SPRINGBOK CYBER NEWSLETTER
December 2004 edition
In an enthralling article written in "The Daily Telegraph" of November 18, 2004, John Inverdale recounted his first ever trip to Twickenham in December 1969 to see the game between England and the Springboks.
Poignantly this was also the first ever match which this present writer saw at Twickenham, and one which was to have a lasting significant effect to this present day. This was not so much because it marked the international debut of Nigel Starmer-Smith (with whom good contacts were made during the reciprocal British Lions tour of South Africa four and a half years later), nor because of the result of the match (South Africa should have won - Andy van der Walt's last minute try was NEVER a knock-on!), but more because of the heinous presence of anti-South African demonstrators outside the ground.
It was a tragic misconception among South Africans and Rhodesians in years which were to follow that these protesting scum represented the majority viewpoint of the British public. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The PRO-South African demonstrations at these and other Springbok matches (which again this present writer supported) proved far larger than the proto-terrorist anti-South African protests - but inevitably, as they were infinitely more law-abiding, they never received nearly as much publicity.
But another very significant event also occurred at this match. Spectators strategically placed at one end of the ground held up cards which spelt out the words "National Front" and "Welcome Springboks" throughout the game. This occurrence became indelibly marked upon the minds of many South Africans attending this match, most notably "Earl" Brand, who was later to become a firm supporter of the Patriotic Forum in Durban during the 1980s, and who would often comment about it.
It must be quickly emphasised in this regard that the National Front of this time was not the same organisation as was to be infiltrated and taken over by neo-fascists some years later, but was then a mainstream patriotic political party which had its origins in the pro-Empire and pro-South African "League of Empire Loyalists".
We believe that it is now high time to revive the original ideals of the "League of Empire Loyalists", and the Springbok Club will undoubtedly be giving full support to all such moves. The spirit of Twickenham December 1969 must be reborn!
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SPRINGBOK CLUB UDI DAY DINNER
The Springbok Club's annual UDI Day Dinner this year proved to be a great success. Held at a renowned Covent Garden restaurant there was fine turnout, the food proved excellent, and a good time seemed to be had by all.
The Springbok Club was most privileged to be able to welcome Mr. Peter Phillips, the Chairman of the UK Branch of the BSAP Regimental Association, as guest of honour at this function, and was also most pleased to be able to welcome Mr. Mike Leach, the secretary of the Association. Peter Phillips certainly didn't disappoint, and in a riveting after-dinner speech recounted something of his career as a District Policeman and Senior Officer in both the Manicaland and Fort Victoria areas, as well as telling about the ongoing work of the BSAP Regimental Association. Most encouragingly, furthermore, he told how, in spite of the fact that it is now over 20 years since Rhodesia fell, the Association is still constantly obtaining new members.
The success of the BSAP Association must act as an inspiration to us all, and further emphasises why all expatriate organisations which have the well-being of southern Africa at heart must work increasingly closely together in the days ahead.
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SPRINGBOK CLUB DAY OF THE VOW COMMEMORATIONS
Details of the Springbok Club's annual Day of the Vow Commemorations are as follows :-
Date : Thursday 9th December 2004 [alas this event has to be celebrated one week early because of pre-bookings during December].
Time : Start assembling from 18.30 hrs onwards - main events to commence at approxmately 19.15 hrs.
Venue : The Red Lion (the upstairs Function Room), 48 Parliament Street, London SW1.
Mr. Raymond Simpson, the Deputy Chairman of the Springbok Club, has made extensive studies into the background of the Battle of Blood River, and the historical significance of the Day of the Vow. At this gathering he will explain the history surrounding this event, and the reason why its anniversary still has importance resonance to this day.
A sumptuous array of buffet-snacks will be provided at this function, and admission charges will be £6.00 per head for Life, Honorary and Full Members of the Springbok Club, £8.00 per head for Associate Members, and £10.00 per head for non-members. Although payment may be made on the night, it would help to gauge numbers if all those planning to attend could notify their intentions in advance. This can be done either by e-mailing or by 'phoning: 07711-188430.
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The Northern Ireland Branch of the Springbok Club will also be holding a special event to mark the Day of the Vow this year. Details are as follows :-
Date : Saturday 11th December 2004.
Time : Start assembling from 12.00 hrs onwards - main events to commence in early afternoon.
Venue : The Burnside Orange Hall, Burnside, Antrim, Co.Antrim.
Mr. Wesley Mitchell, a member of the Springbok Club who has recently made evangelical trips to both South Africa and Korea, will be the guest speaker at this function, and will be telling something about his experiences in both countries. For more information either e-mail : nispringbokclub@hotmail.com or 'phone : 07980-856105.
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FUTURE SPRINGBOK CLUB ACTIVITIES
A full itinerary of events has been mapped out by the Springbok Club for 2005,
The Springbok Club is planning to stage another visit to the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol during February 2005, and to stay overnight at a hotel run by good friends in south Gloucestershire. In March 2005 it is anticipated that Springbok Club honorary member Tony Waller will be giving a "report-back" on his visit to New Zealand, where he aims to meet a number of prominent and expatriate Rhodesian personalities. Again further details of both these events will be given in future SCN's.
