The Muthaiga Country Club Magazine July-September 2023

From the Chairman

Members, Halfway through the year and we keep rolling along.

We continue to be incredibly busy at MCC and I hope you are enjoying using your Club.

We have had a great last quarter – the Secretary has told us about a lot of the events that have taken place, so I won’t repeat those here.

I do want to thank all one hundred and sixty people who attended the supremely enjoyable Chairman’s Outreach held at the Hobbs’ very fine residence in Burguret back in May. Well attended, well fed and we were very well watered – we really could not have asked for more. Enormous thanks to Maggie and Tim Hobbs for their incredible hospitality and I cannot tell you how wonderfully looked after we all were by the Club staff. Thank you to everyone concerned.

We are planning next year’s Outreach in London – an opportunity for us to ‘take the Club’ to our many Members resident in the UK. Watch this space…

We held a cocktail party in June for all the members of the many sub-committees we have in place in the Club. I was able to take this opportunity to thank everyone who serves so diligently on these sub-committees, on behalf of all of us Members. Your time and energy is appreciated very much.

On the sporting front things appear to be humming along too - it’s great to see new Members have taken up Bowls and Bridge. The tennis and squash sections, I know, continue to be very busy and I believe we now have new equipment in the gymnasium.

An interesting bit information has come to light, which we are still investigating, but we may have one of the oldest squash tournaments in the world. I know that squash was certainly mentioned in a Club Committee minute back in 1913, the year we were founded. Squash captain Kunal Bid will, hopefully, let us know once that is confirmed one way or the other.

Tennis captain Aida Kimemia Nesbitt also has a claim to fame. The Herring Cup inter club tennis competition will celebrate 100 years in 2024: take note that the French Open was only opened up to non-French players outside specific French clubs in 1925! So, there is no doubt we have sporting pedigree.

No-one has contributed more to the sporting and moral fabric of the nation and indeed the pedigree of our Club than proud and long-time Members, Bob and Ingrid Munro.

Hailing originally from Canada and Sweden respectively, Bob and Ingrid couldn’t have been more committed to Kenya over the past forty years. During this time they have contributed to sports and community service (Mathare Youth Sports Association and Mathare United FC) and finance (Jamii Bora) like few others. In view of this extraordinary contribution, the Main Committee has bestowed on them Honorary Membership, in our Articles described as a class of Membership to be given to ‘any distinguished person elected as such by the Committee’. I need add no more.

Congratulations to Ingrid and Bob and I hope they will share their thoughts, lessons and reveries with us in a subsequent Club magazine.

In the meantime, this edition has some wonderful material for you all to enjoy. Thanks as ever to Yoyo and team for their hard work and creativity.

That’s all for now. Keep enjoying your Club and, for those of you for whom this time of year is holiday season, enjoy your break. My very best wishes

From the Secretary

Dear Members,

Half a year already - where did the time go?

We continue in our quest to bring the Club back to Members and I hope you have noticed some progress…

I am delighted to inform you our team is growing… many of our team members who were working as casuals have now been confirmed as permanent employees. Continuous and rigorous training of the team is being conducted to ensure we maintain our high standards.

Club and Projects Update…

- Club Duka 2.0! Popular items you have enjoyed over the years have been restocked, and there are some interesting new additions. You can view our complete catalogue online; simply visit our webpage https://www.mcc.co.ke/Member_Central/ Club_Duka (See Page 26)

- We moved our temporary massage room to a spacious new home, the Spa at Cottage 5. If you haven’t already, try out some of the new treatments we’ve introduced and be on the lookout soon for more services, such as facials, manicures & pedicures.

- There has been good progress on the Padel courts…we hope to install these by October.

- Pinks Kitchen equipment upgrade is now complete.

- New Menu changes were rolled out at Pinks and we appreciate all the feedback you have shared with us. We have had to increase the cost of some items due to inflation and the expected hike in rates following the new tax recently announced. We will see an average increase of 18 – 20 percent on commodities such as kitchen fuel and other food and beverage products. Please bear with us as we try to mitigate these increases with better procurement and purchasing practices.

- Chairman’s Lawn washrooms are underway and we trust this will improve the Events experience.

- Our music system upgrade is complete at Pinks and nearing completion in the Club House.

Paperless Future!

- In the spirit of contributing to the conservation of our planet, we are focusing on a paper waste reduction programme. We plan to cease printing copies of this very magazine, and enhance our online version to encourage you to ‘opt out’ of receiving the printed version. Email communications@mcc. co.ke if you wish to receive only the online version.

Library Newness

- A new Library Committee is in formation with recently appointed Chairman Charles Campbell-Clause. We hope to unveil some fresh new initiatives to improve your library experience.

London Calling!

- It was lovely to meet many of you at the Chairman’s Outreach in Nanyuki last month. Next year we hope to have our Outreach in London in June. More details to follow…

- Our Quiz Night continues to be a fixture in our quarterly calendar. It’s my turn because my team won last time and I have the privilege of organising the next one. The bar has been set high… Join us on 9 August 2023.

Recent Past Events…

- World Gin Day was a success with many of you showing up to sample our wide array of over 50 Gins. (See Page 7)

- The Yale Whiffenpoofs also graced us with a brilliant performance in June. The last time they stopped in Kenya was over seven years ago. It has traditionally been an all-male singing group but they recently introduced women and we had our very own Young Member Waruguru Kibuga performing with the group this year! (See page 8)

Horse Syndicate…

- We had a reception in June for those of you who expressed interest in forming a syndicate. Happy to report we had good turnout and those of you who could not attend expressed your support. We are hoping to get this in full motion soon. The annual Yearling Sale took place at the Ngong Racecourse earlier this month. All interested parties were invited to join as we bid on incoming fillies and colts, had some fun and moved the discussion forward! (See Page 8.)

Upcoming events

- Some exciting events are lined up in the coming months starting with the return of Larry Soffer an incredible mentalist and magician in July, Kids’ Cooking Classes and the resuming our Visiting Chefs series in September, as well as our very own Muthaiga Ball in October.

I hope to see you all at the Club soon!

MEMBERSHIP MA TTERS

MEMBERSHIP MA TTERS

winding down of a communications committee, this page is devoted to being more opinion page, where prevailing moods and sentiments of Members on current Club essed in comments and mails, are echoed. As always, we want to know what’s on and will always welcome your feedback.

In a quest to save our planet, we are aiming to reduce our paper utilisation and would like to encourage as many Members as possible to ‘opt out’ of receiving the printed copy of this magazine.

at Pinks

Please email communications@mcc.co.ke if you wish to receive the e-version only.

Pinks

DECISION WAS MADE BREAKF AST ON LY AT PINKS…

Bridge Club

Bridge afternoons are proving to be very popular – so much so that the Sports Committee is in the process of formalising a Bridge Club and initiating evening sessions. Look out for more details.

Dress Code

The Committee would like to encourage Members and Guests to maintain high standards of 'smart casual' dress throughout the Main Clubhouse.

