Thomas Joseph Pollard was born on 27 February 1927 in Pietermaritzburg, the son of Thomas Pollard and Elizabeth Burrows.After attending school at St Henry’s in Durban and then worked in the Natal Provincial Department until he went to Australia at the age of 23.

He took the habit on 2 July, 1950 and made his first vows one year later. His first appointment was to Sacred Heart, Observatory, where, in the final year of his stay there, 1956, he made his Final Profession on 9th July with Brothers Augustine and Bonaventure.

Then started a spell as a Boarder Prefect, 1957 at Walmer, 1958-9 at Rondebosch and 1961-2 at Walmer. This period was interrupted by one year, 1960, as a teacher at the Scholasticate

It was in 1969 that he started a stint of Directorships which continued almost non-stop until his death nearly thirty years later. He directed the communities of St Charles from 1969 until 1971, Observatory from 1972 to 1974, Walmer from 1975 until 1977, staying on there as Principal from 1978 until the close of that school. After teaching at Inanda and Trinity for five years he was again appointed Director at Observatory from 1988 until 1990 and of St Henry’s from 1992 until close to his death.

There are many fond memories of Br Gerard in the Province – his devotion to the C.L.G. movement, his love of music and singing, his friendships with so many people, his unwavering devotion to all things British, particularly the Monarchy, but above all his gentleness in Community. It was in 1992 that it was discovered that he had malignant cancer of the prostate and he had a seven year battle with the disease, always believing that he could conquer it, but he was suddenly taken off by a heart attack in his room on 2 February 1997.

 

We hope to archive these various monthly Glimpses in the Past and then you can start building up your own vision of the history of the College.

Any feedback/corrections/suggestions please contact me at  martinw.sthenrys@gmail.com

Brother Martin