It’s been 18 years since I’ve been home. Fucking crazy I know but my school is celebrating its 150th and all the boys are gathering for the occasion

It’s going to be an epic return

A few days at home with family, friends, the reunion, a game reserve, then a drive to CT with a stop over in Knysna on route

Can’t bloody wait - going for 3 weeks

Sounds fantastic, hope you have a great time (hard not to with an itinerary like that). It's been quite a while since I've been back too. While you're there please bring a bra for Mrs Searle (Rooinek/BlackBoy) while you're there. 

I’ll be interested in your impressions Dave….my guess is it will warm the cockles of your heart.

Take the scenic route while driving to CT...the N2 is so boring when you passed the Garden Route .

Yeah Moz it’s going to be an interesting emotion

Draad which way should I go?

There's a few options from Knysna....Mossel Bay, Oudshoorn,, Laydismith, Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Robertson, Worcester, Paarl....or N2 to Swellendam and then turn off to Bonnivale, Robertson, Worcester, Paarl.

I love these small Boland and Klein Karoo towns, but it's not be for everyone. Some nice wine cellars with eateries in the Cape Winelands. All the main provincial routes in the Western Cape are in good shape.

What time of the year are you planning on coming?

Dave

I am looking forward to see you when just stopping for coffee or a beer at Riversdale on your way to Cape Town.    Just phone call to my cellphone 0828069074 - and I will be there at the garage in 5 minutes time.   I am really looking forward to seeing you again.   

Nice.

Are you bringing mum?

Hey, I’m flying tomorrow with my kids for half term. This will be my 3rd time back to SA in a space of 12 months. Prior to this it was 5 years since I last visited. Things still feel very familiar but you will be shock in the level of poverty. 

Anyway, if you are in Cape Town next week. Drop me line. I’m only there for 7 days. 

My kids have been looking forward to it. 

I’ll be in Muizenberg and then Blouberg to see friends. 

Thanks Draad I’m coming in just over a weeks time fly on 28th Feb and back here 22nd March

Will be in CT from about 15th to 20th

Mike I’ve saved your number will definitely give you a shout

King I’m going again in Oct with my sons - so have not been home in 18 years and now going twice in the same year

Pity there aren't any matches in CT at that time...I'm always game for a beer should the opportunity arrise...safe travels!

Yeah did have a look at possibility of a match

Send me your mobile number Draad

Sounds fantasic, enjoy it mate.

Thanks B&R sooooo looking forward to it

dbdraad.ruckers@gmail.com

send me a mail and I'll forward you my number.

Very difficult going to school re-unions.

Went to my 10 year and felt like a dinosaur.

…and that was 14 years ago.

Cumon AI…make us young again!

Ja, I still feel like the same person except for when I look in the mirror and wonder who this old guy is

We've got a great old boys culture at my alma mater...great seeing the boys every few years...my class even has a yearly get together at Tietiesbaai for whoever wants to go...guys attend from all over the country, even from outside the country.

Ever notice how your school seems way smaller than you remember? 

At Park Town the assembly hall's main entrance has the names of all the Old Boys that died in the 1st and 2nd WWs engraved into marble. Only Form 5s are allowed to use that entrance...so just for final years. Always thought that was a great tradition.

Saffex, I'm back in SA on the 3rd March and will be around JHB. Give me a shout on here if you'd like to go for a beer and some rugby lessons mate.

My brother's lad is there, so I went to drop him off at the koshuis the other weekend. Although things change and look different, it still has a very familiar feeling.

Plum I’ll be in Grahamstown on the 3rd March - fly 28th Feb to Jhb then spend the 1st March in Jhb then fly to PE on 2nd for the start of the reunion.

My class of 86 is also a very tight group -Graeme was a small school but our 86 year was the best sporting year in the schools history only matched by the 72 year group

We had 5 EP schools rugby players that year one of which was SA schools

We had 3 EP schools cricketers, one of which was the SA schools captain

Not bad for a school that had 500 pupils from Sub A to matric

We have a WhatsApp group with at least 40 of us active on there. The banter on the WhatsApp group is a daily occurrence