Regrettably this forum is being closed to further messages because of continued abuse. The situation will be reviewed when time allows.

hic!!! - Hi Rosie - I am so sorry to hear of your parents hard ships - but on the lighter side, Fats Goveia played goalie for our Parker Primary soccer team - (+-1963!) He was so good looking that I cut out his photo from our local newspaper, the Broken Hill Observer, and placed it in a locket around my neck and wore it for years afterwards!!!! I met him a few years before he died and he actually blushed, when I told him the above!!!

Life's too short not to forgive (whatever the circumstances) - and remember, the wheel always turns.

hI rOSIE,

i'M SO SORRY T

I went to the Dominican Convent in Woodlands, Lusaka (1975-80)but found your site because I am looking for information on Theo Goveia. This man (is he a man or a devil) has just contributed to the loss of my parent's thirty years of hard work building and running Gwabi Lodge near Chirundu in the Zambezi Valley, Zambia. After grabbing the business, (lots of corruption and injustice involved and from I hear, Goveia was instrumental) Goveia retained my parents as managers (what a laugh), but my father caught TB of the spine and lay immobile in the mission hospital for seven months. During this time, Goveia (in journalist-speak, only convicted criminals are referred to by their surnames) decided to turf my 70 year old mother out of the job, and so the accommodation, which meant she spent weeks camping on the banks of the Kafue River with my sister. We think Mugabe is evil. He is nothing compared to this Goveia (whose brother Fats, by comparison, was lovely). I do not wish harm on anyone who has hurt me because I can forgive them. But I cannot forgive anyone who has hurt my loved ones.

John Seal
Were you with Colonel Annand at Chalimbana?
You might like to e-mail me at colincarlin@tiscali.co.uk
Colin Carlin
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Enough of our foolish youth! What came next? I came over to England to study for a degree in London and then went out to Northern Rhodesia as an Education Officer and was posted to Chalimbana Training College to train
teachers - I had only done a few weeks teaching practice as part of my own training. Talk about the blind leading the blind! But that was the way of it in those days - and I don't think we did too badly! Comments please...

kills - should read skills and trip the light fantastic!

My husband has promised me a new keyboard - my 15 year old daugher has also promised not to drink coke over the key board!!!!!

Hi Colin and John,

Had a giggle at the reference to "Strip the willow" and "Dashing white sergeant"

After a short stint in Wales, came back in 1965 on the 'Windsor Castle' on route to Zambia and although only 15, was allowed to the 'Captains Ball'.

At the time, could only rock n' roll/do the bosonova/ limbo etc - and remembering feeling like a fish out of water when asked to dance by an officer - I decided that, come what may - I'd learn - every dance step I could.

When I got to boarding school in Salisbury in 1966 - I eagerly enrolled in ALL the dancing classes available.

Sadly todate, have not used the dancing kills taught to me - Maybe we should meet John and trip the light fantatic!!!

Apparently, there is no one down this lane..either they don't know about this site, or they can't place me. Either way, it's a dire shame. Anyway, thanks for keeping me on your page for so long!

John and Beth
I think that we were a tame lot compared to our predecessors! I can't think of anyone bunking out at night except to spook the School PK bin carriers! What were they called then ? - something deeply unacceptable now a days I suspect!
While there were some modest romantic excitements, meeting girls at night, out of bounds, was surely something beyond our ken?

Who remembers Mrs Newham's Scottish dancing classes - Strip the Willow - Dashing White Sergeant and all the rest.
Then there was the extraordinary freedom of "Bob a Job Week" when boarders mixed with day boys and girls and went about the village meeting real people in their homes.

This School site has a reputation for being a bit more than a "hows it now" caching up session although that is good and dynamic too.

Can we record some of the oral history of an extraordinary, very temporary and now long gone era by posting our memories and exploring some of the more difficult issues.

I tried by being rather provocative - what about the rest of you? We lived in a very peculiar culture. Much of it can be justified - British Colonialism at least from the 1920s, had very many good points although all the younger generations would be amazed to hear anyone seriously attempting a defence of what they now regard as the indefensible.

There is a whole tradition of those School trains down South. The barricaded teachers, the essential off-license taxi dash in Bulawayo, the seductions or worse.
For some reason, someone's mother fell off the train and was found the next day walking along the track in a daze of some sort!
There was the kindly matron whose husband had been treed by buffaloes on the Kafue flats. It was a very small tree and every time he let his feet drop from the branches the buffaloes licked his legs. First the boots then his skin. Eventually after some days their abrasive tongues and desire for salt did for him.

There are lots more stories out there - lets have them?
Colin Carlin

Hi Beth

Your story is very similar to mine! After I grew out of Codrington I went to PE in Salisbury, as it was in them days. I went by train from Lusaka to Bulawayo and then on to Salisbury. We always arrived in Bulawayo at breakfast time and can still taste the mixed grills! On the train we engaged in such pleasant pastimes as lemonade fights up and down the corridors - you know, with a bottle of lemonade well shaken, held upside down, and then squirted at your opponents. Such innocent pastimes...
The school trains always carried two teachers, one of each sex. I never came across any of them - they wisely kept to their own compartments!

Keep up the story telling....





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Colin
Many thanks for that! It reminds me vividly of my experiences. We must have had tea with the driver
on at least five occasions, and we never got caught when we broke bounds! The luck of the devil!
We never tried jumping on or off a moving train.
For a time I had a girl friend who was the daughter of the Mazabuka station master, and I used to break bounds, on my own, to meet her at the bottom of their garden, next to the loos!
This would all make a great Carry On film!

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John
I love the story of the midnight tea breaks.
I used to spend the short holidays with Mr and Mrs Edmonds at Magoye. It was too complicated to get home to Abercorn and my great uncle Jack Venning had been Native Commissioner there in the really old days. Mrs Edmonds was an excellent teacher at Codrington and her husband was the Station Manager at Magoye. I used to wait at the "Down" Points and jump the Garrets and ride to the Up Points through Magoye siding. The Driver and the especially Firemen were really hard characters. The tea was harder still - only stirrable with a thumb! Although the trains slowed for the points it was a lively jump and I had to face the right way. Leaving the huge loco was extra fun as the Driver always blew steam so that I had to jump from the foot plate in a cloud of mist and hope for the best!
Colin Carlin

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Hi John,

I went to school in Salisbury and used to go down to Bulawayo by train for half term. Kids used to jump on at the different stations - share a cigarette from our 50's packet of Styvesant)jump off at the next station, then catch the train back home. My daughter finds it hard to believe that we caught a train let alone spoke to strangers !!!!

Were you at school with Bailie Bean?? His daughter is a very good friend of mine.

Here's a web site for you to look at : www.niner.net/nr/bboard - its the Great North Road web site and a brilliant site for catching up with old friends.

Hello Colin and Beth. It was wonderful to get such a quick response. Codrington in the 40s... HM was (John) Chadwick while I was there.
Housemistress was Rose Twycross - Miss Tick we called her. Memories...
Recovering from a dose of flu and not at classes. Climbed a tree at the
back of the hostel and fell off a branch at about 6 feet above the ground.
Broke my right arm at the elbow. Miss tick strengthened me with a glass of sherry (My first ever!) while we waited for the doctor to finish his round of golf etc at the Club. When he eventually set my arm I was sent to hospital in Lusaka by the evening train. My Mum and Dad lived there so I was home for the holidays early. But more anon - like how we used to break bounds in our pyjamas to meet the midnight train and take tea with the driver!

John Seal
I am sure that we would all like to hear more about Codrington in the 1940s - Do please share you memories -
Who was the headmaster?
Do you remember other staff members?
And Pupils!
Who were the stars and what schools and careers did they go on to?
Do you remember the library in the little old kitchen behind the main building of the old school? It was full of relicts and ghosts from those pre-war years.
Colin Carlin
Early - mid 1950s

MNazabuka - new name for Mazabuka (blush!)

1952 - sorry John!! (LOL) Nice to see someone posting on this site though. You must have many wonderful stories to tell us from the "early MNazabuka days".

I was at Codrington from 1938 to the early 1940s. Anyone else around who goes that far back? Or did time begin in 1950??

