Umtamvuna Views: Sardine Festival swims into town

A lot of visitors enjoyed the entertainment and festivities and by all accounts it was a great success.

July 12, 2018

PHILIPPA MAKEPEACE 2 minutes read

Jack Chapman (8), Jennifer Abbott (8) and Talitha Matthews (12) from San Lameer shower the two border collies who were 'ambassadors' for the SPCA at the Sardine Festival with love and attention.

The inaugural Sardine Festival made its mark at Mattison Square near Port Edward. The giant marquee housed the main events stage and various food and merchandise stalls lined the entire parking area near the Cow Shed. The festival incorporated the celebration and remembrance of the wreck of the Portuguese galleon, Soao Joao, off Port Edward, in 1552.

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A lot of visitors enjoyed the entertainment and festivities and by all accounts it was a great success. This event is set to be an annual happening.

Sards a ‘no shoal’

Shoals of sardines have been passing Port Edward in tantalising black swathes just beyond the back-line. There have been sporadic appearances of dolphins, whales and seabirds, although not to the frenzied extent that used to be the norm on previous sardine runs. Fishermen are stationed on Splash Rock (which looks like a giant porcupine) every day and apparently many shad have been caught. We live in hope that the silver fish will soon be shimmering on our beaches.

Pru Avis (left), Lindsay Humphreys (middle) and Anne Labuschagne really enjoyed the vibe at last week’s Sardine Festival held at Mattison Square

Greek holiday

Port Edward resident, Jeanie West, has just returned from a fabulous three-week holiday in Greece. She stayed with her cousin (who is actually a former Zimbabwean) and her husband, Carole and Christo Sygizis, who live in Glyfadda, an affluent suburb of Athens.

Jeanie confessed that she was thoroughly spoiled by her hosts and enjoyed a day trip to the island of Poros. They took a three-hour ferry trip to get to the island which was very interesting.

She commented that Greece shows serious signs of the recent financial meltdown and poverty is rife.

Angels in our midst

Few people know that there is an amazing local organisation called ‘South Coast Hand-in-Hand’. Two years ago, a few passionate parents of adult children with intellectual challenges on the South Coast, started a private craft group for their children to socialise and learn fun new skills in a safe environment. The group kept on growing and now includes other activities like cooking and stable outings. This group is open to anyone in the community who seeks a place of acceptance for their family member (there is no discrimination against colour, creed or beliefs). Their mantra is ‘Recognise my disabilities. Believe in my possibilities!’

All news to Philippa.