It brought back a sour memory or two, when I contrasted the 100th celebration with the stunning burst of indifference which greeted the 150th anniversary in 2004. The sad fact is that the city authorities totally ignored that milestone, as they did the fact that the Metro (City) Police had also turned 150. I mentioned this in diary entries at the time, here and here.

Talking of the City Police reminds me of a long-standing oversight. At the time of my initial research into Durban’s history, it was commonly stated that the Durban City Police was the oldest police force in the Southern Hemisphere.

That ‘fact’ did make it into print all over the place, including Facts About Durban, and I’m indebted to reader Peter Gaffney, once the force’s Deputy Chief Constable, for the information that this isn’t so. Turns out that the Royal Falkland Islands Police predates Durban’s force, having been established on November 1, 1846.

By coincidence, the Falkland Islands were once adjacent to the KZN coastline, as readers of my article on Durban’s geology will remember.

Claridges Hotel July 1964.

I have strong memories of attending Cookie Look hour (5.00pm-7.00pm) at Claridges Hotel over the July holidays. The reason for my being in Durban was for my late father to attend the Durban July. The winner that year was Numeral ridden by jockey Raymond Rhodes.

As for the music, it was crazy. The Beatles had just started to invade the planet and the album “Please Please Me” had just been released. The resident band playing every night was Ricky Pelling’s band and Mercia Love*** was doing most of the singing. Not sure who the pianist was but he nailed singing “all my loving ” on a nightly basis. Ricky Pelling was very special and you had to arrive at least an hour early to get a decent table as the the room on the first floor was packed every night.

As an 11 year old this was an amazing experience. I recollect drinking cola tonics and receiving hot free peanuts from the kitchen and then then going on to a place called Kenilworth [an amusement arcade] with 50c to try and get the popular pinball machine. The challenge was to win free games so as to lay claim to the machine for a period of time.

Then came December 1967 with The Flames and Alfresco at the Esplanade Hotel. What a life-changing experience. Ricky Fatah, I guess, was only 14 at the time and the Flames made life worth living. Burning Soul was the album and the rest is history.

We were all very fortunate being teenagers at a special time.

Regards
Derek Levy

Reader Emmie had the following to ask:

In the late 50S and beginning of the 60s, Sol Kerzner’s family had a hotel in Gillespie Street which had the first DISCO in Durban. It was called THE Back Room. Sol ran this for his parents. He always some fun things to do and some great prizes.

Does anyone remember the Back Room?

Emmie

Reader Stephen Hall, in reply to earlier posts on Mansfield School, had this to say:

I attended Mansfield Boys High and recall many happy days participating in the Cadet Band and in Drama under Dave Matheson. I am an executive with a large Australian Bank based in Sydney, and owe a lot to the school that taught me so much about life.

Regards
Stephen Hall

Michael Unterhalter remembers a variety show on the beachfront. I have an idea that the venue might have been the original Little Top (a blue and white tent) but would welcome additional information:

No mention on the site as yet of the variety show that took place at South Beach area. It was open air and the “main man” was Bill Brewer. It took place in the evenings once or twice a week. The approximate location was on the beach front in line with the Fairhaven hotel. This memory goes back to +- 1948 and into the 1950′s.

Michael Unterhalter, Houston, Texas.

And finally, for today at any rate, I have a question from Alan Fairleigh about a picture that had been on the site for a while. I apparently didn’t have a very close look at it because I didn’t realise that it was taken in Gardiner Street.

It was taken more or less on the corner of West Street and Gardiner Street looking towards Smith Street. But then, what is the large large white building and the one under construction next to it? Isn’t that where the Royal Hotel should be?

Click to view enlargement.

I’m afraid the picture quality isn’t great and would appreciate it if anyone had a larger version. Alan thinks that one of the cars pictured may be ND11, which was his when he had offices in Prudential Building.

