Bethal (J10): SA Cell

Name:Bethal

Google count:64,000 for Bethal
Date:26 July 2008

http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=108&t=1950


http://www.boerevryheid.co.za/forums/archive/index.php/t-2165.html


Historic fact:

Geography: Bethal lies east of Standerton along the R23 on the Mpumalanga highveld.
History: The name of the town is a combination of the names of sisters Elizabeth and Alida, the wives of the farmers who donated the two farms on which Bethal was laid out. It was founded on 12 October 1880 on the farm Blesbokspruit and was granted municipal status in 1921. The area is today an important agricultural centre with the focus of its production on maize, potatoes, oats and barley. It is also home to numerous cattle ranches.
Art and Culture: The sculpture that stands in front of the National Potato Co-operative was created by Coert Steynberg the well-known sculptor who grew up in Bethal.

Other interesting info:

Bethal is renowned for its Potato Festival that is held in April or May each year. One of the more interesting attractions is the 3km potato sausage...
www.aatravel.co.za/staticnew/towns/bethal.html

Where to stay:

Rail story:

Bethal (132 km from Springs) There is a large grain silo at the station. A coal loading siding is located at the west end of the station.



Another popular activity is the Potato Express steam train, which takes passengers to and from Johannesburg.

http://mpumalanga.zularock.co.za/mp/rail/24.xml