Morning Mirror 38 - 15th February 2003 |
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ANDY AND HENRY WE SALUTE YOU Who cannot be stunned by the courageous and principled actions of Henry Olonga and Andy Flower - to two very brave and moral men - thank you from every thinking person in Zimbabwe. And to all Women, Wives and Mothers who stood for Peace and Freedom on Valentine's Day - we salute you and pray for your safety.
IF..............(Apologies to Rudyard) If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, Then you are probably the family dog.
I grew up in the fifties with practical parents - a Mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it... A Father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, t-shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, dishtowel in the other. It was the time for fixing things-a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant there'd always be more. But then my Mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more..... So... while we have it... it's best we love it.... and care for it..... and fix it when it's broken..... and heal it when it's sick. This is true..... for marriage..... and old cars.....and children with bad report cards.....and dogs with bad hips.....and aging parents.....and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away-or-a classmate we grew up with. Or even people that we've come to know and grown to enjoy that make us laugh...or they cry with us, listen to us and remind us how many blessings we have in both our joy and our pain. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special.....and so, we keep them close!
THE BEST LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN …. The 31st January 2003 arrived, the culmination of a lot of effort put in by a few to ensure that a weekend trip to Victoria Falls, organised by the Lions Club of Khumalo, profits from which were destined for the funds to assist the elderly, would be all that it was hoped it would be. The little group of 38 including a baby of 3 months old and 5 other children assembled to catch the train. We were initially allocated two first class carriages about halfway up the train but this was later changed to the two last carriages. Shunting was done and the buffet car was then near to us. We were at least an hour late leaving Bulawayo by which time our little party was getting pretty hungry, having been promised a 3 course meal. By 1030 they were still awaiting the coffee but some had already given up and retired. The journey progressed and we watched the donkey carts fading into the blackness having collected their passengers at the various stops. We drew in to Dete where there was quite a bit of activity in the early hours and were aware of another train coming in, voices and doors banging but drifted in and out of sleep. We departed and I was aware that we seemed to be going excessively fast and commented to my husband who was more asleep than I when suddenly there were two loud bangs and jolts and I was thrown to the floor! I commented that it seemed we had derailed! We stopped abruptly and there was silence. Shortly afterwards news filtered through that there was a fire from the kitchen, near where our original coaches were. Then that we had had a head-on collision. The time was about 2.30 in the morning. It was not long before people started appearing walking along the track. It was a very dark starry night, no moon, and we were in the game park. I decided to get off the train fairly early on and walked with some of our party to a spot a few meters from the back of the train where we assembled together. We were still not really know what was happening but were aware of such a conflagration centered in one spot. The foliage did not seem to burn which was fortunate. More people started coming and then the stories started to emerge about escaping from blazing carriages and trying to rescue others before the heat became too intense. It was at least an hour before any lights were seen through the bush. On the train there had been few corridor lights and few people had torches which hampered operations. We were stuck where we were as you could not see the people sitting and lying around and whatever luggage they had been able to rescue. A little party including 2 of our group, decided to walk along the track back to Dete. At that stage we did not know the distance but there were strong calls to remain by the accident. We were some way from the centre of the accident so were not aware of what was happening. One lady had managed to phone her husband in Victoria Falls but most cell phones could not get a signal. Time stood still. Later more lights were seen… About half our party stayed in the coaches for quite some time but then they were advised to vacate as the fire seemed to be spreading that way. One of our party had the presence of mind to gather a few staff