First edition published November 2005; cover design by t.ART Design Studio; layout and design by Barbara Mueller; Printing by Schaltungsdienste Lange, Berlin - Germany, Published by New Voices Publishing, Cape Town - South Africa.

About the Book:

These are stories about growing up, initially from a relatively poor environment in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They are reflections on a childhood in a particularly fascinating socio-political historical context viz an ordinary, unpretentious Catholic family at the height of the apartheid era in South Africa, moving gradually towards transformation in today’s evolving political scene. These are therefore stories with an African flavour, which at times you will question whether some of the seemingly incredible events could really have happened.

A personal record which can join the family bible and family tree for those wishing to see what Grandpa did as a child and youth.

"When I look back on my childhood days, there is no doubt that I had an unsophisticated life where few luxuries were to be found. I got my thrills and kicks out of the simple things of life. As each day began my younger brother Ashley, my sister Marylyn and I would head outdoors and enjoy the warmth of the sun shining upon our faces and at times even the cold, wet rain running down the nape of our necks. There was always something special about the feeling of sand sifting through my toes and fingers. There amongst the mud and the dust I experienced a joy and richness which I would not want to swap for anything ………."

About the Author:
Nigel Irvine and his wife Ann have been married for forty years and lived most of their lives in Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa. They have two sons Mark and Timothy who are married to Irene and Toni respectively. They presently have five grandchildren. Nigel moved to Cape Town at the beginning of 1993 when he was appointed to the position of CEO of a large vertical textile mill. Both of their sons also live and work in Cape Town where Mark practises as a Paediatrician, and Timothy who is a qualified Lawyer and Conveyancer, heads up a Property Financing division of a Bank.

First and foremost though, Nigel Irvine is a family man. He is proud of his family’s achievements and enjoys spending quality time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is also a proud defender of his Catholic Faith. He has been involved in Catholic Church committees from an early age. Presently he is a member of his parish’s Finance Committee and an Extra-ordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

In 1997 he had a serious back operation and was diagnosed as having cancer. Throughout his illness he has shown a determination and positive attitude, which never fails him. When asked how he remains so positive, he says that he has absolute faith in the power of prayer (and in the mere knowledge that he has so many kind and special people who pray for him on a daily basis), and that he is blessed with a team of excellent medical doctors. This he says is what keeps him going in spite of the fact that his “sell by date” has long since expired! Nigel retired on 30 September 2003. Since writing this book on his childhood memoirs, he is presently involved in the writing of two further books.

When asked what he considers his greatest blessings in life, he replies without hesitation: “A wonderful wife and family, my Catholic Faith, and the fact that we live in the most beautiful part of the world – Cape Town.”

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