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HELP OFFERED
Danette Edwards writes from the United States as follows :-
"I am interested in sponsoring a South African small family or one person. I have room in my home. I live in Arizona in the U.S., and can be contacted on : 623 547 0271. One can usually only get a hold of me on weekends by 'phone, but I can also be contacted by e-mail at : dnet_e@yahoo.com"
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HOME BILTONG MAKERS
Biltongmakers.Com! runs a monthly competition which is free for anyone to enter. There are some great prizes to be won each month. Some of the prizes during the last couple of months have included a Skottel Braai, Biltongmakers, Barbecue Utensil sets and Potjies!
To enter please go to: www.biltongmakers.com and follow the competition link!
Biltongmakers.Com! have created a special order page just for readers of the SCN at:-
http://www.biltongmakers.com/biltong09_sc_orderplacing.html
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RHODESIAN WAS SUPER ON-LINE STORE
Rhodesia was Super online store new ddditions :-
>Greenleader shirts, long and short sleeve, now available, along with "Be a Man among Men" Rhodesian Army posters. Contact :
>www.Rhodesiawasuper.com
Other new items include :-
Ian Smith Plaques,
Toques,
Rhodesia 1890-1980 Volume 2 DVD,
Wind of change. Volume 1 Pamberine Zimbabwe DVD.
WANTED - kind person travelling from Canada or USA to New Zealand in the next month or two to bring goods donated by www.rhodesiawassuper.com for the Rhodesian Services Assn in New Zealand fundraiser on the Rhodesian military history museum display. Contact Bill McDonald rhodesia@shaw.ca or Hugh Bomford hbomford@clear.net.nz if you can help.
Specials :-
Order a custom Rhodesian or Northern Rhodesian rugby jersey and get the Shoulder Flag for Free, value $15.00. Get yours now as the price of the jerseys.
Free "Be a Man among Men" Rhodesian Army poster with the purchase of a Land Tenure map
Make sure to check out our new additions of books includes some rare and out of print titles, including :-
SAS Rhodesia, Rhodesia includes a free Rhodesian Bands Forces CD
SAS Rhodesia - Rhodesians and the Special Air Service, by Jonathan Pittaway and Craig Fourie, 1st edition, Dandy Agencies, 2003, South Africa. This superb illustrated reference book follows Fourie and Pittaway's LRDG Rhodesia book, and is the most comprehensive published account of the history and exploits of the Rhodesian SAS. 320 pages, pictorial hardcover, printed in full colour throughout on glazed paper, the book tells the story of the Rhodesian SAS from its origins during WWII to its dissolution in 1980 following Rhodesia's transfer to Zimbabwe. In addition to personal accounts and reminiscences by servicemen, the book contains over 600 photographs, including a number of named group pictures, over 200 colour pictures of SAS insignia and medals, full citations of Rhodesian gallantry awards and a full nominal roll of Rhodesians serving with the SAS during the various periods of the Regiment's existence. An accessible, scholarly and comprehensive work beautifully designed and laid out, which anyone with an interest in Rhodesian or British military history will find invaluable. Large format hardcover, measuring 9" x 10.5" approx; 320 pages. (Over 3lbs!)
"The Reluctant Assassin" Charles Forrester is born into a dysfunctional family in Southern Rhodesia. He grows up in a close relationship with wildlife, and the changing world around him. He becomes involved with the terrorist war, where solving problems by killing becomes normal. When he gets expelled, after the regime change in 1980, he continues his unbalanced life, until he has the chance to kill the President of Zimbabwe. This is the first of two books, which maps his life, and the beginnings of his awareness of life after death, regression and soul searching; and his understanding that animals may be more perceptive than we think.
Just arrived "Bushcat - Minstrel of the Wild", John Edmond's widely acclaimed autobiography AUTOGRAPHED! Beautifully presented in hardcover, 308 pages containing 124 unique photographs and lyrics of more than a hundred songs. Here is the full story of Rhodesia's history and the man John Edmond. It tells how many of his songs were inspired. A must for all who enjoy John's music - the ultimate gift.
Jonty Winch, Rhodesian Rugby and Cricket is also being re-printed as one book and will include updated material! E-mail us at Rhodesia@shaw.ca with in the subject line place: "ADD TO WANT LIST FOR Rhodesian Rugby/Cricket". We are aiming at a retail price of $39.95. Please note we are seeking any Rhodesian Rugby or Cricket video footage which we will transfer onto DVD to include with the book for free, if you have any please contact Bill at Rhodesia@shaw.ca
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FLAGS etc.
The Springbok Club is now retailing full-sized real South African and Rhodesian flags. They are priced £6.00 each for Full Members of the Springbok Club, £8.00 each for Associate Members and £10.00 each for non-members (please add £1.00 for p.& p.).
Also now available are copies of an excellent 8-page magazine published by Glenwood Publications in Northern Ireland entitled "The 2004 Twelfth: Celebration - not Provocation" price 50p (please add 25p for p.& p.).
Payments should be made to "The Springbok Club" and sent to: BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK.
