Please pass this e-mail on to your family, friends and colleagues, so that everyone is better informed about what’s on. If you wish to have information included on this newsletter send the information in text-only format to aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw – there is no charge as this is a free service and acts as an anti-clash diary.
Now running until Saturday February 13 – The Pianist. Directed by Graham Crutchley, starring Kyla Render, with piano accompaniment by Annette Eastwood. A powerful play at Reps’ new Adrian Stanley Theatre. Performances 7pm today and 2.30pm matinee plus evening shiow at 7pm tomorrow. Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitz, the play tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist who is dreaming about her concert debut at Vienna’s storied Musikverein concert hall. With the issuing of new ordinances under the Nazi regime, everything for Lisa changes, except for her love of music and the pursuit of her dream, as she is torn from her family and set onto the Kindertransport to London. Featuring some of the world’s most beloved piano music played live by Annette Eastwood, The Pianist features Kyla Render in the role of Lisa.
Friday February 12 – MAZ Business Luncheon. The annual event at which marketers and others can deliberate on the year ahead while sharing insights and ideas. KwaMambo Restaurant, 40 Cork Road, Avondale. 11am. Theme: becoming agents of change – a commitment to excellence. $50 per person. Wear something branded wear (it’s time to show off your brand). Guest Speaker: Denny Marandure, the CEO of ZOL, who will be sharing insights into becoming agents of change. Contact Loreen Chari for information and bookings: Marketers’ Association of Zimbabwe, 24 Glenara Ave South, Eastlea. Call (04) 747031, 747051 or 2932213; cell 0772 454767 or 0717 553137, Skype: loreen.alutah, website: www.maz.co.zw, Facebook : www.facebook.com/Marketers.Association.Of.Zimbabwe
Friday February 12 – Spear of Love. The premiere performance of this show, one night only. Starts 6pm. Venue: Reps Theatre. Tickets $15 (VIP), $8 adults and $5 children. A musical story of love and war with a special performance by Tariro NeGitare. Presented by Media Chama. Book at The Spotlight.
Friday February 12 to Sunday February 14 – Valentine’s weekend at Harare’s five-star Meikles Hotel. Dinner in La Fontaine Grillroom each night featuring the new a la carte menu, with dinner and dance music. Supper with music on the 12th floor Pooldeck Saturday night. Breakfast in The Pavilion Bistro on Sunday. There’s also a weekend accommodation special! More information and bookings to res@meikles.com or call reservation on (04) 707721.
Saturday February 13 – Audition for Shakespeare production. British embassies all over the world will commemorate this year’s 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. To celebrate the Bard, the British Embassy in Harare will stage a Shakespearean production in June at the Ambassador’s residence. Auditions for this will be held from 1pm to 5pm at the Hellenic Academy. We would be delighted to see many people there. If you are unavailable on the day but are keen to be involved, please e-mail our production team at shakespeareharare2016@gmail.com. We are also looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to help us with all aspects of this production. If you would like to be considered for a backstage role, please get in touch with us, also at shakespeareharare2016@gmail.com.
Saturday February 13 – Fundraising event for the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe: Zumbathon. The Dance Trust of Zimbabwe is excited to announce that Ballet Bouquet will be staged in July 2016 at Reps Theatre. It will feature dancers from the Cape Town City Ballet, as well as local dancers. It will be choreographed and produced by Robin van Wyk, a top choreographer from the Cape Town City Ballet. In order for it to take place, fundraising events must be staged. The first of these will be a Zumbathon (subtitled Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day) at the Ballet Centre, 109 East Road, Avondale. Registration from 6am. Zumba 7 – 9am with Zororo and friends. Entry $5. All proceeds will go towards the staging of Ballet Bouquet. Please help to keep dance alive in Zimbabwe.
Saturday February 13 – Valentine’s Dinner Dance at Inn On The Vumba. Have a great weekend in the Vumba and make this event the highlight. Or simply come along if you live in the area or are visiting. Four-course dinner plus music from The Sopranos. Starts 7.30pm. Booking essential: call (020) 61322 or 67479 or 0712 215127, or e-mail iotv@innsofzimbabwe.co.zw. There are also Valentine’s weekend events at Pine Tree Inn and Inn on Rupurara, so visit these hotels’ Facebook sites for more information.
Saturday February 13 – Reps’ Valentine’s Bash. Takes place in the main bar at Reps from 6.30pm. Rob Moore will be performing through the evening and food will be on sale. All welcome and no cover charge. Dress in pink, red or black and white.
