The Village NEWS 3 October - 9 October by The Village NEWS

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Cape Whale Coast

3 October 2018

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The last artwork that forms part of the FynArts Sculpture on the Cliffs 2018 exhibition could only be installed over the Heritage Day long weekend, due to mechanical problems with the plinth that has to support the heavy sculpture on the subject’s two hands. Entitled ‘The Diver’, this beautiful bronze by Marieke Prinsloo Rowe is a welcome addition to the outdoor exhibition at Gearing’s Point. PHOTO: Martin Etsebeth

Whales shine at their festival festive and relaxed atmosphere.

De Waal Steyn

he whales were the star attraction at this year’s Whale Festival, with the throngs of visitors jostling for the best possible positions along the waterfront to get the best views of their displays of breaching and lobtailing. With tens of thousands packed into the Hermanus Old Town, visitors and locals alike commented on the

“I am totally amazed at the new-look Whale Festival. Calm, festive and clean. The fact that there was no litter anywhere is astounding and heartwarming. Even at the Old Harbour it was a pleasure to stroll about. People were arriving on foot in steady but orderly streams and even our roads were not congested as they were in the past. I actually enjoyed the whole experience. It is a pity not more locals came to experience this,” said local artist Jenny Jackson.

Jeanette du Toit, Chair of the Whale Festival Committee, said she was pleased with the outcome of the festival. “The highlight for me was just before the test between the Springboks and Wallabies, when there were close on 400 people in the beer tent singing our national anthem. It was such a beautiful moment of people of all races unifying behind our boys in green. “That was also the aim of this year’s festival, to rebuild trust between communities and to bring people

together. There was a lot of transparency in the organising of the festival and more local entrepreneurs and artists than ever before took part in the event.”

figures than last year. Rick Oosthuizen, owner of Tapas Restaurant, said although there were large crowds in town, their turnover was 18% down on last year’s figures.

Although no official numbers are available, all indications are that fewer people than last year attended the festival. Interestingly, it seems as if more visitors attended the festival on Sunday than Saturday, with the sunny weather probably being the main reason for this. Businesses in the Old Town also reported lower trading

“It was clear that visitors had less money to spend than in previous years. It is, however, important to note that the atmosphere was much more relaxed than previous years and, this year, great work was done by the clean-up crews.” Continues on P 3

DE MOND

BUSINESS NEWS

MATRICS

P 14

P 22

Camping site opens

Meet the locals

Farewell in pictures

3 October 2018

De Mond campsite ready soon

temporary camping site for caravans will be erected at the De Mond site on the edge of Voelklip. This comes five years after the De Mond Caravan Park was officially shut down, making headlines when several long-time residents were forced to move out. The development rights for the land were granted to the Pretoria-based Pohl Property Development Group (PPDG) after a tender process that lasted more than a year. According to the development agreement, PPDG signed a 45-year lease agreement with the Municipality. Bianca da Silva, PPDG Project Administrator, said the idea of opening a temporary caravan park was to make use of the land that will form part of the first phase of the multi-million rand development. “The land and the old amenities are in a state of disrepair and overgrown with weeds and shrubs. We want to beautify it and build new ablution blocks so that when the season starts the whole area will be enhanced and look better. In addition to this, the exposure will also allow us to start marketing the development that will be built there over the next few years.” She said the company has employed architects to redesign the ablution facilities and that a full-time park manager will be on site as of this week to coordinate the building activities as well as the clearing of the area. According to a statement by PPDG, great thought has been put into creating the ultimate getaway experience and Voëlklip is fast becoming one of the most popular spots to bring your caravan, friends and family to

recharge your batteries and spend quality time with the ones you love. “Over 100 camping sites are scattered across a 10.5 ha piece of untouched land in a natural landscape with optimal views over the ocean and mountain ranges. Nestled between the Klein River mountain range and the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this camping site offers visitors the best of all worlds. The camp site is located amongst natural forest consisting of indigenous milkwood bushes, allowing one to embrace the natural environment to its fullest,” reads the statement. “Voëlklip Camping offers a combination of both serviced facilities with ablution blocks, electricity and water point access as well as non-serviced sites for the more adventurous camper. The camping site is within walking distance of the blue-flag Grotto Beach and a stone throw from Fernkloof Nature Reserve.” In response, Brian Wridgway, Chair of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association, expressed his concern regarding the apparent lack of a public participation process with residents before the creation of the camping site was announced.

adequate water supply to the camp. We also have wider issues regarding health and safety of the public as there is no official count of the pathogens in the Klein River Lagoon. Initial indications are that the lagoon is not safe for human recreational activities,” said Brian. He added that adequate security and access controls will need to be put in pace in addition to all the other work. “We are not certain that there will be enough time to put all of this in place before the season starts,” he said. Ward 3 Councillor, Kari Brice, said all public participation processes were followed before the tender was awarded to PPDG. “Because of its heritage and the fact that the Municipality acquired the land as part of a Crown Grant in 1942, it has always been stipulated that the land may not be sold and must be used for a public resort or recreational purposes. This includes a camping site, which is also what the land is zoned for. “Additional zoning adjustments might be made in future as PPDG continues with its planned development,” said Kari.

“As far as we are concerned, no residents have received notification with regards to this. Historically the De Mond Caravan park was a bone of contention especially during high season when the large number of campers create a lot of noise pollution.

Edmund Pohl, CEO of PPDG, earlier said the De Mond resort, once completed, will also include self-catering units, conference facilities and a wellness spa. According to the development proposal, the project entails a mixed-use resort, the design of which will be dictated by the milkwood forests, beach areas and heritage conditions.

“The site has been in disrepair for so long that we are doubtful if the sewerage infrastructure is still up to scratch and if there will be

Visit www.voelklipcamping.co.za for more information or to book a stand or send an email to reservations@voelklipcamping.co.za

More to do and see at festival From P 1 Rayno Rabie of Betty Blue said trade was 30% down on last year. “Although the atmosphere was great, the people simply did not support local restaurants. The organisers will have to take a hard look at how the festival must be positioned as an attraction for Hermanus. If I have to take a decision for next year’s festival based on the experience this year, I will not open my restaurant over that weekend,” he said. Wayne Castle, Manager of Pick n Pay, said although trade throughout the weekend was good, it did not match that of last year. “This year

we planned a lot better and there were no periods when the shelves were empty or where customers had to stand in long queues. This year we sponsored T-shirts and bags for the cleaning crews and town looked much better litter wise than last year.” Several other businesses said they also experienced lower trading figures, with many reporting that the Heritage Day long weekend was better in terms of turnover. SAPS Cluster Commander for the Overberg, Brigadier Donovan Heilbron, said that no serious incidents were reported over the weekend. “There were the odd cases of theft or

people being drunk in public but thanks to a high level of visible policing we had a peaceful festival. All the communities need to be thanked for their responsible attitude towards ensuring a safe festival and for giving their support.” Frieda Lloyd, Tourism Manager, said it was evident this year that the Whale Festival is a family-oriented outing where Mom, Dad and the children come to spend some time in Hermanus, taking part in the activities and enjoying a fun day out. “This year offered one of the best and most inclusive events programmes ever. The performances and stalls were more varied, offering visitors more to do and more to see.”

3 October 2018

HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL 2018

ADOPT A WHALE In celebration of this year’s all-time record number of whales along our shores, the Whale Unit of the Univsersity of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute has launched an Adopt A Whale programme. Dr Els Vermeulen of the Whale Unit was available in the Eco-Marine Tent to explain how everyone can support whale research and conservation in South Africa by symbolically adopting a whale. All funds raised go towards covering the costs of the Whale Unit’s fieldwork. For more information visit www.adoptawhale.co.za PHOTO: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

#DONTBETRASHY This initiative, launched by CapeNature and GoodHope FM, was supported by a clean-up crew that was kitted out with T-shirts, gloves and bags from local businesses to aid in keeping this year’s Whale Festival clean and green, while also helping to raise awareness for recycling and eco-friendliness. Zikhona and Mandiluve (above) were part of the crew that did their bit to keep the Old Harbour area litter-free. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed as various people commented on the cleanliness of this year’s festival. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

Photos: Taylum Meyer

3 October 2018

Random act of kindness brings singer to Whale Fest It was the first time that Siphamandla, an a capella singer from Worcester had ever hitchhiked and he was nervous. “Normally, I would have taken a train or a taxi,” he said. But as luck would have it, after waiting a bit, a woman stopped and asked him where he was going. He explained that he was a singer, didn’t have enough money to pay for taxis but that he wanted to go to Hermanus to sing at the Whale Festival. The woman was a bit skeptical at frst, until Siphamandla further explained that he normally sings as part of another a capella group, Zwelembekx. He even showed her YouTube videos of the group performing. Siphamandla, known as OJay, an a capella soul singer from Worcester, who, through a random act of kindness by a stranger, was able to perform for the Whale Festival Old Harbour Music Series. PHOTOS: Raphael da Silva

Convinced of his potential, talent and sincerity, the woman, who was actually on her way to George changed course and drove the additional 150 km, adding two hours to her journey, to drop Siphamand-

The Whales & Wheels Vintage Car Show certainly had something for all, with the line-up of classic cars displayed at Hermanus Primary School ranging from tractors to Bentleys, and a whole lot in between. Above are Lincoln Coetzee from Kuilsrivier with Leonce, Josh and Riyhana Kleinsmidt posing with their 1973 Mini. He had driven to Hermanus with five people and picnic chairs – no problem for this gallant little family car. It was Lincoln’s first time on show as he’s only had the car for 8 months, and he’d heard about the Whales & Wheels from its previous owner. PHOTO: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

la in Zwelihle. “Not only that but she also gave me R30 so that I could buy some food to eat as well,” he said. For the Whale Festival, Siphamandla decided to deviate from his normal soul style. “I took one look at this beautiful harbour and decided to sing love songs,” he said. “The people were all so happy and enjoying the beautiful day and the whales in the bay.” Siphamandla’s mother, a single parent who was a cook at a restaurant in Worcester until she retired, taught him how to sing and write music, and he credits her with inspiring him. His message to the Hermanus community is clear. “What she did for me, you can do for everyone. It is a great thing to help someone, especially when you do it with love without expecting anything in return.” - Raphael da Silva

The cuteness factor of this lime-green Fiat Nuova 500 made it a show stealer. It is the pride and joy of André Wolfswinkel from Chilli Pepper in Hermanus, where it can often be seen parked outside the shop. André bought it three years ago and has fully restored both the engine and body work. Manufactured in the 50s, the Fiat Nuova 500 provided strong competition to the mini as the family car of choice in that era. However, André says it was not a common car in South Africa because of the high import taxes and the fact that all spare parts had to be imported. PHOTO: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

Other local musicians who performed as part of the Whale Festival Old Harbour Series included ZOB, the boys a cappella group from Lukhanyo Primary School. From left are Mhlobo Mahluko (12), Hlonela Matakata (12), Alive Ngwendu (12) and Ayema Mpalweni (13).

