Dearly B. Loved
OnToplist is optimized by SEO
Add blog to our blog directory.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR AUGUST 2011

August has seen an increase on crime and some nasty incidences have occurred. House robberies with money, mobile phones, laptops, jewellery and cameras taken, but in most cases money has been the main criteria. The incessant power cuts of long duration have added to this, with most alarms and security systems unable to be fully charged before the next power cut…… its not an easy situation and therefore vigilance and back up security plans must be in place. With the warmer weather just around the corner please make sure all grills and windows have strong locks and alarms are used in areas not occupied and even during the day where possible. There are known gangs moving in and around Harare, known to Police as well, so we all need to be on our guard. Please report any suspicious gatherings to your nearest Police Station or Satellite in your area, as these have been spotted on the corners or verges listening to your domestic and gardening staff as to the activity of the residents, and then break ins or attempts have been reported. These perpetrators are surveying and picking up information from innocent chatter. Squatter camps in many suburbs are known to harbor criminals and stolen property, and these are hard areas to control, this is where the Neighbourhood Watch sticks come into play, so please support and get involved where possible.

Nissan Hard body was stolen from the Headlands farming area, and please remember NO vehicle is excluded from the ‘hit’ list as older models are broken up and sold as spares … we all know to replace these vehicles is a very expensive exercise. Northwood is another area reported for vehicle theft. Please check with Vehicle Theft Squad at Southerton Police Station on a regular basis for recovered vehicles, take your Police Report and RRB number with you.

Please be careful when leaving a venue after a party, where possible do not drive alone especially the young. It has been reported of vehicles stopped at gun point and money being asked for, this is traumatic at any age and extreme caution is advised at all times.

Lets become more security minded …….

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTIHIJACK TRUST: Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Eddie Cross - The Dip Tank Looms

Eddie Cross - The Dip Tank Looms


Most of my life has been tied up one way or another with cattle and if I was to choose a career it would be ranching in one of our semi arid regions. It is a tough life, not very profitable and every five years or so drought wipes you out. But for all the difficulties, providing you can afford to sink a large amount of money into a property, it is a great way of life. I have good memories of working cattle on my godparents ranch when I was still a young teenager.

An integral part of ranch life is the periodic dipping of cattle to take care of tick infestation. In the winter months you can probably slip this to once a month, but in the wet season its every fortnight or even weekly. In many areas the system used employs a dip tank and I have built many of these in both tribal and commercial farming districts.

They comprise a concrete lined trench - perhaps 10 metres long and two wide, deep at one end and then sloping up to the exit where there is a long paved passage to allow the cattle to drip off when they have been through the dip.

The dip liquid then flows back into the trench or `dip tank' to be reused.

Various chemicals are used and in the early days we used arsenic at a controlled strength. The objective being to kill the ticks and other parasites on the animals but not the cattle.

On the ranches the cattle are often pretty wild and we used to have to build a holding pen for the cattle that was pretty strong and high. A Brahman bull or cow can clear a two metre high wall with ease if put under pressure. The same applies to the drainage passage beyond the dip and after that another holding pen - a bit less robust.

The situation of Zanu PF is pretty similar to the task of managing cattle on a ranch; painstakingly we have collected them from all over the place and brought them into a holding pen before dipping. This is what the GPA process has been all about. In 2006 we stated that we would force Zanu PF into negotiations, get agreement on conditions for a free and fair election and then following such a process, supervised by the region, exercise our right to a democratic transfer of power.

Since Livingstone, Zanu PF has discovered that it is caught in a closed pen and the only way out is through that dip tank. They have been trying to get out; attempts at jumping the fence have not proved successful, attempts at breaking down the gates and getting out back into the grazing area have been frustrated by the herdsmen outside the kraal.

Inside the kraal is one of the senior herdsmen - he is in there with a cattle prod and he is using it to force the cattle through the dip. At some stage one of the animals in the kraal is going to break and take the plunge and then the others will follow. In the process, the ticks and parasites that have been feeding on the cattle will be killed and will fall off the animals and a new and sanitized Zanu PF will emerge on the other side.

The importance of the Livingstone Troika summit, followed by the extraordinary summit at Sandton and now the ordinary summit of the Heads of SADC States in Luanda has been that the region has kept Zanu in the pen.

They are not going to allow them to avoid the dip tank and despite every maneuver, every ploy, every diplomatic effort, Zanu PF has been unable to break the consensus in the region. I have often said that observers should not underestimate the commitment of the region to the GPA and the process it represents. Those of us, who are in the crisis in Zimbabwe, have little or no choice but to work inside the GPA process in order to make progress.

Up to now, the Zanu PF leadership has believed that they could frustrate the GPA and find an escape route. Now they know, there is no escape and they must face up to the fact that they either go through the dip or they negotiate. My own view is that the pressure to negotiate has been increasing steadily and that the hard liners, who have in the past forced the manipulation of the democratic process to stay in power, have been losing ground.

That they are desperate is evident and the death of General Mujuru may well be connected to this internal struggle in Zanu PF - it's tough inside the kraal, big animals and lots of hooves and horns, dangerous for anyone inside with the cattle. They tried at the Luanda summit to get the senior herdsman fired; instead the region reinforced his role. The moderates in favor of reform and negotiations must be very careful; the hardliners are dangerous and will stop at nothing to get their way.

What can the rest of us do? We can make sure that the dip is of just the right strength to kill the ticks and not harm the cattle. We can stand outside the kraal and react when an attempt is made to climb over the walls or break down the gate. Then when the dipping is done, get the cattle dried off as quickly as we can and take them once again out to pasture and growth.

Every day in the pens, is lost production and progress and it is the owners of the Ranch that suffer - the people of Zimbabwe and the SADC region.

I have seen many reports of disappointment about the SADC Luanda summit but I think it went to script. Regional leaders stuck to their guns and treated Morgan Tsvangirai with dignity and respect. They did the same to Robert Mugabe, but at the same time politely told him that they were not going to allow him out of the kraal, until dipping was complete. Quite a scary time for the ticks.

Eddie Cross

Bulawayo, 20th August 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Thomas Edwin Broxham

The memorial service for the Late Thomas Edwin Broxham September 1941-August 2011 will be held at the Prince Edward Chapel on the 24th August 2011 at 11am.  There will be teas afterwards in the pavilion.  Friends and colleagues are welcome to join the family. Cornelia 0772 285326 or Graeme 0733 676 978

The Rev. Dr. Alan Megahey (Rector of Peterhouse, 1984 to 1994)

The Rev. Dr. Alan Megahey (Rector of Peterhouse, 1984 to 1994)

Peterhouse is saddened to announce that a former Rector and a serving governor of Peterhouse, The Rev. Dr Alan Megahey, died at his home in Leadenham, Lincolnshire on 19th August after a short and valiant battle with cancer. Elizabeth and his daughter Anne were with him when he died.

The funeral will be held in the Leadenham parish church at 2pm on Friday 26th August.

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Peterhouse in the future, on a date to be advised.

The Rectory
Leadenham,
Lincolnshire,
LN5 0PX,
UK

elizabethmegahey@btopenworld.com

Stuart Mattinson
Chairman, Board of Governors

Monday, August 22, 2011

Agricultural Showgrounds

Agricultural Showgrounds – NB The speed limit on the section of Samora Michel Ave opposite the Exhibition park has been reduced to 20km (usually it is 70km) for the duration of the show.

Warning

 Just a quick one for you – a friend was on her own and stopped at the Borrowdale school lights on the borrowdale road after a show at REPS so it was not that late– there were a whole lot of blacks with fluorescent jackets on – they looked like Police but there was no vehicle around my friend became suspicious– they were very aggressive; my friend realised that they were not Police and she put her foot down and left the scene very shaken.  The same night my hairdresser was robbed at the same place by the same people.  I think the Police should be told about this and the Public be made aware that this is going on.

