The Hermanus News

NEWS

Hermanus

The

News You Can Use

Issue 5

2015

27 OCTOBER

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Almost ready to take on the big adventure of migrating south for the summer, this little white Southern Right calf enjoyed the opportunity to practice its breaching skills.

Between 3% and 4% of all calves are born white and their skin becomes darker as they mature and reach adulthood.

According to counts three white calves were born in the Walker Bay area this year.

Picture: Phil Heading

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Hermanus the place to be Not only is the newly elected management committee of Hermanus Tourism geared towards establishing the town as the best holiday destination the country, but residents also should brace themselves for a barrage of new and innovative marketing ideas and development plans that will hopefully draw thousands of visitors to our shores annually.

have and everything possible should be done to preserve and improve the area. “Although a number of the revitalisation projects have been implemented by the municipality we are of the opinion that more should be done. One of the most important in terms of the CBD Regeneration Framework is the development of High Street as a pedestrian friendly precinct.“

“We cannot allow the single biggest economic driver in the area to suffer further than it already has. Every resident in town is in one way or the other affected by tourism and our local economy is highly dependent on it,” says Quentin Mitchell, newly elected chair of Hermanus Tourism.

This project will see High Street form the link between Station Square (Woolworths) and the proposed development of Mitchell Square (the parking area behind Ackermans and Jet). The idea will be to create a pedestrian friendly space with only the necessary vehicle traffic.

The area will offer shelter from the elements and seating to create a shopping and touristfriendly environment.

Visitor numbers to South Africa fell sharply due to both international economic uncertainties and the implementation of new visa regulations for foreign tourists to the country. Year-on-year in April more than 14% less foreigners visited our shores.

According to Frieda Lloyd, PR manager for Hermanus Tourism, they have positioned themselves to roll out several new and exciting projects during the course of the year. “We want every Hermanus resident to become an ambassador for the town. We want everyone to be proudly Hermanus and we want the residents to become part and parcel of promoting our town.

“For that reason we are launching the ‘I’m Local, Ask Me’ campaign. The idea behind it is to furnish residents with badges that will identify them as someone visitors can stop and ask for information. They may not be experts, but noone knows the town better than residents and they can assist with giving directions or advice on restaurants and shops,” says Frieda.

According to her a Hermanus Food Route will also be established. “This will be in the form of a map and will list all the restaurants with a description of them in order to make it easier for visitors to make a decision.”

In conjunction with what tourism is planning the Hermanus Business Chamber is lobbying hard for the implementation of the CBD revitalisation strategy.

According to Seth Anderson of the chamber the CBD is one of the most important assets we

“Through this, local retail will be enhanced and the shopping experience in town will be more attractive and vibrant,” says Seth.

The Draft Report on the Hermanus CBD Regeneration Framework is available at the town planning offices, the library and at www.overstrand.gov.za. The timeframe for comments and feedback is still open until 13 November.

According to Quentin the structure of the new Hermanus Tourism management committee allows for a co-operative environment in which all stake holders can work together to create an environment wherein tourism can thrive. “With the election of the new management committee we were able to create a structure that incorporates all the major stakeholders in Hermanus that contribute towards tourism,” he says.

qualified tour guide and accredited tourism training provider. She specialises in the training and development of tourist guides, hospitality skills and entrepreneurship.

Pam Herd is well known in Hermanus golfing circles and extends her game to being actively involved in the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association.

Hamish Hofmeyr has been managing The Marine for the last 7 years. His experience of the hospitality industry and Hermanus is a great benefit to the Hermanus Tourism Bureau.

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Liz Coates has been a committee member for a number of years. Under her guidance the Hermanus art galleries successfully instituted the very popular First Fridays Artwalk.

Mary Faure has successfully launched the FynArts festival and has extensive knowledge of organising and hosting festivals and events.

Juan Pieterse remains as treasurer and will continue to look after the finances.

Anina Lee has served on the committee for a number of years and is the communication manager for Whale Coast Conservation. She brings with her a wealth of conservation experience.

HERMANUS 18 Arum Street Hermanus Tel 028 312 3704 Email sales1@fordhermanus.co.za

The new management committee (with their respective portfolios) consists of Quentin Mitchell, chair & accommodation, Hamish Hofmeyr, vice–chair and wine route, Pam Herd, ratepayers’ association, Anina Lee, conservation, Liz Coates, galleries, Magda Benadé, activities and transport, Juan Pieterse, treasurer, Mary Faure, festivals and events and Frieda Lloyd, PR manager. Geoff Elske was co–opted as a member.

Chair Quentin Mitchell has served on the management committee before and has successfully managed self-catering cottages for a number of years in the Overberg. Magda Benadé gained experience at KWV and is a

The new Hemanus Tourism management committee who together with office manager, Gardean Lucas, are looking to establish Hermanus as a top holiday destination.

Bypass may be derailed by The new Hertrain development Rambler

Dave Smith

The proposal is to learn from the Gautrain experience and build a new railway line running from Bot River to Hermanus. The line would carry most of the holiday traffic away from the congested R43 at peak times as well as a good proportion of the heavy traffic thanks to a proposed freight service.

In Hermanus itself, the station would revert to its originally intended purpose and the Tourist Office would relocate to Tesselaarsdal. The Checkers Mall would need to be re-sited to make way for parking facilities and a goods yard. A new site has been identified alongside the golf club and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve

Proudly Hermanus

And with plenty of projects, developments and events on the cards to further enhance our offering to visitors Hermanus is cementing its reputation as a must-visit-destination.

With all of this, and together with our dedicated NSRI volunteers (see page 4), as well as our Blue Flag beaches we cannot help but be proud of our town and the people who work so hard to make it a little piece of hemel on aarde.

That is the Good News.

ED

Stanford also park runs Your readers might be interested that we in Stanford have been involved in a kind of parkrun for the past 5 years.

We meet every Monday at 5:30 at 9 Adderley Street Stanford, park on the free municipality land opposite my house and run, jog or walk briskly or slowly singly, in pairs or indeed in groups. We call this striding and we are the Striders of Stanford.

We have two routes around the village (4km and 5km) and we attract young (some mums with prams) and old(er!!), children, school learners, real runners and dogs.

We also meet on the last Friday of each month and repeat the exercise around the

Publisher De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thehermanusnews.co.za Content Manager Megan Smith 082 411 1343 smalltowntiger@gmail.com Marketing De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thehermanusnews.co.za Graphic Designer & Layout Artist Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey1094@gmail.com

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A spokesperson for the company, Helen “Queenie” Bee said: “We are extremely excited about our involvement in this literally groundbreaking project which will add tremendous value to the Hermanus area and to our balance sheet. Another idea which our chairman Cyril is

OPEN DAILY 08:00 - 17:00 7 DAYS A WEEK

Looking at what Hermanus offers, from being an art hot spot an eco-marine hope spot and everything in between, ranging from great food to internationally renowned wines, we are indeed fortunate to live in this town.

And the end is not yet in sight. Hermanus will also at the weekend become the latest area to host a parkrun – an international event that takes place every Saturday and has the ability to draw a host of new visitors to town (see page 10).

The project management tender process has already been completed and the contract awarded to Ramzil Projects (Caymans) Pty., a company with an impressive track record in the field having recently installed the model railway at Ratanga Junction.

Betty Blue Bistro 126 Main Road Hermanus Tel: 028 125 0037 Fax: 086 461 7400 info@bettyblue.co.za

Along with the warmer days of summer the feeling of joyous exuberance for the holiday season lying ahead is almost tangible.

Already we have, in just the past week, received high acclaim from both the local and international media (see page 9). We also boast a high-tech biodiversity walk along the Cliff Path (see page 5) and in the coming weeks the run-up to the annual Pinot Noir Celebration will start and we will see brand new adventure sport activities being hosted locally (see page 8).

It is believed that Hoy’s Koppie may also need to be moved to the north and east, possibly to the High School playing fields or the cricket club. Court orders to acquire the necessary land are in place

vines in Stanford Hills wine farm. The owner Peter Kastner has already set out measured and signed routes. Records, times and PBs are kept and each participant receives a copy for each event.

