The Hermanus News 23 February 2016

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Issue 13

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23 FEBRUARY 2016

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4 MIMOSA ROAD, INDUSTRIAL AREA, HERMANUS TEL: 028-312 2280 • 028 312 1380 EMAIL: ccsplant@telkomsa.net

Dog debate unleashed The Overstrand Municipality’s proposed amendments to the by-law relating to the keeping of dogs and cats have set the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons.

The proposed changes have elicited wide reaction on social media with a clear split between those for and those against the changes. So what exactly are the proposed changes?

Simply put: Instead of it being compulsory for dogs in public places to be on a leash at all times, it is proposed that dogs be allowed off their leash, but under the control of their owners, in all public places after 18:00 in the evening and before 08:00 in the morning - except on specified swimming beaches, where they will never be allowed at any

time whether on or off a leash.

According to Paul de Villiers of Onrus he wrote a letter to a newspaper more than two years ago asking for a change in the by-laws.

All I asked for was a place where I could walk my dog without a leash and where it could swim. I never heard another word about it, but

big was my surprise when at a recent ward meeting a municipal representative held up a copy of the letter and said that they have made proposed changes to the by-law.

The proposed changes stipulate that any dog must remain under the control of its owner and that the owner shall take full responsibility for liability that might arise.

There will also be no exceptions to the rules.

The changes have prompted one resident to remark that the council will need an army of law enforcement officials to enforce the by-law. The dog and leash debate has been raging for decades now. People and their pets do as they see fit.

Sometimes there are

altercations, sometimes there are not. Let sleeping dogs lie, he said.

Deadline for comments to be submitted on or before 22 March 2015 to: The Municipal Manager, (Attention: Lionel Wallace), Overstrand Municipality, P O Box 20, HERMANUS 7200, Fax Number; 028 313 8931.

Read more on page 5.

Hermanus flying high!

Hermanus is fast gaining a reputation far beyond that of a quaint fisherman’s village and whale watching spot.

Recent years have seen an explosion in the popularity of the town as a hotbed for adventure activities. From the humble beginnings of zip-lining and quad biking being introduced six years ago (read more on page 6), Hermanus now offers some of the best dirt bike trails, sea kayaking and paragliding, a body boarding competition, a weekly parkrun and the annual Walkerbay Xtreme to name but a few. Now kite surfing has taken poll position in marketing our town as an adventure destination. Not only was part of an international documentary film on kite surfing shot here, international kite surfing professionals use the Klein River estuary as their training ground. Sharing the waters with a growing number of local kite surfers the professionals enjoy the calm water and strong breezes when honing their skills.

Read more on page 8

LIGHT AS A BREEZE: Sam Light, a professional kite surfer from the UK, enjoys honing his skills on the Klein River estuary. Sam is three times Triple S Champion, was 3rd in the Redbull King of the Air, was crowned British Junior Champion, was twice the British Professional Champion, came 1st in the Ro Sham Throwdown and 1st in the Russian Rail Masters.

Surely it s not for the exercise, because, unless you count clapping (slightly out of time) every 16 beats or so, the only other noticeable exertion is a leisurely stroll around the floor interspersed with halfhearted kicks and various attempts to appear to jump into the air without actually leaving the ground.

And it certainly can t be for the music. Just how many times can you listen to Achy Breaky Heart ?

Enjoyment? You can tell it s no fun from the look on their faces. There is normally only one who has a smile on her face. She is in the middle at the front and is obviously The Leader because she knows all the steps and has a

reasonable sense of rhythm.

Next to her is the one who once went to Nashville for a holiday and feels therefore that she ought to be The Leader. She also knows the steps but has one of those looks on her face that appears to have been glued on – a false grin concealing a mixture of envy of The Leader and disdain for all these cumbersome nohopers surrounding her who wouldn t know Kenny Rodgers from Roy Rodgers.

The rest are split into two camps. Those who know the steps are a study in concentration because recalling them is not easy.

They stare into space with a strained, unsmiling but satisfied smugness because they think they are better

than The Others.

The Others do not have a clue what they are doing.

You cannot make out whether they are smiling or not because their petrified stares are fixed grimly on either their own or their neighbour s feet.

And then there is Norman.

He is the only male (and therefore The Alpha Male) in the group and The Leader has hidden him in the middle of the pack where he can t do too much damage. His main functions are to stack the chairs at the end of the session and to act as standin ADT man for The Leader when she leaves for her car so that she won t be robbed of the CD player. He is a bachelor who lives with his

A challenge for you

FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND IN-BETWEENS

The past few weeks we have, however, noted with great concern the increase in the number of burglaries in especially Onrus and Vermont. To us, this is unacceptable and apart from publishing tips on safety and assisting neighbourhood watches as much as possible, we would also like to contribute more towards ending the scourge of crime.

Ombudsman

Publisher De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thehermanusnews.co.za Content Editor Hedda Mittner 083 645 3928 hedda@hermanus.co.za Marketing Kathy Mulock-Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@chartwellsupport.co.za Graphic Designer & Layout Artist Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey1094@gmail.com

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Presumably, they wear this garb to look the part even though the nearest they have ever been to being a cowgirl is pouring low-fat milk onto their Muesli. I even saw one recently (and, admittedly, she was The Leader) sporting a pair of spurs.

Thanks goodness Norman never got his hands – or rather heels – on a pair. Our local MediClinic is busy enough as it is.

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 e-mail at pressombudsman @ombudsman.org.za or visit www.presscouncil.org.za

DID YOU KNOW? Sundews (Droseras) grow in soil that’s very poor in nitrogen and other minerals. So they have to supplement their diets with protein from insects – in other words, they are carnivorous plants. The name sundew is derived from the sticky gel on the plant’s tentacles that glistens in the sunlight. Insects are attracted by the sweetness of the sticky gel where they are trapped. The leaves then curl over the insect to prevent any escape. The tentacles exude enzymes that digest the insect and the juices are absorbed by the leaves. The flowers of sundews range from white, to pink, to brilliant red.

The long flower stems hold the flowers above the leaves so that the pollinators attracted to the flowers will not get trapped on the sticky leaves. Source: Whale Coast Conservation

Bangers and mash mentality Dear Mr Brown, After reading your letter, Carrot cake mentality, published in The Hermanus News, I feel compelled to answer.

Firstly, I am so glad that you enjoy your stay in our beautiful town. And I am heartened by the fact that you stay even 2-3 months on end to enjoy what we call home while escaping the typical atrocious English weather. Yes, if people want to build another mall and it is allowed by local government, sadly we cannot stop it. But the rest of your letter will be addressed.

As a fortunate person who

has had the privilege to travel extensively overseas for business before settling here, I find your attack on the local restaurants totally unnecessary: If you want Danish pastry, why do you expect every restaurant – no, café according to you – to stock it? If I visited a restaurant or any eateries (it is called pubs in the UK), I ordered from the menu. I did not insist that I wanted something that I WANT and is not on the menu. If one Googles English pastry, what comes up? Pies.

Is that what English pastry is about? I can also recall that most of the pubs served bangers and mash. I would not call that a culinary feast.

The best restaurants in the UK mainly serve spectacular dishes by foreign chefs from other countries, especially France.

Why do so many restaurants in Hermanus have carrot cake? It is very simple sir – South Africans love it. If you do not want it, try something else like numerous types of freshly baked cakes that I know my fellow restaurateurs stock. Most of us bake it freshly on a daily basis. And the locals are here twelve months a year. I hate bangers and mash. Or pub pies in England. That is why I do not eat it.

About the service levels that you complained about extensively, I find it utterly

fascinating that you have visited every eatery or restaurant in Hermanus and can be a revered judge of it all. If you had a few unfortunate experiences, I am very sorry that it did happen and please accept my apology on behalf of the whole restaurant fraternity. But to write a letter as an expert on what happens at every restaurant I find a bit farfetched.

I am heartened by numerous overseas visitors who really enjoy it in Hermanus, who are happy about what we offer them and return on a yearly basis. I salute you with a slice of carrot cake, nee sommer net n koeksister.

Andrea Naudé

Keeping Fernkloof green A note to compliment you on the excellent article in The Hermanus News of 9th February titled "The Green Fingers of Fernkloof" written

by Kathy Mulock-Bentley.

Much credit for this beautiful

Reserve on our doorstep is thanks to the hard work and dedication of those mentioned in the article and as a "team" they deserve all the credit that the article awards them. They quite rightly deserve exposure to

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your readers as without them and the members of our town who are now taking over from them with unbelievable passion, Fernkloof would not be what it is to-day...a treasure for those of us who take the

time to enjoy it whether just in the gardens or hiking the many paths and also for the many visitors, both local and foreign, who marvel at what we have on our doorstep.

Deborah Brooke-Sumner GOOD

The Hermanus News challenges our communities to do the same. Let us make fighting crime a community project by taking the first step and getting to know each other. The Hermanus News undertakes to take pictures and report on all street parties organised in our suburbs and towns.

That s the challenge and the good news.

- ED

Letters

Years ago in the town of Tzaneen residents held street parties once every two or three months.

Knowing your neighbours and looking out for each other is central to combatting crime.

So what can it possibly be that drives these people to such a bizarre way of entertaining themselves and even believing that they can also entertain other

people? I have come to the conclusion that it must be the clothes. For some reason, a significant number of middleaged females from Fourways to Claremont feel an overwhelming desire to don check shirts, fringed waistcoats, blue denims, long, leather boots and – wait for it – cowboy hats.

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

The Hermanus News is passionate about the communities we serve. As the only locally owned and operated newspaper in Hermanus, we are also residents, ratepayers and ardent supporters of local businesses and initiatives.

This not only welcomed new residents to town but also gave neighbours the opportunity to get to know each other.

Dining room tables and chairs were arranged in the street and everyone brought something to eat and drink. The welcoming atmosphere created a great sense of belonging and community spirit.

mother and has just decided he ought to get out more.

He is persona non grata with Those who know the steps and so he flirts with all The Others who obligingly flirt back but run a mile whenever he gets too frisky.

He has no sense of rhythm, humour (although he thinks he has) or coordination. It was a toss-up between linedancing and U3A and he decided there would be less talent at the Computers for Dummies classes and, besides which, this is cheaper and much less demanding.

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

The Reambler

Dave Smith

Line Dancing… a spur of the moment thing?

NEWS

Stop-and-don’t-go Hermanus Tourism Hermanus traffic’s normal peak minute has turned into a proper peak hour this past week with travel times between Onrus and Hermanus taking up to an hour or more.

