Petreans

Death Notice: Patrick Chidakwa (E86) - September 2020

Death Notice - Patrick Chidakwa (Ellis 86)

Patrick passed away suddenly in early September as a result of a heart condition in South Africa. As the MP for Marondera, Patrick remained a close and loyal Petrean, and we mourn his passing. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his families at this sad time. 

Death Notice - Rev George Martin - 2020

CONDOLENCES – Rev. GEORGE MARTIN

A Great schoolmaster and educationalist.

It is with a sense of real sadness and sorrow that the Peterhouse community received news of George Martin’s recent passing in the United Kingdom.

Long-time school master and servant of Peterhouse, Rev George Martin was both highly respected and regarded by all those with whom he came into contact. There were few areas, in the life of our school, that George did not touch or influence. Passionate teacher of languages, housemaster, and sports coach extraordinaire, mentor, Chaplain and avid outdoor educationalist he influenced, through his teaching and wise counsel, the lives of generations of Petreans. Starting his career at Peterhouse in the 1960’s his influence extended over the school for nearly five decades; such was his impact on the school. He was in the words of one of his pupils, “an inspirational and caring teacher, as well as a wonderful hockey coach and fearless Chimanimani expedition leader”. For many who knew George in his role at Peterhouse he will always be remembered for his love of cross country and real appreciation for the wild places of Africa.

Rev George Martin will be remembered as a trail-blazer, fearless in his approach to life. His courage, integrity and wisdom underscored his Peterhouse legacy. His input into education in Zimbabwe will be long-lasting given his service to both Peterhouse and Lendy Park School in Marondera. He was a true gentleman, legend and much admired teacher who will be fondly remembered by the Peterhouse community.

To Caroline, Tim and your respective families we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to you all.

Peterhouse was privileged to have had such a fine man on our staff – may he now rest in peace.

JG Trafford
Rector

Death Notice : Somkhosi 'Sam' Malaba - 30 July 2020

TRIBUTE TO SOMKHOSI ‘SAM’ MALABA

It is with a sense of real sadness and sorrow that the Peterhouse community received, following a long illness, the news of Somkhosi ‘Sam’ Malaba’s passing in Harare on Thursday 30 July.

Long-time champion and supporter of Peterhouse, Sam Malaba (Grinham 74) was highly regarded as a banker, having served as a former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and Chief Executive Officer of Agribank. Within the Peterhouse Group of Schools, Sam served as Chairman of the Peterhouse Finance Committee and was a longstanding member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors. His passion for the school was exemplified by the years he devoted to serving this community. As a knowledgeable and passionate rugby supporter, Sam was always willing to voice his views on the beauty of the game. In the words of Howard Blackett (Rector 2013 – 2019), “Sam was highly regarded by the Peterhouse community. His financial expertise was invaluable, not least given the challenges Zimbabwe faced over the years, but also in his unstinting support/commitment to Peterhouse”.

Sam Malaba will be remembered as a trail-blazer, both at Springvale House and Peterhouse, and for his fearless approach to life. His courage, integrity, and wisdom, underscored his influence on Peterhouse. His legacy will be long-lasting given his service to the school. He is a true, and great, gentleman and Petrean.

To Joyce, Nothando (PHG 04), Mandla (Grinham 09), Nomkhosi (PHG 17), and the whole Malaba family, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences at this very difficult and sad time.

Jon Trafford

Rector

30 July 2020

Death Notice: Christopher Rolf Otto Waldschutz (G63)

The death of Christopher Rolf Otto Waldschutz (G63) occurred on November 15th 2019. He was born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) on July 3rd 1945.

He was the only son of Rolf Otto Waldschutz and Helen G Waldschutz.

Christopher is survived by his wife Janice (Urquhart), daughter Jennifer, son Colin, daughter-in-a Jan, grandsons Neil and Andrew and sister, H. Ann Ackroyd.

He was educated at Peterhouse Boys’ School and McGill University. At a young age he was a glider pilot, and continued his love of flying as a corporate pilot with the Irving Group for almost 30 years.

