dear museum friends issue 8 of 201 - … · has recently appeared in ‘craftwise’ magazine. this...

GBR MUSEUM NEWS LETTER AUGUST 2011 Page No. 1

August 2011 Phone 044-620-3338 Fax 044-620-3176

Email: [email protected] www.ourheritage.org.za

www.greatbrakriver.co.za 3BEditor Rene’ de Kock

Dear Museum Friends Issue 8 of 201

During July South African Airways unveiled the first aircraft in its fleet to be branded with the Nelson Mandela Day logo, ahead of the anti-apartheid icon's 93rd birthday. Then on Mandela’s birthday the Great Brak River Museum opened the latest travelling exhibition which includes visual components through which visitors will be able to view historical footage, images and sound recordings reflecting the lives and times of each of the four South African Nobel Peace laureates (see separate article). Already several schools are bringing their children to view the exhibition and we would like to formally invite all nearby schools to take the advantage and arrange a visit whilst the exhibition is with us. The exhibition text and accompanying materials is presented in Afrikaans, English and IsiXhosa. A village I have not yet included in our news letter is charming Prince Albert and this month I had intended to make a start with an article on ‘Outa Lappies’ which has recently appeared in ‘Craftwise’ magazine. This has been written by one of our local museum members Vivian Holtzhausen. Vivian is a well known quilter and has contributed much to our museum. Then came the sad news that on Wednesday 6th July Outa Lappies died from burns received in a fire. During that week we also received the news that Clifford Jacobs passed away. In his time Clifford Jacobs was a very important person in the village. He was a teacher, a headmaster and eventually the mayor. One of his humorous stories appears in this month’s issue. For those of you who are interested in local news, the “Great Brak Post” now has its own ‘Facebook’ Page. At last, the new curtains provided with funds raised by Leslie Ray Dowling have been hung in the museums remodelled rooms. Leslie we wish to thank you again. The Crofts Animal Clinic is looking for donations to assist with their free sterilisation day on August 20th 2011. See advert for further information. Did you know that Desmond Tutu, archbishop emeritus of the Anglican Church of South Africa and Nobel Prise Winner has contributed to a book about Global Warming called ‘100 Places to Go Before They Disappear’;

Short of a book to read

A large collection

of Pre-owned books on sale in

the Museum Shop….Every

week day morning and afternoons

when the museum is open.

Proceeds go to museum funds

The Museum is open Monday,

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

between 9 am and 4 pm and on

Wednesdays from 9.00 to 12.30 pm.

Hopes next fund raising “Hands

On” crafts workshop will be in August and will be on Wednesday

17th.

Please call Hope de Kock on

083 378 1232 for full details and

venue.

The museum shop has a new range of colourful bags and kitchen ware

on display


About the book What would our world look like if the planet's average temperature were to rise by only a few degrees? Venice, Bangkok, London, Chicago, and New York would experience severe flooding. The tea fields of Sri Lanka and the vineyards of France would suffer heat and drought. Beijing and Timbuktu would be transformed into deserts, and the Great Barrier Reef's coral colonies would die. The entire nation of Tuvalu (Polynesian island formally Ellice Islands) would sink into the Pacific Ocean. As plants and animals vital to local ecosystems continue to perish due to climate change, the face of our planet is already being transformed. 100 Places to Go Before They Disappear features the locations on all seven continents in the greatest danger of disappearing within our lifetime. With an essay by Desmond Tutu, this stunning book will inspire travellers and environmentalists to save gorgeous places that might soon be only a memory.

Isdhoo Lōmāfānu is the oldest copper-plate book to have been discovered in the Maldives; which is one of the endangered countries. The book was written in AD 1194.

Our Corporate Membership Drive. We wish to thank the many local companies and small businesses who have already shown an interest in helping the Great Brak Museum with its operational funding drive.