The following guidelines apply specifically to the Club Dining Room, the Popsy Bar, the Peristyle and Drawing Room at all times. These guidelines do not apply to other areas of the Club House, including the bedrooms and environs, the Garden Room, the Members' Bar and Private Meeting and Dining Rooms, although we continue to encourage Smart Casual dress in these areas.

inks only is a mistake. Do away with dishes and cook to order as it used

The next Bridge afternoons will be held on Monday 24th July (Duplicate Bridge) and Monday 7th August (Social Bridge) from 1.30pm – 4.30pm. respectively.

people’s behaviour at P have to have breakfast ther Member and come to the Club for the come to an average hotel.

with the economic r for breakfast, I do not agr that economy alone justifies breakfast in the old r environment. RS

ur German sausage has not seen Germany ecraut [sic] was not cooked. It tasted ok as I was very hungry PE

GUIDELINES

Gentlemen

Jackets (Blazers) after 6pm

Trousers or Chinos

Tidy Shorts (not permitted after 6pm)

e are never any ice-creams in the fridge? Also, never any low-fat milk. RH

Collared Shirts (including Polo Shirts)

Leather Shoes (or similar) No Sandals

New Digital Car Number Plates

tables not laid, multiple trips required, layout, food in chafing dishes cold, ed as food finished, coffee

Facilitating Members in the small, laborious chores in life, MCC helped 300 Members to register for their new digital vehicle Number Plates.

Those Members who took advantage of this service will be notified by the Secretariat when their new digital plates are ready for collection from the Club.

There are only three things wrong with Pinks: 1. Service. 2. Service. 3. Service. DN BUT

Letters to the Editor...

Thank you to the team for a wonderful Red Room dinner… It made for a special evening and a great meal. DB

Rumaz

I once approached the Club offering to provide financial advice for anyone who might be interested. I was advised in no uncertain terms that this was inappropriate because it was a commercial undertaking, and I can understand that. However, now apparently you are going a stage further by discouraging painters and performers from entertaining other Members. Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater! FB

Are you really going to do something about the Library? That’s great news, if true. But please dispel the rumour that you are planning to install Padel-tennis courts first. PT

Shooz n sox

Tickled to read in a recent missive from the Secretary that the Committee encourages me to wear ‘smart casual’ dress when I’m in the bedroom. I’ll be sure to look me best, darlin’! ;) GG

Ladies

Appropriate business-formal or semi-formal attire, including:

Dresses

Suits

Skirts

Tidy Trousers

Appropriate Dress Shoes

The following will not be permitted in these designated areas: Jeans (of any colour)

Denim

Trainers

Flip flops

T-shirts

Track suits or Sports attire

Bare midriffs

Hats

The only acceptable dress code exceptions are for national dress, military or religious attire.

Children (over 7 years) are expected to follow the above dress code as far as reasonably possible.

Pinks Dress Code

The Dress Code at Pinks is relaxed and casual. The only exception is that we ask Members and Guests to wear shirts when inside Pinks, the Verandah and the Arcade area and no uncovered swimming attire inside Pinks.

To the extent these rules are not complied with, the Committee may sanction any Member who offends the rules.

Roving Eye

Eye is sore. Once upon a time it was fun to support events created by Members – an art exhibition, a book launch, a milliner’s affair, even a show. And if the creative ones should earn a shilling or two for their efforts, well, good luck to them. Naturally, Eye’d rather Members didn’t profit by selling manufactured goods and services – a tractor, financial advice, a luxury safari – but Eye expects there’s an easy line to draw.

Instead, what does Eye hear? That such things are to be banned. No Member shall be allowed to earn money by advertising their creations at the Club. Non-members can by all means sing, play their piano, even sell their wares and be paid for so entertaining or supplying Members – but perish the notion that a Member might be allowed to do the same! Have we gone bananas?

Seems odd that there might be insufficient wit or wisdom to determine what is in Members’ best interests. Can’t Club Committee members distinguish between what might

COMPETITION

be creative (and therefore of interest and amusement to Members) and what is purely commercial?

While Eye’s in the mood – in other words, irritated – whatever happened to the notion of gentlemen doing the honourable thing? When Eye got knocked up, the bounder got down on one knee. When said cad proposed an acquaintance for membership of a well-known Club and was turned down, Eye’s fella did what was right and proper – he resigned his own membership. Nowadays, so-called pillars can be questioned by upholders of law for having made surprisingly significant, undeclared, offshore earnings, yet brush off allegations of malfeasance with a shrug and an acceptance that some tax might need to be paid. Time was when any hint of public censure or unwelcome spotlight would require a Member to do the honourable thing.

Nowadays, pillars prove pliable, monocle hits floor, Eye’s time is over.

Question:

What is the name of this street? And what happened here in 1905?

Prize:

The first correct entry that we receive will win 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

Answer to our April - July 2023 Competition

QUESTION: Name this building and the year the photo was taken?

ANSWER: Nairobi Club. 1916

WINNER: Darshani Haria

DID YOU KNOW?

The Stanley Hotel (now called the Sarova Stanley) is the oldest hotel in the city, having been established in 1902 by English businesswoman Mayence Bent, when the city was a railway halt. It is named after Sir Henry Morton Stanley, a Welsh explorer who is best known for his explorations of central Africa and his successful search for missionary and explorer David Linvingstone.

Since the early 1900s, the Stanley Hotel has been known as the traditional meeting place for those going on safari in Kenya. It has played host to royalty, politicians, movie stars, and authors. The Thorn Tree Café, named after the original Acacia tree, was used for years by travellers passing through Nairobi, as a message post.

Greetings to you all,

It may be worth reminding Members of the process of objecting to a particular candidate’s proposal. Of course once in the Club, it is much easier to keep others out, but that’s not the spirit we are trying to create.

Muthaiga Members would usually never use their ‘status’ as an opportunity to settle scores with those who aspire to become

Members. Instead, we are looking to attract ‘clubable’ people to the Club, while perhaps discouraging those whose values and behaviour might be at odds with our own.

Don’t you love ‘clubable’? No one really has the faintest idea what it means (apart from those wielding a rolling pin when you get back, late,again, from the Club) but you know it when you see it.

If a Member objects to a particular candidate, having seen a name on the board or noticed him/her using a pink Candidate’s card around the Club, then the Member should write to the Club’s Secretary describing the nature of an objection.

If the candidate is as bad as all that, then there will be other Member(s) who might feel the same way and they should be encouraged also to write in, describing the nature of the objection. One Member’s written objection initiates an investigation;

two objections make the investigation much more straight forward.

Once again, all the objections are received in the strictest confidence and, even when the merits of a particular case are being discussed in Committee, no one (apart from the Club Secretary and the Chairman of Balloting) knows who the objectors are. It is only the nature of the objection that is considered.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

Dear Members

We are at the close of a financial year whose performance can only be described as resilient in a very challenging economic environment, with inflationary pressures and depreciation of the Kenyan shilling persisting stubbornly. It is therefore encouraging to report that, with your support, the Club’s financial performance has remained positive. Pinks and accommodation were particularly robust in the year, and we hope this trend will continue into the new financial year.

Going into the new financial year, we will be looking to invest our cash reserves in activities that will improve our offerings to Members and contribute to the long-term

financial sustainability of the Club. Our focus on maintenance and renewal of Club facilities will continue, to enable us to keep delivering the expected high standards of quality and service.

We applaud you for paying your dues on time and encourage you to embrace electronic modes of payments, listed below, to facilitate real time update of your accounts.

Direct deposits/transfers to Muthaiga Country Club Standard Chartered Bank accounts:-

KES Account number 0102018001301

USD account number 8702018001301

GBP Account number 2802018001302

M-PESA - Business No. 902800.

Please enter your Club's Membership number when prompted for the Account Number.

