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Cape Whale Coast
13 - 26 February 2018
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PAGE 24 HELLO WORLD It is a rare sight to see a Blue Crane with its offspring. Blue Cranes mate for life and will produce only one to two eggs per year, with many of the chicks not strong enough to see the year through. Peak season for breeding is between August and April and we are fortunate that the majority of Blue Cranes are found in the Western Cape region. Both parents look after the young and are very protective over them. Only 60 – 70% of the population will breed, so be sure to be very careful when coming across any of them during the next few months. This proud parent with its chicks were spotted on the Swartrivier gravel road near Karwyderskraal. PHOTO: James Luckhoff
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Dudley Coetzee elected as new Mayor
ld. Dudley Coetzee was elected as the new Executive Mayor of the Overstrand on Sunday afternoon in Cape Town by an electoral college comprising 30 Democratic Alliance (DA) Leaders. The announcement was made by the DA's federal council chairperson, James Selfe, just after 17:00. In a telephonic interview Coetzee, who has served as Deputy Mayor since 2016, said he is delighted with the announcement and that he is looking forward to his term in office. “The Overstrand is in a strong position financially and our economy is sustainable for the future. Our infrastructure and basic service delivery is of a high standard and the challenge going forward will be to improve the lot of the poor and underprivileged
in our region. We need to concentrate on narrowing the gap between the rich and poor,” he said.
town before we look at bypassing it.” (Read more on P4)
According to him the only way to ensure economic parity in future, will be by attracting business to the region that will employ locals. “This will be the main thrust of my term in office.”
Seven people applied for the position and four were invited for interviews. The candidates were: Elnora Gillion, councillor for Ward 8, Archie Klaas, Deputy Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality, Ald. Dudley Coetzee, and Dr. Annelie Rabie, Mayoral Committee Member of the Central Karoo District Municipality.
With regards to burning issues such as the Fernkloof Integrated Management Plan, he said he is willing to listen to all parties in order to reach an amicable solution. He also said that he supports the notion of solving the traffic issues in Hermanus by upgrading the R43 to the west and east of the town. “We must first solve the problems of getting into and leaving
The Overstrand was represented in the electoral college by Ald. Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, previous Mayor of the Overstrand, and Clr. Lindile Ntsabo. This follows the death of Ald. Rudolph Smith, on 5 January this year. – De Waal Steyn
Ald. Dudley Coetzee
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13 - 26 February 2018
THE
NEWS
OPINION Matters
Best of luck to our new Mayor The position of Executive Mayor of the Overstrand carries with it a huge responsibility not only towards citizens and their wellbeing but also towards continued economic growth, the provision of services, the careful management of our natural resources (such as water) and the conservation of our beautiful fauna and flora. The Overstrand is rated as one of the top tourist destinations in the world largely because we have clean and picturesque towns, wellmaintained infrastructure, large tracts of unspoilt fynbos within several nature reserves and marine life that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Overstrand Municipality is regarded as one of the best run in the country, and with good reason. But the municipal team will only be as good as its leader. Therefore, the incumbent Mayor needs to lead with both passion and integrity. The Mayor of the Overstrand must transcend the boundaries of political parties and
be open to listen to everyone who wants to make a positive contribution. There are several burning issues that will need to be handled with great care and insight. This include the demand for housing, the Fernkloof Integrated Management Plan, the proposed bypass and associated congestion in Hermanus, baboon-related problems, the management of water as a scarce resource, the scourge of poaching and the maintenance and expansion of our infrastructure to keep up with the pace of development. All of this need to be addressed in a way that will satisfy the residents and keep emotions at bay. We would prefer not to see a repeat of the housing unrest we experienced in Kleinmond last year. It will not be easy to fill the shoes of Alderman Rudolph Smith. And those that came before him. As citizens, it is our responsibility to support our mayor and keep council accountable. Let’s all work together for the sake of our community and our towns. This is the good NEWS – Ed
WHERE TO FIND US The Village NEWS is published fortnightly and the next edition will be available on 13 February. The NEWS can be found at over 100 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai. Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 050 1319 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus. Ombudsman The press exists to serve society. Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny, and is essential to ensuring demo-cracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments, a role that is recognised by the Constitution. The Village NEWS subscribes to the South African Press Code and thus to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman. Should you feel our reporting is not fair, free or unbiased and without prejudice, or that serious errors have been made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman. Reach him on 011 484 3612/8, e-mail pressombudsman.org.za or visit www.ombudsman.org.za
Protecting our Biodiversity The recent full-blue-superblood-moon was the perfect opportunity for a bit of fun after dark on Grotto Beach with Whale Coast Conservation. Apart from moon-gazing, the adventure involved tempting Bulia snails from their hiding place under the sand for a tasty morsel, and digging for Donax sand mussels to see how they filter feed. The mussels were hard to find, and those we did find were small. This led to one of the group remarking that the mussels are severely impacted by over-harvesting and/or poaching, with the result that only the small ones are now to be found. According to the eyewitness, on moonless nights Grotto Beach and Die Plaat are alive with people digging up hundreds if not thousands of mussels. Is this another wild resource about to be wiped out? We already know about the uncontrolled and blatant poaching of abalone. We are told that the African Penguin has about 20 years left in the wild as over-fishing decimates their food source. But it is by no means just our marine resources that are under threat. Recently members of the Hermanus Botanical Society
walked deep into Fernkloof Nature Reserve to hunt for Disa uniflora that was last seen in the reserve 20 years ago. Their blog reads: We walked for 7 hours and we not only found 7 beautiful Disa uniflora specimens, but we also found 4 other Orchid varieties. The fynbos in the higher reaches of the Reserve was very good, considering the dry weather we have been experiencing, and is no doubt a testimony to the damp mists which often cover the mountains. The Botanical Society has taken a conscious decision not to reveal exactly where the disas can be found. Sadly this has become necessary of late. Broadcasting the location of any special or rare plant will inevitably lead to it being poached. There is a lot of money to be made from trading in rare specimens. Just think of the devastation of the naturally occurring cycads in the Eastern Cape. Note that it took a 7-hour hike to the spot where the Disas grow. Not many people other than true enthusiasts will do that. Now think of 1 000 people a day going to the top of the mountain in a cable car. That’s right, to be financially viable, a thousand people will have to be taken up every day. What are they going to do once they are up the mountain? Who will
monitor whether the hordes are respecting and protecting our fynbos? The list of species threatened by humans is endless. Some of them we don’t even know about. Habitats are destroyed by human actions ranging from building encroachment, farming, eking out a living, to plain greed. The underlying cause is the same in all cases. It is the unsustainable human population. The global population has grown from 1 billion in 1800 to 7.6 billion in 2017. It is expected to keep growing, and estimates have put the total population at 8.6 billion by mid-2030. It is growing by 83 million every year. Sir David Attenborough says it plainly: "We are a plague on Earth. It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It’s not just climate change; it’s sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth, or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now." In the meantime attempts to ‘open up’ sensitive natural areas to unlimited ‘tourism’ must be carefully scrutinised to rule out casual and conscious damage. - Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation
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13 - 26 February 2018
Be water wise to help keep De Bos dam level above 40% De Waal Steyn
T
he Municipality is certain that with a little effort from residents the prospects will be slim of the De Bos dam reaching the 40% level before the start of the rainy season. Should that level be reached, level 2 water restrictions will be implemented that include a 30% tariff increase for usage above 6 kl per month. Acting Executive Mayor, Dudley Coetzee, says to prevent level 2 water restrictions from being implemented, households need to save an average of 20% of their current water usage. “This can be done without too much inconvenience. Greater Hermanus managed to save 18.9% (or 84.6 million litres of water) in January compared to the previous year. Currently the level of the De Bos dam is 50.8%. Hanré Blignaut, Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Planning, says the decision not to implement level 2 restrictions at this stage is based on the current and historical consumption levels, historical rainfall data and the ability to supplement water usage from boreholes. “We will be bringing another borehole into use soon, after it was out of commission for a while due to tech-
nical problems. We continuously monitor the water levels of the aquifer from which we draw water and there has been absolutely no indication yet that the water level has dropped,” says Blignaut. According to Coetzee individual households are the smallest consumers of water but have the largest potential impact. “The most practical way to cut back on potable water usage is to severely restrict watering gardens, washing
Pleasant sports grounds, the Bowling Club, Old Boys Cricket Club, and Hermanus Golf Course have connections to the grey water line, which is recycled treated waste water. None of these fields receive potable water. Residents are also urged to check their consumption by taking their own water meter readings (see attached graphic). If you want to track your water usage in and around your house, or see whether
1 2 3 45 6 7 8 1 KILOLITRE OR 1 000 LITRES 100 LITRES
0.1 LITRES 1 LITRES 10 LITRES
cars, and filling swimming pools regularly. Residents should also restrict the amount of water used for washing clothes.” Note that some washing machines use more water on its eco-setting as this is intended to save electricity and not water.
there is an underground leakage, simply turn off all the taps on your property and ensure no one uses any water in the house or flushes the toilet. If the red digits on the right are rolling – then the chances are you have a leakage.
He adds that all the sports fields of Zwelihle High School, Hermanus High School, Hermanus Primary School, Curro Hermanus, the Mt
Unexpectedly high water bills can be attributed to amongst others, incorrect meter readings, faulty meters, leaks and sprinkler systems.
“Should you suspect that the meter reading is incorrect, you may ask your nearest municipal office to verify the readings against our financial records and request a copy of photographs taken of the meter readings over the past three months,” says the Municipality in a statement. “In cases where consumers suspect that the meter itself may be faulty, we will first have to rule out the possibility of any leakages - either on the side of the water meter the consumer is responsible for, or on the side the Municipality is responsible for. According to our Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy, if the leakage is on the consumer’s side of the meter, they will be responsible for paying all outstanding fees as well as for repairing the leak. Overstrand does offer customer assistance programmes to those consumers who have inadvertently experienced severe water losses,” says the Municipality. Another possibility to restrict our water consumption is to request the Municipality to cap consumption by having a flow-restrictor meter installed. Tampering with any municipal meter is a criminal offence liable to hefty fines and the immediate suspension of all municipal services. No water restrictions are in place for any of the areas outside of Greater Hermanus.
Illegal South African abalone flowing into Hong Kong Illegally poached abalone from South Africa is pouring into Hong Kong where the gastronomic gastropods are a traditional and expensive banquet favourite, a new study warned. The report on Friday by wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, released just before Chinese New Year, estimated that 65% of South African abalone imported to Hong Kong in 2015 was illicitly harvested and trafficked. The high-end delicacy, a chewy sea snail with a distinctive salty taste, is popular at Lunar New Year feasts
and wedding banquets along with other dishes that have long riled conservationists such as shark fin soup. Severe restrictions on wild abalone harvests have failed to rein in the trade with criminal networks poaching and smuggling wild abalone into Hong Kong, the report said. "Right now, in preparation for the upcoming Chinese New Year, thousands of people are buying abalone in Hong Kong," report author Wilson Lau said in a statement.
