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TVNOverstrand, Hermanus (2024)

21/12/2024

'Tis the season to be jolly! As we come to the end of another eventful year, it is time to spread some holiday cheer, and we are filled with gratitude here at The Village News.

This is a time for reflection and celebration.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to our loyal readers and dedicated advertisers. Your unwavering support fuels our passion for storytelling and motivates us to deliver quality content each week.

Behind every byline and advertisement is a team of hardworking individuals. To our talented journalists, creative designers, and dedicated staff – we couldn't do it without you!

Let us all embrace the spirit of Christmas and look forward to a prosperous and promising New Year ahead.

PHOTO: Arina Fyfer

20/12/2024

*Fernkloof Nature Reserve paths reopened to hikers following enhanced safety measures*

At a meeting held by the Fernkloof Safety and Security Group on Friday, 20 December 2024, it was unanimously decided to reopen all the paths of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve to hikers. The decision to reopen the paths was made possible by the addition of extra resources and volunteers who will assist with patrols, as well as inform and assist hikers. The reserve will be open from 07:00 to 19:00, after which all hikers must exit the reserve.
Hikers are requested to record their name, contact details, and intended route in the visitors' book available at the Visitor Centre at the top entrance of the reserve. Before entering, please scan the QR code visible on the glass pane of the Visitor Centre to quickly access emergency numbers.

It is advised that hikers walk in groups of more than four people. If hiking in smaller groups, it is recommended to stay on the lower paths of the reserve. Volunteers will be stationed at the Visitor Centre to inform hikers about the safety rules of the nature reserve and provide guidance on how to navigate the paths safely. They will also assist with training the monitors who will be patrolling the reserve. Patrollers, equipped with binoculars, will be positioned at strategic points throughout the reserve. Should any suspicious individuals be observed, a foghorn will sound to alert hikers to remain vigilant and move toward a safe area lower down in the reserve.

Volunteering
If you would like a volunteer to accompany you on a walk, please contact Reserve Manager Chester Arendse at 078 044 5020. If you are interested in joining the team of volunteers who patrol the reserve and assist hikers, please reach out to Chester at the same number. He is currently compiling a duty and standby roster.

Thank you
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr. Annelie Rabie, expressed gratitude to all those who have responded to our call to get involved. “Strong partnerships are being formed, and we hope this will further strengthen our collaborative efforts in the future,” she said.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

20/12/2024

Multi-day slackpacking hikes on the Cape Whale Coast

Leanne and Peter Hassall are well-known figures in the Hermanus community. They firmly believe that every small business is built on the foundation of a family, and they advocate for the importance of supporting local enterprises.

As a result, they have carefully chosen businesses to give you an authentic experience along the Cape Whale Coast. “Our guides, all passionate locals with a deep understanding of the area, and our chef Meg from Nutmeg’s Kitchen, ensure that we support the farmers and local suppliers,” explains Leanne.

PHOTO: Leanne Dryburgh

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 25

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20/12/2024

Art in the heart of Kleinmond

WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER: Elaine Davie

Let’s face it, Kleinmond is not Hermanus. Neither does it pretend to be; and that’s probably part of its charm.

What you see is what you get. And that goes for its people, as much as its art. It’s honest and down-to-earth, much of it influenced by the natural beauty of the Kogelberg and the ocean on its doorstep. While we place the focus on Kleinmond in this feature, much of the work on display is produced by artists in the neighbouring villages of Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay.

So once you’ve been introduced to their work in some of Kleinmond’s excellent gift shops and galleries, we suggest you follow the trail westwards.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 19

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Photo: Lily and Co, located in The Yard off Harbour Road, is a treasure trove of hand-made art-crafts, from ceramics to appliqued tea cloths and aprons, to wire and metal-work birds and wooden bird feeders. Next door is a DIY pottery workbench, where you can have a go at making something for yourself.

19/12/2024

OUT NOW

Our Summer Edition is out now, and we hope you enjoy reading every single page.

We tell you what to do and where to go on pages 8, 9 and 10 and on pages 11, 12 and 13 there is a wide variety of gastronomic restaurants to help you choose where you would like to eat!

Turn to pages 20 and 21 to see where you can chill out in Onrus and to pages 22 and 23 to see what’s hip, hot and happening in Stanford.

Our double page book spread - features a great selection of holiday reads for adults and children.

Here's to having fun in the sun.

Enjoy our bumper Summer Edition! Our next edition will be out on the 17th of January 2025.

