The M u tha i g a Country Club M agazi n e
October–December 2017
The M u t hai g a C oun t ry C l u b M agaz i n e
Front cover artwork
Painting by MCC Member and artist Lavinia Grant See artworks by more Members in Muthaiga’s Art Beat featured on Pages 14 & 15
October–December 2017
C o nten ts page 1
Letter from the Chairman
page 2
Letter from the Secretary
page 3
Membership Matters & Competition
page 4
Balloting Report & Finance Report
page 5
Roving Eye
page 6 House Wines & Messing
page 8
page 7
page 7
page 14
Staff News
page 8 Events page 11 Forthcoming Events page 12 Muthaiga Sports Round-Up page 14 Art Beat page 16 Members’ Awards page 17 Members’ Achievements page 20 Opera & Ballet
page 16
page 6
page 21 Library Book Reviews page 22 WWI in East Africa page 24 Bird Quiz page 25 Hatches & Matches page 26 Christmas Draw 2017 page 27 Obituaries page 12
page 17
The Muthaiga Country Club Magazine is published by MCC for Members Editor - Yoyo Volak Magazine Production - Matthew Rudd, Lucy Muregi, Mercy Wanyeri, Mercy Nyambura, Diana Waithaka, Eunice Mulwa, Lucia Muli, Yvonne Magambo Shumy Ahmed, Vincent Ford, Martin Musyoka Contributors - Stephen Mills, Julia Lawrence, Peter Usher, Edita Camm, Jonny Havelock, Richard Britten-Long Design & Layout by Shelleys the Printers Printed by Graphite Lounge Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
LetterLetter from the fromChairman the Chairman Let ter from the Chairman
Welcome to our 2017 Christmas Magazine. Dear Members, As always,Dear this isMembers, a busy part of the year with plenty of activities and social Welcome to our second Newsletter of 2017. occasions Welcome for Members to second enjoy. Following our very successful initial outreach to our Newsletter of 2017. We concluded the selection of our next Club Secretary late last year programme year when we went toof Nanyuki, weClub extended the initiative to Welast concluded the selection our next Secretary late last year but could not announce it until all the formalities were completed. It Gilgil thisbut year in September. These are useful opportunities for us to connect could not announce it until all the formalities were completed. It is therefore with great relief and pleasure that we welcome Rupert therefore great relief and welcome Rupert and affirmisour countrywide roots as to well manifestthat our commitment to reach Elliot to with Muthaiga and theaspleasure leadership of we our Management Team. Elliot to Muthaiga and to the leadership of our Management Team. out to the fullRupert complement of our hotelier widely spread Membership. sociallyunderstanding of financial is a seasoned with an eye andare welcome y for quality q They Rupert is a seasoned hotelier with an eye for quality and welcome understanding financial y q results. He is therefore Club forward in pursuit ofofthe excellence n eexcellent xceelgracious lent ffind indhosts tto o ttake akand e tthe hthose eC lu Nairobi enriching occasions, enjoyed equallyan by our town Members that attend results. He is therefore excellent find to take the Club forward in pursuit of the excellence an n e x ce e l l e n t f i n d t o t a k e t h e C l u you as Members Club. Muthaiga diverse Membership must errsinfused rrequire equireair off with oour ur C lu ubgood .M uold th hairural ga hassorganic, ad iver even and exchangethat their hydrocarbon the if only forand thewe day. thathave you aascommon Members Club. Muthaiga diverse Membership and we must er runderstanding s nrrequire edqers usirtanding e off oour ugrof C lu ub. pursuit. M uth huaiti.gaAhas s aple d ivoone ene r m that simple might well be: o n u o f p ursu sim m e i g h t Our AGMhave is round theocorner on 9 November. Ipursuit. once appeal to Members tobe: come and participate in a common understanding simple might nto uthe nhdeers sst tanding grof oabi f that pevery ursu uiday tagain .ayAand sim m ple e every oone ne m icgchastsiwell ‘delivering best of our ability on occasion without ever being n g t o th b e o f o u i l i t y d an n d o n ev v e ry y oc o n w the guidance of our of the Committee ‘delivering to ability day every occasion without ever being negdClub towith th heand buerse stifeof olyou osu’.cannot r abi ilitycome, every please day and an nsend d on on your evveryyproxy occcassito ona-Member w satisfied ourselves’. withe th obest vf eour so that wesatisfied have as wide aourselves’. view as possible of the issues before us, in the best interests of the Club. The eedCommittee woith ou The Cwith mm m itrse teeelvand aensd’. Officers Officers have have every every confidence confidencee that that we we have haave the Team Team to to take us to the AGM agenda has not been will articles Theenext Committee and Officers confidence thearound Team to the C m afinalised Oefrfnicaeas sIuhave hwrite e.vthis ery but confthe idemain ncee that thissues at we we have ha avebe Team to taligning o take usour level exotmm lev veilttof oefeour ou unrdeternal ete lrpursuit. pu rasvueitevery with the new 2015 Kenya Company old perennial – subscriptions! We have now gone three next eternal pursuit. exWe t level leevvowe otons foour ou eteegratitude pu uAct rstto uoiand tF .ritour Fritz W oewl eof to nusrof grrn atailtude z Walchli Walchli for for his his stewardship stewardship off the the Club Club as as Interim Inteeri Secretary. years without keeping subscriptions in line with inflation which is not a sustainable way of managing our We owe tons of gratitude to Fritz Walchli for his stewardship of the Club as Interim We Serving o w e to o n s g r a t i tude t o F r i t z W a l c h l i f o r h i s s t e w a r d s hip f t h e C l ub a s I nte e riber Servving for for over ovver nine nine months, months, he he was was capable, capable, sensitive sensitive and and available avaiilable to to Members. Mem m rSecretary. s. He raced Serving over nine months, capable, He Servaround noguWe fodrth ov rtherefore n moth nbe se,ehe hneagwas weyou ars h caeto pn aconsider eo,nsensitive sgeenrsiiis vaand endand anu dpto avai ifi lanish ble tn ogMembers. M em mClub ber . as financial health. will atsireview back some ofrsthe the Club the he no upon assignment, aviro nfor hveeC luibnelike htehasking tteenager oblllonger oavailable nclaw ffinishing hito the ssinflationary igraced he around the Club the teenager he no longer is and upon finishing assignment, he a ro o u n d th h e C l u b like th h e t e e n a g e r h e n o l o n g e r i s a n d u p o n f fi nish h i n g the Club as s s i g hasMembership been his Doctor beeen asked askked by Doctor to to take take a good good rest! rest! We We wish wish him him well and and a quick quickk return retu ur to the erosion of our revenue. has tranquility been asked by hisretire Doctor braeenq enqui ask keydoof Docetm or to tot.take taTkheaangood gkoyou rF ersitt!zWe W wish him him well and and a quick quickk return retu ur to the retirement. Fritz. tr ility f his yooperational odurest! . e wish As many Members will know, the Cluben runsThank on an deficit. In other words, our tranquility retirement. Fritz. trranq ilityyonooffthe hisfeedback emen Tuhr assuccessful nukccyou yeosusfuF tzu. treach Day Based offt.our Outreach Bqaui sed fretire fe edback oThank lriO Day in in Nanyuki Nanyuki ycover earr, we wthe e plan plcost an n to t ofrepeat Accommodation, Foodth&eBeverage operations do not generate sufficient marginlast tot year, Based on the feedback of our successful Outreach Day in Nanyuki last year, we plan to repeat Based t h e f fe edback f o u r s u c c e s s f u l O u t r e a c h D a y i n N anyuki t y ear r , w e p l an n t the same the social social at at around the sa ame ttime ime ooff tthe he yyear. ear. The The format format will be largely larggely the th he same but bu running the and so we remain dependent on Membership revenue to largely break and sustain the same will be the same but theClub soop cpial altlyaround thebe sa am e ttime imMembers f btthe heersyyear. essupporting Tohrteinformat fogrth m larg gour elyreven th heairo bouwn base. hopefully there more the from Nairobi hsocial efu fuat there will Me eoof m uarp.pThe heatevent f om fr N obi town to b necessary hopefully Recent management attention to our menu andfrom beverage offerings have started there will be more Members supporting the our Nairobi town base. hinvestments. op pGiven efu f u l ly t h ere M e m b e r s s u p p o r t i n g th h e event f fr om r N airo o b i to o w n b membership, choosing not easy dice is with Given the the spread spread of our membersh hip, ch hoosing the next venue was n ot ea asy but thee d to improve usage wemembership, are not hout of woods Membership subscriptions will always Given ofbut our choosing not easy dice Gour iven thileon snptrends rSaturday ead ip,2017. ch hthe oo. sing theyet. next venue n otin athe y but the Gilgil 30membersh September Further details will follow coming months but Gilgthe ospread Sa aturday Further fwas fo llow nea tshe comi inegd mo is with be a central of our Club finances and we cannot continue allowing them to fall behind the rate of Gilgil on Saturday 30 September 2017. Further details will follow in the coming months but Gipillar lgplease i l o n Sa a t u rday . F u r ther f fo llow n t he comi i n g m o possible pleeasse save save the th he date date and we look forward f rward fo d to to welcoming as many Members Meemberrs aass p ossibble from Rift date weand lookofforward to welcoming manyparts Members possible pleeas sey, aveWestern th hestern date fcourse fo rward dM toem Meemoofbf er rhseaas sop onstsib erefrom inflation.please Valley, Members country are very Rift Vsaellsave Wthe We n Kenya Kand enya bers fr ffrom omasother tthe co un ryblar Valley, Western Kenya and of course Members from of the country are very V a l l ey, W We stern n K enya M e m b ers f fr om other parts o f t h e co o un n t r y ar r e welcome. welcome. Our programme of refurbishment and improvement of private dining and meeting rooms has continued welcome. welcome. The project as on 5. There have T h e proj o ecto ct is imeet s approaching appro achinof g conclusion cMember onclusionneeds. as reported repThe orted dMkutano on page room eh and we now have aSecurity good variety a orange (old Cardbeen Room) The Security project is approaching conclusion as reported on page 5. There have been Thenecessary proj o ec c t i s appro o a c h i n g c o n c l u s i o n a s r e p o rted d o n e h inconveniences to Members for which we apologise you for your ce e s s a ry inconvenienc c e s t o M em m b e r s f o r w h i c h w e a p o l o g i se and thank y o u f is now a modern Meeting Room with video conferencing facilities, whilst the Reading Room provides a necessary which we ceforbearance. essary inconvenienc s to to Members M eresproject poalovery isedeliberate and thankre-focus yyou oufoffor Concurrent with been of attention to eaarinconveniences ance. Concu ucerrent wiem itm h bthe th pffor roorjw echtihas hchasw beeeaapologise n vgery re-f cu your more relaxed meeting ambience andwith the Red Room is the pinnacle of our private dining experience. forbearance. Concurrent the project has been a very deliberate re-focus attention toWe ea a r a n ce. Concu u rrent wi i t h t h e p r o j e c t h a s b e e n v ery re-f f o c u the Clubb grounds, which grounds, w hich are looking magnificent magniificent despite despitte the the delayed delayeed rains. rai ofOur thank those especially their experiences. theMembers Clubb grounds, which despite the delayed Our growho uti nds, ch are magni ificent despit tohretheir dhelaye eeemploy. d rpalio on congratulations who passion ionhave sw tto ohiused the sstaff tthese aflooking fw hfacilities o cclearly lemagnificent arlyyand have ap asssiotnefor ffor ttheir eirfeedback mrains. who passion tiionssince tto o tthe ff bw ho we cclearly learly athe sieoed nd ffor heir Pinks has congratulations been success launch and the The ambience with music, Atathe AGM last November, discussed for some form an endowment trust N osstaff vteam er, dsuccess isycu uhave sseedstory thp eassneed ncontinues. forr ttheir fo som m e eemploy. fm onew rpmloof the AGM last November, we discussed the need for some form of an endowment trust t N o v e m b er, d i s cu u s se e d t h e n e ed d f fo r som m e f o r m new menuAtand layout is proving popular with good patronage despite the recent chilly weather. The clear dedicated to the longterm Club is in terrm sustainability sustainability of our C lub aand nd oour heritage. Some further work dedicated tobeen the longterm Club heritage. further work is in terrm sustainability sufrom sbetween tainRoger ability lounbMain aand contrast that has now established Dining Room gives Members distinct progress with assistance Oliver Fowler andSome the Officers of the Club R ogePinks r Bebbington, Bofebour band inC gtthe Ond oour with assistance from Roger Oliver Fowler and the Officers ofMembers the Club RoIndeed getake r Bebbington, Beoff bsome bibefore ngtoworried n the O end we hope to seeintended. the project ofthe therequirement year. Once again, choices, asprogress theand original strategy that for gentlemen toare andencouraged we hope to to seeconsider the project take off before the endgifts of the year.Club Once again, Members are bequeathing appropriate to the even as we prepare suitable wear a jacket for dinner in the Main Dining Room might deter many, but time will tell. For now, all I encouraged to consider bequeathing appropriate giftsthereof. to the Club as we prepare suitable legal structures to hold the assets and/or interests And even Members’ views and have received is complimentary and I can only but encourage all of you to sample the experience. legalexperiences structures to theendeavours assets and/or thereof. And Members’ views and onhold similar areinterests always very welcome. experiences on similar endeavours are always very welcome.
