What’sWhat’s UpUp The Rosedale Newsletter January 2019

special New Year’s message from planning some entertaining events dur- chair Stephen Leibbrandt to all the ing its tenure till the AGM in July. We are ARosedale Service Centre mem- always open to suggestions so, do pass bers in particular and readers in general: on any good ideas you might have. I can be contacted at 082 95 95 911. Food for thought: we’re nearly a fifth of the way through the 21st century and, Besides the social activities we will as we enter 2019, I’d like to wish you as be involved in we’re remain aware of the well as your nearest and dearest only needs of the military veterans that the good things with special emphasis on SA Legion supports and it is with great staying healthy. pleasure that I can report that the tak- The world is moving at a very fast ings for Poppy Day reached the record pace – what with Twitter, Instagram etc. figure of R105,000 which, in essence, – but, at Rosedale, we take the view means 100+ military veterans will be that we’re here to have fun and if it’s at a on the receiving end of the Legion’s wel- slower rate, then so be it. Which means, fare. You’ll agree that’s a great way to dear readers, that the committee is kick off the New Year!

FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS THINKING OF YOU Whether it is in celebratory style (birthdays and an- That’s Entertainment niversaries) or maybe you’ve been poorly (sick or even hospitalised), he little ones from Odette Leach’s perhaps there’s some consolation in Kay-Dee Educare Centre enter- knowing that you’re very much in our Ttained the residents on Thursday thoughts, in particular to Jenny Jewell 6 December to a festive and her family on the passing of Syd season song-and-dance on 28 December. routine and I don’t know who enjoyed it more – WELCOME to Colleen Yeates (2NR) them or us. and David Kenny (109R) who we Odette is, of course, hope have now settled into their re- Lita Gonsalves’ daughter spective new abodes. and you can see the love she has for the kiddies GOODBYE to Daphne Roux who under her care. has moved to the George and Annie Starke Home in Pinelands, as well as Laura Stevens who has moved into a frail care centre in Port Elizabeth where 2 of her sons are based.

1 New Legionnaires inducted anager David Holmes and services and those who recognise and and, having said the formal “I do”, they Exco chair Ray Nesset had the accept the ideals of service to others. It were then formally admitted as members Mpleasure of inducting 14 legion- perpetuates the memory of those who of the Cape Town branch of the South naires on Thursday 6 December. They have given their lives for their country African Legion of Military Veterans. He were: C Buys, L Byrnes, R Docherty, A and fosters the spirit of self-sacrifice, concluded the formal proceedings by re- Ingram, T Kain, N Lefevre, M Melamed, service and comradeship amongst the minding us of the Legion’s motto - Not K & R Newby, S Ritchie, S Sainsbury, living. The Legion stands for solidari- for ourselves but for others – and asked H Shagham, A Tarr, T Venn & E Wittert. ty, upliftment and peace in our country members to serve our comrades and The SA Legion’s mantra, which Da- but recognises that a prepared defence their dependants who are in need or in vid read out and which the inductees force is necessary. distress. agreed to uphold, is worth repeating: Time afterwards for recruits and es- Ray Nessett then asked the candi- tablished members to mingle over a ver- The Legion provides a non-sectari- dates whether they subscribed to these itable spread of snacks and utilise the an, apolitical, national organisation for objectives and their readiness to ad- cash bar on hand. those who have served in the armed vance them in the name of the Legion John Gandy & Marianne Minnaar.

Gill & Andrew McLaren & John Verster.

Inductee Nicole Lefevre, Ray Nessett & David Holmes. Peter Napier, John Woolley & Meg Napier.

Christmas Dinner helped lay the tables, to Nicola Webb A Legion’s Christmas dinner pared in-house. and Sue Gow for taking the pictures and on Saturday 8 December was a Well done, Philippa, and the kitchen Sue for florally adorning each table. jolly affair with a full complement team who served up a delicious three- Robbie Roberts, Exco member Martha Janse van Rensburg, Sof hungry legionnaires and residents sit- course meal. ting down to a sumptuous spread pre- Thanks also to the residents who Peter & Marietjie Muirhead. Daphne Roux & Yvonne Rosslind.

What a Wonderful World special handout of gifts took place in the lounge on Wednesday 12 ADecember at 17:00. This generous – indeed, let me say, unbelievable - contribution to the happi- ness and welfare of Rosedale residents was a tribute to Biddy Jackson and was organised by her adopted daughter Vir- ginia Johnson.

Virginia on keyboard, daughter Debbie Nordien, Diana Woodhouse, Guy Woodhouse & Paul Koning, with grandsons Caleb & Saige

David Brackley, Gail Thornton & Veronica Trollip. Jean Todd, Mary Bremner & Desiré Boltman 2 3 But before the actual handing out to residents who enjoyed tea and biscuits in the lounge, the quartet entertained us with renditions of “Georgia”, “Singin’ in the Rain” and that all-time favourite “What a Wonderful World”.

Del & Virginia get help from grandson Caleb in handing out the Clicks gift vouchers.

The nearly 200-strong audience sings joyfully. The musicians in full refrain.

Christmas Carol Service

his event, under the leadership of Tim Reilly delivered the Bible reading, lounge to the lawns where boerie/frank- chair Stephen Leibbrandt, contin- Luke 19:1-10, and the message by re- furter rolls were dished up that hungry Tues to be an annual highlight. Of nowned Bishop Frank Retief who spoke attendees enjoyed either with a glass course, I’m talking about the Christmas of keeping the door open and answering from the cash bar or a cup of tea or cof- Carol Service which was held on Sat- the knock to let the Saviour in. fee. urday 15 December. Father Christmas arrived in his very Christmas hats off to chair Stephen A veritable number of residents and own custom-made sleigh (created by Leibbrandt who led the team that worked their families and friends were accom- Sue Gow and John Moulder) and hand- so hard on making this an outstanding Sue helps Benjamin to create the nativity scene. Team leader Stephen proudly conducts the choir. panied in song by our very own choir ed out sweets to the audience. evening’s entertainment. as well as members of the Cape Welsh During the singing of “Away in a Choir and the band from St Peter’s, Fish Manger”, children dressed the crib, set- Hoek, with Ralph Kelly on piano. ting the scene for the nativity. From the

Pianist Ralph also gets a sweetie.

Declared the best boerie rolls ever! (And judging by the queue, that claim is spot-on.)

A message of good cheer from Ho, ho, ho … Tim reads from the scriptures. Bishop Frank Retief. 4 5 A-list Christmas Spread

he A-list spread produced by Del Davies and Phyllis Webb on TChristmas Day once again proved to be uit die boeke uit, especially given the economic climate that prevails. How they do it remains a mystery – and these visuals capture the essence of a very special day:

The true spirit of Christmas

till in the spirit of Christmas, the SA Legion spread its message of Sgood cheer to the many military veterans it supports. Here the men at Beth Rogelim Salva- tion Army in the Waterfront receive their parcels on Friday December 14. I carried the message from David Holmes that, courtesy of the SA Legion and, through the shop where Kevin Webb works, clothing has been set aside for this establishment and for the benefit of all who reside there.

Desmond Barnard and Glenn Bock set the scene. A contender for next year’s Santa Clause?

6 7 to separate two consecutive calendar Temporary home to military veterans dates, which follows a 180-degree longi- tude irregularly from North Pole to South ynberg’s 2 Military Hospital is Anthony van Reenen (right) has Pole. temporary home to many mili- been living with motor neuron disease Having written that about Australia, Wtary veterans who are receiv- for nearly five years and is wheelchair- one small (it only has two permanent ing treatment there and as a result will and home-bound, but his dark days residents) outback town in Australia has not be with their loved ones over the are made more cheerful by Coco, a 2½ triple the reason to celebrate: Cameron festive season. year-old golden cocker spaniel who was Corner (on the borders of Queensland, On December 21 David Holmes only too glad to have rubs and scratches New South Wales and South Australia) (back row) and Peter Napier delivered from the Legion’s visitors. and more than 1,300km from Brisbane is gift parcels to Maj. RS van Zyl (left Maj. situated in a rather unique position: it lies Helen Motseane) to be handed out to between the three state’s time zones, these unfortunate individuals on Xmas which are each 30 minutes behind one Day and hopefully bring a little joy into another. These two locals and far flung their lives. party goers alike ring in the countdown with each state on New Year’s Eve. Says old-timer Fenn Miller, ‘We go over to the corner post, we do the big happy new year in New South Wales – then we slide into South Australia and half an hour later we do it all again, and half again later we do it all again in Anthony van Reenen and Coco. Queensland.’ Auld Lang Syne Did you know? “Auld Lang Syne” is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 2 Military Hospital in Wynberg is one and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). It is well known in of three military hospitals in South Af- many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being rica. to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. By The others are 1 Military Hospital in extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to Pretoria and 3 Military Hospital in other occasions. The international Scouting movement in many countries uses it Bloemfontein. to close jamborees and other functions. There are also four specialized insti- The poem’s Scots title may be translated into standard English as “old long since” tutes - the Institute for Aviation Med- or, more idiomatically, “long long ago”, “days gone by”, or “old times”. Conse- icine, the Institute for Maritime Med- quently, “For auld lang syne”, as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be icine, the Military Veterinary Institute loosely translated as “for the sake of old times”. and the Military Psychological Insti- The phrase “Auld Lang Syne” is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton tute. (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711), as well as older folk songs pre-dating Burns. Matthew Fitt uses the phrase “in the days of auld lang syne” as the equivalent of “once upon a time” in his retelling of fairy Goodbye 2018, welcome 2019 tales in the Scots language.

ew Year’s Eve (also known as Saint Sylvester’s Day) is, of Hogamanay, , and Athole Ncourse, the last day of the year and in true tradition more than 50 of us ver wondered where Hogmanay 1561. uses similar ingredients. gathered in the Wreck Room on Monday got its name? Well, the etymol- Today, a person entering the home of Some of the fun facts about the event 31 December to say goodbye (and, for ogy of the word remains un- another is expected to bring them gifts are that for good luck you should eat some of us, good riddance!) to 2018 and E clear, although it could come from the such as , or black black-eyed peas, ham, and cabbage on see in 2019. Anglo-Saxon ‘haleg monath’ meaning bun, before being presented with food New Year’s Eve or Day because it is be- The fires were lit, glasses charged, holy month or possibly from the French and drink by the host, the drink more of- lieved they will bring you money, where- music playing and a grand time was had where in Normandy presents given at ten than not being Atholl Brose (or Athol as lobster and chicken are considered by all. Here’s the proof. Thought you Hogmanay were ‘hoguignetes’. Brose, Athole Brose, named after the bad luck because lobsters can move might be interested to know that Austral- It is believed that the celebration itself 1st Earl of Atholl, who quashed a High- backward and chickens can scratch ia is not the first country to welcome in may have been introduced to land rebellion in 1475 by filling the re- in reverse, so it is thought these foods the New Year. by the Vikings, who invaded Scotland bel leader’s well with the mixture, mak- could bring a reversal of fortune. No, that honour goes to Samoa, Ton- in the 8th and 9th Centuries. The Norse ing him easily captured). It is obtained ga and Kiritimati (Christmas Island), raiders would celebrate the Winter Sol- by mixing brose, whisky and part of Kiribati, while American Samoa stice with lively parties, a tradition that’s sometimes cream (particularly on fes- and Baker Island in the United States of continued throughout the years for Scots tive occasions). America are among the last. celebrating the New Year. Certainly When made with cream the drink is The first three-named islands lie west ‘Hogmanay’ became more widespread rather like Baileys Irish Cream. Atholl of the artificial boundary known as the after Mary Queen of Scots returned to Brose has also become an alternative international date line, set up in 1884 her home country after visiting France in name for the dessert Cranachan, which 8 9 Barking up the same tree

ur very keen and active group of dening matters these past years. She garden enthusiasts met recent- has been a leading light in seeing the Oly and, led by manager David grounds reach the stage they’re at to- Holmes, discussed ways and means of day: simply lovely given, amongst oth- creating even more attractive surrounds er setbacks, severe water restrictions. at Rosedale than we enjoy at present. She’s handing over a fine set of reins A working committee was formed, and will be quite content just to – as she each member being allocated his or her puts it, “Do my little patch”. She contin- area of responsibility, with Kevin New- ues, “Thanks to all those residents and ton unanimously being voted in as chair, the staff who have supported me in var- who will invite feedback from each dele- ious ways and to the gardeners who gate to be discussed and progress mon- A hearty round of applause to Sue have assisted.” itored at monthly meetings. Gow for her sterling contribution to gar-

Days of our lives Reminders n 21 January (nicely slotted in A reminder that the next Social between Christmas and Val- Dance evening will be held on Friday Oentine’s Day) the Americans cel- 18 January 2019 at 19:30 – cost R15 ebrate Hug Day which I consider to be a pp. Bring your own XYZ and enquir- wonderful opportunity to express our ad- ies to Carmen on 021-6857045 / 079 miration for and love of those around us. 191 7371. We don’t show physical love nearly enough and it is a proven fact that peo- A memory-jog about Jimmy’s ple who hug on a regular basis have Golf Day on Friday 29 March, a closer bonds and trust each other more fund-raising drive for 71 Signal Unit than those who don’t. So, expect a hug (the SANDF Reserve Unit) and the from Moi this fine day and hopefully I’ll Signals Association. Details about get one in return. the competition itself, the prizes to be won and how you can contribute can be read in the attached. What I A new look don’t have to remind you about is how much Robbie Roberts has done for orn and raised in Ireland, Matt He is no stranger to Rosedale as he Rosedale; now it’s our turn to recipro- Tennyson did his last two years of is a member of Admiral Halifax Moth cate so get to it, guys! Bschooling in South Africa before Shellhole that meets once a month at being called up for National Service. Rosedale. Because of his limited knowledge of I’ve been struggling with pagination Afrikaans he ended up joining the Per- problems in creating What’s Up news- manent Force where he spent eight letter and my Christmas present was an years. offer from Matt to do it in a more profes- He then spent more than three dec- sional format. ades as a conflict journalist, travelling to So, readers, this is the first issue in a war zones around the world, reporting, new format and what I’d like from you is photographing, and filming. your reaction and comments. He is currently the editor of Military Enjoy. Despatches, a monthly on-line maga- zine that has just over 90,000 readers. Come rain or shine, Cavendish Square management continues to Share your copy of the newsletter with a support Rosedale via its bi-month- friend or tablemate and if you remove the ly bus service to and from the mall. Anne Huddy collected money that newsletter from the noticeboard in order to was handed to Mr Jacobs for his read it please put it back for the benefit of others. safe driving skills and helpful attitude. Till next time – keep smiling Some have only utilised this service once or twice, but still they dug deep to make a donation and their contri- bution is highly appreciated. Sea- sonal good wishes and thanks were The Rosedale Service Centre Committee emailed to Lana-Maree Arendse at Cavendish Square. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the SA Legion or Rosedale Service Centre and/or its members. Ideas for future articles can be relayed to Lucille Byrne s flat 211 Rosedale tel. 021-6854375 / 083 558 4900 email [email protected] 10