GEORGE NEWS - Every town has characters who infuse life into the place. People who enjoy making a difference, and without whom the town would be a dull lustreless place. Ian (76) and Pauline (77) Bosman are such people.
During the past four years Ian has been a true stalwart at the George Arts Theatre where he has played a vital role in revitalising the old building, literally and figuratively speaking. "I don’t know what I would do without him," said theatre manager Beatrice Esterhuizen.

"Both are very hands-on when it comes to the day-to-day running of the ageing madam which is in constant need of care."
For instance Ian single-handedly rewired the entire theatre complex. He spent months crawling around on all fours in stuffy attics and ceilings getting the electrical wiring into shape. Today there are also proper walkways up in the roof structure which Ian built, and whoever inherits the job of looking after the electrical installations will have a considerably easier task.
Over a cup of tea at his Bo-Dorp cottage, he brims of enthusiasm for the Theatre where he spends most nights manning the sound and lighting. The couple, who have been married 56 years, share a love of their tiny garden which abounds with birdlife. "Pauline manages to find new spots all the time to plant up with vegetables," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Love nature
Gazing up fondly at her husband Pauline said she instantly fell in love with the garden when she saw it the first time. This was also the case when they met. "She was a soutie who came out from England in 1939," said Ian with a chuckle. After discovering they both love the outdoors they were smitten. They raised their own four children and provided a loving home to two adopted children.

The Bosmans opted for dropping out of the rat race in 1974, and went on a coast to coast hunt to find a small farm to retire on. It took many years and a long search before they found ‘paradise’. In 1978 they found the ideal place, a wild 10-hectare property on the Pacaltsdorp coast - exactly what they were looking for.
Their children and grandchildren loved their holidays there. It was a place where you could leave things unlocked and go for long walks in the veldt. For many years Ian was a coastal watch for the NSRI, and Pauline was a teacher at the Sao Bras School in Mossel Bay.

An all-consuming hobby was fixing firearms. "People thought I was mad not to charge them a fee but strangely enough that approach has paid off, and whatever I gave voluntarily in life, has come back tenfold."
The couple spent many happy years at their hide-out before moving back to town, and that only because an Australian buyer came marching onto their property with an offer they could not refuse.

Volunteerism pays
Pauline’s fondness of needlework and reading is unfortunately being hampered by her failing eye-sight. This has not prevented this chirpy woman from doing her bit for the community. She does manage to be a care-giver to church members. When anyone ails Pauline pays them a call, always armed with something to give cheer.
Volunteerism is an excellent approach to life, one that has given them a lot of fulfilment and has kept them busy and occupied. I leave them smiling happily on their garden bench where they have found their paradise (in town).
Readers should make a point of greeting Ian at the George Arts Theatre where at interval he always pops out of the control-room to greet theatre goers, wearing his customary black clothes and headlamp.

ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS