Wendy Maitland - Rambles on the Edge

Published by Dolman Scott in 2020

Copyright©Wendy Maitland 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright owner. Nor can it be circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on a subsequent purchaser

ISBN: 978-1-911412-94-6

iBooks: 978-1-911412-96-0

Kindle: 978-1-911412-95-3

Also by Wendy Maitland:

Rambles with my Family – Published in April 2017 (978-1-911412-44-1)

Rift Valley Rambles – Published in April 2018 (978-1-911412-65-6)

Published by Dolman Scott Ltd

www.dolmanscott.co.uk

Also by Wendy Maitland:

Rambles with my Family– Published in April 2017 (978-1-911412-44-1)

These are no ordinary rambles, and the family is no ordinary family. On the first page they trip innocently into a war zone and the story gathers pace as they flee from one hazard to the next. These perils don’t end with the war as the family becomes nomadic, led by a headstrong, intrepid father who is restless and driven. As his family ever more hopefully clings to dreams of normality, the story is both funny and tragic but, always compelling.

“This is a completely delightful narrative, written in an easy and fluid style. It portrays a significant time in history and is totally engaging in its multiplicity of themes. The author expertly and honestly describes the complexity and influences of family dynamics and all that becomes normalised in the interactions. Throughout the narrative one is led to admire stoicism and realise the power of endurance in challenging circumstances. It was a huge disappointment to reach the last page and know that there would be no further opportunity to be enveloped in the life and times of this intriguing and unique family.”

Rift Valley Rambles– Published in April 2018 (978-1-911412-65-6)

RIFT VALLEY RAMBLES continues the story told in Rambles with my Family as Wendy returns to Kenya at the age of twenty four, leaving behind the jumbled misfortunes of life at home as she sets out to find new purpose and direction in a country on the verge of independence from colonial rule. She arrives with hopes and plans that are quickly challenged as it remains a recurring feature in these rambles that nothing ever goes quite to plan. Setbacks impose themselves unpredictably alongside a shifting tide of history that in Africa has its own momentum and drama. The observation of these events with candid humour provides an antidote to misadventure, while all this takes place on a farm in the great wide, wild and glorious Rift Valley of Kenya during a time of political change and evolution.

“This is the long awaited second part following “Rambles with my family” by Wendy Maitland. Having read her first book I was desperate to know what happened next. It is an inspiring account depicting the life of a remarkable woman in Africa during the sixties. Like the first novel (which I highly recommend to read first) I was unable to put the book down (252 pages!). The author has the gift to draw you into a different place and time. Having read the difficult journey through her childhood in her first book I was amazed about her ability to forgive others and concentrate on the joys of life as a young married woman. Her own liberal and nonjudgmental views give her account of events great credibility. If we all had a little bit of Wendy’s honest and fine humoured character in us, the world would be a truly magical place.”

To Charles

who from his head and his heart

gives the most generous of gifts

INTRODUCTION

This is the third book in a series based on the true story of my family as we became caught up in world events from the start of the Second World War to a roller-coaster of family dynamics as normal life failed to resume. In this concluding book the story moves from Kenya to Rhodesia where we arrive full of optimism with no inkling of future events. During the closing years of white rule there were many good and happy times to enjoy, until the ferocity of what became a terrifying war erupted with destabilising force and sent us on a new search for somewhere safe to live. As usual in these rambles, nothing goes entirely to plan, and there is both tragedy and comedy as the story unfolds.

Right at the top of the list of people to thank this time are those like you reading this introduction, so you are included among generous readers who wanted another book and encouraged me to go on with the story. Then there is Ros, and Louise too, for their corrections if I have got things wrong. Next there is my very kind friend Sue Daly who puts photos and text together and gets it all sent off, and before any of this can be done there is wonderful Vivien Lipski who edits and assists my ramblings: thank you Vivien, and all of you.

People who have appeared in previous stories turn up again in this one, so they are mentioned here to avoid confusion:

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION This is the third book in a series based on the true story of my family as we became caught up in world events from the start of the Second World War to a roller-coaster of family dynamics as normal life failed to resume. In this concluding book the story moves from Kenya to Rhodesia where we arrive full of optimism with no inkling of future events. During the closing years of white rule there were many good and happy times to enjoy, until the ferocity of what became a terrifying war erupted with destabilising force and sent us on a new search for somewhere safe to live. As usual in these rambles, nothing goes entirely to plan, and there is both tragedy and comedy as the story unfolds. Right at the top of the list of people to thank this time are those like you reading this introduction, so you are included among generous readers who wanted another book and encouraged me to go on with the story. Then there is Ros, and Louise too, for their corrections if I have got things wrong. Next there is my very kind friend Sue Daly who puts photos and text together and gets it all sent off, and before any of this can be done there is wonderful Vivien Lipski who edits and assists my ramblings: thank you Vivien, and all of you. People who have appeared in previous stories turn up again in this one, so they are mentioned here to avoid confusion: David a family friend Adam my husband Louise, Simon and Peter our children Fa and Muz (Craddock) my parents Babs Fa’s new wife Andy Muz’s new love Elaine and Ros my sisters Andrew (Spindle) my brother Les Elaine’s husband Len a previous admirer of Muz Lanner long lost love of mine Alison and Cen (Hill) Adam’s parents Fran a family friend Nakuru the town in Kenya where I grew up Glanjoro the Hill family farm in Kenya