Northern Rhodesians Worldwide
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Message Board
It is good to get in touch with friends - I traced Mark Mulder the other Mark in "Mark 2 Disco" from Muf! It is great being in touch with him but ................. the follwing report is what happened to his sister and her husband. I received an e-mail from Mark today, the funeral is tomorrow and I would really appreciate if everyone on the GNR could close their eyes for just one minute and think of Mark and his family in his hour of grief. Thankyou.
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> By Tsitsi Matope
> > THE Allanson couple, reported missing since January, was axed to death
and
> > the bodies were concealed in a metal box before being burnt to ashes,
> > allegedly by their domestic workers.
> >
> > Police have since arrested the female domestic worker aged 40, her son
19
> > and her nephew aged 21 at Mr and Mrs Hillary Kenneth Allanson's
> Marlborough
> > home where they were still staying after the murder and had moved into
the
> > main house.
> >
> > Hillary Allanson 52 and her husband Kenneth Allanson were reported
missing
> > for several weeks in the Press and their disappearance had remained a
> > mystery.
> >
> > Police homicide chief spokesman, Chief Superintendent Shepherd Maruta
> > yesterday described the murder as one of the classical murders of the
> decade
> > where all evidence had been cleaned out.
> >
> > He said after an intense interrogation, the two young men had confessed
to
> > having plotted with their female relative to get rid of their employers
> and
> > inherit their property since they had no known relatives in the country.
> >
> > "They led us where they buried their remains which only consisted of the
> > skulls and other bones," he said.
> >
> > Also recovered was a metal box where the two bodies were concealed and
> later
> > burnt with firewood and petrol the whole night.
> >
> > In the metal box, police detectives identified some strands of hair
which
> > surprisingly were not completely burnt out.
> >
> > The Allansons' are believed to have children based in the United States
> and
> > another distant relative who lives in the country.
> >
> > Chief Supt Maruta said investigations carried out so far have revealed
> that
> > on the Wednesday of January 8, Kenneth left his wife at home and went to
> > play golf.
> >
> > While he was away, their female domestic worker and her two accomplices
> > attacked Mrs Allanson with an axe on the head and killed her instantly.
> >
> > They dragged her body to an empty swimming pool and placed it in a two
> metre
> > metal box.
> >
> > At around 8pm, Mr Allanson returned from playing golf and the female
> worker
> > allegedly opened the gate for him and walked him into the house.
> >
> > While they were still in the passageway, the two cousins came from
behind
> > and attacked him with an axe before dumping his body in the metal box
> where
> > they had placed his wife's body.
> >
> > "This was indeed a well-plotted murder case because according to the two
> > young suspects and from what we saw in the house, all the evidence
linking
> > the suspects to the crime had been wiped clean.
> >
> > "The lounge carpet which we believe was smeared with blood was burnt the
> > same night," Chief Supt Maruta said.
> >
> > After placing the bodies in a metal box, the three suspects placed the
> metal
> > box in a bonfire and placed some burning charcoal on top of the metal
box.
> >
> > The Allansons' had more than 30 litres of petrol reserved in their
garage,
> > which the trio took and poured onto the fire to burn the bodies to
ashes.
> >
> > The two male suspects indicated that they had buried the ashes and other
> > remains in a bush where they were recovered on Thursday.
> >
> > Chief Supt Maruta said at the time when the couple went missing, the
> workers
> > were interviewed by the police and were not suspected of any involvement
> in
> > the disappearance.
> >
> > "They had continued to stay in the house and they even had the nerve to
> move
> > into the main house," Chief Supt Maruta said.
> >
> > He said a team of nine detectives was set up to intelligently monitor
the
> > situation at the house and it came out that this month, the trio had
> relaxed
> > and thought the case was water under the bridge.
> >
> > "They started selling some household goods that belonged to the couple
> > obviously aware that they were not ever returning home."
> >
> > Household goods that included a television set, VCR, a motor boat,
> firearms,
> > clothes and other utensils had already been sold at the time of the
> arrest.
> >
> > Police approached the suspects on Thursday and arrested them after they
> had
> > failed to explain why they were selling the household goods.
> >
> > One detective who was in plain clothes had gone to the house during
> > investigations wanting to buy the lounge suite and was told by one of
the
> > suspects to return the following day with the deposit.
> >
> > "We are convinced this was a well-orchestrated gruesome murder whose
> motive
> > was to steal the property or even permanently stay at the couple's
> premises.
> >
> > "There were no bodies, there was no evidence that they were killed until
> > now," Chief Supt Maruta said.
> >
> > The female domestic worker who was shaking and could hardly stand on her
> > feet yesterday professed ignorance about the murder.
> >
> > "I arrived at home that evening and found the boys burning the bodies, I
> was
> > not involved in the murder," she stammered.
> >
> > "I saw smoke and smelt something was being burnt. Vana vakandiparira
> zvimwe
> > ava kupisa varungu (The boys did a terrible thing by burning the
whites),"
> > the woman said before she was constrained to say more by her defence
> > counsel.
> >
> > According to the police, the woman could not explain why they were
selling
> > the couple's property if she knew nothing about the murder.
> >
> > "If they had taken over the house to protect it from the thieves, why
were
> > they selling the household property?" Chief Supt Maruta queried.
> >
> > Last year, several white elderly couples were killed while others were
> > maimed by armed robbers especially in the Avondale suburb.
> >
> > The Phelps brother and sister were strangled to death at their Avondale
> home
> > after some armed robbers broke into their house at night.
> >
> > It is suspected their gardener who came once a month was also involved
in
> > the murder.
> >
> > None of the suspects were arrested.
> >
> > Another elderly man in his late 70's was attacked and killed by his
> gardener
> > and his son at his Mazowe Mansions flat in October last year.
> >
> > The gardener was arrested after his son was seen by neighbours loading
> part
> > of the dead man's property onto his vehicle.
> >
>
Gill Main — Click here to contact me
Aberdeen, Scotland
Monday, March 31, 2003 at 19:50:45 (UTC)
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John Berry
Yes - I remember the Polish memorial at Bwana Mkubwa. I used to read the electricity meters for the bulk users for Ndola Municipality and I had to go to the prison and then work my way back through the bush to read a drilling company meter somewhere close to the memorial. It seemed to be pretty robust so I would guess it is still there but probably overgrown.
Tony Austin — Click here to contact me
Houston, Texas, United States
Monday, March 31, 2003 at 18:32:52 (UTC)
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Doug:
Thanks for your reply about Jan Plankman. The discussions on this list have prompted me to start writing down some of the stories of people and things that happened while we were in Kitwe.
I probably won't post many of the personal anecdotes (if any) on tne list - you never know who may take umbrage, but I may mention some of the names of people and events as I go along, to see if there is any interest out there, or if anyone has other stories to add, and also to see if anyone can correct facts that I am unsure about. The horrible thing is that so many of the people we knew on the Copperbelt are dead
Some of the topics I have already started to write about are:
Events: Exploding of 160 tons of TNT after a railway derailment east of Kitwe in about 1969.
Finding of a large piece of NASA rocket west of Kitwe, 1970.
Earthquake in Kitwem, ca, 1968.
Gil Perrin and how he "showed the Anglophones how to mine" at Bwana, and practically blew the mine to pieces.
People: Father Lambert; Norman Arnold; Meg Fanshawe; Rob and Shelly Davis; Pete and Terry Freeman; Libero Zappia; Dave and Kathleen Hardie and Sir James Hardie; Mike Mkandawire; Maura and John Winchester; Wilson Mundusu; Father Ralph (of course!); Derek Dutton, the "Man from the Pru". Archie _____, in the personnel office at AAC.
Places: Kansanshi; Bwana Mkubwa and the Ndola Lime works; Dag Hammarskjold crash site; the Italian Club, Kitwe; Mkushi; Emerald Mines west of Kitwe.
Things in general: anthills used as bread ovens in the bush; the long, horrible wet of 1970; emeralds in the ore at Mkushi; steam-powered drilling rigs; Congolese bandit camp off the Chibuluma road. Exploration by pitting and crosscutting.
Question: does anyone remember the commemorative marker to the pilots of the Free Polish Air Foerce at Bwana Mkubwa, and does anyone know if it is still there?
Another question: does anyone know the correct story behind the group of Polish teenagers who were "grubstaked" by the British government in Zambia at the end of WWII? They were apparently the survivors of a large group of Poles who were captured by the Russians when they split Poland between themselves and the Nazis. These people were put in cattle cars and shuttled around Russia for a year or two until just about all but a couple of hubndred teenagers were dead, when they were released to the British in Persia, from where they were taken to Durban, and then encouraged to go to Northern Rhodesia. We knew one of them - a lady doctor(?) whose last name was Komar, I think.
John Berry — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Monday, March 31, 2003 at 18:00:20 (UTC)
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Morning Campers,
This caught my eye and I thought I would share it with you
supposedly from a young man at high school to his beu.
To Mary, the love of my life -- There is nothing I would not do to reach your side. I would climb the highest mountain! I would cross the trackless desert! I would swim the widest ocean to be near you,my beloved.
With love and tenderness, Jonathan.
P.S. See you Saturday night, if it doesn't rain.
Johnny — Click here to contact me
Scarborough, United Kingdom
Monday, March 31, 2003 at 06:27:44 (UTC)
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Hi All
www.nrzam.plus.com has been updated.
Added a new feature to the Northern Rhodesia Journal: there is now a complete (bar 2 pages) index to the Journals along with a new way of accessing them. This will help users to research specific interests. The index was kindly contributed by Caroline Goetzee. There are only two Journals from my collection yet to be scanned and I will endeavour to have them up before Easter.