Recent Deaths

simonhammond0@gmail.com The Rev. Dr. Alan Megahey (Rector of Peterhouse, 1984 to 1994) Peterhouse is saddened to announce that a former Rector and a serving governor of Peterhouse, The Rev. Dr Alan Megahey, died at his home in Leadenham, Lincolnshire on 19th August after a short and valiant battle with cancer. Elizabeth and his daughter Anne were with him when he died. The funeral will be held in the Leadenham parish church at 2pm on Friday 26th August. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Peterhouse in the future, on a date to be advised. The Rectory, Leadenham, Lincolnshire, LN5 0PX, UK elizabethmegahey@btopenworld.com Stuart Mattinson Chairman, Board of Governors

………….
Dalton Cowap - my Grandfathers memorial is at the Highlands Presbyterian Church on Thursday 25th August at 10am. Many thanks Susan Cowap sue_cowap@hotmail.com

………….
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JOHN BRYCE HENDRIE to be held at Arundel School Twiss Pavilion on Thursday 25th August at 12 mid-day. Please join us in celebrating John's life. mackie@zol.co.zw Many thanks! Jane & Charles Mackie

15 Scanlen Drive Borrowdale Harare Land Line +263 4 861078 Jane +263 772 130179

REPS

One of the key focus areas for Reps at the moment is building up the membership base, an exercise that will bring in more members – including those who are theatrically inclined and those who will be social members. The result of a successful membership drive will be a stronger society, not the least in financial terms. Reps needs all its current members to help in this drive – and if anyone can explain why Reps is a great society and a pleasant group of people to be associated with, it is you, the member. You know why you are a member. You know how important Reps is within your own life. Tell people! Ask them to join us and become members.


Membership forms are available on request in the Reps office, as well as in the Members’ Bar and in The Spotlight. They are also available for download on the membership page of Reps’ website (http://www.reps.co.zw/members.php).

But we thought that it would be nice to reward you for bringing in new members, too!

Reps has been given the kind donation of a week at the Blue Swallow Lodges at Troutbeck, Nyanga from 18 – 25 November. In all, the Lodge can sleep up to eight people. The time has been given to Reps by a member (for which we are hugely grateful) and we are covering the fees that go with the use of the facility. All you have to do is pack your walking shoes, golf clubs and fishing tackle and get your party up there.

To qualify for a draw for the week at Blue Swallow, you need to introduce a new member. For every new Reps member you propose or second between June 1 and September 30, you will be allocated one ticket in a draw to win the week in the mountains.

If you have not been a member for a full two years (and therefore not able to propose or second), you are not excluded. Speak to someone on ExCo or in the Office. We will accept the new member on your behalf and ensure that you get the Blue Swallow entry ticket. To make it fair, those members who, by nature of their role in Reps get to sign up new members routinely (e.g. Chairman, Theatre Manager and so on) will only receive a ticket for members they introduce personally – not for any that they sign for ex officio.

The draw will be held in the Members’ Bar on Friday October 14.

We are hoping that you will respond enthusiastically to this opportunity. Unallocated tickets in this draw will be sold as a fund-raiser between September 30 and October 14. We’ll have more details on this nearer the time if it proves necessary.

Please feel free to contact the office or me if you have any questions, but in the meantime, go get some new members!

Many thanks

Mike Southall
Membership
Reps Theatre
Harare

reps.membership@gmail.com
+263 77 220 2228



PHILIPPA JOHNSTON
SECRETARY
REPS THEATRE
336706
335850

REPS update

As people are asking for details of upcoming productions, here is an update on what is coming to Reps Theatre’s stages in coming weeks and months, for you to diarise:




Friday August 19 and Saturday August 20 – Troye The Hypnogician. Brought to Zimbabwe by Sound Event Management. Evening performances Fri and Sat (7pm) are for more mature audiences, while the Sat matinee (2.30) is for family audiences. Tickets are selling well and booking in advance is strongly recommended. South African-based Troy Keuvelaar is Africa’s only hypnogician, mixing illusion, hypnosis and comedy in a stunning show.



Sunday August 21 – 11am, audition for Much Ado About Nothing, to be staged at Reps in October (replacing A Thousand Clowns, which has been postponed to 2012). The audition will be at 11am in the Adrian Stanley Room and what is being sought are actors and actresses over 16 to be in this production. It is a set book at schools for 2011 and 2012 and will be useful for students to see, having read and studied the play.



Wednesday August 31 to Saturday September 17 – Mark Robbins directs a live band and eight superb singers in a tribute to the Motown recording label, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary: Motown Golden Jubilee features a selection of Motown’s finest songs and will be a spectacular show. Preview night is Weds Aug 31 (pensioners free, all others $6), opening night is Thurs Sep 1. Gala nights have been booked by Arcadia Community Centre (Fri Sep 2) and St George’s College (Sat Sep 3). Booking is open for this fun musical show.



Friday September 23 and Saturday September 24 – The O Zone, starring Zimbabwe’s foremost singer-comedian Rob Osborne, with a line-up of guest performers in a fun variety show that will get feet tapping. Rob will sing and make mirth, while his guests will sing, dance and make music. Booking for this is now open – two performances only (7pm each of these nights – no matinee!).



Wednesday October 5 to Saturday October 15 – William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by John Dennison. A schools set book, with performances Weds Oct 5 (preview – pensioners free) and thereafter Thurs Oct 6 (opening night – 7pm), Fri Oct 7 (7pm), Sat Oct 7 (2.30pm matinee ONLY), Sun Oct 8 (2.30pm matinee ONLY), Tues Oct 10 to Sat Oct 15 (7pm each night PLUS matinee 2.30pm Sat Oct 15. Special block booking arrangements are being made with schools.



Thereafter:

• Fraser Mackay is bringing in another international performer in late October, so watch out for details of who and when

• Jamie McLaren is planning to direct Memory Of Water, a drama, in Theatre Upstairs in October, dates to be advised if confirmed

• Young Performers and nursery schools end of year productions are scheduled for late October/early November

• National Ballet’s Stars of Tomorrow will run for two weeks in mid-November

• The Reps 2011 panto Robinson Crusoe will run from December 1 to 21

• Weakest Link evenings are planned for late September and late November – in Theatre Upstairs on a Sunday evening, dates to be confirmed in due course

• Backing these up are a number of offerings in the Reps Main Bar and Tada Terrace, among them musical nights, karaoke, fun pub quiz events and other activities.

Visit www.reps.co.zw for more information. If you are not on the Reps mailing list e-mail reps@mweb.co.zw to get onto it or call the Reps office on 335850 or 336706. If you are not a member, think about becoming one!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

SNARE SWEEP WEEK ENDING 13 August 2011

2 Snare sweeps were done during the course of last week.

A backup sweep was done earlier in the week in a section of the Nyanyana area where National Parks had recovered a huge amount of snares. A further 40 snares were retrieved and these are mostly Impala snares. There was also evidence of Impala Carcass left.

Remember 15 or more years ago when these lovely animals were in huge numbers in the Kariba area. You would always see them, Water buck, Buffalo, Elephant, Bush pigs, Zebra on the Powerline clearouts as you drove on the Kariba roads and by the Airport. Now you see only Elephants, Buffalo and Zebra and these in much smaller herds than they used to be. Except for the Zebra which have increased BUT sadly will be on the decrease, when you read below, if we do not continue with these snare sweeps on a huge capacity.

