However, there are small towns with tons of history dating back hundreds of years.  And then there are churches with unique architecture and some interesting history on the why, what and how it came about. 

With its rich history and influences from the Dutch, French and English, who all reigned South Africa at some period in the early years, you can just imagine the different church styles that came about.   Each church structure tells a story.  One can feast on some fascinating stories that at times can be humorous or a bit shocking, this includes that has been set alight by deranged persons and destroyed by fire, and steeples collapsing. 

Looking up the history of all the churches and paying a visit to it is a travel destination in itself.    

DR Colesberg (NC) – 1863

Colesberg is one of those towns that you normally zip by and just stop at one of the many filings station next to the N2 to buy something cold for the road, use the bathroom and fill up with fuel.  Next time take ten minutes and  drive through the town.    You will notice that many of the town’s buildings are preserved very well.  One example is the DR Church which dates back to 1863.

Like many other church building the competition to design the church was won by George William Smith but it was not built to his design.

When you look up you will also notice that there is a red rooster on the roof of the church indicating the wind directions. 

Coordinates:
30°43’23.04″ S 25°05’43.88″ E Alt: 1383m

DR Church Uniondale (WC) – 1866

You will notice that the tower has the inscription “herbouw in 1908”. This is because the original sandstone tower was unable to withstand the strain of the swinging action of the heavy church bells when they were rung.  These huge bells are now mounted on a wooden beam and the time every half hour.

During the 1974/1975 the weights keeping the heavy bells in place in place, came loose and fell right through the wooden floor at the bottom.  After this mishap measures were taken to protect the floor from another mishap and metal plates were installed below the bells on top of the wooden floor. 

If you look closely you will notice the there is only three clock faces.  But why?  Well, the one side faces the mountains and who on earth needs to the know the time when they are up there? 

Then there is also a rumour that the clock goes faster during the cold winter months and tends to be a bit sluggish during the hot summer months.  Please share your comment if this rumour is not a rumour, but a fact! 

DR Church Winburg (FS)

)

Next time when you are travelling on the N2 take the turn-off to Winburg.  It is not much of a town, but it has a beautiful sandstone church in the centre of town and is quiet easy to find.  Just follow the spire – there is no high rise buildings in Winburg …..

“The European community of Winburg is famous for the differences in political heritage. The town was divided into two camps, due to their support to either the South African Party of General Jan Smuts, or the National Party of Dr Daniel François Malan. This led to the division of the Dutch Reformed Church into two separate congregations, Klip Kerk (Stone Church, because it was built from sandstone) and which was the original church for the Dutch Reformed Church and Rietfontein Kerk. Bitter feuds were fought between supporters of the two parties.” (Extract from Wikipedia)

Coordinates:
34°01’03.63″ S 20°26’47.52″ E  

DR McGregor (WC)  – 1904

This is another beautiful  Hesse design tucked away in the Breede River region dating back to 1904.

Coordinates:
33°56’56.82″ S 19°49’38.99″ E

DR Church Swellendam (WC) – 1910

Cape Dutch gables, Gothic windows, Renaissance entrances, and a Baroque spire combined into one building.  Also the work of Folkert Wilko Hesse and his son Francois.     This church’s spire was once removed with a helicopter to do some repair work on it!  Must have been great a commotion when this happened in the town of Swellendam. 

Mary Myrtle Church in Bonnievale (WC) – 1921

The only church in the world believed to be built on the request of a child! This was a special request to her father before her death.

The floor is made of marble from Italy the stained glass windows comes from England, the main door from Zanzibar (made originally for a jail and over 300 years old), the side doors out of wood from Knysna.

DR “Moedergemeente”, George (WC) – 1842

There is also a story concerning my home town’s church.

Due to lack of funds it took more than 12 years to construct the church building at a cost of between R24 000.  On Wednesday, 13 September 1905, at five o’clock in the morning disaster struck. 

