Monday 16 May 2011

May 2011 Edition.

SPRINGBOK CYBER NEWSLETTER


May 2011 edition

It is strange how one single event, one single marriage, can have such a dramatic positive effect upon a nation and people. We are referring of course to the recent nuptials of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

This event galvanised the British nation, and indeed the entire English-speaking world. There was much talk beforehand of massive counter-demonstrations being mounted by republican and anarchist elements, but in the end there were no significant protests whatsoever. Even Julia Gillard, the supposedly republican Prime Minister of Australia, attended the event and seemed captivated by the magic of monarchy which continues to unite the Commonwealth realms (and indeed we must admit that she looked rather resplendent!).

In South Africa too, by all accounts, the Royal Wedding received surprisingly good coverage, and was viewed enthusiastically by English-speakers and Afrikaners alike. This was a poignant reminder of the first marriage of the Prince of Wales some thirty years previously when city centres throughout South Africa were eerily quiet and the allegedly anti-English HNP openly boasted that they had specially installed television sets into their head office in Pretoria so that their staff could watch the ceremony live. The party's then deputy leader, Louis Stofberg, explained this decision by saying that "it is all part of our Western heritage". He was of course absolutely correct.

There were two specific factors about this latest Royal Wedding which gave all true patriots great optimism for the future however. Firstly, unlike the previous royal era of Princess Margaret and Diana, it was not the effete arty-set who were in prominence, but rather a more manly sports-orientated set of guests. To be sure, the controversial Elton John and the absurd Beckhams were among the over 1,900 guests at the ceremony itself, but they were not invited to the more exclusive evening reception. To this were welcomed such muscular sporting luminaries as Mike Tindall the England Rugby Union captain (now of course engaged to Zara Phillips, and who sat just three rows behind Her Majesty the Queen herself at the ceremony), former England Cricketer Alex Loudon (currently romantically linked with the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa), Sam Waley-Cohen, the archetypal Corinthian Amateur Jockey (who apparently played a significant part in reigniting the Duke and Duchess's romance) and Dan Snow, the former Oxford Rowing Blue.

Secondly it was significant to note that the Duke of Cambridge chose to wear not his RAF uniform as expected, but instead his uniform as a Colonel of the Irish Guards. By so doing he sent a clear signal regarding the importance of the Union - and in this regard it was also most encouraging to learn of the there was good television coverage and widespread interest in the Royal Wedding throughout the Republic of Ireland in spite of its republican status. With the forthcoming visit of H.M. the Queen to Dublin, and certain significant remarks recently having been made by a Fine Gael TD, we can but hope that this will prove yet another step towards the re-unification of the British nation.

All in all the day of the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was not only a day of fabulous spectacle and enjoyment itself, but could also prove to be a catalyst for far greater and more glorious days ahead for the British nation, Commonwealth and Empire.

[ .... oh yes, and the bride looked absolutely divine! ]

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SPRINGBOK CLUB'S APRIL ACTIVITY

The Kent Branch of the Springbok Club staged a most enjoyable social gathering in Canterbury last month, to which several members and supporters of the organisation from elsewhere in the south-east attended. The day started with a conducted tour of Canterbury Cathedral being given to the visiting guests by one of the Kent Branch officials, and this was followed by a happy and fruitful get-together with other members of the Kent Branch at one of Canterbury's most famous pubs.

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SPRINGBOK CLUB'S MAY EVENT

On Saturday 28th May the Springbok Club will be staging a trip to Hatfield House in Hertfordshire.

The main purpose of this visit will be to pay respects at the RLI "Troopie" Statue, which is now situated in the grounds of Hatfield House. After a brief ceremony at the Statue there will be an opportunity to tour Hatfield House itself (the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Salisbury - Salisbury the capital of Rhodesia of course being named after the 3rd Marquess) and other attractions in the grounds (which currently includes an exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures).

A group discount rate of only £16.50 per head has been negotiated for this full day's activities, and although there is no necessity to notify in advance if you intend attending, it would help to gauge numbers if all wishing to attend could confirm beforehand, either by 'phoning 07711188430 or by e-mailing: springbk@netcomuk.co.uk

The provisional arrangement is to rendezvous outside the main entrance to Hatfield House (by the statue to the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury) between 12.00 midday and 12.30 hrs. The main entrance is directly opposite Hatfield Railway Station.