Another sweep was done in the Quarry area, this sweep was not completed and will be completed this week. 21 Snares were retrieved and a carcass of a Zebra and a Buffalo that have been there 2 to 3 weeks, found.

This is on our door step as are all the other sweeps that have been conducted and will continue.

We, along with National Parks Rangers are now initially conducting snare sweeps 3 times a week. We are receiving small amounts of financial help from Well-wishers towards the cost of this. At present the vehicle and driver are once again so kindly being given by a Kariba Resident until we have purchased a vehicle for this as well as the Trackers we have working with the National Parks Scouts/Rangers. 1 Tracker is being paid by KAWFT.

We obviously need more funding for this or..... A donation of a vehicle..... As well as enough to cover the costs, fuel, salaries for trackers, uniforms, boots etc.

If anyone knows of a decent, older Toyota Pickup, preferably 4x4. It needn't be pretty looking as she will be working her guts out in the bush, but it does need to be in relatively sound or repairable condition.

We sincerely hope these Snare Sweep updates hit home to our Kariba Residents as well as Businesses, Tour Operators, Boat owners and visitors to Kariba, that this is not by any means a small problem that will go away, but that it is a HUGE poaching problem that is growing daily. We need to take control of it so it can be kept to a bare minimum as it is something we all know will never end until there is no more game left in this area as is on the other side of the Zambezi river.

If you can help in any way at all or require any more information from us please email kawf2011@gmail.com - Kariba Animal Welfare Fund

Thank You!


Please Note:

Kariba Info is a general information e-mail service, anyone can send info through us.
Remember that the content in these e-mails is simply being passed on to you via this e-mail address.
Should you wish to be removed from the Kariba Info e-mailing list, please let us know by return e-mail.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

DEath and Condolences

Becky Nussbaum


Passed away in Franschhoek, on July 31, 2011, suddenly but peacefully. Born in South Africa, she moved to Bulawayo in 1951 when she married Dr Leon Nussbaum. She was a a gifted pianist, versatile accompanist and a skillful music teacher. She performed many concerts in Bulawayo, as well as further afield - sometimes on her own or with other local musicians such as Esther Lacey, Mary Jordan, Marjorie Hurd and Maurice Kibel. She left Bulawayo in 1975, and returned in 1985 when she continued to be involved in the classical music scene in Bulawayo, including being a judge in choral competitions. Her life brought her great talent and passion for music to her family, her friends and her students. She will be mourned and missed by her daughters Barbara, Naomi and Judy, her son-in-law Neville and her grandchildren Helen and Stephen.
+++++++
I have just learnt of the death of Ann Hancock, a personality well known in the Dog World both in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe. Over the many years of her being involved in the breeding, training and showing of Corgis and German Shepherds, she produced many Zimbabwean champion dogs and bitches and imparted much of her canine knowledge to all those, including myself, involved in the show world. Our condolences to her family

+++++++++
Please place the following condolence notice in your next edition of Morning Mirror. Receipt No. 40349 refers.
HANCOCK ANN. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Ann's family and friends at this sad time. She is now at peace without any pain. From the Directors, Management and all the staff at Davis Granite and Premier Stonecrushers.

+++++++
DEATHS

It is with deep regret to announce that Chuck Coventry passed away on Sunday
7th August 2011. Our thoughts are with his loving children Charles and
Jackie and his wife, Doris.
Friends are welcome to attend a wake in celebration of his life, to be held
at BAC Sports Club on Friday 12th this week, at 4pm.

CONDOLENCES

The board and members of BAC Sports Club wish to extend their condolences to
the Coventry family on Chucks death. He was a long-standing stalwart of the
cricket section and his skill on the field and consummate humour, will be
sorely missed by all.

+++++++
CONDOLENCES

MEMORIAL SERVICE NOTICE
A memorial service for the late Jennie Crook will be held:
Place: Church of Ascension Hillside
Date: Friday 12 August 2011-08-10
Time: 10:30 am

Beloved mother of Denis and Denise, gran of Angie and Cindy.
Passed away on the 4th of August 2011. After a Long Struggle.
Rest in peace mum

Dearest sister in law of Maureen Wesh rest peacefully with Den and
remember how much I loved you

CONDOLENCES

Darling mum of Maureen and Bob precious gran of Robyn.
Passed away in Mater Dei Hospital on August 4th 2011. You
are at peace now mum no more pain and suffering. Your
release is our loss. We loved you so very much.
Stay safe in the arms of our Lord

+++++++++

Warning:

Warning: I just want to relate details of an incident which occurred late last Wednesday evening outside Royal Harare Golf Club: just after midnight five vehicles containing adults and teenagers were leaving the premises after a birthday celebration at the club. The second vehicle contained only the driver, a teenager.


As he went to drive through the exit and turn left into Fifth Street he was suddenly stopped and accused at gunpoint of stopping in a no-stopping area. The two vehicles behind him saw what had transpired and both drivers (adults) went to see what was going on. They were both stopped at gunpoint and told that the proceedings had nothing to do with them so they were ordered to leave the area immediately, which they had no option but to do. The two vehicles behind them were also ordered to leave. These vehicles then regrouped about a kilometre further down the road expecting the problem to be resolved.

Shortly afterward, one of them received a call from the arrested teenager to say that they had asked for his driver’s licence, which, unfortunately he did not have with him. One of the parents then contacted his mother to tell her she was coming to collect the licence.

On returning to the scene the two ladies found there was no presence there so continued past the scene into Tongogara and eventually found the vehicle parked in the dark on the side of the road. ( it transpired that the teenager had been ordered tp drive to that point without turning on any lights and was further told not to turn on any interior lights, obviously to avoid being picked up by the cameras!!) Both ladies went to leave their car but one was ordered not to, so only the teenager’s mother was allowed to. She was bundled into the back of the car. Then the bargaining began with one of them asking how much money she had with her.

She said that as she is a staunch Christian she refuses to pay bribes. Their response was that they could easily keep her son until the payment was made. She replied that she didn’t have much so they rifled her handbag & removed $200. They were in constant contact with someone else on their phone who obviously agreed with the amount tendered so the mother and son were released.

Whilst all of this was going on, one of the fathers who was still sitting further up Fifth St. decided to just drive through to Tongagara. He was stopped at the club entrance and held at gunpoint until he agreed to pay a $300 bribe.


One wonders at how they had selected the only vehicle that was occupied by one person!! Could it be that
the club gate security guard is somehow involved in this selection and advises the others accordingly?
I hope everyone who sees this will pass it on to everyone else to avoid others unwittingly falling into the same trap.

Changes In Our Capital

Time, ladies and gentlemen ... please: ... what a pity - they are all gone..

The once much-loved George Hotel in Avondale closed on January 4 - sold to Multi-Choice as their new HQ. A planned valedictory meal in the grotesquely named Freckle and Phart pub, or the depressing dining room, which was reminiscent of railway architecture circa 1946, was aborted, as it was semi-gutted well before closure.

Next door was Nick's Place where you went to sober up after a night out !!

Further up George Road, some Greeks opened a nice restaurant, the Acropolis. The business was then run by the flamboyant Spiros Blismas, Later Terry Rossiters son ran the place!

The Charleston Hotel (ex-Kamfinsa Park) is also shut: "Due to ever rising," I heard. Both the above places underwent major changes in clientele, facilities, and ambience, even cleanliness but are fondly remembered for special functions and The George, especially for wedding receptions, when the Cambitzis ran it.

Since independence Harare lost the popular Windsor Hotel on Baker (Nelson Mandela) Avenue. It housed the Colony, where Edwin and Rachelle played twin pianos to international cabaret standards to discerning diners in formal finery. The Lincoln Room had fantastic value for money food in luxurious surroundings. It closed late November 1980 when the set three-course lunch, featuring baron of beef, rolled to the table and carved to order was $1,50.

