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Marcilly-Le-Chatel |
St. Antoine |
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Email: richard@dold727.freeserve.co.uk
17 Seeley Crescent,
Tel/fax:
01458-445178
Street,
Mobile:
07966-433958
Somerset,
BA16 0RN
13th September, 2007
My Memories and
a brief Tribute to the Life of Dick Rouillard
Dear Marieta and all my Rouillard cousins
in Pongola,
It was with great sadness
that I heard of Dick’s passing away on Tuesday. He played a
very prominent part in my life, particularly in my youth;
indeed, I spent many of my school holidays at the farm –
starting from the age of around 5, I think. In fact, he was
virtually a father to me – since my own father was always
invariably “absent”.
As a boy, I can well remember
the farm during Grandpa and Hannie’s time and even when Dick
had not been long returned from university to take up the
reins in running it. I also remember that he had won an
accolade for his final year university thesis but was,
sadly, unable to return to Wits where he’d been invited to
make his presentation of it, due to the enormous
responsibilities which kept him at the farm. Those were very
tough times but Dick’s inimitable capability and
determination undoubtedly laid the foundations for the
success which the farm now enjoys. The old house, with its
paraffin-lamp and candle-lit rooms before the days of the
electric generator and its particular style of (French?)
antique furniture also brings back many fond memories. Poor
RAR was an old man by then; sadly, he was blind in one eye
and also increasingly hard of hearing. Mother always
preferred to remember their father in his younger days when
he had been full of vitality and purpose. I can remember him
saying “Dawn’t do that” to us kids in his strong Mauritian
French accent on occasion!
Dick was always
remarkably tolerant of my many misdemeanours and
indiscretions on the farm. It was where I did much of my
growing up and naughty pranks and mischievous adventures
were the order of the day but he always bore my aberrations
remarkably philosophically! I can’t remember him ever
getting really angry with me, even though there were times
when he probably had good reason to be.
And I also well remember the time when you, Marieta appeared on
the scene for the very first time. There was great rejoicing all
round; Dick had finally found himself a lovely wife!!
I remember that
Dick helped me to win a Mobil Oil essay contest during my
matric year; I was one of the two national winners and the
prize was a fully sponsored tour of the main centres of
South Africa by Mobil. We were hosted in grand style at the
main agricultural colleges around the country. It was a
magnificent trip and I was most grateful to him for his
assistance.
I shall remember Dick as a very likeable
guy who had an immense knowledge of most subjects. He was
forever good-natured, patient and even-tempered – and I know
that he was widely liked in all circles and that all those
who knew him, whether socially or in business, always
respected his judgement. Like his father, RAR and their many
Rouillard and de Chazal forebears before them, he was a
pioneer with exceptional vision and energy and he followed
him in playing a very significant part in developing the
Pongola Valley into what it is
today. In this context, I should
like to quote a poem called ‘The Pioneers’ by B.Buchanan
from Mother’s book on the Rouillards and de Chazals. You may
remember it from my tribute at Mother’s funeral but I
believe that it is apposite for so many of our pioneering
Family forebears who were imbued with hope, vision and
dynamism, such as RAR, Mother and Dick.
The
Pioneers
On every modern
luxury there lies
The shade of
ancient hardship. He who flies
Across the
continent on wings of gauze
Treads the paths of
meteors because
His fathers,
wingless, earthbound as they groped
Through marsh and
jungle upward gazed and hoped.
The cars that roll
so ceaselessly today
On velvet wheels
along the concrete way
Would find no
highways spanning hill and vale
Had not the
drudging oxcart blazed a trail.
The deep sadness which we all feel on this occasion may become
tempered in due course with the thought that Dick was a remarkable
person who was granted an equally remarkable innings. I regard it
as a great privilege to have known him and to have been his
nephew. I should like to conclude with the words of William
Schwenk Gilbert in his beautiful and very moving ballad from ‘The
Yeoman of the Guard’:
Is life a boon?