Rickus Visser and Jurg Kuyler from Hermanus with Jurg’s Cortina, which has competed in the aptly named Nuts & Bolts Rally since 2016. This demanding rally driven over 4x4 terrain not only raises funds but also heightens awareness around testicular cancer. Cancer survivor Rickus Visser, a trustee of the Love Your Nuts Foundation, explained that entrants in the rally are limited to using pre-1985 vehicles, the type lovingly referred to as jalopies. The tough conditions encountered by competitors could be likened to those experienced by cancer sufferers. PHOTO: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

Photos: Taylum Meyer

3 October 2018

Let’s Talk

THE

NEWS

Enjoyment of Cliff Path spoiled by joggers

Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

The people of Hermanus hardly need reminding of the wealth of natural beauty that the town and its surrounds offers – from the mountains to the huge blue bay; the shoreline, its historical significance, its rich history and of course the whales that honour us with their presence every winter. And not least of all, the long and winding Cliff Path.

Going nowhere but downhill Hermanus: quo vardis? Nowhere but downhill – unless the solution is sought in the bigger picture of the Whale Coast and particularly the entire Overstrand Municipality. It is not just Kleinmond residents who are fed up or in some kind of need, and a larger gripe needs to be heard. Considering this festival is the world’s biggest eco-environmental festival (forgive me if I am dreaming – yet it is there on P1 of the 26 September issue of The Village NEWS), Ward 8 is an absolute environmental disaster and it does not remotely end there. We have a priceless asset in the Bot River Estuary which for some mysterious reason is touted as a significant

marine reserve and yet is managed (sic!) for its assets as a fresh water recreational lake. It can never maintain that status. How can there be peace in the Whale Coast if access to the sea is being reduced by the day? The answer is – increase the shore line. Use some imagination and recognise that we cannot keep crowding top-end retirement mansions into security villages along the coast. The poor and marginalised are in the majority and any forward planning has to admit to this. Rethinking the estuary and the need for expansion and growth – why not plan for a metropolis that

falls in the Bot catchment area and treasures the estuary and sea margins as natural environment for all to share? Think bigger. Dredge the estuary, build islands and shoreline, make it tidal, harvest the fresh water from the Bot River instead of wasting it in a smelly dirty inland lake that supports carp and bream. Create good living space inland and recognise just what environment actually is and where it gets it charm from. Here in Fisherhaven we have an everparroted phrase, “It is not just Fisherhaven” in the context of caring for the environment. Well, it is not just Hermanus either. Bruce Bayer

mountains behind us, and whales in the bay and endless spotless clean beaches in front of us…

of ‘heaven on earth’!

Have a cup of coffee at ‘Williams‘ on Main Road – one of the best on this ‘planet’ – and enjoy this place

We pause too, to admire the view across the bay from a break in the undergrowth, or to watch the waves breaking onto one of the several beaches. In other words, it is a pathway that is there for the purpose of enjoying nature, be it watching the visiting whales from a vantage point, oyster catchers on Voëlklip or a tortoise walking across the pathway. One must obviously do this at one's leisure, but sadly, this very enjoy-

This means that one has to step aside if you see them coming or freeze in your tracks if you do happen to hear them thudding up from behind as you cannot otherwise avoid them. This has spoiled our enjoyment of a feature of Hermanus that should surely be preserved for those who wish to enjoy it as a proclaimed Heritage Site and not a race track. Can these joggers not be directed somewhere else where they can pursue their exercise and to leave the path to the function for which is intended? Can they be fined for speeding? Can gates be erected at strategic points to inhibit their path? Please can something not be done?

Bhuki Café closing down

As for The Village NEWS – the best news – we love it! Best wishes Shane Alberts & Lea Fabian

Friends of Hermanus Library (FOHL) thanks all the volunteers who so kindly kept the Bhuki going for 18 years – you kept the library stocked with the latest bestsellers and the necessary equipment to be voted one of the best libraries in the Western Cape. Any volunteers – bakers or helpers – who would like to take the Bhuki into 2019 are welcome to leave their name and contact number at the library and to attend the FOHL AGM in February next year. Alternatively, call the Hermanus Library on 028 313 8077 or Bhuki convenor Aletta Horne on 083 284 5774. FOHL

Weather forecast for the next week & De Bos Dam level

www.yr.no

Hermanus

Wednesday 3 October

Thursday 4 October

Friday 5 October

Saturday 6 October

Sunday 7 October

Monday 8 October

Tuesday 9 October

12°C / 18°C

14°C / 23°C

16°C / 1°6C

20°C / 26°C

19°C / 20°C

18°C / 20°C

17°C / 19°C

Clear

Partly cloudy

Partly Cloudy

Clear

Regular Cliff Path Users

We hereby notify all our patrons that the Bhuki Café at Hermanus Library will close its doors for good on Friday 30 November 2018 – due to the lack of volunteers to keep it going. Sadly this will result in no more funds for the regular purchase of new books for the library.

Kleinmond is simply the best Re the letter by M Riordan-Bull in last week’s issue of The Village NEWS, Kleinmond residents are fed-up: We don’t know where you live, but ‘our Kleinmond’ is a delightful place with friendly people and a caring community; stunning

Over the years, my partner and I have walked along it, taking pause every now and then to admire a plant in the thick vegetation, or to listen to the call of one of the dozens of bird species alive in the surrounding bushes and trees.

ment has been completely spoiled by an invasion of bullying joggers. They are obviously not there for the scenery and have become a threat as they force their way past in both directions. For the many older people like us, who use the path which is narrow, there is a real danger of being knocked over in their singleminded dash.

Chance of rain

Clear

Partly cloudy

De Bos Dam Level

67%

3 October 2018

Cannabis oil: ancient remedy, new revelation Now that cannabis has – to a certain extent – been decriminalised, it is important to understand one thing: Do not associate or confuse medicinal cannabis oil with pot-smoking dope-heads. That perception is uninformed and completely incorrect. It’s as ridiculous as saying we must avoid medicinal morphine as a pain reliever (administered by a doctor) because some addicts abuse it for recreational purposes. Cannabidiol, known as (CBD), is the oil extract from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with its psychoactive properties, also comes from the same plant. However, to be effective as a ‘high’, cannabis needs to be heated to extract the THC, like smoking it or baking cookies. Scientific evidence has shown that CBD, (which is not heated), does not contain any psychoactive properties if taken properly, and has nothing in common with THC and its recreational abuse – apart from the Latin name. Once this basic fact is understood, people’s outlook changes when they realise cannabis oil is a

highly effective treatment for cancer, epilepsy, diabetes and arthritis among others, acting as a natural pain-reliever or an antiinflammatory. These days almost everyone knows somebody who is aware of, or is using cannabis oil, and its popularity is growing worldwide. Properly prescribed by professionals and administered correctly, CDB has a proven track record and is gratefully welcomed by those in need of relief. Quite frankly, I’m pretty sure those who obstinately oppose the very idea of medicinal marijuana haven’t been affected by a lifethreatening ailment – yet. But if they are (God forbid) they too will be thankful, willing disciples and wonder what all the fuss was about. So, time to take off the blinkers. This stuff saves lives, and an educational trip to your internet will confirm it. For a oneon-one chat about the benefits or side-effects, phone David on 082 804 2943. Ray Swart

THE

NEWS

The Team

OPINION Matters

6 Royal Street, Hermanus

028 312 2234

#weareoverstrand My Overstrand are the people who work tirelessly every day to make our region the best place possible. My Overstrand are the traffic officers on duty come rain or shine, always with a friendly smile on their face.

My Overstrand are the Moms and Dads working extra hard to ensure that their children are safe and happy and looking forward to a bright future. My Overstrand are the morning joggers and the late afternoon dog walkers on the cliff paths.

My Overstrand are the medical personnel and pharmacists working overtime during peak season to ensure every ailment, scratch and pain is taken care of professionally.

My Overstrand are the smells of fireplaces warming up cold homes and families gathering around tables enjoying lazy summer afternoons.

My Overstrand are the men and women tending community gardens to help those less fortunate to have a meal on the table.

My Overstrand are the business men and women delivering the best possible service, knowing their customers by name.

My Overstrand are the teachers who go the extra mile to make their students shine, ensuring every year that our schools perform better and better.

My Overstrand are festivals and events drawing thousands to enjoy what our piece of heaven and earth has to offer.

My Overstrand are the fishermen braving cold and stormy seas to bring back the catch that will soon lie steaming on a plate.

Well, I don’t know about you, but they could have come up with a better name. We all know the myth about pretty-boy Narcissus who saw his reflection in a pond and fell so in love with his own image that he couldn’t pull himself away. Some say he eventually got so weak he fell in and drowned. But imagine if he was actually a good swimmer and got out. Surely they could have kept the myth, but at least tried to find someone else with a bolder name. The word ‘narcissism’ is very unconvincing as a scene-setter. It starts off okay – ‘nars’ sound like the beginning of ‘nasty’, which is promising. But then the second half gets a bit camp. Just a string of lisps and sibilance – hardly onomatopoeic. Before the classic version by Ovid in 8 CE, a poet called Parthenius of Nicaea came up with the tale of Narcissus 60 years earlier. Scrolls of interesting names were available, so why the hell he didn’t choose one like Snotklap, Condor or Bliksem beats me. I’m sure you’ll agree something like ‘he bliksemed his way to the top’ sounds much more positive, and has a certain ring of authority about it. Akhenaton in ancient Egypt was a classic bliksem. He was so impressed with himself that he abolished the

A Far Kraai Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com

worship of the current gods, and enforced a new religion in which he, and only he, was the conduit between God (Ra), the Almighty Creator of the Universe, and humankind. Sound familiar? At various times in our history bliksemers like Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, Nero and Hitler found themselves uncontrollably attracted to themselves. They created parades, pageants and processions to acknowledge their authority and honour their fabulousness. If you didn’t like it, they’d kill you – simple. Panga management. Anyway, after mentioning the word narcissist, the elves scoured the archives of the Explanation of Everything, and from their research one can understand how easy it was for Narcissus to overbalance and fall in. They had no mirrors back then. Where else could a teenage lad see his face to squeeze those zits? Today’s bliksemers, however, unashamedly adorn their walls with as many mirrors possible so they’re always able to marvel at themselves from any angle. Like a live, joyous, never-ending selfie. Recently, things have improved even more for those who never tire

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

Design and Layout Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

My Overstrand IS you and me. Let us be thankful for what we have and work together for a brighter future. This is the good NEWS – Ed.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall… You’re Fired! Throughout history, despots, dictators and tyrants had one thing in common. They were all a concentrated concoction of self- confidence, ambition and inflated ego, with tunnel-vision ruthlessness to get to the top – at any cost. We refer to them as narcissists.

Publishing Editor De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

from admiring themselves, and a chat about narcissism would be incomplete without mention of the Angry Orange in the Whitehouse. Being the Bliksemer-in-Chief, he has a tame TV network called Fox, which he often visits after his tanning sessions. They ask him flattering questions, and it must be difficult for such a humble man as Honest Donny to accept it all with such modesty and humility. Some would disagree. They claim he watches reruns in his bedroom till noon every day, applauding his brilliant answers between venomous tweets to his detractors. We should all be grateful he’s running the world though. He has attributes few others posses. He has the highest IQ in America, perhaps even the world, he reckons. He promised he’d put an end to North Korean nuclear aspirations, singlehandedly saving the world from extinction. Phew! “If I shot somebody dead on 5th Avenue,” he claimed, “I wouldn’t lose any votes. They love me too much.” Now there’s somebody we should all be proud of. “I should say I’m more popular than Jesus but some weedy pop singer in England said it already. Sad! I could have used that one. He’s fired!” As a case study, he ticks all the boxes and is a perfect model for 2nd year psychology students, but hell, we haven’t even started on the runner-up for the worst hairstyle on a leader – Kim Jong Un.

