Year 2011.Pdf

The year 2011 has once again been an excellent year are so many opportunities in that industry which are for Falcon College. It started with a very good set of simply related, that make very good sense. It is an exam results both at O and A level. This is always a industry littered with glitz and glamour which is pleasing way to start the year. Our biggest drive this what our current generation are very keen on. year has been to make Falcon a happier place; giving boys more of an opportunity to express themselves What then of Falcon, ’the boys boarding school in the and to become individuals, who can see opportunity bush’? There are numerous opportunities because and seize it. our environment lends itself ﬁrmly to where the world is going. Firstly in the area of resources, we There is a very strong realisation that the world is have at least one of those resources right here at the changing and that ‘more of the same’ will not be ade- College in the form of gold. We also have a magniﬁ- quate in the future. A much more diverse approach, cent environment in which to teach environmental where young people are less orientated towards education and to make every pupil aware of the con- simply going to University and thereafter being em- cept of ‘green’. We have opportunities to use the sun ployed, is going out of the window. to create solar energy and to try as best we can to re- cycle everything that we have, from water to plastics. Falcon boys throughout the world have succeeded We also have an enormous opportunity in sport - and I believe that their success has come from the creating the best facilities we can, will enable our pu- Zimbabwean ”make a plan” attitude. In the future, pils to develop an interest and their talents to the however, this may not be all that is required. Young best of their ability. They must then utilise them on people need to be able to think very clearly for them- the world stage, without the distractions that face selves and on their feet. Our careers guidance of other young people in urban environments. simply exposing young people to various careers was often enough. Now we have to explore new are- R W Querl as, creating entrepreneurs, artisans and independent thinkers in all areas. Young people need to be able to see opportunities, create something and go with it.

It is becoming clearer that the First World, which we all thought was the place to further who we are, is in turmoil ﬁnancially and actually the opportunities are in Africa, where the First World gets its resources from. The manufacturing sector has been captured by the East and competing with those nations is becoming more and more diﬃcult. We have to orien- tate our young people into looking at resources closer to home and making a life from those opportunities.

Our land and space in Africa are still two things that our youth need to utilise. Education needs to move towards helping our young people to understand these two things, perhaps through environmental education and of course the concept of ’green’. The sporting industry in the world is also taking over in many places and we have to consider this when educating our young people. One does not have to be a professional sportsman, because there

Board members - list Governance 4 Art Club Clubs & Societies 105 Speech Day - Chairmanʹs speech Speech day 6 Chess Clubs & Societies 105 Speech Day - Headʹs speech Speech day 9 Climbing Club Clubs & Societies 106 Speech Day - Guestʹs speech Speech day 11 Computer Club Clubs & Societies 107 Speech Day - Head Boyʹs speech Speech day 15 Debating Junior Clubs & Societies 107 Speech Day - Prize Winners Speech day 16 Debating Senior Clubs & Societies 108 Speech Day - A Nostalgic Return Speech day 18 Etiquette Clubs & Societies 109 List of Academic staff Staff 21 Falconry Clubs & Societies 110 List of Admin Staff Staff 23 Interact Clubs & Societies 112 Staff Notes Staff 24 Moto Cross Clubs & Societies 113 Falcon Bulawayo Office Staff 26 Mylne Society Clubs & Societies 114 Falcon Harare Office Staff 26 Natural History Clubs & Societies 115 Workers - Gladys Doba Staff 27 Natural History Field Trip Clubs & Societies 116 Workers - Mandla Mpofu Staff 27 Novices Clubs & Societies 117 School boy leaders College 29 Photography Clubs & Societies 119 Adventure Courses College 31 Quest Society Clubs & Societies 120 Chapel - Role in the College College 33 Shooting Clubs & Societies 120 Chapel Notes College 34 Snake Clubs & Societies 122 Chimanimani Leadership Course College 36 Stockmarket Clubs & Societies 123 Falcon - 43 Years On College 37 Technology Clubs & Societies 124 Falcon Girlsʹ House College 41 Toastmasters Clubs & Societies 125 Falcon Journal College 42 Toastmasters Conference Clubs & Societies 126 Global Youth Leaders Conference College 43 Woodsmoke Clubs & Societies 128 Library College 44 Woodsmoke Fundraiser Clubs & Societies 133 Marketing College 45 Yoga Clubs & Societies 134 Quiet Waters and Chalets College 46 Athletics Sport 136 San College 49 Basketball Sport 139 Secretaryʹs Award College 49 Cricket Sport 142 Student Support Team College 50 Cross Country Sport 149 Life Skills & Counselling College 51 Golf Sport 151 Careers College 51 High Performance Centre Sport 152 CAT3 Assessments College 52 Hockey Sport 153 House Reports Houses 55 Rugby Sport 159 Prefect System Houses 68 Soccer Sport 167 Academic Overview 2011 Academic 70 Squash Sport 172 Academic results Academic 73 Swimming Sport 174 Academic Cup Points Academic 75 Tennis Sport 178 Allied Arts Awards Academic 76 Tour de Falcon Sport 180 Girlsʹ College Lit Fest Awards Academic 80 Water polo Sport 181 Current Affairs Academic 82 Guestʹs Speech Leaversʹ Dinner 187 D&T Projects Academic 83 Head Boyʹs Speech Leaversʹ Dinner 189 Inter-House Quiz Academic 85 Toast to Old Boys Leaversʹ Dinner 190 Geography Field Trip Academic 85 Quest Africa Quest 192 Geo Great Zim Field Trip Academic 87 Quiet Waters Quest 195 Carol Service Culture 89 Old Boysʹ Chairmanʹs Report Old Boys 198 Cultural Festival Culture 90 Old boys News Old Boys 199 Inter-House Singing Culture 92 Peregrinations Old Boys 205 Lion King Culture 93 Peter Steyn Award Address Old Boys 207 Music Culture 97 John Hendrie Eulogy Obituaries 212 Role of Culture in the College Culture 100 Betty McAulay Obituaries 214 Accountancy Clubs & Societies 103 J & A Stansbury Obituary Obituaries 214 Angling Society Clubs & Societies 103 Keegan Langley Obituaries 215 Acknowledgements 216

Chairman A J B Laing W I Hale

A J De N Lucas Members A F Coulson S B Reid A D R Campbell P G Mavros H D Dhana T F M Tanser H A Leared Headmaster R W Querl T T Moyo CEO J B McTaggart D Mutambara Acting Director L M Watson P Ncube Of Administration

P R Ward Chairman Of M Lashbrook Old Boys S Doolabh

Mr and Mrs Steyn, Headmaster vice we reflected on John and his and Mrs Querl, ladies and gentle- life. men… And of course we lost Keegan early this year, after a two year battle Standing in front of Mr Steyn to- with his terrible injuries. Keegan day reminds me of the last time I was a son of Falcon, adopted by stood in front of him 45 years Falcon, and particularly close to ago, when he was my housemas- the heart of Falcon. To John’s fam- ter. The only difference will be (I MR A LAING—CHAIRMAN OF ily and to Keegan’s family, we hope) that on this occasion I will extend our condolences, and I ask THE BOARD at least have his permission to you to please stand in silence for a remain upright without receiving a few well de- minute as a mark of respect. served strokes of the cane. Thank you. Now onto more routine matters. Last I warmly welcome Peter and Jenny Steyn. They year I gave you certain assurances which have not arrived at Falcon exactly 50 years ago. I remember yet been fully implemented. I said that a substan- Peter particularly for the personal interest he took tive director of sport would be appointed, and that in every boy in his House, creating deep and valua- the Whites Run link to the Harare road would be ble impressions on all who passed through. upgraded. Despite considerable effort, we have Another couple from that era, and who are with us not yet identified a suitable person for the sports today, also left their mark. Ted and Marilyn Marais position. However, whilst our sports results have are both now enjoying their well-earned retirement been disappointing this year, I am pleased to report right here at Falcon where they love to be. This external coaching assistance at a very high level has couple have between them given some 84 years of already been secured for cricket, and this process remarkable service to this College. Yet another will continue across other disciplines. With regard couple, the Macdonalds, are fast approaching this to the road, happily work has at last started, as record service. some of you will have noticed, and this will continue until the road is up to an acceptable standard. I also welcome Neil and Sue Todd, after whom the dining hall is named. This couple was responsible We have had some difficulties this year. We have for the transformation of this College into the new been without a substantive CEO for the first seven era that we faced in the 1980’s. Their contribution to months, College funds in South Africa were stolen education in Zimbabwe continues through Neil’s through an elaborate bank fraud perpetrated over chief executive roles in both the Head’s Conference 18 months, and our workers have now been award- and the Association of Trust Schools, positively im- ed an increase which is unprecedented in US$ pacting on every person in this hall. terms, and worse still, is backdated 9 months. Who can possibly explain why workers in the com- Whilst Speech Day is primarily an occasion of cele- mercial sector must survive on $220 per month, but bration, it also provides an opportunity to those in the education sector need $350 per month? acknowledge those who have passed on. Why the one should be backdated three months, John Bryce-Hendrie, Falcon Old Boy, son of the the other 9 months? Why a gardener here earns Board Chairman, himself later Board Chairman and more than a Government teacher? How is any past parent, and after whom our new swimming business, including a school, expected to budget in pool is named, was a great man whose courage in such circumstances? dealing with his terminal illness provided inspira- Life is never dull in Zimbabwe. Having survived tion to all who knew him. We have just come from the assault on our independent schools over recent the swimming pool where in a short memorial ser- years, we now face renewed challenges, more sub-

tle yet more demanding. Colleague schools are be- of this will depend on serious management. With coming Competitor schools as each strives to attract this in mind, I want to express my profound grati- top students and provide top facilities. Some tude to Mr McTaggart, who recently agreed to take schools in Mashonaland, with whom are in direct on the responsibility of CEO, responsible for the competition, are spending millions on improving administration and business side of the College. their facilities. They have the advantage of scale John has assumed this role not because he needed and are not located in a province that is perceived the job, but through his concern for the College. by some as a backwater of Zimbabwe. Money is Thus while he has other interests which sometimes short, and many parents are struggling through a take him away for short periods, we are relaxed in harsh economic environment not of their making. that we have the correct management in place as we But there should be no doubt here. Falcon will not embark on our ambitious plan. fall behind. Our vision is simple – ‘to create the leading boys’ boarding school in Southern Africa, What parents really want hear is: ‘How much is this providing the best environmental and outdoor edu- going to cost us?’ This year we have managed to cation facility, and secure our place as the best avoid any increase in fees, unlike several other sporting school in Zimbabwe.’ schools. And whilst one can quote official inflation rates of 3%, that takes no account of staff salaries With this in mind, the role of the Board is twofold. which have been increased throughout the year and We must: wages which, as you have heard, have rocketed. 1.provide the resources to attract and maintain top Our intention is that the five year capital develop- quality staff. ment plan will not impact on your school fees. On 2. ensure that the staff are provided with the right the contrary, current pupils will be benefiting from tools to do the job. developments which have been brought forward. However, fees will have to be increased to meet At parents meetings at the end of last year, I allud- normal operating costs, and accordingly, we are ed to the five year capital development plan that planning a series of meetings with parents towards was then in its formative stage. This is now close the end of the term to explain this in more detail, to finalisation and hopefully implementation, and and to seek your approval of our plans. comprises the boldest and most dynamic plan ever contemplated by this College. There are still some As a group, Falcon parents are surely more sup- obstacles to cross, but in a nutshell, it entails bor- portive than those of any other school in Zimba- rowing over $6m during the next four years, and bwe. This is what has seen us through the difficult through this providing all the resources the College times and we are extremely privileged. At the needs to realise its vision. same time, if we are to realise our vision and provide for the needs of your sons, we are going to The money will be repaid in three ways: need united and continued support. 1.Through our traditional capital expenditure allo- cation. In closing, I would like to congratulate Mr Leared 2.Through mining, for which we have at last ob- and Mr Schultz on the amazing development that is tained the required authority. Quest, which will continue to bring so many bene- Through establishment of the Falcon Foundation, a fits to Falcon. I would like to thank members of the worldwide formally Board who willingly and generously give up so structured fund-raising initiative offering attractive much of their time. I would like to acknowledge investment opportunities. great achievements and improvements in academic and cultural spheres, noting the impact of Mr Mata- This is a most exciting time in our history, and if tu and Mrs Ferreira; and I would like to thank the this plan can be successfully implemented, parents Headmaster and all staff for their dedication will notice improvement in resources starting next throughout the year. year, and spread across each of our three key acu- mens of academics, sport and culture. The success We look forward to our ambitious plans for next

year, certainly with some degree of trepidation, but Thank you. more-so with an over-riding sense of excitement and determination to see this through as we reach Mr A Laing for the stars

S. ARMSTRONG F4

M. DAMPERS U6

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, invited guests, of course our machinery and we would like to thank our Chairman, Board members and of course Mr Pe- him most sincerely for all of his efforts and we really ter Steyn and his wife Jenny, boys of Falcon. are very sorry to see him leave the campus. This day is a day of recognition for work and activi- I would like to thank all the ancillary staff in the are- ties that have taken place throughout the year, with as of housekeeping under Mr Shadreck Dube, the thanks made to those who have worked tirelessly for laundry under Mr Isaiah Nhliziyo, the estate under the good of the school over the past year. Mr Peter Stewart and Mr Pete Botha, maintenance The staff are the backbone of the school; the school under Mr Gilbert Moyo and the Administration staff functions as well as the staff that you have. Our under the guidance of Mr John McTaggart and Mrs school has functioned well and that is a great credit Gous. I thank you too for all your efforts and support to the staff that work in it. through the past year. Mr Lew Watson must get a I would like to make mention of my deputy, Mr Dave special mention as he most certainly held the fort Fleming. He has continued to work with me through when we had no CEO and I thank him most sincere- the year and I thank him for his efforts and support. ly. Special mention must be made of Mr Richard Harri- I would like to make particular mention of Mr John son who has completed twenty five years of service McTaggart who has joined us as the CEO and has as a Falcon teacher, Housemaster, coach, the chapel been working tirelessly on systems in the school and mentor, sport administrator, statistician and all of in making the administration more effective. We real- these things he has contributed to the college. I con- ly are most grateful gratulate him and thank him. I would like to thank the College Prefects with Rob- We have a few staff members who are retiring at the bie Sargeant at the helm. As always, we had ups and end of the year. The first person being Graham Arm- downs but as always they have always come back strong. He has taught at Falcon for many years with stronger and I hope that they have learnt from this a break of a couple of years from when he initially great opportunity. Robbie has been a very com- retired. He has played an active role in so many fac- mitted Head of School with a great passion for the ets of this College over the years. From Housemaster College. of the junior house to his maths teaching, squash and A famous Headmaster, Mr Neil Jardine once said: of course snakes. He is well known and renowned in “Get the best boy in every field and you will have the this particular area. He has regularly saved many a best school.” What he actually meant was that if a snake from certain demise around the campus and person asked how your academics were you were imparted much knowledge to the boys over the years able to tell him that your student had scored the best and to the staff for that matter we wish him well up- results in the country and if he asked how your sport on his retirement. was you were able to say that your best cricketer had Mr Craig Hepburn is also leaving, returning to life in scored 100 every week for the past three weeks. Or the City. I thank him for his input as the Housemas- was that actually what he meant? Having been privi- ter of Hervey House, as a Maths and Economics leged to have actually met the man there was some teacher and as a Cricket and Hockey coach as well as truth in the initial statement and his thinking in that his input into the musical life of the College. area. However he really was a team person and fully Laraine Oosthuizen has been my secretary for seven understood the dynamics of building a group. Build- years and will be retiring at the end of the year. I ing teams of young men is what we do here at Falcon would like to thank her for her input and support College and having the best in every area most cer- and wish her well on her retirement. She has been the tainly helps as that individual can pass on the ethos first voice of Falcon for some years now. expectation and in fact the expertise that he has, to Gary Wilke, who has been with us this year in his everyone else who plays or studies with him. After capacity as our mechanic, is leaving at the end of the all isnʹt that how humans and animals work? If year. I would like to thank him very much indeed for youʹve ever watched a group of young anything in- the work that he has put into our transport fleet and teracting, you would have noticed that the lead ani-

performance are counteracted and we continue to be a major force in sport in our country and beyond. On the other hand, our Waterpolo teams have done really well and I congratulate them. The number of boys contributing to those teams is small but they have worked hard and are very competitive. Other games like Basketball, Soccer, Tennis and Squash have all had notable successes. The refurbishment of our squash court facilities has been a major boon and the introduction of a dedicated outside coach out at the MR R QUERL—HEADMASTER College on a regular basis has meant that the numbers are growing once again and this will only have a mal of whichever species teaches its siblings and positive effect. passes on skills that they may have. Education is ex- One of our major issues in sport is without a single actly that, passing on these wonderful skills to young doubt the lack of consistent high-class opposition people. As teachers we are privileged to have that and to this end we are working very hard at adjust- opportunity to get involved; to nurture and guide ing the various timetables to make sure that we get young minds and bodies so that they develop to their the competition on a regular basis. It is also our in- absolute full potential. tention to make sure that our facilities in all areas are Falcon College this year has achieved many good second to none so that a coach or boy has no excuse things both in the classroom and on the sports field. whatsoever not to perform. Our exam results were better than ever with pass The College has been involved in many areas this rates at ordinary level, AS level and AL level that we year. We hosted the National Youth Games in Bas- have never achieved before: 84 % at O level, 79 % at ketball and Tennis; we hosted the National Darts AS level and 85% at AL level. What made the year Championship, the National under 17 Hockey trials even more spectacular academically was the number and the CHISZ Soccer Tournament. We also hosted of top grades achieved. I really was very happy with several Waterpolo tournaments where all Zimbabwe- what was achieved. The other place which many peo- an playing schools were involved. This year also saw ple donʹt go is the area of repeat students, boys who the return of an overseas touring Rugby team from have failed first time up and who then have made outside of our country and we were delighted to host good. These results were also quite outstanding. them. Crediton from the United Kingdom were that Culturally, Falcon College really did come of age. team. The staging of The Lion King both in the theatre in Recently, at our heads conference, sport was a major Bulawayo and at the Reps Theatre in Harare had a topic and we all contributed to an Independent huge impact. The large cast meant that many boys Schools Sports Charter. There are still many areas in were involved, boys from all areas of the college. The their charter which one needs to debate and it is a musical impact was massive with many people com- work in progress. I thought this would be a good menting on how the show could have gone places time to simply mention some things about sport. The and been a commercial success. For me the major im- new buzzword in sport is sport psycho physiology. It pact was that those who felt that Falcon College was promises to be bigger even than Pilates, Swiss balls nothing more than a sporting academy were treated and creatine supplements (dare I even use that to a show of real worth. I thank and congratulate eve- word). The person writing the article, Wayne Gold- ryone who was involved with the show. Its impact smith, suggests that this is the only thing that really has been massive. does work. For years we have prepared our young The sport at the College this year, especially at first people and athletes physically; we have done the team levels in the big sports of Cricket and Rugby, drills and got them into a wonderful physical state. have not really been what we are used to and I sup- However, the mental state has been left to a few war pose that from time to time that’s how it goes. We cries and some motivational speaking. Now this is were, however, disappointed and we are putting the major area. He referred to a person who has not measures in place to make sure that these slumps in had psycho physiology to be like a person who has

strapped a Ferrari engine to a bicycle. The more we position where our staff are very stable and this is a learn about sport, the more it takes us into very de- wonderful position to be in. tailed preparation of athletes. We at Falcon want to Many schools in our country have many teachers be in the forefront of these areas. leaving. Iʹm delighted that that is not the case here. Another great example of how sport is going forward However, the world is a very fast moving place and was noted while watching the Olympic qualifiers at there is no question that we need to move forward as the hockey stadium. All the South African players well and that does mean that in the future we will wore monitors which told the coach his players’ need younger and more dynamic ideas. heart rates and how many calories they had already I do to believe that Covey’s ideals, one of which says burned. The coach then manipulated the players on that we should be thinking with the “end in mind”, is the field accordingly. When Wayne Goldsmith was the most positive thing that we can do. If we stop be- asked where this all will end, his comment was, “It ing positive, I believe we stop living and while itʹs no wonʹt.” good burying oneʹs head in the sand, it most certain- The refurbishment of the boarding houses continues ly is important to go forward. In order to do this, as an ongoing project. All dormitories have now been sometimes one has to go backwards and the talk that upgraded and we are returning to the model of Mr Black gave us about his ascent of Everest a few Chubb to start their upgrading once again. Work on weeks ago, reminded me that the higher one gets up, two new classrooms for the Design and Technology the more times one has to go up and come down and department is pretty near completion and we are then go up again until one is ready for those dizzy hoping that in the New Year that facility will be heights at the top. Finally one has to go for it and I working. The completion of our clinic in our work- believe that Falcon College is poised at one of those ers’ village has also taken place and weʹre hoping base camps and we need to go for it. We are now that in the new year it will become a functioning fa- ready to make that ascent, get to the top and stay cility. The introduction of a new watering system and there; being aware of how thin the air is up there and water cannon has meant that our fields have never how vulnerable you are when on top. looked better and that facility has meant that our “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always young people can be proud of where they play. remember, you have within you the strength, the The upgrade of the classrooms and staff housing is patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to an ongoing project which will continue for quite change the world” some time to come. While it has been quite slow, our Harriet Tubman intention is to move this along at a greater pace. Once again, Falcon College has been in a privileged

50 Years ago, on the 21st August 1961, our Viscount other day when I came up – that was real déjà vu, if aircraft with its four reassuring Rolls Royce engines, you like), and we arrived at the gate of Falcon and a landed smoothly in Bulawayo from Johannesburg, remarkable transformation took place. Here were where we connected from Cape Town. On the bal- these verdant ﬁelds and mauve Jacarandas in a blind- cony of that old airport, (I see it has changed now ing blue avenue, to be followed not too long after by when I came in the other day), was a very tall man red Flamboyants and it was just amazing to have this who obviously knew who we were, because my wife contrast and that is what it is about Falcon – it is not was carrying our year-old son and he deduced that only an oasis in terms of the environment, but it is we must be the Steyns. Dougal Turner drove us out also an oasis in terms of what you have here cultural- to Falcon College and none of that drive dispelled ly amongst your pupils. It is absolutely amazing. my impressions from the air. I thought, as a South And in the distance were those Mulingwane Hills, African, “What have I come to?” It was parched and where I studied eagles with my pupils and went out dried out and there were ﬁres raging, (just like the in my Land Rover, up and down, whenever possible,

because I was allowed to do as much natural history I asked Dougal Turner what I was teaching. He said, as sports’ coaching. And the decision to come to this “Oh, you had better start with A level English” – I didn’t teach just History – I taught English as well, and of course it was one of my favourite subjects and I said – “Well, what does this involve?” He said, “Well, you have got the whole of this term and the whole of next year to teach 3 plays, Hamlet, Winter’s Tale and Julius Caesar”. So I walked into my first class, which was actually a little room attached to the Library, and I wondered why I had such a small classroom. I had six pupils, including that young fellow over there, Tim Tanser, and I must have done something right, because he seems to have turned out ok. So did all the others – Gil Cotterel became Head of School in the following year and was an outstanding Head Boy, and it was just this amazing PETER STEYN place. I also had, as you know, Mr. Laing, and I never beat him as much as he said. He was actually not land of great spaces, washed with sunshine, was the too bad. Also, Patrick Mavros there, who could be a best decision of my life. real nuisance at times. For example, we were on the Lunga River and we found two Genets in a hole in a Yesterday, I mentioned to you in my talk on my voy- tree, and Mavros, who was only 13 or 14 – he was a age to the Impossible Penguin, the Emperor Penguin, lightie, literally in body and mind at the time – said, that that was the defining moment in my life – 1997 – “Please can I have one of these things”. I said as that huge icebreaker pulled off to take us to this “Patrick, you leave the thing in the wild. You cannot land of flowerless fields of ice. That was a defining moment, and coming to Falcon was also a serious defining moment in our lives. Now, when I got here, the School had only been going for seven years – it started in 1954 with 37 pupils and by the time of our arrival, it had reached 300. At that stage, believe it or not, in those short seven years, Falcon had spawned two Rhodes scholars and numerous gradu- ates at Oxford and Cambridge, including the famous Fred Goldstein, who was a brilliant intellect, and also Captain of the Oxford Cricket team. That is not bad in seven years of school and a lot of other distin- guished boys went down to Universities in South Af- MESSRS D GRANT, P STEYN, T TANSER & rica, including the University of Cape Town, and did N TODD extremely well. I will just give you an example that came up recently in the Old Boys’ Newsletter – a sto- bring a Genet to school and have it as a pet in the ry about a Falcon pupil who went to have some treat- dormitory”. Well, he literally moved me to tears ment, which involved ear, nose and throat surgery. with his unfortunate behaviour – he knew how to His ENT surgeon was Paul Crossland. His Radiolo- wheedle into my affections and eventually I let him gist was Andrew du Toit. His Anaesthetist was take one of these Genets, and he had it as a most lov- Piers Harrington, and they were all in the same form ing and wonderful pet. So at least I was in his good at Falcon when he was here. Now isn’t that abso- books for a while, anyway. lutely amazing? You go to see the doctor and your three specialists are Falcon boys in the same class. When I arrived, the Falcon boys, it was immediately Now that is the mark of this amazing school. apparent, were a tough, adventurous and independ-

PETER AND JENNY STEYN– GUESTS OF HONOUR ent breed. The two Clubs that existed at the time the oldest, most decrepit vehicle that he could ﬁnd – were the Exploration Club and the Ornithological a huge truck. I remember on one trip, between Kwai Society and a boy called Andrew Moncrief was keep- River Lodge and Four Rivers Camp, where we were ing them running, because there was no Master in going, we got stuck 36 times and the boys had to Charge. Now where else do you get a school boy push it out of the mud. Well, some of those boys are keeping things going and not having any guidance now top pathologists in South Africa, and I am sure it from a Master? So, I liaised with him, we put our had a lot to do with character building for them. heads together and we decided to amalgamate the They also had a sense of humour. On one occasion, Exploration Club and the Ornithological Society, into we were going over one of those very bumpy Mo- the Natural History Club, which still exists to this pani log bridges in the Delta and in the middle of the day and was wonderfully carried on, in later years, bridge, this one lad said, “Sir,” – and the river was by Ron Hartley, and many other dedicated people. full – the River Kwai, incidentally, “Sir – stop, stop, I think that is part of Falcon and the fact that as much stop,” and he stopped, thinking that some interesting emphasis is put on outdoor activities, as on sport. piece of game was to be seen upstream or down- Sport, despite what everyone is saying, is not the stream and the boy said, “Sir, have you got a packet measure of achievement necessarily. There are of playing cards?” Stakesby-Lewis looked totally things other than sport and I apologise if I have puzzled and he said, “Sir, aren’t we going to play rubbed a few raw nerves on that score. bridge on the River Kwai?”

Anyway, we had wonderful yearly expeditions all The spirit of this travelling continues even with over the place with a marvellous gentleman called things that we do down in Cape Town. I have some John Stakesby-Lewis. They were the first people to of my early 1960 pupils to take me on Peregrinations, map Drostky’s Caves near Lake Ngami (in Botswana) as we call them. The only difference is that I have to – they actually mapped those caves and had to do it get up at 5.30 in the morning, start the fire and make over two years, because it was such a daunting task. tea, because they are too darn idle to get out of their They went on trips to the Okavango Delta. They sleeping bags, but I enjoy that, because I don’t mind, went to Mount Mulanji in Malawi; they went to so it is a kind of quid pro quo, if you like. Mozambique; they went all over the place. We even went to Naboomspruit, in South Africa once and did This year we are going to Kimberley to visit some of all sorts of things and those expeditions were terribly the old battle grounds of the Boer War, like character building. He deliberately chose, I am sure, Magiesfontein. One of the boys, Rob Bunton, and I

want to visit a place called Hopefield where his doing? We have done all this for you, and now you grandmother was incarcerated in the Boer War, so desecrate the altar by juggling. How can you do that is quite a nostalgic journey and then we are that?” And he said, quite simply, “But I am offering moving on to the borders of the Kalahari to view up to God what I do best”. What a thought. So that. In fourteen years, we have done eleven Peregri- those of you who don’t get prizes, you offer up what nations, which is not bad going. The point I am mak- you do best – every single one of you has got a talent. ing is that this spirit of adventure is still continuing If you fail your ‘O’ levels (lots of people fail their ‘O’ and Falcon has this amazing camaraderie – for exam- levels – my own son didn’t get any ‘O’ levels and he ple, my son was here 30 years ago and they took his is now Vice President of a company in the United year and one class either side and had a reunion in States) don’t worry about what you achieve academi- Cape Town. There was the potential of 88 boys who cally, (sorry Headmaster). The point I am making is could have come, and 70 actually came to Cape that each and every single one of you has a talent, so Town, from Australia, from Bermuda, from Alaska, go and juggle in front of the altar, or whatever it may all over the world. These boys, and some of the staff be that your talent is, and take that with you. like the Macdonalds, and the Marais, took the trouble to come to a reunion which was a short weekend of Now to another very famous man, and I am sure you nostalgic celebration. So that is just an example of the have heard of Dr. Oliver Ransford’s note books on incredible camaraderie that the School nurtures. Rhodesia, the Slave Trade, a lot of books on the Boer Wars, Spionkop and Majuba Hill. I knew him and I I have a couple of things to tell you: did a book with him on Historic Rhodesia, when we went round and tried to take similar pictures of the Education is what is left after you have forgotten what you old battlefields, in the old days, and match them up have learnt. You can think about that, but it is very to the modern ones. He made a speech and his true. I want to talk today, not to those who are opening remark in the speech was: “I have no idea getting all the prizes, but to the guys who don’t get why Mr. Turner has asked me to come and speak to- prizes, because they also matter. I unashamedly take day, because I am an anaesthetist and my only quali- one of Dougal Turner’s prize-giving stories, which I fication is to put people to sleep,” which I thought think is one of the most appropriate that I have ever was quite a good opening. Anyway, he then went heard, to make this point. This juggler was crawling on to talk about the Bushmen, the San people, if you through the snow in an advanced stage of hypother- prefer, if you want to be politically correct – not that mia – he was just about to expire, and he reached a it matters – they are the same people – and he made monastery and feebly knocked on the door. Luckily, some very interesting observations of this primitive Francis Joseph – Friar Francis – happened to be there and little understood people. and heard this feeble knock. They opened the door and they took him in, revived him, nurtured him and I have been going around the last three days in an when he was back to a reasonable level of coherence, almost trance-like state and also in a state of serious he started doing a few chores round the monastery nostalgia, almost moved to tears at times. The de- and he eventually asked: “Please, can I become a Fri- velopment of the School is quite fantastic: the Quest ar – you have been so kind to me. I actually want to Project to where, with the Board members, I was join your Holy Order.” So after a long period of privileged to be invited and see what these young- training, he was admitted and he would dutifully go sters were doing; the Design & Technology rooms – to mass at all the right times, until came the day absolutely brilliant – and whoever that boy was who when he didn’t show up. Now this was serious. designed a device for opening 3 beer bottles simulta- Was the brother lying in his cell dead, toes in the air, neously….patent it. A brilliant idea! had he run away, or what had happened? They All these changes have taken place. The school is searched high and low – it was a big monastery. unrecognisable and recognisable all in one breath, if Eventually, they reached a little arched chapel – occa- you know what I mean. As I come down that ave- sional mass was celebrated there, but very rarely – it nue, I am transported back to 50 years ago – and yet was hardly ever used, and there he was in front of with all that development, it is still the place that the altar, juggling. They said, “What the hell are you grew from those abandoned shafts and mills and the

mustard seed that those brave forefathers sowed in of you young guys. Don’t be shy – come along. We 1954, with just 37 pupils. It has grown and grown and will welcome you with open arms. So just make con- grown and will continue to grow. This is a very spe- tact through the network. You can ﬁnd contact de- cial place – you are hugely privileged to be here and I tails on the web site. Please come and join us. am hugely privileged to be here as well. We are deeply appreciative, my wife and I, to be asked to join Anyway, I wanted just to say, in conclusion, that you you on your special day and the nostalgia is absolute- must nurture the Falcon ﬁre, as in the song. Just nur- ly overwhelming – I cannot express my thanks ture, join in, try and keep the place alive, because Fal- enough for being asked here. I really do appreciate con (as the Founders said, when they founded the the invitation. College) is “a place of dreams”. And the bottom line is that it has remained a place of dreams, despite the May this feeling of nostalgia be the same for you all. I changes and the new technology, so dream your would just like to interject very quickly here: if any of dreams, journey to the stars. you come down to Cape Town to become doctors (so that I can go to the three doctors who were here this Thank you year at some stage) please make contact with the local Falcon Old Boys’ Society, run by a gentleman called Marcus Bawden. He was an absolute rogue at school, but he has turned out pretty well - in fact, he is now my insurance broker. The FOB Society has annual gatherings, usually in March, and boys come, but sadly, a lot are of the earlier generations – we need some

Good morning Mr Steyn, members of the board, in- lawayo and Harare. We have a Woodsmoke trip to vited guests, Mr and Mrs Querl, staff, parents and the Andes in Argentina coming up. These are a cou- men of Falcon. ple of examples showing that anything is possible I would like to thank Mr. Steyn for coming out to our with inspiration, determination and hard work. school to speak to us with such motivational words. Over the years I have compared Falcon to a building, In writing this speech and looking back over the year a building representing excellence and a home in 2011, I can only sum it up with one word - dynamic. which boys are converted to men, men ready to take Dynamic – never still, always moving, moving for- on the world. ward. The year has had highs and lows, each making The foundation of the building is a vision, represent- us stronger and wanting to do better, to be better. ing tradition - what we as a school stand for. Even though the sporting front hasn’t been as suc- The ground floor of the building is the leadership, cessful as the years before, one thing however did guidance, and support of the board, Mr. Querl and stand out: never giving up, giving all we’ve got, and the staff, without which we as students wouldn’t be leaving nothing behind on the field until the final what we are today: strong, independent and ready. whistle, showing we are true Falcon men - fighters. The pillars are the boy leadership, college prefects, True fighters and true examples were Keegan Lang- house prefects; upper 6, who everyone leans on and ley and Jason Stone: fighters by heart and fighters by follows, making the Falcon system work. spirit; overall fighters through and through. They The bricks are the school boys without which we wouldn’t will be remembered and missed. With the example have a complete building, showing that every brick counts set, need I say more? for the building to stand firm and tall. We have excelled in other areas such as the Lion Ironically at the peak we have the form 1’s. You have King production, with all shows sold out both in Bu- completed your first year here at Falcon and I con-

gratulate you. You have now earned the right to be your endless efforts are reflected in the quality of the called Falcon boys. You are tomorrow’s leaders. Do school – excellent – and forever I’ll be grateful. me proud. College prefects – your endless hard work in running Maintaining this high quality building is a tough and this college and your support are jobs well done. endless job. This would be impossible without the My dorm mates – after six years with all the laughs, help of some people. And so a few thank you’s are sweat and tears, we have formed a bond that only we needed. will understand. It’s been an honour and a privilege. To my family - they say charity begins at home and My friends – your support, advice and always being there are no more valuable people to thank. Mom, there for me are all a person can ask for here at Fal- Dad, Brendon, Devan - you guys have been my guid- con. Words cannot describe how privileged I am to ing light in darkness. For this I hope you shine eter- have you. Thank you. nally. Leaders of 2012 – I wish you good luck and remem- Mr and Mrs Querl - an opportunity sowed, you al- ber to make your own mistakes and don’t necessarily lowed me to reap leadership and priceless, lifelong follow in the footsteps that have been laid for you – lessons throughout the year. Thank you. instead make your own. Mr Randle - home away from home, Tredgold House And lastly, I want to leave you with a quote: defined me under your leadership and caring. Mr “Courage is rightly esteemed the most important of Randle, I can never thank you enough. all human qualities because it guarantees all the oth- Mr Fleming - your knowledge of this school and un- ers.” derstanding of the people who make Falcon is a val- Have the courage to reach for the stars. ue that is greatly cherished and can never be doubted. Teachers, admin staff, ground staff and kitchen staff – Robbie Sargeant

Form Prizes: Form 1: Form Prize: Kersten JR Good Work Prizes: Bingley AR Mafa P Brannigan TD Randell HA Kwari MS Wallett PJ Madonko TM Form Prize: Versfeld BP Good Work Prizes: Dhlamini TA Keefe AD Fargnoli LA Mutanga BT Karuwo KW Potera TM Form 3: Form Prize: Sururu I Good Work Prizes: Erasmus BL Rosenfels RC Hwenjere RE van Breda CH Jhani VE Zhou TDU P DHLAMINI Ncube S Subject Prizes: DEPUTY HEADBOY Form 4: English Language: Friend CC English Literature: MacIntosh DG Geography: Rochat RC Environmental Management : Jackman JD History: Peall DF & Furusa TK Geography, Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology, Business Studies & Physical Education: Kersten TP Physical Science, Biology, Accounts & Computer Studies: Masanga T Combined Science: Locke CI & Madondo TT Accounts & Computer Studies Chida TA

Business Studies: Blatch BJ Design & Technology Graphic Products: Charsley CJ Design & Technology Resistant Materials & Art: Mashange B Form 5: Form Prize: Dube RN Lower 6: English Language, English Literature & Geo: Moyo MVS Geography: Randell SM Mathematics & Accounts Ndlovu TK Business Studies: Bhebe RS Physics, Chemistry & Thinking Skills Sibanda LK Chemistry Mtetwa BL Biology: Mason BA Environmental Management: Muil ACR T KERSTEN Design&Technology Product Design: Bristow TJ Design&Technology Graphic Products Hawthorne BR Information & Communication Technology: Gwate H Physical Education: Pongweni TT Art: Machibaya JK Upper 6: English Literature: Dhlamini PN Geography & Business Studies: Kadzere GT Mathematics & Biology: Querl B Mathematics, Accounts, Physics & Chemistry: Moyo TN Design & Technology Product Design: Ncube M & Taylor C Design&Technology Graphic Products van Heerden A Information & Communication Technology: Ncube B Art: Stone SCD Special Prizes Junior Ndebele: Mwale P & Ngwenya T Junior Art: Hwenjere RE Junior Current Aﬀairs: Ndlovu TE T MASANGA Senior Current Aﬀairs: Moyo TM Junior Reading: Bhasera SC Senior Reading: Sibanda LK Junior Best Speaker: Nare NH Senior Best Speaker: Ndlovu TK Music Prize: Mafukidze S Deelan Doolabh Trophy for the Best Musician: Doolabh DS Baveer Doolabh Trophy for the Best Guitarist: Ncube S Brebner Cup for Verse: Ndlovu DDD Natural History Prize: Leared AB Mary Taylor Cup for Junior Conservation: Strydom GW Rob Laing Memorial Shield for Conservation: Bristow TJ Masimira Cup for Painting: Campbell NMR Woodall Cup for Drawing: Stone SCD Robinson Cup for the best Design & Technology project: Ncube M Kim Margesson Memorial Trophy: Kersten TP M NCUBE The Thomas Prize for Sixth Form Science: Moyo TN The Astra Award: Form 1: Eksteen KD & Kersten JR Form 2: Pritchard CN & Dhlamini TA Form 3: Watson BM Form 4: Fraser GA & Friend CC Form 6L: Sibanda LK The Astra Trophy: Form 6U: Ncube M The Mumbengegwe Trophy: Coetzee KM The Ronald Reeve-Johnson Memorial Prize: Nyazika C The Fotheringham-Edwards Trophy for Sport: Chitate J & Pongweni TT The John Lamb Trophy for Sport: Sargeant RC The David Whaley Memorial Trophy: Dhlamini PN The Neil Todd Trophy: Dhlamini PN The Headmasterʹs Trophy: Ncube M The Greaves Trophy: Sargeant RC The Governorʹs Trophy: Doolabh DS The Headmasterʹs Prize: Sargeant RC

taught our three children to swim was now derelict, replaced by the magniﬁcent new one dedicated to the memory of the Bryce Hendrie family. On the morning of Speech Day, Tim Tanser conducted a moving service at the pool in memory of John Bryce Hendrie, who had died earlier that year. Six boys sang, mov- ingly and unaccompanied, and we were moved to tears.

In the chapel we were able to see the plaque on the wall in memory of Dougal Turner, our much-loved headmaster during our years at Falcon. Nearby we OLD BOYS AND STAFF visited the spacious art room with superb examples of the artistic skills of the boys whose work has en- It came as a completely unexpected invitation from hanced the school magazine over the years. The De- Headmaster Reg Querl for my wife and me to be sign and Technology Centre was a revelation, and I guests of honour on Speech Day, 13 October 2011. advised the boy who had invented a device for open- We had no hesitation in accepting this generous offer ing three beer bottles simultaneously to lose no time which would enable us to return to Falcon fifty years in taking out a patent! after we landed in Bulawayo in August 1961. We had been met by Dougal Turner, who drove us out to the Gordon and Heather Macdonald took us on an after- school where we were to spend ten of the happiest noon tour of Quiet Waters and this was yet another years of our lives. revelation as, in our time, Syd and Beth Longden’s house on the hill was the only building there. Black After three days with Richard and Bookey Peek at Kopje brought back memories of my study of a Stone Hills, their wildlife sanctuary at Marula in the Freckled Nightjar that nested on a bare rock slab, and Matobo hills, we were dropped by Bookey at the Fal- it transpired that this was the first detailed breeding con office in Bulawayo where we were met by Arnel study of any species of nightjar in Africa. That even- Dube, who drove us out to the school. It was memory ing, together with members of the board, we enjoyed lane all the way, the same parched landscape and a visit to the Quest Africa facility in Quiet Waters and spiralling smoke from bush fires at the end of the dry the quality of the presentations of several of the cur- season, then the simple stone gates of Falcon. Ver- rent intake was most impressive. dant manicured playing fields and a riot of mauve jacarandas in full bloom greeted us, while in the dis- Apart from the Macdonalds, our only former col- tance lay the beckoning Mulungwane hills where I leagues were Ted and Marilyn Marais and Graham had conducted so many of my eagle studies with Armstrong and we spent time reminiscing with members of the Natural History Society. them. Graham and I had participated on Exploration Society expeditions to the Okavango Delta together Our four days at Falcon were all too brief and we and his herpetological interests hadn’t waned, indeed were warmly hosted by Reg and Martha Querl who on several occasions during our visit he rushed past arranged for us to meet as many of the staff and on his motorbike with his snake stick to secure anoth- board members as was feasible. Although we had er reptile. revisited the school at random intervals over the years, mainly to visit Ron Hartley, it had been a con- In the modernised and much enlarged library we met siderable while since our last visit, and we enjoyed Mandla Mpofu whose father Mac Mpofu had been delving into the past and admiring the new. The old the school messenger and general factotum for so swimming pool on top of the hill where we had many of the early years. On his bicycle, clad in khaki

and wearing his characteristic tasselled red fez, he defining moment in my life. However, long before was indispensable in so many ways, especially in that, our decision to leave Cape Town for a recently sorting and delivering our mail. He knew every boy established school in the remote bushveld of Matabe- and it was said that the school would have ground to leland was the major defining moment of our lives, as a halt without him. well as that of our three children who spent their happy formative years at Falcon. I went into the staff room for tea and sandwiches, always the most welcome part of a teacher’s morning, Apart from the fact that the school is now multiracial, and little had changed except that the staff numbers which it sadly wasn’t in our time, the basic ingredi- had probably trebled and the space had been en- ents remain the same. The boys are polite and courte- larged accordingly. ous with a special adventurous and independent spirit that sets them apart from most other schools. As Over the years new classrooms and boarding houses evidence of this, as recounted elsewhere in the maga- had been built, as well as the Tanser computer centre, zine, a group of us from the early 1960s still bond on but essentially the ‘feel’ of the old school had remained unchanged. I felt as if I could return to my favourite 5B classroom and teach Patrick Mavros all over again; he flew down specially, together with Pat- rick junior, for Speech Day to meet us. Others we met from those early days were Alastair Coulson and Andy Laing. Andy made an impressive speech as Chairman of the Board, despite some apocryphal ref- erences to my treatment of him as his housemaster in

THE STEYNS AT QUEST

regular Peregrinations to remote and interesting areas.

On Speech Day I stressed that the race is not always to the swift and that those who didn’t receive prizes were just as important as those that did. Falcon was, and still is, a place of dreams where many varied talents can be realized. Long may the boys in blue con- MRS M QUERL, MR P STEYN, MRS J STEYN tinue to journey to the stars.

& MR R QUERL Peter Steyn

Tredgold. And, speaking of Tredgold, we had afternoon tea with Will and Brigitte Randle in our old home for the duration of our years at Falcon. The garden has been extended even further into the bush, but essentially it had the same ambience that we had so enjoyed and nurtured.

On the day before Speech Day I gave a talk to the whole school on my visit to Emperor Penguin colo- nies in Antarctica and I described this expedition as a

R.W. Querl BA (Phys. Ed.), HDE (Rhodes) Headmaster D. J. M. Fleming BA, UED (Rhodes) Geography Second Master J. F. Shaw BSc (Hons), PCE (London) Maths Senior Master T. Matatu BSc (UBLS) Grad CE (UZ) Computers, ICT Academic Director O. C. Fernandes BSc, Grad CE (UZ) Biology, Science Housemaster (Chubb) D. N. L. Grant BA (Unisa) History, Geo. Housemaster (G. Grey) C. Hepburn BSc (Unisa), PGDE (ZOU) Maths, Accounts Housemaster (Hervey) P. Heymans BSc (Chemistry, Biochem) (Wits) Physics, Science Housemaster (Oates) Z. J. Makurumidze BSc Education (Bindura) Maths Housemaster (Founders) W. A. J. Randle BA (Hons) (Lancaster) Biology, Science Housemaster (Tredgold) G. Armstrong MA (Edin), Dip Ed (Oxon) Maths A. C. Bancroft Dip Ed (TTC London) Design & Technology C. Ferreira Dip Ed (Hillside) Music Music J. Ferreira Diploma in Multimedia Design (Damelin) Business Studies, History, ICDL J. J. Ferreira Agricultural Diploma (Gwebi) Agriculture, Design & Technology C. Guthrie BSc (Agric), HDE (Natal) Chemistry, Physical Science, Combined Science R. B. Harrison BA (Hons) (Dunelm) History, English, French J. Heymans BA (Phys Ed) Pretoria, UED (Natal) English, Physical Education, Afrikaans N. Heymans HPD (UCT) Geography, English B. Heymans BA (English, Psychology) (Wits) English G. Katsande IAC Fin. Acc., Dip Acc, LCCI, CE (Kwekwe Poly) Accounts R. Katsande Dip Ed (Morgenster) Geography, Ndebele D Kelly BSc (Hons) Natal Science, Geography, Travel and Tourism R. Khumalo BEcon (Rhodes) Business Studies, Geography S. Khumalo Dip Microtech, ICDL Computers S. Langley Dip Ed (Hillside) English, Art J. Lindner Dip Hons (Sport Science) (London) Geography G. A. Macdonald BA (Hons) (Natal) PCE (London) (FRGS) Environmental Management H. A. Macdonald BA (UCT), PCE (London) English, Library, Careers F. T. Majuba Dip Ed (Hillside) Physical Education, History J. Makola Dip Ed (Belvedere) Design & Technology, Physical Education A. Moyo BSc (ZOU) Group Dip - P. R. (LCCI) Geography, Environmental Science E. Moyo BSc (ZOU) Science, Biology I. Museba BSc (SSC), B.Ed (UZ), CE (UZ) Maths M. Ncube B Ed (Chem) (Cuba),CCNA, CISCO (Nust), Computers PGD (ZOU), Adv ICDL S. L. Ncube M Tech (Ed) (TUT), CE (Belvedere) Design & Technology S. Ncube Dip Ed (Gwanda) Ndebele S. P. Ndlovu BA (UZ), PGDE (ZOU), Cert. In Counselling English, Life Skills S. V. Ndlovu BSc (ZOU) Science, Physical Science Tr. Ndlovu BA (UZ), Grad CE (UZ), Post Grad Cert (Copenhagen) English T. Ndlovu Dip Ed (Hillside), Dip (University de la Reunion) French S. B. Nyathi B Tech (UP), Dip Ed (Chinhoyi) Business Studies B. Randle Geography, Art J. Stewart BSc (Rhodes) Art A. F. Watson BA (Unisa) A C E Geography, History, Counselling

ACADEMIC STAFF

Academic Staﬀ Back Row: R Harrison, G Armstrong, C Hepburn, G Katsande, J Shaw, D Grant, S Ndlovu, N Heymans, J Makola, J Ferreira, J Stewart, F Majuba, SL Ncube, S Ncube, O Fernandes, J Heymans, T Ndlovu, C Ferreira, P Heymans, C Guthrie, B Heymans, A Watson, H Macdonald, R Khumalo, G Macdonald Front Row: R Querl, T Bancroft, A Moyo, I Museba, S Nyathi, J Lindner, P Ndlovu, S Langley, T Ndlovu, E Moyo, R Katsande, D Kelly, J Makurumidze, D Fleming Inset: S Khumalo, JJ Ferreira, W Randle

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Administrative Staﬀ Back Row: J Gous, M Phiri, D Carlsson, M Tabvuma, L Mpofu, V Dube, Z Mguni, A Carlsson, L Oosthuizen Front Row: M Shirto, J McTaggart, S Greaves, L Watson, J Bancroft Inset: L Brown, S Bryant, Z Tshuma, A Mutape

L. Watson Acting Director of Administration J. Gous Bursar M. Phiri Bookkeeper M. Shirto Cashier Accounts Clerk S. Greaves Creditor’s Accounts Clerk M Tabvuma Bookkeeper A. Carlsson Assistant Bookkeeper D. Carlsson Administrator C. Jones Bulawayo Oﬃce S. Hawthorne Harare Oﬃce E. Hope Girls’ Boarding House L. Brown Computer Technician L. Oosthuizen Headmaster’s Secretary J. Bancroft Administration Secretary P. Stewart Estate Manager G. Moyo Maintenance Manager L. Mudzvena Storeman S. Bryant Sister, Sanatorium Z. Tshuma Sister, Sanatorium G. Doba Servcor Catering Manager S. Dube Housekeeping J. Ncube Housekeeping Assistant I. Nhliziyo Laundry M. Mpofu Junior Librarian E. Marais Archivist Z. Mguni Telephone Operator P. Nkala Telephone Operator V. Ncube Stores Manager A. Dube Senior Driver / Buyer T. K. Ndebele Senior Driver J. Gumbo Driver D. Mhonyera Driver D. Khumalo Driver J. CHITATE U6 L. Mpofu Messenger M. Moyo Messenger R. Ndebele Tuckshop/Bushtick Pub A. Mutape Tennis Coach W. Schultz Quest Africa

There have been only a interesting and chal- few changes in the staff lenging. Arnel Dube, this year. On the aca- who has driven demic front, Mrs Debbie many thousands of Kelly arrived at the be- kilometres safely ginning of the year, but carrying many Fal- she was not new to us con staff and pupils, since she had taught was promoted to here some years back. Transport Supervi- She teaches a variety of sor, though he con- subjects including Travel and Tourism and Geogra- tinues with driving duties too. Vincent Ncube, who phy, and she has become involved with the Natural used to work in the stores, is now part of the buying History Society, environmental issues being a pas- team and shares an office in the administration sec- sion of hers, while her husband Declan helped out tion, and is kept very busy with all sorts of compli- for a while as the Sports Administrator. Julie Lind- cated tasks. We hope they all enjoy their new de- ner also returned to Falcon having lived here in the manding positions. nineties, and she teaches Geography and is involved a great deal in various sports activities. Mrs Thandi Pete Botha and Andre Zietsman have been part of the Ndlovu, who lives in Esigodini, joined us to teach grounds and building teams this year and we appre- French and we wish them all a long and happy associate all they have done. Gary Wilke has spent the ciation with Falcon. year with us as the College mechanic, but he returns to city life at the end of the year. We thank him for There were some changes made on the administra- his input; he has been a rescuer of several stranded tion side of the College. For a while the burden of motorists through the year and we will be sad to see controlling administration fell on the shoulders of him leave. Lew Watson and Joanne Gous, until later in the year, Mr John McTaggart was welcomed as our new CEO. There are No stranger to us having had two sons at Falcon, and some depar- having been on the Board for a number of years, he tures at the quickly settled in, but escapes from us every now and end of 2011. then in his helicopter when he goes on various excit- Graham Arm- ing game capture programmes. Mrs Eve Reid left us strong, who at the end of the first term and we were sad to see her retired some go, but wish her well in her stated desire to spend years ago, but more time at home. She was replaced in that office by rejoined the Mrs Memory Tabvuma, who is also a parent, who staff, has finally decided to enjoy a proper retirement not only brings glamour to the office area, but also after many years’ service to the College. We hope he impressed us all by running in her first Comrades has a wonderful time exploring all sorts of exciting Marathon, winning a bronze medal to boot! She is areas in his newly acquired 4x4 but that he will still also a stalwart of the yoga group and we hope she be on hand to collect snakes from our gardens or enjoys a long and fruitful time at the College. houses! His Snake Club will be wound down, which is a great pity and a great loss to the College. Laraine There have been re-arrangements in the structure of Oosthuizen, who has been a hard-working Headmas- the administration of the College. ‘Zeb’ Mguni, who ter’s secretary, and a long-suffering helper to many of used to be one of the voices of Falcon on the tele- the staff, is also retiring, but will not be far away as phone exchange, was promoted to Human Resources she will continue to live in Esigodini. While we hope Supervisor, a job which he enjoys but finds to be very she enjoys being at home, we also hope we will still

see something of Macdonald were visited by their son Gareth, daugh- her. Craig Hepburn ter Kirsty and son-in-law John, together with two is leaving us at the friends from Japan in March, while the Marais were end of the year to visited by their twin daughters, Gilly and Jenny (from go to teach in Bula- the USA) in August. This was an occasion for particu- wayo. While he has lar celebration as Jenny’s daughter had had a son ear- not been here at lier in the year, thus making Ted and Marilyn proud Falcon that long, great-grandparents. Dave Fleming had an exciting his input has been varied and considerable, and we family occasion in August when his daughter Kate wish him well in his new ventures. was married. His son Michael, daughter-in-law Mary and granddaughter from New Zealand were here, as An important feature of the staff this year has been a well as brothers from round the world, and a wonder- focus on fitness. There has been the small established ful time was had by all, both at the wedding and at yoga group, of varying skills, which Sue Bryant start- family gatherings afterwards. Zimbabweans know all ed a couple of years ago - Feel that lovely stretch; Tight- too well how special such visits are, and how short en those quads; Stay! Aerobics sessions are run by Brig- they always seem to be. Glenn Querl, son of Reg and itte Randle (aqua aerobics sometimes, depending on Martha, returned to Zimbabwe to play Franchise the heat!), which have been going intermittently for cricket for the Tuskers for six months. He is based in many years and then a whole new project was started the UK where he plays Pro 40 and club cricket. Sa- by neighbour and parent, Sue Stone. At the beginning mantha Heymans, daughter of Pierre and Barbz, has of the year the headmaster announced that there been appointed Head Girl of Girls’ College for 2012. would be a session in the gym for interested staff every day from 5.30 till 6.30 am every school day, and the The weather always features in staff notes! We had programme would be tailor made by Sue for partici- good rains at the start of last season and all was hap- pating staff. It is amazing that there is still a group of piness, until they stopped abruptly in January. They staff, admittedly quite a bit smaller than that at the returned near the end of the season but it is increas- beginning, which still meets practically every day to ingly apparent that we are beginning to fall into a be put through their paces mostly by Sue, or some- pattern of two rainy seasons, as experienced in East times by her sister Julie Lindner. There have certainly Africa. We have had very high temperatures in Octo- been some ber - for a few days in the forties, which is almost un- changes in sil- heard of - and we have been in the higher thirties af- houettes! In ad- ter a short respite with some welcome rain. The heat dition, several seemed to come on cue just as the external exams be- staff took ad- gan, and it was a very tiresome and trying period for vantage of the all. Despite the discomfort, we were treated to an chance to pur- astonishing display of beauty by the flowering of the chase bikes, and great acacia trees, starting in August with the galpini- so there is also a is and nigrescens, and then later on by the karoos. (As dedicated group a matter of interest, we in Africa may no longer refer of riders, as well as the usual swimmers and walkers. to these amazing trees as acacias, since this name has been reserved for the Australian species). Jacaranda Falcon, a boys’ boarding school, must be in a unique and Flamboyants are as glorious as ever, but some of situation in that the Shooting Club was resuscitated, these old trees are showing their age, but not so the and is now run by two women, a sharp shooter in the College, which has looked as stunning as ever. form of Barbz Heymans, and a licensed professional hunter, in the form of Debbie Kelly. It is a very popu- H A Macdonald lar club!

