Chorister Members

RIP in Canada. Originally from Heathfield.

Co-founder and first Conductor at inception of the choir. Father of 6 children, married to Corinne, a nurse. He was teacher in foundation phase at Silverlea Primary and went on to attend Wesley Teacher's Training College in Cape Town in the late 1940's.

He was also a musician and singer and occasionally judged the Minstrels Carnival Competition in Cape Town. Younger family members recall that he always attended meetings after school, often till late at night but later they understood they were not school meetings but political meetings. At one point he was questioned by the South African Secret Serviceand he learnt that he would be placed under house arrest. As some of his friends had been assassinated for their involvement in the ANC, Basil then decided to emigrate to Vancouver, Canada on an exit permit, due to his involvement in the Apartheid struggle from the 1960s. He passed away in Canada when he was around 90 years old.

Died 27 May 1978. A most public­ spirited and talented member. Ex-treasurer of the Bursary Fund and past chairman of the choir. Baritone with a voice of rich and rare quality and a great soloist. He iss especially remembered for his songs "Bachelor Gay", "Floral Dance" and "The Road to Mandalay".

Died 22 June 1978. Reliable and mellow second Tenor. A natural leader and efficient organiser. Past chairman of choir and PRO of the Bursary Fund, a position he filled with relish, but also with distinction. Fondly Known as “Da-tjie”.

Died 2 February 1979. Foundation member of the choir and also a soloist with the most prolific repertoire. He was much admired for his amazing ability to remember all the words of all his many songs.

Died 23 July 1980. Good Baritone voice as well as being a most talented musician and a born humorist. Always the life and soul of the party!

Died 27 July 1985. Conductor at the time of his death. Musician with the most amazing range of voice, from top Tenor to the deepest Bass.

Died 3 July 1986. Ex-Chairman of choir and a singer endowed with the most beautiful first tenor voice. A great and spontaneous sense of humour.

Member since 1980, voice group unknown.

Choir Master, pianist, organist and choir music arranger. He sang Baritone and 2^nd Tenor voice part. He played the Bassoon in the Spes Bona Orchestra. An excellent musician!

Member since 1980, voice group unknown.

He sang Bass and as a soloist, known for “In the Gloaming”, "Old Man River". Member since 1961. George has always been interested in music since childhood. He was a member of Zonnebloem Boys’ Practicing School Choir in 1938 and was always connected with singing and singers. He became very active in charitable organisations and sang at the Marion Institute for a Christmas party for the aged. In 1947 he toured South Africa with the Rover Scouts giving concerts at the main cities. He qualified as a teacher in 1943 and has always been interested in the youth. He served for a number of years as Chairman of the Claremont, Wynberg and Districts School Sports Union. As a member of the Moravian church, Lansdowne, he was actively engaged with choir work.

From Retreat. Member since 1985, joined as a student and sang 1st tenor.

From Retreat - sang Baritone.

He was also a superb athlete who made history in athletics - https://www.athleticsclipboard.co.za/tag/leslie-titus/

From Retreat, sang Baritone and Bass. He was also a founding member and the Chairperson of the Bursary Fund and Deputy Conductor.

From Wynberg - sang 1^st Tenor.

From Hazendal - sang 1st Tenor.

Mark writes:

My name is Mark Adams and my journey with the Peninsula Choristers started in 1987 at the age of 21/22. But prior to me joining the choir, just some insight as to how l got to start singing. I attended St Anthony's Primary School in Heathfield and my Sub A Teacher, the late Sybil Herman was the one who discovered my talent for singing. She had entered me into two Primary School Eisteddfods where l achieved 3 special awards/certificates. As years went on, the voice started to change. By then l was asked to sing at many family gatherings, birthdays, weddings and funerals.  I remember the visitation by the late Tony Herman and another member to my home asking if l would like to join the choir. At that point l was undecided and told them l would get back to him with an answer. A month had passed when he called and asked what my decision was. I agreed to join, and he was very excited and happy to have recruited a new member. The Monday that l attended my first practice with the choir, l was introduced to everyone and immediately felt comfortable with the 1st Tenor voice group. The members l sang with in the 1st Tenors were Vernon Titus, Robbie Davis and Gus Herman at the time, until Laurentius Wyngaard join our ranks too. There was always a great comradery among fellows at practices and often, when it was a member's birthday, cake and refreshments were served after practice. The first song l was taught to sing was "Say It With Music" followed by a few others like Going Home, I'm Getting Married In The Morning, Carmen Carmel, Yellow Bird and When l Survey The Wondrous Cross. 

