PAST EVENTS
For the first time 'in living memory' has it happened that indisposition prevented our scheduled guest speaker from addressing our monthly meeting; but the talk "History in Hindsight" will now be presented by Group Captain Taylor at the February meeting. Our members at the January get-together were thus presented wi th an impromptu, but nevertheless entertaining variety programme. Fellow-member M. C. (Midge) Carter intends making Australia his new home and on the day before his departure on new year's eve, he left a fair sized collection of books and historical papers with your Secretary, for disposal to the benefit of our branch. The first part of our get-together thus gave our members: an opportunity to browse through this material, laid out on a long table, and to acquire, at bargain prices, whatever took their fancy. The proceeds will be used to help cover overhead expenses (stationery, printing, postage, etc.) in connection with this newsletter. In addition to wishing Midge everything of the best for his new future, we say "Thank you" for his parting gift.
The remainder of the evening was filled in with an historical quizz involving some 60 odd questions. For this purpose the audience was divided into two teams, the 'Peanuts' and the 'Pumpkins', with your Secretary officiating as quizz mistress and Heather Gillings as recorder. This part of the evening provided much fun, raised many a laugh, and revealed amazing hidden talent.
Ken Gillings rounded things off with a side-splitting account of how the South African expression "Ag, shame!" came about.
MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 1987
The following letter was received from the National Secretary/Treasurer, Head Office, Saxonwold, last December.
"It is with great regret that I must announce that the Society will have to increase its membership dues next year. We have been trying to fight increases to try to play a part in stemming inflation but unfortunately have been dealt an increase that we are not in a position to carry.
"We have been paying the Museum up intil 1985 R2,50 per issue of its Journal. In 1986 we have been charged R3,25 per issue. The Museum recently informed us that it was removing the subsidy it has been carrying and that we are now to pay R6,00 per issue or R12,00 per member per year.
"This sharp increase means that for its approx. 500 members, the Society will have to pay an extra R2 750 per annum. This represents an increase of R5,50 per member. By current estimates, it is anticipated that the Society will show a surplus due to interest and dividends from investments of approx R1 000 this year. Using this surplus it will be necessary to increase membership dues by some R3,50 per annum to cover the Journal costs.
"Membership dues for 1987 will therefore have to be:
WELCOME
We extend a warm welcome to our first new member of 1987 Group-Captain C.R. Taylor OBE, RAF (Retd).
FUTURE EVENTS
FEBRUARY MEETING
February 12th GROUP-CAPTAIN RUPERT TAYLOR will talk on "History in Hindsight".
The venue will be the Lecture Room, lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building, on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro crescent, Mayville, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Glasses and ice will be supplied so please bring your own bottled or canned refreshments. Friends and interested persons are welcome.
PROGRAMME COMMITTEE
We need a volunteer to replace Midge Carter on the Programme Committee. Any suggestions for speakers are welcome.
LADYSMITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
An invitation has been received from Mr Gilbert Torlage, Chairman, Ladysmith Historical Society, to any of our members who may be in the area to attend a showing of the film "Breaker Morant" at the Ladysmith Library activities room on 13th February, 1987, at 7.30 p.m. for 7.45 p.m. A collection will be taken to help defray expenses. For further information Telephone Ladysmith 27841.
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv