WESTERN CAPE SCOUTING

The Story of Hawequas

The search for a new 'Gilcape' was prompted by the steady development of Eerste River into a residential area and by a number of unwelcome break-ins, burglaries, and incidents of theft whilst in camp. Although Hawequas was acquired in the Spring of 1986 there was not much infrastructure and Gilcape was used until the Winter of 1988, with the Join-in-Jamboree and Quinn Trophy of October 1987 being the last major Area event held there.

Hawequas was situated just outside Wellington, nestled at the foot of the Hawequas mountains and was in an area renowned for its scenic beauty. The farm had vast areas of fynbos, pine forest, perennial streams, waterfalls, very little likelihood of urban sprawl ever encroaching and the potential for a great new Scout camping and training ground.

Richard Goldschmidt who was the first Chairman, piloted the initial development plan that consisted of major earthworks for the creation of level camping sites (today known as the terraces) and the main playing field. The old Gilcape tractor was repaired and was put to good use upgrading the roads and performed many other tasks.

Eskom electricity was laid on and this allowed for the electrification of the buildings. Water was piped to the camp sites in the forest. Dudley Allen was responsible for most of the building alterations that were carried out and this included the house that was upgraded, the flooring being replaced, rooms re-divided and bunk-beds built-in. Dudley also converted the old barn to include a bunk-house, showers, toilets and store rooms. Charles van der Spuy took over the reins of Chairman from Richard in September 1989, who together with the labourer Adam Lewis continued to make considerable improvements. Stuart Ravenscroft was the Chairman during most the nineties and the current Manager is Andrew Purnell. Tess Pettiquin has been the Warden since 1 October 1999.

One of the first big Area events held at Hawequas, was the Summer Camp of 1988 and this put Hawequas firmly 'on the map' for many Scouters once they had seen how great the campsite was. Before girls joined Scouting in 2001, (Girl) Guide and Scout camps were held on the farm and this in turn introduced and encouraged the Guide Movement to use the campsite.

The Handyman and Pioneer courses were also put to good use in making on site improvements.

The farm has over the years been fully utilised, and is the home for many Adult and Scout courses, PLTU, Competitions and Camping by all branches of the movement.

The current project underway is the Strawbale Volunteer House that is designed to house eight volunteers, as well as being a working example of the sustainable use of natural resources for Hawequas' Environmental Education programmes.

Hawequas is also running a series of 3-day Environmental Education youth camps for historically disadvantaged youth who are not Scouts. The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture's Junior Land Care Programme.

Source: Various documents from the Western Cape Scout Headquarters Archives