One of Kariega’s few remaining mansions built in the early 1800s, the grand Blenheim House at 4 Baird Street, now is home to the charity shop of one of South Africa’s oldest SPCAs, the Uitenhage & District SPCA.
“We were over the moon when Pieter le Roux informed us that they would like to offer the SPCA, which is a well-established local society, the opportunity to move our charity shop to Blenheim House as it would add a touch of class to the building,” said Deirdré Swift, chairperson of the Uitenhage & District SPCA management board.
“It is a beautiful environment with wooden floors and a charming old fireplace, which all add to the ambience of the shop. The charity shop’s shutter doors open on the Victorian stoep with a small garden in front of it, which is ideal for our month end book sales and other fundraising efforts,” said Deirdré.
According to Kim Bennette, who manages the charity shop, they have received numerous compliments from clients and visitors about the shop trading at Blenheim House.
“It looks so much neater. It is a little bit smaller but that results in my having more time to spend with customers,” said Kim.
Good quality second hand items needed
According to Deirdré the shop is very small with limited space for stock. Previously, items could be dropped off at the charity shop in Rich Street, but owing to the lack of storage space, the public are requested to drop off items at the SPCA kennels in Schonland Street or contact Deirdré for collection of donated items.
“We have enough storage space at the SPCA kennels where we can clean, sort out and price the items before displaying them at the Charity Shop in Blenheim House.
“We currently are in desperate need of good quality second hand goods. Especially items like kitchenware, ornaments, baskets, pet accessories and linen like duvet covers, sheets and curtains,” said Deirdré.
Blenheim House was built in 1815 by Piet Retief for J.B. Knobel and the property was known as No. 1 Uitenhage. An upper storey was added to the house in 1903. It was was declared a national monument in 1981 and is currently owned by Pieter le Roux.
The Uitenhage & District SPCA is one of the oldest SPCA’s still operating and was established in 1916, a mere 100 years after Blenheim House was built.
- The SPCA Charity Shop trading hours during the week are 10:00 – 14:00; Saturdays 09:00 – 13:00. There is ample parking at the back of Blenheim House as well as in front of the building in Baird Street. For more information contact Deirdre Swift at 083 415 5181.
