Big plans for Plett historical building
PLETTENBERG BAY - There are big plans in the pipeline for one of Plettenberg Bay’s heritage buildings, the Timber Shed.
The Van Plettenberg Historical Society (VPHS) recently held a meeting at the Old Rectory, not only to introduce two new members to the executive committee – both with strong ties to the Timber Shed – but also to discuss future plans for this building, which dates back 238 years.
The plans were drawn up by Rodney Grosskopff, an architect who designed the Ponte Towers in Johannesburg and now permanently lives in Plettenberg Bay. Plans include adding a museum, coffee shop, tourist information centre and a modern auditorium where visitors can learn more about Bitou’s rich historical buildings and places in Plett.
Len Swimmer of VPHS said the Timber Shed was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to be used for the stacking and storing of large logs of timber which were to be shipped for building the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. Johann Jacob Jerling was contracted in 1786 to build the shed in Meeding Street.
The two latest VPHS members, brothers Dion and Andre Jerling, are descendants of Jerling.
“More than 200 years later, to introduce the two Jerling brothers onto the committee of the VPHS, really made this momentous occasion complete,” Swimmer said.
He said it is also special that the meeting was held at the Old Rectory where Reverend Edwin Gibbs, the curate of St Peter’s Church, lived in 1869. From what is now the courtyard of the Old Rectory Hotel & Spa, the members of the VPHS could see the old “Wood Barn” which was used as a temporary church until 1875. In 1881 the new St Peter’s Church was completed, and in 1901 this same Wood Barn was used as a school. The school advertised for a new teacher in 1911, and Michael William Dunn was appointed - the first teacher to become principal in Plettenberg Bay - and among the members was one of his direct decedents, Leigh Dunn – a staunch member of this VPHS committee for many years.
“So this was really an historical occasion of note with Dion and Andre Jerling and Leigh Dunn all present and on our committee discussing the future of the Old Timber Shed.”
Swimmer added that extensive funding would be required for future Timber Shed plans. “The Plett Historical Society will be working closely with stakeholders, including the Plett Tourism Association, with hopes to see this dream come to fruition. Meanwhile, we are making steady progress with the design and manufacturing of new historical plaques to place on our many historical buildings and historical sites in Plettenberg Bay.”
Plett Tourism chief executive, Patty Butterworth, said that preserving historical sites is not enough. "We must also constantly upgrade and maintain them to ensure their relevance and accessibility for future generations. There are several historical sites in Bitou that require attention, including but not limited to the Old Timber Shed National Heritage Monument and the Griqua National Heritage Monument.”