I unfortunately must share the devastating news that George Weetman passed away suddenly, yesterday evening. George is a St Alban’s legend, friend, colleague and passionate Albanian.

George Weetman took over as Estate Manager from Jack Clayton in 1984. George joined us from Kimberly where he had played provincial cricket, as a wicket-keeper and batsman, and worked at the Kimberly Club. George was responsible for the significant improvement of the St Alban’s grounds and gardens over many decades and his touch around the campus will be a reminder to us of his love for the College and his passion for excellence. George’s experience as a cricketer allowed us to prepare cricket wickets and fields which are rated as some of the best in the country. The TC Mitchell cricket oval is a testament to his commitment to providing the best facilities for the boys at the College. George was also instrumental in establishing the Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival at St Alban’s in the eighties. This Festival has become one of the premier Cricket festivals around the country and I have no doubt his spirit will continue to allow us to strive for excellence in this area as well. George also helped with Public Relations, the running of the Sixth Form, and coaching cricket and rugby over the years.

George also spent many hours running the Anton Murray Pavilion as a function venue, and it is only right that we recently named a section of the pavilion in his honour. The George Weetman Room will ensure that his legacy lives on at the College and I have no doubt that we will gather there to honour his memory in a few weeks’ time at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. I can picture him sitting behind the bar, telling a story and keeping everyone entertained. George was always a magnificent and gracious host.

Most recently George helped with the planning of the St Alban’s Old Albanian Golf Day and worked as the Facilities Manager at Varsity College which is situated on our property. He was a committed and passionate Old Albanian Committee member and his contribution, wealth of knowledge about the inner workings and history of the College will be sorely missed.

George was our friend, a mentor and an integral member of the team and it is hard to believe that with his passing, a significant era of the College’s history comes to an end. There are many staff members who, over the years have offered their lives and the bulk of their working careers to the College to ensure that it becomes one of South Africa’s leading Independent Schools. George will be remembered as one of the greats of his time. He will be remembered for his sense of fun, for never shying away from a challenge, for his passion for the College and for the boys of the College. He will be remembered as a pioneer who established strong foundations on which the future College will thrive. We have so much to thank him for and his gentle presence, sense of humour and firm handshake will be missed.

May his soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory. We continue to keep his wife, Merle, and his sons, Mark and Nick, in our prayers.

6TH HEADMASTER