Office Administrator Tania Hamman admin@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Manager Kathy Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Representative Laetitia Prinsloo 082 738 3765 ads@thevillagenews.co.za

Journalist Elaine Davie 084 343 7500

Photography & Social Media Taylum Meyer 084 564 0779 taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

WHERE TO FIND US The Village NEWS is published every week and the next edition will be available on 10 October. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai. Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 312 2234 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.

MEMBER OF

3 October 2018

THE

NEWS

Let’s Talk

Closure of roads would be a disaster for businesses In correspondence and articles from the Municipality and its representatives, there has been less than a little empathy expressed for the consequences of the closure of Main Road to all vehicles for at least a three month period, and considerably longer in the case of High Street, which would be closed to vehicles and pedestrians! This gives the business owners in the CBD every reason to be concerned. Examples of phrases used in correspondence include: “…disrupting business in some way or the other…” Disrupting? What will actually happen is an almost complete loss of trade. Who wants to struggle to find parking, walk around building sites, and then, if you arrive safely, browse amidst a cacophany of excavators, generators, drills, rubbish removal vehicles and workmen etc? “…taking business owners into account...” This is blatantly untrue. The Municipality's actions reflect a significant lack of interest in the future of business and the CBD despite what is said. “…most of the shops vacated had been occupied by novelty businesses…” Novelty? Perhaps not how the owners would see it. “…timing would have the least impact…” FynArts, school holidays and a minimum of eight weeks of the whale season? An unmitigated disaster in timing from which few of us will recover. “…understand the repercussions...” Understanding versus experiencing? Words come easy. We are aware that all business in Hermanus has suffered enormously due to water shortages, a VAT increase, riots, protests and a new mall. This has resulted in a noticeable drop in trade from locals, South African and

international visitors. With another calamity on the cards with this vast construction site, we know that the tour bus operators will undoubtedly bypass our entire town, as many have already done through the riots. Bear in mind that as elections draw closer, there is still a high probability of further disruption to trade and life in general. On top of all that, we cannot survive months of road closure and upheaval, accompanied by another significant decrease in foot traffic. People instinctively avoid mess, noise and disruption. There will be little option but closure for many more businesses. Perhaps it needs to be noted, most of those in favour of the work are on a salary, and independent of trade in town. Those against the roadworks rely on their businesses for income. They still need to pay rent, electricity, overheads, bonds, family expenses etc. and can only see themselves heading for a financial fiasco. It is also of interest that even those who have experienced flooding in their properties, are still against the extreme measure planned! The Municipality is fiscally responsible and accountable to us as taxpayers. Will the Municipality rescue us and ensure our futures? I fear that question is rhetorical. Based on all of the above, we request, nay, demand, that the proposed work is reassessed in terms of necessity and urgency, when there are other avenues to explore, and a more viable solution found. Should this path of action be pursued, the threat to our town is so great that we can anticipate the demise of much of the CBD. The loved and familiar places will have gone. Maybe then, and only then, will the bitter regret of loss be realised. Optimistically, Corinne Hendry bookmark

At the back from left are Cobé van der Westhuijzen (Patient Experience Officer at Mediclinic Hermanus), Samantha Cain (Phlebotomy Technician at Pathcare) and Akhona Mankantshu (Nursing Auxillary at Mediclinic Hermanus) with two members of the public who had their cholesterol tested (left) and blood pressure taken (right) as part of Heart and Stroke Awareness Month. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

Heart and Stroke Awareness Month

ust ahead of World Health Day on 29 September, members of the public were offered free blood pressure and cholesterol tests at Mediclinics around South Africa on Friday 28 September. This initiative formed part of the Heart and Stroke Awareness Month, during which everyone was encouraged to take the first steps towards reducing their risk of developing the number one killer in the developed world. Although cardiovascular disease develops silently and quietly inside us, it is easily detectable if we simply take the time to have regular screening tests, especially annual cholesterol screening for those over 35. The most important thing to know is that cardiovascular disease could happen to anyone, even those who are young and fit. Heart disease and strokes affect both men and women, and the major risk factors include smoking; diabetes and other abnormalities of sugar control; hypertension; cholesterol abnormalities; and a family history of

premature cardiovascular events. However, most people don’t recognise how easy it is to avoid serious risk of heart disease. Medical experts agree that the answer lies in adjustment to lifestyle, and these small changes can drastically reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke: Including hearthealthy foods in your diet, making sure that you get regular exercise, monitoring your cholesterol, taking steps to reduce stress, ensuring that you get enough sleep and downtime, giving up smoking, and going for regular medical check-ups. At Mediclinic Hermanus, blood pressure and cholesterol screening tests were performed free of charge between 09:00 and 15:00 on Friday. The entire process only took about five minutes per person. It was an extremely busy morning, with members from all the various Overstrand communities making use of this opportunity to be tested. Mediclinic Hermanus hosts various free screening days throughout the year and the next one will be for diabetes on 14 November.

Business

EXPLORER EXPLORER

The

Nissan’s NP200 bakkie is up for grabs

hey say that nothing in life is for free. No such thing as a free lunch and never any free time, or even a free ride. Well, that is until something becomes mahala. When it is mahala, it is free. “The word Mahala or Mahalla originated in Arabic and is today used in many languages to illustrate a neighbourhood or location. It is rooted in the meaning ‘to settle’ or ‘to occupy’ and is derived from the verb ‘halla’ (to untie) – as in untying a pack horse or camel to make a camp,” states the ever-informative Wikipedia. In ancient cultures hospitality involved welcoming strangers and offering them food, shelter, and safety. This interpretation of hospitality centres on the belief that strangers should be assisted and protected while traveling. Closer to home South Africans use “mahala” as slang for “free”. But what does a motoring and tourism column have to do with mahala? you may very well ask. Well, Nissan Hermanus decided it is time to make the link between hospitality and travelling – which is their main business after all – and a complimen-tary “for nothing” vehicle with their Nissan Mahala Bakkie promotion that runs until the end of November. There are different ways to stand a chance of winning one of these little champs, but essentially if you do business with Nissan Hermanus you will be issued a ticket for the lucky draw on 8 December. John: It has always surprised me that the halfton bakkie offering in South Africa has been depleted, leaving just one manufacturer’s offering. Not so long ago we had the Opel Corsa pick-up, later to become the rebadged Chevrolet and of course the Ford Bantam and the Mazda Rustler, basically the same vehicle. The segment was an important one and owes a lot of its past success to two Japanese companies, Toyota and Nissan, the former turning to the one-ton market, the latter producing the Datsun and later Nissan 1400, many of which still travel our roads. It is Nissan that keeps this commercial sector alive with the range of NP200 bakkies, available

been released.

John Floyd Motoring Journalist

Frieda Lloyd Tourism Manager

John: The look has been retained since its original launch almost a decade ago and it is a worthy successor to the ubiquitous 1400. Listed as a half-tonner, the NP 200 is actually rated at an impressive loading capacity of 800 kg of cargo – more than enough for a few extra cases of your favourite wine. The cabin mirrors the earlier Renault Sandero and is basic, but still carries all the instrumentation required and is ergonomically efficient. Vinyl-covered seats supplied a comfortable ride and the use of rear coil springs offered a far smoother ride on both tar and gravel. Handling characteristics are also good on varying terrain and the power steering makes slow-speed handling a pleasure, while interior noise levels are surprisingly low. The 4-cylinder, 8 valve petrol engine produces 64 kW at 5,500 r/min and torque of 128 Nm, delivered via a very smooth 5 speed manual transmission to the front wheels, and provides an easy driving experience. Fuel economy is claimed at 8,1 L/100 km which should provide a range of 600 km.

WIN a Nissan NP200 bakkie with Nissan Hermanus’s Mahala Promotion in seven derivatives. Our model was the 1.6 litre 8 valve with air conditioning. Effectively this is the entry level with the option of aircon and is a vehicle designed to fill the needs of many businesses for short-haul deliveries. Frieda: Putting this half-tonner through its paces in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley was indeed a true test of its capabilities. What better way to experience exactly what the vehicle can do than by loading a few cases of premium wine? Just like a camel or pack horse, the load

can be stacked, thanks to the capacious load box measuring in at 1,8 m long, 1,37 m wide and featuring a sill height of 64 cm. Seating is snug but sufficient and it’s easy to navigate around the cabin and instruments. There is ample space behind the seat to stash more stock or valuables – yes, wine qualifies as valuables – if the load box does not suffice. Space is a much-needed commodity when visiting the Cape Whale Coast wineries; one never knows which five-star wines have just won another prize or which vintages have just

Frieda: I have no idea what it takes to keep a camel happy, but I do know that the Nissan NP200 requires very little. Low maintenance with nice-to-have features make it the perfect little run-about. You won’t need a rocket scientist to do repairs on this bakkie – a convenient attribute when driving the dirt roads of the Overberg. John: Disc brakes up front and drums at the rear cope well even with a full load. This particular model does not offer safety items such as ABS and airbags, but they can be supplied on the next model in the range. All up the Nissan NP200 is very nice package and offers a capable and efficient means of moving goods or leisure equipment for that two-person weekend away, and that includes the refreshments!

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Good Guide

Wednesday 3 October

■ Hermanus Photographic Society: All are welcome, from the beginner to the advanced photographer, at the monthly meetings held on the first Wednesday of the month. The theme for the October club competition is Water Life and the October challenge for the Audio Visual Group, which will meet on 11 October at the same venue, is Funky. Get all the details at www.hermanusphoto.co.za or contact Daniel Reddie at info@hermanusphoto.co.za. In the Hermann Swart Hall, Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus, at 19:00.

■ FinGlobal Cliff Path Night Runs: These acclaimed and well attended night runs have become legendary with adventure runners and joggers. Choose between the 6 km family fun run or the more adventurous 10 km cliff path run, with only you, your headlight, your heartbeat, and the sound of the sea in your ears. Park your vehicle at Grotto Beach and make use of the free shuttles to the start lines. The 6 km fun run is from The Marine Hotel to Dutchies on Grotto Beach, departing at 18:30, and the 10 km cliff path night run is from the Hermanus New Harbour to Dutchies, departing at 19:00. Prize giving is at 20:00. Book online at www.entrytime.com. For queries, contact Paul du Toit on 082 820 3331 or adventures@hermanus.co.za. Registration at The Marine Hotel will open at 17:00.

Thursday 4 October ■ Rotary Club of Hermanus: Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings. Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to confirm your attendance. At Mollergren Park, every Thursday at 19:00.

Friday 5 October ■ Bhuki Café: Everyone is welcome at Friends of

the Library's Bhuki Cafe where a cup of tea or coffee and delicious eats will cost only R20. Every cup helps to raise funds for new books. Every Friday from 09:00 – 11:30, at Hermanus Library. ■ Kolwyntjie Teetuin: Everyone in the area is welcome to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre (Dienssentrum). At the Onrus Dutch Reformed Church, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30. ■ Art & Design Exhibition: Hermanus High School and Northcliff House College will host their matric students’ year-end Art & Design Exhibition, comprising more than 20 works of exciting visual art and design produced to showcase the talent of the youth in Hermanus. RSVP: viviennemitchley@gmail.com. In the Hermanus High School Auditorium, from 17:30 – 19:00. ■ Rewind: Join Soul Café every Friday night and relax to the tunes of their resident band as they perform all your favourite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. R50 pp. Call 028 313 2137 to book. At Soul Café, 181 Main Road, Hermanus, at 20:00.

