rose's roundup

"Rose's Round-up on Tourism" is one of the most sought after South African tourism publications. Rose Willis, the editor and publisher of this treasure, succeeded in turning the unknown semi-desert Central Karoo region into a tourism gem with these interesting news snippets unveiling the Karoo's tourism treasures to visitors.

Rose Willis het inderdaad 'n resep beet waar sy 'n wêrelddeel soos die Karoo interessant, lewendig en aantreklik maak vir voornemende besoekers. Merk gerus hierdie bladsy en kom kuier gereeld hier om ingelig te bly oor al die Karoo-skatte wat Rose in daardie mooi wêrelddeel uitgrawe en dan op 'n baie besondere wyse opdis.

Click on the month to go to that newsletter:
No. 74 January 2000	No. 75 February 2000	No. 76 March 2000
No. 77 April 2000	No. 78 May 2000	No. 79 June 2000
No. 80 July 2000	No. 81 August 2000	No. 82 September 2000
No. 84 Nov/Dec 2000	No. 85 January 2001	No. 86 February 2001
No. 87 March 2001	No. 88 April 2001	No. 89 May 2001
No. 90 June 2001

Rose's Roundup No. 74 January 2000

MERWEVILLE HOPS INTO THE FROG ATLAS

Besides being welcome in the Karoo to rejuvinate life, good rains during the festive season brought Merweville a strange fame. The steady downpours encouraged herpetologist Atherton de Villiers to visit and search for frogs. His research into reptiles and amphibians has led to him becoming the regional co-ordinator for the South African Frog Atlas project in the Western Cape. He was accompanied by wife Rikki, a chief nature conservator at Jonkershoek, in Stellenbosch. “We chose the Koup as no previous records existed for the area,” said Atherton. “As we drove into the tiny town at dusk we were delighted to hear an almost deafening frog chorus echoing from a nearby stream. We grabbed our torches and rushed off, staying in the veld and searching for pools until late at night. The locals found this rather odd, and we got many a curious stare during our three-day stay. In general, the locals found it most unusual to see two city-dwellers searching the muddy veld pools by torchlight until the wee hours of the morning. Explaining that we were searching for frogs only caused eyebrows to rise even further. But our efforts were most successful.” Atherton and Rikki found Cape sand frogs, Cape river frogs, common platannas, common cacos and Karoo toads. “The last two have delightful Afrikaans names,” said Atherton. “The caco is the ‘gewone blikslaanertjie’ and the Karoo toad the ‘skurwe of pispadda’. None of the species are rare, nor unusual, but we were excited because they helped Merweville hop into the Frog Atlas. They also enabled us to appointed some new ‘paddasoekers’ in the Great Karoo.”

EINAARDIGE WATERDIERTJIES ONTDEK

‘n Karoo-besoek oor die feesgety het tot groot opwinding gelei vir ‘n man van Mpumalanga. Op pad Kaap-toe het Gerrie Theron, van Blyderivierspoort Nasionale Park, besluit om ‘n draai te maak by neef André op sy pragplaas Nova Vita in die Merweville distrik, en daar, tydens ‘n uitstappie in die veld, het hy op heelwat eienaardige waterdiertjies afgekom. Onder hulle was ‘n goudgeel vissie, ‘n paddavissie, ‘n skilpadagtige diertjie “wat soos ‘n oerdier lyk” en ‘n snaakse klein mossel. “Gerrie was so beïndruk dat hy verdere ondersoek gaan instel om uit te vind of hulle nuwe of rare spesies is,” sê Andre se vrou Suzaan. Sy vertel dat heelwat toeriste en joernaliste nadere kennis kom maak het met hulle nuwe asemrowende 4 x 4 roete. “Almal was dit eens. Die uitsigte is ongelooflik.”

NEW BOOK ON KAROO BIRDS

The latest book on the birds of the Karoo has just been published. “Birds of the Swartberg and Gamkaspoort Nature Reserves,” written by Dave Osborne and Rob Little, costs only R40. “This well-researched, affordable guide will be invaluable to those who enjoy birdwatching in this area,” said Japie Claassen, secretary of the William Quinton Wild Bird Society. Copies can be ordered directly from Dave Osborne at 18 Uitsig Street, Still Bay, 7599. “The Total CWAC Report, which includes details of annual water bird counts over the past five years, is now available from Sue Kieswetter at ADU University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701. It costs R120 and is a wonderful acquisition for any birder’s library,” said Japie.

YOUNG TEXAN SALUTES HEART TRANSPLANT PIONEER

A nine-year-old Texas schoolboy chose a man on the other side of the world for a year-end project, “The person you most admire.” Kyle Butler, of Bendwood School in Houston, Texax, chose heart transplant pioneer Professor Chris Barnard “because he has long been my inspiration. He has filled me with desire to one day become a veterinary surgeon.” The only problem facing young Kyle was how to gather sufficient information on this famous man in so short a time. “With my mom’s help, we browsed the Internet and found a site for Beaufort West. We phoned the museum and they put us in touch with Rose Willis at the Central Karoo Tourism Office. She and museum curator Sandra Smit couldn’t have been more helpful.” Information and photographs were faxed to him and he was easily able to meet his tight deadline and prepare a winning project. “I gave a great presentation on Professor Barnard with your help,” he wrote. “ Now my friends at Bendwood, part of Spring Branch Independent School District, know all about this famous man, the little Karoo town where he was born and the region in which he lived and where he today has a farm. I consider Professor Barnard to have been a very brave man to have had the courage to do what no man had ever done before. He set an example for many other doctors to follow, and through him many lives have been saved. He is my inspiration. I only hope that I can follow his example and make an equal success of my amibtion to become a veterinary surgeon.”

MUSEUM MAN OP SOEK NA SLAWE

Die eerste slawe het in 1658 in Suid-Afrika aangekom. Van hulle het gevlug en in die wildernisgebied van die Groot Karoo skuiling gesoek. Met die noordwaartse migrasie van die trekboere het slawe saam gekom. Michael Jonas, van WesKaap Provinsiale Museumdienste, is nou besig om stories van slawe en slaaf roetes in te win en het Round-up se hulp gevra. Daar word melding gemaak van slawe in die gedenkboek van Beaufort-Wes se Moedergemeente. In 1825 het ds Colin Fraser 25 slawe in die kerk gedoop, aangeneem en hulle name in die kerkregisters aangeteken. Dr Heinrich Lichtenstein, ‘n Duitser wat in 1803 deur die Karoo gereis het, het geskryf van slawe op Hooyvlakte wat vrugte versigtig op riet matte uitgepak het om in die son te droog. Talle ander reisigers maak melding van slawe en Robert Gordon, die eerste witman wat die Oranjerivier gesien het, vertel van ‘n slaaf, Goliat, wat ‘n leeu in die Camdeboo met ‘n assegaai dood gesteek het nadat die dier sy vriend doodgebyt het. Op Klipplaatsfontein, nou deel van die Karoo Nasionale Park, is daar glo ou slawegrafte. Die volle storie hieragter word nog ondersoek. Na die vrylating van slawe het Rev Guy Gething, van die Christchurch Anglikaanse Kerk in Beaufort-Wes, tot in Noord-Afrika gestap saam met ‘n slaaf om die man weer veilig in die boesem van sy familie te besorg. Michael soek dié soort stories om die geskiedenis van die Karoo te verryk.

OLD WATER SYSTEM STILL A WINNER

The Karoo town of Beaufort West relies heavily on underground water. Initially, water came from fountains and wells. Then, on June 17, 1892, the town council decided that a more modern and effective drinking water system was needed. The system they built stood the test of time so well that it is still in use and was recently featured in a modern municipal engineering magazine. This “tunnel water system,” which operates on seepage, came on stream in 1895 at the cost of £1 890, the fee for a consultant. The system consists of an underground shaft linked to a pipeline by a 358-metre tunnel. Water, gathered by seepage, is moved to town by gravity. The system’s initial rate of delivery is not known, but today its maximum is 16 /sec. Town engineer Louw Smit says: “Today Beaufort West’s water comes from the Gamka Dam and 19 boreholes. However, because the town is still dependent on underground water, this ancient pipeline, which has had its pipes replaced many times in its long history, will always play an integral part in the water supply system.”

NAWEEK VIR MANNE WAT ‘N ROWWE RIT VERKIES (Tel 011-907-1904)

‘n Uitdagende naweek wag op 4 x 4 entoesiaste in Merweville vanaf Maart 30 tot April 1. Francois Rossouw, van Radio Sonder Grense, reël ‘n naweek van pret op twee plase, Nova Vita en Banksgate. Hulle roetes is reeds met lof bekroon in die Desember uitgawe van Leisure Wheels. Verblyf word by Springbok Lodge gereël, waar daar ‘n volgrote snoekertafel en pragtige lapa braai is.

MAD DASH TO SAFETY PAST A FLOTILLA OF COFFINS

Heavy rains in the Karoo can conjure up some strange sights. In the severe flood in Beaufort West in 1940, coffins floating about in New Street delayed a Beaufort man long enough for him to help save a young mother and her baby. The story of the flood in the info sheet “Town Astride an Ancient World, brought memories of the incident flooding back to Almero de Villiers. He recalled the pouring rain and rapidly rising waters of the Gamka River. “I was hurrying along New Street in search of shelter. As I passed the premises of Mr Deas, the local undertaker, near the the corner of New and Union streets, I was confronted by the wierdest sight. His entire stock of coffins was bobbing and drifting about in his yard like some macabre flotilla. It was a rivetting. I just stood staring. Then, as I turned to continue my dash to a dryer place, I saw a two-and-a-half foot wall of water rushing straight at me. It was sweeping a tangle of cardboard boxes, old tin cans, newspapers and assorted debris before it. Out of nowhere a young woman carrying a baby in her arms stepped on to the stoep of a New Street house. She stared in horror, frozen and panic-stricken. Then she began to scream. Above the roar of the storm and water I yelled: ‘Run, run to the Kingsley Hotel.’ The urgency of my voice penetrated her panic and she set off at record-breaking pace. Both she and the baby escaped the roaring waters totally unscathed. Shaking, we stood at the hotel watching New Street turn into a raging river.”

BBC TV SOEK INLIGTING OOR DIE KAROO

Richard Chambers van BBC TV se Natuurlike Geskiedeniseenheid het ‘n groot voorliefde vir die Karoo. ‘n Paar jaar gelede het hy ‘n reeks in die gebied as deel van Aspects of Life verfilm. Nou is hy op soek na inligting vir ‘n reeks oor droogland gebiede en woestyne wat tydens 2000 en 2001 geskiet gaan word. Hy soek boesmantekeninge, sowel as inligting oor die sprinkaanswerms en springbok-migrasies. Richard wil ook meer weet oor sneeu in ariede zones, so wel as van die verhouding tussen dassies en arende in die voedsel ketting. Hy soek inligting oor die kwagga-projek sowel as enige eienaardige stories op Karoo plase. Richard wil ook meer leer van hans diertjies, struike en blomme “Dis hoog tyd dat die res van die wêreld die prag van die Karoo ontdek,” sê hy.

CHEEKY LITTLE SPORTS CARS FOLLOW THE GHOSTS

Of late, Prince Albert in the Karoo has been attracting some quite exotic examples of the car makers’ art. The main attraction, seems to be the awesome Swartberg Pass, a motoring enthusiast’s delight. First there were the magnificent Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts and just recently those quintessentially British sports cars, MG TD’s. The MG trip to the town and over the pass was organised by Joan Parker, of Cape Town, who has tracked down 151 of these cars throughout South Africa. “Only about half are roadworthy, the remainder being in various stages of restoration. Not surprising, since the first of these vehicles rolled off the production line on November 10, 1949. The tour of the Cape, Karoo, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal was so successful that I hope to make it an annual event.”

