Midlands' Matters

APRIL 2016

____________________________________________ Address all correspondence to CCSA Natal Midlands Ph: 033 396 2373

P.O.Box 100695 Fax: 086 253 9760 SCOTTSVILLE 3209

2015/2016 Committee

Chairman Gordon Major 033 396 1943 082 374 2327 majorgj@mweb.co.za

Vice Chairman Des Shaw 033 3471248 082 093 5993 deselaine@telkomsa.net Secretary Noeline Gillham 033 396 2373 083 778 9535 kgillham@telkomsa.net Treasurer Billy Cawood 033 330 8116 072 428 4957 accso@mweb.co.za Chief Rally Convenor Sally Riley A/H 033 330 3718 082 372 8093 rileysds@gmail.com PRO Anita Nefdt 033 386 4494 083 403 8957 nefdtfam@absamail.co.za Scribe Sharon Leonard 083 647 9985 shaz108@yahoo.com Committee Member Terry Schefermann 033 386 7250 083 382 7671 terry_schef@mweb.co.za

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MAJOR’S MUTTERINGS

Greetings and salutations Midlands

Hope life is treating you all well and that you are all enjoying all

the public holidays, remember not too many Easter eggs.

On 5th March, Noeline, Terry and I attended Convention in Durban,

the business of the day was dispensed of quickly, all but one of the

proposals were carried and the one that affects us most is the

increase in subs for the upcoming year from R300 to R330 pa, definitely not excessive.

The rest of convention revolved around discussing what we can do to stem the tide in

the loss of members and the potential solutions to growing membership. A common

feeling was that the current CCSA symbol seems to discourage anyone whom does not

own a caravan from becoming members. Interestingly Stephan Spieker spoke to Gavin

from Durban Campworld and he commented that for every new caravan sold, they sell

+/- 2 trailers (in various formats) and approximately 20 tents (including roof top tents)

- we need to update the logo to promote the club to non-caravan campers. A

competition regarding the design of a new logo (still incorporating the caravan) will be

launched and I am sure some form of prize will be offered. I will keep you posted.

Our last rally was held over the weekend of 11th - 13

th March at Natalia where we

again had quite a small turnout of only 13 families from Midlands including1 visitor; 4

vans from Sunshine Coast including their chairman joined us for the weekend as those

were all the intentions that they had for their own

rally. Maybe as a province we need to look at

rallying with other regions in order for us to get our

discounts from the parks, luckily Natalia gave us the

discount when Sunshine joined us! It was great to

rally with a sister region, see rally report elsewhere.

On Sunday I presented Lindley with his Eric

Hoffmann Award for 10 years committee service,

congratulations Lindley!

Glenda had a close shave on her way to the rally as someone drove into the back of her

car on the freeway, thankfully she was not injured and the car was still drivable.

North Coast Region are celebrating their 40th birthday at the National Rally to be held

at Richards Bay Caravan Park in July – see expression of interest details elsewhere.

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The annual Derek Clarke Tour participants have returned home safely and by all

accounts, with the exception of a couple of hiccups, a great time was had by all.

We have received our sponsored Campworld gazebo and we

put it to good use at the last rally, I am presently busy

organising the Midlands gazeebo and will report back as

soon as we get it.

The voting for our “Rally Venue of the Year” was badly

supported and it has been decided that it will not be awarded

this year, a pity since it gives recognition back to the parks

that host us.

Accompanying this newsletter there is an intention form for

Rally Natal which will be held at Karridene in May, please complete and return to

Highway Region soonest, please also copy your intention to Sally. Also remember that

we need teams for Pedal Car (main race only) and Banana Games, give your names to

Anita or Sally. Let’s have a good turnout since we are the largest region in KZN

Our next rally will be held at Villa Spa over the weekend of 22nd – 24

th April, I hope to

see lots of you guys there – see elsewhere for details.

