Zimbabwe News

Mashonaland

A “46’ers” Diamond Anniversary Braaivleis was held at the Highlands residence of 3976 “Taffy” Morgan on Sunday the 3rd September 2006. Those present were 4072 Paddy & Helen Allen, 3960 Jack Hammond, 3969 Alec & Mrs Kerr, 4165 Ian & Elizabeth McKay, 3976 Taffy Morgan, 4059 Peter & Lonya Robinson, (4114) Joan Sandall, 4024 Ted & Beth Sheriff and (4130) Betty Wright. Apologies were received from 3952 John “Bomber” Davidson, (4049) Esme Jarvis, 4016 Eric Jones and 4154 Ralph Thompson who were all out of the country. Guests were 3844 Sid & Joan Bristow, 4728 Bill Ellway, 8021 Mike & Gail Rowley (Mike is the son of 4023 Joe Rowley) and (4483/5387) Jane Phillips. The “46’ers” and guests arrived around midday and immediately eased away their aches and pains with a wonderful selection of their favourite medicine, all non-prescription. As the medicine flowed, so did the stories. An excellent braai was organised by Mike Rowley and a wonderful assortment of snacks were prepared and presented by Jane Phillips and Gail Rowley. Additional snacks came with the wives of the “46’ers”. All who attended this excellent reunion were presented with either a bottle of gin ort a bottle of brandy, courtesy of Afdis.

The Annual Luncheon was held at the Freemason’s Hall, Belvedere, on Sunday the 1st October 2006. Being a lunchtime event, it was informal both in the mode of dress and in the manner in which it was conducted. The result of this informality was a most enjoyable and successful lunch. Those attending were: - 4072 Paddy & Helen Allen, 5111Jack & Lynn Bacon, 7737 John Baines, 5281 Peter Bellingham, 5503 Peter Birkett, 11997 Dennis Borra, 5084 John Clements, (4752) Aileen Coetzer, 8262 Jeff Cooper, 203222 Alice Cowley, 110743 Noel Cox, 110741Peter & Jane Du Preez, Guest Mark Edwards, W/Cpl 12 Espach (Nee Wesson), 5917 Rod & Laura Finnigan, 7458 Mike & Sue Fox, 6262 Nigel & Bev Gabriel, (6583) Nora Griffin, 3960 Jack Hammond, 5118 Ian Hayes, (4679) Joy Hedges, (4234) Pat Hobley, 8374 Peter Jelliman, 111038 Cliff Johnson, 8235 Martin Kay, Guest Charles Keans, Guest J Lucas, 10115 Dave Mackintosh, WFR Pearl Maclachlan, 4371John March, 4394 Dave & Nella Martin, (3925) Mary May, 6047 Dudley & Judith Naude, 9406 “Red” O’Connell, 8862 Edward Perepeczko, (5387) Jane Phillips, (4275) Marty Pratt, 6123 Brian Pym, 8477 Peter Quick, 8021Mike Rowley, 9822 Barry Saunders, Guest Sharon Sephton, 9494 Malcolm Smith, A135 Frank Stober, 6029 Jamie Tennant, Guest Peter Van Aswegan, (2872) Constance Vowles, Anne Wilson, Guest Corrie Wilson, WP134 Denise Woodiwiss, 2357 George & Mary Woodman, and (4130) Betty Wright. Apologies were received from: - 7315 Bob Armstrong, 7615 “Tok” Arnold, 7760 Rod Bowen, 3844 Sid Bristow, 4528 Barry Charlesworth, 7153 Mike Crafter, 3952 John “Bomber” Davidson, 4728 Bill Ellway, 4596 Nelson Graham, Phil Harmson, 902015 Mike Lear, 6377 Tony Maycock, 6794 Ray Ritson, 5162 Mike Robinson, and 5280 Peter Tomlinson.

The Christmas Sundowner was held at the Round Table venue on 2nd Street Extension on the evening of the 24th November 2006. Those attending were: 5568 Dennis & Peggy Anderson, 5111 Jack & Lyn Bacon, 7737 Brett Baines, 6384 Peter Birkett, 7852 Dave Blake, 11992 Dennis Borra, 7760 Rod Bowen, 900511 Peter Chisholm, 901822 Mark Edwards, 4728 Bill Ellway, 8646 Andrew Field, 7458 Mike Fox, 6832 Barry Frees & Guest, 6262 Nigel Gabriel, 8374 Peter Jelliman, 111036 Cliff Johnson, 9235 Martin Kay, 92015 Mike Lear, 10115 Dave Mackintosh, IPA Member Don Maclean & Guest, 3976 Taff Morgan, 6047 Dudley & Judy Naude, 9406 Red O’Connell, 7532 Gilly & Judy Oberholzer, 8862 Ted Perepeczko, 6123 Brian Pym & Jan Lemon, 6794 Ray Ritson, 5162 Mike Robinson, 8021 Mike Rowley, 31795J Geoff & Mrs Sandford, 9822 Barry Saunders & Guest, 6007 Bob Schonken, Guest J Sullings, 9210 John Van Zyl, 5673 Ralph Williams, Guest C A Wilson & WP.134 Denise Woodwiss. Apologies were received from: 5281 Peter Bellingham, 3844 Sid Bristow, 5084 John Clements, WP.12 Dorothy Espach, 5056 Roger Gillett, 4596 Nelson Graham, 5233 Willie Hamilton, 6377 Ton y Maycock, 90430S Mark Oxley, 9494 Malcolm Smith & 8746 Rick Summers. The evening was most enjoyable. The raffle raised $70,200.00, and a sale of regalia raised a magnificent $141,500.00, which is to be credited to the Welfare Fund.

On Sunday, 8th January 2007, a Squad Reunion Luncheon was held at the Chapman Golf Club to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the attestation of Recruit Squad 1/57. Those attending were 5608 Dave de Burgh-Thomas, 5609 John Mabin, 5610 Nigel Roche and 5617 Austin Wilmot together with their wives, all from Harare, 5619 Barry Enslin from Johannesburg, and 5625 “Biff” Way from London. 5651 Phil Nobes and 5652 Bill Linfield from Squad 3/57 together with their wives also attended. All members were delighted that Barry Enslin and “Biff” Way made the special effort to attend. Of the 25 members of Squad 1/57, 4 have died. Contact was made with a further 6 members, 5607 Harry Davis in England, 5615 Tom Meekin in Northern Ireland, 5616 Brian Thomson in China, 5621 Gerry Frith in South Africa and 5624 Pat Ferguson in South Africa, who were all unable to attend. 5629 John Rumbold is resident in Harare, but he was unable to attend due to ill health. It was not possible to contact the remaining 9 members. As to be expected there was much reminiscing and laughter, and a good time was had by all.

Matabeleland Branch.

The Matabeleland Branch Annual Reunion Lunch was held at the Lady Mason Hall in Hillside, Bulawayo, on Saturday the 4th November 2006. The Guest Speaker was the well-known broadcaster Peter Rollason who gave a very interesting talk, mainly about his travels. The event was well attended. The list of members and guests attending is as follows: - Ass. (NRP) 201762 A M Adams, 8510 David Adams, Guest Ken & Betty Blake, (4511) Joan Bradfield, 8316 Peter Cahill, WP.24 Marion Cappleton (nee Fozzard), 6847 Tim Cherry, 5027 John Collier, 17595Z Tom Crawston, 27346Y Father H F Day, 4993 John Fielder, Guests N and E Giga, 901227 J Glossop & Mrs D.MacKenzie, 5469 Dave Grimbly, 5117 Dick Hall, 9499 Karl & Denise Hurry, Army I Johnson, 7435 Taffy Jones, 8496J John & Margaret Learmonth, 5247 Ken & Glynnis Macdonald, 5867 Derek Marshall & Guest Lynette O’Hare, 6387 Lyndon & Margot Morgan, Army John & Pat Parkin, Widow Jill Parry, 3893 John Robertson, Guest Speaker Peter Rollason, 9392 Ian & Sarah Spackman, 6540 Hugh and N Squair,17859J Ian Terry & P Parker, Widow Jean Tucker, 961231Tony Turner & Guest Tracey Burns and Ass. Piet & Joy van Rensburg. Apologies were received from 4750 Canon Ken Berry, 3497 Bill Castle-Ward, D Kent, J Minshull, & WP.484 Carol Warren.

