Information and comments

Just to warn everyone – there is a WHITE TOYOTA IPSUM, REG number ABO 6738 driving around Dairyboard/Workington area with 4 dressed policemen inside who this morning (22/10/2012) caught my husband talking on his phone while driving. They followed him whilst he was on the phone and then after he had finished his call and was stopped at an amber robot one of the ‘policemen’ hoped out the car and tapped on his window and told him he saw him talking on his phone and got into his  car. Once he had pulled over 2 more ‘policemen’ got into the car and the first ‘policeman’  told him he had to pay a $300 fine or have his car impounded to cut the story short he negotiated and managed to get it down to $20 each (so $60 in total). They seem to be on a mission again so be careful everybody…!

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I often wonder why our road markings are not done so that we can see the lanes - a case in point is Connaught Road and King George , Churchill Road , Golden Stairs …. and ……many others . I assume this is not a vast expense . I think the current situation is dangerous and more so at night , with no street lights and in the pouring rain . And we hope we will soon be driving in the pouring rain .

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I was very disheartened when driving to work this morning, after all the hard work last weekend, someone has dumped a load of papers and cardboard boxes in the Chatsworth Vlei along Bargate Road over the weekend.

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A great big hand to Miracle Missions and team for their great work....Just a thought....I have noticed over the years that "generally" when a place that had previously been used a dumping ground, once its cleaned and a sign saying NO DUMPING is erected on the site...most cases it is respected.

So we could encourage companies that are able to come up with signage????

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a very simple solution to a rat problem is to leave saucers of Chibuku beer out for them.  They drink it and die and should any cat or dog come into contact with the dead rat they will not be harmed in any way - so no more pets dying of rat poison unless specifically intended.     HOPE THIS STOPS PEOPLE FROM BUYING RAT POISON

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Mike, have you driven past the UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE lately on the Chase… absolutely disgusting! not a bin in sight either… there is a little tuckshop tin hut there and for supposedly intelligent uni students to be just throwing rubbish down on the verges it is hard to believe! Why no bins?? It’s the least the CITY OF HARARE can do. 

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Having just read the reports  on breakins in Greendale – Early Wednesday morning at 3am the alarm of the car parked in the garden went off.  I looked out of the window and saw a youngster running away from the car to the corner of the garden.  I have a wall, razor wire and electric fence (had forgotten to  put the alarm on!)   Multilink responded very quickly and found no trace  of any problems. Nothing was damaged or taken so were lucky and alarm now on.  I live on Rhodesville Ave.

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Selling Goats: The situation out at Tynwald has been a thorn in our side for a long time - we visit the area regularly to monitor the situation but apart from the goats no longer being tied up for lengthy periods, we don't seem to be making much headway, despite assurances from the sellers that changes will be made. There is a similar situation along the Beatrice Road, which has improved dramatically after a raid by VAWZ, ZRP and the Municipal Police in 2010. They have now formed a co-operative and adhere to instructions: the goats are kept in decent enclosures at night and are let out to graze from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. We have approached the Municipality with a request for designated areas for selling live animals, where they can be monitored and certain criteria enforced, i.e. suitable enclosures, provision of food and water. However, there seems to be little urgency on their part - plus the present economic hardships provide the perfect excuse for their lack of action. It is unfortunate that certain sectors of the community support these people - even paying extra to have the goats slaughtered and skinned on the premises. Two goats were confiscated over the weekend when they were found tied up with copper wire. The same concerns apply to the numerous vendors selling chickens and guineafowl along our roads. melaniehood@yahoo.com

 VAWZ will continue to engage with all stake holders in an effort to find a lasting solution, one in which the welfare of the animals is prioritised

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The removal of dead animals from our roads

In response to the numerous calls we receive concerning the removal of dead animals from our roads, the correct people to phone are the Harare City Waste Management Services (or Hygiene Engineers, as they are now called, I'm told! ) on 04-752637. It is also recommended that the nearest veterinary surgery and the SPCA (04-576356) be informed with details of the whereabouts and a description of the animal. Any incident where an animal is injured and assistance is required, please phone VAWZ on 0778431528, 0774168218 or 0773476009. 