Online Payments – Please visit our website at www.mcc.co.ke for more information. Members may obtain website log-on details by sending an email to web.admin@mcc. co.ke

In the meantime, I thank you again for your unwavering support of the Club.

MEET ERASTUS MUNGAI KAMAUOUR STAR THIS SEASON!

We have introduced a recognition programme for exemplary performance of our employees and Erastus Kamau has been nominated our Star of the Season.

Erastus has consistently shown interest in areas outside his main job, which was Porter Services. He did a commendable job when he supported the Club as a receptionist while holding a Porter’s title.

When the Library was re-opened in 2020 following the Club’s closure due to the pandemic, Erastus moved in as a Librarian where his star has continued to shine. We appreciate and recognise his efforts and rank him with 5-Stars!

Operations Team Hospitality Course

Staff members in our Operations Team (Service, Kitchen, Front Office and Events departments) all participated in a Hospitality Course held recently at Utalii College.

All 40 Staff Members earned their certificates in Hospitality. Pictured above are members of the Front Desk Reception Team.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Fathers’ Day Mental Health Talk

In acknowledgement of the work and sacrifice our male members of staff make to provide for and support their families, all fathers on the staff team were invited to a Mental Health Talk given by Dr Juma on Father’s Day and each was given a small gift to thank them for their hard work and dedication to MCC.

The management is pleased to introduce our newest Team Members who joined MCC at the beginning of May.

Caroline has joined MCC as Staff Clinician. She worked as Clinical Officer at Cardinal Otunga Health Centre as Clinician-in-Charge and at St. Francis Girls’ High School as the Clinical Officer. She was working at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club as the Hotel Clinical Officer before joining MCC.

Erick Yegon Cheruyot

Erick’s career has been in Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering. He has worked at Bidco Africa Ltd, Norbook Kenya Ltd, Fairmount Kenya Safari Club and most recently at Ibis Styles as the Maintenance Manager. He joins MCC as Assistant Projects & Maintenance Manager.

Jane

Jane has joined MCC as Procurement Manager. She gained in-depth experience in a similar capacity working at Ishara Masai Mara, Fairmont, Norfolk and Ole Sereni Hotels.

Joseph has worked in Front Office/Guest Service departments at Tribe Hotel, Trademark Hotel, Radisson Blue Hotel, Cold Springs Hotels and, most recently, at the Norfolk Hotel. He joins MCC as Assistant Front Office Manager.

Madaraha Day for Young Members

Young Members enjoyed a special Madaraka Day combining the occasion with a festive evening of fun and cocktails, using the happy holiday to get together and have some chill downtime at Pinks.

World Gin Day 2023

World Gin Day was launched globally in 2009, entirely for the love of gin. The idea was simple - get people together all around the world and raise a glass to this flawless spirit. It has become an annual celebration held worldwide on the second Saturday in June.

With a staggering selection of over 50 different varieties of gin, sourced from around the world, and a wide selection of different tonics, MCC joined in the spirit of this global event and hosted a wonderful evening infused with this glorious juniper-laced spirit for Members and friends in the BeGin Bar.

The BeGin Bar is open every Tuesday to Saturday from 4.30pm onwards and on Sundays between 12pm and 9pm in the Garden Room.

(See Pages 22 & 23 for Kenya’s All-African Gin story written by MCC Members.)

Racehorse Syndicate

For those Members who expressed interest in forming a Racehorse Syndicate the Chairman and Secretary hosted a reception in June to discuss and learn about the ‘form’.

MCC Chairman Philip Coulson emphasised that this is not Club money being used to buy a racehorse but a syndicate of like-minded MCC Members putting forward their own funds to have a bit of fun and lose money!

Syndicate

The annual Yearling Sale took place at the Ngong Racecourse later and all interested parties were invited to join to bid on future champions!

Chef’s Table

Ten lucky Foodies had the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the Club Chef’s Table recently. The evening included five sumptuous courses of culinary masterpieces, all carefully prepared using local, seasonal ingredients, to complement each other and paired with selected wines to accentuate the flavours and heighten all the senses.

Hosted by Executive Chef Joseph Macharia and Wine Sommeliers Paul Muniu and Vincent Mutuku, in the MCC kitchens, diners were able to watch the chefs at work and appreciate the artistry involved in preparing such an exceptional culinary showstopper.

THE YALE WHIFFENPOOFS

Witty Poofs

What a treat to welcome the Yale Whiffenpoofs (named after a mythical dragon fish) back to Muthaiga. Some 40 performances into their year-long break from university, they will have entertained 200-odd audiences in nearly 20 different countries by the time they resume their studies at Yale in the Fall. With more than a century of singing behind them, this famous a capella group brings humour and energy to their clever adaptations of old favourites, from Cole Porter to Irish ballads and more modern songs.

The youthful Whiffs amused and entranced an eclectic audience –young, old, of every colour and tribe, and it was wonderful to see women included in this world-famous and traditionally all-male, 14-strong group of songsters.

Best of all – in every sense, because her voice is sublime – was the celebration of and evident warmth towards home-grown Waruguru Kibura, product of Peponi School and former protégé of Wambui Regeru also in the audience.

With a ballroom packed to capacity this was a rare treat.

‘The Cole Legacy’

Kids’ Cooking Classes

Plans for Kids’ Cooking Classes are heating up, offering mini Members the chance to learn some gastronomic tricks from the Club’s Kitchen Masters. Simmering on the back burner since Covid, classes will now resume in September. The children will have the opportunity to try out their culinary skills with a range of simple recipes, under the expert guidance of the MCC chefs.

Classes are for children between 4 and 12 years old and the first class will be held on 23 September. Sign up your mini chef now, and enjoy a family food fest. For information or to reserve a place contact Events – events@mcc.co.ke

Mentalist & Illusionist

By popular demand Larry Soffer, world-renowned Mentalist and Illusionist is returning to MCC for another spectacular evening of mystifying magic.

Or wait, was he ever here at all? Or was he a figment of the imagination? Trickery? Psycho-baffling flim-flam? Who knows?

Come and find out and bring your family and friends – (to have witnesses!)

But mostly to have some magical, mind-bending fun.

Larry Soffer will be performing at the Club on 27 July, in the Ballroom at 6pm, so book early before the tickets disappear – so to speak.

Live Piano Recital - Cordelia Williams

We are thrilled to welcome back concert pianist Cordelia Williams.

Cordelia has performed all over the world and broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3. She is recognised for the poetry, conviction and inner strength of her playing and the depth of her interpretations, particularly her unusual understanding of the music of Schubert and Schumann. Her recordings have focused on both these composers.

Since her last visit to Muthaiga Club in 2021, her album ‘Nightlight’ has received rave reviews including Critics’ Choice from International Piano Magazine, and ‘Recording of the Year’ from MusicWeb International.

In 2021 she spent time performing, teaching and filming in Kenya. Her documentary film ‘On Being a Pianist in Kenya’ was released in August 2021 on YouTube and explores the challenges facing young aspiring classical musicians in Nairobi - Teddy Otieno, one of the pianists Cordelia mentored, has since taken up a scholarship at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (the first Kenyan ever to do so.)

Cordelia will be performing live at MCC on 11 August.

Chopin - Nocturne in D flat op. 27 no. 2; Brahms - Three Intermezzi op. 117 and Schubert - Sonata in A major D959.

Book early as this will be a sell-out performance.

