FEBRUARY 2008

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THE MISSING PERSONS BUREAU

Looking for Graham High and Gary Meinkies (Gary's dad worked on Shangani Mine, last heard in South Africa) - Member. Bill Still trying to locate the whereabouts of Lionda Harper. Her married name may be Maia now. Last known whereabouts were Salisbury in the early 80s, although I have heard she was staying in Gabarone as well. Any help in finding her would be greatly appreciated. - Member: rayj

I am still hoping to hear if anyone knows where Rose Webb (nee Coutts) is - she attended Roosevelt Girls High in the early 1970s and the last time I heard from her she was in South Africa. Many thanks. Margaret - Member: MargaretL

I am looking for either Vallery or Brenda Ritchardson of Bulawayo in the 1970's. They were also part of the Bulawayo Theatre club at that time. Any help would be appreciated very much. Also looking for Joe Veale who lived in Bulawayo in the 1970's. She was involved a lot in the Bulawayo Theatre club..... Was great friends, would love to hear from her. - Member: Bugs

This is Dave (Taff) Denning, RLI 1961-64 looking for my old friend CHRIS MORGAN. Hope someone knows of his whereabouts.  Southern Rhodesia - the paradise I knew is gone - Member: Dave.D

I am seeking contact info for any children of Johnny Uys, who died saving the lives of my family, our friends, and two other members of our tour group in 1973. After many years, I sat down recently and wrote about that day. After writing it, and getting feedback from family and friends, it was brought to my attention that Johnny's family probably never heard the story from anyone who was there.  If I remember correctly, Johnny had two kids... And I have no idea where they might have ended up. I do know Johnny had connections and family in Zambia... Possible they ended up there.

Having lost my dad (who, after Johnny's death, got us out of there), it has become important to me to communicate that their dad was a very special fellow, and I have no doubt we would have died were it not for his exemplary courage, and willingness to die saving us that day.
Long winded, eh. - Member: AfricanHeart

Searching for (Christopher) Faithfull - last whereabouts known he was teaching in Umtali. Or his sister Sally Faithfull - an aspiring model. - Member: AnnFairs

Searching for Susan Leighbrandt (Nee Hardwick) is. Susan's Dad was a teacher at Que-Que High School. Her son named Dean attended Que-Que Junior School with me in 1979-1981. Susan moved to UK in 1981

Plus looking for Sandra Hood (nee Johnstone) from Que-Que. She went to QQ High School with my Mom. Sandra had a sister that worked at the Que-Que Exchange. Sandra married and relocated to South Africa and married a man with the surname "Hood"

Also make contact with Archibald Frazer. He is the only son of Sonny & Baps Frazer. Their last known address was somewhere in Van der Bijl Park. Baps had two sisters named Kippie and Marlie Keulder. They also had a brother named Japie Keulder. According to my Mom, Archibald's parents passed away while he was still at school. - Member: QQJS

Looking for Derrick (Highly) Ivison, Danny (Dop) Nel, Mike Grobler. - Member: FredCathro

Linda Kapambe I have family I have never met in Zimbabwe. I was born in London England in 1960 to Elizabeth Muriel Kapambe and Enoch Dumbutshena who was in England studying law when he met my mother. my mother was married to Damin Lovemore Kapambe all of them came from Bulawayo. My mother and father went back to their own lives and I was left in London. I probably wasn't mentioned in either family. I know my father is dead. Any relatives out there. - Member: LindaG

Looking for Eddie & Thelma Alexander. - Member: Binkie

looking for Charles and Grant Williams. Grant and Charles are my cousins. They were born in Bulawayo in Dec 1959. The last I saw of them they were living in Jo'burg, S.A. Please could anyone who knows them or knows their where abouts contact me as Charles and Grant are my fav cousins and I really miss them. - Member: bridgetuk

Just looking at an old photograph taken in 1966 at Byo Convent (Form IV), and wondering what happened with all the 'old' girls. Lorraine Savage, Linda Ryder etc. Also an ex Wankie, Townsend lady named Geraldine (Widgy) Farley. - Member: Susan

