Sad, but after 45 years, we saw the last pieces of the structure formally known as the Mule Derby getting pulled down this fine winter's morning in Oranjemund.
There were three young chaps tasked with the job, oblivious to the small historical importance that the structure holds for many of us scattered across the globe....
I just had to stop and take a few somber snaps, the chaps starring at me, no doubt wondering what this idiot was up to, I could'nt hold back and proceeded to explain the history of the structure, how and why it was built..... They seemed to take an interest...
The building has been standing unused for close on a decade now, rotting in the harsh climate..... it was perhaps sad that this had to happen, that nobody back in the day took the initiative to use and maintain her........
All that's left, are the photographs and memories, of galloping horses, cheering and the distant smell of deep fried fish&chips.....
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I remember Bob telling us where some of the wood for the structure came from, hence the reason I snapped the closeup of the panels....
quite amazing ,, looks so small now .. as kids the buildings looked huge
Oranjemund's first dentist, Dr Brian La Trobe, chaired the Mule Derby for seven years during which most of those buildings were erected. The story is well told in his book: "Of Diamonds and Dentistry" published about two years ago. Possibly Spar still has a few copies.