The city alone imported 90% of all South African dried abalone, researchers said. "Unfortunately, if it's dried abalone from South Africa, it may have been poached and trafficked, meaning consumers run the risk of unwittingly supporting organised crime," Lau added. Hong Kong remains a key regional hub for both the legal and blackmarket wildlife trade. The report found that illegal trade routes have emerged
to smuggle poached abalone to nearby countries like Mozambique and Zimbabwe before re-exporting them, after regulations were introduced in 2007 and 2008 in South Africa to protect the plummeting marine population. Markus Burgener of TRAFFIC East Southern Africa said there are currently no laws in Hong Kong to block the sales of illegally sourced abalone. But limiting the trade with a listing on CITES could help rectify the problem, he added. – Source: AFP
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13 - 26 February 2018
Join drive to make Hermanus bike-friendly
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s Hermanus becomes more and more congested, local residents Carel Kuschke and Leoni Aucamp have made it their mission to encourage commuters to use cycling as an alternative mode of transport. Hermanus is in many ways an ideal town for cycling, thanks to its size and flat roads, as well as the beautiful scenery. “I would love to see Hermanus become a bicycle town,” says Carel. “We need to become more bike and pedestrian friendly.” Carel has always been a keen cyclist and got the idea to initiate the global cycling event known as Critical Mass in Hermanus after participating in the event in Berlin, Potsdam and Cape Town. Critical Mass (CM) started to become popular in San Fran-
cisco in 1992 and has since spread to hundreds of cities worldwide, with up to 800 000 riders participating in the biggest events. It began as a “celebration of riding”, but now also acts as a subtle protest to remind motorists to be more aware of cyclists on the road. The local CM event will be a laid-back affair, as Carel says that there is “no leadership or membership – it is an organised coincidence”. In keeping with the ethos of the CM movement, the event is not a race. The CM movement aims to raise awareness worldwide about the viability of bicycles as a form of transport; the cyclist's right to share public space safely and the need for cycling infrastructure. In short, CM is about having
fun, in a group, on wheels. Anyone who enjoys riding is welcome to join Hermanus CM at the Whale Garden on Market Square at 19:00 on Friday, 16 February for their next ride. The event is suitable for all ages and any nonmotorised wheeled transport can be used. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes and dress up for the event. The rides will occur every third Friday of the month and will also run through winter. All you need to bring with you is your bike and a positive attitude. For more information, Carel and Leoni can be found at POST at The Courtyard, 2 Harbour Road, Hermanus, or you can contact Carel on 074 849 5936. - Taylum Meyer
Critical Mass is a global movement that aims to raise awareness about the viability of bicycles as a form of transport. Anyone who enjoys cycling is welcome to join Hermanus Critical Mass on their next ride. Participants will meet at the Whale Garden on Market Square at 19:00 on Friday, 16 February. The event is suitable for all ages and any non-motorised wheeled transport can be used. PHOTO: Lizzie Kennedy
Congestion a headache for motorists and traffic officials The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (WCDTPW) announced last week that they will be conducting a household survey of travel patterns across the Overstrand Municipality.
Transport Programme (PSTP) and the research will also be conducted in other local municipalities in the Western Cape,” says Stephen Muller, Overstrand Director of Infrastructure and Planning.
According to the department the survey will help them to gain a better understanding of how residents experience travel in the Overstrand and help to plan future transport projects in the municipality. The surveys will be conducted between 12 February 2018 and 15 March 2018 and field workers will be approaching randomly selected households in the area, asking residents to complete a short questionnaire.
According to him the information will guide future transport projects, including the building of bicycle lanes, the upgrading or construction of new sidewalks and in the long term the implementation of a public transport system in certain areas.”
“The research will give Province an indication of how people in the Overstrand travel. This will give the WCDTPW a sense of what modes of transport are used, when, where and how often. The research forms part of the Provincial Sustainable
Bob Stanway of the Hermanus Ratepayer’s Association (HRA) says they support the research and work being done by the PSTP as it focusses on finding creative, innovative and sustainable solutions to traffic problems. According to Bob the Environmental Impact Assessment done on the controversial
bypass road in Hermanus has identified the traffic congestion to the west along the R43 as the highest priority for upgrading. “The money to upgrade the R43 is available. In our submissions on the bypass the HRA has asked that the funding for the bypass be diverted to upgrading this route.,” he says. Serious congestion during peak times on the R43 entering Hermanus from Hawston and Fisherhaven has indeed become a headache for motorists. According to the Traffic Department the number of cars and trucks entering Hermanus especially during the morning has increased substantially. “Before the construction of the mall there were on average between 2 and 5 delivery trucks coming into town, now there is between 30 and 35 trucks coming in. These
vehicles are long and slow and add to the congestion, together with the hundreds of new workers at the mall now daily making their way to work. Furthermore, the number of permanent residents in both Onrus and Vermont has increased considerably in the last few years,” says a spokesperson of the department. Last year traffic officials were on duty at the Kidbrooke intersection from 6:45 to 7:50 in the mornings. They are now on duty from 06:30 to 08:30 due to the increased volume of traffic. “The worst time is between 06:50 and 07:00 as most motorists leave at that time for the office or to take their children to school. This creates a backup of traffic from as far as Hawston all the way to the Sandbaai intersection. Many frustrated motorists take the Lynx Road turnoff to try and
shorten their travel time. This causes high traffic volumes on suburban roads, with many of them speeding in order to beat the traffic on the R43. What they do not realise is that this creates extra volume on especially Main Road in Onrus, resulting in even longer queues and delays at the Kidbrooke intersection from the Onrus side. According to him the simple explanation for the congestion is that the Kidbrooke intersection simply cannot handle the number of vehicles entering Hermanus during peak hours. “The intersection is over saturated to such an extent that even adding arrows to the traffic lights will be a waste of the R70 000 it will cost to attach them.” The congestion is, however, not only confined to morning traffic entering town. During the past high season in
December and January long delays were experienced by visitors, prompting some to comment that Hermanus is becoming a less desirable destination because of the time it takes to enter town. A second bridge over the Onrus River as well as a move of the Kidbrooke intersection to opposite the Berghof entrance has been mooted in strategic plans by Province, but according to sources these plans have been shelved for the time being. The cost of a new bridge has been estimated at R60 million. According to the 2017/’18 WCDTP Annual Performance Plan a total of R160 million has been earmarked for the bypass road. A total R40 million has been budgeted for 2018/’19 financial year and R120 million for the 2019/’20 financial year for the bypass road. The total budget is expected to exceed R210 million.
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13 - 26 February 2018
‘Birdman’ gives conservation wings Elaine Davie
B
irds are a fantastic entry point to the world, to understanding the planet; to know them and what they do, is to see the interconnectedness of everything,” says Duncan Butchart, naturalist, photographer, artist, writer, conservationist, global traveller, promoter of ecotourism, and life-long observer of birds and their behaviour. Duncan’s love affair with nature and his particular interest in birds began at a young age when he was growing up in England. When, as a child of 12, he moved with his parents and six siblings to Johannesburg, he couldn’t contain his excitement at the thought of all the wild animals and new bird species waiting for him to discover. After matriculating, he was intent on studying to become a game ranger, but for his father, university was not an option. “You don’t get anywhere without hard work, so the sooner you make yourself useful and get on with it, the better,” he directed the young Duncan. And that was what he did – taking a lowly job in an art supply shop. But then came one of many turning points in his life. Already keen on photography, he offered his services to the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Wits Bird Club as a volunteer, in order to photograph birds. In particular, he became involved with the Vulture Study Group, with
Duncan in his studio in Hermanus, where he now dedicates most of his energy to painting his favourite subject – the “winged wonders that continue to captivate and inspire me”. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
John Ledger and Peter Mundy as his mentors. One thing has always led to another in Duncan’s career in an almost pre-destined manner, each new venture widening his skills and deepening his experience. Because he was young and unencumbered by responsibilities, he was free to go wherever opportunity called. And the next place was the Pilanesberg Reserve in the former Bophuthatswana, which was implementing an enlightened, more modern approach to conservation, actively involving the local community. Here he began to develop checklists for visitors and illustrated guides for the rangers which were translated into Setswana. Out of this grew a prize-winning environmental magazine called Bushcall, where Duncan was involved in design, writing, illustrating, pretty much everything. Eventually, after the demise of “Bop”, this morphed into the even more exciting Africa Geographic. In the meantime, Duncan had built a nest with Tracey, a Maths and Science teacher. After their marriage they moved to Nelspruit, where they shared their new home with hundreds of local and migratory birds on the edge of a nature reserve. One sketch book after another started to fill up, and publications like field guides, check lists and journals began turning into a succession of popular books, including Wildlife of South Africa, Wildlife of the Okavango, Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula and Wildlife of the Lowveld. He is also the illustrator and co-author of The Vultures of Africa and his latest book, Garden Birds in Southern Africa, was published last year.
Duncan will be the guest speaker at the Hermanus Bird Club’s AGM on Wednesday 21 February at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve at 18:30 to talk about his latest book, Garden Birds in Southern Africa.
Duncan Butchart describes himself as something of a loner, finding his greatest pleasure in exploring nature on his own, or with one of the family dogs by his side. PHOTO: Julia Lily Butchart knowledge of their surroundings. But since none of these observations were being recorded, there was clearly an opportunity to encourage them to document their observations. My role was to introduce ideas and demonstrate methodologies and then edit the material accumulated by the guides into an annual publication called the Ecological Journal. This not only provided them with motivation and recognition, but also captured the attention of the scientific community, who found the information valuable.” Clearly, someone was keeping an eye on him. One day in 2013 he answered the telephone and out of the blue was informed that he was to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of the Witwatersrand. “It was almost surreal,” he laughs. “After all, I was not a scientist, had never been to university and could think of many other people who had contributed more than I had.”
Duncan was privileged to travel all over Africa (I mean, who gets paid to go to Serengeti?), as well as to Australia, South and Central America and several countries in South-East Asia. Another turning point in his life came with his association with Conservation Corporation Africa, a South African-based wildlife company which owned numerous luxury lodges in six African countries. “I persuaded them to allow me to mentor the local guides – over 200 young men and women – who showed wildlife to international guests,” he explains.
“The irony is that I was the one who graduated with majors in botany and zoology,” quips his wife, Tracey, with a laugh.
“Many were expert trackers and had an intimate
And now what? What is there still to do? Well,
plenty, according to Duncan. A few years ago, he, Tracey and their daughter, Julia Lily, moved to Hermanus. “Now there are the seabirds to get to know; I’m fascinated, for example, by the curlews, who each year travel 17 000 km from the Arctic to feed on our shores and then travel all the way back to the Northern tundra to breed.” But most of all, he feels the need to pull all the threads of his eventful journey together and make some sense of it. So now, he wants to paint. For inspiration, he has all those sketchbooks filled with pencil drawings and delicate watercolours of birds. But, true to himself and his unrelenting drive to innovate, he wants to develop a completely new, more pared-down style, mainly using oils and acrylics and based on – wait for it – the Tintin comic books of his childhood! “I’ll continue with some of the publications and projects I still have on my plate,” he says, “but for now, most of my energy is going into exploring this challenging painting style – clean lines, flat colours, no shading, with something of the Japanese print about them. I’m very excited about it; I hope to be able to organise an exhibition here in Hermanus later in the year.”
