AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER
Scribe: Stuart Rennie Tel/Fax 021 762 3253 Mobile 079 534 8389
Email: scrennie@telkomsa.net
Just a Wee Bit of History
The Saltire became the national flag of Scotland in the year 832AD, in the sky above a battlefield near the village of Athelstaneford in East Lothian. On this occasion the Scots were the invaders as East Lothian was part of the kingdom of Northumbria. On the eve of the battle, King Angus, who was leading the Scots and Picts, is reported to have had a vision in which St Andrew appeared to him, and assured him victory would be his. Arriving at the battlefield the next day, the Scots and Picts were heavily outnumbered, and Angus and the Scots army knelt down to pray to St Andrew, vowing that if he emerged victorious, Andrew would be our patron saint and his cross would become the national flag of Scotland.
As the forces of Scotland and England faced each other to commence battle, a strange thing happened. White clouds formed the shape of a diagonal cross, set against the background of the light blue sky.
Inspired, the Scots went on to victory when the English leader Aethelstan was killed and the Northumbrians fled. From that time the Saltire became the flag of Scotland, and Scottish soldiers wore the Saltire on their bonnets and tunics for identification on the battlefield. In the kirk yard of Athelstaneford Parish Kirk there is a memorial marking the ‘Battle of the Saltire’ depicting the battlefield, the two armies and the sky above them.
The crucified image of St Andrew appeared in the seal of Scotland in 1289, but following the Union of the Parliaments in 1707 use of the Saltire was rare until there was a resurgence in its use in the 20th century.
Now recognised legally as Scotland’s national flag, it is used by Scottish teams in international competitions and flown from public buildings, either on its own or side by side with the Union Flag. When it was incorporated in the union flag the saltire was shown in a darker navy blue and many flag makers have adopted this colour. In 1936 the Saltire Society was founded to preserve and enhance Scottish society and culture, and more recently embassies of the United Kingdom have flown the Saltire on 30th November, to mark St Andrew’s Day.
The Lion Rampant is sometimes mistakenly thought to be the flag of Scotland, but in actual fact, it is the flag of the Monarch of Scotland.
For Anyone Over 40 – From Scotland (Sound Familiar?)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1940′s, 50′s, 60′s and 70’s!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a tin, and didn’t get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a van – loose – was always great fun. We drank water from the garden hosepipe and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cakes, white bread and real butter and drank pop with sugar in it, but we weren’t overweight because…… WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo’s, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no text messaging, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms……….WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We played with worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out any eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them! Local teams had try-outs and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good. And while you are at it, get your kids to read it so they will know how brave their parents were.
PS – Maybe the type should be bigger because your eyes are shot at your age.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Colleen Rennie 10th August
Peter Mcleod 19th August
May you both have a wonderful day being “spoilt rotten!” Enjoy!
NEW MEMBERS:
We’re pleased to announce that we have received applications from seven prospective new Members for ratification at the next Council Meeting and hope to be welcoming them all in the next Newsletter.
GENERAL:
Colleen and Stuart Rennie are presently in the UK to attend their fourth grandchild’s Christening. They’ve been in touch via ‘Skype’ with Colleen’s sister, Trish, and she says they are enjoying being with family there and, in particular, being able to be Gran and Granddad first hand. We wish them well and hope they have a wonderful time at such a special event in family life.
Our Honorary Padre, David Gray, and his wife Rosemary are also in the UK and will be away for most of August. They will be staying with friends and family in various parts of the UK and are really looking forward to visiting Scotland with the good possibility of attending the Edinburgh Tattoo just before they return to South Africa. We’re hoping that there will be many pictures to view and share the excitement.
Vicki Mackenzie has returned from a fantastic holiday in various countries in Europe and will be sharing with us some of her adventures along the way. Vicky, don’t forget to let us have some photo’s to share and make us a teeny bit jealous.
Peter Ross has travelled to Graaff-Reinet to attend a 40th School Reunion Celebration. Peter, here’s hoping it was a great time of renewing friendships, catching up and just having fun. Tell us about it when you get back.
We reported last time that Audrey Smith was recovering from her operation. We were delighted to see her at the Ceilidh on 23rd July having battled through gale force winds to get there. Audrey, we’re still praying for a full 100% recovery and are sure that it’s not far away (if not sooner!).
