SPRINGBOK CYBER NEWSLETTER
September 2013 edition
The past few months have witnessed a host of high-profile global sporting competitions, many of them with strong South African connections – and not without a fair amount of controversies!
At the World Swimming Championships held in Barcelona the South African Chad le Clos won both the Mens 100 metres and 200 metres Butterfly gold medals. Alas, like so many top White South African sportsmen, Durban-born le Clos has chosen to represent the terrorist regime which currently rules that unhappy country and to bear its colours and symbols, rather than relocating to a land of their ethnic roots. In le Clos’s case the situation is slightly different however, for he is inevitably accompanied by his Eugene Terre’Blanche-lookalike father Bert, who is equally inevitably interviewed by the overseas media who seem fascinated by his clownish performances. During the recent World Championships le Clos senior turned up wearing a shirt made of the ANC regime’s flag. Didn’t this buffoon realize just how offensive such an appearance was to all true South African patriots?
Compare le Clos’s decision to give aid and comfort to the terrorist regime currently ruling his country to the decisions of an increasing number of South African sportsmen who have chosen to relocate to the lands of their ethnic origins. Kevin Pieterson is of course just one of this growing band, and it was intriguing to see during the recent Test series against Australia that he had what looked remarkably like the old Conservative Party of South Africa’s “KP” logo on the back of his bat. Was this just a coincidence we wonder, or was he trying to send a subliminal message? Regardless of the answer it is those like Pieterson who we most admire, whereas the likes of the le Clos’s we hold in contempt.
The reason why Pieterson and his fellow South Africans are so welcomed by British sporting fans is because they have ancestral roots in the country. This however does not apply to those overseas sportsmen who have been allowed to wear British colours without any such ethnic qualifications, who are commonly referred to contemptuously as “plastic Brits”. The most famous of these of course is the long-distance runner “Mo” Farah. Farah is undoubtedly a great athlete – as his victories in both the 5000 metres and 10000 metres at the recent World Athletics Championship in Moscow confirmed – and judging from his appearances on television he is also a most pleasant and jolly person. He is liked by British athletics fans, but they cannot fully identify with him, for Farah is a Somali who has cruelly rejected his war-torn country which is so badly in need of morale-boosting sporting glory.
Again a comparison is necessary. At the World Swimming Championships Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania won gold in the Womens 100 metre Breatstroke. Although Lithuanian by birth Meilutyte now lives, trains and is coached in Plymouth – yet she still competes internationally for Lithuania. Meilutyte is probably as much liked by British swimming fans as Farah is liked by British athletic fans – but by remaining true to her nationality of birth she manages to achieve something which Farah competing in colours of convenience never can. She is admired.
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SPRINGBOK CLUB NEWS
During August the Springbok Club staged a trip to the beautiful 5-acre garden in Surrey owned by David and Virginia Lardner-Burke, the son and daughter-in-law son of the highly-respected former Rhodesian Cabinet Minister the Rt.Hon. Desmond Lardner-Burke. This trip proved a revelation, for although it was staged as part of the garden’s bi-annual open days (and indeed most of those present seemed to be horticulturalists who were primarily interested in the botanical aspects of the garden), many aspects of the Rhodesian Ideal still shone through. It was not only the expertly-maintained plant-life, well-manicured lawns and inland lake which impressed, but also the presence of an open-air swimming pool and Lawn Tennis court. It was just as if a little part of Rhodesia from the halcyon days had been transplanted to the present day Home Counties. Several good new contacts were established as a result of this visit, and it is hoped that a further visit will be made next year.
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As regular readers will know, it was planned that the Springbok Club would make an official visit to the annual “Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony” in Norfolk earlier during September. Unfortunately we learnt shortly before this event that we had been misinformed about the precise nature of this ceremony, as it was actually organized on an invitation-only basis. Although a last minute invitation was extended to the organization it was felt that in order not to “rock the boat” it would be best not to attend as an organization in 2013, but rather to establish closer contacts with those involved so that specific invitations could be extended to all Springbok Club members and supporters who wished to attend for the 2014 ceremony. Several individual supporters of the Springbok Club did attend the 2013 event however, and reported that in spite of the unseasonably bad weather it still proved a most successful and inspiring ceremony.
