JANUARY 2018

____________________________________________ Address all correspondence to CCSA Natal Midlands Ph: 033 396 3051

P.O.Box 100983 Fax: 086 206 6335 SCOTTSVILLE 3209

2017/2018 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 Shelli Williams 033 396 3051 079 899 2941 ccsamidlandssec@gmail.com

Treasurer Billy Cawood 033 330 8116 072 428 4957 accsop@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 033 3965612 083 647 9985 shaz108@yahoo.com Assets Master Terry Schefermann 033 386 7250 083 382 7671 terry.schef@mweb.co.za

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Hi Midlands Welcome to 2018 and a happy New Year to you all, I hope that you all have an exceptional year filled with an abundance of health, wealth and many rallies with friends. I trust that you all had a restful and blessed festive season and you are ready to take on the New Year ahead.

To those of you who wrote exams at the end of last year, congratulations especially to our matriculants, I hope you all

achieved the results you wished for. Good luck to those of you moving on to university/college, etc. work hard and enjoy.

Our last rally, the Christmas Rally at Bushwillow Caravan Park held over the weekend of 1st – 3rd December was again a great success (the weather as usual didn’t play ball and I am beginning to wonder if Bushwillow ever has good weather, the wind was so bad that 2 of our members in tents hired a chalet to sleep in on

Saturday evening), we had a turnout of 25 vans and 3 tents inclusive of 3 visitors. On Friday night we had our traditional Christmas carols, thanks again Noeline and Rhoda, followed by sweet mince pies and sherry. The children’s party on Saturday morning was very well attended and it was great to see so many youngsters again at a rally. Santa Clause arrived and distributed all the gifts to the children. The hall was prepared by the ladies for our Christmas dinner and we got busy spit braaing the meat, thanks Dino for helping me all day long and thanks to Dereck and Ian for carving the meat and all the ladies for the salads, etc. The food was great and the music fantastic which was evident of all the folk still on the dance floor at midnight. Sunday at friendlies we drew the winners of the vouchers, Williams and Riley and I presented the

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celebrants: Dereck & Anita – 88th Regional and Neil & Lee – 22nd Regional with their respective discs. The four Christmas hampers were drawn and awarded – thanks Shelli & Maxiene for making them up. Another very successful Christmas rally came to an end. The organisation for Rally South Africa 2018 is well underway and we have 26 Midlands members attending, I am really looking forward to seeing the approximately 250 members of all the regions together at one venue. Those of you that are going should know by now that Midlands have been tasked with the gate and parking marshal duties so please come forward and offer your services to help, contact Sally. I will update in the next newsletter. There is a Provincial meeting on 20th January and Rally SA will be discussed at length, I will report back next month on the outcome and decisions made. Our next rally, the first for the year, will be held at Queensburgh over the weekend of 26th – 28th January. There are presently no marshals for this rally so please, if you would like to marshal, give Sally a call – see elsewhere for rally details. On the subject of marshals, Sally is still looking for marshals for the other rallies during the year so please come forward and offer to marshal, it is not difficult and is quite rewarding and you also get to know your fellow members a little better. Sally is waiting for your call.

“Don’t fight a battle if you don’t gain anything by winning.”

-George S Patton-

“”– Cheers for now, safe towing and God willing I’ll see you at Queensburgh

GordonGordonGordonGordon

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2018

Welcome 2018 and to a Prosperous year of caravanning.

NATIONAL RALLY AT QUEENSBURGH 26- 28 JANUARY 2018 Our first rally will be held at this popular park, hoping we have good weather in order that we may utilise their beautiful swimming pool, as we always seem to only go there during the winter months.

***** MARSHALS ARE NEEDED FOR THIS RALLY ******* PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE

A WhatsApp was sent on the Midlands Group, I am yet to hear from anyone who would like to marshal. COSTS: R120.00 adult per night

R75.00 under 12 years per nigh R30.00 voluntary donation toward Rally SA goodie bags, etc.