Voyage into Space with the Travelling Telescope

The telescope has been around for more than 400 years and yet most people have never looked through one. The Travelling Telescope aims to change that and get people passionate about exploring the night sky. Astronomy has the ability to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in people - nobody is too young or too old to get involved.

So MCC Members are invited to come and enjoy an immersive tour of our galaxy and outer worlds on a journey into space with The Travelling Telescope team.

Bring your family and friends and take a guided tour of the sky with views through the telescope and a session in the planetarium.

The Travelling Telescope Team will take you into the heavens teach you about the cosmos we live in.

The Travelling Telescope Team will be visiting the Club on 24 August, Chairmans’s Lawn, from 6pm.

Forthcoming Events Diary

by Jill

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 when making your bookings.

The Squash Section remain very busy with record numbers of players on the courts.

Squash Handicap Tournament

We held our annual Handicap Tournament recently with prizes kindly sponsored by Bid Securities Ltd.

The Bowl was won by Michael Flint, the Plate by Safina Madhani and the Main Cup was retained by Kunal Bid in a closely fought final against Daniel Szalpak.

British Rules Tournament

We held our British Rules Tournament in June and had an excellent turnout once again.

July Social Mix-in

In our July Social Mix-in, we will be graced by the presence of former International player and current coach Bernard Tissot, and French Junior Champion Khaled Jousselin.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for Squash members to learn from two of the best. Please do all come and enjoy this very special occasion.

I warmly welcome any new members or previous squash players to reach out to me on kunal.bid@gmail.com if you wish to be part of our growing squash community.

bowls

This Bowls year began in a flash of glory with the official switching on of the Bowling Green floodlights, which coincided with the Section’s 30th anniversary. Fifteen bowlers from Nairobi Club, Karen Club and Limuru accepted our invitation to play on the inauguration of the floodlit greens and, despite the torrential rain and hail, we were able to start playing at around 5.30, a testament to the incredible drainage system that was put in place by the constructors all those years ago.

Play was followed by a small reception and Club Chairman Philip Coulson then pressed the button to switch on the lights officially. Sadly, the founder of the section Willie Watson, was not able to join us due to the weather, but we were able to make up for it by celebrating his 90th birthday on the greens a few weeks later with a Sunday spoon challenge.

The lights are proving to be a great boon to bowlers, and we hope to take full advantage of this facility to expand our programme and attract new players.

In April, the Young Members held their Fishbowls & Bowls event at the Green, which was attended by about 70 young people. Seasoned bowlers were on hand to provide a little coaching, and our Greenkeeper Oliver Fowler gave a short talk on Bowls Etiquette and how the game is played. Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we hope will come back again to play.

Captain’s Day hosted by outgoing Captain Harvey Herr, was a twowood Trips competition which attracted 12 players. Winners were Maureen Lilygreen, Marion Weston and Christina Andersen, while runners-up were Oliver Fowler, Clare Jethwa and Tom Herr.

The MCC Club Trips was sponsored this year by Maria Cunningham. Five teams took part, and the

competition was closely contested. The winners were Kieran Day, Maria Cunningham and Shirley Scroggie, with Maureen Lilygreen, Marion Weston and Yolanda Andersen coming a close second.

Our Vice-Captain, Essie Walker, is currently in Namibia with the KBF team competing in the Africa States Tournament, at which Kenya took the Gold Medal and Essie was voted “Most Valuable Player” in 2017. Essie recently attended a coaching course facilitated by Bowls South Africa, which will add a valuable string to the Section’s bow.

Meanwhile, we welcome all Muthaiga Club Members to our Mix-ins on Thursdays from 3.15pm – 6.pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9.30am. And now that we have the floodlights, we are launching a Friday Club Night, with Bowls every Friday evening starting on 21 July.

BOWLS UNDER FLOODLIGHTS

Every Friday from 21 July 2023 from 5.30pm.

Ksh 250/- per player Green Fee.

Cash Bar & Snack Menu available. Flat shoes only.

Wilson Cup Mixed Doubles Competition 2023

The last three months have been relatively quiet on the Tennis Courts on account of the wet weather. The highlight was the Wilson Cup Mixed Doubles Competition against Karen Country Club, played in May.

MCC hosted the tournament for the first time in recent years, with the format being six pairs per team, organised into two pools.

Each pair played two sets against each of the three pairs in their pool. It was a very successful event - particularly as MCC scored a resounding victory, winning 32 of the 36 sets played, thus retaining the Wilson Cup for the third consecutive year.

Congratulations to the Team! (pictured right)

MCC Roland Garros Tournament

Despite a disappointing turnout of just six participants, we went ahead with the MCC Roland Garros tournament in June and enjoyed a morning of fun and competitive tennis. The three pairs, representing three French cities – Lyon, Marseille and Paris - each played two 11-game matches.

Team Paris - Anu Bhardwaj and Rupert McLellan – triumphed as the MCC Roland Garros Champions with 15 points.

MCC Roland Garros Winners - Team ParisAnu Bhardwaj and Rupert McLellan.

MCC’s

Billie Jean Cup 2023

MCC Members continue to support national tennis and recently attended the 2023 Billie Jean Cup, hosted by Nairobi Club in June. In the tournament, 12 nations competed in the Africa Group III category. Wimbledon Girls’ Doubles Champion 2022 Angella Okutoyi led Kenya’s team, which put up an impressive show on home soil reaching third place, a significant improvement on their eleventh place finish last year.

FORTHCOMING TENNIS TOURNAMENTS FIXTURES

10 SEPTEMBER MCC US Open

16/17 SEPTEMBER Herring Cup

Derby Day at Ngong Racecourse

Members and friends enjoyed to watch the Kenya Derby and exceptional

Chairman’s 5th Outreach Tambuzi Rose Farm

MCC Chairman, Secretary and members of the Members at the Chairman’s 5th Outreach

MCC Members Tim and Maggie Hobbs very beautiful gardens on Tambuzi Rose Farm. After Executive Chef Joseph Macharia and his treated to a guided tour of the spectacular

with MCC Racecourse

enjoyed an exciting day at the races and enjoy, once again, MCC’s hospitality.

Outreach Luncheon Farm - LAIKIPIA

the Committee were delighted to join over 150 Outreach Luncheon, held in Laikipia this year.

very kindly hosted this splendid event in their After a magnificent lunch spread created by MCC his formidable catering team, guests were spectacular Tambuzi Rose Farm.

Procera Gin

The most exciting new spirit shaking up the high-end bars worldwide, is Procera, the world’s first all-African gin.

Gin-making has been an industry for 300 years yet, pioneering an avantgarde distillation method using fresh African Juniper berries and allAfrican botanicals, Procera Gin - made in Kenya and launched in 2019 – is lauded as a premium gin and has already won several top global awards.

Native to the highlands of Kenya, the African juniper berry is what makes Procera gin so special. Whereas common juniper (used by the other 2,000 gin-makers in the world) grows in temperate zones and receives only summer sun for three months of the year, the African Juniperus Procera berries receive summer sunlight all year round. Growing on the equator at over 1500m above sea level, these majestic giants of the Kijabe forest in the Great Rift Valley, receive strong, direct sunlight, and the berries harvested for Procera gin provide the equivalent of four summers of sunshine in each distillation. Nuttier, earthier, fresher and greener, Procera gin has a richness of flavour that only the equatorial sun can provide.

MCC Member and co-founder of Procera Gin Guy Brennan set out with a dream to bring the very best of Africa to the world. Distilled in Nairobi, Procera is the world’s first gin to use fresh Juniperus Procera (Cedar), the only species of juniper indigenous to the southern hemisphere, and what gives Procera Gin its name.