and others together to uncouple first the baggage wagon, then our two coaches, the buffet car and one x economy class coach and these were then pushed manually away from the burning train, in the nick of time. Just before dawn those of us who were still on the track were mustered and shown through the bush to where the rest of the party were assembled on the access road where many vehicles could be seen. As light came 5 of us decided to start walking to Dete along that road with new elephant dung and the occasional strong smell of wild cat! Fortunately we were picked up after walking about 2-1/2 kms and taken in to Dete. I don't think we could have managed that whole walk, not easily any way. By this time an engine had been sent from Dete and had brought the rescued wagons and the survivors in to Dete where they just sat around in dazed huddles. We used the now defunct Game Park Lodge as a base as there are still tables and chairs in a well shaded garden. One of our party had a foreman based at Dete in a caboose. He had been busy with the company truck doing what he could and his wife made us a huge pot of tea and mustered whatever cups she could which was so very welcome. The hotel could not even give us tea but we were able to freshen up and their sister establishment Detema sent toasted sandwiches, tea and coffee in due course. In the meantime I had been able to get, with some difficulty, 6 loaves from the Dete bakery. Beautiful crusty, freshly baked loaves! These, with a tin of jam provided a little sustenance before anything else arrived. We were the lucky ones. Those on the station were left to their own devices and there was no possibility of survivors even being provided with a cup of tea. Dete is such a sorry place these days with residents struggling to keep up with even the most basic of basics. One really does wonder how they are managing to survive. One of the workers at the old people's home in Dete was getting bread and she told me that they would not be able to continue without funding from overseas. Again they must be amongst the lucky ones in that area. It is so pathetic when one remembers how relatively vibrant Dete had been at the height of safari seasons particularly. So, instead of having a pleasant, relaxed weekend away, saving precious fuel, it ended up that we had to send sos' for transport to ferry the party home. What was so remarkable about the whole thing was the lack of any obvious panic though there must have been plenty where those carriages were burning so fiercely. Our party can be grateful that we all got out unscathed and must spare more than a thought for those who have suffered and perished so cruelly through no fault of their own. My feeling is that the acknowledged death toll is still far too low. Railways must be grateful to Wankie Colliery for their assistance, after all they are over 100 kms away and they provided fire engines and ambulances and MARS was there too eventually. Dete has not seen so much traffic in such a short time and there is not a drop of fuel in the area. I think it will be a very long time before any special railway trips will be organised or welcomed. Such a shame.
A woman was working in a post office in California. One day she licked the envelopes and postage stamps instead of using a sponge. That very day the lady cut her tongue on the envelope. A week later, she noticed an abnormal swelling of her tongue. She went to the doctor, and they found nothing wrong. Her tongue was not sore or anything. A couple of days later, her tongue started to swell more, and it began to get really sore, so sore, that she could not eat. She went back to the hospital, and demanded something be done. The doctor took an x-ray of her tongue and noticed a lump. He prepared her for minor surgery. When the doctor cut her tongue open, a live cockroach crawled out!!!! There were roach eggs on the seal of the envelope. The egg was able to hatch inside of her tongue, because of her saliva. It was warm and moist. This is a true story reported on CNN 2) Andy Hume wrote: "Hey, I used to work in an envelope factory. You wouldn't believe the....things that float around in those gum applicator trays. I haven't licked an envelope for years!" (3) To All: I used to work for a print shop (32 years ago) and we were told NEVER to lick the envelopes. I never understood why until I had to go into storage and pull out 2500 envelopes that were already printed for a customer who was doing a mailing and saw several squads of roaches roaming around inside a couple of boxes with eggs everywhere. They eat the glue on the envelopes. I think print shops have a harder time controlling roaches than a restaurant. I always buy the self sealing type. Or if need be I use a glue stick to seal one that has the type of glue that needs be wet to stick. After reading this you will never lick another envelope or stamp again. I know I won't.
