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Friday, January 29, 2010

Notices

Vrettos Dennis Beloved brother of Ann and Alex Georgiades, uncle of Nicholas and Christopher, passed away in Johannesburg on 24 January 2010.He will be sorely missed.
++++++++Irene Beets - Dear friend of Chris & Greta Smith of Cape Town passed away 15th January 2010. No more pain Irene, we will miss you heaps. Rest peacefully in Gods garden.

RECYCLING.

Received from Charlene Hewat

We believe there is benefits from recycling and here they are:
1. firstly almost 70% of our household organic waste is put in bins
and sent off to the dumpsite, so we need to create composts in all
households.
Worm farming can also be done and this can also be done in flats. If
we can reduce this this is a major major contribution to our environment.
It
will help reduce the landfill site which bye the way is not a proper
landfill site. It is just a dump with no lining which means that
everything that is dumped there will eventually get into our ground
water and then - that is what we will drink. We are trying to
establish community action groups to take up action on issues such as
this and would appreciate any help from people interested. We also
need to push for changes in the bye laws so that for all low density
housing no compostables will be collected and if they are these
houses are fined. We are working on this in Victoria Falls where
composting is not allowed at present can you believe it. So pressure
on council to change, composting and ultimately worming is the way to
go
on this one.

2. Plastic is recyclable here in Zimbabwe and there is an excellent
company recycling called Pollywaste. You should go and visit their
factory and see what they are doing. They even pick plastic from
the dumpsite where hundreds of pickers live.

3. paper is recycled. We have three paper mills in Zimbabwe all
taking paper. This major issue is the collection

4. cans : this is currently an issue. Some 8 years ago we fought the
legistaltion to stop cans from coming in to Zimbabwe but lost and now
we need to make sure they are kept out of the environment. There are
many of our communities especially in chitungwiza who recycle or
should I say reuse the cans making toys. We are trying to establish
a way of making roofing out of the cans for use as chicken roofs and
rabbit roofs. Still in process. The cans are mainly tin with aliminum
tips and lids. If one can remove the alliminium the tin can be used
in pit beds in the garden as it puts the necessary nutrients back into
the soil.

5. Glass is reused and also recycled. However, our recycling factory
in Gweru is not up to scratch and needs to be revamped. There is also a
glass cooperative in Pomona who recycle glass - they do wonderful stuff.
We are trying to get funding to bring in a machine to make glass tiles,
this would be an excellent way of reusing glass.

There are people in Zimbabwe who make money out of recycling. Some of
these lesser privilaged live on the dumpsite. This is quite a site
and something that should be seen. We have produced a recycling
booklet for schools and awaiting funds to publish it and send it out.
Local recycling centres are a key way of looking at recycling but we
need to bring in the companies as well.

Car batteries are recycled and we worked with the company Chloride and
help establish a pellet making machine so all is reused there. Hope
this helps give further info and we would really appreciate any info
as we look at pushing recycling in Zimbabwe further.
Environment Africa belongs to all Zimbabweans and we are looking for
continued support and volunteers to help our environment and our
people in
Zimbabwe. Please feel free to pop in and see us

Kind regards
Charlene Hewat
CEO
Environment Africa

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Notices

DORIS KILEFF-JANSEN

It is with great sadness that we let you know that Doris Kileff-Jansen died on 26 January 2010.

Her river of life has finally run its remarkable, sparkling course and, just 2 days after her 89th birthday, flowed into the vast ocean of eternity.

If so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity.

We will be celebrating Doris's life and will let you know once arrangements have been made.

Sonja, Clive and Brian

kileff@africaonline.co.zw

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DENNIS VRETTOS

Friends please be advised that the memorial service for the late Dennis Vrettos will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church, Leopold Takawira Street, on Friday 29th January 2010 at 9.00am. You are invited to attend the wake at Old Georgians Sports Club, Groombridge, at 12.00 noon.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIANA HOPCROFT

Di Hopcroft died very suddenly on 23 January 2010. Di, devoted wife to Paul, mother to Bindy and Vicki, grandmother to Tristan and Taya, was well loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11am, Friday 29th January 2010, at Bushman Rock Chapel, Bushman Rock Estate, Ruwa.

Directions: Take the Mutare Road, travel through Ruwa and immediately before the old Jamaica Inn at the +- 35.5 km peg turn left onto a rural council dirt road. Directions to Bushman's Rock Estate Chapel
(Disie) will be clearly placed from thereon.

Wake to follow.

Please bring a plate of savoury snacks. Limited bar initially at wake, but cash bar thereafter.

Contact Rose Worthington 0912-339415

e-mail: worthynr@yahoo.co.uk

hoppy@zol.co.zw

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

REPS REPORTER – JANUARY 2010

The 50/80 Celebration year is now well under way, following the very successful 50th anniversary night for the theatre on January 13. We had a wonderful evening, with a good house to enjoy 50 Golden Years, our anniversary production directed by Sue Bolt. In the foyer was an excellent display of programmes and pictures from productions since opening night on January 13 1960, along with a full notice board of messages of congratulations and goodwill from around the world, including a delightful one from Pauline Pank (better known to older members as Pauline Bailey), who featured in the opening production, Romanoff and Juliet, and from many other well-known friends and members from the past 50 years. Just before curtain up, I had the pleasure of escorting in our Guests of Honour, the Mayor and Mayoress of Harare, Mr and Mrs Much Masunda, and after a short speech from me, we had one from the Mayor and then we all sat down to watch the show, with drinks and snacks afterwards. What a super way to commemorate this anniversary and to use it as a means of reminding ourselves what a special place Reps Theatre is, not just for us members but for the community as a whole. Happy birthday, Reps Theatre! And here’s to a really great 50/80 celebratory 13 months.

Memorabilia now available to order
As you know, we have linked up with a supplier to produce anniversary memorabilia with the Reps 50/80 branding on it, everything from pens to back packs, and we encourage you to order some of this for yourselves. The first order has come through and if you would like to find out what is on offer and how to order, as well as make an order at the next call, please contact Erin Cooper in the Reps office.

Superb drama on stage this month
Kevin Hanssen is directing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, an excellent award-winning drama written by Tom Stoppard and featuring two of the characters in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This is a Repteens production, with some Repteens on stage and many of them involved in set creation and backstage activities. Other youngsters are also featured in the play and we hope they may well come on board as Repteens this year! The production runs for only one week – with preview night Monday January 25 (pensioners free and all others $5), opening night Tuesday January 26 and performances thereafter at 7pm each night until Saturday January 30, with a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Much work has gone into this production and it is going to be excellent viewing for everyone. We are especially encouraging schools to come along, so block booking discounts are available and for this show only children’s prices applies to everyone aged 18 and under. You can book in advance at The Spotlight. Highly recommended and well done to Kevin for taking on this project.

