Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

For nostalgia’s sake... and for fun: the Fascéne airport with the palm tree that grew through the thatched roof zebus on the beach in the evening and Miss Coco

Christian

Hello,

Maybe you knew or crossed paths with him? I’m looking for a conscript who was at BA 181 between 1969 and 1970 and who gave me tutoring in math and physics. He was passionate about sailing and wanted to be a naval architect. In fact, he built a catamaran, and for the mast, we cut a bamboo in the grove near the tennis club; we brought it back to the hangars at night, carefully avoiding patrols. He sailed his boat on Lake Ambohibo at the CMAI club.

I also remember he bought an old American convertible (the same car you see in *Le Corniaud*)—white, of course—total show-off vibes!!!

Does this ring a bell for anyone? Thanks in advance.

Veloma

Good evening Geneviève, Good evening Zoma,

First of all, my best wishes to you and your family, and of course to Marie-France as well. Francis had a great idea to start this search, and after so many... well, more than that, years later, we realize that the time we spent in Madagascar really left its mark on our memories. I’ll contact you quickly via PM.

Best regards,

Christian

hi christian so happy to hear from you, even if it was very brief... madagascar really left its mark on all of us, but... that was our youth, and now we're trying to find a few fragments of it again... it's so moving to look back! and when we see how many replies francis is getting, it's clear that many others are nostalgic for this dream island! christian even spoke to francis on the phone, and it sounds like there might be some plans in the works.

I also reconnected with some old friends through a class photo from lycée jules ferry.

I hope you can reply in more detail before sunday because marie-france and my brother-in-law are coming over for 2 days before heading back to grenoble, and she’d be thrilled to hear your news, I’m sure...

do you have any other contacts from the 69/71 group???

wishing you and all your loved ones my best for 2008 kisses GG/nini my email: genevieve.grevisse@tele2.fr

I went to the Amporaha military camp three times in '69, '70, and '71. My father, Yves Velly, was in charge of setting up the camp. I was born Brigitte Velly and my married name is Courtois. I was born in 1953, so I was 16, 17, and 18 years old respectively. I haven’t been back to Nosy Be since, but I did visit southern Madagascar in 2000. I don’t have any scanned photos from that time yet. I’d love to get in touch with friends from those years. Brigitte Courtois Velly

Happy New Year and best wishes to everyone... how about a meet-up day for the (not-so-young) yéyés in 2008? Welcome to the club, Brigitte! I’ll contact you via PM. To all: Don’t forget to check—and most importantly, add to—the list of names I posted (from memory) above, even if it’s just from your own memory. francis

Hi Francis,

Does your brother Georges still remember the heartbeat of every girl who met him when we used to go on vacation to Nosy Be? You were much younger, but you were also very handsome. Okay, I was only 14, so it’s all in the past now. That said, what wonderful memories we have of playing (badly) at *coco boules*, walking along the beach in the evening (without our parents’ permission), sleeping in holes on the beach (still without our parents’ permission)—total freedom we’ve never found again since. The three of us (plus my husband, though he doesn’t know Madagascar) are in front of the computer reminiscing about our memories from there. I think we’ll be able to find some photos because my dad just gave some slides to Christian, who’s going to sort through them and scan the ones that might interest the group. Lots of love and happy New Year!!!!!! Marie France PS: Two new names—Philippe and Thierry Guillotin—but we don’t know if they went to Nosy Be. Also, Orsini Nanou and Sylvestre

Hi Marie France, Best wishes to your whole family!! Finally, some girls responding! We’ll chat about the fun stuff (heart troubles) in DMs—by the way, even though you were only 14, I’ve got a surprise photo for you and Geneviève, ah! ah! ah! Francis

Hi Francis,

Here are some new scanned slides from this weekend: - 2 of Dominique, the activity leader - 1 with Christian Mayor, Assouvi, MF Tavel... we couldn’t find all the names... So if you recognize yourself, thanks!

