The Village NEWS 17 - 30 October 2017

Village

NEWS NEWS The

Entrepreneurial winner 2017

Cape Whale Coast

17 - 30 October 2017

BOOK PAGE

FREE COPY

LION POWER

What’s new in review

HERMIES MMXVII

Keeps baboons away

Celebrating last day

PAGE 15

PAGE 10

PAGE 21

DOUBLE TAKE The humpback whales are making their southern migration. Their breaching behaviour is always incredible but the crew and guests of Dyer Island Cruises in Gansbaai were blown away by this mother and calf breaching in tandem. Read more on Page 4 about the annual whale survey that confirmed a bumper whale season this year.

Public outrage over Fernkloof development plan De Waal Steyn

A

public outcry shortly before the closing date for public comment on the proposed Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) compelled the Municipality to hold a public meeting and extend the period for public comment with another month.

The public meeting to discuss the plan has been scheduled for Tuesday 24 October at 18:00 in the Municipal Auditorium. According to Ward 3 Councillor Kari Brice the meeting will be addressed by Stephen Müller, Director of Infrastructure and Planning, and the closing date for comments will be extended to 30 days after the meeting.

tions against the adoption of the IMP that includes the possible future development of management offices, a tourism office, model aircraft flying sites, bird hides, educational centres, a cableway with landing stations, coffee shop, parking areas, ziplines, picnic sites, conference facility, accommodation units and an astronomy centre.

Social media was alight with posts, comments and peti-

Residents and members of various societies and organi-

sations attended a meeting at Fernkloof Hall on Friday afternoon, organised by Giorgio Lombardi of Vogelgat Nature Reserve, to discuss the plan that was initially open for public comment until 13 October.

Erik Kiderlen, a retired engineer, environmental officer and provincial government official, honorary SANParks ranger and member of Vogelgat Private Nature

Reserve, facilitated the meeting. The main objections to the IMP centred on the lack of consultation with the Fernkloof Advisory Board (FAB) and input from Interested and Affected Parties, and the spatial development zones that were changed in 2013 so that FNR is no longer a Conservation Zone 1 but a Public Open Space.

Several attendees believed

due legal process was not followed, and that the IMP is flawed and should be declared null and void. Henri Lerm of Misty Waves Hotel said it is necessary to go back to the drawing board and start all over.

“Fernkloof is a huge asset to Hermanus and municipal officials do not understand the nature of tourism,” he said.

Read more on P3

2

17 - 30 October 2017

WS E

The Team 6 Royal Street Hermanus

028 050 1319

Publishing Editor dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Content Editor

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

Design and Layout

Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

THE

NEWS

OPINION Matters

Debate is always a good thing The debates over the last week regarding the Fernkloof Integrated Management Plan are a shining example of a truly involved community rallying around issues that are important to them.

It is a defining characteristic of the Whale Coast that its residents take part in robust discussions to ensure that our way of living and our natural resources are protected.

Change in itself is a difficult thing to deal with and when the proposed change impacts on finite resources it is even more difficult.

Therefore, it is important that the lines of communication be kept open at all times and that all parties involved find common ground. In this instance both the community and the municipality need to be lauded for their role. The community objected and made their voices heard and the municipality listened and is willing to hold a public meeting and extend the deadline for comments.

It is, however, in the interest of all residents to familiarise themselves with the public participation processes that are followed by the municipality. This will enable you to effectively participate in the current debates, ranging from the New Harbour development to the completion of the Cliff Path, the proposed Bypass Road, and the Integrated Management Plan for Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

The Village NEWS is proud of its role as gatekeeper of all the news you can use and we continuously report on the stories that will affect our readers. We will always bring you unbiased and informative articles, encourage you to become involved and provide a platform for our readers to voice their opinions and concerns. Our way of life is worth fighting for, so let’s keep talking!

This is the GOOD News – Ed

WHERE TO FIND US The Village NEWS is published fortnightly and the next edition will be available on 31 October. The NEWS can be found at over 100 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Kleinmond to Gansbaai.

Office Administrator

Tania Hamman admin@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Manager

Rina de Wet 083 604 0808 rina@thevillagenews.co.za

Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 050 1319 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.

Ombudsman The press exists to serve society. Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny, and is essential to ensuring demo-cracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments, a role that is recognised by the Constitution. The Village NEWS subscribes to the South African Press Code and thus to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman. Should you feel our reporting is not fair, free or unbiased and without prejudice, or that serious errors have been made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman.

Reach him on 011 484 3612/8, e-mail pressombudsman.org.za or visit www.ombudsman.org.za

A sense of place: Fernkloof Nature Reserve Fernkloof Nature Reserve is variously described as the ‘jewel of Hermanus’ and the ‘hottest of the biodiversity hotspots’ in the Cape Floral Kingdom. The statistics are there to prove it – Fernkloof comprises 0,002% of the Cape Floral Kingdom but contains 18% of its plants in just 18 square kilometres. There is no other place on earth where so many different species can be seen growing in such close proximity to each other.

More than 1250 species of plant have thus far been collected and identified in the reserve itself. The reserve lies across almost the entire northern side of Hermanus with a 60 km network of trails, catering for people of all fitness levels to enjoy exercise, fresh air and superlative views.

When Whale Coast Conservation drew attention to the draft Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, there was a spontaneous outpouring of concern and, dare I say, horror.

Although the plan had been publicised in the press, the detail that had people worried was the inclusion of so-called “development units” in the plan.

Once the IMP is accepted, it will have the potential for any development in these areas to be approved without further public consultation. Possible developments in the reserve are listed in the IMP as “Bird hides, educational centres, cableway with landing stations, coffee shop, conference

facility, astronomy centre, parking areas, accommodation units, picnic sites, public launching sites, ablution facilities, ziplining cables and platforms”.

While an educational centre (on the footprint of existing buildings), picnic sites and bird hides may be consistent with the purpose of the nature reserve, depending on location and design, an astronomy centre, cableway and ziplines are definitely not. Most also require parking areas, which are completely unacceptable in a nature reserve.

One of these proposed areas for development is the most popular central core of the reserve – from the top of the mountain down to the botanical gardens at the entrance to the reserve. This is where most nature-lovers hike, appreciating the ever-changing flowers of the fynbos, the vistas over Walker Bay and, above all, the peaceful quietness of nature.

The spiritual healing power of undisturbed wild places is now well documented. It is the reason why so many people are choosing to live or retire in Hermanus. They bring with them enormous buying power and one cannot overstate the economic benefits they bring to the area. Many tourists too are looking for the unspoilt places, not the cacophony of thrill-seekers. They are looking for a ‘sense of place’.

A ‘sense of place’ may sound like a fuzzy concept or a warm feeling. It is not. Modern

research has shown that the response to a sense of place is the basis of all tourism. ‘Sense of place’ is thus the basis of the largest sector of the world’s economy – and it is also the basis of Hermanus’s economic survival.

The most important thing about a sense of place is that it should not be a rehash of what the tourist can get at home or everywhere in the world.

Otherwise, what’s the point in coming to Hermanus specifically? A well-planned, wellpresented sense of place should always leave the visitor thinking, “I never realised that…” or, “Aha, now I understand...”

Best of all: the tourist should decide to come back again.

A sense of place is unique to that place. Understanding the uniqueness of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is the only way to retain its sense of place. And a unique sense of place will bring the tourists we need.

Getting a generalised approval to develop in Fernkloof Nature Reserve what has been done in many other places is a waste of time and money because it does not build on the unique sense of place that this reserve has. In fact, it is likely to destroy it.

- Anina Lee Go to www.overstrand.gov.za, click on documents then strategic documents then management plans.

Visit www.whalecoastconservation.org.za for more information and how you can become involved.

3

17 - 30 October 2017

Checking out the Whale Coast Mall

A

group of municipal officials and members of the local media were recently invited on a hard-hat tour of the Whale Coast Mall. Developer Jannie Kruger, co-founder and director of Dorpstraat, who led the group, said over 90% of the lettable area has now been filled. The ground floor of the mall, comprising some 24 000 m², is on schedule to open on 30 November, while the lower level of approximately 6 000 m² will only be ready by Easter next year.

The 200-seater theatre will open on 15 December. The various tenants are furiously busy completing their

shop fittings and the mall will feature the first ever escalator in Hermanus. The design of the mall is characterised by generous height and skylights that let in plenty of natural light. The mall will offer free parking for 1 800 vehicles.

Studying a floor plan of the Whale Coast Mall during the hard-hat tour were Overstrand Municipality (OM) Deputy Mayor Dudley Coetzee, Overberg District Municipality Deputy Mayor Archie Klaas, OM Manager Coenie Groenewald and developer Jannie Kruger.

‘Don’t destroy our natural attractions’ From P 1 Robin Lee of the Hermanus History Society agreed that the proposed IMP will destroy an important part of Hermanus’s history. “The municipality has a misunderstanding of effective tourism – for them it is only a numbers game and they think that if they can attract a larger number of tourists by providing all these facilities it would be a good thing for Hermanus. The irony is that their actions will accomplish the opposite if they destroy the natural attractions that bring people to Hermanus in the first place.”

Another objection was the scale of the proposed development that involves the whole reserve. It was agreed that some development, if controlled and done in an ecofriendly manner, could add value to the reserve but that there was no need for a restaurant and accommodation, ziplines or cableways, as people come here specifically to hike among the fynbos in a tranquil environment.

When the IMP was updated in 2012, the first draft as drawn up by consultants, was rejected as, according to Duncan Heard, chair of the FAB, it “was totally inadequate as a nature reserve (protected area) IMP. A fact that was acknowledged at the time by the municipality and the town planning company to who the work was outsourced.”

Heard responded in a letter last week to the municipality saying

that he is deeply disappointed to see that the second draft of the IMP has been significantly and unilaterally altered in numerous areas without any detailed prior consultation and discussion with FAB – a statutory board established to advise the municipality on the management of the reserve.

“FAB members spent many hours and days of their own time working on a second draft together with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. We strived to produce, as far as was possible, a practical and scientific-based protected area IMP that aligned with protected area legislation and internationally accepted protected area management plan norms and standards.

“The present third draft advertised for comment does not align with protected area management norms and standards. It strives to override protected area management terminology with town planning terminology. It ignores the fact that the Protected Areas Act supersedes other legislation on a nationally registered protected area. It largely follows and allows for an open-ended development approach while restricting capacity for the reserve to be managed effectively. It has moved the emphasis to allow for the easier development of the reserve instead of emphasising and providing a framework for its effective conservation, with some appropriate spatially restricted development nodes that are well

within the capacity of a reserve management component to monitor effectively,” wrote Heard.

Lombardi said he is concerned about any proposed development in the mountain. “The effective policing of baboons with the virtual fence will keep these baboons out of the residential areas. However, if any development is planned in the mountain proper, what measures are to be activated to keep these baboons from harassing visitors at these tourist points?

“All these development nodes have to be serviced by suppliers of food, waste removal, water and electricity. What are the possible negative effects of these services and increased traffic to supply these services?” said Lombardi.

According to him any development on the top of the mountain will adversely affect the wilderness experience hikers have of Fernkloof in terms of visual and noise pollution. Proposed developments should be on the periphery of the reserve. This will minimise any service deliveries to the site and wild-life human interactions, as well as any waste disposal issues.

He also suggested that the Municipality charges for the water used from the three dams. “The Hermanus Golf Club paid for the pipeline, however after years of using

the water free of charge they must now pay for this privilege in our water-scarce environment. This would then free up funds for the management of the FNR. “I would further like to stress that the Roman Colosseum was built in 80 AD. Our mountains and related endemic fynbos have been here for millions of years and we propose to alter and destroy our natural heritage for commercial gain? Let us all regain our reasoning and come up with a better plan for the future,” he said.

Liezl de Villiers, Environmental Manager of the Overstrand Municipality, earlier stated that they take the management of the FNR very seriously. “Through this plan we want to ensure not only the future preservation of our exceptional natural kingdom, but also create the opportunity for more people to visit the reserve, allowing us to cultivate respect for nature and its continued conservation.”

According to her it is especially important that the FNR caters for a wider audience, including children.

“Children must be encouraged to visit the reserve and learn about our fauna and flora while being taught the importance of conservation. This can be done by allowing in future some low-impact developments in the reserve that will attract a wider audience. The aim of the Management Plan in the end is to ensure the continued protection of the FNR.”

4

17 - 30 October 2017

Its a right bumper year for our whales!

Sarah Taylor

T

he number of southern right whales spotted along our shores has increased substantially compared to last year. The 38th annual aerial survey for southern right whales, conducted by the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Unit, counted a total of 527 southern right whales between Nature’s Valley and Lamberts Bay. This included 366 females and calves (183 pairs) and 161 unaccompanied adults.

The 2016 count comprised a total of only 119 southern right whales, including females, calves and unaccompanied adults. The 2017 count was conducted over eight days between 2 and 10 October, during which operations were only halted for one day due to unfavourable weather conditions. The survey was completed in a total flying time of 29 hours and 30 minutes using an Airbus EC120B under charter from Silvercoss Helicopters.