Repteens and Preps on the go
Repteens and Preps are back in action after the Christmas break. Both groups run during schools terms only, with Repteens meeting on Fridays at 6pm and Preps on Saturday mornings from 9am. Linda Hyde is co-ordinating Repteens this year and Katie Cooper has taken on Preps for the first time – thanks to both of them for taking on these really important tasks that provide such fun and adventure for young people and also get young people coming onto the stage or get them involved in backstage activities. Preps is for the 6 – 12 year olds, while Repteens is for the 13-19 group. If you have a youngster who would like to get involved, bring him or her to a session and have them signed up.

Season Ticket introduced
You can now buy a Season Ticket for 2010, allowing you to see 12 productions (11 now that 50 Golden Years is behind us) for a discounted price. To find out more about this offer, call Erin Cooper in the Reps office. Reps members enjoy a particularly good discount through this initiative and it means you have access to all the Reps shows as well as selected hires or joint ventures coming up this year on Main Stage (no Theatre Upstairs productions included in this first Season Ticket).

February offers the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s
During February, Seasons In The Sun will be staged at Reps – a fun musical revue featuring the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s told in song and dance. It is a follow-up to the very popular Those Were The Days and Top Of The Pops of the past two years and once again stars an excellent cast of singers, including Richard Sticklen, Nikki Ziehl, Shamiso Gukuta, Nigel Hopkins, Dean Jones, Aaron Ziwande, Innocent Museve, Rowland Amm, Faith Ganyau, Rumbi Chimunda, Julian Vos and Walter Nyamapfeni. Also on stage will be June Cloete’s dancers and our narrator-performers will be Erin Cooper, Marc Thomas and George Gukuta. Directed by Stan Higgins, choreography is by June Cloete and musical direction by Iona Jones. This has a short run of only nine performances, so early booking at The Spotlight is open and strongly recommended. It opens on February 18 and ends on February 27, with evening shows throughout (except Sunday and Monday) and two matinees (2.30pm on the two Saturdays of the run). Ideal entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Noel Coward’s Hay Fever presented in Theatre Upstairs
Zane E Lucas will direct Hay Fever in Theatre Upstairs in late February/early March and, with his usual flair and style, will no doubt present us with a wonderful production filled with top-rate performances, Coward’s outstanding wit and the class we have come to expect from this amazing director. On stage will be Fiona Garrity, Josh Ansley, Chloe Cattin, Erin J Housam, Thea Cutler, Ryan Lawrence, Musa Saruro and Sue Evans. As you can this, this is an outstanding production in the making and, once again, early booking is recommended – already open at The Spotlight.

Thanks to the people who help make Reps happen
Once of the really delightful things about being Reps Chairman is seeing all the amazing input that goes into making Reps happen, all day every day, all year round. Members, friends, supporters and suppliers rally to get the job done and it is remarkable just how much effort everyone puts into the theatre and the society and all the things we do. Among these, of course, are our sponsors and I would like this month to single out some more very special people and organisations for a big thanks for yet more help and assistance:
Toyota Zimbabwe (Ian Howden) and MWEB Zimbabwe (Cassandra Maseko) for their sponsorship of the food at the January 13 golden anniversary gala, as well as Chris Lander for not only preparing the food but also giving it to us at cost! This was a marvellous gesture and helped make a special night even more special. Crystal Candy (Poppy Psillos) also sponsored chocolates, while Forget-Me-Not Florist (Debbie Purse) and Northwood Floral Group (Eve Stranix) did floral displays and the Bonney families (Joan and John, Adrian and Steve) arranged the foyer display. Pacprint (Marc Pozzo and Greg Pozzo) printed the programmes and Namael Graphics (Shaun Leaman) did the programme layout. Kevin Whaley and Tracy Garrard gave us sound equipment, in their usual generous way.
Sawpower for their continued use of the generator at a special price (and no hire fee when not in use!), as well as for arranging a hugely discounted brush cutter for cleaning-up the area – and then for paying half of the price of this brush cutter! Ralph and Rose stead, and their son, Greg, are great friends of Reps and their support is greatly valued.
Burco Business Solutions for providing the superb screens in the Members’ Bar, onto which are placed information related to the bar and the two theatres. Special thanks to Ryan Lawrence, who works at Burco as well as being an active member of Reps, and also to Tony Jordan and Dave Robinson of Burco for their support.
Spar Zimbabwe for their sponsorship of fliers and posters for the panto in December, enabling us to get a huge number out and about, and also for the nightly hampers that were prizes in a lucky draw.
Celsys and British Council for their sponsorship of recent fliers and posters for shows.

Valentine’s Day coming up
Sunday February 14 will be Valentine’s Day and Social events are staging a special afternoon in the Members’ Bar. Watch out for notices when entertainment and catering have been finalised, but diarise now for a fun day, especially for the romantics and lovers among us.

Congratulations to the nominees
Well done to all those people nominated for awards for the 2009 Reps African Distillers Awards. Below is a list of nominees and we wish them all the best for awards night, Saturday March 6. On this night we invite all Reps Members to come along and see who wins the awards and have some fun – showtime is 7pm. We are honoured that Afdis is again sponsoring this important event and we look forward to having Yvonne Mambo and her colleagues from Afdis, as well as selected customers, with us on the night. The nominations list:
The John Keeling Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role:
George Gukuta as Lovemore in Joining the Club
Kevin Hanssen in Tomfoolery
Mike Southall as CS Lewis in Shadowlands
Marc Thomas as Henry Perkins in Funny Money
The George Barnes Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role:
Erin Cooper as Jean Perkins in Funny Money
Anne Fischer as Anne in Shock
Fiona Garrity as Joy Gresham in Shadowlands
Shamiso Fadzisai Gukuta as Patience in Joining The Club
The Alan Parkinson Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
Martin Bolt as Simple Simon in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Tim Harrap as Major “Warnie” Lewis in Shadowlands
Ryan Lawrence as Vic Johnson in Funny Money
Jason Linforth as Andy Flewin in Shock
Michael and Stephane Thomas as Flip and Flop in Sing a Song of Sixpence
The Allan Shaw Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
Sue Bolt as Queen Dilly in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sue Evans as Margery in We Need a Man
Fiona Garrity as Audrey in We Need a Man
Karen Howard-Beard as Betty Johnson in Funny Money
Philippa Johnston as Joan in We Need a Man
The Prentice Trophy for Best Performance in a Minor Role:
Erin Cooper as Fran in Top of the Pops
Kevin Hanssen as The MC in Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Robert Marple as Rev. Harrington in Shadowlands
Greg Mizon as Christopher Riley in Shadowlands
Adam Snape as The Passer By in Funny Money
The Reps Award for Best Performance by a Junior:
Amy Bolt in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Cameron McCosh as Douglas Gresham in Shadowlands
The Alastair and Wendy Booth Award for Best Comedy Performance:
Sue Bolt as Queen Dilly in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Erin Cooper as Jean Perkins in Funny Money
George Gukuta as Lovemore in Joining the Club
Andrew Hyde in Tomfoolery
Marc Thomas as Henry Perkins in Funny Money
The Dave Roberts Memorial Trophy for Most Outstanding Musical Performance:
Jamie Bell in Top of the Pops
Debbie Fleming in Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Mark Hyde in Tomfoolery
Richard Sticklen in Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
The Sue Greener Technical Award:
Steve Bonney for the set design of Shadowlands
Anne Fischer for the set design of Shock
Linda Frampton for the musical direction of Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Tim Garrard for the stage management of Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sue McLaren for the décor of Shadowlands
Mary G. Miles for the wardrobe of Sing a Song of Sixpence
Aileen Taylor for the wardrobe of Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
The Hugh Dornhurst Trophy for Best First Performance in a Reps Show:
Colleen Hardy as Beryl in We Need a Man
Cameron McCosh as Douglas Gresham in Shadowlands
Mike Southall as CS Lewis in Shadowlands
The Mary G. Miles Trophy for Best Contribution to Dance and Movement:
Debbie Fleming for the choreography of Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Kevin Hanssen for the tango in Tomfoolery
The Oude Meester Trophy for Best Production of 2009 (all Repertory Players Productions are finalists in this category)
Tomfoolery, Top Of The Pops, 2008 Reps Afdis Awards Show, Shock, Shadowlands, Joining The Club, Nobody Famous, We Need A Man, Funny Money, Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2 and Sing A Song of Sixpence.

