Well, as 2004 draws close, it’s once again time to reflect a little on the passing year, disseminate what news is available and jot down a few other bits and pieces.

In this Newsletter:
• Peter Don
• Dagaboys news.
• The Natal “Get together”
• New e-mail addresses
• “The .470”
• “ African Epic” – Richard Harland’s second book
• Conservation Issues
• The Carnivore Research Institute
• Reflections

____________________________
Peter Don
Peter passed away as a result of cancer late on the afternoon of Friday the 29th of October. Here I must profusely apologize to Heather, Don’s wife, for my not circularising friends and colleagues of Don’s passing together with details of his memorial service which was held in Chegutu at 10h30 on Thursday the 4th of November. Heather, here it is not only opportune for me, on behalf of the Dagaboys to offer you our sincere condolences but to apologize personally. I am sorry but some how your email was misfiled in the system and has only just come to light as I sifted through my various folders in preparation for this newsletter.
Although Peter’s name certainly rings a bell I cannot recall when our paths crossed. Peter spent some six years with the Department some years back.
Heather’s email address is digger@mango.zw

________________________________

Dagaboys News

1. USA

Rob and Paddy Francis:
“News Flash” – they’re back in Zimbabwe.

Peter Guy
I had hoped to be able to give you some news of the “Guys” plus their email address but alas my “contact”(?) has either forgotten to email me with the details or lost my address! If any one can provide me with Peter’s email address it would be appreciated.

Richard Clough
Richard Clough left the department in the late 70’s to further his flying career, at that time he was the senior ranger/pilot stationed at Main Camp. Richard Aylward forwarded me this email from the Cloughs “As you know we took a serious licking from Ivan - house, contents & cars etc gone. We're OK which is the important thing & starting to rebuild our lives. As you no doubt heard I have remarried (Ginny) & have another 2 boys
John-Ross (3) & Harrison (1).” Richard Clough’s email address is detailed under “New email addresses”

2. South Africa

Jeremy Anderson
Jeremy has returned from Angola, not too much written but he did note “Predators are also scarce, but a couple of days before we arrived a young male lion grabbed a youngster from a family group on a path Capunda village. The parents attacked the lion with knives and killed it, but the boy was killed. It seems that lions pitch up intermittently, but with the low prey densities people are frequently killed.
We weren’t looking for birds but saw a couple of “lifers” and one memorable sight of 20 Pygmy geese packed into a squash court size pool.
Jeremy hopes to do a repeat trip this coming year but this time he notes it will be by vehicle!

Angus Anthony
Having been frantically packing on the 10th when last I heard from the Antony’s I would think Angus and Sue should, by now, be safely ensconced in George where they have chosen to “retire”(?) Their email stays the same (bizzybees@mweb.co.za) as does their cell (+27 072 –768 6304) Home address - 9 Grysbok St. Denver Park George 6529.
As a foot note to Angus – Don Parry lives “just up the road” from you in Knysna and is contactable on 044 – 382 2120. I would be grateful if you would give the Parry’s a call and possibly a copy of this newsletter, Don hasn’t a computer.

Frank Junor
I Spoke to both Jean and Frank for a few minutes a couple of days back on the 20th. Frank was at the time watching cricket, South Africa getting a pounding from the “Poms!” True to form there wasn’t a word of complaint, Frank being as cheerful as ever, he did mention he wasn’t in any pain and no doubt this is due to the morphine regime he’s forced to follow.
Jean notes that they’re both ever so grateful and fortunate to have acquired a fantastic unit in the retirement village, in Jean’s words “one of the best” It’s close to the frail care centre which, as Jean mentioned, has been a blessing as they’ve had one or two crisis’s. The support from the sisters has been such that Frank will not have to move from his home, I find this to be truly amazing and an absolute Godsend to the Junors.
Jean described Frank’s present journey to be likened to that of a roller coaster – in her own words “up and down the berge and krans’s” – WHAT A MAN and what a spirit, he’s just not ready to let go.
Somehow, when chatting to them, I forgot to ask their address – their email details fjunor2@telkomsa.net remains the same, their telephone number has changed to +27 046 604 0343. Frank enjoys hearing from his old buddies and colleagues so please either give him a call or drop them an email, as the year winds down there’s no better time than now!

Gary Charsley
When ever it crosses my mind that the fountain of Dagaboys address details appears to be drying up I am notified of the particulars of another old colleague, a case in point, the Charsleys!
Gary Writes, “ My only news is that I have sold our remaining trout farms and trout export business to an American company and Carol and I are now comfortably retired. Having spent the last 22 years in Lydenburg we decided that we would settle here. Our home has two very comfortable spare rooms and Lydenburg is just about half way to everywhere! We would love to see any old Dagaboy wanting a place to stay ”wanting a place to stay over.”
Lydenburg / Dulstroom is not only picturesque but an area that certainly caters to the flying fishing fraternity and those who enjoy whiling away their time on the water. A few years back, having the facilities to visit time share resorts almost of my choice, I did, for a number of years, make an annual pilgrimage to Millstream a rather pleasant spot close to Dulstroom and lose myself there for a couple of weeks at a time. They were splendid days and I have many happy memories of flicking a dry line across the many different Millstream waters. True, definitely not pristine trout streams or brooks where only purists would stalk the banks in search of that old wily rainbow but very pleasant all the same.
Off at a tangent for a moment or two – it might be said that these trips were a bit like taking a busman’s holiday, true enough for in the early and mid ‘90’s I managed a resort in the Southern Drakensberg where trout fishing was one of the main attractions. If we’re honest we’ll admit that we’ve all done it, packed land rovers driven off one station and headed across the country to another like Matusadona or Mana, but why? I could probably philosophy on but won’t and conclude by saying, we’ve all bowed to these needs and I certainly enjoyed the brisk mornings and nippy afternoons on the various Millstream dams, lakes, weirs or what ever, yes it was the change and that feeling of just being away with no side tracking to the pleasure of being outdoors that was so revitalizing, catching a trout or two, a definite bonus.

