|
1884
|
The
first pioneer, Alfred Eyles (1861 - 1938) from Wiltshire, England,
established Imbizane Mission at ‘The Outlook’ on the present
day Outlook Farm.
|
|
1895
|
The
Fascadale, a four-masted steel barque built in 1890, en route from
Mauritius to Lisbon, was wrecked on the large rocks seawards of
the hotel tidal pool. Captain
Smith was not on board and the first mate, Alfred Julius, was in
charge. Two crewmembers were drowned.
The arrival of Norham Castle, a steamer, prevented any
further loss of life.
|
|
1908
|
The
Swedish Zulu Mission took over from Alfred Eyles and rebuilt
Imbizane Mission at Bushy Vales.
To avoid confusion, the Eyles’ family home was renamed
‘Southbroom’ after a family home of the same name in Devizes,
England.
|
|
1933
|
Alfred
Eyles’ youngest sons Frank and Gilbert, the founders of
Southbroom, planned and proclaimed the park-like township on land
acquired by their father, for 10 shillings an acre, before the
turn of the century.
|
|
1935
|
The
Southbroom Hotel opened as a boarding house.
|
|
1937
|
The
hotel tidal pool (Granny’s Pool) was built.
|
|
1939
|
Frank
Eyles built a 9-hole golf course laid out by golf professional J
Naven.
|
|
1944
|
Ruth
and Howard Barbour opened the first general store and postal
agency.
|
|
1946
|
Pine
trees were planted throughout the township.
|
|
1948
|
The
golf course was extended to 18 holes.
A L Mandy was the designer and the new course incorporated
only 4 of the original 9 holes.
The bowling green was
laid down by Jimmy Green and Ernie Sturman.
|
|
1950
|
Southbroom
Golf Club was formed under Chairman/Captain E A Marshall, with
Gilbert Eyles as President.
Southbroom Bowling Club opened with Reg Ault as President.
The main beach tearoom opened.
|
|
1952
|
The
first Health Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Bertie
Brown.
|
|
1961
|
The
main beach tidal pool was built.
|
|
1975
|
The
Tennis Club opened at Eyles Park under the chairmanship of Byron
Purtell. Sea Captain Secretan funded the construction of two
all-weather courts.
|
|
1977
|
Environmentalist
Leo Driessen donated the Frederika Nature Preserve to Southbroom.
The preserve is now a National Heritage Site comprising 8
hectares of mature, virgin dune forest bordering the 16th/17th/2nd
fairways of the golf course.
|
|
1984
|
The
Southbroom Hotel was demolished amidst great controversy that
caused the land to remain vacant for many years.
(The Admiralty is now built on the site.)
|
|
1988
|
Southbroom
attained Town Board status.
|
|
1995
|
The
Mpenjati/Southbroom Local Transitional Council was formed.
|
|
1999
|
Southbroom
was incorporated into the Hibiscus Coast Municipality.
|
|
2003
|
Ratepayers’
Association commissioned the clearance of alien invader plants
from public areas of outstanding natural beauty.
|
|
2004 |
Southbroom Conservancy established. |