With the upgrading and resealing of the R43 there are three stop-and-go points between Botrivier and Hermanus. The stop-and-go point between Onrus and Hermanus, however, has many a resident’s blood boiling and gauging by the posts and comments on social media frustration levels are sky-high.

According to the Department of Transport and Public Works there are currently two 24hour road closures for resealing work between the brickworks site near Botrivier and the Fisherhaven intersection. There is also a day closure between the Vermont and Onrus intersections for patching work.

On Monday, 22 February the asphalt overlay work started from the Vermont intersection towards Hermanus, with day

closures for the rest of the week. From Thursday, 25 February to Monday, 29 February no roadworks will take place, but during this period, there will be two road closure sections between the Karwyderskraal intersection (near Fisherhaven) and the brickworks near Botrivier.

Traffic may make use of the Karwyderskraal Road as an alternative route to and from Cape Town.

The asphalt work between Vermont and Sandbaai will resume on 1 March with day closures. The 24-hour closures will remain in place until the end of March 2016.

During the week work will only be done between 09:00 and 16:00 in order to not disrupt traffic in peak hours.

The consulting engineers, EFG Engineers, have indicated that they are more than willing to listen to any advice to better the traffic flow, but unfortunately they are not able to work at night.

According to the

department work on the R37 million project began in September 2015 and is scheduled to finish by mid2016. The department does its utmost to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public during any roadworks project. However, it is not possible to maintain and improve roads without a certain level of disruption. said a spokesperson.

The safety and convenience of road users are of utmost importance to the department and every effort will be made to ensure that all temporary road signs, cones, flagmen/women and speed controls are maintained and effective.

The public is requested to be patient and exercise caution when travelling on the road.

Follow the Department on Twitter @WCGovTPW under the hashtag #roadworksWC. The Hermanus News in association with Whale Coast 96FM will keep you up to date of any delays via Facebook and Twitter.

vies for award Hermanus Tourism has made it on to this year’s long list of the African Responsible Tourism Awards at World Travel Market (WTM) Africa with their Ask Me I’m a Local campaign.

They are among a long list of organisations that are vying for the top spot and the winners of the different categories will be announced in Cape Town this April.

The long-listed tourism businesses, organisations and initiatives come from 13 countries – covering the African continent north to south and east to west. The list includes nominees from Morocco, the Gambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Africa and many more.

There are over 60 names on the long list across eight categories. These categories include wildlife conservation, poverty reduction, best responsible tourism marketing campaign and best operator for people with disabilities.

A shortlist, to be announced on 1 April, will be chosen from the long list by a judging panel made up of industry experts.

The independent judging team will debate and make their own decision as to the winners, based on the evidence and information provided to them.

Any support or otherwise for the long listed organisations can be sent to awards@africanresponsiblet ourismawards.com The African Responsible Tourism Awards celebrate the most inspiring stories in responsible tourism on the African continent and showcase tourism organisations which are, actively and demonstrably,

Tuli Martins is a local who has lived in Hermanus since childhood. After completing her studies at the UWC she recently returned to her home town and is currently employed by the Hermanus Wine Hoppers. taking responsibility for making tourism stronger.

The award winners will be announced at the 2016 African Responsible Tourism Awards hosted by WTM Africa, on Thursday 7 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Sponsored by WESGRO and organised by Better Tourism Africa, the awards recognise inspiring African organisations that work to ensure tourism environments and benefit destinations and local people.

The awards are part of a family of regional Responsible Tourism Awards which culminate each year with the World Responsible Tourism Awards which are presented at WTM in London on World Responsible Tourism Day. Winners in certain categories in the African awards will automatically qualify for the World Responsible Tourism Awards.

For more information on the African Responsible Tourism Awards visit http://www.responsibletravel. com/awards/africa/

On Saturday morning 20 February traffic on the R43 was backed up all the way to Onrus Main Road.

GOOD

NEWS

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Keep yourself safe from burglaries There has been a significant increase in the number of housebreakings and thefts in particularly Vermont and Onrus.

Both the SAPS and security companies have noted an escalation in the number of calls for assistance with burglars seeming to favour a method of removing large windowpanes to gain access to properties.

According to Abner Inghels, Chair of Onrus-Vermont Neigbourhood Watch (OnVerWag), the installation of security cameras in the CBD and surrounding areas have promted OnVerWag to hold an Earth Hour: Onrus/Vermont Unplugged fundraiser on 19 March. The aim is to raise funds for a CCTV project in the area.

Part of the event will be an expo and we are looking for safety and security service providers, suppliers of

automated garage doors, sliding and swing gates, burglar bars etc. to promote their products and services to the community. Suppliers of solar energy, rain water harvesting equipment, well point and LED lighting are also welcome to exhibit, says Abner.

This is an important first fund raiser for the CCTV camera project and at the same time we join hands with millions of people across the globe who will be participating in Earth Hour events.

There are basically two reasons why crime is committed. Firstly, there is a desire or need to commit a crime and secondly an opportunity. We cannot do much about the first, but we can limit the opportunity for criminals, says Abner.

The basic things are where you need to start. Firstly, lock

your doors. An open door is an invitation and even though we are living in a friendly holiday town times have changed. Our patrols still report driving past homes were the garage or other doors are standing open.

The same goes for unbarred windows. Most insurance companies will increase your premium if you have any windows that can open without burglar bars. Yes, it’s not pretty, but there are various solutions on the market including clear bars for those windows where you don’t want to have any obstructed views, says Abner.

According to him the next step is your alarm system.

Most people have an alarm system installed, but not all people use it. Ask your security company to assist you to create zones so that you can set your alarm at night without it going off when you go to the

tools or ladders in the open outside your house. These can be used to gain access to your home. Gas bottles and bicycles should also be locked as these are easy targets and a great attraction for criminals to make some quick money. Outside lights, especially motion sensitive ones, are also a great deterrent.

bathroom or for a glass of water. Also test your alarm system from time to time, including your panic button to ensure that it is still working.

Also ensure that your house number is clearly visible.

Security companies and SAPS have reported that they sometimes waste valuable time looking for a house that is poorly numbered after a report has been received, he says.

In case of an emergency rather use the panic button than calling the security company. You can also install beams to detect intruders in your garden before they break in. But none of these systems are worth anything if you don’t set them.

Be aware of your surroundings. I am not saying you should be paranoid, but you need to know when your neighbour is not at home and who the regular people are that walk around in your area. If you see strangers, take note of them.

Abner further advises not to leave any garden furniture,

If their behaviour is suspicious, like looking into houses and over fences, report them immediately to your security agency, local law enforcement or SAPS. Those wanting to join OnVerWag can send an email to onverwag@ovnhw.org.za to get an application form.

Once you are a member be sure to join their WhatsApp group – it provides a wealth of up to date information of what is happening in the area.

OnVerWag is running a patrol training session on Thursday the 25th, from 18:00 to 19:00 at the Ark venue at the Dutch Reformed Church in Berg Street, if you would like to join us patrolling come and find out what it's all about. You can patrol whenever it suits you, day or night. Membership forms will be available to sign up at the training session.

Come and join us, be part of the solution!

Japie Spandiel who has been faithfully delivering mail in Hermanus for the past 30 years on Monday took possession of his brand new bicycle. Japie was left stuck after his trusty red steed finally gave up the ghost after years of service and the Post Office could not supply him with a new one. Japie spent more than R300 of his own money to try and fix it, but in the end had to resort to borrowing a bicycle from a family friend to do his job. After learning of his plight The Hermanus News, the Facebook group, I Love Hermanus and Whale Coast 96FM worked together to raise funds for a new bicycle. Stoffel and Charl Frick of Hermanus Gas came to the rescue and bought Japie a brand new mountain bike that Euodia Cycles provided at cost. The R1 600 that was raised through donations from the public was used to build a rack for the post bag and for a helmet. Japie was astounded when he saw his new bicycle. I really want to thank everyone for their kind heartedness. I never expected it. The hills in the areas where I deliver will now be a piece of cake with all the gears on the bike, he smiled.

AND 082 431 0220

Tanya Tiefenthaler of I Love Hermanus, and Charl and Stoffel Frick of Hermanus Gas with Japie.

info@travelist.co.za

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NEWS

A dogged debate on by-law changes The Hermanus News team took to social media to hear the comments made by the public.

Danie Van Rooyen No dog should be allowed at or near any swimming beach or lagoon unless they are on a lead. A so-called 'safe and trained dog attacked my granddaughter at Grotto some time ago and all the owner said was, he never did that before ."

Simone Toerien I think it s great for dogs to be allowed off their leads provided they're disciplined. I have personally always walked with leads because our route is along the Onrus Main Road and traffic is a concern. What Hermanus really needs is a dog park where they can run around freely, play games with their owners and socialise with other dogs.

times. Safe, well-trained dogs should be under the owner's control at all times in public. Safe, well-trained dogs are under control without leashes.

Tracey Butchart Under control is the critical phrase here - I only walk my dog on a leash, but I have no problem with off-leash dogs as long as their owners keep them away from my dog! I am so stressed by owners of 'friendly' dogs allowing their overenthusiastic dogs to mantle over mine, invade his space and over-excite him - and possibly even cause him to do something stupid to defend me!

Martina Muller I wish that the municipality would drive a campaign to get dog walkers to use traffic light coloured leads that indicate if the dog is friendly or unapproachable.

Anina Lee How does one determine whether an owner is in control of a dog? Impossible to enforce such a by-law.

Makes a mockery of the law.

Elouise Day I think the policy is a good one. Everybody s idea about how well behaved their dogs are is different. Our dog loves the outdoors and responds better off a lead than on a lead, in each case it is different. Therefore I think the rule should apply to everyone, no matter how sweet you might think your dog is.

GOOD

NEWS

Pieter Schoombee Dangerous dogs should be on leads in public at all

beaches and walkways.

Marilyn Detwiller Those that pose a threat to kids, adults and other dogs should be kept on leads all the time. It is your responsibility as an owner to

know and be honest about your dog s personality traits. I feel the same way in that friendly, approachable dogs can go without leads.

Alex Forsyth I walk my very friendly dog before 8am without a leash anyway... to know that I'll now be within the law is good. If someone has a dog that they know to be aggressive, then it's their responsibility to keep it on a leash.

Hayley Van Der Walt This is great news! I love to see dogs off leashes and will

be hopeful that dog owners will be responsible if they have aggressive or nervous dogs. I'm all for it! For those who need leashes, the colour schemed option is a great idea!

Narina Howard My dogs are socialised, disciplined and I clean up after them when we walk.

