Northern Rhodesians Worldwide
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Message Board
Eskimo Nel was Scottish? Go figure!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 23:18:51 (UTC)
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I don't know how it is over there but the band U2 continues to have a large and faithful following over here, that includes my son. He just came to share the following interchange from a fan message board. We decided to share the naughty but very playful humour with you.
U2 Fan One: I had the day off today. My wife just came in from work and asked: 'Haven't you got tired of that new U2 album YET?"
U2 Fan Two Reply : "And why did you marry her in the first place???...(just kidding)."
His reply: "Good question! I'll have to ask my lawyer".
(Cute, but somehow we don't fear for their marriage in reality).
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 23:17:15 (UTC)
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Jack
The story goes that after the English conquered most of Scotland the Macgregors carried on fighting, raiding stealing cattle etc. The English finally managed to subdue them and an act of parliament was passed forbidding the use of the MacGregor name, fobidding any MacGregor to carry a knife with a blade longer than 2 inches and so on.
Thus many took names such as Grewar, Gruer, Gregor, Gregory, etc. not to forget the famous Dangerous Dan MacGrew and Eskimo Nel. So there may well be some connection.
Mike
I am sure you are right about piccanin being a corruption of the Portugese pequena. A lot of words in Zulu are corruptions from English or Afrikaans e.g. maboonkies (boonjies, beans), fenstela (venster, window).
Did you know many words in Afrikaans come from Malay e.g. baie (much, many). A Hollander would say 'veels danke' rather than 'baie danke'.
All those English people who live in 'bungalows', did you know it is a Hindi word imported from India.
So it seems that all languages borrow words from others.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 22:52:06 (UTC)
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Hi All
nrzam.org.uk has been updated.
Added some photographs kindly sent by Arthur Farncombe to the Contributions section. Subjects include Fort Jameson Church (before its thatched roof was replaced) and Petauke.
Arthur, with his wife, Bron, and children, Paul and Ann, worked for the Agricultural Department in Petauke, Fort Roseberry, Kasama and for the Zambia College of Agriculture in Monze before going to the Ministry in Lusaka.
Best Wishes for the New Year to you all!
And I'll take the opportunity to add my appreciation for the work done by Heather, Craig and Arthur which keeps this site ticking over.
Regards Ian
Ian Singer, Scotland [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 21:47:49 (UTC)
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Doug
The word skonkwane brings back many memories.
As discussed before on this site Fanagolo has many Portuguese words. E.g. malatta (tin roof) sapato (shoes) Donna (lady). My spelling might be wrong. I am typing from memory.
The Portuguese (and Spanish) for small is Pequena ,pronounced PEKWEENA
I have often wondered whether this was the origin of the word Picannin (small) or Picannini (small black child)
Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
--------------------
I went to school with a Lisle Cawood.Any relation to Lionel?;
Mike Slement, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 20:41:27 (UTC)
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Another little poem that has come back to me from long long ago that i don't suppose many of you will remember but it stretches back I am sure to the1940s it maybe stuck in my memory because my brother who died in a Wellington bomber in 1941 rear gunner was called William age 21.
Cold as a frog in a pool
Cold as the end of an eskimo's tool
Cold as an iceberg gloomy and glum
Cold as a nappieless baby's bum
But he isn't as chilly as our poor Willie
He's dead poor bastard.
Needless to say it is New Years Eve and I am in my cups drinking all alone and enjoying it but it would be nice if a beautiful dolly walked in the door or any one of you my friends but I wish you all a happy new year Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 20:29:29 (UTC)
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Charles, I am just drifting by GNR again!
Lionel Cawood, another name from the past. Sadly I had the unfortunate task of helping remove his body from the plane crash at Millikens (sp) airfield circa 1969 and helped carry stretchers for him and the other victims. Mark Sturgeon sadly knows of this accident; too dearly.
PS need to brush up my spelling eh! "lunsemfwa".
Doug,
Another minor digretion on my genealogy: I find one of my 3rd GGrandmothers was an Elizabeth Gruer from Deeside near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. I believe Gruer and Grewer are variations of the same surname. Any Aberdeen connections for you?
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 20:29:20 (UTC)
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Charles - see I didn't have to go to Rome - the "Mountain" came to me!
Ayub,
We really don't have to catch Osama and Abu do we? They can just send a tape to Al Jezeera - hopefully they'll include a donation as well.
At the end of the day I'm afraid the record will probably show that a large percentage of those who sadly met their fate in the tsunami were Muslim - if there is a religious sect which lost a greater number of lives, then they will have suffered even more - we'll probably never know the actual numbers anyway.
My "baiting" as you call it is a friendly reminder to those sceptics, and I know you are one, who think there's nothing right with the western socialogical, philosophical and religious way of life.
The bitterness with which you attack postings and the pseudo righteousness with which you criticize people who don't say things the way YOU would prefer they say them belies your insecurities.
While I currently reserve the right to focus my sorrow on those who perished in the tragedy of the tsunami, I am a generous person, I will also feel sorry for you.
No, it's OK. You don't have to tell me you don't need my sympathy - I understand . . . . . I really do . . . . .
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:57:17 (UTC)
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Charles,
You are quite right...Happy New Year to all! May it bring us closer to each other.
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:49:13 (UTC)
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Ayub
Keep your peace. This is the time of the year that we look to the future. Don't rise to the bait - it's not imporant.
Regards
CJ
Doug,
Thanks.
w.r.t. skonkwane. I used that term with my IT staff, and they quickly grasped it. Hell - I got more projects in on time and budget than anyone else. I recall you wrote about it a few months back - and was fascinated to learn the source of the word. This site is recording many little known (or undocumented) facts of African history. Sometimes I feel like 'Philemon and his little book of knowledge'.
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:35:22 (UTC)
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Glen,
Firstly, your assertion that this tragedy has afflicted "mainly" Muslim Nations is wrong. Indonesia and the Maldives are the only Muslim nations. The rest..Thailand,India,Sri Lanka are not! Secondly, Indonesia has been doing a lot to purge terrorism;esp after Bali. And thirdly what the bafoon Osama and his clique make of all this...perhaps we should ask them once they are caught! When tragedies of this sort happen..people help each other no matter what their creed or religious affliction. For you to try and start baiting at this time of Worldwide distress is.. shameful.
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:49:48 (UTC)
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Charles
Great to hear that your kinfolk are OK.
You may well be right about the origin of 'situpa' or dompass. Certainly sounds logical.
While I was in Zambia we always called task work 'skonkwane'. In other words a man was given a task to achieve for the day and then he could knock off. Most of my workers used to start at first light and had 'shiyiled' by 11 hrs, having done more work than they would if I made them work a full shift without a skonkwan.
I was suprised when I came to Swaziland and met Senator Charles MacSeveny whose Swazi name was Skonkwane, and he explained to me that it meant peg, or post or pillar. We then worked out that originally people probably put in a marker peg to indicate where one man's task finished and the next ones started.
In KZN they call task work magwaza after the Zulu word for stabbing with a spear. I suppose it refers to the fact that a Zulu warrior's job was to 'gwaza' as many of the enemy as possible. In other words he had done his share of killing when he gwazile'd. Today it means he has done his share of work.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:35:14 (UTC)
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Ayub - you are prejudiced aren't you?
I posed a question specifically on what two terrorists were thinking in view of what their stated policy is - namely, to kill all "infidels".
I stated quite specifically that there was no doubt that true Muslims were reacting in the same way that most non-Muslims were regarding aid to the devastated nations involved in the tsunami.
Why is it that you react so viciously?
What is it that you so hate about what it is that is stated?
What is it that have I said that is not true?
Time to look at yourself carefully Ayub, your words give you away. You must be carrying a big chip on your shoulder methinks.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:31:20 (UTC)
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Glen,
Shame! Bet you must be cringing at all the compassion being shown around the World. Hindus, Christians,Buddhists, Muslims and followers of other religions /atheists have perished. What the bloody hell has Osama got to do with this. All are contributing to the disaster; including Muslims all over the World. For you to make political capital out of this is DISGRACEFUL!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:16:47 (UTC)
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Jack
Hope you're still online. I hunted the Luano with Steve Edwards, and Nick Torre was down the one trip in his little short wheel Landie. We left a note on his windscreen. That was at Kapolomoto. I also know the area you probably went to - it was my father's favourite area. It was an annual tradition for him, Johnny Hunt and Lionel Cawood (who also used to go 'just for the beer') to go hunt near the confluence of the Lukashashi and the Lunsemfwa. That place had BIG crocs. Jones nailed a +13 footer so that they could take an undisturbed bath in the river.
Regards
CJ
PS Apologise to Ali et al - but that was 'the way of life then'
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:07:32 (UTC)
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Glen Drake
Old Irish 'worldly' has it: "When in Rome don't pick a fight with the Pope"
Jokes aside - my sister and B_In_L survived that aweful Sunday in Phukket. It's not the time or place to make such observations. Rather sit back and listen to your soul.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:51:49 (UTC)
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Charles,
I remember Cecil and Pam Bannigan well; at golf and maybe even Rugby. Cecil did have a reputation for fast transit from Luensemfwa into town.
One special memory was a hunting trip in late 73 to the Luano Valley. Nick Torre, Dave Tweedy, Alistair Suttie, George Cunningham and myself picked Cecil up from luansemfwa and head off into the bush. Cecil and Nick were on the guns with the rest of us were only there for the beer! They bagged two waterbuck for the record: just looked at my slides of the trip to confirm details.
In one of my dafter moments I swam across the luansenfwa river with Nick and Cecil on guard for crocs. Not so bad swimming across but, as I paused on the other side it dawned that maybe any hungry croc with a mile or two had heard me and maybe in position for my return. Needless to say I broke all records on the return and shots were not required.
Happy days.
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:42:06 (UTC)
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To: The Politburo (Craig, Heather and young Arthur Steevens),
Site founder (Dawid Cooper)
and all regular subscribers to the GNR message board.
B4 the sun sets on 2004,
B4 the memories fade.
B4 the networks jam,
and B4 we all get ……
(no – let’s skip that one, or the Politburo may revoke my PIN #).
I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.
Regards
CJ
PS It’s only 19h36 here in Cape Town and I’ve already received over 20 SMS. Just caught a glimpse of the fireworks in Sydney – very impressive.
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:39:47 (UTC)
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Food for the survivors . . . . . .
Food for thought . . . . . .
I'm just wondering how people like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi view the "infidels" that are pouring aid into the mainly Muslim nations affected by the recent tsunami.
Of course I have no doubt that those of the true Muslim faith are also contributing just as much but it continues to mystify me why they haven't been able to purge their ranks of the murderous fanatics who abuse their beliefs.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:15:32 (UTC)
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Hi to all out there and a happy new year to those down under. I would like to know if anyone out there will remember or has any story or article on my grandfather Frank Goddard or his brothers Jack and Benjemin ,they lived in Abercorn in the early 1900 on Dorset farm. Jack was a skilled hunter ,but unfortunatly lost his life to some man eating lions while hired to kill the same ,it supposedly happened near Rufunsa .His body was never found ,apart from his wrist watch.
Benjemin Goddard lost he's life hunting elephant. I would really like to hear from anyone who has heard stories from they farthers or grandfathers or anything related to this brothers ,they originally came from Dorset England.
Norman Greig, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 14:06:50 (UTC)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH AND EVERYONE ON THE GNR ......Especially Craig , Heather and Artie...... thanks for your devotion and hard work in keeping this site up and running.....lets hope that the new year brings health happiness and wealth to everyone.........
oh and I see the gremlins are still invading my pc Craig...namely Jade ...just her and I seeing in the new year tonight........ :O)
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 13:40:12 (UTC)
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Happy New Year to all in the GNR Family. Thanks for all the news, info, camaraderie and, most of all, for keeping the memories of the ‘best years of lives’ alive through the GNR.
Special thanks Heather, Craig and Arthur for your wonderful work. - truly appreciated!
Noreen D'Cruz, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 12:45:16 (UTC)
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A wee dram of Irish humour.
'Money can't buy you friends. It just buys you a better class of enemy' - Spike Milligan.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 11:25:55 (UTC)
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Johnny Green,
I concede. ‘EXCITING young girls’ does read better than ‘inciting young girls’. However! Take heed - Ali is now ‘kinfolk’.
I apologise for the alacrity with which those ‘exciting young girls’ pounced on the name ‘bushpig’. Mind you - it does sound better than ‘Red River Hog’ or (for Ron C-D) Potamochoerus porcus Linn - P.p. nyasae Major, P.p. maschoma Lonnberg or P.p. johnstoni Major. How about Kapoli, Nguluwe, Ulube, Kulube or - the one you probably recall - Ngulube?
Ja boet - those 'ou bosvark' like to lie up in thick cover. There's nothing they enjoy more than a good root and, being mostly nocturnal, they really enjoy the nightlife.
Dawid van Amsterdam is fine - just missing the African sun. I’m sure every message from wellwishers, placed on this board, will help ‘warm the cockles of his heart’ - especially at this time of the year.
Jack Wardell
Your ‘Brennan Irish roots’ jogged my memory. I wonder what happened to Cecil and Pam Brannigan? I have fond memories of them. I recall a day when my father and I were driving out to Kampumba Mine, to take part in a Clay Pigeon shoot, and we rolled our car. The first person to arrive on the scene was Cecil, who was going to the same shoot. One HAD to be Irish to step out of a wreck and into a car with Cecil Brannigan at the wheel. He drove his Zephyr Six with “Voet in die hoek’ (loosely translated as ‘foot to the floorboard’). He drove so fast I assumed the high-pitched humming noise I heard was a choir of angels tuning up to welcome me! Jokes aside - he was an excellent driver! That day my father took ‘Top Gun’ at the competition. When I was a lad, and Cecil was stationed out at Lunsemfwa, I used to hitch lifts to Mita Hills with him. He could even get that old ZBHD Co. Land Rover to ‘hum’.
Good to hear you still ‘wind-burn the wee ball’. My younger sister and B-in-L are heavily involved in both Nomad and Sages Golf in the Southern Cape (practically the whole of the Garden Route). I’d hate to hazard a guess but there must be in excess of 60 courses in the region; ranging from ‘oiled greens’ country courses to prestigious courses such as The Links (in George) - at about 1 000 ZAR a game!
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 11:18:31 (UTC)
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Hi
im Jade alis daughter
I havent been on here before but i'd just like to say a
HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all of you
Jade
p.s - Talk to you soon!!
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 08:50:13 (UTC)
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Dear Charles great news to hear your family is home safe and sound, and I spot you have made a spelling mistake on your reference to me as an old bush pig, you said I should desist in Inciting young girls I am sure the word you meant to use is EXCITING young girls, Regards and Happy new year to every one one the board especially Craig, Arthur, Heather and that other old vlakky who we haven't heard of for a very long time now the last time I remember him on the board he was singing the praises of Holland did David uproot and go there? love and regards to all Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 07:56:14 (UTC)
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Ali yeah wouldn't want to go anywhere without my sister.
Yes, Ali, dear Ou Bosvaark is our tokoloshi and as such , he tokoloshi in email allatime.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 06:03:35 (UTC)
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Charlie....That is fantastic news that Rowena and her husband are back safe and sound....they are so lucky.....
hmmmm so does the making of Tina kin......make me kin??....
ohhh and by the way ( jou ou bosvark aka Johnny gets what he gives out)........heheheh
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 05:42:14 (UTC)
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Charlie and Tess
You're on and you're honorary Wallaces and Magees and an unbeatable clan gathering we all make!!!
To my GNR family
Here's to a New Year furthering old friendships and making new ones on this amazing site born of our shared past. A special glass to Dawie the Founder, to Craig, Heather and Sarkissimo! We can't avoid the tragedies of the world but going forward together we can sweeten the lives of those we love and those around us on this planet. I'll drink to that going into the New Year!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 04:56:45 (UTC)
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Charles,
Great to hear that Rowena and spouse are safely back home. It is a truly immense disaster area they have come back from.
Great to hear Jones is still thrashing the little white ball around. I am still playing regularly - except the weather has not been too great over the past two weeks in not-so-bonny Scotland. I think it is time I packed my clubs and paid a visit to the Cape for a bash.
PS enjoyed the "bloke-in-hill" crack.
Also I have been doing a bit of genealogy and find I have strong "Brennan" Irish roots; that sounds like a excuse for anything!
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 01:27:23 (UTC)
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Chinyerezi Chintu
Oh dear – I gave you more credit than you’re due!
And you went to King George V1 High School nogal!
I have an official map of the Mkushi area – with a large ‘Republic of Zambia’ title emblazoned across the top. The whole course of the Lunsemfwa (note spelling) is carefully charted. This map was produced by the government printers.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 23:24:18 (UTC)
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Doug,
Thanks – my sister and brother-in-law are safely back in Cape Town after an extremely memorable holiday in Phuket. Although I’ve only spoken briefly to Roger on the phone, he told me he was actually having a ‘late’ breakfast when THE wave came into the dining hall. I don’t want to comment now, but will try and provide details later. I would like to thank the many people who offered advice and support – especially Tina, Johnny, Jill, David Gray, Dessi, Ayub and Ali who offered practical and moral support. My thoughts are now with those who have been less fortunate than I.
P.S. Maybe you can confirm a bit of African history that may be of interest to other readers. You used the word ‘Situpa’ – meaning a ‘pass card’. I believe it’s derived from the Zulu word for ‘six’ (from the days when a ‘6 to 6’ curfew was effected on them) – izithupa.
Tina – what part of Ireland are you from? I’m sure you have a bit of Boyce or Cartmill in you! Wallace is a good ‘fighting name’. Now you (and your kin) are part of my family.
Chinyerezi Chintu
You’re seldom wrong but this time you’re right. The correct spelling is ‘Lunsemfwa’. Well spotted.
Jack Wardell,
I’ve just returned from spending a few days with my parents. My father, Jones, played a round of golf on Tuesday and another round the very next day – at 86. Since I last wrote about him coming fourth in a Clay shoot – he’s built himself a Clay Target trap (I had to bring him a box of clays to test it), he made me a stainless-steel braai knife and he poured me 20kgs of lead shot for reloading shot shells. He’s like a well-oiled machine. My only worry is that he still drives his car with a ‘feeling of urgency’.
Johnny – jou ou bosvark (Ali – that means ‘you old bushpig’) - stop inciting the young girls!
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 23:07:50 (UTC)
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Mark Trevor
At least you get cricket coverage at 4am.... I have to wait till 9.30am!!! The draw today wasn't great but good for SA. Strange, this game. I wonder what the outcome would have been if the light didn't turn bad..?
Let's see what happens in Cape Town. By the way, who's side are you on?
Greetings from South Africa's mother city.
Desi
Isn't it strange that we should all be thinking of things like cricket, New Year parties etc etc when there are so many people out there right at this moment suffering loss, hunger and worst of all the threat of disease? We are very lucky, whoever we are and where ever we are to be alive and well and be able to send a message to our friends. To have clothes, food, a bed to sleep in, someone to hold tonight..... and perhaps just a family. It is such a sad situation and especially at this time of year when most folk are so wrapped up in their own festivities that the plight of these poor people are overlooked. I hope and pray that they receive all the aid they need.
On a lighter note I would like to show you how lucky we all are and submit something that my daughter sent me:
"May your good health be confirmed by your dentist, gastro-endocrinologist, uroligist, gynaecologist, psychologist, optician, fortune-teller, and may your physiotherapist, chiropractor, witch-doctor and your slimming clinic tell you that you don't need them anymore.
May your Doctor know where to start and your Masseuse know where to stop.
May your salary, housing subsidy, the contents of your house and all your shares increase in value, and may your blood pressure, weight, house loan, tax and cholestrol all decrease.
May your friends remember you and the taxman forget that you exist.
May hijackers, car thieves and rapists overlook you and may your loved ones always see you.
May your walls be too high for neighbourhood thieves but low enough for you to hop over when you have forgotten your keys.
May you have an honest government and a dishonest beauty therapist.
May you have an intelligent President and a fool for a TV licence checker.
Lastly, may the brewery NEVER close their doors."
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 22:37:48 (UTC)
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Cut and paste this for a Happy New Year.
http://web.icq.com/friendship/swf/0,,16961_rs,00.swf
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 20:48:44 (UTC)
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Glen
I agree with you that dirty roger moet gaan kak but not in my mealies asseblief!
Charles
I was under the impression that your people had been found. I certainly hope so! What is the latest news.
Everyone
Visit http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/news/
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:55:49 (UTC)
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Colin
You relieve my mind.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:46:42 (UTC)
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Serious for once. It is hard to grasp what the tsunami disaster numbers mean on a personal level whether you are a business professional or the poorest of the poor. Put yourself there as I tried to.
You have survived the ordeal with minor wounds and bruises but you have nothing left. Your home, your district, your town as far as the eye can see and beyond is miles of wasteland and unburied victims. Your children, your husband or wife, your parents, sisters, brothers, are no longer alive. There is mourning everywhere you look. Your whole country is weeping. In the world far flung family and friends are weeping. On an unimaginable scale disease must be kept at bay, relief and housing must be provided and somehow you must start over.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:44:18 (UTC)
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Donating to "disaster" charities:
It is always a wise move to check out the organisation or charity and also ask them just exactly how much of your donation goes directly to what you are earmarking it for, and how much goes into the "general fund" of that organisation or charity. It may surprise you and/or influence where you send your money.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 14:35:21 (UTC)
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TINA
Dinnae fret my dear, by my calculations the species Colonial Drunkardus will not become extinct until around 2045, given they graduated during Colonialism which should be the case. (Post Colonial graduation would raise the estimated demise to around 2065) By which time most of us will have made our way to Pastures New anyway.
AS you pointed out the Spurtles predated the Turtles by around a thousand years. It is a magic wand with a practical use (to stir the boiling porrige and stop it sticking to the old iron pots (pre teflon times) and imparts strength, wisdom, good luck and any other incantation which comes to mind during the preparation of the staple diet of the Highlands and Islands. (Basically the only other food available was seaweed!! YUK!! until the landlords began to harvest it on a commercial basis, thereafter anyone caught chewing on piece of kelp was hanged for theft or if very unlucky deported to Oz (only a joke, honest!))
The Painted Warrior
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 14:08:52 (UTC)
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I was amazed to see the picture of Lionel Nefdt - he doesn't look much different from when he taught me Latin in 1961.
Is anybody following the cricket? Here I am - get up at 4 o'clock in the morning hoping that SA will confound the critics. May as well have stayed in bed!
Mark Trevor, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 12:33:22 (UTC)
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Tsunami charities
Interesting discussion on CNN on who to give money to for the tsunami victims.
Suggest organizations like the Red Cross who have both experience in helping out in disasters and have people on the ground as well.
Another good point was that organizations like the Red Cross issue tax receipts so for example instead of donating $100 you should donate $140 which in effect equals $100 after your tax refund.
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 11:46:46 (UTC)
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On behalf of the victims of the Tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka, I am appealing to you for any donations you can make. Please use the following secured link:
http://www.emergencydonations.gov.lk/
My sincerest thanks on their behalf.
Noreen
Noreen D'Cruz, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 03:53:49 (UTC)
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Craig
GOOGLE search results :
Results 1 - 10 of about 130,000 for arsehole [definition]. (0.28 seconds)
Results 1 - 10 of about 3,490,000 for asshole [definition]. (0.08 seconds)
I am most pleased that you used the word arsehole instead of "ASSHOLE" as I would have you know that I am the only officially elected "Australian" ASSHOLE in Orange County.
The Orange County Assholes is a sort of loose conglomeration of derelicts; we're an aged motorcycle "fraternity" here in Southern California and we consist of some 200 members who collect and distribute funds to a variety of children's charities. Since all the other members of the "fraternity" are just as big an ASSHOLE as I am - they can't tell the difference between an Australian accent and a South African accent - hence they call me "Aussie the Asshole".
By the way, this character Roger seems to be a real arsehole, or simply put, a . . . . . . POEPHOL.
As such, he derserves to be told to "Gaan kak!"
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 03:08:30 (UTC)
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Dumbass Webmaster??? Never!! You, Rocky, are definitely a Smartass Webmaster.
It's about time the Colonial Drunkard received proper recognition. Many don't realise how rare us Colonial Drunkards are becoming. There are plenty of post-colonial drunkards but there probably won't be another colony now until people start suiting up for relocation to Jupiter.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 02:39:00 (UTC)
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Linda and Ron.......giggles......(thanks for making me smile)..Ron I am sure Craig has plenty of Herbicides at the ready.........hic !
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 02:34:04 (UTC)
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10 things to do this New Year:
-Stop thinking negatively about yourself;
-Take pride in your opinions and ideas and don't be afraid to voice them;
-Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy;
-Set goals: everyone needs something to work towards;
-Don't be a perfectionist;
-On the other hand, do your best at everything you try;
-Focus on your successes;
-Seek help if you are battling;
-Have fun. This is the only life you have so don't waste it.
Remember, self-esteem involves much more than liking yourself.....
Hope all on GNR have a great 2005.
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 01:55:27 (UTC)
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Craig,
As a gardener, I am able to identify Roger Moonacross straight away as the common lowly creeper Paederia foetida more commonly known as the Chicken Shit creeper that grows in fast acting moulds and clings to any much stronger supporting web of support to allow it to reach the air and sunshine where it abuses its host in its effort to reproduce, branch out and smother all around it.
In my experience - it should be weeded out wherever it is found and eradicated completely.
So please do not allow this lowly fetid creeper to despoil our blooming garden !!!
As a matter of FACT the vine leaves from which the traditional Hakka Chinese Lunar New Year delicacy "Char Gwo" that look like sticky black or olive fried eggs is the appropriately named "Gaai Sii Tang" - the Chicken Shit Vine which gets its name from the smell of the crushed leaves or stem.
I am informed by my Hakka neighbours that the leaves
of the vine are only suitable for making Char Gwo if
picked before the Lunar New Year.
The botanical name is Paederia scandens [previously
Paederia foetida]
See HK Herbs & Vines page 78
See also Chinese Medicinal Herbs of HK Vol 2 page 160
Cheers Ron
__________________________________________________
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 01:38:42 (UTC)
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Dear Dum Bass Webmixter... hic
Thanks for sharing this hilarious exchange below. And please reroute anyone asking for special muti to extend certain parts of their anatomy.. grin.
Happy New Year to you, Artie and Heather and thanks so much for all that you do for the rest of us drunkards out here.
I would be pissed off, only I resemble that remark..hic.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 00:59:08 (UTC)
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A message from your "dumbass webmaster" to all you "colonial drunkards"
It's not often I am so amused that I feel the need to share e-mail with 1900+ people, but I am so moved at the moment. Running this site I (and Arthur and Heather) receive a fair number of compliments and accolades and we appreciate them all. However, believe it or not, we also take a fair bit of abuse -- thankfully not that much, but it comes all the same. Please note that I have never taken this step before -- publishing e-mail correspondence and e-mail addresses -- but this arsehole has gone out of his way to provoke me (and I doubt his identity anyway), and so he should be prepared to deal with the consequences. Following is an exchange of e-mail with someone allegedly named Roger Van Greune in (most likely) Qatar who apparently has nothing better to do than see if he can get a rise out of me.
As you can see below, about six weeks after I had considered this idiot back under the rock he crawled out from under, he couldn't resist contacting me again. Shame. Now he'll have Nigerians contacting him offering him millions of dollars, and others offering him extensions to an apparently needy part of his anatomy.
It's interesting to me though that he switched from using a Qatar-based ISP (initially) to using the Anonymizer anonymous-browsing service. Obviously we are dealing with a coward here. We have been harassed and attacked through the Anonymizer service before (most memorably by a certain individual in Scotland of Mediterranean extraction a couple of Christmases ago), and so I block their IP addresses from accessing much of the GNR, namely the message board and the Names Directory. The Anonymizer IP address he used for his latest message to us is already blocked from viewing the message board and the Names Directory but, obviously, he can still access the form that people can use to contact the GNR without logging in. He can also read the message board and access the Names Directory if he doesn't use the Anonymizer service, so it's likely he is doing that.
I expect more harassment from "Roger". Bring it on!
----------
Date: 13 Nov 2004 17:42:19 -0000
To: GNR
From: moonacross@yahoo.com (Roger)
Subject: inefficient site
Roger (moonacross@yahoo.com) on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at 09:42:19 PST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: Waiting for two days is abnormal. If you are to break out of the mould you are currently in - speed up the registration timing.
ROGER
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REMOTE_ADDR: 212.77.192.61
HTTP_USER_AGENT: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; SV1)
HTTP_REFERER: http://www.greatnorthroad.org/contact.php?to=support
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X-message-flag: Mail moved by NinerNet Communications -- http://www.niner.net
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 6.1.2.0
Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2004 14:25:34 -0800
To: moonacross@yahoo.com (Roger)
From: Craig Hartnett
Subject: Re: inefficient site
Hi Roger,
Thanks for your message and your very helpful suggestion. The two-day wait has nothing to do with efficiency and everything to do with keeping undesirables out of the site. Also, whether or not you consider the wait abnormal, the site is run by volunteers in their spare time. If you would send me a minimum donation of US$100, I will consider processing your application sooner, but make sure it gets to me within 48 hours of your registration.
Not sure what "mould we are currently in", but you do seem very knowledgeable.
Actually, speaking of undesirables, I have decided that you fit that mould and have deleted your registration. Please go away. Such a shame, as we might have been able to help you with the [special request].
Craig
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Received: from [212.77.192.61] by web53110.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP; Sun, 14 Nov 2004 12:26:54 PST
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 12:26:54 -0800 (PST)
From: Moon Cross <moonacross@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: inefficient site
To: Craig Hartnett
Your response is pretty much what I would have expected, and your begging for $100 is about standard for third-world dwellers.
Good luck with your site - hope the electricity holds out long enough.
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X-message-flag: Mail moved by NinerNet Communications -- http://www.niner.net
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 6.1.2.0
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:37:30 -0800
To: Moon Cross <moonacross@yahoo.com>
From: Craig Hartnett
Subject: Re: inefficient site
Hi Roger,
Last time I checked Canada was considered by most to be in the First World, but you clearly lack the ability to read or to understand sarcasm. Thankfully your response confirmed my first impression.
Craig
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Date: 27 Dec 2004 19:37:06 -0000
To: GNR
From: moonacross@yahoo.com (Roger)
Subject: Colonial drunkards
Roger (moonacross@yahoo.com) on Monday, December 27, 2004 at 11:37:06 PST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: Your picture says it all.
Remember you banished a guy called Roger for criticising your registration response?
You are too public to do that, Craig - you're just some dumbass webmaster running a crummy third-world site for colonial drunkards. HAPPY new year anyway.
Roger.
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REMOTE_ADDR: 168.143.113.125
HTTP_USER_AGENT: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; SV1)
HTTP_REFERER: http://www.greatnorthroad.org/contact.php?to=support
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Happy New Year to you too, Roger.
Craig Hartnett, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 22:53:15 (UTC)
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"Only when we take human existence upon ourselves in its starkest and most humiliating misery--a misery in which nothing has meaning--can we win through to the only possible way to live. Only when we taste the lot of all, when we become involved deeply in world suffering,one in heart with the need of humanity, can we win through to our true vocation. Only when the conscience becomes active, only when love is born out of suffering, only when hardship leads to liberating action, is victory near" (Eberhard Arnold 1919)
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 21:47:43 (UTC)
|
The Tsunami disaster is not only mind numbing but its difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy. When I first heard of the disaster, I immediately thought of my dear Sri Lankan friend. I don’t know whether he is in Sri Lanka. I looked for this last name: “Weerakoon” on google. It turns out to be a very common Sri Lankan name. I can’t remember his first name.
