Celebrating 85 years of school heritage

A number of themes are celebrated every term at Uplands Preparatory School. As 2013 marked the 85th year of the school’s existence, “Heritage” was chosen as a theme. One of the 7 themes laid down by the Eco-schools Platinum Guidelines for the maintenance of one’s international flag status is “Community and Heritage”. Focusing on the importance of Uplands, the school, within the Lowveld community, the value and significance of its children, parents and grandparents and the environment are what make a school. We celebrate and take pride in a number of families who have attended Uplands for three generations, the Greathead, Kay, More, Calder/Haig and Macgregor families.

This year also marks the 90th year of one of the school’s buildings, Webster House. ‘Heritage’, as defined by UNESCO, is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass onto future generations. Webster House was designed by Patrick Eagle, a Public Works architect in Pretoria who worked alongside the renowned Sir Herbert Baker. It was during this time that he was commissioned by Mr WA Webster to design his stately, double-storey home in White River. The building and property were sold to “Uplands” in 1945.

Prof Roger Fisher, heritage environmentalist and former head School of Architecture University of Pretoria, recently visited Uplands and was impressed with Webster House. For a building to be registered as a ‘heritage site’, it needs to be over 60 years old. Professor Fisher advised that Uplands applies for a ‘Blue Plaque’ to commemorate it as a significant site.

The Mpumalanga Historical Interest Group will be following the school’s application for the special plaque. James Ball, of the Heritage Portal, also showed a strong interest in the old building. A blue plaque fosters a sense of pride and helps to educate communities about history and architecture and plays a role in preserving significant spaces and places for the future.