They love to have a swim and to explore off the paths when we walk. There are very many like-minded dog owners. By all means fine the dog owners who do not adhere to the bylaws but please do not tar everybody with the same brush. I agree with the proposed bylaws. It all comes down to compromise and respect for one another doesn t it?

Cindy Gilchrist I agree completely with this policy. We all need to take responsibility for our fourlegged companions and to respect all those that make use of the cliff path,

The specified swimming beaches, where no dog may set a paw or come within a 50 metre buffer zone thereof, are: Grotto Blue Flag Beach, Voëlklip Beach, Kammabaai, Fick’s Pool, Langbaai, Sandbaai, Onrus River, Hawston Blue Flag beach, Pearly Beach (entrance Beach Road), Pearly Beach (Castle Beach), Buffeljachtsbaai, Pearly Beach (Caravan Park), Uilenkraalsmond, Gansbaai (Tidal pool), Stanfordsbaai, Kleinbaai (Tidal pool), Blompark beach (Romansbaai), Palmiet, Kleinmond Blue Flag beach, Betty’s Bay (Silversands), Pringle Bay (Main beach) and Rooi Els. (Photo: Duncan Butchart)

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Adventures for your bucket list Does your bucket list include an adventure or two? Does white river rafting or zip-lining or sandboarding or a trip on the Orange River tickle your fancy?

Then you should probably pop in to South African Forest Adventures, the Hermanusbased company that grew to a country-wide enterprise within six years.

According to owner Clinton Lerm, they noticed within the first year after starting their adventure farm in Hermanus that they would have to expand not only to different towns but also in terms of their product list of activities.

We now have a foot print in a number of towns such as George, Caledon, Cape Town, Kleinmond, Citrusdal

and as far afield as the Orange River on the border with Namibia.

We have over 30 permanent employees and our product list has grown to over 31 products. We offer not only fixed activities but also a number of mobile options for events and teambuilding.

Their most popular activities are the quad bike excursions and tree-top zip-line adventure in Hermanus and the zip-line tour at the foot of the Table Mountain reserve in Cape Town.

My personal favourites are our extreme rafting operations on the Palmiet River in Kleinmond and our Orange River rafting trips.

SAFA’s expansion to the

Orange River is a great milestone for Clinton and something he is very excited about.

We are in the process of building a rafting camp on the Orange River. We raft in one of the most remote locations on the Orange River and have selected this site for its unbelievable natural beauty. Hardly any humans venture here and it is only accessible by raft or a 50 km hike.

Most companies raft near Vioolsdrift but according to Clinton, it has become very commercialised there. He recommends this trip strongly.

The four days on the river will leave you with a lifetime of memories, he says.

The trip includes some rapids as well as some flat-water paddling and participants can look forward to some star-gazing while sitting next to a small contained fire, amazing dinners and fantastic camp fire stories.

Deep in the Kalahari the Orange River cuts through a moonscape of granite cliffs with the amazing Gariep falls tumbling into the Orange River gorge. This is one of the highlights of the trip as you will explore the riverbanks and we will also paddle a section up stream to where the falls tumble and cut through the stone some 40 meters high…

As a local company we would love to offer locals the opportunity to tick this activity off their bucket lists.

The activities are suitable for ages 6 and older, concludes Clinton.

More details can be found on their website http://saforestadventures.co.za/.

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The Protea Cricket team visited Hermanus Forest Adventures last week after their recent series win against England to take a well deserved break before leaving for their tour of Australia. The players stayed at Arabella and spent the day relaxing and having fun ziplining through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

It was the first time that the cricket team visited Hermanus together with their coaches and management team. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a great time, says Clinton. I am sure they will be back again soon as Hermanus has become a favourite destination of the Proteas.

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NEWS

Kite surfers take Hermanus to new heights The Klein River estuary will be included in a film that is currently being shot of soughtafter kite surfing destinations around the world.

A film shoot was done on the estuary recently and the shots included some incredible footage of international kite surfers performing top class moves with Maanskynkop in the background.

According to local kite-surfer Scott Soothill, the film Chapter One is being shot by the Red Bull Media House and will also include locations in Fiji, Brazil, Hawaii and several locations in Europe.

Some of the top professional kite surfers, as part of their sponsorship deals, came out here to the lagoon to be filmed, says Scott. Big names such as Aaron Hadlow, Sam Light and Sam Medysky were in Hermanus as part of this project.

But how did Hermanus appear on the radar of international kite surfers?

About 5 or 6 years ago, a few

local kite surfers got together and formed a regular kite surfing group. This group has now grown exponentially to about 20 regulars, explains Scott.

These local businessmen ride after work and on weekends when there is wind and they are promoting the sport in the area, raising funds to help resurrect old forgotten wind surfing sites such as Maanskynbaai and marketing Hermanus as an alternative kite surfing destination to Cape Town. A few of these locals are internationally qualified to give instruction.

This has led to Hermanus becoming an alternative to ride when the conditions in Cape Town don't suit or when it’s too crowded.

We are regularly phoned by interested parties from Cape Town to enquire as to the weather conditions. If the weather is favourable, kite surfers travel up from Cape Town to enjoy a weekend of kite surfing, adds Scott.

International kite surfing tourists come looking for calmer waters to play on as they road trip along the coastline looking for adventure. Interest is growing year on year as we see more riders arrive and stay in the area.

According to Scott, many of these kite surfers are looking for flat water to learn and progress. There are several large lagoons within a 20 minute drive from the Hermanus CBD, which makes this region desirable as a practice venue.

South Africa is on the bucket list of international kite surfing destinations and thanks to the efforts of our local guys, the Klein River estuary in particular has become a destination of choice.

South Africa recently hosted the biggest event in international kite surfing, attracting 13 000 spectators on the final event day.

This is great all round for South Africa as a soughtafter tourist destination and the sport itself offers a fantastic opportunity for crowd watching entertainment, says Scott.

If the weather conditions are right, there are sometimes between 10 and 20 international kite surfers right here in Hermanus at one time. This is truly adding impact to Greater Hermanus being a worldclass kite-surfing destination.

HERMAUS VISION CENTRE Pappin and Pretorius Optometrists have been privilged to serve Hermanus for 25 years.

Optical and Sunglass Boutique Latest fashion frames sunglasses and accessories Drs Anton van Biljon and Alex Bougas Practicing as ophthalmologists for over 25 years most of it in Hermanus.

Providing truly world-class eye care with a local touch and easy wheelchair accessibility, bathroom facilities all under one roof.

Dr Nicky Cockburn ophthalmologist provides ocuoplasty and eyelid surgery once a month at our rooms.

Saturday 09:00 - 14:00

We also now offer Low Vision Services with magnifiers, Low Vision Aids, Talking Watches, big letter computer keyboards and large button cell phones.

Fun • Food • Crafts • Fresh Produce • Music

128 Main Road, Hermanus Email: ppo@hermanus.co.za

St Peter’s Church, Main Rd, Hermanus

Tel: 028 312 1277

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

Hermanus Pharmacy/Clinic 145 Main Road, Hermanus

Alex Grant Pharmacy/Clinic

Tel: 028 312 4039

Gateway Centre, Hermanus

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

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NEWS

Tel: 028 312 4847 ingrid@alexgrantpharmacy.co.za Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 17:30 Saturdays: 08:00 - 13:00

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

A. Stewart Pharmacy Pick n Pay Centre, Hermanus

Tel: 028 312 1410 arnold@aspharmacy.co.za Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 18:00 Saturdays: 08:00 - 14:00 Sundays & Public Holidays 10:00 - 12:00

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13:00, The Village. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

28 February, Sunday

• The Hermanus Country Market, 09:00-13:00, Fairways Avenue. Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies.

24 February, Wednesday

26 February, Friday

• Graze Farmers Market, 09:00-12:00, Graze Restaurant, Stanford. Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze.

• Classical Era Opera (Part 1) – a DVD series on understanding great music presented by the U3A, 10:00 at the Catholic Church hall. Call Allan Powell 028 316 1251 for more information.

• Join the Hermanus Social Dance Club for their Latin line class every Friday at 17:30. Call 072 316 5787 for details.

• The Hermanus Pro Musica Choir presents an uplifting concert at the Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus at 19:00. With virtuoso Martin Mans on organ and the talented Carina Bossenbroek on pan flute. Both performers are from the Netherlands and in Hermanus for only one evening – don t miss out!

Tickets: R80 pp. Contact Cecilia Snyman (Pro Musica) on 082 897 4320 or david@hermanus.co.za.

25 February, Thursday • Join the Hermanus Social Dance Club for Dance2Fitness every Thursday at 17:00. Call 072 316 5787 for details.

• Stanford Sunset Market, 18:00, the Village Green, Stanford. Whether you love the smell of freshly made treats, sipping local wines and beer, deli goodies, browsing for arts and crafts, or just good old family fun, don't miss this village favourite.

• Volleyball Social Event, 18:00 at Grotto Beach. This is the first event of its kind taking place on Grotto Beach. Bring your family along, everyone is welcome.

27 February, Saturday

• The Life and Work of noted SA Artist: Frank Spears, 17:30 at the Municipal Auditorium.

Frank Spears was also a designer of boats, actor and broadcaster. His art works consisted of impressionistic pieces and paintings of flowers, people, kings and clowns. Contact Robin Lee 028 312 4072 for more information.

• Hermanus parkrun at 08:00, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free timed 5 km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

• Lemm s Corner Market, 08:30, Main Road, Hermanus. Crafts, clothes, jewellery, bags, toys and art.

• Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market, 09:00-

• Art Bouquet All Seasons Exhibition at the Bosko Centre (opposite the Hermanus Country Market) in Fairways Ave, from 09:00 15:00. Not weather dependent as the exhibit is indoors. A great opportunity for artists to display their work. To secure your spot at only R150, contact Bernice on 0606 225 642 or artbouquet2015@gmail.com • Market in the Garden, 09:00-14:00, St Peters Church.

A wonderful market set amongst the trees in the heart of town. Join the St Peter s Coffee Morning and enjoy a sweet treat for only R10 and a cup of coffee or tea for only R5. Sit down in the shady garden and enjoy the surrounds.

• Stanford Saturday Morning Market, 09:30-12:00, the Stanford Hotel. Farmers, crafters and hobbyists bring to you homemade and home-baked goodies.

• Beloftebos Summer Sunday Picnic at 12:00, Beloftebos on Paardenberg farm near Stanford. Come and enjoy a great meal under the tranquil trees while Papa Ger provides soothing melodies. Booking is essential. Email corneli@beloftebos.co.za or call 072 111 9380.

