The Village News 15 November 2016

Village

NEWS The

15 November 2016

Cape Whale Coast

5-STAR WINNERS

HARVEY TYSON 07

WRITE ANGLE Win a book hamper for summer

Winemakers taste success

Scratching his writing itch

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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Team Kross Bikes BiXS Pros Konny Looser and Fabian Giger obliterated the final stage of the FNB Wines2Whales Mountain Bike (MTB) Race on Sunday, 13 November, securing the overall Champions Title in an impressive combined time of 08:03:50 after three grueling days of racing.

PHOTO: Tobias Ginsberg

New resort development for De Mond De Waal Steyn

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ermanus will soon boast a brand-new holiday resort replete with selfcatering units, an international hotel, conference facilities, a wellness spa and a restaurant.

The development, said to be in the region of R400 M, will be situated at the site of the old De Mond Caravan Park in Voëlklip.

The closure of the caravan park in 2013 made headlines after several long-time residents were forced to move out.

contracts and we are expecting to hand over the site for development by January 2017,” says Town Planning Manager Riaan Kuchar.

“Approval of the development follows after a tender process that lasted more than a year. The tender was awarded to the Pretoria-based Pohl Property Development Group. We will be meeting with them at the end of November to finalise the

The development is based on a 45-year lease agreement with the Municipality.

According to the development proposal, the project proposes a mixed use resort development and the design concept fosters a

sensitive environmental approach, whereby the milkwood forests, beach sensitivity areas and heritage conditions dictate the proposed resort layout.

The project aims at catering for a variety of clients, ranging from weekend visitors from Cape Town to corporate clients and wine tasting tourists. Conferencing facilities, a wellness and fitness centre, as well as an

exclusive restaurant form primary anchor points that will attract not only the local community, but also a wider catch net of users.

The proposed architecture forms a unity with the landscape, by introducing low-rise, flat-roof concrete buildings that allow for planted roofs and more usable space. This urban concept allows for sea views from the adjacent properties

and buildings located behind the proposed precinct. This architectural language also celebrates the uniqueness of the precinct and places the development in a luxurious class. In essence, the building orientation is centralised around sea views to the south, as well as mountain views to the north. The development also allows for pedestrian access and movement along a scenic promenade.

More on P3

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NEWS Development will add value to our region

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15 November 2016

This week saw the approval of the De Mond development, bringing years of legal wrangling to an end.

model in future, much economic potential can be unlocked. To name but a few, one can only imagine the potential of developing our harbours (such as was done in Kleinmond), our CBDs and other public areas that are currently underutilised.

Editorial Comment

For everyone who is aware of what has transpired over the past few years at De Mond, it should be a relief to know that the development will go ahead and that it will add value to our region. With the Whale Coast becoming an ever popular tourist destination, it is important for us to offer visitors a wide variety of options.

size is of the utmost importance for our region and the fact that the development is done in conjunction with the Municipality bodes well for future private/public partnerships.

An economic injection of this

Through building on this

By De Waal Steyn

Combined with the news this week of the amazing showing of local wines in the 2017 Platter's Wine Guide (read more on P9), we as a community need to be proud of our achievements and all that is being done to not only attract more visitors, but also

to create an economically vibrant environment.

Our winemakers deserve a toast for all their hard work.

We as locals need to spend more time visiting our wine routes, and tasting and enjoying these award-winning wines.

The past week has also brought with it news that plans to scare the baboons out of town are well underway (read more on P4). Those who have fallen victim to the devastation a troop of baboons can bring, will surely

Letters and opinions No whales in Walker Bay When we first came here we were very privileged to watch a whale giving birth in the “nursery” along Cliff Street and listening to the noise they made every night. At the time, we saw so many whales from July to December, and there was only one whalewatching boat operating in the area. They never came close to the cliffs, staying out in the bay near die Plaat.

However, in the week of 18 October that changed. At 07:30 the first boat was right here in front of the rocks crowding the whales towards the cliffs. Two more boats arrived and they were here until 17:30. That night the 2 – 4 remaining whales left and we haven’t seen any since.

October is the time the calves are playing and getting ready for the long trip back, and they swim up and down, getting stronger for the journey. No animals will allow any intrusion to their offspring, so why should whales be any different.

Supporters of boat-based whale watching have

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based tourism will soon turn into a dead duck.

reported that whales are curious and will approach the boats.

Lynn Brunette

However, does it occur to these people to consider the whale’s motivation? Is the whale wondering “What is that strange and interesting thing over there?” Or is the whale thinking “What is this intruder doing in my sanctuary?”

Meredith Thornton, Volunteer Manager and Research Co-ordinator at Dyer Island Conservation Trust, replies:

Returning to the quotes by Meredith Thornton, published in The Village NEWS, 6 September 2016, stating that when the whales were hunted almost to extinction they continued to return to the same areas again.

The annual whale survey did indeed show low numbers, but this was the case all along the coast, even in areas like St Sebastian Bay and De Hoop that have never been boatbased whale-watching areas.

There were less than 60 cowcalf pairs along the whole coast, when there normally are more than 200.

Of course in those days they had sailing boats, not high revving irritating outboard motors. As whales are able to communicate under water for over 200 km, it would take a brave person to declare that they are not affected by the noise.

Southern right whale calls do not transmit so far as 200 km under water. The new harbour in Gansbaai to Die Plaat and 1 nautical mile offshore is an exclusion zone.

Boats are also only allowed to approach whales one boat at a time.

We are not suggesting that all our whale populations have been reduced, but that the whales will naturally seek quieter waters - De Hoop for example - and if the degree of intense harassment they are being subjected to in Walker Bay continues, the golden goose of whale-watching

We still don't know why the numbers are low and perhaps we will never know, but the numbers in South America were lower too.

However, when boat-based whale-watching is conducted correctly, then there is little to no effect on the animals' behaviour.

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We ask all residents and visitors to respect the nature of our baboons as wild animals and not to feed them or make access to garbage bins easy.

That is the Good News. – Ed

Dogs on Cliff Path

Send your letter to news@thehermanusnews.co.za

We have lived in this house at De Kelders since 1989 and I think it is one of the best whale-watching spots in this area.

heave a sigh of relief. But we have to take cognisance that the baboon problem will not magically disappear once the virtual fence has been established. It will take some time (and noise) to bring it home to the baboons that our residential areas are neither a safe haven nor a source of yummy human food.

On Thursday 27 October, between 16:30 and 18:00, on a narrow section of the Cliff Path between Sieverspunt and Kwaaiwater, I was knocked down by two fighting dogs, in the presence of their respective owners.

One of the dogs - Labrador size and a bit of a mixture was on a leash. The other, a Weimaraner, was not on a leash.

Regrettably I sustained significant injuries to my left ankle and to my right hand which have caused pain, inconvenience, and also resulted in medical costs. It was disappointing to note that neither owner was particularly concerned as to my wellbeing or the severity of my injuries. I am a robust, fit, and almost 70- year-old and was walking with my husband and a friend, but I have concerns for older, frailer citizens - especially those walking on their own and for small children.

I am aware that there are arguments for and against dogs being on a leash, and of some proposals suggesting certain times and places for dogs to be allowed off their leashes.

However, my understanding of the current by-laws is that dogs may be walked on the Cliff Path, provided they are on a leash and under the control of the person walking the dog.

I love dogs and part of the

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reason I so enjoy walking in Hermanus is to observe the joy and enthusiasm of our furry friends. My objection is to the irresponsible, and sometimes inconsiderate, owners. After an incident like mine, it would be common decency for the owner of the dog/s to provide their details so that the victim is able to receive reimbursement for such medical attention, or other compensation as is necessary, as a result of the incident.

This is an appeal to find a solution which looks to the needs of walkers and dogowners.

Kathie Buley Eastcliff Coenie Groenewald, Municipal Manager responds as follows: The provisions of subsection 6(2) of the 2008 By-law relating to the Keeping of Dogs and Cats is still applicable, and must be complied with. Section 6(2) and (3) of this By-law clearly stipulate that "No person may or cause to be allowed any dog to be in a public place unless it is kept on a leash".

Section 15(1) of this By-law further states that any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offense.

Any reported contravention of this By-law can be reported to the Municipality’s Law Enforcement at 028 313 8000.

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15 November 2016

Neighbourhood watch for Voëlklip De Waal Steyn

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t is an undeniable fact that crime in our towns is on the increase and therefore we as community need to take a stand and ensure our safety. We cannot ignore it anymore and if we do not act proactively we will find ourselves in an untenable position,” said Ward 3 Councillor Kari Brice, at a public meeting last week to discuss the establishment of a neighbourhood watch in Voëlklip.

According to security expert and Voëlklip resident Theuns Coetzee, break-ins in particular have increased dramatically in the Overstrand. “On average there are now 100 break-ins per month in Hermanus. In October there were 22 cases in Voëlklip alone, of which 5 were violent,” he said.

Thomas van Dalen, provincial coordinator of AfriForum, told some 100 residents of Ward 3 that the

civil-rights organisation was at the ready to assist with the creation of a neighbourhood watch.

“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,” he said. The monthly cost of joining Afriforum is R50.

The equipment includes two-way radios, reflective bibs, torches, spotlights and roof-lights 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 effectively combat crime,” said Thomas.

According to him, Hermanus and

surrounds are the target of wellorganised crime syndicates.

“They are highly organised and efficient in what they do. Often they will drive up to a house with a bakkie, take out a window or door, load all the valuables including TVs, dishwashers and fridges, and make their getaway within 5 minutes. They are as ruthless as they are effective and the easy access routes make escape for them very easy. It is the aim of a neighbourhood watch to provide visible policing and scare off any potential criminals,” he said.

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

On the question as to why these services are not offered by Hermanus Public Protection

(HPP), as residents pay a special monthly levy to fund HPP, it was mentioned that 95% of the breakins occur between 12:00 at night and 07:00 in the morning. “HPP only services the area from dawn until 20:00,” said Kari. “A neighbourhood watch will be in addition to the services provided

by HPP.” Theuns said the establishment of a neighbourhood watch is extremely urgent. “We know from information gathered that the syndicates are also preparing for the season. They are aware that the visitors who come here are relaxed and not focussed on safety and security and that makes them easy targets. We have to ensure that these syndicates have a dismal season,” he said.

The vast majority of residents at the meeting voted in favour of the establishment of a neighbourhood watch. A follow-up meeting will be held shortly. For more information, call Elmarie van Dalen on 079 366 1000.

New development to enhance tourism focus on strategically located properties that are linked to tourism. The focus is then to upgrade and develop these properties to improve quality of life and to establish an enabling environment for job creation in partnership with the private sector.

From P1 The development site encompasses various portions, including the old caravan park which consists of approximately 9,74 hectares of vacant land and the Klein River Lagoon Park, which measures 6 279 m² and has basic sewer and water services and access roads.

The Prawn Flats portion includes a boat launch site with two boat ramps and a separate entrance.

Selkirk Cottage, situated on the Prawn Flats, is approximately 150 m². It is a fenced, stand-alone historical building which is listed on the Heritage Register and must thus be preserved due to its historical value. The developer is expected to include the cottage in its site development plan and look after its preservation.

Excluded from the development are the lagoon edge, the Sea and Sand area and the Voëlklip solid waste drop-off.

The Municipality obtained the land (also known as The Fishery) in 1942 by way of a Crown Grant.

The Crown Grant stipulated that the land may not be sold and must be used for the purposes of a public resort and recreational purposes.

