SGH on Facebook
August 8, 2008
To visit or join St. George’s Home for Boys Facebook Community, hosted and maintained by John Rossouw, please follow this link or use this url:
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=19578212103&ref=ts
Entry Filed under: Old Boys, Reunions, SGH, SGH on Facebook, Saint George's Home for Boys, St. George's Home for Boys. Tags: SGH on Facebook.
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1.
Erica van der Werff | September 5, 2008 at 11:53 pm
My late brother was a St G. boy for some years during the 1940’s. I have several old photos of choir, boxing club, and the bugle band as well as class photo for the boys who attended Jeppe Boys High. All have names. I remember as a kid visiting him at school all those years ago.
Anyone want copies??
cheers
Erica
Auckland
New Zealand
2.
D.C. Leslie-Pringle | September 6, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Hi Erica,
By pure chance I noticed that you had addressed a message to me via Facebook. John Rossouw is compiling such a photographic record in conjunction with George Adam’s book on SGBH.
I am sure he would love to have your photos and if I may suggest, would you please re-post your message on the main blog page of the SGBH directly to him. He is currently in Saudi Arabia on business I understand from his last blog posting abnd will doubtless be back shortly. In the meantime he remain on line and will certainly erespond to you.
Wonderful that you have those photos after all those years. I’m sure the general readership of the blog will be delighted to hear any stories you might be able to tell of that long past experience of your brother.
Sincer regards,
Dudley Pringle (SGBH: 1955 to 1959).
3.
Erica van der Werff | September 9, 2008 at 1:05 am
Hello Dudley, John et al,
Not too sure who is who and how many little pathways exist on the St George site.
Blane contacted me by email, so sent him all the photos that I had, and he already has them on the site, complete with names.
I still have some little snap shots of the brother when he came home for weeknds or school holidays? When I looked at the photos of the groups, all those boys are now in their late 70’s 80’s and maybe even 90’s, and wonder if any of them are still alive?? This is where you will find the pictures.
http://saintgeorges.wordpress.com/2008/09/08/sgh-in-the-40s-john-charles-longworth-remembered/
Hope you get to see them, if not let me know (email) and I will resend.
cheers
Erica van der Werff (John’s sister)
Auckland
New Zealand
4.
D.C. Leslie-Pringle | September 19, 2008 at 6:44 am
Hello Erica,
Thank you for your gift to all of us. I am just one of the ex-homeboys, who stumbled on this site and blog by nostalgic accident. I have been communicating my memories there for the past several months and have been watching as others have joined in with great pleasure.
Your brother, God rest his soul, was one of us, though some 10 years ahead of me. I don’t know if you have been reading the blog, but by pure chance, I recently wrote one of my stories which entailed my first boxing tournament, and as one of your photos is of the boxing team, I must presume that your brother was a boxer … so I feel a connection to his mermory.
I don’t know how many pathways there are on the site either, but I am writing this on the SGBH Facebook blog, not the main site.
I trust you and yours are both well in health & spirit and are enjoying life downunder.
Sincerely,
Dudley Pringle.
5.
Erica van der Werff | September 20, 2008 at 12:25 am
Hello Dudley,
I don’t ever remember John being a ‘boxer, or that he is even on the photo of the boxers. Maybe Craig can tell you that in his stories he heard from his dad. One day soon, I hope to put together the memories I have of my ‘boetie’ when he was at St G’s. I can almost taste those oat cookies that were baked to take to him on visiting days’ I do vividly remember him as a drummer in the band! and the spats over the polished shoes.
Spring has sprung here in Auckland and nice to see the back end of all the rain.
Cheerie
Erica
6.
Frank Kruger / Mahlfeld | October 8, 2008 at 8:02 am
I was taught in the band by John and Dave ended up winning several trophies for trumpeting in individul series because of this
thank you
031 7017864 031 7017444
7.
Jeffrey Rendulic/Hackett | November 24, 2008 at 3:39 am
I was in SGHB from 1965-1969 in Simpson House I was sent over from Johannesburg Childrens Home talk about calling back the past
8.
Anonymous | December 12, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Well I have read through a lot of history and for the best part of my memory of SGH is bad. Not so much in the seniour section as in the jun section. The section was much “better than my experiences in the juniour section.
Just to paint one of many pictures that comes to mind. The year is 1973. It is the 6/10/1973 . I am 11 years old. The house master is conducting inspection before we, that is the house, move off to school. I am relatively “safe” as it is my 11 birthday and am not likely to receive any “punishment” for what ever reason . That being socks not pulled up correctly enough or whatever reason to be thought out ,one never knew the new reason. Just before we are given the go ahead to leave for school I am singled out and called the the front of the common room for what I can only imagine is perhaps a happy birthday sing along.