29 February, Monday • Understanding more about sports broadcasting presented by the U3A and Robin Kempthorne, former head of SABC Sports Broadcasts, 10:00 at the Catholic Church hall.

Contact Gert Claassen on 083 602 5254.

• Join the Hermanus Social Dance Club for Dance2Fitness at 18:30 or their Latin line class at 19:30.

Call 072 316 5787 for details.

2 March, Wednesday • Graze Farmers Market, 09:00-12:00, Graze Restaurant, Stanford.

Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze.

• Mozart's Don Giovanni at 19:00, Hope@PaulCluver, Elgin. Based on the legend of the world`s most famous seducer Don Juan, Mozart s classic opera has been compacted and reimagined in a modern South African setting, filled with all the comedy and melodrama of the original.

Enjoy this unique performance in the open-air forest amphitheatre on the Paul Cluver wine farm.

Tickets are R250 pp through Computicket. For more info and on-line bookings, go to www.cluver.com

at 19:00 and movie starts at 20:00. R135 pp, incl. movie and supper. This week s movie is The Theory of Everything (2014). Mid-week stay-over package available that includes accommodation and breakfast. Contact events@southhill.co.za to book your seats or to be included on their movie mailing list.

• Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market, 09:0013:00, The Village. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

4 March, Friday

• The Hermanus Primary School Carnival, 15:00 till late, Hermanus Primary School. An afternoon filled with live entertainment, food stalls, farm stalls, sweets, books, a tea garden and more!

• Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk sees 15 art galleries in the centre of town remain open until 20:00 on the first Friday of every month. Stroll from gallery to gallery, savour a glass of wine from one of the local wine estates and enjoy the wonderful variety of art and fine craft on display. See HFF map on P 14.

• Join the Hermanus Social Dance Club for their Latin line class every Friday at 17:30. Call 072 316 5787 for details.

5 March, Saturday

• Join South Hill Vineyards in the Elgin Valley for their Movie & Supper Evening every Wednesday.

Sundowners at 18:00, supper

• Onrus Markie from 09:0012:00, De Wet Saal, Roos St, Onrus. A monthly neighbourhood market in Onrus that happens on the first Saturday of every month.

• Hermanus parkrun, 08:00, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free timed 5 km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

• Lemm s Corner Market, 08:30, Main Road, Hermanus.

Crafts, clothes, jewellery, bags, toys and art.

• The Hermanus Country Market, 09:00-13:00, Fairways Avenue. Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies.

• Market in the Garden, 09:0014:00, St Peters Church. A wonderful market set amongst the trees in the heart of town. Sit down in the tea garden and enjoy the surrounds.

• Stanford Saturday Morning Market, 09:30-12:00, the Stanford Hotel. Farmers, crafters and hobbyists bring to you homemade and homebaked goodies.

• The Celine Dion & Madonna Tribute Show by Can Skylark, 20:00 at the Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa. Singer Can Skylark is a gifted young performer who will pay tribute to the music of much-loved music icons Celine Dion and Madonna.

7 March, Monday • Join the Hermanus Social Dance Club for Dance2Fitness at 18:30 or their Latin line class at 19:30. Call 072 316 5787 for details.

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FFS Finance South Africa (Pty) Ltd, trading as Ford Credit, is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 31946) and Registered Credit Provider (NCRCP72).

23 FEBRUARY 2016

HERMANUS GOOD

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

NEWS

Village

EXPLORER ART • WINE • FOOD

The village bookshop with a city selection 17 Long St, Hermanus 028 313 0834

Bringing in the harvest With the 2016 harvest season well under way, wine-growing regions throughout the Western Cape have been a hive of activity since the end of January – and our local winegrowing regions from Elgin to Agulhas are no exception.

With a bit of extra pressure brought to bear by the exceptionally hot and dry conditions during the preceding spring and summer months – said to be the most intense experienced in over 30 years – this harvest is likely to

be a challenging one for our winemakers.

The searing heat that fastforwarded the ripening cycle from veraison (the stage of ripening when the grape berries start changing colour) onwards not only resulted in earlier pickings but is also likely to place pressure on the cellar as many varieties that normally take longer to ripen are now being harvested at the same time.

Our local winemakers are all

smiles, though, and seem to be relishing the challenges that come with these unusual conditions – they are, after all, a natural part of the winemaking process.

Although smaller yields are expected by some winemakers, the good news is that so far the grapes are looking healthy and vibrant.

The recent cooler weather has also brought some relief and so far the quality of the 2016 harvest promises to bring the consumer an

exciting, multi-dimensional bounty of new wines.

VILLAGE EXPLORER spoke to a few local winemakers to find out how the harvest is progressing and what can be expected from this year’s vintages.

In our Hemel-en-Aarde region, it is always the Pinot noir that ripens first and those are the first pickings for producers of MCC (Method Cap Classique, as our local champagne is called). These

producers include Domaine des Dieux, Sumaridge and Bartho Eksteen’s Wijnskool.

"Despite it being an extremely hot year and the first pickings of our MCC grapes (Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier) done almost 2 weeks earlier than last year, it seems that we’re now back to normal with other varieties such as Sauvignon blanc, says Suné Eksteen of Wijnskool.

We are working with excellent quality grapes this season and if the weather is kind to us until the end of harvest, we’re definitely looking at another great vintage in the making.

In between harvest days we try to keep the IN trays empty, although it is very hard to concentrate on boring admin while such exciting things are happening in the vineyard and the cellar.

Continued on P 10

Blessing nature’s bounty This beautiful photograph by Christopher Louw is one of many received by Benguela Cove Wine Estate for their harvest photo competition.

Entries have closed and the winning photograph of the 2016 Benguela Cove harvest will be announced during their harvest celebration on Saturday, 19 March. Wine lovers are invited to come and experience the excitement of harvest-time and join in celebrating the release of their latest vintages. The day will be packed with fun activities for young and old including a blind wine tasting experience, cheese and charcuterie boards as well as grape juice tasting and face painting for the children.

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Hi ho, hi ho, off to harvest we go

Helping out at Sumaridge this year are four interns, one from Germany and three South

promising, says JC. At La Vierge we caught up with winemaker Gerhard Smith, who also said they d started their harvest earlier than usual this year. All the Pinot grapes are in, we are now busy with the Chardonnay and next up will be Semillon, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc.

Winemaker Gerhard Smith of La Vierge Wines.

Africans. As to what we can expect from this year s vintages, Gavin says the drier and warmer season we ve had will result in a smaller production with smaller berries bringing concentration of flavour.

The Creation team ready to roll: Jean-Claude Martin (cellarmaster), Urle Hansen (cellar assistant), Christian Dexl, Max Fredrich and Franziska Keck (harvest interns), Kirsten Myburgh (cellar assistant) and Michael Malan (assistant winemaker).

There are bound to be inconsistencies due to the variable performance of the different varieties in these conditions and certain sites will perform better than others.

Up at Creation on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge the harvest is also in full swing, with viticulturist and cellarmaster JC Martin orchestrating the whole sequence with his vineyard team, which includes three interns from Europe. "It s been a dry and hot summer and therefore the 2016 harvest has started earlier than normal. The harvest date of each row is of course crucial and as always we do not want to rate it before the picking is complete, but it does look

Although this hasn t been an easy year, Gerhard says he is very happy with the quality of the grapes.

Because we had just enough rain at exactly the wrong time and hardly any wind, the disease pressure was high this year and the vineyard was under some stress. But so far we have a healthy yield and the grapes are looking good.

This is Gerhard s fourth harvest at La Vierge, where he took over as winemaker after many years of winemaking in New Zealand.

It has taken me a while to get to know the vineyard and local conditions, he says. Although Hemel-enAarde is known as a coolclimate region it is still warmer than in NZ and consequently the grapes ripen at a faster pace. Due to the hot, dry summer we ve had sugar levels shot

Harvest Thanksgiving

Feast

up and we had to start picking the grapes about 2 weeks sooner than normal.

During harvest time we usually have a lull between the picking times of the different varietals, but this year we are just marching ahead as even the Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which usually only ripen by the end of March, are almost ready. On the upside, that means we ll probably also finish the harvest earlier and still be able to fit in a short latesummer holiday!

The news from Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is that due to extreme heat conditions this is their earliest harvest in nearly 20 years.

The team kicked off with

Sauvignon Blanc, and took the first two blocks in at a low sugar in order to capture the greener spectrum of flavours.

The viticulturist noted plenty of apple and green figs at the crushing of the first samples, which indicates yet another promising vintage.

A very pleased Peter Finlayson of Bouchard Finlayson agrees that this year s harvest started very early but adds that fortunately the grapes are all in great condition. They started with Chardonnay and Pinot noir, followed by Semillon, Sauvignon blanc and Riesling. This harvest is not all that different from 2015, he says, but very different from 2014 and 2013 as those periods were very wet. His expectations for the current harvest are bullish, like a stock market‌ all positive and looking forward to a great vintage for both varietals.

The only producer that seems to have been unaffected by the heat is Hermanuspietersfontein, which has its vineyards in the cooler Sondagskloof near Stanford. This year is very similar to last year, says winemaker Wilhelm Pienaar, who took over from Bartho Eksteen just over a year ago.

So far the grapes are looking great and I am looking forward to completing my second harvest at Hermanuspietersfontein.

26 March from 11 am

Celebrate the 2016 harvest with a feast of fun for the whole family PĂŠtanque Competitions, Easter Egg Hunt, Wine & Harvest table.

Booking essential: wijnskool@hermanus.co.za / 072 323 5060 Gape picking at Bouchard Finlayson.

Wijnskool, R320 Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus

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Bartho Eksteen: Harvesting is hard work!

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

All in all, it seems wine lovers can look forward to some voluptuous, full-bodied reds and excellent whites in the making. Lets drink to that!

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Gavin Patterson, winemaker at Sumaridge, tells a similar story. We started to harvest the Pinot noir grapes for our Wayfarer MCC on 21 January which is 7 days earlier than in the past. That was mostly due to the dry conditions we experienced after flowering in November and through veraison. The grapes in general have ripened up faster with less hang time , which we are used to. The grape crop looks great but requires not only analysis but also careful tasting to look at flavour levels and balance of taste in order to determine when ready to pick.

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Restaurant Guide

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C00-EEE Café @ Pennypinchers Gateway Centre 028 32 1131 Crazy Horse 3 Long Street Hermanus 028 312 1944

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Manor House 10km from Stanford on the R326 028 341 1574

V Indoor and outdoor dining on the waterfront piazza. Open 7 days a week from 08:00 for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.