The second picture is of the completed Vetch’s Pier, which looks uncannily like the marina which has been proposed for the same area. One has to hope that, if the marina is ever built, it doesn’t share the fate of Vetch’s Pier!!

Reader June Anderson had this to say:

Such fun remembering with the “watering holes of my youth” by David Baird.  The larney pub at the back of Elangeni Hotel was called “Tall Ships”, my sister worked there … Also “Ruby Tuesdays” opened for a while at the side of the Beach Hotel and the “Exchange Bar” was at the back of the Royal Hotel, many a happy cocktail hour was spent there after work. Lastly, “Whispers” opened for a while at 320 West Street, quite the spot! Keep up the good work, keeps the grey brain cells up and running – one more thing, the “cherries”  were also known to fall about like skittles in an earthquake!!!

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Reader Mike Thomas had this to say about his experiences with Ellerman Lines and, particularly, the vessel City of Durban. On a page devoted to ships that have been called Durban, I reported that I thought the vessel had been converted into a warship during WWII. I put Mike’s comments on that matter up on the page here. He went on to say:

“I’ve recently discovered your website and some of the many articles – especially those relating to shipping in the 1950/60’s – have been a source of great pleasure and a reminder of many happy memories – and for this I thank you.

In June 1950 – when trading between Calcutta and Montreal, City of Durban  was the very first ship I joined as an Junior Apprentice

Later, still with Ellermans, I served on three of their four passenger vessels sailing between Europe and South Africa as 3rd Mate on the MV “City of Port Elizabeth from May 1955, Junior 2nd Mate the MV “City of York” from June ‘57 and Senior 2nd Mate on the MV “City of Durban” from February thru to December ‘61.

I vividly recall laying alongside in Capetown one amazingly clear night in October ’57 watching Sputnik cruise amongst the stars over Table Mountain whilst listening to it’s sinister chirp on the ship’s radio loudspeakers.

In their day these ships were considered to be quite luxurious and especially popular with South African and Rhodesian passengers enjoying the coastal voyage from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Lourenco Marques, Beira and then back south down the coast again.

Durban was always the favourite port because we berthed there for several days both north and southbound and literally handed the vessel over to the care of the agent and stevedores, which allowed great opportunities for socialising ashore with the many friends – often ex passengers from previous voyages.

Golf at Durban Country Club and weekend horse racing were favourite past-times and the night life dancing (?) away to “La Bamba” etc played by a wildly exotic Italian Group (can’t recall the venue) enhanced Durban’s many attractions!

There was always great rivalry between the various passenger shipping lines – Union Castle, British India Steamship, Lauro etc., and others in this trade. Ellerman’s MV “City of Durban” once scored a notable triumph when the runner-up’s prize in the Miss South Africa competition – an exceptionally beautiful girl (sadly – I can’t remember her name – would there be any record in local news archives ?) joined the ship in Durban for the round-trip north to LM and Beira and back to Durban where of course all concerned at Ellerman’s behest had a field day publicising the event in the local shipping and social press.

Think she came from either Pietermaritzburg or Bloemfontein and was accompanied on board at all times by a formidable chaperone and to protect her charge, captivated the Master who issued dire threats to all on board – lest they forget that she was a guest of the company. I believe the winner’s prize was a trip to Paris to compete in the Miss World contest.

Although involved in shipping projects in both East and West Africa in the 1970/80’s – unfortunately I never had the good fortune to return to South Africa. but am always consoled by the memory of an especially good friend with whom I shared many adventures – a great character (a son of Perla, your famous Lady in White), one Richard Siedle, who for several decades continued to successfully promote his prominent family lineage in shipping circles both in Durban and elsewhere around the world and who I trust remains in good health and has not yet “crossed the bar” !

Very best wishes for the ongoing success of your website.& all @ Durban. Rgds: Mike Thomas

Does anyone know if Richard Siedle is still around?