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13 - 26 February 2018
THE
NEWS
Let’s Talk Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za
Provincial and local authority not on the same page Some years ago the Western Cape government and the esteemed local authority were hell-bent on building a by-pass from the Gateway intersection, through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and up on the mountain side above Voëlklip to rejoin the existing R43 beyond the Vodacom tower. Minister Carlisle, reading the public feeling, put a stop to this and said that an upgrade of the R43 between Hermanus and Stanford, which is becoming a dormitory town for Hermanus, should actually be prioritised, which was an astute insight taking into account the growing traffic between these towns and, as we now know, the almost daily traffic accidents on this overcrowded stretch of road. Sadly there is no sign so far of
that upgrade and instead, the 'experts' calmly set about trying to circumvent the minister's veto by planning the mini bypass which, at the cost of millions so far in fees, in effect only by-passes the town centre. Now the question arises: Are the provincial government and the local authority still on the same page regarding the bypass? On the one hand, (at what cost in fees?), province continues to plan the by-pass, going through all the motions, so-called scoping reports, environmental impact studies etc. whilst on the other hand the local authority is passing building plans left, right and centre for projects which are directly in conflict with the proposed route of the by-pass. These include, for example, the
extensions to the Generation School, the mansion / building complex where the traffic circle is supposed to be built for the by-pass to join up with Main Road east of the Eastcliff Village (Kwikspar), and now there is a proposed development named Fairways Close which entails a string of multi-million rand homes, which will straddle the route of the proposed bypass. So, is that particular effort to foist a by-pass on Hermanus dead, or is province going to expropriate at additional millions? Or is the original bypass, vetoed by Minister Carlisle, going to come back onto the table, with additional millions in fees for the consultants? Gert Cloete
Observations at the “water” front Within approximately two hours, while sitting at the waterfront watching the “world go round” – overseas tourists, up-country visitors, locals, employers and employees, and street car cleaners – I noticed that this small-scale industry consumed more than 1 500 litres of water for car cleaning in the various parking areas from Gearing’s Point to The Marine Hotel. And some of the cars are local? It is easy to do the maths – they all use supermarket trolleys and
they all use plastic 25 litre containers, and each trolley can carry 4 – 5 of these containers for each fill, of which there are several during the day. And they all get their water from the whale tail fountain on the waterfront. I have always been under the impression that the cleaning of a car in a public area is an offence? Please enlighten me! Municipal traffic wardens on patrol ignored the “theft”of water. Should they not be
briefed on water conservation / restrictions? Any suggestions as to what to do? Cape Town is in crisis. Hermanus has serious water restrictions. Absentee home owners are coming to live in Hermanus and/or filling water containers to take back over the mountain. How safe are our scarce water resources from theft? Let’s all give it some thought and have a suggestions forum. Arne Pitlo
A swallow’s bird’s-eye view of Hermanus My wife and I first came to South Africa for our holidays in 1993. We have returned every year since for a two or three month stay. For the past five years we have based ourselves in Hermanus and for the past two years we have not even hired a car. We stay in a delightful self-catering establishment in Church Street and engage with all the cleaners, gardeners and staff who welcome us back each year. Being without a car, we walk everywhere, putting our daily shopping in our rucksacks, preparing and cooking our meals in our own kitchen and on the barbeque (sorry, braai) provided and cleaned by our wonderful hosts. We walk to and from the Gateway shopping centre twice a week and have walked to and from the Whale Coast Mall twice. My wife bought a dress from one of the very few independent shops. We will not visit the mall again. Although it is cleaner, brighter, and smarter than Hermanus, it has nothing to offer us that we cannot eat, drink or buy in Hermanus. Provided the businesses in Hermanus keep abreast of our needs, the needs of the tourists and the needs of the growing (elderly) population moving to Hermanus, the town will survive and prosper. We were delighted to read in The Village NEWS of 30 Jan – 12 Feb about the plans to renovate the town centre (Renewed energy for renewal of Old Town). Please don't
forget the pavements; some of them are in a terrible state and I'm not sure we want any more eating places. I hope we are still alive and able to visit when the vision becomes a reality. Our one disappointment is that we no longer feel safe walking the length of the Cliff Path. We have seen this remarkable walkway being created over the years. Now we stick to the eastern stretch beyond The Marine Hotel till it comes out on the open road and back to the western side just by Swallow Park. Without being disrespectful to the wardens, we feel we no longer have the confidence in them to run to our aid if we are attacked or deal with an attacker at close range. Similarly we no longer walk in any of the nature reserves; we stick to the pavements. The prof's letter Ignore the people at your own peril points out some legal references which could be used to prevent the IMP development of Fernkloof Nature Reserve. But doesn't The DEMOCRACY he speaks of mean that the OM, with the majority vote, have a mandate to act on their behalf even though the voters themselves may have little interest in the reserve? Is it possible that the “massive” change in voting which the prof refers to can only come about when and if all the organisations who are currently up in arms begin a programme of engaging with “the people” and meeting their needs? I appre-
ciate I am only a visitor to your beautiful country and must remember my manners. I must be careful not to put my foot in it as I did when a couple of years ago I commented on the ubiquitous carrot cake being offered whenever I asked for a pastry. One of your correspondents wrote to say that carrot cake was as traditional in South Africa as sausage and mash was in England. I don't know when that person was last in England but S & M is now as rare as free, hot running water in Cape Town. It can only be found in cult restaurants where the sausage is made with beluga or sweet meats and with a choice of kosher, halal or vegan, served with aromatic spices and the mash a mixture of fine exotic vegetables, three Asian herbs and the obligatory balsamic vinegar. There would be no potatoes as these would be considered unsuitable for your diet. Gone are the days of 75 years ago when my mother would hold my hand and walk me to Chapel Market at the Angel, Islington to Manzes and treat me to pie and jellied eels. Excuse me, I must go now; cross the road from this lovely guest house and sit on a bench under my Tilley hat and be mindful (sometimes with my eyes closed) that no one takes the waves away for “development”. Hope to see you next year. Richard Brown
The truth about parking for the disabled Is the Disabled Parking disc only for wheelchairs and walking aids? I have chronic lung disease and cannot walk far, and therefore applied for a disc. I received a Temporary disc for one year.
Upon querying this, the Traffic Chief, Rudi Frazer, said that I was lucky to get it and should not have, as the bays were for wheelchairs and walking aids. The question is: Should a Traffic Chief make medical decisions that override a
doctors decisions? Can we have a response from doctors on this? Another question is: Who is disabled, and has our Bill or Rights, with regard to disability access, been violated? K. Williams, Fisherhaven
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Bypass solution needed Many thanks from Hospice With regards to his letter Ignore “the people” at your own peril (The Village NEWS, 30 Jan), I’d like to ask Prof Roy du Pre: What would you offer as a solution as to where the bypass road could go? No good saying “ignore the people at your peril” without coming up with a solution. Look at Knysna for an example
of what happened when some residents/business owners in the main road, stopped the bypass of Knysna. Chaos now reigns with poor traffic flow, congestion, huge trucks going down the narrow main road, divided shopping precincts - a town planning nightmare. Elma Hunter
Pavements need attention The article on the renewal of the Old Town is interesting and should be a positive step in making our town more people friendly. But, as traffic seems to dominate the town centre, how about keeping traffic from the sea front? Another matter that is of utmost importance is the slope of most pavements in town around restaurants and businesses. I have seen and heard the older people complaining that they simply can't
walk on many of the pavements due to swollen joints and ankles. I personally had a torn ligament in my ankle and simply cannot walk on the pavement due to the slant and have to walk in the road. The authority responsible for the pavements is welcome to contact me and I will gladly take them to a few of the pavements. Manie Kruger
BUSINESS LEAGUE BOWLS WINNERS
Overstrand Hospice Shop would like to send a very big Thank You to the public, including the business community, for your regular and consistent donations. Your incredible charity and generous hearts have contributed greatly to our year-end success! We would like to convey our appreciation to each and every one of you; your donations have not only been of benefit to the shop, but have enabled us to provide a free palliative care service to patients and their families. We do feel blessed to be part of such a supportive and giving community. Overstrand Hospice
Apply now for grant-in-aid funds Are you part of an organisation that makes a positive contribution to the community in the Overstrand? Each year, Council considers funding assistance to non-profit organisations that operate in the Overstrand and provide valuable social and community services in the Municipality. The 2018/19 Grant-in-Aid Application period is now open. The deadline to submit your application is on Thursday, 1 March 2018 before 16:00. No late, incomplete or non-compliant applications will be considered. So, carefully take the time to read through the policy and start your application today. Be sure to include all the information and documents stipulated on the application form. Enquiries /requests for application forms: Gerhard Smit 028 313 8035/8004 or gsmit@overstrand.gov.za. Alternatively download the document at www.overstrand.gov.za , click on the documents and policies tab.
The 2018 Hermanus Business League saw 42 teams competing at the Bowling Club over two weeks, from 22 January to 2 February. As usual, competition was stiff and lots of fun was had by all, with the Hi-Q Hermanus team walking away with the Business League trophy. All the participants agreed that a great team effort by members of the club ensured another super tournament. Posing here with their trophy are: Jurg Kuyler, Jaco Lourens, Conrad Oosthuizen, Joanne Middleton, Peter Greyling, Hamish Hofmeyr and René Fullard. The results were: Section A: 1st – Hi-Q; 2nd – Table Tigers A; 3rd – Maintenance Man. Section B: 1st – Trellidor; 2nd – Aida; 3rd – Hermanus Towing. Section C: 1st – Spartans; 2nd – FinGlobal; 3rd – Gas Hub.
Architecture: Keeping up with the Koekemoers? If a picture paints a thousand words, I’ll need your help. I’ve only got 650 to paint a thousand pictures, so I’m hoping your memory banks will retrieve some of these snap-shots from your trips about Walker Bay. I’m referring to the chaotic dog’s breakfast of building styles, this buffet of boerewors and beluga architecture scarring our shoreline. After the entire West Coast, Walker Bay comes second in the country’s ‘Architectural Smorgasbord of Shame’ Competition. Yes, there are some real beauties, often the residue of ‘old money’ and usually hidden behind lush foliage and high walls to keep the peasants out. There are also newer houses built with both insight and outlook in mind - aesthetically pleasing and practical at the same time. This is encouraging, but let’s face it – there’re far too many downright shockers.
Wit’s End Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com Tasteless architects, I thought, till I spoke to my friend Paul who is one (architect, not tasteless). He shed light on some culprits: binnelanders from Springbok to Sandton with trophy coastal holiday mansions. We’ll call them the Koekemoers. Now Kallie and Koekie, having poured over real estate brochures for months on their farm, finally found a house style they liked. So sitting around the dining room table they drew floor plans for their desired lounges, kitchens, 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, triple garage for the toys and obviously, the braaikamer. They knew exactly what they
wanted, so why commission an expensive architect? A computer-savvy draftsman could simply sketch up their plans for council approval, and Koekie’s uncle knows a builder who could knock it up chopchop, cheap-cheap. As a result you’ll encounter Boere Barok, with its pretentious driveways, ostentatious Roman pillars and fake Grecian motifs, right next to the highly polished Killarney Kugel, resplendent in her dazzling chrome and marble, with wall-to-wall glass frontage. On the other side a grand old gabled lady from a bygone era reclines in her formal rose garden and orchard, now
charmingly overgrown, and her tousled thatch requires an implant or two. Tygerberg Tuscan and Sandton Sardinian are also popular. Apart from being unsightly though, it’s astounding how impractical some homes are. Many of these - oes or refined - proudly overlook the ocean. This million-dollar view usually faces south, so their stoeps and balconies are constantly in shade, and tracksuits or jerseys are necessary. The spare bedrooms, kitchen, toilets and maid’s room face the mountains and are sunny all day. These monstrosities, like many others are only occupied for about one month a year, which prompted the local Municipality (out of spite perhaps) to pass legislation enforcing the doubling of utilities rates for those
unoccupied months. “For the pole-dancers at the Municipal Xmas party”, a policeman confirmed. Architectural eyesores fit into two sockets though – the rich, who we’ve touched on, and the rest of us, who also harbour horrors. Sprinkled throughout the suburbs, they usually have a common component – the dreaded face-brick. Shades range from Singed Scab Serenade to Baby-oops Beige – all in smooth or rough, plain or speckled. Yummy. Some owners realise how offensive it looks, but no amount of white picket fences or colourful garden gnomes can detract from the ugliness. Mandatory signs on their gates should read: I know. But it’s maintenance-free. And not everyone relishes the
spectacle of hundreds of twotone cookie-cutter houses infesting the landscape either, but the less said about these pet-intolerant ‘security clusters’ the better. Well-designed buildings are a duet of form and function in perfect harmony. To optimists, the glass is half-full. To pessimists it’s half-empty. To architects it’s twice the size it should be. Simple. Sadly, the influx of binnelanders who commission willing draftsmen to sketch their creations don’t even care if there is a glass. They just want a coastal castle like their neighbours have – only bigger and brasher, with more... stuff. Money can always buy style, but never class. But so what? Just keeping up with the Koekemoers. PS. My gnomes have escaped again.
