wondering whether I could be of any use to any old girls that relocate to Australia. We could cover most cities or states and if an old girl wanted help and information then we could assist. Just a thought. It would have been so helpful for me when I moved to a strange country. A bit pessimistic though but just a thought. Regards Barrie pbhesse@iinet.net.au Wendy Geldenhys (Burrell) 1964 also lives in Australia and would like to join a reunion group. Greetings from me for the Festive Season and Happiness and Good Health in the New Year to all. All systems going here. The children on holiday soon till the end of January. Much activity for Christmas and the 25th. Jenny is having ‘the crowd’ round here for lunch-24 in all- though of course everybody brings their Share, cooked, baked, carved or cut-up. The week before Christmas we are going to Rottnest Island – one and a half hours off-shore, a very popular Holiday spot. Then after New Year we are off down south of Perth to

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Albany to a Camping spot. Grannie will have to ‘rough it’. Luckily I’m sleeping very well and DON”T SNORE! which is good as I am sharing a bedroom or tent with Stephen and Megan on both trips. Weather here during summer very hot well in the 30’s but thankfully no humidity so I am quite happy. I’m doing well with my little Car-Hyundai Getz 1500, with Power-steering I have never had before, my Bridge, and my Yoga and my church St. Nicolas on Sunday. I am also collecting the children from school on the 2 days Jenny works. My Batchelor Pad is well under way in construction but won’t be finished until well into the New Year as they are adding on to their own house as well. I will have the same address and my E-mail you know. I find this typing in one letter at a time with one finger an absolute PAIN! Would much rather write a proper letter, but sadly posting takes too long. So Cheers for now, Raine Woodhead, (nee Tolson) of 1950 matric vintage NEWS FROM NEW ZEALAND Hi, As requested in the 2010 newsletter, I am sending you my e-mail address which is perryzoot@xtra.co.nz It is always lovely to receive updated news of all the past pupils of the Collegiate. I was Kathy Dexter (now Perry) and completed my schooling in 1963. I still look back on those times with fond memories and can't believe how the time has flown. My husband and I have been living in New Zealand for the last 14 years but still Miss South Africa heaps. I worked at the Park Lane Clinic, Johannesburg as a nursing sister from the time the youngest of my 4 children started school until I left for N.Z. I have a married daughter living down the road from us in Te Aroha, another daughter living in England and a son and a daughter still in Johannesburg and 9 grandchildren scattered between the 3 mentioned countries. I am lucky enough to get to S.A. once a year to spend time with the family and usually during this time, my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren from England join us so a great time is had by all. I happened to be in Port Elaizabeth recently for 3 days so drove to look at the Collegiate and also the Grey which was also very familiar to me with my Mom being the secretary there for over 42years. Also, we lived in College Drive, overlooking the High School Tower. Well, that’s my news. Lovely to be in touch. Regards, Kathy. 112A Stanley Avenue, Te Aroha.3320, Waikato, New Zealand. LETTERS FROM OLD GIRLS Thank you so much for your interesting and enjoyable OCGG News and all the celebration excitement info about to take place. I certainly wish you all a wonderful time of Fellowship and re-newing of friendships. Would love to be there but I am so far out on a limb here, in Beaufort West, and have a few [voluntary] "attachments" to oversea which need daily attention. At age 70, I thought I could quietly resign from most of them but no one appears willing to take over unfortunately. In a small village, the able are kept busy and I guess while able I must be available. I left the Collegiate School in 1958, so will wait for the 60th re-union in 2018 [!!!!] and attend if the Lord decides to keep me till then !! God Bless you all and have a great time. I stay in touch with an old Collegian, Ellie Parker [nee Hudson] who keeps me updated to a certain extent, for which I am very grateful. Best Regards, 'Tiny' E.E. Middleton [nee Murray] NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE BRANCHES JOHANNESBURG:- Greetings to all from a rain sodden, hot Johannesburg! As you are aware we had a very successful re-launch of the Johannesburg Branch in February 2009.

