Hey Tim. I am also in South Africa and we have to make the Rand's stretch. When I lived in the UK it was handy so the trips over are obviously not as frequent these days.

I find it alarming still that they have to still have signs up that you have to walk on the pathways and dogs have to be on leashes due to all the ordnance still lying around the area.
The Grand is in a good situation as you are 10 minutes from St Omer which has a great farmers market in the square. Le Coupelle is nearby and if you haven't been is a must. The bunker which still stands is also close by but the opening times you need to check as it is privately owned.