“Initially the property was used for that purpose, but over the years, various lease agreements were concluded that eventually culminated in the usage of the caravan park by its residents’ association and therefore excluded members of the broader public.

1. Main entrance (existing access) 2. Proposed gatehouse 3. Public square 4. Self-catering duplex units 5. Public parking 6. Hotel 7. Movie house parking 8. Movie house 9. Conferencing/hotel lobby 10. Restaurant/kitchen/reception 11. Restaurant 12. Public deck 13. Milkwood forests 14. Public pool 15. Wellness centre (sports, gym & spa) 16. Bowls court 17. Tennis court 18. Heritage building (Craftmans Deli & Shop) 19. Temporary structure (Jetty sun-downers deck) 20. Fishery restaurant 21. Existing jetty (to be upgraded) 22. Public boardwalk (on 5m contour line) 23. Staff accommodation 24. General camping 25. Camping ablutions 26. Cummunial public space

“The primary goals of the development will be to provide public resort facilities that will increase visitor numbers to Hermanus, especially during the traditional low and mid seasons, and create much needed job opportunities (primarily for members of the local community) during the construction and operational phases,” says Riaan.

According to him the partnership between the developers and the Municipality is important to create an environment where public investment initiatives

“The proposed development fits perfectly into the above scenario. It is consistent with the spatial vision and policy directives of the Overstrand Municipality, compatible with the spatial trends in the surrounding area, and would contribute to the spatial objectives of integrated development, conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and optimal use of existing urban areas rather than increasing the urban footprint,” says Riaan.

The proposed resort development of the site could potentially contribute to further enhancing Hermanus as one of the most sought-after holiday and tourist destinations in the Western Cape.

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15 November 2016

Plans to scare baboons almost a reality them away. The sound boxes play amongst others predator calls and alarms, and make use of ‘bear bangers’, a small pyrotechnic device that makes a loud bang.”

baboons for us.”

De Waal Steyn

P

lans to scare baboons out of town by using, amongst others, the roar of lions, the sound of animals dying or in distress and even small pyrotechnics that produce a loud bang, are one step closer to becoming a reality.

According to Liezl de Villiers, Senior Manager for Environmental Management Services at the Municipality, a R50 000 grant received from Ward 3 has been used to buy some of the equipment necessary to implement the project. “We were able to pay for the electronic relay stations that need to be erected on the mountain so that we are able to track the baboons electronically. We have also been able to procure the services of a veterinarian who is certified to dart and collar two

Liezl says a further R61 000 is needed to buy the rest of the equipment, which includes the sound boxes that will be used to scare the baboons, and a handheld unit to track their movements. “We have so far received pledges of R20 000 from Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) and R10 000 from the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association. We have also received the cooperation of at least four volunteers who will assist in monitoring the baboons and deploying the sound boxes when necessary,” she says.

Earlier this year residents agreed unanimously at a Ward 3 meeting that a proposal by the company Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) be accepted to assist in creating a virtual fence to keep baboons out of town.

The Fernkloof troop has been terrorising residents for many

years, despite several attempts ranging from fencing to baboon monitors and even shooting them with paintball guns.

According to Ziggy Rode from HWS, the idea behind the scheme is to create both “a virtual fence on the urban edge and a landscape of fear

for the baboons”.

“We create this environment by collaring both the dominant male and female of the troop. With the collars we will be able to track the movements of the troop via cellphones. If they get too close to town, the sound boxes are deployed to scare

In this way a “virtual boundary” is created and the baboons will accept that town is a potentially dangerous place where they dare not venture. According to Ziggy, the Fernkloof troop uses Die Grot above Voëlklip in summer and the golf course in winter as their sleeping grounds. “We need to change that behaviour and move the baboons higher up into the mountains to find a new sleeping place.”

According to HWS this is a humane way of moving baboons out of urban areas.

There is no need for culling, physical fences or a lot of baboon monitors. “We have implemented this system in Gordon’s Bay and only had to

use the sound boxes on two occasions since 12 January. The baboons have not ventured into town again,” says Ziggy.

By scaring the baboons higher into the mountains they will not be kept away from any of their natural food sources. The pyrotechnics disintegrate in the air and no fires caused by this have been recorded since 2012.

In the 2012/’13 municipal budget, R1,3 million was spent on baboon monitoring. In 2014/’15, the cost was about R600 000. The baboon monitoring programme has also been terminated and at present there are no alternative plans on the table.

Residents of Ward 3 have indicated that a fund-raising event will be organised to assist in raising the outstanding amount that is needed to get the project off the ground.

Close encounters with aliens, baboons and a Mexican

A

s it turned out, it wasn’t an alien that the Adams twins saw. Admittedly, they had partaken of the giggly-twig and were deep into their third beers, but they both definitely saw it.

From their stoep they could see far down Heaven’s Valley, past The Duck ’n Fiddle to where the Restless River curved left towards the lagoon. Dusk had sucked out the surrounding colours and the purples and greys had taken over. The only visible lights were star-twinkles on the river and Druiwe du Toit’s farmhouse further down on the opposite bank.

And that was when they saw it.

Across the river, a white shape about the size of a petrol pump was wafting through the fynbos along the riverbank.

They both leaned forward in their deck chairs, and with eyes and mouths wide open, watched it drift up the valley

Wit’s End

mention it to anyone. Hell, people sneer openly if you believe in ET and flying saucers these days, but it didn’t stop the nagging feeling they’d had a close encounter. Well, fairly close – about a rugby field away. To their relief though, all was revealed the next evening at The Duck.

until it vanished. They looked at each other, and being identical twins, knew what the other was thinking. Why did it glow? Was it real? Of course – they both saw it.

Where did it go?

“… so you catch the alpha male and paint him white,” explained Druiwe. “Then when he goes back to his troop, they catch a major skrik and take to the hills. So he chases after them and they keep going… till maybe Namibia. No more baboons!”

Druiwe was well into his second bottle of Merlot and his face glowed like a glazed ham. He looked across at the Adams twins.

They settled back and decided it could only be an alien, and swore not to

“Have you ever tried to paint a baboon?” he challenged.

Murray Stewart

“No,” they answered in stereo. “ We don’t have one.”

“Well don’t try it,” lectured Druiwe, ignoring their baboon-free status. “They don’t stop thrashing about.

That’s why I got Sipho to help.” As a teenager, Sipho pitched up one day from his distant rural village, and has been Druiwe’s right-hand man on the farm ever since.

Sipho’s wife had packed her bags and moved out, vowing that she wasn’t sharing her bed with any white man, painted or not.

“We saw him last night,” said an Adams. “It looked like an alien,” said the other.

“Alien?” bellowed Druiwe.

“Don’t tell me you believe in aliens!”

Mexico. But here, no.”

Druiwe was gob-smacked. “You believe in aliens?”

“You believe in Bible?” she shot back.

“Of course,” snorted Druiwe.

“Well, where you thinking the archangels are coming from to helping Moses and Enoch and Noah?”

“It’s impossible. I had that blerry whitewash all over me.

And I was just holding the tin! But you should have seen Sipho – he was covered from top to bottom – and he didn’t want to get paint in his bakkie so he walked home.”

Just then Mitsy de la Cruz swayed into the pub. She’d recently immigrated from Mexico to start a Spanish dance school on her olive farm. This dynamic Penelope Cruz look-alike was a smash hit with the locals - especially the men.

“From Heaven.”

Bingo! thought the Adams twins simultaneously. It was Sipho they saw walking home last night, so they weren’t going mad. But it didn’t end there. When he arrived home,

“Hello compardres,” she greeted with a flash of exquisite pearlies.

“They being here from Adam and Eve,” Mitsy purred. “They even be making whoopie babies with us. Read your Bible, Druiwe. Genesis chapter 6: verse 1 to 8.”

“Did someone say ‘aliens’? she asked. “I see plenty times in

“Good! From somewhere else.

Like aliens, no?”

Druiwe was stumped. How could he defend the numerous biblical accounts of aliens, yet mock the concept today?

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15 November 2016

The dassie whisperer of Hermanus

Sarah Taylor

H

enry ‘Sparks’ Esterhuyzen is a wellknown figure in local circles as the ‘take-noprisoners’ father of the Sand en See lifeguard-training organisation, which he founded in 1971. But now he is making a name for himself for a very different reason and becoming quite a tourist attraction, surely featuring in thousands of holidaymakers’ photographs over the years.

But that’s not his intention. He just wants to see the rock hyraxes (‘dassies’) of Gearing’s Point in Hermanus protected from harm.

For the past two years, this exuberant 75-year-old has been feeding the colony of dassies that lives on the rocks near Gearing’s Point at least three times a week. He brings them brown bread, carrots and, once a week, dry dog food (“their pudding”) or a banana (“their favourite!”).

dassies that lived there had to flee from the dogs. They sought a new safe haven and so they came to Gearing’s Point,” he says, adding that they continue to face numerous perils.

Point, fenced off on the sea side of the cliff path, with wire that they can fit through, but dogs can’t.

“You can’t believe what a big attraction the dassies are.

When there are no whales about, but hundreds of tourists, they are all photographing the dassies… and sometimes me with the dassies! If we had a dassie sanctuary, people could come and feed them, if they brought the correct food, and photograph them and learn about these wonderful creatures. I will donate the first R1 000 to setting up such a sanctuary.

“People walk their dogs along the cliff path without leads and the dogs chase them.

Other people come to hunt them, slitting their throats for food. I’ve seen adults and children shooting at them with ketties (catapults), and laughing when they hit one.

Another problem is the municipal dustbins here. The dassies can get into them, where they eat the plastic and the cigarette butts… It’s not good for them.”

“Dassies are so beautiful and clever and agile,” he enthuses, offering a fresh carrot to a large one-eyed dassie perched on his lap, while on his shoulders another battles for supremacy and a bite of the juicy carrot, and a third contemplates making the leap from the ground onto his shoulder.

Sparks says both the Overstrand Municipality and CapeNature have reprimanded him for feeding the dassies, but he claims he is feeding them because their situation is not normal.

Sparks, who has lived in Hermanus on an off since he was two years old, says that when he was young there were no dassies living around Gearing’s Point.

“They have been chased out of their natural habitat. There isn’t enough natural food growing along the cliffs for them to eat, so they start eating out of the dustbins and this is not right,” he says.

“The municipality should put lids on these dustbins.”

“It was only when they took the fence away from around Hoy’s Koppie in the 1950s that the

Sparks’s dream is to see a rock rabbit sanctuary established along Gearing’s

Sparks Esterhuizen feeds the dassies at Gearing’s Point once a week. According to him they were chased out of their natural habitat and there is not enough natural food along the cliff paths for them to feed on. But this view has elicited strong comment on social media.

Follow us on Facebook/The Hermanus News to read more.

This is what the experts have to say Overstrand Municipality’s environmental officer Liezl de Villiers is adamant that wild animals should not be fed. “It is dangerous to feed the dassies and people can get bitten.

We approached Sparks about this but he was very difficult. It is true that we have open bins that the dassies can get into. The recycled plastic ‘roll’ bin we have erected elsewhere works for baboons but it won’t work for dassies, and we are concerned that the young ones could get stuck inside. We are looking into alternative solutions and between Johan van Taak (Solid Waste Planning Manager) and myself, we will find a more suitable solution.”

Rob Fryer, manager of Whale Coast Conservation, feels strongly that wild animals should be free to forage for their food in their natural habitat without interference.

