The Village NEWS 24 April - 30 April

NEWS NEWS

Village

The

Mayoral Entrepreneurial Winner

Cape Whale Coast

24 - 30 April 2018

FREE COPY

ALL FIRED UP

New volunteer group

P4 DAM AT 40%

Implementation of water levies postponed

P5 DEMENTIA

New facility to open in Betty’s Bay

PHOTO: Ria van der Lith New resident Ria van der Lith from Sandbaai, who is a member of the Rustenburg Photographic Society, recently took this picture of the boats at the Old Harbour in Hermanus. It won a Certificate of Merit in the society's competition this month, which is rated higher than gold or silver. We couldn’t agree more!

Are we losing our humanity?

P 18 WB XTREME

Coming this weekend

P 24

De Waal Steyn

W

hen you live in a community surrounded by overwhelming poverty and hardship you cannot just sit back and watch people suffer.

Grandmothers with no roof over their head, children with no shoes or jerseys in winter and many people who every night go to bed on an empty stomach. When this is your life, you need to act to change the circumstances.”

So say Gcobani Ndzongana and Sicelo Gxamesi, two of the leaders of the community organisation, Zwehlihle Renewal who helped organise the initial march to the Municipality on 22 March to demand land for backyard dwellers.

worth of damage to properties and businesses, and foreign nationals fleeing out of the township in fear of their lives. This should never have happened,” says Sicelo earnestly in the small take-away shop where they have agreed to meet.

“What followed after this peaceful march is a tragedy, with a criminal element hellbent on creating as much chaos as possible, hijacking our protest. This led to clashes with the police and law enforcement, millions of rands

“We take what happened very seriously as we will not tolerate that kind of behaviour.

We do not want destruction.

We do not want violence and we do not want people to fear for their lives. To that end we have already found a donor to

repair the library and police station that were torched during the riots. We have also called a community meeting where we as the leadership of Zwelihle Renewal apologised to the foreign nationals who not only had to flee but lost their businesses due to fires and looting. The apology comes from deep in our hearts,” he says.

As an example, Sicelo refers to the protest march on 10 April to the Magistrate’s Court to demand the release of those arrested during the riots.

“More than 6 000 people marched peacefully and spent the day in front of the court singing songs and building community spirit. Not one person was arrested, and no property vandalised or damaged. That is how we organise marches – peacefully.”

Sipping on a cappuccino and constantly answering messages on his phone, Gcobani is animated in his discussions of the problems residents of the township are facing.

Read more on P 3

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24 - 30 April 2018

E WS

The Team

6 Royal Street, Hermanus

028 312 2234

THE

NEWS

OPINION Matters

Let’s keep up the fight against plastic pollution Publishing Editor De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Design and Layout Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing René Hartslief 083 648 8700 ads@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Leijla Steyn 083 625 6667 ads@thevillagenews.co.za

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

Office Administrator Tania Hamman admin@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Kathy Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@thevillagenews.co.za

Photography & Social Media Taylum Meyer 084 564 0779 taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

WHERE TO FIND US The Village NEWS is published every week and the next edition will be available on 1 May. The NEWS can be found at over 100 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai.

Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 312 2234 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.

Sunday 22 April was internationally celebrated as World Earth Day and the theme was Let’s End Plastic Pollution.

The day went largely unacknowledged in the Overstrand, despite the huge efforts by various organisations, businesses and individuals to conserve our natural environment.

Earth Day was first organised in the 1970s in the United States and is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals or groups perform acts of service to Earth. Typical ways of observing Earth Day include

planting trees, picking up trash, conducting various programmes for recycling and conservation, and using recyclable containers for snacks and lunches.

At times the wave of ecological problems seems overwhelming and one can very easily experience environmental fatigue. But every small battle won against the scourge of plastic waste has a positive impact.

The Overstrand has always been one of the cleanest areas in the country and that is largely thanks to the efforts

of both the public and local authorities. Already some businesses in town have ceased to supply customers with plastic bags and a several restaurants have banned the use of plastic straws.

Unfortunately, these areas seem to be losing the battle against litter. In our drive to better the environment these communities find themselves in, we also need to ensure that these areas are clean and litter free.

For us to keep our image as a clean, progressive and ecofriendly area we all need to work together to continuously make a difference. We call on more businesses to follow suit and stop using single use plastic products.

In the same way we saw a peaceful march by the residents of Zwelihle to the Magistrate’s Court, we would like to see a march that leaves behind no litter. Even better would be a march to start cleaning up the area and restore the dignity of our people.

In addition, a lot has been written about our townships in the past few weeks.

This is the good NEWS – Ed

Have your say about the Whale Festival Preparations for the annual Whale Festival are starting. There are two camps among locals regarding the festival: those who support it and those who stay at home.

We need a new plan for the festival

400

To paraphrase a letter that we received from a Hermanus resident after last year's festival:

The festival has slowly gotten worse each year

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“The festival is slowly going from bad to worse and is starting to harm local businesses. The crowds that attend the festival now want noise, cheap food and entertainment – not to see the whales. It creates traffic congestion, litter, overcrowding and noise and has unfortunately started to put tourists off from attending the festival altogether, causing local businesses to take a hit. The pollution is also harmful to our environment and the noise may be scaring off the whales.”

It has outlived its purpose. Shut it down

70

The Festival needs to be run by the community

45

Only locals to supply food and craft stalls

43

The festival is still a hit

6

Our Facebook users gave their opinion.

Weather forecast for the next week & De Bos Dam level Tuesday 24 April

Wednesday 25 April

16°C / 20°C

15°C / 20°C

Partly cloudy

Partly cloudy

Thursday 26 April

14°C / 19°C Partly cloudy

Friday 27 April

Saturday 28 April

13°C / 19°C

16°C / 19°C

Clear

Clear

Sunday 29 April

13°C / 24°C Clear

www.yr.no

Monday 30 April

16°C / 21°C Clear

De Bos Dam Level

40.3 % full

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24 - 30 April 2018

Whites invited to visit Zwelihle From P 1

future leaders of our town? They are missing, relegated to junior positions with no hope of one day reaching the highest echelons. If only we can all work together to give everyone an equal chance in life, we will be a so much better place for it,” says Sicelo.

“This has nothing to do with politics, it has nothing to do with race or nationality. This is about humanity. People living in these conditions are losing their humanity and it is heart breaking to see what people must suffer though.

And what about race relations and the future of the Overstrand?

“I see a bright and wonderful future,” says a smiling Gcobani.

“Starting by making small differences in people’s lives we can all look forward to the future. We have now said ‘kwanele kwanele’ (enough is enough). We have been heard and now we are only looking forward.”

“We are serious when we say that this is not politics. We do not want to become involved in political parties showboating and playing power games with each other while the residents are suffering,” says Gcobani.

“That is why we are in the process of registering Zwehihle Renewal as a non-profit organisation. Our honest ambition is to help the people of our communities gain their place in the sun. People come first, the rest will follow. Zwelihle Renewal is anti-politics, anti-racism, anti-sexism, fighting for social justice, equality, promoting human rights, values, morality, ubuntu, peace, diversity and a united community.”

After spending his childhood years in King Williams Town, Gcobani became involved in the ANC Youth League at a young age. “I have always wanted to help my community and as a youngster I tried to do that through the Youth League, but I was soon disillusioned by the politics. In 2008 I divorced the league and after moving to Hermanus I become involved in Zwelihle Renewal.”

Leaning forward in his chair, Gcobani shows me Zwelihle Renewal’s mission statement on his phone. It reads: “A home to build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problem our problems and solve them together.”

He leans back in his chair and smiles. “Yes, that is what we are about. We are all brothers and sisters. It does not matter if you are white or black. If we see a white boy walking to school in winter with no shoes because he cannot afford to buy them, we want to be in a position to do that for him.”

Sicelo Gxamesi and Gcobani Ndzongana, two of the leaders of the community organisation, Zwehlihle Renewal, who helped organise the initial march to the Municipality on 22 March to demand land for backyard dwellers. They have said that they have no interest in politics or political parties and that their organisation has no ambition to contest local elections in future. They simply want to give Zwelihle residents their dignity back.

Sicelo, who also hails from the Eastern Cape where he studied Public Administration at the Walter Sisulu University, is adamant when he says the time for change is long overdue. He also worked in Government’s Social Development Department, is part of the Abagold Development Trust and serves on the board of the Overstrand Training Institute.

“All of what is happening here in Hermanus is a result of years of exclusion,” he says. “Just look at the IDP (Integrated Development Plan) for our region. More needs to be spent on creating equal opportunities for all communities.

Every year the Municipality has a clean audit and for many years we have been hailed as one of the cleanest towns in the country.

“But what does that mean when

you drive up Rotary Way and you look down at our town? If you look to the left, you see beautiful scenery and prosperous neighbourhoods. If you look to the right, you see beautiful houses on the ocean’s edge and sprawling development towards Vermont.

But if you look right in front of you, what you see are thousands of people cramped into little houses surrounded by shacks.

You see an ugly place.”

This is indeed ironic if you consider the word Zwelihle means ‘beautiful place’.

“If you look at the business leaders and the municipal management, where are the people who grew up and live in that middle bit? Where are the young black leaders who are busy with training to become the

Starting to say our goodbyes after the interview, Gcobani comes up with a last idea. “I want to extend an invitation to your white readers. If they have a domestic worker or gardener or even a colleague, drive home with them one day and see where they live.

If you are happy with the circumstances they live in, then go home. If you find that they live in a shack that does not keep the cold and wet out in winter or if they are sharing a room or bed with several other people, go home and start working with them to improve their lot.

“A donation of a blanket, clothes, a heater or even a stove or bed can be life-changing for some people. If the people are scared to come into the township, we will accompany them and ensure they are safe. Let us start to understand where each of us is coming from.”

Driving home in the dark past Zwelihle I realise it is indeed ugly.

I will be visiting soon, especially after learning of Ntombokqala Bambiso (63) who lives with her two children and three grandchildren in a roofless house after it was destroyed by a fire in December. Donations for this family can be dropped off at The Village NEWS office in Royal Street.

Zwelihle has all the potential to become a beautiful place. And a happy one.

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All Fired Up V

Introductory Course, run by Vulcan Management Services under the leadership of Patrick Ryan and Ryan Heydenrich, and he approached them again to obtain more information about the training they would need.

Just such a person is Fisherhaven resident, Bernardus Groenewald, whose burning vision has been to establish a volunteer fire-fighting unit to assist in controlling the fires which year after year sweep through our region, devastating the natural environment and often threatening built communities.

In the meantime, Bernardus had already decided on a name for the group: Overberg Wildfire Volunteers (OWV). He reserved that first and then went about registering the organisation as a Non-Profit Organisation. At the same time he created a Facebook page and within three weeks had a following of over 150 enthusiastic individuals and organisations, both local and as far afield as Johannesburg and Piet Retief.

Elaine Davie olunteers are wonderful people. They tend to be filled with an allconsuming passion for their cause and are prepared to sacrifice time, effort and resources for the betterment of the community.

During the 2015/2016 fire season and again the following year, he cast caution to the wind and leapt in, boots and all, to personally assist the Overberg District and Overstrand Municipal fire-fighters to battle it out when fires threatened the Hermanus, Onrus, Vermont, Hawston and Fisherhaven communities, and, indeed, his very own house.

It was then that he realised how overstretched they were as they tried to deal with rampaging wildfires across the whole of the very extensive Overberg region.

In discussions with the various fire chiefs, they made it clear that they would welcome whatever help they could get from volunteers, as long as they didn’t expect them to provide the resources and provided they knew what they were doing and didn’t get in their way.

As Bernardus became more fired up by the idea, he persuaded his sister, Gina Greeff and a friend, Wayne Haman, to join him in attempting to establish a team of trained volunteers to do exactly that. As the manager of a farm between Caledon and Greyton, he had himself participated in a Fireline Safety

Now things began speeding up. In further discussions with the local Fire Chiefs, he was told that if they were to be of any help, they would have to be up and running by the start of the fire season – 1 October this year.

It was only then that they realised how much would have to be done by then: they would have to undergo at least five fire-fighting courses themselves with Vulcan, recruit a team of about 13, train them, and most daunting of all, they would have to acquire the personal and operational equipment needed for the job. They discovered that it was all very well to volunteer themselves, but to complete the package, they would need massive assistance from the wider community.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment to mitigate the risk of injury in hazardous conditions) for each member of the team would cost R5 500 alone. While they could purchase a set each for themselves, they certainly didn’t have the money to kit out an entire team. Then they would need two fully-equipped fire-

fighting bakkies and a 4x4 fire truck, the latter alone costing R2 million. A set of hand-held and vehicle-mounted radios would cost another R25 000.

