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Newsletter of the EDITOR |
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Editorial Move with the Times As was mentioned in the last issue, would members kindly diarise that this year's Curry & Rice will be held in the hall at the Northcliff Country Club, entrance in Fir Road, off Weltevreden Ave, Northcliff, on Saturday, 9th June, 1200 for 1230. Secure parking in the club grounds. The hall (hire charge waived for us) is non-smoking, but smokers may adjourn to the bar where drinks are available at very low prices. For rugby enthusiasts, the game may be viewed on either of two TVs in the bar. We also hope to provide "Golden Oldies" music for your entertainment. The charge per person will be approx. R40-R45 per head, but it's essential that you make a firm commitment so that numbers can be confirmed with the caterers. Should you book and fail to attend, we shall regrettably have to request payment, otherwise the Association will have to bear the cost. As you'll read later on, we don't want a re-occurrence of an unfortunate affair at a BSAP function at Hillcrest Station in Natal. Please place your bookings by phoning either Keith Douche (H) 011-6793820, Cell 082 4438661, or Glenn Macaskill (W) 011-8861989, Cell 072 2770493 by the 20th May. Your co-operation is essential please. Our Annual Dinner this year will again be held at the Johannesburg Country Club on the second Friday in September, and a guest speaker is being organized. We lost out financially last year, so, moving with the times and in comparison with other similar dinners, members should expect to pay extra, estimated in the region of a 40-50% increase. As we've had no response to the 'referendum', the committee assumes you're happy with the way the association is run. Many thanks to outgoing committee member Bob Wishart, and welcome to the newies Ashley Collings and Chris Russell (again!) See you at the grindstone! With best wishes to everyone for the remainder of the year, Glenn Macaskill.
Monthly Sundowner Again, not a wonderful turnout. Present were: 6345 Dave Holmes, guest SAP 702404 Mike de Jager, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 5695 Dave Sloman, 7184 Chris Russell, 8577 Graham McCleland, 7651 Dick Latilla, 6769 Dick Glanville. Christmas Sundowner Good to see such a good turnout. Thanks to Peter Stiff for the snacks! Present were: 6769 Dick Glanville, 5526 Phil Devlin & Robin, 382682 Alan Braithwaite, 9214 Ian Edwards, guest Brian Newton, 7489 Ian Duncan and wife, 5695 Dave Sloman, 6823 Janet Thornberry, 8446 Derek Walters, 5807 Alastair Webb, 5619 Barry Enslin, 6345 Dave Holmes, 7651 Dick & Tiana Latilla, 153294 Dennis Osborne, 6382 Terry & Denise Schwartz, 8544 Clive Slowe, Sarah Pollock, 62236 Barry Mulder, 8968 Dave Nixon, 4831 Peter & Fran Stiff, 8577 Graham McCleland, 208 Lois McCleland, 6870 Dave Rush...?, 6817 Keith Douche, 6650 Peter Combes, 6268 Leon & Merle du Toit, 5156 Peter Gibson, 7727 John Larn, 7184 Chris Russell, 6534 Ian Cuthbertson, 9526 Farr, 7038 Ashley Collings and Morag Willis, 6764 Willie Wielopolski, guest Judy Hankinson, 7118 Mike & Anne Harrison, 8410 Andrew Sternslow, 6145 Alex Fraser, 6538 Glenn Macaskill. Monthly Sundowner A fair attendance after the festive season. Present were: 6769 Dick Glanville, 6817 Keith Douche, 6650 Peter Combes, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 4988 Bill Crossan (after a heart problem), 6534 Ian Cuthbertson, 5930 Roy Gardiner, 6345 Dave Holmes, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 5526 Phil Devlin, 5807 Alastair and Stella Webb, 9432 Gavin Cooper, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 5625 Biff Way, on 'vagash' from the U.K., 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 8577 Graham McCleland. Annual General Meeting Attendance much lower than in previous years. Chairman Dick Latilla was called away on business and Dick Glanville took the chair. The chairman's report was not available but will be appended below. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Present: Apologies: Messrs Dick Latilla (Chairman); Bob Wishart (committee); Don Rowland; John Hill; Guy Houghton; Peter Moloney; Brian Thomas; Brian Garvey; Alistair Webb; John Evans; Ian Cuthbertson; Bill Crossan; Sam McCrorie; Terry Schwartz; Trevor Wilson; Patrick Clancy; Ewen Isdale; Peter Grant; Col John Redfern. Mesdames Trina Burger; Wendy Kruger; Betty Lotter; Sheri Lyn. Opening & Welcome: The Secretary opened the meeting and all present were welcomed, in particular visitors, Messrs Pat Deasy (Eire); Syd Weatherall (United Kingdom) and Mike Williams (Natal) were greeted and thanked for their attendance. Apologies were noted and recorded as above. Minutes of Previous AGM: The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the same venue on 10 February 2006 had been circulated. They were proposed for adoption by Dave James, Seconded by Dave Holmes and carried. There were no matters arising. Chairman's Report: In the absence of the Chairman, for whom there was an apology, this was held over. The Chairman had undertaken that his annual report would be submitted for publication in the next edition of the Transvaal Outpost. The Secretary asked all to rise for the roll of honour in respect of those members of the Branch who has passed to higher service during the year under review; they were (in alphabetical order) - 5290 B A D (Tony) Gray 28/11/2006; 8874 A J (Alex) McPherson 22/12/2006; 6363 Roger A Momford 12/09/2006; 10055 Ian W Murdoch 06/03/2006; 5384 Raymond (Ray) Rausch 14/12/2006; 3625 G A (Robbie) Robertson 26/06/2006; 6303 D G (Don) Wilson 06/04/2006. A minutes' silence was observed in respect for departed merit. The Secretary outlined events that had occurred during the year, notably the Curry & Rice Luncheon which was well supported. There had been logistical problems and a possible fresh venue was being examined for future luncheons. The Regimental Dinner had been successful though acquiring a suitable venue had been a problem, nonetheless the event had been a great success. The Secretary cautioned that members could not expect future dinners at the cost of previous events and charges for future dinners would rise. The Secretary singled out Alan Braithwaite for particular mention. Alan publishes the Transvaal Outpost for the association virtually at cost; he had printed the high quality menus for the Regimental Dinner and all the stationery needed for the AGM at no charge. This was greeted with acclaim and applause. Treasurers Report: The Treasurer, whose financial statement and balance sheet were circulated, reported another successful year with an increase again in accruals from investments. There had been an increase in subscriptions paid though there was concern at the number of members who failed to pay their annual dues. There had been a reduction in donations for the year under review. Answering a question from the floor, it was confirmed that donations usually accrue from members who pay additional amounts over-and-above and accompanying their yearly subscriptions; indeed most persons who pay their annual subscriptions usually make an additional donation. Major expenditure related to the publication and distribution of the Transvaal Outpost. Answering a further questioner, it was stressed that the publication is a vital organ keeping members in touch with one another; it was important that these be presented in a prestige format rather than impersonal electronic transmission. The Treasurer's report was proposed for adoption by Alan Braithwaite, seconded by Ashley Collings and carried, with applause. Election of Committee Other Business John Pirrett outlined details of the next BSAP golf day to occur on 01/06/2007 in Roodepoort together with details of a proposed raffle. He sought backing and assistance with this project and possibly details might be published. Closure: There being no further business, the Secretary declared the meeting closed at 18h35. Names on the attendance register were: 6769 Dick Glanville, 6345 Dave Holmes, 5764 Pat O'Connor, 6145 Alex Fraser, 15386Y Chris Watermeyer, 6817 Keith Douche, 5695 Dave Sloman, 5619 Barry Enslin, 8446 Derek Walters, 8410 Andrew Sternslow, 7038 Ashley Collings, 15729L Dennis Osborne, 382682 Alan Braithwaite, 5780 Mark Doyle, 7184 Chris Russell, 5137 Don Norris, 7609 