Duncan MacMillan hasn’t been at all well and Rose has reported that she has also been feeling the effects of the winter. We hope that you both get well soon. Keep warm on the wet and windy days and relax and enjoy the sunny ones. We keep you both in prayer.
After Myra Horn lost her sister she felt it was time to come along and play a more active role in the Society. However, dealing with all the vagaries of winding up Claire’s Estate has, and continues to be, somewhat daunting and we want you to know, Myra, that we are always here for you if we can be of assistance and we continue to pray for peace patience and grace and, above all, hope for the future, and that you are fulfilled in the knowledge that God has directed you in all that you achieve. We look forward to the time when we can meet and talk without the pressures of the ‘other’ activities in life holding us back.
I’ve just learnt that Judy Lucas will be travelling to Australia to join her husband after a conference he’s attending. They will be taking timeout to visit various cities and famous places, not least of which will be The Great Barrier Reef.
May God bless all those travelling to various destinations and keep them safe. I can see that we may have to consider a photographic Newsletter just to show all the pictures taken from around the world by our world-wise Members.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
As our Scribe is overseas, and won’t be back until later in August, so it’s fallen to me to produce this August 2011 Newsletter for you. I hope I haven’t forgotten anything or left something out. If I have, let me know and we’ll put it the next Newsletter in September.
As you can see, there is a lot of news to share and, hopefully, it makes for interesting reading. However, please don’t let that stop you from dropping me or Stuart Rennie a line to share your news or simply picking up the phone and calling us. We really do enjoy hearing from you and we know that other Members do as well. There must be so much and so many interesting snippets out there that you may find just mundane but to others may just make their day. Think back over the years – what has been your most rewarding experience with the Callies? There must be many anecdotes that we could publish that would bring back many fond memories to so many and be of great interest to the younger Members. How about a favourite recipe or cocktail? What famous people have you met and what was your impression of them? Where, or whom, have you visited that really “got you going” and you enjoyed so much – a restaurant, a town, a drive, a walk, an exhibition or show, family, friends, Callies members and functions, other Societies, or whatever. This Newsletter is YOUR Newsletter and, we hope, reflects what is going on in your lives as well as reporting on “What’s On” in the Callies. Over to you.
Talking of writing in, some of you may know that I’m trying to put together the history of the Society for the benefit of Members and for distribution at functions as well as to be part of a marketing plan to publicise the Society and all cultural and other groups associated with it. We’ve received a tremendous amount of material in the form of records from a number of Members, including Rose MacMillan and Tony Reis, but it’s taking for ever to go through it all but we’ll get there. I would be so pleased to receive anything from any Member, no matter how small or large, long or short, that I can add to make the history more personal or, for that matter, more factual. Again, over to you!
I must share with you that on Friday 5th August I received my new Identity Document. It was a time of great celebration because, what with one thing or another, it’s taken two years. My ‘old’ ID was so old and battered that it was held together with clear packing tape, was virtually unreadable and had no bar-code. (No not THAT kind of bar! I don’t need it to buy a wee dram with it!) The point is, or was, that I was having some difficulty in transacting business with banks and other institutions because of it. Not least of the problems was the fact that it was issued in 1983 and I look somewhat different after 28 years (I even had some hair on top then – not much, but some!).
I must say that the Ceilidh was a great success and I need to say a very special, and personal, “Thank You” to both the Officer Commanding, Cape Garrison Artillery, Major Vidius Archer and Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Danie Steyn, for providing and preparing a venue for the Society in Fort Wynyard (the Cape Garrison Artillery Headquarters). Despite the gale force South Easter blowing, the Ceilidh went ahead without a hitch and a warm and happy time was had by all.
Last month I had the opportunity to fly up to Jo’burg for a short, 2 day, conference with the Company I represent here in Cape Town. I was booked on Kulula and on the return trip sat right in the front row. Big mistake! The seats are, by no means, big! Once I sat down, that was it, I couldn’t move, so be warned – the seats further back are far more comfortable. Anyway, at least I had a front seat to an entertaining time between the Stewardesses and the children on the ‘plane. About half an hour out of Cape Town the children were all invited to come to the front and have their faces painted. Well, from toddlers to about 10 years old, girls and boys, had great fun being made up as Spiderman, a Pussy Cat or a Fairy etc. and, without exception, all had big beaming smiles on the way back to their seats. Then one of the staff entertained us with a rendition of a kiddie’s song as we landed – when she finished the whole plane erupted in applause. What a great way to arrive home to the Mother City.
