Chairman's Comment

Again, Peter Arnold, our Editor, has been chasing the Chairman to attend to the comment of this edition. My apologies, but after a wonderful trip to Cape Town came the catch up processes that one is face with after being away for a while. My apologies too, for the quality of the photographs that appeared in the last edition of the Outpost. It was a case of same printer but new ownership of the business who had printed the entire bundle before it could be checked.

At this time of writing, the dust has not settled on the elections in Zimbabwe. We pray that the evil dictatorship era of the Mugabe government has come to an end and that a true democracy will prevail in the country we love so much.

In the last edition, mention was made of the wonderful work done by chaps like Hannes Botha, Norman Nimmo and volunteers, who have been running food parcels to pensioners in Zimbabwe under extremely difficult conditions. Both Norman and Hannes have come to Durban and provided us with insight of the desperate plight of many pensioners and indeed abandoned children in Zimbabwe. They are now running some 600 food parcels to that Country on a monthly basis. For our part, we have established a base in Durban, where non perishable goods can be taken so as to ease the collection points for the Zimbabwe Pensioners Support Fund. More details on this topic appear elsewhere in this edition of the Outpost. May the political change also bring relief to these pensioners and indeed all who are suffering in Zimbabwe.

Also mentioned in the last edition was the matter of memorabilia. The surplus items have been sold to a dealer and the proceeds thereof have been banked into the Associations Bank Account.

The comment so far has been on those sad and troublesome matters such as events north of us, but no matter where we go, we have the joy of those who make up the body of our Associations in South Africa and elsewhere. My recent trip to Cape Town provided sheer joy in seeing and celebrating with friends in Knysna, Somerset West and in Cape Town. And in Natal! Well, there have been super gatherings of our friends in the Midlands and Durban South. There are soon to be social events in Hillcrest, Margate and Inchanga. Around the corner is the AGM and in August, our Annual Dinner. The dates of events to come appear in this edition and we call on you to join us and have the kind of fun that I recent had in the Cape and at the local gatherings mentioned above. And guess who is to be the Speaker at our dinner – John Haswell!! Who will be responding to John’s sermon?

The AGM is the serious part of our business and I appeal to you to attend. We need your support and input. We are short of committee members. If you prepared to be part of the committee, please contact us, preferably before the AGM.

Go well!

Nobby Clark

Editorial Comment

In the last issue I asked for input into the magazine from you, the KZN members with a view to obtaining some anecdotes of the past. Regrettably, outside of the Committee members only one local member has submitted copy. It is a sad day when you, the members, cannot find time to support your own magazine but some of you are quick to complain when the magazine is late in being published.

I understand that in New Zealand their Outpost is published only once a year and only with their local news. Well this issue of the Natal Outpost contains only what has been received by the Editor from the Committee and a local source.

As you see, the AGM is scheduled for Friday 6 June 2008. It is perhaps apt this which is the anniversary of the Normandy landings in 1944 because in many ways it could be D-Day for your committee. Last year there were no new offers to serve on the committee at the meeting other than Mac Wiltshire who took over as Treasurer. I have noticed that most members are only too happy to attend the various functions that the Association holds but that is the end of the story. It is unfair to place the burden of running the Branch on the same people, there is a need for new blood, and it has to come from you, the members. The job is not onerous but we need new blood and new ideas. So come on get onto the committee to replace those that are standing down and to create a bigger active committee.

Keeping in touch and seeking old acquaintances is an area that is of interest to many of us. My wife, who was a PR at Hillside, Bulawayo in the 70s sought to find Sue Boulton via the Bulawayo Mirror. She received many replies advising her of the death of Sue some 5 years ago but also contacts from old friends from afar.

If you are looking for lost friends from the BSAP send your details to the Editor for publication in this magazine.

