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2022 - Remembrance Day
11 November and we will remember them.
2022 - August SADF 2.4km Perth
Facebook Post by Ben Opperman 6.8.22
The seasons are changing but……we must not be deceived. It was really wonderful to be in Kings Park this morning for our monthly SADF Two-comma-fô meeting. Things, and I mean the weather, can change very quickly here in Perth but today we were spared the not-so-pleasant weather whilst in Kings Park. Had to pick up Veteran Garth Pienaar from his house in the rain – I was playing Uber again – and on our way we saw the skies clear. We watched the other veterans arrive one by one and they seem to have that extra bit in their step and not phased at all with getting up early on a Saturday morning.
Beeg Don opted to tackle Riaan-se-koppie a few minutes early citing all sorts of ailments and more. Him setting off early had some of the others also follow suit! So much for orders and an orderly departure on the dot! Veteran Garth opted out (understandably with his busted leg) and undertook to fire up the bbq’s and keeping them going. Luckily Garth was on hand to explain and direct the others up the hill. Riaan-se-koppie seemed to be not so bad this morning for some reason while going down was much better.
Back at the TB it was business as usual. The barbeques were started and our brekkies started. There was much talk around the ‘barbies’ covering subjects like the ‘bokke’ taking on the ‘kiwi’s’ tonight, Covid and the situation back in South Africa. All was not doom as much banter and laughter could be heard. As usual ‘delegates’ from both ‘barbies’ sauntered back and forth checking out each other’s array but mostly to pinch a piece of ‘boerewors’ that Veteran Johan Burr-Dixon had thrown on the ‘barbie’ as was his usual custom, borrowing this and dropping off that. All in all a good time was had by all.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms.
The group photo, in usual order…..Veterans Marlize Pretorius, Dave Stevenson, Aussie Marion Hercock, Slade Healy, Jess van der Nest, Ian Higley, Garth Pienaar, Johan Burr-Dixon, Dean van Vuuren (up to no good at the back…), Johan Jankowitz, Don Pengelly, Ben Opperman, Philip Niman, Vintcent Redpath and Aussie Joe Bryant.
The seasons are changing but……we must not be deceived. It was really wonderful to be in Kings Park this morning for our monthly SADF Two-comma-fô meeting. Things, and I mean the weather, can change very quickly here in Perth but today we were spared the not-so-pleasant weather whilst in Kings Park. Had to pick up Veteran Garth Pienaar from his house in the rain – I was playing Uber again – and on our way we saw the skies clear. We watched the other veterans arrive one by one and they seem to have that extra bit in their step and not phased at all with getting up early on a Saturday morning.
Beeg Don opted to tackle Riaan-se-koppie a few minutes early citing all sorts of ailments and more. Him setting off early had some of the others also follow suit! So much for orders and an orderly departure on the dot! Veteran Garth opted out (understandably with his busted leg) and undertook to fire up the bbq’s and keeping them going. Luckily Garth was on hand to explain and direct the others up the hill. Riaan-se-koppie seemed to be not so bad this morning for some reason while going down was much better.
Back at the TB it was business as usual. The barbeques were started and our brekkies started. There was much talk around the ‘barbies’ covering subjects like the ‘bokke’ taking on the ‘kiwi’s’ tonight, Covid and the situation back in South Africa. All was not doom as much banter and laughter could be heard. As usual ‘delegates’ from both ‘barbies’ sauntered back and forth checking out each other’s array but mostly to pinch a piece of ‘boerewors’ that Veteran Johan Burr-Dixon had thrown on the ‘barbie’ as was his usual custom, borrowing this and dropping off that. All in all a good time was had by all.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms.
The group photo, in usual order…..Veterans Marlize Pretorius, Dave Stevenson, Aussie Marion Hercock, Slade Healy, Jess van der Nest, Ian Higley, Garth Pienaar, Johan Burr-Dixon, Dean van Vuuren (up to no good at the back…), Johan Jankowitz, Don Pengelly, Ben Opperman, Philip Niman, Vintcent Redpath and Aussie Joe Bryant.
2022 - July SADF 2.4km Perth
Ben Opperman Facebook Post 2 July 2022
It was a crisp clear morning as I left home for our 2,4. Daylight was slowly making headway pushing the night over the horizon towards Africa.
One by one the veterans and Aussie friends drifted in. It was the perfect morning in Kings Park. We were convening 30 minutes later than usual to give those who like a few moments longer in bed the opportunity to join the rest of us but despite the later start only a few veterans answered the call. Come half past seven we set off up Riaan-se-koppie, touched the steel of Tim’s Tower and down the hill we came. In no time the bbq’s were loaded and sizzling with breakfast goodies. Much laughter and forces banter abound. Everybody had a story to tell. Time seems to fly by so quickly. It was like yesterday that we were at Kings Park.
Why do we do it one might ask? Well, the answer is simple. We as veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and cement existing and new friendships. There is some medicine in doing this. We all share the same story though the tales may differ. We were after all soldiers once and once a soldier, always a soldier! Just the other day a simple message popped up on the SAMVO website reading “PTSD. I need help.” It turned out to be a veteran here in Perth. His contact details were forwarded and he was duly contacted and our resident professionals took care of the rest. He has since then joined up and the rest of us is looking forward to a meet-up.
