The Village News 12 July 16

Village

NEWS The

12 July 2016

Cape Whale Coast

Whale watching

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New opportunity for sustainable electricity

There has been much talk of electrical self-sufficiency since the country experienced rolling blackouts in 2008, and load shedding became a daily occurrence in 2015.

creation, improving the efficiency of electricity provision, enhanced grid stability and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” says the Municipality.

In keeping with the trend of becoming more efficient and sustainable in generating electricity, the Overstrand Municipality (OM) has taken the first steps in encouraging residents and businesses to install their own electricity generating systems.

The project will allow the Municipality to purchase electricity generated by such systems. In other words, households or businesses who generate their own electricity can feed their surplus into the municipal grid. All electricity fed into the grid will be deducted from your electricity account at the end of the month.

The OM has formulated a guideline for the connection of all forms of small-scale embedded electricity generation (SSEG) systems to the Municipality’s electricity network. This includes household as well as commercial systems.

“It’s whale watching season and it seems everyone, including our birdlife, are keeping an eye on the ocean to see these majestic creatures breach the surface,” says Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd. According to her, she saw this little shrike (Jan Fiskaal) perching on an aloe above the Old Harbour and just had to take a picture. The annual whale watching season is off to a good start, with whale boat companies reporting sightings of more than 20 whales that have already made their way into Walker Bay. According to Southern Right Charters, they encountered their first ‘hat-trick’ of the season on Sunday 10 July, with sightings of seven humpback, three Brydes and more than ten southern right whales, as well as varied other marine life, including Cape fur seals, African penguins, sub-Antarctic skua and shy albatross.

PHOTO: FRIEDA LLOYD

According to the Municipality SSEG systems, particularly rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, are increasingly used by South Africans as an alternative solution to the country’s current energy supply challenge.

“The large-scale uptake within municipalities of smart grids infrastructure, and embedded generation integrated into it, presents new opportunities for economic growth, job

“All customers wishing to make use of the system will be required to install a bidirectional smart meter, which is capable of distinguishing between energy being ‘imported’ from the municipal grid or ‘exported’ from the SSEG system into the grid.

The meter has to be approved by the Municipality.”

The Municipality will not require SSEG systems smaller than 1 Megavolt Amperes (MVA) to obtain a generating license provided that, over any consecutive 3-month period, they do not feed more electricity into the Municipality’s grid than they purchase from the Municipality.

Customers wishing to install a SSEG system, regardless of its generation capacity, have to complete an application form and written approval will be required from the Municipality prior to commencement of system procurement and installation. The approval process for a SSEG installation will vary, depending on the size of the system and consumer category.

“The Municipality needs to ensure that, amongst other considerations, the SSEG installation can be accommodated on the electrical network and that the total SSEG capacity of the network has not been exceeded. Equipment should therefore not be purchased prior to obtaining written approval from the Municipality, as approval is not guaranteed. The Municipality will not be held liable for equipment expenses where approval is denied.”

For commercial systems in particular, an initial consultation with the Municipality’s Electrical Department to determine the full set of requirements, is highly recommended prior to submission of the application form.

- De Waal Steyn More on p 3

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The Village NEWS would like to publish your thoughts and concerns about issues that are important to you. All Letters to the Editor should be accompanied with the writer's name and contact details for verification. All letters are subject to editing for newspaper style and clarity, without changing the meaning of the content.

Letters should be limited to about 300 words. We reserve the right not to publish all letters received.

Send your letters to news@thehermanusnews. co.za

Ombudsman The press exists to serve society.

Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny of the forces that shape society, and is essential to realising the promise of democracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments on the issues of the day, a role whose centrality is recognised in the South African Constitution. The News of Hermanus subscribes to the South African Press Code and subsequently to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman.

Should you feel that our reporting was not free, fair or unbiased or that serious errors were made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman, on 011 484 3612/8, or via e-mail at pressombudsman@ombudsman. org.za or visit www.presscouncil. org.za

Thanks to Animal Hospital

Cats have rights too I eat the food and milk she’d left for me. My life changed from that day.

One day I found my way into a residential complex where my mommy found me and offered me food.

But I no longer trusted humans and every time she tried to touch me, I would run away.

My mommy took me to the vet to be treated for a skin condition and bought me special food that was very expensive. We loved each other and she always said she would never survive if anything happened to me.

We were together for 12 years.

Only months later, when I was so cold and hungry, did

Then my mommy was burgled twice in one month

and, afraid for her life, she decided to move to a flat in a safer area. At her new flat, the body corporate refused to let her keep me and threatened to evict her if she did not “get rid” of me.

Heart-broken, my mommy asked a relative to look after me. She would still buy my food and visit regularly.

But my new home was strange to me and it took me months to come out of the room or go outside. It

Language builds bridges Maggie Finch`s letter of congratulations to The Village NEWS (28 June) for being able to “understand every word” is rather disappointing in our country of many languages.

Why does Maggie not make

an attempt to learn some Afrikaans and even basic isiXhosa? In South Africa we should reach out to all language groups.

Whenever I `converse` in isiXhosa to those members of the public whose mother

tongue it would appear to be I get a big smile and a flurry of words. I think this helps to build small bridges.

Thank you/enkosi kakuhle/baie dankie, Leo Benning

Looking after our people and environment

The Overstrand is an area with a big heart. Our residents are always eager to lend a helping hand or to assist a worthy cause with funding.

This is one of the many reasons why this region is truly a jewel.

Last week Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) launched its Doggie Doo Bins aimed at having disposal bags at the ready for pet owners to clean up after them. Newspaper columns and social media are rife with people com-plaining about the mess that dogs leave – especially on our Cliff Paths. With this simple little bin, together with WCC’s Butt Bins for cigarettes we can make a difference in helping to keep our area clean and green. (Read more on P 13.)

But in order for these bins to be

placed in various locations, WCC first needs funding for the manufacture of the bins. Businesses like Talisman Hermanus have already stepped up and made a donation to sponsor a number of bins. Not only that, but Talisman’s owner, Joe Terblanche, has challenged other businesses to do the same. The Village NEWS commends both WCC and Talisman for their efforts.

But that is not the end of the good news. Talisman and The Village NEWS have undertaken to keep on supporting charitable causes in Hermanus. Once a month you will be able to read about the various causes that needs your support in our Helping Hand column. Through this we aim to highlight the plight of those in need.

Help can take many forms, from money through to time, equipment and

even knowledge or mentorship.

In keeping with protecting our natural heritage, it is good news that the Municipality has published its guidelines for Small Scale Electricity Generation. This will enable residents and businesses to feed electricity that they generate into the municipal grid. At first sight this might not seem like a big deal.

But once you realise the potential of a town taking bold steps to not only hedge itself against the current energy supply challenge, but also making sustainable electricity generation a viable option for residents, it is apparent that we live in an area that is looking to the future and serious about protecting our environment.

That is the good news – ED

was traumatic for my mommy, too, and she cried a lot. She says her flat is empty and lonely without me and no longer a “home”.

After every time she visits me, I do not eat for a day because I’m so sad. Many cats like me are given away or “put down”.

We cats have rights too, and people live longer and happier lives when they have pets.

Lucky, the cat

I am incredibly grateful to Sandy, Mark and Jenny of the Hermanus Animal Hospital for all the care, time and effort they have given us over the years for all our dogs.

Recently, the determination to get our brave Ziggy (Mr Chacha) back to living a good life, after an accident was amazing. I thank you for all your love and devotion.

Rozanne O'Hagan

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I am a black cat and this is my story. After I was “thrown away” and left in the veld, I lived wherever I could find shelter and food.

Editorial Comment

Letters

12 July 2016

News You Can Use

6 Royal Street, Hermanus 028 312 4424 Publisher De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@ thehermanusnews.co.za

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

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

Graphic Designer & Layout Artist Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey1094@gmail.com

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Letters

‘The people, not the goods, make the market’

We were the tenants of stall no 17 on Market Square, where we had been trading for over 20 years. In 2013 we signed a further lease for 18 months. At the end of that period we would have to tender individually for a stall, with the hope of a further three-year lease, even though we knew there was no guarantee.

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work with the new manager and therefore we were forced to vacate our stall.

from SA companies, we were forced to buy Chinese goods.

Because of our age we are unemployable and now we find it difficult not to be able to earn a sustainable income. We have even had to cancel our medical aid.

We did attend a meeting where I addressed the issue of tendering for our own stalls when we were already established micro businesses, but no comment was given. It seems to me the issue had already been finalised without any participation with the traders.

In The Village NEWS (28 June 2016) it was said that "the days of cheap mass produced imported flea market products being on offer should now come to an end." I wonder if Mr. De Klerk is aware of the trade agreement South Africa has with China? We were known as The Hat Man and some of our hats and caps came from China. When we first started selling head gear, we could buy all our stock from big South African companies like SA Cap, but they had to close their businesses due to imports.

When the time came for us to apply for the tender, we were told a few days before that a tender was going to be issued to one manager. This news was shocking. When we were given notice of eviction, we were told we could re-apply, but the conditions of trading were unfair and the rental increased to double what we were paying. We refused to

After establishing our Hat Shop with local stock, we found a great need for both summer and winter head wear, endorsed by the Cancer association. We also supplied caps for local groups like Safe Security, and The Sea Scouts, even the Municipality bought from us for the car guards. As we could no longer buy stock

The market was a very happy and vibrant place to shop and we were all ambassadors for Hermanus. I have a Visitor’s Book with over 2 000 names of people from all over the world and they were all very complimentary about the stalls and the market. This market was created for the tourists, as the locals have many other markets in Hermanus, and from experience you cannot live off the local trade only. It is a shame to see it the way it is now and even if it is upgraded, it is not the building, it is the people who work there that make the vibe.

Pam Starnes, former trader (Letter shortened)

What is SSEG in layman’s terms?

There are two different types of solar panels - thermal and photovoltaic. Thermal is used to generate hot water, by coupling a thermal solar collector to your geyser, with the water circulating through the panel and geyser and thus heating the water. Photovoltaic panels on the other hand generate electricity.

In order to link into the electricity grid, you will need photovoltaic panels. A standard photovoltaic system consists of the following equipment, which is usually connected to the electrical grid of a house: • Photovoltaic solar panels • An inverter (converts power from panels from DC to AC) • Battery bank “The lifespan of the panels is approximately 30 to 40 years, the inverter anything from 5 to 10 years and the batteries approximately 5 years. As the batteries make up approximately 40% of the cost of the system, it is good news that the Municipality will allow households to tie up to the grid,” says Jacques

van Dyk of SolarMax. “The grid thus takes the place of the batteries that would otherwise need to be installed. However, with no batteries, the household will have no back-up if the grid is down (load-shedding, etc.).

