Andrew Rattray will talk to us about that fateful day, the 22nd of January 1879, when the British Army invaded Zululand and found themselves up against the might of the Zulu Army, which prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, later that year, upon the death of the Prince Imperial of France to say ‘A very remarkable people the Zulus: they defeat our generals, they convert our bishops, they have settled the fate of a great European dynasty.’ Time: 7 pm Date: Wednesday 28th November Venue: The Library, 16 Wilhelmina Street, Franschhoek Cost: R150, including a light supper. Wine and beer available (limited tickets available – allocated on a first come, first served basis) Funds will go to the David Rattray Foundation: http://davidrattrayfoundation.org/drf/ To book tickets please email bandoola@mweb.co.za
Andrew is passionate about all things wild and especially about the reserve at Fugitives Drift, where he grew up, and its flora and fauna of which he has an intimate knowledge. He is a fluent Zulu speaker, an excited fisherman and a hapless horseman. Andrew spent his childhood sitting at David’s feet and listening to his stories of the Anglo Zulu War and has always shared his father’s enthusiasm for the history of the area and for the Zulu people. Indeed, at the age of nine, Andrew took his first ‘tour’ to the site of the skirmish at Fugitives’ Drift when David had to rush off unexpectedly to fight an out-of-control veldt fire.
Following a B.Comm degree and ranger training course at Phinda, Andrew has spent some time at Kwandwe Game Reserve, near Grahamstown. He has loved his time as a guide there and brought this invaluable experience with him on his return to the fold at Fugitives’ Drift in June 2011, and follows in his father’s impressive footsteps.
For more information on visiting the Zulu Battlefields and the Rattrays home and lodge at Fugitives Drift visit http://www.fugitivesdrift.com
a happy mélange of good company, quaffable wines, simply delectable food, stylish environs and the finest in story-telling by Andrew Rattray. Andrew holds his audience in vice-like attention as he deftly retells the events of that fateful day in 1879. He masterfully builds the tension, expertly recreates the drama and effectively immerses his audience in the momentous occurrences at Isandlwana. The story is well peppered with anecdotes that are at times humbling, awe-inspiring, quirky, amusing and eccentric but effectively deliver the humanity inherent to this tale of bravery, strategy, leadership, mishap, complacency and tragedy.
Thank you Explorers Club and we look forward to the next adventure!
An excellent way to spend an evening. Andrew gave a detailed and gripping precis of the battle and The Library was the perfect setting for the drama. Many thanks for having us along. Charlie
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Joke, what a coup for the Explorers Club, this is definitely not one to be missed!! See you there, Marlon
Hi Jo, This sounds fascinating I would love to come to the library talk. nx
What a brilliant dramatic talk by Andrew – looking forward to what happens next on the Explorers Club Lecture calender
a happy mélange of good company, quaffable wines, simply delectable food, stylish environs and the finest in story-telling by Andrew Rattray. Andrew holds his audience in vice-like attention as he deftly retells the events of that fateful day in 1879. He masterfully builds the tension, expertly recreates the drama and effectively immerses his audience in the momentous occurrences at Isandlwana. The story is well peppered with anecdotes that are at times humbling, awe-inspiring, quirky, amusing and eccentric but effectively deliver the humanity inherent to this tale of bravery, strategy, leadership, mishap, complacency and tragedy.
Thank you Explorers Club and we look forward to the next adventure!
Excellent. Andrew is a good speaker and made it all very interesting. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Many thanks, Rob & Normaine Crichton.
An excellent way to spend an evening. Andrew gave a detailed and gripping precis of the battle and The Library was the perfect setting for the drama. Many thanks for having us along. Charlie