We have just had our reunion in Hythe Kent which was fantastic fun as always and photos of the event have been posted on the website under ‘Reunions – Hythe, Kent'.  Further photos will be added within the next week.  We hope that you will join us for our reunions in 2011 - watch this space!

I have recently added a donate button to the homepage and hope that members will help toward the costs of running this website. It currently costs around £350 per annum which is paid for by the founders of the website, but if you enjoy this website, please consider helping out with costs. We are not trying to force you but please if you can spare anything at all to help pay for the hosting/adminstration costs involved in running this community and organising events it would be greatly appreciated no matter how small.  Any profits made will be donated to the charities that we support in the Support Swaziland section of our website.

If you have any suggestions/queries or problems with the site please dont hesitate to contact me. emails@mattfisherdesigns.co.uk

For all other queries please email admin@expatsalive.co.uk

Matt Fisher
Server Admin/Web Developer for Expatsalive.co.uk

Some ex-Bahrain and Nairobi might remember Bruce(Spoons) Neil and wife Jean who, sadly, both passed on last month.

Sadly, we bring news of the passing away of Ted Spain Ex IAL) yesterday, 13 May 2010, after several weeks in and out of hospital in UK. At the moment, we do not have information about funeral arrangements etc but his former wife, Jacqui, will send the information once everything has been arranged. Our sympathy goes to Jacqui, and their children, Charles and Nicola. Ted is fondly remembered by many for his theatrical skills as well as his great reputation at work.
               

MEMORIAL SERVICE : ESTHER COOK
Our dear Mother, Grandmother and friend Esther died on Saturday evening after a short illness.
Noel & Mariline are holding a Memorial Service for Esther on Thursday 13th May, 2:30 for 3:00 – at their house on Hlega Manzi Farm  (opposite Malandelas).
The service will be followed by a Braai.
All friends are welcome to this Celebration of Esther’s life.



It is with deep regret that we bring news of the passing of IAL stalwart, Bill Chaffer, in Morecambe, UK, on Tuesday 6th April. Bill was a tremendous spirit and even in this past few years, well into his 80's, and with both legs amputated, Bill has retained that indomitable spirit. Bill has been a tremendous contributor to our 'IAL Book' and you can read about his life with IAL since 1952 when the book is published. He leaves his wife, Sheila, and step daughter Judith and our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time.


Very sad news - The Malkerns Valley community in Swaziland lost a most valued member of society yesterday afternoon. Peter Thorne of Malandela's passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. 

With deep sadness, we bring the news to our Swazi/IAL friends of the passing of Jim Urquhart last night.  As many of you know, Jim has had health issues for some years, but always supported and loved by his dear wife Wilma. Wilma is devastated, of course. Jim also leaves his sons, Craig and Fraser, and his beloved grandchildren, Rachel, Megan, Jennifer and Cameron. Our love goes to dear Wilma and her family today.

Sadly, we bring news to our IAL and Swaziland friends of the passing of Bill Hurst in Canada today. He suffered a massive heart attack on Sunday, but had no pain and just slipped away with all of his children there and they all got to say goodbye when he was alert, on Monday and could still talk. Bill leaves his lovely wife Murial and sons, Tony, Stephen and Stuart, and daughter Suzanne. Bill has been a stalwart member of this website, always so happy to find old friends here and to share in our memories and he has been a tremendous support to the Holder family in the past few years by phone and by mail so this is a sad blow to all of us. Our love and support goes to Murial and the family at this time. 

Frank Morris, ex IAL stalwart, head office, sadly passed away in 2009. Frank is remembered by many of our ex IAL members.

Dr Bill Fraser has gone to be with his Lord. On the morning of the 25th of August 2009 at the age of 81, Dr Bill Fraser, much beloved father and husband of Mary was taken to be with the Lord that he adored and knew so well.  
 
Dr Bill, as he was affectionately known, worked as a doctor and church builder for over 30 years in Swaziland before moving to Cape Town in 2007.
 