Many thanks,

Mel Hood

melaniehood@yahoo.com

More general info from harare

AFRICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND is looking for any information on WILD DOG sightings in the KARIBA, MAKUTI, CHIRUNDU, MANA,ZAMBEZI RIVER AREAS. ANY of the below information would be of great help. DATE - If no exact date, month or approximate month of the year from 2011 to date. SEEN WHERE - If unable to be exact, area Example: Makuti to Kariba road approx half way between Makuti and Kariba. HOW MANY -ADULTS OR ADULTS AND PUPS - PICTURES - If any that can be sent  by email Any other information you can advise -gailscanvas@gmail.com

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Cats: Yesterday I went to Friends Foundation to collect a stray dog, which I have taken on. I walked up the cat enclosure and looked at all the cats and the most lovely kittens, about forty,  all around two to three months,  in top condition and just longing for a home, it was so hard to walk away. Please have someone take a photograph of all these kittens climbing up the wire asking to be taken. Again many lovely cats, who have been dumped by their owners who would not take onwards. also wanting a home. On the other side lots of lovely dogs, again dumped by their old owners, looking for new homes. We humans are a miserable race to take on a cat or a dog, make it part of the family, then dump them when it suits. All animals at FF are well fed and groomed, but lets face they want a home.

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Dumping Rubbish. Site 1 - We have noted that for a while and it has gotten worst in the last month that people have been dumping stuff along the Cleveland Game Fence. This is a disaster waiting to happen. There is really no reason for the residents to dump rubbish etc. there as we have collection once a week.

Site 2 - Unfortunately i can’t remember the road name. Travelling along Harare drive just past the Cleveland Game farm, and the new Athlone Junior School that is going up. The road to the right (will try and get the correct name for you) travel along this road a lot of people have been dumping rubbish as well.

Site 3 - Trinity square in Athlone. THE Place HAS A NO DUMPING SIGN but people are still dumping rubbish here & this is just a waste of council designated picnic area

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The Standard, Sunday October 21, Pg S8

*Harare City Council announces that Robert Mugabe Road was converted into one-way street with effect from Sunday October 21.

Chinhoyi Street and Leopold Takawira Street will be converted into one-way street couplet with effect from December 1.

The direction of traffic flow in Robert Mugabe Road will be easterly from Rotten Row to Julius Nyerere Way.

The direction of traffic flow in Chinhoyi Street will be southerly from Samora Machel Avenue to Charter Road.

The direction of traffic flow in Leopold Takawira will be northerly from Charter Road to Samora Machel Avenue

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I would just like to let you know that I live in Kambanji and on Saturday morning, early hours of the morning I presume, my dog was poisoned and subsequently died.  What an awful death and I hope the culprits suffer in the same way

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Please could you do a  story on storm drains and their importance in our daily lives. Many people are not aware of this importance and use them as dustbins or a place where they can  burn their garden refuse. Storm drains are for water and water only .  The city council should be on this also.

The making of a wonderful compost heaps in the back garden that will enhance the gardens, and so make our suburb look  respectable and our homes will not lose value. This request has been bought to my attention via my neighbour as she is getting very annoyed with  all the rubbish (drinks cans, garden refuse,  bags of broken glass, packets, etc) on her verge that she has to clean up each day.

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I, for one (ex-policewoman) am real glad the police are clamping down, the driving here in Zim. is the worst, why is it when someone is breaking the law (by speaking on a cell phone), not wearing a seat belt, not stopping at a stop street, speeding, that they blame the police for 'clamping down again'.  Get with it Zimbabwean's what were the force numbers on the policemen's shirts why was the passenger's door unlocked so as to allow the 'policemen' into the vehicle?  Did the person ask to see the Policemen's ID cards?  If the person felt he/she was being ripped-off, ask for a ticket, hopefully this was requested, if not, they only have themselves to blame, why not drive to your nearest police station with all the 'policemen' in your vehicle to clarify the cost of the offence.  If in doubt 'DRIVE TO YOUR NEAREST POLICE POST AND/OR POLICE STATION', before any money has been handed over.

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Another thing is so annoying is that there are no markings on the humps on the road, Most of them are rubbed off, I am sure they can mark the humps again.

Also the potholes should be filled before the rains come or is it too late. Hope something is done soon.

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4 x 4 Newsletter

THE 4X4 CLUB – ZIMBABWE

Newsletter No: 95

OCTOBER 2012

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 / 0778.843.843 / 0778.731.288   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, 21^st 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

Overheard:  When discussing soft sand driving and advising a driver to lower his tyre pressures.  The reply was "It's alright. I have 4 wheel drive"  …………..

