Author: Kathryn Cleary

26 December, hundreds of holidaymakers and locals joined together in a bit of ‘post-pudding’ exercise. Hosted at the Port Alfred Country Club, the Kowie Striders hosted their annual Boxing Day 5km and 8km fun run and walk. The event was attended by all ages as well as four-legged companions. Prizes were awarded to the top four runners (men and women) in both distance categories, with Grahamstown’s own Terri-Lynn Penney sweeping the 8km race in under 36 minutes. The warm breezy weather accompanied by the positive attitudes and high spirits of the participants made the event a huge success.

“I always wanted to do something”, emphasised Graeme Holmes as he gazed upon the magnificent church. St Phillips was built during the 1860s and remains one of the longest standing structures in Grahamstown’s history. The adjacent schoolhouse was not as fortunate, and was reduced to rubble as a result of violence and unrest during the 1980s. Holmes had only been in Grahamstown for three months, but was immediately struck by the town’s need for some tender loving care. After touring Fingo Village with Makana Tourism, Holmes was in awe over the amount of rubbish that had been dumped…

By Linda Dyani Finally Cyril Ramaphosa is President of the ruling party. He was Mandela’s choice to succeed him. After all, he had been Chief negotiator in talks that brought down three centuries of white domination to an end …peacefully I might add. But he was not to be the chosen one at the time……..talk of a dream delayed but not denied. Tata Mandela would be turning 100 years old in 2018, as the late Oliver Tambo would have been this year and quite remarkably the ANC dedicated this year to his life. It was not until the election of…

Fire and Rescue Services Manager William Welkom urges residents to keep these safety tips in mind for a successful festive season. Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. Test your smoke…

Dear residents of Makana Municipality We are in the last month of 2017 and as we all know this year came with its fair share of challenges. With that said we have managed to pull through under very difficult financial challenges. This is for many people a period to sit back and relax with family and friends after a very busy year. Although a lot of workers have gone on leave or are planning to go on leave we have made preparations to ensure that workers that are in charge of essential services will be available to attend to any…

The afternoon of 16 December, members of the Universal Church in Grahamstown staged a protest against drinking and driving in effort to promote safe driving habits during the festive season. Members held placards at the intersection of High Street and Hill Street, and were greatly appreciated by motorists. With alcohol consumption on the rise during the holidays, it is important to remember not to drink and drive. Keep Grahamstown safe by staying off the roads or using a designated driver. Photos by: Lindani Donyeli. 

Last week, Grocott’s Mail investigated the causes of holiday crime in Grahamstown. It was confirmed that crime does increase over the festive season as a result of increased socioeconomic pressures, unemployment, alcohol and drug use, and a smaller town population. This week, Grocott’s talks solutions to this crime, not just during December and January but year around. The overall safety and well-being of Grahamstown citizens is of critical importance to the town’s success. Walking down New Street one might have noticed a peculiar looking poster. “Beware! Lumnkela! Zero Crime No Littering! Ukwaphula U Mthetho”. The top of the poster informs…

The kids are out of school! Now what? If you’re looking for summer fun for the whole family, Grocott’s Mail has got you covered! From pizza and sundowners at the Belmont golf club, nature walks and picnics at the Thomas Baines nature reserve, to hunting down Grahamstown’s mysterious donkeys, there is something for holidaymakers of all ages. Get outside! Where: The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve What: Enjoy exploring the beautiful Eastern Cape landscape! Pack a picnic, or some padkos and grab the kids for a fun day outside. Price: R20 for adults, R10 for children Contact them at 079…

The holidays are here. Which means pudding, sweets, and delicious foods are taking over the table. Although it is easy to indulge in sweet and savoury treats, these holiday temptations do not have to equate to an unhealthy seasonal lifestyle. Keeping healthy and fit during the holidays is not as hard as it seems! Ironman athlete and personal trainer, Terri-Lynn Penney, shares her fitness tips for the whole family during this festive season. Dive into fitness at the beach! Hitting the beach for a braai? Take a long walk before or after the meal, soak in the sun and work…

The mixed smells of fried fish and hot curry paint the air like something from Pollock. Jacaranda trees open their blooms to greet the afternoon. Clouds sit low against the horizon, failing to threaten the sun’s high position in the Grahamstown sky. Though there exists the constant rush of the work day, nobody seems to be in any kind of hurry. The summer holiday season has arrived. With the arrival of the festive season, also comes a less welcome guest to the small town. As students’ digs are left empty and unattended, and less people frequent the streets, crime is…