Day visitors: R45.00 adult R35.00 under 12 years

If there are more than 10 caravans for the weekend the Thursday night will be free for those wanting to go down earlier. Intentions for the above rally need to be in by no later than Saturday 20th January 2018. REGIONAL RALLY AT RIVER VALLEY 23- 25 FEBRUARY 2018. We will be visiting this beautiful park again this year. Costs: R70.00 per adult per night

R40.00 under 12 yrs per night. R30.00 voluntary donation toward Rally SA goodie bags, etc.

I will keep you posted of the upcoming details regarding the rally. NATIONAL- RALLY SOUTH AFRICA 30 MARCH – 1 APRIL 2018. RICHARDS BAY

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As the KZN Regions are hosting this memorable rally we need to know who will be able to arrive at the rally by at least the Wednesday 28th March 2018. Gordon sent out an email on Friday 12th January 2018, to date I have heard from 4 families out of the 27 that sent in their intentions. A lot of planning needs to go into organising, as you are aware Midlands Region have been assigned the smooth running of the Gate and Parking marshals. Please can I hear from you ASAP? PLEASE REMEMBER RALLY FEES OF R20.00 IS PAYABLE AT EVERY RALLY. A small request, please don’t use the CCSA Midlands Facebook Group to give your intentions – either whatsapp, email, sms or give me a call. All the best and cheers for now. Sally Cell 082 372 8093 Email: rileysds@gmail.com

NEW MIDLANDS GEAR Terry has placed the order for those who gave him an order at the

Christmas rally, so I am sure we will be receiving our clothing pretty soon.

RALLY DATES AND VENUES 2018. Note September has a venue change.

Christmas rally also needs to be changed as Torwoodlea is fully booked, I will keep you posted of a venue. DATES VENUE MARSHALS 26 - 28 Jan Queensburgh 23 - 25 Feb River Valley 29 Mar – 2 Apr Rally SA R/ Bay Midlands Region 27- 30 April Drak Gardens 18- 20 May Villa Spa 22- 24 June Karridene 27- 30 July Corian’s 24- 26 Aug Queensburgh –AGM Committee 21- 24 Sept River Valley 26- 28 Oct Bushwillow 16- 19 Nov Power Boat Club 7 – 9 Dec TBA Committee

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I am really needing marshals for 2018, don’t hesitate to please contact me, send me a whatsapp or email when you will be available, Many thanks Sally

Knocking on the Door Nationals- 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, etc. (round disc)

Williams on 20th Fischer on 121st King Dallas on 99th next 100th

King Ron on 196th Castle on 49th next 50th

Cowan on 21st Robertson on 22nd Mitchley on 23rd

Todd on 23rd

Boardman on 23rd Driemeyer on 93rd Major on 97th Grove-Mitchell on147th Varrie on 8th Kotze Daryl on 8th

Regionals – 22, 44, 88, 110, 132, 154, 176, 198, etc. (square disc) Williams on 17th Mitchley on 19th

Driemeyer on 129th

Kotze Dave on 86th Gillham on 192nd Robertson on 21st next 22nd Buys on 83rd King R on 172nd Siepman Lindley on 147th Provincials – 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 etc. (gold disc) Todd on 4th next 5th Gillham on 34th next 35th Rawlins on 9th next 10th Castle on 9th next 10th Cawood Billy on 9th next 10th Robertson on 4th next 5th

Riley on 24th next 25th Schefermann on 9th next 10th

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Engelbrecht on 14th next 15th Increase your National Milestones and see you at Queensburgh rally.

CLASSIFIEDS

MIDLANDS SHIRTS –

at a reduced price.

There are Midlands shirts (R40.00) caps and are also available at a reduced price.

CCSA Green Windbreakers Sizes 1 x M, 2 x XL & 2 x XXL available at R150.00 each Contact Sharon 083 647 9985

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 083 647 9985, I will be more than happy to insert it in the newsletter.

