ODY SSEU S WESTERN CAP E
The
odysseian
B RAS S M ONKE Y E XT R A
TH E O D YSSE I AN
Brass monkey
3-5 july 2015: The Riviera Hotel, Velddrif
It was that time of year again; cold midwinter and so the perfect time for Odysseus to hold our
aptly-named "Brass Monkey Weekend'. Fingers crossed, we hoped for good weather and a great
party in scenic surroundings.
At 11am on Friday 3rd July, four bikes set off from Cape Town as the advance party to the
destination to make final arrangements for the weekend. The weather played ball, we took the
scenic route through Malmesbury to Hopefield, before taking a newly-tarred road directly to the
venue , The Riviera Hotel in Veldrif. A nice quiet road, taking 15kms off the distance with only a
brief OB's stop to slow us down.
Everything was ready for our arrival, so we just
needed to relax with lunch and wine while we
awaited the arrival of the rest of the participants.
Over several bottles of wine, the afternoon passed
quickly as the members arrived, and before too
long it was time to get the party started.
Our evening festivities were set up in the lower
dining room, with a roaring log fire to chase away
the expected chill. Soon, nearly 50 partygoers
were assembled, ready for action. Before long,
hungry diners were busy with beef broth and homemade bread, followed by winter comfort food;
tender lamb stew and sticky chicken casserole, with the usual side dishes.
‘Brass’ History
The pudding of tinned fruit and
ice cream was a bit of a 2001: Sutherland
disappointment, but what the 2002: Sutherland
heck, everyone was having a 2003: Piketberg
good time, judging by the 2004: Sutherland
decibel level. Then a few brave 2005: Bonnievale
souls took to the dance floor, 2006: Ceres
with Wayne giving us a dance 2007: Tulbach
masterclass to the classic 'It's 2008: Robertson
Raining Men'. Many hours, and 2009: Agulhas
much chatter, later, it was time 2010: Uilenkraalsmond
for some shut-eye, in order to be well rested for the rigours of the day 2011: Nuy
ahead.
2012: St Helena
In true holiday mode, most people had a late and leisurely breakfast,
enjoyed in the main dining area upstairs, with time to relax and enjoy the
wonderful surroundings.
Continued Overleaf:…...
2013:
Velddrif
2014:
Nuy
2015:
Velddrif
B RAS S M ONKE Y E XT R A
P AGE 2
Report back:
The 2015 Brass monkey 3– 5 July 2015
Continued from Previous Page:
A few intrepid adventurers were doing their off-road thing, but most opted to chill or explore
the local environment of Port Owen.
At 12.30pm Kiewiet, the hotel proprietor,
transported over 20 of us in the back of his pick-up
to our main afternoon event, a 90 minute boat trip
along the Berg River, departing from Port Owen
Marina. We were all swiftly on board and after a
short safety briefing, were on our way.
Keeping out the chill with some OB's, I think all
would agree that the trip was very pleasant and
relaxing and featured plenty of bird life such as pink
flamingos, the main attraction. It was also interesting
to see all the grand houses on the canals of the
Marina, many of them deserted holiday homes, giving
it a rather unloved feeling. Our return, again by truck,
was nicely timed for the next event of the day, the
Cheese and Wine Festival, greatly supported and
enjoyed by all.
After a brief period of relaxing, it was time for the
repeat performance of the night before. However,
Kiewiet had pulled out all the stops; the tables were
formally set, even with candlesticks and a veritable banquet was unfolding. We were gathered
outside around fire pits for warmth as he served crayfish appetisers before the serious eating
commenced.
For seafood lovers there was everything the West Coast is known for, including oysters. For the few
who don't care for all things crustacean there was roast lamb, a delicious chicken pie and a selection
of vegetables, followed by sticky toffee pudding and custard. I think everybody enjoyed the meal.
All that eating then required some exercise and
again ‘Twinkle Toes’ Wayne’s dancing skills did not
disappoint. The rest of the evening was then a blur
of music, dancing and drinking and by midnight I
was away to my bed, leaving a few night owls to
party on. Kiewiet worked his socks off as our host.
Sunday morning saw Odysseans taking their time
to stoke up on a good breakfast before the journey
home. The weekend was not yet over however;
still an event to go, our social responsibility effort
with a visit to Die Eiland Huis in St. Helena Bay.
Quite a few of us made the journey, arriving in time for a light lunchtime braai after all the goodies
for both kids and staff had been offloaded.
I think everyone who attended really enjoyed the venue, the weather was awesome and the
partygoers had fun; what more can you ask for?
Check out all the pics
Thanks for all your support, until next time then......Jacqui Cowman
B RAS S M ONKE Y E XT R A
P AGE 3
On Our Way……..
Rob and I left home on Friday at 10:45 for the
11:30 meet up with Peter and Jacqui, Rob, Julie
and Wrex and Stevie just off the N7 on the road to
Hopefield… Surprisingly we arrived first, and
watched as 10 mins later they came along to join
us at the very chilly
‘pint’ stop for OB’s
of course….
After a very social
25 mins and having
to form a human
shield around one
of our party who
got caught short for
the loo (no names,
no Pics,) we set off
with our ‘shadows’
for the lovely scenic
ride
to Velddrif……….