With deep regret we bring news of the passing of one of the stalwarts of the Manzini Trackers, Pat Rose. Pat Rose died on June 1st of lung cancer. Chas George has kept in touch with Pat and her daughter Jancy and was privileged to pay her a trbute at her funeral on behalf of the trackers as we all enjoyed her company in Swaziland and remember as a lady always willing to help others. Our thoughts are with Pats family and friends at this time.

Sadly, we heard today from Betty that Ray Jones passed away peacefully, after battling cancer for some time, in North Wales yesterday. Many ex Dubai friends will remember Ray and Betty (ex Dubai port) and their son, Aled, who also worked there. Our thoughts are with Betty and the whole family at this very sad time.

Sadly, we bring news today of the passing away of Dick Busby due to a heart attack(ex IAL, ex Swaziland) in South Africa this morning. Our deepest sympathy and love to his dear wife, Audrey and their family, especially their children, Glen, Janet and Sandra.

With heavy hearts, we bring news of the passing away of one of our founders here at Expats Alive, our beloved wife, mum, gran and mum in law and a great and dear friend to many here. Iris passed away peacefully on 13 May 2009 with her family around her. Iris derived many hours of pleasure from this website and 're finding' old friends and making new ones along the way. We know that many of you will miss this wonderful lady too.

Gary Emmett brings us the sad news that Pickels Lourens passed away last week on Sunday.  Pickels left behind his wife Vera, Daughters Tish, Lillian and sons Tony and Harry.
Tony flew in from America for the memorial service which was held in Manzini on Friday.  
May he rest in peace. Our thoughts are with the Lourens family and friends at this time.

Sadly, we have heard that Harry Thompson passed away a few days ago in Johannesburg, South Africa. Tragically, Harry was injured on Christmas eve and was badly burned. He has been in JHB in hospital since then but sadly, lost his fight for life on Thursday. Harry leaves his wife Moira, twins Alex & John and daughter Fiona and our deepest sympathies go to the whole family at this time.  

With deep regret, we bring news of the passing of our wonderful friend, Rodney Hayter, in Durban South Africa. Following a bravely fought battle with cancer, Rod leaves us with fond memories of his great sense of humour, his tremendous spirit and his devotion to his beloved wife Pat, and our synmpathies are very much with Pat at this time.

Big Bend news:

Sadly we have had several tragedies this year , Sue Jamieson passed away very recently,  Ruth Merifields daughter Lynn also recently passed on and Dave Thompson, husband of Cynthia.

Sadly we bring news that Neil Carstairs, ex IAL, passed away in 1994. His wife lives in the UK and we have been in touch.

Bob Valance, ex IAL - Swaziland, and ex Cable & Wireless, Peru, Chile and Bolivia, sadly also passed away, in 1993. 

Sadly, we bring news from Hazel Shewan that Dianne Roberts passed away from lung cancer, Bryn her ex husband was at William Pitcher College and Di ran a nursery school for a number of years. She was also involved in the setting up of Oak School in Manzini. They left Manzini in 1979. Di was living in Sunderland having retired from teaching when she passed away. Our sympathies to her family at this time.

It is with sadness that we bring news of the passing away of Lance Masfens wife after a tragic illness. Many here remember Lance from our St Marks days and I know that his old friends would want to send their thoughts and support to him at this time. 

It is with deep sadness that we bring news of the passing away of Norman Greatorex. Many of our Swaziland friends will remember Norman, a Manzini stalwart. Norman passed away in the UK following a few months illness. His daughters, Elizabeth and Sally, were with him until just before he passed his away. Our sympathies go out to both Elizabeth and Sally, his son Jamie, all his grandchildren,and to Pat, his former wife and lifelong friend. Norman was a man that many of us remember in so many ways and his passing, I know, will sadden many here at Expats Alive. 

It is with deep sadness that we bring news of the sad passing of Sara Hughes. Many of our Emirates friends will remember Sara as a lively, lovely girl in Sharjah days. Sara was diagnosed with cancer only 6 months ago and passed away last week. Sara was able to get married shortly after she was diagnosed and later, died on her 'honeymoon beach' with her husband. Our thoughts go to her family and to all her friends. Sara will be missed by many here at Expats Alive.