028 312 4377 Village Square, Marine Drive, Hermanus GOOD

NEWS

NEW! Sunday Roast R100 SIT BACK AND RELAX AT THE OCEAN’S EDGE WHILE ENJOYING GREAT WINE AND FOOD IN THE COMPANY OF WHALES This landmark restaurant in Hermanus is uniquely situated in the cave below Marine Drive, 100m from the old harbour.

OPEN DAILY 11:30AM TO 4PM EVENINGS BY ARRANGEMENT 028 312 3454

23 FEBRUARY 2016

Oskars Village Square Market Street 028 312 3873 Running Rabbit Eastcliff Shopping Centre 028 312 1515

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Blending

art

& wine

Artists Terry Kobus and Ed Bredenkamp with Holly Bellingham-Turner

Sumaridge Wine Estate is hosting a joint exhibition of works by local artists Terry Kobus from Originals and Ed Bredenkamp from Lembu titled My Journey at their tasting venue in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The opening of the exhibition on Friday evening 12 February was a jovial event attended by art lovers from far and wide.

Both Terry and Ed are originally from Zimbabwe and now call Hermanus home. Terry s sensitive drawings and paintings on antique geographical and celestial maps, old envelopes and sheet music explore the theme of migration, using birds as a metaphor for people in transition and the current tragic refugee crisis. Ed is well-known for his unique

red elephant paintings and for this exhibition he s produced a series of drawings on rice paper, using earth-toned oil pencils to create striking animal and human portraits.

I am still a little overwhelmed at the success of the preview evening, says Ed. In my experience, exhibition openings are often fairly subdued in terms of sales – people usually like to look at the work and take their time before making a decision. Sumaridge is such a wonderful venue – and of course the wine was superb – so I m sure that helped to get people into a relaxed mood!

Both Ed and Terry have expressed their gratitude to the owners of Sumaridge, Holly Bellingham-Turner and

Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie and Kari Brice

Simon Turner, for hosting this exhibition. We are incredibly fortunate in Hermanus to have people so willing to support the arts. Holly and Simon s own life journeys are characterized by constant generosity and kindness, says Ed. Exhibiting at Sumaridge is a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure over an extended period in a more relaxed environment which is visited by people who may not necessarily frequent art galleries, says Terry.

Holly and Simon are not only patrons of the arts - they are like family to the artists in Hermanus. They are the kind of people who spread the love by being involved in various causes and we are most fortunate to enjoy their generous support.

Joshua Rossouw with Karen McCarron and Peace Petty.

Gallery 19 Studio of artist Ed Bredenkamp, Hand-painted African fabrics, Ceramics, Jewellery, Gifts, Fine Craft

A Hard Day s Night by Jenny Jackson

16. Die safari was ’n droom - Lien Botha

19 High Street, Hermanus 072 270 1863 / jeni@hermanus.co.za

The Courtyard, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus 028 313 2935 art@abalonegallery.co.za www.abalonegallery.co.za

10 Harbour Road, Hermanus 028 312 1187 084 604 9508 www.lembu.co.za

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26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

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NEWS

The Book Cottage hits a high note

The Book Cottage has been a landmark in Hermanus since the late Sue McNaught opened its doors in Harbour Road in 1996. Now approaching its 20th birthday, this iconic bookstore has added a musical note to its repertoire in the form of a cosy music room where lovers of classical works can browse, look and listen to their heart s content.

I m very aware of the fact that The Book Cottage is an institution in Hermanus, says new owner John Morris, who took over the shop from Meghan Warren last year.

Although the shop had to move from its original premises in Harbour Road, I am pleased that the new building in Long Street is also a character fisherman s cottage and I enjoy the cosy ambience of the store.

John immediately set about restocking and redesigning the store, and the music room was added in January. As an ardent music lover, he decided to stock up on selected classical works from Bach to Bartok and the store now houses an extensive selection of CDs and DVDs in addition to their comprehensive range of books and the usual accompaniments such as cards, maps, diaries and journals, as well as a delightful children s section.

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I realised that finding good classical music was an impossible task, not only in Hermanus but even in Cape Town where most music stores have relegated classical music to an impossibly small corner with an extremely limited choice.

If I was having this problem I was sure others must too, which is why I have decided to stock a broad range of music, from popular classics to rare recordings of lesser known works.

Music lovers are welcome to linger and browse unhindered while enjoying a cup of Lavazza coffee, and I am more than happy to assist them if they are looking for something specific. If we don t have what you re looking for, I could probably get it within a few days from my very supportive suppliers, says John.

It is a long and winding road that brought John to Hermanus. Originally from the UK where he pursued a career in IT management, John worked for Ernst & Young in London before transferring to their office in Cape Town in 1991. He returned to London in 1995, but before long he was back in Cape Town, working as IT manager and consultant for, amongst others, BOE Investment Bank and Old Mutual.

Unfulfilled by corporate life, however, John decided at the age of 40 to become a student again by enrolling at the UCT Film & Media School where he obtained a Master s Degree, followed by a PhD from Exeter University in 2012. The whole process was such a joy – a journey of discovery, says John. Considering his future, John decided to leave the corporate world and return to his first love – books.

Back in the eighties I was a bookseller in London and also worked for the House of Lords Library. It s always been a dream of mine to own a bookshop and when I saw a one-line advert for a bookshop in Hermanus, I immediately investigated.

With the purchase of The Book Cottage concluded, it only took me 3 weeks to move to Hermanus lock, stock and barrel!

In spite of his IT background, John is a firm supporter of the small independent bookshop and The Book Cottage provides the ideal outlet for his passion for literature, film and music. Not everyone wants to order books and music online and nothing can replace the experience of browsing at leisure and discovering new gems the old-fashioned way, he says.

nKentshane Observing • reflecting • transferring Jozua Rossouw of Rossouw Modern will be presenting a solo exhibition of artworks by Frans Mulder titled nKentshane (Zulu for wild dog ) at the SPACE Gallery from 27 February until 14 March 2016. In this exhibition Frans shows the lives of wild dogs at their den by means of observing them and reflecting on their power and constant movement before transferring that information to large sheets of paper.

Using a method of making marks, partly erasing them, making more marks, and reconstructing the structure and movement of the images, these drawings become works of art rather than just photographic image representations. Big in scale, the images of the dogs, sometimes larger than life, move and bounce over the paper just as they do in real life.

Born in 1995, Frans Mulder was educated in Cradock, Eastern Cape and went on to receive a Diploma in Fine Arts at the Port Elizabeth Technikon in 1975. Frans worked in interior design for many years, first in Johannesburg, where he moved in 1980, and later in New York City, where he was

director of design in an interior space planning studio.

On his return to South Africa in 1989, he lived and worked for a while in Nelspruit, close to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. It is here that he started painting wild life, while owning and running several eateries and guesthouses in the northern and eastern parts of South Africa. In 2015 he relocated to Napier.

Frans s passion for animals is

expressed in his wild life paintings and he has recently focused his attention on the survival of the endangered wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), the rarest carnivore in South Africa with an estimated population of less than 450 individuals. These are now the subjects of most of his works and are taken from live interaction with the animals.

Frans and Rossouw Modern will be donating 10% of the show s revenue to the Wild Dog Advisory Group of South

8 Warrington Place, Harbour Road, Hermanus Tel: 028 313 2222 info@rossouwmodern.com www.rossouwmodern.com

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes, and it holds especially true these days for home owners.

By keeping up with maintenance on a regular basis, they will be able to spot and remedy minor problems before they multiply and become major headaches requiring budget-breaking fixes, says Cornel Janse van Vuuren, Principal of RealNet Hermanus. This is especially true of the Hermanus market where there is stiff competition. Sellers need to ensure that their property is neat and stands out from the rest, she says.

Noting that deferred maintenance is one of the biggest reasons that homes don’t reach their asking price, or don’t sell at all, she says that sticking to a proper maintenance and improvement plan will also ensure that the property always looks its best and is ready for sale should the owner need to sell quickly.

If a property is not well maintained it is regularly found that prospective buyers will make an offer of up to R100 000 less than the asking price. In many instances the repairs needed will cost much less, but the perception is that the property is not well enough maintained.

Sometimes even something as simple as a coat of paint makes a huge difference.

Uninformed prospective buyers can very easily be put off by even the smallest of maintenance issues. Only about 20% of buyers are looking for a fixer-upper.

People simply do not have the time to spend on fixing up a property after they have bought it, says Cornel.

It's a good idea to keep a maintenance logbook that include details such as paint colours and codes, any guarantees, and the names of preferred suppliers and service providers for appliances, tools and equipment such as pool and borehole pumps, gate motors and electric fencing, she says.

This will ensure that no essential tasks are missed, and could also be a great selling point as it will reassure potential buyers that the property has been carefully looked after.

Some expert suggestions for drawing up an annual home maintenance planner include the following: • Alternate major jobs such as re-painting so that the interior is done one year, the exterior is painted the following year, and windows, doors and frames are painted as a separate project; • Check the roof regularly for damaged waterproofing and any leaks. A leak quickly mended could save you from having to repair ceilings and repaint walls.

Tiled roofs should be inspected for damaged, loose or missing tiles which should be repaired or replaced as a leaking roof can cause a lot of water damage. Flat roofs must be checked for any blistering or bubbles. Make sure all debris is cleared from the roof and any trees or branches that make contact with the roof should be cut away; • Regularly check the plumbing and irrigation systems for blockages and leaks. Small faults can often be repaired by the home owner but a major overhaul

will probably need an expensive expert;

that the appliance is operating properly.

• Remove garden refuse and any rubble regularly in small loads, and avoid having to call in a waste removal service to take away a mountain of junk;

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris to prevent clogging. They should also be checked for blockage and leaks either from holes or joints. Some areas may need to be re-secured to the wall or re-sloped to ensure they operate correctly.

Remember to always make sure that they drain away from the house.

• Clean fitted carpets regularly to ensure they always look their best; • Clean the pool daily to avoid an expensive draining, re-surfacing and re-filling.

• Doors and windows – Replace broken or cracked panes of glass and apply new putty where applicable.

Finishes should be checked for paint deterioration and rot.

• Check the chimney for loose or damaged bricks or mortar and once a year get the chimney swept professionally. This is because creosote and other flammable byproducts build up inside the chimney flue when you burn wood. This will not apply to gas-burning appliances; however, a licensed gas technician should be called to check

• Walls and ceilings should be inspected for cracks in interior finishes and any damp areas. Cracks and voids should be filled as this will allow for easy monitoring of movement between inspections. Any water stains on the interior should be noted and monitored.