Peter Mitchell
I was certainly very surprised, no amazed probably better describes my astonishment, having listed Peter’s name on one the Rhodesian websites as the closest thing to being “missing in the UK,” to learn that he has been back in South Africa since 2002 and yes, wait for it, actually at the Natal get together!
An excerpt from Peter’s recent email reads as follows “I did go to the UK for 8 years but as William the owner here had been chasing me to come back the entire time I was in England, I decided to return and have been here since Oct 2002. Am mainly responsible for the Estate side of the Hotel (Cathedral Peak) but also handle all contractors and new construction.
The reunion meal /meet was great so many people I hadn't seen sine the 80,s. As some kind lady said there aren't many reunions of people our ages who can still see their shoes if nothing else when looking down.”

Ian van der Lingen
Extracts and news from Ian and Judy: ”You may be wondering where we are as emails do not have physical addresses on them. We live in a little town called Stilfontein ,in the Northwest
Province. It is about 10kms from Klerksdorp and 30 from Potchefstroom on the N 12 from Joburg to Cape Town. It is an ex mining town although there is still some mining activity in the area and reclaiming of gold from dumps; but it has more or less passed from that to a sort of retirement village. There is quite a colony of ex Rhodies, and people who have lived and worked in both Zimbabwe and Zambia or N and S Rhodesia. The Rhodesia South Africa
Association has some houses, which have been made in to flats and are occupied by ex Rhodies. Judy and I have been here 8 years already and are blessed with good friends like so many our family is scattered; Zim, UK, and South Africa though not near us. However we have been fortunate enough to have family with us during this year and our daughter from UK brought out our newest grandchild to be inspected in September this year.
Judy and I send our greetings and best wishes for Christmas and the year ahead to all old friends in the Dagaboy family I am sure as thoughts turn to Christmas there will be memories of Christmases in unusual places and circumstances from the past. Certainly we would have covered a great variety of places from the highlands and forest and streams of Inyanga to the
Zambezi valley. Perhaps Inyanga is the environment that most, for me anyway, fits the traditional view of forests, etc at Christmas. I remember one Christmas there when our children were small and we camped among the pines and attended a carol service in the Rhodes Hall. I seem to recall being busy avoiding children with candles.
May you all be blessed with good memories of Christmases past as you celebrate Christmas present with hope for Christmas to come. It is certainly good to see the names on the mailing list and remember them plus others of course. I still wear my departmental tie (although ties are not often worn) and hope to find people who may recognize it. Anyway it is good to have people ask what tie it is.
Remember the old saying Next year will be better.”

Niels Jacobson
I first met Niels in 1965 at the George Hotel in the company of Adrian (Tokke) Lind. Niels was, in those days, if I recall correctly, part of the Masholand North Tsetse Ops team under the leadership of the late Len Harvey and based at Copper Queen. I am not sure of Niels’s postings in the department but as I recollect he spent time at the Sengwa Research Station before moving on to pastures new. That’s nearly forty years back so before I start muddling about with facets in time I’m none too sure about it would be advisable for me to return to the present! Many of you will not either recall Niels’s name or have known him but, after leaving the country, he rose as a competent biologist /ecologist to hold a senior position in the Transvaal Division of Nature Conservation. (Niels please let me know if I’m off the mark?)
Thanks to the “old boy” network I was able to contact with Niels who wrote back as follows:
“Thanks for the great newsletter and all the info about Dagaboys, many of which I have not met or know of. I am very sorry to hear about Tommy Orford, and would like to tender my condolences to his family whom I have not met. I last saw Tommy in Pretoria at least 10 years or more ago. At that time he was residing at Matetsi and doing hunting safaris. Would you please pass on my best wishes.
As you may have heard I am living in Wilderness in the Western Cape, in a valley close to the sea. We live on a smallholding with indigenous forest on the slopes opposite the house and thicket around the back. At least there are still a few bushbuck around although much of the wildlife has been shot out in the past. I even found an elephant molar under an overhang where it had been carted by a porcupine. However the relative isolation seems to be a thing of the past as the whole area is experiencing an unprecedented building boom, each house bigger and more ostentatious than its neighbour. Talk about killing the goose that laid the golden egg. We are even considering looking for something else further a field, perhaps in the Karoo.
I took early retirement in 95 when the former Transvaal Chief Directorate of Nature Conservation split up into the four provinces existing today. From that time I have been contracting my services out mostly doing flora and fauna surveys for EIA's. It has kept me busy and provided some much-needed income. I have worked in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, DRC and most of South Africa and Lesotho. Much of the work centres around riparian vegetation and impacts on rivers.
Anyway please let me have a list of addresses of Dagaboys as I have been out of touch. I was surprised to hear from Tokke Lind a few months ago but it was good to hear from him. I hope all of the other old men are still going strong. I have heard that Johnny Bunce is in Queensland Australia. I see that Mike is still around. How many of the old timers are still around?
Anyway thanks for the newsletter its good to know that most of the Dagaboys are still around. Please pass on my good wishes to all who may still know me.