If so, it must befall
That Death, whene’er he call,
Must call too
soon.
Though fourscore years he give,
Yet one would pray to live
Another moon!
What kind of plaint have I,
Who perish in July?
I might have had to die,
Perchance, in
June!
(You can find the
rest of it in the attachment.)
My thoughts and
condolences will be with you all at the funeral and in the
coming weeks and
With all my love and best wishes,
Richard
Is life a
boon?
If so, it must befall
That Death, whene’er he call,
Must call too
soon.
Though fourscore years he give,
Yet one would pray to live
Another moon!
What kind of plaint have I,
Who perish in July?
I might have had to die,
Perchance, in
June!
Is life a thorn?
Then count it not a whit!
Man is well done with it;
Soon as he’s born
He should all means essay,
To put the plague away;
And I, war-worn,
Poor captive fugitive,
My life most gladly give ---
I might have had to live
Another morn!
From: The Yeoman of the Guard. William Schwenck
Gilbert. (1836-1911) |
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de Chazal Day
12th
March 2007
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de Chazal day
was celebrated successfully worldwide and we hope that you joined in
these festivities with the true spirit of family unity and joy where
you are.
Jean Pierre in
the USA, Tessa in Norway, Alex in Singapore, Lucio in Argentina,
François in France, Georges in Mauritius, the Dudgeon family in
Guatemala, Eliana in Bolivia as well as Andrew and Karin in Italy
all sent their greetings to the family in the UK and specially to
the party taking place in Guildford Surrey.
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As the time zones
rolled around the world for twenty four hours the parties continued, and
you can be sure that your family was thinking of you.
In
Guildford
there were 12 adults and Isabel born to Toby and Vanessa on 21st
January this year.
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The room was brightly decorated, the genealogy of
the de Chazals displayed, flags of the nations proudly flying, and
the table set for a feast. Helen de Chazal came in time to help
Thelma and Christopher ensure that all would be ready on time.
Richard and Clemencia brought Vanessa and the baby while Toby,
Oscar
and Melanie travelled back home from working in
London.
Mike and Marilyn Fanya travelled from
Devon
where they had been to see their grandchildren. The group photograph
was taken immediately and Cousin Robin arrived soon after.
A toast was
drunk to “The de Chazal family Worldwide” and we did not forget to
remember those who had gone before, specially The Rev John who was
buried just a week ago.
The meal
consisted of traditional tasty foods on a Mauritian/Indian theme
followed by a pineapple and pomegranate desert, it was all really
excellent. Thelma planned and executed this complex menu with
considerable skill. |
de Chazal Day is special to us all and
we would be delighted to see your photographs of the
family taken on that day. On
12th March 2008
we will be arranging a special task for you. Keep a watch
on your website and see what it
could be, you can do it! |
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MERRY CHRISTMAS -
FELIZ NAVIDAD - JOYEUX NOEL
FROM FRANCE
12th
March 2006
de Chazal Day Celebration at Ewhurst,
Surrey, England
 
It
has been a resounding success for the organisation,
activities and final outcome to the celebrations in the
UK.
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The 12th March being a Sunday this year
the decision to hold a mini-reunion of the British
de Chazal Family was taken one year ago and all
interested were warned to keep the day free. In
the end forty seven members of the family and
their associates arrived at our location in the
heart of the beautiful Surrey Hills for a luncheon
prepared by Marilyn Fanya and Thelma de Chazal. |
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The Ewhurst
Village Hall had been booked several months before with
the expectation of a good turn out, this was fully
justified as it was an ideal size for the family to
congregate, mix, renew acquaintances and get to know
each other.
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On entering one
was immediately hit with a riot of colour. The hall had
been decorated throughout with flags of all the nations.