Dear Allan
I relocated from Durban to Cape Town in 1975 and then subsequently to the UK in 1988. I have managed a number of return visits to Durban and have followed the changes with great interest.
As an architect, I think the current master plan is excellent – removing the cars and turning the immediate access into a pedestrian promenade on both The Upper and Lower Marine Parades. Once the final gap to the Umgeni Mouth and Blue Lagoon is complete, it will be a most impressive facility.
Could you help with some background information please?
What is the name of the sunken gardens / amphitheater near North Beach?
Whenever we visited with my parents up to the 70s, my Dad never failed to remind us that the gardens were built during the Great Depression years c1927/29. This was a relief work project initiated by the city council / state to provide work and income for the unemployed. He told us that white lawyers were wielding picks and shovels and pushing wheel barrows during the construction in order to put bread on the table for their families.
I have a few other stories about the beach which I will save for another e-mail.
Thanks for your site. You are performing a great nostalgia service for ex-Durbanites now living in many other parts of the world. It really is a super walk down memory lane reminding me of some great times back in the 60s and 70s.
Yours sincerely
Allan Banfield

I have always referred to them as the sunken gardens and amphitheater but would not be surprised to hear they have formal names. I have added Allan’s story to the bottom of the miniature trains page, originally started by Gerald Buttigieg.

Last year I wrote up an article covering what happened in Durban 50 years ago. I used my late father in law’s newspaper cut-outs as reference. I am doing the same this year so here goes:

 1962.

The winners of the Dusi Canoe Marathon were the doubles pair, Derek Antrobus and Peter Gladwin of Pietermaritzburg. 

The first intake of Active Citizen Force trainees from Durban leave Durban Station on Jan 2^nd to join their country wide counterparts at various military basic training bases. ACF Military Training of 9 months duration is now virtually compulsory for every able bodied white male.   My turn came up in April when the second batch were called up.

Durban’s claim to be the third largest city in South Africa is refuted. The 3^rd largest city is awarded to Soweto.

The Transvaal Castle, built in 1961, one of two new Union Castle ships arrived in Durban on her maiden voyage. In 1966 she was sold to the South African Marine Corporation , “Safmarine” who now joined Union Castle on the South Africa–UK run. In 1977, the SA Vaal was sold to a consortium and used for cruising in the Caribbean under the name “Festivale”.

Marcel Marceau, much acclaimed as one of the greatest mimes ever, has a week long run of performances at the Alhambra Theatre in March.

Kingsmead Sports Ground in Old Fort Road is considered for demolition as the ground falls into major disrepair.

Though not Durban related, John Glenn becomes the first American astronaut in space as he orbits the Earth 3 times in 4 hours 56 minutes before splashing down in the Caribbean near Puerto Rico. He was the third person in space after Yuri Gagarin and  Gherman Titov.

Miss Geraldine Waters is chosen as Miss Freshette at University of Natal Freshers’ Ball held at the Athlone Hotel. The two runners up are Miss Rosemary Mackenzie and Miss Lee Parker. All of Durban.

The Passion Play presented every 5 years is being performed in Durban. Directed by Father Noel Coughlan, David Horner takes the role of Christ for the 3^rd time.  Durban is the only city in the world allowed to present the Passion Play getting special permission from Oberammergau.

The tragic death of Terence John Flusk (17) having been assaulted at a house party shocks Durban. The accused aged 18, is found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.  The death of Terence  was remembered by his mother and family annually on March 10th in a memorial insert in the Durban newspapers.  The last I saw it was in 2007.

“The Natal Daily News”, probably Natal’s favourite newspaper, changes its masthead to “The Daily News”  on Monday 26^th March 1962.

The Durban City Council gives approval for flowers to be sold inside the main entrance of Stellawood Cemetery. How many remember the flowers sold on the pavement by Mrs Barbieri outside her home in Stella Road near Stellawood?

The New Nurses’ Home at Addington Hospital under construction is making good progress and will open in 1963.

