The Village News 26 July 2016 by The Village NEWS

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26 July 2016

Cape Whale Coast

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In the jaws of extinction The magnificent great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias L.) is one of the oldest shark lineages with an evolutionary origin dating back about 14 million years. Research shows that the number of great white sharks along our coastline is dwindling. Together with whales and penguins, these creatures account for a sizeable part of our tourist trade. A lot is being done to assist in conserving our ocean resources, but the survival of South Africa's white shark population and the ecological interactions of the coastline will be seriously compromised if urgent management measures to prevent the decline are not put in place. Photo: Amos Nachoum, www.photoaesthetics.com

Unlocking our blue economy The unlocking of the “blue economy” in the Overstrand was bolstered with both the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Municipality and the Department of Public Works (DPW) as well as a workshop to identify the opportunities that the ocean holds for the local economy. The MOU is aimed at establishing the Municipality as a facilitator in the process of upgrading the harbours in Hermanus and Gansbaai. “The document that was signed on Saturday 23 July creates the platform for a partnership between the DPW and the Municipality. It allows us to champion local

economic development during any development and upgrading of our harbours,” says Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie. A workshop hosted by Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) and Overstrand Local Economic Development on Friday 22 July was aimed at finding ways to unlock the opportunities within our oceans. According to Louis Botha of GCIS the result of the workshop was the establishment of a task team consisting of local stakeholders that will assist in

identifying the needs, opportunities and obstacles with regards to unlocking the value in our oceans. The workshop was part of Government’s roll-out of Operation Phakisa, a programme aimed at realising the potential of South Africa’s oceans. It focusses on six growth areas, including marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture, small harbour development, marine protection and coastal and marine tourism. It is expected that Operation Phakisa will add some R177 billion to the economy

and create more than a million jobs over the next 15 years. R80 million has already been earmarked for the rehabilitation and maintenance of small harbours, including that of Gansbaai and another R400 million for aquaculture.

and we have to unlock the potential therein.

Solly Madikane, Director of Local Economic Development at the Municipality, says the development of the ocean economy in the Overstrand is of utmost importance.

“There are currently some 15 small scale fishing co-ops in the Overstrand and we need to support these people by giving them the opportunity to grow their businesses and also to train them. In Gansbaai, for instance, it is envisaged that a structure with cold-rooms, a processing plant, a packaging facility and storerooms are made available to the fishermen.

“Not only do we offer unique tourist attractions with whale watching and shark cage diving, we are also a fishing community

“In Hermanus the existing Lusitania building in the New Harbour will be converted into a salmon farm. Future plans will include upgrading

the harbour into a tourist attraction with small businesses and the potential for more moorings for boats,” says Solly. According to him the spatial framework has been developed. “The process to refine these plans in conjunction with the DPW and local stakeholders can now start. Thereafter the normal processes will take their course.” It is expected that developments will start in the next two to five years and continue for the next 30 years. - De Waal Steyn

The Village NEWS would like to publish your thoughts and concerns about issues that are important to you. All Letters to the Editor should be accompanied with the writer's name and contact details for verification. All letters are subject to editing for newspaper style and clarity, without changing the meaning of the content. Letters should be limited to about 300 words. We reserve the right not to publish all letters received. Send your letters to news@thehermanusnews. co.za

Ombudsman The press exists to serve society. Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny of the forces that shape society, and is essential to realising the promise of democracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments on the issues of the day, a role whose centrality is recognised in the South African Constitution. The News of Hermanus subscribes to the South African Press Code and subsequently to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman. Should you feel that our reporting was not free, fair or unbiased or that serious errors were made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman, on 011 484 3612/8, or via e-mail at pressombudsman@ombudsman.org .za or visit www.presscouncil.org.za

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26 July 2016

Help save Sandbaai Sandbaai is fast becoming the best residential area in the Overberg region. Over the past 20 years we witnessed our dirt roads transformed to paved roads, our farmstalls transformed into beautiful retail stores and development booming. We truly enjoyed the tranquillity of the Sandbaai region until an apartment complex was built next door to us in Dirkie Uys Street. Over the past four years

people have moved in and out of the complex and it is evident that it has become a place for criminals to reside. Just last Saturday evening we had police vans rushing into the complex where a gang of people were fighting with knives. Extremely loud music was played throughout the day and into the night while random cars entered and exited the complex. A woman was seen fleeing the gate bleeding, with a

man running after her with a firearm in his hand. We were terrified and locked ourselves in our apartment. The noise continued throughout the night. I tried to contact the managing agent, but he was very unfriendly and refused to assist us. Please help us make Sandbaai great and safe again.

I picked it up out of boredom while waiting to be served and have just finished reading it after getting home.

Excellent content and layout! Your advertising layout is superb considering that you obviously rely on the revenue in order to offer your publication for free. I am looking forward to your next copy, and by the way, I will be popping in to see The Photo Shed soon, thanks to

their advertisement on the front page. I promised to put together a photo book for my friend's birthday two years ago but found the online version too time consuming to do, hence no gift for her... Natalie Husk, Stanford

Editorial Comment

Into the blue

It has been said that the ocean is the biggest tenant in the Overstrand and offers more than all of the businesses can combined. This is a stament that rings true for every town in our area. With the implementation of Government’s Phakisa Project to unlock the value of the ocean economy slowly reaching our shores, it is with great anticipation that we look forward to seeing investment flowing into our towns. The memorandum of understanding that was signed between the Municipality and the Department of Public Works, lies as the foundation of ensuring that local economic development takes precedence. The Municipality is in the position to ensure that residents reap the rewards of the investments. It is the mandate of the Municipality to protect the local economy.

Together with the direct investments to upgrade the harbours in Gansbaai and Hermanus, the spinoff will have a farreaching impact on our communities, as the developments will not only create job opportunities, but also the establishment of a host of new small businesses.

investment coming in, there is the disconcerting news that the great white shark population along our coast is dwindling (see page 3). According to a study by the University of Stellenbosch, there are 52% fewer white sharks than were estimated.

At the stakeholder workshop to discuss the ways in which the blue economy can be unlocked, established business has already shown its commitment to assist with training and mentoring small businesses. This is indicative of the Overstrand community – one where we work together to the benefit of all.

A further study by marine biologists and shark cage diving companies in Gansbaai will be made public in the next few weeks, shedding further light on the plight of sharks in our waters. Of concern is not only the number of sharks, but the activities that endanger all marine life on our shores.

Although much water must still flow into the ocean before physical development starts, we urge residents and business to become part and parcel of the process, as it will affect all of us either directly, or indirectly.

We as a community must act now to help preserve this important natural resource, and prevent the dire effects its extinction will have on our economy.

In contrast to the good news of

News You Can Use

6 Royal Street, Hermanus Publisher De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@ thehermanusnews.co.za

Name withheld

The NEWS works for me I seldom do this but felt that I have to take the time to congratulate you on your publication.

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Letters

That is the good news – Ed

Content Editor Hedda Mittner 083 645 3928 hedda@hermanus.co.za

Marketing Kathy Mulock-Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@chartwellsupport.co.za

Graphic Designer & Layout Artist Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey1094@gmail.com The distinct ‘plough-furrow’ tracks one sees on the sand behind retreating waves are made by Plough Snails, which are only found on the southern coast of South Africa. They feed on dead animals washed up on the beach at high tide. To reach the food, the Plough Snail extends its foot and lets the tide push it up the beach. As the tide retreats, the snail buries itself in the sand to prevent being washed away by the waves or eaten by gulls. As soon as the water level drops, the snail heads up the beach again to the high tide mark. They have a preference for stranded bluebottles (Portuguese Man o’ War) with hundreds of Plough Snails converging on a single washed up colony of bluebottles.

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26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

Great white numbers are dwindling The great white shark was in the international spotlight last week after new research from Stellenbosch University (SU) showed that the South African white shark population is in double jeopardy. Not only do these sharks have the lowest genetic diversity of all white shark populations worldwide there are also only between 353 to 522 individuals left. "The numbers in South Africa are extremely low. If the situation stays the same, South Africa's great white sharks are heading for possible extinction," says Dr Sara Andreotti of the Department of Botany and Zoology at SU and lead author of the study published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. The findings are based on six years of fieldwork in South Africa's shark mecca, Gansbaai, and along the South African coastline. It represents the largest field research study on South Africa's great white sharks undertaken to date. Counting great whites It is not that easy to find, let alone count these mysterious animals. Andreotti had to rely on the expertise and logistical support of shark behaviour specialist Michael Rutzen of Shark Diving Unlimited to track down these elusive creatures. He has been operating a white shark cage

diving operation at Gansbaai for the past 15 years and is better known as 'Sharkman' – the man who free dives with white sharks to dispel the myth that they are man-eating monsters. "If you want to count white sharks, you need a boat with a crew and someone who knows where and how to find them," Andreotti explains. They had to make sure that the animals got close enough to the boat to take a clear picture of the dorsal fin and to collect a biopsy for genetic analysis. The genetic sampling technique comprised poking the shark with a small sterilised biopsy sampler, an operation that is rarely noticed by the sharks. The field work kept Andreotti and Rutzen busy for six years, sometimes living at sea for up to two months at a time. Between 2009 and 2011 they collected nearly 5 000 photographs of the dorsal fins of white sharks frequenting Gansbaai. Notches in a great white's dorsal fin are like a unique fingerprint with a specific number of notches on its trailing edge. Andreotti manually organised the photographs into a database, specifically documenting the date when an individual was resighted. To their surprise,

once 400 individuals had been identified, they struggled to find new individuals to photograph. Using mark-recapture techniques, the results from this part of the study indicate with 95% confidence a population estimate of between 353 and 522 individuals. According to Andreotti, this is 52% fewer than what was estimated in previous mark-recapture studies. However, they needed to be sure that the white sharks that they identified and counted in Gansbaai were representative of the entire white shark population along the South African coastline. Thus they set sail again and spent another four years sailing along the coastline, collecting biopsy samples and photographs of dorsal fins. The subsequent genetic analysis then proved that there is only one population and that the same sharks are roaming the coastline. The results from the genetic study show that the South African population of great whites is made up of an effective population size of only 333 individuals. The effective population size is the number of individuals in a population who contribute offspring to the next generation. Andreotti explains: "The

genetic analysis is not the same as counting the sharks. Here one estimates the number of successful breeding individuals who generated the sampled population. The results can also be used to indicate the survival potential of a population. Although we don't know if this will be the case for white sharks, previous research on other species indicate that a minimum of 500 breeding individuals are required to prevent inbreeding depression. “When looking at the number of adults counted with the photo identification work, we have come to the conclusion that South Africa's white sharks faced a rapid decline in the last generation and that their numbers might already be too low to ensure their survival. "The chances for their survival are even worse than what we previously thought," she warns. Reasons for the sharp decline Andreotti says that among the reasons for the sharp decline in white shark numbers are the impact of shark nets and baited hooks implemented on the eastern seaboard of South Africa. Other contributing factors are poaching, habitat encroachment, pollution and depletion of

