HISTORY

 

History

The history of the Association is most intriguing - it was formed in 1924 by the first headboy, Spuds Murphy, and his fellow matriculants. Annual dinners or smokers were the main social functions and sporting activities started expanding from 1927. The Association did not own its own grounds and these matches were played at other sporting clubs.

The Old Girls formed their own Association and were very involved in the raising of funds for charities as well contributing to the Women's movement so secure representation on a National scale. The Old Boys and Old Girls Associations united during 1937. There main motivation being financial - the Old Boys needed the Old Girls hard-earned money as they wished to acquire their own grounds - what we today know as the Bedfordview Country Club. Through sheer hard work and dedication the playing fields were levelled, it had a different connotation in those days.

The Association was relatively inactive during the war years although the Girls contributed greatly to the War effort. Soon after the war finished tennis courts were built and they were opened by a doubles match including Eric Sturgess, Laurie Locke, Don Stewart and 1 other.

There was a general feeling amongst the members that Bedfordview was too far away from the school and that land was sold and the present premises were acquired in 1956, some 2 years prior to the formation of the Randburg Town Council. These facilities have grown quite dramatically and we presently offer the following sports :-

  • Football

  • Tennis,

  • Cricket,

  • Bowls,

  • Squash

  • Hockey

As well as being the base from where Rand Athletic Club operate. Our sportsmen compete in a variety of leagues, starting in Premier/first league and working their way down the numerous social leagues. 

We place great emphasis on the development of juniors and we are in the very fortunate position of having some 700 junior members. Sadly, support from our feeder schools is very minimal, and 14 years ago we were forced to create an open club, separate from the Association to ensure our survival. I am very proud to say that we are one of the few surviving private clubs and that we have not only held our own but have made extensive additions and renovations to our facilities. This has only been possible through the great spirit of co-operation that we share with our various sports sections.