1890 was the cocktail bar. Popular with lunchtime philanderers, it shut at 2:30 sharp, when drinkers moved next door to Branch Office (ex-Blue Room) opening 10:30 t o 10:30. Some heroic boozers returned to 1890, which shut at 11:30.

The Egg and I was in the same building, as was Lion's Den: almost impossible to enter unless in the RLI.

The day the Windsor closed (earlier than announced to avoid vandalism seen at Meikles' Long Bar by "souvenir hunters") beer was 38c; bar lunch 35c.

Opposite was a complex housing the raucous Round Bar and Le Coq d'Or where little French was heard. The building was owned by a religious sect, which left the country at UDI. The premises were banned from selling drink or tobacco; dancing was proscribed. For years they thought it was a library! Picture the indignation when they found the country's most bawdy, boozy, bare-knuckled, bra-less nightlife had flourished there for years!

Playboy was nearby, as was La Boheme: nothing to do with opera, it offered strippers of often-venerable years and was a target of an inexpertly thrown grenade during the "bush war". The entrance fee for Sunset Strip was 2 shillings and sixpence." The Gentlemen" & The Chequers were the popular Rock bands that played at Saturday Lunchtimes and Sunday Evenings!

Three major Chinese outlets closed after 1980: Golden Dragon, a hangout of pre-independence Ministry of Information people, the bar a favourite with international journalists,

The Bamboo Inn with a dark, dingy but somehow appealing pub run by the Kee family and later by an Irishman called (of course) Paddy and The Mandarin, next to Meikles Store which had no bar, but hacks and hackettes gathered round a service hatch as if in a Fleet Street club.

Down the way the Pink Panther also had a grenade lobbed in during the hondo. Run by two aged sisters from the Caucasus, they served delicious kebabs at the original site, later Linquenda House. One also owned the Georgian Grill. PP later became Alfredo's then Front Page: restaurants with lively pubs, gregarious regulars, and liberal hours. The "Page" owners: a blonde and a brunette belonged in international glamour magazines.

Pino's in Union Avenue (Kwame Nkrumah) was arguably the best seafood joint around, but gained notoriety when someone complained and the ebullient eponymous Portuguese proprietor whacked him over the pip with a flambe pan.

The Bombay duck between Jameson (Samora Machel) and Central was run, improbably, by ex-BSAP troopie, Tug Wilson; it served iridescent curries all hours for next to nothing.

In Greendale Avenue was the locals' idea of an English Pub, The Red Fox... At Msasa, The Red Lantern, run by S-W African (Namibian) Germans specialised in eisbein, knackwurst and bratwurst that I can still smell and taste.

Beverly Rocks was a hospitable hostel: good food, great music, lovely gardens, (now a government training centre.)

Going east, the old Jamaica Inn was run by various characters including cross eyed Ruby Strutt, who was married to Jimmy Shields, the racing Driver; an ex-Federal hangman and Commonwealth boxing gold medal winner. Good stop there on the way to or from Three Monkeys in Marandellas (Marondera) for lunch. (Now a religious institute.)

Glen Lorne's local was the festive Highlands Park, run first of all by the Nicholls family and then by ex-Kenya big game hunter Toby Royston. Great dinner dances, lovely Sunday lunches, cream teas in the garden.

Down the road at Chisipete Shopping Centre was The Howf of Chisholm, which was super

The Spaniards, Marlborough (ex-Quorn) served incredibly good food, except for the soup, which was: always watery, insipid and costly. . You queued and often cleared the table yourself. The food was delicious and you either brought your own wine or bought rotgut Barolo. Guido was deaf and when you came to pay he asked what you had and worked it out in his head. When he retired to the mother country, a redhead Italian bombshell bought the business and never looked back, until the Aussie Tax Squad arrived. By that time she had opened Sandro's in Kingsway. There's not been another Harare establishment like Sandro's. Starting as a private club, it retained club land ambience till the end. Five stars cooking or basic bar lunch often polished cabarets; journalists and businessmen rubbed shoulders with cabinet ministers.

Sardinian Sandro also ran Eros: fine Mediterranean food and friendly bar and Sandrock's, for back-packers. Close by was Taco's with punters Chalet as a suitcase bomb exploded at Woolworth's nearby with many fatalities? Regulars helped survivors. (Barbours was the real target.) On quieter Chalet days, great juicy joints were trundled in at lunch; patrons sliced their own for 50c with pickles, mustard, horseradish chips and rolls.

The city's best pies were served in a motor sport-theme cocktail bar.

There was a civilised snooker room (not a crummy pool hall.) It became a motor parts store, then a Spar.

Park Lane (now GMB HQ) the Kaya Nyama steakhouse was its printed "Doggy bags" as the steaks were so enormous. The Clovagalix, on Fife Avenue, caught fire once too often, becoming Cafe Med, Borrowdale. Caruso's on 4th/Samora was a great Chips d'Oliviera club-cum Portuguese pub/restaurant.

As Vila Peri, it moved to 3rd/Baines where the usually grubby Pointe is now. Next-door was Fat Mama's, previously Spago's. Now called Mama Mia's it thrives at Newlands.



The Cellar, Marimba Park was tops with journos and the printing trade, serving wonderful whisky prawns, real rosti; the upstairs bar often seemed the centre of the universe.



Kamfinsa's Bizarre Bar (later IT, previously Buster's, The Cockpit, etc) was hugely popular with yuppies, briefly with buppies; once a licence to print money. New owners cut corners. Now it's a swimming pool sundries shop. Meikles closed The Mirabelle, The Causerie, Flagstaff and Captain's Cabin, Bagatelle and La Chandelle. Monomotapa lost 1001 Horsemen and Bali Hai, but gained La Francais from Avondale.



When everywhere else closed, you could get ABFs at Al's Place near the Kopje. Probably unlicensed: whether you ordered whisky, brandy or rum it came from one bottle; gin, cane, vodka, white rum another.



High -Chaparral (ex-Nick's Bar), Avondale opened all hours: a good greasy spoon where coffee and steak rolls helped avoid the worst "mornings after", especially after Le Matelot (ex-Lighthouse), died a death. Aphrodite, Strathaven, was a superb Greek restaurant; Demi's near State Lotteries closed due to commuter omnibuses' anarchistic parking. The original owners set up Tavern Bacchus, near Reps, which then became the Manchurian.



Up the street, Copacabana served wonderful Portuguese food, having previously been a great Chinese (White Lotus?).



Himalaya, nearby, did colossal searing noon curries at minimal cost but was avoided after dusk. Rosedale's/Rose Bowl/Rose & Crown in Hatfield was a superb Sunday lunch venue with live entertainment.



One of the best seafood platters you could ever eat was at the Kentucky, also in Hatfield. When another outfit bought the place, proposing to shut it, locals raised a widely supported petition in protest. Courts ruled in favour of the petitioners but it's closed anyway.



Jameson's Tiffany's re-opened after many years On a positive note there's a flurry of recently opened ethnic restaurants, tea and sadza, coffee shops and lodges; but sadly, few seem to have the character or characters in which the closed establishments were so rich, but time will tell!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Robert Charles Meecham

It is with much sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Robert Charles Meecham, in the early hours of 14th August in Kariba.

"Bob" a loving and devoted husband to Judith, father to Kim, Tana, stepfather to Michelle and Donald, grandfather to Summer, Ocean, Dylan, Travis, Tineal, Sasha, Jordan, Ryan and Shaelyn.