“The quantity of food available limits the number of animals and maintains a natural balance of the number of animals and of the quantity food source. If they gain access to sources of food that are not normally found in their natural habitat, then the number of animals may increase above what the natural habitat can support. This could lead to animals not receiving sufficient food at certain times of the year if the artificial source of food is not in constant supply.

“Hand feeding of wild animals is particularly dangerous because animals begin to associate people with food and may become

aggressive if a person doesn’t offer food. This can cause otherwise docile, non-aggressive animals like seagulls and dassies to attack people for food, turning them into potentially dangerous ‘problem animals’.

This may end up resulting in the need to euthanase wild animals for public safety.

“Rubbish bins should be animal proof so that wild animals cannot access the contents.

People should not be allowed to feed wild animals. As far as fencing off areas of Gearing's Point to protect wild animals from dogs is concerned, this should not be necessary since dogs should not be running free in the natural habitat of wild animals.”

Local conservationist Chris Martens says: “People shouldn’t over-react about this. All over the place, for example, people are feeding wild birds, which then often get eaten by domestic cats… This is just life. We need to be realistic about it, see it in perspective and find constructive ways of living with wild animals in urban areas.

“The less we interfere with wildlife the better, but the point Sparks is making is valid and the Overstrand Municipality needs to look at a more nature-friendly refuse system… Once animals have learnt certain behaviour, it is very difficult to get them to ‘unlearn’ it. We have seen this with the baboons in Voëlklip and I think we should do what we can now to resolve the dassie situation without tension and with well thought-out plans.”

“I am a dassie man. Who wouldn’t be after spending time with them. Can you believe their nearest living relative is the elephant? I love these animals and now they want to come and tell me how to look after the dassies that I love? Of course I’ve been bitten. They bite me often when I am feeding them, but I am living proof that they don’t have rabies.”

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15 November 2016

Happy chickens make for healthy eggs Farming free-range eggs, the off-grid way in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Sarah Taylor

S

o, what do you think came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, for Elrika and Thys Visagie of Barné Eggs, it was the chicken. In 2012, they took over the running of an established free-range broiler chicken farm in the Hemel-enAarde Valley, with the assistance of four staff members.

By the end of the following year, they had moved into farming free-range eggs under the Barné Free Range brand, acquiring their first laying chickens in December 2013.

“All the slaughtering involved with breeding broilers just wasn’t for me,” says Elrika.

They have since bought a farm in the Tesselaarsdal area, where they have erected one chicken house, and are planning to relocate the other four from the Hemel-en-Aarde farm.

“We started with 30 000 chickens and we now have 58 000 chickens, and 18 staff members on the two farms,” says Elrika. “Each chicken can lay at least one egg a day, so at the moment we are selling more than 55 000 eggs a day.”

Their clients include The Marine hotel, Birkenhead House, the Hermanus Golf Club, Cocos restaurant, Pear Tree, Hermanus retailers like Van Blommestein Butchery in

Swartdam Road and the Delish Gourmet Deli in Voëlklip, as well as wholesalers who package and resell the eggs in the Western Cape.

Individuals are also welcome to pop into the Hemel-enAarde farm to buy eggs themselves.

The Barné Free Range chickens, which include HyLine and Lohmann hens, are fed only natural feed (grain and corn). According to Elrika, there are six to seven chickens per square metre inside the chicken houses, and the density outside is four to five chickens per square metre.

Thys and Elrika Visagie’s free-range chickens spend their days roaming outside their chicken house on the Barné chicken farm in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

“Our five chicken houses at the moment total 1 000 square metres, while our outside space is double that,” she says. “The feed lines for the chickens stop at 10am daily, when the staff go in to pick up the eggs by hand.

The eggs are then graded and packed, while the chickens spend the day roaming around outside, eating any worms and grubs they find until 4pm when we switch on the feed lines inside again.

“At the moment we are happy with the number of eggs our chickens are producing and we are not planning on expanding just yet, but we do have the space at Tesselaarsdal to add an extra two chicken houses to our existing five, if the demand

increases in future.”

What makes this free-range enterprise extra-special is that the Tesselaarsdal farm is completely off-grid and runs on solar power.

“Thys has been farming since he was a young man.

That is his passion and he lives for it. If he is in a bad mood, I tell him to go and sleep with his 50 000 other women!” says

Elrika, laughing.

And on that light-hearted note, just in case you were wondering what kind of shoes chickens wear, it’s…

Reebokbokboks, of course!

Benefits of free-range eggs When considering the nutritional value of eggs, the saying “you are what you eat” certainly holds true. Studies done in the 1970s, have indicated that eggs from hens with access to space and sunshine are better for you than eggs from hens kept in cages. Free range hens pass the benefit of more nutritious eggs on to you: • Less Fat and Cholesterol – Around 30% less cholesterol & 10% less fat. A lower fat and cholesterol intake is traditionally associated with lowered risk of stroke and heart disease.

• More Vitamin A – Freerange eggs contain between 40% and 70% more vitamin A than regular eggs. This is essential for the healthy development of bones, teeth, eyes and soft tissue. Vitamin A is also a great anti-oxidant which pro-tects your cells from damage.

• More Vitamin E – From double to triple the amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that also promotes healthy blood and circulatory system function.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Around double and sometimes as much as quadruple the amount of omega-3s. This is an essential fatty acid that the human body is unable to manufacture and which contributes significantly to heart health, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, and decreases the risk of some cancers, dementia, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even digestive disorders.

GOOD

NEWS

7

15 November 2016

Man with the writing itch publishes his ‘last’ three books De Waal Steyn

H

arvey Tyson is not a celebrity, he is neither a legend nor an icon, he is also not a public figure. In fact, he is simply well into his third retirement and on a quest to satisfy his “writing itch”.

With the release last week of the first part of his latest book On My Watch - Behind the News and the release of the second part, End of the Deadline by the end of November, satisfying his writing itch is just what Harvey does. The third is a travel book entitled Vanishing Places, exploring… well, vanishing places around the world.

Coincidentally, the author claims this will be his “last” three books.

projects promoting reading at the internationally-known Enlighten Education Trust.

Best of all: the books are printed in easy-to-read type... so you may not even need your spectacles.

With a glint in his eyes Harvey says that after the publication of the last three books he is ready to almost give up cycling, but he will still practice golf.

On My Watch is a recommended read if you're interested in history, politics, journalism or simply seeing life in South Africa over the last 80 years through Harvey's eyes.

Though many people know Harvey as a South African author and ex-newspaperman, and many may remember that he was the Editor of South Africa's largest daily newspaper The Star, there is always the lingering question: Who is this man?

“Who knows who one is? I truly wish I knew. Perhaps it might cause one to pause if one reread some curriculum vitae those unbalanced and selective documents designed to persuade potential employers, clients, friends, possible lovers or readers of books,” he says.

So, the best answer to who Harvey is, may just as well be found on the covers of his books. As columnist and friend, James Clarke puts it: He was definitely born… He was dubiously bred. Though groomed for the Church he was called to the bar, and there he fell among newspaperpersons. As a young reporter he enjoyed an interesting life, interviewing jailbirds and meeting many of a

INTO HIS THIRD RETIREMENT Harvey Tyson in the booklined study of his home in Hermanus. species that is almost extinct today - Beauty Queens. But journalism palled when he was promoted to political correspondent and forced to forage among birds of prey such as Verwoerd, Vorster and PW Botha.

Sitting in his book-filled study, amongst many drawings of birds, Harvey is adamant that the greatest pursuit in life is that of knowledge. “Yes, yes I have done many things in my life. I have travelled around the world, I have seen governments and leaders come and go, I have lost and found many a golf ball – all happenings that are the lifeblood of any journalist. But through all of this my burning passion has been for learning new things and sharing them.

“So, my self-imposed task in my ninth decade is to encourage those who never read worthwhile books – or have never had books in their homes – to do so now in any way we can provide text.”

Harvey’s latest books are not only available in printed format but also as e-books, and both offer a host of online references for further reading. A brilliant concept for those of us who always want to learn more than what an author offers. And rather unique, considering Harvey deems himself to be “illiterate on Twitter and resolutely unable to read Facebook”.

A portion of any profit from these books will go to

Born in Johannesburg on 27 September 1928, Harvey has spent 70 years of his life writing for the print media.

He reported daily on the birth, life and incipient death of apartheid. He interviewed Smuts and Malan as apartheid became the official policy in 1948, and talked to both Mandela and De Klerk as it began to crumble in 1990.

In his journalistic career, Harvey worked on nine different newspapers, including five South African dailies, The Times in London and The Scotsman in Edinburgh. He also corresponded for a number of other international media.

He was an assistant editor of The Daily News in Durban and The Argus in Cape Town before his editorship of The Star.

He was a political correspondent for several years and studied economics on sabbaticals at Oxford University and the University of Cape Town. For the past 20 years his main preoccupation

has been the threat to freedom of speech. He has addressed international conferences in Canada, Spain, Holland, Italy, Turkey, the United States and Britain. In 1987, against the wishes of State President PW Botha, he convened a conference in South Africa on ‘Conflict and the Press’, supported by leading newspapers in 17 countries, including some from behind the Iron Curtain.

In 1990 he was jointly awarded the SA Union of Journalists’ highest honour for ‘defending the press’s freedom in its most threatened hour’.

In the 1983 whites-only referendum on the tricameral constitution, Harvey, uniquely among the nation’s editors, refused to endorse either a yes or a no vote, instead advising readers to abstain.

The newsroom derision was swift, surfacing within hours in large letters on the editor’s noticeboard: “The Editor’s indecision is final.”

During his retirement he has written books in various styles on a variety of themes, including: Editors Under Fire (1993), A Walk on the Wild Side (1995), Itch of the Twitch (1996), Have Wings, Will Fly (1998), Birders of a Feather (an anthology, 1998), Laugh the Beloved Country (co-edited with author/columnist James Clarke, 2001) and Blood on the Path (2009).

Harvey and his wife Arlene retired to Hermanus in 1998, not far from his three children and one of his step-children – all of whom have, at one time or another, worked as fulltime journalists or practised as regular freelance writers.

“I have interviewed General Smuts on his death bed as a rookie reporter and have met many world leaders (including all prime ministers and presidents of South Africa) over the last 60 years. I have faced the guns of the Vopos behind the Iron Curtain and have climbed

mountains and cycled around France a few times. Now it’s time to re-read my favourite books as one tends to forget exactly what they are about and then share the knowledge I come across with as many people as possible.”

A witty gentleman with the memory of an elephant, he can still meet a “40 minute to print” deadline and finds Hermanus the best place on Earth.

However, the writing itch makes fishing, whale-counting and shark-diving impossible.

Showing off the array of cartoons that were drawn of him over the years, Harvey incidentally refers to a blackand-white photograph on the wall. “That’s a picture of all of us who have spent some time in prison during apartheid,” he says. But before your eyes can focus on the faces in the picture, Harvey shows off one of the cartoons depicting him in a rally car. “I raced in the annual Roof of Africa Rally ten times and every single year we crashed at least once or, with me as navigator, got temporarily lost in the mountains.

“You know,” he says, “amongst all the things on my CV it needs to be included that I once won the Argus Newspaper staff’s national golf trophy using a double digit handicap. And was awarded yet another trophy the following year! (It was for the longest, worst round of golf on record).”

Talking about his eventful life he notes: “My CV carefully omits all mention of the fact that I was adjudged in the 1990s to be the oldest, at 67, to climb Kilimanjaro from the back via the great Breech Wall (not on the tourist routes where nice people go). Best of all, I almost stayed up there…

No-one ever tells you the hardest part is getting down.”

