the
MOTORHOMER
Quarterly Issue No 1; March 2014
The official publication of the MOTORHOME CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA
Magazine editor: Ari Korver
Website: www.motorhomeclub.co.za
Web-master: Gert Duvenage ([email protected])
NATIONAL
([email protected]; Tel: 012 460 8407 Cell: 082 850 6613 Fax: 086 270 3671)
EASTERN CAPE REGION
P.O. Box 3264, Cresta, 2118
Chairman: Ari Korver
Tel/Fax: 011 768 4098; Cell: 083 325 6129
E-Mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Lesley Farquharson
Tel/Cell: 083 307 8670
E-Mail: [email protected]
Treasurer: Gert Prinsloo
Tel: 011 826 3705; Cell: 079 330 9759
E-Mail: [email protected]
9 Retlaw Acres, Walter Road, Charlo, Port Elizabeth, 6070
Chairman: Jim Walter
Tel/Fax: 041 368 8636; Cell: 083 470 0996
E-mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Jean Walter Tel: 041 368 8636 Cell: 073 159 1189
E-mail: [email protected]
Treasurer: Garda Swart
Tel: 041 933 2424; Cell: 083 654 1844
E-mail: [email protected]
NORTHVAAL REGION
KWAZULU-NATAL REGION
WESTERN CAPE REGION
MPUMALANGA REGION
38 Goodman Street, Rynfield Benoni 1504
Chairman: Nowell Griffin
Tel/Fax: 012 664 2975; Cell: 082 787 5468
E-Mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Annie & Peter Wood
Tel/Cell: 083 230 0645; 082 892 2563
E-Mail: mcsa.northvaal @gmail.com
Treasurer: Gert Prinsloo
Tel: 011 826 3705; Cell: 083 325 6129
E-Mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 115, Bettysbay, 7141
Chairman : Serfie Potgieter
Tel/Fax: 082 570 2830
E-Mail : [email protected]
Secretary: Karin Potgieter
Tel: 028 272 9244; Cell: 084 652 7318
E-Mail : [email protected]
Treasurer: Pieter Richard
Tel: 021 852 1577; Cell: 083 288 5072
E-Mail: [email protected]
GARDEN ROUTE REGION P. O. Box 2757, George, 6530
Chairman: Albert Theron
Tel/Fax: 044 871 2514; Cell: 083 386 0340
E-Mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Jackie Theron
Tel: 044 871 2514; Cell: 083 294 0606
E-Mail: [email protected]
Treasurer: Naas Rabie
Tel: 044 382 3835 Cell: 083 430 7362
E-Mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 39274, Queensburgh, KZN 4070
Chairman: Tim Swanepoel
Tel/Fax: 034 212 3570; Cell: 082 801 3859
E-mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Rosemary Harlow
Tel/Fax: 031 464 1064; Cell: 083 236 5722
E-mail: [email protected]
Treasurer: Marianne Wardle
Tel/Cell: 082 414 8425
E-Mail: [email protected]
P. O. Box 9151314, Faerie Glen, 0043
Chairman: John Acutt
Tel/Fax: 011 805 3458; Cell: 083 225 1100
E-Mail: [email protected]
Secretary: Aloma Faasen
Tel/Cell: 083 254 3285
E-Mail: [email protected]
Treasurer: Tienie Wessels
Tel: 012 804 1472; Cell: 083 550 1408
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
CLUB INSURANCE BROKERS:
Manny Garrun & Sons
P.O. Box 92337, Norwood 2117
Tel: 011 694 5000 Fax: 011 694 5111
General Enquiries:
Annamarie E-mail: [email protected]
Johan Marais E-Mail: [email protected]
The Motorhome Club of South Africa, its various Committees and Editors, remind readers that information in this magazine offers no
implication as to correctness, or any form of recommendation or endorsement, be it articles, adverts, technical input, or other subjects
given in submissions to the Editors. The MCSA and its respective office-bearers do not accept any responsibility for performance or
correctness thereof.
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 – PAGE 1
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
“Everybody made the effort, young and old alike, English
speaking and Afrikaans speaking to reach out and give of
themselves for the benefit of the weekend and our time
together” These are the words with which Jim Williams
describes the attitude of the first group of motorhomers,
who gathered at Lover's Rock way back in 1984.
And that, in my experience, is still the disposition of
active Motorhome Club members at rallies wherever
one goes; people with an open mind and an open heart;
who prefer to embrace rather than to push away, to help
rather than to hinder and to give rather than to pocket
for themselves.
We are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the MCSA;
our Club! Let us not forget that we are the Club! In the
days of its beginning, rally organisers used to try and
arrange for rallies on week-ends when the moon was full
(so I am told) to facilitate evenings spent outside in
nature, chatting and laughing. In the next 30 years, may
the light continue to shine over the Motorhome Club of
South Africa, day and night.
Jacques Naude
Garden Route
CHAIRMANS REPORT
Has 2014 not started with a
big bang? January has
come and gone and here we
are in February with the first
edition for this year. I would
like to start by extending a
huge and big thanks to
Jacques from the Garden
Route who has collected all
the interesting articles for
this edition. Baie dankie
Meneer Naude vir al jou
moeite en energie wat jy
ingesit het. Dit was ook Jacques se idee om artikels te kry
wat bietjie terug kyk op wat die laatste dertig jaar in die
klub gebeur het! Ek is seker julle sal almal plesier daaruit
kry en vir elkeen wat insette gelewer het namens ons
almal : Baie Dankie!
Our festivities are around the corner and one picks up a
general anticipation and expectancy coupled with great
energy from all those that are going to attend. One
would love to see all members at the rally at Forever
Resort but given the economy we are experiencing,
personal commitments as well as unexpected health
issues from some of our members it is understandable
that this unfortunately not achievable. By wyse van die
volgende edisie hoop ons om u almal iets te kan gee van
die gebeure.
Gegewe die inhoud van die uitgawe wil ek u nie baie
langer besig hou nie en al wat ek graag sal wil doen is om
u aan te raai om die uitgawe met baie genot van kant tot
kant te lees! Until the next time we meet my wish is that
you enjoy your motorhome and where you see your way
open to join us on any of our rallies – PLEASE DO – we
look forward to seeing you!
Motorhome salutations.
Ari
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 2
NEW MEMBERS/OBITUARY/HISTORY
NEW MEMBERS
The movement of members continue to surprise us with
members resigning /disappearing but then we have new
members joining again. Below are 18 new members to
the club whom have joined since the last edition. From
all of us a very hearty welcome! Please make contact
with your local chairperson (See page 1 of the edition).
Een van die klub se doelstellinge is juis om die
motorwoonwa te geniet en saam met mense wat
dieselfde liefde vir hul motorwoonwa en die buitelewe
het te beleef! Naas raad en lekker kuier is die
byeenkomste dit wat uself daarvan maak! Kom sluit aan
en sien hoe lekker dit is!
Western Cape Region
Fourie,.Willem & Rina – 021-856-0330
Jackson,.Geoff & Teresa - 021-913-2661
Lourens Ian & Estelle – 082-335-7933
Pretorius. Giel & Christine – 022-772-1830
Northvaal Region
Dry, Eddie & Elmien – 011-682-2311
Grant, Mike & Suzanne – 012-997-0095
La Grange, .Sanet & Christo – 012-567-0010
Swart,.Danie & Ellen – 083-294-4306
Derham.Ruth – 011-680-7043
M.C.S.A. WHERE DID IT ALL START? By Jim Williams
“You must be mad, R16500 for a campervan! Do you
know how many weeks you can have in a 5 star hotel for
that amount of money?” The year 1983, and I was 41,
having just been to the Rand Easter Show at the Milner
Park Show Grounds where I met Wildrich Groenewald
(unfortunately now deceased) and Jack Raves with their
new start-up company, W.J. Motorhomes. This started
my affair with motor homes and motor homing. Having
contracted them to build one of their Companions for us
and 3 months later we were able to go down to
Vereeniging to collect our brand new possession and
leave on holiday with our two young boys.
Having set off nomadically to “explore” South Africa, one
thing we did soon realise was that having somebody else
around and in tow to share these new adventures with
Mpumalanga Region
Pienaar,.Tom & Ina – 082-564-2064
Meintjes.Gerrie & Ulricke – 012-661-1613
Wilkes. Mark & Sandy – 082-852-7199
Garden Route Region
Van Vuuren,.Ina – 044-533-0402
Eastern Cape Region
Wampach,.David & Brenda – 041-955-5872
KwaZulu Natal Region
Battis Fraser.Thelma & Shawn – 082-657-3510
Other
Murray,.Mick & Elizabeth – 076-425-6619
Strydom. Fanie & Petro – 051-422-5895
Paul & Bea de Haes
We welcome these folks to the Club and trust that they
will enjoy the camaraderie!
OBITUARY
Valerie Millar previously from Northvaal, who recently
moved to the Western Cape Region, has passed away.
We wish to express our condolences to her family
members.
would certainly add another valuable dimension to our
intrepid experiences. So, soon after our return, I
suggested to Wildrich that perhaps it might be a good
idea if some of his customers and like-minded folk would
be interested in arranging a get together to see if and
how we could integrate with one another as motor
homers.
Wildrich's greatest concern was that he might be seen as
“Mr. Big” orchestrating this fledgling motor home
industry and promoting himself and his products only.
However, Wildrich did set about sounding out a cross
section of those people he knew with motor homes in
the Transvaal (gee, that's a word from the past –eh!) area.
How it was established and agreed upon, I've no idea but
the proposal was that a weekend away at Lovers Rock
near Magaliesberg became the venue.
On Friday 11th February 1984, we set out to find this
caravan park/resort completely unprepared as to what
to expect!
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 3
HISTORY
As we arrived (late as usual) there were already half a
dozen or more sparkling new motor homes in various
stages of “set-upness” and Wildrich and wife Erika came
to welcome and introduce us both in English & Afrikaans
to the other gathered folk.
Our immediate connection was made with Roy & Josie
Shorrock; they also being immigrants originally from
Sheffield and Corby. Harry & Doreen Gerson, charming
older folk, were also most effusive in their welcoming of
us and a good connection was made there. Before we
knew it everybody was chatting, offering tea or drinks,
snacks and sharing whatever was of common interest.
