|
Issue Number 93 : May 2008 Edited and compiled by Peter Bellingham 6 Clifton Road, Greendale,
Harare
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Comment Comment I had hoped to start this newsletter with a comment about the completed electoral process here, and about the new government that will be formed thereafter, but despite the fact that the elections were held on the 29th March 2008, the electoral process is not yet over. There is to be a run-off presidential election, which is now scheduled for the end of June 2008. The predominant level of uncertainty does is causing much damage to our flagging economy. Inflation continues to gallop and the pace is increasing. To go shopping today you need billions in your pocket, not millions. This morning, one dozen eggs was being sold for Z$850,000,000! The majority of people will be aware that billions follow millions, and that trillions follow billions. But what comes after trillions? Because I was not sure, I conducted an exercise to find out, because in Zimbabwe today knowledge of these numbers may become important. The result was as follows: -
(NB - The numbering system used above is the American system whereby one thousand million = one billion, etc. Ed) I was unable to find what followed Nonillion in either my Oxford Concise dictionary or in my Colliers Encyclopedia dictionary. My guess is that it may be a 'decamillion' (dekamillion?)? If anybody knows what the correct designation is for this figure, please drop me an E-Mail.
Mashonaland The Mashonaland Branch held a Christmas Sundowner at the Round Table premises on Second Street Extension on the evening of Friday the 30th November 2007. Present were the following members: - 7615 'Tok' Arnold, 7737 John Baines, 6384 Peter Birkett, 11947 Dennis Borra, 5608 Dave de Burgh-Thomas, 203509E Connie De Kok, 6083 Hugh de Robeck, 901822 Mark Edwards, 4728 Bill Ellway, 8646 Andrew Field, 7458 Mike & Sue Fox, 5233 Willie Hamilton, 3960 Jack Hammond, 5662 Barry Henson (The UK Hon. Sec. on a visit), 111038 Cliff Johnson, 8235 Martin & Lyn Kay, 5652 Bill Linfield, 6319 Chris Looker, 10115 Dave Mackintosh, 9406 'Red' O'Connell, 6123 Brian Pym, 8477 Peter Quick, 5162 Mike Robinson, 8021 Mike Rowley, 6789 Geoff Sandford, 6007 Bob Schonken, 9494 Malcolm Smith, 5673 Ralph Williams and WP.164 Denise Woodiwiss. Apoligies were received from: - 5281 Peter Bellingham, 6262 Nigel Gabriel and 6047 Dudley & Judith Naude. The Sundowner got off to a promising start but suffered the inevitable power cut that spoiled the evening for many of those attending. However, those members that stayed on after the lights went out enjoyed themselves and each other's company, which is what these evenings are all about. Birthday Boy 3960 Jack Hammond, who tuned 84 that same day, wrote the following poem, whilst waiting for Mike Rowley to collect him and take him to the Sundowner, and which he read out at the Sundowner and for which he was loudly applauded: -
Behold
and listen to this dissertation The Annual General Meeting of both the Mashonaland Branch and the Central Committee will be held at the Mount Pleasant Sports Club on Sunday the 1st June 2008 commencing at 12 noon. The meetings will be followed by a 'bring your own meat' braai. This is a new venue for us, and should be reasonably central for the majority of members, and so we are hoping for a good turnout. Matabeleland Branch. The Matabeleland Branch Annual Reunion Lunch was held at the Lady Mason's Hall, Hillside, on the 24th November 2007. Thanks to donations of both meat and vegetables, only a nominal entrance fee was charged. The guest speaker was that well known broadcaster and presenter of Wile Life Forum, Peter Rollason, who entertained the assembled members and guests with memories of both his life in broadcasting and in the Sea Cadets. Those who attended were: - 4750 Canon Ken Berry, (3497) Beryl Castle-Ward, 27346 Francis Day, 4993 John & Val Fielder, 5117 Dick Hall, 9499 Karl & Denise Hurry, 8766 Gordon & Sandy Kent, Lara & Barry Knight, 5962 Paul Kruger, 8496J John & Margaret Learmonth, WP.484 Carol MacKenzie (Nee Macdonald) & Graham, 5867 Derek Marshall & Lynette O'Hare, NRP John Minshull, 9660 Hugh Montgomery, Tom & Barbara Nicol (Barbara is daughter of No 2400 H.G.Cook), 13034 Allan and Jackie Pearson, C Redding, 3893 John Robertson and 1231Q Tony Turner & Tracey Burns. Apologies were received from : - 27532A Winston Clutty, 6068 Gordon Geddes & 5247 Ken Macdonald. All who attended agreed that it was an enjoyable occasion. The Annual General Meeting of the Matabeleland Branch was held at Hornung Park on Saturday 12th April 2008, and was followed by a braaivleis.
