Near the end of March 1901, two Blantyre men signed up to the South African Constabulary (a paramilitary force set up in 1900 under British Army control to police areas captured from the two independent Boer republics of Transvaal and Orange Free State during the Second Boer War). Its first Inspector-General was Major-General Robert Baden-Powell, later the founder of the worldwide Scout Movement. After hostilities ended in 1902, the […]
During early 1901, a young Blantyre man Matthew Watson of Kirkland Place, High Blantyre was off volunteering in the war in South Africa. However, during March that year, he contracted enteric fever, being released from military duties to the local hospital at Mooi River. Private Watson had volunteered and went out to Africa with the […]
This photo from 1901, taken from a local newspaper of the time is Blantyre Parish Council. The occasion of the photo was the opening of the new Parish Council chambers in Cemetery Road. Although not the best photo, the names of all these men who shaped the affairs of Blantyre, some for decades previous to […]
The more eagle eyed viewer watching the King’s Coronation in London today may have spotted a Blantyre connection! The Royal processions and guests in Westminster Abbey directly passed over David Livingstone’s grave inside the Abbey. Nearby is the memorial for Churchill and the well known tomb of the Unknown Warrior surrounded by flowers. When you […]
I’ve mentioned this incredible story before, but I now have some further information to add, which puts a whole different perspective on it. For several weeks, the local press in 1901 ran a story looking for a particular person. The story had some urgent attention. A wealthy, single gold prospector in California had suddenly died […]
A story next from a former minister of David Livingstone Memorial Church. On Sunday 1st December 1901, the Winter communion services were being held in Livingstone Memorial Church on Glasgow Road. With Rev Thomas A Hugh and the congregation that evening, was a special guest. Minister Rev Prentice who was ‘home’ in Blantyre after labouring […]
A few people have been asking how I am after last weeks operation. My final hospital visit was earlier today. Stent is now out, x ray showing everything successfully clear! 3 major ops in 14 months, but doctors have confirmed no further hospital appointments! No pain, no illness, no cardiac or urology issues. Kidneys and […]