Last night we slept like the dead and awoke with the wonderful realisation that we were not at the Southern Tip of Africa! Instead, I opened the blinds to behold the Thames waking up with boats and barges starting their day’s work.
I received a WhatsApp from a friend telling me that it was windy, cold and wet in Cape Town. I replied that it was overcast here in London and that the temperature was 13 degrees C. “Oh,” came the reply, “it’s warmer than that here!” Ha! Ha! I will never complain about our weather again.
But the day was not that bad. We dressed in layers and dodged the showers and sometimes had to remove our jackets when the sun came out.
The Earl decided that he would take a rest day. He did not relish the idea of buses, tubes and lots of walking in London! So after cooking scrambled eggs and bacon Lollz and I left the flat at 10, walked to Clapham where I found a Halifax Bank and sorted out some issues with an account I have there. I was seen immediately and had the most awesome help from a lovely young lady named Lisa. All is now in order and I have pounds to spend!
Rows of terraced houses – Clapham
After that Lollz and I went to have a coffee at Neros. I try not to compare how much what I buy to eat and drink would cost at home! It is always way more than what I pay at my favourite coffee shop in Struisbaai! But my Americano was excellent and it went well with a small bar of Belguin dark chocolate!
Coffee and Chocolate at Neros
I was so pleased to have Lollz deal with all the direction finding and bus/train negotiating. Thanks to modern technology she has these useful apps on her phone! Also she understands them and knows exactly how to use them. All I had to do was follow my leader! All the angst of travel was removed. I can highly recommend going abroard with a tech savvy younger memeber of your family!
We took a bus to Westminster and all I had to do was tap my credit card and climb aboard. I was as excited as a kid at Christmas boarding a red London bus and going up to the upper deck with his marvelous views of London flashing by as we travelled to our destination.
Aboard a London BusRoyal Mail still functionsA funeral procession – horse-drawn hearse!Telephone Box!
We had fun walking around, seeing the houses of parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey etc. We then hopped on the tube and went to Oxford CircusWe spent the afternoon shopping but not did not buy very much. Hopping on and off busses and riding the tube is very convenient and simple but we also walked a lot – it’s cheaper and good exercise! We clocked up over 20000 steps today! A tube train from Oxford Circus took us to Vauxhal and from there we took an overland train to Clapham, shopped for our dinner then walked to the flat. We thought it would take 10 minutes but only realised we took a wrong turn and got quite lost! It was all part of the adventure during which I managed to have an unfortunate accident! We stopped to get our bearings and I allowed my shopping bag to slip to the ground – crash – the wine bottle broke! Oh dear what a waste! But we found an Indian cafe that sold wine and we got a bottle of Savignon Blanc – a Western Cape wine called Secretary Bird!
Big BenMadiba!London EyeTrain coming into Tube Station
A few months ago, our oldest daughter, Lisa, suggested we join her and her bestie on a Mediterranean Cruise as part of The Earl’s eightieth birthday celebration. She would have liked all our family to join us but it was just not possible. So our party will consist of Lisa and her friend, Dominika, Laurie, our youngest, her friend, Sasha and The Earl and me.
In the past, I have been the main organiser of such events. What a pleasure then, to have my two daughters deal with all the details and just simply agree to go along with it all. We both feel lucky to have kids who actually want us to go on holiday with them. And having them take care of everything takes a lot of stress off us.
Lisa and her bestie will go to Poland for two weeks while Laurie, The Earl and I will be spending two weeks in London. We will then meet up in Istanbul and cruise the Med together.
Because we would be travelling on Election Day, we all applied for Special Votes. On Monday the Earl and I cast our vote at The Dutch Reformed Church hall in Struisbaai. We were second in the queue and were done by 9:30 am. Lisa voted in Cape Town on Monday but Laurie went just before leaving for the airport yesterday and luckily did not have a long wait in a queue.
Tuesday, 28 May 2024
This morning, I was wide awake before the alarm went off. Our bags were packed and just the last-minute stuff had to go in. I was in a high state of excitement and by 8:30 we were both dressed and ready to leave. But our transfer would only arrive at 10:30 so we took Marlene, our lodger, to Shipwreck for breakfast and said our farewells to our friend, Rachel who owns it.