Zoma

And I hope for a surprise............. 1 slide with Francis and a few mermaids, including Colette Martin (all the way to the right) and I don’t remember who else? Zoma

Francis,

Here’s a slide with quite a few people. On the left: ??, Geneviève Tavel, Colette Martin, maybe Christian’s brother, ?? On the right: ??, Christian Mayor, Assouvi, and ???

Good evening Christian,

That’s definitely my brother Bernard on Colette’s left. It’s great to see these photos. Best,

Christian.

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

Hi Francis, it's been a while since I was last on the forum. I'm taking this opportunity to post some photos of Madagascar and its surroundings... velom... and mora mora... vasa. Best regards, jlou82😏

Hi everyone,

Nosy Be Fascene Airport— arrival or departure? That little pang in the heart. The magic of the place and the moment is still there! The scent of ylang-ylang, pepper, and drying coffee...

Have a great weekend! Zoma

Hello,

I just stumbled upon this search notice for people who attended the Nosy-Bé Air Force holiday camp... and well, that’s me. I was part of the 70/0 class and assigned to communications (I even got to visit the air base 30 years later—what nostalgia!). I was under the command of Captain Vezan, a friend of my father’s... I spent about two months in Nosy-Bé, which at the time was a little paradise... Feel free to contact me via my personal email. Talk soon!

Hi, it's great to reconnect with a fellow alum from Tana! I’m also from the class of 70/0. I’m on the forum—I’ve posted some old photos under the username jlou82. You might find some pleasant memories of Nosy or Tana there... I invite you to check out my profile on the site *Linternaute*; *Les Copains d’Avant*. I’ve uploaded some photos of Tana and its surroundings, including the IVAT base—you’ll find them in the folder “My Memories.” My contact info: jean-louis.loss@orange.fr. Best, jlou82

Good evening everyone, and welcome to mesrob, I was away for a while due to phone issues (completely out) and internet problems caused by switching to the 2-box TV system! (and we're not even in mainland France!!!) I recently reconnected and got back in touch by phone with: Mr. Pautrot (67-69), Mrs. Saout (58-59) (her husband passed away), Mrs. Evrard (67-69) (her husband also passed away). They remember: Bour, Lenhard, Luhern, Mr. Weittman (62-65), Margaret Cholley (67-69), Siodmak (70-71, called up), who is in touch with Alain Mayet (called up 70-71), and is looking for Claude Dupont (called up 70-71, barman at Escama). More to come in the next episode, and don’t forget to post the names and years of the people you’re looking for. A big thank you to Christian and Geneviève for reconnecting! Here are 3 photos: 1) Christian and me in '69, 2) 40 years later, yikes!! 3) Some of the called-up guys might recognize themselves? See you soon, Francis

Francis,

I’m reaching out to let you know about a correction—I was in Madagascar in ’69–’70 (class 69-04), along with A. Mayet, C. Dupont, JM. Viaud, the seminarian G. Boucher, S. Picard, JJ. Crété, B. Lefèbvre, and C. Colin. We left Nosy Bé in mid-July ’70. Best regards, Joseph Siodmak

PS: Love your info on the site! !

Hi Joseph, All good for the correction, and great call mentioning your buddies' names—now we just gotta get started! Did you recognize any of the cooks? Here’s one of the last photos taken in November 2003 at Amporaha. The boat is named "Vazahalava," the name given by Malagasy people to Mr. Émile. The second photo was taken in July 2007. Here’s the state of the road at the entrance to Amporaha—the road splits just before to head to Amarina Hotel (5 stars) on the beach to the left of Amporaha: Ambohiday. Right now, there are two hotel constructions at each end of Amporaha beach. I’ve reconnected with Thieux Paul, Weittman Françoise, and others in preparation for the end of the week. See you all soon, Francis

