The July meeting took place at the Penmere Manor Hotel where the chairman, Geoff Wheeler, introduced fellow member and club photographer Howard Brebner to talk about his family history in South Africa.

Howard’s illustrious ancestor, Dr John Brebner, went from humble beginnings in Scotland to become Minister of Education in Cape Province in the last quarter of the 19th century. Howard knew from his family history that one of his ancestors had achieved great things in education but as in most families the story was vague. Using the internet, Howard was able to painstakingly piece together the details.

John Brebner was born into a humble family in the Scottish Borders in 1843. His father was the local blacksmith and his mother was deeply religious. His was an extraordinary family by any measure producing five teachers and one doctor from an uneducated family. They were blessed to have an excellent village school.

John went from there to Aberdeen grammar school then on to Aberdeen University achieving an MA Honours in classics. Whilst at university he was able to help support some of his siblings through their education. He then decided to take holy orders and shortly after ordination he was offered a job in education in South Africa at the huge salary of £300 per annum. He married and they set sail for South Africa in July arriving in October followed by an arduous journey by ox.

John joined the Dutch Reform Church and his career flourished by his own hard work. He set up schools with high academic standards and travelled throughout Europe and North America in order to identify the best educational systems which he incorporated into schools in Cape Province.

Because of his success in raising educational standards he came to the notice of the political establishment, getting to know the President and Cecil Rhodes. The President asked him to become head of the whole education system in the Province. He toiled for twenty years ceaselessly with this responsibility and raised standards beyond all recognition.

The stresses and strains of his work took a great toll on his health and he had to retire much to the regret of the government. In order to try to regain his health he retired and travelled throughout Europe, but all to no avail. He returned to South Africa where he died and was buried with great honours. To this day there are schools named after him.

In his vote of thanks, Chris Bateman said that Howard and his family should be very proud of their ancestor who was one of the great men of the British Empire.

The club meets monthly and welcomes new members. For more information contact Vincent Conran on 01326 212237.