Yes, we are a 4x4 club but many members actually have little knowledge of the complexities of their car or truck or wagon.  I think it would be good for the more experienced to give the less experienced, or confused, a bit of advice.  A "Training Day" at Donnybrook. Many drivers talk about "Diff Lock" on their wagon with no idea what it does.  Now we have new trucks with "Traction Control" or some letters like ETC.  This helps to keep you going but we still have drivers ploughing on in 2WD just to see how far they can go before getting stuck.  All very strange!

NEW MEMBERS:

No new members this month.  However our membership numbers are up to 92. Ten more than last year and the highest we have been for a long time.  Not all bad!!

MEMBER'S NEWS:

A few comments we have received after the last newsletter!!

Greg Stead:  Thank you for my mention in both of the last newsletters.  I have been very proud to carry the Zim flag with me through Africa!   My thoughts now are towards the East African Safari Classic!   

Linda & Gregory Harries:  Hi Mike & Pat, From behind the Boerewors Curtain.

Thank you for the News letter No: 94, it was great reading it.  I would love to have joined the club for Hwange Game Count but I have already pushed my luck with my leave this year.  

Linda and I leave next week Friday with 6 other vehicles to Kruger Park (1 night), South Gonarezhou (2 nights) ,  North Gonarezhou(3 nights) and Do Limpopo (2 nights) and then Home.  Zimbabwe`s dirt roads are in good condition.        Borewors Greetings,            

 (Linda and Greg from South Africa were on the Hwange Road Project with us)

Later:    Our trip to Gonarezhou was wonderfull,your country got so much beauty to it and the people  chat to you as if you were old friends.       Greetings             Boerewors Gang

Keith Osborne:  Many thanks for a "great and most enjoyable" News Letter! So sorry to miss the Bush Pig this Year; but was committed to a Charity Concert for 'Kids Can' on the night of the 15th.  Good to know the whole 'Bush Pig ' weekend was successful!!

Regards;         

Margie Gibson:  I really enjoyed this edition of the newsletter – particularly liked the individual mention of course, but the whole letter was very interesting.  Thanks so much for doing this for all us club members, well done.  See you soon, Margie Gibson

Jim Perry:  Mike and Pat.  Got the newsletter, very good.  Safe trip to Hwange. Thanks,

Ralph Stead is a founder member of our Club. Rose Rushforth recently sent out photos of Ralph Stead and Austin Whitehead receiving the trophy from Mr Jean Todt President of the FIA (Federation of International Automobile) for the best organized rally in the African Rally Championship 2012.  Knowing Ralph and Austin as we do, we are not surprised.  Please join us in congratulating them both.

MEMBERS CARS:

Those who attended the Bush Pig will have seen the Geach's towing their rebuilt Off-Road caravan with a very pretty Land Rover 90.  These 90s are rare in Zimbabwe and Gareth bought this one off an Auction after it was written off.  The one side and roof were history and yet with much skill and incredible speed he and Ashleigh rebuilt it.  It is now Ashes daily wheels and she enjoys the extra space after the Nissan March!!!

Getting things done around here is like mating elephants. 

It is done at high level – it is accomplished with a great deal of roaring and screaming – and it takes two years to produce results!

PAST EVENTS:

PAINTED DOG TALK

Friday 5^th October at Motor Sports Club House.  This was well attended and very interesting.  Greg Rasmussen has been with this project for many years, with its ups and down, and gave a most interesting talk on the way these wonderful dogs live and survive against all odds.  A few hundred dollars was collected and we all learned a lot about the way these rare animals live.  Greg has a very interesting and well equipped Land Rover Defender to do his travelling to keep track of all the packs that are scattered about Zimbabwe.

BULAWAYO JAMBOREE  Oct 6 & 7

We hear the Nel's put on a very entertaining Jamboree and from remarks we heard from the Harare based guys it was different and good fun.  A nice touch was a few moments to remember all the people who had been involved in their Jamboree in past years but were no longer with us.

Bulawayo being Bulawayo they had a variety of problems with Marshals and starting times but with only 16 entries -  4 from Harare, 1 Gweru and 1 Botswana it went off well.  This Bots entry was in a special "Pipe" car so he had his own class.  Aubrey (aka Audrey) put his Landy on its roof to entertain the crowd and Tom Bawden's Jeep fell over.  A couple of cars broke something so we are wondering how Dale Kiggen, Harare, broke and yet won his class.  Cheryl Nel also broke something and finished 2^nd in that class.  Somehow Jim Perry was classed "Standard" in his very modified Series 1 Landy with a V8 motor and won the class and was only narrowly beaten by MJ and Martinus Nel in the Extreme.  (Jim has since rectified this with the Organisers)

So you see what you missed, next time we hope.

