Christmas in Zimbabwe

Alfresco lunch at Christmas time.

Christmas at Chitora reminded me of all those times the family spent together there, I was only sorry that there couldn't have been more of us; but, spread as we are all over the globe, that would be a difficult wish to fulfil.  Christmas in Zimbabwe means summer, alfresco lunches, fun and laughter. This year the summer has been slow to start, with lots of rain. This does means, however that the vegetation is looking very lush and green. I suppose one cannot have everything!

Irene decorated the table for our Christmas Eve dinner

We had our main Christmas dinner, with turkey and all the trimmings, on Christmas Eve, up at the main house. Irene decorated the table, and Sue and Jen provided a magnificent spread. Even Marty helped with the cooking!

Marty checking that all is well with the meal.

Bubby, Flo and Sue ready to enjoy Christmas Dinner

 

We exchanged presents on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, Bubby led a short service before we exchanged presents. We had such a happy Christmas, full of joy and camaraderie. We just wish everyone could have been there to enjoy it with us.

Brian, Séan and Tim opening their presents

Bubby and Tammy with Findley

My birthday came shortly after Christmas and we celebrated it with a magnificent farmhouse breakfast, followed by a picnic out on the lands. I felt very special!

My Birthday Picnic on the flat rock, out in the bush.

Jen, Marty and Penny

Irene took lots of photos

Tammy helping Jen with her new camera.

Something quite large has been feasting here! 

These could be the remains of a civet cat

In Loving Memory of Jennifer Calderwood

Jenny as we remember, her with Barry on the left and Polly 

on the right, at Peterhouse Speech Day, November 2009

We were all very sad to hear that Jenny Calderwood finally had lost her valiant battle with cancer. It is so hard to believe she has gone, especially as we had seen her only the previous year, looking the picture of health at the Peterhouse Speech Day.

Jenny was surrounded by the flowers that she loved

Jen's funeral was held in her beautiful garden at the Rector's Lodge in Peterhouse, on December 22. Sue did the catering and was asked to cater for 200 people, she decided that 300 would be more appropriate, but ended up sending out for more supplies as more than 500 people gathered together to say farewell to Jen, even though it was the Christmas holidays and many people were away. The bush telegraph works well in Africa!

Dr Kevin Martin led the service

Gracious Mandengu organised the choir from her church

A duet played for us during the lunch

Sue organised a magnificent lunch

The Wedding at Leopard Rock

The Wedding Party

We first heard the singing of African voices. Then they appeared, striding over the hill in close formation like a Zulu Impi. Lynne in front, supported by her two sons, with her maids of honour just behind, and followed closely by the Choir of Africa University. It was an amazing sight and brought a tear to many an eye.

The Choir of Africa University

Guests waiting for the wedding party to arrive

We had gathered together by the golf course's 17th hole, otherwise known as "World's View", because of its stunning vista. Brian and Lynne held their civil wedding on Thursday in Mutare, so today's celebration was for the affirmation of their vows before family and friends.

Lynne and Brian exchanged vows

 

Brian engaged a singer to come all the way from Scotland to sing especially for Lynne, as an acknowledgement of her Scottish ancestry.

 

...in return, the Africa University Choir sang a song of greeting to Brian

As well as the many friends, the wedding brought together four families; Brian and Lynne's immediate families; Brian's late wife, Sheelagh's family, and Lynne's late husband, Dave's family - so at times there were bitter-sweet memories - but everyone was unanimous in that we were all there to support Brian and Lynne in their new life together.

The Coughlan Clan (well, at least those who could be there!)

The ceremony was followed by a sumptuous dinner at the Leopard Rock Hotel with live music and dancing. This was truly a wonderful occasion!

It was so lovely to see the nephews and nieces

There was even an exotic dancer to entertain us

More family fun!

Enjoying Leopard Rock Hotel, Zimbabwe

The day of the wedding, was a day of leisure and golf. Many of the guests took advantage of this amazing course to either play, or just ride around in a golf buggy following the action. Still others congregated in and around the Club House people-watching from afar, catching up on gossip, or simply admiring the scenery.

 

We sat, catching up with friends and family

 

...overlooking the putting green where our golfers made their preparations

We watched them teeing off...

...and again as they walked off up the fairway

...closely followed by another set of golfers

A picturesque water hazard