 |
March 2008 Edition
Volume
25-1 EDITOR |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Editorial Irony By some quirk of fate, I recently wrote a popular ‘faction’ novel titled Crime Lords. It deals authentically with organised crime syndicates in Southern Africa operating inter alia in armed robbery by foot-soldiers. It so happened that in January my wife and I were subjected to an armed robbery at home by young, brash ‘foot-soldiers’ who woke us up with guns at 0200, somehow have gained access to our unit in a ‘secure’ complex with duplicate keys or by ‘fishing’ the keys. Tied up (with BSAP ties nogal!), demands made, magazines clicked, cash and other valuables (including my laptop with so much saved for future Outposts) stolen, locked in our room and the key swiped, her car taken but recovered quickly by Tracker in Tembisa. Quite traumatic at the time but, thank God, no violence – not like poor Sakkie McKay and his wife. Thankfully, he’s recovering from being shot in the face and makes the effort to attend our recent functions although he still has metal in his head. We live in stressful times! So some of your letters to the editor and articles were lost; if they’re not in this edition, please write again. Fortunately, our insurance paid out for most of the items stolen. But one can never replace a wedding ring, forced from Joanna’s finger with our own bar of soap, which they stole! My wallet went, but was left near the dustbins with my driver’s licence and credit cards. But it’s going to take ages to obtain a new ID book! Keep your eyes open for someone bearing the name Glenn Macaskill with another photograph – like the one I wrote about: a Chinese with the name van der Merwe! Welcome to Dave Sloman and Fiona London who will be assisting me as sub-editors. Finally, get well soon to our ex-chairman Dick Latilla whose cane snapped, and he fell breaking his gammy leg. He’s immobile for now, and would appreciate your calls. My novels are on a new website www.crestpublishing.co.za Have a good, crimeless year and see you at the functions. Goodbye Mugabe and cheers from me, Glenn. Christmas Sundowner: Friday 14/12/07: A good festive turnout. Present were: 6145 Alex Fraser, 5156 Peter Gibson, 5807 Alastair Webb, 5137 Don Norris, 6185 Eryl Worton, guest Richard Owen, 7184 Chris Russell, 7680 John Sutton, 5619 Barry Enslin, 5625 Biff Way, on holiday again, 6059 Laurie & Liz Ibbitt, 4988 Bill Crossan, 5539 Andy Learmonth, 28306R Ken Hyett, 4831 Peter & Fran Stiff, 6692 Brian Garvey, 7978 Doug Hay, 9150 Jeremy Thompson, 22225 Harry McKinley, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 2297913 M. Miskulin, 7489 Ian Duncan & wife, 9165 Geoff & Orlanda Lotter, 9214 Ian Edwards, 823 Brian Newton, 5587 Howard Marshall, 5526 Phil Devlin, 9364 Jerry Lancaster, 4991 Rex Craker, 9329 Roy Hunt (these two visiting from Cape Town), 7290 Steve van den Heever, 6345 Dave Holmes & Michelle, 9790 Duncan Waugh, 5695 Dave Sloman, (5703) Judy Hankinson, 6764 Willie Wielopolski, 7651 Dick Latilla, guests Tian and Mario (?), Ashley Collings & Morag Willis, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 6534 Ian Cuthbertson. Monthly Sundowner: Friday 11/01/08: Very sparse, probably everyone on holiday still. Present were 6345 Dave Holmes, 885 (?) Harry Esterhuizen, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 87038 Ashley Collings, 7651 Dick Latilla, 5526 Phil Devlin, 6017 John Hill, W346 Maureen Merrifield, guest Lorraine Rutherford. Annual General Meeting: 8th February 2008: Transvaal Scottish: 18h10 Present: Mr R J Latilla
(Chairman); Mr B R Glanville (Secretary);
Mr A M Fraser (Treasurer); Mr G A
Macaskill(Editor); Mr D P Holmes;
(Memorabilia); Mr A D Collings (Committee
Member) and 21 members as per the attendance register: Opening & Welcome: The Secretary opened the meeting. All present were welcomed, particularly Peter Cutting from KZN and Sakkie McKay, the latter recently released from hospital following a horrendous attack. All were thanked for taking the time and trouble to attend. Greetings and good wishes had been received from the United Kingdom and Australian branches wishing this branch well in their deliberations. Minutes Of Previous AGM: The minutes of the Annual General Meeting which occurred at the same venue on 9th February 2007 having been circulated were proposed for adoption by Pat O’Connor, seconded by Derek Walters and carried. No matters arising. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer, who had other commitments and needed to be excused before the conclusion of the meeting hence his presentation earlier than stipulated on the agenda, presented his report . He said inter alia that this was a preliminary submission as stock taking of memorabilia on hand had not been finalised. He reflected a decline in membership subscription payments though donations had increased. A profit had been realised from the Curry & Rice luncheon though there was a loss incurred at the Christmas sundowner as snacks had been provided at a cost the to association. A steady profitable income was being realised from investments, well managed by John Pirrett. Major expenses were incurred by Outpost production and postage. Cost of maintaining a credit card facility were also increasing. A donation had been made to the memorial scheme for the Rhodesian Forces. The Golf section had made a substantial profit from their golf day; John Pirrett was thanked in this latter regard as golf section convenor. Answering a questioner from the floor, it was stressed that the Transvaal Outpost is a vital organ in maintaining contact amongst members and it is important that this remain a prestige publication in its current format. The Treasurer reflected that certain loans reflected in the report were no longer recoverable and should be written off. The Treasurer’s report was proposed by Phil Devlin, seconded by Alistair Webb and carried unanimously. Chairman’s Report: The Chairman gave his report (annexed to these minutes). He touched upon the Forces Memorial Project where this branch had made a welcomed donation of R5000,00. The Chairman is a committee member of that project and he outlined the successes of the project and various developments in its regard. The last remembrance parade had taken advantage of the partially completed memorial and the parade had been well attended by branch members who had enjoyed good fellowship with other Rhodesian service organisations. The Chairman reflected that the Golf Section had run a most successful and profitable function and John Pirrett as golf convenor was congratulated. The Curry & Rice luncheon had been successful and well attended and the annual Regimental Dinner held at the Johannesburg Country Club had again been another success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Inflationary trends necessitated an inevitable increase in the cost of the dinner which, of necessity, must be maintained as our prestige event of the year. Monthly gatherings continue to be held with varying degrees of attendance. The names of those branch members who had passed to higher service during the year under review were read (all present rose for a moments’ silence to pay respect to departed merit). The Chairman singled out a particular member who had made a substantial donation to the branch’s funds and he was thanked for his generosity. The Chairman concluded his address by thanking his outgoing committee for their endeavours during the year; he said that owing to increased work commitments he would not be available to stand again as Chairman however he would be more than willing to continue as a committee member and carry on his association with the Rhodesian Forces Memorial project. His address was welcomed with applause. Election Of Committee: Chairman: John Pirrett Proposed Dick Latilla.
Seconded Glenn Macaskill No other Nominations – Carried. Other Business: No submissions as other business had been received in writing as sought in the circulated agenda. Sakkie McKay addressed the meeting thanking all those who had visited him during prolonged hospitalisation and those who had wished him well whilst hospitalised and in his convalescence. Dick Glanville similarly thanked his well wishers whilst he too was recently in hospital. The importance of supporting those who are not well was stressed as such is a substantial morale booster. The incoming Chairman also addressed the meeting; he individually thanked each of the committee members present for their outstanding dedication. He outlined his visions for the forthcoming year promising those present of his best endeavours and dedication. Closure: Items on the agenda having been concluded the Secretary declared the meeting closed at 18h40. Monthly Sundowner: 14/03/08: A smaller group than usual.. 5695 Dave Sloman, 6538 Glenn Macaskill, 6769 Dick Glanville, 6382 Terry Schwartz, 5526 Phil Devlin, 6610 Jock Pirrett, 8105 Pete Cutting, 7038 Ashley Collings and Morag Willis, 9790 Duncan Waugh, 6345 Dave Holmes, 7651 Dick Latilla, 7489 Ian Duncan, 7272 Charlie Piscopou, 7102 Harry Browne. Gathering for 5615 Tom Meekin: 29/03/08: The following were on hand at the Bushveld, Craighall, to greet Tom who was visiting from Ireland: Dave Sloman, Peter Coombes, Sakkie McKay, Glenn Macaskill, and Barry & Debbie Enslin. Good camaraderie was had by all. Tom’s address is: Apt. 8, 27 Shore Road, Greenisland, County Antrim, Northern Ireland BT 38 8UA. He would welcome letters from friends.