Corporation Email address Month Joined

Art @ 39 Long [email protected] July 2011 Boltons Footware [email protected] July 2011

Caddy Shack [email protected] July 2011Great Brak River Shoestop [email protected] July 2011Groot Brak Drankwinkel [email protected] July 2011Groot Brak Pharmacy [email protected] July 2011

Leani Kwekery [email protected] July 2011Ouma Betties [email protected] July 2011

Pine Creek Resort [email protected] July 2011Robins Hair [email protected] July 2011

Watson Shoes [email protected] July 2011

In September 2009 the Wolwedans dam water level stood at 44.50% full and water restrictions were introduced.

The Department of Water Affairs and

Forestry reports that during late July

2011, our Wolwedans dam

water level is 101.1% full.

Croft Veterinary Clinic

Sterilisation Marathon

20 August 2011, 8am to 5pm

We depend

entirely on

donations

If you would like to

contribute, it can be done

directly at the Croft

animal clinic or via

electronic payment :

Acc name : Croft Animal

Hospital

Bank : Standard Bank

Mossel Bay

Acc No : 082-818-444

Branch : 050-414

Reference : SterMaraton


News letter Index.

‘Outa Lappies’ the legendary self taught artist of Prince Albert ........................................................................ 6 Memories of a village ‘Architect’ .................................................................................................................................... 5 OUR NATURE CORNER ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

SA Tourism and Other Snippets .................................................................................................................................... 10 South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize Winners Traveling Exhibition ......................................................................... 4 THE CURATOR’S CORNER ............................................................................................................................................... 12

What’s on, in and around the museum in Great Brak River this and the coming months? ...................... 3

What’s on, in and around the museum in Great Brak River this and the coming months?

Month & provisional date

Description Supported by

Contact person

Late February Launch of the new museum and heritage web site. ourheritage.org.za

Museum & Heritage

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Rene’ de Kock: 083-448-1966

August

Pre-owned books on sale in the Museum Shop….Every week day.

Both English and Afrikaans books available from R4.oo each

The Museum for museum funds

The museum 044-620-3338

August

Visit the Nobel Peace Prize Travelling Exhibition

at the museum

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Nisde McRobert @ 044-620-3783

NEAR BY

6th August ‘Womans Day’ Lunch GBR Clinic

20 August

2011,

8am to 5pm

Croft Veterinary Clinic

Sterilisation Marathon Acc name : Croft Animal Hospital Bank : Standard Bank Mossel Bay

Acc No : 082-818-444 Branch : 050-414

Reference : SterMaraton

General

Enquiries

044-620-3133

29th September “Heritage Seminar” Venue: George Museum, York Street

George

Dept. Cultural Affairs &

Sport

Sheila Monare 044-873-5343

14th-15th October Searle Memorial Flower Show Searle Memorial Church

For more details on what’s on in our area email Hennie & Rene with a request for their news letter:[email protected]

© The content of this newsletter is copyright and it may only be reprinted by request in writing from the Great Brak River Museum Association.

Compiled & Distributed by the Great Brak River Museum. The Museum Association cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies,

editorial or omissions in the text. If you no longer wish to receive this e-newsletter, please will you reply to this email

address /with the word ‘unsubscribe’ or ’Stop’ in the subject box.


South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize Winners Traveling Exhibition

Contribution by your editor

The Great Brak River Museum has the latest travelling exhibition on display which includes visual components through which visitors will be able to view historical footage, images and sound recordings reflecting the lives and times of each of the four South African Nobel Peace laureates. The exhibition text and accompanying materials is presented in Afrikaans, English and IsiXhosa. In beautiful evening weather in between the typical cold snaps experienced in the Western Cape, the Great Brak River Museum opened their new travelling exhibition titled “SOUTH AFRICA’S NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS”. The museum has never before had so many guests to accommodate at one time and several rooms had to be used to house the various parts of the function. On the 18th July at just after 6.30 pm, Mark Wiley and Rene’ de Kock jointly cut the opening ribbon and the activity began. Our Curator Nisde Mac Robert opened the evening and Father Frans provided the opening prayer. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by the mass children’s choir of the New Apostolic Church. Bishop Lionel Lakey whose deaconate extends from Great Brak River to Knysna provided the opening speech which was followed by Mark Wiley who was the keynote speaker. Mark Wiley is a well known political figure who entered politics in the Western Cape in the early Nineties. Was