A new baby arrived at Falcon at the end of March, when Joe and Maseline Makurumidze were blessed with a daughter Leah Munashe. Gordon and Heather

The Falcon College Bulawayo Office is conveniently events, such as The Lion King production. Parents situated at 129 J Tongogara Street between 13th & 14th were able to have all the information and to book Avenues. This office is here to provide a link between tickets at the office. When there is an event at the Col- the parents, the College and the boys. lege, parents can also book places and buses at the office. When an event takes place at the College and If parents have a query or need information they can parents travel out there by bus, Mr Laing arranges a come to the office instead of having to drive all the security guard to look after all the cars left at the way out to the College. We can find the right contact office and this ensures that the parents have a stress at the College who can best help them. free journey to and from the College.

They can also make payments in the oﬃce for Col- It is also a good place for parents to link up with the lege fees, bus transport, or for any events that are headmaster or teachers, members of our marketing happening at the college. department, and the Parents’ Committee.

Boys being boys, always forget some items that they Parents can also purchase items that the Parents’ need at the College. Mums and Dads get frantic Committee have made up to raise funds for the Col- sms’s asking them to please send shoes, books, and lege, such as Falcon Supporter’s Hats, Golf Shirts, the most important (to them) tuck. Bags and Umbrellas.

The oﬃce is also very well situated for College L Jones

The Harare Oﬃce has been run by Sue Hawthorne for the past three years. Sue wears ‘many hats’ in the oﬃce and is there to provide the parents with a varied service: taking in school and exam fees and bus payments; networking and sending all forgotten items and tuck back to the Col- lege by whatever means possible amongst many other tasks! Sue also works for the Falcon Old Boy’s Association which has been resuscitated in the last eighteen months.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his forward to some exciting meals from the kitchen in stomach. This is true and a well cooked and prepared 2012. meal will certainly put you in a man’s good books. Gladys Doba, who is the Servcor Kitchen Manager at D Carlsson Falcon, has an enormous challenge making sure the stomachs of over 400 hungry young men and over 60 staﬀ are kept satisﬁed during the school terms. This, as we all know, is no easy task, but Gladys has accepted the challenge.

Gladys was trained at the School of Hospitality and Tourism in Bulawayo between 2006 and 2009. She did a HND in Baking Technology and also a diploma in Food and Beverage Management. I asked Gladys what she likes about her job and her response was, “I like everything about my job because I love cooking.”

Outside the kitchen, Gladys likes listening to music. Her favorite groups are Westlife and Macheso. She also likes writing short stories and articles. We look

The Falcon Library plays an integral part in the lives We look forward to seeing Mandla at the library for of Falcon boys and staﬀ. We are indeed privileged to many more years and we wish him and his family all have an excellent team looking after our library in the best for the future. Heather Macdonald (Librarian) and Assistant Librar- ian, Mandla Mpofu. Heather, of course, is well D Carlsson known to you all so in this article we will look brieﬂy at Mandla Mpofu.

Mandla joined Falcon on the 15 January 1991, so has given twenty years of service to the school. He spent the ﬁrst 11 years of his service in the laundry and then moved to the library where he has been for nine years. Mandla is married to Christine and they have 3 children, 2 girls and a boy.

Mandla is probably the ﬁrst person you see when you walk through the library door and his helpful attitude to users, especially form ones, has certainly helped the English Department in their thrust to fos- ter an interest in books and reading.

College Prefects Back Row : D Doolabh, D Gibbons, S Nkala, M Ncube, J Chitate Front Row : T Moyo, P Dhlamini, Mr R Querl, R Sargeant, K Mushoriwa, A van Heerden

HEAD OF SCHOOL - Robert Sargeant DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL - Philani Dhlamini (Head of Chubb) HEAD OF FOUNDERS - Andries van Heerden HEAD OF GEORGE GREY - Sobukhosi Nkala HEAD OF OATES - Devon Gibbons HEAD OF TREDGOLD - Thamsanqa Moyo HEAD OF HERVEY - Kudzai Mushoriwa COLLEGE PREFECTS - Mizikayifani Ncube Deelan Doolabh Joy Chitate

HOUSE PREFECTS 2011

CHUBB FOUNDERS GEORGE GREY Dhlamini, Philani van Heerden, Andries Nkala, Sobukhosi Chinaka, Mukudzeyi Joubert, Juan Ncube, Mizikayifani Masanga, Chiratidzo Kanengoni, Rangarirai Coetzee, Keith Nemaruru, Bright McLintock, Dalton Kadzere, Godfrey Njanike, Tendai Ncube, Bradley Mhute, Prosper Smit, Matthew Tapfuma, Lazarus Ngwenya, Sabelo Tabvuma, Shingai Nyazika, Craig (Monitor) Nyirenda, Nelson Tshuma, Basil Zonde, Nigel (Monitor) Querl, Bradley Stone, Shane Taremeredzwa, Delroy

HERVEY OATES TREDGOLD Mushoriwa, Kudzai Gibbons, Devon Sargeant, Robert Mazorodze, Farai Doolabh, Deelan Moyo, Thamsanqa Muparuri, Jason Kemp, Ryan Chitate, Joy Rex, Joshua Mafukidze, Simbarashe Campbell, Nicholas Taylor, Charles Mutembwa, Tapiwa Ncube, Ndabezinhle Pongweni, Tapiwa Sibanda, Sambulo Ward, Michael Zishumba, Kudzai

SPORTS CAPTAINS 2011 Athletics: Tapiwa Pongweni Basketball: Thamsanqa Moyo Cricket: Joy Chitate Cross Country: Mizikayifani Ncube Golf: Gerald Smit Hockey: Tapiwa Mutembwa Rugby: Robert Sargeant Soccer: Mizikayifani Ncube Squash: Michael Ward Swimming: Philani Dhlamini Tennis: Simbarashe Mafukidze Waterpolo: Devon Gibbons

R. ROCHAT F4

These went well, following similar patterns to others done over the last 17 years. Many old boys will remember the ascent of Signal Hill, the relay orienteering, the log race, the pairs night out, various initiative tests, including the ‘Escape from Falcatraz’, Mr Ban- croft’s bomb and the ﬁnale raft race of the Form 2 adventure course.

Some will remember the Form 1 course for their first nights out in the bush, first attempts at ʹpotjieʹ cooking ‘ a la Mr Macdonald’, chicken culling, first aid, score orienteering with Mrs Randle and the ropes

course with Mr Armstrong.

While boys are less outdoor orientated these days, the vast majority of the 2011 year groups seemed to W Randle thoroughly enjoy the courses and hopefully will have beneﬁtted greatly from them as have many of their predecessors.

A. VILJOEN F4

J. REX U6

and peace into a person’s life, a sense of purpose and direction – because God has a wonderful plan for everyone, and knowing God brings a security and stability within. The Bible says, “If God be for me, who can be against me? Nothing can separate us from the Love of God”

The story is told of a young boy traveling on an aero- plane; he seemed to be alone, seated next to an elderly gentleman. The aircraft went through some stormy weather and was being bounced around quite a bit. The boy continued reading and was not disturbed at all. The man asked the youngster if he was not afraid of the storm. “No” replied the boy “My Dad is the pilot!!”

If a Falcon boy can know that God loves him, that God is his Pilot and is on his side and has a good plan for his life, there will be peace, happiness and a security within him that will affect every area of his life. He will be happier in the hostel, in the classroom and on the sports field! He will be happier at home and will not have to run after some of the things that young people think will bring satisfaction. That security and peace on the inside is of great benefit, espe- Where Does God Fit into the Picture? cially when flying through stormy weather! When a The Significance of the Chapel at Falcon College man is not “happy” on the inside – “nothing is happy” – only a relationship with God the Father brings It has been said, “Your attitude determines your alti- contentment that is permanent. This is not religious tude”. It is a basic human desire to want to achieve activity but a real relationship with a Living God. success and live a life of significance. In order to fly When God adds His Favour and blessing to a Falcon boy’s like the majestic falcon, we need to have what it takes life there is no telling to what heights he will fly! on the inside to reach the altitudes we are striving for. “Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their The Chapel plays a very important role in the life of strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles the boys of Falcon College – it is here that young men (falcons!), they shall run and not be weary, they shall can find the strength to reach their God-given desti- walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 nies! Most people acknowledge that there is a God – and if this is so – He should be a very important part Does “The Chapel” play an important role at Falcon? of our lives. As Christians we believe that “God is ABSOLUTELY! It should be at the centre of College love” (1 John 4 v8); that He is the Creator of heaven life – the most important aspect for every Falcon boy. and earth – all knowing, all powerful and omnipresent. We believe that Jesus, God’s Son, was born, died “The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, and rose again so that we, who were separated from bracing and delicious! And why shouldn’t it be?! It is God by sin, might be restored to a relationship with the same the angels breathe.” Mark Twain God, the Father, by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. This relationship with God brings great joy D Darby

“See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5). Change is a bogey word at Falcon particularly amongst the boys, so some may have thought we were taking an unnecessary risk to restructure the Chapel programme for 2011. By the time I decided that it really was the way forward at the end of 2010, I was convinced that it was neither unnecessary nor a risk. It is a given that things don’t work out as you planned and that was the case here but I really do believe that the spirit of the exercise has shone through.

In many ways it was not a big change: on the face of it, all we did was to swop the Sunday and Wednes- ing blue cloth with the Falcon emblem. She also plac- day evening services though it was a little more comes flower arrangements in the chapel for major ser- plicated than that. On Sundays in First Term for the vices. My grateful thanks go to her for all this. In the new Sunday Worship and monthly School Services, second half of the year, a memorial plaque for Mr we had a theme of the “Apostles’ Creed (What Chris- Dougal Turner, the former Headmaster, was placed tians Believe)” with a mixture of visiting speakers in the chapel, commemorating his life and period of and staff giving us their thoughts. In Second and time leading Falcon. Third Term, our themes were “Now is the time” and “What can we learn from [a Bible character]?”. Music is an integral and vital part of most Christian Wednesday Midweek Services were mostly taken by worship and Falcon is no exception. For a year or two the Christian Leaders who gave a number of very now, I have felt that our chapel hymn books were good talks on their own topic. We also had three ser- looking a little past their sell-by date and Mr Mcingwa Moyo of the housekeeping department was very long suffering in repairing books that were really beyond repair. So when my old church in the UK, St Mary’s Church, Upton, Wirral, told me that they had raised some money from the sale of Christmas cards and would like to give these proceeds to me for the work of the chapel here, I knew exactly what it should be put towards. Due to the structure of our chapel I ruled out purchasing a projector and screen and after a fair amount of research made the decision to replace the old Mission Praise hymn books with hard-back copies of the new enlarged Mission Praise. Acquiring these books from the UK is a story in itself, but with the cheerful assistance of the Collins agent vices of Holy Communion each term. in Harare, they finally arrived during the Second A few little things to note include the rediscovery of Term. I am delighted to report that they have been a some old Falcon College service books which were great success. They offer a wide range of hymns, used on a couple of occasions. The vestry has been songs and choruses that cover all our needs from the cleared out, tidied up and some of the old cupboards more formal School Services to the informal Mid- renovated by the maintenance department. Mrs Nor- weeks and Sunday Worships. More grateful thanks ma Heymans kindly agreed to make a new altar cloth are obviously due here to St Mary’s for making this to replace the old tatty one and we now have a strik- possible.

Whilst on the theme of music, I would also like to jor concern is that the Sunday evening Bible Studies show appreciation to the Midweek Band who have are not functioning as they should, meaning that worked hard once again to lead the praise and wor- attendance is very poor. In the past they were a vital ship at so many chapel services. Particular thanks go part of the personal Christian development of the to Simbarashe Mafukidze and Godfrey Kadzere who boys and I haven’t managed to work out just what the have been involved most if not all of the six years of problem is at present! My thanks must also be record- their Falcon career. Both will be missed, though the ed for Michael Ward and the Christian leaders and to self-perpetuating nature of the Band is a great testi- those staﬀ who assisted with taking Bible Studies and mony to it. Mrs Cecile Ferreira and Mrs Carolyn speaking or leading various chapel services. Special Guthrie should also not be overlooked when making thanks go to Pastor Doug Darby for much wisdom mention of the music and their hard work and com- and guidance over the year. mitment to chapel music is another vital cog in the wheel. Mrs Ferreira also co-ordinated another ﬁne R Harrison end of year Carol Service.

In Second Term we welcomed a team from Zambesi Holidays, led by Mr Craig Roberts, to the College for ﬁve days of meetings and interaction with the boys. The exercise was well-received and is hopefully something that can be repeated in the future. Another “event” that took place later that term was a series of Louie Giglio DVD presentations which was organized by Tyler Rowe and also went down well.

All in all it has been a very positive year. My only ma-

Early on the Sunday morning, in January, when the conquering of personal fears, and it is safe to say that rest of the school were getting ready to return to Fal- everyone surprised themselves with their ability to con, the Lower Sixes, accompanied by three members achieve the ‘impossible’. of staff, set off on an ‘adventure’ that is destined to become an The overall objective of the course was to de- annual outing velop team work amongst the College’s future for the Lower student leaders. To this end many of the men- Sixes. Few of tal activities involved the planning of strate- the boys had gies, the execution of such plans and an in been to depth analysis of the success or failure of the Masvingo, let strategies at the conclusion of the activity. The alone seen the teams were deliberately chosen so that boys magnificent from different houses were thrown together, Birchenough and where ever pos- Bridge over sible previous the Save Riv- ‘liaisons’ were bro- er, as our bus- ken up so that team es [and drivers Arnel Dube and Jabulani building had to start Gumbo] took us safely to our destination from scratch. In – the Outward Bound School in the Chi- most cases this manimani Mountains on Zimbabwe’s proved to be a suc- eastern border. cessful exercise.

For six days the boys were put through A weary, quieter, their paces at the hands of the Director of but generally con- the Outward Bound School and his highly competent tented group, wended their way back to the heart of group of instructors. The emphasis of the course was Matabeleland refreshed after their six days in the the testing and development of mental and physical mountains, and ready to take on the challenges of toughness, both as individuals and in a team context. ‘life near the top’. To accomplish this, the boys were introduced to a wide range of physical activities including: abseiling, D J Fleming rock climbing, mountain trekking, cave sleeping, swimming in mountain waters and climbing ‘impossible’ obstacles (the Pamper Pole and Jacob’s ladder). Most of these physical activities involved the

Gordon and I are Zimbabweans, third and second generation respectively, with between us, roots in Scotland, England and Denmark. Both of us were recipients of government teaching grants, and while I went to U.C.T. and Gordon to Pietermaritzburg (Natal), we moved on to the then University College of Rhodesia, where we met while doing our P.C.E.’s. After graduating, we were posted to Bulawayo: me to Townsend, with serious reservations about that end of the country, having spent most of my life in Mashonaland, while Gordon’s first post was at Founders, followed by two terms at Northlea. Both of us could not have asked for better schools to learn the ropes of teaching and we were both well educated by older teaching staff. I spent my first pay cheque on a We joined the College fifteen years after its beginning portable Olivetti typewriter on which to type all my and so we were lucky to experience a little of the re- notes (I taught History) to be copied off on a Banda maining pioneer spirit which gave Falcon so much of machine. ‘Biros’ had not been invented then so all its character. The boys used to arrive at the beginning marking was done in proper red ink! of term, many of them getting off the train at Heaney Junction, and about a third coming from Zambia, and Gordon was recruited to come to Falcon mostly be- would stay here for the whole term. No exeats then! I cause he was a hockey coach, but also to teach geog- think the odd lunch out with parents on a Sunday raphy, and he arrived here at the start of 1969, living was allowed but otherwise the boys did not leave at in what has become the Head Boy’s flat. We were weekends except for sport. We were lucky to miss married in August 1969, and were the youngest on the period of the College’s life with Saturday lessons the staff. Little did we know how often our lives and lessons before breakfast, but for a while we had would change direction and that we would go to the afternoon school – two periods – on Monday and top of the pile and then down to the bottom again! Wednesday, and also had, for ages it seemed, a long morning, ending school at 1.10 pm. We worked Looking back over forty three years is a little daunt- through all public holidays, stopping school on Good ing and we tend to think of our different ‘lives’ here, Friday at midday for a chapel service, but we had each of them associated with a different house, so two months’ holiday at Christmas. Staff wives were that is how I will continue. expected to do chapel flowers – to last the week; dec- orate the Turner Hall with flowers for Founders’ Our first home was where Joanne Gous lives, and we Day, and to pour teas at important functions. Some spent a term there, before moving to where the Stew- things hung on from the old mine days as many of arts now live. I continued to work at Townsend for a the houses were surrounded by the snake-infested couple of years – driving in each day when petrol rubber hedges; there were still many usable outside was then twenty five cents per gallon, until I was ‘P.K’s’ (toilets), while all over the place could be offered a part-time job here at Falcon. I had to learn found the small ceramic crucibles used in the mining to garden and it took me quite a while to register that processes and I cannot think why we never kept one! plants brought from my parents’ farm in Nyanga, We also had to do phone duties as there was no ex- where they were now retired, were not going to like change in those days. The details escape me now, but Matabeleland too much! However, gardening be- I would guess the phone was manned by one of the came a passion, and I started and ran a garden club office staff during office hours and then it was for staff wives for many years. switched through to one of the staff houses for the evening or for the weekend as the case may be. I do

remember sitting for ages at the phone with a list on and therefore, like most of the others, led a double my lap, giving out public exam results to delighted life. He was HoD of Geography and A level teacher, or horrified parents. I also remember that phone duty 1st game hockey coach, cricket coach, and then es- was mostly done by wives; husbands being on corter of convoys most Sundays to Beit Bridge and sports’ fields or in Houses, and it did not always go back again. Large parts of the holidays were spent well with children’s bath and supper times! being deployed to dangerous parts of the country doing various duties. One of our most dramatic inci- We had milk and cream delivered to our houses by dents was actually after the Liberation War, when the Mike Mylne from Longridge, while his sister Olive phone went at 3.00am and the housemasters were Mary delivered chickens and eggs from Intabanendi. summoned to the HM’s house for a Housemasters’ The shopping in Essexvale, as it was, was excellent, meeting! It concerned the incident at Entumbane and with a splendid little supermarket on the corner op- the fears of the authorities about events which could posite the Post Office, a well-stocked Farmers’ Co-op, follow. Gordon and Ron Reeve-Johnson were the first two petrol stations, a well-patronised hotel and a to be on guard at the main gate, at dawn, armed with flourishing sports’ club where you could play tennis their FN rifles in case of attack by some Russian on excellent ant-heap courts, bowls on immaculate tanks! Great excitement for the boys when the army greens, and swim in the sparkling pool. The Es- was resident here for a while and there were helicop- sexvale cricket club, whose cricket field can still be ters buzzing around. seen, with its commanding view of the Mulungwane Hills, was a thriving one and was a force to be reckoned with in Matabeleland Country Districts. Many parties and dances were held at the Essexvale Club, and like the old school hall, it had a sprung wooden floor where we could dance, with suspended above us a glittering, rotating ‘disco’ ball.

There was no security fence and we had lots of game such as kudu, impala and duiker on Oval field, so that it was customary when returning home at night to first shine car lights on the field to see what was there. We had animals in our garden too – not always appreciated since they loved new rose shoots. We While there were stresses and strains, and times had the benefit of being here for a short while with spent in the House were long, those were probably Peter Steyn and although Gordon had always been our happiest days here. The staff was mostly made interested in birds, being at Falcon was a good start up of youngish married couples with children, and a for an ignoramus like me, and we both learned a group of bachelor staff, and together with our neigh- great deal from him, and later, from Ron Hartley. bouring farmers, we were a very close-knit commu- Gordon was in charge of first game hockey, a posi- nity. Most of the wives played bridge, tennis at both tion he held for over twenty years, coaching the na- the Longdens’ farm (Quiet Waters) and at the club in tional squad too on several occasions. Our son Esigodini; were members of the garden club; some Gareth was born in 1974, and soon after, Gordon was ran playgroups, some were in the Police Reserve, appointed Housemaster of Oates, and we moved to some ran the Tuck Shop (I did, with Angela Dakin, where the Guthries now live. for a while) and some of us taught as well or worked in the school office. Together with great friends, the The thirteen years spent there were very full, very Reeds, we ran several gambling evenings. These demanding, often stressful, and mostly very happy. were black tie, all-night affairs, using a borrowed For much of that time we had to deal with the Libera- roulette wheel, Gordon and Frank being the croupi- tion war years, with many of the Oates boys being ers, Pauline and I, the caterers. The younger staff of- affected one way or another, while Gordon (like most ten had what we called progressive dinner parties, of the other teaching staff), was in the Police Reserve mostly ending somewhere off campus. The younger

men, when they could, played cricket for Esigodini, schools’ hockey team, Gordon went on tour to Ger- and for Matabeleland Country Districts, some for many and the UK. Gordon and Richard Harrison also Stragglers, and enjoyed festive gatherings in the club. took a Falcon hockey side to Germany and the Neth- erlands. Gordon and I even produced an Oates house In our early years here, the road to Esigodini was not play which was great fun but a big learning curve! tarred, and the bridge across the Ncema River was a We had to deal with the trauma of losing a full-term narrow, low-level one which now appears when the stillborn daughter, which was very hard - no coun- Upper Ncema dam level drops. Floods were not un- selling then - but we were eventually blessed with known and diversions were made across the not-so- our daughter Kirsty, who was born in those heady high level bridge near Sacred Heart when the river’s days after Independence, in 1981. Unluckily for her, waters roared not so far below. Sometimes the Col- she was often the only child her age at the College, so lege was cut-off on the main road when Fern Spruit her constant companion was our chocolate Labrador. or other low-lying areas were flooded. Travel on the- I taught her by Correspondence for the first two se muddy roads could be interesting and I remember grades and then she, like her brother before her, went once, when driving to Townsend, I skidded near the to Whitestone as a weekly boarder. A lucky escape main gate and ended up in a ditch. Christian van for her I think, since her maths skills may have been Wyk, who was with me, seemingly with no trouble at more seriously impaired if I had taught her for much all, lifted the small car out of the mud, back on to the longer. road, and off we went again, slithering and sliding. I sometimes felt our car looked as if it had been in an When our son came to Falcon, Gordon gave up house East African rally when I got to Bulawayo. When the mastering and we moved up to where the Heymans Upper Ncema dam was completed, a new high level now live. He had just taken on the job of developing bridge was constructed and the road was tarred to Quiet Waters, and once again our lives changed di- there from Esigodini, but it was only in the late eight- rection. Gordon learned about fences and grids, ies that the rest was tarred to Falcon, and most of the translocating and keeping game, the effects of M99, funding for that was provided by the College. building and maintaining roads, constructing a holding boma, designing and building facilities such as John Worwood and Gordon went on a Falcon cricket the picnic sites, the early chalets at the camp site, the tour to Australia; and as coach of a Zimbabwe Study Centre, Fish Eagle Retreat, among other things!

He was assisted in all this by members of his committee, scientists and experts in all sorts of ﬁelds, while the project, with some help from the College, was mostly funded by donations from parents, Old Boys, organisations such as the Wildlife Society and others; friends of the College, and family. I helped, and came to love deeply the Matabeleland bush and all it has to oﬀer, while we met, and learned from, all sorts of fascinating people.

During our years in that house, Gordon also became a Senior Master, then Second Master, and again, the years were full and demanding. In addition to the academic jobs, there were seven expeditions, four of desperately unhappy and traumatic year for us, and which he organised, to remote parts of the country a difficult one for everyone around us. We learned and even to Zambia, with schoolboys, and scientists lots of lessons, the most important being, that in the from the Natural History Museum. These were fasci- end, you have to fend for yourself, make your own nating and again, we learned a huge amount from all choices, and make them work for you. We managed sorts of experts in many different fields. For nearly eventually to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down twenty years, we went on trips with the Junior Natu- and start over! We were so lucky that we then moved ral History Society to magnificent Debshan ranch, the to our present lovely home, where starting a new Rosenfels ranch in Marula, Essexvale ranch, and the garden was balm to wounded spirits. It was also an- Matopos. We, and the boys, loved these outings and other change in direction, and Gordon, having done were very sad when the land invasions brought them a course through Rhodes University on Environmen- to an end. We went on many promotional visits tal Education, was able to start up a new teaching round the country, and to Zambia, with the Todds, programme on Environmental Management, and and were royally looked after by our farming parents took back, for a few years, Quiet Waters, which had and Old Boys. been ably looked after for a while by Tony Bancroft . He also completed the first part of the Zimbabwe There were other wonderful trips for Gordon out of Guides’ licence. I was able to take charge of the li- Africa when he went on two leadership courses, brary, and then later, the English department. I also sponsored partly by Old Boys, to Wellington College studied for the ICDL, which has proved to be so in the UK and Deerfield Academy in the USA. We helpful in the last few years. also helped celebrate the College’s 40th Anniversary since Gordon was chairman of the organising com- There have been questions about why some of us mittee and I was the secretary. With many ex-staff stay here so long. We have always felt that if you and Old Boys coming for the weekend we were all on leave Falcon it must be to somewhere better, and we a magical ‘high’! Gordon, our faithful gardener, Livi- have never found that there was. We have also tried son Moyo, and I, with the staff’s financial and moral hard to keep changing the direction of our profes- support, embarked on quite an ambitious tree- sional lives so that we do not get in a rut. The College planting exercise which lasted a few years, the results has altered in many ways and like us, it has changed of which have given us great pleasure. Pauline Reed directions, as it must, but the essence of it remains, and I took a group of boys to the Grahamstown Arts and we are proud to be teaching here still. The years Festival, and Gordon and I went again a few years here have been incredibly rich and full but not a later. Both were wonderful, unique experiences, great deal of all this could have been achieved with- though we did sometimes wonder about the wisdom out the support of family, friends and colleagues, and of taking a group of seventeen year olds to an Arts to those of you still on the roller coaster ride with us - festival. thank you!

Our next move was to the Head’s house, the start of a H A Macdonald

The Falcon girls moved house at the beginning of and that they all ‘buy in’ to the move. 2011, to a bigger property, which could house 20 pupils. Great efforts were made by the Falcon works I would like to thank Mrs Liz hope and her staff for staff and other contractors to get the house ready for their dedication to the task and making it a “happy the start of term! 51 Clark Road is quite an old prop- home” for the girls. I know that they will miss the erty and regular maintenance was required to keep it personal touches that Mrs Hope lent to the house and in good shape. meals, but other positives of being on campus at Girls’ College will make up for these. She will be Mrs Hope and her 20 girls hosted a function early in moving with them to The Annex and continue to be the first term to showcase their house, to the Girls’ their house mother. My thanks go to Mrs Kathy Van College head, Mrs Ross, as well as to the Falcon Heerden, Mrs Val Van Wyk and Mrs Bev Lander, for board chairman, Mr Andy Laing, amongst others. their assistance with duties at the house. The girls settled well and soon got into a good boarding school routine. I wish them well in the move and will follow the pro- The plan for the Girls’ House had always been to run gress of former Falcon girls as they make their way it for a period of approximately three years, before through Girls’ College. One of our girls, Samantha amalgamating with Girls’ College boarding. When Heymans, is head girl for 2012 – our congratulations the offer came for our girls to move into The Annex to her! at GC, we weighed up the pros and cons of an earlier move. It was decided that it would be for the best in M Querl the long run for the girls to join GC boarding in 2012. They would then be fully integrated into their school as they are, after all, Girls’ College girls! The decision to move was met with mixed feelings by some families, but I do hope that any doubts have been allayed

11 January-Uncertainty surrounds the re-naming of 15 January– Lower Sixth students return from Midweek Services. Let’s wait! Outward Bound!

24 January– Exam results ﬁnally arrive! D Sibanda, T 13 February- A truly historic Cultural Weekend Mabuka, T Moyo and D Doolabh excel with 3A’s or draws to an end. I will never forget the experi- better ence.

26 March– Tredgold claim Founders Day, ahead of 2 April– The Lion King drama performance at 7 Chubb and Hervey. The Interact Dance is held in the Arts Theatre, heralds a new cultural era evening

23 May– Mr Horsley, an International Memory 2 May– Long-serving employees are given Grandmaster, remarkably recalls and recites 50 digits awards at Assembly, including the famous ‘Teddy’.

25 June– A largely unsuccessful Old Boys’ Day, as most 8 July– The Bell award is presented to Falcon rugby teams taste defeat. Seven hockey players selected College, by Dr Stephen Mahere, the Permanent to play for Zimbabwe U19 side! Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Culture

5 September– First lessons of the ﬁnal term commence. 11 September– The Form One Christian Camp It is announced that E Kadzere has been selected for the ends, as some students go to Khumalo Stadium Zimbabwe U19 Sevens side to watch the Olympic Games hockey qualiﬁer games

23 September– The inaugural National Toastmasters 9 October– Rugby World Cup fever grips the Conference kicks oﬀ. I look forward to this weekend.. school as most pupils wake up early to watch the quarter ﬁnal

13 October– The Speech and Prize Giving Day is graced 25 October– The beginning of a long journey, as by Mr Peter Steyn, who is renowned for his research on O’ Level exams begin. Wish there was more time birds. Fruits of hard work to study!

14 November– The long awaited announcement of the 1 December– 2011 ﬁnally comes to an end. I College Prefects is made. A new era with much expec- have enjoyed every moment of it and learnt a tations great deal. 2012 is near!

we had to play ice-breakers so as to get to know our fellow group members’ names. After this we had the biggest shock thus far: security check (lights out!) And so our ﬁrst day ended.

One of the most interesting things about a culture is the food they have, and we were exposed to a burst of Americanism. Lunch at Georgetown, near Wiscon- sin Avenue, oﬀered us an opportunity to delve into a variety of foods ranging from Chipotle (Mexican), McDonalds, Subway (foot-longs) to Italian pizza. The choices were endless. By now we had made many acquaintances from all over the world, and it was on these lunch outings that we got time to socialise and Travelling to America was always going to be a valu- pick up new habits. We were treated to a keynote able experience, and we only realised just how life changing this was going to be when we arrived there.

Our first taste of the First World came in the form of the efficiency of the Dulles International airport in Washington DC. We were then greeted by the bustling DC traffic on our way to our “base camp” for the next five days, the luxurious Sheraton Hotel. Having settled into our air-conditioned rooms (we were yet to find out how hot it could get), equipped with cable television and a thousand new channels waiting to be explored, we headed off to the North ballroom. “Welcome scholars!” resonated the heavily accented American voice of the programme coordinator, Ms Mary Jo Lutz. And just when we thought we were free from the rules of Falcon College, her speech from Dr Gary Weaver a professor at Ameri- first order of business was to lay down the stringent can University. He spoke on cultural conflict and GYLC laws. This included, as we had guessed, the how to deal with it when it arises, “and it will” he banning of any males on the ladies’ floorsL, and we assured us. Our next speaker in Washington was Ms weren’t alone in our disappointment as murmurs Alex Thornton, from the Jane Goodall Institute. She could be heard from the Japanese, German, French, had previously worked on Capitol Hill. Other speak- Italian and the Nigerian scholars, amongst others. ers (in Washington that is) included Roberta Jacobson (Principal Deputy Secretary for the Bureau of West- We were then split into seven country groups: Brazil, ern Hemisphere Affairs) and economics gurus Mr China, France, UK, USA, South Africa and Turkey. C John Longo, Ms Sabina Dewan and Mr Jon Kuhl J Bydawell represented the USA, L K Sibanda, China (who were thanked by T K Ndlovu). and T K Ndlovu, Brazil. Assigned to each country group was a Faculty Advisor (FA), the equivalent of After a sad farewell to Washington DC, we headed a Teacher in Charge, and we followed our respective for the Big Apple (New York), not forgetting to stop FA’s into the newly converted conference rooms over for lunch in Philadelphia. Driving through the (which were actually hotel rooms). Here we had the streets of New York, we were soon caught up in the first of our Leadership Group Meetings (LGM’s), and bustling lifestyle. Still in the Sheraton Hotel mindset,

Our bargaining skills were put to the test as our next stop was Chinatown. It was mind-boggling to see how the price of the same ‘I Love New York’’ t-shirt, could vary. We were then exposed to the pleasures of Times Square. This included a Broadway performance, namely ‘Mary Poppins’. Comparing it to our very own ‘’Lion King’’ was inevitable. The Group Meetings (during one of which L K Sibanda was President and C J Bydawell together with T K Ndlovu were Commission Chairmen), led to a grand ﬁnale - The Global Summit. This gave us the opportunity to step into the shoes of the United Nations Delegates.

After a fruitful Summit, there were two things left on we were disappointed to land up at Manhattan Col- our agenda: Lunch at Rockefeller Centre and a lege, unaware of the marvels it possessed. By this FAREWELL DINNER CRUISE. Both of which were time we were well acquainted with our peers, the absolutely thrilling, leaving many wishing that the ladies in particular. It was interesting to note the way Conference could be extended. Goodbyes were said the fairer sex behaved in this part of the world. Our and tears were shed as we all headed on our separate next port of call was Ellis Island, an important histor- ways, hoping to meet again sometime. ic site. We were fortunate to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty, which was underwhelming to say Leroy Sibanda and Tapiwa Ndlovu the least, as it seems so much bigger in the movies.

The year has passed by quietly with nothing startling The Hunter; The Fisherman; Environment Magazine to report. There has been a steady import of new (USA); The Smithsonian; Popular Mechanics; Sports Il- books which I have ordered from overseas or bought lustrated; The Wisden Cricketer; Getaway and a new locally, and there have been several donations from magazine for computer buffs. staff, parents and friends of the College. The Library With the growing popularity of eBooks round the is always busy and I think it is particularly well used world, we will of course have to make some deci- by the junior section of the school, with a reasonable sions about their use. In addition, there will come a number of seniors, usually armed with laptops and/ time when newspapers and magazines will have to or IPods, in the mix too. We have an impressive se- be read online. However, for the moment those lection of periodicals and newspapers. I have ordered choices remain in the future until various plans are daily and weekly local newspapers; the Mail and put in place. For the moment I and others are keep- Guardian comes from Johannesburg, and of course ing ourselves as well-informed as possible about the our very generous UK FoBs keep us supplied with new technologies available. The trouble for us is that the ever popular London Times, which is certainly they keep changing at a great rate! well-thumbed – even if it is mostly the sports pages! I would as always, like to thank Mr Mpofu, the Assis- Perhaps it would interest readers to know what peri- tant Librarian, who does a sterling job keeping the odicals we subscribe to. In no particular order they Library in good order, and dealing with many of the include: The Week; The New Scientist; The Farmers’ boys’ requests. Thamsanqa Moyo has been an effi- Weekly; American Artist; Rugby World; The Soccer Mag- cient College Prefect attached to the Library, and I azine; National Geographic; The Geographical; Africa Geo- thank him for his efforts. graphic; The WESSA magazines – Environment and En- H Macdonald virokids; Mary Glasgow’s English Club, Team and Current;

with the collation of admissions and provide information and implementation of brand development, which is now becoming well known throughout the region. We are fortunate in that we have a product that we truly believe in and have witnessed the results of. We are also grateful that we work with a very dynamic board and Headmaster. The whole Falcon team pride themselves on being able to think outside of the box and on having the means to improve and network efficiently as would be expected of a world class school. 2011 was once again a very busy year for the marketing team who arranged many trips, classroom presentations, functions and festivals. As well as their continued work in Harare, Bulawayo and Victo- ria Falls, our marketing team travelled across the borders to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia for our various functions. This has resulted in a noticeable change in the quality of our applicants and in the Fal- con “name” being well known and respected in the region. Falcon have been labeled as the leaders in school marketing in Zimbabwe and are always praised for their “forward thinking” and dynamic professional approach. Some people question the necessity for Sadly, Sue Bint resigned at the end of May, as she marketing when the number of pupils applying each was relocating to Harare and wanted to spend more year far outweighs the spaces we have available. time there with her husband. Sue was an integral The role of our marketing team is varied and Falcon part of the Falcon Family and her quiet, well orga- feels it is important that we have a marketing team in nized, happy personality will be greatly missed. place to not only sell the school, but provide many Such was her personality and marketing skills, that other services. Differentiation is the name of the Falcon have taken several months to find a suitable game, and we ensure that our work reveals what is replacement. As of next year, Michelle Keefe and exceptional about our school. Our strategy is to iden- Monica Midlane have been appointed to join the tify and attract quality boys with high standards and marketing team. I will continue to spearhead mar- then not only get them to Falcon but also to maintain keting and public relations whilst Monica and them. Our team is therefore also very involved with Michelle will run the “Falcon Functions” working out public relations and communication with the existing of the Bulawayo Town Office, and joining me on parents. We identify the needs of the parents and marketing trips. feed this information back to the Headmaster who The move of the Girls’ House to bigger premises makes every effort to deliver the desired results. helped us greatly with the marketing. The increased In order to do this, our marketing department devel- space available at the Girls’ House encouraged par- ops a relationship with potential parents as early as ents of both boys and girls to send children to the possible in their school decision-making process; we same region. Therefore we were able to attract those build a long term, mutually beneficial relationship as boys who would otherwise have gone to a co-ed well as being actively involved with public relations school. This house has been a great success to the and communication with existing parents. We help extent that the Girls’ House was full for 2012 and had

the Falcon Girls’ House and has made space for the new applicants in 2012. They will be moving together as one group with Liz Hope into one of Girls’ Col- lege’s existing hostels/houses. This is a very exciting move for the marketing of both Falcon and Girls’ College. It is hoped that in the future more families who want to keep their siblings in the same region will now choose Falcon and Girls’ College. The marketing team wish to thank the boys, parents, staﬀ and board for their continued support and look forward to an even busier 2012. We are conﬁdent that marketing will become an even more enjoyable no room to take in any siblings of Falcon boys in the function as the school continues to improve on Fal- 2012 Form One intake. This was of great concern, so con’s already impressive facilities and reputation. many meetings were held with Girls’ College to work We are proud! “I like to see a man proud of the place in with them to create the right environment for these which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will girls and to take back the responsibility of making be proud of him” - Abraham Lincoln boarding attractive for these girls and other out of town girls. Happily, Girls’ College has done so and Carol Davies has kept places for all the girls currently boarding in

son was manageable. At the time of writing, the park is looking green after some reasonable showers in October and November, but the main rains are awaited and will soon be much needed.

As in the College grounds, we were treated to a splendid display of Acacia blossom early in the third term. There were the usual fire scares, with nasty bush fires roaring northwards beyond the Mulungwane Hills. One of these swept inexorably towards the College and Quiet Waters, and there was some desperate fire-fighting and back-burning done to prevent it devouring the fenced area. Luckily there were many willing hands and good fire-guards to The year, as far as the Quiet Waters habitat was con- work from, and although it took many hours and the cerned, started off very well. The rainy season was area around Intulalagogo was burnt out, the fire was such that by the end of January the average rainfall eventually contained. (about 630mm) had been reached, and Mbonisa Weir and Longden’s dam were both full and overflowing. The Spring intake of Quest was involved in the cap- I have not in all my time at Falcon seen so much wa- ture, translocation and release into Quiet Waters of a ter so early in the season. The park looked magnifi- wildebeest bull. There must be something about im- cent, and luckily, it remained so, since even though porting wildebeest into Quiet Waters, but like the there was a longish dry period mid-season, there first consignment some years ago, it arrived in pour- were good late rains, which meant that the dry sea- ing rain! The bull was confined to the restored boma

some of the overﬂow had to make use of the picnic sites. Even parents from other private schools such as Peterhouse, St. George’s, and St. John’s, are increasingly using the chalets when teams from these schools play at Falcon. In hotel occupancy parlance, the campsite had between 200 and 300 bed nights in 2011.

A visit for four days by nine sixth form girls from Chisipite proved to be a great success and it is hoped that this Environmental Management Fieldwork Course will become an annual event. We may be able to encourage other private schools, such as Girls’ College, to do the same course. for a while before being released. It is hoped that it has found all its brides-to-be! The Grade 6 Fieldwork trip involving eighty pupils from Whitestone School, took place at the beginning There have been some exciting sightings over the of the second term for the second year in succession, year. A small group of banded mongoose took up and this is also likely to take place every year. residence in the termite mound near Umnondo cha- Again, it is hoped that other primary schools, such as let, while at the other end of the size scale, a leopard Petra, Carmel and Masiyephambili, show an interest has several times been heard in and around Pumula in the three day course. Camp, on one occasion seizing a male impala, and on another at the end of the third term, it was actually The improvements to the shower buildings and the seen by some parents. On that evening, one parent toilets for the three older chalets were completed by was sleeping happily on the veranda of Chelicuti the start of the first term, as planned. This involved chalet, and luckily came to no harm! The giraffe often fitting all the 6 units with new door frames and visit the camp, as does a group of impala, some zebra doors. The Blair toilets were knocked down and re- and occasionally the wildebeest. During his June placed with flush toilets – a much-needed improve- ‘vac’, Jack Randle had some fun with a camera which ment. In the shower units, hand basins were added he installed at various points round the park. Re- and new showers installed. Finally, all the buildings vealed on the camera were animals which one would were repainted with a ‘sand coloured’ PVA and they expect to see, such as zebra and baboon, but most are now not only attractive to look at, but they blend exciting, and very special, was the vision on two sep- into the surrounding environment. arate occasions, of a pair of brown hyena. Workers had several times mentioned seeing their spoor, but being exceptionally secretive animals, it was only when their images appeared clearly on the camera screen that we were certain of their presence. Recent- ly young impala lambs have been seen – the new year’s crop – while the bushbuck which had been seen regularly in the dry months, have disappeared into the thickening bush.

As a result of the improvements made to Pumula Camp during 2009 and 2010, it has become very popular with a wide range of people, especially with Fal- con parents who visit the College to watch their sons playing sport on weekends. Some or all of the ﬁve Sadly, the projected improvements planned for 2011 chalets were occupied every weekend during the did not come to fruition because of ﬁnancial con- three terms and on busy weekends such as Founders’ straints. It is hoped, therefore, that these will be com- and Old Boys’, when all the units were occupied pleted sometime in 2012. They include:

will be upgraded. The mattresses at present are rather scruﬀy and it is planned to gradually replace them with new ones.

The efficient running of the campsite is a fairly arduous task and it would not be possible without help from others. Joan Bancroft does a wonderful job taking bookings and collecting the fees – this is not easy, but she does it with efficiency and enthusiasm. La- raine Oosthuizen has continued to type my various reports and correspondence and I shall miss her next year. I hope she enjoys her retirement and she must know that she and her husband Hendrik can make 1) the thatching of the communal dining and use of the chalets and picnic sites at any time. I also kitchen area for large groups of school hope she will continue to encourage visits from WEZ children; and Birdlife Zimbabwe. Gilbert Moyo, with his 2) the conversion of the campsite gazebo into a team, has done an excellent job sorting out repair jobs sixth chalet; which occur fairly regularly. Gary Wilke and Martin 3) the building of the bush showers and flush toi- Linda have charged the campsite batteries every lets at Fish Eagle Retreat, the Old Boys’ week and they have kept the ageing Land Rover on Study Centre, and Mbonisa Picnic Site; the road. My grateful thanks to them all. 4) the construction of a braai and toilet at Um- ganu Picnic Site; Finally, very many thanks go to my wife, Heather, 5) the renovation of the Homan Bird Hide which who gives me much needed moral support and con- overlooks Mbonisa Weir. tinues to come up with good practical ideas which help to improve the various facilities under my re- It is also hoped that in 2012 some of the facilities at sponsibility. the campsite will be improved. Better lighting, using solar power and biofuel lamps, is envisaged. The G A Macdonald trunks in the chalets with cooking and eating utensils

where the potential for head injury exists.

We were also able to engage the services of a Physio- therapist, who travels to the school every Tuesday afternoon to give Physiotherapy treatments to both pupils and staﬀ. The boys continue to travel to town on a Thursday afternoon for extra treatments and Doctor / Dentist appointments.

Small refurbishments were made in the San this year and new curtains were also purchased. We will continue to work on this and hopefully turn this area into a more modern, patient friendly environment. On the whole the San has gone well, with no serious Fortunately, we now have a direct line so we are able injuries or illnesses to report. to access medical advice/assistance at all times of the day or night. The San also has its own e-mail and we We introduced a Sports Concussion Management can be accessed on [email protected] program, in line with the Centre for Sports and Exer- cise Medicine (Harare) and did a baseline DST test Sadly, the First Aid club was not well supported this (Digit Symbol Test) on all rugby players, junior and year by new students and the older boys also gave senior, before the rugby season started. This has up this activity to concentrate on their various public proved to be invaluable as we were able to compare exams. the base line test with any subsequent tests following a head injury. This will be an ongoing exercise and Sr Sue Bryant will be used not only in rugby but for all sports San Sister

Merit Award and monetary prize, which is more commonly called simply, The Secretary’s Bell.

The Secretary and his entourage including local Min- istry of Education dignitaries from Matabeleland South were given a tour of the College followed by a ceremony where the whole school gathered in the Turner Hall, leading up to the presentation of the award and unveiling of the plaque.

R Harrison

On Friday 8 July the Permanent Secretary of Educa- tion, Dr Stephen Mahere, visited the College to present the school with The Secretary of Education’s

Ruit runs and interprets the Cognitive Ability Tests. These provide vital information to Form Two and Form Four students to help them make informed subject choices.

Students who are struggling academically can make an arrangement for extra help with Ms A Watson. These lessons generally cover Maths and English as well as study methods, although other subjects can also be covered. Ms Watson also arranges the annual visit of Lyn McElvaine, an Educational Psychologist from Harare. Mrs McElvaine conducts educational assessments and is instrumental in identifying stu- The role of the Student Support Team at Falcon is to dents with possible learning diﬃculties. provide support and help to those students who are experiencing problems, no matter what the root During most of 2011, the Student Support Team was cause of those problems are. Our aim is to provide a ably chaired by Mrs P Ndlovu. However, in the third port in the storms of life – whether they are emotional, academic or social.

Not all students adjust to boarding school life equally well and those who are finding the adjustment difficult can talk to those members of the Student Sup- port Team who have some experience with counselling. This of course applies to students experiencing other emotional or social problems e.g. a difficult home life, peer pressure or problems with a girl friend. Teachers involved in counselling are Mr R Khumalo, Mrs S Khumalo, Mrs P Ndlovu and Mrs C Guthrie. Mr Doug Darby visits the school on a weekly basis. With his years of experience in counselling, he is a valuable outside support to the Student Sup- term Mrs Ndlovu stepped down and Ms Watson port Team. now steers the Student Support Team. I thank Mrs Ndlovu for the years that she has dedicated to lead- Students wishing to obtain advice on careers ing the Student Support Team. Her advice and expe- (normally senior students) can approach Mrs H Mac- rience has been invaluable during this transitional donald who, with her years of experience and nu- period. merous contacts; is able to give good advice. Mrs Macdonald has also facilitated a number of talks and A Watson presentations at the College by various professional people. These talks are aimed at giving the students an inside view on different careers. She has played a pivotal role in providing a forum for presentations by a number of tertiary educational institutions.

Mr G Katsande co-ordinates and facilitates the visits of Mrs Felicity van de Ruit from Harare. Mrs van de

Life skills is a ‘subject’ for all junior classes at Falcon • Coping with Change College. It is an integral part of the curriculum even • Coping with Failure though it is non-academic in nature. Despite this, it is • Coping with Pressure taught and learnt in a formal educational setting. It • Decision Making forms part of our learners’ holistic education. • Goal Setting The background to this subject being taught at Fal- • Health Education con, reveals that it is due to an observation that ado- • Positive Relationship Formation with the lescence is one of the challenging and complex phas- Opposite Sex es in life. It is a transition from childhood to adult- • Problem Solving Skills hood. Like all changes, it is a difficult and stressful • Stress and Anger Management Skills time for our learners. It therefore becomes important • Study Methods to educate and empower them to minimise the risk • Drug and Alcohol Education factors associated with ‘growing pains’. The Life • Value and Interest Clarification Skills lessons provide the learners with a platform to It is during the Life Skills lessons that most learners talk about their experiences, fears and myths they with emotional, academic, social and spiritual chal- harbour about the challenges of adolescence. lenges are identified. It then becomes my duty to Guideline topics in this subject include the following make the necessary interventions by referring them main ones: to Doug Darby, the School Counsellor. • Dealing with changes in life By the end of their second year at Falcon College, it is • Relationships my hope that our learners have the ability to adopt • The Developing Self positive behaviour that will enable them to deal From the above topics, emphasis is put on the follow- effectively with the demands and challenges of eve- ing skills: ryday life at school and away, and make healthy • Building social Support Systems choices throughout their High School lives. • Co-operation • Communication P Ndlovu • Conflict Resolution

she should conduct a programme of careers talks during the ﬁrst half of the year here at the College. She and I planned for about six in the ﬁrst term and about three or four in the second term. The idea was to introduce the boys in the upper part of the College to as wide a variety of options as we could, with emphasis swinging between academia and practical careers.

The programme was a very successful one and the talks by a variety of speakers were generally well- attended. Some sensible boys came to many of the talks and so became pretty well informed. The speakers included a doctor; a veterinarian; an ex-member Towards the end of 2010 an arrangement was made of the British army; a photographer; an Old Boy who with Mrs Celine Scheijde, a Bulawayo parent, that runs a well-known and ﬂourishing safari business

and holds a pilot’s licence and a guide’s licence I am in touch with Mrs Stephanie Berry who assists among others; an IT expert; an accountant; another boys wanting to go to university in the UK - she Old Boy who is doing an apprenticeship in Bulawayo helps with the tortuous UCAS process and study vi- while at the same time studying for a degree, as well sas, and while she has not been here for a while, she as several other speakers who offered valuable ad- has in the past visited Falcon and knows our needs. vice. The plan is to continue with a careers programme We also had visits from representatives from: and it is hoped that even more boys will seize the op- Tshwane University who gave an excellent and illu- portunity these talks provide to help choose a career minating presentation; from International Education in a world which has so many exciting opportunities. Link, based in Johannesburg, who help out with ca- I am always available to offer assistance, and several reers guidance and entry into tertiary education insti- boys have sought advice, though my main function is tutions around the world; and from Mrs Violet Mu- to guide them in the right directions to find the infor- denda, who runs Careers-R-Us in Bulawayo, who mation they require. had visited in 2010, and who has assisted several boys. H Macdonald

ties. The development of these abilities begins at birth and continues through early adulthood. It is influenced by both in-school and out-of-school experiences. Abilities arise from the interaction of biology and experience and reflect the pupil’s experiences up to the time of testing, rather than providing an indication of fixed potential.

The CAT3 comprises three batteries:

• Verbal Battery – the ability to think with words: Tests of verbal reasoning have always been among the best ways of predicting educational progress. This year the Form Two and Form Four pupils • Quantitative Battery - the ability to think with underwent ability testing and received individual numbers: Next to verbal reasoning, the ability to feedback of their results. The decision was made to use the Cognitive Abilities Test 3 (CAT3) rather than the traditional Differential Aptitude Tests (DATs) which are now outdated. The CAT3 is the most commonly used assessment of its kind in the UK today and provides up-to-date, first-world norms against which to measure our pupils. It provides hard information to enable teachers to better understand the abilities of their pupils, design more effective learning programmes and interventions and set realistic targets with the right degree of challenge.