The Stanford Stumble at the Hills Farm takes place every November, 28th this year, and attracts dozens and dozens of joggers - the water stations are transformed for that occasion and replaced by fine wines. We also attract visitors from farms nearby and some villages all to pursue a healthy life style every Monday. Some of your readers may wish to join us. Many Striders supplement this with alternative routes on other days.

Andrew Herriot, Stanford

investigating is the construction of a tunnel or bridge running from the Prawn Flats to De Kelders. This might involve some disruption to the ecology of the estuary for a decade or so but we have to get this traffic through to Eskom’s new “Nuclear 2” station at Bantamsklip somehow – oops, don’t quote me on that last bit.”

Spokesperson for the Municipality, “Goodwill” van der Merwe, confirmed that, as this is a provincial matter, the local authorities can take no responsibility for whatever is decided from on high. “We will just have to sit back and take our share of the proposed tolls,” he added. “If people selfishly insist on using the road then they must be prepared to pay for the privilege.”

A public participation process will be put in place and the times and dates of the meetings will be announced at least 6 hours in advance.

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Can we get a traffic light at the Eastcliff Centre? It is a nightmare to turn into Main Road and there is a lot of congestion. Especially with the season approaching fast it needs urgent attention. Sometimes you have to wait a very long time before you get the chance to turn into Main Road. And with cars turning both right and left the lines of cars are endless Eastcliff Resident

Please change pet policy I have noticed something about our sweet town which deeply upsets me. Many of my friends and acquaintances are seriously struggling to find rentals which will allow their tenants to keep pets.

Which has very sadly resulted in many animal owners being forced to give up their loving pets to the overrun shelters in our area. If you are a property owner and call yourself an animal lover who makes the occasional donation to the welfare; it is not good enough.

If you are a property owner and not an animal lover it’s even more of a reason to assist the people who want to help animals, because there is a crisis in shelters where puppies grow old and die. I know 13 people who would adopt a cat or dog if their accommodation would allow for it.

Please find it in your heart to reconsider your values regarding your "no pets policy". Many young people today cannot afford to have children and opt for a cat or a dog because we still want to love and nurture another living being. So I am asking you, property owners, husbands, wives and children of property owners, please reconsider your no pet policies.

Lee Burgers via Facebook

Ombudsman The press exists to serve society. Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny of the forces that shape society, and is essential to realising the promise of democracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments on the issues of the day, a role whose centrality is recognised in the South African Constitution.

The News of Hermanus subscribes to the South African Press Code and subsequently to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman. Should you feel that our reporting was not free, fair or unbiased or that serious errors were made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe.

He can be reached on 011 484 3612/8, or via email at pressombudsman@ombudsman.org.za or visit www.presscouncil.org.za

NEWS The

GOOD

Rumours emerging from a whistle-blower “in the know” suggest that they have decided on a scheme which will satisfy all concerned.

A small number of properties would need to be demolished in Hawston, Onrus, Sandbaai Heights, Mount Pleasant and Northcliff but disruption would be kept to a minimum.

which, at only 252 hectares would have minimal environmental impact.

GOOD

The current roadworks along the R43, particularly those to the mountain side between Bot River and Hermanus have once again raised concerns about what the provincial authorities plan to do with the road and, in particular, whether or not a Hermanus bypass is still on the table.

Some minor construction would be required in the village of Bot River itself. As only 2 trains per year currently run into the station there, extensive Park and Ride facilities would need to be built along with a container depot and possible heliport. Feasibility studies have shown that the village square and a number of the surrounding wine farms could be converted for these purposes.

Chia lives life to the fullest Either you like them or you don’t. But even if you don’t, there is one cat in Hermanus that quickly crawls into your heart and makes even the most ardent of dog-lovers smile and open their hearts to this creature.

Meet Chia, a tortoiseshell point Siamese. But what makes this kitty so special?

Apart from being one of the main attractions (and seemingly boss of the shop) at Fleurs Art and Flower Shop in Main Road, she is also blind and deaf.

According to Fleurs owner, Louis Saaiman, she underwent an operation when she was very young which left her without her hearing and eyesight.

“She is named Chia because my youngest daughter, Kiah, could not pronounce the word Siamese. Every time she tried to say it she would

say ‘chia’ and so the name stuck,” says Louis.

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Chia is a spritely 7-year-old cat and nothing has stopped her from living a full and happy life. She has also been mom to two kittens - Fynbos and Rooibos.

According to Louis, Chia has been coming to the store with him since the day he opened Fleurs and she enjoys all the attention she gets.

“She has followers from all over the world,” says Louis.

Louis confirms that she is very familiar with the store and all its nooks and crannies, artwork and flowers. Chia also knows where her basket, food and sunny spots in the courtyard are.

What is surprising is that even though the front door leads onto the busy Main Road she has never once ventured out. Louis says she relies on vibrations and smells to determine where she will go and not go. She sits so calmly in a

Louis Saaiman and Chia

person’s lap but her love for Louis is clear. She purrs just for him, gives him plenty of cat kisses and kneads away at his clothing when he pets her.

Louis adds, “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her!”

Megan Smith

21A Mimosa Street, Hermanus Industria

Tel: (028) 312-3767 Email: sales@premiershutters.co.za Website: www.premiershuttersandfires.co.za

L2L a very worthy cause “I thought that joining the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk was a good idea as I was going through a difficult time. I imagined walking was a way to de-stress but during the first walk I ended up wearing the wrong shoes and got bad blisters. When we were nearing the end I was telling myself I am never going to do this again. But at the end we were met by family, friends, the mayor and the kids from the Hermanus Child Welfare. That changed everything and I have continued to walk each year,” says Lindi Prinsloo, committee member of the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk.

When the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk began in 2005 there were only 10 individuals who walked the 100 kilometre stretch spanning from Cape Agulhas to Danger Point Lighthouse over 4 days. For the next event there are 80 women walking across the rugged terrain in order to raise funds for charity.

Hennie de Wet, owner of The Hire Centre in Onrus, and his wife, Jacomien, celebrated the opening of their new premises on the corner of Van Blommenstein Street and Main Road (where the old Rheezicht supermarket used to be). According to Hennie the new shop is much larger than the previous one but business in Hermanus is booming. “We have seen a huge increase in the demand for plant and tool hire in the last few years.

That means that there is continuous development in town which is excellent for the local economy.” Contact The Hire Centre on 028 598 8559.

NEWS

GOOD

The

Each year charities are encouraged to present a proposal to the walkers. The list is then shortlisted to 5, after which everyone votes and the final 2 are selected in order to receive funding.

The first beneficiary for 2016 is The Clive Prins Youth Addiction Treatment Programme and the walkers hope to raise the targeted amount of R400 000 on the walk taking place from 12 to 15 March.

The organisation has a clear vision on how to deal with drug and alcohol addiction among the youth. They manage addiction issues, provide counselling and support for both the individuals and their family. The second beneficiary is the Hermanus Rainbow Trust and they will receive all the funds raised during the

Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse fun walk taking place in February.

The whole of the Overstrand is welcome to enter and participate. The route runs from De Kelders to Grotto. There will also be 5 km fun walk. An invitation to join the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk goes out in August. The first ladies to register and pay are entered into the walk. According to Lindi it is on a first come first served basis as there are a limited amount of entries available. “Accommodation, refreshments, food, t-shirts and bags are provided; the community has been very gracious!

“The ladies have all got their own ways of raising funds. Some find sponsorship through friends and family, some are sponsored by businesses.

Some even sell boerewors rolls and pancakes,” says Lindi.

Elaine Bayer from The Beanery sells unique necklaces specially made for the walk by Ralph Walton from Ralph Walton Jewellery Design and Refine Anti-Ageing, Laser and Botox Clinic sells raffle tickets at R120 each.

Entrants can stand a chance to win a dermaroller treatment to the value of R 1 750.