Everybody made the effort, young and old alike, English
speaking and Afrikaans speaking to reach out and give of
themselves for the benefit of the weekend and our time
together.
Roy & I both being active sportsmen (as well as
hooligans), soon clicked and established ourselves as the
active “doers”. Socialising, walking, swimming, braaiing, tea and coffee making, story-telling and before we
knew it, Sunday had arrived and it was time to pack up
and head for home. But not before we had time to
engage as a group and assess our time together at a
farewell tea (Ed - Could this have been the start of the
custom of chairman's tea ?) where the general and
virtually unanimous comments about just how
beneficial, relaxing, convivial friendly and “spiritually”
refreshing this type of togetherness had been.
The die had been cast, the enjoyment triggered, the
friendships kindled and the inevitable question was:
“When can we do this again?” Should we consider
forming a club? Who would be interested to convene
such an entity? Etc. etc.?
At that stage there were also those present who didn't
want to get involved and take it any further, whilst
others such as myself, Roy Shorrock, Harry Gerson, Steve
Goldstein, Wildrich Groenewald, Jack Raves and Hennie
Griesel were all in favour of investigating the next step.
Telephone numbers were exchanged and it was agreed
that we would organise an inaugural meeting to decide
whether or not we should officially launch ourselves as a
Club?
This first meeting took place in the board room of the
offices of Stauch Vorster – Architects and Consulting
Engineers in Pretoria where Hennie Griesel had his
business interests. The fact that everybody turned up as
arranged, basically set the tone for the agreement to
proceed and provisional “ job specifications “ were
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 4
handed out. Hennie Griesel was nominated Chairman,
Harry Gerson, Treasurer and yours truly finished up being
the first “Club” Secretary with the other founders present
becoming committee members. Wildrich specifically
asked to be excused from any prominent position for fear
of clash of interests.
It was agreed that Lovers Rock would have the status of
our first rally venue and for that Erika (I think) arranged
for us to have a little plastic commemorative token as a
keepsake and memento for our enjoyable weekend away
together.
The next (first or was it now the second) official Club rally
was organised for the weekend of 22nd June, 1984 at
Warmbaths. Harry Gerson's personal friend, Dave ( I
don't remember his surname) and also his G.P. was there
in his caravan (Ed – Jim I will allow the word just this
once!) which was just as well as this place became known
as the Jim Williams' “Waterloo venue”. The saga of my
hospitalisation for the weekend as well as subsequent
“Williams' incidents” branded me as the “to be avoided at
all costs problem child!”
Towards the end of 1984 I went through some major
personal life changing incidents and as a result decided to
resign as Club Secretary Fortunately Tiny Steenkamp,
who joined the Club soon after it was formed, willingly
took over the duties as Secretary and Rally Organiser.
In the first few years our rallies were held on an
approximately three month basis and relative to the
numerical size of the Club exceedingly well attendedpercentage wise.
Unfortunately from my rather shallow perspective in
1984, I hadn't seen the bigger picture or past the
immediate local folk with whom we interacted and who,
at that time, did in fact constitute “The Club”. The idea of
a National club with regions & separate administration
and goals frankly hadn't crossed my mind, neither had
the prospect of a communication medium,
broadsheet/magazine, complete with editor etc. None
of these entities were considered as “of interest” to me.
My only objective was to get away with a group of
quality people periodically in order to maximize my
motor home utilization. This type of rallying get together,
with its camaraderie, certainly seemed to foot the bill
perfectly and I was hooked.
From the people (club members) who I was talking to at
the time, all unanimously agreed that the main purpose
of the Club should be an escape route back to happiness
free from bureaucracy and the associated imposed rules
HISTORY
and regulations. We wanted our freedom and
enjoyment of life back.
Because we had decided to register as a club taking
membership fees and administering finances, legally we
were bound to produce a written constitution against
which we could be held accountable. This we did in
committee, and endeavoured to make it as
uncomplicated and user- friendly as was possible. Like
many things in life, originally done with the best of
intentions, there were folk, subsequently who felt the
need to nit-pick and change the underlying ethos which
established our status in the first instance.
As the Club continued to grow and motor home owners
from outside of the PWV area started to join, all mainly
by word of mouth or Wildrich's connections, it was soon
realised that members in the other provinces would find
it difficult to join in with the national rallies conducted
up in the (then)Transvaal. At that early stage “National”
also implied Transvaal and vice versa, which went on to
cause all sorts of tension. So soon afterwards the
regions, as we know them today, started to appear.
Western Cape was the first to became an independent
region in July of 1986 under the chairmanship of Chris
Boshoff. Only one year later the Eastern Cape and
Border region came about under Henri Desmidt's
chairmanship. This region stretched from East London
right down to Mossel Bay, a distance of 900 km, and
nearly as long as its name. This region was later renamed
Eastern Cape in 2001.
In May 1993, KwaZulu Natal followed suite and became
“independent” with Glyn Morris elected as its first
chairman.
Strangely enough, it was only in 2003 that the
Northvaal region was officially established with first
Richard Clark and soon afterward Herbie Schaffler at the
helm.
During 2005 the youngest region of Mpumalanga
became autonomous under the leadership of Francois
de Wet.
With the Eastern Cape region constituting such a
massive area, split rallies in combination with combined
rallies were first attempted, but with limited success,
until in 2009 this region was split and the new southern
region of Garden Route came about. Gert Knoche
initially chaired its caretaker committee.
Fortunately the early days were epitomised by
bonhomie, laughter, leg pulling, nonsense, camaraderie,
joke and story-telling but above all, genuine wellestablished friendships. Many of which we are still
blessed to be connected to today, albeit that far too
many have now passed on but remain as pleasant
memories .These dear folk embraced us and had
significant meaning for us in our relative youth at the
time and we will be forever grateful for whatever divine
intervention it was that put us in the right place at the
right time. As Max Boyce, great Welsh Rugby fan &
raconteur (reflecting back to the Halcyon days of great
Welsh victories - usually over England) used to say
“I WAS THERE – BOY-O!”
Schorrock oy Tony Steenkamp and R
Wildr
ich
Groen
ewald
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 5
HISTORY
The Motorhomer Magazine…. Thirty Years and still going!!
by Richard Clark
The MCSA all began in 1984 at Lover's Rock. One
remaining actively-rallying foundation member is Jim
Williams, and I think that it would be appropriate for him
to write about those early days. He can also tell you a bit
about some of the clowns and crazy characters (some
subsequently /consequently deceased) who have
become part of Club legend. I bought my motorhome in
1984, but only found out about the MCSA in 1986, the
year that I joined. Most of the membership was (and still
is) up on the Reef (now Gauteng) area, and the
perception prevailed for a long time that Joburg unfairly
called all the shots, giving rise to unhappiness in some of
the distant areas. Other National Clubs have solved this
problem by creating an Association, to which all
members have to be affiliates, leaving these affiliated
regional clubs to collect their own money and operate
their own affairs in a totally independent manner. The
MCSA has managed to avoid this, giving us more
cohesion to our national institution, despite problems of
geographical distance. There was a magazine right from
the start, and this remains vital as an integrating
element for the MCSA's survival as a national club.
The Magazine experienced several stages of the
evolutionary processes of the printing method. The
typewriter was disappearing, as were the dreaded
Gestetner and Roneo machines, with their wax stencils
and black ink that if spilt could never be removed from
clothing, carpets or anything else. There were the type
hammers, impact balls and daisy wheels, the (literal)
cutting and pasting of photos, all to compile a master
page that could then be duplicated on a (dry Xerox
process) photocopier. Final pages then had to be
collated, folded and stapled together to make the
"newsletter", as it was termed at the early stages. It
began in A-5 format, changing to A-4 mid 1988, and back
to A-5 about 1995, in order to deal with escalating
postage costs. Hans Bouw, a member, offered to print
the document professionally, and with superior quality.
This business continues to print our magazine today, at a
cost that is less than printing the magazine the "old
way", improving appearance, and cutting out all the
attendant schlep for our committee, buying paper,
finding access to a fast photocopier, printing, collating,
checking, folding and stapling, before mailing. I gave
thought to the inclusion in this article of photos that
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 6
were published in old issues, but the terrible quality of
those grey-scale images makes it a worthless effort.
As said elsewhere, the magazine serves at the MCSA's
communication hub, providing at least some
information that is obligatory, namely, meeting notices,
agenda, reports, rally rosters, invoices, and anything else
that members need to know, or have the right to know.
Apart from an Editor's column, new member lists, and
notices of forthcoming activities, the remaining content
of early issues depended upon what members were
prepared to submit. Many wrote letters to the editor; we
don't get much of that anymore. There were rally and
tour reports, as we have today, but with no actual
regional groupings. Most tours tended to be "National",
the longest ones being to Etosha and Zimbabwe. But
that was before fuel prices went insane.
The content of the magazine, and indeed its very
existence, has been a subject of debate throughout the
history of the MCSA. Many members at one time or
another have expressed their wishes that we have a
ladies column, a recipe column, more jokes, more photos,
more in Afrikaans, less of something else, and so the list
goes on. But there is a correlative to this. Somebody
must prepare and submit this material; don't expect the
editor and/or committee members to do everything. A
more recent change, at about the time of the creation of
the Northvaal Region (Ed -1993), was to formally
allocate page space to each region for their
contributions, and this had endured a bit of a mixed
success. It is no use giving people responsibilities if they
are not willing and enthusiastic to execute them.
Well do I remember the old days when I grappled solo
with HTML, and with the assistance of a good friend, got
the MCSA Web Site going. Mercifully, Gert Duvenage
took it over later, as this sort of thing has been his bent
and training. Along with "loose copies" of the magazine
that have been seen by others outside the Club, the web
site has helped to put the MCSA on the map, nationally
and internationally. The magazine issues (current and
recent back issues) are readable on the web, and it is
argued by some that it is time to discontinue
distribution of the hard copy. But even in this electronic
day and age, printed paper is still the most reliable
historical archive, besides being instantly readable
anywhere without the aid of any special equipment.