Natal Branch. Ex Superintendent 6019 'Sakkie' McKay (6019) was shot and injured by intruders at his Natal residence on the night of the 15th November 2007. He was struck twice in the head. One bullet is lodged in the cheekbone and is pressing on facial nerves, and the other is lodged in his inner ear and is causing problems. He has made a remarkable recovery, but unfortunately, requires further surgery. We in Zimbabwe often hear stories relating to the high level of violent crime in South Africa, but when the victim of such crime is someone that we know well, then this really brings the problem home to us most poignently. The Natal Branch has been very active over the period under review, and has held some most successful functions, and one of the most successful was held at the 'Margate Station' where a social was held at the Ramsgate Bowling Club that was attended by 76 members, wives and friends. Amongst those attending were: - 8653 Gus Albertson, 8291 John Arkley, Peter and Bonnie Arnold, 7675 Bob and Wendy Bishop, 8303 RobBristow, 6785 Roger and Marie Brownlow, 6468 Dave and Penny Callow, 6136 Ant Crossley, 8332 Chris and Denise Cumming, 902143 Bill and Judy Davis, 8674 Charlie Davis, Mavis de Bruin, 5251 John and Carla Dolby, 7706 Chris Driver, 26773 John Drury, 6268 Leon Du Toit, 8997 Richard Fiddler, WP.221 Jo Brophy, 8081 Pete Francis, 8709 Mike and Janice Franklin, 7661 Bill Howells, 7229 Des Howse, 5684 Brian Huey, 7106 Trevor Hughes, 12682 Bob Jones, Guest Neville Keeling, 7167 Peter Long, Heath Lawson, Cathy Mason, 5934 Fred and Lindsay Mason, George McLennan, Guest Barbara McCrystal, 7717 Tony and Yvonne Merris, 10009 Tom Millar, 8555 Les Milne, Ed and Lyn Montgomery, (Army) 8214 Bob and Kim Packer, 8175 Rob Parker, 5794 Jack and Muriel Parker, 8866 Steve Patterson, Susan Patterson, Willie Patterson, Paul Porkie, 30411 Fred Potgieter, 7954 Roger Shaw, Guest Robert Shaw, Ian Smith, (Army) 728880 Vernon Swanepoel, 4225 Ron Underwood, 6133/9525 Pete Janse Van Rensburg, 6467 Butch and Hilary von Horsten, 6484 Mike and Hazel Williams, 7641 Ed and Barbara Willis and 8157 Barry Woan . Apologies were received from: 9203 John and Judy Beckett (Returning to Zimbabwe), 5685 Ray and Ann Cheetham, 5968 George and Judy Hatch, Brian and Maureen Hayes, WP.225 Wendy Kalshoven, 7129 Andy and May Messina, Cathy Mumford, Guests Jimmy and Twinks Neill, 6457/7248 Des and Rhoda O'Hanlon, Guest Wendy Walker, 6233 Courtney and Jenny Walton & WP.387 Maureen Whitelaw nee Hoffenberg. On Sunday 27 January 2008 a braai was held at the Mills Bomb Shell Hole at Warner Beach, and was attended by over 30 ex-members, wives and guests. The weather was great the fellowship even better. Those attending were: - Army Charlie Adams (12686-10RRR ), 5042 Peter & Bonnie Arnold, Army Mike Bailey (4666320 ?RRR), 6088 Gerry Bowker, 6468 Dave Callow, 6283 Nobby Clark, PR.20445 Eddie & Jill de Beer, Guest Linda Du Bruyn, 4726 Dicky & Betty Dyer, PR.3335 Digger Flavell, Army Buck & Betty Hones (25055 5RRR), 16911F Errol & Hester Johnson, Guest George Johnson, SAP Joyce Make (2332981 SAPS), 5934 Fred & Lindsay Mason, 6836 Paul & Jaqui Naish, 5794 Jac & Muriel Parker, 6564 Stan & Wendy Shawe, 5939 Vic & Reena Sutherland, 5760 Malcolm & Jean Torrance, Guest D Westbrook and 5802 Ken Wood. A good time was had by one & all. The Natal Branch are also planning a Dog Section Reunion to be held in Durban over the period 22-24 August 2008. 7463 Mike Loftus (UK) and 7482 Tony Hywood (Malayasia) have both indicated that they will attend. The Reunion will commence with a social evening on Friday the 22nd, a social day on Saturday the 23rd followed by everybody attending the Natal Branch Regimental Dinner, and a social lunch at Umhlanga on Sunday the 24th August. The organisers are negotiating with a local hotel with regard to accomodation. Members wishing to attend should contact 7106 Trevor Hughes whose E-Mail address is 'hughes12@mweb.co.za' or trevor@transpec.co.za. The Natal Branch has been quite heavily involved with Norman Nimmo and the Zimbabwe Pensioners Support Fund (ZPSF) which is a Christian based organisation. Norman and his group assist the Zimbabwe Pensioners with practical assistance in the form of food parcels, which they themselves to pensioners and to Senior Citizens centres here in Zimbabwe. Their last foray into Zimbabwe was in January 2008 when they visited Bulawayo, Gweru, Redcliff, Kwe Kwe, Kadoma, Harare and Masvingo dropping off their parcels and spreading goodwill along the way. Their efforts were, and are, greatly appreciated by everybody in Zimbabwe who are concerned about the welfare of our Senior Citizens at this time of galloping inflation. Natal Midlands Branch. A most successful Annual Dinner was held on Friday 9th November 2007 at the Hilton Hotel. Bill Crabtree gave a gem of a speech, taking us down 'memory lane', before proposing the toast to the Regiment. John Haswell gave what could arguably be the best after dinner speech we have ever heard, and had us rolling in the aisles. The nominal roll of those who attended the dinner is as follows: - 6422 Lionel Baker and partner Rose, 8242 Alan & Flik Bennett, 8303 Rob Bristow, 6283 Nobby & Natascha Clark, 5888 Neville & Elsa Cook, 3708 Bill & Kay Crabtree, 8507 Mike & Cheryl Crabtree, (6786) Roz Crone (Widow of Lee Crone), Guests Martin & Margie Cronje, 5826 Nigel Cuerden, P/Res Tickey & Penny Dalton, 7706 Chris Driver, 6268 Leon & Merle du Toit, A/Res. Stan Ferguson, 4404 Frank Franklin, 6187 John & Yvonne Haswell, 7660 Billy & Gwyneth Howells, (4589)Toni Jennings (Widow of Roy John Jennings), Guests Frank Yvonne Kerswell, (4805/6163) Fay Marshall (Widow of Dennis Marshall), 4380 Pat & Rosemary McCulloch, 6759 John Miller, 4521 Phil &Eve Mingard, 6097 Ted & Sue Painting, 8175 Rob & Lou Parker, 4564 Peter & Jean Reynolds, (5298) Stella Robertson (Widow of John Robertson), 6135 Gerrard Robinson, 8704 Hamish & Lou Scott-Barnes, 4254 Neil 'Smudge' & Shirley Smith, 4767/5717 Steve & Marion Stevens, 9744 Tim Steyn, 8594 Hugh & Denise Temple and 6467 Butch & Hillary von Horsten. A 'Surprise' 80th Birthday Party was organised for 4254 