According to Lindi some of the participants have not missed a single year of the walk. The youngest member was 15 years old and the oldest member 75. “That means there is nothing stopping you from taking part in a uniquely Overstrand tradition, all the while raising much needed funds for local charities,” says Lindi.

Should you wish to contribute. The banking details are: Lighthouse Ladies, ABSA Hermanus, account number: 9276889845.

Megan Smith

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A calling to save lives The NSRI helps keep our waters safe and will stop at nothing to help those in need of saving.

But these men and woman who often put their lives at risk to help save others are volunteers who do not receive any money for the time and effort they put in. For them it is a service that they are happy to deliver. MEGAN SMITH joined the NSRI Station 17 crew in Hermanus to find out more.

conditions are gruelling, you don’t want to be the guy in the water, so it is time to focus and be safe. My family and friends are on my mind when things get tough but the drive to help and save a life overrides those emotions.

“Each situation often differs with the seasons.

When the snoek are running we get calls to help tow in boats and during festive season we normally tend to beach-goers or people who have been washed off the rocks,” says André.

It is Wednesday evening, 20:00, outside Station 17 of the NSRI in the New Harbour. The smells and sounds of the nearby restaurants seem warm and inviting, yet I am amongst a group of men standing outside in what feels like the middle of winter. There is no emergency and no lives to save. So “what would they be doing at that hour?” you may very well ask.

Jean le Roux, deputy station commander, has his own steel and welding business and has been with Station 17 for eight years. “I can honestly say that if I am at work and get a callout it has never affected my work or my relationship with a client. It really has strengthened the bond with them, as they know that I am saving lives and they realise that it could be them.”

The answer is quite simple. These men, who seem so adjusted to the cold, are volunteer members of the NSRI Hermanus.

Deon Langenhoven, Station Commander, says that anyone can become a volunteer. “You do not need any prior training to join. We run a training course that lasts 6 months.

“During this time, you attend courses in Cape Town and locally where you undergo rigorous training and testing that are both mentally and physically taxing. Not many people last the 6 months so once this probation period is over we know that the people who are left have what it takes to be part of the team,” says Deon.

Deon has been part of the NSRI for over 19 years and after hearing a few of the hair-raising stories you realise that it is not for everyone. There is a strong sense of brotherhood and a true passion for the cause in the way he talks about saving lives and going out in life threatening conditions as if it were run-of-the-mill.

Sea rescue missions vary and always differ. If a vessel or individual in distress makes a call to any emergency number the message is relayed to the correct station. Deon explains that the main port control is SMS based, with a preprogrammed system, meaning that if a message is logged mentioning for instance the word “Hermanus” an alert is automatically sent to the controllers, station commander and the deputy station manager.

Jean joined Station 17 after he himself got into trouble out at sea. “I thought why can’t I be the guy who saves people?” assisted in a dramatic rescue mission near Hangklip in which nine sailors lost their lives after abandoning ship in huge swells.

business and joined the NSRI in 2011 after a friend convinced him to do it. “I am so glad I joined. I absolutely love it,” chuckles André.

“I was having dinner with Petrus and Estelle Hendriksz, owners of Fusion restaurant and huge supporters of the NSRI, on Sunday 27 September,” he recalls.

He was one of the volunteers tasked in helping to swim and rescue two kayakers who were swept out into the ocean after the Bot River Lagoon breached dragging them with it.

Luckily, both kayakers survived.

“I was standing in the kitchen and had just taken the pork fillets out and was finishing up the gravy when the call came in at 18:08. Port control mentioned that there were 21 crew on board a stricken fishing trawler and that they had abandoned the boat. I knew this was a serious incident and that something was dreadfully wrong. The safest place you can be is on your boat.

“The swells reached 7 to 8 meters high that evening and the wind was a major problem.

The NSRI team arrived to find the boat with all its lights burning but nobody aboard. This made us realise that the crew were all in the water,” says Deon.

“In situations like the Hangklip mission the

Jean talks of his first experience retrieving an individual who drowned. He decided to drive through to Somerset West to visit the widow and took along a bunch of proteas. “The wife were extremely grateful for those flowers as they was her late husband’s favourite. I am a Christian and I firmly believe that your body is a vessel that carries your soul here on earth. I see people who have passed on in a different state. Their soul has moved on and that helps me to move along too.” Jean finishes by saying that he always calls his wife, Adri, before embarking on training or on a sea rescue mission.

Nine crew members died and sadly the bodies of three of them are still unaccounted for. After assisting with search and rescue operations for the whole night the team arrived back at the station at 2:00 on the Monday morning.

“We assisted with recovering the bodies of the drowned sailors and were able to recover 5 bodies. When we got back to port the police and a forensic team were on hand to take the bodies to the mortuary. After that was done, we had to wash, sterilise and refuel the boat in order to have it ready for its next mission. We left the station just after 04:00 that morning.”

Calls fall into two categories, green and red.

Green means that a vessel or individual requires assistance and a red call means that life is in danger and immediate response is required.

There are three vessels on hand at Station 17: the 10m deep-sea vessel South Star, the 5.5m Hunters Gold Sea Rescue rubber duck and the 4.2m rubber duck, Le Genmar Two.

Working in such a high-pressure environment and often having to deal with death, the volunteers are monitored closely to ensure their wellbeing.

Recently Deon and four other volunteers

André Barnard (27) has his own landscaping

Being an NSRI volunteer is one thing but being an NSRI volunteer’s wife is a completely different topic and that is why we have dedicated a section to Adri le Roux, wife of deputy station commander, Jean le Roux.

Adri is a Grade 1 Afrikaans teacher at Hermanus Primary School and mom to son Jean Pierre, 22 and daughter Bianca, 19 – both their children are currently studying at the University of Stellenbosch.

“I experience the same stress and anxiety that Jean feels when a call comes in. There is a specific ringtone and SMS tone for NSRI emergencies.” Jean and Adri have been married for 25 years and since she can remember he has always said he wants to be by the sea. When they moved from Johannesburg to Hermanus and he mentioned he wanted to join the NSRI she supported him whole-heartedly.

“When a call comes in I can see Jean’s body language change. I don’t even have to ask who it was, while he is getting

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According to André when a call comes in there are a lot of things happening at the same time.

“While you are getting dressed you are briefed on the situation. You have to also get the necessary equipment together and ready yourself to go out. But the time spent training and working together with other team members turns what would seem to an outsider to be absolute chaos into what is in actual fact an efficient and orderly routine.

According to Jean his first rescue was of a 10year-old girl and her family whose boat had capsized in front of Beach Club. After the rescue, the little girl refused to leave before thanking him. “Feel-good experiences like these pay for the time spent at the NSRI and help you through the hard times,” he says.

The life of an NSRI wife his things ready I’m at the door with the car keys!”

Adri knows that she would want someone like Jean to save her life out at sea. “It could be someone’s parent, sibling, relative or friend out there, but I admit to having mixed emotions as it is my husband who is putting his life on the line out in menacing conditions to save someone’s life. When they walk out that door you do not know if it will be the last time you see them.

“I stay up and wait for Jean’s return if he heads out at night. I keep in contact with the control room and they are very understanding. I cannot call Jean when he is on a mission as they have to keep the phone lines open. If the rescue is during the day I keep my cellphone close to me, the school has been

very supportive in these instances.”

According to Adri they do not go away during December and January as it tends to be a busy time of year for Jean so their family from all over the country comes and visits them instead.

Adri recalls a few years ago they were all at an NSRI event.

Everyone was dressed to the nines when a call came in. “All the men left and the women stayed behind and had a party.

All the partners, friends and family have no issues with times like those, we all understand.”

Asking Adri who looks after her if she is so busy looking after school kids, her kids and Jean, she blushes and throws a brightly painted fingernail to the sky – “God of course!”

Adri and Jean Le Roux.

NEWS

GOOD

They are gathered at the station as they do each Wednesday and Saturday evening to receive ongoing instruction, attend lectures and brush up on water-based training. The reason for it being so late in the evening and over weekends is that most if not all of the volunteers work during the day.

Smart walk the Champagne Mile Hermanus’s world famous cliff paths now offer even more with the smartphone enabled guided walk along the Champagne Mile – the stretch between Gearing’s Point and Swallow Park.

Access to the voice guided walked is gained by downloading a VoiceMap application on your smartphone.

The voice guided walk starts at the War Memorial and two cannons above the Old Harbour as resident Jennifer Beattie discusses key landmarks along the way, such as the Old Harbour and the museums. Also discussed is the sinking of the Birkenhead off Danger Point and the fact that the phrase “woman and children first” was used by the captain for the first time ever on a sinking ship.

The application uses GPS coordinates to locate the user’s position and tells them in what direction to walk. It also lets you put your phone in your pocket and alerts you when you are nearing the next point of interest on the walk.

Other interesting facts that are discussed include how Gearing’s Point got its name, that the Windsor Hotel was originally a sanatorium, and all about the Biodiversity Walk and the historic “wasbakkies”.

According to David Beattie, chair of the Cliff Path Management Group, the application is part of the broader Biodiversity Walk launched earlier in the year.

“This particular stretch of coastline is one of the

How to install the application:

most used by tourists and deserves to be recognised for its beauty and rich diversity of flora and fauna. It also provides prime landbased whale watching,” he says.

• Go to the App Store on your smartphone and install the VoiceMap Audio Walking Tours app;

The walking route runs from Hermanus Pieter’s fountain through to Gearing’s Point and includes seating and signage which covers a wide range of topics from the geology, flora and fauna to the inter-tidal zones. There are currently 25 freestanding signs and 5 information nodes where people can sit and read more about the area.

Davis says this particular stretch of the Cliff Path was chosen as it was badly polluted and overgrown with alien vegetation. With funding from the municipality the area was cleared of alien vegetation and the planting of indigenous vegetation is ongoing. “We hope to see schools and educational centres, residents and visitors come and enjoy the walk and at the same time learn more about our towns and soak up the beauty of the area.”

• Keep an eye out for the VoiceMap app logo as seen here as there might be similar apps; • Once the app has been installed search for Hermanus and download the walk entitled “The Champagne Mile in Hermanus”; • To download this walk costs $1.99 (about R20). All proceeds go toward maintaining the Cliff Path; • You can use the walk as many times as you like; • Remember to bring a set of headphones - it makes for much easier listening.

According to David Beattie, chair of the Cliff Path Management Group, the application is part of the broader Biodiversity Walk launched earlier in the year.

Hermanus Pharmacies/Clinics Emergency after hours tel: 028 312 4039

Hermanus Pharmacy/Clinic 145 Main Road, Hermanus

Tel: 028 312 4039

brenda@hermanuspharmacy.co.za Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 18:30 Saturdays: 08:00 - 13:00 & 18:30 - 19:30 Sundays & Public Holidays 10:00 - 12:00 & 18:30 - 19:30

Alex Grant Pharmacy/Clinic

A. Stewart Pharmacy Pick n Pay Centre, Hermanus

Gateway Centre, Hermanus

Tel: 028 312 4847

ingrid@alexgrantpharmacy.co.za Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 17:30 Saturdays: 08:00 - 13:00

Tel: 028 312 1410

arnold@aspharmacy.co.za Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:30 - 18:00 Saturdays: 08:30 - 14:00 Sundays & Public Holidays 10:00 - 12:00

A one-stop pharmacy servicing all your needs A. Stewart Pharmacy is in the Pick n Pay Centre in Hermanus.

With its ideal location for one-stop shopping and ample parking, it provides in all your pharmaceutical needs and also offers a vast range of supplementary health and beauty products.

Healthy advice and superior service from Pharmacist Arnold Nepgen and his enthusiastic and caring staff are other well-known trademarks of A. Stewart Pharmacy.

It is conveniently open on weekdays from 08:30 – 18:00, Saturday from 08:30 to 14:00 and Sunday and public holidays from Behind the counter: Kitty Kok, Arnold 10:00- 12:00.

Nepgen and Chantell Potgieter GOOD

GOOD

NEWS

On the sales floor: Miriam Aplon, Amanda Symington, Lindsay Light and Faith Mnyanzeli

Behind the tills and admin: Riana Buys, Hannelie Roux and Joshlin Hartnick

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Calling all artists !!!

Every Tueday and Thursday morning about 5 to 10 children with special needs get together at Hawston High School from 10h - 14h.

Even if it is only 1 hour per month - with several volunteers we could cover the 8 hours per month needed. If you are interested please contactJeandré Marinier at 0606768652 or Mary Faure at 0846007058.

ART MATERIALS WILL BE SUPPLIED.

The next step will be to formalise the FynArts Fund, which will focus on development of the arts in Hermanus and the Cape Whale Coast. Funds would also make it possible for people to attend a range of events, who might not otherwise be able to do so due to socio-economic reasons. A further goal is to support longer-term arts education that will continue beyond the ten days of FynArts, possibly workshops and courses to take place monthly, culminating in exhibitions or concerts at future FynArts festivals.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP) REVIEW FOR 2016/2017 The public meetings will take place on the dates and time as indicated below: Ward No 8 4 13 6 3 5 12 7 10 9 1 11 2

Time 18:00 18:00 14:00 18:00 14:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00

Venue Thusong Centre Moffat Hall De Wet Hall Community Hall Auditorium Qhayiya School Primary School Sandbaai Hall Crassula Hall Town Hall Masakhane Hall Community Hall Gansbaai Tourism Centre

Suburb Hawston Mt Pleasant Onrus Zwelihle Hermanus Zwelihle Zwelihle Sandbaai Bettys Bay Kleinmond Gansbaai Stanford Gansbaai

OPENBARE VERGADERINGS: HERSIENING VAN GEÏNTEGREERDE ONTWIKKELINGSPLAN (GOP) VIR 2016/2017 Die openbare vergaderings sal plaasvind op die datums en tye soos hieronder aangetoon.

Datum 03 Nov. 2015 09 Nov. 2015 10 Nov. 2015 10 Nov. 2015 11 Nov. 2015 11 Nov. 2015 18 Nov. 2015 23 Nov. 2015 24 Nov. 2015 26 Nov. 2015 30 Nov. 2015 01 Des. 2015 02 Des. 2015

Wyknr.

8 4 13 6 3 5 12 7 10 9 1 11 2

Tyd 18:00 18:00 14:00 18:00 14:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00

Plek Thusong-sentrum Moffat-saal De Wet-saal Gemeenskapsaal Ouditorium Qhayiya-skool Laerskool Sandbaaisaal Crassula-saal Stadsaal Masakhane-saal Gemeenskapsaal Gansbaai-toerismesentrum

Art lovers can look forward to another jam-packed 10 days running from 10 to 19 June 2016 which will be filled with concerts, talks, workshops, demonstrations, films, food and wine.

Mary Faure, festival director of FynArts says, “The festival is growing in stature into a very prestigious event and to ensure its sustainability and further development it has become imperative that an accountable structure be created.” Mary outlined the decision to register FynArts as a non-profit organisation as a first step. “The time is right to develop this more formal structure to manage an expanding FynArts. Hopefully a further benefit might be the possibility of being granted much needed funding.”

They are not schooled. During this time they do art for an hour: poster paints, drawing, painting with their hands and simply being creative. We are looking for volunteers to encourage them and help them discover the joys of being creative.

Date 03 Nov 2015 09 Nov 2015 10 Nov 2015 10 Nov 2015 11 Nov 2015 11 Nov 2015 18 Nov 2015 23 Nov 2015 24 Nov 2015 26 Nov 2015 30 Nov 2015 01 Dec 2015 02 Dec 2015

FynArts 2016

Woonbuurt Hawston Mt. Pleasant Onrus Zwelihle Hermanus Zwelihle Zwelihle Sandbaai Bettysbaai Kleinmond Gansbaai Stanford Gansbaai

This year’s festival was very successful, and almost 9 000 tickets were sold, of which 600 to 700 were sponsored. Ticket sales have much more than doubled in three years with many events being sold out. These included films, silversmith and design workshops, dinners and so on. An estimated 3 380 people visited the exhibitions at the Synagogue, Rossouw Modern Art Gallery, Windsor Hotel, Bouchard Finlayson and Pure South. Sales of works of art were nearly 500% up on those of 2014.

