THE DATE: Tuesday 8th December 2015
VENUE: KwaMuhle Museum, Bram Fischer Road [Ordnance Road] Durban.
TIME: Meeting commences at 17h30; Refreshments will be served from 16h45.
CHARGE: There is a charge of R20 per person for SANS meetings.
PARKING: Off Bram Fischer/Ordnance road [next to the Museum]; security person is present
FEATURE: Christmas Stamps – Prof Franco Frescura
The Christmas Stamp story had its start in Durban so come along and listen to the complete tale – well what it’s possible to tell everyone in an hour.
As an added draw we have heard a rumour there will be Christmas goodies to titivate the palate – and probably add to the sugar load as is normal at this season – but as it’s our last get together of the year come and meet some new faces and enjoy some sound entertainment.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 2015 REPORT BACK
Saturday 21st November saw this year’s AGM and luncheon celebrated once again at the Royal Natal Yacht Club. After a short break members were entertained by the awesome double act of Sue and Roger Burrows who took us on a very gentle but enthralling journey around some of Britain on their Narrow Boat.
There’ll be many more of their wonderful photographs and a write-up of what they had to say in a forthcoming newsletter but a huge thank you to both Sue and Roger for a wonderfully entertaining hour, accompanied by what was the first true summer storm of the year which absolutely thundered down on the roof. Thank you sound system too for without you the day might have been very different.
SANS NEW COMMITTEE
And members you have a new committee that will need to work hard to maintain the very high standards set by the previous one.
President: Ian Smith
Chair: Hardy Wilson
Treasurer: Myra Boyes
Secretary: Memory Coutts
Members: Sanabelle Ebrahim Kathrine Fenton-May
Joan Widdowson John Cooke Mikhail Peppas
Hon VP Members Naureen Craig Robert King David Hughes
Theunis Walter Eloff
One of the first goals of the incoming committee is to see its members responsible for dedicated roles with these announced in the January Newsletter. But one role that has already been accepted is that of overseeing the catering at meetings. So let’s start by thanking Joan Widdowson who has undertaken to do this. Joan will be contacting members who have offered to help cater for one or two meetings each year and we trust that this new system will benefit everyone.
OCTOBER MEETING REPORT BACK
QUEEN VICTORIA WAS AMUSED! – PRESENTATION BY THEUNIS WALTER ELOFF
All we can report is that Theunis Eloff’s presentation about Queen Victoria was more than up to the very high standard we have come to expect from Theunis but like the AGM you’ll only see a write-up and some of his evocative photos later. Members who attended were certainly convinced that his title told the truth and her majesty did indeed have a sense of humour.
AN URGENT APPEAL FOR HELP WITH INFORMATION AND MATERIALS DELVILLE WOOD 100TH & DHS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Next year will see the 100th Anniversary of Delville Wood and the 150th Anniversary of Durban High School. Both these events are of major significance to Durban and SANS has been offered the opportunity to put on an exhibition to celebrate these milestones.
The society has to decide within a very short time whether to go ahead. The decision hinges on finding sufficient supporting material to create a meaningful, relevant and in depth display. Several institutions and people have been incredibly helpful and totally supportive so we are rapidly developing a picture of our capabilities.
Actual materials are essential for the displays which will be explained by ‘storyboards’. These materials could include items from family members who had ancestors or relatives at the battle of Delville Wood or even involved with WW1. Similarly anything that connects to DHS at this time in particular.
Museums love to build a story about one or more people when they have real information about the people who participated.
We believe the creation of a 1916 ambience will be the most effective foundation but no firm ideas have been laid down and won’t be until different possibilities and scenarios have been discussed.
Would you have books, furniture, music, musical instruments, photographs, in fact anything from that period or people involved that could be used?
We already have access to DHS Archives and some of the school’s supporting material. Some Old Boys have also offered materials. But please do not think the record is complete as we will look at everything.
We have been given access to some excellent Militaria material which should help to build a picture.
So this is a preliminary but urgent request. Please think about this and let SANS know how you might provide vital or even smaller snippets of information. And if you have physical stuff let us know so we can catalogue it as having potential to help.
Please email Hardy Wilson, hardy.wilson@telkomsa.net with all possible information as soon as possible and certainly by the end of November.
Click top download a pdf of the December Newsletter SANS Newsletter 2015 12 December