Hello everyone, hooray! I’ve reunited with our two star animators who created the songs "Nossi-Bé" and "Amporaha" (which I recently managed to transfer from my old audio cassette to CD—so any fans out there, take note!). Viaud J-M (1969-1970) and Ravard Doumé (1970). Still missing the third guy, "Yann" (1970), but it shouldn’t be long now. I’ve also recontacted Mr. Thieux Paul (1968-1969), Pastisson Jacques (1971-1973), Mariet Joseph (1966-1968), Beluche Michel (1970-1971), Pré Maurice, Bouchet Gilles (1970), and Picard Serge (1970). For addresses and other details, please still contact me privately at lenosybeen@orange.fr. See you soon, Francis......

I'm looking for anyone who stayed at the camp in June 1965. I was the supply truck driver... and at BA181 from November '64 to October '65. I revisited these places with great emotion just a year ago. Thanks

Hello, I stayed in Amporaha in June 1965 (BA 181 IVATO from 11/64 to 10/65) as a driver. Such a wonderful time!!!! I went back in March 2007: nostalgia and so many emotions!! I live in Paris but come to Cérons (33) every two weeks. Best regards and maybe see you soon. Pierre FABRE Phone: 01 42 57 04 78 Email: pjf.lesnomades@club-internet.fr

Hello, my name is Pierre FABRE. I was based in Ivato from 11/64 to 10/65 and was a driver at Amporaha in June 65—what great memories! I went back in March 2007 via a rough track with barely any vegetation left (but hey, they’ve got to eat, so they make fires!). Still, the magic remains, and I shed a few tears—I’m not ashamed of that. I took photos in the same spots again; it’s incredible... Best regards.

good evening, here are the people we’ve reconnected with (and thanks for the welcome and the big-family spirit of AA): - Mr. and Mrs. - Bouillon Jean-Claude 67 to 70 - Mr. and Mrs. - Lataste André 59 to 62 and 70-72 - Mr. and Mrs. - Porte Lucien Nov 67 to Aug 69 - Mr. and Mrs. - Tison Francis 68 to 70 - Mr. and Mrs. - Gabriel - Mr. and Mrs. - Jankowski 70 to 72 - Mr. and Mrs. - Galdiolo Georges 07/70 to 07/72 - Mr. and Mrs. - Gellé 62 to 65 - Mr. and Mrs. - Lauzeral Yvan - Mr. and Mrs. - Marcesse Lucien 59 to 62 - Mr. and Mrs. - Dubois André 59 to 62 - Mr. and Mrs. - Ryszowski Francis 69 to 71 - Mr. and Mrs. - Le Donge Alfred 60 to 63 - Mr. and Mrs. - Urcun Jean (deceased) and Marie-Thérèse 65 to 68 - Mr. and Mrs. - Delozanne Edouard (deceased) and Nicole 65 to 68 And here are the people we’re still looking for: - Troussart - Bouscaillou - Chamalet - Lagé - Lapalud - Dezetter - Favareu and others to come with your help by contacting me at: lenosybeen@orange.fr see you soon, the Nosy-Been PS: The two photos of Angiabe were given to her in December 2007—this is also what collecting photos is for. Thanks on their behalf!

Hello Francis, I didn’t get back to you, but I returned from Madagascar and Nosy Be on February 7th after a tropical storm in Nosy and a weakened cyclone over Tana. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to catch up with your friend Patrick in Nosy, and on top of that, the roads (well, the *path* was impassable)—even leaving the hotel was a nightmare!!! I’ll try to send you some photos from the good old days and some recent ones. I have to go back to Nosy Be for work in 2–3 months. I’ll keep you posted, and we’ll talk on the phone. Philippe * A little nostalgia trip with the old garrison mess in Antsirabe

I don’t have the pleasure of knowing you, but I just dreamed a little while looking at your slides. Could you tell me the date the photo was taken on BA 181, photo 48 (8 KB)? I was myself in Tana from 1959 to 1962 and from 1966 to 1968. Cheers! Allain

