The Author – Hugh Bland
I was born in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) I have always taken an interest in Heritage, and Historical sites and Military history. I suppose my first fascination with these sites was our regular family visits to Dhlo Dhlo & Nalatalie Ruins close to our farm near Shangani. The full origin of these ancient sites is still not fully understood but provided plenty of opportunity to extend the imagination.I also went to REPS (Rhodes Estate Preparatory School) in the Matopos which is a national heritage area with a rich historical background.
My Grandfather was an early settler in Zimbabwe (1894) and initially was a Transport rider, working with others such as Thomas Meikle, Peter and General Duncan McKenzie , followed by a spell of prospecting and then farming on Thornville farm, Shangani, where I grew up. Plenty of food to feed the imagination !
My interest in matters military stems from my mothers eight years service in the British Army in the nursing services (Q.A.I.M.N.S.) , spanning the war years and my period of service in the military.
During my many years with Boxer Superstores, I traveled extensively, particularly in rural areas and been privileged to see some of the less traveled places in South Africa, away from the normal tourist routes.
As a regular participant in the Dusi, Umkomaas, Tugela and Umzimkulu Canoe Marathons, I have also had the privilege of experiencing our rural backwaters and landscapes first hand.
Although qualified as a C.A.S.A. (B.Com. – UKZN), I have always had a keen interest in Photography and have been a member of a photographic club for many years, with talented photographers, each of whom express their creativity in different forms.
The project I am undertaking combines many of my interests and determination to leave some record of the present KZN, which has already changed since I commenced the work.
I have completed the photography for a book : Farmhouses of Old Natal, which was published early in December 2017. I have also published a new book on the The Trappist Missions of Natal in 2019 and Addington Children’s Hospital and Nurses’ Home in 2020. Many images of the Missions and Children’s Hospital can be seen on this site. I have a new book, New Beginnings, Repurposed Historic Homes of KwaZulu-Natal which was published in December 2021. It focuses on forty old homes that have been put to new use, instead of being destroyed.
In 2024, I have published 75 short stories, named, Snapshots of an African Life, a Semi Autobiography. It has stories that relate to my African family over the centuries, my experiences and events that have influenced my life.
I presently live in Mount Edgecombe in KwaZulu-Natal ( January 2025).
Above photo by: Tory Hathorn.
I market my books myself and should you be interested in further details, please use the contact tab to email me.