VOLUME ONE (link) - iiNet

Slide 1 

Class reunion 50 years 1960 to 2010 

Hyde Park high school 

INDEX – Volume one – 8 June 2010 

History and photo of all teachers 

Past reunion photos 30 years 1990 

Photos; rugby, cricket, tennis, hockey, prefects, 

drama, matriculates 

Register of classmates 

Cartoon & The Early Days - by Ivan Cohen 

Comments by classmates 

Acknowledgments 

Hyde Park high school REUNION VOLUME TWO 

Note: Underlined text have links to other sites – please view on line 

Slide 2 to 3 

Slides 4 to 8 

Slides 9 to 16 


Slide 20 to 23 


Slide 41 

Under construction

Slide 2 



HISTORY 

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Park 

Mr Crosley - Headmaster 

Herbert Crosley arrived at Hyde Park from Athlone 

Boys High where he had earned a reputation as a 

strict disciplinarian and an excellent maths teacher. 

His first day at the school was marked by the lining 

up of pupils outside the hall and a walking inspection 

of amongst other things, boys haircuts. Long hair 

resulted in an order for a haircut. Setting a standard 

for personal appearance was the first of many 

changes he introduced to steer the school onto a 

more ordered and disciplined route. 

Mr. Crosley had served as a fighter pilot during WW2 

and those who spent time in his office will have seen 

the photo of his Spitfire that he kept on the wall. 

His military background had a great influence on 

his management style.

Slide 3 


Hyde Park high school


HYDE PARK HIGH SCHOOL 

The Wanderers, Johannesburg, 4 th August 1990 

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5



6



7



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the rugby team 1959 

Front Row L- R - Robin Eliovson, Chris Clarke, Mike Beatty, Gary Kruger, Cliff Sossen 

Middle Row – David Aarts, John Glynos, Roy Greenberg, C. Linder, Alan Tomlinson, Ivan Cohen 

Standing - Horst (Rusty) Schmidt, ?, Roger Hearnstad (deceased), ? Zarts, Harold Zipprich, 

Ralph Hesketh Mare (deceased), George Leslie, Dr. Hudson 

9



the rugby team 1960 

Back row ( L-R ) : John Glynos, Roy Greenberg, Barry Pillemer ( deceased ), R. Sterndale, Ralph Hesketh-Mare ( deceased ), 

Roger Hernstadt ( deceased ), George Leslie, Ivan Cohen 

Middle Row ( L-R ) : Dr. C M Hudson, David Aarts, Chris Clarke, Mike Beatty ( Capt ), Clyde Stirling, Peter Barr, Ralph B Loubser 

1st Row ( L-R ) : John Briginshaw, Chris Meager, Norman Malk, T. Aires, MacDonald, C. Linder 

10




the cricket team 1960 

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the girls hockey team 

12



The 1959 boys hockey team 

The 1960 boys hockey team 

13



the tennis team 1960 

Mrs. F. Rich, Peter Barr, Dianne Lewis, 

Ronnie Franks, Carol Franks, Roy Greenberg 

the drama group 1960 

Back row - Ralph Hesketh-Mare (deceased) , Raul Bonegio, 

Cliff Sossen, Ivan Cohen 

Front – Pat Constantinedes, Mr. L. Saunders, M. Van Niftrik 

14



More appointments were made after this picture was taken. From the Matric year only Cohen, Frootko and Louw did not qualify. 

15

R. Ellis 



Matric 1960 

Matrics (left to right) Back Row: Mr. A. Owens, E. Hack, D. Aarts, A. Tomlinson, J. Kabak, 

Ralf & Rodney Hesketh-Maré, H. Schmidt, I. Cohen, N. Frootko, M. Louw, M. Boyns. 

Middle Row: A. Salvadori-Paleotti, R. Masterson, C. Franks, S. Morison, P. Constantinides, 

M. Valmas, H. Sarkin, J. Monteith, P. Garratt, A. Nicaise, M. van Niftrik, F. Hobbs, 

Front Row: R. Bonegio, R. Franks, B. Lewis, D. Qually, J. Glynos, M. Beatty. 

16



AARTS, David 

33 Duck Creek Rd 

Stillwater 

RD 3 

Silverdale 

New Zealand 

daveandirene@xtra.co.nz 

BEATTY, Michael 

Cape Town 

021 783 1497 

michael@beatty.co.za 

BONEGIO, Raul 

Johannesburg 

Cell: 082 574 2286 

Tel: 011 791 0679 

raulb@absamail.co.za 

BOYNS, Michael 

Sandton, Johannesburg 

Cell: 083 251 1319 

Tel: 011 784 8797 

michael@metmar.co.za 

COHEN, Ivan 

Spain 

+34 95 28 10 268 

+34 606 379 973 (M) 

ivan.trglobal@telefonica.net 

Class of 1960 – where they are today 

CONSTANTINIDES (now BUCK), 

Patricia 

70 Blessington Street 

St Kilda 

3182 Melbourne 

Australia 

ELIOVSON, Robin 

101/93 Brompton Road 

Kensington 

NSW 2033 

Australia 

Tel: +612 9313 6834 

Fax: + 612 9313 6835 

“SKYPE” user name: robindeliovson 

ampersandd@iinet.net.au 

ELLIS, Robert 

P O Box 650172 

Benmore 2010 

South Africa 

Tel: 011 884 2940 

Cell: 083 677 8396 

robert@tiffysafety.co.za 

FRANKS, Carol (now Handelsman) 

Canada 

curlihan@telus.net 

FRANKS, Ronald 

189 Romfield Circuit 

Thornhill, ON L 3T 3H7 

Canada 

rfranks@rogers.com 

FROOTKO, Nicky 

Plettenberg Bay 

Cell: 076 223 0803 

nicky@frootko.com 

GARRATT, Pamela 

7-109 Baines Avenue 

Harare 

Zimbabwe 

GLYNOS, John 

22 The Pin Oaks 

12 Benmore Road 

Morningside Ext. 30 

Sandton 2196 

Tel: 011 783 1814 

Cell: 082 853 6834 

jmaglynos@telkomsa.net 

HACK, Ernest 

USA 

ejhack@gmail.com 

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HESKETH-MARE, Ralph 

Deceased 

HESKETH-MARE, Rodney 

6 Adele Road 

Willowild 

Johannesburg 

Tel: 011 787 7045 

Cell: 083 625 1155 

rodneyheskethmare@gmail.com 

HOBBS ROBERTS, Frances 

KZ Natal 

Tel. : 031 564 3897 

Cell : 072 348 3077 

francesm@telkomsa.net 

KABAK, Jack 

USA 

kabakj@sbcglobal.net 

KUCK, Maureen (now Schwegmann) 

Midrand, Johannesburg 

Landline 011 466 0122 

Wireless 011 701 5054 

mschweg@mweb.co.za 


LEWIS, Barry 

58 Eagle Drive 

Koro Creek Wildlife & Golf Estate 

Limpopo 

South Africa 

Cell: 083 654 1285 

Fax: 0866 728 129 

bblewis@iafrica.com 

LOUW, Mickey 

Umkomaas 

Kwa Zulu Natal 

Tel. 039 973 1640 

Cell : 082 653 1972 

info@agulhashouse.com 

MALK, Norman (No details) 

MASTERSON (now IRSIGLER), 

Rosemary 

P O Box 688115 

Bryanston 2021 

South Africa 

Tel: 011 706 2139 

bi@kupela.co.za 

MONTEATH (now HENRY), Jenny 

Ramsgate Beach Club 

KZ Natal 

rbc@lantic.net 

MORISON (now COLLINS), Sheila 

P O Box 123 

Sedgefield 6570 

South Africa 

Tel: 044 343 1828 

sheila@magneticsouth.net 

NICAISE, Axel (No details) 

QUALLY, Demetri 

14 Battleridge Road 

Marina da Gama 

7945 Cape Town 

Tel: 021 788 6584 

Cell: 083 629 1326 

dlq@eev.co.za 

SALVADORI-PALEOTTI, Agnese 

(No details) 