I also became the first recipient in the choir to go for vocal training at the Eoan Group in Athlone which was subsidised by the choir. I was under the tutelage of May Abrahamse (Soprano)a well-known singer in the Opera circles and community at large. She is retired now.

My most memorable event with the Peninsula Choristers was the Spring Choir Festival in 1994. It was truly amazing singing experience with 11 different choirs accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. 

There were a few other musical concerts and events that the choir was also a part of including guest artists such as May Abrahamse (Soprano), Ronald Baatjies (Baritone), Wayne Siebritz (Accompanist), Albert Engel (Trombonist) and Paul Stevens (Baritone).

All the events and functions I've attended as a member of the choir made me appreciate music more in more ways than one, no matter the genre. I've enjoyed being a Peninsula Chorister and singing songs that brought smiles, joy and happiness to others.

RIP. Born in Woodstock and moved to Bellville after he married. He sang a sweet, smooth 1st Tenor and had a few favourites that he shared with the family at Herman-brothers singalongs in Heathfield where songs such as “Kathleen, Mother Macree" were enjoyed.

Duets with Gus & Tony Herman

Gus singing “I Have Sought Your Heart Dear Mary”:

From Lotus River - sang Bass.

He was remembered as a pleasant fellow with a beautiful bass voice who passed on fairly young.

Died 28 February 2024. Was a member from 1959, ex Secretary, Conductor till choir closure He had a brilliant cheeky sense of humour and had a real penchant for a good joke. The choristers were an important part of his life. He made his home in Heathfield the “headquarters” of the choir during his conductorship and members were welcomed with open arms at rehearsals. He was also a member of the Cape Town Welsh Choir after the closure of the Choristers and a long-term member and conductor of the Holy Redeemer Church Choir [pic1 | pic2] at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Bergvliet.

Tania April, his daughter, writes:

Anthony Michael Herman was born in Woodstock to parents, Henry Herman and Francis He was one of 6 brothers (Harold, Bernard, William, Augustus, Joseph, and a sister Francis). He attended ST Francis Primary school and then attended St Columbus – yes, he was a Ballie boy in his day. His mother passed away when he was 7 years old which left a lasting impact. As young boys they enjoyed outings and picnics on the beaches of Woodstock, The Strand, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek and time at the old zoo at Groote Schuur.   Also singing in Gilbert and Sullivan musicals at school. Climbing onto rooftops in the neighbourhood, and also picking figs from their trees, hoping not to get into trouble.

He was numerically talented and quite artistic. When he left high school he worked for Enterprise bakery where his dad worked. He wanted to aspire to greater things and financial independence, and date Sybil, so he moved to his brother Bernie in Heathfield. He then had an opportunity to work at Reckitt and Colman in Pinelands as a Lab Technician around 1966 and worked himself up to a Data Processing supervisor. Some of his colleagues, Thirza Sharon, Dave, Les still kept in touch with him to this day. Dave Robbins remembers a Xmas party at Colman Foods where Alvon Collison was guest act. In the middle of a song, he passed the mic to Tony for some reason. But after a verse or 2 from Tony, he grabbed it back, maybe realising he had competition. Tony was Bestman at Billy and Margie’s wedding, and he and Sybil were Godparents to their eldest son, Graham.

He married Sybil Jacobs at 27 years old in 1968 and moved into Field Street, Heathfield with his mom-in law Ethel Jacobs. They had 2 girls Chantal and Tania, 6 years apart.

The family moved to Grassy Park for 2 years where they attended St Mary’s parish and were involved in the music ministry in the parish.

After saving every cent, the family moved back to Heathfield to their own home in Tonbridge Avenue. Many a weekend was spent with his brothers Gus, Mina, Clint, Joe and Jenny, and friends Roland and Carol, Lorraine and James or events with the Jacobs family. There were many Herman family gatherings of the brothers either at his brother Bernard’s home in Chatham Road in early years or in later years at Tonbridge Avenue with Sybil as pianist to those beautiful voices. And they let everyone know just how beautiful they were!! Bernard (who was a very accomplished pianist and teacher), said to Sharon his niece, that he had never heard the Moonlight Sonata played as well as Tony played it - and he was self- taught., which was great praise from Bernie. His home was always open to us when family visited from Australia.  His dry wit will always be remembered

Tony joined the Peninsula choristers at young age and became their conductor in later years till they disbanded. He also was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and choir with Sybil for many years. As part of The Church choir, he participated in a LP Recording of a 4-part Latin mass composed by a Convent Sister Maria with conductor Fr John O Brien. They also participated in an Archdiocesan Choir festival in 70s at UWC. Very few of the original members are left but those that are, will remember Dad's rendition of the Ave Maria and mass and weddings in the Parish.