A few veterans tendered their absence notices citing bad backs, bad coughs, looking after the grandchildren, and generally feeling crook etc. So has Veteran Garth Pienaar who is nursing a broken leg. He was going to join us but his leg decided otherwise….. Veteran Marlize Pretorius invited a fellow Aussie Reserve Forces member to join us and they put us ‘oumanne’ to shame with a 35kg backpack each and going up and down the hill a few times. Nothing more to say on this but ‘yster vrouens’!
The group photo. Veterans Alf Naude, Don Pengelly, Aussie Reservist Montana Baddeley, Marlize Pretorius, Braam Coetzee, Troy Hosking, Andries Pretorius, Johan Burr-Dixon, Ian Higley and Ben Opperman.
It was a crisp clear morning as I left home for our 2,4. Daylight was slowly making headway pushing the night over the horizon towards Africa.
One by one the veterans and Aussie friends drifted in. It was the perfect morning in Kings Park. We were convening 30 minutes later than usual to give those who like a few moments longer in bed the opportunity to join the rest of us but despite the later start only a few veterans answered the call. Come half past seven we set off up Riaan-se-koppie, touched the steel of Tim’s Tower and down the hill we came. In no time the bbq’s were loaded and sizzling with breakfast goodies. Much laughter and forces banter abound. Everybody had a story to tell. Time seems to fly by so quickly. It was like yesterday that we were at Kings Park.
Why do we do it one might ask? Well, the answer is simple. We as veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and cement existing and new friendships. There is some medicine in doing this. We all share the same story though the tales may differ. We were after all soldiers once and once a soldier, always a soldier! Just the other day a simple message popped up on the SAMVO website reading “PTSD. I need help.” It turned out to be a veteran here in Perth. His contact details were forwarded and he was duly contacted and our resident professionals took care of the rest. He has since then joined up and the rest of us is looking forward to a meet-up.
A few veterans tendered their absence notices citing bad backs, bad coughs, looking after the grandchildren, and generally feeling crook etc. So has Veteran Garth Pienaar who is nursing a broken leg. He was going to join us but his leg decided otherwise….. Veteran Marlize Pretorius invited a fellow Aussie Reserve Forces member to join us and they put us ‘oumanne’ to shame with a 35kg backpack each and going up and down the hill a few times. Nothing more to say on this but ‘yster vrouens’!
The group photo. Veterans Alf Naude, Don Pengelly, Aussie Reservist Montana Baddeley, Marlize Pretorius, Braam Coetzee, Troy Hosking, Andries Pretorius, Johan Burr-Dixon, Ian Higley and Ben Opperman.
2022 - June SADF 2.4km Perth
Ben Opperman Facebook post 4th June 2022
That’s it fellow veterans, friends, family and countrymen…..Perth’s two-comma-4 for the month of June ‘22 done and dusted. We missed a few regulars but sometimes duty calls and in veteran Garth Pienaar’s case being confined to a bed with a fractured femur isn’t that pleasant at all. We wish him a speedy recovery knowing that he was with us in spirit.
Day was struggling to push night over the horizon as veterans turned up one after the other for this month’s 2,4km. The air was nippy forcing some of the veterans to don neck warmers and beanies, not forgetting a warm jacket or so. We had Veteran Jacques van Tonder join us after a long absence. He is on holiday at the moment from his work in Mongolia. He regaled all those present with many tales and traditions of his stay and experiences in the land of Genghis Kahn. He also visited the ANZAC memorial at Gallipoli and expressed his sheer admiration of what happened there so many years ago. The scale of the battlefield is much smaller than he originally thought.
It is also a good time to reflect on the six months that is past. Well done on the veterans, friends and family who made the trek to Kings Park each time. We must continue to do so. Maybe the next six months will see more veterans making their way to Kings Park for a trek up Riaan-se-koppie to Tim’s Tower and back.
To all the veterans out there, wherever you may be, do make an effort to do a 2,4km in your own backyard. Take a selfie with you on the go and tell us where you are. Why not take the dog for a walk?
Everyone set off on the dot up Riaan-se-koppie, touched the steel of Tim’s Tower and paused a moment there to reflect before heading down to a scrumptious self-made brekky. Soon the area around the two barbeques were filled with the aroma of bacon and other goodies being cooked (we are the envy of many other visitors to Kings Park who happen to wander past our group.) Veteran Ian Higley of course raised the bar a notch or two with flat bread filled with succulent pulled lamb, beetroot and white sauce! Not forgetting the forces banter, laughter, jokes and other discussions going on. It is good to catch up with everyone.
Why do this at all one might ask? I have said it before and will keep on saying it. We will always remember those who sacrificed so much at the call to duty and those who left us too early. We will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
There are many, many more Veterans out here that are not ‘connected’. We are hoping to get to them sooner rather than later but it is an ongoing process. We have much to tell and much to offer.
The group photo…..Alf Naude, Johan Burr-Dixon, Marlize Pretorius, Hendrik Pretorius, Philip Niman, Don Pengelly, Dean van Vuuren, Joe Bryant, Jacques van Tonder, Ben Opperman and Ian Higley.
That’s it fellow veterans, friends, family and countrymen…..Perth’s two-comma-4 for the month of June ‘22 done and dusted. We missed a few regulars but sometimes duty calls and in veteran Garth Pienaar’s case being confined to a bed with a fractured femur isn’t that pleasant at all. We wish him a speedy recovery knowing that he was with us in spirit.
