IT is amazing how small things can trigger one’s memory, and take you back to a time and place you’d almost forgotten about.
Songs do that; so does the smell of after-shave and scents.
And so do sporting memories.
Watching Saturday’s epic Rugby World Cup final took me back to the first time South Africa won this trophy, back in 1995 – the Madiba victory.
It came at exactly the right time for our fledgling democracy, after the successful 1994 elections.
I’m not sure where you were the day Francois Pienaar was handed the Webb Ellis trophy by our Springbok jersey-clad president, after Joel Stransky’s unforgettable drop goal in extra time to sink New Zealand 15-12.
I know exactly where I was on that day, 24 June 1995.
As a marriage officer, I was officiating at a wedding at an upmarket private game reserve, where guests had been booked in for the weekend.
Sensibly, and because the groom was himself a rugby player of considerable talent, the agreement was made that the ceremony would take place after the final whistle – proving that you CAN have your wedding cake and eat it.
Being mid-winter, we knew we were on a tight timeline before it got dark, the service having been planned to take place in the tranquil setting of an animal watering hole.
Alas, the final went into extra time, with the bridal party anxious to proceed with the nuptials, but the guests (ie spectators) far more interested in the outcome of the match, and by that time well lubricated and ever louder as the tension mounted.
Eventually the win came and they duly trooped off from one watering hole to another.
By this time it was well and truly dark but with the aid of car headlights the show went on magnificently.
It was also freezing cold by then, and the bride looked surreal with her beautiful white gown and purple arms.
However, the spirit of the dual ‘match of the day’ occasion was such that nothing could spoil the occasion.
In fact, another couple who had been together for 19 years, but had never married decided they, too, would tie the knot and a special behind-the-scenes room was quickly decorated by my wife for a private signing.
So, where were you when on-field trailblazer Siya Kolisi and off-field leader Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the coveted trophy on Saturday?
Wherever you were, it’s something you will never forget.
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