Northern Rhodesians Worldwide^SM

Message Board

Sally Wynn Happy Birthday Gregory Crawford Welcome and no, you didn't sound like a sentimental fool, you sounded like a real person. And you can come back in one of two ways - either to the Reunion next year in September (further down on this page is some of the info) or you can come back on a private visit. If you come on a private visit, make sure you contact me. Alix Key Alright, I got your hint. The problem is that when I travel to other places I am able to set time aside to do the photos that people ask for, but it is very different when I am in Lusaka, there are always things that have to be done and I never set any time aside for photos. But I promise you I haven't forgotten (and Brian Geyser, I haven't forgotten yours either). I'll try to set a day aside for Lusaka photos before the end of this month. Amanda McIntosh I have just bought a copy of 'Dark Star Safari' (yes, our bookshops aren't that backward) and have had a quick look through it, but from what I can see he didn't travel to Zambia, but instead took the route through Malawi (and Karonga - Bob Smith are you reading this?) and Mozambique into Zimbabwe. But it still looks like interesting reading. Hartley Heaton Is this the picture you have in your mind of my father? Don't think he's changed very much, right down to (if you look very carefully) the pipe stuck into his left sock. Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 12:37:08 (UTC)

Broken Hillians, Photograph of BH Rugby Team circa 70/71 (not too clear I'm afraid). Back row includes Chris Warn, John Barnard, Peter Durrheim, Gil Wilson, Paul Ward. Front row includes Joe ?, Glyn Evans, Frank Tweedle, John Cartwright. The others I can't remember. Regards, Gil Gilbert Wilson Loughborough, United Kingdom Craig, I wish to send a short story (attached) with some photo's for the GNR message board please! To fill you in briefly, 5 ex-Ndola Primary school students of 1960-64 decided to do a re-union trip back to Zambia, specially Ndola, to relive our past. The 5 were, Geoff Paynter (main organiser), Gregg Sheen, Russell Sheen, Ray Norton and Chris Sysum. In summary, it was one of the most fantastic weeks I have ever spent (and millions in local currency too) in my life!! Thanking you kindly, Kindest regards, Ray Norton. Zam-beer "some of 64" tour Hi all, Once upon a time in the good old days of N.R., in the early 60's, in the town of N'DOLAAAA, there lived a happy, close-knit gang of, "deadly accurate, katty-wielding, bicycle-riding, cowboy-dressed, holster-thieving, war-crying", young Ndola Primary School hoodlums. Due to "circ-umstances" (true Zambian pronounciation) beyond our control (parents, high school age, and a new Sheriff moved in) this notorious gang was to be separated, starting in 1964 with further dismantling into 65, 66 and 1967, leaving many of this gang separated and living thousands of miles apart, for the better part of their lives. As was the case in all great gangs of those days, good leadership was essential, and so too was this gang adequately enriched. Over the years the leadership core managed to keep in touch with most and on the odd occassions, get-togethers were organised, usually in the form of weddings, birthdays and business trips, which always resulted in good old rip-roaring camaraderie. Notwithstanding the ever so vital, "have you ever heard about, or where is so and so", was always bandied about amongst the gathering?? AAaah for the Internet!!!! What a GREAT "re-union instrument" it has become. Needless to say the leadership of this notorious gang decided to try and get as many as possible to meet again in their 50th year and to have their photograph taken on the front steps of the Ndola Primary School Hall. So it came to be, that Gregg Sheen FsST.nLoLp* (London), Russ Sheen ALp* (London), Geoff Paynter MbaNgL* (Jo'burg), Chris Sysum RTfgA* (Southampton) and Ray Norton StRfs* (Perth), all came together in Lusaka on the evening of the 14th September 2002. Unfortunately Chris had to leave us the next day and move on to SA as his Mom was gravely ill. He could not continue the intended trip with the rest of the gang to N'DOLAAAAA! The rest of the trip was an awesome experience of 50 year olds going back in time and re-living some of the most fantastic memories of a great childhood, in a great era, in the great place of the Copperbelt, with the most fantastic people. Things done and places seen and visited in the 6 days; Within 2 days, 3 of us had purchased katty's off the local entrepreneurs (mine is still in quarantine at Perth Airport) Went to the practise range (not kitchen windows via the sanitary-lanes either) Could not find any ammo in town (marbles) Went back to all our old houses, photo'd, and even went inside the Sheens. Went to the Golf Club, 3 times (once for golf) Went to the Boating Club (not for boating - you can't) Went to the top of the Savoy Hotel (not to throw water bombs and clods) Went to the Forex Bureau (4 times, each time with a wheel barrow) Went to Kitwe (finally put paid to the last member of the opposition gang) Went to the station (they would not let us put pennies [with hole in] on the tracks or jump on the carriages and ride to Bwana Mukubwa and back??) Went to Ndola Sunken Lake (by car this time, with permission and did not swim) Went to Cheesmans (nothing there anymore but the dam) Went to Bull'n Bush (nothing there also, but a huge dam now) Went to Monkey Fountain -"Ruins"(by car again, with permission, nothing there, did not swim) Went to Ndola airport (still the same old hanger buildings and a few extensions, couldn't climb the tree though) Went to Ndola Primary school (same old buildings, now adult education centre) Went to Llewellin High School (now Kansenshi Secondary, same old buildings, no cuts this time) Went to Town Council Offices (forced to have a chat with Town clerk for taking photo's without permission. Tch! Tch! Went to Municipal Swimming pool (something at last being repaired, yahooo,,, Mr.Le Barbie's voice could be heard in our memories, once again threatening us over the loudspeaker ????? Couldn't do any suicides or other as there was no water in, or girls to BOMB!!) Also drove around town and saw no more Broadway Cinema, Bobs Ice-cream, Waddells Bakery, Golden Ray Cafe, George Browns (now Shoprite), Thoms Stores and many, many other old hang-outs. Did see the old Fire Station, Cricket Club, Wanderers Club, Hospital, Hong Kong Restaurant (greeeaaat meeeaal?!) Sorrento's, lots of Jacaranda's in bloom, blue-skops, chameleons, plenty of termites, Mosi and Rhino Beer (Yum, Yum) and lots of very, very friendly but not so happy Zambians. Famous quotes. Twilight - "When e-the sun is bisy handing