Ngugi N Ng u i Ki ug K Kiuna, una, MCC C Chairman Ngugi Chairman N ug Ng u i Kiuna, K una, MCC C Ki www.mcc.co.ke www.mcc.co.ke
April– June 2017 Muthaiga Country Club October–December April– June2017 2017 Muthaiga Muthaiga Country Country Club Club 11
1
From the Secretary
As we publish this magnificent creation and as I wonder how much of my letter to you the editor is going to ‘trim’ I watch the 6-month milestone pass in this role. So what’s new since the last edition? At the request of many of our Karen and Langata Members we reinstated the From the Secretary ‘Muthaiga Matatu’ with mediocre success. It has been used, a bit. I hope that as our I am delighted to announce the Calendar of Events and exciting things to do at the Club expands it will get more use. appointment of Rupert Elliott as the new Weour completed a ‘Ladies’ Survey’ with 599 responses to our 2 minute inquisition. Club Secretary taking over from interim secretary FritzThank Walchli.you Rupert's so much to those who replied. We saw some great ideas come through which permit has finally been approved and he have given much food for effect. thought. These include a Ladies’ Only bar, a Spa, better changing facilities for will take up hisuspost with immediate In welcoming Rupert to the Club I would families, a WhatsApp Group for events and a Muthaiga Bus! With the winding down of a communications like to thank Fritz for all he has done in his of an opinionthe page, where prevailing It would seem many Members do not receive our regular email blasts (though they received Survey) with moods a interim role where his steady hand guided issues, expressed in comments and mails, are an excellent withand bothvaried cash events which are coming up at the Club. As I write we have over 37 events the detailsperformance of the many your mind, and will always welcome your feed Out-going Secretary Fritz Walchli with some of the and quality above budget. MCC Staff at his leaving party. The staff presented him between 1st September and Christmas. Please weelephant. have your correct email address if you are in with ado splendidconfirm cake and a carved wooden Rupert Elliot has moved to us from the Capital Club Nairobi and prior to thatplease was running a large any doubt. Equally check your4-Star ad blocker and spam filters to make sure we are not being ‘filtered’. Hotel in Botswana. He has an excellent track record in We have quality been busy on social media with our private Facebook page, which only you can see but which details delivering and financial results and was formally trained in London’s market with international and updates you5-Star on forthcoming delights.experience You will inhave noticed too that we send the occasional SMS/ France, Bahrain and Africa. His commercial experience includes UK text message. find these are always read unlike, ahem, our email blasts. If you are not receiving email country houses ofWe excellence. notifications orhis texts from us, please send your particulars to database.update@mcc.co.ke and we will Rupert is joined by fiancée Heidi. It is an exciting time with many new challenges and projects and I hope R ECENT LY, A DECISIO N WA S MA D E TO O update your details on our Members’ database. you will join me in wishing our new Secretary the very best of good O FFER B R EAKFAST O NLY AT P I NKS … Ifortune. am sorry to report that work continues on the swimming pool. We have a leak and we have to find it. Breakfast Pinksmany only isand a mistake. Do away with I hope by now you have a fully functioning, dual-purpose Club Card. My apologies forat the varied the chafing dishes and cook to order as it used hiccoughs on the way. Your forbearance has been remarkable and much appreciated. to be. TP You seem to be enjoying Bimb Theobald, Chairman of Committeesthe new Pinks menu as well as the enlarged Club Dining Room menu. Please Appalled by people’s behaviour at Pinks, and keep the (constructive) feedback coming. It helps enormously. We completed adisappointed detailed competition to have to have price breakfast there… I am an overseas Member and come the Club for the analysis on the cost of our food and have worked hard to see you get the best deal in town. Breakfast in tothe Club, not to come to an average hotel. FP I am thrilled to take over as Secretary of Muthaiga Country Club, and Clubhouse is aworking well it seems and weand have learned a few lessons too on what works best at Pinks, which delighted to join team of like-minded professionals enthusiasts While I agree with the economic reasons for havin who, together,tostrive to ensure Members can take pride in their Club. continues evolve. only one venue for breakfast, I do not agree with My last job was with an excellent club in Nairobi and before that I ran a Last but not least, you will find in this publication that we have started an ‘Employees of the the argument that Month economy Award’. alone justifies prestigious hotel in Botswana. I firmly believe that Muthaiga is one of the dispensing with breakfast in the old restaurant in brightest stars across Africa in the hospitality sector, and I look forward to Here we nominate one guest facing and one back-of-house colleague for recognition of their excellent child-free environment. RS exploring ways to keep enhancing this historic place for the benefit of all efforts. Please do let me know if you feel one of our number deserves special mention. Members, whether they joined long ago or more recently. No waiters, tables not laid, multiple trips require We forward to anandexcellent up to Christmas to please and delight you. I amall verylook grateful to Members Staff alike run who have already made me with a diary full of events no logic to layout, food in chafing dishes cold, feel so welcome. My door is always open and I will welcome your feedback cleared finished, If the Club is not your first choice for any time out, please tell us why and whattable we not might doastofood make it so.coffee and suggestions. I am excited to get to work on the next stage of the Club's disgusting.AB evolution, while ensuring that we preserve the values and traditions that Your pleasure is ours, too.
at Pinks
make this Club such a great one.
Rupert Elliot, Club Secretary
Rupert Elliott, Club Secretary
Country Club April–June 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
www.mcc.co.ke
P.S. It is a good day at MCC when a thoughtful Member, knowing that Nairobi is short of Angostura Bitters, brings in two bottles to contribute. 2
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
MEMBERSHIP M AT T E R S With the winding down of a communications committee, this page is devoted to being more
With many Members away on holiday, quantity of correspondence of an opinion page, where prevailing moods andthe sentiments of Members on current Club has diminished. Happily, the issues, expressed in comments and mails, are echoed. As always, we want to know what’s on consistency, and service. As quality remains unchanged. As usual, your views revolve around service, your mind, and will always welcome your feedback. so often, your comments are funny (expectations of insect-serving waiters and muesli-making cooks are evidently high). As always, we welcome correspondence on all matters – we are listening! ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
JACKETS ON OR OFF?
at KindlyPinks attend to mosquitoes at Pinks. WM There wereA too in RE CE NTLY, D E Cmany I S I O N raisons WA S M A[sic] DE TO O O F F E R BRE A K FA S T O NLY AT P IN K S …
What a brilliant idea to improve the dress code in the Main Clubhouse for dinner. I will certainly come more often and I’m sure that lots of smart people will too. DN
my muesli! TK
[Ed: Surely the whole ‘raison d’etre’ of muesli?]
Breakfast at Pinks only is a mistake. Do away with the chafing dishes and cook to order as it used SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER to be. TP
Have M O R E G EN ER AL LY
“First you buy me a new coat and now a trip to Lion Safari Park. What’s got into you lately?”
you gone mad? I thought you were trying to encourage people to eat in the restaurant. I bet no one Your German sausage not eat seen inside Germanythe Clubhouse again. RF willhas ever Appalled by people’s behaviour at Pinks, and and the saurecraut [sic] was not cooked. It The musictoishave great. late there… night Iparty beok as I was very hungry. PE disappointed to haveThe breakfast am should tasted SPEAKING YOUR MIND an overseas Member and come to the Club for the encouraged, it will help build the ambience. Please Club, not to come to an average hotel. FP Why is it that there are never any ice-creams encourage and keep the DJ. AG in the fridge? Also,Sign neverby anythe low-fat milk. RH pool area: While I agree with the economic reasons for having only venue for breakfast, I do not agreearound with Ok.one Enough! A few ‘Members’ the pool and Not the place it used to be. WR the justifies theargument volumethat is economy way tooalone much at 11.15. No one is even dispensing with breakfast in the old restaurant in a dancing.environment. Is this now child-free RS a disco bar?! NR There are only three things wrong with Pinks: 1. Service. 2. Service. 3. Service. DN No waiters, tables not laid, multiple trips required, CONSISTENCY no logic to layout, food in chafing dishes cold, table not cleared as food finished, coffee disgusting.AB
Message in the Comments book: It would be better to turn the parents of ‘the rest’ into pies! BT
Excellent service as usual… great food and always with a smile. AH
B UT IT WAS N ’ T [Ed: AL L This B A Dview … has been expressed by many.]
The veranda at Pinks has emptied significantly,Thank but you theto the team CASHPOINT-SAUROS for a wonderful Red service has deteriorated exponentially. OH Room dinner… It made for a special evening and a great meal. DB
LICKING YOUR CHOPS www.mcc.co.ke
I asked for the pork but you had run out. Why is there never enough? EF I could not eat the pork because it was inedible. DP
Call me a dinosaur, but I was perplexed on reading that members of MCC can now – through technology – share the costs of meals April– June 2017 Muthaiga Country Club 3 with their guests on the spot. This surely cannot be right? A guest is just that: invited to the club by a member who is fully responsible for that guest’s costs (and conduct). Would the Club be happy for cash to change hands at the table? Surely not, and the technology merely disguises such a transaction. CW
[Ed: A restaurateur friend advises that you should never serve pork, since it is invariably variable.]
[Ed: To be continued…]
Competition
Question: Name this
event, where it took place and the year.
Prize: Dinner for
two with a bottle of House Wine in either Pinks or the Club Dining Room. Please send your answers to communications@mcc.co.ke www.mcc.co.ke
July – September 2017 Competition Answer QUESTION: Name this visitor to Kenya, his title and the year of his visit. ANSWER: Winston Churchill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies – 1907. WINNERS Annelise Schonnemann & Shaleen Keshavjee
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
3
balloting committee balloting c ommittee involved with balloting – there are no many years, and her terrific diligence appliesisatprobably the Club.what Justhas because So the answer short cuts.is no – there is no made you’re the well known, doesn’t necessarily mean chairmanship look so easy. The rest ofpreference given to politicians or Finally, crucially, we urge Members to you’re welcome. In fact, often and are prominent people – and long may it stay the committee haveit’senjoyed take the time to examine the names of much harder profile person gratefulfor fora high her friendly, forthright so. Candidates when they are posted on to escape comment– we’ll or censure from leadership miss her. In other news, itand, is increasingly the Board if there is the slightest Members. Such views are encouraged remarked that the cost of joining doubt about their ‘clubbability’, to So now it’s me, and I’d like to begin and respected: as I may have said this Club is too high, that we run the voice any concerns to the Secretary. All with a few words about the waiting list before, our aim is to ensure new risk of allowing only rich people to objections are treated with the strictest forare prospective Members. It is long. Members ‘clubbable’, and to hold become Members.and Is are thatfollowed the kindup of confidence, Candidates can expect to wait at least high the bar to entry. Membership we want? diligently. We really do want to ensure 18 months between being proposed (Thinking of bars, it’s often the case that the selection bar for prospective and being invited to attend a ballotingAnswers on a postcard, please. you canmeeting best judge people’s characters Members is maintained at a very high – and will then wait a further Members often wonder how much when you see them under the influence. level. two months while their names are preference given to politicians and over the Drunk, in other words. The Balloting It’sisimportant, when handing made known to Members. prominent people when they are put Committee is considering having a reins of any committee, to assure your forward for membership. Does The second point to note that there right old knees-up, long into theisnight, wide-eyed successor thatthe “It’s a doddle: Club curry favour? Are Members are no short cuts. are every time candidates areMembers introduced. huge fun, doesn’t take much time, all intimidated in any way? strongly advised Provided our livers can not taketoit,use we their pretty straightforward really”. reckoninfluence that oughttotohave sortCandidates the wheat from move up It’s fair toYeah, say that high profile people right. the chaff – the grape from the grain, the list more quickly. However friendly often come with baggage. In banking so to speak. OK, that’s amight joke, but the the has done an outstanding job Matthew Rudd your relationship be with parlance,Gail theyPaul are known as PEPs, or serious: some people behave the Balloting committeepoint for isSecretary Chairman Balloting Committee – or with anyone else politicallyoverseeing exposed persons, and extra differently when ‘fuelled-up’, and can Matthew Rudd due diligence is usually required to be become altogether less clubbable.) Chairman Balloting Committee carried out on them. Well, the same
house & finance
finance
various initiatives that we hope will appeal to, and attract a better turnout from these sectors.
