As match day approaches, we toast the timeless traditions that bind the Rondebosch and Bishops communities together through shared experiences and collective joy.

Rondebosch old boy, Philip Myburgh E84 writes:

I want to tell you about a song called “let us sing”, that I wrote with Jennifer Eaves and Jonny Blundell. The idea for the song has its origin in a poem called “Derby day” which I wrote the night before the first Rondebosch – Bishops’ derby last year.

The derby is an occasion I have enjoyed being part of for many years from my days as a Bosch boy many years ago.

The writing of a song was then given impetus by an interaction I had with an English fan after the World Cup semi final. There was a scuffle in the stands between two supporters of the respective teams.

After the unfortunate incident he said to me “this is not who we are” (I understood it to be a reference to the rugby community) and it has remained with me. Here was a man, no doubt bitterly disappointed at the outcome of the game, who remained true to the ethos of the contest. This song is a call to sing together and enjoy the moment and while its immediate context is rugby, it has, of course, a much broader reach. But most importantly for this week, is that was born out of the wonderful tradition our two schools share and I think it is particularly apt that the violinist is James Hall (2005M).

Please give it a look and listen. Enjoy, and here’s to an awesome derby!

Let us sing about the BishBosch Derby by Bishops ODU

You can watch the original recording on YouTube HERE. It is performed by Jennifer Eaves and James Hall (OD05) with Julie Blundell and the Roundabout singers.

The Poem:  Derby Day

Carrying with us dreams both big and small,

shyly secreted and loudly shouted,

together we will walk the avenues

where generations of memories nourish

the roots of giant soldiers silently at watch.

On the fields a timeless quartet of colours:

two shared, another borrowed for the day.

Yes, perhaps we will forget our yesterday

in the beautiful brevity of the day

and allow the dust to darken, the din

to deafen that which will outlast the day.

But when time is called, tears shed

and songs sung, we will know:

It is not for victory alone that we return.

Music Credits:
Jennifer Eaves - lead vocal, piano and acoustic guitar; James Hall - violin and viola; Jonny Blundell – acoustic bass, programming; James van Minnen - bodhran (Irish frame drum); Julie Blundell and the Roundabout singers – choir; Composed by Philip Myburgh and Jennifer Eaves; Recorded, arranged and produced by Jonny Blundell of Rootspring Studio; Choir arrangement by Julie Blundell; Mixed and Mastered by Vicente Espi – Sanchis; Video by Bruce Meissner of Ode to the Road; Enquiries: Philip Myburgh, [email protected] and 0833840574