Bruce Couper
Some thoughts and words from the “super sleuth.”
“It seems to have come round to that time of the year again when Christmas greetings prevail, Bank balances diminish and serious resolutions are made regarding the New Year and months to come. The greetings are all genuine and well intended, the exchange of presents and the festivities are of tremendous joy and happiness.
Although poor old Santa’s popularity seems to have taken a knock in certain quarters that regard the sitting on Santa’s knee with a great deal of circumspect. Imaginations seem to have run wild and all sorts of disreputable images are being conjured up of what Santa is really thinking at the time! So some of the joy for the kids (who are the true believers in Santa) has been eroded. And probably the only thing Santa is thinking is ‘when is it knock off time so I can go to the pub’!!
We are very fortunate to live up here on the Magaliesburg with magnificent views, and in peace and quiet, apart from a recent ‘blimp’ when the fence was cut up at the back. Nothing more un toward than that, but a bit of a wake up. We now have put some extra outside lights to supplement the sensor security lights. Fortunately we are on a bit of an inhospitable rocky hillside area, which is not all that accessible. That particular night Eskom was off.
For how long the relaxed state of affairs will last is anyone’s guess with the ‘frenzy’ that is on to reclaim / redistribute the land. There is presently claims around Brits farms and plots that will effect 700 families, and another 400 plots and smallholdings in the Boerderstroom area. Title Deeds are meaningless pieces of paper. Probably the most affected areas are all the Game Farms along the Kruger Park border. But it’s happening all over.
There is a family of Korhaan who nest in front of our house, with 4 almost fully-grown chicks, but now that the grass has thickened up we don’t see them so often, and Guinea Fowl and Francolin are everywhere. A couple of Duiker have moved closer to the house as have a few Scrub Hares. Jackals are plenty, and although there is a resident troop of Baboons who come fairly close they are still wary of human habitation. So all in all although we don’t have the atmosphere / sights and sounds of Mana Pools (as it was) there is a blend of sights and sounds that creates a natural tranquillity.
I’m not sure how many of us “oldies” and those of our younger brethren really understand the realities that surround emphysema. Can any one imagine a situation when breathing is no longer a reflex action but a very conscious effort, I don’t think any of us can so read what Bruce has to say – it’s very sobering to say the least.
“It’s a very frustrating feeling to walk across the road only to feel like l have just tried to run the Comrades in 12 hrs.!!!! (without training). A shopping Mall is similar to a Cross Country and unfortunately a staircase is a non- event.
It has now got to a stage that the only time I cross the road is when I do a U turn and have not been to a shopping Mall in months. And as for the Comrades I need Oxygen just to watch it on TV!!”
He continues and writes “Humour aside, I am very tired of emphysema and exhausted from constantly battling for air. But then again there are a lot of people worse off than me, who I can relate to, and feel desperately sorry for! So in reality I am thankful but only wish I could do more to lessen the strain on Paula.”
In true Bruce fashion his closing words read “Paula and I truly wish everyone of you a wonderful memorable Christmas and all the very best in 2005.Just take care.
Enjoy every minute now as the reality probably only sets in on the 3rd of Jan when the last of the Turkey bones go to the dog’s dish as you rush out the door to get to work on time !”
Bruce and Paula as one of your many pals and, here I’m sure I speak on behalf of all your other buddies - you may be many miles away but certainly not far from our hearts and thoughts – we’re rooting for you both and need you to make that promised journey back “home” – It would be a great get together so, as a request from those to the north - just get busy and sort out the necessary paper work soonest, we’ll do the rest!

Dougal & Gill MacTavish
Still very happily ensconced in Rustenburg with their wildlife and guest orientated business interests but a stone’s throw from Sun City and the Pilanesburg.
A little background on the MacTavishs’ venture – In the mid ’80 Dougal was employed in a senior managerial position with AECI at their explosives plant in the “Bophuthaswana homeland” area of Mogwase. For both security and the threat of an accidental explosion the factory and its various magazines were surrounded by relatively large unoccupied areas of grasslands and bush. I’m not too sure of the dates or who was responsible for the restocking of the area but game was certainly brought in from the Pilanesburg Reserve with staff from the Park actively involved in the initial management programme that centred around the breeding of heart water resistant springbuck. Dougal played a very active role from the onset and, with time, the entire wildlife project came under his control in its entirety. With the break up of the “Homelands” and change of government in South Africa I can only surmise, that with the Government financial incentives and perks falling away, it was no longer viable for factories to operate in isolation to their markets with the result that many of the plants basically just closed their doors! I am not sure of how Dougal worked round the various problems relating to the land issue etc but that he did is now a fait accompli. Over the past several years apart from game multiplying a number of chalets have been built and dams stocked with bass. I’m not sure whether the area is exclusively for hunting or if it caters for both consumptive and non-consumptive activities. If you are interested why not email Dougal and Gill on doumish@mweb.co.za and find out.

Trish Parsons
Through both her association over many years with the department and that of “JC,“ her father Trish, some how deserves some sort of “honorary” status to the Dagaboys.
Few will forget her willingness to help or her infectious laugh that was so often heard in the .470 on Friday nights. Trish lives Nelspruit where she’s been living for many years and writes:
“I'm still running Rob's aviation company in Nelspruit and working my butt off. Fortunately I do have some very interesting clients, which necessitates regular trips to Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. As much as I loved Rhodesia, and still do from a distance, there are some great countries to the north of us. Tanzania is lovely to look at, has wonderful people, is safe, and the pace there is so much better than here. I dream of retiring onto a good sized houseboat on Kariba with one small dog and one cat, letting my hair grow grey and long, and spending my days writing a most revealing book about a lot of people that I have crossed paths with in my life. This hard work will be interrupted by regular fishing for bream, with a vodka in one hand, a rod in the other, and an old dugga boy for company on the shore close by. What bliss, but definitely not this year or the next. Maybe after that! The years have rolled by and now I am alone, but what memories! How privileged we all were.
I remember all those carefree Friday evenings in the 470 with John White, Richard Aylward, Kerry Fynn, and on special occasions Derek Tomlinson, Jerry Bell, Billy Howells, just to name a few. We thought we'd be there forever and that nothing would change. I wish....
Yes, Just don’t we all just wish!

3. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Bob Thomson
I received a short note from Bob seeking info on John Condy and oral drugs. For those who are unaware John died four or so years back in Botswana. Back then to the short and succinct news from Bob “Otherwise all is well with us in Oz. Still working for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service but am working towards the 'light at the end of the tunnel'

Dave Scammell
From Bob Thomson (30th December) “Saw Dave a couple of weeks back as he settled in his new house here in Bundaberg. Technically he is no leave from the Northern Territory Conservation Commission but as far as Dave is concerned he is 'on leave pending retirement' and has no intention of returning to Darwin. In Dave's word, his computer has 'spat the dummy' and is no longer working and with all the added expenses recently a replacement has been put on the back burner for the moment. His is a very old machine and cannot take current software so a completely new computer is required. If anyone wants to contact Dave they are more than happy to do so through me until further notice.
It is ironic when one thinks back over the years. Dave and I joined Parks together on 2nd January 1966 and we both end up in the same regional town in Queensland, Australia, nearly forty years later and more than half way round the world away from the Zambezi Valley where we were both first stationed. Such is life.
Trust you had an enjoyable Christmas and we can only hope that 2005 is good to us all, especially to our past colleagues still in Zim.”

Anne Moore
From Mark and Jeanette Brightman: "You will see from the address on the reverse of the envelope that we have made the move to Oz. We arrived here on 19th September with just our suitcases and we are applying for a parent visa to stay. It is great being near two of our children and the third should be here next year. We have already bought a car and a small house in a retirement village - we have had great fun setting up our new home from scratch! Unfortunately I have been having some health problems just lately and have been undergoing various tests - at least we are near first world facilities and expertise". Their address is Anne and Robin Moore, 54 Lakelands Village, 289 Sydney Road, Wanneroo 6065. Perth Western Australia - sorry no email or telephone details!

Rob Murray
Excerpts of Rob and Ann news is by kind favour of the Aylwards: “Well as you would have heard from Mike, we made the decision to move and did so last year. It was the best thing we have done. We both felt that there was no future for us back there and with all our kids now out of the country had nothing to stay for, so we packed our bags, put our furniture into storage and left on a plane with a lot of faith that it was going to work out. We did not know where we were going, what we were going to do or anything, but here we are now in our second season on the dairy farm, where Rob is employed as Farm/Herd manager and Ann as a dairy hand. We have gone through huge learning curves, with a lot of ups and downs - especially Ann with not having worked for all our married life, we have a lovely home with the most fantastic view over the Southern Alps. We look over the length of them, and on a clear day can see right down to Mt. Cook which is 150 kms away. Our application for residency is now lodged with the Immigration Dept and we will hopefully hear early in the New Year. Once we have it there is a possibility of Rob getting something with the Dept of Conservation here, but we have to be residents first.
We do miss friends, and the warmth, but otherwise we love it over here One is so free and casual and the folks are really friendly.
We are actually going to UK in June 2005 and having a big family reunion. There will be four generations of us there altogether for three weeks.

4. GHANA

Charlie Mackie:
Charles’s computer crashed some time in October, please note his email address as csmackie2004@yahoo.co.uk