Thought to ponder

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”

-Walt Disney-

(A sentiment to soon be adopted by my dear wife especially when it comes to

setting up at a rally)

Cheers for now, safe towing and God willing I’ll see you at Villa Spa

GordonGordonGordonGordon

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CHIEF RALLY CONVENOR’S REPORT

REGIONAL RALLY AT VILLA SPA 22-24 APRIL 2016. Your marshals for the weekend will be first timers Grant, Shelli and Brandon together with Terry and Gayle, THANKS a lot for offering guys. COSTS: WEEKEND RATES - 2 Pensioners (over 60 years) R420.00 2 Adults R 480.00 1 Adult R240.00 1 Adult / 1 child R 370.00 2 Adults / 1 child R 610.00 2 Adults / 2 children R 740.00 2 Adults / 3 children R1 100.00 THE ABOVE RATES APPLY ONLY IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 10 CARAVANS, THE RATES ARE ALSO FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY / MEMBER Extra Adult weekend: R 240.00 Extra Child Weekend: R 130.00 Day visitors: R50.00 per person R100.00 Access disc will be refunded. FRIDAY: Braai with a share Salad or Pudding SATURDAY: Curry and Rice @ R 30.00 a head PLEASE give your intention timeously BY FRIDAY 15th APRIL. NATIONAL RALLY- RALLY NATAL AT KARRIDENE 20- 22 MAY 2016. The marshals are your Committee. The intention form will be found in your newsletter, as Highway Region will be the hosts. Please complete by the intention date and please don’t forget to CC me in with your intention. Intentions are due by 22 April 2016. – persons wanting to go the day before or stay on longer after the rally need to settle that amount with the park directly. The Banana Games will be held in the morning and the Pedal car race in the afternoon, this is the one which was cancelled last year due to rain. PLEASE advise

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Anita or myself if you wish to compete. We ONLY have one name so far, COME GUYS let’s do it. NATIONAL AT RIVER VALLEY 17-19 JUNE 2016, (YOU CAN MAKE IT A LONG WEEKEND IF YOU ARRIVE ON THE THURSDAY – A PUBLIC HOLIDAY – AND TAKE THE FRIDAY OFF WORK)

Trying to get a coastal venue has been very tiresome. Parks at the beach increase their tariffs over a long weekend. I have managed to get a very good price at River Valley. R70.00 adult per night R40.00 child per night This rate is for if we are more than 10 caravans and a minimum of 2 night’s stay. PLEASE REMEMBER RALLY FEE OF R 20-00, WHICH IS PAYABLE AT EVERY RALLY. Cheers for now Sally Cell 082 372 8093- PLEASE PHONE AFTER HOURS ONLY. A WHATSAPP , SMS OR EMAIL MAY ONLY BE ACKNOWLEDGED AFTER HOURS, THANKS.

RALLY DATES, VENUES AND MARSHALS 2016.

National 20 – 22 May Rally Natal – Karridene Committee Regional 16 – 19 June River Valley ????? National 22 – 24 July Rocky Bay Robertson/ ???? Regional 19 – 21 August AGM – Queensburgh Committee National 16 – 18 September Pedal Car – Karridene Committee Regional 14 – 16 October Mystery Leonard/Robertson National 4 – 6 November 40th Birthday – Bushwillow Committee Regional 2 - 4 December Christmas - Baynesfield Committee

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Knocking on the Door for Milestone Celebrations!!!!!! Some info for your interest.

NATIONALS: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 etc. (ROUND DISC) Castle – on 48 Pellew – on 99th next 100th (THE BIG ONE) Cowan – on 20 McGladdery – on 24th next 25th Engelbrecht - on 46 Robertson – on 20 Mitchley – on 23 Shaw – on 71 Riley – on 71 Scheferman- on 23 Todd – on 23

REGIONALS: 22, 44, 88, 110, 132, 154, 176, 198 etc. (SQUARE DISC) Adnams – on 43rd next 44th Campbell – on 20 Bishop – on 41 Major – on 107 Mitchley – on 19 Riley – on 83 Shaw – on 84 Driemeyer – on 125 PROVICIALS: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 40, etc. (GOLD DISC) Bennett – on 9th next 10th Castle – on 9th next 10th Campbell – on 9th next 10th Cawood Billy - on 9th next 10th Cowan – on 9th next 10th Baxter – on 14th next 15th Buys Rudy – on 14th next 15th Pellew – on 14th next 15th Robertson – on 4th next 5th

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CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE - Midlands Shirts at only R185.00 each. This is a shirt that all Midlands members should have and wear proudly.