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Welcome to the Jurassic Coast The Dinos Alive Exhibition at Whale Coast Mall has thrilled locals both young and old since opening on 2 February. Situated on the lower level of the mall at the back entrance, this expo boasts 25 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, including favourites such as the T Rex and Velociraptor.
At the back, from left are: Marlinda Wright (L2L), Paula Robertson (HAWS Volunteer), Marlene Deneeghere (HAWS Committee), Louise Botha (PAT – Pets as Therapy), and Bernice Geldenhuys ( L2L). Middle row: Ann Leslie (HAWS volunteer), Gabi Brummer (HAWS Committee), Elizma Fourie (HAWS Volunteer) and Marion Spencer (HAWS Volunteer). In front are Caroline Davies (HAWS Volunteer), René Dewar (HAWS Committee) and Laura Norris (HAWS Volunteer). PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer
L2L ladies (and doggies) practice for the big walk
T
he Lighthouse to Lighthouse ladies had their practice walk in aid of Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) on Saturday 3 February. Participants could choose between a 19 km walk from De Kelders to Grotto Beach, a 12 km walk from Grotto to Sopiesklip and back, and the Wiggle Waggle Walk with their dogs on the beach. All funds raised and the registration fee per Lighthouse Walker for 2018 will be donated to HAWS.
Tickets are R65 pp, with special discounts for groups and schools. Tickets are available at the door and the exhibition will run until 18 March.
PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
Annual Report available for public comment Overstrand Municipality’s Annual report for the financial year 2016/17 was tabled at a special Council meeting on 24 January 2018 and is open for comment.
“We are very grateful to the Overstrand Municipality for granting us permission to host the walk on Grotto Blue Flag Beach,” says Janine Boshoff of L2L. “We would also like to thank De Kelders Cape Nature Reserve for waivering the 19km group of walkers' entry fee in an effort to raise as much as possible for HAWS. We are proud to be associated with such a dynamic team of hardworking volunteers who ensure that HAWS is run as a well-organised charity that makes a real difference within our community.” The official Lighthouse to Lighthouse (L2L) 2018 Walk is from the 1 – 4 March. “For this year's walk we have female walkers from across South Africa and even one from Namibia and one from Scotland,” says Janine. “HAWS was the charity that received the second most votes from the registered Walkers, which is why they benefit from the practice walk, whereas the Hermanus Senior Centre will benefit from the official walk. The charities will find out the total amount they are due to receive at the Awards Function in April.”
These dinosaurs mimic breathing, blink their eyes, move their tails and roar just like they did when they roamed the earth millions of years ago. While the little ones may be a bit frightened by some of these huge creatures, there is plenty of other dino-related entertainment on offer that is also educational, including a Dino shop, Dino rides and photos, a fossil display, online games, a dinosaur movie and an educational Dino Lab.
The Annual Report showcases the Municipality’s performance over the past financial year, including its accomplishments and challenges. The report also highlights progress made by the Municipality in terms of service delivery, in order to benchmark new standards of performance and set new goals for improvement.
Elzana Taljaard, Patricia Storbeck and her dog Isabella.
One of the highlights listed in the Annual Report is retaining a clean audit for five consecutive financial years. The Municipality also managed to
achieve the target of 98% spent on infrastructure (capital budget); 135 298 m² of roads was resealed; and 828 temporary job opportunities were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). A total of 131 houses were built as part of the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) and 250 transition temporary units were completed at the Temporary Relocation Area (TRA). A total of 788 sites were connected to the electricity grid in Hermanus at a cost of R7.36 million; and 1 432 domestic and eight bulk water meters were replaced. The public is encouraged to
comment on the report. The Council will consider the Annual Report, together with all the comments received, during a meeting which is scheduled to take place on 28 March 2018. The Annual Report will be available for perusal during office hours at the offices of the Area Managers in Gansbaai, Stanford, Hermanus and Kleinmond, in all the public libraries in the Overstrand, the Corporate Head Office of the municipality in Hermanus and on the municipality’s website at www.overstrand.gov.za. Click on the Documents and Strategic Documents tab to download the Annual Report. The comment period closes on 23 February 2018.
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No fear of flying, no fear of commitment… Nelly Roodt
M
ichael and Betty Welchman are a match made in the skies above. They fell in love 70 years ago when Michael was holidaying with his varsity friend, Bob Rogers, at Scottburgh and saw her face for the very first time. Today, more than seven decades down the road, they remain as taken with each other. What the two were not aware of when their eyes first met, was that they shared a passion for something other than each other: flying. Betty (93) still smiles shyly when Michael (97) tells about how he tried to win her over. Above: Michael and Betty Welchman, married for more than 70 years, and still loving every moment together. Betty still wears the Boeing necklace Michael gave her many decades ago.
“Bob (chief of the South African Air Force, retired 1979, now deceased) mentioned to me that she was an excellent tennis player. I knew I had no chance against her on the court. So I challenged her to a game of snooker. Of course, she won...” The couple married when Betty was 22 and their life together has been filled with adventure, love and laughter. Now – in their reflective years and residing at Kidbrooke Place – they radiate joy. Michael was born and raised in Johannesburg. His father had been a surgeon and he decided to follow in his footsteps. He was a second-year medical students at Wits when World War II broke out and in 1940 he joined the SAAF. He obtained his wings a year later, flying hurricanes and tomahawks. After qualifying as an SAAF pilot he was demobilised and sent back to varsity, but he persuaded the SAAF command to be reenlisted. Subsequently sent to North Africa in September 1941, he was posted to No 40 squadron. As a reconnaissance pilot Michael flew operational sorties in extremely dangerous situations. Squadron members had to fly unescorted single or double aircraft missions over enemy concentrations to gather photographic and tactical information.
Left: Dr Michael Welchman when he flew for the SA Air Force in WW II. His magnificent flying machine was a Hawker Hurricane. The squadron was sent to attack Japan, but as it was en route the Japanese surrendered. “This resulted in quite a nice little holiday for all of us in Ceylon.” After the war, Michael completed his medical studies at Wits. His father-in-law had been in the colonial service in Malawi (then Nyasaland) and he also joined. He was posted to Uganda – a country the Welchmans grew to love. “Victoria Lake, the fishing, the natural beauty captivated us.” Enter Betty and her story is as exuberant as her husband’s: Her family moved to Johannesburg from Nyasaland when she was a teenager. She was a sportswoman in the making – later boasting three holes in one on the golf course. It was her dream to take to the skies. Saving all her pocket money, she took flying lessons without uttering a word to anyone. She was flying over Johannesburg recreationally
while her husband was flying military aircraft over Egypt. “Many were the times I flew over our home and Mum and Dad never knew it was me.” The glint in her eye says it all.
have one here once every two months.” They have eight grandchildren. The Welchmans have had links with Hermanus for many years as Betty’s parents retired here. A strange coincidence was that their home in Contour Street, Fernkloof was next door to the grandparents of the war-time RAF pilot Roger Bushel who organised and led an escape from Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner of war camp, where he had been incarcerated. The film The Great Escape was based on that escape.
While they were living in Uganda, Michael had the opportunity to work with lepers. He later travelled intermittently to the UK to study tropical medicine and then specialise in radiology. The family was forced to leave Uganda and return to South Africa when Idi Amin came to power. Michael accepted a position at King Edward Hospital and later at Addington Hospital in Cape Town. It was in those years that the first body scanner was brought to South Africa by EMI. He was put in charge of it.
Michael and Betty also retired to Hermanus, where Michael took up painting when he was 65. Many of his works were exhibited and sold at The Mission’s House Gallery in Onrus.
The couple had three children, Jenty and Richard (who now live the UK) and Rowena (in Australia). “Our children take turns to come and visit us. We are fortunate to
Flying, however, remains their first love. “I always understood Michael’s passion when he talked aviation,” says Betty. She always will.
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Thursday 15 February
■ Networking Business Breakfast: You are invited by the Hermanus Business Chamber to expand your business contacts by networking and marketing yourself at this Business Breakfast. Meet other business people and introduce yourself in two minutes. Also hear about the Chamber's plans for the year, and come with your suggestions. R100 for HBC members and R120 for nonmembers, inclusive of the Daily Basic Breakfast and tea, coffee or juice. Booking and pre-payment essential: Hermanus Business Chamber, Standard Bank Hermanus, Branch code 050312, Acc no. 082257833. Email proof of payment to ceo@hermanuschamber.co.za and use your name/ business name as reference. For more info contact CEO Alta Pretorius on 028 315 1619 or 073 538 3685. At The Daily Coffee Café, Whale Coast Mall, from 08:00 – 09:00.
Friday 16 February ■ Ancient Egypt: The next lecture in U3A Overberg’s DVD series on the History of Ancient Egypt is The Exploits of Tuthmosis III – the greatest military pharaoh of all who eventually became king after the 20-year reign of his stepmother Hatshepsut. Presented by Gert Claassen. In the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.
helping to clean a section of the Klein River lagoon on the other side of the dunes from Grotto beach. Kindly wear appropriate protective clothing and bring a hat, garden gloves and something to drink. Contact Elaine at mwjasser@mweb.co.za or 082 455 8402. Meet at the parking area at Dutchies on Grotto at 07:30. ■ Women’s Health: Join Dr Arien van der Merwe for an informative workshop on Women’s Health, including Women & Stress, Breast & Heart Health, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, PMS, Menopause, and Herbal Remedies. R450 pp includes refreshments, a goodie bag and creative material. There will be plenty of time for Q & A’s. RSVP: 012 362 2422 or info@drarien.co.za by 13 Feb. For more information, visit www.drarien.co.za. At Fernkloof Nature Reserve, from 09:30 – 13:00. ■ Cautiously Coward: A repeat of Friday’s concert in Hermanus will be performed in Kleinmond. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy this popular show featuring the music of Noël Coward. In aid of the Handevat Music Project. Tickets at R50 each are available from Albertyn Pharmacy in Kleinmond or Stefné van Dyk at 082 923 2723. In the Kleinmond Dutch Reformed Church hall, at 19:00.
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 February
Friday 23 February ■ Ancient Egypt: The last lecture in U3A Overberg’s current DVD series on the History of Ancient Egypt is Tutankamen and his wife Ankhesenamen. Tutankamen was the son of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti who established the first monotheistic religion in the world. It will include the story of the discovery of his tomb and the circumstances leading to his murder. Presented by Gert Claassen. In the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.