Again, there is the solution of a hybrid system, with a smaller battery capacity – in other words, excess power is stored in the batteries and only the “overflow” is put back into the grid – thus giving the household access to back-up power in case of a grid outage to run smaller essentials,” he says.

According to Jacques, it is of the utmost importance that systems are sized correctly according to the individual household’s consumption patterns to ensure that the system does not overproduce or under-produce – and of course complies with the SSEG regulations of the Municipality.

“In this instance, where the Municipality’s financial yearend (when all credits are forfeited) falls in the middle of the winter, this creates an

additional consideration as no credits will be available in the following months when generation of power will be at its lowest and consumption at its highest.”

Additional consideration should thus be given to system sizing and looking at the option of equipment that draws heavy current, such as swimming pool pumps – which could possibly be run completely off the grid.

According to Jacques it is clear that consumers should be very careful in selecting a supplier and great care should be taken to size the system correctly. “There are so many different configurations available, but as an indication the most popular system being installed by average households is a 5 kWp system – which ranges in price from about R50 000 (installed). If the system is sized correctly, a pay-back period could start at about 5 years, but probably more realistically about 7 to 10 years. This is roughly the same time span as when replacement batteries will be required.”

New plan needed for Market Square After reading about the Market Square in The Village NEWS (28 June 2016), I feel compelled to answer on a personal note.

I had a stall at the market that was popular with both locals and overseas tourists – with local gemstones, crystals, shark teeth and shells etc. In fact, mostly South African products including many job empowerment products from locals. I did the correct thing – I vacated my stall as was insisted with the belief that I would get it back on reapplication.

I re-applied but was ignored repeatedly. In desperation I asked the new manager of the stalls, Arrie de Klerk, why I was refused and he would never give me a reason.

Subsequently I lost my livelihood and have had to endure financial problems while I rallied forth to find a new place for my business.

Arrie de Klerk, Market Square Manager, replies: The Market Square is one of the iconic landmarks of Hermanus and it is important for us as a community to let it live up to its fullest potential.

As like any other entrepreneur I saw the tender for the management of the Market Square and took the decision to do a submission. Anyone who wanted to tender had

This whole tender has been one big debacle. Despite MSTA (Market Square Traders Association) pleading to be involved in the decisions, we were given one meeting.

Yes, we signed a document saying we could not expect our leases to be re-instated, but we have been signing this form for many years and no one understood that we were to be permanently booted out.

It was promised that we could all individually tender, so imagine our shock when the tender called for one person to run the whole market. No-one could manage to comply with the tender in the 11 days that was granted, except Arrie.

His insistence on South African products on 36 stalls smacks of him trying to create a repetition of the Hermanus Country Market, seven days a week, in the middle of town. exactly the same amount of time as I had to prepare the necessary documentation.

It took me four days to complete my submission and I was extremely happy when the tender was awarded to me as I had my business plan ready and was ready to start managing the stalls.

Unfortunately, the process was stalled by the court

There will always need to be a percentage of imported goods as long as they are not ultra-cheap plastic goods. Even the new stalls on the market are carrying imported goods. The point is to carry exciting goods for visitors and tourists alike and many of them like a “fleamarket” atmosphere.

No plans have been made to offer alternative trading venues to the existing stallholders – and no mention has been made of ripping their livelihoods away from them.

There should be a ‘round table’ discussion with all relevant parties for the ultimate benefit of all, a relook at the existing leases, the appointment of a market manager to deal with excessive repetition, and putting the market out to a new tender.

Judy Miller, former trader (Letter shortened) case. This has also had an effect on me as I have not only been unable to implement my plans for the Square; I have already lost one year of my three-year tender.

It is also so that by winning the tender I am able to choose the tenant mix of traders and unfortunately not all of the current traders can be accommodated.

Tariff / Accounts and Billing

• The customer remains on his existing tariff which includes monthly basic fee, excluding pre-paid consumers, who will be converted to credit tariff.

• The customer's municipal account will be credited for energy generated by the embedded generator and exported to the network in the amounts reflected in the annual tariff relating to the import and export of electrical energy of embedded generation.

Small scale embedded generator customers will be billed as follows:

• The service charge and all energy and maximum demand charges, as applicable, will be billed on the monthly electricity account.

• A monetary credit will be passed for export of energy monthly against the normal monthly electricity account.

• Customers will not be compensated if the monthly export reflects a credit balance. A credit (kWh) balance for export will be carried forward to the following month.

• In the instance where an export credit exists on 30 June, this credit will be forfeited.

For more information, complete guideline and all forms, go to: www.overstrand.gov.za/en/documents/electricity or call the Electricity Department at 028 313 8000 / 028 384 8358 / 028-316 2630. You can also e-mail: enquiries@overstrand.gov.za

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12 July 2016

Fines warrant a closer look

“If a person knocks on your door to deliver a summons to appear in court for a traffic violation, there is no need to panic. This is part of the process if a fine was not paid before the due date. Under no circumstances must any money be handed over,” says Traffic Chief, Rudi Frazer.

This follows after a report in The Village NEWS about a local resident who was so rattled by a man at her door supposedly serving a summons for her to appear in court, that she handed him R400 ‘to pay the ticket on her behalf’.

Subsequently, social media in Hermanus has been abuzz with residents reporting people knocking on their doors in order to serve summonses for traffic violations from throughout the Peninsula. In some instances, residents were asked to pay either the fines or contempt of court fines immediately.

Wit’s End

By Murray Stewart

According to Rudi, service providers are appointed by the various traffic departments to serve summonses on their behalf. In the Overstrand, Ubuntu Processing Services is charged with serving summonses. “The Process Servers, as they are called, must produce an Identity Card issued by the relevant municipality.

Residents also have the right to ask for either their ID book or driver’s licence to verify the

authenticity of their ID cards.

“On the card it also clearly states that the server may not accept any money nor do they have the right to arrest or detain anyone,” says Rudi. According to him, if you doubt the authenticity of the documents or the server, you may take pictures of both the server and the documents. You can also phone the Traffic Department to verify the process and even ask the server to follow you to the Traffic Department to serve the summons there.

“It is unfortunate that there are many con-artists out there that are trying to take advantage of people. It is easy to be rattled by summonses or warrants and in the confusion of what your rights are, these people scam you. It is therefore important that you know your rights,” says Rudi.

In some instances, residents are being served with summonses purportedly from the City of Cape Town or Stellenbosch and told that they may only pay the fines there. The scammers then take the opportunity to ‘save you the trouble of having to travel over the mountain’ by offering to take money to pay the fine on your behalf.

“This is an absolute untruth,” says Rudi. “All fines and

summonses clearly indicate the EasyPay pay points where you can pay your fines, such as ABSA ATMs, Checkers and PnP.”

appearing in court, this must be served to you by a Law Enforcement Officer and must be served to the offender in person.

A summons to appear in court must be served at least 14 days (excluding Sundays and Public Holidays) before the court date. The summons will have a copy of the fine, as well as a document that you need to sign as acknowledgement.

“It is not our intention to embarrass people by pitching up at their homes or places of work with a warrant and arresting them immediately and taking them to the cells or to court.

In most cases, you will be served with the warrant, arrested and immediately left to your own recognisance. On the warrant, a new court date is stipulated and you will be liable for a contempt of court fine as well,” says Rudi.

“The document that you need to sign is printed in blue on white paper and all your details, such as name and address, must already be filled in by the server. There must also be a stamp from the Clerk of the Court on the form,” says Rudi.

“Once you sign the form, you will keep a copy and the server will keep his copy.

That is all that is needed from you. No additional details are required and you must never divulge your bank account details or your ID number to anyone serving a summons.”

A summons can be delivered to the offender in person or to anyone over the age of 16 at their address.

The name of the person accepting the summons will be noted on the form.

In the event of a warrant of arrest being issued to you for failing to pay a fine and

He, however, warns that should you ignore the court date a bench warrant of arrest will be issued and you will be arrested immediately and taken either to the cells or court.

The NEWS also received many calls and e-mails from concerned residents, saying they have many an outstanding fine and are at a loss as to what to do.

“A traffic summons is valid for 18 months and a traffic warrant for 24 months. After this period, it expires and the process has to start from scratch. Sometimes it does not happen, so it is possible that some of the older fines and summonses expire. It is

This is what a summons looks like important to mention that a bench warrant issued by the court does not expire.”

“I want to extend an invitation to anyone in this situation to come and see me. I will then be able to ascertain what the situation is. I will not arrest you and cart you off to court. I will

assist you to sort out your fines and ensure that you are not arrested in future. We are here to help,” says Rudi.

- De Waal Steyn You can contact the Traffic Department at 028 313 8165 or e-mail Rudi at rfraser@overstrand.gov.za

What’s on your head might be hair-raising Way back, before cavemen found the caves, we were pretty hairy. It could get cold, so we needed protection. Ditto hot. But when the shopping malls opened we bought clothes, and over centuries hair underneath became redundant.

Some might disagree. There are guys with backs needing constant trimming, or at least a parting. There may be gals with leg-hairs so militant they require an angle grinder for results, and some folks look like Tina Turner smugglers when they raise an arm too high.

However, we are looking at what’s on our heads – known simply as ‘hair’ - and how it changes shape over time.

Hair grows. This is either a bind or a blessing, depending on when and where you are. From biblical days onwards, in the northern hemisphere, everyone had long hair.

Without power points in the

Sinai Desert for their electric trimmers, they relied on blunt copper blades, or sharpened shards of camel teeth. This was laborious and the camels hated it, so long hair – by default – was accepted as cool. The lack of camels or power sockets in Europe at the time meant the style went viral and remained unchallenged for centuries.

Over a hundred years ago, things started to change for half the population. The butcher, who had the tools to debone a live ox, had little trouble trimming beards, moustaches, and of course hair. Barbershops took off big time when four of them got together and started singing while snipping. Men seemed to like the harmonizing because it wasn’t long before short hair was in for good.

These transitions had little effect on women. They’d been nurturing their locks since before Eve (remember Lilith?), and knew exactly

how and when to let their hair down. However, for practical reasons it was usually bound or controlled by a headscarf or hairnet.

Later, some went the gourmet route and managed to sculpt koeksisters, bagels and boerie-rolls, which would peep out or dangle from beneath a bonnet. Others chose the rear end of a pony or pig for inspiration.

who cared what happened on top? A man with long hair was regarded as effeminate, unless he was a famous sculptor or painter.

For early Hollywood stars, shoulder-length cascades of slowly-poured treacle were crafted, which would somehow remain intact throughout the movie. Some had bobs and bangs, but a cross between Doris Day and Queen Elizabeth was popular with the middle classes, and curlers, in all their neon glory had arrived.

Some just wore wigs.