I’m sure that a number of you’ve been “ducking and diving” the latest bunch of colds and ‘flu going the rounds. Well, Jacinta and I didn’t duck soon enough, and both of us have been laid low at some stage during the past few weeks but, never-the-less, we’re climbing out of the deep end now and looking forward to interacting with you all at the AGM and St Andrews Nicht/130th Anniversary Celebration.
Until we meet again. Slainte Stuart
LETTERS TO THE CHIEF:
There weren’t any specific letters received since the last Newsletter that needed a response. However, I have to say thank you to those that have written in, in the past and, also, thank you to all those that wrote, Emailed, ‘phoned or sent a SMS saying just how much they enjoyed the Ceilidh. The combination of a certain amount of formality and then a relaxed atmosphere to join in or not as people felt, has really been applauded. Thank you all so much for the critical feedback, it has been very much appreciated by all who worked so hard to put the function together for you, and makes the planning for the next function so much more enjoyable knowing what you like.
PAST EVENTS:
The Ceilidh is the only function that we can really report on and much has been said already. But, in the background, many decisions had to be made regarding the venue, and the date, before we could give you any certainty about when and where it was going to be held. The original venue we had booked cancelled our booking because of prior commitments which they had to honour. Other venues were seriously considered but availability, costs, location and whether we could hold the type of function we wanted on the premises were, and always are, uppermost on the agenda. Then there was also the availability of the Pipe Band, the Country Dancers and, of course, if our Provincial Chieftain and his Consort, Gordon and Mary Wallace could fit us in with their busy schedule.
To cut a long story short, two very staunch Members, Vidius Archer and Danie Steyn, came to the rescue and suggested the use of the Mess at Fort Wynyard. I have to say that was a Godsend and the offer was accepted with some alacrity. Not only that but everything fell into place and everyone was OK with the date. It turned out to be a perfect venue – except for the wind outside, but that couldn’t be helped – and a good time was had by all. Among the guests was Maureen Sharpe, President of the Irish South African Association and she told us she felt really at home and enjoyed herself immensely. Folk brought along their own supper or snacks and made use of the cash bar and free coffee and tea. During the evening Gordon gave an address of encouragement, there was a sing-along and demonstrations of Country Dancing, the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band excelled as usual with a rousing selection of old (and new) favourites, and there was a chance for all to dance the Gay Gordon’s accompanied by the Band – what thrilling way to enjoy the dance. There was a raffle with the main prize of a bottle of Bells Very Special Whisky worth over R300. Afterwards we could all join in and dance to the music and singing of “Charmed”, a group of three sisters who came together from as far as Hermanus and Tableview to entertain us and round off a great evening. Many, many, thanks to all of you that came along. Without you and your enthusiasm it wouldn’t have been the success it was. Here’s hoping for many more fun times in the future.
JUST A FEW VISUAL MOMENTS OF THE CEILIDH TO SHARE AND REMEMBER
FUTURE EVENTS
2011 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
The official notice of the AGM follows at the end of this Newsletter. Please be good enough to make a special effort to come along. It’s an important annual event and it depends on you to ensure the continuity of the Society. This year we are departing from the usual venue and will be meeting in the more congenial surroundings of the Tai Ping Restaurant owned by Society Members, Colin and Pam Wing. Tea and Coffee will be available with the compliments of the Society. Colin and Pam have graciously offered to open up early for us and, if you would like to stay on after the meeting, they have arranged a special lunch, at a very special price available only to members of the Society. The AGM will start promptly at 11 o’clock in the morning on Saturday 27th August, so please come early to ensure you find parking. Tai Ping is located on the corner of Dean and Wilkinson Streets in Newlands – entrance in Wilkinson Street. If you’re not sure where that is please ‘phone and we can direct you – but not after the start of the meeting as our ‘phones will be switched off at 11 o’clock.
WHISKY TASTING:
Together with Maureen Sharpe, President of the Irish South African Association, we’re hoping to arrange a combined whisky tasting of Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey, sometime later in the year. We’re working on it – watch this space. By the way, this was mentioned, in passing, to Sian Erasmus, President of the Cape Welsh Society and she mentioned that she might have an introduction to some Welsh Whiskey. (Oops! I didn’t know there was such a thing – sorry Sian!) This could prove interesting if we can get it all together!