'Smudge' Smith over the weekend of the 9th-10th February 2008, and was attended by both family and friends, including Smudge's youngest son who had flown out from the UK for this special occasion. Goodwill messages came in from all over the world, and Smudge was quite overcome by both the volume of messages and the goodwill extended to him. Eastern Cape Branch To accommodate our District and older members this year, the Eastern Cape Annual Dinner was changed to a lunch time event that was held at the Maritime Club in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 27 October 2007. The following members attended: - Will & Anne BASSON; 6443 Basil & Jill BLATCH; Guest Sandra BOTHA (Guest of Dave Green); 6570 Brian & Helena BURSTEIN; 5225 Jim & Elaine CARSE; 6966 Nobby & Pam CLARKE; 5922 Trevor & Pat COMPTON; 4696 Tony & Laura DOWN, FR James & Connie FISHER; 6664 Norman & Frances FOSTER; WFR Mignonne GIBBINGS (The former Treasurer); 6115 Dave & Dorothy GREEN, Michelle HORNER (Daughter of 6125 Mike Horner); 9791R Aubrey INGRAM, Guest Clifford SMITH (Guest of Dave Green); 5879 Dave & Sheila STOW; C245 Dave & Margy WHINNEY and Claire WILSON. Apologies were received from: - 6687 Alan & Joan DICKINSON, 5624 Pat and Lynn FERGUSON; 9580 Peter & Lindsay KNOWLDEN; 8225 Trevor Le ROUX; (4782) Jill MACKENZIE, WP.137/281 Doreen NOWELL (Nee Buckle); 9447 Rodger & Betty SLATER, FR Roger SOUTHGATE; FR Dick WAIT. 5144 Ray WEARE; 5001 Jamie WHITELAW and FR John WILKINS. There was no guest speaker. Jim CARSE welcomed members in the absence of Chairman Alan Dickinson who was unable to attend due to work commitments. Transvaal Branch The Christmas Sundowner was held on the 14th December 2007 with a good festive turnout. Present were: - 7038 Ashley Collings, 4991 Rex Craker, (Visiting from Cape Town), 4988 Bill Crossan, 6534 Ian Cuthbertson, 5526 Phil Devlin, 7489 Ian & Mrs Duncan, 9214 Ian Edwards, 5619 Barry Enslin, 6145 Alex Fraser, 6692 Brian Garvey, 5156 Peter Gibson, (5703) Judy Hankinson, 7978 Doug Hay, 6345 Dave Holmes & Michelle, 9329 Roy Hunt (Visiting from Cape Town), 28306R Ken Hyett, 6059Laurie & Liz Ibbitt, 9364 Jerry Lancaster, 7651 Dick Latilla, 5539 Andy Learmonth, 9165 Geoff & Orlanda Lotter, 5587 Howard Marshall, 22225 Harry McKinley, Army? 2297913 M Miskulin, 823? Brian Newton, 5137 Don Norris, Guest Richard Owen, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 7184 Chris Russell, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 5695 Dave Sloman, 4831 Peter & Fran Stiff, 7680 John Sutton, 9150 Jeremy Thompson, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 9790 Duncan Waugh, 5625 Biff Way, (On holiday again), 5807 Alastair Webb, 6764 Willie Wielopolski, Guest Morag Willis, 6185 Eryl Worton and Guests Tian and Mario. The Transvaal Branch AGM was held at 'The Jocks' on the 8th February 2008. Those present were: - 5839 Colin Becks, 7038 Ashley Collings, 8105 Peter Cutting, 5526 Phil Devlin, 7489 Ian Duncan, 6117 Roy Edwards, 5619 Barry Enslin, 6145 Alex Fraser, 6769 Dick Glanville, 6017 John Hill, 6345 Dave Holmes, 7651 Dick Latilla, 6538 Glen Macaskill, 6715 Sam McCrorie, 5927 Max McDonald, 6019 Sakkie McKay, W346 Maureen Merrifield, 5764 Pat O'Connor, 6610 Jock Pirrett, Guest Lorraine Rutherford, 5695 Dave Sloman, 8446 Derek Walters, 9790 Duncan Waugh 5807 and Alastair Webb. A new committee was voted in at the meeting, and is made up as follows: -
