I Love Yzer/Darling Magazine by Dave Coleshill

THE SPRING ISSUE SEP - NOV 2018 ISSUE 20 | R10

COVER STAR

SANDY WILKINS

YZER DARLING DARLING SCARECROW

Festival DARLING TTU

DARLING COLLEGE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

ENDURO

RUN

THE BLUE RIBBON

YZERFONTEIN

CYCLE EXPERIENCE

the spring issue 2018

CONTENTS 08 10 12 16 18 20 22 24 25

COVER STAR Sandy Wilkins PROFILE Nathan Andrews PROFILE The Little Nest MARKET The Crystal Shop WINE Slow Down for Fine Wine DINE Reviving the Coffee Shop Culture in Yzer TOURISM Hello Darling WE CARE Evita’s Crafters SPIRITUAL Die Lewende Woord

10 CENTREFOLD PULL OUT BUSINESS DIRECTORY 28 HISTORY Disappearing boats, near drownings and speed cops... 31 HOME Construction Pittfalls 32 PETS Have Fluffy, will Travel 33 NATURE Lente in die Strandveld

34 37 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

BEAUTY Make-up Trends FITNESS Glute Workout KIDS Darling College Celebrates 20 Years THE TOFFEE GALLERY Boundless Objects TO DO Conservation for the Next Generation TO DO Dit & Dat Mark TO DO CANSA Shades of Pink Walk TO DO Darling ttu 24 hour MTB Enduro & Enduro Run TO DO Darling Scarecrow Festival TO DO The Blue Ribbon Yzerfontein Cycle Experience TO DO I j Yzer Events EVENTS CALENDAR DARLING MAP

I j YZER ∙ meet the team

I LOVE YZER TEAM MARIAAN HEYNS, ELDRÉ STRYDOM, DAVID COLESHILL, NADINE PRETORIUS

@ILoveYzer

ILoveYzer.co.za

I LOVE YZER is an event-, publishing-, marketing- and brand-management company established in 2013, focused on promoting Yzerfontein, Darling & the West Coast as a tourism destination to support local events and businesses. We have organised more than 100 events to date, including markets, shows and ad hoc activities aimed at establishing a tourism footprint in our area. We support our local producers and crafters through the market events, providing them with the opportunity to sell their products to locals and visitors and thus growing their customer base. We launched the I Love Yzer Darling ILoveYzer

magazine in 2013 as a medium to promote our local talent, events and all things West Coast. Mostly local contributors supply content, and anyone is welcome to submit articles. The quarterly publication is a must-have for all visitors to our area, helping them to learn about the locals, find out where to eat and which activities can be done in the area. Be sure to keep the centerfold pull-out business directory nearby in case of emergency! More on the rest of the team and what we do in the next issue. Enjoy The Spring Issue! - from the I Love Yzer Team j. ILoveYzer

Editorial Team Publisher Content Sub-Editors Layout & Design Advertising, Marketing, Distribution Contributors Donnay Torr Janet Withington Angelique Rosant Nicalene Coutts Nicolet Smuts Libbes Loubser Yolandi Herbst Hentie van der Merwe Charles Withington Hanno Swanepoel Rhinda van Rooyen Boytjie Basson

Contributors

I Love Yzer Nadine Pretorius, David Coleshill Janet Withington, Donnay Torr Nadine Pretorius, Lauren Burger Nadine Pretorius, David Coleshill Susan Smuts Stefan Hurter Riaan Neethling Dawn Munz Silver Dune Photography Sonja Bredell Douglas Wheatley Marius Jerling Shaun McLaughlin Una Nieuwoudt Gil Ferreira Charles Duckitt CANSA PR

NICALENE COUTTS has loved crystals her whole life. She is a natural born psychic-medium with a deep love for helping people.Through sharing her love of crystals with her customers at markets, she finds it easy to merge her passions.

Competition Terms & Conditions The winners will be the first entries drawn after the closing date. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is not transferable and may not be converted into cash. I Love Yzer Darling magazine is published quarterly by I Love Yzer. © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. While every care is taken in preparation of this magazine, the publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of I Love Yzer.

Nadine 084 677 0077 nadine@iloveyzer.co.za Eldré 082 877 6677 eldre@iloveyzer.co.za Dave 076 834 8085 dave@iloveyzer.co.za Mariaan 079 880 1552 mariaan@iloveyzer.c Office/Shop 022 451 2202 info@iloveyzer.co.za Shop 5, Yzerfontein Business Centre, Buitekant Street, Yzerfontein

DOUGLAS WHEATLEY is the owner of McNeil Construction and Real Estate. He was born and raised in Yzerfontein, one of the last true Yzerfontein locals. He loves going fishing at Dassen Island and you will always see him with his Staffie by his side.

NADINE PRETORIUS is part of team I Love Yzer. Wife of Henré Pretorius, mom of 3 boys - Liam (9), Heath (7) and Finn (5). Lives in Darling, but my j is still in Yzer. Workaholic by nature, love to cook, love to dance, addicted to fashion & beauty and recently became obsessed with fitness.

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DEC 2017 - FEB 2018 ISSUE 17 | R8

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THE AUTUMN ISSUE

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JUN - AUG 2018 ISSUE 19 | R10

Dine with TANNIE EVITA & JENNY MORRIS

FROM TANNIE EVITA IN HER VOORKAMER

A New Chapter

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THE WINTER ISSUE

MAR - MAY 2018 ISSUE 18 | R10

ARNO IN YZER

CAPE BRANDY THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

Tannie Petro Einde van ‘n era

KEITH DIETRICH AT THE TOFFEE GALLERY

ORGANIC FARMING IN YZERFONTEIN

JULIA ALBU ADVENTURES THROUGH AFRICA

6 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

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A woman of SUBSTANCE

She’s quirky, funny and a stickler for a good cause. Never too busy to help and always willing to go the extra mile. In short, Sandy Wilkins is a rare West Coast gem.

ARTICLE UNA NIEUWOUDT PHOTOS SILVER DUNE PHOTOGRAPHY MAKE UP & HAIR MEGZ HAIR | BEAUTY CLOTHING THE CATWALK CLOTHING COMPANION LILY

alling her one of a kind, the salt of the earth or an angel in disguise might sound like tired old clichés. Clichés, nevertheless, that fit Yzerfontein’s Sandy Wilkins to the T. She complements this idyllic small town in the same way that sand, surf and seagulls define the West Coast. Sandy knows everybody, and everybody knows her. She might have seen 70 come and go, but she’s still the same joyful individual that moved to Yzer 19 years ago with her life partner of many years, Pammie Snyman. Always friendly, always positive, with a wicked sense of humour and tons of compassion for her fellow man, the earth and most of its creatures. A staunch warrior for worthy causes, Sandy Wilkins is. Like many before and after them, Sandy and Pammie stumbled upon Yzerfontein by chance and never looked back. “It was a sweltering day sometime in the early eighties and we were on our way from Langebaan to Cape Town with our dog, Muffy, when we saw the turnoff. We took it and stopped at the garage for a Coke. In those days it was little more than a quaint establishment with gravel roads. But oh, so beautiful and untouched...’’ she reminisces while gazing at the choppy sea with a far-off look in her eyes. The rest, as they say, is history. Yzer became their favourite holiday destination and they eventually bought the house where they’ve been living for almost two decades. They also bought a shop at Villa Fontana and started A1 Laundry, which they had for two years before finally retiring.

8 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

Sandy, an only child, was born in Bristol, England, but moved to Cape Town with her parents at age five, when her father, Alfred, was transferred from Southampton. She was schooled in Camps Bay, completed a secretarial course at the National Business Institute in Cape Town and worked, amongst others, for City Tramways, Fair Organisers and in the Hotel Industry. “The highlight of my career was working at the Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged in Three Anchor Bay. Caring for and having contact with the elderly made me really happy.” Sandy doesn’t only care for, she also cares about – animals, nature, the less privileged and a safe environment. She talks the talk and walks the walk. Going the extra mile is never an exception, but always her rule. “I used to walk a lot and traversed the whole of Yzer. Then I got the idea to list all the houses that had names. When completed, I printed the list and gave a copy each to Yzerfontein Tourism and Medical Response,” says Sandy, who is constantly on the go and on a mission. In 2001, she joined forces with a late friend, John Blackshaw, to create awareness of the dangerous crossing where the roads to Yzerfontein and Darling intersect with the R27. “We called ourselves RAG, short for Robot Action Group, and gathered statistics on the amount of traffic, accidents, etc. on the road into Yzer. It was a lengthy process. Eventually we got more than 2 000 people from the West Coast to sign a petition for traffic lights at the crossing, but

COVER we were told that there wasn’t enough traffic to justify the costs involved. We finally managed to have flashing lights installed, as well as speed cameras on the R27.” Her caring and concern doesn’t stop with her fellow residents. Sandy Wilkins also has a truly deep passion for the earth, its non-human inhabitants and the protection of natural resources like water. She and Pammie make a variety of birdfeeders, using recycled materials where possible, and have become a familiar face at craft markets, where they sell their Pet’s Delite merchandise. Sandy also collects tabs from cooldrink cans, bread tags, milk bottle caps and anything else that can either be reused or help a charity organisation. Caring for pets when their owners are away is another forte and something she always looks forward to. “I talk doggie language fluently and spoil my furry friends with treats that I always carry around in my bag. I even manage to get the odd whistle from a bird in a cage,” she declares with a broad grin. Whether in her car, at Spar or the post office, Sandy always greets (“I just love the Yzer wave”) and chats. Over the best part of two decades, she has accumulated a lifetime’s worth of fond memories. A recent one that makes her smile, is of

YZER DARLING

Do you want to write for us?

a particularly cold day at the monthly Groote Post Market. “I had a few sherries and ended up putting on a big wig from one of the stalls. Nadine from I love Yzer took a photo of me. On my 70th birthday, Nadine and Eldré from I Love Yzer gave me a framed copy.” Well-known and loved, but as humble as they come. When fellowresident Stephany Pereira nominated her for the cover of I love Yzer/Darling’s Spring Cover Star, it came as quite a surprise. In her motivation letter, Stephany says that Sandy epitomises the spirit of country living. She calls her “an asset to Yzerfontein and an amazing example of someone who seems to stay forever young because she has an open mind and an open heart.” Those who know her, will agree: Sandy Wilkins is all that and much, much more. j

Send your articles to: nadine@iloveyzer.co.za All articles must be supplied in a word document and images attached separately as high resolution jpegs. For more info 022 451 2202 | info@iloveyzer.co.za

DARLING PROFILE

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

NATHAN DELIVERS WHATEVER IT TAKES ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS JANET WITHINGTON | RIAAN NEETHLING

athan Andrews has long been a familiar sight around Darling, on his bicycle and delivering mail, always with a big smile and a friendly wave to anyone who greets him. But have you given much thought as to how the post gets into his bag, or did you know that Nathan’s job involves much more than just popping letters (and bills!) into post boxes? Monday to Friday, every morning at 6:15, our postman takes the bus to Atlantis where he sorts Darling’s mail. He and his bag are brought back to Darling where he delivers on alternate days, and on the other days at Melkbos. Nathan is 27 years old and was born in Darling into a family who, although of modest means did all they could for him and his elder brother. He attended Vooruitsig Primary and then later Schoonspruit Secondary School and to his regret did not stay to pass matric. He found work at Darling Romery but had to leave due to ill health which required him to undergo two stomach operations. In 2012 he joined the Post Office and was “apprenticed” under James McKay from whom he later took over. Around the streets where Nathan lives he is not just familiar, but as a well-known resident remarked to us off the cuff, he is “a very special person”. He is known as Mr Pecks and as he cycles around he takes note of people in need. He began his mission to bring light into those people’s lives by handing out lollipops to the children but it has progressed to include hampers of essentials to the needy, elderly and disabled, and the raising of money through social media to fund operations for some with medical problems. All this, dear Reader, came originally out of his own pocket and by his own initiative but he is now assisted by donations from the community and some businesses including Engen Garage and Kirsten Vervoer. All this while he pedals the length and breadth of Darling on his own bicycle which is far,

10 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

far beyond safe or reasonable use, always without complaint, and with that smile on his face. Nathan has a dream that he can be instrumental in the creation of a Community Fund to support people in need and to help young people who cannot afford to participate in sports. He is hopeful that local non-profit organizations will be able to help him realize his dream. Omdat Nathan arm grootgeword het, weet hy wat dit is om swaar te kry en hy het van kleins af geleer dat “elke bietjie help”. Omdat hy oral pos aflewer, raak hy bewus van mense se soms moeilike omstandighede. Hy het ‘n sagte hart vol liefde en vind dit moeilik om te sien as mense swaarkry of seer het. Dan wil hy net daar wees vir hulle en help waar hy kan. Ons het vir Nathan gevra wat hy sou doen as hy ‘n miljoen rand as geskenk sou kry maar ons het geweet wat sy antwoord gaan wees. Hy sal dit in sy fiets se mandjie sit, deur die dorp ry en dit aan arm en behoeftige mense uitdeel! Sy wens is om nog meer mense te kan help. Hy is nederig en beskou homself as “net ‘n gewone mens”. Vir Nathan is dit wat hy doen maar net wat elke mens behoort te doen en hy is dankbaar vir die hulp wat hy kry van die plaaslike besighede en gemeenskap sonder wie hy sê hy nie sou kon doen wat hy doen nie. Hy sou graag sy matriek wou voltooi en vertrou dat hy die geleentheid sal kry om dit te doen. Nathan hou nie daarvan as mense net altyd negatief is en kla oor alles nie, veral as hulle in ‘n relatief bevoorregte posisie is. Hy sou graag wou sien dat Darling se inwoners oor grense heen hande sal neem en saamwerk om oplossings te vind vir die baie uitdagings in die arm en behoeftige deel van die gemeenskap. Hy sou ook graag wou sien dat ouers groter verantwoordelikheid moet neem vir hulle kinders, hulle goeie waardes sal leer en hulle sal ondersteun om suksesvolle skoliere te wees en matriek te behaal. Nathan het ‘n ses jaar oue seun, Cayden wat sy trots en vreugde is. Hy is aktief betrokke by die kerk en het ‘n passie om met die jeug te werk. Hy is ook lief vir sport en speel flank vir die Darling Rugby Klub. Hierdie is ‘n jong man wat op ‘n besondere wyse ‘n verskil in mense se lewens maak. Ons kan almal help deur hom van artikels soos klere, kos, huishoudelike ware en speelgoed te voorsien om aan behoeftige mense te gee. Dit kan by die Poskantoor langs die Engen Garage afgegee word waar hy dit sal kry. Indien iemand kan help om vir Nathan ‘n goeie gebruikte of nuwe fiets te kry om sy aflewerings te doen, sal dit sy werk aansienlik vergemaklik omdat sy huidige fiets oud is en baie probleme gee. j