Minister of Community Safety and Environmental Affairs May 1998 and in June 1999 – August 2000 was re-appointed Minister of Community Safety with additional portfolio of Sport and Recreation. The chairman said he was particularly pleased to note that Mark Wiley is a strong proponent of saving our Heritage and had since 2009 served as the Member Provincial Parliament RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY, CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPORT. Hope de Kock serving MPP Mark Wiley with a helping of traditional soup. The real highlights of the evening were the

twenty four children’s choir singing the Madiba Happy Birthday song and the traditional supper of various soups and breads and sherry prepared by the ladies of the Museum committee.


Memories of a village ‘Architect’ Contribution by your editor

I would like to pay tribute to one of our past village mayors who passed away earlier in the month. Clifford Jacobs was a school teacher, a head master, a good friend of the museum and on retirement, became a self taught artist who painted picturesque local scenes in water colour which were much in demand. Regrettably I have only been able to acquire one of his paintings which depicts the oval where the municipal offices now stands with the Anglican Church, where my grandfather used to sing, in the back ground. Clifford Jacobs was the village mayor from 01-09-1993 to 06-11-1995 when Great Brak River had its own municipality. When the “Brak Waters” an attempt at a local news paper which was first started in 1970, Clifford Jacobs wrote rather humorously; ‘Having heard about the coming into existence of a local

paper, I wish to bring the following to your notice. It is about time that, in Great Brak River, some dignity is brought to the profession of the tonsorial artist. For Years now, the local Brown Barbers had to ply their trade under the heavens above and although their customers did not voice their disapproval audibly, there is some feeling that something should be done to improve matters. The Brown Barbers, there are several, and whose names I shall not mention for obvious reasons, are unanimous in pressing for reforms and have urged their customers to speak out on their behalf. The customers, too, feel that a box or dilapidated chair for a barber’s chair and the gate of the fowl run for a backrest hardly subscribe to the basic requirements of comfort. A proper barber’s shop is an urgent necessity and without wishing to split hairs about the subject, we suggest that one be brought into operation before next winter and so avoid the breaking of the proverbial camel’s back.’

Kay Schroeder a past Museum Chairperson writes “Thank you for letting us know about Clifford Jacobs. He was a man we admired for his simplicity and creativity as well as his sincere desire to uplift his people. His art was /is exceptional and I remember how delighted he was to have attended a course run by Dale Elliott of Knysna where he had stayed with them for the time the course ran. He was approachable and gave due thought to one’s comments. A fine man and Great Brak will not see his like again”.

THE TONSORIAL ARTIST

The traditional barbers’ pole represents ‘Blood and

Bandages’. It originates from the grizzly days when

barbers not only cut hair and shaved stubbly chins but also performed tooth extraction,

bloodletting and some surgery. A traditional barbers

pole has a brass finial representing the bleeding bowl. The bowl would have been kept at the top of the pole when not in use. The washed but still blood

stained bandages were hung on the pole to dry. The wind whipped them around the pole giving us the red and

white candy stripes we know today.


‘Outa Lappies’ the legendary self taught artist of Prince Albert

Vivian Holtzhausen

Many articles have been written and stories told about the man known as Outa Lappies (real name Jan Schoeman). This one by Vivienne Holtzhausen appeared recently in the Craftwise (July 2011) magazine and is reprinted with acknowledgement. Vivienne writes: In the late 1990's I came across a photographic study of the Karoo and its people in a book by Obie Oberholzer. It featured photos of a man in a wonderful patchwork coat and hat set against the

desolately beautiful backdrop of the Karoo. As patchwork and quilting are my passion I was immediately fascinated by him so researching some more. I discovered that he shared two more passions of mine - recycling and wandering around the Karoo. However, where I drove in the comfort of a car or on a motorbike he walked, and on top of that he pulled behind him an amazing creation - his 'karretjie'. This was a homemade rickshaw decorated with feathers, old shoes, lanterns and pots. Outa Lappies, oil on canvas by Lizelle Kruger Apparently he had set himself a goal to walk the proverbial 'ten thousand miles' and had an obsession with wandering - probably as a result of his nomadic childhood. During the day he would pull his rickshaw, which

