It is probably best to describe the year that has passed as business as usual. From an administrative side we have managed to recover from the wake left with Roger Herbert's passing and have in the year established a fully operational office. Mr Bill Schroder, who shoulders the day-to-day running of the Association affairs, has proved a valuable asset to us and greatly relieved the pressure on the rest of the board.

Mr Kyle Schmulow has, since the last AGM in 2010, taken control of the website and has launched a very successful and much praised and improved version of it. Along with his efforts on the website has gone a concerted drive to use various social media for the promotion and general communication requirements of the Association. I am happy to report that it has been some years since we last sent out more than a single hard mail in the year. The reality is that more and more of our old boys are online, best illustrated by the example of Barry Peiser (85) who is our oldest old boy on Facebook. The work in this area is by no means done and will remain a focus of the directorate.

I am happy to report that Mrs Cherry Schroder continues to run the database administration for the Association. For this we are ever grateful as her dedication and attention to the details of it is critical in our keeping in touch with old boys.

There were a number of very successful reunions in the year. The reorganisation of the board and the appointment of Mr Schroder has meant that we are able to keep in regular contact with the reunion groups. Regular contact and enthusiastic support all contribute to far better reunions.

In April 2011 the Association appointed the first female Life Vice-Presidents. This is a landmark moment in the history of the Association and along with the appointment of a number of former members of staff, some female, and individuals in supporting roles, marks a significant step into the twenty-first century.

The Club continues to operate well in trying circumstances and continuous effort is made to recruit new members. Financially it is carefully and prudently managed and particular thanks need to be given to Mr James Lourens, Mr Geoff Meyer and our Club Manager Mr Louise Leggat. Their effort does not go unnoticed.

In closing I would like to thank the directorate for their contribution in the year, and the members of the executive for the sustained efforts, but in particular I would like to thank Mr Rupert Hector. Rupert retires this year after single-handedly running all the sporting efforts of the directorate. This is a job that is totally thankless and his continued effort and dedication is much appreciated.