In terms of projects, we are making The month of June marked the end Going forward, we are embarking on reasonable headway on our security of our financial year. All in all, given some key strategic initiatives including project and expect to complete in early management transitions, the general renovation of rooms (from which May….on budget! The library project economy and election fever, we had a we derive significant profits) and the has been revitalised and we hope to reasonably successful year, recording a planning of a new Library. We will present a plan at the next AGM later it 14 per cent growth in revenue. Pinks, continue to refine activity at Pinks and he year. Events and Accommodation performed Main Dining (including introducing Finally, we expect to complete the admirably, whereas Main Dining good value offers) to drive overall Mukutano Room this for quarter, continued to pose challenges us. whichutilisation of the Club’s facilities, which offer Members a state-of-the-artis projected to grow significantly this The Club continues to make good In termswill of projects, we have “ I can complete the Meeting Room. year. progress in our key strategic initiatives. successfully completed the Security project under budget So we have plenty of work in progress Revenues are on budget and our cash upgrades and renovation of the We are certainly moving in the and ahead of right schedule, but defining the desires and position is ‘safe’. We do however Mkutano Room, where we now direction and lookbut forward to sharing you’ll need to requirements of our diverse operate on very thin margins at three offer state-of-the-art conferencing more detail at the AGM in November. allocate additional time Membership remains paramount and per cent profit on turnover. facilities. In order to encourage more our success will lie in our ability to and money fo that.” Our challenge remains how to increase Members to frequent our Club more satisfy these. utilisation of the Club, particularlyoften the we are striving to improve in Main Dining Room and the sports all areas of operation. We feel that facilities. we’ve made progress but we recognise We have identified certain sectors ofthat thewe operate in a very competitiveVVijay Gidoomal ij Gid Membership that do not use the Club environment and that the continuous Chairman House & Finance frequently, and we are working on improvement of our good value is Vijay Gidoomal critical to success. Chairman Finance 4
4 Muthaiga Country Club April–June 2017 Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
www.mcc.co.ke
roving eye
Eye for Irrigation Roving Eye worries about vegetables. Emblematic of Wales, leeks have apparently sprouted around the pool to such an extent that thousands of litres are being spent watering them. Or something like that. Turns out that hidden behind the racing-green hoarding, the vegetable patch is being dug up while engineers look for offending leaks. Duh.
Eye for Irritation Have you ever wondered why gentlemen are so protective about the Members’ Bar, otherwise known as the Men’s Bar, where ladies are not permitted, even lightly, to tread? Turns out that Club rules don’t apply within those fusty confines. Could it be that ensconced Members are too decrepit to leave the place? Too tired and emotional, perhaps? At any rate Eye, irritated by the constant use of mobile phones in the Men’s Bar, is reliably informed that the Secretary (a big fellow) intends to operate a crushing device for phones. Hurrah.
Eye for Instawhat? Wouldja adamaneve it? Not only has this fine old Club, bedrock of tradition, bowed to 21st century pressure by
www.mcc.co.ke
creating a Farcebook page (371 secretive ‘friends’ at last count, with more than one thousand ‘likes’, heaven help us), but it has also opened an Instacrap account. How fitting that its first entry should be given over to turning miscreant children into pies. Yuck.
Eye for Integration Donchajussluvit. At last count Eye had no less than three Membership cards. One for sometimes working when Eye orders wine. One for all those other times when Eye finds it doesn’t work. And now one for swiping at the gate (except Eye can’t reach the scanner, so takes it out of its pouch, hands it over, receives it back, and watches the queue back up behind.) Rumour has it that someday, soon, Eye’ll have just one card, working as well in the Club as it does at the gate. Woof.
Easy on the Eye Is it awfully sexist to think that Michaela Wrong is a bit of all right? She might not speak quite as well as she writes (In the footsteps of Mr Kurtz; I didn’t do it for you; It’s our turn to eat) but she sure is a looker. To be serious – for she is that, too – it was good of the Club to host such a literary eminence, as Michaela launched her latest excellent book (Borderlines), described her experiences as a reporter in Africa and reflected on her elegant leap from nonfiction to fiction. She reminded a rapt audience of sage advice: most people have a book inside them – and that’s where it should remain. Phwoar.
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
5
hou se wines & mes sing
MCC Resident Manager Michael Krop recently celebrated ten years of service to the Club. Michael was a lecturer at Utalii College for four years before working at Karen Club for several years. He started at Muthaiga in 2007 as Assistant Food & Beverages Manager but with his great zeal for work and his infectious enthusiasm Michael has risen quickly through the ranks to his current position of Resident Manager. He is responsible for the smooth running of Michael cutting his long-service cake with the Operations arm of the Club and ensures all departments and Michael receiving his Long-Service certificate processes work inter-dependently and harmoniously with each other Chef Macharia to share with his colleagues. from Club Secretary Rupert Elliott in order to meet and, hopefully, exceed Members’ expectations. For ten years Michael has worked unstintingly to ensure the comfort and well-being of all Members. We congratulate Michael on his ten years of service and wish him many more at MCC!
“I love the daily challenge of trying to exceed Members’ expectations and to make their next experience better than their last.”
MK
Reciprocating Clubs MCC reciprocates with over 100 clubs around the world. We recently added two new Clubs to the list, but please do tell us if you have found a Club we don’t reciprocate with, but you think we should. Perhaps there is a location on the map you feel needs exploring? Let us know, and if any Members have visited a Club that we do reciprocate with and would like to share their experience, please send in your review for publication.
secretariat@mcc.co.ke
Refurbished Rooms for Private Events
The Hibiscus (or Blue Room) has been refurbished and is now back in service. It looks stylish and comfortable and is perfect for intimate, private events. The new-look Mkutano Room is also being well utilised, principally due to the amazing new state-of-the-art Video-Conferencing equipment that has been installed. The Club charges less than half the average city price for conference facilities and will offer Discount Packages for frequent customers. To book either of these rooms please contact
secretariat@mcc.co.ke
Visiting Chef – Kevin Whiteford Kevin Whiteford the exciting young Executive Head Chef at Radisson Blu, the flagship of the Radison Hotel chain, at Manchester Airport, will be visiting the Club for a week in November to prepare and share some of his delectable dishes. Kevin’s career as a Chef was shaped by his father when he accompanied him making dairy deliveries to local Country House Hotels. The young Kevin was captivated by the sights within and the aromas emanating from the grand houses. After graduating from Glasgow College of Food Technology Kevin worked in Country House Hotels around Scotland. 6
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
Chef Whiteford has over 25 years experience practicing his culinary skills in both the UK and France. He works hard to provide a memorable dining experience for his guests and his proudest moments are when he succeeds. Join Chef Whiteford at the Club from 8–15 November to sample some of his delicious lunch and dinner menus. Reservations to book a table will be required reservations@mcc.co.ke www.mcc.co.ke
staff news
Retirees - 2017
Employee of the Month Award
Three long-serving members of staff will be retiring at the end of 2017.
The Club recently introduced a new staff recognition programme that rewards two outstanding MCC staff performers each month, with one nominated from guest facing and one from back of house.
Walter Mbugua Gichuhi CARPENTER
Walter was hired in 2001 as waiter. He later moved to the Maintenance Department where he excelled himself as a carpenter and has remained in that department ever since. He retires after 16 years of service.
Joseph Maina Kinuthia ROOM STEWARD
Joseph was employed in 1988 as Room Steward, a position he has maintained to date. He has worked diligently in the Housekeeping Department for 29 years.
The ‘Employee of the Month Award’ was launched in July and the first winners were Sammy Mutuku – Waiter at Pink’s Restaurant He was nominated for his excellent guest relations, for being the best wine salesman for three months in a row, and for being the first person to sell the 1KG beef burger!
Peter Kahuria – Stores Clerk was nominated for his efficiency and accuracy in Stores and Cellar stocks management.
Vincent Ford – Mail Room Assistant was nominated for his role in the new security project, learning the new security processes and ensuring Members and Staff have their new cards.
William Migwi – Carpenter was nominated for his consistently high quality carpentry work and being very actively involved in setting up for Events.
Paul Kamau Guchu HEAD OF GROUNDS
Paul started work with the Club in 1986 as gardner. His was promoted to Head Groundsman in 2011. It is thanks to Paul’s unflagging commitment and enthusiasm that the MCC grounds are so beautifully maintained and the lawns kept so well manicured. Paul has dedicated 31 years of service to the Club.
Wedding Bells for Pinks’ Purity Pictured here MCC Staff nominated for the new ‘Employee of the Month Awards’ for July and August. From left Front Office Manager David Itambo, William Migwi, Sammy Mutuku, Vincent Ford and Human Resources Manager Lilian Wambui.
Congratualtions to Pinks’ Cook Purity Wangechi, who married Dennis Ndeto in July, at a beautiful wedding held in Nairobi. Several MCC staff members attended the happy occasion.
www.mcc.co.ke
“Dave usually gets the Sales Person of the Month award, but this month I got it. He sold it to me.”
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
7
events
South African Women’s Association The South African Women’s Association (SAWA) hosted a fabulous evening in aid of the Friends of Dagoretti Children’s Charity. ‘The Blue Moon Charity Ball’ was very well attended and guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner, great music throughout the evening and a few fun games with the silent and live auctions encouraging plenty of friendly competition. The evening raised over Ksh1.8 million for The Friends of Dagoretti Children’s Charity. Many thanks to Michael Krop and his team for their unsparing support for this wonderful evening. Right: Members of the South African Women’s Association who attended the “Blue Moon Charity Ball” hosted at MCC in aid of The Friends of Dagoretti Children’s Charity. MCC Member and SAWA Chairlady Shaleen Keshavjee, is pictured on the far right.
EAMON MULLAN
A Celebrity Chef in Africa
‘Muthaiga Matatu’ The Karen/Langata private bus service for MCC Members made its maiden voyage recently, with resounding success in as much as it didn’t strike an iceberg. We hope more of our Membership residing in Karen and Langata will make use of this service to visit the Club more often. Return tickets cost 750/- per person and the bus can be hired out for private bookings. For more information contact secretariat@mcc.co.ke
MCC Member, Master Chef and famous foodie Eamon Mullan will be launching his autobiographical book ‘Food for the Famous’ and signing copies at the Club on 12 October. Asked by family, friends and colleagues over the years, to write his memoires Eamon has produced an engaging and irreverent romp across the globe recording his life as he cooked his way to becoming an award-winning ‘celebrity chef’ in Africa, preparing culinary delights for the rich and famous and recounting his adventures along the way. He includes some of the gourmet recipes he created for visiting screen icons, royalty and sports stars including Pele, Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Burton, Michael Caine, David Gower, Angelina Jolie, Cherie Blair and many more, when they visited Kenya. Eamon will be at the Club to sign copies of his book on October 12.
