pic of 2006 from steph

"While visiting Matjiesfontein one is always aware of the history of the place. In the local graveyard not only will you find graves of some of the locals who have passed away there but also graves of the hotel parrot and dog. No visit to Matjiesfontein is complete without a visit to the Matjiesfontein station."


"Visit the Marie Rawdon Museum underneath the station platform .You will find everything from a needle to an anchor and more in this museum and I am sure if you visited the downstairs displays at night you would meet some of the ghosts that must surely live there."

“In 1979, Matjiesfontein was declared a National Heritage Site, a tribute to Jimmy Logan and to David Rawdon whose love and dedication to Matjiesfontein allowed it to live again.”

Marthina Jacobs, Michael English,Raffa Delle Donne and Marc Nicolson are going to do landscape art in the Karoo, inspired by the work of Stijdom van der Merwe

remember to pack your tennis shoes..
there is a nice little tennis court - the hotel has tennis balls and rackets available

Here is the words to a great song you can preform called: "die trein na matjiesfontein "

You can listen to the tune here

Daar’s ‘n trein toe toe toe toe toe toe
Daar’s ‘n trein toe toe toe toe toe toe
Daar’s ‘n trein toe toe toe toe toe toe
Die trein na Matjiesfontein

Millie se stoomkoperketeltjie blink
Halfpad deur die droë Karoo
Met die Kimberley se spoor ver agter haar
En die son wat lag doer bo

Millie se stoomkoperketeltjie blink
Langs die blink getrapte spoorlyn
Aan die een kant wink die Hantamberge
En daar voor wag Matjiesfontein

Daar’s ‘n trein toe toe toe toe toe toe
Daar’s ‘n trein toe toe toe toe toe toe
Daar’s ‘n trein toe toe toe toe toe toe
Die trein na Matjiesfontein

another idea for your creative contribution:

We would like to say a BIG thank you to The Owner of Matjiesfontein, David Rawdon for letting us have this makietie in his town

David Rawdon come from a family of entrepreneurial spirit. David Rawdon's autobiographical note in the book "Logan's Way", by Robert N. Toms, well describes his early days and background starting out with a mobile store. Rawdon displayed the same focus and dedication as did Jimmy Logan, the first Laird of Matjiesfontein. David Rawdon purchased Matjiesfontein during the late 1960s, and, after detailed and loving restoration work, David re-opened Matjiesfontein in 1970.
Text adapted from turtlesa

Photograph of David Rawdon: www.stephventer.co.za

We hope to screen, among other films, the fantastic Fellini’s ROMA (1972) to be sponsored by dvd guru's from Johannesburg.

buy the poster here
Watch the Catholic Church Fashion show from Roma:

“Model number 6 for Country Priest” would be very practicle in the Karoo

“cool, spoke to Louw and he is very keen as well , he will probably bring his family as well. so i have forwarded this on to him - But we are supposed to be doing the hermanus whale festival on the Saturday. trying to figure out if we can come through after and maybe do the Sunday "
“Entemtainment [sic] is like a jewel or a diamond, it can get you group hot-tub sex.”

“There's a little piece of Scotland on the plains of the Great Karoo. Once favoured by princes, dukes and the young Sultan of Zanzibar, it even had its own laird. Its rich history includes murder, mayhem and magic - all woven into a tapestry of gallantry, ghosts, fact and fiction. People vied with each other to visit this arid place where Lord Randolph Churchill "picked bluebells in the hills," and Olive Schreiner, who lived in the village from 1890 to 1892, served dinner to Cecil John Rhodes in a tiny cottage which still stands. Edgar Wallace wrote a poignant piece on the death of Queen Victoria while staying there, and General Haig gave parties in a small mess which had once been a laundry. This tiny cottage can still be seen across the river from the main hotel. Such is Matjiesfontein, once a lonely spot where locals gathered reeds from the banks of the Baviaans River to weave into rush mats. Perhaps it would have meandered quietly down the years in this tranquil way had it not been for the Cape Colonial Railways and a shrewd Scot.”
taken from heritage.org.za

