THE TRANSVAAL WAR OF INDEPENCE (1881) TOUR
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On Saturday 6th June several guides went on a trip to Newcastle to view the sites of the Transvaal War of Independence 1881 (First Boer War or Transvaal Rebellion)

The tour started at Fort Amiel in Newcastle where Gen Sir George Pomeroy-Colley gathered his force before advancing on the Transvaal. Here the group was met by the Curator Louis Eksteen who gave them some background to Newcastle and the Fort. It should be noted the the Fort is only open during the week and between 10h00 and 12h00 on Saturdays and is closed for the rest of the weekend. However if guides phone Louis ( 072 238 1983) in advance he will endeavour to accommodate them and open up for them.

From left to right are Adrian Dippenaar, Evan Jones, Anthony Coleman, Norman Leveridge, Rex Duke, Brian Wilson, Dave Sutcliffe, Henry Bird, Chris van Schalkwyk, Ron Gold, Danie du Preez, Shane Spargo, Vincent Horn. Kneeling Johann Hamman and Brian van Schaik.

FORT AMIEL - NEWCASTLE
Left: Louis Eksteen, Curator of Fort Amiel Museum giving the group the "Low Down"

Details of the Fort can be viewed on www.amajubaexperienc.co.za just click on Fort Amiel.
SCHUINSHOOGTE
One of the things on this trip is the wide open spaces and terrific views and the Battlefield at Schuinshoogte is no exception. From here you can see Botha's Pass and all the way round to Inkwelo Mountain, Majuba, Laing's Nek and Mt Prospect. You can stop on the road where there is a Layby and there are styles over the fences on each side of the road to the main battlefield and monument and also to the graves of Capt. Mcgreggor and his men.

MOUNT PROSPECT - BRITISH CAMP AND CEMETERY
The group moved down to the Ingogo to discuss the double drifts, the British retreat, the original Fermistones Inn and the position of the old road. Before moving on to Mt Prospect and the British camp.

A little good news here. Instead of having to take the long rough road through Mt Prospect farm the adjacent farmer Martin Prinsloo agreed that Guides may contact him directly and pass through his land to the cemetry on condition that they they also get permission from the owner of Mt Prospect (Martin Prinsloo 082 762 2876 and Gilbert Bronkhorst 079 166 4373 or 084 401 1371) This is only available to guided tours.

LAING'S NEK (LANGS)
To access the position where the 58th Regt attacked the Boer positions one must first contact Ian Brooking 082 774 8928 who is a farm Manager. Ian will meet you at the farm on the north side of the nek. the turning is right on the bend just after crossing the nek and is dangerous. From the farm you must either hike over the hill or let Ian show you round to the site. This is off road motoring. At the site there is the monument to the 58th Regt and in the wattle trees are some of the mass graves.

MAJUBA COMMEMORATIVE FARM AND BATTLEFIELD
Here there is an entry fee of R30 per vehicle and a little more for kombis and buses. If you want to visit the little museum in the rondavel you need to ask for the key at the gate when you pay. There are camping facilities, ablutions and picnic and braai sites. (Caretaker Thys de Beer 017 735 1962)

The hike up the mountain is very steep and rough and the sections through the wattle is especially dangerous when coming down because of loose material. Allow 2h30 for the climb up and down. There is the British cemetery on top and a Boer Monument. Plaques in the grass indicate the Boer assualt. the 360 degree view from the top is spectacular.

MEALS
If you do not want to take a picnic lunch then when you leave Laing's Nek travel 4km through Charlestown and you will come to Snowys. Here you can obtain a snack or light lunch at very reasonable prices.

O'NEILL'S COTTAGE
Time did not permit the group to visit this last site which is on the left side of the road when going back down the pass towards Newcastle on the N11. The access is overgrown and the cottage is in a state of decay as SAHRA do not maintain it. There is no entry fee.