Saturday February 13 and Sunday February 14 – Celebrate St Valentine’s Day with a special someone at Café Veldemeers. Saturday 6pm to 9pm and Sunday 12 noon to 2.30pm. Three-course meal for $25 per person plus chocolate giveaways. Fully licensed bar. Bookings essential: call (04) 308315 or e-mail: cafe@veldemeers.com. 50 Quorn Ave, Mt Pleasant.
Saturday February 13 – Queen Of Hearts Valentine’s Dinner. $35 per person for a delicious platter menu. Live love mellows by Daniel Jenkins. See our full menu on our face book page https://www.facebook.com/QueenOfHeartsCafeHarare. Call to book on 0771 929914.
Sunday February 14 – Valentine’s Day brunch and family day. It’s all happening at 167 Enterprise Road, where Theo’s House of Coffees presents a gala buffet brunch from 11am onwards, and where a number of retails outlets in the complex will be open. Entertainment through the morning and afternoon by Rowland Amm. Prizes for guests coming dressed with red and for other fun reasons! Family groups welcome – plenty for the children to do, including using the swimming pool and playground. Book in advance by calling Lollie on 0772 881877.
Sunday February 14 – Valentine’s Day at the Harare Buddhist Centre. Everyone’s invited to a morning of music and magical tarts. Harare Buddhist Centre, 7a Ernie’s Lane, Monavale. Starts 9.45am with a talk by Alan Muller (a member of the Buddhist centre in Johannesburg) on Bringing Meaning To Your Life, followed by a high tea at 10.45am. To enhance the morning, there will be a compilation of background music, the CDs for which will be on sale at $5. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children. For more information please contact Pam Sheehan on zimsheehans@gmail.com or phone 0772 404129
Sunday February 14 – A Valentine’s Day edition of the regular Meikles Hotel Centenary High Tea. Enjoy the delightful Meikles high tea, and have a talk on the history of the hotel (recently celebrating its centenary!), followed by a tour of the hotel and surrounds and then ending with a glass of sparkling wine. Ideal for all ages. $14 per person. Book by calling reservations on (04) 707721 or e-mailing switchboard@meikles.com. These high teas started in August and have proved so popular they are being extended into 2016.
Sunday February 14 and Sunday February 28 – Mini Music Festival hosted by the Diplomats Spouses’ Association. Featuring Lorna Kelly, the Heuglin Tenors and Molly Dzangare. The two concerts have different content: a Neapolitan theme on February 14 and an afternoon of opera and operetta on February 28. Both start at 3pm (please note: all guests must be seated by 2.50pm – no latecomers will be admitted). Venue Arundel School Chapel. Refreshments afterwards. $10 per concert. Advance booking recommended: call Reenie Ager on 0772 438874. Tickets on sale at Café Veldemeers and The Spotlight.
Sunday February 14 – Classical Music Concert with romantic pieces from Germany, Italy, Austria, France and Russia. Featuring Erich Oskar Huetter (cello), Armin Egger (guitar) and Tanja Schmid (dance). The Venue, Avondale. 7pm. Entry $20. Book by calling (04) 307801-9or e-mailing theclub@thevenue.co.zw.
Tuesday February 16 – Doc Club’s Experimental Night. Between the usual doc nights we are going to have experimental doc nights. Zimbabwean docs! Fundraisers! Docs with strange subjects! Docs that aren’t docs but indie films instead! The firstshowing: Chiedza’s Song (70 mins). With advances in treatment and medication, increasing numbers of HIV-infected children are reaching adolescence globally. There is a lack of awareness about the complex socio-cultural issues these children face and many are stigmatised and isolated. Dr Rashida Ferrand (Department of Clinical Research at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) an HIV clinical specialist and epidemiologist, has worked with young people from Harare, their families and healthcare workers to develop a film based on their real-life experiences with film makers Tom Gibbs and Joe Njagu. Filmed on location in Zimbabwe, Chiedza’s Song is based on a true story and was made in collaboration with Together As One, a Harare-based youth group that aims to create awareness about HIV and adolescent health issues among communities through drama. All proceeds go directly to Chiedza and their support group.
7pm, Tristan’s Bar, 14 Aintree Road. Entry $5.