Chairman’s Corner Within days of my return from the U.K. and an approach regarding my new post, I had very mixed feelings. However, on the positive side I have the greatest confidence in the future success of the association. On acceptance, I paid tribute to Dick Latilla who despite illness and extensive travel coupled with business pressures, did an exceptional job. I also lauded the likes of previous chairmen such as Dave Sloman, Ian Cuthbertson, plus the late Guy Houghton and Hank Hankinson. Particular appreciation and thoughts to our long-serving key men: secretary Dick Glanville, treasurer Alex Fraser, and Outpost editor Glenn Macaskill. Way back in 1982, the old MOTH Club days with the ‘Grab a Granny’ next door, I was on the committee but broke away and started the Golf Section. This has been fairly successful in fundraising, not due to me, but the wonderful people in the team who have assisted before and on the days themselves. Our Golf Day for 2008 will be at the Roodepoort Country Club on Friday, 14th November 2008. More details to follow but please put in your diaries. Enough of the singular. We have a great team on the committee, however like a business, we have to move with the times and a successful business is always dependent on the efforts of all. That is exactly our situation and the more who come on board the better. We are all part of a team with valuable contributions. Our vision and core values are totally focussed on fundraising and benevolence, with emphasis on our own people but including the plight of Zimbabwe pensioners. To achieve our goals we shall liaise as a team with other Forces’ associations and organisations. Let’s now deal with some issues: Subscriptions. These have remained at R50 for many years, and if one tries to correlate with postal increases, should be much higher. At this stage there are several of us who pay more than the R50, so for those who can afford it, just do that. You are adding value and in return we shall give you added value. Those outstanding, please pay, you’ll feel better for doing it. We are always appreciative of donations. Outpost. At the AGM Glenn gave notice of terminating editorship after the March edition. He has a tremendous, time-consuming role in addition to his other onerous activities. I’m delighted to advise that he will remain Editor-in-Chief with two competent Sub Editors, the structure of which is still being finalised. They will most likely be Dave Sloman and Fiona London, wife of 6255 Jack London. There are those who have advocated the constructive move of emailed editions, however let’s stick currently with hard-copy posted publications. Future events. We are busy. The Curry and Rice lunch will be held at an excellent venue, co-ordinated by Dave Holmes and the committee, plus other members whom we ask to please assist on the day. Food will be prepared under supervision and you are promised an ‘Indian Feast’ at a nominal price. Instead of a Saturday, it will be held on a Sunday which is probably a far more practical day for the family. NB – the date looks like being the last Sunday in June at the Dickie Fritz Shellhole in Edenvale – Ed. The View. Accessibility and the area are problems but will continue for monthly get-togethers for the present, with functions elsewhere. Finally, it is accepted we live in a very stressful environment and emotions run high on several issues. However, let’s not become stereotyped with our own narrow opinions, but rather look at the Big Picture. Irrespective of how the picture looks, let’s be positive, strive for each other and for the benefit of us all. There is no excuse for a member not being able to attend the annual dinner, or a function, or having a bare Christmas table for lack of affordability. Agreed, many have that stubborn pride and it is therefore our duty to identify them and help out as an association. Best wishes, JC Pirrett 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. 6905 Peter Phillips, Chairman of the UK branch of the Association attended our November meeting at Timour Hall, in the company of 5957 Dave Rycroft, and bumped into squad mates Brian Oberholster and Martin Gee. (See Inpost) On 11 November several of our members, and a good showing of ‘brown jobs’ and other former Rhodesians, attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Fish Hoek Methodist Church. The service was conducted by Pastor Mark Harris. During his address Mark revealed he was a former Patrol Officer in the BSAP – 8052 –serving from 1968 to 1980. Whilst Mark was addressing us his son Paul was spinning his magic against the New Zealand cricketers at Centurion. Our Annual Christmas party took place at Timour Hall on 3 December 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 – give it a viewing. We hear that 5675 Dave Waddon and Miriam Oberholster, wife of 6893 Brian, were both hospitalised briefly in November, Dave at the Worcester Medi-Clinic and Miriam at the Constantiaberg Medi-clinic. Both returned home within a matter of days and have made a full recovery from their ailments. We wish them well. And finally may we again remind you that we are always on the lookout for interesting articles and stories for inclusion in our magazine, and for suitable photographs with which to grace the front cover. Let’s be hearing from you.