KIRKIN’ ‘O THE CHIEF AND THE CHIEF’S AT HOME:
The dates and venues for these events will be shared with you all, sometime after the AGM.
ST ANDREWS NICHT / 130TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE SOCIETY:
The date of this very important and prestigious event is Saturday 3rd December 2011. Please diarize this date because, God willing, it will not change. The venue hasn’t been finalized yet but it will be somewhere special and you are assured of a great time of celebration. If we can negotiate where we would like to be, then there will definitely be limited seating so you will HAVE to book, and pay, early to ensure entrance. We’ll let you know as soon as we have the details all tied up – but don’t forget the date!
NEWS FROM PINELANDS CALEDONIAN SOCIETY
The Pinelands 2011 AGM was held on Saturday 2nd July and was quite a lively affair with many Members offering ideas and suggestions. Despite urgent pleas for new nominations over a number of months they fell on deaf ears and Eddie and Ann Stevenson were re-elected as Chief and Lady President and so were the Committee Members together with one new Member.
Their “Chief’s at Home” celebration will be in the evening of Saturday 27th August – the same day as we hold our AGM (in the morning) at Tai Ping.
NEWS FROM THE CAPE TOWN CALEDONIAN PIPE BAND
Pipe Major Tony Reis was invited to pipe with the South African Irish at the Tattoo recently held in Basil, Switzerland. He was there over the weekend of our Ceilidh – busy man! On his return on the 26th July from what he said was an “unbelievable Tattoo”, he was immediately thrown into the final preparation to travel, the very next weekend, to Benoni with the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band, to compete in the South African National Championships.
Tony reported back to us on Saturday evening (just before 12 midnight!), as follows, on the exciting news of the success they achieved:
“Hi everyone,
After not competing for 4 years, the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band competed over the weekend at the South African National Championships held in Benoni.”
“We were well received by all the other competing bands from around the country. Most of the bands were from Joburg. As a matter of fact, there were only three bands from outer Joburg, ie CTCPB (us) and 2 bands from Durban.”
“Coastal bands always battle with altitude in the Joburg area and with the weather playing up the way it did before Saturday, we knew we were in for a very tough ride. Fortunately on the day, the weather warmed slightly, but it still took a full 2 hours for me to get the pipes tuned to where we were ‘sort of’ satisfied.”
“Anyway, we competed in 2 events. We were on at 11H50 with our Selection of Marches (± 5 minute performance), and on again at 12H20 with the March, Strathspey & Reel (also ± 5 minute performance).”
Results:
Selection of Marches – we came 1st
March, Strathspey & Reel – we came 3rd
Overall: – 2nd in our Grade!!
“To crown off a reasonable, but enjoyable weekend, the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band won: Drill, Dress & Discipline, which was not expected at all.”
“So it’s back to band practice tomorrow evening at Fort Wynyard to start planning for next year’s competitions!!”
“Regards”
“Tony”
Tony, on behalf of the Society, please accept my very sincere congratulation to you and the Band on a great achievement. We knew you could do it – of that there was no doubt – but it’s always nice to see it in print. To say we’re proud of you all doesn’t really say enough but I’m sure you know what I mean – we ARE proud of you!
Congratulations were also received from a number of quarters but noticeably from:
“Hi Tony,
My congratulations to you and all the members of the CTCPB for the magnificent achievement.
Congratulations from all of us at the Gatwick Caledonian Pipe and Drums as well.
Regards to all.
Mac / Malcolm.” (McHenery)
And:
“Tony
Congratulations to you and every member of the CTCPB – we are very proud of you!
You have made Cape Town very proud. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
ALDERMAN JAMES VOS
Ward Councillor for Ward 5
Member of the Tourism and Events Portfolio Committee of City of Cape Town Council”
NEWS FROM THE DANCE FLOOR
Heather Hodgson sent us this lovely photograph together with most interesting news:
There has been no shortage of opportunities for Scottish Country dancers in the Fairest Cape to lace up our ghillies and take to the floor these past few months. The most recent event was our Mandela Day Dance on 18July. This formed part of a series of charity dances organized by Clan Colquhoun and hosted by Fish Hoek Scottish Country Dance Club, which have seen dancers from Cape Town’s seven clubs gather together for an enjoyable evening’s dancing for a good cause.
