|
|
|
|
Peretz (Pery) Karin
|
| |
Peretz Arie Karin
| Nickname: |
Pery |
| House: |
School/Rhodes/Scott |
| Year: |
1968-1968 |
| |
1966 - School (Day boy)
1967 - Rhodes (Boarder)
1968 - Scott (Day boy)
After the independence of Kenya and in the early/mid 1960’s, the Prince of Wales School catered for its share of
students out of the newly established Diplomatic community. As a part of the newly formed Israeli community in
Nairobi, I enrolled to the PoW, and found myself at the heart of an old Colonial British establishment (See the
film “Out of Africa”), struggling to adjust to the English tradition of Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Black Pudding,
Lettuce sandwiches and “cuts” as performed by Mr David Hogge.
I fondly remember my contemporary Israeli friends (among others), that went with me through the PoW/NS :
Eli Ezer – Fletcher House – Prefect
Izac Sharf – Fletcher House
Ron Katzler - Rhodes - Prefect.
Gabi Spitzer - Hawke
Boaz Rogan - Nicholson
Ofer Goren - Hawke
Nathan Frim – Fletcher/Clive
memories:
While at school, in June 1967 back in Israel the “Six Days War” unleashed. I fondly remember the sympathy
and support given to me by Mr. Bill Woodhouse who understood the concerns I had at the time.
A special place in school was the Art shop of Mr. Keith Harrington, opened for us his own house, creating a
unique refuge in the school environment to enable the further development of artistic skills of students interested
in art.
Basketball games at the Loretto Convent playgrounds, under the American imported coach Mr. Azoy and with no girls
in sight. This practice was too revolutionary for the traditional PoW sports environment, and was terminated mid
year when Mr. Azoy left.
I can remember a soccer match between School House (Day Boys) and Scott (Boarders). School where Losing “Big time”.
I was the goal keeper, and out of frustration in the lack of any effective defense, I left my goal, charged forward,
and scored the only goal for School House. The game ended at 9 to 1! I remember the face of Mr. Bill McCormick upon our
return to School House. He was expecting the loss, but could not figure where the 1 came from!
In Rhodes House, we had one portable record player with only one record of Jim Reeves to play. To date I am
still fond of “Snowflake” and “Distant Drums” tunes which we must have heard repeatedly over a thousand times in
the compulsory afternoon outdoor breaks.
I recall a night, solving the problem of the very loud snoring orchestrated by Sandro Finotti in the long dark
dormitory, by moving him (with others) while asleep into the Laundry big drawer. Finotti’s sleep was not disturbed to
the next morning.
About myself:
I left Nairobi School in 1968 to join the Israeli Air Force Technical Collage. I served in the IAF for 23 years to
retire as Lt. Colonel, Specializing in Electronic systems. For 11 years I was also flying A-4 Skyhawk jets and loved
every minute I spent in the air.
After retirement from the IAF I became a “Gun Dealer” working on Defense Industry high tech. projects in the U.S.,
Australia and India.
I am a graduate of the Tel-Aviv University in African studies and Political science (among other things). Those
studies widened my understanding of the Colonial era and the roll of the PoW in this tradition. (Nigeria and Kenya
have a vast influence over my childhood).
Today I live in Canberra, Australia. Married to Beverley, an ex-Pommie from South Yorkshire, have three adult
children, and I am customised to Roast Beef, Yorkshire pudding, AFL and Aussie Cricket. I still miss Mrs. Gray’s
Upside dawn Strawberry cake, the only treat on the Rhodes Menu.
I would love to get in touch with my friend at the time, Vallerio Fiorotto, if any one knows his whereabouts.
Swimming Gala April 1968, my last day in Nairobi School - (I'm on the left)
Pery Karin IAF Flying Taigers - 1987
Pery Karin - 2009
(Registered - 19th February 2009)
|
If anyone wishes to contact Pery, please e-mail webmaster@oldcambrians.com
to obtain his contact details
|
| |