Thanks Rob - will give you a ring closer to the time. I went out with Derek Cantley - (went to Di Godson's 21st with him!!! - how old am I!!!) Would love to chew the fat with Doug when passing through Maz.

Am having such fun getting onto all the Zambian web sites - see the Elephants Head (now Tuskers) is still going in Kabwe!! My sister had her wedding reception there so we'll have to stay a night there.

My daughter and I were staying at the Blue Marlin in Scottburgh at the time of Kenneth Eva's death - no papers - no cells - no radio - (heaven) that's why I never heard about it! Searched the net last night - how horrific and like everyone says, he was such a wonderful guy. Thomas, Kenneth, my brother Mike and I "stole" old man Eva's bakkie one day to shoot quali - we were racing through the elephant grass on their farm - Kenneth and Mike on the back of the bakkie, when we hit a huge wooden pilon - they flew off the back into the bush, the bonnet flew open and water from the radiator spewed everywhere. Needless to say, four very sheepish teenagers had some explaining to do - after their long trek back on foot, to the farm house!!!

Are you related to the Lusaka Buchanans??

Hi Beth
Still in touch with Doug. Should you want more information give me a ring on 033 - 343 1106

Thanks Rob - are you still in touch with Doug?

Do you remember Betty van Staden - she married Jeuf (sp?) Venter - I heard they were still in Maz. Would love to see her again.

Pity there are no Mazabuka folk going to the Jozi Jol in Johannesburg on the 2nd August - apart from me - and I spent most of my life in Broken Hill!

Kenneth Eva was murdered on the farm he was managing in the Eshowe district of KwaZulu Natal. He was murdered just over a year ago. The last I heard of Tomas Eva was that he was working in the Mazabuka / Lusaka district. This information was given to me some years ago by Doug Cantley who is still in Mazabuka

Hi there,

I didn't go to Codrington, but did live in Mazabuka for a while - please can someone tell me when Kenneth Eva died and does anyone know how to get hold of Thomas, his brother?

John Dabbs is married and living in America.

We're going up North next year - and was looking for lodges to stay in in Zambia - I see Vernon Cantley and his wife run a lodge outside Makushi!

Yeah, I agree, Clive. I guess we should be careful not to impose on people's privacy. Irene thanks a ton, though, I have already left a message for Keith to contact me.
If you want to contact me personally, my email address is opportunityfarm@mweb.co.za

Careful, guys - your messages are seen by everyone!

QT - Irene Logston wrote:

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Jenni
I had a thought the other day - since you live in SA - I'm going to give you Keith's phone numbers... then you can phone him at your leisure...
Home no: 012 6603274
Cell no: 0827778209
When you speak to him, remind him that he owes me an e-mail!!!in order to get his address
Sincerely

Ian Singer, Hi
Thank you so much for the wonderful website on George Crockett - I remember him extremely well - I cannot remember if this particular day was a one time deal, but he was giving us singing lessons. I don't know what the problem was with us students, but they did not seem to co-operate with him - he got so angry that he stormed out of the classroom! He and Mrs Olga Barrett were great friends...
Olga Barrett and my parents were friends. She died many years ago in Sinoya (spelling?)died in her sleep.. we attended her funeral in Salisbury.

Hi there Gervaas Douglas - sorry about Derek's accident - too bad - he was in my class at Codrington - remember him well - as a matter of fact we used to correspond for a while after my family moved to Salisbury. You enquired about John Dabbs' whereabouts - my oldest son and I opened a bed and breakfast lodge in Vic Falls and used to get visitors from up North - one person was actually from Mazabuka, can't seem to remember his name - he has/had a vegetable farm in Maz - anyway, we spoke once about all the remaining people there and he mentioned that John Dabbs was living in Harare. Just after our conversation, I bought an illustrated coffee table book on the great Zambezi and lone and behold, there was John's picture together with the other two authors/photographers on the back cover of this wonderful book...
This book is still at the lodge as it is still going strong amidst the dire political and economical struggles. My son, Russell concentrates on the American hunters and has so far been the only one in Vic Falls making business...

Hi there Ian Gauntlett
Remember you well from our class - I note from your e-mail address that you reside in the States..
My husband, David Logston is/was an anesthesiologist. He retired some years ago due to post-polio syndrome.. we met on a medical missionary trip into Zambia - he stayed at our lodge in Victoria Falls and that particular year, I offered to transport some volunteers since I had a VW Microbus and the team was short of transport - Dave was my passenger in the bus as well - what are the chances of people meeting on a trip like that!

Hi there,
Yes, I'm 11 years younger than Mickey (he insists we call him Mike now!)
Kenneth Eva's murder was absolute headlines in SA and such a tragedy. One of the many farm murders we have to contend with here. I'm also a farmer, but our area (touch wood, so far) is very stable and safe. Let me know when you are coming to SA and I'll send you Mike's address & phone number. Hopefully it will coincide with his home stint. Mike also moves wherever the money calls - he was in Angola for a number of years and only went to Liberia last year. Regards

Hi there Jeni
Thanks for the update on Mickey - I have a grandson in Secunda whom I visit whenever I'm there - would love to try and look Mickey and his family up next time I go - I think my brother, Stephan does contract work in Libera - he moves around wherever the money is! I do recall hearing about Derek's accident - I also heard that Kenneth Eva also died - that is sad. Our parents were great friends and we used to visit often...
Thanks for the update and Jeni, I still have not heard from Keith, but hopefully he get's onto this website sometime and sees our messages!!! haha
Were you younger and Mickey? I think he was probably a year or so younger than me - that is if my memory serves me correctly!

Hello Irene,
I see you remember my brother, Mickey Slabbert. Just thought I'd give you an update. He's married with SIX kids, lives in Secunda, South AFrica and works in Liberia. He comes home every three months for a short break, then goes back. He works with the geologists and builds roads through the bundu for them to prospect the areas. I don't know if you heard, but Derek Cantley died in a motorbike accident many years ago.

Since discovering this Website, I am surprised at how many names and faces I remember - it's been a long time but here goes: Clive Green, Colin Addis, Orville Horton, Mike Berry, Michael Arnold, John Dabbs, Susan and June Snook, Rob Buchanan, Jeniffer Milner, the Cantley brothers, John Dabbs, Freddie Weber and Sheila Weber, Mickey Slabbert, Japie du Plooy, John Faulkner, Spike Jones, Willie Boshoff, Heila de Smit, Snookey Bean, Alida van Rensburg(killed in car accedent some years back), Jannie Oberholser, Paula and Naomi Fourie, Piet van Wyk, Japie du Plooy, Jannie and Loutjie Mare, and of course the list of teachers as mentioned on the Forum...
Is there anyone who can remember more names of that era??? Interesting!
Estelle, I forwarded a photo of my children and I which has not been acknowledged, did you receive them???

Jeni,received your message... I have not got Keith's new e-mail address, but he promised to e-mail me as soon as I returned from SA.. I am back in the States now, and will gladly forward his address to you as soon as I receive it...

Hi, I couldn't believe it when I read the mail from Irene! You won't believe how many times I have wondered where in the world you could be!!!! We used to be great friends. I would love to hear from you. As I have asked Margie as well - it would be great to see photos of what you all look like now. My e-mail is: estell7@bigpond.com Anyone from Codrington/Mazabuka is welcome to e-mail me. My sister Cora is now visiting me from South Africa. Her first visit since we moved to Australia in 1986, I've been back to SA a few times as all my family still live there.

Hi, I'm actually Mario Lusse's daughter, Trina
My dad went to codrington from 1960-1963
I am writing a book about him, and would anyone have any pictures, or storys i would love you to contact me

sweety_pie58@hotmail.com

Irene Hi,

It's great to hear from you. I have been in contact with Keith and he told me you were living in the States. I had been looking for you all for ages - so it is really great to hear from you. I have also been in contact with Estelle who is living in Australia now.

Would love to keep in touch so please email me on
margie.martin53@ntlworld.com.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Take care

Margie
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Still looking for my best friend (at age 10!), John Meadows, who was at Codrington, then Gilbert Rennie. May have gone to Durban via Harare, where (I believe) he worked for the Zim post office. unno what we'll be able to talk about, but am very keen to give it a try! Clive Lawrence ex 2246 Ridgeway, Lusaka.

I just saw your message, Irene, and was thrilled to see that you know and have seen Keith Luden. His father and my parents were best friends and he was also my godfather. Could you please let me have his email address?
I would so love to make contact with him.
Thanks and regards
Jeni Smithies (nee Slabbert)

I seem to have lost the information posted, however, I attended Codrington from 1955 - 62. What a wonderful surprise to see so many familiar names - My maiden name was Bezuidenhout - would love to hear from former pupils during that era... I am visting SA at the moment but reside in America - I remember you so well, and Estelle Botha and Margie Allison, was actually looking out for you in the 90's at one of the Zambian Reunions! I am in touch with Keith Luden - as a matter of fact we visited last night and he referred me to this website... what a blessing this is - we joked last night as said "isn't it funny how people reach out to their past when we you retire???" haha Hope to hear from you soon...

Edited by author 03-12-2008 07:56 AM
it was great to find this site. I lived in Monze from 1970-82 and would be glad to find any contact from Mazabuka: namely the Ticklays, Ginwalas or Mukadams. I am now based in Jeddah and work at the University of King Abdul Aziz with my husband, Zaki.

Only just discovered this site - Codrington School. I remember many names but in particular, Margie. Hope you can remember me, we were friends and spent a lot of time together! My sister's name is Cora. I remember your parents cafe - you lived across the road from it. I now live in Sydney Australia with my husband, two sons and two grandsons. I also remember Olga Barrett, we used to visit them on their farm. Have told our kids about the pet lions. So good to read about all the people from Mazabuka! I seem to recall many names, but can't remember faces - think I was a bit young! I would love to hear from you.

Edited by author 01-04-2008 12:29 PM
Neil
Good to hear from you after all these years. Do you remember our adventures on Lake Chila? Sorry about the Astronomy. I don't know where that came from.
Mail me at colincarlin@tiscali.co.uk?

Hello. After browsing Google Earth to find Mazabuka (not bad resolution but I can't locate the old school site), looked for a Codrington School website and was delighted to find it! I was there 1954-55, then two years at Gilbert Rennie followed by return to UK, senior school in Northampton-shire, architecture degree at Oxford (not astronomy at Cambridge as Colin Carlin suggest under his 1954 school photo, but an interesting idea!), moved back to my roots in Edinburgh, 22 years in architectural practice and 15 as an historic buildings consultant, now retired to the Kingdom of Fife, just across the Forth from Edinburgh, and playing much golf. Would like to hear from Colin or others who knew me. Many memories of the old school to share, but I'm not good at names!

I have created a Group for Codrington on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4768529447&ref=mf
if you want to join.

Gervas

Margie:

Many thanks for your note about John Meadows. Yes, please ask your brother about him - I'd love to make contact again.

Best wishes

Clive Lawrence

QT - Margie Martin wrote:

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Hi everyone, have just read all the latest messages and would like to respond to some of you:

Clive Lawrence - John Meadows was a friend of my brother's Pat Ellison. Last I heard of John was that he was living and working in Durban. My brother Pat might have more information so if you like let me know and I will ask him.

Kobie Koornhof - Yes you do remember correctly - I am Pat Ellison's younger sister. Pat is now living in Australia.

Lisa Niblett - I was sorry to hear about your mom. She was a lovely person. I knew her, Diane, Marylin and Sally. I was more friendly with Sally and Marylin. I used to work for you mom during my last year of college when I was home for the holidays. I used to help on a Friday when she did peoples hair at the Golf Club. All the ladies in Maz were so happy when you mom returned from the UK where she had studied to become a Hairdresser - there was no hairdresser in Maz in those days so it was all home done or you had to go to Lusaka. Sally and I were good friends - she worked in Barclays Bank and I worked in Standard. The last I heard of Sally was that she had moved to Ireland. I shared a flat with Marylin in Harare. I would love to hear from both of them. Please give my best wishes to your Dad, Lionel, Sally and Marylin if possible.

Rob Buchanan and John Whitaker - My apologies that I have not been in touch recently but things went topsy turvy for awhile. Are not back on an even keel but I am not sure if I have your correct email address so would love to hear from you both again.

My new email address is margie.martin53@ntlworld.com

Take care everyone

Margie Martin (nee Ellison)

Ian Hi, I have moved from Edenbridge in Kent to Northampton and have changed my email address. My new email address is margie.martin53@ntlworld.com Please could you send me details of my password etc as I cannot enter the site. Or would it be better to just re-register?

Many thanks

Margie Martin (nee Ellison)

Cam across a mention of John Meadows. This must be my boyhood best friend, 'cos he lived in Mazabuka before coming to Lusaka. We were at Gilbert Rennie together and the last I heard, he was working for the post office in Zim.

ANy news? Would love to make contact.

Edited by author 06-08-2007 05:20 PM
Hi all,
Wow. This is really something. I just discovered this site now after a tip-off from my girlfriend in germany. I dont have time right now to really go through everything, but just reading familiar names has me in dreamworld! or should I say Memoryworld. I only spent six months at Codrington in 1955. During the second half of the year my parents took long leave which we spent in Britain, and when we came back my father was transferred to Monze, where I had to restart school. I will have to speak to my mother. She still corresponds with some of the old crowd so she might even have some missing info you could insert here.

I,m currently living in Cape Town. Working for the provincial government training staff in the use of our Computerized accounting System.

My Brother Christopher is living in Worcester where he is the Chief Administrator of Eben Donges Hospital.

My Father Dawid took early retirement in 1965 and bought a wine farm in the Robertson district. My "little" sister and her husband are now on the farm.

My father passed away in 2001 at age 80. My mother is still living in Robertson. She wiil be 81 on the 1st july this year.

I Dont remember much about Mazabuka, but I would like to hear from people who were family friends. Two names come immediatly forward. Vaughan Burgess and Alan Blythe. If anyone is interested please drop me a line on my e-mail. rudwulf@xsinet.co.za.

Regards to you all.
Dolf.

Hi to all who remember me. I was also surprised to find this site I was at Codrington from 1953 to 1959. Both the old school and the new school and then to George VI HS in Broken Hill/Kabwe. Now live in France.

Hi All,

WOW - up all night till late when I first saw this site. Now, finally, making the time to send some messages.

I was at Codrington from 1952 to 1958, in both the old school and the new school. Then to SA for high school and university. In 1987 my family and I moved to Canada. My e-mail address is koornhof@telus.net

My brother Donnie was a few years ahead of me, he was a contemporary of Tony Postma, Ferdie Van Biljon, Keith Lord, Frikkie Van Tonder, etc. Sadly, he died of a heart attack at age 49.

Ian Singer - I have some photo’s which have been scanned, and would like to post them to the website – can you let me know how? Also, I have numerous names to add/change to the 1954 school photo - shall I e-mail everything to you? If so, please let me have your e-mail address.

Margie Martin – Do I remember you correctly as Margaret Ellison, Patrick’s sister? I will be posting a photo of the cricket team, likely 1957, with Patrick standing next to “Michael John Christopher Jackson” Hartley – do you remember how we all tried to say his names as fast as we could?

Moira Buchanan – Hi Moira, how are you – I couldn’t believe it when I saw your posting – I remember you and Martin so well – I see you sitting in the front row in the 1954 photo , and Martin in the third row (next to Michael Edwards). Martin is just down the road from where I am in Vancouver, British Columbia. You may remember Joseph "Porky" Mellon – of course I bumped into him at a rugby match in Vancouver!

Lisa Niblett – I remember Lionel Erasmus very well, but I don’t recall Ronnie. No surprise that Lionel is successful in business – he was always focused, “on the go” and ready to “get cracking”. I have a very clear version of the 1954 photo, which I will e-mail to you.

Marianne Postma – So sorry about Tony – he was 3 or 4 years older than me, but well remembered – a fine, dashing bloke! I knew your father very well – “Charles Allen” and I were together at Codrington for 5 or 6 years. If you e-mail me at koornhof@telus.net I will share some more information directly with you.