Day was struggling to push night over the horizon as veterans turned up one after the other for this month’s 2,4km. The air was nippy forcing some of the veterans to don neck warmers and beanies, not forgetting a warm jacket or so. We had Veteran Jacques van Tonder join us after a long absence. He is on holiday at the moment from his work in Mongolia. He regaled all those present with many tales and traditions of his stay and experiences in the land of Genghis Kahn. He also visited the ANZAC memorial at Gallipoli and expressed his sheer admiration of what happened there so many years ago. The scale of the battlefield is much smaller than he originally thought.
It is also a good time to reflect on the six months that is past. Well done on the veterans, friends and family who made the trek to Kings Park each time. We must continue to do so. Maybe the next six months will see more veterans making their way to Kings Park for a trek up Riaan-se-koppie to Tim’s Tower and back.
To all the veterans out there, wherever you may be, do make an effort to do a 2,4km in your own backyard. Take a selfie with you on the go and tell us where you are. Why not take the dog for a walk?
Everyone set off on the dot up Riaan-se-koppie, touched the steel of Tim’s Tower and paused a moment there to reflect before heading down to a scrumptious self-made brekky. Soon the area around the two barbeques were filled with the aroma of bacon and other goodies being cooked (we are the envy of many other visitors to Kings Park who happen to wander past our group.) Veteran Ian Higley of course raised the bar a notch or two with flat bread filled with succulent pulled lamb, beetroot and white sauce! Not forgetting the forces banter, laughter, jokes and other discussions going on. It is good to catch up with everyone.
Why do this at all one might ask? I have said it before and will keep on saying it. We will always remember those who sacrificed so much at the call to duty and those who left us too early. We will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
There are many, many more Veterans out here that are not ‘connected’. We are hoping to get to them sooner rather than later but it is an ongoing process. We have much to tell and much to offer.
The group photo…..Alf Naude, Johan Burr-Dixon, Marlize Pretorius, Hendrik Pretorius, Philip Niman, Don Pengelly, Dean van Vuuren, Joe Bryant, Jacques van Tonder, Ben Opperman and Ian Higley.
2022 - May 2022 2.4km Perth
Facebook post by Ben Opperman 7th May 2022
Daar’s hy manne en maninne….that’s it boys and girls! Perth’s SADF two-comma-four done for the month that is May of the year 2022. Somewhere between our last outing and today autumn got lost. There was a wee bite in the early morning air in Kings Park on arrival and continued to hang around till halfway up Riaan-se-koppie. Only then did it warm up a little bit. Going down the hill proved much easier. Back at the barbeque area everyone made haste with prepping their brekkies and getting everything onto the braais. Eyes were kept on the few Magpies eyeing the goodies on the barbeque and waiting for an opportunity to strike an unwary eater. Then it was time for everyone to recap on trials and tribulations over the past thirty days or so. Scrumptious brekkies were had and still everyone stayed put enjoying the camaraderie, banter and jokes.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends, all the farmers…..the list is long.
The group missed big Don Pengelly this morning. He went down with the Big Bad Flu and had to isolate. We wish him a speedy recovery. Other stalwarts had duties calling elsewhere. As for the rest ….. on the group photo in usual order veterans Marlize Pretorius, Slade Healy, Alf Naude, civvies Bea Pretorius and Kyla Pretorius (Kyla is visiting from the motherland), Andries Pretorius, Philip Niman, Vic van Loggerenberg, Dave Stevenson, Dean van Vuuren, Peter Celliers, Dion Clegg, Ian Higley, Johan Burr-Dixon and Ben Opperman.
Daar’s hy manne en maninne….that’s it boys and girls! Perth’s SADF two-comma-four done for the month that is May of the year 2022. Somewhere between our last outing and today autumn got lost. There was a wee bite in the early morning air in Kings Park on arrival and continued to hang around till halfway up Riaan-se-koppie. Only then did it warm up a little bit. Going down the hill proved much easier. Back at the barbeque area everyone made haste with prepping their brekkies and getting everything onto the braais. Eyes were kept on the few Magpies eyeing the goodies on the barbeque and waiting for an opportunity to strike an unwary eater. Then it was time for everyone to recap on trials and tribulations over the past thirty days or so. Scrumptious brekkies were had and still everyone stayed put enjoying the camaraderie, banter and jokes.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends, all the farmers…..the list is long.
The group missed big Don Pengelly this morning. He went down with the Big Bad Flu and had to isolate. We wish him a speedy recovery. Other stalwarts had duties calling elsewhere. As for the rest ….. on the group photo in usual order veterans Marlize Pretorius, Slade Healy, Alf Naude, civvies Bea Pretorius and Kyla Pretorius (Kyla is visiting from the motherland), Andries Pretorius, Philip Niman, Vic van Loggerenberg, Dave Stevenson, Dean van Vuuren, Peter Celliers, Dion Clegg, Ian Higley, Johan Burr-Dixon and Ben Opperman.
2022 - April SADF 2.4km Perth
Facebook post by Ben Opperman - 2 April 2022
That’s it veteran boys and girls …. manne en maninne …. Perth’s two-comma-4 for the month that be April done and dusted. No less than 21 veterans, spouses, friends and family toe-ed the line this morning for the trek up Riaan-se-koppie to Tim’s Tower and back for a well-deserved self-made brekky. On our arrival in Kings Park we were met with a beautiful sunrise.
AWOL were a few stalwarts but as usual no names, no pack drill. We even had Veteran Theo and Louise van Niekerk join us all the way from Katanning. That’s the spirit!
Back as the TB everyone settled down to some serious brekky prepping and eating spiced with good ol’ forces banter and headlines of the week.