Master Guitarist Ricardo Garcia Award-winning master guitarist Ricardo Garcia first performed in public at the age of nine. Since then he has gone on to play on four continents, offering an eclectic repertoire - he has played for a Bollywood movie, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, at jazz festivals in Jordan and at the Royal Albert Hall in London. From flamboyant Flamenco to soulful classical pieces Ricardo transports his audiences to ancient Spain, to Gypsy courtyards, and to the places that have inspired his own compositions, such as Kenya, India and Scotland. Ricardo will be performing on 17 November in Ballroom at 6.30pm. 8
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
events
OKTOBERFEST @ Pinks On Thursday 19 October MCC will be celebrating the famous annual Oktoberfest tradition. Starting at 7pm at Pinks, Members and their friends can get together for a barrel of fun, eat delicious BBQ food, drink German beer and wine and celebrate this merry occasion. There will be a disco and dancing, more beer, delicious German sausages and lots more beer!
Who are YOU Wearing? Come to a Ladies’ Brunch with Top Kenyan Fashion Designer
Katungulu Mwendwa on Saturday 7 October from 11am – 3pm in the Club
Dining Garden
Katungulu Mwendwa is one of Kenya’s top fashion designers. She recently showcased her designs at New York Fashion week, and features in the September 2017 issue of Vogue UK. Katungulu’s designs of timeless, casual and semiformal wear extend beyond any season and she is listed as one of Africa’s Top 10 fashion designers and definitely one to watch out for, so bring your friends and come along to meet her over a glass of Mumm Champagne, Rosé wine, or juice and enjoy an exotic light lunch and plenty of live entertainment.
Do you know what dizygotic twins are? Or what a limivorous creature lives on? Or which modern city was known as Lutetia in Roman times? Have a wild guess or come and show off your fount of knowledge at
Quiz Night on Friday 24 November at 6.30pm in the Ballroom with Quiz Master Stephen Mills. Team formations of up to 6 people (no more)
Fantastic Prizes with Buckets of Beer & Pub-style Menu
www.mcc.co.ke
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
9
events
The Poppy Ball Friday 10 November from 7.30pm ‘til late
Club Dining Room Welcome drink & Canapes 4-course dinner with half a bottle of wine Live Band & DJ
Kiddies’ Christmas Party Saturday 16 December 2017 on Pinks Lawn from 12.00pm
Bring your children to a wonderful family-friendly Christmas Party with great entertainment for kiddies and a delicious buffet for everyone. All good Girls and Boys will receive a present from Father Christmas himself who will arrive from Lapland and land at the Tennis Courts at 3.00pm. Parents are encouraged to bring gifts for their children (not in excess of Ksh 5,000/- in value please) and leave the at the Front Office clearly marked with your child’s name and age.
Christmas
Pop-Up Sale
10
A Remembrance Service will be held at the Club Memorial on Saturday 11 November starting at 10.30am. All Members are cordially invited to attend. (A Remembrance Sunday service will be held on Sunday 12 November at 10.30am at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Ngong Road.)
Raffle & Breakfast
MCC
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
ART for CHANGE EXHIBITION Showcasing the works of four of MCC’s talented Members, Art for Change features exquisite handembroidered jewellery crafted by Francesca Stame, original portrait paintings in oil by Katie Simpson (see ArtBeat feature on pages 14 & 15), stunning photographs on canvas by Luke Gent and a fabulous new collection of handcrafted pieces from Resin Craft.
OPENING NIGHT Opening Night Friday 1 December 2017 6.00pm – 8.30pm Saturday 2 December 10.00am – 6.00pm
Morning Coffee & Cake 10.30am Sunday 3 December 10.00am – 6.00pm All MCC Members & Friends are Welcome. MCC will be hosting its first pre-Christmas Pop-Up Sale on 10 December 2017 on the Chairman’s Lawn. Different exhibitors will showcase a variety of products giving Members a great opportunity to do some stress-free Christmas shopping in the convivial surroundings of the Club and when you’re done, linger for Sunday lunch or a sociable pre-prandial drink. The Pop-Up Sale will be open from 11.00am – 6.30pm. Members and friends all welcome.
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
forthcoming events
Fo r t h c o m i ng E v e n t s OCTOBER 2017 Quiz Night - with Quiz Master Stephen Mills
5 October, Ballroom, 7.00pm.
Dinner Dance – Back to the 60s
6 October, Club Dining Room, 7.00pm.
Ladies’ Brunch – with Katungulu Mwendwa
7 October, 11.00am – 3.00pm, Club Dining Garden.
Film Night – ‘The Fast Lady’
7 October, 6.30pm, Pinks Lawn.
Tennis – Muthaiga Cup of Nations
8 October, Tennis courts, 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Opera Night – Live Opera ‘Barber of Seville’
11 October, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Book Launch – Eammon Mullan
12 October, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Young Members’ Halloween Ball
13 October, Pinks Lawn, 7.30pm until the ghouls retire!
MCC Road Run
14 October, MCC, 8.00am.
Oktoberfest – Beer Fest
19 October, Pinks Lawn, from 7pm.
NOVEMBER 2017 Imre Loeffler Lecture
1 November, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Opera Night – ‘Opera Gala’
2 November, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Visiting Chef Week – with Kevin Whiteford
8 – 15 November, Main Club Dining Room, Lunch & Dinner
MCC AGM
9 November, Ballroom, 4.00pm.
Poppy Ball
10 November, Club Dining Room, 7.30pm ‘til late.
Speaker’s Evening - Kenya Museum Society
11 November, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Poppy Day Remembrance Service
11 November, Club Memorial, 11.45am.
Live Concert - Spanish Guitar by Ricardo Garcia
17 November, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Film Night – ‘Dancer’
30 November, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Quiz Night
24 November, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
DECEMBER 2017 1 December, Pinks Lawn, 6.00pm.
Speaker’s Evening – Rhodia Mann
6 December, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Art for Change - Jewelry/Painting Exhibition
1 December, Peristyle, 6.00pm - 8.00pm.
Art for Change - Jewelry/Painting Exhibition
2 - 3 December, Peristyle, 10.00am - 6.00pm.
Film Night – presented by Edita Camm
7 December, Ballroom, 6.30pm.
Christmas Draw Luncheon
9 December, Centenary Lawn, 11.00am.
Pop-Up Christmas Market
10 December, Chairman’s Lawn, 11.30am.
Children’s Christmas Party
16 December, Pinks Poolside, 12.00pm.
Christmas Carol Singing
17 December, Ballroom, 12.00pm.
Christmas Eve Dinner
24 December, Club Dining Room, 7.00pm.
Christmas Day Lunch
25 December, Club Dining Room & Centenary Lawn from 12.00pm.
Boxing Day BBQ
26 December Pinks Poolside, from 12.00pm.
New Year’s Eve Ball
31 December, Club Dining Room, 7.30pm ‘til 2018!
WEEKLY EVENTS
Young Members Heretic Pub Event
Lawn Bowls Coaching
every Monday, Bowling Greens, 4.30pm.
Lawn Bowls Mix-Ins
every Thursday, 4.30pm – 6.00pm, and Sundays, 9.30am, Bowling Greens.
Club Night
every Friday, Happy Hour, Cocktail Bar, 6.30pm – 8.00pm.
Fish Bowl Friday
every third Friday of the month, Pinks, 6.00pm.
Dates and times of events were correct at the time of going to Press. They may change post printing so please check with the Events Office events@mcc.co.ke when making your bookings.
www.mcc.co.ke
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
11
bow ls and fitnes s
Bowls Report The Club Pairs competition held in June was the last Bowls challenge before the summer break, and with the majority of the Bowling Section away on their holidays, the few of us who remained in Nairobi played our regular Thursday and Sunday social bowls in cold and sometimes wet weather - very reminiscent of a Scottish summer! However, I am delighted to report that one of our bowlers, Essie Ndungu Walker, was selected to play for the Kenya Ladies’ Team in the recent Africa State Tournament (AST) Competition played in Johannesburg, South Africa. We are extremely proud of Essie’s achievement in leading the Ladies’ Trips team to win the Gold medal, and she was voted “Most Valuable Player” in the poll by all other participating bowlers. This is a tremendous accolade
The Africa State Tournament Bowls Competition Ladies Trips Gold Medalists. From left - Representing Kenya - Susan Wambugu, MCC Member Essie Ndungu Walker (Skipper) and Christine Mbae.
as the tournament is played over six days, with competitors representing Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Well done Essie and many congratulations! Bowls is fun, it’s healthy and it caters for all ages both young and old. Whether you are just looking for a pleasant environment and a bit of social play or more of a challenge and sporting competition, bowls offers something for everyone.
MCC Lady Member Essie Ndungu Walker receiving her Gold Medal for ‘Best Player of the Africa State Tournament.’
We encourage all Muthaiga Club Members to come along to our Mix-ins on Thursdays from 4.30pm – 6.00pm, and Sundays at 9.30am, and try their hand. There are a number of very good bowlers who will gladly show you the basic techniques of how to play and introduce you to a fun and healthy new past time. John Porter Captain Bowling Section
Forthcoming Bowling Events 28 - 29 October
Club Singles
11 - 12 November
MCC vs KCC (MacKenzie Shield)
12 December
Ladies vs Gents
13 December
Green Closes
Muthaiga Country Club Road Run Saturday 14 October at 8.00am MCC will be hosting the Muthaiga Country Club Road Run on Saturday 14 October. Join this family event to help raise money for the Kenya Cancer Association (KenCASA.) The 5km family walk and the 5km and 10km runs are open to all Members and friends. With activities for children and a hearty breakfast provided by the Club on Pinks Lawn, it is a happy, healthy way to support those suffering from cancer. To register email fitness@mcc.co.ke
12
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
tennis
Tennis Report Members of the Tennis Club will soon be able to play tennis under lights in the evening, adding on hours of playing time. The installation process is well underway and I really hope Members will be able to make full use of this wonderful new facility throughout the year. Wimbledon Championships 2017 We held our own Wimbledon Championships this summer involving just eighteen players. The top players elected to play Singles in a separate group, on a round-robin basis, with Richard Wootton emerging as MCC’s Wimbledon Champion 2017 with 29 points, fiercely challenged by Clemens Calice as runner-up with 28 points. The remaining players participated in a highly competitive Doubles Pool with Rachel Wootton and Jonathan Chapman winning the Doubles Championship.
U.S. Open Championships 2017 Muthaiga Club’s U.S. Open Championships held in September attracted 28 participants for this annual tournament. Players, divided into two graded Pools, enabled the event to be run on a team basis. Team Tennis has always been a popular format with our players and often develops into an exciting tournament especially when the teams are well matched. Teams representing various U.S. cities played almost non-stop for three and a half hours and Team Miami (1st pair - Bitenge and Pamela Koome) and (2nd pair David Percival and Chris Shaw) had to battle hard to finally win the Championship.
Herring Cup Tournament 2017 Muthaiga Club recently hosted the annual Herring Cup Tournament. Undoubtedly the most popular tennis event of the year, we had teams from Kericho, Gilgil, Nanyuki join us, along with the usual suspects from Karen, Muthaiga and the Red Herrings. Four graded pairs of mixed doubles in each team playing on a round-robin basis makes for enormous fun and lasts the whole weekend – which feels long, after a terrific Ball with more than 70 guests, superbly organised by the Club, on Saturday evening. This year there was a happy blend of youth and experience, the quality of tennis was high, and everyone had a great time.
Winning team from Karen Club with the splendid, much-coveted Herring Cup Trophy.
After a gripping final series of matches, Karen and Muthaiga emerged as joint victors with 28 sets each. Resorting to ‘countback’, Karen Club were declared outright winners of the Herring Cup for 2017. MCC Team players Christian Vater, Katarina Karanja, Clemens Calice, Susanna Webber, Manlio Blasetti, Rachel Wootton, Matt Barton, Roz Clarke, Liam Webber and David McNevin should be congratulated for their stoic efforts over the whole weekend - well done! I would like to thank the MCC Catering Staff for providing a wonderful selection of refreshments and snacks throughout all our tournaments and to Omega and his staff for the hard work in keeping our tennis courts in a prime condition. Thank you! John Goodwin Tennis Captain
Forthcoming Tennis Events Sun 8 October
Cup of Nations Mixed Doubles Tournament
Sun 12 November
Seniors (55+) Mixed Doubles
Sun 3 December
Christmas Crackers Doubles Tournament
Players in the MCC U.S. Open Championships 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
13
Henry Henley Henry Henley taught himself how to draw with pen and ink and to paint in watercolours at a young age. With no formal training he was inspired by his mother Priscilla, who is a very accomplished bird artist. As a safari guide, Henry has conducted safaris and fishing trips all over the world and visited many fascinating places over the years and throughout his travels he recorded the scenery, flora and forna beautifully through his art. His pen and ink drawings were used to illustrate Tony Dyer’s book “The Big Five”, and other drawings of his have featured in numerous small publications. Henry donates most of his work to good causes.