FURTHER INFORMATION
Laingsburg Tourism Bureau
Laingsburg Library
Private Bag X4O BOX 56
LAINGSBURG
6900
SOUTH AFRICA
PHONE AND FAX: +27 (0)23 551 1019

"hi me and my girlfriend Dani want to come and myself and James Cairns want to do something on the bus.can we book
it? the whole thing looks awesome. can't wait."
"hi it seems i made a mistake we are supposed to be doing the hermanus whale
festival on the saturday. trying to figure out if we can come through after and maybe do the sunday"

"we were hoping to come through but it seems that it won't be possible. We are very bummed about it and will keep our dates open for next year. have a good one and think of the poor suckers who can't be there..C&T"

Belly dancing in Lord Milner Hotel. ( Laird's Arms Bar counter)

DJ Crockette to “dj again for the Matjiesfontein jol”  Dave Southwood

UPDATED for 2008


the Lord Milner Hotel has a beautiful lush garden with garden cottages to stay in.
These go for R340 per person sharing per night and also includes the hotel breakfast.
( double rooms go for 2x R340 per night )
Email Jil : matjie.bookings@gmail.com to book a garden cottage or room

“I spoke to Inge and our "show and tell" contribution will be an Acoustic carnival blues band that tells the tales of ghosts and lost lovers." Corne
Shot in Matjiesfontein inside the Lord Milner Hotel:

"The Grand Staircase leading up to the bedrooms
Enter the Lord Milner Hotel and the first thing you see is the Grand Staircase to the upstairs rooms.
The entrance hall is inhabited by the hotel cat who is there to welcome guests.
On the walls are paintings of Logan and other characters who make up the history of the hotel.
To the right a door leads off to the diningroom with its wooden floors which echo when you walk on them,
The windows rattle in the wind and are covered with thick heavy curtaining which was fashionable in Victorian times.
Even the lampshades are dated and look like bobbies helmets in bright red.
To the rear of the hotel is a lounge which was used by Logan and Cecil John Rhodes and still contains some of the original furniture of the period.
Logan was an avid cricketer and arranged a cricket match in the town a hundred odd years ago."
read the whole history here

the working driving red London bus
one of the HOTTEST spaces for a contribution.. !!

the Karoo landscape around the village...

"Notably, next to the museum, is a large, grassy field which was once a cricket pitch. The first international game of cricket played in South Africa was at Matjiesfontein on this very field, with Lord Hawke's team, where George Alfred Lohmann was the bowler." ( quote from the matjiesfontein website )

"The Royal Lounge portrays the lives and style of James Logan, famous historic personalities and servants who occupied it centuries ago. Origional furniture and antiques still feature, along its the immaculate condition and ambiance of age-old traditions.Amongst these timeless treasures is a harp, aged 150 years, a handmade jewelry case dating back to the 18th century and a portrait of the author and feminist activist, Olive Schreiner. The lounge is open to all visitors. After dinner liqueurs and coffee is served here in an atmosphere of timelessness."

Laird's Arms Bar
"Right next door to the Hotel is the "Laird's Arms" pub. Initially, this building was used as a carpenter's shop by two Scottish carpenters who had been brought out by Logan from Scotland to do all the carpentry in the Village.Later, it became a butcher's shop. Then, during World War II, it was turned into a recreation room for Royal Navy sailors on leave from Simon's Town. After the War, it served as the Village Hall.The hospitable barman, Abraham, tell these tales while tourists and visitors enjoy country pub lunches and snacks, which are served all day. The pub is full of the warmth and gaiety of a Victorian country pub. Personal and hospitable service is offered by the friendly waitresses in conventional attire, whom are also residence of the village.
The massive mirrored bar and counter, 1902 cash register and Pierre Nola piano give a very authentic impression - made all the more surprising by its location. The Laird's Arms is open from 10 am. till late"
www.matjiesfontein.com

these people also had a great time in the bar : have a look at this video to see the inside of the bar nicely and have a laugh.

