Friday, June 29, 2007

Badisa, die Harleys en die komberse


- Dawid Rossouw -

In Prince Albert is baie arm mense wat afhanklik is van pensioene en staatstoelaes. Werk is in ‘n groot mate seisoenaal en in Junie/Julie is werkloosheid optimaal. Mense in afwagting van ongeskiktheidstoelaes word die swaarste getref, want as hulle werk, verbeur hulle die toelaes waarvoor hulle aansoek gedoen het.

Kinders is honger, want die Departement van Gesondheid bied net tot graad vier voedselprogramme aan en staatstoelaes is slegs beskikbaar vir kinders onder veertien indien hul ouers minder as R1,200 per maand verdien.

Maar gelukkig is daar Badisa.
Ba = Barmhartigheid;
Di = Diens;
Sa = Saam.

Lank nadat besluit is op die naam Badisa, is met groot opgewondenheid ontdek dat die woord in Sotho beteken “iemand wat sy skape oppas of versorg”. Presies nét wat Badisa doen!
Badisa bou saam aan ‘n gelukkige gemeenskap wat omgee vir mekaar en in Prince Albert lewer hulle ‘n geïntegreerde diens om alle gemeenskappe in nood te help bou aan ‘n selfstandige leefwyse. Hulle doen dit vanuit hul Christelike roeping in samewerking met vrywilligers en ander rolspelers.

So het Tossie du Toit, maatskaplike werker by Badisa, drie-uur op ‘n Saterdagmiddag die dames van die Harley Davidson-Klub in Kaapstad voor die hotel in ons hoofstraat ontmoet, om die 70 splinternuwe kleurryke komberse te ontvang, wat die ryers van die spogfietse kom aflewer het, vir die mense wat die winterkoue nou so erg aan die lyf voel.

Vyf kerke en die altyd gewillige Thursday Group is betrokke by die Sopkombuis wat twee keer per week sowat 250 kinders voed. Klere, bymekaargemaak deur kinders van die Blundel Private Skool, is onlangs met groot koste en moeite deur ‘n welwillende plaaslike dame uit Engeland ingevoer.

Woolworths, die NG Kerk en talle individue is entoesiasties betrokke om ‘n klerebank in stand te hou.

By vakansieprogramme, en tydens groepwerk by jeugkampe, word tot 130 jeugdiges op ‘n slag ingelig oor die gevare van VIGS, alkoholmisbruik, dwelms en die gevolge van oka-pyp rook (slagoffers van so jonk as tien jaar vertel hul mae “brand” en hul oë voel “flou”).

By pragtige natuurplekke soos Baviaanskloof word die jeug van ons dorp geïnspireer om hul energie in positiewe rigtings te kanaliseer. Tien van ons kinders gaan eersdaags na Victoriabaai vir onderrig in lewensvaardighede. Vier vrywilligers het reeds in Kaapstad opleiding ontvang om mishandelde en misbruikte kinders tydelik te huisves tot permanente reëlings vir hul welsyn getref is.

Badisa, wat na ‘n bietjie meer as ‘n jaar op Prince Albert eintlik nog in sy kinderskoene is, verrig met ‘n beheerraad van sestien lede en ‘n personeel van vier, werk van ewigheidswaarde. Met die gevestigde en groeiende morele en finansiële steun van ons totale gemeenskap - en met meevallers soos dié van ons Harley Davidson-vriende - kan daar ‘n ingrypende sosiale verskil gemaak word.

Tot voordeel van almal.

Vir meer inligting oor BADISA se werksaamhede, en hoe om betrokke te raak kan Tossie du Toit gekontak word by (023) 5411 388

Editorial

In preparing our lead article this month, we were bowled over when we learned what the remarkably committed personnel of BADISA are doing for the communities of Prince Albert and our surrounding towns and rural areas. At the same time, it was heartbreaking to hear of the social ills that so many of us just did not know existed in our beloved towns. As one committed BADISA supporter commented: “I just didn’t know that this kind of thing was happening in Prince Albert.”