I don’t have the pleasure of knowing you, but I just dreamed a little while looking at your slides. Could you tell me the date the photo on BA 181 (photo 48, 8 KB) was taken? I was in Tana myself from 1959 to 1962 and from 1966 to 1968. Cheers, Allain

Hello Allain, the photo was taken on the tarmac of BA 181 at Ivato in the 1970s. I invite you to check out my photos on this forum under the username jlou82, or on the site "Copains d’Avant." See you soon on the forum, and to all the friends of Madagascar—jlou82

Thanks for your reply! In 1970, I thought there were no more Dakotas or Dassault 315s at Ivato, but Nord Atlas planes—it seems one can even be seen in the background. I’m in the 54, greetings, Allain

The Dakota on the tarmac used to belong to Malagasy aviation. There were also Nord 2000s and Alouette IIs, among others... Best regards, jlou82

Good evening everyone, here’s the latest update on people we’ve reconnected with: Mr. and Mrs. Alain Yvon and Madeleine (59-61) and (66-68) / Mr. and Mrs. Favareu Roger and Yvette (64-67) / Mr. and Mrs. De Gouville Denis (70-71) / Mr. Jean Gilbert (69-71) / Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman Marc (70-72) / Mr. and Mrs. Fontaine Pierre (70-72) / Mr. and Mrs. Cazaillet (?) / Mr. and Mrs. Angelier Bernard (?) / Mr. and Mrs. Natali Raymond (deceased) and Thérèse (67-69) / Mr. and Mrs. Boulle Serge (May 66-Dec 68) / Mr. and Mrs. Llanguas Joseph (66-68), with more to come..... See you all soon!

serge Boulle is looking for former members of GAM 50 from the years 1966 to 1969. Warm greetings to everyone, and to you, GUY PACI. Please join us thanks to Francis. See you soon! -

Hi Francis, here I am... a "long journey" to finally find your message, so here I am.....

Hi, I’m Muriel Cruchou. I spent all my vacations at Amporaha between ’69 and ’71. My father was the camp chief back then, a captain....

I returned to Madagascar and Nosy Be in 1999....Do we know each other? Best regards

Hi Christian..... so happy to see these photos!!!! Francis called me and we talked for a long time about all this. So many great memories—I’ll get my brother Gérald in on it, and I hope we can all get together for a celebration one day. Cheers, Muriel CRUCHOU

Hello Marie France, Francis just called me.... magical dive back How are you? I’m looking back at the photos with pleasure and remembering names.... Nanou Orsini, the Mayors, the Tisons, I don’t think the GUILLOTINs came to Amporaha. My dad passed away in January 2007. And I’m a grandmother to little Marcus now, for a month and a half. I hope everything’s going well for all of you. See you soon, maybe! Say hello to the whole family for me. Mureil

Lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, there's a little island where you feel so good, so good—lined with coconut and palm trees, Nosy Be, Nosy Be... I still have the song stuck in my head!!!!

serge Boulle is looking for former members of GAM 50 from 1966 to 1969. Greetings to everyone, and to you, GUY PACI. Please join us thanks to Francis. A + -

Hi Christian, I’m Muriel CRUCHOU. We were together in Nosy Be and Madagascar during the same period. My father was also a camp leader, and I remember you perfectly... and the happy times we spent together. My brother Gérald and I often think about those days. I have some photos and Super 8 films (not great quality). Unfortunately, my dad passed away last year. I’d love to hear how you’re doing—I see you live in the South, lucky you! I’m just outside Paris. Francis gave me your phone number, so I’ll try to reach you. Cheers, Muriel

