Blog - Page 9 of 26 - KZN: A Photographic Historical Record

24 Jul Helen Bridge 1866 – Mooi River

Posted at 13:15h in KZN Photo Record Blog

The Helen Bridge, about 3 kilometers downstream of Mooi River, is one of the oldest remaining bridges in KZN. The bridge was opened on 19 November 1866, by Colonel JJ Bisset, Administrator of Natal. The bridge is named after his second daughter, Helen. The bridge was...

24 Jul General Redvers Buller’s faithful dog ‘Yalu’

Posted at 12:54h in KZN Photo Record Blog

Whilst photographing at Weston College, Mooi River, I came across the grave of General Buller's, faithful dog 'Yalu", that died in 1907, and is buried alongside one of the old farm houses used as a billet by the British. I couldn't help thinking that the faith...

07 Jun Lions River Railway Station put to creative use.

Posted at 12:48h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[caption id="attachment_113437" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lions River Railway Station[/caption] Wherever one goes in South Africa, one comes across the utterly criminal waste of Transnet's assets. At every railway station and siding, with few exceptions, the buildings have been neglected, invaded by vagrants and their value destroyed. Most...

16 May Durban harbour Victorian Railings

Posted at 13:21h in KZN Photo Record Blog

I received an email from Alison Chadwick who was browsing my site and came across the Victorian railings that run along the sea side of the road directly alongside the shoreline. She informs me that these railings as well as the gates into the Pietermaritzburg...

13 May Fort Nottingham in Autumn

Posted at 13:50h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[caption id="attachment_113411" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The road to Fordoun Spa near Nottingham Road[/caption] The Fort Nottingham farming area is highly productive, with dairy, agriculture, being the main commerce. The villages of Fort Nottingham and Nottingham Road, were started in the mid 1800's and at the time were...

06 Apr Umhlanga Ridgeside Developments.

Posted at 11:14h in KZN Photo Record Blog

Blink your eyes on the ridge another concrete and glass structure has emerged from the diminishing cane-lands that had been abandoned to birds and bees for many years. I know this is progress, but are there no architects out there that can depart from the grand...

06 Apr Pennington Beach – South Coast

Posted at 10:32h in KZN Photo Record Blog

A special little place on the south coast is the Pennington restaurant overlooking the tidal pool and a short distance from the wide open beaches. This little oasis is worth a visit even if passing bye. The kiosk has good wholesome food with friendly service. [caption id="attachment_113327"...

28 Mar My new book: The Trappist Missions – KwaZulu-Natal’s Forgotten Treasure.

Posted at 13:26h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[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...

14 Feb Durban – Bellair Station – another rotting National Monument.

Posted at 12:33h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[caption id="attachment_113267" align="aligncenter" width="436"] Bellair Station built 1899 - a National Monument.[/caption] Bellair Station, built in 1899 alongside Sarnia Road is an utter disgrace. The station building was declared a national monument but you would be hard pressed to know that. The bronze National Monument sign...

31 Jan Matatiele – Ongeluksnek Valley

Posted at 11:34h in KZN Photo Record Blog

If you take a drive on the Ongeluksnek valley road to the south of Matatiele you will come across a well watered, fertile valley. The strange thing is that many of the old sandstone farmhouses are in ruin. I have yet to get a cogent...