The highlights of 2015: An editor’s reflection on the year
Finishing up the last bit of admin at the office before I head off on holiday tomorrow, I can’t help but think back on everything that happened during 2015.
It feels like it’s been one of my toughest years to date as a journalist but I’ve come to love White River and its people even more.
As a journalist, you get a rare glimpse of the personalities behind the people on the streets, the faces of well-known businesses and even the odd celebrity. I’d like to thank everyone for opening their hearts and hopes and each cup of tea, lunch, hug and few minutes’ chat.
I’ve paged through the year’s issues and would like to share some of the year’s memorable stories and highlights with you.
Since the very first issue of the year, I’ve been promoting community involvement in regards to the local SPCA. This drive culminated in a couple of articles on their split from the Lowveld/Nelspruit SPCA and the establishment of the White River SPCA. Check out their facebook page to see the adorable cats and dogs currently up for adoption.
Both Hoërskool Rob Ferreira and Flamboyant School celebrated milestone birthdays during the year. Flamboyant School’s pupils sent balloons into the air and were treated to cupcakes to commemorate 30 years of excellent learning at the school. The Robbies started off their festive activities with previous headmasters releasing 60 balloons to celebrate the school’s 60 years of existence and concluded the fun with a big (if cold, misty and rainy) festival and march through town.
The traffic circle at Casterbridge has also changed somewhat since the start of the year, with the beautification project slowly transforming it into the showpiece it could be.
The owners of Tasaky Pub & Grill shared the story of the custom-built car that gave the business its name and their search for it, while an Irishman’s search for the origins of his car led him to White River.
The people of White River cemented the town’s reputation as a home and retreat for artists. Ti-Ané Labuschagne played an extra in a new film, while Jayne Bauling was a finalist for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Gospel singer Eloise Saayman released a new CD and talked about touring around the country.
There were a few funny moments, like the time I had to clamber up a ladder to have a chat to three Robbies staff members camping out on the pavilion roof.
On the sport side, the Legogote Villagers had a great year, with several club members finishing the Comrades Marathon. The u.13 Coca-Cola Craven Week was successfully hosted in White River and saw hundreds of visitors stream to the town for the high-anticipated event.
The Unlimited Titans and VKB Knights clashed at Uplands College on Heritage Day, providing fans the opportunity to see some great professional cricket up close and personal.
Feel free to share some of your 2015 highlights on the White River Post facebook page or the comments section.
May you all have a wonderful Christmas and enter the new year with optimism, hope and an abundance of love.
