History

The Natal Mercury Children’s Holiday Home Association, as originally called, was established in 1921-22 for children of the unemployed in natal during the depression years, having holidays in Durban and Port Shepstone.

It was started through the enthusiasm and foresight of the Natal Teachers’ Society and from the donations received from the public, the Hostel at Hibberdene was built. 

The Home served as a hospital during world War II.

In 1932 Mrs. T Watson, wife of the then Administrator, with the help of the Natal Mercury, through the enthusiasm and foresight of the Natal Teachers society, and people like the late Mr. and Mrs. Armitage, the late Mr. and Mrs. Southwood, the late Mrs Flo Walsh, Mrs Ella Sellers at present Life member of the association and from the donations received from the public, the Hostel was built to accommodate 120 children and 12 helpers.  The Home was officially opened in 1935.  The camp catered for indigent and necessitous children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.   As time went by and many other elements came into society we found ourselves also catering for children exposed to any form of abuse.

Application forms were given to children by School Principals, Teachers and Child Welfare Organisations, who were aware of the circumstances.   These applications were returned to the Secretary for selections.   With a maximum of 2 days before a 10 day holiday party, a Medical Examination was held by clinic sisters at an arranged venue to ensure that the children were fit and well.   Busses were arranged to transport the children to Hibberdene.

Since its doors were first opened, the home has been funded through donations, street collections and fund-raising projects. 

1956 to 1966

The Home was managed by Mr and Mrs R Wells, affectionately known to all as Uncle Reg and Auntie Madge, and had the privilege of celebrating the Homes 30th birthday

1962

Ivan Southwood was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Home for nine years and it was through his zeal that the swimming pool was built.  The Change rooms, showers etc were erected some years later and the Durban and district bowling Association appealed to all clubs to subscribe towards the cost of the building and carry a plaque to commemorate the name of Ivan Southwood for all time on behalf of the bowlers of natal.

1966

The Home celebratedits 30th birday. 

1971

This year was the first time the Children’s Seaside Holiday Society organized a trip to the Hibberdene Hostel. 

1974

Jack and Cathy Marsden managed the home

1984

The Natal Mercury Children’s Holiday Home celebrated its Golden Jubilee.   Inclement weather conditions did not dampen the spirits of the large crowd who attended a fete held to celebrate the occasion and raise funds for the Home.

A highlight of the day was the opening ceremony, when the Mayor of Durban, Mrs Sybil Hotz gave a short history of the Home and told of some of her amusing experiences with children while she was canvassing for votes in the municipal elections.  

It was a day to remember for Mrs Brenda Southwood who had devoted 37 years service to the Home and her services were recognized with the renaming of the Hall in her honour.

1988

In June 1988 the then chairman of the home Mr Arnold Getaz and his committee wrote that funds were scarce and a camp had to be cancelled.  They undertook a fund raiser to endeavour to raise the necessary funds to that the other camps could go ahead as planned.   It was estimated that at the current prices it would cost approximately R100.00 per child for a 10 day period.

The activities were organized everyday by young men and women who assisted in playing, supervising and caring for the children.  The young men and women came from colleges and some recommended by Principals of High Schools, and in turn were supervised by Mr and Mrs Glendon, the managers and house parents (1991).  

Not only were the children entertained but were helped with social and spiritual needs.   Bible time was held each day and interesting lessons from the bible were taught in a very fun and casual way.

Seven camps a year are arranged and in the interim periods the home was used by the Department of Education and educational camps, the mentally handicapped etc.

This year was also the first time the Home was opened to children of all races.  

1995

The home was in a sad sate of disrepair after not receiving proper maintenance for about 35 years, mainly for financial reasons.   The home was in a desperate financial position because the depressed economy had affected the ability of the otherwise generous public to offer assistance.

It was then that the home embarked on a mission to become as self-sufficient as possible, through renting out the property to groups to generate income. 

A massive appeal went out from the chairman of the home’s management board, Bill Sutherland, who asked the public to help the home with donations in cash and kind.    In response individuals and Organisations came forward to help and renovations began.

2007

12 years later and more serious building renovations were needed.   An appeal was once again sent out saying nothing less than a major facelift would do to restore this grand old dame of the Kwa-Zulu natal coastline to her former glory.

The Chairman of the board, Phillida Ellis said that the new board was people who had joined because they believed in what the Home does.  The board were concerned that the home’s state of disrepair was thwarting its main source of income (paying guests)that made the blessing of free holidays by the sea for underprivileged children possible for the past 72 years.

A massive appeal to people on different levels was sent out.   To people who could donate money and to people who had construction companies who could donate in kind and in terms of their expertise.  The biggest need was the external and internal repainting of the building, the swimming pool was leaking and only one pump was working, bedding and linen, donations of food.

2008

The home underwent its biggest refurbishment of its 86 year history thanks to generous donations worth R2 million from the Mercury readers and the local business community. 

The home started to sparkle to its form glory.

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