REPORT MG INDABA - 23 SEPTEMBER 2012

A variety of beautifully restored MG’s (150 of them) started arriving at Sandstone at 10h30 on a bright and sunny Sunday morning (Friday & Saturday were heavily overcast days so all involved were thrilled with the weather).  They had arrived from Fouriesburg Country Inn where they had enjoyed a cup of coffee with scones.

Some of the cars were put through their paces by taking part in a driving test on the paving in the complex.  There was a pre and post 1960 award and one for the fastest overall.  The three fastest cars from each centre were regarded as that centre’s team for the team prize.

The Afrikaners were in span with an ox wagon and took the visitors on a ride.  They once again enthralled all who were there.  Ken & Lynda Duncan wrote in the visitors book “Train ride – wonderful – tractor ride, ox wagon with real oxen!”

The flags at the commodity store were flying, tables for 300 people were set as well as the pub with the ox wagon.

At 12h00 the first train (No 153) left Hoekfontein Station for Grootdraai, Mooihoek & Vailima siding.  Shaun Ackerman drove assisted by Wouter, Leon & Isak.  This was enjoyed by all especially one visitor who had built a model of the NGG 16.

At 13h00 lunch of chicken curry and rice was served to 300 people in the commodity store.  Due to the driving test being done by the commodity store the food could not be brought by a vehicle so the ladies carried the containers on their heads!

A second train left at 14H00 to do the trip again for the balance of the people who did not do the first ride.  Basil (Len’s friend who attended steam event) had a wonderful time driving people around with the tractor and people carriers.

The MG’s starting leaving Sandstone at about 15H30 after an enjoyable day at Sandstone Estates.

Some of the comments in the visitors book

“Spectacular!”

“Amazing!”

“All so clean and wonderful”

“Forgot all about Jhb.  Thanks.”

“Well worth the visit”

“A wonderful experience, thank you!”

“A ‘supa’ experience”

Man and Machine

At the Sandstone Heritage Trust 365-days of the year, or more particularly when there is an event on such as the Kalahari Sunrise, there will always be this wonderful synergy between man and machine. 

One of our passing photographers came across this interesting scene.  The Model T had broken down but it attracted attention from passing motorists and the Fire Department. 

Everybody piled in to help and the Model T was soon on its way.

See below in black & white (this picture was taken in 2012 in the Eastern Free State of South Africa).

The MG Car Club of South Africa has announced their 2012 Indaba. This will be based in Clarens but a visit to Sandstone is part of the programme.

Click here for full details:

MG 2012 Indaba Package Options - 292KB (opens in new window) 
MG 2012 Indaba Registration Form - 290KB (opens in new window)

Should you be interested in participating in this event, please contact the MG Car Club direct.

South African Veteran and Vintage Association visits Sandstone during Steam Gala.

All photos above kindly submitted by Aidan McCarthy

We received two letter of thanks from the club organisers as follows:

A Mc Donald [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: 19 April 2011 20:07 

Our apologies for the late acknowledgement of thanks, to you and your team, for our fantastic visit to Sandstone Estate. We had a glorious time, and everyone was most appreciative of  all your efforts to ensure we saw, and were able to enjoy, so many “ special treats “. We can only admire your enthusiasm to preserve our heritage, and  to keep it  “alive “ for future generations to have a glimpse at an era past, but not forgotten. Our grateful thanks from the entire 2011 SAVVA National Edwardian and Veteran tour group. 

We are pleased to advise that the "little buggies" all got back to Fouriesburg Inn, without any problems. It is a challenge to drive them in bad weather, but the guys did extremely well, and I think secretly enjoy the extra  effort it requires!!! 

Please pass our thanks to the catering staff, for a very tasty lunch. We all enjoyed  been seated in the dinning couch, as it added to the spirit of the day.

Once again we say a very big THANK YOU for  a fantastic day, which was truly the highlight of our tour.

Kind regards,
Alastair and Jean McDonald

 Click here to view letter - 252KB Word document (opens in new window)

The Sandstone Heritage Trust - A unique Eastern Free State destination

Click here for more information - 516KB PDF (opens in a new window)

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 29 - British Steam Car Challenge

An attempt on the World Land speed record for a Steam Powered Car is being planned in Britain, the car build program is fairly advanced already. The chassis is complete, as are most of the suspension and powertrain components. One of the four boilers is on test and as soon as the optimum output has been established the constructors will be in a position to begin the final assembly of the car. Information regarding the background as well as technical detailsof the vehicle can be found on the website for this project at www.steamcar.co.uk

The team is planning planning to come to South Africa soon and currently arrangements are in place to run the car at the 'Verneuk-Pan' in the Northern Cape! There is a historical speed record link with this site, as Malcolm Campbell attempted the land speed record there before WWII. The project is being assisted in South Africa by Mr.Ray Wakefield who runs a company in Port Elizabeth, South Africa specialising in speed record attempts. It is called 'SPEEDRECORD S.A.' their website address is www.speedrecordsa.co.za Amongst other things, Ray has been instrumental in arranging sponsorship from local suppliers (water and fuel for the boilers for example), as well as helping arrange for the use of the Vernuek-Pan as it is now privately owned. Contact has been made with Northern Cape local Government and a (verbal) promise of help has been given as and when the team is on site. Sandstone Heritage Trust as a protagonist of steam traction with its many preserved steam powered assets is extremely excited about this project and we will run updates as to its progress as we receive them. In the meantime please click on the link to the challenge for a full rundown on this exciting project.

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 58 - African Odyssey Vintage Car Rally - Johannesburg to Nairobi - September 2006

September 2006

The Sandstone Heritage Trust will be participating in this special overland safari between Johannesburg and Nairobi in September 2006. The vehicle chosen is a 1947 Ford V8 Pickup. The Sandstone Heritage Trust has a large selection of vehicles to choose from but this particular item has been chosen in order due to the inherent reliability of these vehicles and the fact that it has good clearance and good load carrying capacity. We understand that the tour is fully booked. You can find out more about Rob Pearce and his workshop at http://www.emgee.co.za/ The following are his contact details email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. home: +27 (0) 11-7872829 office: +27 (0) 11-7897127 mobile: +27 (0) 82-8970771

The vehicle chosen for Sandstone - 1947 Ford V8 Pickup

Read more: HTN 158 - "Thumbs up!" - The MG car club's newsletter - inserts from some of "AFRIOD'S" Participants

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 166 - The first item ever acquired by the Sandstone Heritage Trust

14th December 2006

Many people ask us what was the first item ever acquired by the Sandstone Heritage Trust. In fact it is a 1950 Land Rover Series I which has been in the ownership of the Trust, or at least the Trust's benefactors, since 1961. It is still in daily use as these pictures will show. It is a working vehicle at Sandstone Estates in the Eastern Free State. It has great sentimental value to the Trust because it has been in our possession since before many of the people who work on the estate were born.