A super good morning to all from the Ice box at the North….

Outside our office, my view is altering….daily…the oak avenue that fringes the road to the tennis club….now not only possesses stark and angular branches….but they are now filled with a green fuzz of spring leaf growth…which means that spring is “a-sprunging”….happiness for me…as I am sure you all realise by this time….that the cold winter weather is not my favourite time of the year… but now that Spring is on its way…I feel a little better already….

Let me start off by issuing a humble apology to Gavin (Shifty) Oosthuizen who has also made the over 40 Masters side to represent SA at the World Cup in Cape Town……I mentioned his two Club mates Dale Griffiths and Colin Merrifield in my message two weeks ago…on our return from the annual Masters outing in Johannesburg….my research into the matter was obviously found wonting….for which I sincerely apologise….I thought that my sources had the correct credentials….but on further investigation, it has emerged that my inside information guy turned out to be a well dressed rogue, who was only posing as a gentleman of superior knowledge and was a real imposter….so the North officially has three representatives in the National side at hockey….a first for our Hockey Club…..awesome news and very well done to each and every one of you…..

Friday night was a real party with our new duo of Nikkita and Richard keeping the faithful here into the wee hours….I did check on the late night footage….and it proved that the Hadida and Ferret are able to co-habit and even dance with each other!!!! Clips of this exclusive footage will be on sale at our offices…the proceeds being used to bolster the Rod and Glenda benevolent fund…..any contributions will be willingly accepted and are most welcome….this week we welcome back Omega and their five piece band to maintain the excellent quality of entertainment at the North…these guys have proved to be a hit each time they have performed at the North….so please come along to listen to these talented musicians….

Our Joker draw this week saw the return of Cheryl Bartie, as her ticket was again drawn from the beeeeg black box….but she was unable to match her good fortune at selecting the possible joker….and only succeeded in finding the ten of Clubs….so with another roll over… we move the jackpot up to R73 148….and with a great band playing…please come and try your luck at the joker draw and listen to some super tunes….a wonderful way to start your weekend…..

Our Soccer boys were on song on Saturday and with both sides being successful meant that for the first time in quite a while, we brought home 6 points to the Club…..well done boys….the footballing skills of our opposition does not justify their lowly position in the league table…..and albeit the scores do not reflect it, the opposition were in the match until the latter stages of each game….creating opportunities throughout the contest…..the reserves coming out 3-0 on top, whilst the first side also had a three goal cushion, showing a 6-3 result…..both of the sides had mid week games against Alberton away…..which is always a difficult opposition on an unpredictable pitch….usually very bumpy…..but the results were not available before this message was sent for publishing……if they were positive results, you will be sure to hear about it next week….otherwise I may just sweep it under the carpet very quickly and quietly…..this week we take on Germiston City away….in one of the last games of the season…..please go along to watch the matches…they will be most appreciative of all the support that they can muster….

The rugger buggers are now in a period of rest…before they start their 7’s season…. keep an eye on the Scimitar and our Facebook pages for more information on this exciting sport….

The hockey season is drawing to a close….and last weekend we finished off the Juniors season with their prize giving after playing their annual matches against the parents….I saw a lot of smiles from the kids and hobbling parents, sporting injuries (sore hamstrings, bad backs and dodgy knees being the most common excuses) but all parents were unanimous in their heaping of praise on the coaches and juniors that had another fantastic and most successful season….well done to all concerned…..

Senior hockey is also about to wrap up the season….so expect some great celebrations and happiness around the astro and club in the next few weekends….

This week we see the Mango Groove concert at the club…and this should be a day to remember….it is many years since I last saw MG….and that was most memorable…I’m sure it will be again…..I will be there.. I hope you will too….

Also next week we have another fantastic event as we host the Afrikaans Smile music festival (as Glenda says Glim-lag fees) with a real English accent…..this should also be a spectacular weekend of entertainment…. please diarise it….

Short and sweet (using a Leon Schuster movie title) for this week…. hope to see you all out and about at the North….

Enjoy you week….if you have any complaints or compliments about the North, please email me on rod.scheepers@gmail.com….

Have fun….Rod

Benoni! Are you ready for a BIG Day Out!
We have invited *Mango Groove* to join us in a celebration of all things East Rand! Bring your friends, bring your family and let’s make it a day to remember! There will be delightful drinks, awesome food and fantastic entertainment all day long! Kids under 14 are FREE, accompanied by an adult. No entry to 15-17 years olds: Alcohol will be served at this event and unfortunately the organisers cannot risk under age drinking at the event.
Benoni Beer & Gin Fest sold OUT so get your tickets early!
Online Tickets:
https://www.howler.co.za/bigdayout
– Limited early bird tickets available at R120 a ticket (plus R6 booking fee).
– Normal entry: R140 (plus R6 booking fee).
– At the door: R160

Cheryl Bartie (Social) drew the 10 of Clubs – Joker Draw a turnover at R73 148.00 for Friday 30th August. Be present to win!!

Senior Mens and Womens Cricket trials 2019
Saturday, 31 August 2019
10h00 to 13h00 – Women and Colts
14h00 to 16h30 – Senior Men
Important information:
Registration on the website (www.bncricket.co.za) before trials. Bring your own cricket balls. Please ensure that you wear normal practice kit (black/white pants, white shirt) and no colored clothing will be permitted.

Eagles Super 5’s Hockey Registrations are now open get your teams in to avoid disappointment Contact Shaun Taylor – shauntaylor@absamail.co.za