Jenni Maccallum – Yes, I remember Olga Barratt and the cubs. Before a spot opened for me in the hostel, I boarded with the Barrats on their farm just outside Maz. The cubs were in full swing while I was there, and I even have a video of Raymond, Andrew and Ian playing tug of war with the lions and an old “mieliesak”.

Colin Carlin – The only bit of politics I recall was that my brother and I were not allowed to speak Afrikaans at school. Interestingly enough, the only “aggro” that I experienced from any of the teachers, was from a fellow Afrikaner, Mr. Bertus Van Wyk, who for some reason took a dislike to me.

Kobie Koornhof

Hi All, I have not visited the site for some time and and what a great surprise to see all the messages and a lot of names that I remember. I was wondering if anyone knows the whereabouts of Olive and Keith Luden as it would be great to get in touch with them again. My email address is margie.martin53@ntlworld.com . I look forward to hearing from anyone that remembers me.

Note to Ian: I have moved from Edenbridge, Kent and am now living in Northampton

I am looking for Dennis and Christina MacKinnon's email address. Should anyone who reads this know them, please pass this message along:
Dennis and Christina,
I have lost track of you, again! I know you are in Barbados. Drop me a line:
cgordon@scils.rutgers.edu
I am living in New Jersey now and working at the university.
Carol Gordon

I was at Codrington from 1956 to 1959. Do you have any pictures from that era?

Gervas

Ian Singer Could you please contact me - I found have some photos of Condrington in the early 1950s that might be of interest.

I was at Codrington from 1963 to 1967 when I was sent to boarding school in the UK. My Parents moved to South Africa in 1970 and I followed where I finished my education. In 1976 due to a family bereavement we packed up and came to live in Lancashire. I lost my father, Bill, in 1981 to cancer. My mum still survives and lives in the same locality as Jane ( my wife ) and myself. Jane and I have been married 25 years and have a 15 year old son. I have been in the Police Service now for 28 years and frighteningly can retire in 2009. I lived on the research station and was very friendly with Karen, Ken, David and Beryl. I often reflect on a very happy and safe childhood. I have enjoyed viewing Bob Edlingtons pictures, amazing. my e-mail is djo608@hotmail.com

Edited by author 03-26-2007 04:58 PM
I was at Codrington from 1963 until 1969. I knew Ken, David and Beryl Eglinton very well as we all lived on the Central Research Station and travelled to school together every day. I am now a teacher in Hampshire and have 2 grown up daughters of my own. I look back to those happy days at Codrington with a smile - I feel very lucky to have gone to such a lovely school which has stayed with me for all these years. Best wishes to all the other ex-pupils.

I wish to get in touch with any person or persons that might know the whereabouts of Terry Stuart, The Bakers and all those that once worked at Nakambala Private school in Mazabuka Zambia between the years 1983 to 1988. email me if you can schoolzambia@zonnet.nl

 
hey just dropping a line to say waht's up. new girl on site and in america...was out of the country for a few years.
hi!

Hi. I worked at Nakambala Trainingschool from 1990-1992. I am trying to find a teacher who also worked there. His name is :Celvin Malambo. He was married and have three kids.
My e-mail is : inliol@online.no

Ireally hope to find him:
Thanks in advance.

Are you looking for Mike Berry who left Codrington in 1963 and was brother to Bruce Berry. If it is then the last I heard he was living up in Zambia. He is married to Thomas Eva's sister who works in Lusaka. The only contact I have for Tom Eva is through Doug Cantley who's e-mail address is
kapinga@microlink.zm It may not be the same Berry as the Mike Berry I am referring to was a sales representative in Cape Town
Regards
Rob Buchanan

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Edited by author 01-06-2007 06:21 AM
Looking for Mike Berry - friend of John McConnachie - I beleive he moved to New Zealand and became a Doctor, maybe a gynocologist.

Kim is trying to find him. Kim of Kim and Hilary who stayed with the Knowels family in Zambia and married John McConnachie.

Any news would be welcome.

I am living in the United Kingdom email Kimmymc@hotmail.co.uk.

Thanks so much. Will pass on your greetings. Take care Lisa

Hello Lisa,
My maiden name was Moira Buchanan and I lived at the Central Research Station when attending Codrington. I left Northern Rhodesia for Scotland in February 1963. All the best to you and all your family for 2007. Hope your book goes well for your Dads birthday. Moira

Thanks so much Moira. I'll pass on your regards to Dad and Lionel. What is your surname (maiden name). Best wishes for a great 2007. Lisa

I thought Ronnie had married Janet Stening. I knew her and her 4 sisters very well. Often staying on their farm with them at weekends. Janet, Diane and Marylin were at King George, Broken Hill with me. I am very sorry to here that Janet is no longer with us. She was the same age as myself, therefore I was closest to her. Diane being only 10 months younger than Janet she used to hang around with us also.
 
I can remember being at dances, film shows, etc. with them but cannot really tell you anything that would be interesting for your fathers 65th. birthday. Age dims the memory I'm afraid. Please tell both Ronnie and Lionel I was asking after them.

Lionel is living in SA very successful business man, Ronnie's wife's name was Janet nee Stening. Sadly Mum died a few years ago. If you can tell me some stories, please let me know. email address below.

Delighted to hear about Ronnie Erasmus. I also know his brother Lionel. What is Ronnies wife's maiden name? I lived in Mazabuka for 20 years and often spent evenings at dances, etc. in there company. Would love to hear more about the friends I knew way back in the 50's and 60's.

That's great re Ronnie Erasmus, I'm is daughter and I am putting a book together for his 65th next Sept and I am trying to gather photos of his school days, if anybody can send me some I would be so grateful. My email address is the_nibbles@hotmail.co.uk.

He still lives in Zambia, Mazabuka. Great farmer and fantastic person.

Marianne Postma
I remember Challen and Tony Postma slightly but I remember Lesmeri rather better.
She was at Jean Rennie too. I always enjoyed dancing with her at the ball room dancing classes on Friday nights and at the (too) infrequent Saturday hops.
She was particulary light on her feet and a very good dancer and although younger, an engaging dance partner! Perhaps she took ballet classes too? If not she should have done. Moira Shearer (Red Shoes) came from N'dola after all!

Yes I recall Ronnie Erasmus at Codrington and at Rennie
He was in Denny House in the mid 1950s

Did anyone know a Ron Erasmus

Have just found this site. Great to hear about so many of my school mates. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. I was at Codrington from 1952 until 1958. I then went to King George VI High, Broken Hill. I now live on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. I have 2 children. A Girl then a boy and 4 Grandchildren. My brother Martin lives in Oregon, USA. Working in the computer industry.

This is what Colin Carlin wrote in 2004(message 30):
"Hello Tony Watson and all the others who survived under Mr Shipman's stern rule. As I remember I was not amused by his South African attitude to Children nor was I was very happy with his attitude to me! Mrs Newham, Mrs Shehee (?) and the great Mr Potter were outstanding teachers esp. Mrs Newham."
This is a nice thing for me to read. I am Mrs Marion Sheehy's second daughter - it is good to know that my mother is remembered so positively as a teacher. My elder sister, Pat Sheehy, attended Codrington as did I for the first few years of my schooling. Mrs Barratt and Mrs Hartmann seemed to lay fantastic foundations - I learnt to read, spell and write very quickly. My mother also taught my class as a substitute teacher occasionally. I can't say I remember those times with pleasure. She was probably keen to show the other kids that there would be no favouritism - so she was pretty strict with me! Lots of names mentioned on this message board are familiar. We lived at the Mazabuka Research Station and I have great memories of extraordinary freedom.

Edited by author 10-26-2006 12:33 PM
hi my name is telisha,am 20 and living in zambia, well am not familiar with codrington school,but am looking for a man who was working for nakambala sugar company he must have been an engineer or contractor,he worked there between the years 1963 and 1966,he is swedish,,all i have is his first name roy nun(of which am not very sure of)he and my grandma had a child my mom,,,,mom is now 40 she will be 41 in december but has never seen the dad,,,,my grandmom name is lucy mzizi she was zimbabwean tho she was working as a maid here in zambia by then.my grandma died my dad died whn i was 6 i never got to know anyone from my dads side but i wud love to know anyone from my grandpa`s side,so pliz anyone with information i wud be greatfull,my email is is:telishawill@yahoo.com. pliz email me if you have anything pliz

We moved to Mazabuka 50 years ago. I remember the Dabbs family by name (my visual memory of adults of that era is somewhat hazy). We also knew Eddy Kirby from whom I think we rented a house for our first year in the area. In the second year we rented a house from a farmer called van Veuren. Neither houses were blessed with electricity.