He was a very good friend when I lived in Handsworth Court at University of Zambia as his house was about 3 doors down from mine. Weerakoon was a very good friend because we worked together in the TDRU in the School of Engineering. He was a Prof. Of Engineering. In December 1980, we traveled to Holland and visited there for 2 weeks on a NUFFIC project. I last saw him in August 1989 when he left Zambia. I thought he said he was going back home to Sri Lanka to retire. He was in his late forties and may be early 50s – which would put him at about 65 years old to day. If there is a chance you know something about his whereabouts, let me know.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 20:58:52 (UTC)
|
Hi Johnny
Thank you so much for your message with regards to the lion attack in Chirundu, your recollection of the incident is almost as identical as we recall, however it was Fred who was been dragged out the car, Smiler (my dad) was the one that had the mauled arm. I was pretty young but remember the photo in the newspaper well, Dad with his whole arm in plaster and Fred with his leg in plaster, Dad was holding my sister Sylvia.
Fred I am not sure what happened to him, but my Dad, Smiler, saddly passed away in 1994.. My Dad was a very funny man with such a wonderful sense of humour and an absolute tease. My Dad's brother was George Holloway, he passed away in 1968.
If there is anyone who can help finding archive material on the attack, I would appreciate any leads.
If anyone remembers my Mum Shirley Holloway (nee Abbott) would love to hear from you. She is now living in Perth Australia.
To all, Have a wonderful New Year.
take care
Rozlyn
Rozlyn Malloy, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 20:26:15 (UTC)
|
Bill,
Thanks for your info on HS Pinafore. My friend Ralph will be thrilled to hear from you. Thanks.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 18:52:29 (UTC)
|
Doug and Mwizenge,
Back to work after Christmas with family in Manitoba.
Re George Goodwin and HMS Pinafore at Gilbert Rennie in '58 - George had an email address in Australia and I tried geting through to him but never had a reply so I dont know where he is. He was the sailor in HMS........ leering at the lot. He could actually sing but maybe had a deal with a recorded song?? Naaah, that was 40 yrs ago, - they didnt have synchro-singing then. Lipsynching comes later.
He was one of the 7 of us who, after the last of 4 performances and we stole back the Vat 69 that had been given to Jim Marshall - Producer and seducer, and which we scoffed on the road between the two schools-Anne Gelatly, George, Selwyn. me, Tony Bilbrough of Brisbane and etc..... I have never been able to even smell scotch since then.
I have the old program and photos -the event-also news releases. Im not sure if Mwizenges mate is interested in that sort of trivia.
-4 today and quiet.
Sort of day we can think of so many dead in the Indian Ocean nations.
2 Canadians confirmed dead and 40 missing.
I cant help think that we get news of this but an earthquake in Turkey or China, where there are no tourists or western media, we dont care nor know. And tens of thousands there.
- Nother chuckle..... black humour....... in '99/2000 when we were at Vic Falls, the Zim $ was 42 to a CDN and the Zambian kwacha was 3200. Now the latest is Zambia 4500 and Zimbabwe dollar is 5500 to one CDn $.
Whew. That inflation is bad. And so quick.
Bill
William Knott, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 14:26:56 (UTC)
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re: Tony Gooden
To those of you who may have known Tony Gooden from Kitwe, I tried to contact him this morning to see if he had been affected by the tsunami as he co-owns a restaurant and B&B on Pattaya beach in Thailand.
I am very sad to inform you that Tony passed away two months ago. If you want any details, please email me privately.
RIP my dear friend. You were a very important part of my life in Kitwe and nobody could throw a party like you.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 13:55:53 (UTC)
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Rozlyn I also seem to remember he had a brother who also worked in the Pit a lot staider man.Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 09:07:34 (UTC)
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Dear Rozlyn I worked along side you dad in Nchanga Open Pit he was in the control office directng ops in the pit by radio to all the trucks etc in the pit, I met him personally for the first time when my buddie Glen Tweedie and I were coming up from Kariba he was with Fred his Buddie and we were in the pub at Chirundu and he related what had happened on the way back up from Kariba a few months earlier,they had got weary half way up from the lake to the GNR and decided to have a kip I believe Fred on the front seats and your dad on the back with all the doors wide open around 2 in the morning Fred was woken by the screams of your Dad to find a lion trying to drag him out of the car by his leg I saw the scars they were terrible, Fred grabbed an empty oil can reached over the seats and started battering the lion on its nose with it an miracuously it let go after raking its teeth down his fore leg causing some terrible wounds, I am afraid to ask this question is he still alive? he was a very funny guy he used to anounce a new day over the radio when he was on the night shift by crowing like a cockerel, please let me know what happened to him if any thing. Needless to say whenever if we were in a car and stopped on the roads we always kept our doors shut after that. Rgards Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 08:53:41 (UTC)
|
My apologies - the full text of AC Swinburne's poem is below. He was the wayward son of an English Admiral and is buried in the Churchyard at Bonchurch on the Isle-of-Wight.
Johnny's favourite verse is second to last.
The Garden of Proserpine
by Algernon Charles Swinburne
Here, where the world is quiet ;
Here, where all trouble seems
Dead winds’ and spent waves’ riot
In doubtful dreams of dreams ;
I watch the green field growing
For reaping folk and sowing,
For harvest-time and mowing,
A sleepy world of streams.
I am tired of tears and laughter,
And men that laugh and weep ;
Of what may come hereafter
For men that sow to reap :
I am weary of days and hours,
Blown buds of barren flowers,
Desires and dreams and powers
And everything but sleep.
Here life has death for neighbour,
And far from eye or ear
Wan waves and wet winds labour,
Weak ships and spirits steer ;
They drive adrift, and whither
They wot not who make thither ;
But no such winds blow hither,
And no such things grow here.
No growth of moor or coppice,
No heather-flower or vine,
But bloomless buds of poppies,
Green grapes of Proserpine,
Pale beds of blowing rushes
Where no leaf blooms or blushes
Save this whereout she crushes
For dead men deadly wine.
Pale, without name or number,
In fruitless fields of corn,
They bow themselves and slumber
All night till light is born ;
And like a soul belated,
In hell and heaven unmated,
By cloud and mist abated
Comes out of darkness morn.
Though one were strong as seven,
He too with death shall dwell,
Nor wake with wings in heaven,
Nor weep for pains in hell ;
Though one were fair as roses,
His beauty clouds and closes ;
And well though love reposes,
In the end it is not well.
Pale, beyond porch and portal,
Crowned with calm leaves, she stands
Who gathers all things mortal
With cold immortal hands ;
Her languid lips are sweeter
Than love’s who fears to greet her
To men that mix and meet her
From many times and lands.
She waits for each and other,
She waits for all men born ;
Forgets the earth her mother,
The life of fruits and corn ;
And spring and seed and swallow
Take wing for her and follow
Where summer song rings hollow
And flowers are put to scorn.
There go the loves that wither,
The old loves with wearier wings ;
And all dead years draw thither,
And all disastrous things ;
Dead dreams of days forsaken,
Blind buds that snows have shaken,
Wild leaves that winds have taken,
Red strays of ruined springs.
We are not sure of sorrow,
And joy was never sure ;
To-day will die to-morrow ;
Time stoops to no man’s lure ;
And love, grown faint and fretful,
With lips but half regretful
Sighs, and with eyes forgetful
Weeps that no loves endure.
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no life lives for ever ;
That dead men rise up never ;
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
Then star nor sun shall waken,
Nor any change of light :
Nor sound of waters shaken,
Nor any sound or sight :
Nor wintry leaves nor vernal,
Nor days nor things diurnal ;
Only the sleep eternal
In an eternal night.
A.C. Swinburne The Garden of Proserpine
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 02:12:23 (UTC)
|
Following on from Johnny's favourite and Glen's prompt, here is the full text of that poem by by A. C. Swinburne
and another that seems to fit the bill.
"The Garden of Proserpine"
(part of Poems and Ballads, 1st series, 1866)
by Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 - 1909).
We are not sure of sorrow,
And joy was never sure;
Today will die tomorrow;
Time stoops to no man's lure;
And love, grown faint and fretful,
With lips but half regretful
Sighs, and with eyes forgetful
Weeps that no loves endure.
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no life lives for ever;
That dead men rise up never;
That even the wearist river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
"Before the Beginning of Years"
by A. C. Swinburne (from Atalanta in Calydon, 1865)
Before the beginning of years
There came to the making of man
Time, with a gift of tears;
Grief, with a glass that ran;
Pleasure, with pain for leaven;
Summer, with flowers that fell;
Remembrance fallen from heaven,
And madness risen from hell;
Strength without hands to smite;
Love that endures for a breath:
Night the shadow of light,
And life, the shadow of death.
And the high gods took in hand
Fire, and the falling of tears,
And a measure of sliding sand
From under the feet of the years;
And froth and drift of the sea;
And dust of the labouring earth;
And bodies of things to be
In the houses of death and of birth;
And wrought with weeping and laughter,
And fashioned with loathing and love,
With life before and after
And death beneath and above,
For a day and a night and a morrow,
That his strength might endure for a span
With travail and heavy sorrow,
The holy spirit of man.
From the winds of the north and the south
They gathered as unto strife;
They breathed upon his mouth,
They filled his body with life;
Eyesight and speech they wrought
For the veils of the soul therein,
A time for labour and thought,
A time to serve and to sin;
They gave him light in his ways,
And love, and a space for delight,
And beauty and length of days,
And night, and sleep in the night.
His speech is a burning fire;
With his lips he travaileth;
In his heart is a blind desire,
In his eyes foreknowledge of death;
He weaves, and is clothed with derision;
Sows, and he shall not reap;
His life is a watch or a vision
Between a sleep and a sleep.
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 01:26:16 (UTC)
|
Craig Hartnett,
Many thanks for the contact. They were found eventually in the newest hotel in Lusaka. Details will be provided later. Cheers
P.S. For the curious my parents somehow got lost on arrival in Lusaka!
Ron Sayer, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 01:02:05 (UTC)
|
Hi to all members.
I just love your site lovely way to find long lost family and friends.
I would liketo know if there is anyone out there who can remember in the early 60's a Lion attack which happened. My father "Smiler" Ronald Holloway and his friend "Fred" were attacked near Charundu by a lion and Smiler fought the lion and saved his friends life and his own. I have been trying to locate the story in archives in Zambian newspapers and have been unsuccessful. If there is anyone who could help me find this story please email to roz_malloy@hotmail.com
Again wonderful site.
take care
Rozlyn
Rozlyn Malloy, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 00:26:04 (UTC)
|
Johnny
The Garden of Proserpine - Swinburne
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 19:05:09 (UTC)
|
While we are in the poetry mood it gives me chance once again to print my favourite as I have done before on a couple of occasions.
----------------------------------
From to much love of living
From hope and fear set free
We give our brief thanks givings
To whatever GODS may be
That no one lives for ever
And dead men rise up never
And even the weariest river flows somewhere safe to sea.
----------------------------
I am afraid I do not know the name of the Author. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 15:29:12 (UTC)
|
As the immensity of the Greatest Natural Tragedy of our time in South East Asia - stretching far across the oceans, becomes apparent - here is more Poetry to sooth the aching Soul.
The Flow
The bamboo is green
The lotus are pink
The waterfall flows
and kisses newfound stones
The bamboo is brown
The lotus are yellow
The waterfall flows
and shapes eager stones
The bamboo is hollow
The lotus are red
The waterfall flows
and parts distinguished stones
The bamboo is green
The lotus are white
The waterfall flows
and kisses newfound stones.
______________________________________
Here is one that has been translated into English,
it's the origin of chinese poetry.
English version
Bamboo bent;
Bamboo rent.
Pellet shot;
Pheasant got.
_____________________________________
Stephen Haven
Willow
All China a green-gold row of them.
When you walk through-
delicate, skirted, light-limbed
and yellow, swishing their loveliness
in the wind-they brush
the whole of you.
The Han are awfully dark
to love such hair: one single tree
the parasol of thousands
of years of poetry.
It is essentially
a pastoral tradition, a light
gesture in a concrete sea-
this park, these willows,
these bamboo growing near,
as if forever curtained
beneath these trees
Li Bai still sprung
pure passion from a flush of wine.
And if you listen
you can almost hear him:
bamboo, bamboo, the green shoots
of earth, heaven when they brush
these yellow skirts!
__________________________________
Kusano SHINPEI
BAMBOO
1000 Bamboo trees
Cold cold rain
1000 bamboo trees
Faintly
Smoking
1000 bamboo trees
Rainbow
_______________________________
Two Tanka
From outside my house,
only the faint distant sound
of gentle breezes
wandering through bamboo leaves
in the long evening silence.
Late evening finally
comes: I unlatch the door
and quietly
await the one
who greets me in my dreams.
-- Otomo No Yakamochi, (718-785)
__________________________________________________
Bamboo by Beth Fowler
. . .impressions among trees.
A Buddhist compound.
Full of gold, reds, ten thousand Buddhas.
Among meditating nuns, incense and orchids.
A clump of mature bamboo, creaking, clacking, groaning in the Asian
wind.
A natural, percussional concert.
Green bones.
www.authorsden.com/visit/viewPoetry.asp?AuthorID=1344
__________________________________________________
About Bamboo by Early Japanese Women Poets
Hidden orchids and tall bamboo -- / they are two of a kind. / Under the
window I burn incese / reading the "Women's Admonishments." / Who speaks
of painting only in terms of resemblance? / The tip of my brush records
the essence of winter. - Cho Koran
The first winter rain -- / the bamboo / somewhere in the dawn. -
Chiyo-ni
I repeat my vow / in unchanging colors of / the ageless bamboo -- /
which still creates ten thousand / generations of shadows. - Gyokuran
Tapping the gourd / every night / the bamboo is uplifted. - Chiyo-ni
One must bend / in the floating world / snow on the bamboo. - Chiyo-ni
You rose / with eastern clouds / and left. / The dew on bamboo leaves /
has longer stayed with me. - Izumi Shikibu
"I only love to paint bamboo / its greenness / reflected on my garment."
- Ema Saiko
Let us plant / in a warrior's garden. / May you become bows, may you
become arrows / clumps of bamboo / of ten thousand years. - Takabatake
Shikibu
Flowers wither, but a fresh green appears; / the change of seasons
causes tears to stain my clothes. / I remember cherries and bamboo
shoots prepared in a kitchen far away, my sisters and family lack one
member. - Cho Koran
Veils of light mist / envelop the curving inlet / weeping willows
luxuriantly green / pomegranates blossom red. / With bamboo blinds
rolled up / for a time I do nothing / sitting and facing the mountains
-- / the spring rain. - Cho Koran
This gentleman / grows and grows / auspiciously: / learn from him / and
you will ever flourish. - Otagaki Rengetsu
("bamboo crab" is the name of a spider)
Tonight is the night / my young love will come to me: / little bamboo
crab / spider's antics make it clear./ Oh, very clear tonight. -
Princess Sotoshi
What are you saying? / That we can't meet -- / not even for a time /
brief as the space between joints / on the reeds of Naniwa? - Lady Ise
At the sound of wind / rustling bamboo leaves / near the window / short
is my nap / and its dream. - Princess Shikishi
A short night -- / outside the window / bamboo rustles / a hint of
autumn / while I sleep. - Princess Shikishi
Tonight / as hail falls / on bamboo leaves / rustling, rustling / how
can I sleep alone? - Izumi Shikibu
Do see the pictures at:
http://www.womensearlyart.net/reference/poets/bamboo.html
__________________________________________________
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 13:25:38 (UTC)
|
I hope that all you members of the Great North Road have had a happy time during Christmas. I have read an assortment of contributions from members recalling there Christmasses in Zambia. Ken Miller's recollection were particulary typical of that era.
Chinyerezi Chintu, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:40:52 (UTC)
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Very strange. I tried opening the message board this morning - same problem. Then I read Ali's email and disabled Norton and I could get on. I re-enabled Norton and I can still get on. I wonder what's going on and why some of us have had problems and others not? Any suggestions anyone?
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:39:04 (UTC)
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Peter Goodhew
The spelling is Lunsemfya. Do'nt tell me you are another one from BH!!
Chinyerezi Chintu, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:21:40 (UTC)
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Did a "find" on spurtle down the page to get to the original message and found Chairlie's reference. Yep, Charles, it can be mentioned with food. You just wouldn't eat it unless you were a (looking for a safe reference here) termite.
Ali ol' Pally
The Munro should explain this to you... much more fun. He might even do you a pictograph. My input is that spurtles were once equated with the strength you gain from eating porage oats. Here is the story. Couple of decades back the advertising johnnies wanted youngsters to feel that they would get stamina and speed if they ate such a breakfast, and came up with the Teenage Ninja Spurtles. Caused quite a stir at the time!
Colin
Try this, maybe. Tell the site zactly how you would like one carved, dimensions and all and ask if anyone knows a carver who could execute it really well. Bet Heather might, for one. Others reading might, too.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 03:36:11 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas
Sue Cason, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 03:32:39 (UTC)
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To wish all gnr's my best wishes for 2005
Christine Beardsell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 03:01:31 (UTC)
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Tina.....Colin.......may I ask what is a spurtle.......????
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 02:12:45 (UTC)
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DOUG: Zis is serious, Mein Herr. Your Situpa regulations certainly included most catgories, including us Druids but excluding the Standing Stones in Lewis, which is our mini Stonehenge, but you forgot to say as to which countries the New Orders would be applied therein and must leave us all trembling in anticipation! Is this SA or have I completly missed the point as usual? An afterthought regarding situpas, I always considered them rather degrading and never took a bit of notice of same, (Oh bother! here comes the redneck BSAP looking for a hassle, " See the Big Boss L, I am busy weighing the meallies", like a good Assistant should be!) as was obvious regarding the huge workforce of PEA migrant workers in Shonaland. (Did you notice that they all looked like Mike Tyson, can't be a co-incidence surely?)
TINA : What else? Unfortunatly the only known spurtles left to mankind are those available from the very Far East, namely China, from which 75
% of the UK rubbish now comes from. They have a crudely carved thistle on top and sell for about a fiver! I would gladly take up your suggestion re an African carved spurtle if I only knew where to locate same.
The Painted One
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 02:02:02 (UTC)
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I again had troubles in getting the message board, then I disabled my firewall........
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 02:01:49 (UTC)
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Fiona can't get in again. No matter how she approaches the GNR board her double clicks result in a blank screen with the "done" message. Will relay what has been said here to her.
Tsunami
For any others among the silent readers of the Board who may be affected by the devastation in south east Asia we send you our love and support.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 21:43:53 (UTC)
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Message Board problems???
Just keep clicking on the refresh button and it will open,
Esther Pettersson, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 21:07:53 (UTC)
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Fiona,
I keep getting a message from my F-Secure anti-virus software that internet discussion forums are being infected by a worm. Maybe your software won't allow access?
Charlie,
Eland - it's their knees that click - dunno about the springboks, haven't heard them or read anything about them 'clicking'.
Ron - thanks for your words about bamboo - they really are helping.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 20:46:01 (UTC)
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Charlie,
Any news? This is a disaster and anyone connected to it has my sympathy. I hope your family is okay....
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 20:41:59 (UTC)
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Fiona
Just a suggestion from me - Put-the-cork-back-in-the-champagne-bottle.
Love ya,
Tina
P.S.
Serious answer? Haven't got a clue.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 19:29:15 (UTC)
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Hooray! I have not been able to access the message board for a couple of days. Obviously other people have. I wonder if anyone else had the same problem and why?
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 19:16:49 (UTC)
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Bill & Yvette,
I see you are MINUS 32c. need the alcohol to stop your blood freezing.
It is a sweltering 35c in Vryheid today with high humidity but the black clouds have just started rolling over the mountains and the thunder is starting to roll so we should get a bit of rain to cool things down soon. The last week has been just like Zambian weather, hot then 2 hours downpour of rain.
I see Mwizenge is asking about Gilbert and Sullivan memorabilia. You were in HMS Pinafore. What happened to that naughty chap George Goodwin who just opened and closed his mouth instead of singing.
Jilly
Now that Charles has found his people safe, I want to ask you, is Phi Phi where the jollers come from.
(SA slang. Pee-Pee Jollers are teenagers).
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 18:12:30 (UTC)
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Ron,
Spirit of the Bamboo,how true,I think all of us have the Bamboo in us,just some have more than others,it really brought back memories for me as I read through it.Now this is the sort of thing I like to read on the G.N.R.more please.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 14:33:54 (UTC)
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Be Patient Charles and Think Positive Thoughts,
You will hear soon enough.
Local communications that have not been destroyed will be overloaded with enquiries whilst they are needed most by the emergency services.
My own family from Thailand are safe here, but we wait to hear of their relatives and friends.
The 21-year-old grandson of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej was killed on a jet-ski.
The temple altars here have lamps lit and candles and joss sticks burning to the Buddhist Bodhissatva of Compassion - Kwun Yam / Kwan Yin and to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea - Tin Hau.
We are in the age of Aquarius - a time of great upheaval and changing earth climate over which we have no control.
Plant a Bamboo in your garden !
According to Feng Shui masters,
wherever bamboo is placed,
good fortune is sure to follow
Legend says a gift of living bamboo brings good fortune,
Bamboo
Bamboo, a tall grass, flowers only at long intervals-
30, 60, or even 120 years apart. At about the same time,
all plants of the same species--wherever they are in the
world--will burst into bloom. When this happens, whole
forests die and must be replanted.
The common became precious,
said grandfather remembering
the last time the forest bloomed.
Today that old man woke up,
beat his chest, and cried.
Lovers make a bed of the blossoms.
minuscule petals collect in their hair.
The carpenter lays down his saw.
The mayor calls a meeting
and holds his head.
Everyone I know is milling
along the street by the river.
Some move into their grandmother's house;
others sleep in the open.
It is the rainy season,
the temple is crowded.
Now a man raises his fist
to his wife for the first time.
Now the boatman leaves home before dawn;
children tuck away their laughter.
Though fish leaping
in the harbor seem larger,
they are more distant.
Each fire is built more sparingly
than the last.
I have one dream
for several nights
but can only recall
the tart incense of bamboo flowers
closing on my chest
as merciless as the river
the day it closed on my brother,
his hand tangled in his sturdy net.
____________________________________________
BAMBOOO
Knowing how to bend without breaking
and sway when earth is quaking
bamboo wisdom is deep
Knowing when to send forth roots
and focus power through shoots
bamboo strength is amazing
Hearing bamboos rustle
is perfect poetry
and touching bamboo hairs
is ultimate sensuality
How much stronger, flexible,
and wiser we could be by
learning to bamboo our being!
____________________________
Spirit of a Bamboo
I wish you, Friend,
That finest thing
That I can wish for you -
Not health, nor wealth,
Not luck, but just
A spirit of Bamboo.
Bend with the wind
And thus survive
Though storms may flatten you.
Weep not at fate,
But spring erect
As Bamboo thickets do.
Wealth may be lost,
And health may fade,
Yet you'll be wise and true
If you can bend
And you can grow
With a spirit of bamboo!
Helene B. Grouse
______________________________________
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 13:34:51 (UTC)
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Charlie and Tess
:-D
Marilyn
Warming to have you posting again. Keep popping in with news and observations won't you.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 08:41:35 (UTC)
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Esther,
I have also emailed Teresa without a reply. Maybe she's away on holiday as most South Africans go away over Christmas time.
Charlie, so glad that your people are also accounted for.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 07:20:38 (UTC)
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Ali,
For me the GNR page also opened with a blank page - and still does - simply press your refresh button and it will open up.
Teresa Swart
You may know my cousin Anita and her mother Lily - there surnames were Hunke back in the 50's and lived with your relative George? McRae in Durban during those years. Please email me if you know or knew them,
Thanks
Esther Pettersson, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:26:10 (UTC)
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Tina,
Tess was on the phone this morning at 04h00 to the Bangkok offices and got a number for the Burasari resort. She’s been assured all guests were evacuated to another resort – and all are safe. Thanks.
David Gray,
Thanks you. My younger sister managed to get the Pretoria numbers. They’ve taken her details and will contact us when they have more information.
Johnny,
That’s sound advice. We always called on our nextdoor neighbour – Hughie Anderson – in Broken Hill in times of emergency as he was a radio ham. Unfortunately there are not too many of them around these days.
Thanks Ali,
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:09:25 (UTC)
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Charlie,
Have you heard from your family yet? Our friends who are there contacted us yesterday afternoon - the youngsters were in Phuket and the parents had taken a day trip to Phi Phi. The kids were still in the hotel and were evacuated and the parents managed to climb up to higher ground so all is well. We still haven't heard from friends in Indonesia.
I hope that your family is okay.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:03:41 (UTC)
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Charlie
Hang in there. I am emailing you some possibly useful contact numbers found on web search.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 05:27:16 (UTC)
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Charlie...I do hope your family is ok........will be thinking of them .........such a devastating tragedy.
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 01:41:59 (UTC)
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Hi all, ......at long last I can get the GNR......not too sure what happened but since the 24th all I have been able to get is a blank page....most disconcerting.......I am convinced that computers have a mind of their own, OR I have gremlins living in it......because I have done nothing different only clicked on the refresh button straaaaaange......I must tell you it was not pleasant not being able connect with the GNR......like losing touch with family.......reading the postings by David Gray, Tina, Linda,Marilyn......and the earlier postings of Lynthia and Glenn made one think that yes we humans are really fragile and we must take stock and realise those around us are very precious.....I have learned so much from working at Ishar (the health centre) there we have a carers support group , we provide counselling , information sessions, respite breaks, even a self nurturing group, one thing that is learned "to be able to care for others is to care for ones self" I also create displays for the centre for different health issues for Carers for example Dementia, Bi-Polar, and Alzheimers etc....I personally have needed Ishar's help.....I am a carer myself (my daughter Jade suffers from frontal lobe damage, and also epilepsy) and have experienced the highs and lows......I have also learned to speak up and seek help when things get tough.......AND stay in touch with friends and family for much needed support!! that is why the GNR is so important to me.......!!!!!....God Bless you All.
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 01:38:24 (UTC)
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Norman
Welcome back! Just read your message on your visit to Ndola. I was wondering if you have any pictures of your visit especially of Ndola, if you do, could you please post them on the message board, much appreciated.
Yunus Badat, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 00:39:02 (UTC)
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Charles,
I hope they are ok. The effects of the earthquake are now been felt on the East African Coast. Kenyan authorities have issued a warning to would-be swimmers to keep off the coasts. A few have already died off the Somalian coast. The full extent of the devastation will not be known for a while yet. Some also felt the "jolt" here in the UK at 1am this morning!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 21:41:49 (UTC)
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Charles
If it wasn't so late I would phone you re info on SA citizens in the various seaside resorts hit by the tidal waves. This mornings SABC Radio news gave four Pretoria phone numbers of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs that should be used by concerned relatives seeking information about relatives staying at the worst affected resorts. I didn't take down the number but a call to the SABC should get results or am I being naive? Hope your relations are safe and sound.
Cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 21:41:46 (UTC)
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Charles I know the people I am going to mention to you are few and far between but you may have one in your vicinity and that is an amature radio operator they are great in a crisis and at least you will get to know a bit of what is happening there that may put your mind at rest worth a try asking around. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 21:09:27 (UTC)
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I hope everyone had a great Christmas. One GNR member wrote on the message board 2 months ago that he had acted in "The Pirates of Penzance" in Ndola in the 1950s. I have a friend faculty member who has been the theatre director here at the college for the last 30 years. He is retiring this srping. He is an expert of the "Gilbert and Sullivan" plays. He is a collector of memorabilia, old programs etc. of any of these plays. If you have information, communicate with me privately so I can give you this gentleman's name and e-mail adrress. He flies to Austin, Texas, soon after graduation in May to direct one of these plays.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 19:44:11 (UTC)
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Ron C_D.
My sister and B_in_L(Rowena & Roger Tiffin (remember them? You met them at my house during your last visit)) are in Phuket at the moment.
I'm extremely concerned about the 8.5 R earthquake Thailand recently experienced. Have you any suggestions as to how I may find out how they are?
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 19:35:55 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas to all you northerners .
i've just got back from a 12 day vist to Zambia ,crap flight with B.A when the stewardess decides you've had enough to drink after only 1 beer and 2 whiskies (far cry from travelling on good old Zambia Airways) was a bit dehydrated on a 10 hour flight to say the least.
Besides the drought on board i was very impressed with the friendly welcome from staff at Lusaka airport and just felt the warmth of being back home.I was very impressed with all the development going on around Lusaka.I then embarked on my road trip to Ndola, my saliva glands began working over time seeing all those ripe mangoes along the road ,they finally gave in and we stopped to buy a few (what a bargain a full dish of approx 20 kidney mangoes for K4000= less than 50 pence)believe me when i was into my third mango i must have looked like a bulldog who just eaten porridge from a shallow bowl .
All along the great north road every patch of soil has been cultivated,large or small maize,tobacco,etc makes a great impression ,at least now the agro fever seems to be invading Zambia hope it lasts.
Kabwe !!! still in the" Broken hills stage "not much has changed .
Kapiri Mposhi ! some improvement ,the main road has been retarred with speed humps installed (to pevent most travellers zooming past).
Ndola !!! at last we're home we approach the under bridge and the dambo looks lovely once again with all the weed cleared away(thanks to Bwana Mukubwa mining Company).Just before we enter the under bridge i bet with my brother the traffic lights still dont work at the President ave intersection ,how wrong i was after nearly 10 years of being out of order they were working!!! 10 metres past the lights there is the sign "TRAFFIC LIGHTS DONATED BY BWANA MUKUBWA .
Besides that Ndola seems to be in a time zone no new structures as is the case with Lusaka ,the Ndola Motor Sports race track out side Ndola opposite Twapia compound has been revived thanks again to Bwana Mukubwa,had the opportunity to meet alot of old friends including Kevin Shone at the first international motorcross event .(i'm sure the brewery must be puting red dye in the Mosi and Castle ,because Kevin got redder with every bottle consumed).
There is alot of positive feed back on all the mining activity taking place around the copperbelt and Solwezi so all looks bright for the future in Zambia.
all the best to all my mates whom have stuck it out this long waiting for the right time,hope you all make it and have a wonderful NEW YEAR
cheers NORMAN
Norman Greig, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 16:38:57 (UTC)
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Northerners...
I meant to say...
I hope Santa was good to you all!!!!
My wife bought me a pair of gold earrings and I bought her a power saw....
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 13:07:34 (UTC)
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Northerners...
I hope Santa was good to you all!!!!
I gave my wife bought me a pair of gold earrings and I bought her a power saw....
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 13:06:03 (UTC)
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Teresa Swart
I have been trying to email you. Please email me as I have Charlie's contact details.
Your brother/s went to school with Charlie.
I am looking for my Auntie Lily and her daughter Anita - whom I think you may know. I have found the rest of Lily's children that were taken away from her in the 50's.
Many thanks
Esther Pettersson, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 12:22:30 (UTC)
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Bit late I know - but a very Happy Christmas and New Year to all GNR's. The build up last week was a bit hectic to say the least, and I spent many moments wondering what an earth pocessed me to have four children. However on Christams morning I knew the answer as the two younger ones (6 and 3) were just delerious in the joy and excitement. This of course rubs off on everyone else - even the two older ones (22 and 17) and a fabulous day was had by all. When the snow started to fall it just put the icing on the cake, and now my husband and the kids are outside building a wonderful snowman. I miss Zambia so much and often reflect on how I ended up living in England, but on beautiful cold, crisp days like this I dont regret it at all!
Hope you all have a wonderful New Year.
Best wishes
Bridget
Bridget Billany, England [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 12:11:09 (UTC)
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Anja & Brian
No pavements?! What about lassooing a Kangaroo?
Everybody
Enjoy zis Xmas! Zis is ze last one that everybody is getting for free! Even the non-christians!
From now on you will all be required to carry a Situpa (pass) which must be stamped by the priest / pastor/ padre / rabbi / ayatolla / mullah / druid / vestal virgin / accountant / barman etc. every time you visit church / mosque / temple / stonehenge / bank / pub, etc. If you don't have at least 50 stamps on your Situpa, aziko, nil and no Kisimus for you.
Do not think you can forge the stamps. At the end of the year you will also be tested to find out whether you were sleeping during the sermons.
Stop laughing! Zis is serious!
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 09:13:40 (UTC)
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Davie van der Bliksem Cooper
My Xmas message to you bounced and you are no longer listed in the members list. If you wish to remain in contact please email me.
Otherwise I wish you the best of everything and thank you (once again) for founding this board that has brought so much pleasure to so many people.
Alles van die beste, vasbyt en bly sterk!
Best Regards - Doug
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 08:58:19 (UTC)
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Hello to Everyone
Hope your Christmas was at least as good as ours.
A HAPPY HEALTHY PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
May it bring you everything you wished for.
Doug Grewar,
dearest Doug, we do agree on 'keeping death of the road', but what do we do if we don't have the pavement?
Anja and Bryan
Bryan Baker, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 08:12:24 (UTC)
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Tytherington Tiyende Attendees:
Did any of you have the pleasure of meeting young Ollie Robbins at the party? He was the very handsome, quietly spoken young man with the shaggy hairstyle that was part of the Robbins family of 6, I believe it was. Ollie is 12 now, and also a budding young film maker.
When Ollie was 11 years old, he made an absolutely brilliant documentary, called "Sticks and Stones." It is about bullying in the schools in the UK. It could, of course, have been bullying in the USA, Australia, SA.. anywhere. It is a hard-hitting and eye-opening documentary, conceived, produced and filmed by Ollie himself. Friends from school acted the various parts and the film is brilliant. It has been discussed on several TV stations in the UK and I think every school should watch it.
I just wanted to give Ollie some public recognition here, since his (also very talented) father, Barry Robbins made the Tytherington Tiyende video for us adults to enjoy.
Well done, Ollie. You are a super star! I'm so glad I got a new dvd player for Christmas and could finally watch the video you gave me at the party. Keep up the good work. We need more film makers like you. But more than that, we need more courageous young knights like you.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 06:21:42 (UTC)
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Johnny wishes you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year and may your God bless you.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 05:29:33 (UTC)
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Menahim just one small piece of advice skip Broken Hill and have a look at Chingola where it all happens, Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 05:26:49 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year to all GNR's & all others that visit this site
Doug
Doug Gorton, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 02:32:57 (UTC)
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Linda,
Beautifully expressed.
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 02:09:37 (UTC)
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Hello northerners,
my wish for us all is a time of love & respect for everyone, by everyone. I think we should have a lecture from Ma Lang to let everyone know exactly what they should be doing & saying!
Linda, what a wonderful turn of phrase you have, & David your love for your family just springs from the words you write as well. What blessings you bring to your family & us thru this message board.
We are moaning about the weather here, as it is not summer like at all, & you guys are doing all these beautiful things for those around you. It makes me feel so humble & unworthy.
May all the blessings that you have so liberally distributed be returned to you many times multiplied.
regards & best wishes to all on the GNR.
Jurina Lang, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 22:47:13 (UTC)
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Linda and Mike
Thank you so much for your posting re your old friend. You are very caring people and I salute your efforts. May some youngsters somewhere be as caring to you someday in your time of need, as you are today. Old age homes and frail care centres are not my favourite places as they can be so unfeeling towards inmates. I hope that I never have to be placed in one. But if I get to the stage where I am a terrible burden to someone, where I require 24 hour care and where I am disrupting the whole household the 'so be it!'
We have just gone through a four month period where my wife cared for her younger sister who was suffering from severe depression and was completely irrational at times. Gradually, through my wife's persistance and her knowledge of nutrition, my sister in law has improved to the point where she could be placed in a retirement home (not the frail care facility originally considered) and we could get on with our lives. We had literally been on the run for 18 + hours each day with endless laundry, hours spent in doctor's surgerys and slogging away in the kitchen only to be accused of trying to poison her when mealtimes came round! So now we now see her once a week when she spends the day with us. Just being able to catch ones breath and unwind makes us better care givers. Being on duty 24 hours a day requires infinite patience and wisdom. Despite my prayers for guidance on this matter I am afraid that I came far short of being a competent care giver. One does ones best and everyone has different calls on their time - different priorities. What tugs most at the heart is when a close loved one loses the sharpness of mind that one admired over the years and begins to act irrationally. Having to give the same instructions over and over again is soul destroying. Yet this could happen to any of us at any time as a result of stroke or illness or even car accident.
Having placed my sister in law does not mean that we have washed our hands of her. We are already looking round for a better 'retirement home' as the one we thought superior is economising on the food side and does little to stimulate the minds of their paying guests.
When I started writing this I intended it to be very short. Please forgive me - it is Christmas - enjoy what is left of it but remember just how thankful we should be for reasonable health and a more or less sound mind. Thank you Lord for your Blessings, Gifts and Grace. Please watch over those who are in old age homes and ease their burden and the burden of care givers.
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 21:04:08 (UTC)
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Northerners...
Take a peek here:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/za.html
Statistics on Zambia compiled by the CIA.
Be sure to click on the links with the document.
A sad statistic is the life expectancy at birth - 35.19 years primarily due to AIDS.
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 20:59:30 (UTC)
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Mike and Linda
Fantastic!!!! Huuuuuge hugs.. I'm just cheering for you!!!! Give Hilda lots of love from Ted Tina and Chris her friends the Magees. Memory won't matter there ;-) and we'll keep all of you in our prayers. (Non-prayers just skip over and excuse. There's tons of room in this world for every one of our philosophies).
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 20:10:24 (UTC)
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Linda - your posting re Hilda Vincent has added a warm glow to this Christmas day - thank you.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 20:09:04 (UTC)
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Menahem
Welcome to this message board! Hope your proposed visit to Zambia goes well.
Cheers or Lochiem
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 19:43:06 (UTC)
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Rozlyn Malloy:
Welcome to the GNR. Post your question on the GNR as not everyone reads the profile of new members. I am certain that there are members who know the information you seek. I was a young girl at the time, but remember being told the story, and never wanting to set foot outside the car whenever we arrived at
Chirundu after that! It has, no doubt, been embellished many times over in the ensuing years.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 19:32:49 (UTC)
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To those of you who have posted about aged loved ones:
Thank you for a prod I needed this Christmas. I never had a mother figure in my life after the age of 5 or thereabouts (except for Ma Lang) and so I have not had the same kinds of memories that so many of you have as part of your soul, and which you have lovingly shared with the rest of us here in the GNR family.
However, there is a little old English lady by the name of Hilda Vincent who was a member of the former church I attended for 16 years before we moved to our current church. Hilda is now 94, although prior to about a week ago, nobody knew her age. She never married as her sweetheart was killed in World War II before they could be together. She moved over to the USA shortly after the war, and ended up in Austin, Texas. She is one of 3 sisters, all very old now, and all here in Austin, although the city is large and they are far apart from each other. One sister is already in a nursing home. None have family here outside of each other. Hilda has never learned to drive a car...
Hilda is less than 5ft tall and is the most beautiful of souls. She loves singing and reciting her own poetry. Alas, that is the extent of what she remembers now, being in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. Hilda used to phone us incessantly. She always phoned at the most inconvenient time and she would go on and on for twenty minutes or more. Very frustrating as you could NEVER have your end of the conversation. No sooner had she finished what she wanted to say, for the umpteenth time, than she would simply say goodbye, or hang up without another word. We did not look forward to her calls..me more so than Mike, my dear, patient husband.
We lost touch with Hilda for a few years, and then I suppose she found our phone number in her papers. She began to phone again. Always my husband would patiently and cheerfully listen to her stories, repeated for the umpteenth time, and he would encourage her to come to church with us, promising to come and fetch her anytime she would like to go. Finally, after saying yes and then no for 6 months, he took her to church the Sunday I was in the UK for the Tytherington Tiyende. My teenage boys informed me it was a long, laborious experience. Constantly asking who they were, how old they were, etc. She shuffled along with her walker, and talked excitedly through the whole sermon, Mike never said a word to me about the noise, how long it took to drive and get her, get her in the car, or walk beside her into church with her walker.
Last week, we got word that Hilda was hospitalized, with pneumonia. I confess I did not want to visit her, but my husband stood firm and we went.
When we stepped into her hospital room, it was a shock for me, as I had not seen Hilda for at least 5 years and always with a wig and make-up on. She was a frail little body in the bed, no wig and flowing white hair to her shoulders. But oh what a brilliant smile came upon her face when she saw my husband. Her eyes lit up and twinkled like a million stars in the sky.
"Come in! Come in!" she beckoned. "Who are you?? Thank you for coming to see me. I am lonely here and I'm ready to go home." Patiently, my husband told her who he was. No recognition on her part, but still that brilliant smile. "Would you like to hear one of my poems? The Lord blessed me with poetry you know." Patiently my husband told her he would love to hear some poetry and listened enthusiastically as she recited her beautiful poetry, face animated and eyes twinkling brightly. Poems he had heard many, many times before, but applauded just as though he had heard them for the first time. I felt like such a jerk for not wanting to come in the first place. She asked us what church we went to and when we responded, she enthusiastically asked if we had seen her when she was at that church a couple of weeks prior. "Mike Hayes came all the way to my house to take me!" she announced proudly. "I am Mike Hayes..." responded Mike. A cloud of confusion on her face, a flicker of fear in the eyes, and then that brilliant smile again. "Would you like to hear one of my poems?" An enthusiastic, "Yes, please!" from Mike. I felt so remorseful for my impatient thoughts over the years. How much of our time does it take to brighten up a person's life for a few minutes?
On Friday, we got word that Hilda had been moved from a bright, cheery, and luxurious big hospital room to a nursing home. In the USA, a nursing home is the last stop. Way across town from us. On Christmas Eve, Mike said we must make the journey across town to see her, but that she was under the impression that she was in a rehabilitation facility.. a stepping stone to going back to her own home, and to all things familiar to her. We must not tell her that she is in a nursing home
It was not the best quality nursing home by a long shot. We don't know who made the decision to place her there. A small, curtained off area of someone else's room. No luxurious big, airy room, with attendants coming and going to brighten the day. Just a bed and a bedside table, curtained off from the rest of the room. A frail figure in the bed, staring at the ceiling. She had slid down in the bed and nobody had helped her back into a comfortable position. We softly called her name. At the sound, she looked over and there was that brilliant twinkly smile again. "How did you find me? I've been here so lonely with no visitors since they put me here? I prayed that God would send someone to see me, and here you are!" The explanation did not matter, as she was not listening. "Presents!! For me?" We set up a small CD player for her and put on the first CD - all of her favourite hymns. The look of familiar peace on her face was better than any present I would find under the tree later on.
She told us that she had not been able to use a phone while she was there. Desparate for outside contact, she had not been able to phone her sister, us, anyone. It was then that I realized all those times that she had phoned us incessantly, those calls were her contact with the rest of the world. How short-sighted I had been.
My 14yr old son came with us for this particular visit. She had known him since he was born. "What a lovely poppet. How old are you?" "14 yrs old, Miss Hilda." "You're a lovely little boy. Would you like to hear one of my poems?" And out came four or five poems, crystal clear and sharp. "What church do you go to? I'm waiting for Mike Hayes to come and take me back to his church. Do you know the Hayes family?"
Not having had much experience with Alzheimer's, it was difficult for us to be in a loop of confused conversation, to be followed by beautiful, coherent poetry, created 60yrs ago and repeated with a fierce, independent, familiarity. Even more difficult was to listen to her telling us that she was in a rehabilitation facility, waiting for them to let her go home. She will never go home, at least not to her worldly home.
And for us? That journey to her nursing home will become shorter the more times we drive it. And I know that I will be preserving her beautiful words as I learn them myself. I've learned something else that I will not easily forget too. It just takes a little time out of my life to drive a few miles to brighten up someone's lonely life. About the time it takes to watch a rubbish movie...
Happy Christmas, dear Hilda. You are a priceless gift.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 18:25:31 (UTC)
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Hi all,
I'm planning to visit Zambia (in particular Kitwe and Broken Hill - Kabwe) early next year, for the first time in about 40 years.
I'm thinking of flying from South Africa to Lusaka, but not yet 100% decided on that.
If any of you have any pointers on how to get around, where to stay, currency issues, anything at all no matter how small, let me know.
I'll be planning to take a good quantity of photo's, whill I'll be happy to submit to the site.
Menahem Yachad, Israel [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 16:13:32 (UTC)
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Happy Christmas
A happy Christmas to all of you, and all the best for the New Year. I'd like to thank again all of those people who went out of their way in various locations on the globe this year to make me feel welcome when I visited, and for inviting me to your bashes. Thanks also to all of you who have left individual wishes on the message board this month; I've read them all and they are much appreciated.
"Make Your Own Biltong" Video
If you're looking for something on which to spend some of the cash that Father Christmas left in your stocking, have a look at the "Make Your Own Biltong" video at www.biltongbypost.co.uk. Until the end of December, proprietor John Glen is sending a free sample of Zambezi Gold Beef Biltong Mix with every DVD order. I haven't seen the video yet, but the preview on the Web site certainly looks inviting.
Craig Hartnett, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 10:35:07 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas Everyone.
It's been a funny old day in Perth. 36 degrees and really too hot on the sand at the beach and then some rain and cooler weather. It reminded me of summers in Kitwe - without the shrieking swallows and the smell of the earth stirring before the rain.
DAVID GRAY:
While my family are either sleeping, sipping or swimming at the beach, I've hopped on to the internet and read David Gray's message. I really do feel for you, David. My beautiful mum has been in an aged care home for 18 months now and sadly, I realise how she is deteriorating. Our time together is shortening and the sadness is sometines just too hard to bear. I read Desiree, Tina and Fiona's messages and really felt their pain as well. My friends keep telling me I should just be grateful that mum is well cared for and loved, for who could not love my mum? I know all these things but the pain is always there. If only I could make her well. Sadly, I know this is impossible and so we try to make the most of each visit and each of her lovely smiles when she sees us.
I think your family will be very proud of you David. I do understand your pain and will be thinking of you and all my friends on the GNR when we see in the new year next week.
Alles van die beste, everyone. My Afrikaans is suffering badly after 18 years in Australia. I'm finaly learning to speak Austrlian though so "G'day Mates. Good on ya."
Best wishes to everyone on the GNR, in particular, Arthur, Craig, Heather, Tina, Linda, Philip, Alix, Hermann and the list goes on.
Marilyn
Marilyn Noall, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 10:34:55 (UTC)
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WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
We thought we’d share our favourite Christmas text message we received this year.
A happy Saturnalia, May Mithra (and all the historical entities born to a virgin, even if it wasn’t on this particular day) peace be with you. May the white-bearded red-suited Coca Cola marketing character bring you many disposable diversions at this time.
With goodwill to all – love from Otto, Jilly, Kai and Tristan
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 08:13:13 (UTC)
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Johnny Green, this is especially for you, after all your bragging at the pub on Friday night before the Tytherington Tiyende.
I read Arthur's posting and clicked on the link to see what he was referring to when he mentioned my dearly departed alter ego in red.
With my warped sense of humour, the description of the (real) item in the link made me think of days gone by.. grin. I once heard about (another type of) "frenchys" in my misguided youth in Kitwe.. or so I thought with my memory not what it should be.. grin.. I read the following (embellished) description with amusement.
"These frenchys are nice quality and definitely a more prototypical version of the genre that exploded (oh, sh*@!) in the 1970's. This pair is from the 60's. (Yes, Johnny, they did manufacture them after 1945..) They have metal arms and nylon fronts (for those needing a bit of reinforcing). Ground glass (ouch), grey tint, mirror coats (peek a boo) barely any scratches. (phew..) There's a break in the plastic near the ear (ag sis no man) but there's metal there, so no problem (saved again...) Good deal here on a cool collectible pair (for those who think two heads are better than one)."
Gawd, I can tell Santa is definitely not going to drop anything in my stocking this year. I am too naughty. Ha! Ha!
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 23:16:57 (UTC)
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Arthur...
The fine folks from the centre of the universe - BROKEN HILL - hereby hereby bestow you with the title of:
*** Honorary Custodian of the Key to Cruach Briste's Petrol Pump ***
A short ceremony will be held in Boone's bar Xmas day at 6:00pm.
All members of the GNR are invited to attend.
Please take a peek at this photo of Arthur in the mid sixties in Boones Bar:
http://www.thepeachy1.com/alex/9-10mo/hooters.jpg
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 23:07:01 (UTC)
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24 December 2004, twenty five minutes to midnight and it has started to rain...
The light from the street shines through the rain speckled window breaking into a breathtaking array of "fairy lights" instanly transporting me back to those wonderful rainy December nights in Kitwe when the family would bundle into the car and head towards the Rhokana Club grounds and the excitement of meeting the rest of the family and friends at Carols by Candlelight.
I am sure all GNR folk feel the Christmas spirit on wet December evenings so as I look out of the window on this rainy Christmas eve I would like to send Christmas wishes to all the wonderful friends both old and new that I have found since joining this site.
May your day be wonderful and may the New Year bring all the things that make life worth living, love, laughter and the company of family and friends, to each and every one of you.
Much love to all
Vivienne
Vivienne Jeannette Buitendag, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 22:16:20 (UTC)
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Peter Dielissen and Chris Cantrell
What a pleasant message from Arthur Steevens. He really has mellowed over the past few minutes.
I think the fellows of the Boons Bar League of Gentlemen should award him the esteemed title of "Honorary Custodian of the Key to Cruach Briste's Petrol Pump" for all his hard work.
What do you think?
Anona..
'Pongo' Peters the history teacher? Well - I never!
Now you've really dropped a ruddy great H-bomb on my head - I apologise for the facetious remark - I couldn't resist it.
With regard to 'moi' - you have the wrong family. My sisters are Rowena and (Maureen) Alberta, or Bertie. Freckles and Pony Tails were/are definitely passé with them.
Sheelagh is a registered member on this site - you can look up her details on the Members List menu (see right hand side menus).
Tina,
I see you never kissed the Balarney Stone. You teethed on it!
Just remember what Yukon Pete said about those 'kosher' valves' and stop taunting young Johnny.
Glen Drake,
You make mention of a 'First Alert' system. My F-in-Law is now 93 and has taken a few spills in the last month or so. I'd appreciate any info about this system you can provide me with.
To all GNR members
I've just received an SMS that can apply to the people on this board - so here goes.
Merry Christmas.
A bit early I know, but I have thousands of poor and ordinary friends, so I thought I'd start with the Sexy and Special ones first. :0)
I'll be offline for some time - so be good.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 20:57:41 (UTC)
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Northerners!
Thank you all for your Christmas and New Year messages.
Again, another fantastic year for the GNR, my thanks go to all of you who contribute in such a positive way, both with the material submitted during 2004 and all the brilliant messages and tales posted on the board. Some sad and some very happy memories, some country.
Let's hope that Santa sends each of you some of these.
As previously worn by some nameless person, famous for her red dress.
You'll need these now that Pete and Doug have also discovered the delights of HTML.. will take the eye-strain out of reading the message board !
I'm hoping to be back with the GNR sometime in the late spring, and maybe, just maybe, we'll have the "New GNR" finally kick-started in 2005.
Happy and a healthy New Year to you all.
Arthur
Arthur Steevens, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 20:18:20 (UTC)
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To all GNR members
Merry Christmas and a jolly fine splendid New Year.
Am off to Scottburgh with Shelly from the 29th to the 6th January. Keep safe till we "speak" again.
Elspeth Lloyd, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 19:17:38 (UTC)
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Johnny
Your sacrifice would be too great! There would be ladies mourning throughout the world! Ted says so would mine be were I to agree.
Have a great Christmas you reprobate. God bless and happy times! Same to everyone. Over and out for a day or two XX
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 17:16:17 (UTC)
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Dear Tina why you because you would be the ideal girl for rolling in the snow with but I would draw the line of minus 32 that William say's is the local temperature at the moment but on second thoughts maybe I would risk it, and them for you Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 15:47:11 (UTC)
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The best of wishes to all on this Christmas Eve here in Manitoba at Yvettes family.
minus 32 this a.m. and snow, so if Johnny wants to roll around in it outside, he is welcome. It creaks though, no nice whoosh, just squeals of snow at this temp.
Off to the church in which we got married 35 yrs ago for midnight mass which is at 8 this evening . Ritual and habit. Part of the nice things of growing old- er than when in Zambia.
I think of the fun in the warm lands, but it is good here to have a white Christmas. Turkey and goose. And much alcohol.
Christmas is celebrating family ond friends.
And especial warmth and wishes to the 3 fols who keep this going . Dawie, our Founder. Ons hou u lief.
Bill
William Knott, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 14:37:24 (UTC)
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I would like to wish everyone on the GNR a peaceful Christmas and especially to the people that know me; Terry and Ian, Pauline, Pappy, Chris, Noel and hopefully to Roy .
Gerard Fagan, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 14:29:39 (UTC)
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Charles
I do have a vague memory of you and also Sheilagh, who, in my recollection had a lot of freckles on her face and wore her hair in a pony tail. I seem to remember her being quite excited about you starting at KG. I was terrified of Mr Wright (I think we all were) but I rather liked Mr Penny-whistle even though he made me weed the quad one lunch break, for not learning my Latin verbs. I was also secretly in love with Pongo Peters for two years!! You mentioned Dr Bell and when I lived in Stanley Avenue (for a brief period of my life) I used to play with his daughter, Belinda Bell. They lived just around the corner from us, in a house with large grounds. I coveted her doll’s pram.
Anona Balloch, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 14:20:39 (UTC)
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Muriel Gray
I wonder whether any of you out there remember my cousin Muriel Gray, daughter of Wyn and Lizzie Gray of Honiton Farm, Nega Nega? I never knew my cousin very well and only met her a couple of times at the farm but I would like to make contact with her or establish what became of her. I believe that she married an Afrikaans chap whose name escapes me. She would be in her early 60's and went to boarding school in Lusaka I think, after my Uncle and Aunt got divorced. Hopefully some of you recall her! Any leads Heather?
Cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 11:57:57 (UTC)
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Dear Johnny
That would be the ultimate overexposure.
How about imaginary snow? How about imaginary pictures of imaginary naked rolling in imaginary snow. And why limit it to just me? in my mind's eye I see three and one huff pictures of another lady, and many other subjects. Now, imagine them all posted on the GNR. Oh, too late. You already have.
Merry Christmas!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 11:40:14 (UTC)
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Anona,
Sorry for the deception, but I’ve now established that I do remember you from when I was a lad of 12 or 13 with the credo “Anarchists Rule – OK!” – and you a prefect at KG V1. On a scale of strictness, you guys were right up there with “Mr Right” and Gerry Penny. “Snakey” and “Pongo” paled in significance. All tongue in cheek of course. W.r.t. JP Hunt – he did have a farm, near Garth’s, which he leased out when he was at Mita Hills working for ZBHD Co.
Peter Goodhew,
You’re right about those dust roads. Many Expats, coming from overseas, wrongly assumed that their ability to drive on black ice would have prepared them for the quirks of dust road driving.
In 1971 or 2, Johnny Hunt and I were driving back to Mita Hills from a ‘session’ at the Lunsemfwa club when suddenly this bloodied apparition staggered onto the dust road into the headlight beams. I was driving (unofficially) at the time and, being a young undergraduate who had just partaken lustily from the charitable liquid hospitality of the Lunsemfwa Club, it was a miracle I never ran this spectre over with the ZBHD Co’s Toyota Stout. Ironically, JP and I had shared a few pints with this man earlier that day. He’d come up from Lusaka and popped in at the club to get directions to Wonder Gorge. On learning he’d need a 4X4 to get down there he decided to have a few drinks before heading back home. Fatal decision. When he’d driven off from the club he was a young, tall and fit Englishman. Now he was a bloody pulp. His vehicle had gone so far off the road we couldn’t see it. That guy must have spent quite a few anxious hours lying in the bush, at night, bleeding profusely and praying for someone to come to his assistance before the ‘wee beasties’ moved in. He was bared to the waist as he’d torn up his shirt to make tourniquets to stem the bleeding. We put him onto the back of the truck and, JP driving, hurtled the 60 odd miles into Kabwe. Getting there was no problem. Getting someone at the hospital to attend to him proved a major mission. We loaded him on a gurney and wheeled him all over that hospital – looking for help. I managed to scrounge some Aspro off someone, and it was almost dawn by the time he received any proper medical attention. I only heard, months later, that when a Doctor eventually got around to checking him over they had to rush him through to Lusaka to Intensive. Although in great pain not once did that Englishman complain – he was more concerned about us having enough petrol in the bakkie to get back to Mita Hills.
Mike Slement
You mentioned Eric Williams at the Ploughman’s Arms. Ironically, his name came up in conversation with my father a few weeks back. I’m not sure of when it was posted, but there was a recent photo of the Ploughman’s Arms on this site. Maybe Craig, Arthur or Heather could point you in the right direction.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 10:43:19 (UTC)
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Dear Tina thank you for that very enlightening story on the rolling in the snow< it is not to late for you to become a Texan, and I would not wish you to catch a cold of any description but maybe you could get some imitation snow and give us an indoor performance of the rolling around, (naked of course) and send us a copy to cheer up our xmas to the gnr, I am sure Ted will take the pics for us and you may finish up in that book along side that other poor girl. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 09:28:09 (UTC)
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To all at GNR.
We would like to wish you all a very happy christmas and a merry happy and healthy new year.
From here in Maastricht.
Lots of love Peter and Wilma Wall (Henry)
Wilma Wall, Netherlands [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 09:21:23 (UTC)
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PS
The caring input and shared experience of others on the GNR can be a major resource when you are going through such. Sue Forde Coughlan was my angel at that time, encouraging my writing as an outlet too. Thanks always, Suzie Q!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 05:22:02 (UTC)
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Everyone
It is very hard as your parents age. My dad spent the last year of his life with us in Texas before dying at the age of 86. His days and nights and his perceptions of reality all moved about at times. Ted and I alternated night shifts although Ted's health was already bad and while on night shift I found the GNR. You show your elderly parents the best love, sensitivity and respect you can, and hunker down accepting there will still be wonderful moments but some things will be difficult and it's your turn to be the kindest and yet most practical caregiver you can be, not forgetting to care for your fellow caregivers in the family and for yourself.
Johnny
It all started with Dorothea Hell. She was of German extraction and appears in the 1880 Guadalupe County, Texas census and is listed as being 19 years old and born in Texas. They lived in the 1st St. Clara Settlement.
(All completely true and internet researchable so far). She wanted to marry a handsome but extremely rocky young roustabout named Aces McGann. On a rare snowy day in the middle of a blowing "blue norther" she told this to her shocked family. Silence reigned in the flickering firelight of the pioneer cabin, punctuated only by the driving blizzard outside. Her father broke the silence. "This marriage, liebchen, will happen when hell freezes over". So Dorothea Hell ran to the cabin door stripping off her clothes as she went and dived stark naked out into the icy blast, rolling in the snow to speed up the freezing process. Sadly, she died of pneumonia three days before Aces was plugged by a jealous husband in a crooked poker game. And this, Johnny, is how the tradition started. P.S. I'm not Texan.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 05:06:10 (UTC)
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MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a
HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all of you
from
Paudie & Sue
and a special thanks to Craig, Heather and Arthur for all that they do for the GNR
Paudie Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 03:22:18 (UTC)
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Re: Murky swimming pools!
David Greys posting brought back horrid memories of a nasty, green pool in Pinelands in 1997: I was visiting Capetown for 6 weeks with my husband and two children, and my brother and sister in law were off on lecture tours in George. Being a good auntie, I relieved a relative of Steven and Amanda (aged 4 and 18 mnths respectively) of their charges for an afternoon, and set off to Pinelands pool. It was green, (very) and slimy, so I ensured that everyone was happily esconsed in the baby pool before drinking my G and T. I was deeply engrossed in a conversation with an ex Zambian, when to my horror, only Amanda was left in the baby pool. Steven had decided to embark on an epic venture into the big pool and disapeared, with my 6 year old and 18 month old. I dived to the bottom of the pool totally panicking, and surfaced in complete hysterics to find 3 small people peering at me in disgust. Alicia then aged 6 had taken the others off to the bar for crisps, and announced that the pool wa s too yucky to swim in. I suppose the moral of the story is that accidents happen so fast, or don't talk to ex Zambians whilst minding small children. I, as a parent find that it is very hard to let children have the same freedom I had as a child: all the rules have changed. My mom used to say to me as I set off into the bush on my pony, "Be careful of snakes", and I would venture off for hours. I cant even let the children walk down our road alone as the cowboys in big 4 by 4's speed down it at 70 miles an hour. How times and places change. Wishing you all well, Megs
Meg Rybicki, Ireland [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 01:58:29 (UTC)
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Marilyn, it is great to see you posting, hope you and Clive have been well.........
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 23:03:05 (UTC)
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To all who run, walk, or just amble along on the Great North Road, have a wonderful and safe festive season, and may all your wishes and dreams come true in 2005
xxxx
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 23:01:21 (UTC)
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My Dad died in Chililabombwe (Bancroft) in 1981. He was receiving chemo therapy (in South Africa) for prostrate cance which was under control. The cancer had spread but he was not in immediate danger and still had a long life ahead of him. He had to receive blood a few days after his treatment and the doctor in SA said he could go home to Zambia as the blood donation could easily be done there. All well and fine.... he was relieved that he could go home to my mother. Trouble is, the Mine Doctor in Bancroft gave him blood but it was from a donor that had jaundice..... My dad died two days later as his body was to weak after chemo to handle the infected blood. I flew home for his funeral and at a meeting with the Copper Mine Officials I was told that my Dad had died of cancer!!..... I started to object and was told in a very curt manner that if I protested this his pension etc would be withdrawn. For my mothers sake I had to back down. That was 22 years ago, but I live with the memory of that meeting every day of my life......
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 21:57:17 (UTC)
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Teresa Swart
I have emailed you direct but had no response as yet so your email address may not be working. You are looking for Charles Pettersson and I am his sister. Please email me for his contact details.
I am also looking for some people from my family that you may know about. Lily (Liliane Hunke) and her daughter Anita. If you know anything about them, please contact me.
I would like to wish all the GNR family a joyfull Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Esther Pettersson, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 21:50:50 (UTC)
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Hello from Sunny Perth
I've been remiss in my postings but still think fondly of the wonderful years we spent in Kitwe and how fortunate I am that my dad went to Kitwe to seek his fortune. I think the financial fortune eluded him but we were rich in so many ways, the least of which are our friends.
Thanks to this wonderful site Clive and I met up with Charlie Crowther last week. He was en route to Brisbane but will spend a day or two with us on his way back to SA. No doubht a few long nights to look forward to.
Philip Pain, where are you?
Tina, I missed your birthday and probably several others. Belated wishes to you all. What did you get up to Tina?
It's Christmas Eve and looks like another beautiful sunny day here. Those of you wishing for snow I hope you get lots of it! Anyone who makes a snowman, please post a photo. Making my own snowman is still on my 'To Do' list. One day.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND AN EXCELLENT NEW YEAR TO ALL MEMBERS ON THE GNR!
Marilyn
Marilyn Noall, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 21:28:29 (UTC)
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I do so relate to stories about aging parents. I think that the hardest time of my life was when both my parents were ill - my mother with cancer and my father with heart disease. Sadly, they died within six weeks of each other but in a way it was a blessing that they didn't have to live without each other for too long. I guess we were also blessed in that we didn't have to cope with having to put them into care and thankfully, their illnesses were relatively short. But, you know, so many times, even now, something happens and I want to tell them about it. How I wish that the internet had been around when they were alive. How different it would have been to be able to keep in touch when they were so far away (we were in Australia and PNG). Anyway, enough sad thoughts.
Happy Christmas to all my old and new friends on the GNR. Thank you for an entertaining and interesting year. Bless you all and let's keep on posting and having fun in the new year. Love you all xxx
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 20:59:46 (UTC)
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Lynthia/Glen
Thank you so much for sharing - I know how you feel as I couldn't bring myself to place my Mom. Both Mom and Dad died at home here with us and eight years down the line from Moms passing I still haven't found the time to 'sort out and throw away'. I will have to soon as my car stands out in rain and shine and my folk's "treasures" enjoy a place in the garage where the car should be! If I buy a new car I will be galvanised into action!
Go well and I am sure that you will do what is right for your circumstances.
Cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 20:45:47 (UTC)
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Bancroft Memories
CHRISTMAS 1966 IN BANCROFT.
I have just wandered in from our swimming pool having laced it with a liberal quantity of granular chlorine. This brought back vivid memories of Christmas 1966 which I spent in Bancroft.
As a single chap with a reputation for not throwing wild parties I was approached by the Mine Assay Lab Chief Chemist to look after his house while he and his wife were away on holiday on the Natal South Coast. By taking on a "leave house" one lived in the lap of luxury with a staff of two, a cook cum house servant and a gardener. I had done it before – there was nothing to it – what could possibly go wrong?
The Chief Chemist had recently installed a magnificent concrete swimming pool with a pump and a diatomaceous earth filter. The pool was finished with a coat of white paint and was filled with crystal clear water that shimmered and sparkled in the early December morning sunlight. The installation was obviously his pride and joy for I was given lengthy instructions on how to care for it. Cleaning the diatomaceous earth filter was a task on it’s own, requiring a degree in rocket science to reassemble it. Dosing the pool with granular chlorine was explained in minute detail. I was given a jam jar lid of about 3 inches diameter (75 mm) which had to have a slightly rounded pile of the chlorine on it. This quantity had to be carefully sprinkled round the edges each morning. Moreover I was given an American book on pool care to read. The Chief Chemist and his wife then set off on their holiday and I dutifully started to dose the pool each morning before going to work. The first week was absolute bliss, waited on hand and foot with access to a black and white TV set (Jeb Clampet and the ‘Beverly Hill Billies’) and, over and above everything, there was the pool.
Now the amount of granular chlorine I had been told to use was woefully inadequate for the high Ultra Violet levels of the early part of the rainy season in Zambia but I was blissfully unaware of that at the time. Almost imperceptibly a light green algae started to grow at the corners. I noted this and was a tiny bit more generous with the chlorine in those areas but all this was to no avail – the algae started to multiply exponentially and turned a slimy black in the process. I was now alarmed as I took my responsibilities very seriously. At that point the Assistant Underground Manager, who lived across the road and who had obviously been asked to keep an eye on me, wandered across to see how I was making out. I could tell by the sharp intake of breath that my score card was not about to be decorated with gold stars for achievement as they used to do in kindergarten! "We really will have to do something about this" said he. I guessed that the "we" actually meant "you". I read and re-read the pool book but disasters like this just didn’t happen in America so it looked like I was on my own and without a paddle! My initial efforts to dislodge the algae by scraping from the side of the pool only served to block the filter. There appeared to be only one thing to do and that was to pump down the pool and get in with a scrubbing brush to manually remove the algae. It was not going to be a very happy Christmas.
Now pumping down a pool in the middle of the rainy season when the water table might be high can be a recipe for disaster as the empty pool could ‘pop’ out of the ground and float like a boat. I was unaware of this fact. Luckily for me the shear weight of the concrete pool kept it in place but, to this day, I still shudder to think of what might have happened. I then pressed the gardener into service and he and I descended into the empty pool, I in my swimming costume and he in his grubby Greek Wrestler Quality underwear. There, with large scrubbing brushes, we worked like slaves. The algae came off reasonably easily but there was one small problem – the paint came away with it as well leaving large patches of bare concrete. As we stood in the pool surveying this latest disaster I heard a sharp intake of breath behind me and there was the Assistant Underground Manager on his second tour of inspection. This time he said nothing but walked quickly away as if distancing himself from the whole fiasco. Pity, I could have used another pair of hands.
Having removed all the algae we dried the pool (difficult in the rainy season!) and I then proceeded to fill it using the garden hose. Here another twist occurred. The rains had obviously washed a quantity of decayed vegetable matter into the Kafue and the water purification plant was just not coping. A glass full of water looked perfectly clear but a pool full was another thing entirely. The water was a dark browny-green and was so opaque that the bare patches of concrete were invisible. At this juncture I took a sample of the water to the Assay Lab and said "This is from your boss’ pool – how do I get the water crystal clear again?" I was given 2 gallons (about 10 litres) of concentrated sulphuric acid and told not to stand down wind when adding it to the water. I was also told to increase the dosage of granular chlorine. The effect was dramatic but not in the way I wanted – the water turned a luminous green like those socks which were so fashionable with teenagers in the mid 1950’s. Prolonged filtration improved the colour but the bare concrete was visible again. I went off to work and returned at lunchtime to ponder the problem. As I turned into the house driveway a small, wet boy with green hair ran past – the Assistant Underground Manager’s son! I had forgotten that the neighbourhood children had permission to use the pool whenever they felt like it and this lad had just exercised that right. The highly acidic, chlorine rich water had played havoc with his hair and most likely his eyes as well. I fully expected another sharp intake of breath and some choice language from the Assistant Underground Manager but somehow he didn’t seem to notice his son’s appearance. In any case I had enough to worry about because the Chief Chemist and his wife were expected back shortly. They blamed me for not dosing the pool as instructed and nothing I could say made any difference because ‘he was a chemist and he should know!’ I guess the word must have got around for I wasn’t asked to look after any other ‘leave houses’.
I can only hope that the Chief Chemist stayed at home over the following Christmas and dosed the pool in exactly the way he had instructed me. I hope that the strong Zambian UV promoted a rich harvest of algae and that it grew thick and black requiring vigorous scrubbing to get rid of the stuff. I will never know if this came to pass as I resigned three months later and took myself off to Europe for six months rest and recuperation – but that is another story.
One thing still puzzles me though – given all these bad pool experiences, why on earth did I ever install a pool here in Cape Town??? I guess some people just never learn!
Wishing you all a Blessed and Joyous Christmas and may 2005 be a healthy and prosperous one for you. Many thanks to Heather, Craig and Arthur who do so much for the GNR and to all of you who share your memories with us. Go well my friends!
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 20:27:38 (UTC)
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Charles
‘’ I’m convinced a waterwheel placed in the storm water drain outside his rooms powered his drill. You could grind corn faster than he could drill a tooth.’’
A dentist used to visit our small country school in Chisamba every year in the 50’s
Unlike you I never had cause to wonder what powered her drill. It was too painfully obvious. . The drill was purely mechanical with the dentist’s foot pumping up and down on a pedal.
There were no anaesthetics used and the drill seemed to go right through to ones brain.
I often relate the above story to my current dentist, who is in his thirties.He always laughs and I am convinced he thinks I am pulling his leg
========
You also mention the Ploughman’s Arms, which was about 35 miles north of Lusaka on the east side of the GNR.I wonder if anyone has been there in recent years. The Welsh couple who built it, Eric and June Williams, emigrated to Rhodesia many years ago.
It was the centre of social activity when I grew up .It had an English style Pub, tennis courts, a swimming pool and films shown once a month. It was also the last petrol stop before Lusaka
The school mentioned at top was a couple of miles further north on the same side of the GNR. I believe it is an Indian restaurant now. Has anyone ever sampled its fares?
Mike Slement, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 18:47:22 (UTC)
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Northerners...
Well, we had lots of snow here in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada but the rain and 10C temperatures made the snow disappear pretty fast, sigh....
I am still waiting for the hospital to call - double sigh....
But, here is a true story from my Yukon days...
According to Yukon department of fish and game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-arse man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.
A very merry Xmas to everyone!
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 18:27:21 (UTC)
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Lynthia - you are a lot stronger than you think. Thank for helping me put into perspective some of the feelings I have about my Mother, Pat Pirmez.
I returned to the US a week ago after my annual end-of-year pilgrimage to Launceston, Tasmania to see my dear eighty-six year old Mother.
The year that has passed since I last saw her in 2003 has taken it's toll. The legs are now really wobbly, the shoulders stoop even lower, it takes three or four rocking movements for her to get out of a chair and then hold onto her walker. On reaching a standing position, she will rest a moment or two, look around the living room at the pictures of all her kids that she now sees as square frames with shadows on them, smiles anyway, and shuffles her way to the kitchen to make her tea. When I'm with her in the kitchen, she tells me the same three or four stories, over and over again, laughs out loud at her own punch lines.
Her favourite one of me is about when I was a five year old kid sitting on the lap of my Great Granny who we called "Ouma".
My Mother's Mother was Granny; Granny's Mother was Ouma.
Anyway, whilst sitting on Ouma's lap, and she in the midst of a story about Jesus catching fish or something, I jumped off her lap and said I was tired of the story and wanted to go play outside. Apparently Ouma scolded me as I ran to go and play and shouted out that I was very rude and that if I continued to behave badly that Jesus would punish me. As fate would have it, while I was running away, I stubbed my middle toe against a rock and it started bleeding. Screaming as if I had just had my leg amputated without an anaesthetic, I came back to Ouma to look for sympathy and for a "kiss to make it better". That was when Ouma, according to my Mother, said, "See, I told you what would happen to you if you were naughty." Mom says I then said "Ouma, did Jesus make me hurt my toe?" to which Ouma replied "Yes. You should have let me finish the story about him and you didn't!"
(Now it is at this point of the story, which I've heard my Mother tell a zillion times, that my Mom chuckles away for a minute or two with tears streaming down her face . . . . . . )
And then you said to Ouma, Mom continues . . . . .
"If Jesus made me do that I'm glad they hanged him."
Hey, I was just a kid.
Back to dear Mother.
Everything of value that my Mother owns is linked to a treasured memory. She will hold something to her bosom and her eyes will glaze over and she will either smile and give a little chuckle, or look faraway as if to an horizon, and give a little sigh.
Her accomplishments this year, besides blacking out on the odd occasion, getting stuck in the bath for four hours and setting the kitchen on fire . . . . have been tremendous considering her lack of mobility. She looks after herself and after Tikki - her toothless Pomeranian pooch who is her constant companion.
In the same manner as your Mother Lynthia, mine is close to being placed into a care facility and I too have been struggling with the decision. I have had a stepless shower installed, the electric system is changing to a "cut out" in case of short, I have a nurse in the morning coming in to check Mom and one in the evening for a final check to see if her medication has been take correctly. I have arranged for the cleaner (Ella) from community services to come in everyday except Wednesday. She will also be helping Mom shower. She wears a "First Alert" system in case she falls and is unable to get up . . . .
So what is the point of GNR's knowing all this? There's no doubt in my mind that there are quite a few members out there, many my age, that were delivered, or even perhaps had one of their parents delivered, by my Mom at either at Nkana hospital or at some other South African, Northern or Southern Rhodesian hospital from 1939 through to 1961.
Maybe even some of you have had my Mother bandage your toe if Jesus punished you!
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 18:24:16 (UTC)
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Some one said that Texans see snow that infrequently that they strip off and roll around in it naked did you observe this custom/ and if so what about a couple of pics of you in actionJohnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 16:56:11 (UTC)
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Lynthia:
I am crying as I respond to your poignant posting below. I keep starting this posting and find myself lost for words, for once. The mental images your words evoked are very touching. The love and caring you show in your words are a fitting tribute to a mother who made her family feel loved and important through the years. While I cannot hug you in person, please know that my prayers are with you as you make this painful choice.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 15:52:15 (UTC)
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Lyn (Eldridge)
Thank you for eloquently sharing a most painful duty.
The writing was emotive - tugged insistently at the heartstrings. Most of us have been there or will be soon. I don’t believe Dot would consider that you didn’t care… I can’t imagine a more sensitive daughter.
If it is at all possible or you can enlist some family help to store stuff in roofspace or garages, do so... It's a whole lot kinder than throwing away you Mum's memories. Anyhow, please give her an extra hug for me.
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 15:26:58 (UTC)
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To Ron Clibborn-Dyer
With reference to my statement about being the first photographer on the scene - Dag Hammarskjold plane crash 18 September 1961.
Perhaps I should have said - The first civilian photographer. With the police having reached the crash site before I did, it would have been conceivable for them to have had their own photographer on the scene.
Your remark about who had the Ace of Spades and the position of such...... was, according to the source of information I received, correct in every detail. I promise you that apart from my telling wife about this particular incident, I had never, and I repeat never, mentioned this to anyone. My mentioning this particular incident did receive the response I hoped for..... thankyou!
I do, and did admit to placing objects in certain places for effect but, would never resort to placing the Ace of Spades where it was supposedly found. The source of this information I have never divulged to anyone.
N K 1
Norman Kenward, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 14:47:32 (UTC)
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Charles
Our farm, Wharncliffe Ranch, was situated 15 miles out of BH on the Lusaka road and Mr Scooby farmed behind us. I think Johnny Hunt did as well? I was at boarding school for most of my school years so I don't recall too much about the farm and its neighbours. The farmers that I most remember are the ones that I met when I was four or five.......farmers like Vi and Jimmy Richards (Vi taught me how to knit) and Lillian and Cedric Greenhill who taught us how to play Canasta. If they are still around they must be in their late 80's by now. Did you know them? I think Alberta was a year ahead of me when she became a prefect because I was a prefect in 1965 and I don't remember her from the prefect's room. She was certainly very strict with you, but then you probably deserved it!
Anona Balloch, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 13:50:27 (UTC)
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Dallas has a Christmassy inch of snow on everything which is a bonus for us. Very pretty yesterday with the snow falling though the ground was so warm from the previous day the snow didn't begin to settle for ages or we might have an inch and a half of snow. Supposed to melt off this afternoon but we thank it for its brief magic and charm.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 13:38:46 (UTC)
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Charles
I know what you mean about the roads around Broken Hill and a couple of drinks. Bob Plain might remember a trip he and I took to Luensemfa (spelling courtesy of my wife because neither of us remember how to spell it) Power Station to visit his folks when my Morris Minor did not make a corner!
Next time I'm talking to Lyndon I will pass on your regards.
All the best to GNR members and the powers that be of this message board for Christmas and the New Year.
Peter Goodhew, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 12:04:57 (UTC)
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Just to wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas. A special thank you to Craig, Arthur and Heather for all their hard work in keeping this site going. My local Indian Halal shop has Halal Turkeys available and at home we shall be having one on Saturday..mind you it will be spiced up! The forecast is for a White Christmas this year..but we in Manchester tend to miss out on it. So anyone out there in Yorkshire or Scotland... do send us some pictures of the lovely snow! All the best for the New Year!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 11:23:42 (UTC)
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I've not posted as much in the past twelve months as in previous years, but I still read the Board several times every day, and my enjoyment of so much of the content hasn't diminished in the slightest over the years.
Here's wishing everyone at the GNR a very Happy Christmas and New Year, and in particular thanks to Craig, Arthur and Heather - not to forget our founder, Dave !!
It seems that we're going to have a white Christmas here - as I write, the temperature is -12°C and snow is forecast tomorrow.
Barry Woodrow, Iceland [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 10:38:15 (UTC)
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Peter Goodhew,
Please pass on my regards to Lyndon. I remember him well as a nipper and never had the chance to meet with him, as an adult, a few years back when I was on contract in Jo’burg. I remember driving Garth to Lusaka to buy Lyndon’s (or maybe it was Wayne's) first bicycle. After a few beers at the Ridgeway and a few at the Ploughman’s Arms on the way home I think I broke a few records getting back to Garth’s farm. Then - after a few at Garth’s – I really took strain driving back to BH sans navigator. I discovered some really hairy corners on that road that night I’m sure were not there on the outward journey.
Desiree Van der Spuy
Thank you kindly ma’am. When is Francois going to fly you north of the Zambesi?
On the subject of dentists, it’s taken me many years to realise that ‘painless’ ones do exist. I’m sure no Broken Hill person from the 50s will ever forget a visit to Dr Bell’s surgery. I’m convinced a waterwheel placed in the storm water drain outside his rooms powered his drill. You could grind corn faster than he could drill a tooth.
Ron Clibborn-Dyer
Over the years I’ve heard many arguments about ‘conspiracy vs. human error’ w.r.t. the death of Dag Hammarskjold. Like most good ‘urban legends’ personal or family member involvement were added to advance the veracity of the story; such as ‘Our unit manned a field gun that night – just in case the South African mercenary pilot missed his target’, or ‘My brother took DH’s personal journal from the wreckage’, etc. I’m inclined to believe the two appointed commissions’ findings, as stated on pages 961-963 of that tome “The Welensky Papers – A History of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland” by J.R.T.Wood (Graham Publishing – Durban 1983). A few interesting points are made: Per Hallonquist, the pilot, had flown more hours that month than he should have and that, having never landed at Ndola before, he might have used the landing instruction for Ndolo in the Congo, as opposed to Ndola. Even though this was thought unlikely, the ‘Jepperson Manual’ found in the aircraft lacked a page for Ndola, and the ‘United States Air Force Approach Chart Manual’ was found open at Ndolo. I firmly believe it was pilot error and those opposed to Welensky and the Federation seized the opportunity to pass scurrilous comment.
Johnny Green
Let’s go visit Jilly Aplin. She’s going ‘fresh biltong farming’ – and she has a couple of African hunting dogs that are champing at the bit. She even has some Nsefu.
Jill Aplin
Jokes aside. Have you noticed how Elands’ hooves ‘click’ when they walk. I thought it was the sheer bulk of them that caused this to happen – but I’ve also noticed that Springbok do the same. They are the only animals I know this happens to.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 10:16:19 (UTC)
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As this year draws to its close, I’m filled with nostalgia and yearning for those carefree ‘Christmases Past.’ Memories from my childhood of the sights and sounds and smells of the festive season are especially poignant for me right now as I am in the middle of moving my 82 year old mother from a townhouse into the ‘Assisted Living’ section of a retirement complex. It has been really heart-wrenching stuff and I’ve shed many tears during the process as we have to reduce the volume of ‘baggage’ she’s carrying around because of the limitations of space.
Sounds simple enough but here is a little old lady who travelled to Northern Rhodesia as a young woman, to marry the love of her life some fifty seven years ago. There she lived and loved and laughed and cried – she built a life and raised a family – she gave of herself to the place that was home and received a wonderful life in return.
She eventually had to pack up her home together with her memories, to start a new life ‘down South’. The next 36 years saw her living in various places in South Africa, leaving her footprints in the sand in each one of them whilst adding all the while to her collection of heart treasures.
And now, at a time when she is virtually the only one left from those long-ago glory days, which is sad enough in itself, I have to tell her she can no longer keep all the things she has cherished for so long. I have to separate her worldly possession into boxes, most of which will be either given or thrown away: Where do I put the baking trays and cake tins when I can still smell the freshly baked cheese straws and mince pies? Who wants the worn-out tinsel and dilapidated fairy? How do I throw the coloured baubles into the bin when I’m sure I can still see the reflection of children’s faces on their faded surface. To which box should I consign the bundles of letters a homesick young girl wrote to her parents while she was away at boarding school nearly 40 years ago? Or the certificates which were awarded to my mother and grandmother for needlework at numerous Agricultural Shows long, long ago? - the newspaper cuttings of royal coronations, family births and deaths – birthday and Christmas cards from relatives and friends long dead?
If I could be granted one Christmas wish, it would be that I find the strength and sensitivity to complete this task without making her feel that all she has treasured, all the mementos of a life-time, are of no worth to anyone else, and to help her realise that what she gave of herself to each of us and to all those she encountered along the way is of far greater value than anything we’re putting into boxes. I want her to know that her life has been priceless.
To all of you travelling this wonderful Road – have a happy and safe Christmas and may the year ahead hold much of what you wish for!
Lynthia, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 09:29:47 (UTC)
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Sorry that should have been for Charles and Anona
Peter Goodhew, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 09:08:02 (UTC)
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Spoke to Lyndon Scooby that you were discussing Garth Scooby on the G.N.R. He said he would look the site up on the net who knows he may even join up.
Peter Goodhew, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 09:04:59 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas wishes to all, and a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year too.
A big thank you to Craig, Arthur and Heather for all they have done over the past year to make this site such a pleasant experience.
Drive carefully everyone.
June
June Dobson, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 06:29:10 (UTC)
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TEST MESSAGE
TEST ONLY
This is a test to see whether a text message can be posted so please bear with me. Craig please delete this!
Cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 05:37:00 (UTC)
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Hello Norman Kenward:
Your tasle of the 1st pix of Dag's crash site brings back so many memories - that we had a very interesting discussion a year or so later after the event.
The Ndola pub owner who recognised the decoding machine being offered for sale by the charcoal burners and then alerted the NRP that something was amiss. Sergeant Julian the American bodyguard was then still very much alive and was later taken to Ndola Hospital and died a few days later. Julian's testimony although hazy etc did not lay the blame at the Fed Gov'ts door much as the Swedes and other anti-Fed Gov't agencies would rather have believed. There were no RRAF aircraft stationed at Ndola at that time - its quite hard to hide a jet fighter at a civvy airport and without the usual staff of ground crew and flight crew.
It was in my estimation a case of lousy UN piloting and omission to correct altimeter settings. Plus flying without the required nav. port/starboard, clearance lights being switched on, so as to dodge the Katangese Air Force's - Fouga Magister from attacking the UN 'plane at night------ a really tall stretch but the UN was staffed then, like now, with some quite peculiar people.
regds
Patrick O'Connell, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 02:06:56 (UTC)
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Dag Hammarskjold - 18 September 1961
I have a set of some of the official police photographs taken during daylight showing the bodies in situ with that of Dag H himself with the Ace of Spades stuck in his collar.
I have always wondered if that was mere happenstance or did someone with a black sense of humour put it there for effect.
The debate between the conspiracy thoerists and the human error theorists continues in the same way as the Death of John Kennedy.
I enjoyed the version that is included in the book "The Poisonwood Bible"
If one compares that with the efforts now to remove Coffee Anan from the same job - it might make some Wonder !!!
So who ws the first person with a camera on the scene ?
Best wishes, Ron
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 01:38:18 (UTC)
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Norman Kenward,
Your assumption of the aircraft landing seems to agree with the Swedish inquiry.
If you or anyone else is interested, I coud try to scan my papers and post it here. it will be a lengthy task and might use up too much of this site's broadband.
The Rhodesian authorities take quite a bit of stick for taking 15 hours to discover the wreckage.
Robert Huntley, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 01:31:43 (UTC)
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Anyone wanting good reliable FREE voice communication over the internet should try this program FireFly:
http://www.freshtel.net/
You will need a headset with mike (approx $15) and you will have to alter the audio setting to your soundcard.
It works very well. Trouble free installation, just follow the instructions on the page.
We could talk to each other!
My number is: 80552593
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 00:29:44 (UTC)
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Once again reference is made to the event which lead to the untimely death of Dag Hammarskjold - 18 September 1961.
So much has been written about what happened that fateful night some 43 years ago.
For the record, I was the first photographer on the scene. How this came about was the fact that many of the overseas reporters were led to believe that the aircraft had crashed near to Mufulira. Hence, they had rushed over to Mufulira and were to be found at the local Boma. The police repeatedly informed them that they had not heard anything, one way or the other. However, one police officer, seeing me there, took me to one side and said that should he hear anything I would be the first to know. Wink! Wink! Late in the afternoon, this same officer invited me to go with him, and it was then he told me exactly where the crash site was. "Along Mufulira - Ndola Road, nearing Ndola I was to turn right just where there was a sign post which lead to where there were charcoal burners operating."
The officer told me that I would be given just 10 minutes start, after which, he would have to let the other's know etc.
I had a Wolseley car at the time, and believe me! It was foot to the floorboard all the way. Turning right along the path, as indicated, I hardly reduced speed, light was fading fast....... damage was caused to the bottom of the car.. however, I knew I had to get to the scene before the others. Once there, I witnessed the enormity of the situation. Yes! others from Ndola had arrived before me. These were the police and ambulance men. An ambulance was being driven away, believed to be carrying Mr. Hammarskjold. There were bodies, one of which I could clearly define as being a female, because of her dress/uniform, these had been laid in a row just away from the scene of the crash.
I was there to take photographs. Light was fading fast... directly in front of me was one of the engines, still burning. All around there were pieces of the aircraft. One part in particular was that of the fuselage with the United Nations crest on it. It was wedged between two saplings. To give the picture impact I placed a pair of shoes together with a tie. A sombre sight. Climbing up anthills, scrambling, as best I could, through the debris I took many, many more photographs. Before I left the scene of the tragedy it was totally dark. There was a certain eeriness about the place. Whilst there, I did but notice the way in which the trees, mostly saplings, were cut through. It was as if the aircraft was making a perfect landing. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that the lights, orange, leading towards the Ndola Hospital were mistaken for the runway lights at Ndola Airport. Unfortunately Dola Hill area was in the way?
You may well ask - "What happened to the photographs I took?"
Immediately I left the scene of the crash, I headed for Ndola and found out where the U.K. press men were.
I sold the rolls of film to them. A few weeks later, when visiting the Mine Cinema, Mufulira I did notice that the photographs I had taken, stills, as opposed to moving, had in fact been made into a movie, by making enlargements, and for the movie camera to occasionally zoom in. Nothing in the newsreel film was actually moving. The U.N. crest featured prominently.
Did you know there was a card game going on! Who had the Death Card on their person?
Norman Kenward, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 23:39:55 (UTC)
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Douggie G
As long as you are prepared to tell it that it doesn't look fat in that wallpaper.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 21:15:28 (UTC)
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Robert Worrall,
Thank you for your mention of the Hammarskjold crash..
I have in my files correspondence that I had with Ambasssador Bengt Rosio of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Rosio conducted the Swedish investigation into the events surrounding the crash and presented the Final Report in which the conclusion was pilot error.
I have three separate reports on the incident, as I was at one time a member of the Northern Rhodesia Ministry of Justice and an Under-Sheriff for the Chingola-Solwezi district.
Claims of a Belgian pilot shooting down the plane in Fougard jet were spurious, as were several claims of explosions and gun shot wounds on the bodies found in the plane.
All in all it was an eventful period in Zambian history.
Robert Huntley, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 20:41:52 (UTC)
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Feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. Hubby away on business and Christmas is here. Great to have access to GNR. I remember Christmas in Zambia so well. My only wish is for my family to see where I was born and where I spent the better part of my youth. I know all has changed but the memories will live on forever. The hunting trips with my father and the horseriding along the Kafue will never leave my mind. The only thing I hated were the Dentists assigned by the mines in our small town. They had no mercy!!! To this day I have such a fear of them. I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and may 2005 be a great year. (No, this time I'm serious - you don't all have to reply!!) I enjoy reading the messages on GNR and find comfort in knowing that there are still some great people around. Thanks, once again to Charles for introducing me.
ENJOY yourselves.........x
Desi
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 20:24:56 (UTC)
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Tina
I think you have the answer. My computer is so petulant it must be a female. Maybe I must buy it some flowers and chocolates?
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 20:21:10 (UTC)
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Kevin
Thanks. It was wonderful. I imagine you and Heather are evenly matched and have a lot of fun.
Jilly
Sounds like Heeeeeaaaaaaaavvvvvvvvveeeeeeennnnnnn! Baseji yodel of wishing from north Texas.
Douggie G
Ah, you have one of those machines with a strong independent Boer streak? Ag, can't do anything about that except pour two klippies and offer it one and drink the other. Maybe if you were to explain this was a suggestion because it is so very cute and talented? Besides no one would want any machine to feel it was being ordered so you think we should just let it be?
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 19:15:38 (UTC)
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Ken
That is also one of my favourites, "When the sun says good day to the mountain".
Tina
I am trying, but zis machine does not vant to obey orders!
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 18:39:56 (UTC)
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Heather,
I tried to email you but I got a funny message - anyway - just to let you know that Otto and I will be attending the Soirée.
Tina,
Haven't moved in yet to new home - BUT the roof is on at last - and it will be soon now. There are new baby Eland, Black Wildebeest and Gemsbok about - the impala and and springbok babies are due any day. We shall be spending Xmas day at our house braaing prawns and watching the resident fish eagle and hippos - can't wait to move in! The basenjis are also very eager to move - they love going on game drives!
Ciao, Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 18:00:53 (UTC)
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Anona,
The two men you met are the same – Johnny Hunt and Garth Scooby. Tragically, both have passed on. I regarded them as close friends and mentors. In 1976, when Garth heard from my parents about my pending wedding to Tess, he sold some cattle and he and Dorothy accompanied my folks to Stellenbosch to be with us on the occasion. For a full fortnight the whole of the old Devon Valley hotel was commandeered by GNRs. I have fond memories from those happy, carefree days. Did your parents’ farm lie on the Casavasa Road or further out near Nyama siding? You’re about the same age as my younger sister (Maureen Alberta) who was a prefect at KG V1 in my first year at high school. “Bertie” wrote GCE at KG V1 before boarding at Jean Rennie for A Levels. You couldn’t possibly have been one of her ‘sweet young peers’ who took great delight in making me write ‘A hundred lines on the contents of the inside of a ping-pong ball’ or some such drivel – as a penance for some trivial misdemeanour? For weeks after those episodes I could be heard muttering dire quotes from the Old Testament.
Mwizenge Tembo
I agree with the Woad hued Colin – sweet corn should be boiled and served hot with lashings of butter. The real secret is to eat the corn not more than 4-5 hours after picking as the fructose slowly breaks down and deteriorates to sucrose (I’m not sure if I have that the right way around but I’m sure someone on board will correct me). This fact was proved to me by a friend who farmed Sweet corn in the George area (South Africa). Whenever he visited town he’d drop off a sack of dew-fresh sweet corn at my house – the sweetest and tenderest corn I ever had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into. Mind you the Outeniqua is the jewel of the Garden Route and one of the most fertile areas in Africa. ‘Outeniqua’ is a Hottentot word for ‘a man laden with honey’ and ironically, when I lived there I started beekeeping as a hobby. If you’re going to try rolled oats – try and get Jungle Oats. I personally can’t eat oats without adding a few spoonfuls of ground ginger (Tina – are you sure ‘spurtle’ can be mentioned along with food in the same sentence?).
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 11:49:36 (UTC)
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Detail on the Hammarskjold crash:
http://www.sjwill56.ukonline.co.uk/interest.htm
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 11:45:51 (UTC)
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Travel to Zambia:
http://www.sunvil.co.uk/africa/zambia/guidebook/intro.htm#Title
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 11:29:37 (UTC)
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Some pictures of Zambia, but about 4 years out of date:
http://www.cosrock.org/wiltjk/index.htm
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 10:13:47 (UTC)
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Tina
Happy birthday, my special friend, sorry it’s late I have been in Lusaka terrorizing that woman there. Hope that you had a fabulous day and are still recovering.
Betty
I remember spending a delightful 30 minutes or so with you on the couch and before anyone gets any ideas the room was crowded.
Coming back from Lusaka yesterday I stopped and bought a whole heap of mushrooms for less that a Pound, there was enough for breakfast this morning and loads to my sister and friend.
Pappy (the supplier of fine whisky)
Our barman’s wife supplies the Boat Club with roasted nuts done on an open fire using an old piece of tin and they are simply delicious, far tastier than the hygienically roasted mass produced ones that one buys in the shops.
To all of you have a very good festive season (Ayub catered for) and may 2005 bring you health, wealth and happiness. A special thank you to all those that run this board, you bring hours of pleasure to all of us and I shall raise my glass to you all.
Kevin Shone, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 09:52:25 (UTC)
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Happy - Happy Tina (sorry it's late) and Heather Knowles.
Hope you have lovely Birthday moments - days - years!
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 09:19:37 (UTC)
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Heather Knowles, Sheila Wallis, Gene Pecker, Amanda Barker, David Greenall, Ida Pullen, Malcolm Thursby
Best wishes on your birthday
Heather Chalcraft, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 05:34:24 (UTC)
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Alan Chattaway, Llewellan Anderson hope your birthdays were WONDERFUL!
Lindy aka Beauteous Lady in Red and Fiona aka Warmhearted Lady in Demand - serious hugs XX
Pappy
I shan't forget your Shirley in Tytherington cemetary either. What is her T-shirt size small, medium? Email me her T-shirt size and your address.
Johnny the Chingola Charmer
Your pig-off-the-rails was such a masterpiece!!!!!!!!! Thanks to Heather for posting.
Charlie from Cruach Briste
Thanks! The mushroom post left me starving! And how did you know "Dammit Tina" is one of Ted's nicknames for me? The other nickname is when I am in trouble and this is: "Christina Ann Wallace Magee!"