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Rose-Marie Ilsley organised a bridge afternoon in July 2010 to raise some much needed funds prior to the annual get together and this was a great afternoon with a scrumptious tea afterwards. Rose-Marie went to a lot of trouble and we raised about R500.00 whilst having a good afternoon! Thank you Rose-Marie! It is an event worth repeating. On Saturday, 4 September 2010 we held a High Tea at the Country Club Johannesburg. Having learnt from our mistake in 2009 when we did not ask girls to pay beforehand this time we asked for money up front and we ended up in the black after the event! There was a bit of a disappointing turnout with only 36 girls present, but we have learnt from this too and have decided that it is better to have the reunion in a home rather than at a venue that is a little too costly for some old girls. Asanda Magaqa gave us a very thought-provoking address which was based on the address which she gave in PE for the Centenary celebrations. Nevertheless, those of us who did attend enjoyed greeting “dear old faces” and catching up on news. A few of the Jo’burg Committee got together for a Christmas lunch at the Country Club. This was organised by Rose-Marie and it was unfortunate that not everyone was able to attend as by all accounts it was a wonderful lunch! Our thanks again to Rose-Marie for organizing this. Now that Christmas and all the hype that goes with it is over, we will have a meeting fairly soon to plan for the year. Our reunion this year will probably take place in September again this year. We would love to have some of the younger Old Girls on the committee so that they can take over from us in a few years’ time. The Johannesburg Committee consists of: Gwyn Hannington (Naudé) – Chairman Jill McPhail (MacIver) – Secretary Rose-Marie Ilsley (Gillies) Anna Botha (Bülbring)

Jill McPhail (MacIver) 1963 Secretary

GRAAF REINET; Firstly, we lost two of our oldest and dearest Old Girls - Edith Marshall (nee Worraker and formerly Parsons) and Sita (nee Osmond) Palmer of Cranemere fame. Secondly, as we are just a social group now, having handed our finances over to Port Elizabeth branch - we try to have an annual get-together, which we did in 2010. We had a very welcome bus load of PE Old Girls join us for an informal buffet lunch at the Graaff-Reinet Club. We all learned about what is going on at Collegiate today and of the drive for donations towards the pillars to enclose the school. Thank you to the PE Old Girls who attended our lunch, Cheryl Thompson, Barbara Kinghorn, Faith Biggs, Marjo Pauw, Rosemary Newcombe, Margo Schuin,. There were about eighteen present at the lunch. Kind regards, Sigird Sigrid & Lewis Tilney 6 Burger St P O Box 258 GRAAFF-REINET 6280 TEL: 049-891 0406