The connecting theme of last year’s FynArts was Italian; this year it will be French. “There is so much scope for this particular connection in terms of wine, food, arts, everything really,” says Mary.

According to Mary, 2016 will be a big year. “A taste of the highlights to come include the participation of the very well-known South African artist, now living in France, Louis Jansen van Vuuren who will be the 2016 festival artist. As well as his exhibition, Louis will be offering other events that will be announced in due course. Richard Cock will be back at FynArts for the first weekend. Amongst others, he will present Louis Armstrong and Friends on Saturday 11 June, as well as Last Night of the Proms, which will be back for one more year, due to popular demand.”

The Keiskamma Art Project is sure to be a highlight and will feature rich tapestries hand-embroidered by women in the Eastern Cape. Pieces reflect their culture and life stories. For the first time there will be a few special events offered in venues in the New Harbour, that will reflect the rich marine heritage of Hermanus. The Sculpture on the Cliffs will go ahead again and the current sculptures along the cliff path will only come down in April next year. There will be a number of art exhibitions including jewellery, ceramics and thread art. There will once again be a pop-up kitchen, sponsored by the Mac Brothers, with a programme of demonstrations twice daily, from Monday 13 to Friday 17 June. Watch out for further events on the FynArts 2016 programme.

Visit: www.hermanusfynarts.co.za for more information

Makietie with Whale Coast FM Whale Coast 96FM will present their first On-Air Makietie from 23 November to 27 November 2015. And everyone is invited.

“We are going to abandon all normal programming for that week from 18:00 to 22:00 to make way for creative, unique and interesting stories, music programmes and audio projects,” says Dayne Nel, station manager at Whale Coast 96FM.

INTLANGANISO KAWONKE WONKE: UPHUHLISO OLUCETYWAYO OLUDIBENEYO (IDP) OLUPHINDE LWAPHONONGWA 2016/2017:

“The public is also welcome to make programme submissions or to sponsor an hour for R1 000. Any creative ideas are welcome and all funds go to keeping Whale Coast 96FM on air.”

Intlanganiso kawonke wonke iyakuthatha inxaxheba ngentsuku namaxesha ikhankanyiweyo ngezantsi:

Daynel also mentions that there have already been submissions for poetry programmes and story readings.

Usuku 03 Nov 2015 09 Nov 2015 10 Nov 2015 10 Nov 2015 11 Nov 2015 11 Nov 2015 18 Nov 2015 23 Nov 2015 24 Nov 2015 26 Nov 2015 30 Nov 2015 01 Dec 2015 02 Dec 2015

Inombolo yewadi 8 4 13 6 3 5 12 7 10 9 1 11 2

Ixesha

Indawo

Ingingqi

18:00 18:00 14:00 18:00 14:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00

E-Thusong Centre Moffat Hall E-De Wet Hall Kwiholo yoluntu e-Oditoriyam e-Qhayiya School e-Zwelihle Primary School e-Sandbaai Hall e-Crassula Hall e-Town Hall e-Masakhane Hall Kwiholo yoluntu e-Gansbaai Tourism Centre

Hawston Mt Pleasant Onrus Zwelihle Hermanus Zwelihle Zwelihle Sandbaai Bettys Bay Kleinmond Gansbaai Stanford Gansbaai

Anyone who wants to take part in the programme can email Whale Coast FM at news@whalecoastfm.co.za or phone the office on 028 312 2314.

“We are very excited and we are looking forward to presenting something unique,” says Dayne.

Notice no: 114/2015

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The

Worm your way into gardening this summer “Trust a Scotsman to be in the business of selling manure and worms,” says Ronald Thomson, owner of Hermanus Worms.

under

“Simply line the box with wet newspaper, place the worms in the box and feed them kitchen waste. Once you have enough compost you can scoop this out and use this in the garden.

Top the waste up and sprinkle with water regularly as there must be a 60% moisture content.

Ronald says he has been in the business ever since he can remember. The store has been in operation since 2005 and specialises in supplying the public with herbs, organic gardening products, worms, worm farming equipment and organic horse manure from the Hemel- en-Aarde Valley.

According to Ronald the dry meal worms are one of the top-selling items as they attract a host of birdlife to gardens. Other oddities available at the store are ostrich oils and soaps.

So what is all the fuss about these worms?

thick wet mulch.

“Vermicompost (worm compost) is incredibly good for soils as the compost contains nutrients and microbes in a form which is readily available for plants to utilize and absorb. There are no harmful chemicals in the compost either,” he says.

Composts should have specific ratios of carbon and nitrogen components which boil down to how much a plant will consume. “Compost making is actually quite technical and not just a matter of throwing vegetable rubbish onto a heap and hoping for the best,” says Ronald.

Well, organic compost can only be made by incorporating worms. The only worm for this job is the Eisinia Fetida, commonly known as the red wriggler, because they can be kept in a box.

No soil is required as they live on the surface,

compost and one can easily become fed up.

“The process is slow but rewarding!”

“The feedstock should be no more than 2-3 centimetres deep. Soft fruits and vegetables will decay faster and the more worms you have in the box, the faster the decomposition will take place.”

Ronald says you can feed the worms everything that once was alive and is now dead.

“Irrespective of what you are feeding them you will get the same product in the end.”

The box also has a tap fitted at the bottom that

Ronald Thomson, owner of Hermanus Worms. can be used to tap out what they call ‘worm wee’.

According to Ronald this is “liquid gold” and can be added to your garden just as it is. The liquid is supposedly also great for eczema.

“I’ve been using it on my hands for years. Oh yes, some people will even use it on their faces as it contains active ingredients that eat dead skin, though it has never been scientifically proven.”

Ronald provides a 24/7 telephonic service if problems occur. Ronald adds, “I once had a woman call me late on a Saturday evening asking me how she will know if the worms are happy. Simply put, I asked her if they were alive and she said yes. I then said ‘well madam then they are happy!”

To start your vermicompost you would require a box that is specially made for “worm farming”.

A basic 45 litre box with 500 worms will set you back R360, but there are larger options available at Hermanus Worms. According to Ronald no less than 1 000 worms should be used initially as a lesser amount will not show any

“If gardening is not your thing then the worms make for excellent bait especially for trout and

Bill’s gardening tips Whether you are using your own or storebought compost, here are some summer gardening tips from Bill Harling of Walker Bay Nursery.

• Depending on the type of lawn you have, you might want to consider spraying a herbicide to contain any weeds.

DIY Compost Did you know that you can avoid throwing away roughly 30% of kitchen waste as it can be used in making compost instead? Compost provides extra nutrients and moisture to soils as well as being a natural gardening alternative to using chemical fertilisers.

Here is how to get started on your own compost heap: • Compost heaps are best suited to those who have large gardens or open spaces.

Select an area in the corner of your garden.

• Begin on an open patch of ground so that insects and other organisms can crawl up from the ground and help to aerate the compost.

• Put down a patch of straw, this helps with drainage.

• Begin by adding layers of both dry and wet ingredients. Wet ingredients include tea bags and food waste. Dry ingredients include leaves and ash.

• Your compost heap must never be dry, water occasionally, more so in the summer months than in the winter months. The heap should never be drenched in water but always kept moist.

• Cover the heap with plastic or carpeting as this helps retain moisture and heat, which are two very important elements in compost making.

• Give the compost a quick turn every couple of weeks using a spade or rake. Add to the pile as often as you like but remember to mix the ingredients in as opposed to stacking them in layers.

Happy gardening!

We service ANY make or model vehicle OLDER THAN 5 YEARS Phone to make an appointment to have your ly vehicle serviced at the on unbelievable price of

R990.00

028 312 3704 18 Arum Street, Hermanus

We do a 20 check point service and safety inspection as part of a complete service.

