Fidler in the Hood: Have yourself a merry little Christmas

It’s the week before Christmas, can you believe it? Cannot say I am in that merry Christmas mood yet. Coming back from Brazil to power cuts and terrible weather hasn’t helped much. Mind you, I did miss our unmissable potholes, which are a ‘must-see’ tourist attraction these days, made even bigger and deeper by the heavy rains. We aim to please. On with the show.

ALSO READ : Fidler in the Hood: Home Thoughts From Abroad

The last post

Whilst I was away, the CO had a bit of a scare. Thrown over the main gate of our property was a ‘suspicious-looking’ object. The CO was at first hesitant to pick it up, thinking perhaps she should send for the local security guys. Finally plucking up courage, she approached the wet, soggy battered package; a closer look at it made her think it looked slightly familiar, an envelope perhaps? It was a Christmas card from Australia. It must have been ‘too hot to handle’, as the post office delivery person slung it over the gate to lie forlornly on our driveway. We noted the date of postage from Queensland, November 5th and the date of delivery to us, December 5. Who says we’re dead in the water’in South Africa? Rigour mortis has not set in – just yet.

Things are looking up

On a positive note, and encouraging for our visitors, the Uvongo Community Safety Forum is pleased to report that, for five continuous months, the crime figures have gone down. House break-ins are very quiet, mainly ‘soft-target’ absentee owners’ residences being items of interest from ‘our friends’. This is encouraging, and something Uvongo residents can feel good about. However, complacency must not set in, so to ‘be on your guard’ is just plain common sense. Close doors and windows at night, lock up your cars (and daughters), and don’t leave things lying around.

Luck of the Irish

Is it us, or is it the luck of the Irish? We drove all the way to Scottburgh recently to collect a super-duper state-of-the-art inverter. Well, since buying the ‘thing’ there have been no power outages.

Well, did you ever

More good news! Will it never end? The main road near the Pump House in Manaba has been repaired, so no disappearing into the abyss anymore. Want some more good news? The filter road leading into Margate has also been repaired.

No more backed-up traffic queues. We must not get too complacent, my friends. The repairs to the roads, as a result of the heavy rains in April this year, has been nine months in the undertaking.

Time to have gone into labour in a maternity ward. We should be grateful for small mercies. Let’s see if the roads hold, especially with this season’s exceptionally heavy rains.

Poignant service

It was poignant to see so many friends and acquaintances attending the memorial service of Herald scribe, Val Korb, held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Margate, recently. Moving tributes were read out by immediate members of the Korb family, including her daughter Colleen Haggard, who recently retired after 30-odd years as the South Coast Herald editor. A much-loved and respected lady, Val Korb was very much a part of the fabric of the local community. You will be fondly remembered, Val.

Merry Christmas, everyone

Well, we made it. December 2019 and Christmas is upon us. Thanks to all who have read this column for the past four years. It is certainly gratifying, even from those Liverpool football fans who have had a go at me. Remember, success is temporary; class is permanent. Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year. See you, Rob.

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