So today’s 2,4km was run in remembrance for the 21 soldiers that paid the ultimate price during “injury time” of our Bush war as Veteran Andre Potgieter aptly put it after doing his 2,4 over east in the small town of Bowen in Queensland. Our own Veteran Troy Hosking who was involved in the skirmishes gave us a quick run-down of events that became known as the nine day war.
Throughout March, in terms of the agreed-upon UN Resolution 435, UNTAG soldiers arrived in dribs and drabs to become the interim authority on 1 April 1989. Veteran Troy Hosking and others in his unit being 61 Mech had just returned from a 20 day pass. All their equipment had been handed in. They, along with other units were to mark time in their respective bases until official proceedings were over and done with before their ultimate withdrawal from South West Africa.
However, on Friday 31 March 1989, Koevoet (the SWAPOL Counter-Insurgency Unit, or SWAPOL TIN) and SWAPOL Security Police patrols were placed on high alert along the border in anticipation of a possible SWAPO invasion. Earlier, police informers had brought information regarding the execution of a SWAPO invasion plan on 31 March 1989.
On the Saturday morning of 1 April 1989 events took a turn for the worse as heavily-armed SWAPO insurgents began to invade SWA. The police were under pressure as heavy fighting broke out. Koevoet bore the brunt, as all the South African Defence Force (SADF) units had either been disbanded or were confined to base. The race to get back into the fight began immediately and quickly they were re-armed and off to fight. It was no 1st of April joke as everyone in the unit had thought!
For the time, before the army could be mobilised, SWAPOL used everyone at its disposal. Security Police teams also deployed on 1 April 1989. Over the next four days, the bloodiest fighting of the war took place on SWA soil. The SWAPO groups were large, with up to 250 insurgents in a group. As the groups were attacked, they scattered and splintered off into smaller units.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
The group photo…. Alf Naude, Johan Schoeman, Garth Pienaar, Ian Higley, Peter Celliers, Philip NIman, Dean van Vuuren, Craig Howard, Theo van Niekerk, an Aussie friend, Johan Burr-Dixon, Troy Hosking, Stephen Higley, Slade Healy, Braam Coetzee, Ben Opperman, Louise van Niekerk, Stella Opperman, Don Pengelly and Wilma Higley. Kneeling is Sam Hosking.
That’s it veteran boys and girls …. manne en maninne …. Perth’s two-comma-4 for the month that be April done and dusted. No less than 21 veterans, spouses, friends and family toe-ed the line this morning for the trek up Riaan-se-koppie to Tim’s Tower and back for a well-deserved self-made brekky. On our arrival in Kings Park we were met with a beautiful sunrise.
AWOL were a few stalwarts but as usual no names, no pack drill. We even had Veteran Theo and Louise van Niekerk join us all the way from Katanning. That’s the spirit!
Back as the TB everyone settled down to some serious brekky prepping and eating spiced with good ol’ forces banter and headlines of the week.
So today’s 2,4km was run in remembrance for the 21 soldiers that paid the ultimate price during “injury time” of our Bush war as Veteran Andre Potgieter aptly put it after doing his 2,4 over east in the small town of Bowen in Queensland. Our own Veteran Troy Hosking who was involved in the skirmishes gave us a quick run-down of events that became known as the nine day war.
Throughout March, in terms of the agreed-upon UN Resolution 435, UNTAG soldiers arrived in dribs and drabs to become the interim authority on 1 April 1989. Veteran Troy Hosking and others in his unit being 61 Mech had just returned from a 20 day pass. All their equipment had been handed in. They, along with other units were to mark time in their respective bases until official proceedings were over and done with before their ultimate withdrawal from South West Africa.
However, on Friday 31 March 1989, Koevoet (the SWAPOL Counter-Insurgency Unit, or SWAPOL TIN) and SWAPOL Security Police patrols were placed on high alert along the border in anticipation of a possible SWAPO invasion. Earlier, police informers had brought information regarding the execution of a SWAPO invasion plan on 31 March 1989.
On the Saturday morning of 1 April 1989 events took a turn for the worse as heavily-armed SWAPO insurgents began to invade SWA. The police were under pressure as heavy fighting broke out. Koevoet bore the brunt, as all the South African Defence Force (SADF) units had either been disbanded or were confined to base. The race to get back into the fight began immediately and quickly they were re-armed and off to fight. It was no 1st of April joke as everyone in the unit had thought!
For the time, before the army could be mobilised, SWAPOL used everyone at its disposal. Security Police teams also deployed on 1 April 1989. Over the next four days, the bloodiest fighting of the war took place on SWA soil. The SWAPO groups were large, with up to 250 insurgents in a group. As the groups were attacked, they scattered and splintered off into smaller units.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
The group photo…. Alf Naude, Johan Schoeman, Garth Pienaar, Ian Higley, Peter Celliers, Philip NIman, Dean van Vuuren, Craig Howard, Theo van Niekerk, an Aussie friend, Johan Burr-Dixon, Troy Hosking, Stephen Higley, Slade Healy, Braam Coetzee, Ben Opperman, Louise van Niekerk, Stella Opperman, Don Pengelly and Wilma Higley. Kneeling is Sam Hosking.