5042

O.B. Extracts: Sat 24 February 2008
 

Durban South Braai – 27 January 2008

Sunday 27 January saw over 30 ex-members, their wives and guests attend the second gathering of the Durban South Braai at Mills Bomb Shell Hole at Warner Beach – the weather was great the fellowship even better. The lone representative from Margate, Dave Callow, was, as ever, the life and sole of the party. Those attending were:

5042 Peter and Bonnie Arnold, 5939 Vic and Reena Sutherland, PR 3335 Digger Flavell, Buck and Betty Jones (25055 5RRR) Make Joyce, (2332981 SAPS), 6564 Stan and Wendy Shawe, 5794 Jac and Muriel Parker, PR 20445 Eddie and Jill de Beer, 5760 Malcolm and Jean Torrance, 16911F Errol and Hester Johnson, Linda Du Bruyn & George Johnson (Guests) 6468 Dave Callow, 6088 Gerry Bowker, Charlie Adams (12686 10RRR ), 5934 Fred and Lindsay Mason, D Westbrook, 6836 Paul and Jaqui Naish, Mike Bailey (4666320 ?RRR), 6283 Nobby Clark, 5802 Ken Wood and senior man present 4726 Dicky and Betty Dyer.

ESKOM, Hokoyo The BSAP Have The Answer!: In our previous OB Extracts 8090 Dave Lawson commented that as a result of ESKOM outages, his Support Unit gas stove was being put to use! 7564 Phil Hart from Ladybrand commented “…. I too am using my old mini Cadac gas stoves and lights during these hard times! I used the lights recently for the first time in about 12 years, and there was still gas in the cylinders! Other news – 7402 Rob Hamilton and I have had our first meeting. We hope to have an unofficial 'Eastern Free State Branch' get-together at the end of February!” and 6252 Iain Laing wrote”…looking at Dave Lawson’s story about his gas cylinder, the same has happened to me. I have a small 3 kg cylinder, plus stovetop, light and heater, which I bought when I was in Que Que in 1961. Yes! I still have it, and it has been brought out of retirement! “

This is not ‘politically correct’ but what the hell!

Seven easy steps on how to start each day with a positive outlook

1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it 'Robert Mugabe'.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you. 'Do you really want to get rid of “Robert Mugabe?'
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better ?

Rob Weare from Mozambique: Thank you for the latest Natal Outpost, which I have just received. I have been transferred, by Tongaat-Hulett Sugar, from Amatikulu to Mafambisse in Mozambique for an 8 year stint until retirement – my new postal address is: P.O. Box 1121 Beira Mozambique. I am the HR Manager at our sugar mill, which employs some 7000 employees. Sally and I have been here nearly a year and I must say life here is just like it was 30 years ago in Zimbabwe and no different to being stationed at either Mrewa or Mtoko in the good old days. Regards to all and anyone who visits this part of the world pse contact me. Rob (ex-Insp 8722) and Sally (ex-WPO 320) Weare

Wendy Addison writing from Australia. I was just on the site updating my new contact details, and thought I would say Hi!!! I look back on those days with such happy memories; I haven’t spoken to any of the old Rhodies for so long! Alls well here in our new land - the kids are all well and happy, and I am in love with an amazing ex SA guy (Ed. What more can you ask for?). Please give my love to all the specials like Rob, Les, Reg, Eddie and Jill - man this goes back so long I have almost forgotten their names, but not the happy parties we had together. Love and kisses, Wendy Addison (nee Jarvis) WPO 367  Email: wendlesbabe@yahoo.com

Smudge’s Birthday Bash: Smudge had a wonderful birthday party!! The surprise was a resounding success (and WAS a surprise!). No sooner had he come to terms with the fact that there were more people than his family, when his youngest son tapped him on the shoulder. His face was classic - Smudge thought he was still in the UK, and couldn't believe it ('NO WAY!! was his exclamation). His middle son and daughter-in-law worked really hard (with a little help from family) and put on a fine spread and were most gracious hosts.

Smudge has asked me to convey his heartfelt thanks for all the messages received, and sends his greetings. He was overcome, and was up until 2am the next morning reading them all. The family are queuing for a read too.

May I add my thanks to all of you who brought such joy and happiness to one of our outstanding colleagues? With best wishes, John Hardie (4749)

Whereabouts Wanted: Ged Alderson (8511) is trying to locate 7157/8382 Reg Graham, who was last known to be working at the University of Transkei in 1997. His current whereabouts are unknown. However, Transvaal Branch’s records show that he returned to Scotland circa 2003. Can anyone assist? Regards, Nobby Clarke

Do you think petrol is expensive?