SARKIN (now LAZARUS), Hazel 

Cape Town 

Cell: 082 451 4280 

hazdav@mweb.co.za 

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SCHMIDT, Horst 

Third Road 

Hyde Park 

Johannesburg 

Tel: 011 781 9811 

Cell: 083 625 5874 

horst@eschmidt.co.za 

SOSSEN, Clifford 

Plus One Solutions 

74 Chaleyer Street 

Rose Bay 

Sydney, NSW 2029 

Australia 

P: +61 2 9371 1765 

M: +61 4 14458 116 

SKYPE: cliffsossen 

csossen@iinet.net.au 

TOMLINSON, Alan 

Johannesburg 

Tel: 011 317 8300 (W) 

011 704 2071 (H) 

docwat@sportron.co.za 


VALMAS (now MANIAS), Marionka 

Democritou 29 

Saronida 19013 

Greece Tel. +30 22910 60194 

marmanias@hotmail.com 

VAN NIFTRIK (now PITLO), Mariette 

Cape Town 

pppitlo@iafrica.com 

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As drawn and told by Ivan Cohen 

Rusty Rust was on n a ladder l der creating c g a huge hu e racket ke with w h an an electric el t i drill, 

making m ki g holes oles for o a speaker s ea r box. b Crosley C sle came ca e into n o the he classroom c ss oo 

and an asked ke him what w a he h thought t o h he e was as doing. oin . 

Not looking ki g to see se who w o had h posed o ed the t e question ues io he e replied e li 

“ The e headmaster ea mas er said s d I could”, co ”, followed f wed by b a couple up of o expletives. 

e i s. 

Only O a pro ro boxer oxe could ld have h e done o e this h s without wit o dire d consequences con eq c ! 

The T e cartoon art on was a done d n on o a piece p ce of f paper e with i h a mapping m p i g pen and d ink. in . 

It tried rie to show h w a few f w pertinent e in n things t g like li one o e of f Crosley’s Crosle s maxims im – 

“ You’ve u ve reached ch d the he point po t of o no return”. urn . It also o shows h ws a coin which wh h 

related rela ed to t another a o her well-known w ll- n wn Crosleyism ro ley m ..... ..... 

“ All work o and an no o play p y ... a dull du coin”. co n . 

Other O her topical t pic names n and a d nonsense n ense such c as a ZARAK Z A ( I’m not n sure sure who w 

/ what w he e was as supposed u p d to o be b – but bu I have a a feeling eel g that t a he h was w s a 

monster m nst r I drew that at we w anointed n t d with i h that h t name a e ), , a sign sig pointing oin ing in 

the t e direction ire ion of TARA T and a d a few f w other h little it le things h s and characters c ara e s 

placed p ce here-and-there, here- n - ere a la Mad d magazine. i e. 

The T e cartoon art on was a pretty p t well-received well- ce d by our o r class. c ss 

I gave g ve it to o Mike ik Boynes o n s who h decades ec e later la er found f un it i and a d kindly in l 

posted p s ed a copy c p to o me. The T original inal must u t be e worth or h a fortune o u e today o !! 

20

as told by 

Ivan Cohen 



January 1958 was the month 

when we all started a new chapter or perhaps, a new book in our lives. 

We arrived at a new school as members of the senior class, having just completed Form 2! 

We had all come from other high schools and in many cases, met up with ex-classmates. 

My Form 2 class photo from Parktown Boys shows a few familiar faces from that time – those of 

Bonegio, Ellis and Flockhart. The Form 1 class photo shows Eliovson and Clemo ( latterly 

known as “Glum” ). No doubt my experience was not exclusive. A positive aspect was that 

we were all new kids on-this-block and enjoyed equal status. There were no artificial barriers 

created by tradition, seniority, big brothers etc. 

Everything we encountered was brand new 

– teachers, buildings, shiny new desks with no carved initials or hearts, text books that had not yet 

been defaced. As a result of time constraints and the existing funding policies of the Dept. Of 

Education, very few facilities had been created. We had no playing fields, pool, courts etc. 

This didn’t turn out to be too much of a problem as the use of sporting facilities had been arranged at 

venues such as the Wanderers Club. However, having veld all around the school actually turned out to be 

an ideal situation for many. After all, what could have been better than going down to the cluster of acacia 

trees below the bottom level and having a boogie during break? No doubt a “rook” / “skyf” or a “grip” ( for those 

who were lucky enough ! ) were also on the cards, all facilitated by the camouflage provided by 

the virgin veld. 

In retrospect it would be hard to disagree that from academic and disciplinary standpoints, 

things had not been too well thought out. Everybody no doubt remembers our first headmaster 

who was seconded from Rosebank Primary School. Mr. Barnes was no youngster 

and was totally ill-equipped to handle some of the “kids” that turned up 

at the school. On occasion, nobody paid any attention to him and I venture 

to say that Hyde Park High turned out to be his worst nightmare 

and not the way in which he would have wished to end his career. 

Continued .... 

21

...continues 

Those were the days of the ducktail and we certainly had our fair share. 

I don’t know whether it is politically correct to mention names and if the 

definition of ducktail actually covered any of these guys. 

Without being vindictive, I’ll mention a few ( without their surnames ) who 

were reputed to fit the bill ..... the brothers Dave and Stan ( his girlfriend’s 

name was Cavvy ! ), Claude ( Klokkie ) and of course, Lenny. Naturally there 

were others and to a fresh-faced kid, it was not a happy experience to 

be approached before / after school or at breaks and to be asked if you 

were ”sigging”. I still don’t believe that there is a simple translation for this 

nor do I believe that any answer provided was acceptable. I do remember 

that the late Barry Pillemer managed to provide a superb response to one 

of the afore-mentioned manne. 

We were also “fortunate” enough to have for a short while, the company of 

one Pat Hauptfleisch who rocked up from the South on one fine day, wearing 

real stovepipes – not simply tapered pants but a pair that were so tight he 

would probably have had to have been born in them. He took great delight 

in stealing Jack Kabak’s sandwiches. One could say that this was a justifiable 

crime as Jack’s sarmies were the best I had ever seen and probably most of 

us wouldn’t frown upon one even at this stage of our lives. Pat never had any 

but those of us who did, had to be content with apricot jam and the like V roast 

beef with pickled cucumber and a dash of mustard on rye bread! 

When it came to dress, Nicky Frootko made an amazing discovery. The old 

school shirt we wore could be turned into a modern, desirable item of clothing 

by simply folding the points back under the collar to make it look like an 

expensive, modern, cut-away design. A close study of some of the old pics 

will reveal that this brilliant, possibly patentable idea was adopted by more 

than one of us. 

Some of us had our first exposure to porn when two of our peers managed 

to reproduce some photos which then did the rounds on the playground. 

I suppose this might have happened at any school but in 1958 at Hyde Park 

it was inevitable !! 



It is not to say that the rest of us were angels. Those with buzz bikes or 

“boneys” as they were also known, would ride out at will, especially during 

breaks and for example, go to the Dairy Den for an icey. Coming back into 

the school grounds never seemed to be a problem as being caught wasn’t 

“serious”. This word requires special pronunciation and as you may remember 

many things could be “serious” – a car, a female, a party, an incident etc. 

One guy who could pronounce this better than any of us will no doubt be at the 

reunion – my dear old friend and partner-in-crime, Rusty a.k.a. Kid Rafferty. 

( I wonder how many remember that in decorating his rucksack, he wrote his 

professional title on the top flap and in his haste, left out the second “r” ). 

Talking of chicks, they were many and varied and very exciting for boys who had 

attended boys-only schools. I’m sure the same applied to the girls and often 

wonder how many kids changed schools to be with the opposite sex. After all, 

showing-off and rawfing ( sp. ?? ) was much more fun when one had some 

cherries to impress ! They were on occasion also subjected to the 

pipette-in-the-pocket trick ( Hazel Sarkin was one I think ). Here, during Mrs. 

Henrey’s science classes we would fill a pipette with water, slip it up our sleeve, 

sidle up to an unsuspecting victim, place the tip in their blazer pocket remove 

the finger from the tip, thereby releasing the water into the selected pocket ! 

Teachers – well there were the usual bunch found at every school. We had 

Mr. Scheepers for maths. He had less hair than I have today and combed the 

few remaining strands across his shiny pate. He used to use the words 

“crriminil” and “disssgrace” to describe our behaviour. I really liked him. 