EASTCLIFF AUTO CC

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NEWS

• Feed your lawn with good lawn feed. This should be done every 4 weeks irrespective of the season.

• If you have a mole problem consider using 411 which gets rid of the insects that the moles feed on - they won’t bother visiting a place where there is no food.

• Keep the lawn healthy by feeding, cutting and watering it all year round.

Spring plants are coming to an end so think about planting the following as they are all sunlovers: • Petunias • Portulaca • Marigold • Bedding Dahlias • Cosmos If you have a shady spot think about planting Impatiens and Begonias.

Bill’s top tip is to tidy up flowerbeds and remove

weeds. Furthermore, keep up with the fertiliser program as soils in the southern hemisphere are poor in nutrients.

Whale Park 5 Adam Street, Hermanus

Tel: 028 312 1690

safetyandshelving@gmail.com CATERING CLOTHING • Aprons • Trousers • Chef Hats • Chef Jackets SAFETY SIGNS • Standard • Construction • Specialized • Customized SHELVINGS & MY GARAGE • Unishelf • Heavy Duty

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING • Overalls • Helmets • Raincoats • Gloves • Ear Plugs SAFETY FOOTWEAR • Safety Boots • Safety Shoes • Gum Boots CLEANING EQUIPMENT • Brooms • Mops • Dispensers • Cleaning Trolleys HI VISIBILITY • Jackets • Bibs • Vests

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featuring paintings by some of South Africa's most famous botanical artists. Other events include a Birding Workshop at Eikenhof, a one hour course on how to attract birds to one's garden, and the greenhouse tours at Oak Valley.

The

News You Can Use

The many wine estates making up the Elegantly Elgin Wine Route will be open throughout the entire weekend, and some of them are planning special events. Full details with a map can be downloaded from www.elginopengardens.co.za.

Wednesday 28 October Hermanus Garden Club

Outing to Fernkloof. Members to meet at Fernkloof parking area at 10:00. Contact Sue on 028 314 0072.

Thursday 29 October Youth against crime imbizo

Friday 30 October U3A: New York City 1898 – 1918

See part 1 of this DVD series entitled ‘The Power and the People’ at the Catholic Church Hall.

Proceedings start at 10:00. For more information call Alan Powell on 028 316 1251.

Friday 30 October Quiz Night at St Peter’s

The quiz starts at 18:30 for 19:00 and the cost is R80 per head and includes a light snack. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. Contact Grazia on 028 312 1325 or Anne on 082 399 3925.

Saturday 31 October Dinner Dance

The Hermanus Dance Café hosts a Dinner Dance at the Hermanus Bowling Club at 19:00.

Cost R100 per person. The tickets are available at The Book Collector (12 Aberdeen Street, Hermanus) 028 313 2341.

Saturday, October 31 Hermanus SMC Charity Run

Annual charity run. Meet at Tipples in Onrus at 09:00. Mass ride through scenic Hermanus. Any donations welcome. Funds will go to a fellow club member who suffered severe burn wounds and has no income. Please come and join in.

End at Tapas and then carry on till late at Hermanus Bikers Pub. Metal badges will be available.

Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November Elgin Open Gardens

Friday 30 October A Volonté Trio

A Volonté Trio is performing their yearly concert.

Following on last year’s success they will once again bring us a performance on 3 piano's.

Come listen to them perform works of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff amongst others. Tickets R100 (Sunday R80); available at Leonie Viljoen Physiotherapy or phone 082 258 9839.

Friday 30 October Dinner with Bruce Fordyce

Join this legend of ultra-marathons at a dinner hosted by the Overstrand Training Institute.

Chef Garth Stroebel will prepare the food and Bruce will share stories of triumph in running and life. To book contact Debbie on 084 523 3798 or 028 313 0219. Email info@oti.org.za

A total of 21 venues will participate in this year’s Open Gardens in the Elgin, Vyeboom and Bot River districts, ranging from large established country gardens (some over 50 years old), to young, recently planted gardens in villages and on smallholdings. A number of gardens will have plants for sale, and some such as Keurbos, Fairholme and Fresh Woods will be offering unusual and interesting plants difficult to find elsewhere.

Many gardens are also offering teas and light meals, in addition to the many other restaurants and food gardens in the area. One of the main Elgin charities, Siphila Sonke, will be serving teas and lunches in the Elgin United Church hall along the Viljoenshoop Road, as well as at Eikenhof.

Other events include various art exhibitions

Tel: 028 316 2348 Closed Mondays Open Tues to Sat from 11:30 to late and Sun 11:30 to 15:00 Sections 4 - 6 Hemel-en-Aarde Village

8

Saturdays

• Hermanus Country Market from 09:00 - 13:00 at the Cricket Grounds.

• Hermanuspietersfontein Market from 09:00 13:00.

• Market in the Garden at St Peter’s Church from 09:00 - 13:00.

Benguela Cove to host multi-discipline adventure weekend

Saturday 31 October Ladies High Tea

Mulberry Bush Pre-School will host a ladies’ high tea to raise funds for the school at the Whale Coast Hotel. The event starts at 11:00. Tickets cost R110 per person. For more information call Chantell on 072 903 9124.

• See you at the Hermanus Library Bhuki Café, for tea, coffee, eats and a chat.

Friday 6 November First Fridays Artwalk

Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness for men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. The theme for this artwalk is Time to Mo Up! The fifteen art galleries in the centre of Hermanus remain open until 8pm. Stroll through the village, savour a glass of wine from one of the local vineyards and enjoy the astonishing range of art and fine craft on display.

Saturday 7 November Dance at the Races

Come dance in the spirit of a day at the races.

Dress outrageously, enjoy a scrumptious dinner and have loads of fun with games and prizes to be won. Tickets cost R300 pp and are available at the Hermanus Dance Studio till 30 October.

Contact Lani on 072 316 5787 or visit www.hermanusdance.co.za

Sondag, November 8 Onbeskaamd

Benguela Cove will be hosting their first multidiscipline event in association with TriSport at the Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. This two-day event will take place on the weekend of Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November 2015.

The Adventure Weekend will include both solo format day and night events with the most amazing scenery as a backdrop. Participants can enter to swim either 600 m or 2 km in the salt-water lagoon. There will also be a night cycle race of either 9 km or 36 km that winds through the vineyards. It is a fast, non-technical route with very little elevation. The same route is used for the 5.5 km and 9 km night or day single track trail run.

Spectators can enjoy the event from the Benguela Cove Boathouse on the day and watch as participants compete in this beautiful setting. Wine by the glass will be available at the club house as well as beers and soft drinks. Participants and spectators can relax after the events by indulging in a chocolate or cheese and wine pairing.

Enter online at www.trisport.co.za/trievent/benguela-adventure-weekend before 17 November 2015. For additional information please visit www.benguelacove.co.za.

Sien die gewilde Onbeskaam om 18:00 by Hermanus Lewende Waters Gemeente in De Goede Straat. Toegang is gratis. Navrae: Corné Kemp – 0828746196 of e-pos bookings@onbeskaamd.co.za

General Fridays

• Hermanus Hacking Group meets at the reservoir above Gateway Centre at 06:15 and works until 08:30. All volunteers welcome.

Contact Carlyn Vosloo 082 558 8731.

• Kolwyntjie-tea garden at the Dutch Reformed Church Service Centre in Onrus. Phone 083 457 1896.

• Bridge at the De Wet Hall in Onrus from 09:00 17:00. Queries 028 316 3522.

We also cater for all functions, including weddings, birthday parties, baby showers & year-end functions.

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Join the Overstrand Municipality together with SAPS, Social Services, Correctional Services, DAFF, DOCS, Department Of Education, Ikamva, Grootbos Foundation, DCAS and the Overberg Wheelchair Association at the Youth against crime imbizo. Proceedings start at 12:00 at the Gansbaai Sports ground.

• Art at the De Wet Hall in Onrus from 09:00 12:00. Queries 028 316 3522.

Vicky and Nick van Zyl, owners of the new Running Rabbit Bistro.

