The 2025 Chronicle

with the Community Partnership Trust, seeks funding from the corporate world to enable us to enhance the educational op portunities of pupils at the 16 footprint schools surrounding Mi chaelhouse between Howick and Mooi River. This is important work and should never be far from our thoughts. Our Transformation and Diversity Advisory Committee contin ues to meet regularly, adopting a theme for each term. We have looked recently at human rights and social awareness, and boys in each House have discussed these in tutor groups. The theme for this past term has been an evaluation of ho mophobia at Michaelhouse, and we move on through the year through various themes, ending with our focus on what makes a significant man. The Old Boys’ Club has undergone a massive upliftment: it is totally different to some four years ago, and so much of this is due to the energy and huge commitment of Sean Lumley, who now hands over the reins to Richard Bates. In particular, one of the key things which Sean has done to encourage the Good afternoon, Rector, Chairman of the Board, ex-Chairman of the Board, past Pres idents and valued Old Boys. It’s a true honour to stand here today as I take on the role of President of the Michaelhouse Old Boys’ Club. I do so with a deep sense of gratitude, responsibility and optimism for what lies ahead. Let me begin by acknowledging our outgoing Pres ident, Sean Lumley. Sean, your contribution to this Club has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your drive, your vision and your unwavering obsession with making Michaelhouse and the Old Boys’ Club truly great have left an indelible mark. The systems you’ve established, the professionalism you’ve cham pioned and the values you’ve upheld – these won’t just be re membered; I genuinely believe they’ll achieve legendary status. You’ve redefined what it means to serve, and we are all the better for it. Thank you also for your incredible support throughout this tran sition. It comes from a place of integrity and generosity, and it’s deeply appreciated. I’ll admit, I was concerned that stepping aside might be difficult for you – but I could not have been more wrong. Your grace, encouragement and humility have made this process not only easy but inspiring. As a small token of our enormous gratitude, I’d like to present you with this gift. So, what is it that makes Michaelhouse so special? It’s not just the Chapel, the cricket fields, or the war cries on Meadows. It’s the people. It’s the values. And it’s the lifelong connection that somehow only gets stronger with time. Whether you matriculat ed in 1964 or 2024, when you meet another Old Boy, there’s an instant recognition, a shared sense of having come from somewhere that mattered. That means something. And it’s that very connection that we want to protect and grow – not just for memory’s sake, but because it has real-world value.

relationship between the school and the Old Boys is to guide the institution of a programme which enables each A Block boy to be mentored by an Old Boy, some five years older, who, per haps, would be pursuing a similar degree at university to the one each matriculant is interested in following. I thank Sean for this and for his tireless work, and congratulate him warmly as he hands over to Richard Bates. I, too, am taking leave of you at the end of the year after nearly seven years as Rector. They have been thoroughly enjoyable and demanding years, and I will be 70 next year. And so, after 34 years in the role as Rector or head in five different schools, it is time to pursue a half-day position wherever that may prove to be. Brigitte and I will miss Michaelhouse enormously and thank you for your support and encouragement over this time. We will be very sad to leave this amazing school with its deep roots, and as Bishop Michael Nuttall put it in his prayer, “Be open to change,” and we will do so with the fondest memories and gratitude to you all. whether it’s helping someone find a job, mentoring a young entrepreneur, or just reaching out during a tough time. But imagine how much more we could do if we intentionally made those connections easier. If we facilitated the right conversa tions, surfaced the right opportunities, and encouraged a cul ture where helping each other is the norm, not the exception. If we can make that real, then this truly becomes a Club for Life. Whether it’s in business, career advancement, support through mental health challenges, or simply being a community to lean on, we have a chance to offer something far more valuable than just nostalgia. We can be a constant reminder of who we are and the responsibility we carry for one another. One of Sean’s most powerful sentiments – and one I fully echo – is that both Michaelhouse and the Old Boys’ Club should strive to be a force for good in the world. That’s our measure of success. Not just how proud we are of the past, but how useful and impactful we are in the present. We’re fortunate to have a strong team carrying this vision forward. Ronnie, our Director, keeps the wheels turning with a remarkable level of commitment and care. We’re lucky to have him – he’s incredi bly warm and well-liked, and he exudes a quiet proactivity that lifts everyone around him. I had a strong feeling when we hired him that he had the right attitude. After all, anyone who earns “Employee of the Month” in their first job as a forklift driver in Australia – and then manages to navigate himself and his bike around the world, mostly solo, multiple times – clearly has the grit, discipline and drive we need. Murray – the human encyclopaedia, our raconteur, our rock star… only misunderstood when his vocabulary requires translation! There aren’t many people in this world with the wit, knowledge and presence to deliver roll calls the way you do. You’re a vital part of this team – not just for your sharp delivery but for the wisdom, perspective and historical insight you bring. You’re often the one we lean on when we need grounding or guidance.

ADDRESS BY THE CLUB PRESIDENT, MR RICHARD BATES

Many Old Boys already look after one another instinctively –

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