Hello, I’m Muriel Cruchou. I was in Madagascar from ’69 to ’71. My father, Captain Cruchou, was Colonel Larivière’s deputy, and he used to call me "cruchette." We spent all our vacations in Nosy Bé—my father had been the camp chief there. I went back to Madagascar and Nosy Bé in ’99. So many emotions, and sadness too, seeing how the country has become one of the poorest. We didn’t live on the base but in Tana, though we’d go to the lake every weekend to sail, water-ski, aquaplane, and more... See you soon! Muriel

serge Boulle is looking for former members of GAM 50 from the years 1966 to 1969. Greetings to everyone, and to you, GUY PACI—thanks for joining us thanks to Francis. Cheers! -

hi francis just a tiny extra bit of info... insignificant, but still... for the angelier group, it was from '67 to '69 because we (the tavel group) replaced them cheers GG

Hi Muriel,

I’m still struggling a bit to get used to this forum and check in regularly, but this morning I have some time and I came across your message! It’s true that it brings back so many years, but they’re all such wonderful memories. I’m really sad about your dad—I have such great memories of him, especially his laugh (and your mom’s too) and, above all, his kindness and good humor. No matter how much we say ‘that’s life,’ it still hurts when it happens. Thankfully, life also gives us gifts like our grandchildren. You must be loving every moment with little Marcus—kids that age are just too cute. Because I’m a grandma too now, but only since last Wednesday, and to two adorable little ones: a little girl, Emy, and a little boy, Maxime. My oldest daughter gave us this joy. They’re absolutely precious, and needless to say, I’m spending all my free time with them. I hope we’ll actually get the chance to see each other all together very soon. Sending hugs to share with Gérald when you see him :o)

Oh hey Marie France! Congrats on the twins! It’s true, it’s magical... so many births in such a short time and so many little "fish" (and little mermaids). How are your parents? And Mr. and Mrs. Grevisse? I miss my dad so much, and things are more difficult with my mom. Gérald is doing okay, but he’s quite "wild" and has a hard time diving back into our Malagasy memories!!! His daughter had an emergency baby on Monday because she developed eclampsia at six and a half months pregnant—the baby weighs only 1.3 kg, and we’re all a bit shaken up.

I discovered this forum recently thanks to Francis’s call, and I’m still not very familiar with it yet. I emailed Christian MAYOR but haven’t heard back—maybe I don’t have the right address. No news from the Guillotins either, but where are they?

I went back to Madagascar in ’99 for a month. It was heartbreaking to see this beautiful country in distress—so much poverty, the vegetation in Nosy Bé completely destroyed, the coral reef nearly dead, and sex tourism... I admire Francis’s tenacity in bringing people together like this—it’s amazing. Hope we can meet up! I don’t have much free time since I work part-time, but having you all over for dinner would be a real pleasure (we’d try to "catch" Gérald).

Big hugs to everyone, MUMU

Hello Joseph Siodmak Nosy Be 06/07/70, cook in the regular team at IVATE, cook in Nosy Be too—we must know each other, as well as ALAIN MAYET aka "Musclé" and CLAUDE DUPONT aka Georges, the bartender at La Chasse. He ran the bar in Nosy Be, and we worked on the song of Nosy Be with J M VIAUD, S PICARD, CHRISTAIN COLIN from Arcueil. I can’t do more tonight because the house will be full soon—Easter is here. Cheers to you, see you soon, Joseph

Hello Muriel,

It feels strange to get back in touch after all these years. I can only imagine how much you miss your dad; I dread to think what it’ll be like when mine is gone. For now, they’re doing okay—my mom just had a knee replacement and is recovering more easily than she feared. My dad is very attentive, maybe even *too* much, and my sister and I worry about what would happen if we lost him first. But we’re trying not to dwell on that for now. I don’t live too far from them, which lets me take care of them as much as my schedule allows (I wish I could work part-time too).

On the Grévisse side, Christian’s dad had major hip surgery last year and spent months in the hospital, but Mrs. Grévisse is still exactly the same.