More than any other ingredient, a gin’s juniper defines its character and reveals the terroir of its origins (all the factors that capture the essence of the gin, from the climate, to the soil, to the elevation.) It was in fact fellow MCC Member and tree guru Mark Nicholson who initially put the team onto the great sources of the trees around his Brackenhurst Botanical Gardens.

Traditionally in gin-making, the juniper berries are dried like raisins before being added to the gin. As wine-makers use fresh grapes to make wine, so Guy and team tried using the fresh, ripe juniper berries to make gin. The result has been revolutionary in the history of gin-making and what has set Procera apart, capturing, what top taste-makers agree, is the vibrant soul of Africa, in every sip.

While Juniperus Procera is the quintessence of Procera gin, the other ten botanicals used have all been carefully sourced on the African continent to complement the juniper base note.

From the plains of Morocco in the north-west, to the Indian Ocean islands of the south-east, Africa’s sun and soils have

yielded a range of exotic botanicals, each of which add its own distinctive character and nuance to Procera Gin. The pink peppercorns, Pixie oranges, Swahili limes, Selim pepper, Green tea, Cardamom, Orris root, Mace, Acacia honey all combine to create the earthy aromas of piney, woody juniper, with citrus, peppery spice and lingering notes of delicate, floral honey.

Procera berries have never been harvested for commercial use before so finding out where the best berries grow, when to harvest them (when the baboons start devouring them) and how to process them, has been a journey of discovery for Guy and his team, but foremost on this journey is Procera’s drive for environmental responsibility and involvement in a sustainable future for Africa.

Working alongside the Kijabe Forest Trust, an organisation founded to protect the native forests of Kijabe, and contracting the local communities to hand-pick the juniper berries, Procera has shown that each tree has a direct monetary value. Today, not only are more trees being planted, but there is also a decrease in the felling of the old trees. And, for every bottle of Procera Gin sold, one new Juniperus Procera tree is planted. The long-term vision is to create work by developing a cash crop for the communities and to reforest the Kenyan highlands with Procera trees.

In keeping with their environmental responsibility, Procera Gin comes in a collectible hand-blown bottle, locally made at Kitengela Hot Glass (founded by MCC Member Anselm Croze) from recycled glass. The gorgeous palm wood stopper is hand carved by more of Kenya’s artisans at Studio Koobifora (founded by MCC Member Franziska Sommerlatte) and even the bottle’s neck tag is printed on recycled water hyacinth paper, which by removing this invasive species, helps to reoxyginate Lake Victoria.

Procera Gin was founded with a dream to bring the very best of Africa to the world. Guy Brennan and his team have done this in style – in a hand-blown, recycled glass bottle, filled with the heady, sun-filled spirit of Africa, and proudly made in Kenya.

Procera Gin came first out of 124 entries at the Michael Angelo International Wine & Spirits Awards in 2019 and was awarded Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition – probably the world’s most respected spirit event - in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Procera is currently available in high-end cocktail bars, hotels and Members’ Clubs in many of the world’s great cities including London, Hong Kong, Paris, New York and, of course Nairobi.

And JSYK, Muthaiga Country Club currently holds the largest on-premise account for Procera Gin anywhere in the world – as a Club we are growing a Juniperus Procera forest – sip by glorious sip!

“My dream is that in the future “Kenyan Juniper Spirit” will become a designated category which; must be distilled in Africa; must use African Juniper; and must use only botanicals grown on the continent. If this dream can be realised and there are ten more Kenyan distilleries, the future of the magnificent juniper forests would not only be assured, but the reforestation of their old habitat across the entire Kenyan highlands would become much more realistic.”

MYLES JENKINS RECIPIENT OF THE SWORD OF HONOUR ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST

In April, Young MCC Member Myles Jenkins, was awarded the Sword of Honour by His Majesty The King, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sovereign’s Parade for Commissioning Course No. 222.

This was not only the 200th anniversary of Sandhurst’s Commissioning Parade, but Commissioning Course 222 had the honour of having their Sovereign’s Parade combined with the presentation of new colours for the Academy by His Majesty The King.

These represented the first set of military colours to be presented to the British Armed Forces bearing the new Royal cypher of His Majesty The King CRIII.

His Majesty presented Senior Under Officer Myles Jenkins, who is to commission into the Scots Guards, with The Sword of Honour, awarded to the Cadet considered to be the best of their intake.

In any circumstances this is a remarkable achievement, but for Myles it is so much more, since he lost both his father Mark, and younger brother Peter, in a tragic accident in Kenya, just five months earlier.

It is gratifying to see that his strength of character, commitment and determination have been recognised and acknowledged by one of the greatest military establishments in the world.

We wish Myles every success in the future.

Bird Quiz

A straight recognition exercise this quarter. Some of these birds will not be easy to identify, BUT

there is a connection between the six birds. All birds include a Compass Point and when you have correctly identified two or three of the birds, the connection will be obvious and it will help you to identify the others.

Answers on page 29

Film – ‘Fateful Choices’

The film is based on the real life of Isobel Mirrow Brown and Nora Key, both dancers in the same company (ABT) and best friends. Kaye continued to dance in New York and became a more prominent figure in the ballet world, while Isabel stopped performing to marry and have children. Her first child, Leslie Browne, born in 1957, was given the part to portray a fictionalised version of herself in the film. The fictional parts primarily concern the character Yuri – interpreted by the great Russian dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov - who was created as a love interest for Emilia and to enhance the numerous ballet excerpts in the film.

‘Fateful Choices,’ will be screened on 13 July, in the Ballroom, at 6pm.

Ballet – ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’

This exuberant and engaging ballet has been created by inventing some of the most ingenious special effects ever seen in a live production on stage. The sheer inventiveness to make Alice appear to grow so large she hardly fits in the room and then shrink to a midget not able to reach the door knob, is admirable. Admirable just like the ingenuity of creating every other crazy situation Alice finds herself in, in this Wonderland.

‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ is a fundraising event for Opera for School Fees and will be screened on 10 August, in the Ballroom, at 6pm.

Live Recital – ‘Brahms Violin Sonata No.1’

Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1 will be performed by the remarkably talented, 15-year-old Shirlene Obara, accompanied by the well-known pianist Michael James. The newly formed Enkare String Quartet will complete this excellent repertoire of the evening.

Shirlene started to play the violin at the age of eight and very rapidly became a child prodigy, winning every competition she entered. By 2019, aware that her unusual talent could become a career, her family took her to Chetham School of Music in Manchester, where she was readily accepted and where she is still studying today.

Shirlene played Bruch Violin Concerto at MCC in January this year to an enthusiastic and delighted audience.

‘Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1’ will be performed live, on 31 August, in the Ballroom, at 6pm.

Opera – ‘Francesca Da Rimini’

Followers of Romanticism, which prized emotion above rationality, transformed the real historical characters of Francesca and Paolo, from Dante’s sinners languishing in hell, into a cultural icon.

From composers like Tchaikovsky, Zandonai and Rachmaninoff, to painters like Rossetti, sculptors like Rodin and authors like Leigh Hunt and Lord Byron, used lovers to challenge the cultural mores of their time. Rather than heeding Dante’s warnings, these artists emphasised the tragic elements of the tale, offering an interpretation that gained widespread cultural fame rivalling that of “Tristan and Isolde” and “Romeo and Juliet”.

