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Jean Mottram my neighbour writes: "I worked in the Secretariat (Government HQ) in Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia from May 1956 to December 1965. In October 1964 Northern Rhodesia was granted independence and became the Republic of Zambia. The 2 doors of the Secretariat had 2 bronze shields which were removed and replaced by the new Zambian ones following Independence Day. I saw the workmen doing the alteration to the doors on my way to work and amongst all the rubble on the ground I picked up on of the old Northern Rhodesia shields which was intact. I asked the workman if I could have the shield for 'old times sake' and he said I could. The other must have been lost or broken up. I have treasured this object ever since, and it has pride of place in our home back here in England."

This represents the pivotal moment in African history when colonialism came to an end and nation states took responsibility for themselves.