“Dankie dat julle dit geniet het ons sien uit na volgende keer.
Ons bevestig hiermee jou bespreking vir 22 & 23 September
2007.
Sien uit om jou en jou crew te akkommodeer.
Matjies groete
Ingrid” ( Sep 2006)

“a Weekend of fun and games!!! Thanx for a GREAT time!!! Hanging out with old friends and making new ones... Just what the doctor ordered.
c u all next year
Steph, Luciana and Gabriela

“Ek is t'rug in die dorp en dit klink of ek 'n absoluut roaring tyd op
Matjiesfontein misgeloop het!!! Ek is dus BAIE nuuskierig en wil definitief
nie volgende jaar se fees misloop nie. Weet nie of dit net ek sal wees
nie....miskien het ek 'n "crew" van een teen daai tyd....? “
xxxxxxxxxxx

“hello! hope you had a cool time. Adele tells me it was fantastic.
hopefully i can come next year! Lxx”

“i'm not missing next year's one....thats for sure! congrats on a successful fest”

“will be there like a bear
sorry i couldnt be there this time around but next year i will even
have something to screen! “

“Ek het dit gediarise! Ek wil nie die vlg een vir enige iets mis nie!”

“Sue and I are keen to come back and also maybe help out with the djing if necessary.
thanks man”

Pack your gheeeetarr, your super-8 projector, your history-in-the-making-goulash-of-paint-on-canvas, your grandmother’s record collection, your gut-spilling grand monologue or a very fine array of rainbow cupcakes - your contribution can be anything from the brave to the bizarre

To take to Matjiesfontein experience to the max you can sleep in the transport museum. Just remember to bring your own warm bedding.R200p.p per night – bed( no bedding) includes the great hotel breakfast.R120p.p per night- bed( no bedding) with NO breakfast...
book your bunkbed now: email matjie.bookings@gmail.com

UPDATED for 2008

UPDATED for 2008There are a couple of self- catering cottages in the villiage, they go for
R700 per cottage per night.
COTTAGES CONSIST OF:
A KITCHEN (Fridge,Stove, Crockery, Cutlery & Kettle)
2 TWIN BEDDED ROOMS ( Consist of bedding - 1 Room has it own entrance)
LOUNGE WITH SLEEPING COUCH (Can be use as a double bed)
1 BATHROOM

A great big Lord Milner Hotel Breakfast is included in the price.
Email matjie.bookings@gmail.com for details and to book a cottage.

Get to Matjiesfontein by air.
The village is situated 250 kms from Cape Town and 1 200 kms from Johannesburg on the N1 national highway.
Physical Address:
Matjiesfontein Village 6901
Western Cape
South Africa
Tel. No +27 (0)23 5613011
www.matjiesfontein.com

Another great way to reach Matjiesfontein is by bike
The village is situated 250 kms from Cape Town and 1 200 kms from Johannesburg on the N1 national highway.
Cycling Tours & Motorbike Hire
Harley Davidson Hire, Stellenbosch
Telephone:
+27 (0)21 882-2558
Telephone:
+27 (0)21 531-3274
http://www.classictwintours.com

Films to be sponsored by http://www.dvdgurus.co.za have a look on their website

and let me know what you would like to watch on the massive openair cinema this year or if you have anything you would like to screen

Carla : mmm ek het gedink om Victorian Magic-Memory Boxes te maak vir uitstal iewers. Anders moet ek Adam small gedigte voorlees /of Boerneef…. Klein Karel Kraan en Groot Karel Kraan klits die koggelmanders op die klip koppies……. Tong knoop gedigte.

"My bydra sal weer 'n verassing op die klavier insluit... adele"
Location: bar and breakfast room

rope walking instruction video for dummies

okay so there are no real tall buildings in Matjiesfontein village but we will be impressed if you can walk up the side of the Lord Milner hotel...

the matjiesfontein swimming pool is a perfect place to walk on water like this:

step by step guide how to moonwalk as great idea for your contribution

“Very cool weekend .... felicity and i talked non-stop all the way back to ct. ralph rolled about with the drums in the back seat. my apartment felt lonely and foreign when i walked in - spent the rest of the day escaping it.”