The air ambulance landed in Piccadilly Circus last night to treat a woman trapped beneath a Tube train.

Emergency services cordoned off surrounding streets and tourists watched as the pilot hovered above Tower Records before landing in a box junction.

The woman, who was cut free from under a train, was airlifted to hospital where she is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

One onlooker said: “Hundreds of people just poured out of the station. They were told to leave the area immediately as about five police cars descended.

“People were wondering whether a bomb had gone off. When the air ambulance arrived we realised that someone must have been badly hurt and needed to get to hospital quickly. It was all very dramatic.”

Last year nearly 7,000 people were transported to hospital by air ambulance. In June, its managers appealed for charitable donations to fight a cash crisis. About ?400,000 has to be found every year to keep it in the air.

The air ambulance landed in Piccadilly Circus last night to treat a woman trapped beneath a Tube train.

Emergency services cordoned off surrounding streets and tourists watched as the pilot hovered above Tower Records before landing in a box junction.

The woman, who was cut free from under a train, was airlifted to hospital where she is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

One onlooker said: “Hundreds of people just poured out of the station. They were told to leave the area immediately as about five police cars descended.

“People were wondering whether a bomb had gone off. When the air ambulance arrived we realised that someone must have been badly hurt and needed to get to hospital quickly. It was all very dramatic.”

Last year nearly 7,000 people were transported to hospital by air ambulance. In June, its managers appealed for charitable donations to fight a cash crisis. About ?400,000 has to be found every year to keep it in the air.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23477239-details/NHS+doctor+admits+he+knew+about+brother%27s+suicide+plot+to+blow+up+Glasgow+Airport/article.do

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=779288&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=10685358158&aid=-1&id=668506433&oid=10685358158

Here’s hoping no further problems.

http://wombok.com/wordpress/2007/11/03/live-from-the-field-35/

Nightclub stab victim, 17, dies

A 17-year-old who was stabbed outside a central London nightclub has died, police have said.
Tung Le, from Deptford, south-east London, was attacked during a row in Cockspur Street last Saturday.

Police said he was previously in a critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

Chien Nguyen, 18, of no fixed address, appeared before City of Westminster magistrates on Thursday charged with the attempted murder of the victim.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7273986.stm

Man faces attempted murder charge

A man has been charged in connection with a stabbing outside a nightclub in central London.
Chien Nguyen, 18, of no fixed address, is accused of the attempted murder of a student who was attacked during a row in Cockspur Street early on Saturday.

Police said the 17-year-old victim from Deptford, south-east London, remained in a critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

Mr Nguyen will appear before City of Westminster magistrates later.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7268282.stm

Then there was Day Two, Tuesday and the great L/C Classic! Without doubt, the staff at The Bend were all so great; nothing was a trouble to them. I have some good photos of their ever smiling faces. I had difficulty photographing black Africans; their faces seem to reflect no detail other than the whites of their eyes and their broad smiles. It was a great day and fancy being named ‘man of the match! I didn’t really deserve that. Being a left handed batsman (if I can ever claim the title of batsman), I was able to strike out towards the river where there were no fieldsmen and somehow I connected a number of times. No skill in that – pure luck! The evening braai was very special – cooked by experts.

Day Three and what a wedding it was. During the morning not sure what Shaz and you were up to but I guess with the big event to follow in the afternoon that was obvious. Everyone seemed to be involved in some sort of preparation. Suits were appearing from wardrobes and being brushed up. The girls off to the hairdresser – wherever that was. Mum announced at breakfast that she was heading to the hairdresser with Joy to have her hair done and Charlotte looked at her quizzically and said ‘what can they do with it’ which brought shrieks of laughter from the others at the table – Joyce and Warwick I think. I guess what Charlotte meant was ‘how are you going to have it done?’ I reviewed my notes that I had compiled before leaving Australia on the little incidents of your life (between Rob and me we only covered half of them) and gave Rob a copy to have first chop. At that point he was getting a little nervous as to what he was going to say – Lenno had had a short session with him. In the event he carried it off superbly (I thought). And so the morning progressed; a light lunch and then all aboard Maharaj’s coach for a bumpy ride to ‘The Providence’. Mum, incidentally, in her well chosen new outfit, not too splendiferous but certainly not ‘mother of the groom beige’ looked great and her outfit drew compliments all round.

The little chapel in the late afternoon looked quite delightful. I saw Liz in the garden practicing the ‘reading’ she was not called upon to give (but subsequently did – her own interpretation of it). I poked my nose into the reception lounge where a few of the fellows (Lenno, Nuge, Chooka I think) had found the bar and a staff person to kindly give access, having pre-wedding refreshments. By then with the main event rapidly approaching I drifted into the chapel where quite a number had already taken their seats. Mum had taken over the front pew on the right side, or at least one end of it near the wall. I sat for a while with Joy who was on her own on the other side. Finally the hubbub of conversation stopped and the sound of gravel crunching outside heralded the arrival of the bridal party; Chris (now looking a trifle nervous), Rob, Nuge and Lenno peering towards the church entrance – bit of whispering going on – and then the pianist struck up with Mendelssohn’s bridal march ‘Here comes the bride – fair…’ I won’t go on! And there she was, looking absolutely beautiful; radiant? – All of that; blushing – maybe not; Shaz on the arm of Steve progressing to the alter with a now beaming black robed Bishop Brian welcoming and I think, not a little overwhelmed, but not lost for words. (Sue and Brian O’Connor thought he looked and sounded like Ronnie Corbett). The service progressed in traditional format – thank goodness for that. We have seen or heard of some odd ones in recent years! ‘Oh Perfect Love’ was sung lustily by the congregation and Bishop Brian made sure that you were well and truly married with that that entails. Sarah in the row behind Wendy and me shed a quiet tear no doubt thinking of her own now non-existent marriage that was to be for ever. But of course other tears were shed or choked back but these were tears of warmth and joy at the occasion. Rings were exchanged – no fumbles; Rob seemed to know exactly which pocket he had it in – and the Register signed and witnessed. Then the final hymn ‘Vows have been Spoken’ to the well known church tune ‘Morning has Broken’ – fitted perfectly and Mr and Mrs Skitch departed the alter and progressed to the chapel entrance.

Outside the chapel we all thronged around congratulating you both and taking a myriad of photos with our remarkable little digital cameras; goodness knows how many were taken and of course the official photographer – good bloke; took some great shots and gave every one else plenty of opportunity to take their own. The groomsmen, Rob, Len and Ryan showed great chivalry in providing their jackets to the bridesmaids, feeling the chilly late afternoon air, in their quite beautiful but less than warm frocks. Finally the cars, a vintage Jaguar and an even more vintage Cadillac pulled in and the bridal party departed for the official photography (I have no idea where that took place but they are great photos). Then we all moved into the reception lounge for much needed refreshments.

The tables were beautifully set out each with a London place name which had us all puzzled for a while until we realized that we were all allocated to one of these London localities – not sure which was ours but we were sitting at an ‘oldies’ table with Joy and Steve, Sharon’s cousin Karen and Warwick and Joyce Paley (from Oz). However, first we were entertained in true African style – the Providence kitchen staff filed through a side door, just in their work clothes and gave us an apparently much practiced singing and dancing performance – perfect rhythm, great singing of what I imagine were true African songs. For me that was quite a highlight but of course there were many more. The speeches were next with Len McCarthy doing a great job as Master of Ceremonies and taking the opportunity to reflect on his own friendship with Chris. Then Rob followed in the traditional role of ‘best man’ reading the ‘telegrams’ (at least messages – telegrams are almost a relic of a past era in this age of emails and text messages) and embarrassing the groom. Of course I had to have a few words about my son and then Steve spoke for his daughter. Speeches over, it was meal time and we were treated to an excellent three courser.

Quite early in the evening the band entered, the Afritudes, a four piece group (in classical days we would have called that a ‘Quartet’) who were well known in African young circles and who certainly provided the sort of music that everyone liked – at least all those below the age of 70! It was good but I found it a little loud. They played and played ‘in – out – up – down’ and on and on. The energy on the dance floor was frenetic but there was the occasional cheek to cheek piece for the young and perhaps the older lovers. Shaz and Chris executed a very credible bridal waltz and were soon joined on the floor by the bridal party and then everyone else. My cousins Sue and Brian O’Conner certainly showed that they could keep up with the best on the dance floor. I had no idea that Brian especially could be so energetic. So the evening progressed with thirst encouraging dance floor performances quenched with fine South African ale; David Young arguing with the floor and finishing up with a near black eye; limbo rocks and more. Garter and bouquet throwing took place – I am not sure who the lucky catchers were. And then it was time to retreat back to The Bend on Maharaj’s coach for another bumpy and this time very noisy trip. For Wendy and me it was bed time well and truly but there were others who caroused the remainder of the night away.

A surprising number were at breakfast the next morning and some of the other stories emerged, inconvenient flat tyres; getting lost on the way back – others I think. It might be true to say (my diary records it) that everyone felt fairly flat. Poor Sarah though was positively unwell with a cold or flu even, that had been developing for some days. She had suppressed the illness for the wedding the day before, determined that she would not let it spoil her enjoyment but on Thursday it was developing into quite a fever. Chris and I with Chooka drove back to Providence to collect various items (Chooka to collect his car) and while there we had a lengthy chat with proprietor Kevin and his wife about South Africa and its future. Kevin was not an optimist. Returning to The Bend most were still just sitting around. Joy and Steve had already left and I missed saying goodbye to them. Perhaps we will meet again one day. In the late afternoon a few of us, Liz and others went for a walk around the property. Someone thought they saw an impala but I think it probably had ‘pink elephant’ status. The wonderful staff of the Bend produced an excellent curry tea and then it was more piano playing by David with groups sitting around quietly chatting and of course the snug bar was very popular. Early to bed for most.

