KWAZULU-NATAL BRANCH

Newsletter No. 563
December 2025

NOTICE OF DECEMBER MEETING AND NEWSLETTER

PLEASE NOTE

The monthly meeting of the KZN Branch of the SAMHS will take place THIS COMING SATURDAY, 6th DECEMBER 2025 as advertised in the October and November newsletters. Although meetings are normally the 2nd Saturday of the month this is early due to a church requirement for the hall on the 13th December.

This being the final meeting of 2025, there will as usual be only ONE presentation, as the meeting will include provision of generous snacks and the Vicar’s Arms will be open for cash refreshments.

Snack platter is shown to whet your appetite but expect MUCH MORE!

We will be able to unwind, review the past year, and mingle and chat in a way which is not possible at our normal meetings. Visitors are welcome and will be able to interact with members and discover what we are about.

The main talk will be given by our old friend, Internationally known and respected historian, author and speaker, UKZN Emeritus Prof Donal McCracken, expert on all things Irish. Donal will present:

"You will dye at midnight: Threatening letters in the Irish Land War period."

Expect a talk laced with Donal’s usual light humour, covering a topic and period little known to us in South Africa.

The meeting will take place THIS SATURDAY 6th December 2025 at 1.30 for 2.00pm.

The venue is the St Cyprians Church Hall off Umbilo Rd, with secure parking and liquid refreshments available for cash.

Entry is free and open to all, but a donation of R20 for the car guard and which also gives entry into the monthly raffle is requested from all attendees.

Visitors are welcome and encouraged, but in order to facilitate catering please WhatsApp your intended attendance to the Chair as below.

Phil Everitt, Cell or WhatsApp: 0844371636

NEWSLETTER

1. Chair
Your Chair is pleased to report that he and Heather are back in warm South Africa after a long 3-month sojourn in the UK, where thankfully our daughter is responding well to her treatment.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Charles Whiteing for stepping into the breach and acting very ably on my behalf during this time. Also to thank committee members George Oliver, Matthew Everitt, and Graeme Fuller as well as Roy Bowman, Rob Suberg, Ulrich Dubi, all others who so willingly assisted. A very special thanks also to Fr Dane for his assistance and refreshment duties. Well done all!

2. Past November Meeting

The November Remembrance meeting began with a short PowerPoint and video on the London Cenotaph and Grave of the Unknown Warrior, detailing especially the immense effort utilised to ensure that the body of a completely unknown casualty was interred with due reverence among Kings and Royalty at the very Westminster Abbey to become the only grave which may not be stepped on.

This was followed by the excellent Main talk given by Maj Peter Williams ex-32 Bn with the title,
“Overcoming my personal adversary during the Angolan War.”

This being an account of Peter’s progress through his military career.

3. Remembrance Activities.

A number of our members attended the various remembrance commemorations for the fallen at the Cenotaph and a number schools.

4. Looking Forward to 2026

PLEASE NOTE: The January meeting will, as usual, take place on the THIRD Saturday, 17th January, and thereafter we will revert unless otherwise advised to our usual 2nd Saturday of the month.

The 2026 programme is currently under construction, and you will be advised in the monthly newsletters, but expect an exciting and varied sortie through Military History.

Note that we do still have opening for short DDH and main talks and are always looking for speakers in terms of volunteers, or suggestions. Please approach the Chair or a committee member should you know of any.

That’s all for now folks, please do your best to attend this Saturday and if possible, bring a friend to boost numbers and help recruit new members!

Regards
Phil
P R Everitt,
Chair KZN Branch, SAMHS,
Cell or WhatsApp: 0844371636