Most of you reading my blog do not know my brother so here’s a bit of background. He is 7 years younger than me and has been living in England since he was 20 years old. He has therefore become quite the English Gentleman. He is to say the least a most unusual character and always has been. From his earliest years he has been mad about all things old. He collected coins and stamps as a child. History is his passion and there is little he does not know about both British and South African History and hs is a particular boff on the two World Wars.
To say he is eccentric would be an accurate yet inadequate description of him. He loves tradition yet he’s. In some ways he is Obsessive Compulsive but there are areas of mess in his house. Certainly he is a man of contrasts – deeply religious yet often irreverent. Part of him adores the military and he misses the camaraderie of men in the forces yet he can’t be controlled and does things his own way. Definitely he is a man of contrasts – a colourful character indeed.
I find myself now a guest in a mini-museum as in every room, space, nook and cranny there are exhibits of Royal memorabilia, military medals, badges and trinkets, old bottles, tins, jars, bowls and a variety of other collectables from the past. He has a room that he’s converted into his own private chapel and the room in which I now sleep is called “The Flag Room” for obvious reasons!
Our Great-Uncles’ medals – World War 1
The red flag with the Union Jack in the top left corner and was the first South African flag. Nicholas researched the history of these two uncles and their medals were given to him by the army as he was their closest next of kin.
Soldier of the First World War
Nicholas found this painting in a second hand shop, researched the soldier and shared his information with the survivors of this soldier.
Portrait of My Brother in uniform which he had done to commemorate his Naval Passing Out
Some Royal Memorabilia
Ancient Collectables
Coins and trinkets of varying value
Nicholas can tell you history and each item. He never forgets where he found them nor who gave them to him and he values them deeply.
My abode – The Flag Room
View to the Garden
Private Chapel
It has been a cold and wet day outside but I have enjoyed catching up with my baby brother and exploring his treasures. You’ve just gotta love him!
Even the loo contains items of interest
A book about Jan Smuts
Diary of an Adventurous Retiree 