Wow! Where was this all going to come from?

When they had picked themselves up off the floor, they made up their minds that they were not going to allow their red-hot enthusiasm to be dampened. This would be a wonderful, life-giving service not only to Overstrand residents, but also to the flora and fauna of the region, and to farmers and their livestock and crops.

Future plans could even include a squad of smoke jumpers, like they have in Canada, to parachute into inaccessible areas; and also to establish a fire-fighting training centre for low-level prisoners as a form of community service.

For now, the first step is to recruit more members of the OWV. As from 1 May, the call will go out far and wide for more fire-fighting heroes.

There will be no joining or membership fee, but those who wish to sign on as volunteer fire-fighting crew members will be required to pay R5 500 for their own PPE. Those who would like to support the project by contributing to the purchase of all the other equipment they will need, will, of course, be greatly appreciated. Bernardus, Wayne and Gina can assure everyone who is prepared to join them in this leap of faith that it will warm the cockles of their hearts to be a part of this exciting venture to serve the people of the Overstrand.

For more information visit overbergwildfirevo.wixsite. com/wildfirevolunteers.

Contact Bernardus on 071 4034916 or send an email to overbergwildfirevolunteers @gmail.com

Bernardus Groenewald, Gina Greeff and Wayne Haman are the founders of the Overberg Wildfire Volunteers (OWV), an NPO with the burning vision of establishing a volunteer firefighting unit to assist in controlling the wildfires that sweep through our region every year.

The Overberg fire-fighting teams have had to fight more than 40 wildfires during the 2017/18 fire season to date. The fire season officially started on 1 November 2017. Here are just some of the main fires between 1 November 2017 and 18 April 2018.

2017 5 DEC – HOUWHOEK PASS, BOT RIVER A dangerous fire broke out east of the Houwhoek Pass, close to Bot River, heading towards the Groenlandberg Conservancy – an identified hotspot.

7 DEC – CALEDON & GREYTON A wildfire started at the Caledon rubbish dump, believed to have been a malicious ignition. Despite efforts to prevent the fire from spreading, it jumped the road and raged out of control before being contained. Around 65 hectares burned.

12 DEC – BREDASDORP Just 3km south east of Bredasdorp, a fire broke out in an area covered by invasive species. Strong south-easterly winds and high temperatures fanned the flames. Landowners and ODM Fire and Rescue teams fought the fire together. Some 115 hectares burnt, including the Bredasdorp Golf Club greens.

30 DEC – HOUWHOEK MOUNTAINS Teams fought a fire on the foothills of the Houwhoek peak, with windy conditions and thick vegetation hampering their efforts. A sizeable burn scar greater than 30 ha resulted.

2018 7 JAN – BAARDSKEERDERSBOS Holidaymakers in the Strandskloof Holiday Resort were evacuated as a precaution when a fire broke out in the Baardskeerdersbos area.

10 JAN – CALEDON A wildfire started behind a church in Caledon and quickly headed up towards the mountains above Myddleton. Teams had to work hard to prevent the fire from spreading to Caledon.

11 JAN – BOT RIVER & VILLIERSDORP A fire broke out close to Bot River, one of four fires

that started on this day. The N2 was closed as a result of the smoke. Choppers were used to protect infrastructure. Six people were treated by emergen-cy personnel for smoke inhalation.

Another wildfire above Villiersdorp burned out of control for three days. More than 2 500 hectares were destroyed.

4 FEB – R43 BETWEEN BOT RIVER AND KLEINMOND A fire spread into thick invasive alien vegetation on both sides of the R43 between Bot River and Kleinmond. Aerial support was needed to protect property and livelihoods. The following day it spread in the opposite direction after a sudden wind change. It took three days to contain the fire.

2 MARCH – PEARLY BEACH A wildfire, driven by extreme conditions, broke out in Pearly Beach, with the town itself in the direct line of the fire. The R43 was closed due to low visibility. It was only due to immense effort from fire-fighting teams and partners that no structures were lost. After two full days of fighting, the fire was finally largely contained.

22 MARCH - FISHERHAVEN This wildfire burned in dense alien vegetation thus generating lots of smoke. The main objective was to keep the fire above the R43 at Hawston/Fisherhaven. Aerial resources assisted and firefighters battled all night against the "dreadful trio" – Myrtle (majority), Rooikrans and Pine – under trying circumstances protecting homes.

18 APRIL - VARK SE SNOET A wildfire was reported in the vicinity of Vark-sesnoet in the Kleinriviersberg on the south side of the R43. The fire was being fanned by a strong WNW wind and out of control. Several Overstrand Municipality Fire vehicles were supported by the FPA FMU members and aerial resources. Welcome rain doused the fire.

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Water levies postponed until June

A

lthough the level of the De Bos dam has reached the 40% mark, the Municipality has decided not to implement the proposed restrictive water levies immediately.

worst droughts in history, rainfall figures from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) indicate that Hermanus received 16.4 mm of rain in March compared to a mean average of 31.9 mm over the last 70 years. In April we have so far received 20.4 mm versus the average of 54.9 mm.

“The level of the dam stands at 40.3% which is a 0.9% drop from the previous week and the weekly consumption is between 9 and 11 million litres per week. But with the good rains we have received in the past weeks and with the rainfall season starting, we have decided to postpone the implementation of water levies until 1 June 2018,” said a Municipal spokesperson.

The statistics show that while Hermanus received an average annual rainfall of 608 mm over the last 70 years, rainfall for the last three years has been below that.

In 2015 an average of 466.6 mm was recorded, with 538 mm in 2016 and 524 mm in 2017.

With large parts of the Western Cape still crippled by one of the

Although rainfall for January and March this year was lower than

the average by almost half, in February almost double the average was received, bringing the rainfall for the first quarter of the year on a par with the average.

In fact, the 55.8 mm measured in February is the highest measured rainfall in the last 25 years for the month, with February 1993 clocking in at 58.2 mm. The highest monthly rainfall recorded in die last 70 years was in September 1951 with 236.7 mm. The wettest year we have experienced was in 2013 with an average of 923.9 mm recorded for the year.

While the Overstrand has thus far escaped the drought and with all the towns in our region having enough access to water to meet

the demand, residents are still encouraged to use water sparingly. In Hermanus Level 1B restrictions are still in place. These restrictions stipulate: No vehicles may be washed with any hose, only buckets and a cloth are to be used. No washing or hosing down of hardsurfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water is allowed.

Watering of gardens, lawns and sports fields (including irrigation) are still allowed with municipal drinking water twice a week, one hour per day – before 09:00 or after 17:00. Even numbered street addresses only on Wednesdays and Sundays and uneven numbered street addresses only on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Marine Dynamics brings home silver Local whale watching and shark cage diving company, Marine Dynamics, held the Overstrand’s name high at this year’s African Responsible Tourism Awards held last week in Cape Town.

They received a Silver Award for their achievements in conserving the African penguins and great white sharks and in combatting marine pollution in the Gansbaai region.

Marine Dynamics won Gold in 2015 and the People’s Choice Award in 2016.

According to the organisers, Marine Dynamics has contributed to both the practice and science of marine conservation, partnering with national and international universities to understand the ecology of the species and their habitat.

“The judges were impressed by the continuing commitment to using tourism to fund conservation science and the success of practical interventions through the penguin sanctuary and the penguin nesting boxes,” said Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel.

“Marine Dynamics has long been educating the domestic and international tourists it attracts about the importance of conserving marine species and encouraging them to contribute to their conservation.

Marine Dynamics won Silver in the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2018 category for Marine Species and Habitat Conservation. Zile de Kock of Marine Dynamics (centre) accepted the award from Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities Western Cape, Elizabeth Thabethe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tessa Buhrmann of Responsible Traveller and Heidi van der Watt of Better Tourism Africa.

This award recognises their continuing and growing success in the battle to conserve marine life and in particular their DEEP three-year environmental education programme with young learners.”

Goodwin added that the Gold and Silver Award winners should be particularly proud of what they have achieved.

Heidi van der Watt, managing director of Better Tourism Africa pinpointed what makes the award winners the leaders in responsible tourism in Africa: “Our winners have an ethos that extends beyond the commercial – linking thriving business with the well-being of local people and the longevity of their environments. They want to make profits with principles, communi-

cate bottom lines that balance people, planet and profit, and won’t undermine sustainability in the pursuit of superior product quality.”

Botswana based Wilderness Safaris, operator of safari camps, lodges and experiences in seven African countries, was announced the overall winner for 2018.

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THE

NEWS

Let’s Talk Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Cats in Sandbaai being poisoned It has come to our attention that cats in the Sandbaai area are being poisoned with an insecticide type poison. This is happening in the vicinity of Louis Trichardt, Piet Retief and Jan van Riebeeck Streets.

We appeal to you to please keep your cats locked up until this situation is resolved. We have been advised that there is a Detective on the case and that the houses are being mapped

out to eliminate those who have lost their cats from suspicion.

The poison can be neutralised with an antidote but only if caught early. Symptoms are: “The body goes into spasms.

A terrifying meow for help. Big frightened eyes with small pupils. Snot, foam, spit coming out of nose and mouth.

Heart palpitations. If you come across a cat in this state,

please contact a vet immediately.”

Kindly take this as very serious. This is reported to be vindictive and malicious behaviour. If you have noticed anything out of the ordinary, please report to a vet or HAWS on 028 312 1281 / 072 360 0102.

Tanya Cohen, on behalf of HAWS - 076 816 2969

Parking bays for seniors I refer to the numerous parking bays for the disabled at the Mall. We as over 80’s may not be disabled but still find it difficult to park far away from any entrance while the bays for the disabled are empty.

Surely there are not that many disabled in Hermanus who drive to the Mall, but Hermanus

is known as a haven for seniors.

I recently contacted the head office of the developers and the lady I spoke to did admit that this is indeed the case and that they would look into it. When that will be no-one knows. It would be appreciated if a number of parking

bays close to the entrances could be allocated for senior citizens. A sticker on the vehicle’s windscreen indicating Disabled or Senior will also be useful. Hopefully the developers will act upon this suggestion.

Maritza Hattingh Village of Golden Harvest

Let’s hear more about old Hermanus story I read the letter Another old Hermanus story by Dorothy van Zyl (The Village NEWS, 17 – 23 April) with interest.

I have researched the subject of

RAF Squadron 262 and the Catalina flying boats based at the Bot River lagoon for many years and would like to make contact with Dorothy van Zyl. I am sure she has more bits of

information, maybe even old photographs. She is welcome to call me on 028 315 1990 or 082 559 4290.

Frans Theunissen

More reminiscences about the old days in Hermanus Re Jan Cilliers’ letter Setting the record straight (The Village NEWS, 10 – 16 April): I just want to add some information about the Village Square building’s property many years ago.

The garage on the market square was referred to by many of us as ‘Oom’ Georgie’s Garage.

Next to the garage was a fish and chips shop and around the corner behind the garage was ‘Oom’ Ben and Auntie Gertie de Villiers’s Sunrise Boarding house.

We stayed there for some months while looking for a house to rent. We had a lovely corner room with a large window facing towards The Marine Hotel and an outside door leading to a small stoep

with a breath-taking view across Walker Bay. On the opposite side of Market Square was Nartjies and Ettie de Villiers’s small store. They sold fruit, vegetables and other café goods.

I add a titbit about the Adelphi Theatre. On the Saturday night when the film The Great Escape was shown, we were in the queue waiting to buy our tickets, when Roger Bushell’s parents arrived. They were the guests of honour and were quickly ushered to their seats.

It must have been heartrending for them to watch Richard Attenborough being killed as he portrayed the role of their son.

Dorothy van Zyl

For those readers who are unfamiliar with RAF Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, he was a World War II hero who grew up in South Africa. His parents, Ben and Dorothy had retired to Hermanus when they received news that their son had been shot down over France in 1940 and captured by the Germans.

He was one of the masterminds behind the mass breakout of Allied POWs from Stalag Luft III in March 1943, but was recaptured and shot at the age of 33.

This remarkable event was the subject of a Hollywood movie, The Great Escape. Bushell’s bravery is commemorated at the War Memorial above the Old Harbour, along with other residents of Hermanus who died in WW II. His parents lived in Hermanus until their death and are buried here.

- Ed

Yes, you can help to break the cycle of poverty I found De Waal Steyn’s editorial (Opinion Matters) and article Burning issues after protest still need to be resolved in The Village NEWS, 17 – 23 April edition, rather interesting reading, on many fronts.