Regards Ian
Ian Singer — Click here to contact me
Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 20:15:15 (UTC)
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Hi All
www.nrzam.plus.com has been updated.
Added Northern Rhodesia Journal Volume V- No. 1 - 1962
Kafue-Namwala in 1912 - Part 1
Trading on the Luapula in 1900-4
Aspects of the Ushi Iron Industry
The Cape to Cairo Telegraph
Bangweulu and the Surrounding Mainland in the 1920s
Notes on Some Sites in Soli History
Report on a Journey made by Captain R Bright through North-Eastern Rhodesia in 1903
The Tanganyika Pirate
Notes: Destruction of Mail Bags by Lions / Early Days of the Veterinary Department / Bees in the 1914-18 War / Marion and Hope Gamwell / E H Lane Poole / New Contributors to this Number / Kaunga (Khaunga) - Abandoned Boma and Police Post / First European Children
Lusaka Natural History Club
Correspondence: Origin of the Name Gwembe / Josselin de Jong and the Rubber Scheme / Spray Over the Falls Bridge / The Whale Headed Stork / Tax Stamps / Pioneer Traders and Farmers of Abercorn / The Goddard Brothers and Elephant
Book Reviews
Regards Ian
Ian Singer — Click here to contact me
Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 18:54:34 (UTC)
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N O R T H E R N E R S!
Recently I posted what has been for me the most important historical event in the history of the Great North Road website. I posted it in French for the ex-pats out of the old Belgian Congo. But I have not yet posted it in Flemish/Dutch for the sake of the Flemish-speaking Belgians who were also involved in those historical events at the time of the Congo independence. I am so doing now. Being that this is the end of the month, I will repost this again next month. And both the French and the Flemish/Dutch versions will be posted permananently on a separate page as soon as Craig gets this task done.
N O R T H E R N E R S!
In 1995 ben ik begonnen met het maken van de Great North Road website, alvorens ik het op het wereld wijd zette op 28 april, 1996 wilde ik proberen om mijn landgenoten te vinden die van de wereld verdwenen leken te zijn omdat na 24 oktober, 1964 zij uitgezworven zijn over de hele wereld.
Veel gedachten gingen door mijn hoofd gedurende het maken van de website, van de vroege dagen in de 1950s tot de meer
recente dagen in de 1960s. Toen ik bezig was met het maken van de site vroeg ik me af wat de Afrikaanse buurlanden hadden gedaan op het gebied van websites. Ik had gezien wat de Rhodesiën-Zimbabwean en Zuid-Afrikanen ex landgenoten hadden gedaan, maar wat met Nyasaland-Malawi, Tanganikya-Tanzanië, Kenia, Uganda, Mozambiek, Angola, en natuurlijk in onze eigen achtertuin het machtige Congo?
Voor veel Noord-Rhodesiën, zijn de gebeurtenissen na 30 juni, 1960 voor altijd in onze gedachten en zijn een deel geworden van ons Afrikaan zijn. Veel van ons namen de Belgen die vluchte over onze grenzen in huis en helpen hen waar mogelijk.
Wat is er met deze mensen gebeurt nadat ze ons verlieten om in België een nieuw leven te beginnen of ergens in de wereld? Sommige van ons hebben ongetwijfeld nog contact, maar de meeste van ons hebben het contact met deze mensen verloren.
Voor mij is het een droom deze mensen te kunnen vinden met websites zoals onze, Great North Road. Door de jaren heen zocht ik op het web gebruik makend van mijn franse kennis en de door mij bekende frases om websites te vinden die gelijkenis met die van ons vertoonde maar die dan bestemd was voor de Belgische ex landgenoten van het oude Congo.
Met genoegen kan ik nu meedelen dat ik in de laatste paar weken erin geslaagd ben de websites te vinden waar ik naar op zoek was en heb contact gelegd met de eigenaars van deze sites en heb de vriendschap die eens weer hersteld na al deze jaren en deze afschuwelijke dagen in 1960.
Het is opmerkelijk hoe deze sites overeenkomen met de Great North Road. Dezelfde soort herineringen dezelfde levensstijl en het image van de oude fotos van het leven in Afrika lopen opmerkelijk paralel met dat van ons! Er zijn verschillende sites, en ik heb Craig gevraagd om ze toe voegen aan de "links" bladzijde. Er zijn sites voor mensen die woonden in Elisabethville, Jadotville, Kolwezi, en andere dorpen en steden in de Congo.
Wanneer je naar de website van Elisabethville-Lubumbashi (http://membres.lycos.fr/lubumbashi) en klik op of een van de wapperende vlag ikonen (engels of frans), kom je op de site. Er is een "links" bladzijde als u in de site bent die je naar andere Belgische ex landgenoten Congo sites brengt.
We zijn niet alleen!
Dave Cooper
Founder of The Great North Road website
Dave Cooper — Click here to contact me
Amsterdam, Nederland
Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 12:15:20 (UTC)
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Chris I did not know it was running what price was it this time? if you get any thing good please send it to me direct
on a friday night if possible, regards to Lisa Johnny.
Johnny — Click here to contact me
Scarborough, United Kingdom
Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 08:12:51 (UTC)
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Johnny, Arthur, John hope you all made a bit on the horse I tipped to win the July that won the Dubai Duty free tonight. Ipi Tombe the Zimbabwean bred (where her owner Peter Moor had to vacate his farm and move her sire to South Africa) won in a canter despite not having the best passage. She earned $1.25 m not bad for a filly that was sold for Z$ 20,000 after changing hands (a 75% share) for $750,000. Her next aim is the Arlington Million and I think her opponents will see her tail again.
Chris Swart — Click here to contact me
Kitwe, Zambia
Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 18:10:34 (UTC)
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Doug and Chisanga,
Better hokoyo - you are flirting with ex communication here! Discussions on political and economic matters are severely frowned on. Best you continue the discussion on the Detour.
Chris Tamm — Click here to contact me
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 17:59:40 (UTC)
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Arthur
Sorry I have just returned from Mozambique - my e-mail address is 1) emills@srk.co.za or 2) tedmills@mighty.co.za I can pick up mail from anywhere in the world using (2)
Ted Mills — Click here to contact me
Cape Town, South Africa
Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 15:53:06 (UTC)
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Chisanga
Thanks for the illuminating reply. So Zambia's economy was ahead of South Korea's at one stage. Amazing!
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few years in Southern Africa. Zambia is slowly rising from the ashes. Mugabe's exit is only a matter of time. Mozambique is already South Africa biggest trading partner in Africa.
If a Union of Southern Africa States can be organized to include all the Southern and East African including Angola, Congo through to Kenya it will have the potential to become a superpower, with all the mineral wealth and agricultural potential.
Always something new out of Africa!
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar — Click here to contact me
Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 14:53:44 (UTC)
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N O R T H E R N E R S!
As this month ends, the Congo Information Letter I posted will be put up as a separate page on the Great North Road website. There will be both French and Flemish versions to cater to all the Belgian ex-pats who passed through Northern Rhodesia during the Congolese post-independence troubles. The Belgian ex-pat sites have linked to our site, and contact with them has been established.
For those among the membership who are interested, here is an excellent BBC site recounting the history of southern africa.
Vriendelijke groeten...
Dave Cooper — Click here to contact me
Amsterdam, Nederland
Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 11:46:03 (UTC)
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MUFULIRA RE UNION
For those of you who want to attend the Muf re union but do not want to stay at the Village hotel, I have looked out a number of other establishments within staggering distance of the event.
Staff of Life Hotel
Manchester Road, Bury BL9 9HJ. 1 mile
Tel: 0161-764 6246 Two, Three or Four bed rms £15 per person
The Old White Lion Hotel
6 Bolton Street, Bury BL9 0LQ. 0.6mile Tel: 0161-764 2641 Single £20
Twin £36
Moto Travelodge
Birch Service Area, M62 3miles Tel: 0161 643 0911 £21.50 per person
Waterloo Hotel
155 Manchester Rd, Bury, BL9 0TD. 0.8mile Tel: 0161-764 5864 Single £25
Dble £45
Castle Guest House
7 Wellington St, Bury, BL8 2AL 1.1mile Tel: 0161-797 3396 Single £20
Dble £40
Rostrevor Hotel
146 Manchester Rd, Bury BL9 0TL. 0.9mile Tel: 0161-764 3944 Single £46
Dble £63
Bridget Billany — Click here to contact me
Blackburn, Lancashire, England
Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 07:01:48 (UTC)
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Doug,
You ask a very interesting question. How would Zambia have developed had Mr. Kaunda not been seduced by socialist doctrine and had Mr. Smith had the good sense to work with moderate "Africans" in Zimbabwe and not declared UDI?
In fairness Mr. Kaunda limited himself to socialism and never publicly advocated communism. Still, his intent to introduce "scientific socialism" was real and he only abandoned the idea after considerable opposition from the church and certain sections of his own government.
The UNIP government's love affair with the destructive socialist policies started in the early 1970s after the country had been declared a one party state.
A few years earlier, Zambia had the second largest economy in GDP per capita terms on the African continent. The Zambian economy was larger than the South Korean economy and literacy levels were rising faster than any part of the world except Tanzania.
The introduction of the one party socialist state removed competition from the parastatal sector and discouraged investment in the private sector, as would be expected after Mr. Kaunda publicly declared that there was no future in private business.
The departure of foreign capital from Zambia is well documented. What is not so well known is that Zambia had a healthy and wealthy class of indigenous entrepreneurs whose numbers had grown steadily between the late 1940s and the early 1970s. Prior to independence, the group was represented mostly by the Northern Rhodesia Traders Association which was chaired by my late father, Robinson.
