The Village News 17 May 2016

Village

NEWS The

17 MAY 2016

Cape Whale Coast

FREE COPY

Construction of the mall starts The Whale Coast Village Mall is no longer something coming to Hermanus, it has arrived.

Several large vehicles and machines moved onto the site in Sandbaai last week to start the first phase of the construction of this 30 000 m² development. It is expected that the ground work will continue for the next two and a half months.

“The fact that we started with the ground work is an indication of our belief in the local economy. Hermanus and the Cape Whale Coast has a vibrant and growing economy and the mall will

PHOTO: Ken Moore

have a positive impact thereon,” says Jannie Kruger, CEO of the developers, Dorpstaat Property Fund.

local tenants. We have had a very positive response from local businesses looking to form part of the mall.”

According to Jannie, dependent on the weather, the building phase will commence in mid-June with the mall officially opening its doors in October 2017.

The proposed tenant list includes Dischem, Old Khaki, Sterns, @Home, Cape Union Mart, Total Sports, Markhams, Due South, Sport Scene, Exact, Queens Park, Foschini, Truworths, Mr Price, Identity, Wimpy, Spur, Shoe City, House & Home, PEP, Fashion Express, PNA, Ackermans and cinemas.

Close on 60% of the available space has been taken up by mostly national retailers, with Checkers and Woolworths as anchor tenants.

“The mall will offer a wide range of both national and

According to Jannie national retailers that have existing premises in the CBD have indicated that they will

not close down their CBD operations. He says the mall will positively impact the local economy by reducing the flow of consumer spending out of the area to Somerset West.

“We are also taking our responsibility towards the local labor and business market very seriously. Our intention is to make use of local workers as much as possible. All the contractors will continuously give written feedback to us with regards to how many locals are employed. We will also make extensive use of local suppliers during the

construction phase.”

According to Jannie they do not anticipate that the mall will negatively impact on the CBD. “The mall will add to the mix of shops that are available to residents. The mix in the mall will be both national and local and will afford shoppers a wide range of choice.”

No final decision has been made as to who will operate the cinemas nor the two drive-through establishments.

- De Waal Steyn

With the New Harbour being a relatively underresearched aspect of Hermanus history, Dr Robin Lee of the Hermanus History Society (HHS) is currently heading up a research project, with the assistance of Elizabeth and Blaise Jones and Michael Clark. “Plans are in hand to revamp all the ‘small harbours’ along the Western Cape coast and even a brief look at how small harbours have been given a new lease of life internationally, makes you realise that a well-documented history has been vital to the success of each,” says Robin. He will be doing a presentation at the HHS’s members meeting on 23 May to give a picture of his research so far and the interesting findings.

The New Harbour was first designed in 1932, but construction was delayed by the Great Depression and World War II, until 1951. Even so, the Harbour was never completed to plan and lacks a vital second breakwater. The opening coincided with the slow decline of commercial fishing from the New Harbour and the rise of the abalone industry. Many colourful characters are to be found among the abalone divers in the period 1950-1970, after which the activity declined due to over-fishing and poaching. Uses of the New Harbour have since switched to a base for deep-sea fishing and local angling.

The Village NEWS would like to publish your thoughts and concerns about issues that are important to you.

All Letters to the Editor should be accompanied with the writer's name and contact details for verification. All letters are subject to editing for newspaper style and clarity, without changing the meaning of the content.

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

Send your letters to news@thehermanusnews. co.za The Village NEWS is published fortnightly and is available every second Tuesday (Tuesday is NEWS day!) at all major retail centres from Kleinmond to Gansbaai, including Hermanus Pick n Pay and the Village Square, the Tourism Offices, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, wine farms as well as various selected shops. If you are unable to find a copy, please contact us on 028 312 4424 / 083 700 3319 or visit us at our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.

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17 MAY 2016

During the past few weeks Hermanus has been involved in the process to get itself elected as the Town of the Year. I have been following the news with regards to the competition closely and fear that Hermanus might have missed a golden opportunity here.

I have read in your newspaper and heard on your program on Whale Coast 96FM what sterling work people like Ann Wright have been doing behind the scenes to get the town elected. Many shops and restaurants have also put up signs to get people to vote and social media has been awash with reminders to send those SMSes. I have,

however, found a lack of concerted and coordinated effort by either tourism or the municipality to ‘rally the troops’ and really set the SMS-lines alight in order for us to win.

A group of ladies in Dullstroom, for instance, created a series of Full Monty-like photographs set in the scenic spots around their town, which is also one of the nine finalists. These pictures were then used to remind people of the beauty of the town and sent all over the world to garner votes.

In Hermanus we could have done with something as simple as people walking through town and getting the throngs of visitors we

Hermanus rolls out the red carpet

In this issue of The NEWS we bring you an exclusive supplement on the fourth Hermanus FynArts festival which takes place from 10 – 19 June. This home-grown celebration of the arts is a unique cultural event that has fast become a must-do on the national arts calendar.

Following shortly on our town’s nomination as the Western Cape’s finalist in the Kwêla ‘Dorp van die Jaar’ (Town of the Year) competition and the Cape Whale Coast’s recent participation in the 2016 Indaba, Africa’s top tourism exhibition, FynArts will again focus attention on Hermanus and the many attractions it offers visitors both local and international. And with the influx of visitors eager to experience this celebration of the arts comes a much-needed boost to the local economy during a traditionally quiet time of the year.

Not that FynArts is only for visitors to enjoy. Year after year it has been enthusiastically supported and enjoyed by local residents, businesses and organisations. The

whole town owes a debt of gratitude to the dedicated members of the FynArts Committee, to the generous sponsors, the many volunteers who give freely of their time, effort and expertise, and most of all to Festival Director Mary Faure.

Mary is a shining example of how one person can make a difference.

Without her vision of a uniquely innovative festival that had to be unlike any other, and without her tireless enthusiasm, dedication and hard work to make it happen, there would be no FynArts. And yet Mary credits all those who supported her for the success story that is FynArts, and the way in which this young festival has grown exponentially in only a few years.

As a celebration that embraces the whole Overstrand community, FynArts is not only dedicated to thrilling its audiences, but also to expanding its educational outreach component by contributing to the skills development and promotion of the arts throughout the region.

That is the good news - Ed

have here every weekend to cast their vote. We could even have created a set of photographs of our amazing whales – we don’t really have to get naked to sell our town. We might even have gone so far as to send some people ‘over the mountain’ or at least to our neighbouring towns to get them to vote. After all, should Hermanus win, it will be to the benefit of the whole of the Whale Coast.

In short, we could have done more with more support from those who market and maintain our town. I missed that true Hermanus community spirit of standing together.