Today, there are files in "Framework", "Wordstar", and
other old formats that are unreadable with current
software, unless you consult specialists at great cost, so
this information is gone, and that is in less time than the
existence of the MCSA.
HISTORY
All this said and done, one must never forget that a Club
is not just a name, a logo, a magazine, or a web site. Its
reputation and respect is in the hands of its members,
who are the ambassadors, wherever they are. What you
get out of the MCSA is about as much as you are
prepared to put into it, and this does not only apply to
the magazine alone. The MCSA has witnessed the
passing of almost a
generation of
motorhomers in its
time. Let us honour
their past efforts by
keeping the Club
alive and wellrespected for the
y e a r s
a n d
generations to
come!!
Who remembers t h i s f r o n t page????
ONS ERVARINGE MET DIE MOTOR WOONWA KLUB OOR DERTIG JAAR.
deur Naas en Gloria Rabie
Ons het in 1982 begin met 'n Autovilla maar dit kort
daarna verkoop.
Die volgende jaar het ons 'n
tweedehandse WJ Companion, gebou op 'n Toyota HiAce onderstel, van Williams Hunt-verhurings aangeskaf.
Juis tydens 'n besoek aan die WJ-fabriek om onderdele
te koop, vertel Jack Ravis ons van 'n beplande
byeenkoms by Warmbad met die doel om 'n klub vir
motorwoonwa-eienaars te stig. Voorheen het 'n
klompie motor woonwa entoesiaste wel by Lover's
Rock onder Jim Williams en ander se entoesiasme,
besluit om die moontlikheid van 'n klub te ondersoek.
Jim Williams is natuurlik ook die enigste stigterslid wat
vandag steeds 'n aktiewe klublid is. Ons lidmaatskap
nommer was toe nommer 9.
Op Warmbad het Jim sy vinger in wen-as beseer, wat
maar net die begin van 'n reeks ongelukke was wat die
energieke man tydens saamtrekke oor himself gebring
het.
Destyds is van alle klublede vereis dat hulle motor
woonwaens (geen “campers” is natuurlik toegelaat nie!)
geheel selfonderhoudend moes wees met kook-, was-,
stort- en toilet-geriewe aan boord. Die eerste toets vir
hierdie vereiste het gekom by 'n saamtrek by die
Vaaldam, want daar was net water en 'n “long drop”!!
In 1984 het Steve en Sue van Straaten besluit om
Namibie toe te toer, en belangstellendes is genooi om
saam te gaan. Die geselskap was Louis (June MacKenzie
se broer) en Lettie de Villiers, Steve en Pam Bishop, en die
Rabies . By 'n vulstasie op Upington skakel iemand die
plaaslike koerant, hul neem foto's en ons verskyn in die
koerant onder die opskrif: “So Doen die Rykes Dit!”. Die
koerant se inligting was nie altyd in die kol nie: So is
beweer dat elke voertuig twee persone aan boord het en
dat elke motorwoonwa 'n voertuig sleep!! In werklikheid
het net twee waens op daardie stadium 'n voertuig
gesleep. Op Kuruman weer wou 'n kind van my weet “Is
Oom goeters van die sirkus?”!
Soms het ons natuurlik sonder die Klub se seënwense
toere onderneem ('n praktyk wat nou se dae meer
algemeen is).Twee daarvan was met Kiwi en Anne
Henning toe daar eers Zimbabwe toe gereis is en later
Malawi toe. Dit was sommer dik sports! En natuurlik in
die begin jare was daar baie kinders teenwoordig by
rallies.....Wat sou van hulle geword
het??
Jim Williams in sy normale posisie
Our Motor Home Club Experiences over 30 years (1984 to 2014)
by Marianne and Charly Kurt
In mid-1982 we bought a VW-Autovilla, after travelling
for about 8 years in a VW-Kombi-Camper with no high
roof. What a pleasure to be able to stand up, walk around
and have so much more space! We did our first big tour
during that year-end to Cape Town, and we enjoyed
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 7
HISTORY
every minute of it. During 1983 we only did a few short
trips and a 3-week holiday at the West Coast at yearend.
In 1984 we came across an article in the “Caravan and
Outdoor Life” magazine about the formation of the new
'Motorhome Club of SA'.This sounded very interesting
and we attended our first rally on 21st September 1984,
and immediately joined as members No. 35. For the next
10 years we hardly missed a rally, which in those days
were organised only every 3 months (i.e. 4 rallies a year).
We met wonderful people as the membership grew and
genuine long-lasting friendships were formed.
Due to Charly starting his own business and my own
work commitments, for ten years between 1993 and
2003 we hardly used our motor home. But we remained
members and started rally-ing again in October 2003,
when our arrival at Shangrila was like a home-coming
for us. After 10 years' absence we were almost like 'new
members' considering all the new faces around, yet we
had no problem feeling that we were completely part of
it again! Amazing!! Everybody made us feel so welcome,
and we have hardly missed a rally since. Although the
Motorhome Club has grown so much since then, we feel
very privileged to be part of this big happy family.
It is great fun for us to exchange information regarding
technical matters and new developments, with other
members. There is always someone prepared to give you
an idea to improve or fix something on your own van,
and it is always worth listening to other people's
experiences regarding places which they have visited,
places to stay, routes to explore, etc. etc..
We are looking forward to attend the Club's 30th
Anniversary celebrations at Gariep, still with the same
motor home that we had when we first joined in 1984
(Ed – Can anyone else equal that?), although with a
number of modifications and improvements made over
the years.
Charly and Marianne's Autovilla in 1983 – like something from an advert!
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 8
The MCSA and Motorhoming in South Africa – 1652 to the Present
by Richard Clark
Flattered as I am at being asked to write this, I must
include the caveat that I am doing this off the top of my
head, and there could be some well-informed people
who may spot some errors of fact. I hope that they are
not too serious about it all.
It is said that it was the white settlers that introduced the
wheel to South Africa, and it was indeed the voortrekkers
who made the first motorhome, the ossewa, their place
of abode as they travelled, although this did not include a
built-in stove, washbasin and toilet! (Ed – Which I believe
was a mandatory requirement for the first motorhomes
to be enrolled to the Motorhome Club of SA?) In Europe
there were the traditional horse-drawn Gypsy caravans,
a most beautiful specimen of which I photographed at
Blakes Canal Museum in Reading (Berkshire) while
cruising the Thames River, England about the year 2001.
Fittings include the teeniest and most ornate cast-iron
solid-fuel stove and decorated smoke stack that needs to
be lowered when travelling. The woodwork and finishing
are exquisite.
Horse-drawn caravans are still available for hire at
several locations in Great Britain and Ireland, and
presumably elsewhere in other countries as well, for
those who want a totally different holiday.
Going right back to about year 1912 is a motorhome,
well preserved, with its history, displayed in the
Winterton Museum, and I encourage members to go and
look at it. The worst problem is trying to find out when
the museum is open. This motorhome has been all over
Af r i c a a n d A s i a . M y c h i l d h o o d
recollections include
seeing and admiring the
occasional owner-built
motorhome at South
African caravan parks,
often on American bakkie
chasses, as they were (and
still are) quite big, and
with gutsy engines. An
alternative was converting
an old bus, and we had a
member with one of these
some years ago. Imported
fa c t o r y - b u i l t A m e ri c a n
motorhomes began to
HISTORY
appear on our roads in the '70's, the commonest being
the Winnibago, ugly as sin, as construction was with the
use of prefabricated flat panels that gave you a moving
box, with a front and back that looked much the same,
and a menacing V-8 growl. Current restrictions on the
importation of left-hand drive vehicles has put the lid
on importing used foreign vehicles of this kind. The late
fifties saw the advent of the Bedford Dormobile, a small
UK-made panel-van, converted with a tip-up roof, as
well as VW Kombi conversions, particularly the
Westfalia models, and all these sold like hot buns, some
being exported to South Africa.
Somewhere near the end of the 70's Jurgens took the
plunge into the South African motorhome market with
their VW Autovilla , first on the Kombi cab-chassis to
give their tortoise/”skilpad” model, and later with a
modified cab and smooth roof line, to include a luton
over the front seats. Popular as they were, the rear
engine took up valuable space, remembering that access
thereto had to be preserved for maintenance purposes.
The body tended to draw dust into the engine
compartment on dirt roads, which if not checked, could
lead to trouble. Most other goods vehicles that were
available at the time had a high chassis and suspensions
that were as hard as hell. About 1984 Jurgens spotted
the Bedford CF 280 and CF 350, available in Britain, and
despite apartheid sanctions in force at the time,
managed to import a number of these for the "new"
Autovilla Prospector and Pioneer models, priced at
about R 23 000 to R 26 000 at their launch in 1984. WJ
also woke up and produced the Elite (Class A), the Pacer,
and the Entertainer, with the Pacer later being
constructed on the Bedford CF280 chassis as well, This
was a bit of a disaster vehicle, as the rear axle was loaded
beyond its design limit, and the brakes not big enough to
deal safely with the added mass. This was one of several
engineering boo-boos committed by motorhome
manufacturers in the early days, now unlikely, as we
have tight legislation and enforcement that prevents
these kinds of mistakes today. These same rules prohibit
the licensing of new "home-made" motorhomes that
have been built by do-it-yourselfers, unless such vehicle
is first submitted for homologation and approval by
SABS, at prohibitive cost. Similarly factory model
prototypes all undergo this check, which is far more
thorough than a routine roadworthy inspection would
be. One can get away with non-structural alterations,
but re-registering a vehicle type from “commercial” to
“caravan (self-propelled)” is difficult.
Smaller compacts followed on the Mitsubishi L300 cabchassis; the Explorer, the Companion, and others. The
Pacer reappeared on the Nissan chassis, some even in a
4x4 configuration. High costs and a tight economy led
to a period when most of the Club motorhomes were
well over 10 or more years old, and kept reappearing
with a new owner when an old member gave up
motorhoming. Appearance on the commercial market
of the Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Turbo-Daily chasses
(both ideal for motorhomes) and the growth of the
motorhome rental market, released good quality used
motorhomes onto the open market at more affordable
prices which again led to a sudden growth of Club
membership. These vehicles cruise comfortably and
safely at higher speeds, and the small turbo-charged
diesel engines that results in amazing fuel economy and
a torque curve that offers more grunt, without having to
roar the engine's head off to achieve it. Even Europeanmanufactured motorhomes are now being retailed here,
but the poor value of the Rand makes these vehicles a lot
of money for what you get.
