A UK-trained teacher recently launched a book which captures the founding and the evolution of Plaisance/ Sparendaam village and its people.
Beryl Adams-Haynes’ publication, Plaisance From Emancipation to Independence and Beyond, was launched during a simple ceremony at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Compound, Victoria Road, Sparendam on Wednesday.
The book, which also has photographs, explores history, religion, education and the culture of the “twin village”.
Haynes who returned to her home village after 32 years, in her introduction said that the information on the historical events dates substantively from around emancipation with a bit of pre-emancipation periods. It concludes at independence but covers a significant bit more of the village’s history and its people to modern day. The material was researched cross referenced and recorded from the National Archives, the local village office, other local institutions, villagers and the internet.
Haynes migrated to the United Kingdom in 1964 and despite her training in the field of nursing she later branched into the field of education. In addition to being a trained teacher she holds Bachelors in Social Sciences. Haynes lectured several subjects before entering the Secondary School System. `Bobby’ as she is popularly called has a teaching career in the UK spanning 26 years.
On returning home, the mother of three aligned herself with her village and embarked on a series of community activities to enhance the lives of the young and the old.