Historic families celebrate a heritage high tea
Many of the families who attended have a rich history going back to the late 1900s.
Historic families from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and surrounds including Muldersdrift, Magaliesburg and Krugersdorp turned out for a prestigious heritage high tea to celebrate the area’s rich history at Silverstar.
Many of the families who attended have a rich history going back to the late 1900s.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and honour these families and share invaluable information and historic memorabilia which can be used authentically in the Wild West Country Fest taking place later this month at Silverstar,” said Wanita Sparrow, General Manager of the Cradle Tourism Company.
Some of the esteemed guests included Cliff and Irene Sanders whose property in the Magaliesburg is based on the actual site where the historic Battle of Nooitgedacht took place.
In the Battle of Nooitgedacht on 13 December 1900, Boer commandos led by Generals Koos de la Rey and Christiaan Beyers combined to deal a defeat to a British brigade under the command of Major General RAP Clements during the Second Boer War.
Also present were Phil and Diane Hoff, owners of Jameson Country Cottages, the site where the Jameson Raid (29 December 1895 – 2 January 1896) took place.
This raid will be remembered for the failed attempt on Paul Kruger’s Transvaal Republic carried out by a British colonial statesman, Leander Starr Jameson, and his Company mercenaries and Bechuanaland policemen.
The raid was ineffective and no uprising took place, but it was an inciting factor in the Second Boer War and the Second Matabele War.
Brenda Dooge from Plumari Heritage Museum at Askari Lodge, which is part of the Guvon Group of hotels, was also present to add to the rich cultural essence of the event.
“It is fantastic to see this tapestry of rich history and we felt strongly that for the authenticity of the Wild West Festival it was imperative to have a function where we could honour people whose ancestors were part of this rich pilgrimage. It will also allow children and families to find out so much more about the history of the area,” says Sparrow.
Muldersdrift resident and member of the Muldersdrift Communication Action Group (MCAG), Gilbert Hickman endorses this view saying the area’s rich history is something to be celebrated and shared.
“We welcome visitors to the area to explore our heritage sites for a glimpse into the past.”
The actual festival will take place from the 30 April to 3 May and will take visitors back to the 1880’s and 1890’s when the West Rand was a mining town and men from afar afield as Canada, Australia, Cornwell and Holland as well as Kimberley and Pilgrims Rest arrived to pitch their tents and stake their claim.
This unique Festival promises a theatrical and thoroughly entertaining event reminiscent of those early pioneering days on the West Rand. Beer Halls, Smokey Saloons, Wine bars will complement the captivating mood of this nostalgic environment. It’s a great event for the whole family.
Food tasting from the era and a mini amusement park for the children is also part of this festive occasion. And for those families wanting to make a weekend of it, many of the hotels in the area are offering accommodation specials so visit www.magaliesbergmap.co.za to find out more about the specials or visit www.silverstarcasino.co.za to find out more about the Festival.