Friday 5 – Saturday 6 October

■ Hermanus Wine & Food Festival: Proudly presented by Wine Village, the HWFF is one of South Africa’s Top 10 wine festivals. This year’s event will celebrate 20 years of great wines of the Elgin to Elim area, offering more than 300 premium wines for tasting, along with craft beers, gins, food trucks and live music. Children are welcome and there is a special supervised activity centre to keep them entertained. Get your tickets from Computicket or contact 028 316 3988 for more information. At Curro School in Sandbaai, from 11:00 – 21:00 on both days.

Saturday 6 October ■ Hermanus parkrun: Meet for the weekly 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Set off from the Overstrand Training Institute (OTI) farm on Camphill Road in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, at 08:00. ■ Pink Power Walk: October is international breast cancer awareness month and you are invited to show your support for the fighters and survivors by joining God Shift Era for a fun 4 km walk at Benguela Cove. Arrive dressed in your funniest, cutest, craziest or even most outrageous pink outfit and bring your family and friends along. All funds will go towards the Pink Drive. R50 per adult; R30 per child (under 6 years free). There will be lucky draws and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at Moody Lagoon restaurant after the walk, accompanied by a free pontoon trip on the Bot River Lagoon between 08:30 and 16:30. Get all the details at www.benguelacove.co.za or call 087 357 0637. At Benguela Cove, from 08:00 – 10:30. ■ Child Welfare Bazaar: There will be a jumping castle for the children, yummy home-baked goodies, furniture, books and all sorts of things for sale at rock-bottom prices at this annual bazaar to raise funds for 700 families and children in trauma across our communities. At the United Church, Hermanus, from 09:00 – 14:00. ■ Women’s Art Workshop: Discover your creative self and have fun with colour at this workshop presented by artist and art teacher Karin von Maltzahn. R280 pp, all art materials included. Proceeds in aid of Visual Arts at Enlighten Education Trust. To book, contact Nomzamo on 028 313 0974. At Enlighten Education Trust, from 09:00 – 12:00. ■ Rotary Wellness Day: The residents of Hawston are encouraged to attend a free Wellness Day run by Rotary Hermanus and the Health Department. Some of the free services that will be available include Women’s Health, Child Health, Healthy Eating, Eye Testing for seniors, CANSA, the Blood Service and Dental Health. Bring your dogs to the Animal Health kiosk. For more information, visit www.rotaryhermanus.co.za or contact Ann Wright on 083 307 0726 or annwright@telkomsa.net. At Hawston Primary School, from 09:00 – 14:00.

■ Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00 – 13:00. ■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll find real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people. In the courtyard of Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar at The Village, from 09:00 – 13:00. ■ Market in the Garden: Hunt for treasures

at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden. At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, Hermanus, from 09:00 – 13:00. ■ Fioré Country Market: Browse this new country market in Bot River for homemade crafts, books, local treats, fresh fruit and more. Stands are free and in the event of rain the market moves indoors. For enquiries, contact Debbie Randall on 028 284 9220. At Fioré Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Bot River, from 09:00 – 14:00. ■ Botrivier Hotel Market: For hand-made crafts and tasty treats, come and browse the new weekly market in the hotel garden. New vendors are welcome; contact Erna at ernastark@outlook.com or 028 315 2582 or WhatsApp 076 708 0818 to book your stall. At the Botrivier Hotel, every Saturday, from 10:00 – 14:00.

Sunday 7 October

■ Honingklip Farm Dog Walk: Come by yourself or bring the whole family and enjoy a beautiful morning walk around the farm with your furry friends. After the walk, you are welcome to have coffee or nibbles at the brewery. These farm dog walks are in aid of homeless animals. At Honingklip Brewery on the R43, from 09:00 – 10:30.

■ Duplicate Bridge: All are welcome. To join, call Riekie Louw on 028 314 0662 or 072 230 9179. At Fernkloof Nature Reserve, every Monday at 13:00. ■ Hermanus History Society: Grave Encounters: What is so fascinating about the burial grounds of Green Point, Cape Town? is the topic of a talk that will be presented at The Hermanus History Society’s monthly meeting by historical archaeologist Dr Antonia Malan, who is the current chairperson of the Council of Heritage, Western Cape. Grave Encounters refers to an illustrated book about the people who were buried in the graveyards of Green Point and the controversy that erupted in 2004 at Prestwich Street. Guests are welcome. R20 pp includes light refreshments. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 15:30 for 16:00.

■ Birding from Alaska to Argentina: The guest speaker at BirdLife Overberg’s monthly meeting is Pieter van Oudtshoorn, who will talk about the birds he encountered on a tour from Alaska to Argentina. Pieter's love of travelling and his keen interest in birding has taken him to some wonderful locations around the world. His talk about this marathon birding road trip from northern Alaska right down to the southern tip of South America will focus on the birds of these two extremities. Catering at R100 per head. Remember to bring your own drinks and glasses. RSVP: Helé at birding@southernartceramics.com or sms to 073 456 0393. At the Mollergren Park Community Hall, at 18:30 for 19:00. ■ Astrophotography: Join the Hermanus Astronomy Centre (HAC) for a presentation on Image processing and a discussion of hardware and software compatibility. For more information, contact deonk@telkomsa.net. At Deon Krige’s house, at 19:00.

Tuesday 9 October ■ Development Charter for Hermanus: Leon Lombaard, an Economics graduate and retired development expert, now living in De Kelders, will be U3A’s guest speaker. Leon is passionate about social justice and sustainable development and will discuss the concept of a Development Charter, which was formulated by the Development Bank of Southern Africa, where Leon held the position of Senior Analyst in Development Planning. Leon has facilitated the drafting of several Development Charters and will talk about its appropriateness and use in creating unity in vision and action within a community such as Hermanus. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

Wednesday 10 October

■ Afdaks Craft Market: Unique hand-made crafts, yummy food, children’s entertainment and lots of parking. Contact 082 679 7819 for more information. At Café Tango, Afdaksrivier Nursery, every first Sunday of the month, from 10:00.

Monday 8 October ■ Inside Mecca: The third part of U3A Overberg’s DVD course on The Real Meaning of Islam is presented by Dr Robin Lee. Inside Mecca gives insight into the specific cultural heritage of the ‘hajj’ or pilgrimage to Mecca, expected of all Muslims. There will be an opportunity for comment, questions and answers during the session. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

■ Shark Biodiversity: The South African Association of Retired Persons (SAARP) will host guest speaker Kate Gledhill at the monthly club meeting of the SAARP Hermanus Social Club. As a research scientist with the South African Shark Conservancy, Kate has studied sharks and rays around the world and is passionate about inspiring new shark ‘advocates’ through science and education. Contact chairperson Ingrid Green on 028 316 2390 / 082 081 6889 or ingridgreen@hermanus.co.za. In the Sandbaai Hall, from 09:30 – 11:30.

3 October 2018

St Peter’s Church celebrates 150th anniversary

t Peter’s Anglican Church on the corner of Main Road and St Peter’s Lane is celebrating 150 years of church worship in Hermanus from 12 to 21 October this year. St Peter’s Church is part of the Parish of St Peter’s, which includes St Patrick’s in Mount Pleasant and All Saints in Zwelihle and unites all the communities in Greater Hermanus. The series of special celebrations will start off with a 45-minute piano recital by Benjamin Sawyer in the church on Friday evening, 12 October at 17:30. Benjamin is the son of Margaret Pienaar, more affectionately known to various friends and music lovers as Meggy, herself one of the organists at this beautiful stone church. He will perform well-known works by Chopin, Debussy, Liszt and Beethoven. The church will be decked out with flower displays arranged by the St Peter’s flower panel, all residents of Hermanus. A beautifully illustrated booklet, selling at R50, will show details of the artefacts found in this church, as well as in the St Patrick’s and All Saints churches. Tours will be conducted that should last about half an hour, followed by tea and coffee served in the hall. The tour of St Peter’s, led by Judy George will commence at 10:00 each weekday morning from that Friday. Tours of St Patrick’s led by Theresa Gillion (083 331 3556) and All Saints led by Myrtle Alam (079 058 0868) will also be conducted on weekday mornings and are a must for those interested in meaningful Anglican Church décor and in what these churches offer their communities. Donations after each tour are most welcome. A Gala Luncheon will take place on the lawns of St Peter’s on Saturday 13 October in an elegant tent. This event, which entails a special threecourse meal prepared by some of the parishioners, is already a sold-out affair. Bishop Margaret Vertue of the False Bay Diocese will open the proceedings and say the Grace at this luncheon, and the keynote speaker is Rev Dr James Gray. Bunting will give a festive touch to the St Peter’s grounds overlooking the Main Road. On each flag a message or prayer may be inscribed by anyone

St Peter’s Church in Main Road, today (left), in 1948 (above) and in the late 1800s (below left).

The history of St Peter’s Church

wishing to participate. The series of concerts will continue with a recital of favourites, both old and new, by Baritone Dave Wright, accompanied by Rensche J van Rensburg, on Tuesday 16 October at 17:30; and a performance by Mezzo Soprano Caren McDonald with Alistair McDonald on trumpet and organ accompaniment by Rensche J van Rensburg on Saturday 20 October at 12:30. Entrance to both concerts in St Peter’s Church is free but donations will be appreciated. A Celebratory Eucharist will be con-

ducted by Rev Canon Adrian Knight, rector of St Peter’s, on Sunday 21 October from 14:00 which Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah will attend, together with pastors and ministers of other denominations in Hermanus. A fashion modelling show has also been arranged. The closing date for entries is 5 October. Llyle Tait is the organiser of this event and he can be contacted on 082 477 8588. Any further information can be obtained from Anne Philip on 082 399 3925 or 028 312 1517.

In 1868 an attempt was made to erect a building that could house a much-needed schoolroom and church in Hermanus. This small wattle and daub structure, inadequate though it was thought to be, was the embryo of the place of worship for the Anglican faith that served the ever-increasing population of the original fishing village of Hermanus. A more sturdy stone and lime building was completed in 1871. Later a second classroom had to be added to this. As the town continued to flourish, even this twoclassroom building became inadequate for both schooling and church worship. A chapel was added but, in a fierce gale in 1887, it collapsed. In 1889 a new building arose which was to be used only as a church, until it became imperative to use the space during

the week for schooling. In the late 1920s, due yet again to wild weather, the existing church, by this stage in very poor condition, was hit by a nearby blown-off roof. Although finances were meagre the church council resolved to demolish it and build a new church. In the 18 months it took to build the new church, parishioners had to worship in a corrugated iron shed lent to them by the Horticultural Society. The foundation stone of what resembles today’s beautiful stone church in Main Road, Hermanus, was laid on 26 February 1933 by Archbishop Phelps. The architect was Mr Leslie Marriot Earle. The builder was Mr Richard Sherriff and the stones used were all local, “painstakingly trundled to the site by the sons of the builder”. – Anne Philip

3 October 2018

FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER 5 - 8 PM

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Main Ro Whale Museum

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Musical arts – OAK and its concerts

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An evening walk through the art galleries of Hermanus

Marine

Originals Gallery

Lembu Gallery

Rossouw Modern

Gallery De Jongh Gelderblom

Forty x 40 Gallery

Malcolm Bowling Art

Rossouw Modern SPACE

Kunskantoor

FynArts Gallery

Drive

083 259 8869

his column is usually devoted to the visual arts, but most people who enjoy art – as in, paintings, sculptures etc. – enjoy classical music, too. And though I have even less qualification to write about music than art, I would like to spread the word more widely about our splendid concert club in central Hermanus.