CAT measures developed rather than innate abili-

bandwidth required for the testing was not available, resulting in a frustrating day for the pupils. Testing had to continue through Sunday and on Monday evening too and for some boys this resulted in a lot of waiting around and there is no doubt that this was not the most ideal testing situation. For- tunately, with the assistance of the computer department, all boys completed the assessment.

Each boy was given a report detailing his results and a graph outlining GCSE Indicators. The indicators are a statistical predictions and not a prophecy of their actual results. The graphs illustrate the range of outcomes that could be achieved reason with quantitative symbols is the one most and a pupil’s motivation and effort play a large part frequently required in an educational setting. Sub- in determining the grade he will in fact obtain. jects such as mathematics, science, geography Whilst other schools offer CAT testing, Falcon Col- and economics make heavy demands on quantita- lege is unique in providing individual feedback for tive abilities. each pupil. Pupils had a twenty minute interview • Non-Verbal Battery - thinking with shapes with either me, or my colleague Emma King, to and space: Despite the lack of overlap with formal discuss the implications of their results, consider schooling, non-verbal reasoning tests have been their O or A Level subject choices and explore found to relate significantly to school achieve- possible career paths. Whilst it is too early for ment, providing a useful addition to verbal tests. many pupils to know what they want to do once The level of non-verbal ability may identify those they leave school, it is important that they begin with the greater aptitude for the visual-spatial academic disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, art and design and technology. Tests of spatial ability are used in employment settings to identify those with an aptitude to follow careers in design, engineering and architecture.

In keeping with technological advances, all the most up-to-date tests are completed on-line as opposed to the traditional paper-and-pencil format. Although Falcon has made great strides with their internet connectivity, they face the same limitations as everybody else in the region. Testing was sched- uled to be completed on a Saturday when the internet tends to be less congested. Despite special preparations made by the computer department, the exploring their options and gathering the information they need to make informed decisions.

Albert Einstein said “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a ﬁsh by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” We aim to help pupils ﬁnd their own “genius”. We believe that self knowledge and an awareness of areas of particular strength or weakness are crucial for making wise subject choices and career decisions. CAT scores provide a basis on which to make these decisions.

Felicity van de Ruit Occupational Psychologist

B. MASHANGE F4

F. DOLLAR F4—TOWERING STRUCTURES

Housemaster: O Fernandes commitment towards the success of the house this Tutor: R Harrison year. Well done. Assistant Tutors: J Heymans, S Langley, Outstanding individual achievements were from the SV Ndlovu, following boys, all of whom made the Zimbabwe N Heymans squad in their respective sport and age group: Other Staff: A Bancroft B Tshuma (Athletics), J Mutambara (Basketball), Head of House: PN Dhlamini T Rowe (Waterpolo), C Friend (Waterpolo) and Prefects: B Nemaruru, M Connolly (Cricket). M Chinaka, C Masanga, This year we continued with our three areas of inter- S Tabvuma, est, namely our Charity, Newsletter and Fundraising B Tshuma, endeavours. For our charity efforts we supported an M Smit. orphanage run by an organisation called Mind the Gap. It houses about eight children all below five years of age. To date we have provided some clothing, toys, children’s DVDs and a DVD player with a home theatre system. We tried to visit them at least twice to three times a term, although in the third term we only managed one visit. Our Newsletter Committee have managed to produce our newsletter on a regular basis. The aim was to have one for every fixture free weekend. Apart from a busy period in the second term, where we only produced one newsletter, we have done well. In the Fundraising area, our intention was to have something small going on throughout the year. We managed to do something in the first term, but failed to do anything in the second. The third term was our official fundraising term. We sold drinks over the waterpolo weekend and sold drinks and food at the Inter-House Swim- ming Gala. My thanks go to the many parents who volunteered to help in this effort. Some of the money In general, this has been a good year for Chubb has been used to pay for golf shirts and more vests. House. We came 2nd in the Tattersfield competition - the highest in a long time. The Tattersfield Cup is The Chubb House renovations have not seen much seen as the litmus test for the success of a House over more progress. We still have to do four studies and the year. Every Inter-House competition during the the form 1 and 2 dorms, which have now fallen be- year contributes points towards this Cup and so any hind the other houses in terms of quality. It must also House will need to do well in Academic, Sporting be said that in 2012 we will encounter a bit of a space and Cultural events in order to win. Our main weak problem for our seniors. Chubb House was built to areas were in the major team sports of Cricket, Rugby accommodate 48 juniors (forms 1 to 3) and only 29 and Hockey. Surprisingly good performances, for seniors. To date we have handled this issue with a me, were seen in swimming and waterpolo. Our minimum of fuss. Next year it will start to be an issue good performance for the Academic and Send Up as six form 4’s will most probably be sleeping in the Cups were major contributors to our success this form 3 dorm again. I hope that the form 4 parents year. I commend all the boys for their efforts and will be understanding of this design problem and be

on top. I commend them for a job well done. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend K Walder, who is the Head of House for 2012, and T Chida who was also made a college prefect. I look for ward to working with you and your prefect body next year.

O Fernandes

supportive of my decisions.

I would like to thank my staﬀ for their support and assistance throughout this year. Their dedication and professionalism made my job a lot easier and I really do appreciate their input. Finally, to the prefect body of 2011- they have done their jobs well. A lot was expected and after periods of testing they all came out

Chubb

Back Row : S Madonko, K Walder, C Blignaut, C Taruvinga, M Armstrong, T Chida, J Mutambara, A Griffen, T Rowe, M Inger, T Boshoff, T Madyegasva 5th Row : C Spalding, T Matondi, V Dube, A Gifford, B Mashange, C Friend, T Masanga, T Kersten, T Dhafana, H Gross, T Chida 4th Row : R Shayenewako, A Mambinge, T Katsokore, M O’Hagan, T Mathe, J Franceys, M Bhebhe, M Tshuma, R Nare, K Ndlovu, S Till, R Zhou, G Gross, A Koshen, R Stellenberg 3rd Row : M Takawira, P Mwale, N Muzamhindo, T Matondi, L Beahan, D Landrey, T Banhamombe, K Mashangu, M Mazorodze, T Ngwenya, L Fumia, M Schultz, K Tabvuma Seated : B Tshuma, M Smit, Mr J Heymans, Mrs N Heymans, P Dhlamini (Head of House), Mr R Harrison, Mrs S Langley, S Tabvuma, B Nemaruru, C Masango Front Row : T Madonko, T Brannigan, J Kersten, M Conolly, B Fuzwayo, N Smit, A Carrello, N Magonya, I Nembaware, P Wallett

Housemaster: Mr Makurumidze ZJ last three years. Coming 1st in both the 2010 O and A Tutors: Mr Katsande GK level results was a perfect start to the year although Mr Matatu T the lower sixth results were disappointing. We Mr Moyo A ranked last in that department. In the Send up and Mrs Kelly N Academic cups we came 3rd and 2nd respectively. This Ass Tutors: Mrs Moyo E is testimony to the House’s strong academic ethos. Mrs Katsande R We improved tremendously on the cultural front. Coming deservedly 1st in the Inter-House singing was a major achievement and special mention must go to the Septet members in the lower sixth and fourth form who tirelessly organised and coached the House. The set and choice songs came out beautifully and the win was a well earned triumph. Well done to the whole House. In public speaking, the junior and senior speakers, Chikwete K and Sibanda L spoke well to secure top spots. The quiz team came third while the chess and debating teams did not do so well. With a good number of sportsmen in the junior and middle section of the House, it came as no surprise as It was always going to be difficult to emulate the suc- we did well in all major Inter-House sports except for cesses of the previous years. The previous years have squash, senior tennis and senior squash. We were seen Founders succeeding in the various activities in ranked in the top two. With a little more organisation the College and sowing the right ethics along the we would have done better in many of the activities. way. As with all events, it is not the winning that The new crop of next year’s prefects have identified matters but the willingness to participate and in the this weakness and promise to rectify it next year. right manner, with all members of the Houses will- This bodes well for the future and all the Founders ingly taking part. Sadly, in some cases, the house did sportsman look forward to making the most of their not follow the rules. Whilst some senior members of opportunities next year. the House were reluctant to participate or organise The results of the major team events were not as the events, the majority participated with enthusiasm pleasing. We failed to relive our past successes. Com- and this has to be a strong Founders attribute. As ing last in all our cross country events and the swim- usual the willing competed hard, and whilst individ- ming gala dashed our hopes of contending for the uals and teams have recorded some successes we Tattersfield Cup. Tredgold walked away with the have often lacked the depth of ability or experience coveted cup leaving us coming third. We didn’t fare to win outright and at times lack of organisation very well in the swimming gala but despite a disap- made the difference between winning and losing. I pointing result there were successes and special men- am optimistic we have come to the end of our learn- tion must be made of C Bydawell for the level of or- ing curve and all our shortfalls have, hopefully, been ganisation. The result was not through a lack of identified. 2012 promises to be brighter than all the effort. It was due to strong competition from other previous years. houses. We came fourth on Founders Day. While the Coming back to 2011, we had a good head start to the junior and middle sections competed superbly on Tattersfield Cup and lost it somewhere towards the Founders Day, it was the open age group that let us end of 1st term. Efforts to get back into the race to- down. A few boys in the middle age groups had to wards the end of 3rd term came in a little bit too late. compete in the open age section and sadly it became Our academic and cultural areas propped us up and the norm throughout the year. we deservedly came third overall, our lowest in the As a house, Founders continues to have boys doing

Housemasters for their invaluable support and advice, the House staff, House prefects and the Head of the House for their efforts in the running of the House. It has always been a pleasure to meet the Founders parents and I thank you for your continued support and involvement over the years. I would also like to thank the Old Boys who also popped in and made their presence felt. Hearing what they have to say about their time spent in the House is always a pleasure and last but not the least, thank you to the boys, for their efforts in all spheres of Falcon life. Finally I would like to congratulate Leroy Sibanda as the next Head of School from Founders House. T K well in the academics section. A good number of Ndlovu takes on the role of Head of House and I am boys walked away with academic prizes on Speech sure he will be well supported by a talented and keen Day. Details are mentioned in the appropriate sec- prefect body. It remains a thrust within the House tion. Although Chubb beat us to the Academic Cup, that boys are allowed to ‘find their space’ within the we are still a force to be reckoned with. group and live peacefully and in cooperation with As the report suggests, it was a difficult and challeng- the other members of the House while fulfilling their ing but successful year for Founders. Managing a potential. I am sure the new prefect body will agree house has never been this difficult. There are many peo- and embrace the thought. Another year, another battle. ple to thank for making 2011 a success. I thank my fellow Z J Makurumidze

Founders

Back Row : T Moyo, T Ganyani, C Bydawell, G Coleman, R Butler, D McLintock, B Dhana, P Quinter, L Sibanda, T Jongwe, H Gwate, N Zonde, B Mtetwa, M Mazibuko, M Chikwavira 5th Row : C Locke, K Chinaka, G Fraser, N Mabobe, K Walker, W Nyamana, B Otto, K Chitima, T Zvobgo, C Mderede, K Kidia, T Ndlovu, L Tapfuma 4th Row : C van Breda, R Keefe, T Mazango, M Ushewokunze, T Matukutire, M Mazango, N Zonde, B Gilmour, T Mushati, I Sururu, S Nyandoro, J Worsley, V Mlotshwa, M Small 3rd Row : M Dampers, W Munemo, N Demadema, T Magure, A Keefe, C Butler, B Follwell, M Chikwete, P Machaya, L Gumede, B Versfeld, R Scheepers, C Nyazika Seated : Mr D Kelly, Mrs D Kelly, B Ncube, Mr G Katsande, Mrs R Katsande, A van Heerden (Head of House), Mr J Makurumidze (Housemaster), J Joubert, Mr T Matatu, R Kanengoni, Mrs E Moyo, D McLintock, Mr A Moyo Front Row : E Moyo, M Davies, P Mafa, T Ndlovu, D Small, C Zvinowanda, M McNab, W Tshuma, M Mugona, B Michelson, T Mahachi, T Zvobgo, T Zulu

Housemaster: Mr D Grant Tutor: Mr I Museba Assistant Tutors: Mr A Mutape, Mr M Ncube, Ms A Watson Attached Staﬀ: Mr J J Ferreira, Mrs C Ferreira College Prefects: N Nkala (Head of House), M Ncube House Prefects: K Coetzee, G Kadzere, P Mhute, S Ngwenya, N Nyirenda, B Querl, S Stone, D Taremeredzwa

lence, and at no time did our athletes stop trying. In short – the House never gave up. I was very gratified at the number of people from other Houses who complimented us on this spirit after the event. I remain convinced that it was this manifestation of spirit on such a disappointing day that made the boys realise we are a team and begin to work together with a new outlook. Of one thing there is no doubt – starting from Founders Day the whole atmosphere in 2011 was a year for rebuilding. Following the disap- the House became more positive and the House did pointing Academic Cup showing and Tattersfield not look back. By the end of the year we had lifted Cup placings in 2010, there was a challenge for all the ourselves to 4th place in the Tattersfield competition leaders in the House. There was the real prospect of and 2nd in the Academic Cup. That is a fine achieve- morale in the House eroding and a malaise setting in. ment in two terms after being at the bottom in the The first term did not bring forth a great deal of suc- first term. cess and culminated in George Grey coming 6th on Something that struck me when going over the third Founders Day for the first time in most people’s term reports was the wide range of activities that memory. This was the moment when the House may many of the boys are embracing – throughout the age well have hit rock bottom. Instead it was a turning groups. This is a very healthy trend and one to be point. encouraged. The other significant fact was our domi- The reason for this statement was that at such a low nation of the swimming events in the third term, moment the” House spirit” that one strives for be- which certainly helped to compensate for the disap- came a reality. The boys continued their support of pointments of the first term. our athletes in every way. This continued to the very I have to say that once again there was evidence of end – long after it was clear we were going to finish academic complacency in the third term –though not last. At no time did the House sink into apathetic si- to the same degree as last year. This is a trend that I

wise to eradicate it early. Our achievers and representatives are reflected in the appropriate sections of this magazine. I would like to also congratulate B Querl, S Stone, J Stone and G Strydom for achieving National Angling selection at various times of the year. We also wish Thomas Wood well as he goes to South America to play polo these holidays. I would like to thank my staff for their support over the year and to thank the prefect body for the very sound job that they did. 2011 may have been a year for rebuilding – but a solid foundation has been established and the House is in a healthy state. In 2012 our aim will be to use that foundation wisely and build on it effectively. It is a challenge to look forward to.

D Grant

ﬁnd very frustrating and measures will have to be put in place to guard against this in 2012. There is always a price to pay for complacency in life. It is

George Grey

Back Row : K Gotore, T Madamba, D Tomlinson, A Muil, T Bristow, J Brebner, A Senderayi, N Kamhuka, I Riley, E Kadzere, M Moyo 5th Row : S Stone, A Oatley, K Mayihlome, N Nel, A Leared, S Armstrong, T Furusa, S Coetzee, G Mafurirano, M Sibanda, I Dlodlo, C Charsley, P Mhute 4th Row : T Masiri, A Vera, R Rosenfels, S Banda, V Jahni, L Wasara, M Dodington, T Wood, C Bray, K Mangezi, N Nel, G Strydom, I Munikwa 3rd Row : G Kadzere, T Dhlembeu, D Makunike, K Sherriﬀs, P Ruswa, A Magagula, T Mabhudu, R Herbst, D Coetzee, J Blatch, B Manton, M Sibanda, K Manhando, B Ndlela Seated : N Nyirenda, S Ngwenya, Mr J Ferreira, K Coetzee, Mr M Ncube, B Querl, Mr D Grant (Housemaster), S Nkala (Head of House), Mr I Museba, M Ncube, Ms A Watson, D Taremeredzwa, Mr A Mutape Front Row : M Mabhena, T Singano, P Maﬁ, P Nhunzwi, J Stone, S Dodington, M Strydom, A Ruprecht, R Mhute, R Oatley, S Hammond

Housemaster: Mr C Hepburn rashe Banda (11 passes, including 5 A`s), Kingsley Tutors: Mr J Ferreira, Mrs S Ncube, Mr S Reid (9 passes, including 3 A`s and 1 A* - commenda- Ncube, Mrs T Ndlovu, Mr S Nyathi, Mrs J Stewart tion), Cyril Mawere (9 passes, including 3 A`s – com- Head of House : Kudzai Mushoriwa mendation), and Matthew Connery (8 passes, includ- House Prefects: Farai Mazorodze, Jason Muparuri, ing 3 A`s and 3 A*`s – academic half colours). In the Joshua Rex, Charles Taylor AS Examinations, Charlie Taylor received a commen- Lower sixth monitors (3rd term): Robin Bhebhe, Brett dation for scoring an aggregate of 6 points. Mason In the Girls’ College Literary Competition, Dumez- Newcomers: B Botes, B Botha, C Burger, T Dube, T weni Ndlovu (Honours) and Stephen Bhasera (1st Duri, S Hove, D Maringa, S Maringa, T Mugwara, T Class Certificate) both received awards for their en- Rance, P Shonhiwa, J Viljoen tries. Furthermore, in the National Allied Arts Liter- ary Competition, Stephen Bhasera (Honours) and David MacIntosh (1st Class Certificate) also received awards. In the sporting arena, we had seven National Repre- sentatives. Khuphukile Chilufya was selected to captain the Zimbabwe U18 Athletics team which participated in the World Youth Athletics Championships held in Lille, France. Brandon Watson and Tafara Mupariwa represented the Zimbabwe U16A Cricket team in the South African Inter-Provincial Tourna- ment held in Johannesburg. Connor Pritchard was selected for the Zimbabwe Junior Swimming Team and he won 4 gold medals in the CANA Swimming We had a share of the success in the Inter-House Championships held in Gaborone. Ben Blatch was competitions. Hervey House achieved gold, silver or selected for the Zimbabwe U16 Squash team after he bronze medals in the following Inter-House activities came 2nd out of 23 players in the Zimbabwe Junior held during year – Senior Touch Rugby, Public Squash Championships. We had national Hockey Speaking, Senior Rugby Kicking, Tennis, Junior players in Kudzai Mushoriwa (Zimbabwe U19A), Cricket, Debating and Chess. In addition we were Keegan Bint (Zimbabwe U17A) and Tatenda Mujuru third on Founders Day in the Inter-House Athletics (Zimbabwe U17A). These players travelled to St Al- competition. We were 5th in the Inter-House Swim- ban’s College, Pretoria, where they played against ming Gala. Our consolation was that two of our local teams as well as a provincial side. swimmers received the Victor Ludorum cups for be- In addition to these National Representatives, we also ing swimming champions in their respective age had several Provincial Representatives: groups – Phillip Swales (U20 age group) and Connor Gerald Smit Matabeleland U18A Golf (C) Pritchard (U16 age group). However, we must aim to Kingsley Reid Mat’and Tuskers U18A Cricket improve our position in the Academic Cup (5th), Gerald Smit Mat’land Tuskers U18A Cricket Send up Cup (6th) and Tattersfield Cup (6th) compe- Brian Mhuriyengwe Southerns U17A Basketball titions next year. Brett Mason Mat’land South U19A 7s Rugby Looking now at some of the boy`s individual Phillip Swales Mat’land South U19A 7s Rugby achievements and starting on an academic note: sev- Andrew Bennie Matabeleland U16 Tennis eral boys achieved good results in the 2010 Cam- Sandiselwe Ncube Matabeleland U17 Tennis bridge Examinations. In particular, in the Ò` level We only had five Upper 6 pupils in the House this examinations. Brett Mason achieved 10 passes, in- year. However, they made up for their lack of num- cluding 5 A`s and 5 A*`s, and was awarded academic ber and led the House well. Kudzai Mushoriwa colours. Other pupils who stood out were Simba- made a competent Head of House and the boys cer-

lives of these boys have certainly been made more comfortable. I would like to thank the following staff for the assistance they have given me towards overseeing the Hervey boys this year – Jan Ferreira, Studin & Sam Ncube, Treasure Ndlovu, Sindiso Nyathi and Jacqui Stewart. They provide a wealth of experience and assistance in guiding the boys. Their help was invaluable. The Head of House and Deputy Head boy for 2012 is Brett Mason. Brett is a capable young man and I believe he will do well. I wish him and the new Prefect tainly looked up to him. I thank him and the House body all the best for their duties. Prefects of 2011 for a job well done. It is with much sadness that I leave Falcon at the end The Form 3 and 4 dormitories were renovated this of this year. It has been an absolute honour and privi- year and I would like to sincerely thank the following lege for me, being the Hervey Housemaster for the parents for their service and hard work rendered on last two years. I will without doubt miss everyone, this project – Andre and Glenys Zietsman, Pete and and as this is a small world, I hope we will meet Annelise Botha, and Gordon and Anne Walder. The again. I also wish my successor in Hervey House, dormitories were painted, floors tiled, new ceiling Rodwell Khumalo, all the best in his work. boards and bed slabs fitted, clothes lockers were built and a power point was installed next to each bed. The C Hepburn

Hervey

Back Row : P Shonhiwa, M Connery, C Mawere, K Reid, G Smit, R Bhebhe, P Swales, B Mason, J Chilufya, L Herscovitz, S Banda, D Ndlovu, E Mlambo 5th Row : T Madondo, K Bint, A Viljoen, R Dube, H Swales, B Blatch, K Hewitt, S Musarurwa, D MacIntosh, F Maidwell, J Wiggill, A Ndabambi, T Mujuru 4th Row : S Ncube, K Ndlovu, M Rautenbach, D Mjumi, S Bhasera, B Mhuriyengwe, D Mpofu, S Muzuzu, T Karakadzai, B Chapeyama, B Watson, A Bennie 3rd Row : R Madimure, J Masimba, C Pritchard, G Fari, C Valenza, T Mupariwa, T Dhlamini, M Dlodlo, M Bwerinofa, A Ngorora, B Ndou Seated : F Mazorodze, Mr S Nyathi, J Rex, Mr S Ncube, J Muparuri, Mr C Hepburn (Housemaster), K Mushoriwa (Head of House), Mrs J Stewart, Mrs S Ncube, C Taylor, Ms T Ndlovu Front Row : T Duri, T Mugwara, P Shonhiwa, C Burger, S Hove, T Dube, J Viljoen, S Maringa

Housemaster: Mr P Heymans Tutor: Mr J Shaw Assistant Tutors: Mrs C Guthrie, Mr J Makola, Mrs B Heymans, Ms J Lindner, Mrs H Macdonald Staﬀ: Mr G Macdonald College Prefects: D Gibbons (Head of House), D Doolabh House Prefects: R Kemp, S Mafukidze, S Mutembwa, T Pongweni, M Ward

would have hoped for but it could have been worse. There were some excellent performances individual- ly but I must single out Tapiwa Pongweni for his out- Although clichéd, this year must be thought of as a standing contribution in the 1st term, when he spear- “rebuilding” year and I am confident that we will see headed a very impressive cross country team. Other the benefits of this development next year. Obviously individual successes are covered elsewhere in the the Tattersfield Cup position (5th) was not what we magazine.

There were other achievements but we did not do as well academically as we did last year and came 3rd in the Academic Cup. We did, however, post the best AS level results. Culturally we also did not do as well as we hoped and came last in the Singing and Public Speaking – rather a shock result for the singing! De- spite our positions in these two disciplines, I was very happy with the eﬀort that was made and I was especially pleased to see very unlikely candidates taking part in the Public Speaking. These boys displayed admirable courage in simply taking part in what was a fairly daunting ﬁeld of competitors.

We were joined by Ms Julie Lindner this year and I

would like to take this opportunity to thank her and the rest of my very supportive staﬀ body for their eﬀorts during the year as well as Devon Gibbons and his team of prefects for running what turned out to be a relatively trouble-free year. Our Form One boys seem to have settled in well and for this I must commend Deelan Doolabh. It would seem that Oates is well poised for 2012 under the guidance of Ryan Hyslop and his team of prefects and I look forward to next year.

P Heymans

Oates

Back Row : J Machibaya, B Randell, T Chikondo, N Chuma, T Jemuce, S Randell, G Matina, D Gibbons, R Hyslop, K Jadhav 5th Row : O Marchussen, D Peall, M Mtswedu, D Kontemeniotis, D Wardley, H de Vries, S Ngozo, M Machibaya, D Strathmore, N Naik, M Matshe 4th Row : D Jadhav, Z Mhlanga, R Hwenjere, B Erasmus, B Williams, C Randell, T Tapera, T Gumede, M Masimira, J Allard, V Bahlangene, J Dhana 3rd Row : S Matshe, B Zhuwarara, T Mpofu, X Kontemeniotis, G Mandaza, A Sibanda, S Kanyekanye, D Peall, J Schlachter, N Razunguzwa, C Burke Seated : H Naik, R Mudzimu, Mrs B Heymans, R Kemp, Mrs C Guthrie, D Doolabh, Mr P Heymans (Housemaster), D Gibbons (Housemaster), Mr J Shaw, T Pongweni, S Mafukidze, T Mutembwa, M Ward Front Row : J Hoard, C Sutton, A Bingley, H Randell, S Ngozo, D Matshe, L Mavunga, K Shumba, T Mawire, M Kwari, K Rousseau, E Dhana

Housemaster: Mr W A J Randle

House tutors: Mr R M Khumalo, Mr F T Majuba

Assistant house tutor: Mrs S Khumalo

Head of House: T N Moyo

Head of School: R C Sargeant

House Prefects: S V Sibanda, Form 1; N M R Camp- bell, Form 2; J R Chitate, Form 3; N Ncube, Form 4; K Zishumba, Lower 6. as ʹuncoolʹ to be seen working too hard. This is an attitude that needs to be addressed and overcome. There are huge numbers of young unemployed in the world and the numbers are set to rise. In such a competitive world, willingness to work hard is vital and the more evidence of academic prowess that can be shown to an employee, the better chance of securing a job and earning a decent living.

A lot of the House’s success is attributable to the leadership of the House. Thamsanqa Moyo was a pretty hard taskmaster, but lead from the front and motivated all but the most cynical to do their best for Tredgold had another fine year managing to win the House. again the Tattersfield Cup. The saying ‘success breeds success’ has applied to the House this year, The burnish of the ‘Tredgold makeover’ is beginning particularly in the sports arena. Winning Relay Ath- to wear off in places but the overall presentation of letics and Founders Day was the start and things the House remains good. The form four block adja- snowballed from there. It would be immodest to list cent to the office had a major rebuild and now has all the first places won, but there were many in both eight individual day studies; it is a great improve- junior and senior competitions. The House had ment. As they should, Tredgold boys are pretty good hoped to achieve the ‘big triple’ (Relay Day, Found- at owning up and taking responsibility whenever ers Day and the Swimming gala) but were denied the any damage is caused. pleasure at the Gala by a strong, well organized George Grey team. At an individual level, eleven boys were National representatives. They were: N M R Campbell, J R Culturally, the House held its own and managed a Chitate, G H Fargnoli, L A Fargnoli, T Mhonde, D credible 3rd place in the Inter-House singing - the Nyatsanza, R C Sargeant, B Scheepers, M L highest achieved for quite a while. Our Achilles heel Swannack and W D J Ullrich. On the drama front, is the Academic Cup where we are slipping. Unless Graham Nhlamba deserves special mention. As Rafi- there are a good number of boys regularly placed in ki, he had a leading role in the College’s highly successful the top three of many classes and we have few at pre- production of the Lion King and was outstanding. sent, you cannot score well. There are a fair number of boys who work hard but also too many who feel it One aspect of the House that merits mention is the

ive and under the leadership of Mrs Glenys Zietsman raised a good amount of money for the House on Founders Day. The House is very grateful. To date, a very smart braai has been brought with the proceeds and DSTV coverage has been freely available.

On a ﬁnal note, we wish Mr R Khumalo the best of luck as Housemaster of Hervey and thank him for his input into Tredgold over the last few years.

Mr W Randle

wide participation of many boys in clubs and societies. S V Sibanda, as well as being a successful Form 1 prefect, took part in no less than 12 diﬀerent (and le- gal!)activities. While this is a bit extreme it is an example that other boys should aspire to emulate. In general, the busier boys are, the better they do.

Our parent body have continued to be very support-

Tredgold

Back Row : S Dlodlo, B Langley, B Hawthorne, J Mhuriyengwe, T Kurewa, G Nhlamba, P Silundika, N Moyo, W Ullrich, S Chiwaka, M Mlambo, M Cripps 5th Row : B Sargeant, E Wasara, S Hammond, G Fargnoli, D Nyatsanza, B Scheepers, B Jackman, R Rochat, F Dollar, T Tibane, R Manemo 4th Row : E Mhlanga, A Kwidini, T Mujakachi, J Muchativukwa, B Murowanidzwa, J Zietsman, S Waugh, B Stodart, S Pretorius, T Zakeo, M Swannack, T Jones, W Dlodlo 3rd Row : J Campbell, K Karuwo, N Mashanyare, L Fargnoli, T Potera, S Snyder, E Nxumalo, B Mutanga, J Zietsman, B Taylor, D Mazvimavi, A Nxumalo Seated : B Dube, N Ncube, Mr F Majuba, N Campbell, Mr R Khumalo, T Moyo (Head of House), Mr W Randle (Housemaster), J Chitate, Ms S Sibanda, S Sibanda, Mrs T Ndlovu, K Zishumba, T Moyo Front Row : J Bryant, S Hinmers, T Mhonde, M Ndlovu, M Mazvimavi, D Lenton, M Ngwenya, D Mushaka, K Chisare, A Chabata, K Eksteen, D Sargeant

Being a prefect at Falcon College cannot be compared to other schools such as a day-schooling environment. From the House Prefects to the College Pre- fects, the degree of responsibility is close to being a parental guardian.

The House Prefects remain accountable for the boys in the dormitory they are in charge of. These prefects are often neglected as significant figures, but they are of great importance, as they influence the characters of each Falcon pupil. The House Prefects are on the ground level, constantly identifying with other students’ difficulties. In essence, they represent older siblings in the Falcon system, encouraging and pro- moting the correct attitudes amongst schoolboys.

Being a College Prefect involves slightly different responsibilities. They interact with staff members on a regular basis and their legacy influences the charisma of the school. The image of these prefects is imitated Being chosen as a prefect is a status symbol that by others and effectively they are required to lead by many admire, but only a small number of individuals example, always! are able to acknowledge the importance of such responsibility. The year of 2011 for the prefect body Serving as a prefect demands a lot from the individu- revealed itself as a year of learning and growing in als selected to undertake these leadership roles. With leadership abilities. academic, sporting and cultural obligations, prefects are often the busiest school pupils. In this context, the Falcon system moulds a prefect who is competent in time management, and develops numerous people skills.

At the beginning of 2011, many of the new prefects were naive, but at the end of the year these same individuals had evolved into more tolerant and realistic people. Whilst many mistakes were made, many triumphs were also rejoiced. The year of 2011 was not the easiest for the prefect body, but the experience proved to be worth the labour!

Philani Dhlamini Deputy Head Boy

The Falcon philosophy on education is well known. High speed internet connectivity. The Internet will Although academics remains our ‘core’ business, the be crucial and central to successful implementation basic tenet of our philosophy is to follow a curricu- of e-learning at the college. At the moment internet lum that provides a broad-based education which access is via satellite (VSAT) link. Falcon College enables our students to grow and mature emotional- was the first educational institution in Zimbabwe to ly, intellectually, physically, and socially. Our holis- have a VSAT link. While this link served our needs tic approach to education seeks to inculcate values well it will not cope with the bandwidths required and attitudes, and to impart skills that will adequate- for effective e-learning on a scale we envisage to have ly equip our students to cope with, and become pro- here at Falcon College. It is proposed to connect to ductive citizens in a rapidly changing technological SEACOM via an optic fibre link. The SEACOM optic world in which they will live. We recognise and ac- fibre cable running along the East Coast of Africa cept that each student is a unique individual, though provides high capacity bandwidth to countries lying not a miniature adult, and that it is the function of an along the coast. The Econet fibre backbone runs educational institution of our repute to enable each through Esigodini and links to SEACOM via Beit one of them to realise his potential to the fullest ex- Bridge. Falcon College will connect to the Econet tent possible.

Any curriculum is subject to change. Falcon College is keenly aware of, and sensitive to this tentative nature of the curriculum and, together with the holistic approach that we have adopted, the curriculum is always under scrutiny. We need to constantly evalu- ate what we teach and how we teach it to ensure that it is appropriate, relevant and that it suitably equips our students. The one area that has impacted enormously on our curriculum is Information and Com- munication Technology (ICT). Rapid advances and innovations in ICT have brought with them changes that have had far-reaching implications for our cur- backbone at Esigodini thus gaining access to the high riculum. capacity bandwidth to SEACOM and hence to the global internet. ICT has been characterised by falling prices as the The provision of a high-speed, high-capacity internet technology advances. ICT has become so pervasive link will facilitate e-learning activities such as: and ubiquitous in society and the changes have been so rapid that keeping abreast of these changes has Access to interactive online multi-media resources brought enormous challenges to curriculum innova- including simulations. The internet is a vast reservoir tors. of such resources.

Falcon College embraces the use of ICT in teaching Social networking. Our students can share ideas and learning and it is now official college policy that with students in other countries using social net- ICT be fully embedded in all our curriculum struc- working facilities available on the global internet. tures. Substantial resources will be allocated to e- Staff and students can join discussion forums on a learning to achieve this goal. More specifically we large range of topics. will endeavour to pursue and exploit advances in the following key areas of ICT: Video conferencing. It will be possible for students to hold debates with students in other schools using this technology. Staff can also use this facility to share ideas with teachers internationally.

Cambridge International Examinations Teachers To this end, we propose to establish a parent portal. Support Website. This is the curriculum resource site A parent portal is a web-based online link between for teachers at CIE Centres. The site contains subject the school and parents. It provides real-time infor- specific resources, downloadable documents from mation to parents about their son. Parents are able to previous exam sessions, and other online resources view, online, their son’s progress in tests, prep and as well as subject-specific discussion forums. assignments and communicate with teachers. Par- ents are also able to view their son’s extra curricula Cambridge Students website. This is the CIE website activities. We have recently installed a new database dedicated entirely to students studying Cambridge management system called PencilBox. The system qualifications. The site provides syllabi, past papers will administer parent and student records, marks and study checklists as well as exam information and and report writing. We will soon be installing the other interactive items. parent portal of this package, SchoolMagic. We hope parents will be online early in the new year. Falcon WIFI (Wireless Network). The use of com- Web Science and ICDL. The Computer Society of puters, laptops and e-learning devices (e.g. e-readers) Zimbabwe administers the International Computer will become ubiquitous at the college. It will be important, therefore, for the internet to be accessible throughout the college. Internet connectivity should be accessible from every classroom, every hostel and every staff house at the college. This will require the installation of a reliable WLAN (Wireless Local Area network or WIFI). Tenders have been invited to sub- mit their WIFI proposals. The WIFI will also enable users to access their files from a central file server.

Provision of e-learning devices. The rapid advances in ICT have brought about a proliferation of devices characterised by reduction in size and increased affordability. The most exciting e-learning innovation is the e-reader (and its associated e-books). Tab- Driving Licence (ICDL) course. The Society has di- let PCs, iPads and kindles are revolutionizing the rected that with effect from 1 January 2012 all ICDL way we read. This technology is advancing so fast tests be conducted using the software package Web that it is now widely accepted that e-books will even- Science, which is web-based. The package also has an tually replace traditional text books. Falcon College optional electronic training module, which is in line has been carrying out feasibility studies on the possi- with our e-learning policy. Falcon College will soon bility of replacing form one text books with e- be installing the complete training and testing Web readers. We will not hesitate to move in that direc- Science package. tion if our findings confirm that e-readers and e- books are both financially and technically feasible CAT tests (Cognitive Abilities Tests) and will meet the needs of our curriculum. On-line Cognitive Abilities Tests have now replaced the erstwhile DAT tests. These tests are administered Interactive white boards and multi-media projec- to students in Form 2 and Form 4. Feedback from tors. Work is in progress to equip every classroom these tests is extremely useful to teachers and parents with a multimedia projector and a whiteboard to re- to identify Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning place the now obsolete chalkboard. When this exer- and Non-verbal reasoning capabilities of the stu- cise is complete it is planned to install interactive dents. They also identify the strengths and weakness- whiteboards in every classroom, but this will be a es of the students and are very useful in helping stu- phased exercise. dents going into Form 3 in choosing their subject options and for those going into Lower Sixth to select Parents’ Portal. We attach great importance to pa- their AS subject options. rental involvement in the education of their children.

The academic curriculum national curriculum for 14-16 year olds, leading to Falcon College offers the Cambridge International internationally recognised Cambridge IGCSE qualifi- Examinations academic curriculum. The table below cations. This curriculum provides excellent prepara- shows the structure of the academic curriculum that tion for the Cambridge International AS and A Lev- we follow at Falcon College: els. Cambridge Secondary Cambridge Secondary Falcon College caters for the slow learners who are 1 1 afforded the opportunity to proceed at a slower pace (12-14 years) Cambridge Check- and complete the IGCSE course in 3 years. point Cambridge Secondary Cambridge IGCSE Cambridge International AS and A Level (5th and 6th 2 years of Secondary Education) (14-16 years) Students who have been successful in their IGCSE Cambridge Advanced Cambridge AS and A proceed to the Cambridge International AS and A (16-19 years) levels level course. The unsuccessful students, those who

Cambridge Secondary 1 and Checkpoint (1st and 2nd years of Secondary Education) Cambridge Secondary 1 provides a logical progression from Cambridge Primary – and is used to develop learners’ skills and confidence in English, Mathe- matics and Science. It offers a curriculum framework for educational success for learners, typically 11-14 years old. At the end of their first year of secondary education students write the Cambridge Progression Tests. The tests are set by Cambridge and marked locally using the Cambridge mark scheme. The analysis software provides detailed feedback on learners’ strengths and have not passed enough subjects at the IGCSE level, weaknesses in the core subjects of English, Mathe- are given an opportunity to repeat the course. matics and Science. Cambridge International AS and A Levels are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing ex- Cambridge Checkpoint cellent preparation for university education or to Cambridge Checkpoint tests are set, administered pursue vocational courses. and marked by Cambridge at the end of their second year of secondary education (Form 2). They provide T Matatu schools with an external international benchmark for Director of Studies student performance. Cambridge Checkpoint enables feedback to be provided on a learnerʹs strengths and weaknesses in key curriculum areas. Learners receive a Statement of Achievement which gives an indication of their academic progress during this education stage. Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science and are written at the end of Form 2. The tests cover all major areas of learning required in the first years of an international secondary education.

Cambridge IGCSE (3rd and 4th years of Secondary Education) Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular inter-

Andre M Viljoen (1A, 2B, 2C) Joshua D Jackman (1A, 2B, 2C) Tapiwa T Madondo (3B, 2C) 10 C GRADES OR BETTER SCORED Cameron I Locke (1B, 4C) Travis P Kersten (7 A*, 2A, 1C) David C Kontemeniotis (1B, 4C) Tamuka Masanga (3A*,6A, 1C) Deon H Wardley (1B, 4C) Tanaka A Chida (3A*, 5A, 2B) Garikai V Mafurirano (5C) Christopher Friend (6A, 4B) 4C GRADES OR BETTER Kelvin Chinaka (4A, 4B, 2C) Matthew T Machibaya (1A, 3C) Tafadzwa Dhafana (2A, 5B,3C) Nikul M Naik (2B,2C) Moses Mabobe (4B, 6C) Ndimenhle Dhlodhlo (1B, 3C) 9 C GRADES OR BETTER SCORED Kwanele CL Mayihlome (1B, 3C) David G MacIntosh (2A*, 5A, 2B) Chad B Spalding (1B, 3C) Takunda K Furusa (2A*, 4A, 1B, 2C) Ronald Manemo (4C) Daniel Nyatsanza (5A, 3B, 1C) 3C GRADES OR BETTER Aiden C Oatley (1A*, 3A, 5B) Stewart K Ngozo (1B, 2C) Daniel F Peall (4A, 4B, 1C) 2C GRADES OR BETTER Bongani T Mashange (4A, 3B, 2C) Alison D Ndabambi (1B, 1C) Frank I Dollar (4A, 4B, 1C) Vuyelwa C Mlotshwa (2C) Chase J Charsley (1A*, 2A, 6B) 1C GRADE OR BETTER Keegan Bint (3A, 4B, 2C) Melusi Dube (1C) Keith M Walker (3A, 4B, 2C) Kieran S Hewitt (2A, 5B, 2C) Stuart C Coetzee (1A, 2B, 6C) 8 C GRADES OR BETTER SCORED 5 PASSES Nicholas AD Nell (5A, 2B, 1C) Bongani L Mtetwa (3a, 1b, 1c) Andrew Leared (4A, 2B, 2C) Tapiwanashe K Ndlovu (2a, 3b) Takudzwa W Matondi (3A, 3B, 2C) Leroy K Sibanda (2a, 2b, 1c) Shaun S Hammond (2A, 5B, 1C) Mziwakhiwe VS Moyo (1a, 1b, 1c, 2d) Rocky C Rochat (3A, 2B, 3C) Blair L Dhana (1b, 3d, 1e) Brandon Otto (2A, 3B, 3C) Kuldipsinh Jadhav (2c, 2d, 1e) Stuart M Armstrong (2A, 5B, 1C) Ryan A Butler (2c, 3e) Tapiwa RJD Zvobgo (1A*, 1A, 4B, 2C) Tinotenda M Jongwe (1c, 2d, 2e) David M Strathmore (1A, 3B, 4C) 4 PASSES Benjamin J Blatch (1A, 2B, 5C) Simon M Randell (1a, 1b, 2c) Giovanni H Fargnoli (2B, 6C) Simbarashe S Banda (1a, 3c) Hunter M Swales (2B, 6C) Tarquin J Bristow (1a, 1c, 2d) 7 C GRADES OR BETTER Barry R Hawthorne (1a, 2d, 1e) Carl Chitima (1B, 6C) Cyril T Mawere (2b, 1c, 1d) Greg A Fraser (1A*, 1A, 3B, 2C) Takunda A Chikondo (2b, 2e) Mutsa D Mtswedu (3B, 4C) Tonderai Madamba (1b, 2c, 1d) 6 C GRADES OR BETTER Njabulo P Moyo (1b, 2c, 1d) Oscar D Marchussen (2B, 4C) Ryan W Hyslop (1b, 1c, 2d) Brendon S Sargeant (1B, 5C) Brett A Mason (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) Tatenda Mujuru (5C) Travis D Boshoﬀ (1b, 2e, 1d) Krishna T Kidia (6C) Benjamin P Randell (4c) 5 C GRADES OR BETTER Sindiso DM Dlodlo (4c)

Matthew I Connery (2c, 1d, 1e) Hlafefang Gwate (2c, 1d, 1e) Tafadzwa R Madyegasva (1c, 3d) 4 PASSES Pascal I Quinter (1c, 2d, 1e) Deelan S Doolabh (1A*, 3A) Philip S Swales (1c, 2d, 1e) Thamsanqa N Moyo (3A, 1B) Martial H Cripps (1c, 1d, 2e) Terence M Moyo (2B, 1C, 1D) Tyler D Rowe (1c, 1d, 2e) 3 PASSES Gerrard S Matina (4d) Michael D Ward (2A, 1B) Dale Gibbons (3d, 1e) Brad M Querl (1A, 1B, 1C) Dumezweni DD Ndlovu (1d, 3e) Mizikayifani Ncube (1A, 1C, 1D) Levi Herscovitz (1d, 3e) Bright Nemaruru (1B, 2C) Graham N Nhlamba (1c, 1d, 2e) Nicholas MR Campbell (1B, 2C) 3 PASSES Tapiwa Mutembwa (1B, 2C) Jordan N Brebner (1a, 2e) Mukudzeyi V Chinaka (1B, 1C, 1D) Bryn Langley (1a, 2e) Bradley Ncube (1B, 1C, 1D) Alan CR Muil (2b, 1e) Philani H Dhlamini (3C) Alistair R Griﬃn (1b, 1d, 1e) Kudzai Zishumba (3C) Kingsley B Reid (1b, 1d, 1e) Sabelo Ngwenya (2C, 1D) Siﬁso S Madonko (1b, 2e) Sambulo V Sibanda (2C, 1D) Kundai W Gotore (2c, 1e) Tendai M Njanike (2C, 1E) Matthew Armstrong (1c, 1d, 1e) Craig Nyazika (1C, 2D) Warwick DJ Ullrich (1c, 1d, 1e) Joshua WE Rex (1C, 1D, 1E) Eshmael M Mlambo (1c, 1d, 1e) Ndabezinhle Ncube (1C, 2E) Craig Jason Bydawell (1c, 2e) Farai Charles Mazorodze (3D) Tapiwa T Pongweni (2d, 1e) Simbarashe Mafukidze (2D, 1E) Robin S Bhebhe (1d, 2e) Kudzai Mushoriwa (1D, 2E) Tafadzwa T Chida (1d, 2e) 2 PASSES Jonathan T Mutambara (1d, 2e) Shane CD Stone (1B, 1C) 2 PASSES Charles A Taylor (1B, 1C) Calvin L Blignaut (1b, 1d) Godfrey T Kadzere (2C) Tanaka G Kurewa (1b, 1d) Denzel Tapfuma (1C, 1D) Gregory R Coleman (1b, 1e) Robert C Sargeant (1C, 1D) Prosper Mhute (2c) Malcolm C Dampers (1C, 1E) Sobukhosi M Nkala (1c, 1d) Shingai Tabvuma (1C, 1E) Ryan A Dos Santos (1c, 1e) Andries P van Heerden (1C, 1E) Alva JNR Senderayi (1c, 1e) Mthunziwethu Mazibuko (1C, 1E) Chester Taruvinga (1c, 1d) Chiratidzo Masanga (1D, 1E) Keagan Walder (1c, 1e) Dalton McLintock (1D, 1E) Ngoni J Kamhuka (2d) Jason J Muparuri (1D, 1E) Philip M Silundika (2d) Nelson Nyirenda (1D, 1E) Nyasha Chuma (1d, 1e) Nigel S Zonde (1D, 1E) Edward K Kadzere (1d, 1e) Delroy T Taremeredzwa (1D, 1E) Ian L Riley (1d, 1e) 1 PASS Simbarashe Chiwaka (2e) Keith M Coetzee (1C) Bradley T Ganyani (2e) Bhekumuzi Dube (1D) 1 PASS Devon Gibbons (1D) Justin K Machibaya (1b) Matthew R Smit (1D) Dean ND Tomlinson (1b) Joy R Chitate (1E) Hemal Naik (1d) Devyn Mclintock (1d) Thando ML Moyo (1e)

The Academic Cup Points competition provides every student at Falcon College with the opportunity to contribute points to his house by performing well in the Mark Orders. This is to encourage boys to score high marks in their assignments, tests and exams. The house that performs best in the mark orders wins the competition. Here is how the points are determined. At the end of each term a composite term order is drawn up for each class. The order is based on the mean score of all the subjects the student does. In addition to the term order, exam orders are similarly drawn up for all the classes in the second term, and for classes not writing public exams in the third term. The point(s) awarded for each mean score are indicated below: Mean Score% Points 65 and above 7 60-64 6 55-59 5 50-54 4 45-49 3 40-44 2 30-39 1 Points are also awarded for the top three positions in class as follows: Position in Class Points 1st 3 2nd 2 3rd 1 Therefore the maximum each student can score for his house for a mark order is 10. Academic Cup points for the year 2011 are as follows:

FIRST THIRD TERM SECOND TERM TERM Mark Orders GRAND TOTAL POSITION Mark Orders + (All Forms) + Mark Orders HOUSE Exam Orders (All Exam Orders (All Forms) Forms) (Forms 1,2 & 3) Chubb 394 802 636 1832 1st George Grey 402 768 598 1768 2nd Oates 394 739 618 1751 3rd Founders 403 765 559 1727 4th Hervey 388 691 569 1648 5th Tredgold 373 708 562 1643 6th

T Matatu

The National Institute of Allied Arts Literary Com- petition Awards An inception is the beginning to something. There are many reasons why inception is my best friend. If Honours inception didn’t exist I wouldn’t exist. It can be Stephen Bhasera – 3A bright and brilliant or macabre and destructive. The beginning to something can help the human commu- What nobody sees nity or destroy it even more. Inception can be the No-one can see me face to face, devil’s tool or a quality of heaven. Without it there After me, no-one can chase. would be no life. You hear me whisper through your hair, You seldom notice, you seldom care. No colour, no hair, no eyes, no brain, no legs, no arms, no ears, inception changes form; it can be easily My mother, nature, and my father, time, seen but no-one really thinks about it. Inception is Birthed me, no freer spirit than mine. incentive, inception is peace, inception is global In my fury, who can stop me? warming, inception is war, inception is the world’s And in tranquility, how diﬀerent I can be. biggest problem and the best thing to happen to the world. That’s why I love it; without it there would be no I lull the most troubled minds to sleep, desires or temptations; life would be a bag of roses. Yet they can’t hear me, I cannot speak. I twist and turn the waves at will And in the desert, my anger can kill.

My siblings, water, and earth and ﬁre, They all revere me, they count me higher. For inﬂuence over them I have, Destruction and power, they’re in my hand.

I walk alone, I roam the earth, I know no fear, not even of death. So omnipresent, so slick, so ﬁne, Yet I have no face, I cannot be deﬁned.

A force, a ﬁre, an entity, Inception is time and time is very important. Without A power present till inﬁnity, it nothing would begin or end. Inception is for- A tornado, hurricane or gentle breeze, giveness, love, and all those feelings that make a rela- I am the wind, what nobody sees. tionship stronger. I walk around everywhere with my best friend, my friend may not smile all the time Honours but I know without my friend there would be no ad- Ibrahim Sururu – 3A ventures. To me inception is red – a good colour that represents love on Valentine’s Day but also a colour My Best Friend that represents blood lost at war. To me inception has When it comes to best friends most people think legs, because it travels and to me it has arms which it about a friend that is a boy or a girl, your wife, your uses to help the needy. husband, or a family relative. Well, I have a unique thinking when it comes to selecting a best friend. My Inception is my best friend. best friend doesn’t exist unless there is a beginning to something. My best friend is an inception.

J. REX U6

J. MACHIBAYA L6

Neither from heaven nor the ﬁery pits of hell I know this creature very, very well.

It was set free to roam the earth Given a choice and a very wide berth Follow the angels, to the place where good was born Or pick fates with the demons, for a future forlorn.

In the demons’ lair, pain and sorrow lie there Ceasing never but increasing ever Death would be an escape, far much too great But it is unobtainable for the creature has picked its Honours fate. Kudakwashe Manhando – 2A Where the angels fly, graciously through the sky A Song of Hope There are streets of gold and nothing looks old A dry, drought driven land it is This place is happiness, in its purest form Once proud and vegetated Where the laughter and beauty, are very much the Now dry and cracked norm. Voices can be heard From a million miles away Angels and demons – what lies in between? A thirsty people It is a human, we are this not so mysterious being. With one thing on their minds A song of hope First Plus They sing and hope for better Bradley Erasmus – 3D Without giving up Their ever-present hope Essay: “The police officer knocked at the door. I knew something was wrong!” They sing, with an angelic tone “The officer knocked at the door. I knew something As their drums are beat was wrong!” I wondered what it could possibly be. I Slow, sad, full of sorrow got up slowly, as though my life had gone in reverse They sing mode. It certainly felt like it. The rancid beer taste in With swelling hearts and amazing hope, my mouth and the lump the size of a cricket ball on Without giving up my ankle told me something, the federals had found Their hungry and thirsty land me at last. I had no possible escape route. I was trapped like a caged animal in the zoo… the distinct Humming and singing knock, and that raspy-deep voice that rung a bell in Day and night my head. It took me back to the memories of my The song of hope I sang childhood, when my mother and I were beaten The heavens open, the clouds cry, around by my miserable, drunk father. Two years On the drought stricken land ago, my father had beaten my mother to death in The thirsty are now quenched front of me. I knew by the time I was twelve where Their practice has been rewarded and how a gun operated, so incidentally, I shot my By a song of hope. father.