2022 - March SADF 2.4km Perth
Facebook Post by Ben Opperman 5th March 2022
Goodbye summer, hello autumn! Just like that, ‘poof!’ summer gone! We endured a month of 35°C plus heat and this morning in Kings Park was just beautiful! I had to stop on my way in to take a photo of Perth as seen from Kings Park just before sunrise. The air was comfortably cool and clean as veterans arrived one after another. It is a long weekend here in Perth so not a big attendance was expected.
Why we do this one might ask? Well, precisely to prevent what happen when fellow veterans march off into the mists of history, here one moment, gone the next. No chance to ask how they were or to have a nice chat or do something together, just gone forever with only memories left and If there are no memories there is nothing……. Lest we forget. In light of that we as veterans need to take time off and spend time together where we get to know each other better and possibly support each other or someone in ways not thought of. We may never know the extent or outcome but who cares….so long someone in need benefitted. We are really glad for veteran Peter Celliers having recovered from cancer treatment and other medical procedures. Good to have had him join the rest of us.
Anyway, as expected not many veterans turned up for the two-comma-4. Those that managed to find their way set off on the dot up Riaan-se-koppie to Tims tower and back down again. A quick group photo was taken with a few veterans having to leave early – duty calls they said – whilst the others settled down to prepping and enjoying a hearty brekky spiced with good old forces banter, jokes and the like. The hard border coming down today and the war in Ukraine were the top topics. Then of course, there were much to say about the absurdity of all the mandates, rules and regulations around the whole Covid thing. Jaaaa boetas, the less said the better.
The kookaburras and magpies were out in force and so everyone had to keep an eye on them sneaky birds lest they try to relieve an unsuspecting veteran of their food. They usually strike as you are about to put the food in your mouth. It happens so fast……
On the group photo in usual order……Vic van Loggerenberg, Philip Niman, Andries Pretorius, Marlize Pretorius, Craig Howard, Ian Higley, Johan Burr-Dixon, Johan Schoeman, Peter Celliers, Don Pengelly, Garth Pienaar, Ben Opperman and Slade Healy in front.
Goodbye summer, hello autumn! Just like that, ‘poof!’ summer gone! We endured a month of 35°C plus heat and this morning in Kings Park was just beautiful! I had to stop on my way in to take a photo of Perth as seen from Kings Park just before sunrise. The air was comfortably cool and clean as veterans arrived one after another. It is a long weekend here in Perth so not a big attendance was expected.
Why we do this one might ask? Well, precisely to prevent what happen when fellow veterans march off into the mists of history, here one moment, gone the next. No chance to ask how they were or to have a nice chat or do something together, just gone forever with only memories left and If there are no memories there is nothing……. Lest we forget. In light of that we as veterans need to take time off and spend time together where we get to know each other better and possibly support each other or someone in ways not thought of. We may never know the extent or outcome but who cares….so long someone in need benefitted. We are really glad for veteran Peter Celliers having recovered from cancer treatment and other medical procedures. Good to have had him join the rest of us.
Anyway, as expected not many veterans turned up for the two-comma-4. Those that managed to find their way set off on the dot up Riaan-se-koppie to Tims tower and back down again. A quick group photo was taken with a few veterans having to leave early – duty calls they said – whilst the others settled down to prepping and enjoying a hearty brekky spiced with good old forces banter, jokes and the like. The hard border coming down today and the war in Ukraine were the top topics. Then of course, there were much to say about the absurdity of all the mandates, rules and regulations around the whole Covid thing. Jaaaa boetas, the less said the better.
The kookaburras and magpies were out in force and so everyone had to keep an eye on them sneaky birds lest they try to relieve an unsuspecting veteran of their food. They usually strike as you are about to put the food in your mouth. It happens so fast……
On the group photo in usual order……Vic van Loggerenberg, Philip Niman, Andries Pretorius, Marlize Pretorius, Craig Howard, Ian Higley, Johan Burr-Dixon, Johan Schoeman, Peter Celliers, Don Pengelly, Garth Pienaar, Ben Opperman and Slade Healy in front.
2022 February SADF 2.4km Perth
Ben Opperman Facebook Post 5th February 2022
Well boys…and girls, Perth’s SADF2.4 for the month of February 2022 is done and dusted.
The past week, the past month for that matter, was hot, very hot with the mercury hovering close to and sometimes over 40°C! But, this morning is was just splendid! Kings Park was crisp and cool as we arrived at our assembly point. Yet, going up Riaan-se-koppie up to Tim’s Tower still had to be done and that’s when it started and I’m referring to the heat.
Veterans Don Pengelly and Peter Celliers set off early citing nursing a few ailments and so on. ‘Jors troelie’ is nursing a wonky knee and had promised the wife not to go up the hill but then….when amongst the ‘brothers’ you do like all the other brothers. You fall in and you go….
We had barely set off when we starting breaking a sweat and it did not stop until we got into our vehicles to leave. The forecast for the day is 42°C…..say no more!
Back at the barbeque islands breakies were started and soon the area was abuzz with stories and laughter. Conversations that were started during assembly, continued up and down the hill and were continued whilst making and eating those scrumptious brekkies. Of course our inept government’s handling of the Covid crisis was the main topic but is best left alone…… The usual Kookaburras and magpies were noticeably absent and we could enjoy our food in peace. Maybe it was the heat.
Our good Aussie friends Joe and Marion joined us again this morning and showed us how one should enjoy your meal….by sitting down at a table….
At some stage a bunch of cyclists came past us and from within the group a voice shouted….”Julle troepe moet hardloop!” We don’t know who it was nor did the voice sound familiar. Jaaa boet, carry on cycling….
