The Village NEWS 13 December 2016

Village

NEWS The

Cape Whale Coast

13 December 2016

LIFE’S A BEACH

WRITE ANGLE

A user’s guide to safe swimming

PAGE

FREE COPY A guide for our holiday makers

Book page - summer reading pleasure

PAGE 27

PAGE 13

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SPORT FACILITIES

Summer sun and fun COME ON SUMMER! The Whale Coast is donning its summer colours in preparation for what is expected to be the best holiday season yet. According to AccuWeather, we can expect temperatures ranging in the mid-20s until the weekend, with next Sunday being a scorcher at 32˚C. Don’t miss all the news you can use about the Summer Run op P7 and all the other happenings on P10.

Residents happy with service delivery De Waal Steyn

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he best services provided by the Overstrand Municipality include the attractiveness of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and the management of the Cliff Paths, refuse and our beaches. But parking management and the quality of municipal law enforcement do not make the grade.

This according to a survey

recently conducted by the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association (HRA). HRA Chair Seth Anderson says the survey was administered and analysed by Douglas Parker of Parker Analytics, Business Development & Research Consultants.

“The 2016 survey contained many identical questions to the one we conducted in 2014. This enabled us to make comparisons of changing perceptions over

the two-year period. This year’s survey also included more in-depth questions about certain issues, such as dogs on leashes, the proposed bypass and informal car guards,” says Seth.

In terms of service delivery by the Municipality the overall satisfaction level improved from 45% to 51% over the two-year period. The HRA represents the area from the Gateway Centre in the west to Voëlklip in the east, which

contains some 1 750 households.

According to the survey there was muted support by residents for the proposed resort development at De Mond, the Whale Coast Mall currently being constructed in Sandbaai and the possibility of the development of an airstrip in Hermanus.

The most concerning issue, states the report, is the pro-

posed bypass road. “Altogether 75% of respondents indicated that they are opposed to the construction of a road alongside the mountain. But should efforts to stop the construction of a bypass prove fruitless, 64% are in favour of the upgrading of the existing relief road in Royal Street leading to Checkers, 22% are in favour of the bypass being routed north (mountain side) of the sports complex, and 5% are in favour of the bypass being

routed between Hermanus High and the sport complex.”

The Department of Transport and Public Works has proposed a bypass road abutting Mountain Drive, past the Hermanus Sport Complex and along Fairways Avenue. The bypass would start in the vicinity of the intersection of Main Road, Mountain Drive and Mimosa Street and run along Mountain Drive.

More on P4

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13 December 2016

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A guide for your holiday season

he holiday season is upon us and town is bursting at the seams with holiday makers visiting our shores.

Coping with the huge influx is a challenge every year for business owners, the Municipality and Law Enforcement agencies. As residents who still often think of our town as a fisherman’s village, the throngs of people, traffic jams and queues at check-out counters can lead to frustration. Read more on the idiosyncrasies of our town on page 6.

Editorial Comment

By De Waal Steyn Apart from sometimes longing for the peace and quiet of the winter months, it is important for both residents and visitors to be aware of the realities of staying safe. Read more on page 23 about keeping your home secure during the holiday season.

It is a fact that criminals intensify their efforts during peak season as most people are in a relaxed mood and not focussed on safety and security. We urge everyone to become members of their respective neighbourhood watches, irrespective of whether you are a resident or a holiday visitor.

Be aware that the Overberg and Overstrand have accepted a zero tolerance approach to road offenders.

With our roads being exceptionally busy, please ensure that you abide by the

Letters and opinions Who to call for an owl or bat house It was pleasing to see your article on the Spotted Eagle Owls at Fisherhaven and Allan MacKay’s enthusiasm in encouraging owls to breed.

I supplied the box to Allan as part of a project initiated by CapeNature in response to a Eurogap request from the European Community in Brussels. The object was to encourage South African farmers to use predators in vermin and rodent control rather than traditional poisons. A CapeNature ornithologist provided me with designs of nesting boxes for both Barn and Spotted Eagle Owls. I produce them at my home in Onrus and charge for materials only. To date I have produced over 1 500 boxes, 60% of which are Spotted Eagle Owl boxes such as the one supplied to Allan.

Over 100 farms are using the

boxes and many farmers report a significant reduction in the use of poisons. Many homeowners have also become involved and have installed boxes with some success.

Two years ago the Deciduous Fruit Growers Association in California supplied me with the designs for bat nesting boxes, of which to date, I have produced 250. A farmer in Prieska took 17 of the bat boxes and placed them in his pecan nut orchards. He tells me that in the first 12 months of installing the boxes he saved R300 000 in insect control poisons.

If any of your readers would like to become involved, ask them to contact me on 028 316 3412.

Gerry Cassidy

rules and do not drink and drive (Read more on P4).

It is also important to familiarise yourself with the safety tips on page 8 for when you visit our beaches.

Unfortunately, we have already had two drownings this season, so make sure you inform your children on keeping safe. While we are enjoying the beaches, keep in mind the important work that the NSRI does to keep us safe.

Be sure to make a donation to NSRI Hermanus Station 17 by visiting www.searescue.org.za and

pledging your support. As a regular supporter you will not only help save many lives, but you will also stand five chances of winning R10 000 every month, with a minimum monthly donation of only R25 (per entry).

To make sure you do not miss out on any of the wonderful events in our region we have a comprehensive diary on P10 and a guide to all the sport activities on P27. Also do not miss out on the Summer Music Colour Run (read more on P7).

That is the good NEWS. – Ed

Send your letter to news@thehermanusnews.co.za

Why allow smoking?

I have no problem if smokers wish to smoke. Providing they dispose of smoking litter thoughtfully, and that I am not affected by tobacco smells and toxins.

But during the last week or so I have been shocked by the number of smokers and bar/restaurant managers apparently flouting the law.

And 'encouraging’ me not to

stay on for a meal or a second drink. For example, a wellknown bar in the New Harbour had many smokers, both at the bar and at tables.

A popular 'locals bar' in the heart of Onrus was full of smokers. Even one of the bar staff was smoking. And whilst many enjoyed the menu specials at a busy bar/restaurant in the Onrus

shopping centre, I observed smoking at many of the tables in their covered patio area.

Am I a lone voice on this? Or should bar/restaurant owners/users not be observing our laws on smoking in public places? Or perhaps authorities should be acting?

Mark Lane-Jones Hermanus

Give that man a Bells And so the matrics of HVac 2016 have come and gone.

Those that I saw in town and in restaurants looked happy, were well behaved, and contributed to our economy.

Come the nights, it would have been unnatural if their

parties were not noisy, if the odd few did not challenge traffic regulations and if, for many of them, the mornings after were not so bright as the nights before.

But all-in-all, I believe Hermanus won. Well done to the father of HVac, the young entrepreneur, Alan de Kock, and all the authorities involved for a well-organised event.

It would be equally unnatural if there were not moaners about the event.

The Bells are yours.

Happy Hermanus Resident

Sandbaai Commonage out on tender (once again) The Sandbaai Commonage is once again available for sale for the development thereof.

This is the fourth time that the commonage has been put out for tender.

The tender consists of two options, which are to purchase and develop the whole of the area consisting of about 39 ha, or to purchase and develop only the one unregistered erf of 14,3 ha.

The proposed development on the whole area is for residential and business purposes as well as a retirement village, where the proposed development of the unregistered erf is only for a retirement village as indicated on the development proposal. As a part of this development the

open space area between the development and the river must be rehabilitated and landscaped at the cost of the developer.

More information regarding the prices and approved zoning of the proposed development can be found in the tender document. Visit www.overstrand.gov.za and click on tenders.

This plan indicates the land that is for sale and the two options available for potential development. This is the fourth time that the commonage has been put out for tender.

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Challenge happy to be in ‘hot water’

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he Global Challenge Charity Golf Invitational is an event like no other. In February 2017, 20 professional women golfers will meet on the greens and fairways of the Hermanus Golf Club to ‘tee-up for a hand-up.’ The first of its kind, the Global Challenge will see the Southern Hemisphere players take on their Northern counterparts in a teams event that aims to not only raise funds for the chosen beneficiary - Learn to Earn but also bring Hermanus and Whale Coast businesses together in community and support for each other and beyond.

A shining example of what can be achieved when events and communities work together, are three recent graduates of the Learn to Earn Handyman course in Hermanus – Mona Luntu, Akhona Gura and Phumza Magoxo. More than turning their lives around by participating in the 16-week course and being skilled in all manner of everyday handy household tasks, the three have had further training with Tshisa Bathrooms to enable them to setup their own businesses installing 3-in-1 hot water bathroom systems into households who need it most.

Tshisa Hot Water for Africa is the brainchild of Johan Visser, former CEO of Pep Stores. On his return to South Africa after spending several years at the head of large retail chain stores in the United Kingdom, Johan was appalled to discover the lack of access to hot water that the majority of low income households have in post-democratic South Africa. Resolving to do something to redress what he calls a basic human right, Johan established the Johan Visser Charitable Trust, which raises funds for training installers.

Through this vehicl,e and Tshisa Bathrooms, Johan has partnered with the Global Challenge to raise local and international awareness of the project, and to generate further financial support (using the Global Challenge’s Birdies to Earn initiative) for the training of more installers, once they have completed the Learn to Earn Handyman programme.

Because the need is so great and the Tshisa hot water system is so cost effective and simple to install, Johan and Learn to Earn anticipate

Johan Visser, former CEO of Pep Stores, Quentin Mitchell of Hermanus Tourism with Mona Luntu and Akhona Gura, who participated in a course on installing 3-in-1 hot water bathroom systems in households that need it most. Mona and Akhona now have highly sought-after skill sets as well as a real opportunity to earn their own income by starting their own business. a significant demand for the course, product and the service.

The geyser holds 65lt of water with a 60°C thermostat and is gravity fed. It fits onto any wall with three bolts that are supplied, and an insert valve to control water flow. In fact, it works like an oversize toilet cistern, but heated.

“I am delighted to be associated with the Global Challenge. The charitable way in which the event is anchored is refreshing and is serving to not only promote women’s golf and the beauty of the Cape Whale Coast, but in growing local business. That includes start-ups like Mona, Akhona and Phumza who have chosen to become installers for our products. They now have highly sought after skill-sets as well as a real opportunity to earn their own income. This is the true meaning of empowerment – the ability to choose one’s own destiny,” says a smiling Johan.

Lloyd Williams, Head of Training at Learn to Earn, also notes: “This opportunity is demonstrative of the integration required by business and the Not for Profit Sector to holistically develop unemployed people. Receiving a skill is more than ‘a hand up’ – it is the start of the transformation journey for individuals, families and later, communities. Learn to Earn is pleased to be a partner in this initiative working towards eradicating poverty and unemployment through creating sustainable businesses.”

Global Challenge spokesperson, Kaz Henderson concludes by saying: “This is one time when we are happy to be in ‘hot water’. We set out as an organisation to establish an event that could at once compete on an international scale, while at the same time, enhance the lives of local people.

Choosing Learn to Earn as our beneficiary is already bearing fruit as this example shows. We look

forward to creating many more such success stories as the tournament progresses.”

The Global Challenge is a Betterball Matchplay invitational golf event that will take place at Hermanus Golf Club from 24 – 26 February 2017. Entrance is free.

Players who have signed on to play in the invitational include: Southern Hemisphere: Laurette Maritz – Zimbabwe/South Africa (Captain) Ashleigh Simon – South Africa (Vice Captain) Nicole Garcia – South Africa Nobuhle Dlamini - Swaziland Northern Hemisphere: Nora Angerhn - Switzerland (Captain) Maria Beautell - Spain (Vice Captain) Cecile Lundgreen - Norway Carmen Alonso - Spain Cari Park - South Korea

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13 December 2016

Strictly Come Prancing

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et’s face it; dance has been an integral part of our lives since caveman days. Hand clapping and foot stomping around a fire to the clunking of logs evolved into what we have today – good, bad and embarrassing.

Who amongst the older folk can honestly look back on The Twist as a serious dance form?

Home movies from that era will create thigh-slapping hysteria among the grandchildren, and your standing as a respected elder, gone forever. You’ll always be remembered as a gyrating geriatric grinding out imaginary cigarettes. Oddly enough, do the same moves without music and with a hoola-hoop, and you’d be deemed cool, dude.