PLEASE HELP! It would be wonderful to help Nathan with a new or good second-hand bicycle. Is there anyone out there who has one they would be prepared to donate? Please be in touch with I Love Yzer. T 022 451 2202 E info@iloveyzer.co.za

YZER PROFILE

Yzer se nes vol skatte In sy agtjarige bestaan het Yzerfontein se eiesoortige “negosiewinkel”, The Little Nest, ’n instelling geword. Dit maak nie saak of jy ’n lekker steak, tolletjie garing of ’n branderplank soek nie, jy sal dit heel waarskynlik daar vind. ARTIKEL UNA NIEUWOUDT FOTO SILVER DUNE PHOTOGRAPHY

zerfontein het nie groot hotelle en fancy winkelsentrums nie. Wat die unieke Weskusdorp wél het, is: die langste ononderbroke strand in SuidAfrika, volstruise wat in die strate rondloop en The Little Nest, ’n skatkis van ’n winkel waar jy vir enigiets onder die son kan gaan snuffel en dit heel waarskynlik sal kry. Aan die roer van sake is eienaar Derek Breytenbach en sy broer, Koos, wat albei kort duskant drie dekades gelede hier ’n holte vir die voet kom vind het. “Daardie dae was Yzerfontein weinig meer as ’n groot vissersdorp met ’n karavaanpark en een kruidenierswinkel, die One Stop Shop. Ek het baie jare gelede by die destydse eienaars en jarelange familievriende, oom Pine en tannie Loretta Laubscher, kom kuier. Hulle bied my toe ’n werk aan en so het ek op Yzerfontein beland,’ vertel Koos. Nie lank daarna nie het die Laubschers die winkel aan Derek en Koos se ouers, Andries en Elna, verkoop. Derek en Koos het die One Stop Shop sewentien jaar lank bestuur voordat hulle dit verkoop het. In 2010 het The Little Nest sy deure vir die publiek geopen. Derek is beskeie oor sy vermoë om dié unieke klein winkel van hoek tot kant met enigiets van kruideniers- en toiletware tot speelgoed, geskenke, beddegoed, kombuisware en soms selfs wasmasjiene en meubels te vul. Teen baie billike pryse, bygesê.

’Ek gaan gereeld Kaap toe vir veilings en bly op die uitkyk vir groot uitverkopings en winskope. Ons maak seker ons pryse is die moeite werd sodat ons produkte nie te lank op die rak sit nie,’ vertel Derek, ’n voormalige snoekerkampioen wat destyds twee jaar lank professioneel gespeel en verskeie kere op TV gesig gewys het. Hy glo The Little Nest se volgehoue sukses kan daaraan toegeskryf word dat permanente inwoners en jarelange klante gereeld inloer om te sien wat nuut is of om iets te soek wat hulle nêrens anders op die dorp kry nie. Kampeerders in die nabygeleë karavaanpark koop ook gereeld daar. “Die winkel is ’n kombinasie van baie dinge; dis amper soos ’n negosiewinkel en pawn shop ineen,’ sê Koos, wat volgens fluisteringe in plaaslike kringe ook destyds roem en rykdom gesmaak het toe hy die Lotto gewen het. Maar vra jy hom daaroor uit, klap hy toe soos ’n oester. Soos die geval met vele Yzerfonteiners is, het dit die Breytenbach-broers nie lank geneem om voor hul betowerende dorpie se sjarme te swig nie. Hulle het gekom om te bly. Dieselfde geld vir The Little Nest. j

INBOX

22 June 2018 Best magazine ever. Well done, John Coleshill

We would like to hear from you! Send your letters & photos to info@iloveyzer.co.za 12 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

RLING DA

ONTEIN RF

I want to congratulate you and your team …the new winter issue is an interesting and reflective publication. Well done! Anne

LOVE YZE

21 June 2018 Hi Nadine

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Young hearts hunting flowers

Yzerfontein Beach Cleanup

Conservation isn’t just a fuddy-duddy thing for adults. Kids can make a big difference – while having fun, too! ARTICLE ANGELIQUE ROSANT PHOTO NATURE + PHOTO WALKS

ith a theme such as “Conservation the Next Generation” being celebrated at this year’s Darling Wildflower Show, what could be more perfect than partnering with Nature + Photo Walks to stir up awareness – and curiosity – in our younger generation? Not much, we thought! So, on the 17th of May we held a special Outdoor Classroom Day, which proved to be the perfect balance of fun and learning for the Grade 3 class from Darling Primary School. Our curious participants enjoyed the outdoors while hunting for flowers in the Renosterveld Reserve and learning about the importance of flowers and pollinators – without them, we’d have serious food problems. After learning came creativity: the kids were challenged to design their own flowers, and you could just see their enthusiastic imaginations poured out on to the pages. All were rewarded with snack packs before tackling the rest of their school day, bellies and minds full. Thank you to Darling Primary School, Nature + Photo Walks and the Darling Outreach Foundation for their time and contributions – the children loved every moment. We hope to continue with this wonderful initiative during the year! j

ARTICLE | PHOTO DAWN MUNZ

zerfontein Beach Cleanup was initiated by Dawn Munz after walking on Main Beach and encountering the enormous amount of debris, consisting mainly of plastic and nylon materials of all sorts, washed up on the sand and amongst the seaweed. Her main objective with this voluntary initiative is to create an awareness of the pollution of our seas and more particularly that of the immediate Yzerfontein beach environment, stretching from the beginning of 16 Mile Beach around to the harbour area. This area is exposed to a high volume of pollution, especially during the winter months when regular rough seas are experienced. Most of the debris is entangled in the large amount of seaweed that gets washed up from the ocean and thus is often hidden from the eye. This vast volume of plastic, nylon and various other junk needs to be collected on a regular basis in order to prevent the tide from dragging it back into the waves. Our attention is drawn by various media on an almost daily basis, to the injuring, suffering and killing of our marine life and birds, and thus Dawn decided to start picking up as much as possible on her daily walk along the seafront. Yzerfontein Beach Cleanup invites members of the general public, business owners and also municipal authorities to get involved, even if only in a supporting role, towards keeping the beaches of Yzerfontein and our general environment free from this hideous pollution. j

CONTACT INFO T 074 270 0180 E dawnmunz55@gmail.com

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ARTICLE & PHOTO NICALENE COUTTS

icalene Coutts has loved crystals her whole life. She is a natural born psychic-medium with a deep love for helping people.Through sharing her love of crystals with her customers at markets, she finds it easy to merge her passions and help a wide range of people who are attracted to her stall for reasons ranging from being curious, having a scientific or emotional interest in crystals, to those just looking for something pretty for their homes or to gift to a loved one. Her “right hand man” is her son, Jared Boyle, who helps and assists her at the markets. Jared’s love for crystals started at a young age when he and his brother, Seth, used to spend hours digging through potting soil in specially prepared plant pots, “mining” for crystals that his mother had mixed in with the ground. Jared and Nicalene also enjoy the “stories behind the stones” - that being, the “how’s and why’s” certain stones look a certain way. Customers find this type of information fascinating, informative and entertaining. The Crystal Shop was “born” with the launch of an online store on 22 Feb 2017. However it had started a few months before that, when Nicalene’s husband arrived home after his wife had had a particularly enthusiastic Crystal shopping spree that covered the dining room table, and having nowhere to put his dinner plate (again), exasperated, he asked what she was planning to do with “all these crystals”, and whether selling them was part of her plan, as storage was running out and also display space in the house. This sparked something in Nicalene to take what she had previously been doing in a very informal manner to formalizing it into what is now known as The Crystal Shop. The online store has since been closed as it was found that the South African market much prefers an interactive approach when buying crystals. Crystals are still sold to customers throughout South Africa, using the medium of What’s App to send photos in real time so that customers can choose and then have them posted. Nicalene’s first love, however is definitely interacting with customers in person. She simply LOVES the vibe of a well-run market! Currently, there is not an actual, physical shop - despite the name - but they are aiming towards growing into that part of the name in the future; in the meantime they are mobile and you can “shop crystals” at their stall at various markets. The Crystal Shop specializes in rough crystals, minerals, Palo Santo “Holy wood” sticks, cones & essential oil, Himalayan Crystal salt lamps, Dream catchers, sun catchers, incense and incense holders and related esoteric products. Nicalene is always on the look-out for something a little

CONTACT INFO

“different” from what is usually found in Crystal supply stores, which reflects in a wide range of unusual products. One customer described her crystals as “wild” which is the perfect description of what she prefers - unadulterated, just like nature intended, raw, beautiful energy. The question most asked is where do they get their crystals from? No, not all of the crystals come from Namibia :) in fact, very few of their crystals are sourced from Namibia. Their crystals come from as far afield as the Czech Republic (Moldavite) to Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Congo, Northern Cape and other sources. They prefer to support small miners rather than large companies which accounts for why their crystals may not always look beautiful and perfect, but are always unusual and “wild” looking. The Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens) sticks are one of the best sellers, and are imported from Latin America where that tree is indigenous. It is a fascinating product because the tree is seen as a gift from nature because in order to get the nice smelling wood, the tree has to die naturally and lie there for 8-10 years in order for the essential oil to move from the heart wood of the tree into the rest of the wood, which is then chopped up by artisanal workers. Their Palo Santo is sustainably harvested with the supplier replanting thousands of saplings every year. The most difficult thing that Nicalene and Jared have had to overcome as market traders has, hands down, been the weather in the outdoor markets - specifically the wind, which has conquered many gazebos. This is something that one does not consider sufficiently when anticipating a day out. It is always lovely to see traders pulling together to help each other in circumstances such as these. 5 TIPS FOR THOSE CONSIDERING SELLING AT MARKETS:

yy For anyone wanting to start trading at markets, Nicalene would recommend investing in a really good, sturdy, wind proof gazebo if you plan to trade at outdoor markets (feel free to ask any of the traders for their recommendations in this department) yy Take a chair - it can be a long day on your feet! yy Market yourself and your event on social media. yy Make sure that your stall is neat, clean, inviting and that you are friendly and welcoming. yy Go there to have fun! It is not all about the money. Your customers will pick up on your enthusiasm and will want to spend time around your table. Having said that, don’t try to fake it - the difference is noticeable. j

MARKETS WHERE YOU CAN FIND US Groote Post Country Market | Voorkamerfest Camphill Village Country Market | Willowbridge Slow Market,

T 072 655 1021 E info@thecrystalshop.co.za

Darling Wildflower Show | Lourensford Country Market

Social Media The Crystal Shop # ForTheLoveOfCrystals

Somerset West Spiritualist Church Holistic Fair in Oct 2018

16 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

BOUNDLESS OBJECTS a group exhibition of artists’ books

4 AUGUST - 31 OCTOBER 2018 DARLING SWEET, 7A LONG STREET, DARLING

OPENING HOURS: MON-SAT: 08H00-17H00, SUN 10H00-14H00

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COUNTRY MARKET Country hospitality on your doorstep

Da r l i n g 26-28 SCARECR OW OCTOBER

F es t ival

2018 Farmers Market Scarecrow Route

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26 AUG 27 JAN 30 SEP 24 FEB 28 OCT 31 MAR 25 NOV 28 APR 16 DEC: Christmas Market

S 33’ 29’ 0.5” E 18’ 24’ 35”

G RO OT E P O S T WINE CELLAR Just off the R27 • Darling 022 451 2202 022 492 2825 info@iloveyzer.co.za www.grootepostcountrymarket.co.za @GPCountryMarket GrootePostCountryMarket

Darling Food Experience

Scarecrow Charity Auction and Party Artwork by: Nicolaas Maritz

T 022 492 3361 www.darlingtourism.co.za Darling Scarecrow Festival

DARLING VLEISMARK

13 HOOFWEG

VISIT OUR FACTORY & TASTING ROOM AT 7 LONG STREET, DARLING

022 4922633

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 10H00 – 14H00

DARLING

MONDAYS – SATURDAYS: 08H00 – 17H00 SUNDAYS: 10H00-14H00

darlingsweet.co.za

WINE

Slow down for fine

f you are regular readers of this magazine you might recall reading about Sarah Benson, who is with the wine buying and marketing team of the highly respected Co-op group in the UK, and who spent some of the 2017 harvest working with Darling Cellars. Coincidentally, though we like to joke that it is more than a coincidence, the Darling Cellars Chenin Blanc of 2017 became, arguably, one of the most written about South African wines over the last 12 months, from BBC food programmes to the Times newspaper, whilst also being endorsed with a Silver medal at the prestigious International Wine challenge. All great for the Darling region. We so enjoyed having Sarah stay with us for the duration of her visit and remain in regular contact. Sarah was recently invited to present to the annual Oenology Conference in New Zealand and this was summarised in an online article. There was a whole lot about the rise of gin (more about this below) but what was interesting was to read her comment on the UK Wine Market and some very interesting facts, including: yy Gin sales at The Co-op in the UK rose by 65 percent in past 12 months. yy 85 Percent of the spend value of wine comes from those aged over 45. yy In The Co-op wine aisles, the average time spent deciding on what wine to pick up is 7 seconds. For me, it is the 7 seconds decision to purchase that is alarming as this, in my perception, reflects a whole lot of issues – from people not having the time to give more thought to what is going to be part of the meal, to the fact that a purchase decision at this speed reflects the product as a commodity akin to bread or milk. I would at a guess say that the average time spent considering a purchase at the Darling Wine shop is in the region of 10 minutes – some 85 times longer than a UK supermarket! The figures provide the wake-up call. How do we get people to stay in wine, be excited by wine, want to spend more on wine and attract younger consumers? For example, Sarah believes wine producers have to take on board what craft brewers have done to improve their sales “The beer producers are much more open when talking about how they have made their beer. Maybe there isn’t enough conversation about the winemaking side going on

at consumer levels to make them interested in wine as a craft beverage. At the end of the day, we are talking about an agricultural product that varies every single year and yet we are not, for whatever reason, communicating that to consumers.” This, dear reader is where the local Darling tasting rooms, and of course the Darling Wine Shop become so important. People need to browse, they need to taste, and they need to hear the stories. Here in Darling we are not fast food, we are not “fastwine” either and it is SO important that we get the wine consumers to really appreciate and enjoy our product; we have spent years growing it, months making it so let’s encourage people to spend time enjoying it and relishing it to the last drop. The expression of provenance and origin is critical to our credibility – we have much to be proud of and we need to show this to the world. It is also critical to remember that of all the people who might buy your wine, from stores or supermarkets, your cellar door customer is virtually the ONLY one with whom you can personally interact, so you need to maximise on this opportunity for both of you. By the time you read this the DARLINGTON gin will have been released. The inspiration came from several directions – David Hooper with his “Getting the gen on Gin” presentation at the Marmalade Cat in January last year, the growing popularity of gin, and wanting Darling to be part of it. Most of all, it is our belief that that we can deliver a really good traditional style London gin at a really good price – even though the labelling is smart and sophisticated, the bottle is relatively simple, and this results in a major saving passed directly on to you. Granted, these zooty bottles are lovely to look at, but then what? Plainly put, our gin packs the punch and not just punches the pack! The initial release is a classic juniper infused gin, but with a slight tweak, that makes it “classic redefined”, and ideal for adding your own flavours and infusions. In due course this will be followed by a limited release gin. This will appear quarterly and will only be sold in Darling. j

