OD Union

Brilliant event! 🎉 Definitely press repeat 🔁

The next chapter for Gauteng We want more of these!

https://www.odunion.com/event/boloandbraaiatoliverock

Weather looks perfect for runners this weekend! 💪

Bruce Jack Wines Talks Series #1 Rich State Poor State In collaboration with the OD Union, Bruce Jack is delighted to invite you to the launch of Greg Mills' latest book "Rich State, Poor State: Why Some Countries Succeed and Others Fail" (Penguin Random House) at the Mitre on 30 October 2023, at 17:30 for 18:00. The leader of the official opposition Jo...

Boys to Men Heartfelt message from ODU President, David Carter (1958G) directed to the graduating class of 2023

Peter Hyslop and Paul Murray in colloquium Please join us at The Mitre for Tea on Tuesday 03 October 2023 at 11.00am. The speakers in a colloquium are Peter Hyslop retired Staff, and Paul Murray the ODA.   The first colloquium will be presented by Peter who will speak on OD John Oates, poet, and aviator, in context of his time at Bishops an...

One could not ask for a better venue to come together as ODs for an evening of socialising and connecting!

Boland and North Boland OD Braai at Olive Rock One could not askk for a better venue to come together as ODs for an evening of socialising and connecting!   Join other ODs from the region for a braai at Olive Rock on 20 October 2023.  The menu looks scrumptious and a cash bar will be available Canape's on arrival Garlic beef ribeye espetada Ro...

Join us ‘in die Boland!’

Boland and North Boland OD Braai at Olive Rock One could not askk for a better venue to come together as ODs for an evening of socialising and connecting!   Join other ODs from the region for a braai at Olive Rock on 20 October 2023.  The menu looks scrumptious and a cash bar will be available Canape's on arrival Garlic beef ribeye espetada Ro...

South Africans offer a buffet of traditions, languages, and customs that add spice to this flavorful mix

Our unique South African Blend The Springbok slogan "Stronger together" couldn't be more fitting.

Visit the ODU Website (OD Community tab) and find a mentor or opt to become one!

https://www.odunion.com/careers

What are the top 5 qualities of mentees and mentors?

The ODU Mentorship Progamme.

Mentorship for Millennials and Gen Z Mentorship isn't just a thing of the past; it's a game-changer for anyone in their twenties and thirties, too.

Well done guys!! Bishops WP Schools Golf Champions 2023

Well done! Bishops WP Schools Golf Champions 2023

https://www.odunion.com/webview/MTQ3Njk5Ni00ZDMzYzdqSGY1cmI=

www.odunion.com It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a beloved Patron and a remarkable individual, Mr. Raymond Ackerman. Raymond's departure from this world leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. His legacy will forever resonate within the Old Diocesan Union and the broader communities of S...

The ODU has prepared a full tribute to our late Patron that we will publish shortly. We are grateful for the generous support and years of wisdom. Wishing his family strength and peace at this time.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Raymond Ackerman. Until recently, Raymond was the Patron of the Old Diocesan Union. He first came to Bishops in January 1944 as a boarder in School House, matriculating in the first class in 1948. His college years were characterised by his activity in all spheres of school life, including a strong involvement in sports and co-curricular activities. His desire to help others was evident from an early age and he taught in the Night School, an after-hours initiative to provide education to the support staff from the school.

After matriculating, Raymond went on to the University of Cape Town where he graduated with a B. Com. degree in 1951. He then went into the retail business until he took over a wholesale chain of stores known as Pick ‘n Pay, in 1966. It is this company that he grew into the giant supermarket sector operating across several countries on the continent of Africa. Raymond will be forever remembered for his strong commitment to the consumer, to fight against discrimination and the monopoly on basic goods, and for the way he demonstrated his strong social responsibility.

Raymond was an enormous benefactor to Bishops and the ODU, benefiting all walks of the community—students, staff, and ODs alike. His philanthropy earned him not only the highest awards both locally and internationally, but also the most prestigious award that his school can bestow on an OD—the Robert Gray Medal Award - for an exceptional contribution to society—which he received in 2018 as one of its first ever recipients.