Regional News

Natal Branch

The Annual Dinner was held on the 12 August at the Shamwari Club. An excellent evening was had by all and it was good to see some new faces! We had quite a strong, noisy contingent from Margate; the nucleus from the soon-to-be-formed North Coast Station and representation from the Natal Midlands Branch. Our ‘Raffle Scroungers’, ably guided by Trevor Dutton, excelled themselves this year with over 20 great raffle prizes to be won. The following (in alphabetical order) attended the dinner: - 5855Terry Albyn; George and Liz Archibald; Guests Judge Ted and Phyllis Beck, 4258 Derrick Bennison; 7055 Alan and Myrna Brent; 7077 Hank and Gail Bresler; 6468 David Callow; 6283 Nobby and Natascha Clark; 6136 Ant Crossley; 5826 Nigel Cuerden and Sheila Chadwick; 8332 Chris Cumming; 8105 Peter Cutting; 6170 Graham and Betty De Wit; 5251 John Dolby; 7706 Chris and Elsbeth Driver; 5293 Trevor and Beryl Dutton; 4726 Dickie Dyer; Guests George and Lynn Galbraith, 7543 Pete and Elsebe Gatland; 7402 Rob and Shelagh Hamilton; 4749 John and Laurette Hardie; 6187 John and Yvonne Haswell; 5428 Ian and Penny Hogg; 7229 Des Howse; 7299 Ian Hughes; 7026 “Stretch” Hughes; 7026 Trevor and Cheryl Hughes; 5958 Dick and Jenny Isemonger; 9131 Ken and Barbara Joubert; Martin and Sandy Kennedy; 9465 Chris Kerr; 6253 Iain Laing; 8966 Derek and Jackie Lowe; 6872 David and Maggie Lynn; 5934 Fred and Lindsay Mason; 5480 Scotty Macauley; George and Betty McClennan; 4521 Phil and Eve Mingard (Chairman Natal Midlands Branch); 6597 Tony Potts; WP.583 Karen Romans; 380327 Harry Sage and Anthea Lochlan; Alan and Ann Seymour; 5749 Paul Shewell; Guests Judge Hillary and Coralie Squires, 4963 Derek Starr; 5760 Malcolm and Jean Torrance; 5850 Bob Vincent; 6467 Butch and Hillary Von Horsten; Roy Welch; Ian Wilkin; 5268 Malcolm and Daphne Wiltshire; 8157 Barry Woan; 8531 8531 Ken and Yvonne Wood; Prof. Richard and Carole Wood (Guest Speaker); & 8068 Dennis & Marion Wyatt.
4795 Bob and Barbara Burrell were recent visitors to Natal, and whilst staying with 8531 Ken and Yvonne Wood a small dinner party was held for friends and colleagues. Attending were: - 4258 Derrick Bennison , 6283 Nobby Clark , 5293 Trevor and Beryl Dutton, 7402 Rob and Shelagh Hamilton, & Roy Welch.

On the night of 2 October, Pete and Gill Colepeper went to investigate some strange noises in their house late at night. On checking the downstairs lounge they disturbed a man half Pete’s age. He went for Pete, who was carrying a Maglite torch. Pete says that he remembered Gerry Winchombe’s advice, “…never let the blighter get too close to you.” The torch Pete was carrying was effectively used as a ‘baton’ and the intruder received 3 blows to the head with this improvised baton and was hospitalised,. Neither Peter nor Gill were harmed.

Brian Thomas wrote from Botswana and advised that, “Myra and I recently visited 4039 Ted Chapman for tea and bikkies. Ted, now 82, Muriel and their daughter live on a small chicken farm in Ruretse, about 15kms from Gaberone. WP39 Wendy Kruger (nee Ryan) came along with us.”

Natal Midlands

The Natal Midlands Branch Annual Dinner was held at the Hilton Hotel, Pietermartizburg on Friday, 10th November 2006. Members and guests attending the Dinner were met at the door with a welcome glass of sherry, and thereafter enjoyed a period of fellowship before sitting down to an excellent three course dinner with the provision of wine for each table. Our guest speaker, NSPO Peter Rawson (The son of the late Assistant Commissioner Keith Rawson) gave an interesting and humorous speech. This covered his very early days in Morris Depot, when his father was Commandant Depot, and moved on to his sporting experiences with the Zimbabwe cricket team, and later when he was Captain of the Natal Provincial cricket team. John Haswell followed the guest speaker and he entertained the assembled members and guests with his humorous anecdotes. He had many guests literally splitting their sides!

Those attending were: - 6422 Lionel Baker & Partner Rose, 8242 Alan & Flik Bennett, 4258 Derek Bennison & Partner June, PR Jeff & Carol Biles, 8303 Rob Bristow, 6519 John & Nancy Carroll, (4210) Sheila Chadwick, 5473 John & Sandy Clack, 6650 Peter & Victoria Combes, 5888 Neville & Elsa Cook, 3708 Bill Crabtree, (6867) Ros Crone, Guests Martin & Margie Cronje, 5826 Nigel Cuerden, PR “Tickey” & Penny Dalton, 4603 Don Darkes, 5470 Buddy & Avril Deetlefs, 6352 Peter & Cicely Dobeyn, 7706 Chris Driver, 6268 Leon & Merle du Toit, 5156 Peter Gibson, 8909 André Moreen Grobler, 6187 John & Yvonne Haswell, 5118 Ian Hayes (Mashonaland), 7504 Brian & Maureen Hayes, 6017 John Hill, 7229 Des & Trish Howse, Guests Colin & Liz Hughes, PR Brian & Barbara Jarvis, (5590) Toni Jennings, 6872 Dave Lynn, 5934 Fred & Lindsay Mason, 4380 Pat & Rosemarie McCulloch, 6759 John & Denise Miller, 4521 Phil & Eve Mingard, 8175 Rob & Lou Parker, 8980 Duncan & Doreen Paul, Guest Grant Rawson, Guest Speaker NSPO Peter Rawson, 4564 Peter & Jean Reynolds, 6135 Gerard & Wendy Robinson, Guest Graham & Yvette Stephenson, 4767 Steve & Marian Stevens, 8594 Hugh & Denise Temple, 6467 Butch & Hilary von Horsten, Guests Dave & Chantelle Wild and 8531 Kevin Woods.