Dr Sara Andreotti conducting her research. their food sources. "For example, between 1956 and 1976, the number of large sharks caught in KwaZulu-Natal's shark-netting programme declined by over 99%. Between 1978 and 2008 approximately 1 063 white sharks were killed in shark protection measures," she says. She says that it is a popular misconception that white sharks are predating uniquely on marine mammals such as seals. "White shark juveniles particularly feed on bony fishes and smaller, commercially fished elasmobranches. But to date we still don't know the minimum amount of food required by our white shark population, and therefore fishery management cannot take it into consideration."

Why are great whites so important? Apart from the iconic status of these magnificent animals, they are apex predators, which means that they do not have many natural predators. The loss of such an apex predator will have a cascade of detrimental effects on the ecological stability of the marine environment. Great whites are among the few shark species feeding on Cape fur seals. A decrease in their numbers will lead to an increase in the seal population, which in turn will have an impact on fish populations and thus on fisheries. Research findings by several Gansbaai based shark cage diving companies and several marine scientists that work with them will be published in the next few weeks. - De Waal Steyn

Explore the solar system on the Cliff Path Hermanus has a brand new tourist attraction on its Cliff Path with the unveiling of a true scale solar system model. According to Pierre de Villiers of the Hermanus Astronomy Club, the model will become a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. “The models of the planets have been built to scale and are all dotted along the Cliff Path, from the amphitheatre to Grotto Beach, according to their distance from the sun in our solar system. Not only is it visually attractive but also informative,” he says. According to Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, the model adds significant value from a pure interest, educational and tourism perspective to both

the Cliff Path and Hermanus. “As such it will form part of the positive memories of Hermanus that visitors to the Cliff Path will take away with them. It is true to say that this project and the Cliff Path are worthy of each other, with each adding considerable value to the other.” “As admirable as the model is, I am actually prouder of the unbelievably supportive cooperation that so many community and other organisations have given to make this project possible. This includes the Ward 3 committee for initially including this project in their discretionary budget, the Cliff Path Management Group and Fernkloof

Advisory Board, the South African Astronomical Observatory who fabricated the planet models, the South African Space Agency for its technical input, as well as the Lukhanyo Primary and the Hawston Secondary youth clubs for painting the models,” says Nicolette. Geomatics Africa ensured that the placement of the models is accurate to their distance from the sun.

Ward 3 Councillor Kari Brice, Pierre de Villiers, chair of the Hermanus Astronomy Club and Mayor Nicolette BothaGuthrie at the unveiling of the Solar System Model on the Cliff Path.

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26 July 2016

Village Dance for seniors With a substantial population of elderly people in our town, many of whom are isolated from society and cut off from their families, one caring individual has decided to add a highlight to the Hermanus social calendar in support of the elderly – The Village Senior Dance. She might be a money person, says Janet Hugo, director of Sterling Private Wealth in Hermanus, but even investments have a human component. “For me it’s really all about people and forging relationships,” she says. Which is why Janet’s interest was piqued when she heard about a school in Canada that has been hosting a senior dance annually for 28 years in a row. What makes this dance special, is that it is hosted by the learners of the school and brings two generations that normally have little contact, together in a social setting. Inspired by this compassionate initiative and the happiness it spreads in the community, Janet contacted the headmaster of Hermanus High School, Greg Hassenkamp, to collaborate with Sterling Wealth on this project. The school has agreed to let Janet have the venue for this year’s matric dance, which takes place on Friday 30 September in the Sandbaai Hall, for the rest of the weekend.

Wit’s End

By Murray Stewart

The venue will already have been decorated, and instead of taking it all down the next

day, the décor will remain in place for The Village Ball fundraiser on the Saturday night and The Village Senior Dance on the Sunday afternoon. Anyone who would like to take part in this happy occasion is invited to sponsor an elderly person to the matinee dance on Sunday, 2 October, at the Sandbaai Hall. Tickets to The Village Senior Dance will sell at R280 per person, including delicious food and live dance music, from 15:30 – 20:30. The main focus of the event is the opportunity for elderly persons to get out, to socialise and mingle with their peers and make new friends. It is also an opportunity for our youngsters to spend a fun afternoon with our senior citizens and for strengthening the intergenerational bond between young and old. ”It’s a wonderful way to reach out to the older generation of our community and to make them feel special and appreciated,” says Janet. In order to cover the costs of this event, a black-tie fundraising function will be held on the previous evening – The Village Ball. This glittering affair in the Sandbaai Hall on Saturday, 1 September, will include a three-course gourmet dinner

Joining hands for night shelter The Hermanus Night Shelter Association (HNSA) recently launched a fund-raising campaign towards the construction of a shelter for the homeless people of Hermanus. An Open Meeting to inform the public of the progress that has been made will be held at the United Church Hall on Thursday 28 July at 18:00.

The Village Senior Dance committee: In front are Janet Hugo, director of Sterling Wealth and events manager Franni Vivier. Behind them are Tanya Tiefenthaler of I Love Hermanus, Werner Gerber and Marietjie Haman of Sterling Wealth, designer Nanette Ras and Liezl Skein of Hermanus High School Governing Body. prepared by a top chef, award-winning wines, great music and, of course, dancing. Tickets will sell at R580 per head and businesses in Hermanus are invited to make up tables of ten. Those who would like to buy a ticket to The Village Ball and also sponsor a senior citizen for The Village Senior Dance, are encouraged to do so at the all-inclusive discounted cost of R800. “The Village Ball will not only be a night to remember, but also a golden opportunity for the community to work together in making something special happen in our town,” says Janet. “It is unfortunate that the older

and the younger generations no longer spend much time together. Everybody is so busy with work and school, and getting on with their lives, that grandparents are often only seen once or twice a year. The Village Senior Dance could go a long way towards bridging that gap and building a community spirit that includes the elderly. Let’s all take hands and make this happen!” Details on how and where to buy tickets will be announced soon, so watch this space. - Hedda Mittner

Individuals, organisations and businesses are urged to attend this meeting and pledge their support for the HNSA’s tireless ambition to get the homeless off our streets before the next winter. “We want to start construction as soon as possible,” says local architect and HNSA chairperson Les Abbott. “Six people have already died on our streets from exposure and illness in the last few years and we simply cannot afford to wait out any more winters.” Les has been steering this project for almost a decade and the HNSA was finally able to purchase a plot of land from the municipality earlier this year in Mount Pleasant. The proposed night shelter will provide accommodation for up to 35 homeless people and the initial cost is estimated at a minimum of R2,1 million.

At the meeting on Thursday, the public will be informed of all the HNSA’s fund-raising initiatives, which include the Buy-a-Brick campaign and the Homeless Sleepover that will take place on Friday, 2 September. “The idea of the sleepover is for residents to experience, for one night, what it is like to be homeless, with no warm bed waiting at home, and having to sleep outside,” says Les. “But it will also be a lot of fun, and give residents the opportunity to come together in the true community spirit of Hermanus, in aid of those less fortunate than ourselves.” If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to become involved with this project or assist in any way, please contact Les on 083 232 6138. The HNSA is a registered NPO and approved by SARS as a PBO, which means that any donations are tax-deductable.

How old do you think I am? The only time in our lives we wish we were older is when we’re young. Most five-year-olds are not five. They’ll proudly tell you they’re five and a half or even nearly six! Deep down they wish they were already ten, because logically, Mom’s apron strings would be twice as long by then. Yeah right. All twelve-year-olds count down the days to when they officially become a teenager. This is universally misconceived as a license to become unruly, sullen and generally rebellious. But through these turbulent, pimply years there is salvation. Near the end of the teenage tunnel, the magical age of eighteen beckons. All mid-teens wish they could get a driver’s license, go clubbing without Mom and

buy the latest smart phone. But when eighteen arrives, the longing to be just that little bit older remains. Three years – just three more years! At twenty-one they’ll receive keys to the door of adulthood, whatever that means. The world is their perlemoen and lying about age becomes unnecessary. They are all grown up, so it isn’t important anymore. Well, not for some...

back at the guy who now has to lie. Depending on his interest in the lady, this is a very delicate point in the interaction, but one way or another he’s blown it. If he goes too low he’s obviously grovelling. If he guesses correctly or anywhere even slightly above, he’s downright rude, and it’s ‘good night nurse’ for him. This is usually without the nurse.

Middle-aged men don’t mind revealing their age, but at some point the fairer sex take umbrage. They get tweezer-lipped, their eyes narrow dangerously and they clam up like a… well, like a clam. Gentile society deems it impolite to ask a lady her age if she’s over thirty. This is to save her having to lie.

To circumvent the direct question, one could perhaps ask her in casual conversation if she knew her ID number off-hand, but I hear this doesn’t work too often either. Best avoided altogether. But it is during this ‘no-ask’ period that women start wishing they were a wee bit younger. Amongst other things - like never wearing that bikini again their biological clocks will soon stop ticking, whereas on the male side many a

“How old do you think I am?” is the usual question in reply. This throws the ball

As opposed to clamming up, the older men get, the prouder they become of their years, and the more spritely ones will happily tell anyone who asks. Hell, if no one does, they’ll manage to slip it in anyway.

though. Over the years, but not before long, those delightful laughter lines and charming little crow’s feet will require attention, or they’ll elicit whispered comments with words like haggard, withered and prune. Doesn’t seem fair really, but what lady wants to look like Keith Richards?

