THE 4X4 CLUB – ZIMBABWE
Newsletter No: 85 -
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2011
P O Box HG 594 Highlands Harare Zimbabwe The Motor Sports Club House, 2 Annan Road, Eastlea, Harare.
The Chairman and Editorial Team:
CHAIRMAN: Tim Thorburn 498723 / 0772.645.518 thorburn@mweb.co.zw
EDITORS Mike & Pat GILL 494028 / 0712.400.243 / 0712.440.794 gill@zol.co.zw
4x4 Club Website http://www.4x4.co.zw Face Book Site: 4x4 Zimbabwe
The 4x4 Club is affiliated to the Zimbabwe Motor Sports Federation - ZMSF
Our Club is a member of the Mashonaland Motor Sport Association Club House, situated at: 2 Annan Rd. Eastlea. It is available for hire for weddings, conferences, kid's parties, 21st birthdays, etc.
News, comments and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Club or the Committee
THE EDITOR’S DESK - Michael and Pat Gill
We wish to say sorry that this is so delayed after the August issue but we have had a lot on our plate including our 50th Wedding Anniversary and a visit by our "Grand Children" from UK. All back to normal now. I did take the young out to Donnybrook in my SWB Patrol "Stubby" for some driving on the 4x4 tracks. Tim is a Police Traffic Patrol car driver in the UK and Martha is a CID Officer so there was sure to be a conflict of driving methods. Must say they both did very well till we nosed into one of the "Extreme" holes and even our LWB Patrol could not get us out backwards. Fortunately the only large tree nearby was straight in front and the winch pulled us out. Phew! A memorable day for them, and us.
MEMBER'S NEWS:
Tammy Ellis: Congratulations on attaining your majority. Tammy turned 21 on 27th August and had a very good party at Tree Tops to celebrate. .
Cheryl and Martinus NEL: Our sincere condolences to Cheryl and Martinus on the tragic and untimely death of their son Christopher in a motor accident.
Michael and Pat Gill: Your editors celebrated their 50 years of matrimonial bliss on 14th October.
Ray Walker: It is with regret we advise you of the death of Ray's wife Joan. She had been suffering for the last six months or so with a brain tumor. So sorry Ray, Joan was a lovely lady.
TECHNICAL
We all have occasions to need some kind of specialist work done on our cars. In my case it was to weld a small reinforcing plate UNDER my Landy chassis. Personally I find welding upside down impossible so I made use of Power Pipes in Msasa. Here they lifted the car up high, used a MIG welder and a chap who spends his days welding exhaust pipes over his head. What a pleasure to see a professional at work. And all the little red hot bits went down his sleeve and not mine.
TANK STANDS.
On your next trip out to our site at Donnybrook, you will notice our new Water Tank Stands. We have had to move the water tanks from the top of the containers as they were beginning to rust and there was a fear that one day they might topple over. This was done from Jamboree Sponsorship at of cost of $2000. We thank our sponsors.
On Sunday 2nd a team of happy helpers took the tanks off the containers and hoisted them up on top of the new stands at the end of the toilet block. We still have the pipe work to finish. Progress at last!
SUBSCRIPTIONS
It has been agreed that subscriptions for 2012 will be $40 for subs; and $20 joining fee for new members. See renewal notice at the end of this newsletter. Please pay your subs promptly and if you are going to enter any competitions then I suggest you get your ZMSF Competition Licence at the beginning of the year. Cost for the year is $35. This will save you paying $20 for every competition and your Medical Insurance is greatly increased as well. And it will save you filling in masses of forms at registration each time.
BALLY VAUGHAN WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
The idea behind the 4x4 Tour we had arranged was to get members out into an area they would not normally see, a nice drive and to finish at Bally Vaughan Sanctuary. We did ask people to bring a donation of goodies or cash so that we can help this worthy cause. Well, it went off so well we thought we would be oversubscribed. It was a lovely day and the loads of things we delivered included a step ladder, several pockets of cement, bags of dog biscuits, a large pile of plastic bowls, nails and wire netting and so on. Well done members!
We had a very good turnout, 25 cars and here are two short comments received.
" Just wanted to let you know Megan, Cheryl and I had a great time on the 4x4 run – my little RAV was quite impressive climbing up and down the big rock we went on!!" the three girls from the American Embassy."