Moisture or damp within the wall will cause the paint to bubble, while damp in the ceiling could cause it to sag or, in some cases, collapse.

• If a deck is made from wood, it is important that it is sealed properly. If water is poured onto the deck and it beads the sealing is fine, however, if the water is

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16

absorbed, the wood will need to be sanded down and resealed. All wooden sections should also be checked for rot and insect infestation. As a safety precaution ensure that steps and railings are secured properly.

• Check for any leaking taps in the kitchen or bathroom, this is normally caused by a washer that will need to be replaced. Make sure toilets are sealed and secured to the floor. Listen for toilets which run continuously. Grouting and sealant around all bathroom fixtures should be checked and renewed as necessary. The smallest amount of water seepage through the grouting can cause major mold and rot behind tiles.

• Ensure there is no rust or water marks in the main electrical panel as this will indicate moisture penetration.

Turn all breakers off and on to ensure that none have seized.

All fuses should be tightened.

If the panel is warm to the touch or smells of burned insulation, contact an electrician. Keep the area around the panel clear of storage.

Send us your news Send your SMS to 083 700 3319 and share your opinion about news and events.

EMAIL dewaal@thehermanusnews.co.za

Look for us on & The Hermanus News

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

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My Home Cornel Janse van Vuuren 083 704 8636 onrus@realnet.co.za

Good reasons to keep on top of home maintenance

NEWS

Helping Hermanus flower A riot of colour and greenery turns heads in the industrial area’s Mimosa Street, a contrasting palette to the urban frontages of its surrounds. Trees, shrubs and flowers vie for attention in welcome, and consistency of trade reflects the regard for Fynbos Gardens held by patrons of this service oriented operation.

Fynbos Gardens boasts two

outlets, with one in the industrial area indicated above and the other in Dirkie Uys Street in the CBD, born purely as a convenience to those in nearer proximity.

Knowledgeable and friendly owner Meindert Jonge Poerink elaborates, We saw the need of boutique nurseries, where the client would receive one on one service. We offer all the

plants that the big outlets offer and never compromise on quality. Our motto is respect and service. Respect for each other and delivery of the best service.

Meindert’s wealth of experience gained in farm garden landscaping dating back 34 years, saw him relocating to Hermanus from Citrusdal in 1999, primarily to escape the heat. His interest in plants stems back to his childhood, from when his mother bought him a book on plants. As a young boy, he began collecting them, got hooked and never looked back!

On moving to Hermanus, Meindert recognised that there was a significant need in the area for landscaping with fynbos and indigenous plants. Adhering to the trusted concept of creating veld gardens, where nature is brought back into the garden, his philosophy is simple – Less is more!

Fynbos Gardens covers the entire spectrum of gardening, landscaping, irrigation and garden maintenance. Together with his staff, the business has been built up over 18 years

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into what it is today, a sustainable business for them all. Meindert’s office door is always open to his staff, believing that a happy employee is a productive one. He acknowledges good work and has empowered his staff with shares in the business, effectively creating a sustainable concept.

Respect, order and discipline encourage raising of the bar and translate into superlative service to their clients.

We only use organic products in our gardens, from fertilisers to compost. It is far easier in landscaping to work with nature, rather than against it. This is why we garden with fynbos. The

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

most effective watering system is drip irrigation, as it is not water intensive, does not require a high water pressure and plants are watered at their roots.

Meindert encourages the wonderful concept of planting a tree as a living memory to a loved one, affording joy to many long years afterwards. It makes one feel proud when you see a majestic old tree that was planted in memory of a person. Planting a tree to celebrate a birth is the best present that we can give to Mother Nature. The child and parent can look back at this event through the growth of the tree, symbolising the strength within a person to withstand

storms and give shelter to those that need it.

The city of Singapore has become a miraculous oasis through the consistent planting of trees. If they can do it, so can Hermanus!

Plant more trees and indigenous flowering shrubs.

This takes commitment, but the rewards are innumerable for residents and visitors alike.

Not only does this create jobs, but also helps our bee population, who are in a much publicised crisis.

Call Meindert on 028 313 1763 for advice on the best planting tips for the coming season and for all your gardening requirements.

- Kathy Mulock-Bentley

17

R6 000 000

HEMEL & AARDE VALLEY

R4 500 000

SANDBAAI

R935 000

FRANSKRAAL (Gansbaai)

A RARE FIND IN THE BEAUTIFUL VALLEY

SEEFRONT WONING OP DUBBEL ERF

SEEFRONT FAMILIE WONING MET PRAGTIGE SEESIG

• • •

• 5 Groot, netjiese slaapkamers (2 en suite) • 4 Badkamers • Kombuis met aparte opwas

• • •

8.2H farm with 3 bedrm house 3 Bathrms, spacious lounge Fresh water from spring to dwelling

• • •

Web Ref: 771709

1.1H Pinot Noir vineyard Office in sep building Sufficient water supply from dam

Derek 082 414 4024 R4 300 000

NORTHCLIFF

UNIQUE, COSY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH • • •

Sunny 320m² home on 728m² plot 4 Entertainment areas, kitchen, scullery Irrigation, well point, pool

Web Ref: 830001

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4 Bedrms, 4 bathrms, cloak room Wine cellar with aircon, good security Great position, stunning mountain views

Hannelie 082 557 9358 R1 059 000

DE KELDERS (Gansbaai)

Ruim oopplan leefarea & Komb & Braai • Aparte Braaikamer - met seesig 3 Slaapk (waarvan hoofslaapk met stort) • Heerlike voorstoep - puik seesig 2 Badk (een met stort en ander met bad) • 1 M/huis & afdak (vir 2 motors)

Web Ref: 755884

Johann 082 926 2066 R4 540 000

VOELKLIP

BELOW 7TH - NEAR GROTTO BEACH - GREAT SEA VIEWS • 5 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms • Well kept, corner plot • O/p living areas leads to patio • Tandem garage with laundry • 360° Views from viewing deck • Est garden with auto irrigation

Web Ref: 821878

Niel 082 967 0813 R1 740 000

PRINGLE BAY

BAARDSKEERDERSBOS

Elna 060 622 0607 R1 475 000

PROPERTY ON THE MAIN ROAD – IDEAL FOR BUSINESS • 1 Loft bedroom en-suite • Guest bathroom • O/p living, dining & kitchen • Enclosed backyard • Separate scullery • Current use: Self Catering

Web Ref: 778553

Helena 079 528 1919 R1 595 000

SANDBAAI

• 3 Slaapkamers, 2 badkamers • Grond: O/p komb & en-suite slpkmr • Bo: 2 Slpkmrs, badkmr, leefarea

Web Ref: 813390

• Enkelmotorhuis • Swembad • Noord front en sonning

Lynette 082 578 5900 R550 000

SANDBAAI

IDEALE VAKANSIE/PERMANENTE WONING VIR BEGINNER • Ruim 1 Slaapkamer, 1 badkamer • Gelee in kompleks • 1 Afdak parkering • Swembad • Gesmentlike braai geriewe • Totale gemoedsrus!

Web Ref: 821240 ONRUSRIVIER (Berghof)

3 Slaapkamers 2 Badkamers Leefarea

Web Ref: 824429

• • •

Gerieflike kombuis Enkel motorhuis Balkon met vêrlangse seeuisig

Francois 082 899 5195 R1 999 000

PRINGLE BAY

PRICE DRASTICALLY REDUCED • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Full bathrooms • Two living areas, 2 kitchens

Web Ref: 795798

• Absolutely immaculate finishes • Beautiful sea views • Large private plot

Jacques 083 301 9618 R2 400 000

VOELKLIP

LOCATION! LOCATION! - BELOW 7TH STREET

VILLA ANADIA

COTTAGE STYL WONING MET SEESIG • • •

Web Ref: 801737

• Leefkamer met binnebraai, seeuitsig • Buitebraai, motorhuise • Bediendekwartiere met badkamer

Ronél 083 406 8952 R12 000 pm

• 3 Huge bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Spacious living areas

Web Ref: 830501

• Walking distance to Grotto beach • PLUS: 2 Bedrm flatlet • House:180m², Plot: 496m²

Marietta 082 569 6967 R2 000 000

SANDBAAI

SOLE MANDATE,A RARE FIND-SELDOM ON THE MARKET • Immaculate, spacious single story home • Tranquil and sought after security estate • Spacious open plan living area • Well designed modern open plan kitchen • 3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms,2 en suite • Large double automated garage

Web Ref: 830000

Tony 082 777 8963

PROPERTY RENTALS * Need a quality tenant? * Want peace of mind? * 27 Years experience!

TE HUUR:

• 4 Bedrooms • 2 Full bathrooms • Huge double garage

• 3 Slaapkamers • Ruim sitkamer met prag uitsig • O/p kombuis met aparte opwas

Web Ref: 808577

18

• Large open plan kitchen with pantry • Near main beach • 2 Large living areas, one with inside braai and bar

Trudi 071 353 6217

Web Ref: 825342

• Enkel motorhuis • Private swembad • Pragtige omheinde agtertuin

Betsie 078 282 0798

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

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SPACIOUS MODERN FAMILY HOME

NEWS

Danie Stoltz, Fran Barlow, Gerrit Lotz, Brenda Kloppers, Louis Engelbrecht and Corné Visagie (Emerald Property Administrators), Reon van der Merwe, Jaco van der Merwe.

SEEFF opens new office in Sandbaai According to Reon van der Merwe, Seeff Principal Licencee for the Seeff Hermanus area, they have now completed their development program in establishing and opening new offices in its licence area which stretches from Benguela Cove to the end of Voëlklip.

After moving the Hermanus office twice to the beautiful fisherman’s cottage at 169 Main Road, Hermanus and moving the Onrus office twice

to the well-know old Rheezicht Superette building, Seeff Sandbaai has now also done its second and last move to the current building on 76 Main Road, Sandbaai, which they purchased a month ago.

The building used to house a beauty salon and hairdresser and the ample space made it suitable for Seeff to centralise its activities.

Seeff Sandbaai will also

accommodate their new Property Administrator Division which was purchased from Emerald Property Administrators on 1 January 2016.

This division currently manages 18 complexes under management of Corné Visagie and Louis Engelbrecht guided by Gerrit Lotz, Commercial Manager of Seeff. Also in the same building is the Seeff sales office with Agent Fran Barlow doing the sales. Front

desk is manned by Brenda Kloppers who will also head the marketing and social media departments.