Steyn was dead on time at 10:30 and on this most glorious Autumn day with a high of 26 degrees C, we set off with in high spirits. We were delighted to find that Steyn showed an interest in the birds as we drove through the Overberg and we taught him the correct English and Afrikaans names. It was as if the birds were all coming out especially to bid us farewell. Our list included black-winged kite, rock kestrel, jackal buzzard, black sparrowhawk, spur-winged goose, Egyptian Goose, Grey heron and Blue Crane,
Lisa brought Laurie to the airport and they arrived a few minutes before we got there. Lisa and Dominica will only be flying out tomorrow while Laurie will join us for two weeks in London. After checking in we all went to have coffee at Wimpy which overlooks the runway. It is always exciting to watch the planes take off and land especially when the weather is so clear.
After Lisa left we went through passport control and it wasn’t long before our flight was called. TK45 left Cape Town International at 16:30 S.A. time and landed in Istanbul at 06:30 the following moring. It was a long night! Laurie did not have a seat near us but was on the aisle a little further back. Earl had a window seat and I was in the middle next to a lovely German girl en route home after a year of extra study at Stellenbosch Univierstiy. The Turkish crew were lovely and we were served two meals on the flight. Dinner at around 6:30 pm and breakfast at 2 am! The food was tasty – but hey aeroplane food is never wonderful!
Taken from the onboard computer as we flew over South Africa
Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Earl had assisted travel which was great as Istanbul Airport is huge and the distances you have to walk to get to your connecting flight are vast. Lollz and I got to go on the buggy with him and it was so much fun. The driver was a maniac and yelled to everyone to please make way. We went through the baggage check before everybody else but then had to make our way to the boarding gate on our own while Earl waited for a wheelchair to bring him. In the end he insisted on walking as the distance was not too far. But there was drama – the carer had lost his boarding pass! It turned out not to be a big problem. The check-in guy told us it often happened! He promised to get us a new one printed but while we waited for the flight to be called he came over with the original – “They found it – it was given to the wrong passenger!”
Driver of the buggyEnjoying being transported across Istanbul Airport!
On the second flight, TK1979, I was so exhausted that I actually managed a power nap and so did Lollz. We were served a second breakfast at the more reasonable hour of 9:00 am.
We arrived at London Heathrow at quarter to ten GMT. Lollz and I were not able to get a buggy ride this time as it was full but we still made it to passport control at the same time as Earl. We did, however, get to go through passport control ahead of the crowds!
After collecting our bags Lollz and I parked Earl on a chair and went off to find a phone shop. We each bought a “Three” sim card loaded with data that gives us airtime and data in both England and Europe for a month. Lollz then organized an Uber on her App and by 12:30 we were delivered to our door at Battersea Pad! Thanks to my brother, Michael, for allowing us to stay there while we’re in London.
After unpacking and settling in, Lollz and I tried to order in some supplies but there is no 60/60 here! The soonest we could get a grocery delivery was Friday so we decided to go shopping ourselves. Lollz’ friend, Katya and her 6-year-old son, Daniel arrived just before we left and walked with us to the Tesco Express. It was such fun shopping like a Londoner! You can use self-service check out but we were afraid we would do it all wrong so went to the till instead. “Sorry,” I apologised to the cashier, “we’re from Africa – we don’t have such things in our supermarkets yet!” He looked at me as if I we crazy!
Katya, Daniel and Lollz in the streets of Battersea, LondonTesco Express
Katya and Lollz are old college friends and she now lives in Greenwich. It was lovely seeing her again and getting to know little Daniel. They stayed for an early supper and Daniel was absolutely intrigued by the river and the helicopters coming and going! Of course, the Earl just loved entertaining him while the girls chatted and caught up after not seeing each other since 2018.
A London Bus
Katya and Lollz – Still buddies after 26 years!
Our View of The ThamesHelicopter coming in to land
We grilled crumbed chicken portions in the oven and served them with baby potatoes, creamed spinach and salad. Katya had bought Magnum Ice Creams for our dessert!
It was a lovely start to our fortnight in London. It’s early to bed for us tonight. We are exhausted!