"On behalf of all the birds and animals at the Bally Vaughan Sanctuary, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you for your donations delivered on Sunday. What a huge help to us – thank you so much. It was lovely having you all with us and I hope you enjoyed your day.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our work here – we appreciate it so much.
Sarah and all at the Bally Vaughan Sanctuary"
SARAH CARTER - THE BALLY VAUGHAN SANCTUARY ZIMBABWE
Tel: 263 772 592 944 263 733 436 239
email: sarah@ballyvaughan.co.zw - www.ballyvaughan.co.zw
THE 2011 BUSH PIG CHALLENGE AT BEATRICE
Eight teams, 16 cars, had a grand time out at Beatrice at usual, but all on new territory, new rocks, rivers and mud. Much of the traditional test sites are on land that has recently been grabbed so it was quite a challenge for the "route planners" to find new places. This they did to the extent that there were 16 DNFs which includes several tests not driven because the car was "broke".
The event traditionally has several night tests on Friday and these wiped out several teams. They were able to continue on Saturday which had a selection of sand, mud, water and more rocks and more broken cars. Not every broken car was directly caused by the rocks etc. Our alternator and started stopped and the Gweru entrant, BJ was injured by a stick which nearly took out his eye on the last test, which he finished, then rushed off to hospital. He was soon back to tell more "war stories". Camping weather was good and Beatrice Club looked after us with the usual good food and showers, etc. We even had a model aircraft and helicopter display on the rugby field.
Our major sponsor was Big Sky with "SecureTech" recovery gear. Some very useful items were handed out. The winners - Team "Numba Wun".
As all the cars are what you might call Comp Cars we noticed a few changes. Jim Perry has changed the 4 cyl petrol motor for a Rover V8. BJ has a set of "Unbreakable" drive shafts. Pete Jenkin had taken out the rear wheel steering and put in a standard axle – no broken drive shafts this year! Mark Benzon had changed the 4cyl diesel to a 4 cyl petrol Rover motor in his little red Jeep "Bud". Gareth brought along his new orange "Stinky" which looked a bit like a battered stock car afterwards. The same can be said for Kelvin's Series 1 after it had rolled.
Bush Pig Results.
Numba Wun Mass Kirk Tim Thorburn
Dream Team Alex Hawkins Dale Kiggen
Bush Rats Jim Perry BJ Lawry
Kalahari Michael Gill Mark Benzon
Dirty Buggers Trevor Butler Rodney Beckley
Wife Beaters Peter Benzon Shane Ellis
Crikey Pete Jenkin Gareth Geach
Fugly Kelvin Weare Malcolm Attwell
BUSH PIG PHOTO COMPETITION
Did you take any photos at Bush Pig? If so please send three of your best to Grant Weare to judge and you could be the winner of a Bush Pig Shirt. grant@ezytrack.co.zw
THREE HILLS
This has become an annual overnight camping weekend 40 ks from town which is then followed by a good 4x4 drive up two more hills. This time we had a good party on Moon Rock, the moon lit up the country. Some spent the night and some went home to bed.
After a beautiful sunrise and a big cooked breakfast six cars set off to climb the big one, Zhekezheke which always has a good test at the bottom. After the rains the views were stunning and the trails dust free. An early lunch was had by a small river and someone had to get stuck in the mud. Fortunately Shane managed to get his Rangie out so we went on to Kite Hill. While driving along the ridge we saw flashes of light coming from the top of the hill and had no idea what was making these flashes. On arrival at the top we were greeted by Flossie and Neil trying to send semaphore messages with a mirror to us. After flying kites for a while we took the more interesting route down, crossed the river and set off home.
Mike and Murray Patrol
Mark & Hilary Patrol
Peter & Tam Patrol
Gareth & Ashley Rangie
Tim Terrano
Shane & Simone Rangie
Neil & Flossie Patrol
Carol & Derek camped the night but being in a 2WD pickup they went home after breakfast. Got to get that 4x4 soon!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
4x4 Club Diary - 2011
These dates change as the year progresses, but flyers will be sent out before each event.
November 12 (Sat) Corporate Day & English Rules Donnybrook
November 18-20 Dungbeetle Mutare
December 4 Christmas Run Day
Social and SOAP fund raiser.
DONNYBROOK
To enter Donnybrook on a non-event day it will cost you $1 per car, providing you have you membership card. Non-members will be charged $10 per car. You must sign the book at the gate and put your name, your Club and membership number. Do not pay without signing the book.