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In October the Springbok Club will be making a trip to Oxford in order to attend a special musical concert involving some of the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the highlight of which will be the world premier of the work “O Calpe” (in praise of Gibraltar), which was begun by Mozart but only completed in recent years by Springbok Club member Robin Willow – who will be performing the work himself. Details of this concert are as follows :-
Venue : The Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ
Date : Saturday 5th October 2013
Time : 19.30 hrs
Tickets : Priced £37, £26, £18 and £10 - although tickets will be available on the day and it is unlikely that this event will be a complete sell-out, tickets can still be purchased in advance at :-
http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford/#event=17531
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In November the Springbok Club will be staging its annual UDI Day Dinner/Buffet at which it is hoped that a prominent ex-Rhodesian will be guest of honour, and in December the Springbok Club will hold its annual Day of the Vow commemoration which will be addressed by a leading campaigner for Afrikaner rights in Europe. Full details about both these events will be given in future editions of the SCN
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SWINTON CIRCLE NEWS
Although the Swinton Circle didn’t stage any specific event of its own during September, it did even so give its full support to New Britain’s big Gibraltar Day celebration at the beginning of the month, at which two leading officials of the Swinton Circle made prominent contributions. Further details about this event appear in the New Britain News section below.
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The 2013 AGM of the Swinton Circle will take place in central London on Thursday 17th October, and all current and valid members of the organization will be informed of the precise details in due course. Following the business side of this meeting a leading expert on the Islamic threat to the West will be giving a talk about his knowledge of the subject, which will be followed by an extensive questions-and answers session. All supporters, be they members or not, will be welcomed to attend this latter part of the evening’s activities.
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Membership fees and donations to the Swinton Circle can be paid via PayPal on the organisation’s web-site home page at:-
www.swintoncircle.co.uk
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NEW BRITAIN NEWS
New Britain staged its annual Gibraltar Day celebrations with a big meeting at St.Sepulchre's Church in the City of London earlier this month. Swinton Circle Committee member Robin Willow gave an emotional pre-premiere rendition of his new musical work "O Calpe" (in celebration of Gibraltar) at this event, and Alan Harvey (the current Chairman of the Swinton Circle) gave a very well-received and warmly-applauded talk about his own experiences of the Rock, its history and how the current problems caused by Spain would be resisted and defeated by the Gibraltarian people. A letter of support and solidarity with Gibraltar and its people addressed to the Government of Gibraltar was circulated and signed with enthusiasm by all those present.
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New Britain will be organising the following events during the next few months :-
Monday 21st October : Trafalgar Day commemorations. St.Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday 2nd November : Keep the United Kingdom United Rally. Central London.
Saturday 30th November : St.Andrew’s Day celebrations. Edinburgh.
Saturday 7th December : Falkland Islands Battle Day ceremony. The Cenotaph.
More precise details about all these events will of course be given in future editions of the SCN.
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RHINOS AT RISK
We have recently received the following eye-opening report about the plight of rhinos in South Africa from Frontline Fellowship, a Christian organization based in Cape Town. Although written from a Christian perspective we believe that the information which this reports contains is of interest to all, and urge everyone to make these facts known as widely as possible. Frontline Fellowship can be contacted at : www.frontline.org.za :-
In 1900, there were over 500,000 rhino in Africa. Today, only 5% are left.
"How long will the land lie parched and the grass in every field be withered? Because those who live in it are wicked, the animals and birds have perished." Jeremiah 12:4
Last Stand in South Africa
As South Africa is home to most of the world's surviving rhino population, this war against organised crime is mostly being fought in our game reserves. Of the 20,405 white rhino in the world, over 18,780 are in South Africa. 12,000 of those are in the Kruger National Park.
Kruger in the Frontline
In 2012, Kruger National Park lost 425 of its rhino to poachers. As Kruger National Park has a 300km open border with Mozambique, it is particularly vulnerable to poachers. When the fence was taken down, many conservationists warned that this would not increase the grazing area of the animals in the Kruger National Park, as much as enlarge the killing fields of the poachers who were, and are, endemic to Mozambique.
Disastrous Developments
In 2012, 668 rhino were killed for their horn in South Africa. Already, almost 400 have been killed in 2013, so far. Rhino poaching has increased over 400% in the last 10 years.
I Will Be Your Voice
On Saturday, 8 June, Cape Town based singer, songwriter, author, and motivational speaker, Rozanne Visagie, gathered concerned citizens under the: I Will Be Your Voice campaign.
Danger of Desensitisation
Dr. Will Fowlds, Wildlife Vetenarian, Animal Planet personality and Trustee of the Chipembere Rhino Foundation, warned of the danger of de-sensitisation to the disastrous destruction of this iconic creature, who is in danger of extinction. "We need to tell the world what these animals are going through!"
