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12 - 25 September 2017
Block-buster story of a great white shark’s journey into history
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icole – The true story of a White Shark’s journey, written by Richard Peirce and published by Penguin Random House, was recently launched by Marine Dynamics at The Great White House in Kleinbaai. The book tells the story of the iconic great white shark which was tagged near Dyer Island and subsequently swam 22 000 km from South Africa to Australia and back in less than nine months. The book also lifts the lid on the shocking details of the trade in shark fins, and raises awareness of the plight of sharks in the 21st century. Richard Peirce is a committed wildlife conservationist who is based in the UK but spends several months of the year living in Hermanus. He is involved in various projects and expeditions that either contribute to the conservation of a specific species or improve the effectiveness of global wildlife conservation. He has a passion for sharks in particular, which have fascinated him all his life, and has headed up the Shark Conservation Society in
Dickie Chivell with author and wildlife conservationist Richard Peirce, at the launch of his book, Nicole – The true story of a White Shark’s journey. the UK for many years. Ably supported by his wife Jacqui, who takes many of the images found in Richard’s books, he travels widely and has experienced first-hand the impact that humans are having on the environment and the species we share this planet with. This drives the stories he films and writes about, including Nicole which is a true story that incorpo-
rates a blend of science, actual events and real people, along with conjecture as to what might have happened on Nicole’s momentous migratory journey. Richard always sponsors nonprofit organisations through his books and passed on a third of the sales at the launch of Nicole to the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) for white shark research. DICT has
been operational since 2006, when it was founded by Wilfred Chivell to drive research, conservation and education initiatives with a special focus on white sharks and the endangered African penguins. Through book sales, a fun raffle and the auction of various items, R27 810 was raised towards the charity. The evening was enhanced by wine tasting courtesy of Lomond Wines, while Richard signed copies of his books for all the shark enthusiasts. Richard also introduced his upcoming book Cuddle Me, Kill Me, a harrowing story of the lion trade that will be released in 2018. Wilfred Chivell expressed his gratitude on behalf of DICT to Richard Peirce, Penguin Random House and all the guests who attended the launch, as well as the companies that donated auction items – Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Marine Dynamics, Dyer Island Cruises, Struik Nature, Chris Fallows, and Lomond Wines. – Brenda du Toit
Overstrand Municipality not only welcomed spring on 1 September but also celebrated Arbour Week from 1 – 7 September. Councillors and community organisations once again participated in the community greening events by lending a helping hand with the planting of some 80 indigenous trees kindly donated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). Buli Plaatjies-Mbane, Manager: Hermanus Administration (left) and Cllr Andrew Komani handed over one of the trees together with a card explaining how to take care of the tree to homeowner Heloise May. In keeping with the green theme, the Municipality, together with the community and NGOs, will be cleaning the Paddavlei wetland in Hawston on 19 September from 14:15 to 16:00 as part of Coastal Clean-up and Recycling Week. Those wanting to take part must meet in Vlei Street (off Church Street opposite Hawston Primary). Bring along hats, sunscreen, water boots and comfortable clothes. Contact 028 316 3724, 028 084 313 7002 or 072 394 9841 for more information.