Midlands' Matters

MARCH 2016

____________________________________________ Address all correspondence to CCSA Natal Midlands Ph: 033 396 2373

P.O.Box 100695 Fax: 086 253 9760 SCOTTSVILLE 3209

2015/2016 Committee

Chairman Gordon Major 033 396 1943 082 374 2327 majorgj@mweb.co.za

Vice Chairman Des Shaw 033 3471248 082 093 5993 deselaine@telkomsa.net Secretary Noeline Gillham 033 396 2373 083 778 9535 kgillham@telkomsa.net Treasurer Billy Cawood 033 330 8116 072 428 4957 accso@mweb.co.za Chief Rally Convenor Sally Riley A/H 033 330 3718 082 372 8093 rileysds@gmail.com PRO Anita Nefdt 033 386 4494 083 403 8957 nefdtfam@absamail.co.za Scribe Sharon Leonard 083 647 9985 shaz108@yahoo.com Committee Member Terry Schefermann 033 386 7250 083 382 7671 terry_schef@mweb.co.za

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MAJOR’S MUTTERINGS

Howzit Midlanders

Hope this rendition of the newsletter finds you all fit phat and flourishing. This year is certainly flying by as our second rally for the year is already behind us and the third one is not far off! Speaking of which, our last rally was held over the weekend of 12th - 14th February at the ever pretty and tranquil Eagle View caravan park near Harburg, we had quite a small turnout of only 9 vans, I hope this is not indicative of the attendance at future rallies. The camaraderie was again great and a great time was had by all, even Rudy enjoyed it as this is his first rally with his new van that it didn’t rain the whole weekend. The marshals the Cawood’s and Gillham’s did a splendid job with a very entertaining Valentines fondue and a “check your mate” quiz afterwards – check out Noeline’s rally report elsewhere.

Our “Check Your Mate” Winners

Our mariners / cruisers have returned from their ocean cruise (with them away over the last rally, I presume this also had an effect on the low turnout at the last rally), I hope you have all regained your “land legs” and will entertain us at an upcoming rally with your photos and stories. The KZN Provincial meeting was held on 6 February and Anita, Terry and I attended, the majority of the meeting revolved around the discussions to be held at the upcoming convention to be held on 5th March. Membership of the CCSA as a whole is of great concern and we all need to look at ways of growing our membership, we need to sell a lifestyle! It was also brought to our attention that some members of CCSA are booking a number of sites on their membership number for themselves and non-members at parks that offer discounts to CCSA members and thereby affording non-members CCSA benefits. This type of abuse is not only fraudulent but spoils the benefit for other members. National Council see this in a serious light and have resolved with immediate effect that any member found guilty of this will be expelled from the CCSA.

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The annual Derek Clarke Tour is again underway from 22nd February – 18th March with our very own Ron & Rose King leading the tour of 15 vans from the various regions of KZN, I wish them all safe travels and a fantastic time with like-minded folk. I recently have been informed that unfortunately Denise Wortmann had a very nasty fall and has broken bones in her foot; we wish her a speedy recovery, pity you had to abandon the tour. Congratulations go to Rhoda on her successful completion of the Maritzburg City half marathon and also to Sheila on her second place in the 10km walk. Don Lund of Midlands Caravans & Campworld has organised us sponsorship of a Campworld gazebo for our use at rallies and as soon as I receive it from him, I will bring it to a rally for all to see – thank you very much Don. Those of you who were at Pedal Car last year will remember that for the first time in the history of the race, the race was cancelled due to rain. It was decided that the main endurance race will therefor take place at Rally Natal in May this year so those of you who would like to participate, please give your names to Anita Our next rally will be held at Natalia ATKV over the weekend of 12th - 14th March, I hope to see many more members this time round – see elsewhere for details.

“It takes the same amount of effort whether you dream big, dream small, or not dream at all. Why not dream big?”

-Bobby Minor-

Cheers for now, safe towing and God willing I’ll see you at Natalia

GordonGordonGordonGordon

One of the waterfalls at Eagle View

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Rally Report – Eagle View

Our first Regional rally of the year saw 9 members settle in at

Eagle View to enjoy the beautifully tranquil surrounds. Billy and Carol had the

priviledge of having the park to themselves all Thursday and Thursday evening. Billy

told a tall story or two but it seems the events had unfolded only in his “wildest

dreams”☺ The other 8 vans arrived steadily throughout the hot Friday with Bill and

Sheila, - Bill being a ‘workin’ man’ again – coming in at 9th place.

