Port Elizabeth as a whole has been good to myself and my family, hence both our kids live here and my folks have retired to the city.
In October this year we would have lived in our 1874 Richmond Hill home for three years.
Two of those we have spent lovingly giving her the muchneeded facelift for the next 144 years.
Having a perfect stranger stop and give you praise on the work been done was without a doubt a boost to the morale while painting the outside walls.
Moving from Summerstrand to Richmond Hill has been the best move that we have made since our departure from Gauteng in 2010.
Who would have guessed that Richmond Hill would give us a taste of old-school feelings, knowing our neighbours by their names, popping in for a coffee and for a catch-up?
We join in the bi-monthly community meetings, where we get a chance to air our views, add criticism where necessary, but on the whole we have the opportunity to chat with like-minded folks about the improvements we want in our suburb.
So three years on, we have our favourite spot for Saturday breakfast, we have our favourite carrot cake craving supplier and have had some memorable evenings out with friends and family.
Our daughter had her 21st in a magic venue in Stanley Street which by all accounts adds to our memory bank here in Richmond Hill.
What has impacted our lives is the fact that we have so many historical and rich places of interest and interesting characters right here on our doorstep.
Going to the Phoenix Hotel for the best onion rings in town, before heading off to the Opera House to take in a show, joining in a 1920s-themed Birmingham evening at the Heritage Café, an organ recital at 1pm at the Feather Market Centre.
Taking time to go to a market at the Tramways building.
Spending our wedding anniversary at the “PE Club” and being spoilt with a book of its amazing history.
We have a chance to give Port Elizabethans their history and culture back by supporting the good works and good intentions started in Richmond Hill that we hope will spill over to other areas.
-Rochelle Jordaan, Richmond Hill