Oskars Village Square Market Street 028 312 3873

Take it slow at the Running Rabbit It has been quite a year for Nick and Vicky van Zyl, owners of the new Running Rabbit Bistro in the Eastcliff Centre.

Not only did they relocate from their home in Canada to Hermanus only five months ago but they got married in Onrus in July. They bought the restaurant in September, started trading as the Running Rabbit on 1 October and, last but not least, just found out that Vicky is 8 weeks pregnant.

“It has been a complete rush,” says the 27-yearold Nick in between serving clients and making sure the front of house is ready for the day’s trade. But, it seems, being on the go is natural for this young man. “I love being involved in all aspects of the restaurant, from cleaning to serving and managing.” And watching Nick extending friendly greetings to customers, taking their orders, swiftly moving between tables ensuring everyone has a good time, it is clear he has a true passion for his restaurant.

Europa Village Square Waterfront Piazza 028 312 4377

The 23-year-old Vicky is a qualified chef and expertly takes care of the kitchen. She too seems to be on the run non-stop. Popping out of the kitchen for a quick photograph, she smiles broadly. “It is so much fun running your own restaurant. It keeps me busy, but I enjoy the challenge.”

Canadian born Vicky grew up in Argentina and completed her culinary education at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. South African born Nick spent four years of his childhood living in America and studied Information Technology in Cape Town.

“After I completed my studies I worked in the IT industry and went to Canada for work. There I

Paradiso Village Square Piazza 028 313 1153

met Vicky and the rest is history as they say,” he smiles.

According to the couple they knew that they wanted to do something they both loved in a place where they both would feel at home.

“My parents retired to Hermanus and after we came to visit we knew we wanted to own a restaurant here,” says Nick.

Although they are still new to not only the area but also the industry this dynamic duo are a hit among the locals. “Because of where we are situated most of our clients are locals. That suits us perfectly because we love to get to know people and ensure that the service is not only pleasant but personal. We are still learning a lot but we are learning with our clients and that is something special,” says Nick.

Rossi’s Italian Restaurant

Vicky ensures a steady stream of mouthwatering dishes from the kitchen such as fresh butter croissants with bacon, egg and cheese and yummy warm beet and goat cheese salad amongst other delectable all-day breakfast and lunch choices. The food will appeal to a wide range of people including children and the health-conscious. Even if you are not hungry you can try their variety of delicious coffees.

Running Rabbit Eastcliff Shopping Centre 028 312 1515

“The Running Rabbit is fully licensed but you are welcome to bring your own wine,” says Nick.

“We do charge a corkage fee, but pensioners do not have to pay corkage.”

Running Rabbit is a new and welcome addition to the popular Eastcliff shopping centre which offers ample free parking. The bistro is open from 08:00 to 15:00, Monday to Saturday. Call them on 028 312 1515, email nvvz@runingrabbit.co.za or visit www.runningrabbit.co.za

Local businesses let Hermanus shine

Two local businesses have made Hermanus proud this week on both the local and international stages.

The Betty Blue Bistro, owned and operated by Rayno and Celia Rabie, received wide acclaim in Eat Out magazine when it was described as the “new Hermanus gem”.

Eat Out food critic Jeanne Calitz writes: ‘The recently opened Betty Blue Bistro may not have an enormous menu, but everything it does have certainly sounds (and looks) delicious. So delicious, in fact, that it’s pretty difficult to choose what you want to eat.’

“Whether you’re after wholesome and healthy, or decadent and indulgent, Betty Blue Bistro is dishing up fresh and fun food bound to have you back for more.”

Rayno and Celia Rabie’s restaurant on Main Road, Betty Blue Bistro. Find them at 126 Main Road or call 028 125 0037.

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According to Celia, Betty Blue offers a fresh and unique concept in Hermanus and the bistro gives pride of place to the humble pancake.

Further to this the bistro so impressed the editors of the glossy Afrikaans magazine De Kat that

they have decided to do an extensive article on the restaurant and its owners.“We are simply delighted and absolutely blown away,” said Rayno.

Birkenhead House Hotel

Internationally, the Birkenhead House Hotel made Hermanus proud when it was rated the 6th best hotel in Africa in the Conde Nast Traveller 2015 Readers' Choice Awards. The hotel scored an impressive 90.75 out of 100 from readers of this prestigious international travel and lifestyle publication. Owned by Capetonians, Phil and Liz Bidel, the hotel is built on the site of the original Birkenhead Hotel.

Birkenhead House is situated in an enviable location atop the rugged cliffs with dazzling ocean views and easy access to the beach.

The original hotel was named after a ship carrying British troops that sank in Walker Bay in 1852. As such, Birkenhead House is steeped in historical significance, and a beautiful reminder of the many lives lost.

According to their website Birkenhead House is the epitome of contemporary beach house

chic: modern, stylish and visually stunning. The ambience is laidback, easy-going and fun. The eleven suites are luxuriously appointed ensuring maximum comfort and indulgence, and the food is of a top-notch, international standard. Rates during season vary between R3 600 and R6 100 per person per night.

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Contact us to order your Personalised Rubber Stamps We offer a 24 hour service

Position available for an Experienced Agent in

HERMANUS

Please email CV to info@aidahermanus.co.za or contact our office on 028 313 0330 “All applications will be guarded with the strictest confidentiality”

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Look for us on & The Hermanus News

Overstrand learner takes gold Thabile Gquira, a Grade 8 learner at Qhayiya Secondary School in Hermanus did the Overstrand proud when he recently took gold in the code of Iintonga at the 10th Annual Indigenous Games which was held in Polokwane in September.

Thabile originally hails from a small rural village in KwaZulu Natal but on hearing that his schooling was being neglected. He was brought to reside in Hermanus by his sister, Ncediswa Gqira, who has since taken on the role of his guardian.

The Indigenous Games offers 9 codes of competition. These are Drie Stokkies, Iintonga, Kgati, Kho – Kho (females), Kho – Kho (males), Jukskei (Development), Jukskei (Elite), Dibeke, Diketo, Ncuva and Morabaraba. Iintonga, the code that Thabile competed in, is a stick fighting game where two sticks are used - a longer stick for attacking and a shorter stick for defending. The final Iintonta match at the Games took place between Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal, which the Western Cape won.

Swimmers took to the water in the inaugural Benguela Cove Lagoon Swim on 18 October.

Participants could choose between a one or three mile course in the Bot River Lagoon. The event was hosted in association with the Freedom Swim Series.

The Craig Joubert controversy explained

The Indigenous Games is part of the Sport and Recreation South Africa Mass Participation Programme. Together with provincial departments responsible for sport and recreation in all provinces in South Africa, the National Department of Sport and Recreation (SRSA) host Indigenous Games Festivals during Heritage Month (September) each year in celebration of African culture and diversity.

Every four years South Africa participates in the International Indigenous Games competition.

At the National festival this year, it was announced that winning teams will represent South Africa at the International Indigenous Games that will be held in Indonesia in October 2016.

Executive Mayor, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie met with Thabile, Ncediswa and officials of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs

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South African referee, Craig Joubert, wrongly awarded a penalty to Australia in their quarter final defeat of Scotland at the Rugby World Cup. Executive Mayor, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie and Thabile Gquira and Sport soon after his win and said, “We are so proud of you and will do all that we can to assist you in obtaining your identity document and passport to ensure you are able to participate in the International Indigenous Games next year. This is a huge achievement and you have the support of everyone in the Overstrand to not only fly the Overstrand flag high, but that of your country.” The Mayor further urged him to be a good ambassador of the country and to remember to always compete in the spirit of sportsmanship, whilst giving of his very best. To this she quipped, “With the focus and energy you displayed at the national level, I have no doubt that we will see you coming back from Indonesia with a shiny trophy to add to the mantelpiece.”

The conversion of the penalty sent the Wallabies into the semi-final against Argentina.

Distraught Scottish players and fans wondered why Joubert had not referred his decision to the television match official (TMO) but the organising body, World Rugby, has said that Joubert adhered to protocols.

