A five-part series written by a Rhodes Journalism student whose inspiration came from a chance encounter with the vandalism at the Grahamstown train station
By: Fabio De Dominicis
Thu, 14 Aug, 2014. Part 1 The beaten track: Then and now A stiff breeze blows through the deserted waiting area, the unhinged doors providing an unhindered passageway for Mother Nature to sweep through the desecrated rooms. | Thu, 28 Aug, 2014. Part 2 The beaten track: The Blaaukrantz tragedyThe date was Saturday 22 April 1911, and 56 passengers, including locals, students and families, were aboard the 10.20 from Port Alfred to Grahamstown. |
Wed, 3 Sept, 2014. Part 3 The beaten track: Dr Marx and the love train
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COMMUNITY | MOTORING The beaten track: History lessons and high jinksHistory books tell of South African soldiers leaving Grahamstown by train, going to fight in World War I, and later World War II. |
COMMUNITY | MOTORING The beaten track: It was really something specialThe closure of the Grahamstown station was particularly heart-breaking for Hennie Ferreira, a former railway station operating inspector.
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COMMUNITY | MOTORING The beaten track: Here today, gone tomorrowWhile all these various issues are discussed, probed and further delayed, the station still stands, neglected, abandoned, a far cry from its former glory. |
COMMUNITY | MOTORING The beaten track: Why that old station mattered to meAs a young sport-loving journalist, I was born long after the booming time of rail transportation, and quite frankly, deserted buildings are not very high on my list of places to visit. |