Chairman: 6610 Jock Pirrett, Unfortunately, the outgoing chairman of the Transvaal Branch, 7651 Dick Latilla, fell breaking his already injured leg. We hope that his fracture is uncomplicated. He is currently immobile, but we hope sincerely that this will not be for too long. Western Cape Branch 6905 Peter Phillips, Chairman of the UK branch, attended our November meeting at Timour Hall, in the company of 5957 Dave Rycroft. There he bumped into squad mates 6893 Brian Oberholster and 6900 Martin Gee. On 11 November several of our members, and a good showing of 'brown jobs' and other former Rhodesians, attended the Annual Remembrance Day Service at the Fish Hoek Methodist Church. Pastor Mark Harris conducted the service. During his address Mark revealed he was a former Patrol Officer in the BSAP - 8052 - having served from 1968 to 1980. Whilst Mark was addressing us his son, cricketer Paul Harris, was spinning his magic against the New Zealand team at Centurion. Our Annual Christmas party took place at Timour Hall on 3 December 2007 and was attended by 100 members and guests. Chris Piggott provided his usual excellent lamb spit-braai and the music of the Rhodesian duo Brian and Lynn Peacefull entertained us. A highlight of the evening was the huge raffle, and we thank all the folk who contributed. Nigel Curling and Howard Neill did a photo-shoot of the event, which may be viewed on http://www.capevideos.com/XMAS-2007.htm. Those who couldn't make it to the party may wish to see what they missed out on by giving it a viewing. (No nominal roll was provided, but a visit to the website will give interested members a more interesting view of the party than by merely scanning a nominal roll. I have viewed the photo-shoot on this website, and it is excellent. Ed.) The following is an extract from The Cape Outpost for February 2008. We assume that the Mr. Selebi mentioned is the Commissioner of the SAP, now under investigation for corruption. 'We recently came across a letter addressed to a Mr D, which read: 'We act for The.........Bank of Africa Limited, and are instructed that you are indebted to our client in the sum of R3,697.63, together with interest and legal costs. The Bank is preparing to institute legal action against you, as you have ignored, neglected, failed and/or refused to respond to all previous attempts to contact you. Kindly make payment into your above mentioned account at The......Bank'. In response to the above Mr D wrote across the form 'You cannot demand things from me! I am a policeman and a public servant. I help you when there is a crime in your house, and now you want to kick my arse! Send this letter to Mr Selebi, our boss. He will put you white people in your place'. You can't argue with that!'
