Greetings! I mentioned previously that socially, things are moving again. After a too long a break, Moondeckers started up last weekend.
The weather was miserable during the week, with prospects not too good for the weekend. But the rain stopped, the clouds rolled by – Moondeckers was back in business.
Unfortunately, the moon failed to appear at all, scant reward for the ‘loonies’ who did make the effort.
For those of us who did, it was good to see old friends once more, including David Hallé and Lexley Lewis.
David is a dedicated conservationist, while Lexley is a dedicated conversationalist!
David, because of the CV-19 mess, had to postpone his South America odyssey, sailing along the Brazilian coast to the island paradise of Ilha Grande, together with his son, Pierre.
Our man from Halle was in a buoyant mood (get it?), and hasn’t given up on the idea. Pierre has set sail from Uruguay in his yacht to cross the South Atlantic to South Africa to collect his old man, and take him back to Uruguay, before sailing to the stunningly beautiful Costa Verde.
I have offered my services and expertise to crew Pierre’s yacht, along with Unable Seaman Halle. All hands to the deck, I say!
Original flour girl
Lexley and myself were colleagues at the old Union Flour Mills, Umbilo, Durban, more than three decades ago.
She made me feel welcome in my new position at the flour mills, my first job after ‘fleeing’ Zimbabwe, pointing me in the right direction, and taught me how to survive corporate life in South Africa.
The link goes back further still, as I had previously worked with Lexley’s late partner Geoff Batho in Salisbury in the early ’70s. Geoff used to refer to me as Pongo, a dubious sobriquet if ever there was one, as he claimed that ‘pommies never bathed’.
I didn’t take it lying down, responding to Batho that we Poms always, repeat always, took a ‘batho’ at least once a week, particularly during the hot summer months.
It was all good banter (I think so, anyway). Really Geoff and I were good mates in those far-off days. He and Lexley travelled around Europe, including a lengthy spell in Portugal.
Lexley now lives at the Village, plays golf regularly, and still leads an active life.
Moondeckers’ plea
The next meeting of Moondeckers will be on Sunday, November 29 at 5.30pm. It just so happens to be my birthday, so, besides bringing your own tipple, don’t forget my prezzie. Only kidding, friends.
But, do come along. Moondeckers is one of those ‘wee social gems’ we celebrate down here and the Ramsgate conservationists need your support.
Shafts is up and running
Sunday, had seen the Shafts‘ monthly get-together down by the riverside, Uvongo Striders Club site. The weather was kind, the usual suspects were rounded up, and there was a good turn-out.
The leader of the pack, Stewart Booth, welcomed everyone after a hiatus of more than six months. Stewart was pleased to report that only one Shafts member had died during the pandemic period, and that was after a long period of ill-health, and not Covid-19.
Perhaps a good sign that we golden oldies are more resilient than thought by our prophets of doom and gloom.
The next Shafts get-together will be the annual champagne breakfast to be held at the end of November, venue and date to be confirmed.
Lions are roaring again
The end of the week, Friday (30th) kicked off with the Ramsgate Lions holding its first quiz night in a long time.
Once again, the weather put a damper on the turnout, but the party faithful were there to test their knowledge and wisdom on all things trivial. The next meeting will be held on the last Friday of the month. Contact Jenny Henry on 083 309 8313.
Definitely no more football
Now, readers, please note: I have not even brought up the topic of English football.
I will not mention the fact that Manchester City won twice during the week.
The fact that City will be playing against Liverpool this Sunday, November 8 at 6pm on SuperSport 203 is purely coincidental and will be avoided in this household.
See you, Rob.
Ed’s note: If the Reds win I’ll be sure to update you, Rob, no worries.
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