The Mowat family is one of Highbury’s proudest legacies,
spanning three generations of Old Boys who have played significant roles in shaping the life and history of the school. It all began with Charles John Mowat, who joined Highbury in 1905 under the leadership of Sibella McMillan shortly after she first established the school in 1903. His legacy has since been passed down through his son, Graham Mowat, and his grandson, Charles Mowat, who graduated in 1974. Each generation has left a lasting mark on Highbury, contributing to the school’s growth, traditions, and success.
One of the most significant moments in the Mowat family’s history at Highbury came in 1936 when Charles John Mowat, together with the parents of the Class of 1935, made a lasting contribution to the school by donating the now-iconic Cricket Pavilion, which remains an integral part of Highbury to this day. An excerpt from the 1936 school magazine describes its impact: “The pavilion, which is of very simple design, is splendidly fitted for the needs of the two teams, and an unusual feature is the scoreboard, an exact miniature of that at Kingsmead, visible from every corner of the ground.”
This pavilion, now known as the Mike Proctor Pavilion, is still cherished by the school community. Charles John, who captained the Father’s Team in the annual cricket match for three years, proudly spoke during the unveiling, reflecting the deep pride the Mowat family felt in their contribution.
Graham Mowat, Charles John’s son, continued his family’s legacy both as a boarder at Highbury until 1935 and beyond. He excelled on the rugby field and athletics track, embodying the family’s strong sporting tradition. Even after leaving, he remained closely connected to Highbury life, organising Saturday night film shows on the school field for the boarders—a beloved tradition that created cherished memories for the boys, who would gather under the stars to watch films.
The third generation, Charles Mowat (Class of 1962), followed in his family’s footsteps, excelling in both sports and the community spirit that defined his father and grandfather. A talented rugby player, Charles played on the First Team as a wing in 1962, where his speed and strength made him a potential match-winner. On the athletics field, he was a fierce competitor, excelling in the 440-yard and 880-yard races, as well as the high jump. Like his father and grandfather before him, Charles made a lasting impact on the school, both in his sporting achievements and in the lifelong bonds he formed during his time at Highbury.
Now retired and living in Port Edward, Charles Mowat reflects on his family’s deep and enduring connection to Highbury with pride. Recently, he shared a treasure trove of school photos, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1960s, offering a fascinating visual link to the past. The collection, which includes images of the Highbury cadets in the 1920s and various rugby and athletics teams from the 1960s, is a powerful reminder of the deep bonds that tie the Mowat family to the school across generations.
This remarkable Highbury family exemplifies the enduring values and traditions that make Highbury more than just a school—it is a community and family that spans generations. The bonds of shared experience, dedication, and commitment to the school’s legacy remain strong.
As we reflect on the Mowat family’s contributions, we are reminded of the countless other families who have shaped Highbury’s history, ensuring that the spirit of the school continues to live on in the hearts of Old Boys and their families for many years to come.
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Have a generational Highbury story to share? Please email alumni@hps.co.za.