These business people had the organisation and capital to expand into large collaborative ventures and in due course would have had a significant stakes in the most sophisticated and lucrative sectors of the national economy. The dreams of the Zambian entrepreneurs were never realised because, as Mr. Kaunda made clear, there was no future in the private sector. The decision by the government to actively discourage private businesses in effect undermined the most reliable source of investment in any country---private citizens.
The hope on the part of the government was that state companies could more than fill the void left by the private sector. With a few exceptions, state companies rarely performed well. The one party state which had killed competition not just in the political arena but also in the economic sphere, soon led to appointments in the parastatals being based on political loyalty rather than competence. The rest is history.
As for Mr. Ian Smith, his rebellion certainly cost Zambia a great deal of money. Between 1965 when the rebellion started and 1980 when it ended, the direct cash cost to Zambia of responding to UDI was at least $1 billion. You can imagine what that amount of money would have done to Zambia's health and education infrastructure. There were, of course, indirect costs resulting from the loss of highly skilled nationals who found the geopolitics uncomfortable and left the region.
So, to answer your question, without UDI and Mr. Kaunda's socialist flights of fancy Zambia would at the very least be a high middle income country today. It would be as large an economy as Brazil but without the gross inequities of that country.
Chisanga Puta-Chekwe — Click here to contact me
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Friday, March 28, 2003 at 22:11:04 (UTC)
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To everyone who sent me birthday wishes ........ THANK YOU HEAPS!! You all put a smile on my dial.
Mo xoxoxoxoxo
Moira Steevens — Click here to contact me
Brisbane, Australia
Friday, March 28, 2003 at 12:31:33 (UTC)
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The answer was: "Kyle Dam" (or Lake Mutirikwe if you prefer)...for March 15th unspoken quiz.
No winners
Robert Allan — Click here to contact me
Melbourne, Australia
Friday, March 28, 2003 at 04:57:01 (UTC)
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A Point To Ponder.
When blondes have more fun do they know it?
Johnny. _______________________
Johnny — Click here to contact me
Scarborough, United Kingdom
Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 21:36:21 (UTC)
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John,
When you mentioned the polystyrene plant I realised that I also knew Jan Plankman. He was associated with a building company (who name I forget) where I worked for a few months. They were also into some interesting products such as a foaming agent for precast concrete that would fill it with bubbles and make it extremely light weight.
I also remember Jan as a very noisy, enthusiastic guy, but my aquaintance was short and I have no idea what happened to him.
I often wonder if there had been no communist type economic reforms in Zambia and if the Rhodesian story could have been peacefully resolved how far advanced would Zambia be today? There were many people with good ideas and entreprenurial skills like Jan, who would have made a big contribution.
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar — Click here to contact me
Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 17:31:47 (UTC)
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LIVINGSTONE LARK
I have been corresponding with Fiona Robertson, a member of the GNR who is a travel agent in the UK. She has given me some information about flights on British Airways which fly direct from Heathrow to Lusaka. The normal cost is £651.40 (including taxes) but she can to it for about £60 less for a group of 10 or more. Also on a group balance of payment only needs to be made 10 weeks before departure. Fiona an be contacted at York Travel on telephone number 01904 479415 or through the names directory.
Fiona Gayther (née Ferguson) — Click here to contact me
United Kingdom
Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 13:06:37 (UTC)
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Gordon:
What years were you in Nevada? Jan Plankman was an amazing character: he oversaw the beer deliveries from his drafting table on the third floor of the building, yelling down his order through the window in front of him.
The last time I saw him was in his Zambia Poly Products plant, a very Heath Robinson looking affair if ever I saw one, with pipes going everywhere. He was all excited, flicking his fingers and exclaiming "Gott Verdorrje, Man" in the way only he could, about building two 40-foot polystyrene boats for Lake Tanganyika, and building bridges for the Great North Road out of polystyrene. I'd love to know whether those projects ever happened and how they turned out. He swore he could make poly stronger than anyone else, and stronger than steel, weight for weight!
I heard that Jan went to Venezuela, but that was third or fourth hand. Does anyone know? And does anyone remember his wife, Theresa, who died after a very short illness (pneumonia?) in about '70? She was a very quiet and calm lady, the perfect foil for Jannie.
I still have a banjo ukelele that Jannie gave us - never have learned to play it!
Another real character was Jan Combrinck, who preceded Plankman as our draughtsman, and went on to the Geology Dept. at Rokana.
John
John Berry — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 23:35:53 (UTC)
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John Berry,
We may have crossed paths in Nevada in early 1980. I worked for Homestake Mining Co on gold exploration in central and northern Nv. I was based in Reno for a while. It's possible we crossed paths at the Pigalle in Kitwe or even in Winnemucca, but never in the presences of ladies of the darkness. Jan Plankman was also an aquantence of mine who being an ex draftsmen, used to go partying with the crowd when he owned the Zambian Polystyrene Plant in Kitwe. Does anyone know what happened to him?
cheers Gordon
Gordon Garlick — Click here to contact me
Aberdeen, New Jersey, United States
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 22:37:37 (UTC)
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Maureen,
Cheer up. The two friends you have contacted are alive and kicking; well I can vouch for one! I think that because we all had such wonderful lives we sometimes need to keep reminding ourselves how lucky we are. We're all scattered all over the world and getting a message from someone we thought never to see nor hear from again is exciting. I am in touch with a few 'old' friends here in Perth and it's great to swap photos and stories. Our Aussie friends sometimes really don't (I think) believe the lives we have been privileged to lead. We just don't have as much time together as we'd like. Our husbands can't believe how much we have to say each time we meet!
Keep in touch, Maureen,
Marilyn
Marilyn Noall (née Shooter) — Click here to contact me
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 04:45:39 (UTC)
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Helen:
We, too, have a Batu - a hut on tall stilts over a hot blue river. I believe that he became quite well-known in Europe in the ?mid-70s, went to Paris, the lot. Heather, do you know if this is the case? I think I also remember the mission art school in Zaire where he and a lot of other Zairois artists learned to paint being written up, probably in the New York times or the Washington Post around 1980.
S'il y ont des ex-Zairois qui lisent ce liste, peut-etre ils connaissent plusieurs detailles des artistes Zairois et leur "training". (Je m'excuse, mais il est difficile a user les accents sur mon ordinateur, et aussi mon francais est execrable!).
John Berry
John Berry — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 04:26:08 (UTC)
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Heather
When I was in Ndola there was a guy who came around selling his oil paintings . I have three on my walls, his name was Batu (at least that is what he signed on the paintings). Is he still around? I know he used to travel between Lusaka and the copperbelt. I would love to buy some of his paintings for my family, they love the one of the flamboyant over the village. Is he one of your contributing artists? Looking forward to seeing your new site.
Helen Chileshe (née Derham) — Click here to contact me
New Zealand
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 03:05:14 (UTC)
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Hi All
www.nrzam.plus.com has been updated.
Added Northern Rhodesia Journal Volume IV - No. 6- 1961
The History of Abercorn
Northern Rhodesian Mammals
Cattle Buying on the Kafue, 1903
The Kelsey Expedition, 1913-14 - Cape to Cairo
A Quarrel at Lake Mweru 1896-7
The Breeding of the Whale-Headed Stork or Shoe-bill in Northern Rhodesia
An African Elephant Hunt
Eric Clough Tells a Few Yarns
The Kuomboka Ceremony During Yeta III's Reign
Old Mkushi in 1912 - Part II
Lusaka Natural History Club
Notes: First Records No.16 - The First Race Meeting / The Shores of Lake Tanganyika / Arthur Harrington of Senanga / Livingstone 1912 / The Goddard Brothers and Elephant / New Contributors to this Number / Colonel E M Wilson / G D B Williams / Some Early Mail Runner Services / Memories of Abandoned Bomas: No. 13b Chimbusi / Lions and Men / Sunken Lakes in the Ndola District: Errata /
Correspondence: More about Fundu / Rabinek: The Rubber King / Traction Engine at the Sable Mine
Book Reviews
Regards Ian
Ian Singer — Click here to contact me
Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 22:52:15 (UTC)
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Hi, I have only posted one(maybe two) message(s)but often scroll through the message board. It led me to wander why trying to go back to "the old days" holds such fascination.
I'm talking about myself specifically. I am really hoping that just one time I will recognize a name of someone I went to School with.
I remember some time back someone (a woman) wrote that one must be careful of not looking back at the past too deeply.
How true. Each time I leave the site, not having come across any one I knew, I feel "down".
Does anyone have "Rhokana Reviews" from the period 1958 - 1965?
just to mention that I did succeed in contacting two persons from my Kitwe days. Also assisted someone in getting in touch with my cousin who went to school with this person.
One last thing, last time I am trying - Does anyone know of the whereabout of Liz Paterson (new van Schalkwyk) She has a sister Antoinette and two brothers.
Good luck.
Maureen Harrison.
Maureen Harrison (née Steyn) — Click here to contact me
Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 21:36:23 (UTC)
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Hi Northerners:
Linda is much quicker on the uptake than I am. I have spent the morning going through one-half of one month of the archive, trying to see if I knew anyone who posted. I will NEVER get through all of this site! It was really neat to meet Linda at the Alexandra Fuller booksigning: there was also an ex-Chingola person there, but I stupidly didn't get his name.
Ms Fuller is a fabulous speaker, and the main excerpt that she read from her book was incredibly funny and so darned "Zambia" that I was shaking with laughter through it all. What is amazing though is that she was born the year that we took our first long leave - nothing mucgh seemed to have changed in the next 18 years!
I stayed up til 2 a.m. and read the book all the way through: large parts are very sad and heart-rending - mainly the Zimbabwe parts. They resonate with me as our health experiences in Zambia were not good.