‘Francesca Da Rimini’ will be screened on 14 September, in the Ballroom, at 6pm.

Live concert - ‘Ghetto Classics’

Muthaiga Country Club will once again host the most talented artists of the renowned and well-loved “Ghetto Classics” in a concert of soloists and ensembles. This performance offers the musicians the opportunity to perform in front of a discerning audience at a prestigious venue. This will also represent a much-needed chance to gain some financial reward while delighting Members with their hard-earned, against-all-odds, artistic skills. This is how stars are born and discovered.

‘Ghetto Classics’ will be performed live on 28 September, in the Ballroom at 6pm.

EAGLES OF THE EMPIRE XXI

It is AD 60. The Roman Empire's hold on the province of Britannia is fragile. Hard-won, its tribes are swift to anger and relentless in their bloody harassment of the Roman military. Far from being a peaceful northern enclave, Britannia is a seething mass of bitter rebels, even amongst those who have sworn loyalty, dissent simmers. Deceit amongst corrupt officials diverts resources from the locals who need them. For the military, it's a never-ending fight to maintain a fragile peace. In distant Rome, Nero is blind to the danger.

Two of Rome's finest commanders and heroes of the Roman Empire - Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro - are charged with a mission as deadly as any they have faced in their long careers, to quell the most dangerous enemy tribes set on revenge who would rather die than succumb to Roman rule. The future of Britannia hangs in the balance. Can they win the day, or could this be the last battle?

A stunning and unforgettable story of warfare, courage and sacrifice as brave men face an enemy with nothing to lose . . .

Simon Scarrow has the gift of combining wide-ranging knowledge of the period with a page-turning narrative. This thrilling new ‘Eagles of the Empire’ novel is a rip-roaring, ferocious read, with compelling characters. For the centurions amongst you, this new book about the Roman Army by Simon Scarrow is a must-read.

TOUCHING CLOTH – CONFESSIONS AND COMMUNIONS OF A YOUNG PRIEST by Fergus Butler-Gallie

The very word 'reverend' inspires solemnity. To be a priest is to dedicate one's life to quiet prayer and spiritual contemplation. Isn't it? When the young clergyman Fergus Butler-Gallie was asked “What made you become a priest?” his reply was, “Well, I heard that black was slimming.”

A laugh-out-loud memoir, Fergus Butler-Gallie reveals what it's like to become a priest in the twenty-first century and proves a witty and adept guide to the foibles of the well-intentioned and all too human figures who follow holy orders. Butler-Gallie comes from a military family, and when he tells his father that he is considering becoming a clergyman, the patriarch’s response is - “In many ways it’s not so different from the army. The outfit’s stupid and the pay’s crap.”

Behind the daily scrapes is an all-too-human love letter to the Church of England, and the amazing variety of people who manage to keep it going, providing a listening ear, company and community at a time when so many people desperately need it, as well as a reflection on what it means to follow a spiritual path amid the chaos of the modern world.

‘Touching Cloth’ is a warm-hearted and frequently hilarious insight into the daily life of the clergy. Funny, fascinating and touching in equal measure, it is ultimately the book’s humanity and compassion that lingers after you finish reading, rather than its farce.

COLDITZ: PRISONERS OF THE CASTLE

In a forbidding Gothic castle on a hilltop in the heart of Nazi Germany, an unlikely band of British officers spent the Second World War plotting daring escapes from their German captors. Or so the story of Colditz has gone, unchallenged for 70 years. But that tale contains only part of the truth.

The astonishing inside story, revealed for the first time in this new book by bestselling historian Ben Macintyre, recounts the infamous prison's wartime history and reveals a remarkable cast of real-life characters of multiple nationalities hitherto hidden from history.

The Germans thought that their ancient castle was impregnable and therefore the perfect place to store the most incorrigible prisoners. In fact, it was a bad idea to gather such men together since they spurred each other on. The soldier-prisoners of Colditz were courageous and resilient as well as vulnerable and fearful, and astonishingly imaginative in their desperate and relentless escape attempts, which occurred almost daily. There were 20 separate tunnel projects in four years, the most impressive being ‘Le Métro,’ a French effort that was 44m long.

The Colditz story is told with an eye for telling detail. With dozens of real-life characters, amongst them Giles Romley, Winston Churchill's communist nephew; Douglas Bader, legend is his own life-time Spitfire pilot (despite being a double amputee and by all accounts a ‘total bastard’) Cenek Chaloupka, seducer, spy-runner and black marketeer (the only Colditz inmate to have reportedly had sex with a woman during their incarceration); Airey Neave, card-carrying stiff-upper lip and future member of Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet; and Mickey Burn, the flamboyant bi-sexual, novelist and poet.

“Prisoners of the Castle” is a treasure trove of hitherto untold accounts, which Macintyre seamlessly fuses together to create something more profound than a simple escape yarn - he has written a biography of the prison itself and the extraordinary world the extraordinary detainees built there. Deeply researched and full of incredible human endeavour, this is the definitive book on Colditz.

GUMBALLS RALLY (SECOND EDITION) 2023

Seven MCC Members and ten other fellow blades, all participants in the Gumballs Rally 2023, set themselves a challenge to raise money for the Heritage of Hope Orphanage in Nairobi. John Rogers recounts their adventure.

The first Gumballs Rally, staged in 2021, saw eight foolhardy teams embark on a five-day ‘rally’ through the deserts of Northern Kenya, to raise money for Running for Rangers. The rules were simple, no Toyotas or 4WDs, the cost of the car could not exceed $1,000 and with only $500 more allowed for repairs and spares, it was quite a challenge, but it was such a success, the second edition of the Gumballs Rally challenge took place in April this year.

On this occasion, the mission was no less challenging, it was time to do away with the rally mantra of ‘with age comes a cage’ and we all set off this time on two-wheels! The aim was to reach the southern shores of Lake Natron in Tanzania, the stunning soda lake that shimmers on the floor of the Rift Valley – a round trip of over 800km.

This year the weapon of choice for each rider was a Honda Ace 125cc, with a carrier box to hold all essentials for the six-day ‘rally’. The bikes were decorated in the style of boda-bodas, with a range of additions including aftermarket horns, windscreens and vibrant colour schemes.

The aim was to do 130 kilometers per day, to allow time for lunch stops, puncture repairs and righting upside-down riders. Thankfully there were not too many of the latter, and nothing too serious to worry our team doctor (himself also on a bike and occasionally upside down too!)

Each day started with the rider briefing, in which the day's route was discussed and safety measures reiterated by the support car. It

was then time to hit the road, usually for up to six or seven hours of riding in varying terrain, but mostly dirt-tracks.

There were a few route diversions to test the skill of riders and their machines, such as a 10km stretch of sand river through a beautiful hunting block in Kitumbeine and a trek through long, grassy fields to visit a spectacular sunken volcano. Riders soon realised that the only way to ride sand is to stand, rest one's buttocks on the rear carrier box, pin the accelerator, let the front tire do what it wants and pray loudly!

Each evening ended around a campfire, with beer in hand, to discuss the day’s track, bike performance and misdemeanors. To keep things interesting, driver of the support vehicle Dan Barton, awarded and deducted points from riders, which kept the competition fierce for the coveted first place! Points were deducted for misdemeanours including running out of fuel, needing a mechanic, needing to be towed, having a puncture or being stopped by the cops. Points were credited for offering a fellow rider assistance - sharing spares, food, water and tools. There were other games and challenges set by the committee, where riders could gain or lose points.

