Ndola 2002 School Reunion

From Great North Road

Ndola 2002 School Reunion

To fill you in briefly, 5 ex-Ndola Primary school students of 1960-64 decided to do a re-union trip back to Zambia, specially Ndola, to relive our past.

The 5 were, Geoff Paynter (main organiser), Gregg Sheen, Russell Sheen, Ray Norton and Chris Sysum.

In summary, it was one of the most fantastic weeks I have ever spent (and millions in local currency too) in my life!!

Zam-beer "some of 64" tour

Once upon a time in the good old days of N.R., in the early 60's, in the town of N'DOLAAAA, there lived a happy, close-knit gang of, "deadly accurate, katty-wielding, bicycle-riding, cowboy-dressed, holster-thieving, war-crying", young Ndola Primary School hoodlums.

Due to "circ-umstances" (true Zambian pronounciation) beyond our control (parents, high school age, and a new Sheriff moved in) this notorious gang was to be separated, starting in 1964 with further dismantling into 65, 66 and 1967, leaving many of this gang separated and living thousands of miles apart, for the better part of their lives.

As was the case in all great gangs of those days, good leadership was essential, and so too was this gang adequately enriched. Over the years the leadership core managed to keep in touch with most and on the odd occassions, get-togethers were organised, usually in the form of weddings, birthdays and business trips, which always resulted in good old rip-roaring camaraderie.

Notwithstanding the ever so vital, "have you ever heard about, or where is so and so", was always bandied about amongst the gathering??

AAaah for the Internet!!!! What a GREAT "re-union instrument" it has become. Needless to say the leadership of this notorious gang decided to try and get as many as possible to meet again in their 50th year and to have their photograph taken on the front steps of the Ndola Primary School Hall.

So it came to be, that Gregg Sheen FsST.nLoLp* (London), Russ Sheen ALp* (London), Geoff Paynter MbaNgL* (Jo'burg), Chris Sysum RTfgA* (Southampton) and Ray Norton StRfs* (Perth), all came together in Lusaka on the evening of the 14th September 2002.

Unfortunately Chris had to leave us the next day and move on to SA as his Mom was gravely ill. He could not continue the intended trip with the rest of the gang to N'DOLAAAAA!

The rest of the trip was an awesome experience of 50 year olds going back in time and re-living some of the most fantastic memories of a great childhood, in a great era, in the great place of the Copperbelt, with the most fantastic people.

Things done and places seen and visited in the 6 days;

Within 2 days, 3 of us had purchased katty's off the local entrepreneurs (mine is still in quarantine at Perth Airport) Went to the practise range (not kitchen windows via the sanitary-lanes either) Could not find any ammo in town (marbles) Went back to all our old houses, photo'd, and even went inside the Sheens. Went to the Golf Club, 3 times (once for golf) Went to the Boating Club (not for boating - you can't) Went to the top of the Savoy Hotel (not to throw water bombs and clods) Went to the Forex Bureau (4 times, each time with a wheel barrow) Went to Kitwe (finally put paid to the last member of the opposition gang) Went to the station (they would not let us put pennies (with hole in) on the tracks or jump on the carriages and ride to Bwana Mukubwa and back??) Went to Ndola Sunken Lake (by car this time, with permission and did not swim) Went to Cheesmans (nothing there anymore but the dam) Went to Bull'n Bush (nothing there also, but a huge dam now) Went to Monkey Fountain -"Ruins"(by car again, with permission, nothing there, did not swim) Went to Ndola airport (still the same old hanger buildings and a few extensions, couldn't climb the tree though) Went to Ndola Primary school (same old buildings, now adult education centre) Went to Llewellin High School (now Kansenshi Secondary, same old buildings, no cuts this time) Went to Town Council Offices (forced to have a chat with Town clerk for taking photo's without permission. Tch! Tch! Went to Municipal Swimming pool (something at last being repaired, yahooo,,, Mr.Le Barbie's voice could be heard in our memories, once again threatening us over the loudspeaker ????? Couldn't do any suicides or other as there was no water in, or girls to BOMB!!)

Also drove around town and saw no more Broadway Cinema, Bobs Ice-cream, Waddells Bakery, Golden Ray Cafe, George Browns (now Shoprite), Thoms Stores and many, many other old hang-outs. Did see the old Fire Station, Cricket Club, Wanderers Club, Hospital, Hong Kong Restaurant (greeeaaat meeeaal?!) Sorrento's, lots of Jacaranda's in bloom, blue-skops, chameleons, plenty of termites, Mosi and Rhino Beer (Yum, Yum) and lots of very, very friendly but not so happy Zambians.

Famous quotes.

Twilight - "When e-the sun is bisy handing ova to the moon". No credit - " Mr crediet died yestaday, Mr cesh, his son, was born today".

Qualifications.

FsST.nLoLp - (Failed standard Six Twice, now Leader of London peasants) ALp - (Another London peasant) MbaNgl - (Makulu bwana and New gang leader) RTfgA - (Rootin Tootin fastest gun Alive) StRfs - (Smooth talkin Rocket fuel specialist)

Million Kwatcha question? What has 38 tears(sic) of Independence done for all the average Zambians??

My sad answer. I think the Sheriff's stole all the LOOT!!

In Conclusion.

Well done to Geoff, our genius of a guide, who filled us in on all (well almost) that has happened over the last 38years, especially in Zambia. For putting together a most memorable week, even the 7 four-track, 90 minute tape decks of music, for the car, with most TV theme tunes, famous songs such as Ag pleez daddy, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Shadows etc. all 1965 and prior. Well done it was EXCELLENT, you bald headed old coot, how did you expect me to recognise you at the airport after 38years???? Ha Ha Haaaaaaa!!!

To Russ, thanks for the CD's you burnt for each of us, I play it in my car on all my travels, terrific music and great memories. Gregg, you haven't lost your Jerry Lewis turn and arch shuffle, nor your great catchy chuckle/laugh, in fact you have not changed much at all, just got MUCH older,,, Hah aha aha!! Chris, I have not heard any news from you yet, but it was great to see you again? (thankfully Geoff pointed you out for me!!!) HEE HEE AAARGH!! You didn't have to bring your bloody prefect badge either?? Hope all is well and goes well for you, really sorry you could not stay with us, but next time for sure!!

KEEP WELL ALL AND STAY IN TOUCH.

WHATS DA MATTER WIT YOU BOOBO,,,,,?? OH! OH! - HEYA CUMS DA RANGER YOGI!!!!

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