Douggie G
Ta muchly! Be cool to write out a message as the bloggers do but with the colours of the Zambian flag with the stripes and fisheagle in the right places and colours in the message. Too much effort to get beyond page one of the blog site for me but I bet you could do it.
Colin the Painted
Thanks! Do you stir you porage with a spurtle? Be great to have someone in Africa carve you a spurtle so you had an Afro-Scottish one.
Lucille Star to Gene Vincent
Lucille Star --word association.... I had to unearth and play: "Lucky Star" by Gene Vincent ... several times, loud, with harmonies. He's now belting out: "Held for Questioning". Incidentally he's the one that our Brian Geyser's voice reminds me of at times, when he's not reminding me of the one, the only, Brian Geyser. Howzit Julia?
Jilly
You might as well look in the mirror when you are saying such nice things because you are describing yourself!!! What are you up to right now? What's happening in the lives of the animals around your new house?
Gary, Tasha, Scott
Thanks for the card and hugs to you always.
Ali
Huge Hugs just because....
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 04:42:55 (UTC)
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Tina,
Many, many happy returns on your birthday. Hope you get spoiled rotten by your family. You're a very special lady.
Lotsa love, Jilly X X X X X
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 23:17:18 (UTC)
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Doug: My favorite Lucille Starr number was,"Quand le soleil dit bonjour au Montagne". She sung this on every show she guested with Tom Jones. I believe her Manager said she sang like a French frog. I don't think so, obviously neither do you.
Ken Fernie, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 23:09:27 (UTC)
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Ignore my last posting. I have just founf Lucille Star on Amazon and ordered a CD as my Xmas present to myself.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 20:47:05 (UTC)
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TINA: CEUD MILLE GREETINGS ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY.
THE PAINTED ONE
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 20:45:54 (UTC)
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Bill & Yvette
I once had a LP record by a French Canadian singer named Lucille Star that was realy nice. It is long lost. I cannot find her on the Musica site or on Kalahari. Any suggestions?
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 20:28:10 (UTC)
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Yukon Pete
I have been trying to make a 3D Xmas greeting on
http://www.3dtextmaker.com/
but I cannot get it to paste on the message board. See what you think of it!
Cheers
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 18:30:55 (UTC)
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Happy Happy everything Tina!
Thank you Politburo for all your effort!
Craig, Arthur, Heather & Dawie van der Blixem.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 18:12:55 (UTC)
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Charles
Not a bad story about 'the bloke on the hill', I did have a chuckle.
You mentioned a John Hunt......when I was about 13 my father took my sister and I fishing at Siavonga for a week........those were the days when one showered under the stars, in a cubicle made of sacking. We were joined by a Mr Hunt and a Mr Scrooby and one of them owned a large cabin cruiser. I wonder if it was the same Mr Hunt that you were writing about. I'm sure his first name was Johnny......Mr Srooby farmed not too far away from us.
Anona Balloch, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 15:32:01 (UTC)
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I have been trawling the message board archives and came across the facinating website concerning the leopard and the crocodile.Around this time June 6th 2004 reference is made to a similar situation concerning a pride of lions as photographed by Penelope Littlejohns.I have not been able to locate these photos using the search facility.Can anyone assist and point me in the right direction.Thanks in advance.
Graham Lampshire, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 15:00:49 (UTC)
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To all those happy mushroom munchers.
Those massive mushrooms we used to collect from antheaps in our youth were scientifically described as recently as 1980! I’m surprised not one of us used the opportunity to write an interesting thesis or paper on the subject (Peter Ashton – that would have been your forte). Those mushrooms of the genus Termitomyces, as the name implies, can only survive if ‘farmed’ by termites. The termites actually cultivate fungal gardens by growing and nurturing the mycelium on paper-thin shelves made from their own faeces (let’s not dwell too long on that point); and harvest parts for food for their young and the queen. Periodically, after rains, the termites clean and repair their nests and bring the fungus to the surface where it produces a host of tiny white mushrooms – some 30 different species. Whilst a boy I was taught to collect mushrooms only from antheaps – still sound advise as far as I’m concerned. A friend and I, on school vacs at Mita Hills, almost poisoned Johnny Hunt by experimenting with different mushrooms we’d collected. We all ate from the same frying pan and JP Hunt went down with terrible stomach cramps. Us boys suffered no ill effects and I can only conjecture that all the Lantana seeds - plus all those other berries and fruits which adults treated with equal distaste - had inured us to any form of food poisoning.
The large mushrooms, such as the Beefsteak Mushrooms (or I’kowe) in South Africa and the White Elephant (or tousweu (sp?)) - Termitomyces titanicus –grow up through the termite nest on an extraordinarily long stem and produce a giant mushroom on the surface. Zambia’s Termitomyces titanicus is the world’s largest mushroom with a cep almost a metre (39 inches) in diameter. Ron C-D will find this interesting - termite fungi are believed to possess medicinal properties, not only in Africa but also in China where old medical books mention Termitomyces albuminosus as strengthening the stomach, improving thought processes, and curing haemorrhoids.
I used to believe there was no finer mushroom than those giants – until I was introduced to the Cep (Boletus edulis). This ‘meaty’ mushroom takes longer to cook than other types and only a little butter must be used. Add some milk, or chicken stock, and cook for 20 minutes with chopped onions. They’re unbeatable when eaten with fresh bread and salads. They’re also delicious with scrambled egg. Now that’s a mushroom – and they’re found right here in the Western Cape!
As the old Romans would say “Cibus deorum" – food of the gods. And Martial (Marcus Valerius Martialis), the rriter of epigrams circa 95-98 AD, wrote that it is easy to despise gold and silver but exceedingly difficult to refuse a plate of mushrooms.
Tina Magee
Wishing you a very happy birthday.
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 12:57:26 (UTC)
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Happy Birthday Tina! Hope you have a great day and that you get spoiled rotten. Lots of love to you xxx
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 12:45:18 (UTC)
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Tina Magee, Alan Chattaway, Llewellan Anderson
Best wishes on your birthday
Dear Tina
Be very careful who you adopt. I adopted this one and what a waster. He turned out to be a Drinker, Womaniser,and a real con artist(dont come back with just like his adoptive step dad) Just a friendly warning he could end up costing you a lot of money and you're not in smacking distance of him.
Johnny.
Heather Chalcraft, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 12:42:48 (UTC)
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TINA,HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL.
SHIRLEY SAYS SHE WILL THINK OF YOU WHEN SHE GOES TO THE CEMETERY TODAY,HA!HA.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 11:04:16 (UTC)
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Ian,
My moms pickle fish was one of my favourites as well,there was no one that could make it like her,I still look to see if I can come across a pickled fish as good,but as yet have not found one.My sister Ann has the recipe as well and she some times makes it for me when I see her.I am going to her on Christmas day,so will ask her for the secret,then I will let you know via your address.
Do you remember when you borrowed my Kawasaki to race with,now that was some bike was it not.
Is Gillian still in Wales,the last time I saw her was at the Kitwe Little Theatre,I was there with Blackie Hall.
Well it looks like it`s only Aunty Nora and Aunty Olive left of the old crowed,I think Olive is 97yrs old.she just keeps on going.good to hear from you keep in touch,best wishes to you and the family for Christmas and the New Year.
Pappy,Shirley and the KIds
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 10:58:54 (UTC)
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Hi to Ali Key!
We lived in Broken Hill for a year(1963) - I was in Form 2 at KGVI. Married to an Australian now. We do a lot of 4wd trips and are frequent visitors to Innamincka and the deserts around! So I too have been to Broken Hill on two continents!! Sorry to steal some of your thunder!
Love reading all the familar things posted! My Dad was on the Railways and we moved around and covered just about every town - but unfortunately not many lasting friendships endured-loved every minute though and can recall great memories and the fun of growing up in NR.
I have managed to get my children addicted to biltong and sugar & cinnamon pancakes. They still laugh when I tell a dog to 'voetsak' and talk about 'just now' !! Some things remain forever!
Elsabe Lamb, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 09:39:42 (UTC)
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Many happy returns to that Texas tearaway and may she have many many more she is a honey Love Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 08:17:20 (UTC)
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TEXAS TINA
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 05:54:44 (UTC)
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Ali darling I am completely choked! I mean I'm snuffling like my new daughter.
My adopted GNR Sister Ali has made a donation to give me a bit of foster mumship for a most beautiful birthday present. Right now I am a warthog's Mum. Little Cassidy is a week old and has just arrived at Afritrust. His picture is not even up at the site yet. I mean, can you imagine a more precious and meaningful gift? To be made part of reclaiming life and giving nurture, of taking back from sadness and destruction and giving a loving environment and the chance to thrive and grow. Is there anything better to be associated with in the world?
The story of the littlest Cassidy and the Cassidy that went before him is on the Afritrust message board. Ali's gift is under Foster Parents entry 644.
I will try to be a good and supportive Mum, Ali and give Vlakkie Cassidy lots of support. You are one in a million, girl!
Batt aka Jade - thank you for your lovely creative pink birthday card and lovely wishes. Keep up the art Batty. You have your mum's art genes and lots of talent. Huge hugs Ali, Ally, Batty, Lizzie, Rosie, Taali, Freddles and Siddles.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 03:09:05 (UTC)
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Colin, re salt in porridge.......it is the only food I HAVE to have salt in.otherwise it tastes like glue (giggles)
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 02:29:24 (UTC)
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MWIZENGE : Much as I have enjoyed your postings in 2004 I have to take you to task regarding your advice not to boil mealies. Like yourself and most of us, from when the the first acceptable cob was available till the last at the end of the growing season, every night we feasted on them. Every known method to man, including all of your own, we tried over the years. But without doubt the only way is to boil the cob in its husk and as we did, cover it in lashings of unsalted farm made butter and then enuff pepper to make a rhino sneeze!! ( No salt of course)
Why don't you try rolled oats (trad Scots Porage Oats) on your kids instead of the silly breakfast cereals in America today, it would be a start! I always thought sadza was far too sweet, a bit like Farola in Scotland, where we put salt in our porage. ( Don't try it unless you is born to it)
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 02:24:29 (UTC)
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ooooooooooops I had an "Ali" moment....go to www.afritrust.com/afritrustowners/fosterparents.asp
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 01:11:09 (UTC)
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TO MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER TINA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.......MUCH LOVE AND WISHES ALI, ALICE, BATT, LIZZY , ROSIE,TAALI,FWED,SIDDILES.......XXXXXXXXXXX
PLEASE GO TO......http://www.afritrust.com/Index.asp SCROLL DOWN THE DONATIONS LIST TO THE END...............XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 01:05:19 (UTC)
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Pappy,
Talking about Northern Rhodesian/ Zambian food, one of my best memories is your mom's Pickled Fish. We were at 82 Princess St and you guys at 80 Kantanta St if I remember correctly. I used love it. When I was in Wales earlier this year, during my mom's illness, I had time to sift through her hand written recipes and there it was"Mrs Papiers Pickled Fish." Well I copied it out, along with many others (melktart, watermellon konfeit etc) When I got back to Australia I tried it out. Got close, but nowhere near the mouthwatering stuff your mom used to make. Any hints as to how she used to make it?Funny how stuff sticks in your mind.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and to all on The Great North Road.
Ian Lesch
Ian Lesch, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 00:54:35 (UTC)
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Arthur, Heather & Craig
Another great year for the GNR. Excellent work.
Yunus Badat, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 23:58:43 (UTC)
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May you all have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year ever.
I can remember the mine Christmas Tree Parties held for us. I STILL have a hair dryer that FATHER CHRISTMAS gave me at one of the parties!!!
My Mom, Lorraine, used to spend many hours sewing the most beautiful dresses for my sister's Leonie June and I for this very special day. The excitement started months before the actual day. Egg sandwiches were the most popular of the day!!!!
I have made so many special contacts through GNR. I really am so grateful to each one of you for putting me in contact with people who were so special to me. And, of course,to people whom I have never met, who have taken their precious time to respond to my mails to help me find those long lost friends - THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU - I really appreciate it.
ENJOY the festive season with your families, may God Bless you and keep you safe during your travels.
Love and very best wishes,
Margaret Botha
Margaret Botha, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 20:41:49 (UTC)
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Howie, On GNR at last. I checked you in Basil's Amazing Grace at Brasso's place last week. good photos from the old days, why've you cut your hair?
Where is Basil? I thought he was moving to kloof last last year. Got your number , might phone you after Christmas, I'll be in Doonside.
Bob Gillies, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 19:52:18 (UTC)
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Ayub, Pappy, Mike
This talk of Zambian foods really makes my mouth water and I get home sick. I always hate to look at the photo of nshima with delicious looking chicken on my web page when I am hungry.
Kandolo
There is very little that you can find here that matches the variety of Zambian kandolo. When ever I eat it in Zambia, it is such a culinary delight. You have kandolo that is all yellow, then ones that have a pink or purple outside, then ones that are very light and dry. Just so many varieties. There are so many varieties of cooking it too.
You have not really eaten sweet kandolo if you have not eaten this uniquely stored type: in the villages in Zambia, sometimes a household will harvest too much kandolo in March/April. Occasionally, people will dig a hole in the village about two feet deep. They will pour the kandolo in the hole and cover it with the soil. Then they will retrieve it in late May or early June and cook it. I swear that if you are a true kandolo connoisseur, you will die after you eat that kandolo. It is ohhh!!! So sweet!! Hmmmm. You need a glass of water in the vicinity.
Nthwilo
Nthwilo or peanut powder is the magic ingredient that makes all vegetables so much more delicious. People here boil broccoli and force "Johny", the two year, to finish his vegetables. Even the older President Bush said once that he used to hate eating broccoli when he was young. Now, cook it in nthwilo, anyone would love to eat it. There is a special ingredient known as cidulo that most green vegetables are cooked in. I describe this on my web page.
Zimbe
When ever I return to Zambia, I eat so many Zimbe or sugarcane that my relatives think I am nuts. It is not only sweet, but that’s about the strongest sweet workout my jaw muscles get every few years. The sugar cane also flosses my gums and teeth perfectly. That’s why I can’t eat more than one sager cane at time because my jaws gets exhausted the first time I eat the sugar cane when I return to Zambia.
Mushrooms
I gave up on eating any of the white tasteless stuff they call mushrooms here. I am sorry to declare that once you have eaten the variety of Zambian wild mushrooms, you can’t enjoy the one variety they have here. It is like eating a forbidden fruit. You can’t go back.
The mushrooms in Zambia are stupendous; the big ones known as nderema, then there are the dark ones, and then white slippery ones i.e practially wild mushrooms covering all the colors of the rainbow. Those small little white or yellow ones that grow in large bunches known as nyonzwe ought to be the best, especially when you cook them with nthwilo and have a nice hot plate of nshima next to it. Hmmmmm.
Nshima
When ever I go to Zambia, I make sure to I bring with me a 5 Kg bag of mealie-meal on the plane as hand luggage. I do this so that it does not get lost and wind up in Singapore, or Australia, or Patagonia. Probably Australia would be ok since a few GNR members would immediately recognize the stuff as not cocaine but something edible. The nshima you cook with it is unique. You have to be a true nshima connoisseur to appreciate this. I store this mealie meal in my deep freezer. I use it only for special treats. I don’t waste it on my kids because they are American and do not appreciate it. So I cook them the yellow or white quaker corn meal. If you truly want to have an appreciation of nshima, please visit my web page.
Lastly, sweet corn or dobe, has so many varieties of cooking. But the best is not boiling or classic Western grilling. The best is when you get the fresh corn, remove the covering around the cob, and then find or make a good fire with actual wood. Please, no artificial fires.
Then when the fire has embers, place the fresh corn about 4 inches close to the fire. When one side is brown, rotate the corn or maize. Do this until the whole corn cob is golden brown. If you have a tough mouth, dig into it right away. If not, wait until it is cool. Make sure as you are waiting, to wear a bib to catch the drool because you will be salivating like the Pavlovian dog. Have a glass of cold water waiting nearby as you devour the sweet corn. Hmmmm. Well, I ought to go and find something to eat quickly as I am drooling hopelessly.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 19:21:38 (UTC)
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SPAM DELETED.
Joseph Baleni, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 14:47:05 (UTC)
Joseph, as a new member you may not be aware of the etiquette around here. "Spam" is defined (in the context of this message board) as the posting of messages soliciting for your business, especially if your post and your business have nothing to do with Northern Rhodesia or Zambia. Do not do it. Doing it a second time will result in suspension.
GNR Management
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Anona,
Contrary to popular belief, Broken Hill was not named after the Australian BH. It happened like this:
Some okes were digging away at a hillside in NR when one of them unearthed a skull -- the famous Homo rhodesiensis skull. News spread rapidly thru’ the town and soon everyone was talking about ‘the bloke ‘n the hill’. Someone was heard to say "Gee -- that’s a nice name for our town -- Bloke in Hill". Through common usage the name was corrupted to Broken Hill.
Ja.......well........ no....... fine....... (as Tina or BM would say)
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 14:21:18 (UTC)
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To everyone, have a super exciting Christmas and everything you wish for yourselves for the New Year!
I was going to post this later in the week but the way things are going in the office ...better now than not at all!!
David Gray - I read "Scribbling the Cat" because I was given it as a present. I hadnt intended reading it after reading her first book which somehow I found disturbing reading. I found the second book more disturbing and don't quite know what to make of it.
Anyone having read it, is all of it definately fact do you think or is there some fiction in it ... I know terrible things happen in wars and I confess to being ignorant of the 'classified' actions ... but some of the stuff made my hair curl - I'm emphatically peace loving so perhaps I tend bury my head in the sand on occasions ...
David I wouldnt say don't read it - get it from the library and see what you think.
Cheers
Kris
Kristien Massie, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 13:46:27 (UTC)
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Ken’s ‘Christmas Party’ tale reminded me of one I heard a few weeks back. Alf (surname discretely deleted) was the narrator. Alf spent his formative years in Railton, Broken Hill -- and attended the Dominican Convent for primary schooling before his parents moved to Bulawayo.
Every year, in the early 50s, Roy Welensky played the definitive Father Christmas to all the children of the Railway Camp; and this annual Christmas Party was the highlight of the year to many a child. Alf was no exception and strove every year ‘to be a good boy’ in order to profit from the largesse of the occasion. The first year he attended he stood fretfully champing at the bit ‘til his name was called out. Unfortunately for Alf the first letter of his surname appears way down the Alphabet - # 22 in fact - and he had a long and anxious wait. When the grand moment arrived, he ran the length of the Railway Club hall and hopped onto the great man’s knee. He perched, precariously, in awe of the man. The sheer size of him. Alf was fascinated by the size of Santa’s hands -- like huge hams. Then he saw it - on Santa’s left hand was a signet ring! No ordinary signet ring! A gold and onyx ring -- but with a unique emblem engraved on it. Alf had only ever seen this ring once before- he knew this ring very well. Reaching up, he pulled at the beard and shouted: "You’re not Santa! You’re my daddy!"
A titter (No Johnny! I mean a ‘snigger’) rose from all the attendant mothers.
Footnote: As we all know, Alf’s misguided spurious claim had little impact on this great statesman’s political career as Sir Roy Welensky was destined to become the Prime Minister of the Central African Federation.
Mwizenge,
You refer to Kandolo. I knew them as 'izambane' . Same thing?
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 12:37:27 (UTC)
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I have just found this site which lists most of the schools I went to in Africa together with people I used to know from as far back as 1954. You will have to join to see who is listed from your old schools, luckily free and not arduous. The server sometimes gives errors just click refresh to get the page you want, to find schools in other cites in Zambia or elsewhere click home just below the main banner.
http://www.gradfinder.com/p/grad/browse.cgi?country=247&city=Ndola
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 10:53:59 (UTC)
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Hello Kevin, remember me, I sat with you in the living room and bent your ear at the Reunion last month? You got my mouth watering at the mention of the mushroom season. When we were children we used to go out picking mushrooms, coming home with baskets overflowing. My mother used to fry them in lots of butter and our meal that evening was simply buttery mushrooms on bread. I can still smell them and have never tasted or smelt mushrooms like them again. The closest I have come to them are the oyster mushrooms but still not a patch on the wild Zambian variety. Wish you could parcel a few up and send them to me!! Enjoy.
To all on the GNR I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and for 2005 I wish you the least of the very worst, and the most of the very best.
Betty Mahady, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 09:52:28 (UTC)
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Hi All, Ken
There's a Horizon article about Johnny Green here.
http://nrzam.org.uk/Kasama/kasama_articles.html
Regards Ian
Ian Singer, Scotland [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 09:11:44 (UTC)
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Seasonal greetings to everyone on the GNR, hope that everyone enjoys a great time with family, friends ect. I so wish that I was spending this time of year somewhere warm, but at least I'm with my family, my gorgeous children, and have (small) drinking boots left with which to bring in the goodwill of the season. Question, why does the onset of age and lots of children play havoc with ones capacity to drink, (even moderate amounts of alcohol leave me in a total heap, prone to singing, (off key), James Brown songs, and worse, I think I can dance, so I do), so Happy Christmas, a good new year, and as we used to say, Go well.
Megs, (apparently there is a shop in Dublin that now sells biltong, Irish made, (because of foot and mouth), and mealie meal.) I will make a pilgramage in the new year to check it out!)
Meg Rybicki, Ireland [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 20, 2004 at 00:12:59 (UTC)
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JOHNNY GREEN ...........
The world has been truly blessed with two Johnny Greens.
The first Johnny Green being the debonair good looking raconteur who charms the ladies of the GNR with his talent and wit.
The second hailed from Glasgow and when he arrived in Northern Rhodesia in the early 50's worked as a mechanic with Thatcher Hobson in Kasama. Thatcher Hobson was a trucking and bus operator.
Johnny, was a good looking Scot and was Kasama's most eligble batchelor. Known to the kids as Uncle Johnny, he taught many of us to swim at the natural spring fed swimming pool in Kasama.
I last saw Uncle Johnny in 1962, he had just married and had started his own business in Kasama. I believe that he moved to the Copperbelt and was tragically killed when attempting aerobatics in his plane.
Kevin Shone is an old Kasama lad, perhaps he knows a little bit more about Jonny Green a great Scot, friend and uncle who travelled on the Great North Road.
Kenneth Miller, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 22:45:33 (UTC)
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Scribbling the Cat
The book programme on SABC radio this morning placed "Scribbling the Cat" as No 1 on the Top 10 non-fiction books on sale at present in South Africa! The general consensus of opinion on the GNR gave it a "thumbs down" I seem to remember. As a result of that I haven't bothered to read it.
Cheers
David Gray.
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 22:41:51 (UTC)
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Ken's and (earlier this month) Mwizenge's wonderful Christmas stories should be toasted in David Gray's supply of guava juice if we had any!
No Glenn, I wasn't born yesterday. They just go down to the squirrel store and buy little waterproof longjohns.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 21:22:59 (UTC)
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Sorry Johnny, I think you and I must have posted at the same time
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 21:06:04 (UTC)
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Ken
Not THAT Johnny Green????
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 20:59:49 (UTC)
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I would like to mention that I was not the Johnny Green the father xmas in Kasama He was Johnny the aviator who was tradgically killed in a flying accident he was a friend of mine and as I was always up and down to Abercorn in those days I got to know him quite well it was a shock to my wife to when he got killed as the phone never stopped ringing people sending there condolences to her thinking it was me. Johny
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 20:58:35 (UTC)
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Tina after reading so far down I was going to say first catch
your fox until i saw the igenious way you obtained the fluid, some of you may remember a couple of years ago I had quite a few people wandering around there lawns at night weeing on mole hills I believe it was both men and women but no one ever came back to me to say thank you it worked its not to late Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 20:46:12 (UTC)
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THE CHRISTMAS STAR ...........
As a young boy growing up in Kasama during the early 1950s, I can recall the excitement and anticipation that grew as we approached Christmas.
The Saturday before Christmas the annual childrens christmas party was held at the Kasama Club. The ballroom was gaily decorated and in front of the stage was placed the Throne, where Father Christmas would sit and hold court.
After devouring a mountain of sandwiches and Christmas baking all washed down with glasses of oris a shout went up as Father Christmas bellowed a gruff HO HO HO from the back of the room.
Father Christmas with his large red sack filled with presents slowly walked towards his throne. As he sat down the room became silent, then he started to call each child up to have a few words and to give them a gift. I always had moments of concern, had I been good enough all year to qualify for a gift ..... surely Mum would not have informed the Jolly Old Elf that I had suffered some behaviourial problems during the year.
Then I heard his booming voice shout " Kenneth Miller",
plucking up courage, I approached Father Christmas, sat on his knee and after exchanging pleasantries gave him a disertation of my long list of what I wanted. Some how Father Christmas was aware of at least one of my escapades. This was always a mystery to me until many years later my Dad confessed to me that Father Christmas had been non other than Uncle Johnny Green.
The excitment continued the next day, when the boxes of Christmas decorations would be brought out of storage and the living room would be decorated for the Big Day. Dad would climb the ladder and secure streamers of red and green at each corner of the room and then bring the streamers into the centre where a hugh honeycombed bell would be hung.
The dining room was decorated in a similar fashion. A sprig of artificial mistletoe hung in the archway between the dining room and living room. Dad always the romantic would to my embarassment insist on giving Mum a hollywood type kiss. I can only assume that he was assuring that he would be getting his own HO HO HO later in the evening.
Decorating the tree, was the final act. Coloured balls of red, green and blue were placed first. I was always in charge of the lower branches. Wooden decorations and silver toys festooned the evergreen tree The tree then was covered in tinsel and red candles would be carefully attached to the branches.
After dinner, I would have my bath, get into my pyjamas and dressing gown, then rush back into the living room. Sitting on the settee with Mum, I watched as Dad carefully lifted a large object covered with black tissue paper from the decoration box.
Slowly he unwrapped the black tissue paper to reveal a tarnished tinsel star with a cluster of three beaten up silver bells, then he gently placed the star at the top of the tree. The candles were lit and the bright orange flames danced off the ornaments and the star became a brilliant beacon in the night, as it lit up the room. Surely Father Christmas would find our home on Christmas eve.
The star had been Dad's when he was a little boy, and years later when I became a Dad, I placed it at the top of my Christmas trees. Sadly, the star distintergrated, and could no longer be used, however, each Christmas a new star adorns the Christmas tree and its light, fills my soul with the expecation and wonder of Christmas.
Kenneth Miller, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 20:12:09 (UTC)
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Search for biltong on ebay and John (Tiger) Glen's video
"Make Your Own Biltong Video DVD", will come up. His own site is: -
http://www.biltongbypost.co.uk/
I have reminded him to contact Craig about his kind offer last year I think to make a link on the GNR site.
Cheers - Doug
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 19:19:37 (UTC)
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Tina,
Question: How do squirrels keep their nuts dry in winter?
Answer : They swim on their backs.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 18:20:50 (UTC)
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Peace, goodwill and prosperity to the wonderful members of the GNR plus special thanks to Craig, Heather and Arthur. Heather your parents looked lovely for their 50th. Thanks for sharing that. This little story is written as a seasonal gift to all.
If you are troubled by squirrels in the attic over here, (shuttup Johnny), you fix any entry points and spray a smidgin of fox urine. Just a spritz since it's got more of a kick than an olympic class packmule with a full load of Eau de Parfum.
Yes, really, you can buy fox urine in stores here. You give the fox a snack and it sits on a little bottle and then you put the cork in (the bottle not the fox) and take it up to the counter and pay for it. The foxes are unionized and everything! (OK, so you just buy a little spray bottle of the stuff).
My gorgeous Teddy, who these days is less George of the Jungle more Paramount Chief Magee, tends to get a bit Catholic with the stuff. He goes around anointing areas and muttering strange latin-like incantations about squirrels. (At least I think it's latin).
I first found out about this when I voiced the thought to him that we must have a visiting tomcat because the front porch had smelled a little suspect the last couple of days. On hearing him out I pointed out that if he had to have an obsession could we make it Calvin Klein's 'Obsession' which should still drop em out of the trees and would smell a bit better and might even be cheaper at Christmas prices. The front porch now smells like a front porch, neutral, even Christmas spicy.
Besides I have no objection to sharing the premises and the bird feeder with a few squirrels. Live and let live..
Well, on to the latest scenario. Wolfhounds love to dig and we have one. I would like a seething mass of them and Ted would like ... one. Game set match to Teddy. I have trained Cozy to her own huge sandbox, fenced the plants and all has been well for years. Last night, there by the fence was a wolfhound masterpiece of excavation big enough for a mafia hit and lo, a wolfhound with tongue out in ecstacy and front feet flying.
"Don't know why she's doing that" said Ted. "Mind you I did see some squirrels over there and sprayed a little fox urine." Poor Cozy must have been expecting to literally 'unearth' a bonanza of foxes.
I filled the hole back up. No my husband is not listed as missing at this point. He's far too precious for that. Nope, not even as buried treasure. Cozy is back in her digging box and this bottle of squirrel repellent will never be found again.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 17:06:05 (UTC)
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Bill
Sorry, I meant Alan not Alex..!
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 16:29:30 (UTC)
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Bill
Thanks for the message. Don't remember Alex at all. Perhaps he knew my parents. Do you know when he was there and his age?
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 16:27:02 (UTC)
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I used have a good buddy in Chingola he was a big Texan and whenever we clinked glasses he used to say
Janny may you live forever and may I never die, i liked that and on occasions still use it my self.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 09:08:05 (UTC)
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Doug Grewar
Leopard Men
Yes Doug, you remember the gruesome murders that took place near the Mokambo border in the 50s!
A number of badly mutilated bodies were found around the villages in the area.
A rogue leopard was suspected, but a villager spotted a black man clothed in a tree bark cape painted to resemble a leopard skin. He carried a knife fashioned like a leopard's paw with sharpened steel claws.
The villager was attacked but managed to escape & give a description of the Leopard Man.
Many moons passed before folk would venture out after dark.
Of course we kids were told by our mothers to be home before dark or else we would be dead meat!
Bill Hunt, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 08:28:27 (UTC)
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Desiree van der Spuy
Just when you thought all your friends had passed on:
Alan Finlay (ex Bancroft) asked me to pass on his good wishes!
Bill Hunt, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 08:11:47 (UTC)
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Tina, I reckon "inside" knowledge is right......hehehehe
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 02:55:50 (UTC)
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Johnny:
Re. Cullain the Painted's: "How did you know about Barlinnie???"
Inside knowledge?
XX Tina
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 01:31:21 (UTC)
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TINA : We listen for the bells ringing all over the land and on the coast all the ships at anchor sound their foghorns on the stroke of midnight. Somehow this alerts us to the fact that another year has dawned and that we are still alive to celebrate the fact yet again, amazing at that might be, its not that bad a feeling!!
JOHNNY: How the hell do you about Barlinnie? Its years since I've been there, the truth must be told!!!
Tina would have have been in Gateside, Greenock, more suited to her gender I believe!
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 00:07:05 (UTC)
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Pappy; And I shall as well raise a glass to you at midnight and remember the words of our Immortal Bard,
Here's tae us on GNR,
Wha's like us?
Damn the yin!
As Burns is now more or less an international figure this could well be the New Years toast around the Globe
for GNR buddies. (Unless anyone uses or knows a better one) It would only take a few seconds in silence for the thought. ( And would save 1040 by 1040 equation by Mrs E=mc2.)
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 23:27:16 (UTC)
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Dear Tina did they call the college Barlinnie?
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 23:06:18 (UTC)
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Pappy, not meaning you, but as one who lives there - How does a Glaswegian know when he sinks the first dram for a new Hogmanay?