AB
Shadows in the Sun
Stevie and her ‘Selfie” of us….
more arrival ‘tails’...
We left home at +- 14h45 after a serious rush to get away from work and met Rina and Craig at the Total
Garage opposite the Atlantic Beach Estate. Von and I grabbed a quick bite to eat while waiting with the
Wilsons, as the rest of the clan started arriving.
By 15h30 we had plenty of folks there and asked Phil if he would lead us via Malmesbury & Hopefield to
Velddrif, as the good old R27 was far too boring for my liking. We headed out and maintained a nice pace
of 140 km/h. Just after Hopefield, we all stopped and after a very brief discussion around the suggestion
of a cold one, we were on our way. Phil magically knows everything around
roads and of course drinking holes and ably led us to the Vlakvarkgat.
What an awesome pub which is a handful of kms out from our destination. Vlakvarkgat has accommodation there from chalets to a caravan site
and apparently a bike club held a rally there. I had such a good giggle when
I saw this mounted trophy on the wall, of the rear end of a Vlakvark. Rina
believes in all kinds of weird things and decided to rub the Vlakvarks naartjie. I think she must have made a wish, as she looked over at Craig and
smiled. This trophy had serious goons on him. It was hairy to (gross / freakout).
We enjoyed a quick drink and then thought it best to hit the road so that we
could make our way to the Riviera Hotel, where no doubt scores of others
would be booked in already and causing mayhem. We were greated with a
welcome OBS and took our keys and a wonderfully thought out leaflet that
told us exactly what would happen and when it would happen.
To the organisers of the event, Peter and Jacqui Cowman, seriously well done. I
have not had as good a weekend in many years. The camaraderie was amazing,
the food was amazing. The venue and the owner deserve an Oscar. He knew
how to keep us entertained and smiling with fabulous meals.
Until the next get together, stay on two wheels
(special note for Joshua)…
See ...even a Harley made the journey….
Cheers.
Good to have you with us Shaun….. 
Wayne & Chavonne
T HE ODYSSE IAN
P AGE 4
The 2015 Brass monkey 3– 5 July 2015
The Boat trip
After much pushing and shoving to get us all into
Kiewiet's van we arrived at the dock to board our
boat and meet the ‘Captain, Tollie and his wife.
After a quick safety lesson from Tollie, we
embarked on a wonderful trip up the river to see
the abundance of birds and wildlife with an
interesting ongoing commentary from Tollie and
loads of OB’s, to keep us warm.
A fabulous time was had by all…..
Now back for the Cheese and Wine…. Does it
never end , this fun we have….? AB
To keep us warm we took
lots of OB’s and other
‘Refreshments!’
Cheese and wine… ( of Course )
Tradition at our Brass
Monkey weekends is the
Saturday afternoon Cheese
and Wine….
B RAS S M ONKE Y E XT R A
P AGE 5
The 2015 Brass monkey 3– 5 July 2015
dinners…...
Kiewiet busy in the kitchen and dishing up a storm
Dancing the nights away
Seriously……..
♂
T HE ODYSSE IAN
P AGE 6
The 2015 Brass monkey 3– 5
July 2015
Die eiland huis visit
We arrived at Die Eiland His at +12:30 as arranged and Robbie D on
behalf of Keith, handed over the huge
amounts of goods we were able to
collect and buy with the help of all
the members’ fantastic donations.
Jimmy told us the Children had
finished their lunch and were now
having a snooze, which was good as
many of our members find it difficult
to accept the life these poor little
guys have to bear, and find it hard to
meet them each time, so a good time
to arrive actually. (We must
remember that for future visits.)
Lunch was provided by May and the
staff, a lovely relaxing afternoon and
a fitting ending to a wonderful
weekend. Our ‘Giving Back ’ went
well!
AB
Our Mid – Year Visit to
Die Eiland Huis
On our way
home again
after a great
weekend….
T HE ODYSSE IAN
P AGE 7
The Real Meaning of “Brass Monkey”
The Real Meaning of ‘Brass Monkey’:
In the heyday of sailing ships, all war
ships and many freighters carried iron
cannons. Those cannons fired round iron
cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a
good supply near the cannon. However,
how to prevent them from rolling about
the deck? The best storage method
devised was a square-based pyramid
with one ball on top, resting on four
resting on nine, which rested on sixteen.
Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small
area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem....how to prevent the
bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a
metal plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate
were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the
rusting problem was to make 'Brass Monkeys.'
Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much
more and much faster than iron when chilled..
Consequently, when the
temperature dropped too far,
'Cold enough to freeze
the brass indentations would
the balls off a Brass
shrink so much that the iron
Monkey.'
cannonballs would come
right off the monkey; Thus, it
was quite literally, 'Cold
enough to freeze the balls off
a brass monkey.' (All this time, you thought that was an
improper expression, didn't you.)
(Author Unknown from the Internet.)
N.B.
Thank you to all who sent
pictures and write ups to help us
remember all the good times.
My sincere thanks to our friend Fred,
from St Helena Bay for the pics and
all the work you do for Die Eiland
Huis…..
Anne (The Ed:)
NB:
Next Social
Thursday, 23
July
19:00 for 19:30
Don’t Miss it….