Umtamvuna Views: Port Edward is ready for the influx of visitors

Holidaymakers are urged to be vigilant and very careful.

December 13, 2018

PHILIPPA MAKEPEACE 3 minutes read

Port Edward Bowling Club’s team of helpers (from left) Shelley Backhouse, Pauline Isaac, Jeanie West, Lyn Walton and Denise Ralfe cook up a storm for last Sunday’s Christmas lunch.

SUMMER holidays have arrived and locals are gearing up to welcome the annual influx of visitors. Port Edward boasts almost all facilities found in a big city. For information and contact details of most businesses and services, contact the Tourism Information Centre based at Mac Banana in Munster at 039 3191193. If all else fails, people are welcome to contact your scribe at 082 5639334.

ALSO READ : Umtamvuna Views: Port Edward applauds unselfish heroes

Words of wisdom

Visitors are urged to be vigilant and very careful. Although the South Coast is a casual, laid-back environment, there are criminals waiting to pounce – ATM fraud, hijacking, pickpocketing and housebreaking are all possible. And there are many ‘smooth talking’ scammers out there. Do not walk on beaches alone, especially secluded ones. Try to avoid beach walks after hours and remember to always take friends along and rather be in a group. The region has wonderful attractions which include the spectacular Umtamvuna River gorge, the Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort, Wild Waves Water Park, beautiful beaches and friendly people. Make the most of it and have a great holiday!

Don’t dump

Port Edward has an ongoing battle with dumping. It seems most of the country has this problem but residents do not enjoy seeing building rubble, garden refuse and unsightly general garbage dumped on vacant lots and on pavements.

One perpetrator was caught red-handed after a bakkie was seen dumping a load of rubbish (from a food outlet) at Dassie Beach, which is one of the more secluded little bays south of the main beach.

An observant resident took photographs of the vehicle’s number plate and the people involved. The evidence has been handed over to authorities and the incident will be investigated. Dumping is illegal and carries a hefty fine. Please do NOT dump rubbish in the towns. There is a municipal garden refuse and recycling facility near the Glenmore Caltex garage.

Special reunion

Elderly and long-standing Munster resident Pat Miller travelled to Gauteng recently to visit her old friend Beryl Barber. Beryl was a popular member of the Munster community, as well as president of the Port Edward Bowling Club. She relocated to be closer to her family after her husband Johnny died.

Port Edward Bowling Club members (back, from left) Elbe Snyman, Eve Gower, and George Snyman with Cher and John Simons-Meyer in front enjoy the club’s festive Christmas lunch last Sunday.

Bowlers feast

The Port Edward Bowling Club held a festive Christmas lunch last Sunday. About 60 members and visitors enjoyed the delicious three-course meal, prepared by Lyn Walton and her able helpers.

Down under

Maggie Abbott of Port Edward has just returned from a fabulous two-week trip to Brisbane, Australia. The visit was for the 50th birthday celebrations of her youngest daughter, Fiona Pringle. The unusual party was a blast, according to Maggie. Delicious food was served from a mobile food truck and the 130 guests partied to a live band.

Night shopping

This Friday (14th) everyone is invited to Carols by Candlelight and night shopping at Mattison Square from 6 to 8pm. Meals and refreshments will be available at The Cowshed.

Ratepayers’ AGM

Attend the Leisure Bay Ratepayers’ Association’s AGM takes place at the municipal offices (civic centre) at the top of Fisherman’s Drive in Leisure Bay tomorrow (December 13) at 5pm.

Family outing

The fun Mpenjati Eco-Festival takes place this Sunday (16th). It promises to be a great family outing, so please make every effort to support the project. For enquiries, contact Anna Jordan at 071 4220773.

Two more AGMs

The Leisure Bay Conservancy’s AGM will be held at the municipal offices in Fisherman’s Drive on Monday, December 17, at 5pm, and the Leisure Bay Neighbourhood Watch’s AGM takes place in the conference hall at TO Strand on Thursday, December 20, at 5pm.

Happy holidays

And finally, thank you to all who consistently contribute and send in news throughout the year. Readers are wished a festive Christmas and safe and happy holiday season. Until January 9, remember – all news to Philippa.