• Diet Coke 100ml @ R2.80 R28.00 per litre
• Lipton Ice Tea 200ml @ R3.50 R17.50 per litre
• Amstel 750ml @ R9.50 R12.60 per litre
• Energade 250ml @ R3.00 R12.00 per litre
• Brake Fluid 100ml @ R6.00 R60.00 per litre
• Vick's Nasal Spray 50ml @ R9.00 R180.00 per litre
• Hugo Boss Spray 50ml @ R225.00 R4500.00 per litre
• And this is the REAL KICKER...
• Evian water 500ml @ R15.00 R30.00! R30.00 for WATER!

Death: It is with regret that we have to advise of the death of 4518 Dave LeGuern. Dave died on 8 February 2008 at Ferndown, Dorset. He had a heart attack but had been suffering from lung cancer for a long period. Dave served 13 December 1949 – 28 July 1972, retiring with the rank of Chief Inspector.

From Stretch Hughes: I was asked a short while ago to locate 7253 Supt, Barry Eastes. I met Barry's wife Barbara at Ian Hughes's funeral and she told me Barry was working in Northern Zambia. I am now in SMS contact with Barry, who tells me he is working for a new copper mine, which is the 9th biggest development in the world at a place called Lumwanan on the Congolese border. Barry is constructing roads, culverts, drains, sewers, etc. The mine is also building 3500 houses and the current kitchen serves 9000 meals daily. Of interest is that 7805 Andy Groenewald and his wife (WPO 223 Sue Law) are also at the mine where Andy is the Mine Security Manager. I’m in comms. with Andy and have ascertained that 8254 Keith (Tubby) Shankland is working as a Mine Security Manager in Mufulira… have contact numbers for Barry and Keith. I have also met a chap called Peewee at the Darnall Club (my watering hole). He is keen to make contact with 5465 Keith Blizzard. Can anyone help? Stretch. If there are mistakes in this missive, its because I am partially blind. I hope to have my first op this weekend to remove a cataract. Both eyes shot. Can hardly see the keyboard. Stretch) (Ed: Last I heard was back in 1963 when Kevin transferred to WildLife).

Zimbabwe Pensioners:  Last month we sent out article on the plight of the Zimbabwe Pensioners, which drew many responses, some of which are included. Norman addressed a gathering at the Shamwari Club and resulting from this some action was to take place. Unfortunately I have not been able to respond as I have been waiting for feedback. I understand that Hannes Botha, the man who started the scheme, will be meeting with the ’Committee” on Friday 7 March, to thrash out a few points / issues.

Norman has relocated and the task of promoting and collecting here and in Northern Natal has been handed over. The contact person is a MARINA V.D. HEERVER, her e-mail is marinavdheever@gmail.com. She can be contacted on (035) 7894772.  Norman can be contacted at: nimpamnorm@telkomsa.net

Some of the responses:

Barry Thomas commented: I would like to contribute something to the plight of the Zimbabwe Pensioners still living there. I can understand their plight. My pension after 43 years will not buy more than one loaf of bread. How does one make a donation?

From Di Taylor (wife 5653 Mike Taylor). Thank you so much for the mail from Norman Nimmo - was in tears, as I just did not know how desperate the pensioners in Zim are. So, now have to do something - maybe get friends together and make more loving parcels to go up with the next trip. Have you got his E mail?  Thank God, truly, for people like him, and you. I hope you and Lindsay are well. And may I wish you a very happy New Year; I have to slim down as well!!! And I hope Mike and I can see you at some faithful BSAP function soon. I will personally buy you a bottle of your favourite champagne if the pensions are re-instated; really like that positive affirmation! Our pastor reckons we have to dream big, so you are right on track.

I did start a wall hanging for the poor in Zim about a year ago; because God has given me so much, the fabric was free and I had excess paint and dye. It is looking good, quite a bit of quilting and beading left to do, and I really hope it can rise about R5000 when complete in a raffle.  So must get on and finish that really soon.  Any suggestions about how to raffle for that amount? God bless and keep you. Di Taylor.