Eddy Kirby had a large farm and a hell of a lot of cattle (40,000?). Does anyone know the family or the Dabbs? Nice people.

Gervas

Hi, not sure how I stumbled across this site, but just checking up on some of my past. My dad was the doctor at Nakambala. leaving in 1974, when I was living in south Africa ( which I did, happily, for 24 years, now back in England )I saw many familiar names - Charles Coxes mother, for starters, was delivered into this world by my dad when we lived in Altrincham, Cheshire, so them meeting up in Zambia was a real coincidence in itself. I am still in regular touch with Diana and Gordon Swann. They lived in Swaziland for many years and I used to visit them very often. They now live in Canterbury and are both remakably well.
The names Dabbs and Eva are very familiar too .. would love to hear from anyone who remembers my folk.My sister Liz and family live in the same village as I do in Northamptonshire ( Titchmarsh ) and brother John lives near Cambridge. Jane.Finlayson@Dial.Pipex.com

Good God. Wandering around the ether and found this site. Such a long time and so many memories. I was at Codrington from 1959 to 1964 (I think!) then went to Gilbert Rennie. I remember well, Ian, your visit to Chikankata for holidys. I seem to remember you had to go back alone because I had (yet another) dose of tonsillitis. In those days it was 4 times a day shots of intramuscular penicillin! I am now living and working in Taunton Somerset as a consultant anaesthetist. Five children, two step children, two dog, 4 cats, 2 sheep and 6 chickens. MY eldest son William has just left (last week) to go on his medical student elective to Chikankata, making him the third generation Gauntlett to live and work in the place. My memory is poor so I remember few names, except I do remember the evil Mrs Saunderson and the kindly Mrs Anderson. I remember the Slabberts, and still remember having the s**t knocked out of me by one Johannes Klopper! I'd love to hear from anyone out there who remembers me! My e-mail address is - littlebickleyian@aol.com. - Ian Gauntlett

Sorry - I can't import the photo of the Codrington 1st XI 1945/46 but I will keep trying.
The team - Roger Boyd has the pads on. Fred Eyer, son of an American missionary, seated was captain. Back row – Robin Seal, me, Shepherd (major), Ronnie Robertson, Jan Fereira. Squatting – Julian Zunckle, Tommy Rowe and Shepherd (minor). Where are they all now?? Pushing up daisies? (Note – the Zunckle farm was bought by John Fynn)

Hi Helena, cc Ian, Hugh & Larry

Saw your messages - I was at Codrington from 1942 - 1947; same era as your uncle Carel whom I remember well. I’m sorry to hear he has died. I stayed on your grandfather's farm with your Dad for a long week-end. We went on a hunt for duiker in the mealie lands at night - very scary as we heard a leopard grunting not far away. I learned how to plough with a span of oxen on the farm; a great experience.
While your grandfather was saying grace before dinner on the Saturday Carel winked at me – thinking that the prayer was over, I burst out laughing at Carel. Oh dear – I have never been so embarrassed in my life as grace was only ½ way through. I didn’t know how to make amends or apologise as I knew no Afrikaans in those far off days.
I wonder if you knew a friend of your father’s Jan Fereira – see photo attached.

I also stayed on a nearby ranch / farm run by Robert Boyd father of Roger (see photo) who was also a pupil at Codrington. We nine year olds asked Roger’s father if we could go out hunting with a .22 rifle. “Definitely NOT” said his father. So instead we went out with our sheath knives looking for some fun accompanied by their little black & white terrier. You’ll never believe me but what did we kill on our hunt? A kudu !! Unbelievable, on our stroll, the little dog chased a herd of kudu and managed to trip a young cow up as it ran through a donga. Quick as a flash we boys were onto it before it could get up. Imagine the look on Roger’s father’s face when we returned to the house carrying the buck on a pole.
Those were the days – there were only about 20 boys at Codrington then. There were a few girls, like the lovely Pat Robertson, who were day scholars.
One boarder I remember well was Desmond Allies, who later played hooker for Cambridge University XV sometime before I went up to Trinity College, Oxford in 1957.
I have a story to tell about John Trew, the kind-hearted teacher in the photo below. I was in standard 2. Apropos of some misbehaviour on my part during class, John Trew called out “Whitehead, you’re as stubborn as a mule”. My reaction was to lose my temper – I stood up, red in the face, and blurted out “If I’m a mule, you’re a baboon”. Everyone including the teacher was stunned into silence at my cheek. Std 3 and 4 boys were all taught together in the same room – that’s how small the school was then.
The matron, dear old Miss Twycross, used to take us out on Sunday exeat to a Kopjie she called Council Rock for a picnic. [I remember seeing 4 or 5 dinosaur footprints near the rock. I went back in 1961 to photograph the amazing footprints but guess what ? Shame - the whole bloody hill had been excavated to use as material for road building]. On one picnic a boy named Lloyd threw a stone into a cave where we knew there was a bee hive. Out came the bees and stung everybody. Matron very nearly died from well over a hundred stings she suffered – she had to be rushed to hospital in Lusaka. One senior boy had the presence of mind to throw a blanket over her otherwise she certainly would have been stung to death.

I was made Librarian in 1945 – how well I remember the little yellow card indexes and the smell of the books, most of which I had read. The library was also used to mete out corporal punishment – I had to bend over & suffer six of the best from Unger for some trivial misdemeanour.
Best wishes
David Whitehead
----------------------------------------------------
Ian – for your album here is a photo of the very glum looking Codrington Cricket team taken in 1946. We were glum because the Head Unger, seated next to John Trew, was an absolute bastard who bullied us horribly. I still have a scar on my shin from a fielding practice he made us take part in.
Names - Roger Boyd has the pads on. Fred Eyer, son of an American missionary, seated was captain. Back row – Robin Seal, me, Shepherd (major), Ronnie Robertson, Jan Fereira. Squatting – Julian Zunckle, Tommy Rowe and Shepherd (minor). Where are they all now?? Pushing up daisies? (Note – the Zunckle farm was bought from Julian's sister by John Fynn)

Hi there, Ian,
I have lost my user name and password, so cannot get into the site. Could you please send it to me? I also wanted to let you know that my mom has just published her book on her life in Northern Rhodesia and thought we could let all the members know. It is a great read and brings back so many memories of the crazy antics we got up to those days. It is titled “Bwana Kakuli” and sells through either Trafford.com or Amazon. I think that every one of your members will identify with the book and would sincerely appreciate it if you could spread the word.
I have included a few excerpts for you:
Bwana Kakuli is the true story of a spoiled, young woman who meets the man of her dreams and follows him to wildest Africa. Spanning over seventy years, it is a story of adventure, passion, humour, courage and of a deep love, for both her man and the wilds. Told in her own words, this book relates how difficult it must have been to adapt to this new life and to become subservient to a man like Kakuli. The humorous escapades with strange creatures, as well as the encounters with some of Africa’s most dangerous animals, make this book well worth reading.
PREFACE
As wild as the buffalo after which he was nicknamed, as steadfast as the trunk of the great baobab, as gentle as the gazelle nudging her newborn, he was Kakuli. He was my love. As a spoilt, demanding young woman, I married this man and he took me to wildest Africa. It was here that he taught me the magnitude of love, the harsh lessons of humility and the raw instinct to survive. This book tells of passion, humour, adventure, dangerous encounters, but most of all, it is the story of a love that endured challenges beyond belief. It is my story.
EXCERPTS
The elephant’s trunk flew skywards, his ears flapping in earnest, as he let out a shrill, threatening trumpet. He charged swiftly towards the bakkie, dust flying from his thundering feet as the distance between us closed rapidly. True to Cecil’s word, the elephant stopped short a few yards from the bakkie, then it pretended to pick at a nearby tree, but its beady eyes never left us for a second. I heard a click as the bendix slipped into place, just as the monstrous mammal again threw its trunk up, shaking its head violently from side to side, preparing to charge at us yet again. The bakkie thankfully started and the labourers scrambled onto the back as Cecil pulled away, leaving the enraged animal in a cloud of dust.

