Richmond to host Heritage South Africa's National Symposium

Len Raymond of Heritage SA said: "Richmond is South Africa's best preserved flat-roofed town with over 60 registered buildings. It's going to be a memorable occasion for our members and for the public who are invited to participate."

Care and appreciation of South Africa's unique architectural heritage has become as trendy as the Karoo. Mickey Kent, chairman of Heritage SA, said: "We wanted to have an event in a small but beautiful Karoo town with strong local interest in preserving the town's heritage. Richmond fits the bill. It has a stable farming community and good custodians of buildings in town."

"People who live in Richmond don't want to leave - they love it and are very proud of its heritage," said Wayne Rubidge of Pam Golding Properties Karoo. He sadded: "Our agents in town were particularly excited about the recent sale and restoration plans of the property thought to be the childhood home of Josephine Dale Lace. Properties are snapped up as soon as they come onto the market and we have an ever-growing waiting list."

Book Town

Richmond is known for being Africa's Book Town. "Heritage and classic books is our main income, but after 100,000 we stopped counting how many books we have for sale in town," said John Donaldson, owner of the largest book shop in the Eastern and Northern Cape. Antique car owners are also eyeing the town for its fascinating venues, including one of the world's two Saddle Horse Museums and the Karoo's largest art gallery, MAP. Both venues are hosting events for the symposium.

"We are as known for our blue cranes, springbok biltong and books as well as for hosting high-profile artists, authors, poets, playwrights and musicians. The symposium programme encompasses all that Richmond and the Great Karoo has to offer," said Marthie Connolly of Richmond Info.

Mysteries that will be answered by the experts include: how the Bushmen built their homes sustainably, how Cape Dutch transformed into Cape English architecture, and how Sneeuberg farmsteads built in the 1700s have survived. Also to be discovered are the latest findings by anthropologist Dr Judy McGuire, paleontologist Dr Bruce Rubidge and archeologist Dr David Morris. And Tshwane University will be unveiling the Richmond Heritage Area Plans, which include an enormous scale model of the town.

The inclusion of the community

Another pleasing aspect of the symposium is the inclusion of the community from both town and township. "I cater for weddings and funerals, but this is my first opportunity to showcase my ginger biscuits in the main part of town," said Alida Oliphant who was awarded the teas contract.

"My property is one of only three gabled Cape Dutch homes in the Northern Cape. I would have no idea how special my home is without the visits by Heritage SA members," said Kitty van Rheeden of historic De Oude Dak on Paul Street. Also on Paul Street is the original farmhouse on the banks of the Ongers River, built by the Van der Merwes. A new roof has just been completed and this well-maintained property features in the book about Richmond's architecture by symposium presenter Professor Wally Peters from the University of the Free State.

Guests will get to enjoy short walking field trips in and around town with the experts. A Venison Cooking School with celebrity Karoo Chef Annatjie Reynolds, the Karoo debut screening of Tim Sale's Layers of the Karoo documentary, a Richmond Choir performance and a music and dance event at the Hope in South Africa headquarters also feature. Prices are very affordable and one can attend the entire event, including two evening functions, for R480 or attend half-day events, which cost R30 including tea.