The Village NEWS 20 Feb 2019 - 26 Feb 2019

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Betty's Bay fire aftermath

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20 FEBRUARY 2019

Walk on the wild side

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What's new in review

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Western Province surfer and founder of Hermanus Surf School, Ryan Halkett, rides a wave at Voëlklip Beach during last week’s scorcher of a day. This thrilling photograph by 15-year-old high school learner, Waldo Uys, is the winner of The Village NEWS Sizzling Summer Competition.

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Better Living plan for housing Writer De Waal Steyn

W

e have the opportunity for Hermanus to become an example to other communities as the place where a community successfully overcame the barriers of the past,” said Premier Helen Zille at a housing-stakeholders’ meeting on Monday.

This statement was made during a successful and productive meeting at the municipal auditorium where

all the role-players agreed to work together to establish a housing project scheme similar to that of the Conradie Better Living Model that is being developed in Pinelands, Cape Town. Monday’s meeting was held to give feedback on the resolutions taken at a meeting with Overstrand Unite on 15 December last year.

The Conradie Better Living Model envisages the development of the 22ha former Conradie Hospital site into an integrated, sustainable and affordable residentially-led, mixed-

use neighbourhood. This multi-million-Rand project is being developed through a partnership between the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, and the private sector.

(Read more on P3.)

According to Zille, the Schulphoek site lends itself perfectly to the replication of this new model of integrated housing development. “There are, however, a few barriers. The first is the need for government once again to become the owners of the land.

We have been in negotiations with

the current owners to buy it back at a reasonable price, but up to now all our offers have been rejected. There is a wide gap between what we as the provincial government are willing to pay and the price being sought by the current owners.

“I will now make it my personal mission to drive these negotiations to a head. The next step would be to enter into arbitration with the owners and failing that, we will have to go to court so that it can decide what is a fair price for the property,” said Zille.

According to her, the second challenge is community cooperation. It is an unfortunate truth that it is virtually impossible to develop a piece of land if there are people living on it. Where land has been occupied before development, the process of removing those people sets the process back between three and six years. Therefore, we need agreement from the community to move them to alternative sites in order for development to take place.

Continues on P 3

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20 February 2019

Economy a priority From P 1 “The third challenge is for us to ensure that our economy keeps growing. We cannot undertake developments if there is not economic growth, as the very foundation of the Better Living Model is the ability of residents to pay for housing. The focus is not on providing free housing anymore but rather on creating housing that can either be rented or owned via government subsidies,” she said.

Zille added that while every community has the right to strike and hold protest marches, it must be done in such a manner that the rights of others are not negatively affected. “We cannot have marches where roads are closed.

There is no constitutional right for someone to close down a road,” said Zille.

Gcobani Ndzongana, leader of Zwelihle Renewal, said the people of Zwelihle will be prepared to move to alternative sites while the development of Schulphoek takes place.

“If you tell us this morning we need to move, we will be gone by this evening,” he told Zille.

“The Zwelihle community has been asking for an integrated development like this for many years. The only reason people are living on the Schulphoek land at the moment is because of our frustration with empty promises that were made with regard to development.

“We never wanted free RDP houses. We wanted mixed developments where people can either buy or rent houses. We understand that a stable economy is important, and we want to state that we are not at war with the business community. We do, however, have the right to protest, like we did in the past, but if there is true progress in meeting the demands of the community there will be no reason to strike,” Ndzongana said.

Zille also stated that the protection of the milkwood trees at Schulphoek was an important issue. “It is a protected species and they may not be cut down or removed. We will need the cooperation of the community to assist us with this as areas of the milkwood forest need to be conserved.”

Zille reiterated that a development of this nature always takes a lot of effort and careful planning which needs to be driven continuously. There are many obstacles and processes that take a lot of time. “We are working on ways in which to streamline the processes, such as the confluence of the various public participation processes to run simultaneously. What we did with the Conradie Better Living Model was the appointment of a dedicated project management team as well as a steering committee that

met every six weeks in order to ensure that the project plan was on time.

“I suggest that we do the same with the Schulphoek development as this will be the only way in which we can ensure that nothing falls by the wayside and also ensure that the process is open to public scrutiny.

“I need to state that there is also a possibility that we cannot obtain the Schulphoek land for this development. I have already tasked the municipality and provincial officials to do a land audit for other pieces of land that will suit a development of this kind. Pieces of land have been identified for possible housing, but we are hesitant to publicly disclose the location of these areas as they are prone to landgrabs,” Zille said.

According to Mayor Dudley Coetzee, he has already been in contact with officials who are involved in the Conradie development and that continuous discussions will take place in order to set up a project management team between the provincial government and the municipality to drive the development proposals forward.

“We have identified other pieces of land that can also be used for housing developments and I can assure you that we are working hard at laying the groundwork to meet the housing demand, in as far as we can. One of the demands we received from Overstrand Unite last year was a moratorium on the sale of municipal land that can be used for housing. I can give you the assurance that for as long as I am mayor not one single piece of this land will be sold.”

With regard to feedback on the other resolutions that were taken in December, Zille said that Nkosekhaya Lala, Director of International Relations for the Western Cape Government, has been appointed as the official mediator in Hermanus.

With regards to the composition of the Municipal Planning Tribunal, Zille said legal opinion is that the body is constituted in accordance with the applicable laws. Mayor Coetzee said that on request of the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association a member of the public will be added to the tribunal.

In terms of the legality of the contract of the municipal manager and the performance contracts of the municipal directors, Zille said they comply with the law. The contract of Municipal Manager Coenie Groenewald was signed in 2016 and will come to an end on 31 October 2020. The next housing-stakeholders’ meeting will take place on 18 March.

The Conradie Better Living Model The proposed Better Living Model will assist in alleviating the need for affordable, integrated housing opportunities close to the Cape Town CBD. The project could also serve as a blueprint for how to unlock the economic potential of state-owned property in the future.

The Better Living Game Changer could also serve as a model for other municipalities faced with similar apartheid-era spatial challenges. It is envisaged that this game-changing development will result in: • A high-density, high-rise, residentially-led development; • Commercial and retail business opportunities;

• A safe and secure environment; • Active streets, low car-dependencies and walkable living spaces; • Parks and other well-designed recreational spaces; • New schools; • Integration of different communities and income groups, and • Government and public services being brought closer to citizens.

The development will provide 3 602 residential units, of which 1 764 will be grant-funded, affordable units. The model leverages the remaining open market units to cross-subsidise affordable units. This makes the overall development viable.

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20 February 2019

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Betty’s Bay: more than just ashes Writer & Photographer Hedda Mittner

of alien vegetation, which burns so much faster. And no one should be allowed to build a wooden house.”

M

ost residents chose to live in Betty’s Bay because of the natural beauty and the fynbos. Now it resembles a war zone.

We are surrounded by the burntout shells of houses and charred vegetation. The landscape has been completely transformed and there is nothing green left. Everything has been reduced to grey ash, from the top of the mountain right down to the ocean. I really don’t know if Betty’s Bay will ever be the same again.”

Louis van Heerden, a past Ward Councillor of Betty’s Bay and resident of Sunny Seas for over 20 years, is struggling to come to terms with the effects of the devastating wildfire that spread from the mountainside on that fateful Friday a month ago.

Fuelled by a gale-force wind, the fire jumped Clarence Drive and wreaked havoc as it blasted its way through Sunny Seas, destroying 41 houses and damaging a further 28.

The emotions that Louis expresses are similar to those of many residents that we spoke to. Some are still so traumatised by the life-threatening crisis that engulfed them without warning that they cannot speak about their experiences without bursting into tears.

Werner Zybrands, Vice-Chair of the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association, agrees that steps should be taken to minimise the risks, including the clearing of vacant plots and road verges, and the installation of more fire hydrants in the area. “We’ll be launching strategic planning sessions to seek improved communication and cooperation from the Overstrand Municipality,” he says.

turned blindly onto Clarence Drive, where the visibility was so bad that I could not see if there was oncoming traffic. I just had to hope for the best.”

Trudie Laubscher, who was renting a flat attached to the home of her landlords, Eugene Stolk and Deon van der Merwe in Sunny Seas, tells a similar story. “We were all in the main house as friends from Limpopo, who had a holiday home close by, were visiting.

I had just gone to the kitchen at the back of the house to put the kettle on when I saw a wall of flames rushing towards the house like a huge wave. I could hardly believe my eyes and just shouted: ‘The flames are right here… we must go!’ Deon still thought I was joking…”

“We had just been through almost two weeks of wildfires that started in Betty’s Bay early on New Year’s Day and spread through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve all the way to the mountains above Gordon’s Bay. We thought the situation had finally been brought under control and were totally unprepared for what unfolded with such astonishing speed,” says Louis.

Trudie says she only grabbed her medication, her Bible and her dachshund and jumped in her car. “There were flames everywhere and it was boiling hot in the car. The smoke was so thick I could hardly breathe… As I inched along I went past a burnt-out car at the side of the road and I saw a house catch fire as I drove past… the fear, the shock was indescribable…”

“No warnings or evacuation orders had been issued and we had to make our own decisions. By the time I got into my car to get away, my property was surrounded by flames and the smoke was so thick that I couldn’t see the road. I had to zig-zag along the gravel roads to find a way out and

Like many other residents who fled from Sunny Seas, Trudie drove to Kleinmond, where no one had an idea of the nightmare unfolding just a few kilometres away. There was very little information being communicated and none of the evacuees knew if their homes would still be there

when they returned.

“A group of residents gathered at the Pickle & Smoke in Kleinmond,” says Louis. “We were all shell-shocked… people were traumatised and one resident collapsed from an anxiety attack.”