In fact, anyone who does remember us will be sorry to learn that Arlene died in 1985 from a brain tumour - she had been unwell almost from the time we left, but the tumor was not diagnosed until 1977, by which time there was nothing anyone could do. She bore it all very bravely, but in a sense I died with her. I have remarried and have a wonderful wife and two children, but it's a different me - not the old, carefree, devil-may-care-drive-home-at-4-a.m.-too-drunk-to-see, tear-through-the-bush-at-45-mph-with-ten-people-in-the-back Zambian one.
Linda mentioned Father Ralph and someone took her up on it - I, too would love to find him, if he's still alive. Anyone who was in Kitwe from 1966 to 1972 and frequented the Italian Club ("Sporting Club of Nkana") on Kantanta St. will remember my wife, Arlene, who would sing all night with Father Ralph every time he was in town. I have so many Father Ralph and Sister Joan stories.
David and Janet Thorn, both pilots who flew all over central Africa from early 60s on (with ZA, the FDS, etc.), are our close neighbors here in Austin. Ingrid will tell Janet about this list today.
Another strange Kitwe connection happened when I was doing gold exploration in northern Nevada in the early 1980s. When we went to Kitwe in 1966 the Zambian Anglo Mine Services exploration offices were in the "Total" building on Coronation Square over the Pigalle Bar. Our draftsman, Jan Plankman, eventually bought the bar from Madam "Fufu", the Belgian Congo lady who owned it, and shut down the high-class brothel that she had run on the 1st floor - a garish place done up in purple paint and glitter.
In Winnemucca, Nevada, there was a "boys' town" of these establishments behind our warehouse. One of them became celebrated when the US Federal Government tried (about 1984) to deport a certain Madame Fufu _____ back to Zaire on the grounds that she was contravening Federal Law by engaging in her immoral business. The State of Nevada did not take to this kindly, since what she was doing was perfectly legal there. The case went to the high courts, and it is my recollection that the State won, and for all I know she is still there running "the best li'l whorehouse in Nevada!. I never had the guts to go ring on the doorbell and ask if she was the very same "Fufu of the Kitwe Pigalle." Sometimes wish I had!
I'm still in touch with Neb Jere, now living in Ireland, and with Neb's ex-wife Annette (Wong) Mossberg, who lives in Lund, Sweden. She and her husband work for a Swedish aid agency, doing things like building houses for refugees in the middle of the Bosnian conflict. Neb and Annette's daughter graduated from Williams College summa cum laude, and has embarked on a stellar career, I think as a lawyer. I'm also in contact with Stan Korowski, NCCM mineralogist, now in Winnipeg, and with Bob Haldane, ZAMS Chief Geologist, now in ZA, as well as with Dyk and Nel Klusman: none of these are on the list.
I'll try to post some photos to the list: I have many good ones, but unfortunately they are almost all 35 mm slides, and my scanner realy doesn't do a great job on these. It's also many years since I looked at them - my kids are "Super-Yanks" and don't want to know.
Here's to you all
John
John Berry — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 20:20:40 (UTC)
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Northerners Travelling to Zambia
Someone wanted to know if credit cards were accepted in Zambia. The answer is in the affirmative. The secondary question was, "Which ones?" I have certainly used Master Card and American Express. A number of establishments in Lusaka also accept Diners Club and Visa.
Residents of Ndola in the eighties may remember the Maharaja Restaurant run by Daniel Newton and his lovely wife Panzi. Daniel and Panzi are back in Zambia, this time in Lusaka where the run a high quality Indian/Chinese restaurant. They are always happy to see old friends from Ndola.
The new restaurant is opposite the main bank by the Longacres roundabout.
Chisanga Puta-Chekwe — Click here to contact me
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 19:19:03 (UTC)
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To my OLD mate MO.
Have a great birthday honey. How does it feel to be 24 againnnnnnnnnnn.
Your still older than me.
Have a great time
Love
Des.
Des Kenny (formerly Crouch) — Click here to contact me
Wallasey, England
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 18:28:18 (UTC)
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Dear Linda,
The mention of Father Ralph's name brought a smile to my face! He, in his wisdom, he forgot to sign my wedding certificate and four children, many years later, on trying to obtain a British Passport I was informed that I was not legally married. Cheers - I always wanted to be single again. By this time he had long departed the Copperbelt and we eventually traced him (through the Vatican no less) to Mexico, where he very kindly obliged and signed the document. I wonder where he is now.
Hope life is treating you well -
Regards,
Maz Martin
Marianne Martin (née Griffiths) — Click here to contact me
Timperley, Cheshire, England
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 14:55:16 (UTC)
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Dave Cooper
We don't remember a Dr. Perry in Ndola. We did, however, have at the time of the Congo crisis, a Dr. Barry. Is it possible that the names are inverted, i.e. that the Ndola doctor was Barry and the Bulawayo family Perry?
Big Tree
I'm happy to report the Big Tree was alive and well at the time of my visit in Sept 2002, and, I seem to recall, fenced. I was disappointed to see a bit of termite activity around the base, but as the tree now sits plum in the middle of the Ndola Kitwe dual carriageway, the beasties probably present less of a threat than passing traffic.
Visiting Zambia
We planned our last trip in Sept, and as Heather says, didn't see a mossie the whole week we were there (Lusaka/Copperbelt). Repellants are definitely the answer. One other surprise. When we were outside the Ndola Municipal Offices, we chanced upon a fully kitted-out municipal workman, insecticide tank on his back, on his way to spray a site. He seemed taken aback when we we expressed surprise that spraying was still being undertaken. Proof that, at least some councils are trying to do what they can.
Geoff Paynter — Click here to contact me
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 13:24:40 (UTC)
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Mo Steevens
Many Happy Returns for your birthday today.
Have a good one!!
Carole
Carole Evans (née Bruce) — Click here to contact me
Doncaster, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 10:43:46 (UTC)
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Gill Kopy (née Bennett),
Your Grandfather, Fredrick Lewis Wood, is mentioned on Pg 23 of "The Story of the Northern Rhodesian Regiment" - edited by WV Brelsford, and first published by Galago Publishing Ltd in 1954. The passage reads:
"In 1910 H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught inspected the Barotse Native Police. He became Honorary Colonel-in-Chief of the force, and, it is said, he gave permission for the force to use the regimental march of the Royal Engineers "Wings". (That march was used until Bandmaster F.L. Wood composed "The Crested Crane" about 1931.)"
I'm sure you should be able to obtain a copy of this score.
Regards
CJC
Charles Cartmill — Click here to contact me
Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 09:52:10 (UTC)
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Heather Chalcraft
Thanks Heather, I somehow thought the flame lily early days was the flower. It is still a very sentimental flower for us.
Very envious of the members going back to Zambia for the reunion.
To those interested we stayed overnight in Kitwe at a place called Arabian Nights, this was two years ago, but at the time was really very good. I think there are two in Kitwe but the one we stayed at was near the Ek Park Cricket Club Nkana.
Denise Horton (née Wellbeloved) — Click here to contact me
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 09:45:50 (UTC)
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FLIGHTS TO AND FROM ZAMBIA
There are a number of ways to get to and from Zambia:
FROM UK TO LUSAKA
British Airways. This is a direct flight out of Heathrow. Flight duration: approx. 10 hours. Flights leave London on Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving the following day. Return flights are day flights, leaving here on Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in London around 17 hrs.
KLM. There are flights from London and Manchester to Amsterdam. This flight entails a stopover in Nairobi. If you take the day flight from Amsterdam, it will entail a night in Nairobi. The night flight out of Amsterdam connects with the Lusaka flight although the Lusaka flight is often delayed while it waits for the flight from Bombay to come in. I have flown this route many times and generally, the Nairobi/Lusaka sector is pretty empty.
FROM UK VIA JOHANNESBURG
If you are flying via Johannnesburg, I would suggest flying direct to Livingstone from Johannesburg. If you want to travel round the rest of the country, you can then fly out of Lusaka to Johannesburg. Airlines to use to Johannesburg would be British Airways, South African Airways, Air France or KLM. Flight duration between 10 and 12 hours.
From Johannesburg to Livingstone, the airline would be Nationwide. They have six return flights a week between Johannesburg and Livingstone. They also have two return flights a week between Johannesburg and Lusaka. They don't have much info on their web site (in fact they've got bugger all) but if you want to make bookings on their flights, let me know and I'll do them through the local office here. The latest advertised fare is US$ 228 return (Johannesburg/Livingstone)
From Johannesburg into and out of Lusaka, there are flights every day of the week, either on British Airways/Comair or South African Airways. And I think there might be another airline as well, but can't remember the name. But Lusaka/Johannesburg is well covered.
There are also direct flights between Johannesburg and Ndola if you want to return from Ndola.
FROM AUSTRALIA
Qantas and South African Airways have regular flights to Johannesburg from Perth.
FROM USA
South African Airways fly directly to Johannesburg from Atlanta and New York. I'm not sure which American airlines fly to Jo'burg
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
LUSAKA/LIVINGSTONE
There are internal flights between Lusaka and Livingstone on Zambian Airways. Current fare is US$ 185 return and flights are on Fridays and Sundays. Charter flights are also possible and I understand that it is possible to fly Nationwide between the two towns.
LUSAKA/COPPERBELT
Zambian Airways also fly between Lusaka Ndola. Monday - Friday there are two flights a day (morning and evening) and one flight a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Fare is US$ 185 return.
LUSAKA/LUANGWA
For those wishing to visit Luangwa, Zambian Airways fly to Mfuwe Fare US$ 285 return, flights on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). Airwaves fly on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. The latest advertised return fare Lusaka/Mfuwe is US$ 255 or US$ 180 if booked thirty days in advance.