The programme for the Mandela Day Dance is compiled so that we dance for 67 minutes in keeping with the spirit of Mandela Day and we dance the 46664 (Four, Double Six, Six Four) Jig. There is no charge for this dance but dancers bring along contributions of food for hampers for folks in need, pet food for an animal welfare society and books for a charity helping children in rural regions. It’s an evening of fun where kilts blend with Madiba shirts.
On 11 June the Somerset West Scottish Country Dance Club celebrated their 54th birthday with a party. The dancing was done to recorded music as is the norm here but we were fortunate to have two pipers from the Cape Field Artillery Pipes and Drums to start the evening by leading the Grand March for the 38 dancers who attended.
There were two tables (sets in Scottish Dance terminology) of Scottish Country Dancers at the recent Cape Town Callies Ceilidh at Fort Wynyard. We appreciated the opportunity to share the joy of dancing with those present. Six of us demonstrated a couple of dances – Montgomeries’ Rant and Byron’s Strathspey – before it was the chance of the audience including the Chief and Lady President to join us on the floor for a few dances including Virginia Reel and Welcome the Dance. A new alliance was formed on the evening when we all danced the Gay Gordons to the skirl of the pipes and drums provided by the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band. Next time we hope the band will play for us for Mairi’s Wedding and the Dashing White Sergeant.
Please do visit our web site www.scd.za.net where you’ll not only find ‘recaps’ and photos from recent events but also details of upcoming dance events and classes. Newcomers and spectators are always welcome and there are opportunities to dance across the peninsula on most evenings of the week.
Some of the special events coming up are Rondebosch’s party on 16 August, a “By Special Request” Charity dance in Fish Hoek on 29 August, Braai and Dancing on 24 September and the Bergvliet Scottish Country Dance Club are hosting an open evening of dancing on 20 October.
We hope to meet you on the dance floor.
Heather Hodgson
2nd August 2011
NEWS FROM THE HIGHLAND AND IRISH DANCERS
Judy Lucas kindly put together the following interesting news for us just before she leaves for Australia:
HIGHLAND DANCING:
The past 3 weeks have been extremely busy.
Firstly, the Constantiaberg Festival was held on sat. 23rd July.
Then 11 Cape Town dancers travelled to Gauteng for the South African Highland Championships held at the Benoni Gathering on Sat. 30th July. (Note from Stuart: this is the same Gathering attended by the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band) We were very pleased with our results and we congratulate the following dancers on their achievements:
Robyn Searle winning the 12 & under Novice and Amber Vogel the 13 & over Novice Sections.
In the 15 & under Championship Kate Ellis was placed 3rd and Cathryn Goodwin 6th.
In the 16 & 17 yrs Championship Daina Johnstone and Taryn Ballentine were placed 5th & 6th respectively. Both these girls have come out of serious injuries and this was the first time this year that they were able to compete. Taryn Ballentine also received trophies for 3 of her 4 National dances.
On Sunday an examiner from Scotland conducted a Judges exam. Taryn Harkness, Hayley Johnson, Jeanette Moulder and Jess Workman were among the candidates. These ladies have been studying for this exam, under Heather Booysen’s guidance, for the past 18 months. They now have to wait until the end of the year for results.
The same Examiner, Shendl Russell, then conducted Highland exams for the Cape Town dancers on Thursday 4th August.
IRISH DANCING:
The next few months are also busy for these dancers.
We have 2 competitions coming up
Sat. 13th August: Bergvliet High School – all day
Sat. 17th September: Milnerton Playhouse – all day.
At the end of September the dancers head back to Gauteng for the SA Irish Champs.
ANNUAL CONCERT:
Sat 22nd October: Combined Dance Studio Concert. Shows at 3pm & 7pm.
NEWS FROM OTHER SOCIETIES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
We’re hoping to pass on news of activities happening in other Caledonian Societies from next month on. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from their functions and outings.
NEWS FROM FEDERATION
SAD NEWS:
Norma Craven has passed on the following sad news on Monday 1st August:
The Federation has learned with great sadness the passing away of Jimmy Mackie in Scotland on Sunday. Jimmy was a past Federation Chief, who served the Caledonian movement well for many decades. We send our condolences to Jean and the rest of their family.
