I must thank a very special friend of mine, Peter Petter-Bowyer, for all the encouragement he has afforded me over years of doing my other interest, the Rhodesian Air Force and now I know I will receive the same on this project.
Truly someone all Umtali "ites" can be proud of.

I am establishing Umtali's Story as a site for people who, like me, loved Umtali
and delight in recalling and boasting about that wonderful town.

My schooling at Umtali Boys High School continues to have so much meaning for me and the blessing of that experience was greatly enhanced by the privilege of servicing in the finest Air Force of our times.

As you well know, establishing ORAFS (Old Rhodesian Air Force sods) was my way of creating a meeting point to honour my Rhodesian Air Force associates as well as any other interested Rhodesians. Now I am establishing Umtali's story in like manner to keep Umtali types in communication with each other.

Many will never understand why Umtali Boys High should be different or more special than any of the many great boys schools in Rhodesia. Well, that is because they did not experience the magic that surrounded UBHS and UGHS students every minute of every day.

All Rhodesian schools enjoyed the privilege of blue skies and a wonderful climate. But only Umtali had its surrounding mountains, forests and valleys to give added depth to the glories that abounded in Rhodesia. Being a gateway on the shortest route to Rhodesians' favourite seaside resort should not be forgotten.