Oh how wrong I was. The house master then proceeds to give me a “chinese” bangle. Now for those who do not know what this is it is when the fingers of both hands are wrapped around the wrists of the “victim’s” tightly and then forced abruptly in opposite directions. This happens for a couple of minutes,after which time the skin on the wrists go numb. After the initial time of about a minute goes past the “feeling” in your wrist goes away. However on seeing that this treatment is not having the “desired” effect the house master decides it is now time to go in the opposite direction. This is very very painful and tears appear in my eyes. All the time I ask myself WHY?? what for?? what did I do wrong. It is my birthday after all. What is this so called care giver doing and for what reason. All I ever asked for was just treat me fairly. I know that I must be grateful for what I receive but this does not seem to me even remotely fair not to be grateful for. Why Why Why ??? Is this because you could ??
9.
Blane | December 15, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Hello Anonymous:
Thanks for your comment and for sharing what is clearly a difficult memory for you. It’s hard to understand why your Housemaster would do such a thing – and especially on your birthday. In this day and age what happened to you would be considered abusive – and the memory of this event has stuck with you all these years. Thanks for talking about it. Sharing your story is helpful for others who are trying to make sense of their own experiences.
10.
Anonymous | December 17, 2008 at 11:06 am
Why he did such a thing ?Probably because he could. As to helping others well that I don’t know about that. Gave up trying to make sense of a lot of the things that happened. I don’t care in what day and age these kinds of things happened it was and still remains abuse.
11.
Anonymous | December 18, 2008 at 9:15 pm
You are so right about it being abusive….and yet
In sharing…light is shed on what
some may perceive has been a dark and lonely path
only to then have a door opened to the experience
of another…..and so bring clarity that it had nothing
to do with who you/they are; but who you/they can be as
the path passes through the dark tunnel and out into
the light……………….the power of the abuse is lost in truth and light!!
12.
Anon | December 27, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I was a witness to the cruelty that [he] inflicted on many of the boys in his ´care´. I detested him for it and still do.
13.
Anonymous | December 30, 2008 at 7:39 pm
LETTING GO OF THAT MEMORY WILL FREE YOU UP AND DISEMPOWER HIM…..DON’T ALLOW HIM TO STILL CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS…………..NOT FORGETTING WHAT’S DONE; BUT NOT ALLOWING IT ANY PLACE OF DOMINANCE IN YOUR LIFE!!…HATE EMBITTERS OUR LIVES……………I PRAY YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE ON, HOLD ONTO THE TRUTH WITHOUT THE BARBS
14.
Manuel Joao Simoes | February 25, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Good day all. It has been a long time since I have been on the site. Had some draw backs but I am working to sort them out. Wendy I seem to have lost your email address please could you forward it to me. Went to the home today and looked up on my file. This turned out to be quite interesting. Especially in the way perceptions differ amongst people. I took the advise of going to Coach House to look up the hosts I had while in Simpson and low and behold the names were only mentioned once. Can anybody give an idea of how to locate them otherwise??
15.
Wendy Thompson/Jones | February 26, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hi Joao my email address is: palmoil@telkomsa.net Glad to see you back on the blog.
16.
john rossouw | March 2, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Hi Joey
A lot of the host families came via Jeff and Jean Bill as well as Herb Thompson so perhaps Wendy may be able to jog Herb’s memory otherwise she may be able to put you in touch with Jenny Bill (Jeffs daughter) who may well remember
Glad you got to see your file as they do make for interesting reading
17.
Manuel Joao Simoes | March 3, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Hi John
Yes the files do make for some very interesting reading all be it upsetting. This in the sense that they are not complete and this leads to the raising of even more questions than answers. I have sent Wendy a mail in this regard and she seems either not to get my mail or does not know. I requested she speak to Herb but to no avail. I would love to speak to Herb Thompson in person to try and fathom what happened all those years ago especially after some of the incidental reports I read penned by him. Also fascinating is the fact that there is only one or two reports. This is strange given the fact that I was in SGH for quite a while. Also missing was any kind of report relating to the discipline record. This I find unusual. Incidents that I clearly remember and by my judgment would definatly be on my file.
On a different note how can I get in contact with Jenny Bill as I am very interested in finding my hosts particularly the Matthews family ?? . They lived in Benoni at the time and had 4 kids of their own.
18.