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KZN OLD GIRLS’ NEWS: Mary de Wet (Bulwer 1953) left Durban to go to Australia Anita Geach (Van der Walt – 1955) Left Anerley to settle in Port Elizabeth Meriel Renyard (McKillop – 1953) left Umhlanga to settle in New Zealand. Katharine Edwards (Donald – 1960) left Durban to settle in the UK. Ilonka Von Steiger (1981) now Dr. moved to Cape Town. Ellen Zolty (Krist – 1955) left Durban to settle in Cananda. . Dear Collegiate OGs Sadly, I have to tell you that one of our most senior, and much loved and respected KwaZulu-Natal OGs passed away last Sunday, 16th January. Margaret McLachlan (nee Kemlo) lived in Pietermaritzburg. Her sister, Robin Browne (a very loyal member of our KZN OG group) from Warner Beach, was with her children in London at the time. There were 4 Kemlo sisters, Melissa, Margaret, Ailsa and Robin, who is the "baby" (Margaret used to call her that), was devastated by this sad news, and returned home on Friday, 21st January. Margaret matriculated in 1938, and she was our second most senior KZN OG. Molly Barber (Lake) who matriculated in 1936 was our most senior OG. The memorial service to commemorate this very special lady will be held in St Joseph's Presbyterian Church in Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday, 29th January. I will be attending this on behalf of all her KZN Collegiate OG colleagues. Rest in peace dear Margaret. Nicky Armstrong. EAST LONDON: We had a wonderful lunch get together at Angela (Andrew’s) beautiful home in Vincent and the East London branch was officially inducted as a branch of the Old Collegiate Girls Guild. 19 “girls” joined in the fun. Barrie Hesse for Australia and her Mom from Fort Beaufort; A group of 4 ladies joined us from Kenton – Jean Starke, Pecia and Daphne (Eyre) ?; Gaynor (Lake), Barbara (Vanston) and Rosie (Lake), Faith, (Acting head), came from Port Elizabeth; Jill (Dower) from Grahamstown, Norah (Blaine) from Kei Road and a few local East Londoners included Sue (Southey), Anthea (Pienaar), Angie (Andrew), Carol (Trembling), Mary (Palmer) Unis (Bufé) and Pat (Bostock). The grouped ranged in age from those left in 1943 to 1967, this made it all the more memorable. Our next get together for the wider group is planned in Kenton. I would like to encourage anyone in the vicinity to join us. Dates are still to be finalised. The local East London Ladies will be getting together for a breakfast soon at Lavender Blue. If you wish to be included on our data base and be advised of the get together in the area, please Contact Anthea, and let me have your landline, cell no, email address, maiden name, present surname and the year you left Collegiate. Contact details for Anthea: Landline: 043 740 4107 Cell: 082 408 0159 Email: amegaw@net4u.co.za PILLARS OF STRENGTH Dear parents and Investors in Collegiate High School for Girls If you drive past the school, you will notice that we have embarked on the construction of a perimeter wall along Kestell Street. This forms part of the Governing Body’s strategic plan to invest in on-going improvements and growth in the school. One of the key

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areas for investment is the security of the school, and as a result we have begun this project which will not only secure the perimeter, but will also create parking and a drop-off area. The project is being carried out in two phases. Phase one will be the wall and parking area in Kestell Street, and phase two the wall from the corner of Kestell Street and Conyngham Road to the end of the school property. We invite you to be part of this initiative in the school by sponsoring a pillar on the wall along Kestell Street. Donations are R5000.00 per pillar (includes a plaque with an inscription or your choice) Additional plaques on a pillar can be purchased at R600.00 each. (Maximum 5 plaques per pillar). Please contact Jenny Collier on 041 373 7705 or jcollier@cghs.co.za. “REUNION GROUPS” THIS IS A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR THE SCHOOL FROM YOUR GROUP! CENTENARY SOUVENIRS FOR SALE For the Centenary Celebrations of 2010 the OCGG Committee had a few souvenir items made to commemorate our 100th Birthday, these items are on sale in the School Shop and from Barbara Kinghorn:-

1. Heavy duty adjustable aprons with the school badge R80 2. Fabric Shopping bags with the school badge R25 3. Fridge magnets R5 4. Full pack (all three items) R100

PINEAPPLE – MAKE IN A MINUTE TART

1 CUP BOILING WATER

1 PKT PINEAPPLE JELLY

Dissolve the jelly in the boiling water

DRAIN THE JUICE FROM 1 TIN PINEAPPLE CRUSH AND ADD TO THE JELLY MIXTURE.

ADD 1 TIN CONDENSED MILK

Mix together and pour into a pie plate.

Place in the fridge for 1 – 2 hours until set.

Serve with whipped cream and a cherry.

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MY SCHOOL PROJECT

What is the MySchool programme?

The MySchool programme acts as a channel which raises and delivers essential funding to schools and charities on a sustainable basis. This is done in order to improve education and social development in South Africa. This enables members of the community to participate in the future development of our nation.

MySchool is South Africa's foremost community support programme, contributing more than R1.5 million to schools and charities every month. To date, the programme has raised over R63 million. MySchool supports South African learners by creating a sustainable income for schools, through a collaborative community support model.

The programme gives parents and other community-minded individuals a vehicle through which to make a meaningful contribution to schools, in a convenient and transparent manner.

The best part: It doesn’t cost you as a supporter, anything to make a difference!