Most of the female-calf pairs were observed in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and the area between Cape Agulhas and Gansbaai, whereas most

A Silvercross helicopter was used to conduct the annual aerial survey for southern right whales between 2 - 10 October.

Results show that a substantially larger number of whales were spotted along our shores compared to last year. unaccompanied adults were observed within Walker Bay. “Although the numbers of southern right whales along our shore this year are not as high as have been observed in previous years, they are substantially higher than the mere 119 southern right whales (including all females, calves and unaccompanied adults) observed in 2016, thus showing a clear increase in presence,” says Dr Els Vermeulen, research manager at the Whale Unit.

All the whale and dolphin

species encountered during the survey were recorded, with a special focus on southern right whales. Photographs were taken of the unique callosity pattern on the heads of all individual females with calves as well as all brindlegrey coloured individuals.

A total of 6 800 photographs were taken and these will be analysed in the coming months for individual identification and compared to the Whale Unit’s southern right whale photo identification catalogue, which contains nearly 1 900 recognisable

adults from the previous 37 annual surveys. This analysis is done first with a computerassisted image recognition system, followed by final matching of the whales by eye.

Such analyses, says Els, assist in the investigation of individual distribution and movement patterns as well as the reproductive success of females with considerable accuracy. The data assists in monitoring the increase of the South African population of right whales, which was previously estimated at a rate of

7% per year over the survey period. The increase is believed to result from the international protection of the population since 1935.

The analyses will also allow for the investigation of possible causes and consequences of the concerning decrease in sightings along parts of South Africa’s shores in recent years, and the increased presence recorded this year.

The MRI Whale Unit’s 2017 survey was funded by the International Whaling Commission, and conducted with

the assistance of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Support was given by De Hoop Collection, Denel Overberg Test Range, Cape Nature and private citizens. The survey was carried out under a permit from the Department of Environmental Affairs to approach whales and under specific Marine Protected Area permits from the relevant conservation authorities.

For further information, contact the Whale Unit’s Dr Els Vermeulen (research manager) on 060 971 4301 or Chris Wilkinson (technical manager) on 083 580 8247.

5

17 - 30 October 2017

The (800-metre) path less travelled Leigh-Anne Hunter

D

uracell’s pink bunny would be a fitting mascot for the Cliff Path completion debate… It just keeps going and going. For those just tuning in, here’s a recap: In July, The Village NEWS reported that efforts to complete the Cliff Path near Mollergren Park were continuing, after a petition signed by just over 1 000 people was presented to Overstrand Municipality (OM). The petition was compiled by Cliff Path Action Group (CPAG), which states that their raison d’être is to create an uninterrupted “world-class 12km walkway stretching all the way from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach”.

The gist of the petition is in this paragraph: “Regular walkers must have wondered why the cliff path stops at Mollergren Park, forcing one back to the main road to swallow petrol fumes for a kilometre or so before it starts again at Protea Road? Well, it appears that the reason for this is that the owners on this stretch were granted exclusive rights up to the High Water Mark (HWM).

How this could have happened is something which we are investigating. For the moment we would like to test whether there is support from the public to change this situation… We believe that the affected property owners should support the petition as well.”

Since then the Overberg was earmarked for the rollout of a pilot project that kicked off in July dealing with public coastal access. This was in line with the 2008 Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 (ICMA).

According to Overberg District Municipality (ODM): “The facilitation of coastal access is a municipal function in terms of the ICMA. This priority area includes ensuring that the

public has an equitable right of access to the coast and its resources as well as the management of such access.”

“

According to Francois Kotze, ODM manager: Environmental Management Services, the Overberg pilot project falls under a broader provincial programme, which includes developing a Provincial Coastal Access Strategy and Plan, and preparing a draft model Coastal Access By-Law for the Western Cape.

OM has also expressed its intention to commence investigations into the matter this month, says Liezl de Villiers, OM senior environmental manager.

Ja well no fine. So what next?

“We wait,” says Johan de Waal on the phone from his Cape Town office. The advocate is chairman of CPAG, which by the sound of it, has turned out to be a job in itself.

Johan tells me Province is still going through a lengthy tender process to appoint an external consultant who will assist ODM to determine what the problems are with regards to coastal access, and what the interventions should be.

Whether ODM identifies one of these interventions as connecting the path – CPAG’s main goal – remains to be seen. “If it isn’t the main priority we will argue it should be,” says Johan. “Of course, we can’t force it, given it is mainly affluent people who use the path.” The many pressing issues in our poor communities may be given precedence, he says. ‘n Advokaat maak ‘n plan Not one to leave things to chance, Johan is taking the bull by the horns. His logic: “If we raise public funding and demonstrate how the path can be connected, then we can work together with ODM to connect the path. This

CPAG Executive Jobre Stassen points out the Poole’s Bay stretch at the centre of the cliff path debate. means we do not have to stand in line and things can happen much quicker.”

CPAG will bear the hefty cost (about R91 000) for Cape Town architect Mark Thomas and engineer Henry Fagan – the brains behind Boomslang Walkway in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens – to conceptualise the look and feel of the proposed connection for the approximately 800-metre stretch.

Topographically this is a challenging area, concedes Johan, so they have their work cut out for them. But they have a plan to account for rocky areas awash with sea water. “The connection will have the feel of walking on the side of a rough cement tidal pool, so water will flow in between. It will be minimally invasive, melding in with the rock.”

Johan hopes their visual presentations will go some way towards getting buy-in from the public, as well as homeowners in the area.

Johan: “We realise that great care should be taken with the

design so that the privacy of the owners is not unduly invaded. But these details can be discussed during a public consultation process and once the owners agree, in principle, to the path. CPAG remains open to negotiations with the homeowners in respect of the exact route. If they are prepared to have parts of the path constructed above the High Water Mark, then more possibilities open up.”

To build this ‘Hermanus Walkway’ will be expensive, possibly millions, says Johan.

Committed he remains. “The historic reason everyone gives for why it’s impossible to build [here] is a convenient excuse for the Municipality and owners. We want to show them it is possible. Even if it takes a year to raise the money.”

Whose land is it anyway?

Walking the area that is the centre of such controversy, I’m accompanied by the energetic Jobre Stassen, Executive of CPAG. I have to jog to match her brisk pace. “This is what all the fuss is about,” she says sweeping her arm in the

direction of Poole’s Bay. Her childhood memories of barbwire fences and “no trespassing” signs encountered on this path still rile her. It’s clear that there’s a deeper issue at play here. “We all know about the segregation in South Africa’s past. We don’t want that in our town.”

Nevertheless, says Jobre, the shadow of history still looms large and the “public perception” remains that us common folk can’t walk here. But is it perception, or fact?

Johan says that from CPAG’s standpoint: “We understand the position to be that in the 1890s the owners on that stretch were granted rights up to the HWM. The ICMA [however] is a statute aimed at trumping private property rights where they impede access to ‘coastal public property’, which is the sea.”

While “it will be difficult and take time to reverse what was done 120 years ago”, Johan remains hopeful. “100 years ago, humans were well on their way to killing the last southern

The connection will have the feel of walking on the side of a rough cement tidal pool, so water will flow in between. It will be minimally invasive, melding in with the rock

”

right whale on the planet.” That was before environmental laws.

“If the situation with whales can be reversed, so can the capture of coastal public property by the rich.”

He says a key step will be for the surveyor general to peg out the HWM. “There’s a lot of debate around where the HWM is. It could be where no one believes it is.”

At the top of the section leading down to Poole’s Bay, I see a pair of tourists scratching their heads, debating whether they can go any further. It leaves me thinking, can we really claim to have a world-class cliff path, when it is broken?

A local dog-walker says it doesn’t bother her that she has to make a U-ey back onto the main road.

“I just put my dog on a lead.

Besides, I think it would be dangerous to walk along Poole’s Bay during high tide.”

A runner has a different view.

“It’s inconceivable to have such a beautiful path that only goes to a certain point. It appears that some people have decided to close off part of this coastline for themselves.”

6

17 - 30 October 2017

THE

NEWS

Preserve goose that lays golden egg

Let’s Talk Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Do we want to change our nature reserve into a theme park?

The front page leading article in the 29 August – 11 September edition of The Village NEWS entitled Big Plans for Fernkloof by De Waal Steyn is a public relations “softening” exercise for the release of the most recent draft of the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR).

There have been at least three draft IMPs since 2012 when the previous (and first) IMP for the FNR expired. IMPs are valid for 10 years, and it is the task of the managing authority – in this case the Overstrand Municipality, and specifically the Director of Infrastructure and Planning (Mr Stephen Müller) – to update the IMP. The first draft IMP of this series, which was an acceptable document, was produced and presented to the Fernkloof Advisory Board (FAB) in December 2013. Since then there have been a number of re-drafts primarily motivated by two sources: 1) the FAB, expertly directed by chairman Mr Duncan Heard and 2) the Municipal Planning Directorate.

The drafts by the latter concentrated on ever-greater attempts to gain autonomy for the Planning Directorate over FNR, with particular emphasis on gaining approval for an Astronomy Centre to be situated on the top of Rotary Way within FNR. FAB has resisted every such attempt as totally inappropriate to the functions of the nature reserve, and has been supported in this by Whale Coast Conservation (WCC), CapeNature, the Hermanus Botanical Society (HBS) and other interested bodies and individuals.

It is customary, courteous and logical to present every mate-rial draft of the IMP to the FAB before presenting it to the general public, as FAB is a statutory body appointed by the Mayor to advise the Municipality on affairs pertaining to FNR. In this case it did not happen, and here I appeal to our Mayor, Municipal Manager and Ward Councillors to ensure that FAB is given the respect it is due.

The Planning Department, under the same director, proposed the infamous Hermanus Bypass Road currently under investigation – this too is to be situated in the FNR. The 8 082 petitioners, both international and local, who to date have signed the international AVAAZ petition (Google “Hermanus Bypass”) against the by-pass road should take note of the latest attempt to encroach on FNR. This draft IMP is potentially just as damaging as the proposed bypass road. It is nothing less than a thinlyveiled attempt on the part of the Planning Department to gain free access to development in a large section of the core of the Reserve – currently pristine – under the guise of the IMP for the next 10 years.

The few people I know who have read this document are under no illusions as to the real intentions of the Planning Department. These people, all highly respected and longstanding members of our community, include Dr Di Marais, chairperson of HBS; Dr Pat Miller, past chairperson of HBS; Mr Duncan Heard, chairman of FAB; Mr David Beattie, past chairman

and current vice-chairman of FAB; Mr Rob Fryer, general manager of WCC; Mrs Lee Burman, long-standing member of the FAB, of the committee of the HBS, and a past longserving member of the Overstrand Municipality senior staff, and Mr Giorgio Lombardi, warden of the Vogelgat Nature Reserve.

The latest document does not cover the essential features one would expect to find in a management plan, for example a situational analysis and a financial budget. The list of definitions does not even include the word “conservation”, which is well defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary as, “preservation, esp. of natural environment… and specially protected against undesirable changes” and where “preservation” is defined as “keep safe; keep alive / maintain (state of things); retain (quality, condition) / keep (game, river, abs.) undisturbed”.

This latest draft grossly contravenes this definition. It proposes opening the way to destroying rare mountain fynbos in favour of an astronomy centre, a cableway, ziplining, accommodation, and 4x4 tracks, to name but a few proposals. The FNR is exactly that – a nature reserve, not a theme park. It is a very small place where our unique natural environment should come first; there are precious few examples where this is the case.

This proposal by the Planning Department is a classic example of subverting the objectives of the legislation governing proclaimed nature reserves. Is this to be yet

another incidence of local State Capture?

The Planning Department is proposing to add degraded land, including the area known as the Municipal Farms (which is severely infested with alien vegetation) into the FNR as a sop to getting its hands onto priceless pristine land. Let them use land such as the Municipal Farms for the Theme Park – ziplining is already taking place there.

All the above highlights the obvious conflict of interest between the Planning Department (PD) and the Environmental Section (ES), which reports to the Planning Department. It supports the HBS’s view that the ES should be a free- standing department with independent rights, and sufficient budget and personnel dedicated to the conservation of our natural environment. This would enable the PD to get on with sorting out such issues as the De Mond caravan park, Maanskynbaai, Grotto east parking lot, Grotto beach, Fick’s Pool and the Sports Centre, all of which need urgent attention that is long overdue.

To all those who signed the AVAAZ petition against the bypass road, and any other interested conservationminded people, please express your concerns ASAP to the Environmental Section at PO Box 20, Hermanus 7200 or by email to ldevilliers@ overstrand.gov.za You can download the IMP from: overstrand.gov.za Antony van Hoogstraten Voëlklip

Whale Festival has little to do with whales Sir William Hoy would likely be turning in his grave had he witnessed the hoi polloi which descended on Hermanus in their droves over the Whale Festival weekend. Looking back, the measures he applied by blocking the proposed railway line to Hermanus in order to protect his marine paradise may seem extreme. However, today there is an even greater need to conserve the increasingly threatened environment of this Overberg landscape.

