The Norscot Manor Recreation Centre celebrated 30 years of providing a community space to Fourways residents.
The centre, located off Penguin Drive, hosted its 30th birthday celebrations on 28 September at the centre. About 41 children of the Norscot Playschool (located on the property) played games and gathered to sing happy birthday to the centre during the festivities.
Tea and coffee were served to visitors, as well as a cake featuring a photo of the building which was donated by neighbours. The Secret Tea Garden and the Friends of Norscot committee celebrated the milestone by donating a bench to the centre for residents to use while they enjoy the site.
“We formed the Friends of Norscot committee in 2013 when we heard rumours that the centre was going to be sold,” explained Lauren Ramakers, vice chair for the committee and who also teaches ballet at the centre.
“We helped get the centre made into a heritage site.
“For this birthday we’re holding a bench drive for the centre.
“We want to provide more seating for community members at the centre. We want people to come and enjoy the beautiful gardens and have a quiet moment here.”
Ramakers added, “So far we have donated one bench, and we challenge businesses in the area to also sponsor benches. We’re hoping to add 30 in total.”
The bench donated was made by P.F. Plastics and is made from recycled plastic in an effort to make the centre more environmentally friendly.
Chairperson of Friends of Norscot David Bean, Ramakers and centre manager Lidia Jacobs unveiled the new bench after the cake was cut.
The recreation centre offers nearly 40 activities for community members of all ages to enjoy including dancing, art, acting and games. There is also a public library on the property.
“It’s great to celebrate Norscot’s 30th birthday,” Bean told the Fourways Review.
“We just struggle to get a wider participation as there are so many community events here.
“If you don’t get involved now, one day you’ll wish that you had before it’s gone. We’d really like to challenge local businesses to sponsor a bench.”
The building was built in 1936 by Norwegian immigrant Ernst Eriksen for his family on what was then a watermelon farm in the area.
After standing vacant for some years after the Eriksens’ deaths, the building was turned into a recreation centre in 1988.
Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Norscot and ward councillor Chris Santana, the property was named as a city-owned heritage site in February 2015 when a blue heritage plaque was placed on the property.
Details or to sponsor a bench: lidiaj@joburg.org.za; 011 465 2400; 084 722 2048.
