New lease of life for Victoria Park
2008-12-11
Maggie Follett
A WHILE ago, the Wellington Aesthetics Committee learned with dismay that the plaque designating the Victoria Park archway as a National Monument had been stolen. At the same time, the plaque from the Moederkerk was reported missing, but through the tireless efforts of Johan Conradie, together with church verger Eric van Zyl, both were discovered at a local scrap-metal dealer (one was badly damaged, and sent to Windmeul Repair Services for restoration). Last week the committee ceremoniously replaced the plaque, together with a handsome granite memorial stone (provided by JA Clift of Paarl), which gives a brief history of Victoria Park. Most residents of the town know very little about this well-known landmark in Church Street, which was originally a brickfield, until Wellington was officially established in 1838. Later, it became known as Victoria Square. In the 1880’s trees were planted, and the area enclosed. In 1897, the square was converted into a park, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. In her honour, the Council renamed it Victoria Jubilee Park. For many years, the stately park was a popular recreational area. In 1905, the Wellington Brass Band erected a bandstand there (this no longer exists, although the Brass Band lives on to this day!) There was, apparently, also an attractive fountain. Sadly, this was removed prior to 1940. The park also houses a memorial honouring Wellington soldiers who gave their lives in World Wars I and II, the Korean War and South African Border War. Probably its greatest remaining attraction, however, is the enormous Weeping Cypress (“Metase-Quoia gliptostroboides”) also known as the Chinese Fossil Tree. The unusual tree, which originates in China, was reported in a 1962 newspaper article to be one of only three in the country. Over recent years, this historical site, with its enclosure and entrance arch (declared a National Monument in 1970), has fallen into disrepair. Now, the Aesthetics Committee, together with the Municipality’s Parks Department, plans to restore the park to its former glory, re-grassing the area, conserving the trees, and erecting benches, a fountain and a bandstand, where local groups and artists can perform. Interdenominational “Carols by Candlelight” are still held there every year, and it is the Committee’s firm belief that beautifying Victoria Park will assist in bringing together Wellington’s diverse communities in a delightful shared “green space”. For further information, contact Johan Conradie on 021-873-3123 or 082-788-0934, or Eugenie Wiggins on 083-308-8492.
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