BOERE IN BEAUFORT-WES VEREER

Tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog is Beaufort -Wes in die Karoo verdeel tussen die pro-Boer en pro-Brit faksies op die dorp. Round-up leser John Sinclair, van Loxton, stuur die volgende brokkie uit Jan H Meyer se boek Kommandojare. So skryf Meyer: “Na die vrede was ek in die Kaap en het saam met Generaal van Deventer na Matjiesfonteinstasie gery. Hier haal ons die trein na Beaufort-Wes waar ‘n rebelle kolom onder ‘n sekere Kommandant Golding die wapens sou neerlê. Beaufort-Wesstasie staan geskaar met mense. Toe Generaal van Deventer en sy gevolg die trein uitklim word ons beet gegryp en hoog op die skouers gedra tot buite in die straat.” Daar het die skare die Boere kommandante so toegejuig dat Meyer skoon ‘n knop in sy keel gekry het.

AUSTRIAN STUDENTS STUDY KAROO SUCCULENTS

Two students from the University of Innsbruck in Austria have just completed a research project in Prince Albert. Andreas Schwarzenberger and Peder Sader spent three months in the village studying bird habitat resources and shade succulents under the supervision of Drs Sue and Richard Dean. “The bird project covered 16 sites in domestic gardens, fields and the veld. The shade succulent project broke new ground as so little has been recorded on these plants,” said Sue.

ARTHUR DAVEY, THE MAN WHO MADE HISTORY A DELIGHT

A great supporter, contributor and friend of Round-up, historian Dr Arthur Davey, died at the end of last year at the age of 78. News of his death came as a shock to the world of South African historical researchers. He seemed to be on the road to recovery after a fierce south-easter had flung him from his feet in Cape Town and landed him in hospital with severe concussion. Dr Davey was among the first callers at the Central Karoo Tourism Office shortly after it opened. He was searching for a British soldier’s grave. From that day on this quiet, unassuming man with the twinkling eyes and keen sense of humour stayed in touch by sending snippets of Karoo information, found in the course of his many research programmes, for use in Round-up. Each was written in his own curious, spidery handwriting, but all were treasures well worth deciphering. Many were amusing cameos that reflected his love for a story with a twist. Arthur Davey was that rarity that made a pleasure trip of a journey into history. His support over the years will be missed and not forgotten.

SPOKE, ‘n SENDINGSTASIE EN GRAFTE OP DIE OU ROETES

Die navorsingsprojek om inligting in te win oor ou plase nou, binne die gebied van die Karoo Nationale Park, vorder goed. Tot nou toe het die soektog stories van bannelinge, spoke, slawe en sendelinge opgelewer, almal klein deeltjies van ‘n kleurvolle verhaal. Die ou sendingstasie, op die plaas Kookfontein buite Beaufort-Wes het ‘n ryk geskiedenis. Dit was in 1818 gestig en twee uiters suksesvolle veeveilings is daar gehou. Na die eerste een het die Griekwas van Griekwastad met 25 swaar gelaaide waens by die drostdy verby gery op pad huistoe. Die volgende jaar se mark was nog meer suksesvolle en bygewoon deur leiers soos Adam Tas. Erasmus Smit, later bekend as sendeling onder die Voortrekkers, het by die stasie opgetree, maar die moeilikhede wat hy daar ondervind het het amper sy moed en sy hart gebreek. Na twee jaar is die sendingstasie ontbind en die grond verkoop. Daar is interessante ou grafte op die plaas en ‘n grillerige area bekend as Spookbos.

REGIMENTS SALUTE EACH OTHER IN KAROO

One man’s act of bravery during the Anglo-Boer War has resulted in the affiliation of a British and a South African regiment a century later. When Major A E A Butcher, commanding officer of the 4th Field Battery, placed two 15-pound field guns on Cole’s Kop to shell Boer positions on the outskirts of Colesberg, he little realised he was stepping into the pages of history. The Boers eventually won the day but the honour of the action fell to Butcher’s regiment, which eventually became the 14th Cole’s Kop Air Defence Battery. The remains of the last field gun in action that day can be seen at the Kemper Museum in Colesberg. With this field piece the Boers were pinned down for a considerable time. Then the gunners pushed the gun over the edge of the koppie to prevent its capture. Members of this British regiment, now based at Woolwich, near London, England, recently visited to commemorate the battle and become affiliated to the SANDF 6th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment.

AN ESTATE AGENT, THE BOER FLAG AND THE TITANIC

In 1912, Cape Town real estate agent Thomas William Brown was faced with a major decision. The market was “in serious decline,” so he had to either extend his real estate and land speculation business into the hinterland and Karoo or return to America. Finally he felt his family would have a better future in Seattle. So, early in 1912, he left for the United Kingdom with his wife, Elizabeth, and their 15-year old daughter, Edith, and then sail to the United States in style on the Titanic on its maiden voyage. Brown was an affluent man, but he had to be content with second class berths. By the time he booked, all first class accommodation had been taken. The Brown family persished when the “unsinkable” Titanic went down after striking an iceberg. One of the crewmen who survived, Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller, had a curious link with South Africa. The White Star Line’s management had transferred him to this new ship and “bumped him down to second officer” shortly afte he “contrived to fire a salute to the Boers and hoist a Boer flag on a company vessel in Sydney Harour.” It never became clear what Lightoller’s motive was. He later played a vital role at the inquiry into the Titanic disaster, shedding much light on what happened on that fateful night of April 14, 1912.

Issued by the Central Karoo District Council Municipality, P O Box X560, Beaufort West, 6970.

Cost: R30 per annum to cover postage

Information: Rose Willis Tel: 023-415-1160 Fax 023-414-3675 Cell: 082-926-0474

e.mail: karootour@internext.co.za or karorose@internext.co.za

Rose's Roundup No. 75 February 2000

KAROO PARK GETS THE KEY

The ever-popular Karoo National Park, outside Beaufort West, will be 21 years old in September. Special plans are being made to celebrate the big day. The park, little more than a dream in 1950 when local farmer William Quinton started his campaign for a conservation area in the vicinity of Beaufort West, plays a vital role in the tourism mix of the Central Karoo. Since its official opening on September 7, 1979, it has served the local and international tourism markets, as well as the local community. “Our aim is to encourage visitors to experience the Karoo, feel its magic and hold on to its vitality,” says park manager Leighton Hare. “The park’s popularity for brief visits, day trips, overnight stays and short holidays is proof that we are succeeding in our objectives. The park was established to protect a representative area of the Great Karoo as part of South Africa’s natural heritage, to encourage visitors to enjoy the fauna, flora, scenic diversity and essential wilderness area of the Great Karoo, to protect the soil, vegetation, watershed and catchment areas as well as rare and endangered species and to preserve cultural history. We are currently involved in a major research project involving all communities to capture as much of the cultural diversity of the area as we can.” Children from Nature Conservation groups at local schools are helping collect and document interesting snippets of information on the farms the park recently acquired. “We never lose sight of the fact that children helped to make this park a reality. They ceaselessly sold stamps as part of a fund-raising drive. We constantly encourage their participation in nature conservation.”

REAKSIE LEI TOT TWEEDE UITSTAPPIE

Merweville se uitnodiging aan 4 x 4 entoesiaste om hulle wêreld in Maart te kom verken het goeie reaksie gelok. Die uitnodiging word deur Kobus Rossouw se program op Radio Sonder Grense gerig en omdat die roetes op Nova Vita en Banksgate al in die pers met lof bekroon is stel heelwat mense belang. Maar daar is nogtans diegene wat net kans sien vir die Karoo in die winter. Vir hulle reel Merweville ‘n tweede uitstappie in Junie. Volle besonderhede is verkrygbaar van Kallie le Roux, Tel No. 083-255-6931.

CRY OF THE FISH EAGLE ECHOES ACROSS THE PLAINS

Fish eagles have moved into the Great Karoo. There are already seven breeding pairs at dams in the central area. For quite some time these raptors could only be seen at Anysberg Nature Reserve, 75 km from Laingsburg. Then, local farmer Murray de Villiers spotted a pair at Floriskraal dam, and another pair near the farm La-De-Da, in the Beaufort West district. Birders have reported fish eagles at Gamkapoort Dam in the heart of the Swartberg mountains, at Oukloof Dam and on Herman Olivier’s farm Vrischgewaagt, near Prince Albert. Fish eagles have also been seen at Leeu Gamka Dam, at the Karoo National Park, Gamka Dam and near the Sak River in the Beaufort West area. Japie Claassen, secretary of the William Quinton Wild Bird Society, says: “The wild shriek of the fish eagle is a wonderful sound. It’s a treat for tourists now to be able to see and hear the cries of these magnificent raptors at so many places in this arid zone.”

SEARCH IS ON FOR OLD REGIMENTS

A dual search for information on two old Beaufort West regiments has started. Natie Greeff, curator of the Castle Museum in Cape Town, needs information on the Beaufort West Volunteer Rifles, also known as the Beaufort West Burghers. Samuel van der Berg, of Port Elizabeth, wants to know more about the Beaufort West Tigers. “The Beaufort West Volunteer Rifles, were in fact K-Company of the Cape Western Rifles,” says Natie. “The regiment was raised on February 9, 1894, with an authorised strength of 100 men. Among the first to be attested was Surgeon Lieutenant P O’Callaghan. Captain A N Krummeck and Second Lieutenant J H Bell were attested on July 1, 1894. The regiment served in many major campaigns. Two men received Basotuland Bars for their Cape of Good Hope General Service Medals, and 10 were presented with Transkei Bars. We need information and photographs, if possible, so that the men of Beaufort West can be included in a booklet we are compiling on the Western Rifles.” Samuel stumbled on the Beaufort Tigers while indulging his passion for old photographs. Rummaging at a flea market stall he discovered a yellowed picture of 16 mounted men outside a house in Donkin Street. “They look as if they are setting off on an Anglo-Boer War campaign,” he said. “I’d love to be sure.”

DIE SELFOON DIENS WAT NOOIT SLAAP NIE

Beaufort-Wes het nou ‘n 24-uur selfoon diens. Onder beheer van Marcello Viscardi van Mike’s 24-uur kafee in Donkinstraat, is dit ‘n diens wat al met lof bekroon is. “Toeriste het veel meer as koeldranke en etes nodig deur die dag en nag,” sê Marcello. “Om in kontak te bly met hulle vriende en familie dwarsoor die wêreld het hulle ook selfoon batterye en kaartjies nodig op die mees onmoontlike tye. Ons het besluit om die belangrike mark sektor te dien.”

INVESTIGATING THE FRONTIER POLICE

Three Beaufort West men were once part of a crack frontier police force. Now, Mr J M J Leach, who is compiling the history of the Bechuanaland Border Police is searching for more information on Colin Albert Fraser, who served in 1893, Meintjies Frazer and William Charles Daniel, who were members of the force from its inception in August, 1893, until 1896. “This British Imperial military unit, considered one of the best frontier forces, served the Bechuanaland Crown Colony and Bechuanaland Protectorate, now the Northern Cape and Botswana, respectively,” says Mr Leach. “In the Matabele War of 1893 Daniel, known as ‘a wild lad from Beaufort West’ and a Trooper Wilson, from England, earned notoriety by stealing the monetary token of surrender of Lobengula, chief of the Matabele.”

VERSLANKENDE STOP IN BEAUFORT-WES

(Tel No. 0201-52063)

Beaufort-Wes het ‘n nuwe koffie-kuierplek en kuns gallery in Donkinstraat. Eienaars Henry en Charlene van Schalkwyk bied smullekker kos, soos wafels, skons, muffins en wortelkoek aan met geurryke koffee en ‘n keuse van tees. Daar is ook ‘n spesiale spyskaart vir verslankers. Op permanente uitstalling is werke van Christiaan Nice, een van die top vyf kunstenaars in die land. “Ons het hom gekies omdat hy hom vereenselwig met die Karoo en mense is gaande oor sy donkie-karre, karretjie-mense en landskappe.” Christiaan Nice is ‘n self-geleerde kunstenaar wat al vir 40 jaar skilder. Sy werke is net by sy Hartebeespoortgallery en in Beaufort-Wes verkrygbaar.

