Bruce Fowler from the South African Association in Hong Kong (SAAHK) mailed to say that the very first Imbizo (get-together) of the Association will be held at The Canny Man in Wan Chai.

He writes:

The Canny Man is in the basement of the Wharney Guang Dong Hotel, 51 – 73 Lockhart Road Wanchai, from 6:30 pm onwards on Wednesday, 16th February.

Please make every effort to join us for this first Imbizo of 2011 and we particularly welcome all newcomers to Hong Kong and to SAAHK.

The Canny Man’s full-size pool table (Pic: Mike Jansen)

You can also use the occasion to speak to Bruce about this year’s Sevens Dinner, where Springbok legend Morne Du Plessis will be the guest-speaker.

See you there…

Kevin McBarron from The Canny Man says:

Tell the taxi driver: ‘Whamy ji ding, lockhart doh, wanzai!’

Here’s Kevin making his YouTube debut:

My first-ever overseas trip was an unforgettable month-long visit to Scotland, home of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (pictured on the right).

I was a guest of several Rotary Clubs around Scotland and as Rotary goes, I was royally hosted by various members and their families.  

In the space of 30 days I probably saw more of the country, it’s castles, golf courses and pubs than the average Scot.  One of the heritage sites I was fortunate to visit was the home of Robert Burns.

To make a long (exciting) story short… I also ate my fair share of haggis and the dish really appealed to me.  In fact, I like love it.

(My Missus thinks it goes without saying because I also love kimchi and durian.) 

Haggis, neeps and tatties all poshed up!

If haggis, neeps and tatties appeal to you too, you’ll be happy to know that The Canny Man in WanChai is hosting their own Burns Supper.

While you’re there, do try a wee dram or two from their extensive list of great scotch.

I wonder if Kevin has arranged for a piper to pipe in the haggis?? 

 Piping the haggis:

While we mere mortals at Howzit-HongKong will probably never be able to join this celebrated institution in Hong Kong, we do have a close connection with the hallowed halls, function rooms and pitches of this Club.

We have, after all covered numerous sports events and a handful of Southern African Association of Hong Kong (SAAHK) Sevens Dinners hosted at the esteemed (no cell-phones allowed, ever) venue.

One of Asia’s most famous sporting clubs, the Hong Kong Football Club, today announced that a specially commissioned account of the Club’s remarkable history is the first in a series of events that will form the backbone of celebrations of its 125th year of existence in 2011.

Denis Way’s magnificent book, entitled “Along the sports road”: The Hong Kong Football Club, Its Environs And Personalities 1886 – 2011“, is a historic journey through the Club’s development and the personalities that had such an influence on not only the Club, but on Hong Kong itself.

Mr Fook Aun Chew, Chairman of the Hong Kong Football Club, said: “When you have an established history of 125 years, it goes without saying that there are many milestones to be celebrated.

“However, there is no doubt that 2011 is a very special year for the Hong Kong Football Club and we are extremely proud of the work that Denis has done on along the sports road and have no doubt that this is the perfect way to kick of our Anniversary celebrations,” he said.

The publication of “Along the sports road”: The Hong Kong Football Club, Its Environs And Personalities 1886 – 2011 is just one of a series of activities planned for the first half of 2011 to celebrate the 125-year milestone.

HKFC members who have competed at the international level celebrate the launch of “Along the sports road: The Hong Kong Football Club, Its Environs And Personalities 1886 – 2011” today with author Denis Way (centre back row), club president Dermot Agnew (front left) and club chairman Fook Aun-Chew (second right standing). The book was launched as part of the launch of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations in 2011

On 12th February, exactly 125 years to the day from the formation of the Hong Kong Football Club, a Members Cocktail Party will celebrate the special occasion. That event will be followed by a Sports Dinner featuring Geoff Miller and other international sports personalities on 5th March, a Family Garden Party cum fete in April and an Anniversary Ball in June.

However, today it was the Club’s detailed history that took centre stage.