Until next time, keep well and make the most of your Reps membership.
yours theatrically
Teri Grimmel, Chairman

Sunday, January 24, 2010

life as it is today in Zimbabwe 1

Things have changed in Zimbabwe over the last few months. To think that this time last year we had to import all our food from South Africa and now we have a choice on the shelves - almost all imported products.
The use of the USD and the Rand have made a tremendous difference to our lifestyle. but are things slipping back to where they were?
There are gaps on supermarket shelves - is this bad ordering on behalf of the store - or is it a sign that people cannot afford the goods there and therefore ordering by the big chains has to be limited?
I have spoken to several people recently who we thought were tremendously wealthy - almost all have lost almost everything due to the collapse of CFX and Old Mutual. The stock market is looking up but has been through better times.

So we go on.

No one knows what to pay for their utility bills - Electricity is the most problematic. first you must pay or be cut off - then a credit - only pay $30 for high density areas and $40 per month for low density - some people are only paying $2 a month - I was told this by the clerk at the post office who was taking the ZESA (electricty) payments!

We are asked to pay $10 for water a month - we have not had water for nearly 2 years - each time the meter reader comes he has the same reading - what a waste of money even sending him round to our area! perhaps the money would be better spent on repairing the gushing water leaks in other areas.

So we go on and on.

The weather is warm and humid - one relies on one's friends - and people clan together.

If one wants to be entertained their is something going on every day - from art exhibitions, musical performances, theatre, film, discussions, lectures, parties and society get togethers. Social life definitely still exists!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE

20th January 2010

We would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2010!

On the 21st of December, we went to Kariba and stayed at Nzou Lodges, close to the NAU Charara site where the infamous party takes place. We never take a radio or a TV there because it seems almost sacrilegious to disturb the peacefulness and natural silence of the bush with music. Until the 29th of December, there were very few people there and it was wonderful to sit quietly listening to the beautiful sounds of nature. We were very lucky because there was a herd of 11 bull elephants in the vicinity for the duration of our stay and every night, we were treated to a visit from one or two of these majestic beasts, walking right past our cottage.



Then on the 30th of December, the peacefulness was abruptly shattered. The disco was set up in Charara and the party-goers starting arriving. Cars, motor bikes and quad bikes were screaming up and down the dirt roads and the silence was replaced with the continuous thump-thumping of music emmanating from the disco, the cottages and the cars. Pick-ups loaded to the hilt with teenagers, waving drinks in the air, shouting and cheering, drove recklessly past the elephants and the hippos.



On New Year's Eve, we arranged for a young ZCTF member to attend the party. He reported that the ages of the party-goers ranged from about 13 to 18 and children who were obviously much younger than 18 were buying alcohol from the bar. He could smell the unmistakable aroma of marujana and in the early hours of the 1st of January, many of these young people were sprawled all over the ground in a semi-comatose state. He saw one young couple copulating in the dirt behind a car, in full view of people walking by. At midnight, fireworks were set off, in blatant disregard of the signs at the entrance of Charara "Strictly no fireworks." We were deeply saddened by this total lack of respect for the wildlife.

According to our member, a police detail was present but they did practically nothing. They sprang into action once when a fight broke out but otherwise remained inconspicuously in the background. They were not in the least concerned about the ages of the children buying alcohol or about the setting off of fireworks.

We noticed a change in the behaviour of the 11 elephants. They seemed to be aggravated and confused, flapping their ears and trumpeting. We watched anxiously from a distance as one bull mock-charged a car full of youngsters, knowing that if he had carried out the charge, somebody could have been hurt or killed and then the elephant would have been classified as a problem animal and shot.

We have tried to put a stop to this party or at least to have it moved to a location closer to Kariba town, away from the main wildlife preserve and we will carry on trying. The problem is, the party is a money spinner for the organizers, the National Anglers' Union who obviously feel that making money takes priority over everything else. It may surprise them to know that some things are more important than money.

BUFFALO SHOT BY NATIONAL PARKS

We have received a report from a disgusted South Africa tourist who spent 3 weeks in Charara just before Christmas. He was fishing in Charara watching 2 buffalo grazing contentedly when suddenly, a contingent of National Parks staff members appeared in a landrover and shot them, in full view of the tourist.

He reported the matter to the Charara National Parks officials who nervously told him that they had instructions from officials in Harare "to get meat to the fat cats there."

On his way back to Harare, he stopped behind a National Parks landrover at a road block. The landrover was full of fresh meat, some of which was given to the police manning the road block.

According to Charara residents, last year there were 96 buffalo in the Charara area and at the last count 2 weeks ago, there are only 65 left.

A MOTOR BIKE FOR STEVE KOK

We are trying to raise funds to buy a 250cc off-road motor bike for Steve Kok to help with his anti poaching patrols in Charara. If anyone is selling a bike, please contact us.

ILLEGAL HUNTING

Over the past 10 years, we have been circulating reports about the decimation of the wildlife in Zimbabwe and in so doing, we have been accused of sensationalism, alarmism, exaggeration, being an "enemy of the state" and even downright lying. We have stated several times in the past that once most of the animals on the private game ranches had been slaughtered, the poachers and illegal hunters would turn to the "protected" National Parks for their ill-gotten gains.

The increasing number of reports we are receiving with regard to illegal hunting and poaching within the National Parks is cause for grave concern. Several incidences have been reported to the Director General of National Parks who, to date, has failed to respond.

The problem with illegal hunting within a National Park is that it cannot take place without the assistance of National Parks officials and there are many cases where they are involved, either for personal gain or because they are following orders from more senior officials or politicians. We have a list of people, some very high profile, whose names regularly appear in reports received. If anyone would like to see the names, please contact us.

ROBINS CAMP - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

In July 2009, 5 Romanian hunters, a professional hunter and a National Parks official were arrested for illegally hunting elephant in Robins Camp. The case was never finalized. The culprits were released and their equipment returned, it is believed upon instructions from the Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources.