Honours I ﬂashed back to reality, as though the vision I had Tanaka Chida – 4A seen had sucked me into it like a merciless squid in the sea. I got up again and this time I succeeded. I Angels and Demons - What lies In Between put on my most fashionable clothes and slunk out the Angels and demons – what lies in between? back door as stealthily and quietly as a cat. I got into Something we know or a creature unseen? my 1967 Ford Mustang GT, released the old hand-

brake which creaked as though it had not been oiled this time they didn’t come back. since its production, rolled down the smooth cobble- stone driveway and onto the dirty, potholed road. I I awoke the next morning to find my gear stick started the engine, the metallic blue frame vibrated as pinned into my leg and through the seat. My nose the V6 engine roared like a hungry lion. I put the was bashed in and bright red blood ran over my gear in first and flattened the pedal to the floor. The swollen face and down my polo-white t-shirt. I new tyres I had purchased a week ago spun as looked at my leg again and felt the constant pulse, as though a tin of oil had been placed on the road. I though there were a bongo-drum in my leg, beating then left to go to my hometown, Albuquerque. I was out all of my life force. I felt a tingling sensation be- only beginning. hind my eyes and down my spine. All of a sudden I blacked out again. I arrived in the busy Albuquerque and set off to find my cousin, Jarnó and his lovely wife Isabella. I need- I woke up again five hours later and there was a fire ed somewhere to stay. All of a sudden I saw the dis- truck and their department there, cutting open the tinct white, red and blue flashing lights behind me roof and doors to get me out. I saw the ambulance and the wail of the si- with its nurses and doc- ren. I turned to the side tors in white overcoats and to my relief, he and smelt that distinct continued. Two blocks smell of chloroform as and a dusty, polluted they tried to put me to street from where my sleep so as to remove my cousin and his wife connected gearstick. After stayed was where I was three painful painstaking forced to pull over. I hours I was removed arrived at their lovely from the crunched up car one-in-many houses that now looked like it with a lush cream- had fallen off the edge of green garden with the Grand Canyon. I was many different flowers then rushed to St. Anne’s such as lilies, orchids and red roses. Their house was hospital and required six pints of blood. The next a large Miami suntan colour with a marble pathway three weeks of my life were painful. When I slept, I and a Chevrolet Corvette parked in the packed and saw the faces of the people that had been killed in my dusty garage. I hooted. They both came together and presence. The whole reason that the police had greeted me, my cousin with a firm handshake and knocked at my door one and a half weeks ago, was his wife Isabella with a warm hug and kiss. After a that they had found out who had stolen the gold dust while of talking, they accepted me to stay for a few nights. and their accomplice, me, and about the death of two colleagues of mine in the robbery. It was in those few nights with my cousin, Jarnó and his wife Isabella, that I took the most daring decision After spending one month at St. Anne’s hospital, the of my life. I decided to leave the busy, dusty old city FBI and the CIA came to fetch me from the hospital behind me and move on to Alabama. I left in the ear- to take me to the jail cells to await court. Three hot, ly hours of the next morning, so cold the warmest sweaty hours later, the judge in his well polished parts of your body would go numb. With just a black shoes, black longs, pinstriped blazer and white steaming cup of coffee in my travel mug and a jacket shirt with a bowtie came to sentence me for my thick enough to warm a household, I left on the long, crimes. He had hazel-blue eyes, black, curled hair black, winding road to Alabama. In the warming col- and a moustache that had experienced curling tongs. our of the yellow headlights, the road seemed like a I awaited my trial. long twisting black serpent writhing in agony as though it had been hit by a steel rake. My eyes sud- After pleading guilty to every murder committed by denly blurred, and came back all in one, as though me, I was sentenced to life in prison with no chance the electricity had dipped. They blurred again, and of parole.

First Plus Shepard Kanyekanye – 2B

Sunflower Sunflower Sunflower Oh how I wonder Do you ever get bored of the sun? I try to copy, but twist and blunder But you gaze until the day is done.

Sunﬂower Sunﬂower Can you tell me? Why you admire the sun so much? Whenever she comes your face springs with glee And you stare at her through breakfast and lunch

Sunﬂower Sunﬂower Do you ever dare to cease To glare at the world Or take a big sneeze? But that’s all you do until you grow old.

Honours youthful essence Mziwakhiwe Moyo - L6

Seventeen You have run the mile The world blares into life A victor true Suddenly aware of your existence The world has thus accepted you Adrenalin rushes imbuing you with more life You’ve shed your cocoon, no in-betweens Savour the taste, the taste of life You are ﬁnally seventeen

Though no-one acknowledges, Honours No-one appreciates Blair Dhana - L6 Your press on, oblivious to criticism Disillusioned though you may be Seventeen You plod on, barely wiser, defying fate Seventeen, is it a number or is it a stage? Is it a chapter in life or just a page? It is a period of time that will not be forgotten, Though life deals you blows A year where doing nothing is just not an option. Where you are headed no-one knows Struggling through your adolescence You ﬁnd yourself at a crossroads Still at school, yes, but near the ﬁnish line. And yet you refuse for negativity to drain your We can see the end, it’s just a matter of time.

A wanted face to fool the masses A changed appearance to please the classes The mask of course a powerful lie To fake a look, no need to try.

The mask we wear every day The things we do, the things we say. The cards oﬀ the table, we’ve once been told The shop’s out of stock we are now closed.

First Place Sport is still important, we’re at the top of our game, Harry Randell – 2A We have visions of glory, visions of fame. Early Morning DDDDDDDDRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNNNN- Music from the bedroom blasting, not a care in the NGGGGGGGGG!!! world. I wake up to the sound of my demanding alarm That does not matter, our future is still shining like clock, and reluctantly slouch out of bed. The dorm is gold. completely quiet, and I am the only one awake. Clothes lying everywhere, bed not made, I look at my watch, 05:15am. That does not matter, our imagination won’t fade. I drag my feet down the aisle and reach for the light switch. Blinding light fills the dormitory, blinding people The week is over, school is done. who are sleeping peacefully. They gradually start to The weekend has started, the party has begun! step out of their inviting and comfortable beds and Time for friends, time for a good time. troop off to the sinks. Whatever happens, everything will be fine. Cool water fills my mouth as I slurp it down greedi- ly. I splash my face once, before returning to the dormitory feeling refreshed and ready to take on the I wish I was seventeen forever, new day. The days just get better and better. I change into my uniform and make my bed. I make The greatest gift, one of freedom is granted, sure that there are no creases in it before strolling So from those car keys, we are rarely parted. down to the dining hall to wait until six. As I step out of the warm dormitory, the cool morning air enters my lungs and I start to shiver. I can see Honours drongos swooping around in the school security Dumezweni Ndlovu - L6 lights, looking for food to feed their young. My shoes walk across the soft, wet grass. I can smell the cold Masks dew, and the cool dawn air. All is silent except those The long time shadow of a human face few birds awake before the dawn. The last resort to hide disgrace I reach the deserted corridor outside the hall and sit The fake expression of hidden torment down by the glass door. I look into the kitchen and The shop is open, a face to rent. take a deep sniff. The fresh smell of bacon and eggs wafts towards me, and I suddenly realise how hungry I am. The gate of the gate to the soul As the sky becomes lighter and the stars disappear, The changer of voices, the wearer’s call more people start to join the line behind me. We sit in Full of mystery, a beauty preserved? silence, listening to the chirping birds. Or looked down face, a mask well deserved. Somewhere around six o’clock, we see the prefect on

duty walk into the dining hall. We all scramble to our mouth. The taste is as beautiful as a rainbow. The feet and wait patiently like dogs waiting to be fed. warm, sweet tea slides down my throat and I feel the The prefect taps a knife against the bell. warmth spread around my body. Like a starving “DINNNGG!” We start to ﬁle into the hall and collect dog, I bolt my cereal down and leave the table to put up cutlery and crockery. my tray and bowl down. Today, I chose to have only cereal, so I spoon two As I leave the dining hall, I look left and see the bril- ladles of Cerevita into a bowl, and mix it with creamy liant golden sun, hovering just above the horizon. milk. The early morning is over, and a new day has begun. The deliciously sweet taste of Cerevita ﬁlls my

When I began writing this article, I had no idea when Day in Third Term and is now a multiple choice an- the current affairs test at Falcon began. Talking to swer test. The idea is to quiz the boys on events from Heather Macdonald, she recalls that boys used to the previous holiday and term up to that point. It in- have to listen in their Houses to the 8 o’clock evening cludes more weighty political and economic matters, news back in the 1970s so it probably took place then, sporting events, entertainment, music and culture if not before. I believe that it is important that Falcon and also more light-hearted off-beat stories as I come boys (everybody for that matter!) should have some across them. Access to news stories in Zimbabwe is idea of what is going on in the world around and ob- not always as straightforward as it might be. I find viously I am following in a long Falcon tradition in most of my information from Sky News, the BBC thinking that. The current affairs test is an attempt to World Service radio and the websites of the various “force” boys to show that interest! Zimbabwe newspapers (Zimpapers, Daily News etc). Having researched the matter in old Falcon maga- I am biased of course but I think that the multiple zines, I can trace back the award of current affairs choice test is an improvement on the old format. I prizes to 1966. I cannot find anything before that. also really believe that the top marks for each test are When I arrived at the College in 1986, the test was much higher than they were when the system was run by Mike Dunphy and was held twice if not three introduced and I like to think that that means that times a term. It was made up of 5 short answer ques- more boys are showing interest in current affairs but tions completed by the whole school plus 5 addition- on the other hand I am also amazed at how badly al junior and senior questions, supposedly simpler or some boys do. Whatever the purpose and whatever more demanding accordingly. When Mike left, the the effect, I enjoy running the event and setting the baton passed to Tom Khumalo, who ran it for a num- questions. I hope that the boys also enjoy it and may- ber of years. In 1999, I volunteered to take it over in be even learn from writing the test and with the test conjunction with Ian Stewart, the recently retired Se- now accessible on the website, maybe parents and cond Master and History teacher, and the test as- old boys also pit their wits against mine! sumed more or less its current format. I undertook to publish a weekly sheet with news R Harrison headlines and post them on a notice board (and in my form room!) It would take 2 or 3 minutes to read. No longer would boys be able to use the excuse that they had no access to radio or TV, nor had time to read newspapers in the library. Ian compiled the termly test. Over the last few years, this has become my responsibility. The test now takes place on the last Friday of First and Second Term and the last Friday before Speech

SOLAR COOKER—SC COETZEE

INDOOR FOUNTAIN—KT KIDIA

GAS BRAAI UNIT—CJ BYDAWELL

MOTORISED BUGGY—CL BLIGNAUT

ROTATING BOOK REST—M NCUBE DESK LAMP—MT MACHIBAYA

COTTAGE DESIGN—TD BOSHOFF

WALL LAMP—TRJD ZVOBGO

LABEL & CONTAINER DESIGN—SCD STONE

TRIPLE BOTTLE OPENER—P MHUTE

TROPHY HOLDER—MJ INGER FISHING ROD STAND—D McLINTOCK

The Inter- House quiz is a very popular event held ries may be replaced by a Sports category. As in the during the last week of every term. The event is held Junior Quiz, there are five questions per category. in two sessions, Junior Quiz and Senior Quiz, each In both the Junior and Senior Quizzes, each question session lasting about one hour. The Junior Quiz is is presented verbally to the participants and each held over three rounds, each one at the end of every house team must write their answer on a piece of pa- term while the Senior Quiz is held over two rounds per and hand it to the scoring table within twenty held in the first and second term of each year. seconds. The score for each correct answer is three For the Junior Quiz, each house is represented by a points. team of four students drawn only from the Forms 1, 2 The most popular questions with the participants and 3. The team should comprise at least one Form and the audience are those in the categories Sites & 1, one Form 2 and one Form 3. Structures, National Flags and Animals. Here the There are ten categories in the Junior Quiz, namely questions are beamed onto a screen using a multi- Great Inventions, Great Achievements, Science, media projector and participants have to identify the Mathematics, History, Geography, Information & item in the category. Communication Technology, Sites & Structures, Na- Results for the 2011 Quiz are as follows: tional Flags and Animals (or Animal Sounds). The GND OVERALL National Flags category is sometimes replaced with HOUSE RD 1 RD 2 RD 3 TOTAL George the Sports category. There are always five questions Grey 179 165 67 411 1st per category. Oates 162 174 59 395 2nd For the Senior Quiz each house is represented by a team of four students comprising at least one Form 4, Founders 158 149 58 365 3rd one Lower Sixth and one Upper Sixth student. Tredgold 146 132 39 317 4th There are thirteen categories in the Senior Quiz Chubb 135 117 61 313 5th Hervey 123 130 53 306 6th namely, Great Inventions, Great Achievements, Ge- ography, History, Mathematics, Biology & Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Information & Com- munication Technology, Sites and Structures, Nation- T Matatu al Flags and Animals. Any one of the last two catego-

The sky was overcast, the rain threatened to continue all day but a very enthusiastic Form 3D were determined not to let anything get them down on their ﬁeld trip to the beautiful Lumene Falls. We were joined on our trip by Mrs Stewart, Mrs Watson and Justin Machibaya, all from the Art Department. They were taking the opportunity to do some ﬁeld sketching.

A few of the golden rules when travelling on a ﬁeld trip with me is to stay awake, be aware of your sur- roundings (a worksheet helps remarkably) and no electronic music. Undeterred, 3D sang, made animal noises and generally kept myself, Mrs Stewart,

unpacked the equipment and prepared for the ﬁeld work. Our main aim was to measure the dis- charge of the stream but we also intended to draw a ﬁeld sketch of a meander as well as take measurements

to draw a cross- section through the meander. We also wanted to take measurements at several Mrs Watson and Justin Machibaya entertained sites along the throughout the entire hour and a quarter long trip. stream in order to draw and compare Once at our destination, the artists took themselves long profiles of the off to find a suitable location and the geographers stream bed as well as an investigation into the movement of the load of the stream. A slight drizzle when we arrived meant that the field sketches did not turn out too well, but we were able to continue with the rest of our work. Due to some good rains in the days before our field trip, the stream was flowing and there was a fair amount of water at the Falls themselves. All of our field work involved getting wet - nothing that 3D couldn’t handle!

After a successful and enjoyable trip, 3D was considerably quieter on the way back. Tired out after a day of hard work and even harder play, most of the boys slept on the way home.

A Watson

Thursday the 28th of July saw a full busload of sixty form four boys on their way to Great Zimba- bwe at 5.30am. The journey of approximately three hours gave the boys an opportunity to answer a questionnaire about geographical land-

tourist information and facilities at the World Herit- age Site. marks and places of Data from all of the groups was collected and assimi- interest along the lated by the teachers on their return to the College way. It was an exer- and every boy in forms 4A, 4B and 4C was given ex- cise in awareness and tension work to complete for each field study. the winner of the quiz Once the field work had been completed, the boys was gastronomically were given an opportunity to explore the surrounds rewarded. of the area. A climb to the top of the Hill Complex The purpose of the provided them with a sense of the extent of the area field trip was to ex- and the magnificence of the construction. Many boys pose the students to commented on the Museum and the interest factor various practical exer- therein. Most of the boys had never been to Great cises that are often Zimbabwe prior to this field trip and in addition to presented in paper four of their Cambridge Geogra- being a worthwhile practical geographical exercise phy O-level examination. Paper four is the alterna- the field trip gave them an opportunity to spend time tive to course work paper. The students were divided at a site that is such an important part of our Zimba- into four groups and after completing a general map bwean heritage. worksheet about Lake Mutirikwi, Great Zimbabwe and the surrounding area, each group set off to complete various exercises within the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site. The exercises were designed and monitored by four members of the Geography Department: Mr A Moyo (H.O.D): A study of the sphere of influence of Great Zimbabwe and the Great Zimbabwe Hotel. Mrs N Heymans: A study of physical and biological weathering within the World Heritage Site and an investigation of infiltration rates within different soil types of the area. Ms A Watson: A study of soil erosion within the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site. Ms A Watson Mrs D Kelly: An investigation and rating of the

This year I set out to choose Christ- version. Quite a few members of the Septet had al- mas Carols and songs which were ready gone home so we amalgamated the Septet with not well known to create a new the newly formed Ensemble. They gave a fine perfor- and vibrant atmosphere. I hope this mance. The melody was adapted by Sir Cliff Richard was achieved and I apologise to and was a very big hit in about the 80’s. The form those who would have liked to have two choir sang “When and Child is Born”. They put sung more conventional songs at this service. Next on a very fine performance, with C Burke, T Ngwen- year we will comply. ya and R Scheepers as the soloists. The well known “O Holy Night” was sung beautifully by Mrs C All the readers this year were chosen because they Guthrie and Mrs D Kelly. The service was ended by will have main parts in next year’s Robin Hood all singing “Joy to the World”. Some said that they Prince of Thieves production. There were eight read- could have sung more Christmas Carols. I agreed ings. The last two were read by our new- with them. One can never ly appointed deputy head B Mason sing enough about the and head boy L Sibanda. The other Birth or Our Lord Je- readers were: J Masimba, G Nhlamba, sus at Christmas R Nare, G Tapera, N Moyo and T time. Dhlamini They were able to take this age old story and make it their own and in so doing C Ferreira inspire us with this message.

The theme this year was based on a song that was written by Michael Jack- son, “You are not alone”. The form 1 choir sang this song with true feeling at the beginning of the service. Soloists were M Davies, P Wallett and M McNab. The message was that Jesus had come to this earth to be with us. He was born of the Virgin Mary and died on the cross for our sins and in so doing saved us from death. The six houses sang “It’s Christmas in Zimbabwe”. J Mutambara and R Hwenjere sang “No Room”. This was to be their very ﬁrst performance in public.” See Him lying in a bed of straw” was sung by the staﬀ choir and the soloists were Mr S Nyathi, Mr S Ncube, Mr R Khuma- lo, Mrs C Guthrie, Ms A Watson, Mrs S Ncube and Mrs C Guthrie. To add to this our teachers brought their young children to the service dressed up in robes. The little procession very proudly sat in front of the altar while the song was sung. This brought many smiles to the congregation’s faces. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was the upbeat

drama workshop 10. Our very own Sindiso Nyathi hosted the choral workshop. 11. Our very own Jacqui Stewart hosted the art workshop. The theme for this year was, “We have got Talent,” and the students had an evening of entertainment where “The Talented” got to know each other at the concert. Each school had prepared a skit and the master of ceremonies, Sam Sibanda and his team, co- ordinated the evening’s events. The atmosphere was electric and the students had loads of fun. This was my first Cultural Festival and I had the Saturday was jam packed with events: daunting task of co-ordinating this event. The Cultur- 1. Two Workshops in which each group worked to- al Festival was certainly a new experience for me and wards participating in the Highlight /Climax/Goal of the first thing I realised was that there were some the weekend: The Sunday Morning Final Concert. All very special staff at Falcon who were willing and able the participants would perform or display what they to help me: Heather Macdonald, Treasure Ndlovu, had learnt. Trish Ndlovu and Sihle Sibanda. These ladies became 2. The Street Hour/ Procession – this was lead by Mrs my ‘right hand men’. We called ourselves “The Mean Randle on horseback, dressed up in a Falcon boy’s Team”. This Cultural Festival took place on the 11th to 13th February. The invited schools arrived on a hot Friday afternoon. There were some schools that came late. This delayed us a bit, but thanks to our efficient team of teachers and boys, we had registered, welcomed and disbursed all the students to the workshops in good time. Each school brought six pupils and they were allocated to the workshops according to their preference. The workshops were hosted by multi talented guests whom we invited. They were prepared to give of their time to inspire and teach the students and we are sincerely grateful to them. 1. Drums of Peace hosted a drumming workshop and they performed for us. 2. Paul Teasdale hosted Hip Hop dance and later entertained us with his flame throwing skills. 3. Kelly Teasdale hosted acrobatic dance. 4. Iyasa performers hosted a jive dance group. 5. Tookie Androuliakos from The School of Rock hosted the contemporary band workshop and he later entertained us at “The Bushtick”. 7. Tabs Ndlovu, Trish Ndlovu’s husband, hosted the Creative Writing workshop. number one outfit carrying the Falcon Flag. She 8. Sue Leggett hosted the Face Painting workshop. caused a sensation. 9. John Dennison and Styx Mhlanga hosted the 3. The Street Hour games - students could join in

N. CAMPBELL U6

M. MACHIBAYA F4

with singing, art, face painting competitions as well On Sunday morning we could feel the sense of ex- as various fun games. citement as all groups scrambled to rehearse in the 4. Saturday evening’s concert in the Turner Hall was Hall for the “Real Thing”. The concert went very well opened by the exhilarating rhythms of the Drums of in spite of going over time. Each school had prepared Peace, followed by the students who performed to a skit and the master of ceremonies, Sam Sibanda, each other. Each school had prepared a skit and these and his team co-ordinated the evening’s events. were co- ordinated by the Cultural Weekend team. The weekend was a great success and we were all 5. More entertainment on Saturday evening took very sad when it was all over. We had all made new place outside the hall where Paul Teasdale’s ﬂame friends and vowed to keep in touch until we would throwing skills had us holding our breath with antic- meet again, possibly at next year’s Falcon Cultural ipation. Festival. 5. Cultural Festival Dance ended oﬀ the evening. C Ferreira

This is my favourite event of the year. Every single These adjudicators had their work cut out for them. boy participates and sings for their House. Hearing After the renditions, the College Septet entertained over 400 boys sing “The Sign of the Victory”, this the audience while the judges deliberated. In my year’s set song, brought joy to our souls. This was a opinion, the Septet gave their best performance of the celebration of what makes Falcon so special and re- year that night and they brought the house down. veals the heart of the Falcon boy. You ‘rock’ boys! Finally, it was time for the results. Each House appoints singing Captains and Conduc- The Turner Hall erupted with applause and cheering tors. They in turn take on this responsibility with true as Mrs Khumalo announced that Founders had won courage, arranging the songs in their own way with- this event with their fabulous medley of three songs out help from staff. They soon realise how difficult perfectly timed and sung. These were: Stormy Moun- this is and yet seem to strike the ‘correct chord’ every tains by Usher, Loeku by Ice Prince and I’m Coming time. Home by Diddy Dirty Money. This is the biggest I challenged the boys to incorporate more harmonies House at Falcon and they made a really big state- this year and this would be one of the aspects the ment. They had not won this event for many years so judges would look out for. The boys went ahead, they went from zeroes to heroes in a flash and they took up the challenge and certainly raised their deserved it. We were thrilled. game. The results of the other Houses were: The boys rehearsed for many weeks and when the 2nd George Grey with Zambezi by Tinashe evening of the competition arrived, their ‘one goal, 3rd Tredgold with Spirit of the Sky by Johnny Clegg one vision’ was to wow their audiences. Who was 4th Chubb with She Flies Me Away by Jason Derulo going to win? You could feel the tension in the air. 5th Hervey with So Sick by Ne-yo We were entertained at the start by a guest singer, 6th Oates with Don’t Stop Believing by Glee Nomagugu Dlodlo, who opened the event with a The judges announced the best conductor to be God- beautifully performed song and she set the tone for frey Kadzere of George Grey who won convincingly. the evening. Congratulations to all concerned and special thanks Each house started by singing the set song and then to the House captains and conductors who worked their choice song. It never ceases to amaze me how tirelessly to make this event such a success. each House produces a completely new rendition of the set song every time. C Ferreira The judges were Sarah Kate Waugh and Vusi Ndebe- le, both very accomplished and experienced teachers who work at the Bulawayo Academy of Music. The third judge was our very own Mrs Sihle Khumalo.

animals’ masks and props. Abe and Zack Lowe and the Quest boys produced the wildebeest heads, while Will Randle and Will Schultz were a great help with the fibre glassing of the masks to the skull caps. Mrs Phyllis Watson made the most stunning elephant, Pumbaa costume and the Zazu puppet, with help from Mr Studin Ncube from the Design & Technolo- gy department. He was also responsible for the crea- tion of the stage props such as Pride Rock and Rafi- ki’s Tree. Mrs Sue Stone, Mrs Norma Heymans, Mrs Adi Campbell and other mothers of the cast members produced the most spectacular costumes. All these efforts combined, gave the Ferreiras all the ammuni- 2011 has seen a cultural revolution unfold, witnessed by a total of 3000 people in theatres across the country. Never before has any educational institution undertaken such a massive task. Every single member of the cast was a member of the College. All female actresses were either members of staff or daughters of staff. The total size of the cast was 96 members including backstage and lights.

The Lion King started with an idea from Mr Neil Da- vidson as he was day-dreaming with Mr Jan Ferreira. That was all that was needed to light the fuse for The Lion King’s development. Mrs Cecile Ferreira immediately saw the potential and it was all guns blazing from there. The Art department and Design & Tech- tion needed for a very high calibre and amazing performance. Hours and hours of practice were put into the show by the cast including choreography by the young and enthusiastic Tilly Randle. The movie only boasted 5 songs where the West End production boasted 13. The Choir spent many afternoons down in the music room with Mrs Ferreira. A record six 1st XV rugby players and four College prefects including the Head boy were all part of the cast. Their presence was undoubtedly a valuable asset in the sense that the juniors would see all the respected ‘Heavies’ of the school involved with drama. It made them realise that sport is not the be all and end all. nology department quickly caught on to the line of The stage was set and the cast performed their ﬁrst thinking and tackled the construction of the masks performance in front of the toughest crowd in the and props. Mrs Jacqui Stewart and her A Level art Turner Hall, the Falcon boys. With limited lighting class created the Lion masks and the hyena head and major stage limitations the Falcon boys were in dress. Mrs Brigitte Randle and Mrs Sally Langley awe of the magical production. It was the ﬁrst step headed the Art Club and produced many of the other toward the amazing success. The next three nights

night and the Turner Hall seated 400 people. The new experience of taking the show to Harare was paired by an even greater experience of performing two shows in one day in front of 817 people per show. Greg Fraser was now on his own and produced the most magical display of lights as a 16 year

were performed at the Bulawayo theatre where Greg Fraser, with the guidance of Mrs Sheila Meikle, was thrown in the deep end and told to get on with the lights. Keith Coetzee, Nick Campbell and Brad Querl led the backstage crew. All the months of preparation was coming together. All three nights saw sell out crowds and standing ovations. People who had not pre-booked their tickets were turned away at the door as the theatre was already full. The most spectacular show was the Gala production. I must take off my hat to a group of 18 year old boys and girls, during the build up to Founders Day, with a full day of classes in between, managing to perform on four suc- cessive nights, only going to bed around 11:30 each night. Their final performance was the greatest. Per- formances by B Mason (Scar), G Nhlamba (Rafiki), G

old young man. Callum Burke performed both shows on one foot, dances and all. His brave and brilliant performance was the perfect start to a perfect ending and a testament to the determination of the cast. The aftermath of The Lion King will still be felt for many years to come. The interest in drama has soared, as well as the interest in music and singing. D Doolabh, S Mafukidze, S Sibanda, Mrs C Guthrie, Mr Kadzere (Mufasa), L Randle (Nala), C Burke (young C Hepburn and T Ndlovu played all the music from Simba), J Masimba (Timon), T Dhlamini (Zazu), A the orchestra pit. Mrs D Kelly conducted the choir, Leared (Simba) and M Katsande (Pumbaa) were of and they were all drilled and gracefully taught by the an unbelievably high and professional standard. backbone of the whole production, Mrs Cecile Fer- reira. Her eﬀorts and expertise rubbed oﬀ on every- The Lion King set a new bench mark and the demand one who worked with her. To date 125 boys have au- sent the cast and crew to the 7 Arts Theatre in Hara- ditioned for the 2012 production, Robin Hood, with re. The Bulawayo Theatre seated 320 people per many more applying for more minor roles such as

S. Heymans, Mrs S. Khumalo, M. Randle Young Nala J. Campbell Banzai L. Sibanda Shenzi S. Ngozo Ed T. Tapera Hyenas R. Sargeant, D. Gibbons, N. Campbell, J. Rex, C. Taylor, K. Coetzee, B. Williams, S. Sibanda Wildebeest T. Gumede, T. Chida, B. Sargeant, S. Stone, C. Bray, K. Jadhav, B. Mutanga, C. Valenza, C. Butler, B. Follwell backstage. The Lion King has left a massive footprint Timon J. Masimba in the Zimbabwean Cultural world, one that we Pumbaa M. Katsande young cubs can only hope to fill one day and leave more footprints inspiring others to do the same. Simba A. Leared Nala L. Randle Produced by Mrs C. Ferreira and Directed by Mr J. Lights G. Fraser Ferreira Rafiki G. Nhlamba Goatmen T. Furusa, S. Ncube Giraffe R. Keefe, G. Strydom Gazelle J. Franceys, C. Butler, B. Follwell Zebra C. Bray, K. Jadhav, B. Mutanga Rhino S. Stone, R. Kemp Ostrich C. Valenza, B. Sargeant Elephant D. Nyatsanza, Z. Mhlanga Trees N. Zonde, S. Bhasera, B. Mhuriyengwe, M. Ushewokunze, M. Tshuma, R. Hwenjere, T. Mazango, R. Nare Dressing Room Sr S. Bryant, Mrs P. Ndlovu, Monkeys T. Gumede, T. Chida, N. Demadema Mr J. J. Ferreira, Mrs S. Stone, Zazu T. Dhlamini Mrs B. Randle, Mr R. Khumalo Mufasa G. Kadzere Logistics Mr. W. Randle Sarabi Mrs B. Randle Band D. Doolabh, S. Mafukidze, S. Sibanda, Mrs C. Guthrie, Mr C. Hepburn, Choir B. Murowanidzwa, J. Jackman, T. Ndlovu R. Scheepers, B. Ncube, D. Coetzee, Painters J. Chitate, N. Muller, C. Masanga, K. Sherriffs, A. van Heerden, R. Kanengoni, S. Tabvuma, T. Matondi, M. Muzvi- J. Machibaya, R. Schultz, T. Bristow dzva, V. Mlotshwa, L. Beahan, Sound P. Quinter M. Dhlodhlo, S. Nyandoro, J. Schlachter, Props Mrs J. Stewart, Mrs S. Stone, R. Herbst, F. Dollar, J. Chitate Mrs S. Langley, Mrs P. Watson, Mouse B. Manton Mr S. Ncube, Mrs B. Randle Scar B. Mason Costumes Mrs N. Heymans, Mrs A. Campbell, Young Simba C. Burke Mrs C. Ferreira, Mrs S. Stone, Gopher B. Manton Mrs R. Burke Sarafina Sr S. Bryant J Ferreira Lionesses Mrs R. Katsande, A. Heymans, Director

LION KING CAST

LION KING BAND

Music Great progress has been made this year and I am very pleased with how the boys have improved in this area. During the first term, music lessons were replaced with Lion King rehearsals. These consisted of Choir and band rehearsals. The choir rehearsed during club times and the band spent many afternoons rehearsing in their own time. Later on in the term, rehearsals took place in the evenings. The boys spent many hours perfecting the music of the Lion King and we DRUMMERS all really benefitted from this experience. I would like to congratulate all the boys for an outstanding per- which is directly associated with rhythm. The boys formance. learnt about different drumming styles and techniques. Lion King Band: The boys who took drum lessons this year were: D Doolabh, T Ndlovu, S Mafukidze and S Sibanda. Mrs C Guthrie played the rhythm guitar Beginners: and Mr C Hepburn played the trumpet. Both these B Murowanidzwa, A Kwidini, C van Breda, teachers put a lot of time and effort into the rehears- T Masanga, B Gilmore, B Manton, B Muzamhindo, als. Mr T Androuliakos helped us with the arranging K Mayihlome and G Fari of the music and gave us a lot of very useful advice. Advanced: Z Mhlanga and R Oatley Lion King Choir: B Murowanidzwa, J Jackman, R Scheepers, B Ncube, Piano: D Coetzee, K Sherriffs, A van Heerden, Piano lessons are challenging and involve commit- R P Kanengoni, S Tabvuma, T Matondi, M Muzvidzwa, ment and time. The boys are being classically trained. V Mlotshwa, L Beahan, M Dhlodhlo, S Nyandoro, They are taught music notation, how to sight read J Schlachter, R Herbst. KEYBOARD & PIANO PLAYERS Second Term Music lessons commenced in the second term and 24 boys were taught. Mrs C Guthrie taught a guitar group and Mr T Androuliakos taught drums. He travelled from Bulawayo once a week. I took over drum lessons in the third term as Tookie could not travel to the college every week.

Third Term During the third term I taught 33 boys vocals, drums, piano, rhythm and bass guitar. This I really enjoyed and often found the music practice rooms ﬁlled with music and how to play the piano using various tech- keen musicians and singers. I would like to encour- niques. I would like to congratulate the boys for the age the boys to keep this up in the future. time and eﬀort that they have put into their playing.

Drums: Beginners: This year the boys have been taught basic notation T Dhlamini, S Hammond, P Maﬁ, R Wardley,

J Masimba, V Mlotshwa Intermediate: T Matondi, S Banda Advanced: R Scheepers.

Guitar: The boys have really related to playing the guitar and

FORM 1 CHOIR

GUITARISTS they have made very good progress. These lessons are mostly taught in groups. They have been taught FORM 2 CHOIR the basics of rhythm and country style playing. They have learnt how to play chords. Bar chords and power chords have been introduced and the boys have Choir 2nd and 3rd Term: shown a lot of interest in playing in this style. During the ﬁrst term, the boys attended the Lion Charlie Randell was taught classical guitar in the King rehearsals. The second term consisted of a small third term and he performed at a Chapel Service and group of volunteers who were part of an informal at the Christmas Carol Service. choral session each week. The third term choir was Bass Guitar lessons were started in the third term. run as a club. I auditioned the form 1 boys during class lessons. I was very pleased with the boys’ atti- Rhythm Guitar: The following boys attended rhythm guitar lessons this year:

Beginners: S Hinmers, B Botes, K Manhando, L Beahan, C van Breda, N Mazvimavi, B Versveld, P Mwale, C Ran- dell

Intermediate: P Quinter, C Burke, J Schlachter, C Randell, K Ek- steen, S Bhasera, M Schultz, R Hwenjere, D Ndlovu, A Oatley, N Campbell, A Leared BAND

Classical Guitar: tude towards choir participation. 90% agreed to be C Randell (Intermediate) auditioned. 25 boys made it into the choir along with a few older boys who were interested. These rehears- Bass guitar: als took place during club times. We rehearsed for D Ndlovu, R Hwenjere, P Quinter, C Burke the Christmas Carol service and for next year’s pro-

duction (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves) Masimba, B Manton, D Ndlovu, S Ncube, T Ngwen- ya, M Schultz, S Sibanda. L Sibanda, T Ndlovu, J Mu- The Falcon Band tambara and J Schlachter, This has been the ﬁrst year there has ever been a Fal- con Band. The Falcon Band consisted of those boys Vocals who had played in the Witness and the Lion King There is quite a big demand for vocal lessons, but Band. These were experienced musicians who be- due to my busy timetable I only take a few chosen came the Falcon Band after the Lion King. They ac- boys for these lessons. The boys are taught correct companied the Septet at various occasions and they played at the annual Falcon College Speech Day.

SEPTET & ENSEMBLE J SCHLACHTER & R HWENJERE breathing, diction and musical interpretation.

The Falcon Band boys were: The boys who took vocal lessons this year: D Doolabh, T Ndlovu, S Mafukidze, S Sibanda and S S Bhasera, R Hwenjere, J Mutambara, and V Mlot- Ncube (a new addition to the band) shwa

During the third, term a new band had to be estab- The boys who took vocal lessons during the Lion lished as we would be losing all but one of the Falcon King rehearsals: Band at the end of the year. I encouraged the boys G Nhlamba, A Leared, C Burke, S Ngozo, L Sibanda, who were interested in participating in this band to B Mason, J Masimba, M Katsande, G Kadzere join the Choir rehearsals and in so doing, get to know the songs we were rehearsing for Robin Hood Prince The Septet of Thieves (Our March 2012 production). This went This is a group of boys are not only chosen for their very well and I know that with a lot of hard work we vocal ability but for their dedication to the promotion will achieve our goals. of the Falcon name. There are seven boys in this group and an accompanist. They too run as an inde- The Midweek Band pendent unit. Although these senior boys have a lot This Band has a unique characteristic as it runs as an of responsibilities at school, they still ﬁnd time to re- independent unit. These boys are committed Chris- hearse for special occasions. You will often hear them tians who have a true heart for worship and music. rehearsing at lunch times in the Music Room with the Their self elected leader was Simba Mafukidze who Falcon Band. The third term has been the highlight of guided and directed this group with pride and dedi- this group’s performances this year. They performed cation. The Midweek band has made extremely good at The Interact Inauguration Ceremony, Woodsmoke progress. They have shown true musicality and sen- Fundraiser, Assembly –Friday 7th October, Bryce sitivity towards worship. Hendrie Memorial Service, Speech Day, Leavers Din- ner and Christmas Carol Service. Auditions have Midweek band members are: been held and new members have been chosen for S Mafukidze (Band Leader), L Tapfuma, G Kadzere, 2012. A new group has been established called the R Kanengoni, G Nhlamba, Z Mhlanga, C Burke, J Ensemble. This is a younger feeder group to the Septet.

for N Nyirenda) and accompanist D Doolabh.

SEPTET CHOIR

The boys in the Septet were: G Kadzere, N Nyirenda, T K Ndlovu, L Sibanda, G C Ferreira Fraser, G Nhlamba, T Zvobgo, S Ncube (replacement

Falcon College is iconic for its sporting excellence and its dominance on sports fields in the region, from Combine diverse thinking, intellectual minds and the distant reaches of frosty Marondera all the way to one weekend together and you get gifted teenagers the blazing streets of the golden city, Johannesburg. hanging out. Throw in the wine, cheese and Falcon But it’s what you don’t see that is truly moving: a scenery and you now have the Falcon College Na- mainstream of Falcon boys whose dedication to sport tional Toastmasters’ Conference. It was held for the is matched by their pure enthusiasm for culture. first time this year and was an unmitigated success. Toastmasters countrywide gathered here in the heart Where most schools have their different groups of Matabeleland to exchange ideas and traditions, splayed across campus, a sportsman here and a cul- share memories and laughs and form fledgling tural guy there, we have both in the same place, friendships. simply because it is the same person. It is not uncom- mon to have half the first team rugby appearing in Interact is an important ideal in today’s society. Not the play, or three quarters of the first team hockey enough people do it. The feeling of elation granted being in the Etiquette Society. This is what the College is: when one helps another who can’t help himself, is an a medium that develops multitalented young men with two emotion many have lost. Luckily we still exhibit this feet on the ground, one in sport the other in culture with aca- trait at the College. The club has endeavoured and demics planted firmly in the middle. achieved much this year. Sponsored walks, society meetings and the glitz and glam of the annual dance Every year is a busy year; rarely do we find ourselves have all been carried out to perfection. sitting back at year end without any thought to those Normally schoolboys’ singing is, to say the least, overloaded days that we never thought we would dreadful. However this year’s singing competition get through. This year was no exception. The Lion was a marked success. The boys put in massive King was a truly awe inspiring experience to say the effort, reaping the benefits, as can be seen in the form least. It showed the ingenuity of the lads and that we of the celebrated “septet”, who are renowned for are just as capable on a dusty stage as a green field. their singing talents. Robin Hood has a great legacy to live up to. I do not doubt it will achieve as much, if not more. Brett Mason

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J. MACHIBAYA L6

S. STONE U6

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Committee members cles with Ernst & Young. He told club members Chairman: Nemaruru B about what it takes to be a Public Accountant, the Vice Chairman: Moyo TN high school grades required and the kind of work Secretary: Ward M ethic professional conduct expected of Auditors and Treasurer: Muparuri J Public Accountants. The boys drew a lot of inspira- Membership grew slightly from nineteen last year to tion from his talk and he provided answers to many twenty-two this year. The club membership is exclu- questions the club members had. sive to L6 and U6 boys studying Accounting as one I would like to thank the steering committee mem- of their subjects. The main objective is to enlighten bers for their eﬀorts in organising the club meetings members about the opportunities available to them we have held this year. in the ﬁeld of Accountancy. Closing quote: ‘’If you are going to achieve excellence During the course of the year we convened several in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. meetings which proved to be very fruitful. The high- Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing atti- light of the year’s meetings was an address by tude’’. Matthew Ward, a Falcon Old Boy (one of the founder G Katsande members of this club in 2009) who is doing his arti- Club Master

Oﬃce Bearers 2011 house Fishing Competition are summarised below: Chairman: B M Querl (George Grey) HOUSE ROUND ROUND FINAL PLACE Committee Members: S C D Stone (George Grey) 1 2 M D Ward (Oates) HERVEY 20 0 20 6 TREDGOLD 3784 3500 7284 5 The ﬁrst leg of the 2011 Inter-House Fishing Compe- OATES 1115 10100 11215 4 rd th tition was held on Saturday and Sunday 3 & 4 FOUNDERS 0 11800 11800 3 April 2011 at High Acres Dam on Red Rose Farm ad- CHUBB 1029 12500 13529 2 jacent to Falcon College. We are grateful to Mr Mike Stone for making the venue available. GEORGE 7615 23610 31225 1 GREY

By way of change, the event was held in two stages – George Grey was therefore presented with Adam Saturday afternoon (2 until 6pm) and Sunday morn- Bryan Trophy for Inter-house fishing at the final as- ing (6 until 11 am). Conditions on both days were sembly of the year. ideal and some excellent catches were recorded. J B Stone (GG) landed a Large Mouth Bass of just under Mr. Steve Strydom very generously donated four 2 Kg while M S Strydom (GG) caught a similar fish watches which were used as prizes in the second leg weighing 1.5 Kg. of the Inter-house competition. Winners were A D Keefe (F), A R Bingley (O), T D Brannigan (C) The second leg of the Competition was also held at and S O Hammond (GG). High Acres Dam towards the end of the third term. Again the competition took place in ideal weather Congratulations go to M D Ward (Oates), B M Querl, conditions. The biggest Bass (3,5 Kg) was caught by S C D Stone, J B Stone, G W Strydom (GG) and C J A D Keefe (F) and A R Bingley (O) landed the largest Bydawell (F) who were all selected to represent Zim- Bream (2.6 Kg). Final placings in the 2012 inter- babwe during the year. The Strydom Cup (presented by the Strydom and Beahan families in memory of

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Chris) for the most improved angler during 2010 was awarded to J B Stone (GG) in recognition of his achievements.

Trophy winners in the Barbel Competition: RC Rochat (T); GW Strydom (G); FI Dollar (T) and TSJ Jones (T)

Watch winners AD Keefe (F); SO Hammond (GG); AR Bingley (O) and TD Brannigan (C)

T Mhonde (T)

J B Stone (GG) A D and Ruprecht (GG) Lake Cunningham October 2011

During the year, outings were arranged in order to provide members with a taste of some of the many excellent angling venues in the vicinity of the Col- KD Eksteen (T) lege. Twenty-ﬁve ﬁshermen participated (very suc- Second Round Inter-house Competition cessfully) in a two day Barbel Competition sponsored by Toyota Zimbabwe at Inyankuni Dam. Visits were Once again, thanks must go to Mr J Makurumidze for also organised later in the year to the Lower Ncema his help with the Angling Society during the year. Dam and Lake Cunningham. We are also grateful to Mr Mike Querl for his assistance and generosity. Mention should also be made of Messrs Mike Stone, Steve Strydom and all the other parents who have supported the functions of the Society and helped in so many ways.

A C Bancroft

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This popular activity has been attended by many juniors this year. Often the club swelled to as many as ﬁfty members.

The First term of 2011 was incredibly busy and pressured as the Club operated for three days of the week in a frantic, but successful, bid to do “The Lion King” masks and other props needed for the production. work and get ready for the Cambridge Exams which Boys were to be found were completed by the third Fixture Free. with their hands buried in ﬂour paste and strips of newspaper, moulding “papier ma- che” to antelope horns and lionesses’ masks, securing wire frames and split pins to gnu head pieces and hyena head mounts.

In comparison, the Second Term was a lot quieter with the usual activities of the club, with boys being able to practice and enhance their drawing and painting skills in the once a week club slot.

The Third term was dedicated to the seniors having the studio to themselves so as to ﬁnish oﬀ course- S Langley

This year the club had more than ﬁfty members – the most we have had in recent years. Not everyone was in the school team, but their presence was greatly appreciated. The school team was made up of two sides, the senior team and the junior team. The following were regular members of the teams: Senior Junior Dube B Dhana EC Mazorodze F Mjumi D

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Randell B Zhou TDU tion a few teams that we rarely play against. Mushoriwa K Ruswa P The other schools were: CBC, Girls’ College, Domini- can Convent and Masiyephambili. The tournament Moyo Terrence Potera TM was a challenge for our boys, where they struggled Silundika P Ndlovu K against Mzingwane and CBC, but won against the Dlodlo SM Sururu I rest of the schools. Mzingwane came first, CBC was Matshe M Watson B second and Falcon came third. The individual chess championship was won by Matshe M of Oates House. The Inter–House competition was won by Tredgold. This is the first time that the shield has moved from Oates since its inception. The results for the competition were as follows: 1st Tredgold 2nd Oates 3rd Hervey 4th George Grey 5th Chubb 6th Founders Chess is an excellent way to develop logic and crea- This year the club did not attend many tournaments, tive thinking. It is said that in America it has taken a but we did host one here at Falcon College. The tour- number of youngsters off the streets and away from nament was attended by eight schools including drug abuse. Chess can improve an individual’s MCC from Gweru, Kyle College from Masvingo, mathematics performance by 30 percent. Mzingwane from our zone and Usher Girls, to men- E Moyo

A small nucleus of climbers attended when the opportunity presented itself. Sadly again there was no time for any outings and the club came a poor second to the Woodsmoke Club, also run by Mr Randle. It has been said for some time but things should get better in 2012 as more focus is placed on adventurous pursuits during the year. Stalwart members were A Giﬀord, H Gross, and M Swannack. N Moyo and M Waugh also attended as new members and made good progress.

W Randle

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During the term, we lost some sessions to Fixture the net for the views of experts and other people who Free Mondays. However the few days that we met have an interest in that particular subject. were very useful to the members. Generally, this worked well for the majority of the The objective of the club was to develop the members members, because at the end of the day, they could into students who can use the internet effectively, make concrete decisions and provide sound advice to regardless of the fields in which they work. The inter- others. These activities also helped in getting results net is a resource not for a specific industry or field, from the net in a short period of time. In short, it im- but is a “one size fits all” tool. The school boys, at the proved their internet browsing techniques. These ac- moment, have dreams, different dreams about their tivities taught students how to manage their time. futures, so it is therefore very important that we ex- One can often spend long hours on the net without pose them to the many opportunities that exist. This finding what one is looking for, because of lack of the in turn will enable them to make decisions or change right knowledge and skills to use the internet effec- their minds about the careers they are considering. tively. Internet fosters learning and growth for indi- During each session, members would exchange infor- viduals and nations. Therefore, its accessibility to all mation about different topics among themselves as means a well informed nation. well as with others who are not part of this group. In this way, opinions are gathered about what others M Ncube think of different careers. They would also search on

The year 2011 was a successful one for debating. hearts, they faced the challenge head on. Not sur- Thanks to a dynamic board, the club came to life this prisingly, they did very well. Two out of the four year. Club President, Victor E Janhi, set down rules teams made it to the semifinals of the competition. and regulations that kept the club ticking over WT Dlodlo was a member of one these teams. throughout the year. His Vice President, Wayne T Dlodlo, was his perfect right hand man, as he en- This year saw many young men gain confidence in forced the parameters that had been set. Club Secre- their speaking abilities. I would like to commend SC tary, Bhasera, RT Madimure and MT Chikwete, as they have shown the most improvement. Debate contin- Dyllan Makunike, kept us in touch with other ues to grow not only in Zimbabwe but in Southern schools. We were invited to several competitions Africa. Our College debate clubs intend to grow throughout the year, our most memorable being the right along with it. With the calibre of speakers we One World Schools Debate Championships. Our jun- have, the world cannot be denied! ior representatives for this were MT Chikwete, WT Dlodlo and RH Nare. They were paired with seniors S Khumalo and they debated British Parliamentary Style. This was a style we had not previously encountered and the boys felt at a disadvantage. After a five minute “training” session, from the organisers, the boys in blue were ready to go. We debated about competing. After all, all the other schools had been in training for over three hours! Falcon boys are not quitters and with this sentiment burning in their minds and

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Debating Back Row : T Ndlovu, T Moyo, L Sibanda, B Mason, S Mafukidze Front Row : M Ncube, Ms S Sibanda, S Sibanda, Ms T Ndlovu, P Dhlamini

The year started with verve and a massive show of that we did not come first we triumphed through the dedication from all members. Our first few meetings best speaker of the tournament, Mr P Dhlamini. We were mainly an establishment of the formalities and a also competed in a Matabeleland debating tourna- welcoming to the new members, and the first debates ment, a section of the Intwasa festival, held at Eveline came in the form a few sessions with local rivals, high school in Bulawayo. It must be said though that Girls’ College. The juniors travelled, returning with a we were unfortunate not to receive the notice con- mixed bag of results, and the seniors hosted the com- cerning the debating format, and as a result arrived petitors coming up with an overall win. at the competition only to be given a crash course on During the second term we sent a team to Lomagun- this new style, then pushed out of the nest to fly. Our di with the rugby and soccer teams, the first of its performance was exceptional with two of our four kind and hopefully the first of many. The debate was teams soaring to the semifinals. We ended the term conducted in the normal fashion, on the rather con- off with an Inter-House debate where Chubb were troversial topic of, ‘This house believes that co- the victors and B A Mason was nominated as best education is best for producing successful people,’ speaker. L K Sibanda was also nominated for the na- and Falcon were ‘for’ the topic whereas Lomagundi tional debate team to travel to Mexico in 2012. were ‘against’ it. Unfortunately, no score sheet was This year on the whole was fruitful and although we kept, as this was an experimental debate, but if you did not have as many fixtures as we would have asked any of the vast number of spectators it was liked, we hope that we have left the society in such a clear that we had come out ahead. We received a way that it may improve in the coming year. Good standing ovation. In the third term we kicked things luck to the incoming board. off with a tournament held at Girls’ College. A few members were not able to attend, and despite the fact Sambulo Sibanda

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President: G A Macdonald Stables Winery company was founded in Harare Chairman: S Sibanda some years ago, but the Bulawayo branch, now based Secretary: D Doolabh in a converted railway carriage, set in a beautiful Treasurer: K Coetzee leafy garden, was begun only three years ago. Mem- bers were treated to a comprehensive tasting of Because of clashes with sports’ fixtures, it became wines, and were also given a great deal of infor- necessary to schedule most meetings on Thursdays, mation by Mrs Randell about wine etiquette, includ- with a couple in the third term on Friday. As before, ing which wines to accompany certain foods, corkage most meetings were held at the home of Mr and Mrs fees and some special terms associated with the wine Macdonald. industry such as sommelier. It was an excellent occasion and the members were most grateful to Mrs At the first meeting of the year, the president out- Randell and Mrs Dunn for all they did to make the lined the purpose of the society, read the constitution tasting so special, and for the handout of information to members, and each member introduced himself they were able to take away with them. briefly. The rest of the meeting was taken up with matters concerning wine - its history, how it is made The meeting held towards the end of June concerned and where; what sorts of bottles and glasses are used; ‘ Netiquette’. Members were asked to suggest various types of openers and each member was presented ideas, and these were discussed along with the estab- with a comprehensive booklet containing much in- lished norms of good behaviour on the ‘Net‘. The formation to be kept for further reference. The next dangers of using the ‘Net’ as well as its advantages meeting was held at the Stables Winery in Bulawayo, were discussed, and members were given ideas where Mrs Debbie Dunn and Mrs Frances Randell about software to help in using this valuable addition had prepared a tasting of a selection of wines. The to their lives. Once again a booklet for further reference

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was distributed. At this meeting, members were able The annual dinner was a triumph. As always the to have a small sample of some wines donated by members were required to do all the planning and Mr Peter Ward on behalf of the parents’ fundraising running of the dinner, once the menu had been committee. cleared with Ms Doba. It was decided to have a buffet since the first part of the dinner was going to Replying to formal invitations and carving meats be a presentation and wine-tasting by Mr Jeremy were the topics of the next meeting. Members were Borg, a FoB who lives in Paarl, who had very kindly shown how to navigate the possible pitfalls in reply- agreed to be the guest speaker. While it is hoped that ing to formal invitations and were given samples to all members contributed in some way, the main plan- keep. After this, Mr Macdonald introduced members ning, and the running of the evening, was done by to the pitfalls of carving roast meats! Keith Coetzee the chairman, secretary and treasurer. Special guests offered to demonstrate his skills at carving a rather were Mr and Mrs Mark Randell and Mr and Mrs small chicken, which he did very well, and members John Dunn, so it was a real Falcon evening, since were able to sample some more of the donated wine, both Mark and John are FoBs. Jeremy inspired all, accompanied by a small snack of carved roast chicken. with his vision, enthusiasm and enlightened philosophy, and his close and passionate connection with The 75th meeting of the Society was held on 16 Sep- Southern African projects to save the seriously en- tember, and the topic concerned the etiquette of inter- dangered Painted (Wild) Dog, towards which a per- views. The members were asked to supply ideas of centage of his profit goes. He produced five excellent what they thought were important aspects to consid- wines for tasting, explaining how each was made, er for a person facing an interview, and most of them and everyone felt enormously privileged to be part of came up with excellent suggestions, many of which the first group in the world to sample his Pictus Two concurred with information obtained off the Internet. wine. Jeremy also generously provided all the wine There was some lively discussion and this was fol- for the dinner. The buffet was well run, with three lowed by plans for the dinner later in the term, with members practising, most impressively, their carving some proposals to consider before the next meeting. skills. The meal was greatly enjoyed, together with very tasteful décor and dinner music. As always, it At the following meeting, proposals for the dinner was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion and all must be were considered and a plan was made, but the high- congratulated on a very successful evening. light was a PowerPoint presentation on some Cape wineries conducted by Keith Coetzee who had made It has been a busy and productive year, and the a brief visit to Cape Town to be interviewed for a members of the society were a particularly pleasant post in the hotel industry - he was successful! He also group. Thanks to all who made the year such a suc- kindly brought a bottle of port for the society to sam- cess, especially Mrs Macdonald, who ran several of ple. Other topics covered were the importance of the meetings and helped with the dinner. thank you letters and cards, and how to manage complicated table settings. G A Macdonald

There has been a much better level of commitment from the members this year and some good falconry was achieved. I hope that this is an indication that we may be approaching a new era where competent falconers make up the backbone of the club.

Hunter Swales once again had a good season with

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his new eyas African Goshawk. Unfortunately this bird died after catching and beginning to pluck an Arrow Marked Babbler which was contaminated with old engine oil – a freak occurrence but devastat- ing nevertheless. Although Hunter is yet to ﬂy an inter-mewed hawk he has achieved a very good level of competency and hopes to take up an eyas Ovambo

POINTER & PEREGRINE

Chris was when he was lost, while hunting near the southern paddocks dam. All’s well that ends well, but there were some very nervous moments before he turned up back at school later that evening.

T BRISTOW in 2012. Tarquin Bristow was just beginning to enjoy hunting with his eyas African Goshawk when it was electro- cuted on a low tension power line in the school grounds. I have spoken of the higher risk levels when flying birds inside the grounds and would prefer birds to only be flown outside the security fence. Having said that however, there are always risks associated with flying hawks and hopefully Tarquin C FRIEND will have better luck with the eyas Gabar that he

“Tequila”, the old Wahlberg’s Eagle, was handled by Chad Spalding who, in addition to a few of the other members, will hopefully be able to collect African Goshawks to ﬂy next year.

H SWALES hopes to collect this season. Philip Swales had some great fun with his eyas Ovambo Sparrowhawk and hopefully he will be able to ﬂy this bird after it has moulted next season. P SWALESʹ JUVENILE OVAMBO SPARROWHAWK Alexander Giﬀord and Christopher Friend both managed to complete the season with their hawks – both African Goshawks. For me the biggest event with P Heymans

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I would like to thank all the members of the Interact their life histories. Club under the presidency of T E Mutembwa, for their maturity and dedication to help the less privi- As in previous years, we did a litter sweep around leged members of our society. The club is going from the College and all the way to Esigodini Centre, an strength to strength each year. We were joined by attempt to keep the environment clean. This is an Mrs P Ndlovu this year as one of the core patrons. uphill struggle as the community does not realize The board, together with the patrons, set goals for the the importance of going green, and keeping a clean environment.

Several fundraising activities such as the Interact dance, car wash and sponsored walk were carried out. Some activities were done jointly with Carlisle Primary School. These have been successful in raising funds in order to achieve the Interact club’s goals. Last year, the club managed to donate a school jersey to each pupil at Carlisle Primary

year then discussed what action needed to be taken to fulﬁll them. I am delighted that these were achieved once again this year. The club managed to pay our two orphans’ school fees and levies at Mawabeni Primary School, as well as purchase their uniforms and stationery. The photograph shows Mr A Moyo handing over the uniforms.

School during the cold winter season. This year, we are proud of having provided each child with a school uniform, i.e. shorts and shirts for boys and dresses for girls for all 120 pupils.

The outing to Masiye Camp in Matopos was refresh- ing and entertaining for the club members. There was a lot of fun with boys participating in various games which included Trust Fall, Wall, Spider Web, Lollipop, Traﬃc Jam, Lushumbe Towers and many We also visited the elderly people at Moth King Ha- more. ven in Esigodini where we spent the afternoon tidy- ing their gardens, cutting lawns and hedges, tighten- The Interact Board managed to attend meetings with ing fencing wire as well as chatting to some of them. other schools’ boards and shared ideas, as well as It was a pleasurable experience for the Interact boys, attending inauguration ceremonies for Girls’ Col- particularly when some elderly people recounted lege, Petra High and Dominican Convent. Our boys

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attended the leadership training course for incoming court and his wife, Nela, joined us for this prestig- Interact board members held at Dominican Convent ious occasion. Also accompanying him was the Dep- and run by Belmont Rotary Club, which was well uty District Governor Mr Chigaru from Bulawayo supported by other schools too. and Mr Thabani Mashava, a Rotarian in charge of Belmont Club’s Interact clubs. We were honoured during the inauguration ceremony of the new Falcon Interact Board for 2011 – 2012, I am sure that the new board will continue to work when The District Governor for Rotary International hard and assist the under-privileged members of District 9210 which encompasses Malawi, Mozam- our society. bique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Mr Antonio J Betten-

A Moyo Interact Club Patron

Falcon College is the home of some very ﬁne potential international motocross riders who have been handicapped until now, as they could only hone their skills and ﬁtness during the holidays. Matthew Smit

and some other boys decided to try their luck and see whether they could persuade the authorities to allow them to resurrect the motocross club. The main obstacle was to ﬁnd a member of staﬀ who would be willing to take charge and be there for the club. Here

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were quick to give their blessings and so the club was born. Safety is the focus on all that is done at the club. They realise this is a dangerous sport but with respect for the machines used and common sense in their dress code and acceptance of the different abilities of the riders, the club is functioning very well at this stage. Membership is restricted to boys in Form 3 and above only! Parents’ permission and indemnity forms was the next obstacle to overcome. The old agriculture centre is being used for secure storage of the bikes and the boys have put up some burns, jumps and long wrong camber bends. This area is used for basic training of less experienced members, bike ser- vicing and pre-race checks. Cleaning and general maintenance of bikes is also high on the list. A very basic track has been built, straddling the stream at the mine dumps. The boys now suddenly realised how very unfit they were. It is hard work not to fall off the bike! With the track around 800 meters long, the boys are finding lots of space to improve the obstacles and make it more challenging. As with all new clubs, this one would welcome any training or teaching DVD’s, constructive criticism, funds or backing and the use of any type of earthmoving the grapevine news came to their assistance. A new equipment in order to improve our talents and facili- member of staff in the form of Mr Ferreira, who had ties. There is still much to do but the seed has been very limited experience and even less skills from 40 sown and the enthusiasm is certainly growing. years previously, seemed to have more time on his hands than any of his colleagues. School boys have a J Ferreira Sr particular skill in making one feel guilty because one never seems to do enough for them! The authorities

The Mylne Society fulfilled its requirements and pro- Mylne Society 2011: vided the usual forum for the members to express S Nkala (Chairman), P Dhlamini (Secretary), T Chida, themselves and feed off each other’s ideas. Sob Nkala D Doolabh, Dale Gibbons, Devon Gibbons, and Philani Dhlamini were efficient in carrying out B Mason, T Mutembwa, T Ndlovu, R Sargeant, their duties and the College’s oldest Society had a L Sibanda, S Sibanda. routine but enjoyable year. D Grant There are one or two ideas to be tried out in 2012 and the Society should benefit in the long term. The Soci- ety remains the worthwhile institution that it always has been and the principles it stands for have been maintained. I thank the committee and members of 2011 and look forward to the New Year.

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It has been so encouraging to see so many new, that are ongoing in Zimbabwe. The club marked younger members join the Natural History club in World Rhino Conservation Day by producing posters 2011. An appreciation for and an interest in the natu- to put up around the school. Scott Guthrie, a Profes- ral world around us enriches life and allows us to sional Hunter, gave the boys an interesting talk about “open our eyes” to those species with whom we the industry and was able to show them video foot- share this planet. The club has had a year of many age of a Professional Hunter in action, facing a charg- ing elephant! Some of the boys have expressed an interest in hunting and guiding as a career option, so this gave them an opportunity to ask questions of a “man on the ground”. Dr Netty Purchase, Southern African Co-ordinator for Cheetah and Wild Dog Re- search for the Zoological Society of London, presented an interesting talk on the large carnivore guild and the implications for conservation. The rainy season at the beginning of the year present-

and varied activities. Apart from regular wildlife report-backs, videos and general interest meetings, the club has done many other exciting activities and have been privileged to hear talks from a range of experts in different fields. Daniel Newall, a visitor from Flor- ida, USA shared with us his experiences as a beach guide, of particular interest was his explanation about Horseshoe Crabs and their habits; these are one of the most primitive crustaceans existing today. ed an opportunity for members of the club to learn John McTaggart spoke about rhino conservation in more about frogs, those ever important indicators of Zimbabwe as a lead up to the World Rhino Day in the health of an environment. A night of “frogging” around the campus yielded seven different species of frogs and toads. This exercise will be repeated next year in order for us to be able to build up a checklist of frogs and toads in the area. A walk in Quiet Wa- ters in the first term allowed new boys to familiarise themselves with the area and also start to learn to identify some of the trees found in Quiet Waters. Tree identification is an arduous, but rewarding task and this will be an on-going focus of the club, as will be birding. Many of the boys are starting to recognise some of the more common birds around the campus, both from sight and from their calls. The Kenyan Coffee Trees between the office block and the classrooms continue to be a focus for many bird spe- September and outlined rhino conservation activities cies, especially during their flowering period and half

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an hour spent gazing up into the tree canopy will Museum in Bulawayo. yield many species. The Heronry in these trees is a The Natural History highlight for the year for some buzz of activity in October/November/December be- boys, was the trip to Sentinel Ranch, Limpopo as fore the nestlings leave the nest (at about 50 days af- guests of Mr and Mrs Bristow, which took place in ter hatching). the first term (see separate report). Another exciting The annual Quiet Waters game count took place at trip is planned for 2012. the beginning of October. The weather chose to be Many thanks to all those people, both young and old, kind to the teams of counters and they experienced a who have contributed to the club this year. We look cool, but cloudless night sky with bright moonlight. forward to widening our experience and knowledge The count yielded mediocre results for most groups, next year. with the only significant observation being a group “An understanding of the natural world and whatʹs in it of six bushpigs seen at the Old Boys’ Study Centre at is a source of not only a about 3.00am. In spite of apparent poor results, this great curiosity but great fulfilment.” is a valuable exercise and gives managers of Quiet David Attenborough Waters an indication of numbers and species of large mammals present in the park. The year ended with a trip to the Natural History D Kelly and C Guthrie

Four boys from forms three, four and lower six, ac- light that allowed us to use binoculars to observe the companied by four staﬀ members (and two very hyena from a high vantage point. The night sounds of the bush, the full moon, a glimmer of stars and the expanse of the African sky kept us mesmerized for ages.

Mr Guthrie shot two male impala and one was dis- sected by the group to observe the internal organs, taking special note of the ruminant digestive system. We took a microscope to the camp with us and were able to observe the gut micro-organisms in action.

The mist netting exercise to catch quelea for the small boys) experienced four magical days at Sentinel Ranch on the Limpopo River over the half term period. The Bristow family very generously opened their luxurious hunting camp for our use and Mr and Mrs Bristow spent many hours taking us around the property, showing us the magniﬁcent terrain and many species of birds and mammals, including a sighting of two rare Pel’s Fishing Owls on the banks of the Limpopo River.

The highlight of the trip for the majority of the boys was a moonlit excursion to observe Spotted Hyena feeding on an impala carcass which was deposited at the site as a bait. The full moon provided a mystical

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names of plants with some degree of conﬁdence by the end of the weekend!

Perhaps the highlight of the trip for the staff concerned was being able to observe in situ in the rock a partial fossilized skeleton of a Massospondylus dinosaur, aged at approximately 210 million years! This species of dinosaur probably fed on reed beds on the banks of river systems and the theory is that many of them were drowned by flash floods and bodies deposited under silt which started the fossilization process. There are possibly many more fossil sites on Sentinel Ranch and Mr Bristow suggested a Falcon school trip to assist with fossil collecting. Very little encouragement will be needed to make us return to this magnificent place!

Falconry club was not altogether successful, but four Our profound thanks to the Bristow family for their other species of birds were ringed and released. The generosity and hospitality! boys also carried out a vegetation transect and learnt many new species of both woody and herbaceous C Guthrie and D Kelly plants. They certainly were able to pronounce Latin

President: Mrs H A Macdonald society slides of various photographic assignments Chairman: D G MacIntosh he had been involved in. He also spoke to members Secretary: F I Dollar about his career in the British Army and this was followed by a lively question and answer session. The society has seen quite a busy year with a variety of topics covered at meetings. Frank Dollar, the secre- At the end of the first term a very different meeting tary, was very polite and long-suffering since the was held. It was held after lunch instead of in the president had mislaid the minutes book, found, only evening, and there were three guests. They were all in the second term, in a safe place! She would like to from Japan. One was the president’s son Gareth, and thank all the guest speakers who gave up precious the other two were Brian and Aki Carpenter, friends time to come and provide the society with all sorts of who live in Nagoya near Gareth. They were all here interesting information. for a couple of weeks’ holiday. Gareth had been asked to speak on life in Japan, but the three of them At the first meeting of the year, members were put together a very adventure-filled presentation shown part of a DVD on NASA’s moon programme, where members were shown first how to make, and Apollo. Many of them knew little about this exciting then made and sampled, a typical Japanese project and it is to be hoped that they enjoyed the ‘sandwich’ of cooked Japanese rice wrapped in sea- sensational views of planet earth from space, as well weed. There were some interesting reactions to this as the historic, albeit smudgy, photos of Neil Arm- staple fare! Then there was a puzzle to teach the boys strong’s first steps on the moon. how to count to five in Japanese, deciphering the ‘kanji’ and saying the words - there were some teams The second meeting was a presentation by Mr Nigel which managed the task very quickly and successful- Kuhn, who was attached to Quest, and he showed the ly. The last part was a demonstration by Aki, on how

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The College CEO, Mr John McTaggart, came to speak at the last formal meeting. He showed a video on a training exercise involving capture and release of a giraﬀe, and then spoke about the logistics of game capture, the drugs used and the various techniques used for diﬀerent animal species. Again there were many questions, and all in all it was a fascinating hour.

The third fixture free is usually the time for the Novices braai, an infor- to use a typical toy. This involved some pretty com- mal gathering at the home of the president. This plicated movements, balancing a ball on a set of three braai was slightly different as there was a guest, Mr wooden cups, while singing and dancing at the same Jeremy Borg, a Falcon Old Boy who had come up time. All in all, it was a fun hour and the boys from the Cape to combine a business trip to Harare learned a little about a very different culture. with a visit to Falcon to be the guest speaker at the annual Etiquette Society dinner. Always a pleasant Mrs Debbie Kelly came to speak at the next meeting, and enjoyable way to end the year, it was as usual a and she gave a presentation on Amboseli Game re- success, with Falcon boys showing their prowess at serve in East Africa. It was a fascinating talk on a cooking at a braai. very beautiful area, and it was made especially interesting since Mrs Kelly had participated in a training The president would like to thank David MacIntosh course run by the legendary Cynthia Moss, who has and Frank Dollar for their help and record that they studied elephants for many years - since 1972 - and is were awarded citation ties for their efforts. Thanks the director of a study programme which is ongoing. must also go to Ms Gladys Doba for providing the delicious Chelsea buns which were enjoyed at the At the next meeting the boys saw most of the famous end of each meeting. documentary, Food Inc., which exposes the shocking practices of food production in the USA. It is not a H Macdonald good-feel film, and many of the members were horrified by what they saw - much to think about!

At the start of the third term, the president told the members of the society about the early history of the school. There were many photographs to look at, and the meeting started in the Turner Hall foyer where they could see various pieces of memorabilia, including the ﬂag with the original badge of the College, and the original athletics shield (with Hervey’s name featuring often!), and they could see that while much has changed, much remains the same. There were lots of questions and it was a lively meeting.

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It is some years now since this club last operated at Falcon, and when it did, digital photography was in its infancy! Gone are the days of enlargers, chemicals and dark rooms, though the purists will tell you that it is the only way to make decent photographs, and to learn about the workings of a camera, and the use of light. Digital photography does make life a great deal easier and cheaper after the initial layout of camera and computer. It was the cost and availability of materials that spelt the demise of the club in its former life. The response was encouraging to start with and membership had to be restricted by age and owner- ship of cameras. Finding a convenient time slot for meetings also caused a few problems and drop outs Megan by Rory Keefe soon followed, when it was realised that members had actually to produce photographs, and be subject- of this ﬁrst year was to get members to become famil- ed to critical assessment by their peers. iar with their cameras, to think about composition, Several assignments were allocated and some good and to look for unusual angles, before shooting. To- photographs were produced. A small exhibition of wards the end of the year the members were encour- selected sports photos taken by members, were dis- aged to become familiar with the computer and the played for parents attending Consultation Day at the use of such programmes as Photoshop. end of the second and third terms. The main purpose

K Coetzee is to be commended for his commitment as unofficial Chairman of the club, as are C Nyazika, J Machibaya and R Keefe for their prolific output of photographs. Other members were: C Locke, N Nell, B Randell, C Randell, S Randell, and I Riley. A Griffin and R Rosenfels joined this term and 15 others were registered at one time or another before falling by the wayside! It is sincerely hoped that the humble beginnings this year will be built upon next year, that the club will be able to expand, and that members will be able to benefit from expert outside help. D J Fleming

Colours by Justin Machibaya

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members contributed a lot of interesting ideas and insight into the economic problems faced by contemporary societies. M Ward’s presentation on the world’s most important sector of industry was well researched and provoked a lively discussion. It was interesting to note how with each meeting this year group’s discus- sions showed a growing maturity. Members like T Moyo, M Ncube and P Dhlamini, to mention a few, demonstrated that they were well versed in what is currently taking place in the world of business as they were always able to back up their argu-

Quest ments with examples from various countries. This Back Row : T Mutembwa, T Moyo, S Nkala, K Coetzee, N Nyirenda, made the standard of discussion very high indeed. K Mushoriwa, J Rex Front Row : M Ncube, S Sibanda, Ms T Ndlovu, R Sargeant, P Dhlamini The interviews to select the new society members Absent: M Ward were characterised by well thought out questions posed by the outgoing members. This exercise was Sambulo Sibanda chaired the 2011 group and this no mean feat as we only needed 14 out of the 25 in- year was characterised by the fact that we used inter- terviewed. What further made it really challenging nal resource persons to deliver papers on various was the high standard presented by the interviewees. topics. With a membership of thirteen, there was a However, at the end of it all we finally had the 14 in- rich pool to draw from. The first paper was presented coming 2012 society members who will be led by by S Sibanda and he examined at length, the question L Sibanda. of migration and its negative effects on a country’s economy. Opening the debate to the floor at the end Ms T Ndlovu of his presentation led to a lively discussion where

We decided to revive the shooting club in the second term of this year and were met with a very enthusiastic response from the boys. We decided to limit the intake to boys in the 4th form and above, and they were required to learn the rules of safety as well as some ballistics and the parts of the rifle. A written test was completed by the applicants and we ended up with a team of 15 boys: M Armstrong, T Boshoff, R Butler, F Dollar, S Hammond, J Joubert, R Kemp, A Leared, D McLintock, B Querl, B Scheepers, C Spal- ding, S Stone, C Taylor and M Ward. S HAMMOND We started off shooting with the club .22 rifles at the school range and also managed two trips in the second term and another in the third term, to Wool- kindly invited by the HQ1 Brigade Rifle Club and endale Range on the Matopos Road. We were very magnificently hosted by Mr Norman Armstrong and

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As the results show, this was a tightly fought contest with some excellent shooting and commitment displayed by many of the boys. M Armstrong prevailed over A Leared in the final week of the competition. Well done to both of these boys. After half term in the third term, we decided it was time to introduce some new recruits to the club as many of the seniors had left to concentrate on their exams. Tests were written and the following new members were accepted: J Allard, T Bristow, M R BUTLER & C TAYLOR Dodington, B Erasmus, M Rautenbach and C van Breda. These boys, particularly M Rautenbach, proved to be very good shots and I look forward to a the other members. very competitive year in 2012. Each boy was giv- We would like to thank Pete Stewart and his team for en a club coach for clearing the shooting range for us as this had become the day and this rather overgrown. They also cut some artificial turf helped them all matting for the boys to lie on while shooting and this with their skills. made their experience a lot more comfortable. Two of these trips We are also very grateful to Mr and Mrs N Arm- involved bench strong, Mr C Follwell, Mrs F Norman and the rest of rest shooting with HQ1 Rifle Brigade Rifle club for all their help and first .22 rifles with support throughout the year. telescopes, Thank you to Mrs D Kelly for amongst other things, then .308 rifles all her help at the range, for the long hours standing from a distance of in the sun while the boys shot and for allowing the 200m. boys to use her rifles from time to time. The other trip in- Some of our Club rifles have seen better days, and we volved shooting R BUTLER hope to be able to have some repairs done in the New with FN’s which Year and perhaps, at some stage, to purchase some the boys really enjoyed. They were exposed to shoot- newer rifles. ing from several different distances and from stand- We look forward to another year of excellent shooting, sitting and prone positions and were also taught ing from the team in 2012. how to dissemble the rifles and clean them. The results of the Inter-House Shooting Competition B Heymans for 2011 were: 1st: Chubb 164 2nd: Oates 156 3rd: George Grey 155 4th: Tredgold 123 5th: Hervey 72 6th: Founders 57 The results of the Marksmanship Competition for 2011 were: 1st: M Armstrong 1316 2nd: A Leared 1278 3rd: T Boshoff 1142 4th: C Spalding 940 th 5 : C Taylor 847 FN SHOOT 6th: S Stone 799

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2011 has been a pretty good final year for the Club the past. A neighbouring new farmer did call us out which started in 1972 – it has never been a formal for a “big” snake – Ponderosa Farm has excellent riv- club with a listed membership. Core boys came along er frontage but I suspect that the riverine woodland when other activities permitted and particularly has been damaged by the wood carvers and reed when need was greatest. Many others visited when beds will have shrunk with the lowering of the water table and overgrazing. With its habitat changed and its food supply precarious, a python had moved into the granite adjacent to the homestead and eaten a young goat. This had been regurgitated because of perceived danger from the workers and the three metre snake was coiled up quietly but defensively when I arrived. I had no problem getting control of the head, but we had a problem feeding the long, strong, and heavy body into my normal catching bag and could barely close the top. It proved something of a ten-day wonder at Falcon and the constant stream of visitors did nothing to help it settle down in its container. It was in good condition, not fat but certainly OUR PONDEROSA PYTHON - SOME 3.13M LONG AND FED-UP WITH ALL THE ATTENTION not thin – it was a shame it had wasted good food by regurgitating the goat, a defence mechanism to make something special was happening and yet others it lighter and more agile when danger threatened. It drifted in when passing, out of curiosity. For me, if a was brightly marked, as if it had just sloughed its old boy learned something and if possible handled a skin and the boys only found and removed one tick small, harmless snake, even one visit was worth- from it. When the time came to bag it again for while. Very many of our workers (domestic, kitchen, transport to the Matopos, it reacted magnificently as laundry, security, ground and maintenance) called if we were the villains. With its gaping mouth dis- in, often full of questions and some later contributed frogs for the cobras. We have had sessions with visiting groups and teams, and an enthusiastic teacher from Carlisle School used to bring a year group through to my garden once a week for a year. I think we have touched a whole range of people and hopefully had a beneficial effect. Over the years, a few boys have learned the rudiments of handling under controlled conditions, but it is thoughtful experience that is the greatest teacher together with a helpful word from an experienced handler.

As the face of Falcon changes and the patches of wilderness in our core region shrink and even vanish, so the once common sand and grass snakes have become scarce. Depending mainly on frogs and lizards, and the protection of thicket from other predators, numbers have fallen steadily but the variety still seems fairly stable. Puﬀ adders, spitting and Egyp- tian cobras and night adders show a similar pattern – SPITTING COBRA CAPTURE it is the glut of snakes that seems to be something of

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of wood shavings, cleaning cloths, and of course, frogs and lizards. All contributed to the whole. Ted- dy has worked tirelessly and loyally, tending a major food source, our rats. To all, I oﬀer my sincere thanks. Snakes that can reasonably be released have been returned to the wild; some others, including our black mamba, now over 2.5 metres in length after six years in captivity, can be viewed in the snake exhibition room at “Paws and All” in Bulawayo.

METHS, COTTON WOOL, TWEEZERS AND SHARP EYES BUT ONLY ONE TICK ON HER playing impressive rows of teeth, it threw mock strike after mock strike at us, its way of saying, “Just go away and leave me alone.” I was able to get a sheet of light canvas over it, which calmed it down, and we could pick out its head and bring it under control. Finally in the game park, it glided from her bag, and into the waters of Mpopoma Dam, heading for an extensive patch of reeds where it belonged. THE RELEASE PROCESSION WITH THE BAG TOO Many people have assisted our club in very many FULL FOR A SECURE FOLD OVER TIE DOWN ways over some forty years, from Greg Rasmussen, who as a schoolboy was the real founder and Doctor G Armstrong D. Broadley form the museum through to providers

Chairman: Njanike T (term 1 and 2); board. All the plans for the year had to be put on Van Heerden A (term 3) hold. Nevertheless, as the Stock market group we Secretary: Dampers M stuck together and pushed on through the tough Treasurer: Zonde N times. Commendation must go to the board who took Sergeant Of Arms: van Heerden A (term 1 and 2) over and saw us to the end of the year. Without much warning and time to put in place any new 2011 wasn’t the greatest of years for the Stock market plans, they did the best they could to keep the society group as we didn’t make much progress due to a few going. a complications which brought some activities to a 2012 promises to be a good year. The newly elected halt. With the folding of the Virtual Stock market site board already has its plans underway. We welcomed and no other site offering a trading and learning plat- the new board and to date the new elect chairman, R form, the society was left with barely any other activ- Bhebhe has made contacts with influential brokers ities other than the fortnightly meetings. More so from different investment companies. We hope they with the ZSE not doing so well there were fewer de- will point us in the right direction. liberations to make on our stocks. To cap it all, the club lost its Chairman and we had to reshuffle the Z J Makurumidze

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The first term of the year saw Technology Club members being actively involved in the construction of props for the school play, The Lion King. This was a great opportunity for the lads to show off their fabricating skills. They worked with off cut materials from mild steel. ADDITION OF THE HAND RAIL ON PRIDE ROCK The used sections included round tubing, by taking the weight of all those who stepped, square tubing, climbed, perched and jumped from it. That was a prac- angle iron, flat tical test of an artifact that is designed to serve its purpose. bars, and chan- The experience provided by the props-making activi- nel iron. These ty, will help Technology Club members in their fu- were either tied, ture engagement in similar design situations. Joe Spi- brazed or weld- FINISHING TOUCHES rano’s belief that a good design is transparent was ed together to ON PRIDE ROCK proved by the students as their design skills and form skeleton efforts were transparent throughout the play. Brenda structures which were then used by the artistic mem- Laurel says a design is incomplete until someone is bers of the Art department to make Pumba, the gi- using it. The props were used successfully and there- raffe, the elephant, the rhino, the cage and Rafiki’s fore it was a complete design. The club members’ tree. efforts were realised and served both the users and The boys took turns to braze in place, the number of the spectators to satisfaction. Was that not design put parts which produced the desired shapes. While the into use? It was indeed. Well done technologists in activities were full of fun, they were also fulfilling as the making. You are the future designers. Many club members showed off their skills by producing more plays will be in the offing and your experience the finest shapes and joints. will be called upon. The members’ application of designing skills and fab- The club succeeded under the leadership and organi- rication techniques was evident in the construction of sational strength of Keith Coetzee, who was the club the Pride Rock, which passed the quality control test chairman. He helped the club draft its constitution and he chaired all the club meetings successfully. He was an inspirational club leader who deserves to be acknowledged and praised. Not only did he lead the club with success, but he also took up the lead in maintaining the props at stage level at home, away in Bulawayo and Harare where the play was performed. His vice chairman, Tarquin Bristow, also assisted with a lot of enthusiasm and applied his creativity and innovation to the benefit of the club during the club sessions. For outreach purposes, the club visited Treger Plastic Company in Bulawayo where members were shown CONSTRUCTION OF RAFIKI’S TREE blow moulding, calendaring and recycling processes

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in plastic technology. The third term also saw the technology makes Science and Art break even. Our completion of individual projects. This was quite sat- future thrust as a club will be to prove this beyond doubt. isfying to the members as they applied their learnt skills and techniques by designing and solving indi- Club members: K Coetzee (chairman), T Bristow vidual design situations. (vice), C Blignaut, A Giﬀord, M Small, C van Breda, For future engagement, the club hopes to visit Car- G Mafurirano, G Strydom, M O’ Hagan, M Waugh, lisle School and identify any design situations they T Jones, M Rautenbach, K Kidia, N Nell, M can come across in the school’s learning environment Swannack, N Dhlodhlo, T Magure, T Mutanga, in order to direct their skills towards helping a de- T Wood, B Gilmour, R Herbst, B Williams, serving community. It is hoped that Technology Club L Fargnoli, J Blatch, S Snyder, A Griﬃn, C Spalding, members will use their design knowledge and skills S Pretorius, S Coetzee to generate design solutions that will improve the juniors’ learning environment. Robin Mathew says S L Ncube

The Toastmasters attendance, the Society of 2011 conference proved to be a vibrant evolved into a re- and ambitious assembly sounding success. The of intellectuals. The objec- project, being the first of tives of the society were modi- its kind in Zimbabwe, pre- fied in a ‘Formal Constitution of sented numerous risks as an am- Rules’ which highlighted that the bitious experiment and inevitably purpose of the club was to promote dis- became a learning curve in moulding cussion, to encourage confidence in public the organisational skills of the members. speaking and to uphold a high standard of With an efficient conference committee, the intellect and etiquette. delegations were superbly conducted and the highlight of the conference was the Toastmasters’ dinner. The group saw a year of learning as the members’ speaking abilities grew from strength to strength and At the conclusion of the Toastmasters’ year, the every meeting was memorable in thematic value and society dares to regard itself as an elite congregation humour. With a total of eight meetings in the year, of gentlemen. the society held a social gathering at the College swimming pool, inviting several Bulawayo schools Members: and entertained social invitations from the Domini- Dhlamini P N (President), Ncube M (Secretary), can Convent and Girls’ College. Campbell N M R (PRO), Chida T, Chinaka M V, Coetzee K M, Gibbons D, Langley B J, Mason B A, The highlight of the year was the Falcon Toastmas- Mazibuko M, Moyo N, Moyo T, Mushoriwa K, ters Conference held from 23rd – 25th September. The Ncube N, Ndlovu T K, Ngwenya S, Nkala S, Society was privileged to host three delegates from Nyirenda N, Rex J R, Sargeant R C, Sibanda L K, Toastmasters International as honourable guests. The Ullrich W D J, Ward M D objective of the conference was to promote interaction between Toastmasters Societies within Zimba- Philani Dhlamini bwe secondary institutions and to achieve a cross- President - Toastmasters Society 2011 pollination of ideas between the schools. With up to six representatives from each of the ten schools in

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What began as a mere dream became a remarkable patrons from the various schools participating. The success. The inaugural National Toastmasters’ Con- Head Boy of Peterhouse won the bottle of cham- ference was held from the 23rd of September to the pagne, which was on offer for the person who had 25th. Schools came from as far away as Harare and answered the most number of questions correctly. A Marondera. They included Arundel School, Peter- quick tour of Quest had the participants thinking of house Boys and Girls’ College, Dominican Convent becoming Quest members! Everyone then returned Bulawayo, Petra, CBC and Masiyephambili. The con- to the main school, in preparation for the finale, the ference served to gather together various Toastmas- ters and Speakers’ Circle Societies from around Zim- babwe. The respective school contingents began to trickle in at 15.30. The conference ran under the theme, ‘Education is the most important tool we can use to change the world’. Leroy Sibanda gave the introductory session as he informed all the conference participants of the programme for the evening. Mrs Stewart then laid down the rules and regulations for the Conference, which drew some sighs and mutters. Not that they would change! The students then changed into their casual clothes, as they geared for the social supper which would be held at the swimming pool. The effi- SOCIAL GATHERING AT THE QUEST CAMPUS ciency of the organizing committee was brought to the test, when the power cut ensured that we would dinner. Sambulo Sibanda, the Master of Ceremonies, have to rely on the generator. The night was enjoyed started off the dinner by welcoming the Conference by everyone as various ice-breaker games allowed participants and staff members. A singing rendition participants to converse with people who they had by Nelson Nyirenda was followed by a thought- not met before. After an appetising meal, the Falcon provoking speech from Mr Justice Udzembwe, the Toastmasters escorted the participants to their dormi- guest speaker. A tense mood then gripped the Todd tories. The evening had set the atmosphere for the Hall as Philani Dhlamini rose to announce the incom- rest of the weekend. ing board for the Falcon Toastmasters Society. Njabu- The well decorated Todd Hall was where everyone lo Moyo was announced as the Secretary, Brett Ma- had their breakfast. I must admit, Servcor Catering son the Public Relations Officer and Tapiwa Ndlovu Company made our stomachs bulge all the way to as the President. A well crafted final thought was de- the Turner Hall, where the group meetings were to livered by the incoming president, to cap off an un- be held. Each school gave a demonstration of how forgettable evening. they conducted their respective society meetings. It The final morning of the conference was character- was interesting to note how the format of the meet- ized by sad and disappointed faces as people bade ings varied from school to school. The Toastmasters farewell to each other. I cannot wait for 2012! Thank International representatives, who graced the Confer- you Mrs Stewart, the patron, and everyone else who ence, gave a demonstration on how they conducted played a part in its success. their meetings. While it was inspiring and an eye- opener for everyone, I found it to be rather time- Tapiwa Ndlovu consuming towards the end. Lunch at Quest Centre, President 2012 proved to be the highlight of the day. The friendli- ness and décor of the venue deserves to be complimented. Philani Dhlamini, the outgoing president, conducted an entertaining quiz which even had the

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S. STONE U6

M. MACHIBAYA F4

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wards the docks are SHANE TANGO’S some rough areas, such as ‘Le Boca’, where it is Outward Journey, Buenos Aires and Preparations not a good idea to wan- On 26th November, after months of preparation, der as a tourist. We training and fund raising which had included pulling went to such an area to a mini for 5km, cycling 1000km from Espungabera to visit the streets of El Victoria Falls, running the Vic Falls half marathon, a Camanito where the well supported tombola and raffle, hosting an after Tango dance originated, dinner talk on Everest by John Black in the Bulawayo supposedly in the Club and a fund raiser at the Tin Roof pub in Harare, whore houses! It is now the Woodsmoke team were finally off and heading a colourful tourist for Argentina and the High Andes. The team, lead by attraction. We got about Mr Will Randle, and including Tarquin Bristow, Mar- by foot and by using the tial Cripps, Michael Dodington, Andrew Leared, Ben Metro, the city’s extensive subway system, which Randell, Simon Randell, Kingsley Reid, Charlie Tay- was a new experience for several of the team. On the lor and Shane Stone, left for Johannesburg by Falcon first night we ate out in a restaurant called the ‘El bus in the early hours. After a night in the city, kind- Gaucho’ and attempted to enjoy an Argentinean spe- ly hosted by Tom Rudd (FOB) the team headed for ciality called,‘Parrilada’ which consists of entrails, Oliver Tambo airport and soon were heading over sweet breads, sausages, beef and chicken. Thereafter the South Atlantic for Buenos Aires. Due to the time we enjoyed good Italian pizza! difference, arrival at Buenos Aires was on the same day and by 8pm local time the team was ensconced On the 30th we lugged all our kit to the huge Retiro in the International Social Hostel in the Microcenter bus terminus and caught our ‘El Rapido’ coach to of the city. The ‘Formula 1’ taxi ride from the bus ter- Mendoza. These are luxury buses and we travelled minus to the hostel was a memorable experience! ‘semicarma’ (2nd class?) overnight for 14 hours. By mid morning the following day we had checked into Only two nights were planned for BA (Buenos Aires) the Savigliano International Hostel. Buff Powell, Will but due to Mario, one of the hostel receptionists mis- Randle’s friend and veteran of all the big laying one of our passports, it became three nights! Woodsmoke expeditions, flew in from UK. That af- The team made good use of their time in BA. As the ternoon all hire kit, including tents crampons and ice capital of Argentina, it is one of the biggest Latin axes were collected from Gustavo of Cara Norte. American cities (thirteen million inhabitants). It is Transport was also arranged. The following day was very cosmopolitan and is often regarded as the Paris spent testing kit, purchasing food and fuel for the of South America. It is a complex, energetic port city. mountains, sorting, packing and generally preparing ‘Portenos’, as the multinational people of the city are for 9 days in the mountains. Mendoza itself is a very known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identi- pleasant regional city laid out on a grid system that ty. Generally, the people are elegantly dressed and can be quite confusing. The streets are lined by trees well presented although in stark contrast quite a including planes and jacaranda. It has several parks, number of ‘hobo’ types can be found dossing in the many street cafes and restaurants, kiosks, fruit and entrances of smart shops. The city is characterized vegetable stalls, first world banks and classy shops. It by many grand buildings, parks and a great assort- also has its fair share of super/hypermarkets. Little ment of sculptures and historical monuments. We seems to be run down, indeed like the rest of Argen- visited a large park in the Palermo region of the city tina it is defying the international economic down- called ‘Parque 3 de Febrero’, which had its fair share turn and seems to be booming. As in BA, the people of monuments. In the city there are many theatres are well presented, in particular the young ladies including the famous ‘Colon’ opera house. Down to- which did not go unnoticed by the youngsters. There

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were more indigenous Indians in the city than BA. They are a very short, swarthy people. The city is CAMP 2 surrounded by vineyards and other agricultural land with a back drop of the snow capped Andes Mountains.

Nine Days in the Vallecitos Range of the Andes’

body lifting katabatic wind. On one afternoon at about 4700m, while on an acclimatization walk, the team had to retreat in the face of a blizzard. Fortu- nately it only lasted an hour or so but completely covered all the tents at EL Salto de Aqua (the fall of CAMP 1

Mountains are dangerous places. High mountains are even more so. Objective hazards such as rock falls, ava- lanches, steep ground, ice, risk of slips and falls are all present. Rapid changes in weather leading to rapid loss of vis- ibility, high winds capable of removing you from your feet, rapid drops in temperature making you vulnerable to frost bite and hypothermia can all happen. Add to this the effects of high to extreme altitude associated lack of oxygen and you have the potential for great danger and risk to life and limb.’ So went a briefing from Mr Randle to the expedition members. POST BLIZZARD ‘West wind ees good. Dry, cold and strong. It come from Benguela current. Sometimes bring very strong vente (wind). Normal at thees time. But El Nino change thees. If water) our camp three. On this occasion, ice axes wind comes from south and east eets bad. Cold air from were used for the first time and self arrest techniques Antarctica mix with air from north (tropical). You weel see bad weather come from clouds up valleys in east.’ So went a briefing in halting English from Gustavo, a former guide now working in the equipment hire business as he explained the weather pattern of the Andes to Will and Buff... and so on day three at only 3600m in the Vallecitos ‘thees’ clouds appeared in the afternoon and deposited a load of snow. For Zimbos this was great excitement and saw the lads build a huge two metre anatomically confused snowman even though some, deservedly, suffered cold hands! This weather pattern kept on repeating itself and on a couple occasions was accompanied by a strong wind, but fortunately never the infamous tent crushing, CAMP 3

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(or how to stop yourself sliding to the bottom of the ever he pressed on and got over it. Seeing the amount of snow and aware of how the weather can change, Will decided that an attempt on the highest peak, El Plata 6000m, was a non starter and turned the team’s attention to Cerro Vallecitos 5435m. The next day at 3.15am we woke and after a brew, porridge, ﬁnal kit checks and with head torches blazing, started our ascent at 4am. There were many other groups en route, who also had decided that this was the day to

SNOW CLOUDS COMING mountain!) were taught. As a result of this weather pattern, it was decided to crack acclimatization and main ascents in the early parts of the day. Following acclimatization mantra and what was done on Mt Kenya nine years previously, we climbed high and slept low. In the Valleci- TOWARDS THE COL tos (v is pronounced as a b,) from camp one, Las Veguitas (green fields) at 3200m we ascended two peaks; Lomas Blancas 3640m, Cerro Caucasa 3798m. try for the main peaks, but being fit and well acclima- From camp two, Piedra Grande (big rocks) at 3600m, tized, we got ahead of the pack and led the way. At we ascended Cerro Adolfo Calle 4224m. On the latter 4600m we had to put on crampons to cross the frozen peak our stay was curtailed by an impending thun- snow. We reached the main ridge just after the sun der storm. It is very dangerous to be on a peak or came up. From there we continued more slowly up the ridge towards the col separating EL Plata and Cerro Vallecitos where we could see spindrift whipped up by a strong wind. Sure enough an hour or so later we reached the col and felt the full force of the wind. We passed a couple who were suffering from the cold and continued along the col towards

EARLY START ridge in a thunder storm so we beat a hasty retreat. The next day we moved to camp three, EL Salto de Aqua, at 4300m. From there we climbed higher but again came down to sleep. On our penultimate day COL DEL PLATA we ascended to 5000m. Martial Cripps suﬀered a bit from the altitude, was nauseous and vomited. How-

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the final ridge leading to Cerro Vallecitos. At this stage Buff and Will had a quick discussion. Although it was clear and the sun was out, the wind was +/- 40kph. This, combined with a probable -8 base temperature, was producing a wind chill temperature of around -30 degrees. The ridge ahead, which was fully exposed to the biting wind, would take at least two hours to ascend and one hour to descend and would mean three hours in -30 conditions - too much for an inexperienced group, some of whom had battled with cold hands and feet at lower levels in warmer conditions. The decision was made to turn back. It MAIPO VOLCANO was a hard decision and was disappointing but was vindicated that evening when we heard that of the cently opened for the season and we were the first in. forty to fifty people who attempted the peaks that For two hours we drove deeper into the Andes see- day, only two had summited. That night there was ing only Guanacos (Llama like animals), desert like another heavy snow fall, but it did not matter as our badlands, volcanic tuff and increasingly high snow time was up in the Vallecitos. Next morning, in a capped mountains. Eventually, Maipo revealed her- strong wind, we packed up and while we awaited self. Classic volcano shaped and snow capped, she stood in the middle of a huge caldera demarcated by TEAM AND THE MULETEER a ring of mountains. At her base, or what appeared to be her base, was the Laguna del Diamante which is well known for fly fishing and its large trout. Having checked in with park wardens - twice – and, as we were near the border with Chile, the border police (Gendarmeria), we set up our base camp. Normally the peak would be taken slowly in order to acclima- tize but we were ready to crack it in three days. There was no map and no way marks and nobody else on the mountain. We were entirely on our own and because all sorts of disclaimers had been signed, knew that in the event of an accident we would have to self rescue. To purists this is what mountaineering is all about. The rangers did give us GPS loc stats for Francisco and his mules, we ate some much needed the camps and summit, but these turned out to be surplus food left behind by a bunch of Argentineans - wrong and misleading. We had two camps, one at scavenging Zimbabweans! Carrying large loads but 3300m and one at 4300m. On the third day starting smaller than on our ascent, we headed back to the ski at 4.15am we had summited by 9.30am having as- resort some 1800m below. Our bus returned us to cended a loose 800m scree and boulder slope in the Mendoza where it was good to return to civilization dark, crossed a glacier and climbed a snow and rock and comfort in the Savigliano International Hostel for ridge. Shane Stone had a bout of nausea and vomit- a couple of days. ing on the scree slope. Ben Randell also was not at his Four Days to Climb Maipo Volcano best but both, like Martial Cripps in the Vallecitos, There was not long to rest as we had to travel 150km got through it and pressed on. On the summit, the south to make an attempt on a remote 5300m stand weather was clear and we had a fantastic 360 degree alone volcano called Maipo. With experience gained panorama into Chile and up and down the Andes. from the Vallecitos, the food representatives, Martial This was very special and something that all of us Cripps and Kingsley Reid, reprovisioned us and we will remember for a long time, if not the rest of our set off on a five hour trip southwards and into Na- lives. After a photo shoot, a breathless rendition of tional Park Laguna del Diamante. The park was re- the whole school song and a Bushtick war cry we

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SUMMIT MAIPO WINTER WONDERLAND headed down. Descent is often more dangerous than Wine Tour, Shopping and the Home Run ascent but we made it to our camp without mishap, Four nights remained in Argentina: two in Mendoza although Andrew Leared gave us a nervous moment and two in Buenos Aires. The boys had an interesting time in Mendoza getting themselves into a bit of a sticky situation one night but, too their credit, sorting it out by themselves. We had a good, informative wine tour and tasting, visiting two Bodegas (wineries) called Lopez and Vistandes plus a virgin olive oil factory. Some went out to a fancy restaurant and experienced fine Argentinean steaks and wine. The following day Buff, who had thoroughly enjoyed his time with us, flew out. (On a personal note I am immensely grateful to Buff for coming. In the mountains it is invaluable to have the counsel of such an experienced mountaineer and friend. He came entirely at his own expense leaving his business and family LAGUNA FROM MAIPO SUMMIT behind). The rest of us bussed it back to Buenos Aires that night on ‘Andersmatt’, another long distance when he stepped on rocks that collapsed and threat- coach company and returned to our same hostel. The ened to take him with them. That afternoon the last day and a half saw the team exhausting their weather closed in and again we were layered in Pesos (Argentinean currency) doing final shopping, snow. Regular bashing of the tent sides prevented eating and preparation for departure. We then flew accumulation and the threat of tent collapse. out on the evening of 21 December, BODEGAS LOPEZ The next morning it was clear and we were presented landed at Oliver with a winter wonderland. Beneath us there was an Tambo on the 22nd inversion and the Laguna was clothed in cloud. and went our sepa- However all were keen to get down, so we packed up rate ways with quickly and descended. Buff and Will were ‘left in plentiful stories and the dust’ of the youngsters. The bottom and transport pictures of a great ‘ were finally reached at 2pm. Before being allowed to Andean Adventure’ leave the National Park we had to show the Rangers to share with family that we had carried out all our rubbish (including our and friends. used toilet paper!) and we then headed back to Men- doza and the hostel. W Randle

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GETTING THERE... K REID, MR RANDLE, A LEARED & M DODDINGTON

During the August holidays a group of eight mem- thusiastic crowds lining up to run the Vic Falls Half bers of the Woodsmoke Club and their expedition Marathon. This they completed with ease despite leader, Will Randle, took part in a East-West cycle having never run anything further than the school across Zimbabwe, ending in a half marathon run. cross country! Still not suitably tired, Mr. Randle then took them all Starting on a cool and misty Thursday morning at the Mozambique / Zim border of Espungabera, the boys plummeted at eye watering speeds to the hot, barren

A SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE RACE

rafting... using the climb out of the gorge as an im- FUND RAISER—PULLING THE MINI portant leg stretch after the run of course! baobab area of the Save Valley, then slogged, sweat- The whole trip was brilliantly supported by several ing up to Masvingo and through to Bulawayo by Fri- groups of parents. It was a great experience in team day mid-morning. The next 20 hours took them up work and test of the boys’ ﬁtness, enthusiasm and through Lupane and then into the Gwaai forest, sense of humour which remained irrepressible and along the edge of Hwange Game reserve, all in throughout! the dead of night! This resulted in some nervous, speedy pedalling as ʹeyesʹ watched from the long B Randle grass! However no-one was eaten and they all arrived safely at Vic Falls on Saturday morning.

The team had the rest of the day to recover, then early on Sunday morning joined the colourful and en- RAFTING!

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Falcon College is probably the only school in this Inyengar Yoga teacher and the boys who have taken country that advocates yoga classes as a complimen- part in this pilot project, introduced by the sports de- tary discipline to the various other sports that are partment, have already shown an improvement in played at this school.

their various sports disciplines as well as an understanding of the beneﬁts of regular practice.

S Bryant Yoga Teacher

Yoga is an age old practice that develops stability, mobility and ﬂexibility of the body. It also instills a sense of discipline of both the mine and body if practice is carried out regularly. The classes are conducted by a certiﬁed, registered

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Athletics Back Row : K Gotore, K Chilufya, K Walder, M Mlambo, B Dhana, R Hyslop, T Chida, G Matina, J Mutambara, J Brebner, G Smit, T Madamba, K Ma- furirano, E Kadzere, E Wasara, S Madonko 5th Row : T Madondo, V Mlotshwa, C Charsley, K Chinaka, A Ndabambi, S Mzuzu, T Zvobgo, B Williams, H de Vries, S Musarurwa, D Nyatsanza, A Giﬀord, B Scheepers, W Nyamana, J Zietsman, C Friend, T Kersten, T Masanga, D MacIntosh, D Mpofu, T Gumede, Chapeyama, T Furusa, 4th Row : P Wallett, A Keefe, W Dlodlo, M Ushewokunze, S Banda, B Watson, S Pretorius, T Mushati, M Tshuma, B Mhuriyengwe, S Bhasera, N Nel, M Mazorodze, E Mhlanga, T Masiri, J Worsley, W Munemo 3rd Row : J Hoard, A Ruprecht, D Sargeant, T Brannigan, J Schlachter, L Fargnoli, K Mashangu, D Landrey, G Fari, D Peall, T Mabhudhu, S Snyder, E Nxumalo, R Herbst, G Mandaza, M Sibanda, T Ngwenya, N Razunguzwa, M Dlodlo, T Ndlovu, T Madonko, K Eksteen, M Kwari Seated : D Taremeredzwa, M Chikwavira, T Moyo, S Nkala, Mr I Museba, T Pongweni, Mrs J Lindner, B Nemaruru, M Smit, P Dhlamini, B Tshuma, J Chitate, P Shonhiwa Front Row : H Randell, J Viljoen, T Mhonde, R Oatley, M McNab, R Mhute, W Tshuma, M Ngwenya, P Shonhiwa, K Shumba, S Ngozo, D Mazvimavi, C Zvinowanda, S Hinmers

years. Whilst our team was not able to take part in the district competitions due to sudden changes of dates that caused clashes with our calendar, our top athletes were nonetheless invited to the inter-provincial trials that were held at Matobo High School.

Our boys gave a very good account of themselves, including a personal best time posted by our U18 top sprinter Chilufya JK who went on to represent the province at the Bindura NASH athletics meeting. A personal best of 10.56 seconds was also good enough to earn Chilufya a call up into the national U18 side Falcon athletics is proud to have been the ﬂag bearer that took part in the World Youth Games in France. for Matabeleland South Province for the past ﬁve He had the honour of captaining that side to the

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meeting in Lille and Falcon is proud of his achievements.

T PONGWENI—ATHLETICS CAPTAIN

TREDGOLD—WINNING HOUSE sented the school with typical Falcon pride. We were very well looked after by the Tomlinsons in Norton, and we thank them most sincerely. The following boys represented the school at the NASH Interprovincial athletics meeting in Bindura. At the beginning of the season, the Falcon team went to South Africa to take part in the Louis Trichardt 1. Pongweni T Gold 400m relay athletics meeting and the boys brought back 27 gold U20 medals, 7 silver and 2. Smit M Javelin; Hammer; Shot put 3 bronze, quite a U20 feat considering 3. Shonhiwa P Long jump that we took only U20 21 boys. 4. Tshuma B Gold 4x100m relay U20 At home, we went 5. Gotore K Gold 4x100m relay through our Inter- U18 House Relay com- 6. Mlambo M Gold 4x100m relay petition well with U18 Tredgold coming 7. Chilufya K J Gold 4x100m relay; Silver 100m out winners in a U18 very hard-fought 8. Brebner J Gold Shot put contest. This meet- U18 ing was a warm-up 9. Banda S P Gold long jump; event to the very U16 A RUPRECHT important Found- 10. Pretorius S P ers’ Day competi- 4x100m relay tion. A lot of work went into the preparation for this U16 prestigious annual event. Again Tredgold came out 11. Wasara E K winners in a closely contested meeting. With most of 4x400m relay the boys in very good shape (and a very special U18 thanks to Julie Lindner for that!), we then prepared to 12. Ganyani T B go and do battle at the CBC relay meeting. We came Reserve out tops at CBC, with the senior team managing to win the ﬁnal race, the U20 4x100m relay event which The above- had been talked about so much prior to the meeting. mentioned boys gave a very good Fatigue was beginning to creep in and we braced our- account of themselves for the ﬁnal meeting - the Falcon Invitational. M MLAMBO selves and repre- This event is an individual event except for the tradi-

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Founders’ Day 1. Tredgold 1187 2. Chubb 1093 3. Hervey 1077 4. Founders 997 5. Oates 965 6. George Grey 893

D GIBBONS, B MASON & D TAREMEREDZWA

tional relays, 4x100m for all age groups. Falcon and Falcon Inter-Schools Athletics Meeting CBC were neck and neck until the relays where Fal- 1. Falcon 913 con managed to pull away with victories in four of 2. CBC 904 the six age groups. 3. Petra 668 4. Mzingwane 626 Overall, we had a very successful season and a lot of 5. Plumtree 612 credit must go to Julie Lindner who worked with the 6. Milton 538 boys throughout the season. A special thank you 7. Masiyephambili 517 must also go to Mr J Heymans, Mr F Majuba and Mr S V Ndlovu who assisted with coaching boys in various disciplines.