Transvaal

The Transvaal Annual Dinner was held at the Johannesburg Country Club on Friday, the 8th September 2006. The event was well attended, with 97 persons signing the attendance register, and was a great success. The guest speaker was Colonel Pat Armstrong, formerly of the Selous Scouts. He delivered an excellent and interesting address, which brought back nostalgic memories his audience. He was quick to point out that Dick Latilla is the first former Patrol Officer to become the chairman of any of the BSAP Association Branches. He fondly mentioned former SB members who'd worked with the Scouts, including Keith Samler, Winston Hart, Tom Thomas, Peter Stanton, Bob Wishart, Peter Dewe, and the late Vic Opperman. He'd also read the History of the BSAP. “Rather boring” he said, but in jest! He praised the BSAP (The Right of the Line) as being the finest (Police) force in the world. He received warm applause at the end of his speech. The reply to the speaker was delivered by none other than 4254 Neil 'Smudge' Smith, now in his 80's, who was flown from Nchanga by the branch especially for the function. His humorous talk, interspersed with 'horsy' stories, was a delight and verged on brilliance. It was a pleasure to have him in our midst.

Those attending were: - 8053 Gus Albertson, 22495N (SAP) Rob Allan, 7255 Norman Atterbury, 9142 Max Barker, 900202 Malcolm Barnfield, WP.422 Hilary Beck (Nee Bichard), 5839 Colin Becks, 6180 Barrie Bennett, 110756 Chris Birtle, 8626 Phil Bishop, 6910 John Bissett, 8065 Steve Britz, Intaf Alex Bundock, 9407 Graham Campbell, V2370? John Cannon, Guest Brian Catt, Guest P. Cloete, 7038 Ashley Collings, 6650 Peter Combes, 4988 Bill Crossan, 6534 Ian Cuthbertson, 727984 J. Davidovics, 5526 Phil Devlin, 6817 Keith Douche, Sandton Commando R. Dow, 7789 Peter Drysdale, 9824 Hans du Preez, 10222 Peter Dyer, SAP R. Edmiston, 9214 Ian Edwards, 7885 Harry & Joey Esterhuizen, 8003 Greg & Linda Ferguson, 6000 Peter Finch, Guest 5214 Jim Findlay, SAPR Allan Fitzgerald, 6145 Alex Fraser, 6692 Brian Garvey, 6769 Dick Glanville.Guest M. Groenewald, 69238384? Ron W Hammond, 6587 Ian Harries, Guest M. Hart, 8026 Jon Harvey, 7978 Doug Hay, 40211 R. Henry, 10555 Peter Hobson, 8277 Hans Hoffman, 7959 Ray Hoggins, Guest Kerry Holmes, 6345 Dave Holmes, 28306R Kevan Hyett, 6059 Laurie Ibbitt, 8749 Ewen Isdale, 8452 Dave James, 5991 Don Joss, 9364 Jerry Lancaster, 7651 Dick Latilla, WFR.2427 Betty Lotter, WFR.101 Sherri Lynn, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, WP.185 Cathy Mason (Nee Fitzgerald), Guest Sean McClymont, V3707? Gary Menzies, 7717 Tony Merris, 6166 Keith Nortje, 7289 Dave Parker, 110615 Bryan Peach, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 7721 Pre Pretorius, 8159 Hennie Pretorius, 8557 Corrie Pretorius, Guest? Gerry Ratering, 5845 Gordon Rendall, Guest David Richmond, 5231 Don Rowland, 7184 Chris Russell, PR8517 C. Saville, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 7609 Tom Short, 5695 Dave Sloman, 8544 Clive Slowe, Guest Richard Smith, Guest 4254 Neil “Smudge” Smith, 6416 Terry Smith, 10098 Bryan Smith, 9704 Alistair Steuart, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 6593 Jac van Niekerk, 8446 Derek Walters, 15386Y Chris Watermeyer, 9790 Duncan Waugh, 728230 Rh Inf C/Sgt R. Wheeldon, 6764 Willie Wielopolski & 8157 Barry Woan,
After the formalities were over, the members and guests mingled and socialised till carriages at 0030. The auction and memorabilia sales were well supported.

A reminder to all those members who visit Johannesburg on a regular or on a not so regular basis, there is a monthly gathering held at the Transvaal Scottish premises (The Jocks) on the second Friday of every month from 5.30pm onwards. Members, wives, partners and guests are all very welcome, and you may well be surprised at who you meet there.