Founder member of Rhodesian Light Infantry, farmed in Ruwa, famed for his green keeping skills and cricket pitches at Harare South Country Club and most recently managed the National Anglers Union of Zimbabwe site in Charara, Kariba.

Memorial service details to follow.

Contact:
NAUZ Charara site
nauzchararasite@zol.co.zw

.Birth Announcement

ROBERTS - Forbes & Hazel announce the birth of their daughter Emily Paige on 31st August, 2011, in Colchester, Essex, UK. A second beautiful granddaughter for Cherith.




cherith@iwayafrica.co.zw

NE PHYLLIS BURMESTER nee LIEBERMAN

YVONNE PHYLLIS BURMESTER nee LIEBERMAN  Born 11/11/1921.  Died peacefully 11/8/2011 at Dorothy Duncan Home.  Memorial Service will be at Fairways Chapel on Tuesday 16/8/2011 at 2.30pm.

BOB MEECHAM

BOB MEECHAM The Kariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament Committee would like to pass their deepest sympathies to Judith and Family following the sudden and untimely passing of her beloved husband Bob. Bob, site manager of Charara, was instrumental in getting Charara up to its present pristine condition. He will be sadly missed at out 50th Tournament in October. Our love to Judith.

Lenni Strydom

The funeral service for the late Lenni Strydom will take place at the Highlands Presbyterian Church, Enterprise Road  at 12 noon on Wednesday 17th August,  followed by a wake in the Reps Members Bar.  All members are invited to attend to pay their last respects to Lennie

EDWARD SCHADIE (TED)

EDWARD SCHADIE (TED) 1923-2011 Passed away suddenly on the 24th July 2011. Husband of Ann, father of Kenneth, Bernard, Heather and Larry. Grandfather and great grandfather to Avril, Ian, Paul, Nicole, Benita, Jason, Ethan, Chloe and Keira.  May he rest in peace. Memorial will be held at Nazareth House Chapel on Friday the 19th August at 9am.

Robbery Notice

The crime situation in harare is getting worse - here is another report
Held up and robbed on Saturday Night by 3 guys with Axes, Knives, Pepper spray and golf clubs, this happened on Fairway road in Mount Pleasant.  We had a fair bit of cash taken and all of our cell phones one being a new i4, Nintendo's and a lap top and all our jewelry - they really just wanted cash.  If anyone is offered an i4 to buy off the street please kindly contact us so that we can check serial numbers. This happened around 7pm with 7 Adults and 6 kids.  Please just stress to everyone that it is essential to lock all outside doors at night even if you have visitors. They just walked in like they owned the place. Many thanks Ashley 0772-603844

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Reps family has lost two of its members in the past week

The Reps family has lost two of its members in the past week and we extend sincere condolences to the families and friends of Professor E G Mukonoweshuro, who died last week, and Lennie Strydom, who died early this morning. ‘EG’ was a regular social member whose cheerful and  helpful demeanour was well regarded, while Lennie was well known for his performances in shows featuring live bands. We are sad to bid them farewell, but do so with many fond memories.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Hijacking in Zimbabwe



"HIJACKING MADE EASY - Repentant Car Hijacker Explains How it is Done"

Q. 1: Are most cars hijacked on order by syndicates?

Answer: Yes, I would get a phone call to deliver a certain type of car

by a certain deadline, and then we ' d go out and search for one. If

they needed it quickly, I would hijack. If I had a bit more time I ' d

steal a parked car, as it was safer.



Q. 2: Which types of vehicles are the most popular amongst hijackers?

Answer: We would get orders to steal just about anything. Double-cab

bakkies, any make, were in very high demand. Also, "G-strings" (BMW

3-series), Polo ' s, Mercedes and Toyotas. I ' d get paid a lot more for

a double-cab, around R16 000, but only about R500 to R6 000 for a car

If it was an expensive car like the "Anaconda" (BMW 7-series) I could

get about 15 grand, though.



Q. 3: Which cars have the lowest hijack risk?

Answer: There ' s no such thing. There ' s a demand for all sorts of cars,

old and new. If the vehicle isn ' t sold then it ' s stripped for spares.

The only thing there isn ' t really an interest in is expensive exotics.

I once stole a Ferrari from a garage just for fun, drove it around for

a while and then left it back at the garage.



Q. 4: Do most of the cars that aren’t ' t stripped end up beyond our

borders?

Answer: No, a lot stay in the country. They are given new identities,

re-registered and sold here .



Q. 5: How effective are modern anti-theft and tracking systems?

Answer: When I was stealing cars three years ago, most of them were a

joke. I could break into almost any car and drive it away within

minutes. Some cars were very advanced and a lot of work to steal

though, like Volvos. With tracking systems, it was usually very easy

to find where the device was hidden. While one guy drove the car, his

accomplices would strip the interior looking for the tracker ' s hiding

place. Then sometimes we ' d place the tracking unit into a taxi and

trick the police and the helicopters into following the taxi. Nowadays

the tracking systems are getting a lot better though, with quicker

response times, and towards the end I nearly got caught a couple of

times.



Q. 6: How did you learn how to override these high-tech systems?

Answer: Experience, and learning from other car thieves. We all shared

information. I! f I was having difficulty with a particular car,

sometimes I ' d dress up nicely and go to a dealer posing as a customer.

I ' d ask the salesman how good the anti-theft system was on that car

and he would give me all the details.



Q. 7: What was your hijacking modus operandi?

Answer: We would get people in their driveways, on the way to work or

on their way home. Rainy weather is the best time to steal cars. When

it ' s raining it makes it more difficult for the tracking helicopters

to find you.



Q. 8: In a hijacking did you normally go for soft targets like women?

Answer: No, I could take on anyone. I was a professional. Some people

wore guns but never got a chance to use them as I was too fast. I ' d

stick my gun right in their faces and they wouldn’t ' t give me any

trouble.

That ' s why I never shot or hurt anyone; I was against that. A friend

of mine sometimes shot people he hijacked and he used to wake up with

nightmares.



Q. 9: Which area s did you target?

Answer: Any white suburb , it didn’t ' t matter. I never stole in the

townships because people were poor there. I also didn’t ' t rob black

people.



Q 10: Is that because you don ' t like whites?

Answer: No, it ' s because darkies are dangerous. If you rob them, they

go to a sangoma who would "take care" of you.



Q. 11: How much money did you make?

Answer: A lot, but I wasted it all. It was easy come, easy go. Some

money would go to police and judges and prison officials in bribes. I

got caught a few times but was never convicted. Bribing a police

officer to lose a docket cost about R2 000 to R5 000. The only time I

spent in jail was awaiting trial. Then I ' d bribe the prison guard to

help me escape.



Q. 12: Is this the norm, or were you lucky?

Answer: I knew how to find the loopholes and beat the system. Some of

my friends were caught and convicted to 8 or 12 years or more.



Q. 13: What made you stop crime?

Answer: I saw I had nothing to show for all those years . I felt guilty

for what I ' d done and wanted to achieve something in my life. That ' s

why I do community work persuading other people not to do crime, and

I ' m also a fashion designer. I ' m struggling with money now. My sewing

machine broke and I can ' t afford to fix it, but I won ' t go back to

crime. That life is a stupid life.



Q. 14: What is your advice to motorists to avoid hijacking?

Answer: Look out for people following you. Some hijackers spot a car

they want and follow the person home. Be aware. If you ' re suspicious,

make a few false turns and see if that car is still behind you. If it

is, drive to a police station.



