A few months ago a few tannies gave philanthropist Graham Abbott a good lashing on Facebook, telling him that he needs to focus his attention on one project at a time.
Abbott acknowledged their advice, but continued to over extend himself in his quest to make Barrydale a better place for all.
All over the show but ready to go
If Graham was not busy at the Playground Skatepark (one of the few activities available for the town’s troubled over the weekends) he was either busy setting up his Upskill Barrydale NGO or making compost.
Or he was writing his resignation letter for the half baked One Small Town concept he tried to launch, or taking photographs of the various events in town. Or he was having a braai at his house and dancing to hard trance music with Jan and the crew.
In his “spare time” Abbott consulted many tourism industry specialist on the best way to utilise the old building in Van Riebeeck Street that had been neglected by Swellendam Municipality for nearly a decade.
Not your average joe
Abbott, as explained in the video above, has ADHD and dyslexia, so communication with the powers that be proved challenging.
Eventually, after a huge struggle, he managed to get the electricity connected to the building and with the help of a few friends they set about fixing the wrongs of the past.
Below are a few before and after pics:
“With all the hard work from all those that came to help with the renovations on the Barrydale INFO HUB we are now able to have a small opening evening tomorrow night for everyone who would like to come to have a look,” Abbott said.
Join the party
This soft launch will take place today, August 16, and will mark the first of many activities planned for this venue – yes this is another lastminute.com event – but then again that is classic Graham and what is evident here is that he needs the help of the entire community.
Another important part of Graham’s plan is to establish a Barrydale Tourism Board as this town does not have an entity that can be affiliated to a national body.
Oh look a rabbit…
Let’s not get carried away, these things take time and as the person who penned this article has learned over time, Graham’s method is often laced with absolute chaos and madness and distortion, but ultimately his heart is in the right place so before we judge (and I’ve done so a few times), let’s get off the sofa and help this crazy bugger.