Cecil put up a circular structure made from bamboo and sticks, covered with grass. Within this structure he dug a pit toilet and then erected another structure under a tree, from which he hung a paraffin tin with holes in the bottom for us to shower. Each morning I would stand under the tin and Cecil would pour a bucket of water into it. The first cold water that hit your body literally put you into a state of shock, but once you were dry and dressed, you felt invigorated and were ready to face the challenges that the day would bring. He also planted four poles under the baobab and put a little thatched roof on top, which made a shelter from the midday sun.

 “Joan, fetch my gun.”
“What for” I asked, surprised.
“Just get it quickly” he shouted and I knew something was terribly wrong.
I grabbed the rifle and ran outside, but the crisis was over. As Cecil had stepped from the car and walked towards the house, a rabid dog had run at him from the bush. Leaning against the outside wall of the house was Cecil’s sjambok, which he grabbed and pushed it into the rabid dog’s mouth, in this way keeping the dog at bay from attacking him, while he called for his gun. Our dogs kept their distance, almost as if they sensed the danger in the diseased animal, but Butch, our Bull-Mastiff cross, ran forward and hit the dog with his rump and knocked it away from Cecil. The saliva from its foaming mouth splattered all over my dogs as it shook its head and headed for the bush. I looked at the dogs and realised that I would have to act swiftly. I bathed each dog thoroughly and only then thought about the fact that I had been dressmaking and by this time my hands were full of pinpricks. My blood ran cold as the realization hit me.

One morning Cecil rushed into the house, his face completely ashen. “I was so lucky I never got bitten” he stated as he looked at me. “I picked up my throw net, which had fallen on the floor in the garage, and I felt something touching my leg, but I thought it was the rope from the net. When I went to grab the rope, I took a handful of snake, which was entangled in the net, but its head was striking at me as I walked with the net. Anyway, I killed the snake, but I am so lucky that it never managed to bite me. I think it was a Rinkhals.”
A few seconds later, Cecil said “Gosh, my leg is burning like hell.”
As we looked down, we saw the two puncture marks from the snake’s fangs, as the blood trickled down his calf. Looking at the wound, his face changed
For more info on the book, please go to www.Trafford.com/05-1057
The ISBN No is 1-4120-6156-3.

I was at Codrington from 1942 - 1947; same era as Helena du Ploy's father Carel whom I remember well. I stayed on your grandfather's farm with your Dad for a week end. We went on a hunt for duiker in the mealie lands at night - very scary as we heard a leopard grunting not far away. I learned how to plough with a span of oxen on the farm; a great experience.

As I am still living in Zambia I have been purposely keeping out of discussions here in, in the hope that a few other names would appear.I was at Codrington from 64 to 67 and remember George Crocket very well and yes was on the receiving end of his sjambok - not a cane!Can anyone remember the time he drove his Vauxhall into the swimming pool? He was a great swimming coach despite himself not being able to swim - Codrington was THE champion swimming primary school during my time.Mrs Saunderson the cook matron - shame she was so blind you had to move your porridge plate quickly to catch the sugar she was spooning out, Mrs Anderson the hostel matron and Mr Swan was the head at the time.Mrs Eva took over as the cook matron I think - I remember her gorgeous grown up daughter that used to visit her mother at Godson Hostel and we all used to literally drool - alas, but quite understandably her very attentive fiance Tony Barclay was never that far behind her!!
I remember names such as: Wroth,Middleton,Shenton,Kelly,Parton,Gosling,Whitaker,VanRensburg, Govea,Brooks,Collett,Dabbs,Arnold,Doyle,Coventry, Kirby,Stubbs,Jordaan,Ticklay,Lusse(his mother was the matron at Choma Girls),du Plooy,Benos,Cavarus and some of the fairer sex Cowley,Hurn,Newbigin ....need some help here, obviously sport took preference at this stage of my life!!
Well I hope I have jogged a few memories.
cheers for now Kim(James)Fraser.

Hi there,

My father Challen Postma, and his siblings Lesmeri and Tony attended your school. Just wondering if anyone has any history on my father, Challen. His birth name was Charles Allen Postma. Lesmeri is living in Hawaii and married for ages to a local, had kids late, 2 boys. Tony was murdered sometime ago. Survived by his widow and 2 children (now fully grown up.)
CHallen on the other hand, had 3 kids with my mother, they were married for 12 years and we lived on a farm called Mazabuka til he left in 1984 - destination unknown, so in interesting info would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Marianne

Hello John,

It has to have been the porridge, the marmalade was also a possibility but I never knew anyone who tried it more than once.

Where are you living and who are you in touch with. I have had contact with Dave Ottman over the years.He is back in Zambia farming bananas on the Kafue just above the confluence with the Zambesi. Ottman is however not completely standard!! I lost contact with John Dabbs when we left Zim in the early 80,s. A mutual friend brought Ian Gosling to see me last year- he is still in Maz.

Hi Roy

Good to hear from you - so it was the Codrington porridge to blame for my irrational behaviour as well - thanks for putting me in the picture.
Cheers

John Whitaker

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I attended Codrington for 1956 to 1959 when we moved up to Kitwe. I vaguley remember the Dabbs family whom my parents knew well. What has become of them? Does anyone know what has become of the Kirbys as well? Eddie Kirby had a large farm with vast numbers of cattle if my memeory serves me right.

Gervas Douglas

--- QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic+19-vgF2mpUqumJ@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I was at Codrington from 1959 to 1964.

Was recently sent the info on this site.

I now live in Jhb and am a shareholder in a manufacturing business.
I remember much about Codrington but particularily the porridge which I think has probably contributed to some of the irrational behaviour I have exhibited over the years.

Nevertheless I consider myself fortunate having had the Codrington experience and the freedom we enjoyed as kids.

Who knows where John Dabbs is now?

Hi Ian,

I was at Codrington 1962 - 1969. Japie du Plooy is my cousin. He is living in Potgiterus, married with two boys and a girl

Regards

Helena

Hi Helena

Not sure if you have just found this 'QuickTopic' space or if you came through http://nrzam.org.uk which has a section devoted to Codrington. There is a list of people there who were at Codrington while I was there. You might recognise some names and be able to get an idea of when you were there.

There was a Japie du Plooy in my class - Standard 2 in 1961 - any relation?


Regards Ian

Hi, I have just come across this website and seen a message from Jennifer Slabbert. We also went to Codrington school. Can't remember the years though, although remember Mr Crockett amongst others. You asked if anyone knows the whereabouts of Annerina du Plooy. SHe is my sister and still lives in Lusaka. She is married with two children, a boy and a girl. My two brothers also still live in Zambia. Abie in Mazabuka and John in Lusaka. My mum is still alive and will be 70 in May this year, my dad sadly passed away. I am in the UK and have been since 1978. My email is nina@farmview.eclipse.co.uk

Rob - if you still haven't managed to reach the Crockett website, email me privately.

Regards Ian

Ian,
I to would like to know more as I remember him well. Could not get the website to open
Regards
Rob Buchanan
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi John ,go to google and it will open .I remember him well, very well. < replied-to message removed by QT >

Ian - I could not get this site to open - would be keen to know more.
Cheers

John Whitaker

< replied-to message removed by QT >

If anyone remembers George Crockett who taught at Codrington in the sixties they will be interested in this family website dated 2003.

http://www.inisfallen.org/inisfallen/georg.../gandlcrockett.html

Hi once again all.
Just a small correction to the dates on the previous e mail so you dont think I overstayed at Kaonga. I was there between 1969 and 1974 not 1976! At the end of 1976 I left Whitestone in Bulawayo for Falcon College in Essexvale, when it (Whitestone) closed down.In fact, my sister Sarah and I were the last pale skins at Kaonga to my recollection.