PASS ON, TO AWAKEN SOMEONE!!!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Pumping Legs for Water – 2011

Pumping Legs for Water – 2011




The weekend of 29th, 30th and 31st July, saw the annual “Pumping Legs for Water” fund raising bike ride take place in Hwange National Park for the fourth year. As we were involved in assisting during the weekend, we added a day extra to each side of the weekend.

So, Thursday mid-morning found us at Sinamatella, gazing down from the heights onto the valley floor which was covered in a huge buffalo herd. It was estimated that there were easily over three hundred animals. After a short meeting with the warden, Moses Gomwe, we set off with Stephen and Sue Long and their six French volunteer workers to have a look at the solar unit that has been installed by DART at Bumboosie South. It has been some time since that pan has been pumped so it was great to see water back in that area. While inspecting the unit, it was obvious that elephants had been having a bit of fun with the cable, so a temporary trench was quickly dug to bury what we could. We then went to the pan to see how much water was coming out and inspected the spoor around the pan before choosing a large, shady ebony tree under which to have our lunch. Once back on the road, we made a quick call in at Mandavu Dam. It was around half past two and we were surprised to see crowds of hippos out of the water, pink bellies exposed to the sun. The water was obviously pretty chilly. On one of the tiny sand bars, fourteen large crocodiles were also out sunning themselves and there were several more monsters on the boating island being stepped over and around by a long legged bunch of yellow billed storks. We then took the Lukosi Drive road so that we could call in and see how the solar unit was coping at Baobab pan. Here again, pumping capacity is obviously not keeping up with demand but at least there is water back in the area. We found the Sinamatella area very dry and desolate – they did not have a good rainy season this year.

While setting up camp for the night at Masuma, another large herd of buffalo arrived, in the region of two hundred odd. Small herds of elephants had already been down to the pan and more were arriving and awaiting their turn on the periphery. Apparently pumping at Masuma is only taking place during the day and we were a bit concerned that with the large numbers of animals already coming down, that the available water would not be sufficient if pumping isn’t 24/7. As we were packing up camp the following morning, huge flocks of guineafowl streamed down to the pan for an early morning sip. The small herd of waterbuck that had been seen the previous evening also came down to drink with their three wooly youngsters and a rather magnificent ram which was seen taking an interest in one of the females.

On our way through to Main Camp, we stopped off at the various pans to see how much, or how little, water was still available. Fortunately, the windmill at Shumba has been re-erected and was working well in the high and rather frosty wind. We called in at the new concessions – there being one at Shumba and the other at Danga – to see what progress had been made on setting up the camps and to find out what pumping is taking place. Shapi continues to hold good water although the trough wasn’t full and the windmill there is still working a treat. Whitehills still holds a bit of water. Guvelala was an absolute disgrace. The pan held very little water and the state of the abolutions at the platform appeared to be in appalling condition. There was such a stench emitting from the toilet with its broken down door, that we did not even investigate. We were appalled at what a tremendous waste of time, money and effort went into revamping the facilities at the platform and Parks were not bothering to keep it in good working order. Pumping was not taking place at Nyamandhlovu as there had been problems with the pump but it was holding quite a bit of water. Dom, too, holds good water.

Main Camp was abuzz when we arrived shortly before two, with the tourist office being kept busy with people booking in and paying their Parks fees, the car park was packed with bike trailers and vehicles, the accommodation facilities were filling up and the camp site was already littered with tents. Registration of riders took place outside the Waterbuck’s Head most of the afternoon and we ended up registering 73 riders before having a quick briefing at six thirty, putting everyone in the picture of the do’s and don’ts of the following day’s ride.

There was an air of expectancy as folks made ready for Saturday’s ride. As we were going to get tea and coffee at the restaurant, we were told that a pack of hyena had killed a kudu bull not 2kms from the gate so as soon as the gate was opened we set off. There was only one hyena left at what remained of the kill and several scavenging jackals being chased about. Makwa was holding less water than normal but this is an easy pan to catch up and pumping started there again on Monday. On our way down to Kennedy One to set up the riders’ water point, we called in at Sinanga as we’d heard about five lion feeding on a dead elephant right at the pan. We were very lucky as the two males were sitting, fat bellied and bloody muzzled, right out in the open sunning themselves when we arrived. One of the females was drinking on our side of the pan and then sauntered round the pan to join the other two females who were obviously feeding hidden behind the dead animal, from where they kept peering around to see what was going on. Most of the folks involved in the ride got to see the lion at some stage during the weekend. Sinanga is holding a bit of water and giraffe were seen drinking with several kudu ambling around the periphery of the pan, obviously not coming too close because of the lion!

Once the last pack of riders had gone through the water point, we packed up and followed on down to Ngweshla which was the end of the first day’s ride. We stopped off at Kennedy Two and were pleasantly surprised to find more water in the pan than we’d expected. Still not good but better than anticipated. The solar unit there is not working as well as we’d been led to believe and later, on Monday morning, with Gary, we visited the site of the proposed new borehole which we hope will be going ahead soon. Some of the funds raised from this year’s Pumping Legs for Water will be used to help finance the drilling of this borehole. There was a great crowd of riders, back up personnel and families at Ngweshla and there was a real festive air as the last of the riders were cheered into camp. Two of the Hydraco fellows had offered to cook boerewors rolls for everyone for lunch but unfortunately, they obviously had no idea of the magnitude of the task they’d set themselves. Riders are HUNGRY after all that riding and trying to cope with only one skottel braai which was running out of gas, could not keep up with the never ending line of waiting customers! Stout effort though and many thanks go to them for persevering. It was quite a mammoth task now getting everyone, plus bikes back to Main Camp but thanks to some excellent organization, everyone arrived back safely.

On Saturday evening there were the necessary thank you speeches and a few awards, before everyone enjoyed a delicious braai provided by Waterbuck’s Head. It must be noted that Elson and his staff did an amazing job of the catering over the weekend. We heard only compliments from those who’d had meals there and the meals that the organisers had asked to be provided were just fine, on time and well executed. It wasn’t long before the entire camp quietened down and not long before sun up and another round of bustle.

As with most events of this nature, there wasn’t quite the same air of enthusiasm for the second day and the start of the race was plagued by a few lost items such as helmets, someone’s ride number and several people forgetting which group they were riding in! Sunday’s ride was to take riders first past Sedina so that everyone could see the borehole that has recently been drilled there. It was hoped that the pump and engine would be in place and operating by the weekend but hey, this is Africa and things didn’t move along quite as swiftly or as smoothly as we’d hoped. It is intended to get the small hide there revamped and the toilet facilities working again. Looking out at the vlei, there are often several animals to be seen so this could be a good spot for sundowners in the future. Riders then proceeded through the main gate and on to Caterpillar, Dopi, past Dom and Balla Balla before returning to Main Camp. The trough at Caterpillar was full and overflowing into the small pan and there was a bit of water at Dopi. Unfortunately, the supply of diesel has, once again, been a major problem for Parks recently so pumping stopped for some time before supplies were brought in. At this time of the year, a day – two or three - without pumping is hard to catch up. We set up the water point in the erioloba forest just past Dopi, in the shade as we thought that the riders might like to cool down. We didn’t realize that there was such a chilly blast blowing and it turned out to be quite nippy! The first lot of riders had to remount and take off fairly swiftly as the next two groups arrived much quicker than anticipated. The fourth group lagged a little behind but everyone was back in camp just before one, to much applause, congratulations and ululations. Again there was a quick meeting and a few speeches at Waterbuck’s Head before boerewors rolls were dished out and those returning home started packing up and departing.

