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Northerners Some photos from my trip to Livingstone. This was a recce for the Livingstone Lark and as soon as I have put all the information together, I will post it. First stop was Munali Pass, just north of Mazabuka. This is more or less where David Livingstone had his first sighting of the Kafue River on 14 December 1855, on his trip from Angola to Mozambique. Livingstone's nickname was Munali, meaning The Red One. The Munali Pass also played a part in the Rhodesian War. I can't remember the exact details, but the Rhodesians had set up an ambush there using a wrecked vehicle and some 'injured people'. On this particular evening, Colin Hindson, Chris Collett and Mike Arnold were returning to Mazabuka from an evening in Lusaka when they came across this 'accident'. Being law-abiding citizens they stopped to render assistance, at which time the Rhodesians opened fire. According to Colin, he and Chris were travelling in a vehicle with a V8 motor, but there was no way they could catch up with Mike in his Datsun 1600. This story is recorded in one of the books written about the Rhodesian War (I can't remember which), but to hear Colin tell the story has you rolling around on the floor. And then up Hervey's Hill, a well-known landmark After that, we were into the Mazabuka farming area and these are just to prove to Arthur that Zambia is not only about mining, but about agriculture as well. Next was the bustling town of Mazabuka, the sweetest place in the nation. I guess the first photo you could call 'Shoprite's Folly' - there have been a number of trucks which have engaged Zambian Gear (neutral) going down the hill and ended up as window displays. Or perhaps the drivers were just enjoying the view of Nakambala Sugar Estates in the distance. And what I think is Codrington School (if someone can confirm, I'll go back there sometime for better photos) Then we were into the one-donkey towns of the Southern Province - Monze and Pemba And then on to Choma with a quick stop at Choma Station and the other side of the station for those who only ever passed through there by rail and a quick chat with J Ngandu and P Banda, both train drivers who had just delivered a train from Livingstone The next town was Kalomo, but it was getting late so I took the advice of this truck and only took one photo as I drove through the town, without stopping In Livingstone, there was much to do: A trip to the Mosi-oa-tunya Game Park A visit to Maramba River Lodge, where I shall probably be holding the main event of the Livingstone Lark, with a crocodile on the banks of the river (within 10 metres of the bar and within 5 metres of where I was standing) And water hyacinth on the Maramba River (incidentally, this is not the same as Kariba Weed (Salvinia Molesta)) A sunset cruise A walk around the Falls and the Knife-edge bridge But I think the highlight of the trip was the helicopter flight over the Falls - well worth every ngwee I spent on it: The view of the Falls before we took off During the flight Devil's Cataract Livingstone Boat Club Long Island The gorges below the falls (sorry, a bit of reflection from the glass on these photos) And the sharpest corner on the Federal railway system: The last night was spent at Islands of Siankaba, but more about that later and since I was in that area, I had hoped to get to Kasungula, but I was running late (again!!) and had the long drive back to Lusaka ahead of me, so I had to give it a miss. But I did take this photo along the road and these of the Bon Accord Hotel, which is obviously not in use right now But I have been wondering why was this hotel so important? Can those who asked for photos please tell us now, otherwise I shall be obliged to see what I can find out and you might not like what I come up with. And throughout the trip, anthills of every shape and size and the anthill with the inevitable Euphorbia Ingens (Candelabrum Tree). The question is which comes first, the anthill or the Euphorbia? and then it was back up the Great North Road to Lusaka. Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 09:55:22 (UTC)

Northerners ! I took a look in the "Looking For" list in the Names Directory of the GNR just now and it seems that some of the new members are listing existing members already on board as people they are searching for. I suggest to you all to check this list every now and then as you may be missing someone special. I also noticed a new member, Barry Wilson who has just joined the GNR. Barry I remember your wife Sharron Padkin very well, that was when I was at Kitwe Primary, and she was a very pretty blonde girl, I used to wait around the end of Swinburne Close most days on the way home from school ! I never made an impression I'm sorry to say. Some more pics and articles from the Rhokana Review that may interest some of you here. Linda - I can't find an Inspector Patel - yet - but maybe in some later issues - and it seems harassment of unsuspecting young ladies in motor vehicles has been going on for some time. Maybe Johnny knows this policeman. I do have a slight suspicion that maybe they were all the same policeman. Talking of harassment I recall some time ago that one of the Kitwe girls wrote a tale on the GNR message board about doing something so scary to this well respected lady she fell off her bike. To save me trawling through the archived boards perhaps that person would like to make herself known now. Greg Crawford I hope one of these could be your dad, both photos were in the 1954 volume of the Rhokana Review, as you can see they both have different occupations, and faces of course. Another shot of Lindsay will follow later. Mark Sturgeon Here's a couple for you, one of your dad in 1958 and one of yourself c1954. Were you aiming for a blueskop? I have seen plenty of pics of your mum and dad, more to follow soon. One for Denise Horton and Lesley Dalton Who had one of these? And remembers this place? This article was in the June 1954 issue and may also interest some, I scanned the pages full size but have reduced them here so they don't take too long to open, hope you can read them OK. All images from the Rhokana Review - on loan to the GNR from Guy Hobbs and Peter Hills NB: Some of the images I posted on the 5th of this month did not open properly when clicked, they are now fixed if you missed them the first time round. Sue Moffat Both your postings are noted, and about time - I'm waiting for the £50 quid, your sister has told me so much about you. Mr Knotty, seems like both you and Johnny Green have been irradiated then. Was it the neutered bomb? Arthur Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 01:05:32 (UTC)