Tom Short, 7878 Doug Hay, 9574 Ian Denholm, 6484 Mike Williams, 5526 Phil Devlin, 5587 Howard Marshall, 5272 Pat Deasy, 6904 Ian Lawrence, 9432 Gavin Cooper, 5156 Peter Gibson, 9271 Frik Hanekom, 8304 Syd Wetherall from Stockton-on-Tees, 6538 Glenn Macaskill. Monthly Sundowner A good turnout this time: Present were: 6769 Dick Glanville, 5695 Dave Sloman, guest D. Kirkness, 8577 Graham McCleland, 208 Lois McCleland, 5526 Phil Devlin, 8318 Dave Cushworth from Delaware, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 9790 Duncan and Carol Waugh, 7978 Doug Hay, 7038 Ashley Collings and Morag Willis, 6345 Dave Holmes & Michelle, 7184 Chris Russell, 7651 Dick & Tiana Latilla, 7489 Ian & Rosalind Duncan, 6538 Glenn Macaskill. Dave Cushworth runs a Rhodesia website which is a mine of info, memorabilia, regalia, DVDs etc. The site is www.memoriesofrhodesia.com Email him at info@memoriesofrhodesia.com Ed Gathering for Rob Gates 7045 Bob Gates & Laurie from Perth were on a visit to relatives in Joburg. He attested on 13/12/63 and left in Jan '67 after being stationed at Salisbury Central, Southerton, Harare, and was also once seconded to CID Law & Order/Sabotage Section. He was Chairman of the Australia Branch of the Assn. for 6 years. To welcome him S.A. fashion at The Jocks were: 7038 Ashley Collings & Morag Willis, 7290 Steve van den Heever, 6345 Dave Holmes, 5695 Dave Sloman, 7651 Dick Latilla (the second former P/O to be a branch chairman), 5526 Phil Devlin, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 6538 Glenn Macaskill and 6769 Dick Glanville. Reminder!!!!! Monthly gatherings every second Friday at the Transvaal Scottish (The Jocks) anytime after 5.30pm. Wives, partners and guests welcome Please make the effort - you'll not be disappointed and you'll be surprised at who you meet.
Chairman's Note "Firstly I offer my humble apologies for not attending the AGM, but due to an unforeseen engagement, I was unable to make it. Anyhow I am honoured to have been re-elected as Chairman of the Transvaal Branch of the BSAP Regimental Association. As always I will act in the best interest of the Association and its members. Chairman's Report 2007 Dick Glanville, I thank you for standing in for me and your Chairman's Report says it all but I will add: My thanks goes to the all the members of the committee, who all put up their hands when we ran into the problem of finding a new venue for the Annual Regimental Dinner. I am sure all those who attended will agree that we had a great dinner, with marvellous, entertaining speakers. Thanks again to the committee members. The Curry and Rice was good but we were a bit crowded out at the venue, as it clashed with a major rugby match, so we will look at another venue and maybe bring it forward a few weeks this year. The Remembrance Day service on the 12th November 2006 was well supported by other ex-Rhodesians, but I was a bit disappointed with our representation, lets see if we can do better this year. We will give more details in the Outpost this year, closer to the time. Monthly gatherings at the Jock's are up and down, but we had a good turnout for the December 2006 gathering. The Combined Forces Association of Rhodesia has held some quite successful get-togethers at the Dickie Fritz Shell Hole in Edenvale. We will keep members informed of these happenings. I have been to one and ran into a lot of guys that I know from the RLI, The Scouts, The RRAF and In-taf. It normally takes form of a braai and the inevitable piss-up and is a great afternoon. The association has had some calls for benevolence, which we have reacted to with some donations, but only where the need has been genuine. We must remember that our association is there for our living members, and we will help if there is a genuine need. A final word is that we need every member's support, by attending the monthly gatherings, attending the two main annual functions: the Curry and Rice and the Regimental Dinner, and the payment of your annual subs. Unfortunately our numbers are diminishing, so if you know of any ex-member or Police Reservist who is not a member of the association, please encourage them to join us. Dick Latilla."