As hot water in the ablutions blocks had been a continual problem throughout the weekend, we managed to snatch a shower at Safari Lodge before joining most of those left at Nyamandhlovu for sundowners. When we arrived to a packed platform and a full car park, there was a delightful herd of elephant calmly drinking. No one knows quite why but suddenly they all wheeled and took off at speed, clouds of dust obscuring baggy backsides. Not sure what disturbed them so. An old bull that had sauntered in to join them, did not seem fazed at all and carried on with his evening sundowner as if nothing had happened.

Monday morning found the camp bustling with packing up and people departing. We went across to the school to have a look mainly at how the vegetable garden was coming along. It looked quite productive with onions, spinach, choumollier, tomatoes and herbs coming up. Unfortunately, the soil is abominable but they had found some manure and there was a large drum of liquid manure brewing next to the start of their compost heap. After a quick chat with the headmistress, Thembi, we handed over the remains of the oranges for the children and then watched as the kids all marched, singing to their classrooms for the start of the day’s lessons. After breakfast at Waterbuck’s Head, we headed on down to Kennedy Two with Gary for a look at the borehole site before meandering back through the park and home.

By all accounts, the weekend was a huge success, both as a fund raiser and from a promotional aspect. Despite colds and flu hampering some of the riders, everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and most participants are keen to return next year. It is always heartening to see so many people out enjoying themselves, having fun, plenty of amusing chirps, much laughter and camaraderie. It was extremely disappointing, however, that as this is a major fund raising effort for the water project in Hwange, there was very little, or no, evidence of Parks officials at any of the functions to which they had been invited. A very big thank you must go to the organisers, who did an amazing job, the sponsors without whom none of this would have been possible, and of course, to the riders and their families for turning out and making is such a fun time.



Stolen property

Stolen Laptop KINDLY BE ADVISED THAT MY VEHICLE ISUZU KB280 WAS BROKEN INTO ON SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2011, IN THE AFTERNOON AT THE CAR PARK AT CHAPMAN.  A LAPTOP ,  SONY VAIO , VBN CS21S/W, COLOUR WHITE, IN A BLACK COMPUTER BAG WAS STOLEN. THE PC CONTAINS VERY VALUABALE PERSONAL INFORMATION, VIZ PICTURES , VIDEO CLIPPINGS OF FAMILY AND BUSINESS MATTERS. I AM PREPARED TO REWARD ANY ONE, (NO QUESTIONS ASKED), FOR THE RECOVERY OF THIS COMPUTER. KINDLY CONTACT ME ON 757723 OR 0712603800 OR THE MANAGER AT CHAPMAN NICK CHOUHAN

Warning

Word of warning, at the corner of Acturus road and Enterprise road there is a stop sign.  As you turn left into Enterprise road, the bus stop there is being manned by traffic police who's sole aim it seems is to, as they put it "enforce the stop sign", on that corner.  I have been asked twice now to pay a spot fine of $20.00 for "failure to adhere to this stop sign",

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

cherith@iwayafrica.co.zw [mailto:cherith@iwayafrica.co.zw] ROBERTS - Forbes & Hazel are delighted to announce the arrival of their

precious daughter Emily Paige on 31st July. All wonderfully well.

New VAT Refund Procedure - Beit Bridge Border Post

IMPORTANT NOTICE


New VAT Refund Procedure - Beit Bridge Border Post

Effective 3 June 2011
With effect from 3 June 2011 there will be a new procedure for claiming a VAT refund for movable goods exported through Beit Bridge Border Post.
Qualifying purchases must comply with the following procedures:
The goods against which a VAT refund is claimed must be declared to RSA Customs in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act and relevant procedures.

• The goods must also be declared to the Customs authority in the country to which the goods are exported in accordance with that country's customs and excise formalities.

• After the movable goods have been declared to both customs administrations and exported, only then can the qualifying purchaser apply for a VAT refund.

The following documents must be lodged when making application for a VAT refund:
• The original tax invoice/s for which the VAT refund is claimed.

• Proof that the goods were declared to RSA Customs authorities

• Proof that the goods were declared in the country to which they were exported.

• A copy of the qualifying purchaser's passport reflecting entry and exit from the RSA.

• An address to which the VAT refund payment should be sent once approved.

In the case of claims by a foreign enterprise the following documents must also be lodged:

• The certificate of incorporation, trading licence or similar proof of registration.

• A letter of authorization on the foreign enterprise's letterhead authorizing an individual person to lodge the claim on its behalf.

• A copy of the authorized person's passport.

Refund claims may be posted to:
VAT Refund Administrator (Pvt) Ltd P O Box 107
O R Tambo International Airport, 1627, South Africa,
Physical address: 206/1 High Road, Bredell, Kempton Park 1619
Telephone: +27 873 100 200
Email: info@taxrefund.co.za

PETERS, BRIAN FREDERICK

PETERS, BRIAN FREDERICK


Brian sadly passed away on Friday 22 July at St. Annes.

We say goodbye to a fine wild life conservationist, dedicated Chairman of the Rifa Conservation Education Camp and active Committee Member of the Zimbabwe Hunters’ Association for many years. Brian’s contribution to both the Zimbabwe Hunters’ Association and Rifa Conservation Education Camp will be remembered for many years to come.

Brian brightened up many of our functions in Harare and Rifa and was a great inspiration to the children, visitors and camp staff. His time, expertise and generosity in helping Rifa Camp was boundless. His cheerful presence will be greatly missed.

Our deepest sympathy to Alison and family at this very sad time.

Chairman, Committee, members, office and Rifa staff

ZIMBABWE HUNTERS’ ASSOCIATION

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday 30th July, 2011 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kadoma. A braai follows the ceremony.

Zimbabwe Hunters Association
P O Box HG 548 Highlands Harare.
16 Walter Hill Avenue Eastlea Harare
Tel: 04 704977/8 or 707306
Cell: 0772 329434

Zim environmental group warns of serious poaching threat

Zim environmental group warns of serious poaching threat

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Alex Bell
25 July 2011


A wildlife and conservation group in Zimbabwe has warned that poaching is
reaching critical levels, which threatens not only the welfare of the
country’s wildlife, but also future tourism.

The Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe (WEZ) group said that wildlife areas
in the South East Lowveld are under serious threat, including the Gonarezhou
National Park, Manjinji Bird Sanctuary, Chipinge and Malapati Safari Areas,

Bubiana, Chiredzi River, Save and Malilangwe conservancies. These all make
up part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation area, which is the
world’s largest interregional conservation park.



The WEZ said serious poaching is taking place in the areas, with elephants
being killed for ivory, rhinos for the horns and lions, zebra, leopards and
cheetahs all being killed for their skins. The group said this is all
commercial poaching and if it is not prevented quickly “we can right off
wildlife in the Lowveld and we should forget about our participation in the
Great Limpopo Transfrontier tourism.”

The same area is also under serious threat from people who are invading the
conservation areas and killing the elephants and antelopes for meat. The WEZ
said that people are also killing lions and crocodiles because they are
viewed as “pests.”

“They are clearing vegetations for crops such as maize and cotton but the
areas under wildlife are not suitable for cropping and are not good for
cattle ranching as well,” the WEZ said.

The group said: “WEZ appeals to the powers that be to help remove these
people and help them by settling in suitable areas where they can do their
cropping.”

The group added that it has appealed to the Ministries of Environment and
Tourism to intervene, before wildlife in the area goes extinct.

“WEZ is prepared to help The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority with
anti- poaching operations and supplying the intelligent information related
to poaching but for WEZ to do this we request Government to re-establish the
positions of honorary Park officers or warden. Those involved will operate
knowing that they are operating legally within the parameters of the Parks
and Wildlife Act and with the authority derived from the Minister in charge
of Wildlife and Environment,” the group said.               