028 313 2741

028 313 2222

076 733 6936

028 313 2741 076 122 0218 028 313 2222

082 879 2274

060 957 5371

Geta Finlayson Art Studio

The StArt

Makiwa Gallery

The Art Gallery

Pure South

Walker Bay Art Gallery

Gallery 19

Art Thirst

Hermanus Art Circle

082 772 5949

082 333 3354

062 182 2643

060 676 8652

028 312 1899

028 312 2928

072 270 1883

072 682 6590

Pop Up Gallery every First Friday

2018

October 05 November 02 December 07

Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk ‘First Fridays’ in Hermanus is our part of a worldwide initiative to make art and art art galleries more accessible to the public. On the First Friday of every month the eighteen art galleries in the centre of Hermanus remain open until 8pm. Stroll through the village, savour a glass of wine from one of our local vineyards and enjoy the astonishing range of art and fine craft on display.

Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk @FFHermanus

Hermanus Tourism

OAK – which stands for Overstrand Arts/Kunste – mounts regular concerts in the comfortable Civic Auditorium next door to the Municipal Offices, either at 15:30 on a Sunday or 19:00 in the evening on other days. It all started about 10 years ago when Louis van Heerden, at that time a councillor for Betty’s Bay where he still lives, cornered the mayor, the late Theo Beyleveldt, and persuaded him that the lovely auditorium just built, desperately needed a grand piano to be properly equipped. I do not know what hold ‘Lang Louis’ had over Mayor Beyleveldt but he got his way and a spanking-new Yamaha duly arrived. Then Louis was in a spot himself – so he speedily set up a concert club with a committee of passionate music people to put on concerts. He hit the ground running as he had already been hosting recitals in his own home and he knew that the hunger for good classical music was there… All this was back in 2010 and OAK has been going from strength to strength, with about 12 recitals a year and, under the direction of its knowledgeable committee, these are of a consistently high – often international – standard. The current committee has Louis as Chair and Werner Zybrands as Deputy Chair, Bennie Kotze as Treasurer and René du Plooy as Secretary. The rest of the committee members are Pieter van Aswegen, Dr Ella Fourie, Johan Radloff and Pieter Stofberg. OAK members (around 280 are signed up at R160 p/a) get email notification of forthcoming concerts from the Secretary and can book tickets at R110 though the Tourism Office or by phone on 028 312 2629. The auditorium, with very satisfactory acoustics, seats 192 and wine is laid on afterwards so members can mingle and meet the artist/s. Economics prevents symphony orchestras appearing but OAK has presented solo artistes, groups, trios, quartets and singers with accompanists, always, it seems to me, of great merit. Often the out-of-town artists are also appearing at the City Hall in Cape Town and

Art News

By Patrick Chapman

their agents contact OAK for another booking; but it’s the OAK selection committee that says yes or no and sources the best for Hermanus audiences. Over the years careful management has built up a reserve fund, a financial cushion, to see OAK though lean times. Sponsorship is something that the arts world-wide require if ticket prices are to be kept affordable. Long-time sponsors in kind are the Windsor Hotel for accommodation and Burgundy Restaurant for post-concert dinners for the artists. These true friends have travelled the road with OAK from the early days. Now the Municipality has stopped funding, one or two civic-minded citizens who love classical music have kicked in substantial amounts – but more is needed. A recent drive has yielded some new sponsors, though. Audiologist Felicity MacLennan Smith came on board, as did REDZ Hermanus, the property agents, and there are a few more in the pipeline. For R5 500 in the first year, they get a mention in the sponsors’ block on the back page of every programme handed out at every concert, plus a few minor extra mentions. OAK has the bigger picture firmly in mind. The youth and different communities are targets for expansion to spread the joy of good music. The thrill of the concert hall beats the best CD or download! So we support our sponsors where we can and if you have a business that wishes to help with a sponsorship or a simple donation, please get in touch. Keep an eye on The Good Guide for the announcements of upcoming concerts – tickets for non-members are R150, so best you sign up as a member and get all the email notices – and save by paying just R110 per concert. You don’t need to drive to Cape Town for your classical music fix. OAK is supplying it right here in Hermanus. It would welcome your support. For enquiries, contact René du Plooy on 082 940 4238 or renedup@telkomsa.net or, for sponsorships, Patrick Chapman at niblos320@gmail.com.

3 October 2018

Living life in a watercolour world Elaine Davie

Who is the IWS?

ver the centuries, different art forms have gained popularity to the exclusion of almost all others. One thinks of the great Masters of the Baroque period in Europe such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens and Velázquez, who painted almost entirely in oils. At another time in history, pastels were the ‘in thing’ and closer to our own time, in the 1950s, acrylic became the medium of choice and everyone who was anyone was experimenting with it.

The International Watercolour Society (IWS) is a non-profit organisation that was established in January 2012 with the objective of promoting the world’s oldest and most deeply rooted painting technique: the art of watercolour. The IWS was founded by Mr Atanur Dogan. Their goal is to promote peace by the use of art, the common language of all the peoples of the world. Their activities involve bringing watercolour artists and artlovers together. Their headquarters are in the ancient city of Teos, Turkey on the eastern shores of the Aegean Sea.

But one of the oldest media of all is watercolour and nothing else has totally eclipsed its popularity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, of course, no young lady was considered ‘finished’ unless she could produce a tolerably accomplished sketch or watercolour painting. In recent times, there appears to have been a resurgence in the popularity of this luminous medium. However, it is breaking free of its conventional subjects – landscape, still life, botanical study or portrait – and is now being seen as suitable for anything from pop art to hyper-reality, to abstract representations. There is plenty of room for experimentation. This is a world-wide phenomenon and South Africa, although some years behind the trend, now seems to be catching up big-time. Although watercolour has always been popular on the local art scene, there seems to be a growing appreciation of the flexibility it offers. Two Hermanus artists who have been following this trend are Charmé Southey and Christopher Reid, born in South Africa, but raised and trained at some of the top art schools in the United States, before deciding to settle in Hermanus.

Local artists Christopher Reid and Charmé Southey, who is holding one of the artworks she has submitted for the IWS exhibition in Myanmar next year.

Although a watercolour society had existed in South Africa for many years, it had gradually become moribund and in 2014 its co-chair Cheryl Curnick joined the International Watercolour Society (IWS). This NPO was launched in 2012 by Turkish/Canadian artist, Atanur Dogan and now includes more than 80 countries as members. It was formed not only to promote the watercolour technique but to create opportunities for artists and art lovers to interact. More than that, its goal was to promote peace through art, the common language of people the world over. Late last year she approached Christopher and Charmé to see if they would be interested in taking a relationship with the IWS further. Christopher felt that membership of the IWS as a country could potentially give the movement new impetus. Charmé, who has been a watercolourist for many years, has exhibited in Hermanus and elsewhere and has for some time led a Hermanus sketch group on plein air expeditions once a month. She was immediately inspired by the idea and encouraged Christopher. The result was that South Africa signed up as a member of the IWS with Christopher as Country Head and Charmé and Cheryl as two of ten Administrators. Not allowing grass to grow under their feet, Christopher and his team organised the first National IWS Exhibition in Cape Town in March. It attracted entrants from around South Africa and 115 paintings were accepted by a panel of top international judges. “We couldn’t believe the number of people who attended the opening,” laughs the enthusiastic Christopher. “We’re a nonprofit organisation and all the entry fees were ploughed back into the exhibition, so, for instance, we were able to give R30 000 in prizes for that event (one of the prize-winners being Charmé for two of her paintings).” A few months later she and Cheryl were lucky enough to visit the Prague International Watercolour Exhibition where 455 paintings from 60 countries were exhibited. They were stunned by the experience. “It was wonderful for us,” enthuses Charmé. “We were able to pick up a lot of valuable

Two of Christopher’s paintings, ‘Egrets at Dawn’ and ‘Gardenia’ have been selected for the China 1st Universal Watercolour Exposition which takes place in Zhuji from 3 – 12 November this year. tips for the Cape Town International Exhibition we are organising for September 2019.” She was also sufficiently encouraged to submit two works for the IWS exhibition in Myanmar next year. However, before the end of 2018, two other exciting events are scheduled to take place. The first is the Johannesburg National Watercolour Exhibition at the Grayston Gallery in Sandton from 19 – 31 October, again with three international judges assessing the works. Christopher is adamant about two things: “Because I want to make these exhibitions accessible to as many artists as possible, we are calling it a water-media event, which includes not only watercolours, but gouache, acrylic and ink. We are also allowing artists to submit a digital image of their work, rather than the work itself, for consideration by the judges. Only those paintings that are accepted for the exhibition will need to be sent to the venue. The second exciting event concerns Christopher himself. Two of his paintings, Egrets at Dawn and Gardenia have been accepted for the China 1st Universal Watercolour Exposition which takes

place in Zhuji from 3 – 12 November this year. All his and his wife’s expenses are being covered by the organisers. “When my wife, Kim, got the news, she simply couldn’t contain herself; she jumped up and down, screamed, hugged me; I tell you we’re super-excited,” he laughs. He feels very strongly that art exhibitions should not be for the elite; they should be accessible to everyone. And, he believes, Hermanus is just the place for it. “There are so many excellent artists in this area,” he says. “Whenever they enter competitions, time after time, they are among the award winners. We need to do more to make this the top centre for the visual arts in the country. In fact, this should become the international ‘go-to’ place for both whales and South African art!” For more information Christopher Reid can be contacted on Chris@ReidsArt.com or 072 626 9945 and Charmé on 082 7739125 or charme@i360.co.za The IWS can be found on www.iwsglobe.org and IWS South Africa on facebook.com/iwssa.

3 October 2018

Take care of your heating this summer Olivia Schaffer

inter may be turning into a distant memory, with long warm days setting the scene for many homeowners to start with renovations and upgrades in and around their homes. And as much as we want to leave the cold, wet winter behind us during this time of revamps and makeovers, we must remember that next year winter will come again. So, while you are at it with all those projects, why not make provision for those days where dad walks around sweating and mom sits with a blankie around her shoulders? With rising costs, it’s advisable to prepare early for next year’s chilly season; and Solar Planet Trading (Pty) Ltd, based in Onrus, will make a difference to bitter nights and cold days. Here you’ll find Ariem, a revolutionary idea, direct from Holland. “This is an innovative, electric, full-heating system, based on radiant heat, convection and integrated memory core that can also be used as auxiliary heating and as such is an adequate alternative for classical heating methods,” explains the director of Solar Planet Trading (Pty) Ltd, Jojo Banson, who has been in the business for the past five years. Jojo adds that, among other features, the system has a high-performance ceramic storage core as well as control of energy distribution in space. “This means that, when idle, it continues generating heat, making it extremely cost efficient. In addition, no installation of distribution pipes, connection lines, or other accessories, and no yearly amendments or service are necessary.” Heating mediums (or to be less technical: what it looks like) are available in glass, mirror, steel and ceiling tiles. Thus, the physical panel can me made to look like a mirror, a work of art or even become part of the ceiling. All this with no need for pipes or electrical cabling. Add to this the fact that because radiant heat first warms up solid elements such as walls and furniture, the air in the room is warmed up by those elements. Consequently, walls are warmer, by about 1°C, than the air in the room. It is exactly the same as what happens in nature. The sun warms up the earth, the earth accumulates the sun´s energy, and at the same time the air is

warmed up by the earth. Radiant distribution of heat ensures even distribution of temperatures in a room, which significantly limits air circulation, and thus decreases the dust level in a room. This feature of the Ariem system is appreciated by people with respiratory problems, asthma, and allergies. When using these heating panels, it often happens that people suffering from these illnesses show an improvement in their symptoms. In addition to using Ariem in your home, it is also suitable for schools, offices, hospitals, hotels and industrial buildings. The benefits of Ariem are its low costs – to buy and install, and also to run, as it is maintenance free. Jojo, always smiling in an inviting manner, was born and raised in Ghana. He has, however, spent most of his life in Europe and America. It was while he lived in Rotterdam that he was not only introduced to the Ariem system but also where he met his South African wife, Desiree. It was on the insistence of Desiree that they relocate “back home” and ended up in Hermanus. Desiree is a sister at Mediclinic and their daughter, Jasmine, a talented musician, is in Grade 5 at Hermanus Primary School.