Should anyone wish to place a classified ad wanting to sell, buy, swap, messages, etc. please feel free to contact me on my email shaz108@yahoo.com, sms/WhatsApp on 0836479985, I will be more than happy to insert it in the newsletter.

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PRO’S REPORT

Whew! This report came so quickly and as I am still awaiting for information and photos from some of our members, I am sure I will have more for the next newsletter. Watch this space>>>>>> Our Natalia rally was very enjoyable and I had a most wonderful experience. Yes, I left our members on Saturday (and was fined for it on Sunday by Dave Kotze) and met up with three of my school friends, two of whom I have not seen for over 40 years. Wow, it was just so wonderful to see them again. Unfortunately Glenda Bennet had a very bad start to the weekend. She was involved in a car accident. Glenda is battling to walk and has been going for physio treatment. I had a chat to her and she said the physiotherapist is concerned and wants her to go for scans & X-rays of her hips. Please keep Glenda in your prayers as all of you know that she has had very big back operation a few years ago. We trust and believe she will recover very soon. Glenda, we wish you all of the best. Johnny Engelbrecht had his knee operation. The Specialist said that the operation went well. Johnny was at home for few days and had to go back to hospital due to an infection. I spoke to Elize and she said Johnny is feeling better but his feet are still swollen. Please keep Johnny in your prayers for a speedy recovery as this “boere man” is not happy when he is not feeling 100%. Ken Gillham has had more skin cancer lesions removed- he has been very brave. Ken we wish you a speedy recovery. Devi du Toit was also in hospital. Devi, we hope your recent surgery went well

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and wish you a speedy recovery. Dave and Beryl Kotze are over the moon. Rayanne, their daughter from the UK and their little grandson, Miles, are visiting for a few days. Enjoy your valuable time with all your “chickens” - as Beryl calls them. Congratulations Norman and Yvonne McGladdery on the birth of your very 1st grandchild born on the 19th March 2016. It is a precious little boy!! May Royston Philip McGladdery just bring lots of love and joy into your lives. I hope to have some photos for next month’s newsletter. After all the excitement of Royston’s birth, granny Yvonne had a knee replacement on the 23rd March 2016. All went well and granny is doing well. Yvonne, we send lots of love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Ant and Wendy Adnams has been so busy these past few weeks. First, there was the exciting birth of their precious grandson, Thomas. Congratulations to all of you! Now they are in the UK for their son, Bradley’s wedding in April. We wish Bradley and Frances Bowler a wonderful time on their very special day. Enjoy your holiday and wedding and when you are back in SA, please let me have some photos of your grandson and the wedding, so that you can share all your exciting experiences with your Midlands family.

BIRTHDAYS MAY 2016

1st Rose van Wyk 4th Billy Cawood 6th Robyn Nefdt - Happy 30th !!! 9th Sheldon Coady - Happy 21st !!!

10th Nicky Siepman 11th Anthony Adnams 13th Glenda Bennett 15th Darren van Wyk 16th Joshua Pellew 17th Grant Williams 17th Trevor Evans 18th Jenna Baxter – A Very Special 21st !!!

21st Mike Wortmann - Happy 70th !!! 22nd Hennie Nel 30th Craig Driemeyer 31st Lindley Siepman

31st Dereck Nefdt – To My Lovey- a Happy 65th !!!! 31st Gayle Schefermann

May your birthdays and every day be filled with warm sunshine, the happiness of smiles, the sounds of laughter, the feeling of love and the sharing of good cheer.