■ Cautiously Coward: Following two successful shows at Soul Café last year, this enjoyable concert featuring the music of Noël Coward, performed by local singers from Hermanus, will be presented one last time. Bring your own drinks and picnic baskets; tables and chairs will be provided. Tickets at R100 pp are available from the Hermanus Dutch Reformed Church; call 028 312 3094. An EFT can be made to: NG Kerk, Hermanus, Nedbank Acc no. 1470016095, Ref. your SURNAME and CONCERT. All funds in aid of the church organ. In the Grobbelaar Hall, Marine Drive, at 19:00.
Saturday 17 February ■ Coastal Cleanup: Join BirdLife Overberg for their monthly cleanup, in collaboration with the Coastal Cleanup Conservation Trust and the Hermanus Swop Shop. Everyone is welcome in
■ Stanford MTB Classic: Enjoy a weekend of scenic, fun and non-competitive riding at this unique multi-stage mountain biking event in the Stanford region. Choose between a long route (total distance: 86 km and 1 805 m elevation) and a short route (total distance: 58 km and 1 295 m) that both include jeep track and flowing single tracks. Visit www.stanfordmtbclassic.co.za, select your race package and enter online. For more information contact Anneke Viljoen on 084 228 0414 or anneke@freebody-sports.com. Departing from Stanford Valley Guest Farm at 07:30 on both days.
■ Bohemian Rhapsody Paint & Sip: Professional artist Maureen Tomaino will be hosting her next Paint & Sip event in aid of SOFCA Hermanus. All art materials are supplied and a light meal with complimentary wine will be served. Cash bar at club prices. Booking at R300 pp is essential as both previous events were sold out. Contact Gayle or Jennie via email at sofca@telkomsa.net / jennievorster@gmail.com or WhatsApp 082 836 8975 / 082 890 3494. At the Sandbaai Hall, at 19:00.
■ Federweisser Day: Join Beaumont Family Wines in Bot River for a celebration of their famous Chenin Blanc which, for a short period at the early stages of harvest when the juices start fermenting, is known as The Federweisser. Taste this unique stage of Chenin Blanc as a feathery white, aromatic wine and compare it to the finished Chenins from last year. The Federweisser will be paired with traditional home-made Flammkuchen, an Alsatian-style flat bread with crème fraiche, onions, bacon and chives. The cost is R140 per adults and R70 per child. To book contact 028 284 9194 or info@beaumont.co.za. At Beaumont Family Wines Werf, from 10:00 – 14:00.
Wednesday 21 February ■ Hermanus Bird Club: The guest speaker at the club’s annual general meeting is Duncan Butchart, author of Garden Birds in South Africa and various other wildlife titles. The AGM will be held after the presentation, followed by liquid refreshments. At the Fernkloof Nature Reserve Hall, at 18:30.
■ Hermanus Hacking Group: Meet at the green reservoir off Mountain Drive, near the Gateway intersection, every Friday at 07:15 for 07:30. All volunteers welcome. Contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 or mcvosloos@maweb.co.za ■ ‘Kolwyntjie-Teetuin’: Everyone in the area is invited to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee. At the Onrus Care Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) of the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.
■ Bhuki Café: Friends of Hermanus Library will be back on 19 January, serving tea, coffee and eats for only R20 (2 eats) or R30 (3 eats). At Hermanus Library, every Friday from 09:00 – 11:30.
Every Saturday
■ Hermanus parkrun: A free, timed 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Meet at Hermanus Forest in Camphill Road, Hemel-enAarde Valley, every Saturday at 08:00. ■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet. In the courtyard at Hermanuspietersfontein winery in The Village, every Saturday from 09:00 – 13:00. ■ Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals, young and old. Fresh local produce, wholesome goodies and homemade crafts. Next to the cricket field in Fairways Avenue, every Saturday from 09:00 – 14:00. ■ Market in the Garden: Set among a treed garden in the heart of town. At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, every Saturday from 09:00 – 13:00.
Every Sunday
■ Lemm’s Corner Market: This popular Sunday market offers exclusive arts and crafts, great food, craft beer and wine bar. Come and enjoy the relaxed vibe and live music. On the corner of Main and Harbour Roads, from 10:00 – 15:00.
Monday 19 February ■ Hermanus Astronomy Centre: All are welcome to attend HAC’s annual general meeting. For more information, contact HAC secretary Peter Harvey on 081 212 9481 or send an email to petermh@hermanus.co.za. In the Catholic Church hall, at 19:00.
Every Friday
■ Stanford Sunset Market: Stanford's favourite evening market is back. Food, wine, beer, arts & crafts, live music and friendships – there is nowhere better to be than on the last Friday of the month. Stanford Market Square, from 18:00 – 20:00.
Saturday 24 February
■ Family Twilight Fun Run: This 5 km fun run/walk starts at the high school and takes you across the beautiful fairways of Hermanus Golf Club, ending at the Country Market, where the night market awaits your arrival with delicious food, great wine and live music. Lots of fun for the kids too, including the Bugz Train and fantasy faces. Tickets are R75 for adults and R50 for scholars, while children U5 enter free. Available from the Vodacom shop in the Whale Coast Mall and Smart Toys in the Station Centre (Checkers). Registration starts at Hermanus High School, at 16:30.
REGULARS
■ Valiant Swart Live: Come before the show and you could catch yourself on DStv, as a film crew will be at Birkenhead Estate all day to showcase the various attractions that Birkenhead has to offer. Pre-booked tickets for Valiant’s performance are R120 for adults and R50 for children (R150 / R80 at the door). To book contact 028 341 0013 or 082 456 8091 or email stargazer4promotions@gmail.com. Enjoy a meal from the menu before the show, or delicious local Bratwurst at interval. At Birkenhead Brewery, R326, Stanford, from 17:00 – 20:00.
Every Monday ■ Classic Bridge Club: Duplicate Bridge, every Monday at 13:00, at Fernkloof Hall. To join the club, contact Riekie on 072 230 9179.ry
Every Thursday ■ Rotary Club of Hermanus: Weekly meetings every Thursday at Mollergren Park, at 19:00. Visitors welcome. Contact Ian Wallace on 082 895 8738 or Metcalf Fick on 082 568 2193.
Village
EXPLORER EXPLORER The
WINE • FOOD • ARTS
C
Bringing in our valley’s bounty
ape South Coast wine farmers feel fortunate to have escaped the raw deal that nature dealt the rest of the Western Cape. In the Overstrand there was, and still is, enough water – a fact that humbles farmers. The privilege of water is such an emotional matter that Grabouw and Elgin farmers are now sharing their resources with Cape Town. Hermanus vineyards also did not suffer hail damage as was experienced on farms across the mountains.
Wine News Frieda Lloyd
Eric Hoyi and Livingstone Mshiywa picking grapes in the Mrs M Pinot Noir block of Newton Johnson.
All in all this is a comfortable point of departure as the grapes start to ripen on the vines. However, serious decisions about picking are required and a close watch is kept on developments in the vineyards by our valley’s viticulturists and winemakers. The precise time of harvest plays a major role in what will eventually end up in the bottle. While nature guides the process, various signals have to be interpreted based on experience and information.
Bosman Family Vineyards’ winemaker Corlea Fourie in their De Bos vineyards in Hemel-enAarde.
Bouchard Finlayson winemaker Peter Finlayson has been making wines in Hemel-en-Aarde since 1981 and he is quick to say that every harvest is different. “Its like playing cricket - the pitch changes and you have to adjust,” he adds. Peter projects that the 2018 harvest will be a glorious one, with Bouchard Finlayson being up on volumes and quality. Their harvest is later than the previous two years and compares with that of 2014 conditions.
At Peter’s side is winemaker Chris Albrecht who will experience his 8th harvest at Bouchard Finlayson. Longstanding cellar assistant Nigel Hansen has 18 vintages under his belt and is always on standby for the two winemakers. The harvest is brought in by a dedicated team of workers, some of whom have been at Bouchard Finlayson for decades, assisted by harvest interns from all over the globe. Under the watchful eye of
viticulturist Mortimer Lee, harvesting started on 1 February with small quantities of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling from their Hemel-enAarde Valley vineyards. Further along in Hemel-enAarde the team at La Vierge is guided by a new winemaker. Christo Kotze joined La Vierge in 2017 and learned the ropes from Gerhard Smith who is now making wine at Creation.
Christo gained experience in California and Australia before returning to South Africa. He appreciates the sense of camaraderie amongst the Hemel-enAarde winemakers and is looking forward to crafting great wines from this year’s harvest. Across from the De Bos Dam, Bosman Family Vineyards harvested a small batch of Chardonnay for Méthode Cap Classique production on 29
Setriek Hansen, who has been with Bouchard Finlayson for almost 30 years, is behind the wheel as Taymore Africa fills the containers with Semillon grapes. January. This year will be their 10th Hermanus harvest and winemaker Corlea Fourie feels that the Hemel-en-Aarde conditions are so different to that of their Wellington property that it could just as well be on another planet. Corlea says that much has been said about the lower rainfall figures but it is still early days and this year’s harvest will only be labelled once all is done. Bosman Hermanus opened their new tasting venue, The
Frame House, on the farm last year, with sweeping views across the valley and Walker Bay. At Sumaridge Walter Pretorius has started with his second harvest in charge of cellar activities. He’s come a long way from taking a gap year and working as a harvest intern at Sumaridge in 2006. A few travels and studies later and Walter is where he started out. More on P12
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Harvest gets underway From P 11 He began picking Pinot Noir on 31 January for the Sumaridge Methode Cap Classique, The Wayfarer. Walter recons that the ripening has been fairly uneven this year with slightly smaller but very healthy bunches. He puts the excellent fruit quality down to the astute farming practises of viticulturist Petrus Bothma. Walter is assisted by Jaco de Kock from Stellenbosch and Pascal Deneef from Holland, who applied to about 100 wineries for seasonal work before a last minute invitation by Walter brought him to South Africa. When asked what he enjoys most about Hermanus and Hemel-en-Aarde he showed a photo of a convivial braai on the lawns at Sumaridge. He added
that Holland does not have any mountains and the natural beauty of South African is unsurpassed. Newton Johnson’s winemaking duo Nadia and Gordon Newton Johnson have taken in grapes from Paardenkloof in the Bot River region for their FelicitÊ range and ended the week with an intake from their very own Upper Hemel-en-Aarde vineyards. Gordon likened the harvest to that of 2013. Despite the fact that it is warm, the timing is back to normal, thus pre 2014. He feels that the 2018 harvest will be known for its extremes – a lot of ups and downs, with hot and then cool weather and rain during harvest. The vines are struggling to find their natural
rhythm and the bunches are showing unevenness. The crop is low and concentrated and Gordon thinks that the quality will be good if the rain can be managed correctly. Gordon celebrates his coming of age as a winemaker with 21 harvests to his credit this year. In Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge the Creation team started harvesting on 7 February with the picking of grapes for the Elation MCC. With a track record dating back 25 years, owner/winemaker JC Martin is counting on 2018 being just as good as the phenomenal 2017 Creation harvest. The vineyards have enjoyed a colder, drier spring with an early summer. This put the harvest back on the normal schedule and all eyes are on the next month
which is critical for the winemaking process. JC also feels it is premature to comment and he would be much more comfortable to make predictions once the grapes are all safely in the cellar. Just a short drive further is Seven Springs Vineyards where winemaker Riana van der Merwe will be making wines in her own cellar this year for the very first time. No longer does she need to press grapes in rented space but can now turn grapes into wine right where they are grown. We look forward to all the Hemelen-Aarde grapes making their journey from vineyard to cellar to bottle and are keeping our fingers crossed for this glorious new vintage.
