Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society alive and well

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - At the recent 2020 AGM of the Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society, Chairperson Brian Hough reported that, for many years, the Heritage Society has been acting as an advisory body to the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality.

The society is hopeful that this will continue, as one of the municipality's functions is to enforce heritage legislation.

According to the society, meetings were held with building inspector Mzukisi Tsili, during which they discussed repairs needed to Graaff-Reinet Town Hall and the rundown Market Square buildings.

The society also mentioned that Parsonage Street properties have been altered without the necessary permits from the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority, and called on the municipality to take the necessary steps.

On his retirement, member Albert Marx was thanked sincerely for his efforts to preserve Graaff-Reinet's built heritage.

Damage in Angel Park
The metal plaque with the names of soldiers from Graaff-Reinet that died during the First and Second World War was removed from the base of the Winged Nike statue in Angel Park.

The society thanked Marina Rubidge and Lu-Gerda de Klerk for pictures of the stolen plaques. The plan is to replace the bronze plaque with a granite plaque, which would have no monetary value to anyone and therefore less likely to be removed. According to the society, the cost would be about R17 000, and this would need to be funded by public subscription.

At a Remembrance Day event held on Sunday 8 November, there was an opportunity to contribute to this fund. The society pledged R5000. Anyone who wishes to contribute should contact Koos Grobbelaar at jpgrob@gmail.com or 082 640 1946.

New members needed
The Heritage Society needs younger members of the community to ensure its future. "Graaff-Reinet's built heritage is vital to the economy of our town," said Liz Buisman on behalf of the society.

According to her, the society is doing financially well, and R13 000 has been set aside for work on Winterhoek House. This will be available on request of the Camdeboo National Park Management. Outings planned for 2020 could unfortunately not take place, but will hopefully be arranged next year.