On its webpage the Hermanus

Whale Festival proclaims to be a unique eco-marine festival celebrating the whales and all marine life. This online statement does not correlate with the reality on the ground of what was experienced during the event. How much plastic litter and other rubbish was blown around the town, into the drains as well as the sea? It seems ironic that just prior to the festival, International Coastal Clean-Up took place with a few stalwarts braving the inclement weather to assist in removing litter from the beaches.

Detritus, noise pollution, overcrowding and traffic congestion do little to add any value to a beautiful town like Hermanus. The CBD, jammed to full capacity, had some shops closing due to hooliganism, while it was noted that eco events were poorly attended. As an international tourist destination it is disheartening to see the waterfront landscape obstructed and eclipsed by pop-up marquees and rows of portable toilets.

For all the above reasons,

surely the sensible solution would be to relocate this event in the future to a setting outside the town.

With a festival that has little to do with whales, let’s not make big brand names, packed restaurants, fast food joints and brisk trade the priority but rather give consideration to the marine and terrestrial environment in guarding its gifts through protection and preservation.

Noel and Beth Hunt

In reference to the front page article Big Plans for Fernkloof (The Village NEWS, 29 Aug – 11 Sep 2017) I offer the following quote from the The Fernkloof Nature Reserve Integrated Management Plan: The Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) surrounds and is closely integrated with the coastal tourist town of Hermanus. In addition to the delivery of important ecosystem services, the FNR is also a source of outdoor recreation and spiritual and cultural wellbeing for visitors and the inhabitants of Hermanus, thereby contributing significantly to eco-cultural tourism in the Overstrand municipal area.

As such the management authority, municipality concerned, organs of state, local communities and other interested and affected parties must take great care not to “kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” As indicated in the quote above, FNR is an invaluable asset. It currently attracts tourists and locals for the reasons stated above.

Upgrading of current facilities such as maintenance of paths, safety for hikers, a restaurant on the original footprint in the gardens, upgrading of current huts and possibly an improved picnic spot and boat launching facility at Maanskynbaai would all be welcomed provided that such development is in harmony with the ethos of the reserve. In addition, such upgrades could provide job opportunities for locals.

However, 4x4 trails, killing of baboons, building more huts and erecting a cable car and ziplines need to be very carefully considered. The world as we know it is heading for its sixth extinction and we know that a lot of what’s happening today has been mediated by humankind – too many people. It will be tragic if the peace and beauty of FNR is disturbed by too many visitors who will in essence “kill the goose”.

My experience of visiting Yosemite in California where the air was polluted by car fumes and where we queued for hours to buy some lunch was very different to breathing the champagne air here in Fernkloof, hearing children happily exploring the foot paths and seeing families enjoying special celebrations in the beautiful surrounds of the gardens.

I understand that the Overstrand Municipality is striving “to be the most desirable destination to visit, stay and do business in”.

This is commendable but only if it takes into consideration the restrictions of our water resources, the wonder of our fragile biodiversity, and the need for uplifting and generally improving the living conditions of many local inhabitants. A delicate dance of balance is required when it comes to development and conservation of resources.

Let us strive not to destroy the profitability of this asset by being short sighted in our planning.

Dr Kathie Buley, Eastcliff

Snowy’s story is not so salty Looking for something to send to my grandson who recently immigrated to Oz, I decided that Snowy’s story (The Story of another African Farm, The Village NEWS 26 Sep – 2 Oct, P 23) would be a great idea. The owner of Quirk and Leopard said it was a bit “salty”. So I decided to find out what exactly she meant by “salty” and started reading about Snowy before sending it off.

I found it a delightful story, but why the translations? It reminded me of those books one gets from the library that are either underlined or scratched out. Most of us know what the words mean or should. I have one or two friends from the UK who have lived here more than half their lives and it really irritates me when I say something in Afrikaans and they apologetically say that they don’t understand that! Or maybe Snowy’s owner hopes his book will go international!

I’m reminded of many years a Spinster Lady, known as Miss

PK, of British extraction who came to live in Mitchell Street, from some Settlers Club in Cape Town. I remember her always in a long navy blue skirt riding her bicycle in a very ladylike manner, usually to visit Mr Alex Grant. One day she complained to her gardener that she was losing her hair. The concerned gardener replied: “Seker al die fietsry, Miessies.” See what I mean?

Oumie, Sandbaai Dear Oumie Thank you so much for conveying your concern about my translating some of the Afrikaans expressions into English.

Once your grandson has settled into his Ozzy environment, he may well befriend a few real Down Under natives who would find the translations useful.

My extended family in Scotland and Canada were delighted (opgewonde).

As you can imagine, the Afrikaans version of the book is double the length.

Best wishes Snowy

7

17 - 30 October 2017

Whale Festival needs a rethink I can only agree with the letter Is this festival what the town needs? (The Village NEWS, 3 – 16 October 2017).

The Whale Festival seems to have gone from bad to worse over the last few years and is not helping the majority of businesses in the town. In fact it is harming them. I too have a shop on Main Road and we lost money over this weekend.

The crowds want noise and entertainment, not indoor shopping. Many customers, including tourists, who came into the shop after the weekend said they had been warned about the mess that is the Whale Festival and actively avoid it. So it now has a bad reputation and only the mobs who want free entertainment and cheap food are thronging to the town. Why has the CBD become a place to bring your own food and picnic and leave your litter on every available grass verge?

While I understand the need for families and the youth to also have some fun, it has now come at the expense of the rest of the town. The traffic congestion, garbage, over-crowding, and noise is hurting most

businesses, not to men-tion the whales and sea life. Eco festival – I don’t think so!

I do believe we should cancel the festival for a year, reset, and then have a new group rethinking the whole structure of the festival. Bruce van der Spuy always did wonders with local music on the fringe festival years ago… perhaps Joshua Rossouw who has resurrected the Lemm’s Corner Market would be willing to help, along with others, in planning a new festival. And surely organise park-and-ride venues so people don’t leave town in frustration, finding no parking at all!

Yes, perhaps fewer people will come, but perhaps those willing to contribute to the economy will come back – let the town’s own restaurants and shops benefit.

If this same festival returns next year, I will certainly close my shop. Perhaps stay in bed.

Come on Hermanus, let’s try and rethink this festival to be something we can be proud of once again.

We need to stand together and find common ground Supper Club builds bridges (The Village NEWS, 3 – 16 October) refers. I was one of a group that attended this event, which I think is one of the most important events that ever happened in Hermanus.

Minister Alan Winde, Brig Heilbron, Dr Magona and a whole lot of others got together to talk about the future of our country, and more specifically the Overstrand.

Incredible people all spoke about a united middle class that is representative of all parts of the community and focused on mutual values.

All that we love – the beauty of our area, the whales, the mountains – will not mean a thing unless we change our mind sets from blaming and

separating to embracing and forming friendships and finding common ground around hope.

We do not have any future as long as we have our heads up our whatevers.

We need to create a future together that is not just prosperous for a select few, but for everyone who is prepared to stand together and make meaningful compromises.

There are so many good people in Hermanus who know that there is far more that unites us than what separates us.

Love, hope, forgiveness, respect and friendship. This is the only way forward.

Jump, or be pushed.

Hopeful Hermanus

Judy Miller

Fernkloof Development Plan is misdirected Re the draft Intergrated Management Plan Fernkloof: I have neither the inclination nor the time to make even a cursory study of this infamous and completely misdirected plan.

It belies all logic as to how anyone can even consider a development plan of this nature, for a revered and valuable proclaimed

conservation area such as Fernkloof. If it stems from economic or financial demands I am indeed sympathetic towards those tasked with and responsible for the birth of this plan.

Otherwise no-one in their right mind would be associated with such a heinous assault upon a treasured conservation area.

I don’t consider it of any use or need to elaborate on my out of hand rejection of this plan and would urge you, whoever you are, to withdraw it soonest.

Perhaps this plan owes its unwelcome birth to one or more of the political leaders in Hermanus. In any event, it behoves our elected representatives, the

Councillors of the Overstrand, to now react publically in the press. If not to heed the old adage of “Humpty Dumpty”.

Neil van der Spuy Retired Director Cape Metro Council Berg &See

Mall likely to create traffic congestion Your article on the Whale Coast Mall (Get hooked on shopping at the Whale Coast Mall, 3 – 16 October 2017) was very informative and now there are just a few weeks before it opens there is one major concern I have. Yes, the mall will serve Hermanus very well and the tenant mix to me looks good but what concerns me, with nearly fifty years of retail mall development experience, is the horrendous traffic congestion likely to arise at various times.

This to my mind is a severe problem, further exasperated by the fact that returning east side residents will have to use the rear access and then attempt to get out onto the R43 either at Main Street or Schulphoek Road via a most likely extremely congested Bergsig Street. Then of course why even try to get back onto the R43 if it is grid-locked, so detours will be taken through the side streets of Mount Pleasant that are plainly not designed for such traffic.

We have just gone through a weekend of severe traffic problems with the Whale Festival and this is perhaps a sign of things to come and will be a regular occurrence.

Neither Sandbaai Main Street nor Schulphoek Road to my mind is capable of dealing with the traffic generated and will in all likelihood create long backups at both traffic lights. Furthermore, I can see the parking lot in front of the mall becoming grid-locked at times so that even getting out to the R43 will be an issue.

I am a retired Chartered Surveyor specialising in Planning and Development and have significant experience in the design and valuation of retails malls throughout the Americas and the UK. I have also lectured on shopping centre development in China and Canada.

In my career my most successful project was Granville Island in Vancouver, Canada that was part of the inspiration for the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. I am now a permanent resident of Hermanus having been a regular visitor from the UK since 2005.

My main concern is the lack of two-way access out onto Hermanus Main Road (R43).

The design of the mall only allows access from the east and exit out to the west and this is located far too close to the R43/Sandbaai Main Street traffic lights so that at times of heavy traffic flow there will be no realistic means of exiting.

What should have been done to alleviate this problem, and surely there was more than enough time for this, is a traffic survey to test alternatives. I would have suggested a major change to the road access into the mall by creating an underpass allowing in and out access onto the R43 in both directions and, surely an absolute essential in any mall of this size, two lanes of traffic leaving the mall at all major exits.

Furthermore, some connection of the towns of Sandbaai and Onrus/Vermont outside the R43, and the widening of the Onrus Bridge, should at the very least have been completed prior to the mall opening.

Hopefully I am wrong about all this but experience tells me otherwise.

David Wilson

The cat’s out of the bag, but who let the dogs out?

My editor was furious. “This newspaper,” she hissed, “has had dozens of calls from animal huggers complaining that your silly story about baboons watching TV was disgraceful!”

I attempted to explain but she had me in a deadly choke-hold.

Unable to breathe for over three minutes, and with my eyes popping and ears ringing, the concept of ‘tongue-incheek’ was both figurative and literal. The cold steel of the staple-gun on my temple got the little black dots squirming around my peripheral vision.

They started joining together to form a bottomless black hole, while the haunting strains of Gregorian monks gargling Stairway To Heaven echoed ever louder in my inner ear.

The last thing I remember was her instruction to write something interesting about animals…

Wit’s End Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com

When I came round the next day in hospital the black dots were gone, and the monks had thankfully popped out for a fag. Within a few minutes my kaleidoscopic brain managed to realign, so I could focus on the extensive survival instincts I’d learned in the Boy Scouts, and plan my immediate future.

Firstly, escape from the hospital. Secondly, get home. And thirdly, check on my pets. Then it struck me.

Pets – animals – I’ve got to “write something interesting about animals” she’d threatened.

So in the interests of selfpreservation and to avoid further Gregorian gargling, I scoured the scrolls contained in The Duck ’n Fiddle’s Explanation of Everything for anything about how animals influence our lives or vice versa, or how often we compare each other’s behaviour or image with the actions or appearance of various animals. Some references are not necessarily complimentary…

Let’s start with the wild ones.

A ‘snake in the grass’ is globally recognised as an unsavory character to be avoided. Snakes

– in or out of grass – are generally treated with suspicion ever since Eve was initially tempted by one.

They’re regarded as bad news, especially for Snakes ’n Ladders addicts. Sharks, hyenas, bottom feeders and vultures wallow in the same sleazy sewers of disparagement.

Comments about big cats like tigers and cougars relate mainly to the guile and prowess of the fairer sex, insinuating some mystical feline advantage they have over what can only be referred to then as the unfair sex. Apes, gorillas, bears with sore heads and lone wolves dressed up as lamb fall into this unfair category, while crocodile tears ooze out of both Beauty and the Beast.

More interesting though, are the comparisons with domestic

animals, also both complimentary and derogatory.

Depending on what just happened, members of the fairer sex can be viciously catty or cuddly as a kitten, once again personalising the feline species. Tom Jones immortalized them with ‘What’s New Pussycat? Woah u woah u woah oh.’ (Bet you just sang it to yourself.)

