30 excited Grade 10 learners from Kloof High School in Durban visited Vryheid on Wednesday last week during their annual historical tour. Even though the day started late due to the bus having had mechanical problems coming from Dundee, there was still lots of enthusiasm and anticipation. The learners started off at Lancaster Hill (Vryheid Hill), where they had to make their way to the top on foot. Louis Scheepers entertained the group with an interesting and interactive talk about the Battle of Lancaster Hill. The hill was occupied in 1900 by 900 men of the Lancaster regiment, who defended their position with trenches and gun positions. During the night of December 11 and 12, 1900 Boers of General Louis Botha’s second invasion force attacked the position. After fierce fighting, they were driven off, having inflicted some serious casualties on the British. The group of learners had a moment of silence for the fallen before adding rocks together to build a small monument in remembrance of their visit. The party then went down to the Great War Memorial site at the Anglican Church, where André van Ellinckhuyzen inspired them with war stories about the names on the cenotaph. Lunch was at the Klipkerk, followed by an insightful talk on owls and their rehabilitation by local Ezemvelo honorary officer Annemarie van Jaarsveldt Roux. The learners had the opportunity to get a closer look at two of the rehabilitated owls in Annemarie’s care. This kindled renewed appreciation of these ‘wise old souls’ and broke any possible superstitions about owls.

The Klipkerk was another delightful visit, where the learners could climb up the church tower to see the workings of the church bell and clock that was manufactured in 1892. The organ was manufactured during the same time; one of the few mechanical Conacher organs worldwide and the only mechanical Conacher pipe organ in South Africa that still has its original mechanisms and pipe-work. A short overview of the church’s history included the laying of the cornerstone of the church building in 1891. The ring wall of sandstone and steel latticework around the church building was custom-made during 1896, which saw the completion of the church building. Extremely talented organist Rosali Wilmot played a beautiful piece from the ‘Mission’ that set the perfect tone for the end of a very tiring yet satisfying day. Unfortunately, time caught up with the group and the visit to the newly-renovated Raadsaal Museum had to be postponed until sometime in the future.

ALSO READ: New era for almost 140-year-old historical landmark

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.