Author: Soutie

Diary of an Ironman Marshal

 

Not me

Some of you may remember my post where I told you that we (Autism Eastern Cape) were offered a cool 5 grand for marshaling various intersections during this years Ironman Africa.

Here’s how it went:

5:00 As I reversed the car out of the garage I noted the temperature, 20°C, lovely, not a breath of air, it’s going to be a beautiful day.

5:45 Arrived at my station, Hannes was already there (he lives a lot closer than I do), unpacked my camping chairs, grabbed my flask of tea and got comfortable on the grass verge. There were already 4 or 5 young black teenagers present dressed in the volunteer caps and shirts, they told me that they were from the local school.

It was still dark, a pal of mine when hearing of our exercise had donated me two brand new ‘high-viz vests’ we put them on.

6:00 There’s a lot of traffic, Continue reading “Diary of an Ironman Marshal”

Ironman Africa

What will you be doing tomorrow morning? Fancy a swim, followed by a relaxing cycle and then a quick jog to cool down?

Race start at Hobie Beach

Tomorrow morning sees the start of this year’s Ironman Africa;

A 3.8km swim

180km cycle

Followed by a 42.2km marathon.

Port Elizabeth has hosted the event for the last three or four years now, as I write the weather appears perfect, not a breath of wind and (almost) clear skies.

It would appear as though the weather is going to play along (for once) and we could just possibly have perfect conditions for a world class event.

It’s an early start for me, got to be there at 5.30 am!

Continue reading “Ironman Africa”

8th poetry compo

Baobab tree

Any style you feel like, any genre, I’d like to hear a story, your entry has to have at least one African place name or African politician / celebrity in it..

Doesn’t have to be South African, Pyramids are fine, a trip to Victoria falls is okay.

I simply want a beginning and an end, a minimum of 12 lines, present them as you will.

For example Continue reading “8th poetry compo”

Going for my badge

Thought that you might like to see the badge that I’ve been wearing today, and I’ll be wearing tomorrow and the next day and the next.

The term ‘go for your badge‘ is derisory down here, although google doesn’t recognise it, we use the expression when someone is perhaps bending the truth a little, bragging or perhaps over zealous in his support for his favourite sports team, when he or she have finished their speel, we’ll simply say ‘Ja well cool, go for your badge.’

Anyhow, here’s mine!

The phone number isn’t our office but our national association based up in Continue reading “Going for my badge”

World Autism Awareness Day


On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions.

If tomorrow you see people rattling  tins, selling cakes, or any other fund raiser give, give generously and give often. Continue reading “World Autism Awareness Day”

Cricket chirps

There’s an outside chance that our non cricket loving members might enjoy these, I did…

Barry Richards, I was at the 1970 test vs Aus, he scored 81 and 126

The only time an Australian ever walks is when his car runs out of petrol.
Barry Richards, 1980

Are you going to get out or do I have to come round the wicket and kill you?
Malcolm Marshall to David Boon

Shane Warne: I’ve waited two years for another chance to humiliate you.
DaryllCullinan: Looks like you spent it eating. Continue reading “Cricket chirps”

Sharks v Crusaders, 27 March at Twickenham

Crusaders and Sharks, coming soon!

Members may remember my post after the Christchurch earthquake where we paid respects to those injured and those who lost their lives.  In it I mentioned that The Crusaders rugby stadium was damaged and that they were having to relocate their home games. Continue reading “Sharks v Crusaders, 27 March at Twickenham”