Gaby Hahn Gaby’s preferred media are oil, acrylic, charcoal and pastel. Living and working on two continents offers an endless range of subjects to paint and Gaby is inspired by the landscapes and the people who live in them. Her portraits of tribal people of Northern Kenya have been exhibited in Europe, the United States and Africa. They are painted larger than life size, to capture largeness of spirit, and positioned so that the viewer must meet their gaze. The wildlife of Africa is an enduring inspiration, and Gaby captures the dignity and character of these animals, many of which are now facing extinction. All proceeds of Gaby’s work are given to support the work of the Seahorse Institute, school for autistic children in the Bahamas.
14
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
Muthaiga’
Once again we feature five artists wh
Working in a variety of media and
subjects. We also feature a great cham
Susan Githuku and her stunn
Susan Githuku MCC Member and one of the most ardent patrons of Kenyan art, Susan Githuku has written and published a magnificent book showcasing over 50 of Kenya’s most gifted artists. It has taken Susan three years to complete and the result is a glorious 600 page oeuvre d’ art in itself, representing the very best creations of each artist. The inspiration for the book came when Susan was visiting the MOMA Gallery in New York with her daughter who observed that some of the artwork back home (in Kenya) was as good as, and sometimes better, than some of the paintings on display in New York. The idea evolved and Susan consulted eight art experts and asked them each to name who they considered to be the 40 most talented artists from Kenya, with the aim of profiling them in the book, but the talent was so overwhelming the final selection came to 57 artists. Susan and some of the featured artists will be signing copies of her magnificent book Visual Voices at the Club in December (date to be confirmed.)
Susan is pic of the featu donated a c
“This is an paintings, s the extraord have in Ken
My ultimat continue th and collect put Kenya’s
One day I h over the wo
www.mcc.co.ke
’s Art Beat
ho make up our talented Membership.
d showcasing a range of styles and
mpion of Kenyan artists MCC Member
ning new book ‘Visual Voices.’
Lavinia Grant Originally from Scotland and trained at the Chelsea School of Art, Lavinia Grant moved to Kenya in 1970 and has lived on the family ranch in Laikipia ever since. Lavinia enjoys using oils and pastels and has developed a distinctive style with pen and watercolours to produce stunning botanical drawings and paintings of Laikipia portraying its beautiful scenery, plants and wildlife. Depicting life in all its forms from the tiniest insects, to great elephants and a wealth of wild trees, flowers, fungi, plant and birdlife in between. Her passion for nature and her delight in animals, the wild African landscapes and the luminous Laikipia light, shines through in her beautiful, original paintings.
Katie Simpson Katie grew up in an artistic environment in Naivasha where she could experiment freely with mixed media, natural pigments and texture. After completing A-levels in Bath, UK and having had two successful exhibitions in Kenya, she moved to Florence to continue her training at the Charles Cecil Studios, an atelier in one of the most traditional and artistic cities in Europe.
ctured here with another MCC Member and one ured artists Mary Collis, who has very generously copy of ‘Visual Voices’ to the Club Library.
amazing story about Kenyan art, told through the so that anyone can look through the book and see dinary wealth of artistic talent and beauty that we nya, that is largely unseen and unrecognised.
te aim was threefold; to inspire Kenyan artists to heir craft; to encourage more people to know about, Kenyan artwork and so sustain the talent; and to ’s contemporary art on the global map.
Three years in Florence has given Katie a wonderful insight into portraiture, the human figure, the importance of light and a deep understanding of working in oils. Inspired by Masters such as Velazquez, ‘the Painter’s Painter’ and Titian the Venetian ‘Magician of Colour,’ Katie strives to find a balance between accuracy and abstraction in an attempt to encapsulate the soul of the sitter on canvas.
hope to find Kenyan artists exhibited in galleries all orld, because they deserve to be there.”
Susan Githuku
www.mcc.co.ke
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
15
members’ awards
Coral Gardens Bloom Once More in Marine Conservancy Marine Conservation initiative created by MCC Member Des Bowden has won the prestigious global UNDP Equator Prize 2017. As the first locally managed marine area on the Kenya coast, Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association (KCWA) was selected from over 800 entries from 120 countries to claim the award as ‘an outstanding example of nature-based local solutions to sustainable development.’ The award was presented at a high-profile event held recently in New York. The spectacular coastline is one of Kenya’s most valuable natural assets, that provides not only direct economic benefits through fishing and tourism, but the coral reefs and mangrove forests provide vital storm and flood protection for the ecosystem. The combined consequences of an expanding population trying to make a living out of marine resources, together with climate change and uncontrolled fish and coral collection by the aquarium trade was leading to the total devastation of the reef creating a marine desert from which people would no longer be able to make a living. Community elders who could remember how healthy and productive the sea had been decades ago voiced their concerns to MCC Member Des Bowden. With many of the Kuruwitu community entirely dependent on fishing, a management plan for sustainable fishing alongside alternative income generating enterprises had to be developed, so Des and members of the local coastal community who were concerned about the degradation of their seas, established Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association (KCWA) in Kilifi coastal district in 2003. KCWA sought to find ways of keeping both the community’s needs and the
16
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
needs of conservation in balance, before the marine ecosystem was damaged beyond repair. The KCWA community agreed to give up an area of inshore fishing to act as a breeding ground, and in 2005 they took the unprecedented step of setting aside a 30 hectare Marine Protected Area. This small step, although difficult to take initially, became the first coralbased locally managed marine area in Kenya. Twelve years on, and the area has made a staggering recovery. With fishing prohibited within the protected area, the rejuvenation of fish stocks was visible within as little as 18-months. Fish began to grow in
abundance, size and diversity with one report showing a 400 per cent increase in fish biomass over a twoyear period. The coral heads are also flourishing, regenerating once devastated breeding grounds, which has led to a perceptible increase in fish outside the protected area and fishermen are enjoying greater catches due to the spill-over effect. With the dramatic increase in the biodiversity Kuruwitu has become a much sought-after destination for eco-tourism, with the myriad marine species that are thriving within the revitalised coral gardens. With growing numbers of visitors paying a conservation fee to snorkel within the Marine Park, the
www.mcc.co.ke
members’ awards
Fisherman and driving member of KCWA Katana Ngala pictured here receiving the prestigious global UNDP Equator Prize 2017 at a high-profile gala evening in New York.
fishermen have started to see that there is potentially more money to be made from showing the fish to visitors than from catching them, and the marine conservation area is creating jobs for guides, boat captains and rangers, who watch over the ocean, above and below the surface, day and night. The development of sustainable alternative employment has shifted the community’s dependence on fishing, and Kuruwitu has become a model for other coastal communities to follow, inspiring 20 similar projects up and down the Kenyan coast. The KCWA and Bureni Turtle Watch compensation projects have had unprecedented success with over 100 turtle nests hatching (5000 turtles) every year making this is one of the best turtle nesting areas on the East African coast. In addition, KCWA has helped to improve the welfare of the community by supplying water and building shelters for the fishermen, providing education and training programmes for local schools, as well as promoting various alternative income generating projects and youth employment opportunities through bee-keeping, aquaculture, tourism and sustainable prawn and octopus farming.
www.mcc.co.ke
“KCWA successfully balances conservation of the fragile marine ecosystem and the needs of the local community. I am delighted and so proud that our efforts have been recognised. Winning the Equator Prize 2017 will help us to focus our efforts on the next phase of our development and growth where we hope to share our model and support as many other community-based marine initiatives as possible. We have shown at KCWA that it is possible to come together as a community and have a transformational impact on the marine ecosystem and, at the same time, improve livelihoods in the process.” Des Bowden Patron Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
17
members’ ac hievements
THE HARRY DYER BURN CENTRE, ELDORET This is not the first time young MCC Member Harry Dyer has appeared in this magazine. Last year he, along with his ‘Running for Rangers’ Kenyan team mates, was one of only 20 competitors to complete the gruelling Ultra Extreme Jungle Endurance Race which took place over five days in the Amazon Rain Forests of Peru and covered 230km of wildly hostile jungle terrain and endless river crossings. This extreme test of physical fitness, endurance, determination and mental strength prepared him well his next challenge – the fight for his life.
severely burned, he was very vulnerable. His only option was to set off on foot back to base, despite the risk of exhaustion, dehydration and dangerous wildlife. In the heat of the Tsavo day, wracked in pain but full of adrenaline and determination, Harry ran 5km through the bush, swam and waded across the Athi River full of crocodiles and hippos and eventually staggered into base camp, with 49 per cent of his body with second and third degree burns. He was flown to Nairobi but it quickly became apparent that the hospital lacked the equipment, knowledge, and sterile conditions to properly care for his injuries. His could not be treated in Kenya, so he was stabilised for the long flight and medevac’d to the only specialised Burn Centre in Africa, which is in South Africa.
Earlier this year, working as a bush pilot in Tsavo for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Harry was flying his Piper Super Cub on a routine anti-poaching aerial surveillance patrol. It is dangerous flying, low-level and slow in hot and often turbulent conditions. As he was heading back to base he banked into a turn and the plane was caught in a strong gust of wind, which flipped the light aircraft over. The wing tipped and the plane went into an accelerated stall. Harry managed to right the plane but hit a large bush and crashlanded, ripping one of the wings off. The plane burst into flames and by the time Harry had kicked his way out of the cockpit he had been very badly burned.
Harry after running 5km and swimming the Athi River to get help before he was flown to Nairobi.
The wreckage of Harry’s plane in Tsavo Harry realised he had not broken any bones, but with no water or supplies and 18
Harry regained consciousness three weeks later in ICU in Millpark Hospital in Johannesburg, having nearly died several times. Many burns victims die, not from their burns but from infections they are extremely vulnerable to when the
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
protective covering of skin has been destroyed. Harry picked up many infections (a lovely cluster of bacteria courtesy of the Athi River) and unfortunately, many from the hospital in Nairobi. The one that nearly killed him though infected his lungs. Doctors gave him an optimistic one per cent chance of survival, he was told later. Harry’s extraordinary mental strength, fitness and determination has a lot to do with the fact that he pulled through, but he would not have survived without access to the best facilities available, and treatment from the very top burns specialists in Africa. After eight weeks of battling through multiple skin grafts, countless infections, 19 surgeries and the complete failure of his lungs, Harry was finally stable enough to transfer to the Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis US, where for three months, he underwent physio and occupational therapy and laser treatments, with the most advanced medical techniques and equipment available. And it was there that Harry met Dr. Rajiv Sood, the Medical Director of the Burn Center. In 2009, Dr. Sood oversaw the construction of a Burn Center in El Salvador. He and a team of physicians from Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) trained the surgeons, established regular communication and annual mission trips to the facility. Before the Centre was built, burn victims with 25% burn coverage would die. Within a year, victims with up to 75% burn coverage were surviving. Dr. Sood resolved to find another location of limited resources and extreme need where the success could be replicated. Providentially, IUSM already has a longstanding relationship with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, with an internationally recognised health care programme for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment that has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Moi Teaching and www.mcc.co.ke
members’ achievements occupational therapy room and a conference room. The new facilities will be fully equipped with the highest quality equipment necessary to treat all burn victims and a similar programme to that in El Salvador, of training and support from IUSM burn specialist medical staff. The effects of Harry’s accident have already instigated new life-saving measures in Kenya - the fabric of bush pilot uniforms are now flame retardant and the aircraft seat belts are easier to disengage. The Harry Dyer Burn Centre will have an even greater impact, bringing hope and relief to burn victims and their families throughout Kenya and Africa. With specialist training, the highest quality treatment and cuttingedge medical equipment, thousands more burn victims will, like Harry, be given the best chance to survive.