We'll be thinking of you there first footing with your lump of coal yelling: "gie it laldie" the frosty air too thick with whiskey fumes to light a match surrounded by happy revellers yelling: "gie it laldie" "Wha's like us?" "Yer mither!!!"and "doon wi' Man United!" (polite version)
Having spent a Hogmanay on the Tron (sadly only one) I've also often wondered what is the furthest distance a Scot has ever travelled first footing before Hogmanay was over. Incidentally that Hogmanay was a wonderful time back in college days. Ran out of money and waitressed. Joined the band playing in that hotel on that same shift and did gigs in Edinburgh and Dunfermline for three weeks before chickening out and going back to college.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 22:49:26 (UTC)
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Colin,
I stand corrected,but I can`t for the life of me think of a better way of getting pished,all the best to you for the NewYear.Will think of you when I sink that first wee dram.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 19:43:32 (UTC)
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PAPPY
Methinks you are bit tranquillitised; its the Silver Darlings we cure, the whisky just ages in the sherry casks to give it its fragrant hue!
Wont be long till Hogmanay now and the old "Bells" again, how the years fly in. All the best.
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 19:35:49 (UTC)
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Nicky,
anything with whiskey tastes good,specially Glen Morangie,cured in sherry wood.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 16:29:13 (UTC)
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Pappy
I buy the monkey nuts in their shells, take them out their shells, place them in a tray sprinkle with alittle water, sprinkle salt and place in gas oven at 2.5 for 30minutes. Not as tasty as NR's but nothing is.
Nothing seems to taste as good as when we were in NR or is it just me?
Have them with whisky and coke and you'r laughing.
Merry Christmas hic!!
Nicky Kontou, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 16:02:01 (UTC)
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Ayub, you are makeing my mouth water,what about a gravey made with the leaves of the peanuts,and maybe even a bit of goat,and tomatoes and onions.Ayee!stuff turkey for Christmas I know what I`m going to have.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 15:46:02 (UTC)
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Robert Huntley,
Many thanks for the poem. It was greatly appreciated.It will certainly ease the sadness of my friend.
Frank Burchill.
Frank Burchill, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 15:08:07 (UTC)
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Pappy,
Peanuts (Shawa)...with Chimanga (Mealies), Kandolo and Zimbay (sugarcane)..wow!..now u talking! How about some Nshima too!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 13:55:31 (UTC)
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Kevin can you get those roasted ground nuts still,the best in the world,no other nuts come anywhere near them for taste?Bob see you next time China.Should have tried the coaches,it`s alright to use the busses over here ha!ha!all the best to the family.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 11:58:03 (UTC)
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Ayub
One can buy those roasted mealies all over town and on the trunk roads. They cost K500 each if you are black and double that if you happen to be white. It is great fun haggling with them then giving them what they originally asked for, about 12 pence. It is also mushroom season again, delicious when gently fried with a bit of parsley and garlic then eaten on hot buttered toast.
Kevin Shone, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 07:42:05 (UTC)
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Ho, ho, ho, Ayub. I like the spam-free....
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 00:15:52 (UTC)
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Hi Glennie:
I suspected you were lurking over there in Tazzie land, so I figured I had to lure you out somehow.
Hope you have a great Christmas.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 23:58:54 (UTC)
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Glen,
No problem with me. I already eat Kosher food, don't eat pork...think you may have had difficulty adjusting! Then we would have Kosher computers too! At least all our email would be SPAM-FREE!!
Mike,
Kondolos (red and white-skinned ones) are available in Asian Grocery shops too! Most are either from West Africa or Kenya. I did see some Zambian maize in one of these shops last year. Mealies is best eaten grilled although I remember African ladies boiling them (and Kondolos too) in big pots in the local Lusaka market. To make mealies even tastier..after grilling rub some fresh lemon over them!
Does one still see these ladies selling mealies cooked over a charcoal fire by the roadside? They were a great feature along Kafue Road!!
Mwizenge,
Thanks for your insight into the local "stops" along the Great East Road. The experiences from your younger days in Zambia are of great interest and make good reading.
Talking about Zambian culinary delights...do you get the real Mealie Meal (*nshima") in the States or do you get it sent from Zambia. A recent visitor of mine, the Chief Justice of Namibia (former Chief Justice of Zambia too), Justice Silungwe,was not too keen on the Maize flour we bought from a local Manchester shop..it turned out to be yellowish in colour! His good wife reckoned it was nothing like the real stuff!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 22:04:56 (UTC)
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So, got you all fired up....! Great! Exactly what I intended!! Don't you all just love this time of year...? Great to see that the true spirit of Christmas is still alive in most of you and that most of you are still alive in the spirit......!!!! Amazing! I'm not going home with my marbles.. I'm here for the game. No one ever call your bluff before? By the way, why not make Craigs day and send thousands of greetings. Would give him something interesting to do over the festive season.
Enjoy yourselves and take care.
Desi
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 21:32:59 (UTC)
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Heather
Your photo of Lionel Nefdt was instantly recognisable Please convey my regards to him. He does not appear to have changed much in the last 40 years.
I was in many of his classes at the Gilbert Rennie 1963-65.I regret now not paying more attention in his Latin classes.
His wife Shelagh was a top sportswoman I think she was the captain of the Northern Rhodesia cricket team and possibly the hockey team as well.
Lionel was no slouch either. I can remember one cricket match when he ran out an opposing batsman with a very long throw from the boundary. It was probably the
Schoolmasters against the 1st Eleven.
------------------------------
Ayub
One of my favourite foods in Zambia was KANDOLO, sweet potato
I eat a lot of them in the UK even though they are expensive and I think they come from the USA.Have you ever seen any Zambian ones in the shops? I last ate one in 1975.
Mike Slement, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 21:08:41 (UTC)
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Ali, Quite a reunion last night! 37 years has flown. It was nice to see your home language is still chilapalapa Your boys were quite entertaining. Gary, check you tomorrow. Pappy, like my cousin in Glasgow I'll have to see you (both) next trip. I tried to get a flight there but no luck at a decent price. A trip by car at the fuel prices here is my month's pay! Have a good Christmas and have a dram for me.
Bob Gillies, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 20:33:24 (UTC)
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Glenn: And Shalom Alecheim to you too.
Ken Fernie, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 18:52:47 (UTC)
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Cathy
Nice to see you posting. I am sure you have a lot of interesting things to remind us of from the old days.
Disiree
Thanks for the Christmas wishes.
To all out there.
Have a great Christmas and a Happy GNR posting 2005. xxxx ( don't be offended boys we Greeks kiss everyone no discrimination)
love Nicky and Etta
Nicky Kontou, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 17:04:02 (UTC)
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Glen she wasn't kidding with the very large hips statement I love them Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 16:43:38 (UTC)
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.... almost typed naked
.... (whopper-sized)
.... you have to defend your reputation
.... Just enjoy
.... and very larged hipped
Linda - I just love reading your postings - you have such a way with words.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 16:30:20 (UTC)
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Roses are reddish
Violets are blueish
If it weren't for Christmas
We all would be Jewish
(with maybe the "odd" exception . . . . . hey Ayub?)
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 16:19:31 (UTC)
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To All Members
Thanks for all the pleasure this site, and particularly the Message Board, has brought.
I'd like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
Cathy
Cathy Alexander, Scotland [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 15:50:03 (UTC)
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Bev
My email to you has been returned....twice. Sorry for the lack of response, have been studying and then it was Hanukkah (early this year) and visitors. Please contact me.......I'm free!!
Charlie
Nice to know BH was remembered and mentioned (who could forget) for it's centenary. I think my cousin, Hilda Orne-Gliemann, who also lived in BH, will know how it's name sake in Aussie compares. Will email her tonight and let you know.
Anona Balloch, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 15:21:07 (UTC)
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Frank Burchill,
There is more than one version of the poem that begins - "Do not stand at my grave and weep"
I first heard it in a film about people from an Old Folks Home - breaking out and stealing an old steam train to go back to their homes - one chap died on the way and the poem was recited beside the old steam train as they buried him beside the track.
It took me several years to track down the poem in print and I finally did so in a second hand book store at the top of Guildford High Street in Surrey England.
Most current versions of the poem are attributed to our old friend A Nony Mous, but what is believed to be the original poem was written by one Mary Fry of whom little is known. She is not from the well known Guildford
Quaker Fry family.
This is it
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there
I did not die
Mary Frye
My condolences to your late friends wife - Christmas is not a good time to be alone.
Desiree and all on the GNR - Seasons Greetings from the Temple Garden, Hong Kong, China.
Ron
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 15:08:22 (UTC)
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On behalf of BBLOG (these fine fellows need no introduction) and Phineas (he manned THAT petrol pump -- and ran a book on whether the itinerants were going on vacation or doing the chicken/owl run (circle where appropriate depending on your leaning) in the mid 60s); I’d like to thank all those well-wishers for their kind comments on Cruach Briste’s (dammit Tina -- what have you started, I mean Broken Hill/Kabwe’s) centenary.
I’d also like to wish all our Christian members a happy and peaceful Christmas (et tu - Des), and to all members -- may 2005 and the years ahead be a happy, peaceful and prosperous period for all.
Heather,
I’m trying to get you a reputable travel agent -- will email you direct. Will the point of entry be Jo’burg?
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 14:04:15 (UTC)
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Robert Allan, While in Rio pop over to Ipanema & see if the Pub "Lord Jim's" is still there - a couple of streets back from the beach if I remembert correctly. Have a couple of cervesas there for me please - I spent a couple of very enjoyable months in and around Rio back in about '80 (after sailing in the Cape to Uruguay yacht race) and many an evening ('till very late) was spent at this pub. Even had a red phone booth outside. I'm sure you have been to a churascoria (sp) where they serve about 20 different types of braaied meat on long skewers and slice off pieces onto your plates - all you can eat places!!! yum
Enjoy
Doug Gorton, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 13:36:07 (UTC)
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Happy Christmas all from Rio!
Robert Allan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 12:15:05 (UTC)
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR.
FROM PAPPY SHIRLEY AND FAMILY
p.s. Desiree this includes you doll
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 11:01:05 (UTC)
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David Chodzko, Barry Woodhams, Shelly Taylor, Christine Beardsell
Best wishes on your birthday
Northerners
A very quick one before I disappear out the door for a weekend away from Lusaka.
Yesterday was my parents 50th wedding anniversary and I am posting below a photo of them.
and a photo of Lionel Nefdt which I have been promising for sometime
Unfortunately I left my camera in Sinazongwe last weekend so had to revert to my horrible, old camera, so the quality is not as good as I would have liked.
I did take a number of other photos of many of the 'old timers' but will take a look at them when I get back and see if any are worth posting. Will also try to catch up with the message board then.
Dave Gray
I have received your email and will respond on Monday
Heather Chalcraft, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 05:41:38 (UTC)
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HOLIDAY SEASON MEMORIES
Once again another holiday season is here. As we enjoyed thanksgiving and now anticipating Christmas, it has always occurred to me that parents create lasting warm memories through the wonderful things they do for their families and especially children during the holiday season. When these children grow to be adults, they will often return home during the holidays to re-experience that magic. I do not know whether I can ever re-experience my special childhood Christmas magic.
We were a family of nine in a rural village in Zambia in Africa. My father was a primary school teacher who earned a modest twenty-dollars per month. How did he and my mother make us all happy at Christmas? Of course some of the food like corn, beans, and peanuts we grew on land just behind our house.
How did my father manage to buy one gift for each one of us at Christmas? He saved and planned ingenious layaways for the whole year with the local Indian (from India) shopkeeper. Each of the six girls and mother got an inexpensive dress sewn by local tailor. Designer clothes were out of the question. The boys usually got either a pair of shorts or a shirt.
One Christmas at the old age of eight, my father bought me my first pair of shoes. When I saw them, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I put them to my nose to smell them. They smelt new. Everybody had a big laugh because I did not know which shoe went on the right or left foot. Like a good mom, my mother teased me about my scrubbing my feet really good so that my razor sharp calluses did not put holes in the new shoes. She had a point because there were no socks with the shoes. A pair of socks would have been too expensive.
The most exciting and memorable part of Christmas day in our family was the food. The day before Christmas, my dad would buy a loaf of bread, rice, onion and a special spice called chikasu. Early in the morning on Christmas day, a chicken was slaughtered.
My mother diced the onions and sautéed them in oil with the chikasu spice. The aroma wafted from the kitchen. The smell was so good that it could have killed several starving and emaciated men. We kids would all hang around the kitchen our nostrils sniffing the air around us.
Mother would tease us asking what we were doing hanging around the kitchen for. Why didn't we go and play outside, say about a mile away? She needed elbow room, she would say. She would have this special beam and smirk on her face that said a thousand words that this was a special happy day.
After church at noon, we would have a large family feast; rice and chicken both cooked with the special chikasu spice, cake baked by my sisters with recipes from their domestic science classes at the Catholic boarding primary school. In the afternoon, dressed in whatever best new piece of clothing each of us had, we went to Christmas festivities including a variety of African traditional dances like vinyau, chitelele, and cimtali in the villages.
One memorable Christmas incident surrounds the African village tradition of not wasting any food. When a chicken is slaughtered, for example, everything is used except for the feathers. Children clean and roast the intestines and the head and eat them as a snack ahead of the main meal. This was often seen as a preliminary reward for the children for performing the hard and exhausting task of chasing the chicken through the village before it was apprehended.
We boys always looked forward to amusing ourselves by using the chicken's stomach as a soccer ball. We would clean the inside, inflate it and tie it. We would usually get a good game of soccer going.
One Christmas day, my brother and I had just inflated the chicken stomach and kicked the "ball" about a hundred feet ahead of us in the village square. We sprinted after it. Six to ten chickens began to also chase the thing. This was not unusual. But from nowhere, our family dog furiously charged the "ball" amidst our screams to "stop!!!". The African village dog knows a good meal when he sees one. He disappeared into the bush with the "ball". He reappeared later licking his chops.
(Published Dec. 1, 1997 in the Daily News-Record)
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 05:37:50 (UTC)
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Dee aka Desiree has marbles to go home with? Well FINE for her! Ali and I lost all ours long since. Here are the first lines of an Ancient Lay (shuttup Johnny).
The old year's eye is growing dim.
The winter trees crook wasted fingers.
The lark's call - a forgotten hymn
This sigh is all the hope that lingers...
"Out where the sunset meets the sea
Seek Ye The Marbles of MagKey"!
Gaily in fields of dagga green...... (and so on)
OK, time for me to lurk for a bit.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 01:56:23 (UTC)
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Dear Linda chance would be a fine thing, Love Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 00:22:05 (UTC)
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Helpful poems. This hasn't been posted here but I would like to share it from memory...
If you should go before me, dear, walk slowly
Along the ways of death, well-worn and wide,
For I would want to overtake you quickly
And seek the joumey's ending by your side.
I would be so forlorn not to descry you
Upon some shining highway when I came,
Walk slowly, dear, and often look behind you
And pause to hear if someone calls your name.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 00:19:16 (UTC)
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Dear Tina you have exaggerated my spelling of Chi-------s but any time you are available I can show you one. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 00:17:53 (UTC)
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Speak for yourself, Mo. I am totally narked (oops almost typed naked... Freudian slip) that I tell the most amazing (whopper-sized) stories and my jokes are to die for, and I never get the recognition I deserve. Ha! Ha!
No, seriously, Desiree, don't feel slighted here. It is nothing personal at all. People are not "ignoring" you as such. It is human nature to read and enjoy without feeling the obligation to respond. Unless, like me, you have to defend your reputation numerous times... grin. You are very much a part of the family, so don't take your marbles and go home. Just enjoy what you read like the rest of us. I have been posting on this board since 1996 in the hopes of finding a friend and people just keep telling me to voetsak!! Of course, I am very thick skinned (and very larged hipped, but we won't go there, will we Johnny Green...)
So, let me wish you, personally, a very Happy Christmas.
And now to those who have known us a long time:
HIPPO CRIXMOS AND A WONDROUS NEW EAR
From Linda and The Lady in Red
a.k.a. BM (The Ghost from Crixmos Behind)
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 00:11:59 (UTC)
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I never had any inclination to visit the Broken Hill in Australia one was enough for me Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 17, 2004 at 00:08:07 (UTC)
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Desiree
If every GNR member posted Christmas greetings to every other GNR member (either individually or collectively) and expected individually posted replies, the board would be clogged with over three and a half million greetings (1920x1920)......... and Craig would probably have a heart attack trying to cope with the mayhem.
I'm sure that everyone is happy to receive your good wishes at this time (or any time) of the year, but it puts a dampener on the feelings when we are all chastised for not openly showing gratitude. Also, what on earth are you on about regarding "boasting" and "posting the best message"?
Stop sulking and put the smile back on your dial! .......... and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE from me too!
Mo
Moira Steevens, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 23:24:34 (UTC)
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Donald,
Guavas are available regularly in all good Asian Grocery shops...depending on the season..they are imported from either Africa or India/Pakistan.Today I even managed to buy a large Paw Paw..with those big black round seeds!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 21:46:46 (UTC)
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What a total surprise. In True ex-Zambian spirit I would have had many replys to my message posted to ALL of you, wishing you a great Festive Season. Seems to me times have changed. Are we in here to see who can post the "best" message, or are we in here to "boast" about ourselves? I thought GNR was about contact and holding on to the Great North feeling of still being in touch with people who understand what it was like to grow up in the wonderful North. To ignore a Christmas Greeting that was posted to EVERYONE in here, seems so sad. Definately not typical of the people I knew when I was there. I was told to join this site because all my ex-Northern Rhodesian friends would be in here. I wonder where they all went......!? I hope they have a great Christmas, where ever they might be.
Desiree
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 21:45:34 (UTC)
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Today in Tesco's Eastville, Bristol. Fresh Pink Guavas @ 69 pence each. About the size of a large duck egg. Sorry, I have taken all 9 that were there, and NO even the wonderful Mrs Sydney will not get her hands on any of them.
Syd
Donald Sydney, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 20:13:46 (UTC)
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The poem you mentioned was, I believe, the following.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening rain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room,
I am the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not think of me and cry,
I am not there.
I did not die."
Robert Huntley, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 19:58:55 (UTC)
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Johnny,
I believe their favourite reward is a little nip of tequila and a big nip of Scarborough Jaarpie.
By the way, what is a chiwouwou? It sounds like: "Aiieeeee! I just caught my chiwouwou in the door!"
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 19:56:10 (UTC)
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Sometime ago, someone posted a copy of a beautiful poem describing the prescence of a person after their death.
At that time,I read it, was greatly touched, but unfortunately I cannot remember the words.
I would like to give a copy to a family friend who has recently lost her husband, so I would be very grateful to the person concerned if they would post the poem again.
Frank Burchill, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 19:32:09 (UTC)
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What is the story about Mary Gough. I have seen her mentioned several times on thee GNR.
In the story that Jack sent me written by John Rutledge (chairman of the Kabwe branch of the Black Lechwe society) about his trip to the Chifungwe plains between the North & South Luangwa parks, Mary Gough is mentioned. She had 2 camps along the Mupamadzi River and lived in the middle of nowhere all by herself.
I have tried to find her story without success on google. Can anyone elaborate?
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 18:06:05 (UTC)
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BROKEN HILL.........SURELY AFTER A 100 YEARS THE POWERS THAT BE COULD HAVE FIXED THE HILL....(HEHEHEHE).....I ALSO WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE ABOUT THAT HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN TO BOTH BROKEN HILLS ie: in Australia...and Northern Rhodesia........I can say I have with a smile
Tina, guavas now that is a fruit I love, after mangoes, as a child I was bought up on tinned guavas, and the only fresh guavas were the cherry guavas , for years I wondered what fresh guavas would taste like....ahhh a move to Perth, and the first house we bought, had a huge guava tree, euuuuuch, the fruit were so riddled with fruit fly...I never had a chance, the taste of fresh guavas still eluded me.... moving on a few years, and my dear friend Shobhana has a guava tree .........wow what a scent...and taste...ohhhh so nice....just loved them.......and Tapan her husband introduced another taste of the senses he would carefully cut a guava and sprinkled massala spice over it.........ohhh boy..........a devine taste........sadly last summer the fruit fly invaded his crop.........but he had a rather ingenious way of saving his guavas, yes !!! freeze them........it killed the lavae and he would thaw and eat them...hmmmmm........Shobhana said she never tried one herself but .......Tapan relished that wonderful taste.........he was lucky a friend of his who felt so sorry for him losing out to those pesky flies, came accross some guavas (fresh) in the local markets and bought some for him........so he wasn't out of luck after all.
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 17:01:46 (UTC)
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Tina you brought tears to my eyes visulising those poor lttle Chiwouwous running round with those heavy barrels of Tequela round there necks, what do they give them as a reward a frozen Gauva.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 16:04:39 (UTC)
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Thanks for the info Bob. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 15:54:13 (UTC)
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Cruach Briste Happy Birthday! Charlie, Peter, Chris & Ida Cantrell et al enjoy your celebrations.
Johnny - thank you for your concern! It's no joke! When there is an early frost in Mexico and the tourists are wandering around Cancun dazed and shivering, the frozen guavas are rolling around all over and people are go down like whacked pinatas and ninepins! The chihuahuas are out with their little barrels of tequila trying to render aid and the ambulances can barely keep up.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 14:55:34 (UTC)
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That one pump village somewhere between the Copperbelt and Lusaka celebrates its 100 birthday today according to a congratulatory message in the paper today.
I am sure that I am joined by many on the board in wishing Broken Hill happy birthday and may the future bring renewed prosperity.
Kevin Shone, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 12:46:29 (UTC)
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Johnny
Re:
"What was the name of that nut case who set himself up as the space director for Zambia and had boys and girls doing allsorts of weird things to simulate wieghtlesness when they were eventually launched into space, he was crazy like a fox he applied to the yanks to give hime a few million dollars to advance the science in Zambia, but they did not fall for it but they did send him thousands of dollars worth of books on rocket science, I wonder whose toilet they finished up in?
It was a great source of amusment at the time where is he now? Johnny."
Try these links:
http://www.adam.com.au/bstett/PaZambiaSpaceFlight2.htm
http://www.saao.ac.za/~wgssa/as6/kalebwe.html
And also from a pevious post that you must have missed:
NOW ZAMBIA IS 'ALL SET' FOR THE MOON
The successful United States Moonshot team was yesterday congratulated by Zambia's Minister of Space, Edward Nkoloso who said he regarded the triumph as a challenge and inspiration.
And he promised that his "Board of Space Administration" would now put Zambia on the Moon next year.
DESTINY
"Let us make a Zambian rocket today", he said. "We shall never remain behind other races. This is our heavenly destiny, our natural ambition and our scientific and cultural hegemony."
Mr. Nkoloso, who is still waiting for supplies of liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen and 21,000,000 dollars, he asked the United States for some years ago, says it is only lack of finance which has kept his space programme on the ground.
He trains his 12-man-and-a-girl team by rolling them downhill in 40 gallon oil drums to give them the
" feeling of rushing through Space".
==========================================
I have copied this, word for word, from a Zambian newspaper cutting dated late 1968, which I cut out and kept all those years ago. It is accompanied by a photograph of the said Zambian "Space Chief" Nkolosa with the top Astonaut of his 13 member team.
Maxie Lindenberg, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 13:00:15 (UTC)
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 11:38:50 (UTC)
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Dear Tina be careful that you don't slip on your guava. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 08:46:17 (UTC)
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What was the name of that nut case who set himself up as the space director for Zambia and had boys and girls doing allsorts of weird things to simulate wieghtlesness when they were eventually launched into space, he was crazy like a fox he applied to the yanks to give hime a few million dollars to advance the science in Zambia, but they did not fall for it but they did send him thousands of dollars worth of books on rocket science, I wonder whose toilet they finished up in?
It was a great source of amusment at the time where is he now? Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 08:42:39 (UTC)
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Geoff
I recall the incident clearly. The "Northern News' reported that a senior police inspector in Ndola
had declared the American claims as lies as he had trained powerful binoculars on the moon and had not seen any sign of activity there!
cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 07:15:17 (UTC)
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Tina
I discovered white guava juice in US quart packs while working in Taiwan on the Taipei Rapid Transit Railway system. This was tasty and thirst quenching and didn't affect one's balance. It got me the reputation of being tee total and my hard drinking Chinese associates were most put out at my farewell party when I joined them in a glass of "bieju" (Beer). Incidentally, I also discovered South African Castle beer in Chinese labeled cans at the "Pig and Whistle" which was run by the folk who originated that pub in Rosebank near Cape Town! Glen Drake will probably remember that place!!
Cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 07:09:18 (UTC)
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I also remember the Zambian space program! I recall a Zambian 'expert' being interviewed for the Times of Zambia who went on to say, "it is all an American lie! I sat up all night looking at the moon and saw nothing!"
Geoff Clements, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 06:47:46 (UTC)
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You live long enough you encounter many things. Today's discovery is Mexican frozen guavas. They seem to be regular guavas frozen and packaged. For those in the US who haven't access to fresh ones they are not bad and you can find them in Spanish grocery stores. Only real complaint is there were only white ones, no pink. Apparently you can find grenadillas in some Spanish grocery stores too.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 01:19:09 (UTC)
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To all of you on GNR. Have a great Christmas and I hope the New Year is good for you. I hope and wish that we will all have a GREAT 2005. We all need happiness, great friendships, luck, good health....... and fortune.....! Most of all, enjoy yourselves this festive season.
Seasons greetings and best wishes.
Desi.
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 20:41:06 (UTC)
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Another interesting site on Ngoni history
http://www.gisby.org/ngoni.htm
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 19:29:45 (UTC)
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Jilly
Peter Dielissen was the one who introduced GNR to www.blogger.com/start
Visit it and sign on for free. You can draft your message in Word, copy it onto your blog, make whatever colors, fonts, etc. changes that you wish, click on the Edit HTML key, then copy the resulting gobbledygook to GNR.
Heather,
Try www.pentravel.co.za or www.flightcentre.co.za
Mwizenge
Re men not being human, steady on old chap, the girls give us enough nonsense as it is.
In Ngoniland you are A Tembo while Mrs. Tembo would be Nya Tembo. In siSwazi you would be Babe Tembo; in isiZulu you would be Baba Tembo. The emphasis is on the vowels not at all like the English word babe. In ciBemba you would be ba Tembo or say your son is named Joseph you would be called BashiJoseph your wife would be BanaJoseph. So I think the A and the Nya must just mean Father and Mother. So men are human after all!
The root word for human is ‘ntu’. Munya muntu = one person, abaNingi Bantu = many people.
Cheers -- Doug or BashikuluMatthew
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 19:08:55 (UTC)
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Mwizenge
Your Grandfather must have been the Induna (General or leader) of an Impi (regiment).
In isiZulu ciwongo is sibongo, which means, and is used in exactly the same way you mention. iSibongo are more than surnames. In English they might be called praise names. For example Khumalo, Ndlangamandla and Mtungwa go together. If you watched the film Shaka Zulu you will have heard the people address the iNkosi as Thabezita. This was one of his sibongos. Nelson Mandela likewise is often addressed as Madiba, so it seems to be the same with the Xhosa’s.
An imbongi is the praise singer of a leader and usualy precedes the leader into a meeting, making what sounds to people who cannot understand the language like a hell of a racket.
The small changes in spelling / pronunciation occur between the different groups of Nguni. In isiSwati dirt would be called tibi, in isiZulu it would be zibi. Swazis mostly use t to replace z. isiSwati is more poetic or flowery than isiZulu. Xhosa is quite different, as they have adopted more of the Bushman clicks into their language.
You say it was Mzilikazi’s people who after crossing the Limpopo split and the one section traveled up the west side of Lake Malawi and the other section under iNkosi Mpezeni went up to the west of Lake Malawi. I thought that Mzilikasi’s people, or at least most of them moved directly from Pietersburg in the Northern Transvaal across the Limpopo to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
Just for fun I entered Zwangendaba into Google and to my surprise a lot of sites came up. This is what one of them said: -
Zwangendaba [d. 1848, Mapupo, near Ufipa, Tanganyika [now in Tanzania]] African king (reigned c. 1815-48) who led his Jere people on a monumental migration of more than 1,000 miles, lasting more than 20 years. A leader of incomparable stature, he brought his initially small tribe (later called the Ngoni) from its original home near modern Swaziland to the western part of present-day Tanzania, forming it into one of the most powerful kingdoms of eastern Africa.
Driven from the eastern part of southern Africa in 1818 by the Mfecane (the "Crushing," a period of Zulu wars and migrations), Zwangendaba led the Jere north in search of safety. Adopting the Zulu regimental organization that had defeated him and permitting the adoption of captives into Jere families, Zwangendaba collected an efficient and growing fighting force. In 1822 he crossed into what is now southern Mozambique. Defeated there in 1831 by other fleeing tribes, he followed the Zambezi River into what is now Zimbabwe and brought to an end the 300-year-old Changamire empire. The Zambezi was crossed in 1835, and he led his people victoriously through what is now Malawi and north of Lake Malawi to the southern end of Lake Tanganyika, where he founded a city, Mapupo. After his death the Ngoni split into five major divisions and continued their travels, occupying areas in present-day Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia.
I do know that the present King of Swaziland, King Maswati III went to Malawi a few years ago to visit some Ngoni people there who still recognize him as their King.
Mwizenge, give me a shout when you visit our part of the world and maybe we can meet.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 18:58:29 (UTC)
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Have sent two emails to Gianni Di Carlo who is also a member but so far no reply. Does anybody know if he is still in Kitwe ?
Steve Moorey, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 17:08:16 (UTC)
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Hi, I've been totally lifted by the site and the memories of all the people who lived in Northern Rhodesia, but more so by those hailing from Kitwe.
It was a truly wonderful place, although I'm afraid I have little in the way of artifacts etc to remind of what I am missing. I saw a great site on the web a while back about a guy who flew over Kitwe, and took pictures of the town, the mines, the slag heap etc. Can anyone direct me to other similar sites or photo memories etc. I would dearly love to see some.
As you can see I'm in Scotland, and it must be the long dark days - up it's dark from 1530 in the afternoon to 0830 in the morning, so maybe that's why I am keen to see a bit more of the sun, and a bit more of Kitwe.
Pleased to hear from anyone.
Regards,
David Wilson
David Wilson, Scotland [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 16:53:37 (UTC)
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I must get some lessons on camera work from our resident professional Norman, what a difference between his pics and mine for clarity. clever boy Norman.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 15:53:01 (UTC)
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Here are a couple of sites to amuse you over the festive period:-
http://www.infonegocio.com/xeron/bruno/italy.html
[apologies in advance to any Italian members]
http://web.icq.com/shockwave/0,,4845,00.swf
[this will lead to http://www.icq.com/friendship/]
Hope you've not come across them before.
Graham Lampshire, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 15:37:38 (UTC)
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Pappy,
"Zoom" was best at style and finesse. Wasn't he a midfielder because when I first saw him in 1969 at Woodlands stadium, he displayed one of his signature moves some where near the midfield. The ball was passed to him. Instead of passing it, he stopped it and took off in the forward direction (without the ball) taking the defender with him. Zoom had left the ball behind for his team mate who took the ball and passed it own. But then Chitalu as a striker was in his own league.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 15:35:01 (UTC)
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Linda Hayes,
Looks like you got my message but I missed your reply as the internet connection between Kitwe and Lusaka has been down until a couple of hours ago. (Message limited to 5MB with various spam/junk mail filters courtesy of our IT dept)
Keith Binns and Jill Alpin,
I think life has probably changed significantly since you were here but some of the clubs still go from strength to strength. We generally frequent the flying club (has more social members than flyers) for a castle and a game of squash (order?), where a few of the old guard still drink the odd castle or mosi. Perhaps there are members that remember Taffy Hughes, Peter Reamsbottom, Dave Cutter, Ron Kilpatrick or Barry Thorley? Some people also might remeber the barman at the flying club, Bellings who is alive and well and working at a spot called Hooligans in Lusaka.
Anyway the Golf club still thrives (not that I play) along with the Gymkhana club - riding lessons still offered!
The Rugby club, as with most of the sports clubs, is dominated by the local chaps but still a pleasant place to have a beer although I haven't had time to look through the pictures etc on the walls.
As for me, I work as a contractor for the mine (Seconded from a consulting firm in Johannesburg, started by Oskar Steffen who was here in the sixties) looking after the pit slopes. Believe it or not they need to be designed and managed on a pit this size (about 4km long, 800m wide & currently 345m deep). As soon as I have a bit of time to figure out how to post some pictures, I will.