Sumaridge winemaker Walter Pretorius (right) with interns Pascal Deneef and Jaco de Kock.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS The Friends of FynArts were the first to hold the programme booklet for the 2018 Hermanus FynArts Festival from 8 – 17 June in their hands at the launch. From left are Dr Jean Faure, Frieda Lloyd, Martin Ranger, Cllr Kari Brice, Frans van Rensburg, Festival Director Mary Faure and Chantel Louskitt.
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS Friends of FynArts coordinator, Joanna Hardie, hands Kathy MulockBentley her programme booklet, card and booking code. PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner
Friends of FynArts growing as Early Bird bookings open
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he Friends of FynArts, who now number over 60, were invited to Francolin Guesthouse at the end of January to receive their programme booklets for the FynArts Festival from 8 – 17 June, along with a special card and booking code that enabled them to make their bookings ahead of the general public. The Friends initiative is coordinated by FynArts volunteer,
Joanna Hardie, and anyone can still join up and enjoy the Friends’ special privileges, which include being invited to a welcoming cocktail function before the Opening Concert, as well as to the Annual General Meeting and at least one annual Friends-only event before the Festival. Application forms can be obtained from the FynArts office or online from the
website and either submitted to the office with your payment or emailed to admin@ hermanusfynarts.co.za, with your receipt of payment referenced with your surname and the word FRIEND. The cost of becoming a Friend of FynArts is either an annual contribution of R300 (single) and R500 (couple) or a onceoff, life-time contribution of R3 000 (single) and R5 000 (couple).
By joining this fast-growing group of Friends, you will not only gain special privileges but also invest in the sustainability and ongoing growth of this proudly local festival. The FynArts programme booklets are now available for all festival goers at the Hermanus Tourism office in the Station Building, Mitchell Street, and at selected venues all across town. The full program-me is also
SANTA brings Joburg Ballet back to Hermanus Joburg Ballet will perform in Hermanus from 2 to 5 May. This exciting event is made even more special by its unique “in the round” format. Last year’s audiences were enthralled not only by the excellent programme, but also by the close proximity of the dancers, something that cannot be experienced at a regular stage performance. This world-class ballet company will give a gala performance on Friday 4 May at 18:30, followed by two performances on Saturday 5 May at 11:00 and 15:00. On Wednesday 2 May there will be a master class, followed by a class for ballet students attending at 16:00, and on Thursday 3 May a dress
rehearsal as part of an outreach programme for people with socio-economic limitation.
always warm and enthusiastic.” His words were echoed by the dancers who were looking forward to perform in Hermanus again this year.
The programme will include popular ballet highlights from The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and You raise me Up as well as contemporary works by South African choreographers, once again bringing diverse styles to an exciting performance.
This highlight on the Overstrand cultural calendar is part of the fundraising endeavours of SANTA Hermanus, an organisation that cares for patients with tuberculosis, a disease that is rife in the Overstrand.
Before last year’s performance Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald said: “It is rewarding for our dancers to perform for new audiences, and our experience has shown that the welcome we receive in smaller cities and towns is
Venue: Dutch Reformed Church, 55 Berg Street, Onrus. Tickets may be bought on-line at www.webtickets.co.za, and at Hermanus Tourism, Station Building, Mitchell Street (Tel: 028 312 2629) from 1 March. For more information please
contact Sue Holmes at holmes.sue.1000@gmail.com or 082 762 5644, or Colleen Naudé on 083 301 6061 or colleen.naude@gmail.com
Shannon Glover and Bruno Miranda in You raise me Up, one of the items to be performed by Joburg Ballet in Hermanus from 2 to 5 May. The performances are in aid of SANTA Hermanus.
now available online. Early Bird ticket sales for the public opened on 9 February and close on 25 February. The programme booklet went to print just prior to the death of Hugh Masakela, who earlier accepted to be the recipient of the 2018 FynArts Legacy Award. “We were deeply saddened by the passing away of internationally acclaimed jazz legend Hugh Masekela,”
says Festival Director, Mary Faure. “The Award will now be presented posthumously and we will pay tribute to the legacy of Bra Hugh on Saturday 9 June at 09:30. Details of the programme for the event will be announced later.” For any enquiries, please contact Chantel Louskitt at the FynArts office on 060 957 5371 or send an email to admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za
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Reaching for the stars at Creation
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uests at Creation’s special dinner, ‘The Passion of Paleo’, were in for a real treat last week as Chef Thomas Rode Andersen from Denmark dished up seven heavenly courses paired with Creation wines. This Michelin-starred chef and best-selling author of several books on gastronomy, is heralded one of Europe’s best chefs. By his side was his wife, Sommelier Thilde Maarbjerg, who is regarded as one of Denmark’s leading food and wine experts. The couple was visiting Creation as part of their ‘Reaching for the Stars’ campaign, an initiative aimed at bringing exciting international flavours to the table. As an advocate of health, fitness and the Paleo lifestyle, Thomas worked with Creation’s Culinary Team to evolve a menu that on the one hand recognises the health value of our Paleolithic forebears’ cuisine, and on the other hand ratifies how simple eating can excite the palate through expertise, innovation and passion. Think fresh oysters with green apple, goat’s cheese and herb mousse paired with Creation’s MCC, Elation; cured Atlantic hake with a brown butter, passionfruit Hollandaise and sautéed bok choy paired
with the Creation Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon; or free-range pork leg cooked in a fynbosinfused sea salt crust paired with Creation Syrah… and you get the picture. If this tall, athletic and passionate chef is representative of the benefits of a Paleo lifestyle, it is perhaps something we should all look into as he is the picture of health and energy and clearly enjoys his work and his life. The evening ended on a celebratory note as the Creation Culinary Team emerged from the kitchen with Thomas to receive the guests’ enthusiastic applause. ■ Next up at Creation are two more sparkling events that will see their Culinary Team collaborate with another top chef from Europe, Vladimir Proskurnin, from the highly rated Estonian restaurant, Salt. Enjoy an evening of first-class cuisine, superbly matched with Creation’s world-class wines, on Wednesday 14 February (Valentine’s Day) and Saturday 17 February. Make sure you don’t miss out and book now as space is limited. The cost for the ‘Creation, with Salt’ evening is R595 pp and bookings can be made by contacting reservations@creationwines.com
Co-owner and marketing director of Creation, Carolyn Martin, with Vanya Schofmann of Nosy Rosy and Celia Rabie of Betty Blue.
Creation winemaker and co-owner JC Martin with Sandra and Paul Buckingham of LB Seafood Bistro.
Gathered around the state-of-the-art ‘braai’ at Creation are executive chef Jaco Grove, with visiting Danish chef Thomas Rode Andersen, Charlie Crowther and Marcel Hartmann.
Sylvia Taylor of Bientang’s Cave with her daughter, Lalita. PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner
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Drift away on a healing African experience With FC’s help, these young women were able to realise their potential and fulfil their dreams – something that is of as much importance to FC as the success of his business. “For me, it’s all about contributing to skills development and creating job opportunities for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he says.
Hedda Mittner
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hat does a fast-paced, cutting-edge business in drone photography have to do with the healing and relaxing experience of an expert body massage using natural African botanicals? Well, for starters, these two businesses are both based in Hermanus, occupying side-by-side premises in the Village Square in the heart of town, and both were founded by FC Hamman. A veteran of the South African film industry, FC has worked as a director of photography and film director on local and international productions for more than four decades. Since opening his own film, video and events production house, FC Hamman Films, he has filmed features, documentaries and commercials throughout Africa, the USA, Europe and the rest of the world. His company is currently South Africa’s number one licensed drone operator, with high-profile clients such as Budweiser, Porsche, Lexus, BMW, Isuzu, MTN, Outsurance, Vodacom, Santam and Nivea. FC’s migration to Hermanus was prompted by his old friend, Theo Krynauw, when he asked FC to produce a video for Sparkle Kids, the youth upliftment and skills development initiative founded by Theo and his wife Angie in 2011. Charmed by the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle of Hermanus, FC returned to Johannesburg and told his artist wife
The Driftwood team offers clients a truly unique African experience. From left are: FC Hamman, Carmen Gayline, Angie Dube, Faith Guvava, and Katherine Coetzer. Annie: “Let’s pack our bags and go and live in Hermanus.” Having found the ideal premises on the first level of the Village Square, FC realised that there was enough space to also open a massage salon in partnership with a therapist the Hammans had come to know in Hermanus. “Annie and I enjoy the therapeutic experience of a good massage and we often made use of the services of a local massage therapist, Yolandi Hannekom, who provided a mobile service. I wanted to give
her the opportunity to establish her own business by providing financial and start-up support,” says FC. Inspired by the Sparkle Kids initiative, he wanted to do his bit by sharing his knowledge and mentoring young adults. Having launched The Driftwood Experience, a second therapist was soon needed. FC tells the story of Thandiwe Kuka, whom he first noticed sitting on an empty crate in front of one of the trading stalls on Market Square. By striking up a conversation he learnt that she was working at the
stall for a pittance and had no future plans. Taking Thandiwe under his wing, FC enrolled her for training and employed her as a second massage therapist at The Driftwood Experience. Since those early days, Yolandi has gone on to work at the Arabella Hotel & Spa, while Thandiwe is currently employed as a massage therapist on an ocean liner travelling to exotic locations all over the world. A third therapist trained and employed by Driftwood, Nomie Mpambeni, is now working at Sorbet in the Whale Coast Mall.
Today, The Driftwood Experience is being expertly managed by Katherine Coetzer, who relocated to Hermanus last year with FC’s son, Timothy (the youngest of his four children with Sonja Herholdt, the iconic Afrikaans singer to whom he was married for more than 20 years). Timothy has joined his father’s crew as an expert drone pilot, while Katherine takes care of the production logistics and manages Driftwood’s staff, accounts, social media and marketing. Driftwood’s three therapists, Faith Guvava, Carmen Gayline and Angie Dube, underwent extensive theoretical and practical training and are considered partners in the business. A testament to their skill as therapists is the way in which the business has blossomed, mainly through wordof-mouth. “We recently had a call from a woman in America who was planning a trip to Hermanus and wanted to make a booking,” says Katherine. “She said her family had used our ser-vices while on a visit to Hermanus and had highly recommended us!”
The Driftwood Experience has been further enhanced by the introduction of the TheraNaka™ range of unique products based on Africa’s natural medicinal botanicals and essential oils. As a proudly South African enterprise, TheraNaka™ captures the essence of Africa by combining exclusive blends of plant energies and traditional African rituals to give clients a truly unique and healing experience. Every treatment starts with a welcoming ritual and concludes with a greeting ritual, while the range of body oils and massage butters offer the ultimate experience in healing, soothing, relaxation and upliftment for mind, body and soul. Only the finest natural ingredients are used in TheraNaka products, including the oil from the Marula fruit and the Boabab tree, Mongongo nut oil, Shea and Mafura butter, Rooibos, the Kalahari melon and Cape Aloe. Only credible plant extract manufacturers, whose services support organic certification, sustainability and Fair Trade, are used; the products do not contain harmful alcohols, artificial fragrances, colourants, harmful petrochemicals or mineral oils, and they have not been tested on animals. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, The Driftwood Experience is offering a special Couples Massage on 14 February. Call 060 518 4981 to book. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 – 18:00; Sunday by appointment only.