generally towed a train of gradually diminishing wagons, along the highways and byways of the Karoo, and sometimes further afield, and he would pick up discarded objects along the road which he would later turn into his artworks. At night he would park his rickshaw next to the road and light it with candles whilst he slept in the veld - his 'karretjie' would resemble a train passing in the night - a picture which I later discovered forms part of his imagery. Whenever he returned to Prince Albert he would embroider a map of his journey featuring highlights of his trip, commentary on life in general and many of his philosophical thoughts - these he called his 'chapters', there is quite a strong Biblical reference to much of Outa's work. I had heard th at he had been born under a bush between Willowmore and Aberdeen, sometime between 1913 and the 1920'5, to wandering sheep shearers, Stefaans and Delia Schoeman and that he occasionally lived in a tree on a farm on the Prince Albert road. In August 1999 I wrote a letter to him which I addressed simply to "Outa Lappies, Prince Albert" in which I asked him whether he sold his embroideries. In February 2000, much to my surprise, I received a reply in which he apologized for the delay in answering (he'd been wandering) and told me that he'd nearly finished building a special wall on the Prince Albert Road. He also informed me that his embroideries went for R2000 but that if I was a pensioner and couldn't afford one he'd give it to me! I couldn't afford one but had no desire to take advantage of his simple generosity so I wrote back and told him that I would come to visit him sometime. Time passed, as it inevitably does, and although we visited the Karoo a great deal we just never seemed to go to Prince Albert. I read that in 2001 he'd been made the Western Cape's Tourism ‘Personality of the Year’. Then, in November last year (2010), my husband and I decided on a whim to take a ride there on the bike. After we'd explored the area I walked into a shop in the main street and my eye was immediately drawn to some artwork hanging in a window. Imagine my delight on discovering that it was one of Outa's pieces - a beaten metal shape, punctured by pokerwork and lit by broken glass and bits of indicator lights featuring a hand and a heart. My darling husband bought it for me and on the accompanying certificate I found a contact number. I called and made the acquaintance of a couple who 'care' for Outa in his old age who then organized for me to come and visit him in person, along with some friends of mine from our local textile art group. I was delighted that he'd agreed to see us as he doesn't like to receive too many visitors. We arrived at his present home, a tiny railway cottage, on a hellish hot day in February. Outside stood his 'karretjie' amid drooping sunflowers - his tribute to Van Gogh. In the trees all around hung his creations, constantly reflecting and refracting light. He emerged from the squalid interior bent completely double and greeted us with a broad grin, his large, gnarled hands flitting like birds. He wanted to put on his special hat for the meeting but his fingers wouldn't work so I helped him. As I tied the ribbons under his chin I examined his face - it is beautiful, full of character and nervous energy and humour- his eyes sparkle. As soon as we arrived he started talking – he is a great philosopher and has opinions about everything. He describes