In October 2009, a South African professional hunter admitted that his French client had bow hunted an elephant in the Robins area and that he had paid USD5 000 , which went into the pocket of the head warden to enable his client to hunt within the National Park.

SIKUMI FOREST - HWANGE

In August 2009, an American hunter illegally shot an elephant with a bow and arrow in Sikumi Forest, using watermelons as bait to lure the elephant out of Hwange National Park. The hunt was conducted by a South African professional hunter in collaboration with a Zimbabwean professional hunter and the American was apparently unaware that the hunt was illegal. The hunting party was guilty of hunting without permission in Sikumi Forest, bow hunting without the necessary permit and using bait to attract the elephant.

The South African professional hunter paid USD2 000 to the Zimbabwean professional hunter and USD2 000 to the concession holder to facilitate the hunt and the American client was assured that everything was legal and above board.

These reports are just a small percentage of the reports we have received and all names are available upon request.

RHINOS POISONED

War veterans near Humani Estates in Chiredzi have resorted to poisoning rhinos since they have failed to make a success out of the farm lands they were allocated in 2000. A spokesman said that the war vets are placing poisoned cabbages at animal drinking points so that the animals will eat them when they come to drink. He said that most of them are working as agents for South African based rhino horn dealers who have flooded the area with firearms. He claimed that they are even poisoning some small dams in the area in the hope that the rhinos will drink from them.

THANK YOU

Our heartfelt appreciation to three fourteen year old girls, Sophie Kelly, Natascha and Amy who raised 50 pounds for us whilst Carol singing in the UK. It means so much to us when such young people make an effort to preserve our wildlife.

Thank you also to the following people who have assisted with donations:

John and Helen Buckle
Charlie Thompson
Rita Nichols.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Landline/Fax: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 11 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15148470211

Monday, January 18, 2010

Condole4nces

Irene Beets (nee Senior ) much loved sister of Brenda & Tony, aunt of Sharon & Kim & great Aunt of Tenielle & Kristen, lost her battle with cancer in the early hours of 15th January 2010. No more pain, at peace now, we will miss you so very much." Another Rose in Gods Garden " Love you " I "
++++++Irene Beets beloved wife of Alf passed away early morning of 15th January 2010 after a brave battle with cancer. Now at peace with no more pain. " I will miss you darl, love you so much."
++++++++Irene Beets - Darling beloved mother of Eric, Sean & Cheryl, loving mother-in-law of Mel & Markus & Gran of Alex, Catherine, Kimberley & Yasmin after a painful battle with cancer, passed away early morning of 15th January 2010. Will be sorely missed by us all but you are at peace now Mom & no more suffering. We will all love you forever
+++++++Irene Beets ( Senior) Much loved sister of Ray, Beryl & family, will be sorely missed. No more pain, rest in Gods garden. Love you Irene
+++++++Beets:IrenePassed away in the U.K. on Friday 15th January.Lots of love to Alfie and all the family.Allan(Fats) and Karen
+++++++"Nobby" Clark husband of Jean and father to Gillian and Tony, ex RAF and Douglasdale, Bulawayo, passed away peacefully in his sleep in New Zealand in the early hours of Sunday 10th January. Our sincere condolences to Jean and the family. He was a gentleman and a good friend. We will not forget you "dear boy"The family may be contacted through Gillian at gillox@xtra.co.nz
Mike and Fiona Lander"
+++++Please extend my sincere condolences to the late Dave Sanger's family. Dave was my first 'boss' way back in the sixties at Wm. Bain and Co in Grey St. Bulawayo. I applaud Dave for his wonderful manner and for the many wonderful lessons and examples in business etiquette that I am proud to have carried with me throughout my various business opportunities. Rest in peace.Colin Rodger
Email cwgrodger@telkomsa.net

ENGAGEMENT

ENGAGEMENT: Our darling Tarah-Lee Mason to Terence Randall on 25th December 2009. Congratulations!! Best wishes to you both. Love Moo and Dustyn.

An interesting observation from Bulawayo

STAPLES AND STITCHES !
Why is it that the Modern Girl has such an aversion to sewing ?My dearly loved Mum taught me quite early to "sew a fine seam" - Mum was a great seamstress, everything she made had an "Harrods" look about it, I had quite the best wardrobe in the world when I was a child.Aunty Poppy Vowles gave me her sewing machine when I turned 18. Uncle George gave her a modern new fangled electric sewing machine but she was unable to fathom the darn thing out, so she would keep her treadle one next to the new fangled one, and quickly switch them when Uncle George went out of the room !!Hence I became the proud owner of a Singer with all the modern gadgets. (Well as modern as they were way back in the dark ages !!)Eveline School had obligatory sewing lessons in Form One and the very first garment we made was a pair of broekies !! How well I remember, they used a whole metre of fabric, they were enormous, gargantuan even, and they were turquoise blue which was the Eveline school uniform colour. It was compulsory to wear them, and if I remember correctly, we sometimes had "broekie inspection" to see if we were wearing giant knickers suitable to the status of a young lady !!Thank goodness Latin was offered as an alternative in Form Two and we could divert our efforts away from the sewing room, but that term's worth of sewing stayed with me and my love for stitch witchery bloomed when I much later became a Mum.My Babies had just the best nurseries, everything hand sewn by Mum from the curtains to the crib cover, from the tiny vests to the soft baby wraps.Mum also taught us embroidery and I found comfort in slip stitches, satin stitches, stem stitches and the like. My linen cupboard is still full of beautiful applique table cloths done with love by Mum, that I never dare use !!My two Girls were the best dressed girls always at the Falcon College Dances as year after year we scoured fabric shops, searched for dress patterns, and after much fitting and fussing, they arrived at the College Bus looking gorgeous.Sadly these two modern misses certainly did not inherit my love for thimble work and it seems that it is not a popular choice of subjects at schools these days. However I was thrilled to see that Girls' College in Bulawayo now has "Fashion and Fabric" back on the curriculum !!Mind you these modern misses are innovative if nothing else. I labored for hours to make a cute lace-edged chef's cap for my O level candidate daughter, while My Social Secretary Tracey made her daughter's O Level cookery hat in a flash out of an old bra strap, a white napkin folded into a triangle, and two safety pins......And it was HeeHoo who introduced the Girls, in my absence, to the natty invention of using a stapler to pin up faulty hems !! I will always remember way back when HeeHoo and I were first wed, most of his seams and hems were held together by staples, even in some most delicate and vulnerable areas !!Sewing is such an amazing art and the person who has perfected it in Bulawayo is Jen Brebs whose every gift, large or small, is lovingly sewn in exquisite cross stitch.One's life was the richer in those tapestry days gone by, I still examine the "Family Quilt" with fondness as I can uncover the threads of a whole life time of beautifully sewn outfits.Every tiny piece in the patchwork brings home wonderful memories of dresses made so lovingly all those happy years ago.