Only when it started raining later that afternoon did the residents return to Betty’s Bay. “The main house was still standing but my flat was badly damaged,” says Trudie. “The burnt roof had collapsed and fallen on my bed… the room was filled with smoke and the bed was still burning.”

Like so many others who were unable to return to their homes, Trudie is now staying with relatives in Pringle Bay until her flat has been repaired.

Still, she considers herself luckier than her friends from Limpopo, whose wooden house was completely destroyed in the fire.

An additional hardship for those who could return to their homes was that they were left without power and water for days and, in some cases, even weeks after the fire. “It was most depressing,” says Louis. “I went out and bought a small gas stove and dozens of candles and ‘camped’ out in my house. Being without internet connection and unable to charge my phone and laptop I felt completely cut off from the world.”

One of the most distressing aspects

of the fire has been the destruction of lovingly tended gardens. “It’s dead quiet in the mornings,” says Louise Ellis, who runs a pottery business with her husband from their home on Clarence Drive called ‘John the Potter’. “We are no longer woken by birdsong. They are all gone – the sugarbirds, the sunbirds, porcupines, the mongoose…”

Louise and her family also had a narrow escape when they fled the scene in their car and their back window blew out as they frantically tried to escape from the flames. But they were among the fortunate ones to find their house still intact when they returned, although most of the windows were shattered by the heat and there was extensive damage to their garden.

“We must learn from this horrific experience,” she says. “And we need better communication channels. Less than an hour before the fire was completely out of control, people were still in blissful ignorance and there were no warnings or evacuation orders issued. Whose responsibility is that? I’m not even sure…”

Louise feels that residents need to be better informed and educated about the fire hazard in Betty’s Bay. “Fire training and evacuation drills are essential,” she says. “People also need to be aware of the importance of keeping their empty plots cleared

Overstrand Fire Chief, Lester Smith says a range of factors, including low humidity, an unseasonal north-westerly wind and dry vegetation, led to the fire storm. “Firefighters were unable to do anything to contain the fire as we had very little defendable space. Once the fire, fanned by the wind, started racing down the mountain, there was no stopping it. Even milkwood trees, which are very fire resistant, started burning. In such circumstances only bricks and steel will not burn – everything else will catch fire, and I think it is important for people to remember that in future.”

According to Lester the effects of continuous climate change must be taken into account in future planning.

“Apart from creating more defensible spaces, installing more fire hydrants and building houses that are more fire resistant, we also have to take note that where we had fires every five to six years in the past, we will see fires more regularly. In some areas where it burned in January, the rate of regrowth is such that it would be possible for those areas to burn again in the next two years,” he says.

Municipal Director of Infrastructure and Planning, Stephen Müller says while the municipality is not in favour of wooden houses and thatched roofs, there is very little they can do to stop residents from using these materials. “Residents may choose to apply for the removal of title deed restrictions prohibiting them from erecting wooden houses. In these cases, we can only suggest that these structures are not preferable.”

20 February 2019

NEW BEGINNINGS The Betty’s Bay Community Group is inviting all residents affected by the recent fires to a get-together where they can get to know their neighbours, share their experiences, have a laugh and make new friends.

“Our flower power girls, Joyce and Bonita have been working around the clock for weeks to collect cuttings, plants and seedlings to bring some colour and life back to Betty’s Bay and to lift the spirits of all its residents who have lost their gardens,” says Elke Pittersberger of the Betty’s Bay Community Group. “Let’s celebrate life and new beginnings together.”

Elke is in need of more donations to ensure that everyone will leave the get-together with new plants to start recreating their gardens. She is appealing to anyone who would like to donate cuttings, seedlings or plants to contact her. She would also appreciate any assistance with tables, chairs, snacks and wine donations.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 9 March TIME: 15:00 – sunset PLACE: John the Potter, Clarence Drive, Sunny Seas RSVP: Elke at 071 329 0425

Important - This diagram was produced to communicate some basic principles on how to make a building more re resilient by design and must be read in conjunction with the amended South African National Building Standards Act No 103 of 1977 and its application through SANS 10400 (Part T and W refers specically to re protection). It must also be noted that according to the Architectural professions Act No 44 of 2000, a SACAP Registered architectural professional must be appointed to design or redesign and submit applications to the local authority for building plan approvals in accordance with the mentioned Acts.

Reducing fire risk by design Writer Raymond Smith

A

lthough I am not a fire specialist, but rather a Senior Architectural Technologist and Designer and a Heritage Specialist, the recent fires in our region have prompted me to start researching ways in which we can reduce the risks that fires pose.

Having lived in Betty’s Bay as a practising built-environment specialist for the past 15 years and having designed 20 structures in the Hangklip-Kleinmond region alone, it is time to take stock of the past by learning lessons from it for the future. Reducing fire risk by design boils down to how we should design and live with fire in mind and I wish to share some basic principles with especially those who must rebuild their homes and gardens after the latest fire disaster.

We can no longer build in the same way as before and expect different

results. To start with, we need to become proactive in fire prevention by identifying fire risks in our area and then work towards creating defensible spaces.

As a way of attempting to explain the concept and some principles involved, we need to visualise five circles. Each of these circles requires us to be continuously pro-active.

preventing fires. In fact, they have a specialist at hand who is tasked with identifying fire risks and implementing management procedures to reduce the risk on a continuous basis.

We can all assist by being their eyes and ears.

The first circle is the largest and encompasses the broader urban landscape of our environs – the mountain, hills, streets, lakes, sea and fynbos areas around us. Observe these carefully on a regular basis. Should you notice irregular activities or phenomena, report them immediately.

The second circle is your specific site or property. Ensure that the immediate area around your house is clear of unnecessary fuel for fires.

Respect a minimum clearance rule of only stone, sour figs, buffalo lawn or other low-growth ground covers around the house. A general rule of thumb is for every 1 metre height in vegetation the minimum horizontal planting distance from the house should not be less than 2.5 metres.

It may be aspects such as a fire hydrant which has become overgrown by vegetation, or alien vegetation which is getting out of hand, thereby providing major fuel for runaway-fires. Always remain vigilant and report concerns to the authorities. They are as interested as you in

The third circle is your house. The way your structure is designed and sited, as well as your choice of materials and finishes, could reduce fire risk or enhance it. The illustration below illustrates fire-wise design principles and provides a brief summary of the most critical principles involved in

reducing fire risk by design, thereby creating more fire-resilient buildings.

The fourth circle is judicious interior design that creates a defendable space. Implement a principle of low fuel loads in every room by not storing unnecessary combustible materials. Reduce the use of synthetics as they can combust by radiation through windows. Internal louvres are preferred to curtains, for instance.

The fifth circle, and the most difficult and unpredictable aspect of the chain of circles to manage, is everyday human behaviour. How we live, what we do or neglect to do, can make all the difference. When we make a fire for a braai, always douse the coals afterwards. Do not keep unnecessary combustibles in the garage such as petrol, paints, thinners, etc.

If we all work together by managing the various spaces referred to, it will go a long way in reducing fire risk by design.

A - Closed ridging detail or continuous roof sheeting.

D - Treat roof trusses and purlins with re retardant agent.

B - Continuous longspan aluminium-zink ultra metal roof sheeting, bre cement sheeting, moulded tiles or concrete roofs preferred.

Not wood shingles, slate or thatched roofs.

E - Insulation and ceiling material to be non combustable and non toxic.

C - Lap pool, water reservoir or rainwater harvesting tanks with a petrol driven pump with re hose can be usefull to hose down the house and garden before and during a re. Sprinklers on the roof could prevent re damage.

F - Gutters and downpipes to be metal, aluminium or bre cement. Not of synthetic mateial such as PVC (plastic) as they are combustable at low temperatures and toxic when burning.

G - Fascias and barge boards to be bre cement and preferably not timber.

If timber, to be treated with non-combustable water-based sealant with re retardant agent.

H - Overhanging roofs or eaves should be avoided. When part of the design, they should be closed with bre cement or other noncombustable material in order to prevent the re from igniting the roof trusses.

I - Timber structures to have inner lining of bre cement. Fibre cement cladding preferred to timber. Timber cladding should be treated with a noncombustable sealant and re retardent agent.

This is also the case when rebuilding a burnt-down structure. The reason for this is primarily public safety and to ensure that newly built structures are in compliance with the latest standards.

This study is incomplete and must be regarded as a work in progress.

Information used has been drawn from various sources such as interviews with re specialists, literature and personal observations.

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O - Double glazing or laminated Low-E glazing withstands heat better than normal clear oat glass.

P - Internal aluminium louvres preferred to synthetic curtains or blinds which are to be avoided.

L - Closed combustion re places safer than open res.

M - External and Internal wall paint and nishes to be water based, non combustable and not toxic.

N - Reduce fuel loads inside the house by not having unnecessary combustable materials in a room. Nonsynthetic fabrics such as cotton and wool are safer.

J - Gas bottles positioned a minimum of 5 meters from doors or windows.

K-

Landscaping and vegetation around the house.

Stone (12mm - 20mm), Buffalo lawn or Sour g, within the rst 2.5m around the house is advisable as they provide no fuel for the re. As illustrated, for every 1m vertical growth, your vegetation should be at least 2.5m from the structure. A 2m high shrub or tree should therefore be at least 5m from the house.

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20 February 2019

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LET’S TALK

Healthy and robust debate are crucial for democracy. The Village NEWS firmly believes in freedom of the press as well as the right of individuals to freely express themselves, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Village NEWS. Enjoy our paper. - The Editorial Team

T: 028 312 2020 A: 8 Arum St, Hermanus Industrial

GAS DELIVERIES

When a CSO isn’t one, it needs to call it quits Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) serve an important role in South Africa. Without them, many of the central issues facing this country would be conveniently swept or hidden under the carpet.

issue.

