TOPIC:

Yesterday afternoon the Durban Medal Group held one of its infrequent meetings. The attendance by 10 locals was boosted by the following guests:
Christopher Hill (DNW, London); Johan Louw (City Coins, Cape Town): & Pat Rundgren (Tour Guide & Talana expert, Dundee).

As in past years, Christopher gave an excellent talk on one of his favourite subjects. This time he chose as his topic the East and West Africa Medal and Central Africa Medal. The talk was well illustrated by contemporary pictures and examples of relevant medals from the very superior collection he shares with his father. I learned a lot about the replacement of Arab slave traders by British missionaries and, later, Colonists. in places such as Nyasaland (now Malawi). The current colonisation of Africa by the Chinese is not, as far as I know, being documented by an interesting medallic history.

As usual, other contributions were very varied as to both medals and the wars they represented. QSA's were included.

Although it is out of place here, my favourite was a World War II group to a Natalian who started the War in the Transvaal Scottish (Abyssinia and North Africa), and ended it in the Royal Natal Carbineers (Italy). He was awarded a MM in Abyssinia, and a Bar to the medal in Italy. His father had been awarded the rare DCM (Natal) while serving with the Natal Police in the 1906 Rebellion. This medal is also owned by the collector who showed the MM & Bar group.

Brett

Was the weather nice, Brett, now have image in mind of you all sat out in the sun shine, perhaps, with a glass of wine?
Wish I could do that here!

Frank
For the past two days, Durban has been blanketed by low cloud and rain. The temperature is in the low 20's and where I live it is misty and gloomy. Meanwhile a few miles inland the sun is shining and the countryside is drought-stricken. There are places in SA today where the temperature is predicted to be in the high 30's and low 40's. Apparently, El Nino is to blame.

The host for our meetings is Mike Conradie. He and his family are the most hospitable and generous of hosts. The young and fit are provided with beers, while the more decrepit have tea or coffee instead. There are sweet and savoury tea-cakes for all.

You would enjoy being a most welcome guest.

Regards
Brett

Brett Hendey wrote: There are places in SA today where the temperature is predicted to be in the high 30's and low 40's. Apparently, El Nino is to blame.

The same here Brett.....

The normal average temp. this time of year, Minus 10 to 12 C with snow, but this year it has been above Plus 10 most days a real heat wave LOL.....

Makes it hard for me to do my Santa Christmas Parties for the kids.....

Mike

Only the "low 20's" well that's too bad (the particular shade of green does not show just how jealous I feel)

Brett Hendey wrote: Frank
For the past two days, Durban has been blanketed by low cloud and rain. The temperature is in the low 20's and where I live it is misty and gloomy. Meanwhile a few miles inland the sun is shining and the countryside is drought-stricken. There are places in SA today where the temperature is predicted to be in the high 30's and low 40's. Apparently, El Nino is to blame.

The host for our meetings is Mike Conradie. He and his family are the most hospitable and generous of hosts. The young and fit are provided with beers, while the more decrepit have tea or coffee instead. There are sweet and savoury tea-cakes for all.

You would enjoy being a most welcome guest.

Regards
Brett

Frank
We have woken today still blanketed in thick mist, with a temperature of 21. According to the Weather Bureau it will be 29 later in Durban and 32 in Maritzburg. Kloof is in between them, so later we will be moaning about the heat and humidity!
Regards
Brett