Port Alfred - page 6
Mr. Fawcett used to run the Kowie Announcer the little local rag. I'd love to get a copy of the 1966/1967 winter papers for the rugby reports. They lived out there on the west flats somewhere. Faint memory seems to suggest that his name was Nigel.
Hey maaaaaan, how could I forget Tick Bain and his dog Binky ? Tick's father was Uncle Tom (and auntie Iris) who worked for the DC. His brother was Geddes Bain. Once playing for the under 15 B's at Graeme College, Tick burst through with the ball. There was only the fullback to beat. The touch-judge, a scholar, kept pace with Tick down the field. When he reached the opposing fullback, Tick dummied a pass to the touch-judge, the fullback tackled the touch-judge stukkend and Tick swerved infield and placed the ball under the posts. He converted with a neat drop kick. 5-nil. (A try was three points in THOSE days). Once Tick, Ronnie Field and I drove our bicycles right out to Martindale. This was a major trip. Saw Grant Britten a few years ago - I also played centre with him at school, with Bags Kelly. Grant still sees Tick and says he's well. They lived up on Southwell hill, first turn to the right I think. A house with a balcony.
Man ! These are good people. Had lunch with Des Bramwell of Delta last week. Des was at Rhodes with some of the skebenga's appearing in these pages.
Anyone remember the days at the Vic when, if you were there at 'cocktail' time in the pub, you were given prawns, fresh from the river, or ollicrocks as a snack ? What ? You don't know what Ollicrocks are ? Cuzzie....where have you been ? <sigh...shakes head....mutters...damn pomegranates...>
I spent a year in the Air Force Gym at Valhalla after getting a first class matric pass at Graeme (one distinction).
Arthur Weston was the Methodist Minister in Grahamstown. His prayers for rain during the droughts brought a tear to many a hardened eye.
And James ("Just call me James") Masterton - who has so (may we say masterfully) well taken over the family coffee business. Isn't it interesting how far afield you'll find the Masterton coasters. Just quietly efficient with attention to detail. Well done, sire James.
And who remembers WALLY the Ferryman ? Used to cost tuppence to cross from the East Side to the West Side - The concrete jetty's were still there when I last looked - with the landing point on the West side near to St. Martins On The Ferry.
And Tony Welch ? Who lived in his boat moored at the Old Mill ? A professional fisherman. Last I heard Tony had married a Philippines chick.
Eden Bradfield drove a sparkling MGA which was must admired by us youngsters - I think he also bowled left-handed. Then Boetie Elliott lived down on the East Flats and drove a left hand drive DKW sports car if I remember correctly. There used to be lots of "droggies" (little black berries which made one's mouth very dry) roundabout there. Once I bought a Ford Transit panel van for R 150 in PE and Clarence Reilly built a wooden bed and furniture inside it for me for another R 150. I toured through the Kruger National Park in it. What a pleasure !
Butch and Gail Isenberg. Butch's name might have been Alan. Then last I heard he was in East London - at Elco Distributors ? Was his - or his Dad's name Maurice.
Boet Nel - his sons Winston and Mickey (stoutgat - also known as Twallas). Whilst at Graeme College Winston always used to have those little, I think they were called "Robin" motors and their buzzing could be heard up at Grant House and the annex all afternoon. I think Winston also had an interest in powerboat racing. They lived up on the east bank, close to Mrs. Elliott's shop. Close to where Geoff Elliott (brother Winston), sister Dianne, lived. Dianne, very sadly, passed away at a very early age. Derek Fish was also at school with us - I remember when they had a little springbok hansie in their yard. They lived along the road from Uncle Jokes Wright. Derek joined the police after school.
Who knows where John Jerome is these days ? (Fabian) (scrumhalf). Elder brother Peter.