Luckily, there are some happy endings and uplifting moments worth celebrating, including the support BADISA has from local residents, and from the sources mentioned in our front page article.

When we asked them why they have not tried to raise funds more aggressively, we were told: “We don’t like to beg. Of course we find freely given donations very useful indeed – we couldn’t function without them - but we believe that it is as important to harness the contributions that people make in kind and with their skills, so that we can spend the hard-earned money effectively.”

If there is anything you can do or if you would like to know more about BADISA, give their office a call on (023) 5411 388.

Christian Perspective

- Keith Goudie -


When Jesus was on this earth, Jewish men thanked God in prayer that they were not born “a leper, a woman or a Gentile.” This was the thinking of those Jesus upset in Nazareth when He rejected that prayer.

He said “Listen to me: it is true that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah when for three and a half years there was no rain and a severe famine spread. But Elijah was not sent to anyone in Israel, but only to a widow living in the Phoenician town of Zarephath. Secondly, in the time of Elisha there were many lepers in Israel, but not one of them was healed, only Naaman the Syrian.”

What was Jesus telling them? This - that God cares for women, for lepers and for Gentiles. One commentator says shrewdly “Jesus was cancelling out their daily prayers.”

Jesus was telling them, and us, not to focus our prayers on our own kind but on all around us because God cares for everyone, everywhere.

Letters - Briewe



Prince Albert se Kuns-Aksie

Wat het die dorpie gekry? ‘n Sweer in sy binneste. Kyk na die mooi swart skoentjies, die rok frille – dis nou vir jou kuns uit die hoë rakke. Die hoë rakke meen hier hoe duur is dit om sulke mislike dinge te doen aan boomstompe wat eintlik deur Omgewingsake beskerm moet word. Dit het ABSA ( volgens die kunstenaar self ) R70 000 gekos. Hoeveel het waar heen gegaan? Kan ABSA asseblief vir ons die koste kaarte laat sien, dis mos Jan publiek se geld?

Ons kan maar net vir ABSA sê sies en weer sies dat hulle Prince Albert opsaal met so ‘n karikatuur gedoente. Die dorpie is op hierdie stadium die lag en spot van die omliggende dorpies.

Die grootste sotheid in die hele kunswerk is die laat ontdekking van die uilnes. Dink die persone wat so erg oor die kunswerke is, dat enige iemand die uilstorie glo? Dit skyn of daar meer mense met uilneste in hul koppe is. Soos een gevra het “did he die on the job before it was done?”

Pat Marincowitz

Chapel on the Hill

-Zelia Mullins-

Prince Albert is home to a small congregation of Roman Catholics who feel passionate about having their own place of worship. For several years, parishioners celebrated Mass twice a month in various homes throughout the village.

However, in March 2005, Eddie and Joyce Gleeson decided to make their dream come true and started building the Chapel, which was given the name of “All Saints” on its completion later that year.

Eddie and Joyce received a lot of support and donations – monetary and in kind - from locals and visitors alike, Catholics, as well as non-Catholics. The Chapel is a perfect example of what can be achieved if everyone works together for the greater glory of God. Eddie, when interviewed, exclaimed “Do you know how many people helped to build the Chapel! There won’t be enough space in the Friend to list all their names!”

Eddie, assisted by the late Don Erasmus, did most of the building himself. The pews were found in a storeroom at St Conrad’s in Dysselsdorp, as was the beautifully carved wooden altar. The “Stations of the Cross”, which grace the walls, were painstakingly made by an old priest also from Dysselsdorp.

The picture window of Christ which holds place of honour above the altar was donated by Father Kevin Reynolds, a regular visitor to Prince Albert. Father Kevin and Eddie have been friends since their school days in Pretoria. The window was made in 1985 in memory of Father Kevin’s mother by Leo Theron of Oudtshoorn. The exquisite stained-glass windows were made by Joyce and add the final spiritual touch. More recently, Peter McEwan, our very own choir master, donated a keyboard to keep the congregation on the right note!