AREND PIETER MENAGE

Died at Faro, Portugal 14th January 2010

Pieter Menage farmed at Beatrice in the 1970s.

His widow Doreen can be contacted by Email:-apmenage@hotmail.com.

Tel.No. (351) 289 791026

Friday, January 15, 2010

LLOYD SKINNER

Lloyd Skinner,aged 37. Taken by a shark whilst on holiday in Cape Town on
12 January 2010. Lloyd was a well loved family member and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.

Contact email clint.skinner@gmail.com

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WILLIAM WAKEFORD MEYER

In Loving Memory of William Wakeford Meyer, beloved husband of Helen and loving father of Tamzin, Byron and Myles.

The Memorial Service will be held at the Dutch Reformed Church - Chegutu on Friday 15th January 2010 at 11 o'clock.

Ladies please bring a plate of eats to the Church.

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CEDRIC TRAVERS LAMB

Deepest sympathy to Penny and the family. So glad we had a chance to
talk

at the club lunch

Will be praying for you all

God bless

Trish Parker

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

African Distillers Awards of Excellence -

We are pleased to announce this year’s nominees for the African Distillers Awards of Excellence -

The John Keeling Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role:
George Gukuta as Lovemore in Joining the Club
Kevin Hanssen in Tomfoolery
Mike Southall as CS Lewis in Shadowlands
Marc Thomas as Henry Perkins in Funny Money

The George Barnes Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role:
Erin Cooper as Jean Perkins in Funny Money
Anne Fischer as Anne in Shock
Fiona Garrity as Joy Gresham in Shadowlands
Shamiso Fadzisai Gukuta as Patience in Joining The Club

The Alan Parkinson Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
Martin Bolt as Simple Simon in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Tim Harrap as Major “Warnie” Lewis in Shadowlands
Ryan Lawrence as Vic Johnson in Funny Money
Jason Linforth as Andy Flewin in Shock
Michael and Stephane Thomas as Flip and Flop in Sing a Song of Sixpence

The Allan Shaw Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
Sue Bolt as Queen Dilly in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sue Evans as Margery in We Need a Man
Fiona Garrity as Audrey in We Need a Man
Karen Howard-Beard as Betty Johnson in Funny Money
Philippa Johnston as Joan in We Need a Man

The Prentice Trophy for Best Performance in a Minor Role:
Erin Cooper as Fran in Top of the Pops
Kevin Hanssen as The MC in Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Robert Marple as Rev. Harrington in Shadowlands
Greg Mizon as Christopher Riley in Shadowlands
Adam Snape as The Passer By in Funny Money

The Reps Award for Best Performance by a Junior:
Amy Bolt in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Cameron McCosh as Douglas Gresham in Shadowlands

The Alastair and Wendy Booth Award for Best Comedy Performance:
Sue Bolt as Queen Dilly in Sing a Song of Sixpence
Erin Cooper as Jean Perkins in Funny Money
George Gukuta as Lovemore in Joining the Club
Andrew Hyde in Tomfoolery
Marc Thomas as Henry Perkins in Funny Money

The Dave Roberts Memorial Trophy for Most Outstanding Musical Performance:
Jamie Bell in Top of the Pops
Debbie Fleming in Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Mark Hyde in Tomfoolery
Richard Sticklen in Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2

The Sue Greener Technical Award:
Steve Bonney for the set design of Shadowlands
Anne Fischer for the set design of Shock
Linda Frampton for the musical direction of Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Tim Garrard for the stage management of Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sue McLaren for the décor of Shadowlands
Mary G. Miles for the wardrobe of Sing a Song of Sixpence
Aileen Taylor for the wardrobe of Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2

The Hugh Dornhurst Trophy for Best First Performance in a Reps Show:
Colleen Hardy as Beryl in We Need a Man
Cameron McCosh as Douglas Gresham in Shadowlands
Mike Southall as CS Lewis in Shadowlands

The Mary G. Miles Trophy for Best Contribution to Dance and Movement:
Debbie Fleming for the choreography of Broadway Hits and Musical Bits 2
Kevin Hanssen for the tango in Tomfoolery

The awards will be held on 6 March 2010, in the theatre and as always, tickets for this event are absolutely free of charge to Reps Members. Please contact Erin in the office for tickets.

Reps Theatre – Celebrating Theatrical Excellence!

DR. A.W BROWNE

Died peacefully on 1st January 2010 in his 80th year. A much loved family Doctor who played rugby for Ireland before venturing out to Africa. He will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, and children Susan and Mark and grandchildren Andrew and Stuart. E-mail contact bowa@zol.co.zw

Monday, January 11, 2010

Notices

CEDRIC TRAVERS LAMB

Cedric Travers Lamb died 10th January 2010, farmer in Karoi until 2002.

Beloved husband of Penny and father of Sandra, Heather and Wendy.

Will be greatly missed by the whole family.

There will be a Memorial Service tomorrow, Tuesday, 12 January 2010, at 3pm at the

Dandaro Community Centre, Borrowdale Rd.

Contact details: thom@zol.co.zw

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JOHN ROBBIE GRAY

Passed away 4 January 2010 aged 91, in Queensland, Australia

Formerly of Harare. John worked for William Bain and was a co-founder of Highlands Sports Club.

Contact Anne (nee Gray) and Bevis Smyth

e-mail: smythfam@bigpond.net.au

7 Kagoola Close

Chapel Hill

Queensland 4069

Australia

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Turner Tony

Tony, O Captain ur Captain. Most beloved husband, dad and boom boom of Nicky, Jenny, Jack, Thandi, Angie, Rob, Terl, Christian, Jo, Lucho and Estella. Taken suddenly from us. Our precious Captain, you leave a devastated family but we send you fair winds and a following sea on the next leg of your journey.

Jo Turner

MULENJA TRADERS P/L - ZIMBABWE
Tel / fax : 00 263 (0)4 883685
Mobile: 0912 260 803 / 011 412 371
e-mail: info@alco.co.zw

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NOTIFICATION OF MEMORIAL SERVICE

THOMAS DUMONT DE CHASSART

9.00am Friday, 15th January 2010

St Michaels School Chapel

(Ridgeway, North Rd, (opp Borrowdale Junior School)

Friday, January 8, 2010

REPS REPORTER – JANUARY 2010

Dear Members and Friends

Here’s a short note to you to start off the new year.

First off, best wishes to you all for a very successful 2010. I hope your Christmas and New Year celebrations were good and that you had a safe and peaceful festive season. Reps has been extremely busy during this period, with two excellent shows on stage and a major social event on New Year’s Eve, as well as visit by many former members or supporters who now live out of the country but who ‘came home’ for Christmas. Thank you to all those members who have already paid their subs for 2010 and a reminder to everyone else to please get yours in before January 15, please.

The year ahead is an exceptionally busy one and if all goes according to plan we shall have one of the best years for the theatre and society! What we need is your continued support and involvement – and perhaps an even greater involvement from some members who are not at present actively involved in any area of endeavour within the society.