Western Cape Branch

The Western Cape Annual Winter Lunch was held at the Mowbray Golf Club in July 2006 and was well attended by members and their wives, partners and guests. The venue was excellent, and it was a most enjoyable event.There was a good mix of of both older and younger members which was good to see. Those attending were: - 7880 Guy & Sally Baker, (4950) Ingird Baker, 6639 Bob & Sue Bedingham, Guests Roche & Minette Beneke, 5483 Dave & Hanni Blacker, 4510 Keith & Sheila Clark, 5190 Pat Crook, 8895 Rod & Elmari Eterman, 4774 John & Joan Fletcher, 6900 Martin & Marina Gee, 5860 Doug & Di Grierson, 5872 Winston & Flelicity Hart, 4360 Bill Hollington, 6780 Graham “Spats” & Pauline Jansen, 5349 Peter & Ann Lane, 4501 Vince Lovegrove, 7108 Alastair & Patricia Mackenzie, 8714 John & Cheryl Munro, 5900 Tom & Phoebe Naude, 5689 Gilly & Isobel Potter, Guest Lt. Col, Ron Reid-Daily, 5098 Dave Riley, 7389 Taffy & Sue Roberts, 4736 George & Joan Stuart, 5675 Dave & Nikki Waddon, 5666 Dave & Marion Wright and 6513 Terry Young.

The Annual Dinner was also held at the same excellent venue, Mowbray Golf Club, on the 8th September 2006. The Guest Speaker was the well-known Rhodesian troubadour John Edmund. After his initial speech, he graduated to his guitar and took everybody back some a nostalgic 30-40 years to what could have been a rollicking Friday night at the Fife Avenue Hostel, The Copper Pot or any one of the many police pubs anywhere in Rhodesia. It’s been a long time since the Western Cape membership had a good “old fashioned” sing-along, and the years just rolled away. Those who did not attend missed out on what turned out to be the best Annual Dinner for years. Those attending were: - 6558 Stuart Bass, 6693 Bob Bedingham, 7880 Guy Bekker, Guest Roche Beneke, 5483 Dave Blacker, 6846 Jim Blain, 6820 Andy Bulmore, 5727 Pete Coolbear, 7751 Alan Crook, Guest Guy de Gruchy, Guest Des Easom, Guest Speaker John Edmond, 8895 Rod Eterman, Guest Bobby Gibbons, 5860 Doug Grierson, Guest Deon Hardick, PRAW Peter Hart, 5872 Winston Hart, Guest Matthew Hart, 7544 Dave “Fluff” Hawks, 7473 Dave Hillman, Associate Dick Horn, 8173 Lockie Howie, Guest Roger Humphrys, Guest Deon Huysamen, 6780 Graham “Spats” Jansen, 6118 Pat Keyser, 6869 Peter Logue, 4501 Vince Lovegrove, 8151 Lawrie Mabin, 7108 Alistair Mackenzie, Hon. Piper C697 Mike Mays, Guest Steve McEvoy, 8302 Niall McKrill, 8244 Rob MacLean, 5880 Stan McMillan, Associate Wendy Meyer, 7364 Graham “Dusty” Millar, Guest Alex Millar, 3975 Vic Moisey, Guest Mike Monson, 8714 John Munro, 6893 Brian Oberholster, 6158 Don Peters, 5689 Gilly Potter, 5795 Giff Reade, Guest Lt. Col. Ron Read-Daley, PR14754 Len Rowley, 5814 Derek Russell, Guest Dan Shout, 8655 Pete Shout, Guest John Souter, NRP Chris Thorne, 6222 Rob Traill, 6248 Basie Van Eeden, Guest Shane van Woerden, 8897 Carl van Woerden, Guest Ted Vickery, Guest Roger Watt, 8336 Mike Webster, Guest Eddie Wilkinson, 8265 Stewart Woodcock, 8527 Phil Wright and WP.222 Sue Wright nee Fraser.
8897 Carl van Woerden suffered from a suspected heart attack just before the Annual Dinner, but he refused to let it stop him from attending the Dinner. Fortunately, the latest news is that this was a false alarm, and Carl is fine.
 