Body contact in dance has varied over time. During the reign of Bach, Beethoven and the Boys, glamorous balls were staged, where minimal physical contact was encouraged. Males and females in ridiculous clothing launched off from opposite sides of the hall and sort of twirled their way toward the middle. Here they’d briefly link arms with another twirler, and through centrifugal force be flung off blindly in search of another vacant twirler to latch on to. This mindless spinning – sometimes on tiptoe - would

continue until the orchestra thankfully took a smoke break and the dancers could avoid fainting from nausea and dizziness.

Rock ’n roll introduced a whole new set of moves.

Apart from slow dancing, which is really just strolling around together, the fast songs required one to stand away from your partner and shudder in tempo. Hips, elbows, knees and hair were flung in all directions at once while shuddering.

The tempo of the music could be ignored at will.

Flailing around solo was common and created opportunities to engage with fellow flappers, although the music volume reduced communication to monosyllabic shouts and gestures. Pointless really.

Break dancing also has no contact – personal or otherwise – with anything but the pavement. No chance of promiscuity or intimacy here.

Although the music – with its derogatory profanities – extols the virtues of bitchslapping, gang banging and rampant anarchy, nobody gets killed during the performances. Snapped tendons, dislocated hips and cracked necks are common, but as any ballerina with ingrown toenails will confirm, all dancers suffer pain. But the show must go on. Is twerking painful, one wonders, and where does it hurt?

The Argentineans had other ideas. They invented the Tango, which is really the closest you can get to consensual intimacy on the dance floor without being arrested. The objective of the dance, apparently, is to ascertain what underwear – if any – the partner is wearing with a view to the swift removal thereof – if lucky – at a later stage. Ballroom is only a more refined version of the Tango without the intertwining legs, suggestive poses or underwear investigation.

Morris dancing – more like high-speed pilates with bells and sticks – bears scant

Wit’s End

Murray Stewart

mention, but musical poledancing was forwarded as a competitive sport at the next Olympic Games, and was overwhelmingly endorsed by the all male committee.

Talking of music in dance, Stevie Wonder once said he loved going to the ballet.

Rossini claimed that opera would be wonderful without the singers, and a London Times critic wrote: “opera is a loosely connected series of songs designed to make a full evening’s entertainment out of the overture”. Shades of Pink Floyd?

A few years ago (I was four), Mom and Granny took us grandkids to the ballet. Being too young, I don’t remember much about it, but one thing stuck out for me, so on the way home I had a question.

“Why Mom,” I asked, “do the boy ballerinas have lumps in the front and the girl ballerinas don’t?”

Before Mom could conjure up a suitable answer, my sister with all the wisdom of a sixyear-old - interjected.

“Don’t you know, silly? The girl ballerinas need a place to put their foot when they get lifted up.”

Service delivery viewed favourably From P1 The road would pass either to the north of the cemetery and the proposed new Hermanus Sport Complex, before turning southwards along the eastern edge of the sports fields (northern alternative); or to the south of the cemetery and intersect with Lord Roberts Drive before continuing in a northeasterly direction along José Burman Drive between Hermanus High School and the proposed new Hermanus Sport Complex (southern alternative).

From there it will continue southwards across the eastern portion of Hermanus High’s sports fields and along a section of Fairways Avenue between Eastcliff and Hermanus Golf Course, and join Main Road at a new traffic circle approximately 110 m to the north-east of the existing intersection of Fairways Avenue with Main Road.

The bylaws relating to cats and dogs also came under the loop, especially with relation to enforcing the use of leashes in public places and the creation of a

designated area for dogs to run free – such as Grotto east.

In February the Municipality proposed changes to the bylaw that dogs be allowed off their leashes, but under the control of their owners, in all public places after 18:00 and before 08:00, except on specified swimming beaches where they will never be allowed at any time. Due to the high number of public comments, the proposal has not yet served before council.

With regards to informal car guards after hours in the CBD, 43% of respondents were in favour of continuing with the current system managed by AfriForum, while 45% were of the opinion that a system must be introduced where businesses pay for the guarding of cars.

The revitalisation of the CBD and the improved management of baboons were also mentioned as issues that need urgent attention.

Plans to scare baboons out of town by using loud noises and predator sounds are being implemented.

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13 December 2016

Zero tolerance towards road offenders

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oad crashes in the Overberg District can be reduced over the holiday period and families can have a happy festive season if everyone works together. This was the key message that emerged from the Overberg District Safety Plan (DSP) festive season launch on 9 December.

The Festive Season Road Safety campaign is a joint operation between the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, the Cape Agulhas, Theewaterskloof and Overstrand Municipalities, the SAPS, as well as relevant emergency management and disaster management services in the area.

The DSP is an integrated enforcement, education and engineering plan which responds to all the elements

that can contribute to road safety in the Caledon Traffic Centre operational area. It aims to reduce overall fatalities by 33%, and child fatalities by 50%, by 2020.

Donald Lakey, DTPW Director: Traffic Law Enforcement, said poor driver behaviour and inattentive pedestrians are some of the key challenges in Overberg.

Members of various law enforcement agencies joined hands in a combined effort to protect the public against criminal elements who want to capitalise on any inadvertent opportunities that may arise from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The newly launched District Safety Plan is supported by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, the Cape Agulhas, Theewaterskloof and Overstrand Municipalities, and the South African Police Service Overberg Cluster.

“We also have to deal with the transportation of abalone and narcotic drugs, illegal fruit sellers on highways, and walking and driving under the influence of alcohol. We hope our interventions will yield positive results. However, without the support of Overberg residents and visitors, we will not achieve much,” he said.

The operational focus will be on: • Speed limit enforcement operations such as manual speed traps on various routes and the Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) system on the N2; • Commuter and pedestrian safety awareness activities; • Regular alcohol blitz operations; • Addressing moving violations; • Curbing reckless and negligent driving; and • Improving the safety of public transport operations by inspecting vehicle roadworthiness and promoting awareness of the risks of driver fatigue.

The Overberg District has declared that it will follow a zero tolerance approach to anyone intent on breaking the law.

Library’s Bhuki Café needs a new chapter

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moment, the librarians set up space for the Bhuki Café every week, and even help with the dishes and dashing to the shops for emergency purchases when the need arises.”

he raffle draw of the Friends of Hermanus Library (FHL) Christmas hampers resulted in seven very happy winners who each took home an armful of delicious treats for the holiday season.

Almost 1 000 tickets had been sold at only R5 each, and the FHL raised a much-needed R4 500 for the library. This was the last Bhuki Café of the year, which will reopen on 13 January.

Hettie Roux, chairperson of FHL, elaborates: “We have four teams of voluntary bakers who provide the wonderful cakes and tarts every week. Crafters are also invited to display and sell their crafts at the Bhuki, and make a voluntary contribution to the kitty. The funds generated in this way enable us to buy new books and library materials, and we are very grateful to all the volunteers who bake, serve and wash up – they are the real unsung heroes.

Membership of FHL is voluntary and costs only R20 per year.

Every Friday the members turn the reference section of the library into a bustling café for three hours, where tea, coffee and eats are served for a mere R20 or R30, depending on your appetite.

Tea convenor Aletta Horne says they would like to thank all of those who have supported their efforts so loyally during the year. “Even though the library is understaffed at the

From left are Ronette Dreyer (library staff), Elfriede Theron (FHL committee), Zintle Ngwendu (library staff), Aletta Horne (tea convenor), Alethea Johnson (library staff) and Jacqueline Dowling (FHL secretary) with the Bhuki Christmas Hampers that were raffled on Friday. Almost 1 000 tickets were sold at R5 each and the library raised over R4 500. The lucky winners were Rosemary Desmet, Bronwynne Strugnell, Helen Walton, Gloria Botha, Margaret MacNaught and Wanda Venter.

“Our volunteers are all pensioners and unfortunately we are finding it very difficult to manage at the moment,” says Aletta. “Increasingly

older and physically weaker Friends, as well as shrinking pensions and rising costs have backed us into a very tight corner. Some of our bakers and workers are well into their eighties and need to step down from service, as they have to start caring for their partners or move into high care themselves. Our FHL committee members are also finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the workload and the costs to themselves.

Next year we will have to replace the following members: chairperson, secretary, treasurer, public relations officer as well as four baking teams of four members each.”

FHL urgently needs new volunteers and will kick off the New Year with a general meeting on 13 January. All those Friends interested in helping them to find a way to keep the Bhuki Café going is welcome to attend.

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13 December 2016

Holidaying in Hermanus for Dummies

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s a long-time resident of Hermanus, I feel it is only fair to explain certain peculiarities about our town that may confuse visitors – like having a railway station but never a railway line, having directions leading you to parking for buses at our Space Agency and having an Old and a New Harbour, with the New Harbour almost 70 years old.

A few tips on how to cope with some of the other idiosyncrasies of our town may just be helpful to our holiday makers.

Traffic Hermanus is known as the whale watching capital of the world but is also qualifies for the status as the L capital of the world. You will undoubtedly experience this uniqueness when you frequently land in a queue behind an open-deck mini-truck marked with a large red L on the back.

In the L-vehicle will be a brave driving instructor and a learner driver. While following the bobbing head of the poor learner trying to master the K53 look-left-look-right-look-uplook-behind-look- down before he/she takes off, the only upside is that you will not get another speeding fine while travelling at a maximum speed of 11 km/h.

You do not know it yet, but there is a 96,85% chance that you already have a speeding fine which will arrive at your home in about 30 days. That is because you did not notice the small mobile traffic camera half hidden somewhere on a sidewalk between Sandbaai and Hermanus (or the fixed cameras in Voëlklip if you travelled from Stanford) when you entered the town at the start of your holiday. Sorry about that.

While it may be difficult to believe, we (mostly) have the same traffic rules and regulations as you have in your home towns. We do, however, have our own traffic communication in our CEM

the locals, the drivers waiting at the stop sign on the left or the pedestrians approaching the zebra crossing some 30 meters away. Just do it.

vehicles and it may serve you well to remember the following: we frown at illegal parking, we flicker our lights at those driving against a one-way, we hoot at illegal right turns, we swear at drivers not using indicators at traffic circles, and we lift a finger for any rude response.

Shopping Shopping in our town’s supermarkets is generally pleasant, with similar products and prices to those in your home stores. But it can become frustratingly busy at this time of the year.

If you do come back next year, shopping will of course be much more relaxed provided there are still shops in town after the Eyesore Inn, the new shopping mall on the outskirts of Hermanus, has opened.

And while on the topic of traffic circles – be afraid, be very afraid to enter and exit the roundabouts if you are not totally focused. For instance, when you enter the first roundabout after the police station in Main Road and you’ve indicated what you intend to do, you need to look right and yield for traffic, which may or may not use indicators, which is when you may swear.

You also need to calculate whether the driver next to you will exit the circle in the same lane in which he/she enters. You must at the same time check for pedestrians on both sides of the two zebra crossings right inside the circle where you enter, while also keeping an eye on the two zebra crossings in the circle where you want to exit.

And heaven forbid if you now dare to look up because right opposite you, you will be hit by at least six notice boards at Tacky Corner begging for your attention.

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You can have hake and chips at restaurants with an upstairs view, a downstairs view or a no view at all for between R70 – R85

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A word of caution if you do venture into the supermarkets. It may not be what you are used to back home, but with the exception of one up-market shop and a few individuals at other supermarkets, don’t expect a greeting or a smile at cashiers’ counters. The most you will probably get is a routine question: “Plastic”?

And don’t be confused, that’s not asking for your method of payment, it’s enquiring whether you want bags for you goods.

Restaurants

At the time of going to press, one welcomed you to Hermanus in three languages, one offered you cheap biltong, another invited you to the “Kersmark”, one invited you to Carols by Candlelight, one told you about the new Sunday market and the other promoted the outdoor cinema. So please be welcomed, accept the invitations and feel good every time you exit that circle successfully.

Eat your hearts out.

Hermanus’s restaurants are great, highly rated on TripAdvisor and offer various choices for the pocket. You can for instance enjoy Eggs Benedict with a sea view at about R100 and Eggs Benedict with an inner town view at about R60. Or to keep it basic for the whole family, you can have hake and chips at restaurants with an upstairs view, a downstairs view or a no view at all for between R70 – R85.

And as a last traffic guide – if you travel from Voëlklip to town and do not know what to do at the yield sign after the traffic circle at The Marine Hotel, don’t worry. Neither do

And contrary to what locals often claim, the restaurant prices are not inflated over the season. Apart from catering for tourist with pounds, dollars and euros all

year round, it should be remembered that the Hermanus Rand is currently trading at about R1.20 against the Over The Mountain Rand and almost R1.45 against the Gauteng Rand.