M. MLAMBO, K GOTORE, K CHILUFYA & K WALDER

D MPOFU I Museba

Results Inter-House Relays 1. Tredgold 285 2. Founders 284 3. Chubb 242 4. Hervey 232 5. Oates 210 6. George Grey 199

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1ST TEAM Basketball Back Row : K Walker, R Bhebhe, G Nhlamba, D Nyatsanza, G Matina, J Machibaya, T Moyo, T Masanga Front Row : L Sibanda, J Mutambara, Mr S Ndlovu, T Moyo (Captain), Mr I Museba, J Muparurwi, A Senderayi

After a difficult start to the season, 2011 became a that next year the tournament is properly organized good year for Falcon Basketball. With a predomi- as we should qualify again. nantly second string side, we lost heavily at St John’s College in the first week of the first term. Our timing, The third term was a very good one overall, although which coincided with the Nyanga leadership outing we did not do so well in the annual Prince Edward in the first week of the term, saw us field a very weak tournament in Harare. We played our local rivals second string side against a strong and confident and won with ease. We also travelled to Triangle Rams side and we did not come out of that encounter where we played in a tournament featuring Water- well. With our strong and regular side back, we man- shed, South Eastern College, Kyle and ourselves. The aged an unbeaten first term, posting some very good boys, smarting from a poor show by our own stand- results in the process. We went on to play in the top ards at the P.E. tournament where we got knocked schools qualifier on a fixture free weekend and we out in the quarter finals, were in no compromising played very well to qualify for the N.A.S.H. orga- mood and we coasted to three very exciting but ra- nized Top Schools tournament which was supposed ther easy wins. All in all, we dropped only three to be hosted by Hillcrest College in the Eastern High- games the whole season and we are proud of our lands. Sadly this tournament never took place on the performance. designated date and was eventually moved to Harare where it took place deep into exam time in the third This season would not have been such a success term. We were very sad to miss out on this tourna- without the great contribution from T N Moyo who ment because the boys were ready and hoping to captained the team so well and with excellent disci- turn the tables against the top Harare sides. We hope pline. J Muparuri, the other upper sixth student on

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the team, also gave a very good account of himself. ment. This was indeed a major wakeup call as we Our squad looks very promising for the coming sea- were drawn against St George’s, Eaglesvale, son with the rest of the team in lower sixth and most Mufakosi High and Prince Edward. We qualiﬁed for of them having started this season. A very big thank the quarter ﬁnals to face St John’s College and we you goes to all the boys and to Messrs R Khumalo and S narrowly lost to them by one basket in a tightly con- V Ndlovu for their support throughout the season. tested game, this after winning by a reasonable margin against the same opposition earlier in the year. Results: vs CBC W 18-6 The exposure in South Africa and Harare has given vs St John's L 24-113 us the bench mark at which to gauge the level and vs Petra W 18-4 intensity needed to compete at that level. I am sure vs CBC W 25-23 that the boys will continue to grow in the game and if vs St Columba’s W 80-3 vs Northlea W 39-11 they remain together in their senior years they will be vs Gateway L 7-13 a force to be reckoned with in the near future. vs Milton W 17-3 vs Kyle W 14-4 vs Matopo W 29-12 vs Mzingwane W 30-14 vs Cyrene W 39-12 vs Plumtree W 29-10 vs Gifford W 29-24 vs CBC W 31-30 vs Petra W 27-10 vs Kyle College W 37-7 vs ZB Titans W 31-21 vs Westridge W 21-0 vs Peterhouse L 12-16 vs Goromonzi L 12-18 vs Watershed W 28-13 vs Kyle College W 26-17 vs SEC W 35-22

I Museba

The U16 basketball season was one of the most successful seasons we have had for some time. Regional- Squad : E Mhlanga (Captain), V Bahlangene, ly, the team managed to outplay local opposition T Banhamombe, S Bhasera, J Dhana, S Kanyekanye, time after time. In the ﬁrst term, half the team joined T Katsokore, W Masimira, Z Mhlanga, the U17 age group on their trip to St John’s College in B Mhuriyengwe, D Mjumi, T Mushati, Johannesburg. This was a valuable learning experi- M Ushewokunze ence as they witnessed a high standard of play, but nonetheless managed to record two wins out of the Results: P 31 W 25 L 6 ﬁve matches played while the remainder of the games were closely contested. R Khumalo

The third term began with local ﬁxtures and as expected the competition locally was below par, and we won the annual Munyati U16 Tournament con- Once again the side performed very well this year, vincingly in our backyard. We followed that with a winning all but one of the matches played. Outstand- trip to Harare to attend the St George’s U16 tourna- ing performances include a close away win against St

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John’s early in the season and away wins at Northlea amongst others. However, despite these odds the and Masiyephambili. Matshe, Razunguzwa and boys played their best under the circumstances. We Nxumalo E played very well to ensure that we won managed to win 9 out of 15 matches played this year. those matches. We were fortunate this year. For the ﬁrst time we I look forward to an exciting basketball season next found ourselves participating in the U14 basketball year. tournament held at CBC. We came fourth in our pool which consisted of St John’s, Giﬀord, Watershed, Team: S Matshe (Captain), A Sibanda, E Nxumalo, Milton and ourselves. It was quite an experience for G Fari, N Razunguzwa, M Bwerinofa, L Fumia, the boys and they appreciated that it was quite tough T Mabhudhu, P Machaya, K Manhando, A Nxumalo but fun too. This also hardened them and it came as no surprise when, in the following weeks, we played Results: P 12 W 11 L 1 strongly and successfully against all our opponents.

G Katsande I would like to thank the boys and hope that they will continue to enjoy playing basketball next year as U15’s and improve their skills on the base which they already have. Good luck. This year had its ups and downs. For starters the game is most suitable to be played by tall boys, but Team: R Mhute (captain), E Dhana, T Dube, unfortunately the majority of my players this year T Duri, M Mabhena, P Mafa, T Mahachi, were short players. The issue of height automatically T Mazvimavi, E Moyo, T Mugwara, D Mushaka, placed us at a big disadvantage when playing against M Ngwenya, P Shonhiwa, M Takawira, T Zvobgo other schools with taller boys. More seriously, only one or two players had played the game before arriv- A Moyo ing at Falcon. It meant that all the skills had to be taught from scratch, that is: handling the ball, bounc- ing, passing, posting, shooting and rebound,

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1ST TEAM Cricket Back Row : G Fraser, K Walder, K Reid, B Blatch, R Hyslop, G Smit, A Leared Front Row : C Nyazika (Scorer), T Ganyani, R Sargeant, Mr R Harrison, J Chitate (Captain), W Ullrich, M Mlambo

It would not be unreasonable to talk of the disruption keeping your wicket were not heeded. The team as a due to rain in First Term and I could document four group may have some valid excuses but individual front line players who missed matches due to injury players do need to be held accountable, maybe feel- in Third Term but I fear that the fundamental reason ing secure in their position due to lack of serious for our lack of success over the course of the year was competition for places. By the time this article is pub- that for 2011 we were not quite up to it. It was always lished, the 2012 season will be under way. It will be going to be a rebuilding year when seven key players interesting to see if all the 2011 regulars have man- left at the end of 2010 including six of the top seven aged to reclaim their spot for 2012. batsmen. Rain in January and February undoubtedly did not help either selection or practice. The team But it was not all gloom and doom and a number of chosen to travel to Harare for the ﬁrst weekend was notable team and individual performances did mate- chosen purely on reputation and past performance rialise. After coming badly second to St George’s in and an unprecedented spate of injuries in September/ the season opener in Harare, we bounced back spec- October challenged our momentum when weather tacularly the following day to beat St John’s. The was not a factor. However, I do have to say that it playing conditions were rather abnormal due to the was disappointing, especially in the Third Term sea- weather but it was an example of what could be son, that opportunities to come to the fore were not achieved with determination and unity of purpose. taken and basic lessons of building an innings and Something similar was achieved in September when

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we were rather embarrassingly taken apart by St An- These days, T20 competitions grab the headlines drew’s, Grahamstown, at the Festival but turned more often than the longer versions of the game. In things around and we defeated them at the St February we were at Petra for their tournament. Two George’s Twenty20. memorable innings by Gerald Smit (57* off 22 balls and 23 in one over) saw us to the semi-final where Batting was the biggest problem facing us this year. we lost to Churchill. At St George’s, Mlambo, Butler, The team that took the field against St George’s for Ullrich and Sargeant’s runs backed up by all round that first match could boast just one 1st team fifty be- tidy bowling saw us to 6th out of 12 schools and I would like to think that the eventual winners, Churchill, were given their sternest test against Fal- con. We really were blighted by injury at the St John’s tournament but, to be honest, we did not help our cause with some pretty poor performances in all departments and we can have no complaints about propping up the pile at that event.

Finally, I would like to thank Mr Andrew Mar- chussen of Ram Petroleum for sponsoring our play-

K REID ing kit this year. tween them and a little over 400 runs which is less Notes on individual players than a good individual batsman could manage in a year himself. As indicated before, my biggest disap- Ben Blatch : he showed determination and promise pointment is that too few batsmen learnt from their on the occasions he represented the side. mistakes. Michael Mlambo carried the batting much Ryan Butler : he is still a work in progress but the of the time, registering not just his first half century stand out new-comer of the year. Rather erratic, but but, against Milton, his first hundred too. Ryan Butler he has scored runs and more recently has proved also reached three figures in a spectacular knock at himself as a change seam bowler. Gateway and he is one batsman who appears to be Joy Chitate : whilst down from the heights of last heading in the right direction. year, he has still ended up the leading wicket-taker this time round and will be a hard act to follow. I The bowling was generally steady but suffered from have been impressed by his captaincy, particularly too often having too few runs to play with. Ryan his ability to cope with the quick-fire T20 situation. Hyslop turned his 2010 promise into something sub- He has been a fine servant of Falcon cricket. stantial this year with some incisive seam bowling, Greg Fraser : when his chance came he showed him- sadly hampered by injury in Third Term. Ten wickets self to have a good all-round ability. in the matches vs St George’s and Milton in Septem- Tinashe Ganyani : he did not quite move on as hoped ber showed his ability but also highlighted what we from his debut season but he still made contributions missed when his hip gave out. Joy Chitate, once with both bat and ball. again, led the way as a slow bowler with his left arm Ryan Hyslop : he led the seam bowling attack from spin and is now placed 3rd in the list of all time wick- the front and has ability to swing and seam the ball. et takers for Falcon since our records began in 1980. It He is also a very fine fielder. is a remarkable achievement. Andrew Leared : he has shown some promise as a batman and particularly as a wicket-keeper.

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Tapiwa Madondo : he is a young all-rounder with much potential but was not able to establish himself this time round. This has been an enjoyable year. There was a good pool of talent to choose from although I felt that there were times when self-belief and application were lacking. One of the better displays of sheer “guts” was the win over Peterhouse in the 1st term when our number 10 and 11 batsmen had to accumulate runs in order to pass a fairly modest total after our recognised batsmen had failed. The team was well led by Nicholas Campbell. I am anticipating a good year next year, due to the fact that virtually the whole team is returning. G FRASER Squad : N Campbell (c), B Blatch, K Coetzee (scorer),

Michael Mlambo: he had a relatively slow start to the year but has ended up, by some distance, the leading run-scorer for the team. He has also taken some fine catches in the outfield. Kingsley Reid: after much frustration with his batting, he finished the year looking much more like the batsman he could be. Robert Sargeant : his contribution to the team this year with bat, ball and indeed in the field have been much greater than his statistics would indicate. S NKALA Gerald Smit : he has had his moments but needs to find much greater consistency. G Coleman, B Langley, A Leared, T Madondo, Warwick Ullrich : he had little luck with the bat and O Marchussen, T Mazango, D McLintock, in Third Term swapped his wicket-keeping gloves B Mtetwa (scorer), A Muil, D Peall, A Viljoen, for the ball, with some success. D Wardley, J Zietsman Keagan Walder : he is slowly growing in confidence at this level and I hope he will gain greater consisten- P Heymans cy of performance in 2012. Craig Nyazika: Craig has been a very faithful scorer for the past three years and is, to my knowledge, the only schoolboy scorer in Zimbabwe to use the linear I took over as coach for this team in the third term only. scoring system. He will be missed. In the first term we played only two matches: versus Peterhouse which we lost by 30 runs in a low Also played : M Dodington, A Muil, A van Heerden, scoring game. D Wardley, B Watson versus CBC which we won in another low scoring game.

The other two matches against St. George s and St. R Harrison John s were rained oﬀ.

In the third term we played 2 matches only:

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versus St. Georges which we lost by 73 runs. This camaraderie and enjoyment are the key aspects of the match was interesting in that we bowled 4 extra league. Cricketing ability is an added bonus. The overs at them because of all the wides and no-balls boys and spectators drawn to the afternoon spectacle, and we were well ahead of the run rate when we lost have thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. A few have all of our wickets. If only our batsman had showed a used it as a platform to get back into the 3rd XI. bit more patience and composure; if only our fielders had held more of the catches that came their way and if only our bowlers were more disciplined, the result J Ferreira could have been very different. versus Peterhouse which was a drawn match. Peter- house scored 213 all out and we were 103 for 1 with 20 overs to bat when rain stopped play. All the wickets we took were caught. The bowlers and batsmen were a lot more disciplined. This was a very positive The team enjoyed a full and positive year. They man- early end to our season. aged to achieve at least one win against each of the I have had a lot of fun coaching this side and I look important sides that they played and they played forward to coaching some of these players again next some very pleasing cricket in doing so. Every player year. Hopefully many of them will have moved on to improved noticeably during the course of the year a higher level. and every player made an important contribution at some stage. Squad : Dalton McLintock (captain), S Coetzee, Brandon Watson had a particularly noteworthy year. M Connery, A Gifford, S Hammond, J Joubert, He started the year as a good A team player – a T Kersten, D MacIntosh, B Mashange, M Mazango, promising seam bowler and useful batsman. By the Devyn McLintock, J Mhuriyengwe, B Sargeant, J Zietsman end of the year he was captain of the team, he was a National player, a genuine and consistent top order O Fernandes batsman and had developed into probably the most promising fast bowler in the country in his age group. He also represented the 1st X1 at the St. John’s T20 competition in the third term. His development is a consequence of his determination and hard work and he fully deserved his success. Michael Dodington achieved two fine performances in the third term. He produced an outstanding spell of swing bowling against CBC (7 for 46) and he made an excellent 92 against St George’s as a makeshift opener. Josh Worsley made a hundred against Milton and produced several fine innings during the year as well as becoming a dynamic fielder. Colin Bray did a The Senior Social Cricket League is in its second suc- fine job with the ball and remains the team’s most cessive year. It is intended for senior boys of a lesser underrated bowler. Ryan Rosenfels remained a cricketing ability to meet once a week and be part of sound opening batsman and had some good mo- the team environment that they miss out on by not ments with his leg spin, while Tatenda Masiri pro- making the cut for the 3rd XI. Two teams (Bullfrogs vided effective off spin in a well balanced attack. and Breamfish) compete and the boys are permanent- Sean Banda had some very good moments with his ly part of one of the teams throughout the year. The unorthodox batting and very fine fielding. Mthabisi winning team for 2011 was the mighty Bullfrogs. The Tshuma played a dynamic innings against St. George’s.

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Nobody let the side down, in fact, and the teamwork better in third term. The team had some very good was sometimes very effective. Andrew Bennie de- bowlers who unfortunately had no backing from the serves special mention for his contribution as scorer. fielders. E J Mhlanga made his presence felt in all the The team also took part in the very good St. John’s matches played and his absence in the CBC tourna- Under 16 & 15 T20 event at the end of the season and ment was felt. We failed to find form and came last in finished a very creditable third. Brandon Watson the tournament. won the awards for best bowler and best all rounder. The team has come a long way from the group that Squad: Bennie A; Keefe R; Mashanyare N; Stodart B lacked any self belief and confidence in their Under (Captain - term 1); Kwidini A (Vice Captain - term 1 14 year. Their development is due to their hard work and Captain term 3); Mujakachi T; Small M; and commitment. There are definitely players here Mambinge A; Mashangu K; Mazorodze M D; Randell who will make their mark in First Team Cricket in C; Mhlanga E J; Mwale P; Choto A. the next couple of years. The following players represented the team during Z J Makurumidze the year : B Watson (Captain), M Dodington (Vice-Captain), S Banda, C Bray, W Dlodlo, R Keefe, T Masiri, T Mupariwa, C Pritchard, R Rosenfels, B Stodart, This was a very enthusiastic group, which had a fair- S Till, M Tshuma, J Worsley, A Bennie (scorer). ly successful season. The team’s determination to win Provincial representation : saw individuals mature and grow with every game. S Banda, C Bray, M Dodington, T Mupariwa, Apart from individual achievements, the boys T Masiri, R Rosenfels, B Watson, J Worsley demonstrated constant team spirit and good sports- Zimbabwe Under 16 : manship throughout the season. The camaraderie T Mupariwa, B Watson, J Worsley that prevailed in the team was pivotal to the team’s success and saw the 15A side win all matches but one D Grant this season. There were memorable performances from the captain Shaun Snyder who hit two centuries against Milton and Petra. Callum Burke and Adam Keefe also chipped in with half centuries on more This team had a very mixed season; there was con- than one occasion. The abundance of all-rounders siderable talent in the side but a lack of discipline also provided a good balance to the side. Dean Peall and depth. Our first match of the season in term one was lethal with the ball, constantly increasing his was against our local arch rivals CBC and while we speed as a bowler, and worked well with his partner won comfortably, it left the team with a false idea of Ciaran Butler in the opening spell of the innings. His our strength and in our next match against Peter- impressive spells against Peterhouse, Petra and St. house, we suffered a resounding defeat. This, howev- George’s symbolised his growing strength and abil- er, helped us realise our weaknesses and we began ity. His batting ability made him a regular run maker working on them. In our next game against St averaging over 40 per match despite batting in the George’s, we played very well and came out tops. middle order. Johnathan Campbell and Ruhan New heroes were born. B Stodart’s 65 not out and his Scheepers were also very successful as all rounders partnership with R Keefe marked the beginning of scoring regularly in the 30s but more importantly, their career in the “A” side and they have since made they demonstrated great skill through their spin good progress in the “A” side. From then on, the bowling. Jordan Zietsman and Jadiel Masimba con- team relied on a few reasonable batsmen and this got tinued to grow as bowlers and their determination

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and resilience epitomized what the team was all about. maturity to stick it out for longer against good bowling. Cases in point are J Kersten, M Conolly and Squad: S Snyder (Captain), J Blatch, C Burke, C But- B Ndlela who got 22, 26 and 31 respectively against St George’s. ler, J Campbell, M Dlodlo, A Keefe, J Masimba, T

Ndlovu, D Peall, R Scheepers, J Zietsman The bowling attack is nicely balanced. M Conolly, J Kersten, S Hinmers, and A Bingley are good seam- F Majuba ers, while M Davies is a promising leg spinner who is on the fringes of the Zimbabwe team. D Sargeant was the pick of the off spinners with J Bryant and A This year has seen the rise of some potential cricket Ruprecht hot on his tail. C Sutton, who started the season as wicket keeper, ended up the pick of the stars. It has been a bumpy ride but the experience fielders, while K Eksteen, who stepped into his boots, and knowledge gained has been invaluable. The looks to be promising behind the stumps. bowling has been of a very high standard and there is a whole army of bowlers to choose for the attack. In all they are a nice little’ team. With more self con- Opening bowler, P Machaya, was the thorn in the fidence, resilience and size they could prove to be opposition’s side with his pace and consistent accura- formidable in later years. M Conolly did a good job as Captain and deservedly was selected to play for cy. B Manton captained the side and lead by exam- the Zimbabwe under 14 team. ple. Our batsmen have tremendous potential but lost The boys who played more than 4 matches for the A their way when a key member’s wicket fell. Fortunate- team were: A Bingley, J Bryant, M Conolly, ly the batting depth lasted all the way through to the end and M Davies, K Eksteen, J Hoard, S Hinmers, J Kersten, the term “wagging tail,” was a common occurrence. T Rance M Mc Nab, B Ndlela, A Ruprecht, D Sargeant, C Sutton. had a phenomenal season as an all rounder. There is an equally enthusiastic bunch of B team players, including K Chisare, P Mafi and S Dodington. Squad : B Manton (Captain), D Coetzee, L Fumia,

P Machaya, R Madimure, T Magure, T Mawire, W Randle M Mugona, W Munemo, B Mutanga, N Muzamhindo, T Rance, P Ruswa, M Strydom, B Versfeld, P Wallett

J Ferreira The factor I would like to give this group most credit for is their enthusiasm. They displayed the utmost keenness at practices and worked hard at their bowling, batting and fielding with little persuasion being The team, who are an enthusiastic bunch, did well required. There was fierce competition to get a place locally but suffered at the hands of the powerful St in the side, albeit a `B` team. The large number of George’s and Peterhouse teams. Against St John’s, a players listed below bears testimony to the Coach`s rain affected draw was achieved thanks to a big difficulty when it came to drawing the line for selec- hitting half century by M McNab. There are un- tion. doubtedly some very promising batsmen but several of them, such as J Hoard and C Sutton, are minia- We beat CBC twice, but lost to Peterhouse twice and tures compared to many of their foes. This is not an to St George’s once. The most entertaining match was excuse but at U 14 it does make a difference both in the game we lost against St George’s as plenty of physical and psychological terms. runs were scored, and most wickets fell – Saint

George’s scored 185 runs all out, and we replied with Many of the batsmen made good starts, often scoring 138 runs all out! 20 or 30 but few innings went beyond that. This shows that they can bat but have yet to develop the

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The most successful batsman was M McNab. He I thoroughly enjoyed working with these players and scored 42 runs against St George’s, and 52 runs urge them to keep up their good efforts next year. against CBC by the time we passed their total. The CBC match then continued as a friendly, and McNab Squad : T Brannigan ( Captain ), A Chabata, steered his total to a memorable 97 runs before he S Dodington, S Hove, D Lenton, T Madonko, was bowled out. He played attacking shots with P Mafi, L Mavunga, M McNab, T Mhonde, good timing, and he placed the ball well between the K Rousseau, A Ruprecht, K Shumba, J Viljoen. fielders. Other good batting came from K Rousseau, S Also played : B Botha, J Bryant, K Chisare, B Ndlela, Dodington, S Hove and T Brannigan. D Sargeant, P Shonhiwa. Scorer : M Kwari. M McNab and T Brannigan were useful pace bowlers. They bowled with accuracy and a good pitch C Hepburn usually. J Viljoen provided good back up in this area too. D Lenton and A Chabata added depth as good medium pace bowlers. We had competent spin bowlers in A Ruprecht, S Hove and K Rousseau. A Ruprecht took the most wickets during the season P W D L A (8), followed by M McNab, S Hove and A Chabata 1st 13 5 0 8 0 (all on 5 wickets). 2nd 7 5 0 1 1 P Mafi had safe hands as the wicket keeper. He was 3rd 4 1 0 2 1 ably assisted in this role by S Dodington and U16 A 10 7 0 2 1 T Madonko from time to time. The best fielder was A U16 B 6 4 0 2 0 Chabata who stopped several drives at cover. How- U15 A 10 7 0 2 1 U15 B 6 3 0 2 1 U14 A 10 4 1 5 0 U14 B 5 3 0 2 0

P MAFI ever, the catch of the season belonged to K Rousseau who took a full toss sent to the boundary, in his left hand reaching above his head!

I commend T Brannigan for the job he did as Captain of the team. He led by example in his playing and always urged his team mates along well. His alloca- tion of bowling amongst the players was also always fair. Thanks to M Kwari too for the good job he did as scorer.

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Cross Country Back Row : K Mashangu, E Mhlanga, T Masanga, N Chuma, G Matina, R Herbst, D Landrey, L Fargnoli, J Dhana Front Row : W Ullrich, J Chitate, T Pongweni, Mr R Khumalo, M Ncube (Captain), P Dhlamini, S Madondo

Oates) broke the senior record by 8 seconds to put it at 10 min 56 sec. The overall winners were Oates, while Founders took the junior team trophy and Oates took the senior one. The main Inter-House event saw us struggling to source marshals as the turnout for the event was overwhelming from boys, staff and parents. The overall competition was won by Chubb and the highlight was the junior run by E Mhlanga of Tredgold who won the junior section with a new record of 19 S MADONKO min 58 sec. The overall times this year were impressive due to the late rains, which did not affect the The 2011 Cross Country season proved to be a fitting different courses being run. start to yet another successful sporting year at the The Falcon Invitational event saw the presence of College. The late rains did not disturb the earlier Mzingwane High School, Christian Brothers College, preparations. At Inter-House level, the boys ran the Petra High School and Masiyepambili College. Fal- routes and the new form 1’s seemed to fit in immedi- con won the event convincingly in both the senior ately with very little complication. and junior legs of the race. The overall results were as The first event was the Inter-House relay event. This follows: was a well-contested event at both junior and senior 1st - Falcon levels of the race. R Herbst (Form 2 George Grey) 2nd - CBC was the fastest junior runner, while T Pongweni (U6 3rd - Petra

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Tapiwa has been a member of the School team since he arrived at Falcon in Form 1. He has dominated both junior and senior circuits internally and at Inter- Schools level. He finishes off his last year as the current record holder of the junior and senior Inter- House relay records. His dedication and commitment to the discipline of Cross Country running has been unquestioned and an example to his fellow college mates. Falcon College thanks him for his services both on and off the Cross Country track.

INTER-HOUSE RELAY START Record holders

4th - Mzingwane 5th - Masiyepambili It was indeed another successful Cross Country season. Special thanks go to Mr Pete Stewart and his ground staff for the maintenance of the different courses; to the staff members who were involved with officiating and marshalling and special thanks go to the Captain of Cross Country, Mizikayifani Ncube and the vice captain Tapiwa Pongweni, for their organisation of event days and their services to the discipline of Cross Country in their time at Falcon. Awards 2011 PROUD RUNNERS IN THE MAIN INTER-HOUSE EVENT 50 CLUB T Masanga School Course: (Juniors) E Mhlanga 18.34 C Bydawell (Seniors) M Ncube 18.53 W Ullrich T Mutembwa Relay Course: (Juniors) T Pongweni 9m 43s J Chitate (Seniors) T Pongweni 11m 01s G Matina R Khumalo Re-Award 50 Club S Madonko P Dhlamini

Colours Re-Award M Ncube

HONOURS T Pongweni

STAFF PARTICIPATION

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Golf Back Row : G Fraser, L Wasara, J Kersten, I Nembaware Front Row : J Allard, T Kersten, Mr G Katsande, G Smit (Captain), N Chuma

Teams: without which one’s game will have ‘stunted A Team: G Smit (Captain), J Allard, J Kersten, growth’. I am grateful to one of our parents, Mr P T Kersten Kersten, who also administers Matabeleland junior B Team: N Chuma, G Fraser, I Nembaware, L Wasara golf, for organising some golf coaching for the boys, both the beginners to the game and those more expe- Membership rienced. It is encouraging to note that by the end of 2011 saw the membership of the junior Golf Club the year quite a number of the boys’ handicaps came swelling from thirty- five to forty- five registered down considerably showing an improvement in their members. The bulk of the new entrants are Form 1s game. I would also encourage boys to continue play- and 2s and I think this augurs well for the future of ing golf during the holidays. Falcon junior golf. Inter-schools Competition Golf Practices and Coaching We participated in the Inter-schools golf tournament Fortnightly on Sundays, junior golfers participated in hosted by Milton at BCC during the first term and golf practice matches in Bulawayo at one of the golf overall we came third out of seven competing courses. Attendance has been quite encouraging from schools. my point of view in terms of numbers. I have always stressed to the boys the importance of attending these Gratitude practices because golf is a game of three principles: My sincere thanks go to Gerald Smit, junior golf cap- practice and coaching, commitment and competition, tain this year for assisting me in organising and

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‘showing the way’ to the members of the club. I also we treasure that greatly. want to thank all the parents who have supported I look forward to seeing the junior golf club growing Falcon junior golf in varied ways, be it sponsoring from strength to strength in the coming year. prizes during Sunday golf matches or those who came out to play golf with their sons. It makes a huge G Katsande diﬀerence to give your sons this kind of support, and

gramme will form an integral part of their training. The introduction of strength and aerobic training by Mrs Sue Stone and Mrs Julie Lindner for all the teams in various disciplines, with the use of gym equipment, added another dimension to the sports coaching programme. I would like to thank the two ladies

2011 has been yet another busy year for the High Per- formance Centre. The gym received some new equipment which complemented the sports coaching departments in various sporting disciplines. There is more and more emphasis on sports science as a tool for coaching and this, in essence, contributed to a successful hockey and athletics season. for their commitment and contribution in that regard.

The college staﬀ continued to engage in early morning and evening aerobic training, courtesy of Mrs Stone and Mrs Brigitte Randle’s guidance. This year also saw the introduction of the strength and conditioning programme to the Quest Africa group, which is the post high school programme set up for school leavers, currently based in Quiet waters. We look forward to 2012 with great anticipation as the High Performance Centre continues to grow.

F Majuba Physical Education Head of Department

Whilst rugby enjoyed a less successful season this year, the younger members of the team are likely to beneﬁt in the coming season and the weights pro-

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1ST TEAM Hockey Back Row : T Mujuru, T Ganyani, M Mlambo, R Hyslop, R Butler, A Viljoen, D Peall, O Marchussen, S Madonko, K Bint Front Row : K Mushoriwa, W Ullrich, N Campbell, Mr F Majuba, T Mutembwa (Captain), S Stone, T Pongweni (INSET T Ndlovu)

ure to convert most of the chances that we created, only managing to score a paltry 34 goals for the entire season. Nonetheless credit must be given to the team’s structure, efficient defensive system and its superior tactical high press. Falcon was able to con- cede only 7 goals in a season that read: won 13, drew 5 and lost 2. Significantly the goalkeeper, Shane Stone, played a very crucial role throughout, successfully marshalling a defence that enabled the team to dominate the majority of the play throughout the season. S MADONKO There were memorable matches though despite the lacklustre show in front of goals. The skilful perfor- 2011 was yet another memorable year for the Falcon mance against Lomagundi, winning 2-1, and the vic- hockey first team and yet an indifferent season, to say tory against St. John’s College, beating them by the the least. The measure of its success can be seen in same margin after losing 1-0 to them the previous many ways but ultimately the Falcon 1st team pre- week in the Inter Cities, were some of the few unfor- vailed and once again became the champions of Zim- gettable moments. The season finale against Peter- babwe in schoolboy hockey. It was a year when we house in the final of the Super 12 Tournament scored fewer goals than usual, drew too many but marked a memorable game as we won the match 1-0 still lost only two matches by the end of the season. and officially became once again the champions of Probably the lowest point of the season was our fail- Zimbabwe schoolboy hockey. The team was able to

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0 – 0 during this tournament in another exciting encounter. Also memorable was the match against St John’s at home, which we won 1 – 0. The match was hard fought and both sides missed chances. However, our team played with perseverance and by the ﬁnal whistle it was our day. Unfortunately Peterhouse dashed our hopes of having an unbeaten season when we lost 1 – 2 to them away. I commend the boys for the spirit and eﬀort

B LANGLEY they displayed in this match. T Chikondo and T Jones were both capable goalkeep- ers. At fullback, D Peall read the game well. He also blend youth and experience and through the leader- showed good timing with his tackles and passes. ship of the Captain Tapiwa Mutembwa and Vice P Dhlamini, as captain, played hard and always Captain Nick Campbell, proved once again that Fal- con is still a powerhouse in schoolboy hockey. NATIONAL COLOURS Zimbabwe under 19A: T Mutembwa, K Mushoriwa, N Campbell, W Ullrich, S Stone, R Butler Zimbabwe under 19B: T K Ndlovu, R Hyslop, T Pongweni Zimbabwe under 17A: O Marchussen, G Bint, T Mujuru, D Peall Zimbabwe under 17B: T Jones

PROVINCIAL COLOURS R BUTLER Matabeleland U19: B Langley, S Madonko, A Viljoen Matabeleland U17A: K Bint, T Jones, A Leared, O Marchussen, T Mujuru, D Peall egged the team on well. We had a strong half line in Matabeleland U17B: G Fargnoli, C Locke, B Sargeant T Rowe, D Wardley, O Marchussen and K Bint. D Wardley was a work horse, and K Bint made calcu- F Majuba lated passes down the right wing which immediately put us into the attack. Up front, B Dhana played with speed and drive and M Mlambo provided us with some impressive goals. Several of these players were The team had a highly successful season against oth- also on the bench for the 1st XI. er teams and achieved big wins against Prince Ed- I congratulate the team on their success, and wish the ward, Milton, Petra and CBC. Two tactics contribut- players all the best for next season. ed to their success - the players executed short cor- Team : P Dhlamini (Captain), K Bint, T Chikondo, ners well, and they made early shots on target as M Connery, B Dhana, G Fargnoli, T Jones, A Leared, soon as they crossed the opposition`s circle line. This O Marchussen, M Mlambo, T Mujuru, D Peall, often took our opponents by surprise. O Marchussen B Querl, T Rowe, B Sargeant, A Viljoen, M Ward,D Wardley. was the highest goal scorer. He scored ﬁve of these C Hepburn goals when we played Petra at home! He was followed in the rankings by D Wardley. Our match of the season was when we beat the St George’s 1st XI 1 – 0 during the Inter-Cities Hockey In many ways this was another frustrating season for Tournament held in Bulawayo. Well done to our de- the group, in that so few matches were played, due fence who held out to the St George’s forwards late to a lack of school opposition. The 3rd XI did manage in the match. We also drew with the Churchill 1st XI to play the Girls’ College 2nd XI (victory), the Staﬀ

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Bushtick XI (defeat) and 2 games against Peterhouse with this group of U16 hockey players and I am cer- away (a win and a loss), while the 4th XI did not get to tain that they will achieve even greater things on the play a match. hockey field in the future. Despite this sorry state of affairs the group as a whole U16 A : B Watson (c), S Banda, S Bhasera, seemed to enjoy their hockey and some pretty useful M Mazorodze, E Mhlanga, B Murowanidzwa, N Nell, players emerged. A few of these youngsters could R Rosenfels, M Tshuma, L Wasara, J Worsley very well be pushing for higher honours next year. The 3rds were enthusiastically led by one of the ‘old’ guard, Keith Coetzee, who did a good job in induct- ing a large group of Form 3s and 4s into the fairly relaxed routines traditionally followed by this group. Regular 3rd XI players: K Coetzee (c), S Coetzee, H de Vries, K Kidia, M Machibaya, B Mashange, T Mathe, V Mlotshwa, N Naik, NAD Nell, S Ngozo, A Oatley, B Williams. Other players: M Bhebhe, B Dube, T Furusa, B Hawthorne, T Jongwe, R Kanengoni, D Kontemeniotis, T Madyegasva, C Mderede, T PONGWENI H Naik, B Ncube, T Ncube, N Ndlovu, S Nyandoro, I Sururu, C Spalding U16 B : R Keefe (c), J Allard, C Bray, W Dlodlo, D Fleming J Franceys, A Kwidini, A Magagula, D Makunike, K Mashangu, N Mashanyare, T Masiri, B Mhuriyengwe, C Pritchard, M Rautenbach, G Strydom, M Swannack, T Wood The U16 hockey sessions attracted a large number of Award for the most improved U16 player: R D Keefe players and attendance was good, which ensured J Lindner keen competition for team places. The depth and talent at U16 level is remarkable with the A and B teams very close in standard. Teams were selected based on a player’s ability, skill and experience at positional The 2011 season saw a large number of boys in this play. A lot of emphasis was put on the passing game age group. Competition for places was good, thus and working as a team rather than individual play keeping the standard of hockey at a competitive level. and dribbling. The group was assisted by Mr D Kelly and Mrs P The season began with the U16’s seldom playing to Ndlovu, as well as R Butler, B Ganyani and T K their full potential and very lucky to win their match- Ndlovu, to whom I am most grateful. It meant that es. As the season progressed their understanding of the players received a good amount of input and playing as a unit solidified and with their talent, disci- attention through the season. pline and willingness to learn, they really pulled to- Under 15A gether, making the last few matches played amazing The team was led by Johnathan Campbell, playing in and a pleasure to watch. the link line. They had the potential to be a very good By the end of the season, stick work and ball control side but let themselves down on occasions by not improved, with players mastering the art of tackling, sticking to the plan and generally holding on to the being able to stop the ball with confidence, execute ball too long. This in turn put them under pressure to powerful and controlled hits and also being able to hit be productive with the ball. or push with the degree of power that the circum- P Machaya and T E Ndlovu were key players in the stances required. All members of this U16 group im- defence while L Fumia also proved that he could be proved, with a good sense of positional play and the equally effective, playing on the wing. S Snyder capability of dictating the pace and pattern of the played a pivotal role at centre link with A Keefe in game with concentration. good support. They both scored fine goals through It has been very rewarding and a pleasure to work the season. We lacked strike power up front but, on

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his day, D Peall showed that he had the ability to at lightning speed and managed to hold St George’s score. We played with a group of players, rotating to a 1-2 score. The B team’s best opposition was them through the game allowing a number of boys to play at this level. Regular players: M Dlodlo, P Machaya, L Fumia, C Butler, T E Ndlovu, A Keefe, S Snyder, J Campbell (c),D Peall, S Matshe, L Fargnoli, D Landrey, T Ngwenya, M Mugona Under 15B A number of boys played in the team through the season and, in doing so, remained unbeaten. They are to be commended on these eﬀorts which certainly indicated a good depth in the age group. The team was led by B Taylor who always gave of his best. The highlight of their season was the win at Peterhouse U14 & R HYSLOP ASSISTANT COACH where they really put it all together and had an excellent game. Key players in the defence were against St John’s where they drew 3 – 3, but an amaz- R Scheepers, E Nxumalo, T Ngwenya and P Ruswa, ing fast and dynamic match was witnessed. At the ably supported by the links of R Herbst, C Burke and conclusion of the season the A team won 7, drew 1 M Mugona. The forwards showed a lot of promise and lost 3 with 21 goals to their credit and 5 against. with T Rance and J Masimba being the pick of them On paper the B team faired much better with 1 loss all. A number of these players will certainly step up and 1 draw and an incredible 51 goals under their and be a force to be reckoned with in the future. belt and 7 goals scored against them. A number of players, who don’t play U15 rugby, had After three hilarious Mashonaland bus trips with all the opportunity to play in the CBC ‘end of season’ of us bonding and getting to know each other, I now tournament where they gave a good account of them- know who sleeps the most, has the smelliest socks selves. G Mandaza captained this team and really and sweatiest jerseys, has the best PSP games, latest played a captain’s game. phone, most airtime, a constant source of tuck and Players who represented the team: W Munemo, produces the most litter, who talks the most, and M Strydom, R Scheepers, B Taylor (c), P Ruswa, who never stops moving. E Nxumalo, C Burke, M Mugona, T Ngwenya, As an age group, they are a mostly small compact R Herbst, T Rance, K Manhando, G Mandaza, team with dynamic energy and commitment and this J Masimba, T Rance, J Schlachter, J Stone, P Wallet, has been seen throughout the season. The U14’s are A Nxumalo, J Zietsman, D Coetzee, M Chikwete, now passionate about their school and will support P Mafa, K Sherriﬀs, M Schultz their team mates through thick and thin. M Querl Special mention this year must be given Mrs B Hey- mans and to the seniors who helped me mould the teams into a unit, that being R Hyslop, N Campbell

What a very diﬀerent competitive season was had this year. Forty four boys of a variety of heights and weights arrived for the May Hockey selection of which thirty two had played for their Junior School First Team hockey side! The resulting team selection was a tough choice with many boys who could have ended up playing for either side. Both teams played with passion and dedication and gave every school a run for their money. The A team’s mettle was tested to a new level in the St George’s game where they had to think and react J HOARD

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and B Langley. All their hard work did indeed mean that at the end of the season, the teams are still are a unit and not separated. Thank you.

U14 A: D Sargeant (c), A Bingley, M Conolly, S Dodington, S Hinmers, J Hoard, T Madonko, M McNab, T Mhonde, B Ndlela, A Ruprecht, P Shonhiwa, C Sutton

U14 B: J Kersten (c), T Brannigan, A Chabata, K Chisare, M Davies, K Eksteen, M Kwari, S Maﬁ, S Maringa, I Nembaware, R Oatley, H Randell, J Viljoen

S Langley

U14 INFORMAL T MUTEMBWA & W ULLRICH

B LANGLEY

S MADONKO

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1st XI results Venue vs Clifton St Stithianʹs L 0-3 St Stithianʹs Festival vs Windhoek St Stithianʹs W 1-0 St Stithianʹs Festival vs Michaelhouse St Stithianʹs L 0-5 St Stithianʹs Festival vs Parktown St Stithianʹs L 0-5 St Stithianʹs Festival vs St Stithianʹs St Stithianʹs L 1-2 St Stithianʹs Festival vs Milton High School home W 9-0 vs Prince Edward home D 0-0 vs Lomagundi Eaglesvale W 2-0 Inter Zonal Festival vs St Georgeʹs Eaglesvale D 0-0 Inter Zonal Festival vs Prince Edward Eaglesvale W 2-0 Inter Zonal Festival vs Plumtree CBC W 1-0 Inter Cities Tournament vs CBC 2nds CBC W 3-0 Inter Cities Tournament vs Gateway CBC W 3-0 Inter Cities Tournament vs Eaglesvale CBC W 1-0 Inter Cities Tournament vs Watershed CBC D 1-1 Inter Cities Tournament Quarter Final Match won on penalty strokes vs St Johnʹs CBC L 0-1 Inter Cities Tournament Semi Final vs St Johnʹs home W 1-0 vs Petra home W 3-1 vs CBC away L 0-1 vs Peterhouse away D 0-0 vs CBC home D 0-0 vs Petra away D 1-1 vs CBC Gateway D 1-1 Super 12 Tournament vs Watershed Gateway W 1-0 Super 12 Tournament vs Petra Gateway W 1-0 Super 12 Tournament (semi ﬁnal) vs Peterhouse Gateway W 1-0 Super 12 Tournament (ﬁnal)

Summary of all results

P W D L 1st XI 26 13 7 6 2nd XI 15 10 1 4 3rd XI 3 2 0 1 U16 A 8 6 1 1 U16 B 6 4 0 2 U15 A 8 5 1 2 U15 B 7 6 1 0 U14 A 11 6 2 3 U14 B 11 9 1 1 U14 C 1 1 0 0

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1ST TEAM Rugby Back Row : E Kadzere, C Bydawell, J Zietsman, J Brebner, G Matina, J Mutambara, L Sibanda, B Mason, A Senderayi, B Scheepers, R Bhebhe Front Row : K Walder, J Joubert, R Sargeant (Captain), Mr R Querl, Devon Gibbons, A van Heerden, Dale Gibbons Absent: P Mhute, B Ncube

The season started early with matches in the CBC K WALDER, J ZIETSMAN & A VAN HEERDEN Power Sales tournament. Our first game was against a Botswana under 18 side where we began well and managed to win comfortably. On the second day we were meant to play Churchill, but they did not arrive. We duly played Allan Wilson and, while they were better opposition than the Botswana team, we also won that game comfortably. We then travelled to the St Stithian’s Festival in Jo- hannesburg. This was a completely different experience and we ended up playing some of the top schoolboy sides in South Africa. Our first game was against Wynberg. Their entire pack was over 100kgs per player and we simply could not compete. They well and scored the first points, we then went to piec- had some great runners and we were totally out- es. We were once again up against physically very classed. We lost 0 - 79. Our second game was against big boys who we could not contain, losing 14 - 54. Noord Kaap, which was even more difficult with big- The whole trip was a learning experience for what ger and faster boys simply not allowing us to have are a young set of boys. To their credit, however, any ball whatsoever. We lost 3 - 63. Our third game they kept their heads up and they were never down was against an FNB Select side, and while we started hearted.

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used to but the games were incredibly close and the team itself was making progress. The season proper started with a game against Prince Edward at home. The game was played at an enormous pace with Prince Edward using the high ball at every possible opportunity. Our boys responded well and we managed to dominate the forward pack. Sad- ly some tackling on the outside let us down, and once again our goal kicking was not what it should have been. We lost the game 14 - 16 and we had a kick at goal in the ﬁnal minutes to win it. R SARGEANT Our next game was at Hartsﬁeld, against CBC at the

We then went on to the Cottco Festival in Harare where I think the boys felt that they could compete. Our first game was against Kyle College who were very well prepared and came at us right from the outset. Before we knew it, in a shortened Festival game, we were 15 points down. The second half saw the boys fight back really well. We played to the game plan and the final score of 20 - 22 in favour of Kyle, was disappointing but at least we appeared to be back on track. We did have the opportunity of a final kick to win the game which was missed. ON THE RAMPAGE

Matabeleland trials. The game started badly for us when we could not hold onto the ball and allowed CBC to score a goal through their talented fly half, who we knew would be a thorn in our side. However our boys then rose to the occasion and played some very attractive rugby completely dominating their pack and backline. Our wings scored our points but sadly we were once again unable to maximise our efforts because our kicking was poor. We won the game 30 - 8. We faced St John’s from Harare in our next game, B MASON who I suppose were very close to being the top side Our second game at the festival was against Church- in the country this year. However, the game was a ill. This was a fierce encounter and while we played very close contest although the score does not indi- really well for certain periods of the game, we let cate that. It was within one or two points right to the ourselves down badly by not being able to take our end when they got a breakaway try. The final score chances and kick the ball over the poles. The final was once again not an indication of how we had score was 3 - 6. done because we simply could not kick the ball over Our final game at the festival was against St the poles. We lost the game 5 – 13. George’s. They were playing really well and we had The following week we travelled away to Lomagundi two defeats under our belt. The team played their College and were very poor in the first half when we hearts out and were always in the contest, but once went 15 – 3 down. The side then managed to rally again we were on the end of a loss because of our and produce some very good rugby, playing to in- poor goal kicking. The score was 15 – 17. Three destruction and again we could have won the game had feats at Cottco is something that Falcon is really not we simply converted some of our penalty chances.

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to be a fierce contest and the hard ground and rather inexperienced referee perhaps contributed to a dis- mal spectacle, where no points were scored by either side, by never allowing either side to play. Again we had several opportunities to win the game with relatively easy kicks, but failed. While the season was not a great one there were several individuals who really came through with flying colours. Mention must be made of the captain Robbie Sargeant, who played for both Zimbabwe under 18 and under 19. He was a dominant force. Andries van Heerden in his prop position also made real progress and was fit and strong by the end of the season. He dominated the tight and loose in several games. His L. SIBANDA VS P. E. ability to run and pass really came out on several occasions. With many of these boys returning to the We ultimately lost 14 – 20. College next year we should be able to put together a St George’s were our next opponents. They played formidable team for 2012. I also thank Devon Gib- very well but again our boys were never out of it and bons who stood in as captain for Robbie when he was it was a tough contest right to the final minutes away. His ability to steal ball on the ground was a where once again we gave away an easy try by hand- feature in several games. The fact that our two wings ing them the ball in space. This was our greatest de- were the highest try scorers of the season tells the feat, losing 23 – 38. story of a side that played some very attractive rugby We now went to Peterhouse. We dominated the and most certainly never gave up. I commend them game and played all of the rugby only to find our- for their consistent effort and their good-natured ap- selves 8 points to 9 down when the final whistle proach to every training session and match. went. They kicked a penalty right on full-time to win the game. Once again this was a very distressing re- R W Querl sult as we really had dominated the game and we probably deserved victory. Sadly again our goal kicking let us down dismally. Petra came next, a morning game at Falcon. Our boys produced some very pleasing running rugby with the whole team being involved. I appreciate that you are allowed to play as well as the opposition allows, but nonetheless some fine rugby was displayed with our wings once again dominating and scoring most of the points. Sadly our Achilles heel, the goal kicking, again reared its ugly head and very few tries were converted. We won the game 55 – 0. Kyle College was our next fixture and they had been doing particularly well. The trip to Kyle was quite a daunting one. Our boys really rose to the occasion here and dominated their forwards and allowed our backline to score some really good tries. We won the game in fine style 32 points to 10. This display really did show what the team can do but again revealed our weak kicking. E KADZERE The final game of the season was against CBC, our local archrivals, at CBC. The game was always going

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J REX 3RD XV

Once again we started this season with a good number of boys. There have been some very entertaining C BYDAWELL matches played and a good number of boys were drawn from this group to fill in where necessary The 2011 season was an exercise in rebuilding. The when there were gaps in the second team due to inju- 1st XV was inexperienced and often experimental – ry or for other reasons. I would like to thank Ryan especially in the early stages. This created opportuni- Kemp and Charlie Taylor, the captains of 3rds and ties in both the 1st and 2nd XVs. Some of these opportunities were taken, some were squandered – and some experiments paid off while some were incon- clusive. The College will very likely benefit from the 2011 season in real and sometimes unexpected ways over the next two years.

The Greyhounds lacked self-confidence and big match temperament this season, but they made good progress as the season developed. A stronger mental approach will manifest itself next season as players marry age and maturity to the experience gained this 4TH’S IN ACTION year. Some of the results may have been disappointing, but 2011 should be seen as part of a long term 4ths respectively. They performed their duties well process. I sincerely believe that several of the players although Ryan did spend a significant portion of the who represented the Greyhounds this year will make season playing for the 2nd XV and deservedly so. All a strong impact on senior schoolboy rugby over the the matches played were well contested except per- next few seasons. haps for the 4th team match against a very slick St John’s U17 side where we were comprehensively Squad : N Ncube (c), B Nemaruru (c), R Bhebhe, beaten. There are some very promising young play- J Brebner, C Bydawell, C Charsley, K Chilufya, ers who have been noticed for possible inclusion into M Chikwavira, M Cripps, G Fraser, C Friend, the more senior squad next season. E Kadzere, R Kemp, T Kersten, D MacIntosh, R Manemo, G Matina, A Muil, A Ndabambi, Squad : B Blatch, C Blignaut, T Boshoff, B Chapeyama, D Nyatsanza, K Reid, J Rex, B Scheepers, G Smit C Charsley, M Chikwavira, G Coleman, M Cripps, M Dampers, F Dollar, C Friend, A Gifford, K Gotore, D Grant T Gumede, H Gwate, R Hwenjere, J Jackman, K Jadhav, N Kamhuka, R Kemp, T Kurewa,

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T Madamba, G Mafurirano, R Manemo,Dalton McLintock, Devyn McLintock, A Muil, S Musarurwa, A Ndabambi, S Ngwenya, D Nyatsanza, S Randell, J Rex, I Riley, R Rochat, H Swales, P Swales, C Taylor, B Tshuma, J Wiggill, B Williams, N Zonde, T Zvobgo

P Heymans

M USHEWOKUNZE IN SUPPORT

Dodington captained the side eﬃciently, while the elusive Ushewokunze took charge of the back divi- sion. The team played 12 matches, winning 9 and losing 3. They scored 294 points, while conceding 146. Squad : M Dodington (c), S Banda, S Bhasera, C Bray, W Dlodlo, D Jadhav, M Mazorodze, B Murowanidzwa, T Mushati, S Pretorius, C Pritchard, R Rosenfels, B Stodart, M Swannack, M Tshuma, M Ushewokunze, B Watson, T Wood, J Worsley, T Zakeo S BANDA ON ATTACK

J Heymans The team had a very successful season, playing an attractive brand of ball-in-hand rugby. The forwards were outplayed only twice, both times by the very strong St George’s outfit. Apart from that, they were particularly impressive as they matched the heavy Prince Edward pack in all phases of set play and provided good ball to the three quarters, resulting in a victory in the best game of the season. The loose forward trio of Mhuriyengwe, Pretorius and Pritchard was impressive and the pace of Preto- rius and Mhuriyengwe netted them many tries. Pritchard’s tackling won him the Junior Best Tackling Award. Tshuma was totally dependable in the line- outs and very mobile in general play. The three quarters were sound and, when they used their pace, effective. Banda’s speed in the centre was telling and Mushati’s smooth running on the wing very exciting to watch. The find of the season was full back, Mazorodze, who won the Under 16 Most T WOOD Promising Player Award. He formed the incisive part of the back three, who scored, arguably, the try of the Each year brings its own challenges and this year, a season against Kyle, when they counter-attacked new and a welcome kind of challenge. A flood of from within their own 22m area and eight players above average players registered for the side making handled the ball. The half back combination of the it extremely difficult to come up with a regular side talented Worsley and the nuggety Rosenfels was effi- on each outing. Most of the season was spent in cient with Rosenfels constantly improving his ser- search of the best combination of good players. How- vice. ever, funnily enough, the team lacked a consistent

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scrum half. Wayne Dlodlo eventually filled the position after his predecessors, Chase van Breda, Gareth Strydom and Lennox Wasara, had been given ample It was not a particularly auspicious season for the opportunities to improve in the position. While each under 15 group, but they made good progress and I of them enabled a reasonably good game of rugby to am sure they will do well by the time they become flow, they each had their own weaknesses, which the mainstay of the senior age groups. It seems that ranged from being unable to pass both sides, to not a lot more boys arrive at Falcon these days short on moving the ball quickly enough for the back line to junior school rugby experience. As a result, this make use of it. At times, bad decision making at the term, Mr Shaw and Mr Randle retained a large group scrum half position made the difference between of boys for much of the season in the hope that many winning and losing and this problem manifested it- of the less experienced individuals would benefit and self in the much valued game against Plumtree. The in the long run come through as able players. While Plumtree game was the only game in which we this is an advantage it can detract from the develop- measured up against an A side.

Other positions were adequately covered, sometimes oversubscribed. The strongest area was the forwards where Steven Bhasera and Andile Magagula commanded the front row. A good complement of other forwards made the pack a very strong and versatile one. A lot of opportunities were created from set pieces and a good number of forwards scored great tries. Brian Murowanidzwa led the tries tally from the 8th man position.

While the forwards struggled to link with the back- FALCON RUGBY SUPPORTER line in the crucial matches, the backline players made good runs when the ball came their way. They used ment of the more skilled players. While I may be the ball well to gain precious ground and at times the accused of making excuses, I feel that this ‘dilution’ centres ran through the defence lines of the opposi- of training may have contributed to our lack of suc- tion without much difficulty. With each outing the cess this season. A strong mini league would take the passing in the set moves got better and spectators load off the main team coaches and might help in this regard. were never short of entertaining rugby. The skills We started the season with a very large and promis- level improved so much that a good number of the ing front row but due to injury, illness and inexperi- backline players were often asked to back up the A side. ence had to revert to a smaller one by the end of term. Our locks were a bit light but by the end of the It was indeed a successful season and the most enjoy- season were producing good power and were jump- able feature of the season was the infectious enthusi- ing well in the line. Our flankers, L Fargnoli and asm and sense of fun displayed by all the members of D Landrey, were very fit and mobile and are great the squad. prospects for the future. E Nxumalo was moved from wing to eighth man where he scored valuable Squad: S Bhasera (captain); C Bray; W Dlodlo; tries; however his fitness needs improvement if he is A Kwidini; A Magagula; K Mashangu; N Mashanyare; to play a full role in the game. We never settled on a T Matukutire; E J Mhlanga; Z T Mhlanga; T Muja- half back combination. J Campbell makes good kachi; B Murowanidzwa; M Rautenbach; G Strydom; breaks at scrum half but must improve his passing. M Swannack; C Valenza; L Wasara; S Waugh; Amongst the outsides S Snyder, also the captain, T Wood played well in his new position at centre. He has vision and once he has grown into himself will be a top J Makurumidze notch player. His place kicking is outstanding and in the last match of the season, against CBC, he won the

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match with the type of kicking that the 1st XV could Querl and Mr D only dream of! The outsides generally were a bit Grant for taking short on pace in attack although M Dlodlo did man- over the coaching of age to beat his opposite numbers and score valuable this team when I tries. Their defensive game improved over the sea- was ill. I would also son. A particularly good tackler was the diminutive like to commend wing, T E Ndlovu. McNab M for mak- Overall they are a group with a potential that was not real- ing the Zimbabwe ised this season. There is depth in the group which if nur- U14 Craven Week tured should come through well in the older age groups. side. Regular squad members were: S Snyder (c), L Beahan, J Blatch, C Burke, C Butler, J Campbell, M Chikwete, The U14B side had D Coetzee, T Dhlamini, M Dlodlo, L Fargnoli, a much better sea- L Fumia, R Herbst, A Keefe, D Landrey , T Mabhudu, son than the ‘A’ P Machaya, R Madimure, T Magure, J Masimba, side. The 7 – 7 draw T Matondi, S Matshe, T Mawire, B Mutanga, against St. John’s K CHISARE N Muzamhindo, T Ngwenya, E Nxumalo, D Peall, showed their ability N Razunguzwa, P Ruswa, R Scheepers, J Schlachter, to defend for most of the match. They were one of the K Sherrifs, A Sibanda, M Sibanda, N Smit, B Taylor, only sides to have won at Peterhouse. Their match B Versfeld, J Zietsman against St. George’s, which we lost, was a very good contest. These results are remarkable as they were W Randle often outsized. Their remaining matches were also good examples of the talent and determination this team brought to every match. Individuals who had a particularly good season were: Hoard J, Brannigan T, Sutton C, Ngozo K and Eksteen K. I would like to thank Mr I Museba for the hard work which he put into this team.