1. Do you have a favourite movie you never tire of watching?
84 Charing Cross Road. I read the book first and absolutely loved it. I did not believe that it could be made into a movie. I caught it by chance on television several years ago and it was outstanding – just as good as the book even though the book is an exchange of letters between an American rare book collector and a bookseller from London. I have watched the movie several times.
2. Do you have a favourite song or special song as a couple?
Everybody connected to me knows that Lady in Red (Chris de Burgh) is our favorite song. We get up an dance every time we hear it.
3. How do you relax in the evenings?
We usually have sundowners just before six either at the harbour or at home while watching the birds in our garden. We eat dinner at around six. We have friends over at least once per week. After dinner we watch TV – either Netflix or pre-recorded programs
4. Do you celebrate special birthdays or anniversaries?
Not with as much ceremony as we did in the past but, yes, we do celebrate with close friends or family.
One of the most memorable celebrations was when I turned 60. One of the moms at my school baked me a special cake decorated with photos of the kids. We also had cup cakes and the kids presented me with their own handmade cards and special gifts.
Gratitude:
The meme below is just so apt for me. LIfe is very good!
Everyone who follows my blog knows that I love birds. I spend much of my free time watching them in my garden and in the wild. What I do not have, is a pet bird, unless you count the Cape Wagtail that cheekily enters my house and screams for cheese or the sugarbirds that do not fly away when we fill the sugarwater feeder.
The trusting sugarbirds know they’re safe with The Earl
There is a scary movie called “The Birds”. I have never watched it and probably never will as I cannot imagine birds being scary! But yesterday – a bird did scare me!
I set out for a walk at about 4 o’clock, taking my Ocean View Drive route. I hadn’t walked for two days so was looking forward to a good workout. All of a sudden I heard a high-pitched shriek and I felt a fluttering on my shoulder.
“What the heck – a crow is attacking me!”
But of course that was just paranoia. As I cringed and swatted at my shoulder I saw that it was not a large black-winged attacker but a small, beautiful red and green parakeet-type bird. I was wearing a necklace of Venetian blue glass beads and she was very interested in these and the chain of my red cell phone bag. Clearly, she liked my bling.
At the moment the bird landed on me a car screeched to a halt and after the few seconds it took to realise what had happened I glanced at her awestruck face. “I saw it in the tree,” she said, “And then it just flew at you. I thought it must be your pet!”
“Not mine,” I replied. “Any idea who it could belong to?”
No, she did not. And the birdie did not want to leave my shoulder, arm, head or back. He just clung on and chattered in my ear. I had to take my earbuds out (I’d been listening to a podcast!) Ocean View Drive is a long one so knocking on doors as just not an option and I didn’t want to walk back home in case the bird flew off and got lost far from home. Instead, I took a selfie and rang Earl to fetch me so we could look after the lovely avian until the rightful parents could be found. Earl couldn’t believe it so luckily I had the selfie to prove my predicament. While I waited I posted on Facebook’s Luv 4 Pets and Struisbaai Fun but of course, these posts would only go live after the admins had approved them.
The Earl soon picked me up and dropped me at home while he went to buy seed in case we were to be the custodians for a while before the rightful parents were found.
After Earl left it struck me that our neighbourhood WhatsApp group, Meerkat, would probably be the most likely to respond so I posted the selfie with the caption, “Anybody know this bird? He dropped in on me while I was walking on Ocean View Drive!”
Within minutes Bettie replied. “Dit lyk soos Pollie. Die Zeemans het so ‘n voel wat vry in die huis rondvlieg.” (It looks like Polly – The Zeemans have such a bird and he flies freely around their house)
I know the Zeemans from the boat club and had Adel’s number, so I quickly rang her. “Ek het ‘n voêl hier by my. Is dit joune?” (I have a bird with me. Could it be yours?)
She told me that her two African Greys were in their cages. Could I describe the bird? So I sent her the photo and got a voice note back. “Dis Pollie. Ek het nie geweet dat sy weg was. (It’s Polly – I didn’t know she was missing!)
I sent the address and she and her son arrived just as Earl returned from the supermarket with the seed. Pollie greeted her people with much screeching and kissing. They got into the car but just as they were about to drive away, Pollie flew out of the open window and perched on the overhead wire! And she would not return to either of them. The neighbour’s cat was very interested, so I picked her up and told her to behave. Pollie then flew into another garden and high up into a tree which Adel’s son attempted to climb. Eventually, she came down to a lower bush and with much coaxing and encouragement the young man managed to get Pollie to willingly hop onto his hand and then his shoulder and they got her into the car.