In Oct 2003, after 36 years at Reckitt’s, Tony kept himself occupied doing DIY work for schools, elderly folks and friends.

Tony became involved in the St Vincent de Paul group where he was a dedicated member for many years. According to their Chairperson Claude Philander, he would always make some jovial remarks to lift the spirits of members. He was always willing to improve the living conditions of the poor they served. Seymour Bedderson recalled that once while installing a geyser at a family’s home he fell through the roof and was assisted by Tony.  Members would ask him to sign songs for them. He also kept providing meals to people from his own pocket, even some who had moved away as he saw they had nothing in their cupboards. He helped pay for funerals, food to anyone who came around asking.   He would visit Claude and share stories of his kids who he was proud of and even attended their Christmas lunch with Chantal. The SVP members would miss his friendly and jovial manner

Admittedly, Tony was no saint, and he had his issues and bad habits, he did have a kind heart, quick wit and sense of humor and couldn’t say no when asked for help. As a father he would always be supporting his girls’ activities, driving them to youth group, music practice, school plays, and collecting them late at night, teaching them to drive at a young age.

He joined the Cape Welsh choir and carried on his love for music.  He also had opportunity to visit family in Canada and UK, in 1990’s visiting Billy and Margie, Betty and nephew Ross, Eric, Brenda and friend Mildly. It was one of his most memorable experiences he enjoyed every minute. Tony lost 3 brothers along the way, Gus, Bernie and Harold which was very hard for him

Tony would love to cook his leg of lamb for Easter and Christmas and crayfish salad which he did with Chantals help even after his stroke in 2022. It was devastating for us as he lost his ability to speak, to sing and be independent. His home kitchen got upgraded before he landed back home – boy was he surprised, but very pleased. Caregivers did day shift; Chantal did night shift and Tania doing weekend visits and medical admin – we made a good team to ensure he has best care they could manage. He never lost his sense of wicked humor, love for old western movies, musicals, noisy skop and skiet  Steven Seagal movies, music by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Italian tenors, Comedies by 2 Ronnies, Carry on films, Men from the ministry, a good Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels and beer.

Dad got around quite a bit despite having wheelchair wheels. Chantal was adamant about sticking to his recovery plan- physio, speech therapy and we went to lunches, SVP Xmas events, shops, gym, Artscape, Theatre on the bay, Museums, Waterfront, Art expos, Beach visits, and his 3 grandchildren’s ballet and musical shows. He also attended 3 Seniors concerts at Holy Redeemer, and Welsh Xmas party with Caregivers assisting in late last year. Tony even had his last beach holiday in Jan 2023 with his girls and granddaughters- wheelchair and all. Then Homecare agency Michelle and Natalie took over end of June 2023 after dad’s youngest daughter Chantal passed on in May 2023. Now needing 24/7 care with Lizabeth Denise, and a few other carers, until Ellen who was with him almost to the end. It was difficult time in his last 3 months as Tony was in hospital for most of it. He passed quietly in the care of Healing Hands Frail care facility on Tokai, on 28 February 2024, where he had a last opportunity to enjoy a bit of sunshine and caring company.

From Grassy Park - sang Baritone.

From Lansdowne now living in Auckland, New Zealand for the past 12 years. He also sang in Cape Town Welsh Choir.

Neil writes:

I sang in the choir at school (Livingstone High) and wanted to continue singing when I left. Stanford Voges introduced me to his father George Voges who was only too happy to take me to the Peninsula Choristers. At that time, I was the youngest in the choir. Uncle George picked me up every Monday night for years.

I joined the Choristers in 1970 as a 16yr old and left in 1991. So that's about 21yrs.

I was an apprentice Plumber at the time singing 1st tenor with Roy Smith (Secretary), Robbie Davis, Wilfred Van Blerk and Ernie Hendrickse. I loved the weekend away trips to Mossel Bay, Heidelberg and George. It was on one of these trips that I met my wife. The Choristers sang at my wedding. My favorite songs were Yellow Bird, Song of the mountain and Say it with music.

