News

Award of MBE to Brecon's Major Martin Everett.
It is with the greatest pleasure that the Society adds its congratulations to Martin for his award of the MBE.

Martin  has been the Curator at the 24th Regiment's Museum at Brecon, which he joined in 1992. Martin has been a tireless supporter of the Society and has always willingly provided his support to me as Editor of the Society journals and to individual Society members conducting research.

It gave great pleasure to those involved when Martin accompanied a Society tour of the battlefields in 2005 and a greater pleasure for me, on behalf of Minister Prince Buthelezi, to present  Martin with the Prince Buthelezi Gold Medal, for service to the Zulu People, in 2006.

We wish Martin good health and much happiness in his retirement.
Adrian Greaves

Zulu war event

A special two day weekend event is planned for 24th-25th March 2012 at The BLACK HORSE public house PLUCKLEY Kent.  Pluckley is where the 24th Regiment began as the Dering Militia, it is also famous for being the most haunted village in Kent.  The event, "GHOSTS OF THE ZULU WAR" will feature a large static exhibition , Victorian soldiers in living history displays ,films, artifacts and trade stands. Saturday evening there will be a ticketed dinner with a talk by author IAN KNIGHT . Details are to be finalized soon. Exhibition is free to all , dinner tickets approx. £45 each .Early booking is recommended tickets available early January 2012.

Enquiries email: bobdriver.79@hotmail.co.uk tel. 01634 221929
also theblackhorsepluckey@hotmail.co.uk tel.01233 841948

Journal 30 -  December 2011
The latest journal is now on-line in the members' section.

Society Zulu weekends, 2012.
Following the recent very successful Zulu weekend in Kent, it is proposed to offer members the opportunity of attending  another event, to be run along the same lines. We are currently looking at arranging an event mid-summer followed by a second in the autumn.

The cost to members, who will have to arrange their own accommodation, will be the actual cost of the two main meals and a nominal amount to cover unavoidable costs. Interested members should contact Adrian Greaves via the Society web site.

New edition of Isandlwana
Adrian Greaves' recent book launch, hosted by Waterstones, was a great success with the book Isandlwana being sold out within the first two hours. Additional copies were rushed to the store and  the book became their best selling book for the two weeks since publication. The event was the occasion for the Society's youngest member, 14 year-old Sam,  to meet the author. Following the book launch lunch, Sam took the opportunity to view some of the Society's Zulu War treasures.  Sam is seen here holding Curling's campaign medal and letters home detailing  Curling's experiences during and post Isandlwana.

HOLTS TOUR OF THE ZULU BATTLEFIELDS
We have had a number on inquiries recently about Society tours to the battlefields. The Society currently has no immediate plans to organise further battlefield tours - however, Society Vice-President and author of 'Zulu Rising' Ian Knight will be leading a comprehensive tour on behalf of Holts Battlefield Tours in October 2011. Ian has been associated with Holts for many years and been fully involved in developing the tour's itinerary which is now the only one to visit all the principle sites connected with the war. This includes exploration of the coastal sites - the 'Ultimatum Tree', Nyezane, Gingindlovu and Eshowe - a visit to the royal homestead at oNdini and battlefield of Ulundi, excursions to Khambula and Ntome and a chance for the fit to walk across Hlobane mountain and visit the infamous 'Devil's Pass'. The hightlight of the tour includes several days studying the Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift campaign including visits to the significant peripheral areas. Accommodation is in excellent hotels and lodges and includes several nights at the wonderful Ithala game reserve as well as a chance to learn more about Zulu culture. Ian will be accompanying the tour throughout. For full details of the itinerary and pricing, visit http://www.holts.co.uk/2011/49-2011zulu.html

Safety in South Africa
The most frequently question asked of the Society is 'How safe is it to visit South Africa?"
The technical answer is - the country experiences over 30,000 murders per year - but thankfully few involve tourists.

The common sense answer is, based on 25 years visiting the country as a tourist  - take care and you will be fine, especially if you follow basic rules -
Don't go out alone, especially after dark,
Avoid going out after dark where possible,
In a car, definitely stick to main roads and don't stop for accidents - emotions run high!
Don't  flaunt jewellery, cameras or expensive watches,
If robbed, surrender everything asked for - don't even think of arguing. Then contact your insurance company!
Avoid townships at all cost.
The best advice - go on a proper guided tour. So far they have a perfect record of safety.

If you are staying at Rorke's Drift, the Zulu Village or Isandlwana area -  the Zulu Village and RD Orientation centre have  excellent Zulu guides - use them. They know the people and area inside out and are not expensive and they will enhance your visit.
Dr Adrian Greaves

Dubious South Africa campaign medals
Once again, there are some questionable medals being offered for sale,  one or two with well known names and therefore inviting very high prices.

If you intend buying any SA campaign medal, do ensure that you have the right to return it to the seller if  the medal turns out to be doubtful. Always check the medal's provenance and that of the seller before buying -  if there is any doubt or uncertainty do have it professionally checked by one of the reputable auction houses or dealers.
Dr Adrian Greaves