Attend the Save Gilray Committee's urgent meeting to protect heritage

The Save Gilray Committee is urging the public to join their urgent open community meeting on Tuesday, February 3, at the League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) from 6.30pm.

The Save Gilray Committee (SGC) was formed last July, and they have raised issues with the city regarding the plans for the site. The SGC has unanimously agreed that there should be no graveyard extension, no housing, and no sale of Gilray. 

Topics to be discussed at the meeting include heritage, culture, and tourism; youth; sport; recreation for all ages; and the green economy.

SGC spokesperson Terence Klaasen said their agenda will allow all voices to be heard.

“ We need to have a clear idea of the vision for Gilray, one we can all work towards achieving. Protecting our Heritage and leaving a legacy for our next generation,” he said.

Last September, the SGC held a picket demonstration at the corner of Victoria Road and Prince George Drive. They also collected signatures from motorists in support of Gilray. (“Picketing for preservation: The fight to save Gilray campsite,” Southern Mail, September 24)

Mr Klaasen said his organisation has gathered more than 4 000 signatures since the petition started. He said their organisation is still awaiting official feedback four months later.

Mr Klaasen said they are calling on anyone who has any links or can assist with the history of Grassy Park, buildings, families, churches, and schools to contact the Save Gilray Committee.

“Photos and articles of Grassy Park and the surroundings depicting local culture, our history are all welcome, and they will be returned,” he said.

Since September last year, the City of Cape Town has been doing tree felling at the site where the City's mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said the City was implementing control operations to get rid of invasive tree species like the Acacia saligna, Eucalyptus gum trees, certain pine trees, and Rooikrans trees. 

When the Southern Mail reached out to the city to ask what the plans were for the site, it said, in a short statement, that the future of the property is still under review.

Interested members of the community can attend the meeting at LOFOB Centre, 94 Klip Road, Grassy Park, on Tuesday, February 3, with registration starting at 6.30 pm. The meeting will commence at 7pm until 9pm.  

Visit www.SaveGilray.org or email media@savegilray.org/info@savegilray.org for more information.

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