“Oh yes! Bench-pressed 150k this morning,” he’ll announce over tea at the bowling club. “I’m seventyfive, you know?” he’ll throw in, looking challengingly at all the envious young whipper-snappers in their sixties who are secretly thankful they’ve never tried.

There comes a time though, when ladies catch up to the gents and they don’t give a fig anymore. They can happily dress up as mutton, and let those poor little lambs remain silent. They also don’t bother checking hubby’s phone log and restaurant slips any more. Quite frankly, they don’t care.

Men improve with age apparently, and facial lines are referred to as craggy. A cross between John Wayne and Clint Eastwood is regarded as ruggedly handsome and endearing. No such luck for the ladies

And yet, and yet… rummaging around inside every sixty-year-old is a teenager wondering, “Where did it all go?”

grandfather clock still chimes on the hour.

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26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

TREE PLANTING: Local residents and members of the Westcliff Ratepayers Association (WRA) gathered at the common on Canterbury Street to help with the planting of several new trees on Mandela Day. Ten water pear trees were donated by Meindert Jonge Poerink of Fynbos Gardens and five wild olive trees by horticulturist Lauren Rainbird on behalf of the Overstrand Municipality. With the planting done, the group gathered for a photo. Among the local residents are WRA chairperson Jan Cilliers, candidate councillor Anton Coetsee, Meindert and staff members from Fynbos Gardens, ward councillor Lainda Beyers Cronjé and Lauren Rainbird.

67 HANDS FOR MANDELA: Among the many charitable activities that were undertaken on Mandela Day, 18 July, was the Overberg Wheelchair Association’s (OWA) ’67 Hands for Mandela’ project at Ability House in Hawston. Dozens of people arrived to have their hands traced on to a tile which they then decorated with shards of glass and tiles to create mosaics for the OWA’s Gratitude Wall. “Each hand represents an individual, business or organisation that ‘had a hand in it’ to help the OWA grow and develop,” said Alda du Plooy of Ability House, which provides a safe place for persons with disabilities.

Talisman and Hermanus Hardware are the first businesses to sponsor Doggie Doo bag dispensers along the Hermanus Cliff Path. The two businesses heeded the call from Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) to assist them in setting up these bins to help keep Hermanus clean and green. The dispensers are manufactured by WCC at a cost of R450 each. The first five dispensers were sponsored by the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA), with the first one installed at the Kwaaiwater lookout point on the Cliff Path last month. The objective is to have doggy doo bag dispensers at all the places where dogs are walked. “The Hermanus Cliff Path forms part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, and any foreign body that is introduced is a potential hazard to the environment,” says Anina Lee of WCC. “It is imperative that we keep the Cliff Path, which is one of the major features of our town, clean and safe for both tourists and locals.” Anyone who is interested in sponsoring a dispenser can call WCC on 028 316 2527 or visit the Green House on the R43 in Vermont. • The Helping Hands initiative is a joint venture between Talisman Hermanus and The Village NEWS. Once a month we will be publishing stories on worthy causes that need support. We urge our readers to support this initiative. For more information, call De Waal on 083 700 3319.

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26 July 2016 Wednesday 27 July & 3 August

with an educational talk about wild mushrooms before heading off into the forest to find what is on offer. Participants will need to bring a basket, pocket/pen knife, rain coat (weather permitting) and outdoor-friendly shoes. The cost of R350 includes notes, recipes, post-forage refreshments of nourishing mushroom soup, bread, mushroom paté, and a warming buchu brandy and rooibos hot toddie prepared by wild food forager Roushanna Gray. Location to be revealed to participants closer to the time. To book please email roushanna@hotmail.com

• Graze Farmers Market: Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze Slow Food Café in Stanford, every Wednesday morning from 09:00-12:00. Always seasonal, always fresh. Stay for coffee and breakfast. Contact Tabby or Alex on 076 243 1930.

Thursday 28 July • Hermanus Ratepayers Association: The Western Cape Minister of Transport, Donald Grant, will address Ward 3 residents on the proposed bypass road, at 10:00 in the Fernkloof Hall.

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

• Matinee Movie: Ons Teater at the Dutch Reformed Church in Onrus will screen the movie ‘Vir Altyd’ at 14:30. Donations for the church’s Service Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) are welcome. • U3A Open Meeting: John Scott, former editor of The Cape Times and the author of five books, will present a talk ‘Personal encounters with a prime minister and three presidents’, at 17:30 in the Municipal Auditorium. John will share his privileged and humorous insight into four important personages in the recent history of South Africa – John Vorster, P W Botha, F W de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. All welcome. R10 admission. • Hermanus Night Shelter Open Meeting: The Hermanus Night Shelter Association will host an open meeting to inform the public of their future plans and the progress made towards building a night shelter for the homeless. At the United Church Hall, at 18:00. • Rotary Club of Hermanus: Weekly meetings every Thursday at Mollergren Park, at 19:00. Visitors welcome. Contact Ian Wallace on 082 895 8738 or Metcalf Fick on 082 568 2193.

Friday 29 July

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

Friday 29 – Sunday 31 July • GetWetCapeFest: This weekend on the Palmiet River will entail an awesome party, kayak and croc races and spectators with a lot of ‘gees’! The theme is Super Hero and the best dressed will be rewarded. The fee of R150 covers registration for any of the races you’d like to participate in, including entry into the Kogelberg Reserve for the down-river kayak race. Deposits can be made to the Cape White Water Club or alternately, the participation fee can be paid on Friday evening or Saturday morning. For more details, email capewhitewater@gmail.com. The cost for camping at the C stands of the Palmiet Caravan Park is R165 per campsite per night for 4 pax, payable at the gate.

Saturday 30 July • Huis Lettie Theron Bazaar: Browse the craft stalls and enjoy treats such as pancakes, curry and rice, hotdogs and a snoek braai at the Grobbelaar Hall, from 09:00. The bazaar is a fund-raiser for Huis Lettie Theron. • Onrus Markie: This neighbourhood market usually takes place on the first Saturday of the month, but has been moved up one week because of the upcoming Kalfiefees. At the De Wet Hall in Roos Street from 09:00.

• Sketch Crawl: Meet for the Country Sketchers’ 9th Sketch Crawl, at Volmoed Retreat in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, at 09:00. Spend the day sketching in beautiful surroundings. Visitors are welcome to join in these monthly sketch crawls. Contact Charmé on 082 773 9125. • Hermanus Music Society: A group of specially invited musicians, each internationally acclaimed and regarded as among the best in South Africa on their respective instruments, will perform Mozart’s lyrical, uplifting Piano trio No. 1 and Schubert’s famous, much-loved Trout Quintet. At Bouchard Finlayson wine estate, 18:00 for 18:30. To book your tickets, contact Penny on 028 316 2489 or pcharteris@mweb.co.za.

• Bhuki Café: Enjoy tea, coffee and eats at the Hermanus Library for only R20 (2 eats) or R30 (3 eats), every Friday, 09:00-11:30. On 29 July it’s also Pancake Day and you can pre-order with the library on 028 313 8077. • ‘Kolwyntjie-Teetuin’: Senior citizens in the area are invited to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at the Service Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) of the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus for only R30, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.

• Swallow Park Market: Browse the new market at Swallow Park between 09:00 and 13:00.

Monday 1 – Thursday 4 August • Learn to Draw: This 4-day drawing workshop is the first in a series of art workshops that will progress from drawing to advanced colour theory and painting, offered by internationally recognised artist Christopher Reid. Drawing is the foundation of all art and, like reading, is a skill that can be learned. Absolute beginners and established painters can benefit from this course and no experience is necessary. Classes daily from 14:00 – 16:00 at 28 Canterbury Street, Westcliff. More info is available on ReidsArt.com. To sign up, email chris@reidsart.com.

2 August – 6 September • ‘Langarm’ Dance Course: Hermanus Social Dance Club offers a course in ‘langarm’ dancing, every Tuesday at 18:30, for 6 weeks. R400 per person or R700 per couple. Payment confirms your spot. Call 072 316 5787 to book.

Thursday 4 – Tuesday 9 August

Saturday 30 July & 6 August • Hermanus parkrun: Meet at Hermanus Forest in Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at 08:00. Free timed 5 km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. • Lemm’s Corner Market: From 08:30, Main Road, Hermanus. Crafts, clothes, jewellery, bags, toys and art.

• Hermanus Wine & Food Festival: Join the Wine Village for a fine wine time at this year’s Hermanus Wine & Food Festival. Voted one of South Africa’s Top 10 Wine Festivals, this celebration brings together more than 65 premium wine and craft beer producers from Elgin to Elim. Food stalls will cater for delicious tastings as well as meals and include delectable fare like organic cheeses, olive products, freshly baked breads, cakes and hand-made chocolates. Also look out for a jumping castle, face painting, puppet shows and loads more for the children. The new venue for this year’s festival is Curro Hermanus in Sandbaai. On the Saturday from 11:00 to 20:00; Sunday and Monday from 11:00 to 17:00. Entry to the venue is R50 per person and to enter the Wine Arena R100 per person, allowing you to sample as many wines as you desire. Book with Computicket or get your tickets at the door. For more information contact Cathy or Ulla at Wine Village 028 316 3988 or wineoffice@hermanus.co.za

Sunday 7 August

• Photographic Workshop: The Photowalkers.com will present a 3-hour workshop ‘My Camera Basics’ from 09:00 – 12:00. For more details email funtimes@thephotowalkers.com or call Leanne on 083 293 7208.

• Hermanus Social Dance Club: Dress in black & white for the Studio Theme Social at the Hermanus Social Dance Club, from 19:30 – 23:00. The fee is R50 pp at the door (members free). Bring your own picnic and glasses. For more details, call Lani on 072 316 5787.