The MySchool support programme is not a donation service, but a true partnership between schools and business partners. Schools work hard at encouraging parents to support the programme while our network of over 2 500 business partners commit to funding for your beneficiary based on the parents' loyalty to their respective brands.

How it works

Funds are raised for our school on a monthly basis. Simply swipe your MySchool Supporter Card when you shop at one of the many MySchool partners and a small percentage of your spend is given to your school. There is no cost to you. View a list of our partners on www.myschool.co.za .

Added Benefits

You will receive a monthly electronic Supporter Statement that will show you exactly how much money you have raised. This statement also keeps you informed of exclusive MySchool offers.

How to get started

1. Complete a Supporter Card Application form and make sure that you give fill in all your details. Application forms can be found on www.myschool.co.za or you can contact our Client Service Centre on 0860 100 445 for assistance. Your school will notify you whether you should return the form to them or directly to us to receive a card. You can also obtain a card immediately from any Woolworths store. All they will need is your ID and an e-mail address.

2. Should you wish to support more than one school or charity, your card can be linked to the beneficiaries of your choice and the income you raise on your card will be divided equally between these schools. Call our Client Service Centre on 0860 100 445 to make this request.

3. Any number of additional cards may be requested for other family members who wish to support the school. MySchool is a national programme, allowing for card usage countrywide. These cards will be posted to them free of charge.

4. Your card will be ready to use when you receive it and no information will be given to the school on your individual spend. If you have provided us with an e-mail address, you will receive a monthly statement showing what you have raised towards the school(s) of your choice.

5. Keep a look out for MySchool stickers at participating partner till points and start making a difference.

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OLD COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ GUILD

FOUNDERS’ DAY DINNER Thursday 12 May 2011 at Admirals Buffet Restaurant, 13 2ND Ave, Walmer 19:00 for 19:30

R200 Ticket Sales: 3rd, 4th & 5th May 2011

in the Foyer at School (No late bookings. No tickets at the Door. ) For more details, please contact Cheryl Thompson on 0846884422 email: cherylthompson26@gmail.com. DRESS: Smart

FOUNDERS’ DAY PROGRAMME

TUESDAY 3RD MAY –THURSDAY 5TH MAY 2011 DINNER TICKETS for SALE in the Foyer of the Senior School (12:30 – 14:30)

(Reunion Group Organisers – please buy tickets for your whole group)

THURSDAY 12 MAY2011 OCGG Founders’ Day Dinner at Admirals, in Walmer (19:00 for 19:30)

FRIDAY 13 MAY 2011:

Junior School Founders’ Day Assembly (9am) Founders’ Day Tea at the Senior School (10.30am)

OCGG AGM in the Library –tea will be served (10.30 – 11am) Souvenirs on sale at Junior and Senior Schools

Senior School Founders’ Day Assembly (11.30am) ATTENTION “OLD” BORDERS, Barbara Symons and the hostel staff would love you to come for

breakfast on Friday morning at 8am, please let Barbara know if you are interested:- ghsymons@gmail.com.

REUNION GROUP CONTACTS 10th - Wendy Holliday wendzh@gmail.com 20th - Alison Budge alison@pemail.co.za 25th - Kathleen Packer kathleen@telkomsa.net 30th - Jacquie Olivier jolivier@masthead.co.za 40th - Colleen Cumming cumming@homemail.co.za 50th - Margaret Wells mj.wells@telkomsa.net

THE OLD COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ GUILD, P.O. BOX 5774, WALMER 6065. www.collegiateguild.co.za

PAYMENTS & DONATIONS:

To: “O C G G”, NEDBANK Savings Account Number: 2268023117

Branch: Greenacres, 126817

The Old Collegiate Girls’ Guild gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Marine Litho in the production of the printed version of this Newsletter.