He was good at his job, handled us firmly - often with a wry smile. 

I wonder how many remember the singing classes and the singing teacher, 

Mr. Niven. He used to operate on some kind of a freelance basis as he used 

to do his act at various schools in the Johannesburg area. I know of Parktown, 

Roosevelt and Hyde Park - there were others. This poor old man was a prime 

target for abuse, not only at our school but at others. He was succeeded by a 

young lady whose name now eludes me. I think she also taught French. 

The boys took great delight in torturing her with the systematic destruction of 

the song Greensleeves. Prior to the class we arranged how we would sing 

the title word. Each time the chorus came around she was bombarded at 

maximum possible volume with our rendition of “grrrreen sleeves”. 

The girls sang it melodically and sweetly and I’m sure were not impressed 

by our contribution. 

Then there was English with Miss Sachs, Adrienne. She returned to school 

one day as Mrs. Gruskin. I don’t recall that she had a high regard for many 

of the boys. It was the year of Christopher Lee’s Dracula and I vividly 

remember the fangs that Robin Eliovson and I made from the runners of 

plastic model planes – cut, shaped and curved by heating with a match. 

Thereafter a dash of white paint and a little red ( for blood ) on the ends 

and voila – placed under the top lip you were in the vampire business.



...continues 

Adrienne was seriously unimpressed. 

[ Many years later my wife Helen attended a series of lectures together with her and 

it was never revealed that she and I were married ]. 

One teacher that I don’t believe will be remembered with much affection was John 

Harris. He was a soft-spoken and gentle man in the class and used to pronounce 

Agnes’ name as Agnese. After leaving the school he pursued his ( unknown ? ) 

activism and became the notorious station bomber, for which he was executed. 

This is not something which one likes to remember but it was perhaps typical of 

the type of thing the first years of Hyde Park served up. 

In later years there were prefects. Different levels were created, distinguished 

by different coloured ties : prefects, sub-prefects and sub-sub prefects ( !! ). 

28 of the 31 who survived to reach matric managed to qualify for one of these titles. 

Raul Bonegio would sometimes perform an amazing routine when entering the 

class after doing his duty between classes or after breaks. He would rush in 

and execute the most perfect fall sending everything flying – miraculously 

he never broke any furniture or bones! 

Unfortunately, I was not privy to and still am unaware of some of the doings 

and experiences of our fine ladies. I have no doubt that under hypnosis, 

one could extract some fine stories. It was not possible to survey 

any of them nor was it possible to get feedback from many of the guys in 

the time available to produce this historical masterpiece. 

I trust you’ll all forgive me if I have left out things that you might have wished 

to be included. Robin struggled to get some of the individual write-ups he 

needed and I’m sure the same problem would have faced me had I tried. 

There are wonderful stories and events from our first year and the subsequent 

years that would probably add value and amusement to a paper such as this. 

I have tried to limit it to our year – the first senior year of our old alma mater. 

IVAN COHEN 

23

R. Eliovson 

C. Sossen 

M. Kuck 

R. Ellis 



deceased 

Matrics (left to right) Back Row: Mr. A. Owens, E. Hack, D. Aarts, A. Tomlinson, J. Kabak, 

Ralf & Rodney Hesketh-Maré, H. Schmidt, I. Cohen, N. Frootko, M. Louw, M. Boyns. 

Middle Row: A. Salvadori-Paleotti, R. Masterson, C. Franks, S. Morison, P. Constantinides, 

M. Valmas, H. Sarkin, J. Monteith, P. Garratt, A. Nicaise, M. van Niftrik, F. Hobbs, 

Front Row: R. Bonegio, R. Franks, B. Lewis, D. Qually, J. Glynos, M. Beatty. 

13 still to follow 

24



David Aarts 

I matriculated with the rest of you in 1960. 

Joined the Post Office as an apprentice telephone technician. 

In 1962, I became the junior partner in a swimming pool construction 

company. Art Pools. 

1964, After a fall out with my partners in the Pool company; I sold up and attended 

JCE training as a science teacher. I quickly realised that teaching was not for me. 

I only taught for a couple of months. 

1968, I joined AECI at their Sasolburg Factory as a Laboratory Technician. 

1978, I was on the move again as I wanted to move nearer the sea. I went to work 

for Cerebos Salt as Chemist at their Coega salt pans near Port Elizabeth. I then 

worked for Carborundum Universal making grinding wheels. Then PE plating, 

chrome plating car bumpers. I was retrenched in 1984 when all cars changed 

from chrome to plastic bumpers. 

I returned to the Reef as a process engineer for Kimberly-Clark. (Then trading as 

Carlton Paper because of the trade embargo) I was located in Springs and also 

worked at their Wadeville factory. 

After 20 years with the company I retired in 2004. 

That was my work career. Social career follows: 

After leaving School, played hockey for Old Hydes until I was at JCE. I then played Hockey 

for JCE. I also went skin diving and ski boating in Mozambique at every opportunity 

I could get. In 1964 I married Penny Fisher. We brought up 2 children mainly in Sasolburg , 

then later in PE. We were divorced by mutual agreement in 1982. During the 10 years in 

Sasolburg I build 4 sailing boats. Getting bigger each time. I sailed at LDYC. 

When I moved to PE we lived in Redhouse on the Swartkops River. 

There was a sailing club 300m down the road. It was a dingy club. I was used to sailing 

keelboats but joined the club and learned dingy sailing. The whole family joined in sailing. 

At the time I was also a member of Algoa bay yacht club and had a Lello 34, called Eggnog, 

based there. This boat was in the news in 2008 when she was abandoned off the Natal south 

coast due to heavy weather. I don’t know who owned her at the time. I sold Her when 

I returned to the Reef in 1984. 

In 1986 I married Irene Collier. A PE girl with 3 children whom I had met at the sailing clubs there. 

The whole family sailed at Murray Park club in Springs. We also sailed at Pretoria sailing club. 

In 1990 we started building a holiday home at Vaal Marina. This was only completed in 2001. 

We spent most week ends living in the half-completed house while working on it. 

About this time I gave up dingy sailing and returned to keelboats at Pennant Nine Yacht Club. 

After Vasty and collage education, Irene’s 3 girls each did an overseas experience. 

They decided that other parts of the world were better places to live. One married an Irishman 

and is living in Cork. One married an Englishman and is living near Reading in England. 

The third married a South African and the both immigrated to New Zealand in 1994. 

My daughter and son still live in South Africa. When I retired in 2004 it was logical to follow at 

least one of the children. We chose New Zealand because of the similar climate and culture to 

SA. WE are thoroughly enjoying life here. We live in Stillwater. A small village (actually an 

isolated suburb of Auckland) at the southern 

base of the Whangaparoa peninsula. I have a 

20-ft sailing boat parked at the bottom of the 

garden. The boat club is 300m down the road. 

I have made a living in New Zealand by fixing 

up dilapidated houses. We have so far bought 

4 “do up” houses. We live in them while fixing 

then sell and move on. We are reluctant to sell 

this house however, it suites us well. 

That is my life. 

Picture above of My wife Irene, Myself and 2 New Zealand grand children. 

The next picture (right) is of Irene, Kathy (her daughter) and Kathy's 

2 daughters, on my boat in the bay

MICHAEL 

ROBERT DAVID 

BOYNS 



Early Days 

1943 – 1960 

I was born in Cambridge, England in 1943 and moved to south London in 1946. I undertook my primary and higher education in England up to the age 

of 14 until moving to South Africa in 1958 where I attended Hyde Park High School from Grade 10 to Grade 12, matriculating in 1960. 

Career 

1961 – 1997 

I joined Stewart, Steyn & Co (now Ernst & Young) as an articled clerk on 2 January 1961and attended the Commerce Faculty of the University of the 

Witwatersrand on a part-time basis. I obtained my Certificate in the Theory of Accountancy at the end of 1968 and passed the Board Examinations in 

May 1969 to become a Chartered Accountant (SA). I was made an Audit Partner of Ernst & Young in the March of 1974 a position I held with them 

until I left in July 1997. 

