Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

Hi there,

Here’s a slide of the Malagasy squadron (ESCAMA) from 1969–70. I’m going through my family’s and in-laws’ slides—I should find more... DC3, Nord Atlas, Sky Raider, etc.

Looking forward to reading you on the forum. Veloma

Hello, I can't message you privately because I'm brand new on this forum and haven't sent the 20 messages required by the moderator yet. So I can't send you a private message. Here's my email: roumsalareunionNOSPA@Morange.fr. Remove the bold and underlined characters to get my email. I’ve attached some photos of Madagascar taken last October. Best, Franck

Sugarloaf in Diego

Cap Diego

Nosy Be last October

Hope to hear from you, Christian.... I already left you a message; I got back in touch with the Tavel girls. Cheers, see you soon Muriel

Hi Mumu,

It’s a Christian answering you, but not the one in the photo!! And that’s definitely you in the middle.

Have a great Sunday! @plus Veloma Nini and Christian

Hey Christian, wow, I missed so much!! Can you tell me who’s the guy on the left? The redhead—I’ll share the story in a PM. francis

😉more photos to come😉

francis I sent you a list in a PM to your Orange email address. Franck

Hi, Hello Francis, just quickly, here are some recent photos taken in Tana and Nosy Be for the enthusiasts. Photo of the entrance to the Ivate base now (taken in January 2008) and Nosy Be just a few minutes before the cyclone hit at the end of January! See you soon, I’ll be heading back to Madagascar in 2 to 3 months! !

Good evening, here are two links where you’ll get an inside look: http://aerosteles.hydroretro.net/fiche.php?code=ivato-aviacol

http://aerosteles.hydroretro.net/fiche.php?code=ivato-actuelle

Best, Franck

Hello, Happy to chat about Ivato and Nosy Bé—I was there in 1964/1965 and returned in March 2007... such wonderful memories!! Get in touch: pjf.lesnomades@club-internet.fr Hope to hear from you soon. Pierre FABRE

I’m looking for anyone who knew the old Amporaha holiday camp (north of Nosy Be)

Hi Francis, I think I’m not mistaken—I just signed up on this site today, April 2, 2008. I stayed in Nosy Be in ’67, ’68, and ’69, and I still have some photos where you appear. I knew the GAC family (Nathalie)—her father was the camp director in ’68. Also the Troin family (Marie Louise), the Perrin family (Jacques and Catherine), the Patachini, Delpèche, Anglier, and Gourves families. And the whole Émile family, including your mom, who used to make us coconut pancakes. The dives at the islet, that amazing coral reef, nighttime fruit bat hunting—so many unforgettable memories. I’m Patrick Romé; back then, I was just a teenager in your paradise. What became of Amporaha? If anyone reads this and recognizes me (or not), I’d love to share stories about Nosy Be and Madagascar. My father was in the military at Ivato. What a beautiful paradise I discovered during those years. Marie Louise, Nathalie, Solange, and all those friends—so many memories. Hopefully, see you soon; I’m waiting for news. Warm regards to all the Nosy Be locals—signed, Patrick

I’m looking for anyone who knew the old Amporaha holiday camp (north of Nosy-Be)

After reading all the messages, I won’t hide the fact that, despite being 54, I got a little emotional and my eyes welled up. I notice that everyone who’s been to Madagascar, no matter the year or how much time has passed, has memories etched in their hearts. What an incredible country! The kindness of the Malagasy people! The blend of cultures—even 40 years later, I still feel deeply connected to this nation of 20 ethnic groups, knowing that the 20th is France. Thank you, dear Malagasy friends, for not forgetting us.

I spent three years there between 1967 and 1969. I have a few memories of the last names of military personnel I interacted with—here’s the list: JJ Patachini, Corrine and JLuc Vivier, Josiane Guerrier, the Gabrielle family, Lannelongue, JJacques and Catherine Périn, Denis Gilles, JJacques Gourves, Solange Delpeche, Marie-Louise Trouin, Bertrand and Nathalie Gac, Marie-Théréze Anjelier, the Labat family, the Clémént family. These people were in Madagascar during the 67/69 period. Some lived in Bahuho in Tana, near the Mahamache stadium, and others at the Ivato base. For my part, I was in Bahuho and studied at ESCA, run by the director "Brother Romain," with whom I’m still in touch. After founding another ESCA in Tulear, he’s now in Ambatolampy, enjoying his days at 84—a real character, "a builder." If anyone from the list can give me information or if I can reconnect with them, I’d be thrilled. Or if you recognize any of them, please contact me. It’s always nice to relive memories from those beautiful years. Francis Emile, I’m waiting for your message—I’ve digitized all my Super 8 films, and they’re on DVD. I have 1 hour and 10 minutes of footage from Madagascar, including 40 minutes of Nosy-Be, and the whole team from back then is in it. The quality after digitization isn’t too bad; the Kodachrome 2 films have held up well over time. Currently, with an engineer colleague, we’re developing a direct capture system from the Super 8 projector lens to a computer—a unique setup on the planet! Once our calibration study is complete, we’ll gain better image quality, colors, and save time. The only real issue is the projectors—if anyone knows where to find this type of equipment or spare parts, let me know! ! ! Thanks.

I’ll stop rambling now—work is calling. See you soon, dear Nosy-Be friends, and thank you for all the messages you’ve written. They really warm the heart. Best regards, Patrick Romé

Good evening, First, I’d like to say two big THANK YOUs: the first to Francis for this "forum," and the second to my Friend—what am I saying??? My Brother P.ROME—it was he who gave me the link!!!! I’m not quite sure how to start this first post??? Memories, chills—I can feel I’m going to lose more hair… I’ve put out a call to my father, the camp’s doctor, for photos from two stays: the first in 1968 (1 week) and the end of June 1969 (15 days). The memories are vivid now—I’d just taken my *BEPC* exams and was waiting for the results with a guy named J-J PATACHINI… But let’s talk about the first stay—the arrival… barely settled in… a bath… a scratch… coral… what’s that?? (We’ll talk about it another time…) Lunch with a table full of young people, including one (yes, I still tear up with joy thinking about that moment)… the dynamic Father… and yes, Patrick, we can’t forget him!!! But also the Pilot… your jaw-dropping antics… then, to celebrate the meeting, a water-glass fight—even mint water, right, Nathalie!!!

Okay, that’s enough for tonight, but don’t worry—we’ll be back! By the way, I’ve got a name that should ring a bell for Francis and, I hope, others—or even the person himself: POULIQUEN (not sure about the spelling), but his shark, ray, and lobster spearfishing had really impressed me!!

Jean-Jacques GOURVES

Hey everyone, I realize the "yéyés" club is still going strong! Welcome to prome and ledoc253—I’ll message you privately, but it’s great for finding people’s names! It’s true that POULIQUEN was a pro at diving. By the way, for diving enthusiasts, there’s a site: pieds-lourds.com created by Jean Gilbert (70-71), another sea pro! See you later, Francis

Hi Jean-Jacques,

I had the pleasure of connecting with Patrick Romé on Copains d’Avant through ESCA. I gave him the address of the forum created by Francis... and the chain keeps growing on its own—it’s great!!

Do we know each other? We must’ve crossed paths in Amporaha, Ivato, or Tana (at the military mess in Fiadan). Anyway, I know POULIQUEN. He was in the military at BA 181 and was my PE teacher at ESCA. A famous free-diver.

There are a few photos on the site with familiar faces and others without names... if you can help us put names to them (and track them down), that’d be great. We can also exchange private emails (by clicking on the name on the left in blue, then on the little envelope—your message won’t be published on the site).

Veloma, Christian (Zoma)

Hello everyone, here’s the continuation of the families contacted: Olivier Raymond 71-72, Barré Daniel (deceased), Jahin Pierre 70-73, Barendon Georges 71-73, Bozon Lucien 65-68, Gillet Elie 67-69, Bois Maurice 61 (6 months), Sevat 70-72, Stoger Marc, Muiron Jacques 70-72, Cochet Michel, Fournier Pierre, Huron (deceased) 64-66, Ferraro Armand 65-67, Cyrile Bernard 66-68, Grégoire 61-64, Euvrard, Germanovitch André (deceased) 69-71, Billiotte 70-72, Sanjivy Ludovic 62-64, Coppola Jean 66-68, Lecomte Louis 70-73, Pavat Edouart (deceased) 63-66, Gigou René 64-66, Marches Bernard, Robin James (deceased) 59-62, Gigant De Girus (deceased) 59-62, Millet Claude, Dubois Michel 68-70, Cavarec Daniel 65-67, Andrieu Paul 70-72, Degras Luc 62-65, Larreur Henri, Romé Marc 67-69, Rain Pierre, Geindreau Michel 62-65, Paris 65-67, and... Franck Roumy, who didn’t have the chance to experience the magic of Amporaha camp (he has no idea what he missed!!! It could’ve been one more cheerful rascal!). But we welcome him among us and especially thank him for his help.