5. ZIMBABWE

Rob & Paddy Francis
On their return and true to form Paddy wasted little time in bashing out a great letter on the 15th to update us of their excitement and news of coming home, extracts follow:
“So, here we are, back in Zim. We had good flights, and only had to pay for excess baggage when leaving Buffalo - considering the mound of luggage we had, that was amazing! We managed to lug it all around JFK airport OK, and succeeded in consigning it all through from there direct to Harare.... which was where the problems began, naturally! When we were due to leave Johannesburg, we were all loaded into the plane and then just sat for 45mins. Eventually, the pilot told us that a passenger had not boarded and they had to remove his luggage. We landed finally in Harare at just after 9 pm on Thursday night, but 3 of our 5 cases did not... land with us. Consequently we were the very last folk to leave the arrivals hall, (at just after 11 pm) and so were apprehended by Customs who then charged us a whopping US$230 duty on the laptop - a fee we were told by officials next day should not have been charged at all! Anyway, it was the first of many lessons about Life in Zim! We located our errant cases next day, thank all the heavens. We returned to Harare on Monday, got the mail set up on the laptop, and started getting prices for all the household stuff we need to get for Vic Falls. And that was the next rude lesson in Life in Zim... prices here are just way out of mind. Everything is quoted only in thousands of dollars, and most costs are in HUNDREDS of thousands. I am really having a battle getting my mind around all the zero's in everything! Even using the very best rate, things are hellish costly in US$ terms. A paper shredder that we priced in Niagara Falls at US$15, costs about US$55 here, using the very best rate available. We need to get a fridge, cooker, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer etc, and each item is quoted in several millions! As for bed linen, towels, etc. I could just cry when I think of all the stuff I left behind! Anyway, that's life.
Wednesday last week we confidently set off for Vic Falls, as planned. Debbie left us at the airport at 8am as we were booked to depart at 9am..... well, the plane she was 'brokkened', and eventually at midday we were put on a different plane and flew to Bulawayo. We sat in the plane, on the runway, for over an hour, and then they said we must disembark, which we tried to do but the airport officials did not know what to do with us so they prevented us from leaving the steps down from the aircraft. So there we all stood for a while on the stairs and landing, until eventually someone arranged the one and only airport people mover to take us to an improvised hanger, where we were given a lunch (it was 4 pm by this stage) of fried chicken with chips and salad. Very tasty, but when I asked for a cup of coffee I was told I would have to pay cash for that, as only the food was courtesy of the airline!!! We remained in the hanger for an hour or so until the same plane that had brought us had to take a load of passengers to Harare.(All this time it was just sitting on the runway, with all our luggage still on board!) We were all then herded BACK onto the same plane, along with the new people, and taken BACK TO HARARE. This was now after 7pm at night. By that time our original plane had been fixed, so we were herded onto that, and set off once again, finally getting to Vic Falls after 9 pm! Another lesson in Life in Zim!!
We spent the next few days trying to sort out stuff in Vic Falls. It is amazing how much has to be done, with us having been away effectively for the past 4 years. The garden at home is looking really good, if somewhat overgrown. There is lots to do as there always is in a growing garden, but not any more than we expected. Rob gave instructions for s few straggly trees to be removed, which will give us some sunny areas where we intend planting some basic salad veggies. So what if they are in the front garden? It looks as if very little has been taken from our stored belongings since the fiasco of 2002, which was a very welcome discovery, as we had lost so much that last time. The main house has had some serious ceiling damage where water has leaked in under the roof; damage that could have, and should have, been avoided. I priced the cost of a sheet of ceiling board in Bulawayo, it was ZW$211600 or US$25. One sheet of 3/4in board isZW$340782 or US$40. Eight years ago, it cost me ZW$1.2million to buy the property, wall the outside ,build 3 houses and put in a garden. Anyway, we can get that all fixed up once we take over the property again (at about ZW$3million). And that will depend on when Rob starts work, which depends on the arrival of our crates in Harare. The cottage was fine but the previous tenants had left a lot of their stuff there, which will have to be removed. When we return in January we plan to live in the cottage until we can regain access to the main house; then we will repair and repaint as originally planned, before moving back in. Then we will repaint the cottage, and get new tenants for that. We may even get a tenant for the Wendy House - accommodation is at such a premium in Vic Falls now.
And that's about for now. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and everything you could wish yourselves for the New Year.
From the beginning I have kept away from dwelling on or evening discussing the financial issues facing the average folks who live in Zimbabwe – what Paddy and Rob note is both frightening and factual; Yes, it’s very real and many of the country’s senior citizens who, up to a couple of years back made ends meet have sold the bulk of their possessions and now rely on charity.

Graham Child
I received a “Christmas newsletter” from Graham and Di who mention they have been kept extremely busy in their small house in Fish Hoek. They’re obviously enjoying it - “Not hard work busy but having fun socialising, enjoying the scenery, appreciating the beaches and our delightful little home.” Further down Di notes “ Graham has been approached by Abu Dhabi to help organise administration of a complex comprising a research centre, a breeding station for rare ungulates, and a release facility for the animals around one of the Crown Prince’s palaces. He will probably be in the Middle East for Christmas.”

John English
From John – “Just a short update for you. I will be leaving Savanna at the end of the year and going up to Binga to manage the Binga Crocodile farm. My Postal address will be P O Box 16, Binga. My home phone will be 015 409. Work 015 340. I hope to keep this E mail address but will advise if it changes”

Richard Harland
Notes from Richard’s recent email “Many thanks indeed for the very substantial April and October newsletters! I read them with much interest and, let's face it, a strong sense of nostalgia. All those names from way back! I still own an original Gibbs .505 which was once owned by Lofty Stokes, as mentioned in my first book*.
I was very interested in Tony Ferrar's summary of the Nelspruit elephant debate, particularly as I have just been writing about elephant culling in my new (third) book*. I am a trustee of a newly formed organisation based near Tzaneen, Elephants For Africa Forever (EFAF), where Rory and Lindie are training elephants, mostly teenagers either destined for PAC bullets or similar fate. The founder of EFAF, Howard Blight, attended an 'elephant workshop', not sure if it was the one at Nelspruit, and others with Kruger Park management. Incidentally, Ron and Sandy van Heerden are also on the same farm, managing the game section, and I met up with them on one of my recent trips there.
* Notes on Richard Harland’s books “The Hunting Imperative” and “African Epic” are detailed elsewhere in this newsletter.