Jojo Banson, the family man, with his wife Desiree and daughter Jasmine.

“I love living in Hermanus. It offers everything one needs to raise a family and we are extremely happy here. South Africa is very different from Ghana and even after spending many years living in Europe it required a period of adjustment for us. I want to make a success of my business and offer my family the opportunity to live a happy life. “While growing up, it was not uncommon for children to sell trinkets and food by the side of the road, before getting ready for school. Families were dependent on everyone doing their bit to put food on the table. It was in my formative years that I learned to work hard and to deliver service that is on a par with the best out there,” says Jojo. “I look forward to serving the Overberg community,” he adds. “I’m a phone call away – available to make recommendations and advise anyone interested in the product.” Jojo can be contacted on 072 914 6940 or jojobanson@gmail.com

Ariem heating panels can be decorated in many attractive ways to add value to your home.

3 October 2018

Greeff Properties – in the right place they allow them a lot of freedom in how they run their day-to-day business, which Jaco finds exciting.

nybody who has ever bought a property, whether residential or commercial, will be aware of the Estate Agent’s mantra, ‘Location, location, location’. A father and son partnership took that slogan to heart when they recently opened the very first Greeff Properties agency in the Overberg, in Kleinmond.

Talking to him, one quickly becomes aware of how much this job means to him. “I eat and sleep property; I love everything about it,” he laughs. “My office is like my second home. I love the challenge of negotiations, the building of relationships, the closing of a deal. The most important thing is to emerge at the end with a win-win situation for everyone. Let’s face it, though, it can be tough out there, but I believe in remaining positive whatever the economic climate.”

They are Reon van der Merwe, with 32 years of experience in the property business and his son, Jaco, with 12 years’ experience. They are both excited to be associated with the Greeff brand, one of the top three agencies in the Cape Peninsula. Indeed, they are the first to have been awarded a franchise (in fact, two) by the group; up to now, Greeff have owned all their branches themselves. The Van der Merwes have acquired the franchise for the Cape Whale Coast, stretching from Rooi Els to Franskraal and another one in the Cape Winelands, where last week they opened an office in Paarl to market a prestigious new development, the Groot Parys Lifestyle Estate. But why Kleinmond for their first office on the Whale Coast? “We thought it would be a good place to establish our new footprint on the coast,” says Jaco. “I grew up in Hermanus and Kleinmond reminds me so much of what Hermanus used to be like. Everyone knows everyone else and we have been made to feel incredibly

The Greeff Properties Kleinmond team: Jaco van der Merwe, Lorrainne Henning, Reon van der Merwe, Sandy Pieters and Pieter van Rensburg. welcome. Already, we feel as if we belong.” Apart from that, Jaco feels that this is a growing market in terms of volume, and at the same time, buyers can be assured of getting excellent value for money, compared with other towns along the coast and certainly, the Cape Peninsula. Although this is a buyer’s market countrywide, there is very little fluctuation in this part of the world – it is nearly always a buyer’s market. At the moment there is plenty of stock available and by the time the season

gets into full swing, he believes they will be firmly established and ready to meet demand. They will be as inclusive as possible, listing residential, commercial, hospitality opportunities and farms. “Depending on how things go, we are planning to open several other offices along the coast within the next 12 months,” explains Jaco. “At the moment, it’s all about building relationships and marketing the integrity of the brand. The Kleinmond community needs to know that we are not fly-by-

nights; we’re in it for the long haul and that’s why we are already supporting a couple of community projects.” The Greeff Group is very active in property development and Jaco and his father are interested in following the same route. That’s why they are involved in the Paarl project and also in Kleine Swartberg outside Caledon, the first phase of which is already sold out. Construction is due to start later this month. Although Greeff offers its fanchisees every possible support in terms of marketing and expertise,

Motivating the rest of the team through difficult times is also important and both Jaco and Reon, who is a former teacher, are committed to providing ongoing training. The newly-formed team consists of the two of them, together with Sandy Pieters, Pieter van Rensburg, Lorrainne Henning and Secretary, Marlene Grace. Although they are currently servicing Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay, as well as Kleinmond, they are based in attractive premises in Harbour Road which they believe is the perfect ‘location’ to attract holidaymakers and visitors to Kleinmond, as well as locals. Jaco van der Merwe can be contacted on jaco@greeff.co.za or 083 2350241. The website is www.greeff.co.za – Elaine Davie

3 October 2018

Trips on the wild side keep business owners sane their local list.

Olivia Schaffer

hen asked what they considered to be the primary reason for the success of CCS PLANT, TOOL & TRAILER HIRE the owners, Nico and Marlene Swart, without hesitation, said the loyal support of their customers and a reliable, responsible team that has developed over time. “We have been here for 11 years and most of the ‘players’ in our business have worked faithfully for the company for between eight and 11 years,” says Nico, clearly dedicated to offering exemplary assistance while empowering his complement of about 17 employees. “It’s all about continually striving for excellence,” adds Marlene, the company’s bookkeeper. When time allows the Swarts fulfil their appreciation of the wide outdoors by taking off in their 4X4, with roof-top tent, along roads less travelled. Of all their trips around southern Africa, Botswana is their favourite destination. Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Namaqua National Park feature on the top of

“It’s with grateful thanks to the team we leave behind – and the Big Hand above – that Marlene and I can take off for a month’s holiday and know that the business will run smoothly,” says Nico. “This is our joyful time of peace that keeps us sane.” Nico is also an ardent model aircraft pilot, and particularly enjoys float flying on dams. Marlene is a keen photographer, and although animals are her favourite topic, she admits to being spoilt for the choice of subjects as they travel the byways to rural destinations. “We generally take our boat along because we enjoy cruising gently up or down stream,” Marlene attaches to the list of activities she and Nico enjoy, adding that they both get a thrill when taking 4X4 excursions. “And,” adds Nico, “Marlene won’t tell you, so I’ll have to – she is an incredible cook.” Both Boland boerekinders, Nico and Marlene moved to Hermanus when they bought the business – now in its 29th year – back in 2007. They settled into the community immediately, agreed it was a good move

Nico and Marlene Swart, owners of CCS Plant , Tool and Trailer Hire. and they have no intention of relocating in the immediate future. Apart from their commitment to impeccable service the Swarts consider themselves privileged to have this opportunity to provide

work for local folk as they educate them – and impart knowledge which ultimately helps people grow in confidence as well as in product and customer awareness. “It’s about empowering people and

working as a team,” concludes Nico. Visit CCS at 4 Mimosa Street, Industrial Area, Hermanus. Contact 028 312 2280 or email ccsplant@telkomsa.net

New owner and new look for AutoAdvance Conveniently located in the Hermanus Business Park just behind the Hyundai Hermanus dealership, AutoAdvance is an accredited Hyundai service centre and, as a multi-franchise they also service other car brands. At the helm is new owner, Reimert Moolman, who shares a passion for cars with his father, Willie.

Castagnini Engineering Works in Montague Gardens for 13 years, was up for a new challenge and in no time he and his wife, Yolandi were on their way. “We moved here in June with our new-born son,” Reimert recalls with remarkable calm for a man who not only welcomed his first child into the world, but also had to relocate and start a new business all in the space of a few weeks.

Willie and his wife Hettie farmed in the Upington area for eight years before Willie decided to turn his hobby of fixing up cars into a career. The result was the Karmakers Garage, which turned into a real family business, with Hettie doing the books and their son Reimert, learning the ropes from his father. After 42 years in Upington, Willie retired and the couple moved to Hermanus. They settled in their holiday home in Sandbaai, which they’d purchased in 2004 and where the family had spent many a happy holiday. Nothing much seems to have come from his decision to retire, however, as he soon became involved with the construction industry and built five houses. When he purchased a used Hyundai bus and was looking for parts, his path crossed with the previous owner of AutoAdvance, Andries Burger.

Willie and Reimert Moolman of AutoAdvance.

Willie adds proudly that Reimert always had a knack for mechanics. “He was only in Std. 5 when I gave him a wreck of an old Opel Kadett. He did a great job on fixing it up and was able to resell it at a profit. He went on to buy, fix and sell several cars throughout his high school years.” Reimert is now busy renovating AutoAdvance’s offices, the reception area as well as the workshop, and their new website is under construction. “We’ll be done before the end of the year – and it’s going to be WOW,” he says with a big smile.

The business, then called Burger Petrol & Diesel, piqued Willie’s interest when Andries asked him if he didn’t want to take over the workshop. “I said no, I’m retired!” chuckles Willie. “But I did call my son, Reimert, then living in Cape Town and asked him if he didn’t feel like making a change and running his own workshop here in Hermanus.” Reimert, a qualified mechanical engineer who had been the workshop manager at

Having decided on a new name – AutoAdvance – Reimert threw himself heart and soul into this new venture, supported by his dad. Father and son seem to have come full circle from the days in Upington when Reimert worked in his dad’s workshop as a schoolboy. “My dad taught me everything I know about cars,” he says, “and I used to love working beside him.”

Find AutoAdvance at 3 Adam Street, Hermanus Business Park. They can be contacted on 028 312 4436 /4547 or md@autoadvance.co.za Reimert, Willie and their team in the AutoAdvance workshop.

- Hedda Mittner

3 October 2018

Final shot for Sopiesklip

xtreme weather conditions, with stormy seas and high winds, have eroded the well-known rock formation known as Sopiesklip on Die Plaat, between Grotto Beach and De Kelders. The overhanging rock that formed the ‘roof’ of a cave has disappeared and the whole formation is diminishing in size as Mother Nature continues to grind it down to grains of sand. What few people know is that, along with the disappearance of the cave, an interesting tit-bit of Hermanus history has also been lost. In the photograph below, kindly supplied by Brian McFarlane, the entrance to the cave can clearly be seen. According to Brian, whose family has lived in Hermanus for generations, a fisherman remembered as Mr Otto, who came to Hermanus from Germany after WWII, used to actually live in the cave.