Just as an aside it's mushroom season at the moment with baskets of the stuff available along the side of the road.
maythewindbeforeveratyourbackbeerisgoodforyou
cheers
Jon Moon, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 14:27:55 (UTC)
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Robert,
Forgive me if I am wrong...but are New Zealand and Zambia not on par with regards Space ventures? Apart from the USA, Russia and China can you name any other countries which have sent men/women in Space on their own? I think most of us on board will be interested to know...thanks!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 13:49:45 (UTC)
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NOW ZAMBIA IS 'ALL SET' FOR THE MOON
The successful United States Moonshot team was yesterday congratulated by Zambia's Minister of Space, Edward Nkoloso who said he regarded the triumph as a challenge and inspiration.
And he promised that his "Board of Space Administration" would now put Zambia on the Moon next year.
DESTINY
"Let us make a Zambian rocket today", he said. "We shall never remain behind other races. This is our heavenly destiny, our natural ambition and our scientific and cultural hegemony."
Mr. Nkoloso, who is still waiting for supplies of liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen and 21,000,000 dollars, he asked the United States for some years ago, says it is only lack of finance which has kept his space programme on the ground.
He trains his 12-man-and-a-girl team by rolling them downhill in 40 gallon oil drums to give them the
" feeling of rushing through Space".
==========================================
I have copied this, word for word, from a Zambian newspaper cutting dated late 1968, which I cut out and kept all those years ago. It is accompanied by a photograph of the said Zambian "Space Chief" Nkolosa with the top Astonaut of his 13 member team.
Maxie Lindenberg, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 13:00:15 (UTC)
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"don`t you remember when all the dust bins went missing to build the space ship,and all the potential astronauts were rolled down ant hills to train for the feeling of waitlessness"
I certainly do, what year was that, must have been somewhere between 67 and 71 I think.
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 10:53:40 (UTC)
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Heather, Adrian, Fiona & Johnny,
Thanks for the fabulous photos - again; you all seem to be having loads of frivilous fun while looking good.
Tina & Linda,
You 'proper' card is in the mail.
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 10:31:18 (UTC)
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Of course Zambia had it`s own space program,don`t you remember when all the dust bins went missing to build the space ship,and all the potential astronauts were rolled down ant hills to train for the feeling of waitlessness,this is not a joke this was serious stuff.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 10:06:37 (UTC)
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Mwizenge,
"U car" was hot but I think" Zoom "was the best.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 10:01:57 (UTC)
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Northerners
This may be out of topic - but - Zambia did at one time have it's own space program.
This is a great NASA site that posts daily photos of interesting pieces of space.
The photo at the link below is of the current Marsmission. Below the photo is tons of additional neat stuff about Mars and some of the discoveries made on this mission.
Enjoy!
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 09:53:06 (UTC)
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Tina
We received that generic greeting as a joke from someone last Xmas. With political correctness going mad in schools and public forums about Xmas, it could be that this is the sort of thing that we will end up with to avoid offending anyone. We thought we'd share it.
I think I will see my lawyer on your query about the addictive/non-addictive thing regarding computer users
:>)))
Paudie Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 07:32:17 (UTC)
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I found this site on my travels on the internet, I hope this is not already posted here:
http://www.zambiaarchitecture.com/
Best wishes for the season to all my fellow Northern Rhodesians and Zambians, God be with you all.
Bob.
Robert Worrill, New Zealand [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 07:18:49 (UTC)
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Sorry, sorry, sorry - screwed up the HTML again !!
Heather Chalcraft, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 06:19:38 (UTC)
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Denise Horton, Gillian McCluskey, Tom Jones, Joseph Solomon, John Ioannou, Sheila Moran
Best wishes on your birthday
Northerners
At last, the rest of the Tiyende photographs which I have received.
My apologies for the delay in getting these posted - I am really struggling for time at the moment. I won't bore you with the details but it has involved a lot of travelling including a trip to Livingstone where I didn't even get to the Falls, although I did spend a night at at a lodge just above the Songwe Gorge and a night on a houseboat at Mambova upriver from Kazungula.
And I am going to be struggling for time for at least the next two months. Apart from trying to get my January Lowdown completed and to the printers by Friday so that they can print before they close for Christmas, I am also preparing brochures and flyers for seven different lodges for the Vakantiebeurs travel show in Utrecht, Netherlands in early January. This is not a big deal except that they have to be done in Dutch and German as well. But I strongly believe that 2005 is going to be the year when our tourism industry really gets going and am dong my best to make sure that the whole world knows about Zambia.
In addition to this there is my usual December nightmare of my daughter's birthday and having to organise a party for twenty or so teenagers, my parent's 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow and all the other things that go with this time of the year, including being determined to pumulo for a few days
Anyway, after I have my magazine completed, I am disappearing down to Sinazongwe to stay with a friend where there are no telephones, no emails, nothing to disturb me from my work except for the lake which I can sit and stare at. This is the view from the front door
Of course, this is all a dream because I know that something will happen and I will have to leave and go to Choma or come back to Lusaka to deal with somehting urgent because I will not be totally out of contact with the rest of the world, but I'm going to have a damn good try.
Kris Massie said yesterday that it was so good to have so GNR many friends around the world and I now need to ask some of those living in South Africa for some help. I am trying to find a travel agent in South Africa who can get good deals on air tickets to Europe (Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris or even London) during January. The quotes I am getting from agents here are just horrendous. Can anyone help?
Now for the Tiyende photos:
From Adrian Mooy
From Fiona Gayther
More from Johnny Green
From Norman Kenward
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to send these photos.
Heather Chalcraft, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 06:18:37 (UTC)
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Doug,
"Now in isiZulu mnyama mean black as in umuntu mnyama or black person. This is why I translated munyamadzi as black river. In isiZulu it would be Kwamanziamnyama. Again Munya in isiZulu refers to one (person). So we could even translate it as one person’s water." Doug.
I was intrgued by this when I read your posting again. I knew about "Umuntu" as in "Bantu" which means "people". Some of the words clearly are key to confirming the Ngoni or Zulu influence on Nyanja and Tumbuka and probably virtually all the languages in the Eastern Province of Zambia.
For example: "Mnyamata" is "a young boy" in Tumbuka and all other languages. "Manzi" is the word for water among the Ngoni in Chipata. "Nya" must be the root word for "human" because among the Tumbuka a man like myself is "A Tembo" but my sister would be "Nya Tembo". Indeed all women are traditionally addressed as "Nya.....ciwongo" I am not sure this means men are not "human".
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 05:23:11 (UTC)
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Doug,
Oopps! I meant to say: "I would NOT be surprised that "Munyama"........"
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 05:02:44 (UTC)
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Doug,
It was great to read your posting. I am actually fascinated with the Ngoni history starting from Zululand because I am a Ngoni descendant myself. My grandfather, who was mauled and killed by a lion in 1941, was a Ngoni Impi sent by Ngoni Paramount Chief Mberwa from Northern Malawi to check out the present Chief Magodi area in Lundazi. I am getting ahead of myself.
The "Tembo", "Dube" and "Mbizi" are all Ngoni ciwongo; the last clan names the Ngoni and Zulu ritually used to thank each other. We still practice this to day when we thank someone. We ask for their "ciwongo" - "Wonga" means "to thank".
Ngoni is a corruption of Nguni. When Mzilikazi crossed the Limpopo into Mozambique, they split into two. Some of the Ngoni went to the Eastern side of Lake Nyasa (now Lake Malawi) and some went to the Western side through Eastern Province of Zambia all the way to as far North as Southern Tanzania at Mapupo.
Then Chief Mpezeni swung around back from Tanzania, harassed and fought battles with the Bemba of Northern Zambia to a stalemate. All this happened in the 1840s and 50s. Mpezeni finally settled in present day Chipata where they continue to reenact Ngoni dances and battles every year during special commemorations.
The Mfecane wars initiated by Shaka Zulu had quiet a profound influence in the history of the whole of Southern Africa.
I have read EA Ritter, Shaka Zulu twice. My 15 year old son is now reading it. I find the languages particularly fascinating because many Tumbuka words and names of places ring of Zulu and Xhosa. For example: Edingeni and Egixhikeni, the "xhi" as in the click in xhosa words. Madoda, Gwangw’angw’a. The Ngoni-Zulu you hear now in Lundazi are really remnants of original Ngoni influence.
I would be surprised that "Munyama" is a corruption of the original Zulu meaning because peole will refer to someone as "Cinyama" if they are uncouth, uncivilized, but they will also use it for someone who is ferocious in battle or in a certain skill. For example, occasionally "Ucar" Godrey Chitalu, the greatest Zambian soccer player ever, was often sometimes referred to fondly as "Chinyama".
There is a chance that my son and I will visit South Africa and Zululand next June.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 04:56:12 (UTC)
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SuenPaudie
Now m'dear ones, thank you very much (I think) and the very same to both of you. Now I do gotta ask (yeah that was broken English but it's fixed American) should you send a bunch of computer addicts a non-addictive seasonal greeting?
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 02:34:37 (UTC)
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Tina and I were talking in Instant Messenger when she told me of the Rudolph the Reindeer tragedy posted below. I posted the same story on the Afritrust Site. Here is the response they sent me.....
"Ali we will send a rescue team immediately, do you have GPS coordinates????????? I am preparing at least 12 holding pens and the vet will fly with us. Do you have a Spanish interpreter???????"
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 22:50:30 (UTC)
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South African GNR's
Get Martin Creamer's Mining Weekly this week and see a profile of Nkana Mine on the second last page. Anyone wanting me to scan it for them - it's one page must contact me - but my computer's a bit 'iffy' at the moment and will be going to the 'puter doctor this week.
Goodnight, Jilly
PS Doug - please teach me how to do such pretty mails!
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 21:02:19 (UTC)
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Computer fundis please bear with me for a while!
Johnny
I will put this on the board rather than in an email because many people seem to send or forward me emails with a whole string of addresses in the ‘to’ or ‘cc’ box. If this is forwarded on and on it makes all those addresses available to spammers.
I am also guilty of the same sin but will try and put all addresses in the ‘bcc’ in future to hide them from spammers. Ali always does this.
While I was visiting Philip we checked the GNR on his computer and I noticed he did not have the ‘Bcc’ box displayed on his Outlook Express. We added it by going into the View menu and clicking on ‘All Headers’.
I also learned from Philip an easy way to send emails. Now this is baby stuff to you fundis but it may help some of the dummies like me.
First click on the ‘Create Mail’ icon in Outlook Express. Then click on the little address book next to the ‘Bcc’ box. This will open the ‘Select recipients window’ with your address books in the left hand column. Select your recipient or you can select several by using the shift key for a bunch or control key for one here and one there.
You then move to the right hand side and click on the ‘To’ ‘Cc’ or preferably ‘Bcc’ and all your selected addressees will magically appear in the selected box. Click on OK at the bottom and your new mail window will open with all the correct names in the required place, ready for you to write your message. This saves jumping backwards and forwards to the address book to see if you have forgotten somebody.
Also we have many people with the same name, such as Chris, and if you type the first couple of letter in to ‘To’ box the wrong names often keep popping up.
If you receive a message with the ‘Cc’ box exposing dozens of addresses it is better to cut and paste the actual message in a new email to protect those people.
While I am playing silly Bloggers let me again wish you all a
Happy Xmas
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 20:24:08 (UTC)
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Charles
Re travelogue - thanks.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 19:10:39 (UTC)
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Mwizenge
Re. the Munyamadzi River. I see you translate it as animal water emphasizing the nyama part of it. Obviously you must be more dialectically competent than me because this river is close to Angoniland, in your home region.
The Angoni people are a branch of the Nguni people. The Zulus, Swazis, Ndebeles and the Xhosas are the main Nguni nations in South Africa. Mzilikazi Khumalo was an Induna (General) of King Shaka Zulu who decided to abscond with all the plunder that he had won in battle instead obeying the law and giving it to his King.
He had to flee from other Imbutfo or Impis (regiments) that Shaka sent to capture him and drag him back to face the King’s wrath. Finally he got far enough away to feel safe and lived happily until the Boers arrived and beat him in battle. The area was named Pietersburg after the Boer general. (It has now been changed to Polokwane). Mzilikazi then fled North to a place he named kwaBulawayo (the place of slaughter) after his home in Zululand. After his death his son LoBengula took over and the following history of Rhodesia is well known.
Also at this time there was a less known Zulu General named Zwangendaba. He also copied Mzilikazi but crossed the Zambezi into what is now Zambia. I believe he was the founder of the Zambian Angoni people. The word Angoni seems to be a corruption of the word Nguni, probably by the other tribes or the whites. Maybe you can enlarge on this story, Mwizenge? I find the history of southern Africa very interesting.
Now in isiZulu mnyama mean black as in umuntu mnyama or black person. This is why I translated munyamadzi as black river. In isiZulu it would be Kwamanziamnyama. Again Munya in isiZulu refers to one (person). So we could even translate it as one person’s water.
Now I have successfully confused myself and everybody else! The problem is with living in many different countries I am a Jack of many different languages, and Master of none.
Ena lo indaba tina supenzisile lo chiKabanga / chiLapalapa / Fanakalo indaba lo Mulungu ena shupika ku kuluma lo muhle Zulu.
That is the reason we used Chikabanga etc. because the white people they struggled to speak Zulu correctly.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 18:07:10 (UTC)
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Generic Seasonal Greeting
In view of politically incorrect situations arising on this board from time to time, and wishing to avoid such situations, we hereby post a Generic Seasonal Greeting for this time of the year, as follows:
From us, Paudie and Sue (hereinafter called "The Wishors") to GNR member/s (hereinafter called "The Wishee/s"), please accept without obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the
holiday occurring on or about the time of the northern hemisphere winter solstice in the generally accepted calendar year 2004 (with due respects as noted later herein), practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practise religious or secular traditions at all.... and, according to the ambitions of The Wishee/s, an economically successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset and completion of the generally accepted calendar year 2005, but with due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures or sects,and having regard for the race, creed, colour, ethnicity, age, physical ability, religious faith, sexual orientation, choice of computer platform, beverage and/or dietary preference of The Wishee/s.
By accepting this greeting The Wishee/s is/are bound by the following and conditions, terms and warranties, in that:
(i) this greeting is subject to further clarification or withdrawal:
(ii) this greeting is freely transferable provided that no alteration shall be made to the original greeting, and that the proprietary rights of The Wishors are
acknowledged;
(iii) this greeting implies no promise by The Wishors, jointly or severally, to actually implement any of the wishes contained therein;
(iv) this greeting may not be enforceable in certain jurisdictions and/or the restrictions herein may not be binding upon certain Wishees in certain jurisdictions and is revocable at the sole discretion of The Wishors;
(v) this greeting is warranted to perform as reasonably may be expected within the usual application of a greeting of good tidings, for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent generic greeting of this type;
(vi) The Wishors warrant this greeting only for the limited placement of this greeting, or issuance of a new greeting at the sole discretion of The Wishors;
(vii) any implied references in this greeting perceived to be to "The Lord", "Father Christmas", "Our Saviour", or any other religious or festive figures, whether actual or fictitious, dead or alive, shall not imply any endorsement by or from such figures in respect of this greeting, and all proprietary rights in any referenced third party names and images are hereby acknowledged;
(viii) in the event of any dispute, this agreement, including, but not limited to, all terms, conditions and warranties, shall be interpreted under the laws and jurisprudence of the Commonwealth of Ausralia.
Regards, (and tongue-in-cheek)
Paudie and Sue
Paudie Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 15:41:41 (UTC)
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Isn't it grand to have so many GNR friends to whom one can turn for advice - I say friends because although there are a huge number I do not know personally, I feel I know everyone from reading our message board!!
Charles
Thanks for yours - I'll give it a go
Ali
I believe you! I don't reckon on finding it easy and especially not after speaking to a neighbour who constantly beats her head against the proverbial stone wall - but who knows? Lucky Strike !! haha
Doug
Thanks a bunch too for your info
Now I know what I'm going to be doing over the Xmas break from work ...
Kris
Kristien Massie, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 13:04:29 (UTC)
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Good morning I just wanted to ask if there are any Northeners living in Thailand (Bangkok in particular) who may be able to help with a couple of questions I have. I have been offered a position there and fly on the 22nd and am lookign for a bit of a 'heads up' to living there. Most sites I find deal with either backpackers or ''dodgy tourists''..of which I am neither.
Geraint Lewis, France [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 11:26:26 (UTC)
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Aye Cailain Munro.... you ask how I know about the true ‘Lia Fail’?
Like your breed, mine have prodigious memories. Ask any of them ‘what happened in i.e. 1692?’ and they’ll tell you in minute detail -- but they probably couldn’t tell you what happened down at the pub last Saturday!
Ahhh... the mystery of having a Christian heart and a pagan soul.
Beth Lloyd,
How's life? How are your plans going for a Jo'burg BH get together?
Doug,
You could easily write travelogues!
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 11:21:48 (UTC)
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Rather sad pre-Christmas message. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was involved in a midair collision involving a flock of geese and an aircraft over the Spanish countryside today.... However, the reindeer in Spain fell mainly on the plane.
(Wish I could take credit for that one but it came from Colin Mockery on the American version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?")
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 05:34:56 (UTC)
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Jon Moon:
Do you work for a copper mine in Zambia? For some reason, when I send an email to anyone at a copper mine in Zambia, their server rejects my address. I can get through with no problem via the GNR contact, and you can email me the same way, or even directly from your email address. But I am unable to respond on something you send me unless I send a fresh email via the GNR. I have just tried to send you a very long email addressing the "Chingolan Urban Legend" but it bounced back. I don't know if I have a limit on email length via the GNR or I can try to send it that way to you?
Does anyone know the answer to this question, please? Can our emails to someone via the GNR contact be any length?
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 03:16:44 (UTC)
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CHARLIE : According to Iain Hamilton there are three Stones of Destiny on the go and nobody can say which is which anymore except Jacob who has declined to comment at the moment. There is the 1296 stone which Edward took back to London and which remained in Westminster Abbey until 1950 under the Coronation Throne of all Kings and Queens of England. Then there is the Stone of 1809 ( God knows how you about that one) which must be favourite. The last stone is the one which was returned to England by Iain on the promise of immunity from prosecution, this being a copy of the one Iain nicked on Christmas Eve, made by a Dundee stonemason, now dead, which fooled the Establishment or perhaps they just wanted to let dead dogs lie as they had to have a "Stone" for the Coronation of QE 1 of Great Britain in 1953. And which was returned to Edinburgh with great pomp and circumstance to atone for the injustice done by Eddie in 1296!
Confused? We all are, sorry!
IS IT A BIT EARLY FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL? If not I would like to start the ball rolling!
Sung to the tune of "When its Springtime in Alaska its Forty Below" and with apologies to Johnny Horton.
WHEN ITS CHRISTMAS IN ZIMBABWE
I came to this land on a warm summers day,
Grew the gwai and meallies, in the sunshine made hay,
Pulled into Salisbury, the city was a boon,
So I took a little stroll to the Meikles saloon.
I walked in the bar, the music was clear,
The purtiest voice I had heard for a year,
The song she was singing, brought me from my low,
When its Christmas in Rhodesia, Christmas lights aglow.
Youthfull happy days, life was a song,
But little did I know, that it would'nt be to long,
Till Iain took the dice, and he gave them a throw,
When its Christmas in Zimbabwe, they'll be no lights aglow.
Went along with the man who gave it his best,
But sold out by Wilson and betrayed by the West,
They pulled out a knife and they gave it a throw,
When its Christmas in Zimbabwe ,they'll be no lights aglow.
What hope is left, for this dessert land,
Ten years a long time, gripped in a bloody hand,
To think of Mugabe makes a mans blood run cold,
When its Christmas in Zimbabwe, SR'll be six feet below.
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 02:02:14 (UTC)
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Pappy:
I don't have Bubbles' contact info any longer, but I originally got it through Heather Chalcraft on the GNR management. She did some leg work for me and discovered that he worked for a trucking company in Lusaka. The name totally escapes me now. I sent several emails with no response. Heather actually spoke to him by phone, so perhaps you can ask her to check again. I don't know if he still goes by Bubbles as I am noticing a lot of guys have changed their name when they grew up. His last name is either Karavantos or Caravantos. First name George as you already know.
Nicky:
Your reputation is safe. You are not implicated in the naughty Greek words situation. It was actually Perry Goneous who taught me (the words, that is...) Of course, I played dumb so he had to spend more time teaching me.. grin. What is that old saying, "Beware of young Greeks bearing gifts?" I got a bit mixed up at that age and thought it was, "Beware of young girls baring Greeks." Oops. Just kidding.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 01:40:20 (UTC)
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Ayub,
Yes, Kavulamungu sounds very familiar. Infact I have been to Katete and surrounding villages so many times in my life. The other day I was watching video footage I took at Kathumba village when I was doing research in August1993.
At Nyimba, I once met an Indian fellow who was a classmate in Pyschology at UNZA. During one of the trips by bus from Lusaka to Chipata, we stopped at Nyimba, and I walked into one of the stores and there was this guy. We chatted but I can’t remember his name. I know he had either a leg or hand disability. It was his father’s shop. There were only 4 shops at Nyimba. I looked for him again in 1985 during one of my trips. But I have not seen him there since then. The biggest, best, and softest sugar canes are at Nyimba.
Of course I am familiar with Kawele. From Lusaka by bus, we always seemed to arrive at Kabele at 2 am with passengers getting off. In 1996, my son and I were driving at night and the vehicle finally quit just before Kawele at mid-night. We parked by the side of the road and slept listening to my short wave radio. The following morning we got a retired machanic to help us from the nearby village.
Sinda is yet another familiar stop. Last time I stopped there in 2000, I and my two boys were driving a pickup truck from Luangwa Game Park and we were having problems with the vehicle. We stopped briefly at Sinda to look for a mechanic. The alternator light was flashing on the dash board. To fix the fuse problem, we had to use the old thin cigarette box aluminium solution. I had to pump the brakes all the way to Lusaka.
There are some other smaller stops that you might not know of like; Sindamisale, Minga, Mtenguleni, Madzimoyo, Ngazi Ziwaweka. There is a small shopping center at St. Francis Hospital road that was really hot in the 1970s; restaurants, bars, bright lights, music etc. The nurses at St. Francis hospital were gorgeous.
But a stop that beats them all is Mgubudu and Dalala stores on the Lundazi road. This was the center of life in the 1960s and 70s when I lived in that area. There was something magical about that period living in rural Zambia. I have not been able to put my finger on it yet.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 21:48:19 (UTC)
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Pappy,
I haven't seen or heard from Bubbles in nearly 30 years - but I think Linda managed to trace him and he is in Lusaka. My all-abiding memory of Bubbles was one day when I was in my stepfather's car as a passenger and we were overtaken by a mini - Bubbles. Then Bubbles went hurtling off down Freedom Avenue just above the park and Uncle Jim was grumbling about this bloody idiot driver - and I was saying confidently that Bubbles was actually a really good driver - no sooner were the words out of my mouth when the mini hit the pavement and spectacularly rolled right in front of us. I don't know whether Bubbles was asleep with his eyes open - but he walked out of the car totally unscathed. Maybe his ego was a little bruised?
Tina,
I don't know any Greek swear words at all, as Doug says, I don't need to!
Mwizenge,
If I go on the Laungwa expedition - I am certainly not going to wear white shirts! Aiyee, you have made me very afred! I have already been chased away to the mines in South Africa....
Jon Moon - welcome - we'd love to hear about Chingola these days. My husband was there last November and brought home great videos of those GREAT BIG trucks at the open pit mine. I used to love those trucks - wheels bigger than a normal car - fascinating.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 21:14:16 (UTC)
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Northerners....
For those who use Google or search the net a lot, please take a peek at:
http://www.google.com/options/index.html
There are a number of specialized search services available here that could narrow your search fields considerably.
Also take a look at the left side bar "Web Search Features" for even more choices.
Enjoy!!!
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 20:18:42 (UTC)
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Report on the expedition to the last outpost, of the last outpost, of the British Empire.
No, that is not a mistake. Natal is often referred to as the last outpost of the British Empire, and Eshowe is the last outpost of Natal. On Saturday I left my mountain hideout of Vryheid (Freedom City) and started driving south through the kopje littered high veldt landscape.
At first the road was reasonably straight and level but as I passed ThabaNkulu (big mountain), Gluckstad, and then the turn off to Ulundi the Zulu capital, the road became progressively more winding and hilly to the small town of Melmoth. We have already dropped about 1500 feet from Vryheid and here the sugar and tropical fruit plantations start to replace the cattle ranches and the timber plantations of the high country.
From Melmoth one must drive with care because the road falls off the edge of Africa. This escarpment is maybe twice the size of the Zambezi escarpment south of Chirundu. There is a beautiful highway but it zigs and zags dangerously and steeply around the mountain edges, so if the driver loses concentration, his vehicle may become an wingless aircraft on a one-way trip, down, down, down, splat. You can see across miles and miles of green mountains and valleys covered with sugar and fruit plantations.
Some of these sugar fields are planted on what appears to be 60 or 70 degree slopes. I wonder how they plow these lands without the tractor falling of the hill? Maybe one wheel is larger that the other and they plow in one direction round and round the hill. Reminds me of the famous Ooh-Aah bird in the Wild West Show who used to fly in ever decreasing circles until it flew up it’s own dirt chute. You only have to drive down those windey roads and you will know how that bird feels.
We drop about another 1000 feet and then climb a hundred or so to arrive in Eshowe. A trim, military looking gentleman with an aggressive moustache is waiting for us at the side of the road. This is my first meeting with my fellow ‘Northern Boy’ Philip Pain although we have been in communication for some time on the GNR and by email.
Philip tells me to follow him to his house, and it is just as well he is there to guide us because the road layout of Eshowe is like the twists and turns of a drunken boa constrictor. Zere was defnatif no Germans planning zese roads! Yiss, if I go on like ziz, my spell checker will have iene heart attack, Ja!
Eshowe is an attractive town with many beautiful trees and shrubs and is very reminiscent of the suburbs of Kitwe or Mufulira. There were blossoming Frangipani’s, Flame tree’s; the Flamboyant trees were just starting their brilliant red blossoming against the green leaves. To remind you to drive slowly there were speed humps known as sleeping policemen all over the roads. Bump, bump, blixom se bump.
At Philip's house we sat on the stoep and enjoyed a cold Castle. It was very pleasant, very quiet, with shady trees keeping the hot sun at bay. There was a lot of bird life around (the feathered variety, Johnny). A pair of swallows had flown all the way from Europe to visit Philip for the summer. They had built a mud nest on the stoep ceiling with a very small tubular entrance that ballooned out into a wine-bottle shape agaist the wall. It was fascinating to watch them zooming in with food for the young brood inside, closing their wings at the very last moment so that they could slot into the entrance tunnel. They were quite tame and ignored us.
Philip took me for a tour around Eshowe. There are some nice dams, an old fort, and Bishops seat, a clearing in the forest where the early missionaries preached. Every year at Xmas they have carols by candlelight in this clearing. Bit spooky! This is in the protected indigenous Dlinza rainforest that surrounds Eshowe. Sadly less than 5% of the original indigenous forests survive in South Africa. Dlinza is full of massive trees with dense undergrowth. I saw one small buck on our short drive but it soon disappeared. Philip tells me he often hikes the forest tracks with a friend and it is very spiritually relaxing.
Also visiting Philip was another ‘Northern Boy’ Ian Windey-Windey Jamieson and his lady friend Elsa. Ian is working in Swaziland and we soon found that we had a few mutual acquaintances. I delivered a few maps to Philip to help him plan his Luangwa expedition. That evening we went to a formal dinner at the Moth Club where I met no fewer than 6 other ‘Northern Boys’. A group photo was taken which I hope Philip will send to Arthur. Maybe we should rename Eshowe ‘The Last Outpost of Northern Rhodesia.’ I can remember Rob from Kitwe, Bruce also from Kitwe, and Charles whose parents used to have a bakery in Fort Roseberry. I have asked Philip to ask these chaps if he can put a short write up about each of them on the GNR to see if anyone remembers them. They are not computer users but through Philip they may well find some long lost friends on the GNR as so many of us have.
I met Bruce and Steven the other two intrepid explorers who plan to join Philip on his expedition to darkest Luangwa after the Kariba reunion.
After the formal dinner the music and serious partying started. Many old tunes and some new ones were played at ear blasting levels. We got home at 2 am and I crashed, but Philip, Ian and Elsa continued the party for some time. Just another tough day in Africa!
On Sunday I was the last up, Philip had a few chibuli’s and I had a couple of spook and diesels, then Philip showed his culinary skills by cooking a delicious chicken goulash after which I headed back to my mountain hideout to recover.
Thanks very much Philip for your hospitality and you had better come this side soon so I can reciprocate.
A Northern Boy?
I’m proud to be, a Northern boy
A Northern boy, I’m proud to be
And I feel glad
About the times I had
In that dear land
North of the Zambezi
Philip will tell you more about this song.
Cheers
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 19:07:38 (UTC)
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Jack
I would appreciate a copy of that story. I will email you direct so you can get my address to send me the documents. Jilly has also expressed interest in joining this trip, which would be most welcome, so it looks as though it is becoming more of a possibility.
Jilly
I receive emails from many friends I just thought that one fitted the Eshowe scene so well I should just couple them up. Your royalty’s check is in the mail.
Mwizenge
I also remember about the Bamunyama or cannibals. What about the leopard men who used to terrorize Mufulira in the 50’s. They were very real. Bill Hunt should remember them.
Kevin
I hope Spoornet extracts its digit from its fundamental orifice and does the upgrading to Zambia railways that they have been awarded.
Jon Moon
Welcome!
Kris
I have emailed you re. birth certs. If you have no joy with the site Charles has suggested I will try to help.
Cheers
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 18:54:57 (UTC)
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Mwizenge,
You spend some of your childhood around Katete. Do you remember a nearby "village" called Kavlamungu? My uncle used to own a shop there and I remember spending a few days there! There were 9probably still are) also other "stops" that on the Great East Road...Kawere,Sinda,Petauke...any others you know of?
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 18:20:56 (UTC)
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Jill,
Have you heard from Bubbles at all,does anyone know what he is up to these days?must be at least 20yrs since I have seen him.The only guy that I knew who could sleep with his eyes open.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 17:17:58 (UTC)
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Jon Moon,
Welcome to GNR. Please tell us more about Nchanga in 2004. I left in 1972 so it must have changed a lot. That huge open pit must be about 10 times bigger now. Did the mines get sold off or nationalised or what? I worked for NCCM but does that entity still exist? Are you working for the mine itself or for a consultant/contractor?
Is the township still the same with the single quarters in Second Street? Maybe all those houses have been knocked down by now. I nearly knocked my own place down (28 East) one night after a few quiet drinks and in a very heavy downpour with old tyres on my car!
How is Nchanga Rugby Club and The Rampant Lion? It was strictly mono-racial (if that’s a proper word) when I was there. Surely that’s no longer the case. Are there any photos, copper trays or other memorabilia on the walls of the amazing 1971 Far East Tour?
Over to you. Best regards...........
Keith Binns, United Arab Emirates [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 14:20:50 (UTC)
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Peter D Good Luck with the op ...
Kristien good luck with your search, I have found searching for your family tree can be so frustrating at times, I have loads of info regarding sites etc but to get anywhere one must have the pennies to spend.....and it is harder when you are living in a different country to where all your relatives were born and died..
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 14:14:55 (UTC)
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Hi Peter
Good luck with the op. hope you get it done soon. You will feel like a teenager again, or an older women whatever your preferance. Good luck and god bless.
Girls! Girls!
What is all this about rude greek words? are you lot not bad enough with the english ones that you know?
Are you all planning to shock some poor greek guy or just to use it on your parterns so they don't understand When you yell at them?