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Watch the heart health of your pet
hile we celebrate hearts of the romantic kind during February it is worth paying attention to heart health too, particularly the hearts belonging to our pets. Too few pet owners are aware that heart disease affects dogs and cats as much as it does humans and while all breeds and sizes of animal may be affected, the incidence of heart disease does increase dramatically with age. If you have an ageing pet, or recognise any of the symptoms associated with heart disease, have your pet checked by your vet as soon as possible. Symptoms to look out for Coughing, breathlessness, fainting, an increased breathing rate, exercise intolerance, lethargy, blue gums, cold feet,
THE
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or a loss of appetite are all indications of a heart ailment. However, some of these symptoms are mirrored in other illnesses which is why it is important to have your pet
checked out by your vet. Who is at risk? Large breed dogs, especially Dobermans and Boxers, are predisposed to what is called
dilated cardiomyopathy, which means the heart wall gets very weak and doesn't pump the blood very well. This is usually seen in very young dogs and can cause sudden death if left undiagnosed and treated. For smaller breeds like Maltese Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers, the danger lies in diseased heart valves as they age. This is often detected as a heart murmur and can be successfully treated and managed if treated early. Cats tend to get what is known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which means that the heart wall thickens and the pumping action of the heart is inefficient. If caught early enough, pets with heart disease can be treated and often will live for many years after their diagnosis. It’s one of the reasons
we recommend annual vet checks for all pets because during an annual checkup we listen carefully for changes to the heart rate, its rhythm or for murmurs. If a problem is picked up, your veterinarian may recommend further testing like xrays, an ECG or an ultrasound of the heart. The earlier the problem is detected the more effective the treatment and management of the disease. What you can do to help Pet owners can increase their pet’s chances of not succumbing to a heart ailment by ensuring that, like humans, the animal is exercised regularly from puppyhood and is fed a nutritionally balanced diet. Always aim for a good quality pet food that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Ask your EberVet Vetshop to
help you make the right choice. It is also vital that you keep your pet’s weight under control. Regular exercise is another essential, though if your pet appears reluctant to walk or is slow climbing stairs, don’t force him. Get him to a vet for a checkup. This could be an indicator that his heart is already under strain. There are times where the disease is so severe and heart function is so compromised that your vet will need to treat with medication or even surgery but heart disease doesn't have to be a death sentence. Early detection and a healthy lifestyle are key to prolonging your pet’s life and to ensuring that he has quality of life too.
Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of the EberVet Petcare Group and of EberVet Vetshops – www.ebervet.com
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Hermanus Oncology honours cancer survivors
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dversity that is authentically embraced leads to personal growth, because it is only through adversity that we learn what is truly possible.” That was the message of Hermanus Oncology’s first Survivor Day hosted at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday 3 February. Attended by dozens of cancer survivors, this heart-warming event was a celebration of life and the triumph of the human spirit, of perseverance, resilience and determination in the face of a life-threatening challenge. “I have learnt more from my patients and their families than I ever learnt at university,” said Dr John Duminy, head of Hermanus Oncology. “Witnessing their courage is an inspiration and a privilege.”
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The Survivor Day coincided with the first birthday of Hermanus Oncology, situated at the new Medical Village in Westcliff. Having relocated from Klerksdorp with his wife Martie and son Adriaan, Dr Duminy said Hermanus was “a beautiful town to live and work in”. The Survivor Day celebrations included a presentation by the adventurer David Grier, who conveyed an inspiring message of hope and making a difference in people’s lives through change,
positivity, the right attitude, recognising opportunity and never giving up. This was followed by a lunch in the banqueting hall with Piano Ben’s melodies in the background. Dr Duminy thanked Amorie Bloemarts and all his staff members for making the arrangements for the Survivor Day, and expressed his gratitude towards Cllr Kari Brice and the Overstrand Municipality for providing the venue free of charge.
DOUBLE CELEBRATION Hermanus Oncology celebrated its first birthday with a Survivor Day for cancer patients in the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday 3 February. From left are staff members Amorie Bloemarts, Tania Zeeman, Jan Lubbe, Carol Dunsdon, Martie Duminy, Dr John Duminy, Annelize Holtshousen, Merle Vaaltyn, guest speaker David Grier, and Sr Aggie Booysen. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner
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Did you get an anti-wrinkle treatment for Valentine’s Day? On 14 February, forget the flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears. It turns out that most of us would like skin tightening treatments for our Valentine's Day gift! A new study by Good Surgeon Guide asked a group of women which cosmetic treatment they would like to receive as a gift. Of those polled, 78 percent said they would like to receive the wrinkle-fighting injections, aka Botox™ and dermal fillers, skin tightening treatments such as laser treatments, and non-surgical facelift treatments. Luckily, looking like a fresher version of you doesn't mean going under the knife anymore - which can be a risky business. There are a lot of very effective anti-aging non-surgical facelift alternatives that can give impressive results.
What your aesthetic therapist can offer you Meet Jane: a 58-year-old career woman who dresses youthfully and is a fun person, but like a lot of women she’d reached an age where she never felt that she looked her best. What concerned her most was the dark pigmentation around her eyes and the sun damage on her cheeks. Her skin had also lost its firmness, and she felt it developed a crepiness under her eyes and jawline. Desperate to correct the problem, she often found herself reading about non-invasive treatments. Then she hit on an article about the Palomar Starlux Non-Ablative Fractionated Laser, which uses light to ‘drill’
microscopic 'holes' into the skin. This encourages it to produce more collagen, which makes it firmer and more even. With our first consultation I could see that Jane’s skin concern had a big impact on how she felt about herself, her work and social life. She felt “unsexy” and “old”, worried that it could have an impact on her relationship with her husband. We decided on a combination of laser, light and skin needling treatments, over a period of 3 months. Jane said she knew the treat-
What your doctor can offer you
ment was really working when, after 4 weeks, a regular customer who hadn't seen her for a while said: “Wow, there's something different about you. You look great.” Her husband of almost 30 years compliments her on how beautiful she is looking and her daughter thinks she looks amazing!
As 2018 kicks into action and the month of love and hearts swings by once more, I am reminded of love stories which my patients share with me. One of my favourites was a patient whose husband was not a man of many words and was usually less than complimentary. However, following a session of liquid fillers she told me with great pride that she can now see how her husband’s eyes follow her around the room. He looks at her in a new way that she hasn’t felt in years.
“My face looks firmer and tighter, and my pores are smaller, too – and these are only early days. I'm told I will continue to improve for another two to five months. I feel like a different person… in love with the new me.”
Another patient, who married her sweetheart after 40 years of being together, begged me to perform the “one stitch lift” on her. It’s not a face lift, I argued. At 75 years old, and having never had plastic surgery, how could I manage to get the patient to realise that it would be difficult to turn back time significantly without
- Lindi Prinsloo
Love the skin you're in this Valentine's… Give the gift of love… vouchers available
surgery? But my patient was adamant; she wanted to look pretty and sexy for her “new” husband. We had two sessions. During the first session we inserted the Silhouette Soft Thread in the mid-cheek area. At the second session we touched up with fillers. The idea of the thread is to create actual lift without incisions. I was gobsmacked by the results, and to see the difference it made to this 75-year-old lady’s face was unbelievably exciting. I’ve learnt an important lesson as an aesthetic doctor: that there is no age ceiling to aesthetic enhancement – or striving to keep a relationship “hot and happening” even after 40 years. - Dr. Michelle Emett
WHAT THE CLINIC CAN OFFER YOU The combination of the therapist-doctor consultation is that your lifting and tightening happens at all levels of soft tissue. The guaranteed full spectrum on offer ensures each individual is given tailor-made packages to suit their skin type, face structure and budget. Aesthetics and Anti-ageing has become too specialised to try on a “one size fits all” package.
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Rotary keeps Hermanus green
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worldwide challenge by the Rotary International President to all Rotarians to plant 1.2 million trees, which amounts to at least one tree each, is gaining momentum. Ian Riseley’s challenge to make our environment a better place ends on Earth Day, 22 April 2018. Hermanus Rotarian Ann Wright and Past Club President, Richard Beardsall, took up the challenge. A £2 000 grant from the Rotary Club of Trentbridge in Nottingham, England, allowed the club to purchase 60 indigenous trees from the Grootbos Foundation nursery. Recipients of these trees also received compost, fertilizer, stakes and ties and in return they had to agree to look after their trees and water them regularly. “This project was all about team work,” says Ann. “It could not have happened without the help of Mr Wynand Smit, MD of Isipani Construction and the Overstrand Municipality who generously supported this initiative. The Club is most grateful to Isipani who provided the manpower to dig the holes
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and plant the trees, and at one site they even provided a front-end loader to assist with the digging. Jean de Villiers and Don Kearney from the Municipality provided storage space and wartering for all the trees over a period of six weeks. Lauren Rainbird, their horticulturist, gave much-needed advice and support.” Local schools that were thrilled to receive trees include Hermanus High, Hawston Primary, Zwelihle Primary, Ella Gordon Creche and Curro Hermanus. The Municipality were most appreciative of the six trees
planted at the cemetery plus the six planted in the park on the corner of Main Road and Sea Way. “Trees represent life and we can no longer afford not to plant them,” says Ann. “Trees create an ecosystem for birds and other animals and absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. “One large tree can provide a day's supply of oxygen for four people. Trees improve a landscape and the value of a property, provide shade and slow down evaporation.
Barren neighbourhoods have been shown to have a bigger incidence of violence than suburbs with trees and greenery.”
The Rotary Club of Hermanus, as part of their Tree Project, donated six indigenous trees, compost and fertilizer to the Municipality. The trees were planted at Bekker’s Park on the corner of Main Road and Sea Way, with the assistance of Isipani Construction. From left are Rotarians Dave Wright, Ann Wright and Ian Wallace (President), Richard Scholtz (Superintendent: Parks, Sportsfields and Beaches) and Lauren Rainbird (Municipal Horticulturist).
A bonus for the Overberg is that one of the Rotary Clubs in Cape Town has asked Hermanus Rotary to identify a school or organisation that would like 15 trees. Due to severe water restrictions they may not water gardens. Should more funds become available the Rotary Club of Hermanus will continue planting trees. Anyone interested in the project can email annwright@telkomsa.net
The Rotary Club of Hermanus donated three indigenous trees to Zwelihle Primary School. One of these trees, a Celtis Africana (‘umvumvu’ or white stinkwood) was planted in memory of a grade 7 learner, Anothando Langa, who tragically drowned on a school outing last year. Rotary held a small dedication service for the family, a few friends and the management team of the school. The school Principal, Ms Ntombizanele Booysens, completed the planting ceremony.
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MOTORING
See the fast and the furious at Nissan Hermanus
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here has been no shortage of rubbernecking as Nissan Hermanus hosts one of the most powerful cars in South Africa.