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FUTURE SPRINGBOK CLUB EVENTS

In June the Springbok Club will be holding a special meeting to be addressed by a British veteran serviceman who served in the First Gulf War who is now a Conservative Councillor. More details about this meeting will be included in next month's SCN.

The Springbok Club is also currently finalising arrangements for a special event to celebrate Rhodes & Founders Day during July.

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SPRINGBOK CLUB BRANCH NEWS

The London Branch of the Springbok Club plans to hold a summer braai during the early summer, at which there will be special musical and other entertainment.

The Northern Ireland Branch of the Springbok Club is aiming to stage another informal gathering in Belfast during the late Summer.

It is also hoped that a get-together to re-establish the Hampshire Branch of the Springbok Club will be staged shortly.

Full details about all these events will be appearing in future editions of the SCN.

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MAKE A DONATION TO THE SPRINGBOK CLUB

The Springbok Club would like to thank all those who have already made donations via our PayPal facility. These donations are of course the lifeblood of our movement, so don't forget therefore that such PayPal donations can always be made via the organisation's main web-page at www.springbokclub.org.uk

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IN CONVERSATION WITH AL VENTER

The 30 Degree South publishing company has invited members and supporters of the Springbok Club and the Swinton Circle to attend a special event which they are organising on Thursday 26th May featuring the famous war correspondent and military author Al Venter.

Advanced bookings will have to be made to attend this event, and the details are as follows :-


A cracking evening awaits with veteran war correspondent and journalist Al Venter.

Thursday 26th May at the Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ (near Paddington Station). An amazing venue you've just got to see!

Proceedings start at 6.30pm (18.30 hrs).

The event is managed by the Frontline Club and there is a small ticketing charge of £12.00 (£8.00 for concessions and £10.00 for early bookings). You should check on the link below to book in and reserve your place.

http://www.frontlineclub.com/events/2011/05/third-party-event-in-conversation-with-al-venter.html

Suffice to say it's going to be a good night and we look forward to seeing you there!


Al Venter’s unusual claim to fame is that, after covering conflicts on almost all continents for near-on five decades, he is still alive. That comes through rather forcefully in his last book, Barrel of a Gun, recently released in the US and Britain.

Doing a personal tally while writing “Barrel” he discovered that he’d had about a dozen whisker-width scrapes, most of which might have ended otherwise.  He puts a lot of it down to luck and a peculiar predilection for regarding the most absurdly dangerous situations as comical, especially when it is anything but. It is all nerves, he admits, but goes on to say that a smile and a bit of banter when the chips really are down, sometimes helps.

For all that, he has been “wounded” twice, once, in a frontal attack across trench-lines in Angola and as a result of his own stupidity. What it has done is leave him more than half deaf, which helps when you’re trying to sleep in some Third World environment where an evening’s enjoyment is measured in terms of decibels.

In a more serious vein, Al J. Venter is described by Wikipedia as a war correspondent, documentary film-maker and author of more than 40 books (45, in fact).  He has covered violence and insurrection just about everywhere. Venter served as African and Middle East correspondent for Jane's International Defence Review and has reported on a number of Africa’s bloodiest wars including the Nigerian Civil War, the Ugandan conflict, Rhodesia, the Sudan, Angola, the South African Border War, the Congo as well as Portuguese Guinea and Sierra Leone.  In addition he has undertaken three military assignments with Executive Outcomes and a Joint-STAR mission with the United States Air Force over Kosovo. 

This is a rare and unprecedented opportunity to hear Venter speak; expect a searching and revealing evening that will cover blood diamonds, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic quest for nuclear weapons. In conversation with journalist John Coster, Venter will also be talking about his pending new work, ‘Neal Ellis – Helicopter Pilot: Mercenary’ shortly to be published by Casemate. 

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SWINTON CIRCLE NEWS

In view of the fact that the Swinton Circle has been invited to the Al Venter meeting organised by 30 Degrees South, and the original planned Swinton Circle May meeting to be addressed by a top official of a leading conservative cultural think-tank was due to take place just two days previously, it has therefore been decided to postpone this Swinton Circle meeting featuring the official from the conservative cultural think-tank until early/mid June. This event will be held in a plush new venue, and more precise details will be given in next month's SCN.

We would also like to remind everyone that the Swinton Circle now has a presence on Twitter, on which news about the organisation and policy statements are periodically posted. This can be found on Twitter@SwintonCircle.

