Old Stithian London Reunion 2023

The London Reunion was held at The Real Greek Restaurant situated at the foot of the London Bridge. Approximately 190 alumni attended this event- a mix of young and old, men and women. It was lovely to see  more women attending this year as it is usually dominated by the Old Boys. This reunion was organized by our OSA UK Chapter, following from 2022 we met some keen Old Stithians who were wanting to create the official chapter.  Having David Arendse- Deputy Chair of the OSA emigrate to the UK we were able to get this up and running and formalize the Chapter.  We are thankful that we have started this process and still trying to formalize the processes.  We thank Bryan Difford - Class of 2004 - who has been leading this group along with David Arendse and really creating the “Gees” behind the events.  The UK team have also organized special discounted Six Dogs Gin, Rio Largo Olive Oil and special prices from the beautiful Babylonstoren wine farm.

Once again there was a range of ages, from Rob Fryer and his classmate Nic Barcza who were both founder pupils of St Stithians, to some graduates who had only completed their studies recently. Once again Rob Fryer shared his story with the group, and they were thoroughly entertained by his tales and the references he made to his book. Rob even remembers our Chairman- Israel Skosana running around the campus as a young boy as Rob and Israel Skosana Senior – Israels’ Dad were colleagues.  

Nicholas Barcza spoke about his life after school and went on to emphasise the importance of giving back- paying it forward as it were. He reiterated that without Donor funding it would be near impossible to sustain or grow the school. He added that although they had chosen to leave their home country and reside in the UK, it is in his opinion, the right thing to show respect and love for the very institution that had prepared them so well for life after school.

OSA Chairman Israel Skosana also had an opportunity to address the alumni and provided updates about the school and how far the school had come over the past few years. He too encouraged the alumni to share their knowledge and success and to seriously consider paying it forward by donating, no matter how big or small, to the school. 

A fun quiz with school-related questions, took place during the evening that provided much entertainment – thanks to Old Boys such as Charles Bryant from Six Dogs Gin and Nick Wilkinson from Rio Largo olive oil, for donating prizes, distributed in the UK via Old Stithian, Grand Sidwell. Thank you Grant for arranging these awesome prizes which our alumni loved!

 There was much catching up and reconnecting with old friends, as well as establishing bonds with new ones from different years. Once again, the message was clear; that the OSA was creating a much-needed safety net and networking data base for those alumni who have chosen to relocate to another country.

#HappyFulfilment #Legacy #OnceASaintAlwaysASaint #InspiringExcellence #MakingAWorldOfDifference #StrongerOneAndAll