Some restaurant tips: Be patient, be prepared to pay corkage ranging from R30 to R70 and don’t hassle about this as we have great wines in our region. Remember that a 10% (or more) service charge for the waitering staff is standard practice, as this forms the bulk of their remuneration. So tip lavishly – after all ‘Tis the Season to be Giving, and please don’t forget to remember to be patient.

On the street and around town Don’t blame the parking attendants if you do not find parking, and then have to pay for it when you do. Locals have been doing this for years without success. And a smile does wonders for their stressful jobs. Hermanus probably has the most enterprising car guards in the country. They are great conversationalists who will appear from out of nowhere as soon as you press the remote of your vehicle at any time after 16:00 until late. If your car is still there where you have parked it and nothing is stolen, it somehow proves the guard has been doing his/her job. So feel good to give – he/she did save you money in the end.

And lastly: there are some touchy topics which get locals in an uproar, so please be careful of statements you may make on issues like the benefits of a bypass road for Hermanus, HVac (short for Hermanus Vac also known as the matric bash), crayfish quotas, poachers, baboons, Schulphoek, the Mall, the CBD regeneration and the scarcity of whales in 2016.

And should all these tips fail....

Keep calm and enjoy!

– Nom de Plume

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13 December 2016

Pump up your summer runnin’ in Hermanus with colour and music

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alk it. Run it. Dance it.

The Summer Music Colour Run is back with a splash of colour and festive vibes in Hermanus on Tuesday 27 December.

Based on the successful Colour Run that took place last year and following international trends, organisers are excited about introducing music stations to colour blast stations.

To celebrate its third year, the event will be back with a hot twist. Three colour stations and two music stations featuring summer vibes and some rock ’n roll will be stretched along a 5 km route, ending in a festival of blended colour and music.

Local DJs will be in the mix, blasting out funky tunes, with speakers placed every 50 m to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

The event will start at Hermanus High School at 16:00.

It is an alcohol-free event, so bring the whole family for some fun in the sun. Kids under 10 years run free.

Enter as a team (minimum of 4 people) for R210 per person or purchase an

individual ticket at R240.

“We are bringing something different to the scene this year. Music raises the bar a notch and creates even more energy,” says the owner of Coastline Events, Bianca le Roux.

“We are thrilled to be back in Hermanus and plan to make use of local talent to encourage residents to join the thousands of visitors that participate each year. We will also be donating R5 000 to local charity The Rainbow Trust to give back to the Hermanus community.”

Registration will take place at Hermanus High School on 23, 24 and 26 December. Just make sure you bring your ID, e-ticket and your personality to collect a race pack. Packs include your race number, colour powder, tattoo and a branded T-shirt. Merchandise will be available on race day so bring cash or plastic to accessorise your look – tutus, wrist and head bands as well as more colour.

For more information and updates visit www.summerrun.co.za

Tickets can be purchased at www.tixsa.co.za TIPS & FUN FACTS: • Don’t forget sunscreen; • Arrive at least 1 hour prior to the event; • Remember your clothes are going to be full of colour powder, so don’t wear your favourite white T-shirt and shorts; • It’s not a timed event – it’s a fun, run, walk, dance, carrya-granny event; • If it rains, we’ll be dancing in the rain; • The route is pram friendly; • Bring an old towel to cover the seats in your car – the powder WILL get all over them; • Put your phone in a sandwich bag to keep the colour from staining your case or getting into the fine cracks; • If you have light-coloured hair, put some coconut oil in your hair to keep the colour from absorbing... unless you want multi-coloured hair!

CONGRATULATIONS! The winners of The Village NEWS Summer Run giveaway tickets are Inge Kuchar and the Garland family.

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13 December 2016

Life’s a beach - your guide to the best spots

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ermanus has a long and varied coastline that boasts a variety of beaches. From the expansive Blue Flag Grotto Beach to quieter secluded beaches tucked away amongst the cliffs and dunes; every beach offers its own experience.

Grotto Beach holds the record of being awarded the longest uninterrupted Blue Flag association of the country, while Kleinmond and Hawston Beaches were also awarded Blue Flag status.

This means that visitors can expect a clean and well cared for environment, changing facilities and lifeguards.

Note: Keep an eye out for the notice that warns about pollution in the lagoon. Also, be aware that the sea bed drops sharply from the beach, making swimming tricky and sometimes dangerous (See safety tips).

Langbaai is a small beach that offers privacy and seclusion.

During the peak holiday season the following beaches will be manned by lifeguards daily from 09:00 to 18:00: Hawston, Grotto East, Grotto West, Voëlklip, Kammabaai, Onrus, Langbaai, Sandbaai, Kleinmond, Kleinmond Lagoon and Palmiet.

Below is a list of the main beaches in the area: Hawston Beach Hawston boasts one of the most gorgeous beaches in the area.

Kids will love paddling around in the water while adults can laze away in the sun to enjoy the outstanding views.

Brêkfis Bay This little beach is situated in Vermont and is ideal for a relaxed picnic or snorkelling adventures. Thanks to its location between magnificent sand dunes, it offers visitors a protected cove with plenty of space to play, relax and explore.

Onrus Beach Onrus Beach offers a beautiful location to swim and enjoy the sunshine. The Onrus River Lagoon mouth is ideally suited to family outings, where small children can play in the calmer waters of the lagoon and older children and adults can brave the waves. Onrus beach is also a favourite haunt for local surfers.

Voëlklip and Kammabaai are two of the most popular beaches in the Overstrand.

Sandbaai Main Beach Surrounded by rocky outcrops, Sandbaai beach offers countless tidal pools to explore. The shallower pools are perfect for children to swim in or for a quick cool down. Excellent diving and snorkelling conditions are found just beyond the rocky ledge. Changing facilities and parking make it easily accessible and popular with families.

Langbaai A smaller beach confined on either side by rocky low cliffs that have the effect of funnelling good body surfing waves into the cove. The beach has limited parking and there are quite a few steps to traverse to get to the sandy shore, but it offers a more private and secluded beach experience.

Kammabaai Another beach with shallow water, ample parking and excellent facilities; making it ideal for family outings. The beach is linked to the larger Voëlklip and Grotto beaches via the Cliff Path.

Onrus lagoon is ideal for families with young children.

This protected cove is Vermont’s best-kept secret.

Voëlklip Beach Another surfer favourite – this beach is also ideal for non-sand lovers as it offers levelled grassy lawns to picnic on, as well as a small sandy shore. It is especially popular with younger adults, particularly during the peak tourist season.

Grotto Beach The largest beach in the area stretches along the coast for over 18km. The Blue Flag Beach at Grotto only makes up a small expanse of this but is still the most popular location for beach-goers.

There’s plenty of space for any sized crowd and the parking winds along the road for easy access along several designated pathways.

Families can also enjoy the calmer lagoon waters.

Kleinmond Beach This Blue Flag beach is situated at the mouth of the Kleinmond lagoon in a natural and unspoilt environment. It’s not hard to see why tourists flock here all through the year. Having the option of enjoying the sea or fresh water from the lagoon makes this an ideal location for getting those paddle skis and boats out and makes it a great place for children.

Silver Sands Beach Looking for a beach that is the perfect spot for a picnic with the family? Silver Sands Beach is situated west of Stoney Point in Betty’s Bay, which is a colony for the African Penguins and has everything you are looking for in an ideal beach. There is plenty for the children to do, from building sand castles, swimming and collecting shells to searching through the rock pools. You can comfortably relax and tan here while enjoying the beauty around you.

SAFETY TIPS •

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The ocean currents can be extremely strong at times and it’s advised that caution be taken when swimming in unknown waters; Swim only when and where there are lifeguards on duty and where signs indicate that it is safe to swim;

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Always swim between the red and yellow flags;

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Never swim alone;

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If you find yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguards’ attention;

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If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help.

Don't attempt a rescue and put your own life in danger as well;

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Don’t consume alcohol and swim;

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Don’t dive from tidal pool walls. Swim only at low tide when no waves are breaking over the walls.

RIP CURRENTS According to the NSRI, the biggest danger that people face on the beaches this summer is rip currents. Rip currents are the greatest cause of drowning accidents along our coast.

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Don’t panic or try to swim against the current;

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As tough as this sounds, let the current take you out to sea;

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Raise one arm in the air and wave and scream to alert people on the shore that you’re in trouble;

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At the first chance you get, swim parallel to the beach until you’re free of the rip current, then use the incoming waves to aid your progress to get back to shore.

SOURCES: www.hermanus.co.za; www.sa-venues.com; xplorio.com; NSRI; Overstrand Municipality EMERGENCY NUMBERS NSRI Station 17 Hermanus: 082 990 5967 Sea Rescue Emergency: 112 from a cellphone Overstrand Municipality 24-hour Fire & Rescue: 028 312 2400/ 028 313 8980 Law enforcement: 028 313 8111 Hermanus Police: 028 313 5300

GOOD

NEWS

9

13 December 2016

The unsung champions of our oceans Sarah Taylor

O

ne thing Deon Langenhoven does not want to be called is a hero. “I don’t believe in heroes,” says the station commander of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Hermanus.

“Heroes kill people because they get over-confident. I’m not a hero. I go out there and I do what I need to do.”

But it is hard not to see these selfless NSRI volunteers as the courageous champions that they are, saving lives in South African waters.

Next year, the NSRI celebrates its 50th anniversary, while the Hermanus unit, Station 17, turns 40 in 2018. The NSRI is a charity that is run by 1 100 volunteers nationally across 38 stations in South Africa.

Funding for the NSRI comes from donations (street collections and annual golf days, for example), sponsorships and bequests.

Station 17 currently has 28 volunteers, including four women. The volunteers also include seven training crew and four junior crew, the latter being still at high school and participating in shore-related rescues. Basic training takes approximately a year.

Deon, a class 1 coxswain (the term for someone in charge of a boat and its crew), has been with Station 17 for 21 years.

“Each station tries to source enough funding to cover its own running costs, as we can’t always rely on head office,” says Deon, who adds that the highest running cost for the NSRI is fuel. “Our purpose is to save lives. Cost is not the issue.

We search until we find that person and we will worry about the money later. We don’t bill people for rescuing them,

although they are welcome to give a donation.”

released from work and come in to the station,” says Deon, whose day job is with an internet service provider.

Station 17 has been fortunate to receive significant local support, including from the Bellingham-Turners, owners of Sumaridge Estate Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, who have donated R700 000 to the station in the last three years. In addition, the wine estate donates R1 for every bottle produced of their Maritimus White Blend.

This month, Station 17 used some of the Sumaridge donations to buy a 4,2m-long rubber duck for surf/river rescues, and which has aptly been named Maritimus Rescue. The station also has a 5,5m rubber duck for in-shore rescues and a 10m Bredeclass deep-sea rescue vessel, with self-righting capabilities.

“You never know when a call will come in or how long it will take. Our response rate from call-to-launch is normally about 15 minutes. We get an average of one to two calls a month, and often more during the peak seasons.”

VOLUNTEERS: NSRI Hermanus Station 17 volunteers next to their new rubber duck, Maritimus Rescue, at the annual street collection day on Saturday. At this year’s event they raised almost R50 000. Pictured are Deon Langenhoven, Zelda van Jaarsveld, Henk Henn, Malcolm Wright, Rosa Kunz, Abri Faure and Hannes Coetzee. On the boat are Wayne Theron and Charl Henn.

PHOTO: Sarah Taylor

Next year the 39-year-old Hermanus base will be rebuilt to better accommodate the vessels, the control room and the training areas.

But it is the human rescues that really bring a sparkle to Deon’s eyes. “I wish I could take a snap of a person’s face the moment you grab hold of them in the water. You can’t describe the facial expression of someone who was seconds away from drowning,” he says. “It is these kinds of moments that make us continue our work.”

“

You can’t describe the facial expression of someone who was seconds away from drowning

”

The NSRI has good working relationships with other local emergency services, including the police, traffic department, fire and rescue department, Western Cape metro and the local lifesaving groups.

“Where we differ from other rescue services is that while they are all full-time, we are volunteers. We carry on with our work, but are on call 24/7.

When we get a call, we are

The NSRI comes to the rescue in any water-related activity, be it at sea, in rivers and in dams. It is concerned not only with human rescues, but assists with animals as well, such as dolphins or whales that have become entangled in nets, or distressed birds, such as an African darter at the Hermanus Golf Club that had twine tangled around its beak and was unable to feed.

TO THE RESCUE The NSRI also rescues animals, be it at sea or on land. Here is Deon with an African darter that had become entangled in twine at the Hermanus Golf Club.

