Melmoth landmark ‘Oom Wessel se Winkel’ will be missed
Originally a Catholic Church mission station located on Mnadi Farm, Wessel and Lily Els purchased the property in 1982 to farm sugar cane
AFTER 38 years as a landmark establishment – adjacent to the R66 route near Melmoth – ‘Oom Wessel se Winkel’ has closed its doors after a land claim was successfully negotiated.
Originally a Catholic Church mission station located on Mnadi Farm, Wessel and Lily Els purchased the property in 1982 to farm sugar cane.
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‘The mission was built in 1962,’ recalled Lily. ‘When we took over, it was basically just the church, a workshop and a compound. Our intention was merely to grow sugar cane, but necessity demanded we diversify to generate income.’
And so it was that a farm stall was opened in 1990, with Lily choosing a name that would be both attention-grabbing and different.
It resulted in many laughs, with everyone expecting Oom Wessel to be an old man – but he was only 31 at the time!
Given her background as a qualified potter, a kiln was built that would provide many ceramic items for sale in the shop, along with typical traditional ‘boerekos’, such as jams and rusks.
‘I ran pottery classes and we would host ‘klei-en-kuns’ evenings, boerekos nights and entertainment shows,’ she said.
While the focus was on the guest house which had grown to 33 beds, the farm also became a popular venue for parties, weddings and conferences.
With the shop being a bit off the main road – a concern as a possible robbery risk – it was converted into a backpacking site.
In addition to its actual function, the store was a reference point for many accidents that took place on that section of the road.
‘We did see some heartbreaking accidents and this, along with three devastating fires on the farm, are the only bad memories we have,’ said Lily.
‘They were such happy years, and it was the perfect place to raise our three sons. What we will miss the most is the peace and tranquility of the Melmoth district.
‘The compensation court ruling came through in November, and then coronavirus put a hold on the move, so we could enjoy the farm without working, and could say our goodbyes to our staff and friends.’
Wessel and Lily are now settling in at their home in Arboretum, Richards Bay, as they contemplate retirement – which may entail plenty of caravan travel.
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