International News

Australia

The 2006 Annual Luncheon took place on Saturday the 9th of September at the the Returned Services League premises (RSL for short) at Belmont in Perth, Western Australia. A total of 58 persons were present. We have no nominal roll of members and guests attending this function, but among those present were Chairman 7049 Lew Whitmore, Secretary 4649 John & Margaret Seward and son Michael, Rod & Brenda Blevin, 5986 Keith Clarke, (4977) Val Davies & her son Bruce, 7045 Rob Gates, 7694 Steve Martin, Alan McGrath & 7028 Alan Prince. Also present, visiting from Harare, was (4755) Shirley Mylrea, there were two guests of John Seward from Tasmania, namely Dorothy Ivey (ex Harare and Cape Town) and Bert Westland, two guests of the Blevins namely Guy and Pat Jellicoe who live in Serpentine and used to farm in the Centenary district, and Mike Gale son of the late magistrate in Rhodesia Lleyton Gale who was Michael Seward’s guest. The catering by the Women’s Auxiliary of the RSL at Belmont was of the highest standard, and the bar service was second to none.

Our guest speaker was ex District Commissioner Bill Johnstone. He gave a most interesting talk about his experiences in the districts with many an African anecdote including customs, his experiences in establishing Protected Villages and administering districts. John Seward thanked the speaker. He and Bill had been stationed together at Buhera where Bill had been Assistant District Commissioner. (If my memory serves me correctly, when Bill was the District Commissioner Concession the very first Protected Villages were established there in the Chiweshe TTL. Bill and I served together at Karoi where Bill was the Assistant District Commissioner. Ed).

During the course of the lunch, many interesting and humerous stories were told and a great time was had by all who attended. After the lunch, the visitors from Tasmania said “What a wonderful experience this has been. We felt that whilst there was formality, there was also a sense of it being a great family affair. It was an experience that we will never forget. Thank you for allowing us to be part of it.”

Queensland

The Queensland Annual Dinner was held at the Coorparoo RSL and Services Club on Saturday 30th September 2006. Those attending were: - Present were 6969 John (Billy) Budd, 7429 Fred & Carol Carr-Thomson, 5848 David & Jean Clinker, 6278 Gerry & Wendy Dyer, 4727 Mike Edden, 6604 John & Mary Gold, 28014Z Mike & Vera Hayes, 7638 Gordon Hodnett and partner Joan Fletcher, 6994 Colin John, 7012 Mike & Ginny King, 25548T Simon & Jacqui Lucas, 5757 Ian Milton, 6303 Peter & Carol Nortje, Guest Speaker 4770 Hugh Phillips & Dawn (Who were visiting family in Australia), 6940 Jack & Joan Taylor, 205169 Les & Margaret Underhay, and three guests organized by John Gold - Walter Godwin, brother to Joan, Sid Bristow’s wife, his son Barry and relation Mark Eales, all representing the Rhodesian Army.

We were all delighted to see Billy Budd who had traveled for six hours on his motorcycle from North Rockhampton to attend the function, likewise Dave and Jean Clinker some three hours from Wooroolin to stay with the Dyers and come together to the dinner.
Hugh gave us an excellent talk that included reminisces about the outstanding luncheons and dinners at various events since his retirement, which kept us amused and nostalgic over the names of the members who attended these functions.

