History of Hopefield

 

• Province: Western Cape
• West coast
• Coordinates:33°03′56″S 18°21′03″E
• Area: 32.41 km2
• Municipality: Saldanha Bay

Early days in Hopefield

Hopefield is the oldest settlement on the West Coast and it was founded on the banks of the Zoute River in 1853 on a farm called Langkuil. Hopefield was originally a church community with a magnificent church built from donations from farmers in the area. The name is derived from two of the promoters of the establishment of the town, then  Auditor General, Major Hope, and a local resident Mr Field.

Economy of Hopefield

At the heart of the Sandveld Hopefield is the wheat and sheep farming centre of the district. Hopefield is also known for fynbos honey and there are over 500 species of fynbos to be found here.

Fossils in Hopefield

Fossils were discovered here including the skull of the so-called ‘Saldanha Man’. A replica of this is on display in the information office. There is evidence that the area was inhabited at least 500 000 years ago.

Hopefield is part of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve. 

The postcode for Hopefield is 7355

WEATHER IN HOPEFIELD TODAY

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Things to see and do in Hopefield:

• The Dutch Reformed Church which dates back to 1879 has one of only 10 Forster and Andrews Organs ever brought into South Africa in 1911 and it is still played on Sundays. It arrived in the church in 1911 and it can be seen in the church in Voortrekker Street
• The archaeological site on the farm Elandsfontein 13 km Southwest of Hopefield is where fossil bones and human artefacts dating back to the early Stone Age were found
• .Fine Fynbos honey is produced in Hopefield
• In the cemetery are graves of British soldiers who died during the Anglo-Boer War
• There are 2 popular hiking trails in the area namely: Langrietvlei & Helderwater
•  Every August the Fynbos show is held in Hopefield. hopefieldfynbos.co.za
• Hiking within the Reserve-  Hopefield forms part of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve and hikers can walk the Langrietvlei and Helderwater trails.
• Natural fynbos display all year round, (over 500 species)
• There are 2 hiking trails in the area namely: Langrietvlei & Helderwater
• A replica of a traditional hartebeeshuisie can.be seen in the grounds of the library in Voortrekker Street. The somewhat nomadic farmers had to travel to find grazing for their cattle, they built homes from the many types of reeds that are found in the area. The reeds were secured between wooden poles and sometimes plastered with mud. These structures were warm in winter and cool in summer

 

Useful Numbers in Hopefield

 

• Police: 022 723 8000
• Municipality; Bergriver  022 701 7000
• Traffic department:
• Fire: 022 433 8700
• `Water:
•  Electricity:
• Ambulance: 10177
• Post office;agency; 022 723 0522
• Library: 022 723 0384
• Closest hospital; Lalie Cleophas clinic 022 723 1878
• Pharmacy;022 723 0061
• SPCA: West coast 022 289 0998
• Schools:
• Hopefield high 022 723 0040
• Hopefield primary  022 723 0065
• Museum; Fossil museum 073 187 6764
• Hopefield museum 022 723 1720 or Call 0731876764
• Tourism: 022 723 1720

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