Fidler in the Hood: Keep right on to the end of the road

FRATERNAL greetings, friends. There’s so much going on, so much to do and so little time. Sardines gave the South Coast a miss and traffic has been horrendous. There were at least 16 cars in front of your scribe at the St Michael’s traffic lights – Is there no end to this social madness? On with the show.

ALSO READ : Fidler in the Hood: Uvongo’s answer to Glastonbury

Great turnout

The 35th annual Rotary Grandparents’ Walk came and went with flourishing success. The ambulance on stand-by was not needed and everyone survived, starting and crossing the finishing line with flying colours.

But that’s putting the cart before the horse. Despite Arctic-like conditions, walkers arrived in style – more than ready for this year’s challenge. Over 300 stalwarts braved the early morning cold to register for the challenge.

St Mike’s beach was buzzing, the sun rose higher in the clear blue sky, the sea was shimmering and it was the perfect setting for getting rid of those coughs, sneezes and wheezes. (Aimed at the grandchildren by the way, not the good people of a certain age).

To the sounds of Vangelis’s ‘Chariots of Fire’, marathon men and women got off to a flying start, heading south towards Uvongo beach at break-neck speed.

The theme music was soon replaced with ‘Walking My Baby Back Home’, as entrants met friends along the route for a wee natter.

Halfway walkers were confronted with the sights and sounds of Scottish bagpipes, ably played by David Alderson-Smith and Doug McLeod, the South Coast’s version of Chas and Dave. Time to stand and stare … and have another chat.

Till next time

Your scribe crossed the finishing line to a hero’s welcome: made it, ingrown toenail, badly bruised shoulder blade, bashed-up nose notwithstanding. “Well done, Rob,” star organiser Kitty Steenmans cried out. More like well done to you, Kitty and the Rotary Anns on yet another successful Grandparents’ Walk.

It was all such fun and no doubt everyone had a great time – even the grandchildren. Anyway, Kitty, here’s to this time next year. Guaranteed perfect weather, lovely people and a great charity to support.

Meet ‘Big Mac’

And, while the social diaries are out, Johnny Louch is organising a sportsmen’s (and sporting women’s) lunch at Margate Bowling Club next Friday, July 19, at 12 for 12.30pm. This is one of those must-go-to affairs as guest speakers are former Sharks and ‘Boks rugby coach Ian McIntosh, and Errol Stewart, one of SA’s favourite cricketing sons.

No doubt Ian and Errol will have some fine tales to tell. Last year, Springbok great Graeme Pollock was there, which was a huge success.

This year’s lunch will raise funds for the club itself, which suffered extensive damage from the heavy rains in April.

Fortunately, the greens made an amazing recovery, but, like the roads in and around Margate, the whole place, including the clubhouse, took a bit of a battering.

Upon accepting the invitation, one ‘little’ question had to be asked: Will there be a chorus of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’? And will it be mandatory to sing it? (Mary Morley’s tip-off was that Johnny and his merry men always sing it.) Johnny just laughed, but said nothing. Give him a call at 083 2539825 for more information.

Great music

The following Saturday, July 27, Liz Curran and the entertainment committee present pianist Evan Roberts, Samantha Landers and Anthony Downing, singing the Great American Songbook, and cellist Nina Sugden-Watson, at Azalea Hall in Ramsgate. An evening of great music is guaranteed. Who says the Hibiscus Coast is as dead as dodo? See you there, Rob.

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