October 2011 edition
Most people have acknowledged that this year's Rugby World Cup has been one of the most successful ever, and from a distance we wouldn't disagree with this assessment at all.
New Zealand must certainly be congratulated upon not only winning the competition (and of course they didn't have to resort to poisoning the food of their final opponents in order to do this!) but also upon staging such a well-run and orderly tournament. If we have one criticism, however, it regards the over-emphasis given to Maori culture, which stretched from initial tournament publicity and logos to the strange performance of Maoris with a pipe-like contraption before each match. The "Haka" has always been a tradition before the start of All-Black matches of course, but in the past it was always treated as a bit of a laugh - poking fun at the primitive Maoris if anything. More recently however, with the advent of Maoris entering All-Black teams, it suddenly seems to have been taken more seriously. In this regard it should also be remembered that it wasn't until 1970 that the first Non-White was selected for an All-Black side - and that was Bryan Williams, a half-Samoan, not a Maori!
New Zealand - the real New Zealand - has a wonderful and honourable history. Although first discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642, it wasn't until Capt. James Cook re-discovered the islands in 1769 that large-scale Western (almost exclusively British) immigration commenced. Following the Maori Wars and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, when the Maori tribes finally recognised British rule and the advantages of Western civilisation, New Zealand quickly developed a noble and enterprising culture of its own throughout the 19th century, somewhat distinct from its Australian neighbour. Settlers to New Zealand tended to come mainly from the south and west of England, from Scotland and from Ireland. In this regard it is interesting to note that North Ireland was once known as New Ulster, South Island as New Leinster and Stewart Island as New Munster. (It would be nice if these former names could be re-introduced!) In spite of the development of this distinct culture New Zealanders never forsook their British heritage however, and remained and remain an integral part of the British family of nations - as confirmed by the New Zealand flag and their commitment to the monarchy. New Zealanders fought side by side with their British, Australian, South African, Rhodesian and Canadian kith and kin during two World Wars, in Korea and indeed in the War against Terror today. It should also be remembered that New Zealand was the only country which gave Britain any direct military assistance during the Falklands War, taking over the patrolling of the Pacific from RN ships and thus releasing more RN resources for the liberation of the Falkland Islands. With such a proud and glorious history it is therefore wondered why true New Zealand culture couldn't have been central to the Rugby World Cup trimmings, rather than that of a small and primitive section of the population?
On the field itself, however, the tournament produced many memorable moments - several exciting and close matches, a couple of surprise results and the re-emergence of Wales as a Rugby world power. Unfortunately, however, we hear that there has been much griping in the "new" South Africa about the refereeing of Bryce Lawrence in the quarter-final game against Australia. To be sure, Bryce Lawrence tends to be a very lenient referee, but in this match he was clearly consistent - he was lenient to both sides. What is it that most spectators want - a lenient referee like Bryce Lawrence who lets the game flow, or over-strict referees like, say, Alain Rolland and Wayne Barnes who create nothing but stop-start matches by over-literal interpretation of the rules. We believe the former. The truth of the matter is that the Australian defence was rock-solid, and it is very doubtful whether "new" South Africa would have been able to snatch victory no matter who refereed the match. They were extremely fortunate to beat Wales and almost lost to tiny Samoa. They were certainly not worthy to be world champions, and all the subsequent wailing from "new" South Africans only stinks of sour grapes.
As it is the next Rugby World Cup will take place in England in 2015, and we can't wait. If the "new" South African officials can't accept the decisions of world-standard referees then they should stay at home.
------------------------------------------------------------------
SPRINGBOK CLUB'S AUTUMN BRAAI OUTING
The Springbok Club staged a most pleasant event in September, which began with a conducted sight-seeing walk from Euston Station, through St.Pancras and Camden to Regent's Canal, and from there along the banks of the canal to the venue for the autumn braai, "The Constitution". Special thanks are extended to Susan Gordon for arranging and conducting the sight-seeing walk, to Robin Willow for providing excellent musical entertainment, and to John Pope for performing some absolutely mesmerising magical tricks!
------------------------------------------------------------------
SPRINGBOK CLUB KENT BRANCH GATHERING
The Kent Branch of the Springbok Club will be holding an informal pub gathering in Canterbury shortly, to which all members and supporters are given a warm invitation to attend. The details of this get-together are as follows :-
Date : Saturday 29th October 2011
Time : Throughout the afternoon and early evening. Turn-up at any time from 12.30/13.00 hrs onwards.
