All operations have come to an abrupt end at the Gordon\u2019s Bay Post Office, which officially closed its doors on Thursday 25 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was labelled \u201cthe prettiest post office\u201d by the Department of Post and Telegraphs of the first post-office building erected in Gordon\u2019s Bay in 1939. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At that time, it was considered \u201cone of the prettiest post offices in the union, the pride of the people of Gordon\u2019s Bay and an object of admiration to visitors from far and near\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At present, though, 95 years later, it\u2019s doors are shut, a sign outside proclaiming its permanent closure, and litter covers the grounds outside where homeless people loiter and sleeping bags are packed under its famous milkwood trees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The history of a postal service in Gordon\u2019s Bay goes back 124 years, to 1891 when the first postal agency was established in the town then known as Vishoek. It is believed to have operated from a room along Beach Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few months ago it was revealed that more than 200 South African Post Office branches would close nationwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
About 28 of the branches set to be closed are situated in the Western region, which includes the Western Cape and Northern Cape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement posted on social media, the Gordon\u2019s Bay Residents\u2019 Association, bade farewell to years of history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoodbye to years of history. The post office is a landmark in Gordon\u2019s Bay. What will happen to the building, who knows,\u201d the post read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a heritage site, so not much can be changed with the building. Our appreciation to Missie Gail and her staff for the service they have afforded the residents of Gordon\u2019s Bay, working under challenging circumstances. Best wishes to all for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All postal services have now been moved to the Strand Post Office, where all the postal articles and post boxes will also be accommodated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A resident of Gordon\u2019s Bay, who asked not to be named, wanted to collect a parcel on Monday morning (29 April). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said he was aware of the imminent closure of the post office, but never expected it to be actioned so soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely an inconvenience for us to travel all the way to Strand for our mail,\u201d he related. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have relatives overseas and pick parcels up regularly. I guess now I\u2019ll have to make the time to travel the extra distance. It\u2019s a sad day indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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