OSAmag78

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 7 8
A SEABRooK WEDDiNG iN SouTH AFRiCA
Chris's son Andrew spent some years in the UK and much
time with his aunt, uncle and cousins in Hertfordshire, so he
sent wedding invitations to all six of them. To his great
surprise, or perhaps horror, five of them replied in the positive.
The sixth had previously attended his sister's wedding a few
years before and had work commitments. A busy week was
arranged and on Thursday February 28th Aunt Diana, uncle
John and cousins Matthew, Robert and Suzanne congregated
at Heathrow for the overnight flight to Johannesburg. Dad
had to be the centre of attention so stubbed his toe with
resulting blood flow. Plenty of time had been allowed to check
in baggage have a meal and many cigarettes to top up nicotine
levels for the long flight at 20.30.
Friday 1st March 9.45am arrive Johannesburg. Met by Chris
& Sylvia. Transported north to Benoni to join convoy of bride,
groom and guests to the wedding location at Witbank. This
journey was not the best introduction to South Africa for
those who had not, or were too young at the time to remember,
visited before. Through the industrial north of Johannesburg
and past the power generating stations and coal mines. Lunch
was taken en route and the actual wedding location, beside a
lake, was idyllic. Two very large houses were being used as
accommodation and after socialising at both, and preparing
and consuming an evening meal, everyone congregated at the
local pub, which was to be transformed next day into the
wedding venue. Later Suzanne had a baptism of fire being one
of the few sober enough to drive back. Ordinary car, dirt roads,
(almost off road conditions), total darkness.
Saturday 2nd Wedding day dawned and promised to be a
beautiful day. The venue had been transformed and looked
stunning. The bride arrived by boat in brilliant sunshine.
The ceremony was performed, the speeches made and the
photographs taken.
When the party was under way the floor suddenly dropped a
few cm with a bang. Panic! Except for the Brits of course.
Having been assured there was no danger festivities resumed.
Much later the same toss up was required to select sober 'ish'
drivers.
Sunday 3rd Awake at beautiful dawn to clear up & pack
trailer.
With everything packed and away the Ivey contingent
returned to Tambo airport to take the 12o'clock midday flight
to Cape Town for a few days as tourists. On arrival car was
collected and driven to The House at Pooh Corner in
Noordhoek. (Owl's House, Roo's Room and Piglet's Room).
After a late afternoon rest dinner was taken at the nearby
'Toad' hostelry.
Monday 4th at breakfast we discovered that the owners had
worked as handyman and maid at a castle outside Stevenage
close to the Ivey home turf. The day's itinerary was taking in
the famous Chapman's Drive to Table Mountain, the cable
car up the mountain and returning via Chapman's Drive.
Then continuing in the other direction to tour round a circuit
of Simon's Town, Hout Bay, Boulders, (to spend an hour on
the beach with the penguins) and on to Cape Point and Cape
of Good Hope. Returning for another meal at the 'Toad'.
Tuesday 5th at breakfast we now discovered that the owners
were visiting the UK and friends in 'Muswell Hill'. Back to
airport and flight to Port Elizabeth. Collect car and off north
to Aardvark Guest House at Addo. Two rested whilst others
went to Addo Elephant Park and booked morning and
evening game drives. Our evening meal was taken at Aardvark.
Interesting local produce like kudu, antelope, ostritch, zebra,
and buffalo was on the menu.
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