Saturday 4 August 2012

Preparation for the Great 1953 Trek - Free Promotion

After our exotic holiday to France and North Africa, normal life at home in England resumed, although I was still not allowed to participate in most sport.   Normality did not last for very long, however, as in March 1952 my mother read a newspaper article about George Hinchcliffe, a Yorkshire motor dealer; he had just broken a record for driving from Cape Town to London in what Mum always said was a Vauxhall, but the internet photos show it to be a Hillman Minx!!   Her casual remark to my father saying "wouldn’t that be an interesting trip?" was taken seriously, and after some discussion, the wheels were literally put into motion!!
Mum
The African country of Southern Rhodesia came into my parents' mind as a destination because friends had recently gone there, and from their description of the wonderful countryside and the sunshine, it did seem  very inviting! This opportunity, in a post-war era of depression and the hardship of rationing and re-construction in England, just asked to be seized! So my mother sent off a letter to Rhodesia House in London to discover how to set about  immigrating with two children.

We received a reply telling us it was a wonderful country with great prospects, as long as we were not afraid of doing our share of hard work.   The streets, we were told, were not paved with gold, but if one made the effort, a very good living could be earned.   They advised us that the housing situation was pretty difficult and suggested that Dad should travel ahead, leaving the family in the U.K, while he reviewed the local situation.  This obviously did not fit in with our plans for the whole family to drive together overland.  We wrote off to Rhodesia House once more for the necessary forms, which we duly filled in, telling them of our plans, and saying that we were prepared to camp along the way and rough it for a while at the end of the trip.   It would be bliss, camping on arrival at our Rhodesian destination, without having to move off each morning as we would obviously have to be doing along the route! 

David and I; I have no idea what year this was taken or what the occasion was; a  fancy dress party from the look of it!!

So this was where all the hard preparation work began!  Dad firstly had his garage business to sell, and secondly, our house in the Cotswolds.  

As to the means of transport for the trip, Mum and Dad had decided that a new Land Rover would be the ideal vehicle, but we were told by the dealers that it was virtually impossible to purchase one, as there was a long waiting list; however, when we told them the purpose for which it was required, we received fantastic co-operation and they found us a practically new one that was up for sale.  


Free Promotion from 6 August 2012 until 9 August 2012
The following weeks of the next part of my life story I have put on Kindle and you can obtain it at www.Amazon.com or www.Amazon.co.uk I will however continue writing it here as well so that the blog is not interrupted. 

It can also be downloaded to computers, smart-phones or tablets see Here

18 comments:

  1. "Trek". That magic Dutch word, which started to become famous in southern Africa and grown up - till becoming universal - thanks to "Star Trek".
    Interesting indeed!

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    1. Pille as Afrikaans is based on Dutch, it is understandable how 'Trek' was used in South Africa a great deal. I had not even thought about Star Trek :) Have a great weekend. Diane

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  2. I'd wondered how you ended up in Southern Africa. Wow, I'm looking forward to reading about the incredible trek ... and beyond. Do you remember your first Christmas in the "down-under" summer?

    Sending care and huggles, Michelle xxx (Zebby is busy demonstrating elderly-feline evening snoozing)

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    1. Michelle, glad that you are looking forward to my next posts, I hope that I do them justice. Yes the first Christmas was very odd, sitting in the sunshine with a salad midday instead of in front of the fire with a turkey roast!

      We have a friend not far from us here who have just had to put their elderly cat to sleep, it was very sad, but he was 21, what a good age.

      Take care you two and have a great day. Diane xx

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  3. You are so fortunate to experience all of those events at an early age! Glad there are photos to look back to and share to us.

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    1. chubskulit I was lucky and I realise as I get older just how lucky. I am thankful that there are photos to jog what was then a young memory! Keep well Diane

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  4. That sounds like a wonderful adventure to come. I too am looking forward to it.

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    1. diane b an amazing adventure for a 9 year old, I now realise just how lucky I was. Watch this spot!! Take care Diane

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  5. It is so interesting to read your post and look at the pictures.

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    1. Francesca, I am glad that you are interested, thanks so much for the visit and the comment. Diane

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  6. Lovely portrait of a beautiful lady!

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    1. Thanks JM, I think she was very beautiful but then I am biased :-) Diane

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  7. When I read your story, and what a story it is, I wonder what went through your mind, when your mum's comment was taken seriously and your parents decided to go ahead with changing your life. Were you excited at the prospect of another adventure?

    I can't wait to read the rest of your adventure.

    Awena.

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    1. Awena I don't think it really penetrated at the time about my Mum's comment. I just thought it was normal to drive half way across the world to a new country :-)) For all that I do remember David and I being very excited at the prospect of the drive. Take care Diane

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  8. This is just wonderful Diane, how exciting that your mother came up with the idea after reading a newspaper article. I think that is marvelous! and the sort of thing I would do (but then I don't have a family). I really admire your parents and their sense of adventure. Can't wait to hear more about the Trek X

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    1. Dolly my mother was always opening her mouth with bright ideas and so often she was taken up on them!!! Both of them tho' always had a sense of adventure, that never changed. Take care, Diane

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  9. I'm so happy you have put this wonderful story in a format to receive the wider audience it deserves! I've mentioned your story more times than I can recall when talking with friends.

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    1. Deb the free promo is over but I have left it very cheap so I think everyone can afford it. Thanks for the comment. Diane

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