It had all been worked out....a certain delivery was supposed to take place this week and we were going to announce it by special newsletter! However mother nature, as it so often does in the Valley, decided to surprise us all once again!! The incredibly happy result, which we are TOTALLY over the moon to report, comes by email from a maternity hospital in Townsville, Australia:

"We are absolutely delighted to announce that Reuben Henry Bankes Taverner entered this world at 1829 hrs on Saturday 23rd November 2002.

Weighing in at a healthy 7lb 10oz (3.46kg), 53 cms long and with feet the size of two small amphibious landing craft, he has also been blessed with an admirable pair of lungs and is in fine form. His wonderful mother though sore is in great shape .

Watch this space for more news of a future barefoot water skiing champion in the making.....

In awe,

Sara and Matthew"

The news came as such a surprise....when Matthew phoned the office on Saturday afternoon (Zambian time) I initially thought he was calling to discuss work matters...it was only after he gave me a hospital room number to phone back to that it all sunk in!! Sara was not due for another four days yet!! So, with only Shanie, Simon and I in camp at the time, we all jumped around with joy and had a Mosi to toast the little Reuben's arrival into the world. Mum, dad and son will return to Zambia in the new year...and we are all so looking forward to meeting Reuben (Sara and Matthew's first child).

From the photos, mother and son looking very well indeed!!

Congratulations Matthew and Sara and welcome to the world Reuben!!!