Across the tracks were the Ducktails, the James Dean wannabe’s with heads like half-sucked mango pips. But the jazz generation of the Brat Pack was under attack, led by upstarts like Elvis, Cliff and horror of horrors, The Beatles!

Around then, short back ’n sides was butch and ‘in’.

Most men wore cloth caps, helmets, bandanas, top-hats or berets, so as long as the ears and neck were hairless,

Over sixty years ago, music changed this. Until then the most avant garde folk were the arty beatniks. They sported tousled hair, black polo-necks, dark shades and clicked fingers to folk music and intellectual jazz.

Teenagers with pimply foreheads loved them, but this was pretty much the kindergarten for today’s scalp choreographers.

Now anything goes, the more ridiculous the better, as long as it’s opposite to the previous generation. Hippies

and the rock culture rebelled against the military short back ’n sides, and only sensible Yuppies with side partings conformed. Important meetings etc...

Now the tables have turned again. It’s back to the thirties where you plonk a porridge bowl on the head and remove/shave all visible hair sticking out. On top, it’s open season for anyone with identity problems. For the more insecure, bright colours attract added attention.

Skinheads, the premature baldies’ salvation, and combovers that look like streaky bacon, bare scant mention.

Unsurprisingly, apart from an embarrassing blip created in America called the Afro, indigenous Africans had it sussed from the beginning and bypassed the hullabaloo.

They got creative with braids, corncobs, doeks, thongs, dreds and beads, which still look great today and are copied by celebs worldwide.

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How pet-friendly is Hermanus?

With so many animal lovers and pet owners in Hermanus, the bylaws, policies, rules and regulations regarding pets are always a talking point. One of the most contentious and emotive issues is the No Pets policy adopted by many sectional title complexes as well as full-title rental properties.

On the one hand we have an ever increasing multitude of rescue animals desperately in need of homes, and on the other we have animal lovers who would gladly provide a caring home but are restricted from doing so because of the No Pets policy. Even worse, there are those who are forced to give up their pets, which in turn only adds to the number of homeless animals and perpetuates the vicious cycle.

“Hermanus is not a very petfriendly town,” says Lenke Elferink, manager of Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS). “At the moment we are operating at 170% capacity and the shelter simply does not have adequate facilities to house that many abandoned pets.”

According to Lenke, about 60% of the animals at HAWS are surrendered by their owners and about 40% are strays or ill-treated and abandoned animals that had to be rescued.

Lenke says there are proven mental and physical benefits to having pets, especially for single people and the elderly.

“Pets provide companionship and are a deterrent to burglars. It is tragic when people are forced to part with their pets when they move into homes, apartments, gated estates or retirement villages that do not allow cats or dogs. People often have no other choice but to bring these adored pets to us and it’s heart-breaking to see how

the animals pine for their owners.”

To avoid this predicament, pet owners should make sure they are informed of the rules and regulations when looking for a new home to rent or buy. Hermanus resident Pat Poulter told The Village NEWS of her daughter’s unfortunate experience when she bought a sectional title flat without the agent having informed her of the No Pets policy.

Because this rule was in place at the time that the purchase was made, the legal principle caveat emptor (buyer beware) applied and Pat’s daughter was forced to give up her beloved cat. She could not even blame the agent for non-disclosure as the onus is on the buyer to know the sectional title scheme’s rules.

From a legal point of view, the bodies corporate of sectional title complexes are responsible for drawing up and enforcing the management rules, which may also be amended, repealed or added to at any time. According to the Sectional Titles Act No. 95 of 1986, no owner or occupier of a section may keep any animal, reptile or bird without the written consent of the trustees. It further states this approval may not be unreasonably withheld and that the trustees may prescribe any reasonable condition.

“When deciding on the management rules regarding pets, the bodies corporate take into consideration the size of the units and the lay-out of the sectional title scheme,” says Aurelia Estherhuyse of Aida Onrus. “At the Negester retirement village, for

example, pets are not allowed in the apartment complex but owners or tenants of the free-standing homes can apply for permission to keep a small dog. It would not be practical to allow for big dogs on the premises as the gardens are not big enough or fenced in. Another sectional title complex, Onrus Close, does not allow any pets for the same reason.”

According to Jacqui Jackson of Whale Rentals, the main reason body corporates or landlords adopt a No Pets policy is non-compliance with the rules by pet owners, such as not keeping dogs on a leash or not cleaning up after them. Dogs can also cause an unreasonable disturbance and become a source of irritation to the other inhabitants in the complex or the neighbourhood if they bark, whimper or howl incessantly.

“Many landlords have had their homes and gardens damaged by dogs to such an extent that the deposit does not cover the cost of the repairs,” says Jacqui. “It takes only one bad experience for a landlord to prohibit pets from their property. It is reasonable for them to want to protect their investment.”

Reon van der Merwe, principal of Seeff Hermanus, confirms that most rental properties in Hermanus today have a No Pets policy, which is influenced by economic factors. “We are currently experiencing a lessor’s market, which means that the lessors are calling the shots. Rental property is so scarce that the owners can afford to make stipulations such as ‘no children or pets allowed’. If

the market should change and become a lessee’s market, lessors will most likely relax these stringent rules.”

Reon adds that it has been statistically proven that pets damage property, and owners are not prepared to take that risk. “There is no way they can know beforehand if a specific pet is going to be troublesome or not, so the rule is enforced on all lessees. Having said that, I know of one exception that was made when my son, Jaco, applied for a rental home that had a no pet policy, and asked the owner if he would at least be prepared to meet his two lovable and well-mannered Golden Retrievers. One look at those beautiful dogs was all it took for the owner to give Jaco permission to keep them on his property.”

Jacqui agrees that there is a desperate need for rental homes where residents are allowed to keep their pets.

“At the Hemel-en-Aarde Estate, for example, only the home owners had permission to keep two animals on their property, but if you were renting a property in the estate, you were not allowed any pets.

This rule was amended last year by the estate’s managing committee.”

Lemke agrees that, while irresponsible pet owners are often to blame for the No Pets dilemma, the solution is to adopt a common-sense approach. “Generalisations are always dangerous and so are sweeping regulations and policies. Responsibility is the key word here. And exceptions need to be made, especially in cases where the pet owner has loved and cared for an animal for many years, spent money on vet bills and food, and formed an emotional

Father Douglas Hutton with his French poodle, Carlo. Father Douglas is one of many retired residents in Kidbrooke Place who are allowed to keep pets and benefit from having a close relationship with a companion cat or dog. bond with the pet.

“The pet has become part of that person’s life and it is just cruel and inhumane to force someone to give up a muchloved pet. Neither the pet owner nor the pet does well in these cases. I’ve had cats and dogs that are so broken that they simply don’t cope without their owners.”

One of the retirement villages in Hermanus that do not allow any pets, except birds, is Golden Harvest in Sandbaai. “Yes, it’s very sad when elderly people have to give up their cats and dogs,” says admin and marketing manager Babs Pieterse. “We find that it is usually the children or other family members who take over the pets.”

At Kidbrooke in Onrus, however, pets are welcomed. Secretary Adelia

Sauermann says it is a great comfort to the elderly if they can keep their pets when they move to a retirement village.

“More often than not the cats and dogs are elderly too and have been with their owners for many years. When they die their owners do not replace them because a young pet is too energetic for them to keep up with.”

Kidbrooke residents may walk their dogs on the premises provided they are on a leash and there is also a berm for dog running. Pet owners are expected to abide by the rules, which include cleaning up after them, with bins provided for the disposal of dog poo. “Our Care Centre even has a resident cat called George,” says Adelia.

“We adopted him after his owner died and he is adored by all the staff and residents.”

- Hedda Mittner

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Wilfred is Mister Conservation six months old. After completing his schooling in Paarl, Wilfred served in the President’s Guard in Cape Town and Pretoria. The adventure continued. A keen diver and spear fisherman, he dived the wreck of the Nicobar which stranded off Quoin Point, not far from Gansbaai, in 1783.

This shipwreck was only discovered in 1987 when Wilfred helped to recover a large amount of Swedish copper plate money.

Frieda’s Footprints

Tourism News by Frieda Lloyd

Wilfred Chivell is living his dream as owner of Marine Dynamics and chairperson of Dyer Island Conservation Trust. This dream is focussed on the sea, animals, conservation and of course

Gansbaai where he is based. Every day is filled with new adventures.

He was born in Caledon and moved with his parents to Gansbaai when he was only

Wilfred owned and managed a construction business, Overberg Concrete Works, in the 1990s but needed to close shop when the recession hit. Necessity is the mother of invention and with the closing of one door he looked towards an obvious opportunity – the sea. In 2000 he started offering whale watching trips from a rubber dingy. He fulfilled all the functions of the business personally in the early days, but soon the

business grew to become a family affair. Wilfred’s love for the sea and conservation is shared by his son Dickie.

Today Dickie is very much involved in the business and skippers their boat, the Whale Whisperer.

Wilfred also played rugby for Hermanus back in the day.

Although he does not spend as much time on the sea as he used to, he reads extensively on any marine and nautical topic. Wilfred thinks of the Cape Whale Coast as “his place”. It is his anchor and this is where the people are to whom he relates.

With the shark diving company, Marine Dynamics and the conservation agency, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Wilfred contributes significantly to tourism development in our region and expresses their motto “discover and protect” through everything they do. The business and

trust are Fair Trade Tourism certified and have received many tourism and conservation awards.

Wilfred’s love for animals, in particular the African penguin, initiated a project to provide shelter for this endangered species and other seabirds.

The project has grown over the past ten years and in 2015 he opened the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary just outside Gansbaai.

Asked what he would do to further tourism Wilfred does not hesitate in answering that he would commission an architect to start working on a marine centre for Kleinbaai. A place where visitors can spend more time and learn about the research done.

Another ambitious endeavour to further development in our region.

Zanzibar - the new Mauritius for South Africans Jambo!! A greeting you will hear a lot as you arrive in Zanzibar. The locals are all very friendly both at the airport and the hotels. Never do you feel threatened. If you want a nice relaxing holiday, then Zanzibar is the place for you.

during low or high tide.

Depending on your hotel, you might even have a sandy beach to soak up some sun, or just relax on the loungers either on the beach or next to the swimming pools. All the hotels have lovely swimming pools.

Although it is also a small island, it is very different to Mauritius. There are limited sport activities on offer by the hotels. We suggest taking your own snorkels and flippers. The east and west coast of the island differ vastly, so choosing the right side when booking your holiday is essential. Low tide on the east coast is very low with the water pulling back for about 1km. You'll need water booties, as there are plenty of rock and coral pieces that will cut your feet.

The hotels drinks and food prices are in Euro. For South Africans, we recommend the all-inclusive meal option.

Unlike Mauritius, there are not suitable restaurants outside the hotels. Closer to Stone Town and right up north, you may find more restaurant options.

