Karl

Greetings from The Heart of Scouting

The reason why there was no news from the Park for last week, was because we did not go out to the Park, as we needed to prepare for my Troop's hike in the Chimanimani Mountains. Our expedition set off to the Chimanimani's at 06.00 hours on Sunday 6 December and returned to Bulawayo during the afternoon of Saturday 12 December. A report of our expedition will be appearing in Pioneer Trail, which is due out during January, 2010.

Our December church service at Gordon Park was held this past Sunday. Leon, Christopher and I went out early on Sunday morning, having just arrived back from the Chimanimani Mountains on the Saturday. You must agree that we are tough little pixies to sort out our lives so quickly after being away for a week and then to go straight out to the Park to prepare it for the monthly service. Leon and Chris swept the outdoor chapel, set up the altar and hoisted the flags on the Skipper Knapman Training Ground and then readied The Naomi Conolly Lodge for the service in the event of rain, as the rain clouds were beginning to build up and were looking rather ominous. Whilst they were busy preparing the Chapel, I mowed the bush grass along the entrance road into the Park, as it was looking untidy following a week of good rains. Surprisingly, we finished our respective tasks at the same time and decided to brew up a cup of tea before our guests were due to arrive.

The December services are a little special, not surprising, after all it is Christmas. Instead of singing hymns, John FitzPatrick, our ever faithful guitarist selects Christmas carols to put us in the mood for this important time of the year. Fr. Noel Scott conducted the service, which was attended by over fifty people. Sadly, this was Fr. Noel's last service at the Park as he will be returning to Ireland early in the new year. As a Thank You for the many years of conducting services for us at Gordon Park, Mike Glenshaw on behalf of all, presented Fr. Noel with a painting of Mount Iffifi, a prominent kopje in the Matopos. Following the service, everyone gathered at The Justine Ralphs Cottage to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas Tree lights. Little Matthew de Swardt had the honour this year of switching on the lights. A few more Christmas carols were sung, before everyone headed back to Headquarters for their braai lunch.

It was a tired trio that cleared up following the departure of the last family to leave and then they too headed for home.

Oops! There are no temperatures this week as I left my note at the Park. Proof of a tired pixie.

Cheers
Norman

Gordon Park