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We still have each other’s back and help where help is needed. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
The group photo…..in usual order…..Dave Stevenson, Craig Basson, Criag Howard, Dean van Vuuren, Marion Hercock, Joe Bryant, Philip Niman, Ian Higley, Peter Celliers, Steven Higley, Slade Healy, Wilma Higley, Don Pengelly, Johan Burr-Dixon and Ben Opperman. Kneeling is Garth Pienaar.
Well boys…and girls, Perth’s SADF2.4 for the month of February 2022 is done and dusted.
The past week, the past month for that matter, was hot, very hot with the mercury hovering close to and sometimes over 40°C! But, this morning is was just splendid! Kings Park was crisp and cool as we arrived at our assembly point. Yet, going up Riaan-se-koppie up to Tim’s Tower still had to be done and that’s when it started and I’m referring to the heat.
Veterans Don Pengelly and Peter Celliers set off early citing nursing a few ailments and so on. ‘Jors troelie’ is nursing a wonky knee and had promised the wife not to go up the hill but then….when amongst the ‘brothers’ you do like all the other brothers. You fall in and you go….
We had barely set off when we starting breaking a sweat and it did not stop until we got into our vehicles to leave. The forecast for the day is 42°C…..say no more!
Back at the barbeque islands breakies were started and soon the area was abuzz with stories and laughter. Conversations that were started during assembly, continued up and down the hill and were continued whilst making and eating those scrumptious brekkies. Of course our inept government’s handling of the Covid crisis was the main topic but is best left alone…… The usual Kookaburras and magpies were noticeably absent and we could enjoy our food in peace. Maybe it was the heat.
Our good Aussie friends Joe and Marion joined us again this morning and showed us how one should enjoy your meal….by sitting down at a table….
At some stage a bunch of cyclists came past us and from within the group a voice shouted….”Julle troepe moet hardloop!” We don’t know who it was nor did the voice sound familiar. Jaaa boet, carry on cycling….
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We still have each other’s back and help where help is needed. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
The group photo…..in usual order…..Dave Stevenson, Craig Basson, Criag Howard, Dean van Vuuren, Marion Hercock, Joe Bryant, Philip Niman, Ian Higley, Peter Celliers, Steven Higley, Slade Healy, Wilma Higley, Don Pengelly, Johan Burr-Dixon and Ben Opperman. Kneeling is Garth Pienaar.
2022 January SADF 2.4km Perth
Facebook Post by Ben Opperman 8th January 2022
Ok boys….and girls……Perth’s first two-comma-fô for the year that will be 2022 for the next twelve months done and dusted, albeit on the second Saturday of the new year. Not a bad attendance given the time of the year and the fact that it wouldn’t have been right to get everyone to ‘tree aan!’ a few hours after stepping into the new year the previous weekend.
A few regulars were AWOL, some on ‘afgedeelde diens’, others on holiday. Don Pengelly had to support one of his daughters swimming somewhere and couldn’t join the rest of us. Very noble of him…
The morning was hot and humid already as we assembled at our usual spot in Kings Park with New Year wishes and stories of the now past festive season doing the rounds. Everybody seemed in good spirit and we were also joined by Maree de Villiers. Good to have had Peter Celliers, Lesley Wittstock and her daughter Jay Sprigg join us. Up the hill we went and down again. Some of the boys took to running up the hill and down again, some just down the hill. They were joined by Marlize Pretorius who also ran all the way and to top it off, went up and down the spiral DNA tower several times! The rest of us formed a LSD (Lam, Siek en Dooies) squad and made our way up and down.
Back at base the boys and girls settled into prepping and cooking the customary breakfast, something everyone is getting really good at. Some jumped the proverbial gun by prepping at home and only warming up their ‘food parcels’ before eating it. We’ll have to look into that……
Covid was one of the topics covered as everyone went about their brekky prepping and cooking. Our hearts and thoughts are with those affected.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
On the group photo….Dave Stevenson, Andries Pretorius, Jess van der Nest, Wilma Higley, Dion Clegg, Marlize Pretorius, Philip Niman, Craig Goodson, Stephen Higley, Maree de Villiers, Dean van Vuuren, Christo Miller, Ian Higley, Peter celliers, Johan Burr-Dixon, Slade Healy, Ben Opperman and Garth Pienaar. Inset Vic van Loggerenberg who had to leave early. Lesley Wittstock and Jay Sprigg also missed the shoot for some reason unknow
Ok boys….and girls……Perth’s first two-comma-fô for the year that will be 2022 for the next twelve months done and dusted, albeit on the second Saturday of the new year. Not a bad attendance given the time of the year and the fact that it wouldn’t have been right to get everyone to ‘tree aan!’ a few hours after stepping into the new year the previous weekend.
A few regulars were AWOL, some on ‘afgedeelde diens’, others on holiday. Don Pengelly had to support one of his daughters swimming somewhere and couldn’t join the rest of us. Very noble of him…
The morning was hot and humid already as we assembled at our usual spot in Kings Park with New Year wishes and stories of the now past festive season doing the rounds. Everybody seemed in good spirit and we were also joined by Maree de Villiers. Good to have had Peter Celliers, Lesley Wittstock and her daughter Jay Sprigg join us. Up the hill we went and down again. Some of the boys took to running up the hill and down again, some just down the hill. They were joined by Marlize Pretorius who also ran all the way and to top it off, went up and down the spiral DNA tower several times! The rest of us formed a LSD (Lam, Siek en Dooies) squad and made our way up and down.