ANNIVERSARIES MAY 2016

1st Derrick & Bev Boardman (12) 8th Billy & Carol Cawood (17) 24th Bernard & Christine Yeadon (36)

29th Rudy & Sharon Buys (29)

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May your marriage be blessed with love, joy and companionship for all the years of your lives. God Bless you All ! Everyone is back safely from the DCAA Tour and I hear it was another fantastic tour. Well done Ron and Rose King for keeping Midlands’ name very high. See Ron’s report elsewhere. Well, well - Wally Bennett will be officially on early retirement as from 1st April 2016. (Wally, I personally think you are not going to know what has hit you.) By the way Glenda whispered in my ear that she is busy drawing up a list of things to be done at home, and she is already at number 101. ☺ In all seriousness, we wish you a wonderful and enjoyable retirement. Just a small reminder. If you would like to share any sad, good or funny news, email me at: nefdtfam@absamail.co.za If you don’t let me know, I cannot mention it, but would really appreciate news from more of our members. Pedal Car is around the corner and I have only ONE volunteer. Brandon Williams, I hope you are training very hard- because you might have to pedal for an hour??? Please let Sally or myself know if you can pedal, to enable us to make a decision whether we can enter the race or not. Hope to see you at Villa Spa. It is one of our better parks down the South Coast. Keep well Anita

RALLY REPORT – NATALIA Greetings to all our members It was with fairly sad hearts when we heard how few Midlands members were attending this rally. Numbers were so low, so we

give thanks to our friends from Sunshine Coast who spent the weekend with us to boost our numbers. Our thanks too to Natalia itself for recoginising that we are regular users of the park so we didn't lose our discount. So thanks to - I think, - a total of 17 vans, 4 tents, but please bear in mind I was in such a dwaal (you good Afrikaanse mense ) will understand the word very clearly, so I kept getting different figures.

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It was the first time in 2 years since we marshaled at a rally and was good to be involved again. So we were now to be the senior marshals, to be very ably assisted by Mike and Karen Grove Mitchell. Yet in the end the Grove Mitchell's, with the help of many other ladies who I watched pass me by starting to cook the pasta, heating the mince, and doing everything so efficiently after receiving the food at a very late hour, I must say a very big thank you. Even all the ladies who I watched pass me by, making sure my coffee cup was filled up frequently, I can actually say that I don't even know who you all were, but a very big thank you to you all. Thank you Noeline for doing pay parade, and to Dave Kotze who drove up to Nandi Drive with Wally to assist me after my car accident. All I eventually did was at least spend a few hours over the stove cooking up the mince and buying the pasta. So after everyone had finally eaten, which of course was interrupted by a storm, I'm proud to say that all the food was flattened. At least after the cloud burst, back at the 3 gazebos strategically placed in the road, some sort of party was had by the usual diehards. Saturday dawned warmly and brightly and soon everyone was busying themselves with many various places to see, people to visit, sights to see, including of course, the nursery and some general social visiting. The usual Saturday nights’ bring and braai was held without any rain, the men chatted well around the fire and the women gathered in their corner, but a fairly large contingent watched the rugby. Thanks again to the stalwarts who brought lovely salads and puddings. I was still in a dwaal and didn't even bother to watch the Sharks game, a first for me. All I could do was sit alone at my van and go to bed extremely early. I was hoping for some new faces at Sunday school in the morning but nobody arrived. I think everyone was scared of this aunty who sat by herself or just slept. For future, please remember Sunday school is always held at my van. Back to normality with our esteemed chairman trying very hard to start friendlies at 10h00 but didn't get his way. We heard of some action being discussed behind the scenes at the Provincial meeting attended by 3 of our members. Thanks for representing us, we appreciate what you do and what we are not even aware of. Gordon thanked Midlands Caravans & Campworld for the donation of the gazebo, which was definitely well used this rally. Rally marshals are desperately needed for the rally at River Valley. Please guys put your hands up. After all we all enjoy the fruits of everyone else's yearly contribution of marshaling. Sally gave her penny's worth in that, if we don't get marshals we just do our own thing-not a bad thought. Such a self-sufficient young lady who left Dino at home sick, and working night shift. Our Ms Sally pitched her tent and was very organized. Well done Sal. Wally had told me to take money to friendlies as he was sure I would be fined for being in a car accident. He, of course, didn't take his! He is usually such a well behaved fellow after all!! So our thanks to Dave who did the fines for us and for not fining me. Sally just gave in her paper money and decided to cover herself with that. Lindley got it this time, for not pointing out to Mike the 2 spelling mistakes made in the programme. Then who got a fine - but Wally, for moaning about having to leave his beer drinking behind to