Braai fires were lit and pay-parade was over with, quick and easy. Gordon

welcomed everyone and congratulated Ron and Rose on the safe arrival of Edward

Joseph, making them proud grandparents once again. A cosy circle was formed

under the lapa and everyone tucked into a good choice of salads complimenting

steaks, chops and wors braaied to perfection. Quick work was made with the puds

and there was good “kuier” until the extra chilly night sent most of us off to seek the

warmth of our beds.

Saturday was another very warm day but thankfully there was a breeze to take the

edge off the heat. Our energetic ladies, Rhoda and Sheila took off for a good run

accompanied by Bill on his bicycle whilst the rest of the camp languished around,

under the lapa or in the beautiful shade behind Johnny’s van. In the afternoon, the

“inner man” was sustained with snacks ‘by Rhoda’ and cake ‘by the Kings’ until the

marshals set the table for supper.

After a cheese fondue with crusty bread and veg dippers followed by decadent

chocolate fondue with an array of berries and melon to dip, the threatening weather

calmed allowing for a bit of light fun as three couples were “checked” by their ‘mates’

ending with Sharon and Rudi Buys as Mr and Mrs Valentine. Such a pity that Terry

‘clean forgot’ that it is actually Gayle who is his favourite pet!!

After a Sunday stroll down to the falls and some hearty breakfasts, Friendly circle

was held with Dereck collecting some well-deserved fines. After the lucky draws and

prize-giving, Gordon provided some ‘food for thought’ in telling us that the declining

membership of the CCSA was cause for great concern for the future of the club.

Much discussion took place around the contributing factors presented and Gordon

asked that we all give thought to how we, as regions of the club, could try to attract

new members and stem the tide.

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Gordon extended best wishes on behalf of Midlands to Ron and Rose as they lead

the DCCA tour shortly. After a very relaxed and enjoyable rally, awnings were

folded, jacks were lifted and nine happy families returned home safely.

Carol & Billy and Ken & Noeline signing off for the year with a big tick against the

box – a job well done.

CHIEF RALLY CONVENOR’S REPORT

NATIONAL RALLY AT NATALIA 12-14 MARCH 2016. Your marshals will be Wally & Glenda together with Mike and Karen. COSTS: R445.00 -weekend for your immediate family/ member. This is a weekend rate so please bear in mind- if you come for one night- the full weekend rate needs to be paid. 20 sites have been booked. FRIDAY: Spaghetti Bolognaise R20.00 pp SATURDAY: Braai - and bring and share salad/pudding (contact Sally) INTENTIONS TO BE IN BY NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 4th MARCH 2016. REGIONAL RALLY AT VILLA SPA 22-24 APRIL 2016.

• I HAVE HAD A CANCELLATION BY THE MARSHALS SO I AM REALLY LOOKING FOR 2 FAMILIES WHO COULD MARSHAL AT THIS VENUE.

COSTS: WEEKEND RATES - 2 Pensioners (over 60 years) R420.00 2 Adults R 480.00 1 Adult R240.00 1 Adult / 1 child R370.00 2 Adults / 1 child R 610.00 2 Adults / 2 children R 740.00 2 Adults / 3 children R1100.00

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THE ABOVE RATES APPLY ONLY IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 10 CARAVANS, THE RATES ARE ALSO FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY / MEMBER Extra Adult weekend: R240.00 Extra Child Weekend: R 130.00 Day visitors: R50.00 per person R100.00 Access disc will be refunded. Further details will follow in the next newsletter.

PLEASE REMEMBER RALLY FEE OF R 20-00, WHICH IS PAYABLE AT EVERY RALLY.

Cheers for now Sally

Cell 082 372 8093- PLEASE PHONE AFTER HOURS ONLY. A WHATSAPP, SMS OR EMAIL WILL ONLY BE ACKNOWLEDGED AFTER HOURS. THANKS.

RALLY DATES, VENUES AND MARSHALS 2016.

I am looking for marshals for 2016, so please look at the dates and venues below and give me a call. There are very few venues where I am looking for marshals; many of the rallies are arranged by your hard working Committee.

