Last week on Friday the Kingswood Livestock Fund was re-launched at an event at The Wyvern. Despite very inclement weather, the support was incredible, with over 70 people attending the evening.
The Kingswood’s Livestock Fund is a project set up by Old Kingswoodians in our local farming community in support of the Legends Bursary Fund at Kingswood.
For those who don’t know the history, the Livestock Fund first began in 2012. The essence of the project saw the raising of weaner calves that were cared for and grown out on supporting local farms at a marginal cost, before being sold for a profit. Unfortunately, the project saw its end due to the prolonged drought that ravaged the Eastern Cape from 2015 to 2021.
During this time the fund was hugely successful and the funds raised were used for projects at Kingswood with funds left over that will now be used as seed funding to start it up again.
It was an amazing night for Kingswood seeing so many of our own coming out in support of the Fund. Our special thanks must go to all our local farmers who have put up their hands to get involved in the project – mostly at their own cost – and ensure its success.
The launch event was a festive affair and included a virtual cattle auction, where 4 oxen and 3 heifers were sold, as well as 3 “Butcher’s Boxes” kindly donated by Mr Warne Rippon (OK 1984) from Buffalo Kloof. Warne also donated some dry-aged beef to the event, which was prepared by Pam and Bevin Hare (OK 1982). We thank them for their generosity.
The auction was followed by the “Great Beef Braai”, provided by The Wyvern Club and sponsored by Jack Miles. Against all odds (and some miserable weather) they put on a delicious feast, roasting the beef over coals all day! Thank you to Joey and Garth Bradfield (OK 1994) from The Wyvern for the wonderful effort. The result was certainly worth it.
We would also like to extend a vote of thanks to Mr Jeremy Maclachlan (OK 2022), for being the auctioneer for the evening, as well as Mr Richard Gaybba (OK 2001) for being our MC. It would be remiss of us not to thank another key role player in the evening – Mr Paul Hobson (OK 1977). Paul was the driver behind this launch and went a long way to ensure its success. We thank him for his hard work and loyalty towards his Alma Mater.
Finally, we would like to thank everyone who was able to join us at the event. Your support was greatly appreciated. It is at events like this that the true Kingswood spirit is felt, and for that we thank you.
About the Livestock Fund
Started in 2012, and originally known as the “Tollie Fund”, the essence of the project saw the raising of weaner calves that were cared for and grown out on supporting local farms at a marginal cost, before being sold for a profit. Unfortunately, the project saw its end due to the prolonged drought that ravaged the Eastern Cape from 2015 to 2021.
Today the project has expanded to include the buying and selling of all livestock, not just calves, expanding the scope and potential of what can be achieved. While the majority of the profits will be invested in growing the project, the Legends Fund is the project’s primary beneficiary.
The Legends Fund is a very unique bursary fund at Kingswood. Managed by its own Committee, the Fund is administered within the spirit of its founding: begun originally by a group of Old Kingswoodians for the benefit of the children of a fellow classmate, the Committee is chaired by the President of the Old Kingswoodian Club.
Today, 60% of the Legends Fund’s annual distributions are for the benefit of descendants of Old Kingswoodians. By supporting the Legends Fund you will not only make a remarkable impact on a child’s life, who will, in turn, enrich the lives of those at Kingswood, but also play a vital role in Kingswood future sustainability as a school. You can read more about The Livestock Fund here.