"Hello Glenn, Just received November's issue of the Outpost thanks. Steve set up camp a few years ago in Kenya and seems to run a successful operation there. Ed. "Good afternoon Glenn. Thanks John. By now I'm sure you've heard from Dave Sloman. "Dear Dave (Holmes), Now back to the British winter (Cambridge)! I have sent the photos of my visit to your branch meeting (13/10/06) to Mike Abbotts, who says he'll try to include them in a future issue of the UK Outpost. I'm back at work after a year off, throat cancer cured. I'm off to Toronto in June 2007 to see Terry Keen who's lived there for 20 years after leaving the BSAP and Rhodesia.. Thanks for your hospitality. Stuart Thompson 7964." Stuart's at email mark.finney2004@virgin.net - Ed. "Glenn, Pse contact direct - Ed. Gentlemen, FYI. "Hi Guys, Reply from John Sutton hereunder. Photos not attached - Ed Attached are photo's I took some time ago before the Millsite headstone
was incorporated in the main grave. Dear All Start spreading the news - Ed Glenn, Can someone assist with his force number? Ed. "Glenn, I understand Dave Sloman and the History Group are assisting Andy with his research regarding OCSB's and PSBO's - Ed. "Hi Glenn, I received an e-mail from Peter Stiff informing that the book "Perhaps
Tomorrow" was not readily available and that I should tour the second hand
book shops. As you know there are very few here in Nelspruit. If it is
possible maybe you could appeal to Regimental members, through Outpost, if
anyone has a copy they do not want or that they are aware of where one can
obtain a copy. The author is Thomas Wigglesworth. My, and my neighbours'
thanks to you if you can. Can anyone help Mike pse - Ed?
To the families and friends of the deceased we extend our sincere condolences. 5384 C/Insp Raymond (Ray) Rausch: Murdered on 14/12/2006 at Garsfontein, Pretoria when thieves broke into his house and shot him whilst he was working on his computer. He is survived by his wife Connie. Ray served from 03/01/1956 to 30/11/1976. Thos wishing to contact Connie to express condolences may do so on +278277469160. 7611/10204 Michael (Mike) William Bullen: Sad to report his death from liver cancer, in Margate on 22/02/2007. Mike initially joined as 7611 serving 28/06/1966 - 0708/1976 leaving as an S/O, and re-attesting as 10204, he served 09/11/1977 - 04/07/1980 taking discharge as an Inspector. Mike was normally resident in Lichtenburg and was a regular, subscribing member of the Transvaal Branch. For the purists in record keeping, the nominal roll under number 10204 reflects Mike as "Michael Winston." This seems incorrect and his names were Michael William, correctly reflected under number 7611. 8874 Alexander (Alex) John MacPherson: Sad to report his death on 22/12/2006, after a long fight with cancer, in Johannesburg. Alex served 31/10/1972 until 22/08/1981 retiring as a Section Officer. He is survived by his wife Joey and son Norman. 6806/8471 Donald Grainger: He passed away in Harare on the 19th October 2006. He originally attested into the Force on the 13/12/1962, as 6806, leaving as a P/O on the 10/1/1969. He re-attested on 27th June 1970, as 8471, and resigned (by purchase) on 27th October 1971. 4258 Derrick Gordon Bennison: He passed away on the 1st March 2007at the St Augustine Hospital, Durban from cancer. Derrick served from the 1 May 1948 to the 6 August 1980, retiring on pension as a Senior Assistant Commissioner. He was an active member of the Natal Branch and served as Chairman. Derrick is survived by a son Gavin, daughter Charmaine and 4 grandchildren. 