I did some googling to see what kind of bird Pollie is and the closest I can come up with is a Jandaya Parakeet which originated in the northeast of Brazil where it is quite common in the wild. Pollie is a well-cared-for pet and would not survive if released to care for herself.
When we were kids, you could get into the drive-in free if you were under 12 years of age. I was under 12 for a lot longer than 12 years. My siblings and I were small for our age!
2. Is there any time in your life you would like to relive?
Not really. I would like to take another 30-day cruise because I enjoyed the one I did in 2019 so much but I would not choose to relive any part of my life. I am quite good at moving on toward the future and all it holds.
3. Do you own any antiques?
I have some old stuff. A box camera and brass bell and a few other things but I’m not particularly attached to them. I might have been able to sell lots of valuable stuff if I had hung onto them but once things have used their usefulness, I get rid of them.
A very old Kodak – I have no idea where it came from, but I haven’t had the heart to throw it out.
4. Would you like to know some of the history of places you’ve visited?
Yes – I am always interested in the history of places I visit. I will be visiting some historical sites next month and will do research before I go.
Gratitude:
I am grateful that I have made it to the age I am.
The final scores were in and the medals were presented at a formal dinner at The Struisbaai Harbour Cafe.
Those who helped in the organisation as well as those who had special duties during the tournament were thanked. Roger Marais, Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club’s Chairman, and Sonja Marais, Western Province Angling Association’s Secretary presented them with tokens of appreciation.
Click on the first photo in the gallery to enlarge and then use the arrows to view the slide show.Press escape to return to the blog.
DP Burger Western Province Chairman Rudi MoolmanAndrew Perrins and Earl Fenwick Renata BothaElizmaChris Schorn and Nick NelThe Catering Staff of Struisbaai Harbour Cafe Sonja Marais receives flowers from Renata BothaRoger Marais is thanked by Chris Schorn
The captains of all the teams who did not win medals were called up to receive participation blazer pins. Some are pictured below.
Western Province Sonja Marais, Mark Rode, Chris Schorn Gauteng Sonja Marais, Janes Wasserman, Chris SchornEastern Province Sonja Marais Brian Gerber Chris SchornSADSAA U21 Chris Schorn, Janes du Plessis
In the Ladies’ Bottom Fish Nationals Section, Bronze was presented to SADSAA, Silver to Eastern Province, and Gold to Border. Mable Liebenberg was the top lady angler in the National Ladies’ division.
SADSAA Ladies Jennifer Nelson, Mable Liebenberg, Sheena Gerber (captain) Chris Schorn – SADSAA PresidentEastern Province Ladies Lisa Coetzee (captain), Maggie Kolesky, Kim Burdett Chris SchornBorder Ladies Chris Schorn Dale Webb Tara Roux (captain) Adelle Lunt
In the Men’s Bottom Fish Nationals, Bronze medals were presented to SADSAA Seniors, Silver to Natal and Gold to Border. The angler with the third highest score was Ian Peinke, second, was Sayed Cassim, and first was Fred Clarke.
SADSAA Seniors Nick Nel (SADSAA Tournament Officer) Ian Peinke Riaz Hussain (captain) , Christopher Gerber Chris SchornNatal Nick Nel Sayed Cassim, Graham Doman, Robert Shepard (captain) Chris SchornBorder Men Nick Nel Fred Clarke (captain) Andrew Harris Gary Lunt Chris SchornIan Peinke and Chris SchornSayed Cassim and Chris SchornFred Clarke and Chris Schorn
The International competition was very close. Bronze went to Gibraltar, Silver to SASACC and Gold to the Proteas
Gibraltar Nick Nel Charlie Bear, Charlie Lara (captain) Michael Bosio Chris SchornSASACC Nick Nel Francois Beukes (captain) , Kevin Clark Kobus Koekemoer, Chris Schorn.Protea Nick Nel John Luef, Allen Ford (captain), DP Burger Chris Schorn
The International Angler with the third highest points was Protea Lady, Jacqui Luef, Second was SASACC’s Francois Beukes and First was Protea DP Burger
Nick Nel Jacqui Luef Chris SchornNick Nel Francois Beukes Chris SchornNick Nel DP Burger Chris Schorn
The angler with the most meritorious fish was Protea Lady’s Michelle Richards who caught a 12.25kg yellowtail in the competition and it is a pending record for her province, Natal.
