From:
Bev Lawes bev@eezipool.co.zw
To all the wonderful people who responded to our appeal for ‘the local
character’, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
When we made the appeal we felt that it was important not to give our
character a name. But it appears that many people know her. And another amazing
thing happened. Our character (the pigeon lady, the cat lady, the bicycle
lady.......), is currently in frail care at Fairways. She had decided that it
was time for her to die and she pulled the blankets over her head and withdrew.
Mary Lu, who is her friend and carer, was desperate so plucked up her
courage and told our character about the appeal made on her behalf and the
incredible response, which included many ex-pupils. Heather came out from
under the blankets, chuckled with glee and was last seen reading her beloved
newspapers. She felt loved and cared for.
We have had responses from all over the world. We will reply to each
one. We have been offered bird seed and cat food, the services of a
doctor, food parcels, a newspaper subscription and cash donations, all of which
will help to give Heather quality of life. And so much love, caring and
laughter.
Heathers needs are not great but she has medical expenses which will
need to be paid. And we feel that it is important that she have some money for
herself, to maintain her independence. If you would like to donate
towards that we are providing the bank account details for Fairways (at bottom
of page).
Heather was a domestic science teacher and, by all accounts, a very good
teacher. But equally strict and uncompromising. We have heard the most
delightful stories about school girls lying awake all night worrying about
petticoats not finished and students failing exams as they dared to lick
bowls!! If you were a pupil of Heathers please give us some of your memories of
her and we will put it into a scrap book for her.
We sent out this appeal without any expectations and have been
overwhelmed at the response. All your care and concern truly embodies the
spirit of Christmas. It also reflects the huge heart and soul of
Zimbabwe. There aren’t words to express our thanks. It has been a
privilege connecting with so many special people. Heather gave us a gift this
Christmas that is invaluable.
Mary Lu and Bev
Too many wonderful comments from you to include all of them but here are
a few;
‘Of course we remember the Pigeon feeding
Lady. The sight of her riding her big black bicycle through town to
feed her birds and cats will always be a reminder of the characters we
cherished growing up in Harare.’
‘She taught
me in QE and I have never forgotten her. When with old school friends and
we reminisce about the old days her name always comes up.’
‘I know
exactly who this lady is. She taught domestic science at my old school,
Queen Elizabeth. I was not personally taught by her. However, a schoolfriend of
mine and I bumped into her in First Street a few months ago, and we thanked her
for her contribution to our education. She seemed please, but was quite quickly
tired and wanted to get on with what she was doing.’
‘Is this
the same rather chubby lady who used to ride on her lady's shaped bicycle with
a carrier on the back down second street--almost daily ?. She used to frequent
the Anglican Cathedral but was always alone ?’
‘I think I am correct in saying that my Gran was at
school with the lady you refer to in your Bambazonke letter, and (again I
think) the same lady then taught my Mum domestic science. My Gran is
still alive in Jhb - if you have any grey areas you are looking for
answers to I will gladly call and see if she can help. Both my Mum and
Gran have often spoken about her and seem to know quite a bit about her very
sad and difficult childhood. ‘
‘I was at QE from 1975 – 1980. Miss Frazer taught me
cooking. We remembered her feeding the cats in the church. An amazing lady
whose pupils remember her well.’
‘I have been away from Zim for over 20 years now (living in Mozambique)
but if this is the same lady, I do remember her riding her bike around the
middle of Harare and near the High Court all those years ago, where she fed the
pigeons/doves and cats around First St (as it was then known).’
‘Thank you
for enlightening us about the mystery lady on the bike on 2nd St!’
‘Your story really touched my heart. As my brother would say -
'there but for the grace of God go I'.’
‘Such story always
touches one's heart. More so mine in that I have watched this lady on her cycle
going up and down what was 2nd Street, for years, should she be the same
one. I have always wondered about "from where and to
where". It is now some years since I last saw her, I
have occasionally wondered what had become of her.’
‘I am sure
the lady you write about was my domestic science teacher at QE school in
Salisbury from 1958-1961. She was an excellent teacher but very strict and we
trod on eggshells around her.’
‘Hi my dear I know this lady from seeing her for many
years around the town and avenues. She is a very loving and
caring animal lover. I used to often give her money when I worked in
town, for the pet food etc’
If you do donate through the Fairways account please let us know so that
we can keep track and also let Heather know.
Also, please ensure that all deposits/transfers quotes ‘Heather Fraser’
and the name of the depositor.
Account name –
Fairways homes
Account no
-
8700223075400
Bank
-
Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe limited
Branch
- Africa
Unity Square
Swift
code -
SCBLZWHXAXXX
EMAIL
barbour@mango.zw
38 Bodle Ave
Eastlea
Harare
792279 or 795003
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