KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 2014 - Richmond

Our House

We've owned this house for 10 years but have rented it out. Early in 2014 our tenants said that they were moving so we decided to move in! It's a 2 bedroomed bungalow with a garage and outbuilding at the back.

Knowing how cold the winter evenings get in Richmond we immediately had a wood-burning stove installed.

We gutted the kitchen and I decided on the layout that I wanted. Jo made the units and fitted them for us and Geoff & Sean did all the electrics and plumbing - brilliant. After 6 years of either camping or using the tiny 'kitchen' in the cottageI love using this kitchen!

The Coach House

This is our local pub and only 200m from our house! A 'bring and braai' often happens on Saturdays - especially if there's a rugby match on.

Chatting to friends outside.....

....and inside.

On Nov 1st there was a Halloween/Guy Fawkes party at The Coach House. Some people entered into the fun by dressing up.

In the evening the guy was lit and we had plenty of fireworks.

Friends.

We've made some good friends in Richmond. This photo is at Ian and Amelia's house where we had a great afternoon and evening which ended up with Ian and John playing their guitars and singing - plus a couple of (old college!!) songs contributed by Kevin.

Richmond MudMan Event.

Once again Richmond hosted one of the KZN Mudman events. Primarliy it's a mountain bike event through the forests but they also have several events for children.

The start of one of the children's races

Matthew with dad Ryan helping out.

Dylon with Matt keeping a eye on him.

Dylon and Matthew with their medals!

Richmond Fun Bass Fishing Competition.

The local MOTHs (Memorable Order of Tin Hats - i.e. people who have served in the South African Forces) ran their 4th annual Fun Bass Fishing competition where all funds raised go to local charities. We spent the morning at Morgan's Dam (one of 5 private dams that were open to competitors for the day) where I helped Amelia and Mollie with cooking wors and burgers. Fishing started at 6am. The weather was fine but mostly cloudy with quite a cold wind blowing. Originally fishing was due to carry on until 2pm but the threat of lightning caused the organsers to end the competition early at 12.30pm. All the fish were released back into the dams after being measured.

Jason and a friend, Oliver. Some people fished from the bank while others used boats (electric engines only), canoes and paddle skis.

It was good to see lots of youngsters taking part, however as the twins are now 14 they were in the adult male section of the competition so up against strong opposition!

Mark caught the most fish at Morgan's Dam - 14 in all!

Jason caught the second largest fish at Morgan's Dam.

Paula (in charge of measuring the fish) looking on as Amelia and Mollie buttered rolls for the wors and burgers.

Paula mearuring Jason's fish, 39cm.

Oliver won the junior male angler section.

The smallest fish that was caught!

Armistice Memorial Service

As in the UK on the Sunday nearest to November 11th there's a memorial service, organsided by the MOTHs, to remember comrades who died in wars.

The service was held at Richmond Museum. The names of the fallen were read out outside and then a service was held in the Hall.

1. Richmond.
Our house, The Coach House (our local pub), MudMan Event , Fun Bass Fishing Competition and Armistice Memorial Service.

2. Kelso.
A long weekend with Darryl and Carol at Happy Wanderers Resort on the KZN South Coast.

3. Umlalazi Nature Reserve.

4. Chelmsford Dam.
A few days fishing with Jason and Mark.

5. Drakensberg.
A long weekend with Darryl and Carol, staying near Underberg and driving up the Sani Pass.

6. Salt Rock Resort.
More fishing for the twins, KZN North Coast.

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