ova to the moon". No credit - " Mr crediet died yestaday, Mr cesh, his son, was born today". *Qualifications. FsST.nLoLp - (Failed standard Six Twice, now Leader of London peasants) ALp - (Another London peasant) MbaNgl - (Makulu bwana and New gang leader) RTfgA - (Rootin Tootin fastest gun Alive) StRfs - (Smooth talkin Rocket fuel specialist) Million Kwatcha question? What has 38 tears(sic) of Independence done for all the average Zambians?? My sad answer. I think the Sheriff's stole all the LOOT!! In Conclusion. Well done to Geoff, our genius of a guide, who filled us in on all (well almost) that has happened over the last 38years, especially in Zambia. For putting together a most memorable week, even the 7 four-track, 90 minute tape decks of music, for the car, with most TV theme tunes, famous songs such as Ag pleez daddy, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Shadows etc. all 1965 and prior. Well done it was EXCELLENT, you bald headed old coot, how did you expect me to recognise you at the airport after 38years???? Ha Ha Haaaaaaa!!! To Russ, thanks for the CD's you burnt for each of us, I play it in my car on all my travels, terrific music and great memories. Gregg, you haven't lost your Jerry Lewis turn and arch shuffle, nor your great catchy chuckle/laugh, in fact you have not changed much at all, just got MUCH older,,, Hah aha aha!! Chris, I have not heard any news from you yet, but it was great to see you again? (thankfully Geoff pointed you out for me!!!) HEE HEE AAARGH!! You didn't have to bring your bloody prefect badge either?? Hope all is well and goes well for you, really sorry you could not stay with us, but next time for sure!! KEEP WELL ALL AND STAY IN TOUCH. WHATS DA MATTER WIT YOU BOOBO,,,,,?? OH! OH! - HEYA CUMS DA RANGER YOGI!!!! G'Day from WA, Always your old gang member "Adam Cartwright" in disguise as,,,,,, RAY NORTON To all those others, you missed out big time maaaan!!! Maybe we can get together for a full class reunion in 2004. Heylo, Top = Our 2nd house 3 Auckland Ave. Middle = Gregg with his "wire-harlies" outside Kitwe Bott = Russ driving "e - 4x4 Benz" at Fasenge?? (turn off to Luansha) Top = Ray, Gregg, Geoff, Chris, Russ (with babalaas) at Lusaka Guest Fortress Midd = Gregg, Geoff, Chris, Ray,,,, greetings at Lusaka International car-park Bott = Our 1st (fest) house in Broadway (looks soo goooood) Top = Our 3rd (therd) house, 7 Auckland Ave. Midd = The back of 3 Auckland Ave, with a pool installed after our time,,, yuk! Bott = Also 7 Auckland Ave. Top = Gregg, Russ, Geoff, Prefect badge with Chris. Midd = Makulu Bwana Geoff, Mfasi Lynda, pikininis Mark and Lauren Bott = On the steps of Ndola Primary School Hall with A.N.Other (as always) plus Ray, Geoff, Russ and Gregg. Here are the long awaited,,,,,,,, "a picture tells a story!". Some beauts I reckon, hey boys??!!?? How,,, Medala and too UGLY, but sor heppy!!! Ray. Ray Norton Perth, Western Australia Arthur; I recently joined the GNR Web Page. Perhaps some of the attached photos are of general interest. I was the resident Hollerith Engineer at the mine in Mufulira 1960 - 63.. The first picture is the main street as you enter the town centre. Barclays Bank on the left. Standard Bank on the right. The second is our first home. The third is a page from the mine's magazine, 'Horizon" dated Oct 1960. It shows the "computer" I was responsible for, it was as powerful as today's pocket calculator. I'm the guy kneeling at the card reader/punch. Dennis Pigrum Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Arthur don't know if this picture is of any use, it's quite a dark picture to start with but here goes. St John's Convent (circa 1955-57?) Vivienne Buitendag (Eldridge) hope you can fill in the spaces. I know you were on holiday at time but you told me you can remember everyone you went to school with. Front row - right to left Lesley Raulston, ?, Olga Croad, me, Lindsay Watkins, Brenda ? in front of Lindsay, ?, ?, Corinne Noziac don't know the rest. Back row - Right to left - Mildred Clifton - can't remember any of the rest. Ann Moss Motherwell, Scotland Gil Wilson - welcome to the GNR - don't worry about the "soft focus" - all of Charlie Cartmill's photos I received in the past have also been doctored to take out the creases. Dennis Pigrum - welcome and also thank you also for the brilliant photos - there are some excellent 1960 pics of the main street in Muf buried in the recent Archived Message Boards. I hope very soon to be able to move these and many of the other photos so they are easily seen. That "computer" wasn't beige by any chance was it? Ann - thanks for the pic - school photos are amongst my favourite to get for the GNR. Greg Crawford - Welcome to the GNR - stand by because there are quite a few more photos in the Rhokana Reviews of your family. Good to see you spotted Lindsay and yourself in the party pic. Heather - magic photos! Where exactly was that sunset photo taken? Manchester's boating lake? Everyone else - hopefully within the next 48 hours or so I will start to reply to the remaining unanswered e-mail you have sent me regarding various matters. Thank you all for your patience. Arthur Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Sunday, October 27, 2002 at 11:03:45 (UTC)

Northerners I was going to give you a break from photos for a while, but since today is an important day in this country's history, I thought I would post these for you. All taken in the Kafue National Park: Baobab Tree Some wildlife Some lbj's The Kafue Hook Bridge The Kafue River And this one specially for Arthur Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 00:00:32 (UTC)

Dawie A preview of Lake Tanganyika Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 13:27:54 (UTC)