Sadly, we bring news of the passing recently of the following IAL/Serco colleagues:

Ken Bradbury
Stu Carrie
Charles Hamblin
Ron Hudson
Helen Irwin
Margaret Jewell
Alan Keen
Bill Pottinger
Les Saltmarsh
Charles Taylor
RA Weatherley
Nathaniel Williamson


Many golfers will remember Geoff Wood (Swaziland). Larger than life and great sportsman.
Near scratch golfer, played tennis, squash and hockey. Used to be the Rhodesian highboard diving champion. Manzini Club Chairman and RSGC Captain. Sadly Geoff recently died of a massive heart stroke after an illness.(diabetes).
Our thoughts are with Geoffs family and friends at this sad time.

Sadly, we bring news of the tragic passing of Tiny Jacobs in Swaziland. Tiny was shot by thugs outside his home. His wife and daughter were also at home, but thankfully, unhurt. Our thoughts are with the whole family at this dreadfully sad time.

Crystal(nee Leighton)Long, passed away end of March in Tasmania.  She was married to Horace Long, Sheriff of Mbabane and when he died returned home to Tasmania.  She was active in the Theatre Club before her marriage to Horace. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Geoff Wood (68), (Ex Swaziland United Transport – SUT) husband of Barbara, father of John, Margot, Graeme and Jennifer died of a massive heart-attack in George, Eastern Cape, on Thursday 08 May. Our thoughts and sympathies go to Barbara and family at this very sad time.

Dick Morland sadly also passed away, in Mbabane, this week. Our thoughts and sympathies to his children, Tony, Stephen, Kathleen, Ros and Rentia and the family.    

Sareka Albers, With deep sadness, we bring news of the tragic passing of Sareka Albers.Sareka was killed in an awful accident on the Mbabane - Piggs Peak road last week. Condolences to her family at this very difficult time, our thoughts are with you. Sareka's mum, Shirley, owned the Continental Restaurant, in Plaza Mbbabane in the early 80's. 

It is with deep sadness that we bring news of the sad passing of Dick Heathcote in South Africa on Friday 25 April after an illness bravely borne. Dick leaves his beloved wife Brenda and children, Julie and Graham and family and many friends who remember him with love. Many of the former pupils from Sidney Williams School, Manzini, Swaziland, will rememmber Mr Heathcote fondly as one of our much loved teachers. We send our love and support to the family at this very sad time.

Matthew Farrell brings the sad news of the passing away of Clemens Drescher. Clemens ran a maintenance/construction Company in Mbabane and passed away last week. Clem has always been an Mbabane and fireworks icon for me and so I am sure that there are a lot of people here who will remember him and his famous dungarees. Matt Farrell.

We are asked daily by members to try to reunite them with old friends and often we can do so because many are members of the website, but occasionally, we are asked about people for whom we have no information at all, and this is where we need your help! If you have any information on people added to this list, please let us know as old friends are keen to find them. We also like to bring the good news - when we find someone that friends are looking for, so check the lists below! 

If a friend of yours becomes a member, then type their name into the 'search' box, click on their member profile and send them a private message to welcome them along!

FOUND!!

Brian Cowley, ex IAL Kuwait and Dubai - remarried and living in Bali!

Darwin family (ex SWaziland) - sadly Agnes has passed away but Gerry and the family all live in Perth, Western Australia.

Lynda Coates, ex Sidney Williams school, Swaziland.

Graham Vass, ex St Marks school, Swaziland.

Igor and Sasha Orlowsky, ex NES, Kuwait.

Philip Gallagher, ex St Marks school, Swaziland.

Charles & Patricia Whybrow – ex UAE (Jebel Ali 100 Villas)

Brenda and Alan Chell, ex UAE (Jebel Ali 100 Villas), now in Kent, UK

Ivan Maserik, ex doctor with Hydrospace, UAE.  Now in USA

Lawrence Northey, ex IAL.

Salim Mughal, ex IAL, Saudi Arabia. Now in UK.

Lena Saleh Fulcher, (Ex Kuwait and Dubai) alive and well in Canada! Sadly, John Fulcher passed away some years ago. Lenas sister Mai has also joined us here at Expats Alive.