Christopher was active in the Saint John community as a member of the Common Council, chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners and Warden of Trinity Anglican Church.

His funeral service was held at Trinity Anglican Church, Saint John, NB, Canada.

John Greenacre (3 December 1934 - 25 September 2019)

25 September 2019

Dear Governors and Committee Members, Petreans, Friends and Staff of Peterhouse

Re: John Greenacre (3 December 1934 - 25 September 2019)

I write to inform you that John Greenacre died early this morning; truly the end of an era for our great school.

John joined Peterhouse in January 1959, from Cambridge University, having been appointed by Fred Snell, the first and founding Rector of Peterhouse (Fred Snell had previously been Rector of Michaelhouse where John completed his schooling). He subsequently served under Bruce Fieldsend, Alan Megahey, Mike Bawden and Jon Calderwood all former Rectors and was still teaching some maths until December 2014, when he officially retired having reached the age of 80. Even then, and in retirement, he ran the school archive and kept an active interest in Peterhouse as a regular attendee in school assembly, chapel, the Common Room, the dining hall and on the touchline (mostly cricket and rugby).

During his long and distinguished career at Peterhouse John taught maths to myriad pupils and was Housemaster of Paget (1966 - 1977), Housemaster of Grinham (1990 - 1994), Senior Master (1977 - 2002) and Acting Rector (Lent 1994).

Details of the funeral arrangements etc. will be announced in due course; in the meantime I attach a copy of the speech I made on the occasion of John’s Farewell Dinner in December 2014 which I hope will give you some sense of the wonderful schoolmaster and servant of Peterhouse he was.

Yours faithfully,

Howard Blackett MA (Oxon)

Rector

Macdonald Gwashure (M03)

Macdonald Gwashure (M03), Peterhouse 1st XI Team Soccer Captain (2003), sadly passed away in a car accident on the 23rd June 2019.
Our most sincere condolences to Macdonald's wife, Rumbi and to the Gwashure Family.
MHDSRIP #flyhighourpetrean

Alan Hickman (G63)

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF ALAN HICKMAN

On Saturday 29th September 2018, Mr Bill Barker, a Humanist Celebrant, will be conducting a service to celebrate the life of Alan Hickman.

VENUE

The Gringley on the Hill Community Centre:

West Wells Lane

Gringley on the Hill

DN10 4QY

The service will start promptly at 1 pm and light refreshments will be available at the end of the service.

Everyone is welcome although the service will not be suitable for young children.

MEMORIES OF ALAN

It would be lovely to hear about your memories of Alan, so please write them down and put them in the “memory box” on the day. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Roger Humberstone (P66)

Roger Humberstone (P66) In the late 1990s Roger left North Africa to live and work in Nottingham in the UK. He retired in 2014, and moved back to Tunisia. After four happy years in a country that he loved, he died on 28th May 2018 at his home in Sfax.

Barton Woolfe (F68)

Barton Woolfe (F68) has been described as Zimbabwe’s most prolific playwright. "Frank Source" claims that: "Bart has sixteen of his own plays published and performed mostly in the African subcontinent where he was responsible for running theatre workshops based on human rights and minimalism. His work has been seen in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, as well as the plays travelling as wide as to Britain and America. He is a founder of the Zimbabwe Writers Union as well as the Zimbabwe Film Producers Association.".

Bart passed on or around 16th August 2016 in the UK, where he spent his time writing and publishing poetry.

John Davidson (Staff)

John Davidson, sadly passed away in the Borradaile Trust - Frail Care Unit, in Marondera on Saturday 7th July 2018. John was a School Master at Peterhouse from 1958 to the early 80's and then again in the 2000's. John will be sadly missed and remembered fondly by all who knew him and were taught by him. Our sincere condolences go out to all of Johns family and friends. MHDSRIP.

A memorial service will be held for John in November 2018, once the family are able to be in Zimbabwe - a notice will be sent out nearer to the time.