Thief Story

From Great North Road

A thief story regarding my Mom, May Fenwick.

She was the Manageress of the clothing store Michaelas in Kitwe, which incidentally gave her the perfect opportunity to purchase, before anyone else had the chance, matching pretty party dresses for her four daughters. See attached photo taken at the Rokana Mine Club Xmas party circa 1960, Theresa looks about 12, Linda 8, Moira 7 and Glenda about 2. I recall these particular party frocks were lilac. Poor Theresa, just imagine being 12 and having to wear the same frocks as your three little sisters! We of course couldn't see anything wrong in it, but I am not sure if Theresa has forgiven my Mom to this day, no wonder she looks in shock in the photo.

Rokana Mine Club ca. 1960 Children's Xmas Party from left: Moira Fenwick and sisters Linda, Theresa, Glenda in front.

I digress, but this site is like that, something triggers a story, you start with that story and it triggers another! Anyhow, my Mom is this tiny (4 foot nothing), skinny (about 7 stone at the time), Scots woman with glasses and jet black hair (again at that time). The local 'pinchers' were absolutely terrified of her and she could spot them a mile off. One day one of them managed to steal a garment from the shop and ran down the street. She took off after him, caught him and held on till the police arrived. It went to court and his defence was that she couldn't catch the real thief, so just grabbed him as he was innocently walking along and stuffed the garment down his shirt. And he got off!

She was and still is, a little dynamo. More than once, with the help of a couple of locals, hauled my Dad's car out of the ditch that was either side of the driveway of our house in 13th Avenue, after he misjudged it or probably couldn't even see it, after staying far too long at the Mine Club after work! They used to say, the Madam is very small but much power. Amazing what adrenalin can do, she was so embarrassed that the neighbours would see it.

Well, that's my little story for the day, more to come, when time permits. Thanks again to everyone who contributes to this great site and I am very nearly through trawling the message board. Hi to Shirley, Vivienne, Lynthia, Grant, Heather and everyone else, so great to hear everyone's little snippets.

Contributed by Moira Fenwick.

October 2001