CONTACT INFO T 022 492 3971 E taste@darlingwine.co.za W darlingwine.co.za Social Media The Darling Wine Shop 18 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

GROOTE POST SYRAH CINSAUT BLEND – LIMITED EDITION

ARTICLE | PHOTOS CHARLES WITHINGTON

t r

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DINE

Reviving the Coffee Shop Culture in Yzer ARTICLE SUSAN SMUTS | PHOTOS ANÈL MULLER

fter months of standing empty without purpose, the popular 153 Dassen Island premises now have a new lease on life! The building that has a coffee shop history re-opened its doors to offer Yzerfontein a family and child-friendly spot, to get together around a splendid cup of coffee, with breakfast or light lunches, under the banner of Feast Yzerfontein. At the helm of this new venture are Anèl Muller and Eldré Strydom, who both bring vast knowledge in their respective fields to the literal table with this exciting development. Eldré has been a partner in I Love Yzer for the last 5 years, and with her marketing and event management background, she has introduced numerous Yzerfontein gems to her extensive network. Anèl’s authentic passion for cooking combines seamlessly with her graphic design background to present dishes with an artistic twist. Feast started out as a fine dining concept where friends and/or strangers would gather around a long table to share food and tastes with rich and complimentary flavours. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and Anèl started to

look for ways to bring her special approach to food to a wider audience. In partnership with Eldré they have now found a way to do just that with the launch of Feast Yzerfontein. Through sharing the things that come straight from the heart, the team feels they are ready to create a welcoming spot to unwind and enjoy an informal culinary experience. The compact but varied menu is without a doubt the star of the show. The focus is on using only the freshest local ingredients. This might mean they could run out of your first choice a little later in the day, but if you are lucky enough to get a portion you are guaranteed of only the best! If you absolutely love the dish you had, you will also be able to purchase generously-sized frozen portions of some of the items to simply pop into the oven when you need to. Deli products, gifts and cakes will also be available for purchase. Feel free to contact Feast for any catering queries for your next party or event. The coffee shop will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 – 15:00, and will expand to offer occasional dinners at a later stage. j

CONTACT INFO T 084 430 5225 Anèl | 082 877 6677 Eldré E anel@feastyzer.co.za | eldre@feastyzer.co.za W feastyzer.co.za Social Media @FeastYzerfontein

20 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

WEST COAST

COAST WITH THE MOST

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westcoastway.co.za 0861 321 7 7 7

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ARTICLE GIL FERREIRA

short journey up the West Coast takes one to the quiet, peaceful and serene village of Darling. Aptly named, and known for its proliferation of wildflowers, turning it into a Spring wonderland and a kaleidoscope of colours. Whilst serene and relaxing, the village has, for decades, attracted visitors and over the last few years a number of tourist attractions have developed to entertain its guests. They include a state of the art craft brewery, an olive tasting centre, a traditional charcuterie and even a bespoke confectionary shop where visitors can watch the production of home-made toffees on a daily basis. The older attractions continue to impress including old time favourites Evita se Perron, the Darling museum and a number of well established (and awarded) wineries. To celebrate this new found tourism energy, the Darling Tourism committee has developed, together with locally

based suppliers, a new and appealing identity called Hello Darling. Gil Ferreira, Chairperson of Darling Tourism says “The new identity reflects the dynamic nature that Darling needs to continue promoting the town as a proudly South African tourism offering and is illustrative of Darling’s uniquely quirky and colourful personality”. The new look is manifest in a new website as well as a dynamic and user friendly mobile app ensuring that visitors are brought up to speed with relevant information on a real time basis especially information about events which occur throughout the year. A new map depicting where the tourism offerings are to be found will be made available to every visitor to the town and there will be a monthly online newsletter with pertinent information and contact details to ensure forward bookings for the ever popular events. Gil continues “It’s especially relevant that we launch our new identity in September as it’s tourism month but even more importantly, it’s the month when we stage the Voorkamerfest and our ever popular Wildflower Show on the third weekend of September. And then, only a few weeks later we have our Darling Scarecrow Festival which is always fun and always zany and wonderful”. He concludes “We are positive that our new identity will become very popular with our domestic and International markets and will continue to position Darling as one of the Western Cape’s most innovative tourism offerings right on Cape Town’s doorstep”. j

WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW TRADERS AT OUR MARKETS! FOR APPLICATION FORMS PLEASE CONTACT US info@iloveyzer.co.za 022 451 2202

I YZER

Foto Kompetisie 2018

Kompetisie Reëls jou foto + jou emosie = WEN WEN WEN! Termes & Voorwaardes

1. Stuur jou foto met ‘n paragraaf van nie minder as 300 woorde wat die emosie op jou foto uitbeeld en beskryf aan marne@ciajeug.com. 2. Jy moet ouer as 18 wees om in te skryf. 3. Slegs aanlyn inskrywings word aanvaar. Inskrywingsvorms beskikbaar by Darling/Yzerfontein Kerkkantoor. Dit kan ook elektronies versoek word. 4. Inskrywingsfooi beloop R 100 per foto, slegs een inskrywing per persoon word aanvaar. Betalingsbewys moet u inskrywing vergesel. 5. Die kompetisie strek vanaf 11 Mei 2018 – 1 November 2018, wenner sal op Maandag 3 Desember aangekondig word. 6. Die wenner sal deur die CIA-Span uitgewys en per telefoon in kennis gestel word. 7. Die beoordelaars se besluit is finaal. 8. Pryse kan nie omgeruil word vir kontant nie. 9. Vir meer inligting kontak Marné Pienaar 082 509 0425 of stuur ‘n epos aan marne@ciajeug.com.

R 5 000 se pryse op die spel! aangebied deur:

22 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

INFO

PROPERTIES For Excellence, Professionalism & Results

SWARTLAND MUNISIPALITEIT ALGEMENE INLIGTING

DARLING BIBLIOTEEK

ONTDEK DIE WÊRELD DEUR BOEKE ARTIKEL NICOLET SMUTS

CALL DOT: 083 600 2441 CALL LYDIA: 079 523 8055 Your Residential specialists in Darling Visit our website: www.capecountryproperties.co.za

’n Biblioteek is ’n skuilplek, ’n droomplek, en ’n groeiplek… Dit is ’n deur na ander wêrelde, en daarom is ons trots op Darling se eie boeketuiste.

ie Darling Public Library and Reading Room het ’n nederige begin gehad: slegs 40 lede en ’n klein klaskamer as woning! Doeriejare was daar geen bibliotekaresse om wet en orde te handhaaf nie, en baie boeke het dus ongelukkig tydens dié tydperk verlore gegaan. Dit is egter stopgesit met ene Mej. Loedolff se aanstelling as bibliotekaresse in 1905. Haar vergoeding was maar 15 pond ’n jaar! Deur die jare het personeel gereeld gewissel. Die biblioteek soos hy tans daarna uitsien is op 15 September 1965 deur LPR Truter de Kock geopen – mev. A.F. Kirsten het die onthulling gedoen. Die biblioteek het tans 2 084 lede. Die huidige bibliotekaresse, mev. Nicolet Smuts, tree einde September vanjaar na ’n dienstydperk van 37 jaar af. The Library is proud to offer a variety of services due to modern technology. Our tariff for photocopies for members and the public alike are quite reasonable, and there are computers available for scholars and students who need to further their education and studies for seminars. This is free of charge. The availability of information is facilitated by newspaper reports and various reference books covering a broad variety of subjects. We welcome our senior citizens to use these facilities, and we extend our services to the Old Age Home as well. There are also many magazines to satisfy the public’s vast interests! We cannot thank our supporters enough for their generous donations and appreciation for the availability we offer to the community. The library remains a constant source of knowledge and information to everyone – it’s a necessity of life, not a luxury! j

INFORMATION

hardie van schalkwyk Professional Senior Architectural Technologist Pr.S.Arch.T, MIAT (SA), CIFA

082 737 7151 hardie@hhvs.co.za

PRACTICE: TH 0244 / SAIAT (Sen.) : 70736 / SACAP : ST 0283

LIBRARY HOURS DAY

MORNINGS

AFTERNOONS

Monday

08:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 16:30

Tuesday

10:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 17:00

Wednesday

10:00 - 13:00

Groeneweide

Thursday

10:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 17:30

Friday

Closed

14:00 - 16:30

T 022 492 2237 E darlingbib@swartland.org.za A Church Street, Darling THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 23

WE CARE

EVITA’S CRAFTERS

The Darling Trust relaunches its women’s craft and skills development project. ARTICLE HENTIE VAN DER MERWE PHOTOS JACQUI VAN STADEN

he recent launch of The Darling Trust’s Evita’s Crafters project was greeted with much excitement. The project is in fact a reincarnation of the Trust’s Craft and Skills Development Centre that was launched in 2006. The centre trained unemployed women in various crafts such as beading, embroidery and weaving, and the results of their handiwork were sold at Evita se Perron, where the project was based, to provide the women with an income. By 2008 over fifty women had passed through the programme, by which time the centre evolved into a cooperative - The Darling Craft Cooperative - formed by six of the centre’s crafters. Sadly, the cooperative struggled to become financially sustainable and a few years later had to close its doors when donated funding dried up. Earlier this year Darling Sweet, with its company focus on women’s empowerment, as well as being an active supporter of The Darling Trust, decided to revive the project as ‘Evita’s Crafters’. The aim of the project is to provide a space, resources and infrastructure for the women of Darling to create needle-craft objects which can be sold, thus developing a skillset and generating an income for themselves. The multi-talented freelance photographer Jacqui van Staden, who recently moved to Darling, is coordinating the project. For some years Jacqui has been developing her own line of toys, the Monster Project, with 24 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

the dream of someday going into production. When she was approached to coordinate Evita’s Crafters she saw it as the perfect opportunity to make this dream a reality. In early June Jacqui, together with a small band of Darling women in need of an income set about installing themselves at Darling Sweet and started producing Jacqui’s Monsters under her watch. Soon these one-of-a-kind bespoke Monsters started appearing for sale in shops and online, and have since become highly sought-after amongst collectors of handmade toys, and as gifts for children alike. Once the Monsters were well into production Jacqui set about extending the range of toys, and there are now elephants, woolly mammoths, whales and many more animals to come in the next few months. Besides Jacqui, the rest of the current team of crafters are; Claritha Lewis, Rachel Menelephy and Jermaine October. Claritha, who worked for Bonwit for 25 years, does all the sewing. Jermaine cuts all the patterns as well as doing the final finishing, such as adding buttons, final stitching of details and stuffing. She also works closely with Jacqui on problem solving prototype patterns. Rachel’s skills lie in embroidery and finishing; overseeing the detail of each monster, from creating the eyes to sewing on the pockets and finally closing up the creature once it has been stuffed. This intimate group of women make the perfect team and they look forward to growing the project. When asked about the future the women are quick to point out that they plan to relocate to bigger premises, buy a second industrial sewing machine and take on more crafters to increase their production, seeing as they can hardly keep up with the current demand for their toys. All the toys created by Evita’s Crafters are made from recycled fabric donated by the public, so if anyone would like to donate fabric, haberdashery or funds towards a second industrial sewing machine, or would like any further information, please email Jacqui. j

FOR MORE INFO Evita’s Crafters’ toys are sold online via Darling Sweet’s online shop, at the Perron’s Arts & Crafts shop, and at some markets which they advertise on their social media. W darlingsweet.co.za/shop E jacqui@darlingsweet.co.za Social Media @evitascrafters

SPIRITUAL

Dissipels van al die nasies

Die Lewende Woord Darling familiekerk nooi mense om deel te word van hulle familie. ARTIKEL | FOTO’S SONJA BREDELL

ewende Woord Darling het in 2005 ontstaan nadat ’n groep wedergebore gelowiges een keer per week bymekaar gekom en ’n “huiskerk” gevorm het. Die weeklikse kuier rondom die Woord het egter gou gegroei en meer spasie nodig gehad – en dit is tóé dat Dr. Raymond Lombard besluit het om ’n weeklikse Bybelskool aan te bied. Twee en ’n half jaar later het drie egpare besluit om uit hierdie Bybelskool ’n familie te vorm wat Sondae bymekaarkom. ’n Gebou is geidentifiseer, Sondagskoolklasse gebou en binne slegs vyf weke is ’n stewige fondasie vir Lewende Woord Darling gelê. Aan die begin het die Lewende Woord Darling net die eerste Sondag van elke maand ’n diens gehou, maar die behoefte het vinnig gegroei na ’n weeklikse Sondagdiens. Die kerk se visie is “Strome lewende water tot aan die uithoeke van die aarde”. Hiermee wil die gemeente die opdrag van Matteus 28:19 uitleef: “Gaan dan heen, maak dissipels van al die nasies, en doop hulle in die Naam van die Vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees; en leer hulle om alles te onderhou wat Ek julle beveel.” Lewende Woord Darling funksioneer volgens die vyfvoudige bediening in Efesiërs 4:11 en kry daarom weekliks ’n prediker wat in een of meer van hierdie bedieninge sterk is “om die heiliges toe te rus vir hulle dienswerk, tot opbouing van die liggaam van Christus” (Efesiërs 4:12). Lewende Woord ondersteun sendelinge in Indië, Zimbabwe en Israel en is betrokke by projekte soos die