From Hank Bresler: Thank you for sending the OB Extracts – much appreciated. The plight of the Zim pensioners is indeed heart wrenching – One wonders “What next”?? I still have family in Harare, who thank God, are not in such a situation, but the years of stress have taken their toll and it’s sad indeed to see the deterioration of a once wonderful country. Anyway, keep up the good work and please pass greetings from Gail & myself to all – we miss you all muchly!! Hank.Bresler@xinavane.co.mz

Confusions reigns at Albert Luthuli hospital. 5251 John Dolby was prepared for theatre early am. At lunch he was given a meal and advised that he needed two stents, which ‘admin staff’ had to authorise. He is now back home, nothing done and they say he may have to have a by-pass. Will keep you posted. Best of health, Dave Callow (Ed. John is at home and managing but very frustrated as the medics cannot decide on what action to take for his condition.)

Iain Laing advises that he has just heard of another ex-member – Mike Eburne, who served from 1977 to 1981 in Lomagundi. Lives in Salt Rock – Tel 032-5255648. Haven’t approached him about the Association yet.

Other events we are arranging include a day at the Horse Races, Scottsville Race Course. We all gather around the finishing line, place a bet or two and braai under the only tree in the middle of the racecourse. Watch out for the date. We are hoping to have our first magazine in a while sent out by the middle of March. Chris Thorne is working on it; so if you have anything to contribute, please give Chris a call.

A bit of nonsense to enjoy:

The older one gets, the tougher it is to lose weight...because by then your body and your fat have become really good friends!

O.B. Extracts: Thursday 20 March 2008

Zimbabwean Pensions

A meeting was held with Hannes Botha on Tuesday, March 4. Hannes, as has been mentioned previously, has been taking food parcels to pensioners in Zimbabwe. He and others, such as Norman Nimmo, have done absolutely wonderful work in getting supplies to pensioners living in very depressed circumstances. They have now reached a point whereby a truckload of goods goes up every month and parcels are delivered to some six hundred pensioners. They have also found a home of 12 abandoned children. If there was any doubt about their efforts, you need to know that we have viewed the presentation, seen the faces of the pensioners and have the names of quite a few of them. Recently, a couple came out from Holland and accompanied Hannes and team on a trip and funded it.

The purpose of the meeting with Hannes was two fold:-

1. Money.

The need for those contributing to the fund to feel that their money is being well managed. The fund has seven trustees and the accounts are being handled by RB Business Services in JHB. Efforts are underway to have the fund registered as a non-profit Section 21 company. Delays in this regard have been frustrating and attributed to bureaucracy. It is hoped that they will succeed soon as this will make a difference to those wishing to contribute.

2. Bases for Supplies.

It is difficult enough for Hannes and other volunteers going to Zimbabwe with all the difficulties associated with border delays, numerous road blocks etc, let alone their travels around South Africa collected non-perishable goods from various premises. Where possible bases are need to be established in centres.  In Durban, Peter Wilson, of Plumblink, 590 Riverside Road, near Umgeni Bird Park, has provided such a base. I have been in touch with Peter and he has confirmed that storage space is available. Telephone 031 5799600.

The details of the Fund are as follows:

Zimbabwe Pensioners Support Fund
P.O. Box 1349,
Malelane 1320.
South Africa
Tel : 013 7900934; Cell: 084 5893221

Contents of Pensioners Hamper

• 2.5 KG MEALIE MEAL 2 PKTS SOUP
• 2.5KG FLOUR 1 PKT JELLY
• 2 KG RICE 1 PKT INSTANT CUSTARD
• 2 KG SUGAR 2 PKTS BAKING POWDER
• 1 KG OATS 1 PKT YEAST
• 500 G SPAGHETTI 1 PKT CANDLES
• 500 G MACARONI 1 TIN PILCHARDS
• 500 G SALT 1 TIN BAKED BEANS
• 450 G WEATBIX 1 TIN BULLY BEEF
• 250G COFFEE 1 TIN VIENNAS
• 100 G TEA 1 BOX MATCHES
• 750 ML COOKING OIL 1 x 100ML TOOTHPAST SMALL BOTTLE MARMITE 1 x BAR LUX SOAP
• SMALL BOTTLE FISH PASTE 1 x BOTTLE SHAMPOO
• TIN JAM 1 x HAND AND BODY LOTION PEANUT BUTTER 1 TOILET ROLL
• CREMORA 1 ROLL XXX MINTS
• MILK POWDER 1 SMALL BOX SMARTIESBISCUITS (MARIE OR ASSORTED)
• 1 x BAR CHOCOLATE
• 1 PKT SMALL ALL SORTS 1 TIN PEACHES
  