Peter De R. | April 1, 2009 at 7:19 am
So good reading of the guy’s past experiences…during my years in goggies ..1948/ 1955…times were hard and fair, how’s the saying ?..” If one couldn’t stand the heat , leave the kitchen”….I loved evert day of my 8 year stay, some many stories to relate , dont know where to start but that I will., masters such as ..’Jacko’Short, ‘Flossy’ capener, ‘Burny’ Moss, ‘Robby’ Robson, ‘Boet’ Symes, Ken Mc Holm…..guys of whome I had so much respect for, taught me so much. Hey!!!.. which of you guys remember ”Kaff…r Jones [ relief housemaster] what a disciplinarian..could surely swing that stick,[ OUCH ]. ..I tell you what,, Will get my old 70year old brain in working order and ASAP
19.
Peter De R. | April 1, 2009 at 7:26 am
contd. will send some good , good tales. as is said here downunder..”.Good on ya.”
20.
Anonymous | April 8, 2009 at 4:03 pm
The comments above only speak in tones of good memories let me tell you this was the bare minimum of cases. All of my years at SGH (8 years in all) as it is so lovingly referred to, were hell and all I wish to do is one of two things ,1) beat the hell out of the house master who took great delight in doing the exact thing to me at every opportunity he got or,2) just forget about it. For some or other reason I cannot choose between the two.
I was sent to hosts and low and behold the husband was trying his best to have his way with me. It took all my efforts to keep out of arms length when his wife and kids were not around. Had a choice either keep out of the mans reach or stay at the home and risk a thrashing. Say anything to the house master and you would be deemed ungrateful and a liar and get thrashed. What is so great about that I ask??
I would further like to ask nay let me say demand from the house master Mr Herb Thompson, What the hell did you do with my watch that you confiscated from me in 1974 for the simple reason that I left in the bathroom section while taking a shower. I still do not have it back in spite of my offer at the end of 1975 to take 6 of your best just to retrieve it??
I must leave now before I get upset all over again.
21.
Peter de Reuck | April 17, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hi Erica…never met ..but how are you?….looking at the photos of the boxing club and band of 1947 sure brings back memories, after so many years I dont recognise many of the faces but one that surely stands out is Peter Harper…couch of the boxing club. Peter was my house master in Simpson house until his very sad demise. I was couched in the ‘pugilistic’ arts by Peter for a while followed by Laurie Stevans..on leaving S.G.H. in 1955 I joined the Malvern boxing club onto Jeppi club then moved to natal… Erica do you have any old photos between the years ..1948// 1955. would appreciate a glance.at any available. Gosh the years surely roll by.,, I now reside in Queensland , Australia. Do keep well and God bless.
22.
Donald Viljoen | June 11, 2009 at 8:19 pm
1976-1985
Hi there,
Can anyone explain why, we had to wear short pants in junior section during winter? still remember the long walks to Wychwood Primary School. Now that was hell….! Is David Kelly out there some where I would like to make contact with him.
Many thanks
Donald Viljoen
0761037116
23.
HEATHER MCHOLM | June 22, 2009 at 11:10 am
Hi there all the old St. Georges Boys.
I have suddenly picked up on this web site which was a lovely surprise.
I think we all know Joan Harper of Spackman House. Well she is staying with me for a holiday at the moment from Scotland and you will not believe this but she is 86 and still going very strong.
The photo’s are outstanding and bring a lot of happy memories back. As all you old boys know that David and I grew up at St. Georges and had 250 brothers that we had to share with. This was a very unusual up bringing but it made us both better people.
Please contact me if any of you have questions.
Kind Regards
Heather
24.
John Rossouw | June 23, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hey Heather
The wonderful thing about the internet is that you never know who pops up
Glad to know that you and the family are well and that Joan is still going strong
Please pass on my regards to her and ask her if she reme,bers the cooking classes in her flat in Beaton House where she taught us how to make trifle pudding with “real sherry”
Please try and convince David to join the site as well as it would be great to keeo in touch
No doubt his girls are all grown up now as well
Regards and keep in touch
John
PS check out the old boys blog on the internet which Blane von Pletzen set up as some of the stories will bring back even more memories
25.
Wendy Thiompson/Jones | June 23, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Hi Heather
It has been a long time but it is good to see you posting here. Would love to make contact with you. You can reach my on email at palmoil@telkomsa.net
Regards
Wendy
26.
Peter de Reuck | June 23, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Hi Heather ..How are you?…I am an old boy from way back..1948/ 1955….do remember Joan and late husband Peter when I was resident in Simpson house ie. 1948 to 51, then over to Beaton. I remember your father as being the relief house master..also..the weddings of Peter and Joan and your Dad and mom in the home chapel…Wow that was ages ago. Heather do keep well and God bless. Bye for now ..Peter.