In the Diocesan College Magazine of 1948, reporting on a rugby fixture with Raymond in the backline, the writer commented: “Ackerman relieved the pressure”; “Ackerman converted”. These words about Raymond have rung true his whole life long, always supporting, always encouraging, and always seeking ways to make the world a better place for others.

His love of his school is characterised by his frequent visits, not only as a regular supporter of the First XV rugby team, but also as recently as earlier this year when he attended a special luncheon to honour Wendy and him. There it was announced that an award would be made to a student at Bishops, named after Raymond and Wendy Ackerman, in acknowledgement of their selfless contribution to South African society; and recognizing a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and service to others. Raymond was indeed a “mensch”, a “person of integrity, morality, dignity, with a sense of what is right and responsible.” But he was more than that as he demonstrated his support for his alma mater on a regular basis through kind words and deeds. We will miss him greatly.

We send our deepest condolences to Wendy his wife and to Gareth (1975S), Kathy, Suzanne, and Jonathan (1984S) and to all his family.

RIP, Raymond Ackerman.

Cameron goes extreme on this one! 👊 What a legend.

https://www.odunion.com/webview/MTQ3MDM3NS1lZDk5ZjRkVUJaRTU=

It’s all happening right now! 🎉

VUSA 24 Hour Cycle Challenge 2023! It’s almost that time of the year again folks😁!!! The VUSA 24 Hour Cycle Challenge is back for a third consecutive year and we’re excited for one our most p...

ODs based in Queensland, join Gareth for a long lunch and catch-up on 10 November in Brisbane.

Lunch in Brisbane Please contact Gareth Davies ([email protected]) or Dedry ([email protected]) for more information. For more information on the Hotel, click on THIS LINK

Join us for the VUSA 24 Hour Cycle Challenge, an endurance event held at Bishops Diocesan College. This event brings together Bishops boys, staff, parents, and ODs for a non-stop 24-hour cycling event.

Notably, Grant Lottering will be embarking on a solo cycling journey, showcasing his unwavering commitment & you can ride along on Zwift with him and the rest of the teams. To Join use the Zwift companion app , search Grant Lottering & add to friends – then in Zwift riding app of landing page use the ‘Join a Zwifter’ tab and come and ride !

With 45 teams participating, they aim to raise funds for the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy, an NGO in Langa that empowers underprivileged primary school children through sports, academics, recreation, and food resources. Grant and all the teams riding symbolizes the collective effort to uplift communities and provide a brighter future for these children.

Join Grant and the teams as they pedal not only for the challenge, but also for the enduring impact of education and opportunity and of course your support in raising monies to enable these projects is greatly appreciated ….. see you out there (virtually 😊)

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/groups/vusa24-2023

We’re now only 4 days out from the VUSA 24 Hour Cycle Challenge featuring Grant Lottering🚴, it will be held at the picturesque Piley Rees field at Bishops Diocesan College under the beautiful Table Mountain 🗻.

There’s still plenty of time to support a cycle team and help make this wonderful initiative for our children possible

Reminder that nominations close 29 September 2023!

2024 Robert Gray Award Nominations The Robert Gray Medal is awarded to ODs for their significant contributions in their field of endeavor, or to society in general. We are looking for deserving ODs on whom we can bestow this honour.

The Cobras boys were on an absolute heater 🎰 The purple and white pumped the Mod Lions 55-0 with the game being called off 10 minutes early 😮‍💨 Congrats to Tom Burton, who led the boys out, and to Sam Elliott for sharing the man of the match award 🥇 One more game for the 2023 season - see you all next week for the final 😈 #OSB 🐍💜

Shoutout to the Cassiem brothers!! 📣🏑💪

Saturday is our traditional Bish Bosch derby match to end our ‘23 rugby season for Nic and his team! Let’s get behind our Boys in Blue this weekend and cheer them on for the last time in 2023.
2pm on the Piley.
See you there

Shoutout to the Cassiem brothers!! 💪🏑

Great night on Thursday ahead of today’s games. Many of our ODs in the audience!