JHF Heritage Foundation under Covid-19
"We are only 134 years old but we have an impressive history."
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) has proved amazingly resilient under lockdown.
The foundation’s chairman Kathy Munro said it was dismaying to realise they simply could not run any tours for members, have book sales or do tours for schools.
“Instead we turned to erecting blue plaques and so continued to affirm the heritage of Johannesburg. We are only 134 years old but we have an impressive history,” she said. She added that the programme to erect plaques was continuing apace.
Munro said when they realised that members were missing the fun and social interaction which comes with actual tours, they turned to virtual tours. Board meetings and even the annual general meeting were held on Zoom. “Our Joint Plans committees; central, east and west; have held meetings on Zoom to address heritage challenges that arise through planned development or building work. On 17 October, the JHF resumed walking tours, observing strict Covid-19 protocols.
“In Parkview, we embarked on a successful project to assess and award heritage grades to all homes and properties based upon photographs on the files held in the Heritage Resource Centre.
“We are delighted that the BRO Trust and the generosity of Nicky and Strilli Oppenheimer makes it possible for our Heritage Resource Centre to continue its work in the coming year. The centre is located at the Holy Family College on Oxford Road, Parktown and we are delighted to have the support of this school.”
She said an excellent project had been the restoration of the small historic stone bridge (dates back to 1926) crossing the Orange Grove Spruit. This was led by Brett McDougall, chairman of the Norwood Orchards Residents’ Association, and the JHF, and was funded through a Walmart prize for community work awarded to McDougall.
Munro shared that the Bez Valley War Memorial was moved to Bezuidenhout Park, recreated and rebuilt with the names of the 64 First World War men who lost their lives etched onto new granite tablets. “We have launched a collaborative relationship with the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in promoting and improving The Wilds with volunteers such as James Delaney. During the coming year a new project will be the restoration of the old plant houses on the top of the ridge.”
Munro said 10 residents’ associations were now members of the JHF and each suburb had its own heritage to protect and celebrate. “Our organisation continues to serve the people of Johannesburg and we urge you to become a member. We anticipate a better 2021 as the virus comes under control and we put 2020 behind us.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/348473/the-johannesburg-heritage-foundation-invites-you-to-a-joburg-street-art-virtual-tour/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/351229/joburg-heritage-virtual-tours-and-talks-presents-celebrating-our-new-blue-plaques-on-heritage-day/
