Fidler in the Hood: When The Lights Go On Again
“Well, if you are a fan of golf, you might have heard of me. Bobby Verwey is the name.”
Greetings. After a week of celebrating the Springboks winning the Ellis Webb trophy, euphoria is cooling down somewhat. Potholes are getting bigger by the hour and it’s anyone’s guess when there will be a steady stream of water from taps again.
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The latest song doing the rounds down here is Vera Lynn’s ‘When The Lights Go On Again’, a number 1 on the hit parade in the 40s. The more things change, the more they stay the same. On with the show.
Enter Bobby
A couple of weeks back the CO and I had gotten ourselves into with the case of the lost car keys. It ended well and we were grateful for offers of assistance. Amongst the good folks who asked if there was anything they could do was this big fella, wearing a New York Yankees American baseball shirt.
I asked how come he had a Yankee shirt. “A gift from a baseball fan, who I met in Manhattan, NYC.” was the reply.
“And you are?” I asked. “Well, if you are a fan of golf, you might have heard of me. Bobby Verwey is the name.” “Bobby Verwey? You’re kidding? I’ve never played golf, but I certainly know who you are.” I introduced myself and asked would he mind if I wrote about him for an internationally-renowned newspaper? “You mean The Bonus? Why not?” said our man, “Let’s meet for coffee.”
Brother-in-law Gary
Of course, I knew about Bobby, years ago when all things sport were paramount in life. Bobby the golfer is the son of double SA PGA Tour champion Jock Verwey. He’s had a very successful career, winning the 1991 Seniors British Open championship at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s, the first of five triumphs on the European Seniors tour.
He twice topped the South African Order of Merit and represented RSA in two world cups. Nice work if you can get it.
My golfing idol then was the legendary Gary Player, SA’s greatest golfing son. Ironically, one of my fondest memories was watching Gary as a guest on the Perry Como Show in the early 60s, imitating Elvis Presley. “Gary is my brother-in-law, married to my sister Vivienne for 63 years. He is now 84,” Bobby informed me. Small world, isn’t it?
Meeting up with Bobby at Hibiscus Mall was quite an experience: I thought the interview would be all about golf, his career and his own golfing memories. Not a bit of it. To say Bobby is a larger-than-life character is a bit of an understatement.
Describing his career “I had it all; knew everybody in the golfing world: Jack Nicklaus, Peter Allis – and I met the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; done it all; got the T-shirt, including a New York Yankees shirt”.
Bobby continued: “If you want to know more about me, read my biography ‘The Way It Was’, by Nina Naudé.
I asked if he has dropped golf (due to arthritis) and what his interests are these days? I shouldn’t have asked. Horse-racing, bridge, movies (‘when they made proper movies’), books, show jumping and, just having a good time at this late stage in life. Somehow, I don’t think I have heard the last of Bobby Verwey.
Sad cancellation
Disappointingly, the monthly Moondeckers get-together, planned for this Tuesday was cancelled. A combination of the current stormy weather and more concerning, a poor response to notices regarding Moondeckers.
This is worrying, friends. Moondeckers is one of the little local treasures and socially it’s a great way to while away a couple of hours, meeting and making friends. Everyone is urged to make the effort and support the Ramsgate Conservation – together we can weather the storm.
Thanks, Colleen!
South Coast Herald carried an excellent article with sincere tributes to Colleen Haggard, editor, who has called it a day with a well-deserved retirement after more than three decades in the game. Colleen gave me my lucky break as Uvongo scribe some four-and-a-half years ago.
Lucky for me, as I have met so many great people, made many friends (and enemies) and helped the CO and I become part of the community. I’m sure Colleen will not fade away somehow. Colleen can always ghost my biography. I have the title already ‘My Wicked, Wicked Ways’. Oh, sorry, Erroll Flynn used that title.
Nought for comfort
It’s all over now, the Liver Bird can crow its head off – ie Liverpool defeating beloved Manchester City at Anfield last Sunday. What can one say? The end of the world is nigh and David Rush must be dead chuffed. Suffice to say City were up against it, the luck falling on the Scousers. Is there no justice? See you, Rob.
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