Our 50/80 celebration is now underway as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Reps Theatre on January 13 and we take it right through to the celebration of the Repertory Players’ 80th anniversary on February 17 2011 – 13 months of activity. There are a number of productions lined up for this year, many of them Reps productions but others are joint venture or hire shows. They will all be good and each of them needs support from members and promotion from members among their family, friends and colleagues.

You can now buy a Season Ticket for 12 productions being staged during 2010 – at a really good discount price. Call Erin Cooper at the Reps office to find out more. While there, check out our anniversary memorabilia catalogue and find out when the next orders will be placved for these excellent mementoes of our 50/80 celebration.

Our theatre’s anniversary will be celebrated with a production called 50 Golden Years, written by Dawn Parkinson, directed by Sue Bolt and with musical direction by Meg Mackenzie. It has only four public performances after a gala night start – Jan 14 (7pm), Jan 15 (7pm), Jan 16 (2.30pm and 7pm). This will be a delightful revue that will entertain family audiences.

Next up is a drama called Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Kevin Hanssen, featuring Repteens and other young actors and actresses. It runs from January 26 to 30.

In February Reps presents a musical show called Seasons In The Sun, directed by Stan Higgins as a follow-up to Those Were The Days and Top Of The Pops. This fun shows will once again feature music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, presented in song dance by a wonderful cast of singers and dancers.

Zane E Lucas, who had such hits during 2009 as Cabaret and Striking 12, will present Noel Coward’s Hay Fever in February in the Theatre Upstairs. This will no doubt be as well-produced as his other productions and well worth watching.

Until later in this month, when we shall send out a second January newsletter, here’s wishing you well and inviting you to share in the excitement of Reps during 2010.

Yours theatrically
Teri Grimmel, Chairman

Condolence Notices

Marjorie Blaylock, beloved mother of Maureen, Roger, Richard, Anthony and Linda. Passed away peacefully on the 4th of January 2010 in South Africa. She was 95 years old. Mrs Blaylock ex telephone accounts, UBH and Garden Park.Memorial Service to be held on Friday 8 January 2010 at Revival Centre, Galway Road Famona
++++++SANGER Dave
Dave, dearly beloved husband of Bernice, Father of Maureen and Wendy, and Grandfather of Ashleigh, Kate, David, Christopher and Caitlin passed away after a long illness bravely borne, on 1 January, 2010.Bernice Sanger bernice.sanger@googlemail.com+++++++
SANGER. -- Dave. Good friend for many years in Bulawayo. We shared an awful lot of good times in the BSAP, Bulawayo Club and more places than I care to remember. Rest in peace, Old Pal. Our deepest sympathies to Bernie, Maureen, Wendy and families. -- Peter and Denise Botwright++++++CondolenceDave Sanger- in his 85th year passed away peacefully on New Years day in Kent, England of an illness bravely borne. Loved husband of 54 years of Bernice,Most beloved father of Maureen and Laurie (NZ) ,Wendy and Don (UK) and adored and devoted 'Pa" of Ashleigh & Greg, Katy & Woody,David,Christopher and CaitlinOur darling Dad you were the best, always there for us all, we will miss you dreadfully , RIPemail: bernice.sanger@googlemail.comwellybonds@xtra.co.nz
+++++++DAVID SANGEROur deepest sympathy and love to Bernie Sanger, and our dearest friend Maureen on the loss of your beloved Pa.We have so many fond memories of Pa, and when we used to "wrap" him around our thumbs during our school days. Pa used to give us so many laughs and was always such fun to be around. He will be so sorely missed.Our loving thoughts are with you all Bernie, Maureen, Wendy, Laurie, Don, Ash, Kate, David.With all our loveKaren, Ian, Neil, Mark and Alan & Chloe++++++
MACKAY. -- Kim, passed away December 30. Our love and sincere condolences to Nicky, Angus and Russell. Rest in peace, Kim. Peter and Denise Botwright, Perth, ScotlandPeter Botwright peter.botwright@homecall.co.uk

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Pro-Mugabe bishop locks out faithful

Anglicans forced to pray in the street as Zimbabwe cleric refuses to accept sacking
By Alex Duval Smith in Harare
Thousands of Zimbabwean Anglicans are being locked out of churches and cathedrals, and forced to hold services in the street, amid a worsening row between two Church factions that mirrors the country's political crisis. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have condemned Zimbabwean authorities for siding with Nolbert Kunonga, the dismissed former bishop of Harare. Archbishops Rowan Williams and John Sentamu said the "unprovoked intimidation of worshippers" reflected the ongoing oppression of those perceived to be sympathetic to the opposition. Mr Kunonga, who claims to be a fervent supporter of President Robert Mugabe, was sacked in February 2008 by his superiors in the Church of the Province of Central Africa. He claimed to be unconvinced by the province's stand against Anglican moves to ordain homosexuals. But critics of Mr Kunonga say he is simply power-hungry and is using the homosexuality issue as an excuse to ingratiate himself with President Mugabe, even though Mr Mugabe is a Catholic.
Mr Kunonga has claimed his opponents are supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change, which they deny. The scene on a recent Sunday on the corner of Baker Avenue and Second Street, where the stone cathedral of St Mary's and All Saints has stolidly stood since 1934, is being replicated at churches all over the country. Congregants, two drummers and members of the choir arrived in dribs and drabs and gathered around the heavy oak doors, waiting for someone to turn up with the key. "We never know, from one Sunday to the next, whether we are going to gain access,'' said Father Farai Mutamiri. Members of the congregation recalled being tear-gassed last March by riot police loyal to Mr Kunonga who burst into the cathedral during the service. "That is when we took the issue to court,'' said the Rev Phineas Fundira.Mr Kunonga's appointed replacement as head of the diocese of Harare, Bishop Chad Gandiya, has been fighting court battles ever since. "We increasingly don't know what to do. We have some Anglicans in the Zanu-PF politburo so we are going to turn to them for support." The locked-out Anglicans believe Mr Kunonga's position is hardening and see no let-up in the support he is receiving from elements of the police. At St Mary's the congregation finally decided to hold their service on a lawn next to the cathedral car park. Fr Mutamiri and the Rev Fundira changed into their vestments, set an altar on a small table and produced wafers from a picnic basket. Fr Mutamiri said the congregation had remained united and that most regulars supported Bishop Gandiya. "We are holding house services, and sticking together." But he did not call for further intervention from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. "We are accused of being pro-homosexual and pro-MDC, which we are not. We are just a peace-loving congregation who wish to be able to carry on worshipping together. We would like the Church of the Province of Central Africa to solve this issue, which is centred on their former employee. But if the Archbishop of Canterbury gets involved that could strengthen the perception that our agenda is for regime-change, which it is not," said Fr Mutamiri