Australia The Annual General Meeting of the Australia Branch was held in Perth on Saturday 8th March 2008. The new committee comprises 4649 John Seward - Secretary, 5316 Kerry Hoadley - Treasurer and Editor of the Australian Outpost, 7049 Lew Whitmore, 7682 Ian Calderwood, 7694 Steve Martin, 7045 Rob Gates and F/R Charles Scott. I am advised that the AGM was attended by some 40 persons, and was followed by a barbecue (braai for those who do not speak Oz). New Zealand The New Zealand AGM will be held on Saturday the 24th May 2008. Regrettably, I have no further information regarding this meeting. United Kingdom. Visitors to the Victory Services Club in November 2007 included 5958 Dick Isemonger & 7310 Ed Ions from South Africa, and 8278 Tony Marillier from Zimbabwe. The Christmas Sundowner was held at the Victory Services Club on the 4th December 2007, and although the attendance was somewhat smaller than usual the function went off very well. Those attending were: - 5975 Mike Abbotts, 5468 Dave Adshead, 4278 John Balchin, 7211 Peter & Margaret Biddulph, 6737 Mike Coleman, 7359 Bertie Cubitt, 4882 Peter Dancer with guests Wendy Dancer & Carol Hellyer, 5998 Ian & Finda Dunbar, 4046 Ted Galloway, 5469 Dave Grimbly, 4851 Murray & Mavis Harrison, 6630 Jim Hazlett, Associate Jean Henson, 6125 Mike & Roxanne Horner, 6308 Dan Hughes, 4503 Derek Humberstone, 6514/7562 Chris Johson, 17542 Dave & Sheila Kipling, 4819 Brian & Jackie Lay, 5479 Mike Leach, 4468 Frank & Phil Maguire, 8278 Tony Marillier, (4180) Jean May, 5615 Tom & Joan Meekin, 5055 Ken Miners, 6360 John Moxham, 6609 Hugh Parry-Jones, 6150 Dave Paterson, 6015 Al & Jean Patterson, 6905 Peter Phillips with guest Bim Phillips, (7327) Maggie Plant, 6348 Dennis Poole, 4853 Fred & Margaret Punter, 19566 Skip Rausch, 7612 Jerry Rickson, 5635 Dave Riley with guest Anthony Riley, 4735 Cliff Rogers, 5507 Brian Taylor, 8338 Mal & Roz Thurman, 7391Alan & Lyn Toms, 4809 John Turk, 7072 Terry & Jan Walmsley, 5625 Biff Way, 4158 Tim Weimer, (8177) Cindy Winter & 5486 Mick Wood. The North West held their Christmas Lunch on the 9th December 2007 and was attended by twenty one members and guests. Val Marsden, who normally attends these functions was not there. She had returned to Zimbabwe to scatter her husband Barry's ashes at Victoria Falls alongside the Livingstone memorial, which had been Barry's wish. 5662 Barry Henson, the UK Branch Secretary, visited Zimbabwe in November/December 2007 as a member of a United Nations mission to Zimbabwe. The following report on his visit appeared in the Spring 2008 UK Outpost: - 'During my current contract with the UN, I had a two week mission to Zimbabwe. Mike Abbots was interested in something for The Outpost. Whilst I won't talk about the mission per se, here is what I found on my first visit there for 13 years. Arriving late on Wednesday evening (28/11/07) we (My colleagues were a Chinese lady and a Ghanaian man) booked into Meikles Hotel. I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to have changed hardly at all. The service could not be faulted. Our first experience of the 'peculiarities' of Zimbabwe was the fact the breakfast next morning cost Z$14,000,000 dollars. Fortunately we were on B & B but the price was shown on the tab we had to sign. Of interest was the fact that two days later the price of the same meal had risen to Z$28,400,000. The buffet dinner on the hotel Terrace was Z$29,000,000. There were several difference exchange rates and I still do not understand how they worked. We were fortunate in that we were able to just give US$s to the UN admin people and they got Z$ for us. The rate we got varied between US$1 = Z$1,800,000 and Z$1,500,000. The only notes we used whilst there were Z$100,000 and Z$200,000. Money was something that took a bit of understanding - the fact that it was in short supply. One couldn't just walk into a bank and withdraw cash. All over town there were queues at banks and ATMs as people tried to withdraw their money, which frequently was not available. We were also told that when people did get money, they needed to try and spend it as fast as possible because the next day its value would have decreased. Just before we left the USA the official Zimbabwe inflation rate was quoted at 14,000%. Within a week of our arrival it was 18,000%, although the IMF estimated the true rate at 100,000% I thought that I knew something about electricity shortages from my days in PNG (Papua New Guinea), where latterly power cuts were everyday occurrences but normally only lasted for hours. In Zimbabwe, they go on for days and weeks. All around I was told be people that they had no mains power for 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 2 weeks and so on. Those who could afford it had standby generators, but most of them were not designed for the type of constant use that they were getting and were breaking down. Then there was the trouble of trying to find fuel for them. The queues at filling stations