Of Moi, Mike Fynn and Blondie Leatham
After last years outing to the lake it was more or less agreed that we should try and make it an annual occurrence so, with his in mind October 30th through to the 4th of November were set aside for the boys to play. My diary type notes of the trip were written up just over a week later:
The last ten days or so have flown by - the trip to Chete was great, the journey south and back frantic and tiring and the office well, I have been wading through a bit of a back log but more about the more pleasant side of life.
Saturday, a week ago, was up just after three which was fortunate as Blondie phoned some fifteen minutes after four when I was getting the team coffee ready and said he was on his way round to pick me up, he was a little early. We (Mike Fynn, Blondie Leatham and Brian, farmer friend of Blondie’s from Beit Bridge, and I left Bulawayo around six thirty in two land cruisers, one of which was towing an +/-eight metre boat which unfortunately necessitated our travelling at under 80kph, plenty of time therefore to take in the scenery, country very dry particularly along the Binga road beyond Kamativi. We launched the boat at Binga and I accompanied Mike across the lake to Chete, Blondie and Brian took the vehicles round, believe me we certainly got the best part of the deal. The lake was like a mirror and the trip an absolute pleasure. We called in at Sijarira, the Forestry camp that Charles Davy of HHK Safaris has also leased, I haven't been there for ten years I guess, was very pleasantly surprised. It was good then but the whole place has been refurbished, looks fantastic and very tropical what with the lawns, trees, white beach and blue water. After a couple of cokes we boarded the boat and skimmed off to Chete arriving between five thirty and six. Off loading didn't take too long and we spent an hour plus relaxing before Blondie and Brian arrived close to eight.
Our spirits were a little dampened in the morning following storms in the area and wind for much of the night. Yes, the lake was rough and my tail took quite a pounding travelling to and from the Ruzi river - the fishing was the pits, not surprising really following the pressure drop the previous night. Still it was fun and we did a little "pre baiting" at three sites. On the Monday the weather was a little better so we headed off again to the Ruzi - much umming and aahing as the fish, with little exception still refused to bite, we caught a few bream but in the context of about 24 rod hours precious little. It was however still a splendid day which saw us boating way up the Ruzi - heaps of crocs and hippo plus plenty of evidence that fish poaching is a lucrative business
Tuesday saw us change tack and opt to chase after tiger rather than bream so up the Senkwe river we went. Once again we boated up as far as we could, stopping at lightly spots to cast spinners in every which direction. With the exception of one spot strikes were not a regular occurrence - we managed to land some small tiger but "lost" the big fish on every turn - broken tackle or they just somehow just managed to break free. It was good fun and there was a great deal of banter and mockery going on. Game viewing - a lion, young male at about 200m, impala, waterbuck, kudu, elephant, hippo and +++ crocodiles (it's a croc sanctuary and they're just every where) On the bird side - white faced ducks in their hundreds, Egyptian geese, yellow and open bill storks, glossy and sacred ibis, jacanas, marabou storks, great white egrets, the ever present fish eagles, black eagles, kites, waders, stilts etc etc. The lake was like a mirror on the home run so we just poodled and idled about just enjoying the stillness and a beer or two, got back to the safari camp just before dark (7ish)
Our last day being Wednesday saw us make an early start and once again bounce our way across to the Ruzi. Though the wind gusted through out the day it was calmer in the actual river. They say that "patience" is rewarded and that "good things" happen to those who wait - well, after the three days of "drought" we had some awesome bream fishing. I don't know how many we caught but there was more than enough to ensure that we would all be taking a few fillets home. Mike Fynn landed one of about 2kgs and Blondie and I took fish that were slightly smaller. Four o clock saw us home and the camp staff cleaning fish as fast as they could. Packing is always a pain but we got ninety percent done before relaxing. Had bream fillets, chips and salad for dinner, which was really good, and a fine way to end the holiday.
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The Natal “Get Together” (Weekend 23/24th October)
From Peter Thomson –
“We had a very pleasant weekend. My Cheryth sorted out all the provisioning while Ann van E and I were toiling away at work the week before, then we all went out to Midmar and stated putting it all together on the Saturday morning. The Blakes and Fynns arrived before lunch, joined for afternoon tea and scones by Pete Mitchell, John Davison, Trish Tomlinson, the Jordaans, the Howells, the Archers, the Ostroskys, the Huntleys and the Nashes. It was Currie Cup Final, so most of the mob watched that at Midmar, but the Evans and Ian Thomson families stayed at home and came later, followed by the Hoffmans, who had to work.
We started the evening with some 16mm film footage of Operation White Rhino, with shots of very young-looking colleagues in Rhodesia and Natal doing robust things with rhinos. This was brought by John Davison, Ted and Connie's youngest son, and went down very well. We were going to look at more film after the supper interval, but people got into talking and that went by the board - we will organise a movie/video evening specially to see this sort of thing.
I don't know what time people went home, but some of us stayed the night and got into Irish coffee and stuff - don't remember too much about that because I seemed to get one of my senior moments ! In the morning the stayers and others who don't live far away had a healthy fried breakfast and we cleared up by midday.
It was very good seeing all the old friends again (and some of them have really got old !) and we resolved, as ever, to do this again soon. Dick Nash took some digital photos and we will choose the more flattering ones to send out in due course.
Well done Pete, Cheryth and Annie v.E – from all accounts a splendid get together, it’s a pity that the Curry Cup rugby finals had to be scheduled for the same day and possibly effect attendance.
Unfortunately the spread sheet detailing those in attendance together with their contact details has proved to be a bit of a bother to copy across in it’s entirety which a bit of a bummer. The best I can do follows.

Ann van Eyssen P/Bag X6, Howick, 3290 084 5569198 annv@kznwildlife.comPete & Cheryth Thomson P O Box 914, Hilton, 3245 033 3307442 petetom@kznwildlife.comDave & Jill Blake P O Box 551, Scottburgh, 4180 039 9761708
Phil & Betty Evans 19 Glen Elgin Est, 5 Camp Rd, Gillitts, 3610 031 7673152 evans.6@mweb.co.zaTom & Cheryl Fynn P O Box 79, New Germany, 3620 031 7017092 tommyfunn@telkomsa.netIan & Leslie Thomson P O Box 1301 035 3307424 ian@ica.co.zaDes & Hazel Archer P O Box 1062, Howick, 3290 033 3308150 darcher@kznwildlife.comBill & Gwynne Howells P O Box 13053, Cascades, 3202 033 3434975 bhowells@kznwildlife.com ghowells@kznwildlife.comTrish Tomlinson P O Box 113, Riverview, 3930 035 5500031 ptomlinson@illovo.co.zaDick & Sandy Nash 14 Copson Close, Chase Valley, Pmb, 3201 033 3472810 skinti@sai.co.zaEd & Trelda Ostrosky 11 York Rd, Howick, 3290 033 3304298 ostroskye@telkomsa.netPete Mitchell c/o Cathedral Peak Hotel, Winterton, 3240 036 4881888 reservations@cathedralpeak.co.zaJordy & Bobby Jordaan P O Box 146, Bettys Bay, 7141 028 2729103
Jeff & Margaret Huntley P O Box 1823, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 033 3941948
Ben & Shannon Hoffman Thorndale Ranch, Umlaas Rd 031 7852981 pbc@africanraptor.co.zaJohn Davison Details to follow

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New e-mail addresses

Richard Clough: richardclough@candw.ky

Peter Mitchell: mkizem@mweb.co.za

Ed Ostrosky: ostroskye@telkomsa.net

Colin Welensky: collinwelensky@hotmail.com

Gary Charsley: garychar@mweb.co.za

Phil Evans: evans.6@mweb.co.za

Tom Fynn tommyfunn@telkomsa.net

Ben Hoffman pbc@africanraptor.co.za

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“The .470”
Earlier Trish made mention of “The .470.” which jogged my memory to raise the question, what ever happened to the memorabilia and pictures of fallen comrades and others that adorned the pub? I know the bar stools ended up in the staff club in Main camp but what of the rest such as the actual “470” notice that Rob Francis designed and made up, I think there might have been a few spears and a disabled firearm or two as well, where is the photograph of the chief warden that was positioned on the pelmet above the entrance door with that of Rolf Atwell and other bits and pieces. We won’t worry about a certain calabash that rested close to the pictures as the late Kerry Fynn blew that apart with a shot from his famous “hogs leg” or 357!
I was there late that evening with a few others and witnessed the demise of the calabash in question, pretty spectacular I might add and the discussions that followed - there was some rather raucous debating as to whether the would be gun slingers should now, having done away with this rather arbitrary ornament, focused their attentions on the adjacent photos. In the end I would like to say ”common sense” prevailed but sadly it didn’t, the fear of retribution came to the fore and “JC’s” and Rolf’s pictures remained “in toto” gazing benignly on those below, certainly an evening with a difference! Looking back, fun at the time and yes, possibly a little irresponsible but not an issue that the UN Security Council would care to debate! Just by the by I still don’t know whether the two or three holes high up in the wall were ever noticed by the powers that be. There is of course the possibility that the paper plugs inserted by John White or who ever did the trick after all!
I believe by my asking questions as to the whereabouts of bits and pieces ex the .470 plus describing an incident which can only be described as being rather outlandish, some may say childish, I have somehow put the cart before the horse for what should have been to the fore was a word or two as to how the .470 came into being and not the other bumph!
The .470 was the brainchild of Rob Francis who was ably assisted in his ideas by Dave Blake and John White. Much credit must also go to Paul Coetsee for providing most of the needed funds and to Rowland D’Ivry Russell who willingly took responsibility for the actual construction work. Yes, it was quite a team that saw the project through and the opening of pub, so appropriately named “The .470” late in 1971 or early ’72. I don’t know whether any of the above could, at the onset, ever have foreseen or imagined just how popular the .470 would become or what it’s patronage would be. The simple layout of the bar together with the very hospitable nature of those in attendance created an atmosphere of camaraderie second to none. What was talked about, everything and nothing, much bullsh. and banter but, if the walls had ears and could talk would their tales be any different, I wonder?
A little trivia in passing if anyone should ever ask what ever happened to the old office of the late Peter Rowland cum research library you know the answer.
I remember the words “See you at the .470” with a great deal of nostalgia, I‘ve penned a few of my thoughts and memories – Much I know can be added, for instance who was responsible for the .470 beer mugs being made up, who designed the departmental tie and what else was there that originated from that great little “watering hole” off Third Street, we were an innovative bunch I, amongst others, would like to know.
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“ African Epic” – Richard Harland’s second book
It came as quite a surprise to learn that Richard’s second book “African Epic” is being published by Rowland Ward this coming January but, before going into more detail, I feel having used this newsletter as the platform to introduce the writings of others to afford Richard the same privilege.
Richard first book, “The Hunting Imperative” published in 2001 by Rowland Ward Publications is his autobiography. Aimed primarily at American hunter market it is also doing well both in South Africa and here. Several years back I borrowed a copy, an excellent read and comprises of some 295 pages plus scores of photos. I could certainly go through it again!
And now, “African Epic” – the biography of Paul Grobler. In Richards words “undoubtedly the most highly experienced elephant hunter of all time, and well known to many Rhodesian and later, Zimbabwean, Park’s staff. John and Nicci Stephens, Russell and Lynne Taylor, Steve and Wendy Edwards, all Tashinga inhabitants at various times during the Grobler family's 17 years at Rokari, helped me with fun stories; 280 pages, 160 photos.”
From my prospective this book will also be a good read and might well become a collector’s item telling as it does of one of the last great hunters in our history. If you enjoy hunting and can afford it buy it, I doubt if you will be disappointed.
The books are found at:
Rowland Ward Publications: PO Box 2079; Houghton 2041. South Africa.
Tel: +27 11 728-2542. Fax: +27 11 483-163
E-mail: books@rowlandward.com
Website: www.rowlandward.com
USA: E-mail: RowlandWard@wwdb.org
Zimbabwe: Master Angler - Borrowdale Village, Harare.
Please note that Taxidermy Enterprises Bulawayo and Harare Offices may also being holding stocks of these books in 2005.
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Conservation Issues

Black Rhino
A four year old female was poached in the Midlands Conservancy in the middle of October Although no figurers are given the report indicates that others have been previously poached!
I have heard some alarming reports concerning poaching and the numbers of rhino shot in the Sinamatella area. Rather than spread doom and gloom I’ll wait until I can clarify the situation.