I predict that next to come will be electric motorhomes,
and this will concern the resort owner when you plug in
at your site and charge up for the journey onwards! One
wonders what new technology will bring to the
comforts of the future motorhome….. maybe it will even
drive you safely to your destination while you are all
tucked asleep in bed at the back;….. or cook your dinner
to a preset programme while you are relaxing with a
beer…… who knows?
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 9
HISTORY/REGIONAL REPORTS
AN OBITUARY TO OVISTON by Jim Williams
The closure and forced shutdown of the Oviston
Caravan Park, apart from being the end of an era, is in my
opinion, a microcosm of the ills of the country. Worst
case scenario, the possible and ultimate demise and
macrocosm of the country as a whole.
The crass stupidity and dog in a manger illogical
attitudes that municipal/government/ANC comrades
display when considering revenue earning enterprises is
bordering on suicidal, self-destruct, irrationality.
Oviston, although an out of the way, old construction
site town, off the beaten track, and neglected, is a
spiritual haven of peace and quiet. Complete with
magical sunrises and sunsets over a majestic backdrop
of peaks these mingle with, and are interspersed with
inlets, natural coves, mini harbours, islands and islets.
This is an absolute paradise for those few of us seeking
yesteryear's tranquillity and an alternative lifestyle to
the new generation's demand for shopping malls, noise,
entertainment, instant gratification and modern
lifestyle development.
A small unique niche environment away from it all, not
competing with anything or anyone and only available
to a relatively few “simple minded” folk prepared to
make a significant deviation in order to seek it out. All of
a sudden now this becomes a major politicised focal
p o i n t r e q u i r i n g t h e e n t i r e w ra t h t h a t t h e
“establishment” can throw at it. Just imagine it “the
unthinkable”, of a retired white couple managing and
providing a service for a very small section of the
population. This (must) surely be in contravention of
the country's new legislation correcting and rectifying
the wrongs of the past and never be allowed in this new
fair, democratic nation of ours. To heck with “legally”
binding contracts that originally set up this venture and
allowed it to come into being in the first place. Let's
create a “situation” and pull the plug on this floundering
(all be it very valuable to some) micro enterprise. Let's
not engage with, let's not answer letters, let's not even
try to renegotiate those things we are not happy with,
let's just pull the plug, cut it's throat and let it die.
Lappies is devastated.
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 10
(Ed - Lappies was the Caretaker/Manager of the
Oviston Resort, which he built-up and developed, mostly
at his own expense, to the tranquil place of rest and
peace some of us had the privilege to enjoy)
For something to die naturally, well and good. For
something to be murdered where one person
deliberately and consciously sets out to end the life of
another, that's another story. Remember what goes
around comes around. Comrades beware!
For those of us fortunate enough to have experienced six
Convergences at Oviston, we really were the lucky ones.
For those who said to themselves, perhaps “one day” –
regrettably subject to a miracle and another Lappies
type personality, that's now a lost and gone forever
“used to be”.
Thank goodness that we did at least know it and
experience it…….
REGIONAL REPORTS
Northvaal / Noordvaal
Christmas Rally Report - Que Sera Resort 15-17 November 2013
Another new venue and another delight! This was the
first time we had visited Que Sera, near Bapsfontein, and
the resort proved to be very pleasant and most suitable
for our end-of-year Christmas rally. The weather was
very warm and the shade of the many established trees
was most welcome. Children enjoyed the pool and
adults joined them, or strolled, or chatted or read (or
slept) in the heat. The large hall provided plenty of space
for dining and dancing, which we did in true Northvaal
style on the Saturday evening.
There was a good turnout of about 40 motorhomes,
including two first-timers - one a couple who'd been
members for many years but had not attended rallies,
and another a new member who valiantly arrived in the
motorhome she'd only just taken delivery of! Willing
helpers were quick to respond to her requests for
assistance and she felt at home in no time.
Saturday morning saw preparations for the evening get
under way, with lots of willing hands helping to decorate
the hall under the guidance of Marsha. The tables looked
spectacular with gold and silver trimmings and unusual
centrepieces with fairy lights. The men blew up what
seemed to be hundreds of balloons. As the available
ladder wasn't long enough, it took some agile monkeystyle clambering by Pieter to string the bunches from
the high rafters. (Hansie had his turn taking them down
REGIONAL REPORTS
afterwards.) By the time we were finished the hall looked
really beautiful.
Throughout the day the mouthwatering aromas of three
kinds of meat roasting on the special spitbraai wafted
through the air. All this was most efficiently overseen by
Hansie and his team. During the day ladies prepared
vegetables, salads, and mouth-watering desserts. Boet
and his daughter provided a beautifully iced motorhome
cake, fulfilling their late, much-missed wife and mother
Jill's wish. After all this the meal was wonderful - tasty
and hot - and there was plenty for second helpings and
even leftovers.
Music was arranged without fuss at short notice, thanks
again to Hansie and Aloma. There was plenty of dancing
in different styles. Some couples are most accomplished
dancers, much to the envy of those who seem to find
they have an extra left foot when venturing onto the
dance floor. Our paparazzi photographers
enthusiastically captured the smiling and happy faces,
and the pictures which appear on the club website show
what an enjoyable evening it was.
We were privileged to be joined at the party by June
Mackenzie, a past member in her 80's, who was brought
to the rally by an ever-thoughtful Aloma. She stayed
overnight in one of the chalets and was full of her
customary joie de vivre, sharing interesting stories and
memories of rallies she and her (late) husband Russell
had attended over many years. She stayed to the end of
the party! What a wonderful woman (in her 80's) who
amazed us all - not least by the way she drove
confidently all-round the venue the next morning on her
motorised chair.
The restaurant at Que Sera is a regular Sunday meeting
place for bikers out on their breakfast runs. This weekend
was no exception, but we were not really disturbed and
motorhomers were able to walk around admiring the
large powerful machines. We were invited to join the
bikers for their church service being held in the hall. One
of the bikers was one of our old members, Ray
Spannenberg (also in his 80's), looking dashing in his
riding gear, who joined us for chairman's tea.
Once again a wonderful weekend and another one for
the memory banks.
Diamanté Caravan Park. - Cullinan 6 To 8 December 2013
Kan Julle dit "verstaan" of selfs glo! Yes believe it or not
we have come to enjoy the "last" Rally for 2013 - Die
Einde van die Jaar het Aangebreek en So Baie het 2013
ons gebied wat ons almal terdee geniet het!
And so All of our North Vaal Area Members are so special
and each one in their own right. Elkeen van Julle is 'n
Diamant en so word daar nog aan elkeen van ons geslyp
om uiteindelik dit te wees en word waarvoor ons geskape
is - Yes ALL truly "Special Diamonds".
Thursday Evening on the 5th of December 4
Motorhomes were on site with the total during the
weekend at 15 Motorhome Friends.
Die heel naweek was baie rustig almal was baie "relaxed
and layed back". A Couple being long time members
joined in for their first Rally Allan and Ann Boucher. The
group were all touched by the passing of Late Nelson
Mandela on the 6th of December.
Sundowners were enjoyed and the normal Saturday
Braai were very enjoyable "as always". Die naweek was
gekenmerk deur die gelag en speel van kindertjies - dit
was 'n baie lekker ervaring om soveel van ons lede se
kleinkinders daar te kon he - Ons moet dit n Einde van die
Jaar Instelling probeer maak!
We All enjoyed the visitation of the resorts Donkeys you had to watch out for your Fruit or Veggies - not to put
it outside the sociable Donkeys "Loved" to endulge in
whatever they could find. Philip hou die Sondag diens
met die onderwerp "heuning" - So bid ons dat Christus
elkeen van ons Motorhome Vriende se Nektar sal wees vir
2014.
In Conclusion - Ter Afsluiting wens ons al ons Noordvaal
Vriende Gesondheid en God se Genade toe. - Yes we pray
that All our Noordvaal Friends will enjoy Good Health
and the Grace of God.
Motorhome Groete / Greetings until we meet again at
the next Rally the first for 2014 at Bloekomspruit!!!
Sien Julle daar. /. See you There.
Philip en Nakkie Theron
Tony and Bets Thurman
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 11
REGIONAL REPORTS
Bloekompoort - January2014
What a way to start the New Year with 28 motor homes
at Bloekompoort. A small quiet, but nice little Park with
shady sites under the Blue gum trees and clean spacious
ablutions. The park is in the middle of nowhere between
Vereeniging and Heidelberg and not far from the Vaal
Dam. We had the pleasure of sharing the park for the
weekend with Suikerbos Caravan Club, and what a
friendly crowd they turned out to be.
Such a pleasure to meet up with old friends and greet
everyone at the first rally of the year, to discuss the
Festive Season activities of each and all. To make
welcome a pair of new motor homers y Elmien and Eddy
Dry, may you both have a long association with the club
and make many new friends. We were also privileged to
have Tim Swanepoel and his good wife visit us for the
weekend from Dundee with their new HYMER. Tim being
the Chairman of the Natal Region.
Chairman's briefing on Friday, Nowell discussed the
minutes of the last meeting and brought up the subject
of an extra bag of charcoal to be brought with each
motor homer on rallies for the Saturday fires. This
alleviates one person from having to carry 10 extra bags
of charcoal in their van, where space is always a
premium.
Saturday was a most relaxing day, not as hot as Friday
fortunately, and most of us ended up in the pool at some
stage or other. The evening meeting started at six o'clock
with greetings from the chairman and congratulating
those that had achieved milestones in their marriages,
namely Luisa and Mario 40 years, Jenny and Ian 45 years
and those Birthdays occurring after the last rally. A
special mention to Rene and Sarel on their forthcoming
marriage in March.
Ari Korver known to all as our National Chairman gave us
feedback on the National 30th Anniversary Rally at Gariep
Dam, and the closure of the adjoining Oviston Park at
Gariep. Oviston was to be the Convergence rally and
suggestions were made to move this to Orania with 14
sites and the overflow to Orania's adjoining park.