The maximum number of fishing days in the bottom fish tournament is four. Weather conditions allowed for only two days, namely Monday and today. Thus Monday was Day 1 and today, Wednesday, is Day 2.
The boats started arriving at Struisbaai Harbour at 05:30. Take-away breakfast and coffee were served at the Struisbaai Harbour Cafe and there was an air of anticipation and excitement amongst the anglers as they collected their boat boxes filled with snacks for the day.
Boats lined up and waiting to launchHot coffee and toasted egg sandwichesWe are looking forward to a good fishing day!
Unlike Monday, there was no mist today and the boats could launch just after 06:00. Lines-in was called at 07:00. Lines-up was at 15:00 giving the competitors time to get ready for the closing function.
Below is a gallery of photos depicting the launch which went smoothly thanks to the drivers who helped get the boats in the water as quickly as possible. (Click on the first photograph to enlarge then use the arrows to view the slide show. Press escape to return to the blog post.)
Lines up at 15:00 was called and I headed to the harbour to welcome the first returning boats. I became aware that a man standing next to me was slightly anxious. Rapidcat was the first boat to appear. The man called out to the skipper and told him that two young men on a rubber duck were having trouble with their motors and were stranded just opposite the last house at Langezandt. Brian asked me to inform his driver that he would be delayed and he raced off on a rescue mission. He also called SkiBoat Mobile to inform Andrew of the situation. It was just a short distance away and soon he reappeared towing the rubber duck with the two grateful young men on board.
Rapidcat towing the rubber duckIt was an adventureThank you Brian!The Rapid Cat Heroes
At first, the boats returned in drips and drabs, and then they came thick and fast towards the end.
Most of the fish caught were measured and then released but special catches were brought to the scales.
Michelle Rchards (Captain of Protea Ladies) Record Yellowtail on 6Kg lineWayne Gerber (SADSAA Men) with a lovely cobGraham Doman (Natal) with his Red Roman
At 19:00 everybody, dressed in their highest colours, gathered at Struisbaai Harbour Cafe for the closing function. The report on this will be in my next post.
Weather conditions dictated that competitors of the International and National Bottom Fish Tournament could not go out to sea until today. Everybody started gathering at the harbour at 05:00. It was still dark and there was a thick mist but there was still an air of excitement and the anglers were looking forward to a good day out at sea.
(Click on the first photograph in the gallery to enlarge and then use arrows to watch the slideshow. Press escape to return to the blog post.)
Earl and GrahamTara and AdelleWhat do you mean it’s cold?In Iceland this would be a warm day!Chris and GrahamLisa and Maggie
The sea was calm enough to allow the boats to launch between 06:00 and 07:00. Luckily the mist started lifting and by the time all the boats were launched the sun was out and the day looked promising.
As the sun rose the boats headed out to the deep, waiting just outside the harbour for all to be launched and the signal to move to the fishing grounds was announced by SkiBoat Mobile. Lines in was at 07:00 and Lines up at 17:00
Booby Trap heading outHaven heading outThe fleet waiting for the signal to move into deeper waters
Some commercial boats did not go to sea today as they feared the cold temperature of the sea would put the fish off the bite. However, all turned out well and all the competition boats caught fish today. Below are some of them coming into Struisbaai harbour after a wonderful day out at sea.
All the teams were split up and assigned to various boats. SADSSA lady, Sheena Gerber was on Wee Nanya skippered by Bryan Fitchat, the smallest boat in the fleet and she landed a possible record Hottentot. Well done Sheena!
SADSAA Lady – Sheena Gerber Captain of SADSAA Ladies, Sheena Gerber weighs her Hottentot.
In the evening, the competitors, skippers and committee members were treated to a lasagne dinner at the Struisbaai Harbour Cafe.