Groeneweide Tehuis vir Bejaardes en Ons Nessie. Ons bedien ook mense geestelik deur ons beradingsdienste en verslaafdes deur die “Breaking Chains”-afdeling. Elke gelowige het ’n gawe van God ontvang en moet dit uitleef tot voordeel van die koningkryk. In Lewende Woord is daar verskeie bedieninge waar jy jou gawes kan aanwend tot Sy eer deur onder meer betrokke te raak by die Sondagskool, versiering, profetiese danse, kuns en nog vele meer. Vier leierspare staan tans aan die stuur van sake, en is gekies volgens 1 Timoteus 3. Dr. Francois Engelbrecht vervul die rol van geestelike mentor. Lewende Woord Darling nooi mense om deel te wees van ’n familie, waar ons mekaar ondersteun en bystaan maar ook met liefde kan lei om altyd na die waarheid te soek en op die nou pad te stap. Die waarheid is Jesus. Die weg is Jesus. Wanneer jy as gelowige jou fokus op Jesus hou, en nie op die mense in die kerk of gemeenskap nie, bring dit ’n vreugde en vrede wat alle verstand te bowe gaan. Lewende Woord Darling se dienstye is Sondae om 9h00 en ons nooi almal uit om saam die Here te kom loof en prys en na die Woord te kom luister. j

KONTAK INFO KERKKANTOOR Kantoor ure: 8:30 tot 13:00 T 022 492 3070 A Arcadia Straat 4, Darling

Roger’s Jewellery DARLING situated in

QUALIFIED JEWELER WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Rings Bracelets Pendents

Resizing - Repairs - Remodelling Professional assistance with your own designs

Contact Roger on 082 899 1844 rogerp267@gmail.com

THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 25

Lee Construction: 082 771 9594

90 Atlantic Drive • Self Catering for 2: 082 414 3212

Roger’s Jewellery: 022 492 2211 082 899 1844

Kotie du Toit • Sielkundige: 082 337 2188

Droograk Coﬀee Shop • Restaurant: 022 451 2257 / 061 727 8409 Kaijaiki Country Inn Restaurant: 022 451 2858 Lulas Restaurant: 072 232 3885 082 396 7643 Meeurots Restaurant: 022 451 2608

Prestige Cabinet Designs: 022 492 2596 083 266 1089

Raspro Upholsters & Interior Design: 081 378 0678 / 022 713 5557

Regalia • Paint Techniques: 081 832 5940

Architects:

Hardie van Schalkwyk Architecture: 082 737 7151

Atelier Architects • Richard Taylor: 082 855 5971

Beulah Farm Deli: 083 233 5355

Interior Images • Shutters & Blinds: 022 451 2114 / 072 136 0398

YZERFONTEIN:

The Marmalade Cat: 022 492 2515

Yzerfontein Accommodation: 083 453 2336

Design j Décor j Furniture:

Peter’s Pizza’s: 022 492 3434

Yzer-Board • Thermal Insulation & Cornices: 022 451 2159 / 083 656 0533

The Flying Pig: 022 492 3677 / 073 361 1091

Café Mosaic: 022 492 2307

Buﬀelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve: 022 451 2824

!Khwa ttu: 022 492 2998

DARLING:

Places to Eat:

Ăshêr Christain Fellowship Church: 060 852 9076 / 072 666 6383

Things to do:

Windor Services: 082 650 5838

Trailer Hire Yzerfontein: 082 772 5203

Pink Lady • Needle Work • Alterations Wool • Haberdashery: 022 492 2440

Pest Control Specialists • West Coast: 022 719 1380 / 082 551 2343

NetDirect Internet Service Provider: 087 985 0739

Marine Taxis: 0861 434 0434 / 082 769 4034

Inglenook Organic Farm: 082 772 6618

Electronic Newsletter Advertising • Yzer Darling • Weskus: 022 451 2202

Dorpie’s Multiman: 022 451 2290 072 723 2116

Darling Tyre Services: 022 492 3007

Yzerfontein Buurtwag: 022 451 2330 083 411 3794

SPCA • Darling: 022 492 2781

Services j Specialists:

Yzerfontein Armed Response: 022 451 2747 082 961 0366

Omega Dog Food for Sale: 022 451 2875 072 595 2911 Yzerfontein Dierekliniek: 022 451 2087 083 868 0520

Darling Neighbourhood Watch: 083 325 4148

Clearbars • Multisafe Security: 082 469 3351 / 022 451 2110

Safety:

Darling Veterinary Clinic • TAH: 022 492 2545

Pets:

Yzer Mediese Ondersteuning: 083 383 8874

Yzerfontein Elektries: 083 262 5804

Woodii Projects: 074 155 7327

Westland Home Improvement: 072 258 4328

West Coast Garage Doors & Automation: 072 142 9598 / 022 125 0067

Top Tool: 022 451 2035

Steve’s Electrical: 022 492 2522

Rens Meyer Plumbing: 084 513 2957

Prinro Building & Steel Merchants: 022 772 2334 / 022 715 1426

Otto Elektries: 072 655 7713

Pretty Cute • Gifts & Decor Shop: 076 734 3853

JW Hamilton-Attwell • Physio/Fisio: 082 570 6338

Shell Vulstasie • Yzerfontein: 022 451 2682

Mate.Bike • Electric Bicycle Sales: 072 605 8751

Mike’s Pharmacy: 022 451 2095 083 708 1262

Kwikspar & Tops • Yzerfontein: 022 451 2628

Hannelie de Klerk • Clinical Psychologist: 082 855 4874

I j Yzer • Darling • Weskus Products: 022 451 2202

GP • Dr Lindie Walters: 022 451 2941 083 270 6914

Dr Anine Vermaak: 022 492 2339

Haus of Décor • Interior Design • Shutters Blinds • Upholstery • Decor: 081 554 6006

Whale O A Time Self Catering for 2-18 People: 082 414 3212

Turquoise Breeze Ocean Villa: 073 545 1841

The View Exclusive B&B: 073 888 5154

Strandkombuis B&B: 022 451 2360 079 440 0092

Spearchukka Cottages: 083 505 2707

Lewens-Essens B&B: 022 451 2390 083 680 8718

Kaijaiki Country Inn: 022 451 2858

Inglenook Organic Farm: 082 772 6618

Honeybird Manor: 083 505 2707

Chez James Self Catering Apartment: 082 925 3189

Buﬀalo Drift • Captain’s Cabin • Blombosch Farm: 072 599 5663

J.F. Kirsten Vervoer: 022 492 2620

16 Mile View Self Catering: 083 411 0142

LeRoi’s Lighting: 022 451 2476 / 083 565 9190

It’s Puriﬁed • Water Puriﬁcation Services & Systems: 060 896 3257

Henton Homes • Timber Construction: 083 268 4609

De Roubaix Bouers: 082 926 9809 022 451 2293

Darling Aluminium & Glass: 082 542 7600 082 047 8777

Bouvest Building Services: 022 451 2816 082 718 0581

Anton Mitchell Land Surveyors: 083 763 3351

12 Pikkewyne Self Catering Unit for 2: 076 313 0659

YZERFONTEIN:

Swartbergsvlei Self Catering: 082 448 1355

The Old Pastorie Guesthouse: 022 492 3715

Buﬀelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve: 022 451 2824

!Khwa ttu Tented Camp & Guest House: 022 492 2998

DARLING:

Accommodation:

ISSUE 20

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Darling Apteek: 022 492 2782

Complete Dental Darling: 022 492 2671

Medical:

Kamma Mamma Speelgroep: 072 599 7849

Jumping Castle Hire: 084 677 0077

Darling Pre Primary: 022 492 2444

Darling College: 022 492 3429

Babysitting • Kaelin Muller: 082 648 1988

Acroﬁt • Acrobatic Gymnastics: 062 153 6342

Kids:

Yzergardens • Brian: 072 819 9640

Yzerfontein Bewarea • Conservancy: 082 494 7004 / 083 300 6171

Tony’s Gardening Service: 082 853 7943

The Roses’ Place 4 Plants: 078 421 3627

Carine Carstens Garden Services: 083 232 7147

Gardening:

Yzerfontein Financial Services: 083 453 2336

Van Zyl Chartered Accountants: 022 492 3223

Momentum Consult Table Mountain: 022 487 1905 / 022 482 1053 / 082 454 1689

Marinda Swanepoel Consult: 082 458 4242

Leesure Assurance Brokers: 022 492 2567

Calldo Rekenmeesters: 083 462 2080

West Coast Fossil Park: 022 766 1606

Harcourts • Koot Blaauw: 082 878 7898 022 451 2120

Fire Emergency:

Rawson Properties • Marijanne van Nieuwenhoven: 072 207 2135 / 022 451 2445

H&A Hardware: 081 435 9388 / 081 479 7595

Darling Vleismark: 022 492 2633

Darling Sweet: 083 235 4002

Buitekant Square • Yzerfontein: 076 734 3853

Book League • Books • Stationary Computer Consumables: 022 492 2667

Blikaspaai • Décor & Gift Shop: 022 451 2114 / 072 136 0398

Retail:

Yzerfontein Property Developers: 073 190 5895 / 021 683 3433

Office Hours: 022 451 2366 Emergency After Hours: 022 487 9400

Yzerfontein Municipality:

Snake Catcher • Yzer • 082 370 9768.

Snake Catcher • Darling: 084 250 5468

SAPS Darling: 022 492 3146

NSRI: 082 990 5974

Hospital • Velddrif • Ambulance Service: 022 713 4590

Hospital • Malmesbury: 022 482 1161

Hospital • Netcare Blaauberg: 021 554 9000

Harbour Manager • Yzer: 082 921 1192

Office Hours: 022 487 9479 Emergency After Hours: 082 925 2244

Office Hours: 022 492 2237 Emergency After Hours: 022 487 9400

Sotheby’s International Realty • Johan: 083 383 2659

Darling Municipality:

Rawson Properties • Heleen Plaskitt: 082 700 5212 / 022 451 2445

Emergency Numbers:

Yzerfontein Tourism: 022 451 2985

Yzerfontein Sport & Recreation Club: 022 451 2819

Pam Golding • Sue Smuts: 082 961 3220

Pam Golding • Ilona du Toit: 082 853 5983

McNeil Real Estate: 022 451 2038 079 249 5961

Infoprop Real Estate • Denise: 083 448 1726

Yzerfontein Cycle Experience: 022 451 2202

West Coast Way: 086 132 1777

West Coast Explorers Club • Bicycle Rental: 022 451 2114

Harcourts • Suzette Ferreira: 072 685 1876 022 451 2120

The Darling Wildﬂower Show: 084 916 1111

Harcourts • Ina Rudolph: 084 511 7861 022 451 2120

Mother City SkyDiving: 079 337 2443

Guitar Lessons: 083 230 1798

Groote Post Country Run: 022 451 2202

Groote Post Country Market: 022 451 2202

Elite Charters & Wet Bike Hire: 072 702 9919

Darling ttu Enduro Run: 022 451 2202

Darling ttu MTB 24hr Enduro: 022 451 2202

Darling Scarecrow Festival: 022 492 3361

Darling Museum & Tourism: 022 492 3361

CIA NG Kerk: 022 492 2513 / 022 451 2616

Buﬀelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve: 022 451 2824

Cape Country Properties: 083 600 2441 022 492 2902

Property:

Financial j Legal Services:

Bellamy Consultants & Brokers: 086 111 5284

Yzer Inks • Cartridges: 083 656 0533

PixBuzz Media Graphic Design & Printing: 082 780 2583

Kirsten Printers: 060 896 3257

Printing j Graphic j Design:

Yzervark Bistro: 079 352 4137

Yzerfontein Bowls Clubhouse: 083 629 4789

Star Functions: 083 711 2712

I j Yzer Event Coordination: 022 451 2202

Flowers on the Stoep: 082 573 7736

Buﬀelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve: 022 451 2824

Wild Flour Coﬀee Shop: 022 451 2315

Weskus Padstal: 071 658 9167

Events j Venues j Weddings:

Aardblom Flowers & Decor: 082 655 2944

Rosemead Artisan Patisserie: 066 222 5076

Urban Dezign & Décor: 076 320 1233

www.iloveyzer.co.za j info@iloveyzer.co.za j 022 451 2202 j Office • Shop j Shop 5 • Yzerfontein Business Centre • Buitekant Street

Absolutely Water • Full House Filtration & Puriﬁcation Systems: 083 229 8875

Construction j Renovations:

SpaClean • Waterless Window Cleaning: 082 612 3660

Shoreline Carpet Cleaning Services: 083 438 1189 / 084 555 4447

Cleaning Services:

The Darling Wine Shop: 022 492 3971

Ormonde Vineyards: 022 492 3540

Groote Post Vineyards: 022 492 2825

Darling Cellars: 022 492 2276

Cloof Wine Estate: 022 492 2839

Black Eagle Craft Brewery: 072 884 8299

Beer j Wine:

Yoga with Leoni: 082 352 6837

The Cutting Crew: 079 160 6939

Megz Hair & Beauty: 022 451 2794

Hair on Main • Darling: 022 492 2487

Gorgesss Nail & Beauty • Darling: 076 678 5171

Darling Tattoo & Art Studio: 072 889 8072

Cheryse Violet • Kinesiology • Massage • Nutrition • Chi Neitsang: 071 641 8329

Bio Sculpture • Darling: 083 627 6530

Be Pretty • Beauty Salon: 076 991 6894

Beauty j Hair j Health:

The Toﬀee Gallery Art Exhibition: 022 492 2101

Creative Pottery Studio & Lessons: 082 210 3331

Blue Square Pottery Studio & Lessons: 082 567 4940

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint & Workshops: 022 451 2114 / 072 136 0398

Art j Crafts j Exhibitions:

Zanthè Seaton • Registered Senior Architectural Technologist: 083 651 8359

New Earth Design: 084 707 7700

Disappearing boats, near drownings & speed cops…

In our previous issue, we left Boytjie Basson right as the amazing swimming ostriches walked ashore after a dip in the ocean... Now continue your journey down memory lane with more special Yzerfontein moments from the second half of the 1970s. ARTICLE | PHOTOS BOYTJIE BASSON

y now we were a little older, in our teens and most of us at boarding school in Cape Town, Paarl or Stellenbosch. This meant we now only visited Yzerfontein during the holidays. Our recreational activities mostly centred on the beach and included playing touch rugby and beach cricket. Part of the old fish factory at the harbour (built in 1948 and by now just a ruin) had been converted into a tennis court where we played tennis regularly. A favourite pastime was to spend the day at Swemgat – at the time it was seen as far from Yzerfontein and inaccessible except by 4x4 or beach buggy. We would swim in the natural pool and braai on the beach all day long, hanging out with friends and girlfriends in absolute privacy. Back then it had always been an unwritten rule that Swemgat was an area for teenagers and the younger generation – at least until the eighties, when it became a popular spot for families to gather and spend the day. Because Swemgat was difficult to get to back then, we’d plan a whole day trip. By now we were also old enough to have socials. Dances were arranged and held in a shed at Yzerfontein farm (then the property of Willem de Villiers, now Die Stal) during weekends and holidays in the late seventies. When the sea was calm, we would often row out to Meeurots (Gull Rock) in small rowing boats called bakkies to go and fish. The short distance took about 30 minutes to complete. The best position was to anchor right up close to Meeurots on the harbour side. Using white mussel as bait, we’d catch baskets full of Hottentots Fish. We harvested the white mussel on 16 Mile beach by digging for it with a spade or garden fork. Back then, all the locals referred to Meeurots as “Die Groot Klip” (The Large Rock). Crayfish were still plentiful

28 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

in Yzerfontein in the seventies so we dived for crayfish whenever the weather allowed. At Schaap Island, Die Vleie and also Bakoond, we dived for both perlemoen and crayfish in shallow water no deeper than two metres. Crayfish was as abundant as ever at the harbour alongside the breakwater, but were now caught with ring nets instead of the old bulky and heavy traps used in earlier years. With no Sea Fisheries Inspectors, there was no one to police what was taken from the sea. And because everything was so plentiful and abundant, and Yzerfontein so sparsely populated, the catch was always shared with the other residents. In the seventies Yzerfontein was not yet a popular fishing destination for commercial fishermen, and the slipway and harbour had not yet been improved to its present form. There were therefore very few ski boat owners, and a trip to Dassen Island was a rare occurrence. During that period my memories of trips to Dassen Island included a few bottles of Cane or Vodka that was used to bribe the Lighthouse Keeper for a few dozen penguin eggs. The older generation loved penguin eggs. They used to boil it, flatten it with a fork once out of the shell and pour a little vinegar over it, and then enjoy it for breakfast with a pinch of salt and pepper. Penguin eggs differ from other eggs in that the egg white is a transparent colour with a jellylike texture and not white once boiled. In 1974, Oom Minnaar Pieters, a former bank manager at Darling now living in the Paarl and remarried to Annette de Jongh, obtained a lease from the Municipality to use the old Vishuis as a holiday home. From 24 July 1974 to the end of September 1974, the Old Vishuis was renovated to this effect. Rooms were added on at the back to be used as bedrooms for their seven children: three De Jongh boys, two Pieters boys and two Pieters girls. They used the premises

YZER HISTORY for many years before building their own home in Beach Road. The old Vishuis is now being used at the Tourism office, the Municipal law enforcement office, the electrician’s office and Municipal boardroom, while the added bedrooms are now the Municipal offices. On Christmas eve in 1975, John Hornby, a 32-year-old Sergeant in the Rhodesian Army, set off from Yzerfontein in his boat called Independence to become the first person to row from the Cape to Rio de Janeiro. He set off from Yzerfontein harbour after the Cape Town Port Captain refused to grant him permission to set off from Table Bay Harbour. This was due to the risk that the adventure posed and because the Port Captain deemed it as being too dangerous. Sergeant John Hornby only had 318 litres of fresh water and food for 120 days on his six metre boat. He did not have a telephone or a radio, no lights on the boat, and navigated with an old Spitfire aeroplane compass and three pairs of oars. He planned to complete the voyage in 10 weeks at an average distance of 64 kilometres per day. At sunset on the first day, he was still only a short distance off the harbour, and by the next morning he was out of sight. He and his boat were never seen again. He left behind his wife and two young children. During the busy summer holidays, young trainee lifeguards were posted to Yzerfontein and set up their mobile station on the beach in front of the ablution blocks. They demarcated a “safe to swim” area with flags and monitored the beach from their platforms. On one beautiful day in 1976, with bright sunshine and the sea as calm as a lake, two of the lifeguards and Nic de Jongh decided to swim to Meeurots and back – a spur of the moment idea. They were dressed in oversized wetsuits that provided almost no protection against the freezing water of Yzer, which averages only about 14 degrees throughout the year. They undoubtedly underestimated the temperature of the water, as well as the distance… However, Nic de Jongh, who later became a medical doctor and owns a holiday house opposite Swemgat in Pearl Bay, and the two lifeguards pressed on. They were almost overcome with hypothermia and fatigue, but in the end they made it. The three first swam to Meeurots, and from there (because they were so tired) directly to the closest point ashore, which was the Old Vishuis. It was only when they reached the shoreline and Nic de Jongh was washed off the rocks by a wave that the lifeguards realised that he needed medical help. After a long hot shower and some medical treatment, Nic recovered. Since that almost fateful day, no one that I’m aware of has tried that particular swim again. Dr Nic de Jongh and the two young lifeguards can now lay claim to the dubious honour of being the only people to have swum to Meeurots and back from the main beach… As teenagers, and with no form of policing in Yzerfontein in the seventies, we now also started driving, although without valid driving licenses. On rare occasions, Constable Kellerman (also known as Kelly to us), a local policeman from

Darling, would surprise me driving dad’s Beach Buggy on the main beach – something that was by now forbidden. Despite giving me quite a few fines, which my parents would pay for of course, we were good friends. It was his job and he took it seriously. The fact that he could fine teenagers for driving without a valid driver’s license was enough motivation for him to convince the head of Police in Darling, then a Sergeant Koegelenberg, that he needed to spend more time in Yzerfontein to maintain discipline. It was his ploy to visit Yzerfontein on a regular basis during the holidays when Darling was hot, windy and very quiet. Another amusing story about Constable Kellerman demonstrates the spirit of the 1970s. One day he was sent on a patrol to Yzerfontein. He had a subordinate, a burly young man called Bus. From his nickname it’s easy to deduce that he was a big, powerful man with a larger-than-life personality. He did his National Service in the Police Force, and being from Darling, was conveniently stationed there after his basic training at the Police College in Pretoria. The two men had with them a bottle of brandy, a cooler box full of ice and a few litres of coke. In order to make sure that they patrolled according to their instructions and clocked the required amount of kilometres for the time on patrol, they devised a plan. They took the sandy road through Pearl Bay towards Swemgat. Then, opposite Swemgat, they purposely got the large Police van stuck in the soft sand until it rested on its back chassis. With the rear wheels now turning freely, the two of them enjoyed a little “rest and recreation”. A good while later, and with the refreshments now depleted, Bus checked the speedometer and shouted at Constable Kellerman that they had now covered almost 100 kilometres and it was time to return to Darling. Casually they put the police van in 4x4 mode and rode the vehicle out of the hole with the help of the front wheel pull and headed back to Darling. Traffic Police (known to us as speed cops or Bloubaadjies) from Malmesbury visited Yzerfontein on some weekends. Every speed cop who drove past our house in Beach Road was stopped, invited in for refreshments and light conversation and befriended. One particular Sunday, my mother went to great lengths telling a speed cop what a lawabiding driver she was and that she had never broken any traffic laws in her life. That following week while on her way to Malmesbury, she overtook a speed cop on a solid white line, thinking that he pulled over to let her pass, and was promptly pulled off the road. It was the same cop from the previous Sunday! A few days later she was stopped again for speeding on her way to Cape Town. It turned out to once again be the same cop to who she had spent hours telling what a law-abiding driver she was! I don’t think she was fined for either offence. But it must have been very embarrassing for her. Tannie Doeks, now approaching 80 years of age, still drives in Yzerfontein today. I suggest you give her a wide berth when you spot her in her small silver Mercedes! For some reason she is always in a hurry! To be continued… j THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 29

Reg no: 2016/189138/07

29 Buitekant Street, Yzerfontein, 7351,Unit 1, Business Centre

Tel: 022 451 2035 Cell: 074 417 5430 james@toptool.co.za

WOSPROP 1 CC T/A

BOU EST BUILDING SERVICES www.bouvestbuilding.co.za

Johannes Otto

072 655 7713

johannesotto@yahoo.com

NHBRC GEREGISTREERD U NUWE HUISE AANBOUINGS BRAAIKAMERS PROJEKBESTUUR

KARL KUNERT (ND ENG.) (DAML.PROJ. & PROD.MAN.)

Tel/Faks: 022 451 2816 Sel: 082 718 0581 E-Pos: bouvestbuilding@vodamail.co.za

IN BEDRYF SEDERT 1990

30 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

S ON

Posbus 355 Yzerfontein 7351

HOME

CONSTRUCTION PITTFALLS Meet Douglas McNeil Wheatley, Master Builder, Master Practitioner in Real Estate and your go to guy in Yzerfontein for all property related inquiries. ARTICLE DOUGLAS WHEATLEY | IMAGES GAVIN MADDOCK

ou have dreamed about building your beach home all your life! You’ve collected pictures from magazines, looked at countless paint colours and planned what your braai is going to look like before you have even thought of the layout! When building your dream home it is most likely the biggest investment you will make financially. Think of it this way, if you were to invest your pension with a financial institution surely you would stick with the Allen Greys or Coronations of the financial world. You are going to be giving a contractor your hard earned money to manage, and at the end of the project you would like a home that you can live in and sell at a profit. If your structure is unsound you would have made a poor investment. Make sure your contractor is someone who will add value to your new home. We so often see clients going for the “cheaper quote” not really knowing what that quote includes.

FOLLOW THESE 5 BASIC RULES WHEN CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR:

yy Are they registered with the NHBRC, BIBC and Master Builders Association? By checking their accreditation before you start you can then be confident your builder is serious about his trade. yy Can they provide credible references at least 10 years old? It would be advisable to check on these homes and see what they look like 10 years down the line. Let’s face it. All new builds look amazing. The proverbial cracks start showing a couple of years after completion. Here we are not referring to settlement cracks etc. We are referring to major leaks and structural issues. yy Contact suppliers in town like the hardware stores, tool rental companies etc and ask if your chosen builder pays his accounts. How they manage their expenditure will tell you a lot about how your money will be spent. yy Make sure you like the person; you will be working with them for at least 12 months and it is an intense relationship. yy Building a home in record time does not show skill on the part of the construction company - in fact this should be worrying. It means they are probably cutting corners which will come back to bite you upon occupation. Do not pick your builder by looking at who will be finished first.

EXCELLENCE

McNeil Construction has built over 90 houses in Yzerfontein in the last 22 years. We strive for excellence in all our projects. We value our clients and would like to thank them for entrusting us with their dream homes. That’s why it’s always a pleasure to give quality after-sales service to our clients and being there for clients post project is something that McNeil values. We recently had the honour of doing a second house for renowned architect Gavin Maddock, owned by Fred and Karin De Beer. It is one of those projects that pushed boundaries and this home is sure to be a statement property in Yzerfontein. A 14 ton wall in off shutter concrete had to be cast without touching the ground! It is a contemporary home with off shutter concrete and wood cladding to soften it up. Truly a master piece. Homes like these are a thrill to build. McNeil is also known for their smaller projects and quality renovations. A recent need for homes all on one level fit for retirement was identified and a few were built for speculation. The design and thought process that goes into the layout means that a total of 5 homes and counting has been constructed. Due to McNeil Real Estate working hand in hand with McNeil Construction, all bases are covered with regards to property related queries and requests. Be sure to make a stop at the office located at 51 Buitekant Street, Buitekant Square to connect with Cheryl and Nadia. TRIBUTE

Founder and current CEO of McNeil, Cecil Wheatley, will be retiring In April 2019. After 45 years in the industry. Cecil started McNeil Construction 22 years ago and we have seen many other contractors come and go but Cecil’s dedication to quality and superior project management has proven to stand the test of time. In the building industry you can measure a man on how he treats his workers. His famous line has always been “you can never tell a man to work harder if you yourself don’t know how hard his work is”. We at McNeil Construction and Real Estate salute you Cecil and hope you enjoy the rest. The many homes standing today will always be a testament to great service, quality assurance and building ingenuity. j

CONTACT INFO Douglas or Cheryl T 022 451 2038 M 079 249 5961 E cheryl@mcneil.co.za W mcneil.co.za FB mcneilrealestateandconstruction A 51 Buitekant Street, Buitekant Square, Yzerfontein THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 31

PETS

HAVE FLUFFY, WILL TRAVEL

A pirate without his parrot, a primadonna without her poodle, a Prince without his Persian Pussy… Such sad sights they make! Luckily, petfriendly accommodation is much more common these days than before, making the lives of pet-loving travellers much easier. There are, of course, some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind… ARTICLE DONNAY TORR DON’T…

… bring a Brown Bear to your B&B. Or your ageing crocodile (“He’s friendly, really!”). Nope, not even your beloved python Penelope. (Who would probably miss her infrared lamp anyway.) Stick to furries that won’t go chomping on the local neighbourhood children and all should be well. Check your chosen accommodation’s pet policy on what animals they allow or not. … treat the beautifully manicured lawn and lavender garden as a glorified loo. There’s a picnic due on it in 30 minutes. Most pet-friendly accommodation facilities have designated areas where pets can commune with nature. If an accident happens, always clean up after your pet. That counts for Misty’s hairball too. … allow Rover or Misty free reign on the furniture. That’s what those expensive dog beds and pet blankets are for. (Although, in Misty’s case, a cardboard box will probably keep her happy, too.) … encourage Misty to visit the Grumpy Guy from next door’s breakfast table. Not if you’d like Misty to return home in one piece. … leave your pets alone in the room, unattended. Unless you’re planning to pay for any shredded furniture. Rover knows you’re basking blissfully on the beach, and he knows how to get revenge… So check whether your accommodation offers pet sitters – they can be a lifesaver!