The fires had been lit earlier, so after the meeting the
men cooked their meat and all of us sat down at our
prepared tables to a hearty meal. The evening in general
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 12
was relaxing and jolly, some ambled to bed early and
others stayed to enjoy the company and the coolness of
the night.
Sunday started off a lot cooler as we had light showers
during the night. Devotions were conducted by our
stalwart Peter and particular mention and prayers for
those close friends of members who are ill.
We all enjoyed a hearty breakfast at 10 o'clock in the
main hall sponsored by the park owners who were
presented with the wooden spoon on their efficiency.
Jen & Ian Gardiner
Western Cape / Wes Kaap
Report Editor, Karin Potgieter
The Western Cape Region of the MCSA wishes all the
other regions a happy and healthy 2014. We trust that
you will enjoy all the rallies during 2014 and invite you to
our rallies whenever you are in our region.
Ons is baie dankbaar vir Hennie Jonker en Maureen
Herbst se herstel na hulle behandeling en dank die
Skepper daarvoor. Ons dink egter aan Gerrit Truter wat
ongesteld is en wens hom 'n spoedige herstel toe.
Congratulations to the following members who received
rally milestone tokens:
Neil and Anle Hamman
50
Imhoff Caravan Park, Kommetjie 01 – 03 November 2013
Report by: Jenny Leat
Proving yet again that members of the Western Cape
Region are not just fair weather campers, 18 of the
eventual 28 vans had arrived by Thursday evening, as
Winter refused to hand over to Summer and the rain
poured down.
By Friday evening the remainder of the vans had arrived
in time for our usual 'family get-together' over drinks and
snacks. Yet again the tables overflowed with the
tempting savouries our members always provide. Serfie,
our Chairman, with humour and his ability at Afrikaans
and English, took us through the plans for the weekend
and asked for participation in the raffles that were going
to be circulated. Our region is trying to raise funds to
help subsidise some of our members who wish to attend
the Motorhome Club's 30th celebrations.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Saturday broke sunny and warm and our annual craft
fair took place in the shade of beautiful trees in the
camp site. Some of our members had been very diligent
in preparing for this event and their creative and
innovative items were on sale – Christmas shopping
started early this year.
At the Chairman's tea on Sunday we were treated to
delicious and tempting goodies. It was obvious that
many of our members had taken the chance of visiting
Compass Bakery a short distance away. Just as well we
only visit Kommetjie once a year! No member is keen
to leave at the end of a rally, but routines back home
have to be seen to and the members dispersed, all rather
surprised that the following rally was already the
Christmas one.
Congratulations to Neil and Anlé with their 50th rally
token.
Kam'Bati, Swellendam 29 November – 1 Desember 2013
Verslag deur: Flip Potgieter
Sommiges was Woensdag al daar. Ander het Donderdag
gearriveer. Die balans (behalwe Neil Hamman) het
Vrydag stuksgewyse daar aangekom en toe was ons
voltallig synde 18 motorwoonwaens en Saterdag na
Neil se tydige verskyning vir ontbyt was ons ook
voltallig wat siele aanbetref vir hierdie spesifieke
saamtrek. Gewoonlik, soos almal weet, is ons heelwat
meer bymekaar, maar die brandstofprys eis sy tol en
lastige muggies het 'n onverdiende reputasie verwerf en
dit alles het bygedra tot die vermindering in getalle. Ons
was in elk geval meer as genoeg om lekker te kuier.
Die ligging van hierdie oord met sy berg aan die een
kant, die Breërivier aan die anderkant en groen gras
tussenin is regtig puik. Die staanplekke is lekker, die
geriewe is skoon en netjies en 'n mens kan sommer sien
diegene in beheer doen moeite daarmee.
On Friday evening we had our usual get-together when
a welcoming word was spoken by our energetic
chairman and snacks were provided by the ladies. We
gathered on the veranda outside the hall and some had
their snacks without liquid support while others partook
of a beer or glass of wine, as it pleased the individual
without any prescribed rules, which is one of the
beauties of our club.
Because of our relatively small attendance it was
decided to have a communal brunch on Saturday and
sooner than later the air was filled with the tantalizing
aroma of fried bacon and eggs etc. The bubbly and fruit
juice were kindly donated by Serfie and Karin Potgieter
for which we thank them once again. It was indeed a
very enjoyable gathering.
Saterdagaand voor die ete was daar wyn, skaapnek en
skaapstert opgeveil onder die bekwame veilingsvernuf
van Niel van Vlaanderen en Serfie en die klub het weer 'n
paar Rand gevorder wat later handig te pas sal kom.
Daarna is daar weggelê aan heerlike, spitgebraaide
skaap met keurige en voldoende bygeregte en afgesluit
is met roomys as 'n laat nagereg. Die spyseniering was
uitstekend en ons dames het die tafels aantreklik versier.
In the olden days gifts with a limited monetary value
were exchanged among members, but this was ended
by the forces in charge due to unsavoury pranks
committed by a member or two. This time round the
committee decided to continue the custom with gifts
restricted to R25.00 each per participating member and
all went well. There is always a bit of excitement in
receiving and opening a present and management may
well consider continuing the custom in future.
Daarna het diegene wat kans gesien het daarvoor
gedans tot ons ander se tonge uitgehang het. Intussen is
die kersliggies by die ryhuise ook beoordeel en die
arbiter het bevind dat Wilhelm en Susie Linde en Kobus
en Hannetjie Louw se versierings hom die meeste
beindruk het. Hopelik het hulle die wenwyne met die
man gedeel! Dit was werklik 'n baie genotvolle aand en
'n mens sien klaar uit na vol gende jaar se
afsluitingsfunksie. Nogmaals dankie vir al die reëlings en
moeite.
Sondagoggend het Pieter Lourens ons
godsdiensbyeenkoms gelei en 'n baie besielende
boodskap gelewer. Ons dank hom weereens vir sy
roerende woorde.
Thereafter we again joined in the hall for the chairman's
tea and the usual birthday and wedding anniversary
wishes. No milestone rally tokens were awarded on this
occasion. A very pleasant weekend was ended with best
wishes for a happy Christmas and festive season
including a bright and prosperous new year.
Die nimmereinders, synde 6 waens se mense, het nog
die res van Sondag oorgebly en verder gebraai, ge-eet en
gesellig saam verkeer. Fluit-fluit, daarmee is die storie
uit tot 'n volgende keer!
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 13
REGIONAL REPORTS
Oostewal Langebaan 17 – 19 Januarie 2014
Verslag deur: Wilhelm en Susie Linde
Soos die laaste aantal jare was die eerste byeenkoms van
die jaar weer by Langebaan. Dit bly maar een van ons
gunsteling kampe.
Dit is goed beskerm teen die
heersende Suidewinde (Suid-Oos of Suid-Wes), wat
hierdie tyd van die jaar gereeld waai en dit is ons mees
bekostigbare kamp van die hele jaar! As julle ooit aan
die Weskus kom, moet julle Langebaan besoek!
Vrydagaand skop af met die gebruiklike byeenkoms waar
Serfie almal verwelkom. Dertig motorwoonwaens het
opgedaag en al die snaaksighede en nuus van die
afgelope feestyd word mildelik met mekaar gedeel.
Heerlik eet- en drinkgoed dra natuurlik by tot die
gemoedelike atmosfeer! Serfie en Karin het gereël vir 'n
spesiale aanbieding van “fish & chips” by Zizi's vir die
Saterdagmiddag. Nie minder as 32 persone neem
hieraan deel. Wat 'n fees! Almal by Zizi's sal seker nog
lank praat oor die uitbundige klomp gryskoppe (en
kaalkoppe?) wat hulle plek oorgeneem het.
Saterdagaand se braai is ietwat gekortwiek deur die
wind, maar baie het deelgeneem en dit was steeds baie
aangenaam.
Ed en Marga Freestone reached a unique milestone this
weekend. Four generations camping together! Oma
M i e n , m o t h e r M a rga , d a u g h t e r M a r i a a n d
granddaughter Nataly, 6 years old. For us it was a very
pleasant privilege to be able to spend the weekend with
you all. All the best wishes for the future and may there
be many more happy years together.
Nog 'n baie aangename verrassing was dat Hennie
Jonker en Margie ons die Sondag kom besoek het. 'n
Sprekende voorbeeld van 'n vaste geloof en 'n baie
positiewe lewensbenadering. Ons aller beste wense aan
julle vir die pad vorentoe.
Die Sondagdiens is deur Jannie en Terry waargeneem.
By die Voorsitterstee het Serfie die belangrikste
kennisgewings herhaal en met die nodige gelukwense en
bedankings die naweek afgesluit. Ons wonder nogal
wat die gevolg gaan wees van daardie innige soen op die
kaal kop?
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 14
Dit is met groot afwagting dat ons uitsien na volgende
maand se Valentyn-byeenkoms en dan in Maart die
langverwagte toer en byeenkoms by Gariep!
KWAZULU-NATAL REGION
Report Editor – Rosemary Harlow
I hope everyone in the club had a great Christmas and
Happy New Year – and that resolutions are being kept!
WAGENDRIFT RALLY 22-24 Nov 2013 and
FICKSBURG CHERRY FESTIVAL MINI TOUR 25 Nov – 1 Dec 2013
Report by Eileen Shaw
Goodness knows why I was asked to write up the report
for this rally as Ken and I only arrived on the Saturday
evening! I can only surmise all the ralliers who were
already there had refused Rosemary's request. There
were 13 vans there when we arrived and the braai was
just about ready to be lit for the Saturday night gettogether. We all managed to eat before the rain started
for the evening. I have to say the new directions to
Wagendrift were much more direct than our previous
ones – all those who didn't go this time round, make sure
you use the better ones next time.
Rosemary and Alan celebrated their 125th rally on
Saturday morning which had in fact happened two rallies
before but she had only discovered the numbers just
before the Wagendrift rally!
REGIONAL REPORTS
Wagendrift is always a pleasure to visit, even though
there is nowhere to gather if the weather is bad. Tim took
his boat so most of us had a good soaking whilst
enjoying a spin to the far edge of the dam. On my trip,
Tim battled to get back because the water was so rough
and he was trying not to soak us all. I believe when Val
was driving her group she wasn't quite so thoughtful –
she just went for it!
