Chairman's Welcome

Welcome to the OD Union website our link with ODs worldwide.   The site is intended as a meeting place where we can communicate with and coordinate the activities of the OD Union.   It is your site and in many instances your primary or only link with Bishops.   We are sure you will derive both pleasure and benefit from it.

The OD Union was founded in 1896.  In 1917 Professor  Sir Fred Clarke OD encapsulated the essence of being an OD when he commented, “being an OD is not a comfortable status.  It is a challenge as no one has the right to be proud of being an OD who is himself not worthy of Bishops.”  Bishops is an outstanding school with excellent values and it is expected that her past students reflect these values.

ODs know that responsibility runs parallel with the privilege of a Bishops education.   This responsibility is best expressed in the words “Noblese oblige” roughly translated as” to whom much has been given, much can and will be expected in return”.   Every OD dons this mantle, as he leaves Memorial Gates for the last time.

In 2009 I spoke to the matrics about becoming an OD.  An old boy of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious schools addressed the boys commenting, “You are fortunate to have an active flourishing old boys union.   I did too.   However, my old school no longer has an old boy network.   Former pupils are spread throughout the world.   There is no longer news of the school or each other.   There are no more old boys to support the school in its attempt to survive, and no reunions.   A vast and important part of my life has simply vanished without trace.   An active and flourishing old boys union is not a luxury, it is a necessity.   Put simply, old boys are essential to the long-term sustainability of a school.”  The responsibility to ensure that future generations are able to experience a Bishops education rests with us the ODs, it is not a responsibility we must take lightly. Please be involved.

As you, navigate your way through the website to renew old acquaintances and find out more about activities at the Union;   please note that the success of the website as with the union relies heavily on your input and interaction.   Moreover, if you find yourself back in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch at the base of Table Mountain’s eastern buttress, know that you have a home just off Campground Road at the end of the Avenue where you will always be welcomed with a cup of tea and a chance to reminisce.

Floreat Bishops.

B Robertson
Chairman