But in the last months, much has changed. One CSO has transformed itself into a registered organisation. Hopefully they will continue as a non-partisan body representing the interests of their paid-up members.

The fight against corruption, affordable housing, environmental pollution, violence against women and animal rights, these are just some of the important issues that CSOs engage in and advocate for. Without them, we would lose an important check and balance in our democracy as well as an important voice to influence government and hold it accountable.

But in others, the same leadership team of the CSOs have registered themselves as a political party. Yet they continue to regularly send out messages under the names of the CSOs they originally set up!

This is wrong. You can’t be part of the leadership team of a political party vying to win in elections and, at the same time, claim to represent residents. In fairness, until elections are held, a political party can’t claim to speak for anyone except their own vested interests.

But CSOs need to be non-political. If not, their credibility and authority MUST be questioned. If they are not a voice for the “common man”, they are then a bullhorn for someone else.

And this is the point of my letter.

As the country moves into election mode, it is time for this charade to end. Let’s call a spade a spade. You are either a political party or you are a Civil Society Organisation. But you can’t be both.

Last year, a number of CSOs were formed across the spectrum. Whether fighting for land, affordable housing, the rule of law or better safety and security, these CSOs provided drama, hope, anger or grief to Overstrand residents, depending on where you stand on a particular

The Overstrand Hospice 600 Club Draw was done on Friday 15 February

by Sharon Sleigh, Hermanus Golf Club Manager. Don Adams from Don Adams auditors monitored the proceedings. Also present was Overstrand Hospice’s newest board member, Barbara Swart. This month’s winners are: 1st Vittorio Di Giannatale; 2nd Joan Saayman; 3rd The Dogs. If you wish to support Overstrand Hospice with R50 a month, please contact Norma Scott-Tomlin on 028 312 4679 or 600admin@overstrandhospice. com, follow them on Facebook or visit their offices at 10 Hope Street, Hermanus.

Skipping Challenge A dog park would benefit both for Camphill muni and dog owners I was prompted to write this by the front page headline (Muni steps up leash law enforcement) and Opinion Matters (Place needed for our dogs to run free) in The Village NEWS 6/2/2019. I am the proud owner of a friendly, playful, one-year-old adopted mixed-breed pup who loves to play with other dogs.

I live in Onrus and often walk from the top of Molteno Street over the open space which was previously the Jukskei field through to the Onrus Cemetery. A huge thank you to whoever was responsible for the clean-up there – the area is a dumping ground for household waste as well as other

A Keen But Worried Political Observer

unmentionables. As far as I am aware this is municipal land and would be ideal for a fenced-off dog park.

If the Overstrand Municipality (OM) were agreeable to leasing the land to interested dog owners for this purpose they would probably not be prepared to fund it, so erection of the fence, eco-friendly dog poo pit and other necessary amenities would be up to the dog owners.

Another suitable space is the area behind the cricket field, towards the Hermanus Cemetery. A dog-walking area was included in the original plan for the sports centre submitted to the

OM during the early ‘90s. This area has also become an illegal dumping ground, so a dog park could only benefit both the OM and dog owners.

Someone with energy and technical savvy is needed to interact with the OM, set up a platform to recruit and communicate with interested dog owners and drive this process. I would offer but my son describes me as a technological dinosaur and I am happy to stay that way! I am, however, eager to help with physical work, advice etc. and can be contacted on lndmusson@gmail.com

Studio Health has launched a fun way of raising funds for Camphill School and Farm in Hermanus, which were ravaged by the devastating fires last month.

which will be donated to the school – and you’ll stand a chance of winning the R1 000 prize!

Camphill School is a therapeutic community for children and young adults with special needs and this disaster has had a massive impact on them. Now Studio Health is appealing to the public to take part in their Skipping Challenge to help them rebuild their lives and to assist Camphill to continue to provide their vital services to the community.

Anyone, young or old, can take part! The entry fee is R300 pp,

So start practising and get fit in the process! When you’re ready, book a time and make your way to Studio Health in Hemel-en-Aarde Village and take up the challenge – the one who can skip the most revolutions in 5 minutes will be the winner!

Contact 083 325 7515 via WhatsApp to book. You are welcome to do it in a group and have fun with your friends or family members. Let’s do this for the Camphill children!

Linda Musson

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20 February 2019

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OPINION MATTERS GET IN TOUCH

Let us decide not to be offended in future The meeting between housing stakeholders this week has set the scene for the future of not only Hermanus but the rest of the Overstrand.

After a year marked by protests and violent riots that decimated the local economy and tarnished the brand of our region, the willingness of the different parties to work towards a new housing model has come as a breath of fresh air.

But the road that lies before us will

A Far Kraai

not be an easy one. It is a sad reality that there are deep divisions not only between our various communities but also within them. The advent of social media has led to an increase in these divisions and very seldom does it play any constructive role in bringing communities closer together.

In fact, if you are a regular user of social media you will see that one comment begets another and more often than not it leads to an online brawl of words. Social media is a powerful

social tool and we feel compelled to urge our readers and our social media users to refrain from spreading fake news or from creating racial tension through their comments.

There is a simple newspaper rule: When in doubt, leave out. This needs to be applied by all those who take part in online discussions about the future of our region. But we know it is easier said than done, so it is important to share the words of Premier Helen Zille: Whatever is said or written can

De Waal Steyn Publishing Editor dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

make your blood boil, but it is far more productive to take the conscious decision not to be offended by what you hear or see and rather spend your energy on working together to find solutions to the challenges we face.

If we all decide to stop being offended and work together, we can make the Overstrand the place it deserves to be.

Let us put our differences aside and make a positive contribution to our region.

This is the good NEWS – Ed

that you’ve referred to him before as the Angry Orange, Toxic Donny and Putin’s Bitch. Please desist forthwith,” thevillagemuze@gmail.com he urged.

In a ‘feel-good’ newspaper like this, politics, sex and religion are dangerous topics to flirt with. It’s not that they don’t make you feel good – they often do – but invariably some lofty lefty or raging righty gets their jockstrap in a jam about ethics and morals and integrity, which, oddly enough are often absent in politics, sex and religion anyway.

Druiwe du Toit, our local Merlot merchant from Heaven’s Valley is one such whinger with a jammedup jockstrap. As Grand Wizard of Die Suidlander’s Overberg region for ‘Trump’s World Outlook on Tomorrow’ (TWOT), he felt compelled, in political solidarity, to formally object to the media’s lampooning of their inspirational hero.

“I’m writing to you again,” he wrote again, “about not publishing the ridiculous names people call President Trump. Thankfully, you’ve avoided the childish ones that rhyme, like Donald Chump, or Donald Grump/ Slump/Mump. We’ve noticed though,

Apparently, under the cover of darkness and sheets with peep-holes, a clandestine meeting of TWOTs was held at the Duck ’n Fiddle to discuss the slanderous labels. It was decided that The Honest Don, or The Top TWOT would in future be preferable.

“You’ve also called his kids naartjies,” Druiwe continued, “which is belittling and tasteless. Even for the bewildered throwback.”

So in case we’re targeted by the likes of Druiwe and local businesses sympathetic to The Top TWOT’s policies, we’ve held back our local research, and surfed further out to catch the bigger waves of the international media. Opinions worldwide, (sorry to say, Druiwe), aren’t very flattering either.

Apart from the rednecks and his immediate family, no one seems too fond of him. For example, when asked what he thought of Trump, this is how world champion potty-mouth and famous chef Gordon Ramsey

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“Bloody hell, what a mess! This is no way to make a f***ing trifle. He resembles a bowl of unset orange blancmange with a yellow bird’s nest perched on top. It looks like it could fly away any minute, for God’s sake!

And what’s with the lilac puff-pastry around the eyes? Can’t he spot a f***ing cartoon character when he sees one in the mirror? And guys like you chose him! What’s wrong with you bloody Americans anyway?” He was promptly frog-marched out of the studio yelling, “The proof of the pudding…” etc.

But although a global resentment towards Americans and their policies has intensified recently, it appears they haven’t been particularly liked for many decades. “It was wonderful that they found America,” wrote Mark Twain, “but it would have been more wonderful if they’d missed it.” And that wise old owl, Sigmund Freud didn’t mince his words either. “America is a mistake, a giant mistake.”

This was pre-Trump, long before the curtains parted and the Tangerine Tragedy hit the stage, so you can

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imagine what they’d write in a review of the show today. And as we’ve mentioned before, Nostradamus, the famous prophesier, philosopher and reserve goalie for Mystics United, was also well aware of the potential turmoil surrounding the arrival of the one he called the ‘Pomelo Politico’.

(His dad was Afrikaans.)

“Unlike the sun,” he predicted, “he will rise from the west. He’ll be immensely wealthy, small of hand, yet large in girth and deceit. Wearing a bleached badger as a crown, and with his long red ties and eyes of lilac puff-pastry, the people will fear him.” And so they should.

Anyway, we’ve managed to avoid ‘politics’ so as not to upset people like the TWOTs. But politicians? No way. A good politician is as unthinkable as an honest burglar. I’m always suspicious of anyone willingly diving into in the cesspools of politics. Is it altruism, or narcissism?

So despite your loyalty, Druiwe, make no mistake: politicians are highly skilled at lying, and always capable of double-crossing a bridge before it hatches. Where’s Oprah now that she’s needed?