Please note: If you wish to go to Donnybrook to play and there is another event on, then the organizing club can charge what they like for you to enter as they will have hired the entire complex for that day. Please don’t try and argue with the gate attendant as they will just be doing their job. Either pay-up or go away and come back on a free day.
WEB SITE / FACE BOOK
Have you had a look at our Web Site? Grant Weare, Kelvin’s son has done a really good job of updating it. Go to: http://www.4x4.co.zw
We have a Face Book site and for those members, who are on Face Book, feel free to join the site: 4x4 Zimbabwe
Motor Sports Association Club House
MSA Membership: The Club House bar works on a Swipe Card basis and any member of an affiliated club can join. Pay your $20 Club House subscription and get your card. Bar prices are double for non-cardholders.
Hall for Hire - Hire our affordable Club facilities for parties, Wedding Receptions, meetings, seminars, courses and other functions. Assist us in this way to obtain funds for the Clubhouse.
Michael and Pat GILL
See renewal notice below …………………………
THE 4 x 4 CLUB
P.O. BOX HG 594 HIGHLANDS HARARE ZIMBABWE
2 Annan Road, Eastlea, Harare.
www.4x4.co.zw
Affiliated to the Zimbabwe Motor Sports Federation
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL - 2012
Name: ...........................................................................................................
Address: .............................................................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone numbers : Home:.……........................ Work:: ……………...........................
Cell:...........................………........... E-mail :……………………..........................
In order to keep our records up-to-date, please complete in full.
Signed: ............................................... Date: ...……..................................
Annual subscription for 2011 is US$40
Our Bank Account Details, if you wish to do a direct deposit:
The 4x4 Club; NMB Borrowdale Branch;
Branch Code: 11106 Account No: 260066827
Please advise me as soon as you have paid, or we will not be able to reconcile the account and you will not get your Membership Card.
Pat Gill: Membership Secretary
Phone: 494028 Cell: 0712.440.794 Email: gill@zol.co.zw
Newsletter No: 85 -
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2011
P O Box HG 594 Highlands Harare Zimbabwe The Motor Sports Club House, 2 Annan Road, Eastlea, Harare.
The Chairman and Editorial Team:
CHAIRMAN: Tim Thorburn 498723 / 0772.645.518 thorburn@mweb.co.zw
EDITORS Mike & Pat GILL 494028 / 0712.400.243 / 0712.440.794 gill@zol.co.zw
4x4 Club Website http://www.4x4.co.zw Face Book Site: 4x4 Zimbabwe
The 4x4 Club is affiliated to the Zimbabwe Motor Sports Federation - ZMSF
Our Club is a member of the Mashonaland Motor Sport Association Club House, situated at: 2 Annan Rd. Eastlea. It is available for hire for weddings, conferences, kid's parties, 21st birthdays, etc.
News, comments and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Club or the Committee
THE EDITOR’S DESK - Michael and Pat Gill
We wish to say sorry that this is so delayed after the August issue but we have had a lot on our plate including our 50th Wedding Anniversary and a visit by our "Grand Children" from UK. All back to normal now. I did take the young out to Donnybrook in my SWB Patrol "Stubby" for some driving on the 4x4 tracks. Tim is a Police Traffic Patrol car driver in the UK and Martha is a CID Officer so there was sure to be a conflict of driving methods. Must say they both did very well till we nosed into one of the "Extreme" holes and even our LWB Patrol could not get us out backwards. Fortunately the only large tree nearby was straight in front and the winch pulled us out. Phew! A memorable day for them, and us.
MEMBER'S NEWS:
Tammy Ellis: Congratulations on attaining your majority. Tammy turned 21 on 27th August and had a very good party at Tree Tops to celebrate. .
Cheryl and Martinus NEL: Our sincere condolences to Cheryl and Martinus on the tragic and untimely death of their son Christopher in a motor accident.
Michael and Pat Gill: Your editors celebrated their 50 years of matrimonial bliss on 14th October.
Ray Walker: It is with regret we advise you of the death of Ray's wife Joan. She had been suffering for the last six months or so with a brain tumor. So sorry Ray, Joan was a lovely lady.