Eddie Scheffler, a retired DRC Missionary, landscaped the Chapel’s surrounds and donated the wood for the cross which hangs above the Chapel’s door. Eddie Scheffler also hung the cross on the dam at the Koppie. Interestingly, both crosses are made from the wood of the same tree, which originated in Gutu, Zimbabwe. And this is where destiny starts to play a wonderful role in this story. Eddie Gleeson’s father was a Missionary - in Gutu. Eddie served in the BSA Police - in Gutu. Don Erasmus had a farm - in Gutu and Mrs Hannah Burger, also of Prince Albert, farmed and had a weavery - in Gutu.

Bishop Edward Adams dedicated the Chapel on 15 October 2005. However, all this time and effort would have been in vain were it not for the commitment and love of Father Brian Williams who travels twice a month from Dysselsdorp to minister to the small congregation.

During its short existence, All Saints has hosted a memorial service for Don Erasmus; and wedding services for Dirk and Loreta Jacobsz and for Vanessa and Danie Bothma. A First Holy Communion Mass was celebrated on 25 November 2006 when Christopher Mullins received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. More recently, the Chapel witnessed the renewal of nuptial vows between Eddie and Joyce Gleeson after 40 years of wedded bliss!

Holy Mass is celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of every month at 11:00 and everyone is most welcome to attend. Why not come along and give thanks to God in our Chapel on the Hill (in the Industrial Area, Magrieta Prinsloo St) with a view of the majestic Swartberg Mountains, which God created for us all.

Sterreprag oor Prince Albert

- Hans Daehne -

In die yskoue greep van die winter is die sterre op hul mooiste, want ons kyk nou in die sterrykste gebied van ons Melkweg naamlik na die middelpunt van ons galaksie.

Dit is in die omgewing van die Skerpioen en die Boogskutter waar dit wemel van ander hemelsvoorwerpe as net sterre soos oop sterrehopies, bolvormige sterrehopies, nebulae (gaswolke), dubbelsterre en selfs hele galaksies. Kyk gerus met `n verkyker in hierdie omgewing rond om `n paar “aaah-oomblikke” te belewe.

Op die 21ste Junie het ons al die Wintersonstilstandpunt passeer maar die dae word eers op die 7de Julie in die oggende langer (met een minuut per dag) nadat ons verby die verste punt van die Son op die aardwentelbaan gespoed het teen 107,000 km/uur. (Teen hierdie spoed is daar hoop dat die winter ook gou verby sal gaan.)

Vanaf die 16de Junie geskied die sonsondergange reeds later met `n minuut elke dag. Die somer kom definitief !

Nuwe Maan is op die 14de Julie en van Julie af is die volmane aan die einde van die maand nadat ons op die 30ste Junie `n "blue moon" volmaan gehad het.

Venus is op haar helderste (mag.-4.5) op die 12de en sal daarna `n mooi prentjie vorm met Saturn en Regulus en later kom ook nog die Maan by.

Jupiter wat op die 5de Junie in opposisie was met die Son ("VolJupiter") is nog sigbaar die hele nag en baie helder (mag. -2.5) in die sterrebeeld Scorpius naby die rooi reus Antares.

Saturnus is sigbaar in die vroeé aand en beweeg nader na die helder Regulus in Leo wat op sy rug lê maar eerder herkenbaar is aan die omgekeerde vraagteken of sekel.

Voor die sterrebeeld Scorpius is daar twee helder sterre wat die sterrebeeld Libra, die Weegskaal voorstel. In die antieke tyd was dié twee sterre, α en β Librae deel van `n groter Skerpioen en hulle arabiese name Zuben el Chamali en Zuben el Genubi beteken vandag nog die Noordelike en Suidelike Knypers van die Skerpioen respektiewelik maar in Julius Ceasar se tyd is hulle van die Skerpioen afgesny en tot die twaalfde diereriemteken verander.