brought back memories of bygone years. One thing about the fuel shortage was that there were far fewer vehicles about than would otherwise have been the case, both in town and on the open road. We were advised that despite the decrease in traffic, accidents were on the increase. Compared to many other parts of the world, road maintenance is good and travelling between centres was no problem at all (provided you had fuel). We visited offices in Rusape, Mutare and Masvingo. When we got to Beitbridge, we were recalled to Harare as Foreign Affairs wanted to see us (immediately, if not sooner), so unfortunately I was not able to get to my old stamping grounds in Bulawayo and Matopos - which were next on the programme, Not a good idea to need medical treatment in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Medical Association admits that 'The Health System has completely collapsed'. Very few doctors or nurses and acute shortages of drugs. Everywhere were empty shelves in the shops and supermarkets. In one supermarket in Masvingo all we could find were a few boxes of biscuits, a few 'tatty' looking boxes of cereals and some cans of oven cleaner. Not even a bottle of coke or water. Buying the necessities of life is not easy. Those who can go out of the country to shop. Many go without. All round, we received reports on the shortage of potable water. The problem is not so much the shortage of water but that the water is not properly purified. We only drank bottled water. Telephone communications are very unreliable. Both mobile and landlines are frequently out and we often had problems getting 'on-line'. My 'Blackberry' worked in Jo'burg airport on the way in and at Jo'burg again on the way out, but nothing at all whilst in Zimbabwe, apart from at Beitbridge. (Perhaps close proximity to South Africa??) I visited PGHQ for a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and several of his most senior officers, and found it little changed from years ago. It is not quite as shiny bright now and is much harder to get into. Most of the staff uniforms I saw looked as though they could do with a good wash. (The senior officers were all immaculate in civvies). Most evenings there were functions at Meikles, with the people who attended dressed up to the nines and glittering much better. There were certainly some Zimbabweans who live the good life. However, the majority have problems. Those who have work are fortunate but we found that the lowly security guard, for example, does not receive enough money to pay for his transportation to and from work. We were advised that wages were controlled by regulation. Most of the black Zimbabweans I talked to were employed by the UN and were lucky to be earning US$. However, even they complained about the situation. The white Zimbabweans complained but in the main seemed ready to persevere. I admire their tenacity. On Friday evening, two days after my arrival (30/11/2007), I attended the Christmas Sundowner of the Mashonaland Branch of the Association, held at the Round Table Joint Venue just behind Reps Theatre in Avondale. I won't go into who was there. As soon as the light faded it was difficult to see who was there as the only light came from candles on the tables. There was a raffle and I was told to ensure that I reported to you that the first prize was a loaf of bread. (Bread frequently in short supply and a couple of mornings at the hotel there was none for breakfast). It was a most pleasant evening despite Castle costing Z$3,000,000 is a bottle. When leaving for Jo'burg, on completion of the mission, our SAA flight was held up for almost an hour. There was yet another power cut and the airport had no fuel for the standby generator (or so we were advised by the pilot). Situation normal!' A member of the UK Branch turned 100 this year. He is 3005 John Franklyn Bellamy who served from the 30th March 1928 to the 15th May 1949. We join his many friends, colleagues and well-wishers in congratulating him on his Century, and trust that he experienced a most enjoyable 100th birthday. Mailbag A biker was riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and in a booming voice the Lord said 'Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.' The biker pulled over and said, 'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.' The Lord said, 'Your request is materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of some thing that would honor and glorify me' The biker thought about it for some time. Finally he said, 'Lord, I wish that I could understand my wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing is wrong, and how I can make a woman truly happy!' The Lord replied, 'Do you want two lanes or four on that bridge?'
Our grateful thanks go to the following sponsors without whose support there would be no Newsletter. Your backing is truly appreciated, may it long continue - and increase!
Support Them As They Are Supporting You News from Central - Issue Number 93
|