A team squad: M McNab (Capt.), A Bingley, K Chisare, T Mhonde ,M Con- nolly, D Sargent, S Hinmers, U14A VS PETRA S Dodington, M Ngwenya, As a team they were perhaps the smallest when com- A Chabata, K Rous- pared to their opponents, almost without exception. seau, R Mhute, Against the big names they suffered some heavy loss- J Viljoen, M Mazvi- es partly because of their size, but also because they mavi, T Zvobgo, lacked confidence in their own abilities. We played T Madonko well as a team against Kyle College and initially against Peterhouse. Apart from that, in other matches B team squad: K we suffered from our inability to finish off properly. Eksteen (capt), D We would put in the hard work only to make a care- K EKSTEEN Small, R Oatley, M less error before scoring. Towards the end of the sea- Kwari, C Burger, S son we experimented with some positional re- Maringa, B Michelson, T Brannigan, J Hoard, A shuffles, some of which worked well, others not. I Ruprecht, W Tshuma, L Mavunga, M Davies, J Ker- would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr R sten, C Sutton, K Ngozo, S Hove, D Lenton, J Bryant,

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P Nhunzwi mitted to the practice sessions and they tried hard. These unsung heroes were: Magonya N, Mugwara T, Whilst the above were the main players used there Dhana E, Moyo E, Hammond S, Maﬁ P, Mahachi T, were many players who attended practice regularly Duri T, Takawira M, Mushaka D and Randell H. and it would be a shame if they were not mentioned. Whilst they did not play any matches they were com- O Fernandes

Summary of results 1st XV vs Botswana XV Hartsfield W Power Sales tournament vs Alan Wilson Hartsfield W Power Sales tournament vs Wynberg St Stithianʹs L 0-79 St Stithianʹs Festival vs Noord Kaap St Stithianʹs L 3-63 St Stithianʹs Festival vs FNB Select St Stithianʹs L 14-54 St Stithianʹs Festival vs Kyle College Prince Edward L 20-22 Cottco Festival vs Churchill Prince Edward L 3-6 Cottco Festival vs St Georgeʹs College Prince Edward L 15-17 Cottco Festival vs Prince Edward home L 14-16 vs CBC Hartsfield W 30-8 Matabeleland trials vs St Johnʹs home L 5-12 vs Lomagundi away L 14-20 vs St Georgeʹs College home L 23-38 vs Peterhouse away L 8-9 vs Petra home W 55-0 vs Kyle College away W 32-10 vs CBC away D 0-0

P W D L 1st XV 17 5 1 11 PHOTOS TAKEN BY nd PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB 2 XV 9 5 0 4 3rd XV 7 3 2 2 4th XV 7 5 0 2 U16 A 12 9 0 3 U16 B 8 6 0 2 U15 A 9 3 2 4 U15 B 8 4 0 4 U14 A 10 5 1 4 U14 B 8 6 1 1

S NKALA

T MADONDO

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In a nut shell the season went well with both senior and junior soccer teams fulﬁlling almost all the calen- darised ﬁxtures. The 1st and 2nd teams had their fair

CHISZ 2011 SOCCER ACTION

This year’s edition of the CHISZ Soccer tournament G KADZERE was once again hosted by Falcon College from 9-12 August. It was a hive of activity as parents and other share of games with the results being ‘a mixed bag’. supporters of school boy soccer, who came out to This year the junior ‘A’ teams managed to get games watch, were treated to a feast of goals and excellent against schools we haven’t normally played such as displays of football that would leave topflight league Lomagundi. Generally the junior teams performed footballers impressed. very well this season particularly the U14A, U15A A total of twelve Zimbabwe Independent schools and U16A’s. I made an effort to watch a number of participated in this year’s tournament. These were the junior soccer matches this year and I can tell you (not in any order) Hillcrest College, Goldridge Col- that there is good talent over the spectrum of the jun- lege, Peterhouse, South Eastern College, ior age groups. Masiyephambili, St George’s College, Lomagundi There are plans to create Mini League soccer next College, Petra High, Watershed, Kyle College, (new year as there has been more and more need to accom- boys) Westridge College and hosts Falcon College. modate those boys who want to play soccer, but In the group stages, teams were to compete in two whose football skills are still at a rudimentary level and for pools of six teams. After the draw conducted on the those who do not make it into one of the soccer teams. first night of the tournament, one of the groups con- Once again the school hosted the CHISZ soccer tour- sisting of Hillcrest, Petra, Masiyephambili, South nament during the first week of the August holidays Eastern College, Westridge College and Falcon Col- and it went smoothly despite it being organised at lege appeared less challenging. On the other side of short notice. Falcon went as far as the quarter finals. the scale was the group dubbed the group of death, A suggestion was made by us that the CHISZ tourna- as it consisted of last year’ s cup winners St George’s, ment be hosted by Falcon on a permanent basis and Lomagundi, Peterhouse, Watershed, Kyle College so far, indications are that our wish may be granted and Goldridge. as most CHISZ schools support the idea. The school boy soccer showcase ended after two days Interhouse Soccer Results: Juniors - George Grey with pre-tournament favourites St George’s and Wa- Seniors - George Grey tershed playing in the final. The two teams had a Individual Soccer Awards: very cautious approach to the game during the initial Most Promising Junior Player stages as both avoided conceding an early goal. Mazango T However Watershed were soon to open the scoring Most Improved Player and as the game wore on, we were treated to a five Tibane T goal thriller, with Watershed winning the finals 3-2, Best Player of the Season in the process being crowned the 2011 CHISZ soccer Moyo TML champions.

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1ST TEAM Soccer Back Row : T Moyo, K Chinaka, P Shonhiwa, S Mzuzu, L Tapfuma, T Chida, M Armstrong, T Tibane, E Wasara, M Mazango, F Mazorodze, T Mazango, M Matshe Front Row : S Sibanda, S Tabvuma, G Kadzere, Mr R Khumalo, M Ncube (Captain), Mr G Katsande, J Muparuri, J Chitate

penalty shootout in the quarter final. It was a well contested match that showed the team’s character and maturity in all departments. It is also important to acknowledge the discipline and organisation of this particular group - the senior body led by example at practice sessions and on game days. I must say that in my five years of coaching at this level, I have never enjoyed working with such a well oiled team, especially off the field.

SOLID DEFENCE

The 2011 season proved to be a more challenging and less rewarding season than previous years. The team was made up of an inexperienced side in all departments. Careful analysis of results will show that there were nine drawn matches, signalling the team’s inability to be forceful and eﬀective in attack. Our worst loss was a two goal margin against rivals Peterhouse while the other three games lost were closely contested. There is no doubt in my mind that most of the P SHONIWA results would have been turned around with a bit of luck in front of goal. Our mistakes in goals and in defence were minimal but we paid for every mistake made and this aﬀected the end result of every match.

The highlight of the season was taking the eventual winners of the CHISZ Tournament, Watershed, to a

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The 2011 soccer season was largely a successful one as the team managed to win most of the matches with the exception of a couple of losses to our traditional arch rivals. Part of the highlights of the season was a crucial and hard-fought game away at Lo- magundi College when the team persevered against all odds to win the encounter. The team also displayed some beautiful football when we dispatched

M NCUBE Goldridge at home, thrashing them 7 – 1, with Wasara E and Tibane T grabbing hat-tricks. Accolades for the season included the leading goal I would like to make mention of Mr R M Khumalo as scorer going to J Muparuri, best player of the season a ‘technical team mate’ of mine at the San field this going to T M L Moyo and most improved player to term; may the cameraderie continue! I also thank the T Tibane, while T Mazango received the most promising team captain this year, Chester Taruvinga, for his junior player. M Ncube, J Chitate and T Mazango made the efforts. The inspirational words for the team this sea- CHISZ select squad. son were that ‘it is not about the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that counts’. I I would like to thank my captain M Ncube and his look forward to next season with great zeal. Squad : Muchativukwa T, Zishumba K , Dhafana T, Taruvinga C (c), Chiwaka S , Mazango T, Matshe M, Sibanda M, Wasara EK, Mazango M, Sibanda S V, Vera A , Chinaka M V, Tibane T

G Katsande

G KADZERE Both sides, 16 A’s and B’s had a successful season, with only the A side losing the very ﬁrst match vice captains F Mazorodze and G Kadzere for their commitment to the sport; their organisation and team management were second to none. Thanks go to Mr G Katsande, for his organisation of match day logistics and his valuable advice on the sidelines at every match. To the Falcon soccer staﬀ, who helped run and secure the CHISZ soccer tournament for the next three years, your contributions and hard work towards the sport will soon make it a popular game at this level. I sincerely thank and commend you all.

I am sure the 2011 season has provided a platform for the forthcoming seasons and I look forward to 2012. M SMALL R Khumalo against CBC. We had a very large number of boys and we could have easily ﬁelded a C team as most were gifted players. Our defence force was formida-

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ble with such players as Joshua Worsley, who, as last man for the A side, was virtually impenetrable. His counterpart in the B side, T V Mujakachi, was also a It was a season of mixed fortunes. As the saying goes, force to be reckoned with and he regularly featured in “You win some and lose some”. This was true for the the A side. This year’s sides were special as we had U15 soccer boys, both A and B sides. The boys started quite a number of utility players like T G Masiri, N at a very slow pace losing all of their first encounters Mashanyare, E J Mhlanga and W Dlodlo. versus CBC, home and away, followed by a match Not to be outdone by the defence, our strikers were versus Mzingwane. generally powerful, as attested to by the number of However, both the boys and their coaches did not goals scored in some matches. With help from our lose hope and they went back to the drawing board. talented creative mid-fielders, K Karuwo and T A strategy was arrived at which yielded positive re- Chida, who repeatedly fed strikers with well-placed sults. It started with a set of draws, which bloomed through balls, watching the under 16’s play was very into victories and triumphs, including a 6 – 3 victory. exciting. However, what was disappointing at times The boys played as a team both on the field and off was the failure of our main strikers to fully utilise the the pitch. Their conversations were characterised by excellent opportunities created by the midfield. the desire to achieve the best on the field. The spirit of winning united them as a team. However, it hap- As captain, T Chida led the side well and he played pened late in the season, with wins finally being post- for both the A and B sides as was common practice ed. with most players. B M Watson, J Dhana, and T G It is worth noting that Razunguzwa was the top goal Masiri are very gifted players who, despite playing scorer. In one match he scored six goals against Mil- some games for the B team, commanded regular posi- ton. Credit must go to his team mates who supplied tions in the A side as well. B M Watson made a good him with good ball, making it easier to score. We combination with S Pretorius as attackers, as they al- wish to thank the boys for their positive attitude, in ways outpaced their opponents. times of losing or winning. As the head, Mr R. Querl always says, “Let’s be humble in both defeat and vic- U16 A squad : T Chida (c), S Banda, W Dlodlo, tory”. K Karuwo, M Mazorodze, E Mhlanga, B Mhuriyengwe, T Mupariwa, T Mushati, M Tshuma, J Worsley. Finally, we thank our staunch supporters, our parents, particularly Mr and Mrs Mafa and Mr and Mrs Sibanda for their unwavering support and always being with us, at home and away.

A team squad : S Matshe (c), M Bwerinofa, L Fumia, T Mabhudu, P Machaya, P Mafa, T Magure, M Mugona, N Muzamhindo, T Ngwenya, E Nxumalo, N Razunguzwa, M Sibanda B team squad : C Burke, R Madimure, G Mandaza, B Manton, J Masimba, T Matondi, T Mawire, W Munemo, T Ndlovu, T Rance, A Sibanda, T Singano

MZALA ACTION M Ncube/A Moyo/S Ndlovu

U16 B squad : V Bahlangene, J Dhana, M Dodington, A Koshen, A Mambinge, K Mangezi, N Mashanyare, T Masiri, T Mujakachi, S Pretorius, C Randell, The 2010 side will not thank me for saying this, but I M Small. am convinced that this 2011 group was the most talented of the ﬁve U14 teams I have coached. Unfortu- A Mutape/T Ndlovu nately, right from the start I was worried that, despite the skill evident, the boys did not fall into an easily

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workable team formation. The fact that we ran out best I remember which is encouraging and appreciated. playing 4-2-4 shows what I mean and the fact that it largely worked A team squad : T Mhonde (c), A Chabata (vc), shows the talent M Mabhena, P Mafi, N Magonya, D Mushaka, of this A team. B Ndlela, I Nembaware, M Ngwenya, P Shonhiwa, Bheki Ndlela C Sutton, C Zvinowanda, T Zvobgo was an outstanding playmaker. Prince Shonhiwa used his strength and skill to great effect in front of goal and Pem- berai Mafi showed not just good defensive skills at the back but creativity as S SIBANDA well. Tadiwa Mhonde (when fit!) and Arlington Chabata led the team by example. The B team operated with a core group of players with the rest of the team rotating to try to give everyone a chance and it was great to have enough players G KADZERE to put out a C team on three occasions, once with all three sides playing the same afternoon. Jonty Hoard, Alistair Bingley, Mqhele Mabhena and the amazingly versatile Esihle Moyo are names I would single out B team regulars : A Bingley, S Dodington, S Hammond, for mention from the second string. J Hoard, S Hove, M Kwari, M Mabhena, T Mahachi, Unofficial awards go to Bheki Ndlela for Player of the S Maringa, L Mavunga, E Moyo, A Ruprecht, T Zulu

R Harrison

P W D L 1st 24 8 11 5 2nd 9 4 1 4 3rd 2 0 1 1 U17 XI 4 2 1 1 1ST XI VS CBC U16 A 8 6 1 1 U16 B 7 3 3 1 Season, Prince Shonhiwa for Most Promising and U15 A 9 5 0 4 Caliphs Zvinowanda for Most Improved Player. Big U15 B 7 2 2 3 thanks go, as ever, to Mr Nyathi as assistant coach U14 A 9 6 1 2 and to Chester Taruvinga and Tafadzwa Chida for U14 B 9 0 1 8 their invaluable help and support, coaching and ref- U14 C 3 0 1 2 ereeing. Parental support at matches was also the

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1ST TEAM Squash Back Row : T Kersten, B Blatch Front Row : T Rowe, Mr J Makola, M Ward (Captain)

We started the New Year with the good news that Panashe Mwale finished 10th out of 11 players. our Squash Courts were going to be renovated as they had become slippery and difficult to play on. Boys U16 A Section: We still, however, had to work on shot production Travis Kersten finished 11th out of 12 players and with minimum running so as to avoid injuries. Benjamin Blatch lost 3-2 in the finals to end 2nd out of Over the 2nd Fixture Free (1st term) the following boys 12 players. went up to the Harare for the Zimbabwe Junior Closed Championships and posted these results: Boys U19: Boys U13: Tyler Rowe, who was carrying an injury, retired after Justin Kersten was the Zimbabwe U13 champion, playing one match. As a result he finished 15th out of without dropping a game. Daniel Small finished 8th 16 players. out of 13 players; he showed great determination on the squash court. Second Term Boys U16 B Section: Winter league:

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All the teams did very well in the winter league with the Falcon A team winning the trophy in the 2nd league of 8 teams. Falcon B ﬁnished 5th out of 8 and the Falcon C were 2nd out of 6 teams.

SQUASH COURT RENOVATIONS I would like to thank the Parents Committee for un- dertaking the enormous task of replacing the old squash court floors with new ones and giving the whole squash area a face lift. A company from South Africa, Medowen, was given the job. TESTING THE NEW FLOORS A doubles tournament to officially open the courts was held on Saturday 25th of June 2011 and 10 teams, This year we entered three teams in the Matabeleland mostly parents and friends of Falcon, signed up to Winter League, although our courts were not playa- play. It was a great success and fitting that the win- ble. The 1st month (May/June) we played all our fix- ning team comprised our own number one and two tures away in town on Sundays as double headers. players, Benjamin Blatch and Tyler Rowe who beat Falcon A played in the 2nd League and was made up Mike Blatch (Ben’s dad) and his partner 2-0. of the following: Benjamin Blatch (1st seed), Tyler Having renovated the courts, the school also engaged Rowe (2nd seed), Jonathan Makola (3rd seed) and th Travis Kersten (4 seed). The following students NEW FLOORS BEING INSTALLED from the Quest programme came in as guest players: Carmichael Ncube (1st seed) and Devon Reynolds (4th seed). Mr Pierre Heymans (4th seed) also played when we could not raise a full team due to rugby/ hockey fixtures. We entered the Falcon B team in the 3rd league comprising the following: Michael Ward (1st seed), Sean Hammond (2nd seed), Travis Boshoff (3rd seed), Njab- ulo Moyo, Matthew Smit or Justin Kersten (4th seed). The Falcon C team played in the 4th league and was made up mostly of Juniors but the following were more regular members of the team: Justin Kersten (1st a coach from Bulawayo, Langton Gwidzima, to help seed), Panashe Mwale (2nd seed), Tawanda Banha- with coaching of juniors. He comes to Falcon weekly. mombe (3rd seed), Jordan Bryant/Keean Eksteen (4th The number of boys frequenting the courts has in- seed). creased and his time spent at the college is greatly I was very impressed with the standard of play and appreciated. the enthusiasm amongst the players especially after the new squash court floors were installed in June Third Term 2011. This meant we played away matches on Sun- The school extended Langton’s contract into 3rd term day in town and home matches on Monday and and allowed some of the juniors and candidates for Tuesday nights. Physical Education to get some coaching in the mornings.

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evening in the near future. In the Senior Individual Championships the 2011 winner is Benjamin Blatch and the Junior Champion is Justin Kersten. Senior Inter-house 2011: 1. Chubb 2. Tredgold 3. Oates 4. Hervey 5. Founders 6. George Grey Junior Inter-house 2011: 1. Chubb 2. Tredgold 3. Oates 4. Founders 5. Hervey 6. George Grey Tyler Rowe, Michael Ward, Benjamin Blatch, Travis Kersten and Travis Boshoﬀ received 50 Club awards CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY this year. 2012 looks very promising with the Zimbabwe Junior Closed Squash Championships being held in Bula- Since there is no league in 3rd term most of the squash wayo for the 1st time and the All Africa Junior Cham- players turned up in the afternoon for some one-on- pionships in Harare. Two players from Falcon Col- one coaching. This was a great relief to me as Lang- lege, Benjamin Blatch and Tyler Rowe, will have to ton is always there at the courts so the boys go there challenge for positions in the Zimbabwe All Africa whenever they are free, unlike in the past when I had team. to juggle between water polo and squash which did- I would like to thank Mr Fernandes who comes when n’t suit all the players. There are close to forty boys he is free from cricket and rugby to help coach and who come for coaching and I see the numbers in- Langton Gwidzima who I hope will still be able to creasing each term. come to Falcon next year. The courts are also busy during the Wednesday and Thursday nights when staﬀ come to either play J Makola matches with Langton or get some coaching. The most regular members are Mr J McTaggart, Mr P Heymans, Mr O Fernandes and Mr J Makola. I am thinking of setting up a social doubles league and maybe invite teams from Bulawayo on a Thursday

This year’s swimming season start- 3rd Girls’ College 140 ed oﬀ with the Inter-Schools Relay 4th Petra 125 Gala which we always host. Sadly, Convent and Midlands Christian Our next Inter-School gala was The College were unable to participate this year, but it turned out to be an National Boys’ Gala (A league) host- exciting afternoon’s swimming ed by St John’s. Eight schools compet- nonetheless and a very closely contested event, which was eventually ed and the results were as follows: won by CBC. Results:

Results: 1st St George’s 454 2nd St John’s 437 st 1 CBC 220 3rd CBC 404 nd 2 Falcon 215 4th Falcon 351 M SWANNACK

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Swimming Back Row : C Charsley, C Pritchard, D Jadhav, C Valenza, M Swannack, G Fargnoli, E Mhlanga, B Stodart, S Ngozo, F Dollar 3rd Row : R Scheepers, S Ngozo, A Keefe, L Beahan, D Landrey, R Herbst, S Snyder, M Sibanda, A Carrello, M Strydom, L Fargnoli, M O’Hagan Seated : C Friend, T Rowe, J Brebner, Mrs B Heymans, P Dhlamini (Captain), Mrs M Querl, D Gibbons, C Bydawell, P Swales Front Row : S Hinmers, T Brannigan, T Chisare, S Hammond, R Oatley, J Viljoen, D Sargeant, B Michelson

was not enough to win us the gala and the ﬁnal results were:

Results:

1st CBC 2nd Falcon 3rd Petra Our next gala was the Inter-House Individual Gala which was held on the same weekend as House Sup- G FARGNOLI pers and the Leavers’ Dinner, with plenty of support from our parents. 5th Peterhouse 297 6th Hellenic 217 Results: 7th St Ignatius 121 1st George Grey 591 th 8 PE 73 2nd Tredgold 529

3rd Chubb 443 The Inter-Schools Individual Gala for our region was 4th Oates 416 hosted by CBC this year. There were some good indi- th vidual performances including C Pritchard breaking 5 Hervey 392 the U16 50m Breaststroke record. Several other swim- 6th Founders 342 mers came ﬁrst in their events. Unfortunately this

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Other Awards - Inter-House Individual Gala: The Inter-House Relay Gala was held in November with George Grey again emerging victorious. There Abrahams Cup (U18 50m Backstroke) T Rowe Brendan Ashby Trophy (Open 50m was a very close contest for second and third posi- Backstroke) R Kemp tions.

Cartwright Cup (Open 100m Freestyle) P Swales Results: Ryan Ashby Trophy (Open 50m Butter- ﬂy) P Swales 1st George Grey 102 Davies Cup (Open 100m Breaststroke) P Swales nd Chris Strydom Memorial Cup (Open 2 Tredgold 75 200m Breaststroke) P Swales 3rd Founders 74 Brandon Strydom Memorial Trophy 4th Chubb 69 (U18 50m Butterﬂy) J Brebner 5th Oates 55 Cartwright Cup (U15 Individual Med- th ley) L Fargnoli 6 Hervey 39 Glen Cup (U17 Individual Medley) C Friend 50 Club 2011: Cowen Cup (Open Individual Medley) P Swales Charsley C Ashby Cup (Most Points – U14) R Oatley Dhlamini P Prince Trophy (Most Points – U15) L Fargnoli Fargnoli G Jack McKechnie Cup (Most Points – U16) C Pritchard 50 Club Re-Awards 2011: G Fargnoli / Brebner J Ashby Cup (Most Points – U17) C Friend Bydawell C Mirtle Shield (Most Points – U18) T Rowe Gibbons D

Turner Cup (Victor Ludorum – U20) P Swales Colours 2011:

Friend C Rowe T Swales P

A group of nine boys swam in the club galas held in

Seven records were broken in the gala – two by Levi Fargnoli (U15), one by Connor Pritchard (U16), one by Christopher Friend (U17) and one by Tyler Rowe (U18). Tredgold also broke the record in the U16 C FRIEND & G FARGNOLI Breaststroke relay and Founders in the U18 Breast- Bulawayo on Friday evenings and four of them com- stroke relay. peted in the Matabeleland Championships at the end

of November. The medals awarded for this event On Saturday 19 November we held a “Challenge” were as follows: gala involving obstacle-like events for the junior age groups which proved to be a lot of fun. Fargnoli L: 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze, 2nd overall

in age group (13/14 year olds)

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Herbst R: 1 Gold, 1 Sil- chance to get fit and also have some ver, 2 Bronze, 4th overall in fun in the pool, and also for attend- age group (13/14 year olds) ing Friday night galas in town and Pritchard C: 1 Gold, 4 Sil- spending hours in the sun checking ver, 1 Bronze, 4th overall in styles and turns at the galas. Thank age group (15/16 year olds) you to Mrs Martha Querl for her help with coaching, accompanying Philani Dhlamini was the the boys to Bulawayo club galas and swimming captain this year also for being an official at home and was a great help, attend- galas. I am very grateful to all the ing all Friday night galas and other Falcon staff for their timekeep- training sessions during the ing, scoring, announcing and other skills. week. I would like to thank Philani for his help in all are- I would also like to thank Mrs Niki as including discipline, and Oatley for being the referee at our for his commitment to swim- home galas and Mrs Teresa Fargnoli C PRITCHARD ming in general. for helping out at the last minute at Mrs Sam Ncube and Mrs the Inter-House gala as well as the other Matabeleland Swimming officials who so kindly helped us out.

B Heymans

PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB

P SWALES

Sihle Khumalo were involved in helping the younger boys learn how to swim, with the goal of getting them to be able to swim a length by the end of the G SMIT

year. I would like to thank them both for their eﬀort. K CHISARE I would also like to thank Mrs Sally Langley for taking the non-team swimmers and giving them a

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1ST TEAM Tennis Back Row : S Ncube, T Ndlovu, T Dhafana, B Dhana, F Dollar, T Matukutire, K Bint Front Row : B Langley, S Mafukidze (Captain), Mr A Mutape, S Randell, B Randell

2011 proved to be a very challenging year for the 1st team as we lost six members who finished their studies last year. During the first term, we played CBC on the second weekend of the term and we lost badly. We also played Convent and at least came out the victors. Due to the rain, a lot of matches were can- celled, making it a rather frustrating term. Term 3 featured the Mim du Toit tournament and in the first round we played CBC. We drew on matches and managed to beat them on sets clearly illustrating that the team had improved from the first term. In the quarter finals we played and beat Lomagundi College convincingly. Proceeding to the semi finals, we played Prince Edward, the defending champions, and lost. Following that game, we played St George’s and lost a close match. Later Prince Edward came down to play us and we lost 24-12. In the local league we played CBC and once again drew. The 2nd team was mostly comprised of up and coming juniors and they only lost one match to CBC. This B LANGLEY

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was a good term for them and Games. Falcon College hosted the most of them will be challeng- tennis and two of our boys, Bryn ing for ﬁrst team positions next Langley and Iphile Dhlodhlo rep- year. resented Mat South. They played The juniors were unbeaten this seven games and gave a good ac- year with the U16 and U14 count of themselves. They came teams winning all their matches third and so were awarded bronze convincingly. It is clear that we medals. Bryn Langley was the best have virtually no competition or player for the tournament. challenge in the local league. This makes it rather diﬃcult for A Mutape players to judge their standards. Hopefully next year will see us travelling to play schools out of Bulawayo. This will step up the S NCUBE competition and keep players

The top eight or ten boys in this year’s under 15 showed considerable talent, but a lack of consistency and control. An attempt was made to improve this aspect of their game, and whilst some progress was made, the progress was disappointing. Stroke production certainly improved, as did court craft, but there seemed to be a lack of intensity in match situations. A B team was ﬁelded against Convent as was

B DHANA done last year, and again they were beaten, even though they were not necessarily weaker than their on their toes. opponents. Hopefully, the exposure in a match situa- The following boys were selected for the Bulawayo tion widened their experience. Province team: The opposition encountered was generally weak and T Dhafana, F Dollar, G Kadzere, B Langley, S Mafukidze, this does nothing for the early improvement of these T Matukutire, T Ngwenya, B Randell, S Randell, young players. It is hoped that more demanding ex- R Scheepers posure can be sourced in future. B Langley was selected to represent the Zimbabwe A number of learners showed much improvement U18 schools side. and greater enthusiasm. They are urged to maintain 1st team squad : S Mafukidze (Captain), T Dhafana, their eﬀorts. B Dhana, F Dollar, B Langley, T Matukutire, S Ncube, A team : J Campbell, A Keefe, J Masimba, T Ngwen- T Ndlovu, B Randell, S Randell ya, D Peall, R Scheepers, M Schultz, S Snyder 2nd team squad : M Bhebhe, K Bint, I Dhlodhlo, B team : C Butler, T Mabhudu, R Madimure, W Mun- S Dlodlo, G Kadzere, B Williams emo, A Ngorora, T Rance U16 squad : J Allard, T Banhamombe, A Bennie, T Matukutire, M Mazorodze, C Randell, M Small, J Heymans B Watson Tennis Results – All Teams U14 team squad : A Bingley, M Conolly, M Davies, P W D L J Hoard, H Randell, A Ruprecht, D Sargeant, D 1st 7 2 1 4 Small, C Sutton 2nd 7 4 0 3 U16 6 6 0 0 Zimbabwe National Youth Games U15 7 6 0 1 Matabeleland South province hosted the Youth U14 5 5 0 0

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larger oﬀ road section starting and ﬁn- THE START ishing at the gate. This will be split into beginner, social and elite categories. The course will encompass the College campus, Quiet Waters and the wilderness area.

R Mayson was the ﬁrst elite rider over the ﬁnish line, with L Reynolds, the

A record four hundred and thirty-six riders gathered at As- cot shopping centre on the 3rd of July for the 8:00am start. As always, Peter Rol- lason conducted the mass start with his usual eﬃciency, send- STILL THE OLDEST ing the elite riders HOME STRAIGHT MAN IN THE RACE away followed by the rest of the individuals ﬁrst lady, not far behind. George Grey won the Inter- and relay teams. House section followed by Founders and Chubb.

With our regular College organiser, Orlando Fer- Having showered, the cyclists were able to relax with nandes, being unavailable, Pierre and Barbara Hey- a drink from the bar run by the College staff whilst mans took over the reins. They and their team did a waiting for the prize giving. These same staff were fantastic job of the organisation of the College regis- also responsible for setting up the water points, trations, transport and facilities, at short notice. The getting pupils to the start and change overs, collect- College ground staff ensured that the campus was in ing pupils and bikes from change overs and collect- pristine condition. ing waifs and strays along the way. Thanks also go to everyone else involved in the organisation and dona- The young men of T S Matabele provided traffic con- tion of prizes: the ladies of the Parents Committee, trol at the start and all major intersections. The mass Racing Snakes, Ekhaya Cycles, Ivory Lodge, Big Cave of riders soon stretched out over some distance al- Camp, Rusteak, 26 on Park, Star Delta, Leanne Mac- lowing the pupils manning the three water points to bean, Fazaks, Mica, Debbie Dunn, Dwala Insurance hand out donated water from Datlabs and Slurps. Brokers, Judy and Danny Friend and Sue Hawthorne. MARS and the ladies of the San were, as always, in attendance in case of any mishaps. Next year’s Tour SAFETY CAR has been pencilled Our thanks go to Flying Eagles Cycling Club who in for Sunday 1st were responsible for the technical side of the race, July; we hope to having provided registration the day before. As a re- see you for an even sult of the ballooning entries, they have suggested bigger and better that the race be split in 2012; the traditional 56 km race. cycle from Ascot to the College gates, and a possibly

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1ST TEAM Waterpolo Back Row : C Charsley, I Riley, C Friend, D Gibbons, H Swales, L Herscovitz, D Tomlinson Front Row : J Brebner, C Bydawell, M Cripps, Mr J Makola, D Gibbons (Captain), T Rowe, P Swales

FIRST TERM 2011 2011 was always going to be a difficult year for all our teams in waterpolo, simply because all the three teams (U15, U17 and U19) were moving up an age group from the one they played in 2010, coupled with the fact that the only age group where we can boast of numbers is the Open group. 1st week (Saturday 15-01-11) With the lower 6th boys (who form the largest number in the Open group) out in Chimanimani, I was only able to raise one team to play our 1st fixture of D GIBBONS the year away at CBC. All the players available had to play for the First team and although we lost the lower 6th students for our home fixture. The 1st team match the boys gave it their best. R Kemp, Devon posted an easy victory against CBC A 10-4 and our Gibbons, C Taylor, M Ward, T Boshoff and K Zis- 2nd team drew 4-4 with Petra High A (boys) humba were the only 6th formers in the team and I 3RD week (Thursday 27- 01- 11) had to get some players from the U17’s to make up a We played this fixture on a Thursday because Satur- full 1st team: C Friend, B Scheepers in goals, H day 29th January was our 1st Fixture Free. We played Swales, C Charsley and G Fargnoli. away at CBC and the 1st team beat CBC 14-3, while 2nd week (Saturday 22-01-11) the 2nd team beat Petra High (boys) 6-5. We were now back to strength with the return of the 4th week (Saturday 5th-Sunday 6th February 2011)

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The first team took part in the Arthur Gower Trophy thrown in. These are the results: which we hosted. This was a true test for our boys, GROUP who are used to playing one odd fixture against CBC A LOG on a Saturday. They now had to play three tough A B C Total Position games in one day. We finished 3rd and the results A. Oates 3 3 3 1 showed that we are not far from the two top teams, B. Founders 0 0 0 3 especially in the St John’s game when we lost by one C. Tredgold 0 3 3 2 goal in the dying minutes of the match. vs CBC Falcon W 6-5 vs St John's Falcon L 5-7 GROUP vs Lomagundi Falcon W 7-5 B LOG vs Petra Falcon W 10-4 D E F Total Position vs St George's Falcon L 8-10 D. G Grey 0 3 3 1

E. Chubb 3 0 3 2 5th week (12th – 13th February 2011) F. Hervey 0 3 3 3 We travelled to St John’s, Harare, to take part in the ● Positions for Pool B were arrived at Grant Tilley Tournament using goal difference vs Peterhouse Falcon W 14-0 vs St John's Falcon W 6-4 Winner Pool A (Oates) vs 2nd Pool B (Chubb) : vs Lomagundi 4-6 (semi-final) Falcon W 7-5 Winner Pool B (G Grey) vs 2nd Pool A vs St John's (Tredgold) : 0-1 (final) Falcon L 5-7 3rd Pool A (Founders) vs 3rd Pool B (Hervey) :

3-4 Loser semi final 1 (Oates) vs Loser Semi final 2 (G. Grey) : 1-5 Winner Semi final 1 (Chubb) vs Winner Semi final 2 (Tredgold) : 3-4

FINAL POSITIONS 1st Tredgold 2nd Chubb 3rd George Grey 4th Oates 5th Hervey th P SWALES 6 Founders

Sadly we lost to St John’s to finish 2nd in a very fierce- ly contested final having beaten them earlier on in the Group stages of the tournament. Our boys played very well but St John’s, having been used to Shot clocks (30 second possession), controlled possession very well. We need to aim at having our own shot clocks to use at training sessions so that players learn to manage time and avoid needlessly giving away possession.

As the 1st term season was drawing to a close, the last water polo matches for the seniors was the Inter- house competition. There were some interesting matches, especially involving Founders, who didn’t J BREBNER have much depth and some of the rugby guys were

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THIRD TERM 2011 The 1st team travelled to Harare for the Crusader Shield Tournament which was being played on the same day as the National Boys’ Swimming Gala. The tournament started at 1330hrs with the morning being used for the Gala.

Although we won 11-5 against CBC in our 1st match on Saturday, the boys were a bit subdued in the 2nd match against St George’s and we lost 2-9. I personal- ly think that the boys didn’t have enough time to eat a decent meal after the swimming gala and ran out of reserves in the St George’s game.

T ROWE Come Sunday the team was much better, beating Lo- magundi 6-5 and again losing by 1 goal after extra With the Cambridge exams looming, third term is time to St John’s in the last match of the day. Chase always a very short season of Water polo (5 weeks) Charsley, who came in as reserve in the 3rd and 4th and coming from winter, players are always oﬀ the quarters of the St John’s match, played very well. Fal- pace. How nice it would be have a heated pool so con ﬁnished 3rd out of the 5 teams. Results at a that we can train all year round! glance : vs CBC Falcon W 11-5 st 1 week (Saturday 10-09-11) vs St George's Falcon L 2-9 vs Lomagundi Falcon W 6-5 The 2nd team beat CBC U19 B 6-5 and the 1st team vs St John's Falcon L 9-10 won convincingly 10-5 against CBC 1st team.

2nd week (Thursday 17-09-11) 1st team : Devon Gibbons (Captain), P Swales (in In front of the home crowd we hosted the U19 Na- goals), R Kemp, C Bydawell, J Brebner, T Rowe, tional Invitational. Unfortunately Lomagundi pulled C Friend, D Tomlinson, C Charsley, M Cripps. The out at the last minute and only three teams made it to first seven names made up the starting seven players the tournament. The team played very well, especial- for the 1st team. ly in the game against St George’s, who we out- 2nd TEAM; classed scoring 8 goals to 2. Christopher Friend, with B Scheepers (in goals), M Ward, C Taylor, K Zishumba, his powerful swimming, was a cause for concern for Dale Gibbons, T Boshoff, I Riley, H Swales, the opposition and Tyler Rowe scored some beautiful L Herscovitz, (M Swannack and G Fargnoli from the goals. Here are the final results, with Falcon losing U17 side) narrowly to St John’s in extra time to finish 2nd in one The following were selected as Zimbabwe U19 A of the best matches of the season: vs CBC Falcon W 15-5 C BYDAWELL vs St George's Falcon W 8-2 vs St John's Falcon L 6-7

3rd week (Saturday 1-10-11)

The 2nd team took on Petra High (boys) whom they beat 6-1. The match between the Falcon 1st team and CBC 1st was to decide who was going to keep the Hart Trophy and continuing with their form, the lads beat CBC 12-7 to keep the trophy at Falcon.

4th week (Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th October 2001)

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played the Mashonaland sides, the likes of St. John’s, St George’s, Peterhouse and Lomagundi. I am yet to ﬁnd out why this should be the case. However, as 2010 winners of the Accorsi Trophy, we could not quite make it consecutive wins as we would have wished. We managed to down all the Harare giants, beating them convincingly, except for one, namely St John’s College. As a result of our loss to St John’s, we lost the trophy and came second out of eight teams. Generally, we played very well throughout both seasons and are proud of the way in R KEMP which we improved our performance from the 1st to players and will tour South Africa in December for the 3rd term. the SA Inter-provincial tournament: Tyler Rowe, Last but not least, we thank all our supporters, par- Craig Bydawell and Devon Gibbons. Christopher ents, relatives and friends for their ﬁnancial and mor- Friend and Chase Charsley had already been chosen al support. We really appreciate that and look for- for the Zimbabwe U17 A team. ward to a successful 2012 hoping to reclaim the Accorsi Trophy once again. I am glad that the Swimming Gala and Crusader Shield in 2012 will not be held on the same weekend.

The school honoured the following boys for their achievement in water polo;

50 Club : C Friend, C Charsley, T Rowe, J Brebner,

D Tomlinson, M Cripps, P Swales, R Kemp

COLOURS : C Bydawell

HONOURS : Devon Gibbons

I would like to thank Mr Craig Kesson (Seniors B SCHEEPERS Coach) and Mr Michelson (U15 Coach) for the many hours they put in, driving from town 3 or 4 after- Finally, we wish to take this opportunity to thank the noons per week and travelling up to Harare whenev- Kemp family for sponsoring the water polo team er our teams are playing up in Harare. Your time with the Accorsi Trophy kit. We thank you very much. with the boys is greatly appreciated. Squad : C Friend (c), S Armstrong, S Bhasera, C Charsley, G Fargnoli, N Nel, C Oatley, J Makola M Rautenbach, R Rochat, B Scheepers, G Strydom, M Swannack, C Valenza, C van Breda Results : U17 A P 16 W 14 L 2 U17 B P 6 W 5 D 1 L 0 The first term season started slowly, characterised by some losses and draws. The boys gained winning As a team, we congratulate the following boys for energy towards the end and showed improvement. making it to the Zimbabwe Select squad that will be The 3rd Term season was completely different. A travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa, in Decem- good reflection of this is the results of the Accorsi ber 2011. We wish them all the best and hope they Waterpolo Tournament at St John’s College. The boys will raise the Falcon College and the national flags showed great determination and desire to be the best very high and ‘reach for the stars’. in the game of water polo. Their appetite for victory Zimbabwe U17 : C Charsley, G Fargnoli, C Friend, seemed to grow bigger particularly when they

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B Scheepers, M Swannack

M Ncube

The year was not very fruitful for the U15 Waterpolo team. Out of 17 games played, we only won 5. The problem we had is that we lacked depth in the team. There were only 9 regular players and that meant we

substitutes.

Our most profound gratitude goes to Mr Greg Mi- chelson for coaching the team and being with the boys at all their games. We are also grateful for the services rendered by C Bydawell and P Swales during the training sessions.

Squad : L Fargnoli (Captain), L Beahan, A Carrelo, S Hammond, R Herbst, D Landrey, B Michelson, R Oatley, K Sherriﬀs, M Sibanda, N Smit had limited substitutes. Losing 12 games was not a weakness on the part of the team, but due to our lack We would like to congratulate Levi Fargnoli for his of depth. The team members tried their best and selection into the Zimbabwe U15 Team. He will be should be commended for the eﬀort that they put touring South Africa in December. into all their games. Results : P 17 W 5 L 12 We are hoping that in the coming year we will have a bigger pool of players from which we can raise an A S Nyathi/T Ndlovu and B team which would allow us a good backup of

J. MACHIBAYA U6

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Guest Speaker - Mr J McTaggart wanted to fly choppers, forwards, backwards, free to fly like a bird. I walked into the Good Evening Headmaster, Mrs Querl, invited airforce recruiting office, Thornhill, guests and Falcon leavers of 2011. Gweru. The fellow behind the desk looked at me and asked if I was lost. ‘No sir,’ I said, ‘I want Your College years have passed in a flurry of be a pilot?’ He laughed, did I know who Douglas activities: courses attended, grades attained, Bader was - very famous World War 2 pilot who sporting achievements, extra curricular activities, lost both his legs, whilst flying. I was too tall to fly social events and lessons learned. It is hard in military terms. He told me to get out of his to believe that you will be leaving this wonderful office. My dream was shattered. establishment to face new horizons and challenges. Today, I fly and own a helicopter. I dreamed, I made it happen.

Wherever you may ﬁnd yourself and whatever challenge you may choose to follow and If you love something, you’ll bring so much of explore - hold true to what shaped your yourself to it, that it will create your future. yesterdays; acknowledge and appreciate what you are today and dare to be all that you can be Pursue Failure tomorrow! Failure is the ultimate reality check. Be in over your head. Donʹt be afraid to lose; it’s about

What we’re going to talk about tonight, is how to how you lose, because only then will you know live the big life, no matter who you are, no what youʹre made of. You discover your limits matter where you’re from, whether you’re brainy, when you crash up against them. sporty, nerdy, crazy, some or all of the above. Your ability to overcome daily setbacks counts. Experience failure, bounce back harder and The road to success is built on ideas. Don’t confuse smarter and be a winner. ideas with knowledge. Knowledge in the Ask dumb questions. If you feel a question is too modern world is only a click away. Ideas are stupid to ask, you’ve probably stumbled on ﬂames of the imagination. Ideas light up the something everyone needs an answer to! world.

The dumb question cuts to the heart of a problem. Here are a few ideas to think about: “Why are we sailing into an iceberg?”

would have been a good question to ask on the Dreams bridge of the Titanic! It all starts with a dream…

Don’t count the stars, reach for them! Sic atur ad If you obsess about your mistakes, youʹll keep astra. making them. Learn from other people’s mistakes as well. You don’t have time to make Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always them all yourself! remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for “Pursue failure”, doesn’t mean “keep on failing”. It the stars to change the world. means push as close to failure as you You need to dare to dream to be all that you can be dare. And learn from it. Dont make the same mis- tomorrow. There is a very famous take twice. Only Once! military regiment whose motto is “Who Dares Wins”. Their exploits around the world are Avoid Moderation legendary. Don’t wait for your “real” life to begin. Your real Dreams are all about passion. Follow what you life has already started, fuelled by your have a passion for!! Donʹt get sucked into attitude. The right attitude launches you like a following the herd, your peers, the norm or other rocket. people’s expectations. Iʹve always ignored warnings against enthusiasm. Way back, I dreamed of being a helicopter pilot – I Nothing succeeds like excess. Avoid moderation. Be hot, or cold, but not lukewarm.

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The best results happen when you zag while Adults have messed up the planet, so it’s down to everyone else zigs. If you go on doing what has young people, it’s down to you to change always been done, you stay in the same place. things. You are the future.

I started a chrome mining company in 1995 with Philosopher Dan Dennett on happiness: ʺThe two employees – myself and a friend. In secret is to ﬁnd something bigger than yourself 2005 we were the biggest open cast chrome mining and then devote your life to it.ʺ company in Zimbabwe. We employed more than 900 people – we did not stand still, we Think With Your Heart were enthusiastic, we were hot, we had the right attitude. Have any of you heard of the Itadiron – toughest cross country race for man, dog and their Be an Inspirational Player snow sleigh in the world? Everyone knows that the lead husky has the best view. But to get out front you have to learn to trust your instincts and follow your heart.

You use your head to make calculations, and even better to come up with explanations for why you did something. After you’ve done it!

Trouble is most of the decisions we make aren’t rational at all. They are emotional. Once you ﬁgure this out the world changes shape.

A famous scientist once said: reason leads to conclusion; emotion leads to action. He’s right.

Your heart is the compass that points to your happiness, Make the small decisions with your head; the big ones with your heart.

It’s about being the best you can be. Its about mak- When my head has bullied my heart, Iʹve made ing a diﬀerence. mistakes. Be clear about what you value in life. In your heart, you know - or you will know - Being average can get really boring. Being the best what will make you happy. Take you can be, in your mind not in anybody responsibility for getting there. else’s, is a cool thing. It means you don’t get frus- trated, you don’t get bitter, you don’t get I see a lot of bright futures out there. You’ve got cynical and you don’t get jealous. the world at your ﬁnger tips, so no excuses! If you know you’re giving it all you can give - it feels great. No-one can ask for more. You Remember to dream, remember to “zag”, to feel upbeat, positive, optimistic and seriously pursue failure, to be an Inspirational Player and happy. to think with your heart - and the Big Life will be all yours. To be the best you can be takes a higher road than leadership. It takes Inspiration, which I leave you with these words: unlocks your potential, and the potential of You have brains in your head. everyone you touch. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. The greatest thing you can do with your life is to Youʹre on your own. be an inspiration to others. To help them do And you know what you know. the things they thought were just beyond their You are the guy whoʹll decide where to go. grasp. Thank you. That takes courage – but in turn transforms your life with fun and adventure, passion and Mr John McTaggart commitment. None of us is as strong as all of us.

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Gentlemen, go out into this world and reach your full potential, everyone here is capable of doing so. I mean, amongst us we’ve got the next Eminem, Josh Rex aka J- Reezy. We’ve also got the next representative of USN - Nigel Zonde and far behind him, but with fewer results, Brad Querl! To the staff: without your guidance over the years, we would not be what we are today. You have moulded the men you see in the blue and white. And I say to you, be proud. And for this I can only Good evening Mr McTaggart, ladies and gentlemen say thank you and thank you again. and my fellow leavers. Firstly I would like to thank A few years ago was my next attempt at breaking the Mr McTaggart for speaking to us with such inspiring 400m sprint record (don’t worry Mr Querl, this time words. it was on Founders Day). I walked up to the starting Six years ago, driving through the gates for the first line with butterflies bashing my stomach, and the time, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew no-one, adrenaline pumping. I looked up and saw the all too had no friends. I was basically starting a new life. I famous face of Mr. Grant or ‘Deege’. He walked up blamed my parents for this. to me with starting gun in hand and a cheeky smile But six years later, here I am tonight, with a whole and said hall full of my friends, my ‘homies’, my brothers. ‘You know Robbie. I have always started these And for this I thank you mom and dad. races, But I have never finished To the class of 2011, this night is one’. about you, this night is about us So with the butterflies and adrena- remembering the good and the bad line, I now had confidence. So I times over the years, which have ran, I ran hard, and came second – formed the bond we have, and to second last. laugh about some of the situations And lastly to my leavers: life is for some of us have been in. us to live to the fullest, with no re- I remember my first attempt at a grets and to its full potential. In record breaking 400m sprint was closing I want to leave you with a back in form 1 running back from quote: “Life is limitless except for the pool after my first night swim, the limits we set ourselves; live what Mr. Randle would call without limits.” ‘starkers’. Thank you. These are the memories which we must hold onto and cherish. But Robbie Sargeant it’s not all about what has happened in the past, but what we have in store for us in the future. The talent and potential in this room is like a jack in the box, waiting to be opened and explored.

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scenario given the spectacular speeds these birds travel at. The young falcons are so sought after, by falconers, because they are physically superb; they are gentle yet also lethal and conﬁdent predators; they are the epitome of wildness but settle surprisingly quickly after having been trapped. Possibly the most important characteristic they possess is youthful exu- berance – that quality which can make passage falcons both exhilarating and frustrating, because their

The most spectacular avian predators are falcons. The Peregrine is the Rolls Royce of falcons. Peregrine means “wanderer” and indeed this is a characteristic of the species which has inspired one of the names that has been adopted by falconers to describe the first-year birds which have been so sought after by falconers for thousands of years – passage falcons. Passage falcons are those birds that have reached a point of independence from their parents and the home nest site and are ready to embark upon life’s first epic journey. Passage falcons fly thousands of limited experience makes them shun nothing and kilometres in their first season of independence and avoid no confrontation. No point can ever be this first foray into the world is obviously both excit- reached, in the life of a falconer, where passage falcons ing and brimming with potential hazards. Quite don’t quicken the heartbeat and inspire the mind. apart from the natural hazards that they must face, there are also fences and overhead lines that will I would like parents and staff to rise and drink a toast spell disaster if they are flown into – not an unlikely to this year’s crop of passage falcons – the leavers of 2011. May they fly high and strong but be aware always, of the many fences and overhead lines which may be in their path. The leavers of 2011.

Mr Pierre Heymans

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had a profound impact on many of the young men, and our foreign students (around 50% of the group) were constantly amazed by the diversity and quality of Zimbabweans in general and their ‘make a plan’ mentality, which is a key aspect of the experiential learning at Quest.

Quest Africa is now gearing up for its third year of operations with a maximum intake of 28 young men on its core programme expected to begin in February 2012. Our second intake of 24 young ‘Questers’ grad- uated on 19th August 2011, at a luncheon attended by some 120 parents, staﬀ and friends, where Tim John- son of the Beit Trust made a powerful commence- ment address. The 2011 intake was a highly energetic group of young men, who contributed successfully to As has already become tradition, the team spent a the development of Quest in terms of the infrastruc- fortnight at Hwange and Victoria Falls in July, where ture, community projects and technology. ‘You Tube’ they gained work experience ranging from crocodile videos and weekly blogs are two of Quest’s new fea- handling to game capture to pastry confection, in lo- tures and our revamped website www.quest-africa.com cations such as the Croc Farm, Zambezi National now receives some ﬁfty visitors per day as a result. Park and the Brown’s hotel, to name a few.

Will and Cindy Schultz must be congratulated on Gary Hattle facilitated the inaugural Project Manage- another incredibly successful year of 24/7 guidance, ment module at Quest in March which provided the supervision and ‘tough love,’ where results are skills necessary to car- judged, not by academic ranking, but by the valuable ry out the various pro- growth in conﬁdence, worldliness and maturity dis- jects undertaken by the played by all of those graduating during 2011, as group this year. Gary attested to by their family and friends. The Schultzs is the project manager have had invaluable support from the headmaster for Kusile power sta- and CEO of the College along with many members of tion in South Africa, staﬀ, as well as back-up from Nigel Kuhn and Ross which will be the larg- Ford who assisted on the Core and Spring pro- est power station in the grammes respectively. Southern Hemisphere when it begins opera- The Core Programme. tion. The students We were also fortunate to have many local and re- were also fortunate gional ‘luminaries’ visit Quest to address the group enough to have Falcon during the year. Farmer/businessman, Strath Brown, teachers, Debbie Kelly and leading African guide, Garth Thompson, both and Dave Grant speak-

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ing on guiding and the history of the Esigodini area the same time. respectively. Other speakers came from far and wide, including Harare, Bulawayo and South Africa. Quiet Waters provided the backdrop for the students’ GPS

Kay Kondonis from PACMED came out to facilitate the Advanced First Aid course which places an emphasis on natural hazards, such as snakes, spiders, and wildlife incidents, and in so doing, is both interesting and necessary for those wishing for careers in Zimbabwe’s wilder places.

