The St Thomas Anglican Church Hall in Rondebosch is celebrating its centenary year with a walkathon to help maintain the century-old building.
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According to Reverend Claire Hunter, the hall, also known as the church’s ‘Old Lady’, requires ongoing maintenance because it is a heritage structure. ‘Over the last century, the hall has been a place of meeting and gathering for all sorts of people, and proved to be a great gift to both the church and wider community. Maintenance costs money, and so we are appealing to the wider community to support us in this endeavour.’
While the church is 158 years old, the hall opened in 1923, as per the Southern Suburbs Tatler. It was used for services during the 1960s while the church was still being constructed. During Apartheid in the 1970s, families who had to leave their homes in informal settlements in Bellville South were moved into the church and its hall.
Today, the hall is used for community events such as choir practice, private functions, dance, drama, self-defence and exercise classes.
The event will start on Sunday, 26 March at the church, located at 61 Campground Road, Rondebosch. Entry is free, and participants are welcome to make donations via the St Thomas Walkathon BackaBuddy page. Teams can schedule a time to walk between 7am and 7pm by calling the church directly at 072 680 2833. Refreshments will be served afterward, and the best dressed will receive a prize.
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Picture: St Thomas Anglican Church / Facebook