The souped-up Nissan GT-R35 started life as a 2010 Black Edition, a vehicle that in its standard form offered the sort of performance that most enthusiasts can only dream of. Since then the aftermarket body stylists and tuners got to grips with it and turned it into one of the finest and rarest of its kind in the country. The most obvious change is the re-contoured body work with all the carbon fibre panels from the Japanese styling company Liberty Walk. Aerodynamic spoilers, wings and diffusers with enormous wheel arch extensions and large GFG forged alloy wheels transform this already extreme design into a car that will thrill every petrol head. The interior carries all the necessary instrumentation and safety equipment. The full race seats were removed, shipped to Italy for reupholstering in the finest leather. But it is not just appearance that sets this one apart. Utilising an Alpha 10 package, the onboard
To advertise in The Village NEWS, contact Rina de Wet on
083 604 0808
computer-controlled mapping system has 140 different settings offering power outputs from 850 to 1044kW and an eye watering 1280Nm of torque. The full race settings cannot be engaged until the onboard GPS recognises that the GT-R is on a race track and not a public road. There are apparently only three of these cars in South Africa, the two others being 2015 models, so it is a very rare car indeed and well worth a visit to the showroom in Swartdam Road. – John Floyd
Its lekker to be a local at Hyundai Locals can look forward to a R30 000 saving on a brand new Elantra 2.0E AT at Hyundai Hermanus during February. As part of its Incredible Local Deal in partnership with The Village NEWS, only residents of the Overstrand will qualify for this special offer. “Over and above the R30 000 saving the new owner will get an additional surprise on the day he takes delivery of the vehicle,” says Branch
Manager Johann Grobbelaar. “We do not want to let the cat out of the bag yet, but keep your eyes peeled on The Village NEWS and see how committed we are to the local community.” The Elantra 2.0E AT normally sells at R349 900 and offers great value for money. Its features include, ABS braking, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, smart key push button start, aircon, infotainment system, Bluetooth, rear park assist, leather seats and a rain sensor. It comes with
a 5-year / 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan. As brand ambassadors for this special deal The Village NEWS team of De Waal Steyn and Hedda Mittner was recently presented by Johann with the keys to a sparkling Hyundai i10 to zip around in. Talk to us about how you can get in the driving seat of this city slick little car. Contact Hyundai Hermanus at 028 312 3355.
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Hermanus Netball takes ‘girl power’ to Cape Town 10s
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ermanus was well represented at the annual Cape Town 10s tournament, with Hermanus Netball Club sending two teams to compete in this popular social sport and entertainment festival. The Zando Cape Town 10s
celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and more than 300 teams participated in seven different sport codes: rugby, netball, dodgeball, soccer, hockey, beach volleyball and a fitness competition. It was the third year the Hermanus Netball Club competed in the tournament. Hermanus
was also represented by the Speed Queen Rugby team as well as by a dodgeball team. A total of 60 netball teams battled it out in four different divisions and the Hermanus teams – Team Grand Prix and Team Grand Prix Pro – competed in the Social 1 and
Social 2 divisions. Both teams managed to win two out of their three matches on day 1, which ensured them a place in the semi-finals on day 2.
Prix won their semi-final match and qualified for the Plate Final playoffs for 3rd and 4th place. The team won that match and ended in 3rd place.
The Grand Prix Pro team lost their semi-final match and were knocked out of the competition, while Team Grand
“Although it is seen as a social sporting event, the standard of play is very high,” said Hermanus Netball stalwart
Lizelle Munnik. “We are very pleased with how our teams performed. The tournament has an amazing vibe and the social element boosts team spirit and camaraderie.” The club hopes to compete in the tournament for a fourth time in 2019.
TEAM GRAND PRIX AND GRAND PRIX PRO’S From left are Luzann Geldenhuys, Nastassha Klopper, Marna Heyns, Chamaine Cooper, Chanel van Wyk, Caren van der Walt, Lize Marie Fogwell, Nicole Albertyn, Elsabe Henn, Ynanda Lemmer, Annica Louw, Jana Sprong, Lizette Ainslie, Danielle Gous, Zenobia Venter, Bianca le Roux, and Lizelle Munnik.
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Records broken at Walkerbay Athletics On Friday, 2 February, Hermanus Primary School held its annual Walkerbay Athletics Day which hosted a group of 15 schools from the Overberg area. The performance of the athletes was once again outstanding and four new records were set: two by L. Boshoff and K. Smith from Hermanus Primary School and the two by F. Bredenkamp from Hawston Primary. The day was enjoyed by all those who attended. Well done to all the learners on their great achievements.
F. Kruger from Gansbaai made u12 high jump look almost effortless with her long strides and smooth jumps over the bar.
Athletes from Kleinmond and Hawston Primary School were almost neck and neck for most of the race with Hawston Primary taking the win in the last 50m. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer – Titanium Photography
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Hermies comes out tops at interschools On Saturday, 3 February, Hermanus High, Bredasdorp and Overberg High School went head-to-head in the annual Interschools Athletics Day. Hermanus High School won the athletics overall with athletes from the school winning 13 of the 20 trophies. Four new records were set by Mari Carstens (u17 Girls Shot Put), Adriano Prag (u14 Boys 100m), Chanté Roux (u14 Girls 1500m) and the u14 Boys Relay team from Hermanus High School. Bredasdorp High took second place (winning the Gees- and Optogbekers) with Overberg High coming in just behind them.
The trophy winners for the day were mostly Hermanus High School athletes. From left are Chanté Roux, Adriano Prag, Janika Kruger, Donovan Brink, Mari Carstens and second from right Zulene van Niekerk. With them are two athletes from Overberg High School. PHOTO: MAVIS DE VILLIERS
Supporters and athletes from Hermanus High School were in high spirits after performing their opening piece at Overberg High School. PHOTO: MAVIS DE VILLIERS
Hermanus High School cheerleaders hyped up their supporters and athletes with their African-themed opening performance. PHOTO: MAVIS DE VILLIERS
Chanté Roux didn’t even seem to break a sweat when she beat the previous record for the u14 Girls 1500m at the Interschools Athletics Day. PHOTO: MAVIS DE VILLIERS
Janika Kruger easily navigated the 100m hurdles and took an early lead for Hermanus High School. PHOTO: STEPHAN DE LANGE
Anje Smith received the baton from Nyasha Makwarimba in the girls U19 relay, putting them in the lead. PHOTO: STEPHAN DE LANGE
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Bredasdorp take first leg of ICM Cup
reetings to one and all from a busy Hermanus Golf Club. Over the past couple of weeks we have had a busy time with a lot of visiting golfers. Our course is keeping up with the heat and traffic and we have an exciting week ahead with 80 members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Scotland gracing our fairways.
The Putting Pirate
Scores at a glance
Julian Shaw
LADIES DAY - 23 JANUARY Tuesday was the annual Ladies Captain vs Ladies Vice Captain, a cumulative stableford competition where the points from both sides are added up to see who wins, and this year the Captain, Pat van Renen, came out victorious! Well done, ladies. WEDNESDAY MEN’S DAY - 24JANUARY Wednesday was the running of the Dave Alexander Cup, an individual stableford format. We had 143 players with lovely weather! Winners: East course - Shaun Smith +6 C/I; South course - Roydon Pybus +6; North course - Alan Toombs +7. The cup winner was Alan Toombs.
Historic first leg victory for Bredasdorp This week we had the 50th running of the ICM Cup here on Saturday. It really is a super tournament that sees us play at both venues – one at Hermanus now and then later in the year, when the ladies have the Daysh Cup at Hermanus, the guys have the rematch at Bredasdorp. It is always played in great spirts and a fantastic time is had by all. Hermanus has dominated over the past few years – indeed the last time Bredasdorp won was back in 2010, and over the past 50 years Bredasdorp has only won the Hermanus leg once! Well, this was their day and they played some fantastic golf. Bredasdorp won the leg convincingly with 660 points to 645 points. Come on, Hermanus, we had better pull up our socks for the next leg, lots of ground to make up! Well done to the guys from Bredasdorp; their Captain Gerry Pienaar made a super speech and relished every moment! New Junior Tournament for the Overberg Now here is a great initiative I am proud to be a part of. It is so important to grow our sport and encourage younger putting pirates, as the sport has always had a bit of an older person stigma attached to it. One of our members, Riaan Peters, has taken an amazing step and formed a non-profit
31 JANUARY - 148 PLAYERS Betterball Stableford Winners: East course - Audie van Noordwyk and John Ruddy 47 points; South course - Tony Runkel and Peter Bouwer 47 points; North course - Chicken Basson and Ray Calitz 46 points. SATURDAY ALTOGETHER – 27 JANUARY - 167 PLAYERS Alliance Stableford Winners: East course - Kevin Middleton, George Tuer, John Hartshorn & Steyn van Riet 91; South course - Ian McAdam, Henk Kleinloog, Greg Donald & Paul Vorster (C/I) 95; North course - Andrew Philip, Simon O’Sullivan, Don Munro & Shaun Smith 98.
Hermanus Captain John Stergianos and proud Bredasdorp Captain Gerry Pienaar with half a hand on the cup after Bredasdorp won the first leg of the ICM Cup. organisation, The Kosie Pieters Golf Development Foundation NPC. He has raised funds and got the ball rolling for a monthly junior tournament here at Hermanus that is open to any junior golfer in the Overberg. A unique feature of the tournament is that not only do we run the monthly competitions with great prizes, but also have the accumulative “Fedex Cup” approach to it, so each time the juniors play the scores are added, until after a year we have the winner of the Kosie Pieters Cup. What a great idea! The main sponsor for 2018 is FinGlobal, a Bidvest company based here in Hermanus. So well done to Riaan, I can see this blooming into something bigger than the Over-
berg. If there are any juniors wishing to play, please just email me on golf@hermanus.co.za. The rules are that you have to have a recognised handicap and be under 18. Should be fantastic fun, watch this space! Last laugh Anyone who knows me knows I love a good laugh. This week we take a peak into the chitty chatty world of wind pumps! Two wind pumps standing in the field. One asks the other (as they do): “What kind of music do you like?” “I don’t listen to much music,” the other replied, “but I can tell you I am a big metal fan.” And if you’re not laughing
now it’s the plank for you! Until next time, have a super couple of weeks and remember: keep calm and go golfing!
3 FEBRUARY 4BBB Stableford and ICM Cup (Hermanus vs. Bredasdorp): East course - Philip Munro & Don Munro (C/I) 45; South course - Theuns Geldenhuys & Tony de Beer 49; North course - Jako Bezuidenhout & Gawie Swanepoel 46; ICM Cup: Hermanus 645 - 660 Bredasdorp. Best Gross: Dave Johnston 73. SUNDAY MIXED – 28 JANUARY - 88 PLAYERS Alliance Stableford Winners - Linda Hudson, Val Vlok, Bob Fell and Terry Westbrook 82 points C/I
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13 - 26 February 2018
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Day of records for Hermies at athletics meet The Northern Zone Athletics Meet was held on 10 February at Hermanus High School with 12 schools from Villiersdorp, Grabouw, Botrivier, Hermanus and Gansbaai participating. A total of 13 records were broken on Saturday with Hermanus High athletes breaking 11 records. Hermies athletes took 60 first places, 34 second places and 30 third places. Close on 1 000 athletes took part on the day that was described as a huge success by organisers. The South Boland Northern Zone meet is a qualifier for the South Boland meet which will take place in Caledon on 17 February. Here the members of the South Boland team will be chosen who will represent the region at the Boland meet that will take place in Paarl on 3 March. Top right: Lané Venter (Curro High School Hermanus) and Elana Coetzee (Hermanus High School) turned out to be almost evenly matched in the Girls u17 100m hurdles.
Bottom right: Jana Bergh from Hermanus High sets off with a strong start in the girls u19 800m.
Chanté Roux came first and broke yet another record in the Girls u17 3000m on Saturday at the South Boland Athletics Day in Hermanus. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer – Titanium Photography
Left: Jean-Jacques Adams from Grabouw High School (the South Boland record holder with a personal best of 1.95m and the second top u18 SA Athlete in 2017) beat the previous record of 1.88m in the Boys u19 high jump.