Dit is die enigste nie-lewende diereriemteken en is ter ere van Julius Ceasar ingestel nadat hy die Romeinse Kalender herform het. Dit word as die weegskaal van geregtigheid voorgestel om Julius Ceasar se gebalanseerde sin vir geregtigheid te simboliseer.

Terloops ons hedendaagse kalender wat op die Romeinse een gebaseer is, is nog net `n kwaart dag uit per jaar sodat ons net elke vier jaar `n skrikkeldag nodig het om die kalender met die sterre te sinkroniseer en nie meer 14 dae elke jaar soos lank gelede nie.

In die suide is die drie kruise nou baie mooi sigbaar bokant die Swartberg wat met sneeu daarop die aanskoulikheid net verhoog. Dit is nou veral opvallend hoe naby die Skerpioen aan die Suiderkruis is. In die suidelike rigting huisves ons sterrehemel ware pêrels wat reeds met `n verkyker opgespoor kan word soos die dubbelster Acrux, helderste ster in die Suiderkruis, Omega Centauri, die mooiste bolvormige sterrehopie in Centaurus, die Eta Carina newel tussen die Suiderkruis en die Valskruis en natuurlik die mooi galaksie, die Groot Magellanse Wolk.

Hou die sterre in u oë!

Kevin se Bicycles


- Tilla Erasmus -

Kevin Hough se bicycles in Kerkstraat bring die volgende wysie in my kop as ek straatop loop:
“Ek bring vir jou blomme,
Ek gee jou genot,
Ek leen jou my bicycle sonder ‘n slot…”
die refrain van Koos Kombuis se song “Bicycle sonder ‘n slot”

Kevin se bicycles gee gedurig genot aan almal wat hulle raaksien en geeneen van hulle het ‘n slot nodig nie; dit kos ‘n paar sterk manne om hulle op te tel en weg te dra. Net voor die dorpsfees het hierdie skeppings oornag plek gekry oral in Kerkstraat.

Die grootste een, die “Nguni Dream Catcher” voor Koggelmander het selfs ‘n blompot waarin ons gereeld vars blomme sit. Kyk jy van nader sien jy dat die “Nguni Dream Catcher” talle onderdele het wat die fiets uniek maak. 'n Gemaklike sitplek van ‘n ou ploeg, ‘n ketting wat getrek kan word vir watter rede ook al, ‘n stoomdrukleser vir wanneer jy te vinnig ry en die water aan die kook sou raak, ‘n handdraaistang vir vinnige en swierige es draaie, ‘n eg, ‘n ploeg, ‘n iets van alles-in-een vir watter rede jy ook al hierdie bicycle sou nodig kry.

Om die eindresultaat te kry is nie so maklik nie. Volgens Kevin gebeur dit nie oornag nie. Baie beplanning en dae se rondloop in die veld om al die onderdele en implemente op te tel, by die huis te kry en dan te sweis, het meegehelp om die bicycles aanmekaar en gereed vir uitstal te kry. Dit is al hoe moeiliker om ou skroot te kry wat bruikbaar is. Deesdae verkoop boere al hoe meer skroot aan maatskappye wat dit self van plase af verwyder. In baie van Kevin se bicycles is ou handgemaakte implemente te sien. Hy glo dat hy hierdeur ‘n bydrae tot die bewaring van implemente en werktuie uit ons omgewing maak .

Kevin se straatkuns lei tot menige gesprekke. Daar is altyd iemand wat by ‘n fiets poseer vir fotos wat later aan vêr familie en vriende gewys sal word oor die vindingrykheid van een van ons plaaslike kunstenaars. Die ontwerpe en idees word bepaal deur die stuk metaal wat opgetel word. Sy skeppings is eie-soortig en humoristies. Volgens Kevin is ‘n fiets ‘n universele gebruiksitem en almal ken dit. Meer bicycles gaan op straat verskyn om die familie voltallig te maak. Katie Melua sing van “Nine million bicycles in Beijing”. Ek wou by Kevin weet hoe groot sy bicycle familie gaan word. Hy lag luidkeels, kyk straat af, neem ‘n teug Black Lable en sê: “Hou Kerkstraat dop!”