Friday February 19 – Down Memory Lane. A musical evening with Mande Snyman and Kevin Hanssen at 167 Enterprise Road, or Theo’s House of Coffees. Showtime 7pm. Entry $5 per person. Supper and drinks available. Bring your own chairs and blankets if you wish. No cooler boxes. Call to reserve a place by phoning Lollie on 0772 881877. Featuring music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Friday February 19 – Slide show about wildlife and nature. Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Zimbabwe (VAWZ) and Mashonaland Photographic Society invite everyone to a slide show of Zimbabwe’s wildlife, nature and scenery Wingate Golf Club, starting at 6.30pm. Cash bar and snack meal available. Contact Di Fynn 0772357820 to reserve a table. Entry $10 (children $5).
Saturday February 20 – Fundraising event. Being held at Queen of Hearts to assist in refurbishing the Dzikwa Trust’s kitchen facilities, which provide meals for over 400 orphans each day. The event runs from 4.30pm to 11pm and the cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Under-5s free. Booking is essential. Daniel Jenkins and Amy Wawn will be performing as well as the children from Dzikwa at 5:30pm. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/QueenOfHeartsCafeHarare
Saturday February 20 – Northwood Floral Group meeting. 2.30pm, Community Centre at Dandaro, Borrowdale Road. Everyone who attends is invited to bring an arrangement entitled From The Garden. These will be displayed on a table at the front so everyone can gain inspiration and hopefully be encouraged to try one of these ideas or something of your own in your home. Constructive criticism will be given; this is how we learn. Ann Hamilton-King will be giving a demonstration and talk named Use What You Have. Ann chaired Northwood Floral Group some time ago. She trained at Kew Gardens and will give those present tips on gardening as well as showing how one can create arrangements using things from one’s home and garden. Everyone is welcome to attend. Entry $2 and something to eat for tea. If you wish to become a member of Northwood Floral Group, subs for 2016 ($10) are now due. You may pay at the meeting.
For further information, call Eve Stranix on 0712 201479.
Sunday February 21 – Tree Society’s return visit to the Kilner family in Bindura. Whole day visit; bring tea, lunch, drinks, chair, hat and sun cream. Meet at CABS at 8am for an 8.15am departure. Contact 0772 438697 or (04) 862066 for directions.
Sunday February 21 – Celebs recital. Theo Bross (cello) and Maxime Zecchini (piano). 4pm at the Harare International School Theatre. Tickets $10 at the door. Celebs subscribers free – new and renewal subs can be paid at the door.
Tuesday February 23 – Fun quiz night at 167. Quizmaster Stewart Mackinlay. A fun team quiz for all, No entry fee. Supper available from $5. Bar open. Bring a team or come along and join a team – the accent is on fun. More and info and table bookings by calling Lollie on 0772 881877.
Friday February 26 to Monday February 29 – Leap Into the Leap Year, with the Nyanga Wine Weekend. A fun weekend for wine lovers, Join members of the Meikles Grapevine wine club at this wonderful weekend in the mountains, being hosted at Inn On Rupurara. Bookings now open. For costings and information e-mail aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw. Choose to stay Friday to Sunday or Friday to Monday.
Friday February 26 – Tribute to David Bowie. Live show featuring Alex Fairlie. 167 Enterprise Road, also known as Theo’s House of Coffees. Starts 7pm. Entry $5 for the show. Supper available from $5, bar open. Booking essential: please call Lollie Nel on 0772 881877.
A tribute to the late David Bowie, whose repertoire was vast and varied. A must for fans and even for folk who have not yet ‘gotten into’ his music.
Saturday February 27 – Tree Society’s visit to the home of Graham Mills, off Enterprise Road. Contact 0772 438697 or (04) 862066 for directions.
Saturday February 27 – Barry Hilton live. SA’s popular comedian back in Harare for one performance only. Reps Theatre, starting 8pm. Advance booking essential, through The Spotlight. Tickets $25.
Sunday March 6 – Queen of Hearts Food and Craft Fair. Open from 10am to 4pm. Live music, delicious food, craft, full bar and children’s entertainment. Entry fee to be paid at the gate. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/QueenOfHeartsCafeHarare
Sunday March 7 – Meikles Hotel Centenary High Tea. Enjoy a classic Meikles high tea and have a talk on the hotel’s history, followed by a tour of the hotel and surrounds. Starts 3.30pm prompt. Cost: $12 per person. Advance booking essential: call (04) 707721 or e-mail switchboard@meikles.com
Wednesday March 9 to Saturday March 24 – The Musical World of Disney. A colourful show featuring music from Disney shows. Directed by Sue Bolt, assisted by Mario Ciampi, with musical direction by Meg Mackenzie. Reps Theatre. Booking open at The Spotlight.
