Westerford 1978

AS THE years pass and move you further away from your matric class, certain milestones are reached.

There is beginning a career, possibly starting a family, buying property, maybe your first new car, parenting, etc. For us in the class of ‘78, a new set of milestones appear on the horizon that include drawing a career to a close and coping with some of life’s hard knocks that include divorce, illness, career setbacks and personal loss. On the upside, we could be entering a phase of increased personal freedom, the proverbial empty nest, as well as a position of high status.

Against this backdrop, we are also in the stage of life that has nothing left to prove, so if you were worried about getting together with people who you have not seen in 40 years, fear not, we are all long past the point of judging.

So if you were in the class of 1978, and still have a few marbles left, in other words can answer yes to at least one of the following reminders, then please join us for a visit to Westerford High and a meal together on September 27. If there is interest we will also plan a morning get-together on Friday September 28. So, do you recognise any of the following legendary teachers? They are: Dr John Gibbon (principal), Jimmy Powis (deputy), Rowan Haarhof, Tim Gordon, John Broster, Quinton Rookledge, Lynn Jones, Shirley Fitton, Raphael Gamaroff, Ken Kirby, Claudia Regnart, Ilene Rodseth, Rory Douglas, Anthony Rimer, Gregor Leigh, to name a few.

Also to the pupils, Peter Williams and Susan Read were our two head prefects, Trevor Knight was the first rugby captain, Digby Sivertsen, the boys’ hockey captain, girls’ hockey was Jeanette Myberg, Anthony Slayen and Sandy Thompson were the swimming captains.

Shelley Michaels chaired the Jewish Society, I chaired the Christian Union, Barry Hymer the Chess Club, Larry Robinson the Science Club, Alison Gillet the Home Economics Club. The school play in 1978 was the Caucasian Chalk Circle, and Marc Coli, Erica Bloch, Cathy Rogers, Peter Malbin, Beverly Gough and Janine Kramer played lead roles.

No school is complete without the tough guys in the class: Gary Johnson, Jimmy Mullis, David Souma, Chris Andrews and Kevin van der Bergh.

On reflection, what was memorable about 1978? We can discuss this when we meet. If you are able to be part of this, please email me: dekorte@ campsbayhigh.co.za.