Just over 800 kilometers were covered in total, including two border crossings – one of which involved re-decorating a bike box that was considered unacceptable by the Tanzanian authorities (The owner of the offending machine forfeited a lot of points.) All 17 bikes and support vehicle made it home without a single puncture or mechanical problem, which was extremely impressive and testament to the reliability of Honda. In keeping with tradition, the last night was a

strict Black-Tie prize-giving affair. Hotly debated, Patrick Avery eventually emerged as the victor with the most points, with Shaun Miller and Ross Field coming in second and third.

The event was a roaring success and we are already looking forward to Edition 3 of the Gumballs Rally in 2025!

George (Bimb) Theobald & Amanda Cuff

George Carmichael Theobald (Bimb) of Usa River, Tanzania, married Amanda Jane Cuff of Norfolk, UK. The wedding was held on 3rd December 2022, at the Church of the Storms, in Gunwalloe, Cornwall, UK. re fo

Isabelle Mara Wall

Born 13 April 2022 in Sydney, Australia

To Aaron Wall and Laura Hutchinson of Sydney, Australia. First grandchild to Nick and Gillie Hutchinson, currently of Accra, Ghana, and first grandchild to Damon Wall and Patricia Curran of Brisbane, Australia.

Banjo Davidson & Jayne Upston

Banjo Macleod Davidson, son of Alastair and Di Davidson of Thika, Kenya, married Jayne Edith-Maree Upston, daughter of Rachel Upston of Avoca, and Mick Cooper of Brisbane, Australia. The wedding was held on the 21st January, 2023, on Karamaini Estate, Thika. Kenya.

William Rogers & Olivia Kenyon

William John Rogers, eldest son of John and Isabelle Rogers of Battersea, London, UK, married Olivia Rose Kenyon, only daughter of Jackie and Mandy Kenyon of Mogwooni, Nanyuki, Kenya. The wedding was held on 7th January 2023, on Mogwooni, Laikipia, Kenya.

Max Rawlinson & Amber Ahluwalia

Max Rawlinson, son of Mark and Julia Rawlinson of Wimbledon, London, married Amber Ahluwalia, daughter of Ashe and Kiran Ahluwalia of Nairobi.

The wedding was held on 25th February at Shela Fort in Shela, Lamu, Kenya. re fo

Murray Peter Dunn

Born 18 February 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya

To Mairo (née Retief) and Toby Dunn of Soysambu Ranch, Elmentaita, Kenya.

Third grandchild to Annie and Marcus Dunn of Soysambu Ranch, Kenya and fourth grandchild to Jill and Renaldo Retief of Loldia, Naivasha, Kenya.

William Rudd & Harriett Lewis

William Rudd, eldest son of Matthew and Rowena Rudd of Kitisuru, Nairobi, married Harriett Lewis, eldest daughter of Jeremy and Shauna Lewis of Buckingham, England. The wedding was held on 8th April 2023, at Kitisuru in Nairobi.

Amelie Elizabeth Rowena Rudd

Born on 2 December 2022 in Abu Dhabi.

To Louise (née Irwin) and Henry Rudd of Abu Dhabi.

First grandchild to Matthew and Rowena Rudd of Kitisuru, Kenya and second grandchild to Gabriel and Elizabeth Irwin of London, England.

All newly-weds who send in their wedding photo for publication will be offered a romantic dinner for two with a bottle of House wine, either at Pinks or in the Club Dining Room, to be booked before publication of the next issue. Send your photos and details to secretariat@mcc.co.ke and please send high-resolution images.

MCC Duka 2.0 ONLINE…

The charming little cabinet that is The Club Duka is still located in the Main Reception area but, in keeping with the times, it has morphed into an equally charming online, One-Stop-Shop for gifts, souvenirs and practical, attractive, original MCC merch.

We have reviewed the collection and have restocked our popular items and added some interesting new ones and you can now view our assorted range of original products and place your orders on the MCC website https://www.mcc.co.ke/Member_Central/ Club_Duka and MobiApp.

Members wishing to have items delivered please provide us with your address and the Club will organise courier dispatch. Courier charges will be posted to your Club account.

*All the beaded merchandise is made by a women’s community programme in Loitokitok, so by buying these goods you are supporting a very worthy cause empowering women and helping to safeguard a traditional art form.

Irene Connabeare Jones

Irene was born in Enfield, UK in 1912 - the same year the unsinkable Titanic sank, King George V was crowned, Russia was still ruled by a Tsar, women in Britain did not have a vote and Muthaiga Country Club was still a building site.

At Irene’s 100th birthday party family recall discussing the then British PM, bank interest rates, Judy Dench’s wonderful acting and Hilary Clinton’s disastrous hairstyle! Extraordinarily, Irene could remember the invention of the zip. Because of her love of literature, for her 100th birthday present, Irene was given Talking Books on an iPod - obsolete and outlived by Irene.

Although she was brought up in Inverness, Newcastle and Hove, Irene lived most of her life abroad. In her Christmas letter 2007 Irene wrote…

“In Spring 1940 I went to Midhurst to recuperate following a tonsillectomy, walking every day in Cowdray Park and sitting in the sun to read ‘A Moment in Peking’ by Lin Yutang, a novel based in China at the beginning of the 20th Century, into which all kinds of Chinese beliefs, customs and culture were interwoven. I was captivated there and then. With absolutely no money and five years of wartime England ahead of me I decided that one day I would go to China, visit Peking, see the Great Wall, go down the Yangtze Gorges, visit the Philippines and go home across the USA… in 1946 I was still working for MI6 in London, when a man I had known in Calcutta asked me to marry him. I had to tell him that I had just been asked which I would like best, to go to Singapore or Shanghai. “Shanghai,” said I without a moment’s indecision… “it’s further!”

In 1947 I did the Peking part on my own, and the rest with my first husband Jim. The gorges were out as, under Communist rule, we were not allowed to travel outside Shanghai.”

Irene’s first trip to Shanghai from Southampton took nine weeks in a cargo ship via Singapore and Hongkong. First day ashore in Singapore she went into a shop selling material.

“Oh”, says the Chinese Proprietor, “we are not selling anything today, it is the first day open after the war, have a glass of Champagne instead.”

Irene’s return journey saw her on the President Line from Shanghai to San Francisco, then New York to Southampton by the Queen Elizabeth, “…

wonderful. Once in the QE2, awful.”

August 1912 – March 2023

She crossed the Atlantic four times in all, with six trips through Suez, two of which were from Venice to Mombasa, and once round the Cape.

When Jim died in 1952, having satisfied her personal quest to visit both India and China, and indeed where she lived for many years, Irene travelled to Kenya. She met Jack Jones at MCC within the first six weeks. They fell in love and she married him “because he made her laugh.” Together, they built their beloved home in Loresho, where she settled for the rest of her life. After Jack died in 1984, Irene continued to live there happily, enjoying her beautiful garden, until she died peacefully at home, aged 110, surrounded by her faithful staff.

Irene devoted much of her life to Community Service. She was a highly accomplished seamstress and knitter, and constantly used her talents to raise money for those in need, including the British Red Cross, Kenya Red Cross (1956-1993); Kenyatta National Hospital League of Friends (1971-2001 with Margaret Kenyatta and Rose Waruhiu); Nairobi Hospital League of Friends; Infectious Diseases Hospital (leprosy patients); Library Services at Nairobi Hospital, AKUH, Mater Hospital, Old Forces Hospital, George VI Orthopaedic wards of Alice Beaton Nursing Home and finally, her greatest passion, the National Spinal Injury Hospital.

