My new that book that features forty old, repurposed homes of KwaZulu-Natal is now available. The message is that once a cherished home has run its course, there is no need to discard it, as it may have a useful ‘after-life’. This is especially important for...
My son, Mark Bland, has a travel business Satori Africa ( http://www.satoriafrica.co.za ) If you looking for a great adventure drop him a line at hello@satoriafrica.co.za , He's a wizard at finding you those special places that will suit your personal needs. Mark has just...
[caption id="attachment_113300" align="aligncenter" width="225"]Front cover of my newly published book.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_113305" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Map of the 22 former Trappist Missions.[/caption] I have just received my hard cover and soft cover books that covers the story of the establishment of these 22 beautiful missions in KwaZulu-Natal. The book focuses...
Spionkop was the site of General Buller's second attempt to relieve Ladysmith on 24 January 1901. This attempt also failed with the loss of many men. One of the reasons was the for failure to secure Conical Hill and Aloe knoll which overlooked the positions taken up...
In 1860, George and Annie North arrived in Durban and set out for Snaresbrook, now known as Northdene where his brother in law Henry Middleton had acquired the 335 acre farm, Buffelsbosch. The farm operated initially as a Sugar Estate on the north bank of...
The club was formed in 1932 and has been training lifesavers and protecting bathers ever since. the club house forms part of the commercial centre overlooking the beach and tidal pools. See album 842 under Galleries - Sports clubs, for more images. [caption id="attachment_124997" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Beach...
[caption id="attachment_124944" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Historic buildings - part of Carlyle College's campus[/caption] In 1859 a grant of 3066 acres was made to Michael Short. The land had several owners including E Greene and G Ross, who sold it in 1890. The farm then owned by a...
I have recently published my fourth book. The book is a semi autobiography of 75 short stories covering family, events and fireside tales, that cover several centuries in this continent filled with excitement, tragedy, bravery, fun and even stupidity. The book which sells at R398 excluding...
It would seem that benefactors are in short supply these days, or donors are keeping a lower profile. Take Doone Village, the farm, Richmond, donated by Aaron and Cissy Beare, and opened in 1974. This was a joint effort by the Beare family and with...
Tugela River Lodge has self catering, dog friendly cottages on the river. The cottages are within easy reach of the battlefield, Spionkop, Mount Alice, Spionkop Dam and Nature Reserve and the Vaalkraans battle site. The cottages are just off the main road and about 5 kilometres...
[caption id="attachment_124619" align="aligncenter" width="216"] Holkrans Monument - Vryheid District. Hugh pointing to Johann Wilhelm (Willie) Bland's name - part of the Boer Commando massacred.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_124620" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Holkrans visit with Louis Scheepers, Kai Klingenberg, Charles Mason and Hugh Bland. (Image Andre Van Ellinkhuysen)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_124621" align="aligncenter"...
[caption id="attachment_124612" align="aligncenter" width="235"] Kings Royal Rifle Regiment monument between Twin Peaks at Spionkop. The battle (125 anniversary this year) was fought 24 January 1900. This monument requires a good climb.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_124613" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Twin Peaks , Boer artillery positions during battle of Spionkop, January...
St Joseph's Cathedral at Mariannhill, built by the Trappists in 1907 is worthy of a visit as is the nearby Monastery. The artwork in the Cathedral is prolific, so it is easy to miss one special stained-glass window shown below. It was the first use of...