TECHNICAL
We all have occasions to need some kind of specialist work done on our cars. In my case it was to weld a small reinforcing plate UNDER my Landy chassis. Personally I find welding upside down impossible so I made use of Power Pipes in Msasa. Here they lifted the car up high, used a MIG welder and a chap who spends his days welding exhaust pipes over his head. What a pleasure to see a professional at work. And all the little red hot bits went down his sleeve and not mine.
TANK STANDS.
On your next trip out to our site at Donnybrook, you will notice our new Water Tank Stands. We have had to move the water tanks from the top of the containers as they were beginning to rust and there was a fear that one day they might topple over. This was done from Jamboree Sponsorship at of cost of $2000. We thank our sponsors.
On Sunday 2nd a team of happy helpers took the tanks off the containers and hoisted them up on top of the new stands at the end of the toilet block. We still have the pipe work to finish. Progress at last!
SUBSCRIPTIONS
It has been agreed that subscriptions for 2012 will be $40 for subs; and $20 joining fee for new members. See renewal notice at the end of this newsletter. Please pay your subs promptly and if you are going to enter any competitions then I suggest you get your ZMSF Competition Licence at the beginning of the year. Cost for the year is $35. This will save you paying $20 for every competition and your Medical Insurance is greatly increased as well. And it will save you filling in masses of forms at registration each time.
BALLY VAUGHAN WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
The idea behind the 4x4 Tour we had arranged was to get members out into an area they would not normally see, a nice drive and to finish at Bally Vaughan Sanctuary. We did ask people to bring a donation of goodies or cash so that we can help this worthy cause. Well, it went off so well we thought we would be oversubscribed. It was a lovely day and the loads of things we delivered included a step ladder, several pockets of cement, bags of dog biscuits, a large pile of plastic bowls, nails and wire netting and so on. Well done members!
We had a very good turnout, 25 cars and here are two short comments received.
" Just wanted to let you know Megan, Cheryl and I had a great time on the 4x4 run – my little RAV was quite impressive climbing up and down the big rock we went on!!" the three girls from the American Embassy."
"On behalf of all the birds and animals at the Bally Vaughan Sanctuary, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you for your donations delivered on Sunday. What a huge help to us – thank you so much. It was lovely having you all with us and I hope you enjoyed your day.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our work here – we appreciate it so much.
Sarah and all at the Bally Vaughan Sanctuary"
SARAH CARTER - THE BALLY VAUGHAN SANCTUARY ZIMBABWE
Tel: 263 772 592 944 263 733 436 239
email: sarah@ballyvaughan.co.zw - www.ballyvaughan.co.zw
THE 2011 BUSH PIG CHALLENGE AT BEATRICE
Eight teams, 16 cars, had a grand time out at Beatrice at usual, but all on new territory, new rocks, rivers and mud. Much of the traditional test sites are on land that has recently been grabbed so it was quite a challenge for the "route planners" to find new places. This they did to the extent that there were 16 DNFs which includes several tests not driven because the car was "broke".
The event traditionally has several night tests on Friday and these wiped out several teams. They were able to continue on Saturday which had a selection of sand, mud, water and more rocks and more broken cars. Not every broken car was directly caused by the rocks etc. Our alternator and started stopped and the Gweru entrant, BJ was injured by a stick which nearly took out his eye on the last test, which he finished, then rushed off to hospital. He was soon back to tell more "war stories". Camping weather was good and Beatrice Club looked after us with the usual good food and showers, etc. We even had a model aircraft and helicopter display on the rugby field.
Our major sponsor was Big Sky with "SecureTech" recovery gear. Some very useful items were handed out. The winners - Team "Numba Wun".
As all the cars are what you might call Comp Cars we noticed a few changes. Jim Perry has changed the 4 cyl petrol motor for a Rover V8. BJ has a set of "Unbreakable" drive shafts. Pete Jenkin had taken out the rear wheel steering and put in a standard axle – no broken drive shafts this year! Mark Benzon had changed the 4cyl diesel to a 4 cyl petrol Rover motor in his little red Jeep "Bud". Gareth brought along his new orange "Stinky" which looked a bit like a battered stock car afterwards. The same can be said for Kelvin's Series 1 after it had rolled.
Bush Pig Results.
Numba Wun Mass Kirk Tim Thorburn
Dream Team Alex Hawkins Dale Kiggen
Bush Rats Jim Perry BJ Lawry
Kalahari Michael Gill Mark Benzon
Dirty Buggers Trevor Butler Rodney Beckley
Wife Beaters Peter Benzon Shane Ellis
Crikey Pete Jenkin Gareth Geach
Fugly Kelvin Weare Malcolm Attwell
BUSH PIG PHOTO COMPETITION
Did you take any photos at Bush Pig? If so please send three of your best to Grant Weare to judge and you could be the winner of a Bush Pig Shirt. grant@ezytrack.co.zw
THREE HILLS
This has become an annual overnight camping weekend 40 ks from town which is then followed by a good 4x4 drive up two more hills. This time we had a good party on Moon Rock, the moon lit up the country. Some spent the night and some went home to bed.
After a beautiful sunrise and a big cooked breakfast six cars set off to climb the big one, Zhekezheke which always has a good test at the bottom. After the rains the views were stunning and the trails dust free. An early lunch was had by a small river and someone had to get stuck in the mud. Fortunately Shane managed to get his Rangie out so we went on to Kite Hill. While driving along the ridge we saw flashes of light coming from the top of the hill and had no idea what was making these flashes. On arrival at the top we were greeted by Flossie and Neil trying to send semaphore messages with a mirror to us. After flying kites for a while we took the more interesting route down, crossed the river and set off home.
Mike and Murray Patrol
Mark & Hilary Patrol
Peter & Tam Patrol
Gareth & Ashley Rangie
Tim Terrano
Shane & Simone Rangie
Neil & Flossie Patrol
Carol & Derek camped the night but being in a 2WD pickup they went home after breakfast. Got to get that 4x4 soon!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
4x4 Club Diary - 2011
These dates change as the year progresses, but flyers will be sent out before each event.
November 12 (Sat) Corporate Day & English Rules Donnybrook
November 18-20 Dungbeetle Mutare
December 4 Christmas Run Day
Social and SOAP fund raiser.
DONNYBROOK
To enter Donnybrook on a non-event day it will cost you $1 per car, providing you have you membership card. Non-members will be charged $10 per car. You must sign the book at the gate and put your name, your Club and membership number. Do not pay without signing the book.
Please note: If you wish to go to Donnybrook to play and there is another event on, then the organizing club can charge what they like for you to enter as they will have hired the entire complex for that day. Please don’t try and argue with the gate attendant as they will just be doing their job. Either pay-up or go away and come back on a free day.
WEB SITE / FACE BOOK
Have you had a look at our Web Site? Grant Weare, Kelvin’s son has done a really good job of updating it. Go to: http://www.4x4.co.zw
We have a Face Book site and for those members, who are on Face Book, feel free to join the site: 4x4 Zimbabwe
Motor Sports Association Club House
MSA Membership: The Club House bar works on a Swipe Card basis and any member of an affiliated club can join. Pay your $20 Club House subscription and get your card. Bar prices are double for non-cardholders.
Hall for Hire - Hire our affordable Club facilities for parties, Wedding Receptions, meetings, seminars, courses and other functions. Assist us in this way to obtain funds for the Clubhouse.
Michael and Pat GILL
See renewal notice below …………………………
THE 4 x 4 CLUB
P.O. BOX HG 594 HIGHLANDS HARARE ZIMBABWE
2 Annan Road, Eastlea, Harare.
www.4x4.co.zw
Affiliated to the Zimbabwe Motor Sports Federation
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL - 2012
Name: ...........................................................................................................
Address: .............................................................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone numbers : Home:.……........................ Work:: ……………...........................
Cell:...........................………........... E-mail :……………………..........................
In order to keep our records up-to-date, please complete in full.
Signed: ............................................... Date: ...……..................................
Annual subscription for 2011 is US$40
Our Bank Account Details, if you wish to do a direct deposit:
The 4x4 Club; NMB Borrowdale Branch;
Branch Code: 11106 Account No: 260066827
Please advise me as soon as you have paid, or we will not be able to reconcile the account and you will not get your Membership Card.
Pat Gill: Membership Secretary
Phone: 494028 Cell: 0712.440.794 Email: gill@zol.co.zw
Posts
This auspicious event is a wonderful one which will definitely cater for the enticing needs of the travellers taking cheap flights to Zimbabwe for spending some tempting time in Africa's beauty.
ReplyDeleteThis event is looking good. Can you please tell me when next event will be happen as I am planning a trip to Zimbabwe soon after my Umrah 2019
ReplyDelete