EU to revise Zimbabwe sanctions

EU to revise Zimbabwe sanctions
Harare - The European Union (EU) next month will meet to revise targeted sanctions and travel restrictions on President Robert Mugabe and his cronies in line with how the unity government has been implementing outstanding issues in the Global Political Agreement (GPA), a senior diplomat said Monday. "The European Union will meet in February to revise its position on the sanctions. The decision will be collective and each member country will come up with their position," a senior diplomat told Radio VOP on condition he is not named. "The revision of the sanctions list will be based on the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA)." The EU and the United States slapped Mugabe and his close to 200 cronies on targeted sanctions for human rights abuses and unfair elections over the years. The Brussels based EU and the US only removed travel warnings to Zimbabwe on their citizens after the unity government was formed in February last year.
Meanwhile the French embassy has distanced itself from a story carried in the state controlled Herald newspaper on Friday reporting that the out-going French ambassador Laurent Contini called for the removal of sanctions when he bade farewell acting President Joice Mujuru. An official at the embassy said: "I held a brief with the outgoing ambassador and he said that he did not say that. Our position will be made in February." An EU team came last year on a fact finding mission on the situation in Zimbabwe and said the block will only fully re-engage with Harare if the GPA has been fully implemented. Mugabe has demanded that sanctions against him and his senior Zanu PF officials must be removed 'as they are not serving any purpose anymore' since the formation of the unity government. Zanu PF at its congress early in December resolved that they will not accede to anything in the on-going talks with the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) factions to resolve outstanding issues which are yet to be resolved by the unity government.

This should be of interest to everyone

AgricAfrica Ltd
NEWSLETTER NO.32

AA & THE DUTCH FARMERS ASSOCIATION (DFA) AT THE INTERNATIONAL COURT FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES (ICSID) GROUP 1 - Bernardus Henricus Funnekotter and others v. Republic of Zimbabwe - (ICSID Case No - ARB/05/6) visit - www.worldbank.org/ICSID

November 01, 2006 - The Tribunal was constituted.
October 31, 2007 - The Tribunal holds a hearing on the merits
February 25, 2009 - The Tribunal declares the proceeding closed
April 22, 2009 AWARD RENDERED.
July 21, 2009 LAST DATE FOR PAYMENT OF THE AWARD BY GOZ.
July 22, 2009 NO PAYMENT RECEIVED AND
August 01, 2009 - REMEDIAL ACTION BY DSIA NOW UNDERWAY

Editors Comment: Readers will remember that at the Tribunal hearing during October 2007 the GOZ accepted and acknowledged that they are required to pay compensation to the 10 Dutch claimants for having evicted them from their farms. Unfortunately GOZ has NOT kept to its word in this regard and no payment of the AWARD has been received on the due date by the DSIA Lawyers in Washington. Therefore DSIA have taken remedial action, which for the time being must remain subjudice.

The DFA has in the meantime changed its name to The Dutch Small Investors Association (DSIA), Ben Funnekotter has stood down as chairman, which position is now taken over by Lion Benjamins with Ben retaining the post as Treasurer.

Compensation and Restitution for AgricAfrica Ltds Mandate holders and others

In the first instance, I must take this opportunity of thanking AAs shareholders for their continuing support to me as their Chairman as was demonstrated at the recent shareholders meeting in Lusaka. And also my special thanks to our + 1500 mandate holders, for their continued support and thus giving AA the all important Critical Mass the company needed to assist the DSIA at ICSID G1 so as to achieve an AWARD situation. The critical mass will also be needed again for ICSID G2 which is I am pleased to say is coming together and should be well underway early in the New Year.

I have received emails from many of you over the last six years and whilst I have always tried to answer them, I know of late that I have been very remiss in not responding to you all and I hope you will accept my apologies. Therefore it is important that I address the following remarks to you all as they are also in response to your queries expressed in many of your recent mails.

I think perhaps Derek Jameson says it all, in his email to me on 16th December 2009 when he says:

"Dear Bob - Just a short note to ask you if you think there is any possibility, however small, of the farmers being paid out for their improvements, as was stated way, way back? As far as I am concerned, I am not holding out any hope at all, the way things are going. However, I would like to hear your opinion. - Many thanks - Derek"

Thus, I will try and answer your queries as I personally see the situation in as few words as possible!

ALL SINGING FROM THE SAME HYMN SHEET - The first thing to remember and it is worth repeating, is that if you the Farmers are to be successful as Claimants for Compensation and or Restitution, then the most important action you have to take is for you ALL to come together and be seen to be acting through one organisation,

This is in fact what the Compensation Coalition (CC) set out to do in 2004 under the leadership of John Laurie. In the early days, some people seemed to think that there were too many groups trying to represent the Dispossessed Farmers. However, what may not have been clear was that each group had a specific task/s to deal with and in most cases, did not step onto each others toes!

For instance:

1. The Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) was the historic representative of all commercial farmers and is still seen as such by the International Community and the Government of Zimbabwe (GOZ). Regardless of differences over recent years the CFU will be the farmers main voice in any negotiations. If you can as dispossessed or otherwise, AA and I encourage you to support the CFU, by paying what ever subs are required and therefore being a member.

2. Agric Africa Ltd (AA) is a Commercial Organisation (which is registered in Mauritius with specific shareholders) - The company raised funds that were used principally for legal purposes and is a facilitator that has received over 1500 written and signed mandates from Dispossessed Comercial Farmers of all nationalities including Zimbabweans. These mandates gave AA the Critical Mass that it needed and still needs when talking too and dealing with the World Bank and International Community on behalf of all dispossed commercial farmers.

3. AA and ICSID G1 Tribunal AA has over the last eight years continuously perused INTERNATIONAL COURT CASES on behalf of its Mandate Holders at its own expense. The first effort being to obtain the LEGAL OPINION from Lord Lester QC in London. In the light of the opinion, AA has successfully focused its financial and other energies in assisting the 13 Dutch Nationals as Claimants from the DSIA against the GOZ. The ICSID G1 Tribunal is within the World Bank Forum and you should ALL note that The World Bank is the banker for the International Community.

4. AA and Payment of the AWARD - In the meantime AA is currently assisting the Legal Team and the DSIA in securing payment of the AWARD, bearing in mind that it is enforceable in 140 odd countries around the world.

5. AA and ICSID G2 The Company is presently coordinating and bringing together a second group of BIPA Claimants who are Nationals from Holland, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. We anticipate the plans for this project to come together early in the New Year and hopefully see positive developments by the end of 2010 or early in 2011.

6. The Valcon Data Base and ICSID G1 - This facility was successfully used by the professional Valuers at the ICSID G1 Tribunal in Paris and was largely instrumental in highlighting and achieving the values for the AWARD.

7. Valcon Data Base and ICSID G2 Valcon will be participating as the valuers at ICSID G2 as they are now fully recognised by the World Bank (WB), The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU) as professional and competent valuers. Valcon are therefore fully geared to deal with the issues of Compensation and or Restitution for all + 4500 Commercial Farmers who have had their properties expropriated by GOZ.

8. ZAT and the lobbying of the UK Government - The Trust was formed as an independent body to lobby in the UK. It has established links with the UK government and other bodies and it is distinct from the various charitable bodies such as the Zimbabwe Farmers Trust. However and perhaps more importantly, ZAT has also established very good lines of communications with Senior Members of Parliament from both the present government and the opposition parties.