business as a 'game' one has to unfortunately play to survive -this was in reference to his works which are sold by galleries. He is a wonderful story teller and told us, in a nutshell, that he had standard two and a half but that he could do anything he put his hand to and was not afraid to stand back, even from a Master of Arts. He was busy burning words into a piece of wood when we arrived which said in a sort of strange High Dutch that if you don't start doing something creative when it is given to you, you will lose it and 'there will be no ending'. What surprised me was how articulate he is, speaking a mixture of pidgin English, High Dutch and even French and German. He told me that he had received part of his education from a farmer's wife. I wondered too at his vast knowledge of the outside world although he lives in such an isolated place. The world, in the form of admirers, truly comes to him. He says that on the night he was born his father expressed the hope that this child would be the one who would make something out of nothing and he has fulfilled that wish by creating beautiful and interesting pieces from found items his whole life. Outa’s Karatjie >>> He has chosen to live as a true hermit, sleeping on a concrete floor surrounded by piles of scrap metal and fabric. A basket full of letters and newspaper articles about him from all around the world stands in one corner. There is even a thank you letter from the British ex Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair, to whom Outa sent a lantern. Outa's philosophies are simple - I have my hands and can make something out of nothing. Leave the world a better and prettier place than you found it. Whatever you achieve plough back into the community- this he does by giving a portion of his earnings to the local school as well as teaching the local children to recycle. He makes wagons, lighthouses, hands and animals using a combination of crushed tin, broken glass, pokerwork, nails, sticks, feathers and other found items. The wall he built along the Prince Albert road is reminiscent of something Gaudi would do and is full of nooks and crannies where he would place lights for travellers to be guided by. He is a man driven to create beauty wherever he goes and described to me how an idea will take root in his mind, settle in his heart and hands and then shackle him. This intrigued me and I asked why he felt his work shackled him – he replied that he had to create his ideas, they would not let him go until they were done. Outa Lappies is truly an Outsider Artist, as was Helen Martins of The Owl House fame, and there is a purity and honesty in his work. I feel he is a National Treasure who has been largely ignored by the South African community which is sad because he has so much to teach us. Most of his 'chapters' have gone overseas and that in itself is sad as they are a record of this remarkable man's humorous and sometimes poignant observations of his journeys and his joy at living so close to Nature's beauty and harshness. Outa’s Wall >>> As we were getting ready to leave him he made me sit next to him on the step of his house and he wrote me a letter and I quote- " Ik Outa het winter 1929 begin met scraps. Vandag 2011 is ek dankbaar. Yours, Outa, PA Weg" I was very sad to take my leave of Outa but hope to visit him again soon. Meanwhile he inspired my friends and I to create our own ‘Tributes to Outa in textiles and recycled items. Vivienne Holtzhausen lives in the Pink Haus in Great Brak River, a retreat for people seeking a quiet and creative environment. Visit her website at www.thepinkhaus.weebly.com .


OUR NATURE CORNER PHOTO’S AND TEXT;

SALLY ADAM DURING a recent 4x4 course in George I got bored watching the boys trying to extricate themselves from the mud and wandered off to investigate the beautiful mossy banks. Moss needs moisture in order to sexually reproduce, and it was obvious what effect the recent rains have had. Female and male structures on the plants produce egg and sperm cells, and

the sperm cells swim (hence the need for moisture) to the archegonium where they fertilise the eggs to form a zygote. The zygote develops into a sporophyte, which grows out of the top of the gametophyte plant. The pod-like capsule at the end of the stalk (or seta) may produce up to millions of seeds, which are released in dry conditions to aid dispersal.

A mossy bank above with a close- up view on the right.


These bracket fungi were found growing on a dead log in a damp kloof on one of our trails. A little internet research found that there are different points of view about these fungi! Compare the first two paragraphs to the third:

1. "Bracket fungi are familiar in woodlands, where they cause the rapid decay of stumps and fallen trees and shrubs. Many species, however, also grow on living trees (or even telephone poles or lumber), causing white or brown rots that often kill the trees." 2. "Bracket fungi cause decay and rot in the heartwood of trees and produce bracket-shaped fruiting bodies on the trunk or main branches. These fungi usually lead to the weakening and eventual breakage or fall of affected trees." 3. "Because this first visible sign of the [bracket] fungus only appears when the tree is elderly or already stricken, it is usually assumed that it is the fungus that has infected the tree like a disease and is bringing about its death. But that is hardly just. The fungus has not attacked the living tissues of the tree, only the dead timber. And now, far from harming the tree, it brings it considerable advantages. To start with, the remains of the wood, after the fungus has digested it, are in a form that the tree can absorb. So as this rotted pulp accumulates on the ground within the hollowed trunk, the oak puts out small roots into what was once its centre to reclaim some part of its lifetime savings. And there is new valuable nutriment there too. The hollow trunk has become an attractive home for animals. Bats roost in it, hanging from its walls. Owls nest there. And droppings from these creatures fall on to the ground within and provide further rich sustenance for the tree. The removal of the tree's dead heart brings yet another advantage. The change of form from solid pillar to hollow cylinder alters the way in which the trunk reacts to mechanical stress. It is much more resilient and stable. The removal of many tons of timber also reduces the strain on the tree's elderly and doubtless somewhat decayed root system. The result is that an old hollow tree is often able to withstand a gale better than a younger undecayed one. In the ancient hunting parks of England such as Windsor, where trees stand out in the open, unprotected by others from the wind, it is by no means rare after a storm to discover that hollow oaks, four or five hundred years old, remain upright when younger ones, a quarter their age, have been blown over. Tree and fungus, each pursuing its own best interests, have come together to the benefit of both." (Attenborough 1995:213-214)


