Ceres

Ceres, the centre of a major deciduous fruit producing district, lies in the Warmbokkeveld Valley about 170 km north-east of Cape Town. It is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture, Ceres, which is apt as the valley is extremely fertile. Ceres is known for it's fruit juices exported worldwide bearing the town's name. It is also famous locally for winter snow and cherries. The district offers a variety of arts and crafts shops, coffee shops and restaurants in a quiet and peaceful environment.

Mon-Fri:09:00-17:00, Sat:09:00-12:00

Hospital given is Ceres Private Hospital. Doctors are Marias, Laubscher, Kruger.

The R355 from Ceres, past the Tankwa Karoo NP, to Calvinia, is generally in good condition. It has been reported that due to the small hard stones on the surface, it could cause tyre punctures. But the road is well graded, not many potholes, and can be comfortably driven with a sedan. (January 2015).

“Ceres, a town in the Western Cape, was officially established on 29 October 1849. The area was originally settled by stock farmers in 1727, who crossed the Witzenberg mountains into the Warm and Koue Bokkeveld. Accessibility to the region improved in 1848 when Andrew Geddes Bain constructed Michell’s Pass, named after the Surveyor-General at the time, Charles Michell. Following the pass’s completion, erven were surveyed, and Ceres was laid out as a town. It was named after the Roman goddess of fertility, reflecting its agricultural potential. The town was granted municipal status on 3 November 1864. Ceres became a key stop on the route to Kimberley following the discovery of diamonds in the late 19th century. However, the economic boost was short-lived, as a railway line to the north was built via Wolseley in 1885, bypassing the town. The local economy then shifted towards agriculture, with the railway's extension to Wolseley in 1912 facilitating the growth of the deciduous fruit industry. The establishment of the Deciduous Fruit Board in 1939 further strengthened the industry by standardizing packing, shipping, and export. The town’s layout developed around Voortrekker Street, the main route north, with businesses and the market centered around Market Plain. Over time, public buildings such as the church, magistrate’s office, post office, and municipal offices were built in the same area. On 29 September 1969, Ceres was struck by a devastating earthquake that severely damaged or destroyed many old buildings. As a result, very few historical structures remain. Today, Ceres remains a major agricultural center, producing fruit, vegetables, dried fruit, fruit juices, and, more recently, wine. Local spring water is also exported worldwide. The surrounding mountains, often covered in snow during winter, attract visitors to the region annually. ( Ref: Origins 22 - Genealogy & History)” - Chris Smit, 2025/02/21

“Ceres is located in the Warmbokkeveld Valley about 170 km north-east of Cape Town, which is warmer than the highlands, which is known as the Kouebokkeveld.” - Chris Smit, 2024/08/16

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