Northerners I think this is the last lot of photos from the waterfalls trip although I still have to check through them all and see if there are any that I have missed. In the queue after these is the Kafue National Park, perhaps a couple taken a few weeks ago in the Lower Zambezi, possibly some on the Zambezi below Kariba and then finally Tanganyika. Lupupa Falls These falls a much like Kalambo Falls, tall and narrow. Very few people know about these falls and the road is not a road at all; it's not even a bush track. Unfortunately we didn't have much time there as we were running very late and still had the Mporokoso Kasama road ahead of us (this is probably the worst road in Zambia). Thus we didn't climb down to the bottom - that will have to wait for the next trip. I have also included the photograph of our guide. We stopped at the last village before the falls and he rushed off to his house to change his hat before we could set off. von Lettow-vorbeck Monument This is the place where World War I officially came to an end at 7.30 am on Thursday 14 November 1918, a few days after the signing of the Armistice. von Lettow-vorbeck was the only undefeated German General in the War and he surrendered to Hector Croad who was the District Commissioner in Kasama at the time. von Lettow-vorbeck and his troops crossed into North Eastern Rhodesia near Fife and made their way south to Kasama, not following the telegraph lines, but via footpaths to the east of the line. When they reached Kasama, the armistice had already been signed, but word only got to the British troops about 24 hours later. However, during these 24 hours, the German troops were moving very quickly southwards and only stopped when they reached the Chambeshi River, where the last few shots of the War were fired. Hector Croad was a surveyor by profession and spent a lot of time in the bush, accurately mapping North Eastern Rhodesia. The Africans, with their ironic sense of humour and always giving a name of opposite meaning, called him 'Chandanseka' which means 'he who walks with a smile'. It was expected that von Lettow-vorbeck would make straight for Abercorn after entering NE Rhodesia, but he flummoxed the British by making for Kasama. Croad evacuated all the women and children to Mpika and on 10th November, Croad, together with a Sergeant Rumsey (of Mbesuma Ranch) returned to Kasama where they blocked the road with felled trees. Following that, they climbed one of the hills overlooking Kasama after which Croad said 'I can now tell the government that the Germans have entered Kasama', and they returned to the Chambeshi. At the Chambeshi, a handful of Europeans (nine in total) prepared to make a stand. They set up two Maxim guns but no one knew how they worked. One of them, Charlie Simpson, buried £ 10,000 in his goat pen as he believed that the trampling of the goats would hide any traces of digging and that the Germans would probably be more interested in the goats than the money. The money was government money or money taken from the stores and shops in Kasama. The story goes that Croad received a telegraph in the early hours of the morning of 12 November stating that the Armistice had been signed on the 11th but he was to carry on until he got further instructions from General Van Deventer who was trying to catch up with von Lettow-vorbeck from the north. However, everyone in Broken Hill got so drunk when they heard about the Armistice that it was not until midday on the 13th that Croad got the telegraph from van Deventer telling him to get in touch with von Lettow-vorbeck and inform him of the Armistice. By this time, the German advance guard had reached the Chambeshi and opened fire with machine guns on the rubber factory. The telegram that was handed to von Lettow-vorbeck from General van Deventer read as follows: 'Please send the following to General von Lettow-vorbeck under a white flag - The English Prime Minister sent notice that on 11th November an Armistice was signed and that the fighting on all fronts should cease on 11th November at 11 o'clock. I order my troops to end hostilities as from now and I expect you to do the same. General van Deventer'. There are two plaques on the monument. The one in English reads 'On this spot at 7.30 am on Thursday 14th November 1918, General von Lettow-vorbeck, commanding the German forces in East Africa, heard from Mr Hector Croad, then District Commissioner Kasama of the signing of the Armistice by the German government, which provided for the unconditional evacuation of all German forces from East Africa. The plaque in Bemba reads 'Ilibwe ili liatulanga kuti epo banashishye Germani lintu baingile chalo pankondo ya 1914-18. Twapela umuchinshi kuli boonse abashipa abalwile munkondo iyi' - 'This stone has shown us where Germany was rested after they started the war of 1914-18. We give respect to all the strong who fought this war' Chambeshi River In 1979, the Chambeshi River was again the scene of a war. This time the Rhodesian War and it involved Kevin Shone's brothers, Butch and Mike. A contingent of Rhodesian Selous Scouts were dropped into Zambia with the intention of destroying the Chambeshi Bridge. Butch and Mike Shone, together with Butch's nine year old (I think) stepson, Neil, were travelling to Kasama in two trucks. Butch crossed the bridge but after a while realised that Mike was not behind him, so turned back to see what had happened. Mike had been stopped by the Rhodesians as they needed his truck to make it to their pick up point. So they bundled Butch and Neil into the truck as well, blew up the bridge and proceeded to the pick up point, where they waited for a few days until they were picked up by helicopters. Butch, Mike and Neil were kept in a safe house in Salisbury for six weeks after which they returned to Lusaka via Johannesburg. On arrival in Lusaka, they were immediately taken to 'the Red Brick Building' but finally released. This was because after weeks of interrogation the Zambian authorities realised that Neil could not have kept telling the same untrue story over and over again. The road bridge was rebuilt slightly upriver, but the remains of the original bridge can still be seen just in front of the rail bridge Kasama Some of the old buildings in Kasama Erythrina Abyssinica July to August is the time when these trees flower. Between December and March, the flowers are replaced by pods which contain 'lucky beans'. The Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga name is mulunguti, the Lunda name is chisunga and they do have another name which is not politically correct, but starts with a K and ends in the word 'boom' Now just a few general photos: The Great North Road and the colours of the bush in August Commerce on the Great North Road - Sweet potatoes A Bushfire Kazembe in Luapula Province Praying Mantis A Zambian Wedding Shortly before crossing the Chambeshi River, we came across this wedding party. I acted as their official photographer and have posted their photographs to them. Johnny Green Kawambwa specially for you Gilbert Wilson Welcome to the GNR. I am arranging a reunion in Zambia - September 2003. Email me. Doug Grewar No, rains haven't started yet and looking at all the signs, it looks as though we are again going to have a poor season this year. The name Lumangwe refers to the sound of the falls; 'luma' to hit, 'ngwe' conveying stone. A leopard in Bemba is mbwili Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 12:26:42 (UTC)

God Bless all the members of the GNR that prayed for our Dad and helped us. Dennis and Nicky Whittemore Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Monday, October 21, 2002 at 22:59:25 (UTC)