Friday was departure day for most. It was sad to see everyone leaving, and for Wendy and me especially so in farewelling Sharon and Chris, but off they went and no doubt we will catch up again in London in the future. Sarah had recovered sufficiently to be up and about for her departure to Durban with Heidi and David Young, to overnight at David Fisher’s home then returning to The Palace on the waterfront on Saturday. Grandaughter Charlotte departed with cousins Sue and Brian O’Connor to return to Australia. Wendy and I moved into another room on the first floor in the original homestead – another bridal suit apparently under the thatched roof with a separate thatched roof (thatch under the thatch) bathroom. We were staying one more night also Rob who moved from the cottage into the principal bridal suit. The room we were in was well decorated with African designs and when we invited Len and Jo to have a look, Len commented ‘it looks very tribal’. Len and Jo were about to depart with Liz and Michael Pope, leaving only Phillip and Katrina, Michael Scobie and his wife, Wendy, Rob and me.

Wendy and I took a drive to the Trout Farm Garden, about 10k up the road from The Bend turn-off. The scenery approaching the Drakensburg Range was quite spectacular and we stopped a number of times for photos and video. We arrived and the garden was also spectacular with masses of different coloured Azalea and other blooms. The buildings were interesting; green painted corrugated iron that we were told had been an officer’s mess during the Boor War. We had afternoon tea at the garden and then returned to Nottingham Road Village to return a number of Providence desert plates to ‘Linga-Lapha’ where they would be picked up by the Providence people. Then back to The Bend. The wedding guests for the weekend event were arriving and making themselves at home as we had done. We felt a little foreign but The Bend overcame that by providing a nice tea on the large serving table in the anteroom to the dining room. The seven of us remaining were able to sit around talking over the past events and what we were planning to do next. It turned into another very pleasant night.

So Saturday was Wendy and my departure day for Durban and The Palace again and that brings me to the end of this little reflection on a very special week. Perhaps I have left some things out but what I have written is simply my own limited perception. What followed can be told in another reflection – there is much to tell and I will get around to it. Saturday evening with Sarah, Heidi, Rob (a reluctant starter), Joyce and Warwick Paley went to an electrifying performance of the Soweto Gospel Choir. Sunday we went shopping in the Musgrave Road shopping centre where Rob acquired a Canon digital camera then back to The Palace and packing for our departure on Monday to other parts – Victoria Falls, Botswana and Chobe National Park, Kruger National Park then Cape Town, but all that some other time.

Bob Skitch
17-19 December 2007

much love xx
Jo

Had a wonderful week in Durban following the wedding, bonding with my new sister-in-law, Janet, and also having special time with my brother Rob.

Thanks so much Chris and Shaz for getting married and giving us all this truly amazing experience.

Love you both very much,

Sare xo

I am so happy that you guys are married and had such a beautiful and exciting time together! May it continue!!! Congratulations.

The festival report is really excellent. Chris, good to see the LC classic continues on an international basis!

Love
Jen

The story begins with our convoy: the McCarthy’s in the lead car (with Popey back seat driver), Dave at the wheel of our car and DJ Lizzo spinning some tunes in the front (with me being the back seat driver), holding up the rear were the lovely Brain and Sue.

After the team decided that we were going to go “the back roads” so that we could have a look at the battlefields we set off. About an hour or two into our trip we were travelling on a “secondary road” unlike the ones you would find in Oz (or indeed NZ) with pot holes the size of small craters, well it just so happened that we managed to hit (or should I say dive into) one of these pot holes, there was a loud bang followed by which the convoy pulled over (in the middle of no where on the edge of what looked like a forest) to change the tyre that had just blown out. After jacking up the car we got the spare tyre out only to find that the tiny little space saver tyre was damaged and FLAT!! Well after much F-ing and blinding (mainly by yours truly) we managed to convince Dave that we should just lock this car up and carry on our way (after all we had a wedding festival to get to – and I hate missing out on the partying!). We squeezed our bags in with the McCarthys and Dave and I jumped in with Sue and Brian (guys we truly can’t thank you enough for being there!)..…. Luckily for us we came upon a Police Station about another 4 kms on where we left the keys for the car and advised our hire company of what we had done.

