Grocott's Mail
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Friday, June 20
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Grocott's Mail
    • NEWS
      • Courts & Crime
      • Features
      • Politics
      • People
      • Health & Well-being
    • SPORT
      • News
      • Results
      • Sports Diary
      • Club Contacts
      • Columns
      • Sport Galleries
      • Sport Videos
    • OPINION
      • Election Connection
      • Makana Voices
      • Deur ‘n Gekleurde Bril
      • Newtown… Old Eyes
      • Incisive View
      • Your Say
    • ARTSLIFE
      • Cue
        • Cue Archives
      • Makana Sharp!
      • Visual Art
      • Literature
      • Food
      • Festivals
      • Community Arts
      • Going Places
    • OUR TOWN
      • What’s on
      • Spiritual
      • Emergency & Well-being
      • Covid-19
      • Safety
      • Civic
      • Municipality
      • Weather
      • Properties
        • Grahamstown Properties
      • Your Town, Our Town
    • OUTSIDE
      • Enviro News
      • Gardening
      • Farming
      • Science
      • Conservation
      • Motoring
      • Pets/Animals
    • ECONOMIX
      • Business News
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Personal Finance
    • EDUCATION
      • Education NEWS
      • Education OUR TOWN
      • Education INFO
    • EDITORIAL
    Grocott's Mail
    You are at:Home»Uncategorized»Kissing the Old Gaol goodbye
    Uncategorized

    Kissing the Old Gaol goodbye

    Busisiwe HohoBy Busisiwe HohoJuly 26, 2010No Comments2 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Despite the cold nights over the weekend, the Old Gaol filled up rapidly and the atmosphere quickly turned to one of fond reminiscence and respect for a venue close to the hearts of so many.
     

    Despite the cold nights over the weekend, the Old Gaol filled up rapidly and the atmosphere quickly turned to one of fond reminiscence and respect for a venue close to the hearts of so many.
     

    Groups of people huddled around fires in drums dotted around the historic building to chat and remember all the good times that had been spent there.

    The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), which owns the building, has refused to renew the annual lease and has evicted the owner, Brian Peltason, from the  premises.

    SAHRA says they plan to open an education centre at the Old Gaol but it is not certain when and how this will happen.

    After 13 years, Sunday was the last time the Old Gaol Backpackers resonated with music, voice and melody as artists and musicians took to the stage and people from all walks of life gathered to say goodbye, “I just feel sorry for the new students,” said Laura Watermeyer a third year Journalism student, “they will never get the opportunity to experience this historic place.”

    Farewell messages written in chalk covered the walls of the bar as people paid their respects. Friday night saw avid supporters finally turning in at 2.30am after a third visit by the police, telling the revellers to quiet down.

    One party-goer said that festivities continued even after they ran out of alcohol. Hundreds of visitors passed through the Gaol over the weekend, making the celebration a vibrant event and giving the staff a memorable send off.

    Peltason says he will now be focusing his full attention on a smaller backpackers, called Whethu, on 6 George Street.

    The new backpackers will target broader market than students and travellers, offering a more bed and breakfast type of accommodation.

    Previous ArticleECPL members attend Kentucky summit
    Next Article Bail denied for accused in Vukani grandma rape case
    Busisiwe Hoho

      Comments are closed.

      Code of Ethics and Conduct
      GROCOTT’S SUBSCRIPTION
      RMR
      Listen to RMR


      Humans of Makhanda

      Humans of Makhanda

      Weather    |     About     |     Advertise     |     Subscribe     |     Contact     |     Support Grocott’s Mail

      © 2025 Maintained by School of Journalism & Media Studies.

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.