FROM THE CHIEF’S DESK FEBRUARY 2012
Sandra and I had our first official welcome to the Goldfields Society on Saturday 4th February 2012. It was also their Burn’s supper and was held at their Club House.
We used the “Lady” to get us to Mick Rickman’s (Provincial Chieftain for the Free State) home in Ribeekstad, where we were staying while in Welkom. We were well received by Mick and Maria and gratefully had an ice cold beer as the temperature was in the upper thirty’s.
Sandra and I then had a chance to unpack and have a shower before getting ready for the function.
The festivities were scheduled to start at 6.00pm. Billy Bell (Chief of Goldfields)escorted by Mick brought in the Haggis and dinner got under way. Luckily the lady President was kind to us men and allowed us to remove our jackets at the appropriate time. I was asked to do the toast to the Bard. John Bell did the toast to the Haggis in his usual enthusiastic way. Mick did the toast to the Lassies and Maria, the reply.
One thing I must mention is that the Haggis was excellent. This was made by a butcher in Vereeniging. If anyone is interested in getting some, they can contact Debbie Bell and she will point you in the right direction.
After a dinner of Cold meats and salads I was asked to give a short talk, which I hope was not too boring.
It was good to see representatives from the Bloemfontein Society attending. They also brought with them a top entertainer whom we met at Congress – “Freddie” in all his glory. For those who missed his performance at Congress, you do not know what you missed.
On a sad note, Goldfields secretary/scribe, Trish, has decided to call it a day. Trish we wish you well for the future. We will miss you.
Sandy and I would like to say a big thank you to the Goldfields Society for a wonderful visit. I know it is visiting old friends and it is good to meet all the people that keep the Society going.
Aye
Dave and Sandy Brown