Geoff Adderley, (Ex Kuwait) in the UK.

Jean Richardson (Ex Waterford Kamhlaba staff, Swaziland)- sadly, Jeans husband Jim, the founder of Waterford Kamhlaba in Swaziland, has passed away. Jean lives in North East England, though the family are scattered across the globe!

Ludo Kuipers, (ex SWaziland, teacher at Evelyn Baring School, Nhlangano) - now back in his home nation in the Netherlands.

Alan Barnard (ex IAL, Bahrein) now in the UK

Maggie Bowles, ex Dubai. Sadly Maggies husband Jim, both well known at Dubai Country Club, has passed away but Maggie is well in the UK.

Ken & Judith Mulford (ex Dubai) - now in the UK.

Donny Ferguson (ex Dubai) - Donny, whose husband died some years ago, is now remarried to her first love and lives in Scotland!

John & Dorothy Dunn (ex Dubai) alive and well in North East England. Sadly their son John has passed away but daughter and family live close by.






Stewart, Iain & Shirley: Ex Dubai (Dubai Country Club) - Now in UK,as are most of the family!

Gennadopoulos, Charlotte, Andonis, Roula and Robbie: Finally, thanks to Marios Pashardis, we have found the Gennadopoulos clan, alive and well in Greece, although sadly, the wonderful Johnny , gentle giant, has passed away. Charlotte and the family all live in Greece and Andonis has 2 beautiful children! Andonis is a member here and I am sure that Roula and Charlotte will follow soon.

Harris, Sue (daughter of Peter and Barbara Harris, ex IAL Saudi  and UAE) - now in UK.

Hayes, Michael: Ex St Marks school, Swaziland.

Geoff Fido (ex IAL Mauritius) now in Australia.

Boyd, Kathy: Ex Swaziland. Now in UK.

Patton, Donna, ex St Marks Swaziland.

BADENHORST (STUART SAUNDERS, Fiona: Ex Swaziland.

Bowles, Maggie: Ex Zambia and UAE. Sadly, her husband Jim has passed away. Maggie is in the UK.

Fulcher, Lina: Ex Kuwait, UAE. Sadly, Lina's husband John passed away some years ago. Lina and her daughters now live in Canada.

Cunningham, Linda: Ex Indonesia and Belgium. 

Baumber - Robin & Jenni. (Kuwait Airways & the famous Butterfly band!) - I know that many old friends will be pleased to know that we have finally found Robin and Jenni alive and well in Hampshire UK as so many of you have asked about them over the past couple of years.  They have now joined the website so send them a private message to say hi!  I'm not sure if they are still performing, but we'll find out and get back to you!

Gayfer! - Finally, after almost 3 years searching, we are delighted to have found the Gayfer family. Gerry and Pat are alive and well in Sussex UK although they are not on the internet. Their son John has joined the website and is happy to pass messages to mum and dad - Gerry is now 90! - and hopefully their daughter Caroline will join us here too! I know that a lot of ex IAL staffers from Swaziland days will be delighted to hear of the family.

Elliott, Roy & Pat - IAL Swaziland & Mauritius - not on internet but happy to be contacted by phone/post - contact admin for information.

Maltby, Pat: sadly John has passed away but Pat and daughters in UK. Mauritius/Zambia IAL. Again, Pat is not on internet but happy to be contacted by phone or post.

Harding, Paul: Mauritius IAL. 

Christie, Shirlie, Jacqui and Gary (Kuwait).

Gilbody, Colin & Christine (IAL Yemen).

Marx, Danita and Rosemary (St Marks, Mbabane, Swaziland).

Bruce McLean, Phil Benton & Bryan Rhyason: IAL Canada office! All now members.

Heard, Mary: Sadly husband Alec (Alf) passed away some years ago. IAL Muaritius.

Lindley, Cliff: Kuwait Airways

Bernie Vassiliou! - Finally, a member of that famous Vassiliou family from Kuwait days is now a member here! Bernie lives in USA but most of the family live in Australia.

John Hyde: IAL 

Gandon! - Sally Gandon, daughter of Malcolm & Liz - sisters Ann and Jane. Sally is in Scotland UK and now a member here. Sadly both Malcolm and Liz have passed away.