5190 Patrick Thomas Crook: Pat died at his home in Kleinmont, Western Cape, on Monday 19 February 2007. Although he had been suffering from a chronic internal condition for several years, his death came quite suddenly. We express our condolences to his wife Maureen and daughter Penny, and to his sister and brother-in-law Molly and Bill Hollington (4360). Pat `did his three' from 3 January 1954 to 2 January 1957, serving in the Victoria Province at Gutu, Bikita and Chilimanzi. He left as a Constable. P/R Air Wing Pilot (PR9255) Dudley Howson PAXTON: He died on 13/11/2006 in Pretoria of natural causes. Dudley was 88 years of age and is survived by his widow Eileen. A staunch member of the PR Air Wing who were themselves unsung heroes. The branch had only recently received a letter from Dudley apologising for not attending the regimental dinner but stressing his pride in being a member of the Regimental Association and all it entailed. 5290 Brian Anthony David (Tony) GRAY: He served from 01 August 1954 until his retirement as a Superintendent on 10 September 1977. Tony died in Johannesburg on 28 November 2006 of heart failure. He had been a member of the Transvaal Branch virtually since its inception. For a while Tony was the Security Manager at the Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg (during its heyday). Tony founded the Hotel Security Association of South Africa of which association he was chairman for several years. Latterly, in retirement, Tony ran his own picture framing business from home which he achieved to the very highest standards framing several items for the association at either no, or minimal cost. He is survived by his widow Lynn, his daughter Arlene and son Brian. 4121 Graham White: The U.K. Branch was advised belatedly of his death in July 2006. Graham attested 26.06.46 and left as a trooper. He was a member of that branch. 3952 John "Bomber" Davidson: He died peacefully in his sleep on the 4th January 2007 at the Athol Evans Centre, Harare, where he was living. He had been very ill with a kidney problem, which nearly killed him when he visited the UK in 2006. There he was admitted to the Queen Alexandra Hospital, where the doctors and staff saved his life. Just before Christmas he was obviously much improved so his passing was sudden. One of the great characters of the Force. Peter Tobin: Sad to announce the recent death in Johannesburg of associate member Peter Tobin aged 89. Peter was a former guest speaker at a branch regimental dinner and was extremely proud of his associate membership. A former RBC presenter and personality, he was truly probably the last of the old school of "steam radio" personalities. A true gentleman whom we shall miss. 5815 Gwyn Richards: He served in the BSAP from
1958-1961, mostly in Umtali where he met his wife, Helen.
It was perhaps inevitable that Gwyn should make use of his greatest
asset - his beautifully modulated voice - and join the Federal Broadcasting
Company as an announcer. He was posted to Lusaka and then Kitwe where he
became Head of Broadcasting at the time of the introduction of television to
Northern Rhodesia. With the advent of independence his job was Africanised
but Gwyn had already been 'spotted' and was able to return to the UK and
take employment with ATV Today. Later he joined BBC Southwest at Bristol
where he presented Points West and many other programmes. He ended his
career as a Radio 4 producer, principally making documentaries. Terry Gordon: It is with regret that we have to report her death in Port Elizabeth on the 18 March 2007, after a long battle with cancer. She was the wife of 8018 Alan GORDON, a member of the Eastern Cape Reg Association. Barbara Dancer: We are advised by Mary Dancer (Now De Bruijn), widow of 4881 Luke Dancer, that her sister-in-law Barbara, wife of 4882 Peter Dancer, died suddenly in the U.K. on the 5th November 2006. Mary had spent a few days with Peter and Barbara when she visited the UK in October 2006, so Barbara's death came as a great shock. Vanessa Hayes: Harare regret that to advise, belatedly, of the death from cancer of Vanessa, wife of 5118 Ian Hayes, in Harare on the 22nd October 2006. Deepest sympathy to Ian and his family.