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Kathy Mulock-Bentley Marketing Manager kathy@thevillagenews.co.za Elaine Davie Journalist & Sub-editor elaine@thevillagenews.co.za Taylum Meyer Photojournalist & Line Editor taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

Tania Hamman Office Admin admin@thevillagenews.co.za

described him in a live interview on Fox TV.

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Raphael da Silva Online Editor raphael@thevillagenews.co.za

Charé van der Walt Marketing Representative chare@thevillagenews.co.za

Exposing an Angry Orange: The art of the peel By Murray Stewart (old photo)

Hedda Mittner Content Editor hedda@thevillagenews.co.za

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Nickey Jackson Graphic Designer nickey@thevillagenews.co.za Jessica Pote Graphic Designer jessica@thevillagenews.co.za Leijla Steyn Content Curator leijla@thevillagenews.co.za Mitch Scholtz Content Curator mitch@thevillagenews.co.za

GET YOUR COPY Printed: 028 312 2234 Digital: issuu.com/dwaal The Village NEWS is published weekly and the next edition will be available on 27 February 2019. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai.

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13 February 2019

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End of an era for Overstrand's former mayor Writer Elaine Davie

than anywhere else in the country.

That alone should give us hope for the future, she feels, despite the recent unrest. “I always tried to keep an open mind and an open door. We need to think out of the box. There is always a solution to any problem, if we are prepared to talk and to listen to one another; to be honest and open, straight forward – and to treat people, even those with whom you don’t agree – equally and honestly.

Anything is possible if we can learn to work together for the good of the community, even if that means setting aside party loyalties. In fact, I think that local government should never have been politicised at all. It always gets in the way.”

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ho can guess what twists and turns one’s life may take? When former Mayor of the Overstrand, Nicolette Johnson (Botha-Guthrie) was growing up in rural Darling she longed to be a social worker, but her protective father felt she might be exposed to violence and danger and dug in his heels.

Disappointed at the time, Nicolette never quite gave up on her dream and many years later when the opportunity came for her to effect positive change in her community, she grabbed it with both hands.

Now, 19 years after joining the Overstrand Town Council as a rookie councillor, having served two mayoral terms, as well as a further period as Overberg District mayor, she will be retiring from public life at the end of February this year. It will be the end of an era, both for her and for the Overstrand.

“It is difficult for me to leave, make no mistake,” she says with a hint of sadness in her voice, “I was very much a hands-on mayor, you know, involved in every aspect of the Administration, as well as structures and initiatives at grassroots level. I truly wanted to make a positive contribution to the lives of the wonderful people in all our communities. But being a mayor is a very lonely life; you have to operate within a very tightly prescribed set of rules and regulations and you can’t afford to get too close to anyone. If you are truly committed, it also means being available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So it was time.

In December last year, I got married (to businessman, Robert Johnson of Bona Dea Estate) and I’m entering a new phase of my life with Robert, so it’s time to move on.”

This will not be the first time in her very diverse and fascinating career that she has moved on to something different. Her very first job was with the Deciduous Fruit Board in 1965, then she went on to join Boland Bank as PA to the General Manager and then, in 1972, she made the most momentous change of all: she joined the National Intelligence Service (NIS) under the leadership of Director-General, Niël Barnard, where

Former Mayor of the Overstrand, Nicolette Johnson relaxing at home with her husband, Robert.

PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

she remained for 24 years, climbing steadily through the ranks, first in its parliamentary office and then in the Service’s Pretoria Head Office.

While still in Cape Town, she met and married her first husband, Phillip Botha, who was in parliament.

Although, as a government employee, she was not actively involved in politics, she often watched parliamentary debates in the Chamber and the environment fascinated her.

When they moved to Pretoria, Phillip, who was a political analyst and public relations specialist, opened his own business and her progress through various departments of the NIS continued, becoming the first woman to be appointed to a middle management position in the Service.

In Pretoria she acted as a recruitment officer, followed by stints in HR, logistics, stores and transport, but perhaps most interesting of all, she was tasked with opening the service’s protocol division, which involved , amongst other things, welcoming official visitors to the country, as well as travelling abroad to find and decorate residences for South African deployees. “I even had the honour

to decorate Mr Mandela’s house in Victor Verster prison,” she proudly remembers, “because, of course, Niël Barnard was one of those senior officials who were very much involved in pre-release discussions with him.”

When, after 31 years of marriage, sadly her husband died, she decided to close his business and come back to the Cape to be close to her family, especially her elderly mother who was living in Robertson. She and her husband had had a holiday cottage in Vermont for some time and in 1998 she decided to settle there permanently – her second life-changing step.

ing everyone, no matter what their standing in life. This is a principle I have tried to implement all my life and it was certainly front of mind when I was mayor. I wanted to ensure that everyone in this district was treated fairly and benefited equally from living here. Although it was a difficult period in the country from an economic point of view, it was an enormous privilege for me to serve our people to the best of my ability.

After a stint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) which was preparing for the general election of 1999, she became a representative of the Vermont Ratepayers’ Association, joined the DA when it was formed, and became an Overstrand councillor in 2000, representing it on the District Council for several years. And the rest, as they say, is history.

“Despite the financial problems, I am proud to say that under my leadership we never overspent on our budget and when I left office, there was a reserve in the bank. And, of course, we were all very proud of the recognition we received for our efforts – one of the top municipalities in the country from 2011 to 2016. A very special moment was when we received the very first clean audit ever!” She emphasises that another major concern for her was always to try to balance the need for economic development with that of environmental preservation.

“When I was a child,” remembers Nicolette, “my father always drilled into us the importance of respect-

She pays tribute to the people of the area, too, believing that there must be more goodwill in our communities

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Although she is leaving public life, she is determined to remain involved with some of the community organisations with which she feels an especially strong affinity, like Lighthouse2Lighthouse, Camphill, Hospice, Just Care, CANSA, the Hermanus Seniors Centre– organisations that serve all the local communities equally.

It is a sadness in her life that she never had children of her own, but her second husband, Mark Guthrie, to whom she was married for 10 years, had eight, with whom she has remained deeply involved. And now that she and Robert are married, their extended family has grown even bigger.

They are planning to make up for lost time, enjoy life and travel a lot, especially as most of Robert’s family, including his mother, still live in the UK, but both see Hermanus as their home base where they share many interests and two devoted and demanding dogs. Importantly, although Nicolette thinks the country is going through a dangerous period of political instability and the upcoming elections are likely to bring about even more turbulence, she remains hopeful for the future and is adamant that she and Robert are irretrievably bound to this beautiful part of the world. We wish them bon voyage and a speedy return to our community.

(Disclaimer: Nicolette reminded me that I was an inadvertent party to her first meeting with Robert. So I feel I have a particular responsibility for their future happiness!)

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Walking in beauty: Agulhas to Angola adventurous path, through Damaraland and Kaokoland with their vibrant cultures, animals and breath-taking trees.

Writer Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

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nd they did it! A young Hermanus couple who followed a dream to prove that nothing is impossible, recently returned home after walking the west coast of South Africa and Namibia, from Cape Agulhas to the border of Angola – a journey of more than 3 600 km.

Setting off at the end of 2017, the intrepid walkers, Erlo and Lauren Brown, proceeded up the coast with nothing more than the bare essentials in their backpacks, covering distances of between 20 and 30 km per day and sleeping in a small tent at night. Because water is needed for cooking and they couldn’t afford to waste any, the couple lived on dry, vacuum-packed foods such as biltong, nuts, dried fruit, nut butters and cheese, and highly nutritious protein shakes. Without refrigeration the cheese became oily and developed a very deep flavour associated with maturation, which Erlo assures me was delicious.

“We walked with backpacks all the way up to Port Nolloth, and from there we loaded everything onto a cart we had custom-made in Springbok. This was necessary because we needed to carry more provisions, including desalinators, food and water supplies in Namibia, where we would not encounter any people in the desert for weeks on end,” says Erlo. A beach umbrella was attached to the cart so that Erlo could be shaded from the blistering Namibian sun while pulling it. Another invaluable item was a fold-up solar panel to charge their phones, cameras and laptops.

By April last year they had reached more than 300 km into Namibia when a series of setbacks forced them to take a break. Unable to obtain the necessary permits from

For Lauren the far northern part of Namibia was the most challenging because of the wild animals. “At night I would wake to the roar of a lion, have difficulty getting back to sleep, only to awaken again to the call of a hunting hyena. The end result was sleep-deprived nights followed by exhausting days walking in the sun and sharing the load of the cart – definitely one of my lowest points,” she says.

The beauty of the rugged landscapes and Lauren walking in her stunning long skirts were captured by Erlo’s lens. They also encountered beauty in the people they met along the way – farmers, journalists, travellers and everyday folk who went out of their way to help them, often driving hundreds of kilometres to be of assistance. One of the people they met along the way was the poet Ian McCallum, who was so impressed by their undertaking that he inscribed a copy of his anthology Wild Gifts, with “To Lauren and Erlo, Travel in beauty”.

A jubilant Erlo and Lauren Brown when they reached the Angolan border, having walked 3 600km from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, to the Epupa Falls, the northernmost point of Namibia.

the Namibian Department of Environmental Affairs to proceed along the coast from Luderitz to Walvis Bay, they had to return to Aus and take an inland detour on a gravel road of 650 km. Within a few days, however, an injury to Lauren’s foot became so painful that she could not walk any further and with Namibia’s infamous winter winds approaching, they decided to return to Hermanus to allow Lauren’s foot to rest and heal completely.