The referee in this instance had to rely on what he saw in real time and no referral to the TMO could be made. Joubert awarded the penalty for "deliberate offside" by Scotland but the ball was in fact "knocked on" by Scotland, thereafter touched by Nick Phipps of Australia, thus putting the offender onside in accordance with rule11.3(c). The outcome should have been a scrum to Australia, not a penalty.

ruling on an infringement during the build up to a try and to check the grounding of the ball and kicks at goal - but not for whether the penalty for offside was correct.

Fans would no doubt be unhappy if games were stopped to review penalties, often over 20 per game. However, such a huge match being decided on an incorrect decision is concerning. Australia have really had things go their way, what with dubious refereeing decisions in the 2011 quarter-final against the Springboks and now this. I guess they will be hoping for third time lucky to win the Rugby World Cup!!

World Rugby's rules clearly state that the TMO can only be used to determine acts of foul play,

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The results at the end of the competition saw KwaZulu Natal taking the top spot on the podium, followed by Western Cape in second and Limpopo in third place respectively.

Sport compiled by: Tony O’Hagan

Hermanus Golf Club hits the sweet spot

The Hermanus Golf Club is busy and thriving, despite the sport in general suffering from an exodus of players and closure of courses in many parts of the world.

Once the “go to” activity for corporate bonding, the sport has become, in golfing parlance, "stuck in a bunker". There appears to be a lack of interest among the millennials with activities such as cycling and jogging becoming more sought-after pastimes. In America some 400,000 registered golfers left the sport in 2014, with men golfers down 650,000 and women showing an increase of 260,000. In Europe, due to the economic downturn, 2011 showed the first indication of a decline after an increase of more than 100% over the previous 25 years.

There are still exceptions to this trend, such as in Germany and the Czech Republic but downturns are seen in many traditional countries such as the UK and Ireland. There are also countries in Asia proving to be an exception to the decline and golf entering the Olympics in Brazil may raise the golf profile once more.

With this background, one must commend the Hermanus Golf Club for providing a great golf course and a well-run facility that attracts a large number of players both local and from abroad.

Sharon Sleigh, the Club Manager, explained that the success of the club is illustrated by the number of rounds registered for the financial year ended 31 July, 2015. During this period 54 591 rounds of golf were played with 23 000 of those by visitors.

In December 2014 and January and February 2015 the club recorded 21 000 rounds, equating to 7 000 per month. This is a great achievement because Hermanus does not have as many corporate days as the golf clubs in the bigger cities. The club has 1 330 members and up to 1 000 playing members over the course of a

year. Up and coming events include the popular Walker Bay which takes place from 13 to 15 November. The men’s competition on the Saturday is an alliance bogey plus format and a field of 312 players will be taking part. The Walker Bay mixed on the Sunday has a field of around 150 participants.

The 67th Daysh Cup is scheduled to take place on 7 November. This is a 36-hole ladies’ competition with teams entered from all over the Cape area playing for top honours. Over the same period, the ICM Cup is played in Bredasdorp and this is a men’s contest between the Hermanus and Bredasdorp golf clubs, with the return in Hermanus during February 2016.

Another popular event is the Tee Off for Trees, with the funds raised going towards the planting of new trees on the course.

Last year 100 new trees were planted under the supervision of Christo Nel and Hennie Theron. This is a 27-hole competition and is scheduled for 28 November.

With the advent of summer, the Christmas holidays and the return of our ''swallows", there will be much activity at the club over the coming period.

Although our Springboks in the green and gold are in the UK, we have our own springbokkies on

the Hermanus golf course with 3 of these delightful animals introduced a few weeks ago. They are an addition to the wonderful ambiance at the club and have settled in really well. CapeNature has granted permission for the club to have up to 20 of these springboks.

Congratulations to the Hermanus Golf Club and here's to a bumper holiday period.

Finally, a quote from Bobby Jones: "Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots, you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.”

''Champagne" bowls in Hermanus South Africa's oldest continuously-run bowls tournament, the Ayala Cup, will be held on 14/15 January, 2016.

The name "Ayala" is that of a French champagne, the producers thereof being the original sponsor of the event. Sponsorship changed many years ago but the Hermanus Bowling Club has kept in contact with the Ayala

Answers To Sports Quiz 13th October 1. Who was the Springbok captain against Scotland at the current World Cup? Answer: Fourie Du Preez 2. What is the nickname of the English Premier League team, Arsenal?

Answer: Gunners 3. Who is the alltime leading run scorer for the Proteas cricket team in the T20 format?

Answer: J.P Duminy 4. Which country hosted the recent Presidents Cup golf event?

Answer: South Korea 5. Name the boxer who is referred to as "Money"?

Answer: Floyd Mayweather Congratulations to David Cupido for getting all the answers right.

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family business. The Ayala Cup was first competed for in 1927 at the Riviera Bowling Club and thereafter at the Hermanus Bowling Club from 1938 following the formation of the club in 1936.

John Luyt, owner of The Marine and Riviera hotels left the legacy of Ayala to Hermanus. He had laid down the first full-size green at the

Sports Quiz No. 3 Here is a taste of our sports quiz which will be a sponsored corner in the weeks ahead with prizes for our readers. In the meantime try your hand at the following questions. submit your name, telephone number and answers via email to dewaal@thehermanusnews.co.za 1. Which South African Premier League soccer team has the nickname ''The Clever Boys"?

2. Who was the referee who awarded Australia a controversial penalty in their victory over Scotland at the Rugby World Cup? 3. Which city is host to the Australian Open Tennis Championships?

4. Who won the Men’s British Open golf championships this year?

5. Who won the 2015 Tour De France cycling event and where was he born?

See answers in our next edition.

Riviera Hotel in 1924. The hotel at that time was in a sparsely populated Voëlklip and the Ayala tournament was held during the October long weekend. Eminent folk, including members of Parliament, participated in the event with festive parties held, after bowls, in the piano lounge of the Riviera.

was completed at a cost of 800 pounds.

John Luyt donated the Ayala Cup and other trophies to the Hermanus club which meant the continuation of the Ayala tournament to this day. Players from all over the Cape participate in this popular event with a waiting list for those wishing to enter.

An interesting piece of history occurred during the Ayala Cup in October, 1952. At that time, the Ayala Cup was played on Saturday and Sunday. After a complaint was lodged, the police arrived on the Sunday morning and took down the names of all the players as they were transgressing the Sunday Observance Act of 1838. As evidence of this transgression, the police confiscated the bowls jack which they took away with them. After referral to the Attorney General no action was taken and the jack returned to the club.

The laying of the first green at the Hermanus club was completed in 1937 at a cost of 170 pounds with the foreman earning 4 shillings a day and labourers two and sixpence per day.

The new clubhouse, designed by Bert Stephens,

Consequently, Hermanus made news worldwide and to commemorate this historic "kitty", it was mounted on a wooden plaque, duly inscribed, and is today among the club trophies in the showcase.

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Hermanus Primary held their annual concert during the week of 20 October. The youngsters took to the stage to shine in the show named A Night at the Oscars and definitely made the most of the opportunity. Every celebrity mom, dad and the extended family could think of was represented.

This included Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Justin Bieber, Gargamel and Brangelina. Gauging by the deafening applause at the end of the show, Hermanus Primary received a gold star from all those lucky enough to attend.

Hermanus High matric students said farewell to school life and hello to their final exams by jumping off Piet se Klip in their uniforms on Friday, 16 October 2015. Marli de Villiers took a leap of faith and made the jump.

Picture: Sunette de Villiers

The Paradise Seekers, an eco-play by students of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, held during the Whale Festival, was one of the best attended shows during that time. With more than 200 tickets sold the more than 30 learners delivered some great performances. The responsive audience loved the humorous songs and quirky characters Plascon provided all the paint and Lighthouse Construction the scaffolding for flying seagulls... The eco-thriller concept was a unique bridging of eco-marine awareness and snazzy entertainment. All students who participated found it a demanding but extremely enriching experience, and we were grateful for the chance to do it.

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