9. Government of Zimbabwe (GOZ) and the Diplomatic Corps in Zimbabwe - The lobbying of the GOZ, the Diplomatic Corps and others in Zimbabwe is handled by the CFU.

10. Von Abo cases SA I must congratulate Mr Von Abo for bringing the court cases in the South African Courts and we wait with baited breath to see if the South African Government will pay the Compensation due to him for the several farms expropriated by the GOZ.

11. SADC The GOZ has decided that the SADC tribunal was not legally constituted and therefore chooses to ignore its judgements, which are in favour of the farmers. However these judgements exist and besides, whilst being great precedent setters, have very high profiles on the African continent and are most useful in the lobbying of the Interventional Community. Quite what effect the recently signed, but still to be ratified Bilateral Investment Treaty between Zimbabwe and South Africa will have on these cases, remains to be seen and is already being raised following the Christmas eviction of a Rusape farmer.

12. THE FUTURE As I personally see the situation, it is that we must now wait for the next two major political events and these are:

a. A General Election in the UK and a Change of Government there. This could happen early in the New Year or at the very latest, in October 2010.

b. A proper General and Presidential Election to be held in Zimbabwe that must then precipitate the return to the rule of law etc to the country. This must happen as soon as possible after the General Election in the UK, if not before.

c. The Zimbabwe Elections will hopefully signal to the International Community and in particular the UK, European Union and the USA, to assist in starting the process of rehabilitating the economy of Zimbabwe, in particular Agriculture.

13. Land Audit - As soon as the above two elections are done and dusted to the satisfaction of everybody, then these events should be followed, by the completion and publishing of the Land Audit. Thereafter the establishment of the relevant Tribunal/s in Zimbabwe should and I reiterate in my opinion, become a reality for ALL dispossed Commercial Farmers as claimants.

14. COMPENSATION AND RESTITUTION DEAL When this deal is completed and ratified, then it will be decision time for you all as Claimants. I am of the opinion that there will be an element of Restitution and or, probably Compensation for your farm being the Land and improvements plus, and I would further suggest such Compensation will only be paid over a period of time by GOZ, but hopefully underwritten by the World Bank and or the International Monetary Fund. Therefore, I believe that it will be up to the CFU and its facilitators to ensure that they get the best deal for the dispossed farmers in this regard.

If my predictions are correct, then you will all begin realise how important it is that ALL claimants come together and that means;

A. Claimants must support the CFU and its associates. To contact the CFU, email Vice President Charles Taffs: ctaffs@cfuzim.org or phone him at the CFU HQ No: 263 (0) 4 309843.

B. You must all ensure that all your ducks are in a row i.e. title deeds, company ownership and registration thereof are in order and

C. And finally most important, Claimants must ensure that they have registered their farm/s with Valuation Consortium (Pvt) Ltd Suit 1 to 4 Lindsey House Samora Machel Ave Eastleigh P O Box 4272 Harare Zimbabwe Tel: +263 4 746654/55/48 Email: valuationconsortium@gmail.com

I hope that the above gives you all some idea as to how I see the Compensation and Restitution Stakes will come together and will probably be run off over some fairly difficult hurdles during the next two years.

I know that some of you have already seen the ZimEye article that was circulerised recently headed Under David Cameron, UK will strike a deal with Mugabe - Bere. I very much hope that ALL those involved in the putting of Humpty Dumpty Together Again will take note of the last paragraph of what one Mafi said in response to the article and I have quoted it below!

Mafi on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 7:01 pm
This time deals will not be fixed in distant England but in the vicinities of the likes of Mzarabani, Tsholotsho, Mpamdawana, and Mrambinda.

Finally I have taken the liberty of copying and pasting two very relevant paragraphs from Moraig and Peter Hennings Christmas letter to their family and friends which follows below.

Peter and Moraig Henning December 2009

Recently there have been some very positive legal events which have raised our spirits immeasurably, confirming that compensation for the land seizures nonsense, or even restitution, are now absolute realities.

During the past year or so, our resolve has been fortified with significant case law. Up to the present, eight Court outcomes (8 / 0) have occurred in Paris (ICSID), Windhoek (SADC Tribunal), the SA Supreme Court and the SA Constitutional Court. Collectively and separately they uphold the protection of our humanitarian, personal and property rights in Zimbabwe. This includes declaring the farm seizures illegal and discriminatory, and unequivocally confirming our right to compensation and recourse in the Courts, and more. Dutch and South African farmers in Zim find themselves in strong legal positions to pursue compensation, or possibly restitution for those who want it. In fact the Dutch have already been awarded a substantial sum - Peter and Moraig

Letters Received:

From: Bill Carter - Gwebi Agricultural Collage

Dear Bob - The year 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of Gwebi. I wonder if there are any late 70 and/or early 80 year olds of Courses 1 and 2 still out there. I know that so many have passed on, but I would be delighted to hear of or from wives or any of the early students still around.

I had occasional contact with Peter Pilcher and Niel Purdon before I left to come to South Africa, but those are the only two I know of. The late Peter Fletcher and I went out to the College for the 50th Anniversary, and we former students had a small get-together at the Ruwa Club, but that is the last I have heard of anyone. My email address is wac@iuncapped.co.za and so please contact me with your news, I would love to hear from you - Thanks. Bill

Funeral Notices
Dumont de Chassart, Thomas Jean: Died at his home in Scottburgh on Monday, December 14, 2009. Beloved husband of Lilian, loving father of Michelle (deceased), Phillip and Nicole, adored Bonpapa of Andrew, Stephanie, Natalie, Gabrielle, Katrina, Robyn and Jemma.
His funeral took place at St. Clares Catholic Church, Scottburgh at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 17. Requiem Mass was conducted by Bishop Graham Rose. A memorial service will take place in Zimbabwe at date to be advised.
Van Duren, Herman - Died suddenly in Australia on the 11th November 2009. Dearly beloved husband of Marga and special father of Adele, Paul & David and You will always be remembered.
Fussell Malcolm Boots - Died peacefully on the 19th November 2009 in England. He will be very lovingly remembered by Dawn, Michael & Jennifer, Pip & Frances, William & David and the many wonderful friends that filled his life. Contact: Frances Fussell: 0912-302292 Email: pmfussell@zol.co.zw or Dawn Fussell: 00-44-1480435460 Email: dawn.fussell6@talktalk.net
As soon as we receive notification of a payment of the AWARD in respect of ICSID G 1 and further developments for ICSID G2, I will of course put out another AA Newsletter. In the meantime, all that remains is for me to do, is to once again thank you all for your support and hope you all had a very Happy Christmas and that you all have a Prosperous New Year.

Kind regards,

Bob Fernandes
45 Yew Court
Old Bridge Road
Ilkley
LS29 9HH
West Yorkshire
Tel: + 44 (0)1943 605 004
Mobile: + 44 (0) 7717 593 757
Skype C/s: bob.fernandes1.
Email: bob@agricafrica.com

We cannot change the wind, but we can adjust our sails. Anon
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