JULY 2011
My grateful thanks to Heather Gibbons for giving me the “fun” subject matter of this month’s newsletter!! We went to see her in Simon’s Town a little while ago and found her surrounded by ……… stamps!!!!! So, be prepared for some stamp trivia as you read this missive! By weight and size the most valuable thing ever sold is the three-skilling Swedish stamp sold at auction for $2.3 million in 1996 – the reason it is so valuable is that it was misprinted yellow instead of green. Well, Heather, now you know what to look for amongst all those boxes!!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU!
In response to the article in last month’s newsletter June Edwards sent me the following snippet about herself:
In his youth my father decided to track his family tree as far back as he could. For lack of Google he spent many hours mit note book at the archives in Town. It came to my knowledge that a certain Baron von Diksta in Germany had a fling with one of his slaves, a Jamaican girl. The affair culminated in her carrying his child. To avoid family scandal and tainting his good name he sent her away on a ship to The Cape of Good Hope (circa 1680). She, her half German child and several subsequent offspring, worked here as slaves for many years. I am a descendant of this Jamaican woman. I used to think that that made me rather special but have subsequently found out that Baron is the lowest rank in non-sovereign nobility. According to Bruce there seems to be no trace of nobility in me but a bit of Jamaican creeps in when I’m provoked!
Thank you, June, for getting the ball rolling and “Watch This Space”
for more gen on our members!
The first non-royal person displayed on a British stamp
was William Shakespeare in 1964.
BIRTHDAYS
Looking forward to August birthdays I am going to start with ………
the 25th ‘cos Joan Hitchcock has a B – I – G one on that day!!
No, I’m not going to say which “nought” it is ‘cos she certainly doesn’t look it. But, in keeping with this month’s “theme” I’ll give you a clue: Switzerland has a first-class stamp which consists of an A set against an orange background, surmounted by the word Helvetia (the female national personification of Switzerland) and the number 80, edged in brilliant white which represents the snowcapped Matterhorn.
But, back to the OTHER August birthdays:
We start with John McConnell on the 10th, followed on the 15th by Tobie Beele. Sandy Gee and Ralph Lawson both celebrate on the 20th with Jonathan Duguid on the 24th, Jabu Hallinan the 27th and Lynwen Roman rounding out the month on the 29th.
August’s birthstone is the yellow-green Peridot which, throughout history, has been used as a means to connect with nature. If fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface of the Peridot, this may be because this gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity. Many years ago, natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii, explaining their presence as tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Ancient Egyptians called them the “gem of the sun,” because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun. It was believed that the Peridot glowed with light even as darkness fell, which is why miners were said to have scouted for these gems during the night, marking their location, and returning in the light of day to retrieve them. Perhaps this legendary mining method is the reason that the Peridot is sometimes called “evening emerald.”
The gladiolus is the August birth flower. Named for the shape of their leaves, gladioli – from the Latin word “gladius,” meaning sword – have a history than spans from Africa to the Mediterranean. Symbolizing strength and moral integrity, gladioli also represent infatuation, with a bouquet conveying to a recipient that they pierce the giver’s heart with passion.
The first country to depict flying saucers on its postage stamps
was Equatorial Guinea in 1975.
MEMBERS’ EVENINGS
Richard Higgs is still looking for a coupla people to assist with Play without a Title for our next members’ evening on 17 August so give him a call on 0836111419 or 021 6504441 if you would like to be involved. Make sure you have that date diarised – Wednesday, 17 August 2011 at 19:30 at the Rendezvous. Since this is our “heart-of-winter” members’ evening we will be providing yummy soups and breads (NOTE TO SELF: Fetch stale beer from clubhouse to make beer bread – lots of recipes on internet!!!!) We do need to know how many are coming so please contact Wendy on home@morling.co.za or 021 7150695 or 0834628242 by 10 August. As usual, this will not cost our members a penny and your guests are welcome at R10 per head. If our new-er members are looking for transport or just want to be chaperoned please let Wendy know and if there is a committee member in your area they will be glad to help.
Bosnia introduced the world’s biggest postage stamp at a philatelic fair in Germany in 2002. It was a 50-euro stamp measuring 500 x 630 mm (about 20 x 25 inches).
ONE ACTRESS REQUIRED!!