1997 – 2005 

I was invited to join the Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Holding Company Limited (Johnnic) as Senior General Manager – Finance in August 

1997 at the time that Cyril Ramaphosa’s NEC acquired a 35% interest therein (his first venture into the capitalist system and my first venture with a 

black empowerment company). I had a most enjoyable eight years with them and became company secretary of five listed JSE companies during 

that period (Johnnic, Bevcon [SAB’s holding company]; M-Cell [MTN], Johnnic Communications [Avusa] and Gallagher Estate). Johnnic was taken 

over by HCI in the latter part of 2005 and the then staff and directors, including myself, left. 

2006 – 2010 

In the March of 2006 I was invited to take up the position of company secretary on a part-time basis to a newly JSE listed company, Metmar Limited, 

which position I still hold today. In addition, I do some consulting work and am a director of a number of private companies. 

Together with a number of the 1960 and 1961 matriculants we started the Old Hydes Club in 1962 which you must all be familiar with. I was elected 

honorary treasurer which position I held until it folded. I married Pat Woods (who matriculated from Hyde Park High School in 1961) in December 

1967. We have three daughters, two of which are married (Susan and Deborah) and have presented us with four grand children (two boys and two 

girls). Fortunately for us they live in Johannesburg whereas our eldest unmarried daughter, Jennifer, lives in London. 

In 2002 I was invited to become the Receiver General of The Order of St John, South Africa which appointment was approved by Her Majesty Queen 

Elizabeth II, the Sovereign Head of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem. The Order of St John of Jerusalem started with the First 

Crusade in 1099 when wealthy knights mainly from Europe travelled to “the Holy land” to protect Jerusalem and the many pilgrims travelling there and 

returning. The Order eventually retired from the Jerusalem area and worked in hospitals which they built in Rhodes, Cyprus and then Malta. In 1888 

Queen Victoria became the Head of the Order. 

Today the main business of St John is as a leading organization in the primary health care system. On 5 February 2006, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 

II graciously sanctioned my promotion as a Knight in the Order. 

In 1961 I joined the Zoo Lake Sports Club and during my stay there played hockey (eventually in 2nd league) and cricket (also in 2nd Personal Life 

Sport 

league). In 1963 I 

left Zoo Lake and helped to start both the cricket and hockey sections of Old Hydes Club where I played until my early 30’s. I am now a member of the 

Johannesburg Sportsman’s Club, the membership of which mainly comprises of retired “Springboks”, retired sports administrators and persons who 

have excelled in sport and sports’ administration. We meet for lunch on the last Friday of the month at the Wanderers’ Club to discuss old times and 

listen to an address by a top sporting personality.



Ivan Cohen 

Helen Cohen 

After matriculating I spent a year at Rhodes University “studying” for a 

B.Sc,, collecting a couple of credits whilst continuing my former specialization 

in extramural activities ! Finance dictated that I change courses and I started 

articles in 1962 with a firm of chartered accountants in Johannesburg. I went 

on to graduate CTA and B.Com and passed the PAAB board exam by end 1967. 

Helen and I were married in February 1967 whilst I was studying for the board 

exam and completing my B.Com. In 1968 we moved down to Cape Town 

where I attended UCT and obtained my MBA. 

Picture taken at Tracy’s wedding 

After a series of poor job selections I managed to raise the funding to purchase an old plastic company, Rand Plastics ( Pty ) Ltd. Which was able to turn 

around and grow until I sold portion to a large privately-owned group in 1979 and the balance in 1983. A severe restraint-of-trade agreement prevented me 

from going back into the same business and I started a small company importing furniture components and a few other consumer durable products. This led to 

the formation of a new company with 2 partners, AIM Marketing ( Pty ) Ltd. This company grew rapidly and was listed on the JSE in 1987. The company 

specialized in consumer electrical and electronic appliances and developed and supplied AIM branded products for the Pick ‘n Pay group (AIM = Alan, Ivan, 

Martin). Whilst developing the AIM group I listed my brother’s company Deale & Huth Holdings Ltd., on the JSE. 

In 1993 I started a new business, Supersource (Pty) Ltd., sourcing consumer durable products for various supermarket chains, specialist retailers and appliance 

manufacturers. I later did some business consulting including a year at the Tiger Wheels group. 

Outside of my business life in JHB I was involved in activities such as Round Table, teaching management accounting and finance to graduates and being 

involved in school PTA’s. The latter would probably come as a shock to some of our old teachers ! The most unlikely of these offices was that of chairman of 

Saheti School. We had a joke that some took seriously, that we were changing our surname from Cohen to Cohenides ! 

In 2000 Helen and I decided we would like a change in our lives and we moved to Marbella, Spain. I became export director for a Spanish brewery until 2008 

when it was taken over by another Spanish brewery group. Since then, I have spent countless hours trying to get new ventures going in a business climate 

which is not conducive towards new ideas and businesses. I am involved with a partner in a business which introduces alternative investments to potential 

investors. 

My personal life has probably been the most successful part of the 50 years since leaving school. In Helen I have found an ideal partner - we celebrated our 

43rd wedding anniversary in February of this year. Helen studied Social Work once the kids had started school and worked at various clinics and developed her 

skills as a practicing counsellor. We have 2 children. Jonathan is 40 years old and lives in Johannesburg with his lovely Polish wife Magda. He is a film director 

and has made many of the TV commercials that appear on SA TV channels. He has also made commercials in countries like France, Germany, Canada and 

Poland. Tracy is 37 years old and lives in London where she is married to Elliot, a lawyer by profession. Both are executives in the banking world. Tracy is 

advertising manager for a major international bank and Elliot develops funds. 

We love the freedom and lack of tension and the atmosphere in Spain. Helen plays bridge and I go to gym, still play the guitar, do a lot of DIY and have recently 

taken up sculpture. We are able to follow most of the sport we used to on SKY channels – rugby, cricket, F1 etc. We are grateful for the wonderful life that we 

have managed to create here. We have adapted pretty well and speak reasonably good Spanish - although not at “expert” level. 

Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend the 50th reunion and wish you a successful and enjoyable get-together !

Robin Eliovson 



Dear class mates (sounds too 

formal) "you okes" it is a 

pleaure to re-unite with you all 

once again. It seems to be 

another life away this reunion 

thing, but interesting non-the- 

less. I am reminded by others 

that I was a "naughty oke" and 

I assure you I am nearly cured. 

Underlined text are linked to other sites 

The last 50 years - post school résumé - Well I am looking at my birthday 1st May and calculate 67 years where have they 

gone? I left Hyde Park mid term, mid week, mid day, in April - amid a lot of raised tempers from my parents. I caught a bus 

into town and went to visit Ivan Cohen's brother Basil who worked for a large bicycle distributor. At the end of the week I 

had my first job ... selling push bikes. I was free from school, but little did I know not free from work. In 4 months after my 

leaving school I managed to become indentured to a printing company as a compositor (that requires working with lead 

type). I served my long apprenticeship of 5 years and then joined a small commercial printer in Braamfontein in 1966. I 

enrolled at technical college and achieved a diploma in costing and estimating for printers. 

I travelled to Europe and on my return joined a company in Doornfontein as an estimator and salesperson shared half 

day. I remember my first day well. I walked from the one side of Commissioner Street to the other and did not make a 

single sale... oh dear!!! My friend Norman gave me my first order for business cards. Some seven years later I was doing 

maximum sales at the Doornfontein printer and I met with an old associate and we decided to join forces and start a 

printing company. Futura Offset was born in 1972. I headed sales and administration and Roy handled the production. 

Our first machine was a borrowed press and 4 months later we purchased our 1st litho press. Our company grew and 

after some 10 years I purchase the majority of shares and was a sole owner. I grew the company over the 26 years that I 

was at the helm with 68 employees and co-directors. 

In 1997 I moved to Australia with my family. Soon I joined a plastics company that was in “trouble” and successfully made 

it profitable again. Some 4 years later I moved on and joined some friends in a property development. 