Venue: "The Bat & Ball", 163 Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent (opposite the St.Lawrence Cricket Ground)
This event will take place in the outdoors beer garden if the weather is fine, but in an indoors alcove of the pub if not. The venue provides a wide range of beers and other drinks, as well as serving excellent food selections both at lunchtime and in the evening.
------------------------------------------------------------------
FUTURE SPRINGBOK CLUB EVENTS
In November the Springbok Club plans to attend the annual Rhodesian Remembrance Day Service outside Westminster Abbey. This is a solemn event which the organisation has long planned to partake in, and will be held on Remembrance Sunday itself - which will give everyone the opportunity to attend the National Remembrance ceremony at the near-by Cenotaph as well. Afterwards there is planned to be a conducted walk through the Victoria Embankment Gardens to view the many statues of national heroes situated there, some of which honour those with specific South African connections.
In December the Springbok Club will be holding a special meeting to commemorate the Day of the Vow, at which it is hoped that a special guest speaker will be present.
The Springbok Club's 2012 AGM will be held in January 2012 at a location in central London.
------------------------------------------------------------------
THANKS!
As many supporters may be aware, we experienced some severe computer problems last month which caused considerable disruption to our activities. This was entirely due to the age of our equipment we hasten to add, and not to any malicious interference. Happily we can report that all these set-backs have now been overcome, so that we are once again fully on the road again. In this regard we have two people to thank most sincerely: firstly Mr. Guy Levi who kindly donated us with a complete new computer, and secondly Mr. David Williams who financed the purchase of some necessary new peripheries. With dedicated supporters of our movement such as these we do not doubt that increasing success will be achieved in the days ahead.
------------------------------------------------------------------
SWINTON CIRCLE NEWS
The Swinton Circle will be holding its 2011 AGM later this month, and the details are as follows :-
Date : Wednesday 26th October 2011
Time : Assemble from 18.30 hrs onwards, proceedings to commence at 19.00 hrs.
Venue: HENNESSY'S (the upstairs function room), 36 Jewry Street, London EC3N 2ET. (The nearest tube station is Aldgate [on the Circle Line]. Cross over Aldgate High Street in front of Aldgate Station main exit, turn right and then take the second major turning on the left into Jewry Street. Hennessy's is then on the left).
Only fully paid-up members of the Swinton Circle will be allowed to participate in the business section of this meeting (though annual subscriptions may be paid on the day). All supporters will however be welcome to attend and to witness proceedings. All nominations for office in the Swinton Circle for 2011/12 and motions for debate (all of which must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members of the organisation) must be forwarded by e-mail (to swinton@netcomuk.co.uk) to arrive not later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of this meeting.
After the completion of the business side of the meeting there will be a talk given by Mr. Robin Willow entitled "China Today". Robin Willow is a retired civil servant and is also a song-writer, guitarist and singer with several albums completed and released. He has degrees in Mathematics, Management (NVQ) and Fraud Investigation (ACFS), as well as an IOSH Certificate. He has travelled many times to China and speaks, writes and sings in Mandarin. Robin performed his song "Bridge of Swallows" and a Taiwanese song "999 Roses" at the recent "China 60" celebrations in the Westminster Central Hall. This was later broadcast on Phoenix Television in China. As well as giving a talk on his experiences of current-day China, Robin will also be singing a number of his compositions at this meeting.
Donations to the Swinton Circle can now be made via PayPal by accessing the organisation's main web-site at: www.swintoncircle.co.uk. The Swinton Circle also now has a presence on Twitter, on which news about the organisation and policy statements are periodically posted. This can be found on Twitter@SwintonCircle.
