Spioenkop Lodge was the venue for an unusual gathering last Sunday, 30th. March. Mike Nel, current Chairman of the Battlefield Guides Association, had arranged an “information session” so that guides could share knowledge on a variety of subjects so as to be able to “sing from the same hymn sheet” with their clients in future.

Normally, such get-togethers are poorly attended, but in this instance there were nearly 30 people present, which just goes to show how little work there is for tour guides out there at the moment.

Tony Coleman kicked off with a brief summation of how everyone arrived (or found themselves) in this country and how we’ve been fighting amongst ourselves ever since. So much for the Rainbow Nation – our history teaches us that so far we can’t stick together long enough to consume the first boerie roll at a braai.

Ken Gillings, recently recovered from cancer, nearly caused disaster by inadvertently putting his walking stick pointer into the overhead ceiling fan while waxing lyrical about the cavalry charge at Elandslaagte. Pam McFadden was all talked out on arrival – a most interesting bus trip from Dundee had been punctuated by many “do you know that just behind that … is a …” by Pam. We now know where the monument is at Wenkommando Pass; why Wasbank is called Wasbank (apparently it was the site of the filming of the first Omo Liquid advertisement way back in 1838); why Alexander Biggar made a “gat” of himself and 101 places where the Vow was NOT taken.

Foy Vermaak regaled us with tales of his fighting prowess as a youngster at the battle of Blood River – do you know that he’s been around this area for a century and a half? Evan Jones attempted to pick his way through the delicate minefield of the battle of Spioenkop without upsetting anyone’s sensibilities, until the smell of braai-ing wors wafting in through the window put an end to proceedings.

A very pleasant day all around, and our thanks to Mike Nel and Dave Sutcliffe, the speakers, organisers and sponsors (FedAuto in Newcastle) as well as to Ray Heron and the guys at Spioenkop Lodge – a truly magnificent setting for a Sunday afternoon braai.

Author Pat Rundgren is a veteran tour guide of the area and author of several books including the controversial ‘What really happened at Rorke’s Drift) In real life he is a human resources officer at Forbes Coal.