Rudi Jordaan from Bulawayo headed up the Land Rover rebuild as well as giving an overview on general vehicle mechanics to the students, while Falcon parents Richard and Sheila Dodington came out to Quest at various times to teach the basics of construc- and Map reading practical lessons before the group tion and cookery respectively. Craig Hattle facilitated went on expeditions to the Bubye Conservancy, the business simulations, which tied in with the pro- Cawston Game Ranch, Matopos, Hwange and jects assigned to the different groups. These included Victoria Falls. Activities such as hunting and guid- a Land Rover re-build, the cattle project, the upgrading, road-building, hiking, biking, white water rafting of the Quiet Waters game boma, the construction ing, as well as twenty kilometre route marches were of a recreational area, the publication of a mini bird carried out during these expeditions. guide and the erection of the new wooden deck. The Quest students proved their newly formed men- Touch rugby in the evening on Main Field at Falcon tal and physical endurance on various sports circuits became a regular activity with more interaction this and competitions. In the challenging annual Iron Will year between Quest and Falcon senior boys. competition, Quest teams came 4th 5th, 7th, 9th and 10th ‘Questers’ also teamed up with Jacqui Stewart and the and were overall Under 23 men’s winners. Falcon Art department to assist with the numerous On the rugby field Quest beat a Busters team 38 masks needed for The Lion King production. Educa- points to 36; showed their tenacity and sportsman- tional psychologist Felicity van der Ruit was a regu- ship at the Chegutu Touch Bowl tournament and ac- lar visitor to Quest, handling the MBTI personality quitted themselves very well at the Springvale touch and career path tests as she does with Falcon boys. rugby tournament. Jacqui Stewart and Sue Stone proved indispensable throughout the programme with their input on Building. speaking and debating, and fitness respectively. New additions to the Quest campus in 2012 included a teak deck on the main boma overlooking the weir; a In June, Quest hosted its first ‘Fun Day’ which was student recreational centre adjacent to the tented attended by many Falcon staff, parents and the Bula- camp and the new Technical Centre, a valuable addi- wayo public. This was a great success and provided tion to the campus, which will allow for onsite tech- an exercise in event management and marketing at nical training, ranging from vehicle mechanics, to

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electrical, plumbing ‘Questers’ and it will and construction. be taking on a full work. core programme in 2012. Stock horses are Spring Programme an integral part of the 2011 beef and buffalo The inaugural Quest breeding systems at Spring Programme ran Kaba, where young from September to De- men have the oppor- cember 2011, and for tunity to become pro- the first time the in- ficient riders and take included both horse handlers; herd young men and wom- cattle and buffalo; en. This was a very check game fences; successful programme and attracted members from perform game counts New Zealand, Australia, Botswana, South Africa, and conduct guided Kenya and the UK. The smaller group travelled to horse trails. There is Nigel Hough’s Binga croc farm where it spent a night also a focus on the on a kapenta rig. Closer to home the team was in- marine and inter-tidal volved in fighting a bush fire which threatened the zone which offers a Quiet Waters reserve. The newly revamped boma, vast arena for exciting to which the Spring ‘Questers’ attached plastic sheet- activities and learning ing whilst hailstones fell, held the newly introduced experiences. These include whale and dolphin Wildebeest bull which was captured and translocat- watching, a visit to St Croix Island and deep-sea fish- ed by the group for Quiet Waters. There were also sev- ing. A seven day Wild Coast expedition was the cul- eral other game capture expeditions which took place. mination of the sea experience which included sur- viving from natural resources. This involved fishing, Schools. diving, and gathering from rocks and beaches. It is Lomagundi and Chisipite were among a number of expected that the first Falcon boys will attend Kaba in schools who travelled to Quiet Waters to fulfil practi- 2013. cal assignments for leadership training and O level projects in which Falcon and Quest staff combined to Mr H Leared

produce widely praised programmes.

Quest, Kaba. The Quest Franchise in Kaba, on the Eastern Cape coast, completed its ﬁrst year with a marine course which was attended by some of our Falcon

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Quiet Waters has been the scene of extremes this year, with very busy and frenetic periods and periods of quiet. In the space of one week, we fought a major bush ﬁre which managed to reach the eastern section of Quiet Waters and we experienced a hail storm which arrived in the middle of the erection of sheeting for the revamped game boma. The bush clearing exercise, which we started last year, has slowed down somewhat with other more pressing matters. Some of the areas requiring more intensive labour are not feasible with regards relative expense. Plans have been put in place to utilise ma- MBONISA WEIR chinery speciﬁc to bush clearing and this will be put into action in 2012, along with controlled burning well as Mike Stone and his men. measures similar to last year. With regards wildlife, there have been both ups and On the positive side, we introduced a wildebeest downs depending on how one views the situation. bull, kindly donated by Mr Peter Johnson (SP), to the We have had regular visits by both male and female ‘lonely’ cows resident in Quiet Waters. The cows leopard, accompanied by young which are now have been without the attentions of a male for numerous years. We look forward to some youngsters in the next season, plus a more proactive stance with regards further introduction of game.

In an unusual occurrence, Brown Hyena were photo- graphed in Quiet Waters by Jack Randle who in-

around the age of independence. This is wonderful in one respect but also meant more than nor- FIRE BREAK mal depletion of other wildlife including impala, bushbuck, and young zebra, besides the less stalled a night camera in various locations in the noticeable smaller species. park, and there have been quite a number of diurnal Some game was lost, having broken through the observations of Bush Pig. game fence when a large bush fire, which started in the resettled Essexvale Ranch area, encroached on Despite a hectic year with many visitors to both Quiet Waters. This occurred despite Quest students Quest and Pumula sites, management of the park has fighting the fire in an eleven hour marathon through moved along steadily, with ongoing bush clearing, to midnight, with assistance from Pete Stewart as introduction of more roads, more bolsters to suit, and

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that made up the existing game boma. With teeth chattering and ﬁngers shaking the co-ed course erect- ed the boma sheeting in a hail storm so our wildebeest bull could be released under observation. After a week, the gate was opened and it ambled out in its own time in healthy condition.

Other areas of work which are now standard included road works and bush clearing. A more unusual project included the production of USANDISA “The Incomplete Guide to Birding” with a humour- ous bent speciﬁc to birds of Quiet Waters. Included in the guide are mammal, snake, rodent, and an elab- the game fence having been completed. Besides on- orated bird list for the use of both students and visi- going maintenance, this included ﬁnal restraining tors to Quiet Waters alike. where needed, insulators being replaced where necessary, and an extra line of standards being installed Quiet Waters has once again entertained a broad along our northern boundary, which does not have spectrum of groups, ranging from pupils attending Falcon ground on the outside of it. the cultural weekend through to regular school outings, with Chisipite being a new addition on the en- More mountain bike tracks and walking trails have vironmental study side. To this end we will be enter- been added both inside and outside the immediate taining even more students from around the country Quiet Waters area. in 2012.

As far as development at Quest is concerned, a fur- The WEZ meeting was once again held in Quiet Wa- ther three tented chalets were added to the five con- ters, with the gathering being hosted at Quest this structed in 2010. Quest students played an active role year. in the other areas of construction which included the addition of a deck to the main lodge area, and con- Besides those already mentioned, I would like to struction of a recreation area for specific use by the thank Pete Stewart and the Falcon maintenance team tented chalet residents, whether it be students, par- as well as Joan Bancroft, Jo Gous, and Laraine Oost- ents, or visitors to Falcon and Quiet Waters. huizen at the Falcon office. I would also like to thank A large shed was constructed not only for the use of Reg and Martha Querl as well as Gordon and Quest students’ technical acumen but also to service Heather Macdonald for their support and assistance. the mechanical and storage needs of Quiet Waters in Thank you also to the Falcon Board, with Harvey general, and we would like to thank Andrew Brown, Leared and John McTaggart playing an active role. Andre Zietsman, and Piet Botha for their contribu- Thanks to Ross Ford who was available where ever tions to this exercise. needed, and of course, my wife Cindy.

Plans have been formulated for new development to W Schultz take place at Pumula camp site in line with our outdoor student training programme, but still keeping in mind maintaining the rustic ambience of the site. In the interim, Gordon MacDonald has kept the Pumula site and picnic sites in pristine condition.

Various projects were undertaken by two courses of Quest students this year for the beneﬁt of Quiet Wa- ters which included the cutting, collection and plac- ing of mopane poles to replace the old rotten ones

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As you may know, the Falcon Old Boys’ Society re- of the school magazine when it is published in launched its local branch last year. Our primary ob- March/April 2012. We will continue to send our jective has been to reopen lines of communication newsletters to the database and websites free of with Old Boys around the world and keep them charge! abreast of progress and events at Falcon. To this end, Any surplus funds generated by our activities will be we have grown the database from 400 to over 1,100 donated to the school and we will publish our ac- Old Boys and established a Facebook page which has counts annually to all paid up members. Our over- around 800 friends of the school, mostly Old Boys. In head is minimal so we would envisage that a large addition, a number of successful events have been proportion of the funds will be donated to the school. held, including a well supported golf day in March, a If you wish to make a payment this can be done as touch rugby tournament in the winter term and a follows: 20/20 cricket tournament in September. ZIMBABWE: CABS: FALCON COLLEGE: TOUCH RUGBY VS PETERHOUSE 2011 Account 9014963254 INTERNATIONAL: If you’d like to pay for your Falcon annual subscription for 2012 by credit card please go onto www.paypal.com and follow the simple instructions to set up an email account which is quick and easy. Then you make your payment of US$42 to [email protected] . (Please note Pay pal charge approx 5% for credit card payments so you pay a total of $42 which will cover the 5% fee). Should you wish to make any kind of further

donation to FOB please add the donation amount to the $42 above. Any donations above the stipulated amount would be most welcome! Please remember to send your address and some news of yourself to Sue Hawthorne at falconoﬃ[email protected] so that we can include in the magazine and send you a copy early next year. Lastly, please would Zimbabwe based Old Boys note that our next gathering will be the annual golf day which will take place at Royal Harare on 16th March 2012.

Mike Lashbrook Chairman – Falcon Old Boys, Zimbabwe

Our team primarily consists of Old Boys and parents of the school who give of their time on a voluntary basis. We have been ably supported by the Falcon Harare oﬃce and would now like to pay our share of the running expenses of this oﬃce. To this end we propose an annual membership fee (Jan-Dec 2012) of $40 to become a member of the Falcon Old Boys Soci- ety and in return for which we will post you a copy

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1960’s ‘permanent’ status is a bit of a misnomer! Andrew Sowerby (Oates ’60). After careers in the 1970’s Merchant Marine, British Telecom (UK) and as a Walter Hart (Founders ’70). Walter lives in Cape flight instructor, Andrew now has a business devel- Town and sent us the following story.“I have recent- oping PC and mobile app software for professional ly been part of an unusual situation. I needed to have pilots worldwide – in case anyone is interested! He surgery on my sinuses which had been troubling me lives near Bedford in the UK. for some time. I went to see Dr Paul Crosland, an Ear James Ward (Hervey ’60). James ran the Wattle Com- Nose and Throat surgeon at Vincent Pallotti Hospital pany and is now a member of the Tanganda Board, in Cape Town. I then had to have a scan which was involved in our country’s economy. He has recently done by Dr Andy Du Toit at Constantiaberg Hospi- been in Chile where he met another Old Boy, Roger tal. I was booked in for surgery on Wed 7th Septem- Kelly. ber and the Anesthetist was Dr Piers Harrington. Tim Tanser (Founders then George Grey ’62). Tim is What’s unusual?All of us were at Falcon College at married and has three grown children: Frank (39 – the same time and in fact in the same class, except for FoB – three children), Vanessa (37 – two children) Piers who was one year ahead. I canʹt imagine too and Danny (32 - FoB – one son). He is a lawyer and many times that the whole medical team and the pa- lives in Harare. Tim has been on the Falcon College tient were all at school together at exactly the same Board for twenty years and was chairman for four time!” years. He is the National Chairman of the History Hart, Du Toit (Head Boy) and Harrington: Found- Society of Zimbabwe and the Chairman of the Na- ers; Crosland: Oates (70) tional Trust of Zimbabwe. He runs a smallholding in Walter Hart (Founders ’70) and Rob Guest Nyanga and is an Elder in the Baptist Bible Church. (Tredgold ’70). I undertook this exciting adventure Roland Heuff (Oates ’63). Roland and his wife Dot with Rob Guest, who now lives in Manila, Philip- have recently sold up in Westville (KZN) and moved pines, but who was at school with me at Falcon Col- to Howick near Midmar. At the age of 68 he is still as lege in the late 60’s. The mountain is in a range called fit as ever and will be doing triathlons this year as a the Ruwenzori in west Uganda (also known as ‘The change from swimming galas! Mountains of the Moon’) which is the highest moun- David Lawrence (Tredgold ’66). David relocated tain range in Africa. Both Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. with his wife, very reluctantly, from Johannesburg to Kenya (which are slightly higher) are stand alone ex- Dublin in 2001, having been involved as a consultant tinct volcanoes, whilst the Ruwenzori is an extensive to a successful firm since July 2000 on the negotia- range of massifs. The actual peak we climbed is Mt. tions for the €750m Dublin Port Tunnel, which was Weismann at 4 620m, which is the 10th highest in Af- awarded in January 2001. The Project, a twin motor- rica, of which 6 are in the Ruwenzori range alone, and way tunneling system (2No.x 12m diameter x 5000m) most just within a few hundred metres height of each other. designed primarily to take all the Heavy Goods Vehi- We arrived rather naively at the base camp, Kasese cles off the very congested streets of Dublin, passing (1,450m), without any proper understanding of what from the harbour underground to the ring motorway we were going up against. When we saw two guides system at Dublin airport, was officially opened in De- and another four porters to support us on the climb, cember 2006. He remained in Ireland until October we began to realize this was not going to be a walk in 2009, closing out all the contractual issues, at which the park. The first day was only about six hours but a time he moved into a part-time role in the Isle of very steady upward trek that took its toll. That night Man, (retiring on the 31st August last year), where he the temperature dropped to below freezing and I re- and his wife currently live on a theoretically full time alized that my old Zambezi Valley sleeping bag was basis. However, with a grand-son in London; two just not going to cut it. Day Two was more of the grand-daughters in Johannesburg and another one at same, a steady upward slog of seven hours that took Zithulele (near Hole-in-the-Wall in the old Transkei) us from 3,200m to 3,600m and we experienced for the and another on the way – due in February - the first time walking through the so-called bog. We had

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been advised to purchase gum boots and without them we would have struggled. It was extremely hard going as with every step your foot sinks into mud as much as six inches deep, and occasionally more! Fortunately long bamboo walking poles given to us at the Rangers’ Hut at the start assisted tremendously. Day Three was another seven hours, taking us up and down, and eventually to our camp at 4,000m, but was again tough going through bog patches and quite steep scrambles. We were both quite ﬁt but a combination of high altitude and constant climbing had us breathing hard at times and collapsing at night. Day Four we were up at 4am to prepare for the summit ascent which started in the dark and it got light only as we hit the start of the ﬁnal stage of the ascent. Four hours of focused climbing in minus degrees eventually got us to the top, in snow and ice, at minus 11 degrees, on 15th January 2011. Unfortunately there was not much to see as the snow and ice was swirling around us but we got our Walter Hart and Rob Guest at the summit of Mount brag pictures and slapped backs before heading Weissman down. This proved even more potentially treacher- ous than the ascent, as your weight bears down and feet can easily slip away from you on the wet, smooth rocks.

Once we were down the main climb section, which took around two hours, we had a further ten hour trek down to Camp 4 at 3,700m. After the euphoria of the summit, this day was long and hard as it started raining as well. We decided to combine days 5 and 6 in order to get back sooner and so left early the next day and put our heads down for what became another twelve hour grind back to base camp. Cold beers and a glorious shower (we did not wash at all for the ﬁve days) were bliss, and we parted company with our great team. Looking at the photos now, which Rob and I took, we trekked and climbed through some absolutely beautiful scenery but we hardly noticed this at the time.

On exiting the National Park we checked the register and only around 300 people have trekked the southern route of the Ruwenzori since it opened up about 18 months ago (after civil war in the area) and we did Walter Hart and Rob Guest, on the climb (40 years not see another name from Southern Africa, and deﬁ- after leaving Falcon!) nitely not from Zimbabwe, so we think we may be Justin Wynn (George Grey ’70). Justin lives in Ade- the ﬁrst Southern Africans to have summited Mt. laide, South Australia and runs a small Carbon Man- Weismann. agement Consultancy. He has three children (the youngest being four years old!)

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Hugh England (Oates ’70). Hugh lives in Hawaii, is ma and two children, where he runs the winery. married and has a 16 year old son. Those who tasted the wines – they are under the Painted Wolf label – can vouch for their excellence. Julian Pellatt (Hervey ‘73). Julian took early retire- But, in addition, Jeremy’s company donates a per- ment from Cheshire County Council, UK, after 25 centage of its profits to the various agencies which years of local government service. He retired as Di- work in Southern Africa to protect the endangered Painted rector of Environment (the only one in the UK with a Dog, and works closely with them in their endeavours. degree in English & History!), then took up an ap- pointment as a full-time senior lecturer at the Univer- sity of Chester Business School, teaching marketing, tourism and events management at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His wife is Pat to whom he has been married for 33 years (nee Stokes, Townsend, 1973; UCT, 1977). Julian has resumed his music career and is playing gigs on the local circuit. He is a silver ʹCʹ glider pilot flying his own Twin Astir 2- seater at every opportunity. He recently had Charles Walker (George Grey, 1973) to stay - first time they had seen each other since leaving Falcon! He took him up for his first glider flight which he enjoyed!

Julian is occasionally in contact with Mike Dennys, Jeremy Borg at the Etiquette Society dinner, 2011 Kevin Atkinson, Keith Woodall, Ross Grant, and Paul Moseley (all Founders, 1973). He has a son, 1980’s Richard, now a doctor in Bristol, and daughter, An- Walter Douie (Hervey ‘83). He visited the College nie, working in a neurobiology laboratory, also in Bristol. recently and below is a picture of him next to a photograph of his grandmother Mrs. Douie, Andrew Steyn (Tredgold ’77). Andrew lives in who accompanied her brother Lord Llewellyn at the Ohio, USA and works in sales for a global manufac- opening of the College in January 1954. turer of textiles for the hospitality industry. His eld- Walter was visiting Falcon from England where he est son, Alastair, is serving in the Navy of the US De- works as a Consultant Surgeon. fense Force in the Medical Corps. His two younger His younger brother Chris (Junior House -78; sons, Trevor and Patrick, continue on in the school- Hervey ‘84) works as a General Practitioner in New Zealand. ing system in Ohio. He keeps in touch with ‘Cheeky’ Fenton Wells (Oates) who works for BP in the oil industry and Paul Soutter (George Grey) who works as CFO in a major hotel chain in the Caribbean. Jon- athan Lane (Tredgold) is based out of London and they also keep in touch.

Jeremy Borg (Founders ’78). Jeremy, who runs a winery, visited the College for the ﬁrst time since 1978, when he was the guest speaker at the annual Etiquette Society dinner. He was able to spend 3 days exploring and revisiting old haunts, and was hugely impressed by all he met and saw. He was a wonder- Walter Douie. ful guest speaker, and a generous one, since not only did he give members and their guests the chance to Paul Davis (Chubb ’88). At the end of 2011 Paul will taste some of his wines at a tasting before the dinner, complete his 3rd year of Headmastering at Ruzawi. but he also provided the wines for the dinner. He He has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and is very lives in Paarl in the Western Cape, with his wife Em- excited and humbled to be taking Ruzawi forward in

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these very stimulating times. His three children – Jes- working at all levels for the best collective interest of sica (Peterhouse Girls), Sean (Springvale House) and hunters in Europe and conservation in general. This Samantha (Springvale House) are doing well and requires a good background in conservation and con- continually keep him on his toes! Paul’s brother, siderable diplomacy to manage various competing Mark (Oates ‘82), is still involved in the clothing in- interests. Whilst it is a long way from the dustry in Los Angeles and is happily married and Mulungwani Hills, the formative years at Falcon has two children. His brother, Garth (1980-84 Oates have played a big role in having the skills to do the and Chubb in 84), is in the property market in Perth job, not least being a member of the Falcon College and is happily married with two boys. (& Zimbabwe) Falconers Club but also having the 1990’s privilege of being mentored by the late Ron Hart- ley. In international falconry circles, Angus works Gareth Macdonald (Founders ’92). Gareth continues closely with the International Association for Falcon- to live in Japan, where he has been for nearly 10 ry and the Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF), years. He works mostly in a university in Nagoya, whose Secretary is Adrian Lombard (George Grey teaching English to adults, which he enjoys as some 1971?). of his pupils are Toyota executives and Chinese pro- fessors. He was in Zimbabwe in March for a family gathering, when he renewed his love for the African Pacharo Msuku (Hervey ’94). Pacharo is married bush, and plans to travel at Christmas 2011, to Tou- with one child and has been working as an IT Audi- louse, where his partner, Garance, has her family tor for the past 12 years. home. Charles Murray (Founders ’95). Charles is married to Helen (nee Borrill) and they have a seven year old daughter, Kara Storm. He has been serving in the British army since 1997 and is currently a Warrant Oﬃcer based in Larkhill near Stonehenge.

Travers Menhinick (Tredgold ’95). Travers lives in the UK and is a civilian maintenance engineer. He is married to Claire (nee Murray – sister of Charles Murray – Founders ’95) and they have a son, Sam.

Gareth Rawlins (Tredgold ‘96). Gareth lives in Ha- rare, working for Olomide Trading P/L as a director, making cigarettes for the Southern African region. Stuart Rawlins (Tredgold ‘96). Stuart is married to Gareth Macdonald working with the Novices Socie- Megan, living in North Carolina, USA. He works for ty. Geico Insurance Company as a Senior Claims Ad-

justor and he and his wife are expecting a baby boy Andrew Rawlins (Tredgold ‘93). Andrew recently in February 2012. started a regional transport company and commutes David Thompson (‘Thomo’) (Founders ’98). David between Harare and Bulawayo. spent a year in Harare after leaving Falcon and worked with Zambezi Holidays, after which he went Angus Middleton (George Grey ‘94). Angus is the to Pretoria for his tertiary studies. He completed a Chief Executive of the Federation of Associations for four year Professional Psychology Degree and then Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE). This is went on to complete his Masters Degree in Counsel- an international NGO based in Brussels that brings ling Psychology. Both of these were completed at the together the national hunting associations of 38 coun- University of Pretoria. David has been working for tries in Europe including all the EU27 and represent- Varsity College in Pretoria for the past ﬁve years, in- ing the interests of over 7 million European hunters. tially as the Student Relations Manager and currently The position involves managing a Secretariat in Brussels and as the Careers Centre Coordinator.

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Campbell McCallum (Founders ’99). Campbell is in toria studying for a BSC in sports science where he the British SAS, has been for some time now and at qualified in 2009. He currently works at Pretoria present he is with his troop on duty in Afghanistan. Boys’ High School as their Strength and Conditioning specialist, where he had the pleasure of meeting the Falcon College rugby team at the St Stithian’s rugby 2000 and hockey festival, and saw Mr Querl and Mr Grant. Pretoria Boys’ High School will be touring Viran Parmar (Hervey ‘00). Viran finished his studies Zimbabwe next year and will be playing all the Zim- at Waikato Institute of Technology and is now cur- babwe Schools and he says it will be exciting playing rently working in Auckland as an Architectural Tech- against Falcon! nician. Simba Gandari (Founders ’04). Simba is in Chicago Dr Mike Hodges (College Doctor 95-’03). Known as and works as a Senior Program Associate for an or- the ‘vet’ to all, Mike and his wife live on the East ganization called Urban Initiatives which is a health Coast of Australia, in Coffs Harbour, a lovely coastal and education soccer program. They use soccer as a town famous for its banana plantations. Mike is still tool to teach children from underprivileged commu- practising medicine, but has his sights set on retire- nities the importance of eating healthily and development within a few years. ing positive habits.

Gareth Hodges (George Grey ’03). Gareth (the ‘vet’s Graeme Sharp (George Grey ’04). After a gap year son!) has been living in Perth since leaving Zimba- in RSA, Graeme pursued a degree in Adventure bwe. Gareth did a two year stint, after completing a Tourism Management in New Zealand and returned Business Degree in Perth, in a remote mining town to Zimbabwe where he ran Ruckomechi Safari Camp called Tom Price (North West WA – Pilbara region) for 2 years with Wilderness Safaris. He is currently in while working at the Iron Ore mine owned and run the United States, in California, where he is continu- by Rio Tinto. He is working as an Operation Analyst ing his studies for an MBA. Graeme still plays rugby (Management A/c) working towards his CPA. at club level, both when in New Zealand and now in the USA. He follows the developments of the College Warren Furphy (Hervey ’03). Warren is happily liv- with interest and awaits news of a USA Old Boys’ ing in Broken Hill NSW, Australia with his fiancée function at some stage soon! Graeme looks forward Penny Kempton and they await the birth of their first to returning to Zimbabwe as soon as the opportunity child in March 2012. He is now working as a Police presents itself. Officer for the NSW Government after the global financial collapse, and enjoys his job tremendously. Ayanda Khumalo (TK) (George Grey ’04). Ayanda is currently the Worship Pastor at Bulawayo Baptist Andrew McTaggart (George Grey ‘03). Andrew Church and also a recording, songwriting Christian completed a Sports Science (Hons) degree at the Uni- Artist who travels across Southern Africa and the versity of Pretoria. He worked at Falcon for a short world leading musical worship. At the time of writ- period and then moved to the UK where he worked ing, Ayanda was in the USA on a tour to Boston, Tex- at one of the big hotels in St Andrew’s, Scotland and as, California and Georgia. He also assists other played rugby for the local team, Madras, and then for Christian artists and helps in raising funds for the the University of St Andrew’s first team. This sum- less privileged. He has recorded 2 albums and is mer Andrew went across to New York for a 2 month working on the next project called ‘Silence is working holiday and then returned to London where Enough’. he is now working for a new company, called Athlet- ic Squared. Ross McTaggart (George Grey ’05). Ross went to the University of Pretoria and completed a Sports Sci- Matthew Nesbitt (George Grey ’03). After 2 years ence degree. Since then he has been working on vari- of taking a break from studying and seeing a bit of ous cruise ships, all fitted out with state of the art the world, Matthew enrolled at the University of Pre- gyms - and, of course, he is travelling the world.

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Ngobile Mpala (Oates ’06). Ngobile is currently OLD BOYS WHO HAVE SONS AT FALCON: playing professional football for the University of Paul Bennie (1981) Pretoria. Mark Butler (1983) Geoﬀ Dollar (1983) Richard Fenner (Oates ’07). Richard is a QlikView Doug Follwell (1987) Developer (Business Intelligence IT) for a company Kevin Franceys (1986) called Compliant Community Projects in Johannes- Neil Hammond (1987) burg. He has been working there for 3 years. Brian Hawthorne (1976) Willem J van Heerden (Founders ’08). Willem is go- Stephen Peall (1987) ing into his second year at Brigham Young Universi- Jonathan Pretorius (1979) ty in Idaho, USA where he is studying for a degree in Anthony Randell (1978) Agribusiness, Plant and Animal Science with an Mark Randell (1976) Agronomy and Agriculture Technology emphasis. Derek Rochat (1980) Takudzwa Gonese (Oates ’08). Takudzwa is cur- Andre Scheepers (1991) rently doing a Hotel Management Course through Piers Taylor (1967) Meikles Hotel. It is a 2 year course which he started Tawanda Ushewokunze (1991) in February 2011. Des van Jaarsveldt (1971)

Tamuka Singano (George Grey ’09). Tamuka is currently studying Economics and Marketing at Monash University in South Africa Should any F.O.B’s wish to contact any of the above Dirk E van Heerden (Founders ’10). Dirk has been please can contact Sue Hawthorne at called to serve a Mission in March for two years in falconoﬃ[email protected] and she will contact the the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission for the F.O.B on your behalf. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

VISITS TO THE COLLEGE BY OLD BOYS DUR- ING 2011: Apart from those Old Boys who attended Old Boys’ weekend during the second term, the following visited the College some time during the year: Mark Hankey (1978) Jeremy Borg (1978) Joe Whaley (1969) Ross Waghorn (2004) Graeme Dollar (1989) Oscar Mitumbili (1988) ‘Nok’ Nkala (1992) Gary Dodd (1975) Walter Douie (1983) Cuen Meredith (2002) ? Rockingham-Gill (?) Andrew Waller (1977) Andrew Whittall (1991) Ross Canter (1993) Gavin Canter (1990)

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PETER STEYN (Staff 1961 – 70) has sent in this account Somewhere along the line there seems to have been a of the 11th Peregrination of a stalwart group of early Fal- reversal of roles – it didn’t seem right for a former con Old Boys of 1957 – 1962 vintage. member of staff to arise at sunrise each day to pro- Having missed a 2010 Peregrination for a variety of vide hot water for coffee while his former pupils reasons, we were more than ready for our 11th trip in were all still snoring in their sleeping bags! 14 years. In the 2009 issue of The Falcon an outline On 26 October 2011 we assembled early at Rob was given of the nature of our trips and the various Wantenaar’s house to load final baggage and by 6.30 destinations to which we have travelled over the a.m. were on the road north. This year’s nine-day years since 1998. itinerary included first Mokala National Park near Kimberley, and then Witsand Nature Reserve in the Kalahari midway between Griekwastad and Grobler- shoop. Carnarvon was our destination for our first night, a long drive, so we stopped for a welcome hotpot and sandwich brunch at the historic graveyard at Matjiesfontein. One of our objectives while in Kim- berley was a tour of the Second Boer War battle sites, and only later were we to learn why General Wau- chope of the Black Watch was buried here instead of at Magersfontein where he was killed, but it is a story too complex to relate here. Our typical Karoo hotel in Carnarvon was character- The members of the 11th Peregrination near the Black Watch Memorial at Magersfontein. ised by having the walls of its pub, as well as an ad- Left to right: Rob Windsor, Peter Steyn, Rod Whyte, Rob Thirkettle, joining room, lined with many thousands of empty Malcolm Ross, Pip Longden, Rob Wantenaar and Roger Thomas. beer cans from around the world. Next morning we continued our journey and, as was our practice, we There were eight participants on the 11th Peregrina- chose roads less travelled until we reached Hope- tion. Rob ‘Wobs’ Wantenaar and Roger Thomas once town. Here we met our knowledgeable guide, Rina again provided their ageing but trusted Land Rovers, Wiid, on whose farm there had once been a large ref- as well as doing most of the detailed planning and ugee camp for the Boer women and children who bookings essential to our itinerary. In addition to me, had been rounded up under the iniquitous scorched the other Peregrinators were Malcolm ‘Haggis’ Ross, earth policy of Kitchener and Milner. She had con- A.P.D. ‘Pip’ Longden, Rob ‘Spout’ Thirkettle, Rob ducted detailed and extensive research into the origi- Windsor and our honorary Northlea participant, Rod nal position of the tents and the meagre cooking and Whyte. sanitation facilities. In the museum she had built up As usual Roger Thomas sent out his inimitable pre- were numerous artefacts as well as photographs il- trip notice prefixed by the traditional lustrating the horrors of the conditions which result- ‘The billy boils, the potjie plops, let’s hope the music ed in a very high death toll affecting especially chil- never stops.’ In this missive were details of our itiner- dren. It was interesting to learn that the term ary, dates, and the tasks for which each of us was re- ‘Concentration Camp’ only came into use after the sponsible. ‘Haggis’ Ross was again our culinary geni- Boer War. We left deeply moved by what we had learnt. us, planning and providing five star meals through- We arrived at Mokala in the late afternoon and pro- out out trip. Rod Whyte was entrusted with the fi- ceeded to our allocated camp site at Motswedi where nances, Rob Windsor was in charge of historical re- we pitched our tents and prepared an evening meal. search on the Boer War, and my main task, apart The facilities included an ablution block with hot wa- from keeping a bird list, was to ensure that my large ter and light provided by solar panels, as well as a capacity pump-action thermos flask was filled with fridge and gas cookers. In view of our advancing hot water at all times, hence my nickname ‘Hotpot’. years, and the privations on our previous travels, we

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were not averse to some luxury, especially as we had especially gratifying in view of the horrendous not expected anything but the basics. poaching that has been taking place in South Africa Our time at Mokala was spent on game drives during recently. which we saw a wide variety of animals including Our drive to Witsand took longer than expected due some very large buffalo bulls, particularly important to the poor condition of the roads, but we arrived in as they were part of a disease free gene pool. the early afternoon and set up camp beneath two huge camelthorn trees. Once again the birding was excellent and many birds were extremely tame, especially the vocal White-browed Sparrow-Weavers which hopped round our feet. We were able to add a variety of Kalahari species to our list and we saw some remarkably large Sociable Weaver nests. Witsand is typical Kalahari habitat and one morning we went on a three kilometre botanical walk along which the various trees and grasses were labelled. We also visited the famed ‘Roaring Dunes’ but for us they failed to roar! After the rather intense activity while at Mokala, we relaxed at Witsand and found ʹThe billy boils, the potjie plops.ʹ Peregrinators relaxing in their camp at Witsand. time on two afternoons for our traditional knock-out boule competition. The Gil Memorial Boule Cup was The birdwatching was excellent except for a notable hotly contested and to the chagrin of the Falcon com- absence of large raptors – not a single eagle or vul- petitors it was won by Rod Whyte of Northlea. ture was seen. In the evenings after our meal we would sit round our convivial campfire and remi- nisce about the early days at Falcon, now fifty years ago, and recall those wonderful years we shared at the school. On our third day we travelled to meet up with former Zimbabwean Steve Lunderstedt at the Modder River hotel which had been used as a headquarters by the British generals during the Boer War. Steve, whose step-brother John has been at Falcon, spent the entire day taking us round the battle sites and memorials, as well as to the best preserved block- ʹThe Peregrinators at South Africaʹs best preserved blockhouse at house in South Africa. High on a hill overlooking the Modder River. Our guide Steve Lunderstedt is pointing out a feature in the distance. Boer trenches at Magersfontein he showed us on a relief map of the area how the battle had unfolded. It The late Gil Cottrell, a former Peregrinator and head was the most notable of all the Boer victories and we of Falcon in 1962, would have approved of the spirit could only image the horror experienced by the sol- in which his boule set was used. diers of the Black Watch, who bore the brunt of the action, when a murderous fusillade came unexpect- From Witsand it was a long drive to our final night in edly out of the darkness from the Boer trenches clev- Van Rhynsdorp where we indulged in a bit of luxury erly concealed at the base of the hill, a new tactic. We and stayed in comfortable chalets. Next day it was a are grateful to Steve for bringing alive so vividly the relatively easy drive home at the end of a convivial, various actions in the area about which we knew all varied and interesting 3,000 kilometre 11th Peregrina- too little. tion. Plans are already in the melting pot for 2012, Our fourth and last day at Mokala was spent in possibly to the Richtersveld where it all started so search of rhinos which had eluded us so far. In this many years ago. we were entirely successful, locating five White Rhi- nos, four of them with well-grown calves. This was Peter Steyn

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I am naturally greatly honoured to receive this black cloth over my head before replacing the screen recognition, which I hope is awarded on the basis of with an adaptor containing a film with twelve expo- merit rather than out of sympathy for my antiquity. sures. The thrill of some of those early photographs, Looking through the list of the seventeen previous all of which were developed and printed by myself, recipients since 1960, all of whom I knew, many as remains with me to this day. In subsequent years I good friends, I believe that at 74 I am the oldest ever achieved a reputation as a bird photographer, but I to receive it. wish to stress here that I always considered my camera primarily as a research tool to record nests and My interest in birds, after an initial period of butter- eggs, nestling development and adult behaviour. If fly collecting and snake catching, began while I was some notable portraits were achieved along the way, still at prep school in Cape Town. In October 1949, at this was purely a bonus. the age of 13, I collected my first egg from the nest of an African Moorhen on the Cape Flats. I removed My ornithological gestation period began in earnest one egg from the clutch of eight, blew out the con- when I joined the Cape Bird Club (CBC) in 1950, two tents, numbered it in Indian ink, and carefully wrote years after it was founded. Our evening meetings up detailed notes in blue, green and red ink, but to were held in the old Zoology lecture theatre at the this day I can’t recall why I made this kaleidoscopic University of Cape Town (UCT). Here I was ex- choice except that it looked pretty. You may wonder posed to some of the leading ornithologists of the why I used the name African Moorhen and this was time, especially Gerry Broekhuysen who was chair- because my first bird book was Leonard Gill’s A man of the CBC for 22 years. How I enjoyed his First Guide to South African Birds illustrated by him- wonderful 16 mm colour films of birds at those self and his sister and first published in 1936. I learnt meetings. He gave me and my school friends enthu- my birds from this pioneering book, little realising siastic encouragement and we would find Cape Sug- that one day I would receive an award that hon- arbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird nests for him at oured his contributions to ornithology. I wonder Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Subsequently he how many of you here today can claim to have been published landmark monographs on both species. weaned on Gill’s guide? Gerry was editor of Ostrich for many years and when I was 16 he encouraged me to publish the first My egg-collecting phase lasted throughout my of many contributions to that journal. I had found schooldays and it taught me to observe and record the nests of Alpine Swifts in a cave in Namaqualand, the habits of birds, indeed the emphasis of most of the first record of breeding anywhere in Africa. my subsequent publications was on breeding biology, culminating in Nesting Birds published in 1996. In 1959, on the completion of my studies at UCT, I married Jenny, and I wonder if she realised then that My senior schooling was at Diocesan College, gener- she would type the first six of my eight books on a ally known as Bishops, in Cape Town. We had an manual Hermes typewriter! I wish to acknowledge Ornithological Society and a Photographic Society here that without her support I doubt if I could have where I leant from my peers, as well as from distin- managed to produce nearly as much as I have. Jenny guished visitors who spoke at our evening meetings. is not a birdwatcher, so her encouragement during My egg-collecting stage, a pursuit I shared with our 51 years of marriage is all that more special. many of my contemporaries who later became well- known ornithologists, was gradually replaced by In August 1961, Jenny and I, with our year-old son my interest in bird photography. It certainly attests Andrew, arrived in Zimbabwe to take up a teaching to my antiquity when I reveal that my first black and post at Falcon College (Falcon), a boarding school in white pictures (colour was rare in those days) were the Matabeleland bushveld 56 kilometres south of taken with a camera equipped with a ground glass Bulawayo. As we drove through the school gates I screen on which I focused on my subject with a saw a range of hills in the distance where many of

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my future eagle studies were to take place. Our Eagle Days, to which Leslie Brown wrote the fore- move north to settle in this land of great spaces word, and it was published in 1973. Wankie washed with sunshine was to prove the single most (Hwange) National Park was one of my favourite important milestone in our lives. Falcon had a thriv- destinations and I noticed that many visitors were ing Natural History Society and, together with my struggling to identify birds from the current field pupils in my newly acquired Land Rover, I explored guides. I decided to put together a simple photo- the hills and all the neighbouring farms whose own- graphic guide to 80 of the more than 400 species rec- ers were always hospitable. Without going into de- orded in the park. These were selected because they tail we located 22 pairs of eagles comprising seven were easy to identify, widespread and common. species, all of which I studied in depth, some of the Wankie Birds was published in 1974 and remained in eleven Wahlberg’s Eagle pairs for 15 years. One spe- print for an astonishing 27 years. cies was especially memorable and it was the Brown Snake-Eagle. During two breeding seasons, each ex- When I moved to Zimbabwe I soon realised that it tending over a period of six months from start to was home to some of the foremost ornithologists in finish, I made observations from hides overlooking southern Africa at that time, and I was to benefit their nests. Sometimes, during an eight-hour stint enormously from their knowledge and expertise when the eaglet was well grown, there would be just over the years. Some of these included Reay Smith- two minutes of activity, for example when a parent ers, Richard Brooke, Alex Masterson, Des Jackson, delivered a Puffadder as thick of my forearm and Ron Hartley, Carl Vernon, Peter Mundy, Colin then left the eaglet to swallow it on its own. Those Saunders and Michael Irwin. Irwin was based at the Falcon years were among the most productive of my Bulawayo Museum and was keeper of its vast col- life, and during the school holidays I would write lection of bird specimens. In those early days the up my observations for publication. maxim was ‘What’s hit is history, what’s missed in mystery’. However, those who condemn museum After teaching for nine years, during which time An- collections should bear in mind that the artists who drew was joined by his sisters Linda and Susan, it illustrate their field guides often rely heavily on mu- became increasingly apparent that if I wanted to seum skins for reference. write and illustrate books I would need to change the course of my life. In 1970, at the age of 34, I made The Bulawayo Museum was just a ten minute drive the momentous decision to leave teaching and, as away and it became my second home during the Robert Frost wrote, preparation of Birds of Prey of Southern Africa – their Two paths diverged in a wood, and I – identification and life histories (hereafter Birds of Prey). I took the one less travelled by, Michael Irwin became a close friend and his advice And that has made all the difference. was always invaluable. It was only natural that in due course he should write the book’s foreword. I I cashed in my entire pension in a lump sum for a was fortunate to secure the services of Graeme Ar- bond on a house in Bulawayo, but I did not sever nott to paint the 24 plates and the task took six years my connection with Falcon or its pupils and contin- of meticulous work to complete. Graeme’s artwork ued to monitor my eagle nests there on a regular basis. was widely acclaimed when Birds of Prey was published in 1982 and it ran to three impressions. It is In addition to the Black Eagles, the timeless and awe gratifying that thirty years later it is still widely -inspiring Matobo hills were home to 35 diurnal rap- quoted in scientific and other publications because, tor species, 15 of them eagles, and nine owls, includ- from the outset, my intention was to provide a well ing the elusive Cape Eagle-Owl which Val Gargett of information where others might drink. discovered nesting there. To say that the hills were a raptorphile’s Utopia would be a grave understate- For various reasons which I won’t go into here, we ment, and I had some of my most memorable times decided to leave Zimbabwe after seventeen years there. and return to Cape Town. I’m often thought of as a raptor monomaniac, but this is far from the truth. Now that I had the time, I completed my first book Both at Falcon and in Bulawayo I put up nest-boxes

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in the garden for hole-nesting species. It is my belief watching emphasis over the years. Listing numbers that the best research is conducted on one’s door- of species or twitching has become the norm, often step, if this is feasible. to the total exclusion of other aspects of how a bird lives and moves and has its being. Of course seeing Our return to South Africa opened up new horizons, new birds is fun, and I derive vicarious pleasure especially for travel both in Africa and international- from Trevor Hardakers regular reports, but rarities ly. On several occasions I was able to sing for my are usually of no relevance to the advance of our supper as a lecturer on cruise ships which included knowledge of bird biology. In my own case how can travel to the Arctic, several Indian Ocean islands, St I deny the thrill of a Diademed Sandpiper-plover Helena and ﬁve memorable voyages in Antarctica and its chicks at a literally breathtaking 4,500 metres culminating in the publication of Antarctic Impres- in the Andes, or exquisite Inca Terns in Peru, or sions in 2007. On a cruise to Mauritius in 1984 I breeding Emperor Penguins. linked up with the legendary Carl Jones. At that time the Mauritius Kestrel was down to four birds in If holding the mirror up to nature, and sharing my the wild and he showed me the last breeding pair at experiences with others through my publications their nest. Since then, entirely due to his dedicated and photographs has succeeded, then my bird- captive breeding eﬀorts, the kestrel has recovered watching days have been well spent. remarkably and is now out of danger in the wild, so there is always hope for a species. Peter Steyn

My ﬁnal observation concerns the shift of bird-

S. STONE U6

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Memorial Service Eulogy on a mine near Esigodini 10 years earlier - his father among the founding board. His parent’s Frank John Bryce Hendrie 1944 - 2011 and Con were prominent members of the Uniting Church Carramar - Friday 12th August 2011 community, always welcoming to all, and they

laid the foundations of honesty, family values and In 1624 John Donne wrote: a “work hard” / “play

hard” attitude that stuck with him through life. “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece At Falcon he was known as Bryce, and was of the continent, a part of the main; always the smiling, jovial and happy one, and and he goes on to say … part of the “Tredgold Four” group of mates any manʹs death diminishes me, because I am involved in whose friendship remained throughout their lives. mankind; and therefore never ask for whom the bell tolls; As well as excelling in the class room, he repre- it tolls for thee.” sented the school at both rugby and hockey. His

softer side was also apparent, as he began a life-long And it was in discussing these words with my Dad a interest in butterfly collecting, and even made a little over a year ago that I was given an inkling cute wooden baby seat with into how he managed to take on his disease with Mickey Mouse painted on it. the courage, humour and stoicism that we all know him for. “We’ve all got to go one day”, he After school he took a boat to the UK to explained. “Life is a terminal illness”, which study Engineering Science at Wadham College, he of course couched as a joke, but still intending Oxford. Here his academic ability allowed him to to deliver the underlying message that we are all spend a bit more time than most enjoying mortal. Seeing the positive in everything, he very himself while still managing to pass the quickly came to terms with his illness, and curriculum. His sporting prowess continued as he explained to me that he actually preferred knowing made the college rowing First VIII while being the answer to the ultimate question of how long just small enough to be the cox. However, it was he had left. After all, the alternative is for a his sunny disposition and antics for which he is sudden and unexpected end, and that does not most remembered. Here his leave time to get your affairs in order, say you tendency for breakages and accidents ﬁrst seemed to goodbyes and ﬁnd peace with the world. really come to the fore.

There are stories throughout his life of a And this reminds us, and re-enforces to us all, how capacity to attract mishaps and accidents more important it is to live life to the full, to enjoy every than most. However, at Oxford this apparently day we have, and to never forget the most resulted in reputation for honesty and handwork - important things. Although the last months and he always told people when he broke something of days were very tough for Dad, the theirs, and he always tried, and usually succeeded overwhelming number of messages of support and in ﬁxing it again! This included a Sunbeam tourer stories from the past we have received remind us which needed a whole new engine after damage that he indeed lived a full and colourful life, sustained driving around a farmer’s ﬁeld always with a twinkle in his eye... knocking over hay

bales. He was born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia in 1944, and lived his early years in Bulawayo. He After university he began working as a mining attended Whitestone school and then began engineer in Kitwe, Zambia, and was usually found boarding at Falcon College which had been founded

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underneath his MG-B. His proprensity for was as guest of honour where he proudly saw the accidents became famous here too, including one opening of the new Bryce Hendrie swimming pool, where he slid all the way down a step ladder while where the contribution of him and his father will trying to rig the lights for a disco at the Rhokana live on for many years to come. Mine Club. Here he met and managed to charm a young nurse from England called Barbara There are so many other things he enjoyed and Jane Lawler. was involved with and that we have fond memories of. Golf, crosswords, sailing, chess, pipe Shortly after being married in the UK, John and -smoking, “playing it by ear”, “making a Barbara travelled to Cape Town for a year, where plan”, land-rover trips, Kilimanjaro, he studied for an MBA. One day he decided to overcomplicating maths homework, breaking race down the stairs to beat the group in the lift. things and fixing them again, playing the guitar Well he beat the lift, but sprained his ankle in the and mouth organ at the same time, the train joke, process and ended up on crutches for a month – so beating the contestant at letters and numbers, and of course he had to use the lift every day after that. solving the worldʹs problems over a bottle of whis- ky. Eventually he settled back in his beloved home country of Rhodesia, and began work for Oxyco, So having survived the end of the 2nd world war, and then moved to manage Mitchell Cotts several cars fixed up and maintained by himself, before becoming head of the Motor Trade an early career in mining and falling off Association. During those years, he and Barbara ladders, military service in the Rhodesian Civil brought up a family of 3 wonderful children and War, a broken neck and a very close call with enjoyed many years living comfortably in the bread bowel cancer, it was a sad day when a diagnosis of basket of Africa. Despite being called up to the army Motor Neurone Disease was confirmed. John during the war years, seeing huge political and Barbara were with the Whytes in change, and the heartwrenching decline of Johannesburg at the time, and were very Zimbabwe over the latter years, John always loved grateful for their support and the country of his birth and was always reluctant to friendship at such a difficult time. leave. Always keen to contribute, John was a keen member of Round Table No. 1 of Harare. One Since then, the support he had from everybody memorable moment was him pretending to play the was fantastic. In particular, the MND Association, piano at a Melodrama performance. He was NCCCP and Silver Chain who could not have under the piano, one second, then jumping on done more in trying to keep John comfortable. top of it, playing with his feet – any position Of course Barbara took on the most as loving and other than sitting sensibly in front of it. He later dedicated wife, as well as full time carer. moved on to Rotary Club where things were slightly more sensible. He was on the Board of The last 3 years of living with the difficulites and Govenors at Arundel school, as well as many years inevitabiliy of MND did not define him, and were as a Member of the Board and a stint as Chairman just a small footnote on his joyful and earnest life, at where he touched so many. Falcon College. I recall fondly the surprise while I was at the school, when one of my fellow school Gone for now, but never forgotton, may he rest in mates saw him casually talking to me in the peace. Tredgold lavatories, peeing in the urinal and Craig Hendrie farting loudly at the same time, and then moments later captivating the entire school and parent body in delivering the Chairmanʹs address at the annual Speech Day. One of his final trips to Falcon

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It was with great sadness that the College learned of May 2010 at the FoBs reunion in Cape Town found the sudden death of Betty McAulay on 28 April 2011. her to be remarkably unchanged and as cheerful as ever. She quite clearly had a wonderful time, being A very experienced and practical SRN, Betty was a feted by FoBs and staff alike, and it was great to see San Sister from 1967 to 1983, and was much respect- her in her 8o’s, looking so well and being as good fun ed by the whole Falcon community, schoolboys and as ever. She will be greatly missed by those who staff alike. She was also a good friend to many on the knew her and we all feel for Duncan ‘Butch’,(Oates staff as she regularly played Bridge with a group of ’79) and Richard, (Oates ’78) to whom she was a staff wives, was a member of the garden club at Fal- wonderful mother. We send love and condolences to con, and she was always happy to join in the various her two sons and their families. functions held here; young staff had quite a festive time and since there were war years much entertainment had to be enjoyed at the College.

It was a great comfort to have her here as a San Sister and apart from her many duties in the San,she helped out on many occasions with sick staff and sick staff children. She was also a qualified midwife and was quite eager to revisit her skills with staff wives who were expecting babies, but sadly none of them obliged by having babies on the property! She was however, great to have for advice and skill with young off-spring. She was also famous for her ‘Betty’s Muti,’a wonderful salve to fix cracked feet! WITH PETER STEYN AT THE CAPE TOWN REUNION MAY 2010

Those who were lucky enough to meet up with her in Heather Macdonald

It was with great sadness that the Falcon family sport, and sorted out the complex daily timetable. learnt of the passing away of John peacefully in his sleep, on 6th February 2011, in Cape Town. Very John and Anne’s association with Falcon College was sadly his wife, Anne, passed away soon after, on the not conﬁned to the time they spent here in that their 18th May 2011, also at home, after a short illness. two sons, Neill (Head Boy 1976) and Peter (1982) Our condolences go to their four children, Liz, Nicki, were both pupils in Oates House. Neill and Peter. John lived a full and exciting life involved for most of John and Anne were at Falcon from January 1980 un- his time in education – it was very much in his blood! til December 1987. Prior to their arrival here, John He was born on 6th July 1924. His parents, Christo- had been Headmaster at Springvale School in Maron- pher and Christine, were founders of Western Prov- dera and on leaving Falcon, he took up a post at St ince Preparatory School in Cape Town. He won a John’s College in the 1990’s, where he taught Maths, scholarship to St John’s College, Cambridge, to study advised on careers, ran the Library, helped with Latin and Greek. However, his studies were inter-

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rupted by the war and the death of his father. He these groups and discipline-wise, he knocked them returned to Cape Town in 1944 and after a short stint into shape so that other staff who took them over in in the South African Navy, he went back to Cam- Form Three inherited well-behaved and hard- bridge to complete his Master of Arts degree, major- working boys. As Senior Master, he was legendary ing in Geography. He married Anne in 1951 and for producing excellent time tables where he met all returned to the Western Province Prep School as staff’s special requests. For example, he always gave Headmaster, where he was for the next ten years. me frees after break on a Tuesday so I could go to town to have the ‘lunch special’ at Grey’s Inn – tripe In 1961, he and Anne moved to the then Rhodesia. and onions! After a short spell teaching at Founders’ School in Bulawayo, he then moved to Salisbury, as it was, to His eccentricities are well remembered. His written teach at St John’s Prep School. John then moved on notices for staff and boys were always full of colours to Churchill High School, where he was for the next and stars; if he did not wear his glasses, they would six years. be hanging around his neck – thus he never lost his glasses! A story, probably apocryphal, goes that he 1965 Saw John and Anne on the move once more – was looking after a junior swim one afternoon at the this time back to Bulawayo where John went as old swimming pool when Richard Botton (1982), Headmaster to Whitestone School and when it closed Captain of 1st team Water Polo, and his team, ap- during the Liberation war years, he migrated back to peared at the pool too early for a practice. John, who Mashonaland as Headmaster at Springvale School, was quietly reading a newspaper, stood up and irri- where he was for two-and-a half years. He then tably said: “P*** off, Botton!” He then turned to the came to Falcon for the next eight years where he held junior swimmers, held up his right hand fingers the post of Senior Master for most of that time. spread and said: “You boys have five more minutes”. He will be fondly remembered by many Falcon Old Boys as a wonderful teacher and a thoroughly dedi- Both John and Anne will be remembered with much cated school master. Nothing was too much for affection. John. He taught the Form One and Two classes Eng- lish, Maths and Commerce. He was also in charge of G Macdonald

Well after a journey of two years and an endless fight He has been cast from the glove, and now flies free, all day long, Keegs finally left us at 4:10am on Sun- no longer at hack. Total peace and release. Fly free day afternoon. The last hour was the toughest, but it Keegie boy. was a privilege and a special feeling for us all to be there for his last breath. Sal, Ade, Drew and Bryn Langley

So the legend has been laid to rest, and he is now ﬂy- ing in a massive stoop, cutting the air with his prima- ries and vocalising with exhilaration. How great it will be to walk, talk and be pain free.

Many thanks to everyone, the journey has brought us full circle. Keegs was on loan to us for 2 years and 5 days. What a journey—no breaks, no easy ride.

KEEGAN LANGLEY

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Special thanks to the following: Photographs B Randle R Harrison D Fleming R Querl M Querl B Heymans S Heymans P Heymans A van Rooyen B Rautenbach R Keefe A Watson A Bancroft H Macdonald C Guthrie A Carlsson P Steyn S Bryant L Sibanda J Ferreira Scotty Photography Falcon Photographic Club

Proof reading R Harrison M Querl B Heymans H Macdonald

Typing A Heymans L Oosthuizen

Design & Layout J Ferreira

Editing B Heymans

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