Northerners This morning, just shortly after 3 am, I arrived back in Lusaka from Isanga Bay on Lake Tanganyika, where I have just spent the last ten days together with Jim Smith; his father, Dick; and Jim's three children (how did Jim manage to have such wonderful children - I think the credit can only go to his wife, Sylvia). I cannot put into words how lovely Isanga Bay is- you need to visit it to appreciate it - clear, blue waters; white beaches with palm trees blowing in the breeze; orange sunsets over the water (especially for Arthur); skiing and knee-boarding (not me); falling out of the boat (me); goggling amongst the rocks; Dick telling me about his days on the Mines in Kitwe in the early 50's; palm nut vultures; paradise flycatchers; brown house snakes; blind worms, jellyfish; African oranges served with what was supposed to be a caramel sauce (yes, my caramel sauce failed, but since I haven't made one for the last twenty five years, you can't blame me; the silence of the Zambian night ... I could go on forever. And then of course there was the trip back conducted in true Zambian fashion - fixing punctures on the side of the road; police officers without enough to do when you arrive at Mpika on Sunday afternoon or when you arrive at Kapiri at midnight, almost falling out of the vehicle (I have to admit to these things because I know that Jim is going to tell you if I don't - he's already told half of Lusaka); the trip from Shiwa to Lusaka taking seventeen hours. But no time today to sort out all the photos. Plus I still have photos for you from the trip I did to Luapula province and some of the waterfalls in August. Here are the second last batch: Chimpembe Rapids On the Kalungwishi River. And just so that you know this too - I fell into these as well (yes, I always manage, somehow, to fall in or out of things) except that this one was one of my more spectacular falls - I was carrying two cameras so ended up with both legs and both arms in the air. And everyone (including myself) was only concerned about saving the cameras (which we did) - as my head disappeared under the water for the fourth time, somebody relieved me of my cameras and someone else pushed my legs down. And thankfully no one was quick enough to get their camera out. Chishimba Falls On the Chambeshi River near Kasama Lumangwe Falls Known as the Victoria Falls of the North, also on the Kalungwishi River Kalungwishi River Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Monday, October 21, 2002 at 16:04:35 (UTC)

Northerners ! Barry Woodrow will be too busy just now quaffing down best Portuguese wine with his giant Mozambique prawns to send in a report. Before he gets round to giving us an up date on how good it all tasted I thought I'd post up an article from an old Rhokana Review which shows how the place was in the good old days. All this talk of Mozambique prawns is making me so HUNGRY. Barry - it was good to meet you at the Banbury bash - are you on one of your "business" trips you told me you have to suffer so often ? Elias - what are Masserratis? I think you qualify as a girl. David Gray - Take a look at Ian Singers website - the latest update to the Northern Rhodesian Journals he has just made mentions the boat Maizie and another named Beans, (Volume I - No. 6 - Dec 1952 Page 11) - Was this the other boat you were asking about? You will find a mine of stuff on his fantastic web-site. Ian - Thanks for letting us know about the recent updates - I spent an hour or two already this week reading all the stuff in the NR Journal - brilliant and so interesting - thanks! (I should have been at work) While I'm at it - please remember there is a now a Code of Conduct in place - some messages recently posted here are more suited to private e-mail. Thought I'd just mention it before someone gets their fingers burned. Arthur 'Aqui Lorenço Marques' CANNES, Nice, Monte Carlo, Biarritz, Estoril - what do they mean to a Rhodesian? Blue seas and bluer skies, sunshine dazzling on white walls and red roof, flowers a riot of colour against tropical greenery - and above all, the infectious gaiety of an atmosphere that is 'continental'. The very name of Africa brings to mind a vision far removed from the endearing charm of the French and Portuguese playgrounds, yet tucked away in the south-eastern corner of this great dramatic land we find Lourenço Marques, an enchanting realisation of many a nostalgic Englishman's dreams when he reminisces about 'the Continent'. Much less than a hundred years ago, Lourenço Marques was a fever-ridden collection of wooden huts. Today, the capital of Moçambique, it is a spacious and gracious city, a gay and light-hearted city, a city that opens its arms to visitors seeking the sophisticated sparkle of the Riviera on the tropical shores of the Indian Ocean. What does Lourenço Marques have to offer that you do not find in the many beautiful coastal resorts of Southern Africa? It is the subtle unmistakable atmosphere of Portugal, encountered everywhere in the pavement cafes, the undulating rhythm of Latin music, the 'vinho', the bull-ring and the 'Boites'. What is there to do at Lourenço Marques? Well, you can swim, sail, go deep-sea fishing and angling, make many a sight-seeing trip; and especially you can eat and drink and dance - with a difference. In Lourenço Marques the cafes are the hub of social life, the meeting-place of friends and families, where conversation over a leisurely drink goes on all through the day and well into the night. If you go shopping for the attractive red and blue Portuguese pottery and embroidery, or for the fascinating ornaments and jewellery to be found in the Chinese shops, you will undoubtedly round off your trip with a cool drink at one of the many cafes where gaily coloured chairs and tables set out on mosaic pavements invite you to rest. One of the most popular is the Cafe Continental, as European as its name implies, its heavy carvings and colourful wall paintings each bringing to Africa a little story of Portugal. An original restaurant is the Marialva, or Bull-fighter's Restaurant, with its superb cuisine and cellar, and romantic air. The walls are lined with bull-fighting trophies belonging to the owner, Antonio Feliciano, once one of Portugal's most famous bull-fighters. There is the stuffed head of a bull, which brought Feliciano's career to an end by fracturing his arm, and here we have his cape, bandarillos, muletta and the stuffed head of his horse. You may even be able to see a bull-fight one Sunday afternoon when the great sports arena is converted into a temporary bull-ring. Whilst lacking the spectacle bull-rings in Spain and Portugal - bulls in Lourenço Marques are more humanely destroyed outside the ring - this ancient Latin sport provides a thrill, which you will not be able to find elsewhere in Africa. Food in Lourenço Marques is varied and delicious. At the Costa do Sol, a short distance out of town, where the water laps gently on the sands and the palm-trees rustle in the breeze from the sea, you will find the best sea-food in Africa. The Coimbra is famous for its spicy piri-piri chicken, beloved of visitors to Lourenço Marques, and at the Golden Dragon you will find excellent Chinese food. If you are unacquainted with Portuguese wines, you will be pleasantly surprised to find them as delicious as many that come out of Europe, in particular the well-known light Casal Garcia, and the world-famous port wines. Not only is 'vinho' the most delightful drink in Lourenço Marques - it will also suit your pocket-book for it is much cheaper than spirits; and the light-hearted glow imparted by the Portuguese wines will put you in the mood for the carefree gaiety of the city. Many visitors to Lourenço Marques look forward with eager anticipation to the night life, and here again is much that is 'different' and is fun. After the stereo-typed beat of the average band, you can step into a world where the rhythm of rhumbas, sambas, boleros, tangos, carriocas will set your feet tapping, and you will want to dance until the break of day. Nightclubs in Lourenço Marques are known, as in France, by the name 'Boites', and of these one of the most unusual and fascinating is at the Girassol Hotel. High on the rooftop of this circular hotel (the name means 'Sunflower') the Boite commands a magnificent view way out across the Bay to the hills of Swaziland, and across the hundreds of sparkling lights of the city. Decorated in 17th century Portuguese style, picturesque murals of 17th century Portugal. medieval battle-axes and coats of arms of noble Portuguese families line the walls. A proverb above the bandstand informs visitors that the gentry of Portugal were used to good wining and dining. The black and cream draperies of the Boite at the Polana Hotel lend a sophisticated touch to the continental mood, whilst at the Aviz the atmosphere is more romantic and 'intime'. The Acquarium introduces cabaret numbers with artistes from Lisbon and Johannesburg. Wherever you visit a Boite in Lourenco Marques, you are welcome. No need to be staying at a particular hotel to visit its Boite - all are open to the public and there is no cover charge. Dancing begins at 9 p.m., but does not get into a swing until midnight, when it continues into the early hours. Of the hotels, the best-known is the Polana. Standing high upon a cliff, over-looking the great sweep of the Bay, it is one of the finest hotels in Southern Africa. You will find no better place to acquire a fashionable sun-tan than by the magnificent swimming pool of the Polana, where long, comfortable chairs invite you to relax, attentive waiters stand ready to bring you iced drinks, and you can watch ships of all kinds from fishing vessels to great liners sail across the bay. On warm, tropical nights the terrace of the Polana is floodlit, and you can dance under the stars to the strains of Latin music. 'Aqui Lourenço Marques' ('This is Lourenço Marques') is an announcement well known to radio listeners. Now is your opportunity to see for yourself what goes on at the transmitting end of the radio beams you pick up at home. The Radio Club de Moçambique - so called because it originated with a group of enthusiastic Hams who formed a club and asked the Governor for a licence to broadcast music - welcomes visitors. A charming Portuguese Hostess will show you all over the magnificent building, invite you to watch a programme going over the air, and initiate you into the mysteries of broadcasting. For your further entertainment there are four cinemas in Lourenço Marques where English films are shown. You will also want to pay a visit to the Museum, which houses what is perhaps the world's most amazing collection of animal life. The result of 20 years' work of Peso Lopes, a Portuguese taxidermist, the animals have every appearance of being alive in their natural environment. You can see them stalking their prey, crouching in defence, and even in combat. You may also make a conducted trip round the Town Hall, to see its wonderful carved halls, huge crystal chandeliers, period furniture, and magnificent paintings of the old Kings and Queens, portraying the luxury of long-ago Portugal. One admirable trait of this new and beautiful city is that wherever possible it displays the history and traditions of its homeland in Europe. There are many excursions to be made outside Lourenço Marques - to see the hippos up the Incomati River, the herds of elephant in the reserves close by, a launch trip to Inhaca Island, a ferry-boat trip across the Bay to enjoy fresh prawns and shellfish for lunch. If you are a member of a sailing Club in the Federation, you automatically qualify for membership of the Naval Club at Lourenço Marques. The kindly and hospitable Portuguese will help and advise you if you wish to go sailing, deep-sea-fishing or angling. How do you reach this little corner of Europe-in-Africa, which is a far cry from the Copperbelt? Well, the easiest way is to fly there with Central African Airways on their through service from the Copperbelt to Lourenço Marques every Saturday. For several years C.A.A. have operated an inclusive holiday to the Polana Hotel, giving land-locked Rhodesians an opportunity of taking a 'continental' holiday far from European shores. It is justifiably a very popular holiday - and you must remember to book at least three weeks in advance. And when you leave this gay, romantic city with the haunting rhythms of boleros and carriocas still singing in your ears, you will be saying not 'Goodbye' but 'Ate logo' for you will surely wish to return. Rhokana Review - July 1955 Dear Arthur: Glad to hear you all had such a great time at the Banbury Bash - sorry I could not be there myself. Continuing in the same vein of old Chingola/Nchanga photos-from-slides I began last month, and thank you for doing such a marvellous job at improving the presentation, I hope you will be so kind to post the above attachments from NCCM Leach Plant, taken 1965-1968, with a couple of more recent shots in April 2000 (scanned from prints): 145: Chingola Open Pit July,1965 146: (a) Concentrator, with Bancroft concentrate lorries ("the Mad Lads" ) at the weighbridge in the foreground -July 1968 (b) 350 ft Washing Plant Slimes thickener 147: (a) High Grade Oxide (HGO) Leach Agitators -1968 (b) HGO Leach Thickeners (crude copper sulphate leachate) 148: (a) Precipitation agitators ("copper hyroxide") 1968 (b) do. Dorrco underflow pumps 149: (a) Purification releach agitators 1968 (b) Tankhouse overview 1968 150: (a) & (b) Electrowinning cells and crane 1968 151: (a) Old HGO Leach revisited 32 years later -April 2000 (b) Old Bedding Bins - Apr 2000 152: (a) Old tankhouse revisited - Apr 2000 (b) Old Metallurgists' offices Apr 2000 153: (a) Old mets' offices - Apr 2000 (b) Old loading bay for starting sheets/anode casting? Not sure, my memory fails-help? Thanks Arthur, once again I hope you can oblige with at least some of the above. Bob Allan Melbourne Froggy, Your memory is good but not that good. Herewith pictures of you next to John with Skeif''s Boat. Included are the girls in the Kafue bath. You didn't know it at the time, but I was on Croc watch, and I don't remember any hot water in kettles. You are shown sitting in camp with Mrs. Palmer-Hunt. Skeifs boat was named Juanita and he drove like an idiot and put six holes in the bottom of the boat. The last one is of yours truly driving John Dorrington and Russell Banning down the Kafue. In case you are wondering, I sent three other bathing pictures to Johnny Green and Elias Geogopaulous who are advising me on whether I can publish or not. cheers Gordon. I came across this photo the other day and wonder if there is anyone that can remember those days at Kitwe Primary School. This I think was taken about 1956. Mrs Williams was the class teacher. Those were great days in the 1950's and 1960's in Kitwe and I still have lots of happy memories and have kept in touch with many friends who are now scatted all over the world. The Great North Road is a wonderful way of keeping those memories. From Barbara Hey (nee Brock) Gordon - Interesting photos - Johnny and Elias are still making their minds up. Bob - Good contribution - thanks ! Babs - Brilliant school photo ! I should know some of those children - I was an inmate here about that time - but it was so long ago - no doubt you will get plenty of response here. Thanks for sending the pic - now how about having a go at posting here? Arthur Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Wednesday, October 09, 2002 at 22:36:54 (UTC)

Northerners You will remember that during August, I did a trip of some of the waterfalls in the Northern Province. The most beautiful of these can only be Kabweluma Falls. However, even with a wide angle lens it is not possible to photograph them properly as one cannot get far enough away, until Arthur got his hands on a series of four photographs which I took and applied his talents to them. I am sure that you will agree, that if you were told to design a waterfall, you could not design something as perfect as this. Arthur Natotela saana, Zikomo kwambiri, Twalumba kapati, Nitumezi hahulu. The only problem is that now all my other photographs look awful by comparison. Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 06:00:21 (UTC)

Lusakans On Saturday night I attended a 50th birthday party for: Dave Eastcroft and Henry van Blerk Unfortunately the photos are not very good (I had the setting on my camera too low and the flash too high and I'm not as smart as my friend Arthur when it comes to touching them up), but here are some of them: And here are some special requests: For Ken Swan Barry and Linelle Myers For Ron-Clibborn-Dyer Jill Hewitt (nee Kirby) For Jacqui Milward Willy Franklin For Pat McEnery Your dad For Adrian Mooi Alan Watson Happy Birthday to those who had birthdays over the weekend: Spiro Petrou, Chris Tamm, George Allard, Geoff Stepney Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Monday, October 07, 2002 at 12:21:34 (UTC)

Northerners ! A few days ago I received an e-mail from Alma Dawson and her husband Vic, they wrote because they were a little hesitant joining in being in their 80's and asked if we had any members of this age group. I had seen the GNR Survey when the results were coming in and assured them that they are certainly not on their own (some members even claimed to be in their 100's) but discounting Johnny Green and Elais there are plenty of members here in their 80's and 90's. The result of this exchange of e-mail has resulted in Alma sending us a couple of brilliant shots taken outside the Rhokana Cinema and a cracking good tale to go with it. Alma and Vic - people of the older generations are always welcome here - we value your contributions as your generation have so much to tell. Thank you very much and welcome aboard. I also got an e-mail from Sue Steyn with a brilliant school photo which I've posted below, I'm sure there are loads of you out there reading this message board too shy to join in - try dipping your toe into the water - we don't all bite. Thanks Sue - I hope to see your name in the directory any day now. George Maxwell George - here's a shot I found with Kevin Lentin and Ian McCallum as inmates of a Nursery School, hey - the teach looked a stunner! A few other shots caught my eye as they included several people I see in the names directory (but never post) so let's see if this brings them out the woodwork. Vivienne Look what I found ! Anyone remember being told never to go down on the banks of the Kafue when we were kids ? Did we ever take any notice ? Arthur Dear Arthur, I have been following this website for a couple of years and still havent put my name on the list. This is mainly because we moved around a lot and I'm not too sure of my dates etc. But I'm working on it !! This photo is of the Kitwe Convent ( I think ) in about 1963..my brother, Mark Craig is second from the left...standing boys. I have no idea who anyone else is and I do hope that I have scanned it properly. I have a few more photos from those days,of the flats we lived in etc which I will scan if this comes out right. I love the website even though I never participate. Sue Steyn Pretoria THE LETTER The letter arrived by hand.. As Vic straightened up from locking the second cabin-trunk he noted the Uniformed African messenger cycling down the garden path. "I wonder what he wants, Sunday is an odd day for a Messenger to be sent here?" and went to speak to the caller. "Urgent message Bwana" the man said handing over The Letter using both hands as was the traditional mark of respect to a senior man. "Who sent it?" asked Vic, at the same time slitting the envelope. "Railways Office Manager. Sir, will I wait for an answer?" He unfolded the letter and read the message "Regret to inform you that owing to a strike by Railway workers in Bulwayo, Southern Rhodesia, The train due to leave Kitwe tonight will not be available. The other four intending passengers will be informed." "No reply" said Vic heavily, "thank you" and wondered how his wife was going to react to this shattering news. "What have you got there?" Alma asked when he returned to the verandah where she was counting off items required on the long train journey. "A letter, just arrived from the Station master, you'd better read it." Vic stood cogitating for a few seconds then "I don't believe it, I can't believe it" she cried angrily "Well it's official" he said. "What on earth can we do now" his wife said, close to tears, of all the times to go on strike." "At the moment I cannot think of anything constructive to either say or do, but I suggest that you carry on with the remainder of the packing and see to lunch for you and the children." "But what are you going to DO?" she asked again, getting agitated and looking around aimlessly. "Right this second I simply don't know, but first. I'll go and see the other four passengers, it's just as well I know who they are and where they live, maybe they'll have some ideas and I'll see what they think of the situation." As Vic arrived at Mac's house he was greeted with surprise "What are you doing here at this time, we thought you'd be very busy packing - with two small children you must have much more then us pack and heaven knows we have more than enough. Come on in." Les and his wife were also there, obviously all ready to go. "Well it's obvious you haven't heard as yet," John said briskly "Heard what;" they chorused. "That; there is no train tonight - it's been cancelled." What do you mean, there's no train? "Exactly that - there's apparently a railways strike down in Bulawayo and consequently our train hasn't arrived in., so we cannot travel south tonight." "They can't do that" said Betty. "They can and they have" John said somewhat grimly. Once the four of them realised he was deadly serious they started to react. The ladies sat down and started to cry, the men stood glumly silent, hands stuffed in pockets whilst they digested this completely unexpected news. Let's have a drink and think about it" said Mac. Vic accepted the proferred drink, then as the other men, his seniors by quite a few years, remained morose and silent and the women continued sobbing quietly and said uncomplimentary things about "lousy railway unionists fouling up their long-awaited holiday, he said "Well, what do you suggest we do?" "Do, DO, what can we do?" asked Mac, "There's nothing we CAN do if there is no train. We only have just over four days to get to Capetown - we all know the ship sails for Southampton on Friday at 4 p.m. and not a MINUTE LATER" The women continued to cry and look on helplessly. "Fancy saving and working for three solid years only to have the sole means of transport taken away by a few men going on strike. It's not as if we could use private transport, we've all sold our cars and anyway we have far too much luggage to try and hire one." Well, I'm going to have ago at something" Vic said. "I'm not going to sit around doing nothing." What can you do?" they all asked at once. "I don't know yet; but I'm going to go and see the Company Manager." "He won't be at the office - remember it's Sunday" Les remarked. "Then I'll go to the 'White House' he can't eat me. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't try. My wife has worked hard to plan and pack for the four of us - quite a big undertaking with the children being so young. It's up to me to try and salvage the situation" "Good for you Vic, we'll go along with any plan you make." So leaving the others idle and morose Vic approached the Company Mine Manager ( O.B. Bennett) who WAS in his office, busy organising 'emergency operations' for the duration of the rail strike - the railway being the lifeline of the whole mining operation. On learning the plight of the intending travellers and understanding the situation very well, he sympathised, consulted his already much annotated emergency transport schedules and said "I can lend you a truck of sorts, but it has no canopy and therefore you will be completely exposed and very uncomfortable. I could also arrange a driver for the vehicle, but you must get a permit from the Police at the Boma to allow him to cross into Southern Rhodesia. But if the strike should spread, once you get to the South African border you will have to make private arrangements as this truck will not be allowed any further." "My grateful thanks" Vic said "your assistance is much appreciated. I realise that you need all the transport you have available for company work, the discomfort will pass, but this is our only chance of saving our holiday." Next he went to see the Police chief who was also in his office amending duty rosters just in case of any repercussions from this totally unexpected strike situation. On hearing of the dilemma confronting the would be travellers he said "A permit is required for your truck and driver". He produced a letterhead and proceeded to thread it into the office typewriter and somewhat laboriously type out a carefully worded PERMIT for the driver and vehicle to cross the border post from Northern into Southern Rhodesia and back again, saying 'Bear with me old chap I'm not very good at this job." Finally with the Permit typed and signed, and then a 7 p.m. rendevous with the truck driver organised, Vic returned to see the other intending passengers and announced "I've been loaned an open truck to travel the first leg of the journey into Southern Rhodesia - a 7 p.m. start. If you wish to take a chance and rough it, you'll have to sit on the open tray throughout the journey." They all stood and cheered - clapping him on the back and shaking, his hand. Then leaving them suddenly busy and smiling again, he rushed home to break the news to his anxious wife. "Finish the packing - we wear the oldest and warmest clothes we have for the all-night journey then we can shed a layer as needs be later on - but we WILL board that ship on Friday.' That evening at nightfall Vic and his family and all of their assorted paraphenalia and luggage, met up with the vehicle and driver outside the Rhokana cinema. The other four adults, with their baggage, blankets and vacuum flasks, endeavoured to make themselves as comfortable as possible on the tray of the truck. Six large drums of diesel oil were lashed to the rear of the cab - essential fuel for the long drive to come. 1954 Nkana (taken outside Rhokana Cinema) 1st 'photo. L - R: Harry Lonsdale(Personnel Manager) Rhokana Corp. Vic, Marie and Alma Dawson, see African driving crouching attending to Oil drums/baggage - ladies of Hockey team(Livingstone area)? 