Ken is in Fine Fettle

Greetings From The Heart of Scouting
You really didn't miss hearing from me, now did you?
For the past month life here just took off at such a pace that I thought I was a Springhare, for I was here, there and everywhere. Suddenly I had a good run of tours, the revenue from which was very much needed. Visits to "The Heart of Scouting" by an assortment of people, some of whom I knew and others complete strangers, required the honing of my social skills, whilst at the back of my mind I was acutely aware of time running out in completing urgent tasks. On the monthly Troop hike, "Gulungundu" broke down in the heart of the Matobo Hills, resulting in me contacting my Land Rover Guru to come to the rescue, when he himself broke down during the rescue mission. Essential tasks to undertake at Gordon Park were complicated by additional work provided for by the fire and then at times extended periods of no electricity when I was at home. Now we are experiencing our October heat, which this year seems to be even more oppressive than in the past; 36 degrees C this last Sunday, with no rain insight.

The main news, is that the project to make and replace the large doors and to extend the roof by a metre at the back of the Naomi Conoly Lodge, has now been completed. This project was made possible owing to the Trustees of ZIMBEX, John Warr and Paul Jenkins located in Kent, England, offering us funding to assist in the development and maintenance of Gordon Park. A sincere Thank You to these gentlemen and the Scouts of Kent who had raised the funds some years ago, for thinking of us and making such a tangible donation in the rehabilitation of our facilities at our Provincial Scout Leader, Training and Scout campsite. The project was undertaken mostly at the Park where Chris and I made the doors on the floor of the Lodge, whilst the design and fabrication of the steel roof trusses was undertaken at my home where I was able to do the welding. We both worked well into the evenings and started in the early mornings to complete the project before the onset of the rains.

The next project of repairing fire damage to the men's ablutions on the "Skipper" Knapman Training Ground and to the pump house and pump at the well near Headquarters has already received "first aid", but now needs a more permanent job undertaken. With the National Patrol's Competition scheduled for the end of November, some nimble footwork is needed on this one.

The annual "shut down" period of the Park from now until Baden-Powell Camp in February of next year is when the Park is closed to Troop camping. This is necessary as water tanks have to be serviced, the parade grounds and activity areas rested in order that the grass be given a chance to grow. Then there are the many tasks that go un-noticed to ensure that the facilities of the Park are in tip top condition for the commencement of the new Scouting programme for the forth coming year.

Fortunately, for this year we have already received a donation to help with the work programme. As it is from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, I can only say Thank You for your financial help. Keep reading these newsletters and you will know where your donation is being used. My large drum in my backyard gets replenished at the most appropriate moments and long may it last.

Ack: www.africanencounter.com