Some fun was had when a few naughty competitors were called up for ‘straf dops’ – for misdemeanours and mishaps including losing keys, not releasing the trailer tie-on buckle before launching and just because the judge decided it would be appropriate to give out such punishment! (No captions to protect the privacy of the guilty!)
The JudgeWho will come to trial?The judge takes his own medicine
Today was registration day for The Bottom Fish International and National Tournament, hosted by Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club.
An amazing brochure filled with information regarding the events of the week, the rules of the competition and details of the boats, skippers and competitors was given to each competitor.
Each angler received a goodie pack filled with some amazing treasures and the skipper of each boat received a cooler bag filled with gifts.
Thanks to the generous sponsors without whom such a tournament would not be possible. The following sponsored this year’s Bottom Fish Tournament.
Harcourts, Afrimat, Africooler, Body Zone, Sceptre Fishing, Harbour Café Struisbaai, Fresh Stop Struisbaai, Astron Struisbaai, Khulu Projects, NSRI Station 30 Agulhas, Viking Fishing, Glenwood Wines Franschoek, Struisbaai Angling Shop, Link Sports, Hugeunot Valley Natural Spring Water.
This morning the International Teams registered and received their brochures and goodie bags, Click on the first photo of each gallery to enlarge, then use arrows to see a slide show. Press escape to return to the blog.
Protea Ladies Jacqui Luef Michelle Richards (captain), Belinda FischlProtea Men John Luef, Allen Ford (Captain), DP BurgerGibraltar Charles Bear, Joseph Charles Lara, (captain) Michael BosioSASACC Kevin Clark Francois Beukes (captain) Kobus KoekemoerIceland Gunnar Jonsson Arnar Eythorsson Thorir Sveinsson Skarpheoinn Asbjornsson (captain)Barbarian Gunnar Jonsson Wayne Gerber (captain) Gary Truluck
At 4 pm it was the turn of the National Teams to register. Some were already dressed formally for the opening function later in the evening while others were still in casual attire.
Border Men Fred Clarke (captain) Andrew Harris , Gary LuntGauteng Janes Wasserman (captain) Deon Wasserman, Jannas HendrikszEastern Province Ladies Elizabeth Coetzee (captain), Kimberly Burdett Magdalena KoleskySADSAA U21 Jan du Plessis (captain) Divan Burger Alex TyldesleySouthern Cape Bertie Stewart (captain) Jannie Stewart Robin CorkerEastern Province Men Brian Gerber (captain), Gerhard Els Francois KoleskyNatal Robert Shepard (captain) Graham Doman Sayed CassimWestern Province Men Mark Rode (captain) Albert Burger Ossie SauermannSADSAA Ladies Sheena Gerber (captain) Jennifer Nelson Mable LiebenbergFamilies who fish together stay together! Mother and son Sheena and Christopher GerberSADSAA Seniors Riaz Hussain (captain) Ian Peinke Christopeher GerberBorder Ladies Tara Roux (captain) Adele Lunt Dale Webb
Before the Opening Function began all the teams gathered together on the pier and with their respective flags held high they marched in procession to Struisbaai Harbour Café who catered a delicious dinner. As they entered they planted their flags and then took their seats at the beautifully set tables. It was really a grand affair.
Below are the photos of the parade Click on the first one to enlarge and watch a slide show.
Once everyone had found their places they stood to attention while the National Anthems of South Africa, Gibraltar and Iceland were played.
Roger Marais, the chairman of the Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club, welcomed everybody to the International and National Bottom Fish Tournament, said grace and then introduced some dignitaries who each gave a speech.
Andries Maree SASACC PresidentChris Schorn SADSAA PresidentPaul Swart Mayor of Agulhas DistrictDP Burger Western Provice Deepsea Angling Association President
Chris Schorn and Nick Nel (SADSAA Tournament Officer) then began the capping ceremony. It was touching to see how many members of the same family were representing their province or country and the fathers were invited to help their sons or daughters into their blazers for the first time. The Gerber family had three members participating this year. Dad, Wayne was in the Barbarian team, Mom, Sheena captained the SADSAA Ladies’ team and son Christopher fished in SADSAA Men’s Seniors. John Leuf has certainly had a great influence on his daughter Jacqueline’s fishing career and it was his honour to help her into her Protea Blazer.
