The Peace and Tranquility of a Perfect Evening

Greetings from The Heart of Scouting

Saturday was a non event at the Park as I had a half day tour in the morning and then the annual Provincial Cook-Out Competition was held in the afternoon. I had only three Scouts to enter and I am very proud of them, for although the Troop did not win the Cooking Trophy - we had only entered three of the six sections - we had won first place in each of these three sections. But, even more important, all the Scouts and Cub Scouts who had taken part in the competition had enjoyed themselves. To round off a busy day, it was my turn to read at my Church that evening. I arrived back home quite late, so I decided to sleep at home and go out to the Park the next morning.

Early on Sunday morning I left for Gordon Park on my own as every one else had to catch up on their homework. When I say early, I mean early for the sun was still below the horizon and only showed itself when I was well out of the city limits. The usual police road block outside Tshabalala Game Sanctuary had not yet been set up. The road was devoid of vehicles, not even an early morning jogging fitness fanatic was to be encountered.

On nearing the gate of the Matobo National Park, a herd of about twenty Impala were grazing contently on the fresh green grass shoots that had shot up after the recent veldt-fires. The world was at peace and all in it was at peace. The gate attendants at the entrance to the National Park were cheerful and as usual requested me to give then a copy of the day's newspaper. Alas, I had not passed the shopping centre at Retreat and therefore they were unlucky. In reality, they are always unlucky for I don't buy the local rag, but they always try their luck.

I short-circuited the usual opening up procedures, but I did light the kitchen fire so as to have breakfast. Whilst the water was heating up I loaded all the building equipment I was going to need for the completion of the Stove at the Naomi Conolly Lodge, into the back of Inguluvane. Then a quick breakfast before setting off to add the oven to the stove that Chris and I had been constructing for the past few weekends. All went smoothly and by late afternoon I had completed the stove. More work has to be done before the stove is commissioned, but the major construction work is completed.

Not very exciting, but another essential reconstruction project nearing completion to ensure that the facilities of the Park are up to the highest standard and ready for the on-going training programme of our Scouts and adult leaders. As I didn't have to get Scouts back to town early, I remained at the Park and had another mug of coffee until it was dark, before I finally tore myself away from the peace and tranquility of a perfect evening in the Matobo Hills.

Cheers
Norman

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Emails just in... (Im goin'a be in big trouble - 'cause Norm doesnt know these great letters are being published!)

Hi Norm

Every time one of these newsletters pops into my inbox I drop whatever I am doing and sit and read for a few minutes and then sit and reminisce for ages afterwards.

The 100km hike story brought back memories of the GP Challenge which I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Hearing about Assegai made me remember when I had the privilege of accepting that coveted trophy/weapon on behalf of the youngest 8th patrol (at that stage) to have won the competition and having our shield added to it. Notes about Chris and the lads chopping trees brings back memories of learning to re-haft an axe and Dafydd Jones making me cut down and log an iron tree. These are memories that will remain with me forever. I don't think I have ever thanked you for the efforts you went to, both in the fore and background, in making my scouting days some of the most memorable days of my life and helping to mould me into the person I am today - thank you and a very big BRAVO for all the things you have done in the past and continue to do today to keep GP a very special place in my heart, mind and soul.

Yours in scouting
Evan Pedlar (Pr.Eng.)
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My life at work is as stressful as you can get, sales budgets (in very tough times), stock targets, KPI's, staff issues, catching flights to project meetings in Asia, etc etc etc all mixed in with trying to spend quality time with family, who seem to have all grown up without me, I'm staring at my lap top wondering what it's all about - then I get mail and the subject heading is Gordon Park Newsletter xxx.

For 5 - 10 minutes I'm transported away - above the rat race and into Africa, Gordon Park with Rhino, duiker and the bush vegetation and looking up at Shumba - I'm on the back of Emma going to the Vlei (you're not allow to ride on the back of trucks here - the government has decided it's too dangerous) to collect sand.

Then back for a cup of tea, I can smell the wood fire smoke feel the annoying little Mopane bees buzzing around my face. I'm back in the old country as a boy scout with the 11th Riverside - boys are laughing and joking - we're abseiling down bog-roll, some fear but excitement.

It's evening and the sky is filled with diamonds, cicadas are singing and an owl (Isikovo) toots over head, looking for a mouse for dinner - life is peaceful and soooo relaxing.

Then........ Dave Dave DAVE!!!! - I look up it's my office lady - "there's a call on line one - you better take it he's really not happy" - my spirit returns from Africa in a split second and slams back into my body.

My last thoughts are.......I wonder if the boys will finish the oven next week? - then "Hello, it's Dave Davies, how can I be off assistance?"

Thank you Scotty I've had my sane injection for another week - PLEASE....... Keep em coming

Best Regards
Dave Davies
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Greetings Norman

Congratulations on a very descriptive & informative newsletter. Being involved on two organizing committee's myself, I appreciate the time & effort involved in motivating / maintaining interest & support in these difficult times. Unfortunately, the majority of the "old school" teachers that were responsible for our developing an appreciation for the outdoors & the maturity that comes with confidence in one's own ability, have left the country. I believe that your organization takes up the slack, for this worthwhile and vital development of today's youngsters, especially considering that you encourage the youth to participate & interact. Keep up the great work!

Regards
Andy Chase
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Subject: RE: Gordon Park Newsletter 123

Hi
To reply to Vernon's query last week regarding an old Scout song - you may want to have a look at this website which I came across recently looking for some words for a song:

Scout Songs: Song Lyrics for Boy Scouts Songs, Girl Scouts Songs, and American Patriotic Songs www.scoutsongs.com

It has some great favourites bringing back many good memories. Hope it helps him to find what he's looking for. There is nothing more annoying than having the first few words and tune and not remembering the rest. Thank goodness for "Go Go Google"!

Regards
Andrew


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1st Bulawayo (Pioneer) Scout Troop Founded 1909
Troop Programme of Activities for September to December 2010

October
1-2 Monthly Hike
8 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene
10 Gordon Park Service; 12.00 noon
15-17 JOTA/JOTI
22 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene
29 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene

November
5-6 Monthly Hike
12 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene
14 Gordon Park Service: 12.00 noon
19 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene
26 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene: Sausage sizzle
27-28 National Patrols Competition

December
2 Schools close
3 Troop Meeting: Mabukuwene: Last meeting of the year
4 National Tree Planting Day
6to7Jan Roof of Africa Expedition
12 Gordon Park Service: 12.00 noon
25 Christmas Day

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If youre planning to visit Zimbabwe - pencil in the "Big Occassion Celebrations" thats being planned for Gordon Park around the 15th February 2011!
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Additional Activities may be Added to the Programme

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"A Thought For The Week"
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The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The "Sure-thing" boat never gets far from shore. - Dale Carnegie

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Matabeleland Scout Website /
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Bulawayo, Monday, September 27, 2010