“Back then, Hermanus was a fisherman’s paradise,” Brian recalls. “But the fishermen had to walk long distances to get to the best fishing spots; there were no 4X4 vehicles and only some of them had dikwielfietse (bicycles with thick tyres that could travel on soft sand). Mr Otto got tired of walking daily to Die Plaat and back to his home in Hermanus. So when he saw this cavity in the rock formation of Sopiesklip, he dug it out a bit further and created a homeaway-from-home where he would stay for several days at a time. He even fitted his new abode with a door and named it Die Paradys (Paradise).” Brian says his father, Brian McFarlane Snr, knew Mr Otto and he has a faded black-and-white photograph from an old family album (far right), showing his dad next to his American Willys Jeep delivering the newspaper to Mr Otto. The photo is dated 1945. “My father also fished regularly along Die Plaat and he used to take Mr Otto fresh water, vegetables and the paper. He would also take Mr Otto’s catch of the day back to Hermanus and sell it to the fish shop for him.” Mr Otto’s home in Hermanus was in Main Road near the police station, and Brian remembers that it had a big windmill in front and an impressive vegetable garden. After Mr Otto’s death several beach bums made use of the cave but no-one lived there continuously for any length of time. As for the name ‘Sopiesklip’, Brian says it derives from the days when the fishermen would sit on the rock to have a ‘sopie’ (a shot of alcohol) after a hard day’s fishing before setting off for home. – Hedda Mittner

The photographs above were taken by Phillipa Murray. The top photo was taken after the recent stormy seas and the one below it only a few months ago.

This photograph from Brian McFarlane’s family album, dated 1945 is captioned: “Delivering paper to Mr Otto, who lives along Plaat in cave.”

3 October 2018

The Overstrand’s Blue-Green Economy

he Overstrand has no major industries like factories or mines. Its main economic driver is the natural beauty of the area and the employment opportunities presented by tourism. This is the so-called “green economy”. Besides the municipality, both the illegal “mining” and legal farming of abalone along the Whale Coast are the main sources of employment. This sector is part of the “blue economy”. Providing enough jobs for an ever-increasing number of people seeking employment will never be possible. It is necessary to grow the number of entrepreneurs who can, in turn become employers. In 2017 the Table Mountain Fund appointed Whale Coast Conservation and the Grootbos Foundation to assist in the process by providing small grants to potential entrepreneurs and to mentor them to gain a foothold in the bluegreen economy. The aim is to disburse these grants of up to R30 000 to 42 projects over 3 years. The aims of the grants are “to support the growth and development of new entrants to the conservation sector and to facilitate the inclusion and involvement of a wider range of stakeholders in conservation; to increase the focus on coastal and marine organisations; to enhance conservation initiatives; to mentor social enterprise development projects creating income for impoverished communities via

nappies, smothering the earth.

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conservation-based activities; and to increase awareness of alien clearing by empowering local contracting teams”. The first 14 projects are now coming to an end. Here are some of them.

Several projects were designed to reduce the amount of plastic in the waste stream. Refusing plastic is more critical than ever now that Overstrand residents are no longer able to recycle. Everything we throw “away” does not go away, but has to be trucked at great cost to very expensive landfills.

Two projects involved alien plant removal to protect fynbos. They provided both training and practical application in clearing a “green corridor” on Farm 215's conservation servitude to preserve the critically endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos found on this property. This was the third cycle of alien clearing within the servitude area which aims to connect the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and Agulhas National Park.

Another project aimed at providing alternatives to the plastics we acquire in the first place. This project also markets cleaning products that are not harmful to the environment.

A project in Stanford is managing reed growth in a stream. Reeds remove excess nutrients from water, but can become nuisance plants by choking the river if the nutrients are excessive. Cutting and pruning keeps reeds in an optimum growth phase and increases the extraction of pollutants. The cut reed is taken to a local farmer who adds it to his compost.

A most innovative collaboration brought together a newly-trained sewing group from one project and another project that aims to replace disposable nappies and sanitary wear with a range of re-usable products. If one considers that disposable nappies take 550 years to break down, we face the prospect of an unthinkable pile of dirty (plastic-based)

One was a swop shop project. Children could collect recyclable litter and exchange it for goods in the shop, thus cleaning the environment in the process.

Two co-operatives run by women in fisher communities were helped by the grants to produce and market their traditional delicacies – think sour fig jam, perlemoen pie, smoked mussels and smoked snoek! Yet another project funded a survey by professional entomologists of the area where Whale Coast Conservation released 120 chameleons earlier this year. This will tell us what insects they are eating to survive and what their long-term survival prospects are. My personal favourite project was the production of a stop-frame animation video workshopped with children to highlight the plight of the African Penguin. It features the music of Tribal Echo, another of my favourites. Find the Penguin’s Song on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2b2AR1Za Pc&feature=share. You – and your grandchildren too – will love it! Proposals are now invited for the next round of small grant funding. Who knows – perhaps your bright idea can evolve into a profitable business with the help of a small grant from the Table Mountain Fund. The closing date for proposals is 31 October 2018. – Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation

Endangered Erica found at Phillipskop An endangered Erica has been found thriving at Phillipskop Mountain Reserve, near Stanford. Erica paucifolia subsp. paucifolia (pictured above) was last collected in the Hermanus and Stanford areas in 1931, more than 80 years ago. When the species was revised in 2000 by the expert on the group, Ted Oliver, he considered that “with no recent records from the Hermanus area, there is a possibility that the subspecies has died out there. Clearly any populations on the sandy flats around Hermanus would have been recorded during the excellent collections made there in the last decade by the botanical fraternity of Hermanus”. On account of this assessment, the subspecies was classified as Endangered on the Redlist of South African Plants because it was considered locally extinct in Hermanus and Stanford, with only populations int Kleinmond and Bot River

surviving (and threatened there too). However, the recent discovery of this species at Phillipskop by Chris Whitehouse brings new hope for its survival. Erica paucifolia only grows about 20cm high, and is a dark red colour with small hairy flowers. The population in the reserve consists of more than just a few plants. Hundreds were found covering large areas on the southwestern slopes of the peak. But because it grows in the understorey below taller fynbos plants, it is easily over-looked. Therefore, it may well be found at other sites between Phillipskop and Hermanus. Hopefully it will inspire the botanical fraternity to make renewed searches for it in the Hermanus area. The hiking trails at Phillipskop Mountain Reserve are open to day visitors (R40 an adult, R20 a child). For more information on the trails visit www.phillipskop.co.za

3 October 2018

In search of the last remaining wilderness

enuinely wild land – land that has always been wilderness and still is – has almost disappeared. Population growth, agriculture and urbanisation are all swallowing up the vast areas of wilderness that existed even a century ago. Convinced that what is left will soon disappear, wildlife photographers Peter and Beverly Pickford determined to focus their attention on the few wild lands that still exist and have documented their search in a book to be published this month, Wild Land – Four and a half years in search of the last remaining wilderness on earth. The Pickfords will be the guest speakers at U3A Overberg’s open meeting on 11 October. Their presentation will showcase many of the iconic images from the book, together with a commentary based on the words used to describe them. It is the only presentation they will be making in this part of the country. The couple’s unprecedented quest to document and preserve our last remaining wild lands took more than four years and covered seven continents. In more than 200 striking images, they have created an epic, unparalleled portrait of some of our planet’s most untouched places: from the heatbeaten country of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast to Alaska and the Yukon’s abundance of water, in ocean, river and lake; from the sub-Antarctic islands’ wind-tossed shores in the south to the Arctic’s immense expanses of cracked pancake ice in the north; and the dazzling juxtaposition of desert and water in Australia’s Kimberley to the remote, frozen peaks of Tibet and Patagonia. Within these extreme landscapes, Beverly and Peter’s images illuminate and celebrate myriad forms of life: Polar bears, rhinoceroses and bharal, as well as the humble lichen, are all evocatively pictured within the landscapes upon which they depend. This is a wildlife book like no other, its images aching with what words struggle to describe: the resonance of wilderness in our inner being, the power of land to transform our emotion, and our ability to transcend the immediate to become sublime.

Wild Land’s evocative images are accompanied by a fascinating text in which Peter not only vividly describes the photographers’ adventures in pursuit of wild land, but also delivers a timely message that highlights the urgent need for these lands to be preserved for the future of the planet – a future on which humankind’s very survival is dependent.

PHOTO: Steve Springer

Peter and Beverly are professional wildlife photographers, committed conservationists, and inveterate travellers and explorers. Both born and educated in Africa, Peter and Beverly met in 1979 – at the time Peter was a safari-lodge and reserve manager, and Beverly worked in hotel management. The pair soon joined forces as safari-lodge managers, before embarking on their award-winning photography careers. Their work has carried them across all of earth’s continents to produce nine books, among them the bestselling The Miracle Rivers: The Okavango and the Chobe of Botswana and the critically acclaimed Forever Africa: A Journey from the Cape of Good Hope to Morocco. Beverly and Peter’s photography has earned them numerous awards, including the Agfa Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Kodak Black and White Photographer of the Year.

Wildlife photographers Beverly and Peter Pickford during their epic quest to document the last remaining wild lands on all seven continents.

Although the couple’s work takes them all over the world, the continent of Africa remains their home. When not on assignment, they live in a nature reserve they have established on the West Coast of South Africa, surfing, hiking and kayaking in the company of the thousands of seabirds and seals they have helped to protect.

The authors’ book Wild Land will be launched this month.

Meet the authors at the U3A Open Meeting in the Municipal Auditorium on Thursday, 11 October at 17:30. Entry is R10 for U3A members and R20 for nonmembers. Autographed copies of Wild Land will be on sale at R795 per copy. A signed commitment to pay later by EFT will allow you to receive your copy immediately, after the meeting.

To advertise in The Village NEWS, phone 028 312 2234 or email ads@thevillagenews.co.za

3 October 2018

More accessible home finance for Western Cape properties

ome financier Sentinel Homes has broadened access to home finance with the launch of an alternative financing model to traditional home loans. “One of the biggest problems many people face is access to finance to buy a home,” said Renier Kriek, CEO of Sentinel Homes. “Although they may be able to afford monthly home-loan repayments, they struggle to get a loan from a bank because they are self-employed, freelance, are foreigners or foreign income earners, have no credit record or are expatriates. “Banks are also not as willing to provide full bonds,” he said. “Without a big enough deposit, a smaller bond may not cover the purchase price of a home, so buyers cannot proceed with a purchase.” Sentinel’s model is based on instalment sale finance, the same concept used to finance motor vehicles and other movable consumer goods. By innovatively applying the concept to provide home finance, buyers can obtain finance of up to 95% of the purchase price of a home. “The home purchase process proceeds as usual,” said Kriek. “The home buyer finds a home and signs an offer to pur-

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comprehensive insurance to ensure instalments can be paid if an unexpected life event occurs.

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chase. If the offer is accepted, the buyer approaches a bank or bond originator for a home loan. If the bank offers a smaller bond or declines the application, the buyer can apply to Sentinel for finance. If approved, the sale is concluded, and after the relevant conveyancing process, the buyer can move in.” The buyer pays a monthly instalment for the duration of the repayment term, comprising the interest due on the principal, a portion of capital and a monthly service fee. Interest is levied at competitive interest rates linked to prime. “The monthly instalment will be identical to what a bank’s bond payment

To qualify for Sentinel’s financing, the buyer needs a good credit record and secure financial situation. The instal-ment must also be affordable. The home being purchased must fall in the R500 000 to R2,5 million price range, and be a single title or sectional title home in the Western Cape. Financing across the country will be rolled out in due course.

would have been within the same parameters,” said Kriek. “This makes owning a home affordable and the monthly payments market related.”

with their own capital or a bank loan, or they can sell their home. It may also be possible to extend the loan from Sentinel.