After that it was plain sailing, onto the battlefields and then onwards to our final destination of the Bend, after battling with the rain, then intense fog we finally arrived, in desperate need of a drink…

Oh and our upgrade (a Mercedes!) arrived some time later that evening.

I hope I have done the story justice xx

Take care and see you soon xx

Bob and I are at the Intercontinental Airport Sun Hotel J’burg for an overnight stay. It’s absolutely luxurious and very very convenient. Tomorrow we rendezvous with Sarah, Heidi and Rob at the Diners Club lounge at the domestic terminal before we fly out to Kruger at 12 noon. They are dining in style on Marine Parade Durban this evening with Janet (we have just spoken with them.)

Victoria Falls was a once in a lifetime experience and a great way to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary. Perhaps you can do the same in 46 years time?

Thank you both for all the memories we now have of the Wombok festival and especially of the wedding. You planned it all so well - we will treasure the time that we had with Joy and Steve and Janet and with Karen and now feel that we have known them for a long time. And meeting all your friends who travelled so far to share in the celebration and support you both in making your marriage vows. And then there were so many who sent messages of good wishes. It makes one’s heart overflow with joy.

You will be leaving your honeymoon cruise soon and attending the World Cup. What a way to celebrate!

Our love is with you both.
Wendy & Bob

All our Love

Jimbo and Rach xxx

Darryl and Gen xxxxx

Love anne xx

Love you
xxxxx

Looking for an email address for a ‘telegram’ for the big day - Chris/Shaz can you pass one on please?

Enjoy the ‘festival’!

Cheers from sunny Sydney
Tim

I had a good chuckle at these points with regards to the Hotel tips…..

>> * Never leave your luggage unattended

( In fact most of my guests leave EVERYTHING lying around, children’s clothing, shoes, cameras, jackets…..we
are so remote and our staff are so unexploited by city life that your
belongings could never be any safer )

>> * Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box

(…….. Um, we don’t
have one, because we’ve never needed one…..but there is a small safe in
the office, if you are bringing the crown jewels )

>> * Keep your room locked, whether you’re in it or not

( there really is no need for this…..especially in the main house, but if you have thieves or
ex-convicts amongst your-selves perhaps this would be a good idea! )

>> * If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door

( He heheeee…if someone knocks, there are no peep holes to check who it is,
because it would be 1 of 2 persons - One of the Bend staff, or another guest
in the hotel )

>> * Leave your keys at the reception desk when leaving the hotel……

Yes please!

Basically, I just want your guests to know that The Bend is a truly safe
environment. Parents leave there children in the rooms unattended, with
unlocked doors, and I would very much like guests to relax, and NOT feel
unsafe by the various stigmas attached to certain places, like Jo’burg. I
haven’t locked the front door of my house for a year and half, and I walk
home every night in the pitch black darkness, my greatest fear is tripping
over a rabbit or bumping into a sheep, but also know that there would be
no-one to see me!

With regards to other Hotels that are not franchises, and near to city
centres, yes, the above recommendations are advisable.

Kind Regards

Candice van der Leek
GM - The Bend Country House
Tel: +27(0) 33 2666 441/371
Fax: 0866 429 342
Web: http://www.thebend.co.za

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=l_oIDBMkPis

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
————————————————————
Translation
The isiXhosa and isiZulu of the first stanza, the Sesotho of the second stanza and the Afrikaans of the third stanza translate into English as follows:

Lord, bless Africa
May her spirit rise high up
Hear thou our prayers
Lord bless us.
Lord, bless Africa
Banish wars and strife
Lord, bless our nation
Of South Africa.

Ringing out from our blue heavens
From our deep seas breaking round
Over everlasting mountains
Where the echoing crags resound …

To be honest I’m almost ready to say “that’s it”! Only a few small arrangements still to sort out. The plan at this point is to knock off and relax by Thursday 20 Sept! In any case, we have a fantastic honeymoon planned. 7 nights cruising the Western Med aboard a “mega” cruise ship, finishing up in Marseille for a weekend of rugby world cup quarter finals!!

Have begun packing and really appreciate this valuable information,

love Sare xo

The BBC have run a story on it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6938516.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk/6252730.stm

We have just gotten back from our USA trip and are trying to book accommodation at Hilltop for the 21st,22nd,23rd Sept. Can only get a 4 bed chalet for the two of us! A bit of overkill but we will take this if we can’t get anything else. Do you have any other suggestions Chris or Sharon.

More info on the Space Invaders \”project\”:
http://www.space-invaders.com

Also, interesting you should say it looks like an unfinished rubic cube, the same French artist has started doing just that:
http://www.space-invaders.com/rubikubism.html

While in Sydney a few weeks ago, I took this photo of a painting of Rorkes Drift.

http://wombok.com/modules/xcgal/displayimage.php?pid=1347&album=topn&cat=-64&pos=0

Chris.