27.
Blane | June 24, 2009 at 12:02 am
Heather: I had hoped that you would find this site and check in! And here you are! Really good to hear from you and looking forward to catching up and perhaps hearing a bit of your story, too.
Much love,
Blane
28. Saint George’s Home for Boys 1915 – 1991 « Saint George’s | June 24, 2009 at 12:44 am
[...] Heather McHolm checks in [...]
29.
Peter de Reuck | July 8, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Questions..questions. I notice by reading through the many letters on the site that nothing is ever mentioned of ‘Jacko’ Short and family, during my 8 year stay at St Georges [ 1948 / 55.] I had such respect for this man.. so many memories ’stand out’. wow that being 54 years ago.. as for headmaster Mr Strong…..enough said. Have just recently turned 70 but still have such good memories of my stay in S,G,H,…..Firstly schooled in the home classrooms [ principal..Mr Wilson] then moved into the newly build Wychwood primary school then off to Malvern high…[ prindipal Mr morrison..]. You see memory not to bad . Regards to all and do keep well. God bless. Peter.
30.
Manuel Joao Simoes | July 10, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Greeting All
I was wondering about SGH before my time. Can anybody inform me as what the “rebellion was all about and what was the outcome?? Should make for some interesting reading.
31.
Anon | August 3, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Hi All
A good thing that they that is the authorities closed the place. Nothing but misery out of the place. Most would say it was with the best of intentions but then again we all know were the best of intentions lead. And for those who don’t staight to hell.
I will never forget the absolute terror I felt in the time I was incarserated. Good memories ?? maybe for the few but not most.
32.
anon | August 16, 2009 at 9:58 am
I must agree with the sentiments of Anon above. No doubt some may disagree but they will be ´the few and not the most’.
33.
peter karam | August 17, 2009 at 12:52 pm
A great place for a kid to grow up. I think there is a book to rival “Spud” in here somewhere.
34.
John Rossouw | August 20, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Great idea Peter perhaps you can encourage contributions from old biys which I can collate
35.
anon | August 21, 2009 at 7:10 am
It was NOT a great place for a kid to grow up. A great place for a kid to grow up has a caring/nurturing/loving environment. That of SGH was, indeed, the very opposite. And the only book to adequately describe the stories of the hundreds of boys who passed through the place can only be a tragedy – certainly not the arrant nonsense suggested above.
36.
Peter de Reuck | August 22, 2009 at 10:50 pm
‘To all S.G.H. old boys where ever you may be..’Good on ya’, all keep well and God bless. From Peter ..[ way ”down under”…Oz. Queensland.
37.
Frank Barry Kruger | October 7, 2009 at 6:16 am
Wow, I’m so sorry to see persons bitter after the fact. They were helped with a roof over their head, food, education and much more. SGH was no different to any boarding establishment. Nobody in a family environment could afford what we had: soccer, cricket, Band, extra lessons free. Guys, no regrets. Look at it as character building. How you use it is up to you – positive or negative.
I’ve been in a wheelchair for 23 years – quadriplegic. I have 4 kids: 15, 15, 12 and 4 and the best wife in the world. Live with a 90% / 10% principal: 10% you can’t change. 90% is caused by your own reaction to a situation – positive or negative.
Regards to all,
Frank
Peter: Frank Kruger here – Grant’s brother. You two were mates in Simpson and Smuts House.
Heather: Frank Kruger from Taylor house. Don’t know if you remember me. Jog your memory – I used to ride Finger at horse riding. Hope you are well.
Hi, Gavin. Frank here. Where are you living?
Carlos, Frank here. Hope you are well. Where are you?
38.
Peter de Reuck | October 9, 2009 at 9:40 am
II am 70 years old and to this day do not regret for a single moment the years spent at ”goggies”. [ 1948 to 1955. ]…..To all you old boy’s……a big ‘howzit’ and do all keep well where ever you may be. …God Bless……… Peter deReuck. [ over and out..]
39.
anon | September 6, 2009 at 2:26 pm
What a surprise! Was watching a kiddies movie, called `The Sorcerer´s Apprentice, starring Robert Davi (as Merlin) and Kelly Le Brock (as Morgana), and I nearly fell off my chair (ok, I did). Why? Because it featured St Georges (and Wits University) in its setting. Produced in 2001.
Last line of dialogue has Ben (the kiddy character) saying (on the road alongside the Parade Ground and looking towards Spackman House): “I like this place. It´s magical”
Unfortunately (or should I say, fortunately), Ben, not being a Home Boy, had no idea how wrong he was.