‘n Geweldige ramp die gemeente getref toe die kerktoring op Woensdag 13 September 1905, om vyfuur die oggend ineengestort het. Reën wat in die loop van jare by die oopstaande vensters van die toring ingedryf is, het die houtwerk ongemerk laat verrot en die mure sodanig verswak dat dit nie bestand was teen die swaar neerslag wat op 11 September begin en op 13 September reeds sowat 10 duim gemeet het nie. 

The tower was reconstructed under the supervision of architect Hesse who was by now a well-known figure in the church building arena.

Coordinates:
33°57’22.25″ S 22°27’47.33″ E

And I am off to find some more interesting churches with interesting stories. You are welcome to let us know in the comments sections when you spot a church with an interesting story.

You can find some more interesting stories under the post about a Sophy Gray church in the blog post called St George, Church, Knysna http://travelbucket.co.za/st-george-knysna/?hilite=%27belvidere%27

— We will never change the world by going to church – We will only change the world by being the church —

The post ABOUT SMALL TOWNS AND CHURCHES appeared first on TRAVELBUCKET.

 Do you like golden oldies with a story?  Then this is just what you were looking for at Mauritz Lammers Antiques.  From crockery brick-a-brac to stately old furniture and much loved books.  Take your time to marvel at all the pieces on display and take some home if you wish.  You just might find something that you like here.

A good place to keep you busy on those unexpected rainy days.

Where?  On the N2 opposite the Sasol garage Kraaibosch, George.

THE OLD TOLL HOUSE ON THE MONTAGU PASS

This is a historic building that was lovingly restored by some local enthusiasts and also the very first toll road in the Garden Route.  On a Saturday morning you can have pancakes and coffee to support a worthy cause.

What to see?  Admire the lush green mountainside and fynbos.

WORLD FAMOUS POTTERY

 Did you know that the world renowned and sought after Wonki Ware factory is situated right in the heart of George?  Yes, those magnificent masterpieces that you buy at Poetry and the likes are made here right on our doorstep.  Spoil yourself and warm you heart by visiting the factory in York Street.

 Really?  You can pick up less than perfect pieces at reduced prices.

 CAST IN STONE

Near the top-end of York Street you will discover the stone church of St Marks Cathedral with its interesting history. Read more about it on another blog of mine under the heading St Marks. 

It is always difficult to tell the erratic times that it is open for visits, but try your luck!

Reason for a visit?  Because the stonework is well preserved and stained glass work is outstanding.

TAKE A WALK AT THE GARDEN ROUTE DAM

 If you feel like some exercise, take the family, the dog or a canoe down to the dam and enjoy the scenery.  Remember this is the Garden Route and we have four seasons in one day so check the weather forecast before leaving home and inform a friend of your estimated time back at base.

 Need to know: Remember for security reasons you have to sign in at the boom.  

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SPOT #1 : EBB AND FLOW (NORTH)

 Situated on the northern banks of the Touw river it falls within the Garden Route National Park, but day visitors are welcomed.  You will be rewarded with some shade under old wild fig trees, a demarcated fire pit, clean ablution facilities and a Knysna Loerie (Turaco) or two.

Need to know:  Report to reception and pay your day visitor fee.  If you have a SANPARKS Wild Card you are exempted from the  day visitor fee (Currently R40 per person for South African citizens).

SPOT #2 : GLENTANA BEACH

 With great views over the beach and sea you will find this spot in Kusweg (Beach Road), Glentana.  The chances are good that you will spot some dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Be prepared and take an umbrella as the trees do not provide ample shade for a whole day out and about enjoying the sun and sea.   There are no facilities on the picnic spot itself, but a brisk walk down the road and you will find ablutions near the main parking area of Glentana beach.  At the main parking area there is also outdoor showers to wash off all the sea water and sand.

This is also a great spot to take those sunset pictures!

Need to know:  There are no shops in Glentana, so take everything that you need with you.

SPOT # 3 : JUBILEE CREEK

For a forest experience pack the kids and head for the forest behind Rheenendal.   Relax on the grass with a blanket and a book while the children amuse themselves in the creek which flows through the picnic site.

Wooden picnic tables and ablutions are provided.  Go early as this is a popular spot over weekends.

Need to know  Obtain and pay your entry permit at the gate before you follow the gravel road to Jubilee Creek.

SPOT # 4 : KRISJAN SE NEK

 Situated next to the road on Kom se Pad, Knysna  This scenic drive was made famous by Dalene Matthee in her books.  This is one of just a few spots where you can have a picnic on this route.  Only three wooden tables with fire grids are provided.  Ablutions are in the form of a long drop.

 Need to know:  Make sure your fire is doused when you leave as this is in a sensitive indigenous forest area.   Fires can spread fast and wide as was the case in the recent Knysna Fires in 2017!

SPOT # 5 : ISLAND LAKE

 When you travel from George to Knysna on the N2 you will spot this lekker picnic spot on your left-hand side.  Follow the Hoekwil turnoff from the N2 and turn to your right on the gravel road just before the railway line.  There are no trees, but thatched umbrella style structures provide shade …… if you arrive early.  Otherwise take a gazebo to provide some shelter.

Pack everything you need for the day.  The nearest shops and fuel is in Wilderness Village.

Need to know:  This is a popular spot for water lovers with boats.   Take care when you are in the water!!

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8 Junie 2017 — Soos wat ek nou hier sit en skryf elf uur die oggend is dit ‘n vriesende 8°C buite.  Vir ons wêreld is dit koud, baie koud.  Ek sit en my gedagtes dwaal na  die mense wat vanoggend moet gaan kyk wat het hulle oor van hulle lewe – heel moontlik niks.

So kom die berigte die een na die ander in.  Die een gesin soek nog na hulle ma wat Alzheimers het.  Hulle weet nie waar sy is nie …  Die honde wat ronddwaal en soek na hulle base en huise …  Mense wat die nag in hulle karre geslaap het met net  die klere aan hulle lyf …  Mense wat angsaanvalle kry …  Eens bekende huise is onherkenbaar …

Dan is daar ook die goeie stories wat vorendag kom.  Die Go George busbestuurders,  met 800 bottels water en 30 bale komberse, wat hulle tyd opoffer om mense te gaan haal en na veiligheid te bring …    Pelican Lodge Gastehuis wat ‘n sentrum opgestel het waarheen mense kon kom en gratis hulle familie laat weet dat hulle veilig is …  Die DBV van Uitenhage wat diere kom haal en van “foster homes” voorsien …  Dr Ruth* en Dr Elke, twee wonderlike veeartse van George, wat hulle oor die diere slagoffers ontferm en hulp aanbied …

Die lys van stories is soms hartverskeurend en soms inspirerend.

Gisteraand het ek met nuwe oë en respek na die mense van my omgewing gekyk.  Soveel welwillendheid en saamstaan het ek lanklaas gesien.  Mense wat net opdaag om te help – hulle gee nie om wat hulle doen nie.  Elkeen wat daar was, wou net die hulp gee wat hy kon.

Dit was koud.  Hier teen 03:00 was dit maar net 3°C gewees en die woeste wind het nog steeds gewoed, maar ieder en elk wat sy bydrae daardie tyd van die oggend gemaak het, het die elemente getrotseer en dit  met ‘n warm hart gedoen vir wild vreemde mense wie hulle nog  nooit in hulle lewens gesien het nie.

Mense het opgedaag met potte kerrie en rys, beskuit, toebroodjies, pizzas, koffie, suiker, klere, skoene, matrasse, stootkarretjies, ens, ens, ens.  Die lys is lank.  Nie een persoon het omgegee om  broodjies te smeer of om klere te sorteer en of jy nou moes koffie aandra vir iemand wat die admin doen –  jy het gedoen wat jou hand vind om te doen!  Elkeen wat opgedaag het, en steeds opdaag, om iets te skenk doen dit met deernis en opregtheid.

—ooooOoooo—

Follow the link below to a very interesting article explaining some contributing factors to the horrendous fires.

Knysna Fires : Five factors that produced the Perfect Inferno

—ooooOooo—

Ons land kan!

            Ons kan as ons wil!

                       Ons kan saamstaan as ons moet!

