Latest news with #LindyBlignaut
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Ballito author shares how writing helped her deal with grief
Ballito author Lindy Blignaut shared her heartfelt grief memoir, Walking into the Future, with the Ballito Writers' Group at the library last Thursday. Blignaut wrote the 'grief memoir' in 2023, a decade after the sudden death of her husband Paul at the age of 60. The book, structured as a 10-step guide, was written to help her cope. Reading from her prologue, Blignaut said: 'My life came to an abrupt halt; I had no idea how I was going to carry on.' An author and academic, Blignaut grew up in Ballito after her family moved to Compensation Beach in 1959. She self-published 200 copies under her maiden name, Stiebel, selling them privately for R100. The former English professor uses the proceeds to fund her KZN Literary Tourism website. She described coping with grief by writing in her journal daily, and using walking and talking as therapeutic tools. 'It's a little book, which will only take a couple of hours to read, but could have been vast, given the pile of journals I wrote. Going back into my journals was hard; they were wild outpourings from a different version of me. I think it took me time to delve back into the past.' The Ballito Writers' Group meets at 10.30am on the last Thursday of each month at the library, gathering published authors and aspiring writers to discuss literary projects and challenges. 'These writers' groups are important. It is where writers can discuss their projects, because we all stumble and fall during the process,' said Blignaut. Twelve-year member and event organiser, Peter Gunning, says the group is for all levels of writers. The group discuss their current projects, novels, poetry and how to publish their work. There is often a special guest speaker, and afterwards, the members enjoy a Q&A session and refreshments. 'Our group welcomes everyone, especially those who have not written anything before. We hope to inspire authors through our guest speakers or our creative writing exercises. We discuss our writing and share what we have learned with each other.' Contact Peter at 083 441 1950. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Flowers, farmers markets and fun runs to look out for this weekend
Flowers, farmers markets and fun runs to look out for this weekend If you have an upcoming event to promote, make sure to email nothando@ for inclusion. 24 April – The Ballito Writers' Group meeting at the Ballito Library at 10.30am. Lindy Blignaut will talk about her latest book, 'Walking into the Future – on Grief and Survival.' Newcomers welcome. Tea and refreshments. Contact Peter at 083 441 1950. – Enjoy an array of local fresh produce and foods at Salt Rock Farmers Market every Thursday morning from 7am-12pm. 25 April – Enjoy food, drinks and live music by Winston Smile at La Montagne from 6pm. 26 April – Join the 1-hour parkrun at Hazelmere Dam, Holla Trails and Tinley Manor from 8-9am. Run, walk or jog while taking in the views. – Saturday Market at Odyssey Shopping Mall from 9am-2pm. Local delicious food, stalls and music. WhatsApp 083 790 5020 for more details. – Sing out loud at the Bingo & Karaoke at the Crazy Cow Shop at Blythedale beach at 3pm. Tickets cost R30. Book your spot at 076 117 9758. 27 April – Secret Sunrise Freedom in the Flowers at the Flower Farm at Sugar Rush. Dancing from 6.30-7.30am. Wireless headphones provided. General tickets: R120, kids R75. Book at Quicket. Optional flower picking at R250 from 7.30-11am. Contact Sam at 069 430 9344. – Tribute to the greatest 80's music of all time from 2-4pm at the Lyric Lounge Theatre. Free entry. 19 May – The Dolphin Coast Floral Art Club will be hosting a 'working with frames and flowers' by at the All Souls Saints Catholic Church at 9am. Contact Vaughn at 083 510 8792. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
