Yvonne Surtees

Outing to Rokeby Park and the Blaauwkrantz Bridge

Introduction

Outing to rokeby park and the blaauwkrantz bridge. Explore the LAHS outing to historic Rokeby Park Church, named by an 1820 Settler, and the Blaauwkrantz Bridge. Discover its 1884 opening, preserved artifacts, and local history.

Abstract

The article describes an outing of the LAHS on 21 July 2022 to Rokeby Park Church, followed by a picnic tea and talk at the Blaauwkrantz Bridge. Rokeby Park was so-called by George Dyason, the leader of a 1820 Settler party, in honour of Lord Rokeby of Kent, where Dyason came from. The church was opened with great celebration on 2 October 1884 (the same year as the train came to Port Alfred), and the original miller-style lamps (possibly brass - or silver-plated pewter), pupil books, carpet and cushions were still there in 1984 when it celebrated its centenary. These lamps still hang there today, looking well-loved; one notes, too, the attractive wooden cutout details on the ceiling. In fact, the church is beautifully kept thanks to the families in the area.

Review

This article, titled "Outing to Rokeby Park and the Blaauwkrantz Bridge," provides a descriptive account of a local historical society's excursion on July 21, 2022. The abstract clearly outlines the itinerary, beginning with a visit to Rokeby Park Church, followed by a picnic and discussion at the Blaauwkrantz Bridge. As a summary of an event-focused piece, the abstract effectively sets expectations for a narrative detailing observations and historical snippets related to these specific local heritage sites. The abstract offers compelling details regarding Rokeby Park Church, tracing its origins to 1820 Settler George Dyason and its opening in 1884. It highlights the remarkable preservation of original features, such as the miller-style lamps, pupil books, carpet, and cushions, noting their continued presence and condition decades after the church's centenary in 1984. The acknowledgment of the church being "beautifully kept thanks to the families in the area" provides valuable insight into community involvement in heritage conservation, while the chronological link to the train's arrival in Port Alfred adds an interesting historical marker. While the abstract provides a strong descriptive foundation for Rokeby Park Church, it leaves the historical and cultural significance of the Blaauwkrantz Bridge largely unexplored beyond its function as a picnic site. For a full article, future contributions could expand upon the deeper historical context, architectural importance, or specific stories associated with the bridge. A more analytical approach, perhaps discussing the methodology of the LAHS's investigations or the broader impact of such outings on local historical awareness, would elevate the descriptive narrative into a more robust scholarly contribution.

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