Shortly thereafter in 2004 I contacted Parkinson's which gave me the “Royal Runaround” until my doctor was able to sort 

out the medication. I went into “retirement”, but never stopped work. I produced web sites for clients, designed logos and 

kept myself busy. I also have taken up my life-long hobby of restoring veteran and vintage motorbikes. A friend introduced 

me to “printmaking”. I also went for painting lessons and after a few 

years have been doing artwork. I had a joint exhibition in 2009 

Darling Harbour, Sydney 

with 6 fellow Australian artists where I showed a group of my 

artworks of birds and birds of prey. Some pictures can be seen 

on Face book - my paintings and My Art and 

FLICKR photo pages I still continue to paint weekly 

and the rest of my free time is taken up with 

vintage motorbikes. Which I restore and rally with. 

I have a fantastic wife Sheila who supports and looks after me 

and three children Tracy, Janice and Greg and 2 grandchildren. 

I do hope you all enjoy the festivities at the reunion, 

sorry I cant be there, best wishes, Robin. 

1 1 meter meter long long pizza pizza being being enjoyed enjoyed by by my my wife wife Sheila Sheila 

and two o grand grand children children Megan M gan 12 12 and and Aidan Aidan 55



Robert & Eileen Ellis 

History of Robert Ellis - Johannesburg, 31 May 2010 

Following Matric in 1960, I was quite uncertain about my career. I worked in hardware and tool retail for a while, followed by the Army in 1963 in Potchefstroom 

where I once again met up with Alan Tomlinson. After this I started a ‘real job’ working for Sappi in ’64 where I wore a suit nogal! While there I got a call from a friend 

of Alan & Penny who asked if I would like to meet a ‘nice young girl’ at an upcoming Friday evening get-together of young adults at St Mungos Church. My curiosity 

was huge, the blind-date took place, and so started the 46 year (thus far) relationship with my wife Eileen. From that Friday onwards, my life changed! Thank you 

Alan & Penny. 

We courted for two years before I pursued my long held aim of travelling abroad to work in the paper industry. What heartbreak - I was away in England less than a 

month before I asked Eileen to join me to do the same thing, which she did the next year in Montreal, Canada where I had moved to continue in the paper industry. 

In 1968 we returned to get married in October, and to set up home back in SA once again. My career took me into the printing industry with Penrose Press, followed 

by a move to product management at Kimberly-Clark, and into starting with Unisa to work on a B.Com. Yup, the hard, part-time way! 

In ’71 our son Robert was born, and we moved into our own new home. Debbie followed in ’74, and our family was complete. I finally completed my degree while 

the turbulent mid seventies got us questioning our future in SA, but ironically the meeting of a Canadian family on holiday settled the matter for us – they told us 

what a great place this was. The next plan was for Eileen and I to start our own business, and in 1980 we invested our life savings in Tiffy Safety. This business and 

the personal protective industry we serve has been very good to us for 30 years now. How we remember our kids wanting to ride the forklift, or go to Sandown 

Primary in a bakkie, what excitement it was for them too in the beginning. Not so to high school though! 

Both Robert and Debbie attended Hyde Park, Debbie being chosen as Head Prefect in 1991. We played hockey and tennis together, and in the 80’s I coached the 

HPHS boys hockey, followed by many a year playing together for Old Hydes Hockey. Our children went on to study electrical engineering and teaching respectively. 

Robert met his future wife Angie at HPHS, eventually marrying in ’95 and giving us in 1997 Genevieve, the first of four grandchildren. What a great life we had led 

thus far, everything went so smoothly with no drama ever. 

This joy dimmed a little when Robert’s firm transferred him in 1998 to Houston Texas, something we found really tough. And so began our annual trips to the US. 

The marvels of email and Skype allowed our weekly ‘visits’ to continue, including the first look in 2000 at our first grandson Reagan. Our second shock was hearing 

in 2003 just after my sixtieth, that Robert had a small astrocytoma in the brain. This tumour was to progress to a GBM4 tumour by early 2009, and despite various 

treatments at two hospitals in Los Angeles during last year, he eventually passed away in January 2010. Eileen and I had visited 4 times in his last year and were 

there at the end. It is the saddest experience losing a child in the prime of his life. 

Debbie went on to teach maths in both CT and Jhb, including HPHS of all things. Her marriage in 2001 to Ray Strydom led to two grandchildren in 2006 and 2008, 

Jonathan and Sarah. As they live in Ferndale, where she is a stay-at-home-mom and educator, we are very blessed in seeing them regularly. 

For now we make the most we can from life. Like so many in SA, we think the politicians are failing us. There is no leadership as all the time is spent squabbling 

over the opportunity to get the snout in the biggest trough. Tiffy Safety still keeps me very occupied. We employ over 30 people, many of whom have been with us 

for more than 20 years. My wife is a wonderful Nana to our grandchildren both here and in California, and I still sit on the floor to play with the little ones. The joy 

they bring is huge. We are indeed blessed. 

Robert Ellis by Numbers: 1 wife; 2 children; 3 jobs since 1969; 4 grandchildren; 5 years of riding my Ariel 650 motorbike; 6 years it took to get my B.Com; 50 years 

to get my pic in the Matrics of 1960; 56 years of age playing last game of league hockey; 60 years of age umpiring last game of hockey; 101, lowest score in golf; 

1000, the number of times I would lead the same life again, with one tragic exception…. 

29



Carol Franks 

Let me start off by congratulating you 

on the great job you are doing in 

orgainizing this reunion! 

Unfortunately I will be unable to come 

to South Africa to attend the celebration. 

I would have loved to meet up with 

everyone. It will be a blast! 

I must say that when I originally heard 

from Ronny about your contact with 

him, it brought back so many memories 

of Hyde Park School and my classmates. 

A lot has happened since then - how the 

years fly! 

Please keep in touch. I would love to hear 

how the reunion went and possibly 

get some photos. 

Thanks for all your time-consuming hard work. 

Best regards, Carol Handelsman (nee Franks) 

CAROL HANDELSMAN (nee FRANKS) 

Education 

1966 graduated from Wits. BSc. 

1968 graduated from UCT BEd. 

2007 Certified as Irlen Screener 

Career 

1969 – 1977 I worked at St Vincent’s School for the Deaf for several years 

before starting a family after which I worked part-time at various 

high schools, teaching biology, until I immigrated to Canada 

with my family. 

1977 - 1979 I was engaged in private tutoring in Toronto. 

1979 - 2006 I worked at the University Hospital of Alberta as the Education 

Coordinator and Group Psycho-therapist in a Psychiatric Day 

2006 - 2010 

Treatment Program until I retired after 26 happy and productive years. 

I retired from full-time work in 2006 and have since been working 

Carol and Neil 

Personal 

part-time as a tutor and Irlen Screener diagnoses individuals who suffer from a perceptual disorder called IrleneSyndrome. 

I have been happily married to my husband Neil Handelsman since December 1966. 

In June 1967 we went to Israel for six months where we worked on a kibbutz as volunteers. On returning to South Africa Neil attended the University of 

Cape Town where he completed his MBA and I completed my B.Ed in 1968. 

We then left South Africa and moved to Toronto where we lived for almost three years. In 1977 Neil’s job took us to Edmonton where the weather 

resembles the North Pole! 

I worked fulltime since arriving in Edmonton and I loved my work which involved running therapy groups for adults and young adults as well as 

enabling them to continue with their core school subjects and providing educational upgrading for the adults. The Day Treatment Program is for outpatients 

who commit to completing a four-month treatment to deal with mental disorders such as depression, anorexia, bipolar disorder etc. 

We have made a lovely life for ourselves here in Edmonton, not too far from the beautiful Rocky Mountains. 

We have three lovely children, all born in South Africa: 

Alan (40) worked for many years in the field of financial advising before returning to school to complete his BA in Environmental Sciences. He lives 

happily in Vancouver where he manages a bike store and is keenly involved in alternative transportation (bikes rather than cars) and preserving the 

environment. 

Danya (37) is married and living in Boston with her husband Jed Shugerman and their three children Leor (8), Zachary (6) and Noa (4). She is a fulltime 

mom but will be returning to work as a physiotherapist. 

Rodney (34) lives happily in Montreal where he is completing his PhD in Education, after having worked for five years as a teacher at an alternative 

school for high school drop-outs. 

p Sports and Interests 

Neil and I love spending time in the Rocky Mountains where we enjoy hiking and nature. Our family joins us there for either summer or winter holidays. 