Friday 29 July & Friday 5 August

Saturday 6 – Monday 8 August

• Kalfiefees: Another highlight on the Hermanus cultural calendar is the annual Kalfiefees, presented for the 16th year. Based in Onrus, this festival offers a bumper programme of music, drama, comedy and art at various venues. As in previous years, there will also be a discussion debate and a Woman’s Day celebration. Tickets can be booked at Computicket countrywide. Get all the details at www.kalfiefees.co.za or collect a programme booklet from the Kalfiefees office in Onrus, the Hermanus Tourism office in town or at the Computicket office at the Checkers Centre.

• Hermanus Rotary Wildekrans MTB Adventure: This event is aimed at young and old, those riders who enjoy single track, not technical, but still providing sufficient exercise. Starting at 08:00, it is not a timed event so everyone can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Bot River Valley. The 40 km route takes you through the most scenic parts of the Wildekrans wine farm without leaving the borders of the farm or crossing any public roads, and climbing is limited to less than 700 metres. Children are welcome to join in the fun by doing a 5 km or 10 km loop on the farm. Registration: Saturday from 09:00 – 12:00 at the De Wet Hall in Onrus and Sunday morning from 06:00 – 07:00 at Wildekrans. For more info, contact the Rotary Club of Hermanus on 082 807 6800 or 083 626 3081 or 082 924 7254.

Friday 5 August

• Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: In the courtyard at HPF cellar, The Village, from 10:00-14:00. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet. • The Hermanus Country Market: Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:0013:00. Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies. • Market in the Garden: At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, 09:00-13:00. A wonderful

• HFF Artwalk: The popular Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk returns this month, with the 16 galleries in the centre of town staying open until 20:00. Meet the artists, mingle with fellow art lovers and enjoy the extraordinary range of fine art and craft on display. At this month’s Artwalk, several galleries will raffle artworks as part of a fundraiser for artist Lize van der Walt. (Read more on P15.)

Saturday 6 August • Mushroom forage: Join mushroom hunter Justin Williams on a magical winter forest forage in a secret location. The day will start

• Simply Blue: A Capella group performance at the United Church at 16:00 (doors open at 15:30) in aid of Overstrand Hospice. Simply Blue is a vocal ensemble made up of a group of senior boys from Bishop’s College in Cape Town who sing a catchy mix of A Capella songs. They have performed on tour and at arts festivals both nationally and internationally. Tickets are R75, available from the Hospice office in Hope Street or the Hospice Shop in Long Street. Call 028 312 4679.

GOOD

NEWS

26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

A whale of a Kalfiefees Among the many festivals on the Hermanus calendar, the Hermanus Times Kalfiefees is one of the oldest and bestloved. The festival originated in the seaside village of Onrus and continues to bring festivalgoers top-quality entertainment, year after year, during the Women’s Day long weekend. This year’s festival, presented for the 16th consecutive year, opens with the Gala evening on Thursday 4 August and runs until Tuesday 9 August. Onrus remains the heart of the Kalfiefees, with the ‘kuiertent’ next to the De Wet Hall, but as the festival grew in popularity and stature, other venues have been added that include the Sandbaai Hall and the Municipal Auditorium. While the emphasis is on Afrikaans productions, various English shows have over the years been added to the programme, ensuring that there is something for everyone – from awardwinning dramas to comedies, dance, music and art. Even the young ones are catered for with two children’s productions, and as usual, there is the traditional Women’s Day Breakfast as well as the annual Discussion programme.

The Kalfiefees also offers the local community an opportunity to showcase their talents, with the amateur drama society of Hawston, Seabreeze Productions, presenting Die Laaitie. A new addition to this year’s programme is a sporting event – The Hermanus Rotary Wildekrans MTB Adventure. With a unique track on the Wildekrans wine estate in Botrivier, the route stretches over 40 km through some of the estate’s vineyards with spectacular scenic vistas of the Overberg. The full programme details can be found at www.kalfiefees.co.za and programme booklets are available from the Kalfiefees office next to the De Wet Hall in Roos Street, Onrus, at the Hermanus Tourism office in Mitchell Street in town and at the Computicket office in the Checkers Centre. Bookings can be made at any Computicket office country-wide. Onrus is a delightful suburb of Hermanus that has retained its village atmosphere, and the Kalfiefees offers the ideal opportunity for visitors to

discover its hidden charms. While rushing to the various events on the Kalfiefees programme, don’t forget to take time out to wander through the village, walk the cliff path and visit the popular beach and lagoon. When the weather is inhospitable, as it often is in August, there are many cosy pubs, coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries where visitors can take refuge and feed both the belly and the soul. Don’t forget to put the following on your to-do list: • Mission’s House Gallery – This historic landmark in De Villiers Street (opposite the entrance to the caravan park), originally built by Moravian missionaries in 1820, houses the Mission’s House Art Gallery and Framery, as well as an exclusive selection of handmade designer clothing and knitwear, linen, jewellery, scarves, bags, pottery, scented candles and other décor items. They also serve great coffee with croissants, muffins or Belgian cupcakes, making it the ideal stop-over between shows. Visitors can seek refuge by the fireside or in the sunny courtyard, and enjoy the

wide range of art on display, mainly by local artists of the area. Currently on an extended exhibition since FynArts, is a unique collection of works by Bill Davis that is not to be missed.

where she offers art classes and workshops in various mediums. Browse through the eclectic range of paintings, sculpture and jewellery, and enjoy a cup of coffee in the tiny courtyard behind the gallery.

serve everything from breakfast to lunch and dinner, and anything in between. While you’re there, take a short walk and see if you can find the smallest Greek chapel in South Africa hidden among the Milkwood trees.

• Hennie Niemann Snr Gallery – just around the corner from Mission’s House, on the corner of Van Blommenstein Street and Lagoon Drive, is the gallery of iconic local artist, Hennie Niemann Snr, previously known as the Onrus Gallery. Apart from Hennie’s works, the gallery currently hosts an inspiring exhibition of artworks by another local artist, Lidi van Schalkwyk.

• CupNCake – In Main Road, just before the Total garage, you’ll find the Optimum Centre where the charming Audrey Mbang has opened a modest little coffee shop that offers the most delicious coffee and Belgian-style biscuits, cakes, tartlets and other pastries. This is the closest you’ll come to a European patisserie.

• Moltenos – This popular restaurant is a firm favourite among the locals, where the jovial atmosphere is matched by the consistently good quality of the food. Customers enjoy congregating at the bar before and after meals, and this is the ideal place to strike up a conversation and mingle with the locals. Moltenos is open every evening except on Tuesdays, and on Sundays they are open for their legendary Sunday lunch. But remember to book as the restaurant is usually packed.

• Die Groen Deur – Also in Van Blommenstein Street is the quirky new gallery of Mariana du Preez which also serves as her studio from

• The Milkwood – The best way to enjoy the beautiful scenery at Onrus beach is to park off at this Bistro restaurant overlooking the lagoon, or at the Beach Hut on the lower level. They

- Hedda Mittner

NEWS

GOOD

26 July 2016

To be a champion, learn from one Copying the success of others is not a crime. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Not when the person you have selected to emulate is a standout role model to success… be it in business, sport, farming, arts and crafts or any other venture you seek to tackle in life. Role models play a vital part in all walks of society. We all seek a path to success. So why not take the route already well travelled? Grandfathers teach the fathers. The fathers in turn teach their sons. It’s a way of life’s learnings that has been handed down to us through the centuries. It’s not a case of copying just for the sake of some trivial desire to be the same. But rather an exercise in observing, taking notes, acknowledging, learning, understanding and applying that which works… and saying no to that which doesn’t. It’s smart practice. It has served others who have come before very well. In the tough and highly competitive world of business, those starting out in life have a distinct advantage if they have a role model / a champion / a mentor, that has already achieved… and can point the way to success for rookies to follow. Copying others has been repeatedly proven as a fast track to success. So what’s preventing you from learning from predecessors and doing likewise? With this in mind, SOLOBEAR has sifted through some historically educating books with pages and pages of good news stories. Stories related by business role models and champions of where and how they have found success and were willing to share their personal experiences with the world. SOLOBEAR aims to bring these gems to you through a series of contents pages in upcoming issues of The Village NEWS. For your enlightenment, naturally.

SUCCESS #1: It begins in the heart. [Steven T Florio – Vice Chairman of Advance Magazine] One day, when I was about

twelve, I was down in my carpenter grandfather’s basement workshop when he said, “You should start earning your own money. You clean up this wood shop and I’ll pay you what its worth.”

The art of copying the success of others.

So I spent the next three hours making the place shine. I swept up all the wood shavings; I wiped down every piece of equipment and made it gleam; I stacked all the wood neatly.

Then I went to find my grandfather. He looked around. Then he nodded and said “Fantastic!” You can imagine how proud I felt. Still nodding his approval, he reached into his pocket and handed me a quarter…twenty five cents! A quarter? I couldn’t believe it. Even in those days a quarter was nothing to an ambitious American kid. He said, “I want you to learn something about life. In the real world, cleaning up is useful, but it’s not worth much. Anyone can do it. So it’s worth, maybe, no more than a quarter.” “Now if you had built something useful with the wood and these tools, say a bookcase, something functional, that would be worth a bit more.” “But if you had envisioned something new, something no one had ever thought of before, and if you had built that, pouring your heart and soul into the project, well, that would have been worth a lot of money.” To this day, I still carry that quarter. It reminds me of the importance of envisioning and building something excellent, something that will last long after you are gone. And that kind of vision and love of craft is not something you can get from most businesses. You certainly don’t get it from a business plan or a five-year income projection. You get it from your heart. It’s got to be something you feel in your heart. That’s where it all begins. So SUCCESS observation #1: Build something of lasting excellence. Something that will get you up in the morning… every morning for the rest of your life. And that love of your craft all begins in the heart.