A Challenge to Compassion
Dr. Fowlds challenged all to have compassion for God's creatures. We need to mobilise the corporate world, rotary clubs, celebrities, journalists, pastors and politicians to stand up and speak out against the destruction of God's creatures. He warned that the battle will not be won on the frontline, where game rangers are involved in a life and death struggle against extremely well-equipped, sophisticated, organised crime syndicates, using helicopters, night sights, automatic weapons, ruthlessly targeting rhinos and those who seek to protect them. "This battle will be won on the social media and in schools..." He spoke of the need to change attitudes about conservation. This is as much about education as legislation.
The Asian Market
One of the key battlefields in this war to protect the rhinos from extinction is Asia. The drastic surge in rhino poaching is being driven by an insane demand in Asia for rhino horn. In Vietnam and China, people are willing to pay thousands of dollars for just a sliver of rhino horn. It is considered a miracle drug and an aphrodisiac. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this bizarre belief, rhino horn can fetch tens-of-thousands of dollars per kilo on the black market.
Organised Crime
Rhino poaching is an over R150 Billion industry annually. Rhino poaching is now listed as the third most lucrative criminal trade in the world - behind drugs and human trafficking.
Individuals Making a Difference
Dr. Fowlds shared some encouraging testimonies of small, but significant, victories in this battle. A rhino called Thandi survived being shot by poachers and having her horn hacked off. Thandi is fully rehabilitated and back in the wild again. Julia, a young 12-year-old girl in Hong Kong, has raised over R90,000 for the Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
The China Connection
He showed video clips of key celebrities in Asia, including a Chinese Olympic athlete, who carried the national flag at the Olympics, who has become a prominent voice against rhino poaching in China. "When the buying stops. The killing will stop." Dr. Fowlds concluded: "We need to tell the world what these animals are going through! We all have the opportunity to make a difference!"
"A good man is kind to his animals, but the wicked are cruel to theirs." Proverbs 12:10
The Failure of the Criminal Justice System
During the evening, specialists that I spoke to expressed their frustration with the failure of the criminal justice system to effectively prosecute the violent and ruthless criminals involved in this industry of poaching rhino horn. On numerous occasions, the prosecutors have failed to do their duty. On other occasions, judges have let culprits off lightly.
A Brutal War
Several of those involved in the protection of rhinos mentioned how it is a brutal and ruthless war. The poachers are extremely well armed and tend to shoot game rangers on sight. Everyone agreed that it is essential that a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach be developed to deal with this threat. This includes legislation, education, law enforcement, the prosecutors and the judges, journalists, filmmakers, teachers, people from all walks of life.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless." Proverbs 31:8
Creation Mandate
In the light of the Creation Mandate, we must recognise that the welfare and protection of animals is an essential part of our Christian responsibility. Let us be thankful to God for His magnificent creation, for His creatures, including the rhinos. Let us pray for the game rangers and law enforcement personnel, the conservationists and activists who are speaking up and mobilising public opinion against rhino poaching. Let us pray for more sponsors and partners, journalists and politicians who will stand up and speak out, protect and preserve our wildlife heritage.
"For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by Him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good, or bad, in his bodily life." 2 Corinthians 5:10
We Will Give an Account
All animals belong to God (Psalm 24:1). We are answerable to God for how we treat His Creation.
You Can Make a Difference
Invite conservation speakers to your school, congregation, or college. Visit www.thebibleandanimals.org website: view the Rhinos, Poaching and Conservation PowerPoint, Marvels of Creation and Science and Will Animals be in Heaven? PowerPoints on Slideshare. These presentations are also available as audio CDs.
Support the Chipembere Rhino Foundation at : www.chipembere.org and other initiatives caring for God's Creation.
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AN INSULT TO THE PEOPLE OF BEDFORD
In the centre of Bedford there stands a statuette-bust to “Bishop” Trevor Huddleston. Furthermore there is a quotation on the plinth of this memorial from the terrorist leader Mandela to the effect that Huddleston was regarded as the best White friend of the terrorist ANC, and even sickeningly there is the revelation that the unspeakable Mandela once visited Bedford in order to “pay his respects” at this statuette-bust of Huddleston.
For readers who are unaware, Huddleston not only worked tirelessly whilst based in South Africa to destroy civilized rule in the country (which of course benefitted all races) and to replace it with the crypto-Communist (i.e. anti-Christian) ANC regime, but he was also an exposed and acknowledged paedophile – as can be confirmed at: http://historymatters.co.za/it-was-different-then/ and on other respected web-sites. Huddleston was protected by the Wilson/Callaghan governments in much the same way as they protected the paedophile Liberal MP Cyril Smith, but the Church of England hierarchy removed Huddleston from his position as Bishop of Stepney and posted him to the remote and powerless position of Bishop of Mauritius because of the scandal.