The Village NEWS caught up with the couple when they were back in Hermanus last year (The Walk, August 2018). During that time Lauren was working on her book, based on the journals she kept during the walk, while Erlo worked on the film he was making of their extraordinary journey. He was very excited when his short documentary of their trip so far, entitled ‘The Walk’ made it into the top ten finalists of the Jozi Film Festival’s ‘Don’t Stop Wondering’

1r o t a r yd r y e ro rd r y i n gr a c k=1t r e e

Award, in partnership with Discovery Networks. The film was also aired on the Discovery channel in August 2018 and was accepted by the International Festival of Outdoor Films.

They set off again at the end of September and were hoping to continue along the Namibian coastline, but were once more stymied by red tape.

On reaching the Skeleton Coast National Park, they found that only motorised vehicles were allowed in the park and that they could only proceed as far as Torra Bay. Despite turning over every official stone, they were again re-routed through the contemplative nothingness of the Namib Desert, adding many extras kilometres in the searing desert heat. To cope with temperatures in the upper 40s they walked in the light of the moon and before

After all the trials and tribulations of the past year, the couple are left with a wealth of memories, pictures and experiences and are now looking forward to the next challenge of producing a book and film before the end of this year. Artist and manufacturing jeweller Lauren has also wasted no time in producing a range of rings and pendants from stones she collected along the way. sunrise, spending the hottest part of the day in the shade of a tree. A slight advantage was that pulling the cart along roads was easier than hauling it through thick beach sand.

Although having to head inland again was demoralising, it was the beginning of a truly beautiful and

STYLISH & DURABLE. QUALITY GUARANTEED.

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Further insights into their epic walk can be found on the couple’s Walk Africa Facebook page and to see Lauren’s jewellery, go to the Wild Rabbit Designs Facebook page.

Visit us on www.thevillagenews.co.za for more stories.

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To Onrus

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La Vierge

Hermanuspietersfontein

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Eat Source 1 Village Stall Wine Village

Plaaskombuis Bartho Eksteen Wines

Southern Right

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Bouchard Finlayson

Ashbourne Hamilton Russell

Whalehaven

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Sumaridge

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Jakobs Vineyards Mount Babylon Moggs Country Cookhouse

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Domaine Des Dieux Creation

Hemelrand Spookfontein

Newton Johnson

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WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG Thursday

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson and great prizes to be won. Contact Leonie on 079 911 6863.

United Church Hermanus | from 08:30

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The Singing Cook Pensioner’s Special Do a good deed and take a senior out to lunch at this special venue, where the cook will even sing you a song as your meal is served. R135 pp. Book by calling 072 462 4271.

The Singing Cook, Rivendell Wine Estate | from 12:00

Fynbos Explained The Hermanus Botanical Society presents a Fynbos course over five weeks on Saturday mornings, comprising two talks of an hour each, with a tea/ coffee break in between. This week’s two topics are Ericaceae by Pat Miller and Proteaceae by Vic Hamilton-Attwell. The cost for BotSoc members is R100 per talk and for non-members R120 per talk or R240 per morning for both talks. The takings from this course will finance microscopes for BotSoc’s new Research Centre. To book contact Di Marais at maraisdianne@gmail.com or 028 312 1162.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 09:00

Rotary Club of Hermanus Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings, every Thursday.

Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to confirm your attendance.

Mollergren Park, Main Road, Hermanus | 19:00

Friday

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Hermanus Hacking Group Volunteers are welcome to join the HHG, every Friday morning. For more information contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 or charlynvosloo@ gmail.com Rotary Way | 06:15 – 08:30 Bhuki Café Everyone is welcome at Friends of the Library's Bhuki Café every Friday where a cup of tea or coffee and delicious eats will cost only R20.

Every cup helps to raise funds for new books.

Hermanus Library | 09:00 – 11:30 Kolwyntjie Teetuin Enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre, every Friday morning.

Onrus Dutch Reformed Church | 09:30 – 11:30

Leonardo da Vinci and the Italian High Renaissance U3A presents a new series of DVD lectures by a world expert on Leonardo da Vinci, who was almost certainly the most multi-talented person who has ever lived. He excelled in at least ten fields of human creativity, from painting to calligraphy to the design of aircraft and other armaments to poetry and the research and illustrations of human anatomy. The topics of the first two lectures of 30 minutes each are an Introduction and Who was Leonardo? Fact and Fiction.

Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Urban Farmer Workshop Ability House is hosting its second workshop on 'How to grow your own organic vegetables'. Book your space now by contacting Nikki on 072 436 1497.

Ability Garden, Church Street, Hawston | 09:00 – 13:00 Hermanus Music Society Music lovers are invited to a special performance of works by Mozart by the Amici String Quartet, featuring clarinet virtuoso Daniel Prozesky.

Wine and snacks will be served in the homestead cellar from 17:45 and the concert starts at 18:30. Tickets are R120 pp. To book your tickets or to join the music society, contact David Rowson at rowson@telkomsa.net or 028 316 2335.

Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate | 17:45

red wine. Bookings can be made at 087 357 0637 or info@benguelacove. co.za.

Benguela Cove Tasting Room | 19:00

Stanford Sunset Market This much-loved, local and lekker outdoor market brings friends and family, good food and wine, live music, gifts, crafts, books and charities together on the last Friday of the month. Locally-sourcing vendors who fly the eco-banner high are given preference and every effort is made to keep waste and non-recyclable rubbish to a minimum. Plenty of seating and the children can run and play on the unspoilt Heritage Square.

Stanford Market Square | 18:00 – 20:00

Martin Mans organ recital Dutch organist Martin Mans is back in Hermanus for another rousing performance of popular classical pieces, as well as his signature improvisations on well-known melodies such as the moving Plea for Africa. The evening will include items by the local Cantare singing group under leadership of Louna Stoffberg, who will also join Bea Whittaker for a duet. Tickets are R100 for adults and R20 for children under 12 and can be bought via www.quicket.co.za, at Stanford Tourism or at the DRC office in Church Street, Hermanus. All profits go to Stanford Conservation Trust.

Hermanus Dutch Reformed Church | 19:00

Music Trivia Fridays Following the success of their Wine Trivia series last year, Benguela Cove now hosts another quiz event on the last Friday of every month. They have included general knowledge to this fun-filled pub quiz with a musical flavour, hosted by Piano Ben. The entry fee is R30 pp of which R10 will be donated to the Hermanus Night Shelter.

The prize is a case of Matilda’s Secret

Rewind Join Soul Café every Friday night and relax to the tunes of their resident band as they perform all your favourite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

R50 pp. Call 028 313 2137 to book.

Soul Café, 181 Main Road, Hermanus | 20:00

Saturday

The Bottomless Coffee Band Multi-instrumental folk-rock duo, The Bottomless Coffee Band will be performing live in Hermanus. Tickets at R150 pp are available from Amanda on 082 870 6744.

Blêr Teater, Hermanus High School | 20:00

Market in the Garden Hunt for treasures at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden.

St Peter’s Church, Main Road, Hermanus | 09:00 – 13:00

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Hermanus parkrun Meet for the weekly 5 km timed walk or run, come rain or shine. Run for your own enjoyment at your own pace. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 08:00 Betty’s Bay parkrun Join this free weekly 5 km timed run (or walk) where it’s only you against the clock. The whole family is welcome. Grab a post-run coffee in the Red Disa restaurant with fellow parkrunners.

Harold Porter Botanical Garden | 08:00 Potjiekos Competition A day of delicious food and live music for the whole family in aid of Child Welfare Hermanus. This is a great team-building activity for businesses, families or a group of friends who can enter at R500 per team. The cooking will commence from 08:30, the judging by professional chefs will be at 13:30 and from 14:00 you can get a bowl of delicious potjie and dessert at R80 pp. There will also be refreshments on sale the whole day

Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music.

Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll find real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people.

Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar | 09:00 – 13:00 Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-made sheep and goats’ cheeses to cured meats, farm-fresh vegetables and deli delights to tantalise your taste buds!

Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00

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2991 or email hangklip.kleinmond. market@gmail.com Mthimkhulu Village Centre, 102 Main Road, Kleinmond | 09:00 – 14:00

John Rogers.

Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Arabesque cooking demo Join Eunice Rademeyer for a cooking demo of the traditional Lebanese dish of Shish Barak – tasty lamb dumplings cooked in yoghurt. Also on the menu is an exotic chilli and walnut mezze, Al-Mohamara, and an almond cream dessert, Muhallabia.

The cost is R120 pp and there is limited space available. Book your seat by calling 028 312 4979.

Goozi Kitchenshop, Mitchell St, Hermanus | 10:00

Birkenhead Memorial Service All are welcome at the annual memorial service for the sinking of the Birkenhead, held by Gansbaai Tourism in conjunction with the Royal Navy Association, the Ganges and the Moths. It is attended by descendants of the victims, dignitaries from the British Consulate as well as the Overstrand Mayor and many more. In closing, wreathes are laid at the Birkenhead monument. Weather permitting a trip to the Birkenhead rock is undertaken early in the morning and biodegradable wreathes are thrown onto the rock. For more information contact 072 291 5564 / 028 384 1439 or glenda@gansbaaitourism.co.za Dangerpoint Lighthouse | 11:00

Connecting to your Creative Core Local artist Gillian Hahn will lead this multimedia workshop to help you get out of your comfort zone and express yourself freely. No art experience is needed as it is about more than just art and is designed to awaken your inner creativity and ability to express yourself with confidence in all spheres of everyday life. The cost of R300 pp includes art materials.

Contact 076 181 2964 or gillianhahn14@gmail.com for more details or to book.