Anyway, to be continued in the next episode... I’ll be away from May 21st to... July 31st, and guess where? Whoever loves me, follow me... the worst part is that some will! Heh heh! I’m gonna show them a wild time...

Photo: I’m telling you... I’m gonna show them a wild time...

It's true that I've never been to Amporaha, but I can see what I've missed from all the photos you've shared on this forum. I regret that the current BA isn't in Madagascar. Life there would have been completely different. Still, I've managed to visit the Big Island several times and see some amazing landscapes, and most importantly, meet welcoming and charming people. Franck Zoreil from Réunion

Good evening, I’ve just signed up among the former camp members and added a photo worthy of my username. Have a great evening, everyone—a doctor from the camp (July 1968, end of June 1969)

I'll take the ball and throw down a challenge! Who's the biggest chimp? Who can top that?, Anyway, thanks to the chimp for definitely healing our little aches back then and for the photo taken to the left of the beach just after the "Sakalava" village?

Hi Francis, I understand better now what you meant in your last email "careful, I’m very natural, the real Robinson" after seeing your two photos. Take care, Franck

and you didn't see anything!!! I even forgot! "Friday" (photo)

April 8, 2008 Hello and a big thank you to Francis, Your phone call already warmed my heart. I’m doubly happy that my friends, the Gourves family—aka "Chimpanze" and "JJLEDOC"—have signed up on your forum. They’ve got sea urchin spines stuck between the dermis and epidermis, so thanks to Doctor Gourves for patching them up with iodine tincture—a kind of medical tan. Either way, it was that or mercury chrome, and we’d have left looking like ladybugs. Do you have any memories of Mokafou? It was a cute little critter that used to come by in the evening to snag a few ml of our blood. A quick word for Christian Grevisse: I sent you two emails—did you get them? Finally, thanks to you, Francis, I got news about the place where I used to live. Muriel moved there right after I left, and the story of Madagascar continues through our memories. That’s why I’m extending my stay virtually, but the closer I get to retirement, the closer I get to Madagascar. Returning to this island is a must—a stop in Nosy-Be, Diego, Sainte Marie, Tamatave, Tana, retracing the steps of a schoolboy, Tuléar—basically a full island tour with no time limit. Other names come to mind: the Vivier family, the Brastel family, the Labat family. Keep this amazing forum alive—Nosy-Be and Madagascar will remain a paradise on Earth thanks to all of us. Best regards, Patrick Romé

Miss Coco's photo is amazing—what a character! She was really the village attraction. I was little (7 to 10 years old, from '62 to '65), but I remember it like it was yesterday. She fascinated us!

I went back to Madagascar in 2006. I entered the former IVATO air base, found my old house (they let me go inside), my school, the pool, the tennis courts, the infirmary, the mess hall (a bit run-down) with the little pond where we used to tease the baby crocodile, the CMRC—all of it with so much emotion.

After that, I took a 3-week trip through the southwest, and I couldn’t resist making a round trip to Nosy Be to search for Amporaha. It was tough to find on a dirt bike at the end of that bumpy track—so much emotion again!

Nosy Be has changed a lot, but it hasn’t lost any of its magic. At dusk, when you ride through the ylang-ylang fields on a motorbike and the scent intoxicates you, it’s pure bliss. The island is still a wonder!

I hope to go back soon with my parents (my dad was a captain and in charge of the camp in the summer of '64, I think).

See you soon for some photos!