“Hi Glenn, Thanks Peter, we’re okay. June’s letter follows – Ed P.O. Box 626, Jukskei
Park,2153 The Editor, The Outpost Dear Glenn, “Sir John Kennedy School,
Gatooma Dear Constable Phillips, Yours sincerely, "M O T H 2008 FLORIDA LAKE Glad to oblige, I’m a MOTH too – Ed “Good-day Glenn, Dick Glanville? Anyone else out there who can help? – Ed
“Good day Glenn, Interesting, Les – Ed “Hi Glenn. Thanks Terry, all’s well now – Ed. "Dear Friends and Rhodies, I think this offer extends until the March Outpost is published – Ed. To the families and friends of the deceased we extend our sincere condolences. 5822 John Kenneth George Martin: John died in the United Kingdom on 10 March 2008 from Cancer of the throat from which he suffered for some years. He served in the British South Africa Police from the 31 March 1958 until the 1st August 1980 and in the Zimbabwe Republic Police from its inception until the 9th April 1986, a total of more than twenty- eight years service. He retired in the rank of Chief Superintendent as Deputy Commandant, Morris Depot. He served in the Town Branch of the Force during his youinger years, principally in Salisbury and Bulawayo. Upon his retirement he returned to Britain and until the onset of his terminal illness forced his retirement was a Judges’ Clerk at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. John is survived by his first wife Rose, their daughters Cathy and Lisa and only son Sean as well as some ten grand children. He was a member of the United Kingdom Branch. 4288 Vernon Archibald "Dave" Davey MSM 3rd January 2008 Colleen Glen. Dave's widow, Tilly, writes as follows - "I am not sure if you heard that Dave died after 18 months of the most difficult time of his life as he became blind, very deaf and suffered from Alzheimer's . His son Peter and Aileen came from New Zealand and youngest daughter Irene and Brandon and granddaughters flew out from Australia." Dave Davey can best be described as one of nature's gentlemen. He attested 22nd June 1948 retiring as a Chief Inspector, District Branch, 6th January 1969. He was an "old school" Chief Inspector the likes of which we will not be privileged to meet again. After his services, Dave located to Chipinga where he ran a small brewery business which was, I understand, eventually bought out by Chibuku Breweries. Dave was an inspiration to many a troopie both whilst serving and in his retirement. 5041/6085 Quinton Edward Zwicky: Quin died at Somerset West on 9 January 2008. He served from 12 April 1953 to 20 July 1959 and again from 20 November 1959 to 18 May 1965, when he left in the rank of Section Officer. Quin was a member of the Western Cape Branch. 4518 Dave LeGuern: Dave died on 8/2/08 at Ferndown, Dorset. He had a heart attack but had been suffering from lung cancer for a long period. Dave served 13/12/49 - 28/7/72, retiring with the rank of Chief Inspector. He was a member of the UK Branch. 7714 Lionel Smith: He died on 02 March 2008 of Cancer in Johannesburg. Lionel served from 14th February 1967 leaving as a Section Officer 30th November 1978. He is described as being a very private person who served in the Police Sub-Aqua Unit and also the SWAT Bulawayo Emergency Unit. He leaves his widow May, two daughters and a son. 10461 Rodney "Rod" Allan Jennings: He died on 05/11/2008 at the Fourways Hospital (Johannesburg). The cause was multiple organ failure following pneumonia. Rod served from 9th February 1978 until 16th February 1980. 4534 Eric Reginald Schofield: He died from cancer on 27 December, 2007, at a hospice on the Natal South Coast. Eric was 83 years old and did his 'three' between 3 January 1950 and 16 September 1953. 7256 Gordon Bruce Cormack: He died a victim of cancer in Pietermaritzburg on 30 December 2007, he did his 'three' between 9 February 1965 and 8 February 1968. He was born in Tanganyika and lived in Rhodesia and South Africa. 7299/8437 Ian Hughes: He died in Durban in the early hours of 8 January after a long battle with cancer. Ian did two stints between 9 March 1965 and 23 November 1981 when he retired as an Inspector. He was an active member of the Natal Branch. 