WELLINGTON 2021

Schattig & Oude Wellington
27th May 2021

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Before reporting on the day, a bit of history is in order.
Prior to our Shayamanzi Houseboat tour on 16th May, Carol discovered what was thought to be a spider bite on the left foot. A visit to our GP proved the fact and medications & a cream were prescribed. We had an amazing boat trip and the wound hadn’t quite healed, so on our return another visit to the GP resulted in a change medication.

Fast forward two weeks and another change in medication, and two days later Carol was instructed to book into hospital to consult a specialist to receive intravenous anti biotics and pain medication.
Early this morning (Saturday 29th May) Carol had a good night and seems to be on the mend (Apparently No scraping of the wound is required). So, waiting for the final outcome!

Back to The Day’s events:

Early pick up at 08h45 in Constantia had the 32-seater coach arriving in Tableview on time at 09h30 to commence travel along the N1 to Wellington.
We stopped at the N1 ‘One Stop’ for a comfort / coffee break and continued to the Wellington / Klapmuts off-ramp. Traffic was very light for a while, then built up along the Wellington road due to local road works.

Kobus, our driver, missed a turnoff which would have taken us around the monumental Wellington church, but took us on a scenic drive through the suburbs to our first stop at Napier Winery.

Carol had arranged a visit to Schattig, a home-based business owned and operated by Nelia Bester from.  Nelia is a professional photographer and also the owner of Wellington Huismark. Nelia is very passionate about arts, crafts, hobbies and, of course, photography.  Schattig was born out of her many creative talents.

“Schattig” is the Dutch word for charming, cute, lovely or adorable, and perfectly describe the look and feel of these schattige products. (Photographs transferred on to cotton & linen).

The reason for the stop at Napier winery was two fold, firstly due to the fact the Schattig was on the farm adjacent to the winery and secondly, it gave us an excuse to do some wine tasting.

Back to Schattig. Nelia welcomed everyone and led us down some steep stairs (see photos), after offering to use her  Kombi to move those who are not fully mobile.
After handing out a snack to everyone, Nelia spoke about her product and history. Most felt the prices to be “high” however there were still some purchases.

Then it was back up the steps (or by vehicle) to the winery and due to time constraints we were unable to indulge in wine tasting. (although there were a few members who returned earlier and were able to do this). Due to Covid restrictions we would only have been able to have 4 people enter the winery at a time, so it was perhaps better the way it ended\.

When boarding the coach we could see Oude Wellington paddocks, so it resulted in a short drive to our lunch venue.

Oude Wellington was originally known as Onverwacht, meaning “un-expected” in Dutch. This rings true, because unexpectedly a green valley opens before you when entering the Wamakersvallei (valley of the wagon builders) at the foot of the Hawaque Mountains. Its slopes extend to the farm. First buildings date back to 1790 

In 1995 the present owners (Susanna & John Tecklenburg) bought the farm, which was in a pitiful state and restored it to its former beauty. In the same year a small wine cellar was established that produced a fine red wine. Not much later, the brandy cellar was added. Piece by piece the derelict buildings came into use again. Restored and improved, re-thatched and rebuilt. Original gables were restored to their former historic character as part of Cape Dutch architecture.

Susanna and her staff welcomed us on arrival and after a long Covid temperature register we were able to be seated and order our first round of drinks.

There was a bit of chaos when one of our group verbally announced that she does not eat beef! Susanna spoke to the chef who agreed to do a chicken dish in place of the beef.
At this point it is necessary to mention that our database of members was established in the year 2000 with all members details, including any meal abnormalities / Dietary requirements. Brian checked the list and found no mention of  any special requirements. Perhaps this had been changed along our 21 year history and not conveyed to us. Carol always checks booked members against our list as well as visitors dietary requirements for each outing / tour.

As far as the arranged meal was concerned, the ‘fish cake starter’ was delicious and the beef and vegetable’s was indeed tasty on pre heated plates. Compliments to the chef.

Some guests felt the need for dessert and or coffees / cappuccinos and ordered accordingly.

Brian set the departure time for 3:15 pm and we had an uneventful trip back to Tableview, where drop off was at 4:30 pm. The coach then headed for Constantia for the 2nd drop off.

End of a great day.

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