SECOND QUARTER PROGRAMME
APRIL TO JUNE, 2015
APRIL
BUS TOUR
‘JOHANNESBURG’S FORGOTTEN CEMETERIES’
SUNDAY, 12th APRIL
We are privileged to have Lucille Davie, who has just published an informative guide to
Johannesburg’s cemeteries and parks, lead us on a fascinating tour of Johannesburg’s
forgotten cemeteries on Sunday the 12th of April.
Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph have forever sealed their friendship: they are buried in the
same grave in Avalon Cemetery. Hastings Ndlovu was the first child shot on 16 June
1976, not Hector Pieterson. The first MK operative to be killed was Petrus Molefe, blown
up accidently when the explosive device he was carrying exploded. He is buried in
Nancefield Cemetery. Sportsman and anti-apartheid activist Bill Jardine lies buried
alongside the large grave of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, in the Newclare Cemetery. These
and other stories will be told in the cemetery tour, taking in Avalon, Nancefield and
Newclare cemeteries.
MEET
PARK
TIME
DURATION
COST
MAXIMUM
:
:
:
:
:
:
Lucille Davie and Brigid Ward
The Sunnyside Park Hotel
14h00
3 hours
R180 for members, and R230 for non-members
64
It is absolutely essential to book and this can be done through the office on
011 482-3349 (mornings only) / mail@joburgheritage.co.za
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WALKING TOUR
‘FAITH AND INDUSTRY’
SUNDAY, 19th APRIL
Louis Botha Avenue (originally one of two roads connecting the Boer homesteads on the
Witwatersrand to Pretoria and beyond) predates the city itself and its character has been
shaped by waves of immigrant communities.
We will be exploring a remarkable set of religious buildings created by them and still in
use, as well relics of their industry.
We start at the 1940s municipal buildings in Louis Road, now used by the Orchards
Project. Their sober yellow-brick façades have been transformed by urban art and they are
now a hub of creative activity. The fine Pine Street Shul dates to 1961 and is one of the
most striking buildings of that period. The Good Shepherd Home was originally built to
reform Johannesburg’s fallen women, and though the Convent is gone it is now the heart
of Torah Academy. The two churches of Our Lady of the Wayside could not be more
different – the 1938 structure in solemn red-brick completely at odds with the exuberant
1959 building with its magnificent mosaics and twin steeples that are visible from as far as
Melrose and Linksfield.
Our final stop is the set of modest industrial buildings that originally housed the Maryvale
Mineral Water Works, manufacturers of the fondly remembered Hubbly-Bubbly soft drinks.
And all of this in gentle Autumn sunshine under the dappled shade of the neighbourhood’s
plane trees.
MEET
PARK
:
:
TIME
DURATION
COST
MAXIMUM
:
:
:
:
Brett McDougall
The Orchards Project, Pine Road near the intersection of Louis
Road, Orchards. Travelling East along Ivy/Louis, turn RIGHT into
Pine, the entrance is on your right.
14h00
3 hours
R80 for members, and R130 for non-members
40
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WALKING TOUR
VISIT THE OLD JO’BURG GEN
now ‘THE HEALTH PRECINCT’
SATURDAY, 25th APRIL
Take a step back in time by visiting the Old Gen the first hospital built after the discovery of
gold. It was staffed by Mother Adele and the nuns from Bordeaux in France. This is
where South Africa’s first kidney and liver transplants were performed by the late
Professor Bert Myburgh. New developments by and for WITS Reproductive Health Unit in
the original Nurses Home and the Theatre Block designed by Gordon Leith preserve much
of this site from decay.
The Colin Gordon Hospital designed by Wilhelm Pabst, and the third Medical School
stand on the north side of Esselen Street are part of RHRU and the extraordinarily
dynamic team of Professor Helen Rees and Yael Horowitz will explain the adaptive reuse
of these phenomenal buildings.