Nicky Kontou, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 14:01:02 (UTC)
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Peter D (aka Yukon Pete),
I think we should offer Tina the Key of the Town of Broken Hill - or at least make her a Fellow of "The Boon’s Bar League of Gentlemen" - for her uncovering the ancient Gaelic link with the town of ‘Cruach Briste’ (that just rolls off the tongue like a fine John Jaimesons). I wonder if there’s a link between the Broken Hill Skull and the Head of Bran?
Glad to hear you’ve decided to go kosher on the new valve. 10-15 years pass by very quickly.
Kris,
You can get your parents’ death certificates from your nearest SA Embassy. Look at the webite :
http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/register_death.asp
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 13:44:52 (UTC)
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Peter,
Good luck with the op. I just looked at your profile to see how the prognosis for "years to go" compared with your year of birth -- and I found we were born in the same year. I ain’t saved nearly enough yet for 27 more years.
Keith Binns, United Arab Emirates [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 13:38:48 (UTC)
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Hi all -
I wonder if there is anyone who could help me or point me in the right direction.
I am researching my family tree and need to know where I can obtain some birth and death certificates for both father and mother who have been deceased for a good many years now. Father was born in Paarl and died in Johannesburg area and mother was born in Bloemfontein and died in Cape Town.
I hope to travel to SA in March and could get the one birth certificate in Paarl if I know where and also the death certificate in Cape Town. Impossible for me to get to Bloemfontein though but I will be in Randburg for the last 10 days of my 3 week trip.
I would be much obliged for any suggestions.
Regards
Kris
Kristien Massie, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 13:23:58 (UTC)
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Hi All
I've just joined the board after a search I did regarding Lake Kashiba (near Luanshya), which some of the members have previously discussed.
I suppose I'm part of the new genration as my family and I are currently living in Chingola (originally from Johannesburg) and working on the Nchanga Open Pit as a geotechnical engineer (I look at rocks for a living ;-} ).
The copperbelt may be a little more "rustic" in comparison to the "good ol' days" but the lifestyle is still great.
Looking forward to getting to know you through your posts and emails.
Regards
Jon
Jon Moon, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 09:57:24 (UTC)
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Northerners...
I am not in hospital yet... but on stand by for an aortic heart valve replacement. They tell me the latest date will be the middle of January but that there is a good chance to do the operation near Xmas as some people do not like to recuperate over Xmas.
It is a four day hospital stay and another five weeks or so at home. Worst part is I am not alowed to drive during those five weeks....
I had a two day stay in hospital for testing etc last week. I will NEVER be a junkie - hate those needles.
I'll get an artificial valve versus a pig one as I am still to young to be a pig (ahem). Reason is a pig valve lasts 10 - 15 years and according to actuarian tables I still have 27 years to go. Being a number one woosh I do not want to go through this operation twice, hee, hee.
Right now I have no pains compared to two weeks ago. Just like going to the dentist - it never hurts once you get there....
Right now I fell like JFDI and get it over with!!!
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 08:54:23 (UTC)
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Doug
To follow your posting on Friday re Spoornet this was in the paper on Saturday. A bit of spin from Spoornet perhaps?
*Railway Systems of Zambia GM Babe Botana has said that his company invested K18.5 bln in its operations in Zambia. Meanwhile GrandThornt MD Hakainde Hichilema has said that RSZ has helped revitalize companies that had collapsed. He said that according to the agreement RSZ was supposed to invest K14.25 bln but due to poor state of assets at the time of take over RSZ performed beyond the agreed investment plan to the sum of K18.5 bln in the first year of operation -- Times of Zambia, Saturday December 11, Pg 2
Kevin Shone, Zambia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 08:18:28 (UTC)
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Tiyendi Video/DVDs
To all who had asked for a copy of the Tiyendi video, I haven't forgotten you. I am on a business trip in the US and didn't manage to get them sent out before I left last Tuesday. I'll be back later this week and will aim to get them posted to you at the weekend. If you haven't provided me with an address yet, please do so.
regards
Barry
Barry Robbins, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 06:35:08 (UTC)
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Nyama is a Nyanja word or noun which has two meanings 1)wild animal 2) any meat
Madzi -- is noun for water.
Munyamadzi then might mean wild animals drank water in the river regularly. This might suggest that this river never dries up or has watering holes throughout the dry season. Mupamadzi may be a slight linguistic variation of the same word.
I remember Bamunyama when I was a little boy at Katete in the 1950s. The story I heard my parents and other adults tell at the time is that a group of evil people were playing magic in broad daylight. At a public gathering like an agricultural show, these people would take pictures of your "heart".
Indeed stories were repeated that victims, especially those wearing white shirts, would incur dark outlines of drawings that looked like pictures on the back of their shirts. These individuals would later then mindlessly and blindly follow the perpetrators to distant bushes where the victims were cut up and eaten by the munyamas. A variation of the story said that the munyama would lure their victims to Jahannesburg and Bulawayo where they would work in the mines as Zombies or vipuku. I suspect now that these stories were a mix between myth and legend.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 06:02:35 (UTC)
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Pete
Get your tune up and oil change and come back to us with your engine purring.
Lindy and Jilly
You two are hillarious. Jilly, well I'm just shocked to the core! (Forces tongue back out of cheek). Surely t'was never you who taught Linda naughty words in Greek? Email them to me.
Johnny
Well that does help explain why so many ladies have asked you to stay for breakfast over the years...
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 00:41:49 (UTC)
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Doug,
I have copies of the Black Lechwe magazine of the Wild Life Conservation society of Zambia in the early 1970's.
There are a couple of articles which chronical visits to the Chimfungwe Plains (between north and south Luangwa) accessed via the GNR near Mpika . They are written by John Rutledge, chairman of the Kabwe branch, in 1972. He includes a sketch map of the area showing the Munyamadzi river and records meeting with the fabled Mary Gough in 1971 just before her death. It also records some time spent up a tree by John and my old friend Sean Hayden with seven wild dog in attendance - a sketch shows a rhino at the base of the tree and I seem to remember Sean telling me of this similar rhino incident. Seems our intrepid safari masters spent a lot of time up trees! The articles run to 8 pages but I'd be happy to scan and e-mail to anyone interested or post as pages on GNR.
The access route down the escarpment is credited to Game Warden Les Allen who had improved an established elephant trail. An interesting read.
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 00:32:03 (UTC)
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Peter D. Get well soon........
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 13, 2004 at 00:16:31 (UTC)
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Peter sorry to hear of your attack but no doubt you are in good hands now and dont worry they can perform miracles as I found out after they had put a pigs valve in the centre of my heart, apart from the odd grunt now and again and out some early mornings rooting for truffles I am leading a very abnormal life aided by whisky and viagra so nildesperandum and lookng forward to seeing your prose on the Road shortly Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 23:24:50 (UTC)
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Peter D...
I hope by now you’re well enough to read this message and there’s nothing seriously wrong. Read Tina’s message below. Those ‘antient Gaelics’ even made provision for Broken Hill in their language -- ‘Cruach Briste’.
Tina,
You’re a gem in a million! As a baby, I ‘teethed’ on biltong. I’m sure you ‘teethed’ (pun intended) on the Blarney Stone.
Cailain Munro.
That sounds like an interesting piece of history regarding Iain Hamilton QC. (from Fort Jimmy) stealing back the Stone of Destiny (aka the Bethel Stone which Jacob used as a pillow while in the wilderness when he had his "Jacob’s Ladder’ dream) from Westminster Abbey where it had been ensconced since Eddie 1 stole it in 1296.
Is it the real Stone of Destiny which, according to ancient chronicles, was the black marble throne on which the first kings of Ireland were crowned? Did the Stone of Destiny ever leave Scotland? Could the real stone have been the 500 lb stone found in 1809 - after heavy rains caused a landslip and exposed a vault containing this stone and two round bronze tablets at the site of Macbeth’s castle, Dunsinane in Perthshire? I’m sure the canny Scots would have hidden it rather than let Ed fulfil his vow -- after all they had a full three days to do so before Edward 1 arrived!
Ali
I owe you an apology. I concentrated on identifying your tree, and only discovered your email with the Nyasa Wildebeest later on. I thought Mr Green was cracking a joke about the buffalo, and played along. I wouldn’t have been able to identify it anyway. When I followed the time-honoured path of "game preservation" (read ‘making biltong’) I successfully pursued two of the three species I’m familiar with (the Black and Brindle).
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 21:13:21 (UTC)
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GNR's,
Believe it or not my postings are germane - Kitwe people will understand (I hope!)
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 20:48:44 (UTC)
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Linda,
It is all Greek to me?
Jilly - hey - and leave my big nose out it, China!
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 20:46:43 (UTC)
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Jilly:
Your ears must be ringing and your nose must be 10 inches long at the moment.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 20:34:25 (UTC)
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Tina - work this out - ask the other Texas Mfazi for assistance - Bubbles.
Doug - who could have sent you such an irresponsible email? I am shocked.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 20:31:23 (UTC)
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Yukon Pete:
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, mate! Please let me know if you need me to send Frorence Nightinhell to speed your recovery along. Jokes aside, take good care and get healthy soon.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 20:26:48 (UTC)
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I have just been informed that our own Yukon Pete is in hospital with a heart problem. If this is correct I would like to send him best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 20:02:37 (UTC)
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I have just returned to my mountain hideout from a wild weekend with Philip Pain in Eshowe, of which I shall write further once I have recovered. I found the following email awaiting me: -
For the 2004 Festive season, let us all act unselfishly!!!
I do not know whether you have the same feelings toward social responsibility as I do, but I am currently very involved in ensuring that the world remains a safe place for the younger generation.
I am doing my best to drink all the alcohol / wine / beer / spirits in order that I can ensure that our younger generation are not tempted by the evils of the bottle. Join me in this noble calling and together we can make the world safe for our children to live in.
Join the search for alcohol/wine/beer/spirits and when you find it, think not of yourself, act unselfishly and please drink it, you will have prevented one child from abusing it.
SO JOIN ME IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TEENAGE ALCOHOL ABUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!TOGETHER WE CAN BEAT THIS PROBLEM!!!!!
I can sincerely assure the sender that the good people of Eshowe are doing their valiant best to support the said good cause.
Regadsshh - Doug
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 19:52:22 (UTC)
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For those of you that knew,Ray Howard from Chingola.(was brother in law of Tony Holt),he passed away Yesterday Saturday 11th.December,condolances to the Howard.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 19:37:40 (UTC)
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"The Ugly American"
I witnessed a very funny situation in Harrod's when I was over for the Tytheringon Tiyende. I had gone to Harrod's on Saturday morning, along with 10,000 other shoppers. Elbow to elbow people, from all walks of life and all ethnic groups. Not quite my comfort zone as I do really like my personal space.. unless I have had my two drinks.. grin...
The people with me were anxious to purchase something from the childrens' section, which was several floors from the ground. Up the escalator we go, winding our way through the throngs of shoppers until at last we get to the floor we need. Off the escalator and down a fairly narrow passage. Up on the wall of this particular area was a large arrow pointing in the opposite direction and indicating this was the way to the bathrooms. A very long line was up against the wall, roped off from the heaving throng of people pushing either to get into or out of the childrens' area. I noticed that the kiddies were very well behaved, and dressed very nicely too. A very dapper Englishman, dressed in top hat and tails, was gently moving them along and commenting in a very posh British accent that they were very well behaved, and nice little boys and girls, etc.
As I saw a thin shaft of light between the mass, indicating that I was close to my destination, a sign hung down, pointing to the line and in large letters it read, "Two And A Half Hour Wait From This Point." A mental picture flashed through my mind of little Johnny or little Susie saying at that point, "Bugger it, I can't wait that long for a pee..." and I chuckled to myself, very glad that my boys were long passed this sort of nightmare for a parent.
Just as I got level to the end of the line and was shoving a 5ft tall woman to her knees, an American woman arrived at the back of this line with two very hyper children in tow. She took one look at the sign and in a very loud voice for all to hear she bellowed, "Damn! Two and a half hours to wait for my kids to use a bathroom. This is damn ridiculous!! I'M not waiting that long. My kids need to piss and they need to piss NOW!"
Glad that nobody around could tell that I was "American" I turned away, quite embarrassed and well aware of the reputation of "The Ugly American" that tourists earn when they are overseas. Just at that moment, the dapper Englishman in his top hat and tails came over and in his very polished, marble in the mouth, British accent announced to the woman, "Madam, THIS is the line to see Father Christmas!"
I hurried away, laughing my head off, and sorry that I had kicked the legs out from under that poor 5ft woman in front of me... grin.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 16:22:16 (UTC)
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P.S. Earlier, Ali was nattering in IM to her son Oliver in New Zealand when I told her that story and she thought I should post it.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 10:43:57 (UTC)
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Some friends had to go out of town this weekend and kindly gave us their tickets to a Dickensian Christmas in Old City Park. People here are paid to live out pioneer life in the mid-19th century when the Dallas era was first settled. All candles, hurricane lamps, much baking at fires and in wood stoves, quite Africa-of-our-experience really, apart from the period costumes and the fact that most of us didn't milk their own cows.
Several original buildings have been relocated here, some of them even with a couple of their original inhabitants attached. Some ghost stories, e.g. One original owner used to climb the external steps to the second storey bedroom for a nap in the heat of the day and apparently can often still be heard doing so.
Anyway Chris brought us back to this century quite effectively. As we left, we passed the line for pictures with Santa in the wrought iron bandstand. To give 6' 5" son Chris a hard time we asked him if he would like his picture taken with Santa. "Oh yeah", he said, "I can see it now. 'Ho! Ho! Ho! Little boy, and what would you like for Christmas?' ..... Um, er, some plutonium?"
We giggled our way to the exit.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 10:39:06 (UTC)
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Colin if your great gggggggg Great Grandad hadn't been a light sleeper you woul'd not have been prouting the Gaelic on gnr today Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 08:51:07 (UTC)
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TINA : Your Texas Gaelic is just fine, the Gaelic we speak today in Scotland is well broke as are most languages today. It just amazes me as to how you have any at all, like Capt. Mannering playing the bagpipes, there has got to be a story somewhere. (hope its not as sad as his) Gaelic was my first, English my second, and Shona my third and I'm not very good at any yet. You were as close as it makes no difference in your translation, the last bit meant "when it comes". The reason for this is, we use this greeting for most of the year, as prior to our massacre on Culloden Moor in 1745 we used the traditional greeting of "Beannach'd Leibh" which means good luck. Our troops going into battle called this out to each other but as we now know the result ,consider this not to be of much assistance luckwise whatsoever and have given it a bodyswerve ever since.(we have long memories in this neck of the woods) I am most heartened to hear that "Kiss My Ass" in Gaelic is still doing the rounds in the civilised world.
CHARLIE : Long time to remember back re your Hibees and Big mate coming to Argyll to beat us up and although you got a foothold in the Mull of Kintyre and northwards into that which became the Kingdom of Dalriada you never got into the heartland of Pictland, because most of you got strung up in wicker baskets and gently toasted over a slow burning peat fire to make the most delightful munyama ( the result of which is the delicious smoked salmon for which Scotland is famous today (we found this to be more profitable on a commercial basis, although not such good fun)) Some of the Paddii and Scotii did coexist (as did Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens,nothing changes ,see Glasgow today) and when Columba (521-597) arrived on I he had a good start with those guys. Its quite funny someone should mention Nessie and the still in the Glen of Tranquility ,as Columba, when returning from a bender in the very same, should be the first tourist to Loch Ness to record having encountered the monster nearing what is now Fort Augustus ,in the Highland Region ,in 574AD. This historical fact was recorded by his no doubt sceptical monks on his return to I. ( pronounced eeh, the single letter "I " being the correct name for Iona, it having been Anglicised ,as were many Gaelic names during a period of rehabilitisation when we were taught to respect our betters.
The Kingdom of the Picts is still very much alive, the King of the Picts, Robbie ,resides on the Misty Isle of Skye and is still very much a thorn in the flesh of the Germanic Pretenders in London . Apart from myself, there are a lot of famous Picts still around, including Iain Hamilton, QC., who stole the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Eve, 1950.( also ex Fort Jamieson) Tha sin mar a tha mar a tha, Regards Cailain.
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 02:47:10 (UTC)
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TO ALL GNR'S!!!!
Our best personal wishes to one & all for a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Enjoy the holiday season & the company of your families & friends.
Gary, Natasha & Scott Brassington.
Gary Brassington, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 00:20:43 (UTC)
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Charlie from Cruach Briste
I see. It's all in the genes - a heritage of fight starters, silver-tongued blarneyers, bards (occasionally going from bard to verse), hunters, illustrators, and worshippers of the grain and grape.
(Note to the GNR: Tina Magee available to collaborate on or create memoirs, and other writings. Fee: a return ticket to Africa and comfortable private room for the duration). How's that for a personal plug?
P.S. to any cringing Gaelic speakers, Gaeltecht areas would agree: B' fheàrr Gàidhlig briste na Beurla cliste (Better broken Gaelic than polished English).
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 20:23:07 (UTC)
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All GNRs
Anyone remember Jeffrey Raman?
Lecturer at Teachers Training Colleges 1964 - 1973?
Mufulira
Kitwe
Broken Hill
My daughter met him recently in Durban.
He suffered a stroke which has impaired his speech.
He is still able to read & write & would be very happy to hear from any of his pupils & colleagues that remember him.
Charles Cartmill
Not guilty! - I've never hunted elephant. I detest the idea.
The Edward Hunt referred to may well be a friend & namesake of mine - He was a visionary Canadian Mining Engineer who was the main driving force in the creation of the great Palabora Copper Mine in the Northern Transvaal.
He was also the owner of a superb wine farm in Jonkershoek Stellenbosch, where my family & I spent a wonderful Xmas.
Sadly he has passed on
Bill Hunt, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 11:50:20 (UTC)
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Hi Doug,
Re your post regarding the Munyamadzi we had always assumed that the name meant "Other Water" as the Mupamadzi was on the Southern edge of the GMA. Thank you for the elucidation. BTW the word Munyama also means 'human flesh' ie cannibalism, a strong fear of which existed in the '50s particularly when brand of corned beef appeared carrying a picture of a smiling african face!
Mike Wilson, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 10:42:14 (UTC)
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Maxie suggested I should post the following for members info.
Dear Doug,
On the 3rd of this month I was doing my daily chore of clearing out the Bulk file on my computer.
Normally I just glance and the sender and then delete.
Then I saw this one:
grewardoug@ (etc. changed to avoid spiders) Re: your letter with attachment
I recognised you name immediately from the GRN message board (remember the Takkies query).
The file was described as follows:
Attachment.
Your_ Letter.pif.pif file
File size: 17Kb
Type application/octet.stream
The scan results gave me the following:
"W32 Netsky.D@mm" found
Now all this is absolutely double-Dutch to me, but I think you will understand what it means.
I meant to write a couple of days ago but was not sure if the e-mail address was yours and intended to look up your profile.
Then yesterday I had an e-mail from Johnny which I printed out and lo and behold he had forwarded a copy of his joke to you as well. From this I was able to confirm your e-mail address.
I don't think you have anything to do with this but I thought it best I tell you in case someone is doing something illegally.
I have had two e-mails, from people I do not know, asking me if I am sending Viruses.
Sorry if this is all confusing to you.....it certainly is to me, not being a computer Boffin and all that.
Let me know please.
Touch the South African sun for me........there is none here in the U.K.
Kind Regards,
Maxie Harwood (Lindenberg).
I never sent any such email to Maxie so I refered it to my Nephew Adrian who is a computer fundi.
Adrian
What do you make of this? I have scanned my computer for viruses but it finds nothing. I am using McCawfee from standard bank.
Cheers - Doug
Hi,
The netsky virus is known to do this.
What it does is collect email address's on an affected machine.
Then it starts spamming the people on that list by sending them copies of the virus.
It does not mean that it came from your pc, it could have originated from anybodys pc that has your email address in there list.
The best thing to do is to keep your antivirus up to date and do frequent scans.
I would suggest that the other people on the gnr list also do the same by frequently updating and scanning there pc's.
Also if you wish to check on hoaxes and viruses etc. have a look at www.antivirus.com and run a search on the virus name you are querying.
Cheers,
Adrian.
Dear Doug,
Many thanks....I have put that information in a special file.....I sort of understand what it is all about, but won't remember next week. It does explain though, why I have had people, I don't know, asking if I am sending spam.
It is quite frightening to think that your e-mail address (which I thought was private) can be used by "strangers" or worse still, a computer.
Do you think you should advise the board. There are a lot like me who have no idea what it is about......being self taught has it's disadvantages.
Don't forget to touch the sun for me -- when it passes over your part of South Africa,
Very Many Thanks.
Maxie.
One thing that can be done is when sending emails to put all the extra addressees in the BCC row instead of the CC row. I am sure Craig could expand on this.
Cheers
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 09:07:28 (UTC)
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Ali,
So you had the right tree - Albizia versicvolor. Well done.
Tina,
I was born in Broken Hill (the centre of the known Universe). However - both my parents are from 'the aulde country'. Don't tell Colin, but it was the Hibers (in English - people from Iverland) who educated the Picts when Fergus Mor McErc (of the Irish Gaelic kingdom Dalriada) invaded Argyll and won it from the Picts sometime in the fifth century AD. In AD 843, Kenneth McAlpin united the Picts and Scots and became the first true king of Scotland. etc. etc.... Now that's how to start a 'battle royale'!
Doug,
In 1975 I hunted in an area quite close to the Mkushi area, and brought back a large hunk of malachite that I found lying on the surface. I remember telling a friend, who's a geologist here in SA, about it; and he got quite excited. However, nothing further developed. Now.... many years later.....
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 09:01:32 (UTC)
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John Milton......and other passionate Perthites are you happy or what ??
CONGRATULATIONS Perth for winning the super 14's bid !!!!!!!!!!
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 01:40:06 (UTC)
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Tina,
Tá fáilte romhat.
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 00:57:14 (UTC)
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Suzie Q
Muise? Go raibh maith 'ad!
Lindy
So who WAS it who taught you to say rude things in Greek?
Charlie
Where did you learn to start fights in Gaelic?
Ali
Glad you are flora and fauna-ing with the best.
Everyone
Ain't weekends wonderful??? Happy Friday, Saturday or Sunday!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 00:18:52 (UTC)
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Gawd... if you don't read the board every day, you can quickly lose the plot! I read Sue's "kiss my arse" posting and was wondering what on earth I had done to her to warrant that outburst.. .grin. Having scrolled down further, I see it is Charlie Cartmill who is stirring the pot. It is funny how we learn the swear words and naughty things in other languages first, isn't it. I had a Greek friend in Kitwe who taught me all sorts of naughty words. I shall have to check with Nicky to see whether I still remember them correctly. Not that it was HIM who taught me. Just to clarify..
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 23:17:36 (UTC)
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I had to smile Johnny
For the smilers, From 4 comics this week in the UK.
Peter Kay
Iv’e often wanted to drown my sorrows but I can’t get my wife to go swimming.
Ali G. Its time relationships were brought into the 20th century, women should not have to do the cooking and cleaning when they come home from work, they should do it before they leave in the morning.
Ricky Gervais.
Just accept that some days you are the pidgeon and some days the statue.
Matt Lucas, speaking as head of a crowd of slimmers.
Take your craving like choclate or cake,cut it in half and its just half the calories, now because it is half the calories you can eat twice as much.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 20:51:58 (UTC)
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From last week’s Mail & Guardian.
A series of blunders by Spoornet (South African Railways) has brought the US$5 billion (R30 billion) revamp of Zambia’s railway infrastructure to a standstill. Spoornet has done no serious work since the project was awarded a year ago, which has resulted in the suspension (by their Balubas I hope) of several senior Spoornet executives and the institution of a forensic audit. This raises questions about Spoornet’s capacity to assist the continent to revive its railways, many of which have ground to a halt. It is going to take R15 billion to get the South African rail network up to standard again. Large quantities of freight, which should have been moved by rail, have gone by road instead which has damaged the roads, so now the government is trying to upgrade the railways. It looks as though they might have to hire back some of those tens of thousands of experienced staff that they paid off a few years ago!
A new Copperbelt?
Canadian based First Quantum Minerals announced the discovery of ‘significant’ new copper deposits in the Mkushi district. The farming district of Mkushi is also the site of small-scale gold mining operations. Zambian copper production in 2003 was349,000 tons and the 2004 forecast is over 400,000 tons.
My brother-in-law Fred Rumsey has a gold claim on his farm further north at Matumbo near Chinsali. He is to idle to mine it properly, but when he runs short of cash, he digs out a bakkie load of ore and sends it to Lusaka. This keeps him in beer money for the next few months. He also sometimes digs up large lumps of prehistoric amber from a dambo in the area, which are quite valuable.
I am off to Eshowe this weekend to meet and visit my GNR friend Philip Pain. I have found a photo from my 2000 trip up the GNR, to visit Fred, of myself and Frans, standing next to a big sign at a turn-off near Mpika. On the sign is written "Munyamadzi GMA (game management area), NaBwalya and South Luangwa National Park, 4 x 4 dry season track only." It gives the distance to the park gate at Mfuwe Bridge as 257Km. So it looks more and more as if the proposed safari is possible.
Munyamadzi is the name of the river that Kevin mentioned. It is probably an abbreviation of Munyama mandzi meaning black water. NaBwalya means (the place of) the mother of Bwalya.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 18:39:40 (UTC)
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Mubita Nawa,
Your recent message is nothing but a solicitation for your business. If you must give us uplifting self-improvement messages, please do so wihout offering us your witches brew of books, tapes and inspirational aphorisms...... unless of course you are giving them away ....free.
Robert Huntley, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 17:01:24 (UTC)
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Doug
Sorry, but I can´t stay here in BA. The city is a bit too big for my liking, 8 million souls, twice as big as Sydney.
We sail tonight for Montevideo, Godspeed say I, will be there for breakfast tomorrow. Across the River Plate.
Yes, ther are plenty of ex Germans and probably Boers here in SAm, especially noticeable in the South of Chile, such as Puerto Montt, quite pretty with the Bavarian style timber chalets. It´s much cooler and wetter down there.
After Uruguay it will be on to Rio, will try to keep posting at telecentres en route.
Cheers all, and ...adios
Robert Allan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 15:33:39 (UTC)
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Hi Barry,
TIYENDE DVD
AOL have advised that they are not accepting any more mail at the address you gave because of a general compaint about the volume of unsolicited mail being received through this server. Do you have an alternative address?
Regards, Mike
Mike Wilson, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 13:53:43 (UTC)
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Daaaaaa Dummmmm...the correct answer my friend is blowing in the wind..........ummmm read below (giggles)
Large-leaved false thorn
Flowers spring to bloom from September to December after which fruit appears until March. The large-leaved false thorn can be found from Uganda in the north to Kwa-Zulu Natal in the south.
Elephant and kudu eat the leaves and brown-headed parrots eat shoots and the seeds. Pods, especially the young pods, can cause poising of cattle and sheep, which is termed albiziosis. Outbreaks of this disease occur in late winter or early spring when pods are blown from the trees. Poisoned animals can be treated with high dosages of Vitamin B6.
The wood is used for making furniture, cabinets, parquet floors and as a general timber wood on farms and building sites. The termite resistant wood is often used for beams, doors, window and door frames. When in flower, the large leave false thorn is a source of nectar and pollen for bees.
It makes a beautiful shade tree and can be planted along lands for much needed shade for farm workers during the hot summer months. The bark contains 4.8% tannin and is used for tanning leather. The inner bark produces a fairly strong rope. In traditional medicine the root bark is used as an enema and purgative. The leaves and bark are used to soothe headaches. An infusion made from the bark us used as ways for sore eyes and to treat skin diseases.
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 13:04:05 (UTC)
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Jilly, Charlie, Johnny, and Ron,
Thanks for being there for me to pester you about the flora and fauna........it has great to search around and learn more about plants and beasties alike.......
have not had the official nay or yay as yet but I shall let you know.........
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 12:56:55 (UTC)
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Sue's posting has jogged my memory.
I don’t know any Afrikaans apart from one little phrase sometimes used as a chat-up line at such events as a Tiyende. It is useful in Holland too as I believe the Dutch version is identical to the Afrikaans one.
Two guys are sitting 5 metres apart on the same riverbank using the same rods, casting out to the same place. One guy is pulling in a fish every time whilst the other guy isn’t getting so much as a nibble. He thinks about it for a while and realises he is not sure whether he is using the right bait. He says to his friend "Ye, kist mijn ass".
Keith Binns, United Arab Emirates [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 10:36:30 (UTC)
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Only mean to enlighten you - of course!
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 09:31:16 (UTC)
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Linda & Tina
Although you probably know already Tina... 'pog mahone' means 'Kiss My Arse".
Sue Coughlan, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 09:29:49 (UTC)
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Doug and Philip,
I have a friend called Brenda who made the trip from Zomba in Malawi -- she has had a stroke, so details are scratchy -- but I asked her to tell me about her trip to Luangwa -- and this is what she told me.
"I was 29 (about 1969) and another girl and I decided to drive to Zambia to see the Luangwa Valley. We went in a year old Toyota Corolla 1100 and a boyfriend filled the boot with spares. I was working in the office of Hastings Banda at the time.
I can’t really remember -- but we drove north and went via the Nyika and Vipia plateaux and then turned left at the top of Malawi and asked the children which way to Zambia? Eventually we crossed into Zambia near a Fort something-or-other and then drove a while and saw a tiny little sign on the ground pointing to Luangwa. Here we turned left and drove next to the river after having forded it by pontoon. We saw enormous herds of elephants, black rhino, hippo and really scary crocodiles. We stayed in a camp there and we were not allowed to drive in the park unless accompanied by a game guard. He would stop us near the river and then he would take us ‘footing’ -- walking in the park.
We then drove to Lusaka and then to Kariba, where my camera and money were stolen, and then to Victoria Falls and then to Bulawayo and to Salisbury. Then we drove back to Malwai via Rhodesia, Mozambique via the Tete Pontoon.
It was the trip of a lifetime -- the roads were absolutely terrible, especially in Luangwa, but we never had a puncture and we never needed the spares -- didn’t know what they were anyway! We also never got stuck, what a trip!"
She doesn’t remember what time of year it was -- but she managed to do it in a little 1100 saloon car! She reckons if you go fast enough, you don’t get stuck!
Sounds brilliant to me! I think I may come with you! Although the rhinos have gone - I want to see the Cookson's wildebeest and also there a chance of seeing melanistic zebras in Luangwa.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 08:22:48 (UTC)
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Linda & Tina
My wife is proficient in a programming language called 'Pict'. However, its code bears no resemblance to Colin's submission. That looks Gaellic to me. Unfortunately, my Gaellic is limited to expressions such as 'pog mahone'.
Ron C_D,
You were right on the nail with your identification of a tree spanspek. I was thrown by the Afrikaans name, and assumed it was a local fruit. It's the Pear Melon (Soltanum muricacum - sp?) from Peru. I've managed to download all the snaps from my cellphone memory, but am battling with those stored on the Flash memory. I'll get there. Were you able to help Ali with her tree identification?
Dawid Cooper (aka Dawid van Amsterdam),
Enough's enough. Time to drop us a line and tell us how you're keeping! Surely it's time for another Roman festival?
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 07:56:18 (UTC)
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Lindy
Colin will have to answer you properly. However, the Picts were a bunch of early Scots who were very good at ravaging the tribes to the south hence the term "to be Pict on". Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness where people are always coming up with sightings of Nessie* is thought to be the site of a Pictish settlement.
*The Glen Morangie distillery is not a million miles away which has helped in the Nessie sightings.
OK Colin, translate for the Gaelic challenged. Is it something like - And so the new year brings fresh things?
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 05:17:56 (UTC)
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SPAM DELETED.
Mubita Nawa, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 05:08:49 (UTC)
Mubita, since you have ignored our previous warnings against spamming, you have been suspended.
GNR Management
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Confessing my ignorance here, Colin Munro can you tell me what a Pict is, please?
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 10, 2004 at 04:47:23 (UTC)
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Just to kick start us into the Festive Mood there has been an almost world wide anti-christmas scenario from Australia to the USA, |
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