The only solution, in my view, is breaking the cycle of poverty.

There is a need for society to look beyond the Municipality and the private sector to address and resolve the land and housing challenges and the impact on our communities – we all have a shared responsibility and can all make a positive contribution to an idealistic, better life for all.

However, I fail to see how an understanding of different cultures, greater understanding between communities, townhall meetings and the like will effectively contribute to alleviating the societal ills we are experiencing – not only in Hermanus but the country as a whole.

We need to stop talking and start doing.

Annemarie Kotze asks the right question – thank you: what can we do to eradicate the barrier between rich and poor, privileged and under privileged? Barbara Hayn’s comments are equally thought provoking: I want to help, I want to be involved but do I really understand what that means?

The only enduring solution to our challenge is to break the cycle of poverty and improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society – there is nothing cultural about this, so the sooner we dispel that notion the better.

It starts with each one of us, in our own homes – we should stop looking to the Municipality or Government. Most of us employ a Helper working in our homes and / or gardens. Are we paying them a decent, living wage that will make a difference in their lives and that of their children or do we pay them the bare minimum that we can get away with – not to destabilise the norm and the statusquo?

Do we expect our Helpers to bring their own lunch to work or do we offer them a cooked meal that may be their only one for the day? Mind you, some of them may not even have it for lunch but take it home to share with their families.

Do we pay them an annual bonus – even if they only work 1 or 2 days a week for us? If they have young children, ever thought of paying their school fees and helping them through school, college or university? Ever thought of buying them a house – their own pride and joy? And no, I am not crazy!

These are but a few ways of sharing accumulated wealth and / or inheritance, positively influencing the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves and eradicating the barrier that Annemarie talks about – it is not as farfetched as one may imagine.

I have never considered sharing our own story, but on second thoughts, it may just be an illustration of what is possible… starting at home.

Going back a good number of years, while living in Durbanville, our Helper (2 days a week) was in an abusive relationship and ended up being a single mother to two young kids, a boy and a girl.

On a Sunday and Wednesday my dear wife would cook a bit more than just the norm for our family of four, to ensure that our Helper had a cooked meal for lunch on a Monday and Thursday (that practice continues today, also in the homes of our children).

About six weeks ago, when she and her daughter visited us in Hermanus, we learnt for the first time, from her daughter, that whenever my wife cooked curry, our Helper would not eat her meal. On her way home, by taxi, she would stop over at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to share her meal with her daughter as it was her favourite.

We bought our Helper a twobedroomed home in Delft. We assisted her in getting the kids through school and her daughter through a tertiary institution – she graduated, and is now a subject adviser at a high school, owns her own house and recently acquired her first brand new car. Her future looks very promising.

The story continues: when we permanently moved to Hermanus our Helper stopped doing domestic work. She was matriculated (!) and went back to the books – acquiring childcare skills and the rest is history. An American donor financed the building of three

classrooms and an ablution facility in her back yard and today (she calls herself the Principal of her school) she takes care of 30 children while their parents slog to earn a living.

On the side, our Helper’s younger brother occasionally worked for us on a Saturday, taking care of our garden.

Through interacting and engaging with him my wife learnt that he was matriculated and was top in his class with maths and accounting in his final year of school.

She found him an opportunity in the mailing room of a large multinational company, where she was employed. He was recently transferred to Bloemfontein and now manages the office services for three major centres that include JHB and Durban, owns his own home and car with a beautiful family for good measure.

In December 2017, the extended family had a huge traditional celebration – at a new family home in the Transkei that was built for their mother.

Her profile picture on WhatsApp is one of my wife and I – when questioned about the strange picture by her acquaintances, her response is simple… ‘my other father and mother’. Her brother phones from Bloemfontein now and again and when he enquires about our two daughters it is generally ‘how are my sisters’.

We had no idea, whatsoever, that so many lives could be changed so dramatically through such small gestures – in hindsight, it cost us nothing.

We simply shared and contributed in changing the lives of an entire family and generations to come. All of us can do it and contribute to a better world, unselfish in nature.

The answer is NO – we are a very average family and do not come from a privileged background! I grew up knowing poverty, in the dusty streets of a township next door to Orlando West (Soweto). If we could do it, there are thousands in the affluent Overberg who can probably do ten times as much.

Change the life of somebody, starting right there at home. Yes you can – echoing President Obama!

We love your paper and your contribution is greatly valued!

KEA & SA Vermont

7

24 - 30 April 2018

Elderly motorist traumatised by attack during protest Never in my life have I experienced such a sense of absolute fear and dread as recently on the afternoon of 23 March.

I always collect and drop off my char at the primary school in Schulphoek Road. Sometimes I drop her off at her front door when I have given her food or clothes to take home. I do this because she has so often been robbed of everything she was carrying.

That particular afternoon, as I turned out of Bergsig Street into Schulphoek Road, we spotted the red van of the Red Ants removing the last planks and roofing material of those who had attempted to put up their shacks on the open piece of land adjacent to Schulphoek Road, measuring 25 metres. The Police were supervising this activity.

On dropping her off at her little shack, I saw that further up the street, rocks and bricks had

been put in the road and a smoking flame thrower billowing white smoke. Actually, I didn't really know what it was. Some people were running about, others shouting, some just standing in their doorways to watch.

Realising that these were signs of unrest, I made a Uturn and wove my way through more chaos back to the corner of Schulphoek Road and the primary school, where all seemed quiet. The police and Red Ant truck had left, so I proceeded to drive toward the traffic lights at CTM. I had an appointment to meet relatives from Namibia in town for coffee.

Just before reaching the fourway crossing of Bergsig and Schulphoek, I felt the first thud hit my car from the right side and automatically I swerved away to the left, hitting something. It may have been a rock, of which

there are several lying on the left side of Schulphoek Road.

On looking right in the direction of where the object that hit my car had come, I saw a number of people of various ages and sexes, running from Zwhelihle houses towards my car, shouting angrily and pelting my car with more and larger stones.

It is impossible to remember exact detail when you are being chased by a hostile crowd. The experience was almost like trying to get away from a swarm of angry bees that will follow you till they get you. There is no doubt in my mind that, had I been hit or injured and forced to stop, they would have set my car alight.

Sheer panic made me accelerate, towards the traffic lights at CTM, where the police were diverting and controlling traffic. I was

Hospice lucky draw

sobbing and trembling so much, I could scarcely continue driving. A police officer advised me to go directly to the police station to report the incident. (I still tremble, especially when holding a cup.)

At the police station a lady asked me what had happened. While telling her my story, I noticed a young man with her. Her son. They had come to hand in his small firearm. He was leaving SA to join his parents in Australia.

The fear and dread I experienced that day have given way to absolute anger and determination – determination to stay here in the country I love, the country with the world's most beautiful anthem.

Marianne Thomson Sandbaai

The lucky draw for the Hospice 600 Club was done on Thursday 17 April by Tullishe le Roux. Tullishe, Chef at the Hermanus Golf Club, holds Overstrand Hospice close to her heart and has donated her time preparing food for various Hospice functions. From left are Lynn Sillifant from Don Adams Auditors, Saskia Schiel, Hospice representative, and Chef Tullishe le Roux. This month’s winners are: 1st Prize - Jane Moore; 2nd Prize - Sue Goris; 3rd Prize - Drs. Abel and Muller.

PHOTO: Christine Tait

Nose flutes, glottal flaps and lip quivers Over the years, it’s been secretly recorded by thousands. Pharmaceutical companies have created an entire industry around it, and divorce lawyers rely on it for a steady flow of income. It occurs worldwide and is oblivious to race, religion, sex or age. To us it’s simply called snoring, and by rummaging through the archives in the Duck ’n Fiddle’s Explanation of Everything, we managed to unearth its origins.

to its flapability, it is also the major reason we snore. But that’s enough of the how, so let’s find out the why, the origins…

Firstly, let’s understand how we snore. You know that little flap of flesh dangling down at the back of your throat? Well, doctors like sticking pretentious Latin/Greek labels on regular body-parts, but we all know it as the ‘little tongue’. This airintake valve was ingeniously designed to flap closed when we eat, so our lunch doesn’t end up in our lungs (Lunch-lung – highly infectious). Sadly, due

Long before the Flintstones, homo sapiens had it tough.

Ancient creatures – replicas of which you’ll only see in museums – roamed and hunted the same forests and bushveld, so survival depended on creating effective defense mechanisms. As we all know, scary sounds – especially at night – can make even the hair on your teeth stand on end.

Hell, Chuck Norris carries a

Wit’s End Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com

torch these days. Back then though, they hadn’t even invented fire, and with the nights being pitch black, threatening sounds were used as a deterrent to any nocturnal prowlers.

Each evening, dedicated snorers would sleep at the cave entrances to keep those inside safe from being ripped apart by predators, also with long Latin/Greek names and longer teeth and claws. These snorers were regarded as the front-line defense, and their position in society was not to be sneezed at.

As a result, the fiercely competitive art of aggressive snoring was honed and passed down from father to son. Sadly, women were banned from snoring back then, even passively.

Anyway, that’s why it all started. When the caves got full the people moved out onto the plains and invented fire – a better deterrent – but it didn’t stop the snoring. It was imbedded in their genes, and people could now snore anywhere – not just the elite and not just men in cave mouths. As humanity spread globally, those flappy little tongues clung resolutely to their hosts, and having been passed down through the eons, snoring still resonates proudly in most bedrooms today.

Modern variations include the

Nose Flute, the Glottal Flap, the Lip Quiver and the Slow Crescendo. This last one is a real corker because it incorporates one or more of the others, and each episode can last many minutes before repeating.

It starts off serenely with a Quiver or a Whistle and builds slowly, incorporating the Flap along the way till it swells to a climax, ending in the explosive Startle Snort. These can be noisy, so some tips for enthusiastic snorers: To avoid snoring yourself awake, wear earplugs. And for those elbows in the kidneys, reinforced Kevlar Snore’n Snooze’ suits are available from the Duck ’n Fiddle.

Anyway, as a kid I went on a week-long Boy Scouts camp, and ended up in the same tent as the cook’s helper, a

detestable slob who snored the entire camp awake every night, and denied it adamantly.

“Jacobs!” the scoutmaster would yell each morning, “one day you’re going to snore your guts out! It’s happened before, you know?” Jacobs, who’d slept soundly throughout these ordeals, would just sneer back mockingly.

On the last night a couple of the boys raided the kitchen and nicked a handful of chicken offal and placed it carefully on Jacobs’ chest while he snored through in raucous oblivion.

Next morning while boarding the bus to leave, he approached the scoutmaster sheepishly.

“You were correct sir,” he said. “I nearly died. But I used my toothbrush sir, and managed to get it all back in.”

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24 - 30 April 2018

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Wednesday 25 April

■ Hermanus Garden Club: This month’s outing will be to Greyton. For more details contact Sue on 028 314 0072. Meet at the rear parking area of the Whale Coast Mall behind Woolworths to consolidate transport, at 08:30.

■ World Penguin Day: Join Whale Coast Conservation for a visit to the Stony Point African Penguin colony in Betty’s Bay in celebration of World Penguin Day. R200 for adults and R50 for children includes entry, educational talk and refreshments. Booking is essential; contact Anina at anina.wcc@gmail.com or 083 242 3295.

At Stony Point, Betty’s Bay, 09:30 – 11:00.

■ Bird Talk: Join avid birder Carin Malan as she takes her audience on a photographic armchair journey through the beautiful Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Southern Namibia. The cost is R100 pp and proceeds are in aid of Kleinmond Child Welfare. Contact Theresa on 072 494 1310 or Cherry on 082 453 5638. In the Kleinmond Library Hall, at 14:30.

■ Neuroplasticity: Join Dr Arien van der Merwe for an introductory talk on neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout our lives – and how you can train your brain to overcome illness and addiction and realise your full potential. R100 pp. Make your booking by contacting info@drarien.co.za or calling Refine Clinic on 028 316 4122.

At Refine Clinic in Hemel-en-Aarde Village, from 18:00 – 19:00.

Pool. All sketchers and artists are welcome.

Contact Charné for more info on 082 773 9125.

Meet at the parking lot at Davies Pool on the western side of the Onrus caravan park, at 08:30.

