St Francis Today Writing Competition Winner

R1,000 first prize to Saskia Bonzaier for her entry, Small Town Swops

Small towns are known for their charm, special ways, and individuality. I am sure you’ll agree St Francis Bay is no different. We have our own sports clubs, pizza combos, pale ales, surf breaks, and bumper stickers. The views are breathtaking and there is a plethora of unique opportunities for its citizens. And let’s not forget the blissful lack of robots or rush hour.

One of my (many) favourite things about the small town we call home is its brilliant barter system. Have something to offer? There’s a good chance that you will be able to swop it for items you desire. It’s all about knowing the people around you; something which is possible in St Francis Bay. And the beauty of a good barter is that you always give and receive more than the monetary value of the goods in question. I would love to share with you one of my bartering bonanza experiences …

Growing up overseas, I went to a high school where matric dances were not the massive productions that they are here.

We borrowed dresses, did each other’s hair, and were lucky if a photo or two were taken by the math teacher outside the school hall. So, it was with disbelief that I learned about the extent and complexity of my daughter Jemma’s upcoming matric dance preparations. The dress code for her school was long and white. Seriously? Make no mistake, I am a huge fan of tradition, but ‘long and white’ sounded very much like a wedding dress to me – help!

Desperate to find a dress that would make both Jemma and our budget happy, I went to my favourite clothing shop; Gently Worn. This boutique is home to not only a wide range of pre-loved clothes, but the owners also happened to be customers of my organic vegetable business. The arrangement we had was this; I would deliver a weekly box of veggies and Angela would translate that into a credit, allowing me to ‘purchase’ her pre-loved clothes. No cash ever changed hands, and we both felt we were getting an amazing deal. On the hunt for a miracle, Jemma and I browsed the rails and there, tucked in between a 70s floral house coat and a maroon jumpsuit, we found an utterly gorgeous, beautifully embroidered white wedding dress. When she stepped behind the changing room curtain to try it on, we all held our breath. She emerged triumphant. Not only did it fit, but she loved it, and it met the dress code! When we arrived at the till to settle up, Angela happily announced that I had enough credit (from my veggie sales) to cover its cost.

The day of the matric dance arrived and Jemma looked stunning, graciously receiving many compliments on her appearance. I overheard a friend of hers asking, “Your dress is to die for Jems! Where did you find it? In Johannesburg? Or did you get it especially designed for you in Cape Town?” Jemma looked over to where Anton and I were standing and, with a slight, sardonic raise of her eyebrow replied, “My mum bought it for a box of vegetables.” And that is why I love this town.

Corona Open JBay

It is International Surfing Time once again with the Corona Open JBay coming to Jeffreys Bay from the 8th to the 13 July. Always a massive event, there will be a music festival and a number of sporting event taking place in JBay at the same time, like mountain bike riding and a jui jitsu tournament.

Fans will get to see local heroes like Jordy Smith and Matt McGillivray compete alongside world champions like Filipe Toledo and Gabriel Medina, as well as the woman’s championship event with surfers such as Tyler Wrights, Carissa <oore, Molly Picklum, Caroline Marks and Caitlin Summers all competing. Kelly Slater be there, surfing under a wildcard, and exciting new stars like Joao Chianca and Jack Robinson, Ethan Ewing and Grif Colapinto will all be there.

The waves of Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay always turn on for this tournament (touch wood) and it is the venue tat is most popular amongst the competitors on the championship Tour.

The event doesn’t fall into school holidays, yet here are always hundreds of kids at the event and the entire JBay hub is packed out for the entire two weeks, with retail outlets and restaurants as well as accommodation thriving. The surf teams usually have signings at the surf shops for the kids and older fans alike where they got to hang out with their heroes and get their signatures, selfies and more.

For more details on the Corona Open JBay go to https:// www.worldsurfleague.com/

Wine On Water

One of the most anticipated events of the year – Wine On Water 2023 brought to you by Investec and the Rotary Club Of St Francis – was another overwhelming success. Supported by St Francis Tourism, the event is such a success that it leaves the organisers with nowhere to go but up.

The event tickets were sold out in the space of a couple of ours, which was unbelievable. There were checks and balances, and no one was able to block book for possible reselling. The system wouldn’t allow it.

The event was outstanding. The barges had a better system, there was plentiful food, and the wine was all of excellent quality. Having said that, one of the most popular stations was actually that of One33 and the St Francis Brewery, where people ended up for a few hours of drinks in the sun and other such shenanigans.

So what are he plans for next year? Well, the dates have been set for 1- 2 March

Nexus Yachts/Balance Catamarans

Two more of their amazing yachts were launched recently, being Edisto and Daydream