Hello, And welcome, boopas! You can contact either of us privately by clicking on the name on the left, so we can get to know who you are and... who knows, maybe we’ll cross paths (again) soon in Nosy-Be. See you soon, Francis

Hello again everyone, There’s someone who’s desperately trying to get into our forum! And yet, so many of us are waiting for her—Madame is either sending out an SOS to ORANGE or she just won’t admit it, she’s really dragging this out! Oh well!! Marie-Lou TROIN, old habits die hard! Anyway, she’ll join us as soon as the issue is resolved. See you soon, Francis That’s definitely her in the red lamba in the photo!

It was expected, sure, there were "truly magnificent Tahitian women" in Amporaha amid that dreamlike setting. Marie-Louise was radiant—those happy moments are impossible to forget. From Emile Avenue to the sacred islet, from lobsters to Mrs. Emile’s coconut pancakes... how could we, the young teens we were, ever forget Nosy Be? I think it’s impossible. Today, a few days later, we’re reunited, and nothing has changed—just that time has passed, but the memories are still there. Welcome, M. Louise, so happy to see you again. Patrick

Hello, My name is Stéphane Néfiolov, and I’m the son of Captain Néfiolov from back then. I knew Amporaha in 1968—I was 9 years old. I went back in 1972 and became friends with Frank, Emile’s son, who was in charge of camp maintenance. You know, the guy who’d drive us to Helleville in the 403, and along the way, we’d cross that field of ylang-ylang (not sure about the spelling), but I’ll never forget that heavenly scent. If by any chance you have news about Emile’s family, please pass it along. I’m a musician now, and you can visit my site: nefiolovs.ifrance.com. Greetings from Amporaha, S. Néfiolov

Hello, I’m the son of Captain Néfiolov from back then. My name is Stéphane, and my father’s name was Guy. We were in Nosy Be in 1968, and I returned in 1972. I was really good friends with Frank and Freddy, who were my age and the sons of Emile, the camp leader who used to take us from Amporaha to Hell-Ville in those 403 vans! If you have any news, drop me a little hello. I’m a musician now, and you can find me on my website: nefiolovs.ifrance.com Big greetings from Nosy Be! S. Néfiolov

Hi, If your dad was a captain in Nosy Bé back then, he must’ve been a buddy of mine—Captain Guy Néfiolov. I also spent all my vacations there in 1968 and 1971. I was friends with Emile’s sons. I’m a musician now. You can check out my site: nefiolovs.ifrance.com Stéphane Néfiolov

Hello everyone, Finally!!! Hi there Stéphane, and welcome to the club!!! Not long ago, Franck saw one of your posters in Corsica—I knew it wouldn’t be long before we crossed paths again. If you only knew how many people have asked me about your dad! Few have forgotten him. I’ll reach out privately about that, but in the meantime, here’s a photo of a certain young… Stéphane. And another of Fredy around 1999, plus Francis.

Hello Stéphane, I was in Nosy Be at the same time as you—you were a bit younger than me—but I remember your dad well. He was a great fighter pilot and would occasionally fly over Amporaha, buzzing the treetops so low he almost touched the coconut palms. See you soon, I’m Patrick Romé (Prome). Some people left great memories—thank you to them—and your dad is one of them. Best regards. Among my friends was ML Troin, whom I’ve reconnected with since. Thanks again to Francis for creating this forum. See you soon.

Hey Francis! Unbelievable!!! But true! What a little show-off I already was in that photo! It’s a wonderful gift! My Frank is still as handsome as ever! Here’s my phone number! Tell him to give me a call one of these days: 02.97.59.42.12 06.71.07.73.34 Anyway, you’ve got all that on my website: nefiolovs.ifrance.com (no www. before) Thanks again for everything! I’m waiting to hear from you! Stéphane

Hey Prome! I'm stunned by this news, and so happy! Francis just wrote to me too, and he found a photo of me in Nosy-Bé! Hope everything's going great for you (I think you're in Bordeaux now)? We occasionally play there with my band! Next tour, I'll send you an email! In the meantime, you can always follow us on my website: nefiolovs.ifrance.com (don't add www before) Thanks again for your reply! Eternal greetings from Nosy-Bé Stéphane

Hi Francis, I just heard about Miss COCO from a former Ivato local. He says he has a photo of the "Belle". I’ll send you his details in a PM. Veloma, Franck

Hi everyone, I was in Nosy in July and August '71. Did anyone know a young woman named Dominique (I think she was from the agricultural sector)? Her father was a pilot. Thanks! ;;;!