LUANSHYANS Do you remember this? Coronation Day in Luanshya June 2 1953 Ceremonial Arch at Fourth Street Bridge Ceremonial Arch in Bougainvillea Avenue, showing the beginning of the canopy of crowns The General Offices - by day The General Offices - by night 'The Crown of England' an entry by the Indian Community, which won the prize for the best float in the Carnival Procession Some of the Judges of the Carnival Floats. (Left to right): Mrs J Thomson, Mrs S R Malcolmson, Mrs R J Stevens and C A Lamont (Procession Marshall) 'The Taj Mahal' - winning float of the Indian entries 'Braemar Castle' - the Caledonian Society's float - leads the procession along Fourth Street 'The Spirit of Sport' - entered by the Swimming Club The Hockey Club's Float Scene on the Rugby Ground after the afternoon procession when 1,200 Schoolchildren were served with light refreshments Mrs F M N Heath congratulates the captain of the crew of the 'Crown of England' float The Band of Luanshya School Cadet Corps leads the March Past the District Commissioner As their Loyal Acclamation, the Ngoni dance their Ngoma 'Britannia' leads the way in the schools' procession on Coronation afternoon. This model of the Queen's recently-launched yacht gained loud applause. 'Coronation Carnival' 'The United Kingdom' 'Dress Through the Ages' 'Transport Through the Ages' 'Famous Women Through the Ages' Distributing the Roast Ox Roasting the Ox. Frank Korunich (left) and Stan Drazic Mrs J Thomson opens the Coronation Park in the African Township and receives a basket of flowers from two little African twin girls Both Europeans and Africans had their own magnificent fireworks display. SCANNED FROM ROAN ANTELOPE MAGAZINE, JULY 1953 EDITION, KINDLY LOANED BY REG HUGHES Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 14:29:53 (UTC)

Hi Arthur Hans Matson visited us here in Auckland and took some pictures which he asked me to forward to you for posting on the board. The people in the photo are, Hans Matson, Ndola, Gordon, Broken Hill and Nampundwe, and myself Lusaka. I am the one without the beard. Thanks very much Amanda McIntosh - Auckland, New Zealand Noting on the future events advice page of upcoming golf days for ex Ndola golf club members , I'm submitting a photo which belonged to my father, Jim Fraser (bottom right hand), of the members at a "cock of the north day" as a bit of an attention getter for the days. I would imagine that today's players are children of some of those in the photograph. It was probably taken round about the late 1960's early 1970s. Sorry, I'm not sure of the exact date. Mrs M A Goodhew - Perth, Western Australia. Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 22:31:09 (UTC)

Broken Hillians On Wednesday, I took a drive up the Great North Road to Kabwe to meet with Jack Wardell. Here is a photo of him with Dave Tweedie and Dave Murdoch. Whilst there, I spent some time with Zambia Railways and the Kabwe Council. Next year is the centenary of the establishment of Kabwe as a town and this is the start of my research in order to write a short history of the town. So, over the next few months I shall be spending some of my time poring over the dusty files in their archives - heaven. Zambia Railways offices are in a lovely old Colonial building which I assumed was the original building that they were housed in. And during my chat with the GM, I found out a couple of interesting bits of information: Zambia Railways still has shares in the Victoria Falls Hotel. I wasn't aware of this before. The Bon Accord Hotel in Livingstone was also owned by Rhodesia Railways and then jointly owned by Zambia Railways and National Railways of Zimbabwe. It was recently sold to the Zambian Government who are now using it as a hostel for the Army. But I now know exactly where it is situated and since I am hoping to get down to Livingstone, I might be able to take some photos of it. Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Friday, January 10, 2003 at 11:50:58 (UTC)