Nick Nel Michelle Richards Chris SchornNick Nel, Jacqueline Leuf with father John, Chris SchornNick Nel John Leuf Chris SchornNick Nel DP Burger Chris SchornNick Nel Allen Ford Chris SchornProtea Men’s Team Dp Burger, Allen Ford John LeufAllen Ford SpeechProtea Ladies Jacquline Leuf Michelle Richards, Belinda FischlBarbarian Gary Truluck receives Protea colours Barbarian Wayne Gerber receives Protea coloursSASACC Andries Maree Francois Beukes Kobus Koekemoer Kevin Clark Chris SchornSADSAA Ladies Nick Nel Mable Liebenberg Jennifier Nelson Sheena Gerber Chris SchornSADSA SENIORS Nick Nel Ian Peinke Riaz Hussain Christopher Gerber Chris SchornWayne Gerber, Magdalena KoleskyChris Schorn helping Robin Corker into his new Southern Cape BlazerWestern Province DP Burger Albert Burger Ossie Sauermann Mark Rode Chris Schorn
Special mention was made about Earl Fenwick who received Springbok colours for fishing in 1971 and 1972. He is approaching his 80th birthday but is still actively involved in the fishing fraternity. The dress code insisted that one wear their highest colours and he proudly wore his Springbok blazer.
An original Fishing Springbok
Once the honours had been presented dinner was served and the party began. Old friends reconnected and a great time was had by all.
1. Regardless of whether you had them or not, can you remember three popular toys from when you were a child?
Tinkertoy, Meccano and Walkie-talkie dolls come to mind.
I remember that the ultimate toy for girls was a ‘walkie-talkie’ doll. For boys – Dinkie cars were the rage. My brother had many and when he deigned to play with my sister and me he shared them out equally – one for sister 1, one for brother, one for sister 2 one for brother, one for sister 1, one for brother, and so on. We could not figure out how he ended up with more! He was the smart one in the family!
In 1959, I was six years old but was quite unaware of the launch of Barbie! She became a thing when I was in my teens and my younger cousin had an array of Barbies. My sister and I would go and play with her so that we had an excuse to play with dolls which, of course, we had outgrown years before!
Original Barbie
2. Did you ever want something specific as a child, but never had it?
We did not grow up with many toys but in retrospect, I realise what an awesome childhood I had. More than games and toys we had freedom, a mountain, and a beach. There were a few things I really wanted and in the end, I usually got them. When I was twelve I begged for a tiny transistor radio and my dad got it for me for my thirteenth birthday. It was my prized possession for many years.
It was very similar to this one
3. Do you still have any toys or games from your childhood?
I don’t. The baby dolls that my sister and I received when our baby brother was born were with us until we were adults but I have no idea what happened to them.
My sister-in-law keeps a suitcase full of her children’s toys (they are in their 40s and 50s now). Her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews love playing with them now.
My grandson, Josh, and granddaughter Shannon playing with some old Fisher Price toys kept by my sister-in-law, Barbara. (Shannon is now married!)
My child adored Barbies and for a few years running, she asked for the latest one for each birthday until she was 11. I tried to persuade her not to get one for her 11th birthday as she was already losing interest in childish things. But she insisted that she would play with it until she was sixteen. Of course, I gave in and it was indeed the last one she requested. I kept many of the toys but when we packed up our family home of over 40 years I donated them all to good homes. My cousin, I think, still has hers and I believe they are worth quite a lot of money!
The last Barbie my child received
When my daughter was nine years we visited my brother in London. He bought her a Padding Bear. She is now in her forties and still has that bear.
My daughter allowed Paddington to attend a Teddy Bear’s Picnic when I was teaching Grade 1
4. I think I’ve asked this before, but what was your favourite toy as a child?
In photos of myself as a very young child, I am holding a teddy bear so I guess that was my favourite. As a primary school child, I loved playing with cut-out dolls. My needs were simple! I was a bookworm and if I was not outside riding bikes or playing on the beach, I would be curled up with Enid Blyton.
Gratitude: Memories are with us forever. May the good ones far outnumber those not so good.
For many years I have kept a journal and it is full of all the good and all the bad times. The good times certainly outnumber the bad, and for this, I am eternally grateful.
Adventuring into Retirement 