Sorry, I don’t know this person—I was in Madagascar from 1967 to ’69 inclusive. Best of luck with your search. P.Rome

Finally!!! I can share my joy... youthful memories rediscovered along with emotions!!!🙂 Thank you for your welcome and especially your comments! "The Tahitian" has changed a lot 🤪—the kilos and the years... but still full of "pep"... and ready to party!!! Looking forward to reading you all soon... Best wishes to everyone!😉 For info, I was in Ivato from June 1968 to September 1970, and Dad was a pilot on the "Skyraider" (he left us soon after😕). He was camp chief in Nosy Be in July 1970 and in 1969 if my memory serves me right...😇

Oh! Yay! M.Lou, there you are on the forum with such great energy—I’m so happy to read you. Through your words, my video-memory opens up, and the story of Nosy-Be plays back in my little head. Just imagine! Our memories are as vivid as yesterday in Nosy-Be, yes! Yes! Because to me, it *was* yesterday—I don’t count the time that’s passed, but the time I might have left. So quick! Quick! We need to preserve our memories, and all Nosybeans (men and women) should take part in Francis’s idea. In the end, as a bonus, I’ll make an amazing DVD of yesterday’s and today’s memories in video clips. I’m counting on you and everyone who’s already responded, YES!!!! The music of Nosy-Be from yesterday and what will live again tomorrow—a fantastic site with memory videos, so we can travel back to Madagascar’s past for a few minutes thanks to modern communication. Thank you. See you soon. Patrick Romé

You’re on fire, Patrick! Motivated like never before! Pure happiness...😏 See you soon!

Proof in pictures (top to bottom)

MLT

GT - FG - CG

and the lobsters

Veloma Christian

Nosybéennes 😉, Nosybéens 😏, here are some photos that haven’t aged too well 🙁 but will bring back wonderful memories for us.😇 See you soon. Thanks to all of you. P. Romé😎

hi everyone! I’ve been away from the forum for a while… glad to see that the friends from Amporaha camp are still "alive and kicking"—that’s great! Just to relive the good old days that have passed… with the scent of ylang-ylang. Nostalgia, you’ve got us hooked…

I’m posting an old photo of the camp run by Mr. and Mrs. Emile from the 70s. jlou82

Hello Patrick, Your photographs are stunning. Two of them really caught my eye: the ones of the Dakota and the Grise. Could you get in touch with me at roumsalareunionNOSPA@Morange.fr (remove NOSPAM to get my email address)? Thanks in advance. Veloma, Franck

Hello everyone. Here I am, registered with the former members of Amporaha. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Émile, brother of Francis, and yes, Stéphane Nefiolow!!!! It's me, Fredy. When I took a look at the site, I got chills. Check out page 6, image 0294—it’s like you’re saying hello to me. Page 6, image 132, look at my two sardines, that’s me around 2003. How we’ve changed!!! Check page 6, image 1969, I was there every time. I’m on a small atoll in French Polynesia, just like in Amporaha, but not on vacation. Passing through Tahiti, I’ll call you in 4 hours sharp. (Former Paris Firefighter) Warm regards to all.

Good evening everyone, I was a bit absent for "grandpa duties with my 5 little rascals at the seaside"—they all got a serious sunburn (except me !😕) in Brittany!!!—and then came home with a nasty cold, but I'm feeling better now. Here’s the latest on the families I’ve reconnected with and contacted: Chamalet Jean 62-65, Gourves Jacques 68-69 (our young chimpanzee), Péron Alain 70-72, Troin (Mr. deceased) 68-70, Ogliotti Guy, Baudry Guy, Dumoucel, Dezetter Jim 68-70, Néfiolov Guy (deceased) 68-72, Cabon, Blanquet Emile 67-69, Demonin Guy 61-64. More to come in the next episode... A big thank you to you, Franck.

Have a great evening, everyone, and see you soon—*véloma*...

Hi Francis, Glad you were able to expand your list. Now that your grandkids have left, if I understood correctly, it’s vacation time to relax before the upcoming trip... veloma, Franck