J. Brown, HERMANUS

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Could we have done more for votes?

Editorial Comment

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News You Can Use

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

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

Ombudsman The press exists to serve society.

Its freedom provides for independent scrutiny of the forces that shape society, and is essential to realising the promise of democracy. It enables citizens to make informed judgments on the issues of the day, a role whose centrality is recognised in the South African Constitution. The News of Hermanus subscribes to the South African Press Code and subsequently to the South African Press Council and the South African Press Ombudsman. Should you feel that our reporting was not free, fair or unbiased or that serious errors were made, you are welcome to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe. He can be reached on 011 484 3612/8, or via e-mail at pressombudsman@ ombudsman.org.za or visit www.presscouncil.org.za

DID YOU KNOW? Our beautiful fynbos icons, the proteas, belong to the family Proteaceae. It is an ancient family that existed in the time of the dinosaurs. Our best known species is the national flower, Protea cynaroides, or king protea. It has the largest flower head of all the proteas. What appears to be one large flower is actually a collection of hundreds of small individual flowers at the centre of the flower head. The beautiful red ‘petals’ surrounding the flower are actually modified leaves called bracts.

Protea leaves are hard and leathery, perfectly adapted to withstand drought.

This ensures that the flowers last very well as cut flowers, contributing hugely to our cut flower industry.

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

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

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26 JANUARY 17 MAY 2016 2016

Community to assist in rehabilitation after clearing The harvesting of large trees in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has elicited widespread comment from both residents and visitors after large tracts of land have been left without vegetation.

According to Liezl de Villiers, Senior Environmental Manager of the Municipality, the planning phase for the harvesting on municipal property started in 2014 although the project has been delayed several times due to both funding problems and the weather.

“Unfortunately, it will not look ‘pretty’ for the next few years but over time the fynbos vegetation will be restored and it will be just as fulfilling running or hiking through the various different habitats that the fynbos ecosystem can provide. The Municipality will ensure that follow-up and rehabilitation are managed on these sites and that ecosystem improvement continues,” says Liezl.

Paul du Toit, owner of Wine Village and member of both Hermanus Adventures and the Onrus River Revegetation Project, says they are ready to assist the municipality in rehabilitating the area as soon as possible.

“It is important for the rehabilitation process to start as soon as possible as the valley is an important tourist

and sport destination, especially for runners and mountain bikers,” says Paul.

why the company is working in various different sections in the forest.

He adds that several businesses and landowners are collaborating with landscape architects and nurseries to assist with the rehabilitation process. “We understand both the importance of clearing the area and the removal of the invasive aliens. But it is our aim to help rehabilitate the area. We have already started buying trees from as far afield as Wolseley. Once these areas are ready to be rehabilitated we will ask the community to get involved and help us plant the trees and shrubs.”

“The trees are removed as the market for a specific product becomes available.

This is the only way the contractor can afford to do the clearing at his own cost.

The harvesting operation looks messy to the untrained eye but the process is monitored by the officials from the Environmental Section to make sure that the process is on track and that if any problems arise, we can immediately assist.”

According to Liezl the clearing of the area is part of the existing Working for Water (WfW) Programme that started in the Onrus Catchment Area in 2005.

The Municipality manages the WfW project on behalf of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Liezl says the harvesting company working along the river has a contract with the Municipality to remove all the large trees for the commercial market. The project is planned in phases so that the sections along the river can first stabilise with indigenous vegetation before the adjacent sections are removed. That is

Nationally WfW, under the auspices of the DEA, is the governing body of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, that regulates the management of Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) in the country, says Liezl.

“Each and every landowner, whether living on a farm or in the city, is responsible for the management of IAPs on their property. If you live on or adjacent to a protected area or within an important system that provides an ecosystem function, like the Onrus Catchment Area, you have a greater responsibility to manage the invasive plants on your property.

“The Onrus River is a very dynamic system and therefore the plants growing

along the banks of the river are of great importance.

Many years ago the river's plant biodiversity looked somewhat different than it does today. Fynbos and natural riverine forest hugged the banks of the river. Along the wetland sections the roots of the Palmiet and other grasses kept the rich soils together to act as a filter for the river passing through catching sand and rocks.

“Due to many physical changes along the river since the dam was built and since large farming operations started along the banks, the effect of invasive

alien plants also grew. All of this changed the natural working of the system but not positively. People think the large trees are beautiful and they form a protective canopy that places shade on the banks of the river. But we need to clear these large trees from our river system.

The large trees indeed form their own microclimate in the system, one that shades out all the indigenous bank stabilising Palmiet, grasses and other riverine species that need sun in order to grow and flourish.”

However according to Anina Lee, Communications Manager of Whale Coast

Conservation, some of the Blue Gums in the area do play an important ecological role.

“In the Western Cape bees find 70% of their food in Blue Gum trees. Fynbos simply does not offer enough food for bees to thrive enough for farming.”

The Municipality is planning a public meeting in order to present the clearing approach and to explain the way forward for the clearing of the large trees along the Onrus River. A date for the meeting will soon be released.

- De Waal Steyn

Rudolph Smith is DA’s choice for Overstrand mayor The Democratic Alliance (DA) has elected Rudolph Smith, current Executive Deputy Mayor and councillor for Ward 8, as the mayoral candidate for the Overstrand for this year’s local elections due to take place on 3 August.

“Rudolph and I were interviewed by a DA panel on Saturday 14 May and the best candidate for the job was elected by them,” says current Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie.

The panel consisted of local, provincial and national members of the DA, including

MP and party Federal Leader James Selfe and Cape Town Mayor, Patricia de Lille.

Rudolph says it is a great honour for him to be afforded the opportunity to become Mayor of the Overstrand. “It is the first time in the history of our region that a person of colour has been appointed to lead the municipality should the DA again win the election.

“The election process was very tough. Both Nicolette and I had to do our presentations separately to

the panel. After a wait of about 10 minutes we were called into the conference room where we were told what the outcome was. It was a tough but balanced and fair process,” says Rudolph.

“It is both a huge opportunity and challenge for me but I am certain that we as a council will make a success of the task we have at hand. For me it is important to listen to the input from all the communities we serve. There is a difference between hearing someone and

listening to them. I will be listening to the people.”

According to Rudolph, should he be elected as Mayor it will be of the utmost importance to look at the strategic direction of the municipality. “There are not many problems with the current strategy, but there are some areas where we can improve. One of them is with respect to tourism. We should have a tourism committee that is independent of the municipality to help guide us.

We should also look at the implementation of a plan to

have wi-fi connection throughout the town. We cannot afford not the be on a par with the rest of the world.”