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come and assist his wife after her accident. So guess who ended up paying for his fine?? Yes – me!! Some people continued to enjoy the lovely weather and socialize, lots had begun the packing- up procedure and then we were on our way. Once again a very big thank you to our wonderful Midlands family for stepping up and all your assistance, love, hugs and kind words you all gave me. Thank you Mike and Karen for being so efficient with everything and my apologies for not even getting involved. To end off, must say the ablutions are always clean and tidy and it's usually a good park to visit. I have been to physio a few times this past week but was still not with it for most of the week. Still battling to walk, going for x rays soon, but what a coincidence - was looking in my bag for something on Monday after the rally and found a key ring, I think from a Christmas cracker saying "Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly". Have a good month all, especially with all the holidays. love Wally and Glenda

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DEREK CLARKE AWARDS ASSOCIATION

EAST COAST DISCOVERY TOUR EAST COAST DISCOVERY TOUR EAST COAST DISCOVERY TOUR EAST COAST DISCOVERY TOUR –––– 2016201620162016

In hindsight, the DCA Tour for 2016 got off to a flying start, as some members went zip-lining at the Lake Eland Zip-Line (4.5km) on Monday morning. We met on Monday, the 22nd February at

the Lake Eland Resort, with some members arriving a day or two earlier, to enjoy the quiet relaxed venue. By Monday evening all had arrived and after the Welcoming Indaba, and the distribution of various mementoes such as Tour Caps, serviette-holders [from the Kings], pies [from Annie Izzard], muffins [from Jackie Cooper], biscuits [from Ann Foxcroft], and a Multi-tool and License-disc holder kindly sponsored by “MIDLANDS CARAVANS & CAMPWORLD” [Bryce Lund], we went to the Lake Eland Restaurant for dinner.

Departure on the Tuesday morning was early – 7am, as we had a long drive through the Transkei, before settling in at Rendezvous Caravan Park, Chintsa, [near East London], and we again enjoyed eating out, having dinner at the Chintsa Bay Restaurant. Wednesday was a day of rest, for walking the beaches, going in to East

London [shopping!] and resting at the Park. And for acquiring and fitting a new jockey-wheel! – Mr BJ. On Thursday, we had a short and pleasant drive to Hogsback, to park at Swallowtail Country Resort, where we stayed for 2 days/3 nights, enjoying the forests, the water-falls, places of interest, walks and the eating-houses. Unfortunately, on alighting from their vehicle on arrival, Denise Wortmann stepped awkwardly and broke her ankle. Mike took her back to King Williams Town, and then on to East London, where she was fitted with a ‘moon-boot’ to stabilise her ankle. After their late-night return to camp, and upon reflection of the ongoing difficulty she would have on tour, Mike and Denise withdrew from the tour, and they returned home on Friday. There was further misfortune in that the bearing on Mike Izzard’s caravan gave in, and on Friday, Dave Cooper and Jackie, together with Mike and Annie, went back to East London to buy the required

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replacement bearing, which Dave and Brian Jefferies then fitted. Saturday was a relaxed day for all, ending with a communal braai in the well-equipped lapa.

Colin Chaplin conducted a Church service on Sunday morning, and then we hitched up, for our tow to Mountain Zebra National Park, [near Cradock], a trip which went without problems – other than the Tour Leader ignoring his Garmin in his search for petrol in Alice, and leading a number

of caravans astray! Once all was sorted out, the trip continued, with only some road-works delaying a fine drive. A comfortable afternoon was enjoyed before some folk had a meal at the Park Restaurant. The next day was spent driving the many routes in the park and game-viewing. On Tuesday, we left for Camdeboo National Park, [near Graaff-Reinet], where Klaus and Evelyn Fischer, Midlands members now re-located in Montague, joined the Tour and presented to each couple a package of grapes. Four nights/3 days were spent at Camdeboo, during which we