Three of the vans left for home on the Sunday and the
other eleven stayed on for one more night before going
to Spioenkop the next day. En route I lost my (REAL)
Guess sunglasses (won in a raffle I might add) trying to
adjust the side mirror whilst the van was in motion.
Thank you Stewart and Wendy for stopping to help me
find them. Stewart found them but alas, they were too
badly scratched to be of any further use.
Spioenkop is a lovely dam but I feel the ablutions are
maybe too far away from the camp sites (especially for
the little vans with no loos!) and they were not really
well maintained. However, we did see eland, zebra,
giraffe and impala without leaving the camping ground.
We had several cars with us on the trip and some of
them took a spin round the reserve.
We all left Spioenkop the next day and set off towards
Golden Gate. Most took the direct N3 route but we had
intrepid travellers in three vans, who decided to go via
Oliviershoek Pass. I must admit I had been told at
Wagondrift that the road is almost impassable but
unfortunately I didn't really pass this info on to Sheila
and Dave, and Dave and Ann until we were having lunch
at the Little Switzerland Café. We all looked at the map
and decided to go for it rather than backtrack 100 kms or
so. Luckily the scenery around the Sterkfontein Dam is
so pretty that 25-30 kms of churned up, potholed road
wasn't so bad, and nothing falling out of the cupboards
(because we were only doing about 5 km an hour) we
finally reached good road when travelling at 90 km/hr
seemed as though we were going 150 km/hr. However,
we had forgotten the traffic hump just before Golden
Gate and everything fell out of the cupboard (and we
weren't the only ones).
Note by Rosemary here – the rest of the travellers
stopped for the night at Golden Gate – We had been
following the TomTom with others behind us – however
at Harrismith we didn't trust the instructions, lost the
followers and ended up at the Wimpy at a view site
where, after brunch at said Wimpy and getting
directions plus phone call to Marianne, we discovered
the TomTom was correct and so the ended at Golden
Gate last. Also being caught by the traffic hump before
Golden Gate when the motorhome almost took off –
just like Eileen above! The following morning most of
the travellers ended up at Clarens for breakfast and a
look around before carrying on to Ficksburg.
Back to Eileen's report - I don't know what happened at
Golden Gate as we went with Dave and Sheila, and Dave
and Ann to Lesoba camp site, just through Clarens, but
after travelling 4 km down a dirt road we found no-one
at home to let us in. We carried on to Merionskreet
Camp site in Fouriesburg. This camp site was very nice.
Luckily the dirt road to it was in very good shape and the
rain during the night didn't stop us getting out the next
morning. It had rained in the evening too but there was
an undercover area to braai, with wood nicely stacked
there (we think it was for general use). Dave picked up a
nail in his tyre somewhere on the way and he left early
Tuesday morning to get it fixed. We then went on to
Ficksburg to meet up with everyone else and found that
Derek and Jacqui had also arrived.
The camp site at Ficksburg was good and the ablutions
were nice and clean even if the 'central' toilet paper idea
was a bit confusing for a start. We had a few
thunderstorms and hail but this didn't really detract
from the time spent there. The cherry festival was very
interesting and the trip to the cherry farm was excellent.
Ken can vouch that Ficksburg has a fine golf course and
the locals are very friendly – they invited him to play in
their Festival competitions – twice! Some of the ralliers
went to Katse Dam in Lesotho and I believe it was
beautiful there but a very long trip there and back. A trip
to the Reebok factory shop was a bit disappointing I
believe.
Katse Dam note by Rosemary. We all set our alarms in
order to leave Ficksburg by 7am and all the Suzukis (4 of
them) set off for the border and passport control where
they hardly looked at our photos! Lesotho scenery is
quite beautiful and – unlike South Africa – hardly any
litter lying around even the rubbish dumps carefully
sorted into metal and glass and solar powered street
lights. We drove for about 4 hours up winding
mountainous roads – all tarred and in good condition,
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 15
REGIONAL REPORTS
stopping at a view point
to eat breakfast
(sandwiches etc taken
with each of us) and
then we got to the
Information Centre,
where a very
interesting lecture
was given telling us
about when and
how the dam had
been built. It seems
that the local
people who were
displaced by the dam were offered free
housing elsewhere with land to farm, free mealie meal
for life or the cash. Also Lesotho makes R54million a
month selling the water to South Africa – I thought it
was a poor country! We then drove to the dam and went
inside – about half way up – the dam is the tallest in
Africa. Unfortunately no photos were allowed inside
and we didn't get taken down to the bedrock but what
we saw and learned about it all was very interesting.
They also have two fish farms at the dam breeding
Rainbow trout for South Africa and another kind of trout
and yellowtail which mostly gets exported. We then
drove to the Lodge and could see a campsite in the
distance at the top of all the hills. At the Lodge we had
cold drinks and sandwiches and then the return journey
where to our surprise we passed a couple on their way up
in their Discoverer and as it was then somewhat late we
wondered if they intended camping there. We all got
back to camp at Ficksburg around 5pm after going
wrong for around 6kms as Derek didn't trust his Garmin!
When we got to the border we discovered that several
cars had been following us assuming we knew the way –
in fact it was Jacky who realized we were going wrong as
there were buildings with lots of gold writing on them
and also a lake that we hadn't seen before! That evening
was our last and we all enjoyed a braai together and
discussing everything we had seen.
Some went on to Weenen and Alan and I decided to have
another look at Clarens and stopped for the night at
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 16
Golden Gate where we met the owner of the Discoverer
who had passed us on his way up to Katse Dam – he
confirmed he had stayed the night at the campsite and
said the early morning sunrise up there was absolutely
breathtaking, but that he probably would not take the
motorhome up there again. Alan and I left and were
followed by 4 cars who went slowly and didn't pass so I
pulled into a laybye to let them go by. However they all
pulled in as well and it turned out that they had seen a
large bulge on the inside of our left back tyre and had
been trying to stop us before it burst. It was huge the size
of a large grapefruit! The men all got stuck in and
changed the tyre while Alan and I watched and we were
back in action very quickly – it just shows how kind
people can be and also how observant.
Final note by Eileen - A few of us called in at Weenen on
the way back home. We arrived in the pouring rain but
the next day the mud had cleared up quite nicely and we
managed to take a drive round the reserve, even in our
motor homes, (although the road to the picnic site was
inaccessible). We saw several animals. It is such a lovely
place to visit, and so full of history.
Thanks to Jeff for organizing our camp site at Ficksburg,
we are so sorry you couldn't make the trip – we missed
you both. Thanks to Tim, Alex, Stewart, Mike and Derek
for the use of all your vehicles. It was a lovely trip.
BUSHWILLOW 6-7 December 2013
Report by Rosemary Harlow
This weekend was our Christmas rally and we were going
to try our hands at self-catering for the event. Our
weekend weather wasn't very kind with only Friday being
the driest day of the weekend and the rest of the
weekend consisting of rain and mist. It was good to see
John and Ann Barnell again – having not been at rallies for
a year since his stroke – Dave Robinson drove their van to
the rally for them and we all hope to see them
back at rallies more often.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Early on Saturday morning some members went to the
Farmers' Market at Howick, others played golf
apparently in fine weather on the far side of Howick.
Later on the rest of us made our way to the lapa and
followed various instructions starting with decorating
the hall, laying out tables, candles, crackers (homemade and excellent) – with Marianne directing the
décor, Tim in charge of turkeys in two large potjies with
his secret recipe. Val, Sheila, Wendy and other helpers in
charge of the rest of the cooking – chickens, pork roasts,
pumpkin fritters etc etc! The rest of us managed to peel
a sack of potatoes (some with very superior potato
peelers!), chop onions, carrots, make salads – you name
it and we all took part in some way! It all came together
for a delicious meal. Definitely a Master Chef
experience!
Later in the evening we all went to the lapa holding our
umbrellas and some of us ladies changing out of
gumboots into shoes once in the hall and were greeted
by a beautiful room transformed with bright table
cloths, settings, candles, silver stars, sweets, melba toast,
liver paté, and crackers with everyone's names on them
so it was easy to find one's seats. The presents were
placed on a central table and after we had all filled
ourselves Rod took charge of the present draw. Always
fun as we were each given a small playing card and as he
called each card the holder went up chose a present at
random, opened it and had one chance to either keep it
or swop it but he had to remember who had what and if
he got it wrong then he could not do the swop. As you
can imagine it was a great laugh with Rod's repartee and
people trying to hide gifts and some gifts doing a lot of
rounds.
Bush Willow has the ideal set up for this kind of selfcatering with large fridges, stoves, and space. We used
their crockery and cutlery and we all agreed that the
small charge we all paid for a maid to wash and clear up
afterwards was well worth it. Irvine and Angie Shaw –
owners of the campsite - are an amazing couple – very
hands on and always checking every day several times a
day to make sure their guests are happy.
So in spite of the bad weather we all had a wonderful
time and I think the self-catering will catch on for future
events as it does open up more campsites.
Albert Falls Dam 24th - 26th January 2014 Report by Dave Robinson
It was several years since we last visited Albert Falls and
what a pleasant drive we had from the park entrance to
Notuli campsite. We passed about 30 yellow billed kites
walking and lying on the ground, some with their wings
spread open, just 20 to 30 metres from the road. Soon
after that we saw a fish eagle, several small groups of
zebra, a variety of buck and a large family of giraffes. I
didn't count them as I was watching the road for
potholes, but someone who came in after me said that
they counted 18 giraffes. The sites at the edge of the dam
have now been electrified and we all parked 30 to 40
metres from the waters edge. At the dam we saw more
buck, wildebeest, zebra, ducks and Egyptian geese.
The temperature was around 38 degrees and it was
unpleasantly hot during the day but it turned into a
beautiful mild evening and we thoroughly enjoyed our
hamburger evening, thanks to Tim's excellent cooking,
Marianne's salad and Rosemary's fried onions and HP
sauce.