Sheridon Street - IAL Bahrein/Zambia

Bob Allison - IAL LIBYA, ZAMBIA, KUALUA LUMPU, HEAD OFFICE, LUSAKA, TRIPOLI

Rivers - Stephanie and Kate - daughters of Eric (IAL)

Munroe (De Carvalho)! - Finally and after a few years searching, this great family from Swaziland days have been found and mum, Jeanne, Frans & Michelle have all joined us here at Expats Alive.  It is very exciting for many of us to find these old friends, though tinged with sadness that our lovely boy, Rudolf (Dolf) is no longer with us. RIP, Dolf, loved by so many old friends.

Again, we have been asked by many ex IAL staffers to find the Urquhart family, and Kathy Clark finally did just that! Wilma and Jim live in Scotland and are now members of this website. CRaig lives in Dubai with his wife and 2 children and Fraser lives in Scotland with his wife and daughter and a further baby is expected imminently, so we send our best wishes to Fraser and Deirdre.

Malcolm Scott (Mbabane) was finally 'tracked down' much to the delight of his old school friends and we welcome him too to the website.

Bob & Jean Reid - Ex IAL Swaziland, Now living in the UK as are their 4 children. Member of this website.

Lynn Wardle (sadly husband Sydney has passed away) ex IAL - Libya, Aden and Saudi Arabia. Lynn is living in South Africa. Member of this website.

Jim O Sullivan - Ex IAL - Libya, Abu Dhabi, Angola, now in UK. Member of this website.

Dave Selway - Imcos/Oceanroutes - Bahrein & Abu Dhabi. Member of this website.

Sam Harper - IAL - Bahrein & Saudi - now in UK. Member of this website.

Jim & Pam Cotton, living in the UK. Worked for IAL - Abu Dhabi/Zambia. Now members of this website.

Bob Cooke - Dubai IAL - alive and well in the UK and now a member of this website.

Bill & Betty Young - ex IAL stalwarts. Sadly Bill is not in good health after several severe strokes. Live in Yorkshire. Betty keeps well. Not on internet but happy to hear from old friends. We have their address and phone number if anyone would like to contact them.

Maria Valance and children, James (Jim) and Pamela. Recently heard from James that sadly Robert passed away in 1993. Maria resides in a care home in Sussex, Pamela also lives in Sussex and James is in Scotlnad. I know that many ex IAL/Swazilanders have asked after them over the years so it is good to finally have news, though very sad that Robert has passed away. If anyone would like to send a message to Maria, you can email it to us at Expats Alive and we will forward it to her.

Westcott family - sadly John Westcott (ex school teacher Swaziland) passed away some years ago. Margaret still lives in Swaziland in beautiful Piggs Peak. Susan and Michael both live in South Africa.

Pat Driver – ran a nursery on Snobs Hill - alive and well in Durban though sadly her husband, Dave, passed away a few years ago. Her children Sandra and Michael also live in the Hillcrest area in Durban, Helen and Janet live in Canada and Switzerland respectively.
Michael is now a member of this website.

George Lockhart, former Swaziland resident! Georges father was a doctor in Manzini. He has two sisters -  Claire and Elizabeth - Lizzie. George is now a member of this website.

As you may have noticed from the messages on the board, we have finally found the famous Gouweloos family from Swaziland days! I know that many of you have asked us to find them over the years, so its great to welcome both Bas and Sjors along, and I am sure that Rob and Koen will be here before long too. Their mum is alive, though she has been poorly recently and now recovering, but sadly Dr Gouweloos from Good Shepherd Sitegi has passed away.

Found! David Hammick. Finally, after a 2 year search, we now have news of the Hammick family. Dave is living in the USA with his second wife Marjorie and has been there for many years. Mark is in South Africa, running his own business, and Peter, runs his own business in Oban, Scotland. Sadly, Dave brings news that his former wife, and Mark and Peters mum, Anne, passed away last year. Our sympathies are extended to the whole family, but we are delighted to have found them after so many years. Dave is now a member of the website as are Peter and Mark.