Rola VW Hermanus are proud supporters of SOLOBEAR. Pioneer your own Frontier. A youth art development initiative in the interests of Overstrand entrepreneurship. Send an email to Alan Engelsman at alan@stoepsitstudio.co.za

EXPLORER

Village

The

ART • WINE • FOOD

Terry Kobus

TRAVEL

26 JULY 2016

Get the full picture with Percy When Percy Heywood tells me that he was hyper-active as a child, I have no problem believing him. “In fact I’m still told that I have too much energy!” he laughs. Fortunately for our town, Percy decided 12 years ago to expend this boundless energy and uninhibited enthusiasm on promoting Hermanus and surrounding areas, and sharing his passion for this corner of the world with local visitors and overseas tourists. Percy Tours specialises in organising tailor-made and individualised tours, transfers, activities and accommodation in Hermanus, the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands, as well as the Garden Route and the Karoo. With his fleet of luxury minibuses and chauffeur tour guides on board, Percy devises personalised tour schedules for his clients that may be action-packed and adventurous or chilled-out and relaxed, depending on their needs and wishes. With his vast knowledge on a range of topics, from the colourful history of Hermanus to the fauna and flora, adventure activities and winemaking, all imparted with his trademark humour, visitors are informed and entertained in a way they’ll never forget and ensures that they return

again and again. It was a long and winding road that led Percy to Hermanus from the UK, where he grew up and attended boarding school before enrolling for business studies. He spent 5 years working in financial services but, as a self-confessed “rebellious rocker”, hung up his sober suits to join the “hedonistic London music industry” as national accounts manager for a large distribution warehouse. “I was very privileged to meet many famous music heroes,” says Percy, who partied with iconic bands such as Nirvana, the Chemical Brothers and Motorhead. Although he’d travelled to Europe and North Africa, Percy only caught the travel bug when he went on a trip to South-East Asia in 1998. “I remember staying in a bamboo hut on a beach in Thailand and feeling like I was on a different planet,” he recalls. “It was so idyllic – I loved the warmth, the sea, the fish, the palm trees – paradise!” Back in London he yearned to return to the warmer regions of the southern hemisphere and convinced a mate in the music industry to accompany him on a

back-packing trip to Sydney, Australia. “We ended up travelling to 16 countries in 16 months,” says Percy. After experiencing countries such as New Zealand, Samoa, Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Mauritius, Percy found his way to Southern Africa. From Cape Town he worked his way up along the coastline to Durban, before taking an overland trip through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. His last stop before his funds dried up was the Kruger National Park, and he reluctantly returned to London in 2001. “I have always been a huge David Attenborough fan and a natural wildlife enthusiast,” says Percy. “But actually experiencing the natural wonders of mountains, forests, volcanoes, oceans, orangutans, turtles, dolphins, lions and elephants first hand is so different to watching a programme on television.” Two years later, with the music industry shaken up by the internet, Percy lost his job in London. At the time he was about to head back to the Cape to attend a wedding with his South African girlfriend. They spent

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Local tour operator, Percy Heywood, is passionate about Hermanus. Christmas 2003 in Knysna and, with no job to return to in the UK, Percy decided to hire a car and spent two and a half months exploring the Western Cape. Inspired by the natural beauty of Hermanus while also being fascinated with its marine life, especially the sharks and whales, Percy started thinking of settling in “this marvellous town”. After that trip, Percy did not waste any more time. He returned to London and within 6 short months he’d sold his flat, car and vast collection of records and was back in Hermanus in September 2004. He bought a house in Sandbaai just a stone’s throw from the sea and invested in his first mini bus. “I realised that renting a car is not an ideal way for tourists to explore the area. It’s rather difficult to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road with a map on your lap, and you miss out on the beautiful scenery while trying to figure out where you are going.” Percy says it seemed an obvious choice for him to become a tour guide and start a tour operation. “Having lived in the hyper busy world of London and being used to the fastpaced lifestyle of the northern hemisphere, I was

inspired by all the nature and open countryside around Hermanus. And I soon realised that there was a huge amount more, as I discovered the incredible flora, the fantastic wines and the great photographic opportunities. I think that’s why I can relate so well to the experience of visitors to our region as I’m able to see it not only through the eyes of a local Hermanus resident but also through the eyes of a first world tourist.” After 12 years as a tour operator in Hermanus, Percy has become a true local and an ambassador for South Africa. “The longer I’ve stayed in this delightful seaside town, the more I’ve discovered the incredible amount of tourist attractions and leisure activities on offer. The tourism industry in Hermanus has literally exploded in the last 12 years and I’ve continued to adapt and expand my business to offer many varied, comprehensive and diverse packages. “The local municipality has realised the importance of tourism and there have been vast improvements in infrastructure. The town is neat and clean, the blue flag beaches are properly maintained and our heritage

buildings are protected. Initiatives such as FynArts and the Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk are great, but our shops, wineries and restaurants need to extend their opening hours during the tourist seasons, especially in the evenings and over weekends.” Percy says he enjoys the entrepreneurial spirit of people in Hermanus and that cooperation and mutual support among the role players is essential. “Everyone is doing a fantastic job,” he says. “We all share the same passion and collectively we are stronger. Bravo to that!” For now, Percy has no plans to go back to the UK. I ask him how difficult it was to adapt to the South African way of life. “Well, it took me a while to get used to the different rules of engagement and certain language peculiarities such as ‘now-now’”, he laughs. “But every time I get up in the morning and open my patio door to be greeted by the beautiful mountains and the waves crashing on the shore, that’s when I’m reminded, ‘Aah… this is why I live here’.” Visit www.percytours.com or call 072 062 8500. - Hedda Mittner

Percy enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge and trademark British humour with visitors to Hermanus.

WINE

26 JULY 2016

Enjoy a fine food and wine time Wine lovers are in for a real treat when the 19th Hermanus Wine & Food Festival kicks off on Saturday 6 August. Voted one of the top 10 wine festivals in the country, this annual celebration has outgrown its original venue at the Wine Village and will, for the first time, take place this year at Curro Hermanus. The 3-day festival, from 6 - 8 August, will offer premium wines and craft beers from more than 65 producers from Elgin to Elim. The owners of Wine Village and hosts of the festival, Paul and Cathy du Toit, have seen the Walker Bay area expand phenomenally since opening their doors in 1998. Today the Wine Village

houses one of the largest collections of South African wine under one roof, representing more than 700 wine producers. Food stalls will cater for delicious tastings as well as meals, and include local produce such as organic cheeses, olive products, freshly baked breads, cakes and hand-made chocolates. Also look out for a jumping castle, face painting, puppet shows and loads more for the children. Head out to Curro in Sandbaai for a fine wine time on Saturday from 11:00 to 20:00; or Sunday and Monday from 11:00 to 17:00.

Entry to the venue is R50 pp and to enter the Winetasting hall is R100 pp (R150 for both), allowing you to sample as many wines as you desire. Book with Computicket or get your tickets at the door. For more information contact Cathy or Ulla at Wine Village 028 316 3988 or wineoffice@hermanus.co.za Cathy and Paul believe that everyone should act responsibly and no-one should ever drink and drive. They have entrusted the transporting of festivalgoers safely to the designated transfers company, Percy Tours. Contact Percy on 072 062 8500.

Art, women and wine

Benguela Cove Wine Estate invites all budding artists to paint a picture or leave a message on the interactive art wall on their website in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Not only will the estate play host to a number of talks on cancer awareness, there will also be a group exhibition of six local female artists at the Benguela Cove Manor House from 1 to 14 August.

One of the artists taking part in the exhibition is internationally known sculptor and painter Carine Aerts whose passion lies in creating contemporary abstract art. Her paintings are on canvas and done in acrylics combined with mixed media. The sculptures are hand-shaped and constructed from fiberglass and a bio-resin system.

Erna Dry is an artist who specialises in drawing and ceramic sculpture. She draws her inspiration from nature, the human form and mythology. She has had a ceramic studio for the past 30 years.

Jeandré Marinier expresses herself through oil painting. At the heart of her work is an intuitive desire to express her joy for life. She finds her inspiration in nature’s textures and patterns and employs a wide variety of matter from realistic to abstract. Christine Hendersons’ desire to paint was re-awakened after joining an Astar painting group where artists are encouraged to work without planned outcomes or expectations. Her inspiration comes from music, colour and nature’s abstracts. She uses various

techniques to manipulate acrylic paint and ink. Lize van der Walt has a defined signature and the viewer will recognise her distinct style. Her inspiration is derived from her immediate surroundings and emotional journeys. She specialises in semiabstract and semi-realistic seascape and landscape paintings with rich textures, multiple layers with poured paint palette knife marks and brush strokes.

Charmé Southey paints in oil, acrylic and water colours. The surrounding countryside, sea and animals inspire her. Her works are varied and she experiments with new ideas. For more information, call 083 645 6198 or visit www.benguelacove.co.za

SPECIAL OFFER: # Localislekker tickets to the Hermanus Wine & Food Festival for Monday, 8 August only are available from the Wine Village at R200 for 2 people – a saving of R100. The #Localislekker tickets are available from 27 July until 3 August and include entry to the festival arena and the exclusive wine-tasting hall. In addition, Wine Village is giving away 5 double tickets to the lucky Village NEWS readers who are able to answer these two easy questions:

1. Where will the Hermanus Wine & Food Festival take place this year? 2. Who are the owners of Wine Village, the hosts of the festival? Send your answers, with contact details, to hedda@hermanus.co.za before 3 August to stand a chance to win 2 tickets to the festival for Monday, 8 August.