FOREX ?? "Are you interested in working from home earning foreign currency. You must have a computer and be able to access to the internet. Contact T Pigors, cozim@gatorzw.com Please note however that this might not appeal to everyone." ACCOMMODATION NEEDED Quiet, mature lady, from out of town, needs a Garden Cottage/Flatlet around Burnside/Hillside region (close to my work).a.s.a.p. Please contact Brenda Silva on 467549,460580(B) or 240245(H) or e-mail drillwell@telconet.co.zw PLASTIC BOTTLES NEEDED URGENTLY Please could you also ask the public, if they would collect empty plastic bottles - say the cokes, sprite, fanta or Cascade Bottles -- all plastic WITH TOPS. So often we just throw these away, but they would be so useful for us. The Verity Amm Kiosk (Kiosk within Coronation Cottages, serving the old people) would like to decant dishwasher, Handy Andy, Jik etc etc into these bottles to sell to the Old People, and make their life easier. It is difficult for them to come into town, and would be so much easier if they could buy from the Kiosk. The bottles can be dropped off at PAINT & ALLIED SERVICES, 106 Robert Mugabe between Ramji's and Royal SunFlower. we would be so grateful for the Publics help. KAREN HODGSON BREAD MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS I have just been given a bread machine, but unfortunately they lost the instruction book years ago. Does anyone out there have a Panasonic, Breadsmade, Model SD-BT2P or similar. I would really like to photocopy your instruction booklet. Phone Carol Davies on 011 403 061 or email agricom@mweb.co.zw SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL ZIMBABWEANS!!!! THE ULTIMATE GUESTHOUSE, LOUIS TRICHARDT in the heart of the Soutpansberg mountains 8,4 km's north of Louis Trichardt, 1,5 km's on the Bluegumspoort Road. Come shopping in Louis Trichardt and stay with us for R100,00 (or Z$ 17,000.00) per night (single, double or family) Monday to Sunday - depending on availability. This offer is valid from 1st February 2003 to 30 June 2003. Meals not included (full A la Carte restaurant). Camping - R10,00 per person per night. Have a look at us and our map on our website at: www.wheretostay.co.za/ultimateguesthouse For bookings or more information contact Mona or Sarel on: 015 - 5177005 (Tel) 015 - 5177255 (Fax) 0824252772 (Mona) POWER BOAT CLUB OF NCEMA The Bulawayo Power Boat Club is urgently needing a Manager/Caretaker at our club at Lower Ncema Dam. Accommodation is provided. Free lights and water. Salary negotiable. To suit elderly active person or couple. Reply to robbie@voyager.co.zw Many thanks. World Cup Cricket in Zimbabwe IF Oz comes out to play !! Given the assurances to the ICC by the Commissioner of Police that non violent, non disruptive protest is allowed in Zimbabwe, it is vital that all caring Zimbabweans associated with the cricket, use this global window to express themselves. The Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters for Democracy appeal to all those participating in the cricket in any way to wear black and white clothing, and a black arm band, as a symbol of mourning for the death of democracy in Zimbabwe. We appeal to all spectators to heed this call and to all players and umpires to wear black arm bands during their games in Zimbabwe. From Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters for Democracy HOUSE WANTED TO RENT OR TO BUY Irene Bawden 050 3304 Irene Bawden and her husband have been given their marching orders and are seeking most urgently a house to rent or buy in Bulawayo. A large house hopefully with big grounds. COTTAGE NEEDED I am looking for a garden cottage/flat around the Hillside/Burnside area, which would be the closest to travel to work. My present landlord is off to UK for a year and want to rent their house/flat to tenants who don't want someone in the flatlet. Many thanks LIFT NEEDED TO BENONI I'm needing a lift to Benoni on the weekend of the 8th and 9th March and am willing to share expenses. If you are able to help, please contact Larry on 211725 or cell 011616485. SUNGLASSES FOR SALE : Protect yourself from the African Sun glare and buy yourself a pair of imported Oakley, Gucci, Versace, Dior and Calvin Klein, the "perfect" gift for your "Special Valentine!" Red, yellow, pink, blue, purple, green, brown and silver tints (all the colours of the rainbow) for day and night wear, wherever you go. From playing sport, to driving in your car, to parties or raves, or even just fetching the little ones these sunglasses are a must - for protection from the sun! Round and square and funky frames, too numerous to mention, now that I have your full attention, Visit me today, dont delay and buy a pair, you ask me "where,,,,,,,?" PALTOURS AND TRAVEL REDISCOVER YOUR LOVE Need a weekend away to rediscover the love you once had in your marriage? Join us for a RETROUVAILLE weekend at Maleme from the 21st to 23 March. This is not group therapy but in the privacy of your room you can discuss what we will teach and model for you. This is a weekend with an excellent follow up programme for developing the