There are currently only two Grade 1 coxswains at the Hermanus NSRI, although a third is being trained, and three class 3 coxswains who are in charge of smaller vessels, such as the rubber ducks.

“It’s a big responsibility to be an NSRI coxswain,” says Deon.

“You’re responsible for the boat and everyone on it. You need to have the confidence to go out and help, in any weather. We have been called out in storms when the sea was so rough that we couldn’t see the harbour wall for the waves breaking over it… You have to know your

strengths and capabilities and you have to know the capabilities of your boat. The moment you go beyond that, things start going wrong.”

The NSRI has an educational programme called the WaterWise Academy, which operates countrywide, providing water-safety and basic first aid training to schoolchildren.

“Education is a big part of what we do at the NSRI. We’d rather prevent than rescue,” says Deon. Since the programme’s inception in 2006, WaterWise has trained over one million disadvantaged youth, as they are statistically most at risk from drowning, according to the South African Medical Research Council. This was sadly the case with the doubledrowning tragedy in Onrus lagoon last week, in which two children from Zwelihle, aged nine, lost their lives.

NSRI’s top 3 beach safety tips: - Don’t go swimming alone - Swim where there are lifeguards - Swim within the flags on the beach Watch out for calm water with no waves breaking, between the rougher surf: this is a sign of a rip current. Rather swim where there are waves breaking. If you get caught in a rip, let it take you past the breakers or swim at a 45degree angle to the rip and then swim out of it. Don’t swim against the current: people drown when they get tired.

And very important: never leave children unattended near open water.

Emergency numbers: NSRI Hermanus: 082 990 5967 (Deon Langenhoven) NSRI (Cape Town): 021 449 3500 112 (free cellphone call to local emergency services)

13 December 2016

NEWS

GOOD

10 Tuesday 13 & Thursday 15 December • Ferns and a Fairy Forest: Join Whale Coast Conservation on an eco-adventure to find fairies in the forest at Piet se Bos near Grotto Beach. Meet at Dutchies at 19:30. The cost of R100 for adults, R50 for children, or R250 for a family of four, includes a treat at Dutchies. To book, contact 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@gmail.com

Wednesday 14 December • Hermanus Summer Nights Country Market: Summer Nights are back at the market! Apart from their regular stalls, special guest traders have been invited to add a bit of extra spice into the mix for your Christmas shopping basket. There will be wine, craft beers, artisanal eats and treats, and loads of activities for the children. In Jose Burman Avenue, next to the cricket field, from 17:00 – 21:00.

• Yesterday’s Heroes: This popular band will be performing at Superplants Wonderland Cafe, from 11:00 – 15:00. Free entry. Call 028 316 4006.

Friday 16 December

• Fisherhaven Festival: Fisherhaven is celebrating its 60th birthday! Get together at the lagoon to enjoy all the fun activities, including the 5km & 8km run, lagoon boat cruises, an air show, Classic Car show & rides, bingo and bridge drive, delicious food and craft stalls, Kiddies Play Park, live music, and much more. Amazing prizes to be won. Entry is only R10 pp and children under 12 enter free. At the lagoon slipway, from 10:00 – 22:00. Contact 082 556 0472 or fisherhavenfestival@gmail.com for more details.

• Anton Goosen Live: One of SA's favourite Afrikaans rock 'n rollers in a beautiful setting promises to be a great evening out for the whole family. Food truck and cash bar available. Bring your own picnic blankets and deckchairs. At Stanford Valley Guest Farm, from 18:00 when DJ Sharklady will warm up the crowd, before the main show starts at sunset. Tickets are R120 for adults, R60 for under 16s and free for children under 6 years, available from Stanford Tourism office or call 028 341 0340.

• Fliek Hermanus: Open-air cinema at Piet se Bos on Grotto Beach (behind Dutchies). The Lion King will be screened at 20:00. Adults R60, scholars R40. Bring your own camping chairs, blanket and picnic basket. No alcohol allowed. Follow Fliek Hermanus on Facebook, contact 084 663 0770 or visit www.fliek.co.za

• Ubumnandi Festival Summer Picnic: Enjoy the first annual summer picnic of this famous festival initiated by Blue Sky South Africa, in association with Whale Coast FM. Ubumnandi provides an opportunity for youth in different art codes to showcase their talent and skills for a big crowd – the music and great vibes will be hitting you from all angles! Licensed bars available; just bring your own cooler box, picnic blanket, chairs and umbrella. ID required; no children under 18 allowed. At Zwelihle sports field, from 12:00 until late. Tickets available from Computicket. For more information, contact 074 418 0543 or ubumnandifestivalsa@gmail.com

• Doep is nie dood nie: Jannie du Toit presents a oneman show with the words and music of his late friend, the iconic Afrikaans singer/songwriter Koos du Plessis.

At Cinema in the Shed, Harbour Road, Kleinmond, from 20:00 – 21:30. Tickets are R120 pp; call 079 060 4003 or 083 445 2684.

Thursday 15 December • Carols by Candlelight: Sumaridge Wine Estate in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is the magical setting for this Christmas celebration. Bring family and friends along from 17:30, when Father Christmas will make an appearance and bring small gifts to children 10 years and younger. There will also be a children’s fancy dress competition with prizes for the best Christmas themed costumes. The sing-along concert featuring the talented Abagold Choir will start at 19:00. Entrance is free and carol sheets will be provided. Wine, soft drinks and candles will be available for purchase. Call 028 312 1097.

• Carols by Candlelight: Gather at the Old Harbour for a special evening under the stars. Presented by Hermanus Rotary Club, this event celebrates a tradition that has been part and parcel of Hermanus’s history since 1968. Bring your picnic baskets, chairs and blankets, and settle on the lawns from 18:30 to enjoy the sunset before the evening’s performance starts at 20:00. The choir under the leadership of Janine Neethling, one of South Africa’s best musical producers, will form the central point of the evening’s programme of beautiful song. The little ones will not be forgotten and Santa will put in his usual appearance. Candles and programmes with carols will be distributed. Entry is free but donations will be appreciated as Rotary supports a number of charities.

Friday 16 – Sunday 18 December • Pringle Bay Art and Craft Route: Resident artists will be opening their studios to visitors from 10:00 – 16:00 daily. Follow the boards for directions to individual studios. Maps will also be available at the studios. For more details, call Sonja Kastner on 072 308 7578.

• Our Favourite Things Market: Don’t miss Gabrielskloof’s seventh annual Favourite Things Market - a wonderful collection of all things handmade, homemade, delicious, fresh and beautiful. On Friday from 17:00 – 21:00; tickets at R100 pp include a booked table, a glass of wine and live music. On Saturday the market is open to the public from 10:00 – 17:00 and on Sunday from 10:00 – 15:00. At Gabrielskloof, just off the N2 towards Caledon. Contact Nicolene Finlayson on 028 284 9865 or nicolene@gabrielskloof.co.za

• Outdoor Summer Movie Nights: Enjoy Hitch at the Old Harbour with some popcorn, delicious food and hot chocolate with giant marshmallows. Perfect for some quality movie time with friends and family, or a romantic movie date. The movie starts at 20:30. Book online: www.milkywayproductions.co.za/harbour and get your tickets at Early Bird prices – R65 per adult (14 years +) and R45 for children (0 – 13 years).

• Timeless – Songs of a Century: Community theatre at its best! This year the Stanford Players present an allsinging, all-dancing cabaret, Timeless: Songs of a century. Go on a journey through the 20th Century music history as you’re whisked from era to era in this whistle stop tour through music’s finest accomplishments. Tickets are R160 for adults and R80 for children. To book, visit www.thestanfordplayers.co.za or contact rina@trade-secrets.co.za

Sunday 18 December

Saturday 17 December

• Lemm’s Corner Market: This newly relaunched Sunday market follows the slow market trend with a focus on sculpture, ceramics, exclusive arts and crafts, locally manufactured clothing, accessories and home décor. There will also be delicious specialty foods, craft beers and a wine bar. On the corner of Main and Harbour Roads, in the heart of the CBD’s historic Fisherman’s Village, from 10:00 – 14:00.

• Onrus Run: Meet at The Milkwood on Onrus Beach for the cashcows.com 10 km, starting at 07:00 or the 6 km fun run, starting at 07:15. The entry fee is R50 for the 10 km and R30 for the 6 km. Register online at www.enteronline.co.za or on the day between 05:30 and 06:45.

• Fernkloof Holistic Faire: Enjoy the day with friends and family, have your face painted and meet some interesting therapists, crafters and artists. Entry is free and all are welcome. At Fernkloof Nature Reserve, from 10:00 – 15:00. Contact Lucia on 028 316 5312 / 082 811 6061 or lucia@bridge-infotech.com

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

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

• The Hermanus Country Market: Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00-13:00.

Stunning food, fresh and wholesome goodies.

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

• Innie Rof met Neels van Jaarsveld: Comedy with Neels van Jaarsveld, written and directed by Leon Kruger. Tickets are R120 pp. At Cinema in the Shed, Harbour Road, Kleinmond, from 19:30 – 22:30. To book, contact 079 060 4003 / 083 445 2684 or miemsie@onstv.net

• Stille Runaway at the Bush Pub: Enjoy a Country & Western ‘Opskop’ at the Bush Pub in Paradise Park, from 20:00 until midnight. Free entry. Call 071 325 0585.

Saturday 17, Monday 19 & Tuesday 20 December

• 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.

Thursday 15 & Friday 16 December • An Evening with Chopin: Christopher Duigan will perform a piano concert at the Bouchard Finlayson winery in Hemel-en-Aarde in aid of the Hermanus Cancer Fund, generously sponsored by the Lloys Ellis family. Wines and canapes will be served at 17:45 and the concert starts at 18:30. Tickets are R200 pp, available from Helen on 028 312 1485, Carol on 028 313 2675 or Debby on 028 313 1633.

• Fliek Hermanus: Open-air cinema at Piet se Bos on Grotto Beach (behind Dutchies). Angus Buchan’s Ordinary People will be screened at 20:00, with an introduction by director FC Hamman before the movie starts. Adults R60, scholars R40. Bring your own camping chairs, blanket and picnic basket. No alcohol allowed. Follow Fliek Hermanus on Facebook, contact 084 663 0770 or visit www.fliek.co.za

• Onrus Voedselfees: Take a basket along and stock up on fresh goodies at the Onrus Food Market. Lots of entertainment for the kids, so bring the whole family! At the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus, from 17:00 – 20:00.

• Stanford Christmas Sunset Market: A great evening of local wines, beers, foods, crafts and gifts.

There will be plenty on sale to tempt you, from local producers selling all you need to feed your family and friends over the holidays to craft and gift stalls for anyone who has not managed to find that lastminute Christmas present. Live music will have you tapping your toes as locals and visitors 'kuier' on the beautiful Market Square in the middle of Stanford village, from 18:00 – 20:00.

• Outdoor Summer Movie Nights: MilkyWay Productions is hosting a series of movie nights at the Old Harbour, under the starry sky next to the ocean.

Enjoy Inside Out with some popcorn, delicious food and hot chocolate with giant marshmallows. The movie starts at 20:30. Book online: www.milkywayproductions.co.za/harbour and get your tickets at Early Bird prices – R65 per adult (14 years +) and R45 for children (0 – 13 years).

• OAK Music Concert: Overstrand Arts/Kunste presents a piano recital by the ever popular Gustavo Romero from the USA, at the Municipal Auditorium, at 19:00. Tickets are R130 pp (R60 for students), available from Bellini Gallery at Village Square. Call 028 312 4988 or 073 461 0132 to book.

• Elgin Sporting Clays Christmas Shoot: Nidderdale Farm in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley will be hosting a Christmas Shoot made up of English Pairs, from 09:00 – 17:00. Call 082 379 2623 to get all the details.

• Karen Zoid Live: South Africa’s Queen of Rock will supercharge her audience at the magical woodland amphitheatre on Paul Cluver wine estate in the Elgin Valley. Tickets are R300 pp, available from Computicket or online at www.cluver.com/summerfestival-programme. Gates open at 17:00 and the performance starts at 19:00.

• Stanford Carols by Candlelight: A village celebration of the Christmas season, starting with a full moon walk that departs from the Stanford Tourism office at 18:00. The walk ends at the Dutch Reformed Church at 19:00, followed by the singing of carols along with professional musicians and the lighting of the Christmas tree. There will be treats for the children and refreshments served on the candle-lit lawn.