The west coast, on the other hand, offers beautiful sandy beaches. Here you can swim

Most hotels offer some evening entertainment and there is a variety of good food every day.

Beautiful sunsets await you on the west coast. You will be relaxed and rested after a holiday in Zanzibar. Even in winter (our winter) the weather is lovely and hot!

Families can also enjoy a relaxing holiday, although the “kiddies clubs” are not on the same standard as Mauritius.

Zanzibar is a poor country, but is rich in culture and very beautiful in its own right. A visit to Stone Town is a must.

Zanzibar may well be the new Mauritius for South Africans …..

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Make your business shine with Aura

“Aura is not just a small company in a small town. We are a local company with a local, national and international client base. That ideally positions us to be able to deliver the same offering to locals as we would to international clients,” says Thomas Knowler, CEO of Aura Design in Onrus.

Thomas hails from the southwest of England where he grew up raising cattle and sheep on the moors. He showed a keen interest in his parents’ marketing business at a young age by producing flyers and offering input on online marketing and design.

“This culminated with me studying electronic engineering after school and ultimately leading me to a degree in graphic design,” says Thomas.

But far from being the stereotypical computer nerd, Thomas’ life has been a journey of adventure and enterprise. As a young man, he completed The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award scheme in the UK, a leading world youth achievement award.

“A visit to my parents, who had moved to Knysna, led me to join Outward Bound, a global, independent outdooreducation organisation, as a volunteer and expedition leader. I subsequently travelled all over South Africa

giving courses. Outward Bound takes young people out of their environment and gives them the opportunity to think, analyse and realise their full self-potential.

Working a great deal with children from Girls and Boys Town, it profoundly clarified for me the divide between privilege and disadvantage,” says Thomas.

After that Thomas re-joined the family business in Knysna, first as graphic designer and then production manager. “I tapped into my IT, design and marketing skills, working part-time in this capacity and full-time for Find It SA – both an online and published business directory for various South African towns.

“My dad and I bought this company and in 2008 Aura Design was founded as the business umbrella. Initially we distributed the directory in the Knysna area, but it soon expanded to numerous other towns as well as Cape Town’s southern and northern suburbs.”

By offering graphic and website skills to his business directory clients in Knysna, Thomas honed his entrepreneurial business acumen.

“When we sold the business in Knysna, the Overstrand

offered the ideal area to live and work in - a country lifestyle just an hour from Cape Town,” says Thomas.

The area also suits Thomas perfectly as a paragliding enthusiast, and one of only two licenced pilots in Hermanus, the other one being Bevan Pope. Their shared passion has led to Paragliding Hermanus, a non-profit organisation with a website, designed by Thomas, which creates a platform of reliable local information and guidance to visiting paragliders.

From their premises in Onrus, Aura offers graphic design, including signage, photography, website design, website hosting, online marketing, SEO, online ad management, advanced app development for Android and IOS, a new mobile app platform, email marketing and web development.

“We work with between 150 and 200 clients at any given time. But that does not mean we are not able to offer our services to local clients. As a member of a small community, I understand the pressures and challenges of running a small business. That is why we have structured the cost of our products to suit every business requirement. The added benefit for local companies is that they get

Kevin Bourn, Chad Copeland, Thomas Knowler and Lynn Mclagan of Aura will ensure that your business shines. the same level of service and expertise as our international clients.

“We not only make getting your business online fast, simple and secure, but most importantly, get your online business noticed. We also ensure a 24-hour support service with a 30-minute response time. We are able to offer this as our overseas partners take over the support service during the night.”

The Aura team consists of Thomas, Chad Copeland as the Mac guru and head

developer, Kevin Bourn as the graphic designer and Lynn Mclagan as receptionist, copywriter and proofing assistant.

Thomas concludes: “The mantra of Aura Design is ‘to make your business shine’. It reflects the overall package that we offer. Our clients need to be able to drive traffic through to their business, so I mentor them, communicating and guiding as we proceed. There is no reason why a small company should feel threatened by big business.

If you have the right business

model and the right tools, you can compete with the big guys. Recognise and develop your own unique selling points to make your business shine.

This is where Aura assists, in developing your business plan and becoming your helping partner. Most often, communication is the key to success. Work smarter, not harder.”

- Kathy Mulock-Bentley Find Aura Design at 10 Main Road, Onrus.

E-mail: info@aurahost.co.za or call 028 316 1973

Lawton makes shells shine

Kwêla presenter Johnny Davids with Lawton Roberts (right) at Hermanus Vision Centre in front of his perlemoen shell mirror frame.

Long-time local resident Lawton Roberts was paid a visit last week by the team from Kwêla, the popular Afrikaans magazine programme on DStv’s kykNet channel. They filmed him working in his studio, walking on the beach, and at both the Seagull Guesthouse in Sandbaai and Hermanus Vision Centre in Main Road, where several of Lawton’s signature perlemoen shell creations adorn the walls.

It all started when artist,

designer and entrepreneur Lawton was walking on the beach one day and the shiny, luminescent quality of the perlemoen shells caught his attention.

He decided to find a way to upcycle this waste material, and incorporate it into his designs. With his keen eye for detail and precision, he meticulously started cutting and polishing the shells, and using them to create his functional art pieces such as vases, wall

clocks and mirrors.

The work is painstaking and demanding – it can take Lawton more than a month to produce one large mirror frame, using more than two thousand little tiles that all have to be hand-cut, sometimes up to ten times, to get them to the exact size. He also works with black mussel and other beach shells.

After many years of manufacturing custom-

made furniture and once-off décor items which he supplied to home décor shops, Lawton now works on commission only. Many of his creations adorn the walls of businesses, guesthouses and restaurants, including the fashionable Blues Restaurant in Camp’s Bay. The programme on Lawton can be viewed on kykNET on Wednesday evening, 27 July at 20:00.

– Hedda Mittner

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12 July 2016 Wednesday 13 July

Business Chamber, Standard Bank Hermanus, branch code: 050312, Account no: 082257833.

Use your company’s name as reference and e-mail proof of payment to ceo@hermanuschamber.co.za. For more info contact CEO Alta Pretorius at 073 538 3685 or 028 315 1619.

• Photography Chit-Chat: Join The Photowalkers.com for their monthly gettogether from 19:00 – 20:30, every second Wednesday of the month. The Studio, 17 Mimosa Street, Hermanus Industrial Area.

RSVP: funtimes@thephotowalkers.com

Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 July

Wednesday 13 & 20 July

• ‘Kolwyntjie-Teetuin’: Senior citizens in the area are invited to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at the Service Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) of the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus for only R30, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.

• Supper & Movie Nights: Join South Hill wine estate in the Elgin Valley every Wednesday evening for sundowners at 18:00, supper at 19:00 and movie screening at 20:00. R135 pp all inclusive. The movie on 13 July is Prisoners (2013), starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis. The movie on 20 July is St Vincent (2014) starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts. Stay-over packages and baby-sitting facilities available.

Contact 021 844 0333 or events@southhill.co.za for more details, to book your seats or to be included on their movie mailing list.

Saturday 16 July • Chakradance & Group Mandala Workshop: Experience a beautiful day of spontaneous movement and mandala art creation in Pringle Bay, from 10:00 – 16:00. The cost is R375 pp, including all materials and lunch, and R650 if you book for yourself and a friend. All payments by EFT. Send an email to daydreamingincolour@gmail.com to book and to get banking details.

Saturday 16 & 23 July

Thursday 14 & 21 July • 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.

Thursday 14 July & Saturday 16 July • Photographic Workshops: The Photowalkers.com is presenting a series of 2hour workshops this month, including ‘Composition at Sunrise on the FynArts Sculptures’ at the Old Harbour from 07:00 – 09:00 on Thursday; and ‘Depth of Field & Aperture amongst Fynbos & Flowers’ in Fernkloof Nature Reserve from 08:00 – 10:00 on Saturday. For more details email funtimes@thephotowalkers.com or call Leanne on 083 293 7208.

Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 July

• Stanford does Bastille: Stanford will be partaking in the French celebration of Bastille Day this weekend, where you can relish the delights of a Vintage Wedding and Antiques exhibition in the Stanford Hotel. Feast on succulent thick-cut sirloin steaks with Café de Paris butter and French fries on Friday night, 15 July, and a 3 course French menu by Graze served in the Hotel Pub on Saturday night, 16 July. Seats are limited and booking is essential.

Phone Penny on 082 781 1704 or Tabby on 076 243 1930.

Friday 15 & 22 July • Bhuki Café: Enjoy tea, coffee and eats at the Hermanus Library for only R20, every Friday, 09:00-11:30.

• Hermanus parkrun: Meet at Hermanus Forest on Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at 08:00. Free timed 5 km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

• Lemm’s Corner Market: From 08:30, Main Road, Hermanus. Crafts, clothes, jewellery, bags, toys and art.

• Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: In the courtyard at HPF cellar, The Village, from 10:00-14:00. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

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

• Winter Market: The Dutch Reformed Church, Caledon West, will host their Winter Market that will warm your heart with gifts, eats and all things pretty. If you’d like to book a stall, contact ngcalwes@overnet.co.za or 028 212 1973.

Saturday 23 July

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

Tuesday 19 July

• Whale Coast Conservation Public Talk: Prof George and Margo Branch will present a talk on ‘The ecosystem effects of the seafood we eat’ at WCC’s Green House in Vermont, from 17:30 – 18:30. R20 donation. George and Margo Branch are authors of the awardwinning books Living Shores of Southern Africa and Two Oceans – a Field Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Margo has also written many books, including Exploring Fynbos, First Field Guide to Mushrooms and Explore the Seashore. Together they have also published over 250 scientific papers on marine biology. They both have a flair for communicating their passionate interest in the biology and management of sea life.

Find the Green House on the R43 just after the Vermont / Lynx Ave turn-off.

Wednesday 20 July • Photographic Workshop: The Photowalkers.com is offering a 2-hour Shutter Speed Workshop ‘Waves at Hightide’ from 16:00 – 18:00. For more details email funtimes@thephotowalkers.com or call Leanne on 083 293 7208.

• Full Moon ‘Wandelpad’ Stroll: Meet at Stanford Tourism at 17:30 (weather dependent) for this new monthly fundraiser.

Stride, jog or stroll. R20 for adults, kids free, dogs R10 each. If you are joining the Stanford Striders beforehand, or would like to paddle on the Klein River with the Stanford Canoe Club, please join in the fun and the excitement of the rising of the full moon.

Mulled wine and Milo on sale (R30) at the Tourism Office. Funds raised are to generate further tourism-based events in Stanford.

• Beaumont Barrel Lunch: The second barrel lunch of the winter at Beaumont Wines in Botrivier will start off with a visit to the 250-yearold Vitruvian Mill on the farm, followed by lunch in the barrel cellar, with a selection of Beaumont wines paired with a delicious menu.

R430 per head. To book email info@beaumont.co.za or phone 028 284 9194.

• Shop from my closet: Browse to your heart’s content at this market for previously loved clothing, from 10:00 – 14:00 at the De Wet Hall in Roos Street, Onrus. There will also be great winter snacks on offer. Contact shopfrommyclosetoverberg@gmail.com • Hermanus Comedy Club: Join Barry Hilton and his team for an evening of laughter and fun at The Classroom in The Village, 18:00.

Tickets are R100 pp. To book, call 082 731 1311.

Tickets are also available from ‘Nou gaan ons braai’ on Market Square. Visit www.barryhilton.com • ‘Langarm’ Dance: Dance the night away the old-fashioned way! Charity fundraiser at the Grobbelaar Hall, 20:00. Snacks will be for sale, but bring your own drinks. Only R50 pp. For more details, contact Annelie Theron on 082 483 5632.

Sunday 24 July

• The Hermanus Country Market: Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:0013:00. Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies.

• Market in the Garden: At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, 09:00-13:00. A wonderful market set amongst the trees in the heart of town. Join the St Peter’s Coffee Morning and enjoy a sweet treat for only R10 and a cup of coffee or tea for only R5. Sit down in the shady garden and enjoy the surrounds.

• Hermanus Bird Club: Monthly meeting at Fernkloof Hall, 18:00. Quiz Evening with soup and sherry. Contact Craig Holmes on 028 313 2458 / 083 227 9003.

Thursday 21 July • Social Media Training: The Hermanus Business Chamber will offer Social Media 101 Basic Training to local businesses to learn how they can market themselves and boost business by having a lively media presence.

From 09:30 – 11:30 at Whale Coast Hotel.

Limited space. Acceptance upon proof of payment of R200 pp. Bank details: Hermanus

• OAK Concert: Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK) presents Liesl Stoltz (flute) and Albie van Schalkwyk (piano) performing Romantic works

by Schumann, Faure, Kuhlau, Massenet and others, in the Municipal Auditorium at 15:30.

Tickets are R130 (students R60). Book your seats at Bellini Gallery in the Village Square or call 028 312 4988.

Wednesday 27 July • Hermanus Garden Club: Members are invited to the Hermanus Garden Club’s annual Soup Lunch at the Catholic Church Hall at 12:00 for 12:30. Friends welcome. The cost is R45 and payment can be made to any committee member. The cut-off date for bookings is Friday, 22 July. Contact Sue on 028 314 0072.

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Fynbos and Fire Spring is a time to celebrate the very special beauty and diversity of our natural heritage. The Hermanus Flower Festival has been showcasing the wonders of spring in the fynbos for over 60 years and will take place this year over the Heritage Day weekend from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 September in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

Kalfiefees is all grown up Following on this year’s very successful FynArts Festival in June, Hermanus is yet again preparing for another celebration of the arts, the Kalfiefees, from 4 – 9 August.

Festivalgoers can look forward to bumper programme of music, drama and comedy performed at various venues in Onrus, Sandbaai and Hermanus.

Music shows of different genres will include Anna Davel’s Jazz-Up! at the Gala Opening and the nostalgic Ou Musikant – Die Danie Bosman Storie, with André Terblanché and Marlie Katzke. Jannie & Corlea will perform for the first time at the Kalfiefees, while old favourites such as Lize Beekman, Koos Kombuis, Rocco de Villiers and Emile Minnie will be welcomed back on stage.

concert performed by the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Prof Corvin Matei.

As always, the Kalfiefees will include several comedy shows to chase away the gloom of winter, such as Marion Holm’s Die Kaap is weer Holms, Klein Jakkalsies with Jody Abrahams and Diaan Lawrance, Eric Nobbs in Kat in die Duiwehok, Dowwe Dolla’s My briljante egskeiding and Platform 9 Twee with the well-known duo, Theodore Jantjies and Maurice Paige. And the little ones will not be left out as there are two children’s shows – Tjiff en Tjaff, and Spekkies en die drie varkies.

Kalfiefees audiences will also be introduced to the awardwinning Tygerberg Children’s Choir, while cabaret fans can look forward to French born entertainer and playwright Daniele Pascal with her production Nostalgia – a tribute to Marlene Dietrich.

For the more serious theatre goer there will be highly acclaimed drama productions such as Pa, with Chris van Niekerk in main role, Rooivalk with Richard September and Invisible with Vinette Ebrahim. There will also be a new play presented by our local Seabreeze Production House in Hawston, Die Laaitie.

One of the music highlights at this year’s festival is the not-tobe-missed Sunday afternoon

There will be three English shows at this year’s festival – Andrew Laubsher and Sive

Gubangxa in the drama After dark in the Groot Marico, which tells the wellknown stories of Oom Schalk Lourens, and the awardwinning TIP-ex, with director and actress Lauren Hannie, Melissa Johannisen and Maxine Ceaser. On the lighter side, in the tradition of the popular Bafana Republic satirical revues, writer Mike van Graan’s Pay back the Curry! comprises a series of sketches to make audiences think even as they laugh out loud.

As in previous years, Woman’s Day will be celebrated with a festive breakfast at the Harbour Rock restaurant, while the guest speaker at this year’s Discussion is Dr Frans Cronje, CEO of the South African Institute for Race Relations.

Get the full programme details at www.kalfiefees.co.za. Tickets can be booked at Computicket countrywide and programme booklets are available from various venues in town, including Computicket (at the Checkers Centre), Hermanus Tourism, Hermanus Library and the Kalfiefees office at the De Wet Hall in Onrus.

Following the fires in Fernkloof in December last year, the theme for this year’s festival is ‘Fynbos & Fire’. It will be demonstrated through labelled fynbos specimens, environmental exhibits in the marquee and magnificent photographic records from the bleak ashcovered landscapes of December to the fresh, green and colourful sites they have become. The wonderful floral display in Fernkloof Hall, the signature

exhibit of the festivals, will be interspersed with information on the consequences and value of fire in the fynbos.

Visitors will also be able to witness the changes for themselves by following an annotated self-directed walk or by signing up for a guided walk.

There will be something to amuse, entertain and inform everyone at the festival this year. Opportunities for early Christmas shopping will be presented by the Botanical Society’s stand in the marquee, which will have an interesting selection of all things environmental for sale.

Francois and his slithering fynbos snakes will be returning this year, with an interesting angle on fire ecology and how snakes react to the threat of fire.

There will be something for the little ones too, who can have their faces painted to

look like their favourite flower or take part in a Treasure Hunt around the gardens of the amphitheater. Meantime, Mum and Dad can buy a ticket in the raffle with the chance to win a terrific prize.

Sunday brings a special new Flower Power event - a Fun Walk for the family and a Trail Run for the slightly more energetic. Or just relax with family and friends at the Fynbos Café, enjoy tea and coffee with home-made goodies or sit down for a light lunch and a glass of local wine. And don’t forget to stock up your garden for spring with some of Jack’s lovingly nurtured plants from the Indigenous Nursery.

The entry fee is R20 for adults, while children under 12 or in school uniform are free, and on Pensioner’s Day, Thursday 22 September, entry is only R10 for pensioners.

Restaurant News

By Hedda Mittner

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With Hermanus now firmly in the grip of winter, many restaurants are offering special winter warmers on their menus while others are hosting special events. I just love the way in which our restaurants continue to come up with innovative ways to beat the winter blues and lure diners over the threshold during this traditionally quiet time of year.

At Fusion their 8-week series of Quiz Nights kicked off last week and will continue every Thursday evening for the next seven weeks, starting at 18:00. This booked-out event has become so popular that there is a waiting list. Among

much hilarity and bantering, quiz master Mick has his hands full as the teams of locals, with humorous names like ‘Jou ma se span’, ‘Hoofhearted’ and ‘Tequila Mockingbird’ (last year’s winners and the team to beat), face off for the Quiz Trophy. To keep the teams fortified, it is Happy Hour all evening and Fusion’s special winter menu offers great value meals. Also available during the rest of the week.

Call 028 312 4277 to book a table.

style, these Bistro evenings are very relaxed and the menu offers well-priced winter deliciousness. There are starters, mains and desserts to choose from, all individually priced. To make your booking, call 028 313 2970 and ask which of the seating times are available – 18:30, 19:00, 19:30 or 20:00.

The Eatery has re-introduced their popular Winter Wednesday Bistro evenings, and the first one of the season went down a treat on 6 July. In typical Eatery

The ‘Norfolk ‘n Chance’ (try saying that fast!) team enjoying last week’s Quiz Night at Fusion.

At Pear Tree, popular local chef Petri Hendriksz has also added hearty winter fare to his menu. Among the new dishes are mouth-watering Braised Short Rib, with smoked mash, beans and butternut; Oxtail served with kale on a cumin spiced pumpkin risotto with carrot puree; Pork Belly served with blue cheese crushed potato, butternut puree, shiitake mushrooms and greens; and

fresh Kingklip served on a bacon, broccoli and lentil ragout. Pear Tree is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Call 028 313 1224 to book.

A new winter treat from Savannah Café comes in the form of a traditional Sunday lunch menu at R110 pp for two courses. The menu will change weekly, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for details and call 028 312 45 29 to book.

At the quaint Fisherman’s Cottage, chef Anton Verhoogt and his wife Nicole offer what they call ‘lekker’ winter lunch specials that are priced between R50 and R80 and offer excellent value for money. They invite patrons to come and relax close to the cosy fire and enjoy a game of scrabble or backgammon whilst indulging in real comfort food. Served Tuesday to Friday between 12:00 and 15:00. Call 028 312 3642 to book.

Other restaurants in town that are still running excellent winter specials, include La Pentola, where you can enjoy a two-course lunch for

Chef Shane Sauvage of La Pentola only R85, available 7 days a week. Book your table on 028 313 1685. Cattle Baron offers a lunch buffet at R84 pp (and R62 for pensioners), Wednesday to Friday between 12:00 and 15:00, as well as a Sunday lunch buffet at R129 pp. Call 028 313 0384 to book.

At Lemon Butta, now renamed LB Seafood Bistro on the Bay, you will find excellent winter special meals for only R100 pp, inclusive of a glass of wine, available Monday to Sunday. Unbeatable value, and sea views too. Call 028 312 3611 to book.

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Over at The Village, chef Warwick Taylor’s new restaurant, Source, has been doing a brisk trade since opening a month ago. Apart from serving breakfast and lunch, Source is now also open in the evenings, Wednesday to Saturday, from 18:30 to 22:00. On the dinner menu you’ll find magical stuff such as Duck confit with liquorice roasted beetroot, baby marrow and cranberry sauce or Grilled loin of Springbok with pea puree, valley mushrooms and marrow jus. Call 028 125 0025 to reserve a table.