Local members were Trevor Butler (2^nd Special), BJ Lawry (4^th Special), Dale Kiggen (1^st Modified), Jim Perry (1^st Standard), Aubrey Bennett (2^nd Standard).

FUTURE EVENTS

Dungbeetle Mutare    16^th – 18^th November,

At last we managed to get the Mutare boys to Harare for Bushpig.  And, not only did they win the event they decided that this was such a good concept for a competition that they are changing Dungbeetle to run on similar lines.  That is to have two cars working as a team to get through the stages.    Venue will be at Smallbridge Dam, a lovely scenic venue with really good facilities. 

Make a note in your diary NOW, 16th – 18^th November.  They will send out flyers in due course.

 THREE HILLS

October 27 / 28^th .  Do not miss this fun weekend.  See the flyers we have sent out.  Low cost, low distance and full of active driving through wild scenery.  Camping on the top of a kopje is very special with the sun set, moon rise and sun rise on Sunday morning. Even a 2WD bakkie's can get to the camp site, but not the Sunday drive.

TREE PLANTING AND CORPOATE DAY

November 10^th Saturday afternoon.  Wait for the flyer.  This is a special day in our Calendar and we would very much like to have your company with the Indigenous Tree Planting out at Donnybrook 4x4 site.   We planted most of the trees in our camp site years ago and they are a pleasure to have now that they have grown.  Now we need another batch around the site and all the Motor Sport Clubs, Karting, Bog Wheelers, Sables, etc. will be planting in Donnybrook on National Tree Planting Day.   Come and join in this good social day.

GRAFFITI.   On back of lorry   "If you can't stop – smile as you go under"

4x4 Club Diary -      2012

The 2013 diary is being finalized and we will publish as soon as it is ratified by ZMSF. 

These dates change as the year progresses, but flyers will be sent out before each event. 

October 27 - 28                  Three Hills   (full moon)               Makumbi

November   10                   Corporate Day /Tree Planting     Donnybrook Park   

November 16 - 18              Mutare Dungbeetle                      Smallbridge Dam

December    9                     Christmas Run                              SOAP Fund Raiser

DONNYBROOK

To enter Donnybrook Park on a non-event day it will cost you $2 per car, providing you have you membership card.  Non-members will be charged $20 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.  They will have hired the entire complex for that day. Please don’t try and argue with the gate attendant, 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 has done a really good job of updating it.    Go to:   http://www.4x4.co.zw

We have a Face Book 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.

CLUB FORUM

A forum for the club has been created.   Click on the following

http://zim4x4.freeforums.org/

It will be linked back to the 4x4 website in due course but register in the mean time.  Please pass this link on to anyone you think may be interested in posting on the forum.

YOUR 4X4 COMMITTEE FOR 2012. 

CHAIRMAN                         TIM THORBURN                  timthorburn.zim@gmail.com         0772.645.518     

TREASURER                         KELVIN WEARE                   weare@telfordmica.co.zw               0772.326.687

SECRETARY                          CAROL WEARE                    theweares@zol.co.zw                       0733.400.496

VICE CHAIRMAN                 MASS KIRK                          kirk@afriglobal.com                         0772.261.682

CHF MARSHAL/EVENTS     ROGER ELLIS                        ellisr@barzem.co.zw                        0772.219.154

MEMBERSHIP                     PAT GILL                                             gill@zol.co.zw                                    0778.731.288

EVENTS / EQUIPMENT       GARETH GEACH                  garethg@sunlite.co.zw                     0772.283.524

EVENTS                                PETER BENZON                   petebenzon@hotmail.com              0775.009.218

EVENTS                                JASON YOUNG                    jason@telfordmica.co.zw                               0772.918.878

ENVIRONMENT                   MUZZA BLACK                    muzza@zol.co.zw                             0772.241.000

NEWSLETTER                       MICHAEL AND PAT GILL    gill@zol.co.zw                                    0778.843.843

Till next time. 

Michael and Pat GILL

Phone:   04.494028    (M) 0778.843.843        (P) 0778.731.288

gill@zol.co.zw