The King Edward VII School (Kes) Old Boys Association hosted a gathering that brought old boys together for a whirlwind reunion at the school on 10 November.
The occasion saw alumni dating back to the class of 47 catch up and reminisce about the days when they were still youths in high school uniforms. The reunion also featured the classes of 57, 67 and 77.
The objective of the Old Boys Association is to ensure that all old boys and friends of the school are made aware of new developments taking shape, while reintroducing alumni on a social level, with the element of fun and social interaction critical in bringing this about.
Pat Cotter, who matriculated at the school in 47, said it was heartwarming to be in the company of old friends – an outcome which the now 87-year-old said he’d endeavoured for since matriculating seven decades ago.
“I’ve kept very close touch with the school and joined the old boys club the year I left King Edwards. It is incredible meeting so many of the old chaps from years gone by,” he said.
Fellow old boy, Syd Adler (90), said the occasion encompassed an overwhelming sense of nostalgia for him. “It’s a wonderful, emotional and great feeling to be back,” he said.
“Most of the lads are still naughty, but overall nice to see the smiley faces and a mixture of people who were present.”
Bert Harrison (87) echoed the same sentiments. “It’s wonderful to see how the school has grown and how the headmasters that we’ve had, have brought all this wonderful spirit that is evident on a day like today… it’s just mind-blowing.”
David Lovatt, the headmaster at Kes, added that the reunions, held twice a year, were a significant part of the school’s culture. He said the old boys have fostered great camaraderie between them, and usually share this with the current crop of boys at the school.
“Reunion weekends are held twice a year, and we get the [10-year celebrations] to come back and celebrate a significant milestone since they left school,” explained Lovatt.
“They often have a dinner and some social engagements, and part of it is that they come to form part of a normal school assembly. The emphasis, however, is on welcoming guys back and just to make sure that we stay in touch.”
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