Harry in his sterile, dedicated burns ward in SA with all the most up-to-date technological equipment keeping him alive. Referral Hospital was the obvious establishment in which to build another Burns Unit in Africa and so, in a culmination of extraordinary circumstances, Dr. Sood and Harry have become key stakeholders in a ground breaking and lifechanging venture – the planned construction of a state-of-theart Burn Unit in Kenya, which will be named after Harry. In low-income countries, such as Kenya, there is significantly greater risk of death by burns due to a lack of treatment options and accessible facilities. Although the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has excellent facilities and medical staff for treating accidents and illness, its current Burn Unit is woefully inadequate with only six beds in a single, crowded ward, yet it had 3,072 occupied bed days in 2016.
Typically undaunted by demanding challenges, together with his business partner Trey Fehsenfeld, Harry is now working to raise an initial US$ 2 million by the end of 2017, to construct and equip this life-changing facility - the Harry Dyer Burn Center in Eldoret.
“I was lucky. I had medical insurance and access to the very best doctors and treatment available. Most are not so fortunate and die from burns far less serious than mine, because they cannot get the specialised medical treatment. I want to get something positive out of my accident, I want to help those fellow burn victims and give something in return. My way of paying back - for my life.”
Harry Dyer
The Harry Dyer Burn Centre’s primary goal will be to improve the quality of life for burn survivors and ultimately reduce the incidence of burn injuries in Kenya and throughout Africa, through prevention programmes.
Back in just 6 months after his accident, Harry with his business partner Trey Fehsenfeld. The construction of the Harry Dyer Burn Centre will include a fully equipped operating room; patient care wards with 30 beds; a physiotherapy area with a hydrotherapy pool; an www.mcc.co.ke
Harry’s full recovery has been miraculous and he astounded his doctors in both SA and the US. As a personal challenge Harry took part in the Safaricom Lewa Half Marathon less than six months after his near fatal accident. He is pictured here (second right) with his support team at the finishing line in June this year. From left – Trey Feysenfeld, MCC Members Michael Spencer, Joss Craig and Harry’s brother William Dyer (far right.) October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
19
edita’s opera and ballet programme With so many Members away over the summer months and the added deterrent of the general election in early August, turn out has not been so good for some of my recent shows - only the magnetic charm of Jonas Kaufmann succeeded in luring out a reasonable audience for the opera ‘La Fanciulla del West’ in late August. I plan to reschedule the fabulous ballet ‘A Winter Tale’ sometime in the near future, because it really is too enchanting to cancel altogether.
As promised I will be showing more Kaufmann in a new ‘Opera Gala’ from Baden Baden, where the masterful Kaufmann is joined by a host of stars including the fabulous Welsh bass baritone Bryn Terfel. Don’t miss this one – it is a most entertaining concert, performed by the very best operatic stars of today. ‘Opera Gala’ will be screened on Thursday 2 November 2017.
became the Royal Ballet’s youngest ever principal dancer. At the peak of his success, aged 21, “the James Deane of the ballet world,” walked away from his meteoric success, driven to the brink of self-destruction by stardom. This is a moving documentary of his life from his humble origin, punishing training and spectacular career. ‘Dancer’ is an unprecedented look into the life of a complex young man who has made the popularity of ballet go viral. ‘Dancer’ will be screened on Thursday 30 November 2017.
October has traditionally been the month for showing my annual ‘Live Opera’, but this year, although rehearsals for ‘The Barber of Seville’ are well underway, we are not quite ready. However, we will give you a glimpse of things to come with another live concert showcasing excerpts from my past operas, a few “preview” numbers from ‘The Barber of Seville,’ and a teasing glimpse into the future opera ‘Elisir d’Amour’.
……and for my most recent discovery I will be presenting a wonderful documentary about Sergey Polunin, who took the dance world by storm and
Performed live at the Club on Wednesday 11 October 2017
OPERAtion Classics Since 2002 Edita has been running a small, one-woman charity called ‘Opera for School Fees’ - showing operas on DVD to a ticket paying audience and donating the proceeds to school fees for young Kenyans. Since the first show, well over 100 children and young students have benefitted from Edita’s charitable efforts.
In 2009 Edita advanced into organising small live concerts under the name of OPERAtion Classics (OC) until, in 2011, she took the ultimate step and staged her first, full, live Opera, “Hansel und Gretel” by Humperdink. Following its resounding success, OC has produced a full opera every year, including ‘The Marriage of Figaro,’ ‘Cosi’ Fan Tutte,’ ‘Don Giovanni’ and ‘The Magic Flute’. Edita is now working on Rossini’s opera, “The Barber of Seville”, which will be staged in 2018.
20
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
Originally Edita created this small opera company in order to generate additional funds for Opera for School Fees, but it has achieved something far greater. OPERAtion Classics has given numerous young, local musicians the invaluable experience of performing live opera, an experience that has helped them enormously - all Edita’s star artists of the past are now in the US or UK furthering their musical education. For the “Barber of Seville” Edita has had to find an almost entirely new cast and has discovered some very gifted individuals. Edita is thrilled that in her efforts to raise more funding for her original charity, Opera for School Fees, OPERAtion Classics has uncovered so much hidden talent and furthered the musical careers of so many young virtuosos.
www.mcc.co.ke
book reviews
New Arrivals EDGE OF ETERNITY by Ken Follett ‘Edge of Eternity’ concludes Follett’s ‘The Century’ trilogy, preceded by ‘Fall of Giants’ and ‘Winter of the World’. This story opens in 1961 with the construction of the Berlin wall. Narrative moves between West and East Germany, USA, Britain and Russia. For younger Follett fans this is history, but to older readers, it is a fascinating account of what happened within their memory, full of real and fictitious characters. The Cuban crisis is brilliantly recreated, and in the light of the current North Korean disarray, there are interesting parallels of US history repeating itself. The same can be said about the on-going Afro-American civil rights struggle. This is a challenging book: it makes ‘Gone with the Wind’ look lightweight perhaps its only fault, as it’s awkward to read in bed. It does tend occasionally to indulge in unnecessary detail but as always with Follett – it is brilliant.
LIVING DEATH by Graham Masterton Katy Maguire is back with more than enough on her plate in crimeridden Cork which seems to excel in drugs, murder and other more sinister crimes. This time it’s dog-napping, and illegal organised dogfights – bad enough, but they appear linked to an even worse situation, dogs are not the only ones who disappear. Enter Conor O’Maille, renowned dog detective. It’s inevitable that he and Katy are attracted but there are serious complications. How will she solve this, a more personal problem? Added to her troubles is her boss, Jimmy O’Reilly with whom there are even worse difficulties at a time when she has so much on her mind. As one crisis succeeds another Masterton tightens the tension to the extent that the book becomes compulsive reading right up to the last page.
MOUNT by Jilly Cooper The Campbell Black mob is back, a bit older but otherwise as ever. Rupert is now a successful flat race owner and trainer, still the deadly enemy of Cosmo Ranaldini. The story is littered with Cooper’s usual abundance of fornication and drinking. It appears that there is a traitor in the C-B camp – not awfully difficult to guess who. The plot is weak although picks up slightly towards the end. Cooper has written in this jokey style for long enough. It was a hit 20 years ago, as no one had produced anything quite like her books before. Now, sadly too often she has moved towards the merely crude and distasteful, while her brand of humour is outdone and out-dated. The story is overloaded with too many characters, animals with nauseating names, and repetitive descriptions of races. Come on Jilly – a change is overdue.
SIX TUDOR QUEENS - ANNE BOLEYN, A KING’S OBSESSION by Alison Weir Anne Boleyn is the most intriguing of Henry VIII’s wives. A complex character, she was highly intelligent and matched Henry intellectually. Whether she was beautiful or just ‘had something’ is difficult to discern. It is doubtful that she ever loved Henry - she kept him in emotional misery for six years before she succumbed to being even his mistress, then subsequently married him. Anne had loved others, but the chance of the power she would enjoy as Henry’s Queen, overrode all else. Her ambition proved to be her fatal mistake, heightened when she failed to provide Henry with a male heir, which gave him further justification why she ‘had to go.’ This is a novel not a history book and if the story is over-described the details of day-to-day life in Europe’s principal courts are brilliantly brought to life, as are the characters.
www.mcc.co.ke
DUMP By Bob Marshal-Andrews MCC Member, QC and ex-Labour Backbencher Bob Marshal-Andrews has written a clever satirical novel, which draws hilarious and recognisable parallels to well-known non-fictitious events.
“Its genesis occurred in early November when I was staying at Mahale Lodge in Tanzania, the best place in the world for viewing chimpanzees. Among much else we were told of an extremely violent, psychopathic, sexually rampant alpha male whose brief and ghastly rule was cut short when he was murdered by the elders in the troupe. The following day we learnt the results of the American Election. The allegorical fiction leapt onto the page.” On the shores of Lake Tanganyika lies an idyllic Swahili Lodge, internationally famous for the study of chimpanzees. In the summer of 2016 it is host to a group of travellers which includes academics, film stars and Hiram Sidewinder, an infamous game-hunting dentist from Tennessee, with his family. It should be a visit to paradise. But, in the dark forest a bloody revolution is taking place among the chimpanzees. It is led by the fearsome DUMP a psychopathic murderous ape who has brutally usurped the position of the Alpha Male. As Dump’s power grows he threatens the existence of the Lodge and the lives of all within it. In the middle of a tropical storm the confrontation reaches an inevitable and terrible climax. Bob will be giving a talk and signing copies of his book at the Club (date to be confirmed.)
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
21
wwi in east africa
The Battle of Mahiwa Mahiwa-Nyangao is an almost unheard of battle of World War I, yet it was one of the most ferocious actions of the entire East Africa campaign of the Great War and took place over four days in October 1917. 100 miles further south of German East Africa right to the border of Portuguese Mozambique, but the Germans were still able to tie down large numbers of British forces and even defeat them on occasion. In mid-October 1917, Lettow-Vorbeck fought a pivotal but costly battle at Mahiwa, it was the Schutztruppe’s last stand in defense of their colony.
Born in 1855 Major-General Kurt Wahle’s was the oldest combatant of any nation in World War I. The Battle of Mahiwa began when South African and Nigerian troops (who had recently been mobilised from West Africa) under General van Deventer engaged a column of German forces at Mahiwa in German East Africa (Tanzania.) At the same time, nearby at Nyangao, another flank of Schutztruppen led by Major-General Kurt Wahle, became separated from von Lettow’s main body, and the British attempted to cut off and surround Wahle’s column by flanking it with a force of Nigerians. The plan was then to commit a large body of soldiers on a frontal attack and encircle the force. General Jacob van Deventer Despite continued efforts to capture or destroy von LettowVorbeck’s army, the British failed to end German resistance. In May 1917, the South African, General Jacob van Deventer, assumed command of the Empire forces and launched a major offensive, instigating an aggressive policy of fighting hard battles whenever possible, while simultaneously trying to destroy German food supplies. By early autumn 1917, the British had conquered their enemies in West Africa and the victorious veterans of that conflict were sent east to reinforce Lieutenant General van Deventer’s troops. Van Deventer had pushed the Germans
22
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
A force of three battalions of Nigerians was sent against Wahle’s troops at Nyangao and engaged him there on the 15 October 1917. However, Von Lettow-Vorbeck sent reinforcements to Wahle and pitched his additional four companies against them. The Nigerians were rapidly threatened with encirclement and suffered massive casualties. Another, larger force had been sent by the British to attack the Germans from the opposite side but was also met with stubborn resistance when the Germans withdrew two miles from Nyangao and dug in on the ridge at Mahiwa. The Germans were able to hold their ground and counter attack against the assault from the newly arrived British reinforcements. Over the following two days they pounded
www.mcc.co.ke
wwi in east africa
Nyangao 1917
Some of the Nigerian Brigade wounded after the battle of Mahiwa, October 1917. the British forces inflicting enormous casualties, forcing them to withdraw defeated with over 2,700 of the 5,000-strong force dead. Despite the massive number of British casualties, the Germans also sustained heavy casualties and were ultimately forced to withdraw from their positions at Mahiwa and retreat further south to continue their guerrilla war tactics.