Jaco van der Merwe, coprincipal of Seeff, will be managing the branch and also heads the development division under the Reef Construction brand.

Over and above the 3 main branches, Seeff also has an office in Fisherhaven and satellite offices in Mariner’s Village and Negester

Retirement Village.

Reon explains that the circle has now been completed as he was a co-owner of Seeff Hermanus Licence some 20 years ago.

After spending 15 years marketing the well-known and successful development Boschenmeer Golf Estate in Paarl, he returned to Hermanus to buy back his old company and expanding it to the largest estate agency in

ONRUS R5 900 000

Hermanus. Reon believes it takes a thousand days to build a business and feels that he has ccomplished exactly that after taking over the Seeff Licence 3 years ago.

In these 3 years we have increased our market share from 8% to 34% which makes the licence one of the top 5 in the country, says Reon. He ascribes the success to the diligence and hard work of the agents as well as an unequalled team ethos with strong family values.

M

SO N LE DA TE

A

SUMMER LIVING Web reference: 357686 Can't take my eyes off ...

The appeal of a private seaside getaway is timeless.

Enjoy the splendour and exclusivity of this most desirable property situated against the Onrus mountain. This home oozes charm and appeal and is on a ± 2000m² plot with fynbos and abundant birdlife.

All the bedrooms are en-suite and boast top of the range finishes. Enjoy gathering with family and friends in the generously proportioned living areas from where you can view the natural garden and stunning sea view from huge windows and sliding doors which take you to the sparkling, heated, fresh water swimming pool and wooden deck.

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The TV lounge and study are separate from the living areas.

There are natural wood counter tops in the upmarket, well planned, country-style kitchen. The mezzanine level is ideal for your very own gym, craft studio, or playroom. Needing solitude? Relax in the glass enclosed Japanese tea room.

There are 3 garages and a large driveway offering ample parking, borehole, waterwise garden, water tanks and solar panels for the geyser, wine cellar, all of which form part of the extras of this incredible property.

Each and every detail has been carefully selected and is evident in the planning, design and decoration of this unique home. If you want to break away from the busy city life, this one is definitely for you.

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

Irma Herbst Tel: 028 150 0001 Cell: 082 450 8352

19

Tirmah rolls out the red carpet The 23rd February 2016 is a significant day for Abid Javed and his sons, as it marks the official opening of Tirmah Interiors in Eastcliff Village, Hermanus. Launched in 2001, this highly respected carpet business was born of the love of art and artistry itself. Interior designers and architects have long favoured Tirmah as the outlet of choice to source bespoke carpets for their clients and now our worldclass destination boasts their quality offering here too.

A room usually starts with a carpet and the furnishings and layout are designed around it.

In the case of existing furniture, bespoke carpets are sourced to complement that which is already there, explains Abid.

Carpet making dates back as far as the Ottoman Empire around the 16th Century.

Carpet makers have honed their intricate skills and perfected their craft over the

centuries, with families passing their techniques down through the generations. Throughout history, individual tribes have specialised in and produced their own signature carpets, unique in the way they are made. Afghanistan produces Kelims and Chobes, Iran produces its Persians, Nepal and India favour more contemporary carpets.

Tirmah have their own weaving units in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Nepal, all of whom use only natural dyes in the traditional method. A team of four people for example is required to make one of their bigger carpets, with each individual knot handmade. A single carpet takes between one and four years to complete depending on the intricacy of the work and size of the product.

These carpets are meticulously created as a

labour of love and of course, require concentrated dedication and patience over a protracted time.

This quality of workmanship reflects the immense pride that the artisans afford their work and celebrates the excellence that has made carpets such as these world renowned. Each item is an exclusive, unique original and all the carpets are nonallergenic, making them suitable for children and those who suffer from allergies.

Over and above this, he stresses that Tirmah also offer their carpets on two day, transport included appro to prospective buyers, enabling them to view the size and colour of the carpets in their own homes or premises, in daylight and at night.

A 20% discount opening special is offered for the first week in their Hermanus outlet. Considering the intrinsic value of this merchandise, this is a generous offer indeed.

Arslan Abid, Musa Faisal and Abid Javed of Tirmah Interiors.

– Kathy Mulock-Bentley Tirmah Hermanus offers a broad range of styles such as Veg Kilim, Milkwash, Sari Silk, Wool Silk, Natural Kelim, Chobi, Wool Kelim and many more. We like to offer new carpets on a regular monthly basis. We provide appraisals and delivery worldwide free of charge.

Washing and restoration of carpets is also available, says Abid.

Tirmah Interiors 8 Eastcliff Village Tel: (028) 312 2102 Open 7 days a week Mon – Sat 08:00 – 17:00 Sun 08:00 – 14:00

CARPET CARE Est. 1981

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APPLICATION OF FABRIC PROTECTOR 323 Sixth Street Voëlklip / Hermanus T: 028 314 0374 M: 079 885 6777 E: carpetcare@hermanus.co.za

21A Mimosa Street, Hermanus Industria

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

FYNBOS GARDENS

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BEST QUALITY GARDEN FURNITURE made of Polywood (recycled plastic) To see our wide range of products visit us at 12 Mimosa St, Hermanus

Nurseries: 15 Mimosa Street, Industrial area 7 Dirkie Uys Street, CBD, Hermanus Tel: 028-313 1763 www.fynbosgardens.com

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

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MAINTENANCE FREE

Landscaping, Maintenance, Irrigation & Nursery

NEWS

Why are the salt pan birds dying?

A couple of months ago I noticed that certain birds, such as the Egyptian geese and yellow billed duck were winding up dead along the Vermont Salt Pan, says Allan Tylcoat, a retired Cape Town fire fighter and resident of Paradise Park. I reported the case to CapeNature who referred me to our own local municipality.

Some birds appear lethargic and unable to walk and others are already dead. I began to notice these incidents as I take a walk each morning along the saltpan with my dog. There has also been a very sharp smell coming from that area.

Luckily, the flamingos seem unharmed by whatever is occurring here. As a fire fighter, I am very concerned as my job was to protect lives, property and the environment and even though retired I still feel strongly about these things, says Allan.

According to Anton Odendal, chairman of BirdLife South Africa, he has been made aware of the situation. I

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heard that species of Egyptian geese, yellowbilled ducks, Cape shoveler and red-knobbed coots were being affected, all forming part of the greater duck species.

Bird (and fish) mortality in any of our water bodies is alarming and personally distressing, says Sheraine Van Wyk from Whale Coast Conservation. The situation is complicated as a number of factors need to be considered and various tests done to validate conclusions made. Often the dead animals are found too late and a thorough investigation cannot be done timeously and so cause of death remains inconclusive.

A probable cause could be Avian Botulism, both a common and seasonal bacterium that occurs in inland waterways, according to André Beugger, Chairman of the Vermont Conservation Trust.

A combination of warm weather conditions, bird and animal faeces and no

through flow cause a build up in the water which in turn give off toxic material that the water birds then digest and which is very harmful to them.

Liezl de Villiers (Bezuidenhout) Senior Environmental Manager for the Overstrand Municipality says that the matter is currently under investigation. In Cape Town and its surrounds, several incidents of the deadly Avian Botulism have been recorded.

WHAT IS AVIAN BOTULISM? Avian botulism is a mostly fatal disease of birds. It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

WHAT BIRDS ARE AFFECTED? All species of birds are affected. This includes wild birds as well as domestic birds. However, it seems as if water fowl are particularly vulnerable. In Cape Town and surrounds, affected sacred ibis and Hartlaub’s gull often heralds the onset of an outbreak.

HOW MANY BIRDS ARE AFFECTED? More often than not the disease occurs as outbreaks where many birds are affected. In South Africa an incident involving several thousand birds has been recorded and in Cape Town outbreaks involves a hundred birds or more.

arrest. The typical sequence of events caused by the paralysis develops rather quickly and most birds die within two days following the ingestion of the bacterial toxin.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The toxin causes paralysis in birds within hours after ingestion. The flight muscles are affected first. Birds cannot fly and as their legs get paralysed, affected ducks and other water fowl typically propel themselves over the water’s surface with an ungainly flapping motion of the wings. Eventually they develop limber neck and upon failing to lift their heads out of the water, they drown.

HOW DO BIRDS GET AFFECTED? The bacterium is dormant as spores in the soil, especially in places with high concentrations of organic material, often associated with animal husbandry, composting and wastewater treatment or at the water’s edge. If conditions are right, the bacterium becomes active, or virulent, as it is known in microbiological terms. Under such conditions the spores germinate and the active bacterium produces toxins. Birds ingest the bacterium along with their food and soon develop symptoms.

Birds on land that cannot fly soon lose their ability to walk as well. This is followed by limber neck and noisy and forced breathing. Eventually birds die because of pulmonary failure and cardiac

WHEN DO BIRDS GET AFFECTED? Outbreaks more often than not occur during late summer. Once winter arrives outbreaks tend to pass over with no further mortalities.

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

DOES AVIAN BOTULISM AFFECT HUMANS? Humans are generally not affected. Avian botulism has been held responsible for a couple of recorded cases, but it has not been proven beyond all doubt that in all of these cases Avian Botulism was in fact the cause of the illness. In epidemiological terms the risk to humans is rated as low.

ARE DOGS AFFECTED BY AVIAN BOTULISM? As in humans, mice, horses and cattle, some cases have been reported, but the risks are low. Hence it is unlikely that dogs are affected.

IS AVIAN BOTULISM CAUSED BY WATER POLLUTION? High loads of organic material, as often encountered in urban and agricultural environments, increase the survival rate of the Clostridium bacterium in the bottom sediments of dams and streams and hence increase the chances of infection.

Source: Avian Botulism: The Disease, its Control and Management

21

Tee up to help others

Your contribution either as a player, donor or sponsor will help the following four institutions:

Huis Lettie Theron They safeguard the rights of our elderly through safe housing, support and care services.

This they achieve with competent staff, volunteers and other role players. Their services are driven by Christian Compassion.

Ninety-two residents are accommodated, which includes 17 Alzheimer sufferers, as well as 2 emergency rooms and 88 residents in flats and rooms.

Come visit our showroom at the Mink Business Park, Cnr Mimosa & Steenbras Street, Hermanus Industria

Currently about 50 residents, with or without support systems, cannot afford the home s unit cost and have to be subsidised from the home s funds. The home is therefor also dependent on fund raising, donations and bequests to help subsidise these residents on a sustainable basis.