2nds 'photo: L - R: Alma,Marie & Vic Dawson, Harry Lonsdale, Isobel & Les Pegge Mr & Mrs ? Dunne (she usued to work in Kitwe Stores) infant son Michael asleep in Carry-cot on tray of truck.. The two-year old daughter Marie, and Alma, were installed in the cab alongside the driver and the baby , Michael, ten months old, well fed and well wrapped up in his carry-cot, was the most comfortable and most oblivious passenger. . Dad and the others to keep a protective hand at the ready. "Is everybody settled?" called Vic who was obviously the leader of this 'safari'. Just then, a blaring of horns and flashing of headlights delayed the departure as a cavalcade of cars disgorged a team of lady hockey-players "Wait, wait a moment" called a voice, "can you take these ladies with you as far as Livingstone, they are also stranded by the strike and want to get home?" "Certainly providing they realise it is going to be very cold, uncomfortable and dirty - tell them all to climb aboard now, we're ready to go" Then amid tears and cheers from the considerable group of friends and well-wishers, the travellers set off, making the best of a very third rate conveyance. The journey was indeed cold and miserable but they were thankful that at least it was the 'dry season' with no possibility rain. The bumpy nature of riding on the tray of the truck on a dirt road was further compounded by the two eighteen-inch wide strips of tarseal which straddled the centre of the 'highway ' - these 'strips' were provided to accommodate the wheels of vehicles in the absence of full width tarsealing. Many broken-edges and a requirement to relinquish the tarseal to allow other vehicles to pass (in either direction) added further to the discomfort. In addition to the jolting, there was the all-pervasive smell of diesel oil from the storage drums which troubled some of the passengers. At intervals during the latter part of the long night, oncoming vehicles signalled the driver with their headlights to stop, and the travellers became accustomed to various members of the hockey team being 'rescued' by friends and relatives. The glorious sunrise and the clamour of the dawn chorus, almost - ALMOST made up for the wretched night. Many hours later, in brilliant hot sunshine, the weary passengers arrived in the town of Livingstone on the Northern/Southern Rhodesian border - tired, dirty and miserable, looking forward to a short break, stretching their cramped legs and having something to eat before continuing on a few hundred miles more. Suddenly a car pulled alongside the group and a Railways official alighted, greeted them all cheerfully and said "The strike is over and a train will leave for the south in three hours time. You have time for a break and a meal - we will wait for you.' More cheers (and tears of relief from the women) at this more than welcome news. Grateful thanks were expressed by the group that at least one member of the party had not panicked in time of stress. Vic then made a suggestion that they all go to the nearest hotel and rent rooms for the three-hour period in order to have a bath, meal and a rest. This suggestion was acted upon with alacrity. The southern train with sleeping compartments was waiting at the station and the refreshed and revitalised group climbed aboard for a much more comfortable ride to Capetown. Eventually without any further problems the port was reached and the ship boarded in time and everyone could settle into their cabins relax and begin the first stage of their holiday. The final irony was yet to come however. As they shared a table with fellow passengers, strangers, who quickly became congenial companions, Alma and Vic were able to relate the tale of the traumatic start to their long-awaited holiday. Then on the third evening at sea they were invited by one of their dining companions to join him in the lounge for a drink. Here they were introduced to another passenger. "I'd like you to meet Bill Smith my cabin mate, he is the railway worker who organised the rail strike in Southern Rhodesia and is being deported back to England for his sins - he would like to tell you his side of the story.!" Alma Dawson 1954: Some names have been changed. (Written years ago for a 'writing class' exercise). Jet boating on the Kafue. Names are John Dorrington, Earl Carstens, Russel Banning and Pete Farrow in John's Perosity II on the plane. Theo Grobler, Skeif, Dave Littleford and Dorrington preparing boats and the last is fixing holes in the fiberglass on the fly. This was from Chief Machya south of Luanshya to the lubungu feery in the KNP. Gordon Garlick Hi Northerners As this is my first posting after the Banbury Bash firstly I must say how I enjoyed performing live for everyone after a break of 25 years it was fantastic. All the Musicians I met were brilliant entertainers and the hard work put in by everyone to make the bash the success it was is much appreciated. My Wife Julia and I met so many friends whom we had not seen for years, also many new good friends whom we met for the first time. On the postings I noticed the request that have any of the Musicians got recordings / Discs of their performances the one Disc I have can be seen on these Images posted I made it (40)forty years ago in Lusaka. My band The Aces at this time which consisted of Me on Lead Guitar and Vocals, Geoff Mossop on bass guitar, Gordon Herder on Rythm guitar, Mickey Stagg on drums and my niece Brenda Petzer(now Brenda Meyer) on Vocals. The Aces were playing at Central Sports Club in Lusaka and we noticed three different men with Ladies that we hadn't seen before. During our performance they came and spoke with me introducing themselves as recording engineers and told me that they were in Northern Rhodesia to record African Music for Columbia. They then said that the thought we were pretty good and would like to make a record of us I asked when they replied tomorrow. The next day which I recall was the Saturday morning and we all rocked up with our gear at the Lusaka Broadcasting station where all their recording equipment was to cut a disc. At first we played for audition our normal session music ie Shadows, Cliff, Elvis etc but the engineers said they wanted something different and quickly as the had to move on to their next project. So I decided to change St Louis Blues to Louis Twist and Don't be Cruel to Don't be Cruel Twist both the numbers we just changed to our arrangement as instrumentals and not vocal's in our own style this the engineers liked and we cut both discs in about 35 minutes and that was that. As this was our first real record I am very proud of it and as it is copyrighted by Columbia the other artists names appear on the disc who made it before us (some interesting names). This disc may be still able to be bought but it might be difficult as it was a long time ago. Cheers Brian Geyser Thanks again to all of you who contribute to the Great North Road. Arthur Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 14:48:24 (UTC)