Schutztruppen Although von Lettow-Vorbeck had inflicted the greatest number of casualties on the Empire forces in the African theatre since the Battle of Tanga in 1914, Mahiwa was a pyrrhic victory. Even though the German army only suffered between 500 and 600 casualties (compared to British losses which included three battalions from the Nigerian Brigade, three from the King’s African Rifles, and the www.mcc.co.ke
Bharatpur Infantry and 30th Punjabis from India which were estimated at almost half the force) it was over thirty per cent of the German force. Von Lettow’s supplies were extremely limited and four days of fighting had expended almost a million rounds, nearly his entire supply of cartridges but when news of the battle at Mahiwa reached Germany, von Lettow-Vorbeck was promoted to Generalmajor. In early November 1917, soon after the Battle of Mahiwa - Nyangao, the German High Command made an attempt to deliver much-needed supplies to von Lettow by air from Germany. The naval dirigible L.59 traveled over 4,200 miles in 95 hours, but the airship received an order over the radio from the German admiralty, to abort the mission.
being recognised in contemporary military histories as one of the greatest battles ever fought in Africa, MahiwaNyangao also prompted the universal acknowledgement that the courage displayed on both sides by the African soldier, whether Nigerian, King’s African Rifles, or German askari was remarkable.
At the end of November 1917, the Germans withdrew from German East Africa, and crossing the Rovuma River they marched south into Mozambique where they hoped to regain strength by capturing vital supplies from the illprepared Portuguese garrisons. The combined casualties at MahiwaNyangao were comparable to those of the bloodiest battle in the Boer War of 1899-1902. In addition to
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
23
bird quiz
Birds Eye View Pictured here are three different Weaver bird nests, and three different species of bird – but only one of them is a Weaver.
Can you identify which one is the Weaver bird and its nest? Can you name the other two species of bird? Can you name the Weaver species to which the other two nests belong? 24
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
hatches & matches
er of
Philip Maciocia & Alice Oldenburg Philip Maciocia, son of Mario and Hilary Maciocia of Hong Kong er of and Scotland, married Alice Oldenburg, second daughter of Friedrich-August and Belinda (Binny) Oldenburg of Nanyuki. The wedding was held on 27th May 2017, at St. George’s Church, Nanyuki and afterwards at the home of Jane Tatham-Warter in Nanyuki.
Noah Campbell Clause Born on 14th March 2017, in Bristol UK. To William and Pippa Campbell Clause of Bristol. Little brother to Leo. Second grandchild to David and Jane Tennant of Tonbridge, UK and third grandchild to Charles and Juliet Campbell Clause of Langata.
Luca Bonanno Born on 24th March 2017, in Nairobi. To Robert (Obs) and Victoria (Mouse) (nee Campbell-Clause) Bonanno of Karen. Third grandchild to Gianki and Libba Bonanno from Mombasa (now Vipingo) and third grandchild to Charles and Juliet Campbell Clause of Langata.
www.mcc.co.ke
Sadie Ray Roberts Born on 29th January 2017, in Nairobi. To Kaila Fusco and Shawn Roberts of the Mara. First grandchild to Sue Fusco of Nairobi, and first grandchild to Elizabeth and Murray Roberts of Baringo.
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
25
christmas draw
MCC Christmas Draw 2017 The MCC Christmas Draw has become a legendary occasion in the Club calendar, kicking off, as it does, the festive season with a spectacular event, where Members and friends get together to win hundreds of fabulous prizes followed by a great Christmas Lunch Party. It has become one of the social highlights of the year. Last year, the Club gave away more prizes than ever before. Many were generously donated by our Members and friends, and the number and quality of which was quite outstanding, but this year looks set to challenge even that record. With spectacular prizes ranging from airline tickets, sojourns at some of the most exclusive Camps and Lodges in Kenya, Gourmet Dinners, Deluxe Christmas Hampers, original paintings by well-known local artists, luxury beauty treatments and a vast and exciting range of other indulgences and prizes this year’s Draw is already shaping up to be another record-breaking Christmas Extravaganza! 2016 was an excellent year for ticket sales and one of the highest yet recorded. Some Members have been lucky enough to win several prizes in the same Draw, to the great dismay of others, but it all comes down to basic maths and the formula of probability in the end – the more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning a prize – or three. So don’t leave it down to luck alone – if you can’t beat them, join the winning ticket holders, and buy more tickets to be a winner yourself. And remember, ten per cent of the profits from the MCC Christmas Draw goes towards the Muthaiga Staff Fund. The Draw is always followed by a sumptuous pre-Christmas Lunch and a Mini-Draw (also with fabulous prizes) will be held for Members who attend on the day. The Club welcomes all Members and their families to join in. The MCC Christmas Draw is a lively, fun day out and just the beginning of a fantastic Christmas season at the Club - so come, bring the family and join the party. Thanks to the generosity and support of our Members and friends, this year promises to be an even bigger and better occasion than ever before. Christmas Draw tickets are now on sale at 200/- each. E-Tickets can be ordered on-line through the MCC website (Members Central Christmas Draw E-Ticket) or directly through the Accounts office on accounts@mcc.co.ke and they are also available at the Main Reception and in all the Rooms and Public areas of the Club. Don’t delay, buy your tickets NOW for a better chance of winning and keep the date free.
Christmas Draw, Mini Draw & pre-Christmas Lunch
9 DECEMBER 2017 from 11.30am CENTENARY LAWN 26
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
obituaries
Julian Larby Julian was born in Mombasa in 1937 and spent his early years in Malindi where his father, Norman was serving as the Headmaster of the Secondary School there. After attending St. Andrews School Turi and Kenton College, Julian finished his education at Rugby School in UK. Between school and University, he returned to Kenya where he served as an Acting District Officer based in Kisumu. In that capacity, he presided over Magistrates’ Courts of the Third Class. Julian went on to Downing College, Cambridge where he graduated in Law and, whilst there, he rowed for his College with some success, participating in several Henley Regattas. After Cambridge, Julian went to London and was enrolled as an Utter Barrister of the Middle Temple. He then joined the Commonwealth Relations Office during which time he met and married Linda Macauley with whom he had two lovely daughters, Tamsin and Kirstin. Upon his return to Kenya however, the marriage
August 1937 – June 2017
foundered and Linda returned to the UK with the two girls. Julian had, by this time, joined Kaplan & Stratton, Advocates in Nairobi, where he met Jenny nee Morgan, who was working as a Secretary with the firm. The romance blossomed and they were married in 1972. Justin and Kerin were born soon after. Julian remained with Kaplan & Stratton for four decades with a short break of two years during which time he went into business with another MCC Member Alan Doig. Together they enjoyed a number of entrepreneurial interests, which included Bunson Travel, Luke’s, The Chequered Flag and The Driftwood Club in Malindi. He was also a director of the Flying Doctor Society together with Dr. Michael Wood; served on the Committee of Gertrude’s Garden and was Secretary of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Kenya. He was a staunch Member of MCC for 50 years and served on its Wines & Messing Committee for several years. Julian’s interests were vast and varied. He was a member of Round Table No.1;
August 1928 - June 2017
the smell of pork always reminded her of going to school after a bombing.
It was a far cry from her upbringing in the Nazi-dominated, war-ravaged town of Lubeck in north Germany, where survival depended on living submissively under the regime. Hilde never ate beetroot again, and www.mcc.co.ke
After the war she worked in Austria at a nursing home, which doubled as a summer escape for international guests. She was efficient, economical, attentive to detail, willing to tackle new projects, and broadminded about other cultures. She was vivacious, pretty and petite, and would go mountaineering with famous climbers. One visitor – Christopher Armstrong, 30 years her senior, a Cambridge ‘Blue’ who had fought in both wars, widely-travelled with a distinguished career in public service behind him – asked Hilde to marry him, and so began a new life in London during the joyless 50s, when Christopher was elected an Ulster Unionist MP. Irish politics were a mystery, and she was surprised to find it mattered more, after two world wars, not that she was German but that she might be a Catholic. Public life was a strain and Christopher suggested it would be more fun for Hilde
Julian was incapacitated in his later years but bore his afflictions stoically. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and family. Kwaheri Jules, you were brilliant! Jonny Havelock
Hilde Armstrong
Neat, tidy, dignified and proper to the end, Hilde Armstrong, née Kolz, died at her home at Kwetu, on the beautiful farm she had managed and nurtured for six decades.
played for the 2nd XV Nondies’ rugby team; and he skippered the Nairobi Club Wednesday Side hockey team for many years. As Secretary of the Rugby Football Union of EA and the Kenya Rugby Football Union he actively participated in the initial promotion of the extremely successful annual Safari Sevens Tournament.
to run his farm in Kenya. She flew out on a flying boat, landed on Lake Naivasha, and never looked back. She quickly discovered her farm manager was cooking the books, but picked his brains about how to farm sheep, cattle, wheat, barley and pyrethrum on 7,000 acres before firing him. She continued learning English, learned Kiswahili, ran the dispensary and raised her children, Simon and Helen. Christopher was often away, but they forged a home, which was a byword for hospitality, comfort, beautiful gardens, home-grown meals and good company. Christopher died after 30 years of marriage and Hilde remained a widow for the next 30 years running the farm with her son Simon. She was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010 but when he died tragically in 2012, Hilde – at the age of 84 – assumed the running of the farm again. Her lifestyle was reclusive but her hospitality at Kwetu remained as meticulous and caring as ever. Hilde was a Member of MCC for 68 years.
October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
27
obituaries
Elizabeth (Liza) Long
Liza was born in London in 1928 to Winifred Laird of the CammelLaird ship-building family of Glasgow and Edward (Teddy) Billyard-Leake, famous for his extraordinary bravery at Zeebrugge and also for “blowing Lloyd George’s messenger out of the water” when he brought him the offer of an Earldom. Liza was brought up on the family estate in Ayrshire and educated at Cheltenham Ladies’ College before travelling to Kenya with her sister Mary in the late 1940s. In 1949 Liza married Robin Long only son of Boy Long - an ex-officer of the Royal Navy, in Nairobi Cathedral followed by “one hell of a thrash” at Muthaiga Country Club afterwards. They bought a farm together at Bahati
January 1928 – August 2017
and then another at Thompson Falls, where Liza revived her childhood passion for cows and horses and started to build a dairy herd of her home country Ayshires. This became a life long commitment and, as one of the first practitioners of artificial insemination, she was honoured by the CAIS for her “exemplary and dedicated contribution to the semen industry.” The huge thermos flask used for storing semen from her prize bulls remains to this day the much-used ice bucket at her home in Kilifi.
Sadly, Robin and Liza found themselves under pressure to hand Nderit over to the National Parks and in 1970 Nderit became Lake Nakuru National Park.
Liza’s racehorse breeding was as successful as her cattle and her racing stud flourished. With her trainer Franky Icely, she bred some of the finest racing stock in the country with numerous champions.
Liza was down to earth with a wonderful glint in her eye, a dry sense of humour and a lack of tolerance for fools. She is survived by her two sons Ian and Richard, their wives, and a stableful of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Liza and Robin begat two boys, Ian and Richard in the 1950s. In order to meet the annual racing timetable they were born in August and February and induced by driving over corrugated murram roads in the old Landrover.
Liza was a Member of MCC for 68 years.
They eventually retired to Kilifi where Liza indulged her new passion and became a fisherman of renown holding several records. She was a superb horseman and, as well as a 2-goal polo player, she was also a successful amateur jockey. She played a deadly hand of bridge and at the age of 80, still played tennis.
Richard Britten-Long (son)
In 1960 Robin acquired his mother’s ranch Nderit at Elmenteita, where they created a very serious ranching station with over 5,000 head of cattle, some of the finest bulls in the country, and of course, Liza’s expanding milk herd of Ayshires. Liza was a supreme hostess and Nderit was always full of guests from all over the world - if you had four legs or were legless, you were especially welcome.
Liza on her wedding day at Muthaiga Club 1949.