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7 PHOTOS: SHOOTING RANGE

26 JULY 2016

ART

The benevolent palette of Hennie Niemann Snr With his 75th birthday just around the corner, Hennie Niemann Snr shows no sign of slowing down or retreating into the shadows of old age. His home in Vermont is a welcoming space where people constantly drop in and out, his phone rings frequently and his inbox is flooded with emails. Several rooms are taken up by his art and there are canvases, works in progress, completed paintings, framed originals and piles of fine art prints everywhere. “When death comes to tap me on the shoulder, I’ll probably say ‘not now, I’m busy!’” he quips. As one of South Africa’s most highly regarded artists, Hennie’s humble spirit and down-toearth generosity is integral to his life and work. As founder and core donor of the Nika Trust in Hermanus, he is as devoted to the protection and support of the poor and vulnerable in our community as he is to his art. The list of Nika’s beneficiaries is growing by the day and Hennie’s dedication to improving the lives of those less fortunate, especially women and children, has become a big part of his life. With this willingness to share his time, attention and means with others, it seems miraculous that Hennie is able to continue producing art at such a prolific rate. “I don’t mind the interruptions,” he says good-humouredly. “I’ve always been able to pick up where I left off.” An early riser, even in the dead of winter, I suspect Hennie gets a day’s work done before the rest of us have even woken up.

continued to paint in his free time. It was only in 1983 that he decided to follow his true calling and pursue a full-time career as an artist. He remembers his mother saying to him: “Boet, how can you do that? You’re a family man with responsibilities.” Hennie was encouraged in his decision by the late artist Gregoire Boonzaaier, who was an early supporter of his work. He moved with his now ex-wife Magriet and two young children to Vermont, where he built a house on a plot right across the road from Gregoire’s home and studio. While Hennie admits that the early years were difficult, he never looked back. The children attended school in Hermanus and today his son, Hennie Niemann Jnr, a celebrated artist in his own right, lives in Onrus with his winemaker wife Marelise, while his daughter Louise, who studied for her MBA qualification at the London School of Business, lives in Ireland with her family. As a self-taught artist, Hennie found inspiration in the works of the French Impressionists and later the Flemish and German Expressionists, and the Fauves. Closer to home, his development as an artist was influenced by the mentorship of Gregoire Boonzaaier as well as Father Claerhout, who became a close friend when Hennie was teaching at Tweespruit Agricultural School.

Born in Bloemfontein in 1941, Hennie was the second of five children and the only boy in the family. During his school years, his intense interest in art saw him pouring over art books from the library, browsing art galleries and experimenting with different media. Preferring sketching, drawing and painting to games and schoolwork, Hennie’s talent was recognised at a young age when his work was selected for an exhibition alongside an impressive group of leading South African artists when he was only 12 years old.

Working mainly in oils, Hennie developed his own iconic style of expressionist painting, often depicting scenes from the local environment. He enjoyed observing people in their working environment and some of his most well-known works are of farm labourers harvesting wheat, fynbos pickers collecting bunches of indigenous flowers and fisher folk sorting their catch. These works capture the fluent rhythm and flow of the worker’s movements, depicted in bold strokes of rich primary colours that express the vibrant African landscape.

Hennie studied at the University of the Free State and qualified as a teacher in 1964. While teaching at various schools for 17 years, he

There is an air of serene simplicity and innocence to these works that pays tribute to Hennie’s sincere and compassionate

Hennie Niemann Snr on the deck of his home in Vermont (above) and working in his studio (right). approach to his subject matter. While celebrating the beauty of nature and the bounty of life, his works also capture a sense of vulnerability, tenderness and even sorrow, especially in his portraits. Rich in pathos and wisdom, they express the fragility and mystery of the human life. Among his favourite subjects are harlequins, but Hennie’s portraits differ from the traditional clown. The eyes, specifically, express a wide range of emotions universal to all people. Hennie explains, “Both the onlooker and the clown attempt to understand each other’s emotions, thereby establishing mutual empathy, the one becoming the other.” As an artist, Hennie continues to evolve and explore different styles and genres. “I don’t want to stagnate and continue producing work in the same vein,” he says. “I’m more interested now in the abstract – in things that don’t really exist except in our imagination and subconscious.” His later works include figures inhabiting a dream landscape and he is currently working on a series of paintings based on N P van Wyk Louw’s epic poem Raka, attempting to capture both the good and evil sides that co-exist in human beings and humanity. Another new departure are

abstract compositions in dark shades of predominantly black, brown and grey that explore archeologic themes. Numbering among the country’s most revered artists, Hennie’s art is highly prized by galleries and auction houses, and he is represented in private collections world-wide. His works can be viewed at the Niemann Snr Gallery on the corner of Van Blommenstein Street and Lagoon Drive in Onrus. A solo exhibition of his work will be opened at The Stellenbosch Art Gallery on Saturday 30 July, where Hennie’s new book ‘Niemann – Creative Spirit’ will also be launched in celebration of his remarkable artistic career spanning five decades. The exhibition will run until 5 August. Contact Stellenbosch Art Gallery on 021 887 8343. - Hedda Mittner

ART

26 JULY 2016

Kathy Mulock-Bentley hands over her painting to Jeandré Marinier and Terry Kobus in aid of the HFF ‘Charity Walk for Lize’.

Walking for Lize

After taking a break during June and July, the monthly Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) Artwalk will resume on 5 August. This month’s Artwalk will be a special occasion as the art community of Hermanus rallies to the support of artist Lize van der Walt, who sustained serious burn wounds last month. The theme of the August HFF is ‘Charity Walk for Lize’ and each of the 16 galleries will be donating at least one artwork each, for which artwalkers can buy one of a limited number of tickets to help raise funds towards Lize’s medical expenses and loss of income. Lize, a well-known local artist who shares The Art Gallery in High Street with fellow artists Jeandré Marinier, Erna Dry and Christine Henderson, had a nightmare experience on Saturday 25 June when a heater exploded while she was filling it with ethanol. She suffered second degree burns to her face, neck and hands and has been in the burn unit of the Tygerberg Hospital since the incident. Lize, who has also battled breast cancer, has undergone painful skin grafts but in her characteristic way she remains positive and is hopeful that she’ll be discharged soon. Apart from the artworks donated by the HFF artists and

galleries, several people have responded to the call on social media to drop off artworks for this charity event at Originals Gallery and The Art Gallery. Among the donors is The Village NEWS’s marketing manager, Kathy Mulock-Bentley, who handed over a painting to Terry Kobus at Originals that had been given to her by Anthea van der Pluym. “When I heard of this initiative to help Lize, I immediately thought of Anthea, who is also an artist and a burn victim,” says Kathy. “She was very happy for me to contribute her painting and even went to visit Lize in hospital during her recent visit to South Africa.” Anthea, who sustained severe burns in a horrific attack in her home in Voëlklip in 2014 and now lives overseas, says it felt “surreal” to find Lize in the exact same bed in the Tygerberg burns unit, where she had spent 26 days while being treated for seconddegree burns over 35% of her body. Lize’s accident had taken place two years later, almost to the day. “I’m really glad that I could see her and make my small, but meaningful contribution to her initial recovery process,” says Anthea. “It is much more manageable and less scary when you are

not alone. Many people don’t realize how painful burns recovery is, or how long it takes to heal, but Lize is made of the right stuff and has the spirit to conquer and turn it around. I’m grateful she lives to tell the tale and that she has her art to look forward to – not just with oceans now, but also fire behind her.” Kathy says Anthea had given her the painting as a farewell present when she left for overseas at the beginning of the year. “It seems serendipitous to me that it be used to assist another burn victim in our community. Anthea found therapeutic benefit in art as part of her healing process. The painting was done within the first year after her ordeal.” This painting and other donated artworks will be available to the public during the next HFF Artwalk on 5 August and during the rest of the month, until all the tickets have been sold. If you’d like to support this well-loved artist and become the proud owner of a new artwork at a fraction of its worth, put the Artwalk on your must-do list or visit any of the galleries in town during the month of August. - Hedda Mittner

In addition to taking part in a group exhibition at Benguela Cove, the four female artists of The Art Gallery - Erna Dry, Christine Henderson, Jeandré Marinier and Lize van der Walt - will also be featured at Sumaridge in August in honour of Women's month. The exhibition will open at the Sumaridge tasting room on 1 August, where the artworks can be viewed while enjoying a wine tasting at this beautiful venue.

My Home

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26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

Sole mandate best way to sell your property Sole mandates remain a contentious subject for sellers. Many feel it is a sales ploy concocted by the estate agent and are usually concerned that by limiting their home to only one agent, it might affect their desired results. However, I can undoubtedly say that it is the best way to sell your property for the most money the market will pay. There are four factors that need to be considered when it comes to the sale of your property: • The marketing you need; • the service you need; • when your property will sell; and • how much it will sell for. Marketing and service are issues within the control of the estate agency you list with. When your property will sell and how much it will sell for are in the hands of the market. Whilst the former will have an influence on the latter, buyers will determine what your property is worth today and when it will sell.

Legal requirements

When you enter into a sole mandate to sell your property, it is only legal and binding when it has all of the following: • a selling price; • a commission rate or

amount; and • an expiry date. If any of these three are missing, then your sole mandate is invalid and not binding. Especially be aware of sole mandates that have an expiry date 'until sold', or 'until cancelled by mutual agreement'. These are invalid and a breach of the Estate Agents Code of Conduct. In addition to these three legal requirements for a sole mandate, you would be prudent to ensure your sole mandate also includes a commitment in writing from the agent to market your home, with detail on what the marketing plan includes, specifically relating to when and where they will advertise. In addition, the agency should commit in writing to a minimum service level with you. Your sole mandate agreement should contain a clause allowing you to put the estate agency to terms should they not stick to their undertakings, failing which you can cancel the mandate without any penalty.

Commitment to promises

It’s worrying how many sellers sign sole mandates

with none of these undertakings from estate agents and then feel trapped in their mandate without recourse. If these commitments are not made in writing, then don’t sign the mandate. Choose an estate agency that will commit to writing what they promise. The Consumer Protection Act allows for the cancellation of a sole mandate on 20 business days’ notice, but not without reasonable penalty. So you could take this route, but it would be much better to hold the estate agent to

their promises and if they fail to do so after notice to rectify, make sure you have a cancellation clause without penalty to you. A sole mandate with a company that does what

they promise is the best way to sell. But don’t be caught out by signing a mandate that doesn’t protect you in the event of non-performance. - Steve Caradoc-Davies (www.bizcommunity.com)

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26 July 2016

Celebrating women in tourism

Frieda’s Footprints

Tourism News by Frieda Lloyd

It is that time of the year again. The time when there are many celebrations in Hermanus - all centred around one day. Kalfiefees has visitors appreciating the performing arts, Hermanus Wine and Food Festival raises a glass to the many local wine producers and we take a day off to consider the role of women in our community. We reflect on 9 August 1956 when women joined hands and marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of Pass Laws to limit their freedom and celebrate how far we’ve come in South Africa. Today women are acknowledged as equal partners and there is no reason to hold back in making a difference. Tourism is the mainstay of the Hermanus economy and it is in this space that many women have acted as influencers in their trades.

