Yeoville

I read an article in a magazine yesterday and a statement was made about how nobody has anything good to say about Yeoville anymore, how it is a place riddled with crime, alcohol and drug abuse.

My heart sank. I used to live in Yeoville for a good 20 years of my life and the memories that I have of Yeoville do not match the words ascribed to her.

Yeoville was a great neighbourhood. Not your average picket-fence stereotype, but a vibrant hub of culture, talent and great diversity.

In '86, you could walk up Raleigh street and get yourself an ice cream from a real ice cream shop.

In '89 you could still get milk delivered outside your door from the dairy, just like they do on tv.

The buzz during the day would trickle over into the night as people would gather for street committee meetings in various homes.

The great artists of today used to hang around in Yeoville, when Tandoor used to rock and Time Square was the buppie hot spot.

We even used have an annual parade!

Kids used to play in beautifully kept parks and their parents would not have to worry about them because everyone used to look out for one another.

White people walking their dogs were not a strange occurrence. Neither was seeing Jay Naidoo buying milk and bread at the cafe.

You could wake up in the morning and take a slow walk through a quiet and clean neighbourhood and just marvel at the beauty that surrounds you.

That was Yeoville and so much more. A part of me has a burning hope that great restoration will take place in Yeoville.

I hope the great vibe returns, the warmth of community, safety and a place of better memories for all the kids that will grow up there.