Denis has committed three years of extensive research to “Along the sports road”: The Hong Kong Football Club, Its Environs And Personalities 1886 – 2011, working closely with the Club to create an authentic record of the Club’s part in the history and, in part, the development of Hong Kong.

Denis said: “This project commenced almost three years ago and I am extremely grateful for having been commissioned to take up the challenge of producing such a comprehensive story of the Club spanning 125 years.

“I am extremely proud of the result with along the sports road and hope everyone agrees that it is a fitting tribute to such an important Hong Kong institution,” he added.

In addition to “Along the sports road”: The Hong Kong Football Club, Its Environs And Personalities 1886 – 2011, Way’s other books include Fire Horse, a saga of historical fiction set in Shanghai and Hong Kong between 1937 and 1973, and its sequel Dragon Rock.

In 2002, Counting House – The History of PricewaterhouseCoopers on the China Coast, his book commemorating the firm’s 100th anniversary in Hong Kong, was published.

Copies of “Along the sports road”: The Hong Kong Football Club, Its Environs And Personalities 1886 – 2011 are available from:

The Football Club at 3, Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong at HK$390 (approx. USD$50) per copy.

Anna Lee, acting director of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association (left), and Sean Browne (second right) accept a cheque for HK$125,000 from Dermot Agnew, president of the Hong Kong Football Club (second left), and Fook Aun-Chew, chairman of the Hong Kong Football Club (right), as part of the launch of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations in 2011 today

Next week sees one of the biggest weeks on the Hong Kong horse-racing calendar.

Wednesday December 8 see the Happy Valley racecourse hosting the 2010 Cathay Pacific International Jockeys’ Championship while the world-famous Cathay Pacific International Races takes place at the Shatin course on Sunday December 12.

Wednesday also see the Southern African Association of Hong Kong (SAAHK) holding their Imbizo (social get together) at the Happy Valley racecourse.  With all the excitement of the big racing event that evening, the final Imbizo for 2010 should be a enjoyable one.

Bruce Fowler would like to remind those who are thinking of attending that they will be meeting close to the fence, inside the public enclosure forecourt. Walk past McDonalds on your left, past the beer tent on your right. Please look out for the group at the railing. Call Bruce’s mobile 9418-9758 if you cannot find them.

Meanwhile, if your join the 2010 Cathay Pacific International Jockeys’ Championship FaceBook page, you can come away with free pint nogal!

See you at the Races!

The All Blacks recently visited Hong Kong to play Australia in their final Bledisloe Cup event.  While they ended up losing the scintilating match at the Hong Kong stadium, their Hong Kong visit was a key opportunity to promote their country and particularly the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

If like me, you’re planning to attend the World Cup, you have another chance to learn more about that beautiful country (and try some of their delicious cheeses and wines!)

The New Zealand Society has invited South Africans to join them in a Cheese and Wine evening on Friday, 26th November at the NZ Focus Centre, 439-445 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay.

The New Zealand Focus Centre is a well-known landmark in Causeway Bay and is unfortunately closing down. This event is therefore the last opportunity to enjoy a range of NZ white and red wines, NZ beer and non-alcoholic drinks plus NZ cheeses and finger foods.

Tickets are HK$200. Please register and pay for the event by 20 November by contacting Travis Pittman at tjpittman@me.com. Please make your cheque payable to the “New Zealand Society of Hong Kong” and get the banking details from Travis. Please note that no “walk-ins” are allowed on the night of the event.

Find the New Zealand Society here

One of my favourite artists, Canadian crooner Michael Buble will make his debut in Hong Kong with his “Crazy Love Tour.”  While the concert only takes place next year, it is definately one to pencil in as a must-see.

(The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens takes place 2 weeks later, so best buy your ticket now!)

The consumate entertainer and Grammy Award winner, Buble not only wows his audiences with his vocal prowess, but also with his on-stage antics.

The concert takes place at the Hong Kong Conference & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in WanChai so thankfully we won’t have to make the long trek to the Airport (for AsiaWorld Expo).

Date & Time: (Friday) 11 Mar 2011 at 8pm

Tickets are: (A-D Reserve) $1588, $1188, $788 and $588