Gillian Hahn Studio, Southern Right wine estate, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 10:00 – 13:00

Gansbaai Farmer’s Market Organic, homemade and homegrown products such as fresh farm produce, oven-fresh bakes and pastries, local wines and craft beers, and indigenous plants and herbs. No plastic or polystyrene packaging, only eco-friendly wood, paper, glass and earthenware used to display goods.

Contact info@gansbaaitourism.co.za Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 14:00 Hangklip-Kleinmond Market You’ll find unique handmade crafts and collectibles, yummy food stalls and free parking. Children and pets welcome. Vendors can apply by contacting Brenda on WhatsApp 072 469

Piet Botha & Jake Gunn Enjoy a performance by one of the

country's top blues artists, Piet Botha, who will be joined by up-and-coming guitar maestro, Jake Gunn. Together these two complement each other on guitar, vocals and piano for a night of pure blues. The entry fee is R100 pp.

Call 028 313 2137 to book.

Soul Café, Main Rd, Hermanus | 20:00

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Sunday

BodySensing Nature Flow session Join Wellness Coach Nicholas McLean, also known as the Gut Health Yogi, for a BodySensing session while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Sessions are free but donations are welcome. Contact Nicholas on 082 437 9776 or nicholas@guthealthyogi. com for more info.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 08:00 – 09:00 Summer Fun in the Courtyard Enjoy oysters and bubbly, local wines, craft beer and tapas-style plates,

& DINE WINE

Mogg's Country Cookhouse

LISTINGS

EAT Restaurant Section 4-6, The Village T: 028 316 2348

CLOSED Mon | Tue - Sat: 11:30 - Late | Sun: 11:30 - 15:00

Eden Café Gateway Centre Hermanus T: 028 312 4439

every Sunday. For more info or to reserve a table, call 028 312 2553 / 082 082 0007.

The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Road, Hermanus | from 12:00 United Prayer for South Africa Over the weekend, Christians in more than 250 towns across South Africa will be gathering to pray for our country. Organised by Up4SA, the main focus of these gatherings is the call to rebuild South Africa as a holy nation and to pray for reconciliation, forgiveness and healing among the people of our nation. Contact Hermanus coordinator Stella Baillie on 084 201 8697 or stella@webbis.co.za Sandbaai Community Hall | 15:00

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Monday

Aspects of Geoscience The next lecture in U3A’s Geoscience series is entitled Geological adventures in the Fairest Cape with a focus on the Overberg Coastline, presented by

Mogg’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Hermanus T: 076 314 0671

Rivendell Wine Estate Cnr R43 & R44 T: 072 462 4271

Lunch: 11:30 - 16:00 | Dinner: 18:30 - Late

Open daily from 12:00-22:00

Lau’s Cuisine

Village Square

GAS SUPPLIES

(opp Ocean Basket)

T: 079 474 6781

Namibia safaris and desert experience.

african hoopoe

www.seeff.com

028 313 0390 | 082 441 9874 amelia.van@seeff.com

T: 028 312 2020

Sushi 15% discount

EXCELLENCE

Awarded National Rand Value #7 Awarded Regional Rand Value #2 Top Branch Agent: Hermanus Branch More than 15 years selling Real Estate In-depth understanding of Buyers and Sellers needs

Hermanus Garden Club Join the club on an outing to the Afdaksrivier Nursery and Home Industries Market. Make your own way and meet up with members there.

For enquiries, contact Sue on 028 314 0072.

Café Tango & Afdaksrivier Nursery | 10:00

The Singing Cook

Quayside Cabin New Harbour Hermanus T: 028 313 0752

OPEN 7 days/week

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Wed-Sun 12:00 - 15:00

Wed-Sun 12:00 - 14:30 | CLOSED Mon & Tue

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14 | BOOKS

20 February 2019

What’s new in review

Compiled by Hedda Mittner

Atlantic Books

Doubleday

Penguin Random House

Bloomsbury

Penguin Random House

Tafelberg

In Susan Orlean’s enthralling and inspirational account of the Los Angeles Public Library, she alludes to a common euphemism used by the Senegalese when someone dies, namely that “his or her library has burned”. This poetic expression, implying the loss of a great store of knowledge, came into literal focus on 29 April 1986, when the LA library caught fire, destroying more than 400 000 books and devastating the community reliant on its resources. Yet, like a phoenix, it rose from the flames, greater and more beloved than ever. This book by an award-winning reporter and bestselling author is a homage not just to the spirit and resilience of those who rebuilt the library, but also to all those whose lives are transformed by these public places of reading, on both sides of the lending desk.

– theguardian.com

Diane Setterfield haunts familiar ground in this eerily mystic tale of a mute child who captivates the local townspeople after she’s seemingly brought back from the dead. The author of the bestselling The Thirteenth Tale begins this account on a winter solstice more than 100 years ago. A near-drowned stranger arrives at a rural inn, grievously injured and carrying a young girl who, to all appearances, has already died. Despite the child’s corpse-like state, however, the local nurse, Rita, discovers a pulse.

Though the girl is revived, the stranger lapses into unconsciousness and so the mysteries quickly stack up like branches snagged in the river: What accident befell him? How was he saved? Who is the child?

How did she die and then live again? Most importantly, to whom does she belong?

– washingtonpost.com

In his follow-up to In Beautiful Disguises, Balasubramanyam demonstrates with insight and a dash of humour that it’s possible to turn one’s life around after everything goes wrong.

Perfectionist Cambridge Professor Chandra is in the running for a Nobel Prize in Economics, but someone else gets the award, and shortly thereafter he is hit in a bicycle hit-and-run and has a heart attack. He misses his ex-wife, who’s now remarried; two of his children have rejected him and a third is adrift and involved with drugs.

Things change when – part dare, part bribe – the professor takes a three-day self-awareness course at a spiritual retreat centre.

Balasubramanyam makes a winning case for how meditation, restraint, self-reflection and owning one’s character flaws can bring transformation, joy and satisfaction to life.

– publishersweekly.com

Five years ago President Xi Jinping launched the ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’, a wildly ambitious set of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects stretching through the steppes of central Asia to the Baltic Sea. This project more than any other has come to define China’s radical ambitions to upend a world order long dominated by Americans and Europeans. The New Silk Roads by dashing Oxford academic, Peter Frankopan, is a slimmer ‘sibling’ volume to the weighty and widely acclaimed bestseller, The Silk Roads (published in 2015), detailing the flow of goods and ideas that are now sweeping once again from east to west, many of them along the same routes traversed in antiquity by Marco Polo. The world’s past has been shaped by what happens along the silk roads, he writes. So too will its future.

– spectator.co.uk

The incredible true story of the decade-long quest to bring down Paul le Roux, the creator of a powerful cartel who merged the ruthlessness of a drug lord with the technological savvy of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. It all started as an online prescription drug network before growing into a sprawling multinational conglomerate engaged in almost every conceivable aspect of criminal mayhem. The man behind it all, pulling the strings from a laptop in Manila, was a reclusive programmer turned criminal genius. Mastermind is a riveting and unprecedented account by award-winning investigative journalist Evan Ratliff, who spent four years chasing Le Roux's empire and his shadowy henchmen around the world, conducting hundreds of interviews and uncovering thousands of documents.

– bookbrowse.com

Acclaimed historian Hermann Giliomee explains the dramatic ascent – and possible demise – of a small minority group that dominated 20th-century South Africa. The Afrikaners are unique in the world in that they successfully mobilised ethnic entrepreneurship without state assistance, controlled the government for almost 50 years, and then yielded power without military defeat. Giliomee takes a hard, analytical look at the Afrikaners’ fortunes over the past 100 years. Topics range from political parties’ use of the coloured vote, ethnic entrepreneurship, Bantu education and the Rubicon speech, to Nelson Mandela’s relationship with the last Afrikaner leaders.

Finally, he examines the most likely future for this contentious group and the nature of its imprint on South Africa.

– nb.co.za

Colle g

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Magnolia St

Follow the Book Trail to uncover an eclectic mix of bookshops in Hermanus

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Lane Park

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Find us at our new shop on Station Square (next to Brasserie South)

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Carriages Centre (near Woolworths) T: 072 753 8940

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Hig

Long St

R43

2

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The Book Cottage

Shop 1 32 Mitchell Street T: 028 313 0834

1

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The Book Trail

1

Lord R

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3

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bookmark

Twin Gables 171 Main Road T: 028 312 2000

4

Main Rd Harbou

Old Harbour r Rd

Royal Centre 141 Main Road T: 078 120 0120

20 February 2019

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

Tikka Palace is back in Hermanus

A

fter more than a decade in Hermanus, Tikka Palace moved to attractive new premises in Stanford last year, where they have garnered rave reviews from new diners. Previously located on the top floor of the Village Square, they have now returned to Hermanus by opening a second restaurant in Main Road next to Absa Bank.

“We are very happy with our restaurant in Stanford,” said owner Mahmood Malik at the opening of the new Tikka Palace, “but we have missed being in Hermanus.” He added that they always knew their food was good, but that they struggled to find the right premises in Hermanus.

When the opportunity arose for them to open a second restaurant in Main Road, he didn’t hesitate to take it.

generous host and Tikka Palace has a firm following among Hermanus residents. Many of them were at the opening last week, including Lawrance and Kathy Brennon who said they have been travelling regularly to Stanford to enjoy Tikka Palace’s unique and authentic food. A buffet feast was enjoyed by the guests at the opening, including Pakora, Tandoori Chicken, Dhal fry and Garlic Naan.

Born and raised in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, Mahmood arrived in South Africa in 1984 when he was transferred by the company he was working for. His wife, Shanaaz, is an Afrikaans-speaking Capetonian, but the couple has put down deep roots

in the Overstrand. “We are real Hermanus people,” said Mahmood.

