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Victory Park, Johannesburg
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Details of each of the two gatherings can be found below. The first was at the Zoo Lake Bowling Club, Wednesday 26 November 2003, and the second at the Inanda Club, Thursday 27th.
Hein van Spaendonck was the one who actually got the ball rolling and arranged one of the two gatherings. And a Bellingan rebellion is responsible for the other one. More below.
For whatever reason, Hein had changed the date from Wed 26th to 27th, and this occurred "post-planning" for some, especially those who had flown into town with the 26th in mind - resulting in a plan to meet on the 26th, anyway.
On Wednesday afternoon I saw Mark Bellingan's unanswered attempt to restore the reunion to the 26th, then sent a message into the ether hoping that somebody would respond with Mark Bellingan's phone number. I arrive to a phone call from Mark, whose girlfriend in Cape Town had intercepted the message. He had sleuthed out my number and informed me of a plan for a gathering (I now realise that this couldn't have been as difficult as it first appeared, since the address must have been committed to long-term memory during the before-school, coffee-sipping & cigarette-sucking sessions at Visconti's house).
After a few false starts including the Inanda Club (at which Mark, Adrian and Keith Edwards had been informed that they could not drink unless on Hein van Spaendonck's account), I was directed to the Zoo Lake Bowling Club to find Keith and Bruce Edwards, Adrian and and Mark, later to be joined by Neil Kayton. Bloody amazing. I was in time to buy the 2nd round, which Adrian insisted on paying for.
Many an old story was swapped out on the pub lawn. As umbrellas and tables were being packed up around us, in the candle light the wizened faces with grey hair seemed to merge with memories of these faces on top of green blazers with gold stripes (and a plain green one too).
Some of the noteworthy stories were:
The colourful escapades of one Bruce Edwards, both pre- October 1979 and post (which shall remain unrecorded here, lest their value as material for an autobiography be diminished, or lest their value as evidence for opposing parties be increased) Keith Edwards and Adrian (and Neil Kayton?) mapped out the entire first team rugby squad. Keith's kid is the DLSHC junior school head boy - like father like son, says dad. After raising a glass to John Nourse, and the fielding of non-stop Mark Bellingan quips, much laughing and more than sufficient beer, we improved the mineral content of the surrounding vegetation and dispersed into the suburbs.
All the shared reflections of times long past (though strangely present) was rejuvenating indeed.
John Stiekema, 2 Dec '03
Initially or shall I say I was under the impression that Hein had arranged for a get together on the Wednesday (26/11), which I and I believe others had diarised. Somewhere between the 22/10/03 at the Linden, the 27/10/03 at the Inanda Club it all went decidedly pear shaped. In essence what transpired is that we had a group rearing to go on the 26th and another group waiting in trepidation for the 27th. How did this occur? Well I am at a loss for words.
Now the pictures, well now here a thing. At the Inanda Club you are not allowed to take photographs of any sort. Apparently in an attempt to prevent occurrences and or allegations based on inaccurate facts or general banter all intended to be in good spirit. It would also appear that there exists a fair amount of, well lets call it hanky panky at this "Flash" Northern Suburb establishment. As the club, facilitating these events ( They even provide Cottages on the premises) go to great lengths to protect the identities of their philandering members!! Suffice to say I was shocked when I was apprehended by the security forces when attempting to remove the lens cover from my 'happy snapper'.
So now back to the 26/11, yes there was a get together, MarkB, Adrian and Keith I believe, at the Zoo Lake Bowling Club, I like you await an explanation!! Followed by the 27th, Hein David Nick and myself at the plush Inanda Club. So whilst the admin and general communications were a bit of a 'ducking fisaster' the intentions were there. As a parting shot it was suggested that we attempt to get together for a Burger and a Beer before Christmas, only time will tell if admin and comms have improved.
Jo Watt, 2 Dec '03
Well here it goes
As the villain of the miscom and hap it is needless to say nothing changes. I still like to throw in a surprise element.
Seriously though, my apologies for the change in date and time, I'm not sure how my diary got mixed up.
No pictures?! At our age and the company present, I think it esthetically irresponsible to take pictures of any kind. Although pictures are normally allowed when Jo arrived they called in extra security to ensure there would not be proof and/or any link.
I know about the cottages and when Jo joins (I noticed his keen interest :-) ), I am sure he will be discrete.
I will be away in Botswana, Cape and Natal over December so no reunion for me before Xmas. However for any of the takers I could organise one for you guys in abstentia to make good.
Cheers
Hein
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