White Rhino
A number of white rhino were recently translocated from the Matopos to the Main Camp area, I understand one has already been shot, arrests made and the horn recovered some where in Wankie town. Inside involvement, it’s rumoured so!
In view of the fact that only a few years back virtually all the white rhino in the Main Camp area were shot out I find the decision to restock the poachers larder so to speak hard to understand.
Some of the utilization protagonists might suggest that if the rhino are going to end up dead at the hands of poachers why not move them onto concession areas and make them available to hunters. Though the end result is the same with the exception that the poaching fraternity together with their masters have been denied their spoils and a large amount of forex deposited into Management Authorities coffers.
Agree or disagree it is a realty of life today that money, not conservation or ethics that talks today so I suppose what’s noted above could actually come to pass. If it does it’s a damming indictment on this country’s conservation principles.

The Safari Industry
Following a similar pattern to last year there have been numerous reports of a South Africa based operation running amuck particularly in the Gwaai area but also in Matetsi. Towards the end of the season “Out of Africa” were banned, pending the results of enquiries etc, from undertaking any further hunting in the Gwaai, nothing was mentioned about Matetsi! I have this company’s 2004 brochure in front of me, a huge and expensive colour print out that resembles a glossy magazine more than any other promotional material I’ve glanced through. In it amongst literally hundreds of other pictures are the photos of 30 trophy sable taken last year in Zimbabwe! This I find absolutely amazing – what would any local operator pay to have such rights!
Shenanigans I don’t doubt but what exactly went on? Why was the warden Matetsi suspended, removed or fired earlier this year, had he been paid off in with a $50 million bribe, I don’t know but that’s the rumour or story.
We were told last year that it was highly doubtful if “Out of Africa” would hunt in Zimbabwe this year, they did. We’ve been told the same this year, so what will happen in 2005, will they be back or not – I’ll leave that for you to bet on.

Carmine Bee Eaters, Zambia, and a New Fishing camp.
Before centring on the core issue of this section which relates to Carmine Bee Eaters I would like to hive off at a tangent for a few moments even though it’s not really a conservation issue and give you a little update of another of our colleagues.
During part of a business trip into Botswana, Namibia and Zambia Richard Aylward and I spent a couple of days with Howard Shackleton who is building a fishing lodge on the Zambian side of the Zambezi in the Mwonde district,140kms or so upstream from the Falls. Although extremely busy the hospitality we received from both Howard and Danny was top notch and they both certainly bent their backs so show us a good time. Before I move on it is opportune to note that the “fishing camp” is in the centre of what is probably some of the finest fresh water fishing areas in Africa, it’s awesome! Although the camp is still very much in its infancy with guests currently being accommodated in “East African” styled Safari tents the building of a central facility and more permanent client accommodation is on going. Trees aplenty have been planted so in a couple of years the lodge and its environs will be an oasis of note.
Whilst in Namibia we learnt of a large breeding colony of some three thousand birds on the Zambezi just to the north of Kalizo Fishing Camp, I suppose that’s about a 170kms odd up from Livingstone. As the whole river is a birding paradise I didn’t give the subject of carmine bee eaters much thought until late one afternoon when we were fishing with Danny, a few kilometres down stream from the actual Mwonde village. We saw the nesting holes in the bank and birds flying, having vehemently briefed us of what to expect Danny took us right up to the bank. I could not believe what I was seeing – there were a number of small meshed nets some in a bit of a mess and others still draped over the bank covering the nesting holes, one bee-eater had tried to exit as we drew up and had become horribly entangled. Once the bird had been released and all the nets we could find lifted we learnt that this bird trapping business is a fairly common and wide spread practice! The locals lay the nets over the holes at night and in the morning remove the birds they’ve caught. The birds are plucked and eaten and feathers sold to Indians in Livingstone. I know Howard and Danny are following up on the matter and I, in my turn have given or sent digital photos to the ornithological people here in Bulawayo who will themselves pass it on down south.
Disillusioned, definitely but am I surprised no after all nothing in Africa appears to be sacred.
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Carnivore Research Institute (CRI)
I have the CRI’s annual report to hand it is, as noted by VIV Wilson “a very long document of 11 pages giving a complete update of all the projects that the Carnivore Research Institute (CRI) is involved in.
I am sure that many people working on leopards, cheetahs and brown hyaenas may find the document of interest to them.”
The institute has done some great work, I found the write up’s extremely interesting particular those related to leopard and brown hyaena in the Matopos, the cheetah translocation exercises to both Sentinal Ranch (Beitbridge area) and Hwange.
Should you wish to read through the document please either email me direct or Viv Wilson duiker@ecoweb.co.zw
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Reflections
With the clock ticking away madly and only a few hours remaining until the New Year is ushered in there is sadly no time for reflection.
In closing, as we move towards 2005 let us spare a thought and a prayer for not only the families and loved ones of those of our colleagues who have departed this earth but for those too who are struggling health wise.
All the best for the New Year and may the world treat you with gentle hands in 2005, I look forward to hearing from you all.