[Regrettably we have recently learnt that Mr. Allan Robertson has been resuming his deceptive activities by holding meetings under the title of "The London Swinton Circle", and thereby hoodwinking naive guest speakers into believing that they would be addressing the authentic Swinton Circle. Everyone is therefore reminded that Mr. Robertson, along with his sidekick Mr. Daniel Wilkinson, were expelled from the Swinton Circle in January 2009 for gross misconduct. If anyone hears of any future such deceptive meetings which Mr. Robertson tries to organise then we would be very keen to learn the details, so that we can inform those involved of the true situation accordingly.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
LATEST DISTURBING REPORT FROM THE ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE
We have recently received the following most disturbing reports from the ZCTF :-
"Further to the August ZCTF report, the situation in Chiredzi River Conservancy is worsening. The Chiredzi River Conservancy, part of the Trans-Frontier Conservation Area, is an internationally renowned wildlife conservancy in the South-Eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe. It is being overrun by destructive invaders and its elephant and wildlife population is in severe danger of being wiped out. Reports indicate that the destruction of its fragile ecosystem has reached such serious proportions that its very survival is under threat. Appeals for the government to intervene before the destruction of the environment in the conservancy, and in all areas of Zimbabwe becomes irreversible, are falling on deaf ears. The conservancy is situated in an area classified as Region 5, meaning that it is arid and unsuitable for agriculture. Despite this, invaders have destroyed large areas by burning trees and vegetation in their efforts to grow crops and graze their cattle. Although there is funding available to help them move to areas more suitable for farming, the government turns a blind eye to the problem. Game scouts are employed to patrol the area but their jobs are extremely dangerous and they live under constant threat from poachers, politicians and invaders. They are continually assaulted and abused. In an effort to protect the elephants, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Francis Nhema was approached and asked if the elephants could be moved to a safer area but he was adamant that they stay in the conservancy. Whilst he acknowledged that the invaders were there illegally, he has made no attempt to have them removed.
"We have received reports recently of South African hunters allegedly being given permission by National Parks to shoot buffalo in the Kariba area - apparently for rations. It is thought that two have already been shot and a third is being hunted. The reports say that a buffalo was shot and taken to the weigh bay in the NAU Charara fishing camp where it was skinned. It was then hung in the cold room in the camp - all this apparently with the permission of the Acting Manager of the NAU (National Anglers' Union). The part that doesn't make sense is that normally, when animals are shot for rations, they are taken to Nyanana and not to the NAU fishing camp. We were always under the impression that NAU Charara site was a fishing camp - not a hunting camp. If any tourists were present at the time, they would probably have been quite distressed to see a buffalo being skinned in the weigh bay. The other disturbing factor is that there are only about 32 buffalo left out of an original herd of 650.
"We have received reports of poachers poisoning waterholes in some of the biggest game reserves in the country such as Gonarezhou, Mana Pools, Zambezi, Matusadona, Charara and Hwange. In Hwange National Park, 7 waterholes have allegedly been poisoned. The poison used is known as 'Two Step', apparently because the animals that consume it take two steps and then die. This is an extremely serious problem because when an animal dies after consuming the poison, the scavengers that feed off the carcass, such as hyena and vultures, also die. The only way to get rid of the poison would be to drain the water holes and then dig them up and dispose of the soil in an area where it won't be a danger to any animals or humans.
"We have been informed that National Parks have authorized the shooting of leopard in Matopas National Park, a protected wildlife area. It is extremely distressing to note that the guardians of our wildlife appear to be partially responsible for its demise."
If you can help the ZCTF in any way in their most important work please contact them at: galorand@mweb.co.zw or visit their web-site at: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
------------------------------------------------------------------
KLEINFONTEIN BOEREBELANGE KOöPERATIEF BEPERK
Kleinfontein is a community of approximately 1000 members of the Afrikaner people. We have established a settlement on property owned, controlled and managed by its members with a view to promote their identity in a safe and economically viable environment. This settlement was established in accordance with certain clauses in the South African constitution which makes provision for a form of territorial self-determination for people who share the same religious, linguistic and cultural values. The development is structured within a non-profit co-operative, is managed by mainly unpaid volunteers, is financed by its own members and consequently receives no financial assistance from the government. In view of the struggle of our people to retain our right to live in a dignified way, and government actions to impoverish our people legally by barring White persons from meaningful access to economic participation, any form of support, especially financial, will be appreciated. More than seventy White squatter camps (mainly Afrikaners) in our vicinity (Pretoria) are waging a battle to survive. The funds will be used for community upliftment programmes such as the upgrading of facilities at our home for the aged who need medical support, and our Christian primary school. Further information can be acquired at our website: www.kleinfontein.net
------------------------------------------------------------------
OLYMPIC FEVER
With excitement about next year's London Olympic Games escalating, it is often forgotten that the 2012 Paralympics will also be taking place in the same city after the Olympics themselves. In the August edition of the SCN we detailed the "free" events at the Olympics which the Springbok Club and Swinton Circle were planning to arrange parties to watch, but we would also be very keen to organise similar parties to view some of the subsequent Paralympic "free" events. If anyone has any preference regarding which such events they'd like to see please let us know.