Looking for Denise Bailey, married Nathan Hess - they farmed in Karoi. Two sisters who I remember were Karen & Sally. Member: dartin

looking for Cynthia and Dave Blatch Last known address for Cynthia and Dave was Bulawayo. - Member: CandyK

Mandy was born in Salisbury but grew up in Alaska and Sinoia. Her mum is Desiree and her Dad's name was John. Sprague is her maiden name but she is married to a guy called Derek. If anyone knows of her, olease could you let me know. Mandy, your mum is living with my dad, Steve Stacey, in Scotland Uk and they are both staying with me Thanks folks. - Member: bridgetuk

I am looking for Gina Andrews, well that was her maiden name. As far as I know she married a guy called Carlos. Gina had a sister Marion and she went to Hatfield girls school, she also had a cousin Ruth Longshaw. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated - Member: DesN

Looking for Bill Booyse ex PTC Byo - Member: Zenith.Mick.J

I am trying to trace Ansie Osche (also called Anna by members of her family) this is her maiden name, and I do know she got married and last heard that she was living in South Africa somewhere, she has a younger sister Lettie and a brother whose name eludes me.  I would appreciate any help in locating Ansie. - Member: NEATS

if someone can help find dougles, Kevin, Debby Davidson or Bruce, Judy Agar i'd be glad. or any one who remembers me, Charles van der Merwe. schools.............. Bothashoff and Marlborugh - Member: CHARLES

Looking for any relatives of Wendy was Hall before she married. My husband's mother was her cousin and the family wondered if they are all okay. - Member: Joey

Searching for Donna Clarke/Boshoff. Donna would be 27 now, she went to Margaret Campell Day Centre and Alexandra Park Junior School, between 1984 and 1989. I am searching on behalf of my Daughter Natalie Claire Williams. Any help would be appreciated. - Member: paulw

Hi everyone, my name is Paul Williams. I am trying to find a friend of mine. His name is Stephen Pepper, we went to Cranbourne Boys High in the mid 70's. And I worked with/for him at Industrial V- Belts in Masasa in the late 80's.  I am led to believe he is now living in the USA.  Other people I would like to trace are: Barry Anderson lived in Hatfield in the 70's  Sean Coles lived in Hatfield in the 70's, Debbie Sheehan went to Rhoosevelt Girls High in the 70's.   If any one can help me in this matter I would be very grateful.   Also if there is anyone who remembers me (I Played Football and Snooker for the Raylton Club 70's & 80's ). Please get in touch - Member: paulw

I am looking for Wayne Lennard who went to Cranbourne Boys High and left to come to the UK in about 78. He had an older brother and a younger sister I cant remember their names though. Also looking for Smiler Lambard (Paul) who went to Prince Edward School. id appreciate any leads thanks. - Member: kim.h

I am interested in the finding anything about the following who I went to Cranbourne with. Andrew Strong who I last saw in 1978 when he was accepted by Air Rhodesia as an apprentice. Nick Fergus who I last saw in the 1980s. He was a pilot flying out of Charles Prince Airport and latter from Salisbury Airport for Afrit air. - Member: peter.newbery

Looking for Kieran and Simon Carpenter, looking for these two guys. last seen in Waterfalls in 69. Left Rhodesia in 73, and so never been able to keep in touch - Member: rhodierocker

I would like to get in touch with Chris Warner who lived in Bulawayo and went to Hamilton School in the 60's. If anyone knows his contact address or phone number or can tell me where he now lives I would appreciate it so much.  - Member: lizzie

Boetshoff High School 1961–1969 I am trying to locate someone that went to the following school (spelling is questionable) during the years mentioned. If you attended the above school please contact me and you could possibly assist in the locating of my friend - Member: Toes - Real Name: Tonino Margani

looking for John Montgomery from Bulawayo (1979) was in RAR Inyanga same year. Last I saw of him, he was living in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1982 - Member: Bugs - Real Name: Peter Gill

Looking for Julia Clarke - from Gwelo - Member: Pippa1001 - Real Name: Philippa Owens