Both Huddleston and the convicted terrorist Mandela were of course pure evil, and the presence of this memorial in Bedford – the town of such great Christian thinkers as John Bunyan and Mabel “Octovia” Barltrop – is an insult to the people of he town and an affront to all innocent victims of paedophilia and terrorism. We call upon all readers to contact Bedford Borough Council and the local Bedford newspapers to demand the removal of this statuette-bust therefore.
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SEARCH SERVICES FOR THOSE SEEKING LOST RELATIVES
Find any South African, even those who have emigrated. We also search Botswana, Namibia and ex-Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
Please use the search request form at :-
http://www.bellemodel.biz/emails/emails.php?id=emails_from_SCN
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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 from Amazon.com in print and electronic format.
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"LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALFRED JAMES TOMLINSON: MEMOIRS OF AN AFRICAN PIONEER AND BSAP OFFICER" is now available at Amazon.com, and can be shipped to anywhere in the world. This book contains excerpts from Lieut. Tomlinson's writings detailing his experiences as a member of the B.S.A. Police in Southern Rhodesia, where he rose from the rank of an ordinary trooper to retire as the commanding officer. It also includes the personal story of Majaqaba Ncube, a man who was enslaved by Lobengula when his entire village was massacred by the chief's soldiers. After he escaped, Lieut. Tomlinson saved him from certain death and gave him a job. They lost contact and were reunited after 45 years, when Majaqaba presented Lieut. Tomlinson with an earthenware jar.
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
No.178: Mr. Glenn de Witt of Natal
Glenn de Witt played Rugby for Natal during the late 1970s, and after his retirement from the game established his own highly successful accountancy company near to Amanzimtoti. A very friendly and well-organised person, his wife was sadly taken seriously ill during the mid-1980s, though happily she survived. It is believed that he became involved in Rugby administration in later years, but it is uncertain whether he continued running his accountancy business. It would be very interesting to learn more about what became of him, and how his wife has fared.
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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH
We have recently been informed about a most interesting and fascinating blogspot called “Our Rhodesian Heritage”. We don’t know who is behind this venture, but it is certainly well worth a visit by all who take an interest in Rhodesian history and the preservation of the Rhodesian ideal. It can be accessed at :-
http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.co.uk/
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NICKED
Sir,
Yes, Nick Maine died earlier this year [see June 2013 SCN]. You are right that no-one really trusted him as he couldn’t make up his mind which party he supported and got associated with a lot of wacko ideas. As a result he obtained the nickname of “Nick the Prick”!
Yours etc.,
B.V.F.B., Sydney, N.S.W., Australia.
[ The epithet “Nick the Prick” was evidently also the nickname given to Nick Man (the former Swinton Circle member who caused trouble at the organisation’s December 2010 meeting) when he worked in the recruitment business. We know how Nick Maine obtained this epithet, but have no idea why Nick Man did! – Ed.]
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AND THE BLIND WILL SEE
Sir,
Clem Suntner was one of those “speakers” whom we had to listen to all those years talking about how the new South Africa would be a success IF this and IF that. He was no different from all the others.
All of them to a man are now complaining about our demise. Yet we who told South Africa 25 to 30 years ago what would happen are simply ignored. It seems as if you were dead wrong, and now see the error of your ways, people will listen to you instead of heeding the warnings of those WHO WERE RIGHT AT THE OUTSET!
South Africa is wall to wall with these commentators these days! I’ve got plenty of Clem Suntner’s old articles, and he was dead wrong. Hindsight is always 20/20 vision. So what?
We warned them years ago, and we were called right wing nuts, fascists, racists, Nazis – you name it.
They make me sick!
Yours etc.,
G.O.K.E., Transvaal, South Africa.
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ROGUES GALLERY
The Swinton Circle was recently asked to provide a speaker to address an academic institution. The Swinton Circle Committee discussed who would be the best member to send in this regard, but one Committee member stated that someone named Tony Malski had evidently expressed an interest in speaking on behalf of the organization. This surprised other Committee members greatly, as not only was there nobody by the name of Tony Malski on the Swinton Circle’s membership list, but nobody else had ever heard of him!
The Committee member who had mentioned the name was then asked for more information about this mysterious figure, only to produce an ancient cutting from an anti-fascist publication which revealed that during the 1980s this Malski character had been involved in building what he termed a “revolutionary army” as part of his sinisterly named “National Socialist Action Party” (“National Socialist” was actually the full name of the Nazi Party!).