According to Nicolette she will take a decision about her future only after the elections. “I am the number 2 candidate on the proportional list, so should the DA win the election here I might still be involved in local politics. I am a proud and staunch supporter of the party and I abide myself by their decision.”

- De Waal Steyn

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17 MAY 2016

Outrage over destruction of Milkwoods Residents of Onrus voiced their disapproval after several Milkwood trees were removed from a vacant erf in De Villiers Street in order to make space for the construction of a house.

According to resident, Anton Kruger, the destruction of the trees went ahead despite vehement opposition from residents.

“We believe that closer inspection of the site by both the Municipality and the Department of Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) was necessary before the trees were cut or removed. Many Milkwood trees are living monuments as they become hundreds of years old,” Anton says.

According to him 18 of the 23 trees on the site were removed.

Liezl de Villiers, Senior Environmental Manager of the Municipality, says it is a shame that the trees had to be removed to make way for the house. “It must be stated, however, that a landowner has the right to develop his property. In this instance the Municipality was not involved in the issuing of the permit to remove the trees. I have received a copy of the permit and it does allow the owner of the property to remove all of the trees on the plot,” she says.

Wit’s End

By Murray Steward

According to Anton it is

imperative that the DAFF and the Municipality work together to ensure that proper planning is done to prevent similar occurrences.

The virtual fence to keep baboons out of town will soon be a reality after some funding for the R100 000 project was received.

Anina Lee, Communications Manager of Whale Coast Conservation, says more should be done to protect trees like Milkwoods from destruction.

According to Kari Brice, Councillor for Ward 3, R50 000 was pledged from the Ward 3 Committee discretionary budget for 2016/17, while Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) has pledged another R20 000.

“One of the reasons why they are protected is that they thrive along the coast but only behind the first dunes or a little inland. They are very susceptible to salt water and spray and therefore the leaves are covered in a thin waxy layer, and the branches grow out and then back towards the ground. By doing this the canopy creates a natural barrier between the tree and the elements. If you prune the protective barrier away you are putting the tree at serious risk,” says Anina.

According to her it is estimated that the Milkwood trees at Piet-se-Bos at Grotto Beach are up to 1 000 years old. “These trees become very old and should be protected at all cost as the endemic Milkwood forests along our coast are under threat from continuous development.”

Local tree surgeon, Derek Fourie, says it is not always necessary to remove trees

Virtual fence for baboons almost a reality

This follows after residents agreed unanimously at a Ward 3 meeting that the proposal for the creation of a virtual fence by the company Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) be accepted. 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.

The roar of lions, the sound of animals dying or in distress and even small pyrotechnics that produce a loud bang will be employed to scare baboons out of town. when building. “Milkwoods are especially sturdy and can survive in harsh conditions. It is relatively easy for them to survive construction around them if you treat them right. It is

important for architects, builders and tree experts to work together to plan building activities on plots where there are protected plant species.”

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 cell phones. If they get too close to town the sound boxes are deployed to scare 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.”

Through this a “virtual boundary” is created and the baboons will accept that town is a potentially dangerous place where they dare not venture into.

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.

Fifty shades of beige Beige has borne the brunt of jibes and jokes for yonks. It wallows in the murky quagmire of comic quips occupied by the likes of Barry Manilow, Tretchikoff or flying saucers. Sneers and sniggers are common, and sometimes even go viral.

Well it’s time to defend this much-maligned member of our colour chart.

For a start, let’s just admit that khaki is actually just a more militant shade of beige. Add a dollop of olive green, and we happily accept it without prejudice.

To their great relief, this beige varietal is very popular amongst the rural tribes.

Farmers strut happily about, aware that they’re treading on the thin ice of Beigedom, yet smugly confident that their ‘butch beige’ won’t attract giggles or snide remarks. And anyway, khaki goes with everything, according to radio reports.

The same applies to gamerangers. Camouflage, as its name implies, is the biggest cover-up of them all. Take a blank beige canvas, give a four-year-old a packet of jelly babies and a couple of tins of brown and green paint, and bingo!

‘Camoubeige’. Who would have guessed?

that they might be wearing ‘citrus beige’ pants, they’d take offence and probably clock you with the mic. For the last few decades ‘Chinos’ have been wildly popular with young and old.

Well cheer me up, but you can’t get more beige than Chinos. They’re pure, pedigreed beige.

Military men and prison warders – the shameful denialists - wear colourful badges and bling to detract from the backdrop of brilliant beige. Disgraceful and treacherous! Where is Thuli Madonsela now that we need her?

When interior decorators talk glowingly of ‘neutral shades’, they’re just too embarrassed or proud to even say the word ‘beige’ in case they get lampooned. Now we all know that ‘cream’ for example is really beige with less beige and a bit more white (not a colour anyway).

The same applies to the much-cherished term ‘earth tones’. They conjure up warm and cozy images of Mother Earth but are basically all beige, with brown, red, grey or yellow added in varying degrees to create the impression that they’re bordering on, but not really, beige. Well I think they

Anyway, skinny jeans have been ‘in’ for a while, and mustard seems to be a popular shade, as worn on TV by cricket commentators and beamed proudly around the world. Well I’m sorry, but mustard is only beige with an orange tinge.

If, however, you innocently suggested to one of them

should climb down off their hoity-toity horses, look them in the eye and call a mule an ass where ass is due.

Keeping the cherished shade unadulterated and unsullied though, has taken root in the platteland. Minor sartorial accessories are added to shirts, which render the garments unsniggerable at, and in fact desirable for many. These embellishments come in the form of breast pockets and matching epaulettes in blue, green, maroon or grey. This disguises the beigeness, and concentrates attention on the contrasting accessories.

Very stylish apparently, though the womenfolk don’t go for them much, probably because there’s only ‘large’ and ‘extra large’ in the rural Agrimarks. This is sad only in some respects.

Although beige is not the new black, it is a vital, and often subliminal contributor to almost everything we see.

Seriously, would you readily dunk a green rusk in your cup of blue tea? Or how about building sandcastles on a purple beach? And what if your pizza base was magenta? Personally, I’d send it back and ask them to make it more beige, please. Like it should be.

More than any other colour, beige has the added advantage of disguising the fact that your clothes might be a bit grubby.

So there you have it. Enough though about defending beige as a colour. Next time, we’ll explore deeper into the psychological side of being ‘beige’ with its nauseating songs, kitsch paintings, elasticised pants and sensible walking shoes. When does routine become a rut? And do you have to be old to be beige?

All this and much more in the next chapter of Beige Watch.