■ Die Kleur van Hoop: Drie inspirerende sprekers tree op by hierdie besonderse Getuienisdiens – gewese bendeleier Danny Arendse; die eks-vrou van die sogenaamde ‘Modimolle Monster’, Ina Bonnette; en Ellen Pakkies, wat haar dwelm-verslaafde kind vermoor het. Kaartjies is R100 pp en verkrygbaar by die NG Kerkkantoor (028 312 3904) of bel Mariet Basson by 071 520 4012. By die NG Kerk, Hermanus, om 11:00.

Friday 27 – Sunday 29 April

■ Pringle Bay Festival: A celebration of our environmental achievements, promoting conservation under and above the ocean. Enjoy lots of fun, great food and drink, exciting stalls, local arts and crafts, kids’ fairground and entertainment in the heart of Pringle Bay village. Live music will be provided by a line-up of top artists, including a performance by Die Heuwels Fantasties on the Friday night and Watershed on the Saturday night. The Pringle Bay United Church Food Fair will take place from 09:00 – 14:00 on Saturday, as well as a car boot sale.

Vendors welcome to apply. Get all the details at www.pringlebayfestival.com or contact Shirley on 083 787 2211.

and live music. Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll find “real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people”. In the courtyard of Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar at The Village, from 09:00 – 13:00.

and handmade local products. At Fisherman’s Village (between Cattle Baron and Fisherman’s Cottage), from 10:00 – 15:00.

Wednesday 2 May

■ Market in the Garden: Hunt for treasures at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden in the heart of town.

At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, Hermanus, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Fioré Country Market: Browse this new country market in Bot River for homemade crafts, books, local treats, fresh fruit and more, on the last Saturday of every month. Stands are free and in the event of rain the market moves indoors. For enquiries, contact Debbie Randall on 028 284 9220. At Fioré Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Bot River, from 09:00 – 14:00.

■ End of Summer Celebration: Dutchies on Grotto Beach is hosting an End of Summer Party at their Summer Lounge. Dancing, good music and fun is on the menu! For this event, Dutchies has partnered with a local new project called Girl power, which aims to provide sanitary towels to girls in the area. To help kick-start this project, guests are asked to bring a packet of sanitary towels or a R20 donation towards this drive as their entry fee to the party. At Dutchies Summer Lounge, Grotto Beach, from 18:00.

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 April

■ South Hill Supper & Movie Night: Join South Hill in the beautiful Elgin Valley on the first Wednesday of every month for sunset drinks from 18:00, main course supper at 19:00 and a movie screening at 20:00. This month’s movie is the delightful romantic drama The Big Sick, starring Kumail Najani, Zoe Kazan and Holly Hunter. The cost of the movie and supper is R135 pp; fully licensed bar, dessert, coffee and tea also available. For those who would like to sleep over, South Hill offers a special mid-week accommodation package. Contact 021 844 0888 or events@southhill.co.za to make your booking.

At South Hill, from 18:00.

■ Hermanus Photographic Society: Everyone, from the beginner to the advanced photographer is welcome to join the Hermanus Photographic Society for their monthly meetings every second Wednesday of the month. The set subject for this month’s meeting is ‘Feathers’. Get all the details on their website, www.hermanusphoto.co.za or contact info@hermanusphoto.co.za. In the Hermann Swart Hall of the Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus, at 19:00.

Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 May

Saturday 28 April ■ Ramon Alexander Live: Following free music workshops for primary and high school learners from Curro Hermanus from 12:00 – 15:00, Cape Jazz composer and pianist Ramon Alexander will give a public performance at the school. Bring your own glasses, drinks and picnic basket. Tickets are R130 for adults and R40 for learners or book a whole table (10 tickets) and stand a chance to win one of three great prizes. Tickets are available online at www.quicket.co.za or contact Luna Paige on 082 859 2420 or lunapaigemusic@gmail.com At Curro School Hall in Sandbaai, at 19:15 (doors open at 18:30).

Friday 27 April ■ Monthly Sketchcrawl: Join the Country Sketchers for this month’s sketchcrawl at Davies

■ Hermanus parkrun: Meet for the weekly 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome.

Set off from the Hermanus Forest on Camphill Road in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, at 08:00.

■ Church Bazaar: Join the Dutch Reformed Church in Onrus for their annual bazaar where you’ll find delicious food, beautiful arts & crafts, games, music and much more. Everyone is welcome. For enquiries, call 028 316 2116. At the DRC, Berg Street, Onrus, from 09:00.

■ Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals, old and young. Four-legged family members are also welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee

■ Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival: Indulge in the best cool climate wines, delicious food, live music, art exhibitions, children’s entertainment, a plethora of outdoor activities and the spectacular natural beauty of the Elgin Valley. Each of the participating wineries will offer a unique programme, allowing guests to tailor-make their experience. Get all the details on P 9 or visit ecwcf.winesofelgin.co.za

Sunday 29 April ■ Lemm’s Corner Market: This popular Sunday market offers exclusive arts and crafts,

■ Joburg Ballet: SANTA presents Beating TB with Ballet, offering a programme of performances by Joburg Ballet. There will be a Master Class at 15:00 on the Wednesday, a Gala Performance on the Friday at 18:30 (including snacks and wine) and two further performances on the Saturday, at 11:00 and 15:00. Book online at webtickets.co.za, or contact Colleen Naude on 083 301 6061 or Sue Holmes on 082 762 5644.

Tickets are also available from the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (028 312 2629). At the Dutch Reformed Church, Berg Street, Onrus.

Village

EXPLORER EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • ARTS • NATURE

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Enjoy the Cape’s coolest wine festival

he harvest has come to an end, the vineyards are decked in their autumn finery, and just as the first vestiges of winter can be felt in the crisp air, Elgin Wines opens its doors to visitors from far and wide and invites you to join them for the 2018 edition of the much-loved Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival on 28 & 29 April, from 10:00 – 17:00 daily.

The natural beauty of the Elgin Valley offers the perfect countryside escape, and for wine lovers and those in need of a revitalising day or two out, the festival provides the ideal opportunity to indulge in the best cool climate wines, decadent culinary experiences, delightful entertainment, and a plethora of outdoor activities.

As has become a tradition over the years, each of the 13 participating wineries are going all out to offer a unique programme, allowing you to tailor-make your experience according to your personal preferences. They include Almenkerk, Arumdale, Charles Fox Wines, Elgin Ridge Organic Wines, Elgin Vintners, Highlands Road Estate, Iona, Lothian Vineyards, Oak Valley, Oneiric, Paul Cluver, Paul Wallace Wines, and South Hill.

Entertainment includes performances by live bands, art exhibitions, nature walks and cellar tours. Each venue will offer different dishes, along with their signature wines, to tantalise the taste buds and keep those bellies filled over lunch time. These include a la carte menus, farm style picnics, American style smoke house BBQ, food trucks and much more.

This year also brings a few exciting changes. Firstly, there are two ticket categories this year. If you’re interested in a slightly more immersive experience, you can opt for a golden ticket at R200 per person, which gives visitors access to special tastings at participating wineries, such as vertical tastings and older vintages. Ordinary

tickets are going for R150 per person and include an armband and a wine tasting glass, for free wine tasting at participating wineries.

Secondly, the festival will serve as the official opening of the Elgin Railway Market. This art deco-inspired market will form the central point of the festival and will be filled to the brim with classy crafts to browse and delicious food to taste. It will be open late during the festival – until 22:00 on the Saturday and 18:00 on Sunday, offering a wine bar, delicious food and live music. The Market will also be the pick-up point for your glasses, passes and shuttles.

Sounds fun, but unsure what to do with the kids for the weekend? The good news is that you can bring the children along, as each wine farm will be offering loads of child-friendly activities to keep your tots and tweens safe and entertained.

Children under the age of 18, and accompanied by an adult, enter for free.

Because drinking and driving is not condoned in any form, especially when you have your family in the car, please make use of the shuttle services to and from selected farms that are available regularly from the Elgin Railway Market. You can read more about the designated drivers on the Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival website.

Don’t miss out on the Cape’s coolest wine festival! Get your tickets now on quicket.co.za and book accommodation for the festival if you want to make the most of the long weekend. Should tickets still be available, these may be purchased on either of the two festival days at the Elgin Railway Market. Remember to pre-book activities and meals where space is limited directly with the wine farms; these are paid for separately and directly with the farm.

Visit the Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival website at ecwcf.winesofelgin.co.za or contact 071 267 9785 for more information.

Follow Wines of Elgin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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24 - 30 April 2018

Friends of FynArts reach 100

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Joburg Ballet will perform in Hermanus from 2 to 5 May. This exciting event is made even more special by its unique “in the round” format. Last year’s audiences were enthralled not only by the excellent programme, but also by the close proximity of the dancers, something that cannot be experienced at a regular stage performance.

he Friends of FynArts initiative achieved a new milestone last week when Paul and Kathie Buley became the 99th and 100th Friends of FynArts. Both are enthusiastic supporters of the festival and have been visiting Hermanus for over 30 years. They settled here permanently two years ago.

Handing the Buleys their membership cards and programme booklets at the FynArts Gallery last week was Joanna Hardie, the FynArts volunteer who is coordinating the Friends initiative. Anyone can still join up and enjoy the Friends’ special privileges, which include booking tickets for all their chosen events in advance of the general public; being invited to a welcoming cocktail function before the Opening Concert; as well as to the Annual General Meeting; and at least one annual Friendsonly event before the Festival.

The latter will take the form of an unusual recital on Sunday, 6 May by Deanna Blacher, followed by a short update on FynArts. “Deanna Blacher, one of the world’s few castanets virtuosi, taught Spanish dance in Cape Town before moving to Australia. She will be visiting

Joburg Ballet returns to Hermanus

Joanna Hardie hands Paul and Kathie Buley, the 99th and 100th Friends of FynArts, their membership cards and programme booklets for FynArts 2018.

Cape Town next month and has kindly agreed to give a short performance and talk for us. This will be her only performance in South Africa,” says FynArts Festival Director Mary Faure.

To attend this recital, Friends of FynArts have to RSVP by Wednesday, 2 May to Chantel Louskitt on 060 957 5371.

Early booking for this special function, which is free of charge, is recommended as seating is limited.

For anyone who would still like to become a Friend of FynArts, application forms can be obtained from the FynArts office or online at

hermanusfynarts.co.za and either submitted to the office with your payment or emailed to admin@hermanusfynarts. co.za, with your receipt of payment referenced with your surname and the word FRIEND. The cost of becoming a Friend of FynArts is either an annual contribution of R300 (single) and R500 (couple) or a once-off, life-time contribution of R3 000 (single) and R5 000 (couple).

By joining this fast-growing group of Friends, you will not only gain special privileges but also invest in the sustainability and ongoing growth of this proudly local festival.

This world-class ballet company will give a gala performance on Friday 4 May at 18:30, followed by two performances on Saturday 5 May at 11:00 and 15:00. On Wednesday 2 May there will be a master class, followed by a class for ballet students attending at 16:00, and on Thursday 3 May a dress rehearsal as part of an outreach programme for people with socioeconomic limitations.

The programme will include popular ballet highlights from The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and You raise me up as well as contemporary works by South African choreographers, once again bringing diverse styles to an exciting performance.

Before last year’s performance Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald said: “It is rewarding for our dancers to perform for new audiences, and our experience has shown that the welcome we receive in smaller cities and towns is always warm and enthusiastic.” His words were echoed by the dancers who were looking forward to perform in Hermanus again this year.

This highlight on the Overstrand cultural calendar is part of the fundraising endeavours of SANTA Hermanus, an organisation that cares for patients with tuberculosis, a disease that is

Shannon Glover and Bruno Miranda in You raise me up, one of the items to be performed by Joburg Ballet in Hermanus from 2 to 5 May. The performances are in aid of SANTA Hermanus.

PHOTO: Lauge Sorensen rife in the Overstrand.

The venue for the Joburg Ballet performances is the Dutch Reformed Church, 55 Berg Street, Onrus. Tickets may be bought online at www.webtickets.co.za, and at Hermanus Tourism, Station Building, Mitchell Street (Tel: 028 312 2629). For more information please contact Sue Holmes on 082 762 5644 or holmes.sue.1000@gmail.com; or Colleen Naudé on 083 301 6061 or colleen.naude@gmail.com

11

24 - 30 April 2018

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L2L raises record amount for Senior Centre

ighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies Walk 2018 hosted their Awards Evening function on Wednesday, 18 April at the Grobbelaar Hall in Hermanus. It was a joyous evening of celebration and giving thanks for a very successful fundraising walk.

This annual charity event continues to grow, with interest in the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse (L2L) Ladies Walk ballooning from local ladies to international participation. The L2L 2018 committee hosted the Awards Evening to recognise the contributions made by local business, individual donors and other groups that make the L2L Walk a reality every year.