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THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Twas but weeks before Christmas And all through the camp; If you weren’t strapped down tightly, You slept cold and damp! Let’s just get this out of the way so that we can move on: There was wind!! A wind that regularly varied between a mild, cooling breeze to a blast so strong you could fly a kite under a ground-sheet! Did this hamper the Midlands Christmas celebrations? NOT A CHANCE!! Enough said about the weatherP Whilst a handful breezed in (oops, just broke my own rule!) on the Thursday, most of the 25 vans and 3 tents enthusiastically arrived on the Friday at the wonderfully maintained and picturesque Bushwillow Caravan Park. Jacks and straps down, monies paid, it was off to the hall for carols-by-candlelight. Noeline and Rhoda once again put a fantastic arrangement together with the subsequent mince pies and sherry serving to soothe our well stretched vocal cords. What can we say about Des and his Christmas tree? I suspect he must have used a theodolite and GPS to hang the decorations. PrecisionP proportionP perfection.

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Saturday morning most rose early, alighting from their vans and flat pancake tents to make the short journey to the ever-popular Farmers Market before Santa was due to arrive. Arrive he did with a bag full of prezzies to the glee of both young and young-at-heart. Thank goodness for reindeer and sleigh: If Santa used a hot-air balloon as his chosen ride, it would have been disastrous. With Maxiene (now known as “the Sergeant-Major”) in charge and Shelli as her able assistant, hamper items were efficiently collected and divided into not 2, but 4 fantastic and colorful packages. Thanks to all for your thoughtful contributions. Thanks too to Anita for taking charge of the His and Hers gifts and to all the ladies for their salads and puds. If I learned 1 thing about how to properly spit-braai 9 roasts, it is to appoint Gordon and Dino ”Quasi Modo” Riley as chefs and to have them completely ignore the unsolicited advice of the multitudes that weren’t getting their hands dirty. The exact same can be said for properly carving said 9 roasts, except in this case you appoint Derek and Ian. Unlike the tongue-lashings men must endure from their wives, Des’ delicious lashings of tongue were a real treat. Well done to the 5 of you. Your concerted and time-consuming efforts really blew us away (Oops, I did it again!). Mid-afternoon, the hall underwent a remarkable transformation from what resembled a boarding school cafeteria into what can only be described as a tasteful explosion of festive cheer. Congrats to all for your decorating skills. Finally the tree did not look so out of place. PARTY TIMEP. Bellies full, hampers and gifts disbursed it was time to dance up a storm (Sorry, I just can’t help myself). With DJ Morne reading the crowd better than a politician can dodge a tricky question, the tread on more than a few pairs of shoes wore down to stockinged feet. In true Midlands style, we partied the night away with gusto (Borderline?). It was a real blast (Dammit!!). Sunday morning arrived, rudely interrupting some deep slumbers. All too soon we were gathered again for friendlies where celebrants were announced, vouchers drawn and committee members, as marshals applauded. Terry and Gayle (the person, not the weather phenomenon) finalized orders for our new kit and then it was off to unstrap and pack up till next timeP Grant

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SPECIALISING IN:

• PROPERTY TRANSFERS - COUNTRY WIDE

• ANTENUPTIAL CONTRACTS - COUNTRY WIDE

• DRAFTING OF WILLS - COUNTRY WIDE

• ADMINISTRATION OF DECEASED ESTATES - KWAZULU NATAL

• UNCONTESTED DIVORCES - KWAZULU NATAL CONTACT : GRANT FOR PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Telephone 033 396 3051 Email: grant@willaw.co.za

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Hallo-Hallo Midlands. We are so blessed to have all our members safely back at home from holidays and traveling. Hope you are all relaxed and may 2018 be a wonderful year. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Grant Williams, Shelli and family with the passing of his brother at the end of November last year. Kevin Leonard has been in & out of hospital. Kevin’s foot and part of his leg (middle of his calf) was amputated. He went home on 4th January 2018 and much happier at home than hospital. The wound is healing well, better than expected and sister Sharon is giving all her TLC to the patient. It is wonderful news and I am sure Sharon will have more to tell under scribe.

