HEIDELBERG
THE TOWN WITH AN INCREDIBLE HISTORY
change a piece of jewellery into something new, or have a string of pearls made, Diamante en Goud is your one-stop jewellery store.
Gerda Davel has the charisma of a mayor or politician – a Helen Zille type of presence. A respected businesswoman in Heidelberg, she launched Sucraihe Village Market in October last year. It is an upmarket fresh produce, homemade food and craft emporium that has become the income-earner for many residents.
Heidelberg folk are industrious, creative and entrepreneurial, and don’t back off from a challenge.The market is held on the first Saturday of every month at the famous
Victorian House, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine and plate of cheese on the lawn under the trees while listening to live classical music.
“The market has grown tremendously,” says Gerda, poised on a wooden chair in front of an impressive bookcase. “We are very picky about our exhibitors and what we allow on the market. Its success lies in the exclusivity and high-end feel.”
Jasmyn Kwekery, in Jacob Street, is a quaint little nursery that personifies happiness. Owner Annemarie Deysel is very much hands on and many people come here just for Annemarie. The quiche served at Die Ou Werf Koffiewinkel at the back of Jasmyn is delicious. Their cappuccino is the best.
It is also here that you’ll find Mozambican entrepreneur Charles Jonam, quietly turning rusted doringdraad into works of art. In the wink of an eye, pliers in hand, he can create a miniature wire bicycle, a flowerpot, words of inspiration to hang in your kitchen, or a candle holder.
Charles has been “wiring it” for 13 years, and everyone in Heidelberg supports his business. His chandeliers hang in fancy restaurants and guesthouses, and he is often asked to make little goodies for weddings and parties.
“It was really hard to get a job,” says Charles, his smile and gentle manner prompting respect andadmiration.
“When I was a child, I made wire trucks and cars, and when the children broke their toys they would bring them back to me and say I was ‘the garage’, and must fix them.
“I drew on that and started experimenting with all kinds of wire. I made little things that I started hawking here in Heidelberg.
“I soon got my first order of 30 candle holders that someone bought to sell in their shop in Johannesburg.” He laughs at the thought. “They were horrible, those candle holders!”
Today Charles can’t think of having just another job. “I prefer this one. I have come such a long way and I love what I’m doing.”
A frequent visitor to the tranquillity of Jasmyn – and the palate pleasers on the menu, is Flip van Rensburg, a local artist.
His studio used to be here at Jasmyn, but since demand for his work has increased so much, he has moved to the old waenhuis at the historic AG Visser Museum.
Flip is well known for his paintings of especially old suitcases, and his work is sold at galleries and markets all over the country.
He does a lot of commissioned work and has the knack of turning old doors and pieces of throw-away wood into the most beautiful art that is suitable for hanging outside on a patio-waterproofed and ready to hose down. Really.
Taken From : SA Lesirue Wheel - September 2011 issue. Text and Photograph by: Leilani Basson
Die Ou Werf Koffiewinkel: 083 724 9388
Diamante en Goud: 016 341 5617
Charles Jonam: 072 416 7719
Flip van Rensburg: 076 017 8222
The SuCraiHe Market: 082 7882 982
Heidelberg Tourism & Info: 083 4474 532 / 016 349 1261