QUILTING INITIATIVE: UMSEBENZI WE QHONTI…

We are not just spinning a yarn. Quilting has long been an art, cultural and entrepreneurship activity for women in communities around the world. This has been particularly the case for disadvantaged women. Margate has been no exception. We have a wealth of creative quilting genius in our district.

During the Centenary Celebrations we plan to accelerate the economic and creative opportunities for these women. Members of the Margate Community and businesses will be raising funds for equipment and textile materials and creating a sustainable outlet for them to sell their creations. Prizes will go to the creators of the best quilts made in various categories.

Come with us on a journey as we explore the history of quilt making on the South Coast and the lives of the women who make them. This has become a truly multicultural craft and quilts have been known to often tell a story. Overtime, quilts have even been given credit for ending wars. Quilts were said to give cues for safe paths to freedom and it is for this reason the Underground Pattern was named. Quilting has even been given credit for ending slavery. Women, both black & white set up quilting fairs as early as 1834 to raise funds to abolish slavery. May quilting live on as an art form empowering the hearts and hands of women in our district.

Should you wish to participate in the Margate Centenary Quilting initiative please call Shiree on 039 312 2322. 

Any fabrics or yarns you may have to spare can be delivered to the Margate Tourism Office.

RECOGNISING HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

As I read through the Statement of the Margate Estate I could now help but admire the passion and commitment to efficiency and professionalism and can only think that it is this attention to detail that made holiday makers keep coming back.

1^st Holiday Letting Business : Mr J.J. Erasmus

1^st Tour Operator : Mr A Lane

1^st Courier Service : Mr A Lane

1^st Grocers : Mr Strachan & Mr. A. Lane

1^st Banker : Mr R. W. Schickkerling

Holiday makers were willing to travel for four days and nights (return trip) to spend time in this magical beach town. Most interestingly they stopped off and passed Durban. Travel itineraries were precise. I wonder how many of us can remember a departure or arrival time at 1.19 or 5.27 or a postal delivery time of precisely 1.39 and I have no doubt that these times were strictly adhered to. Also, back then overnight postal delivery was the norm. This surely puts our modern technology and modern business methods to shame.

STATEMENT OF THE PRESENT ORGANISATION AT MARGATE ESTATE (early 1920)

RE: TRAVELLING, TRANSPORT, MAIL, SUPPLIES ETC.

1. Address : Margate Estate, Private Bag, Izotsha, South Coast, Natal.

2. All communications regarding occupation of Rondavels, etc to J.J. Erasmus, above address.

3. Mr. A Lane, address: Private Bag, Izotsha, will meet passengers, luggage and parcels at Izotsha and convey to Margate with his trap and wagonette. These charges are moderate. Mr. Lane must have three days’ notice to meet the train.

4. Passengers from Johannesburg can leave by the 8.45 p.m. train, arrive Durban 7.20 a.m the following day, arrive Port Shepstone 12.10, leave for Izotsha 12.40, arriving at 1.19. Thus arriving at the Estate early in the afternoon.

5. Passengers from the Estate catch the 11.46 train at Izotsha, arrive Port Shepstone 12.20, leave at 12.52 for Durban, arriving 5.27, and leave Durban at 5.50 arriving Johannesburg 5.54 the following day.

6. The mail arriving at Izotsha daily at 1.19 or 1.39 is delivered on the Estate the same afternoon. Out-going letters must be received at the homestead by 8 a.m.,such letters arriving in Johannesburg the following day.

7. Plotholders must make arrangements for meat and bread by writing beforehand, giving standing address for delivery on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, to the Trading Company P.O. Plains, Murchison, South Coast, Natal. These supplies are received by Mr. Lane and delivered in the Estate by 3.30 p.m. Milk is supplied by Mr. Strachan, Farm Baven, P.O. Fascadale. Bacon, Eggs and Butter by Mr. Lane.

Vegetables and fruit are brought to the Estate by several farmers. Groceries are obtained from the Store on the Estate.

Instalments should be paid to R.W. Schikkerling, Esqr., Solicitor, P.O. Box 430, National Mutual Buildings, Rissik and Market streets, Johannesburg.

Message from the Margate Business Association

J. J. Erasmus had a dream that Margate would be the “playground of South Africa”, he undoubtedly did his bit as did many others to follow.

When looking at old pictures of Margate and comparing them to current, one can’t help thinking that even though JJ Erasmus had a vision for Margate to be the “playground of South Africa” he never could imagine that Margate Beach would look like it is today.

He could also not imagine, that from small beginnings, the little “gem of the South Coast” has seen millions and families enjoying decades of holidays and fun.

As time progresses, it is not a phenomenon that challenges are always in existence to “make it perfect”, and fortunately human nature embraces elevation, improvement and progression.

It is this attitude of “progression” that drives the Margate Business Association to “consolidate” and “galvanise” the community and to promote constructive and positive contribution.

We only hope that during these tough times these stories can inspire the business owners and entrepreneurs in Margate today to hold onto this vision keep making visitors pass by Durban, travel the extra hour or two and visit J.J. Erasmus’ “playground” – Margate

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MARGATE MEMORIES

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