Found! The Thompson family, IAL, Swaziland. Sadly, as many of you know, Geoff passed away only a couple of years after leaving Swaziland, of a brain aneurism. Eileen is alive and well, remarried and lives in the USA. Sons Ian, Andrew and John and dughter Wendy are all now members of the website! Ian and Andrew attended St Marks and John attended Sidney Williams.

Found! The Laycock family! IAL, Swaziland. After a couple of years of searching, we have finally found Dave and Janet Laycock, living in the UK, alive and well! Dave recently joined the website, as did Ian who lives in Australia with his family. 

Rory Price: The Price family lived in Malkerns but owned a shop in Manzini for many years - P M Price & Co - Rory is in South Africa and is now a member of this website. His sisters were Peta and Vivienne. Peta lives in Ballarat, nr Melbourne. Vivienne lives in Durban.

Audrey Hitchcock - Audrey was a teacher in Swaziland at Sidney Williams school in the 70's. Now living in Pretoria, Audrey owns a bookstore for children.

Still seeking!

Does anyone know the wherabouts, or any information on Lesley Dunbar, Amelia and Cynthia Miles, Susan Britton and 3 boys (we only have first names!) Jorge, Hugo and Lionel.  They all attended Sidney Williams school in 1974 ish.  Any info would be great!

Does anyone remember Hilary and Richard who ran Lebombo Lobster and what a great place it was to go to..also Nigel and Denise Murton?

Kathy and Nigel Hughes..who took over the shop at Tambuti from Ray and Tinky Duggan.

Does anyone know the whereabouts of the Hollingsworths? He was a vet in Mbabane for a long while in the 70s.  They had a daughter (Mary?) who was in her teens in the late 70s - she had a piebald mare called Velvet.

Also the Boyds - can't remember mum and dad's names but they had a daughter called Kathy (in her later teens at that time) and an older son called Sam - Kathy had a horse called Bally.  They lived in Mbabane until the late 70s.  The father may have worked for telecommunications.  

Does anyone have contact information for the Loffler family (Hlume) and the Dreyers -Colleen and Doug who may now own a 'spar' in nelspruit.....

Does anyone remember Maureen Grey? Her dad Tom was the bank manager, he sadly died of a heart attack, lived next door to Bert & Kathy Clark and family. She had a younger sister called Kathleen, who we believe has also passed away.

Does anyone have news of Jack and Margie Thomas, Swaziland?

Maureen Kennedy came to Swaziland and attended Sidney Williams school in about 1970 from Rhodesia? She had a nice looking brother, but we can't recall his name!

Dave & Jean Robinson – had a son called Andrew who would be in his mid 40’s now. Lived on Coates Valley, non IAL, in late 60’s/70 and may have lived snobs hill way.

Christopher Parsons. Had a younger sister and they lived at Mhlume where his dad was General Manager of the Outspan Packing Station. 

Mike May. His dad was with Gulf Oil in Lourenzo Marques (Maputo). Attended St Marks school. May be in USA.

Also, a young police inspector called Colin Campbell Christie, in Manzini in the 60's.

Adrienne Taylor and her brother Russell - attended NES, Kuwait in the mid 70's. May have come from Merseyside. 

Trisha Stewart from Mbabane in the 1960;s, she had 3 sisters and a brother. 

Roy & Shirley Jackson and daughter Dorian. Worked for IAL. Dorian Jackson – would be in her mid 40’s ish now – lived on Coates Valley, either Eugenia Road, or Fuschia Road

Maurice and Molly Christie – they would be in 80’s now. They had a daughter called Diane –Dianne - unsure of spelling – who went to live in Natal, as did parents, so they/she may still be there. 

The Attews - lived in Mbabane, Swaziland in the late 60`s to the early 70`S. Mrs Attew was a netball teacher at St Marks. Mr Attew worked for Barclays Bank. They had two sons, Vernon and (possibly) Guy. 

Ray & Jean Eachus and family, Sarah and Mark & (?) - lived on Coates Valley, Manzini, Swaziland, worked for IAL in the 70's.