My naughty partner was Mr Samuels (“Da’tjie ) he offered me my first beer. One night I picked him up from home to go and sing. His wife just looked at him while his daughter was busy tying his shoelaces. He had been partying that day. My biggest mistake was to take him to the concert. Two of us decided to prop him up from the side so that he didn't sway. He then decided to go forward and backwards.  Some people smiled a bit. Interval I put him in my car to rest a bit. 

It was great because all members in the choir were regarded as “Uncle”. The conductor at the time was Basil De Vries who now lives in Canada. I left the choir after a while and joined the Cape Welsh Choir.

Died 19 April 2025. From Lansdowne - sang Baritone.

From Plumstead - sang 2nd Tenor.

From Lansdowne - sang 2nd Tenor.

Originally from Wynberg, now resides in Heathfield - sang 1st Tenor.

Paul writes:

When I joined the Choristers, I was 15 years old (1974) because all choir practices took place in our house every Monday evening. I was in Std 8(Grade 10 as it is known nowadays). I left about 3 years after matric. I sang 1st tenor with Neil Thomas, Mr. van Blerk, Robbie Davis, Uncle Ernie Hendrickse. Other members at the time were Second tenor: Tony Herman, Peter Lewin, Peter Adams.  Baritone: Cecil van der Horst, David Samuels, Abe Jacobs. Bass: George Voges, Robbie Green, Abe Ford. 

The accompanists, at different times, were Yvonne Laboudeuse, Petal Thompson (nee Lewin), Sybil Herman (nee Jacobs), Sandra Johannes, Glynis Carolus, Sandra Thomas (Neil's wife).

We sang at events and lots of fundraising functions throughout Cape Town (mainly for churches).

We travelled to many different functions mainly along the Garden route, e.g. Port Elizabeth, George, Mossel Bay, Suurbraak, Heidelberg, Groot Brakrivier to name a few that I can remember.

 My favourite songs: "If I can help somebody", "Abide with me", "Ole Man River", "Whispering". I wish I could remember some more! I remember a funny moment when, one night on stage behind the curtain which was about to open, Uncle Ernie decided to crack a joke. As he reached the punchline, we all started to laugh, and the audience caught us bending over from laughing. 

From Lotus River - sang 2nd Tenor.

From Grassy Park - sang Baritone.

From Steenberg - sang 2nd Tenor.

From Heathfield - Bass singer who often joined Tony Herman singing the comic duet “My wife is on a diet” much to the despair of their wives:

Robert writes:

I first heard about the Peninsula Choristers in 1962 when l had a temporary post at Silverlea Primary School in Athlone. Here l met Basil de Vries who was a founder member and the conductor of the Choristers. He invited me to join but l did that only in the middle sixties.

The Choristers became a major part of my life, and our weekly rehearsals the highlight of my week. The choir had experienced singers who not only had superb voices as soloists but blended beautifully to make a choir much admired and in demand for concerts all over the Peninsula and beyond. Some of these singers who come to mind are Ernie Hendrikse, Wilfred van Blerck, Ron Thebus, Tony Herman and George Voges to mention a few. George had a marvelous bass voice and was my mentor and model when l joined the bass line.

We sang at many concerts each year, all for different charities, churches and schools. We were always well received, and sometimes the thank you speeches were so excessive that we wondered if they were talking about us. One of the funny comments was, " l was deeply impressed by the tonality of the tone,"

We made the mistake in those days of accepting all the invitations we received and learned our lesson the hard way when we sang at a Malay choir festival at the Luxurama Theatre in Wynberg. We had no sooner started our second song when a loud voice boomed out from the audience: "Hey, ou manne, gaan huistoe!!"  We packed up after the song and left immediately even though we were down for two more songs later.

When Basil left for Canada on an exit permit, Ron Thebus took over.  He had a marvelous range and could sing all four parts, first tenor, second tenor, baritone and bass with ease. On his passing, Tony Herman took up the baton. We were really fortunate to have had such talented and dedicated leaders.

I shall leave the rest for a future podcast - all the fun we had and the enjoyment we derived from belonging to the Peninsula Choristers Male Voice Choir.

Voice recording from Robert:

Sang Baritone and was also a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church choir.