SA Tourism and Other Snippets Tourism Information

by Ina Stofberg

TOURISM SNIPPETS FORMULA ONE. Cape Town could be added to the Formula 1 Grand Prix calendar within the next two years, says F1 Group CEO, Bernie Ecclestone. In an interview on local radio station, 567 Cape Talk, he said: “As soon as we get a contract in place, which we’re working on now, then it will go quick quickly from there I hope.”

National Greening and Resource Efficiency road shows. The National Department of Tourism, Departments of Environmental Affairs, Water Affairs and Eskom will conduct the National Greening and Resource Efficiency road shows to educate the tourism product owners on the importance of using available natural resources efficiently in their sector. The road shows will take place from 5 July to October 27.

The white paper on responsible tourism requires the sector to promote responsible tourism practices with a view to maximize economic, social and environmental benefits and minimize costs to the destination and as well as improve local economies.

Participants at the road shows will be afforded an opportunity to learn more about resource saving measures and those who comply with the energy saving requirements will be incentivised. The focus of the road shows will be on the green economy, waste management in tourism, water conservation and demand management, energy efficiency in tourism, universal accessibility and climate change.

Western Cape on October 5 in Knysna, October 6 in Worcester and on October 7 in Cape Town. Enquiries can be referred to Lizzy Suping at the National Department of Tourism on 012 310 3310 or 083 758 0553 or at [email protected]

ACSA INCREASE. Airport tariffs are set to rise by 34, 8%, effective from October 1, 2011, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed during July. In a statement ACSA said that it recognises the increase will have an impact on customers, but reiterated that they were “unavoidable but necessary” for the industry.

The passenger service charge (exclusive of VAT) will be:

Domestic R96,49 Regional R199,12 International R262,28

According to ACSA’s website the current tariffs are:

Domestic R59,65 Regional R124,56 International R164,04

Responding to the announcement of the increase, the Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA) said while ACSA's announcement that the tariff increase effective from April 1, 2011 for the year ending March 31, 2012 is 34,8% is correct, this does not reflect the full picture. "Due to the late finalisation of the new ACSA tariffs and the fact that the effective date of the increase will be October 1, 2011, the Regulating Committee has allowed ACSA to recover the additional revenue it would have recovered from April 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011 in the six months from October 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. Hence the actual increase on the current levels of passenger service charges, landing and parking charges will increase by just under 70% effective from October 1, 2011," said AASA in a media statement. (Thanks & acknowledgement to Tourism Update)


INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAYS & EVENTS DURING AUGUST 2011

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (9 August) International Youth Day (12 August) International Lighthouse Day Sunday (22 August 2004) International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition (23 August)

AUGUST EVENTS -Garden Route & KLEIN KAROO

KLEIN KAROO KLASSIQUE - 4 – 7 August 2011 Oudtshoorn

Feesgangers kan vanjaar 'n beperkte aanbod pakket van kaartjies koop teen 'n spesiale afslagprys van R530, wat 'n volle R100 afslag is op die volprys van dié kaartjies. Die pakket sluit toegang tot die volgende agt konserte in: Openingskonsert met Minette du Toit-Pearce, Vuurvoël, Sine Titulo: Virtuoos Barokvioolmusiek, Vespor da Concerto: Monteverdi vokale program, Amor, hai vinto, die Opera galakonsert, Schubert en Brahms Kamermusiekkonsert en Mozart se Requiem. Net 'n beperkte aantal pakkette is beskikbaar. Vir meer inligting skakel 044 203 8600 of e-pos [email protected]. Bespreek by Computicket