                                  Ek is trots op MY mense van die Tuinroete.

                                          God is good all the time!

******  Dr Ruth van Vetcare Animal Clinic is ook ons boisterous Bully se veearts.

The post KNYSNA FIRE DISASTER, 7 JUNE 2017 appeared first on TRAVELBUCKET.

Then in 1826 when the second magistrate (Van der Riet) and his family was on holiday disaster struck.  Nearly the whole building was destroyed in a fire, but some parts could be saved and it was rebuilt.

History states that in 1897 the building was turned into a boarding house and in 1903 it took another change to become the Victoria Hotel which apparently served famous pub lunches.

Photo credit: George Herald Newspaper

Meanwhile Charles Sayers started a museum in a rented room in Courtney Street. The museum quickly expanded due to generous donations and moved to the Old Town House in Market Street, but soon these premises were also bursting it seems.

It was time for change once more.  The tourism boom arrived round about 1968 in the town of George.  There was a proposal to demolish the Drostdy to make way for a grand three storey hotel boasting three stars next to the door.  Luckily the demolition of the building was avoided when the municipality bought it in 1972 with the main purpose to establish a museum for George.  After extensive renovations, the doors opened in 1976 with Mr Sayers as the curator.

A 2016 view of the museum

The  museum was still expanding and the Sayers Hall was added in 1991 and the timber exhibition in the back garden was completed in 1993.

————————————————————–

 Museum times:
Monday – Friday:  08:00 – 16:30 and Saturdays: 09:00 -12:30

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In South Africa we have a tendency to rake up all the leaves – which my Malawian gardener is very good at by the way – to have a spotless garden in contrast to the European style where you get a leaf wonderland in autumn. Although I am a hardy South African I rather prefer the European image of a picture dotted with beautiful leafs.

Winter is slowly creeping in on us.  The days are getting shorter and chillier.  Very soon it will be time to get the fire going in the hearth, tuck in with a glass of red wine and a nice book.

—oOO—

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. —  Albert Camus

—oOo—

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If you are willing to take a more or less 6km round trip eastwards along the beach at Glentana you will reach the mossed skeleton of the floating Port Natal dry dock resting on the beach since 1902.

—– oOo —–

HISTORY OF THE WRECK:

It was stranded after the tow rope from the steamer Baralong parted during a tow operation from Durban to Cape Town. The dock was a Clark Standsfield self-docking design and built at CS Swan & Hunter’s yard at Wallsend (Yard No. 279). It was oredered by the Natal Government for the Harbour Commissioners of the Port of Durban.

It was to be the first floating dock introduced into South Africa. The dock was launched on the 6th of October 1902, and it was originally intended that the Dutch Smit Tugs, used to tow out the Bermuda dock, would be engaged to tow the dock to Durban, but they were not available (busy in Bermuda), so the towing contract was awarded to Bucknell Brothers to use one of their Cape trading steamers. The tow cost £8000, and the dock was insured for £72,000 for the tow. The steamer Baralong left the Tyne, with the dock in tow, under the command of Captain Mamillen with 66 officers and men, 16 of whom were on the dock under Captain Gow. After a passage of 50 days, the dock arrived at Cape Point, South Africa.

On October 30th 1902, the steamer and dock set off for Durban, but in the evening of November the 1st a strong North-Westerly gale and heavy seas were encountered. Baralong and the dock headed for Mossel Bay, near Cape St. Blaize, but the port towing line parted (an 18 inch manilla hawser), leaving the dock to the mercy of the wind and waves. An attempt was made to re-secure the dock, and this the crew succeeded in doing with a flexible wire hawser, but this also gave way. The Mossel Bay harbour master, Captain Dryden, put out in the small tug Morning Star, but the seas were running high and the tug had to return to shelter. Dryden tried again with a larger vessel, the steam trawler Undine, but the dock was close inshore now. HMS Monarch, based at the Cape Naval Station also tried to give assistance, but without success. It was therefore decided to give up further rescue attempts and leave the dock to its fate.