The fundraising target for 2018 was R500 000. In the current economic climate, the committee was concerned that this might be a big ask, said Janine Boshoff, chair of the L2L committee.

This year’s charity of choice, the Hermanus Senior Centre was overcome with emotion and joy when it was revealed that a record fundraising total of R674 665 was raised for their

PHOTO: Taylum Meyer The three top L2L fundraising walkers for 2018, from left: Tracey le Roux (third), RosenéMathee (first) and Leslie Clark (second) next to the two cheques that were presented to Hermanus Animal Welfare (the practice walk charity) and the Hermanus Senior Centre (this year’s L2L charity of choice). Between the three of them the ladies raised over R100 000.

Caring + project. This achievement was celebrated by Hermanus Senior Centre management, board members, the carers and volunteers who offer affordable care to the elderly of the broader Hermanus community.

The runner-up charity, Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) received a cheque of

R23 955 from L2L 2018. These funds were raised during the Official L2L Practice Walk in February 2018.

“L2L is very proud to be associated with such dynamic and hard-working charities who bring about real change within the Overstrand Municipality, and to assist them in giving back to the community

and those less privileged,” said Janine.

“We were overjoyed when our 2017 charity of choice, Just Care Aftercare, opened their new aftercare building in Mount Pleasant in December 2017, built with funds raised

by L2L in part. This month the Hermanus Night Shelter Association broke ground to start

the construction of their night shelter, also partially funded by our 2015 fundraising walk.”

ments, in recognition of ‘walking the extra mile’ for L2L.

It is a L2L tradition to recognise and celebrate the top fundraising walkers out of the 120 participants that enter each year. Rosené Matthee set a new fundraising record of R91 734 and this achievement was all the more remarkable as Rosené had to withdraw on the eve of the walk due to the sudden illness of her mother. She was heartbroken not to be able to participate in her third walk, but her numerous sponsors appreciated her dedication and stood behind their donations towards this cause.

L2L 2018 also gave thanks to the numerous local businesses who entrusted their funds, their products and their support to help make the fundraising walk a success. “The L2L committee has built a relationship with local business, support groups and individual donors, built on trust and integrity since 2006, in the way we have managed the generous sponsorships and donations,” said Janine.

In second place was Leslie Clark who raised R23 830. This was her 12th walk and as an honorary L2L member; her drive to do good and help others is an inspiration to all.

Tracey le Roux from Cape Town, a first-time walker who proves that dynamite comes in small packages, raised the third biggest amount of R17 857. All three top fundraisers received wonderful prizes from local establish-

“We thank each person who supported, assisted, encouraged and volunteered their time, energy and resources in bringing change to the Overstrand community.”

The awards function concluded with Ald Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, patron of L2L Ladies Walk, treating each committee member to a beautiful fynbos posy. She emphasised the power women have when they come together and garner their strength and energy towards the common goal of making a difference in their community.

12

24 - 30 April 2018

Rossi’s – ‘a local favourite since 1985’

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hile the culinary scene in Hermanus is alive and well, with no shortage of coffee shops, bistros and restaurants to choose from, we all know that to survive – let alone thrive – in this highly competitive business is no easy task.

Establishments often open and close in rapid succession and many struggle to stay afloat.

What’s Cooking RESTAURANT NEWS Hedda Mittner

The exception to this rule is a handful of establishments in Hermanus that have continued to flourish for many years, even decades, and continue to be a firm favourite among customers.

One such restaurant is Rossi’s, which is believed to be the oldest restaurant in Hermanus to have been trading under the same name, in the same location, for 33 years.

The building occupied by Rossi’s has an interesting link to the Adelphi cinema, which was the topic of an article written by Dr Robin Lee of the Hermanus History Society and published in our previous issue (Bringing Hermanus’ cinematic history into focus, The Village NEWS, 17 - 23 April). According to Dr Lee, the cinema was built by the Allen family in 1916 and managed by Simon Allen, one of the sons of David Allen and a grandson of the original Allen(gensky). He was Adel Allengensky who came to Hermanus from Latvia via Cape Town and Greyton in the early 1890s.

The cinema was immediately next door to Allen’s residence in Main Road, where Hermanus Property Sales is today. The Allens also owned the building just around the corner in High Street that has been home to Rossi’s for over three decades. The building was originally divided into three apartments and rented out to three different families – the De Kock, van Dyk and Smalberger families.

Edward Smalberger was the projectionist at the Adelphi cinema for many years.

While the Adelphi was destroyed in a fire in 1981, the eighties saw the start of a whole new era for the Allens’ property in High Street. I’m not quite sure who decided to turn it into a restaurant, but in 1985 Rossi’s Italian Restaurant opened its doors. The story goes that the owner named the restaurant after his son, Ross, but not

The owner of Rossi’s, Bruce Geddes with chef Elise van Neel.

Adorning the walls of Rossi’s are Hermanus landscapes by local artist Leon Müller.

Chef Elise in the kitchen, which she has ruled for 12 years.

much more is known, so if any of our readers has information about Rossi’s original owner, please do let us know.

These days the restaurant is in the capable hands of Bruce Geddes, who ascribes Rossi’s enduring popularity to the high quality of their food and reasonable pricing – and most of all, consistency. The menu has not changed in years and while one might argue that this could create boredom, instead it appears to be a source of comfort to diners. Apart from the locals who dine out regularly at Rossi’s, there are the tourists, holiday-makers and weekend visitors who flock to Rossi’s whenever they are in Hermanus – and are relieved to find that nothing has changed.

The obvious deduction is that one should not try to fix something that is not broken. Removing popular dishes from your menu just for the sake of change will only disappoint diners – for that reason, says Bruce, there are certain items that will always feature on Rossi’s menu.

These include several classics, such as their Minestrone della Casa, Lasagne al Forno, veal mains such as Ossobuco alla Milanese and Scaloppine alla Valdostana, and of course, their speciality pizzas, all prepared with traditional Italian ‘doppio zero’ flour and cooked in a traditional wood-burning pizza oven (they also offer yummy gluten-free pizzas made with coconut flour, tapioca flour, flax seed powder and butter).

Everything that comes out of the kitchen is wholesome Italian fare infused with the comfort of home cooking. The menu is complemented by the wine list, which features many local wines from Hemel-en-Aarde, Botrivier, Stanford and Elim, and most of which are available either by bottle or by the glass.

Bruce and his wife Nadine, who for many years ran the Africa Blue shop in the Village Square, both hail from Zimbabwe. Bruce’s father managed a hotel in Bulawayo and his son followed in his footsteps by studying hotel management. Shortly after marrying Nadine in 2003, the couple relocated to South Africa. Before

settling in Johannesburg they visited Hermanus, where the Rev James Gray blessed their union at a scenic spot on Rotary Drive. “It was very romantic and we have both loved Hermanus since our honeymoon.”

However, the couple only settled here permanently in 2009. During the intervening years they managed a lodge in Zulu Land for a few years, followed by a stint in St Francis Bay where Bruce ran a real estate business specialising in the sale of B&Bs and guesthouses. Once in Hermanus they opened Africa Blue, a marine-themed gift shop which is still up and running in the Village Square. When Bruce’s brother, who lives in the UK, started Caffè Blu, Bruce jumped in as manager before taking over Rossi’s from his father-in-law, Brian Taylor.

Brian had bought Rossi’s in 2010 and two years later the premises were extensively renovated – and the walls decorated with paintings of local scenery by artist Leon Müller, whose gallery Art Thirst is just down the road from Rossi’s in High Street. The ambience in the restaurant is relaxed and welcoming and the customers have long-standing relationships with the staff, many of whom, like Melany Koekemoer, have waitressed at Rossi’s for 20 years. The chef, Elise van Neel, who is the driving force in the kitchen, has been there for 12 years.

“Many of our customers have been coming here for years,” says Bruce, “and now their children and even grandchildren are continuing the family tradition.” That kind of continuity and solidity is hard to find in a restaurant, and Rossi’s is one of the very few that has pulled it off.

Apart from the main dining area which is warmed in winter by a woodburning fireplace, there is a cosy bar area and a veranda that is ideal for sunny days. It’s very pleasant to sit outside and observe the comings and goings on High Street – during my interview with Bruce several people walked past with a friendly greeting or stopped for a quick chat. One can hardly imagine this bustling street without Rossi’s – not that I think we have to, as Rossi’s is bound to continue its proud tradition as a firm family favourite.

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24 - 30 April 2018

New Space Weather Warning Centre for Africa

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he African region is set to derive even greater benefit from the recent upgrade to the South African National Space Agency’s (SANSA) Space Weather Regional Warning Centre in Hermanus that was unveiled on Thursday by Minister of Science and Technology, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

This state-of-the-art facility is the only regional warning centre for Africa and integral to protecting satellites and the continent’s national power grids and communications and navigation systems from the harmful effects of space weather.

“Extreme space weather storms are a risk that could endanger the economy, costing South Africa billions of rands if not mitigated effectively” said SANSA CEO, Dr Val Munsami.

“Governments in several countries, including the USA and UK, have recently listed space weather on their National Risk Registers.”

Acknowledging the vital role of the SANSA Space Weather Centre in mitigating the

Extreme space weather storms are a risk that could endanger the economy, costing South Africa billions of rands if not mitigated effectively

”

Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane (right) and SANSA MD, De Lee-Anne McKinnell (left), holding the unveiled plaque for SANSA’s newly upgraded Space Weather Regional Warning Centre in Hermanus. Dr McKinnell and the Minister are flanked on the left by Space Weather Scientist Teboho Nxele, SANSA CEO Dr Val Munsami, and on the right by Space Weather Researcher Dr Rendani Nndanganeni, Space Weather Practitioner Mpho Tshisaphungo and Space Weather Researcher Dr Tshimangadzo Matamba. disruption of electricity blackouts, satellite communications failures and commercial aviation services, the Minister also highlighted the significant role of space science in building economic development

and stimulating research and development cooperation in building a knowledge economy.

“Space weather is a global phenomenon with regional

impact,” said SANSA MD, Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell. “Severe space weather storms can negatively impact numerous sectors and our increasingly interconnected and interdependent technological

systems today can cause a cascade of operational failures. The defence, communications, navigation, aviation and energy sectors are especially vulnerable to the effects of space weather.”

Since its inception in 2010, SANSA has operated the Space Weather Regional Warning Centre under the auspices of the International Space Environment Service (ISES), which coordinates global space weather activities. The Centre is mandated to develop South Africa’s space weather capabilities, provide government, industry and the public with a space weather operations system and improve the under-

standing and awareness of space weather in Africa.

The centre’s space weather information wall now consists of 15 high-definition 46-inch screens, each displaying live satellite images of the Sun in different wave-lengths and presenting real-time data from SANSA’s space monitoring instruments positioned across southern Africa, Antarctica and Marion and Gough Island.

“The upgraded system provides our team with a superior platform to monitor the Sun and its activity in far greater detail for more accurate space weather forecasts, warnings and alerts, as well as environmental data on space weather conditions for use by governments and private-industry users in Africa,” said McKinnell.

“This new facility will undoubtedly add significantly to our space weather service offerings, improve our understanding of our solar terrestrial environment and enable SANSA to further leverage the benefits of space science and technology for the African continent,” McKinnell concluded.

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Good Guide A new kid on the river

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clever collaboration between De Hoop Collection, of De Hoop Nature Reserve and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has resulted in a campaign aimed at encouraging their guests to take a pleasure cruise on the Klein River aboard the Lady Stanford on their way to and from the two properties.

The Lady Stanford is a modern, eco-friendly river boat with a quiet, four-stroke boat engine. No expense has been spared with regards to comfort and luxury, making this a vessel that stands out from the rest. It is manned by a qualified skipper/interactive guide who knows the river intimately and all it has to offer, and who ensures that your cruise is a memorable one.

The river cruise winds its way gently along the tranquil Klein River from Stanford Village towards the Hermanus Estuary, and on the open upper and lower decks you can soak up a kaleidoscope of natural colours and the countryside set against a scenic mountain backdrop.

You can also enjoy wonderful birding along the river – the region has an abundant birdlife; more than 250 bird species can be spotted in the wider Stanford area, of which 120, including majestic Fish Eagles, Greater Flamingos and the Blue Crane can be spotted around the river and the village.

You may also be lucky enough to spot Giant Kingfishers, African Darters, Grebes, Herons, Osprey or the African Harrier-Hawk. A twitcher’s delight!

