Terry honours a promise

Last year, the Highvelder reported on Terry's visit to Chrissiesmeer and Ermelo and at the time he promised to bring a copy of his book on his next visit. This week he made good on his promise.

October 26, 2015

Gerald Young 1 minute read

Prof Ton Sanders and Mr Terry Tsujii show the book "Paradise in the world – Chrissiesmeer in South Africa" written by Terry.

The Highvelder was privileged this week to receive a visit from Mr Teruyuki Tsujii, a 65-year-old retired teacher from Tokyo, Japan.

He kept a promise he made during a visit last year to bring a copy of a book he wrote in Japanese, reflecting the history and people of Chrissiesmeer.

His book, Paradise in the world – Chrissiesmeer in South Africa, was born of his desire to share the rich history of the town and the role it played in the Anglo-Boer War with his fellow countrymen, who, he says, generally do not know much else about South Africa other than Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Terry, as he is known by his “Western” name, has become a firm friend of Chrissiesmeer since befriending Prof Anton (Ton) Sanders, a resident of Chrissie who has written three books on this quaint town, steeped in history.

The two gentlemen who have been friends for more than 30 years, met while Ton was a lecturer at the University of South Africa (Unisa) and Terry was studying through correspondence.

15 years ago, Ton, who had since retired, invited Terry to visit him at Chrissiesmeer and his fascination with the town’s history was spawned.

Regular visits soon followed and were reciprocated by Ton who visited Terry in his home country.

Last year, the Highvelder reported on Terry’s visit to Chrissiesmeer and Ermelo and at the time he promised to bring a copy of his book on his next visit. This week he made good on his promise.

He has also made copies of the Highvelder’s report on his visit and these are displayed in shops of his friends in Tokyo.

“Now, Ermelo and the Highvelder are also my friends,” he said.