"Dr Damelin ... conceived the idea of launching a South-African Literary Society with Herman Charles Bosman as its President. This would have been in the wake of the publication of Mafeking Road. I find it surprising that Bosman agreed to take on a ceremonial role so at odds with his temperament and personal style ... I remember two meetings, probably the only two, for I don't think the society survived very long."

From: Mr Bosman: A Proteges memoir of Herman Charles Bosman by Lionel Abrahams.

Once again the round of mortal things returns us to that time of year when the sap thickens, rising in the bushveld trees, carrying intimations of renewal and growth.

This year we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Herman Charles Bosman Literary Society, founded almost serendipitously, one might say, during a small gatering of Maricojane atop Groot Lotteringskop in the Dwarsberge, in full view of Abjaterskop and the autumn westering sun.

At the time a primary concern of these people centred on the nearby Heimweeberg Farmschool, where it was known that author Herman Charles Bosman had his initial encounter with the Marico bosveld when he was appointed to his first post as young schoolteacher in 1926.

Herman Charles Bosman, a South African writer who had become a household name among the reading public, and whose numerous short stories had immortalised the Groot Marico and its inhabitants.

The Heimweeberg farmschool, situated in the bush, became for us a kind of icon, representing in the imagination not only the genius of Bosman, but the unique spiritus loci that permeates every aspect of the Marico bosveld and those who live there. We could immediately envisage the school, restored to its former glory, serving as focal point to anyone visiting the Marico and also interested in the writings of Bosman.

For us locals it went without saying that one could travel from anywhere on the globe with the sole purpose of visiting this place. The word 'shrine ' came to mind, and when we discovered that this word literally means ' a chest for written papers ' we were unstoppable in our course.

As in previous years, the programme for the annual Bosman weekend is varied and interesting. One difference, as a glance at the programme will show, is that there will be less frenetic activity and rushing around; more time to share at a leisurely pace, the company, the ambience of bush and fireplace, discussion and planning around those dreams of ten years ago.

The entertainment is all based on the Bosman inspiration; the athmosphere and culinary fare promises to be authentically Marico bosveld.

Attached you will find a programme and booking arrangements..

Be so kind as to spread the information about the weekend to those that may be interested. a List on available accommodation options will be send on request. Bookings will be done on a first come first serve basis, and available facilities can only accommodate a limited number of guests.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Kind regards,

SANTA VAN BART

HERMAN CHARLES BOSMAN LITERARY SOCIETY

at the

Information Centre

Groot Marico

083 272 2958

info@marico.co.za

www.marico.co.za

BOSMAN WEEKEND 17-19 OCTOBER 2003

BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS

ACCOMMODATION

There are various accommodation options available ranging in price from R40 per person per night- R150 pppn. ( Bunker beds in dormitories, self catering, farm accommodation , camping sites and bed and breakfast options)

Guests are responsible to book their own accommodation – a 50% deposit will secure accommodation and bookings can be done through the Information Centre in Groot Marico.( Information Centre, First National Bank Groot Marico. Bankcode 240140. Account Number 602 3803 6657) Fax for deposit slips 014 503 0085 and mention surname as reference. List of accommodation options available.

WEEKEND PACKAGE ( accommodation excluded)

The weekend package includes :

5 shows by performing artists Patrick Mynhardt, David Butler and Jennifer Steyn, Tim Sandham,Angus Douglas, including a talk on Bosman by dr. Stephen Gray.
All meals and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday included.
Moerkoffie and tea with stories at the campfire on the Bosman terrain during the day between other activities.
Launch of two new Bosman publications over a sip of Jerepico.
Sightseeing trip of Groot Marico town by Donkey-cart
Mug and mampoer glass, to start using during the weekend

Price

The cost of a weekend package is R340 per person

This amount is payable in advance and must be deposited in the the following bank account: H.C. Bosman Literary Society, First National Bank Groot Marico , Bankcode 240140 Account Number 602 3803 6061

Deposit slips to be faxed to 014 503 0085 ( mention surname as reference)

Guests are advised to book as soon as possible, as only a limited number of people can be accepted, due to the available facilities on the different venues, and the fact that the organisers want to retain an intimate and personal atmosphere.

So , don’t be the one to be disappointed in missing this very special even

Contact person:

Santa van Bart(HC Bosman Literary Society

Information Centre Groot Marico

Cell 083 272 2958

Email: info@marico.co.za

Web : www.marico.co.za

BOSMAN WEEKEND 17-19 OCTOBER 2003-

PROGRAMME

Friday evening 17 October 2003

“Oom Schalk Strikes Back” This show by Tim Sandham and Angus Douglas is not part of the weekend package ( which starts on Saturday morning ) but is specially arranged for those who did not see the show last year ( titled St. Peters Voorkamer ) and are able to make it for the Friday night. Tickets available at the door at R25 .Those not attending the performance can relax on the Bosman terrain where there will be free coffee and tea around the campfire and readings from Bosman’s short stories. Performance venue is the NG Church Hall in Groot Marico, which is next to the Bosman terrain.

Saturday 18 October

From 8h00 Coffee and home made bread will be ready at the Bosman terrain

8h30-9h30 Registration and collection of tickets ( N.G. Church terrain Groot Marico )

9h45 The HCBLC welcoming guests and discussing programme for the weekend.

10h30 “Bosman behind Bars; Life and opinions of a South African Goalbird” dr. Stephen Grey with time for questions and answers.

11h30 Patrick Mynhardt - favourite Bosman stories.

Lunchtime Lunch will be served at the Bosman terrain from 13h00. Guests relaxing around a coffee fire, “ workshop “ talking shop and discussing the work to be accomplished at the Bosman commemoration terrain. Bosman / Marico exhibition. Sightseeing trips of Groot Marico town by donkey cart.

16h00 Performance “ Oom Schalk Strikes Back “ ( not part of package – tickets R25 )

17h30 Launch of the two latest titles in the Human & Rousseau Anniversary Editions of Herman Charles Bosman of Young Bosman, edited by Stephen Gray and My Life and Opions edited by Craig MacKenzie . Mampoer, jerepigo, coffee, koeksisters and melktert to celebrate. Books for sale. Remember – no ATM facilities in Groot Marico

18h30 Traditional potjiekos, campfire, moerkoffie

19h30 Bosman Society local members to have a word or two – dreams, poems and stories.

20h30 Priemiere of the one-act play “Street Woman” written by H.C.Bosman, directed by Nicky Rebello with David Butler, Jennifer Steyn and Martin Le Maitre.

Sunday 19 October

8h00 Early morning coffee and rusks at RiverStill Guestfarm

9h00 Performance “The Great Bosman Quiz” an imaginative and witty take on Bosman by Tim Sandham and Angus Douglas.( at RiverStill )

10h00 Patrick Mynhardt with favourite Bosman’s stories( at RiverStill)

11h30 BRUNCH ‘Traditional Pap en Plentie’at RiverStill Guestfarm.

11h30 “Street Woman” at N.G. Church hall

12H30 Short evaluation and discussion of the weekend and farewell’s