Harvey is not a celebrity, he is neither a legend nor an icon, he is also not a public figure. He is simply a man who has lived life to its fullest.

15 November 2016

NEWS

GOOD

8 Thursday 17 November • Delville Wood – 100 Years On: Rev James Grey will be giving a riveting talk on the South African role in the destructive Battle of Delville Wood in World War I. At the Stanford Valley Guest Farm, at 10:30 for 11:00.

The presentation will be followed by a delightful lunch at Stanford Manor House. Tickets are R200 pp, in aid of the Stanford Conservation Trust, and available from maryknight78@gmail.com or the Stanford Tourism Office on 028 341 0340.

• Nice visits Creation: Join the Creation culinary team as they collaborate with Chef Kevin Grobler, head chef from the Michelin star restaurant, Jan, all the way from Nice, France. Enjoy a memorable gastronomic experience, at Creation tasting venue, from 18:00 – 23:00. R550 pp. Please note that space is very limited. To book, contact 028 212 1107 or salome@creationwines.co.za

• Classic Chardonnay Celebration: The Hemel-enAarde Wine Valley will present its first Classic Chardonnay Celebration, at the Thatch House on the edge of the Klein River Lagoon from 10:30 – 20:00.

Enjoy a formal tutored tasting hosted by Cape Master of Wine, Dr Winnie Bowman, followed by a Chardonnay pairing 3-course lunch created by some of the best chefs from the area. There will also be live music, picnics on the lawn and sunset cruises on the lagoon. Find all the details on www.hemelenaardewines.com and book online via www.quicket.co.za. For more information contact Dieter Odendaal on 082 659 2318 or dieter@hemelenaardewines.com

• Rotary Club of Hermanus: Weekly meetings every Thursday at Mollergren Park, at 19:00. Visitors welcome. Contact Ian Wallace on 082 895 8738 or Metcalf Fick on 082 568 2193.

• Hermanus Astronomy Centre: At HAC’s monthly meeting, Stefan Lotz will talk about the SANSA Research Group’s recent visit to Marion Island. At the Scout Hall, at 19:00. Contact 081 212 9481 or hermanus.astronomy@gmail.com

Monday 21 & 28 November • The Lion and the Lamb: U3A Overberg is screening the TV production of this spellbinding musical in two parts. The Lion and the Lamb, by renowned actor John Kani and the late Barney Simon, was produced at the Market Theatre in the 1990s and revived in 2009. It tells the story of Jesus in a highly entertaining way, with Kani’s narration augmented by vibrant gospel and African-American spiritual singers. At the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

Wednesday 23 November

Friday 18 November • Sunrise & Sculptures: Join thephotowalkers.com for a two-hour photography workshop that will take you through the fundamental aspects of good composition. As the morning light rises, learn how to capture its beauty looking across Walker Bay with the magnificent sculptures as the foreground. R350 pp.

At Gearing’s Point, from 06:30 – 08:30. Contact Leanne on 083 293 7208 or funtimes@thephotowalkers.com

Monday 21 November

• 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 The Karate Kid with some popcorn, delicious food and hot chocolate with giant marshmallows.

Perfect for quality movie time with friends and family, or a romantic movie date. Starting at 20:00.

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).

• Reflections on a Wine Farm: It’s not often that you find a canvas for photography as magnificent as the Hamilton Russell wine estate in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Join thephotowalkers.com for a hands-on workshop while meandering on the farm as the early morning light stretches through the old trees and create stunning reflections. R350 pp. At Hamilton Russell Vineyards, from 06:30 – 08:30.

Contact Leanne on 083 293 7208 or funtimes@thephotowalkers.com

Saturday 19 & 26 November • Hermanus parkrun: Meet at Hermanus Forest on Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at 08:00. Free timed 5 km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

• BotSoc Talk: Rosalind Spears will host a talk entitled The Gardens and Art of Libertas. Libertas is Rosalind’s 9 acre garden in Devon and the illustrated presentation will feature 250 photos, sculptures, paintings and music. At Fernkloof Hall, at 17:30.

Entrance is free and all are 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.

Friday 18 & 25 November • Hermanus Hacking Group: Meet at the bottom of Roraty Way at 06:45 for 07:00 every Friday to join the hacking group in clearing aliens until 09:00. All volunteers welcome. Contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 for more details.

Friday 18 – Sunday 20 November • No Danger Diaries Festival: This annual fundraising event is about being open and mindful, living consciously, sharing experiences and having a crazy amount of fun. Choose from 21 different activities offered on the hour, every hour, over one weekend, ranging from yoga, pottery, Reiki, upcycling and sustainable living workshops to free diving, paint dancing and cooking. There will be live music, an adult jumping castle, adventure racing and lots more. On Nidderdale Farm in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, from 12:00 on Friday to 15:00 on Sunday.

You’ll be camping among the apple orchards on the farm. Tickets available from www.quicket.co.za

Saturday 19 November • LOVEability Christmas Market: Get your Christmas shopping done early this year and support the Overberg Wheelchair Association at the same time. The beautiful, unique and affordable gifts crafted by LOVEability include Christmas décor, lights, hypertufa pots, mosaic garden pavers, seedlings, plants, natural soaps and so much more.

Enjoy some tea or coffee with cake in the permaculture vegetable garden. Bring the children – they can craft while you browse. At Love Ability House, Church Street, Hawston, from 09:00 – 13:00.

Contact 073 231 7445 or 082 532 2090.

• Sketchcrawl: Join the Country Sketchers for their monthly outdoor meeting, at Onrus Beach, from 08:30. All artists and sketchers are welcome. Call Charmé Southey on 082 773 9125.

• Shop from my closet: A market filled with gently worn, previously loved clothing at great bargain prices accompanied by live music and delicious treats. At the De Wet Hall in Roos Street, Onrus, from 09:00 – 13:00.

• The Colour of Hope: Come and listen to three motivational speakers’ stories of hope. Amor van der Westhuyzen’s talk about child abuse is entitled Joey Haarhoff was my mother; well-known author and radio personality Riekert Botha will talk about adoption in I meet my mother; and Sarie Nell will share her experience of the Laingsburg Flood in We struggle to believe what we see. The talks will be in Afrikaans, at the Grobbelaar Hall, at 10:00. Tickets are R100 pp, available from Mariet Basson on 071 520 4012 or the Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus on 028 312 3904.

• Snor Jol: The Old Harbour Collective is proud to present the third edition of the annual Snor Jol at Fisherman’s Cottage Restaurant. This is a charity social event, inspired by the international Movember movement, to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment. Starting at 15:00, there will be a familyfriendly festival atmosphere during the afternoon with live entertainment and raffle prizes being drawn.

From sunset there will be even more music and dancing, as well as a competition for the Best Snor of the night. Call Fisherman’s Cottage on 028 312 3642.

• Stanford Stumble: Enjoy an awesome day out for the whole family that entails a gentle meander (or a run, if you are that way inclined) through the vineyards, with water stops replaced by wine stations en route. Teams are encouraged to dress in their most outrageous outfits. After the race there will be a variety of local live music, a cash bar and spit braai at R100 per adult. For the kids there will be face painting, a jungle gym, trampoline, and rowboats on the dam. Registration is from 15:00; the race starts 16:00. After the race there will be a short auction followed by judging and prizes including best Movember mo, best dressed and best team spirit.

Entry fees are R100 per adult and R50 per child; special rates for larger teams. At Stanford Hills Estate, from 15:00 – 18:00. For further info call 028 341 0841.

• Stanford Sunset Market: Every last Friday of the month. Enjoy a great evening of local wines, beers, foods, crafts and gifts. Live music will have you tapping your toes as locals and visitors 'kuier' on the beautiful Market Square in the middle of the village, from 18:00 – 20:00. This month’s market will showcase the Stanford Wine Route.

• The Cat’s Meouw: Starring Pierre van Heerden and Tarryn Fox, back at The Blêr theatre at Hermanus High School due to popular demand, at 20:00.

Tickets are R150 pp. To book, contact Amanda on 082 870 6744.

• Bhuki Café: Enjoy tea, coffee and eats at the Hermanus Library for only R20 (2 eats) or R30 (3 eats), every Friday, 09:00-11:30.

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

Friday 25 November

• Palmiet River Tubing Adventure: Experience the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve in a whole new way by tubing down the Palmiet River. There will be two tours: one from 09:00 – 12:00, and a second tour from 13:00 – 16:00. Suitable for all ages and skill levels; no previous experience needed. The cost of R650 pp includes permits, all equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, gloves) snacks, transport and APA qualified guides, but excludes the CapeNature entry fee to the reserve (currently R40 pp). Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together after the event. To book, contact Iain on 072 3272840 or 021 4626755 or email iain@awakening-intuition.com

• 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.

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

• Outdoor Summer Movie Nights: MilkyWay Productions presents a movie night at Beloftebos near Stanford under the tall oak trees and starry skies. Enjoy Cheaper by the Dozen with some popcorn, delicious food and hot chocolate with giant marshmallows. Perfect for quality movie time with friends and family, or a romantic movie date.

Starting at 20:00. Book online: www.milkywayproductions.co.za/beloftebos and get your tickets at Early Bird prices – R65 per adult (14 years +) and R45 for children (0 – 13 years).

Sunday 27 November • Overberg Toy Run: Bikers unite to collect donated toys across the Overberg for distribution as Christmas presents to less fortunate children. The bikers will gather at four points and then form a mass ride into the village of Stanford for a get together on the village green with live music, food and drinks until 15:00. The first gathering point is at Wimpy Hermanus at 08:00, and other gathering points include Caledon, Gansbaai and Bredasdorp. Get all the details on www.toyrun.co.za

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

Sunday 20 November • Zip lining at Fernkloof Reservoir: Rad Adventures presents another epic adventure at The Three Dams in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Gather family and friends to enjoy this beautiful location and have tons of fun by zip lining again and again.

From 09:00 – 16:00. Bring your own picnic, anything you can float on and shoes you can swim in. R100 pp for the day.

• Book launch at Source: Nicky Stubbs will launch her new cookbook, For Friends & Family, with a high tea at Source restaurant in The Village, in aid of the Clive Prins Youth Treatment Programme. For Friends & Family is a tribute to all who value the joy and community of meals prepared with love. Guests will be able to taste some dishes from the book, which will also be on sale. Get your signed copy at R400 (cash only). At Source, from 16:30 – 18:30. Tickets are R150 pp. Contact Ann Wright on 083 307 0726 or ann52wright@gmail.com

Monday 28 November

Saturday 26 November • Trail Girl Day: Enjoy the picturesque flat and fast trail at Benguela Cove Wine Estate overlooking the Bot River lagoon. Perfect for all levels of runner. The cost for the 9 km is R120 and for the 5,5 km it’s R70, inclusive of a glass of wine after the finish. Starting at 08:00. Runners can register online at www.trisport.co.za. Call 083 662 2022 for more info.

• Hermanus History Society: The final members’ meeting of the year will include a presentation on The Golden Age of the Diamond City - Social Life in Kimberley: 1871–1920 by social historian Felicity Jervis. The fully illustrated audio visual glimpse of social life around The Big Hole will refer in particular to the influence of her grandfather Carl Rybnikarz, a Viennese violinist, conductor and composer, who settled there at the invitation of Cecil Rhodes to satisfy and stimulate the love of music among Kimberley residents. Drinks and snacks will be served after the meeting. At the Catholic Church hall, at 16:00.