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KLEINFONTEIN BOEREBELANGE KOöPERATIEF BEPERK

Kleinfontein is a community of approximately 1000 members of the Afrikaner people. We have established a settlement on property owned, controlled and managed by its members with a view to promote their identity in a safe and economically viable environment. This settlement was established in accordance with certain clauses in the South African constitution which makes provision for a form of territorial self-determination for people who share the same religious, linguistic and cultural values. The development is structured within a non-profit co-operative, is managed by mainly unpaid volunteers, is financed by its own members and consequently receives no financial assistance from the government. In view of the struggle of our people to retain our right to live in a dignified way, and government actions to impoverish our people legally by barring White persons from meaningful access to economic participation, any form of support, especially financial, will be appreciated. More than seventy White squatter camps (mainly Afrikaners) in our vicinity (Pretoria) are waging a battle to survive. The funds will be used for community upliftment programmes such as the upgrading of facilities at our home for the aged who need medical support, and our Christian primary school. Further information can be acquired at our website: www.kleinfontein.net

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MESSAGE FROM THE SANWILD WILDFIFE SANCTUARY

With wild cheetah populations losing their fight for survival as a result of continued habitat destruction and the depletion of genetic viability, every wild cheetah is super important. Each individual animal’s life is important as they could very well represent the last of their kind; they could just contain the genes necessary to ensure the survival of their species that has been fighting a losing battle for survival against the need of the super species; Man.

Shansi was born in the wild outside a protected area. As a result of man’s persecution of her species, Shansi was soon the only remaining member of her family. Her brothers had been driven off by their mother who sadly was shot by a farmer after she was caught in a gin-trap. For many days Shansi remained in the immediate area, but hunger soon forced her to seek new pastures. Initially her physical condition deteriorated as she battled to find prey animals; as she only encountered domestic animals. The cattle were simply too large for her to kill; she needed to find natural prey animals like impala and common duiker, but these species were pretty scarce.

The young cheetah female moved further and further from the area in which she was born. Eventually she started encountering more prey species and her condition improved as she hunted successfully. She was even so fortunate as to meet up with a young male cheetah and within days the cats joined forces. The future looked good indeed.

Then tragedy struck; the young male was hit by a motor vehicle one night as the cats crossed a road. Shansi was on her own again. She only sniffed his dead body for a moment before she moved off. Within hours she crossed another two roads and eventually found a hole under a fence that had been made by warthogs. She entered hesitantly not knowing what circumstances would face her in this unknown territory. 

Shansi soon realised that there were no other cheetahs in the area, but game was plentiful and for now that was all she needed. Hiding herself she initially observed the humans in their vehicles and on foot; the people were totally unaware of her presence, but as vultures circled above the leftovers of the kills she had made, the humans occasionally came to inspect. She avoided them at all costs.

It took almost four months, but eventually she became more relaxed with human activity in the area and it seemed as if the humans meant her no harm. More and more she allowed herself to be seen. Shansi’s take on the situation was correct; the humans at SanWild meant her no harm. She was finally safe from man’s persecution as unbeknown to her she had found the safety of a wildlife sanctuary where wild animals roam free in safety.

SanWild needs your support in order to help animals like these. Shansi and her kind have run out of wild spaces where they can live wild and free. As man takes more and more for himself, animals like her are driven to the brink of extinction and if we do not act now, her kind may become extinct in the near future.

Shansi is just one of the millions of wild animals that find themselves in desperate need of help. They need a safe home where they can live out the rest of their lives in safety. At SanWild we are providing a safe home consisting of 14826 acres where wild animals can live wild and free among their own kind in a world they share with many other wild species. 

This home was made possible by our many donors and members. We need you to join our conservation efforts and share our dream of being the RightKind for WildKind. Purchase a Conservation Certificate right now and help us save many more wild animals this year.

Through our 2011 Conservation Certificate Drive, we hope to increase our support significantly in order to build the largest possible base of support for our steadfast efforts to rescue as many wild animals in need and provide a safe sanctuary for life.

Your yearly gift will entitle you to special benefits, but more importantly, you'll know that you are a part of our efforts to rescue injured, orphaned, traumatised or misplaced wildlife and to ensure their long-term safety in a sanctuary of hope — efforts that include rescuing animals like Shansi from lives of persecution by mankind.