explored the Park, drove to the Valley of Desolation, enjoyed a day out to the Owl House at Nieu-Bethesda and visited many of the museums and historical places of interest in Graaff-Reinet; some folk went to the Women’s Day of Prayer service in the beautiful Dutch Reformed Church on Friday. Misfortune struck again, when Colin had the water-pump and the rear wheel bearing

on his Mahindra break; fortunately the bearing broke at a garage where he was having the pump checked. The vehicle stayed there, while parts were sourced – Brian Jefferies and Colin driving to Port Elizabeth to collect a water-pump [without the O-ring!] and failing to get a bearing – which they were told, were currently unavailable in SA, but were on order from India. The outcome of this was that his vehicle stayed in Graaff-Reniet – until repaired about the 22nd March, with Colin and Meg travelling from Waterfall [Kloof] on the 24th March to fetch the Mahindra. Plans were made for them to continue with the Tour, by the generous and helpful members, who then towed their own caravan to the next stop-overs, and returned and fetched Colin’s caravan. Sincere thanks and appreciation for their assistance

go to David Cooper, Errol Nell and Rex Parsons. En route to Noorspoort Guest Farm. Near Steytlerville, we stopped in Jansenville for a tour of the Mohair Experience Museum, where we were served with tea/coffee and snacks. Mohair is one of the prime industries of the Karoo. The Guest Farm

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is owned by Dr George Craven, son of the late Dr Danie Craven, and on Saturday evening George gave a brief talk about his father and the farm house, which is now utilised as a guest-house. Chris Bredenkamp [Farm Manager] prepared a lamb-on-a–spit for our evening meal, supplemented with salads and puddings from the Tour group. Dr Craven, Chris and his wife Hesmin joined us for supper, and we acknowledge the support and planning that Hesmin and Chris did to ensure that the caravan parking area was cleared and the awkward and steep approach road over a stream was made negotiable for us. Sunday was a free day, to explore Steytlerville and we visited an Old Car Museum, the ‘Veranda Coffee Shop’ and “Frank’s Clocks’ – a collection of over 300 various clocks. In the evening, we dined at the stately Karroo Theatrical Hotel and enjoyed the “Steytlerville Follies” show – just ask the tourists for further information!

Monday the 7th March saw us travelling to Addo National Park, where we spent 3 nights/2 days, enjoying the drives in the Park and seeing a lot of elephants, warthogs and buck. Lions and jackals were sighted, and most folk saw a wide variety of game and birds. Braais were enjoyed in the Park

Lapa, per kind favour of the “Cattle Baron Restaurant’ manager, Freedom Maxhego, whose kindness we repaid by having a Group breakfast at the restaurant on Thursday morning, before departing for Pine Lodge Resort, Port Elizabeth, where we were welcomed by Alan and Terry Scanes of CCSA Sacramento Region. They were our host Region for the CCSA National Rally over the week-end of the 11th-13th March. Tea/coffee, cakes and muffins were enjoyed by the group, as we settled in at the picturesque Resort, with some grassed sites and a few brick-based sites, all separated from each other by hedges – which provided both some privacy and respite from the PE winds! Colin and Meg had elected not to continue the tour, and assisted by Brian, had travelled from Addo to PE and hired a tow-vehicle, which they used to take them back home, arriving safely back on the Saturday.

On Friday morning we met with Alan Fogarty of “Alan Tours’ and together in his vehicle and 5 of our own, we went for a tour of the Cape Recife Lighthouse, going up a number of flights of steep steps to the ‘light’ right at the top and being able to walk around the outside gangway, and then to the Cape Recife Nature Reserve – where to our surprise we saw Springbok – very unexpected in this area, but who, together with a variety of other

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small buck and zebra, are at home in the reserve. After lunch, we visited ‘SAMREC’ the SA Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre, specialising in the care of penguins. That evening, the Tour was welcomed by the Sacramento members who had arrived for the rally – and all enjoyed a supper of wors-rolls. Saturday was a free day to enjoy a walk on the beach, or to shop, before having a sandwich lunch, provided by the Region. In the evening a shared bring-and-braai was enjoyed. Ann Foxcroft led the Church service on Sunday, followed by Chairman’s Tea, where our Foxy enjoyed fining the Sacramento members, increasing our little fund by no small means! The Sacramento members departed at lunch time, leaving our group to enjoy a restful afternoon. Klaus and Evelyn had left the Resort early Sunday morning to return home to Montagu.