Looking for Karen Benningfield ex Byo - Member: JK

Hi. Am looking for Stewart Williamson, he used to live in Harare, has three children, two daughters and a son, Adam I think who used to do a lot of swimming as a child. Stewart used to come down to Byo on business, maybe something to do with the mines. Lost touch with him and his family when I moved to Australia in 1989. Would love to find him and see what he is up to. - Member: mands

I am looking for Cliff (Clifton) Kelly, formerly of Salisbury, Rhodesia. He went to Churchill and left school in '72 or thereabouts. Went to SA and worked on mines I believe. - Member: Tony.B

Still looking for. Pauline (nee) Williams from Devizes Road in M'belriegn. Lynn (nee) Walters, Gilian (nee) Mc Cree she has a brother John who lives or lived in UK. Cheryle Rylander was married to Johnny but I believe they have divorced and she has remarried she has a son JJ. Riki and Stephan, they farmed in Bindura years ago, would love to get in contact again with Riki. Hope and Hank Dejager they lived at Madziwa mine. If anyone can help, it would be appreciated. - Member: nadinerice

Looking for Margaret Stevenage ex PTC Byo and Nick Van Rensburg ex PTC Gwelo - Member: Zenith.Mick.J

Been looking for years for Diane Edgar, my best friend at Queen Elizabeth High, Salisbury, in the early/mid 60s. - Member: marybchennell

Looking for David & Gill Van Rensburg - Member: wslyclly

I am trying to find the where about of Sheena Glover and Marjory Square. These were their maiden names back in the '70s.  Sheena's father owned a small cattle ranch behind the then called Rhodesian Leaf Tobacco Company.  Marjory used to be a school teacher at Southerton Primary School and later joined the Rhodesian Air Force.  Any help would be appreciate - Member: wika1wika

Hi. I'm looking for my long lost buddy Janice MacDonald, we went to CJR school in Gwelo, her family then immigrated to Scotland where I still was in contact with her, I visited her in Scotland in 1986 and then I returned to SA, I've lost all contact with her and would love to see her again, her brothers name was Alex and her mothers name was Mary. please if someone knows where I can get hold of her please let me know, my maiden name is Ashley, she will remember me, thanks regards Tracy - Member: tracygrobler

Looking for Patricia Evans Patsy and I went to Oriel Girls' High in Chisipite until 1982/3. Last I heard she had moved to Durban, SA and was running her own bakery/cake shop. I would love to find her and get in contact so if anyone knows of her whereabouts please let me know. Also Looking for Ashleigh Carter (nee Robinson) The last time I saw Ashleigh was when I visited her and her family, hubby Nick and daughters, Toni and Lucy back in 1994 on their farm about 100 km north west of Harare. After all the troubles, the last phone call I had with her she said something about going to Zambia and managing a farm up there. Does anyone know where she is or how I can contact her? Her Mom's name is Valelie, she has an older brother, Michael who went to Saint Georges and a younger sister, Lisa. She'd be 41 years old now with a birthday in December. We went to Oriel Girls' High in Chisipite until 1982/3. If anyone can help I would really appreciate - Member: zimbabwe_bird

Searching for Anne (nee Breach) Cooper, my sister Elaine (nee) Newbery would love to be back in contact with Anne somewhere I u,k, lost contact knows Anne is married to Steve ex B.S.A.P. knows anne has three children possibly Wiltshire area though not too sure. - Member: peter.newbery

Help with these searches and the many more...post your own "You never know who maybe looking for you"
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After a lapse of a couple of months, Memories of Rhodesia has a new History Trivia contest.  This months focus is on the early days of Bulawayo.  It has to be the hardest one yet and will challenge you.  

So are you ready to play History Trivia.....

Join in the Discussion in The Message Boards at Rhodiechat.

Surprised

The human experience should have told us all a long time ago that harmony, peace and prosperity are the exception rather than the norm in life. When something comes along that does meet our higher expectations we should be surprised and hopefully have a small window of opportunity to revel in the experience.