… allow Rover or Misty to harass the local wildlife or birds. They were here first. And some of them are rather bad tempered, too – you’ve been warned. DO…

… double check your chosen accommodation’s pet policy BEFORE booking – or arriving. Some places do not overtly advertise that they welcome pets but might do so if asked. Make sure what they allow, and what not. Also check what they offer (food, pet beds, blankets), and what you need to bring. … pick the right room. If you know that Rover needs regular loo breaks, it’s probably a good idea to book a room on the ground floor or by an exit. Your fellow travellers (and Rover’s bladder) will thank you for not plonking up and down the stairs every 20 minutes! … remember your furry’s favourite things. Nobody wants to be woken up to a howling at midnight. Our first thoughts are usually “werewolves”, not “forgotten comfort blankey”. … transport your darlings in safe, secure travel containers or carry baskets – and remember to bring leashes along. We don’t think Rover swimming out to Dassen Island for a lark is a particularly good idea. … make sure that your pets are tick and flea free before travelling with them. Nobody likes itchy bites and rashes. And management prefers NOT to have to fumigate your room after you’ve left. … remember that not everybody loves animals in their space the way that we do, and common courtesy goes a long way. PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

DARLING TOURISM www.darlingtourism.co.za !Khwa ttu | Aloe Cottage | Marigold Villa | Tuinhuis Cottage YZERFONTEIN TOURISM www.yzerfonteintourism.co.za 34 on De Jongh YZERFONTEIN ACCOMMODATION www.yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za C-bobbejaan | See-wende Hemel | 9 on Dolfyn Grace’s Getaway BUFFALO DRIFT - Yzerfontein - www.buffalodrift.co.za j

Whether it’s a moo, meow, bah or bark our teams at Darling & Moorreesburg Veterinary clinics are available to tend to the needs of your livestock and pets

17 Main Rd, Darling Tel: 022 492 2545 Open: 8:30 to 17:30 Mon-Fri 8:00 to 12:00 Saturday

Langstraat 26, Moorreesburg Tel: 022 433 4883 Open: 8:00 to 13:00 & 15:00 to 17:30 Mon-Fri 9:00 to 12:00 Saturday

Lente in die Strandveld

NATURE

ARTIKEL LIBBES LOUBSER FOTO’S MICHELLE J PHOTOGRAPHY

ie beroemde botanis Carl Thunberg (1742 – 1828) maak in 1772 ná ’n reis deur die Groenekloof melding van die waterryke, groen heuwellandskap met die oorvloed blomme, veral bolplante, in die omgewing waar Darling tans geleë is. In daardie dae het ’n reis tussen Kasteel in die Kaap en die buitepos Groenekloof ongeveer agt uur geduur mits dit sonder teenspoed verloop het. Maar in die lente en vroeë somer was dit ’n ander saak: die reis het langer geduur en die verslag het anders gelyk. Die lente was iets heel anders in hierdie deel van die land en reisigers het hulle verlustig aan die pragtige natuurskoon. Genoegsaam rede om tyd langs die pad te verwyl. En so is dit vandag nog – ’n seisoen vol verrassings en nuwe lewe. Die Yzerfontein van ouds was die uitspanplek vir die inwoners van Darling en omgewing. Diegene wat hulle in die lente hier bevind het, het die Strandveldse blommeprag opmerklik anders as die veld rondom Darling beleef. Aanvanklik was Yzerfontein ’n gehuggie aan die suidekant van die hedendaagse hoofstrand, en ’n uitstappie na Swemgat of Schaapeiland was ’n groot gebeurtenis. Die veld was ruig, maar teen die duine was volop mooi blomme soos rotstert, skilpadkos, bloupypies, uintjies, suurvye en seegousblom. SKOUTYD IS PLUKTYD

Darling met haar heuwellandskap en vleilande was weer ’n andersoortige verrukking van kleur en verskeidenheid, en ’n piekniek in die blomveld was baie gewild. Maar nie alle blommeliefhebbers kon altyd by die blomme uitkom nie, en vandaar dus die besluit om die blomme na hulle te bring met ’n veldblomskou. Darling se veldblommeskou is vir jare al een van die gewildste skoue in die Wes-Kaap. Dit is ook harde werk: die uitstalling moet immers gebou en die blomme gepluk word. Vir elke taak is daar nog altyd ’n span, meestal vrouens. Dit was ’n voorreg om as een van wyle oom Bobby Duckitt se span blomplukkers op Towers, Doornfontein en Rondeberg te gaan werk. Maar soos die gesegde sê, elke sport het sy beserings: sommige jare het die plukkers sopnat gereën, terwyl die muggies weer tydens warm dae kon feesvier. ’n Baie aangename tradisie was altyd die middagtoebroodjie wat in die blomveld met ’n glas wyn geniet is... En as die muggies dán sou baie pla, moes hulle weet jy gaan

hard baklei om jou wyntjie net vir jouself te hou! Ná so ’n pluksessie het ons gewoonlik in die ou Duckitt-opstal bymekaargekom en heerlik saam gekuier. DIE BLOMMESKOUE OP YZERFONTEIN

Helen Halvorsen en Bokkie Smit wou Yzerfontein se blomverskeidenheid aan die publiek bekendstel, en het dus met die idee van ’n blommeskou op die dorp vorendag gekom. Die blommeskoue is onder leiding van Trix de Villiers in Oktober 1997 en 1998 gehou, en het saamgeval met Yzerfontein se Toerisme-makietie. Entoesiastiese werkers van Yzerfontein en Darling het gesorg vir twee blommeskoue wat besoekers in vervoering gehad het! In 1999 is egter besluit om die liefhebbers na die blomme toe te neem, en so het die Bokbaaivygieroete ontstaan. Waar ons Strandveld vroeërjare feitlik ondeurdringbaar was met net ’n sanderige voetpad al langs die buurplaas se grensdraad langs, het die Pearl Bay-uitbreiding die planteverskeidenheid ontsluit. Net anderkant die labirint teen die skuinste vind mens geurige boegoebosse en goudgeel harpuisbos. Ry ’n entjie verder, draai regs in Kapoksingel en parkeer by die skewe kragboks. Stap dan af teen die skuinste om ’n see van pers kalk- en wit sandboegoe te sien. Die welige, groot groen blare tussen die swartgevlekte klippe behoort aan ’n malva wat eers in Januarie blom wanneer die blare reeds verlep het. Wandel nou verder met die voetpad langs, oor die bult en raak verlore tussen poproos, nog boegoe, en ’n verskeidenheid vygies wat rank, in stringetjies hang of in polle groei. Daar is ook geurige trewwas en bloupypies. Ry dan verder en stop net voor Fynbossingel. Vlak langs die pad groei die Saldanha-skilpadbos (geen dorings) en ligpers heuningboegoe sommer so styf langs mekaar. Vind jou weg tot digby die grens met Tygerfontein waar jy gerus ’n rukkie kan stilstaan om die pragtige uitsig te bewonder. Onder in Dasseneilandweg stop jy by die plaveiselpaadjie en stap af na die ou sandpad waar jy die Strandveld se eie bokbaaivygies en heldergeel vetkousies sal aantref. En hierdie is net ’n deeltjie van die oorvloed van kleur waarop jy op ’n helder sonskyndag getrakteer sal word. Om die seisoen mee af te sluit gooi die lente sy pers laken van veld-cinerarias uit oor die stuk veld net buite die dorp, en slaan daarme jou asem vir oulaas heeltemal weg! ’n Heerlike lente word jou toegewens! j THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 33

BEAUTY

BE Summer

Ready WITH THESE Make-up Trends

Summer is on its way – but don’t panic! Yolandi Herbst has advice to help you navigate the new-season beauty trends… ARTICLE | IMAGES YOLANDI HERBST STYLIST & MAKE-UP ARTIST

ith summer around the corner, we’re all probably in a frenzy to get rid of pale skin and indulge in some Vitamin D. However: it’s important to remember to always prep your face with a sun cream with UV protection before going outdoors. In fact, this should form part of your normal daily routine, even before any makeup is applied.

MINIMALISM

Minimalism, combined with pastel hues, are currently trending. GET THE LOOK EYES Use nudes with soft pastel colours on your eyelids. Remember: less is more! You can always add to a look, rather than having to scrape away. Start with a minimal application and build it up as you proceed. Rounding off the eyes with a soft brown shade will complement the pastels used. CHEEKS Use a soft pink or peach blush and highlight only your contouring areas, for example: forehead, nose and under the eyes. LIPS Complete this gorgeous look by adding a bold lip colour.

Professional and Sterile Tattoo Studio

facebook.com/darlingtattooandart

081 374 4711

By appointment only

www.darlingtattoos.co.za tracy@darlingtattoos.co.za

34 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

BE BOLD AND DARING

Metallics are back, and all the rage! CHANNEL THE GLAMOUR EYES Use loose metallic powders or shades of eyeshadow that have a strong pigment/colouring. Place the powder on a wet surface for longevity and vibrancy (use your foundation on your eyes first and apply your shadow over the wet surface). Shade the eyes with a dark colour and highlight only the area under the brows with a nude shadow. CHEEKS Use a bronzer as a blush to highlight your cheeks. LIPS Use a strong nude colour lipstick to complete your look. Remember: the only rule in cosmetics is to wear it like a boss! MAKEUP MUST-HAVES

yy Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation yy NYX Lingerie Metallic Lipsticks yy Benefits Nude Eyeshadow Palette yy Maybelline Telescopic Mascara yy The Body Shop Instaglow cc - Cream All products are available at Clicks j

Advertise in our weekly electronic newsletters I I I YZER DARLING

WESKUS

Contact info@iloveyzer.co.za j 022 451 2202 for more info.

SHOP

5 4 7 8

10 9

PRICE LIST 1. WORM WITH SQUEEKER, R96 each, Darling Vet / TAH 2. I LOVE DARLING PEAK, R150, I Love Yzer 3. LIFESTYLE COLLECTION SCATTER PILLOW, R1195, Interior mages 4. EMMY TOTE - BOTANICA, R1050, Pretty Cute 5. ZIPPO SUNGLASSES, R277, Mike’s Pharmacy 6. PASTA & SLOTTED SPOON, R90 each, Wild Flour Coffee Shop 7. EXPLORING FYNBOS, R130, The Book League 8. BIRDHOUSE, R220, Blikaspaai 9. BENNET & CO ANKLE BOOTS, R760, Catwalk Clothing 10. SARAH JANE SCENTED CANDLE, R195, Pretty Cute 11. BROADLINE FOR CATS TICK & FLEA, R138, Yzerfontein Dierekliniek 12. ARTICHOKE WINE STOPPER, R98, The Marmalade Cat 13. HAND PAINTED MUG, R60, Café Mosaic 14. ZIPPO SUNGLASSES, R277, Mike’s Pharmacy 15. I LOVE YZER FLEXFIT PEAK WITH SWEATBAND, R180, I Love Yzer 16. KADUS PROFESSIONAL COLOUR REVIVE, R200 each, The Cutting Crew PLEASE REFER TO THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY FOR CONTACT DETAILS.

36 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

FITNESS

GLUTE WORKOUT T

ARTICLE HANNO SWANEPOEL | PHOTOS NADINE PRETORIUS

his workout is for men and women and is mainly focused on the glute muscles. You need an open space and a towel or mat, and a weight if you want to increase the difficulty of this workout. When choosing a weight, pick one that you are comfortable with and that is not too heavy. Rather be safe than sorry!

