It was not the easiest trip to pack for ..... it required an array
of
outfits ranging from a black tuxedo, cummerbund and bow tie for
Heehoo to wear to the Heads Conference at Troutbeck ..... to casual
khaki wear for the Kruger Park and a smattering of "in between" type
clothing .....
But somehow it all found its way into a small suitcase and off we
set
once again.
The HM's conference was partially to celebrate 50 years of CHISZ
schools (Combined Heads of Independent Schools of Zimbabwe) and many
of the Founder Heads of Zimbabwe's prestigious independent schools
were present.
The annual trip to Nyanga was special for two reasons, the first
being the incredibley uplifting and enthralling sight of the blood
red mountain msasas as we passed through that pass just below
Troutbeck which has that endearing sign "Cross Winds"
We must have caught those beautiful trees at the exact moment when
the whole mountain side was brilliant shades of crimson, plum and
red ..... we were both rendered absolutely speechless by this
stunning sight. Magenta, carmine, fuschia where the shadows lay, and
corals, salmons and carnation where the setting sun filtered through
the Msasa leaves.
We watched in awe and knew we would probably never ever again be
able
to recreate that moment in time.
The second reason that the gathering was special was because the
revered "Founding Heads" voted unanimously that there is as much
commitment and enthusiasm for our children's education now, as there
was fifty years ago..... that was testimony indeed to the Heads and
Boards of schools that are fighting for their lives right now and
have been doing so for the past several years.
We salute you, the men and women who care so much for the education
of our precious children.
Now the plan was to visit Chimanimani after the conference as we
were
"in the area" .... and then head off for the border via Triangle and
Chiredzi, which I have dearly wanted to see my whole life !!
But "Man Proposes and Gofd Disposes" as Mother used to say... and
despite all the fuel we were forced to carry, we still needed to
stop
off in Mutare for a top up. A "Legal" top up I must add hurridly,
but
needs must and when our legal source was found lacking, we resorted
to the Zimbabwe method.
A whispered word in the ear of the fuel attendant and suddenly a
little man emegred at a gallop from behing a tree complete with a 20
litre jerry can of diesel in each hand and a fuel funnel made out of
an old mazoe orange bottle, protruding from his mouth !!
Smiling in glee he completed the transaction in no time at all, and
dissappeared into the undergrowth considerably richer.
The Black Market is alive and well and thriving in the City of
Azaleas...
The Triangle trip was delightful, acres of healthy looking sugar
cane, canals flowing with abundant water and the rich treacly smell
of molasses hanging on the air.
We stopped at the legendary Lion and Elephant Motel for a coke and
although looking very slightly faded, HeeHoo stated it was just as
much fun as he remembered when he was Harare"s most eligible
bachelor
in days well gone by .....
The Border was sheer bliss, the Zimbabwe side has sorted out twenty
five years worth of teething problems and now the long delays were
caused on the South African side !!
And so to my very first experience of the legendary Kruger National
Park. We went in at the northern end of the park at the Pafuri Gate
which is relatively new and were treated to some sensational game
watching Kodak Moments.
I hate to be disloyal to our own parks, it would never occur to me
to
think a single thought in favour of another country, but I have to
admit the Kruger is outstanding in all respects.
In the amount of game that thrives throughout the park, in the
amenities and facilities, in the lodges, the roads and the private
camps. We found no fault, we just found a fabulous leisurely two day
drive from one end of the Kruger to the other and we saw eveything a
game lover would care to even dream of.
Prides of lionesses, a magnificent male lion, rhino, elephants by
the
ton, a leopad sitting in a tree right outside the restaurant,
wonderful bird life, incredible scenery, rivers, ravines and gorges
all rolled into one idyllic setting under the African skies.
Our hearts still tell us that Mana Pools is the greatest place on
earth to see game, but a tiny part of our souls tells us that we
must
return to where the Olifants River meets the Letaba River at the
base
of the Lebombo Mountains.
Just to advise you that Elaine and Mike were married on 9 September
2006 in Tunbridge Wells,
England. Michelle was maid of honour and Brian Farren (from Byo)
was
best man.
++++++++++++++
LE ROUX: Michael & Kimberly
A little angel was given to Michael & Kimberly
Roy & Yvonne Thomson are so proud of their only daughter who gave
birth to our first grand child Tanner Paige on Thursday 21st
September 2006.
Congratulation's Michael & Kimberly your daughter is beautiful,
Tanner Paige will bring lots of joy to you both.
Love Mom & Dad.
+++++++++
LE ROUX: Michael & Kimberly
Congratulations Michael you must be a proud dad. To my darling
sister
I am sorry I was not with you but you know my thoughts are there,
well done in giving birth to a gorgeous baby daughter Tanner Paige.
I can not wait for December to see my niece.
I love you very much look after yourself.
Give Tanner Paige a big kiss and a hug from her Uncle.
Love from you one and only boetie
Lane
_________
Congratulations to Kimberley and Michael on the safe arrival of your
daughter Tanner. To Roy and Yvonne, enjoy your granddaughter, we
know
she will give you much pleasure.
Love John, Merle, Darrin, Sherrie, Tanya, Lachlan and Hannah
McNeilage Brisbane Australia
++++++++
BIRTHS
STANTON
A HAT TRICK FOR THE YEAR!
OUR THIRD GRANDCHILD THIS YEAR,
SHAWN WILLIAM STANTON, BORN TO MATT AND DAWN (NEE SCHULTZ) ON
SEPTEMBER 23 AT THE MATER DEI. A LITTLE BROTHER FOR RACHEL, AND NEW
COUSIN FOR GEMMA, SAM, AND EMILY SUE. LOVE AND CONGRATULATIONS FROM
THE FAMILY
+++++++++
To Valerie Boswinkel (formerly from Bulawayo) and Michael Moone, a
healthy
son, Tobias Tendai, born on the 21st of September in Almere, Holland.
valerietb@planet.nl
CONGRATULATIONS
FINCK
Tarn and Leanne (nee Ross) thank God for another beautiful baby boy,
Nathan Ross, born 18 September 06 in Pretoria, weighing 3.92kg.
Little brother for Ben and Jesse.
Doreen Newson
Passed away in Johannesburg on the 16th September 2006
Loving Mum of Pam & Mirren
A dedicated gentle Lady who was such an inspiration & a very dear
friend
Carmen & Ernie Deysel & Families
++++++++
SANDRA TYRRELL
Dearest Friend Sandy, passed away 24th September 2006 in England
after illness bravely bourne.
You shall be sorely missed dear Friend – RIP now without pain.
Pete, Paul and Kim – our thoughts and prayers are with you at this
terrible time.
All my love
Roxy
Pete can be emailed on - petertyrrell1@onetel.com
++++++++
SANDRA TYRRELL
Passed away in the United Kingdom on the 24th September 2006, after
a
brave
battle with cancer.
Loving Husband,Mother, Daughter and Brother to Peter, Paul Kim, Mrs
Reed and
Clive.
What a great, caring, loving lady she was.
An inspiration to all who knew her and a very dear friend to John
and
Viv
Widdop and family.
Sandra will be sorely missed.
++++++++
***************************************************************
RUTH FARMER - loved mother of Pat and Graham Townshend, Ruth and Tim
Harrap and Hal and Nancy Farmer and beloved grandmother and great
grandmother.
+++++++++++++
DEATHS
Nocky Clidaras
My dad, Nocky Clidaras lived in Bulawayo for more than 30 years. He
was a well known bowler and I need to let his old bowling mates know
that he died on the 30 th September 2006,in Durban.
FIONA FARMER
+++++++++++++
JESS DONKIN
Jess Donkin died peacefully this morning at 9am. She was 95. She
used to teach at Eveline High School. I think a lot of people knew
her through teaching.
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO SUE AND THE FAMILY.
++++++++++
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE FOLLOWING
CRAIG HORTON
PAULINE WOOD IN HOWICK
VALERIE GOODES
++++++
CLARENCE TASMER
Our Uncle, Clarence Tasmer, passed away in Bulawayo Central
Hospital. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
Regards
Julia Tasmer
Accrington, Lancashire
Tel 01254 384 922
email sangoma@shabeen.freeserve.co.uk
+++++++++
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR CLARENCE TASMER TO BE HELD AT CHRIST THE KING
CHURCH
CECIL AVENUE HILLSIDE.
ON THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2006 AT 10.00 AM
+++++++
Nocky Clidaris passed away in South Africa on the 30th September
2006, he was a member of the old City Bowling Club.
More people will probably know him as Fiona Farmer's father.
Sympathy to Fiona and family.
The Cunninghams.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
7 TIDBITS
"The man who does not make mistakes does not usually make anything"
- Edward John Phelps -
+++++++
PRAYER FOR ZIMBABWE
Our Father in heaven
We ask you to put your arms around the people of Zimbabwe, Help them
to overcome the reins that surround them, Help them to know that we as
are praying for them.
We hope that as a circle of prayer surrounds the world
You, Lord, hear our prayer.
Dear Lord - Please save our wonderful country!
Amen
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