The stage curtain had been festooned with the French,
Mauritian, Bolivian and Argentine flags. On each side
were the French Cockerel and the Mauritian Dodo
representing our roots in those countries. In honour of
Oliver our youngest guest who was born to Paula and
Richard on 3rd January this year the Canadian
flag was prominent,(but why no Spanish flag?). Oscar had
spent the previous day hard at work hanging these flags,
setting up the bunting and hanging Malcolm’s original
paintings for all to see. Our grateful thanks are due to
him for all this physical work. |
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Everyone had
their name tag to wear and with drink in hand one could
study the literature on display. This of course included
all our books on Mauritius, Malcy de Chazal’s “Medical
Plants of Mauritius” (ISBN095148270X), Pierre Edmond de
Chazal’s Journals, Two families of the Isle de France by
Virginia Taylor, cookery books and many more.
Of much interest were the family trees of the de Chazal
and Rouillard families set up on an eight foot by four
foot board with simplified extensions showing how most
of those present fitted into the larger family.
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Luncheon was preceded by a rendition of “Whisper of
the Wind” by Beth (Marilyn’s granddaughter aged 8)
on the flute. Our menu was dictated by tradition but
made more exotic even if tempered in spiciness in
deference to the British palate. We had Boeuf Epicé
Korma, Carri Poulet, Takka Dahl, Rougaille Legumes
with Poppadoms, Naan Bread and Rice followed by
Fruits de Paradis and cream. The meal ended with
Café, Thé, Tisane accompanied with Gateau Coco and
Biscuits Néapolitaines. Obviously the food was
superbly cooked and presented. Marilyn and Thelma
did a wonderful job; they put their all into this
for which we are very grateful. |
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We hope that
renewed and new friendships will come of this and that
cousins will meet make an effort to meet again. Already
Caroline has invited Christopher and Thelma to Norwich.
It is this contact with other members of the family that
we wish to encourage, specially in the younger
generation. We feel that this reunion has to some extent
achieved this aim but it is up to each individual to
make an effort to carry it forward. We now look forward
to France in 2007. |
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At the last
minute Anne Dauphine de Grivel our representative on the
2007 committee had to cancel her luncheon with us.
Enthusiasm for the French reunion was quite evident from
the applause which greeted the reading of her E mail
detailing the prospective arrangements.
Christopher C.
de Chazal. March 2006 |
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Merry Christmas
from the Bolivian Young Women.
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noel
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
(Christopher de Chazal)
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“In our global
family it is remarkable how we all have a common eminence manifest
through our professional success and position in society” as David
Ardill underlined in Tucuman. The story of our family has flourished
just as well and brilliantly in South America where there are some 300
“de Chazals and relatives”, descendants of Francois and Guy. “Our
forebears would have been proud to see how the family spirit is alive
and well” as Virginia Taylor stated in her message read by her son
Richard Dold during the reunions. Words alone are not strong enough to
convey and describe the strong family bond, solidarity, generosity and
kindness that pervaded the South American reunions. We were a score of
privileged people from Europe, Australia, the United States, Mauritius
and the Seychelles to live these intense times.
Firstly
it was the Bolivian Saga with the whole town listening in on the
different activities of the Chazfest. Each succeeding day the local
press reported on and had photographs of this wonderful week. Lunch and
dinner dances, a fashion show at which our talented cousin Montserrat
Masanes presented her latest creations, a picnic at the estate of Carlos
de Chazal, the second of that name, where we tasted so many local
specialities to the strains of a traditional folk band and an
extravagant and colourful luncheon in the generous home of Dolly Masanes.
A week full of emotion, and we will not readily forget our inauguration
into honorary citizenship of the astonishing town of Conception,
cultural town of humanity, also the gift to each of us of a cassette
showing a two hour video of the reunion.
It was a privilege to meet the last of Guy’s sons Carlos, head
of the family and a great patriarch.