What we found while developing and building our wild animal rescue service and the protected sanctuary is that man’s intolerance for especially the predator species (large and small) knows no bounds and the cruelty and persecution suffered by these animals is too horrible to contemplate. SanWild's undercover investigations proved that the large predator species such as leopards and cheetahs are poisoned, illegally trapped for hunting or trade, are caught in gin-traps or are simply shot on sight. They need a second chance!

By joining our Conservation Certificate Campaign today you will help ensure that at least some of these unfortunate creatures will find a safe place they can call home. You will strengthen our work for wild animals like Shansi and help us provide sanctuary for life.

You can reach out to these animals and help us protect their land and their lives by purchasing your Conservation Certificate through the SanWild web-site at: http://www.sanwild.org

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POETRY CORNER

The poem below, simply entitled "Rhodesia" by James Sturges was recently sent to us by a supporter from Sussex :-

Jacarandas, blue tinged trees,
Laughing children, all say please.
Smiling nannies loud and chatting,
Salisbury Sports Club cricket, Rhodies batting.

Braais and picnics, McIllwaine Dam,
Tanganda tea and Colcom Ham.
Greeting friends to talk and talk,
Inyanga Dams were safe to walk.

Snakes and mozzies, flying ants,
Schoolboy rugby, winning chants.
Swimming parties, sleep-in nights,
Christmas Carols by candle light.

Honest Police, able and willing,
Gremlin's rolls ten for a shilling.
Sunday car trips, Sinoia caves,
La Boheme and Coq D'or's Saturday raves.

Weekend outings to Shavinoia Falls,
Dancing and Ballet in Curtain Calls.
Beautiful gardens, Ballantyne Park,
Window shopping just after dark.

Burger and Hot-dogs, Dairy Den Ices,
Aromas from cafes of curry and spices.
Snow white tackies, Bata shoes,
Charity fetes, tombola and booze.

Clear blue skies or heavy rain,
Wish I could live it all over again.
Memories fade, so much to tell.
Oh Yes, Dear Rhodesia, I remember you well

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SEARCH SERVICE FOR THOSE SEEKING LOST CONTACTS

Find any South African, even those who have emigrated. We also search Botswana, Namibia and ex-Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.

http://www.bellemodel.biz/emails/emails.html

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MAKE YOUR OWN BILTONG AT THE FRACTION OF THE COST ....

Biltongmakers.Com has, for over 10 years, put a smile on many a South African face. No longer do they have to pay exorbitant prices for biltong that in most cases is not even to their liking!

Now you can make your own Biltong at a fraction of the price you pay right now and .... you can make it the way YOU like it!

Please visit www.biltongmakers.com and see all they have available.

You will never be without some REAL South African Biltong again!

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FLAGS etc.

The Springbok Club/ELC now retails Union Flag lapel badges and key-rings, price £2.00 each (plus 20% p&p).

Payments should be made to "The Springbok Club" and sent to: BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK.

Copies of S.A.Patriot-in-Exile (editions 30 to 36) are still available price R5.00 or 50p each, as well as batches of 50 copies (including copies of the original S.A.Patriot) price R80.00 or £8.00 (plus 20% for p&p.)

Payments should be made to "Patriotic Press" and sent to: BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK.

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BOOK OFFERS

"BLOOD LILY" by Mason Cranswick

Gripping novel from the Rhodesian War to current-day Zimbabwe :-

"Cranswick’s epic story of two feuding friends plays out like a Jeffrey Archer drama." Bruce Dennill, the Citizen

Buy on Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Lily-Mason-Cranswick/dp/095848919X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275414427&sr=8-1

Great cause, great reviews: www.bloodlily.co.za

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"GOVERNMENT BY DECEPTION" by Jan Lamprecht

Details the disasters of Mugabe's Zimbabwe, and illustrates the similarities between Mugabe's rule and that of Mandela/Mbeki in South Africa. It can be ordered on-line at: www.AfricanCrisis.org

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"P.K. VAN DER BYL - AFRICAN STATESMAN" by Hannes Wessels

ISBN: 978-1-920143-49-7 / paperback / illustrated
Retail price: R250.00, Web-site price: R200.00 + postage

The narrative gives the reader an overview of the history of the White man in southern Africa with detailed emphasis on the Rhodesian story through the life and times of PK van der Byl, one of the major players in a political drama that ended in the accession to power of Robert Mugabe under the auspices of the British government. By his very nature PK was controversial and confrontational. This account is likely to give offence to some because it portrays him as bluntly as he was in real life. Much can be contested about PK van der Byl but few will dispute he was an extremely colourful character with a devilish sense of humour. This memoir covers his life with a full flourish while doing nothing to detract from the seriousness of the international political and military conflict in which he was engaged. The reader will glean new information on a highly controversial subject and emerge with a more sympathetic understanding of what PK van der Byl and his colleagues did and strove for. The human tragedy that has followed the removal from power of Ian Smith and his Rhodesian Front party will almost certainly force the reader to deal with some uncomfortable conclusions, of value to anyone sincere about grappling with the volatile and deeply troubling challenges that confront all Africans today.