In 2001 Irene wrote, “Of one thing I am sure, you get far more out of this type of activity than you put into it. It is so highly constructive”.

In 2015 Irene was deeply honoured to cut the ribbon (with her own special seamstress scissors carried in her handbag) to officially open the Muthaiga Country Club Centenary Garden (pictured below).

Irene had a loving family, her nephews Michael, Peter and Mary Down, their spouses and children, as well as her many friends all over the world, were a constant source of joy to Irene and she will be sadly missed by them all.

Irene was a loyal Member of MCC for 66 years.

often have been of some unidentifiable freezer-burnt carcass. What a fabulous host he always was.

May 1964 – October 2022

A lady once said that if she was invited out and was told that she would be seated next to Martin, she would go. High praise for the very kindest of men.

Martin was born in Germany, grew up in Njoro, went to Greensteads then to Charterhouse in the UK, sailed around the world and had an unenthusiastic go at London before returning home to build a life with Jules in the safari cum film-set world. At Charterhouse he was charged by his contemporaries as too good looking, too sporty & too smooth! Ridiculous I know.

He made great friends wherever he went and, here’s the thing, kept them all. To be able to navigate the world and unintentionally gather people takes special character. If you were ever lucky enough to be invited home you’d be enveloped by love, laughter, his famous bonhomie and his evident passion for wine and indeed cooking, which would

Martin’s seemingly relaxed and stately pace belied a steely grit, a determination never to be undone, a passion for a great many things and a camouflage for his not so quiet competitiveness. Martin had a library of passions – beekeeping, orchids, homegrown everythings, thousands of well-thumbed books & magazines, his ragtag collection of usually wet and very averagely-trained gun dogs, a love of fly fishing and a wonderful eye for interesting spaces and places wherever he went. It takes a natural talent to shoot very well, lose an eye and continue entirely undiminished. Almost every day, even with one eye, one would be invited for something, anything followed by drinks. He loved his bridge and he loved to torture his longsuffering partners with his life statement – ‘it’ll be fine’, which invariably it wasn’t; nothing should be so straightforward.

Martin nearly followed in his father Tony’s very large safari footprints, carving out a name for himself as the go-to man for film, adventure, and large-scale safari setups. It was in the demanding and often ridiculous world of film where nothing was too great a problem or too great a challenge for him and where he enjoyed himself the most. The scheming that went into snagging guinea fowl that were needed on set or building crocodile-proof nets to stop a well-known film star from being nipped, was his great game. Directors would seek him out, often to be shown or told

DEATHS

MALCOLM CRAWFORD on 29 October 2022

IRENE JONES on 8 March 2023

IAN DOUGLAS CAMPBELL on 4 April 2023

HUMPHREY SPURWAY on 6 April 2023

GEOFFREY NIGHTINGALE on 23 April 2023

something unscripted that then had to be included in the story, but his pet occupation during the long hours on set was to harass ‘Production’ and naughtily make their already stressful lives just that bit more difficult. At the end of every day, following the magic phrase “It’s a wrap”, he seamlessly provided ice cold drinks and a stream of great tales. He once said to his great on-set ally, “Life is like a film set, we build it up, then it’s action and before you know it, it’s cut”. How very true and how prophetic of his own life.

Martin was determined too. For what was to be his final project, he gathered some great friends around him and singlehandedly cobbled together a beautiful piece of Laikipia. He has resolved astonishing community challenges, covered tens of thousands of miles in his old green Landcruiser and created a legacy. It’s taken fifteen years but it’s a job well done and as he said, ‘done at real pace’

There are so many friends, so many stories and too little space; he was a man and he was always very brave; ask his Norwegian mucker about an ill-considered trip from Zanzibar to Mombasa in a very small ski boat. He was so strong right to the bitter end.

To Julia, his one and only, he was everything. We are all so much better off for being part of this man’s journey and living with his infectiousness. To his children Matthew and Cassia - be a lot like him.

Martin was a Member of MCC for over 25 years.

MARGARET (MAGGIE) GRAY on 25 April 2023

DOROTHEA CARTLAND on 2 May 2023

IVOR DOUGAN on 8 May 2023

POPSY GITONGA on 19 May 2023

MUEMA MBAI on 11 June 2023

The Club regrets to announce the deaths of the following Members

SWEEPSTAKES JUNE 2023

CANDIDATES BEING CONSIDERED FOR MEMBERSHIP

2ND JUNE TO 31ST JULY 2023

Proposer Candidate Category

Nils Havsteen Camila Havsteen Non Resident

Anne Waiguru Nailantei Kamotho Full (18-29) Resident

Sumiet Bhasin Medha Bhasin Full (18-29) Resident

Colin Fernandes Aimee Freeland Full (18-29) Resident

Sarit Raja-Shah Gul Khan Short Term

- Zaman Khan Junior Family Short Term

- Zuhair Khan Junior Family Short Term

John Burns Mathew Davis Short Term

- Jennifer Davis Short Term

- Maya Davis Junior Family Short Term

Christopher Kinyanjui Jamila Mohammed Full Town

- Shukry Mohammed Junior Family Town

- Jibril Suleiman Under 7

Christopher Kinyanjui Salma Mohammed Full (18-29) Resident

Christopher Kinyanjui Abdillahi Mohammed Full (18-29) Resident

Samuel Mwai Peter Njoka Full Town

- Rosalind Gichuru Full Town

- Joshua Gichuru Junior Family Town

- Jonathan Gichuru Junior Family Town

- Jesse Gichuru Junior Family Town

CANDIDATES BEING CONSIDERED FOR MEMBERSHIP 6TH JULY TO 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Proposer Candidate Category

Joseph Ngae Samuel Njuguna Full (18-29) Resident

William Rudd Harriet Lewis Full (18-29) Resident Transition from Short Jane Marriott Non Resident Term to Non Resident membership

Mariella Furrer Emilia Bulbeck Full Town

- Tafari Adaro Under 7

Kalpan Patel Karan Sehmi Full (18-29) Resident

Sheila M’Mbijjewe Beth Kithinji Full Town

- Samara Mbugua Junior Full Town

- Ariella Mbugua Under 7

- Mikel Mbugua Under 7

Vijoo Rattansi Gregor Ross Non Resident

Steve Jackson Maria Turner Full Town

- Isidore Turner Junior Family Town

Steve Gitau Christopher Kanyi Full Town

Louise Hellerstedt Shalini Sapra-Dodhia Full Town

SWEEPSTAKES JULY 2023

Answers to Bird Quiz

All birds include a Compass Point.

Top row: Eastern Double-collard Sunbird, Southern Pochard

Second row: Northern Pied Babbler, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Bottom row: Southern Ground Hornbill, Western-banded Snake-Eagle

MCC reciprocates with 122 Clubs in 31 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 reports if they visit or stay at any one of them. These reports will be published for the benefit and interest of other Members who may be planning to travel overseas.

For more information and contact details of reciprocating Clubs please contact the Secretary’s office.

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 reports if they visit or stay at any one of them. These reports will be published for the benefit and interest of other Members who may be planning to travel overseas.

For more information and contact details of reciprocating Clubs please contact the Secretary’s office.