Carolyn Martin’s roots are firmly anchored in the Finlayson family tradition of wine making and her history determined her profession. She has promoted her family’s winery, Creation, the winegrowing area of Hemelen-Aarde as well as

Hermanus as a destination of note. With her marketing efforts, she has ensured that our region is well known locally and internationally as a premium wine tourism destination. While doing this, she ensured that Creation develops a wine appreciating community of well-educated staff. Because of her work, these employees not only make a living while working at Creation but also craft a life and a career.

The Marine Hotel has not one but two ladies steering their business. Annemie Parker and Rosslee Wagenaar both joined The Marine Hotel in April this year and already love Hermanus and the diversity that it offers. Annemie comes from Durban where she trained at the Royal Hotel before spreading her wings to Johannesburg, Botswana and Plettenberg Bay, to acquire the skills needed to equip her as General Manager of a five star hotel. Working at The Bay Hotel, owner Liz McGrath’s guidance about service excellence, customer relations and employee development has stayed with Annemie. She has the perfect platform to practice her human resources skills since her husband joined her at The Marine as the

Executive Chef. Working side by side with Annemie is Rosslee Wagenaar, who worked for eleven years in London at five Red Carnation hotels. The Red Carnation group of luxury boutique hotels belongs to the Tollman family, who also own Bouchard Finlayson, our local Hemel-en-Aarde winery. London was just a little bit too far from her hometown Oudtshoorn and Rosslee answered to the call of coming home. A stint at Fancourt in George was necessary before settling in Hermanus. She brought with her the Tollmans’ philosophy of meeting and exceeding clients’ expectations and helping every visitor to make memories, while enjoying the hospitality of the environment. Fikiswa Gxamesi is another woman making her mark on the local tourism landscape. She was born in the Eastern Cape on Heritage Day, just like her mother. Today she is actively preserving the good memories of her heritage through her work as a business owner, youth worker, mentor and tour

guide in Hermanus and Zwelihle. Brought up within a community where people knew each other well, helped each other and worked together to make things happen Fikiswa, or Fiki as her friends know her, arrived in Hermanus after finishing school. Carol Dodds can be singled out for recognising Fiki’s potential, teaching her business skills, helping her with studies and setting her up in her first beauty salon in Long Street, Hermanus. Fiki believes in surrounding herself with positive people and helping others as she has been helped. With her partner William Ntebe, she is actively involved at the Zwelihle Youth Café that provides a safe and nurturing environment for people to get together and work together.

Hermanus is now firmly positioned on the South African art scene due to the annual Hermanus FynArts Festival. This festival that has recently been hosted for the fourth time, exists and is successful thanks to the inspiring and tenacious efforts of guesthouse owner Mary Faure. A physiotherapist by trade, Mary retired to Hermanus with her husband Jéan in 2004. Anybody who knows Mary will also know that

retiring is not a word that can be used to describe this livewire. Mary has been active in the tourism industry as guesthouse owner, tourism bureau chairperson and for the past four years as director of the ever-growing FynArts Festival. This festival draws many visitors to Hermanus for ten days in the traditionally quiet tourism season.

Food is fundamentally entrenched in tourism and an additional way of building a network while socialising. Celia Rabie has done her bit for the Overberg culinary scene through the many restaurants she has co-owned with husband Rayno and where she has managed to constantly reinvent menus to bring the latest food trends to our area. At their new bistro, Betty Blue, Celia ensures that international visitors can enjoy their favourite cosmopolitan foods while experimenting with South African flavours and making new friends. These women are joined by many others who enthusiastically share their knowledge and enthusiasm to the benefit of local tourism development. It is very appropriate that we celebrate the dedication of all women in tourism who work daily towards a brighter, equal and economically vibrant community.

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26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

Cat(ching) up on some love

For the first time in centuries the inimitable roar of lions can be heard rumbling across farmlands surrounding Stanford – and the farming community love it! They know the neighbouring eight lions, two tigers, one leopard, three caracals and three jackals are safely ensconced at the Panthera Africa sanctuary, founded by two very determined young women. Norwegian Cathrine Nyquist and South African Lizaene Cornwall had a dream to provide a safe haven for big cats after both had worked on a project dealing with captive big cats. During this time they uncovered many unethical practices, which they realised could be brought into the limelight with education. They believe that once tourists understand what is behind cub petting and canned hunting, the power that informed tourists wield,

will force these operations to stop. The two have dovetailed their respective experience to bring this 40 hectare sanctuary into existence. Cathrine brings business expertise along with her deep love of animals, and Lizaene brings her years of know-how with captive big cats to provide this, in animal terms, luxury refuge for these majestic beings, some of which have had a very bad start in life. The reality behind many cub petting centres is that the cubs are taken from their mothers only days after they are born to be hand-reared, so while they are young their ‘cuteness’ can be exploited. They endure the petting until they are too big to handle, and then end up in overseas zoos, back in the breeding industry or canned hunted, or killed for their bones, depending on the species.

The mothers on the other hand, are induced to breed again and again. A female lion in the wild, for instance, will breed once every two years from the age of three to four, and only then be ready for a second set of cubs. A lion, rescued by Panthera Africa and just turned 6 years old, has already had seven litters. “We have had all our female cats sterilized as there is no conservation value in the general captive breeding. We would like to be a blueprint of how a non-profit sanctuary can be selfsufficient based purely on the welfare of the animals, without exploiting them. We do not trade, breed or allow public interaction with the animals – this is the true definition of a sanctuary,” says Cathrine. Education is the key and the sanctuary is open to the public for educational visits

Oliver and Obi, two of the rescued lions that are thriving at Panthera Africa.

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that include hearing the stories of the animals there. It is amazing to see photographs of two of the lions, Oliver and Obi, before they were brought to Panthera Africa – one had no mane and the other was only skin and bones – and now they are proud, sleek and fully maned. The plan is to build an educational centre at the sanctuary which is already approved by the municipality, so as soon as sponsors are onboard, Cathrine and Lizaene see Panthera Africa taking the next step to realising another dream. As the welfare of the animals is of top priority, Lizaene has newly-built a playground for the animals, where the public will be able to see them in action this summer. The enrichment camp is located in the centre of the animals’ large enclosures and can be reached via a moveable tunnel. Here they

Cathrine Nyquist and Lizaene Cornwall of Panthera Africa have a balancing board for balance and muscle stimulation, a pulley system where they can chase different objects, and additional structures are currently being designed in order to keep them stimulated, active, healthy and happy. A visit to Panthera Africa is enough to convince anyone that sanctuaries are a far

better way to treat animals than the exploitative commercial centres that are dotted around the country. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation is judged by the way it treats its animals.” Cathrine and Lizaene are examples for all of us to follow in our quest to be a great nation. - Avis MacIntyre

26 July 2016

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Nudge-nudge, wink-wink brownie recipe Gluten- and sugar free... These are super easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients: • 2 fist size sweet potatoes, baked • 2 eggs • ½ cup olive or coconut oil (coconut oil melted) • 1 vanilla pod, seeds • ½ cup raw cacao powder (ordinary works well too) • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 level tablespoon honey • 2 ½ tablespoons ground almonds or coconut flour • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (*optional add to mixture or sprinkle on top before baking) Method: • Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. • Mix all the ingredients together in a processor. There are no fancy methods attached to this recipe. • Put everything in the processor and blend until combined. • Line a brownie tin or small roasting tin with parchment paper. • Spread evenly in baking tin, sprinkle with choccie chips if so desired, and bake for 25 minutes. • Leave to cool before cutting. They will be doubley-delicious with whipped cream and a few berries

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26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

A brush of brilliance There are many things that make our town a very special place. It is internationally known for its natural beauty, the whales, the world’s only whale Crier, a station without a railway. Among these many unique assets of Hermanus, none are more precious than the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. In the coming month we’ll be celebrating Women’s Day to honour those who carry our community on their shoulders. One of these special women is Isabella Damons, the lady from Mount Pleasant who single-handedly paints houses as a career to provide a better life for her husband and the 13 children in her care. In addition to her own two children and the four of her husband, George, she also takes care of seven foster children.

houses that needed painting, and finding one in Voëlklip.

satisfied regular and new clients has grown rapidly by word of mouth.

“I knocked on the door and told the owner that his house needed a proper paint job, and that I would do it professionally and affordably if he just gave me a chance. When we agreed to a price, he responded: ‘If you paint here without spilling a drop, I will call you a painter’. Three days later he gave me a letter confirming that I am a qualified painter!

“Isabella is a wonderful person and an excellent painter, certainly most recommendable”, says Mary Whitfield of Berg en See. Pamela Janczik of Eastcliff is a another client who describes Isabella as a “very special and caring person and a remarkable house painter”. Bartho Eksteen of Wijnskool in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has also contracted her a number of times. “Isabella is just remarkable. She is currently working for us again and we are more than satisfied clients,” he says.

Six of the children still live with Isabella and George, who has been working as a full-time gardener and handy man for his employer in Eastcliff for the past 32 years.

“My job grew from there as more and more people referred me to their friends and families for professional house painting. I was later employed by a painting contractor and still managed to do my solo painting on weekends for my private clients. I resigned when I was offered a supervisor job by the company in 2014 because I did not want to manage people and problems and went on my own again,” Isabella adds.