CONGRESS:
There is still time to apply to attend the 87th Annual Congress of the Federation of Caledonian Societies in Welkom, from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October 2011. You have until 31st August to have your application in and all costs paid. Please see the June/July Newsletter for details and the application form.
NEWS FROM KINDRED SOCIETIES
IRISH SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION:
Geoff Winton. We received an email via Peter Ross from Marguerite Winton, who is a Past President of the Irish South African Association, about the sad passing of her husband. Unfortunately, I received it too late to pass it on via one of my email Flyers but it’s important that I share this with you all now:
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that our beloved Geoff passed away peacefully at a long illness, bravely fought, at Constantiaberg Medi Clinic, Cape Town on Sunday July 31st 2011 at 18.00. Funeral will take place at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Bergvliet Road, Bergvliet on Fri Aug 5th at 14.00. You are all welcome to join us as we celebrate Geoff’s life while we mourn his passing.
Geoff will be greatly missed by all of us – by Beni, Clover, Sophie, Eloise, Dominic, Amber-Rose & Hugo as well as his 3 grandchildren – Summer Rose, Callum & Maisie & of course by me…….. If you can’t be with us on Fri please join your thoughts with ours that day as we bid farewell to Geoff.
Love,
Marguerite
Maureen Sharpe has reported that activities are a little quiet at the moment but – watch this space – things will start to get going the closer we get to Christmas.
CAPE WELSH SOCIETY:
Sean Erasmus says that the opening World Cup rugby match between the Springboks and Wales on September 11th will be watched with avid interest in Melkboss. I wonder which team they will be supporting?
NEWS FROM THE CAPE GARRISON ARTILLERY
THE CGA LADIES GROUP – “The Cute Girls Association”:
Over the past two months the ladies have arranged two very successful social evenings. The first was a Jack Parow evening – everybody HAD to arrive in fancy dress and the second was a Bingo evening held in the CGA Officers Mess at the Castle. Here’s some pictures to get you thinking:
Jacinta hosted a card making workshop at Dulce Café in Plumstead for some of the “Cute Girls”. There was great fun in discovering the creativity in each one – see the above ‘photo on the right.
Jacinta has been inducted into the CGA Ladies Group (I call it the Officers Wives Club but that’s not correct). One interesting thing is that whenever they have a meeting (at Fort Wynyard on the second Tuesday of every month – to plan future functions, or any outreach to others less fortunate than themselves) should a Cellphone (Mobile) ring, immediately the owner is charged with a non-returnable R50 fine which goes into the ‘kitty’ they build up to help others.
Vidius Archer, Danie Steyn and I have been discussing how the Society’s close association with CGA can be of more social benefit to both the Society and CGA. The outcome of these discussions will, I think, add tremendous value to the historical memory of the Society and the future enjoyment of Members. Thanks Vidius and Danie for your enthusiasm and encouragement.
NEWS FROM SCOTLAND
ONLY IN SCOTLAND?
Being Scottish is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgian beer, then travelling home, grabbing an Indian curry or a Turkish kebab on the way, to sit on Swedish furniture and watch American shows on a Japanese TV.
And the most Scottish thing of all? Suspicion of all things foreign!
Only in Scotland can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
Only in Scotland do supermarkets make sick people walk all the way to the back of the shop to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in Scotland do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a DIET coke.
Only in Scotland do banks leave both doors open and chain the pens to the counters.
Only in Scotland do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds on the drive and lock our junk and cheap lawn mower in the garage.
Only in Scotland do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won’t miss a call from someone we didn’t want to talk to in the first place.
Only in Scotland are there disabled parking places in front of a skating rink.
Not to Mention..
3 Scots die each year testing if a 9v battery works on their tongue.
142 Scots were injured in 1999 by not removing all pins from new shirts.
58 Scots are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.
31 Scots have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.
19 Scots have died in the last 3 years believing that Christmas decorations were chocolate and Scottish Hospitals reported 4 broken arms last year after Christmas cracker pulling accidents.
18 Scots had serious burns in one year trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.
5 Scots were injured last year in accidents involving out-of-control Scalextric cars.
and finally…
A massive 543 Scots were admitted to A&E in the last two years after trying to open bottles of beer with their teeth.
AND YOU THOUGHT THESE THINGS HAPPENED ONLY IN SOUTH AFRICA?…YEA!…RIGHT!
From your Chief, Lady President, Council and Scribe