Anyway, the canine variety is much more confusing. When referring to the unfair sex, a ‘dog’ is someone a lady wouldn’t happily take home to meet Pa, finish en klaar. For the fairer sex though, it becomes a multiple- choice scenario. Calling someone a bitch is not generally regarded as a term of endearment, but the difference between a dog and a fox is only the length of its ears, and there’s something enticing about

being referred to as a Foxy Lady.

Deception and chicanery can be portrayed through a number of animals. Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes can get them barking up the wrong tree. You can also be led up the garden path on a wild goose chase only to uncover a red herring, and to avoid confronting an uncomfortable issue, playing possum creates a similar outcome to sticking your head in an ostrich or something.

‘Dog eats dog’ though, pales in comparison with the horror of the post-coital cannibalism of the black widow spider. Talk about unfair sex!

In trepidation I wonder if the staple-gunner will find this article interesting about animals? Maybe not – but it is somewhat interesting about humans, of hoe?

8

17 - 30 October 2017

5

12

3 US 28 N A 0

5 33

e RM er E h H t s

ke a T

u

Good Guide

REGULARS Every Saturday

yo

Wednesday 18 October

■ Hermanus Bird Club meeting: The club’s monthly meet will commence with a wine station, followed by Faansie Peacock’s presentation of an hour-long show entitled Bird Brain – a comedic look at what makes birders tick. At the Fernkloof Hall, at 18:15. For more information, call Daphne on 079 364 8827.

Thursday 19 October ■ Birder’s Course: Faansie Peacock is presenting a one-day course on Waders for the Hermanus Bird Club. After the morning session there will be a lunch break (bring own lunch and drinks) followed by the afternoon session. The cost is R110 pp. At the Fernkloof Nature Reserve Hall, from 09:30 for 10:00.

Contact Craig Holmes on 028 313 2458 or pcsholmes@telkomsa.net

Friday 20 October ■ Olympus launch: Out with the old, in with the new. You are invited by thephotowalkers.com to test drive the latest state-of-the-art technology at the launch of the new Olympus mirrorless camera range. At the Bouchard Finlayson wine cellar, from 11:00 – 13:00; and at Coffee Corner in Stanford from 15:00 – 17:00. Launches will also be held in Betty’s Bay on 21 October and Gansbaai on 23 October. Bookings essential. Contact Leanne on 083 293 7208 or ifoundit@thephotoshed.co.za ■ BotSoc Talk: The Hermanus Botanical Society will present a fascinating talk by guest speaker Vic Hamilton-Attwell on The Spiders of Fernkloof. At the Fernkloof Hall, at 17:30. Entrance is free and all are welcome.

Academia, Botrivier Marimba, Laerskool Kleinmond and Laerskool Okkie Smuts. During the interval from 10:45 – 11:30 refreshments will be for sale, followed by the Enlighten Music Department Extravaganza from 11:30 – 13:00. This will include classical music solos, duets, keyboards, choirs and the Enlighten Strings Ensemble. Donations will be much appreciated. At the Municipal Auditorium, from 10:00. For more information, contact 028 313 0974.

Monday 23 October ■ Blue Planet: Join U3A Overberg for this sixweek series of 50 minutes each, which will reveal the complete natural history of the oceans that cover 70% of our planet – from its familiar shores to the mysteries of its deepest seas. Experience the ocean in all its phases and the myriad of life forms that are contained in it. The series took five years to make and the photography is generally judged to be the best ever recorded. The first in the series is entitled Ocean World. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

highly-acclaimed show to Hermanus. Written by Michael Charton and produced by Inherit South Africa, My Father’s Coat tells the story of SA history as it has never been told, providing new meaning to our complex past by tracking 200 traumatic years through the eyes of five inter-connected and controversial protagonists: Mzilikazi, Kruger, Rhodes, Smuts and Mandela. Tickets at R250 pp are available online through webtickets or the Hermanus Tourism Bureau. At the Municipal Auditorium; snacks and drinks will be served from 18:30 followed by the presentation at 19:15. For enquiries, contact Sue Holmes on 028 313 2458 or Pat van Schoor on 082 897 8150.

■ Planting and Living by the Moon: Join Fiona L Sym as she shares the secrets of planting by the Moon and other fascinating influences the Moon has on our everyday lives. The entrance fee of R50 includes a 2-month calendar. At the Catholic Church hall, from 18:00 – 19:00. For more info, contact Fiona on 079 755 2047.

■ Fireflies and Glow Worms: Join Whale Coast Conservation on an eco-adventure for young and old in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve to find fireflies and glow worms. From 18:30 – 20:00. The cost is R100 for adults and R50 for children. Booking essential; contact anina.wcc@gmail.com

■ Bhuki Café: Come and meet Bhuki’s special guest Gail Strever-Morkel, who is the author of On Laughter-Silvered Wings. In this engrossing memoir, Gail tells the story of her father Lt Col Ted Strever, SAAF pilot in WWII who, as a POW, along with his three crew members, enacted the first mid-air skyjack in history. Copies of the book will be for sale. At Hermanus Library, from 09:00 – 11:30.

■ Enlighten Music Extravaganza: Support the

Enlighten Education Trust and enjoy a great day of music and entertainment all at once! From 10:00 10:45 the Enlighten Marimba Extravaganza will feature the talented youngsters from Gansbaai

■ Elgin Open Gardens: Discover the beauty and charm of 18 open gardens in the Elgin and Bot River districts over two weekends. These range from large established country gardens (some over 50 years old), to young, recently planted gardens in villages and on smallholdings. Several venues will offer plants for sale, tea and light meals, and various art exhibitions. The next Elgin Open Gardens weekend will be 4 – 5 November. From 10:00 – 17:00 daily. Get all the details at www.elginopengardens.co.za or pick up a brochure from Walkerbay Nursery at Hemelen-Aarde Village. Contact Jessie Walton on 083 458 3790 or Barbara on 078 021 2101, or send an email to info@elginopengardens.co.za

Sunday 29 October ■ Meditation Services: Join Jill Fisher on the last Sunday of every month in Fisherhaven at 10:00 for a meditation session – for Peace, for Healing, for Everyone. For more details, contact Jill on 028 315 2993 or 072 477 7120.

■ NSRI Golf Day: Join Hermanus NSRI for a great day of golf on a beautiful course at this 4 Ball Alliance in aid of saving lives and show your support for their volunteers. The cost is R2 500 per 4 Ball. Hole sponsor only: R2 000; Hole sponsor plus 4 Ball: R3 500; Sponsor Hole 1, 9, 10, 18: R3 000; Putting Area: R5 000. At Arabella Hotel & Spa, from 11:00 onwards. Contact Jean from NSRI Hermanus on 082 339 1940 / 082 990 5967 or jeanadrileroux@gmail.com

Saturday 28 October

■ Pink October Breakfast: October is Breast

Cancer Awareness Month and the Creation team will once again participate with a special Pink October event, starting with breakfast canapés.

Guest speaker Professor Justus Apffelstaedt from the Multidisciplinary Breast Health Centre will lead an interactive talk, followed by a food and wine pairing. Tickets are R250 pp and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Tygerberg Hospital Breast Clinic Fund. At Creation Wines, from 09:00 – 11:00.

To book, contact 028 212 1107 or reservations@creationwines.com

■ Hermanus parkrun: Meet at Hermanus Forest in Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at 08:00.

Free timed 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine.

The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: In the courtyard at HPF cellar, The Village, from 09:00-14:00. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

■ The Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals, young and old. Fresh local produce, wholesome goodies, and home-made crafts. Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00-13:00.

■ Market in the Garden: Set among the trees in the heart of town, at St Peter’s Church in Main Road, from 09:00-13:00.

Every Sunday ■ Lemm’s Corner Market: This popular Sunday market offers exclusive fine arts and crafts, locally manufactured clothing, accessories and home décor, as well as delicious specialty foods, craft beers and a wine bar. On the corner of Main and Harbour Road, Hermanus, from 10:00 – 15:00.

Every Monday ■ Classic Monday Bridge Club: Duplicate Bridge, every Monday at 13:00, at Fernkloof Hall.

To join the club, contact Riekie on 072 230 9179.

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday ■ Walker Bay Walkers: Join this group of about 30 walkers who meet 3 times a week and do 3 different routes of 6 – 9 km. Meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 07:00 at the Hermanus Bowling Club. For more information call Lynn on 082 471 3637 or Angela on 082 445 8376.

Every Thursday

■ OAK concert: Overstrand Arts/Kunste presents world-renowned cellist Zuill Bailey, accompanied by pianist Bryan Wallick. The programme will include Sonata in C Major by Boccherini; Sonata No. 4 by Beethoven; Paganini Variations by Piatigorsky and Daugherty’s Concerto. Tickets are R140 for adults and R60 for scholars. At the Municipal Auditorium, at 15:30. To book, contact Hermanus Tourism on 028 312 2629. For more information, call René on 082 940 4238 or 028 312 1895.

Saturday 21 October ■ BirdLife Coastal Cleanup: BirdLife Overberg will be launching its campaign on the conservation of our coastline and estuaries with their first monthly coastal cleanup in Vermont, an area with wonderful birdlife. Everyone is welcome to assist in conserving the birds and their habitats in our region. Dress according to the weather and remember your hat and sun screen. Meet at the Onrus Trading Post parking area at 07:00 and the cleanup should be finished by 09:30. To join, contact Elaine on 082 455 8402 or mwjasser@mweb.co.za

■ Benguela Cove Adventure Weekend: Sit back, relax and watch the Adventure Weekend activities from the Benguela Cove Tasting Room.

Proudly presented by Big Bay Events, the action includes the Lagoon Swim & Run at 10:00 on Saturday (R220) and the Lagoon Swim on Sunday – choose between the 500 m swim at 09:00 (R50); 1 km at 09:30 (R150); 3 km at 10:00 (R180); and the 5 km at 10:30 (R220). Registration opens from 08:00. Showers available, fun entertainment for the whole family and refreshments on sale. For more information call 083 645 6198. To enter, contact derrick@bigbayevents.co.za

Thursday 26 October

Friday 27 October

■ My Father’s Coat: SANTA is proud to bring this

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October

Monday 30 October ■ Blue Planet: Join U3A Overberg for the second part of this six-week series of 50 minutes each, which will reveal the complete natural history of the oceans that cover 70% of our planet – from its familiar shores to the mysteries of its deepest seas. The series took five years to make and the photography is generally judged to be the best ever recorded. The second part in the series is entitled The Deep. At the Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

■ Rotary Club of Hermanus: Weekly meetings every Thursday at Mollergren Park, at 19:00.

Visitors welcome. Contact Ian Wallace on 082 895 8738 or Metcalf Fick on 082 568 2193.

Every Friday ■ Hermanus Hacking Group: Meet at the green reservoir off Mountain Drive, close to the Gateway intersection, at 07:15 for 07:30 until 09:30 every Friday. All volunteers welcome.

Contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 or mcvosloo@mweb.co.za ■ ‘Kolwyntjie-Teetuin’: Everyone in the area is invited to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at the Onrus Care Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) of the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus for only R30, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.

■ Bhuki Café: Enjoy tea, coffee and eats for only R20 (2 eats) or R30 (3 eats) to support the Friends of Hermanus Library, every Friday from 09:00 11:30.

Village

EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • ARTS

Become a FynArts Friend I

n June this year, the Hermanus FynArts Festival achieved its fifth-year milestone. Driven by Festival Director Mary Faure, the event once again saw Hermanus play host to the cream of South African performers, artists and authors, who participated in a ten-day festival of cultural events that included music concerts, art exhibitions, film, food, wine, talks, demonstrations and workshops.

“The festival has grown thanks to the generous ticket-buying support from Hermanus and Overstrand residents as well as an increasing number of visitors from the Western Cape, the Garden Route, Gauteng and KZN,” says Mary.

Apart from presenting the jam-packed festival programme, FynArts itself sponsored more than 1 500 tickets over the five years for people with socio-economic limitations. Tickets included those to attend workshops, demonstrations, children’s shows and outreach performances in Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant and Hawston, thanks to the FynArts Development Fund.

Launched in 2015 as a nonprofit organisation, the aim of the FynArts Development Fund is to further stimulate the development of art in Greater Hermanus and the Overstrand through sponsored festival participation.

“In the near future, follow-up training in the arts, the business of art, and supplementary arts programmes are planned,” says Mary. “The Fund, which cannot be used for operational or event expenses, has almost reached our initial target of R10 000.”

“In 2016 the festival made a small profit. This allowed for the first step towards sustaining a more professionally organised festival with the employment of an administrative coordinator and the attainment of an office.”

Growing FynArts in the next five years FynArts is now set to embark on its next five-year plan to ensure sustainable profitability while continuing to grow as a professionally-run festival that presents a top quality programme of concerts, exhibitions, films, talks, workshops, demonstrations,

tutored tastings and events for children.