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Also in The Village, at EAT restaurant, chef Connell Massyn and his team have come up with a hearty lamb potjie, served with a homebaked mini bread, for R95, and the delicious Thai green chicken curry remains a firm favourite at R105. There are also two new dishes for their Pensioner’s Lunch Special – either a lamb or chicken curry served with jasmine rice and either a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, for the grand total of R79.

Available Tuesday to Sunday between 11:30 and 17:00.

Call 028 316 2348 to book.

Back in the CBD, the owners of Betty Blue in Main Road, Rayno and Celia Rabie, have just returned from a 5week tour of France and Italy. Their daughter Inemari, a food stylist and consultant, is married to Kevin Grobler, the head chef of the now famous South African 1 Michelin star restaurant in Nice, JAN, so needless to say their trip pretty much revolved around food.

During their first week in Paris it rained incessantly (“real soup weather,” says Celia)

Celia Rabie tucking into a classic French onion soup in Paris.

and, lusting after a real French onion soup, they went to the restaurant recommended by Jan Hendrik, Au pied de Cochon, which has been a Parisienne institution since 1947.

“It was quite an experience,” says Rayno with a big smile, “and we decided that we would bring this wonderful dish back to Hermanus with us.”

Paying close attention to the classic French onion soup that was served to them, Celia resolved “to make it even better”. After various test runs and tweaking of the recipe in collaboration with Inemari at her and Kevin’s, home in Nice, this delicious French onion soup is now available at Betty Blue – a

hearty bowl of soft, golden onion goodness, topped with bread and Emmental cheese, grilled to perfection and sprinkled with fragrant thyme. Quite delicious and very special, regardless of the special price of only R50.

Highly recommended, especially on a cold winter’s day.

For those who prefer to indulge in cake and coffee, join the many Onrus locals who have discovered CupNCake, situated in the

Audrey Mbang of CupNCake in Onrus

Optimum Centre on Main Road (just before the Total Garage). This unpretentious little coffee shop is owned by the charming Audrey Mbang, who hails from Gabon and spent seven years living in Bruges with her Belgian husband before relocating to Fisherhaven last year.

Audrey says she has enjoyed baking since she was a child, and with the help of her barista Jason and assistant bakers Nina and Gizel, they offer a delectable range of European-style biscuits, cakes, waffles, croissants, eclairs, fruit tarts and other pastries along with various coffees, teas, milkshakes and hot chocolate.

Just R30 will buy you a cappuccino or milkshake with waffles, while the Pensioner’s Special on Thursdays from 08:00 – 13:00 offers a 30% discount on selected menu items. CupNCake is open Mon, Wed, Thur & Fri from 08:00 – 17:00, and on Sat & Sun from 08:00 – 15:00. Closed on Tuesdays. Contact 028 316 0422.

12 July 2016

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Hermanus Library - that’s what friends are for “Why is it that whenever there are budget cuts by government, province, municipalities or schools, it's always the libraries that take strain?” asks Jacqueline Dowling, aka Jacky, secretary of Friends of Hermanus Library.

Started by a small group of like-minded book lovers in 2000, Friends of the Library set about reversing the situation.

“We are a happy and remarkably successful group; the number of books bought

by The Friends each month far outstrips those supplied by Province. The coffers are swelling, large numbers of books are being donated and our library won the award for Best Big Public Library in 2015,” says Jacky with a big smile.

So how did they do it?

Membership of The Friends is voluntary and costs only R20 per year. Their other source of income is the Bhuki Café every Friday, when the reference section of the library is turned into a bustling café for three hours. Tea, coffee and eats are served for only R20 (two eats) or R30 (3 eats).

“We have four teams of voluntary bakers, who provide the wonderful cakes and tarts

every week,” says Hettie Roux, chairperson of the Hermanus Library. “A new addition to our team are the Bhuki Boys, who also get a turn when there is a fifth Friday in the month. We love having them and are very impressed with their baking skills!” One of The Friends’ Outreach projects involves inviting crafters to display and sell their crafts at the Bhuki, and they also make a voluntary contribution to the kitty.

“The funds generated in this way enable us to buy new books and library materials such as book trolleys, shelves, scanners, security strips and book covers,” says Hettie. “We are very grateful to all the volunteers who bake, serve and wash up – they are the real unsung heroes.”

Another Outreach Project is the collection of no-longerneeded specs for Lions' Operation Brightsight. “It's an effort very close to my heart and, to date, the orange collection box in our library has filled up weekly,” says Jacky.

“The specs are delivered to

Specsavers Hermanus, who send them to their warehouse where they’re sorted and graded, then passed on to Lions. We also receive good quality magnifiers, and goodies to help see the TV and mobile phone screens a bit better.

“The project will be ongoing as long as there's a need and we hope to be helping many people who might not be able to afford the expense of new glasses and bring to them the magic of reading once again.”

If you’d like to get involved with the wonderful work done by The Friends, such as book binding and repair, reading to the elderly or donating cakes to the Bhuki, please contact Jacky on 083 512 0161.

RIGHT: Jacky Dowling, secretary of Friends of the Hermanus Library, with Daniel Bradley, owner of CanD’s Kitchen, and Hettie Roux, chairperson of the Hermanus Library. Daniel regularly donates a large dish of cakes to the weekly Bhuki Café (TOP).

Helping Hand

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From left are Sheraine van Wyk (WCC), Kari Brice (Ward 3 Councillor), Anina Lee (WCC), Rob Fryer (WCC) and Pam Herd (Hermanus Ratepayers Association) with Callie the dog, whose owner David Shreeve was the first one to make use of the Doggy Doo bags installed on the Cliff Path last week.

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Keeping Hermanus clean and green The Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) team is well known for their tireless work to preserve the natural heritage of the Overstrand, not just to ensure its sustainability as a drawcard for tourists, but for the health, safety and enjoyment of all who call the Cape Whale Coast home.

Founding member, Anina Lee, together with her colleagues Rob Fryer and Sheraine van Wyk, are continuously implementing eco-sensitive projects to not only save endangered fauna and flora, but also to inform and educate the community on best practices with regards to environmental management.

As part of their ongoing quest to enhance all the public spaces in town, WCC launched its Doggy Doo Dispenser campaign last

week. Dog faeces on the cliff paths and the reluctance of many dogowners to clean up after their dogs have been a talking point for many years.

WCC came up with the idea to place Doggy Doo bins all along our coastal cliff paths and other locations where people enjoy walking their dogs.

“The idea is simple. If you constantly remind people to clean up after their dogs and if you supply them with bags to put it in, the number of doggy surprises will drop.

Now people can simply tear off a bag from the dispenser, pick up their dog’s mess and throw it in the rubbish bin,” says Anina.

The first five Doggy Doo bag dispensers were sponsored by the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA), with the first one installed at the

Kwaaiwater lookout point on the Cliff Path, while the second one will be installed at Grotto Beach and the other three are at children’s parks in town. The objective is to have doggy doo bag dispensers, as well as cigarette butt bins, installed all along the Cliff Path and other tourist ‘hot spots’.

Attending the launch last week were Anina and Ward 3 Councillor Kari Brice, who both serve on the Hermanus Cliff Path Management Group (HCPMG), Grant McLachlan and Pam Herd of the HRA, and Anina’s colleagues Sheraine and Rob. “This initiative is a good example of a public-private partnership, as it is a collaborative effort between WCC, the HRA, the CPMG and the Overstrand Municipality,” says Anina.

“The Hermanus Cliff Path forms part of the Fernkloof

Nature Reserve, and any foreign body that is introduced is a potential hazard to the environment,” says Anina. “It is imperative that we keep the Cliff Path, which is one of the major features of our town, clean and safe for both tourists and locals.”

initiative to include the doggy doo bag dispenser project. Both are aimed at keeping our town green, sustainable, safe and healthy, and preserving the natural assets of our environment that are vital to tourism – the backbone of our economy.

WCC’s operational focus includes waste management, and litter is monitored annually in the Overstrand during the International Coastal Cleanup Week in September.

Since 2009 litter has been collected, sorted and tallied to provide information on what makes up the litter load in the environment and how much of it there is. This waste profile enables WCC to create campaigns that are carefully designed to draw attention to a particular waste item and reduce this litter load.

Discarded cigarette butts in the environment are a health hazard because they contain toxins which leach out into the soil, ground water, rivers and sea rather quickly. When this is taken in by animals which are then eaten by other animals and humans, these toxins move along food chains until found in all parts of the food web.

By far the most numerous and potentially dangerous litter item of all is cigarette butts, which prompted WCC to launch a research study which revealed a disturbing statistic: the estimated number of cigarette butts discarded annually in the Hermanus CBD is more than 28 million (28 580 629 to be precise) in an area of only 0,25 km². Cigarette butts are the number one waste item collected at butt ‘hot spots’ such as lookout points, viewing benches along the coast, outside restaurants and in plant boxes. These are also the areas most frequented by tourists and visitors to our town, and do nothing to uphold our reputation as a destination of natural scenic beauty.

WCC took the decision to tackle this problem by manufacturing and installing cigarette butt bins at ‘hot spots’ in the CBD, and more recently expanded this

“Keeping the butts out of our environment is urgent. We believe the butt bin will help to raise awareness of the problem and its use will help to make our environment a healthier place for us all.

Whale Coast Conservation aims to change the habit of carelessly flicking the butt into the habit of carefully binning the butt,” says Anina.

“Whale Coast Conservation is dedicated to looking after the natural environment which our whole economy is based on – the proverbial goose that lay the golden egg,” she says.

Individuals, businesses and organisations are invited to take hands with WCC by sponsoring more doggy doo bag dispensers and cigarette butt bins throughout Hermanus. The cost is R450 per unit, excluding the material and labour for installation. Visit the Green House on the R43 in Vermont or contact them on 028 316 2527 to find out more about how you can help to keep Hermanus green.

- Hedda Mittner

My Home

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12 July 2016

How to fix your children’s DIY ‘décor’ Suddenly the house goes quiet, and you walk into a room to find your children beaming proudly at you over a carpet full of nail polish, or trying to hide a pet which has been mysteriously dyed bright green.

What do you do, besides want to pretend you didn’t see it?

Well, we know how much you love your home, so we’ve compiled a list of how-to’s to help keep your carpets, wooden floors, walls (and pets) stain-free, no matter how artistic your children want to get.

Food colouring

Food colouring is a persistent stain. Hydrogen peroxide (tested on a less-visible area first, to ensure you don’t bleach the surface) can be applied to the stain, left for a few minutes, and then wiped with a clean towel.

For stubborn stains, brushing the peroxide into the surface works well. Rinse using a cloth and water, then dry thoroughly.

If the stain is on skin, though, it is better to let it fade naturally, after applying baby cream and rubbing off the worst of it.