Mario writes:

I was a Heathfield resident when I joined the Choristers and now live in Malmesbury.

I am not even certain when I joined the Choristers as it was an extension of my being in the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church choir where Tony Herman was our Choir Master and Robbie Green, our solo bass singer. I was probably one of the youngest gents to join as I was still in High School, possibly Std 8 or 9 at the time. 

Tony invited me to practice with the Choir to help me develop my baritone range and I ended up staying longer than anticipated.

I remember singing at too many church fundraisers. But most memorable for me was when we sang in the Mass Choir with the Spring Festival and later with the London Symphony Orchestra. I enjoyed the interactions with other artists like Aunty May and Ronnie and their musical menagerie as well as being part of the bigger performance events that we sang at. 

My favorite songs were probably the younger songs that Tony introduced into the choir and the more spiritual pieces. 

I remember a funny moment when, after an evening performance in Cape Town, a few of the younger choir members and I ended up getting back home much much later than planned for a Monday evening and us being checked at practice the following week because our mothers phoned Tony to find out our whereabouts in the very early morning hours!

I recall many of the older gents, some of whom were acquaintances with my grandfather. They were always very paternal towards us younger members. 

My time in the choir allowed me to grow musically and I spent a season with the Cape Town Opera Chorus before moving away from Heathfield and later joined the Cape Philharmonic Choir for a further few years of choral music.

Sang 2nd Tenor.

From Retreat, currently resides in Dubai - sang 1st Tenor.

Laurentius writes:

When I joined the Peninsula Choristers in 1993, I was 21 years old. I had just started working and wanted to sing in a choir again having previously been part of the St. George's Cathedral in high school. I really wanted to sing in the 1st Tenor Voice Group but couldn't reach the high notes like Mark so I joined the 2nd Tenor group. Tony always made us feel special being tenors. It was absolutely one way to keep the Tenors focused on what they needed to do. Tony Herman also had a knack of making you feel welcome in his home.

For the life of me, I cannot remember the venues we sang at, but I do remember May Abrahamse and her Tenor who always sang so beautifully. I also remember that we often sang far away in venues up the West Coast which was interesting and exciting. The two songs I remember singing were "Yellow Bird" and "Say it with music". I remember the latter very well because the 2nd Tenors or more accurately, me, kept getting one part wrong (with Chopin or list), causing the choir to have to repeat it. Fun times!

I recall that every time we needed to start the rehearsal, Tony would glance at one of the Bass singers who would bellow: "Gentlemen, shall we. Gentlemen, shall we" whereafter we would stop chatting and start the rehearsal. I developed a good relationship with fellow tenors, Vernon and Mark, and we would compete to see who could sing the music pieces without making any mistakes. Definitely, the good old days for me! I think that I left the choir in 1994 or 1995 because work kept intruding. Thanks for allowing me to share. 

Voice recording from Laurentius:

From Bridgetown - sang 2nd Tenor.

He was the only Muslim member of the choir and was a lively and spirited chap. He was very active in the Malay choirs and played the guitar. He often volunteered when jobs had to be done for the Choristers. Robbie Green recalls a choir outing to a country place where they were going to do some campfire singing, where Robbie took along his ukelele. When Fuard saw the ukelele he said, "Wow, do you also play the uke?  I thought l was the only person in Cape Town who could play it!"

From Grassy Park - sang 2nd Tenor.

From Fairways - sang Bass.

From Steenberg - sang 2nd Tenor.

Originally from Salt River, brother of Tony & Gus Herman.

He joined around 1972, after attending and hearing them sing at a few recitals, soon after getting married. He sang 2nd Tenor with Ernie, Hennie, Andrew and James. His favourite songs were “Going Home” and “If I can help Somebody”.

Died 6 July 2024 in Worcester. Originally from Retreat - sang 2nd Tenor.

From Wynberg - sang Baritone.

From Crawford - Bass Singer.

From Belgravia - sang Tenor.

RIP. Roy Smith was a member for a long time who sang 2nd tenor. He also held the position of choir Secretary for quite some time. He sang few light-hearted solos occasionally, two of which were "Feelings", and the comic song "The Spaniard who blighted my life".  His brother Geoff was also a member until he emigrated to Canada.  They were both jolly and pleasant chaps, very likeable and popular.  Roy tragically died while cycling, and his wife, Rae passed away too.

Basil Snijers was Principal at Garlandale High and was active in the teacher's union SADTU. He was also part of a jazz ensemble that played at various events across the country. Basil joined the Choristers while he was doing the PH music course at Battswood around 1971. At present he is retired and lives in Athlone.

Stanford Voges, George's Voges son, was also a Chorister and sang Bass , like his father.

RIP. Lived in Lansdowne - sang Bass.

Joseph September was introduced to the choir by Neil Thomas, a close family friend who travelled with them to rehearsals. Joseph was also Edmund Jacob's cousin. He has since passed away and is remembered by Robbie Green as a quiet and pleasant gentleman with a ready smile. He was also incredibly strong, as he would easily carry one end of the piano, when it was being moved up to the stage or from one room to another at the concerts, and three other gentlemen, would struggle with the other end. He was a foreman carpenter by trade.

RIP. From Lansdowne.

He was introduced to the choir by Neil Thomas, a close family friend, who travelled with them to rehearsals. Edmund was also Joseph Septembers’ cousin and also a carpenter by trade. Edmund has passed on many years ago and Neil was able to attend the funeral.

From Johannesburg - sang Tenor and Baritone

Basil de Vries brought him along to rehearsal one night and he fitted in very quickly. He wasn't a member for too long but made quite an impression on the Choristers, got on well with everyone and was missed when he returned to Johannesburg.

He was a very witty guy! On one occasion, Joe house-sat for Basil and his family for a few weeks. He invited Robbie Green to accompany him on a drive around the Peninsula. At a section on the coastal road where there are many large rocks jutting out of the sea, Joe pointed to the rocks and exclaimed: "Where are all the marriages? Where are all the marriages?" Robbie asked him "What on earth are you talking about?" and he said, " l heard that there are many marriages on the rocks." He was missed when he returned to Johannesburg.

Died 2022 in Australia. Originally from Heathfield.
Eldest brother to Anthony, Gus and Joseph Herman and friend of Basil de Vries.

Allan Herman, his son (Australia) writes:

A talented Piano prodigy from a young age, whose talent had been discovered by the nuns in Woodstock and was taught to play the Pipe Organ. His talent was so great that he was selected to play the organ for the Pope's visit at just 9 years old in Cape Town - that was the proudest moment of his parents' life!

Unfortunately, he was denied entry to attend the music school in Cape Town due to apartheid laws, so he continued working in a tailor's shop making suits. A UK benefactor, Mr Whiteman, who had married into the family, gave him a Piano to continue playing.  As a result, he could hone his skills and continue playing the Organ at weddings and events. He was also the organist at weekly masses at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Bergvliet. He arranged Chorister Music and trained Choir Members.

He lived in Chatham Road in Heathfield and married Beryl Colby.

When he discovered that he was on a list with the Secret Service and was about to be placed under house arrest, Bernard packed up his family, sold his house quietly, bought a new car (Opel Record), and they left for Swaziland early one morning - kids squashed on top of belongings in the car!

En-route to Swaziland, they slept at houses of ANC comrades and also with a family member on a farm. One night, near the Swaziland border, they slept in the car as it was stuck in the mud. It was winter and they were fortunately rescued and towed by a farmer in the rain. 

Bernie had a 1-month holiday pass only and after a year or two, he found employment in Swaziland, in the Music Department at an International School: African United World College under Michael Stern. Many ANC stalwarts' children attended the school with his kids. His piano skill was assessed by the Royal School of Music who came from London, which enabled him to achieve his music qualification. His wife, Beryl took a job as a chef.

After about six years, he was assisted by a South African lady to obtain a new passport. They therefore had to leave Swaziland and drive to Cape Town with his car filled with their possessions so that they could board a boat to Australia - there was an embargo, and no planes were flying to Australia. 

They stayed 3 days in Cape Town but two days before the boat left, he had a heart attack. Near deaths door, a day before they left, they were asked for a bribe to get their furniture in a container on the boat at the Cape Town port. Unable to pay they left their furniture in Cape Town. Bernie, pumped full of meds to get through passport control, got onto the boat with the help of his brothers and dark glasses! Beryl waited until they were in international waters and then called the ships doctor to attend to her husband.

He stayed over 50 years in Australia and, after working as a tailor for a while after he landed, he worked as a music teacher at Mount Scopus. He was also the music school director at a Catholic Girls College until he retired, whereafter he again took on part time tailoring job. He passed on in 2022 around 90 years old.