Regional 22 – 24 April Villa Spa ??? National 20 – 22 May Rally Natal–Karridene Committee Regional 16 – 19 June TBA Give me a call National 22 – 24 July Rocky Bay Robertson/???? Regional 19 – 21 August AGM–Queensburgh Committee National 16 – 18 September Pedal Car–Karridene Committee Regional 14 – 16 October Mystery Leonard/Robertson National 4 – 6 November 40th Birthday-Bushwillow Committee Regional 2 - 4 December Christmas-Baynesfield Committee

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Knocking on the Door for Milestone Celebrations!!!!!! Some info for your interest.

NATIONALS: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 etc. (ROUND DISC) Castle – on 48th Pellew – on 98th Cowan – on 20th McGladdery – on 24th next 25th Engelbrecht - on 46th Robertson – on 20th Mitchley – on 23rd Shaw – on 71st Riley – on 70th Schefermann - on 22nd Todd – on 23rd

REGIONALS: 22, 44, 88, 110, 132, 154, 176, 198 etc. (SQUARE DISC) Adnams – on 43rd next 44th Campbell – on 20th Bishop – on 41st Major – on 107th Mitchley – on 19th Riley – on 83rd Shaw – on 84th Driemeyer – on 125th PROVICIALS: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 40, etc. (GOLD DISC) Bennett – on 9th next 10th Castle – on 9th next 10th Campbell – on 9th next 10th Cawood Billy - on 9th next 10th Cowan – on 9th next 10th Baxter – on 14th next 15th Buys Rudy – on 14th next 15th Pellew – on 14th next 15th Robertson – on 4th next 5th Trust this will help you all to know when you will be celebrating in the near future... Increase your Milestones and see you at Natalia rally in March.

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CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE - Midlands Shirts at only R185.00 each, this is a shirt that all Midlands members should have and wear proudly.

Wanted - 4-berth caravan ±R30 000.00 Contact Des on 082 0935993 should anyone know of a good clean caravan for sale.

Should anyone wish to place a classified ad wanting to sell, buy, swap, messages, etc. please feel free to contact me on my email shaz108@yahoo.com, sms/WhatsApp on 0836479985, I will be more than happy to insert it in the newsletter.

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PRO’S REPORT Hello Midlands family. Wow we are already at the end of February

2016. Just so unbelievable how the time is flying. I told my friend the other day I want to hold onto the hands of the clock to stop it from ticking. ☺ So wonderful not to start my report with any sad news this month. Wow- we had a wonderful rally at Eagle View. I had forgotten how beautiful the water falls are. Some of us took a walk down to the falls on Sunday morning. It was a pleasant walk and I realized that one should never take the beauty of nature for granted. Thank you to our Marshals for our special Valentine’s supper. It was enjoyed by all and we loved the’ check your mate’ game. A few of our members have not been well. I will start with our youngest member Nate Kotze. He had an operation on his lip and tongue and had a ligament removed between his top front teeth and on top of all he is also teething. Daryl and Trish, we hope your little man is much better and will be back to his’ happy- chappy’ self soon. Johnny Engelbrecht was in hospital for a few days for observation. Doctors changed his medication and managed to sort out the swelling of his feet and ankles but his knee was still a problem. The X-rays did not show anything. Johnny had to go back to hospital around the 26th February 2016 for a camera to be inserted in his knee to find out what is causing the infection.

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Johnny we pray that the Specialist will find the cause of your pain and that it will not be too serious and can be sorted out soon. Johnny needs to come back with a big bang. The Jägermeister is calling – “Johnny where are you?” I warned you all last month to watch the space and here it goes:

I received the following wonderful news from Tessa King. Their beautiful little granddaughter, Rozabell Lula Kerri King, was born on the 2nd February 2016 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (in London) two weeks early by C section. She is the daughter of their son Greg and his wife Aliz and is just too precious. They have a 22 year gap between their two grandchildren and are all just ‘over the moon’ about their little addition. Tessa said that she and Dallas so wish they could be with them, but will only be able to visit them later in the year. Dallas and Tessa, we hope you will soon be able to meet your little granddaughter.

Isn’t she beautiful?

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Rose and Ron King’s grandson - Edward Joseph Revell, was born

in Kent, England, to their daughter, Dianne, at 11.01am on the

12th February 2016 - weighing 3.29kg. Father,

David and sister, Abigail are very proud of him.

Isn’t it a coincidence that last year we were camping at Eagle View when Dianne and Abigail were visitors and they joined in with the line-dancing. Again we were at Eagle View and Edward came into the world. Dianne and her two little ones are planning to come to SA later in the year for a visit. Just look how Abigail has grown and is so proud of her little brother.