Crayons

A thick paste made from baking soda and water dissolves most kinds of grease (including tough pan grease and crayon wax). For wall drawings, dab some on to the stain before gently rubbing with a clean cloth, rinsing and wiping dry. For wooden floors or furniture, a cloth and a few drops of mineral solvent will usually do the trick.

Always test an inconspicuous area first before applying a cleaning agent, to ensure you don’t damage your house or furniture.

Paint

For clothes, scrape off excess paint. Then, if possible, saturate the surface with isopropyl alcohol. Once this is done, scrape the area with a butter knife or spatula and wash as usual.

Vaseline

Vaseline may be the best prevention against nappy rash, but isn’t good for your child’s hair. Normal shampoo won’t do the trick if your toddler decides to style themselves a Mohawk. Pat baby powder or corn starch (Maizena) into the hair to

absorb the jelly, then wash with warm water and shampoo. Otherwise, mix some baking soda into regular baby shampoo, then wash hair and rinse out.

Nail polish

Blot up any excess lacquer, then apply a small amount of acetone to stain and blot again. Repeat the process until the stain no longer responds. If colour remains, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, sponge

with cold water and blot dry again.

rubbing alcohol work quickly, but are less gentle.

Prestik

Dab some on to a cotton ball and wipe the area, but be sure to avoid the eye and mouth areas if possible.

If Prestik is stuck in your carpet, saturate the area with a citrus-based cleaning agent, leave it to dry, then pick off. Use a cloth and cool water to rinse away any residue.

Ink

To gently remove ink, use a little bit of baby oil or olive oil. Nail polish remover and

If you’re removing ink from dog fur, wash your pup with a mix of warm water and dish soap, then rinse with warm water.

Source: www.betterlife.co.za

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A digital image of the proposed night shelter

Help the homeless with a night shelter The Hermanus Night Shelter Association (HNSA) is going full-steam ahead in realising their ambition to build a shelter for homeless people in Hermanus. Two months ago, the HNSA was finally able to purchase a plot of land from the Overstrand Municipality in Mount Pleasant, measuring 2 023m² in size. With the sale concluded and the architectural plans drawn up, the project has now moved into a new phase – fundraising for the construction of the new shelter.

“We are very grateful that, after almost a decade, we are able to progress towards our end goal,” says HNSA chairperson Les Abbott.

“We are now calling on the community to pledge their support and drive the project forward.”

At a meeting last week, the HNSA launched their ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign, which will culminate in a ‘Homeless Sleepover’ on Friday, 2 September. This fund-raising campaign will be driven by The Village NEWS, Whale Coast FM and other role players.

Individuals, organisations and businesses who would like to support this campaign, can buy a brick at R20 each, and sponsor as many bricks as they like towards the construction of the shelter. Les says the HNSA will also be approaching big companies, government organisations and philanthropic trusts for sponsorship and donations, and that Rotary Hermanus has already pledged their support by sponsoring the ablutions of the facility.

“The details of the Homeless Sleepover are still to be confirmed, but the idea is for residents to experience, for one night, what it is like to be homeless and having to sleep outside,” says Les. “We’ll be challenging businesses and schools to sponsor people to take part in the Homeless Sleepover, which will probably take place at the Gateway Centre.”

Les says the initial construction costs for the shelter are estimated at a minimum of R2,1 million. “We would like to see the building process kick off as soon as possible. The HNSA committee’s aim is to have the new shelter completed by June next year – we simply cannot afford to wait out any more winters.”

As a committee, the HNSA has over the last

decade become acquainted with many homeless people in Hermanus. “Sadly, six of them have died from exposure and illness on the street over the last four years.” The latest victim was Regina, a homeless woman wellknown to many Hermanus residents, who died tragically earlier this winter.

The night shelter will provide accommodation for up to 35 homeless people, with separate wings for men and women. Strict rules and criteria will apply and arrivals will be tested for drugs and alcohol before being admitted from 5 pm. After spending the night, everyone has to leave the premises at 8am. The shelter will then be closed to shelter residents during the rest of the day and available for other community purposes.

Once the shelter has been completed, Les says the aim is to add an extension which he calls “die tronk” (the jail) to provide temporary shelter for people on the street who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and do not want to live in a shelter.

“Some of them are picked up by the police who will then bring them to our facility. They will only be provided with a safe place, a bed and a blanket for the night and have to leave again in the morning. The idea is to not have anyone sleeping on the streets.”

Anyone who would like to become involved with this project or assist in any way, is welcome to contact Les on 083 232 6138. The HNSA is registered as an NPO and approved as a PBO by SARS, which means that any donations are tax-deductable.

- Hedda Mittner

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12 July 2016

A special day for Hermanus Pharmacy Friday 1 July 2016 was a memorable day at the Hermanus Pharmacy. On that day the renovating contractors moved in for significant internal renewal work of the pharmacy. And 25 years earlier, on 1 July 1991, Dawn Whiting started her career as a pharmacist assistant at the pharmacy.

Owner pharmacist Brenda Kotze was in two minds about the joyfulness of the occasions on the same day. “To have had Dawn as my right-hand in the pharmacy for 25 years as an excellent pharmacist assistant, confidant, sound board and friend was a privilege, a blessing and an absolute joy. But the jury is still out as to the immediate joy of the renovating contractors moving in on the same day,” she pondered.

When asked what has made

her stay at the Hermanus Pharmacy for so many years, Dawn responded: “Firstly the customers, whom I really appreciate. They seldom come to the dispensing area because they want to, they do so because they have an ailment. For me it is most rewarding to keep on smiling and to genuinely care while I attend to them. These customers, together with the great colleagues I work with, the friendly atmosphere in the pharmacy, the frequent humor, and the dynamic and ever-challenging pharmaceutical field all contributed to my job satisfaction for the past 25 years.

“And I think it is appropriate that I start my next 25 years in a newly renovated pharmacy”, quipped Dawn.

Explaining the renovation

work, Brenda said that the revamp will improve the functionality of especially the dispensing area of the pharmacy, which has become too small, and the clinic which will move to a different area in the pharmacy.

Except for the clinic which will be closed on 14 and 15 July for the move, the pharmacy’s opening and emergency hours remain unchanged. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August and apart from the clinic on the two days, Brenda does not anticipate that the refurbishment will have a major effect on any of the regular functions of the pharmacy.

“Thank you to our customers for their support and understanding during this

period. We are sorry if the renovation does create the odd inconvenience, but I know that our customers will shortly share in our delight with the new-look and improved functionality of their pharmacy. We advise them to contact us for special request, like future scripts processing, which we can then administer beforehand to minimise possible disruption,” Brenda said.

Brenda and Dawn of the Hermanus Pharmacy on the joyful occasion of Dawn’s 25th anniversary as pharmacist assistant. In congratulating Dawn, Brenda also thanked her for her dedicated service over the years on behalf of many satisfied customers.

Recognition for pioneering achievement Kleinmond resident, Marguerite van der Merwe, was recently awarded the Chancellor’s Medal by the University of the Free State in recognition of her many years of dedicated work in teaching and promoting The F.M. Alexander Technique in this country.

Marguerite van der Merwe and her brother, Antony Olsen, at their graduation ceremony.

“The F.M. Alexander Technique, though littleknown in South Africa, is a scientific teachingtherapeutic modality, practiced extensively

internationally as a subtle, non-invasive, scientific method of restoring the body’s inherent coordination and mobility patterning, and of teaching ‘good use’ of the body in the activities of daily life,” explains Marguerite.

“This has wide application in the fields of preventive health, health, education, the performing arts and sports, and as a physicalmental (body-mind) life skill for maintaining the strength,

postural and movement integrity of our human design.”

Marguerite is an internationally qualified teacher with 30 years’ experience in the natural arts of Tai Chi. She recently specialised in teaching ‘The Art of Natural, Conscious Walking’ as an aspect of the Alexander Technique, throughout the country.

Marguerite is also the author of two books, ’EVE-OLUTION – Enhancing Feminine

Consciousness & Body Awareness’, and ‘THE ART OF WALKING – Path to Health and the Richness of Well-Being’.

She regularly works with Pilates teachers, doctors and psychologists in Hermanus and presents workshops nationally.

Joining Marguerite at the graduation ceremony was her brother, Antony Olsen, who was independently rewarded for his legal work as an advocate and arbitrator, and as a long-time teacher of Zen meditation.

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Beating the Winter Blues

By Rory Losinsky Once again winter is upon us – a time to snuggle up by the fire with a good book and a glass of wine. But for many people winter is not always enjoyable and can be a time for the ‘winter blues’. We all know how those moments feel when we get miserable and lose interest in everyday things and occasionally feel disinterested in life. Fortunately for most people these moments are short-lived and when they pass they again find their zest and enthusiasm.

Some people can unfortunately suffer from more serious forms of depression that can be triggered or exacerbated during the winter months. A small percentage of people have annual recurring episodes of depression related to a lack of sunlight, which is called Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is estimated that up to ten percent of people living in the

Northern Hemisphere suffer from SAD. Fortunately in South Africa we have sunnier winters so the incidence is relatively low but still affects some people. In this type of depression it is thought that a lack of sunlight changes our melatonin and hormone levels and reduces the amount of brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which keep our moods elevated and keep us feeling happy.

We all know when it’s cold and miserable outdoors how we can become less inclined to go outside and do the usual things we do in the summer months. We often do less exercise, eat and drink more and become generally lazier. A classic ‘couch potato syndrome’ takes over and consequently we also become less interested in socialising and gradually go into social hibernation. These

changes in our lifestyle during winter can often combine to trigger or worsen a very real depression. Some people who experience serious winter blues are actually suffering from a mood disorder or a form of clinical depression that does not simply go away and which requires more serious professional attention.

Here are a few of the common symptoms associated with depression to look out for: feeling sad and miserable or being ‘down in the dumps’; a general loss of interest or pleasure in life; a loss of appetite or overeating; problems sleeping; low energy levels and tiredness; poor concentration or difficulty making decisions; reduced libido; feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Should some of these symptoms persist for

more than two weeks it is advisable to contact a professional healthcare provider for advice.

Fortunately most of us only need to get through the winter as unscathed as possible and here are five great ways to beat the common winter blues and improve our mood: • Get out each day into the open air or sit at a window and soak up some sunlight each morning for at least 30 minutes to allow our natural body clocks to work correctly. Sitting in artificial light is not sufficient. Doctors believe that our bodies need at least 2 500 lux (the measurement of light intensity). The average light in a well-lit kitchen or office is only 500 lux, while a clear winter morning has an intensity of 4 000 lux.

• Do some regular exercise.

Go walking with a friend or with the dog – our pets need the same good things for their health as we do. If the weather outside is too miserable, go to the gym or do some aerobics, pilates or yoga.

