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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Arriving over the lunch hour on a sunny day I found the gardener attending to the lawn with love and care.  He only gave me a quick glance and carried on with his tasks at hand.

Today the little stone church stood out against the blue sky with picture opportunities aplenty.

This is another one of the legendary Sophy Gray churches. The design of the cathedral is based on the Littlemore Church near Oxford in England which was designed by Henry Jones Underwood.  Three stonemasons were used to build the cathedral and it was completed in only 13 months.  Without the modern technology and tools available that is not a bad accomplishment at all.

I could not take nice pictures of the stained windows, but it might be the oldest in South Africa as it dates back to before Van Riebeeck arrived in the Cape of Good Hope. This was apparently recovered from a church in Germany during the French Revolution, brought to England and then found its way to South Africa.

Wandering through the graveyard at the back of the cathedral I saw a number of historic graves; Bishop Sidwell, Henry Fancourt White – the builder of the Montagu Pass who died in 1866 – and Major H D Warden who founded Bloemfontein while serving as British Resident of the land beyond the Orange River.

Sophy Gray, who designed and built 53 churches in South Africa, was buried at St Saviour’s in Claremont.  This half an hour visit enriched my life as I learned something about our beautiful town which I can share with all of you out there.

After this visit I can tick another Gray church from my list!

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