Village

EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • ART

Local wines shine in 2017 Platter’s Wine Guide reputable international body such as GWC means the world to us!” says Carolyn Martin, coowner and marketing director of Creation.

Hedda Mittner

A

t the recent release of the 2017 Platter’s Wine Guide, wineries from the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Growers’ Association had reason to celebrate their unmatched Five Star achievement in this definitive guide to South African wine.

A total of seven 5-star ratings were awarded to wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde wine region. In addition the region made a clean sweep in the Pinot Noir category for the second year running – an amazing achievement in itself.

In the Chardonnay category Hemel-en-Aarde once again dominated with the most 5-stars wines from one specific area.

“For such a relatively small wine producing area as the Hemelen-Aarde, the quality of the wines are really coming to the fore,” says Dieter Odendal, coordinator of Hemel-en-Aarde Wines. “Our winemakers are doing a sterling job in showcasing the excellent terroir this cool climate region offers in the cultivation of Burgundy-styled wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.”

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards continued their winning streak, with their Pinot Noir being awarded five stars for the eighth year in a row.

This highly acclaimed producer was also one of only five wineries in the country that produced three 5-star wines – the other two being their

And what better time for our local wine producers to enjoy the limelight than on the eve of the Hemel-en-Aarde Winegrowers Association’s inaugural Classic Chardonnay Celebration this weekend.

The event takes place at The Thatch House on the Klein River Lagoon on Saturday 19 November.

FIVE STAR WINEMAKERS Celebrating their 5-star wines are Anne Wessels (Restless River), Kim McFarlane (Hermanuspietersfontein), Gordon Newton Johnson (Newton Johnson Vineyards), Gerhard Smith (La Vierge) and Sebastian Beaumont (Beaumont Wines).

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2015 and a second Pinot Noir, the CWG Auction Reserve Seadragon 2015.

Notable was Restless River’s first 5-star Platter award for their Ava Marie Chardonnay.

The other 5-star Chardonnay wines are Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2015 and La Vierge Apogeé 2015.

Another young winery coming to the fore is Alheit Vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, with two of their wines garnering five stars – the Alheit Radio Lazarus Chenin Blanc 2015, made from grapes grown primarily in the

Bottelary wine region, and a white blend, the Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2015, produced with grapes from their Hemel-en-Aarde vineyards.

stars for the fifth time.

Winemaker Sebastian Beaumont’s “new baby”, the Vitruvia White Blend also makes its five star debut in the 2017 Platter’s Guide.

A little further afield, our winemaking neighbours in Bot River and Elgin also shine in the 2017 Platter’s Guide, with Iona awarded five stars for their Chardonnay 2015 and Solace Syrah 2014. Other Elgin wineries to join the 5star cast are Shannon Vineyards, Spioenkop and Richard Kershaw.

The stream of accolades for the Hemel-en-Aarde wine region does not end here.

Creation in the Hemel-enAarde Ridge was once again, for the third time in five years, honoured as the winner in the category ‘Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences’ at the recent Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Best of Wine Tourism Awards for 2017.

From Bot River, Beaumont’s iconic Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc bagged five

GWC is a network of nine

major global cities in both the northern and southern hemispheres which share a key economic and cultural asset: their internationally renowned wine regions. The annual Best of Wine Tourism Awards is an international competition designed to reward the wineries in member cities and wine regions that have distinguished themselves in terms of delivering quality experiences to the public.

“We constantly strive to surprise and delight our visitors with novel ideas and brand-new treats, and the fact that these efforts are being recognised by a

“Hemel-en-Aarde Wineries will be treating the wine public to a special wine event which includes a more formal tutored tasting and luncheon for the serious wine enthusiast, as well as a wine festival with wine stands and tasting, picnic hampers and live entertainment,” says Dieter.

“This is the ideal opportunity for residents from the Overstrand to enjoy many of these excellent wines from our own wine country in one venue. We can be rightfully proud of these local wine producers and their exceptional achievements.”

For more information visit www.hemelenaardewines.com or contact Dieter on 082 659 2318 or info@hemelenaardewines.com Tickets to the festival are also available from the Wine Village.

Read more about the recent Wine and Food Tourism Conference held in Stellenbosch on P16.

Village Explorer

10

15 November 2016

Artwalking our town The Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) Artwalk on 4 November again enticed throngs of art lovers to meander through the town centre, popping in and out of the 19 participating galleries along the way.

The event coincided with the opening of several exhibitions, including Underneath the Surface by Hugo Maritz at Rossouw Modern’s SPACE Gallery, Lina Kapp and Christil van Vollenhoven’s ceramic exhibit at Bellini entitled PotLuck, and Petrus Viljoen’s

Curious Creatures at Art Thirst in High Street.

and romantically lit courtyard garden for dinner.

Artwalkers were also attracted to High Street by the beautiful gardens of the antiques shop, Tutamen, which owner Vanessa Prior opened to the public on the Friday evening and Saturday morning. Flavorz Bistro at Walkerbay Art Gallery also stayed open on the Friday evening, with owner/chef Christine Grobbelaar welcoming hungry Artwalkers to the intimate

The theme of the next HFF is the annual Night of 1 000 Drawings, when A5 sized artworks will be displayed at all the participating galleries and available for purchase by the public at R100 each. The proceeds from this event will be donated to local charities.

Last year’s event raised an incredible total of R64 000.

Anyone with artistic talent is welcome to produce a

drawing, painting, sketch or illustration, be it on paper, card or board, and whether done in oils, watercolours, pastels, ink, pencil or charcoal – as long as the artwork is an A5 size and the artist is willing to donate it.

Blank A5 cards can be collected from Liz Coates at Pure South Gallery in Main Road, and the completed artworks can be handed in either at Pure South or any of the other HFF galleries in town.

Tinus Horn chatting to an Artwalker who visited Petrus Viljoen’s exhibition, Curious Creatures, at Art Thirst with her pooch. Petrus says his artworks were inspired by the dogs he encountered while walking his daughter in her pram around the neighbourhood.

Christine Grobbelaar welcomed hungry Artwalkers to the romantic courtyard of Flavorz Bistro at Walkerbay Art Gallery.

Leon Müller with artist Petrus Viljoen’s daughter, Caitlynn, and regular Artwalker Debra Stein at Art Thirst.

Julie Houston, Jeanne-Marié Botha, Lize van der Walt and Nikki van Heerden at The Art Gallery.

Vanessa Prior with Patrick Chapman and Petrus Viljoen in the delightful garden of Tutamen, which was opened to the public during this month’s HFF Artwalk.

Pieter van Aswegen, seen here with Charmaine Beukes at Art Thirst, lived up to the Movember Mo theme of this month’s HFF

Village Explorer

15 November 2016

Win a book hamper

New market opening soon

T

he much anticipated opening of the new Sunday market in Hermanus is just around the Lemm’s corner on 4 December.

Join Lemm’s Corner Market on Facebook Page and/or Instagram to stay updated. For more info, contact market@sonicmail.co.za

When you travel across the ocean on a boat, all your memories are washed away and you start a completely new life.

That is how it is. There is no before. There is no history. The boat docks at the harbour and we climb down the gangplank and we are plunged into the here and now. Time begins. Davíd is the small boy who is always asking questions. Simón and Inés take care of him in their new town Estrella, where Davíd learns a new language and starts going to school.

It is here that he will make troubling discoveries about what grown-ups are capable of. In this mesmerising allegorical tale, Coetzee deftly grapples with the big questions of growing up, of what it means to be a parent, the constant battle between intellect and emotion, and how we choose to live our lives. This is a sequel to JM Coetzee’s 2013 book The Childhood of Jesus and was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2016. Coming soon!

Pan Macmillan

Harvill Secker

Penguin Random House

PAMPER HAMPER Don’t miss out on The Book Cottage’s fabulous give-away of six books published by Pan Macmillan. Entries close on 6 December.

What’s new in review

The Write Angle

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soulcrushing violence of oppression.

Despite their hardships – or, as they would say, because of them – they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the fact of life's inevitable suffering? This remarkable book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their week together, trading intimate secrets, teasing each other and sharing their spiritual practices. The Book of Joy featured on Oprah's Favorite Things list for 2016 and was an instant New York Times bestseller.

The six books in the hamper are: Summer Days and Summer Nights, edited by Stephanie Perkins; Teatime by Cath Kidston; Atlas of Countries that don’t exist by Nick Middleton; Lean in Fifteen by Joe Wicks; Fabulous Family Food by Nadia Sawalha; and The Big Book of Relaxing Colouring.

This is the captivating final installment of the Clifton Chronicles, a series of seven novels that has topped the bestseller lists around the world. The novel opens with a shot being fired, but who pulled the trigger, and who lives and who dies? Meanwhile, Giles Barrington discovers the truth about his wife Karin from the Cabinet Secretary. Is she a spy or a pawn in a larger game?

Harry Clifton sets out to write his magnum opus, while his wife Emma receives an unexpected call from Margaret Thatcher offering her a job.

Sebastian Clifton becomes chairman of Farthings Kaufman bank, Sebastian and Samantha’s talented daughter is expelled from the Slade School of Fine Art, and Lady Virginia is about to flee the country to avoid her creditors.

In a devastating twist, tragedy engulfs the Clifton family when one of them receives a shocking diagnosis that will throw all their lives into turmoil.

A brilliant and independentminded figure, Lady Anne (1750-1825) lived at the heart of Georgian society, and yet defined herself by defiance of convention. In old age, she wrote her memoirs, but forbade her relatives to ever have them published. Stephen Taylor found these papers almost 200 years later and has based his biography largely on that archive. As a great beauty of noble birth, Lady Anne was expected to marry young but didn’t play ball. The independent-minded socialite, who had an appetite for art, literature and ideas, waited until she was 42 before accepting a marriage proposal from Andrew Barnard, an impoverished junior army official 12 years younger. At this point the story shifts to colonial South Africa, a magically beautiful, promised land where Lady Anne rejoiced in the happiness of her marriage and felt released from the strictures of polite society.

'Another year and I still don't like old people. Me? I am 83 years old.' Hendrik Groen may be old, but he is far from dead and isn't planning to be buried any time soon.

Granted, his daily strolls are getting shorter because his legs are no longer willing and he has to visit his doctor more than he'd like. Technically speaking he is... elderly. But surely there is more to life at his age than weak tea and potted geraniums? Hendrik sets out to write an exposé: a year in the life of his care home in Amsterdam, revealing all its ups and downs - not least his new endeavour, the anarchic Old-But-Not Dead Club. And when Eefje moves in - the woman Hendrik has always longed for - he polishes his shoes (and his teeth), grooms what's left of his hair and attempts to make something of the life he has left, with hilarious, tender and devastating consequences.

Penguin Random House

Visitors to Lemm’s Corner

At the grand opening on Sunday 4 December, the jazz band Alan Cameron and Friends will provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

The Book Cottage is giving away a book hamper from Pan Macmillan, with six books to keep any bookworm happy this holiday season.

Anyone who spends R350 or more at The Book Cottage between 15 November and 6 December, can be included on their mailing list and enter the lucky draw by writing their name and contact details on their receipt. Only one entry per customer.

Penguin

From 20 – 23 December there will also be a night market from 16:00 – 22:00, and morning trading on the 24th, so add these special dates to your diary to make sure you join in the fun.

