21 Windsor Road Kalk Bay 7975 South Africa

Phone 21-7885113 Fax 021-7889324 Email arcadia@49er.co.za

Flemmer Circular 36/06 August 2006

Hello Everyone,

Well here we are back safe and sound from Greece - we've been back a month or so already - and all that sun and ouzo is but a distant memory! We had a great time in the two months we were there - spent mainly on 'our' island of Antiparos, but we also travelled to some of the lovely islands nearby. All in all an excellent trip. We have come back to the Cape to find it colder and wetter than for many years. Even the Capies refrain of "Well we need the rain" is beginning to wear a bit thin! We have been rewarded by one of the best shows of wildflowers for many a year. We were lucky to go up to brother Pad's place in the Cederburg last weekend. The show that nature has put on this year is spectacular - said to be the best for the last 10 years.

While we were in Greece we got the sad news that Waldemar Flemmer, born in1925, had died on the 6th May in Cape Town. Wal was the grandson of Hans Christian Flemmer and I had got to know him and his wife Nina when I tracked them down to Cathcart a few years ago. They moved to Cape Town where I saw them from time to time. Wal had been battling with cancer for some years but whenever I saw him, he was as alert as ever and always had a twinkle in his eye. Our sympathies go to Nina and Guy, Mark and Kevin.

I am glad to tell you that we have two newcomers in the family. Stella Mia Stretch, daughter of Colleen Flemmer and David Stretch was born in Bunbury. Western Australia on the 22nd May 2006. On the 1st of August 2006 another antipodean arrived. She is Stephanie Kathleen Rostan-Herbert, born in Melbourne, the second child of Matt and Dani, and granddaughter of my brother Terry and Anthea. Welcome and long and happy life to these little girls.

The Story of the South African Flemmers.

The dust has now settled and there have been some very complimentary remarks which is of course gratifying - many thanks to the people who wrote to me. There has also been a report of some minor mistakes that happened in the proofing stage and which are much regretted. From the rest of the people who bought it there has been the usual genetic Flemmer silence!

As I think you know only 60 books were printed and these were all sold. There were some people who wanted the book after we were sold out. I have got quotes for a minimum print run of 10. The cost per book is R220 - the same as the cost of the original. I think everyone who managed to get a copy will agree that it is very good value at this price. It is also, even if I say so myself, a wonderful and full history of the Flemmer family. If you are interested you should write to me NOW at arcadia@49er.co.za or the address above. I will then confirm your order with you and confirm postage cost and payment arrangements.

And now to other matters. I don't know how many of you saw the article about Cradock, the Tuishuise and Duncan Ferguson in the Sunday Times here on the 13th August. There's something special about the place - maybe it's the pull of all those ancestors - but after reading the article I felt quite homesick! In other Cradock news: Sandra Antrobus has commissioned a book on the history of the Market Street properties. I have been writing to Talitta de Wilde who is doing research at present. As a family we have a special interest in this street, not only because some of us have stayed there, but also because some of the properties were owned and lived in by von Abos and Flemmers. I will keep you posted on progress - hopefully we will see the fruits of Talitta's labours in due course.

You may have read or seen on TV that National Geographic is undertaking a huge genetic mapping project. I'm sure you know that with modern DNA techniques it is possible to trace people back through many generations. There are many who are saying (and I think they're right) that DNA testing will become a major part of genealogy in the future. Anyway, the National Geographic project involves tracing DNA through the male line. My brothers Paddy, Terry and I decided to participate and share the cost. Pad sent off his DNA and the report is amazing! Basically the Herbert family and nearly all people from the Northern Hemisphere (and in all probability the Flemmers if their DNA was checked) are descended from a single individual. This 'Eurasian Adam' lived in Africa 31 000 to 79 000 years ago (say 1000 to 2500 generations back!) This man's descendants moved slowly out of Africa, into the Middle East. From Iran or South Central Asia, a single descendant of 'Adam' who lived about 30 000 years ago can be identified as the ancestor of virtually everyone on earth. It truly is a fascinating thought that nearly everyone - of all colours, shapes and nationalities is related albeit thirty odd thousand years ago.

Finally: The Flemmer Family Website. Terry, for his sins does a great job managing and updating the website. Through it we have had contact with family and relatives near and far. It is a wonderful family resource. Not only does it fly the SA Flemmer flag in cyberspace, but has I know been used by many of the younger generation for school and other projects. I'm telling you all this because I'm asking, once again for your help in paying for it. The cost is R99 a month. If 25 of you could give R50 a year ($7, £4, E6) we will have enough to keep the site going. Last time we made this appeal people were very generous and we acknowledged their help on the site I hope you are all as generous now. Please do it now!!

You can make payments to my account in SA - S W Herbert, Standard Bank Fish Hoek code 036-009 Account 270363211 or send cheques to the address above. If paying from overseas please pay into my account S W Herbert Standard Bank Isle of Man code 40-48-52 account 43029641. Could you please confirm any payment to me at arcadia@49er.co.za

That's all folks. Until next time

Steve

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Site Last Updated Friday, August 18, 2006. 10:44:21