5729 Brian Gouws: He died in Port Elizabeth on the 11 January 2008. He had been suffering from Motor Neuron Disease for several years and was 72 years of age. Brian attested in the BSA Police on 28 June 1957. His entire service was spent at various stations, including Dog Section, in Salisbury Province. He resigned in June 1962. He represented the Police rugby team at local and national level for several seasons as an extremely agile and speedy fullback. 8300 Zane Courtney Chisnall: He passed away January 20, 2008 in Mesa, Arizona, USA. He was born on August 8, 1951 in Rhodesia and served in the BSA Police from August 1969 to August 1979, when he left with the rank of Staff Section Officer. He is survived by his wife Rosemary and children: Rene Fields and family, and Nicki McInelly and family. Constance Vowles: She died peacefully on the 14th February 2008 at Athol House, Fairways. She was aged 93. Her late husband, 2872 Albert Cyril Vowles, who died in 1998, was aged 91 when he died. She attended BSAP functions. 029 W/C/Insp Ruth Vrely Rowlands (nee King): Aged 89, Ruth died on 28.2.08 at Paisley, Scotland following a heart attack. She served 1.3.56 - 30.4.76 and will be remembered as the Sister in Charge at Camp Hospital in Depot. Ruth was a member of the UK Branch. P/R Pilot Bertream "Bert" Cecil William Hacking: He died on 16th February 2008, aged 82. Bert joined the Rhodesian Airforce as a fighter pilot and saw service in Egypt. He was a prominent Karoi farmer, was Chairman of the Karoi Rural Council, and was a Director of the Farmers Co-op for many years. He flew many hours for the Police Reserve Air Wing during the war. He was awarded the OLM in 1974. Patricia Ridge, widow of 4558 Benjamin George Ridge: She died in Harare on the 22nd January 2008. Her daughter advised me that her body could not be cremated in Harare, but could be cremated in Mutare at a cost of Z$4 billion, 50% of which had to be in cash! With the present cash crisis, this was just not possible. They therefore opted for a "No frills" interment at Warren Hill Cemetery. Doves, the undertakers who were handling the funeral arrangements, sent the body to the cemetery with a driver only. The grave had been prepared, and the body was lowered into the grave. However, there was nobody to fill in the grave. There were labourers there, but they wanted Z$60 million cash before they would fill in the grave, which the daughters had to pay. They thought that when they paid Doves "Up front" that they had paid all the funeral expenses. When they went back to Doves, the manager was not available! Mamie Botha: She was the widow of 3126 John Nicholas "Jannie" Botha, and died at Fairways, Harare, on the 19th December 2007 following an illness and a period of hospitalisation in the Fairways "Frail Care" Centre. New Book From Wanderlust! The Flight of the
Falcons – Greece at War The Sweaties 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 Pegasus Elliott MacKenzie Publishers, Cambridge, UK Tel 01223 370 012 Fax 01223 370 040. Attention Dog Handlers “The name is Trevor Hughes - ex BSAP 7106 and ex Dog Handler. I have been requested to put together a BSAP Dog Section Reunion in August this year, which will include wives, girlfriends, etc! The Reunion will take place in Durban, South Africa, from Friday the 22nd of August, 2008 to Sunday, the 24th of August, 2008, inclusive. The event will hopefully take in the Annual BSAP Regiment Association Dinner on the Saturday the 23rd of August. The programme for the weekend, is currently being arranged, including an accommodation option. I would respectfully request, that the above information be publicised and to ask any Handlers to contact myself (Address below) if they are interested in attending. It also gives me the opportunity of putting together some form of Nominal Roll of ex Handlers around the World. Trevor Hughes (Ex 7106) I hope this exposure helps, Trevor. It’s a fine initiative in the spirit of the Association – Ed.
|