Thursday March 10 to Saturday March 19 – God Of Carnage. Theatre Upstairs at Reps. Directed by multiple-award-winning director Teri Grimmel and starring an award-winning cast. When some roughhousing between two 11-year-old boys named Benjamin and Henry erupts into real violence, Henry loses two teeth. Benjamin’s parents, Alan and Annette Raleigh (Musa Saruro and Chipo Chikara), meet with Henry’s parents, Veronica and Michael Novak (Erin Sticklen and Ryan Lawrence), to try to smooth things over. However, what starts as a polite meeting among adults descends into finger-pointing, tantrums and insults. Evening performances 7pm ($10 a ticket). Matinees on both Saturdays at 2.30pm ($5). Book at The Spotlight.Note: no under 18.
Friday March 11 – Porter Meets Gershwin. The March Friday night dinner show at 167 Enterprise Road, featuring Mande Snyman singing with Tony Palmer on keyboard and Mike Freeman on guitar. Great music from two of the 20th century’s finest musical geniuses. Starts 7pm. Supper and bar available. Booking in advance by calling Lollie Nel on 0772 881877
Sunday March 13 – The Marden Singers’ Classical Concert of Choral and Solo Music for Passion Sunday. Arundel School Chapel, 3pm. Entry $5 (students free). Refreshments will be served after the concert. J.S. Bach: At the Sepulchre, from the St John’s Passion; G. Verdi: Pater Noster, Volgarizzato da Dante; G. Pergolesi : Stabat Mater Cantata. Artistes: Roz Ribeiro, soprano; Caro Colahan, soprano;
Diane Skinner, soprano; Shirley Warrington, mezzo soprano. Special guests: Carolyn Peto, accompanist; Shannon Guthrie, pianist (winner of the Alan Brown Award and Una Coleman Bursary Award); Camilla Reitbauer. mezzo soprano (winner of the Una Coleman Bursary Award).
Thursday March 17 – St Patrick’s Dinner. After the success of the Burns Night event at 167 Enterprise Road, now it’s time to enjoy all things Irish, on the very day that St Paddy’s Day is celebrated across the world. Themed supper with music by the resident Kathleen, tastings of whiskey (yes, whiskey and not whisky!) and beer … and maybe some Irish Cream. Book by e-mailing aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw or by calling Lollie on 0772 881877.
Sunday March 27 – Family Day at 167. Celebrate Easter with the whole family .. .eggs, treasure hunts, brunch and lunch, music and fun activities Diarise now and more information in due course.
Saturday April 9 – the 2015 DStv Ngoma Awards ceremony. A glittering dinner for the advertising communications industry. Sponsored by MultiChoice Zimbabwe. Venue: Cresta Sango. More details and bookings: Judy Macdonald, call (04) 870306 or e-mail empire@mango.zw
Thursday April 14 – the 2016 Advertising and Publicity Club Suppliers Expo. A trade exhibition aimed, and including, at people in advertising, marketing, public relations, printing and publishing, research, event management, broadcasting and journalism, e-communication and related fields. Booking open now for stands: $60, or $45 for members of the APC. Expo runs 9am to 3pm. More details to be released soon. Enquiries and early bookings: contact aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw
Friday April 22 to Sunday April 24 – The Shakespeare Weekend. 167 Enterprise Road is the venue for a weekend commemorating The Bard on the 400th anniversary of his passing. A musical show, along with a fun presentation and a screening of movies that are set books at O and A levels, and in other examination curricula. Diarise now and wait for more details. There will be something for everyone at this super weekend of commemoration and entertainment.
Tuesday April 26 to Saturday April 30 – Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2016. Theme: innovate, integrate, industrialise. Business conference April 27, charity golf challenge April 28, public days April 29 and 30.