We both are members of the Edmonton Bridge Club where we enjoy playing duplicate bridge. We subscribe to the local theatre as well as the 

symphony, so we are kept busy with a rich cultural life. 

Since Neil and I have been semi-retired we have travelled extensively to South America, Russia and England. We have also been able to make frequent 

visits to Ronny and Heather in Toronto and to our other family members across Canada and the United States.



CAREER 

Nicky Frootko 1961 ------ 1972 Two year "rondloop"-----deck hand on a small Israeli cargo boat, out of Durban March 1961,carrying various cargo 

to Madagascar, Reunion, Mauritius, East African and Red Sea ports and eventually Israel, followed by travels throughout Europe. 

Wits Medical School - Houseman and Senior Houseman at the old Jo'burg General Hospital. 

Conscription-----Medical Officer, South African Defence Force ---- Simonstown Naval Base and Air Ambulance Unit, 

Katima Mulilo, Caprivi Strip. 

1972-----1983 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals ----- Nuffield Department of Surgery and GreenTempleton College, University of Oxford. 

Formal training in Ear Nose and Throat / Head and Neck Surgery plus higher surgical training, after acquiring the 

Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and an Oxford Masters Degree. Some training also in Liverpool and Edinburgh. 

Appointed Clinical Lecturer in Ear Nose and Throat surgery at Oxford, developed new techniques for Middle Ear 

Reconstruction and had lots of fun working with surgeons in their operating theatres in Boston, Miami, New York, Antwerp, Nijmegen, 

Tubingen and Bordeaux to name a few. 

1983------2005 Whipps Cross University Hospital, London. Appointed Consultant Otolaryngologist / Head and Neck Surgeon and retired 

as head of this department in1999 but continued in my private practice in London until 2005. 

Photo with Helen in France 

2005 to date Retired to Plettenberg Bay and living the life of Riley 

PERSONAL 

In 1970, Sue Lovell and I were married. She was a year or two behind us at school and an expert show jumper. I believe she was 

the first girl at Hyde Park to be awarded full colours and that awful red blazer (for netball). I didn't know her at school and we met on a 

blind date in1968, soon after I returned to Jo'burg from an elective student attachment to a hospitalin Los Angeles. It was on this blind 

date that we found ourselves at a bash on the Wits campus and the band leader and vocalist was none other than Ralph Hesketh-Mare. 

Apart from Jack Kabak, he was the only person from our matric class that I had seen since leaving school and he changed the lyrics of the 

song he was singing to welcome us to the party in typical Ralph style and with that big smile of his. How sad to hear of his parting. 

We have four children (three boys and a girl) all born and resident in England and we have all travelled extensively and 

enjoyed to the full what Britain has to offer. No grandchildren yet. I continued to play tennis and cricket until I retired. My eyes no longer see 

that moving ball so well and I now walk regularly on our beaches and in our forests -------- nothing too strenuous mind you, for the social life in 

Plett can take it out of you and your liver given half the chance. My life long interest in art has now extended to the life drawing class and having 

progressed somewhat I find myself accepted into the large and colourful artist fraternity here. 

Sadly, Sue has Alzheimer's and is now in the end stage of this fatal disease. She is in a private Care Home in nearby Mossel 

Bay that specialises in Dementia and I have chosen to continue to live life to the full and to visit her regularly and oversee her care. 

The children also visit regularly from Britain. 

On the brighter side I have been very lucky having found a wonderful companion to share my new life with. Her name is Helen and 

she is an author and a very accomplished artist. 

When we moved to Plett my art interest soon brought me to the door of Sheila Cooper-Collins (Morison) who lives in Sedgefield 

and earlier this year I met up with John and Mary-Ann Glynos. 

What a treat it will be to see all you other scoundrels again.



John Glynos 

The first picture above is of 

Mary-Ann and me on our 

40th wedding anniversary, 

celebrated on 2nd May this 

year; 

the 2nd photo includes our little 

grand-daughter, Sofia; 

3rd photo was taken in Plett in 

December and has us with 

our daughter, Irene and her 

husband, Craig; 

4th photo is with our son, 

George and his wife, 

Marlene. 

.A A short h t history st r 1961 961 – 2010 201 

Career Ca ee 

1961 Started working for Roberts Construction as a trainee surveyor and learned all about the building industry, the hard way. 

Actually it was the right way, with lots of hands-on experience. I also did a correspondence course with the Institute of Builders, 

London. 

1969 Joined a small building company called Buildmore SA as a partner. This lasted until I went to Athens, Greece in 1978. 

1978 Project managed two buildings in Athens, working with my architect father and my ex-partner. A very different experience! 

1981 Back in South Africa, joined Murray & Roberts Properties and progressed to become their Director of Projects. This was 

where I experienced the corporate scene which I must say, I did not enjoy very much. 

1998 I resigned from Murray & Roberts Properties to take on a Project Management job in Athens again. However, this fell 

through after a few months. Since then, I have been working on my own as a project manager and architectural designer. 

Recently I have slowed down as we are away for 6 months of the year in Plettenberg Bay and Greece. One could say that I am 

now semi-retired Over the years, my hobby became architectural drawings and eventually I became a registered architectural 

designer. It runs in the family as my father was an architect and my brother is also one. 

Personal life 

I did my bachelor thing for 9 years with guys like Costa and Demetri Qually, Rusty Schmidt, Rob Ellis, Mike Boyns, etc. 

We started the Old Hydes Club in 1962 and unfortunately the hockey section folded years ago, whereas the tennis section has 

only just come to an end. The Bridge Club and Book Club are still going strong. 

1970 I married Mary-Ann and we have been happily married for 40 years. We have two children, George, the economist and 

Irene, the Interior Designer. They are both married to South Africans and so far, we have one grand-daughter, Sofia Leila who 

is just over 2 years old. We have lived in Sandton, Johannesburg all our lives, but were fortunate enough to inherit property in 

Athens which we visit between June and September every year, using it as a base to travel in Europe and Greece. December to 

February is spent in Plettenberg Bay where we recently built a house. It has replaced the two bedroom flat in which we enjoyed 

spending our end of year holidays for 20 years! 

Sport S r 

On the sporting front, I played soccer for Corinthians after I left school. However, when we started the Old Hydes Club, I dropped 

the football and joined my friends playing hockey. At the same time I was a staunch supporter of the tennis section. After my 50th 

birthday, I started playing golf and today, I still enjoy playing golf and tennis twice a week although my joints know all about it!



Career 

1961 Tried accountancy and engineering at Wits – not my bag. 

1962 Spent two and a half years with NAC at Baragwanath, working on light aircraft, and 

started learning to fly on Tiger Moths on a bursary provided by NAC. Also did about 3 

months of Aerial Survey Navigation towards the end of this period 

1964 Began SA Air Force Training on the Pupil Pilot Scheme, 1966 joined SAAF on Short 

Service Commission, flying Harvards. 

1967 Continued SAAF flying on Citizen Force Squadron, joined Aviation Insurance 

Company of Africa 

(then local office of BAIC & A&G) as PA to the Manager, appointed Claims Manager 

1968 Obtained Commercial Pilot Licence. 

1971 Left Insurance to manage a Charter Company. 

1972 Started Barry Lewis & Co specialising in dealing with Aviation Claims; flew on 

business dealing with claims in Southern Africa, and purchased the first of three 

aircraft operated in 1978 - Cessna 182, followed by an F33A Beech Bonanza, and 

then a Baron 55 in 1984. Continued SAAF flying with 4 Squadron 1972 – 1978 on 

Barry Lewis 

Impala Mk I & II jets. Up to early 2000 over 2000 aviation cases had been handled, 

from Airline types such as the Boeing 747,707, 737 & 727, the Douglas DC 7, Vickers 

Viscount, HS 748, down through Biz jets such as the Lear jet 55, 35, 24 and 23, the HS 125, to the Beech, Cessna and Piper range, various sailplanes, 

and even microlights. Some interesting claims have involved visits to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the DRC, west Africa and the SADC countries 

including Madagascar. Nights in minus 3 star hotels warn that we don't want to end up like some parts of Africa! Lately most claims involve airliners 

such as Airbus and Boeing types, Bombardier and various models mentioned above. 