Everyone is welcome and there is no charge. For more information call Bea Whittaker on 083 293 5512 or Charles Henegan on 079 034 0965, or contact Stanford Tourism on 028 341 0340.

Monday 19 December • Radio Kalahari Orkes: Fronted by actor Ian Roberts, performing a folk-rock pastiche of traditional Afrikaans with authentic acoustic instruments, their music stems from a deeply rooted place, but the words are focused firmly on the present. At Cinema in the Shed, Kleinmond, at 20:30. Tickets are R150 pp; call 083 445 2684 or 079 060 4003.

Village

EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • ART

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay wins big

Celebrating wine at Wine Village

F

or 18 years the Wine Village has hosted the annual Wine Celebration and this year will be no different. Thanks to the foresight that Paul and Cathy du Toit had almost two decades ago when the opportunity to start the Wine Village presented itself.

vintages, watched as winemakers age and new ones find their blends. We have seen the labels change and wine routes come of age.

In celebrating wine, we rejoice in life. We celebrate that we have made it to the end of yet another year, being surrounded by people we love and who love us.

Wine Village is exactly where we want to be.

Close to the vineyards, close to the cellars, close to those making the magic happen and close to those who support us. We like our wine shop so much that we keep it open seven days a week. For this is not just where we sell wine, this is where we make friends.

During the festive WINE CELEBRATION, premium wine producers with their complete portfolios will be presented for tasting every day throughout December and January 2017.

Award-winning producers such as Baleia Wines, Doran Vineyards, Clarington, Fröhlich Family Wines, Anthonij Rupert, Klein Constantia, Delaire Graff Estate, Ernie Els Wines, Groote Post Vineyards, Doolhof Wine Estate, Tierhoek Wines, Overhex Survivor, and Remhoogte Wine Estate are amongst the treats that we have lined up.

The du Toit clan is an extended family where clients become life-long friends.

Relationships develop during many conversations that usually start around the more than 6 000 different labels of wine, craft beer, Cap Classique, gin and brandy in the shop. These conversations lead to enquiries about the new mountain bike trails, bird life, trail running, adventure sports and many more happenings that Hermanus offers and become the building blocks of lasting friendships.

These we will keep chilled and ready for your enjoyment. And Wine Village is not just about wine – craft beer, gin, brandy and whisky lovers will not be disappointed by the selection stocked.

Engage with us on twitter at @winevillage #localislekker for daily updates and see what we have open on our tasting counter. Don’t miss out on daily spot prizes and lucky draws with discounts on all wines from December to the end of January. Have your purchases delivered to your door worldwide by making use of our door-to-door freight services.

Situated at the entrance to Hermanus and at the start of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, we are in the perfect position to help visitors in their search for fine wine. We have seen the wine industry develop, the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route flourish and new wine producers become world famous. We have tasted the change in

The Wine Village invites you to join us this festive season for a fine wine time – Wine Village style.

– Ulla du Toit, Wine Village

The Hamilton Russell Vineyards team: winemaker Emul Ross, viticulturist Johan Montgomery and owner Anthony Hamilton Russell.

F

or the 5th time, a Hamilton Russell Vineyards wine has been placed on the prestigious Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the Year worldwide list.

This is an extremely prestigious ranking internationally and represents the distillation of the best of more than 25 000 wines tasted by the Wine Spectator team from around the world. The 2016 list, revealed on 5 December, placed Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2015 at number 11. Only one other Chardonnay was placed higher, and Hamilton Russell Vineyards was the only South African wine on this year's list.

Proprietor Anthony Hamilton Russell puts this achievement down to a combination of factors.

"We have uniquely privileged growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot noir in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. This, along with the great 2015 vintage, our first full year of organic vineyard practices, and the exceptional skills and team work of winemaker Emul Ross and vineyard manager Johan Montgommery, enabled us to create a truly extraordinary 2015 Chardonnay.

“I could not be more proud of our team's accomplishment. This hotly anticipated list is something of real worldwide significance."

Village Explorer

12

Quirk & Leopard:

A wonderland of books Hedda Mittner

T

he arresting name of this thriving second-hand bookshop in The Carriages Centre in Hermanus may seem puzzling, until you meet its owner, Dee Anderson, who not only has a penchant for the quirky but is also as elusive and camera-shy as a leopard. Her motto, ‘Interesting, Beautiful, Strange’ is borne out by the eclectic selection of weird and wonderful books at Quirk & Leopard, a veritable Aladdin’s Cave where book lovers will discover long-lost treasures as well as inspiring new ones.

With a passion for old books and big cats, Dee previously worked as a self-employed artist specialising in fabric art, and says she likes to work on her own schedule. She gathered stock for one and a half years before starting her own business, with the help of a local businessman, who remains significantly involved.

“I started trading from a side room at Anya’s Mum Café in High Street (now CanD’s Kitchen), before moving into a tiny 14,5 m² shop at the newlybuilt Carriages Centre in April 2014, sandwiched between two spacious restaurants,” says Dee.

Quirk & Leopard is centrally located in the Carriages Centre.

Quirk & Leopard expanded in increments and now occupies about 100m², with ELL 269 restaurant as her neighbour.

The shop is light, cool and spacious, and the books have been expertly categorised and clearly marked so that browsing is an effortless pleasure and you’ll find what you are looking for in no time.

Each book has been lovingly restored to as close to mint condition as possible by Dee’s own hand, assisted by her team of deeplyappreciated staff. Key pieces are displayed in an attractive cabinet.

While Dee has a preference for “unusual and wacky books”, you will find everything at Quirk & Leopard, from glossy cookery books to the classics, biographies, history, art and travel books. She also stocks the largest selection of second-hand children’s books

in town, as well as graphic novels and comic books. Fair pricing is important to Dee, and you can be assured of getting your money’s worth at Quirk & Leopard – no one leaves with just one book!

“Each book is thought made manifest,” says Dee, “and acts as a thought bridge that travels into our minds.” With her astonishing knowledge and passion for books, Dee is just the person to consult if you are looking for something rare or specific.

And in case you were wondering about the beautiful images on the doors – they represent the threepronged basis of Quirk & Leopard: Love (cat), Wisdom (owl) and Imagination (unicorn).

13 December 2016

Fifth year for FynArts

H

ermanus FynArts will return from 9 – 18 June 2017 for its fifth year and not only boasts a brand-new logo but also another bumper programme to celebrate the best of South African arts.

Peter Southworth, who designed the logo, says: “In the world of art, literature and music there is nothing that shows more commitment, determination and originality than your signature. What could therefore be more fitting than a ‘signature’ logo for a signature arts festival.”

The ideal Christmas gift To make sure you and your friends and family don’t miss out on the first weekend concerts or any of the talks, gift vouchers will be available at the FynArts Office at Early Bird discounted prices.

Vouchers may be purchased for specific concerts or others that can be redeemed for specific talks as soon as booking opens. The ideal Christmas gift for family, friends – or yourself.

A taste of what to expect from FynArts next year includes the inimitable Richard Cock, who will conduct the FynArts Festival Orchestra and six fabulous, award-winning soloists in four concerts during the first weekend of the festival. A Feast of Mozart, the Opening Concert, will present a harp and flute duo, and festivalgoers can expect another exhilarating jazz concert on the Saturday.

FynArts Talks is filling up fast and includes a panel discussion with Lien Botha and Michael Godby, curators of Sculpture on the Cliffs and the exhibition of the Festival Artist, respectively; Charl du Plessis, jazz and classical concert pianist and lecturer; Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke on his recently published autobiography, My Own Liberator; Christopher Hope in conversation with historian Bill Nasson and many more not-to-be sessions.

The varied programme for the Stephan Welz Series of

“We now have a full-time administrative coordinator,

Chantel Louskitt,” says festival director Mary Faure. “Many will know Chantel who has worked for Hermanus Tourism for many years. Since the first festival in 2013, Chantel collaborated closely with our website developers and was involved with FynArts in so many ways.

She has become the go-to and will-do support person and we are delighted to welcome her.”

The FynArts office is situated in the Old Station Building next to Hermanus Tourism Bureau, which was the umbrella body of the first three FynArts festivals. “We are grateful for the rented space, and that the collaboration and synergy that has developed between the two organisations continues to the benefit of both,” says Mary.

“The festival is now registered as a not-for-profit association, and the Hermanus FynArts Fund (the development fund) as a not-for-profit organisation.

We have also applied for registration for the entities as public benefit organisations.”

Sign up for the newsletter at www.hermanusfynarts.co.za to receive updated information on programme events and news.

Find Quirk & Leopard at The Carriages Centre, 173 Main Road. Call 072 753 8940.

The clearly marked booshelves in Quick & Leopard make browsing for that special book a real pleasure.

Mary Faure, founder and festival director of Hermanus FynArts.

Village Explorer

13 December 2016

13

What’s new in review

The Write Angle Biting satire is a challenging read

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he Sellout by Paul Beatty, a biting satire of modern American racial politics, was named the winner of the Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2016. This is the second consecutive Man Booker Prize success for independent publisher Oneworld, following Marlon James’ win last year with A Brief History of Seven Killings.

The book is narrated by an African-American man, Bonbon Me, and opens with him appearing before the US Supreme Court on charges of owning a slave and attempting to enforce racial segregation in the case Me v. the United States. The reader’s astonishment is echoed by the black justice who blurts out: “Nigger, are you crazy?”

The story is set in the rundown town of Dickens in Los Angeles county – an “agrarian ghetto” which still has farm zoning, allowing residents to keep livestock and cultivate crops.

You’ll have to read the book to find out, even though it must be said that it raises far more questions than it answers. The cast of colourful characters includes Bonbon’s voluntary slave, the depressive and ineffectual Hominy Jenkins, and Marpessa Dawson, a foulmouthed bus driver adored

by Bonbon for her “unabashed inappropriateness”.

I would hesitate to recommend this novel to readers who do not have the stomach for racial slurs, coarse language and frequent swearing, as they might find The Sellout a bit difficult to digest.

and a rather exhausting read.

I found that the storyline lacked grounding and was sometimes difficult to follow, as the narrator keeps on veering off into relentless and unfettered social commentary on race relations and the rather obscure oddities of Black American culture.

LUCKY WINNER Hermanus ‘Swallow’ Kathleen Davids was the recipient of The Book Cottage’s book hamper from Pan Macmillan. Her receipt was the one drawn last week by Jana Bierman (above, with The Book Cottage owner John Morris), who will be a Gr 12 learner at Curro Hermanus next year. Kathleen was at her home in Lausanne, Switzerland when John called her with the happy news and sent him this photo of her and her husband (below).

Kathleen is a loyal customer who has been buying books at The Book Cottage for many years.

Sphere (Little Brown)

Penguin Random House

The pace is uneven and some references went over my head – it is definitely not a book for the lazy or fainthearted reader, but highly recommended for those who like a challenge and are ready for a book unlike any other.

Phaidon

Although the book is laughout-loud hilarious in places and full of zany humour, it is not an easy read or what could be described as a “page turner”. It is a serious book

OneWorld (Jonathan Ball)

Hodder & Stoughton

When officials remove the signs demarking the township of Dickens and effectively erase it from the map, Bonbon takes it upon himself to set matters right and reinstate the town by erecting new signs and resegregating the town: “No Whites Allowed.” Which seems like a rather futile exercise, seeing as the town’s residents are already predominantly black and

Hispanic. What is the point he is trying to make?

OneWorld (Jonathan Ball)

Bonbon appears surprisingly normal and sound of mind, though (when asked to plead

guilty or innocent, he says: “Your Honor, I plead human.”), despite a childhood that involved being subjected to all manner of bizarre social experiments by his authoritarian father, a psychologist and “Nigger Whisperer” who raised Bonbon as a single parent.

Drawing on a decade of research in archives all over the world, this book tells the amazing true story of Dr James Barry. Born as Margaret Anne Bulkley, this enigmatic young woman broke the rules of Georgian society to become one of the most respected and controversial army surgeons of the century. In an extraordinary life, she crossed paths with the British Empire's great and good, royalty and rebels, soldiers and slaves. As a medical pioneer who performed the first successful Caesarean in the British Empire, she rose to a position that no woman before her had been allowed to occupy.

However, for all her successes, her long, audacious deception also left her isolated, even costing her the chance to be with the man she loved.

