Case of historic trowel solved for former Natal resident

In June this year, Mr Alan Yates, a former resident of Natal who now lives in Austria, sent a query to Mr Pieter Hurter (former Town Clerk for 23 years) regarding the history of Ladysmith. Mr Yates had acquired a charming little trowel in silver and ivory from a very reputable dealer in London. It appeared to be some sort of commemorative item, but smaller than the usual commemorative trowels. The flat silver portion measured only 115mm long. The inscription reads “HEB 1882 Ladysmith”.

Mr Yates was interested in finding out what the inscription stood for and to what it referred. Mr Hurter, now a Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, attempted to find out more about the trowel by forwarding Mr Yates’ query to Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality.
During the month of July, Ken Gillings, a specialist Battlefields tour guide, made inroads regarding the origin of the trowel by suggesting that it had something to do with the laying of the foundation stone of the All Saints Church in 1882. Then, in September, Liz Spiret (local and long-serving tour guide specialising in the Siege of Ladysmith) found reference to the laying of the foundation stone in the History and Guide of All Saints – Ladysmith booklet.On Page 3 of the booklet, it reads that on October 16, 1882, the foundation stone was laid by Sir Henry Ernest Bulwer, governor of Natal.

Thanks to the networking of local history lovers, the mystery of the trowel had been solved. Mr Yates was pleased to finally find out the history of his silver trowel that had travelled halfway round the world. For those who enjoyed this brief history memoir, don’t forget to attend the Ladysmith Historical Society’s end-of-year bring ‘n braai function at the Old Toll House in Settlers Drive on Friday, December 5, at 6pm and find out more about our fascinating town.

For more information, phone Johan Matthee on 083-785-1022.