Isabella has been in the house painting business in Hermanus since she got divorced in the 1990s. She recalls relying on her strong faith when walking the streets in 1997 looking for

Since then Isabella has been painting woman alone, inside and outside, from Kleinmond to Voëlklip, including the Hemel-enAarde Valley. He list of

Asked why she paints alone, Isabella says she does not need to worry about the skills of others, about security or loyalty if she does it on her own. “When I paint alone, I know the client will get a professional job that needs no guidance for tasks like cutting in, applying correct undercoats, blending, treating blistering or whatever excellent painting requires. I do all of that the best on my own. “Being on my own also

causes less hassle for the client than when a number of people work together in the same apartment or building. I take pictures of all surfaces before I start painting and put everything, including paintings and ornaments, back exactly where they were and the whole area spotlessly clean” says Isabella. The only time she requires help is when she asks her stepson or husband to assist with jobs like the sanding of skirting boards. Having grown up in an unhappy home since babyhood, Isabella says that foster parenting seven children, in addition to their own children, was just the right thing to do. “You need faith, love and honesty to get a chance in life and we try to provide that to our own and foster children. Painting houses is my job and I do it lovingly for the children. That for me, high up on the ladder with a roller or on my knees with a brush, is happiness.” Isabella can be contacted on 072 874 0854. - Frans van Rensburg

Local painter, Isabella Damons

My Pet

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26 July 2016

Catch those worms early Most teenage boys have heard their exasperated mothers cry, “you must have a tapeworm” as they reach for their fifth slice of bread of the day, but as we head into adulthood few of us give worms a second thought. Our pets, however, can harbour several kinds of worms throughout their lives, some of them deadly, and deworming regularly is as important for dogs and cats as annual vaccinations and good nutrition. The worms or parasites found in our pets include the parasitic tapeworm, the roundworm, the hookworm, the whipworm, and the heartworm. Only two are commonly seen in the stool with the unaided eye – roundworms and tapeworms. Some infestations cause few or no symptoms; in fact some worm eggs or larvae can be dormant in the pet's body and activated only in times of stress, or in the case of roundworms and hookworms, until the later stages of pregnancy when they activate and infest the soon-to-be-born puppies and kittens. Tapeworms This parasitic flatworm lives in

the intestines. It has a long ribbon-like body with many segments that can become independent, and a small head bearing hooks and suckers. They are often visible as dried, white, grainlike segments in faeces or under the pet’s tail. Tapeworm must first pass through an intermediate host (a flea) before they can infect your dog and cat. Symptoms of tapeworm infestation include biting, licking and dragging of the hindquarters. Roundworms This round-bodied, unsegmented worm hatches in the intestines and lives there. The eggs of the roundworm usually enter the body through contaminated water or food and symptoms of infestation include general weakness, a swollen belly, a dull coat and vomiting. Hookworms This parasitic worm attaches to the wall of the gut, puncturing the blood vessels and feeding on the animal’s blood. A severe hookworm infestation can kill puppies, often making them severely anaemic from the loss of blood. Symptoms include diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, and anaemia.

Whipworms They look like whips with wider ‘handles’ at the end and are generally transmitted through ingestion of contaminated matter. Although they seldom cause a dog's death, whipworms are a real nuisance for the dog and can be a problem for the veterinarian to diagnose. Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, weight loss and malnutrition. Heartworm Heartworm disease is a serious, often fatal, disease caused by worms living in the heart and the pulmonary arteries. It causes coughing, reduced exercise tolerance

and heart failure. Heartworm prevention is essential for pets travelling to endemic areas. How do I prevent worms? • Remove faeces from your lawn, street, or kennel daily • Exercise your pets in grassy areas not frequented by other animals • Prevent your pet from eating rodents and earthworms • Control fleas • Deworm pregnant pets before breeding, and again before whelping to help prevent infecting newborn pets There are several anti-worm

medications available from EberVet Vetshops like Drontal, Mediworm (for dogs only) and Milbemax, a chewable tablet for both dogs and cats that is also safe for pregnant and lactating bitches. Revolution, a popular tick and flea drop, is also a dewormer and is safe to use on puppies from six weeks of age and is safe for pregnant and lactating bitches. Antezole and Advocate are for cats and dogs, Profender for cats only. When must I deworm? Puppies and kittens every two weeks until the age of three months, then once a month until the age of six months; for pets six months and older, every three months.

Sport

Sport written & compiled by: Tony O’Hagan

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26 JANUARY 26 July 2016 2016

Bowls Club rolls into its 80th year Since opening its doors in 1936, the Hermanus Bowls Club has ensured thousands of hours of playing pleasure for its members. In celebrating its 80th anniversary the club is not only compiling a coffee table book about the history of the club, it will also play host to three prestigious tournaments in the next few months. In January of next year, the Ayala Tournament, sponsored by Personal Trust, will be held followed by the Ladies Gateway Spar tournament in February and the VW Rola Classic in May, 2017. The Ayala Cup is reputed to be the longest uninterrupted bowls tournament in South Africa and will be held for the 90th time. The first bowls in the Ayala Cup were rolled in 1927. The club also recently

elected a new management committee, consisting of Secretary, Joanne Middleton, Manager, Andrew Buttle, Captain, Rosa Cloete and President, Pieter Linde. Pieter says there are many residents in Hermanus who would enjoy participating in a game of bowls. "A game lasts about three hours and you will walk about 2 km on an even surface in comfortable shoes, breathing fresh air and soaking in the healthgiving vitamin D in the sunshine. There is of course lots of ice cold water available.

The newly elected management committee are Joanne Middleton (Secretary), Andrew Buttle (Manager), Rosa Cloete (Captain) and Pieter Linde (President).

“Games are filled with laughter and the camaraderie is priceless," says Peter. With membership around R1800 per annum, the benefits and joy of taking part in a game of bowls is worthwhile. The club

has 3 greens and club bowls takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons, but the greens are also open for play on Friday and Sunday. Coaching clinics are free of charge and Monday is set

aside specifically for this, with bowls supplied to assist beginners. One of the doyens at the club is Patrick Ponoane, who has worked at the club for over 30 years and today is

the greenkeeper. He ensures the greens are kept in immaculate condition and is a real asset to the club. For further information, contact Pieter on 028 316 4787.

Can Roger Federer win another major? Federer has been regarded by many pundits, coaches, and past and present players, as the greatest player of all time. He dominated the game for many years and has won more Grand Slam titles (17) than any other men’s singles player. Having lost narrowly to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semi-finals and with the U.S Open looming, can he win another major? Before assessing this, I thought it of interest to give our readers an insight into his personal life and the many accolades bestowed upon him. Federer was born on 11 August 1981, in Basel, Switzerland. His father is Swiss and his mother is a South African from Kempton Park, Gauteng. He thus has both Swiss and South African citizenship. He started playing tennis at

the age of 8 and turned professional in 1988. He is married to Mirka Vavrinec, a former Women’s Tennis Association player. They met at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 where they were both competing for Switzerland. They married in 2009 and have two sets of twins, first two girls and then two boys. Federer's pastimes and hobbies include time with the family, relaxing on the beach, playing cards and following the F.C. Basel Football Club as an ardent fan. His achievements on the tennis courts are legendary. His 17 Grand Slams include, 7 Wimbledon (record with Sampras), 5 US Open (record with Connors), 4 Australian and 1 French Open. He has won over 88 career titles and over 1 000 ATP matches, serving nearly 10 000 aces on his serve!

His career earnings in prize money amount to around $100 million. His annual earnings, prize money plus endorsements, amount to between 40 and 50 million Euros. He is listed number 5 on the Forbes list of highest payed athletes and is the top earner in tennis. He has also won countless awards, including ATP Fans Favourite Award, Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, Laureus Sportsman of the Year (4 consecutive years), and the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award (twice), to name a few. In 2011 Federer was ranked number two on the Reputation Institute's study of the world's most respected, admired and trusted personalities. He was second to Nelson Mandela but ahead of the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and

Oprah Winfrey. In 2003 he formed the Roger Federer Foundation, with the primary focus on early childhood education in Southern Africa and the foundation has raised $15m since its inception. Can Federer, who has achieved so much, pull another big one out of the hat? In my view, not impossible, but probably unlikely. He has suffered knee and back injuries in 2016, so his latest achievement at Wimbledon was contrary to expectations, showing he still has some gas in the tank. However, losses to Milos Raonic (two), Dominic Thiem (two), Tsonga, Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, all in 2016, has dented his ability to beat all his opponents. Certainly Djokovic and Murray, based on recent results, appear to have his measure.

We also have a host of young tennis talent on the horizon, which will add to the pressure on Federer. As a fan, I would love to see him achieve one and two more Grand Slams, but I

think he will need results to go his way. Similar to Andy Murray, when Djokovic was eliminated at Wimbledon. As the adage goes, "impossible is nothing" but maybe a step too far for Roger Federer.

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26 July 2016

Schools Robyn Helmbold

Nadja Jasprica

Nikita Roxburgh

Curro Hermanus learners Nadja Jasprica, Robyn Helmbold and Nikita Roxburgh participated in the Equestrian Boland Qualifier which took place from 24 to 26 June. Nadja came 1st in the Working Riding High School Level 3 and Equitation High School Level 2, and 2nd in Show jumping 80cm. Robyn attained 1st place in Show Jumping 2nd Phase. Nikita came 1st in Dressage B and 2nd in Dressage A and the Show Jumping Competition. All three learners have been awarded Boland colours. They will participate in the Boland, WP and SWD Cape Finals from 6 to 8 August. KICKBOXING CHAMP: William Maree (23), a member of the Legacy Martial Arts Academy in Hermanus, proudly displays the trophies and medal he won at the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships held in Orlando, Florida from 8-9 July. As the only kickboxer from the Overberg on the South African team, William put on a brilliant performance to attain second place in his division for Continuous Sparring, third place for Clash Sparring and a medal for Points Sparring. Billed as the world’s largest open martial arts event, he competed against thousands of fighters from all over the world. “It was a life-changing experience,” says William, whose trip was sponsored by the Nika Trust. William’s Sensei Ruehan van Romburgh and his parents, Hazel and Roberto Maree, are very proud and grateful to Hennie Niemann Snr and Therese Streicher of the Nika Trust, for making it possible for William to travel to the US and participate in the championships. Pictured from left are Therese, Hazel, Roberto, William and Hennie.