• Keep up healthy eating habits. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and less of the fatty foods and alcohol.

Unhealthy eating can lead to lower energy levels and weight-gain, which do nothing to improve our mood or sense of selfconfidence.

• Socialise as much as possible, especially when you feel the least interested and inclined to make the effort. This is the most important way to avoid loneliness and social isolation and to beat the winter blues.

Do simple and inexpensive things. It’s not necessary to have fancy dinners and put

in lots of money and effort to enjoy the company of others.

Also laugh as much as possible – laughter is one of the best medicines and it’s free.

Never feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk to others if you are feeling lonely or have problems or need help.

We have all had problems and been miserable at one time or the other and it’s not a sign of weakness but just part of being human.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be suffering from depression and not just from a dose of the common winter blues, please seek professional advice.

Wishing you a healthy and happy winter.

- Rory Losinsky is a Psychologist in private practice in Hermanus

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12 July 2016

New officers to improve Overstrand traffic safety Seven student traffic officers from Overstrand Municipality graduated on 6 July from the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell, after successfully completing the 12-month Further Education and Training Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement course.

Over the last year, course participants received training accredited by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), which includes instruction in the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) guidelines on road traffic law enforcement. All participants have successfully completed firearm competency training,

driver training (including articulated motor vehicle and motorcycle training), first aid training, and training in fighting fires. They were also deployed at various traffic centres to gain practical experience of traffic law enforcement duties during the Easter and December holiday periods.

According to Traffic Chief, Rudi Fraser, the Gene Louw Traffic College has a welldeserved reputation for producing well-trained officers. “We know the new traffic law enforcement officers will play a vital role in improving road safety in our area and help to maintain

high levels of visibility on the Overstrand roads,” he added.

During the graduation ceremony, special mention was made on the work ethics of the seven student traffic officers from Overstrand. “For a year, they had to get up at 04:00 in the morning to be on time to attend the classes and arrived back home late at night to study and prepare for the next day. They just know they want something better than they already have and so they did whatever they had to do in order to be ready,” Rudi explained.

Glass house to come under the hammer As estate agents failed to sell the luxurious Rooiels home of former African Bank CEO Leon Kirkinis for the asking price of R70m over a twoyear period, it will go on auction on 28 July.

Driving along the winding coastal road, you see the house long before you reach it. While comfortable in its nature reserve surroundings, there is an undeniable James Bond wow factor.

The seven traffic officers to join Overstrand Traffic are: Owen Jacobs , Slim Maki, Christelle Fransman, Princess Phelewu, Jay-Cee Marais, Trevino Williams en Fronwin Marais

The opening bid for the property is R20m and according to The High Street Auction Co, which will host the auction, the house has already garnered attention

from foreign bidders.

Joff van Reenen, director and lead auctioneer at High Street, said buyers from North America, Europe and other African countries were interested, and that the event would be livestreamed from Hyde Park in Johannesburg.

“It’s difficult to say how much Kirkinis will get for the house, especially considering the large property bubble in Cape Town. "He might get more or he might get less for what he was willing to sell it for. But it is up to the sellers’ discretion what he chooses to accept," says Joff.

Architect George Elphnick

said the house had been a four-year project, which had been initially sketched on a paper napkin. "We wanted to create a building that captured a unique holiday experience, embracing its remarkable location and sea views," says George.

The house boasts four en-suite bedrooms, a six-car automated garage, a wine cellar, underfloor heating, a pool and a Jacuzzi on a deck.

It has 450m² of interior space on an erf of 1.46ha.

Joff says that ultimately the market would decide how much the property was worth.

Sport

Sport written & compiled by: Tony O’Hagan

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145th British Open at Royal Troon The British Open takes place at Royal Troon this week and it will be the eighth time it is held at this venue.

The course which took its current form in 1888, is designed in the traditional out and back manner of the Old Course at St. Andrews.

The course has a gentle opening few holes and relatively straight forward closing stretch, but if the wind is against the players on the back nine, it's as tough a finish as can be found anywhere.

The first time the Open was held at Royal Troon was in 1923 and on that occasion Englishman Arthur Havers lifted the Claret Jug after holing out from a bunker on the 18th green. He won from American, Walter Hagen.

There was controversy before the start when it was found that the irons of Gene Saracen, US Open and PGA Champion, and other

American players had holes punched deep into the faces, creating backspin and giving great control on the bone hard greens. The clubs were declared illegal and there was much late night work filing the club faces to ensure the irons conformed to the rules.

The last Open played at Royal Troon took place in 2004 when our own Ernie Els lost a play-off to American, Todd Hamilton, after squandering a number of putts to win the title. Ernie became the first player not to win the Open, after recording 4 rounds of under 70. Ernie Els was also the last South African to win the Open, with victory at Royal Lythan & St Annes in 2012, at the age of 42. He will be playing in his 25th Open and is one of 10 South Africans who have qualified for the 2016 Open. The other South Africans participating are Richard Sterne, Jaco Van Zyl,

Ernie Els holds the Claret Jug after winning the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Brandon Stone, Zander Lombard (debut), Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen (winner 2010), Haydn Porteous (debut), George

Coetzee and Branden Grace.

Let’s hope one of our contingent can lift the Claret

Jug, following our previous Champions, Bobby Locke (4 wins), Gary Player (3 wins), Ernie Els (2 wins) and Louis Oosthuizen (winner 2010).

Hermanus Cricket looks forward to season ahead Although feeling the winter chill, the Hermanus Cricket Club is anticipating a warm outlook for the coming season. There are a number of exciting prospects in the summer for cricket lovers.

However, before looking ahead, the club can reflect on a reasonable past season with mixed results from the three league teams.

Our first team finished 7th on the log, with only a few points separating 3rd and 7th place.

The second and third teams finished 3rd and 4th respectively. With a strong contingent of contracted players, there is optimism for a top three finish in the summer leagues.

Generous sponsorship has enabled the club to relay and grass three playing pitches, as well as the installation of upmarket nets and purchase of an effective bowling machine.

Work on the upgrading of the outfield will commence this week and the Sir De Villiers Graaff Oval will be a first class facility, come summer.

The Voltex Business League was a great success last season and the introduction of an artificial strip, "Flix" wicket, for the new season, will be an added bonus.

This will substantially reduce rain affected matches and further improve the

popularity of this league.

The current committee has spent many hours planning the future of Hermanus cricket and the fruits of this are now visible.

However, all this progress would not have been possible without sponsors, Zurich Insurance, Voltex, Sumaridge Wines and some private benefactors.

The coming summer will also see the Hermanus Cricket Club hosting a number of tournaments and welcoming some English touring sides.

Hermanus cricket is on the up!

Reeds Motor Group will support Operation Smile South Africa at the 2016 FNB Wines2Whales Mountain Bike events in November. “We are really proud to support Operation Smile South Africa,” says multiple SA mountain bike champion, Erica Green. “Repairing a cleft lip and/or palate seems to be a relatively simple procedure, but the huge impact that it has on each beneficiary is life-changing. Our goal will be to raise as much awareness as possible and hopefully draw people towards this beautiful charity.” The Reeds teams will consist of Johan Louw, Shaun Peters, Green and Phelia Burger. Seen here: Johan Louw in action at the 2015 FNB W2W MTB Adventure.

Photo: Jetline Action Photo

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Schools

Headmaster appointed as Curro regional manager Hennie Mentz, founder head of Curro Hermanus, has taken up his new position as regional manager for the Western and Eastern Cape Curro schools, effective from 1 July. Johannes Mouton has been appointed as the new headmaster of Curro Hermanus, having been at the helm of a Curro School in Durban.

Hennie Mentz was appointed headmaster of Curro Hermanus in 2011 and was involved in planning the construction of the school from foundation level until its completion in July, 2011. He also undertook the selection of furniture and equipment

as well as overseeing the layering out of the sports fields and gardens.

The school started 5 years ago with 120 learners and today that number has grown to 560, encompassing ages 4 months to Grade 12.

The following milestones occurred during Mentz's leadership: Building of the nursery school, school hall, music centre, tuck shop and training kitchen. The music centre has proved to be a popular addition with over 100 pupils enrolling for this activity. Plans for the future include the new development of the high school and the expansion of

Dublin, here I come!

Jeremie Verdoodt, a 17-yearold learner of Hermanus High School and member of the Hermanus Martial Arts Academy, has made his school, his family and the community of Hermanus very proud by being selected to represent South Africa at the World Kickboxing Championships in Dublin, Ireland next month.

Jeremie has been doing karate and kickboxing since the age of four. By now he has had six SA Tours and taken part in competitions all over South Africa. He was one of two competitors in his division who were selected after this year’s South African Kickboxing Championships to compete at the World

Championships.

"I have always loved martial arts, I love the thrill and the adrenalin, and over the last decade it has become a big part of who I am," says Jeremie. After months of preparation and fitness training, Jeremie feels he is more than ready for the World Championships and knows that he is going to Dublin to represent South Africa and perform to the best of his abilities.

Jeremie is an official sensei in both karate and kickboxing and is a firm believer that everyone should have a basic knowledge and understanding of selfdefense. He has such

passion for the art that he is certain he will either open his own dojo in the future, or at the very least be giving private lessons.

The 17-year-old prodigy has assisted in teaching many classes for both karate and kickboxing at his dojo and knows that he has high standards to uphold.

Jeremie says he knows that, although the competition can be unpredictable, the art of what he has learnt and the support of all his friends and family will keep him strong and help him do his absolute best.

After years of classes and competitions, Jeremie understands only too well

that it’s not only about physical development and constant improvement, but that the art itself is a mind game. It has allowed him to test and push his own limits to such an extent that it has not only helped a great deal with self-confidence but also with a constant sense of security. After falling in love with both kickboxing and karate, Jeremie sees this passion of his as a constant challenge and a constant opportunity to develop and improve both himself and his abilities. It allows him to not only be physically on guard, but also mentally and emotionally ready for anything.

– Leijla Steyn

the swimming pool facility.

The school will, in future, comprise three components – Nursery, Primary and High school.

One of the highlights in Mentz's career at Curro Hermanus was the matriculation of the first Grade 12 learners in 2015 and the excellent results attained by this group. These learners have set the benchmark for future generations at the school.

He has high praise for his staff members who are committed to achieving the goals of creating an environment of excellence,

both in the classroom and on the sports fields. The parent committees over these years have also bought into the Curro culture of developing the school into a beacon for providing excellent all round education for the learners.

Under his leadership the school has followed the principles of the school's motto - Ad Vitam Paramus (‘We are preparing for life’).

Hennie Mentz has certainly laid solid foundations for Curro Hermanus. In appreciation for his outstanding contribution, the school hall now bears the name, Mentz Hall.

- Tony O’Hagan