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A helping hand for the elderly

Erika Oosthuysen has been the social worker at the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus for the past four years. In her office she deals with people in need every day, from children of six years to senior citizens in their nineties. Her door is always open to anyone who needs help, be they children who are struggling with family problems and the effects of divorce, young adults with relationship and employment difficulties, those battling depression, alcoholism or drug addiction, or who have suffered the trauma of abuse, violence or rape, to the many challenges faced by the elderly.

In spite of spending her days dealing with the darker side of life, Erika is tirelessly enthusiastic and an exceptionally friendly, joyful and optimistic person. “I do this work out of love,” she says simply. Having previously worked at the Karl Bremer Hospital and the School for the Deaf for 26 years, Erika says they’ve had a holiday home in Onrus for the past 11 years and she feels very much at home among the congregation. “Here at the church I can fully live out my passion,” she says.

Erika has a special place in her heart for the elderly, and has been instrumental in establishing the ‘Dienssentrum’ (Service Centre) at the church as part of ‘Die Spoelklippe’ (The Pebbles) ministry that looks

after the needs of the elderly. “The Service Centre is non-denominational and everyone is welcome, even if they are not members of the church,” says Erika.

“There is also no age restriction.”

Among the many services offered by the Service Centre are: hairdressing, manicure and pedicure, massage, trim gym, arts and crafts, needlework, chess and other games, talks, movies and much more.

While anyone can make use of the services offered by the Service Centre at a fraction of the normal cost of, for example, having your hair or nails done, you will save even more by becoming a member – the membership fee is only ??? per year.

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“We have about 40 bakers and 60 helpers, all volunteers, who take turns to bake and serve the impressive spread of sweet and savoury treats laid out for the Tea Garden every week,” says Erika. Tea or coffee with eats is only R20 for members, and R30 for non-members, and a great place to make new friends.

Sister Ronel Calitz runs the Service Centre’s clinic where routine tests are done, wounds are treated and medication dispensed. She is also in charge of the carer service, which sees qualified home carers placed with elderly persons to help them with routine tasks such as bathing and shopping, according to their needs.

Die Spoelklippe get together once a month and have enjoyed many memorable outings together. “We also arrange motivational talks and film screenings in the church auditorium and our pancake and braaivleis events are always popular – there is always something to look forward to,” says Erika.

“Retirement centres are very expensive and not everyone can afford them,” says Erika.

“Many of the elderly also have children living overseas or have lost the support of a spouse through illness or death. This caring service for the elderly is aimed at keeping them in their own homes for as long as possible so that they can retain their independence and dignity.”

There is also a sociable gettogether for 50 plussers every Sunday afternoon at 3.30 pm, and the Kolwyntjie Teetuin (Cupcake Tea Garden), managed by Marie and Joep Korf, is a weekly highlight on Friday mornings.

Because people in general are living much longer than before, Erika says financial pressure is a big problem and many senior citizens are living in poverty. One of her main aims is to provide them with affordable care and support.

Joan Ollewagen, Sr Ronel Calitz, Joep Korf, Youth Minister Anton Duvenhage and Marie Korf enjoying the ‘Kolwyntjie Teetuin’ at the DRC Onrus Service Centre.

“The elderly are also at risk of developing depression and losing interest in their life.

They often stop dreaming about a future, are no longer motivated to learn new things and have no challenges to meet. Studies have shown that people who remain in good health as they age, are those who remain involved and stimulated. So make sure you remain young by joining Die Spoelklippe and the Onrus Dienssentrum!”

The Onrus Service Centre can be contacted Monday to Friday, between 10 am and 12 noon, on 028 316 1745. The clinic is open every Tuesday from 10 am – 12 noon; call Sr Ronel Calitz on 073 152 5623 to make an appointment, or if you are in need of a home carer.

- Hedda Mittner

Social Worker Erika Oosthuysen, Minister Michiel de Kock and Hannie Koch in front of the DRC Onrus.

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17 MAY 2016

Wednesday 18 May

EVENTS DIARY • ‘Lieflinge’ Live: The singing duo ‘Lieflinge’ (Rudi Claase & Charné Hugo) will perform at the Grobbelaar Hall, at 19:00. Tickets, at R100 pp, are available from Francois Swart. Contact 071 536 0002 or sfrancois@rocketmail.com

• Mushrooms in May: Join Whale Coast Conservation on their eco-adventure, 11:0014:00 (weather permitting). Gather mushrooms in fields of green, followed by a mushroom feast at Mogg’s Country Kitchen in the Hemelen-Aarde Valley. Adults R180, children R130, including lunch. To book, contact anina.wcc@gmail.com or 083 242 3295.

Friday 27 – Sun 29 May

Thursday 19 May • ‘Ons Teater’: Screening of the movie ‘God’s not Dead’ at the Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus, at 14:30. Cost: donations for the Service Centre (‘Dienssentrum’) of the church only.

Everyone is welcome.

• 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.

Friday 20 May • ‘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 (members: R20), between 09:30 and 11:30.

• Goozi’s Arabesque Pop-up Kitchen: Eunice Rademeyer will be sharing three of her all-time favourite Meze recipes for Tabbouleh, Baba Ghanoush and Hummus, from 10:00-11:30 at Goozi Cucina in Mitchell Street. Entry tickets are R100 pp and also put you in line to win a Rainbow set of 4 Le Creuset Cappuccino Mugs valued at R680. Call 028 312 4979.

• ‘Know your Overstrand’: U3A presents a course of 6 weekly classes that puts our local government under the spotlight. The first talk

by Prof Robin Lee, entitled ‘A History of the Overstrand’ is an illustrated presentation on the history of the area, from the 1850s to the present. Catholic Church hall, at 10:00.

Admission is R25. For more details, contact the course organiser, Ben Solomon, at 083 257 8378 or bensolomon@mweb.co.za • Hermanus History Society: The HHS will cohost, with the Hermanus Botanical Society, an illustrated talk by Susan Buchanan, author of the recently published ‘Burchell’s Travels: The Life, Art and Journeys of William John Burchell’, at the Catholic Church hall at 17:30.

• String Trio Recital: Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK) presents Emile de Roubaix (viola), Sungwoo Jun (violin) and Babette

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

Roosenschoon (cello), performing Luigi Boccherini’s String Trio op. 47 no. 5 in E flat major, Franz Schubert’s String Trio in B flat major, George Enescu’s ‘Aubade Lointane’ and Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Waltz, at the Municipal Auditorium, 19:00. Tickets are R120 pp; R60 for students. Book with Bellini Gallery in the Village Square or call 028 312 4988.

