The North West Boland ODs met for a gathering at the beautiful estate of Nick Stanford on Friday 20 October 2023. 

Bruce Robinson (1986F) and the ODA Paul Murray had been planning the event for some time.  ODs were welcomed by Nick.  The evening began with sundowners with stunning views of the Mosterdshoek Mountain range, on the farm situated in the Witzenberg Valley with the Berg River meandering through. 

It's a one-and-a-half hour journey out of Cape Town with plenty of available accommodation for ODs to spend the night.   

In attendance were (in the photograph above, L-R): 

Paul Murray the ODA;  Vaughan Koster (1991F); Phil Dicey (1989F); Guy Nieuwoudt (1999W); Martin Bey Chair of the ODU (1990B); Gus Allen (1982F); Bruce Robinson (1986F);  Martin Versfeld Jnr (2010S); Nick Stanford (1999F); Sandy Jeffery (1982F); Tank Lanning (1989S), Peter Ovenstone (1995F) and Martin Versfeld of the NE Boland ODs (1977S).  

Also present was Simone, Nick's wife and their son Ethan; and Janine the wife of Vaughan. Michelle Dicey the wife of Philip, was also present and for a while before returning to his studies at Stellenbosch their middle child Chris Dicey (2020G).

Astro the Stanford’s cat, did not miss out on the excitement.

An excellent table was prepared by the Chef Team of Hanru and Mercy with Elmar and Christin serving at the bar; and delicious pre-prandial canapès.  The Braai had a choice of meat or chicken or vegetarian.  

Boland hospitality at its best!

The gathering settled into watching the World Cup, after supper.

The best of the wine of the region was an accompaniment to a wonderful evening, a typical Boland gathering, of ODs, mostly farmers, whose roots with Bishops go far back.

It alo became evident as with a previous gathering (Gauteng the week before) that the ODs are very keen for another such gathering and not have to wait too long.  Paul and Nick are planning one for May 2024.

Meanwhile ODs in the Robertson area can look forward to a meeting of the Robertson Literary Society on Monday 4th Dec at 6:30pm for 7pm where the Guest Speaker will be Paul Murray on "The controversial Bishop John W Colenso". 

There will be a Short Opening Programme: Speleology by Kat Mansell.  This will be followed by an informal BRING & BRAAI (cash bar available) for those that wish to socialise after the meeting.  For all the details of the event CLICK HERE. For further information please contact Natasha Barry natasha@rivertonstud.co.za

For any other related information please contact Paul Murray at the ODU pmurray@bishops.org.za

We look forward to seeing ODs and their families there!