Tikka Palace serves a wide range of traditional Pakistani Indian dishes, from Butter Chicken and Briyanis to Lamb Rogan Josh, exotic curries and mouth-watering tandoori meals, all at very affordable prices. These are now once again available right on our doorstep, either for sit-down or take-out. The restaurant does not serve alcohol but diners are welcome to bring their own. No corkage is charged.

- Hedda Mittner Find Tikka Palace at 69 Main Road, Hermanus. Contact them on 067 621 2604 or tikkapalace@gmail. com

LEFT: Among the guests who attended the opening of the new Tikka Palace were (from left) Gail Lewis, Cathy Brennon, Lawrance Brennon, Ian Macdonald and Ed Bredenkamp.

This restaurant may be small, but it has been elegantly fitted and decorated by Mahmood’s wife, Shanaaz, who is also very much involved with the cooking of their authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Now their two daughters, Zarina and Hannah, have also joined them in the family business.

RIGHT: Hermanus’ favourite comedian, Barry Hilton with his wife Sandy and son Jack.

Mahmood, who is more commonly known as Mr Malick, or simply Malick, is an unfailingly friendly, polite and

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The owner of Tikka Palace, Mahmood Malick with his wife Shanaaz and daughters Zarina and Hannah at the recent opening of the new Tikka Palace in Main Road.

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20 February 2019

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MY HOME GAS INSTALLATIONS

T: 028 312 2020 A: 8 Arum St, Hermanus Industrial

First impressions really do count

By Stephen de Stadler Managing Director Fine & Country Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond

W

e all remember that first date: those feelings of anticipation and expectation which were met, exceeded or destroyed, often within the first few minutes of meeting. The first impression would set the tone for the rest of the evening, with a positive initial reaction creating a suitable climate for future growth.

Is this feeling of initial euphoria or dysphoria, happiness or unhappiness, relevant to the residential housing market? Absolutely.

Human psychology is such that most buyers of any product make their decision at first sight. How should we as property professionals and sellers of residential properties utilise this

practice to ensure that we turn a home into a bestseller.

tantly, any required repairs to the exterior or interior must be undertaken.

The process starts with the initial interview of the seller by the estate agent. There is no one who knows a home better than the current owner.

What impressed them the most when they acquired their home? What are the best features of the house? What would they change if they were able to? Questions of this nature help to ensure that the home is properly presented to prospective buyers by focusing on those aspects which have been most appreciated by the current occupants.

Not all homes are naturally light and bright, but it is important to create a light and serene atmosphere. Switch on the interior lights, especially in the early evening, and in darker storage areas like garages and pantries. The buyer does realise that the lights are on, but will appreciate that switching on lights is able to create the desired atmosphere. Open all blinds and curtains, as well as the security gates, because even though they perform an important function, they don’t need to be used at all times.

The effective estate agent will ensure that showings and open days are planned in advance, allowing the home to be dressed to the highest level possible. When preparing a home, consider each prospective viewer as an honoured guest in your home. The home must be clean, as uncluttered as possible, and impor-

Take a tip from quality guest houses and hotels which have flowers in the rooms and a chocolate on the pillow in the evening. This is done to create a sense of homeliness and belonging, so do consider adding flowers and a bowl of sweets to your home in anticipation of a visit by a prospective buyer.

The entry point to the home is usually the front door. This is the first place that your prospective buyer is likely to linger. A freshly-painted or prepared door and frame in a clean and cobweb-free entrance will entice a buyer to look within. A non-functional entrance light will create a negative impression even before the buyer has stepped into the home. If plants are crowding the doorway, remove them. Alternatively, if the space allows, consider adding flowering plants to the entrance area.

Inside the home itself, ensure all the beds are made and attempt to remove unnecessary clutter which will make any room seem smaller than it actually is. All slatted blinds must be in working order and uniformly opened. Blinds are normally a fixture that will be sold with the home, so exhibit them as neatly as possible.

Bathrooms should have clean towels, fresh soap and clean soap dishes.

Toilet lids should be closed, and an adequate supply of toilet paper should be on hand.

Perhaps in anticipation of selling their home, sellers should consider de-cluttering sooner rather than later.

Before showing your home, donate those books that have been sitting on the dining room table for months.

Identify whatever furniture is not going to be moving to your new home and consider getting rid of it before trying to sell the house.

Each room should have only one defined purpose. A kitchen is not a study, a garage should be mainly used to house vehicles, a bedroom is not a storage area. Get rid of those items that are causing confusion as to the purpose of any particular space in your home.

All of the above pointers are less about the fact that the seller cares about his or her property, but more about showing the buyer that the home is fit to be exhibited as a highend product, with sufficient capacity, space and features to meet the requirements of the buyer.

New off-plan developments do not necessarily develop all the homes upfront for viewing by buyers, but successful developers will create an image of what the final result will look like. Your home should be the same. Show the buyer what it can look like with the right level of care and maintenance.

First impressions – good or bad – are lasting impressions. Some initial effort will bear fruit in the longer term.

The views expressed above are those of the writer in his personal capacity and may not necessarily reflect the views of Fine & Country as a national and international brand.

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20 February 2019

17

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Choose the right grass for your pocket and the planet

P

eet and Hettie Struwig have only been in Hermanus for 10 months but in this short period they have experienced our town as a most caring community where everyone is eager to offer assistance and make newcomers feel welcome.

As the new owners of the Hermanus franchise of Artificial Grass Southern Africa, they have happily settled into their premises at Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery and the business is going well. Of course, the fact that they have a winning product that is much in demand has more than a little to do with it, as Artificial Grass SA has become South Africa’s most trusted and favoured supplier and installer of artificial grass sports fields and landscaping. Established in 2014, they now have more than 18 branches across South Africa and Namibia.

Apart from installing the best quality artificial grass sport fields (AstroTurf ) at schools, the company has also seen artificial grass landscaping become more popular by the day. From private home owners to businesses, artificial grass offers the perfect solution for areas that are either soggy and muddy or dry and patchy. These may include problem areas in the garden where lawn grass struggles to thrive due to excessive heat or shade, or pool areas, patios and balconies; or where the home owner prefers a low-maintenance garden but does not want to be surrounded by hard surfaces. Artificial grass not only softens the landscape but adds a vibrant touch of green – with the

LEFT: Hettie and Peet Struwig, the owners of the Hermanus branch of Artificial Grass Southern Africa. added bonus that it doesn’t need to be watered.

A garden requires a lot of time, effort and care, and sustaining healthy, lush, cut-to-size grass is an even bigger battle. With the constant threat of drought in the Western Cape, artificial grass offers an eco-friendly alternative to lawns, which are particularly thirsty and challenging to maintain in areas where water restrictions are enforced. This is why artificial grass offers a year-round solution, as well as valuable maintenance savings for your pocket, your time – and the planet.

Artificial Grass SA has been especially developed for the harsh South African climate and offers a range of safe, tough, low-maintenance and durable products that come with an

eight-year guarantee, as well as a UV Defender certificate that gives you a 10-year guarantee that the colour of your artificial lawn will not fade in the sun. Artificial Grass SA is also the only company whose products are endorsed by a Health Protector certificate, which means that no heavy metals such as lead or mercury are released when the grass is exposed to the sun.

That’s why it is such a popular choice for sport complexes and schools, and a blessing to parents and pet owners.

There are no maintenance woes and the grass is easy to keep clean with a simple brush-over.

The Artificial Grass SA range is suitable for placement on soil, tarmac, concrete, paving and decking. The fully porous system is used for most

outdoor installations on top of a soil sub-base, which has to be expertly compacted and stabilised by crusher dust.

Peet works alongside his highlytrained and skilled workers on site to ensure that the installation is done with the utmost care and the least disruption. He cautions consumers that they should not attempt a DIY job and rather leave it up to professionals, as he has seen many an installation that was not done properly. “Consumers should also do their homework as there are many inferior products out there, some of which only come with a 12-month guarantee.”

Peet and Hettie firmly believe in the quality of their product range and services. Having relocated to Herma-

nus after living in Worcester for 20 years, they have been overwhelmed by the support and recommendations they have received from the local business community, including the nurseries, building contractors and landscapers. “In spite of the unrest last year and all the problems facing Hermanus, we are happy to be here,” says Hettie with conviction.

She thinks ‘Hermanus staan saam’ is an apt description for the community spirit they have experienced. “Yes, we are here to stay,” concurs Peet.

Find Artificial Grass SA Hermanus at Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery in Sandbaai (behind the Engen Garage). Contact Peet on 083 229 4453 or Hettie on 083 588 8828 or send an email to hermanus@ artgrass.co.za - Hedda Mittner

1st Floor, Arundel Medical Place C/o Church and Arundel Street, Hermanus olivia@hermanushearing.co.za NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an ORDINARY MEETING of the OVERSTRAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL will be held in the BANQUETING HALL, CIVIC CENTRE, HERMANUS on WEDNESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2019 at 11:00.

Battling with

HEARING LOSS? Call: 028 313 1723

KENNIS GESKIED HIERMEE dat ʼn GEWONE VERGADERING van die OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALE RAAD gehou sal word in die BANKETSAAL, BURGER SENTRUM, HERMANUS op WOENSDAG, 27 FEBRUARIE 2019 om 11:00.

OKU KUKWAZISA ukuba INTLANGANISO YESIQHELO yeBHUNGA LIKAMASIPALA WE-OVERSTRAND, iza kuba se BANQUETING HALL, KWIZIKO LOLUNTU, eHERMANUS ngoLWESITHATHU, Umhla we 27 FEBHRUWARI 2019 ngeye-11:00.