‘n Versoek aan ons boeregemeenskap: As daar skroot of ou implemente rondlê wat smeek om te verander in een van Kevin se kunswerke, kontak hom gerus.

Tourism Exco and Bureau Management create a Miracle

- George Peters, Chairperson of the Tourism EXCO, requested that this report be published in the Friend in advance of the Prince Albert Tourism Association AGM. -

Starting the 2006/2007 financial year with a major deficit and a projected shortage of R95,000 for the year on budget, inclusive of the municipal grant, this team through diligent financial controls and hard work through trying times not made easy by artificially forced encounters of the third kind, always lurking from its lair, can be proud to announce that they have turned the financial tide to end up with a near breakeven.

At the beginning of March 2007 it seemed as if the breakeven goal could not be reached and the projected cash flow for May/June indicated a continuous red line. Silent prayers were said to encourage a miracle to happen, then sharp thinking, supported by Zelia and Chantelle, offering extended office hours which pleased our visitors and enriched accommodation members, turned the situation. The curved ball that we received in July 2006 as total rookies was smashed for a home run! What an achievement!

George Peters and his team, through strong and dedicated leadership are certainly placing an irrevocable stamp onto tourism in Prince Albert, setting the stage for a long and positive growth in this difficult market.

Establishing from the onset satellite bureaus in North End/ Klaarstroom and Leeu-Gamka, indicating the direction that they wish to take tourism and creating the opportunity for the wider community to participate in mainstream tourism, was another winner.

This year the Municipal Council has seen it fit to accept the PATA 2007/2008 Budget and will allocate R200,000 (up from R56,000) to operate these offices (x 4) which will allow the Membership Fees to be totally dedicated to Destination Marketing.

The Creative think-tank of JJ Jonkers ( District Mun.) and George Peters with lots of ideas from Dick Billet and Charles Roux, with a good measure contributed by Astro Tours (Hans Deahne), and the total support from the Exco will ensure the creation of a fair number of ongoing job opportunities in the short term.

· Daily shuttle Passenger Service between Prince Albert and George Airport
· In season passenger service to and from Gamkaskloof/Weltevrede Valley and Gamka Dam
· New 4 x 4 route connecting Prince Albert with Klaarstroom with possible Parasailing and
· Hang gliding on route
· Upgrading and the continuous monitoring of existing Swartberg Hiking Routes
· New Hiking Trails stretching from Nelspoort to Laingsburg via the Swartberg and Prince Albert
· with permanent overnight tented bush camps
· Shuttles to existing Geological and Anthropology sites (Judy McGuire)
· Township Tours
· Accredited Local Guide Training
· Hiking Routes from Klaarstroom
· Tourism upgrading at Leeu-Gamka
· The Extreme Karoo Multi-discipline Challenge
· New Town Observatory
· Marketing…Marketing…Marketing!

Well done to George, Dick, Steff and Christine. Well done Zelia and Chantelle

Well done, Sally!

- Linda Jaquet -

At the end of October, Sally Arnold, fine artist, designer and resident of Prince Albert, will travel to Cologne, Germany, to receive a prestigious international architectural award for her design of the façade of the Delheicht School’s new sports hall in the town of Esch-sur-Alzette in Luxembourg. The award-winning design comprises a 100m² undulating stainless steel cable net with lime green plexi-glass shapes sandwiched onto the upper third of the net.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) awarded a Gold Medal to the Delheicht project for “Exemplary Sports and Leisure Facilities” in 2007. Sally worked on the assignment for over three years with Witry & Witry, a Luxembourg-based architectural office. She and her colleagues are in distinguished company: three other Gold Medals have been awarded this year, to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, the speed skating hall in Turin and the Nanjing Sports Park in China.

The award is made bi-annually and is the only one of its kind worldwide. Sally was delighted at the news as the unusual project had been complicated and was finalised only after a one-year delay. She now hopes this excellent reference will lead to collaborations on large scale projects in South Africa.

