Fidler in the Hood: Things aren’t what they used to be

UNSEASONAL greetings! There seems to be something going on with this climate change malarky. Endless sunny winter days seem to have disappeared; add the perennial electricity issues, particularly in Uvongo, it makes for testing the limits to one’s patience.

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Oh for the good old days! Still, it’s better than a romantic, candlelight fish ‘n chips supper in Grimsby, UK, on a cold, wet Saturday night. Thought for the day: Who put the ‘Grim’ in Grimsby? Answers on a postcard, please.

All our yesterdays

In the four years of writing this column for the ‘Bonus”, your scribe has met lots of wonderful people, all with a fine tale to tell, adding to the many ‘positives’ of living on the Hibiscus Coast.

One of the first ‘old friends’ from yesteryear was Ray Money, ex-Salisbury, ex-Old Mardonian, and ex-Transvaal Yacht Club commodore. Two years ago, Ray celebrated his ‘double 40th” birthday and last year he and Judith celebrated 62 years’ married life.

Time waits for no-one, and health-wise ‘fings ain’t wot they used to be’ for both Ray and Judy. But, you can’t keep a good man down.

Despite being a Londoner, Ray found time to discuss Manchester City – a good sign that he has still got his mental faculties! “Rob, would you please, come along to one of the ‘Pro Deo’ (‘for God’) meetings.

It’s a voluntary, non-denominational organisation, run by the women of the Dutch Reformed Church in Margate.

Everybody is welcome. It would make a nice feature on the excellent work carried out by the DRC.” “Okay, Ray. Just for you.”

Invaluable service

One had to admit the visit was one of the most gratifying assignments followed up on. Pro Deo provides an invaluable health care service for the elderly, disabled and unfortunate but still proud folks who need assistance.

The organisation even goes further than its 24-hour care-giving service, helping those who struggle with our modern, technological way of life.

Helen Terblanche, senior citizen (retired) and DRC chairman, has dedicated herself to the work of Pro Deo.

She showed the various services and activities, the health clinic, under direction of nursing sister Elize Coetzee, Mattium du Preez, who provides a holistic massage service, and gets the old circulation going again, Tanna Spangenburg and Guy Barnfather, hairdressers, who both volunteer their services.

Tanna brought along her delightful four-year-old daughter, Ava, who ended up being everybody’s favourite.

Double trouble

Beginning to think that ‘double hearing’ was becoming a problem, yet another Elize Coetzee was introduced. No, it was not misheard. Elize Coetzee (the second) is the coordinator of Pro Deo services – a case of double trouble (well, not quite).

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The two Elizes provide a sterling service for each and everyone. On average, some 50-plus persons visit the clinic that’s held once a month.

Parkrun champion

Being introduced to so many good people can be overwhelming, but meeting volunteer carer Peter Greystone was a treat. A voice from the back exclaimed “Peter is the record holder for the fastest local parkrun.”

No wonder people recognised Peter. Less than halfway into your scribe’s own parkrun (walking), ‘runaway Pete’ can always be seen heading back to the finish.

The ‘voice behind’ continued: “And where have you been? Not seen you for ages at the parkrun.” It was Monica Rathrass, veteran of nearly 250 parkruns, featured in January’s neighbourhood news. Monica, again, is one of those kind people who volunteer services to Pro Deo.

Confessing to Monica that he had given up on the parkrun because the finishing times were getting worse and the ‘sand bits’ were hateful’, she replied “Crybaby. Come back – it’s great fun.”

Maybe, Monica, if the sun ever comes out again. And, Judi Davis, stalwart parkrunner and former Herald sage chimed in with “Oh come on, Rob, it’s great fun. Come back.” Perhaps when the beaches have been cleaned up.

Many thanks

The Pro Deo clinic and prayer meeting was impressive. Many thanks to Ray and Judith Money for the invite, and equal thanks to all those fine people at the Dutch Reformed Church in Margate for the tour.

See you, Rob.

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