  

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FOR SALE BY POSTAL AUCTION

1. Dick Hamley's Book 'The Regiment' which is leather bound, in fair condition. This is No 88 of a limited edition of 350 and is signed by the author. This is offered via postal auction with a reserve price of R450.00

Bids shoul be sent via the post or e-mail to the Editor (Peter Arnold)

Marked “The Regiment”

The proceeds will be credited to the Branch account.
 

2. Centenary plate. Mint condition. Reserve R150.00

Bids should be sent via post or e-mail to the Editor. Marked “Plate”

Bids for both items close on 31 May 2008.
 

Head On

The following was submitted by 5774 Dave Owen, now living in Anerley on the Natal South Coast, with additional information from 4757 Ron Pilbrough in New Zealand

Many years ago I. together with Insp. Ron Pilbrough and Const. Chiragaramombe (he of 16 children, truly) were involved in a head-on collision with a Mk 1 Zephyr on the Plumtree Road outside Bulawayo. I was stationed at Traffic at the time and was on duty when a report was received that a stolen Ford Zephyr had been seen in Plumtree, had filled up with petrol, left without paying and was on the road to Bulawayo.

The car had been stolen in Gwelo but not reported to us until the claim of them driving away from a filling station in Plumtree was received.

The occupants, two EMAs had also been seen at the Plumtree Hotel and were known to have been dunking heavily. I am not sure why but Insp. Pilbrough came to be in my Austin Westminster GT P.S 7836. (Ron remembers he was dressed in his Riot Blues at the time had probably on Annual Musketry and when the message came through from the Information Room and had called to Dave who was on duty. Ron also called on Constable Neville Eva who was on patrol to proceed to the Plumtree Rd)) and we set off to apprehend the approaching Zephyr. (A road block was set up and the two cars were positioned at a rail crossing Outside Bulawayo on the Plumtree Rd. While we were there someone reminded us – probably the Information Room- that there was a turn off further south which the stolen car could take. As a result Dave and Ron headed off telling Eva to follow at a distance) We saw the Zephyr approaching at speed, there was a lot of dodging and ducking and the end result was that they/we crashed virtually head on.

Insp. Pilbrough and I had been wearing those full harness belts which allowed you steer, change gear and little else as they were next to a straightjacket Reaching the mike was a problem and they were soon done away with. In the collision nobody suffered physical injury. ( Ron was thrown out of the car on impact and was taken to hospital by Eva – the two EMAs in the Zephyr were taken by ambulance) I had sore biceps, possibly from hanging onto the steering wheel and our Constable ended up on the floor behind the driver’s seat uninjured. The car, see cover photo, was a bit of a mess!

( Ron says Mike Horner came to visit him in hospital an hour or so later and was not impressed to see the driver of the stolen Zephyr in a bed next to him)

A little mystery came out of this collision, in that after the impact I reported on the radio to Bulawayo. Other cars, the famous and never to be forgotten Neville EVA arrived as did Mr. Wordsworth the 0 C. Not sure why Jack Wordsworth was there but he was. My car was a write off. Some days later and in its place I drew from CMED a black Vauxhall Velox which was a pool car (they were nice cars to drive and I was sorry to hand it back) It had no radio of course but still had the fittings, aerial etc and I took it to the radio branch in Bulawayo camp to have “my’ radio ex the late Austin 36 fitted. The Radio Branch personnel lust laughed and said that when they had taken the covers off my Pye radio receiver/transmitter it was just a box of crushed glass valves and bits and pieces I pointed out that I had used the radio after the collision but they would not believe me, quite impossible they said!! By the way the individuals in the Zephyr were snoring their heads off after the collision, can you believe, dead drunk almost literally.

