Rover SARSI: 1982 Report
Happy Haven, Glencairn, Cape Town: SARSI
The South African Rover Scout Indaba (SARSI) was held at Happy Haven, Glencairn, Cape Town from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September 1982. Planning started for many crews when they began designing and making their crew shields, which traditionally have to be presented at the opening ceremony of SARSI. Many Rovers were sponsored by their crews, so dances, etc., had to be organised to raise funds.
On arrival at Happy Haven on Friday evening, it was pleasing to see many new faces from visiting crews - from the Transvaal: Bedfordview, 1st Belgravia / Kensington, Soweto and Katlehong, from the Northern Transvaal: Kreuzpadfinder, from Natal: N' gomi, as well as crews from the Western Cape: CW 12 District, Constantiaberg, Monte Vista, Sea Eagle and CW 6/8 District and distinguished guests.
In full uniform and proudly displaying the colourful SARSI Badge above the right shirt pocket, Rovers assembled for the official opening. Crew flags stood majestically in a stand behind the red ceremonial candle, which waited to be lit for the duration of the week-end. Shields were presented one by one to officially register the crews attendance at SARSI. After an impressive ceremony and a short speech from the Area Commissioner, Garnet de la Hunt, the candle was lit and SARSI '82 had officially begun. Then it was into camp gear for a braai, time for getting to know each other, discussing projects and ideas and sharing a joke or two. As the evening passed and the fire died, the Rovers made their way to bed exhausted, but looking forward to a busy Saturday.
On Saturday after breakfast, it was back into official uniform and then all aboard the Monte Vista Bus. With music blaring from four loud-speakers and a very sensitive suspension, old "Agatha" made her way to Simonstown Naval Dockyard, for a tour of the submarine base. After an enjoyable tour "Agatha" brought the Rovers back to camp for a quick cup of tea and a change into hiking gear, which in this case was a special red and white SARSI '82 Tee Shirt ! All aboard and off to Constantia Nek, where the start of the hike to the upper cable station began. For some Rovers this was the first time up Table Mountain, for some it was a long hard hike, but for all, the reward at the top was still the same. The view was magnificent, a sight that won't be forgotten for many years to come.
Thanks to Mrs "Rikki" Rose for the lunch which was brought up via the cable car and was quickly devoured, Time was running out so it was down via the cable car, an exciting trip even if it wasn't the first time. At the lower cable station "Agatha" once again waited to transport the crews to the next destination which was Cape Town docks, where a launch had been chartered for a sunset cruise. The beautifully calm sea, with a slight breeze, was a perfect setting for a sunset cruise to Clifton and back and certainly dispelled and previous fears from certain Rovers who were worried about the choppy seas and strong winds, seen earlier in the morning. On the return trip the sun was sinking over the horizon and the view of Cape Town, with Table Mountain behind her, was truly a most magnificent sight, which many Rovers will never forget.
Arriving back at the quayside, at approximately 7.00 p.m. everyone agreed that the day so far had been fantastic, but "Where's the food?" All aboard "Agatha" and next stop was the 1st Milnerton Scout Hall, for the first course of a progressive dinner. Scouts lined the entrance on either side, holding staves to form an archway to welcome the Rovers. The soup and rolls were delicious and the hall was tastefully decorated and fit for a banquet. After due thanks had been expressed to those concerned, it was time to leave for the second course.
At the 1st Monte Vista Scout Headquarters, the hall was once again tastefully decorated in red and white, with mellow strains of Richard Clayderman playing in the candlelight. A large plate of curry and rice, with all the trimmings, was enjoyed by all. Thanks were once again given to those concerned and once again, reluctantly, we had to move on.
For the third course, it was sweets at Constantiaberg, where bowls and bowls of colourful puddings lined the tables, but by this time the Rovers were beginning to fill up. Thanks were expressed to all those who made the puddings etc., and once again it was all aboard "Agatha" bound for Happy Haven, where Irish Coffee, cheese and biscuits awaited the crews, a happy ending to a fantastic day. It wasn't long before one by one, the Rovers disappeared to their bunks, tired and exhausted, but never-the-less happy with thoughts of the fun-filled day.
On the Sunday after breakfast we changed into official uniform, for a Rover's Own Service and the SARSI 1982 conference. Many ideas, were brought up, many criticisms, were viewed, through group discussions and through the chair, but all in all a most informative and interesting conference was enjoyed by all.
It was well attended by many distinguished guests, including the Area Commissioner Garnet de la Hunt. Commemorative first day covers were also printed for the occasion. Thanks go to the Lions Club De Grendal, for the delicious luncheon. The funds raised for the catering are to be used to assist under-privileged old-aged etc., and are not for personal gain
Thanks must also go to all the many people who made SARSI '82 such a fantastic success not forgetting all our visiting Rovers, who we sincerely hope enjoyed their week-end in Cape Town. To Ed "Beaver" Rose go our thanks for all he has given to Rovering in the Western Cape. We trust his stay in the Transvaal will be a happy one. However we all hope he returns to us, soon - P.S. Thanks for the "Beaver" weather for SARI.
K S Porter
R.S.L. 1st Monte Vista
Scout Heritage 2018