Just on 200 people gathered at the club to celebrate the 90th anniversary of both the cricket and hockey sub clubs on Thursday 20 September.

It was an evening packed with reminiscences, anecdotes, and stories that began “do you remember…?” There was a wonderful array of current and former players there to recall the successes of both sections over the years, and ending with the fervent wish that that success is continued by the new generation of players.

It was fitting that this past season the cricket team won the major league in Gauteng, and the revitalization of hockey saw them win two league titles with the distinct possibility of premier league hockey returning to the club.

The guests were welcomed by the former King Edward schoolboy, Moleto Kgabe who played the bag pipes. Such was his popularity that he was asked to play again after the dinner!

Hugh Bladen, as usual acted as a wonderfully humorous and knowledgeable Master of ceremonies.

Gregg Clark, the current coach to the SA hockey side that has recently returned from London 2012 Olympics, spoke of the days he started playing the sport at school. It was, as he said, rather daunting as a 13 year old trying to adapt to senior hockey at the club, but he went on to become one of South Africa’s greatest players.

Adam Bacher recalled some of the illustrious times of the cricket section over the years spiced with stories of his playing days both at the club and for South Africa.

Both speakers not only were members of the Society, but went to King Edward School.

Tutty Farber, the President of the Society, thanked the speakers for their wonderful and meaningful contribution to the evening. Tutty, in fact played cricket for the Society for 50 consecutive years.

Some of the long standing cricket members were very much in attendance. Brothers Doug and Lennie Etlinger who have scored the South African games for both radio and television on almost all the Test grounds throughout the cricket playing world were among the guests. Gavin Fairon, Mark Henning, Douglas Lawson with brother Alan, and Alan Gray along with Hugh Page, Albie During and Kevin McKenzie were also present.

Attending from hockey were Steve Jaspan, who not only played for South Africa but has gone on to be an influential person on the International hockey Board, Jock Coombes and Viv Greve.

There was a table representing the club cricket sponsors, Gunn and Moore hosted by Doug and Anne Vilas, parents of Dane a former Sportsman of the Year of the Society. Also on that table was Faizel Sallie, representing the Gauteng Cricket Board.

Some people had travelled quite a way to attend. Brian Avnit from Durban; Neil Bentley and David Borthwick, both from Cape Town, and Peter Norgarb from Knysna to name a few.

Not forgotten were the workers behind the scenes. Anne Pratt who has put in countless hours over the years administrating cricket, the current ground staff without whom we would not have some of the best pitches and outfields in the Province, and the coaches.

The committee had organized four giant montages of photos following the history of both sports over the years, and these adorned hall which was brilliantly laid out as well as the food being fitting for such an occasion.

SuperSport where there to capture the celebrations, and interviews were done with Kevin McKenzie, Mark Henning and Albie During.

It was a fitting celebration of both mile stones.

Photos by Jeff Shulman: 90thDinner OES