The Swinton Circle would therefore like to place on record that it has no connection whatsoever with anyone named Tony Malski, and that nobody by that name has ever been asked to speak on behalf of the organization. Furthermore, if this person ever applies to join the Swinton Circle then he will have to provide some concrete evidence that he has totally repudiated all the disturbing allegations which were made against him during the 1980s.
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OBITUARIES
SIR DAVID FROST
It was of course with great shock and sadness that we recently learnt of the sudden death of Sir David Frost at the age of only 74.
This present writer had close family connections to Sir David, and followed his career closely right from its beginnings in the early 1960s. Sir David Frost was undoubtedly one of the greatest men of his age, and someone who brought great pride and glory to Britain. Born with boundless energy (something which he inherited from both his parents!) it is no exaggeration to say that no one person in the entire world made television the medium which it is today more than he did.
His talents were phenomenal and eclectic, stretching from news reporting and hosting light entertainments programmes such as Let’s Twist on the Riviera for Anglia Television, through the satire boom of That Was The Week That Was and Not so much a Programme more a Way of Life and the lighter comedy of The Frost Report with the BBC, to the establishment of his own television companies, firstly LWT with its host of programmes which he presented (an unexpected mixture of serious political interviews and light-hearted comedy sketches), and subsequently TVAM, which pioneered morning television. His fame and popularity was not restricted to the UK however, for he also became a leading and much sought-after TV host in both the United States and Australia, with his famous twice-weekly flights across the Atlantic in order to present regular programmes on two continents being the stuff which legends are based upon.
It was of course his seminal interviews with Richard Nixon in 1977 which established him as undoubtedly the greatest media interviewer of all time however. A universally acknowledged triumph, these interviews achieved success by a mixture of painstaking research (something which was actually Sir David’s hallmark), a friendly demeanour and a quick-thinking ability to listen and to seize every opportunity to respond. After this landmark of broadcasting history Sir David concentrated more and more on serious political interviews, returning to the BBC for his iconic Sunday morning programmes whereon he seemed to interview everyone who was anyone in the world today.
Sir David wasn’t without his critics of course – though most of them were undoubtedly motivated by jealousy. Undoubtedly his over-aggressive interviewing of Enoch Powell in 1969 lost him many friends, as also did his unacceptable interview with Margaret Thatcher following the Falklands War when he seemed obsessed by the minutiae of the movements of the threatening Argentine ship the General Belgrano. Against this however should be set his groundbreaking interview of the Sri Lankan fraudster Emil Savundra (something which broke all the “politically-correct” taboos of the time) and his triumphant determination to interview Ian Douglas Smith and to give him the opportunity to present his case in the face of intimidating opposition from the Wilson Government. It should also not be forgotten that after his unfortunate interview with Margaret Thatcher he subsequent became firm personal friends with both Margaret and Sir Dennis Thatcher.
Sir David Frost brought joy and pleasure to billions of people around the world, and it is no exaggeration to say that the world is now a far better place than it would have been without him. He never stopped working, and indeed had fully mastered all the latest technological developments and innovations of the electronic media at the time of his untimely death. Although 74 years old he still had a tremendous amount to offer, and that is the tragedy of his death.
Our sincere condolences are extended to his widow Lady Carina and to his sons Wilfred, Miles and George.
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CLIFF MORGAN OBE
It was also with much sadness that we learnt of the recent death of Cliff Morgan.
Cliff Morgan was born in the Rhonda Valley in 1930 and played fly-half for Cardiff RFC, Wales and the British Lions. He was selected for the British Lions squad who toured South Africa in 1955, and refused to be intimidated by the anti-South African trouble-makers who even in those days tried to persuade players to withdraw from the tour. Morgan proved a most important member of the side which became the first to avoid a series defeat. He scored a try in the First Test at Ellis Park, and captained the side which won the Third Test at Loftus Versfeld. Like so many Welshmen Cliff Morgan was also an accomplished choral singer, and he won many friends by joining an impromptu choir which sang in Afrikaans when leaving from Jan Smuts Airport.
After his playing career was over Cliff Morgan obtained probably even more fame by becoming a BBC Rugby commentator and then Head of BBC Outside Broadcasting. His voice was probably the most recognizable and captivating on television, and his commentary of the 1973 Barbarians v. All Blacks match at Cardiff Arms Park probably produced the most memorable description of the greatest try ever scored.
Cliff Morgan was always a proud Welshman, but more significantly he was also a proud Briton – as his eager appearances for the British Lions and work for the BBC confirms, and indeed he died on the Isle of Wight where he is now buried.
Cliff Morgan will always be remembered fondly by all those who love Rugby and broadcasting excellence. Our sincere condolences are offered to his widow Pat and his two children.
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