Monday was an early 6.30am start, for a long uneventful drive to Gariep Dam Resort, where we arrived and were comfortably settled in by early afternoon. The dam is very low, and large expanses of land are visible below the original high-water marks. On Tuesday morning, we assembled for a tour of the inside of the dam wall, where the working of the sluice gates was explained. Then we drove through a section of the wall, to the base of the dam, and were within reach of the spray when the sluice gates were opened. A braai ended a fine day. Wednesday – 16th March – and after a slightly later ‘early’ start to the day, we drove via Bloemfontein to Meiringskloof Nature Park, at Fouriesburg, with another small detour due to the Garmin being misread through Ficksburg. Upon our arrival at the Park, we were met with rain – creating some anxious moments as the road to the Park was navigated as some went sightseeing and in to town for an evening meal. Thursday dawned cloudy, but cleared and became a comfortable warm day, with sunshine. Some walked the various trails around the park, enjoying the freshness and the bird-life. That evening, as the Tour closed down, the tourists went to the Fouriesburg Country Inn for the Farewell Dinner and the Tour Participation Discs were awarded. Frank Ellison was awarded the Wooden Spoon. In particular, Thanks was expressed to Mike Izzard, for always preparing the communal braai-fires, to “Tail-end-Charlie’ Dave and Jackie Cooper, [who really

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worked hard at the back of the group, ensuring that all kept in line and in contact with the leader], to the Tour Scribe Margaret Hanelt and to the man carrying and setting up the DCA Banner at each stop – Des Shaw. Jean, on behalf of the Group, presented the Kings with a Thank-You Card and gift. Friday dawned – another sunny day – with dry roads and an easy departure from the Park, as all left at their own time and pace to return home, or to visit family or to enjoy a few more days of holiday elsewhere. We thank all who participated in the Tour, for the support and friendship enjoyed – Ronald & Rose. Participants: Alfred County Region – Foxy & Ann Foxcroft. Highway Region – Dave & Jackie Cooper, Sieggy & Margaret Hanelt, Mike & Annie Izzard, Rex & Jean Parsons. Midlands Region – Klaus & Evelyn Fischer, Ron & Rose King, Des & Elaine Shaw, Mike & Denise Wortmann. Natal Region – Brian & Merle Jefferies, Colin & Meg Chaplin, Jane & Tamsin Manser. Nomads Region – Frank & Dot Ellison, Errol & Monika Nell. Sunshine Coast Region – John & June Broom. If anyone would like details and contact information regarding the Parks/Resorts and/or outings, please contact us. We enjoyed great support and co-operation from all involved with reservations and outings. R&R.

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NORTH COAST BIRTHDAY RALLY INVITATION

Good Evening all members of Natal Regions As most of you already know, it will be our Region’s 40th Birthday Celebration this year. We are planning to make it an occasion to remember and would thus like to extend an invitation to all our Regions to come up to Richards Bay for the weekend of 22 – 24 July 2016 to join our Region in our Celebrations, or even better, make up a tour group or long weekend of this invite. I’ve managed to negotiate a good tariff with the Richards Bay Caravan Park and the following rates will apply to anybody joining us for this occasion: Any CCSA Member: R90-00 pppn Pensioners: R83-00 pppn Children: 5-17yrs = R75-00pppn Extra vehicle per day: R33-00 If you intend to come up earlier or stay longer, the same special rate will apply if your booking is routed through our Region. More information and the official Intention Slip will be mailed to everyone closer to the time, but I will thus appreciate it if I could get some indication from those who are possibly interested in joining us to just get an estimate of how many stands to book and to cater for.