Other attractions from your floating observation platform include otters, terrapin, fish, bontebok

and horses grazing on the fertile river banks and the experienced and knowledgeable guide is happy to share his vast knowledge of the area and answer any questions you might have.

The Lady Stanford is ideal for family or friends – it comfortably accommodates up to 26 passengers which makes it perfect for special occasions, social events and family gatherings. It runs daily trips for individual passengers and is also available for exclusive charter and is equipped with various birding books and checklists, binoculars, blankets and a chemical toilet.

There are five scheduled cruises per day, depending on seasons and cruises can be booked on either a per person rate or exclusively. The per person rate of R295 includes light snacks and refreshments; the rate for exclusive use of the entire boat (no snacks or refreshments provided) is R 3 000 (maximum 26 people); and the optional picnic bag, which serves two and includes a delicious selection of breads, cheeses, salads, charcuterie, pate, dessert and water is R 395 (must be ordered two days in advance).

Book your leisure cruise and experience all that the Klein River and its surroundings has to offer in a veritable Garden of Eden of fauna and flora – on board the Lady Stanford!

The Lady Stanford Reservations: Tel: 028 341 0358 or 082 766 8319 / 082 902 1945 Email: bookings@ladystanford.co.za Address: Slipway at the corner of Church and Du Toit Street, Stanford.

Visit www.ladystanford.co.za

Wednesday 25 April ■ Graze Farmers Market: Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies at Graze Slow Food Cafe. Always seasonal, always fresh.

Stay for coffee and breakfast. Call Tabby & Alex on 076 243 1930. At Graze Slow Food Café, from 09:00 – 12:00.

Thursday 26 April ■ Stanford Full Moon Walk: Join Stanford Tourism for a leisurely Full Moon Walk. R30 adults, R10 kids, and dogs free. All welcome. A complimentary refreshment will be served at the end. Weather dependent so please call 028 341 0340 to confirm. Meet at Stanford Tourism Courtyard, at 17:30.

Friday 27 April ■ Stanford Sunset Market: Food, wine, beer, gifts, live music and friendships – there is nowhere better to be on the last Friday of the month. At Stanford Market Square, from 18:00 – 20:00.

Saturday 28 April ■ Stanford Junktique Market: Come and browse to your heart's content, and breathe new life into previously loved items! For more information, call 028 341 340 or email book@stanfordinfo.co.za. In the Stanford Tourism Courtyard, from 09:00 – 12:00.

■ Saturday Morning Market: Come and taste fresh, local delights ranging from sausages and salamis to pies, sheep milk cheese, artisanal breads, fresh veg and confectionary – there is something for everyone to tantalize the taste buds!

Every Saturday, on the Stanford Hotel stoep, from 09:00 - 12:00.

■ The Cub Market: Browse over 20 stalls with goods ranging from second hand treasures to unique, handcrafted items and baby essentials.

There will be entertainment for the children, delicious cakes and biscuits as well as (grown up) refreshments from the bar at The Fox & Talbot Photographer's Gallery. For more information contact 060 982 7551. At The Fox and Talbot, from 09:00 – 15:00.

■ Sushi Saturday: Enjoy a lazy day with family and friends around the lily pond surrounded by beautiful views of the vineyards and mountains at The Zesty Lemon Restaurant.

There is freshly made sushi and live music entertainment on the menu. Booking is essential; contact Carmen on 082 405 1280 or 028 341 0647. At Sir Robert Stanford Estate, from 12:00 – 16:00.

Sunday 29 April ■ Live Music Sundays: Delicious food, wine and beer – and live music every Sunday. For more information call 028 341 0183. At Birkenhead Brewery and Walker Bay Estate, from 12:00 – 15:00.

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ermanus provides pleasant memories for many of its residents.

They remember with nostalgia growing up in this idyllic place of sea, cliffs and mountains.

They recall fondly the old houses where they visited and played. Or perhaps it was their family’s favourite holiday haunt.

It was a place where children and their dogs roamed free in nature. There were few people, a lot of space and an abundance of fish that would never end.

This has all changed over the past couple of decades. The obscure little fishing village has become a highly desirable place to live and visit. Historic buildings and open spaces have been “developed” into opulent palaces, densely packed townships, shopping centres and malls.

The population of Greater Hermanus has grown to over 50 000. The town bursts out of its seams over the summer holidays. The Hermanus environment is one of its great attractions, but people are also the greatest threat to the very thing that brings them here.

In the ‘old days’ there were few restrictions, we walked our

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The times they are a-changing pathogens like E. coli, giardia and salmonella. A single gram of poo contains an estimated 23 million bacteria. If left in the environment it can seriously pollute water sources.

MY NEWS Environment THE

Dog faeces may contain parvovirus, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, threadworms, campylobacteria and coccidia. Contrary to popular belief, dog faeces is not fertilizer and does not provide any benefit to the soil.

dogs where we liked and left the poo as fertilizer for the plants. We never considered the possible impact we or our dogs might have on nature.

But the times they are achanging. The populations of people and their pets have increased dramatically, especially over the summer.

Their impact on the natural environment is no longer negligible.

We now understand a lot

more about nature. As recently as the 1960s the SA government was still supplying free Port Jackson seeds to the farmers in our area to stabilise the sandy soil. We now know that alien vegetation is the most serious threat to our fynbos and water security and we spend billions in vain efforts to eliminate it.

We now know that dog poo has serious consequences for the environment – and people. To quote a study on

water pollution “For as long as the dog has been man's best friend, dog waste has posed a menace to man's nose and foot. Now science has revealed a more unsavoury truth: It's an environmental pollutant and can cause severe illnesses.”

Current statistics indicate that South Africa rates high in the world in the ratio of dogs to people. Dogs can harbour lots of viruses, bacteria and parasites – including harmful

Concern has further increased because of the recently introduced oral tick and flea prophylactics like Bravecto. More than 90% of this product is excreted unchanged in your dog’s faeces.

No environmental impact studies have been done by the manufacturers. But it follows that if it kills insects like ticks and fleas, it will be equally effective in killing any insects in the environment.

This includes the insects that birds eat and beneficial insects like fynbos pollinators, bees, butterflies and dung beetles. When last did you see a dung beetle?

In Hermanus we are blessed

with remaining natural areas such as Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which includes the Cliff Path. It is our duty to care for these precious places. The Hermanus Botanical Society, together with the Municipality, takes this responsibility very seriously.

Given these facts the Botanical Society has to consider banning all dogs from the nature reserve. This can be avoided if dog owners observe the rules. All dogs must be on leashes, only on dog-friendly paths, and all faeces must be removed from the reserve (including the Cliff Path).

It would be a great pity if such strict measures became necessary – a great loss to everyone and their dog.

Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation SOURCES • Ferdman, R.A. & Ingraham, C. 2014. South Africa is dog country. Washington Post.

• AVMF, 2012. U.S Pet ownership statistics. 2012 (From) U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook (AVMF= American Veterinary Medical Foundation) • Watson, Tracy. 2002. Dog poses threat to water. Health & Science; USA TODAY.

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HAWS humans locked up to raise funds From Friday 20 April to Sunday 22 April, Hermanus Animal Welfare had their annual ‘Lockdown’ event where nine volunteers spent the weekend sleeping with the animals in the kennels. The volunteers spent the weeks prior to the event finding sponsorships and gained a lot of support from the community. The sponsorships, however, were not just monetary – Ocean Basket delivered a delicious meal to the volunteers on their first night and Norah Hudson from Ell269 Plant Based Foods cooked them a meal for the second night of their stay.

On the Saturday, residents of the Overstrand were invited to visit the shelter and to bring food and blankets for the animals. The volunteers were grinning from ear to ear when people brought in their generous donations and were happy to show the visitors around the welfare.

When asked how things had gone Tanya Cohen, one of the volunteers, exclaimed, “We hardly slept, but we had so much fun!” The animals were also thrilled to have company overnight as they are accustomed to sleeping alone in their cages. “People are so ready to drop off their unwanted animals at HAWS, but not enough people are wanting to adopt”, said another volunteer. As the popular animal-rescue saying goes, DON’T SHOP, ADOPT. Back from left are Alda du Plooy, René Dewar, Marlene Deneghere (vice-chairperson), Gabi Brummer, Pam Quinn (chairperson) and Juliet Leppan. In front are Tanya Cohen, Louise Botha (trainer at Canine Capers), Rhe du Doit and Amore Romijn with the dogs in the Teenage Run. – Taylum Meyer

B

etween the ages of 5 and 7, depending on their size and breed, our pets are considered ‘seniors’, and many of their senior ailments mirror our own (heart, arthritis, cancer, vision loss, obesity, senility). However, because most pets hide pain well and may not show signs of disease until very late, treatment may be less successful and therefore more expensive.

Your pet’s best chance of a long and healthy life is early prevention and disease detection and that’s done by paying extra special attention to your cat or dog as he or she ages, and making the lifestyle changes necessary to prolong life.

Signs and symptoms of agerelated illness After the age of 5 look out for the following symptoms: • increased stiffness or limping • difficulty climbing stairs or jumping up • loss of housetraining • drinking more water than normal • passing urine more than normal • lethargy and changes in sleep patterns • panting excessively • shaking or trembling • less interaction with the family • changes in behaviour (excessive barking or confusion) • eating more or less • bad breath • changes in weight • irritability What you can do 1. Be alert to signs and symptoms and get your ageing pet checked by your vet twice a year. A thorough medical examination may reveal life-threatening diseases (chronic kidney disease is common).

Senior pets need special care THE

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MY Pet Dr Hilldidge Beer

2. You’ll need to change your pet’s diet. With age, the optimal range for different nutrients becomes narrower, making it easier to tip into dietary deficiencies or excesses. The food he ate as a two-year-old isn’t giving him what he needs now.

3. Be careful not to overfeed.

Older pets tend to exercise less and may put on weight. An overweight older animal is at significantly higher risk of diseases like arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and musculoskeletal disorders. Your EberVet Vetshop team is nutritionally trained. Ask them for dietary advice.

4. Make your home more comfortable. Stairs and slippery floors may need carpeting to help with grip; you may need to provide a small stepping stool next to the bed or your pet’s favourite chair to help them up. Consider upgrading your pet’s bed for one that is softer on sore bones and that is also easier to access. Keep water and food bowls within easy reach. Give your cat a litter tray with a lowered side for easy access.

5. Always ensure your pet and his bedding – is clean and parasite-free.

6. If your dog is struggling to

run or jump, change his exercise routine. Arthritis is a common age-related complaint and may hamper his ability to exercise. A gentle walk or a swim is kinder.

What to do when your pet’s still young Many age-related illnesses can be prevented through responsible pet ownership when your dog or cat is still young.

• Have your pet spayed or neutered: 50% of unspayed dogs develop breast tumours by age 10 and uncastrated males can develop prostate, anal and testicular problems.

• A healthy, balanced diet followed from the first day your pet is welcomed into your home will set the standard for adulthood.

• Clean your pets’ teeth.

Tooth decay is linked to heart disease. Teach them about teeth cleaning from an early age and they’ll learn to enjoy it. Find yummy flavoured, pet toothpaste and toothbrushes at all EberVet Vetshops.

Never, ever use human toothpaste; it’s toxic to animals.

Help your oldies reach a golden age with a little bit of extra care and attention. Don’t they deserve it?

Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of the EberVet Petcare Group and EberVet Vetshops, www.ebervet.com

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New assisted living facility for dementia sufferers Elaine Davie

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ho are we without memory? This, I guess, is the kind of existential question that might be asked by anyone who has had a relationship with someone living with dementia. It is certainly a primary concern of the developers of the Brigadoon Reminiscence Village, currently under construction at Stony Point, Betty’s Bay as a 24hour permanent residence for people with dementia.

A strong focus will be on providing opportunities for sensory experiences which may trigger memories of the past, things like smell, touch, visual stimuli and sound, especially music. Memory anchors us to ourselves and therefore plays a pivotal role in creating a sense of well-being in people with dementia.

And what better place for establishing a Reminiscence Village than on a heritage site dating back to WW II! A stone’s throw from the sea and a small beach, this 2 ha property features the sight, sound and smell of the ocean as an ever-present backdrop, and is surrounded by fynbos and shade trees with their own mini eco-systems of birds, animals and insects. Then, there are the fascinating old buildings, remnants of one of three radar stations erected on the Southern Cape coast to keep track of potential enemy activity.

Apart from two wooden barracks, there is a small chapel, a residence and a variety of outbuildings. No alterations may be made to the exterior of these historic buildings, but the

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developers, Liesel Nel, her sister Elseline Rorich and JC Hanekom have exciting plans to adapt the interiors to form interesting, memory-laden recreational spaces for their residents.