TASTE THE KAROO IN CAPE TOWN

(Tel No. 021 797 8202)

A traditional Karoo dish tantalises the taste buds at a Cape Town restaurant. Visitors to Parks Restaurant, in Constantia, are amazed to see Karoo ‘muise’ on the menu. Head chef Christian Hale included this traditional liver, kidney and caulfat faggot on the menu so that gourmets “can savour the flavour of the hinterland.”Christian says: “It’s mentioned in a review in Food and Home Entertaining’s January issue among other platteland pleasantries designed to encourage the epicurean elite to be adventurous.” Among the other delights of inland eating are a guinea fowl main course followed by sousklontjies for desert. These are dainty dumplings that float in a rich butter and cinnamon sauce. Certainly not for dieters, but well worth the damage to the waistline, say those who’ve sampled this Karoo cuisine.

A SALUTE TO HORSE AND RIDER

The flags of the old Republics will once again be carried through the Great Karoo to Pretoria by horsemen. This historic ride, intended as part of the Anglo-Boer War commemorative centenary, will salute the horses and riders of the Boer War. Scheduled to start on June 3 in Stellenbosch, it will end with a mock battle at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on June 17, the day the South Africa rugby team plays England. In his book To Horse and Away, Jose Berman writes: “Horses were the true losers of the Anglo-Boer War. Of the 520 000 horses the British Army used in South Africa, 326 073 died of exhaustion and disease. No veterinary corps yet existed to supervise and destroy sick or maimed animals. This only came into being in 1903. Without the horse the Boers could not have fought the war, nor the British won it. Both sides took their horses for granted and used them ruthlessly, often driving them to the limits of endurance and beyond. By the end of the war the Cape Horse, once a prized cavalry mount, had virtually vanished. This horse bore the brunt of the war on the Boer side. Basutoland had been drained of her ponies and it took years for the breed to regain its status. All stock on Karoo farms had been commandeered and many once famous studs never bred horses again.” Hennie Ahlers and Willem Heine, of Nooitgedacht Stud, who are organising the commemorative ride, agree with Robert Smit Surtees, who, in an 1883 issue of Mr Sponge’s Sporting Tour, wrote: “There is no bond so close as that between a rider and his horse.” Their cavalcade, carrying a variety of historic South African flags, as well as those from many countries that took part in the war, will travel from Stellenbosch, through Worcester, Beaufort West, Graaff Reinet, Colesberg, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Kroonstad, Potchefstroom and Rustenburg en route to Pretoria. A programme honouring the horse will be presented at each town. Messages of goodwill will be gathered along the route for presentation to the State President at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. There will be a commando ride and gymkhana events in Beaufort West on June 6, 2000.

TWEEDE DE BEER REÜNIE BEPLAN

Al die De Beers in Suid-Afrika word weereens uitgenooi na ‘n groot familie reünie in Prins Albert. Die eerste saamtrek wat laasjaar in die historiese dorpie gehou is, was ‘n reuse sukses Die reünie sal vanaf 30 Junie tot l Julie gehou word en die program sluit in nostalgiese besoeke aan geskiedkundige plekke wat van belang sal wees vir familielede. Verdere inligting van Trudie Nel by 023-541-1366.

BEAUFORT WEST SCHOOL PART OF WORLDWIDE HANDSHAKE

St Mathews School in Beaufort-Wes is part of the worldwide Flags and Friends project. Under the guidance of English teacher Eugene Grant, they exchange information with schools in Argentina, Canada, the USA, the UK, Israel, Taiwan, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, Japan, Cyprus and Brazil by snail and e.mail. “The idea is to learn more about each other’s world in general,” says Eugene “It’s an exciting and practical-awareness project. Each child has to contribute to the programme by researching and writing about his town, a great deal of which is based on tourism. We recently received a package from Taiwan containing tourist information, a Coke, quite odd with its foreign lettering, a newspaper, pictures, postcards and a variety of unusual snack packages. We’re compiling information too. We’ve included Western Cape tourism guides, Karoo brochures and as much interesting information on Beaufort West and South Africa as possible.”

TORTOISE A HONEYMOON HIT

Honeymooners Jan and Minnie van Zyl accepted a 100-year-old mountain tortoise as an omen of happiness. They arrived at the Karoo National Park.as Central Karoo District Council health inspector Danie van Rensburg was handing the ancient creature to the park’s tourism officer Sidney Witbooi. “We celebrated Minnie’s birthday, then Valentine’s day and the next day we got married,” said Jan. “Now, on the first day of our honeymoon, we see a magnificent tortoise. We love these creatures as they appear to symbolise peace, tranquillity and long life.” They insisted on being photographed with it. The huge tortoise, in fine condition, was rescued on a busy road by Central Karoo District Council executives John van der Merwe and Nikla Nortje.

FORESTS TO FUEL THE LOCOMOTIVES

When trains first steamed into the hinterland they ran on coal imported from Wales. South Africa was considered deficient in coal. Small amounts were being mined at Cyphergat, Molteno and Indwe. The country’s major fields, the largest in the southern hemisphere, were still in the future. Dr Gustav Fritsch, a German traveller, in 1886 wrote: “There is probably no country where adequate deposits of coal would prove a greater blessing than in South Africa. If cheap coal could be found the railways, so sparse at present, would boldly steam ahead.” Imported coal was too expensive for the man in the street, so he used wood. This prompted the Cape Colonial Railways to plant ‘fuel forests’. In 1884, an eight-acre blue gum plantation was started on Stolshoek farm outside Beaufort West. Walker’s Dam was built to irrigate the trees. The intention was to harvest 11 tons of dry wood an acre and extend the forest if it did well. “At first the trees flourished, but droughts, scarcity of water and ‘brak’ (saline) soil forced the abandonment of the project within four years,” says Almero de Villiers, a former Beaufort West resident who researched these forests in 1952. “The railways announced the failure of the project in the Karoo with great regret. Successful forests and nurseries were established at Tokai, Ceres, Constantia, and Worcester, where an 80-acre forest met fuel requirements.” Today, scattered blue gums still dot the Great Karoo as a reminder the days when trains ran on wood.

BUFFELS HOU VAN DIE WANDELPAD

Buffels en kindertjies stry oor ‘n wandelpad in die Karoo Nasionale Park. Sewe nuwe buffels wat onlangs in die park gevestig is en sommer gou by vier ander aangesluit het, het besluit dat die Potlekkertjie wandelpad net die lekkerste plek in die hele park is. “Maar die heerlike, skaduryke, bebosde gebied is ook die area wat die jongspan verkies en waar ons gereelde lesings vir hulle aanbied,” sê toerisme beampte Sidney Witbooi.. “Dis vol van interessante diertjies, goggatjies en plantjies, maar ons moes die stryd gewonne gee en die Potlekkertjie tydelik sluit. Park personeel is nou besig om ‘n alternatiewe area uit te soek waar hulle die natuur met kindertjies kan bespreek en wat miskien nie so ‘n groot aantrekkingskrag vir buffels sal hê nie.”

RHINO GOES WALK-ABOUT

The halcyon December days so affected a young rhino cow that she promptly left the Karoo National Park to explore the wider world. On an idyllic Karoo morning Kurni decided the park was a titch too confining, so she pitted her powerful weight against the electrified fence and squeezed down into a dry riverbed. From there it was a short trot to the Fraserburg Road. The day was superb. The scorch of the Karoo sun was dampened by a cool breeze. It carried with it all manner of tantalising smells. Kurni increased her pace in excitement and expectation. The same morning, Mrs Mavis Botma, of Losberg farm, was quite at peace with the world as she drove along the meandering road to Beaufort West. The day was divine. Then playful fate stepped in and brought the two face to face at a sharp, blind bend. Tranquility for both vanished in a puff. Kurni snorted in disbelief at the dust the acrid-smelling creature churned up as it braked and skidded to avoid her. She blinked shortsightedly in confusion as Mavis edged past and sped off to report her close encounter to the Karoo Park management. Alone in the settling dust, Kurni was happy that the metal creature had fled in terror, but she decided perhaps the great wide world was not all it was cracked up to be. So she retraced her steps and squeezed back to safety and security at the same spot where she had escaped. Rangers who arrived in more clouds of dust found her grazing serenely. Suurkop, one of the park’s black rhino bulls, was killed by lightening during a recent heavy thunderstorm. He has been replaced by R1.

UNUSUAL FEATHERED FRIENDS

Beaufort West birders have been happily surprised by unusual visitors. Japie Claassen, secretary of the Wild Bird Club, says a pair of crowned cranes have been spotted on a farm just outside town, and marabou storks have been seen on the Oudtshoorn road and near the golf course. “These are unusual visitors to this area,” Japie says. Farmer Murray de Villiers reports first spotting a marabou on his farm La-De-Da in 1976. He saw them regularly for a few years, and then they just vanished.

Issued by the Central Karoo District Council Municipality, P O Box X560, Beaufort West, 6970.

Cost: R30 per annum to cover postage

Information: Rose Willis Tel: 023-415-1160 Fax 023-414-3675 Cell: 082-926-0474

e.mail: karootour@internext.co.za or karorose@internext.co.za

Rose's Roundup No. 76 March 2000

PARKING NOW SAFE AT HISTORIC SITE

The historic Monument Cemetery, 10km south of Matjiesfontein, now has a safe parking area. It was recently constructed by the Central Karoo District Council with assistance from Western Cape Tourism Board. "Our aim was to provide visitors to the cemetery with safe parking away from the busy N1 highway," said district council chief executive John van der Merwe. "Formerly, tourists had to park at the gate, climb over a stile and walk almost lkm to the graves. Most visitors were concerned about leaving their vehicles unattended so far away. Also, there was room only for one or two cars and buses could not park there. We are delighted that Western Cape Tourism Board has made it possible for us to create this new, bigger car park." The cemetery is a popular stop for Anglo-Boer War enthusiasts and history buffs. The two obelisks on the koppie encourage many other tourists to stop and explore. One was erected in memory of George Maxwell Grant, killed in a rail accident, and the other is a British Army memorial in honour of Major-General Andrew Wauchope, affectionately known as "Red Mick." A hero of Scotland, he was killed at the Battle of Magersfontein, near Kimberley, during the Anglo-Boer War. Wauchope’s grave in the cemetery below is marked by a simple sandstone memorial erected by his wife Jean. Nearby are the graves of James D Logan, founder of Matjiesfontein, and his wife Emma. Their daughter, Catherine, son, Daddy Jim, and several other family members lie nearby. In the cemetery are many historic graves, including that of English cricketer Edward Alfred Lohmann, considered to have been one of the world’s greatest all-rounders ever.

BEAUFORT-WES GRAFTE WORD HERSTEL

Die Rapportryerskorps van Beaufort-Wes het onlangs fondse ingesamel om alle Anglo-Boere-oorlog grafte in die dorp se ou begrafplase te herstel. Die werk word deur Goodall & Williams behartig. Hulle is tans besig met die herstel van sement en baksteen graf-omheinings en maak die marmer kopstene skoon. Nuwe grafmerkers word ook opgerig. Die oorspronklike merkers is in die tagtiger jare deur vandale verwyder. Hulle het ook die prag graf van Kaptein George Parker Bull, eens die Britse bevelvoerder op Beaufort-Wes, geruïneer. Dit het gebeur net voor aansoek gedoen sou word om die graf as nasionale gedenkwardigheid te laat verklaar. Oor die jare is heelwat pogings aangewend om hierdie graf te restoureer, maar alles wat beoog is om die helm en swaard te vervang altyd te duur. Nou gaan daar net ‘n gedenkplaat op die graf geplaas word.

THOUSANDS VISIT ONLY TO SEE THE KAROO

Every year thousands of German tourists arrive in the Cape and all they want to see is the Great Karoo, says author and businessman Clem Sunter. While discussing his new book "Winning in the New Millennium" in a recent Readers Digest, he says: "You have to be a fox to come out on top. The Karoo is marketed as a unique area to German tourists, and each year thousands of Germans arrive in Cape Town with the specific aim of visiting places such as Beaufort West, Graaff Reinet and De Aar, to experience the world class, personalised service offered by some of the B&Bs."