Friday 20 – Sunday 22 May • Giant Winter Book Fair: Thousands of new and fresh pre-owned books at rock-bottom prices. Community Hall, Voortrekker Street, McGregor. Light refreshments available from the coffee shop. All proceeds to Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. For more information visit www.donkeysanctuary.co.za or if you wish to donate books, contact 023 625 1593 or bookfair@donkeysanctuary.co.za

Saturday 21 & 28 May • Hermanus parkrun: Meet at Hermanus Forest in Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at 08:00. Free timed 5 km walk or run come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

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

• Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: In the courtyard at HPF cellar, The Village, from 9:00-13:00. Where wine and food lovers both local and international meet.

• Market in the Garden: At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, 09:00-14:00. A wonderful market set amongst the trees in the heart of town. Join the St Peter’s Coffee Morning and enjoy a sweet treat for only R10 and a cup of coffee or tea for only R5. Sit down in the shady garden and enjoy the surrounds.

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

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

Wednesday 25 May

• Body Sensing Mindfulness Retreat: Learn how to live in the present, free from tension, pain and stress, at Bodhi Khaya Retreat near Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Choose between a 2 night release & restore weekend retreat, or extend your stay to Tuesday 31 May for a longer heal & re-align 4 night retreat with more time to reflect, integrate and have individual sessions. Included in the cost are daily body sensing sessions; morning and evening meditation and movement; daily guided activities and workshops, including mindful nature walks; wholesome vegetarian food; and information resources to support your continuing wellness. The cost is between R2 600 and R7 200, depending on the length of your stay and optional extras. Contact 028 388 0156 / 072 385 6978 or info@bkr.co.za

Saturday 28 May

• Supper & Movie Nights: Join South Hill wine estate in the Elgin Valley every Wednesday evening for sundowners at 18:00, supper at 19:00 and movie screening at 20:00. R135 pp all inclusive. The movie on 25 May is the multi award-winning ‘Steve Jobs’. Stay-over packages and baby-sitting facilities available. Contact 021 844 0333 or events@southhill.co.za for more details, to book your seats or to be included on their movie mailing list.

Friday 27 May • The Little Winds Quintet: The Hermanus Music Society presents an acclaimed winds quintet comprising a flutist, bassoonist, oboist, clarinettist, and a French horn player. They will perform relaxing and uplifting music by Mozart, Beethoven, Piazzolla, Arnold, Debussy, Dvorak and Gershwin, at 18:00 for 18:30 in the cellar of the Bouchard Finlayson wine estate in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Tickets are R120 pp. Contact Cliff at 028 313 0567 or vcmoran@iafrica.com

• Art Bouquet All Seasons Exhibition: Browse the artworks and photography on display every last Saturday of the month at Bosko Centre, Fairways Avenue (opposite the Hermanus Country Market) from 09:00 – 13:00.

Not weather dependent as the exhibition is indoors. A great opportunity for new artists who haven’t exhibited before – secure your spot at only R150. Contact Marí on 084 506 7427 or artbouquet2015@gmail.com • Benguela Cove Sweet Wine Launch: Join Benguela Cove for the exclusive launch of their new sweet wines at the Benguela Manor House on the Bot River lagoon, from 11:0016:00. Experience these sweet delights with classical music and art. Cheese and charcuterie boards, millionaire's shortbread pairing, and chocolate and wine pairings available on the day. Free entry, but booking essential on 083 645 6198.

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26 JANUARY 17 MAY 2016 2016

Marketing the Overstrand Indaba style

Every year everybody who is anybody in the tourism industry boards a plane for Durban and talks tourism for three solid days. This year was no different and although the attendance figures to Africa’s largest travel show seemed to be slightly down, the general agreement was that the quality has certainly not dropped.

From 7 to 9 May many Cape Whale Coast hospitality businesses met up in Durban and the mothers amongst them had to accept that if you are in tourism, Indaba trumps Mother’s Day. The Potting Shed, Southern Right Charters, SA Forest Adventures, White Shark Projects, Windsor Hotel, Grootbos, Marine Dynamics all had stands to share their stories. Newly established Urban Tours was recognised

by SA Tourism, as a much needed community product, and given an express stand that Leanne Dryburgh of The Photowalkers manned for her first visit to Indaba.

Old-timer Indaba attendees Glynis van Rooyen, Clinton Lerm, Charmaine Beukes, Michael Lutzeyer, Wilfred Chivell , Soli Madikane and Glenda Kitley made sure that Indaba felt like a local gettogether. Around every corner was a familiar face.

It was quite obvious that all the marketing campaigns now include a social component with hashtags and twitter icons placed very visibly on marketing material. Digital is no longer a trend in travel. With the typical traveller making 419 digital moments before flying into the sunset we can comfortably say that travel is digital. Digital is not a secondary source to word of mouth; it is part of word of mouth because of the online conversations strangers are having with one another in sharing images and facts. Visitors feed off reviews made by people like themselves and video plays a prominent role in the tourism buying decision.

tourism for economic growth. The Cape Whale Coast certainly has the same expectations. These expectations can definitely be met because of the natural beauty and diverse attractions of the area, from beaches to fynbos and wines to whales, and more specifically the variety of activities offered and the short distance from an international airport.

Glenda Kitley, Gansbaai Tourism Manager, has attended thirteen Indabas and has seen the best. Kitley feels that the annual Indaba is still the place where it’s at for tourism and would not be discouraged from attending because of a slight drop in numbers. With the added information sessions and introduction meetings there is more value for attendees, and the active engagement

of SA Tourism also helped to gain access to relevant people and be exposed to new travel trends. With opportunity to engage face to face with travel agents and tour operators, long term relationships can be forged.

In January, over one million tourists arrived in South Africa, 15% more that the previous year and the

estimation is that tourism will contribute more than R380 billion to the economy this year. We know that tourism adds positively to the economy and we know that Hermanus, by making intelligent and concerted efforts to market and promote our businesses, has everything it takes to gain from the tourism industry.

– Frieda Lloyd

With 800 exhibitors engaging 1100 buyers covering 500 international businesses, Indaba is a platform for African operations to connect with the rest of the world. Indaba is the one show where business is done as much off the exhibition stand as at the stand, and you need stamina to survive as engagement continues after hours.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom mentioned in his budget speech that government is looking to

Juanita Nel from White Shark Projects, Frieda Lloyd, Tourism Manager of Cape Whale Coast, Simone Heunis from Ocean Eleven and Annamarie Sales from The Potting Shed at Indaba 2016.

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17 MAY 2016

Gabriëlskloof serves up sharing Sundays If happiness is a shared meal, then Gabriëlskloof Restaurant, the gorgeously appointed culinary hotspot on the ‘koppie’ outside Bot River, is your happy place this winter, where their new Sharing Sundays cater for slow-cooked, shared meals a la family style.

From May until the end of August, the concept of shareable cuisine will take on a nostalgic charm at this wine and olive farm in the Overberg, with each Sunday saluting a different ‘family feast’ with wholesome dishes cooked from the larder and land.