This book and others of interest can be purchased from 30 Degrees South via their web-site: www.30degreessouth.co.za

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"BLUE WATCH" by Gwyn Fford-Osborne

Rhodesia, in 1975 and a bloody vicious civil war is at its height. A war between the White minority supported by the Black majority and the ZAPU and ZANU terrorist groups, supported by Zambia and Mozambique. Kensington, a small town in the farming belt has been the subject of several terrorist attacks but with only a small police force for defence, the local T.A. unit having been called up for service on the Zambia border the situation appears grim. Until Iffor Meredith turns up on a pilgrimage to meet up with his wife and son of his old army buddy, recently murdered by terrorists. A deadly ambush on the "Dix" family and his escape from a land mine attack makes Iffor determined to offer resistance of some form or other to the terrorists. His application to join the Rhodesian Army has been accepted and he sets about forming a small militia. With all the fit men already on call up, who can he recruit from. Then he's invited to a darts match at the Moth Club and meets up with the remnants of the town's Fire Brigade, the men considered too old for call up. Blue Watch.

Available from: www.diadembooks.com

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"THE SEVEN WATCHMEN" by David Ruppert

A new fascinating novel titled "The Seven Watchmen" by David Ruppert should appeal to South Africans and ex-Rhodesians. It can be ordered from Crest Publishing in South Africa at www.crestpublishing.co.za - or those abroad can buy it directly from David at rupedf72@comcast.net. It's also available on www.Amazon.com

Glenn MacAskill and Michael Bowery of Crest Publishing have also written three books each. Glenn MacAskill is ex-BSAP Special Branch and still working (as Mugabe has denied him any pension) and Michael Bowery is ex-South African Special Forces. Due to the difficulties confronting White writers in the "new" South Africa they launched Crest Publishing to self-publish their own books, and have been doing this since October 2006. Michael Bowery is author of: "Canham's Run", "The Sligo Piper" and "Kill the President", whilst Glenn MacAskill is author of: "King's Gold", "Crime Lords" and "Of Royal Blood". Special discounts to ex-servicemen, Rhodies and Springboks!

For more information, or to make an order, please contact Crest Publishing at: P.O.Box, 97910, Petervale, Transvaal, 2151, South Africa, e-mail: crestbooks@mweb.co.za, or visit the Crest Publishing web-site at: www.crestpublishing.co.za

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"THE SAINTS" - DVD versions of the book about the history of the RLI

Now available from Msasa Enterprises. Contact: msasasa@iafrica.com or UK tel.: 07732 685400.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?

No.150 :  Mrs & Miss VERCAMMEN of Durban.

Mrs & Miss Vercammen (alas their christian names can't be recalled) were hard-working activists in the Save Rhodesia Campaign and the South Africa First Campaign during the late 1970s. Of Belgian origin, Mrs Vercammen's husband had been brutally murdered in front of her in the Congo during the 1960s, an event which left her traumatised - hence the fact that she constantly had to be escorted by her daughter (who sacrificed her own social life by so doing). Alas they fell under the influence of the notorious Brendan Willmer and lost contact with mainstream Durban patriotic circles as a result. Even so it would be very interesting to learn what became of them.

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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH

The National Archives has launched a most interesting web-site entitled "Africa Through A Lens", a collection of thousands of Colonial Office images from Africa. The images are as rich and varied as the continent itself, charting more than 100 years of African history from the 1860s through to the 1960s. We believe many of our readers will be keen to view this site, and perhaps to add their own comments. It can be accessed at :-

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/africa/

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SCUM OF THE EARTH

Sir,

You were completely correct to expose the true sinister nature of the late Ian "Andersum" Anderson [SCN, April 2011]. One thing which you didn't mention, and perhaps were not aware of, was that whilst leader of the National Front he appeared on the same platform as a pro-Gaddafi scumbag who praised the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher! Any normal person - especially one who claimed to be a patriot - would have walked off the platform in disgust at such inhuman comments. But not Mr Anderson: he stayed put. You were right to term him "Andersum": he was scum - he was vermin.