Back at base the boys and girls settled into prepping and cooking the customary breakfast, something everyone is getting really good at. Some jumped the proverbial gun by prepping at home and only warming up their ‘food parcels’ before eating it. We’ll have to look into that……
Covid was one of the topics covered as everyone went about their brekky prepping and cooking. Our hearts and thoughts are with those affected.
Why do this at all one might ask? Well, one will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
On the group photo….Dave Stevenson, Andries Pretorius, Jess van der Nest, Wilma Higley, Dion Clegg, Marlize Pretorius, Philip Niman, Craig Goodson, Stephen Higley, Maree de Villiers, Dean van Vuuren, Christo Miller, Ian Higley, Peter celliers, Johan Burr-Dixon, Slade Healy, Ben Opperman and Garth Pienaar. Inset Vic van Loggerenberg who had to leave early. Lesley Wittstock and Jay Sprigg also missed the shoot for some reason unknow
2021 December SADF 2.4km Perth
Facebook Post by Ben Opperman 5th December 2021
That’s it fellow veterans, friends, family and countrymen…..Perth’s final two-comma-4 for the year that will soon be over 2021 done and dusted. It was a three in one event being our sixth anniversary, our year end ‘event’ and of course the usual first Saturday of the month get-together.
The sun shone brightly as the veterans drifted in one after the other, some accompanied by their legally wedded spouses and all in high spirit. It was the perfect morning for our 72nd event and a fitting end to another extraordinary year that was plagued by The Virus and everything that went with it.
The fly season is in full swing at the moment and the pesky little things made a pest of themselves all round, from the start to finish! One or two flies may have been swallowed in the process….
Good to have had fellow tanker Veteran Theo van Niekerk and Louise join us all the way from Katanning….and Maree de Villiers.
It is also a good time to reflect on the year that is past. Well done on the veterans, friends and family who made the trek to Kings Park each time. We must continue to do so. Maybe next year we’ll try something else as well in order to get the other veterans outside Perth to join in one way or another.
To all the veterans out there, wherever you may be, we from Perth wish you all a blessed and merry Christmas. Stay safe, look after yourselves and let us above all not forget what Christmas is all about. If you are travelling, travel safe. Next year we do it all over again!
Everyone set off on the dot up Riaan-se-koppie, touched the steel of Tim’s Tower and paused a moment there to reflect before heading down to a scrumptious self-made brekky. Soon the area around the two barbeques were filled with the aroma of bacon and other goodies being cooked (we are the envy of many other visitors to Kings Park who happen to wander past our group.) Not forgetting the forces banter, laughter, jokes and other discussions going on. It is good to catch up with everyone. Of course, being December, a few sported something to resemble Christmas.
Why do this at all one might ask? I have said it before and will keep on saying it. We will always remember those who sacrificed so much at the call to duty and those who left us to early. We will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
There are many, many more Veterans out here that are not ‘connected’. We are hoping to get to them sooner rather than later but is something we will work on next year. We have much to tell and much to offer.
The last group photo for the year from left to right…..Dave Stevenson, Vintcent Redpath, Johan Burr-Dixon, Joe Bryant*, Marion Hercock*, Maree de Villiers, Dean van Vuuren, Louise van Niekerk (back), Dalene Coetzee, Jess van der Nest, Craig Basson, Ben Opperman, Braam Coetzee, Bill Mullany, Andries Pretorius, Slade Healy, Ian Higley, mm…unknown*, Garth Pienaar, Don Pengelly, Craig Howard and Theo van Niekerk. Sitting are Philip Niman, Stella Opperman and Vic van Loggerenberg. Inset Veteran Ron Lee and wife Gwen who went AWOL.
That’s it fellow veterans, friends, family and countrymen…..Perth’s final two-comma-4 for the year that will soon be over 2021 done and dusted. It was a three in one event being our sixth anniversary, our year end ‘event’ and of course the usual first Saturday of the month get-together.
The sun shone brightly as the veterans drifted in one after the other, some accompanied by their legally wedded spouses and all in high spirit. It was the perfect morning for our 72nd event and a fitting end to another extraordinary year that was plagued by The Virus and everything that went with it.
The fly season is in full swing at the moment and the pesky little things made a pest of themselves all round, from the start to finish! One or two flies may have been swallowed in the process….
Good to have had fellow tanker Veteran Theo van Niekerk and Louise join us all the way from Katanning….and Maree de Villiers.
It is also a good time to reflect on the year that is past. Well done on the veterans, friends and family who made the trek to Kings Park each time. We must continue to do so. Maybe next year we’ll try something else as well in order to get the other veterans outside Perth to join in one way or another.
To all the veterans out there, wherever you may be, we from Perth wish you all a blessed and merry Christmas. Stay safe, look after yourselves and let us above all not forget what Christmas is all about. If you are travelling, travel safe. Next year we do it all over again!
Everyone set off on the dot up Riaan-se-koppie, touched the steel of Tim’s Tower and paused a moment there to reflect before heading down to a scrumptious self-made brekky. Soon the area around the two barbeques were filled with the aroma of bacon and other goodies being cooked (we are the envy of many other visitors to Kings Park who happen to wander past our group.) Not forgetting the forces banter, laughter, jokes and other discussions going on. It is good to catch up with everyone. Of course, being December, a few sported something to resemble Christmas.