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Dave and Beryl Kotze are so blessed with the safe arrival of their fifth grandchild. Their daughter CJ and husband Mark Ralfe are incredibly proud with the birth of their baby boy, Benjamin Douglas, born on the 17th February 2016 at 11:18 little brother to sister Jocelyn. Oops I nearly made an error. I had it as their fourth grandchild and when I added it up I realised that it is their fifth grandchild in two years. Enjoy your grand kiddies. They are so lucky growing up together with their cousins of the same age.

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Look at the photo Joci meeting her brother for the first time so cute.

Congratulations Tessa, Dallas, Rose, Ron, Dave and Beryl on your precious little grand kiddies. May they bring lots of love and joy to your lives. Watch this space- there is still one more grandchild to be born soon. This little one decided to keep Ant & Wendy, grandparents to be, in suspenseT..

Eddie and Belinda Mitchley we once again wish you both a wonderful and a blessed day on the 12th March 2016. May you be showered with lots of love and joy. Enjoy every minute of your special wedding day. God Bless.

BIRTHDAYS APRIL 2016 2nd Rhoda Major 14th Sharon Buys

16th Daryl Kotze 16th Bill Pellew 19th Matthew Campbell 19th Jenny Mitchell 20th Brian Todd 21st Edith Todd

24th Rose King Happy 70th !! 24th Shelli Williams 27th Anita Nefdt 29th Broden Robertson 30th Ken Gillham May your birthday and every day be filled with,” The warm of sunshine, The happiness of smiles, The sounds of laughter, The feeling of love and The sharing of good cheer”.

ANNIVERSARIES APRIL 2016 1st Eric & Alison Cawood (27) 1st Dereck & Anita Nefdt (38) 9th Neil & Lee Campbell (28) 13th Hennie & Charlene Nel (25)

15th John & Nicky Brown (10) 17th Wally & Glenda Bennett (34) 18th Bish & Eva Bishop (46)

May your marriage be blessed with love, joy and companionship for all the years of your lives. God Bless you All ! The 31st DCA Tour started on the 22nd February 2016 and the Tour Leaders are no other than our Ron & Rose King. Both of them have many years of touring experience. They are touring the Eastern Cape and have the local knowledge of the area from their years as residents of the Eastern Cape. At Eagle View they were telling us about it and were very excited.

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They all met at Lake Eland, Oribi Gorge and from there, are touring until the 18th March 2016. I believe there are 15 caravans on tour. Ron and Rose we wish you all of the best with the tour. You have planned since early last year. It sounds amazing and we can’t wait for your report and some photo’s. Dereck and I wished we could join you and hope that we will be able to do our first DCA tour next year. Our deepest sympathies go to Norman and Yvonne on the passing of Norman’s mom recently, may the pain of your loss be lessened by knowing that we are praying for you and you are in our thoughts. Just a small reminder if you would like to share any sad or good news, email me at: nefdtfam@absamail.co.za Hope to see you at Natalia. Keep well

Anita

The suspense is over Ant and Wendy Adnams are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of Grant and Che's baby boy, Thomas Clive Adnams. Born at 11.55pm 24 February 2016 weighing 2.96 kgs.

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View down the valley Yes you are an original

Dereck up to high jinx as usual Peaceful and Tranquil

Is this the latest in technology – a wireless or Bluetooth Jockey Wheel?

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Scribe’s last say. As we did not attend the Eagle View

rally I don’t have much to report on at all. We did however celebrate our youngest grandson Kody’s 3rd birthday recently. What a pleasure it was seeing him enjoying his presents and of course the birthday cake made by mommy.

As they grow older I have come to realise how very short life is and how important they have become in our lives. Appreciate what you have and look after what you have got because it can so easily disappear. Sharon

My parting shot Die with memories and not with dreamsDie with memories and not with dreamsDie with memories and not with dreamsDie with memories and not with dreams

----Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown ----

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SPONSORS

Thank you to the following families for their sponsorship to the newsletter: Wally & Glenda Bennett Billy & Carol Cawood Ken & Noeline Gillham Kevin & Sharon Leonard Gordon, Rhoda & Maxiene Major Dereck & Anita Nefdt Bill & Sheila Pellew Dino & Sally Riley Ian & Philippa Robertson Ron & Rose King Klaus & Evelyn Fischer

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For more information on Caravan & Campworld specials go to www.midlandscaravans.co.za