We had 11 vans on the Friday and the following day we
were joined by the Wilkinsons and also by the Barnells
who came by car for the day. We were pleased to see
them and John seemed a little better than the last time
that we saw him at Bush Willow. They are looking to buy a
Cub which Ann can drive, so if you know of a Cub for sale
or anyone who wants to buy a WJ Companion, please let
them know.
Rod spent 3 hours cleaning his motorhome but it looked
to me like he was just showing off his new state of the art
fold up ladder.
Tim and Mike Wilkinson had both brought their boats and
the younger, fitter members of our group enjoyed a spot
of water skiing. They were all expertly coached by Derek
who apparently was a fundi in his youth.
Saturday was much cooler than the previous day and we
prepared for the braai with a number of small braais as
the Chairman had forgotten to bring a club braai from
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 17
REGIONAL REPORTS
home. He was fortunate that we no longer hand out the
monthly prize! We had a shower of rain as we prepared
to light the braais, which sent some scurrying back to
their motorhomes to braai under their awnings. After the
shower, many returned to the braai area and enjoyed the
traditional communal braai.
Sunday was another beautiful day and while 2 or 3
motorhomes left in the morning, most people stayed
until the afternoon and made the most of the weather
and beautiful surroundings.
EASTERN CAPE REGION
Jeffreys Bay 24th to 26th January, 2014.
Report by Beryl Healy.
Jeffreys Bay was named after a fellow called J.A. Jeffrey
who had a trading station here on the shores of the bay
in the 1800's.
This is one of our favourite venues and it appears to have
become a tradition to start the year off with the first
rally of the year being held here. The facilities are clean
and adequate although there is no toilet paper in the
ablution blocks which is a slight niggle to some. This
beautiful bay is also a favourite of shell collectors and
surfers (who hasn't heard of the world famous
Supertubes?) The beach in front of the caravan park is
safe for swimmers and the rock pools are fascinating
with all the different creatures to be found. The sand
closest to the sea is firm enough to make a long walk on
the beach most enjoyable, as many of us experienced
throughout the weekend. The dolphins also love this
part of the bay, we saw feeding frenzies on both days.
The town is within easy walking distance and a number
of really nice restaurants are to be found including our
favourite “Die Kospot” where we enjoy getting really
very fresh fish and chips and seafood take-a-ways for
our first night's meal.
We had an excellent turnout of 16 vans with apologies
from Pat and Athlene Potgieter who had a problem with
their vehicle at the last minute. It was fun being
together and catching up with Christmas news. On
Friday night Jim and Jean Walter welcomed us with
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 18
champagne and cake and of course, it wouldn't be a rally
without Jean's famous shortbread. The occasion was
their 50 t h wedding anniversary in December.
Congratulations and hi hip hoorays were aplenty. May
you both be around for many years to come.
Chairman's Announcements:
Sadly, we heard that
Cape St Francis Caravan Park will no longer be available
for camping – this resort is to be fully built up with
chalets etc. for holiday hire. Our committee is working
hard with the arrangements for our national 30th
anniversary and Jim appealed for donations for goody
bags.
Anniversaries: Chris and Ria Delport, Geoffrey and
Beryl Healy, Gerhard and Lolla Kemp, Johan and Doreen
Schutte.
Birthdays: Glenise Howard and Andries Kritzinger.
Congratulations to all.
Saturday was a hive of activity. A number of us went off
to the local “Market Day”, some by car and some, the fit
and energetic, on foot. After lunch was busy too, some
playing boule, some played “washers” a game invented
and introduced to us by Johnny Howard, thoroughly
enjoyable.
Even the lazy played tile rummy or
dominoes in the shade of motorhome awnings. To
celebrate her birthday Glenise, helped by Judy and Jean,
made hundreds of waffles with syrup and ice-cream.
Most delicious!!
Unlike Friday evening where we all get together in a
large circle to party together, Saturday evening saw a
number of smaller groups gathered together round
individual braai fires. The weather was perfect after the
hot weather of the day and quite late the quarter moon
came up over the sea. The reflections on the water
were beautiful.
Sunday saw some packing up at 'crack of dawn' and
some leaving as late as possible, some lucky people
staying for an extra week. An excellent rally enjoyed by
all.
We wish everyone a wonderful 2014, looking forward to
seeing you at Willows on 28th Feb to 2nd March.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Mpumalanga
De Voetpadkloof, Middelburg Kersrally
Verslag deur Rita Snyman
Toe ons weer sien toe lê die jaar alweer plat op sy rug en
was dit tyd vir Mpulalange se jaarlikse kerssaamtrek.
Dit is soos elke jaar, die hoogtepunt op ons kalender
(naas dalk ons jaarlikse Wildtuintoer) en die
entoesiasme het weer hoog geloop. Soveel so dat 'n
klopmpie aleeds 'n paar dae voor die tyd hulle plekke
kom inneem het. Altesaam 28 “ryhuise” was teen
Vrydagaand in plek en daar was vroegaand 'n
bymekaarkoms om die weersiens te vier. Ons was
hierdie keer in die meerderheid met 24 van
Mpumalanga en 4 besoekers. Voorsitter John Acutt heet
almal welkom en toe is die kuier volstoom aan die gang!
Saterdag het almal heerlik ontspan en oor en weer
gekuier. Die middag het almal gehelp met die
voorbereiding van die saal (wat gratis deur die park
beskikbaar gemaak is) en die laaste bykosse is ook
gemaak. Wilma en Tienie en hulle helpers het weereens
hulself oortref met die pragtige saal en die atmosfeer!
Die moeite en die resultaat was ongelooflik. Soos
gewoonlik was die kersie op die koek weer ons Meester
sjef Hansie wat die skaap, vark en hoendervleis
voorberei het. Almal was gaande oor die ete en al 80
eters se BAIE BAIE dankie!
Dirk het gesorg vir lekker skoffel musiek en paar
bittereinders het die dansvloer geniet.
'n Hele paar naguile die rugby op die oord se groot skerm
gekyk en eers na 12 gaan slaap. Gelukkig was dit darem
die moeite en wakkerbly werd.
Sondagoggend was daar soos gewoonlik voorsitterstee
in die saal. Cules het die oggendgodsdiens gelei en
daarna was 'n paar spesiale oorhandigings gedoen. John
& Caroline het hulle 100ste en Tienie en Wilma hulle
50ste skyfies ontvang. Baie geluk en mag dit 'n
voorbeeld vir ons almal wees!
Na die tee was almal lang gesig toe ons besef dat
saamtreknaweke net soos Hong Kong kinderspeelgoed
is – dit hou net eenvoudig nie lang genoeg nie. Almal
behalwe 5 vasbyters het so stuk-stuk in die pad geval.
Goeie wense vir 'n Geseënde Kersfees is saam met almal
huistoe.
Laeveld Groete
Merry Pebbles: 24 - 26 Januarie 2014
Verslag deur Erika Scheepers
In tipiese Sabie-weer het ons heerlik gekuier, gebraai,
geskerts, geswem, gelag en tot nuus uitgeruil. Langtydse
vriende (Mpumalanga-familie) het gou-gou, die nuwe
lede laat welkom voel.
Vrydagaand se afskop het almal weereens baie tuis laat
voel en was dit lekker om almal voorspoed toe te kan
wens vir 2014. 'n Paar van ons het tot die swembad
aangedurf so heerlik warm was dit!
Saterdag het ons lui-lui wakker geword na 'n wonderlike
nagrus. Met soveel “suiwerskoon suurstof” tussen al
die bome en plantegroei, hoe dan anders!
Saterdagmiddag is speletjies - so tussen die reënbuie
deur, deur Hansie en Koos aangebied. En is daar heel
“regverdig en billik” gekompeteer teen mekaar. Die
toeskouers het gegil, vermaan, leiding gegee, afgerig,
bekommerd asem opgehou, hande saamgeslaan, ens.
op ernstige tog ook skertsende wyse. Ons het beslis nie
net vir mekaar gelag nie, maar defnitief ook met mekaar
gelag. Almal is en bly wenners!
In sagte motreën is ons Sondagoggendtee vooraf
gegaan met die sing van geestelike liedere en daarna 'n
boodskap deur Isak. John het die vergadering gelei en
ook genoem hoe geseënd ons is met al die reën. Daarna
kon ons saamkuier met 'n koppie tee of koffie in die
hand en boonop smul aan heerlike versnaperinge,
voordat elkeen terug koers kry na hul huis.
Op elke mooi en gladde spoelklippie wat ons uitdeel,
staan daar vir 2014 geskryf: Vriendskap, Seën,
Hartlikheid en werklike Omgee vir mekaar.
Nuwe lede: Herman & Corrie Van Niekerk (Middelburg)
Jakkie & Laetitia Pretorius (Middelburg)
Koos & Anna-Marie Van Heerden (Kiepersol)
Mpumalanga groete
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 19
REGIONAL REPORTS
Saterdag middag is die kamp in rep en roer: Daar word
balonne opgeblaas en servette gevou, stoele reggeskuif
en alles haarfyn beplan om die saal in 'n sirkusarena te
omskep.
O k k i e e n Louise: Die v r o l i k e hansworse
GARDEN ROUTE
Verslag deur Jackie Theron
DWARSWEGSTRAND, DIBIKI EN ISLAND LAKE
Die Tuinroete “motorhomers” is 'n lekker klomp mense.
Omdat ons 'n relatief klein groep is, ken almal mekaar
en is amal “almal se pêl !!”
By Dwarswegstrand (17 tot 20 Oktober 2013) het 12
waens saamgetrek vir 'n ongelooflike naweek. Die weer
was goed en die see-uitsig onverbeterlik. Tydens
Saterdagoggend se reuse span-poging is braaipanne,
gasstowe, spatels en wat nog, uitgepluk en 'n “gourmet”
ontbyt in 'n japtrap voorberei. Daar is heerlik
saamgewerk en saamgekuier en dadelik besluit om
hierdie resep spoedig te herhaal.
Tydens ons Jaareind-rally, wat plaasgevind het tussen
28 November en 1 Desember verlede jaar het 16 pare
kampers by Dibiki, naby Hartenbos saamgetrek.
Die braai-vure brand reeds van Woensdagaand af. Albert
bring 2 snoeke saam om die naweek mee af te skop,
maar omdat daar toe alreeds 4 waens is, word die vroue
gestuur om gou nog snoek in Mosselbaai te gaan haal.