Why do this at all one might ask? I have said it before and will keep on saying it. We will always remember those who sacrificed so much at the call to duty and those who left us to early. We will never know the true value of this once-a-month-activity but what is set in concrete is that veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and thereby cement existing friendships and forge new friendships. We are in a foreign country that we now call home where things can get a bit rough at times but we share the same story from way back – we were soldiers once - we were and still are brothers in arms. We share the hope and despair of all the veterans back in South-Africa, their families, our families, friends…..the list is long. We will pass, it’s a matter of time and life will go on regardless.
There are many, many more Veterans out here that are not ‘connected’. We are hoping to get to them sooner rather than later but is something we will work on next year. We have much to tell and much to offer.
The last group photo for the year from left to right…..Dave Stevenson, Vintcent Redpath, Johan Burr-Dixon, Joe Bryant*, Marion Hercock*, Maree de Villiers, Dean van Vuuren, Louise van Niekerk (back), Dalene Coetzee, Jess van der Nest, Craig Basson, Ben Opperman, Braam Coetzee, Bill Mullany, Andries Pretorius, Slade Healy, Ian Higley, mm…unknown*, Garth Pienaar, Don Pengelly, Craig Howard and Theo van Niekerk. Sitting are Philip Niman, Stella Opperman and Vic van Loggerenberg. Inset Veteran Ron Lee and wife Gwen who went AWOL.
2021 November SADF 2.4km Perth
Facebook Post by Ben Opperman 6th November
Spring at last and with that Perth’s eS-Ay-Dee-eF 2,4 for the penultimate month of the soon-to-be-over year of 2021 done and dusted. There was a slight chill in the air as a fair number of veterans drifted in one after another for yet another trek up Riaan-se-koppie to Tim’s Tower and back down the hill.
Then it was time for a scrumptious self-made brekky spiced with real good forces banter and laughs. Nice of new member Veteran Francois Moss to join us. No better way to get to know the rest than to spend some time together. Also Lorenzo de Villiers with mom Maree remembering Riaan de Villiers. With much laughter and a decent brekky under the belt the tone is set for a productive day whichever way!
Veteran Marlize Pretorius recently joined the ADF Reserves and had everyone taste what and ADF ratpack taste and look like …. eight different menu’s to choose from, I kid you not! There is no way a soldier can eat his way through that much food in 24 hours! Anyway, she had a spare ratpack on hand which was put up for a lucky draw. Veteran Jess van der Nest came up with the winning number and now has a ratpack to go into the car for those unforeseen on-the-spur-of-the-moment trips to somewhere or even a fishing trip along the coast. This could become a regular event!
Why do we do it one might ask? Well, the answer is simple. Us veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and cement existing and new friendships. There is some medicine in doing this. We all share the same story though the tales may differ. We were after all soldiers once and once a soldier, always a soldier! We honour those who at the call of duty sacrificed so much, be it with their lives or through injuries and more. Lest we Forget.
Now, with the group photo. There is always that one veteran who will not abide by the rules. Lucky for him he came clean and a proper picture could be taken. In usual order are …. Andries Pretorius, Marlize Pretorius, Marion Hercock, Francois Moss, Lorenzo de Villiers, Maree de Villiers, Dave Stevenson, Craig Goodson, Vintcent Redpath, Don Pengelly, Philip Niman, Joe Bryant, Jess van der Nest, Dean van Vuuren, Johan Burr-Dixon, Garth Pienaar, Ian Higley, Ben Opperman and Christo Miller.
Spring at last and with that Perth’s eS-Ay-Dee-eF 2,4 for the penultimate month of the soon-to-be-over year of 2021 done and dusted. There was a slight chill in the air as a fair number of veterans drifted in one after another for yet another trek up Riaan-se-koppie to Tim’s Tower and back down the hill.
Then it was time for a scrumptious self-made brekky spiced with real good forces banter and laughs. Nice of new member Veteran Francois Moss to join us. No better way to get to know the rest than to spend some time together. Also Lorenzo de Villiers with mom Maree remembering Riaan de Villiers. With much laughter and a decent brekky under the belt the tone is set for a productive day whichever way!
Veteran Marlize Pretorius recently joined the ADF Reserves and had everyone taste what and ADF ratpack taste and look like …. eight different menu’s to choose from, I kid you not! There is no way a soldier can eat his way through that much food in 24 hours! Anyway, she had a spare ratpack on hand which was put up for a lucky draw. Veteran Jess van der Nest came up with the winning number and now has a ratpack to go into the car for those unforeseen on-the-spur-of-the-moment trips to somewhere or even a fishing trip along the coast. This could become a regular event!
Why do we do it one might ask? Well, the answer is simple. Us veterans need to take time off to reacquaint with one another and cement existing and new friendships. There is some medicine in doing this. We all share the same story though the tales may differ. We were after all soldiers once and once a soldier, always a soldier! We honour those who at the call of duty sacrificed so much, be it with their lives or through injuries and more. Lest we Forget.
Now, with the group photo. There is always that one veteran who will not abide by the rules. Lucky for him he came clean and a proper picture could be taken. In usual order are …. Andries Pretorius, Marlize Pretorius, Marion Hercock, Francois Moss, Lorenzo de Villiers, Maree de Villiers, Dave Stevenson, Craig Goodson, Vintcent Redpath, Don Pengelly, Philip Niman, Joe Bryant, Jess van der Nest, Dean van Vuuren, Johan Burr-Dixon, Garth Pienaar, Ian Higley, Ben Opperman and Christo Miller.
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