The dock beached itself in a creek at Glentana, Mossel Bay, and was lifted so far up on the beach that the men on board were able to walk on shore. Attempts to retrieve the dock were made later, but it was firmly embedded in the sand and surrounded by rocks, and so it was abandoned.

George Parkes, a local entrepeneur, bought the salvage rights to the dock, and dismantled it as far as possible, removing all of the machinery, pipes etc. What was left of the dock was left in its resting place, and remnants are still there to this day. Interestingly, the medicine chest from the dock is in the Millwood House Museum. Knysna, South Africa, and some iron railings outside the Anglican Cathedral, and a flight of iron steps in York Street, both in the local town of George.

—– oOo—–

The above is an extract of a paper available on the internet.  You can read the full story at:

http://wrra.co.za/images/stories/PDF/Hikes/Glentana%20-%20Beach%20Shipwreck%20Walk%2018%20July%202016.pdf

IMPORTANT:

Have a look at a tides table when you plan your walk, because as you can see from the link above some sections of the walk can become treacherous during high tide.

GPS coordinates:   S34º03.09017  E022º20.06083

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We tackled the route in peak summer and even then the lush 2.5 km (5 km return) trail, which follows the course of the Duiwe River, provided enough shade for a nice walk.  The entire route is clearly marked with blue markers and is easy to follow.

There are a few river crossings which normally are very easy with no need to take your shoes off, but do take care over wet slippery rocks when traversing the streams – unless you want to cool down; which is also not a bad idea!

While walking be alert for snakes, such as puff adders, as they camouflage well in the leafy surroundings, but do not forget to enjoy nature.  Along the route we spotted a couple of Brown Hooded Kingfisher, but were unlucky to see the elusive Knysna turacos that hide high above in the trees.

This is a non-guided trail, but you need a self-issuing permit which is obtainable at the entrance gate.  Keep the permit in your pocket to produce when asked for it.

Take lots of photos and enjoy the walk!

GPS coordinates:   33° 59′ 1.788″ S,   22° 39′ 3.8232″ E

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It is cold and wet outside; unlike our usual summery weather for January. It feels like winter already and my memory takes me back to our walk with the dogs in the Botanical Gardens on a sunny New Years day which was only a few days ago.  To be precise five days ago!

As we were wandering in the Gardens on the first day of the year I was praying for rain. I have never seen the Gardens so dry in my 20 odd years living in the area.    Gone was the typical dampy smell of rotten leaves and fallen trees that I fell in love with.  But today, today the rain has arrived and I am grateful.

Entry to the Gardens is no longer free.  They are now charging a small entrance fee (R10 per person; dogs still no charge) towards the upkeep and improvement of the area.  And I was quite amazed of what has been accomplished since my previous (free) visit.  Signs were erected to make it more user friendly and even an information centre is in progress.

True to a Jack Russel’s nature Pilot was in his element as he took it upon himself to eradicate all the resident moles in the Botanical Gardens to make the parkrun route a safer place!

Luckily Burchell – the botanist – kept an eye on the fish in the pond and could not see what Pilot was doing behind his back  ……..

A big thank you to our local municipality and volunteers for all the improvements over the year!  I hope that the Botanical Gardens will bring joy and peace to many visitors.

Note:    When visiting the Garden Route always bring something warm to wear as the weather is unpredictable.

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This is one of the places right on our doorstep, but that we have never visited before.  So off we go –  not for a beer but for a milkshake.  I must admit it does sound a bit strange to have a milkshake at a brewery, but it worked for me.  I had a Take a Break (stuffed with some chunks of KitKat), hubby enjoyed a Nutcracker (smothered with Nutella) and the not so little one had an Astrophysics (you guessed it – filled with lots of Astros).

Perusing the menu I was quite surprised at all the delicious and tempting dishes on offer. You can indulge in an Elvis Presley breakfast, Biltong and Blue Rock Salad or a Chilly Popper to name a few items on the menu.  The table next to us had some burgers which looked out of this world and with beer names like Irish Gaelic and Classic Weissbier we will have to revisit in the future.

See you soon at the brewery!

Business Hours:        Monday to Saturday until 10 PM

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