“There is a huge difference between ‘sharing a meal’ and ‘sharing food’. With our Sharing Sundays we invite people to ditch their winter hibernation for a communal, happy high. It is all about

simple, slow cooked family meals served on big platters where everyone can help themselves and share in a delicious selection of heritage fare at their own table,” explains Chef Frans Groenewald who is renowned for his heart and soul food, served with true ‘platteland’ passion and a generous hand.

Coq au Vin with a touch of ‘Frans’ to rustic farm chicken with tasty, earthy comforts to brighten even the greyest of winter days.

“With our Sharing Sundays we want people to engage with their more prosocial selves and get cosy and content, while we chase away the winter chills with great food, wine and company,” adds Frans, a fan of rich sauces, bold flavours and real farm butter.

In addition to its Sharing Sundays which cost R250 per person for this three course family feast, Gabriëlskloof also lifts the lid on wholesome country goodness with a new A La Carte Winter Menu, with a two course meal costing R185 and a three course indulgence R215.

Gabriëlskloof Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, except on Tuesdays and bookings are essential.

Contact 028 284 9865 or restaurant@gabrielskloof.co.za

Changing weekly, these family feasts will range from Osso Buco and hearty sides to Tomato Bredie with tables brimming with country fare;

A large fireplace and comfy nook with sofas, round off a relaxed, homey ambience which entices visitors to indulge, recharge and genuinely slow down.

Seeff Hermanus walked off with a basket full of awards the group won at the company’s recent annual awards ceremony at Fancourt in George. Not only did they win the Group Licensee of the Year, the highest achievement a licensee can be awarded, they also won the award for Marketer of the Year, Biggest Market Share in the group, Most Units Sold in their division and Irma Herbst won the award for the Agent with Highest Unit Count in the country.

This is indeed a great achievement as they were competing against more than 125 licensees with more than 1 200 agents. “Our success is based on hard work, team work, ongoing specialised training, excellent agents, a loyal client base and strong ethical standards. We also have a strong spiritual base from which we work. We would like to thank our Hermanus clients for their ongoing support. Without them this would not have been possible,” says Reon van der Merwe, Principal of Seeff Hermanus.

10 - 19 June 2016

49 Marine Drive Hermanus, 7200 Tel: 028 313 3727 Email: info@windsorhotel.co.za Web: www.windsorhotel.co.za

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Art Shop pledges support to FynArts

The owner of the Art Shop in Mitchell Street, Derek Goosen, has again pledged to contribute a portion of his profit earned during Hermanus FynArts 2016, to the FynArts Development Fund. He is also urging other business owners to do the same in support of the festival and to ensure that it has a sustainable future.

“The FynArts initiative is tremendously exciting for the area,” says Derek. “I support not only the concept of the festival which is uniquely innovative, but also Mary Faure’s vision of an Arts Academy which will open up opportunities in the arts for talented local youths.”

The Art Shop has provided art and design materials to the considerable artist community in Hermanus since it was established in 2003 by Sandy

Cooper. Derek, who took over the business in 2009, was the driving force behind the Musica brand for 40 years before retiring in 2002.

In 2006 he opened The Village Brush & Canvas art shop in Claremont, where he lives, and on the strength of the store’s success, decided to branch out to Hermanus.

“My love of music resonates with art in that both touch the soul and offer similar therapeutic experiences,” he says.

“The Art Shop provides the significant Overberg art community with the product range and level of service that it deserves. We stock materials from all the famous brands such as Winsor & Newton, Reeves, DalerRowney, Derwent, Lukas and proudly South African brands

such as Dala and Zellen.”

Derek visits the shop weekly, and is happy to leave it in the capable hands of manager Isabel Greyvenstein and her assistant Chrizelle Appel.

Isabel has been with the Art Shop for 13 years, since its opening, and Chrizelle joined her 10 years ago. “We have lovely customers with whom we have built up great relationships over the years,” says Isabel.

The Art Shop will again be hosting several workshops during FynArts this year, including Tania Babb’s Creating with Clay, Maureen Tomaino’s Watercolour Impressions, and Carole Harris’s Painting with Annie Sloan Decorative Paints.

- Hedda Mittner

The owner of the Art Shop, Derek Goosen with manager Isabel Greyvenstein and her assistant Chrizelle Appel

The Pro Musica Choir held the Overstrand’s name high when they participated in both the Interkultur Franz Schubert Choir Competition and the Interkultur Choir Competition in Bad Ischl in Austria. Not only was the choir the only South African choir to take part in Interkultur 2016 but they were invited to sing at both of the gala opening evenings. At both competitions the choir won silver medals in the respective categories for Mixed Choirs and Sacred Choral Music. The choir competed under the direction of Annemarie Rautenbach.

17 MAY 2016

Know your Overstrand U3A: OVERBERG will be presenting an exciting and informative course entitled ‘Know your Overstrand’, kicking off on Friday 20 May at 10:00 in the Catholic Church hall. Everyone who has an interest in, and a love for, our town will benefit from attending this course, which entails seven weekly sessions every Friday at the same time, with the last session on I July.

Different topics and aspects of our town will be covered, with the spotlight on the quality and value of local government. “The difficult position of the country in financial terms has already resulted in reduced funding from central and provincial government,” says the course organiser, Ben Solomon.

“Every cent has to be well spent. We now know that the elections for this level of government will be held on 3 August. Every registered voter can express support or rejection of candidates and parties. If dissatisfaction reaches a level at which the governance of large cities passes into the hands of parties currently in opposition, there could be a knock on effect on national government. Come along and hear what is happening in

your local government area.”

The sessions will focus on the following topics: • 20 May: Dr Robin Lee of the Hermanus History Society will make an illustrated presentation on the history of the area now known as the Overstrand, from the 1850s to present times. There will be a strong emphasis on the economic development of the region.

• 27 May: Briand Louw, Consultant to the Overstrand Municipality, responsible for housing projects, will talk on demographics and housing.

The later topic will include the number of houses in various price brackets in the different towns, vacant plots, number of households not paying for services and the housing shortage.

• 3 June: Stephen Müller, Director Infrastructure and Planning, Overstrand Municipality, will outline current infrastructure projects and priorities for the future. He will refer specifically to costs.

• 10 June: Wendy Colyn, District Manager, Grabouw and Overstrand, Western Cape Provincial Education Department, will give an overview of the schools in

the area. She will explain funding norms and the curriculum and end with the challenges to be met.

• 24 June: Mary Faure, Director, Hermanus FynArts Festival, will outline the structure of the tourism market in the Overstrand, the functions of the four Tourism Offices, festivals and tourism-related activities, and whether we are gaining important potential benefits from this industry.