Kay and Gay Hodgkins, Swaziland

Gillian Lamont - had a brother John who has sadly passed away, but we would like to find Gillian.

Christopher Stevenson(His Father Robin ran the Mbabane Clinic with Dr Tredway).

Susan Peebles, Swaziland

Margaret Cullen, Swaziland

Cindy Fourie, Swaziland

Jeffrey Bunn - attended St Marks, Mbabane.

Wilma Richards

Edmund Arnold

Jenny and Karen Pearce

Errol Tosoni.

John 'Brolly' & Heidi Vernon (ex IAL Swaziland)

We are deeply saddened to bring news of the sad passing of Rod Hayter last night in Durban. Pete and Nicky Hughes told us today and asked us to let his old friends know. 

As many of you know, Rod has been an inspiration in dealing with cancer, and has survived so much against all the odds, and we have all been so impressed and so proud of him throughout. His emails and messages have constantly been uplifting, funny, full of information and mostly, full of praise for his adored wife, Pat, and the way that she has supported him through his illness and not once did we hear Rod complain about his lot; I hope that I can be as brave and as dignified and as loving as Rod when my time comes. He is a man much loved by many, and a man who has been remembered by all of us for 40+ years with such fond memories and I know that we will continue to remember him in this way.

Rod, incidentally, was a very early member of our website – member 19, as far as I can recall, and because of his great memory and great recall, we were able to find many of you, and many others, as he gave us ‘clues’ to your whereabouts and related so many stories about our time in Swaziland, which Rod always said was a great and wonderful time and he loved hearing about old friends through the Expats Alive website too.

For this reason, and because so many of us cared very deeply for this particular old friend, we have set up a page on the website for friends to leave messages about Rod, and for Pat, so that when she feels up to it, she can read our messages of support and take comfort in the fact that Rod is remembered so fondly by so many. 

To add your own thoughts and words, please go to ‘Articles’ – ‘Swaziland’ and then click on the most recent article named simply ‘Rod Hayter – with Love’. If you would like to leave a message but don’t know how to do it, feel free to email it to us and we will add it for you.

Samantha Hughes (Pete and Veritys daughter) is now in Durban with Pat and Jean (Hughes) will be going in a couple of weeks too. When Jean leaves, both Nicky and then Verity will go to be with Pat, so we know that she is being well cared for by her amazing ‘family’ and they will, of course, keep us updated on news in due course.

Our heartfelt sympathies are with Pat and the extended family at this terribly sad time.

Trish, Ron & Iris Holder

We are delighted to welcome Mona Ruud to the Expats Alive team. Mona has lived in Norway, Iran, Kuwait, UK, Sweden and USA! If you would like to find old friends from the Middle East, or from the USA (and parts of Europe too!) Mona will be happy to help. Already in her first week helping out here, Mona has found a few people who have been on our lists of 'friends to find' for almost 2 years! If you would like Mona to help you, or if you have information about any other expats living in those countries, please contact her by private message or email us. 

Our team are all volunteers and we are always happy to have more helpers, so if you have a couple of hours to spare, and enjoy 'web surfing', please let us know. It doesn't matter where you live, or have lived and we can give you some helpful 'tips' on where to start, so don't think that you have to be an expert in order to help!

There are often people in the chat room at various times, so please check whenever you are on the website! It's always fun to meet others and have a chat - you never know who might be in there! 

Please send us your photos! We are constantly being asked by members to add more photos, but we can only add them if you send them in! The photos can be of anyone, anywhere, anytime - from photos of you as a baby in Kuwait to photos of your great great great grandfather in the Boer war, or photos of you and yours today! Please share them with your expat friends! All photos can be sent via e mail (any format), by post and by CD (our address is in the FAQ's section). We really would appreciate some new additions to the galleries.

Please complete your profiles if you have not already done so. By completing your profile, it makes it easier for old friends to find you through our website and that way, you can start to renew those old friendships. If you do not know how to complete your profile: Go to 'My Control Panel' on the right hand side of the home page and you can add/amend/change all details including email address, schools attended, countries lived in and your profile. It doesn't take long to do, and most of the schools and companies represented here can be found in the drop down list.  Thank you!