Personal life 

In 1969 married Louise D'Hangest D'Yvoy; we have three lovely daughters (they take after their mother), Beverley, Adrienne and Gaenor, all presently 

unmarried, the latter two living in England. We celebrated our 40th Anniversary nearby – the attached photograph showing we are not “past tents”! 

In 1983 we were fortunate to acquire a share in a Shareblock development next to the Kruger National Park. This was a wonderful experience for us 

and the children, with the big 5 moving freely about our bungalow. We learnt a lot about animals, birds and trees, and this left us with an enduring love 

for the Bush and the great outdoors. !n 2008 we found a Wildlife and Golf Estate (we still don't play) just outside Nylstroom (now Modimolle) in 

Limpopo. We have peace and freedom, birdlife and game, and the Bush, with the wonderful Waterberg on our doorstep. 

Sport 

I have always owned two wheels, from large motor cycles to bicycles. I did the Argus two years in a row in the early '80's, in a time of about 3:25 hours. 

When we left Johannesburg I reluctantly parted with my road bike, but kept my mountain bike, which is great for riding on the golf cart track in the early 

morning through our beautiful surrounds doing an inspection of the “Empire”. 

33



Mickey Louw 

You have done a great job in getting everyone together. Well done and MANY thanks!! 

I will certainly try to make it and it should be possible. I have often wondered what happened to everyone and can 

hardly recognise where we were on my rare visits to the concrete jungle of Johannesburg 

What can I tell you about my life? 

Everyone seems to have great and settled lives whilst mine has experienced many upheavals. 

I was awarded my Springbok colours for Show Jumping in 1961 and was Springbok Captain for 17 years. 

I won the World Championship in 1980 and still hold the South African High Jump Record of 2.28m set in 1973. 

I competed in England for two years in 1966 and 1967 and was ranked in the top 5 in the world for some years. 

Due to African Horse Sickness and the political situation I did not have the opportunity of riding in the Olympic 

Games but was asked to ride for England in 1972 which I turned down. 

I initially worked as an Insurance Broker and then having moved to Durban in 1971 joined a company of Bloodstock 

Agents as a partner.. That was a great time of my life as I travelled a great deal and bought horses not only locally 

but in America, South America, Ireland, England and France. Due to my involvement in the industry the temptation 

to own a piece of a horse was paramount and at one time I owned a share in over 70 horses. However a weakening 

rand and other factors put paid to that. 

I stopped riding in 1982 and started Scuba Diving and shortly after started a Scuba Diving Charter here in Umkomaas. 

We sold out of that about 4 years ago. I moved back to Johannesburg to open a branch there and then moved on to 

a financial services operation which again allowed me to travel extensively. 

I bought a hotel in Bathurst, Eastern Cape, which was the oldest licensed premises in the country and moved 

back here in 2003. I now have a 4 star Guest House which mainly deals with Scuba Divers and organise 

overseas dive trips which normally allows me to have a trip myself every year. 

The marriage front has been a disaster as I am now divorced for the third time!! On the positive side, I have 2 

wonderful sons both of whom are married and a 3 year old grand daughter. 

34

Potted History 

Jennifer Henry 

(nee Monteath) 



1960 At last, school is over and done with. How I hated those maths classes! 

1961 Went to Johannesburg Tech and did a secretarial course and my first job 

was at the Freemasons’ hall in Clarendon Circle 

1962/67 Was awarded Springbok colours for badminton and went with a team to 

Australia and New Zealand in 1963. Also played test matches in 

South Africa against England, Denmark, Sweden, Germany 

and the Rhodesias. 

1965 Married Rob Henry (we met playing tennis of all things!) and moved to 

Vereeniging. Worked at Mitco Tool Company. 

1968/83 Had three children and became a stay home Mom 

Richard now 42, Anthony now 40 and Susan now 38. 

They had a wonderful childhood in Vereeniging and we made many 

good friends, but I’m glad we don’t live up north anymore. 

1984 Went back to work running our number plate and sign business while Rob coped with the fibreglass boat business. 

Spent many week ends at the Vaal water skiing. 

1985 Returned to badminton as a Veteran, playing for Vaal Province and Southern Transvaal. 

Also became involved with TrimGym, Naval Cadets and amateur dramatics. 

1992/99 Moved to Ramsgate on the beautiful KZN south coast and got a job running a block of timeshare flats in Ramsgate. I’m still there 18 

years later! Also became computer literate. (except for Face Book which rather eludes me). 

I also qualified as a reflexologist and regularly do yoga classes 

2000 Our first grandchild was born in Johannesburg and they promptly emigrated 

to Australia as did the other two a few years later. 

Anthony and Susan live in Australia and Richard in USA. 

We now have 5 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. 

Today We have made quite a few trips to both Australia and USA to welcome the various 

grandchildren and 

are being nagged to 

go and live in Australia. 

I really am so happy 

here in Ramsgate that 

I am loath to take the 

big leap. 

But who knows – if we 

get a new President 

Malema, I might 

consider it 

Left: Matthew off to school 

Below: The twins Michael and 

Alastair birthday sharing cake 

Cameron-Davies family 

Ant, with children Peter & Sarah

Jack Kabak 



Soon after leaving Hyde Park I spent some time at Dartmouth College in the U.S., where I straightened out a bit 

and learned how to study. Returned to S.A. 2 years later, went though Wits. med. school, internships, and a year 

in Voortrekkerhoogte as a M.O. enjoying the hospitality of the S.A.D.F. 

The next 4 years I specialized in eyes in Chicago and Philadelphia. Although we did not intend to emigrate 

when we left S.A., we ended up near San Francisco where I've been in practice since. Being close to Silicon 

Valley many of my patients have been involved with the computer revolution, and with its ups and downs it's 

been an interesting place to work. 

Whilst a student I married a Jhb. primary school teacher, known then as Geraldine Kahanovitz, whom I met 

on a blind date. Geri became a learning disabilities teacher, but mostly her career was as the manager of our 

practice. We have one son, Matt, and are fortunate to have him close by in San Francisco, where he is a 

lawyer. No grandchildren yet, but he's working on it. 

We both enjoy travel, and working together has given us scheduling flexibility. With all the water around us, we 

took up sailing. When Matt was younger we took boating holidays, which have given us some of our happiest 

memories. I try to stay in reasonable shape walking, ski occasionally (just so I can claim to still be doing it) and 

waste far more time on my computer than I should. 

About 8 years ago I rearranged my practice, some would say retired, and work with associates on a very flexible 

schedule. Now we spend time in Italy as well, where we helped restore part of an old farmhouse. 

Africa still pulls us both, and we are looking forward to seeing the changes that have occurred and also the things 

that have not changed. Our 50th Reunion (wow, that's an impressive number, how can it be?) will be the opportunity 

of a lifetime to reestablish old connections, and so I hope as many of us as can possibly make it will be there to 

breathe life into these brief biographies. With many thanks for your efforts, John, in putting this together for us, Jack



Maureen Kuck 

(now Schwegmann) 

When I wrote matric I didn’t do so well in History, I think it might have had 

something to do with a few guys in my class who used to give Mr Owens 

a hard time so he couldn’t complete the syllabus, but I did do well in 

accounting and have been in the accounting line all of my working life at 

various companies. I was a home executive while my children were young 

and later went back to work for a company. I retired five years ago after 

being in the financial department of an international pharmaceutical 

company for 16 years. 

My husband and I now run an accounting business from home . Doing 

accounts up to auditing level and payroll for small to medium sized 

businesses. We also do VAT, paye & tax returns. 

I Married Bruce 42 years ago and we have 3 children. Gordon lives in 

East London with his wife and 3 boys and is a systems analyst for a 

company here in Midrand but works remotely from home. Keith lives in 

Brisbane Australia with his wife and 2 boys, he is a CA and works for a 

large bank there. Cherylin lives with us and has a graphic design 

business. She does contract work for 2 large Agricultural Chemical 

companies in Isando as well as websites for various people. 

Bruce remembers playing for Wanderers hockey club and playing against 

Old Hydes hockey club. That was a long time ago. 