communication skills necessary for todays problems in relationships. It doesn't matter how serious your problems may seem, there is hope if you are both willing to try. Phone 65681 or Clive & Bernie Terry at 241224 for more information. Thanks. Subject: Fw: Farmers songs!! A group of ex-Zimbabwean farmers (led astray by our own Paul Hanly!) is about to make a big name for themselves in the International music scene. Having lived through two and half years of extreme hardship and now finding themselves in a position where they can no longer involve themselves in their chosen careers a couple of them have got together and written a couple of very catchy songs. The CD inlay reads as follows: Then the singing started, and we came up with these little songs. Then we had to give ourselves a name. We thought about Bobgobblers, The Fired Farmers and Clodhoppers, but the marketing company insisted on The Corn Crunchers sounds like a foot cream The two songs on the CD are extremely catchy and are correctly marketed just days before the launch of the cricket world cup, as both have a cricket theme. Considering the enormous stress that farmers in Zimbabwe have had to face over the least few years, probably the most astounding thing about the product is that these farmers or should we say Corn Crunchers have managed to maintain their senses of humor. The CD is being distributed by SMD and should be in retail outlets by Friday. It really deserves a tremendous amount of support, not only in South Africa, but worldwide. So if you can - spread the word and go out and buy it. We guarantee you a jolly good laugh!!! Peta Hanly WHY NOT COME TO MABUKUWENE ALOE GARDENS? With the problem of no fuel and often nothing much to do around here these days, why not come for a picnic or just a walk-around - to Mabukuwene Aloe Gardens? Out on the Burnside Road, turn right at Chipping Way, then a little way down the road, on your right, you'll find the big stone gate-posts marking the entrance to 15 acres of this 'mini Matopos'! The area is full of bird-life, aloes and cycads, indigenous trees, lovely interesting walks, and it's Thomas Meikle's resting place. Jane Meikle also has a remembrance plaque to the right of the gateway. The area is owned by Meikles Trust and National Trust, and basically run by the Aloe Society. There is a lovely thatched lookout, overlooking the city; which affords wonderful sunset views, then there's the 'Cottage' which is a great entertainment area for summer or winter - rain or sun, with 2 braai places available. Downstairs, there is the choice of 4 braais, or you can simply chose a flat area to 'just sit!' There are ablutions - one female and one male, which is why - and here's the catch - we have to charge a minimal amount - for the water, and also for the upkeep of this wonderful area. Charges are as follows: The Upstairs Cottage: $800 non-returnable deposit - booking is essential here. $200 per hour for the area, up to 6 p.m. thereafter $300 per hour (up to 10 p.m. only). The $800 allows you $4 hours therefore. Downstairs area: $100 per hour for groups of about 4 persons or more, and if you use a braai, it's another $200 for the day's use. For bookings for the upstairs cottage, (you need not book for the rest of the area), phone Carol Warren AFTERNOONS ONLY! On 241689. The deposit is paid at Hillside Hardware. Show your receipt to the caretaker on the day of your visit to the gardens. He will come and see you whilst you are there and receipt you for any extra payments you need to make. You need to bring your own firewood etc. if you have a braai, and remember your loo rolls of course! Chairs are also available at the meagre sum of $10 each per day, and we have 3 small tables available at $20 per day. Otherwise we have 2 HUGE trestle tables inside the Cottage to put food on if you have a large group of people. Make sure you get a receipt for EVERYTHING you pay for. There is no electricity, so no-one will be able to annoy anybody with loud, blaring music. But if you stay on for a while, there are lights in the 'cottage' area. So don't forget, everyone! There IS a safe, near-by place to go to. See you there! Remember it is is our duty to resist the unjust forces. We must stand up, one by one as well as together to
demand peace and justice in our country. RAT AND MOUSE DROPPINGS It was the warning about how poisonous rat and mouse droppings are - when they dry up and crumble, and you breathe in the dust, it can actually kill, and some people have actually died already because of that. We've only found out NOW what the cause of death was. Rat and mouse droppings can contaminate anything that was previously stored in a warehouse - which means all foodstuffs and drinks. It's been advised to wipe everything before storing in our own homes - especially the top of cooldrink cans, where we would put it up to our mouths, cooldrink bottles, etc., and they even mentioned pasta and cereal packets, because of the way that it's stored beforehand. PRAYER - 03-03-03 As many of you know, there is a chance the USA may be going to war soon. Many of you