Draft:Revive Sedgefield

• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Vineyard Studio Art (talk) 20:11, 27 September 2026 (UTC)

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Background

Revive Sedgefield followed a public meeting initiated by the Sedgefield Ratepayers and Residents Association, and was launched on 21 June 2022.

An initial committee of six Sedgefield residents was formed, with Linda Patton as its chairperson.

Volunteers were then invited from the community to work together on projects in public areas and spaces in the village.

Early activities

In its early activities, Revive Sedgefield focused on improving public areas in the village. The first project involved creating a garden around the J.G.B. Watney Memorial Library and the municipal offices.

Subsequent work included creating a garden at the Sedgefield Police Station, repainting the building, cleaning its roof and installing a new fence at the front of the station.

Major projects

Revive Sedgefield has undertaken a range of projects focused on public spaces, community facilities and municipal areas in Sedgefield.

Municipal offices and library gardens

The organisation's first project began in 2022 at the J.G.B. Watney Memorial Library and the surrounding municipal offices. Volunteers weeded, composted, landscaped, tidied and planted the gardens.

Revive Sedgefield subsequently worked on other public areas, including municipal gardens, public pillars, pathways and areas along the village's main road. The organisation also undertook work at the central traffic circle.

Police Station restoration

Revive Sedgefield undertook restoration and improvement work at the Sedgefield Police Station. The project was carried out in phases and included work on the station's gardens, fencing, roof and exterior of the building.

Lottoland Help ’n Dorp project

In 2024, Revive Sedgefield received R485,000 from Lottoland's Help ’n Dorp initiative for a programme of community improvements in Sedgefield. The project included an overhaul of the children's play park on the Village Green, refurbishment of the interior of the Sedgefield Community Hall, installation of an AstroTurf play area at the Masithandane Early Childhood Development Centre, and painting of speed humps throughout Sedgefield. The project was undertaken with assistance from Knysna Municipality, AfriForum, Sedgefield Lions and other volunteers.

J.G.B. Watney Memorial Library refurbishment

In 2025, Revive Sedgefield undertook a refurbishment of the J.G.B. Watney Memorial Library. The project represented an investment of approximately R75,000, supported by an anonymous benefactor and fundraising by Revive Sedgefield.

The work included refurbishment of the children's section, including new flooring, murals and creative furniture, as well as improvements to the staff kitchen, including new flooring, a breakfast bar and improved storage. Other work included improvements to the entrance lobby, repairs to windows and light fittings, cleaning of the building's façade, installation of the original 1989 inauguration plaque, and improvements to the information box and bin.

Community Partnership Agreement with Knysna Municipality

A Community Partnership Agreement between Revive Sedgefield and Knysna Municipality was concluded on 18 January 2025. The agreement covered the revitalisation of various areas in Sedgefield, including the installation of automated sprinkler systems and the Spike water system at the Sedgefield play park, upgrading of the Sedgefield Mouth car park, and development of a wheelchair-friendly route through the central business district.

Recognition and awards

Revive Sedgefield and its members have received recognition from local community organisations for their contribution to Sedgefield.

At the inaugural Celebrate Sedgefield Awards, organised by the Sedgefield Ratepayers and Residents Association in November 2023, Linda Evans represented Revive Sedgefield when the organisation was recognised in the Personal Service category.

In November 2024, Linda Evans received the Sedgefield Ratepayers Association Charity & Community Award.

In 2025, Revive Sedgefield was again recognised in the Charity & Community category at the Celebrate Sedgefield Awards, sharing the award with the Development Action Group.

In 2025, Sedgefield was selected as one of three Western Cape semi-finalists in the Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition, alongside Wilderness and Riversdale. Revive Sedgefield was involved in the campaign encouraging residents to support Sedgefield's entry.

In 2026, Revive Sedgefield was named the winner of the Best Community Organisation category in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers' Choice Awards.

Media coverage

Revive Sedgefield has received coverage from local newspapers and television media. Its activities have been reported regularly by The Edge Community News, including coverage of its community projects and fundraising activities.

In November 2023, local producers Lekka Lokal TV produced a video for Revive Sedgefield. The production included members and supporters of the organisation and resulted in a video titled Be the Change.

In 2024, Revive Sedgefield submitted project proposals to the Lottoland Help 'n Dorp community-focused initiative on KykNET. The proposals were accepted and the resulting project was featured in an episode of the programme, which included funding for improvements to Sedgefield.

Organisation and activities

Revive Sedgefield is a volunteer-based community organisation whose activities focus on the improvement and maintenance of public spaces in Sedgefield. Its work includes gardening, landscaping, painting, maintenance and improvements to public facilities and municipal areas.

The organisation's activities are focused on public verges, pavements, municipal gardens and other community spaces.

The organisation holds a regular volunteer workday on Thursdays, while volunteers also work on projects at other times when required. Projects are supported through donations, sponsorships, fundraising activities and contributions from volunteers and local organisations. Revive Sedgefield has also worked in partnership with Knysna Municipality and other community organisations on projects involving public facilities and infrastructure.