TO DRIVE OR TO FLY??
I don't remember exactly when Jim Churchill was here, but I suspect it was before the rebuilding of the road between Zimba and Monze had been completed. As at today, the road conditions are as follows, using the World Bank classification of roads (good, fair, bad):
Livingstone - Zimba (approx. 70 kms): the odd pothole, but classified as fair
Zimba - Monze: good, having recently been rebuilt
Monze - Chilanga: good
Chilanga - Lusaka: this is still classifed as fair although a few potholes have formed with the heavy rain we have experienced over the last month. However, yesterday they were on the road fixing them.
Lusaka - Chisamba: good, but with the odd pothole between 50 and 70 km km from Lusaka
Chisamba - Kabwe: good
Kabwe - Kapiri: road is currently being rebuilt so there are some detours. In some places, the new road will have been opened.
Kapiri - Ndola/Kitwe/Chingola: good but don't use the Fisenge Bypass - that road is abysmal.
Kapiri - Mpika: good
Mpika northwards: still good although the road is subsiding in some places.
Mpika - Kasama: work is being undertaken on this road except it should be finished by September, but even with the work being done, the road is still in good condition.
Serenje - Mansa: good
Lusaka - Kafue Game Park: there is a bad stretch of approx. 60 km but work is being done on this road. I shall probably be going to Mongu next week, so will be able to give you a first hand account.
Kafue Hook Bridge - Mongu: fair to good from what I understand
Lusaka - Siavonga turnoff: fair to good
Siavonga turnoff to Siavonga: good, having just been rebuilt
Lusaka - Petauke: good
Petauke - Chipata: about 60 km is bad
The roads in the towns vary - some are good, some are horrendous, but generally the highly trafficed roads are good.
There are advantages and disadvantages to driving but I feel it is unfair to advise not to drive because of road conditions. The biggest disadvantage of driving is the police blocks, but I will give you some tips on how to deal with those (it's all in your attitude). And if you arrive in Lusaka by the Thursday, you can drive down in convoy with me that day. It's a very pleasant drive, takes about five hours, but you will see the Kafue River, the Munali Hills, Nakambala and all the little towns along the way. There are also a few pleasant places to stay enroute if you want to break your journey. The distance between Lusaka and Livingstone is only 493 km, so it is a pleasant easy drive.
WHERE ELSE TO GO IN ZAMBIA
Copperbelt
For those who will be visiting the Copperbelt, there are a number of guesthouses in Ndola, Kitwe and Chingola.
Lusaka/Chisamba
Lusaka is also adequately catered for with a wide range of accommodation available. There is also a very nice upmarket lodge in Chisamba as well as a few other guesthouses which are more than adequate.
Other places to visit are Luangwa, Kafue Game Park, Shiwa Ngandu, Siavonga, Lower Zambezi, Lake Tanganyika. More information on places to stay and things to visit coming in the next few days.
CAN YOU USE PLASTIC OUT HERE?
Yes, you can use plastic, although I'm not hundred percent sure which ones, although I think most are accepted. I shall contact the banks and come back to you in a few days. Most hotels accept credit cards.
MALARIA
Malaria is obviously a concern. This was part of the reason why I shifted the date from April to September, because there is less malaria around after the cold weather than there would be in April. However, it is possible to avoid it.
1. Check with your doctor regarding prophylactics and take them religiously. One word of caution here - when discussing with your doctor and should they prescribed Larium, please ask them about 'Larium induced psychosis'. This is a serious issue.
2. Mosquito repellent. Very important. There are a number of repellents available, but the best is still straight plain citronella oil (even though you smell of oranges, no mosquito comes anywhere near you). And make sure that you apply this at around 5.30 pm again, after you take a shower or bath and again before you go to bed. And make sure you apply it to any exposed part of your body.
3. Mosquito Nets. All hotels have mosquito nets. Use them.
4. Vape mats - these are very effective or if you are camping, then mosquito coils. Also very effective.
5. Air conditioning or electric fans (especially ceiling fans) are also very effective.
6. It doesn't do any harm to spray your room once a day either.
Using all or even some of these (definitely 1 and 2 above) will give you more than adequate protection. I have immunity to the malaria in the Lusaka area, but am at risk when I travel to other places (I do not take any prophylactics and neither do I sleep under a mosquito net). The only time I catch malaria is if I am slapgat about putting the repellent on.
CAR HIRE
Car hire bookings can be done online at Avis There are some other local car hire companies. Further info to follow in due course.
Barrie
Sorry you won't be able to make it. Perhaps next time.
Denise Horton
Zambia does not have a national flower. Prior to 1964, it was the flame lily. Shortly after 1964 the Mexican Marigold was suggested, but since it is not indigenous to Zambia, the suggestion was rejected.
Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me
Lusaka, Zambia
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 08:59:42 (UTC)
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Went to the reading/book signing tonight. Alexandra Fuller is fascinating. I gave her info about our site, so we might see her looking us up. Met up with John Berry and enjoyed a chat about Zambia.. the Italian Club in Kitwe and the Little Theatre were some of his stomping grounds. Guy Hobbs, are you out there? He was talking about you. Mentioned Father Ralph too. And we had a good laugh about the python that tried to strangle the TV mast in Kitwe. Remember that? Hopefully John will post some stuff himself. He was really interesting to talk to and it was lovely to spend some time with a person from Africa.
Linda Hayes (née Dore) — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 04:49:41 (UTC)
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I'm wondering if anyone out there knows about records of the Northern Rhodesian Police from around 1930. My grandfather, Frederick Lewis Wood, was bandmaster from 1929 to 1933 and apparently wrote music for the band as well as some song-cycles. Unfortunately his music appears to be lost and we are wondering if there's any chance of ever finding it. Any suggestions of where to look would be appreciated ?
Gill Kopy (née Bennett) — Click here to contact me
Northern British Columbia, Canada
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 04:33:10 (UTC)
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Barrie,
I'm very sorry to hear that. Good luck for the future.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Monday, March 24, 2003 at 20:50:34 (UTC)
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Hi again,
Flight problems solved via a local travel agent. We can fly from Newcastle to Paris then onto Joburg with Air France, then from Joburg to Livingstone. Return £1484 for both of us. But alas We will not be coming. My transplant consultant has just advised me against coming to the Zambezi Valley area as my imune system is heavily supressed and the risks of catching many diseases is just too great to justify coming.
I feel quite "Gutted"
Regards Barribee.
Barrie Braidford — Click here to contact me
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Monday, March 24, 2003 at 14:29:35 (UTC)
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Muf Mining Disaster
I dont remember the disaster well as I was assuming an education at Wits at the time. What I do recall was what happened afterwards, namely the rehabilitation, though I was not part of it.
New shafts were mined above the flooded areas (now mostly dried out) and then a concrete plug inserted to close off.
Reclamation of the flooded shaft then began using water hoses to wash the mud away. Shovels etc. could not be used as there were still unrecovered bodies in the mud. As each one was discovered it was removed and the cap lamp battery number compared to records. As each cap lamp was booked out to a miner in exchange for his disc before going underground, the disc was matched to staff records and this was the only way of identifying the body. This system was used universally.
I saw some photos and was astounded. Pieces of railway line bent double, pipes crushed and mechanical loaders lifted off their tracks and flung against the hanging wall, all telling how powerful the force of the mud pouring into the mine. Those caught must have died instantly.
Owen Thomas — Click here to contact me
Henley on Klip, Gauteng, South Africa
Monday, March 24, 2003 at 13:09:22 (UTC)
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Linda,
No, I hadn't tipped John off, but his membership has now been activated so perhaps now he will post here.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Monday, March 24, 2003 at 02:14:58 (UTC)
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Hi All
www.nrzam.plus.com has been updated
Added Northern Rhodesia Journal Volume III - No. 3 - 1957
Water Transport in the Bangweulu Swamps (1917)
Memories of Abandoned Bomas - No. 11: Old Ndola
Distribution and Significance of Canarium schweinfurthii
Alfred Sharpe's Travels in the Northern Province and Katanga
Kazembe's Charter
Attacks of Wild Animals on People
Memoirs of a "White Hunter"
Memories of the 1914-18 Campaign - Part III
Notes: Old-Timers - No.6 Hector Croad/ New Contributors to this Number/ Brelsford Fund/ Puzzle Picture/ Magoye in 1911/ The Sansia Falls
Correspondence: Little Known Water Falls/ Mweru Wa Ntipa and Mweru Marsh/ Day of Month of Discovery of Victoria Falls/ Bantu Name Difficulties/
Lusaka Natural History Club
Book Reviews
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I came across the following which may be of interest:
http://www.ecu.edu/african/sersas/Siegel400.htm
" Water Spirits and Mermaids: The Copperbelt Case" by Brian Siegel (Anthropology), Sociology Department, Furman University
Regards Ian
Ian Singer — Click here to contact me
Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 22:45:58 (UTC)
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Okay Craig, you must have tipped off the guy from Kitwe, a.k.a. John Berry?? He! He! I never heard back from him after the first contact. Looking forward to reading Fuller's book. Everyone has raved about it.
Every time I look at the other parts of the GNR site, I find some little treasure that is new or that I overlooked before. Please take the time to look, Northerners. The message board is great, but there are many other facets to this site. Thanks again, the Fabulous Four, for all your hard work.
Linda Hayes (née Dore) — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 20:52:32 (UTC)
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Quick Update,
I have just located Zambian Airlines on the net, I have emailed them and have had an auto reply saying He/She is out of the office at the moment but will contact me when they get back. According to their website they do fly from Heathrow to Lusaka and have connecting Flights to Livingstone, but in view of my previous message regarding Heathrow, I think that their website may be out of Date!!
