Ivor Markman

 

A pre-primary school’s need for new premises and the generosity of two generous benefactors combined to breathe new life into the historic Bedford Public School building.

The school, established by the minister of the Free Church, Reverend Robert Templeton in 1867, was run under his tutorship until 1872.

He also accommodated a few pupils in his own home.

Two of the school’s most famous pupils were William Phillip Schreiner, who became Prime Minister of the Cape Colony in October 1898, and James Rose-Innes.

Schreiner tried to preserve peace between Great Britain and the Boer Republics before the outbreak of hostilities in 1899 and later, in 1914, became the Union of South Africa’s High Commissioner in London.

Rose-Innes was appointed Chief Justice of South Africa in 1914, and was one of the founders of the Non-Racial Franchise Association.

He tried in vain to prevent General Hertzog’s Native Representation Bill from being promulgated.

The school remained at the corner of Porter and Maitland Streets until 1900 when a new building, based on a typical English prep-school design, was constructed.

This building now houses the Bedford Country School.

Bedford Public School remained in the building until 1914 when, after combining with the Vosloo School, became Templeton High School and moved to a new site.

The old building was then used to house boy boarders from Templeton.

Later, the building was used as a manse by the Presbyterian Church until it was sold and converted into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Twenty-five years ago the Bedford Farmer’s Association bought another old building to accommodate a much-needed pre-primary school.

"There was a feeling (Bedford) should have a pre-primary facility,” said local minister and vice-chairman of the school’s governing body, Rudi Swanepoel.

Enrolment at the pre-primary school averaged between 25 and 30 youngsters between the ages of three and six years.

Then, 10 years ago, Rene Park married a farmer from Bedford and took over the running of the pre-primary.

"Our old pre-primary school was a converted house, very basic.

"The grounds weren't big, and the facilities were small and cramped (with) one toilet and one classroom," she said.

Three years ago Adri van Niekerk took over the running of the pre-primary while Park was away on maternity leave, returning to head the school this year.

When Park entertained two clients from Rustenburg who used to be in the education profession, Richard Aucamp and Piet du Toit, on the family farm outside the town, she told them the 1900 school building was up for sale.

She also told them about the lack of space at the existing pre-primary school.

Within half-an-hour of requesting an inspection of the building, they were there.

“How badly does Bedford want a school?" they asked afterwards.

“Desperately," replied Park.

“Right,” they said, “we'll buy it."

“I was absolutely flabbergasted,” said Park.

By the end of the day the papers were signed and soon a trust was set up for the school.

The benefactors wanted the building restored and paid most of the renovation costs.

JJ, Park’s husband, did the renovations.

“He has a feeling for the old building.

"We tried our best to take it back to the original (specifications) so the woodwork has been exposed and lovely “antique” light fittings have been installed,” said Swanepoel.

“Parents and many other people in the community, not even direct stakeholders in the school, gave generously.

"Within a period of four or five months an amount of R70 000 was raised,” he said.

“Some of the old desks are still there in the classrooms, but we had to get new equipment as well because there was simply not enough.

"The school is extremely well equipped and we are very proud,” said Park.

“The people we bought the building from did so much to renovate the building.

"Two rooms were untouched, but the rest of the house they really tried to restore.

"They put the bathrooms in, they did all sorts of things,” said Park.

Although the previous owners had done much, there were still many more projects.

“People jumped in and helped with paintwork and stripping of wood.

"Many decided they were going to be part of the project right from the beginning,” she said.

The school has two fully qualified teachers and both teacher-aides, Tarryn Foulds and Phindi Patosi, are studying for their teacher’s diploma and everyone is looking forward to the opening of the boarding school next year.

“We are proud the school demographics represent the whole community,” said Swanepoel.

Park beamed with delight as she spoke about the school.

“Hearing children laughing down the passageway, hearing them on the playground, the (building) has really come to life,” she said.

“The children are here to have fun, to learn in a warm, loving, nurturing environment.

"Our little motto - is 'learning with love and laughter', and that’s exactly what they do."

 

All Text and Photographs Copyright 2013,

Ivor Markman.