Our Old Johannian community gathered at the College on Saturday, 13 July, for our annual Gaudy Day, a cherished occasion to reminisce and celebrate our shared love for St John's.
The first Gaudy Day took place on 16 May 1912, Ascension Day. The proceedings began with choral celebrations at St Aidan’s, followed by a Past vs Present football match, in which the OJs recorded a 2-1 victory over the College. The Old Boy’s dinner that evening was held at the Langham Hotel in Kerk Street.
Over the years, the Gaudy Day programme has remained largely unchanged, beginning with the Old Johannian Mass. This year, The Revd Fr Thapelo Masemola served as Celebrant and Old Johannian Revd Fr Angus Patterson (1973 Hill) delivered the Homily. The magnificent choral sounds, featuring the Old Johannian and St John’s College Chapel Choir and Brass Ensemble led by Sidumo Nyamezele, with Cameron Upchurch playing the chapel organ, brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance.
The Golden Eagle Awards were presented in the Chapel to honour the significant and lasting contributions of Old Johannians who have "made a difference" in their community, industry, or field of study. Nominations for these awards come from fellow Old Johannians. This year’s recipients were Dr Rutledge Stephen Boyes (Hill 1996), who was honoured in absentia, and Luke Potter (Nash 1995), who was recognized posthumously. Luke Potter's family was present to accept the award on his behalf.
Following the Mass, traditional activities continued, with Old Johannians showcasing their skills in various sports. Hockey matches on the Astro saw the staff team win 3-2 against the Third Hockey team, the Old Johannian Second team defeat the St John's College Second Team 5-2, and the Old Johannian First Team draw 2-2 with the St John's College First Team.
Old Johannians who matriculated more than 45 years ago enjoyed the second Adsum Tea in the Staff Common Room, celebrating their long-standing connection to St John’s.
"The magnificent choral sounds, featuring the Old Johannian and St John’s College Chapel Choir, brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance."
Additional sports activities included basketball games, where the Old Johannians scored 34 points while the St John's College First Team Leavers won with 44 points. The Stayers won 49-45 against the Coaches and Staff. A battle of wits and boards took place in David Quad, where the Old Johannians were defeated 4.5 to 9.5 by the St John's College Chess First Team. A debate about ‘Progress is a comfortable disease’ was held in the Amphitheatre between the College and alumni, with the Old Johannians taking the lead Other games included football, with the St John’s College Second Team drawing 1-1 with the Old Johannians, the College First Team winning 5-0 against the OJs, the Academy First Team defeating the College First Team 1-0, and the Academy 2nd Team losing 1-2 to the Old Academians. In rowing, the OJs emerged victorious, and in squash, the OJs won 3-2 against the College. In tennis, the OJs won two matches and lost one against the students. The historical tour began in the Pelican Quadrangle, led by Matthew Venter-Clelland (Custos), reliving more than 125 years of St John's history and including a visit to the Museum.
The Nick Rowe Inter-House Sevens Finals and the Leavers XV vs Stayers XV contesting the Peter Raney Trophy took place on Burger Field, remembering these fine young Johannians who left us too soon. Nash House won the Nick Rowe 7s, with Clarke in second place and Hill in third. The Stayers defeated the Leavers 36-27, securing the Peter Raney Trophy.
The celebration wrapped up with a lunch on Burger Field, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a renewed sense of camaraderie. It was a day that embodied the spirit and tradition of St John's College.
Lux, Vita, Caritas!
Until next year, Old Johannians!
Pictures: Steve Lawrence, Travis Stewart (UIV Fleming), Tom Dewar (LV Hodgson)
