Upcoming Tours
From Fever Hospital to Council Chambers – an Exploration of Civic Hill
Name of Tour
From Fever Hospital to Council Chambers – an Exploration of Civic Hill
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 28th January 2023
Time
14h00
3 hours
Cost
Members R150; non-members R250
Max. People
40
Description
When the Fever Hospital was constructed in the first decade of Alfred Milner’s rule, it was the lone occupant of a neglected area nestled between working class Braamfontein, patrician Parktown, and bustling Hillbrow. But by the 1960s, with land values having skyrocketed in the City and the Council requiring space to grow, this area would become the focus of an ambitious plan to create a “Civic Hill” for Johannesburg.
A competition was held to choose the design, and the winning scheme was described at the time as having the “makings of a great work of contemporary architecture”. Time has been less kind, and Clive Chipkin has described the Civic Centre as “an overpowering bureaucratic presence above desolate, granite-chip piazzas”.
Join us for a fascinating tour through the now-renamed Metro Centre and surrounding fabric, including the sublime Council Chambers building designed by studioMAS.
We finish our tour at the top of the ANEW Hotel where we will enjoy a panoramic Johannesburg view and sundowners at the rooftop bar (all drinks are for your own account).
Guides
David Gurney and Karen Curry
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Outside the main entrance to the Joburg Theatre (secure parking available at the theatre).
Northcliff Ridge - from top to bottom
Name of Tour
Symbolism in Brixton Cemetery – Gravestone Symbols and their Hidden Meanings
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 4th February 2023
Time
9h00
2.5 hours
Cost
JHF Members: R150
Non-members: R250
Max. People
40
Description
One of the most prominent outcrops along Joburg’s northern ridges, Northcliff is renowned for its landmark water tower, Jacaranda-lined streets and views all the way to the Magaliesberg.
Join our expert guides for a trek up the ridge, ending with the best view in Joburg! Along the way, we’ll also chart the beautiful heritage and contemporary homes dotted along the cliffs, including houses by renowned architects Wilhelm Pabst, Louis Louw, Ian Gandini and M.J. Harris.
Plus we’ll unpack some interesting histories – after all, no visit to Northcliff is complete without introducing some of the suburb’s more prominent personalities, including anti-apartheid activist Dr Beyers Naude and everyone’s favourite 90’s chat show host, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle.
The suburb of Northcliff Ridge was established in 1934 by Fred Cohen, who built himself a palatial Old Hollywood-style mansion on Hearn Drive. As part of the tour, we’ll see this house and explore the site of the tearoom and ‘plastic’ theatre that Cohen constructed right at the top of the hill – before it burned down!
After enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the ridge, we’ll be walking back down or you can call an Uber.
Please note: this is a long, strenuous walk with uphills and uneven surfaces. Remember to wear good walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and water! Not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Guides
Brian McKechnie and Jo Buitendach
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Olivia’s Coffeebake, 175 Beyers Naude Drive, Northcliff
Symbolism in Brixton Cemetery - Gravestone Symbols and their Hidden Meanings
Name of Tour
Symbolism in Brixton Cemetery – Gravestone Symbols and their Hidden Meanings
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 11th February 2023
Time
14h00
1.5 hours
Cost
JHF Members: R150
Non-members: R250
Max. People
30
Description
Join us as we explore Brixton Cemetery, one of Johannesburg’s oldest burial grounds, filled with many beautifully designed gravestones. As we walk, we’ll examine a number of these small pieces of architecture, each with their own symbolic meaning.
From scrolls to urns to cherubs, discover the meaning behind the various symbols used on the headstones and graves.
With expert guides, Sarah and Nicola, this is sure to be a fascinating afternoon.
Please wear good walking shoes, bring a hat and plenty of drinking water. Note: there are no toilet facilities inside the cemetery.
Guides
Nicola Noble and Sarah Welham
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Brixton Cemetery – Cnr. Smit and Krause Street, Brixton
Horses for Courses - the History of Turffontein
Name of Tour
Horses for Courses – the History of Turffontein
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 18th February 2023
Time
9h00
2.5 – 3 hours
Cost
JHF Members: R150
Non-members: R250
Max. People
40
Description
Before there were any clubs or theatres, the early Joburg miners were already organising horse races – thus began the long history of Turffontein and its racecourse.
Join us as we weave the history of Joburg through the history of Turffontein, from the Turf Club’s first president (Carl von Brandis) to famous horses such as Wolf Power, Aquanaut, Caradoc and Furious.
Along the way, we’ll hear about the young men who filled the trams from the city to Turffontein in search of entertainment. We’ll also find out more about the members of Joburg’s High Society who went to the track when they wanted to be seen. And, in a less glamorous chapter of the area, we’ll discuss Kitchener and the thousands of Boer women and children who were interned at the Turffontein Concentration Camp.
Please wear good walking shoes, bring a hat and drinking water.
Guides
Clare & Arj
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Turfforntein Racecourse main parking, 14 Turf Club St, West Turffontein
Tea and Talk @ Ernest Ullmann Park
Name of Tour
Tea and Talk @ Ernest Ullmann Park
Type of Tour
Park Tour
Date
Saturday, 25th February 2023
Time
14h00
2 hours
Cost
JHF Members: R200 / Non-Members: R300 (includes a R50 donation to Friends of the Sandspruit)
Max. People
40
Description
Ernest Ullmann Park is a lovely public space and Recreation Centre serving Wendywood, Gallo Manor and Morningside Manor. The park abuts the Sandspruit and it’s a popular venue for wedding parties, picnics, bird-watching, and dog walks. It’s also home to several evocative sculptures by acclaimed artist Ernest Ullmann.
Join us for a stroll through this under-rated gem as we explore the park and find out more about the life and art of Ernest Ullmann. Eminent local historians and environmentalists Vincent and Jane Carruthers will also be on hand to chat about the history and natural life of the park.
After the tour, we’ll relax in the shade and enjoy a snack box (included in the price). Each ticket also includes a R50 donation to Friends of the Sandspruit – a community organisation that does valuable work along the river.
Please wear good walking shoes, bring a sun hat, drinking water and a fold-up camping chair.
Guides
Kathy Munro and David Fleminger
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Meeting Place
Entrance to the Ernest Ullmann Park, 1 Alma Rd, Morningside