Sally Arnold was born in the Eastern Cape and grew up on a sheep farm in the Great Karoo. She studied Fine Art at the Cape Technical College and the Royal Academy in Antwerp, then mastered in Art History in Munich and Frankfurt. She has lived abroad for thirty years, began exhibiting her work in Europe and South Africa in 1996, and has since gained respect as both artist and designer. Sally has had a home in Prince Albert since 1999 and aims to use her studio here for works and projects made in South Africa.

In 2001, Sally started the Skuinshuis Scholarship fund to sponsor a female learner for three years in preparation for her entering an art, architectural, dance or music college in South Africa. The fund is currently supporting a promising art student at Hoërskool Zwartberg.

Award for Swartberg Hotel

- Donald Lamont -

In May, the Swartberg Hotel again packed up its goods and shackles and made the annual trek to Durban for the International Trade Show,
INDABA 2007.

The show represents over 1 700 South African properties including the entire hospitality spectrum. It is now considered the third biggest hospitality show in the world and caters specifically for visiting overseas delegations.

The hotel was extremely proud to be awarded “Greatly Improved Property” at the annual AA Accommodation Awards. The glittering event is held in the International Convention Centre and was attended by Donald Lamont.

“It is impossible to receive any award without the entire input of the team.” He said. “Whilst I might have been there to receive it on the hotel’s behalf, it belongs to the whole team.”

Pierrè van Zyl 1984 – 2007

- Denise Ohlson -

Die tragiese heengaan van Pierrè van Zyl op 18 Mei 2007 het die gemeenskap van Prince Albert diep aangeraak. Hierdie liewe en geliefde seun van ons dorp se dood in die ouderdom van 22 jaar en 9 maande het mense in ‘n verenigde front na sy ouers en suster laat uitreik en almal het gedoen en gesê wat hulle moontlik kon, om te troos.

Pierrè, gebore op Prince Albert, het hier gematrikuleer en in Wellington in die onderwys gaan studeer - hoewel almal wat hom geken het, gereken het hy sal hom in ‘n sakerigting bekwaam. Die smousgogga het hierdie intelligente kêreltjie kleindag al behoorlik gebyt en hy het ywerig vanuit sy ouers se motorhuis begin smous… Koop en verkoop het sy belangstelling gebly en later het hy in sy vrye tyd graag eiendom bemark.

Sy hakkelgebrek het Pierrè met sy kenmerkend ysere wil gepak en so suksesvol oorwin, dat hy met selfvertroue voor ‘n klas kon staan en les gee. Almal het net die grootste bewondering gehad vir dié vriendelike, saggeaarde mens wat altyd gewillig was om te help, altyd oorbereid was om ‘n guns te bewys of bloot hard te werk. Hy was ‘n lojale persoon, iemand wat vertroue ingeboesem het – en so sal hy voortleef in die gemoedere van elkeen wat hom geken het.

Sy ouers, Anna en Johan, en sy suster Alicia sê baie dankie vir al die gebede, besoeke, oproepe, blomme, kaartjies, medelye, meegevoel en elke ondersteunende gedagte wat hulle gedra het en steeds bly dra in hierdie bitter sware tyd. Hulle hou net elke dag vas aan die teks van die begrafnisbrief: “Kom na my toe, almal wat uitgeput en oorlaai is, en Ek sal julle rus gee.”

Brett The Vet

EPISODE 10 - Antivirus

Just when you thought it was safe to stop vaccinating your dog an old killer virus appears again. There have been a growing number of Distemper (hondesiekte) cases in Prince Albert this year. All affected dogs were unvaccinated and in each case the disease ended with the slow death of the animal.

Distemper is a contagious viral disease of dogs spread by contact, or through the air. Approximately a week after contracting the virus there is a fever and typical symptoms of lethargy, loss of appetite, and clear discharge from the nose. Symptoms progress to conjunctivitis with a sticky eye discharge, yellow nasal discharge, diarrhoea, and skin eruptions on the belly and between the hind legs. Later, the brain and nervous system is affected resulting in twitching facial muscles, in coordination, and death.