I had a slight stroke on Christmas day last week. A blood vessel in my head was blocked for several hours. I blacked out and came around in an emergency ward at a local clinic almost as if suddenly the lights had been turned on again! It was quite an experience no pain and no warning, I even sliced the Christmas dinner before taking myself off to bed and then departing to other realms and waking up at 6 pm.

What surprised me was the quality of medical care I got. My specialist was a doctor refugee from the Sudan (Juba) and he could not have been more professional and kind. The hospital staff was just great and the food tasty and well prepared. All the required equipment needed worked and was available with trained and experienced staff the wonders of private enterprise! Nothing like this was available in the public sector.

I am now on medication and recovering, the doctor says my brain will compensate for the tissue lost and I should get all my faculties back shortly. I am grateful and more determined than ever to ensure that such services are available to all once we get into government. Its not difficult, we can afford it and all it needs is a decent government and the right systems and values.

I was also surprised by the first primaries in the US elections a favorite of mine for some time, in fact since I first heard him speak at a major conference in the States, Obama, has won the first primary and now looks as if he will win the next. It is not that I do not respect Hilary Clinton and would not like to see a woman in the White House for the first time, but Obama has such an extraordinary story and is so intelligent and attractive that I think he would not only make an excellent US President, but be the first African/American to enter the race and take the main seat of power in the USA.

The US has that capacity to surprise us, in the 60s I can remember how the US, staggering after the Vietnam debacle, picked itself up and reinvented itself. It was a prime example of a whole country remaking itself from within and without the help of others or any major calamity at home. Now out of the blue comes this man, son of a Kenyan peasant farmer and an American mother, good looking, intelligent and black! He steps up to the plate, becomes a Senator and then has a go at the Presidency the story of fairy tales and its in real life.

Then the story of Kenya, a President who, faced with an electoral defeat, falsifies the results of the election to give himself a slight majority, has himself sworn in by Supreme Court Judges appointed just hours before and then assumes power and behaves as if all is normal. The Kenyans were just not going to take it not any more and I heard today that with 500 deaths and rioting on the streets for days on end, he has finally given in and accepted that talks should take place to resolve the crisis in leadership.
He did not get away with it no matter what people say, the fraud was exposed and although messy, the outcome is being dealt with. Africa is growing up!

Two months ago our City was dying we were down to one supply dam and about 20 per cent of our full requirements for water. Last year we had less than 450 mm of rain and our dams were drying up. 700 000 people had to find water by hand from local boreholes and bowsers. Now we are in January and 450 mm of rain has fallen in three moths December has been one of the wettest months on record and our dams are filling again. The bush is spectacular thick and luxurious and grass is growing even where we have not seen grass for years.

Global warming, the threat of declining rainfall and expanding deserts and here we are surprised and ambushed by the wet season. We are now short of chemicals to treat the water but we have water!

I am also constantly surprised by how people survive under the most horrendous of circumstances. My personal inflation index is now sitting at 56 000 percent. Our money is worthless the highest denomination 750 000 dollars just introduced is worth 20 US cents. In a situation where the minimum wags is less than Z$35 million, milk is now Z$2,5 million a litre, meat about Z$5 million a kilo and fuel is Z$4 million a litre or more.

More critical are the physical shortages you cannot buy the basic staples for love or money. Queuing is every day for everything. Yet people survive and even more have fun doing it. Surprised! Yes so am I! I know people who have everything that life can throw at you money, a good job, great house, security and more. Yet they are miserable and unfulfilled.

For us life is tough and unrelenting but we are being constantly surprised by the achievement of the most ordinary of things. A glorious morning after a night of rain, water coming out of the taps, electricity on demand occasionally. The pleasure of simple relationships and care for each other, the unity of the suffering and oppressed. A shared moment in a queue and the achievement of the purchase of essential needs.

The right to vote and speak our minds, do we know what these simple rights mean? Only if you do not have them, when you do, they are as sweet as honey. One day we will be able to march down the street with a banner that says go and find yourself and not be arrested or beaten. One day, perhaps soon, we will change our world by simply exercising our rights as a people to choose the leadership we want. What a day that will be what a great surprise that will be for all of us!

Eddie Cross
Bulawayo, 7th January 2008

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