Fidler in the Hood: “Six weeks: It will all end in tears,” she said

HI, GANG! The pace of life here on the Hibiscus Coast seems to be gathering speed, with no sign of slowing down. This past week the CO and I had options of attending five social events, all within 24 hours of each other. A delicate, if not difficult, matter of choice as this was to be Mari’s ‘farewell concert tour’ after 30 years in ‘showbiz’. Saturday: the choice was slightly more difficult. Either attend the BSAP annual reunion and lunch in Southport, or, eat our hearts away at the always-popular ‘Guinea Pig Evening’ dinner at Arnie and Sandy Hofman’s place.

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Final choice

The third and final choice was to be the Uvongo scribe’s and his CO’s 25th wedding anniversary luncheon. The BSAP reunion invitation arrived too late to accept. So, down to two other events. In true democratic fashion, I left the casting vote to the CO: it was agreed – we’d toss a coin. The gods smiled on us – our 25th wedding celebrations carried the day. (Any other decision and I would have been carried away in a coffin!)

Rockin’ All Over The World

The Mari Webster ‘final farewell’ concert turned out to be a really pleasant surprise. To be honest, I wasn’t too keen on going. I thought I might have been the only one down here who hadn’t gone overboard with Anthony Stonier’s ‘Frank Sinatra tribute’ concert last month (sorry, Liz Curran). But the ‘Rocking All Over the World’ show was bright and breezy and made for a very happy couple of hours. The singers were very good; and what more can be said about our very own Elvira Venter and her dance academy?

Local legend

Elvira ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off-a You’ Venter is very much a local legend when it comes to dancing – and can still ‘strut her stuff’. Amazing. The show was wide and varied, including an amusing Egyptian sand-dance routine, ‘starring’ Nils Potgieter, Friedhold Redinger and Cobus van der Merwe doing their tribute to Wilson, Kepple and Betty. The latter trio were very popular vaudeville stars in the 1930s and 40s – long before any of us were even thought of, folks!

Many thanks, Mari

The evening, though, belonged to Mari Webster, who has been putting on these shows since the early 90s. Her concerts at the end of the pier have become a staple diet; Mari has dedicated time, energy and efforts to present these shows for us, which have been enjoyed over the decades. All we needed was for Mari to sing ‘My Way’ and to bring the curtain down. Thanks Mari – and to your happy troupe of talented entertainers.

After Harry and Meghan

After the Harry and Meghan show last week, it was the Hibiscus Coast’s turn for a bit of glamour. Well, not quite glamour, folks. The event certainly did not make the headlines around the world; no television cameras, no international press coverage, though the South Coast Herald was there to cover the story. ‘Hello’ magazine declined any exclusive deals , so their loss was the Herald’s gain. It was, of course, the above referred-to 25th wedding anniversary celebrations and luncheon for the ‘Duke and Duchess of Uvongo’. Friends and relatives turned up at the popular ‘Chefs-on-Marine’ bistro in Ramsgate, to join in celebrating this milestone. (I said ‘milestone’, friends, not ‘millstone’!) People from as far afield as Kloof, Ballito, Durban and KZN Midlands came to mingle with local guests, some from as far away as Umtentweni and Southbroom!

I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face

By all accounts, a good time was had by everybody. Nationalities from all corners of KZN came along, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Australia, people from ‘the north’ and from ’the south’. One out-of-town guest pulled me aside to ask how we knew so many people, considering we’ve lived here only three years. The answer was simple: the people down here are a ‘special breed’. It’s a place where there’s an unbeatable community spirit, where friendships are made easily – ‘real’ people. Our regret is that we could only entertain a given number – with a few friends who couldn’t make it. Twenty-five years! A friend (still is) gave us ‘Six weeks; it will all end in tears,’ she implored. Well, whatcha know, Joe? Still here and so far, so good! Besides, I’ve grown accustomed to her face and to eating regularly. Watch this space – 25 years from now! See you, Rob.

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