Sardines, schools, tourism and more
There are also some exciting things happening with Creston College in terms of 'schools' tourism, concepts and ideas planned to bring school groups to the area.
There is an eager anticipation that more sardines could be on the way, and that’s not just because there was a distinct winter chill in the air early this week. Perhaps by the time this column hits the streets, the sards may have arrived, Here’s hoping!
There are also some exciting things happening with Creston College in terms of ‘schools’ tourism, concepts and ideas planned to bring school groups to the area.
But getting back to those sards. The Southern Explorer Sardine Hotline number was published in the Herald recently and resulted in nearly 200 phone calls within a short space of time. It shows the interest, obviously in the silver fish and all that follows the shoals, but also in our area which is so stunningly beautiful at this time of year, especially.
The Sharks Board have also issued the phone number and worked closely with Southern Explorer and the Herald in covering the run. I have also been in touch with a few netters – whose names shall remain secret – in terms of helping us find out where the fish are.
One such netter reckons shoals are coming through from the Coffee Bay area in quantities not seen before, or for a very long time. If this is true, we could yet be in for an incredible run.
Last year was exciting, and after all we have been through (with Covid-19) a super run really would lift the spirits and bring some joy and fun. It could also draw tourists to our area and Southern Explorer has worked with various business to put together special accommodation packages.
It’s working well and it’s what we need for our area. While we have the greatest respect for nature, the ocean and all that the sardine run entails, it is a wonderful opportunity to show off the South Coast and get tourists to visit. And when they are here, we need to look after them and make their stay extra special.
Speaking about bringing people to the area, Noel Coetzee, the Executive Head at Creston College, is working on a schools tourism weekend concept.
More will be revealed in time to come, so this is a taster, but it will involve weekend stays, built around adventure, art, history and family leisure weekends. So, there will be something for everyone – even those who don’t necessarily want to spend their time outdoors.
In something a little out of the box, Southern Explorer is looking at presenting Noel with a type of post matric option, where young people can learn different skills, like how to fly a microlight, how to scuba dive and more. These are skills which could tie in with local tourism drawcards and establishments and benefit all. You will have to watch this space for more, but it does promise to be rather exciting.
SOUTHERN EXPLORER SARDINE HOTLINE 071 3519958
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