This prime property has been through several metamorphoses since the end of the war. In 1947 it was bought by Harold Porter and Jack Clarence who turned it into the Clareport Holiday Resort under the management of a Mr Wallers who, in due course, bought it himself and continued the business.

Brigadoon Village will provide 24-hour care for people living with dementia.

The facility, near Stony Point in Betty’s Bay, is currently under construction.

A digital image of Brigadoon Village, scheduled to open on 4 August 2018.

In the 1960s the property again changed hands. This time it was bought by the Dutch Reformed Church to be run as a camping site for holiday-makers. (Indeed Liesel and Elseline remember, as children, spending a camping holiday there with their parents.) The Church also erected a new U-shaped building, comprising 14 twobedroomed apartments and it is this structure which is being transformed into the Brigadoon residential centre for people living with dementia.

Each cosy flatlet is being adapted to accommodate two residents in their own rooms, which they may want to furnish themselves, a small sitting room with a dining nook and a specially designed bathroom to accommodate their particular needs. A large communal sunroom/lounge/ dining room is being built with sliding doors on to a panoramic view of the sea.

There will be a four-bed shortterm frail care facility, but preference will be given to leaving patients who need special care in their own

rooms where they feel secure and safe.

There is one thing the developers are determined will not be included in the apartments and that is a TV set. “We do not want our residents to sit vacantly staring at a flickering TV screen from morning to night,” says Liesel. “The only time a TV will be switched on in the common living area will be for a specific programme, be it sport or a movie, or a musical concert.” Indeed, music will play an important role in the residents’ lives. It has been shown in studies of Alzheimer’s patients that music helps to stimulate the brain, as well as soothing and creating a sense of well-being in individuals.

There will be plenty of other activities for the patients to participate in and a recreational therapist to plan and oversee them. Apart from a multisensory room where they will be exposed to a variety of experiences to help jog their memory, stimulating outings and walks will be organised on a regular basis.

From experience gained at their other, similar facility, Brigadoon Lodge in Durbanville, the developers have discovered that the residents enjoy one another’s company and are very caring. “I can tell you they have heaps of fun together and everybody laughs a lot,” chuckles Elseline. Visits from family members are encouraged as often as possible, too, and a support group for them will be established.

The Village will also offer day care to people living with dementia in the wider community, as well as respite care

for family carers who need a break. “Looking after someone with dementia, whether it be Alzheimer’s or any one of the other 81 forms of the condition, can be mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting for family members,” Liesel points out, “and they desperately need to take breaks from time to time, yet at the same time, need to know that their loved one will be well cared for while they do so.”

Staffing at the Village is, of course, a priority, as is intensive and continuous training. One fully-trained carer will be allocated to four residents, there will be a full-time senior sister on duty at all times and specialist nursing managers. Both Liesel and Elseline are trained psychologists and Liesel, in particular, has over 30 years of experience as a psychogeriatric nursing sister. She trains the carers herself (including some from outside the Village) and also conducts dementia assessments for prospective residents.

JC’s role is that of Business and Financial Manager, without which it would be impossible to run such a major enterprise.

The overall aim of the group is very clearly articulated: “We believe the key to quality living for people with dementia is creating homely, safe and supportive environments to live in.

Each resident is involved in life and his/her future is valued and supported. Qualities like love, empathy, respect, dignity and excellence are the cornerstones of the service we offer.”

Brigadoon Village is scheduled to open on 4 August and enquiries can be directed to Liesel at 083 6070347 or email info@brigadoongroup.com

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Sports Festival brings communities together Teams were from all areas of the Overstrand, including Kleinmond, Hangklip, Hermanus, Mount Pleasant, Hawston, Gansbaai and Zwelihle, participated in the annual Overstrand Sports Festival hosted on Saturday 21 April at the Hawston Sportsground. In the finals for the cricket, netball, rugby and soccer, friends played against friends for a chance to win one of the coveted trophies. The games were tough, but Hawston managed to walk away with both the cricket and rugby trophies, with Hermanus winning the netball, Gansbaai winning the legends soccer (an older soccer league) and Young Ideas from Zwelihle winning the soccer. Besides the sport, the local music groups and commentators on the day provided much entertainment to the crowd that had gathered to watch the teams play. The event was a huge success and gave our residents a chance to show just how much sporting talent there is in the Overstrand.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer, Titanium Photography

The soccer saw a final between two teams from Zwelihle. iThemba (in black and red) gave their all in Saturday's match but ended up losing to their slightly older opponents, Young Ideas.

Hawston tries to tackle Kleinmond before they score a try in the rugby finals on Saturday.

When the home team ended up beating Kleinmond it was their second win of the day after also winning the cricket final against Kleinmond 4–2 earlier that morning.

The Hermanus ladies stood out in their pink netball dresses as they faced off against Mount Pleasant in the netball finals, winning 39-24.

Spectators of all ages supported the Overstrand Sports Festival on Saturday. This group of boys were very excited to watch the rugby finals.

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Steps to follow before starting a building project

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f you're planning on building a new home or extending your current one, you'll need to have your building plans approved by the Municipality.

“Before purchasing an already built house it is wise to have a look at the approved building plans of the property to see if everything is legal and in order.

Remember, once you purchase a property, you become the rightful owner and the onus then rests on you to make sure that everything is in order and complies with the National Building Regulations and National Standards Act and any other applicable legislation,” says Stephen Müller, Director of Infrastructure and Planning at the Municipality.

Building services application forms are available on the Overstrand website: www.overstrand.gov.za, click on documents/forms/building services. Here is what you need to know about the process: Building Plans All building plans are available at the Building Services offices and can be viewed at any time during office hours. Copies of building plans are also available (fee payable), but only owners or someone with written permission/confirmation from

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a professional engineer was appointed. An inspection form must be filled out at the Building Department a day previous to the inspection.

MY Home

the owners concerned are allowed to view or receive copies.

The approval of building plans can take up to 21 working days if there are no problems found on the plans. Contact the respective Building Department at your closest Administration for building plan meeting dates. Building plan meetings are held every Monday for the Hermanus area. Cut-off time for submission of plans for the following Monday is at 15:30 on the preceding Wednesday.

Heritage buildings Buildings that are 60 years and older are protected by the National Resources Act of 1999. Any changes to such buildings are subject to comment from the Local

Drainage inspections: To be requested once the drainage work on the property has been completed and the pipes are lying open for inspections.

Heritage and Aesthetics Committee which then must be sent to Heritage Western Cape for approval. The plan must then come back to the Municipal Building Department for final approval.

Department, they will calculate the building plan fees and builders deposit (where needed). The Building Services Department will notify you when your plans are ready for collection.

So, before attempting to make any relevant changes to a house or building That might be older than 6o it is recommended that you consult with the Building Department to confirm the heritage status of the building or site.

Compulsory inspections No building may be occupied until an occupation certificate has been issued to the owner.

The Process You must submit two sets of plans (in colour), together with a full copy of the Title Deed and a fully completed SANS (South African National Standards) application form.

When the documents are submitted to the Building

Foundation inspection: To be requested once foundation excavation of the building has been set out and excavated in accordance with the approved plan (that must be available on site). All boundary pegs must be visible.

The foundation excavations must always be inspected by the building inspector; even if

Tank inspections: To be requested once the sewerage tank (either 5 000L or 10 000L) has been completed.

It has to be inspected by the Building Services Department before the Operational Department can test and connect the tank.

Note: No plastic tanks will be allowed.

Final inspection: To be requested once the building has been totally completed.

These certificates may be requested by the Building Department before the inspection can be approved: • Engineer’s certificate for the roof structure; • Glazing certificate for all new glass installed; • Gas installation / health and

safety certificate for gas (to be installed by registered installer); • Architect’s compliance certificate which also covers the new energy sufficiency regulations.

After the final inspection has been approved the occupation certificate will be issued and the builder’s deposit (if applicable) can be refunded. Take note, the builder’s deposit is normally credited to your municipal account and not refunded in cash.

Where to find the Building Department?

HERMANUS ADMINISTRATION 16 Paterson Street, House nr 2 Tel: 028 313 8089 tfisher@overstrand.gov.za GANSBAAI ADMINISTRATION 1 Kapokblom Street Tel 028 384 8321 mcrafford@overstrand.gov.za STANFORD ADMINISTRATION 17 Queen Victoria Street Tel: 028 341 8500 ncornelius@overstrand.gov.za KLEINMOND ADMINISTRATION 37 Fifth Avenue Tel: 028 271 8427 mbosman@overstrand.gov.za

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‘Smiling Nathan will always be an inspiration’

athan Day changed our lives and taught us how to appreciate life and everything in it, He was a hero and we will never forget him,” say Nathan’s closets friends Kyle Bonorchis and Michel Roberts after their 17-year-old friend died from a rare form of brain cancer on 14 April.

“Despite his illness he always remained positive and happy, showing his friends and family that no matter how tough it gets you must remain strong,” adds Kyle.

This sentiment is echoed by Greg Hassenkamp, the principal of Hermanus High School where Nathan was a student. “He had such a fighting spirit, one that I couldn’t believe anyone can possibly have. He will be sorely missed by everyone at school.”

at the beach or skating and longboarding for hours in the streets .”

She says after Nathan’s diagnosis he underwent a major brain operation, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

In April 2016 Nathan was clear of cancer. “Following those tough months Nathan was home schooled for the remainder of that year.

“It was during the same year that Nathan got to return to Jeffrey’s Bay (where he first started noticing symptoms the previous year) for the JBay Open Surfing Championships on a trip to celebrate his victory over cancer. There he got to meet champion surfers Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and many more, who were all an inspiration to him. It was during the same time that Nathan fell in love with the joys of making and growing Bonsai trees.”

Nathan, who was born in Hermanus in 2001, was well-known as an avid swimmer, bodyboarder and surfer, who during his time at Hermanus High School set records in swimming for both the breast stroke and freestyle.

“He won the Boland Junior Championships in 2015, the same year that he was first diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour,” says mom Tracy Day.

According to Tracy, by mid2017 the cancer had returned, and Nathan had three more major brain operations, followed by chemotherapy.

Despite the battles he fought, Nathan stayed positive and never once complained about the situation he was placed in.

Tracy says Nathan was a very active and happy young man.

“He grew up here, made friends here and loved to spend his time

His family describes him as a real warrior and an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Nathan loved his friends and

his family and was able to stay at peace with his tough times because, as he said to Tracy while in the Intensive Care Unit: “I feel so calm and so at peace and loved by God.” In 2018 Nathan realised a lifelong dream of going overseas thanks to friends of the family.

Nathan, Tracy and dad Anthony visited Switzerland in February and March. “For the whole month Nathan was strong and well enough to see and enjoy so many things. It was a cherished time for the whole family,” says Tracy.

Nathan’s surfer friends paddled into the sea at Onrus shortly after his passing to create the letter N with their surfboards in the ocean.

Despite having left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew him, Nathan will stay in the hearts and memories of all those he influenced. He will stand as an example of positivity, strength and courage.

Nathan’s bright and constant smile will stand as an example of how we should never cease to live our lives to the happiest and fullest.

Nathan leaves behind his parents and sisters, Cloe and Caylin. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday 25 April at 11:00 at the Lewende Water Church in De Goede Street.

Nathan’s surfer friends paddled into the sea at Onrus shortly after his passing to create the letter N with their surfboards in the ocean.

PHOTO: Jenni Sadie

Nathan with his two sisters Caylin (left) and Chloe (right) at Onrus Beach where he loved to surf.

22

24 - 30 April 2018

Lucrative golf day for Hermanus High

G

reetings to one and all again, it’s great to be back. I have been off on a little R & R and am now refreshed and ready to go. As an avid pirate I wish I could say I had been off sailing the seven seas, but sadly that’s not the case – I went to Romania, or should that actually be remainhere! Either way it was super not to rush around madly for a week.

As with every year around this time, our swallows return overseas and the number of visitors to our course – and town for that matter – reduces, our permanent residents breathe a sigh of relief and life becomes less hectic… at least until September!

5 Club tee off for Trees Tournament Last week we had a really fun tournament, which was actually diarised as ‘the green keeper’s revenge tournament’. This is traditionally when the green keeper gets his own back on the players, putting the pins in really difficult positions and accidentally leaving his tractors etc. parked all over the course.