With richly layered characters and a gripping moral dilemma, Small Great Things is the new page-turner from best-selling author Jodi Picoult. Ruth Jefferson is an AfricanAmerican labour and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital who is charged with a serious crime and has to place her trust in the unexpected counsel of Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender. As the case becomes a media sensation, the main characters come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others – and themselves – might be wrong. Jodi Picoult leads readers to question their beliefs as she tackles issues of race, privilege, justice, power and compassion with empathy, intelligence and candour.

What is art’s purpose? In this engaging, lively, and controversial new book, bestselling philosopher Alain de Botton and art historian John Armstrong propose a new way of looking at familiar masterpieces, suggesting that they can be useful, relevant, and – above all else – therapeutic for their viewers. Art as Therapy is packed with 150 examples of outstanding art, architecture and design, while chapters on Love, Nature, Money and Politics show how art can help with many everyday confusions and difficulties, such as forging good relationships, finding happiness, and coming to terms with mortality. It is a fascinating read on how art can guide us, console us, and help us better understand ourselves.

Bestselling author Nicholas Sparks returns with an emotionally powerful story of unconditional love, its challenges, its risks and most of all, its rewards. Russell Green has the perfect life: a stunning wife, a lovable six year-old daughter, a successful career as an advertising executive and an expansive home in Charlotte.

But underneath the shiny surface, fault lines are beginning to appear... and no one is more surprised than Russ when he finds every aspect of the life he took for granted turned upside down. Finding himself as a single parent without a job or wife, he embarks on a journey that will test his abilities and his emotional resources beyond anything he ever imagined.

Compiled by Danny Fourie, this Afrikaans book contains a selection of the hundreds of questions from curious listeners that were explained over the years by experts on the popular RSG radio programme, Hoe verklaar jy dit?

(How do you explain it?)

Sharing a treasure chest of knowledge about nature, space, science and human inventions, the book helps to make the world a little less strange. It explains the hidden laws of nature and principles of science behind everyday phenomena – from electricity, computers, cellphones and the internet, to genes, anaesthesia, radio waves, life in outer space and relativity theory. This is a book that is sure to pique your interest in the world around us.

OneWorld (Jonathan Ball)

Review by Hedda Mittner

The return of the young Prince is a tribute to the international bestseller The Little Prince, with specially commissioned illustrations by the awardwinning artist Pietari Posti.

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. But even princes from faraway planets eventually grow up. No longer content with his tiny planet, the Little Prince, now a teenager, sets off once again to explore the universe. And so begins another remarkable journey into the secrets and joys of living a joyful and meaningful life. A charming fable for all ages, this wonderful sequel to the beloved classic is an inspiring read filled with love and wisdom.

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13 December 2016

Enjoy art and wine at Sumaridge Hedda Mittner

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he popularity of art in Hermanus is spilling over to the wine route, thanks in part to the annual FynArts Festival, which sees a number of exhibitions hosted at our wineries.

At Sumaridge wine estate in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, exhibitions have also been a regular feature at their tasting room throughout the year, the latest of which is Deep Time by Anthony Harris.

Owners Simon Turner and Holly Bellingham-Turner have for many years been admirers – and buyers – of Anthony’s unique landscape artworks.

“That’s why we are exceptionally proud to be hosting Anthony’s 49th solo exhibition here at the tasting room,” said Holly at a preview of the exhibition, which opened on 1 December and runs until the end of February.

Anthony’s works have always been motivated by nature – from microscopic to panoramic.

Having previously lived in Gordon’s Bay, he said he was delighted to be back in his old “stomping ground” and to be exhibiting among the natural

splendour of the valley. Now based in Port Elizabeth, Anthony’s current exhibition explores the concept of geological time that places the Earth’s age at 4,45 billion years.

This selection of works uses the landscape as a metaphor.

“I enjoy exploring the complexity of the terrain in ways that challenge the viewers' own boundaries and conventions of romanticising the landscape,” said Anthony.

“The images I paint hold within them aspects other than pure nature - the panorama is composed of elements that bear witness to history, change and evolution."

BLENDING ART AND WINE Holly Bellingham-Turner on the tasting room balcony with exhibiting artist Anthony Harris.

Patrick Chapman with the artist in front of his works currently on display at Sumaridge.

FynArts festival director Mary Faure with Jeandré Marinier, co-owner of The Art Gallery in Hermanus with fellow artists Lize van der Walt, Christine Henderson and Erna Dry.

Manager of the Sumaridge Lodge and tasting room, Lorraine Loubser with Ian McDonald and Ed Bredenkamp of Lembu and Forty X 40 Gallery.

In the context of the geological age of the Earth, the existence of mankind is but the blink of an eyelid, said Anthony. “Yet the damage that man has done to the Earth in such a short time is devastating, and my works also explore this breakdown in communication between nature and mankind.”

The Sumaridge tasting room is open 7 days a week from 11:00 - 17:00.

To see more of Anthony’s work, go to www.anthonyharris.co.za

CHARITY HANDOVER The Night of 1 000 Drawings raised a total of R71 660 during the Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk on 2 December, when A5-sized artworks were displayed and sold to the public at R100 apiece. The money was divided equally and handed over last week to three Hermanus charities – Hermanus Animal Welfare Society, the Sustainable Futures Trust, which runs the Clive Prins Substance Abuse Programme, and the Ella Gordon Crèche at Karwyderskraal. At the back, from left, are: Ian McDonald and Ed Bredenkamp (Lembu), Lize van der Walt (The Art Gallery), Malcolm Bowling (Macolm Bowling Gallery), Geta Finlayson (Geta Finlayson Art Gallery), Willie van Wyk (Bellini), Reinet de Jager (Canvas of Life), Harold Botha (Charmaine de Jongh-Gelderblom Gallery) and Adéle Nortje (Hermanus Art Circle). In front are Liz Coates (Pure South), Lenke Elferink (HAWS), Ann Wright (Sustainable Futures Trust), Megan Parnell (Ella Gordon Crèche), Terry Kobus (Originals) and Mena Lourinho (Hermanus Art Circle).

Village Explorer

13 December 2016

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Last Artwalk of the year a night to remember

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their support for three very worthy local charities,” says Liz Coates of the HFF committee.

“We are extremely grateful to the artists who donated artworks and also to all the people who attended the event to not only enjoy a sociable evening of art, but also to show

The HFF Artwalk has become a monthly highlight for locals, swallows and visitors alike.

The next event will take place on Friday 6 January, from 17:00 to 20:00. Several restaurants in the vicinity of the participating galleries are now staying open on the evening of the first Friday every month, and the newly relaunched Lemm’s Corner Market will also be trading during the Artwalk.

he town centre came alive during the last Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) Artwalk on 2 December, when the Night of 1 000 Drawings fundraiser was enthusiastically supported by the community. A record number of donated A5-sized artworks were purchased by the public at R100 each, raising over R70 000 for charity.

DJ Carr and Wilna Hendriks enjoying a glass of local wine on the stoep of Rossouw Modern Art Gallery.

A record number of donated A5-sized artworks were sold on the Night of 1 000 Drawings on 2 December.

Warrington Place was a beehive of activity as Artwalkers strolled down the lane.

Ed Bredenkamp of Lembu and Forty X 40 Gallery with swallows Len Huiding and Jan Stultiens.

Geta Finlayson’s art gallery in Harbour Road is the latest gallery to join the HFF Artwalk.

Ann and Jim Sweet are regular Artwalkers, seen here at Originals Gallery.

ART THROUGH SENSES Fleurs has extended their premises in Main Road to include a space where owner Louis Saaiman says they will be hosting regular art exhibitions. The first one, Art through Senses by artist Annemarie du Plooy, opened on Friday 9 December. From left are Louis, Annemarie’s model Portia, Annemarie and her mentor Melite Grobler.

MYTHICAL JOURNEYS The four artists of The Art Gallery in High Street, Jeandré Marinier, Christine Henderson, Erna Dry and Lize van der Walt, launched their joint exhibition, Mythical Journeys on Saturday 10 December. The exhibition was opened by Deon Opperman and guests enjoyed the artworks along with snacks and wine from Hornbill.

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Village Explorer

13 December 2016

Winemaker Hannes Storm with Paul du Toit from the Wine Village.

Fabulous Storm in a wine glass

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outh African wines and, in particular, Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde region, continue to draw attention from the international wine world.

Last week it was the turn of winemaker Hannes Storm, whose Storm Wines Vrede Chardonnay 2015 enjoyed the honour of being included in a list of prestigious wines from around the globe.

The Top 50 list, referred to as “the most fabulous bottles of the festive season” by wine journalist Victoria Moore, was published in the UK edition of The Daily Telegraph.

Featuring a selection of red, white, Champagne and sweet wines from around the world, the Storm Wines Chardonnay was one of two South African wines on the white wine list.

The other one was The Project Sauvignon Blanc 2016 from Cape Point Vineyards,

while four wines were from France and one from each of the following countries – Italy, Spain, Austria, Greece, and Australia.

The Storm Wines Vrede Chardonnay 2015 elicited the following comment in the article: “The weather conditions of the 2015 vintage helped South African winemakers to produce some stellar wines and this is one of them. The wine is excellent, with class written all over it…”

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13 December 2016

Whale Coast Mall is taking shape

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lowing down and rubbernecking while driving past the construction site of the new Whale Coast Mall on the R43 has become an everyday occurrence.

With construction crews working from early in the morning to late at night and a planned opening date in November 2017, the mall will be fully operational when holiday-makers return next year.

Developed by Dorpstraat – the team also responsible for the establishment of the Weskus Mall (Vredenburg) and Mountain Mill Shopping Centre (Worcester) – the new Whale Coast Mall will cover some 30 000 m².

BUILDING THE FUTURE Artist’s impression of the Whale Coast Mall currently under construction next to the R43 in Sandbaai. The project is due for completion in November 2017.

“Whale Coast Mall will act as a one-stop destination, offering a multi-purpose entertainment centre and an all-year round comparative shopping experience – particularly in terms of fashion – in a safe, sheltered environment,” says Jannie Krüger, co-founder and director of Dorpstraat.

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The art of touring in style

Uniworld gets the ratio between time spent on land and on the river just right. They handle all aspects of their onboard operations themselves, including the hospitality, culinary and nautical aspects. Their service is impeccable, maintaining the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry.

“The mall will cater to a broader market of shopper, differentiating it from the entrepreneurial businesses situated in Hermanus’ Central Business District (CBD); an innate facet of the coastal town’s charm,” says Krüger.

Some CBD tenants have, however, expressed their concern about the impact the mall will have on businesses in town. The good news is that the Hermanus CBD regeneration framework was approved by Overstrand Municipality’s Council recently and will now

The new centre will boast a diverse tenant mix, including

was recently fortunate enough to experience a river cruise on the Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest, including two nights in Prague, with Uniworld Boutique River cruises on board the River Princess.

retail giants Checkers and Woolworths. Other stores such as Dischem, Clicks, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Sports and Due South will also feature, as well as food chains such as Spur, Daily Coffee, Melissa’s and Mugg & Bean.

Fashion tenants include a large Foschini and Truworths, as well as a Markham, Donna Claire, Ackermans and Cape Union Mart, to name but a few. It will also offer ample free parking and feature multiple entrances to avoid traffic congestion.

The intimate scale of Uniworld ships makes it possible to dock in the heart of grand capitals, medieval villages and intriguing locales inaccessible by big ocean cruise ships. You never wait in long lines to get on or off the ship. Simply step ashore and you are within walking distance, ready to explore.

Most importantly, this is a fully inclusive product. All drinks, meals, tours and gratuities are included in your price.

Having just travelled myself, I can vouch for this. There are

no hidden costs; you pay your cruise fare and not another cent more. From sunrise to sunset and well into the night, you’ll find a never-ending procession of culinary delights, including beverages ranging from a generous selection of distinctive wines, craft and regional beers, spirits, soft drinks and a variety of teas and coffees.

It’s been said that to fully understand another culture, you must understand its cuisine. That’s a philosophy Uniworld fully embraces on board every ship in their worldwide fleet. They have

been recognised as the “Best Culinary Cruise Line”, an honour which they certainly live up to.

I can highly recommend this product. All crew speak English and are professionally trained. You feel their genuine warmth and sincerity and they almost feel like your friends at the end of the cruise. For those few precious days on board River Princess, it felt like the world revolved around me.

- Glenda Massyn, Owner Consultant, Flight Specials Hermanus

become part of the 2017 – 2021 Integrated Development Plan.

While Sandbaai residents may experience short-term disruption, the long-term benefit to the area’s infrastructure is expected to outweigh the inconvenience, with surrounding roads and nearby intersections undergoing an upgrade.

