Story by Shirley Pope (BBO: shirley60)

I lived on a tobacco farm in the northeastern border area of Zimbabwe—Umvukwes. We had a wonderful life, but then came the war years (1964–1979), and our lives changed forever.

Our farm was quite remote, situated right on the border of the local reserve. As the conflict progressed (and that is another long story), our men served in security units, leaving us women to fend for ourselves and manage the large farms whenever they were “called up”—usually for two weeks at a time.

We learned that it was safest to sleep in temporary camps on different farms each night. So, armed with our allocated weapons, along with our children and food, we would set off well before evening to gather for safety. This is where I learned to play bridge! The game kept us awake at night, as we were too nervous to sleep, and it kept our minds fully occupied.

There were always two people on guard, listening for any unusual noises. Among us were wonderful women who patiently taught us the fundamentals of bridge—I will never forget them. How we loved those sessions and looked forward to our nightly gatherings!

That was 50 years ago, yet even today, bridge continues to absorb and challenge me.

After leaving the farm, I eventually played at the Harare Bridge Club, was a member of the PE Bridge Club for 14 years, and now, having moved to St. Francis, I continue to enjoy the game here.

Wonderful memories, wonderful friendships, and some very special partners along the way.

Thank you to bridge and everything it has brought to my life.

Disclaimer:

This story reflects the personal experiences of the writer during a difficult period in Zimbabwe’s history. The Rhodesian Bush War, also known as the Zimbabwean War of Liberation, was a complex conflict, seen from different perspectives by those who lived through it. While this account focuses on the experiences of farming families, we acknowledge the broader historical context and the many lives affected during this time.

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