Unlike with a bank home loan, Sentinel remains the registered owner of the property until the final instalment is paid. This has no practical effect on the homeowner as long as the instalments are paid. If the buyer defaults, an arrangement must be made with Sentinel immediately to address the arrears.

“Trends show that mortgages are settled from home sales on average every eight years, so this arrangement would suit the average homeowner,” said Kriek. “To sell a home before the finance is repaid, the selling price must be sufficient to cover the outstanding debt with Sentinel.”

Although Sentinel amortises the total amount financed over 240 months, the balance is due in full as a balloon payment after 120 months. Home-buyers can settle the balance either

If a homebuyer defaults on instal-ments due to job loss, illness, death or other unexpected reason, the home can be sold to settle the finance and the remainder is paid to the buyer. Homebuyers are encouraged to take

Properties financed by Sentinel can be let with the company’s approval. Sentinel also approves tenants’ creditworthiness and rental affordability to protect both the home buyer and the company. “Sentinel is financed by investors and South African banks, who perform stringent financial checks before providing finance. The company therefore consistently operates on a financially sound base,” said Kriek. In addition to complying with the National Credit Act, as would a bank/mortgage provider, Sentinel also complies with the con-sumer protection framework codified in the Alienation of Land Act. “With these safeguards in place, buyers are assured that their homes are secure, no matter what happens to Sentinel,” said Kriek.

3 October 2018

Hermanus: Home to the start of the Epic 2019

he world-renowned Absa Cape Epic will be returning to Hermanus in March 2019, it was revealed at last week’s route launch.

Pass and then working through the undulating Overberg farmlands, it will be a day for the strong men and women to test the mettle of their rivals.

Hermanus was named as the location for the first two stages of this gruelling mountain-bike stage race. The Absa Cape Epic – the most televised mountain-bike race in the world – will cover 624 kilometres with a total climb of 16 650 meters over eight days, showcasing the beauty of Cape Town, the Overstrand, Elgin and the Cape Winelands.

After an overnight stay at the race village in Hermanus, the riders will have a shorter day in the saddle (86 km vs the previous day’s 112 km), but it might not be so sweet. The stage starts with an ascent of Rotary Drive before leaving the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and heading towards Oak Valley in Elgin.

Hermanus has hosted the Absa Cape Epic on three previous occasions – most recently in 2017. On this occasion, Hermanus mountain bikers Claude Tyers and his teammate Mathew Browne were the first two locals to cross the line on Day 1. The town also won the competition for Best Town Spirit and will be looking to do the same in 2019. Next year, after completing a prologue on the slopes of Table Mountain on Sunday, 17 March, riders will travel to Hermanus for stage 1 and 2 of the race. Stage 1 is named “Heaven and Back to Earth” and has the Cape Epic returning to the Hemel-enAarde Valley. Known for premium South African wines, the region will be happy to welcome premium mountain bikers from all over the world. Rotary Drive, the La Vierge stairs and the Paddocks will set the tone for a day of relentless ascents before the day’s first spectator point at Creation Wines, which won the prize for the best viewing experience in 2017. Traversing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley twice, slogging ever upwards to the summit of Katkloof

There will be no sun loungers or beach umbrellas on the sandy crossing of the rolling hills to Wildekrans Wine Estate, just searching for hardpacked tracks through the coastal fynbos. Braam Gericke, Wildekrans winemaker and Epic mountain biker, established a brand new singletrack that cuts into the Hottentots Holland Mountains with a 6 km long climb gaining over 500 meters in elevation. This stretch has been named the Wildekrans Tokoloshe and here the cyclists will leave the Overstrand. The Absa Cape Epic will inject an estimated R300 million into the economy of the Western Cape – and approximately R75 million will go to the Overstrand. There has already been benefits with the organisers bringing small groups of elite cyclists to experience the route (and the area’s wines). Video footage provides priceless marketing and promotion material for the Cape Whale Coast. We look forward to another successful hosting of the Absa Cape Epic and foresee that this event will benefit all communities and unite us in our appreciation of world-class adventure sports.

3 October 2018

Hermanus High matrics step out in style Hermanus High held its annual Matric Farewell at the school on Friday 28 September. The theme for the evening was ‘Winter Wonderland’ and the teachers and Gr 11 pupils transformed the gymnasium into a magical white landscape. As usual, the matrics arrived in all modes of funky transport, from vintage cars, motorcycles and golf carts to sports cars and even on horseback. They were greeted by waiting family members, friends, and present and past pupils as they emerged from the vehicles and were directed up the red carpet. The matrics then headed to the gymnasium where they enjoyed a three-course dinner and danced the night away. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

Sophia Byleveld and her date for the evening, Marco Muller, rocked the colour red with diamante touches.

Grace Page and her date arrived in a red VW Beetle and were greeted with loud cheers from onlookers.

Dhandré Etalla embodied the Winter Wonderland theme with her blue dress and white shoulder wrap. She walked the red carpet and runway with the attitude of a diva.

Hannah Sturm and her date arrived in a white VW Beetle and were excited to get to the festivities.

Talitha Strydom looked beautiful in an off-the-shoulder dress with her date for the evening beside her.

Lionel April (a Boland rugby player) and Lyram Butler (Miss Hermanus 2018) arriving on the red carpet looking very stylish.

Babalwa Ngxandeshe and her date awed onlookers with their elegance and charm.

3 October 2018

A rare bird flies over the 27th

reetings again from Hermanus Golf Club, where we have experienced mixed weather – everything from hurricane winds to the most fantastic sunny days! That is our lovely, typical Hermanus weather pattern. Ryder Cup This weekend saw the 42nd Ryder Cup, this year held in France from 28 – 30 September. The Ryder Cup is a very unique tournament that pits the very best of Europe against the very best of America. It is always a titanic battle and one of the very few matchplay tournaments on the calendar. And of course, let’s not forget that the players are not paid a cent to play. The tournament lived up to expectations in every way, and was a display of passion, talent, friendship, camaraderie and ultimate sportsmanship. Day 1 saw an early lead by the USA dwindle away, and the Europeans took a leading role by the end of Day 2, with a seemingly unassailable 10 - 6 lead. But in true Ryder Cup form the USA fought back with every stroke to be at one stage just one point behind. With the great McIlroy defeated, the Europeans wobbled but the ship was steadied by a fantastic win by John Rahm against a very resurgent Tiger Woods, and gradually the scoreboard turned from red to blue. So to the Europeans the heady god-like status of a well-deserved victory was sealed by Francesco Molinari who fittingly was also the first player to win all his matches in the Ryder Cup since Larry Nelson in 1979. The eventual score

The Putting Pirate Julian Shaw

Scores at a glance SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Alliance Bogey Plus 151 players – Winners: South course - Mike Wells, Pete Bouwer, Phil Munro, Brandon Shaw +18; Winners: North course - Ray Calitz, Manuel Kantor, Desmond Sauls, Warwick Addison + 16C/I; Winners: East course - Trevor Schouw, Willie Theron, Gavin Levick, Harold Snelson + 21; Ball pool paid to +12. Best gross: Andrew Philip and Dave Bunn. Attendance draw was sponsored by Red Chair (fellow member Deon Muller) and was won by Pippa Adams. LADIES TUESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER The ladies unfortunately were again blown away – better luck next week, ladies.

line of 17.5 to 10.5 didn’t do justice to the nail-biting tournament, and no doubt serious celebrations lasted well into the night! Until the next Ryder Cup in 2020 – and back to the USA – bragging rites belong to the blue! Other big news in the golfing world is that Tiger Woods is back. This is truly great for the sport and, love him or hate him, golf does well when Tiger does well! It was down to the last tournament of the season, the $9M Tour Championship. Tiger showed glimpses of his old brilliance and cracks of new unheard-of nerves but in the end won by 2. This was his 80th tour title and only Sam Snead has won more titles. It is truly remarkable as only last year he was down and out, 1 199th in the world ranking, and after yesterday he is 21st in the world… and rising fast! The 42-year-old was emotional but ecstatic after the victory and hardly able to respond to reporters as the chanting of “Ti-ger, Ti-ger” nearly drowned him out. Personally I’ve never really liked Tiger… until now. Anyone who can come back from the depths of golfing despair to winning tour titles again – and probably a few more majors – has got my vote. Viva le Tiger!

As a footnote, another fantastic achievement that was been somewhat overlooked is Justin Rose’s winning the FedEx Cup and, by the by, a cool $10M! Not bad for batting a ball around a series of parks!

MEN’S WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Betterball Bogey Plus 100 players – Winners: Dave Durham and Brian James +7; Runners-up: Deon Esterhuyse and Tony Runkel +6. One 2 club: GP le Roux. Ball pool paid to +3. Best gross: Mike Frost 78

A very rare albatross News on the home front this week features a 19 handicap test fighter pilot who made a very impressive albatross on Wednesday! Lance Wellington, who has been a member of the Club for the past few years, nearly wasn’t here at all. About four years ago he was in a terrible car accident near Bredasdorp, which he survived largely due to his wife being a doctor who managed to get to the crash site where he was trapped in the car for over an hour. Today he is a talented pilot that tests fighter jets in China and on Wednesday managed to make a two on the par five, 27th hole. To put this into perspective, I have only heard of two other albatrosses since our new course opened in 2007, whereas we have had 98 hole-in-ones recorded in the same period. Well done, Lance, I think some of your wellknown uncle’s genes (Jock Wellington) have filtered down!

Lance Wellington made a very impressive albatross last week on Wednesday.

3 October 2018

THE

NEWS

MY Sport

Vine to Valley Trail Run Success With running trails described as “very technical, single-tracked and challenging”, the second in a series of six Vine to Valley runs took place last Saturday at Bosman Vineyards in the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

The inaugural Wildekrans Wild One Trail Run and Family Day on Heritage Day, 24 September, was a great success thanks to a good turnout of supporters, great weather and an excellent venue. The organisers are looking forward to staging this event annually and wish to thank all the volunteers who helped to make the day a success. A very big thank you also goes to the following sponsors: Wildekrans Wine Estate; Trail magazine; Modern Athlete; Dischem; Shoprite Checkers; Montagu Fruit & Nuts; Just Pure Bistro; Running Rabbit Café and Allure Hair Couture.

For the nearly 100 participants, both a 6 km and 12 km route were offered through cliffs, to waterfalls and spectacularly high viewpoints. “A lot of people said that it was an incredible experience,” said event organiser Bianca le Roux. The next trail run will be at Sumaridge Wine Estate on 27 October. According to Bianca, this time it will only be an easy 5 km run. After the event participants are invited to enjoy food, drinks and of course wine with family and friends, while the kids play on Sumaridge’s expansive lawns around the dam.

Running wild at Wildekrans

The results were as follows: 21 km – 1. Chris Visser 1.57.07; 2. Peter 2.04.06; 3. Amanda Bullmore 2.05.08 11 km – 1. Damian-Lee Wallace 50.42; 2. Liezel van Deventer 57.30; 3. Dean Rhoode 1.04.53 6 km – 1. Lukas Joubert 29.09; 2. Deon 29.11; 3. Hettie 30.14

Participants in Saturday’s Vine to Valley Trail Run at Bosman Vineyards were able to relax afterwards with plenty of liquid refreshments.

Chris and Peter, who came first and second respectively in the 21 km Trail Run at Wildekrans on Heritage Day.

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The Village NEWS 3 October - 9 October

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