IN A NUTSHELL

Distance from the big city? Only 55km from the Johannesburg CBD and 70km from Sandton

Services The new Heidelberg Mall means the town stocks everything you might need. Most banks have branches in town, as do many car dealerships.

Nearest hospital The Life Suikerbosrand Hospital in Heidelberg has an emergency unit and good doctors, and is visited by specialists on a weekly basis. lifehealthcare.co.za 016 342 9200

Nearest retirement development Riversands Lifestyle & Retirement Estate is a neat, safe complex. riversands retirement.co.za 082 552 2775

Schools Volkskool Primary laervolkskool.co.za, AG Visser Primary agvisser.co.za and Volkskool High School volkiesh.co.za

Nearest Woolies In the Heidelberg Mall! ( Goodbye, Sandton. – Eds.)

Municipality Heidelberg is the seat of the Lesedi Local Municipality, which also includes the towns of Devon, Nigel and Vischkuil and falls under the Sedibeng District Municipality.

Major events A farmer’s market is held every Saturday opposite Volkskool High. A rummage sale happens every last Saturday of the month and a night market on the first Friday night in March, June, September and December, both at Diamante en Goud diamante engoud.co.za. In September, it’s time for the annual Varkfees varkfees.co.za.

Tourism information The information office in town has closed. Visit heidelberggp.co.za and heidelberg.co.za to find out more about the town.