------------------------------------------------------------------
CAN YOU HELP?
Some years ago we established good and friendly contact with Mr. Fred Rundle from Johannesburg, and indeed he wrote an excellent letter to S.A.Patriot-in-Exile which we published in edition No.35. Alas contact with Mr. Rundle then ceased for some unknown reason, but a few weeks ago we heard from him again - or at least from someone claiming to be him. There are several reasons why we suspect that these recent e-mails were not actually written by him however, not least because he implied that he had never been in contact with us previously, but also because of some somewhat bizarre and indeed disturbing sections of these recent messages. Does anyone know anything about Mr. Rundle's present circumstances we therefore wonder, and what his correct current e-mail address is, so that we can ascertain whether these latest messages are genuine or not?
------------------------------------------------------------------
SEARCH SERVICE FOR THOSE SEEKING LOST CONTACTS
Find any South African, even those who have emigrated. We also search Botswana, Namibia and ex-Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
http://www.bellemodel.biz/emails/emails.html
------------------------------------------------------------------
MAKE YOUR OWN BILTONG AT THE FRACTION OF THE COST ....
Biltongmakers.Com has, for over 10 years, put a smile on many a South African face. No longer do they have to pay exorbitant prices for biltong that in most cases is not even to their liking!
Now you can make your own Biltong at a fraction of the price you pay right now and .... you can make it the way YOU like it!
Please visit www.biltongmakers.com and see all they have available.
You will never be without some REAL South African Biltong again!
------------------------------------------------------------------
FLAGS etc.
The Springbok Club/ELC now retails Union Flag lapel badges and key-rings, price £2.00 each (plus 20% p&p).
Payments should be made to "The Springbok Club" and sent to: BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK., or via PayPal on the Springbok Club's web-site at www.springbokclub.org.uk.
Copies of S.A.Patriot-in-Exile (editions 30 to 36) are still available price R5.00 or 50p each, as well as batches of 50 copies (including copies of the original S.A.Patriot) price R80.00 or £8.00 (plus 20% for p&p.)
Payments should be made to "Patriotic Press" and sent to: BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK.
------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOK OFFERS
"REDNECK P.I." a romantic suspense novel by Trish Jackson.
"Twila's a redneck and proud of it. Harland's a P.I. with a target on his back and a twin brother. An explosive situation!"
Available at www.uncialpress.com in electronic format and will soon be available on Amazon in print form.
----------------------------
"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
----------------------------
"P.K. VAN DER BYL - AFRICAN STATESMAN" by Hannes Wessels
ISBN: 978-1-920143-49-7 / paperback / illustrated
Retail price: R250.00, Web-site price: R200.00 + postage
The narrative gives the reader an overview of the history of the White man in southern Africa with detailed emphasis on the Rhodesian story through the life and times of PK van der Byl, one of the major players in a political drama that ended in the accession to power of Robert Mugabe under the auspices of the British government. By his very nature PK was controversial and confrontational. This account is likely to give offence to some because it portrays him as bluntly as he was in real life. Much can be contested about PK van der Byl but few will dispute he was an extremely colourful character with a devilish sense of humour. This memoir covers his life with a full flourish while doing nothing to detract from the seriousness of the international political and military conflict in which he was engaged. The reader will glean new information on a highly controversial subject and emerge with a more sympathetic understanding of what PK van der Byl and his colleagues did and strove for. The human tragedy that has followed the removal from power of Ian Smith and his Rhodesian Front party will almost certainly force the reader to deal with some uncomfortable conclusions, of value to anyone sincere about grappling with the volatile and deeply troubling challenges that confront all Africans today.