RADIO LURES LISTENERS TO THE KAROO

A recent interview on the SA fm radio programme "Women Today" kindled renewed interest in the Karoo. Compiler Nancy Richards had hardly finished an interview with tourism co-ordinator Rose Willis when the telephone lines began to buzz. The diversity of calls stretched from the Uruguayan Embassy to 12-year-old Justin McLean, of Klerksdorp Primary School, who needed help with a project on heart-transplant pioneer Chris Barnard. Listeners enjoyed hearing about fossils, frogs and colourful history. Many requested back copies of Round-up and wanted to join the regular mailing list.

‘N WEEK VAN DASSIES, AKKEDISSE EN ARENDE

Die wêreld van die goue-mol, pantser-gordelakkedis, rooiklip konyn, ystervark en witkruis arend is onlangs deur 77 Graad 6 leerlinge van Nico Brummer Primêre skool in Beaufort-Wes betree. Hulle het ‘n weeklange veldskool by Moutain Viewkamp in die Karoo Nasionale Park bygewoon om meer te leer van die ekologie van die Groot Karoo. "Ons het ‘n spesiale staproete waar hulle meer oor die diertjies se lewenswyse en habitate kan leer sowel as die wêreld van dassies en arende beskou," sê toerisme beampte Sidney Witbooi. "Gedurende die week het ons ook van grond, rotsformasies en die belangrikheid van water, veral in droeë gebiede, gesels. Toe kom die reën en ons moes huistoe haas."

IN HONOUR OF HORSE AND HORSEMAN

The planned commando ride through Beaufort West, part of the commemorative commando ride from Stellenbosch to Pretoria to honour the horses and horsemen of the Anglo-Boer War, has drawn wide response. The steering committee has received many inquiries from horsemen wishing to ride with Piet Ellis’s Commando or with David Pickard-Cambridge’s British Brigade. The ride through Beaufort West takes place on June 6. A message of goodwill will be handed to the leader of the commemorative ride to pass on to the State President in Pretoria. Then, many of the horsemen will demonstrate their skills.

SKOLE NOU DEEL VAN TOERISME

Ten minste een skool in elke dorp van die Sentrale Karoo neem nou deel aan ‘n nuwe toerisme projek wat deur Wes-Kaap Toerismeraad ondersteun word. Die belangrike projek is deur Hennie Bester, Minister van Besigheidsbevordering en Toerisme, en Helen Zille, Minister van Opvoedkunde, by ‘n primêre skool in Kraaifontein bekend gestel. In die Karoo is die projek tydens ‘n voldag seminaar in Beaufort-Wes deur Lorraine Bryant, besigheidsbestuurder van Tourism Education Trust en Mthethelene Hugo, van WKTR se ontwikkelingspan, geloots. Benewens die kursus het deelnemende Graad 1 onderwysers ‘n staptoer deur die dorp, gelei deur toerisme beampte Rose Willis, geniet, sowel as ‘n besoek aan die museum en die Karoo Nasionale Park se Ou Skuur Toerisme Projek.

TOWN CLEAN-UP PAYS HANDSOMELY

A tiny Karoo town has declared war on litter, and the result has been a major tourism boost. The pristine surroundings of Hanover recently caught the eye of Iris Bester of SATV, so she stopped to investigate. Iris then found Willie Mathee of the local tourism committee. Tired of seeing kilometres of plastic bags littering the veld, he and his committee offered to swop a bundle of firewood for a municipal rubbish bag of full of litter from the veld. "Everyone from township dwellers to school children instantly began to pick up paper, plastic bags and litter," says Willie. "Within short, Hanover was the cleanest town in Africa." Iris was so impressed that she featured the project in her programme Focus. Then Getaway editor David Bristow praised Hanover’s effort in an article. Soon many other local and international journalists trooped in for a look. Next, a TV crew arrived to do a feature. All this publicity has attracted many more tourists to stop and overnight in Hanover’s spotless guest houses.

PARK BEPLAN UITBREIDING

Die uiters populêre Karoo Nasionale Park is van plan om sy geriewe uit te brei. "Ons beoog om nog 10 drie-bed chalets by die Stolshoek Ruskamp te bou, die restourant area uit te brei en verbeter, en veranderings aan te bring aan vier van die huidige agt ses-bed chalets," sê bestuurder Leighton Hare. "Insette word nou ingewag van alle rolspelers en belangstellendes."

ENGLISH-SPEAKING BOER’S GRAVE REPAIRED

The grave of an English-speaking Boer soldier is among those being repaired in an old Beaufort West cemetery by the local Rapportryerskorps and Goodall & Williams. He was John James Bester Watson, 22, who joined General Wynand Malan’s commando with his two brothers William Henry and Charles. The Watson brothers came from Barkly East where they were well-known and liked. One day, while at Juriesfontein, near Nelspoort, Malan’s commando was surprised by the British. The Boers scattered. John hid in a stable, but someone on the farm, whom locals had labelled a "hans-kakie," pointed out his hiding place. He tried to escape, but was shot in the back. The farmer’s wife undertook to nurse him, but the army decided to move him before his wounds had healed. During the bumpy trip to town on a mule wagon (scotch cart) his wound opened and he bled to death. He was buried in the Dutch Reformed Church cemetery. During the symbolic Great Trek of 1938, the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging (ATKV) erected a memorial on his grave. Later, a second stone was erected by Murraysburg friends. In 1904, Mrs De Villiers, the wife of Reverend De Villiers of Carnarvon, who was deported to Beaufort West during the war, tried to obtain Watson’s army pay for his parents. In a letter to the authorities, she wrote: "Young Watson was a fine specimen of a South African. I still deplore his untimely death brought on by the treachery of a Colonial Dutch-born Boer." Watson’s brothers were taken prisoner and when peace was declared they decided they did not want to live in a land ruled by the British, so they emigrated to Argentina. William’s wife and Charles died there. William returned to South Africa in 1939.

OORWELDIGENDE BELANGSTELLING IN MERWEVILLE

(Tel No. 083-255-6931)

Onlangs is Merweville uit die veld geslaan deur die oorweldigende reaksie van mense wat ‘n naweek in hul dorpie wou deurbring as gevolg van ‘n radio program. "Ons het omtrent 25 voertuie verwag, maar die uitnodiging op Franscois Rossouw se Radio Sonder Grense program het 96 aansoeke gelok," sê Kallie le Roux van Springbok Lodge. "Ons asem was weggeslaan. Uiteindelik is ‘n uitstappie gereel vir 46 voertuie en hulle het die dorpie uit sy nate laat bars. Almal het die geselligheid van Merweville en die uitdaging van ons puik roetes geniet. Dié wat hierdie keer nie kon kuier nie is genooi om later te kom. Daar is reeds groot aanvraag na ons winter uitstappie."

WILD OUTLAW CUTS A SWATHE ACROSS KAROO

Frontier outlaw Coenraad Buys, a huge, powerful man, was an adventurer and smuggler who left a dash of wildness in the story of Beaufort West and the Nuweveld farms recently acquired by the Karoo National Park. Buys, also known as Coenraad de Buy or Buis, was born of Huguenot stock in Montagu in 1761. He clashed with the law and took refuge among Xhosas on the eastern frontier. He also traded in cattle with them, illegal in those days. His treatment of these people is said to have contributed to the outbreak of the Second Frontier War. Buys developed a passionate hatred for the British who declared him an outlaw, banished him from the Colony and put a price on his head. Buys wandered through the Karoo in the late 1700s. When Graaff Reinet burghers chased their magistrate out of town and declared a republic, Buys tried to persuade the Xhosas to join these burghers in an uprising against the British. He failed. For years, Buys lived among the Ngqika people. Then, with his Thembu wife and numerous children from that marriage, as well as from a liaison with Maria van der Horst, a woman of Black\Khoi-khoi descent, he moved to the area of present-day Beaufort West. There he disrupted the mission work of Erasmus Smit on the farm Kookfontein, raided cattle herds and generally created havoc. By 1821, he had moved across the Vaal and settled in the Soutpansberg. When his wife died in 1823, he was so grief-stricken that he wandered off into the veld and was never seen again.

REUNIE BY ‘N NASIONALE GEDENKWAARDIGHEID

Tagtig lede van die Marincowitz-familie het op 25 Maart, op die ou familie plaas Vrolikheid, naby Klaarstroom, vir ‘n reunie bymekaar gekom. By die herehuis wat in 1834 deur hul stamvader Gerolm, van Triëst in Kroasië, gebou is en wat vandag ‘n nasionale gedenkwaardighied is, het hulle druiwe gepars, witblits gestook, kranse op familie grafte gelê, en heerlik gekuier.

RIDDLE OF THE LILY AND THE BEETLE

An ancient poem telling of a beautiful lily and a noisy beetle, called the sonbesie in the Karoo, puzzled Greek scholars for centuries. Then in the 1930s, a South African solved the riddle. The great Greek poet Homer mentioned "the lily-like sound of the cicada" in one of his poems and dumfounded his followers. Eventually, learned men decided "lily-like" was an error of translation, and that explanation was accepted for 3 000 years. But, in the ‘30s, Professor Kolbe, of Cape Town University, discovered when picking chincherinchees that when the stems of these lilies rubbed together a shrill sound was emitted. It was just like the shriek of the cicada. Thus the ancient mystery surrounding these beautiful lilies and the tiny beetle was solved. The cicada, known as the sonbesie or Christmas Beetle in arid zones such as the Karoo, uses his shrill shriek as a serenade, a love song sung only by the males. The females do not have voices. Which is why the ancient Greeks quipped: "Happy are cicadas’ lives, as they have silent wives!"

STOKSIEL ALEEN IN DIE HEL

(Tel No 023-541-736)

Swaar reen in die Karoo het Gamkaskloof, Die Hel, heeltemal van die buitewêreld afgesny. Vir ‘n week was Zannie van der Walt , van Natuurbewaring, stoksiel aleen in hierdie afgeleë vallei. "Na die rivier gesak het was die stilte asemrowend. Dis nou eintlik hoe mens die prag van die berge moet geniet, in die eensaamheid." Toe die rivier begin styg was daar ‘n werkspan oorkant van die rivier. Zannie het hulle op die radio geroep en opdrag gegee om dadelik terug te keer. "Hulle het onmiddelik gery, maar die rivier was al klaar te hoog. Hulle het omgedraai en die bakkie bo die 1981 vloedmerk geparkeer. Teen daardie tyd was die water al so hoog dat hulle te bang was om die rivier aan te durf. Ek het deur die waters gestap om hulle tot veiligheid te help. Die rivier het so sterk afgekom dat dit tot twee meters bo die 1981 vloedmerk gestyg het. Takke en ontwortelde bome wat die vloedwaters saam gesleur het, het die telefoondrade afgeruk en ons van die buitewêreld afgesny." Later was Zannie en sy vrou Anita genoodsaak om die ou roete langs Die Leer aan te durf om voorade en medisyne te gaan haal. "Dis ‘n groot klim," sê Zannie. "Dit het ‘n uur gevat om tot bo op die berge te kom. Op plekke is die roete ontsettend steil, en dit was boonop glibberig en modderig. Ons moes versigtig wees op die nat gilbberigge rotse. Dis ‘n ervaring wat ons nie gou sal vergeet nie." Flip Esau, ‘n natuurbewaring diploma student, wat hulle op die kruin van die berg sou ontmoet, het ‘n avontuurlike reis gehad om by hulle uit te kom. Vanaf Oudtshoorn het hy Calitzdorp toe gery maar die Huisrivier het die pad en brug beskadig en hy moes via VanWyksdorp en Ladismith oor die Rooibergpas na Seweweekspoort ry en toe na Bosluiskloof om aan te sluit met ‘n pad na Die Leer. Anita is saam met Flip na Oudtshoorn, maar Zannie het omgedraai en die steil afdraend huis toe aangepak. "Ek het rustig gestap en op pad terug ‘n pragtige skulpfossiel ontdek," sê hy.

SWARTBERG LODGE WINS WINE LIST AWARD

(Tel No 023-541-1332)

The Swartberg Country Lodge in Prince Albert has once again come up trumps in the Diners Club Wine List Awards. For the second year in a row it is the only Karoo establishment on the list. Merit Certificates were awarded to 64 establishments throughout the country, and Blackie Swart, owner of the Swartberg Country Lodge, received one of the 32 awarded in the Western Cape Province.