“The costs required to bring this calibre of participants to Hermanus are enormous. For instance, the Sculpture on the Cliffs exhibition and the programme booklet, which reflects the festival’s standard, each cost well over R120 000,” says Mary. “In the future, a remunerated festival director will need to be employed.”

Hermanus FynArts needs Friends Arts festivals and arts organisations worldwide –

even those receiving state subsidies – rely heavily on donations, grants and contributions for their sustainability and growth.

FynArts is no exception.

Increasingly the concept of Friends has provided an opportunity for invaluable supporters of organisations and festivals to help them survive and flourish. This is especially so in the arts. After all, where would the arts be without its Friends?

Hermanus Fynarts likewise needs Friends, not only for

Two special appeals: ■ Several acclaimed artists have confirmed their participation in FynArts 2018 and at least 24 room nights are urgently needed to accommodate them. FynArts is grateful to the accommodation establishments that support them. If you are a guest house owner not on board yet and would like to sponsor a room / rooms for these participants, please contact Mary Faure at fynarts@hermanus.co.za ■ FynArts is in need of any fabric off-cuts of pure cotton, linen, denim or silk, and/or embroidery thread for a sewing workshop that will be presented early in the new year in Zwelihle in collaboration with Carol Hofmeyr of the Keiskamma Art Project. The fabric and/or thread can be dropped off at the FynArts office at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau.

their financial support but also as a loyal base of continued support.

Mary says other benefits may also be considered in the future.

How to become a Friend of FynArts An annual contribution of R300 (single) and R500 (couple) or a once-off, lifetime contribution of R3 000 (single) and R5 000 (couple) will offer you, as a Friend of FynArts, the opportunity to invest in the sustainability and ongoing growth of the Festival. Friends will be listed on the website www.hermanusfynarts.co.za and will be invited each year to the AGM.

To become a Friend of FynArts, the completed form can either: • be handed in with your payment at the Fynarts Office at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau or • emailed to admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za. Please attach your proof of payment referenced with: FF + your surname.

As a Friend you will also ■ have the opportunity to book tickets in advance of the general public by means of a special password ■ be invited to cocktails before the Opening Concert ■ be invited to an annual Friends-only event at some time before the Festival

Fynarts banking details: ABSA Hermanus, account number: 4090701494, branch code: 632005, account name: Hermanus FynArts.

If you would like any other information or prefer to support the festival by sponsoring an event, by contributing to the Development Fund, or sponsoring a page in the programme booklet, or in any other way, please contact Mary Faure at fynarts@hermanus.co.za

10

17 - 30 October 2017

The Write Angle

What’s new in review

Garden Birds in Southern Africa Meet the author

T

his accessible and inspirational guide profiles 101 garden birds likely to be found in gardens across southern Africa, informing readers about what to look and listen for, and where and when. Written by naturalist, illustrator and photographer Duncan Butchart, it will help you to create a bird-friendly garden that is also a reservoir of biodiversity, wherever you are in the region.

The author happens to be right here in Hermanus, where he settled with his wife and daughter in 2014 after living in Nelspruit in the Lowveld for 20 years. Many of the photographs in this new book were taken since he relocated to Hermanus.

changing world.

Geoffrey Andrew

Sandstone Editions

How, then, do we respond when all seems so hopeless? In The End is Not Yet – Standing Firm in Apocalyptic Times, Prof John de Gruchy explains that we can learn from the past and use it to formulate a healthy response. He’ll be presenting his new book at The Book Cottage on Tuesday 31 October at 5 pm. Call 028 313 0834 to secure your place for the launch.

– John Morris

Hermanus Botanical Society

His company Nature Works specialises in the conception and creation of illustrated charts, booklets, field guides, maps and signage for safari lodges, nature reserves and country estates, as well as tourism operators. Nature Works has clients in several African countries as well as the USA, Australia and Malaysia.

Duncan continues to travel widely on assignments to create accurate content and images relating to nature, conservation and eco-tourism.

In recent years there has been much despair in our culture and across the world.

Whether it is the signs of apparent global warming, civil unrest, political upheaval, corruption, war and conflict, the world seems far from a happy place. But history shows that it is our response to seemingly disastrous events that appears to be key.

The advent of Trump, Brexit, and the continuing conflicts that plague South Africa and the rest of the world can all be said to be responses to a frightening and rapidly-

Media Digital

As a keen observer of the natural world, Duncan’s book will guide you on how to get to know your local bird species, their feeding and breeding habits, their various calls and general behaviour.

Garden Birds in Southern Africa is the latest work by a dedicated conservationist who enjoys nothing more than connec-ting humans with their natural environment, even if on the small scale of a suburban garden.

The title of academic, theologian and author Prof John de Gruchy’s latest book, The End is Not Yet – Standing Firm in Apocalyptic Times, refers to the famous quote from the bible that says the end of the world will be marked by “wars and rumours of wars”, but that Christians should take heart for “the end is not yet”.

Jonathan Ball

the birds and other wildlife of Australia, Borneo, Thailand, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil and India. He has penned and edited several books on African wildlife, including Wildlife of South Africa, Wildlife of the Okavango, Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula and Wildlife of the Lowveld, and was illustrator and co-author of The Vultures of Africa.

An enthusiastic gardener, he has created inviting spaces for birds – and other wildlife – wherever he has lived, from

Well-known for his nature and wildlife photography, Duncan is also an artist with a prolific output of watercolour illustrations of birds and other wildlife, plants and trees. You can view these exquisite works on Duncan’s birding blog (‘Never a gull moment’) at duncanbutchart.word press.com or on Facebook (’Duncan Butchart’ and ‘Nature Works – Duncan Butchart’).

Profile Books

Duncan has worked in 11 African countries as a specialist in ecotourism communication and travelled extensively worldwide, writing articles on

Penguin Random House

Johannesburg to Nelspruit to Hermanus. With an attractive layout and multiple colour images, Garden Birds in Southern Africa discusses garden habitats and how to create them, and shares ideas for providing water, food and nest sites for birds. It also profiles a range of trees, shrubs, climbers, aquatic plants and grasses to plant to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden.

In Richard Mabey's characteristically lyrical and informative tone, The Cabaret of Plants: Botany and the Imagination explores plant species which have challenged our imaginations, awoken wonder, and upturned our ideas about history, science, beauty and belief. Picked from every walk of life, they encompass crops, weeds, medicines, religious gathering-places and a water lily named after a queen. From Ice Age artists, to the Romantic poets, via colonialism and the nineteenth century botanical mania of empire, Mabey concludes his magnum opus, which critics have pronounced a “rhapsodic labour of love”, with the latest revelations of possible 'plant intelligence' in this extraordinary collection of encounters between plants and people.

Jane’s Delicious A–Z of Vegetables is an accessible guide to the most commonly-grown vegetables, plus many new and unusual ones now available. Written in Jane Griffith’s quirky, practical style and lavishly illustrated with fullcolour photographs for easy reference, this book provides detailed information on how to sow, plant, feed, water, protect, harvest and eat them, as well as save their seed for future generations. It is the ultimate one-stop guide to growing any type of vegetable organically by a knowledgeable and entertaining writer who has been growing herbs and vegetables in her Johannesburg garden for over two decades and published several books, including Jane’s Delicious Urban Gardening and Jane’s Delicious Kitchen. Growing your own organic food is much easier than you think, and now it the perfect time to start.

Local botanical artist Barbara Pretorius has been charmed by flowers – their amazing colours, shapes and sizes, their personalities, their very souls – since childhood. That is what she tries to capture in her paintings.

Although they are botanically correct, she does not presume to paint like a scientist – rather, she paints what she sees, their movement and how they catch the light, and tries to recreate the emotion they awaken in her.

Entitled Art is the flower – Life the green leaf – Hope the emerging fruit, her book contains a collection of watercolour studies of indigenous plants painted over the course of 26 years.

Barbara’s work has been exhibited throughout South Africa and prints of the paintings in her book can be ordered by contacting her at abarbara@mweb.co.za

To celebrate Fernkloof Nature Reserve’s 60 year anniversary, a group of dedicated Hermanus Botanical Society members have combined their expertise in their various fields of interest to create a book on this botanical gem, which was launched at this year’s Hermanus Flower Festival. Never before has a definitive field guide been written on Fernkloof, which has more than 1 300 recorded plant species in its 1 800 hectares.

The book contains 184 pages of glossy colour, with more than 400 photographs of plants and creatures, large and small, which can be seen in the reserve, accompanied by a description for each and useful tips for identification. The A5 soft-cover book also has photographs of the stunning views, descriptions of the 60 km of hiking trails, maps, geology, and so much more.

This fascinating anthology of the etymology of the botanical names of plants comes in two ring-bound volumes of a size convenient for use in the field.

Written by a local, retired attorney Geoffrey Andrew, who has spent the last 15 years researching and preparing this comprehensive reference work, the anthology fully explains the botanical names of 172 plant families, 625 genera and close to 2 500 species he has identified in the Fernkloof, Kogelberg and Vogelgat nature reserves. Derived mainly from Greek and Latin, the botanical names are inspired by important botanists, scientists, physicians, loved ones, princes and personages, mythology and legends. The names can also indicate colours, shapes and textures, and inform on the habits of the plants and the habitats where they grow.

This exquisite regional monograph in two volumes encapsulates a comprehensive overview of what is known about the classification and ecology of all 241 orchid species of the 24 genera native to the Cape Floristic Region. With habitat destruction having severely reduced populations, these volumes document a number of highly endangered or virtually extinct orchid species. It forms a scientifically important archival record and an indispensable reference work for botanists and plantlovers alike, combining the literature of nearly four centuries with over 20 years of fieldwork and contributions from many wellknown botanical authorities of today. It includes more than 2 000 colour photographs and reproductions of both historical and modern paintings of the species printed on matte art paper.

11

17 - 30 October 2017

The Book Collector moves to a new (bigger) shop

T

he Book Collector, coowned by Benadé Kruger and Chris Steyn, and home to an impressive selection of quality second-hand books, has moved shop to bigger premises.

table for working at or sitting around, chatting to the owners.

Friendly and helpful, Chris and Benadé are always up for conversation, especially on their favourite topic – books.

Less than a year after opening in December 2016, their previous shop in the Royal Centre was bursting at the seams with these two bibliophiles’ ever-growing collection of rare antiquarian and collectable books in all genres.

When a bigger shop became available in the same centre at the beginning of this month, they jumped at the opportunity to spread their wings.

One of their new initiatives is to support local up-and-coming artists, which is why the walls are currently adorned with the naïve art of Adele Bantjes.

“Everything in the shop is for sale – except for me,” quipped Chris, who also has a special interest in protest art. I’m not sure where she is going to hang everything, as the shop is already quite full. “Yes,” sighed Chris, “we already need an even bigger shop!”

Chris, who devotes more time to the daily running of the shop, says she wants The Book Collector to be welcoming and accessible. “We want everyone to be able to afford a book,” she said, and to this aim they offer daily specials with selected books for sale at R10, R20 and R50.

The diversity of books in The Book Collector is truly astounding, ranging from fiction to crime to science to nature to art to history to

Find The Book Collector at the Royal Centre on Main Road (next to KFC) or contact them on 028 313 2341.

- Hedda Mittner

When I visited them shortly after the move, I found a welcoming space with well-ordered and referenced shelves, several chairs in little nooks and crannies of the shop where you could plonk yourself down with a book, and a

contemporary politics… (phew!). New stock is acquired on an ongoing basis and Benadé, whose special interest lies in rare Africana and political and military history books, spends much of his time doing research on the internet, and handling online buying and selling.

Chris Steyn and Benadé Kruger, co-owners of The Book Collector, in their new shop in the Royal Centre, Hermanus.

12

17 - 30 October 2017

Praise the Lard for charcuterie!

W

ith the summer holiday season fast approaching, I am looking forward to fresh, simple meals that can be prepared in a jiffy with the minimum of fuss and enjoyed al fresco or even on a picnic.

What’s Cooking RESTAURANT NEWS Hedda Mittner

And what could be easier than keeping a supply of good quality charcuterie (cold meats, sausages, pâtés) to hand that, along with a few leaves and fresh veggies, some pickles, cheese and bread, constitute an enjoyable and tasty meal. It comes in handy too, when guests arrive for an impromptu visit.

There is something very convivial about gathering around a charcuterie platter with a bottle of wine (or several) with friends and family, and picking your way through all the bits and pieces at leisure.

And the more condiments you add such as mustards, chutneys and pickles, the more you can try different combinations – an altogether more pleasant and sociable way of eating than being presented with just one plate of food.

Someone who has mastered the art of preparing an irresistibly delicious platter is Connel Massyn, head chef at EAT restaurant in Hemel-en-Aarde Village. Not one to do anything in half measures, this talented chef’s journey into the world of charcuterie started more than a year ago with a visit to Glen Oakes, a 300 ha free-range pig farm near Solitaire, with the owner of EAT, Sheena Bruce.

The owner of EAT, Sheena Bruce, and Head Chef Connel Massyn, who have embarked on a new venture into the world of charcuterie, Praise the Lard.

