Ex- Hudson heads tell its rich story in new book

Both schools realised the potential, despite an unsure start

IN CELEBRATION of Hudson Park’s rich history and achievements over the last 110 years, ex-principals Trevor Webster and Rob Prentis compiled Fearless as the Eagle, a colourful coffee table book for past and present pupils, and friends of the school.

Webster said the idea behind the book emerged when ex-teacher Barry Marshall approached him about it at his home in Hogsback three years ago.

COLOURFUL MEMORIES: Authors and former  Hudson  principals, Rob Prentis, left, and Trevor Webster, with their  coffee   table  book, ‘Fearless as the Eagle’Picture: SARAH KINGON
COLOURFUL MEMORIES: Authors and former Hudson principals, Rob Prentis, left, and Trevor Webster, with their coffee table book, ‘Fearless as the Eagle’Picture: SARAH KINGON

Professor George Euvrard, of Rhodes University, who reviewed the book said: “Reading this book is a bit like sitting with your great grandparents as they tell you all about your family and answer all your questions that you have built up over the years.”

Euvrard described Prentis and Webster as the “compassionate and wise ancestors” guiding readers through the school’s journey.

The primary and high school emerged separately from humble beginnings in the 1900s.

The high school, formerly known as Clifton, began in 1905 at St Alban’s Church and moved in 1912 to its current location.

The primary school was established in 1906 as York Road Poor School, catering for poor children from the German farm stock.

In 1917, it moved to a new building in Western Avenue, where it was renamed Vincent Primary.

In 1976, the school moved into the Convent of the Sacred Heart Hospital in Hudson Avenue.

In 1978, the two schools merged to become Hudson Park.

Webster (deputy principal at the high school between 1978- 1984) said: “The schools became one in uniform, name and philosophy and grew from their divided start.

“Both schools realised the potential, despite an unsure start. It has been wonderful to watch the school grow into the magnificent complex it is today.”

Prentis (principal of Hudson Park Primary between 1988-2006) said: “It has been my greatest pleasure to encapsulate the trials, joys, fears and sheer hard work over the schools’ 112 years of existence.

“A school is not about a building, but the pupils.”

The book is structured around the roots, the great amalgamation, the rise of the schools, the school in the democratic era and recent history.

History archives, photos and anecdotes from ex-pupils, teachers, principals and parents bring to life the story that has shaped the Hudson Park community.

Fearless as the Eagle can be purchased for R390 from the school.

To place an order, contact the school or call 082-625-5199.

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