OLYFFEES VOL PRET WORD BEPLAN

(Tel No. 023-541-1366)

‘n Program vol pret word vir die Prins Albert Olyffees 2000 saaamgestel. Vanaf Vrydag, 28 April, wanneer die straatmark open tot Maandag, 1 Mei, is daar volop vermaak. Op Saterdag is daar pret van vroeg tot laat. Die dag begin met ‘n eg Karoo-ontbyt. Daarna word die feestlike atmosfeer behou met parades en kompetisies by die stalletjies. In die aand is daar die "Karoo Kabaret en "Dans in die Dam." Ook op die program is gholf, ‘n trekker rit, ‘n "Milky Way" toer, ‘n half-maraton en ‘n veiling.

LAINGSBURG BEPLAN GROOT KAROOFEES

(Tel No 082-920-11240)

‘n Groot Karoofees gaan in Laingsburg gehou word vanaf Oktober 20 tot 22. Daar sal interessante stalletjies wees, heelwat uitstappies om die natuurprag te besigtig, ‘n 4 x 4 vloedroete, ‘n mini Boeredag met veteraan trekkers en heelwat oudtydse Boeresport en ‘n braaivleis en dans.

Issued by the Central Karoo District Council Municipality, P O Box X560, Beaufort West, 6970.

Cost: R30 per annum to cover postage

Information: Rose Willis Tel: 023-415-1160 Fax 023-414-3675 Cell: 082-926-0474

e.mail: karootour@internext.co.za or karorose@internext.co.za

Rose's Roundup No. 77 April 2000

AUSTRIA HONOURS BARNARD

A son of the Great Karoo, Professor Chris Barnard, is to be honoured by the Austrian Government this month. In an international poll, the world heart-transplant pioneer emerged as the most popular of seven international leaders in their fields. He will receive the first My Way award. "Polling was conducted by Internet to gain as wide an international response base as possible," said Eric Bruckberger, a director of the Tatum Media Group, organisers of the gala function in Vienna at which the award will be presented. The media group, which has negotiated the loan of a large portion of the Barnard exhibit from Beaufort West Museum to mount a display in Vienna from May 20 to June 20, will also donated R30 000 to the museum for the loan of the material. Included is a selection of memorabilia from Professor Barnard's childhood home and early life as well as the simulation of the original heart-transplant theatre, awards presented to him, paintings, as well as many photographs. Professor Barnard recently visited Beaufort West with Eric Bruckberger and Primo Zogg, an architect representing the Austrian Government, to select items for display. Professor Barnard conducted them on a tour of his boyhood home and the old mission church in which his father preached. "It was sprinkled with many anecdotes of a warm family life," said Eric.

TOERISME VRIEND VAN DIE MAAND

Prince Albert het 'n toerisme vriendelikheidsprojek geloots. Die buro soek nou persone wat op 'n vriendelike en hulpvaardige wyse optree teenoor kuiergaste in die dorp. "Nominasies vir die maandelikse toekenning kan by die Toerismeburo ingedien word," sê toerismebeampte Trudi Nel. Die dorp se eerste toerisme-persoon van die maand is Burgemeester Dawid Rossouw. Volgens toerismeburo voorsitter Andrew Tudhope is hy eenparig deur dorpenaars gekies "vir die tyd, moeite en energie wat hy met soveel toewyding aanwend om die dorp te bewaar, bekend te stel en te bemark." Andrew sê: "Hy steun elke toerisme projek wat ons aanpak en woon alle moontlike toerisme verwante vergaderings by."

SCHOOLBOY'S PROJECT NETS TRIP TO HONG KONG

A schoolboy's project on Gamkaskloof in the Karoo has brought him international recognition. Henning Burden, a grade-10 pupil at Paul Roos in Stellenbosch, last year won first place at the Western Cape Expo for his environmental and ecological project on The Hell, as the kloof is commonly known. He was one of two pupils in the Western Cape and 60 country-wide presented with gold medals for their work in a nation-wide competition that drew 30 000 entrants. This year, the SA National Expo organisers adjudged Henning's project one of the top four. He has now been invited to travel to Hong Kong to enter it in the International Expo from July 22 to August 1. Its standards are extremely high. Henning's project evolved from a visit to the valley in 1998. Its natural beauty, plants, animals, birds and history so impressed him that he felt he had to share it with others.

"LITTLE GENTLEMAN" STILL REMEMBERED

Beaufort West's Central High School head boy of 1930 died shortly after leaving school in December that year. But Max Bayer has not been forgotten. Now, 70 years later, his niece, Dr Freda Freeman, of Cape Town, has appealed to the Central Karoo Tourism Office to help find information on him. "Max died of blood poisoning after being bitten by a horse fly," she said. "In those days, there were no antibiotics and despite being rushed to hospital, nothing could be done. He is buried in Kimberley." In 1931, the school decided to honour Max by erecting a remembrance plaque. It was unveiled by his good friend Eric Lusty. Originally placed in a classroom, close to the seat he once occupied, it is now in the main corridor, near the headmaster's office. At the unveiling ceremony, one of the masters, Mr J J Nel, said Max Bayer had been "more than a top pupil, of exemplary character and conduct. He was a little gentleman. A lad full of promise, his consistent efforts achieved a first grade pass, made him Dux Student of the year."

BELANGRIKE BESPREKINGS OOR TOERISME

Belangrike besprekings rakende toerisme ontwikkeling het onlangs in Beaufort-Wes plaasgevind. Jurgens Schoeman, ontwikkelingsbestuurder van Wes-Kaap Toerismeraad het lede van die toerismeburo en ander rolspelers in die bedryf op hoogte gebring met WKTB planne vir toerisme in die provinsie. Hy het melding gemaak van die nuwe konsepwet wat eersdaags sal verskyn en wat gemik is om toerisme in die provinsie te versterk. Die beoogde nuwe benaming vir die raad, die korporatiewe benadering tot bemarking, regulasies rakende die akkommodasie-bedryf en akkreditasie van toerismeburos sowel as befondsing en lidmaatskap het alles onder die soeklig gekom. "In die toekoms sal munisipaliteite verantwoordelikheid moet aanvaar vir buros, streekstoerisme organisasies sal verdwyn en klem sal geplaas word op gesamentlike bemarking van streke sowel as toerisme roetes," het Jurgens gesê. Hy het ook melding gemaak van toerisme kursusse wat WKTR deur die provinsie vir skole borg, en van nuwe bemarkingsmateriaal en webblaaie wat eersdaags sal verskyn.

MORE ON THE JURIESFONTEIN DRAMA

Considerable drama surrounded the incident at Juriesfontein which led to the death of John Watson, a young Boer soldier (Round-up No 75). Boer War researcher Taffy Shearing says Watson was a member of that small party of men from the commandos of Wynand Malan and Gideon Scheepers who travelled from the Aberdeen district in July, 1901, to the Free State to hold talks with General Christiaan de Wet and President Steyn. Led by Malan, with Henry Hugo, the party had an easy, trouble-free journey, but its mission ended in disappointment. Steyn and De Wet only issued a toothless proclamation declaring Cape Rebels to be Free Staters. Unable to find recruits, the party returned to the Cape. It reached Juriesfontein in October, 1901. "This farm lies in a secluded spot and the Pienaars had no clear view of anyone approaching," says Taffy. "On the day of the incident, young Dauphin Pienaar was out in the veld. The Boer party rode up and asked if the coast was clear It had been when he left home, but unbeknown to him, a British patrol had slipped in. The Boers rode to the farm. As they were about to knock on the front door it burst open and shots rang out. They fled. But young Watson had led his horse around the back for water. He was just taking the saddle off when he heard the shots. As he tried to pull the girth up with his teeth he was shot in the stomach and collapsed." Watson was carried into the house for treatment, but the British decided not to leave him there. They clearly remembered the young Boer Corney Hoffman escaping after being wounded at another farm. So Watson was put in a wagon for transport to hospital. He died en route to town. "The Boers blamed Dauphin for Watson's death, so he joined the District Mounted Troops for protection. When General Wynand Malan captured the DMT at Uitspansfontein in February, 1902, Ben de Villiers told Pienaar to act deaf and dumb. He did so, and with other members of the DMT denying he was Pienaar this probably saved his life." Taffy will be in Beaufort West on June 9 for talks on Boer War events in the area at a VLV meeting and the museum.

KURSUS VIR JAGTERS

(Tel Peter Eayrs 083 703-3185)

Die Kaapse Jagters en Wildsbewaringsvereniging bied 'n spesiale kursus vir senior jagters aan te Robertson op Mei 20 en 21. Die program sluit bio-diversiteit, die wet, probleem diere en fotografie in.

DESPERATE DASH TO FREEDOM

Languishing among the memorabilia of Prince Albert's Fransie Pienaar Museum is a swordstick, once a part of high drama. Sadly, the name of the Bulgarian who originally owned it has been forgotten, but his story has survived. "One can only imagine that, whoever he was, this man loved the beautifully-crafted weapon. It seems to have been the only possession of value he took when fleeing from Bulgaria, never to return," says researcher Helena Marincowitz. When the swordstick's owner refused to join rebel forces in his country, he was captured and imprisoned. He escaped and dashed back to his house to snatch a change of clothing and his swordstick. He then headed for the Greek border. Once safely across, he snatched a rest alongside the road. Robbers attacked him but he beat them off with the swordstick. One of the robbers managed to grab it and pulled the wooden sheath from the rapier. He made off with this in his hand. Badly shaken, the Bulgarian wrapped his rapier in an old newspaper and continued his jourey to Athens. There he joined a Greek freighter bound for the West Coast of Africa. He eventually disembarked in Durban. He roamed South Africa for months, unable to settle. Then, one day, he found himself at Prince Albert Road station. There the adventurer left the train and hopped aboard a donkey cart bound for the Swartberg Hotel. He fell in love with the Karoo and stayed at the hotel until he died. He bequeathed his rapier to hotel owner Benjamin Klein, who became a close friend. In time, Bernard gave it to his friend Jimmy Oosthuizen, a Zeekoeigat farmer. Jimmy crafted a sheath for the blade, fitted a wooden knob to the handgrip and, in 1946, gave it to his son, Eric, who donated it to the museum in 1985.

WIL U SAAM RY?

Boesman en Bessel vorder goed met onderrig om 'n kapkar te trek tydens 'n Boereoorlog herdenkingsrit Hulle is die twee spog swart Vlaamse perde wat eregas Herman de Wit, voorsitter van die Sentrale Karoo Distrikraad en van Beaufort-Wes Toerismeburo, na die verrigtinge sal bring tydens die Herdenkingsrit ter ere van die Perde en Ruiters van die Anglo-boereoorlog. Die Kommandorit deur die dorp sal op Junie 6 plaasvind. Reëlings vir die geleentheid vorder goed. David Pickard-Cambridge (Tel No 023-417-1691) en Piet Ellis (Tel No 023-415-2205) nooi plaaslike ruiters wat wil deelneem om hulle so gou moontlik te kontak. "Dit behoort 'n feestige dag op die dorp te wees," sê Dawie Uys, voorsitter van die organiseerderskomitee. "Alle skole word uitgenooi om kinders 'n tydjie af te gee sodat hul iewers langs die roete die perde sal kan sien. Dit behoort 'n pragtige groot optog van meer as 50 perde te wees."

IN SEARCH OF GRANDPA'S FIGHTING TRACKS

Thomas Frederick Mortlock, who died in 1973 at 96 years, once bravely rode the Karoo plains as a member of Gorringe's Flying Column. After the Anglo-Boer War ended, he often told friends and family of those exciting times. Frederick then recalled that the unit had once set a British Army record by travelling 100 miles in 24 hours on horseback. Everyone enjoyed his stories, but no one recorded them. Now his grandson, Mike Mortlock, is trying to find out more about this unit which Leo Amery in The Times History of the War in South Africa calls "the oldest of all the columns" and Athe original Colonial Defence Force. "Colonel C F Gorringe raised the unit in Graaff Reinet for general service and many well-known men of the Karoo served with it," says researcher Taffy Shearing. "Among them were Abe Bailey, Evert Collett, who rose to the rank of Colonel during World War One, and Douglas Featherstone." When most troopers of the original unit had served their time, it was broken up, but Gorringe immediately organised a fresh force of Tasmanians, Cape Police and Nesbitt's Horse. Mike Mortlock would welcome any further details.