United Kingdom

The Annual Dinner took place on Friday the 29th September 2006 and despite the relatively low turnout of only 80 members and their guests, it went off very well. Indeed it proved to be one of our best dinners, and compliments are due to Parry Jones for his excellent work in making it so. Peter Phillips opened the function with greetings from Her Majesty the Queen and Branches of the Regimental Association around the world. Then having proposed the Loyal Toast, he introduced our guest speaker, Dr Colin Saunders, who was known to many of us as a GMO (Government Medical Officer) in the former Rhodesia. Dr Saunders recounted many happy and amusing memories of those days. He was “answered back” by Biff Way, who refrained from trying to auction him but who none-the-less delivered his usual most amusing and entertaining address to us all. Dennis Poole once again did sterling work in organising and presenting the raffle this year, with some assistance from Roger Cook, over on a visit from France. Roger generously donated two prizes of a stay at the Auberge Camelia Hotel, situated in Aviernoz in the French Alps of which Roger and his wife Sue are the proprietors.
Those present (in alphabetical order) were: 5975 Mike Abbotts; 8511 Jed Alderson; 5788 Lionel Baker; 4278 John Balchin; 5408 Richard Barnes; 5643 Derek Bell; 7211 Peter Biddulph; 6369 Eric Birrell; 6183 Mike Blamey; 5044 Tony Bradshaw; 7212 Tony Brown; 9015 Dave Burford; Guest Ryan Burford; 9591 Les Burrow; 5936 Roger Capper; 6753 Roger Cook; P/R 4891 Sid Cooper; 7394 Brian Croasdell; 8318 Dave Cushworth; 4882 Peter Dancer; 5722 Pat Deasy; 5755 Stew Edwards; 5947 Martin Edwards; 4615/5632 Gus Gale; 8043 John Goodchild; 9086 Tony Granger ; 8962 Bill Hand ; 4851 Murray Harrison; 6605 Cy Hartley ; 5662 Barry Henson ; 5171 Peter Hillier; 5659 Hoppy Hopkins; Assoc Les House; Guest Robert House; 6609 Parry Jones; 9270 Geraint Jones ; 5248 Alan Lane ; 4972 Peter Langhan ; RAA Pat Lawless; 5479 Mike Leach ; 7167 Peter Long; ; Guest Darryl Marshall;7155 Ernie Mason; 4180 Rick May ; 5615 Tom Meekin ; Guest Stanley Mills ; 5055 Ken Miners; Guest Brian Moody; 4955 Bob Morriston; 6360 John Moxham ; Guest Phillip Moxham; 6632 Gerry Paxton; 6905 Peter Phillips ; 6348 Dennis Poole ; 4853 Fred Punter ; 5075 Dick Ray; 5098 David Riley; 8163 Mike Robertson; WP199 Linda Robertson nee Shaw; Guest Speaker Dr. Colin Saunders; 6509 Don Scarff ; 4987 Brian Shiers; 5668 Dan Stannard; 6130 Randy Symmons ; 8800 Jim Taylor ; 5559 Dick Thompson ; 8338 Mal Thurman ; 7391 Alan Toms ; Guest Garry Tuck ; Guest Gavin Tuck; 5625 Biff Way; 6883 Tim Webb; 4158 Tim Weimer ; 8194 Rick Wentzel ; NRPA Ken West; 5661 Trevor Wilson; 4857 Mike Wiltshire & 5358 Mick York.
Apologies were received from: 6147 Tony Anderson; 3005 John Bellamy; 6338 Ed Boddington; 4595 Mike Brooks; 4614 Alistair Bulman; 6388 Will Cornell; 7359 Bertie Cubitt; 6925 Dave Darby; 4044 Allen Day; 3749 Stan Edwards; 6630 Jim Hazlett; WFR 715 Jean Henson; 5259 Wilf Howe; 6308 Dan Hughes; 5312 Mike Lindley; 4393 Allen Lucas; 3385 Lummy Lumholtz; 5635 Dave Riley; 6432 Chris Roberts; 5164 Bob Savage; 9225 John Scott; 6063 Alan Sock; 6841 Brian Tyndale; 6510 Peter Twiddle; 68123 Dutch Wilson; 6513 Terry Young

The Regional Gatherings in England and in Ireland appear to be growing in popularity, and are being well attended, as the reports listed below show most clearly. On Sunday the 27th Augusr 2006, a Bar-BQ (Braai) was held at the Myerscough in the North-west region. Those attending were: - 9786 Lance Combrink, Penny Davies, 4041 Allen Day, 7084 Frank & Margaret Dearden, 8307 “Flash” Firth, 8131 Brian & Anne Hodson, (4327) Rona Johnstone, 5479 Mike & Jan Leach, 6314 Barry & Val Marsden, Jeanette Meekin, 7192 Steve & Lisa Robins, 204504 Dot Stanford-Smith, Carl Wilson, 4933 Rod Wilson and 7207 Arnold & Paula Woolley.
The 5th Annual Reunion of Irish members was held at the Clonmel home of 5586 Sandy Stokes once again. Those attending were: - 5584 John & Marie Berry, 6921 Howard (Taffy) & Val Byrne, Guest Dick Condon, 5272 Pat Deasy, 8196 Tom Devoy, Guest Torey Essex, 6264 Robert & Kathryn Flynn, Guest Nicky Hall, 5662 Barry & Jean Henson,, 4789 Eddie & Joan Matchett, 5615 Tom & Joan Meekin, Guests Stan & Anne Mills, 5508 Gordon & Eve Norris, 7348 Peter O’Hara, 6905 Peter & Bim Phillips, 4853 Fred & Margaret Punter, 5635 Dave Riley, 5601 Eric Robb, 9225 John & Linda Scott, 5586 Sandy Stokes, 7391 Alan & Lynn Toms & 7851 Bryan Walthew. Apologies were received from: - 5856 Peter Bradley, 4358 Andy & Willa Bryant, 4209 Julian & Allison Burkitt, 5595 Jim & Pat Caborn, 5768 Clive Evans, 5681Robin & Carole Harvey & 5787 Bill O’Connell. A better than hotel standard buffet lunch was prepared by Master Chef Sandy Stokes, ably assisted by Marie Berry, Kathryn Flynn, Nicky Hall, Joan Matchett & Joan Meekin. Pat Deasy marked his first attendance at this event by providing a fish braai.

