Another ordinary day in Cape Town!

Wednesday, 13 August 2008 01:00

Today was cooler and although we arrived in our T-Shirts, the Cape Town girls were wearing jackets and jumpers. This difference was explained by Cherryl who reminded us that it was because we have "blood like stew"

Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club - Cape Town 2008

Western Province Schools Inspector visits the training programme

At training today we were visited by the Education Inspector for Western Province. He was impressed to see the progress of the programme and wanted to show his personal support for what he described as “an exceptional initiative”.

Prior to the matches at the end of training, some light rain fell. Some of the Cape Town girls headed for shelter but were persuaded back onto the pitch. They were reminded that by N. Irish standards this was liquid sunshine and that “they would not rust”.

Today also saw the introduction of some more experienced players but unfortunately on this occasion age and treachery proved no match for youth and talent.

Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club - Cape Town 2008

Pinelands School Vs Lurgan Ladies

Pinelands High School hosted the Lurgan girls for our first match of the trip, played in the shadow of a misty Table Mountain. The hosts put up a spirited performance but lack of experience enabled Lurgan to emerge with an emphatic 8 – Nil victory.

Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club - Cape Town 2008

Amy Biehl Dance Show

We then drove through Nyanga Township to visit Nomlinganiselo School in East Crossroads Township. The drive through the Townships brought home the extreme poverty of the living conditions. The Amy Biehl foundation is working in this area to provide music and dance workshops for the children. We were privileged to attend an hour long show in our honour comprising dance Michael Jackson style, brass band, choir Ladysmith Black Mambaso style and an exceptional percussion group including 4 Xylophone players with the programme including a rendition of ‘Stand up for the Ulster men’.

Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club - Cape Town 2008

Amy Biehl Percussion Group

At the end of a very long day the sight and sound of the Cape Town Townships will be etched in the girl’s memory. Despite the sight of the obvious poverty the sound was one of happiness, energy and enjoyment.

View the Training and match photo gallery
View the Township photo gallery

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