Death and condolence messages from Bulawayo

From: Tara-Anne Moorcroft [mailto:blinds4africa@gmail.com] Olivia Davies sadly passed away on 27 July 2011. A wonderful women who will always be remembered. > The service will be held at Borrowdale Country Club, Carrick Creagh Road, Borrowdale at 12.00. Monday 1st august Thanks very much.

/////////
John and Joyce Carr, from Mvurwi. It is with great sorrow that we advise the death of both John and Joyce (Bing) Carr, beloved parents of Joanna and Sarah, and grand parents of Emily and Peter on the 25th July 2011 in Harare. Jo Ades can be contacted on +263 4 497221 or madhouse@zol.co.zw The funeral service will be held at Northside Community Church on Monday 1st August 2011, at 2:30 PM. Request no flowers, however donations to go to Homefields Centre for the mentally handicapped.


Appral after house fire

Was wondering if anyone was in a position to help here please. On Friday night some friends of ours (John and Freda Wheeler) had a power cut and decided to go out for dinner. On returning to their house they found that it was on fire. Zesa had come back on and blown the circuit board, fire broke out and they only arrived home about 10 minutes after it started. They tried using fire extinguishers and hosepipes, but fire was too big already. They called the fire department who only arrived 1 hour after the initial phone call, and as a result they have lost absolutely everything. There were two other houses in their cul-de-sac that were also affected, but fortunately they were at home at the time and only lost a few rooms each, managed to save the rest of their houses.


I was really shocked when I went to see the house yesterday, I thought a few rooms would be damaged etc, but they literally only have the walls on the house left, no ceilings, no roof, not even a bit of paint on the walls even that was burnt off. Each room just has a pile of roof tiles and ash on the floor, everything is gone! Unfortunately they did not have the money to insure the house, so they do not have claim there, so I am appealing to anyone who has any excess building materials, household items, furniture lying around that is of no use to them, please give it to a very worthy cause. I am happy to collect if you do not have time or fuel to drop off – their address is 27 Walter Hill Avenue in Eastlea.
I seriously doubt they will get anything from Zesa for this, so please help us to help them re-build their family home which they have lived in for over 30 years.
Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.


Kind Regards
Debbie Sly
16 Hodson Avenue
Alexandra Park
Harare
Tel : +263 4 744818
Cell : +263 712 614 410
Cell : +263 773 156 302
Email: debssly@transcomzw.com

Monday, August 1, 2011

Anti Hijack Trust

July has been a pretty cold month and with the added long power cuts experienced many alarm systems seem to have not been able to recharge fully before the next cut often leaving the premises vulnerable … please check your equipment on a more regular basis for maximum safety.


There has been a report of two men, one young and one very large middle aged cruising around Chisipite/Highlands in a white Corolla looking to steal. NO NUMBER PLATES. The police do know about them. They broke a car window in broad day light and stole a bag outside Bon Marche. Known to ring the gate bell to say they have a delivery. Once on investigating this, the large man whom was standing at the gate and the young man who then got out of the car and took out a crate of whisky and put it on the ground and said they had to deliver it. Upon questioning them they said they would check the address with the company, very shifty. Warn your domestic workers NO deliveries unless this has been specified by YOU ... NEVER open the gate without checking who is there .

 Never allow ANYONE onto your property without verifying their identity, this includes the Police, domestic staff should have a telephone number on which to contact you should they need to.

 Keep gates locked at all times with a STRONG padlock.



A few incidents reported in public car parks outside shopping areas.... be alert and vigilant when parking as you may become a victim .... you may be under surveillance just check your vehicle’s security and that ALL doors are locked and all shopping & valuables are in the BOOT, this only takes a few seconds to do and a wise move in the long run.

Neighbourhood Watch teams have been established in quite a few suburbs around Harare, check in your area and see where you can assist and help the community in your area, we ALL have a part to play in the safety of our families ... do not leave this to just ‘ a faithful few’ we all need to be involved. If we all assist in some small way the time of duty will not come round more than once a month or every six weeks..... this will spread the load more evenly.

Make your area a safe, as crime free as possible suburb to live in ..... YOU will make a difference!

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !



ANTIHIJACK TRUST: Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw

CONDOLENCES

Donald (Don) Collen 18/3/1929-- 28/7/2011 ex General Manager, Cold Storage Commission (Order of the Legion of Merit, Rhodesia)

It is with profound grief and sadness that we said goodbye to our beloved Dad and Gramps at 7am, 28th July 2011 in Pretoria, South Africa
As many of you know Dad was an accomplished sportsman in his younger days and so I hope that this sporting parallel over his life is understood by you all.
Dad, you always used a straight bat, and you taught us to do the same and we endeavour to do that despite the way the world has changed. I know that during your fine innings you handled a few bouncers and took a few bruises from the quicks for the good of the team. The crafty spinners you taught,.....must be respected and we are to use our feet to negate their spin. Another fine lesson. As was your lesson when out in the field, throw yourself into everything and give everything you have, plus a little extra, for your team and those around you........and lastly for personal satisfaction or glory. We know in the latter part of your innings when the pitch was breaking up and the light was fading you struggled on for the team, a fine example from our Captain! We have had a wonderful teacher, mentor, friend, Dad and Gramps in you. As you live on in our hearts we will be constantly reminded of those lessons, your kindness and generosity. We will all miss your voice and sense of humour. We are so honoured to be your children.
There are many people who loved and respected your management style and skills, the way you could be objective and always fair. They too will feel our loss.
Dad we know you are in a better place now, safe in The Lord's care,.......... no more pain. I am sure He has reserved for you a place where you will be sought after for your advice regarding cattle and asked to coach and watch the sports you loved so much.
Our thoughts are especially with Mum, Yvonne and Dawn

With much sadness
East, Glynis, Gareth, Kieran, Lynley, Donavon, Neville, Ryan, Dean, Caroline, Sherri-Lyn & Barry

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Eastland: eastcollen@gmail.com
Donavon: don.collen@gmail.com
Lynley: neville.lynley@yahoo.com

+++++++
IBBOTSON : PAT. So sad to hear of the passing on 22 July, of Ibby, with whom I worked at Iscor Rhodesia for many years and had the privilege of remaining in touch with her. She was a very special lady and I know that all the ex members of the Iscor staff, now scattered world wide, will be very sad at her passing.

At last reunited with her husband Percy and her son Anthony of whom she talked about constantly. We'll miss you Ibby.

Ann and Ralph Bushby, now in Perth, asked me to send their condolences as well.

Thanks to Edith Duly staff and my special thanks go to Claire for her kindness and dedicated care of Ibby. Iris, Desray and Gary Ludick.

+++++

Deaths

Ibbotson - Edna Margaret, widow of the late Rev. Percy Ibbotson MP, died on 22nd July 2011 aged 101 years & 9 months.

Dear friend of Colin and Val - this ends a long and happy association we had for over 40 years. We enjoyed the tales of your many travels, and the stories of "the good old days" - what a fine innings you have had, Mrs Ibby. Rest peacefully now.

++++++

PAT IBBOTSON

A wonderful old lady gone to rest. Pat was my gran, Nen Turnbull's friend through the Methodist Church, and through her, became a friend to my whole family. She was always cheery, always interesting, and she always cared. Thankyou to all the people who looked after through her years, and made her life comfortable, especially at Queen Mary House. My condolences to you all.

Carol MacKenzie.

Michael White

It is with regret that the President, Captain and Staff announce the death of Mr Michael White on Saturday 30th July. Mike had been a member of Royal Harare Golf Club since 1982, and was the son of Bob White


a past member of Royal. Our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. Funeral announcements will be posted on the club notice board when they are advised. Kind regards Louise Ward