Wednesday June 15 to Sunday June 19 – The Bulawayo Music Festival. Back after a four-year break. Musicians will include Nokuthula Ngwenyama (violin), Theo Bross (cello), the Odeion Quartet, Leslie Howard (piano) and Coady Green (piano). More information from music@gatorzw.co.uk
Thursday June 16 to Saturday June 18 – Sanganai/Hlanganani/World Tourism Expo. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority hosts the ninth annual edition of this event, to be held this year in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, Bulawayo, using Halls 3 and 4. The relocation of Sanganai/Hlanganani/World Tourism Expo to the city of Bulawayo has been done to stimulate the development and growth of tourism in regions across the country. Sanganai/Hlanganani is one of Africa’s premier tourism showcases, aimed at bringing international buyers and exhibitors under one roof. Details can be sourced from the Executive Director, National Convention Bureau, call (04) 770409 or e-mail ncb@ztazim.co.zw. Alternatively, contact the exhibition team: edson@ztazim.co.zw, sheona@ztazim.co.zw or sanganai@ztazim.co.zw
Friday September 23 to Sunday September 25 – The 2016 Zimbabwe Motor Show. Venue: Old Georgians Sports Club. Previous exhibitors have first option on their exhibition stands and new exhibitors are welcome. Visit Facebook/ZimbabweMotorShow. Enquiries and bookings to Gabriel Ettlin, event organiser, tel. 0774 336376.
Valentine’s fun at Cresta Lodge: enjoy coffee and treats, or a light meal, in the Cool Beans coffee shop, and take a selfie to post on Facebook. Most likes will win the couple involved a holiday stay at Cresta Sprayview in Victoria Falls. Get in now!
Urgent appeal from Harare SPCA: 2015 was a year of ups and downs, but with the support of members of the public, friends, family and animal lovers throughout Harare (and beyond) the Harare SPCA veterinary team successfully treated thousands of animals in need, both at the hospital and in various high density areas to which the Mobile Unit travels to regularly. Cats and dogs were rehabilitated and rehomed. None of this would have been possible without the continued help from members of the public. The list of people to thank is endless. Even the smallest contributions have made an impact on the welfare of animals. Donors have helped enormously to fund the continued refurbishment of the cattery, kennels and the veterinary facilities. Second-hand goods and books have been handed in and have been sold to raise funds. Volunteers have stepped in to offer assistance in all areas. Some have worked at the kennels and veterinary surgery, others have fostered puppies and kittens. Dedicated volunteers have spent hours following and catching stray , disoriented and frightened animals , as well as uplifting injured victims of road traffic accidents. Individuals have helped by reporting neglect and cruelty. Schools have held fundraisers and supporters have donated in cash and kind. Some fuel for the vehicles has been donated . Private veterinary surgeries have been incredibly supportive in many ways.What a generous and compassionate community we have. The new year literally started with a bang. The aftermath of the fireworks , as expected, resulted in many domestic animals running scared. Many have not yet been found by their owners, some were injured and others died as a result of being hit by cars on the streets. Within days an influx of animals poured through the doors of the Harare SPCA. Some are still there. At present both the re- homing facility and the hospital kennels are full to capacity. During the last 10 days of January the HSPCA received over 100 stray and surrendered pets .The situation is critical and due to the economic crisis we do not envisage any reduction in numbers in the near future. 2015 statistics show the following: 872 sterilisations, 50 other theatre cases, 184 road traffic accident victims that had to be euthanized, 40 cases of suspected rabies and over 900 animals rehomed. Many animals were humanely put to sleep for various reasons ranging from illness, aggression, severe neglect , old age and owners requesting euthanasia. The cost of running this shelter has risen drastically. THE HARARE SPCA URGENTLY REQUIRES AN INJECTION OF FUNDS IN ORDER TO KEEP ITS DOORS OPEN. As such we are appealing for assistance in this regard. The Harare SPCA is a Private Voluntary Organization. The cost of running the hospital and the kennels in 2015 was approximately $30 000 a month. Management worked on a very tight budget and relied hugely on benefactors to keep the doors of the Society open. The Harare SPCA has now run out of funds and the number of animals in desperate need of help is rising alarmingly. Many of the pet owners bringing dogs in for treatment cannot afford to pay but they are never turned away. The animals will not be left to suffer. Surrenders are always taken in . The HSPCA must continue to offer assistance to members of the public who cannot afford to treat or keep their animals. There are plans for future fundraisers but these will take some time to organize. In the meantime the HSPCA urgently needs help. If you are able to donate please contact the Harare SPCA General Manager on the following numbers: 04 576356/7 or 04 581347, e-mail: operations.harare@spca.org.zw. Bank details are as follows: BARCLAYS BANK , CRIPPS RD , Account number 2199 101 2419, or on ECOCASH biller 06326. Without your assistance we face the possibility of closure. We have worked extremely hard to upgrade the facilities at the Harare SPCA and to offer a safe haven to unwanted , lost and sick animals. Please contact the Harare SPCA if you are able to help in any way. Thank you.
