June 4, 2023
The committee of SHA took on the task of restoring the old "dipgat" on the corner where the Ashton Road meets the R60.
Under the guidance of Philip Bromley & Hennie Steyn, work is well under way.
There was a lot of preparation but the whitewash has now been applied and the results are looking really good - take a look as you Enter & Exit the town.
A new sign will be placed by the dipgat which will include a list of sponsors who have provided skills & materials .
The muicipality has been asked to make a car park so passing visitors can stop and look at this unusual artifact.
More projects
SHA have undertaken to remove the little fire engine from in front of the old library to the Drostby Museum, the engine and its casing will be restored, this is a costly process and the association is looking for donations to help with this process. The fire Engine will stand on paving with a wall behind acknowledging the donors
(Article from the Heritage Portal)
Over the past two decades, many bronze old National Monuments plaques have been damaged or stolen. For those owners and institutions looking to replace these plaques there is a cost effective ceramic substitute which is incredibly durable and looks exactly like the original. It is resistant to sun, rain and wind and is worthless to bronze thieves. The plaques are easily attached to walls with ordinary silicone adhesive.
*Only Registered PHS (Provincial Heritage Sites) should apply.
*It is recommended that where such an original bronze plaque is still in place, the owner of the building remove the original plaque and have this re-affixed safely inside the building and the facsimile plaque affixed in its place outside.
The ceramic plaques cost R700 each. The cost includes prompt delivery with Postnet’s courier service.
Contact Marthinus van Bart for more information or to order – kultuurkroniek@gmail.com or 072 740 5203.
* Text inserted by The Swellendam Heritage association
C/O Moolman Street 10
Swellendam,
Western Cape Province ,
6740.
TO: Mr Dana Du Plessis
CC: Mr Anton Groenewald
FROM: The Swellendam Heritage Association (SHA)
Dear Sir,
SWELLENDAM FAMILY CREST PROJECT
Our meeting of 22 August 2018 to discuss the potential Family Crest Project has reference.
As communicated at the above meeting, it is the intention of the Swellendam Heritage Association (SHA) to launch a community focussed and inclusive heritage project with support from the Municipal Management Team.
This project entails the design and installation of board mounted family crests on existing lamp posts along the western end of Voortrek Street in Swellendam.
The aim of the project is not only to enhance our town and draw visitors, but also to draw together the diverse families within the Swellendam community. Less privileged families will be sponsored and assisted with the design and erection of their family crests to ensure representation that is true to the intention of this initiative.
Approval for this initiative from the Municipality, as well as assistance with the erection of the Crests is requested. We plan to launch a pilot project consisting of three (3) installations following which an assessment will be made. Depending on the outcome of the assessment the intention is to proceed with the rollout of approximately 60 installations.
I trust that the above will meet with your approval.
Kind regards
PHILIP BROMLEY
Chairman – SHA
The Swellendam Heritage Association has commenced on a project to have Swellendam family crests displayed on metal hoardings attached to the lampposts along the West end of Voortrek Street. The Swellendam Municipality has approved a pilot project in this respect. The pilot project saw the erection of four hoardings displaying eight family crests (two crests, one on each side of a hoarding). The purpose of the pilot project is to gauge public opinion with regard to heritage, inclusivity and aesthetic value before commencing with the full project. Examples of these family crests in the pilot project can now be viewed on the lampposts opposite Moolmanshof.
The Heritage Association wants this to be a Swellendam community project. All families, whether with historic ties, who currently reside in or are involved in Swellendam are asked to be part of this project.
Our picturesque town is unique in terms of situation, landscape and natural scenery. Her history is illustrious and diverse, created and formed through contributions of all ethnic, social and administrative role-players. So special is she that Dr. Joan Prins, a Swellendammer of old, once referred to her as ” The Swellendam Mixed Grill”. The Heritage Association, through this project, aims to give recognition to those past or present within the greater Swellendam community.
The pilot project will continue for the balance of this year and next year, if all goes according to plan, a huge effort will go into filling the western end of the main street with family crests.
The Heritage Association would also like to record its thanks to the Municipality for approval of the pilot phase of the project, support and the erection of the hoardings. The association’s thanks also goes to the participants in the project and Alex Hayn of Atelier Studio for design assistance. Francois and Shaun from Lotz signs for the manufacture of the Crest Boards. Johan van Schalkwyk for the manufacture of the frames and assisting Francois du Rand and Frik Erasmus and their team from the municipality for the mounting of the Crests. Without their participation SHA could not have commenced the project. We are convinced that this project will make a unique contribution to the distinction of our town..
All families who would like to participate or would like to give recognition to an old Swellendam family, can submit the names and their contribution to the association. Families who do not possess an existing family crest will be assisted to create a crest using the background of their family’s history. It would also be appreciated if contributors would sponsor families who may need assistance financially as a way of possibly repaying such a family or any other personal reason.
We are geared to launch the main project in January 2020 so get ready to order your families crest in the meantime. We will advise costs in due course.
Philip Bromley