Glenda I will look for more info or pics of the Dunns for you, was there an Adrian Dunn? When you next talk to your Mom ask her to give your sis a kick on the shins - I was promised plenty of photos some time way back - I think she has forgotten, I haven't. What's happened to your other sis - the floozie from the dorp of Dorking? Carole I can sort you leg out - you need to deal with this like you would a snake bite, I volunteer to suck the pellet out. Have a good holiday in - ? I thought it was only Gary Glitter that went there? Johnny I had an e-mail retort from CJ refuting the claim it was he in that photo of the big tree taken sometime in 1954. Naah couldn't have been him he was around 25 then. I think he remains quiet thinking we've forgotten all about the Capetown Caper he was organising sometime, someday, whenever... Johnny did you know any of these policemen? Jilly Ask that gun toting Chalcraft Woman to tell you how she can, on her own, get a large gang of waiting robbers out of a baobab tree and running for their lives without firing a shot in anger. She just walks up to them and tells them to go away, and they do. I am not sure if it's the words she uses or just the fact she waves the gun around in a wicked way. Alma & Vic Thanks for the e-mail and the attached story I received this morning - I will get it on the site as soon as I can. Meantime I found this Dave Gray I will look for some shots of Doris Harvey in the next batch of Rhokana Reviews I scan through, should be some about. I found this in Guy Hobb's batch of mags. Is this you? I know the other "Guy". There is a large article on Frederick Knapp school from where I copied those photos. One day when I have time I will get that typed up for the GNR and post it with some other photos taken back then. According to the article Frederick Knapp retired in 1951 This goes very much against the grain however, FK was "the enemy" when I was living in Nkana, I went to Riverain instead, Nkana East of course. Ian Thanks for the latest update on nrzam You disappointed me ! I searched your site expecting the latest lowdown on Heather but could find nothing on her which I could use at a later date. Ag. Northerners - you are really missing out big time if you don't go for a surf round Ian Singers site. There are loads of brilliant articles and photos there that will keep you busy for hours. Arthur And as I thought might happen we've started to get the "mine's bigger" brigade interested, here's a contribution from Bill Hunt. Hi Arthur Heather has to be challenged regarding relative size of snakes!! Best Wishes for 2003 & thanks for all your & the politburo's efforts. Bill Hunt - Widenham, Natal, South Africa Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 00:34:34 (UTC)

Africa's Most Feared Snake A few more pictures of one of our snakes; unfortunately dead this time. a Black Mamba which was in the garage yesterday. 95 inches (2.37 metres) long and 5.5 inches (13.75 cm) circumference. Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Monday, January 06, 2003 at 10:34:10 (UTC)

Northerners ! Some of you may have read old timers Alma and Vic Dawson's brilliant story "The Letter" posted on the Message Board on the 6th October 2002. Having started on the second stages of preparing to scan more old Rhokana Reviews I came across Alma and Vic's story once again in the August 1954 issue. So for Alma and Vic especially: Alma and Vic have sent me another story to be published on the GNR describing their overland trip from Algiers to Northern Rhodesia - I will put this on the new GNR when ready. Some of you may also be interested in these images I came across: Frederick Knappers c1954 More Nkana Kitwe stuff ......... and some bits for the Broken Hillbillies All images from the Rhokana Review 1954 - magazines on loan to the GNR from Guy Hobbs Notice the Prince of Wales instead of handing out a gold medal or some other tat, is giving a tray of miniatures as the prize. Seems very apt for the location I spose, and for HRH a big saving, especially as all of the miniatures have Rhodesian Railways printed on the labels. When I last came back from Oz on British Airways my brother and I managed to come off the plane with about 10 litres each of these miniatures, all the drinks were free, so we just kept asking for more, the stewardess couldn't understand how we got off the plane upright. Now thats duty free. It would appear Broken Hill celebrated it's 50th year in 1954 and there is quite a large story to go with the images above, this I will type out later and put onto the new GNR site in time for the 2004 BH Centenary Year - together with the images above and a few others I can get hold of. If anyone has any old or new photos of Broken Hill - Kabwe they would like to be included for posterity please contact me. I intend to make this display on its own and separate page on the new site so if you also would like to contribute any written material of your own please also let me know. I also have a CD with the Broken Hill Brochure 1957 completely digitised (courtesy Chris and Ada Cantrell) this I will release for free to any contributors who would like one. No it is quite interesting - really. CJ - I noticed that there's a kid on the street again in the shot of the Big Tree - perhaps looking out for a car to pass by sometime - is that you - or yet another cardboard cut-out? Arthur Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me Stockport, United Kingdom Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 15:03:45 (UTC)

Dear Heather Thanks so much for your wild Flame Lilies on 31st Dec. Here are some expats from Australia, wishing they were home. Happy New Year to you and all!! Cheers Bob Allan Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 08:44:41 (UTC)

Linda Some photos of Musungwa taken in July last year Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me Lusaka, Zambia Friday, January 03, 2003 at 12:33:44 (UTC)

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