New lease of life for Munster

The pictures tell it all of how Munster residents have taken back their seaside town and made it beautiful again.

In April this year, residents decided to take a chance and submit four projects to Lottoland Help ‘n Dorp, the Kyknet programme.

More than 40 small towns entered, and 13 were successful. In June, the Kyknet film crew from Homebrew Productions visited Munster to film the ‘before’ shots.

Annelize Slabbert, project leader and vice-chairperson of the Munster Ratepayers’ Association (MRRA), said a project team of seven from the MRRA and Munster Conservancy managed the contractors, project and budget.

“It took us and the wonderful community eight weeks, long days of backbreaking work and many challenges to complete the final product,” she said.

They welcomed the returning film crew on September 29.

“To say the film crew were blown away would not be an understatement,” she added.

Munster is a picturesque village which has a wealth of stories to tell – from its days as farmland owned by legendary pioneers like Baron Walther von Baumbach and his wife, Christine Stoppel.

Munster has charmed artists, writers and generations of sunseekers.

But, like so many towns on the South Coast, water problems, flood damage and lack of maintenance caught up with it, and sadly, it lost its appeal.

Slabbert said this was until Lottoland Help ‘n Dorp came to its rescue with a donation of R350 000 and the following was achieved:

* Overhaul/structural repairs to Umtamvuna Surf Lifesaving Club and Glenmore Angling and Ski Boat Club. A local artist, Marianna Radley, assisted by husband, Gerald, painted a stunning mural around the sides and front.

* A whale viewing deck was built.

* Rehabilitated a barren parking area to a wetland.

* Ablutions on the beach were repaired, 10000l water tanks were installed.

* New modern Munster signage guides visitors to the many attractions the village has to offer.

* Landscaped entry gardens to Aunty’s Bay, Admiral’s Deck, Frogland, Glenmore Beach and picnic lapa.

* Munster was rebranded with smart, modern signs at the entrance and all public places. Witty totem signs direct visitors with slogans such as ‘Have a whale of a time’ or ‘Life is better in flip flops’.

* Glenmore Beach was cleaned of refuse and flotsam, and a picnic area installed.

* Vendor area built for beach vendor to display her goods.

* Kiosk for refreshments upgraded and parking area and kerbs cleaned.

* A beach wheelchair was procured to enable handicapped visitors to go into the surf.

* The local community got stuck in and painted the bridge on the beach.

Slabbert said that many volunteers gave their talents, funds, labour and workers and worked tirelessly to accomplish what has turned out to be a hugely successful project that benefits not only the community but, more importantly, holiday visitors, who deserve a truly memorable stay in the beautiful village.

The programme on Munster was aired on Kyknet 144 on October 30 and can still be viewed on DSTV Catch Up.

But, as Slabbert says, it’s best to visit Munster to see for oneself what can be accomplished when a community works together.

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Lifesavers thank Munster community

The amazing improvements to the Umtamvuna Lifesaving Club have created a stronger foundation, ensuring the future success of the lifeguard training and nipper programmes.

This is according to the club’s Terri Burger, who said that with these upgrades in place, they can now focus all their tireless fundraising efforts on building the skills of future lifeguards and buying equipment.

“We are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Munster community that made these improvements possible. The positive impact on our community will continue to grow, and we are excited to see how it benefits future generations of lifeguards and nippers,” said Burger.

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