Moves afoot anew to salvage historic Plett icon
At a recent executive committee meeting of the Van Plettenberg History Society (VPHS), it was decided to re-approach provincial authorities with a view to restoring the Old Timber Shed, adjacent to Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay.
Local resident Johan Jerling is in direct descent from the original builder of the shed in 1778, when it was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company.
Some years ago, Mr Jerling made application to Bitou Council for the restoration of the shed, supported by the Griqua community of Kranshoek. Support from council was unanimous and a resolution was passed to that effect.
Sadly, however, the application was turned down by Belcom, the steering committee of the Western Cape’s Provincial Heritage Committee, and the Timber Shed has been deteriorating ever since.
VPHS executive committee member David Rowe has been asked to facilitate the process of conservation of this important site, and the Society has managed to resurrect Bitou Municipality’s interest, as well as obtaining expert advice on alien vegetation removal.
The top priority, however, is security, since the site is frequently subject to abuse by vagrants, petty criminals, and disrespectful ‘artists’.
Interested and affected parties may wish to attend the forthcoming Society AGM at 10:30 for 11am on Sunday November 10 at Plett Angling Club to hear Mr Rowe talk on the subject. The main speaker will be Sean O’Connell, who will revisit the Griqua history.
Annual subscriptions to the VPHS amounts to R50, while guests are welcome to attend the meeting at R20 each.
Source: CXpress