Yours etc.,

O.V., London, U.K.

[See "Rogues Gallery" below - Ed.]

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ROGUES GALLERY

A reader has recently sent us a photocopy of a most intriguing article relating to Ian "Andersum" Anderson and his apparent connections to the Gaddafi regime and other terrorists. Unfortunately there is no indication as to the title of the publication in which this article appeared, though it was dated 1986. Enigmatically it states: "Tucked away at the end of his latest letter comes Webster's [evidently an expelled member of the National Front] bombshell allegation that the 'Rising' group [evidently a wacko faction within the party] was receiving funds from the recently closed down Libyan Embassy. It comes in a reference to a recent NF circular from Ian Anderson which denies the presence of 'a mythical group of Mediterraneans ... Italians, Spaniards or even N.Africans on the Directorate'". Webster asks, "Why did Anderson's edict mention 'N.Africans'? He knows I know of 'business' between Holland, on behalf of 'Rising', and Libyan Embassy officials." Later in this mysterious article it states: "I have only specified the involvement of NF officials with the Italian terrorist led 'Rising' group. Some of the facts relative to that were established by an official NF Executive Council enquiry last October ... NF Chairman Andrew Brons [presumably the current BNP MEP for Yorkshire] disapproved of the enquiry and indeed invited the leader of 'Rising', Roberto Fiore, to his home for a day long meeting to discuss this internal NF business ... On their own admission Mr Anderson and Joe Pearce [apparently another NF leader] regularly met Fiore and other Italians. Mr Anderson made no comment when driven back to the NF vigil outside the Mildenhall US air base on 6th January by four Black uniformed 'Rising' wops [sic]."

Alongside this article appears a picture of a nameless unkempt character identified only by the word "Fool". It is clearly not a picture of either Anderscum or Brons, but it could be one of the other mysterious people mentioned in the article - or perhaps even, in view of the untidy appearance, a youthful "Scruffy" Smith! One thing is for certain however, and that is that the more we learn about the late and unlamented Mr. Anderson and his associates the more contempt we have for them!

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OBITUARIES

ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET SIR HENRY LEACH

It was with great sadness that we recently learnt of the death of one of the greatest heroes and patriots of our time, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach. Sir Henry Leach is best remembered and revered for the pivotal role which he played during the Falklands War when he was First Sea Lord. He famously marched into Parliament in his full Admiral's uniform to confront Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet. When asked if it was possible to recapture the Falklands he replied that not only was it possible, but that if Britain didn't then "in another few months we shall be living in a different country whose word counts for little". When then asked how quickly the Royal Navy could start to assemble a Task Force he replied by informing the cabinet that preparations had already begun. When reminded that such actions should not have commenced without government authority he responded by saying "It was strictly a Naval matter". Sir Henry Leach thus displayed the genuine Nelson Touch - but this was not really surprising as he had the Royal Navy running through his veins. His father had been Captain of the battleship HMS Prince of Wales during WWII, and he himself had served on HMS Duke of York when the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst had been suck. Sir Henry Leach campaigned tirelessly against planned naval cuts, a constant uphill struggle, but one in which he obtained some notable successes. During his retirement he also worked and campaigned on behalf of the St.Dunstan's Trust for blinded servicemen, and the RN's fleet HQ building in Portsmouth is named after him. All the time that Britain can produce people like Sir Henry Leach then the country has nothing to fear for the future.

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SIR HENRY COOPER

Sir Henry Cooper, who sadly died last month, was not only one of the greatest boxers which Britain has ever produced, but was also a great gentleman who was a credit to both his country and his sport. Never one to decry his opponents no matter what their own attitude was, he was always full of praise for their abilities after fights - win, lose or draw. A staunch monarchist with a genuine love for his country, Henry Cooper's manly decency was crystal clear for all to see, whether met personally or only viewed on the silver screen. He gave his country great pride and encouragement during an era when alas Britain's fortunes were not at their highest. He will be sorely missed.

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We have also recently been most devastated to learn of the death of former Springbok Club Chairman Peter King. A full obituary to this great man and true patriot will be appearing in next month's SCN.

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See you again next month!