Market can look forward to familiar craft traders such as Blue Rose Clothing, For Fork’s Sake, and Rose Hemry Jewelry, as well as new ones such as Tommy Dutch Craft, Goodiez Arts and Crafts, Lazarus Leather and Home Grown. Artists Reinet de Jager and Adele Fouche will exhibit original artwork alongside Tari Sculptures and Paul the Potter, and many more crafters and creators of fine objects d’art.

You will be able to enjoy local wines at the Fisherman’s Cottage Wine Bar or indulge in select craft beers at Café 1904, while Youth Café keeps the children busy in the designated Kids Zone with a jumping castle. And with Wybo Kudu biltong, Dunya Cake delights, Anne’s K and I love Spring Rolls, just to mention a few, you certainly won’t go hungry.

Faber

The market will be held on the historic Lemm’s Corner between Harbour and Main Road, every Sunday from 10:00 – 16:00 (weather permitting) and every first Friday of the month from 17:00 – 20:30, to coincide with the Artwalk.

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Winnie-the-Pooh may be a bear of very little brain, but thanks to his friends, he's never far from an adventure. This beautiful new edition, re-designed for Pooh's 90th anniversary, is highly collectible and will appeal to Winnie-the-Pooh fans old and new. As an acclaimed playwright, essayist, novelist, and contributor and later an assistant editor of the leading British humour magazine, Punch, AA Milne is most famous for his Pooh books, the first of which was published in 1926. The stories and poems were inspired by his son’s stuffed animals and the setting of Hundred Acre Wood is based on the forest near Milne’s home in East Sussex, where he often took his son walking. Winnie-the-Pooh was recently named the UK's favourite children's book character, and the favourite children's book, of the last 150 years. Even at 90, Winnie-thePooh is still – in the words of Christopher Robin – the best bear in all the world.

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PHOTOS: SHOOTING RANGE

Village Explorer

15 November 2016

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Deck the barrels with boughs of Holly balance with nature. This carries through to our wines which have a distinct sense of place and reflect the natural beauty of our terroir,” says Holly.

Hedda Mittner

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no longer know where ‘home’ really is,” says Holly Bellingham-Turner, a tiny slip of a woman with a heart as big as the country she has come to embrace.

With one foot in her home town of Lavenham in Suffolk, England, and the other in her adopted town of Hermanus and the vineyards of Sumaridge Wine Estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Holly bounces back and forth like a ping-pong ball between Heathrow and Cape Town International.

Catching up with her at the Bellingham-Turners’ new home in Fernkloof, we settle on the shaded patio overlooking the lush garden, and over a glass of wine Holly relates how she happened to wash up on our shores. We back-track 13 years to when her love affair with Hermanus started, thanks to the other great love in her life, husband Simon Turner.

“At that time Simon had been coming to South Africa for many years, but I had only been in Cape Town once before and honestly, I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about,” says Holly. They returned in 2003, travelling to the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape, and also visited Hermanus. “I suppose the time was right because it just felt different. We both loved Hermanus and started rubbernecking at estate agencies.”

One of them was Hermanus Property Sales and the Leppans soon became firm friends with the Bellingham-Turners. When John Leppan showed the couple a plot overlooking Grotto Beach, Holly says “I simply fell in love”. And with all this love in the champagne air of Hermanus, Simon decided it was the opportune time to go down on one knee and propose to Holly. “He did it

A GREAT BLEND Simon Turner and Holly Bellingham-Turner on the balcony of the tasting room at Sumaridge, their beloved wine estate in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. practically in the middle of the street and at first I thought he’d had a stumble and rushed to help him up,” laughs Holly.

Both had been married before and there are four children between them – 21year-old Sophie, Andrew and Alex who are both 19, and 17year-old Charlie. Holly has known Simon, who also hails from Suffolk, for an amazing 30 years. Their children practically grew up together and Simon is godfather to Holly’s son, Andrew. They have also been working side by side since 1989, when Holly appointed Simon as an underwriter at Marketform in London, the insurance firm she’d founded while still in her twenties.

Difficult as it is for me to picture Holly as a hard-nosed businesswoman (as a child she had wanted to become a doctor), her meteoric rise in the insurance industry is testimony to the tenacity with which she tackles any challenge, not to mention her boundless energy and willingness to work hard. She entered the workplace fresh from school in 1979 and trained in professional indemnity at a large Lloyd’s brokerage. She began to

specialise in medical malpractice and was elected to the board of Crawley Warren Consultants in 1986, where she subsequently led a management buy-out and established Marketform as a Managing General Agent in January 1989. She remained chair of the company until choosing to stand down in 2010.

to the market. Nestling in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the winery and tasting venue are housed in an elegant stone building overlooking a dam, in a picture-book setting surrounded by mountains and vineyards, and glorious views across the valley that stretch as far as the ocean in the distance.

Fast forward to Hermanus, where Holly and Simon got married in 2004. Once the building of their new home in Voëlklip was completed, they settled into a routine of spending their family holidays with their children in Hermanus and exploring the area. Getting to know Hermanus also meant getting to know its people, including the winemakers from our valley.

Ever the businesswoman, Holly embarked with gusto on her new venture to export Sumaridge wines to the UK and European markets. “I wanted to prove that our wines are world-class,” she says, “and I knew Sumaridge had what it takes. We all know that you can’t make good wine from bad fruit, but here we had the perfect terroir and climate to produce exceptional wines. I believe that the winemaking team are only the custodians of the vineyards – all we have to do is give them the tools to achieve their alchemy.”

“I’d always loved wine and visited vineyards all over the world,” says Holly, “but I certainly was no expert.” Little did she know that by 2008 they would be the proud new owners of their own wine farm and that the wine business would become the new focus of their life.

It’s no mystery why Holly and Simon were seduced by Sumaridge when it came on

Gavin Patterson started as Sumaridge’s winemaker and viticulturist three years before the BellinghamTurners bought the farm.

“Gavin and his team have remained steadfastly committed to their philosophy of maintaining a

Team Sumaridge’s passion and dedication is borne out by the impressive number of prestigious local and international awards that their wines have accumulated over the last decade, especially for their highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 210 ha farm now has 42 ha under vine and the range of Sumaridge estate wines includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Maritimus (a white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Viognier), Pinot Noir, Merlot, Epitome (a red blend of Shiraz and Pinotage), and Wayfarer MCC. With Gavin’s decision to relocate to the UK this year, vineyard and cellar duties have been taken over by winemakers Walter Pretorius and Reggie Maphumulo, who are supported by a team of 20 people with diverse viticulture and farming skill sets.

“We are very fortunate to be able to spend much time in Hermanus, but, at the same time, be based in England, which enables me and Simon to spearhead marketing, sales and client liaison outside Africa,” says Holly, who has taken to the wine industry like a duck to water.

But there was also hardship and suffering along the way.

When Holly was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011, a series of gruelling operations and treatments followed.

Simon immediately stood down as CEO of Marketform to dedicate himself to supporting Holly. “He simply dropped everything else and said his job was now to look after me,” she says.

After being “grounded” for 18

months, Holly says on her first visit back to Hemanus, “It felt like I was back home again”.

Having weathered this cruel storm, the couple renewed their marriage vows in an intimate ceremony at Sumaridge, surrounded by friends and family. “It was not only an affirmation of our vows to each other, but also our vow to this valley,” says Holly.

Her indomitable love of life finds expression in her delicious sense of humour, her appreciation of simple pleasures, and her compassion with others.

“Negativity breeds negativity,” she says, “and there is so much to be positive about. We live in two wonderful towns and although Hermanus is quite a bit bigger than Lavenham, both have retained a village feel and a sense of community where people still care and are considerate of one another.”

And none is more caring than Holly herself. While Sumaridge now takes up the majority of her time, she maintains charitable interests in England, and has also become involved with various causes in Hermanus such as the NSRI, raising large amounts for this essential volunteer service through charity wine auctions.

Another of Holly’s passions is sport, especially cricket and football, and she is vice president of several cricket clubs in the UK. Locally, Simon and Holly came to the assistance of the Blackbirds rugby team when they found themselves without a home ground, by providing a new rugby field for them on Sumaridge.

We have hardly concluded our interview before Holly heads off to pack for her next trip. As much as Hermanus would like to claim her as a permanent asset, it seems we’ll have to make do with having her around in short, glorious bursts.

Well, I did mention that she gives new meaning to the word “busy”, didn’t I?

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Mixed berries frozen yoghurt

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An effortless way of freezing this mixture is to use pop moulds that go straight into the freezer.

Alternatively use a churning ice cream maker, and if you want to show off and serve your fro-zen yoghurt in glasses with rims dipped in sugar, by all means do.

It is so good, even if you are not a committed ice cream eater you are bound to love this.

The future of wine and food tourism in the Overstrand t the inaugural Wine and Food Tourism Conference in Stellenbosch last week, the department of Tourism presented their new strategy for unifying role players in a bid to establish South Africa as a leading wine and food destination.

his recipe is an adult rendition frozen yoghurt, using a dash of liqueur. It is a cinch to make, and even easier to eat.

Attending the conference was Tourism Manager of the Cape Whale Coast, Frieda Lloyd, who says although the Western Cape is already a leading destination for food and wine, targeted branding identity has the potential to bring further growth to our local tourism industry.

PHOTO: ZOKU

Ingredients 75g Icing sugar 350ml full cream Bulgarian yoghurt 150ml whipped cream 2 egg whites (beaten until stiff) 300g Fresh cherries, strawberries or any other seasonal berries Juice of 1 fresh lemon 2 tablespoons of either lemon or kirsch liqueur

Method Place the sugar and yoghurt in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Add the pureed berries, liqueur and lemon juice. Fold in the whipped cream and beaten egg whites.

Transfer to an ice cream machine and churn; or fill your pop moulds and place in the freezer until frozen.

Recipe supplied by Eunice Rademeyer, Goozi Kitchenshop

15 November 2016

“The need to change and innovate cannot be underrated when it comes to travel and tourism,” says Frieda, “especially when we are seeing an increase in local travel and staycations – having your holiday close to home. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to ‘trennovate’, the new term to highlight the importance of innovation around trends or developments in your industry.”

Wesgro, an agency tasked with promoting the Western Cape and Cape Town, says its research shows 86 % of visitors want to sample local

wines and local cuisine, and are looking for customised, authentic experiences. That is why developing the niche market of food and wine destination travel is viewed as key.

Tim Harris of Wesgro says, “Our challenge that we tackled at this conference is to align the marketing of Cape Town, which is a globally prominent tourist destination, with the Cape wine regions that are available on its doorstep."

The idea is to create a destination similar to the Napa Valley in California, which is considered the premier wine, food, art and wellness destination in North America and is known the world over. For this to happen, a single vision is needed and it has to be done in a united manner.

The most popular wine destination in the province is Stellenbosch, followed by Franschhoek and Constantia, with Paarl and Hermanus joining the big five league. “This is significant in that Hermanus is much younger and less developed than the other four wine destinations,” says Frieda.

“And yet, Hemel-en-Aarde is the only

region that has managed to stake its claim as the best producing area for a single varietal – Pinot Noir. Sixty five percent of itineraries include a visit to a winery and we are bound to see many more visitors.”

According to Frieda, staff attitude to customers is vital. “When visiting our region, travellers enjoy engaging with the staff serving them. Friendly staff treating everyone with the same enthusiasm and professionalism is critical. The message to business was clear: If you do nothing else, please train your staff.

