The 2025 Chronicle

three lively boys who keep them on their toes. He works in the family business, Ethnic Style, based in Eshowe, which supplies a wide range of products, including juice powders, cosmetics and traditional medicines. When he’s not keeping the business on track or chasing after the boys, Angus can be found on the golf course or cricket field, often finishing the day exactly how Zululand boys should – with a cold beer and good company. Simon D’Aubrey (Founders, 1999): Simon farms at Arcadia Es tate in Ntumeni, just outside Eshowe. A former chairman of the Ntumeni Farmers’ Association and a past Young Farmer of the Year, Simon has built a reputation for keeping Arcadia in im maculate condition while pushing into new frontiers of organic and regenerative agriculture, which is where his passion now lies. Married to Emily, with twin daughters Lucy and Phoebe at Clifton Nottingham Road, Simon manages to juggle farming, family life and the occasional Old Boys get-together with ease. In his own words: “Watching a rugby game at Michaelhouse on a crisp autumn afternoon and catching up with friends is hard to beat. Michaelhouse is a school for life and one can only feel proud for being part of such an institution.” A proper farmer, a natural leader and a loyal Old Boy through and through. Dominic “Chuckles” Chennells (Founders, 1998): Dom lives in Cape Town and works in the renewable energy sector, but his roots remain firmly in Zululand. Married to Peta with two daughters, he has carved out a life that blends work, family and endurance sport. A veteran of 17 Dusi Canoe Marathons and a few Comrades Marathons (though he insists he’s a paddler, not a runner), Dom finds every excuse to return to the family farm in Eshowe. He usually slips in quietly to avoid being led astray by his cousins… with mixed success. Lawrie Kramer (Tatham, 1975): Lawrie lives on the original family farm, Mine Own, in Gingindlovu and runs Ethnic Style, the family business in Eshowe, together with his son Angus. Married to Pene, Lawrie is the proud patriarch of three married children and six grandsons. Look out, Michaelhouse! A stalwart of the Zululand branch, Lawrie also served as Zululand chair man for over 15 years, guiding the branch through countless gatherings. On a perfect Zululand afternoon he’s often found out on the Zini lagoon with a cold drink in hand – and as he likes to say, “Life is good.” John Readman (West, 1987): After earning a BSc Agric in Pietermaritzburg, John spent 15 years in corporate agricul ture before returning to farm sugar cane, macadamias and cattle in Heatonville. He and his wife Gillian have two chil dren: Rebecca, currently at Onderstepoort; and David, who is in B Block (West) at Michaelhouse. John is a familiar face at school sports weekends – often found doing the “hell run” between Durban and Balgowan to support his kids. Fishing, golf and farming keep him busy. Tim Scott-Barnes (West, 1972): Tim retired in September af ter serving 32 years as a magistrate in Eshowe, a remarkable tenure that reflects a lifetime of service to both the law and his community. After leaving Michaelhouse in 1972, Tim was conscripted into the SADF the following year. Despite a fear of heights, he vol unteered for parachute training, earning his wings and joining 1 Parachute Battalion as a Parabat. He later completed camps with 3 Parachute Battalion and 44 Parachute Brigade. Tim went on to study at the University of Natal (Pietermaritz

burg), where he obtained a BA and later an LLB. He served his articles at Wynne & Wynne in Eshowe under the late Bryan Wyn ne (a fellow Old Boy) and Dave Gardner (Maritzburg College). In 1985 he was admitted as an attorney. He was fortunate to study criminal law under professors Burchell and Milton – an experience that, combined with his love of courtroom work (“a verbal chess game”), led him to the Department of Justice. He began as a prosecutor and in 1993 was appointed as a magis trate. In 2001 he turned down a Regional Court post, choosing to remain in Eshowe – a decision he has never regretted. Beyond the courtroom, Tim has been an active and respected member of the Zululand community, serving on and chairing numerous sporting, service and educational committees. A keen sportsman, he played rugby, cricket and hockey for Eshowe, and later coached hockey at various levels across Zululand. In 2021, during Covid, Tim was diagnosed with stage-3 colon cancer. After an operation and eight months of treatment, he was declared clear. Today, with his surgeon and oncologist hap py, Tim is back to living life fully. He credits his years at Michaelhouse – and the six formative years at Cordwalles before that – as a powerful influence: in stilling discipline, confidence, self-reliance and an unshake able faith that has carried him through life’s hardest challeng es. As he puts it, “It serves no purpose to worry over things that are beyond one’s control. Faith, family and integrity are what truly matter.” Tim and his wife Sandy continue to live in Eshowe, surrounded by wonderful friends and a vibrant community. He looks for ward to spending more time in the garden propagating indig enous plants – and making summer visits to England to see their daughters and grandchildren. Hugh Lee (Founders, 1959): Hugh Lee is a well-known Zulu land farmer and community leader based at Brocklee Farm outside Eshowe. A fluent Zulu speaker with a deep love for the region, Hugh has farmed sugar cane and gum plantations for decades and is widely respected for his deep local knowledge, integrity and commitment to the land. Married to Renee, with their daughter Nicci now running the family farm, the Lees have created a vibrant community hub at their Lakeside Dam and boma, home to the annual Ngoje For est Trail Run – a 20/10/5km event attracting more than 500 participants each year and raising funds for the Holy Childhood Convent. The venue has become a favourite stop for locals and overlanders alike. A former member of parliament for the IFP, Hugh also served as a Zululand Branch secretary for the Old Boys’ Club and as an honorary officer for the Department of Forestry, the Natal Parks Board and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – helping protect the Ngoye, Dlinza, Nkandla and Qudeni forests. Hugh’s family legacy at Michaelhouse runs deep, with seven Lees having attended the school, including his grandson Rob ert, who went on to become head boy. A favourite family mem ory was when Hugh and his four children rode on horseback for three days back to their respective schools – retracing the journeys of their forebears – raising funds for Child Welfare in the process. Still farming, still serving and still deeply connected to the land

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