Maar voor Albert sy oë kan uitvee daag nog 3
motorwoonwaens op en moet daar dringend 'n oproep
na die snoekkopers gemaak word. En siedaar, die dames
daag met nog twee groot blink-lywe op, genoeg vis vir 'n
leer. Collie van Coller bewys sy meesterskap en maak
die snoekies sommer in 'n japtrap lekker gaar. Daar bly
skaars draad op die braai-roosters oor nadat ons klaar is,
en Sue Broodryk het moeite om genoeg krummels
bymekaar geskraap te kry om smoorsnoek van te maak.
Terwyl 'n skaap eenkant op die
spit begin verbruin, heers daar 'n geheimsinnige
atmosfeer tussen die waens. Lede klee, grimeer en
vermom hulself as narre, ringmeesters, “gypsies” en
party daag selfs as perde en temmers op! Nodeloos om
te sê, ons het 'n ware sirkus-fees gehad! En so sluit ons
dan die jaar 2013 se program af!.
Op die naweek van 17 tot 19 Januarie 2013 skop ons die
nuwe jaar af te Island Lake naby Wildernis. Opgewonde
om mekaar weer te sien, arriveer die inwoners van 11
“home-pies” by hierdie pragtige terrein, waar die knysna
loeries vryelik in die hoë bome rond kuier. Ons word
geseën met wonderlike weer vir die naweek en kuier
heerlik saam. Sondag vertrek almal met 'n gevoel van
genoegdoening , want die “binnelanners”
(vakansiegangers) is weg en ons kampterreine behoort
vir 'n slag
weer aan
ons!!
A l b e r t e n J a c k i e : Die hartseer hansworse.
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 20
RALLY CALENDAR
(also viewable on our web site)
Rally Dates for 2014 per Region:
Garden Route
Western Cape Region
March
Our final program for 2014:
14 - 16 Feb
Voortrekkerpark, Strand
04 - 06 Mar
Montagu Park, Montagu
07 – 11 Mar
Mini Toer
12 – 16 Mar
30th Anniversary, Garriep
11 - 13 Apr
Onrus Karavaan Park, Onrus
16 - 18 May
Palmiet, Kleinmond
20 - 22 Jun
Guano Caves, Montagu
12 - 14 Aug
Yzerfontein
12 - 14 Sep
Montagu Park, Montagu (AGM)
24 - 26 Oct
Silverstrand, Robertson
14 - 16 Nov
Imhoff Park, Kommetjie
05 – 07 Dec
De Hollandsche Molen. Paarl
(Xmas Rally)
Mpumalanga Region
(Aloma 083 254 3285; [email protected])
7-9 Mar 2014
12-16 Mar 14
25-27 Apr 14
16-25 May 14
25-27 Jul 2014
5-7 Sep 2014
17-19 Oct 2014
28-30 Nov 2014
Badplaas
Forever Resort Gariep
(National 30th)
Rietspruit Heron
Kruger Park Toer
Die Tempel
Lakeview (Mpumalanga AGM)
To be confirmed (National AGM)
De Voetpadkloof (Kers saamtrek)
Eastern Cape
12th to 16th Mar
Forever Resort Gariep/
Van Stadens River.
25th to 26th April Addo*
30th to 31st May
Sitrusoewer
13th to16th June
East London /
Morgans Bay / Areena
25th to 26th July
Beachview
29th to 30th August Willows
26th to 27th Sept
Cannon Rocks ( AGM )
24th to 25th Oct
Forever Resort Plettenberg Bay.
28th to 29th Nov Pine Lodge ( Christmas Party)
N.B. Any resort marked with an asterisk means member
must book own site.
10 -16
Gariep Tour:
Willowmore/ Graaff Reinet/
Forever Resort Gariep
April
10 -13
Mossel Bay Punt
May
23- 25
Heroldsbay
June
19 - 22
Lake Pleasant (Sedgefield)
July
24 - 27
Pine Creek (Grootbrak River)
August 19 - 22
Calitzdorp Spa
(this is a mid-week rally)
September 18 - 21 Forever Resort
Plettenberg Bay (AGM)
October 16- 19 Dwarsweg strand
November 27 – 30 Dibiki Hartenbos (Year-end rally)
Northvaal Region
7 – 9 March
11-13 April
16-18 May
20-22 Jun
18-20 Jul
15-17 Aug
19-21 Sep
17-19 Oct
14-16 Nov
5 – 7 Dec
Koppisol
SIONBERGH (Heidelberg District)
To be advised
To be advised
To be advised
To be advised
To be advised (Northvaaal AGM)
To be advised (National AGM)
SOUTDORING [ XMAS Rally]
(Vereeniging District)
To be advised
Natal Region
(Rally co-ordinator – Marianne Wardle
0824148425 [email protected])
7 – 9 March
Midmar dam
Unfortunately no other rally detail available at time of
printing. Please contact Marianne or your committee
members for further detail.
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 21
ON A LIGHTER/SERIOUS NOTE
Lag 'n slag:
Best Clean Joke for years – for those of you that have
“plans”
* Rowers bind 'n ou tannie op 'n stoel vas terwyl hulle
haar huis leeg dra. Sy sien hoe verdwyn al haar kosbare
besittings en daar is net mooi niks wat sy kan doen nie.
Uiteindelik stap die rowers uit en sy bly sit daar. Toe die
laaste een uitstap, roep sy hom nader met die woorde:
“haai “rape” julle dan nie
meer nie?”
Getting Married Jack, age 92, and Gill, age 89, are all
excited about their decision to get married. They go
for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way
they pass a chemist shop and Jack suggests that they
go in.
Jack addresses the man behind the counter:
"Are you the owner?"
The pharmacist answers, "Yes."
Jack: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart
medication?"
Pharmacist: "Of course we do."
Jack: "How about medicine for circulation?"
Pharmacist: "All kinds"
Jack: "Medicine for rheumatism?"
Pharmacist: "Definitely."
Jack: "How about suppositories?"
Pharmacist: "Yes"
Jack: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and
Alzheimer's?"
Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."
Jack: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, antidotes
for Parkinson's disease?"
Pharmacist: "Absolutely."
Jack: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"
Pharmacist: "We do..."
Jack: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"
Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."
Jack: "Adult incontinence pants?"
Pharmacist: "Yes."
* A guy takes his new boat down to Cape Town from
Jo'burg for a fishing trip. On his way back with the boat,
his 4x4 breaks down around Beaufort West. He tries all
he can but the 4x4 just doesn't want to go anymore. He
tries his cell - no reception. After standing for about 4
hours without any cars going past, he suddenly realises
that the boat has got a radio. Just maybe he is lucky and
there is someone listening on the emergency channel.
So he hops onto the boat, connects the battery and
starts calling.
'Mayday! Mayday!'
Just as he almost gives up hope, there's this faint
definitely Capey voice coming over the air...
“State dyour poezition Maaste.”
This chap looks at his boat GPS and gives his position
over the radio. Long silence...
Then a voice comes over the air again.
'Djislaaaaaaaik Maaste….”
Another long silence...
“Djy moesie land darem met amoesa spoed getref het!”
Jack: "Then we'd like to use this store for our wedding
presents list.."
At our Christmas rally I was confronted with an
unearthly sound coming out of a motorhome whilst
walking back to my motorhome. The guilty party was
properly addressed at the next Chairman's Tea which
then prompted his better halve to send this notice to
me. Ek hoop die persoon sal volgende keer twee maal
dink (LOL). Ari
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 22
ON A LIGHTER/SERIOUS NOTE
Sometimes when
you’re hurt,
NO one cares.
When you’re sad.
NO one sees.
When you cry,
they look away.
But fart 1 damn
time, and
EVERYONE
NOTICES!!
Laments of the poor Chairman
If he writes a letter, it is
too long
Next we get two articles dug out of the archives ( f u n n y e n o u g h s t i l l applicable!)– enjoy! Editor.
If he askes a member for his
subscription, he’s insulting
If he sends out the statements, If he doesn’t, he’s lazy
he has left something out
If a rally is a big success,
the members get the praise
If he edits the magazine,
It’s full of mistakes
If it is a failure, he gets the
blame
If he edits a members letter,
he has done it badly
If he asks for advice, he’s
incompetent
If he issues a bulletin, he’s
a spendthrift
If he doesn’t, he’s swollenIf he makes a suggestion,
headed
he’s a “know-all”
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust
If he says nothing, he’s useless
If others won’t do it the
If the attendance at rallies is
Chairman must!
slack, he should have called all
the members up
If he has them called up,
he’s a pest
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 23
ON A LIGHTER/SERIOUS NOTE
I AM FINE!
There is nothing the matter with me!
I am as healthy as can be.
I have arthritis in both knees, and when I talk,
I talk with a wheeze; My pulse is weak and my
blood is thin; but I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in!
Arch supports I have for my feet,
or I wouldn’t be able to walk in the street;
Sleep is denied me, night after night,
but every morning I find I’m allright!
My memory’s failing, my head’s in a spin,
But I’m awfully well, for the shape I’m in!
The moral is this, as the tale I unfold,
that for me and for you who are growing old It’s better to say “I’m fine” with a grin
than to let folks know the shape we’re in!
How do I know that my youth is all spent?
Well; my “get up and go” has got up and went!
But I really don’t mind, when I think with a grin
of all the grand places my “get up” has been.
Old age is golden, I’ve heard it said,
But sometimes I wonder as I get into bed:
With my ears in the drawer - my teeth in a cup my eyes on the table - until I get up;
Ere sleep comes o’er me - I say to myself:
“Is there anything else I can put on the shelf?”
When I was young, my slippers were red,
and I could kick my heels right up to my head!
When I grew older, my slippers were blue;
but still I could dance the whole night through!
Now that I’m old my slippers are black I walk to the store, and puff my way back!
I get up each morning and dust off my wits,
pick up the paper and read the “orbits”!
If my name is not there, I know I’m not dead;
so I get a good breakfast and go back to bed!!
Submitted by Dr IJ van Zyl
MOTORHOMER ISSUE 1/2014 - PAGE 24