Vetnuus | May 2025 37 Events I Gebeure OP CLASS OF ’72, FIFTY THIRD YEAR REUNION Due to the success of the previous reunions the Class of ’72, under the leadership and constant nagging of Buzz Bowker, recently held a get-together at picturesque Kogel Bay close to Kleinmond in the Western Cape. Thirteen classmates attended with twelve accompanying partners. This was out of an original class of fortyfive second years in 1969. The Cape Nature facility provided the class with an ideal setting amongst majestic Cape Mountains for hours of reminiscing recalling OP days and renewing old and longstanding friendships. The reunion was held over three days in March in mostly ideal weather conditions. Rick Mapham was an able Master of Ceremonies and Master at Arms throughout the reunion and kept everything running smoothly and within the law. Matt Ekron paid a moving tribute to deceased members of our class and wished those well who could not attend due to illness or other problems. A special mention and award was made to Ian and Sally-Ann Halliday who had travelled all the way from Cambridge in England to celebrate with local colleagues. The last evening was spent at a local restaurant. John Adam led a discussion on humorous events that happened over the years with Class members. There was no shortage of stories and plenty of laughter. Ian Herbst was also present and as only he can, added much merriment to the occasion. Tribute was also paid to the amazing successes of the whole class in their chosen career paths. Friso Woudstra finished off a great evening with magnificent videos on nature throughout Southern Africa. Friso and Hilda Woudstra, having retired to Kleinmond, were responsible for the bulk of the organising of the food and accommodation. To them and Buzz and Marion Bowker we owe a vote of thanks for making the reunion the success it was. BACK ROW; LEFT TO RIGHT RICK MAPHAM-JOHN ADAM-LEN BRACHER-BUZZ BOWKERDOC HALLIDAY-GERT BRIERS-MATT EKRON- JOAN KLEYNHANS- FRISO AND HILDA WOUDSTRA MIDDLE ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT SALLY ANN HALLIDAY-MARION BOWKER-TINKS BRACHERCHARME SOUTHEY-LYNETTE ADAM-RIANA BRIERS-JOYCE EKRONDAMPIES VAN DEEMTER FRONT ROW; LEFT TO RIGHT; LINDA MAPHAM-JENNIFER GORDON-ANDREW SOUTHEYRONEL VAN DEEMTER BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT; FRISO WOUDSTRA-RICK MAPHAM-DOC HALLIDAY-CAS GORDONGERT BRIERS- LEN BRACHER FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN ADAM-BUZZ BOWKER-ANDREW SOUTHEY-JOAN KLEYNHANS-DAMPIES VAN DEEMTER See you all next time. v
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