I will keep you informed
Cheers Barribee.
Barrie Braidford — Click here to contact me
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 11:27:39 (UTC)
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Barrie,
Good luck with your plans. I hope they all work out for you despite the challenges.
As for the flights, Heather suggested flying London to Jo'burg first and thence to Livingstone, rather than London to Lusaka then Livingstone.
Linda,
Glad you liked that link. I wasn't sure if it had been posted before, but it wasn't on our links page. I noticed that Ian Singer contributed to compiling the information on that page.
As for the Fuller book not being listed on our site other than in the message board archives -- you are correct. The future of the GNR book shop is in doubt on the new site, as the amount of work required to keep it up-to-date is not currently justified by the money it pulls in -- about US$10 in over three years. Therefore I'm not doing any updates at the moment. However, I did read the book and it is excellent. Thanks to Heather for sending it to me as a present.
That Kitwe guy in Austin is about to be a new member. I was going to point him out to you, but he beat me to it.
Fiona,
Thanks for that link to the Opodo site. Looks like a good one to look into.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 11:26:22 (UTC)
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CRAIG, FIONA,
Thank you for the advice, using BA flight lists I have found suitable flights from Newcastle to Lusaka via Heathrow. But not from Lusaka to Livingstone. OPODO,S system does not recognise My destination ie,. Livingstone or its designation LVI. All of the airlines that I have tried under Zambia listings are coming up with "Page not available"!!! We had also considered driving from Lusaka to Livingstone but I have had an email from Jim Churchill advising against this because of the road conditions.
I telephoned Heathrow yesterday to find Zambian Airways, she had never heard of them!! on enquiring further she told me that they had not operated from Heathrow for many years. SO! Who flys from Lusaka to Livingstone? If we just turn up at Lusaka airport can we get a flight to Livingstone without booking? failing that, do the trains still run from Lusaka to Livingstone, and finally can any one who lives in or near Livingstone, please find out for me if there is still a railway service from Livingstone to Mulobezi??? It used to be operated by the Zambezi Saw Mills
out of Livingstone. My father used to work for them.
All of this may be of no avail, I have also just embarked on the medical trail, Vacinations drugs etc,. Having had a heart transplant my GP and my transplant consultant are not very keen on me coming to Africa, especially the Zambezi Valley which is "the worst place in the world for contacting malaria" the drugs for which, will effect my already struggling kidneys. But when I explained to them that it is the 50th anniversary of my fathers death and he is buried in Livingstone cemetary. They are trying to help although they disaprove.
I am sure we will get there in the end, We are already getting excited at the prospect of it all.Can you use "Plastic" out there?? ie,. American express etc,.
Bye Bye for now,
Regards to you all,
See ya soon Jimmy!!
Barribee
Barrie Braidford — Click here to contact me
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 10:19:51 (UTC)
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MUFULIRA RE-UNION MAY 2003
As May is fast approaching I'd just like to remind people of the Mufulira re-union that is taking place on the 10th May, 2003 in The Village Hotel in Bury, Lancashire. Full details are on the "events" page of the GNR.
Please try of contact as many Muf people as you can to join the re-union as its so rare that we can get together like this and we are guaranteed a great time catching up with old friends, and reminising about old times in the best town on the Copperbelt!
Further info is availble from either Joyce Ritchie or Davina Craine - details of both on the events page. To book accomodation at the hotel in Bury you can deal with a Mr Chris Gambol, (0161 764 4444) quoting the ref CRAN020503.
Hope to see you all there.
Bridget
Bridget Billany — Click here to contact me
Blackburn, Lancashire, England
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 07:44:31 (UTC)
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"Do you know these people". We cannot recall Ann Maxwell although she could be connected to the Finlaysons? Re Vi Grant. Vi was married to Stasic Grajewski( spelling is suspect)and changed her Surname by Deed Poll - frustrated with problems between her Scots accent and having to spell her Polish surname. She was always a very smartly dressed lady.
Victor Dawson — Click here to contact me
Blockhouse Bay Auckland, New Zealand
Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 01:28:51 (UTC)
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Barrie
Sorry, I made a mistake with the opodo address. It should have been www.opodo.co.uk
Fiona Gayther (née Ferguson) — Click here to contact me
United Kingdom
Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 17:53:53 (UTC)
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Craig:
What a great historical link you provided. Thanks! I have just been looking at all the different currency used in Northern Rhodesia/Zambia that is on one of the sub links. It has always amused me that the USA can only come up with boring green backs, and yet other countries have such colourful and interesting currency to look at.
Just wanted to clear up my last posting. Alexandra Fuller's book may not be listed on our books link on the GNR. I think I may have used the Amazon book pop up link to search for her name and that is what gave me the info about which book she wrote. Sorry about that. But a productive posting as I have been contacted by someone from Kitwe who lives in Austin too. Hopefully we will be meeting at the book signing.
Linda Hayes (née Dore) — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 15:15:24 (UTC)
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Barrie
If you go to www.opodo.com you will be able to see or book a flight to Lusaka. The one I came up with was £684 from Heathrow on Kenya Airways from Heathrow via Nairobi, but flights also go via Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Nairobi from Manchester. That way you can see what's available and even if you don't want to book it online you can at least go armed with the information to Thomas Cook or some other travel agent. Give me a shout if you need help.
Fiona Gayther (née Ferguson) — Click here to contact me
United Kingdom
Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 13:23:21 (UTC)
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Barrie
I'm in the middle of putting my magazine together, but will respond with full info on Monday.
Briefly, there are scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone. From Lusaka there are scheduled flights to Livingstone, Ndola, Mfuwe and Kasama (I think they're still operating).
From the UK, there is a direct flight from London (about a ten hour flight, day flight northbound and night flight southbound). KLM/Kenya Airways also fly here via Nairobi and Lusaka, night and day flights available. KLM often have cheaper rates than BA. The other alternative is to fly to Jo'burg and then north from there. It's about a two hour flight from Jo'burg to either Livingstone or Lusaka.
Des
If there are enough people, I can charter buses from Lusaka to Livingstone and then from Livingstone up to the Copperbelt. If everyone lets me know what they want to do, I will supply you with all the information and then you can decide. It is easy to organise it and I am willing to co-ordinate this side.
Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me
Lusaka, Zambia
Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 06:42:26 (UTC)
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Northerners:
I am going to a book signing by Alexandra Fuller, author of "Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight". She will be in Austin on Monday night. I have not read the book myself, but a number of you have said it is a great book. If I get even half a second to tell her about the GNR and that we have her book in our books link, I will do so. Perhaps I shall have to borrow a 2X4 from someone to push my way to the front..
Linda Hayes (née Dore) — Click here to contact me
Austin, Texas, United States
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 22:50:36 (UTC)
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Barrie,
You're welcome. I can't answer your question about flights to Livingstone definitively, but I believe there are. I'll let Heather answer with some details. Last time I was at Jan Smuts (or whatever they call it now) in 2001 I saw several Zambian destinations on the board, but the only one that comes to mind right now is Ndola.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 21:14:04 (UTC)
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CRAIG,
Thank you for the information, are there scheduled flights from Joburg or Lusaka to Livingstone??? Who operates them???
Regards Barribee.
Barrie Braidford — Click here to contact me
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 20:29:37 (UTC)
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To anyone going to the Reunion in Livingstone, I am planning to fly into Lusaka and hire a car and drive to Livingstone. After the reunion I am planning to visit Kitwe and the rest of the Copperbelt, So does anyone want to share the car hire and the driving?.
I will be arriving in Lusaka on Thursday 25th September.
Heather has said that the drive to Livingstone is very pleasant.
Let me know.
Des Kenny (formerly Crouch) — Click here to contact me
Wallasey, England
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 13:49:21 (UTC)
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Hi to anyone from Lusaka or Salisbury
If you can remember me under the name of Eastcroft, Ronnie or Chapman then please contact me.
Look forward to anyone contacting me.
Ena
Ena Eastcroft — Click here to contact me
London, England, United Kingdom
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 13:14:06 (UTC)
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Barrie,
The direct British Airways flight to Jo'burg takes about 11 hours and to Lusaka a bit less than 10 hours. Indirect flights will, of course, take longer.
If you're just looking for rough ideas of travel time, you can look at the BA site -- you might not actually fly with them, but you can use their on-line schedule to get a rough idea of travel times. Most decent airlines have their own on-line schedules.
So that you don't have to type so much, you can use the airport designators when using the BA on-line schedule rather than full airport names. The designator for Heathrow is LHR, Jo'burg is JNB, and Lusaka is LUN.
Hope that helps.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 08:37:55 (UTC)
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Hi everyone,
Please excuse my ignorance, but as one whose international travel experience is limited to a voyage to and from South Africa, over 50 years ago curtesy of Union Castle Line, RMS Arundel Castle, Can some one enlighten me as to the time taken to fly to either Joburg or Lusaka, form Heathrow??. I am trying to sort out flights for the Livingstone Lark, and frankly I am out of my depth. any advice will be greatly accepted.
Thank you in anticipation,
Barribee.
Barrie Braidford — Click here to contact me
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 08:14:28 (UTC)
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Arthur:
Thanks for posting my Congo stamps - please ignore the pun.
I think I'd rather be an "ancien (former) habitant de Rhodesie du Nord" than a "zombie".
If I remember my French correctly, a preceeding "ancien" means "former", succeeding the noun meaning "ancient".
I have tried to send Nadine some Congo photos but her address is a hotmail one of limited capacity. Still trying.
Their website is really something. Try it everyone.
I'm just off to play "boules".
au revoir
Robert Allan — Click here to contact me
Melbourne, Australia
Friday, March 21, 2003 at 01:17:27 (UTC)
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I am posting the following on behalf of Tiger Glen, John Glens son.