Fish Hoek Dramatic Society is putting on Noel Coward’s brilliant play Hay Fever in October this year which will be directed by MVDS’ Vice-Chair Alastair Duff. He is looking for an actress to play the role of Sorel Bliss, a young woman with a mercurial temper and a flair for the dramatic. This is a large role and anyone interested (in the 18 – 25 age group) can contact Alastair himself on 021 7884984 or alastairduff@gmail.com (he is on holiday and will be back 25 July) or Shelley Lombard on shelley@masquetheatre.co.za.
AUDITIONS!
Claremont Dramatic Society is holding an audition on 7 August 2011 at 14h00 at ‘The Hok’ (under Claremont bridge) for Separate Tables by Terence Rattigan. This will be directed by Sue Bolton and will run at the Masque from 18 to 26 November 2011. The production requires 9 females and 4 men. For further information contact Sue Bolton on 021- 7822506, or psbolton@mweb.co.za.
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Carnivals of the Heart is holding an audition for The Moulin Rouge which will rehearse in Somerset West from October and will run at Lourensford Wine Estate In February 2012. The audition is on Sunday, 24 July and more information can be obtained by calling Zane on 0842893616 or vising http://www.carnivals-of-the-heart.com. They require a wide variety of singers and dancers.
NEWS OF AMDRAM-MERS
We will start with the really sad stuff and end with the happier news!
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Our grateful thanks to Steve Benham and family for the service held at the Masque Theatre on Sunday, 10 July, in memory of dearest Janice, whose death recently came as a dreadful shock to all who knew her. Ralph Thornley’s moving sermon to a PACKED auditorium was accompanied by tributes from various friends and family members. Janice’s final standing ovation was followed by bubbly and (tons of) snacks in the foyer. I was privileged to have been in “Alibi” with Janice in May and only have good memories of our “hair-fun” in the dressing room. My eyes are filling with tears as I write this.
x x x x x x x x
Lorraine Rothenberg, well known in our Theatre both as a musician and loyal audience member, very sadly passed away recently. She was a remarkable person, pianist and artiste par excellence. Lorraine was the Musical Director of MVDS’ production of “Curtain Up” in 200? and has very generously donated her baby grand piano to the Masque where it will be housed with pride and the kindest of memories of this wonderful woman. It is the intention to try and hold soirees in the foyer in the future to honour a great talent. Lorraine will be missed and remembered with love. We extend our sincere sympathy to her family.
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Bruce Edwards has told me that he has inoperable lung cancer and has recently completed a course of radiation therapy to aid his breathing. He has good days and bad days but is definitely not up to set-building or heavy-prop-making at the moment (Aaaaah Geeee what will we do NOW?) although his expertise and advice are definitely still available. We wish you strength through this trying time Bruce and June.
x x x x x x x x
Another whose health is not 100% is John Blewett and our thoughts are also with him and Margi.
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We are thrilled to advise that Tom Byrne has moved back “this side” and is now happily ensconced in Glencairn. He is jumping back into AmDram with both feet, having assisted with Farndale set-building AND is helping backstage AND he’s been cast in the up-coming members’ evening entertainment!
x x x x x x x x
A big, warm welcome to new members Debra Beswick and Anne Hofinghof (all the way from Camps Bay!!) – looking forward to meeting you soon!
Bugs Bunny was the first cartoon character to appear on a stamp.
CALENDAR
19 – 30 Driving Miss Daisy presented by Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society at the
July Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West. Book at Computicket.
22 – 30 The Haunted Through Lounge and Recessed Dining Nook at Farndale Castle by
July David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr, directed by Miranda Lewis. The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society is delighted to be collaborating with MADS to present this production. “Chairlady, Mrs Reece is delighted to again have a part in the annual production albeit with a somewhat temperamental cast. She is delighted to have the services of a visiting producer this year and hopes that his artistic nature will raise the bar as far as Farndale shows go. The action takes place in Farndale Castle and showcases the talents of two new members to the FAHETGDS, Mrs Groskopf from Austria and new mother Jasmine Boniface”, a spokesman for the society said. MADS chairman, Andrew Blake responded: “This small visiting society is sure to bring the house down (if the set will hold up) with their unique brand of story-telling”. He refused to elaborate, merely stating that audiences should be hugely entertained by all the hilarity.