I’ve never gone back to Madagascar, and honestly, I don’t really want to—especially with all the news about how the country’s deteriorated. Do you remember Christophe Salvan and his sister Magali? He works at Schneider (like me), and she’s in Lyon (so not too far from Grenoble). As for the other friends, no news, but I’m sure they’ll pop up again someday :o)

Keep me updated about Gérald’s little girl—it’s especially moving for me because I can imagine their situation after the scares we had with my Steph. They’re in for some tough times, but on the other hand, science has made such progress that premature babies are so well cared for and monitored these days. I have a friend who was born at 7 months (and that was 60 years ago!!!) and she never had any lasting effects, even though medicine wasn’t as advanced back then. But it’s easy to offer encouragement when you’re far away and not in their shoes. Anyway, I’m thinking of you all and really hope we’ll see each other again soon.

Hugs to all of you.

Hi Joseph, it's very possible we crossed paths since we were there at the same time. Still, take a look at the photos in case you recognize someone else—Claude Dupont, ''the bearded guy'' in the center. Photo taken at the Shanghai in Ivat during the Father Cent celebration, 70/0. See you soon! Best regards, jlou82

Hi everyone, I’ve been a bit away lately, but here I am again! A quick message for those I’ve already contacted: The message I sent after my phone call has been updated—it now includes more photos and the song "Nossi-Bé" too. If it takes a while to download, don’t worry! Those who know it will appreciate it, and for those who don’t, it’s worth discovering. Just so you know, it’s an original recording made on Amporaha beach in 1970 with a little (MP3-era) Philips cassette recorder. If you’d like to receive this updated message, get in touch with me at: lenosybeen@orange.fr

Here’s the list of new contacts: Jeandin Louis (deceased) and Mrs. 1965–1967 / Le Noach Michel and Mrs. 1961–1963 / Kergal Robert and Mrs. 1962–1964 / Groseillier Jean-Louis and Jeanine 1972–1973 / Chicotte-Navas 1968–1971 / Tissandier Julien and Jeanine 1959–1961 / Paineau Roger 1965–1967 / Falcou Jean and Mrs. 1959–1961 / Lejeune Jean and Mrs. 1962–1964? / Buron Serge and Mrs. 1971–1973 / Santori Nonce 1959–1961 / Gherardi Pierre 1962–1965 / Chourrout Jean (deceased) and Mrs. (deceased) 1960–1962? / Galinier Jacques 1963–1964 / Chable Gérard 1969–1971 / Cruchou André (deceased) and Mrs. 1969–1971? / Colonna Ange 1958–1962 and 1969–1971 / Jean Jean-Marie and Mrs. 1959–1962 / Escaich (deceased) and Mrs. 1959–1962 / Thomas André 1969–1971 / Ballester and Mrs. 1959–1963 / Amic Edmond and Ginette / Couant François 1968–1970 / Brunier Paul 1964–1966 / Eychenne Michel (3 months) / Bellito (deceased) and Mrs. 1969? ...and more to come soon. But I’d really like to tip my hat to all these "former youngsters" for their warmth and youthful spirit! Some left me hanging, though!

Don’t hesitate to ask me or send me a PM with the names (and years) of anyone you’d like to reconnect with.

Cheers to all, and see you soon! Veloma, Francis

1) The little kid in front with the floral shirt in 1970 2) The same guy: Pity in 2007 with (almost) the same floral shirt!

Hi there, I stumbled upon your thread about the Nossi Be holiday camp. I’m currently researching French aviation at Ivato and am looking for testimonials from people who lived there. I see you have a nice photo of the entrance to BA 181. If you’d like to help, you can email me at this address: roumsalareunionNOSPA@Morange.fr. Just remove the bold uppercase characters to get it right. Thanks in advance! Best, Franck

Hi,

Here’s a photo of a Cessna 337 from ESCAMA taken in Madagascar in ’70 or ’71.

My father (Chief Adj. LISKA) is on the right.

If you’d like a higher resolution, feel free to DM me.

Cheers.

Hello, I accept your proposal, but I can't reach you via PM 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. Best regards, Franck