Celebrity Subscription Concerts is back in action and everyone is invited to join, and enjoy superb performances by invited international classical music performers. Schedules performances being arranged at present: Feb 21, May 8 and June 12, plus four others later in the year. The membership officer is Veronique Wakerley (e-mail vwakerley@yoafrica.com). Subs for 2016: Red Carpet (all recitals during the year, plus after-recital receptions) – $100 per person or $180 per couple. Ordinary members: (four recitals, plus discount for remaining recitals) – $40 per person or $70 per couple.
Some helpful information about school terms in 2016: First term, which started on Tuesday January 12, End: Wednesday March 23, half term: February 19 to 22. Second term – Start: Tuesday May 3, End: Thursday August 4, half term: June 17 to 20. Public Holidays: Africa Day, May 25. Third term: Start Tuesday September 6, End: Thursday December 8, half term: October 14 to 17. First term 2017 starts Tuesday January 10. Thank you to Paula Blackburn of St George’s College for assistance with this useful information.
February fun at Cresta Jameson Hotel in the heart of bustling Harare: stay Fri to Sun for only $60 per person or $80 per couple. Happy hour Mon, Tues, Thurs 5pm to 6pm – 50 percent off selected beers. Quiz night each Weds with prizes. Conference package for as little as $15 per person. Music events: DJ Nesto and DJ Cavassy tonight (Feb 6), DJ Xeno Feb 11, 18 and 25; Lwazi Tshabangu live Feb 12; Victor Kunonga live Feb 13, 20 and 27. Alexio Kawara live Feb 19. Too Open and Good Fellaz band live Feb 26. Book through reservations@jameson.cresta.co.zw.
News about the inaugural came count at the Rhodes-Nyanga National Park. This took place on Saturday November 7 and was held by invitation of the Area Warden, Onias Bebe. Teams met at the Rhodes Hotel at 12 noon for a briefing on the methodology to be used. Then 42 participants were to be deployed into the 47 000-hectare park, most of which is densely forested by pines and wattle, and these areas were not surveyed. The park was divided into nine sectors from 2 000 to 4 000 hectares in extent, comprising 27 633 hectares in all. Each team was to drive, walk and survey with binoculars from strategic points, counting all mammals within their area. Birds were also to be recorded; in particular, Blue Swallows and their nesting sites. Recording sheets would detail times where each animal or group of animals was seen and a corresponding number referring to the group was recorded on a map of their area. The briefing meeting was concluded at 2pm and many of the participants remained for lunch, for which the hotel provided a brilliant snack luncheon. Many of the participants returned to private or parks accommodation in and around Nyanga. Counters woke up to a beautiful clear day with some frost in areas of Connemara, Rhodes Hotel and the Kwaraguza cottages. Conditions were perfect for participants, with clear skies overhead and short green grass throughout most of the areas, where fierce fires had burned only a few weeks before . In spite of 270 kilometres of fire breaks in place this year, fires were fanned by strong winds and dense bush. The count began at 5.30am but in hindsight teams should have started at first light, which was closer to 4.45am. Teams were supported by National Parks rangers, who were able to share much of their knowledge with members. They were able to direct teams to secluded parts of the park one would not normally frequent. For some, this was a first time in the park and the beauty and phenomenal scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Standing at the top of a fortressed mountain, looking down at the source of the rivers flowing north, south and east, as they leave Zimbabwe, one was able to capture the imagination of the ancients who worked this land. With much of the park burnt out, visibility was good. The Udu Dam group was booked in at the lodges there and found it difficult to leave their base as they found enough game to count to keep them occupied for a substantial part of the morning. An osprey provided much entertainment, demonstrating its fishing skills. Much of the game that was counted was in the northern and central part of the park, while the southern sectors consisting of the mid and lower Pungwe and yielded very little. Some team members did find time for a swim while the older members preferred reclining on banks of rivers and dams over a relaxing lunch break. Birders found many new species for their lists and good reports of Blue Swallows were noted. In spite of some bad fires in the area, the park is in excellent condition. All in all this was a wonderful and worthwhile week-end. Special note was the lack of sable sightings, but fresh droppings and tracks had been identified by one group. The following day, 38 members met up at Rhodes Hotel for a debrief, which was designed to analyse any shortcomings. Each team representative was asked to give a short report on the previous day’s proceedings and suggest how the count could be developed. It was generally decided that some minor changes could be made to the sector boundaries, and, it is hoped, organisers could expand the area to be covered next year, by including more volunteers.
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