37



Demetri & Mary Lou Qually 

Demetri at work 

After Matric I studied B Sc at Wits, after 6 months switched to Accountancy (CTA) for 4 years, grew frustrated and 

joined Burroughs (computer company) as a salesman. In 1971, I was recruited by a colleague who went on his own 

and spent a year selling motivational courses. This ultimately didn’t succeed and I rejoined the computer industry in 

sales, systems analysis and programming. This spread across Central Data Systems, Tecnetics and back to Burroughs, 

which became Unisys. 

In 1988, I was asked to open Unisys’s Financial Division in Cape Town, where we bought our current house in 

Marina da Gama. In 1991 I started my own business, with Mary Lou’s assistance. A well known Cape Town landmark 

inspired its name, Elephant’s Eye Video Productions, which Mary Lou continues to run, producing corporate and personal 

occasion videos, as well as converting VHS tapes to DVD and making copies. 

I became active in politics in 1974, which led amongst other things to becoming chair of the Southern Transvaal region 

of the PFP. With the advent of democracy, I stood for the PFP in 1994 elections. Although 7th on the DP (grew out of the PFP) 

list for the Western Cape Legislature, it was not good enough to get elected. In 1996 I was elected as a councillor in South 

Peninsula Municipality. This was a part time position, but included my serving as deputy chair of both the Economic portfolio 

and Exco committees. 

The Unicity of Cape Town came into being in December 2000. I was elected as the ward councillor for greater Muizenberg 

(the party had now become the DA after the merger of the DP and NNP), and served as a portfolio committee chair, and South 

Peninsula subcouncil chair. Both positions were lost when floor crossing gave control to ANC. 

I was re-elected as ward councillor in 2006, when the DA regained control in coalition with six other parties! Helen Zille was 

elected Mayor on my birthday by 106-104 votes – one of my best presents ever. I became, and remain, the South Peninsula 

subcouncil chair, which is a full time position. On the party political side, I am national chair of ADAC (Association of Democratic 

Alliance Councillors) and serve on the Federal Executive of the DA. 

How time passes - Mary Lou and I have been married for 43 eventful years and are still friends and lovers. She was pregnant with 

our “laat lammetjie” when we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Hyde Park class of 1960. Tamsyn is now at UCT majoring in 

Psychology and Film & Media. Our two sons both lived for some time in the UK. Byron is a world renown Industrial designer (best 

known for the wind up radio) and Gareth is a computer animator with eTV, the independent free to air TV station in SA. Gareth 

married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda. We’re delighted that the whole family is back in Cape Town, plus our two 

granddaughters, Abigail and Grace. 

Gareth, Rhonda, Abigail & Grace Byron & Tamsyn 

Although there are major problems, Cape Town is a lovely city in which to live. It is an 

honour to be able to play a role in its development. The Marina is a special environment. In 

addition, the Stormers had a very good Super 14 Rugby season! 

38

Cliff Sossen 



Hi Guys, Just a short resume about my family and my life, some pictures attached. 

I am a proud father of three children all of whom are married with two children, and that makes me 

and my wife Evelyn grandparents of six kids, four boys and two girls. We are very fortunate in that 

we all living in Sydney Australia, and that happened by default rather than my good planning. 

We have two homes, one in Cape Town, Bantry Bay, and the other in Sydney, Rose Bay, and have 

been living in Sydney for the past seven years. 

I do most of my consulting in South Africa and Australia, and commute between the two countries. 

I spend approximately 7 weeks in Australia and three weeks in South Africa. 

I was a senior executive of Woolworths South Africa and worked for them for 40 years. I had a fantastic 

time with the company and was very involved in setting the foods strategy, and am very proud that the 

foods division is now the major contribution to Woolworth’s turnover. I also headed up the store 

operations division for some time and was actively involved in redesigning the Woolies stores. 

I took early retirement and started my own company called Plus One Solutions. The concept of selling one extra item to every 

customer was introduced by me to Woolies and that included introducing the “snake” tilling at the foods pay point. This concept 

has been adapted by many other companies and I am now in the process of introducing it to other retailers that I am presently 

consulting to. 

I have focused on the pharmaceutical industry and do talks about layout and 

display as well as merchandisingconcepts. I have listed below some of the 

concepts that I do with my company. 

Plus one offers the following to:- 

Independent Retailers Wholesalers Suppliers Chain Stores 

Do you want to reach a new level of relationship with your customer base? 

How can you increase sales and make better use of your floor space? 

PLUS ONE is a concept in Australia and South Africa, developed by Cliff 

Sossen. Cliff has a lifetime of international experience in retailing. He now 

offers you the opportunity to learn his techniques and tips to improve your 

retailing impact through· Training sessions for stores and management on 

effective ways to merchandise and increase sales through the front shop 

· In-field face to face work with the stores and management to demonstrate 

in-store changes that will increase the sales. 

Retailing is much more than a good product range; it’s about professionalism, 

service, layout and look. 

PLUS ONE adds value and delivers results by – 

Re-igniting the passion for shopkeeping 

Aligning all stakeholders to work for common goal of increased sales 

Providing you with the know how to “sell one extra item to every customer”. 

PLUS ONE is the catalyst for you to implement the principles and practices of 

successful merchandising. 

The whole family 

Evelyn & Cliff 

PLUS ONE is a series of 4 training modules that show your staff and sales reps how 

easy it is to – 

focus on your customer 

lay out your store for improved visibility and customer flow 

Increase sales 

Identify merchant “heroes” 

Create a retail environment of competition, fun & excitement. 

Delivering results by adding value to your business & your customer 

39

Mariette 



VAN NIFTRIK 

(now PITLO) 

The year after matric I spent working at the South African Blood Transfusion Service in their biochemical laboratory,in Hillbrow. The 

work was all about assessing the levels of jaundice in newborn babies,and whether they needed transfusions or not. 

Second year out of school I went to Holland - to do I don't know what! 

In those days the way to get to Europe was on a boat,and I took the romantic east coast route disembarking at Venice.This presented 

the ideal oppurtunity to stop off at Agnese Salvadori-Paleotti in Florence. 

One whole month of wandering around Florence while Agnese attended the 

Berlitz School for languages was wonderful. 

A few years later I met up with her in London,by which time she was married to 

Ian McDonald and had a baby daughter,Fiona. 

After more work in a hospital laboratory,in Laren in Holland,stirring all sorts of 

smelly human excretions,an aquaintance urged me to do physiotherapy. 

Not really a good decision in light of the fact that my matric was 

inadequate.However the bad news only came at the end of 1st year! indignation 

after this time lapse drove me to an interview with the minister of education 

whom I convinced that I did have a matric certificate,just like many South African 

expats doing medicine in Holland! He did not enquire and I did not mention which 

subjects I had passed for my matric exam! 

I lived and worked in Holland for 8 years,at which stage I thought a semipermanent 

visit to family and friends was in order. 

Within 6 months of being back had I met and married Arne Eduard Pitlo,a 

Hollander by birth. 

We spent the first 10 years of our married life in Johannesburg. 

Our daughter and son were 6 and 8 when Arne was transferred to Cape Town where we have lived ever since. 

My physiotherapy career has gone from strength to strength doing more and more post-graduate training,heading up "special interest 

groups' within the profession and doing really exciting ground-breaking stuff at UCT/Groote Schuur Hospital 

Arne and I hike in the mountains around Cape Town and are avid searchers for rockart,which requires an awful lot of hiking in the 

Cedarberg.This is a project that we have joined together with 20 other rockart enthusiast,to map rockart sites for a UCT database. 

Son Pierre-Phillipe, daughter Mariclaire, self in the hat and my darling husband of 40 odd years. 

Occassion was daughter's wedding 

40

Slide 41 



Acknowledgments – thanks to . . . 

John Glynos for all the background planning and research and the 

actual event happening. 

Ivan Cohen for contribution of the written article, cartoon and 

historical photographs. Also for his help in proof reading. 

Robin Eliovson for design and production of this publication. 

Robert Ellis for assistance with the scanning of historical items. 

Cliff Sossen for historical photographs. 

All the contributors who provided photos and copy for their publication. 

... and to Jack Kabak for the best sarmies

VOLUME ONE (link) - iiNet

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