MEET
PARK
:
:
TIME
DURATION
COST
MAXIMUM
:
:
:
:
Val Hammerton and Alex Parker
In Esselen Street near the corner of Klein Street. Please note
Esselen Street is not accessible from Hospital Street
14h00
Approximately 3 hours
R80.00 for members and R130.00 for non-members
40
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WALKING TOUR
‘PARKTOWN’S HIDDEN CORNER
SATURDAY, 9th MAY
There is corner of Parktown, hidden in the shadows of Hillbrow’s skyscrapers. It contains
some of Parktown’s first apartment blocks, including luxurious and elegant Lyndon Hall
commissioned by Michael Miller, co-founder of OK Bazaars, and his wife Jane, and the
beautifully detailed Phoenix Place. But a few of the original mansions, some of the oldest
in the suburb, survive too, including 12 Park Lane which dates back to the 1890s. Nestled
between this residential architecture lies the Freemason’s Hall designed by Gordon Leith,
which turns its back on Parktown and boldly faces bustling Louis Botha Avenue, and the
beautiful St Mary on the Limpopo.
MEET
PARK
TIME
DURATION
COST
MAXIMUM
:
:
:
:
:
:
Clare Eisenstein and Colin Berger
Street parking cor Princess Place / Park Lane
14h00
Approximately 2.5 hours
R80.00 for members and R130.00 for non-members
40
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WALKING TOUR
‘FROM PLAGUE TO PROGRESS?’
SATURDAY, 23rd MAY
The proposed development of Rietfontein, just beyond Sandringham, has earned the
wrath of historians and residents, who say it will be built over the graves of thousands who
died of the plague and other dreaded illnesses. Established in 1895 as the Rietfontein
Lazaretto, it was deliberately sited in a remote location (a full-day’s cart-ride from the
centre of the town - a safety measure against the smallpox epidemic sweeping
Johannesburg). Under the capable direction of Dr John Max Mehliss tens of thousands of
patients survived their illnesses and lived long years, but about 7,000 lost their lives and
are buried there.
They include Chinese mine workers, Indians, Malawians, Irish, English, Germans and
Poles, reflecting the mix of nationalities that flocked to the gold mines. Three of the original
five cemeteries have been found, but to date there is no sign of either the Jewish or the
Leprosy Cemeteries.
Recent research has uncovered graves thought to be lost, and some fascinating and tragic
personal histories too. Join us on a fascinating journey through this almost forgotten
Johannesburg history, and hear about the proposed development that may bring progress,
but potentially at terrible cost.
MEET
PARK
TIME
DURATION
COST
MAXIMUM
:
:
:
:
:
:
Monique Jefferson, Janet Hughes and Sarah Welham
To be confirmed
14h00
Approximately 2.5 hours
R80.00 for members and R130.00 for non-members
40
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BUS TOUR
‘A SPECIAL AWAY TOUR TO MPUMALANGA’
The place where the sun rises
THE TOUR DATES WILL BE
MAY RETURNING 31st MAY 2015 AND THE
th
12 June 2015 RETURNING 14th JUNE 2015.
29th
Mpumalanga is a place filled with historical treasures, a bewitching world of
soaring cliffs and tumbling crystal waters, rising buttresses and a mighty
canyon which has fashioned a natural work of art. The trees stand in rows
next to roads like soldiers waiting for war, which will never come.
Please join us on this fun filled tour to Mpumalanga. A copy of the full itinerary is available
on request from Eira at the office 011 482 3349.