The Benevolent Golf Day, with Huis Lettie Theron as one of the beneficiaries, is one of the home s main fundraising events, says Simon Janse Van Vuuren, Huis Lettie Theron s manager. The success of The Benevolent Golf Day is of utmost importance to help the home face our financial challenges and to stay sustainable for years to come.

Hermanus Hospital The Hermanus Hospital not only looks after their in-

house patients , but also services the areas of the Overstrand where members of the community visit the satellite clinics, town clinics and the CDC for Primary Health Care. They also participate in many outreach projects.

It is a great privilege for Hermanus Hospital to be part of this yearly event. This has aided the Hospital Facility Board to bring in much needed funds to assist us in a variety of needs that Government does not fund, says Norman Adams: People & Facility Manager, Hermanus Hospital.

For the past couple of years our budget has been reduced and during the latter part of 2015 we were asked to put cost saving measures in place. The economy has further put a strain on our resources with the astronomical rise in

prices. We thank all who are willing to contribute to the Benevolent Golf Day.

SOFCA SOFCA offers their residents a safe, caring home which includes comfortable accommodation, 3 meals a day, laundry service and 24 hours a day professional care.

In addition, there is a weekly program of activities including spiritual counseling, musical entertainment, gym-trim sessions, hairdressing services, bingo afternoons, tuck shop, birthday parties and visits by volunteers.

SOFCA needs to seek funding continually to eliminate the financial losses incurred by caring for 15 or more state subsidized residents who are unable to pay the full cost of their care, says Gayle Smith,

Aluminium Awnings and Canopies

The services rendered are the following: Day and night care, char services, bed washes and personal care, employment of home-carers, Support group for Alzheimer s and other senile dimensions, health clinics, lunches at the Centre, Meals on Wheels, Senior Gymnastics, excursions, and socialising and assessments by a social worker. These services cover the areas from

The Centre has 460 members and receives subsidy for 150 members. The balance of the funds to deliver this much needed service is raised by fundraising events, donations, membership fees, bequests and the ongoing support of local churches and business.

Our main aim is to keep the older folk as long as possible in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Hermanus Senior Centre plays an integral part in the older Hermanus community members lives.

The fundraising done with the Benevolent Golf Day is essential to our financial health, and such a hupstoot to our coffers! says Ilze Peters-Cloete, fundraiser for the Hermanus Senior Centre.

To participate in the Benevolent Golf Day, contact Ilze on 082 414 8427.

The HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL will be celebrating it’s 25th anniversary and we want to present a festival which we as residents would be proud to showcase. As a community festival we invite anyone who has ideas which can be added into the program, for example a Dog show at one of the schools, Golf Tournament or whatever would add value to the festival. The successful candidates will be responsible to drive and manage their projects including sourcing their own sponsors.

Proposals need to be received by the festival office no later than 20 March 2016. They can be delivered to the festival office: 5 The Courtyard 2 Harbour Road (behind Fashion Express) or posted to The Manager. PO Box 1103 Hermanus 7200.

Canvas Canopies and Awnings

ELLIOT AWNINGS

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Hermanus Senior Centre By providing home care services, the Hermanus Senior Centre empowers and employs many multiraced women.

Fisherhaven to Voélklip.

Call for proposals to participate at the 2016 festival 30 September – 2 October

Tel 028-312 3214/5 Cell: 082 891 1118

Décor Shutters and Blinds

manager of SOFCA. Donations, bequests and memberships form an integral part in helping us to provide our current and future residents with a caring home that they so well deserve.

Only successful programs will be contacted for further consultation

26 FEBRUARY 23 JANUARY 2016 2016

GOOD

It is time yet again for the Benevolent Golf Day, this year with a Carnival Theme. Join the Hermanus Golf Club on 18 March for a morning field (R290/p), or in the afternoon for a Corporate Field (R2 400/four ball).

NEWS

Hermanus Golf Club has record breaking season

Sport

Sport written & compiled by: Tony O’Hagan

The Hermanus Golf Club is probably the standout golf club in South Africa. While many clubs in the country are "feeling the pinch" of the economic downturn and competition from other sporting disciplines, the Hermanus Golf Club continues to go from strength to strength.

The club has had a bumper holiday season and surpassed all previous years in the number of rounds played at the club. In this past December, the club recorded 7 191 rounds, the highest ever in a December month. In January this year, 7 255 rounds were recorded.

This figure is higher than any month in the past, an alltime monthly record. These statistics are based on 18 hole rounds and do not include those golfers playing 9 holes or the Twilight Special

of 9 holes, with both of these also in record territory, probably double that of the previous year. In discussion with Sharon Sleigh, the club manager, she said that by utilising its 27 holes, the club

was able during the season to put through 3 loops of 18 holes both morning and afternoon. These rounds exclude the Twilight Special etc. which were played from 4:30pm onwards. Sharon

also noted that the visitor ratio has increased from previous years. There is no doubt that Hermanus has become a golf destination.

The golf course is immaculate, played in

magnificent surrounds, and the club itself offers top class service and facilities. The club deserves the accolades and success it enjoys and it is a great asset to our town.

South African golfers shine, tennis in the doldrums South Africa continues to produce young future golf stars in the form of Brandon Stone, Haydn Porteus and Zander Lombard, following in the footsteps of Grace, Oosthuizen and Schwartzel who arrived on the world stage after the Els, Goosen, Frost and Immelman era.

With the exception of the United States, South Africa has produced more winners of major golf tournaments than any other country.

There are currently 5 South Africans in the top 100 on the world golf rankings. On the ladies’ front, Sally Little, Gill Tebbutt, followed by LeeAnne Pace and Ashleigh Simons are some who have made a name for themselves in golf circles.

South Africa is home to a number of international golf tournaments such as the Nedbank Golf Challenge and events forming part of the European Tour. On the local front, we have the Sunshine Tour, the Vodacom Origins of Golf Tour and many others.

Golf has its challenges, in that the economic downturn has impacted on club membership and sports like cycling have become the flavour of the month.

Nevertheless, there are golf clubs that still have active participation and are thriving entities. Our own Hermanus Golf Club is an example of this.

If we turn our attention to

tennis, we see a vastly different scenario. In the past, we had many role models who were big name players in the international arena. These include Eric Sturgess, Gordon Forbes, Abe Segal, Ian Vermaak and Cliff Drysdale to name a few of many. These players were followed by the likes of Ray Moore, Johan Kriek (twice winner of the Australian Open), Kevin Curren (Wimbledon Finalist) and Wayne Ferreira.

Today there is only one South African in the top 100 tennis players, Kevin Anderson. Kevin resides in America, is married to an American and could end up playing under the banner of the U.S.A and Davis Cup for America.

Our ladies who have succeeded internationally include Shiela Summers and, following in her footsteps, Sandra Reynolds, Renee Schuurman and Pat Pretorius. Today, we don't have role models in tennis that our youngsters can aspire to. It is also worth noting that we won both the Davis Cup (1974) and the ladies Federation Cup (1972), whereas today South Africa is in the lower echelons of both these events. So where did it all go wrong? For answers I turned to Keith Brebnor, ex director of the SA Open, to get his thoughts on the demise of tennis. He paints a sad picture. When Owen Williams and Keith were hosting the South African Open, it was considered the

"unofficial 5th Major" and all the top players participated for this sought after trophy, including Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors and Pat Cash.

When the two tennis unions amalgamated, issues became difficult and finances problematic.

Money was needed to run the Union and to fill the coffers so the rights to this iconic tournament were sold back to the ATP Tour for a paltry half million dollars in 1993. The dollar was nowhere near today’s exchange rates and the sale was concluded despite a higher offer from a group of five ex-South African tennis players.

Today there are no

tournaments of international status and very little of significance on the local calendar. Keith also points out that during the 80s and 90s at least 120 top players and coaches left these shores to ply their trade abroad, mostly to America. Despite this exodus, Keith believes there are a number of well qualified coaches in the country but our infrastructure is not there to lend the necessary support.

In contrast to golf, the dearth of South African tennis players on the international stage can be attributed to a lack of role models, no tournaments of international status, virtually non-existent infrastructure and the fact that the foundations of tennis, such as clubs and academies, are not being nurtured.

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Schools HERMANUS

Horses offer life long learning Learners Nikita Roxburgh, Kate Hodson, Guenola Hanekom and Robyn Helmbold horsing around with some of the Arabians that will be used for the Equestrian Studies as from 2017.

Pre-schoolers at Curro Hermanus enjoyed a dress-up day on 12 February to celebrate Valentine’s Day. At the back are: Miyah Wakefield, Ariana de Wet, Brian Timmer, Zander Gerber, Duncan Mcfarlane, Grace Ann van Wyk. Front: Mikhulu Lamani, Ameliha Lottering, Christiaan Groenewald, Andreas Muller.

Curro Hermanus will be offering Equestrian Studies as a Matric Subject from 2017.

Present Gr 9 learners may apply for this subject and will be the first Equestrian Studies Matrics in 2019.

The following atheletes are part of the Walkerbay Athletics Team. They will participate in the South Boland Athletics Trials on Saturday 13 February in Grabouw. Back: Ruby Rattle, Zama Kamana and Ane Lourens. Front: Mignon van Zyl, Luke Davis and Jodi Kleyn.

Elizabeth Montgomery a Gr 7 learner from Curro was invited to participate in the South African Junior closed Chess Champtionship in 20 to 26 March in Bloemfontein.

The subject takes an indepth look at Equine Nutrition, Anatomy, Health Care and Riding Proficiency.

The first three are taught during school hours with an after hours practical session once a week, at an Arabian stud, 7 kms from school, in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Developing Riding Proficiency, as well as transportation to Equestrian events, will be handled by independent riding teachers

and parents. Learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12 will be examined on their required levels of Riding Proficiency as part of the subject.

Assessment in Gr 10 and 11 is done by means of an internally written 200 marks exam on Nutrition, Anatomy and Health Care as well as a 100 mark practical exam on riding proficiency for 60 marks, stable yard techniques, handling of horses and nutrition amounting to a further 40 marks. In Gr 12 the various exams are evaluated externally.

Extra costs, over and above the normal school fees, will give learners access to horses to practice

stable yard techniques, handling of horses and nutrition. Parents should also budget for riding instruction costs with teachers of their choice as well as transportation/participation in sport events.

The subject will be offered in line with Curro s 21st Century educational aims of developing collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity resulting in learner problem solving and innovation.

Horses offer humans the chance to become lifelong learners, make young people fall in love with learning and in the process develop resilience and resourcefulness.

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