AANDAG ALLE DE BEERS

(Tel No 023-541-1366)

'n Landwye uitnodiging word gerig aan alle De Beers. 'n Familie-reunie word beplan in Prins Albert, tuisdorp van stamvader Zacharias de Beer, vir die naweek van 30 Junie tot 1 Julie. Volle besonderhede is by Prins Albert Toerismeburo verkrygbaar.

YESTERDAY'S AIRCRAFT IN KAROO SKIES

Two vintage De Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft recently provided a rare aeronautical treat above Prince Albert. They were part of the Great SABC 2 Aerial Roadshow, which focuses on festivals and national sports events. The aircraft called on Prince Albert, their first rural venue, to promote TV 2 and its programmes. "The idea is to create a higher visibility for our service and to generate support for local charities," said SABC2 Brand Manager Jackie Motsepe. "Funds for charity are generated by passengers who pay for a 30-minute flip across their town. We create a great deal of excitement by offering free lucky tickets and having well-known TV 2 celebrities join the fun." The team, which comprised pilots Tim Keaton, Frank Rehrl and Bob Ewing, as well as engineers Frank Strecker and Peter Upfold as well as administrators Patty Photong and Lee Rehrl all enjoyed a few days relaxation in the Karoo at the Swartberg Country Lodge.

MUSEUMS EN SKOLE BEWEEG NADER AAN MEKAAR

'n Baie geslaagde en insiggewende werkswinkel oor die gebruik van 'n plaaslike museum vir uitkombaseerde onderwys is op 4 April, 2000, by die Fransie Pienaar Museum in Prins Albert gehou. Aanbieders Sigri Howes en Myrtle Edwards, van die Sentrum vir Bewaringsopvoeding in Kaapstad, het die sinvolle beplanning van museumbesoeke vir leerders bespreek. Praktiese voorbeelde van hoe dit toegepas kan word is uitgelig. "Deur goeie voorafbeplanning kan museum-besoeke by heelwat leerareas, leerplanne en temas ingewerk word," sê Sigri. "Skole behoort as lede van Die Vriende van Museumorganisasies aan te sluit om sodoende in voeling te bly met ontwikkelings op kultuur gebiede." As 'n bonus vir die dag het afgevaardigdes 'n staptoer deur Prins Albert onder leiding van Helena Marincowitz geniet.

HOW TO CAPTURE THE KAROO ON CANVAS

(Tel No 023-541-1492)

There are plans for two art workshops at Prince Albert this year. The first, entitled Karoo Art, is designed to extend experienced landscape artists working in oils or acrylics. It takes place from May 22 to 25, costs R600 and will be conducted by well-known artist Erik Laubscher. The second, entitled Spring Art Week, is designed to cater for all levels of experience and will have a variety of programmes to enable participants to choose one best suited to their individual needs. For this workshop, from August 21 to 24, the course fee is R450. Tutors are Christine Thomas, BA Fine Art (Rhodes), Mary Ann Botha and Ann Kerr, both with BA Hons Fine Art degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand. The workshops are being arranged by local artists Christine Thomas and Elzane Steynberg. "The landscape around Prince Albert offers artists unsurpassed painting opportunities. Lighting effects are dramatic, and the expansive vistas of the Karoo provide inspiration and challenge," says Christine. Elzane agrees, and adds: "The Swartberg Pass alone, with its magnificent, awe-inspiring rock formations is worthy of hours of study."

MERWEVILLE FROGS WORK THEIR MAGIC

Frogs not only helped put Merweville on the map, they also rekindled many long-ago memories of the village. Among those delighted by this unusual publicity for the town was Elsje van der Linde (nee Deetlefs), a former teacher. She writes from Velddrif: "I was thrilled to see Merweville hitting the headlines (Round-up No 74). I'll never forget my first glimpse of this isolated village. I arrived there in 1962 to take up my first teaching post. Being a city girl, I had serious reservations about moving into the hinterland, but my fears were groundless. The townspeople made me more than welcome. In those days Kallie le Roux, who is now doing so much for tourism in the town, was one of my pupils. I later bought a cottage from him. My husband, Martiens, who is an artist, and I spent many unforgettable hours wandering in the veld. We studied platannas and skurwepaddas basking on the picturesque stone dam walls through our bird-watching binoculars." The unusual items found on Nova Vita, mentioned in the same Round-up, also interested Elsje. "As an aspiring botanical artist, I made several trips to this farm. I found a beautful Hermannia filifolia, or bergrosie, here as well as a giant pincushion protea sprawling on a geophyte ledge. I am still trying to identify this superb plant."

Issued by the Central Karoo District Council Municipality, P O Box X560, Beaufort West, 6970.

Cost: R30 per annum to cover postage

Information: Rose Willis Tel: 023-415-1160 Fax 023-414-3675 Cell: 082-926-0474

e.mail: karootour@internext.co.za or karorose@internext.co.za

Rose's Roundup No. 78 May 2000

KAROO DUCHESS GETS A FACELIFT

Matiesfontein, that grand old duchess of the Great Karoo, has been given a facelift. Four self-catering cottages, each with accommodation for six, and nine extra rooms, at the Garden Mews, formerly the Boarding House, have been brought into the tourism mix. A station has been added next to the old train at the cricket field, and a motor museum is to be created on this site. To enhance the village’s aura of history and romance, a brandy and cigar room, plus a library, is being created on the second floor of the old station building. Artisans are refurbishing 15 more rooms. A special motel-type section is being created so that guests can park outside their rooms. "Revamping and upgrading the village has been exciting," said manager John Seems. "An archaeologist on a visit with the national monuments team found a layout of roadways near the old cricket pitch which seems to indicate that the founder of Matjiesfontein, James Logan, once also had plans for expansion. We have also found some ancient invoice books dating back to the 1890s listing details of all those who ordered mineral water from the plant Logan once had near his house. A great deal of work is also being done in the gardens to eliminate any damage by workmen." A large screen TV is also being installed so that guests can view special events and study the village’s huge, highly-acclaimed website.

KAROOKOS OP SY LEKKERSTE

Tel No 049222 ask for 1231

Diegene wat tipiese Boerekos geniet sal ‘n nuwe resepteboek, "Karoo Family Favourites" nie wil misloop nie. Die is saamgestel en uitgegee as deel van ‘n fondsinsamelingprojek van Union Voorbereidingskool in Graaff Reinet, waar baie kinders van Murraysburg skool gaan. Die boek is deur Janet Kingwill, van Grand View in die Murraysburg distrik, geillustreer. Twee ander boervrouens van die gebied, Lynne Minnaar en Annatjie Reynolds het gehelp met die insamel, toets en uitleg van die resepte. Die boekie is nie net vol van heerlike resepte nie, maar ook nuttige wenke vir huis en kombuis.

BIRTH OF TOURISM ADVERTISING IN THE KAROO

Today tourism advertising is big business. But this was not always so. The wide spectrum of modern-day advertising opportunities in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and the web often seems quite mind-boggling to most accommodation vendors in the Karoo. Yet less than a century ago this type of advertising was unheard of. In fact, in 1902, when a Beaufort West guest house advertised its facilities in Worcester, it was so unusual that it prompted the then editor of the Courier, the Beaufort West weekly newspaper, to mention it in a special article. He wrote: "The proprietress of one of the boarding establishments here has hit on a happy idea. She is now meeting visitors to Beaufort half way up the line by advertising the merits of her house in the Worcester Standard. This is an excellent idea which other hotels and boarding houses in the town should certainly follow up. We will be glad to promote the practise by receiving advertisements intended for other papers and arranging for their insertion without any extra charge." It appears to have worked. A subsequent issue comments on "the number of Beaufort advertisements in the Standard."

COUNTRY LIFE LENS FOCUSES ON MURRAYSBURG

A traditional Xhosa song of welcome recently resounded in Beaufort Street, Murraysburg, for Country Life photo-journalist Alex Cremer. Sung by 40 children of the Murraysburg Intermediate Primary School, under the leadership of their teacher, Shelley Tsoba, it was followed by a specially-written song of welcome. To the strains of "South Africa, We Love You," the children sang: "Mr Cremer, we love you, thank you for coming to Murraysburg," at Five Roses Guest House, where he was photographing the handiwork of local crafters. "I have been warmly welcomed in many towns I’ve visited throughout South Africa in the course of my job," said Alex, "but, I have never been received quite like this. It was so touching, it will live with me forever." At Rooipoort, a Sneeuberg farm 22 km from town, Alex photographed the handiwork of local farmers’ wives as well papier maché items made by farm workers at Poplar Studios. Country Life intends publishing a special feature on Murraysburg and its talented residents later this year.

LESSE IN JAG EN PERDRY

Tel No 049222 vra vir 1803

Jag en perdry lesse gaan by avontuurkampe in Murraysburg aangebied word. Peet de Klerk, ‘n boer van Brandkraal, leer seuns om te jag, en sy dogter, Maryka, ‘n Springbokruiter, gee perdrylesse. "Die kampe word in vakansietye op ons plaas Swartbosch gehou," sê Peet. "Seuns wat wil leer skiet en jag moet deur hul vaders vergesel word. Ons neem ‘n maximum van vyf jong mans op elke kursus. Hulle leer om te skiet, jag en vleis te bewerk. Die plaas lê in ‘n waterryk gebied op die walle van die Buffels- en Kleinriviere. Die samevloeiing van die riviere vorm ‘n yslike dam wat ‘n ideale piekniek, swem en braaiplek is. Ons gaste kan ook visvang of heerlik in ‘n bootjie of kanoe rondvaar. Self-versorgende akkommodasie is beskikbaar in ‘n tenvolle toegeruste ou plaashuis."

KINDERS MAAK KENNIS MET EIENAARDIGE DIERTJIES

Die blinde goue mol met sy puik reuksin en dieet van wurms en insekte, was net een van die eienaardige diertjies wat Prins Albert skoolkinders geleer ken het tydens ‘n veldskool by die Karoo Nasionale Park. Omtrent 30 kinders van Zwartberg Primêreskool het onlangs ‘n paar dae by Mountain View ruskamp in die Nuweveldberge buite Beaufort-Wes deurgebring. Daar het toerismebeampte Sidney Witbooi en Jan Jacobs van die Sosio-ekologie-departement die diertjies van die gebied aan hulle bekend gestel. ‘n Gunstelling was die rooiklipkonyn met sy maklik herkenbare rooi agterbene. "Hy grou nie gate soos ander hase nie, maar bly in rotskeure in bergagtige plekke," sê Sidney. "Die kinders het ook kennis gemaak met die Karoo se grootste knaagdier, die ystervark. Die diere stamp hulle agterpote as hulle bedreig word en laat hulle penne regop staan. Dis ‘n mite dat ystervarke hul penne uitskiet. In gevaarlike situasies hardloop hulle agteruit sodat hul penne aanvallers in die gesig sal steek." Die kinders het tydens uitstappies ook van mosse en legene geleer.

LIBRARY LENDS TOURISM A HAND

Prince Albert’s librarian, Reinie Smit, has established a permanent tourist information display in the library. "As so many visitors to the town pop in to the library seeking background details and historic information I have been collecting material for years. Then, when Johan Cornelissen, who wrote a book on the gables of the village, donated his background material, photographs and postcards to us we had a good basis on which to work." It will be a key feature during Library Week (June 5 - 9).

GROOT LOF VIR NUWE BARNARD UITSTALLING

Sandra Smit, kuratriese van Beaufort-Wes Museum, en haar span het ‘n nuwe Barnard uitstalling geskep wat met lof bekroon is. Hulle het ‘n reeks skilderye van Professor Chris Barnard uitgestal waar die operasie toneel voorheen gestaan het. Hierdie uitstalling is deel van die Barnard versameling wat op tydelike uitstalling in Oostenryk is nadat Professor Barnard met daardie land se eerste "My Way" toekenning bekroon is. Sandra het die nuwe uitstalling "Barnard uit die oë van sy vriende" gedoop. Gereelde besoekers, soos die gidse van die Shongololo-trein wat maandliks die museum besoek, het dit met lof bekroon omdat dit Chris Barnard deur sy hele lewe uitbeeld.