GUIDE
TIME
PARK
COST
:
:
:
:
DURATION :
MAXIMUM No:
David Forrest
6h00 for 6h30 departure return Sunday afternoon
Sunnyside Park hotel where safe parking has been arranged
R2 900 per person sharing, single supplement R350.00 this
Includes transport, accommodation all meals and entrances
2 nights and 3 days
40 per trip
Special Lecture Presentation
WORLD WAR I MEMORIALS AND MEMORIES
SATURDAY, 30th MAY
The Centenary of World War 1 is being marked with many commemorative events
between 2014 and 2018 . This lecture explores the way in which the massive losses of
soldiers in World War I was commemorated in South Africa, France and Belgium in the
cemeteries, customs , symbols and memorials. There is the further dimension of the
politics of national identity, memory and loss . What is the legacy of collective grief today
and why are these questions still relevant? There are particular South African antecedents
and linkages in the evolution of the ideas and work of the War architects ( men such as
Herbert Baker, Reginald Blomfield , Edwin Lutyens , Gordon Leith) and of the Imperial
War graves Commission (the work and vision of Fabian Ware, who also had a South
African connection).
This lecture also tells the personal story of two young men who fell in battle , an English
grandfather (Sidney Lucas ) and a South African great uncle ( CF Barbe ) and how they
were remembered . Kathy and Keith Munro will be making a pilgrimage to France and
Belgium in April and Kathy will be sharing those experience as a post script to this lecture .
Join Prof. Katherine Munro on a journey of discovery, research and some surprising
historical connections.
MEET
PARK
TIME
DURATION
COST
MAXIMUM
:
:
:
:
:
:
Prof Kathy Munro at Northwards
Northwards, 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown
14h00
Approximately 2.5 hours
R100.00 for members and R150.00 for non-members
80
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HOUSE TOUR AND CONCERT
‘MUSIC IN THE MUSIC ROOM II’
SATURDAY, 6th JUNE
After the enormous success of the combined concert and tour last year, we are pleased to
be able to repeat this tour.
Villa Arcadia, without question one of the most beautiful houses in Johannesburg, was the
second Parktown home of Sir Lionel and Lady Florence Philips, leading patrons of art and
music in early Johannesburg. They were the founding donors of the Johannesburg Art
Gallery and Lionel himself was a keen organist. The venue of our concert, a delightful
music room, is an extension of their home and was for many decades used as a
synagogue when Arcadia was used as a Jewish Orphanage.
The Lewandowski Chorale is a group of musicians dedicated to the revival of classical
Jewish liturgical music in its original and untampered form. In their two years of existence
they have performed numerous times in Johannesburg, have taken the stage at the new
Soweto Theatre and performed in Berlin at the prestigious Lewandowski Festival.
Join us in exploring this house and enjoy some seldom-performed music. Both are
undoubtedly spectacular.
MEET
:
PARK
:
TIME
:
DURATION :
COST
:
MAXIMUM No:
Adam Golding, Alex Parker and Monique Jefferson McKechnie
Villa Arcadia, 22 Oxford Road, Parktown
17h00
Approximately 3.5 hours
R160.00 for members and R220.00 for non-members
140
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WALKING TOUR
FROM STATION TO STATION
SATURDAY 13th JUNE
Join us on a journey back in time to another country - the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek –
even though our means of transport, the Gautrain, is thoroughly modern!
Our arrival point in Pretoria is the fine Herbert Baker–designed Station. From here we
make our way to Church Square via the City Hall and the old Transvaal Museum. In
Church Square we’ll say “hi” to Oom Paul and see the striking contrasts of the Transvaal
Republic Architecture of the “Raadsaal” and the “Palace of Justice” with the exceptional
Victorian and Art Deco Buildings surrounding the Square. After all that walking and
sightseeing a pint at Café Riche, the oldest pub in Pretoria, will be most welcome.
MEET
:
PARK
TIME
DURATION
COST
:
:
:
:
MAXIMUM No:
Adam Golding and Brian McKechnie on the main concourse, just
through the turnstiles.
In the Gautrain Parking, Corner Oxford and Baker Streets
13h15 for 13h35
Approximately 4 hours including travel
R80.00 for members R130.00 for non-members
excluding ± R160.00 for the train and refreshments at Café Riche
40
NB: PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU PURCHASE AND LOAD YOUR
GAUTRAIN GOLD CARD IN ADVANCE!
The train departs at exactly 13h35, we will not be able to wait for anybody. Please
make sure that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior in order to find parking and load
your cards.
Be prepared for a LONG walk!!
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HIKING TOUR
‘DAMHOEK AND CASTLE’
SATURDAY, 20thJUNE
Castle Gorge and Damhoek Pass saw significant Boer and British activity during various
periods of the Anglo-Boer War. The Damhoek Pass was an important route over the
Magaliesberg, and for this reason, in August 1901, the British Army fortified the area with
no less than seven "Rice Pattern" blockhouses various other smaller fortifications. The
remains of these structures can still be seen today. Castle Gorge was the probable site of
several hidden Boer industries, including a grain mill powered by the stream, a blacksmith,
and a shoemaker. Unfortunately no physicial evidence of these Boer industries has yet
been found, but we keep looking!
Join us on a hike of this area to explore its history and structures, and to admire the
beautiful scenery.
This is a strenuous hike, of about 10km, and is only suitable for the fit!
MEET
PARK
:
:
TIME
:
DURATION :
COST
:
MAXIMUM No
Ed Coogan
At start point – details to be confirmed on website closer to the
time
13h00
Approximately 4 hours
R130.00 for members and R160 for non-members
30
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LUNCH TOUR
‘HERITAGE DINERS GO TO COURT’
SATURDAY, 27th JUNE
Something different for our quarterly Heritage Restaurants tours, and in keeping with the
country’s current preoccupation of “going to court”, we have chosen the restaurant at
CONSTITUTION HILL as our venue. The Concourt, as it is affectionately known, is the
building that embodies the cornerstone of our democracy. It is a striking piece of
architecture and is home to an enormous amount of history and an exceptional collection
of art.
We will meet at the restaurant at 10h00, where the restaurant will take your main course
orders, and we will then visit the old Fort, the Concourt building and environs before
returning to the restaurant at about 12h30. We will be sitting outside but under cover, and
we suggest you bring a hat along.
Parking is available at 11 Kotze Street . From Empire Road travelling east turn right up
Joubert Street and folloethe arrows to the left. Alternatively there is limited parking at the
south side of the Fort in de Korte Street. Maps will be available from Eira on request.
MEET
TIME
LUNCH
COST
:
:
:
:
GUIDES
MAXIMUM
:
At The Hill Restaurant in the grounds of the Old Fort
10h00 am – the tour will start at 10h15.
Will consist of three courses and will commence at 12h45.
R190.00 per person including service charge, which excludes
drinks and coffee / tea.
Clare van Zwieten and Den Adams.
50
NB: BOOKINGS THROUGH THE OFFICE ONLY
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
PLEASE NOTE THAT UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ALL BOOKINGS CAN BE
MADE THROUGH COMPUTICKET EITHER AT A COMPUTICKET OUTLET OR
ON-LINE. FOR INTERNET BOOKINGS USE THE ADDRESS
www.computicket.com WHEN BOOKING TICKETS, PLEASE USE EXACT
NAME OF TOUR AS IT APPEARS ON THE PROGRAMME

FOR COMPUTICKET TELEPHONE BOOKINGS: (011) 340-8000

WHEN PAYING CASH PLEASE ALWAYS ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE
CORRECT AMOUNT. IT WASTES TIME IF TOUR LEADERS HAVE TO GIVE
CHANGE

BANKING ACCOUNT DETAILS – JOHANNESBURG HERITAGE FOUNDATION,
NEDBANK PARKTOWN, ACCOUNT NO 1944023011 BRANCH CODE 194405

TOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

FOR QUERIES CONTACT OFFICE ON TEL NO (011) 482-3349 (WEEKDAYS
9AM – 1PM) OR SEND AN E-MAIL TO mail@joburgheritage.co.za