The Bathurst district is known for its pineapple farms, and the Big Pineapple attraction on Summerhill Farm. This area has an interesting history which dates back to the 1820 settlers and how one special fruit managed to turn things around for the struggling local farmers… Continue Reading →
The ghost of Uniondale finds her way home
Between the towns of Willowmore and Uniondale in the Western Cape, drivers and motorcyclists have reported paranormal encounters with one of South Africa's most famous ghosts… Continue Reading →
1878 East London German Settlers – Bauer and Rüffer family stories
Family stories of the Bauer and Rüffer German immigrant families who arrived in East London, South Africa in 1878… Continue Reading →
Leslie John Albertyn (1931-2011) – South African Artist
Leslie-John Albertyn was a renowned Master oil painter who specialised in painting the beautiful landscapes of Southern Africa… Continue Reading →
Gonubie – Jewel of the Eastern Cape
Whether you grew up in Gonubie, had memorable family holidays, or Sunday visits to this wonderful town, it has always been a very special place… Continue Reading →
The Biccard Collection
The Biccard Collection is the collective works of John Biccard, a remarkably talented artist from Cape Town, South Africa who created whimsical sculptures made of crushed marble… Continue Reading →
Skolmen Family Stories – A devastating fire, raging bull, aggressive goat and an unfortunate ox
Every family has well known stories of the past that are told at family gatherings when reminiscing around the fire or at the dinner table, some are humorous, while others are more unusual which makes them unique and memorable… Continue Reading →
A quest to honour my grandfather by documenting the sculptures he created throughout East London, South Africa
Many East Londoners are familiar with the Pontiac Indian Head sculpture that adorns the glass façade of the new Home Affairs building. Some have fond memories of Gonubie’s ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Egg. But few know that these, and other iconic pieces of East London history, were the work of a local artisan named Toby Skolmen… Continue Reading →