Mr Izak van Heerden, a master at Durban High School, is chosen as Manager of the Springbok rugby team to play the British Lions in a four match test series.  Izak van Heerden as manager/coach of the Natal  rugby team was instrumental in raising Natal’s stature as a provincial rugby team.

The Jones Car Tyre and Retreading Company of 60 Pine Street is totally destroyed in a fire.

Dudley Andrews, who played a major role in the development and teaching of ballroom dancing in Durban dies at the age of 53. His dance studio called “Dudley Andrews” was in Kent House, West Street. His wife carried on the studio, many teenagers and young adults learning the intricacies of the quick step, fox trot, waltz, jive and the hot dance of the time, the cha cha.

The Durban Ocean Terminal is opened coinciding with the arrival of the new flagship of the Union Castle Line , the Windsor Castle.  Sadly today a white elephant.

The 1962 Comrades Marathon,  an up run, is won by John Smith of the UK in 5 hrs 57 mins and 5 secs. Jackie Mekler is second, 7 minutes behind. The race was run on 30^th May.

The first 80 families of the Zanzibari Indian Community who lived on the Bluff are moved to Chatsworth. This 600 strong community, the descendants of slaves, were living  in an area overlooking Durban off Bluff Road. I have an idea the cemetery was left intact. The Zanzibari  community dates back to 1873.

With South Africa now a republic, the Durban City Council decides that the Union Jack will no longer be flown from the flag pole on the City Hall portico. 50 people gather to watch the lowering of the flag for the last time at 5 pm.  At the time there was a rash of car bumper stickers proclaiming “Natal – the last Colonial Outpost”  which featured the Union Jack.

A South African Airways Skymaster “Lebombo” and a South African Air Force Harvard trainer collide over the Bluff. The Harvard crashes on the Bluff with pilot and co pilot parachuting to safety. The Skymaster is able to land with a severely damaged tail fin.

In April, the Convent School in St. Andrew’s Street closes with the transfer of the school to a totally new facility in Glenmore.  The nuns’ convent in Convent Lane,  at the back of the Durdoc Centre, was also vacated  when the nuns moved to Glenmore.

The Durban July is won by a 16-1 rank outsider called Diza with apprentice Aubrey Roberts up. Second is White Foam, then the favourite Jerez and The Giant ran in fourth.

The second rugby international, South Africa vs. British Lions,  is played at Kings Park Durban on July 21^st.  Keith Oxlee,  the Natal fly half kicks a penalty and scores the only points in a hard fought match.

The Twine’s Hotel, corner Gardiner Street and the Esplanade,  closes it doors and is due for demolition. The hotel was built in 1902.

Following much local support in a “Save Kingsmead”  campaign, restoration of the old grandstand and the wooden stands starts in earnest. Local firms pitch in with contributions of material required.

The Durban Gold Cup horse race is won by a 20-1 outsider, Speciality, ridden by T. Lange.    Runners up were New Chief, The Giant and West Point. The favourite Scotfree runs fourth from last. Punters having a bad year!

The Durban firm, Natal Glassworks,  53 Williams Road is gutted by fire.

The Durban – Kwa  Mashu train line is opened with an hourly train service.

The Natal Grand Prix is run at the Westmead Race Circuit on 22^nd December. The Grand Prix is won by Team Lotus with Trevor Taylor the winner, just edging out Jim Clark.  Richie Ginter of Team BRM is third and South African Neville Lederle fourth.  A short while after the grand prix, whilst practising for the South African Grand Prix at the Westmead Circuit in Pinetown, Gary Hocking, a Rhodesian motor ace loses control of his Lotus Climax, collides with a tree and is killed.

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Just the other day, reader Peter Noci wrote in to cast light on the mystery. I have added his comments below the entry for 13 March, 2005, on Diary page # 18.

And talking of the diary, even though this shiny WordPress blog only dates back to the middle of 2011, I did keep a site diary from 2003. I recommend you take a look through those pages which are linked from here, to get a good idea of what’s been happening on the site, since the very beginning.