Annette Yell │ Editor, The Village News

Follow the link below to read this week's edition of The Village News online.

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PHOTO: Luca Visser │Summer is here and the celebrations have started. A Facebook post from Milk on the Beach restaurant in Onrus encouraged everyone to "embrace the lekkerness". The Sunrise Silent Disco early on Monday morning on Onrus beach was a hit, with fantastic vibes all around. This one-of-a-kind event combines meditation and music, with participants donning headphones. They engage in energising dance routines, punctuated by moments of deep reflection. As we approach the end of the year, we encourage you to reflect on the past year and look forward to the opportunities that each new day in 2025 will bring.

19/12/2024

4 Bedroom House for sale in Onrus for R 5 000 000 - Web ref 114806363 : Realty 1 Group

19/12/2024

Stanford Diary

Follow the link below and turn to page 23 to see what's hip, hot and happening in Stanford this Christmas.

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PHOTO: Stanford Tourism

19/12/2024

What’s On

Follow the link below and turn to pages 8 - 10 to see What's On this festive holiday!

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PHOTO: Unsplash

19/12/2024

SPARKLEKIDS

Sparklekids was founded in 2012 by Theo Krynauw, a visionary with a passion for helping young people in need. Since its inception, this non-profit organization has supported over 130 young individuals in pursuing their education, with many successfully graduating from tertiary institutions.

Theo's philosophy is simple yet powerful: recipients of Sparklekids' assistance are never expected to repay the kindness they have received. Instead, they are encouraged to pay it forward by helping others in need. As Theo eloquently puts it, "Find someone in need and do for them what was done for you. Let the goodness continue..."

Join us in celebrating the incredible work of Sparklekids and the positive impact it has had on the lives of so many. Let's spread the message of kindness and generosity, inspiring others to make a difference in their communities.

Follow the link below and turn to page 34 to read the newsletter.

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PHOTO: Supplied

17/12/2024

More to a Spayathon than meets the eye

WRITER: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring
PHOTO: Supplied

Wags ‘n Whiskers is a small group of dedicated volunteers committed to making a difference in the lives of animals. The team is coordinated by René Dewar, who inherited her love of animals from her father.

She recalls that he travelled frequently for work and was always bringing home animals in need, including a huge mountain tortoise he found on a busy road and which he returned to a safer place in the same area. As a result, she has made a point of getting involved in animal welfare.

René was involved with dog adoptions at a local welfare organisation where she met Julie Ackermann, who was a dog volunteer. Their friendship began when she started assisting René with ‘meet and greets’ between the new dog and existing pets at the homes of potential adopters. Julie has a background in design and business, and coordinating mass sterilisation drives had been a long-term goal of hers. Their combined passion for animals and drive to make a difference led to them teaming up to improve the living conditions of animals in the township.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 5

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16/12/2024

Getting to grips with environmental impacts of weather and litter

WRITER: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring
PHOTO: Supplied

The Whale Coast Conservation Group wound up its year before the start of the school exams with some topical and interesting activities. These included a talk at Hawston Secondary School by Curtis Bailey, a lecturer and academic in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

The presentation was about decoding climate change and how even in the Greater Hermanus region its impact is being felt. He explained the growing challenges faced, driven by human activity and environmental factors. He delved into the effect that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – a global climatic phenomenon – has on weather patterns across the globe, including local winter rainfall.

ENSO has two extreme phases: El Niño which brings drier winters and La Niña resulting in wetter winter conditions. The recent La Niña was linked to some of the wettest winters on record locally, and El Niño to drier ones. This makes it even more important for effective environmental management in our area.

The presentation was well received and WCC educator Sheraine van Wyk, is hoping to bring Curtis in to give a geography presentation at the school for 150 learners. The school is also hoping to offer learners a real-time opportunity to monitor the weather by installing a weather station which would be manned by the school’s Geography Department.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 13

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16/12/2024

Ramping up conservation

WRITER: Elaine Davie
PHOTO: Cliff Dorse

Despite – or perhaps, because of – its relatively small size, Rooiels is gaining a reputation for being one of our more proactive and forward-looking communities when it comes to conservation of the natural environment. One need only think of its coexistence approach to baboon management.

A number of recent developments point to exciting new conservation initiatives in and around the village. In a press release issued towards the end of November, WWF South Africa announced that thanks to a generous bequest by Mike Harrison, a long-time resident of Rooiels who passed away in 2022, his 22-hectare smallholding on the edge of the sea now qualifies for full nature reserve status within the larger Kogelberg Biosphere context.