know that in Scripture, the number 3 represents the Holy Trinity. Well, what about a day of prayer and fasting for the country and maybe for the world. When you may ask. . . March 3. In simple terms it would be 03-03-03. Wouldn't it be great for all the Christians in the world to stop what they are doing and pray on the same day. We could make 03-03-03 God's Day. I mean He was there for all of us, that day on the cross. Faith is the way that all miracles come through, but prayer is the key that unlocks the door. I hope you will pass this request on to all your friends, family, and churches. Maybe we could all pray at 3:00 p.m. (your local time) on that day for 3 minutes for world peace. VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL IN SHIPPING!!! In the 16th and 17th centuries, before commercial fertilizer was invented, large shipments of manure were transported by ship. It was shipped in dry bundles because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet. But once water hit it at sea, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began, a by-product of which is methane gas. It didn't take long for methane to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, KABOOM! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before somebody figured out what was happening. Once they determined the role that manure played in the explosions, everybody began stamping the bundles with the term "Ship High In Transit," so that the sailors would know to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane. Thus evolved the term "S.H.I.T," which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day. You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I. I always thought it was a golf term. Pat Townshend WANTED: Carpet, size about 9'x12' or 8'x11'. Not blue. WANTED FOR INGUTSHENI
Malcolm Ross ACCOMMODATION DESPERATELY NEEDED Desperately looking for accommodation on behalf of an elderly gentleman who looks after his grand-daughter (16 years old), they are looking for something small but suitable for them both, preferably in Hillside (BUT ANY SUBURB ON THIS SIDE OF TOWN WILL DO) Please let me know if anything becomes available asap, he has his current home until the end of February when the rental will be increased and it will be impossible for him to stay on. Please contact either myself, Lauren Kemp on 023-406344 (Monday to Friday) or (087) 338 on the weekends or Jo Grobler 091-365585 or 282428 pm's. WOODWORK ING EQUIPMENT Anyone with unwanted router bits, or light to medium woodworking machinery, they wish to sell, please contact Rod Clark : Tel,242044 cell 011 218856 e-mail......craftyclarks@gatorzw.com FURNISHED HOUSE WANTED TO RENT/HOUSESIT for either the month of May or for a few weeks prior to 8/9 June. Family of 5 Contact Gayl Smythe on luncarty@telconet.co.zw SOLAR COOKING DEMONSTRATION at the Methodist Church, Main Street/11th Avenue on SATURDAY 22 FEBRUAR AT 9.00 AM Demonstration lasts about 45 minutes - given in English and Ndebele (as required) Cookers on Sale after demonstration. Price $1,200. Are YOU and YOUR EMPLOYEES 'doing their bit' to Save Fuel/Time/Money and the Environment?? Enquiries to: Morag Stone 286154 or Jill Miller-Cranko 241274 FUR CAPE What does one do with a fur cape (one of those ones that you put your arm through slits in the sides) - I don't know what kind of animal it is - but it is "sablish" coloured and waist length. (I think it might be a "family heirloom - I am not sure. I think it is worth, and I'm prepared to accept, $2000.00 for it. Viv Bancroft. FOUND Found - sadly, Dead: Friday, February 14th, 2003 - a BLUE-GREY coloured budgie on Cecil Avenue, just near the bridge, opposite Hillside Health Centre. It might have just died when WE found him, as it was still warm. It did not show signs of any mutilation or trauma and was given a "dignified" burial at 18 Milton Avenue, Malindela. House for sale.: Large house on three acres, in Hillside, close to shops, 5 minutes from town, schools etc. B.U.T., 4 large bedrooms, m.e.s., second bathroom/shower, separate toilet.Bentwood fitted kitchen, scullery, lounge with fans and Jetmaster fireplace, separate dining room, verandah.Gazebo, bar and pool, double garage, separate workshop, double carport,hugeorchard and vegetable, lots of shade trees. It has a good borehole andstorage tanks. 4 domestic quarters with electricity. This property is both very private and secure: it is walled, electric fenced, has automatic gates. House, garage and workshop are alarmed. Contact number: 09 - 245042. or cell 011 - 615686 ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 29 APRIL TO 3 MAY BOOKINGS ARE LOOKING GOOD BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE RESERVED YOUR STAND AT Z.I.T.F.
WEALE - LAWRENCE Congratulations to Clinton and Marsha on their engagement KING _ GREGORY Congratulations to Caldon and Talana on their engagement
We express our sincere sympathy to the families of the following :
"What lies behind us, what lies before us, is nothing compared to what lies within us."
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