Community rejoices history with Fairland Cemetery renewal

The Community Cleaners have made remarkable progress in restoring Fairland Cemetery, transforming it into a serene and respectful space for visitors and families. Over the past year, dedicated volunteers, led by Karen Swanepoel and Margaret Marais, have undertaken extensive restoration efforts, focusing on regular maintenance and key improvements.

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Once an eyesore on a busy road leading to Fairland, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair. “The railings hadn’t seen a fresh coat of paint in years, and the overgrown grass and weeds gave the cemetery an unkempt appearance,” Swanepoel remarked. The initiative began when Marais responded to issues of vandalism and illegal dumping, rallying volunteers to restore the site.

During the clean-up, Swanepoel stumbled upon the headstone of Catherina Stoffelina Gouws, born De Lange in 1836. The inscription read: “Die dogter van Hans Dons de Lange, Voortrekker kind.” This discovery ignited her curiosity about the cemetery’s history and the pioneering families buried there, many of whom are interconnected through marriage.

The project has been fueled by a deep sense of community pride. “Sponsors and volunteers have played a crucial role in restoring the cemetery to its former glory,” Swanepoel noted.

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Recognising the lack of identifying signage, she said that it felt fitting to provide one that also honours the names of the area’s earliest residents, whilst another Community Cleaner, Andre Swanepoel, volunteered to complete and donate the framing and installation.

The ongoing maintenance efforts have yielded impressive results. Volunteers have cleared rubble, sanded and painted rusted railings, and restored around 26 plots that had become indistinguishable from the surrounding ground. They also acquired pavers inscribed with names and plot numbers, and delivered stone to fill derelict grave plots.

Swanepoel’s passion for local history has led her to share fascinating stories about the cemetery in local WhatsApp groups. “We wanted to create a space that honours those who have passed, and provides a welcoming environment for visitors,” she emphasised.

Generous donations from local businesses, including a signboard from Sassy Print and materials from Fairland Hardware, have further demonstrated the community’s commitment to this heartfelt project.

The revitalisation of Fairland Cemetery stands as a testament to the power of community involvement and dedication to preserving local history.

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