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Karen Grove- Mitchell had a restriction in her neck and had surgery done on the 27th December 2017. Everything went well, no infection and was discharged before old year’s eve. For a few of our members the New Year did not start off on a healthy foot. Johnny Engelbrecht was not well at all, very short of breath and no energy. He was admitted to hospital on the 2nd January 2018, and had a stent put in on the 8th January 2018. Johnny was discharged on the 10th. I spoke to Johnny on Saturday. He said he is feeling better. Glenda Bennet was admitted on the 3rd January 2018, underwent various tests and scopes. Glenda had surgery done the next day. Had her gall bladder removed and repairs to her hiatus hernia. Isabelle Mare had a nasty fall but is on the mend Please pray for Kevin, Karen, Johnny, Glenda and Isabelle for speedy recovery after their operations, etc. and good health. I am not aware of any of our members who are ill or who were ill. If so please let me know. Wow - our Midlands matriculants made us proud. I will start with ladies first; Nicky (Nicola) Siepman, got 2 distinctions in English and Life Orientation and an entry to Bachelor Degree studies. Chloe Browne passed and will be doing a dress-making course this year. Ryan Browne passed with exemption. Ryan will take a gap year while he decides which field of study he will choose. CONGRATULATIONS, Nicola, Chloe, Ryan and the proud parents and grandparents with the excellent results. Congratulations to Kelly Riley who has worked hard to reach her goal and studying part time. She has passed her degree in Zoology & Physiology. Well done Kelly it takes discipline to study on your own. Congratulations to the proud parents Dino & Sally and I am sure Kelly appreciates all the support & encouragement you gave her. Congratulations to Kylie Buys obtaining her Masters in Bachelor of Science. Kylie has also got a work offer in Cape Town. Well done Kylie and we wish you all of the best with your 1st job. Congratulations to proud parents Rudy and Sharon and all

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your support and moving of furniture over the years paid off well and I know Kylie is very thankful to you both. She would have not been able to do it on her own.

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 2018 2nd Dave Varrie 3rd Ron King 8th Neil Siepman 12th Jason McKenzie

13th Heidi Nel - HAPPY 21st !!! 14th Val Evans - HAPPY 65th !!! 18th Maxiene Major 18th Claire van Wyk - HAPPY 30th !!! 22nd Ruth Varrie - HAPPY 65th !!! 23rd Sally Riley 23rd Neil Campbell 24th Marion Coady A birthday is the most special day in one’s life, enjoy it to the fullest.

ANNIVERSARIES FEBRUARY 2018 2nd Ron & Rose King (38)

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow. Congratulations to Sean & Petro Castle’s son Brad on his engagement to Ashleigh-Ann Hughes on 26th November 2017. Sean & Petro are very excited to gain another daughter in law. Des & Elaine Shaw have asked me to let everyone know that their son Greg is doing so much better. His wounds have healed and no skin graft is required. He is back at work and doing very well. Des & Elaine also want to thank the Midlands family for all their concerns, care and prayers. It is much appreciated. We wish all our scholars the best of luck going back to school on 17th January 2018. Hope all your uniforms and stationary is ready for the 1st day back. Enjoy school and study hard.