A South West Gathering was held at Chudleigh in Devon on Saturday the 14th October 2006, and was attended by thirty three members and guests. The list of attendees is appended hereunder: - PR Dave Acker (Cape Town), 5468 Dave Adshead, 661? Colin Anderson, 6479 Ted Ayers-Hunt, 8355 Chris & Shirley Butler, 9226 David Cardy, 3948 Eric Collier, 11999 George Fardell, 5965 Peter & Anne Fitzgerald, PR14777 Howard Garbett, 5085 Jim & Mollie Gilbert, 3967 Johnny Johnston, 5956 Dave & Anne Kennedy, 9486 Dave Luscombe, 5566 Dave & Joan Macdonald, 7698 Ian Macintyre, 201279E Heather Milner, 5329 Paddy Morton, PR02956 Hilda Olivier, 4709 Ron Peters, PR3356 Wally Pratt, 5098 David Riley (Cape Town), 9281 Steven Teasdale, 4484 Buchan Telfer, 8739Y Lin Venters, 21962W David & Leslie Vickery and PR Gill Watson. Apologies were received from: - 5682 Peter Brock, 7125 “Pop” Ellis, 10462? Chris Jones, 8693 Dave Lemon, NRP “Taffy” Linnette, Alisdair Macintyre, 5406 Peter Penning, 6681 Geoff Quick, 5831? and Dennis Wadsworth,. The event was reported as being convivial and thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. (Nice to see that Eric Collier is back in circulation once again after his recent illness. Ed.).
 

Mailbag

Mary May, the widow of the late 3925 Bill May, let me have sight of the September 2006 Air Botswana Inflight magazine Peolwane, which contains an article on the author Alexander McCall-Smith. He is the son of 3630 Rodney Alexander “Sandy” McCall-Smith who retired as a Chief Inspector on the 12th February 1962. Young “Sandy”, who was born in Zimbabwe, was educated in Bulawayo, and studied law in Scotland. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh and is now a full-time author who has written some fifty books. He has close ties with Botswana, and has written a series, currently seven books, about a Botswana woman, Precious Ramotswe, who opened a private detective agency in Gaborone. These books have been translated into thirty-six languages, and the first Mma Ramotswe film is in the pre-production stage.

I have received a letter from 7727 John Larn who served with me for a short time at Sub-JOC Marandellas. He is promoting his book “The Sweaties” which he wrote under the non-de-plume James Scott. It is a novel of war, set in post UDI Rhodesia, and is based on the Rhodesian bush war. I have not read the book myself, and I do not know of anybody in Zimbabwe who has a copy that I can borrow and read. I understand though from ex members who have read the book that the story line is good, as is John’s descriptive writing, and that it will bring back memories, happy and otherwise, to all of us who lived and served through those turbulent times

6434 Alf Taylor reported that on the 3rd September 2006, the Sunday Mail in Durban, recorded the death of a Dave Sankey in Pinetown. The funeral on took place at 1130 hours on Tuesday the 5th September.2006 at the Catholic Church, Maurice Nichols Road, Pinetown. His wife is given as Val, and children as son David and daughter Jackie. Can anybody confirm or otherwise whether or not this notice relates to our ex member 4983 David John Michael Sankey, who retired as an Inspector on the 31st March 1973? Natal Branch have so far been unable to provide us with this confirmation.
 

Roll of Honour

 

We were extremely sorry to learn of the death of (4147) Vivienne Cordy Hedge’s daughter-in-law recently, who had battled with cancer for some two years. Her son is a Squadron Leader with the Royal Australian Air Force and is based in Perth.

No. 3952 John “Bomber Davidson

A memorial service for John was held at the chapel at the Athol Evans Home Complex on Monday the 15th January 2006. John had lived at Athol Evans for the last fourteen years and was a well-liked and much respected member of that community. John joined the Force on the 28th April 1946 and retired after 21 years service on the 31st May 1967 with the rank of Detective Inspector. His retirement notice appeared in the June 1967 Outpost. It stated, “This month, we welcome yet another member of the Alcantara "Mob" to the ranks of Old Comrades: Detective Inspector John "Bomber" Davidson, who retired after 21 years' service on May 31. Before attesting in the Force, John served with R.A.F. Coastal Command as a wireless operator and air gunner, but his nickname has no relation to his flying experiences, at least, not in aircraft. During his Depot training, he developed a clinging association with RH Bomber and such was his friendship with this animal that when Bomber passed on some years ago, the Equitation Staff at Depot presented John with an obituary notice. John served in the uniform branch on many of the Mashonaland District Stations before he joined the C.I.D. in October, 1950. He then served in Salisbury and in Bulawayo, and finally at C.I.D. Headquarters. Throughout his service he proved himself a most willing and hard working policeman. His friendliness and his sense of humour made him a popular and well-known figure and he served on many committees within and outside the Force, Lions, Bowls committees, School Councils, the Police Club, the International Police Association and many others.” After his retirement, John became the District Governor of Lions District 412. He was also very active with the Blind Bowlers’ Association. Upon his move to Athol Evans, he took a very active part in the life of that community, and was fully engaged there to the end. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
 

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News from Central - Issue Number 89