As a founding member of the Rooiels Conservancy, retired aeronautical engineer Mike Harrison actively worked towards developing long-term strategies for conservation in the area. Indeed, in his title deed he specified that his land may never be subdivided or used for commercial purposes, but should be protected in perpetuity for the preservation of its biodiversity. The future status of his stone-built home has apparently not yet been determined. Two options mooted are to turn it into either an educational or a biodiversity research centre.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGES 1 & 3

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15/12/2024

The thin end of the wedge
The Lighter Side by Les Aupiais

It is possible that I am possessed. Some time (always) after supper, I make the firm resolution that tomorrow the new eating regime will begin. This promise is made on a full stomach with sleep moments away. I am hoping that my brain takes the subliminal hint and will have time to absorb the new directive overnight. I will awaken filled with new resolve, geared to at least a month of abstinence.

Alas. Insurrection.

By morning, the good fairy of intentions has fled and masters of the dark arts of calorie seduction have taken charge of the narrative. I’m halfway through a slice of baguette slathered in butter and homemade marmalade accompanied by a full-cream cappuccino topped with a haze of chocolate before I realise that the day was supposed to begin with hot water and a slice of lemon.

My brain is silent on the matter so I can only assume it is being held hostage.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 15

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PHOTO: Freepik

15/12/2024

With a little help from her friends

WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER: Elaine Davie

Blowing out 100 candles on a birthday cake is not child’s play and so, even a woman of such formidable strength of mind as Ghanie Kuiper, is probably going to need some help when she celebrates her 100th birthday on 16 December.

Which is not to say she won’t try, of course. Ghanie has retained her strength of willpower, despite the inevitable physical challenges that ageing brings. Bright as a button, and an avid reader, she also continues to deal with life with a dry sense of humour and a keen interest in what is happening in the outside world. Going to visit her is a bit like a friendly inquisition, with non-stop questions, followed by informed discussion, from start to finish.

It is also like taking a step back into a more ordered world, where people knew how to conduct themselves. You aren’t offered tea in a mug when you go to visit Ghanie. It is presented in a fine china tea set, with linen napkins and often a slice of cake.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 3

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14/12/2024

Clicking into another year

WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHY: Annette Yell

The Hermanus Photographic Society celebrated another year of good club photography with cocktail snacks and sundowners at Burgundy Restaurant.

Carina de Klerk, club president, announced Phil Sturgess as the winner of the Best Senior Level Photography, and The Village News photographer, David Wilson, received an award in the Salon division.

While the regular monthly meetings of the club are on hold until February, the club remains active and participated in the First Fridays Art Walk (Night of 1 000 Drawings) on 6 December. Upcoming events include Art in the Park on 15 December and 5 January 2025, as well as Artists under the Sun on 29 December.

Photo: Kees van de Coolwijk, owner of Foto First and his lovely wife, Marlene attended the year-end event of the Hermanus Photographic Society at Burgundy Restaurant.

14/12/2024

Dipping into our magical tidal pools

WRITER: Elaine Davie
PHOTO: Serai Dowling

‘In the realms where land meets sea, where waves sculpt rock into intricate forms and tides unveil hidden treasures, lie the enigmatic tidal pools of our coastal landscape. These sanctuaries, set beside a tempestuous ocean, invite us to pause, reflect and reconnect with a natural world too often overlooked in the maelstrom of modern life.’ With these words travel writer Justin Fox introduces a beautiful new publication entitled A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape by Serai Dowling.

And the author undoubtedly knows her stuff, having been a dedicated explorer of tidal pools in this province for the past 25 years. Who would have guessed that there were as many as 34 of them, from the West Coast to the Overberg – even more if you add the Garden Route (her next project). Included are seven tidal pools in the Greater Overstrand region.

Each one is unique, with its own brand of magic. And there is something very special about swimming in the cold tranquility of a tidal pool in the company of the ocean’s natural denizens. Tidal pools provide the perfect environment for children just learning to swim, for the frail and elderly, and even as training sites for competitive swimmers.

According to Serai, the book took about a year to research and compile. Apart from the stunning photographs of the individual pools, most of them taken by Serai herself and her husband Matthew, it is a treasure trove of information. Together with a detailed map, it gives travel directions to each one, describes the conditions to be found there, and offers safety tips.

Follow the link below to read more - PAGE 4

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