BEAUFORT WEST A PIVOT IN HOBHOUSE SAGA

The important role Beaufort West played in the life of philanthropist Emily Hobhouse was highlighted during a recent talk by Maxie Kritzinger, who lives in the town. Addressing the monthly meeting of the "Dames 14 Klub," she highlighted the fact that Emily found the Karoo a dull and dreary place when she first set eyes on it, but ended up loving this stark, arid territory. Emily stayed in Beaufort West on several occasions during the Anglo-Boer War on her way to visit concentration camps in the Free State. It was in Beaufort West that she first met lifelong friends Olive Schreiner and Betty Molteno. She also formed an undying friendship with Tibbie Steyn, wife of M T Steyn, President of the Free State. Tibbie (her name is a Scottish endearment for girls named Isabella) was the granddaughter of Beaufort West’s beloved dominee, the Reverend Colin Fraser. Maxie’s talk poignantly covered Emily’s hardships and heartaches. One of her great disappointments took place in Beaufort West when illness forced Emily to abandon her journey to deliver the keynote address at the opening of the Vroue Monument. In 1913, on her way to Bloemfontein, Emily became too ill to travel beyond Beaufort West. In a very weakened state she was taken from the train to the home of Dominee Johan George Steytler, where she was nursed until she was well enough to travel back to Cape Town for her return trip to England. During the time she spent in Beaufort West she met many local people who made lasting impressions on her and who are fondly mentioned in Emily’s letters.

BELANGRIKE GESLAGSREGISTER SIEN DIE LIG IN KAROO

‘n Geslagsregister, "Die De Beer-familie - drie eeue in S A," gaan in Prins Albert bekend gestel word. Die 1 030-bladsy register word by ‘n buffet-ete op 30 Junie, tydens die De Beer familie reunie in die dorp, vrygestel. Die boek is nagevors en geskryf deur David en Jalene de Beer. Hulle sê dat dit ‘n belangrike deel van Prins Albert se geskiedenis sal uitgemaak omdat feitlik alle De Beers deur die hele Suid-Afrika afstamelinge is van drie broers, Zacharias, Matthys en Johannes de Beer, wat in ongeveer 1768 hulle in dié deel van die Karoo gevestig het. Alle De Beers word genooi om die reunie in Prins Albert by te woon en te sien waar hul voorvaders gewoon en gewerk het.

RESEARCHER STRIKES IT RICH

A search for information on an old mine has unearthed a mass of information on coal mining in the Karoo. Researcher Arnold Hutchinson has been trying to trace the history of the abandoned mine at Leeurivierspoort for years. His efforts have led him on a tour of the archives and into the libraries of the major mining houses. He has discovered that a great deal of mining took place in the Karoo in the mid to late 1800s. Talks with Dr A Jordaan, of Anglo American, who at one time wrote a thesis on mining in the Karoo, and with Mr Nok Frik, of Anglo’s Geo Science Department, have revealed there were also coal mines in Laingsburg and Prince Albert. "The exact site of the Prince Albert coal mine remains a mystery," says Arnold. "The experts tell me that the coal of the Karoo emits a curious bitumen-like odour when burnt. They say this unique pungent reek indicates the presence of oil." This fact led him to the oil explorations at Kareebosch in Murraysburg in the 1960s. "The height of the coal seam, which protrudes right out of the cliff face about 1 000ft above the riverbed at Leeurivierspoort, also intrigues experts," says Arnold. "They also tell me that the miners of the Karoo were drawn away by the prospects of greater wealth at the diamond and gold mines. Scarcity of labour, poor quality coal and the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War led to the abandonment of the Karoo coal mines. Many were blown up to prevent the British Army from using the coal to run the trains. My research also reveals that in 1899 coal was sold in Beaufort West at ‘tickey a bag.’ It was secretly brought into town hidden in wagons under other supplies, such as wood."

GAMKASKLOOF WEEREENS ONDER DIE SOEKLIG

Die toerisme potensiaal van Gamkaskloof, die Hel, gaan deur ‘n firma van konsultante van Kaapstad ondersoek word. Grant Kessel Feinstein is onlangs deur Kaap Natuurbewaring getaak om hierdie ondersoek in te stel. Die Hel was ook ‘n hoogtepunt van besprekings by die onlangse Suid-Kaap museums vergadering in Knysna toe Anita Holtzhauzen van die CP Nel ‘n lesing daaroor gelewer het.

TRUE GOLF IS WHERE GREENS ARE BLACK

Stewart Hutton, a Scottish journalist who freelances for FGF, a Finnish golfing magazine, was amused by Prince Albert’s golf course. It prompted him to write: "Prince Albert has a golf course which by most standards is unusual. The only grass in sight is on the first and ninth tees and in front of the clubhouse. Fairways are brown (earth and grit). The greens are black (sand and oil) and the rough, designated by a border of white painted rocks, consists totally of stony desert. The horizon seems a million miles away. There are nine holes, played twice from different tees. Players are provided with pieces of astroturf to play off the fairways. Presumably they use well-scarred irons for recoveries from the rough. Special ‘rollers’ are used to smooth the ‘blacks’ before putting. An extra hazard appears after the occasional July and August rains. Then the fairways are temporarily carpeted by colourful wild flowers." Steward added: "Henry Longhurst, one of the world’s greatest golf writers, once described golfing in the desert with affection in a piece entitled ‘Golf Without Grass.’ He called it ‘true golf,’ and now, having played at Prince Albert, I agree with his view." Prince Albert Golf Club was founded in 1928. It has 24 playing members. Women are welcome, but none have joined since 1952, according to secretary Das Olivier.

JAARLIKSE JAGKOMPETISIE ‘n GROOT SUKSES

Spanne van dwarsoor die land het vanjaar in Murraysburg saamgetrek vir die groot jaarlikse jagkompetisie wat deur Seady Guns van Port Elizabeth geborg is. Skutters van so vêr weg as Pretoria, Kaapstad en Bloemfontein het meegeding om prag pryse soos ‘n jaggeweer, teleskope en verkykers te wen. Jacques Theron, plaaslike organiseerder, sê: "Die kompetisie is uiters gewild, maar ons kan nie meer as 25 spanne, d w s 100 skuts, per jaar inneem nie. Vanjaar was ons lank voor die tyd al vol bespreek." Elke span kry twee ure om twee bokke per skut te skiet. "Die bokke word geweeg, hul horings gemeet en daar word na elke skoot gekyk. Punte word vir alles toegeken en in ‘n rekenaar gevoer om die pryswenners te bepaal," sê Jacques. Vanjaar het Neil Seady, hoof van Seady Guns, die pryse kom uitdeel en ‘n heerlike "steakhouse" braai saam met die manne geniet. Almal was eens dat dit ‘n opwindende dag was. Hulle sien glo al klaar uit na volgende jaar.

ADVENTURE PLANS FOR SPRING

Tel No. 049222 ask for 1811

Phillip Maasdorp of Murraysburg is already planning this year’s popular Spring Commando Ride. He arranges three of these a year in April, September and December over two full days with one night spent out in the veld. "The rides takeplace during school holidays as many youngsters are keen to be part of these adventures," says Phillip. "Riders must have reasonable competency levels. Our routes vary greatly and cover river, plains and mountain country, taking in many historic, rock art and general interest sites. Everyone enjoys sleeping under the stars and cooking on open fires. We arrange fodder and stabling as well as mounts for those from far afield who’d love to explore our countryside."

FIND THE PRINCE ON THE WEB

Tel No. 023-541-1366

Prince Albert now has its own website. Designed and launched by Alisa Tudhope, editor of the Prince Albert Friend, it can be visited at http://home.intekom.com/patourism. The site focuses on tourism, and its earthy colours have been specially chosen to ensure that it captures the feel of the Karoo.

DIE OORBEL WAT PRAAT

In ‘n Beaufort-Wes systraatjie is daar nog ‘n negosie winkel waar die wêreld se probleme gereeld ter tafel gelê word. Die grysbaarde vergader nou juis daar om oplossings to vind met behulp van koffie, dik en swart soos ou trekker olie. Onlangs dwaal een soos gewoonlik in en, na sy eerste slukkie boere troos, verklaar hy: "Julle moet nou net sien hoe drom die lot toeriste daar by die bank om die blik brein masjien saam om geld te trek. Dit druk net knoppies en klou vas aan Gauteng oorbelle." Een van die ander ooms krap sorvulding sy pyp skoon en vra: "Nou sê vir my broer, wafferse mode is dit nou met dié oorbel?" "Jy weet ook niks nie. Dis die nuwerwetse telefoon sonder ‘n draad."

Issued by the Central Karoo District Council Municipality, P O Box X560, Beaufort West, 6970.

Cost: R30 per annum to cover postage

Information: Rose Willis Tel: 023-415-1160 Fax 023-414-3675 Cell: 082-926-0474

e.mail: karootour@internext.co.za or karorose@internext.co.za

Rose's Roundup No. 79 June 2000

BOER WAR GRAVES RESTORED

The graves of British soldiers buried in Beaufort West in the Great Karoo during the Anglo-Boer War have been restored by the local Rapportryers organisation. The work was undertaken by Goodall and Williams, and cleaning and washing of gravel chips provided short-term employment for the jobless. Goodall and Williams personnel repaired and rebuilt all curbings and recemented all surrounds. Marble crosses and memorials were all thoroughly washed and cleaned and metal Guild Crosses were repainted. Then markers, with details of the soldier's name, rank and number were fixed to each cross to ensure that the graves could once again be easily identified. Brass roundels originally marked each grave, but over the years vandals removed these.There is only one Boer soldier buried in Beaufort West cemetery. He is John Watson, whose grave was also located and restored. A sketch-map detailing the whereabouts of war graves in the old Anglican, Wesleyan and Catholic cemeteries will soon be available at the tourist information offices and museum.

LAINGSBURG BLY VARS IN SY GEHEUE

Een van Suid-Afrika se top advertensieskeppers, Peter Gird, sal nooit vir Laingsburg vergeet nie. Hy is die man wat die skreeusnaakse Vodacom advertensiereeks met akteur Micheal de Pina en Adom-blondine" Lauren Davey geskep het. "Niemand kan glo dat Lauren eintlik 'n uiters bekwame, top senior sekretaresse by 'n assuransie maatskappy is en glad niks soos die 'bimbo' van die advertensie is nie," sê Peter. In 'n artikel in Leisure Life vertel Peter dat hy jare gelede besig was om 'n advertensie vir 'n karavaan maatskappy in die Karoo te skiet. "Ons het 'n pragtige area langs 'n dam in 'n bergagtige gebied gekies. Dit het absoluut aanloklik gelyk en ons het hulle mooiste en duurste woonwa langs die dam parkeer. Soos die geluk dit wou hê het dit begin reën. Ons was nie bekommerd nie. Met 'n sug van 'more's nog 'n dag,' het ons opgehou werk. Ons het die karavaan nooit weer gesien nie - dit was die dag van die Laingsburg vloed."

KAROO MOHAIR MAN AMONG WORLD'S BEST

The severely physically handicapped Jan Sarels, of Prince Albert, has been adjudged one of the top mohair classers in the world. He was rated second in South Africa at the recent prestigious Mohair Growers' Miyuki prize-giving ceremony in Port Elizabeth. Jan broke his legs and back in a fall from a trailer as a child. Despite spending three years in hospital in Port Elizabeth, his injuries never healed properly. Eventually, with a severe limp and dropped hip, he returned home. His father, a shearer, taught him the craft. Despite the agonies he suffered while working, Jan strove for perfection. He managed, but he wanted to know more, so began learning how to class the clip. Clive van Hasselt, for whom Jan works, says: "Jan is like a sponge. He literally soaks up knowledge. He always wants to know more. We are all immensely proud of his achievements. Getting one of the five top awards in the country has crowned his dedicated efforts." Jan, of course, is aiming at the No 1 spot. "No one can ever know it all, one must never stop learning," he says.

