A SOUTH AFRICAN LOVE AFFAIR

My late wife Jan always said that she blamed Wilbur Smith for my romantic vision of Africa. It is probably true, but she went along with the idea readily enough and as we had built up a business in the UK which once sold would comfortably finance buying a farm.This would lead to the funniest and most fascinating time of our lives. The reason for the farm was partially because to get a permit for permanent residence We would either have to apply as retired people, in which case our residency would not cover the children or start a business which could include the children. As farming qualified the whole family we went this route.We had limited farming experience when we owned Aberdeen Angus in Scotland, but what we didn't know we thought we could learn.. We looked at a lot of farms, but most were more expensive than we could comfortably afford until we discovered Klein de Rust. It was on the internet and the picture showed a handsome 'Tuscan' house with pillars going up roof level, a bit like a Plantation House from Gone With The Wind. When we finally flew over and viewed it it was even better than we thought, magnificently situated on a hillside with views from three sides of distant mountains. Even Table Mountain could be seen from the house. It was an unfinished project, but had been lived in for about ten years. A bit run down and in need of TLC, but perfect for us if we carried out some changes. It had been a horse farm and not only was there a fine house but a new stable block as well. The previous owners having been people who trained others to be equestrian teachers.We decided to plant an olive grove and install a mill and over time this was done.Our greatest moment was when we received a silver award for our olive oil.It was fantastic! Both the award and the oil Christmas Day and Fridays is a novel based on our experiences on the farm. Much of it is true. but it is not an autobiography, but like all writers many of the events depicted in the book are based on what happened. We did have a friend with a very old bi-plane that he used to fly the 'loop the loop' and other acrobatics above the house. We did experience floods and a bursting dam and the roads were a nightmare in wet weather. The fire in the olive grove did happen and there were lots of snakes on the farm. We had many happy times, but Jan did get ill and suffered two strokes and died in 2010. Many other things both good and bad happened and it was all a great adventure. As I look back now it is with fondness, but the only thing that I miss from those days is the magnificent sunsets. The title is based on the fact that our irrigation system usually went wrong late on a Friday and always over Christmas. As this is thee hottest time of year irrigation from the Berg River was essential and South Africa virtually comes to a halt for at least four weeks between mid December and the end of January. Workers take their annual holidays during this period and professional pump engineers tend to be in Sun City or some other exotic place during this time. However, God is good and some kindly person always turned up in the end to keep our water running. Read the book to learn the rest. David Barnato