Some 3 weeks later Ron received a letter from the owner of the stolen vehicle asking the Police to pay for either the repairs or a replacement vehicle. “I did what all good Policemen do” says Ron,” I sent it up the line to PGHQ. The final outcome was never advised to me but I can imagine…”

Brown’s Olympic deal with Zimbabwe

By Daniel Martin Political Reporter

ZIMBABWE could be allowed to take part in the London Olympics if it agrees to pull out of a cricket tour of England next year. The Government is said to have proposed the secret deal to avoid an African boycott of the 2012 Games. But the Tories said no team from the southern African state should be let in .while Robert Mugabe is president.

On Thursday sources close to the Prime Minister said scrapping the cricket tour would allow Britain to ‘stand up and be counted’ by refusing to tolerate Mugabe’s murderous regime.

But yesterday, sources said the Government would let a team from the country enter the Olympics if Mr Mugabe axed the cricket tour.

Tory foreign affairs spokesman David Lidington said: ‘This is a classic case of Gordon Brown spinning different stories to different people. ‘One day he tries to sound tough, the next day we find he is planning a secret deal.’ Mr Lidington described Mugabe’s corruption and ‘wilful mismanagement’ as ‘sickening’, adding: ‘The Government has allowed his regime to carry on unchallenged for too long.’ Ministers fear that if the cricket tour is called off, Mugabe may pull his teams out of future English sporting events, such as next year’s World Twenty-20 cricket championship and the Olympics. That would raise the prospect of a boycott by a range of African nations, such as South Africa..

Officials believe the inclusion of a Zimbabwean team at the Olympics would be less embarrassing as it would be only one out of more than 150. A Government source said: ‘Negotiations have been going on for some months.

‘The Government is giving the cricket authorities very close support. There’s no way Mugabe is going to be allowed to let his team play here. ‘The major problem is ensuring that does not give him any justification to accuse the old colonial power of slighting Zimbabwe which results in the whole of Africa boycotting 2012.’

Book Review

One in four adults hasn’t read a book for a year

By Laura Clark Education Reporter

A QUARTER of Britons say they have not read a book in the past year and nearly half admit to lying about their reading to appear more intelligent. Ministers published the findings as they urged bosses to set up libraries in former workplace smoking rooms to transform employees’ reading habits. Launching the National Year of Reading campaign, they said research showed nearly half of adults had read at least five books in the previous 12 months. Yet a quarter had not read a single book during the same period, including almost half of males aged between 16nd 24, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics. A separate survey had shown a third of Britons read ‘challenging literature’ in order to seem well-read even though they could not follow what the book was about. It also found that 40 per cent had lied about having read certain books ‘just sothey could join In with the conversation’. Around half of 4,000 adults who responded to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council poll said reading classics makes you look more Intelligent.

The (overnment campaIgn aims to target reluctant readers, particular boys and their fathers. Schools Secretary Ed Balls added that more time would be set aside In the primary school day for reading as part of a review of the curriculum.

Parents are also being urged to spend at least ten minutes a day reading with their children.

At a Downing Street seminar to launch the National Year of Reading, the Prime Minister said the drive could prove one of the Government’s most effective social policies. ‘It’s not just the joy of reading, father-toson or in the classroom,’ said Mr Brown.

it’s also the benefits of reading. It’s probably one of the best anti-poverty, antideprivation, anticrlme, anti-vandalism policies you can think of.’

BSAP Regimental Association: Natal Branch
Committee Members: 2006-2007

Chairman: Nobby Clark; 0317621807(h/f);0834637672(c); hnc@absamail.co.za
Secretary: Des Howse; 0317642609(h/f); 0834406740(c); des@eastcoast.co.za
Treasurer: Rob Hamilton; 0317655348(h); 0317652761(f); ascottrust@telkomsa.net
Membership: Trevor Dutton; 0317643853(h); tdutton@mweb.co.za  
Database & Outpost: Fred Mason; 0317653669(h/f); 0837756454(c); fredmason@cdrive.co.za
Welfare: Roy Welch; 0312661886(h/f); 0824136425(c); roywelch@eastcoast.co
Social: Ken Wood; 0317672875(H); 0847374062(c); kywood@polka.co.za