• 1 July: Denise Priga Ritter and Lynn Le Grange will talk about the importance of early childhood development.

Dr Robin Lee says his talk on Friday 20 May will present a series of economic drivers that have supported the Overstrand over the period 1857 to 2016. “The ‘subsistence fishing era’ that supported Hermanus and Gansbaai until about 1920, was followed by the ‘commercial fishing area’ which drove the towns economically. But in Hermanus this era ended around 1950, and other economic drivers since the 1880s included ‘medical tourism’ and later, hotel holidays and ecotourism. Finally, Hermanus

became increasingly popular as a holiday and retirement destination,” says Robin.

“The general conclusion is that since the fishing industry declined 80 years ago the economic viability of the area has been dependent on wealth and spending power moving into the area, and not on the export of some product or service produced here. As tourism, in turn, depends on a pristine environment the main task of the Municipality should be the conservation of the environment as the money it brings in supports the entire community.”

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Overstrand Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie (second left) handed over gifts of books, tables, chairs, blankets and winter clothing recently for the young children in the care of Princess Ndude (first left), owner and educator of Zisabantu Educare Centre in Zwelihle. Looking on are Cllrs Moira Opperman (second right) and Mercia Andrews (first right). “I am so happy.

This will really help us to provide a better service and improve the facility. The children especially will benefit the most from these amazing goods,” stated an emotional Ndude, who holds certificates in Level 4 and Level 5 Early Childhood Development (ECD) training obtained through Boland College.

Pick n Pay Hermanus recently donated 21 T-shirts to the first team of the Hawston Rugby Club. According to Candice Martin, Client Services Manager at the store, it is part of the store’s ongoing social responsibility programme. “We reach out to the less privileged in our community and support them. Whether it is handing out nappies at the provincial hospital or supporting a sport team, we are part of the community we serve,” says Candice. Here she is with Brandon Hunter, Godfrey Matinka and Wybro Johnson at the hand-over.

11

26 JANUARY 17 MAY 2016 2016 Neither the weather nor roadworks could dull the excitement and boisterous spirit of the Overstrand Junior Town Council as they set off on a recent educational tour that included a trip to the Parliamentary precinct in Cape Town. Visits to the Hermanus Additional Municipal Court, Hermanus Transfer Station and Recycling Plant, the newly-established Mount Pleasant Housing Scheme, Kleinmond Library and Stony Point Penguin Colony were just some of the highlights that formed part of the Overstrand leg of the excursion.

Now in its 11th year, the Overstrand Junior Town Council Project is managed by the Enlighten Education Trust in partnership with the Overstrand Municipality. The body comprises 35 council members, drawn from a pool of grade 9-11 learners of the area’s six high schools, who display promising leadership and outstanding academic capabilities.

During the 12-month term of office, junior council members are exposed to a number of activities that afford insight into the operational elements of local government, public appearances and the delivery of projects that are expressly aimed at benefiting their respective communities.

028 312 2616

6 Adam Street Whale Park Hermanus Hyundai

CTM

NEW pillows & linen now Toyota AVAILABLE FREE delivery Visit our shop for quality in Hermanus and affordable beds

My Home Cornel Janse van Vuuren 083 704 8636 onrus@realnet.co.za

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17 MAY 2016

Winter can be a great season for home buyers House hunting during winter can be advantageous for buyers willing to brave the cold weather, as there will most probably be fewer other buyers searching, and much less competition when making an offer on a great home.

“Sellers know that spring and summer are the most popular times to look for a new home and often wait to list their properties then, so it is true that you may have fewer homes to choose from in winter. But you could potentially get a much better deal too, because home owners who are selling in this season are often more willing to negotiate,” says Cornel Janse van Vuuren, Principal of RealNet Hermanus.

“Firstly, their home may not have sold during the previous peak season, and there may be some pressure for them to conclude a sale soon. You should always enquire how long a property has been listed and why the owner is selling before making an offer.

“Secondly, most sellers will appreciate the fact that anyone who is willing to brave the adverse weather to view their home in winter is probably a pretty serious buyer, and that their offer will be worth considering.

“And finally, time is always money for a seller, and the rainy winter weather we experience in the Western Cape also tends to make it much more difficult to get a home ready for viewings or show days. Thus someone who has decided to sell in winter, for whatever reason, probably doesn’t want to prolong the process, or continue paying holding costs any longer than they have to – especially if their intention is to move somewhere warmer.”

Other winter-buying advantages, she says, include the fact that when viewing a home in “extreme” conditions, you will immediately get to see if there are any leaks in the roof and if the plumbing, insulation and electrical systems all work properly.

“And even if it is somewhat less attractive, a house that turns out to need a few repairs can present you with further opportunities to negotiate a reduced offer.

Besides, you’ll avoid the potential problem of buying in summer only to discover that the roof leaks when the rains start the following winter – months after the sale has been concluded.”

Moving is also cheaper in winter, Cornel says, because it is a quiet period for

removal companies and they tend to discount their prices. You will probably also have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a moving date.

“Meanwhile, it is also worth

considering the fact that home loan interest rates in SA are currently on a rising course, and could well be quite a lot higher by next summer. The banks are also steadily tightening up on their qualifying criteria, so

buying this winter instead of waiting for summer could actually make all the difference, for many people, between being able to qualify for a home loan this year or not, and losing out on their dreams of home ownership.”

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17 MAY 2016

Waterproof your home for winter

“Waterproofing is the process of making an object or structure waterproof, or waterresistant and that resists the ingress of water under specified conditions. ‘Water resistant’ and ‘waterproof’ often refer to the penetration of water in a liquid state, whereas damp proof refers to resistance to humidity or dampness.” Professionals in this field earnestly advocate against taking shortcuts.

Quality waterproofing must be executed properly and by experts from the first.

Water ingress occurs from above, or below. Hennie De Wet, owner of The Hire Centre, Onrus knows this only too well.

Operating for 35 years, this well recognised business offers a ‘quality tool for everyone, whether busy with D.I.Y, contractors, businesses, large construction companies or general maintenance jobs.’

He regularly hires out equipment specific to providing solutions to the effects of water ingress. “We hire out Gas burners, which are a fundamental accessory for the application of membranes in the waterproofing process. Our industrial vacuum cleaners, Euroheats and dehumidifiers play vital roles in minimising water damage.”

Industrial vacuum cleaners guzzle up flood water. A

Euroheat heating system acts much like a hairdryer. A tube with internal flame, draws in water particles from wet walls and floors in a process of evaporation.

Portable dehumidifiers reduce the amount of moisture in the air inside a building, by extracting humidity from the air and into a holding canister. Heat guns are suitable for smaller jobs, such as around windows or under sinks.

Hennie cautions new Overstrand home builders, “Your home not only needs protection from the northwest wind and attendant winter rains, but also from the moist and strong-winded black south-easter.” If accompanied by a cut-off low, as occasionally occurs in autumn and spring, this south-easter can cause extremely heavy rains, as suffered in the 1981 Laingsburg flood.

Hank Linney of Waterworks specialises in the waterproofing of new buildings. A man of 23 years’ experience, he strongly advises prospective new home owners to take heed of the following advice: • Reputable waterproofing

companies offer up to a 10 year guarantee on their products and workmanship

on new roofs. Some suppliers even offer surety back guarantees on their installers.

• When purchasing a home,

enquire upfront what repairs have been done to the roof, who undertook the job and what guarantees they offered.

• The Overstrand has a

number of natural wetland areas with attendant subterranean water. Builders must allow for sub-soil drainage to avoid water ingress.

• As the Overstrand is along

the coast, it is important that outer walls have two ‘skins’ with a cavity between them.

Since solid 230mm (9 inch) walls are prone to leaking, the cavity prevents moisture from seeping into the building.

• Painters should test your

walls for moisture prior to any redecorating. Affected areas can take several months to dry out properly, depending on ventilation.

• Wherever drainpipes

discharge, water needs to channel into a storm-water drain, or a storage tank system.

• New chimneys and

skylights should preferably be waterproofed by the

The owner of the Hire Centre in Onrus, Hennie de Wet, and office manager Melanie Wessels installers themselves. Enquire what guarantees are offered on this work and ask for referrals.

• Windows should include a

waterproofing detail. Simple caulking around a window does not guarantee a successful result.

• Any kind of waterproofing

after the fact can be a messy affair, as bituminous compounds and torch-on products are used.

Caveat emptor – let the buyer beware. And the builder too. It would seem prudent to ensure that an

investment as important as a property, is properly protected against potential water damage.

Not to do so upfront, may well prove to be a frustratingly costly mistake.

- Kathy Mulock-Bentley

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Sport

Sport written & compiled by: Tony O’Hagan

26 JANUARY 17 MAY 2016 2016

Good turnout, good catches at fly fishing Open Day A fun day was had by all at the Hermanus Fly Fishing Open Day. The weather played its part and 36 fishermen (21 members and 15 visitors) were rewarded, as 71 trout were caught on a catch and release basis.

Family and friends joined the fishermen with a braai to end the morning's activities.

The winners of the various categories were as follows: Junior - Ethan Page Lady - Kerry Tindall Visitor - Roland Oelofse Club Champion - Tim Tindall Special Prize - Andrew Miles

Tim Tindall

The prizes were presented by the Club Chairman, Richard Tate, who was pleased with the response from both members and visitors. An enjoyable day to end the week.

A Few Memorable Rugby Quotes Super 18 and Currie Cup rugby are heading towards the business end of these competitions, as teams vie for the right to contest the semifinals and finals of these events. Some serious clashes lie ahead and to lighten the mood, here are a few quotes on the game of rugby.

OSCAR WILDE: "Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies from the centre of the city”

WINSTON CHURCHILL: "Rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen” FAX TO ALL BLACKS, 1995 WORLD CUP: "Remember that rugby is a team game, so all 14 of you make certain you pass the ball to Jonah Lomu” PHIL WAUGH (ex-Wallaby player): "We actually got the winning try three minutes from the end, but then they scored" ANDREW MEHRTENS (ex-All

Black): "The French are predictably unpredictable" PETER de VILLIERS (exSpringbok coach): "If you want to run with the big dogs, you've got to lift your leg" TANA UMAGO (ex-All Black captain): "I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father" NEWS REPORTER (on legendary All Black lock forward): "Colin Meads is the kind of player you expect to

see emerging from a ruck with the remains of a jockstrap between his teeth" TONY BROWN (ex-All Black player): " The kick was absolutely unique, except for the one before it, which was identical" REFEREE TO PRINCESS ANNE'S SON, PETER PHILLIPS (excaptain of Gordonstoun School): On tossing the coin "Grandmother or tails" JONO GIBBS (ex-All Black): "Nobody in rugby should be

Twenty teams from all over the Western Cape competed in the Rola VW Hermanus Bowls Classic on 14 and 15 May at Hermanus Bowls Club. According to Hermanus player Alick Bruce-Brand the competition was tough with several talented teams participating. In the end the team from Robertson won the A division while Hermanus was the winner in the B Division.

called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein" Finally, some real corkers by ex-All Black player and commentator, MURRAY MEXTED. Here are some comments made by him while broadcasting on rugby: "Andy Ellis - the 21 year old who turned 22 a few weeks ago” "He scored that try after only

22 seconds, totally against the run of play” "Either side could win it, or it could be a draw” "Strangely, in a slow motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer" We wish our South African teams good luck for the weekend ahead and let’s hope the results go our way!

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17 MAY 2016

Schools

Curro Castle initiates a social responsibility project every term. As part of the Theme: ‘Jobs, People who help us’, various organisations were approached to visit the school. The educators then encouraged the parents of their classes to bring items to donate to the organisation as a token of thanks for what they do in our community. The learners learnt a lot and the organisations receiving the gifts were extremely grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity.

“Thank you to all the organisations and people within Hermanus that contribute to our community in so many ways,” said Principal Hennie Mentz.

Derek van Riet – Pilot for SAA giving a talk to Group 3

Dr. Lara Snelson with Beatrice Liebenberg, Olivia Wellington and Luna-Mari Joubert from Group 4E

Overstrand Fire and Rescue with Group 5 A&E

Here we go Hermies, here we go again!

The annual Go Cart Day, which took place on 13 May, is an event that Hermanus High School puts together to create an unforgettable funfilled day where every Hermie can show off in one way or another, whether it’s in the class dances performed or in the pushing of the go cart, and this year was no exception.

Bigger and better than ever before, the Go Cart Day put a smile on the faces of all who attended, old or young. The Coke truck stage provided a platform for the class performances where every class from all grades was able to jump and jive to the music of their choice, adding to the festive atmosphere with good music and great dances.

As before people of all ages were welcome at this popular event and also well entertained by

the performances and a number of stalls made available by the school and local businesses.

Every class in every grade as well as all visitors enjoyed the races. The actionpacked, nail-biting races were the main event of the day and as always, both the students taking part and those watching agreed that the Hermies out-did themselves once again.

It was a fun-filled, action-packed day for all the students and visitors, and Hermanus High School was able to show their pride in their school, offering a day that many will not forget.

– Leijla Steyn