Any of your mates on the GNR board interested in this video?
Title of item: ZAMBIA NORTHERN RHODESIA SAFARI VHS VIDEO PAL
Seller: monjon
Starts: 20-Mar-03 14:48:32 GMT
Ends: 27-Mar-03 14:48:32 GMT
Price: Starts at £0.99
To bid on the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3317599563
Item Description:
Home
A ZAMBIAN SAFARI
If you are a wildlife junkie, ex zambian, or northern rhodesian, you'll want to see this. Great reminders of a once great country and plenty of wildlife.
This VHS video is in Mint condition, played less than 3 times and well kept.
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar — Click here to contact me
Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 18:01:54 (UTC)
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N O R T H E R N E R S!
To all those who are expressing best wishes to our Belgian cousins who lived and experienced the African Dream all those years ago, and who still remember fondly the life in Africa, thank you very much!
It is long overdue that we reconnect the bonds from across our frontier of Northern Rhodesia/Zambia and Congo!
Thank you to all who have been so kind about the importance of these links in our history. Your consideration is taken most graciously.
Tot kijk...
Groeten...
Dave Cooper
Founder of the Great North Road website
Dave Cooper — Click here to contact me
Amsterdam, Nederland
Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 11:08:12 (UTC)
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Sue Moffat
Happy Birthday
Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me
Lusaka, Zambia
Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 06:58:49 (UTC)
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Avec les bons voeux de Robert et Karen Allan, anciens habitants de Rhodesie du Nord (Zambie).
Voyez le Greatnorthroad site.
Robert Allan
Melbourne
Australie
Anciens Northerners ! Anciens habitants de Belgish Congo ! Décrépit fondeur Dawid
Pete Dielissen tracked down the British Pathe website some time ago which has free to view clips of refugees entering Northern Rhodesia during the Congo Crisis in 1960 and lots of other free and interesting clips from the 50's and 60's. Longer films are available to purchase on line if you so desire.
Dawie - I'm not sure of what anciens means, but I presume maybe Ancient or Old, so I hope you noticed I did not use that term for you.
Jeune sarcastique Arthur.
Arthur Steevens — Click here to contact me
Stockport, United Kingdom
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 23:31:13 (UTC)
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Dave,
I know that it has long been one of your goals for the GNR to make contact with people north of NR/Zambia as opposed to all of the established contact with those from the south. I'm happy that, after all these years since the birth of the GNR in 1996, you have finally attained that goal.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 23:16:43 (UTC)
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Dave Cooper
re: Belgian Congo Links
I had a number of memorable trips to Jadotville in the late 1950s with the Mufulira Soccer Club.
The hospitality from the local Belgians was outstanding & a certain Mr Glautier in particular, always made our stay very enjoyable with his superb organising skills.
Since my French she is not so hot, I would appreciate it if you could help to track down anyone who knew him.
I have an original program of events drawn up by him that I can scan & forward to any interested persons on the Congo link.
Thanks for all your efforts on the GNR.
Best Regards
Bill Hunt — Click here to contact me
Widenham, Natal, South Africa
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 21:42:50 (UTC)
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N O R T H E R N E R S !
I have a message from one of the Belgian refugees who would like to post the following message on the GNR:
" In 1960, we fled from Congo. Doctor Perry and his family welcomed us in Ndola, and the family Barry welcomed us in Bulawayo. Forty years later, I am still very touched by the memory of the warm welcome. Big thank you.
Myriam Dormal"
If anyone would like to get a hold of Myriam, particularily Doctor Perry and his family (formerly of Ndola), please contact me.
I am happy that Belgians are seeing this connection that Nadine and I have made, and are happy about this. It touches my heart greatly, as I regard it as the SECOND greatest thing to happen on the Great North Road. The greatest thing to happen on the Great North Road, was, of course, its creation.
Tot kijk...
Groeten...
Dave Cooper
Founder of the Great North Road website
Dave Cooper — Click here to contact me
Amsterdam, Nederland
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 21:15:00 (UTC)
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Dear Sue Steyn,
Who was MARIAN?
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Johnny — Click here to contact me
Scarborough, United Kingdom
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 14:06:16 (UTC)
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Recent Site Updates:
March 19th, 2003:- Added several new links to the Links page which will be of interest to many people. There are five links to the sites of expats of the Belgian Congo with whom Dave Cooper finally made contact recently, as well as a link to the site for a new book titled "They Served Africa with Wings: 60 Years of Aviation in Central Africa".
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 09:23:37 (UTC)
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Looking for `old girls' of the Good Shepherd Home in Durban...also known as Mount Marian
Sue Steyn (née Craig, formerly Baker) — Click here to contact me
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 07:24:17 (UTC)
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Barbro
Thanks for your email - I have been trying to reply but the email comes back all the time. I will write physically.
Love to all, Esther
Esther Pettersson — Click here to contact me
Australia
Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 21:10:31 (UTC)
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I have a personal connection to the September 1970 Mufulira disaster. I worked in the early months of 1970 for Cementation Ltd. who were sinking the Petersen incline shafts deeper.
I soon got fed up with it and resigned and my job was taken over by a German chap. He got killed in the disaster. I should think at that time of the night he was probably sitting next to the winch at the top of P shaft having a cup of coffee and must have heard the disaster coming.
Norman's posting about an earlier disaster occuring in the same place supports my position that the disaster should have been foreseen. It was several days from when the sinkhole started leaking into the 1400 level before it finally mudrushed and collapsed. However in those days production took precedence over all else, and it would have taken a very brave GM to close down the mine untill safety was assured.
The size of the sinkhole was incredible. Photo's or even visual observation could not do it justice. It was just to big, something like Kariba, which only comes into proportion when you see a 7 ton truck looking like a dinky toy next to the dam.
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar — Click here to contact me
Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 18:16:09 (UTC)
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Heather,
Make sure the Lion is cold and the wors hot.
See you in september.
Des Kenny (formerly Crouch) — Click here to contact me
Wallasey, England
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 15:25:07 (UTC)
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Paudie Sue and all other "African Irish",
We went the extra mile for Ireland almost literally. We usually walk in the Dallas Parade with our Irish Wolfhound and about 20 of her mates. This year in a moment of glorious aberration the Parade Planners asked our little group of fiddle, whistle, bodhran and guitar (I'm guitar) to play our reels and jigs on the lead float which is the JAMESONS float. Son Chris and Irish Wolfhound Cozy sat on an elevated part of the float and waved and drooled respectively. When we reached the end of the mile parade we jumped off and gallumphed back to join the Wolfies anyway and walk the rest of the parade with them. Then we all repaired to the "Tipperary Inn" to refresh ourselves gently with suitable libations taking care not to go overboard. I'm all for the wearing of the green but not much for the turning of the green.
Tina Magee (née Wallace) — Click here to contact me
Texas, United States
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 15:00:09 (UTC)
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Arthur,
Yet again another wonderful photo, keep them coming.
See you alllllllllllll in Livingstone.
Des Kenny (formerly Crouch) — Click here to contact me
Wallasey, England
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 14:34:22 (UTC)
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Lusaka Convent reunion.
All ex students welcome to attend this historic reunion. Venue Perth Western Australia Saturday 5th April 2003.
Please respond to Angela for details.
Look forward to hearing from you all!
Angela Dowling (née Ridley) — Click here to contact me
Perth, WA, Australia
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 12:23:20 (UTC)
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Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona duit
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you
Celebrate with one, some, or all of the following in the company of friends:
pint(s) of Guinness
tot(s) of Irish whiskey
tot(s) of poitín (traditional Irish illegal moonshine)
Black Velvet(s) (half champagne half Guinness, in a champagne glass)
If any of the above are not available, then pint(s) of lager with green colouring in it, or anything with alcohol in it!
Enjoy :>))
We're off to the local St. Paddy's Day parade here, and then to support our local industry with a tot(s) of Jameson Irish Whiskey (the distillery is here in Midleton).
Sláinte (Gaelic for Cheers)
Paudie Coughlan and Sue Forde
Paudie Coughlan — Click here to contact me
Ireland
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 10:46:43 (UTC)
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Lynthia
I didn't forget; I just didn't come into town. Hope you had a wonderful birthday yesterday.
Heather Chalcraft (née Bender) — Click here to contact me
Lusaka, Zambia
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 05:49:00 (UTC)
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Arthur
Thank you so much for posting the picture of my mom and brother, this is now precious currency - the power of bribery is amazing!
Vi Grant was married to Stasic who was Polish but the children were known as Grant (their mothers surname) rather than by their Polish surname (I have discovered that a lot of the Poles who fought for the allies and married British women did this to protect their children from prejudice). the Grants lived in Garneton but left after they bought a farm in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, as we say on these pages 'I wonder where they are now?' No doubt one of our visitors will know.
George Maxwell — Click here to contact me
Edinburgh, Scotland
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 22:04:17 (UTC)
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Hello to GNR members!
Having just read various comments about the Mufulira Mine disaster - September 25, 1970 I vividly remember that day receiving a telephone call from Underground Mining Dept.,
letting me know what had happened. Arrangements were made for me to go to the Mufulira airstrip, along the Ndola Road.
I boarded a light aircraft and, with the door taken off, we
were soon flying above the 'disaster area.' Believe me - it was an awesome sight! Below us was this very wide, very large black hole, the inside of which, was filled with water. Several people were seen standing very close to the edge. For the life of me, I cannot recall the pilot's name.
However, he circled the area several times, allowing me to take photographs from every conceivable angle. At one time, I too thought we were heading for trouble! The fellow flying the plane came in so low - all I could see ahead was the side of this black hole. Photographs taken, we headed back to the airstrip and to what was to be, a very hectic day.........