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BOOK OFFERS
"WAY OUT OF LINE" by Trisha Jackson is a novel which tells the story of the profound impact that an innocent youthful love affair has on the lives of two young lovers. The plot moves from a cult and a maximum security prison in the US to the savannah grasslands of Mozambique and Zimbabwe - this makes for adventure, suspense and melodrama. Packed with conflict and sexual tension, anyone who loves romance, passion and excitement should enjoy reading this story.
Trisha Jackson was born and grew up in Rhodesia. She immigrated to the USA with her husband and three children in 1990. She and her husband live in a unique, rural community in the Tonto National Forest in the eastern mountains of Arizona.
Copies of WAY OUT OF LINE can be ordered from Amazon.com.
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"GOVERNMENT BY DECEPTION" by Jan Lamprecht details the disasters of Mugabe's Zimbabwe, and illustrates the similarities between Mugabe's rule and that of Mandela/Mbeki in South Africa. It can be ordered on-line at: www.AfricanCrisis.org
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"THE GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN LAND SCANDAL" by Dr. Philip du Toit is a vital piece of work. South Africa can do without many things, but it cannot survive without its farmers. Thirty-five thousand commercial farmers feed 45 million people. Read what has happened to many productive farms which have already been handed over under the government's restitution and redistribution programmes.
It is available priced R150.00 in South Africa from: Jack Loggenberg, TLU/TAU, P.O.Box 91251, Silverton, Pretoria, 0127, Transvaal, South Africa (payments to "TLU/TAU"), or priced £9.95 (+ 15% p.& p.) in the UK from: The Springbok Club, BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX (payments to "The Springbok Club").
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"OF RICE AND MEN", by Jimmy Walker
111 pages. Illustrated. With excellent cartoons by Fusilier Norman Lambert, produced whilst in captivity. Softback £5.00 (cover price £10.00)
An irreverent, left of centre, look at life as a POW by Jimmy Walker, who was captured by the Japanese following the fall of Singapore in 1942. Jimmy takes us through incarceration at the notorious Changi jail, forced labour on the railroad, and deportation to Japan, where the Japanese exploited the mining skills of the boys from Northumberland. Norman Lambert’s sketches are both amusing and frightening at the same time. Through the bitterness and resentment, and physical trauma of captivity shines the humour and the indomitable spirit of the British soldier. An enjoyable and educational read, with a surprise ending.
Prices include p+p. Payment can be made by credit or debit card. To order on line, log on to www.paypal.com and enter postmaster@gcartwright.demon.co.uk as payment destination.
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"THE BLIGHT OF BLAIRISM" by Francis Bennion is a devastating indictment of the "new" Labour administration. For more details about the book visit: www.francisbennion.com
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"KING'S GOLD" by Glenn Macaskill, a former member of the Rhodesian BSA Police, is an adventure novel set in Zimbabwe and South Africa in 1983 and 2000, involving espionage against Mugabe's regime and the exciting quest to unravel the secret of an ancient pricless relic. Considerable historical research makes the work informative and entertaining and current sales show interest by all Southern Africans. Sells at £9.95 plus registered p&p. Contact Glenn at mjmac@mweb.co.za or order on-line at: www.geocities.com/goldking992000/index.html
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BILTONG SALES IN THE UK
Biltong Brother produces top quality, handcrafted biltong. 100% British beef is used, no artificial flavourings or preservatives.
There are 5 types, Traditional, Garlic, Pepper, Hot & Spicy and Ostrich.
To order, just click on: www.biltong-brother.co.uk
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BOERWORS AND BILTONG
From deep in the heart of Africa to you :-
CAMPBELLS ORIGINAL FARM STYLE BILTONG, BOEREWORS, BOERE BURGER PATTIES & DRY-WORS.
Made from our tried and tested recipes in both Rhodesia and South Africa since 1965. Now made in the UK from 100% pure British meats, with no glutens or ingredients added, just our own secret blend of spices.
We would love to be of service to you too, so please give us a call on: 01803-380712, e-mail us at : ron@biltong-boereforafrica.co.uk, or visit our web-site at: www.biltong-boereforafrica.co.uk
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EXOTIC HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITY
John Hardcastle reminds us of exciting holiday opportunities which he can provide in the Philippines :-
I am from Rhodesia, educated at Chaplin, Gwelo. Left in 1984 for South Africa, and then in 1995 for the Philippines. I've lived in the small village of Coron for the past eight years, and bought a dive shop "Dive Calamianes" four months ago. If you would be interested in having a holiday in this part of the world please contact me. The following is a sample list of price breakdowns :-
2 dive day US$ 45.
3 dive day US$ 60.
Equipment rental/day US$ 7.
Nitrox tank US$ 7.
Accommodation from US$ 4.5 to US$ 80
Average meal US$ 2.14
Beer/soft drinks US$ 0.45
Domestic flight US$ 46
Check our web-site for more details at : www.divecal.com (p.s. We are still working on this, so please visit occasionally to see updates.)
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
No.73 : Mr. TONY MILLS of Beckenha.
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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH
The Great North Road - Northern Rhodesians Worldwide :-
http://www.greatnorthroad.org/
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See you again next month!