Before starting a workout always make sure that your muscles are warmed up by doing light cardio and dynamic stretches. After the workout is complete cool down by doing static stretches. This exercise is not suitable for someone with knee or hip problems. j

SQUATS

FIRE HYDRANT

yy At step 1 keep hands below shoulders and knees below hips. yy Keep legs at a 90-degree angle. 20 reps each leg; 3 sets each leg

yy Bend knees out when squatting down. yy Bend knees to 90-degree angle. yy Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lean forward when squatting down. 15 - 20 reps; 4 sets

DONKEY KICKS

BRIDGES

yy Keep your core tight, your back straight and face down while performing this exercise. 20 reps each leg; 3 sets each leg

PLANK ONE LEG TUCKS yy Squeeze glutes at step two. 20 reps; 4 sets

LUNGES

yy Keep core engaged at all times. yy Keep shoulders above hands. yy Do this exercise slowly without using momentum. 10 reps each leg (do not alternate); 3 sets each side

CONTACT INFO

yy Keep your upper body straight, with your shoulders back. yy When bending down make sure both legs are bent at a 90-degree angle. 12 reps each leg (do not alternate); 3 sets each leg

Personal Trainer Hanno Swanepoel T 062 153 6342 BOOTCAMP CLASSES When Mondays and Wednesdays | 18:00 - 19:00 Venue Yzerfontein Community Hall Price R50 per class / R450 per month THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 37

KIDS

Illustrasie Heath Pretorius j Darling Kollege - Graad 1 38 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

KIDS

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS ARTICLE MARIUS JERLING | SHAUN MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOS DARLING COLLEGE

arling College celebrates its 20 year anniversary on 24 September this year. It will be a day of note with old students, parents and staff joining us to reflect on 20 years of excellence and to take hands to walk with us into the future. From a humble farm school, the school has seen significant sustainable growth and is the oldest Independent school on the West Coast. With a current crop of 160 scholars, all being taught to “Be the Difference”, and a combined permanent and part time staff compliment of 17 teachers, the school ensures each and every scholar of a close and personal relationship with our teachers. This results in a complete academic education as well as socially interactive children equipped to enter the diverse and competitive South African environment. Darling College is known to be a top academic school on the West Coast with exceptional results in both Home Language and Mathematics. The school prides itself on its success and past pupils are continually being lauded once they leave for high school. Academic success has been achieved on many occasions and our students are always happily accepted in all the established high schools. Darling College students are able to spread their wings and go wherever the wind may take them. Being part of a small school gives our students the opportunity to get to know themselves very well and they are able to adapt in any environment once they leave here. The school provides sport, including rugby, netball, athletics, cricket and tennis as well as several other smaller codes. Some of the school leavers who have tasted success on the sport fields are JP Groenewald (Boland u/19 Craven Week 2018), Josh Pentz (Boland u/13 Craven Week 2016), Adam Niklaus (Western Cape Athletics 2017). Currently we have students also representing the Western Cape in Athletics, Gymnastics, Karate and Mounted Games. Pupils have been tremendously successful in cultural activities such as Choir, Eisteddfod, Art and Drama. Our 2017 head boy A-J Esau was also invited for final interviews to

attend the famous Drakensberg Boys Choir. All our students get the opportunity to be on stage and through that they build self-confidence. The school teaches the children, from an early age, to understand the importance of preserving and valuing our environment. Since 2016 the school has been actively recycling as part of a community project called DRESS and to date has recycled more than 4 tonnes of plastic. In 2018 the school also invested in solar power to help minimize the school’s carbon footprint. We aim to be as green as possible. As Nelson Mandela famously said” Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. At Darling College, our down to earth, well-educated and most importantly, happy children are poised to do just that. j

CONTACT INFO PRINCIPAL Marius Jerling T 022 492 3429 M 072 502 2359 E admin@darlingcollege.org.za W darlingcollege.org.za FB DarlingCollege THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 39

KIDS

time with the kids

KEEP THEM BUSY THIS SPRING! FLOWER VIEWING

GROOTE POST COUNTRY MARKET

Educate the next generation from a young age by teaching

On the last Sunday of every month at Groote Post Wine Farm.

them about our beautiful wild flowers. Take them to the

Guests can expect artisan foods, arts and crafts, home-ware

Darling Wildflower Show during the weekend of 14 - 16

and décor, and of course, Groote Post’s well-loved wines. The

September or visit the various nature reserves in our area. See

kids will be kept busy with a wide variety of kiddies’ activities -

the Darling map on page 50. For more info contact the Darling

tractor rides, face-painting, guided horse rides and the popular

Flower Hotline on 084 916 1111 or the West Coast Flower

playground. Although pets are welcome – all dogs must be on

Hotline on 063 724 6203.

a leash at all times.

THE DARLING WILDFLOWER SOCIETY CONTACT INFO

CONTACT INFO

T 084 916 1111

T 022 451 2202

E info@darlingwildflowers.co.za

E info@iloveyzer.co.za

W darlingwildflowers.co.za

W grootepostcountrymarket.co.za

Social Media DarlingWildflowerSociety

Social Media GrootePostCountryMarket

DARLING SCARECROW FESTIVAL

!KHWA TTU MTB

Join the folk of Darling during 26 - 28 October. A weekend full

The MTB trail includes well-marked routes suitable for all

of activities to keep the whole family busy! Take the children

levels of experience; from kids, casual leisure riders to

on the Scarecrow Route and see how many you can spot!

experienced adrenaline junkies.

DARLING TOURISM CONTACT INFO

CONTACT INFO

T 022 492 3361 E info@darlingtourism.co.za

T 022 492 2998 E info@khwattu.org W khwattu.org

W darlingtourism.co.za

ACROFITNESS Looking for something fun your kids can do this holiday? Let them join Acrofit! Awesome acrobatic classes and games! Acrofit classes consist of general fitness and basic level acrobatic gymnastics for all kids to enjoy! WHEN Mondays & Wednesdays TIME Age 4 - 6 years: 10:00 - 10:45 Age 7 - 13 years: 11:00 - 12:00 WHERE Darling College PRICE R60 per class / club members no charge CONTACT INFO E acrofitsa@gmail.com T 062 153 6342 Social Media Acrofitsa

YZERFONTEIN parkrun WHERE Windhoek Farm, R315 WHEN Every Saturday TIME 08:00 CONTACT INFO E yzerfonteinoffice@parkrun.com W www.parkrun.co.za/yzerfontein FB Yzerfontein parkrun

40 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

JUMPING CASTLE To rent for kiddies parties. Suitable for 2-10 year old children. Size: 3 x 3m YZERFONTEIN & DARLING ONLY R350 per day Plastic children’s tables & chairs also available. FOR MORE INFORMATION nadine@iloveyzer.co.za 084 677 0077

DAVID PATON SPEAKING IN TONGUES

THE TOFFEE GALLERY

BOUNDLESS OBJECTS

A group exhibition inspired by the (un)making of the book form.

What will happen if we remove the functionality of the book completely and reimagine its structure as a whole? These are some of the questions that the works in this show pose to the viewer. It is interesting to note that even though the point of departure was the book as a material object, the outcomes vary tremendously in both form and medium. Some artists used the familiar book form but replaced it with alternative constituent materials such as perspex. Others in turn explored less familiar book formats, veering from the book shape most popularly used that consists of pages sewn together through the central fold. Examples of this exploration of alternative formats are scrolls, concertina books and flag-books. Finally, some of the works on display are more reminiscent of typical wall-mounted artforms, such as painting and drawings, but employ materials typically used in book construction. Being a technician, I attain tremendous enjoyment from being able to produce a book faithful to the age-old traditions of bookbinding and to engineer a technically well-functioning and recognisable book. Nevertheless, even though it is imperative to respect these traditions, we should never stagnate and should therefore allow ourselves to explore unique permutations - even if they fail in the technical sense. It is in these unpredictable experimental moments that we often find a sense of wonder to look at the world anew. It is this sense of curiosity that serves as the seed for this show. j

I AM MARLEY

he exhibition ‘Boundless Objects’, currently on at The Toffee Gallery, comprises artworks that are inspired by the book form, commonly referred to as ‘artists’ books’ or ‘bookworks’. Stephen Bury defines the artist’s book as “a book or book-like object intended to be a work of art in itself, and over the appearance of which an artist has had a high degree of control”. He further notes that “artists, seeing this definition as yet another medium to explore, constantly challenge it, pushing the book format in unexpected directions”. The participating artists explored the possibilities of the craft of bookmaking as an art medium. The basic techniques and materials of constructing a book are investigated, explored, questioned and replaced by alternatives. Making a book by hand typically includes folding paper, waxing thread, sewing, gluing, covering, and the printing of images, text, and so forth. In this show these techniques are either explored or subverted to present some new possibilities of what the book form can become. The book as an object is a container of information, sharing stories, recording knowledge and preserving history. It is a container to externalise our inner thoughts or our day to day interactions, and in some cases it is used to memorialise the visits of strangers or to document financial exchanges. As technology has progressed, many of these functions have been replaced by newer platforms such as the computer and smartphones. However, it is the tactile form, textures and even the smell of a book that creates a different experience when mediating the information contained therein. The experience of reading an old, welltravelled book cannot necessarily be recreated in the format of a digital pdf file or e-book. This conception of the book can be explored even further as artists unpack the book structure and assess each aspect and its functions. For example, would a book still convey information if it did not have text printed on the pages? After all, it is said that an image is worth a thousand words, and it doesn’t require much imagination to see the book form itself as an image. We can then also wonder if the paper itself, rather than the printed content can communicate certain ideas or feelings. Travelling down this conceptual avenue we can discover what would happen if we replace the paper with something else. Can the sewing pattern become more than just a hidden functional apparatus that keeps the pages together?

ARTICLE HELÉNE VAN ASWEGENN

CONTACT INFO T 022 492 2101 | 076 281 1561 E curator@thetoffeegallery.co.za W thetoffeegallery.co.za FB @toffeegallery IG @thetoffeegallery OPENING HOURS Mon-Sat: 08:00-17:00 | Sun 10:00-14:00 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 41

TO DO

Conservation for the Next Generation Showcasing the floral abundance of the West Coast flower region is more than just a pleasure – it’s an important part of conserving for the future. C.M. Duckitt shares more about the Darling Wildflower Society’s work. ARTICLE CHARLES DUCKITT | PHOTOS GROOTE POST VINEYARDS

t’s been 101 years since the Darling Wildflower Society held the very first show in 1917 (and a show virtually every year since!), and the ideals expressed by our founders still hold true for us today. They wanted to display Darling’s God-given wealth for all the world to see… And at the same time promote the conservation of flowers among the farmers of the district, who have since maintained the botanical diversity of the region over several generations. The West Coast flower region, an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom, boasts more than 1 200 species of flowering plants. About 80 of these are endemic to the West Coast and known nowhere else. The rich flora of the West Coast occurs on mainly three different soil types, culminating in three distinctive vegetation biomes, namely Strandveld, Renosterveld and Sandveld. Through the years we have been blessed by the farmers who actively protect these flowers by integrating areas into their farming enterprise. It would be wrong to single out any particular farm for fear of not recognising others, but I’m going to name just two as examples.

Times Friday & Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 09:00 - 15:00 Venue Darling Golf Club, Jacaranda Street, Darling Tickets www.quicket.co.za - Group Specials on Application. Ticket Prices Adults: R60 Pensioners: R40 (Friday, 14 Sep, only) Children 2 - 18 years: R40 Children below 2 years: Free Burgherspost Farm has Renosterveld and Sandveld, home to ‘extreme Red Data’ (vulnerable/ threatened) floral species. Burgherspost farm contributes to the conservation of two important veld types: Swartland Granite Bulb Veld and Atlantis Sand Fynbos, both very endangered. In their diversified farming system this farm has partnered with Cape Nature and proclaimed natural reserves as Voluntary Conservation Sites with their Stewardship program and pledged to manage the veld in accordance to conservation laws and ethics. Groote Post farm is a historic 18th century farm on the Cape West Coast. Peter and Nick Pentz, owners of Groote Post, fully support the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, a partnership between the South-African wine industry and the conservation sector that focuses on minimising the further loss of threatened natural habitat, and contributing to sustainable wine production through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines by the South-African wine industry. Groote Post is home to 2 000 hectares of conservationworthy natural vegetation, including the highly threatened Swartland Granite Renosterveld, Swartland Shale Renosterveld and Atlantis Sand Fynbos. The Groote Post Renosterveld makes up 4.7% of South Africa’s total area of this vegetation. Groote Post has a 2 000-hectare game camp, shared with neighbouring farmer Henry Louw and home to indigenous species such as kudu, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, bontebok, springbok, quaggas, eland and gemsbok. These farms show what can be done. It is the hope of our society to follow a course of conservation introducing conservation to younger generations. The Darling Wildflower Society invites you to join us as a member and become actively involved in the region. Do it for the flowers and “Conservation for the Next Generation”! j

CONTACT INFO T 084 916 1111 E info@darlingwildflowers.co.za Wdarlingwildflowers.co.za FB DarlingWildflowerSociety t DWildflowers IG darlingwildflowers 42 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

TO DO

In search of oddities… The popular Dit & Dat market has become synonymous with Yzer – and it’s not to be missed! ARTICLE | PHOTO RHINDA VAN ROOYEN

Workshops Visit www.darlingwildflowers.co.za for more information or to book your seat.

EDUCATIONAL BIRD TALK 14 SEPTEMBER Duration 1 Hour Time 10:00–11:00 kids; 11:00–12:00 adults Cost Free Facilitator Dale Wright T 072 562 3946 E dale.wright@birdlife.org.za No bookings necessary

FLOWER TALK 14 SEPTEMBER Photography as a tool for Conservation Duration 30 min Time 13:00–13:30 Cost Free Facilitator Ron Moller Conservation – The next Generation Duration 30 min Time 13:30–14:00 Cost Free Facilitator Ron Moller/Angelique Rosant T 084 423 7259 E ron@storyteller-media.co.za No bookings necessary

KIDS ART CLASS 14 SEPTEMBER Duration 1 Hour Time 14:00–15:00 & 15:30–16:30 Cost R50 per child Facilitator Melanie Mulder Includes all art materials and old t-shirts for the kids to wear to protect their clothing. T 022 451 2202 E mariaan@iloveyzer.co.za Advanced bookings required Limited seats. A class for Primary School Children only. The workshop will be mixed media – paint, acrylic inks, markers, soft pastel, chalk, charcoal and watercolour pencils.

MAKE YOUR OWN FLOWER CROWN 15 & 16 SEPTEMBER Duration 1½ Hours Time 9:30–11:00 Cost R300 pp Facilitator Karen Moyle T 082 573 7736 E karen@flowersonthestoep.co.za Advanced bookings required

he Dit & Dat market was born in 2011, and since then it has become a fully-fledged, well-rounded and functional market. It’s known for its intimate and friendly social atmosphere. Old friends meet up and new friendships are forged. Die marksaal bied ’n maksimum van 43 staanplekke: 18 daarvan word tans deur kosstalletjies gevul, 16 uitstallers kom van Yzerfontein en die nabye omgewing en 18 uitstallers kom van verder – sommige reis so ver as 80 tot 100km om deel te neem aan die mark. The food stalls are any gourmand’s dream… Just imagine this: free-range eggs, goats’ cheese, samosas, pies, gourmet mushrooms, pomegranate juice, smoked fish, kudu biltong, homemade boerewors, jaffles and pancakes... It’s a good idea to wear loose pants when visiting! Die kreatiwiteit van die uitstallers verbaas mens keer op keer: pragtige dryfhoutlampe, houtspeelgoed, leergordels en -beursies, handsakke, krale, gehekelde matte... Die besonderse handwerk beskikbaar getuig van goeie vakmanskap, en is perfek vir geskenke. Ingelegde, gepekelde of gekerriede vrugte en groente is baie gewild. Daar is ’n groot verskeidenheid: boontjies, kool, beet, jalapenos... En moenie die konfyt misloop nie: van makataan tot koemkwat staan ingeryg op kreunende tafels. Die Dit & Dat mark is ’n dag wat beslis nie gemis moet word nie. Dit is veral bedrywig tydens skoolvakansies of langnaweke – dan wemel Yzerfontein van die mense en die mark loop oor met besoekers! We would like to thank each and every person for contributing in one way or another towards the success of our market. Please keep on supporting us. We are dependent on you. Ons verwelkom sinvolle voorstelle om dinge te verbeter, en nuwe uitstallers is altyd nodig en welkom. Kontak ons gerus vir meer inligting en hou die advertensieborde dop. Kom kuier by ons – ons sal sorg vir die lekkergoed! j

THE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF HONEY & THE FACT THAT OUR BEES ARE IN DANGER. 15 SEPTEMBER Duration 1 Hour Time 11:30 to 12:30 Cost Free No bookings necessary

FISHERMAN’S COTTAGE ART CLASS 15 SEPTEMBER Duration 3 Hours Time 13:30–16:30 Cost R300 pp using own art supplies. R400 pp including art supplies. Facilitator Louis Pretorius T 072 524 6549 E louis.pretorius@live.com Advanced bookings required

CONTACT INFO T 082 396 2258 E oldbiker@axxess.co.za THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 43

TO DO

Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Walk in Yzerfontein ARTICLE CANSA

n October, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) strives to raise awareness of cancers affecting SA women and encourages women to be aware of symptoms, changes in their bodies and to go for cancer screening, in order to detect cancer early. A fun and visible way to bring awareness of Women’s Health to local communities, is to participate in CANSA ‘Shades of Pink’ events, held in local communities across the country. On 3 October 2018, a ‘Shades of Pink’ Breast Cancer Walk (5 km circular route) will be held in Yzerfontein. Participants are invited to wear pink and a pink ribbon to honour cancer Survivors (patients) fighting cancer, or in memory of those who have passed away. Registration will take place from 06:30 - 07:15 at the Weskus Padstal (R27/R315 – crossing, Yzerfontein), and the event will start at 07:30. The registration fee of R100 (adults) will include a T-shirt. Older children can register for R50, and children under 12, for R20, excluding a T-shirt. Refreshments will be available and a pink Sprayathon will be held. Participants can take photos to capture the moment in the photo booth. CANSA promotes a balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to get moving, while raising awareness of cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. ABOUT CANSA

CANSA offers a unique integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer. CANSA is a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R12 million spent annually) and the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes, as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. Our health programmes comprise health and education campaigns; CANSA Care Centres that offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer; stoma and other clinical support and organisational management; medical equipment hire, as well as a toll-free line to offer information and support. We also supply patient care and support in the form of 11 CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients; a Wellness Centre based in Polokwane; and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment. j 44 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

CONTACT INFO

!Khwa ttu

CANSA WALK IN YZERFONTEIN Alfie van Litsenborgh

R27 West Coast Road T 082 966 7166 E yzerfonteinarmedresponse@telkomsa.net YzerfonteinIna Schreuder T 022 451 2992 / 082 326 0464 10:00 - 20:00 Amber Zandberg T 022 482 1111 E azandberg@cansa.org.za ENTER: www.darlingttu.co.za W cansa.org.za

ENTRY FEE: R100 CANSA CARE CENTRE DISTANCE: lap T 0800 5km 22 66 22multi E info@cansa.org.za

challenge

Social Media CANSA

info@darlingttu.co.za SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LOCAL I LOVE YZER 022 451 2202

I YZER

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER!

Send an email with ILY in the subject line to info@iloveyzer.co.za to join the mailing list or go to the NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP link on our Facebook Page. The I LOVE YZER Newsletters is available every Thursday.

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ARTICLE DARLING TTU PR

he 24-hour Darling ttu MTB Enduro is an annual event hosted at !Khwa ttu on the R27 West Coast road. The challenge is to endure 24-hours of riding on a 10km fast purpose-built single track whilst withstanding the attractions of a 24-hour braai fire, 24-hour restaurant, social tent and entertainment. Ride as many laps as you can and enjoy the other attractions. The race is as much for those who are serious mountain bikers who want to stretch their boundaries, as it is for those who want to have a fun-filled weekend with good food, drinks, laughter, “kuier” camping and some fun riding. This race will offer you a thrilling purpose build MTB trail with 100% sea views, game encounters and much more. There will be medical and bike repair support, a vibrant half way water and refreshment stop where we count your laps and boost your energy levels with special snacks and inspiration. In addition we have included a Darling ttu Enduro Run. Don’t have a bike, but would like to do something active with your partner/friend, why not enter the run? The 5km loop will bost the same attractions as the MTB route, including the famous Darling ttu boma water point! Run the 5km lap as many times as you want. You can start/finish any time from 10am until 8pm on Saturday, 6 October. You can event alternate between the riding your bike and running! At the race village we have a massive tent with a 24-hour restaurant, 24-hour Darling Brew beer on tap, DJ, snacks, coffee and drinks as well as a huge bonfire. We have three camping options: bring your own, basic and luxury. If you want to look the part, we also have Darling ttu race and t-shirts for sale online. Order your shirt when you enter the race and collect it at registration. For the spectators and supporters, we have many activities such as game drives, sundowners, kids RU N E NDURO entertainment and the new SP UN RIN !Khwa ttu Heritage Centre . R G F LO W E R The event is a collaboration between Darling Romery, !Khwa ttu and I Love Yzer. They are all passionate about the West Coast and creating new events and opportunities to experience the beauty of the region. Enter now and join us on 6 October j

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CAMPING OPTIONS CAMP SITE Self set-up. 4 x 4m camp site. Maximum 4 people per site. Cost: R100 per camp site.

NO HASSLE CAMPING Basic 2-Man tent. 2 Mattrasses. Breakfast for 2 people. Cost: R500 per tent.

LUXURY CAMPING 4-Man walk-in tent. 4 Beds, including bedding. Breakfast for 4 people. Cost: R2 000 per tent.

DARLING TTU MTB 24 HOUR ENDURO Time 10 am - 10 am Venue !Khwa ttu, R27 West Coast Road Event Distance 10 km Multilap Challenge. Do as many laps as you can. Categories • Entry Fee Solo: R395 Team of 2: R790 Team of 4: R1 580 Age Limit From 14 years. Event Capped 500 riders. Race Shirt R495 V-neck T-shirt R275 DARLING TTU ENDURO RUN Time 10 am - 8 pm Entry Fee R100 Venue !Khwa ttu, R27 West Coast Road Event Distance 5 km Multilap Challenge. Do as many laps as you can.

CONTACT INFO T 022 451 2202 E info@darlingttu.co.za W darlingttu.co.za Social Media Darlingttu THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 45

Second Darling Scarecrow Festival planned for end of October 2018

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SCARECROWS INVADE DARLING!

arling looks forward to welcome you to the second Darling Scarecrow Festival, to be held at the end of October, from Friday the 26th to Sunday the 28th. The weekend’s activities include a Farmer’s Market, Darling Food Experience, Scarecrow Charity Auction & Party and, of course, the Scarecrow Route. Festivities kick off with the Darling Food Experience - a Friday night to remember! Book at your favourite Darling restaurant or wander through the streets and grab a bite to eat from the pop-up street vendors. Saturday boasts a farmers’ market featuring produce from our local farmers. Get your dancing shoes ready for the Scarecrow Charity Auction & Party happening on Saturday night – your scarecrow badge will give you access. And then, bid on your favourite scarecrow on auction at the party! Fitness fundi’s can participate in the Groote Post Country Run on Sunday morning and enjoy gourmet food and crafts at the Groote Post Country Market afterwards. Visitors will notice a large number of scarecrows dotted around the village the entire weekend. You can identify them by participating in the Scarecrow Route. Visitors are challenged to identify these creations on a scorecard and stand the chance of winning a prize. Entry tickets, including a route map, will be sold from outlets around the village. All the money collected will be given to Darling charities. Entries must be handed in at one of the outlets by midday on Sunday to qualify for the draw. We invite all surrounding farms and communities, businesses and locals to participate in the Darling Scarecrow Route by making and entering a scarecrow to be displayed in Darling. The Darling Scarecrow Festival is a celebration of all that’s best and brightest about harvest time in the Swartland. Scarecrows dotted around the village, a street party, farmers & country markets, street music, storytelling, flowers on the stoep, the scarecrow competition… Expect not only cultural & lifestyle attractions, but also good food, wine, beer, arts & craft, cabaret and music. Visitors can experience the traditions of a country community and the beauty and quality of country life: a sense of community, access to nature and unpolluted, heritage-rich surroundings. Keep an eye on the Darling Tourism website and Darling Scarecrow Festival social media pages for regular updates on events happening on the weekend. j 46 THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING

ARTICLE NADINE PRETORIUS PHOTOS STEFAN HURTER

CONTACT INFO DATES 26 to 28 October 2018. VENUES Various dotted around Darling FOR MORE INFORMATION Darling Tourism T 022 492 3361 E info@darlingtourism.co.za W darlingtourism.co.za Social Media Darling Scarecrow Festival

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YZERFONTEIN 2018

ARTICLE YCE PR

Its back!!! The Blue Ribbon Yzerfontein Cycle Experience returns to our backyard, Yzerfontein on Saturday the 3rd of November. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride in this truly wonderful event.

s with the previous two years, the cycle event will be complemented by an array of local stalls and entertainers, bringing a festival-like atmosphere to the town of Yzerfontein. Feedback from the race last year was incredibly positive, with the competitors enjoying the flat, fast, non-technical route. The veteran cyclists enjoyed the fast 78km training ride, and the less experienced , and more relaxed bunch took advantage of the 52km route, both routes being unique in that they are not open to the public, and run through the beautiful West Coast National Park. Starting from the main beach parking area in Yzerfontein, the competitors will wind their way out of the town, onto the R315, and will turn off onto the Blombosch road which will take them into the West Coast National Park. The Park Manager, Pierre Nel, has generously approved a route which takes the cyclists on private jeep tracks through the splendid nature which the West Coast has to offer. On the return route there is a mixture of tar and jeep track which leads back to the finish line at the main beach, where competitors will receive a medal, a Coca Cola, and an exceptional Premier Goodie Bag. This is not just any race, we are uplifting the community, and proceeds will benefit the international Police Forum, the Jenna Lowe Trust and Reach for a Dream Foundation. All three beneficiaries will be available on the day to talk to interested parties about their organisations and the work they do.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION 78 KM

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CYCLE EXPERIENCE

38km will be tar (50%) and the rest will be jeep track. Very little sand. Great spot to turn around at the beach lookout place. Lots of ostriches, tortoises, flamingos and eland spotted.

52 KM

yy 50% will be tar and 50 % will be jeep track. yy Very little sand. yy This will be a flat route for the fit non-technical riders. yy Lots of ostriches, tortoises, flamingos and eland spotted. The distances include a 5km neutral zone from the finish to the venue.

YOUR ENTRY FEE INCLUDES

yy Exceptional Goodie Bags by Premier for all entrants. yy Access to all race facilities. yy 2 water points sponsored by Premier along the route in the West Coast National Park. yy Finisher Medals for all participants. yy Gourmet Food Stalls, Local Craft Stalls, Kids Activities, Live Music at the Yzerfontein Recreational Club throughout the day. yy Rider Discount on accommodation bookings in Yzerfontein for the weekend (see our website for participating venues www.yzerce.co.za) yy To stand a chance to win fabulous prizes in our lucky draw stay until 14:30 REGISTRATION

Online entries will close at 15:00 on Thursday, 1 Nov 2018. You may enter on the day. yy Friday, 2 Nov, Yzerfontein Community Hall, 16:00 – 20:00. yy Saturday, 3 Nov, Yzerfontein Community Hall, from 05:30. yy Be ready for race start around 07:00. PLEASE NOTE

yy Remember to display your PPA MTB frame number. yy No helmet, no ride. yy No transponder, no time. The event is sanctioned by the Pedal Power Organisation. As such, cyclists can be assured that route markings and safety arrangements adhere to the Association’s requirements. Cyclists will be able to enter the event on the Association’s website: www.pedalpower.org.za or on the morning of the event. j THE BLUE RIBBON YZERFONTEIN CYCLE EXPERIENCE DATE Saturday, 3 Nov 2018 START/FINISH Main Beach, Yzerfontein ROUTES/ENTRY FEE 78km / R250 52km / R200 ENTER www.pedalpower.org.za

CONTACT INFO T 022 451 2202 E info@iloveyzerco.za Wyzerce.co.za Social Media YzerfonteinCycleExperience THE SPRING ISSUE 2018 j I LOVE YZER DARLING 47

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2018

I YZER

EVENTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION 022 451 2202 j info@iloveyzer.co.za j www.iloveyzer.co.za j SM I Love Yzer

MARKET AT DWFS DATES 14-16 SEP 2018 VENUE DARLING GOLF CLUB TIMES FRIDAY 09:00 - 17:00 SATURDAY 09:00 - 17:00 SUNDAY 09:00 - 15:00 TICKETS www.quicket.co.za ADULTS R60 | KIDS R40 PENSIONERS (FRI ONLY) R40 KIDS 0-2 FREE

28 OCT

WINE | BEER | CRAFTS GOURMET FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

2018

#GPCM2018

30 SEP THE SPRING MARKET

28 OCT THE COUNTRY RUN

!Khwa ttu

25 NOV THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

MARKET R27 West Coast Road MARKET Yzerfontein 10:00 - 20:00 A mere 30 minwww.darlingttu.co.za out of Blouberg and an hour from the city, ENTER:

DARLING TTU RUN ENDURO RUN

Groote Post is a gentle drive into the rustic countryside. Enjoy

ENTRY FEE: R100 DISTANCE: 5km multi lap

DATE 6 OCT 2018

a day of family fun and relaxation at an idyllic Country Market nestled in the hills around the beautiful town of Darling.

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info@darlingttu.co.za DARLING TTU MTB 022 451 2202 24-HOUR MTB ENDURO DATES 6-7 OCT 2018

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SAT 6 YCE

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VENUE !KHWA TTU, R27

THE BLUE RIBBON

TIME 10 AM - 10 AM

YZERFONTEIN CYCLE

DISTANCE 10 KM MULTILAP

EXPERIENCE