As reported on nrzam.plus.com they were just some of the aerial photographs I took that day.......... Many more
photographs were taken in the weeks, months, that followed.
I have in front of me, right now, a copy of the 'Zambia News' Sunday 27 , 1970. The headlines - MUFULIRA'S AGONY -
little hope left for 89 missing miners.
Further in the newspaper it mentions that some people are
drawing a parallel between this disaster and one which occured at Mufulira in 1939. Then a s'nk hole opened up in the same place as the present one, sending debris plummeting to the 900ft level. Sixteen men were killed.
Norman Kenward — Click here to contact me
Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 21:38:15 (UTC)
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My dad, Bob Knott was a safety officer on Muf mine when the mudrush happened and was one of those tasked with the lengthy job of investigating and pulling out the mud and bodies. He doesnt speak of it much. I am off to Belfast, N.I. on Wed to visit him and will mention that Doug Grewar and others have been discussing it. Doug knows my Dad and I'll say hi for you , Doug. Another guy who keeps in touch is Ian Bell who is still in tunnelling and blasting, based in Boston USA. Dads's 91 (and a half as he says) and still full of Muf bull so its always fun to try to get him to recall stuff. Senior moments are us!
It's good that we, of another generation, have the ability, via this and Dawie and Arthur and Heather, to be able to reminisce and recall history. It is history, isn'it? Doesn't seem like it but youth were not even born when we were there and experienced these things, so it must be.
I'm going to miss my daily GNR wile I'm there....
Bill
William Knott — Click here to contact me
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 17:09:24 (UTC)
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Hi All
www.nrzam.plus.com has been updated.
Added a whole school photograph for 1962 to the Codrington section - courtesy of John Whittaker.
Added a number of items from Bob Eglinton as follows:
Photos of George Reeve and Barry Woodhams to their respective entries in the Codrington List.
Pictures taken at the Central Research Station, Mazabuka and three shots approaching the Kafue Rail Bridge to Bob's section in Contributions.
Regards Ian
Ian Singer — Click here to contact me
Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 16:08:05 (UTC)
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Hi All
Wilma has drawn your attention to the info on www.nrzam.plus.com
Go to the Copperbelt section then Mining Index then Mufulira Mine and scroll down.
As well as the first class pictures contributed by Wilma, there is an extensive article which Ken Henderson sent me.
Regards Ian
Ian Singer — Click here to contact me
Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 12:37:08 (UTC)
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Hello there all you gnr's
I have just been reading the message board and not been in touch for ages.
I see that there are some questions about the mine disaster in Mufulira, if you go to Ian Singes site, I have posted some photo's there of the disaster. These were taken I belive by Norman Kenward.
Ian can be found on the Links page I think, please have a look at them and you can see the sink hole that killed the night shift underground.
Love Wilma Henry Wall
Wilma Wall (née Henry) — Click here to contact me
Almelo, Netherlands
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 12:13:32 (UTC)
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Hi, this is a first time for me. I have been reading the news for a while. Today went into archives and found Heathers photo's of the Mambilima Rapids. (August 27 2002)
Sometime in 1964 Colin Gill and I were on a business trip in this area and Colin decided to throw his Fishing line into the river. He hooked a Vundu that took hours to pull from the river and weighed 96 pounds when we weighed it. The fish was nearly 6 feet long.
Did anyone ever visit the Johnson Falls mission? The priests at the mission had channelled through a granite rock and sited a generater that was powered by a waterwheel and supplied electricity at no cost except for a bit of maintenance.
I have some photo's which I will scan and submit to Arthur.
What a great site. I spend hours reading.
Vic Bekker — Click here to contact me
Harare, Zimbabwe
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 10:29:02 (UTC)
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Doug Grewar
Slimes Dam Explosion.
I seem to remember that this accident occurred in 1954.
Soon after a large consignment of gelignite had been transported from the surface explosives magazine to underground, the African Mineworkers Union declared a dispute with management & walked off the job.
This dispute carried on long enough for the gelignite to deteriorate (weep) to the extent that it could become unstable.
White staff members volunteered to move explosives to surface & transported it to the Slimes Dam some 2 miles away.
The gelignite was being stacked in a heap & the intention was to burn it safely under controlled conditions.
I think there were six staff killed when the heap detonated without any warning.
I was in the Apprentice Training School & felt the shock wave & a few milliseconds later, heard the tremendous blast.
We all ran outside & saw the mushroom dust cloud.
One of the apprentices - Norman Stander, said "I hope my Dad is alright, he was helping out there."
Not long after, Norman was told that his Dad was one of the unlucky ones.
Bill Hunt — Click here to contact me
Widenham, Natal, South Africa
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 09:42:32 (UTC)
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Behind on my GNR e-mail
Just a note to let anyone who has sent me e-mail this week that I am behind on dealing with GNR e-mail and will get to it this week... hopefully.
Craig Hartnett — Click here to contact me
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 01:55:46 (UTC)
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Arthur.
Thanks for posting pics of The Eskimo Hut - many fond memories of my parents taking us there after movies at the Astra on a Saturday or after watching a rugger match at Diggers. Ahhhh the Kafue River at the bottom of Central Street. Many a good time had there too. Thanks again.
Brasso.
Gary Brassington — Click here to contact me
Banbury, Oxon., United Kingdom
Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 20:05:02 (UTC)
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Doug,
I was at boarding school in Rhodesia (St Stephens) when the Mufulira mine disaster happened. I remember reading about it in the newspapers. My Dad worked at the mine; he was an electrician in the Concentrator dept from 1964 to 1975.
Dave McConnachie — Click here to contact me
Houston, Texas, United States
Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 17:24:26 (UTC)
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The South Africans are folling the GNR with their own board at http://www.sareunited.com/home.php
They have over 100, 000 members already but it can't be as good as the elite on Gnr.
The Farmers in Natal are suffering the worst drought for 30 years.
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar — Click here to contact me
Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 13:51:58 (UTC)
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Arthur
The caving area in Mufulira was an area where the ground collapsed into the mine because of the mining system of Block Caving.
I am not a mining engineer so bear with me. As far as I can remember Mufulira had 3 orebodies sandwiched with small layers of waste rock between them and were mined as 1 orebody which was about 70 foot in total hieght or thickness sloping down dip at about 35 to 40 degrees and having a width of more than 2 miles across the strike.
The ore was removed in blocks maybe 200ft across strike and 200ft up dip and of course 70ft high. This would leave a cathedral like cavern which could no longer support the hanging wall (roof), and new blocks would be blasted out to the side and below the collapsing block leaving a narrow side pillar and bottom pillars to isolate the old (mdala side) block. As mining progressed further away, the pressure on the side and bottom columns would crush them and the hanging wall would collapse. Then the ground above it would collapse, and then above that again, untill finally it reached to the surface.
The caving area was dangerous because you could have a few feet of soil covering a hidden cave hundreds of feet deep into which you could dissappear forever if the soil collaped under your weight. A nightmare situation. Thats why it was fenced off.
Under the streams and dambos the empty block the empty blocks were refilled with slimes sand pumped down from the surface to prevent collapse and subsequent water infiltration. Also on surface, dambos over the caving area were filled with slimes sand so that there would be no standing water over the caving area.
Either this was not continued or not done properly resulting in the Mufulira Mine disaster where millions of tons of slimes and water dropped into the mine. Luckily I had got the copper chopper and no longer worked underground. I was collecting some pipes from the salvage yard for my farm a couple of days before the disaster and looked out over the slimes dam below. There was a sinkhole about the size of a house in the middle. When I enquired about it I was told that the slimes was coming out on the 1400 level (that is 1400feet below surface) and they were removing it with loaders. Days later the disaster occurred.
It could have been forseen by the mining and safety
engineers. I believe Dougie Shortt's son is a member of GNR. I would be interested to hear his Dad's comments.
See nrzam.plus.com for more info on the disaster.
Thanks for the maps and thanks to Dave for his map. I wonder if he can remember when several shift bosses got blown to pieces when they were burning old weeping gelignite on the slimes dam during a strike. Apparently the proto team (rescuers)collected the few pieces that could be found in their hard hats.
Cheer - Doug
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar — Click here to contact me
Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 13:43:16 (UTC)
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Hi ARTHUR,
The New Map of Lusaka is fantastic, Thank you.
Sorry about spelling your name wrong, I should know how to spell it, my dads middle name was Arthur, Incedently My dads photo is on Roy Williams's slides NOBBY with croc, in Samfya. We have known Roy for years.
If you were refering to ME as going to a convent, I actually went to the Jean Rennie in Lusaka, Then I went to the King George High school in Broken Hill, As a border 1962/63(as you say, my spelling is not very good,)
Anyway I am so pleased The map of Lusaka has been of interest to so many people , it was well worth sending it to you.
Heather, Your proposed Sunset Cruise on the African Queen,during the Livingstone Reunion is definately worth it, we did it in July 2001, it was Fantastic.Worth every penny. Hope you all have a great time. Wish I could come.
Keep up the good work
LYNDA
Lynda Fielder (née Clark) — Click here to contact me
Rye Sussex, England
Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 11:19:28 (UTC)
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Heather or anybody who knows, Heather being the likely one, does Zambia have a national flower, or is that where the Flame Lily comes in, would the flower be the same as it was prior to Independence. Thanks for an anticipated answer.
Tina Gibbs, checking daily now to see if you have joined GNR, see you next week.
I remember the Congo uprising, we had refugees staying with us, a family of five, then the Uncle moved in. The Father was down underground when he got the message to move out, had the underground hardhat on and all still. We put our |
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