Vincent “Big Vince” van der Bijl, so nicknamed for his imposing stature, excelled at rugby and shot-put at Diocesan College Rondebosch, where his father, Pieter van der Bijl, was headmaster.

But it was on the cricket pitch that Big Vince really made his mark, as a provincial and national bowler whose cracking speed and pace often held the key to victory.

After a celebrated career at home and abroad, he retired from competition, and later, from administration. That was a “sledgehammer blow”, he recalls, leaving him with too much time on his hands and not enough purpose.

Then, in his 70s, came his new innings, a fresh career in sports development, as the founder and driving force of a Cape-based organisation that shares the love of cricket and other sports at school level.

Now, he says, “there aren’t enough hours in the day. And I love it!” Big Vince is proof that it’s never too late to start all over again, and share your know-how and passion with a new generation.

In this issue, we also look at what you can learn from taking a giant leap into the unknown, how parents can teach their children the value of money, and a new high-tech gadget that can come to your rescue when your car battery gives up the ghost.

All this and more in your guide to the world of BrightRock, and beyond. Thanks for reading, and enjoy!