NRL TRADE SHOW Friday, 19 August 2011 to Sunday 21 August 2011, George. NRL wines will be showcasing a variety of wines from different winemakers all around the Garden Route and Cape Winelands. Gourmet dinner with Winemakers on Thursday, Tradeshow for clients on Friday, Open day on Saturday with live performances by Watershed. Olive, cheese, sushi and wine stalls. Contact 044-870-7150 Venue: Tramonto George

TRAMONTO WEDDING RUN 20 August 2011 - George

Place: Tramonto Wedding & Function Venue & Country Guesthouse Tramonto 5, 10, 21km Races and Wedding Run, Elvis Blue and NLR Wine Showcasing Diarise the 20th of August 2011 when the Tramonto Wedding Run, other races, Elvis Blue and the NLR Wines showcasing will take George by storm at Tramonto in Geelhoutboom Road. With something to suit everyone it is the perfect opportunity for a great fun filled family outing or for friends and wine lovers to enjoy a day where excellent wine, food, entertainment and activity are the order of the day! 5km, 10km and 21km runs have been organised so the social runners and very fit will all be catered for. Registration begins at the Chapel at Tramonto from 06:15 on the 20th August. This is followed by the very popular WEDDING DASH at 11:00 (entries taken from10:00.) Some strict rules apply!! All participants are required to wear a Wedding Gown or Wedding Attire! Entries accepted from 10:00 and there is NO ENTRY FEE!

Geelhoutboom Road, George. http://www.tramonto-venue.co.za Tramonto: 044 870 7150 Race info: 083 376 7414

WEDDING EXHIBITION – GEORGE

Saturday, 20 August 2011 to Monday, 22 August 2011

The Exhibition features fashion shows and demonstrations and boasts an extensive fusion of exhibitors from cars and cakes to flowers and photos, all under one roof. The event is presented in spring to give service providers the opportunity to aim their marketing at those getting married in the summer season.

Saturday, 20 August 2011 to Monday, 22 August 2011. George Tel: 27 (0)44 874-2015


Rhymes with Orange by Hilary B

Price

‘Feelings ?’

THE CURATOR’S CORNER Nisde McRobert

GREAT BRAK RIVER INDUSTRIES SINCE the mid 1800’s - PART FOUR 1948 The Wood Heel factory In 1948 the Searles Company decided to open a wood heel factory. It proved to be a very lucrative enterprise until plastic heels came into production in the 1960’s. The building was then used to cut the shoe patterns out of leather.(clicking). Unfortunately the building burnt down in 2005. The fire was caused by children who had broken into the factory to find glue for sniffing. The building on the left can be seen at the end of Willow Street.

The Sawmills In 1925 a small sawmill was built in Willow Street for domestic use. The Sawmill was moved to the Tannery buildings after the Tannery had been sold in 1957. From 1958 it was used to supply timber to the trade. A large scale tree-planting took place at Gonnakraal and increased the plantations above the village thus adding to the big plantations at Geelhoutboom. The sawmill at the tannery also housed the finger jointing and laminating plants. The Timber Housing division later known as “Elgin Timber Houses” was housed behind the Social Welfare building where the trusses are made today. The Social Welfare office was used for the timber housing division office. In 1963 Searles Ltd. bought out Forest Hill Sawmills (Pty) Ltd. from Fred Metlerkamp’s family. Forest Hill Sawmills was situated on the R102 on the way to Rheebok. In 1972 a social revolution took place among the Coloured Community in Greenhaven and Coloured women were employed in the sawmill. The sawmill on the R102 was erected in 1977 and closed down in March 2005.


WATSON SHOE FACTORY In 1956 marked the turning point of the profitability of the shoe factory. It was decided to rationalise and only produce top grade men’s fashion shoes. “ Watson” became the trade mark . The previous image was suggested in 1930 as “Dr Watson” and emphasis placed on correct anatomical fittings. Recently a further new image has emerged and the shoe factory stands in Grasshopper Country, Grasshopper being another trade mark of the shoe factory.

The factory, now owned by Bolton’s, as it looks to day.

dear museum friends issue 8 of 201 - … · has recently appeared in ‘craftwise’ magazine. this...

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