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Grey High School

Celebrating 155 Years of Excellence

OLD GREY’S REUNION Wednesday 11 May - Saturday 14 May 2011

Programme of Events

Wednesday 11 May 12:00 - Lunch in the Pavilion for 60 year group

19:30 - Selley Concert at Feather Market Centre

Thursday 12 May 07:30 Old Grey’s Golfing Morning, PE Golf Club – Phone 041-392 7625

12:00 - Lunch at The Rectory for 50 year group 16:30 Rugby: Old Grey Blues vs. Combined 2009/10 Matric Team

18:30 for 19:30 - Old Greys’ Union Dinner – Old Grey Club Guest Speaker: Rtd. Judge Robin Marais (’51)

Cost: R285 per person Tickets available from the Union Office (041 392 7625)

or e-mail ogu@greyhighschool.com

Friday 13 May 8:15 Breakfast in the Hostel – Old Grey Boarders only

10:15 - Assembly: Attended only by 25, 50 & 60 year Reunion Groups Followed by tea at Dexter’s Den, Grey Junior.

11:30 - Tours of the School 12:00 - Lunch at The Rectory for 25 year group

15:00 - Tea at Restaurant for all Old Greys & Visitors 15:00 - Seniors Tea (over 60's) hosted by the Rector in Pavilion

16:00 - Trooping the Colour 19:00 - 1st XI Hockey vs. Queens College on the Grey Astro

Saturday 14 May

Sports fixtures vs. Queens College - All Day 15:30: 1st XV - Pollock Field

All Old Greys, Parents & Queens College visitors are welcome to visit the Old Grey Club for lunch & for refreshments after the

1st XV game.

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OLD COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ GUILD - “Dead or Alive?”

Despite increasing membership, the OCGG is dying a slow death. Why? It’s because of little or no

active contribution from the younger Old Girls who are reluctant to join the guild or be part of the

committee. This could be due to work commitments, lack of time or no interest. The OCGG has a

constitution dating back 50 years and has been a vital part of the Collegiate for a hundred years. NO

ONE wants to see the guild fade away but that is what is happening. The only way then to stay

“alive” is to change how the guild is run. Our proposal is as follows:

We propose that it be serviced by an individual employed by the guild and supported by a volunteer

committee. This will turn the guild into a viable arm of the school and something exciting to belong

to. Other measures to increase the relevance of the guild would involve the following:

1. Membership

We have for the past ten years been charging R100 for life membership and R75 for matrics if they

sign up when they leave. This money along with the “Cakeless cake sale donations”, a little profit

made from the Founders’ Day dinner and the odd donation from old girls has kept the OCGG going

with their few functions for the year ie: Seniors Tea & the Matric Luncheon. But any viable

business needs funds to improve. We propose to up the membership fees to R200 per member per

year.

What does the member get in return for this investment?

At present newsletters, information and invitations to Old Girl functions, Founders’ Day activities

and access to the website. The intention is to increase the benefits by, for example offering Old

Girls’ the opportunity to advertise their businesses on a link to the Old Girls’ website. This web site

could also be useful for accommodation & guest house requirements, for career and social

networking and to facilitate sales and swops. Some sites could have a nominal fee, others, could be

there for free. These are just a few of the services that will be made more possible with a full time

employee looking after the database, web site etc. News will also be readily available at all times.

NO-ONE will be left in the cold.

2. Fundraising Events

Because the guild will be “another arm” of the school, fundraising will be a large and important part

of what the OCGG and its members will be involved with. Funds could then be used to assist

children who are in financial difficulty, provide equipment for the school, facilities to showcase

Collegiana and to support any other needs that arise. It will be vital for members to become

involved in the fundraising for these projects and in return they will reap the satisfaction of knowing

they have contributed to a worthy cause.

Dear OCGG members we have so many wonderful ideas as to how the OCGG can go ahead and

become something to be admired and something every Collegiate Girl will be proud to belong to.

However we need everyone’s approval and input and we are asking you all please to consider what

we have proposed and come back to us with your ideas as to how we can become something strong

and respected, on an equal footing with our brother school. Ladies, the future of the OCGG depends

on you.

Please email your comments and ideas to cherylthompson26@gmail.com.

Best Regards

Cheryl Thompson (OCGG President)