Umtamvuna Views: New boat will save many lives
Station 32 has received an impressive new Gemini rigid inflatable boat from Cape Town.
NSRI STATION 32 was presented with a brand new Gemini RIB (rigid, inflatable boat). Built in Cape Town, the boat was transported by road last week to its new home in Port Edward.
Its predecessor, the Wild Coast Rescuer, has been in service for almost 15 years and will continue saving lives at the new NSRI station in St Lucia.
ALSO READ : Umtamvuna Views: Annual fun ride attracts entrants from afar
Under the capable leadership of John Nicholas, our local NSRI is manned by 15 dedicated volunteers.
Volunteer Avril Scholtz has been giving ‘water wise’ demonstrations at schools and at the base for almost ten years.
The best way to save lives is to make sure children can swim and that they understand and respect the sea. For more information contact Avril at 082 8895851.
Historic commemoration
Nearly five hundred years ago, the first known shipwreck on South African shores occurred in the bay of Silver Beach, Port Edward.
Portuguese trading ship, the Sao Joao, laden with valuable silks, spices and Ming porcelain from the East, sank after a furious storm in June 1552.
The vessel was carrying more than 400 people, including slaves. About 100 people drowned or lost their lives on the rocks and the remainder managed to reach the beach.
After camping near the bay for about three weeks, survivors set off for the small Portuguese outpost in Delagoa Bay (modern-day Maputo).
After six months of extreme hardships, 12 bedraggled souls finally made it to port and were picked up by another Portuguese ship and sailed back to Lisbon.
Even today, small remnants of the ancient cargo can be found along local beaches.
Every year, the wreck of the Sao Joao is commemorated with a Portuguese Mariners Food, Wine and Family Festival.
Last weekend, the festival was held at the Estuary Hotel and Spa in Port Edward.
Visitors enjoyed a variety of traditional Portuguese food and exciting entertainment.
Lithe Zulu dancing girls and colourful Portuguese dancers performed and beach treasure hunts added to the fun.
The hall was filled with stalls selling a variety of craft goods and local farm products.
Congratulations
Councillor Dave and Nan Watson of Port Edward are thrilled to share the news of their youngest daughter Brittany’s marriage to Clarke Cameron Bishop, originally from Zululand.
Britt (26) is a teacher at St Henry’s in Durban and Clarke is a sports administrator at Ashton College in Ballito.
The poignant ceremony held at Bellevue Café in Kloof was officiated by Reverend Roger Scholtz of Kloof Methodist Church.
The couple honeymooned in the Natal Midlands and live in Umhlanga Rocks.
RIP Clifford
Margaret and Cliff Moakes of Munster enjoyed having the spritely, humorous Clifford Moakes senior living with them for a good number of years.
Clifford was born in Homewood, England in 1920 and worked on the mines as an electrician. He married Beryl in 1942 and he, Beryl and daughter Carole emigrated to Leisure Bay in 2003.
He underwent triple bypass surgery at the age of 90 and moved in with Margaret and Cliff after Beryl and Carole died.
On June 15, he suffered a bad fall and sadly died. Margaret commented “He had his wonderful sense of humour to the end and kept us all amused. We will miss him very much!”
To market
Don’t forget the market fun day at Port Edward Country Club this Sunday (21st) from 8.30am.
There will be a jumping castle and play area for children, so bring the whole family.
All news to Philippa.
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