The Ndlambe region stands to benefit from organised historical tours that focus on the rich history and heritage in the area, says Historical Bathurst chairperson Tom Barrett.
The 1820 Settler heritage was at the forefront on Saturday November 4 when a 20-strong group embarked on a field trip organised by SA Military History Society Eastern Cape (SAMHSEC) that took in some of the landmarks and historical features of Bathurst.
The field trip, which took the form of a trail walk, started off at the 191-year-old Methodist Church in York Road where Tom Penlington gave an account of the church’s rich historical heritage. The quaint building is considered to be the first church of its kind in South Africa, said Penlington.
One of only two clergymen to arrive at the hamlet after 1820, the Rev William Shaw who was stationed in Salem and travelled to all the districts on horseback and foot to conduct his sermons, was resident priest.
“Historical tourism can work … three weeks ago we had a group from Stutterheim as well as from the Port Alfred History Society. There’ve also been group visits undertaken by St Andrew’s and Diocesan School for Girls. So it shows that it can work,” said Barrett.
“What we need is a point of contact who can pull these facets together and coordinate such tours. In 2012/13 after the old mill had been restored, visitors from all over the country came in numbers to see the spectacle. But that interest died down too eventually.”
Barrett said as his generation moved on it was important for the youth to be encouraged to show serious interest in the historical legacy of the region. “Today however, young people are more focused on ekeing out a livelihood especially around the current economic circumstances that prevail in the country and that is to be understood.”
“However we still have to try to get younger people on to our committees”, said Barrett.
Barrett said they were in the process of bringing out a handbook on the history of Bathurst. “Publishing of the book is moving slowly but surely but that is at least a positive development.”
“Historical tourism will work because for example, the Pig & Whistle employs more than 27 people who have the opportunity to earn extra and is a real possibility should visitors to the region come in to attend these historical tours.
Barrett said there were often misconceptions about the 1820 Settlers and their reasons for relocating to Africa. “Of course there’s a lot of history there … just as is the case in our modern society where people migrate in search of better circumstances. Many Settlers were in fact destitute and relocated to the country in the hope of a better life.”
Barrett said it could be that historical regions like Bathurst are too far off the Garden Route where most tourists gravitate to, especially overseas tourists.
“But once they’ve been here they are hugely surprised and realise what they have missed out on all this time.”
A member of SAMHSEC in Gqeberha, Malcolm Kinghorn who attended the trail walk, said though his organization was “not in the business of tourism”, they realise the potential and positive impact of such tours on the tourism industry.
“The business potential of tourism is indeed real and our compatriots in KZN set a good example of realizing that potential,” said Kinghorn.
The group then proceeded to the powder magazine, a small fortified outpost where Settlers stored their weaponry and arsenal during the Frontier Wars of the 1830s. These, among tools such as spades and farming implements which were displayed to the group, were used to ward off the Xhosa tribes. Situated high up on a hill close to the Methodist Church the fort was used as a vantage point to repel any attacks.
Reenactment specialist, blacksmith and historical specialist, Basil Mills, who was in attendance said it was important to chronicle these events so that the history of the region could be better understood. Mills said it was crucial to get the youth on board as well.
“We are trying very hard to inform people about the history of the Albany district. Most of the heritage has its roots locked in the Albany area of the United States. Most of the staunch English sympathisers from that area of the US came to South Africa in about 1830 to assist in the frontier wars. On these walks we also inform people about the life of the soldiers and the life of the other people who inhabited the area, such as the Xhosas. And not forget the Khoi khoi”.
“My goal is also to involve the youth in these excursions … we often organise scout groups to come out here and experience the history of the region. That is why I do a lot of battle re-enactments so that they can experience a part of the history. I also work a lot with the academics on the development of the old forts,” said Mills.
“With the Xhosa for example, they will always remember in their celebrations where their forefathers are from … a lot of people have forgotten that these old traditions still exist. The Scottish who came here had brought with them traditions such as wedding and new year celebrations and many other traditions … so we try to demonstrate to people these historical traditions.”