JUST FOLLOW THE AROMA

(Tel No.023-541-1345)

The new owners of Sampie's Farmstall in Prince Albert, Kevin and Barbara Ellison, plan to start an open-air braai restaurant next to this little shop. "Braaivleis is so much a part of platteland life, yet it's a difficult meal for tourists to find unless they are staying over in a typical South African home," said Barbara. "We aim to incorporate braais in our mix to encourage casual visitors to enjoy traditional culture against the magnificent backdrop of the Swartberg Mountains."

DIENS IS DIE SLEUTEL TOT SUKSES

Goeie kliëntediens is die kern van suksesvolle toerisme. Dit was die boodskap wat die Weskaap se Toerismeraad buro-ontwikkelingsbeampte Veronica Jooste tydens 'n reeks werkwinkels in die Sentrale Karoo oorgedra het. Die werkswinkels was gemik op almal wat met toeriste te doen het en afgevaardigdes het van die akkommodasiebedryf, restourante, die polisie, museums, banke, kafees en groot- en klein sake-ondernemings gekom. Die opleiding het hulle geleer hoe om toeriste op 'n beleefde en professionele manier te behandel. "Onthou, jy kry nooit 'n tweede kans om 'n eerste indruk te maak nie," het Veronica gesê. Werkswinkels in deur die streek in Laingsburg, Prins Albert, Beaufort-Wes en Murryasburg aangebied en besoek is ook afgelê by alle inligtingspunte.

POPULAR FARM REOPENS

(Tel No 02062 ask for 1331)

The popular guest farm Wilgeboschkloof in the Merweville district is once again open to the public. This farm has both 4 x 4 and hiking routes along which fossils and even a Bushman grave can be seen. Up to a change of ownership, all these routes were heavily booked. But considerable restoration was required, so the new owners, Tolie and Alida Victor, closed all facilities until upgrading could be completed. It's now back in the market and back in demand.

MOTORHAWE GLO IN GOEIE DIENS

(Tel No 023-541-1797)

Die nuwe eienaars van National Garage in Prins Albert, Colin en Carol Campbell, glo in gehalte diens. Colin voel dat 'n motorhawe met goeie diens 'n sleutelrol in toerisme speel. Hy dring aan dat sy werk-nemers net die beste lewer. Hy was voorheen 'n senior bestuurder in die Woolworthsgroep, waar kliëntediens 'n prioriteit is. Die tegniese sy van die motorhawe is oorgeneem deur Hannes Louw, 'n werktuigkundige van Kimberley. Hy voel ewe sterk oor gehalte diens aan die reisende publiek. Carol, voorheen 'n joernalis by die Argus in Kaapstad, geniet die rus en vrede van die platteland na die gewarboel van die stad. Sy wil ook graag betrokke wees in die wêreld van toerisme.

OU SCHUUR PROJECT ONE OF THE BEST

(Tel No 023-415-2828)

The Karoo National Park's Ou Schuur Project is a winner. It was recently adjudged one of the best community projects of its kind, and tourism officer Sidney Witbooi was invited to present details of its progress and future development plans at a Best Practices Conference held at the Berg-'n-dal Conference Centre at the Kruger Park. "It was an exciting experience to share ideas with representatives from other tourism development projects at sister parks and to discuss our ideas with international ecologists, representatives of world wild life organisations and investment advisors," said Sidney.

MURRAYSBURG DOGTER MAAK 'n PLAN

Die onder-18 meisies hokkiespan van Herschelskool in Kaapstad gaan nou ook optree as amabassadeurs vir Murraysburg eko-toerisme by die inter-provinsiale toernooi in Port Elizabeth. Leshane Luscombe, een van die spanlede, het haar moeder Lusan, wie op vryskutbasis optree as Murraysburg Toerisme Assosiasie se skakelbeampte, met 'n plan genader om haar tuisdorp tydens die toernooi op die toerisme- kaart te plaas. Haar idee om die dorp se toerisme embleem op hulle hemde te vertoon is deur Herman de Wit, voorsitter van die Sentrale Karoo Distrikraad en streekstoerisme-organisasie goedgekeur en hy het besluit om dit te borg. Murraysburg sal bekendheid verwerf elke keer as die span op die veld draf.

Don't forget : Laingsburg Karoo Festival - October 20 to 22 - Full details from Tel No 082-920-1240

RESTORATION OF ALBERT'S MILL PLANNED

(Tel No 023-541-1366)

A group of Prince Albert residents has formed an association with the aim of restoring the town's historic mill. They feel that a working Albert's Mill, the only one of its kind left in the Karoo, could be an important tourist attraction. Mayor Dawid Rossouw still remembers playing at the mill as a child. "There's nothing quite like the creaks and groans of a working mill," he said. "These sounds were an intimate part of my childhood. The wheel rattled and sighed as the stream trickled by. The water gurgled and cascaded over the wheel, spilling sunlit and sparkling water into a whirlpool below. The gears whispered and whined as they set the grumbling grindstones in motion. Then came the rush of grain to be slowly milled into flour. In my childhood it was a patchwork world of strange sounds, filtered sunlight, crystal clear water, strange odours and dark, gloomy shadows. I would love nothing more than to make these sights, sounds and smells part of the world of today's children," he said. The committee, chaired by Derek Thomas, is involved in a huge research programme and is seeking advice of experts such as Mr Ficinous, who restored the mill at Elim, wheelwright Carel Alberts and Johanna Marx of the S A Heritage Resources Association. She was involved in restoration of Mostert's Mill in Cape Town.

MEER AS NET BESOEKERS

"Toerisme is meer as net die besoek van mense aan 'n land of plek ter wille van besienswaardighede. Dit is die mense van daardie land of plek se gesindheid en leefwyse wat toerisme bevorder en wat as sodanig onthou word," sê skrywer Paul Cronje. Die beskrywing het Marie Bothma van Merweville so beindruk dat sy vir streekstoerismebeampte Rose Willis genooi het om 'n plaaslike VLV-vergadering te kom toespreek. "Ek voel Karoo mense leef in 'n paradys wat nie raakgesien word nie," sê Marie. "Ons moet net meer bewus word van die feit dat ons 'n bestaan moet maak uit toerisme." Rose het oor die markpotensiaal van die Merweville-gebied gepraat, die analiseering van die mark en bemarkingsgeleenthede, sowel as beter benutting van geriewe en die uitbreiding en ontwikkeling van fasiliteite.

ROCK ART DECOR FOR GUEST LODGE

(Tel No 049222 ask for 2011)

Before even stepping outside to explore, guests at Kareebosch farm can experience the enchantment of the Murraysburg area. Farm owners Willem and Carissa Smuts wanted to share the magic of their environment with guests, so they asked local artist Janet Kingwill of Grand View to create typical Karoo Amurals" for their accommodation lodge. "Exactly what to do was a challenge. Eventually I decided to develop designs with local rock engravings as central theme. Creating the designs involved considerable research as I wanted to be sure that everything was typical of the Murraysburg area," said Janet. The designs have been highly praised. Kareebosch lies in a beautiful area on the banks of the Buffels River and is an ideal venue for birders, veld and nature study groups.

GAMKASKLOOF TAKEN INTO THE SKIES

Two photojournalists recently visited Gamkaskloof to capture its atmosphere for in-flight magazines. D A Bloomer was taking photographs for an article to appear in British Air's magazine, while Daleen Botha, a freelance journalist, had been commissioned to prepare a similar feature for the SAA magazine. Other journalists who recently explored the Hell, Swartberg Pass and little towns of the Karoo were Heather Robertson, Andrew Donaldson, Andrew High and photographer Ruvan Boshoff. This team is working on a series of features entitled "Rediscovering South Africa" for the Sunday Times Lifestyle magazine. The Karoo generally did not captivate them, but they loved Prince Albert so much they almost did not want to leave. And, Beaufort West was given a boost when Tourism Bureau information officer Wendy Anthonie discussed the town and its surrounds with Terrence April during a special Saturday morning tourism programme on Radio Sonder Grense.

NUWE BOEK 'n BYBELTJIE VIR DIE JAGTER

(Tel No 02082 vra vir 4311)

Skrywer Herman Jonker sê idees vir artikels kry hy ooral, meesal oor brandewynwaterjies, maar die saadjie om 'n boek oor jag te skryf is oor tuisgebakte brood en konfyt op George Stegmann se plaas op die oewers van die Dywka geplant. Na die werk klaar was is Kennis vir die Jagter sommer deur 'n ieder en 'n elk met lof bekroon. Top tydskrifte het die boek as "die beste wat ooit vir leke geskrywe is" beskryf. Herman is 'n ou vriend van Tobie en Andéne Gous, eienaars van North en South Hotel by Prins Albertweg, en die hotel word dus sommer ook deel van die verhaal. Die boek kos R90, plus posgeld, en kan van Tobie bestel word.

THE DOMINEE WHO HELPED CHURCHILL ESCAPE

A man with strong ties to Prince Albert played a key role in Winston Churchill's dramatic escape from prison during the Anglo-Boer War. The story also has a modern-day link with one of Prince Albert's most elegant guest houses. After the Boers captured Churchill, who was then the war correspondent for the Morning Post, he was imprisoned at the State Model Schools in Pretoria. One of his fellow prisoners was Adrian Jacobus Louw Hofmeyr, "Attie" to his friends, who, as the second dominee called to Prince Albert, served the Dutch Reformed community there from 1883 to 1895. This suave, good looking and gifted preacher was a known political agitator. His friendship with Cecil John Rhodes and Lord Alfred Milner drew him deeply into politics and cost him his ministry. Suspended in 1899, he was banned from preaching for 25 years and was 70 by the time he was restored. Hofmeyr, who was once investigated by the church for a "romantic indiscretion," is the grandfather of Tessa Collins, owner of Collins House. Attie Hofmeyr officiated at her mother's wedding in 1935, and Sheila Collins, who now also resides at Collins House, has many stories relating to this colourful, much-loved and multi-talented man. It was the renegade Attie Hofmeyr who gave Churchill the slouch hat he used to disguise himself and slip past the prison guards to freedom. His escape is described in Churchill - Wanted Dead or Alive, the recently published book written by Sir Winston's granddaughter Celia Sandys. "Churchill scrambled over the fence," she writes, "put on a slouch hat he had acquired from Adrian Hofmeyr and had adorned at the last moment with a puggaree of the Transvaal colours. He casually walked through the gardens, passing within five yards of the sentry and out into the street. There were plenty of people about at that hour, but no one paid any attention to a man humming a tune as he walked down the centre of Skinner Street." In his book The Story of My Captivity, Adrian Hofmeyr wrote: "Churchill's escape was a great to do. It stopped the whole machinery of State. It paralysed the officials. It seemed to me that the war was forgotten."

SPOG MUSEUM HET BANDE MET KAROO

Bloemfontein se pragtige herehuis, Freshford, wat in 1986 gerestoureer en in 'n museum omskep is, het 'n skakel met die Karoo. Die huis, wat vernoem is na sy vrou se geboortedorp, is ontwerp en laat bou deur John Edwin Harrison, 'n Britse argitek wie in 1874 weens tuberkolose uit Engeland na 'n droër klimaat moes verhuis. Hy het hom in Hanover gevestig maar daar was min moontlikhede vir 'n argitek op so 'n klein Karoo dorpie. In 1875 het hy na Bloemfontein verhuis en die oprigting van Freshford het die volgende jaar begin. In Junie 1897 is hy terug Engeland toe om met Kate Caroline Marchant in die huwelik te tree. Hulle het in November die spogwoning betrek. Met die uitbreek van die Anglo-Boereoorlog het die Harrisons met dogtertjie Alice Julia Karoo toe gevlug en vir 'n kort rukkie was hulle in Prinse Albert woonagtig.

GUIDE HELPS READERS DECIPHER THE ROCKS

(Tel No 023-541-1366)

A reader-friendly guide to the geology of the Prince Albert area has been written by local resident Albert Theron. "Most tourists marvel at the spectacular rock form