“The opportunity for gastronomy tourism is here, but the whole world wants a slice of this cake and many countries are doing everything they can to have the best possible product. For the Cape Whale Coast to step up on its offering and claim a bigger portion of the lucrative culinary travel market estimated at R350 billion, we require an integrated and collaborative approach.

“This is no easy task and requires engagement at all levels. But we can do this. Together we are stronger and can increase our spectacular destination’s tourism growth.”

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Environment preserved in R320 upgrade

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fter 55 months and R240 million, the R320 Hemel-en-Aarde Road between Hermanus and Caledon was officially opened

by Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant, and Mayor Rudolph Smith on Thursday 10 November.

The project was born of several requests from the local farming community for an upgrade to the road and the need to address the very serious safety concerns. Adverse conditions like dust in the dry summer months and slippery surfaces in the wet winter months also had a negative impact. The new road will bring with it shorter and safer driving conditions for the many that rely on this road for their various activities.

“The road will also add greatly to the scenic appeal of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley that so many tourists have come to love. This road will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the economy of this region, particularly through the important role that it plays in boosting tourism in the area,” said Minister Grant.

“With benefits imminent for the community in the near future, there were also benefits provided during the project, with many of our empowerment targets met and

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15 November 2016

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant, Mayor Rudolph Smith and various officials celebrate the opening of upgraded R320 Hemel-en-Aarde Road between Hermanus and Caledon. surpassed. Of the total contract value of R240 million, R17,5 million (7%) was dedicated to local labour, with an additional R31,5 million (13%) earmarked for historically disadvantaged individual enterprises.

“Ensuring benefit to the local community is a defining characteristic for all projects undertaken by the Department of Transport and Public Works, which is in keeping with our mission to deliver infrastructure and services that promote socioeconomic outcomes and safe, empowered, and connected communities.” According to him there were also a number

of learnership opportunities on site, with four participants successfully completing the learnership programme, and one participant gaining permanent appointment.

As part of the project, extra care was taken to protect the natural vegetation that would be affected by the construction work. A full nursery was set up and maintained on site to facilitate the rehabilitation and revegetation of the area affected by the construction of the road. The nursery team collected seeds from the areas which were added to the hydro seeding mixtures.

A wetland section was created in the nursery to store

safely the wetland plants rescued from the relevant streams prior to construction.

Close to 3 000 individual plants were then replanted when it was safe to do so. An alien vegetation clearing team was also established, which cleared a buffer zone of approximately 20 m on both sides of the road reserve.

“It is my wish that the completion of this road will mark the beginning of greater things to come, for all those who will travel on it, whether for work or pleasure. May this road keep this region on the right path to progress,” said Minister Grant.

Hearts open for Pebbles

The Pebbles Hemel-enAarde Education Project, which was featured in our previous issue in the Helping Hand column generously sponsored by Talisman Hire, is slowly making progress towards attaining their primary goal: purchasing a 22-seater minibus to transport children living on farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to and from school.

According to project manager Elizabeth Naudé, about one third of the funds needed have been raised, but they still have a way to go. However, they are determined to start the bus service when their new ECD and After-school facility at Bergplaas opens its doors at the beginning of the new school year in January.

Among the generous individuals and businesses

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who have come forward with donations and offers of support are Hermanus Ford, who will be supplying the new minibus at a discount of almost R94 000. In addition, owner Wikus Niemand has pledged a contribution of R10 000 to the project, and he is challenging other businesses in Hermanus to match his donation.

Volunteer Peter Hodgskin, who lives on Bergplaas, has selflessly given of his time and expertise to assist with the renovation of the farm buildings that will house the ECD Centre. He is also preparing an outside play area and a vegetable garden.

To help with the upkeep of this garden, Hermanus Mower Centre has offered their support by donating a weed-eater to the value of R9 000.

They are still urgently in need of building materials to complete the renovations. To support the Pebbles Hemel-enAarde Education Project, contact Elizabeth Naudé on 071 160 2454 / 072 284 0378 or elizabeth@pebblesproject.co.za

Hermanus Mower Centre

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15 November 2016

Business Chamber hosts year-end event

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he Hermanus Business Chamber will be hosting their year-end cocktail party on Thursday 17 November, from 18:00 – 20:00 at the Overstrand Auditorium’s banquet hall. All those interested in the wellbeing and future of our town are invited to come and enjoy a glass of wine, some snacks and great company.

This event presents the perfect opportunity to meet representatives from the business and tourism sector, and the Overstrand Municipality. The Mayor, Alderman Rudolph Smith, has been invited to say a few words about his planned Business Advisory Forum, the Local Economic Development Department will do a presentation on the Socio-Economic Data Analysis of the Overstrand as researched by Wesgro, Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd will show some exciting videos of our area, and the Hermanus Chamber President Seth Anderson will give a short overview of the Chamber’s activities and goals to help boost our local economy.

“The Hermanus Chamber’s year-end event will celebrate co-operation between Overstrand Business, Tourism and the Municipality,” says CEO Alta Pretorius. “This will be an example of how we can all work closely together to boost our area for everyone’s benefit.”

The cost is R120 pp. To book for this event, email Alta Pretorius at ceo@hermanuschamber.co.za, with proof of payment for the event. Bank details: Hermanus Business Chamber, Standard Bank Hermanus, branch code: 050312, Account no: 082257833. Use your or your company’s name as reference.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Hermanus Night Shelter Association invites all interested parties to their AGM on Tuesday 22 November, at 17:30 for 18:00 at the United Church, Hermanus.

Enquiries: 028 312 3909/060 931 2094 or nightshelterhermanus@gmail.com

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15 November 2016

Pump up your summer with music and colour

GET BOWLING Entries for the Hermanus Business League Bowls Tournament 2017 are now open. The tournament runs from 23 January to 3 February 2017. This annual tournament is a highlight on the sport and social calendar of Hermanus. It is a fun and entertaining way not only for businesses to network, but also for team building and socialising. To enter, or for more information, contact Renée Fullard on 082 536 6444 or email renfullard@gmail.com

DIVE Curro hosted their end of year Swimming Gala on Saturday 5 November. Curro achieved eighteen 1st, nineteen 2nd and sixteen 3rd places. Just Keep Swimming, Hermanus High, Orca Swimming School, Reddam House, Rûens Kollege, Bredasdorp Primary and High School, and Lochnerhof Primary took part. Above is Deandré Smit and right Kaci van Romburgh.

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

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 metres to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

Starting at 10:00, the route will follow a 5 km route from Hermanus High School. As an alcohol-free event, bring the whole family for some fun in the sun. Kids under 10 years run free and Local is Lekker prices are available until 1 December at R170. Enter a team (minimum of 4 people) for R210 per person or purchase an individual ticket at R240. A high school promotion will be offered to

all students from 1-7 December at R150. Tickets can be purchased at www.tixsa.co.za.

“We are bringing something different to the scene this year. Music raises the bar a notch and creates even more energy,” says 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.”

Local artists are encouraged to contact Bianca at bianca@summerrun.co.za or 082 075 7477.

Registration will take place at Hermanus High School on 23, 24 & 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 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. Don’t forget sunscreen and hats because this is going to be one hot event.

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

WIN COLOUR RUN TICKETS! Stand a chance to win a set of 4 tickets for you and your friends with The Village NEWS. Simply send us an e-mail at news@thehermanusnews. co.za and tell us why you and your friends want to attend the run. Be sure to include your name and contact number.

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15 November 2016

Get listed in Whale Coast Directory 2017

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he 2017 edition of the Whale Coast Directory will be the most comprehensive source of information for the Cape Whale Coast area with 028 telephone numbers – stretching from Rooi Els to Pearly Beach. It will be available in both electronic and printed form for the widest exposure.

Once again Whale Coast Conservation will receive a percentage of the advertisement revenue, to help keep them sustainable and continue delivering their crucial conservation role in our area.

“We are keeping it as affordable as possible in order to be as inclusive as possible,” says Alta Pretorius, editor of the Directory. “Standard Listings are only R150 and will include the name of the business, telephone numbers, e-mail address, website address and physical address – true value for money. Add your logo to stand out and it’s still only R480.”

For larger sizes and more information, contact Alta at info@028directory.co.za. Have a look at the current 2016 Directory online at http://028directory-ebook.co.za or on the website: www.whalecoastworld.co.za

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15 November 2016

No water restrictions in Overstrand… yet

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s the country continues to face dire shortages in its water supply, tough limitations on water consumption have been implemented and affected municipalities have put various water-usage regulations in place to ensure that there is enough drinking water for essential needs.

Overstrand residents can still enjoy a breather on water restrictions - for now. The Greater Hermanus area is supplied with water from the De Bos Dam in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, as well as 11 boreholes spread across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the Gateway area.

Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay are supplied from the Buffels River Dam, Kleinmond from the Palmiet River, Gansbaai from the Kraaibosch Dam, the Grotte and De Kelders Springs, Stanford from the Eye Spring and two boreholes, and Pearly Beach from the Pearly Beach

and Koekemoer Dams.

According to Hanré Blignaut, Deputy Director: Engineering Planning and our own expert on water management, the De Bos Dam is 98% full, compared to 98.7% this time last year. The Buffels River, Pearly Beach and Kraaibosch Dams are at full capacity.

“Although the dams are full and there is not an immediate need for water restrictions, it is important that we take a longer-term view and consider the possibility of the drought extending into the next winter rainfall period.

“The Overstrand remains a water scarce area with limited water resources, and users are reminded to use water sparingly, especially in view of the approaching peak holiday season,“ Blignaut urged. Rainfall during 2016 to date was below the longterm average. Users are also

reminded of the Overstrand water services bylaw no. 46(1), which determines that no irrigation should take place between the hours of 09:00 and 17:00.

“For us to ensure that we have enough water available for everyone in the Overstrand, we need your help. We have a collective responsibility to use water sparingly. This means thinking about water differently and finding more efficient ways of using it.

While this may cause a certain amount of inconvenience, we call upon all residents to lead the charge for water conservation and to educate our communities to use water sparingly. Overstrand Municipality and its consumers succeeded in reducing the total annual potable water demand by 21% since 2008, despite a rapidly growing population.”

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE WATER: Most municipalities lose clean drinking water in the distribution system due to leaking pipes, dripping taps and illegal water use. A dripping tap (one drop per second) could waste up to 30 litres of water an hour, which adds up to 10 000 litres a year.

Please report all leaks to 028 313 8000/8090/8196/8157 and remember to ask for a reference number.

At home: • Take shorter showers and turn off the shower while soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse.

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Make sure you put a full load into your washing machine and dishwasher before starting a wash cycle.

Cut down the amount of water flushed down the toilet by placing a 2 litre

Spread the love this Christmas The annual Bags of Love campaign was launched at the municipal offices last week, with the aim of bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to the poorest of the poor in our community by providing them with a Bag of Love.

The bags will be distributed just before Christmas across all deserving communities in the Overstrand, the number of which will depend on the generosity of our residents, says Des Collins of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Hermanus, who initiated this campaign ten years ago.

Executive Mayor Rudolph Smith has generously lent his support to the project by volunteering to be its patron, while Councillor Elnora Gillion is this year’s Bags of Love champion.

Bern van Niekerk, owner of Eastcliff Spar, has generously agreed to subsidise the Bags of Love at a special price of R150 each. Each bag is filled with basic food stuffs such as rice, sugar, mealie meal, beans, tea bags, peanut butter, cooking oil and salt, and can be purchased at Eastcliff Spar. Customers are

also welcome to add extra treats to the bags, and either deliver them to families in need that they know of, or leave them at Eastcliff Spar for collection. The bags will be taken to the Catholic Church and distributed from there.