Hi All.
Wow!! I couldnt believe this site. I am an ex Kaonga Boy who was a day boarder between 1969 an 1976 when I was sent to school at Whitestone in Bulawayo.I still live in Mazabuka about 15 kms from town. My...... things have changed!
I remember Margie Martins Parent's Cafe.The Cafe is now an fuel station.Her Mum used to get the papers from the trains and I remember when my folks,Barry and Ingelby Coxe, who worked on a farm just outside Maz(now Zambia Sugar Plc), went in to get the papers she would tell them "No papers yet today ...The trains are late!!"
On other old Codrington boys mentioned.. Keith Coventry is still farming in Maz, just about 15kms from where i live. He married an ex Kaonga School teacher Eileen Gribbin who used to teach me. Occasionally we remind her and show her my old reports she wrote!!
It so good to see the history of this town. Unfortunately I wish there was somone who could record it all where we could pass it on to our kids. I have 3 young daughters. 2 of them are attending our wonderfull little Musikili Primary School which is situated at Garners Farm 15 kms south of Mazabuka. I dont know if they will ever appreciate the history that has happened here in Maz. It is with sites like yours though that we can tell them. Thanks and keep it up. If you have any questions my address is coxejpmh@microlink.zm

Jenni Maccalllum,

I am very sorry to hear about your brother Hugh. I had wondered what had happened to him.
He was with me at Gilbert Rennie and was a model of moderation and good sense.
Far too many of our contemporaries died in car accidents.

I am also sorry that I have upset you with my comments about Codrington (and Mazabuka).
But that was very much my experience. You were fortunate to have had a better time as a daygirl.
My parents were 750 miles away and boarder's letters were censored.
As must be obvious, I only realised that my message was not a private e-mail to Toni Watson as I hit the reply button.

But I stand by what I wrote - that was my experience of Codrington. It was good in parts -
 I encountered much kindness from the Matrons and others, but. . . . Colin Carlin

It has been quite a while since I last looked at the Codrington web site and I must say I was quite amazed at the vitriole spouted by Colin Carlin - I must have been too young and naive to have noticed any of the politics of the time! I remember Mr Shipman as being a very fair and possibly stern Headmaster but certainly someone that we all looked up to! I spent some time at the Mazabuka Hotel and at one time my parents ran the hotel while the Waterman family were on holiday. I vaguely remember Tony Watson. Hugh Maccallum was my brother he was killed in a tragic addident on the level crossing just outside Mazabuka when he was 23.

Tony
Yes a very distant past and memory growing worse!

Of course it was Mr Pepper not Potter. I woke in the middle of the night thinking that Potter was wrong but not being able to remember Pepper. He went on the be the head master of a large primary school in
Lusaka and he married a friend of my mother's. A good fellow of whom I have very positive memories unlike some of my other thoughts about Mazabuka! Perhaps the political thing was more evident in the boarding hostel and the Boer thing was in very stark contrast with Abercorn where the
Administration actively but privately discouraged South African/Afrikaans settlers for fear that they would spoil the locals. Let us just say that Shipman's view of childern who spoke up for themselves was different from that of my parents who actively encouraged independent thought.

I had just come from settler Abercorn and before that Chelsea, London. and had never encountered Boers before. I had a tough time with them that continued at Gilbert Rennie.
Interestingly, the first comment the few ex Rennie people I have
encountered since has been " what about those dreadful
Afrikaners"!
Even the Head Boy of my year at Rennie who was also Rugby captain and more Aussie than English had his troubles with them.
My run- ins with Shipman were more about politics and his ambitions and my father's political connections than were clear to me at the time. (This is a long story and involves a long weekend I spent at the farm of the local member of Legco that went rather wrong from Shipman's point of view.) He made very pointed comments about me at assembly that rankled badly but which I have only fairly recently interpreted.) I did not understand what he was talking about at the time but I remembered much of what he said. I also did not want to attend the Sunday school that was appalling. It was run for the Salvation Army by an Afrikaans butcher whose first words to us were to threaten us with his large leather belt with brass buckle if we stepped out of line. Sunday School! A very long way from the Cathedral Anglicanism of my maiden aunts in England or even the rather dreadful Low Church missionaries in Abercorn. I had a letter from my father saying that I should not be obliged to go to church etc. if I did not want to but Shipman was furious and would have none of it and I was in no position to stand up to him over the matter (aged 10!)
I will readily admit that much of this recollection is fuelled by the powers of hindsight but I am pretty sure that the contrast between my English upbringing with rather gentle older parents and aunts did not prepare me for Shipman and his crew including van Rensburg who I much disliked but had very little to do with. Mrs Edmonds who taught French was a delight and was very kind to me.
Shipman was Head Master of Rennie for six months while the substantive head was on leave. Not a great success as I recall - he went on to some other smaller school. Do you remember that he wore double-breasted pale grey suits - in Mazabuka!!

Yes Pieter Veldtman does ring a bell. Why?
He is also in the Codrington photo I sent in to Ian Singer for the website. Interesting that Codrington has a much better site that Rennie.
Good to hear from you - I hope that this rant does not put you off but I did not enjoy Codrington very much!
Regards
Colin Carlin

Hi Colin,
A voice from the dim and distant past indeed. I don't recall any of the political stuff you mention. Not quite sure what a "South African attitude" to children is,I must confess. I thought we all got on pretty well. Much to young to worry about that sort of thing. In all honesty I do not think it existed. Perhaps I was even less aware of what was going on around me then than I am now,in my twilight years!

Don't recall a Mr. Potter. Was there not a Mr. Pepper; and was it not he that took a bunch of us off to the Rhodes Centenary exibition in Bulawayo one year? We all stood in long lines waving our little Union flags when the Queen Mother walked past.

Must agree with you about "old Shippy" I think most of us feared him and as I recall there was little affection either way. To this day I carry the scars he laid accross my backside with his cane No doubt well earned!!! I also recall being kicked out of the cubs for smoking! Ciggies were 8 for a penny. Perhaps it was his job to discipline us and teach us "manners maketh man". Well, he certainly did that.
Does the name Pieter Veldtman ring any bells from our time at RCS?

Hello Tony Watson and all the others who survived under Mr Shipman's stern rule. As I remember I was not amused by his South African attitude to Children nor was I was very happy with his attitude to me! Mrs Newham, Mrs Shehee (?) and the great Mr Potter were outstanding teachers esp. Mrs Newham.
More than anything else I now remember the social conflict between the Africaans and South Africans and the "English" from Abercorn and the other out stations like Fort Jameson.
Perhaps it was jusr a matter of cultural shock?
Any views?
Colin Carlin

Does anybody know of, or remeber any of the following who boarded at Kaonga at the same time as me;
Pius Simvula (from Malawi,)Billie & Jakie Derkson probably living around Boksburg SA, Robert Wainwright,Derry Rodgers,David Kay(last heard of in Newcastle UK),Shirley Cousins, Marina Erikson? (may have the surname wrong but there cannot be too many Marina's in Zambia)any of the Couvaras family (Mr Nick Couvaras had a large retail business in a small place between Mazabuka and Choma)in addition what about the teachers? Peter Naido, Mr Wells (housemaster)who would now be in his nineties, Mr Carlisle who as reported elsewhere on this message board is reputed to have married Miss Anderson.Any info on the above would be welcome as would any other names from pupils at Kaonga from 1968-1970.

FAO Jennifer Slabbert,
I boarded at Kaonga from 1967 to 1970, I remember Miss Anderson very well, very pretty and very patient with us rowdy boys! we all new that Mr carlisle had a thing going on with her so I am not suprised to read that you say they married. I have only just discovered the nrzam site and am deeply saddened by Andrew Lean's photo's taken this year.
regards David Bristoll

Hi Gervas the lady tyrant I think was a Mrs Van Rensberg and she managed to peg my foot with a blackboard compass

Just caught the message from Jenni McCullum. Did she have a brother Hugh. As I recall he was a good friend from way back then. Other names have sprung from the murky pool of my memory. Colin Carlin, from Abercorn? Glen and Jane Tillet who's dad ran the dairy? Who remembers the "prison cell" at the police station. We used to go and poke sticks through the door at the prisoners until the officer chased us away. We had lessons in a large opensided thatched pavillion and played bok bok just outside.

I've wandered far and wide, since those days, and never found their equal.

Jenni,

If you were head girl at that time perhaps you can recall the woman teacher who was in charge of horrible little five-year old like me when I joined in 1956.

I think she was Afrikaans. She certainly put the fear of God into us - but very constructively as we got a grounding in literacy and numeracy which would be unimaginable in a state school in England now.

Gervas

I discovered the Codrington School website by chance. It seems ridiculous that such a small school, so far away should still have such an influence on so many people. Looking at the photographs brought back a lot of memories. I was "Head Girl" for 2 years - 1955 and 1956 - prior to going on to Jean Rennie and had wonderful memories of my time at Codrington. I remember Mr Shipman (a great Headmaster), Mr Perry, who sadly died and, who could ever forget Mrs Barratt, our intiation into the awful world of school and discipline. Does anyone remember her lion cubs?

I've travelled the world, had experiences good and bad but somehow the things I learnt at Codrington seem to be the ones that really have mattered and have stood me in good stead when I needed them! How can you ever forget "Manners Makyth Man"!!

I am amazed to find this message board - come to that I am amazed to find any reference to Codrington at all. I attended Codrington from 1956 (aged 5) till 1959 when we moved up to Kitwe. I was sad to see a Deryck Cantley had died. My best friend was called Deryck (unsure of the spelling). When we were six we both got done for lifting up girls' skirts in the play ground. Our ferocious Afrikaans school mistresswas not amused...

I have very fond memories of NR - they were brought back when I visited the mess created by KK when my brother (he went to St. George's in Salisbury) on safari in '88/'89.

England is a sad place in comparison in many ways...

Gervas

gervasdouglas@yahoo.co.uk

I came accross this site quite by accident. I attended Robert Codrington School from 1950 to 1955. With me were; Robert Lacey, Diana Walker, Simon Hobday, (all from the research station) Ronnie Gordon who was then something of a boxer I think. Joyce Langley, who's dad was the Station Master? Tony Postma, Poenie Holm, the Strudwick boys who's parents farmed in the area. The head was Eric Shipman, who flogged Ronnie & I hard and often. Stanley and Dennis Fischer, and Dr. Du Blong's son. My Aunt & Uncle Phyl & Les Waterman owned the Mazabuka Arms, Many of your Dad's must have spent a lot of convivial nights there as I recall! I also remember Uncle Bobs one man band?signwriter and more besides. What a time we had! What a country it was. Thanks for the memories.

Ian Rodwell

Just checking that you have picked up on message 3 for you on this forum.

Regards to you and all other ex Codrington.

Ian

Occasionally I would wonder what had happened to all my friends and colleagues from Codrington and Kalomo. I have only just found this most fascinating site that holds photographs and names long since confined to a distant memory.
Politics obviously played a huge part in our family wanderings from then to now.
My Mum 'doctored' at Kamativi, Kariba and Salisbury before moving to the Cape where she died after a long battle with Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
My Dad farmed coffe in Chipinga before moving down to Natal, then Knysna before he too died.
After school in Rhodesia, I went and joined the RAF before coming back to Rhodesia and flying in the RhAF VR during the war. At the same time was flying with Jack Malloch's sanction busting airline Affretair. Left in '81 to live in Jeddah, flying for Saudia Arabian Airlines before joining Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong where by some quirk of fate am the Chief Pilot. Intend to move to France next year. 6 children of different ages. Best wishes to all I knew.
ian_b_rodwell@cathaypacific.com

I suppose that it would help if I gave my contact details
midds@kingsley.co.za

Hi John and Rob, all you guys are scary how can you all remember these people. Ian Allan and I took all our families back to Zambia to put the place to rest.Unfortunatly our bus could not make the trip to Maz.When we went to club the old snooker table is still in use, as a double bed.
Live in Franschhoek for the last 12 years and head up a recyling company in the Western Cape. Winemaker on the side so if in the Cape give me a shout

Margie Martin
Saw you message on the school forum. This is Rob Buchanan. I remember you well as well as the tea room in Mazabuka. I was at Codrington from 1958 - 1963. I can be contacted at robbuchanan@yebo.co.za Would like to hear from you Regards Rob Buchanan

Edited by author 03-28-2004 04:19 PM
I was at Codrington between '61 and '65 and my brother Kim was there until probably '66. Kim & I lived in Abercorn and knew Miles & Tim Parton but lost contact when we moved to Lusaka in '68. I now live in Chester in the UK, having moved here from East London in SA in '91. Kim still lives in Lusaka. It would be great hearing from anyone who remembers us.

John Hi,

It was lovely to get your email. I have often wondered what happened to everyone from Maz and Codrington.

I am living in the UK in a town called Edenbridge. This is in Kent.
Here's a brief catch up on what I have done. I have been married 3 times and have 1 son to my first husband. Have lived in Zimbabwe, Thailand and Swaziland before moving to the UK in 1993. Am currently out of work but hope to get something soon. I have also recently started my own business which at the moment I do part time with the idea of building it up so that I will be earning enough to go full time with it. If you are in the UK I am sure you will know how difficult it is to make a decent living. My brother and his family live in Australia. My sister and her family are now in the UK - they came over last year from Swaziland. My father died in 1988 and my mother is now living with me. I went out to SA to fetch her last year.
Please let me know what you have been doing and if you know the where abouts of anyone else.

Once again it was great to hear from you and look to hear from you again soon.

Take care
Margie


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello Margie

I well remember spending our one shilling pocket money at your folk's tearoom on a Saturday morning - Penny cools.

I was a boarder at Codrington from 1957 to 1962 - my folks farmed in the Kalomo area.

Nice to hear from you - hope all is well. Wonder where you live these days?
Cheers

John Whitaker

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi All,

This is Margie Martin nee Ellison. I started and finished school at Codrington. My folks had the BP Garage & Tea Room in Maz. Would like to hear form anyone who remembers me. Take care. Margie

Hi all I was at Codrington some time around the early sixties. I rmember Keith Coventry and others from those times.
Enjoy talking to anyone from then
Pstarfill@yahoo.com

I was a boarder at Codrington 1948/9 and came from Katete, E.Prov. N.R. Are there any lads on line from that time? Examples: Ronald Upton, Andrew Green or Clive Forester.

Edited by author 08-28-2003 11:57 AM
Thank you for your help.


thanks

Me again. I'd also like to find an ex teacher, Miss Anderson, who married Mr Carlisle. If anyone knows where they are, please please let me know. This was one fine lady!!

Hi there all Codrington/Kaonga ex's. I was there from 1965 to 1971 when we left Zambia. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Helen Temba, Annerina du Plooy, Susan Hay? If anyone has photos of the school now, please let me know. I am now living in Port Elizabeth, SA, am an artist and married to Dave Smithies. My sister, Ethne Slabbert lives at Sundays River with her husband, Francois Joubert (from AFE in Maz). My dad has passed on, but my mom, Joan lives in PE as well. If you were at school with me, please email me on mwkunda@mweb.co.za
I would love to hear from you and so glad I found this site!

HI ALL EX CODRINGTON AND KAONGA FELLOWS...
I WAS THE BULLY THERE FROM 1968 TO 1971..I CHEWED ALL YOUR BREAK AND TUCK...FOR REFUNDS..CONTACT ME AT
NJINGA51@HOTMAIL.COM
HI DAWOODJEES , TICKLAYS, JOHN VESSELS, PICKARDS,ETC
REMEMBER MANNERS MAKETH MAN...THOSE WHO KNOW ME, PLEASE REPLY.. I AM IN FLORIDA USA...

Edited by author 05-24-2003 04:17 PM
Looking for anyone who new my dad, Leslie Laatz. He went to Codrington in 1943 onwards. I can be contacted on michaellaatz@laatz.freeserve.co.uk

If you are the Ian Rodwell who joined the RAF at Cranwell in 1968(?) email me at colinwatkins@blueyonder.co.uk

To Vee Dench You can reach me at untdpave@iafrica.com

Edited by author 06-23-2008 02:50 PM
Hi All

I'm Ian Singer and I run a website at www.nrzam.org.uk which has a section on Codrington School Mazabuka. Use this message board to reminisce or seek friends. See you later!