Maritzburg College School Magazine Maritzburg College Magazine 2016 electronic | Page 78

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Friends of College Ceremony
Each year the Executive Committee of the school recognises ‘friends’
of Maritzburg College who have made a significant contribution
to the school in various ways and support and serve the College
community with loyalty and dedication. In 2016, Mr Ishwarlal “Chan”
Ramgoolam, Mrs Heather Lawson, Mr Steve Colenbrander (OC 1978),
Mr David Commons and Miss Ann McLoughlin were named as ‘Friends
of College’.
in Johannesburg by a posse of Old Collegians, who shared a milk stout
with him in celebration. Cyril died only four months later, and perhaps it
was rather appropriate that – as an old soldier – he breathed his last on
Remembrance Sunday. I am sure that everyone who was present at the
luncheon will for a long time treasure the memories of dear Cyril and be
grateful that we were there to acknowledge this fine and upstanding OC.
Many of the attendees at the 2016 affair were eager for the next instalment
in 2017, which no doubt will be yet another successful event. The thanks of
the MCOBA go especially to Mrs Linda Laubscher and Ms Kerry Cassere
for the tremendous amount of work that they put into the luncheon, and of
course to Mrs Lawson and her catering team for the sumptuous fare.
Mr M Marwick
Miss Ann McLoughlin, Mr David Commons, Mr Steve Colenbrander,
Mr ‘Chan’ Ramgoolam and Mrs Heather Lawson are featured here with
Headmaster, Mr C Luman, as Friends of College for 2016.
Veterans’ Luncheon
A total of 160 Old Collegians and their wives/partners attended the 2016
Veterans’ Luncheon, held in the Olivier Cultural Centre on 15 May, on the
eve of the fixtures against Northwood. The former school hall had been
spruced up for the event and was decked out in suitably patriotic colours.
The venerable gentlemen and their good ladies were treated to a fine meal
as well as various liquid refreshments, which encouraged friendly banter
between these classmates from yesteryear. A number of the members of
the MCOBA Executive Committee were also present, and they were very
impressed – touched even – by the amount of good cheer and bonhomie
apparent at the luncheon. For many of them, it was the stand-out Old Boys’
event of the year.
A special highlight of the day itself was unquestionably the presentation
to Cyril Crompton (Class of 1934) of a birthday cake and gift, in the
immediate build-up to his 100th birthday two months later. Cyril then took
to the microphone and, with a levity that belied his age, entertained all
those present with a few merry anecdotes and offered his sincere thanks
to everyone for their good wishes. I think it is important to add that Cyril
duly celebrated his ‘ton’ on 7 July and was joined on his special day
The remarkably spry Mr Crompton cuts his birthday cake, while Past
President of the MCOBA, Mr K Trodd, looks on approvingly.
Some of the 160 attendees at the luncheon, including past headmaster, Mr K Olivier (seated front right) (OC 1948).
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