‘Goodbye Newcastle, thank you for the love’

Sharon said what she would miss most about the town was the sense of community.

November 28, 2019

Tersia Gopi 1 minute read

Mother and daughter, Sharon Janse van Vuuren and Barbara Huttingh bid Newcastle farewell after three decades.

One of Newcastle’s pioneer families is bidding the town farewell.

Sharon Janse van Vuuren, together with her mom, Barbara and late dad, Derek Huttingh called Newcastle home for many years. Sadly, they have made the decision to relocate.

Barbara and Derek became pioneers of the town and were well-known in the community, with Derek running an
instrumentation company from 1985. When he passed away in a plane crash in August 1993, Barbara (79) continued with the business before retiring in 1997.

Sharon, who has spent 22 years of her life in Newcastle, said it was an emotional and difficult decision to make. However, the news of the new housing project development in the area played a major role.

“I’ve renovated my home and thought this would be the place I retire. I was happy here, but I feel insecure about the area,” she said.

Within a month, Sharon managed to sell her house and secured employment in Johannesburg.

“Through my line of work, I have traveled a lot and made many friends, acquaintances and friendships along the way.”

In 2007, she married Warren Janse van Vuuren, who sadly passed away in 2011 from cancer. Sharon said what she would miss most about the town was the sense of community.

“In Newcastle, when you go shopping you are guaranteed to meet someone who you know. We know the cashiers and managers all by name and everyone knows each other. All amenities are close by and we don’t experience heavy
traffic,” she added.

She said the people of Newcastle were always so helpful,compassionate and friendly to her and her family.