To
the rhythm of the tango, it was a fantastic Argentine cavalcade to
discover the town of Tucuman and the surrounding hills under the
influence of the seductive voice of Maria Eugenia and the malbec local
wine, bottled specially for the occasion by Juan de Chazal, a doctor
from Mendoza. Then an unforgettable concert of secular songs by Carmina
Burana in the Alberdi theatre accompanied by the Tucuman symphony
orchestra, our cousin Maria Eugenia being honoured once again for her
brilliant direction of the choir. A perfect temperature for the final
picnic which took place at Silvana’s hacienda where in a rare spirit
of communal brotherhood we feasted on the superb Argentine quality beef,
danced and listened to the spontaneous orations of different members of
the family. A day ending late into the evening such was the reluctance
to leave each other. Lucio, what wonderful orchestration and Negrita
what an effervescent de Chazal!
A
particular thanks to Jorge Giordano who travelled more than 5000
kilometres by car with his wife Roxana and their three children to be at
the two reunions. Also to Maximo Bach who was also at both reunions,
after the Tucuman reunion he had to continue his journey in the
overnight bus with his family, as he was unable to continue his journey
because of a serious mechanical problem with his car. What can one say
of our Bolivian cousins who, after an epic journey by bus lasting 36
hours, brought their cheerfulness to bear throughout the Tucuman
Chazfest.
A huge bravo to the organisers of these reunions who have given
themselves so much trouble, also to Pierre de Chazal for promoting this
Chazfest on the internet site http://www.dechazal.net . The poor
attendance of those overseas was the only downside and it is a pity. Are
we less curious, less daring, less adventurous, than our elders? Are we
aware that we are privileged to belong to such a family? Few families in
the world are able to boast of such an historical past full of
exceptional people with uncommon stories to tell, well thought of for
their probity and courage. It is true that the recent awakening of our
family after a long hibernation, due to its dispersion, needs time and
patience. More than a thousand people on all the continents, we are
certainly unlike in culture and language, but these differences generate
an impressing dynamism carrying us into the future. We should quickly
react, evolve and unite. We should, one and all, feel concerned and
bring our contribution to the family. New strengths should emerge,
notably amongst the young. To those who have already done such a lot for
the family, Virginia Taylor, Pierre and Tristan de Chazal, I ask them to
for one more effort. To the organisers of the reunions, Francois de
Grivel, Sonia, Monica, Chachi, Oscar (first cousin to the past president
of Bolivia, Hugo Banzer), Renato, Lucio and Augusto, Maria Eugenia,
Silvana, Christopher, I would encourage you to persevere. To those who
hope to take part in the renaissance of the family I would ask you to
make yourself known to JPDECHAZAL@aol.com
. For my part, my devoted contribution, being the eldest of the senior
branch of the family, will be passionate and determined.
On another subject, I wish to bring to your attention a generous idea
put forward by Nelly et David Ardill, our cousins from the Seychelles;
to help a young person from the family who is unable to pay for their
education, to finance their studies This idea deserves success, please
share your ideas with david.ardill@iotc.org
Following
many suggestions during the Bolivian and Argentine reunions and also
because a number of Bolivian cousins have requested French nationality,
it would be sensible to organise the next Chazfest in the country of
origin of our family, France, for a week during the summer of 2007. It
would be appropriate to choose the date in relation to the Southern
Hemisphere scholastic calendar, bearing in mind that in Bolivia, as in
Argentina, pupils have only 15 days holiday in July. Francois de Grivel
has suggested a bus tour, the itinerary to be as follows: Paris, la
Sablonière (Pierre de Chazal’s home in the 18 century), the Chateaux
of The Loire, then the Auvergne, cradle of the family where there are
still some remains of the château de Marcilly le Chatel and finally to
end at the banks of the Dordogne. This reunion would represent a huge
organisational task and difficult logistics, it should be the work of us
all. For example, Suzanne de Chazal would take on the publicity in North
America and at the same time collate the participants from there. Julien
de Chazal from Australia would endeavour to help the family find the
cheapest air fares. Damien Serre could be in charge of, and arrange
accommodation. Tristan has always thought that France would be an
obligatory Chazfest destination. Could he, with Claudine, supervise this
Chazfest in his homeland of France?
With
Best Wishes
Jean-Pierre
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