I’m looking forward in hearing from you soon. Yours in caravanning Thea Kruger Hon. Secretary/Sekretaresse

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Scribe’s last say. We were unable to attend the rally as we had a very

important engagement to attendX.the happy nuptials of Eddie and Belinda. Wow what an extraordinary, unconventional, beautiful, happy day it was with only family and very, very close friends. The ceremony was awesome which summed up Eddie and Belinda to the tee and of course the lunch was a very happy, fun- filled affair. Our congratulations go to Eddie and Belinda, wishing them a very happy life and future together. With the winter months slowly approaching, here are a couple of hearty soup recipes to try.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-**-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Bean & Bacon Soup Ingredients: 200g Sugar beans 3 mutton or pork shanks 250g diced bacon 1.5lts water 30ml butter 1 finely chopped onion 2 stalks finely chopped celery 1 finely chopped carrot Salt & pepper Method: Cover beans with cold water and soak overnight. Bring the meat, bacon and water to boil in a pot over the coals (or stove) and simmer till the meat is tender. Fry the onion, celery and carrot in butter in a frying pan for 3 minutes. When the meat is tender add the veggies and the beans and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with a pot bread of your choice.

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Farmhouse Tomato Soup Ingredients 30ml oil 1 large onion 1 large carrot 4 cloves garlic 410g whole peeled tomatoes 6 large ripe tomatoes 2ml sugar 750ml chicken or vegetable stock 1 handful fresh basil salt & pepper Method Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add chopped onion, peeled and grated carrot and ¼ of the garlic, crushed, and sauté until soft, about 5 – 7 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice, sugar, seasoning and stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add chopped basil and remaining garlic and adjust seasoning just before serving with crusty bread and cheese. Preparation time: 5-7 minutes Cooking time: 30-40 minutes Trusting someone will try one and let us know what it was like. Sharon

My parting shot “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there” character to keep you there” character to keep you there” character to keep you there” –––– John WoodenJohn WoodenJohn WoodenJohn Wooden

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SPONSORS

Thank you to the following families for their sponsorship of the newsletter: Wally & Glenda Bennett Billy & Carol Cawood Ken & Noeline Gillham Kevin & Sharon Leonard Gordon, Rhoda & Maxiene Major Dereck & Anita Nefdt Bill & Sheila Pellew Dino & Sally Riley Ian & Philippa Robertson Ron & Rose King Klaus & Evelyn Fischer

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For more information on Caravan & Campworld specials go to www. Midlandscaravans.co.za

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CARAVAN CLUB OF SA HOST: NATAL HIGHWAY REGION

RALLY NATAL 2016 KARRIDENE CARAVAN PARK - 20 – 22 MAY 2016

INTENTION FORM SURNAME & FIRST NAMES: _________________

REGION: CCSA M/SHIP NO:__________

NO OF CHILDREN:(under 12) _______________________(over 12) _______________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________ CELL: _____________________

REGISTRATION Nos: CAR:__________________ CARAVAN:_________________

COSTS FOR THE WEEKEND: (includes Rally Fee & Highway Raffle Ticket)

PARK RATES Qty Cost Total

2 Adults & 2 Children under 12 for 2 nights (Friday &

Saturday)

280

Additional Adults (@ R75 per night) 75

Additional Children under 12 (@ R35 per night) 35

Pensioners (max 2 Adults per van/tent) no children (2 nights) 200

TOTAL

(Additional nights to be settled with the Karridene Hotel)

FOOD ORDERS

Friday Night

Hamburger 20

Vegetarian Burger 20

Chips 10

Saturday Night

Beef Curry & Rice 45

Chicken ala King 45

Vegetarian 35

TOTAL

BANK DEPOSIT DETAILS: (Please no cash or cheque deposits)

Account Name: C.C.S.A. Natal Highway Region

Bank: First National Bank Branch & Code: _Kloof 221526_

Account Number: 62078048321

Ref: (Rally Natal + Your Surname and region)___________________________________ PLEASE e-mail proof of payment and Intention Form to:

Elinor Jackson - CCSA Natal Highway Region. Tel: 031-7015848

E-Mail: elinor@voltar.co.za

Final Closing date: 22nd April 2016