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Ouma & Jamie Jamie & Father Christmas Doing as Grampa does Jamie sitting on feet on the table daddy’s lap RALLY SOUTH AFRICA 2018 – RICHARDSBAY: Hi Guys, Believe it or not but it is in 10 weeks!!!!. We are trying our best to make it a great success but cannot do it on our own. We need everyone’s help and co-operation even if you are not attending the said rally due to circumstances, any help, and contribution will be greatly appreciated and will make a difference. Sunshine Coast Region;- are doing kids activities at Rally SA. Louise Lombard from their region has put out a request if members could please collect tin cans, polystyrene veggie trays and pretty bits e.g. buttons, bows, ribbon, pretty paper, pieces of material/fabric or anything that you could think of which the kids can use for some crafts. There are approximately 100 children. Please start to collect and contact me and I will make arrangements to collect and hand over to Juliet or Louise from Sunshine Coast. I will be attending a Provincial meeting in Durban on the 20/01/2018. If anyone has goodies, let me know and I will take what we have with me or bring to Queensburgh rally. Goody Bags: We seriously need lots of goodies for 250 bags. It doesn’t necessarily have to be 250 of the same item. We realise that it is a lot to donate of the same goody. If we don’t have 250 of an item we will replace it with something else but will ensure that all the bags have even goodies. Any donations and cash will be very welcome. Please contact me on 083 403 8957 – (H) 033 3864494 - Email: nefdtfam@absamail.co.za Shelli Williams and I will do the purchasing of goods, together with Juliet Spieker from Sunshine Coast. I had a long chat to Juliet and we will be working together & she is very happy that we have come on board as well.

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• I also need wool and lots of it ☺☺☺☺ If any of you have any wool lying around please let me know as soon as possible.

Just to remind you that any donations given, you will receive a letter to that effect – if required. Midlands family I know you will come forward as always. Many Thanks in advance. Hope to see you all at Queensburgh.. Lovies Anita

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Unfortunately we were unable to attend the Christmas Rally as Kevin was referred to Albert Luthuli hospital in Durban for an assessment of the foot and to undergo vascular stenting on Monday 4th December. However because a rash that he developed, the doctors decided not to do the stenting until the rash subsided. Kevin returned to Albert Luthuli on the 14th December after complications with “donkey foot”. He spent the weekend in hospital receiving treatment to try and save the foot which however did not happen. On the 20th December he had mid-calf amputation. The doctors were very sympathetic and allowed Kevin home for Christmas but had to return on the 27th December which meant that he spent New Year in hospital. After a lot of soul searching on Kevin’s part and persuading the doctors, Kevin came home on the 4th January. He felt he would heal better physically and mentally at home. So with lots of TLC and huge dose of patience I am doing my best to monitor his sugars and meals and making sure that the wound heals. So far the wound is looking good. He is still due to have another operation to cover the wound and the stump allowed to harden before he can be fitted with prosthesis. We still have a long road ahead of us. Thank you to the Midlands family for the cards, your kind wishes, thoughts and prayers. It has carried us a long way. Thank you must also go to Stephan and Juliet

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Spieker, Lindley and Jean Siepman and Ed and Bee Mitchley for visiting Kevin while in hospital and I was in Pietermaritzburg doing what I needed to do. With all that said our rally attendances will be limited but we wish all a wonderful caravanning year.

Cheers for now Sharon

My parting shot:

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light” – Helen Keller

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Pre-owned Caravans and Trailers for Sale:

2001 Jurgens Fleetline Price: R 89 950 Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

BUY THIS CARAVAN! Best deal in our yard by a long way!! Caravan is in very good condition and sleeps 4 people with an island bed and double bed dinette. Comes with; - Full tent - Groundsheet - Rally Tent - Rally sidewalls - Spare wheel - Gas bottle - Crockery - Fridge - Microwave This caravan won't be here long so if you in the market come and view it.

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2016 Jurgens Safari XT65

Price: R 59 000 Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Fully kitted 2016 Jurgens Safari XT65 trailer for sale. Comes with; - Howling Moon Trailer tent - Tailgate Patio - Fridge slide - 40L Snowmaster Fridge/Freezer - National Luna Battery management system - Jerry can holders - Jerry Can - Gas bottle holders

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