Fidler in the Hood: Return of the ‘Pink Panthers’ … and pink people
More than 100 bowlers took part in the tournament.
NOW here’s something to tickle you pink! Last week, I happened to be cruising the Uvongo neighborhood when I had to slam on the brakes to avoid something I didn’t know was there! I got out of the car to check, scarcely believing I had driven over this ‘thing’ in the road.
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What is it? Yes, friends, our much-maligned ‘Big Hole’, just 100 metres from ‘Chez’ Uncle Ray’s offices, has been filled in. It only took two years to repair, but what the heck, better late than never. So, no more carefully avoiding the ‘big hole’ … and look on the bright side too: You can get to the municipal offices safer and smoother to pay accounts or return that overdue library book, with the knowledge that your car won’t be ‘all shook up’. Your scribe took a photo, because, folks, seeing is believing.
Think pink
It really has been a week to be tickled pink. Johnny Louch (MBE, DFC, ABC and BBC) called me. “Rob, remember me? Expro is holding a ‘Think Pink Cancer Awareness’ day at Margate Bowling Club and we would love you and your CO to come along. There’s a bowls tournament in the morning and a braai lunch afterwards. Can you make it?” I checked the social diary (it’s so easy to double-book down here). “Yes, John, we will be there.” I had ‘interviewed’ Johnny a few weeks back, knowing all about the excellent work Expro has done for charity.
The scene was definitely one of ‘pink’, seemingly everyone kitted out for the event. There were pink ‘Barbie dolls’ (the fairer sex) and pink panthers (the men) sipping their pink martinis (disguised as some other beverage). ‘Lily the Pink’ was there, in the shape and form of Lorraine Lawlor, aiding and abetting husband/singer ‘Billy the Skit’, who was the ‘star turn’ music-wise. Suitably attired in pink, Lorraine, my editorial side-kick at the Herald, put her professional role to one side and offered to buy me a pink gin. I replied to ‘Barbie’ Lawlor that I never drink whilst on the job, my duty to William Caxton has to take priority’. I don’t think I convinced her somehow!
Pink gins and martinis
The event was a huge success, with more than 100 bowlers taking part in the tournament, along with an equal number of bowling club members quaffing pink gins and martinis. The after-tournament braai was also a roaring success, although strong winds fanning the flames made it hot going. As usual, we were made welcome, with ‘wee Scot’ Derek McKechnie in particular making us feel at home.
Edinburgh-born committee member Derek lives just around the corner from us in Uvongo. Like many of us, he ended up living on the South Coast, after a quarter of a century working as an expat mechanical engineer in a remote part of Botswana. In his words “We had over 20 years living and working in Botswana and had a great time. No regrets at all.” Of course, Derek does have his weaknesses: he is a Hibernians FC (Edinburgh) supporter, which cannot be easy these days. He could still name Hibs’ ‘famous five’ from 60 years ago – Smith, Johnstone, Reilly, Turnbull and Ormond. Those really were the days, my friend! What is it that makes us think football is the be-all and end-all in life? I once asked the CO to give her opinion on football … now that’s a long story! Till next week, see you, Rob.
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