From the end of October, diners will be able to enjoy a delectable charcuterie Platter for Two at EAT.

Sheena and Connel have formed a firm partnership over the years and are always on the lookout for local, reliable and ethical sources. Glen Oakes certainly fit the bill.

and foraging for grubs, acorns and roots. Their lives are stress-free and they do not receive any growth hormones or antibiotics. This promotes even marbling of fat in the meat and results in pork with an unusually rich flavour profile.

Here owner Charlie Crowther’s free-range porky family of approximately 300, from piglets to retired breeding sows, enjoy a natural, healthy life. They are given the freedom to roam and explore, grazing on pastures

Having secured Glen Oakes as a supplier, Sheena and Connel were not only assured of the quality of the pork dishes on their menu (the pork belly is simply divine!) but were also inspired to explore the

possibility of using this excellent quality pork to produce their own charcuterie.

Immersing themselves in the study of curing and smoking, Connel attended two courses to learn from the masters of the trade – an Italian charcuterie workshop by Lorenzo Ciman, the “singing Italian pig farmer” from La Masseria, and a French charcuterie workshop at Môreson in Franschhoek by Neil Jewell, “South Africa’s charcuterie king”, who

is also one of Glen Oakes’s few select clients.

And so Praise the Lard, their new charcuterie label, was born. EAT already had a spacious cold room to work in so that freshness and quality are guaranteed, and they purchased various new equipment ranging from an imported Italian curing chamber and an upright smoker, to a stainless steel table, stuffers, mincers, slicers, and smoking guns. Curing is a long and complex process that takes months and even years, but after a lot of tasting, experimenting and having fun, EAT is ready to present their first charcuterie platters to customers by the end of the month.

The Platter for Two features a selection of meats and sausages, all cured on the premises, including Lomo, Coppa, Pancetta, Chorizo and Saucisson Sec. There is also a delicious Port-infused chicken liver pâté, boiled quail eggs, a hard local cheese and fresh sourdough baguettes straight from the oven. Another delight is the rooibos smoked butter, along with condiments that can range from whole pickled garlic cloves to roasted balsamic-glazed peppers to pickled apple to a curried mango chutney.

The platter is clearly a labour of love and the result of many months of hard work and dedicated passion – a true artisan product that is proudly local, with everything on the platter sourced from our region. Praise the Lard products are also available for purchase, including cured meats, bacons, hams and sausages, all individually vacuum-sealed and packaged.

It is best to order these in advance, as supply is limited and they already have a regular order to supply the Sumaridge Tasting Room in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Contact EAT on 028 316 2348.

Nicole and Anton Verhoogt of the Fisherman’s Cottage, who took over the Barefoot Cook last month.

Fine food indeed at Barefoot Cook After closing for renovations during the first half of September, the Barefoot Cook is now in full swing – and what a happy place it is.

There were many diners walking around with long faces when Mariclaire Day decided to sell this iconic eatery, which she’d had for 15 years. But they need not have had any fear – new owners Anton and Nicole Verhoogt of Fisherman’s Cottage have not made any major changes and the restaurant has retained not only its name but also its charming and intimate atmosphere.

Subtle renovations included freshening up the interior and the delightful courtyard garden, while the menu has been enhanced by Chef Anton with a touch of European sophistication.

The menu – which is still written up on the blackboards – changes weekly according to the seasonal availability of produce. For lunch there are usually around eight dishes to choose from, and for dinner they offer a choice between four starters, four mains and four desserts.

While the highly popular Fisherman’s Cottage on Lemm’s Corner will continue to focus on seafood, Anton is able to give his creative talents free rein at Barefoot

Cook by trying different things. “It’s not fine dining but the food is fine indeed,” he quips. “I don’t believe in over-complicating food but you have to make sure you get it right.” Well, his crayfish cottage pie, kingklip tagliatelle with leeks and black mussels, pork belly with butternut and garden pea veloute, and warm berry crumble certainly tick all the boxes for me.

And then there’s that magical garden at the back – a venue that is begging to be utilised. Anton says they will be hosting musicians on Saturday evenings who will add to the relaxed ambience with unplugged gigs. The venue is also available for intimate functions for up to 50 people.

Diners are assured of excellent service from manager Liaan Geldenhuys and a visit to Barefoot Cook is highly recommended.

They are open for lunch between 11:00 and 15:00, Tuesday to Saturday, and for dinner between 18:00 and 20:00 on Thursday and Friday evenings.

They will also be open on Saturday evenings during the high season. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

Call 028 312 4681 to book.

– Hedda Mittner

13

17 - 30 October 2017

Frank and Ronel Holloway with their daughter Eloise shortly after they taking over At The Village Stall in March 2016. Frank sadly passed away some weeks ago.

Condolences to At The Village Stall

O

ur hearts go out to Ronel, Eloise and Schalk Holloway of At The Village Stall, whose husband and father Frank passed away on 25 August. “Known as the big man with the big smile, Frank was loved and respected by all our customers and suppliers,” says Ronel. “He was a very genuine, caring person and I can still see him chatting to our clients in the garden.”

I first met the Holloways in March last year just after they had taken over At The Village Stall from Petri Hendriksz. At the time Frank, who previously worked in the aluminium

industry, told me they had lived overseas in Australia and Canada for several years before returning to South Africa to start a new business venture.

Frank died after a short and sudden deterioration in health due to an aggressive form of cancer. “He is sorely missed,” says Ronel.

They had often talked about opening a restaurant and wanted something on the coast, said Frank. During a holiday spent in Voëlklip in 2015, the family fell in love with Hermanus and knew their search was over when they found At The Village Stall. “This is a beautiful place to live and the people are incredibly friendly and supportive,” Frank said at the time.

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Petri for looking after At The Village Stall during this difficult time, and to our loyal and supportive staff, friends and family members. Many thanks for all the messages of condolences from a community that we care for and feel a part of – a community that has accepted us and made us feel at home in such a short time.”

- Hedda Mittner

14

17 - 30 October 2017 Wednesday 18 October

Saturday 28 October ■ Stanford Junktique: Do you love the discovery of a real treasure from amongst the bric a brac?

Then the Stanford Junktique is for you. You might even find something you didn't know you needed.

At the Stanford Tourism Courtyard, from 09:00 – 12:00. To book a stand, call 028 341 0340 or email office@stanfordinfo.co.za

■ Graze Farmers Market: Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze Slow Food Café, from 09:00 – 12:00. Always seasonal, always fresh. Stay for coffee and breakfast. Contact Tabby & Alex 076 243 1930.

Saturday 21 October ■ Saturday Morning Market: Come and feast your eyes on Stanford’s veritable delectables, from home-made cakes and pastries to pies and rusks, an array of homemade goat and cow milk cheeses and wood-fired ciabattas, to farm vegetables, flowers and herbs, artisanal sausages and meats, pickles, jams, preserves and sauces, and fabulous homespun and dyed wools.

On the Stanford Hotel Stoep, from 09:00 – 12:00.

For more information, contact Caro on 082 448 0237.

Sunday 22 October ■ Coastal Forage with Roushanna Grey: Due to popular demand, Roushanna from Veld & Sea has been invited back to offer an exciting and insightful Coastal Forage. Explore our local coastline in search of some of the delectable treats that the rich inter-tidal zone has to offer. The excursion will culminate in a forage inspired lunch at Graze Café. The cost is R750 per person. You will need: your mollusc license, a basket, a knife, a pair of scissors, gardening gloves, shoes that may get wet, a rain jacket and swimming costume just in case. Meet at Graze Café at 08:30. For more information and to book email workshop@grazecafe.co.za

Friday 27 October

■ Stanford Oktoberfest: The first event in the new family-friendly amphitheatre on Sir Robert Stanford Estate! There will be a Kuffler's Weinzelt (wine area), six craft breweries, authentic Bavarian food, long tables and benches, a music stage, dancing area, and traditional Oktoberfest challenges, plus great food stalls, soft drinks and gourmet coffee. Safe, free parking and shuttle service available. Bring camping chairs and blankets or camp overnight. Prizes for the bestdressed Fraulein und Herr. At Sir Robert Stanford Estate, from 11:00 – 18:30. Pre-paid packages and Early Bird specials available on Quicket. For all the info, contact Janet on 082 456 8091 or email stargazer4promotions@gmail.com

Tuesday 31 October (Please note new date!)

■ Full Moon Halloween Walk: This month, the Full Moon Wandelpad Stroll is being transformed into a Halloween Walk aimed largely at children.

Our monthly casual walk along the Wandelpad will include some Trick or Treating for kids so make sure they dress up! Please accompany young children. Bring your friends, family and dogs on leash. R30 adults, R10 children.

Complimentary refreshments served. From 17:30 – 19:00. Meet at the Stanford Tourism Office. Weather dependent so please call 028 341 0340 to confirm.

Saturday 4 November ■ Stanford Sunset Market: Stanford's favourite evening market is back! There is nowhere better to be as the sun sets over the village on the last Friday of the month. Local farmers peddle their wares, cooks offer their finest dishes and new friendships are formed. With wine, beer, crafts and live music. At Market Square, from 18:00 – 20:00.

■ Gin Revolution: Enjoy a Tutored Gin Tasting, followed by cocktails on the stoep and a twocourse lunch. The cost is R395 pp. At the Manor House at Stanford Valley Guest Farm, at 11:00 for 11:30. Booking is essential. Contact 072 198 0862 or info@stanfordvalley.co.za

15

17 - 30 October 2017

A

Keeping baboons at bay... with lion manure "After strategically placing the lion manure for the first time in areas where the baboons are prevalent, we noticed that the troop was not around for about four weeks," explains Wentzel.

Subsequently the team had a meeting with Lizaene and Cathrine, who suggested that Rivendell should use a logging system to track the dates and periods of efficiency. They are now also keeping a record of the baboons’ behaviour and how they react to the different types of manure from lions, tigers and leopards.

s the baboon saga continues to unfold, it appears that residents in suburban areas of the Overstrand are not the only ones who are affected by baboon invasions and vandalism, but also farmers in the region. Among them is the Rivendell Boutique Wine Estate near Bot River, which has come up with a novel way of dealing with the problem.

“We have recently done major renovations at our wedding and function venue,” says Rivendell wine sales & function manager Michelle van Zyl, “but we are having endless trouble with the baboons as the troop now thinks this is their personal playpen.”

Rivendell farm manager Wentzel van Zyl is also concerned about the damage they are causing in the olive grove, and keeping the baboons away from the vineyards is an ongoing struggle and a major challenge for the vineyard team.

"We didn’t want to hurt the baboons but we required an urgent solution, and fast too, since wedding season has already started and our first weddings are coming up soon!" says Michelle.

The team turned to an unlikely source for assistance – the big cat sanctuary near Stanford, Panthera Africa, which agreed to supply Rivendell with lion manure.

Rivendell farm manager Wentzel van Zyl in the vineyard where lion manure supplied by Panthera Africa has been used to keep the baboons out of their vineyards and olive grove.

Placing the manure in strategic spots on the farm seems to have had the desired effect and at the moment the baboons are keeping their distance. Could they have come across a noninvasive and cost-effective solution to this widespread invasion of baboons which is presenting such an ever-increasing problem in our region?

According to the founders of Panthera Africa, Cathrine S Nyquist and Lizaene Cornwall, their first trial of lion and leopard manure was used in collaboration with CapeNature

nearly two years ago, after a lone Cape Leopard went on a killing frenzy that left more than 30 endangered African penguins dead at the Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay. “The idea of using lion manure as a deterrent to leopards and caracals attacking the penguins came up during discussions with CapeNature,” says Cathrine. “It has been used with great success and to our knowledge everything at Stony Point is running smoothly at this point.”

Over the last year, Panthera Africa has also come to the aid

of several of their neighbours in the Stanford area, including the Bodhi Khaya Retreat, Graze and other farms being troubled by baboons. “The feedback has been very positive, with some clients returning every few weeks or months for another supply of manure, while in some cases the challenge was over-come and needed no further intervention,” says Cathrine.

Rivendell is the first wine farm to be supplied with lion manure by Panthera Africa – and it seems to be working like a charm.

Cathrine says it may be necessary to alternate the types of manure in order to be effective over the long term.

“From experience and studies we know that animals are very clever and if they are only smelling the manure but not actually seeing any predators, they might realise that something is up and they are being fooled! Michelle told us about one of the baboons that just sat staring out over the area as though investigating where these predators were.”

With this discovery of new uses for big cat manure, Panthera Africa may have come up with an answer not only to the baboon troubles of vegetable, wine and protea farmers, but also

suburban residents.

Pierre de Villiers of CapeNature says that although management of the baboons does not fall under CapeNature’s mandate, “something has to be done” and that they are open to investigating any possible solutions. “We need proper data to assess the merits of using big cat manure to keep the baboons out of residential areas,” he says. He urged Panthera Africa to share any information with him.

“Panthera Africa's slogan, 'In union there is strength' rings very true,” says Michelle. “We are grateful that we have found a ‘natural’ repellent to keep the baboons away from Rivendell's olive groves, vineyards and newly renovated buildings whilst at the same time collaborating, and forming a partnership, with Panthera Africa.”

As a non-profit organisation Panthera Africa is grateful for the donations that are given in exchange for the manure, and the money goes straight back into the upkeep and welfare of their animals, so it seems like a win-win situation for everyone involved – both animals and people. But whether this is a solution that could work in residential areas remains to be seen.

– Hedda Mittner

16

17 - 30 October 2017 Tanner Metodes (right) of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club held the region’s name up high by winning a gold medal at the South African National Boxing Championships held recently in Ladysmith in KwaZuluNatal. The club was founded in 2007 by Mzi Damesi (left) and is based in Zwelihle.

Today, Mzi is responsible for the coach-ing and training of 32 members of the club. In 2011, the club was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation. The club's success has been achieved despite the basic facilities available. Three containers are used as a boxing gymnasium and there are no training aids such as punching bags. Sparring with other club members is the main form of training.

FRIDAY 13th - LUCKY FOR SOME! The Overstrand Hospice 600 Club monthly draw for October was done by Ben Pheiffer (Piano Ben), supporter and Quiz Master for the Hospice Quiz Night in November. Overseeing the draw were Nel-Sue Fourie from Don Adams Auditors and Alan Toombs, Board Member and Past Chairman. The winners are: First - R A Stanway R5 000; second - Helen Granville R2 500; third - Mafia Bridge Club R1 000. To join the 600 Club and support the Hospice please contact Norma Scott-Tomlin on 028 3124679 or visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/overstrandhospice PHOTO: Christine Tait

17

17 - 30 October 2017

Don’t fall in the black hole of Macular Degeneration

I

The future looks bright as Hermanus Vision Centre unveils cutting-edge developments to help combat Age-Related Macular Degeneration, writes LEIGH-ANNE HUNTER.

t’s not often these days that you find businesses with a real personal touch. One of them is Pappin & Pretorius Optometrists on Main Road.

Established by Kevern Pappin in 1990, it’s a household name in Hermanus.

Come early morning, you’ll already find optometrist Johan Pretorius in his office. He and his longstanding clients greet each other like old chums. “This place is always full of familiar faces,” he says with a smile.

When you’re suffering from something as traumatic as vision loss, it makes a big difference to feel comfortable with the person treating you and fortunately, Johan has that special touch.

Johan calls himself “a family man”. You can say that again – when I arrive, I find his wife behind the counter! “My wife is practice manager; my daughter is stock controller and my son, qualifying at the end of this year as an optical dispenser, will also join the practice. It’s a blessing to have the family involved.”

With ophthalmologist Dr Anton van Biljon practising from Hermanus Vision Centre since the early 90s, and an optical dispensary and sunglasses shop next door, all the eye-care boxes are firmly ticked. “In the past we had to refer cases over the mountain; now we can sort people out immediately,” says Johan.

Johan Pretorius with the practice’s new MPS II scanner. over the age of 50 are at risk of AMD. That is mind-boggling,” says Johan. “Over 60 years of age, this risk goes up to 40 percent. Over 70, it’s 60 percent.”

Johan says more young people are at risk of AMD due to highenergy blue light emitted from computers and mobile devices, which damages the eye over time. Other AMD risk factors are diet and lifestyle, and low macular pigment.

For Johan, whose father went blind from AMD, helping people prevent or treat this disease is a personal mission – and one which is about to get a huge boost, thanks to exciting new developments at the practice.

I met him at his consulting rooms in Hermanus Vision Centre, where a striking colourrich artwork by artist Tay Dall takes pride of place. It is a celebration of sight – exactly what this practice is about. Johan has a passion for his field, evident in his encyclopaedic knowledge of the workings of the eye. After chatting with him, you can’t help but be fascinated by the subject.

One of them is a slick-looking machine called a MPS II Macular Pigment Screener, of which there are only three in the Western Cape.

In particular, we talked about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss.

“AMD is a loss of central vision,” Johan explains. “It affects an area called the macula lutea, a 3 to 4mm area at the back of your eye which gives you sharp, clear, colour vision, and contrast and definition.”

This state-of-the-art technology measures the eye’s macular pigment to predict our chances of getting AMD. It does a 360degree scan of the macular area, and also scans the optic nerve, counting all the nerve fibres (all 1.2 million of them!).

Hermanus Vision Centre will be doing screenings free of charge.

Imagine waking up to find a black spot in your line of vision?

It must be terrifying. I read a poignant online interview with an AMD sufferer who says this: “You go through shock and anger and fright and loss. This is a progressive disease. Each day I wake up and I see something I don’t see any more.”

Research studies over the last 30 years show that a healthy lifestyle and good diet are vital for good eye health, says Johan. “Research shows that we need 10mg of Lutein and 2mg of Zeaxanthin daily to nourish and preserve good sight until our twilight years.”

“About 35 percent of people

Imported from Switzerland, VitaSight is a liquid supplement

that contains this winning mix and Hermanus Vision Centre is now an exclusive supplier.

It contains FloraGLO® Lutein, which according to VitaSight is the most clinically researched lutein brand worldwide. It is sourced from marigold flowers.

Johan says: “It has been proven to protect and increase the thickness of the ‘macular shield.’ This is similar to the melanin layer in our skin that protects us from the sun.”

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids or plant pigments essential for good eye health.

The body cannot manufacture them. Johan explains that to get the required dose of 10mg of Lutein in our daily diet, one would have to consume either three cups of raw spinach; two pounds of chopped broccoli; 40 large eggs, or two pounds of corn… That’s a lot o’ grub!

He says that typical oral multivitamins absorbed via the digestive tract only have a 15 to 20% absorption rate.

VitaSight, on the other hand, is a "sublingual" supplement and therefore sprayed under the tongue, so the absorption rate is much higher than traditional supplements – between 55 to 60%.

The daily supplement also contains a medley of other multivitamins and nutrients critical for eye health, such as vitamin B12. With regular screenings, Johan says that those taking the supplement can be monitored for improvement of their macular shield.

“For people going blind, it’s reassuring to know that something can be done to arrest this,” Johan says.

18

17 - 30 October 2017

10 ways to help your porky pet slim down

S

outh African pet owners are spending far more than they should on vets’ bills because their pets are too fat. More than half of our pets are overweight or obese, putting them at serious risk of weight-related ailments like chronic renal disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cruciate ligament injuries.

So how do we help our porky pets?

1. Run your hands over your pet’s body. Does he have a sagging tummy, no waist, ribs that are difficult to find and a back that is flat and broad? A healthy pet’s ribs should be easy to feel (but not see) and a defined waist should be evident when viewed from the top and side.

2. Middle-aged pets are more susceptible to weight gain, as are pets that have been sterilised and certain breeds like

THE

NEWS

MY Pet Dr Hilldidge Beer

Dachshunds, Labradors and Pugs. But that’s not an excuse.

It doesn’t matter why your pet is pudgy; what’s important is what you do about it.

3. Get an expert opinion.

Many vets are offering free weight checks during the month of October (Pet Obesity Month). Based on your pet’s body score, your vet will suggest a way forward.

This usually involves a change in diet. Go to www.petslimmer.co.za to find a participating vet.

4. Diet changes aren’t always easy. Don’t rush; take it slow

and don’t expect to see a change within weeks. If your pet refuses to eat his/her new dry food, sprinkle it with tuna or salmon oil or a low fat gravy, or try heating it in the microwave for a few seconds to bring out the flavour.

5. Stop free-feeding (leaving bowls of food out for your pet all day). Restrict food to meal times only and no snacking in between. Resist the urge to feed treats from the table. Opt instead for healthier snacks like ostrich and venison chews and biltong and chicken jerky, low-calorie Probono Light cookies or Vondi’s Coconut Oil health biscuits. All available

from EberVet Vetshops.

6. Increase your pet’s activity level. No matter how big your yard, dogs and cats need encouragement to exercise.

They won’t do it alone. Take your dog for a walk every day and play games with your cat.

7. Make exercise fun. Like humans, pets are easily bored

by regular exercise routines.

Providing toys - laser lights for cats, balls and Frisbees for dogs - will get them moving more. Build obstacle courses in your garden - hurdles with broomsticks, slalom with buckets, hills to run up and down, benches to climb onto or provide climbing frames for cats.

8. Don’t give in to begging.

As hard as it is, put your pet in another room while you are at the dinner table if you can’t resist those melting brown eyes. If you’re worried your cat won’t love you if you hold back on treats, don’t.

Veterinary research has shown

that cats on a diet actually increased their affectionate behaviour post feeding, even though their food was restricted.

9. You can’t do it alone. Every member of the family must be on board when it comes to your pet’s weight-loss programme so that no-one sneaks in treats.

10. Remember your responsibility as a pet owner.

Love isn’t enough; your pet’s health and vitality depend on you. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of the EberVet Petcare Group and EberVet Vetshops

19

17 - 30 October 2017

2017’s Santa Shoebox Project kicks off

W

ith Christmas around the corner, it’s time to get your Santa Shoeboxes ready! Pledging opened on 1 September so there’s no time to lose.

How to get involved Go to santashoebox.org.za and register to become a donor, a sponsor, or a volunteer (or a combination of all three!), or login with your registered details. Select the pledging tab and follow the prompts.

Making its debut this year is Virtual Santa Shoebox. According to the NGO: “For the first time, you will be able to select a child, purchase a Virtual Santa Shoebox for him or her, and choose each of the eight items for your box, which will be put together by our volunteer team.”

Shoebox drop-off details The drop-off point for the Overstrand is Hermanus Primary School. The two drop-off dates are: Friday 27 October between 15:00 and 19:00, and Saturday 28 October between 09:00 and 13:00.

The drop-off contact is Henriette Biesenbach. Email henriette@santashoebox.org.za or phone her on 082 444 2519.

For more information visit santashoebox.org.za, or Facebook.com/SantaShoebox About the cause We are chuffed to learn that South Africa’s beloved children’s charity – the Santa Shoebox Project – was awarded the

2017 “Best Use of Tech by an NGO” Award, a category of the PriceCheck Tech & E-commerce Awards, which honours outstanding South African organisations and individuals in the e-commerce and technology industry.

The NGO collects gift boxes at Christmas time and distributes them to underprivileged children throughout South Africa and Namibia. It originated in Cape Town in 2006 with a humble 180 shoeboxes – the figure has now reached 652 180 and as part of their March to a Million campaign, they are aiming to reach one million children by 2019.

The shoeboxes are distributed to more than 1 000 recipient facilities each year, through more than 60 satellites around South Africa and Namibia. The project is supported by an extensive network of volunteers.

The success of the project can largely be attributed to its personal nature – donors give gifts to children whose names, ages and genders are known.

Tips on how to pack your Santa shoebox The eight items that are required for a Santa Shoebox are: toothpaste; a toothbrush; a bar of soap; a washcloth; a clothing outfit; educational supplies; sweets, and a toy.

They advise that all spillable contents, like bubble-blowing toys, or contents like chocolate that can melt, are sealed in a ziplock bag. Extra batteries must be included with batteryoperated toys or choose a nonbattery-ope-rated alternative.

All items must be new and ageappropriate.

The following are items that the NGO asks donors to NOT include in their Santa Shoebox: • Perishable or tinned food or sweets containing nuts; medicine or vitamins of any kind; violence-related items like toy guns or knives; anything of a political, religious or racial nature. Visit santashoebox.org. za for more tips, including a nifty video of DIY expert Suzelle, who will get you packing your Santa Shoebox like a pro!

- Leigh-Anne Hunter

20

17 - 30 October 2017

Learners produce artwork for Whale Coast Mall

H

ermanus Visual Arts and Design Centre recently hosted an interactive mosaic workshop for learners from Hermanus High School, Curro Hermanus, Northcliff House College and Hawston Secondary, who were given the opportunity to partake in a unique project.

Guided by principal Vivienne Mitchley and teachers Jeandré Marinier and Julien Erwin, these talented youngsters unleashed their artistic skills to produce mosaic templates depicting ‘ladies’ and ‘gents’. The mosaics will be mounted on the doors of the restrooms in the new Whale Coast Mall which is due to open its doors at the end of November.

The learners worked in groups over a period of two days to complete the mosaics, using the colours and movement of the sea as inspiration. Each learner who participated will have their name and the name of their school inscribed on a plaque. The project was initiated by Art Afrique and sponsored by the Whale Coast Mall, ShopriteCheckers, Dorpstraat and JLD Architecture & Urban Design.

Learners from Hermanus High School, Curro Hermanus, Northcliff House College and Hawston Secondary recently participated in a mosaic workshop at the Hermanus Visual Arts & Design Centre initiated by Art Afrique. They produced mosaic templates depicting ‘ladies’ and ‘gents’ (pictured on the left) for the restrooms in the new Whale Coast Mall.

17 - 30 October 2017

HERMIES MMXVII

21

At the Hermanus High Matric 2017 Valedictory Assembly last week, Meaka Garland was announced as the top achiever with an average of 91,3%. Despite being elected as deputy head girl at her school in Balito near Durban she chose to move to Hermanus with her parents, Sonja and Bruce, at the beginning of this year. Meaka says she will be working for the next few months before travelling to Europe for a gap year. “I want to take some time off before I decide what I am going to do with the rest of my life,” she says.

The 2018 matric council are: (back from left) Matthew Smith, Marco Muller, Deon Loubser, Navan Olivier, Richard Schulenburg, Kyle de Bruyn, Jared Wilson, Timo-Ben Lerm, Janeke Viljoen. Middle row: Maxene Valentine, Michelle Kleynhans, Tayla van den Bergh, Jana Bergh, Kate van Zyl, Yzane Oelofsen, Lismari Strauss, Donne van Schoor, Simone du Randt, Inge Kuchar, Jayden Arendse. Front: Tiaan van der Westhuizen, Yanna Stergianos (deputy head girl), Zulene van Niekerk (head girl), Mrs. Amorie van der Mescht, J’hanco Botha (head boy), Aphelele Madaka (deputy head boy) and Mari Louw.

The top 10 performers in matric were, back from left: Meaka Garland (91,3%), Francesca Middleton (89,7%), Chizelle de Wet (87,9%), Klara van Rooyen (85,7%), Adie Heunis (84,3%) and Daniel Landes (86,1%). Front from left: Zainab Khafif (84,3%), Amy Hess (85,3%), Misha van Zyl (85,1%) and Natalie Austin (83,6%).

After their last day of school, a group of adventurous Hermanus High matric learners braved the waves and icy cold water to take part in the annual jump from Piet-se-Klip next to Bientang’s Cave Restaurant. Lifeguards were on hand to assist the shivering children onto the rocks after their dip in the ocean, while patrons at the restaurant and parents cheered them on.

22

17 - 30 October 2017

Don’t be a vaalie, get your Summer Run Early Bird Tickets

I

t’s not only time to start getting your body summer ready – you can now also get yourself Summer Music Colour Run ready by booking your Early Bird tickets at the special price of only R190!

This special is only valid until 31 October, so give your fingers a workout and get to www.summerrun.co.za to book your tickets or simply follow the links on the Facebook page at SummerRunZA. The Summer Color Run is a non-competitive fun run with each kilometer providing either an ever popular colourful blast of powder or a blast of summer tunes, lasting for a kilometre, spurring participants on to the finish line where a medley of colour, music and food will continue to entertain and provide the summer vibe.

Go on, save the money for an extra gym session and buy an Early Bird ticket for this year’s run which takes place on 30 December at

16:00 at the Hermanus Cricket Club.

takealot coupon and a Travelstart discount voucher.

Along the 5 km route, participants will be entertained at three colour stations and two music stations, with each music station hosting a local DJ playing the best of the best summer tunes… You won’t need your iPod, because this event brings the beat.

But that’s not all! Simply by liking the Summer Music Run Facebook page and posting a selfie of you on the day with the hashtag #Travelstart take me to Paris, you can win the trip of a lifetime to Paris for two! The winners will be announced on 30 December.

Registration will be on 29 December from 9:00 to 17:00 and on 30 December from 9:00 to 14:00, also at the Cricket Club.

This is an alcohol-free event, bringing the whole family together for some fun in the sun.

Your ticket price includes a race number, powder sachet, tattoo, T-shirt, a

Standard Ticket prices after 31 October are R240 pp and kids under 10 years run free.

If you missed out last year don't let the sun go down on you, come feel the beat under your feet. For more information and a chance to win tickets weekly, follow us on Facebook at SummerRunZA, like and share our page and maybe your Facebook friend decides to take you along with them to Paris…

WIN 4 TICKETS FOR THE SUMMER RUN:

To enter simply like the Summer Run Facebook page and leave a comment on why you think you deserve the tickets.

23

17 - 30 October 2017

G

Birds make the birdies on our golf course

reetings once again from Hermanus Golf Club’s pirate of the fairways and greens. During the last couple of weeks we saw another super tournament conclude here – this time it was the Boland Ladies Championships.

It really was a super event and showcased just how good our country’s ladies are. Indeed the winner of the 36 hole stroke play was Kajal Mistry on an amazing 6 under par 138! Kajal plays out of Randpark and travelled all the way just to play our course. Nice.

The photo shows her being presented with the trophy by Ladies President Vossie van Schalkwyk. Second and third place also were fantastic at just 2 over par. Wow, this is brilliant golf!

Then on to the match play section which took place on Monday and Tuesday (2 & 3 October). Hermanus had a super representation right up to the finals. Well done to HGC member Annie Spratt in particular, who made it to the finals of the C division and the 17th hole before conceding to Fouziah Schloss from King David Mowbray. Excellent effort, Annie! (Annie is always flamboyant and brightly dressed – excellent pirate material!)

Young HGC member Nadia van der Westhuizen managed to get through to the semi-finals in the A division, as did Elize Nykamp in the C division, before falling prey to Annie.

The winner of the B division was Carey Dodds from Uniondale

The Putting Pirate Julian Shaw

and winning the A division was Cassidy Williams from Stellenbosch. Well done ladies – this was a terrific tournament. And well done to the Boland ladies organisation which was really a pleasure to deal with.

Secondly, in this edition you can see from the very smart pic of my apprentice pirate Strydom van Dyk that he is no longer my apprentice; he has successfully completed the PGA qualification programme.

This really is no mean feat – it has taken Strydom 4 years and a lot of money and hard work.

The course currently costs about R30 000 per year and there is a huge amount of work to complete, hours in the shop, lessons to teach, tournaments to run and assignments to do. So well done indeed to Strydom van Dyk, PGA class A Professional.

One of the many things that go on behind the scenes that you probably don't know about is the continual teaching and education of the staff aboard ship. This education goes on, on a daily basis, and is split between me and the PGA of South Africa. It ensures that the Club has quality PGA representatives and it is not just confined to the youngsters. I have to attend various courses throughout the year to

keep up to date with things like greenkeeping, teaching practices and business opportunities.

Currently we have George Sauerman in his 3rd and final year, and we have Sandile Booi who is going to be doing a PGA teaching diploma. We also have a new arrival in the shop in the form of James Mehlweni, who is a regular caddy at the club and someone I have identified as potentially being able to do the PGA qualification.

Interestingly there hasn’t currently been any caddy in South Africa that has managed to make the transition from caddy to fully qualified PGA professional. Watch this space.

Lastly, this week, your friendly pirate has been as sick as a sea dog, so I went to the doctor with spots on my arm. He reassured me and said they’re benign, but I knew he was wrong; I had counted ‘em and there be 11. He then asked me a tough question about my favorite letter; he thought I was gonna say ‘r’ but me first love be the 7 C’s. Then to cap it off he played some soothing music in my favorite key, sea shark!

Until the next edition, have fun, and come golfing.

Kajal Mistry being presented with the trophy

by Ladies President Vossie van Schalkwyk.

Strydom van Dyk has successfully completed the PGA qualification program.

Scores at a glance TUESDAY LADIES Tuesday 19 Sep: Alliance Stableford 27 players. Winners Cheryl Richardson, June Orr and Wina Loubser counted in 76.

Tuesday 26 Sep: Medal and putting 15 players. Silver division winner Lyndsay Henderson nett 72 and gross winner also 87.

Bronze division winner Mieke Tetley nett 71 and gross winner Elise Nykamp 97.

WEDNESDAY MEN Wednesday 20 Sep: Better Ball Stableford 115 players. Winners Johan Krog and Jannie Englebrecht counted in 48. Runners-up Brian Cartwright and Gary Combrink counted out 48 points. Best gross Albert Streicher and Louis Bester 78. Ball pool paid to 45.

Wednesday 27 Sep: Better Ball Bogey plus100 players. Winners were Andre du Plessis and Kevin Middleton +14. Runners-up GP le Roux and Izak Krige +13. Best gross Kevin Middleton 74. Ball pool paid to +9.

4 TWO CLUBS - ALTOGETHER Saturday 23 Sep: Four Ball Better Ball medal.

Winners Daan Dockel and Neil Malan nett 59.

Runners up CP Terblanche and Carl Grobler nett 61. Best gross Mike Frost 76. Ball pool paid to 64. Attendance draw sponsored by Sterling Auto, fellow member Gerrie du Plooy, and was won by Stephan O’Kennedy.

Saturday 30 Sep: Four Ball Better Ball Stableford. Winners Jooste Senekal and Audie van Noordwyk 52 points. Runners-up Shaun Johnston and Kathy Johnston C/I 50 points. Best gross Andrew Philip 72. Ball pool paid to 45.

2 TWO CLUBS Attendance draw kindly sponsored by Food Lovers Market Dino Petim, was won by Adrian Nel. Sunday mixed 24 Sep: Winners Ian Kirk, Debs Loxton, Stu Loxton and Bri Kirk 88 points.

24

17 - 30 October 2017

THE

NEWS

MY Sport

Springboks versus South African players abroad

W

ould an overseas team of South African rugby players beat the current Springboks? Sports journalist, Mark Keohane, writing in Sport24 prior to the commencement of the current international season, has an interesting take on this topic.

He writes that World Cupwinning coach Jake White believes an overseas-based South African team would beat Allister Coetzee's Springboks.

Although White did not name the overseas team to beat the Springboks, Keohane put together a team of South African overseas players who he believes could be up for the challenge. He picked this team just prior to the French tests and the Rugby Championships.

Keohane's team: 15 Gio Aplon (Grenoble), 14 Willie le Roux (Wasps), 13 JP Pietersen (Leicester), 12 Frans Steyn (Montpellier), 11 Bryan Habana (Toulon), 10 Ruan Pienaar (Ulster), 9 Francois Hougaard (Worcester), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Toulon), 7 Schalk Burger (Saracens) 6 Francois

Offside Tony O’Hagan

Louw (Bath), 5 JuandrĂŠ Kruger (Toulon), 4 Paul Willemse (Montpellier), 3 Jannie du Plessis (Montpellier), 2 Bismarck du Plessis (Montpellier), 1 Albertus Buckle (Grenoble).

He did not pick a captain but Duane Vermeulen could fit the bill.

Keohane reports that all the above have been influential at some stage during the 2016/17 Northern Hemisphere season. Subsequent to Keohane's team selection, Allister Coetzee has included Hougaard and Louw in his current squad.

The lure of the pound, euro and yen has resulted in more than 300 South African players plying their trade abroad.

These are not only players in the twilight of their careers but

young talent on a three-year residency basis to become eligible for other nation's test teams.

Keohane reveals some interesting statistics on overseas-born players representing other nations through residency, parents or grandparents. Scotland selected 18 players born outside Scotland in the recent six nations matches.

England coach Eddie Jones selected 12 players born outside England in his first year at the helm. Kiwi Joe Schmidt has been in charge of Ireland since 2013 and during this period 25% of the squad qualified on residency and 12 % on parent heritage. Rugby World magazine reported that Schmidt capped 25 new

internationals and most of these were as Irish as spaghetti and pizza! In 2016, Wales included 13 foreign-born players in the Welsh squad.

One could pick another South African-born team from those selected for other nations and among these players would be the likes of fullback Scott Spedding (France), wing DTH Van der Merwe (Canada), centre Brad Barrett (England), scrumhalf Rory Kockott (France), eightman Josh Strauss (Scotland), WP Nel (Scotland), and flank forward CJ Stander( Ireland and British and Irish Lions).

So, how can this trend be curtailed? Keohane suggests that the residency qualification be longer than three years but also believes South African rugby cannot afford to ignore quality South African players up north and still attempt to sell the Springboks as representative of the finest South African rugby players.

Makes for a good debate with a beer in hand and some boerewors on the braai!

Atlantics Rugby Club on the up The Atlantics Rugby Club are well pleased after an improved and successful season this year.

The 1st team finished 2nd in the Overberg division of the Boland League after a 5th place finish in 2016.

This result qualified the team for the Boland Grand Challenge playoffs where they were defeated by finalists Roses United from Wellington, runners-up to the eventual champions, Robertson. The club's success resulted in four

players being selected for the Boland Amateur team and two players being included in the Boland under-20 squad. Atlantics player of the year went to Shane Booysen.

Good results were also achieved by the 2nd and 3rd teams, both ending 3rd in their respective leagues.

Congratulations to the team and coaches, Ivano de Costa and Thomas Chowles, the latter also head of Boland Womens' Rugby.

Hermanus Netball shoots to league title again The Hermanus netball team successfully defended their Overberg Super League title this season. The team was promoted to the Super League in 2016 and were victors in their first year in this competition.

Playing all their matches in Caledon, with no home ground advantage, winning the league is a noteworthy performance.

To cap a really splendid season, the club, for the first time, entered a second team in the Overberg League 3rd division and this team also triumphed in their debut season.

Congratulations to our girls and what a boon it will be for the club when they have a home facility at the new Hermanus Sports Club. This, all going according to plan, could eventuate in 2018.