“We know it can be frustrating, but we kindly ask residents to please bear with us,” says Krüger. “The outcome will be an improved neighbourhood with a wonderful new facility.”

Krüger is excited about the opportunities Whale Coast Mall brings to the area – not only in terms of economic growth, but also through offering greater diversity and convenience to shoppers.

“We firmly believe that the mall will embody quintessential village values through its emphasis on the local community, but with the abundance of choice typically offered in a city,” he concludes.

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13 December 2016

Hermanus welcomes new Medical Village

ermanus Medical Village, the longawaited new multidisciplinary, state-of-the art medical centre situated in De Goede Street in Westcliff, Hermanus, recently celebrated the completion of construction.

It is the ever-increasing population and high demand for quality medical facilities in Hermanus and surrounding Overberg areas that prompted Annenberg Property Group to develop the centre, which is set to open its doors to the public in February 2017.

The medical facility will cater for communities in the greater Overberg area including Hermanus, Onrus, Caledon, Barrydale and Swellendam through to Heidelberg and Bredasdorp.

Equipped with modern and superior facilities, and situated in close proximity to the provincial hospital and Mediclinic, Hermanus Medical Village will focus on providing specialised, high quality and affordable medical care in a safe and welcoming environment.

of cutting edge medical facilities to this rapidly expanding node,” said MD of Annenberg Property Group, Dudley Annenberg.

Thanking the project’s architect, engineer, and building contractor, he added: “The building itself makes a statement and is not just another boring medical facility; instead we have chosen to break with tradition and add colour, funk and spunk.”

The day hospital is intended to be a cost-effective facility were operations that don’t require the patient to stay overnight can be performed.

Such operations include general surgery; ophthalmology; gynaecology; urology; orthopaedic; maxillofacial; plastic surgery, ear, nose and throat; and dental.

“Hermanus has a large population who require medical facilities and many patients have had to travel far distances for certain procedures,” said CEO of Hermanus Day Hospital, Brian Evans.

Four distinctive medical centres will be housed under one roof at the Hermanus Medical Village: the threetheatre, 22-bed Hermanus Day Hospital; Hermanus Oncology Centre; the 20-bed sub-acute Spescare Hermanus; and the frail care facility, Hermanus Elderly Care Place.

“Our day hospital will be a doctor-driven facility and by inviting all the local doctors to participate in this venture, we will ensure that we acquire the latest technology to enable us to provide medical care of the highest quality.”

“Hermanus Medical Village brings a comprehensive range

The new Hermanus Oncology Centre at Hermanus

The newly completed Hermanus Medical Village will open its doors to the public in February 2017.

Medical Village will also play an important role in providing treatment to those in the Overstrand Municipality.

Dudley Annenberg, MD of Annenberg Property Group, with Deputy Mayor of Overstrand Municipalily, Dudley Coetzee.

From left are Brian Evans, Dr Johann Slazus and Dr Louis Boezart (Hermanus Day Hospital), Dudley Annenberg (Annenberg Property Group), Stanley Snyman and Dries Kok (Spescare Hermanus) and Dr John Duminy (Hermanus Oncology Centre).

PHOTOS: Keith Murray

“People residing in these areas would need to travel to Cape Town or Somerset West for oncology treatment, with the only other oncology facility in the region being even further afield in George on the Garden Route. In fact, our research has shown that a third of the patients at Somerset West’s oncology centre are from this region,” said Dr John Duminy, who will be heading the new centre.

According to Annenberg, the Hermanus Medical Village will also include a 20-bed sub-acute facility offering a comprehensive range of specialist rehabilitation services that will be provided by

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, social workers and case managers.

All these medical disciplines will occupy an entire wing of the village while the other wing will be occupied by Hermanus Elderly Care Place, which will offer a frail care facility with 20 private en-suite rooms and 17 double en-suite rooms on a rental basis.

Deputy Mayor Dudley Coetzee concluded the speeches by saying that the value of the new centre cannot be underestimated.

“Hermanus Medical Village will make an undeniably positive contribution to the local economy by bringing medical expertise to the region and drawing patients to Hermanus from outside of town,” he said.

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13 December 2016

Mina Cup reaches out to Overstrand women

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few months ago, a group of 37 women met at the Mock Turtle with the objective of friends bringing their friends together, as well as joining the Million Women Mina Cup Challenge.

The Mina Cup has been developed in South Africa and is designed to offer an alternative to conventional sanitary ware, particularly for young girls who are unable to buy monthly supplies.

Numbers for medical emergencies

My Health

EMS Provincial Ambulance 028 312 3219 / Emergency number: 10177

who weren’t able to make the lunch. This generous donation purchased thirty Mina Cups that will be distributed in the Overstrand region early next year.

Research indicates that girls in this situation are often forced to use the most basic of means – at times, having to resort to socks stuffed with leaves or bark. Many of these girls miss a significant amount of school as a result of not having access to sanitary ware – and five days a month equates to roughly 50 schooldays a year.

To this end, Zodi Nomvulo from Qhayiya Secondary School in Zwelihle, and Desiree Brewell and Jennifer Smith from Hawston Secondary School have volunteered to be the support staff for the girls who will use the Mina Cup. They will host the Happy with a Purpose facilitators when they run a training session here in February 2017.

The Mina Cup is a re-usable latex cup, designed to last for five years, and it provides girls with safe and hygienic sanitary protection that enables them to retain their health and dignity and to live their lives fully throughout the month.

A huge thank you must be expressed to all of those women who have made this possible. But, this is just a start. Thirty cups are a drop in the ocean for the girls in our area who are in need of the Mina Cup.

Back to the gathering at Mock Turtle. Not only did everyone enjoy a delicious lunch and make new friends, but they also dug deep into their pockets.

R6 000 was donated by them and a number of other women

The idea for the first fundraiser was developed by members of the Dinner Bookings book club and they would like to challenge other groups in the Overstrand to meet or beat the amount

EMR Private Ambulance 076 585 0899 Hermanus Provincial Hospital 028 312 1166

they raised. Regular fundraisers will be held, but should anyone like to make a Christmas donation towards this initiative, they can contact Peta McAdam at peta.mcadam@gmail.com for further information.

Local women recently gathered at the Mock Turtle in support of the Million Women Mina Cup Challenge (above). The Overstrand Mina Cup support team, from left: Zodi Nomvulo, Jennifer Smith and Desiree Brewell.

WWW.MINACUP.ORG

Hermanus Mediclinic Private Hospital 028 313 0168 Hermanus Pharmacy / Clinic 028 312 4039 Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 18:30 Sat: 08:00 – 13:00 & 18:30 – 19:30 Sun & public holidays: 10:00 – 12:00 & 18:30 – 19:30 Alex Grant Pharmacy / Clinic 028 312 4847 Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 17:30 Sat: 08:00 – 13:00 After-hour emergencies: 028 312 4039 Onrus Pharmacy / Clinic 028 316 1515 Mon – Fri: 08:30 – 18:00 Sat: 08:30 – 13:00 Sun & public holidays: 10:30 – 12:00

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13 December 2016

My Home

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13 December 2016

Tips to keep your home safe this summer

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ith thousands of visitors to our shores enjoying their holidays, it is not only local businesses that are doing brisk trade. Criminal syndicates are at the ready to take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere in town.

All towns in the Overstrand have seen a considerable increase in crime over the past few months, with especially break-ins escalating at an alarming rate.

According to security expert and Voëlklip resident Theuns Coetzee, there are currently on average 100 break-ins per month in Hermanus. “In October there were 22 cases in Voëlklip alone, of which 5 were violent. In one incident there were break-ins at 6 houses all happening at the same time,” he says.

Elmarie van Dalen, provincial co-ordinator of AfriForum, has been working tirelessly in creating and assisting neighbourhood watches in the area. “If 30 or more residents in a suburb join AfriForum and ask for the creation of a neighbourhood watch, we provide both the training and equipment free of charge,” she said. The monthly cost of joining Afriforum is R50.

DO’S DO’S

My Home The equipment includes twoway radios, reflective bibs, torches, spotlights and rooflights for patrol vehicles.

“The aim is to assist with the creation of a number of neighbourhood watches in the area, which in turn will allow us to create a centralised control room from which anti-crime activities can be monitored and directed. We work in conjunction with the SAPS, security companies and other law enforcement agencies to help combat crime effectively,” says Elmarie.

AfriForum has already assisted asisted several neighbourhood watches in the area and run the neighbourhood watches in Fisherhaven, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Franskraal. They are also assisting with the creation of a watch group in Zwelihle.

To provide the home owners, tenants or visitors with advice on how to reduce homerelated crime risks, find below a list of do’s and don’ts for consideration.

Ensure you identify all visitors prior to opening gates or doors. Install a door viewer/vision panel and safety chain/safety latch.

Confirm all maintenance or installation crews’ IDs with their employer prior to allowing them entry to the property.

Ensure all ground and basement windows are fitted with locks and secure all sliding windows/doors with a wooden dowel placed on the door/window tracks.

Ensure that all valuables and important documents are photocopied, authenticated and securely locked away, preferably in secured safe.

Lock away all duplicate keys

and if you lose your keys, immediately replace the locks.

Install an alarm system with adequate panic buttons throughout the home. Test the alarm at least every 6 months and prior to leaving on holiday.

Keep the garage and other storerooms locked while not in use to prevent theft and prevent intruders from using items as weapons.

Keep large trees or plants trimmed down, open underneath and away from windows and doors, especially close to the driveway and main entrance. Plant thorn plants close to windows.

Install outer lights that are controllable from inside and consider motion detection lighting.

Residents, holiday home-owners and visitors are urged to join AfriForum and their respective neighbourhood watches to ensure that properties are kept safe during the whole year.

To join AfriForum, call Elmarie van Dalen on 079 366 1000 or email her at el-me@webmail.co.za. For more information, visit www.afriforum.co.za

Don’ts

DONT’S

Never leave your keys under a doormat or pot plant.

Never leave the outer doors open or unlocked or leave the keys in the door while you work in the garden, visit the neighbour or hang up the washing.

Never leave valuables in your vehicle or at home in areas where potential intruders can easily observe these items.

Do not leave curtains open at night. You should never be visible inside the bedroom while you sleep.

Never go outside alone to investigate at night. Call

SAPS, a security company or your neighbour for assistance.

Never inform strangers that you are / will be at home alone, or discuss your holiday plans in public.

Never employ casual workers without a solid reference. Make a copy of ID documents. Do not allow casual workers to work inside the house without direct supervision.

Don’t leave any item outside that an intruder can step on to reach the windows.

Never leave a message on the answering machine that you are out of town – rather ask callers to leave a number and tell them that you will get back to them.

Emergency Numbers: Overstrand Fire & Rescue Overstrand Law Enforcement Ambulance Overstrand Municipality 24-hr Emergency Marine & Coastal Management Hermanus Provincial Hospital Hermanus Mediclinic Hermanus Child Welfare Kleinmond Child Welfare Hermanus Animal Welfare Hermanus Police Gansbaai Police Stanford Police Kleinmond Police

028 313 8980 028 313 8111 10177 028 312 2400 028 313 2703 028 313 5200 028 313 0168 028 313 0831 028 271 4044 028 312 1281 028 313 5300 028 384 0201 028 341 0601 028 271 8200

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13 December 2016

Open your heart and home to needy children Hedda Mittner

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e have limited resources and the need for social services in the Overstrand is great,” says Luzanne Naudé, social worker at the Hermanus branch of Badisa. “We desperately need the help and support of the community to continue making a difference in the lives of needy children.”

Badisa is a social services organisation with offices in Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai, and provides assistance in the areas of Children & Families; Elderly Care; Disability Care; and Substance Dependency.

Registered as an NPO and PBO, and affiliated to the DRC and URCSA, Badisa’s revenue is partly funded by the government’s Department of Social Development, but the grant does not even fully cover the salaries of their staff members.

provided for the child is temporary and that the family can be reunited as soon as circumstances improve.”

Helping Hand Here in Hermanus, Luzanne’s main focus is on vulnerable children who are in need of safe care and foster care.

Many children, especially in the poorer communities, live in challenging circumstances due to domestic conflict and violence, poverty and unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse, mental instability of parents or care givers, neglect and abandonment.

Working within the directives of the Children’s Act, Luzanne is tasked with investigating reports of child abuse or neglect. “We are usually alerted through the school, clinic, neighbours or friends, and sometimes it is even the parents or care givers themselves that are unable to cope and contact us for help.”