It’s always a good laugh but quite difficult to play, so we thought this year we would mix it up a little and have a 5 club competition instead and com-

The Putting Pirate Julian Shaw

bine it with our annual Tee off for Trees fundraiser.

have a reduced green fee for this period.

Well, I think everyone learnt two things from the day: firstly, without all those clubs to choose from (14) you don’t get so confused and secondly, your score using five clubs really doesn’t change much!

After the game we had a whole host of auctions to raise money for the purchase of trees for our course and managed to haul nearly R27 000 for trees, thanks to Jacques Retief as MC of the auctions – great work! Putting back our trees onto the course is absolutely vital as trees sadly don’t last forever.

High School Golf Day Also around this time of year we have quite a few charity days which the golf club supports. The Hermanus High School Golf Day was played on Friday 20 April and was again a huge success. This year we had 128 players from all over the community. The weather has historically always been a challenge but this year was absolutely perfect! Our winners on 88 points were Marius Krause, Kenny Palm, Jaco Lourens, and Ignis Goosen. Congratulations!

Hollow tined greens As part of the annual maintenance program, we hollow tine our greens at this time of the year. The process entails aerating the greens, dethatching and generally improving the course conditions after such a busy period. It does lead to the course not playing to its optimal standards but it will return quickly and we

parents all turned out for this great cause. Congratulations to school Principal Greg Hassenkamp who coordinated this great day with Tanya Stergianos at the helm.

Last laugh This week I thought I would share a management lesson with you: A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?"

The crow answered: "Sure, why not."

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

The real winner of the day was the High School as a massive R160 000 was raised. This was partly due to the vocal acrobatics of Jacques Retief who was MC and chief auctioneer.

He managed to extract every cent possible from the willing crowd!

Management Lesson: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Again there was a great turn out from the school; pupils, teachers, PTA committee and

Always worth a giggle. Have a great week, keep calm and go golfing!

The winners of the Hermanus High School Golf Day were Ignis Goosen, Jaco Laurens, Kenny Palm and Marius Krause.

Scores at a glance LADIES TUESDAY 10 APRIL Individual Stableford 50 players Winner: Sally du Toit - 42 points Runner-up: Jackie Clifford - 41 points Winner of the Beunderman Cup: Sally du Toit MEN’S WEDNESDAY 28 APRIL Individual medal/Stableford 94 players A division winner: Kevin Middleton - nett 73 B division winner: Shaun Smith - nett 68 C/I C division winner: Willie Hartzenburg - 40 points Best gross and winner of the monthly mug: Kevin Middleton gross 80 5 two clubs SATURDAY 5 CLUB COMPETITION Betterball Stableford 127 players Winners: Chicken Basson and Audie van Noordwyk - 47 points Runners-up: Kevin Middleton and Rat Calitz - 46 points Ball pool paid to 44 6 two clubs Best gross: James Mehlweni - 76

23

24 - 30 April 2018

Time for young guns to step up in men’s tennis

T

here are a few young male tennis stars making waves or should we rather say, ripples, on the international tennis circuit but not yet able to lift a major trophy.

Offside Tony O’Hagan

These include the young German, Alexander Zverev, who at the age of 20 is ranked 4th on the World rankings and has wins over Federer (Canadian Masters) and Djokovic (Italian Open). He comes from a family of tennis players, with his older brother Mischa playing on the professional circuit, his father having represented the Soviet Union and his mother being an accomplished player herself. He has the pedigree and talent and now needs a breakthrough Major to really announce his arrival.

The next pretender is the 24year-old Austrian, Dominic Thiem, ranked 7th. He has wins over Federer, Nadal and Murray

and reached the semi-finals in the 2016 and 2017 French Open. He has nine career victories but he also needs to take the next step, a win at a Major tournament.

Another youngster, 21-yearold South Korean, Hyeon Chong showed his potential by reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year. On the way he beat former World number one Novak Djokovic, before bowing out to the eventual winner, Roger Federer.

Coached by South African Neville Godwin, he shows potential to challenge for higher honours.

The young German, Alexander Zverev, who at the age of 20 is ranked 4th on the World rankings.

The other top contenders who could step up are all in their late twenties or early thirties.

So, as yet, no other players in the early twenties age group are threatening the top dogs.

These elite achievers show a vastly different career path to the current crop – Federer won his first major at 23 years old and had eight under his belt by the age of 25; Nadal won his first when just 20 and another eight in the next five years, Djokovic was also 20 when he triumphed at a major and had six by age 25. Murray was a little older (25) when he won the first of his three big titles.

If one adds Wawrinka to the so-called "big four", 54 of the 57 majors contested since 2004 have gone to these 5 players, with the number of titles in brackets: Federer (20), Nadal (16), Djokovic (12), Murray and Wawrinka (3 each). Going back further in time, both Boris Becker (Wimbledon, 1985) and Michael Chang (French Open, 1989) won Majors at the age of 17, with Chang a few

months younger than Becker.

Quite remarkable!

Whereas men's tennis has been dominated over the last 14 years by, predominantly, three players, golf has had multiple winners since the Tiger Woods era. Furthermore, the young guns in golf have stepped up to the plate when one considers that Rory McIlroy by the age of 25 had four majors in the bag and Jordan Spieth at 24 has three to his name.

Although Serena Williams has been a dominant force in women’s tennis, there have been many other players lifting trophies, contrary to their counterparts in the men's arena.

To add a little variety to the game, men's tennis needs young blood to come to the fore (pardon the pun) similar to what's happening in golf.

Sun, fun and fishing on Open Day Hermanus bowlers shine in Boland Trips

Wonderful weather and the beautiful surrounds of the Zuiderkruis Dam greeted the fly fishermen, their family and friends on the Hermanus Fly Fishing Open Day held on 15 April.

Around 08:00 some 25 anglers circled the dam and it did not take long before splashing could be heard as the trout were caught on a catch and release basis. Encouragement echoed from nearby fishermen. The words of Reg Baird must have entered the minds of a few when he said, "The man who coined the phrase ‘money can't buy happiness’ never bought himself a fly rod."

The Hermanus Senior Ladies' and Senior Men's Trips teams excelled in the Boland finals of these events which were played at Worcester on Thursday, 12 April. The ladies team of Rosa Cloete, Amanda Meyer and Jean Greyling emerged victorious while the men's trio of James le Grange, Andy MacRae and Johann Terblanche ended in the runners-up position.

Some 21 trout were caught and released. A pleasing feature of the event was the number of youngsters and ladies participating in the fishing, with support from family and friends relaxing on the banks of the dam.

At the conclusion of the morning's activities a braai and prize giving were held, with Ian Heyns declared the winner. (Fishing clearly runs in the family, as his wife Cheryl is the Proteas’ fly fishing ladies captain!) The Club Trophy was presented to Ian by Club Chairman, Richard Tate. Much banter permeated around the braai and as the saying goes "nothing gets bigger than a fish from when it bites until it gets away!"

Ian Heyns, the winner of the Hermanus Fly Fishing Open Day Trophy.

I’ll end off with another touch of humour from Koos Brandt: "My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing

Well done to the Hermanus Fly Fishing Club for a successful day that was enjoyed by all.

gear for what I said I’d paid for it."

Reaching the final stages entailed progressing through the round robin sector, with these winners qualifying for the playoffs which were decided on a knock-out basis. Section winners then proceeded to the finals, which were also decided on a round robin basis. All the various stages were played over 15 ends.

Congratulations to our senior trips teams who made it through all the rounds, culminating in a winner and runnerup spot, both noteworthy achievements.

24

24 - 30 April 2018

THE

NEWS

A

MY Sport

On you marks, get set, go! It’s Xtreme time

thletes, adventure seekers and families that enjoy an active lifestyle will converge on Hermanus between 27 and 30 April 2018 for the HITEC Walkerbay Xtreme (WBX), a four-day adventure sports festival which returns to the Whale Capital for a third time.

With several events to choose from, participants will be spoilt for choice. There is an event for every member of the family, including a junior triathlon and special treasure hunt for the young ones. An added drawcard to the 2018 Walkerbay Xtreme is the prize money on offer – R100 000 in prizes split across a number of events.

Ameen Stemmet from Lansdowne was part of a group of runners, cyclists, swimmers and their families who spent the long weekend in Hermanus last year.

They participated in various events, such as the trail run, swim-run-jump challenge, open water swim, triathlon and treasure hunt.

“We enjoyed the fact that we could get the whole family involved. There was a great vibe

in Hermanus and we are looking forward to experiencing it again.”

ners aged 14 to 18, and runners aged 19 years and older on the evening of 27 April.

Jamie-Lee Day from Cape Town has entered the Big 6 Xtreme.

This event sees athletes competing in the street mile, 27 km MTB Challenge, Swim-RunJump Challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim, and a beautiful 17 km trail run.

The Cliffpath Xtreme, a beautiful run along the Hermanus coastline with three distances to choose from – 5.7 km, 12.6 km or 18.1 km – on 28 April.

“I absolutely love Hermanus and as a trail runner, the surrounding mountains and landscape drew me to the event. As the event is over a long weekend, it’s a nice excuse to put aside the laptop and for families to spend some quality time together in a beautiful place.”

Get the adrenalin pumping with the Swim-Run-Jump challenge, a thrilling adventure that comprises a 400 m swim, 1.5 km run, Dreunkrans cliff jump, 400 m swim, 1 km run and a final 500 m swim, on 28 April.

Brave the Atlantic Ocean in the Open Water Xtreme Swim Challenge with two distances to choose from, 600 m and 2.5 km, on 29 April.

The Village NEWS suggests: If you’re keen to get active but didn’t realise that the awesome HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme was taking place this weekend, The Village News suggests that you consider one of the following events:

Enjoy nature with the Blue Mountain Xtreme trail runs (17 km and 10 km) on expanded trail routes along the Kleinrivier Mountains on 30 April.

The Marine Mile, a 1.6 km dash along Marine Drive with category prizes for male and female runners younger than 13, run-

Late entries Online entries at walkerbay xtreme.com close Thursday 24 April at 17:00. Late entries

will be accepted until 30 minutes before the event starts at the Race Village, situated above the Old Harbour.

Number collection Race Registration will be open daily at the Race Village, situated above the Old Harbour, from Friday, 27 April until Monday, 30 April. You may collect your race number on any day prior to your event and up to 30 minutes before the start of your event.

Registration times: Friday, 27 April: 10:00 – 17:30 Saturday, 28 April: 05:30 – 15:30 Sunday, 29 April: 05:30 – 15:30 Monday, 30 April: 06:00 – 09:30 Wetsuits If you are participating in any one of the swimming events and would like to rent a wetsuit, you can do so at R150 per day. Visit the website walkerbay xtreme.com for more information. While wetsuits are not compulsory in the open water swim and swim-run-jump events, water temperatures may make the junior, sprint and off-road triathlons wetsuit compulsory.

Spectators The HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme action is centred in the heart of Hermanus between the old and new harbours, providing an equally thrilling experience for supporters and spectators. Cheer on your friends and family, give encouragement to strangers and complete the experience with a meal and/or a drink at one of

the many excellent restaurants in the vicinity.

There will be water/spectator points at the Race Village (Old Harbour), New Harbour, Grotto beach, Bouchard Finlayson Road Crossing, Sumaridge Wine Farm, Newton Johnson Wine Farm and Fernkloof Nature Reserve (depending on the event).

Programme 27-30 April: Big 6 Xtreme (street mile, 27km MTB Challenge, Swim-RunJump Challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim and 17km trail run); Entry fee: R1200 27 April: Marine Mile – 18:00; Entry fee: R100 28 April: • Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge – 07:00; Entry fees: R200 – R350 • Cliffpath Xtreme Fun Run – 08:30; Entry fees: R75 – R200 • See & Sand Xtreme Swim-Run-Jump Challenge – 13:00; Entry fee: R250 • Blue Water Xtreme SUP Challenge – 15:00; Entry fees: R100 – R150 • Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium – 16:00; Entry fee: R250 29 April: • Walkerbay Xtreme Sprint Triathlon – 08:00; Entry fee: R400 • Open Water Xtreme Swim Challenge – 13:00; Entry fees: R200 – R300 • Walkerbay Xtreme Off-road Triathlon – 16:00; Entry fee: R500 30 April: • Blue Mountain Xtreme Trail Runs – 08:00; Entry fees: R200 – R250 • Walkerbay Xtreme Junior Triathlon – 08:00; Entry fee: R300 • HI-TEC Walk-A-Bay Treasure Hunt – 08:30; Entry fee: R50 per child u10 • Old Harbour Xtreme Surfski Challenge – 10:00; Entry fees: R150 – R350