Umtamvuna Views: Katy and Hansie ‘christen’ the first rink

Romance blossomed on the bowling green for a couple destined to cross rinks in Port Edward.

January 16, 2020

PHILIPPA MAKEPEACE 2 minutes read

‘You may kiss the bride.’ A bowling green romance leads to vows for Katy Babich and Hansie van der Sand, who were married at the Port Edward Bowling Club recently.

Romance blossomed on the bowling green for a couple destined to cross rinks in Port Edward. Hansie van der Sand and Katy Babich are both keen bowlers and have been constant companions for almost a year. They officially tied the knot at the Port Edward Bowling Club on December 28.

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Pastor Christo de Klerk officiated and about 80 guests enjoyed the ceremony, followed by finger snacks. The newlyweds thrilled the guests by setting a record as being the first couple ever to hold their wedding dance on the well-cut surface of the first rink.

Shirley turns 90

Way back in 1965, Shirley Hooper, her husband Eric and four children settled on a banana farm in Port Edward. Shirley turned 90 on January 12 and three of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren celebrated the momentous milestone with her.

Shirley Hooper of Port Edward (seated) celebrated 90 years young on January 12. Three of her children (from left) Meryl Jones, Glenham Hooper and Hazel Esterhuizen enjoyed the milestone celebration.

She still lives on the family farm and actively takes part in keeping her garden flowering. She has green fingers and is a well-known orchid expert.

Lucky escape

Munster resident Audrey Woodley was recently bitten by a black mamba whilst on holiday near Grosvenor in the Eastern Cape. Her husband, Simon, rushed her through to the Lusikisiki state hospital which fortunately had anti-venom in stock.

This was administered and she was transferred to Margate Netcare Hospital where she spent a few days in ICU. Audrey has made a full recovery but probably would have died if she had not received the anti-venom timeously.

The black mamba is considered the most venomous snake in Southern Africa. Venom from one snake is enough to kill 25 people. Not all snakes are venomous and will generally slink away if left alone.

Everyone should learn to identify venomous snakes here on the South Coast, especially the puff-adder, black and green mambas, vine snake and boomslang. Please do not kill snakes if they are in your space, but rather call a snake catcher. Well-known snake-catcher Sarel van der Merwe can be contacted at 082 6831604.

Nature walk

‘The Treehuggers’ walking group enjoyed a ramble through the wilds of Southbroom on the Bushbuck Trail. The humidity was almost unbearable under the tree canopy and the path was slippery.

Two keen ‘Treehuggers’ who celebrated their birthdays this week, Uschi Teischer (left) and Pat Fourie, share a love for walking in nature.

The group enjoyed the lovely trail and identified many indigenous trees and shrubs, many of which were in flower. Three of the group celebrated birthdays within a few days of each other, namely Pat Fourie, Uschi Teischer and Elise Airie.

Holidays are over and teachers and pupils have returned to school. May young minds be eager for knowledge and may teachers maintain the patience of a saint.

All news to Philippa.