Other support for the campaign comes from Hermanus Rotary, churches across the community and individual donors. “It is their participation that will enable us to achieve our goal this Christmas,” says Des. Anyone who would like to

donate a Bag of Love without going to Spar, can make a deposit of R150 into the following account: SVP - Bags of Love account, ABSA Bank Hermanus, Account number 925 114 2278.

For further information, Des can be contacted on 082 824 1058.

Des Collins, cllr Elnora Gillion, Bern van Niekerk and Bruce Fraser with the Bags of Love that will be distributed to the needy this Christmas season.

plastic bottle full of water in the water tank (cistern) of your toilet. This could save you up to 7 300 litres of water each year.

•

•

When washing dishes by hand, do not leave the water running to rinse dishes. And if you have a double basin, fill one with soapy water and one with clean water to rinse.

Install a system to pump grey water (from the washing machine, basins, shower and bath) to the garden.

In the garden: • Plant indigenous plants which can tolerate extreme heat and require little watering (water-wise gardening).

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Group plants with the same water needs together, so that you don’t overwater plants with varying water needs.

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Put a covering layer around trees and plants.

Covering will slow down evaporation and will also discourage weeds from growing.

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The best time to water your garden is at sunrise and sunset.

Watering between 09:00 and 17:00 (when the sun is brightest) is not allowed.

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Plant in the right season.

For winter rainfall areas, you will need to plant in autumn and early winter so the plants have a chance to develop their root systems before the dry season. In summer rainfall areas, you can plant in spring and early summer.

These simple changes can help you save up to 10% on your annual water bill, without drastically changing your lifestyle.

Curro Hermanus hosted the first Redball Tennis Tournament on Friday 4 November. Curro Hermanus and Bredasdorp Primary participated in this tournament. Sixty Gr 1 to Gr 3 leaners took part in a round-robin format.

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15 November 2016

Curro Hermanus had their annual Formal High School Dinner at Source on Thursday 3 November.

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News You Can Use

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15 November 2016

Between a rock and a hard place

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ituated on the doorstep to our town, the Hermanus Squash and Tennis Club is at a tipping point in terms of future survival. Our golf and bowls clubs are thriving entities, while the new hockey astro turf on the Sports Complex grounds is a great asset for the community. Our cricket facility is also situated in attractive surrounds, but the Hermanus Squash and Tennis Club requires urgent maintenance and refurbishment to cater for its members and visitors to our town.

There are approximately 245 members of this squash and tennis facility and visitors are welcome. The club is under pressure, particularly at peak times, to meet the demand for

Sport

squash court walls require repair and painting. Estimates for these improvements are in the region of R300 000.

The club does not possess the necessary funds for these requirements and in any event, it would be foolhardy to outlay such monies when the club has an annual lease with the Municipality which has been ongoing for some 20 years.

By Tony O’Hagan courts. More importantly, the squash and tennis courts are in urgent need of repair. The tennis courts have not been resurfaced for many years, the surrounding fencing needs attention and the

The problem is exacerbated in that the club has been in limbo awaiting the proposed move to the new Hermanus Sports Complex. The sale of municipal land to fund the new complex has not occurred and the project continues to be on hold.

There was a proposal some

years back to utilise the squash and tennis facility for the expansion of the Municipal offices, but this too has not yet come to fruition.

This has added more uncertainty to the future of the club.

With the current state of the tennis courts, there is no prospect of holding district or provincial tournaments, while Boland Tennis is threatening to discontinue our league status. This would be a travesty, as the club is the most active and prominent club in the Overberg. While private tennis and squash courts do exist in Hermanus, the squash and tennis club is open to the public and welcomes the many holiday

makers to our shores.

The Hermanus Golf Club is a first class facility attracting visiting golfers from far and wide. Surely it is time for squash and tennis to provide a similar attraction for visitors to Hermanus?

It is now imperative to acquire funding and build new tennis and squash courts at the Hermanus Sports Complex. Where could such funding be sought? The Municipality? Local donors?

The addition of a netball court alongside also needs to be encouraged.

The Hermanus Sports Complex has secured the lease for the land around the Cricket Club, it has a

constitution and a steering committee, but is hampered by the lack of funds. Anyone with positive suggestions or the means to assist, can contact the secretary, Arina Fyfer, at afconsult.info@gmail.com or the chairman of the Squash and Tennis Club, John Cowan, at chairmanhstclub@ outlook.com The growth and popularity of Hermanus requires an immediate upliftment and enhancement of the Hermanus Squash and Tennis Club.

Let's hope for a few aces up the sleeve and a smash hit as the outcome! If this issue is not addressed as a matter of urgency, it could be game, set and match for squash and tennis lovers in Hermanus.

Western Cape tops Springbok production line

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outh Africa played its first international rugby match in 1891, but it was during the 1906/7 South African tour of Britain, Ireland and France that the phrase "Springboks" was coined. The team was captained by Paul Roos.

Since these early days, the Western Cape has been a nursery for Springbok rugby.

Six schools in this region, namely Paul Roos, Paarl Gymnasium, Bishops, Paarl Boys’ High, SACS and Rondebosch are in the top 10 schools that have produced Springboks. Grey College (Bloemfontein), Kimberley Boys’ High, Maritzburg College and Grey High School (Port Elizabeth) make up the balance of the top 10. In recent years, Grey College, as an entity, has been at the forefront of those gaining Springbok colours.

However, as a region, the

Western Cape continues to dominate the green and gold fraternity.

As testimony to this, 17 of the Springboks selected for the recent Rugby Championships, together with the two squads for the Northern Hemisphere tour, have Western Cape roots. These early affiliations are via birth, school or both of these. The 17 Springboks, with birthplace and school, include: Lourens Adriaanse – Cape Town, Paarl Gymnasium Nizaam Carr – Cape Town, Bishops Uzair Cassiem – Strand, Strand High School Eben Etzebeth – Cape Town, Tygerberg High School Damian de Allende – Cape Town, Milnerton High School Cheslin Kolbe - Kraaifontein, Brackenfell High School Pieter-Steph du Toit – Cape Town, Swartland High School Thomas du Toit – Cape Town,

Paarl Boys’ High Steven Kitshoff – Somerset West, Paul Roos Gymnasium Willie le Roux – Stellenbosch, Paul Roos Gymnasium Francois Louw – Cape Town, Bishops Juan de Jongh – Paarl,

Huguenot High School Francois Hougaard – Paarl, Paul Roos Gymnasium Rudy Paige – Heidelberg, Bastion High School Jesse Kriel – Cape Town, Maritzburg College Vincent Koch – Empangeni,

Huguenot High School JP Pietersen – Stellenbosch, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog.

The Western Cape influence is further evident in that 7 of the players in the Cheetah squad that triumphed in the

Currie Cup final were born or schooled in this region.

Paarl and Stellenbosch are the predominant Spingbok breeding grounds in the region. As they say in rugby parlance, ‘'WP, jou lekker ding!"

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15 November 2016

Schools Dynamic trio to lead new Junior Town Council

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Hedda Mittner

group of 35 enthusiastic youngsters, selected from a pool of Grade 9 – Gr 11 learners from six high schools in the Overstrand, were inaugurated last week at the Municipal Auditorium as members of the Overstrand Junior Town Council (JTC) for 2017.

Managed and mentored by the Enlighten Education Trust, which initiated this project more than 12 years ago, the youths will embark in the new year on a programme of community service and project delivery, in addition to all their schoolwork and extra-curricular activities.

We spoke to the newly elected JTC mayor Yanna Stergianos and her deputies Monique Barkley and Izaan Newman, to find out what they hope to achieve by serving on the

junior council next year. It soon became clear why these three exceptional young people were elected to lead the JTC. Yanna will be in Grade 12 next year, and has been a learner at Hermanus High School since Grade 8. As the youngest of three children, she has many interests that range from drawing to hiking, and she hopes to study medicine after matric. She is among the top academic performers in her grade, and chose science, biology and history as her elective matric subjects.

“I was interested in the JTC because it gives one the opportunity to make a difference,” she says. “I like helping people and this gives me a way of becoming involved in my community.”

Monique will be in Grade 11

Newly elected Mayor of the JTC, Yanna Stergianos of Hermanus High (left) with her deputy, Monique Barkley of Northcliff House College. Between writing year-end exams and performing with his school’s marimba band in Bredasdorp, Yanna’s second deputy, Izaan Newman of Gansbaai Academia, was unable to join them for the photo.

Yanna plans to launch the Empty Stomach campaign in collaboration with restaurants in Hermanus.

next year at Northcliff House College, which she has attended since Grade 6. She is also the youngest child in her family, with an older married sister. Monique also has a wide range of interests that include nature, animals and art. She wants to study graphic design after school, and takes both visual art and design as subjects.

She is the top student in her grade.

the oldest child in his family and has been living with his guardians, Monty and Katriena Adams, for almost 10 years. Apart from playing in his school’s marimba band, Izaan is a keen athlete and also plays rugby and cricket.

He is the top academic achiever in his grade, enjoys mathematics and wants to study for a law degree after school before specialising in credit management.

“I already served on the JTC last year,” she says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends by bringing people together who might not otherwise have met, and to gain insight into their lives and the communities they live in. My aim is to inspire people and set a good example for younger kids.”

“I’m looking forward to helping people during my year on the JTC,” says Izaan, “and I think this experience will teach me how to develop leadership qualities.”

“The idea is that customers at the restaurants can purchase a voucher for a meal which is then donated to the needy.

There are too many people in our community who do not have enough to eat and this will give everyone the opportunity to become involved and show their support.” Yanna’s sister has already designed posters and T-shirts, and she is rearing to go, but first she has to complete her year-end Grade 11 exams.

The JTC will meet every term to give feedback on the projects they have initiated and discuss future projects.

With the help of her older sister Kallia, who is a graphic design student at the University of Stellenbosch,

Monique says she plans to continue the work she started last year, which involves various campaigns on behalf of charity organisations in Hermanus. These include a stationery drive and a food drive for Yomelelani Pre-

Izaan is a learner from Gansbaai Academia who will be in Grade 10 next year. He is

School in Zwelihle, a blanket drive for HAWS, a clothing drive for Hermanus Child Welfare, and assisting with the care of the elderly at Sofca.

“These initiatives are supported by my school,” says Monique.

“I put jars for the collection of money in all the classrooms and fellow learners use the donation boxes to put old clothes and blankets in. Some of the money I collected last year could then be used for other initiatives, such as buying treats for the children in Yomelelani.”

Izaan says his focus will be on the problem of drug abuse in his community. “I would like to get involved with initiatives that are looking at the causes of drug abuse and how youngsters can be helped to stay away from drugs.

I see this as an opportunity to do good in the community.”

Computer Applications Technology (CAT) students from Northcliff House College were among those who entered The Techno Boffin competition, launched by the Overberg Education District's Curriculum Adviser Estelle Goosen, to showcase the capabilities of CAT students. The outcome of the competition was based on the students’ theory marks over three terms. Northcliff House College principal Vivienne Mitchley (left) and CAT teacher Barbara Liefeldt (second from right) were very proud of their students’ achievements: Matthew Jones (centre) was placed 11th in the whole of the Overberg district, while Panashe Mapfumo (second from left) achieved +60% and Alby Sliep (right) achieved +50%.