Book Review It's not often that one is able to find a novel that isn't formulaic in its approach whether it be in the crime, romantic or spy genres. When you pick up The Benefactor's Monkey it cuts across all three of those genres as it takes you on a journey from Africa and to Switzerland and the USA. There are many twists and turns in the 447 pages and it's a compelling read. Its deeply disturbing underlying theme is cleverly woven with historical facts about the bush war in Rhodesia. The clever linking of fact and fiction is a formula for maintaining interest and provides a link between the early understanding and growth in the incidence and transmission of the HIV virus. The book is a reminder that the development and outcome of the Rhodesian war was influenced by political machinations in the UK and the USA. It provides a telling reminder of treachery and subterfuge. Its original and intriguing title is very apt and whilst it becomes apparent about a third of the way through the book its full relevance is only fully realised on the final page. This is a book that will strike a chord with all former members of the Rhodesian security forces and especially those who were in the BSAP or had close links with it. The author, Chris Morten, is a creative wordsmith who writes with the authority of a former regular and reservist in the BSAP, a former farmer in the Rhodesian northeast and years of journalistic experience in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe and Australia. His many years in Australia have not dimmed his memory. Chris is a member of the Australia Branch of the BSAP Regimental Association. The book is available directly from its Western Australian distributors at a cost of $A29.95 plus postage and handling costs. Full details are available on: www.thebenefactorsmonkey.com/ Contact people are Phil and Michelle on 61-8-93099444. Bestsellers from Wanderlust Books The Winelands Explorer Visit the farms and country towns of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Tulbagh, the Afrikaans Language Monument, Museums, Nature Reserves and travel the mountain passes. Normal Retail R99.95 Cape Town on Foot Discover the historic monuments, statues and buildings of the city centre and the Company Gardens, the narrow lanes of the Bo-Kaap, tracing the historical, cultural and religious roots of the people on the slopes of Signal Hill. Normal Retail R79.95 Garden Route Travels There are many different travel options from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, to the towns and villages enfolded by the Tsitsikamma, Outeniqua and Kouga Mountains. the endless coast, caves, nature parks, beaches and hiking trails. The natural beauty and cultural attractions unfold in the colourful pages, sites and buildings of historical importance, the fauna and flora highlighted, the numerous social, sporting and cultural activities offered. Normal Retail R145.00 The Cape of Good Hope The Atlantic coast from the city to Hout Bay. Up Chapman's Peak Drive, above the expansive Long Beach. Kommetjie with its amazing steel lighthouse, the Rubbi Chapel. Stories of shipwrecks, Scarborough, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The shores of False Bay, Simon's Town, penguins, "Just Nuisance". Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay,Muizenberg, Rhodes Cottage, the Constantia Valley with its outstanding wines the floral splendour of Kirstenbosch Rhodes Memorial, and back to the city. Normal Retail R99.95 Special Discount to members! Contact Phil Devlin (011) 7870010 Proprietor: Andrew Stephens (6226) 083 757 8170 The Sweaties A compelling story centred on the BSA Police Salisbury S.W.A.T. team in the final days of the war. Facing impossible odds, the 'thin blue line' was never thinner as they and the Special Branch faced the threat of armed insurrection in the city, the horrors of Communist-backed terrorism, and the ultimate atrocity. It is also the story of a country in its death throes. '..Gives an insight into the enormity of our situation at the time.
Whoever you are, whatever you did, recapture it in this book. It deserves to
be read.' Available from: 011-8732731 or 011-4755808 or 083-3055675 or PO Box 1461 Southdale Jhb 2135 or www.amazon.com or www.kalahari.com or pegasuspublishers.com (U.K.) or Pegasus Elliott MacKenzie Publishers, Cambridge, UK Tel 01223 370 012 Fax 01223 370 040. Crime Lords, The Scourge of Southern Africa A fictionalised account of the struggle between the Scorpions and
organized crime syndicates. "Anyone who enjoys a conspiracy theory will get
a kick out of this...my curiosity was aroused by corrupt links between
criminals and the police. Macaskill deftly negotiates the paranoia pitfall,
weaving a cogent plot filled with credible characters.." Of Royal Blood, A 19th Century Assassin A Scottish Crimean War hero and an offspring of British Royalty turned assassin. Fiction set against fact. "Glenn Macaskill has come of age with his third book, an intriguing tale
told over three decades in the 19th Century...This is a superb narrative,
carefully researched and skilfully written. Macaskill keeps you going until
the last page." As with the submissions by Wanderlust and The Sweaties, I have paid for this advertisement - Ed. Discounted prices to members.
No space for much else this edition. Look out for CPU stories by 'Fred' in the next edition - Ed. Tailpiece ESKOM Announcement
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