While Hermanus Child

WARM HEART Luzanne Naudé, social worker at Badisa Hermanus Welfare’s jurisdiction covers the area from Swartdam Road to Fisherhaven, Badisa’s area runs in the other direction, from Swartdam Road to just beyond Voëlklip.

“We try to keep children with their biological parents and our first priority is to support the family by offering parenting and life skills training,” says Luzanne. “But sadly, there are sometimes cases where it is in the best interest of the child to be removed from the home and placed in safe care. This is a

legal placement and the process is monitored and supported on a continual basis, and reassessed by the courts every two years.

“During this time, contact between the child and its biological parents is maintained, even if visits have to take place under supervision,” says Luzanne.

“We offer support to both the biological and safe care parents through training and workshops, and also offer family reunification services in the hope that the safe care

However, there is a great shortage of safe care and foster parents in Hermanus, says Luzanne. “People are often more willing to take a cute little baby than an older child, especially those that have developed behavioural problems because of their unfortunate circumstances.

There is often an acute need to remove a child from its family but we have no-one willing to provide a safe home for the child. It is very frustrating, and I would like to appeal to the community of Hermanus to open their hearts and homes to these children.”

Luzanne has worked with needy children for over 20 years. With a master’s degree from the University of Pretoria, she was the social worker at a school for children with disabilities in

Pretoria for eight years, and during this time also worked as an intermediary for the Restorative Justice Centre. She relocated to Hermanus four years ago and is raising her 13year-old daughter Megan as a single parent.

Besides the urgent need for safe care parents, Badisa Hermanus requires the help of volunteers to assist them with taking children on outings as part of their life skills training, to donate old clothes and homeware such as linen and curtains, as well as food parcels, and to assist in the running of their second-hand shop on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Financial assistance is also much needed and will enable Badisa to provide additional services to needy children such as after-care and therapy.

The Badisa office is located at the Grobbelaar Hall on Marine Drive, opposite Swallow Park. Contact them on 028 312 3909 or admin@badisahsg.org.za

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13 December 2016

Local chess stars head to national champs Sarah Taylor

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eventy-three schoolchildren from the Overberg, of whom the youngest is six years old, head to Johannesburg this week to participate in the South African Junior Chess Championships (SAJCC).

The team, grouped together under the newly formed Overberg Chess Federation (OCF), will take part in the national double-tournament competition, which runs from 16 – 23 December.

The first tournament is a team event and ends on 19 December, while the second tournament is an individual wild card event.

OCF chairperson Kim Montgomery is thrilled: “A slogan I use often is: ‘A child in sport is a child out of court.’ In the Overberg, this is very applicable. Children playing chess have a very different focus to those who don’t…

We’ve seen marks improve by an average of 30% when children play chess.”

Seventeen pupils of local chess coach Marius van der Westhuizen will be participating at SAJCC. “Chess

is growing at a rapid rate and is fast becoming the primary sport in the Overberg schools.

I’m really happy to see so many of my pupils making the OCF team,” he says.

CHECKMATE The Lukhanyo Primary School girls who will be attending the SAJCC with their mentor Inga Mfundisi (second from the left, back), a pupil at Hermanus High School and one of coach Marius van der Westhuizen’s former pupils. Mfundisi will be an assistant coach at the SAJCC as well as a participant in the U 16, mixed-team category.

PHOTO: Build it!

The OCF was established in September 2016 and is an affiliated member of the Overberg Sport Council. It was formed alongside the Cape Winelands Federation after the Boland Schools Chess Union was dissolved to form OCF and the Cape Winelands Federation.

Affiliated to the OCF is the non-governmental organisation Chess for Change (C4C), which began offering free chess coaching to participating schools countrywide in 2005, in the Gr1-3 age group.

Of note is Lukhanyo Primary School in Zwelihle, where pupils were exposed to chess for the first time through C4C just three months ago. Eight girls from Lukhanyo have since qualified for the SAJCC. A fundraiser was held at Build it! in Zwelihle recently to raise funds for the girls to attend the SAJCC. C4C founder, American David Berman, pledged to contribute half the costs if the girls managed to raise the other half, which they succeeded in doing. It costs about R6 000 per person to attend the championships.

Recently, C4C held its first training workshop for parents and coaches, conducted by the Woman International Master (WIM) Anzel Laubscher.

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27 NEWS Sporting facilities available to our holiday makers 13 December 2016

H

ermanus is a mecca for sports enthusiasts and below are some of the activities that may be of interest to our visitors, together with the relevant information.

Sport

Golf The Hermanus Golf Club has a 27 hole golf course and is one of the most prestigious in the country. The course is in pristine condition and visitors will enjoy its magnificent layout, as well as the occasional appearance of the resident springbokkies.

Members' competitions take place on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and, other than these reserved days, visitors are welcome to enjoy a round of golf in these beautiful surrounds.

The club is open throughout the festive season and only closed on Christmas Day. Bookings open one week prior to play.

Visitors' fees for SA handicapped golfers (affiliated) are R455 and for non-handicapped SA golfers (non-affiliated) R655, for 18 holes of golf.

The popular 9 hole Twilight Special is open every day after 16:30 at a cost of R155, which includes a glass of wine, soft drink or a bottle of beer.

For bookings and further info, contact 028 312 1954.

Tennis and Squash The Hermanus Tennis and Squash Club is situated on the corner of Main and Spence Streets, next to the municipal offices. The club has three squash courts and four allweather tennis courts. The facility is open every day.

Visitors are welcome and the visitor fees for squash are R20 pp for a 45-minute session, and for tennis R25 pp for a onehour session.

A special price for use of the tennis court in December and January has been introduced, with visitors able to pay R15 pp, per one-hour session, if

TEE-OFF TIME Hermanus Golf Club

By Tony O’Hagan

the tennis courts are used between 11:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday. Visitors are also welcome to join social squash on Mondays and Wednesdays from 16:45 to 19:00 for a fee of R30. Social tennis on Wednesday and Saturdays from 15:00 – 17:00 is open to visitors at a fee of R40. The Hard Rock Squash Tournament will be held on Saturday 31 December and is also open to visitors. Courts may be booked at the club or by phoning 076 545 9778.

Bowls The Hermanus Bowls Club is situated in Magnolia Street, near the municipal offices.

The club has three greens, with club bowls open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Visitors are welcome with tabs in at 13:30 at a fee of R30. The greens are also open on Fridays and Sundays and bowls are available, if required. There is a bowls outlet at the club, selling the necessary equipment and apparel.

Bookings can be made at the club on 028 312 4073 or through the manager, Piet Meyer, on 083 952 4322.

KEEP ON ROLLING Hermanus Bowls Club

PEDAL TO THE METAL Mountain biking in Hemel-en-Aarde

The trail begins at Euodia Cycles at Hemel-en-Aarde Village where the necessary permits can be obtained at R50 per day for adults and R25 for scholars. Euodia Cycles is open from 09:00 – 17:00 on weekdays, and from 09:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays.

Permits are obtainable at all times outside the shop premises, where an honesty book system is in operation.

All the necessary information is clearly displayed outside the main entrance to the shop. For further info, visit hermanusadventures.co.za

Fly Fishing

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD Trail running through beautiful scenery

Mountain Biking Visitors can enjoy bike trails through the scenic Hemel-enAarde Valley, along terrain that includes farm roads, jeep

tracks and single tracks. Also, through the wonderful wine estates on route, where a stop for refreshments is the order of the day. Mountain bike trails are designated by colour - green (6,5km), blue (12,5km), red (35km), black (42km) and long black (68km).

The picturesque dam situated on Sumaridge wine estate in the magnificent Hemel-enAarde Valley is available to anyone who would like to try their hand at fly fishing. The dam is very well stocked with rainbow trout, so why not order a picnic and a bottle of wine from the tasting room while enjoying the experience. The cost for visitors is R100 pp and bookings can be made with Cherry at Hermanus Property Sales on 028 313 0914.

Sea Kayaking CATCH OF THE DAY Fly fishing at Sumaridge dam

This is organised by Walker

Bay Adventures and is an extremely popular guided ecomarine tour. The kayaks leave from the Old Harbour three times daily at 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00. Other than Christmas Day, these tours are available throughout the festive season.

The guided tour is a 90 min adventure at a cost of R350 pp. Enquires and bookings via Herman on 082 739 0159.

Running/Walking Whalers Athletic Club organises time trial fun runs on a Thursday evening at 18:00 and runners gather at the market area near the cricket club.

Runners and walkers set off on either a 3km, 5km or 8km circuit (individual choice), which takes participants around the Eastcliff area.

Visitors can join the Hermanus parkrun every Saturday morning at 08:00. It takes place in the Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

17 December is an important date on the Whalers’ calendar as this is earmarked for the cashkows.com sponsored 6km and 10km run. The run starts from the parking area at Onrus beach and holiday makers are welcome to participate. Starting time is 07:00 and the organisers will be available from 05:30 onwards.

Entry fees are R50 for licensed runners and R80 for nonlicensed runners. Participants can enter on the day or on www.enteronline.co.za for preentries.

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13 December 2016

Schools Hermanus High celebrates 75 years New principal for Curro Hermanus H ermanus High School commemorated its 75th anniversary with several special events during the year.

Celebrations started early with a cricket festival in January, where former South African cricketer Eric Simons acted as guest speaker.

A couple of weeks later – on 25 January – the school’s history and achievements were celebrated at the Founder’s Day. Specific mention was made of the academic achievements of Mervyn Gotsman, Danie Coetzee, Bjorn Ladewig and Nita Wiegman.

Mervyn achieved second place on the Cape Province’s merit list in 1951 and later served as the personal physician of Israeli Prime Minister Menachen Begin. In 1994, Danie and Bjorn were number one and two respectively on the Cape’s merit list, while Nita achieved second place in South Africa in 2014.

their skills on this fantastic new sport feature, sponsored by selfless members of the community. At the end of the day, Hermanus High was crowned inter-school champions for 2016.

A number of events commemorating the 75-year reunion took place over the same weekend. More than 400 alumni from just about every corner of the country – and even from abroad – gathered at a cheese-andwine function on the Friday to reminisce about the “good old days”. This was followed by a formal gala dinner on the Saturday.

C

Three generations of the Clark family attended Hermanus High School.

The reunion weekend was concluded with a special church service on the Sunday morning.

The school thanks all the staff, learners and parents who made this special year the resounding success that it was.

The Grade 10 Revue group.

In April, a record number of 485 learners participated in the Revue, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey spanning 75 years. The old favourite “Lily Marlene” reminded people of Hermanus High’s first principal, MR HG Lomburgh, who fought in World War II. In August, the annual winterschool fixture against old rivals Overberg High School coincided with the inauguration of the school’s very own astro turf.

For the first time in Hermanus High’s history, the hockey boys and girls were able to show off

From pre-school to high school – these former learners spent all their school years in Hermanus, starting in Babbel & Krabbel and matriculating from Hermanus High.

urro Holdings recently announced the appointment of Johannes Mouton (photo right) as Executive Head of Curro Hermanus, following the departure of the previous head, Hennie Mentz.

Johannes has been acting Executive Head of Curro Hermanus since July, when he relocated to Hermanus from Durban, where he had been the Executive Head of Curro Embury.

starting their new life in Hermanus in January.

Although he has only been here for a few months, Johannes says he already feels very much at home in Hermanus, a town he’d never even visited before. “It’s a beautiful environment,” he says. “The climate is great and the people are friendly. I’ve also noticed that it is a very caring community with countless charity drives and organisations. At Curro Hermanus it is also our mission to give back to the community and to this end we’ll be getting involved with pre-school educational training in the township next year.”

Johannes is full of praise for the educators at Curro Hermanus.

“Because our classes are small we can guarantee individual attention to each learner,” he says. “By providing a sound foundation during the early years, our learners are able to perform exceptionally well in high school and our results speak for themselves.”

As a family man, Johannes says Hermanus offers a better quality of life than large metro areas. “The children here are growing up in a more rural and protective environment,” he says. His own family, wife Mari, who also works for Curro Holdings, daughter Sonique (13) and son Bryant (10) stayed behind in Durban to finish the school year, but are looking forward to joining Johannes and

“An effective school characterised by high overall student achievement with no significant gaps across the major student subgroups. A school instilling religious and family values that are clearly reflected in the learners’ daily lives, built on high expectations, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to learning for all, collaboration, differentiated instruction, and frequent monitoring of student progress.”

Curro Hermanus will also be expanding next year with the addition of a separate building for the high school and an indoor heated swimming pool.

The school is looking forward to a bright future in Hermanus, which Johannes summarises as: