De Poort Heritage Centre grows
2010-02-11
A SECOND building is steadily rising in the grounds of the De Poort Heritage Centre in Paarl South, with a second grant from the Lotto. The official opening is on 20 February. This new building will include workshops and a metal worker’s forge, potential for a pottery and possibly leather or carpenter crafts. A demonstration area and a produce market under shade cloth are on the planning board. Soon a herb and vegetable garden will be planted and demonstrations on how to grow organic foods (even in plastic bags) will be held. An olive grove and small vineyard will follow. “It is time to open,” says Frances Graves, who for the past ten years has led this community development initiative. The first building, with its display of Paarl’s historic collection of animal drawn vehicles and machinery used in building them, will now be available for public and learner visits. The seminar training room will also be available for hire. The interpretive work of artist Johann Burger explains the development of the coach and cart industry in a manner that makes the exhibition come alive. Many are the compliments already posted even during the preview period. The Mayor of Drakenstein, Councillor Charmaine Manuel, will officiate at the official opening on Saturday 20 February. A full program of horse, carriage and dog events will take place in the De Poort Arena on the site near the intersection of Main Street and Turk Street. There will be live music, cart rides, food stalls, craft demonstrations and sales, puppet shows and heritage games for all ages. The Scouts, who celebrate the centenary this year of their trek cart, will demonstrate how they assemble this in seconds. They will also build a rope bridge. Good, clean family fun is on offer from 10:00 to 16:00. Tickets are R25 (R10 for children or pensioners) and will be on sale at the Turk Street entrance. Some on-site parking will be available on a first come, first served basis, but there is ample parking available in the streets around the property. For more information, contact Marshalline on 021-863-2871 (office hours) or depoortproj@telkomsa.net.
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