|
7th August 2006 Zimbabwe is a wonderful country and we are not going to let it go. We have real hope. We just have to ride out the storm. Wheels turn, people come and go. Zimbabweans are on the whole fine and resilient people, there is huge goodwill between the races, and we are all looking forward to a brighter future not too far away. The negative events life throws at us represent only a fraction of what happens every day in Zimbabwe, and no matter how damaging it may seem, such events cannot prevail for ever. Believe it or not we live a happy and good life, stressful yes, but nothing compared to the victims of tsunamis, wars in Lebanon, droughts in Ethiopia, murders in South Africa, even flooding in New Orleans and the weather in UK ! Don't even mention Iraq, Sudan, the DRC or Afghanistan. You should have come with us to Hwange (Wankie) last weekend. 5 star luxury private lodge in the park, prides of up to 16 lions, night drives witnessing lions on a hunt - it just couldn't be better. And the camp was full of foreign tourists - French, American, German. Mid winter, but no jerseys needed. We are blessed with an abundance of good things which far exceed the bad. That is why we are here, we have hope for the future, and we are looking forward to it. Falcon in particular is a beacon of hope, an oasis of excellence, and continues to thrive. We have a full intake booked for next year, Cambridge exam results last year were vastly improved, and our boys went on several tours including to the World Sevens in Dubai (where they excelled, and will be returning this December). This year alone, cricket to the Cape, tennis to Natal, hockey to South Africa, junior adventure course to Drakensberg, cultural group to Grahamstown and rugby to Dubai. More tours than ever before. Beating Peterhouse (previously unbeaten this season) at rugby and hockey on Saturday capped a wonderful 2nd term, and the social interaction with dozens of Peterhouse/Falcon parents after the game was better than ever. This is the other side of the story. Come and see us. Andy Laing, Falcon Board of Governors |
|
6th June 2007 Dear FOB’s The Falcon College Overseas Committee is looking to recruit several Oldboys to assist in the running of the Falcon College Overseas Trust. The staff of Falcon are doing a fantastic job in very difficult circumstances and it is time that more Oldboys showed their appreciation and allegiance. It is understood that we all have our own lives to live but if you are able and have a little time and enthusiasm to spare please give us a hand: Basic details of this are: Ø Meetings are held four times a year to discuss any current financial issues at Falcon and where possible to fund or fund raise to meet any College requests/needs. For convenience sake these meetings are held at the Thistle Hotel at London Victoria Station. Ø Committee members will be expected to participate/assist in fund raising events where possible, these in the past have included dinners at the House of Commons, and Carlton Club, a range of pub evenings, cricket days and the hiring of a boat on the Thames. This year we are looking to participate in the very popular ZimFest. Ø Ongoing commitments include the running of the Falcon 100 Club (although this is normally maintained by one person, currently Mike POTTS), the Oldboys web page (maintained by Colin BEWES), up date letters and appeals, and keeping in touch with Oldboys world wide which can be a challenge!! Note: All monies raised go to Falcon College and as a result this is a non-paying position. For further information please call John Laing on +44 787 671 7922 or email jlaing@moneygram.com who will be happy to answer any questions and add you to our mailing list. Your support is much appreciated. Falcon College Committee |
|
20th June 2007 Falcon Old Boys, Very tragically we have lost another member of staff in what appears to have been a suicide, and this not long after the deaths of Ron Hartley and Mike Cumming. Our housekeeper Alice Bryan, wife of John Bryan, our groundsman for many years, was found dead in her car parked close to the Ncema dam on Monday night. She simply had too great a burden to bear. The situation in the country is impacting on everyone. On top of that she had been unable to move on following the loss of their only son Adam (Falcon school boy) in a tragic accident (electrocuted) in Harare four years ago, the loss of their farm in Esigodini, and a long battle with cancer as well as other problems. There is an almost tangible depression hanging over Falcon right now and any messages of support to the Head or to John Bryan personally (via the Head) would be much appreciated. (Head@falconcollege.com). Thank you. Andy Laing |
|
28th June 2007 Just a quick update: The party/pub evening arranged for the 27th July starting 19:30 at the Slug & Lettuce in Fulham Broadway, is looking like it is going to be a very festive occasion. Remember for your convenience the closest station is Fulham Broadway which is on the District Line and is easy to get to and from. There are also number of places to eat in close vicinity. This evening is a charity event, tickets are £7.50 each. The money will be going towards the "Falcon College Overseas Trust". I have tickets so please let me know how many you need, you can do this in person, or call me on 07876 717922, or by post to 10 St. Benedict's Close, Tooting, SW17 9NU (Please make cheques payable to Falcon College Overseas Trust). If you opt for me to give them to you on the evening, please have your payment ready. Please note if you require more than one ticket please let me know the peoples names as there will be a prize draw on the evening. Please encourage as many of your friends, work colleagues and or family members to come along!!! I am looking forward to seeing you all there. Regards, John |
|
20th August 2007 All, I am looking for 12 volunteers to man the Falcon beer tent at ZimFest this year. If you would be interested please call me on 07876717922. If you commit to a couple hours service I’m sure I can get you a complimentary ticket. Many thanks, John |
|
Hi FOBs - Hope no-one is confused now that I've changed the look and navigation of the site. More improvements will be forthcoming soon. For now, however, click on Events, then click the link for the Falpet 2008 Commando Challenge for the FalPet (Falcon vs Peterhouse) Cup 2008 on 17th May. Should be a really good event and one that's really worth supporting - see the page for full details. Cheers, Colin Bewes (H'79) |
|
You may be interested in visiting the podcast section of Highveld Stereo, a radio station based in Joburg. They are basing a number of their morning "traffic jokes" at Falcon College. Of note is the recent one entitled "Taking a stand against being late" in which not only is there a joke, but also a comment from Reg Querl (and his wife!) See http://www.highveld.co.za/podcast/podcast_traffic.asp Visit the site soon as the particluar episode is about to be archived. Thanks to Julian Stewart for this |