This book and others of interest can be purchased from 30 Degrees South via their web-site: www.30degreessouth.co.za
----------------------------
"BLUE WATCH" by Gwyn Fford-Osborne
Rhodesia, in 1975 and a bloody vicious civil war is at its height. A war between the White minority supported by the Black majority and the ZAPU and ZANU terrorist groups, supported by Zambia and Mozambique. Kensington, a small town in the farming belt has been the subject of several terrorist attacks but with only a small police force for defence, the local T.A. unit having been called up for service on the Zambia border the situation appears grim. Until Iffor Meredith turns up on a pilgrimage to meet up with his wife and son of his old army buddy, recently murdered by terrorists. A deadly ambush on the "Dix" family and his escape from a land mine attack makes Iffor determined to offer resistance of some form or other to the terrorists. His application to join the Rhodesian Army has been accepted and he sets about forming a small militia. With all the fit men already on call up, who can he recruit from. Then he's invited to a darts match at the Moth Club and meets up with the remnants of the town's Fire Brigade, the men considered too old for call up. Blue Watch.
Available from: www.diadembooks.com
----------------------------
"THE SEVEN WATCHMEN" by David Ruppert
A new fascinating novel titled "The Seven Watchmen" by David Ruppert should appeal to South Africans and ex-Rhodesians. It can be ordered from Crest Publishing in South Africa at www.crestpublishing.co.za - or those abroad can buy it directly from David at rupedf72@comcast.net. It's also available on www.Amazon.com
Glenn MacAskill and Michael Bowery of Crest Publishing have also written three books each. Glenn MacAskill is ex-BSAP Special Branch and still working (as Mugabe has denied him any pension) and Michael Bowery is ex-South African Special Forces. Due to the difficulties confronting White writers in the "new" South Africa they launched Crest Publishing to self-publish their own books, and have been doing this since October 2006. Michael Bowery is author of: "Canham's Run", "The Sligo Piper" and "Kill the President", whilst Glenn MacAskill is author of: "King's Gold", "Crime Lords" and "Of Royal Blood". Special discounts to ex-servicemen, Rhodies and Springboks!
For more information, or to make an order, please contact Crest Publishing at: P.O.Box, 97910, Petervale, Transvaal, 2151, South Africa, e-mail: crestbooks@mweb.co.za, or visit the Crest Publishing web-site at: www.crestpublishing.co.za
----------------------------
"THE SAINTS" - DVD versions of the book about the history of the RLI
Now available from Msasa Enterprises. Contact: msasasa@iafrica.com or UK tel.: 07732 685400
.
------------------------------------------------------------------
WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
No.155 : Mr. Tam McLennon of Durban.
Tam McLennon (his name may have been spelt MacLennon) was a keen and active member of the Durban Branch of the Rangers FC Supporters Association. Originally from Glasgow, he was evidently a keen side-drummer with a Loyalist flute band in the city before he and his family emigrated to South Africa. Some time ago we heard that he had returned to his hometown of Glasgow, but alas we have been unsuccessful in re-establishing contact with him there. If anyone can help us discover where he can now be contacted we'd be most grateful.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH
As is usual at this time of year we mention the web-site of one of the Lewes Bonfire Societies, ready for the big night on November 5th. The Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society is the newest and perhaps the smallest of the societies based in Lewes itself, but judging from the songs and "Bonfire Prayers" which they list on their site they remain loyal to true bonfire traditions. Their web-site can be accessed at :-
http://www.njbs.co.uk/
-----------------------------------------------------------------
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NATIONALIST CONFLICT
Sir,
I was shocked to read in last month's SCN about the problems which you'd encountered when a nationalist turned up at a Northern Ireland Springbok Club branch meeting. Why don't you name the b*stard and the nationalist organisation to which he belongs (SF/IRA?).
Yours etc.,
O.V., London, U.K.
[We still don't believe it wise to name the trouble-maker in question. All we will add, however, is that he hails from the Finaghy district of south Belfast, traditionally regarded as a staunch Unionist area. The nationalist organisation which he is a member of is the so-called 'British' National Party. If his hatred of the capital city of his country (and coming from a Unionist area we would presume that he regards London as his capital) and his opposition to his own country gaining the prestige and financial advantages of staging the 2012 Olympic Games reflects the official policy of the so-called 'B'NP, then it only confirms once again the total phoniness of this organisation! - Ed.]
----------------------
SWEET AND SOUR MUTTON
Sir,
Wasn't the Pam Sweet/Richards mentioned by "White Rhino" in September's SCN a close friend of Lynn "mutton dressed as lamb" Hurt?