DEATHS The Club regrets to announce the deaths of the following Members
AMEER NANJI on 13 May 2017 MOSHE SHTIEGMAN on 9 JULY 2017 *JANET (Jeanette) CHUBB MBE on 20 July 2017 NANCY BROWN on 27 July 2017 ELIZABETH (Liza) LONG on 4 August 2017 EDWARD BELL on 18 August 2017 JOACHIM KROLL on 5 September 2017
HILDE ARMSTRONG on 9 June 2017 BETHUEL KIPLAGAT on 14 July 2017 ELIZABETH FOWLER on 24 July 2017 RUTH RABB on 2 August 2017 DR. LORENZO BERTOLLI on 8 August 2017 DOROTHY LE POER TRENCH on 24 August 2017 WALTER HINDS on 16 September 2017
*There will be a Memorial for Jeanette Chubb at Fairseat, on 5 October at 11.00am. All are welcome. If anyone would like to publish an obituary for a Member who has died recently, please send a tribute and photograph of the deceased to the secretariat@mcc.co.ke
28
Muthaiga Country Club October–December 2017
www.mcc.co.ke
candidates being considered for membership CANDIDATES ON BOARD FOR THE 1ST MONTH
CANDIDATES ON BOARD FOR THE 2ND MONTH
Proposer Candidate Category
Proposer Candidate
Category
Aziz Bhaloo
Michael Meyer
FT
Stephen Kunyiha
Ashley Kihara
F(18-29R)
Andrew Elwes
Benjamin Lampard - Joanne Lampard - Jack Lampard - Daisy Lampard
FT JFT U7 FT
Robin Ndegwa
David Muriithi - Susan Kiama - Ethan Kiama - Zoe Kiama
FT FT U7 U7
Martin Dyer
Daniel Heal - Christina Heal
FT FT
Justin Heath
Sameer Jethwa
FT
Nelius Kariuki
Peris Gichaga
FT
Frank Kretzschmar
Hendrik Linneweber
FT
Sammy Juma
Nicholas Mararo - Jainaba Camara - Eli Mararo - Abdul Mararo
FT FT JFT JFT
Matanda Wabuyele
Stephen Ndele - Naomi Mumo - Natasha Ndele - Sean Ndele
FT FT JFT JFT
Robert Ndungi
Agatha Gikunda - Ken Gikunda - Makena Gikunda - Shaka Gikunda - Katanu Gikunda
FT FT JFT JFT JFT
Jonathan Kinisu
Sammy Chepkwony - Faith Koech - Tamara Kipkorir - Dylan Kipkorir
FT F(18-29R) JFT U7
Alexander Andrewes
Kavan Shah
F(18-29R)
Eldad Wairegi
Samson Karau
Amos Kimunya
Christopher Kariuki
F(18-29R)
Klarissa Wills
Yvonne Flammer
ST
Benson Wairegi
Rachel Kabuyah
F(18-29R)
Rose Kimotho
Adam Jones - Deborah Jones - Joshua Jones - Hannah Jones
ST ST JFST JFST
Kimani Mathu
Regeru Regeru
F(18-29R)
Anna Mwai
Geoffrey Mwai
F(18-29R)
Alexandra Dietz
Toroitich Chesire
F(18-29R)
Rolf Wichmann
Karim Lalji
F(18-29R)
SWEEPSTAKES AUGUST 2017 Ticket No. 9614 5948 11143 13522 13916 7337 4382 4804 15821
Answers to Bird Quiz
Prize 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
www.mcc.co.ke
SWEEPSTAKES SEPTEMBER 2017
Member Name Claus P. Mortensen Solomon W. Karanja John A. Muhoho Anthony D. Seth-Smith David W. Stogdale Peter T. Kanyago Christopher Getonga Philip R. Hechle William K. Wood
African Citril
FT
Amount 64,229.20 32,114.60 18,351.20 18,351.20 13,763.40 9,175.60 9,175.60 9,175.60 9,175.60
Brimstone Canary
Vitelline Weaver & nest
Prize 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
Ticket No. 4664 4301 14878 4092 4705 3837 15182 8538 2469
Member Name David Hewett Susan Githuku Ashok Shah Bruno Giachino Patrick D. Hemphill James Gitoho Jocelyn Noel C. Taylor Michael Lord Barry Corline
Grosbeak Weaver
Amount 60,948.16 30,474.08 17,413.76 17,413.76 13,060.32 8,706.88 8,706.88 8,706.88 8,706.88
Grosbeak Weaver nest
Spectacled Weaver & nest October–December 2017 Muthaiga Country Club
29
MCC reciprocates with 114 Clubs in 24 countries around the world. The Reciprocity Committee invests a great deal of time ensuring that these Clubs are worthy of our association and Members are encouraged to submit brief if theywith visit114 or Clubs stay at in any24one of them. Thesethe reports willThe be published the benefitinvests and interest MCC reports reciprocates countries around world. Reciprocityfor Committee a great of other Members who may be planning to travel overseas. deal of time ensuring that these Clubs are worthy of our association and Members are encouraged to submit brief reports if they visit information or stay at and anycontact one ofdetails them. These reports published for the benefit and interest For more of reciprocating Clubs will pleasebecontact the Secretary’s office. of other Members who may be planning to travel overseas. AUSTRALIA IRELAND TURKEY For more information detailsandofUniversity reciprocating the Kulup Secretary’s Adelaide Club Adelaide and contact Kildare Street Club Clubs please Dublincontact Buyuk Cercleoffice. d’Orient Istanbul Athenaeum Club Melbourne Australian Club Melbourne AUSTRAL IA Melbourne Commonwealth Club Canberra Adelaide Club Adelaide Melbourne Club Melbourne Athenaeum Club Melbourne Royal Automobile Club of Australia Sydney Australian Club Melbourne Melbourne Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Melbourne Commonwealth Club Canberra Tattersall’s Brisbane MelbourneClub Club Melbourne Tasmanian Club Hobart Melbourne Savage Club Melbourne Union, University Schools Club of Sydney Sydney Naval Military and & Airforce United Club Brisbane of SouthService Australia Adelaide Weld Perth RoyalClub Automobile Club of Australia Sydney Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Melbourne Tattersall’s Club Brisbane AUSTRIA Tasmanian Club Hobart St. Johanns Club & Schools Club Vienna Union, University Sydney United Service Club Brisbane BOLIVIA Weld Club Perth Western de Australian Club Perth Circulo La Union La Paz AUSTRIA BELGIUM St. Johanns Club Vienna International Club Chateau Sainte-Anne Brussels B OLIVIA Circulo de La Union CANADA
La Paz
B ELGIUM Granite Club Toronto The Hamilton Club Hamilton International Club Chateau Sainte-Anne Brussels The National Club Toronto CANRanchmen’s ADA The Club Calgary Union Victoria CypressClub Clubof British Columbia Medicine Hat University Club of Montreal Montreal Granite Club Toronto University ClubClub of Toronto Toronto The Hamilton Hamilton Vancouver Club Vancouver The National Club Toronto The Ranchmen’s Club Calgary Terminal City Club Vancouver CHILE Union Club of British Columbia Victoria Club De LaClub Union Santiago University of Montreal Montreal University Club of Toronto Toronto FRANCE Vancouver Club Vancouver Cercle de l’Union Interalliee CH ILE The Travellers Club Club De La Union
Paris Paris Santiago
GERMANY F RANCE Anglo-German Club E.V Cercle de l’Union Interalliee The Travellers Club Club Union International GERMANY HONG KONG Anglo-German Club E.V The Hong Kong Club Union International Club HONG KONG INDIA The Hong Kong Tollygunge Club Club Ltd
Hamburg Paris Paris Frankfurt
Hamburg Hong Kong Frankfurt
Hong Kong Kolkata Umed Club Jodhpur IN DIA Ootacamund Club Ooty, Tamil Nadu Tollygunge Club Ltd Kolkata Secunderabad Club Secunderabad Umed Club Jodhpur Bangalore Club Bangalore Ootacamund Club Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu
The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club I NDI A continued JAPAN Secunderabad Club Tokyo American Club Bangalore Club
Dublin UK U K
Secunderabad Tokyo Bangalore
ILUXEMBOURG RE L AND Cercle Munster Kildare Street and University Club
Luxembourg Dublin
The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club Dublin MALAWI JAPAN Mulika Blantyre Tokyo American Club Tokyo LUXE M BOU RG MALAYSIA Cercle Munster The Royal Lake Club
Luxembourg Kuala Lumpur
M AL AW I NETHERLANDS Mulika The Nieuwe of Littéraire Sociëteit De Witte NE THE RL A N D S
Blantyre The Hague
The of Littéraire Sociëteit De WitteThe NEWNieuwe ZEALAND Hague Christchurch Club Christchurch The Christchurch N E WCanterbury Z E AL A NClub D Inc. Hawke’s Bay Club Napier Christchurch Christchurch The NorthernClub Club Auckland The Canterbury Club Inc. Christchurch Wellington Club Wellington Hawke’s Bay Club Napier SINGAPORE The Northern Club Auckland The Wellington Tanglin Club Club S I NG APO R E SOUTH AFRICA Tanglin Club Cape Town Club Country Johannesburg SThe OUTH AFClub R IC A Durban Club Cape Town Club Inanda Club Kelvin GroveClub Club Johannesburg The Country Port Elizabeth Durban Club St. Georges Club The Pretoria Inanda Club Country Club Rand Club Kelvin Grove Club Port Elizabeth St. Georges Club SPAIN The Pretoria Country Club Circulo Ecuestre Rand Club Real Gran Peña S PAI N SRI LANKA Circulo Ecuestre The Hill Club Real Gran Peña
Wellington Singapore
Singapore Cape Town Johannesburg Durban Cape Town Johannesburg Cape Town Johannesburg Port Elizabeth Durban Pretoria Johannesburg Johannesburg Cape Town Port Elizabeth Pretoria Barcelona Johannesburg Madrid
Barcelona Nuwara Eliya Madrid
STHAILAND RI L ANKA The Hill British Club, Bangkok The Club
Bangkok Nuwara Eliya
T HAI L AND The British Club, Bangkok
Bangkok
Club Army & Navy Club London Buck’s Club Boodle’s London Cardiff & County Club Cardiff Buck’s London Cardiff County Club Cardiff Carlton&Club London Carlton Club Club London City of London City of London London Farmer’s Club Club Farmer’s ClubClub London Hurlingham Hurlingham Club London Lansdowne Club Ipswich Suffolk Club Ipswich Leander&Club Henley-on-Thames, Lansdowne London Naval Club Club London Leander Henley-on-Thames, Northern Counties Club Newcastle Naval Club London Oriental Club London Northern Counties Club Newcastle Oxford & Cambridge Club London Nottingham Notts United Services Nottingham Phyllis Court&Club Henley-on-Thames, The Oriental London Reform Club London Oxford & Cambridge Club London Royal Air Force Club London Phyllis Court Club Henley-on-Thames, Royal Automobile Club London The Reform Club London Royal Over-Seas League London Royal Air Force Club London Savile Club London Royal Automobile Club London The Athenaeum Liverpool Royal Over-Seas League London The Boodle’s London Savile Club London The Caledonian Club London The Athenaeum Liverpool The Cavalry & Guards Club London The Caledonian Club London The Cavalry Clifton & Club Bristol The Guards London The Clifton East India Club London The Club Bristol The East New India Club Club Cheltenham The London The New New Club Club Edinburgh The Cheltenham The New Norfolk Norwich The ClubClub Edinburgh The Norfolk Royal Northern The Club & University Club Aberdeen Norwich The Royal Northern Scots Club & University Club Edinburgh Aberdeen SloaneScots Club London The Royal Club Edinburgh St. James Club Manchester The Sloane Club London Western Glasgow The St James Club Club Manchester Travellers Club Club The Travellers London The Glasgow TurfWestern Club Club London The Turf Club Club London Ulster Reform Belfast Ulster Reform Club Belfast Vincent’s Club Oxford USA U S AArmy & Navy Club The Washington DC Cosmos Club Washington DC DC The Army & Navy Club Washington The Princeton New York York Colony Club Club New The Saturn Club BuffaloWashington City, NY State Cosmos Club DC The Princeton Standard Club Chicago The Club New York Union ClubClub of Boston Boston The Saturn Buffalo City, NY State UniversityClub Club Washington DC The Standard Chicago The Yale Club New York City New York Union Club of of Boston Boston The University Club of Washington Washington DC ZIMBABWE The Yale Club of New York City New York Bulawayo Bulawayo ZI MB AClub BWE Harare Harare Bulawayo Harare Club
Bulawayo Harare
MU THA IGA C OUNTRY CLUB P.O.Box 16526, Nairobi 00620, Kenya Email secretary@mcc.co.ke, accounts@mcc.co.ke, reservations@mcc.co.ke,exec.chef@mcc.co.ke, events@mcc.co.ke
www.mcc.co.ke