25 Jul – Forever Plaid by Stuart Ross, presented by Pinelands Players Candlelight
7 Aug Theatre at the Pinelands Town Hall. Tickets for this “harmonised fun from the 50’s” production, directed by June Wells with musical direction by Victor Tichart, cost R100 which includes an American Diner style meal. For bookings contact 0729231035 or bgough@telkomsa.net.
7 Aug Rock ‘n Rouge, Cape Town’s hottest musical comedy cabaret group, returns to
the Masque for one show only, starting at 19:00. Tickets for this brand new show, full of showstopping numbers from well-known musicals, cost R75 (R65).
12 & 13 Together at Last – The Harris Sisters’ Show at the Masque Theatre on Friday at
Aug 20:00 (R70) and Saturday 14:30 (R65) and 18:30 (R70). In their first concert together, Kim, Julie, Bronwen and Victoria will be performing some favourites from yesteryear through song and dance. A tribute to those songs we all love.
18 – 20 Dancing Thru Time presented by Bronwyn Banfields’s Rhythm & Dance Studio
Aug at the Masque. Evening shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 19:00 (R60) and matinee on Saturday at 14:00 (R55). No phone bookings – tickets available at theatre half an hour before shows. This treat of dance through the ages show-
cases the history of dance from Waltz in the Courts to present day!
24 Aug- Hairspray – The Musical presented by The Waterfront Theatre College at the
3 Sept Masque. Directed by Paul Griffths, designed by Deon Bischoff, musical direction by Jeremy Quickfall and choreography by Janine Binns & Deon Bischoff. This production includes a cast of forty talented signers and dancers and is the ultimate feel-good show for the whole family. All shows R70 (R60). Contact number below for show dates and times.
Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions
(unless otherwise stated) are Thurs & Fri performances at 20:00,
Saturday matinee at 14:30, Saturday evening at 18:30
Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Bookings on 021-7881898
MORE PHILATELIC STUFF
A tiny Asian country nestled at the base of the Himalayan mountains
where mail is still delivered on foot to mountain villages,
has emerged as a philatelic leader in the design and issue of
strange and unusual postage stamps that push the technological envelope.
Bhutan’s history of issuing unusual postage stamps dates back to the 1960s.
They were the first country to issue 3-D postage stamps, steel stamps,
silk stamps and scented stamps.
Bhutan Nature Monarchy CD postage stamps are imbedded with actual working
CD-ROMs that can be played on any computer and contain documentaries
about the tiny monarchy and its people.
x x x x x x x x
Throughout time, various animals have been used to deliver mail. Some countries have used horses, dogs, pigeons, camels and sometimes even reindeer.
In 1879, Belgium was the first, and last, to use a different species of animal altogether.
They used trained cats to carry their bundles of mail from town to town.
The 37 kitties were soon unemployed as they proved to be unreliable workers!
x x x x x x x x
The Republic of Vanuatu, a 900 km-long chain of about 80 volcanic island in the
South Pacific just east of Australia and New Guinea has something that is completely unique: an underwater post office!
It is in a marine sanctuary about 9 feet underwater.
So it doesn’t matter if you are a scuba diver or a snorkler,
just about anyone can go there. According to the Vanuatu post office website,
hundreds of people have posted the special waterproof postcards from
the post office there. The cards are collected on a regular basis by one of
Vanuatu’s four scuba postal carriers. They not only collect the postcards,
but they also cancel them while underwater, using an embossing cachet.
x x x x x x x x
The Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club of Nebraska set a world record when they
made the “World’s Largest Ball of Stamps”. It took 2 years for the Club to make the
giant sphere which weighs in at 600 pounds and is a whopping 32 inches in diameter.
It contains 4,655,000 cancelled postage stamps. Each stamp was individually affixed to the ball, layer upon layer. In 1955, the stamp ball was featured in the newspaper
column of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. The next day, crowds travelled from near and
far to view the ball. One of the fun things about this creation is that it is accessible to the public. If you want to touch it, it’s right there out in the open. You should know that you are not allowed to add any stamps to the ball and not take any away either. A mural of stamps sits behind the giant stamp ball which creates the perfect backdrop. Stamp collectors old and young can also sort through boxes of loose stamps at the site.
And, in closing, a pun from Ronnie in keeping with this month’s “theme”:
Philately will get you everywhere!!
Chow-for-now
Eve