MUNICIPAL MANAGER / MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER / UMPHATHI KA MASIPALA NOTICE/KENNISGEWING/ISAZISO 2/2019

Hermanus Pharmacy/Clinic 145 Main Road, Hermanus Tel: 028 312 4039

brenda@hermanuspharmacy.co.za Hours: Mon-Fri 08:0 - 18:30 Sat 08:00 - 13:00 & 18:30 - 19:30 Sundays & Public Holidays 10:00 - 12:00 & 18:30 - 19:30 Clinic hours: Mon-Fri 08:30 - 14:30

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55 Main Road, Hermanus

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Hermanus Pharmacies/Clinics

Emergency after hours tel: 028 312 4039

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Alex Grant Pharmacy/Clinic Gateway Centre, Hermanus Tel: 028 312 4847

arnold@alexgrantpharmacy.co.za Hours: Mondays-Fridays 08:00 - 17:30 Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00 Clinic hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 Sat 08:00-13:00

18

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MY SPORT Women's Rugby 7s coming to Hermanus By Tony O'Hagan

A

n exciting day of 7s rugby will take place this Saturday, 23 February when our town hosts the Hermanus Women's Rugby 7s Tournament. The venue is the Hermanus High School and all matches will be played on the school’s A field. The gates open at 07:30 with the first kick off at 08:00.

An entrance fee of R10 will be charged which will qualify entrants for a lucky draw with an inflatable boat as the prize. This prize is sponsored by Wild Cat Inflatables and the Boland Rugby Union, both of which are also the event sponsors. Importantly, the day will be dedicated to the campaign against the abuse of women and the elderly, and is deserving of support from our community.

Teams will be visiting our shores from far and

Other team entrants include the Titans (SWD), Tygerberg (two teams), Dolphins (Cape Town), the Busy Bees and Blue Jets from Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. At the time of going to press, confirmation from the following was pending: Zimbabwe, Maties and the University of the Western Cape.

Food and beverage stalls will be available with live entertainment to add to the festivities. The day is dedicated to good causes and should provide a worthwhile outing for sports lovers as we follow the progress of women's rugby, particularly 7s, which is one of the faster growing disciplines in world sport.

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPAL ADVISORY FORUM (OMAF)

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALE ADVIESFORUM (OMAF)

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Overstrand Municipal Advisory Forum (OMAF) will take place on Thursday, 28 February 2019, at 18h00 in the Auditorium, Municipal Offices, Hermanus.

Kennis geskied hiermee dat ‘n vergadering van die Overstrand Munisipale Advies Forum (OMAF) sal plaasvind op Donderdag, 28 Februarie 2019 om 18h00 in die Ouditorium, Munisipale Kantore, Hermanus.

Purpose of meeting:

Doel van vergadering: • Bespreek fokus areas vir die 2019/20 GOP (Geintegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan) hersiening en voorlopige Begrotingsvoorstelle vir 2019/20

2019/20 IDP review focus areas & Preliminary budget proposals for 2019/20

All members of the Ward Committees are invited to attend.

Enquires may be done during normal office hours with Sylvia Block at telephone number (028) 313 8108.

Municipal Offices HERMANUS Notice No: 20/2019

C GROENEWALD MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Curro Primary hosts swimming gala

wide, with participation by the South African Women's 7s team as the highlight. This national team competes in the Women's World 7s series and will raise the bar in the skills department.

Among the other teams competing are the Boland women (two teams) who recently won elevation to the South African premier division.

ABOVE: Matthew Privett from Hermanus High School is a keen canoeist and member of the Stanford Canoe Club, which participated in the seventh annual West Coast Canoe Challenge on Saturday 9 February. Matthew entered the 20km race which started from Bloemendal Farm and ended in Velddrif. The race is known for attracting some of South Africa’s best paddlers. He placed 15th overall and came first in the U16 boys category.

The 20km course they paddled is the same as the last 20km of the Berg River Canoe Marathon that is held in July.

PHOTO: Supplied

•

20 February 2019

Alle lede van die Wykskomitees word uitgenooi om die vergadering by te woon.

Navrae kan gedurende kantoorure gerig word aan Sylvia Block by telefoonnommer (028) 313 8108.

Munisipale Kantore C GROENEWALD HERMANUS MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER Kennisgewing Nr 20/2019

On Saturday 16 February, Curro Hermanus hosted a swimming gala at their indoor swimming pool. Approximately 160 students participated from 7 to 12 years old. Eight different clubs and schools participated, namely Curro Hermanus, Reddam House, Eikestad Primary, Rûens College, Kleinmond Primary, Lochnerhof Primary, Cape Orca Swimming School, Curro Hermanus Aquatics Club and Hermanus Swim Academy. The swimmers are the top performers chosen from each school/club in breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, freestyle or medley. ABOVE: Juan Bernardu from Curro Hermanus swam against some tough competition in the boys U11 25m breastroke.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

Evann Kamstra made Hermanus Swim Academy proud when he came third in the boys U12 25m butterfly.

Marina's dancing girls Gabriele Schmidtdorff from Germany with the talented dance students of Marina’s Dance Education Centre whose fees she has sponsored for the year: (from left) Veronique Botha, Megan Nepgen and Lenore Figaji (front).

Marina’s Dance Education Centre would like to say a big thank you to Gabriele and all the parents for their valued contribution.

For more information on the dance school, contact Marina on 083 721 6994.

PHOTO: Supplied

20 February 2019

Putting Pirate

19

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Happy birthday, Aunty Edith

By Julian Shaw

G

New Epic drivers arrive This week we welcome in the store some excellent new products from Callaway, the new Epic range.

For all the golfers out there, this is one of those must-try products that we are very proud to have in our store. So if you are keen, just pop around and give it a whack; also keeping in mind that we are offering an amazing R1 000 off the recommended retail price!

Until next week have a great time and remember, play the course as you find it and the ball as it lies!

Julz and the team

LADIES TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 4 Ball Alliance 80 players Winners: Ines van der Plas, Zenith Meiring, Rusty Demmer and Elise Nykamp - 76 points Runners-up: Deidre McDermot, Marion Shaw, Brigit Berglin, Ros Sparks - 75 points MEN’S WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY Individual Stableford 149 players The Dave Clark Cup Winners East course: Andrew Philip - 39 points North course: Gavin Levick - 40 points South course: Tony Behagg - 40 points Ball pool paid to 35 4 two clubs Winner of the Dave Clark Cup was Gavin Levick.

reetings to everyone! We had some lovely warm days last week and I’m pleased to say that we have been super busy and playing lots of golf.

Happy 90th birthday, Edith Armour Now here’s a milestone for one of our members: super-lady Edith Armour just celebrated her 32 850th day on God’s earth, or more commonly known as her 90th birthday. Congratulations, Edith!

You always have been a shining example to us all, not only as a super golfer but also as a lovely human being. Edith has been playing this game longer than I have been alive, and believe me I am no spring chicken!

Scores at a glance

Senior member of Hermanus Golf Club, Edith Armour, who celebrated her 90th birthday last week.

The winner of the Dave Clark Cup, Gavin Levick, with Club Vice-Captain, Ben Thompson.

The new Epic drivers from Callaway that are available in the HGC Pro Shop.

SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY Alliance Stableford 140 players East Course (Red) 1–18 1. Brandon Shaw, David Bunn, David Romburgh, Jan Cloete - 90 2. Gawie Erasmus, Frans Prins, Jan Kuhn, Neil Malan - 85 North Course (Blue) 1–9 & 19–27 1. Raymond Calitz, Dennis Joubert, Gavin Brown, Mike Bryant - 87 C/I 2. Gerald Coates, Hershelle Casper, Johan Stander, Les Adams - 87 C/O South Course (Green) 10–27 1. John Clifford, Jacquie Clifford, Roelof Kuiper, Andre Gouws - 88 2. Andre du Toit, Jonathan Metcalfe, Roelof Kuiper, Peter Starke - 87 The attendance draw was sponsored by Sotheby’s Realty (fellow member John Quincey) and was won by Neels van Niekerk.

Visit us on www.thevillagenews.co.za for more stories.

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20 February 2019

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MY SCHOOL

Will you be my Valentine?

Hermanus High School held their annual Valentine’s Dance on Friday 15 February in the school hall. As is customary, earlier in the week the grade 8s asked a grade 12 of their choice to accompany them to the dance. Some grade 12s were asked by more than one grade 8 and thus arrived with (in some cases) up to five partners. Upon arrival, the rest of the students attending the dance created an aisle for the grade 8 and grade 12 pairs/groups to pass through into the hall. A large number of students attended this year and the hall was packed to capacity, but the night was enjoyed by all.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

Yadine de Kock (grade 12) attended the dance with her grade 8 escorts Joshua de Bruyn, Phillip Viljoen, Echard de Kock and Jean Joubert.

Grade 8s girls Karmi Grobelaar, Julia McFall, Aisha Luyt, Juliet Fouché and Enya Zipfield attended the Valentine’s Dance with grade 12s Bernard and Alweyn Steyl.

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Generation spreads the love

PHOTO: Barbara Hayn Generation Schools Hermanus celebrated Valentine’s Day last week by wearing white, pink and red clothes to school. The staff members decorated the school’s main entrance with hearts and Valentine’s Day-themed décor to welcome their students and parents to school in the morning. They also decorated some of the classrooms.

Here are teachers Shingirai Furusa and Mikaela Meyer with two of their students Emma Zeineddine and NoaLily Jones.

PHOTO: Dhandré Etalla