Yours etc.,
K.Skinner, Durban, South Africa.
[Yes, Pam Richards and Lynn Hurt (aka Howe) were indeed close friends who often attended National Forum meetings in Durban together during the 1970s. Both were extremely nice and friendly women who seemed totally dedicated to the patriotic cause at the time, but alas both regrettably fell under the divisive influence of the notorious factionalist Brendan Willmer during the 1980s. A total tragedy. - Ed.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
OBITUARIES
BRUCE ANDERSON
It was with great regret that we recently learnt of the death of Mr. Bruce Anderson at the tragically early age of only 64. Born in Co.Durham, Bruce was a true and dedicated British global patriot. An active member of the Conservative Party during his younger days, he moved to Rhodesia during the early 1970s and quickly established contact with the ruling RF Government. He was a good friend of the Hon. Ian Douglas Smith, and was tasked to act as adviser to the Rev. Ndabaningi Sithole during the negotiations to form a Transitional Government during the late 1970s. Following he fall of Rhodesia he moved south to South Africa, where he quickly became an influential figure within the Inkatha movement. In this position he was a close adviser to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, met with President Ronald Reagan on behalf of the organisation, and gave "pep-talks" to Zulus in hostels around Durban regarding the dangers posed to them by the ANC. Shortly before the ANC were handed power he was accused by the dying NP government of organising the transfer of arms from RENAMO in Mozambique to Inkatha, and was deported from the country with only 24 hours notice. Once re-established in the UK he co-founded a very successful company specialising in short-term leases for properties in central London. He also resumed his patriotic activities, becoming active in both the Conservative Monday Club and the Swinton Circle, as well as becoming a Life Member of the Springbok Club. Alas his business suffered severely as a result of the recession during the late 2000s, a situation made worse by some shady dealings undertaken by his business partner (which he was in no way involved with). These severe problems alas affected his personal life greatly, and were probably the underlying reason for his premature death. Our sincerest condolences are extended to his daughter Felicity, his son-in-law Rob Ferguson, his three grandchildren, and members of his second family.
----------------------
GUSTY SPENCE
It was also of course with much sadness that we learnt of the recent death of Augustus Andrew "Gusty" Spence at the age of 78. A controversial character, but a sincere and dedicated Ulster Loyalist, Gusty Spence was born in the Shankill Road and joined the Military Police after leaving school, serving with both the BAOR and in Cyprus. Being forced to leave the army early because of ill-health he returned home to west Belfast to find Ulster under sustained attack from the Provisional IRA during the early days of the enigmatically named "Troubles". His grandfather had been a leading member of Sir Edward Carson's UVF which had fought to preserve the Union during the early years of the 20th century, and together with other Loyalist colleagues he re-constituted the UVF in 1966. Observing correctly that the Wilson Labour Government of the time were not prepared to protect Ulster's place within the Union the new UVF realised that they must therefore fight the IRA's fire with fire. As a leading member of the paramilitary he was accused of several specific murders of innocent Catholics - all of which he denied until his dying day - and received long-term prison sentences in Long Kesh as a result. During his time of incarceration, however, he came to realise that Ulster's struggle could be won by political activism as well as by paramilitary means. Together with the late David Ervine and Billy Hutchinson he helped found the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) which appealed particularly to working-class Unionists. He was one of the first to realise that the SF/IRA ceasefire of the late 1990s did not indicate a position of strength, but rather was a sign of weakness. He was chosen to make the joint UVF/UDA announcement of an unconditional ceasefire in response, and won many plaudits for expressing "remorse" for the deaths of all the innocent Nationalists who had been killed in the conflict (a term which SF/IRA has never used in any way). He was criticised by many more hard-line Loyalists for some of his actions during his later life, but the fact remains that in spite of many sickening concessions having been made to the Nationalists the Union still remains secure, and Northern Ireland has prospered as a result. Gusty Spence therefore deserves to be remembered not only for his paramilitary bravery, but also for his expert political analysis which pointed a new direction towards success. Our sincere condolences are extended to all his family and close associates.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, if you would prefer to be deleted from our SCN circulation list then simply e-mail us with the word "unsubscribe". Alternatively, if you liked this SCN and think more of your friends would like to receive copies then please let us know their e-mail addresses!
See you again next month!
