Fidler in the Hood: When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you

Greetings friends. I trust all is well in the Garden of Eden? We’ve survived the month of January, heat, humidity, and all those bills from Christmas and New Year excesses. When will we ever learn? Still, as the old song goes ‘When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you’. On with the show.

ALSO READ : Fidler in the Hood: So long, farewell, auf wiederseh’n, adieu…

Heading south

A general topic currently is the exodus of people from the Hibiscus Coast leaving for pastures new. However all is not lost friends, and yes – there are people moving in from pastures old.

A belated welcome to Hugh and Joan Gaitskell, formerly of Ballito, who, along with other long-time residents on the Dolphin Coast, have been enticed to ‘head south’, leaving behind the so-called glitz and glamour of the North Coast.

Joan and Hugh lived in Ballito for 16 years before deciding to move south, taking up residence in Renishaw Hills, Scottburgh. Like many other North Coasters, they came around to thinking that Ballito had lost its small-town charm; that it had become ‘Sandton-by-the-sea’. Frequent visits to the Hibiscus Coast convinced them that it would be a good idea to move south.

Once upon a time

The Gaitskells’ and the CO’s friendship go back some 40 years when the three of them worked for Tilcor agricultural development organisation in the old Rhodesia. Hugh’s father, Henry Kenneth Gaitskell, joined the BSAP in February 1937, served 20 years in the force and retired as a commissioner.

Hugh was born in Bulawayo and made a career in finance, ending his working life as financial director with Delta Corporation in Harare. His other claim to fame was that his uncle and namesake was the UK Labour Party’s deputy prime minister and later Leader of the Opposition in Westminster.

Joan came out as a child to the-then Salisbury (Harare) and in her words ‘had an idyllic childhood’. While working at Tilcor, Hugh confided to the CO that ‘one day I’m going to marry that woman’. A quarter of a century later history was made and the Gaitskells were married in 1993.

They were active members of the Umdloti Sports Club – Joan served on the committee, was captain of the women’s golf section for three years and a good organiser.

Hugh was an active member in the bowls section. No doubt the couple will become pillars of the establishment at both Rennishaw Hills and Scottburgh.

The couple made a welcome visit to Uvongo with Hugh’s daughter, Julia, and her son, Daniel Chadwick, on a brief holiday from Harare. If we think we have problems in South Africa, after listening to Julia, we should never moan and groan again.

A catalog of shortages, power cuts and petrol purchased only on the black market being the ‘norm’. We should thank our lucky stars that we do not have to experience such hardships. What’s a few potholes and overgrown grass verges between friends?

Back to reality

Back in the old routine after the holiday season and last week, Self Help Association For The Seniors (SHAFTS) held a fun quiz at the nearby Uvongo Striders clubhouse. The usual suspects were there, making for a terrific couple of hours of social fun. The braai is held once a month, same time, same place. Make a note and come along – a warm welcome is guaranteed.

Say it with music

If you haven’t already booked, a friendly final reminder that Margate Retirement Village hosts ‘The Great Gatsby Party’ at Azalea Hall this coming Saturday. It promises to be a really great evening, with Cathy Peacock’s Platform Jazz ensemble playing favourites from yesteryear. Shelley McLean will be on vocals, supported by five fabulous musicians.

Contact Debbie at 039 3125701 to make that last-minute reservation. At R85 a ticket, it’s a steal, but remember the format is bring your own food and beverages. See you there, Rob.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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