There is no effective treatment; although some animals may recover with good nursing. Supportive therapy includes fluids, vitamin C and proper nutrition.

The disease can, however, be prevented by vaccinating healthy susceptible animals. The vaccine is composed of a live attenuated strain of the virus. This means the vaccine virus has been modified so as not to cause the symptoms of disease, while stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies. Thus protecting the dog against future infection. Puppies and older dogs are most susceptible to distemper virus infection. Poor nutrition and unsuitable environmental conditions increase susceptibility.

To prevent distemper infection, puppies are given a course of two vaccinations and adult dogs will develop 5-6 year immunity after a single vaccination.

Although vaccines are generally considered safe to use, there is debate about the efficacy and side effects of vaccinating against infectious diseases in both humans and animals. Some diseases are more effectively controlled by vaccines than others. Superior vaccine choices exist for the same disease. Individuals respond differently to the same vaccines: there are variations in immune response, adverse reactions may occur in some cases, and the potential for long term side effects must all be considered when vaccinating against disease. A veterinarian should be able to give advice based on individual circumstances.

The distemper vaccine is reliable and safe when used correctly. Immunity provided is generally considered to be very good, evident in vaccinated canine populations by low incidence or total eradication of the disease. So it makes sense to have your dog vaccinated against this often fatal viral disease particularly because the threat is greater here than in many other parts of the country. Distemper vaccine is commercially available only as part of a multivalent ‘5-in-1’ vaccine which includes four other infectious organisms: Parvovirus, Canine Hepatitis, Adenovirus, and Leptospirosis. It is also advisable to vaccinate against these organisms which can all cause fatal infections. Rabies vaccination is given separately and in this country provided by the state because of its high zoonotic (infectious to humans) potential.

Die Roepman

Vanoggend werk ek in die groot vertrek waar die popversameling en die Hornby Meccano modeltrein uitgestal staan. Die modeltrein, in Engeland vervaardig, is in 1935 aan Cecil Haak geskenk. Dit was sekerlik enige seun se hartsbegeerte om sò ‘n geskenk te ontvang. Bekyk jy die modeltrein van naderby, merk jy eers hoeveel miniatuur deeltjies bymekaar gevoeg is om hierdie trein te laat loop, en elke deeltjie is belangrik!

Dit laat my aan die Roepman dink……….

Elkeen van ons wat soggens opstaan om te gaan werk, is belangrik. Jou werk wat jy gaan doen, is belangrik. Dit maak nie saak of jy die dorp gaan skoon hou, en of jy vandag lewens gaan red nie. Jou werk eis van jou spesifieke kundigheid, kennis, kwaliteite en getrouheid.

Ek sit by Laurence Erasmus (ons noem hom Laurie) en gesels. Hy het in 1976 as arbeider vir die Spoorweë op Touwsrivier begin werk. Laurence is later tot Roepman bevorder, ‘n baie belangrike pos. Sy werk het behels dat hy óp tyd, élke dag, ál die spoorwegwerkers, ‘n uur voor hul skof moes wakker maak. Op sy fiets moes Laurence van huis tot huis ry, roep, die register deur die slaapkamervenster aangee, dit laat teken, en daar gaan hy! Hy moes skofte van 12 tot 18 uur werk om te sorg dat die ratte van hierdie Spoorwegstasie geolie bly en almal betyds op hul poste is.

My Skoolhoof op Vredenburg het jare gelede ‘n baie waar ding kwyt geraak: “Kollegas, elkeen van u verrig ‘n belang-rike taak, maar daar is 46 van julle, dus sal ek nie onmiddellik agterkom as die leeus een van julle gevang het nie, maar die dag as die leeus die “tea-girl” vang, ruk hierdie skool tot stilstand!”

Laurence die Roepman, as die leeus jòù gevang het, het die Spoorweë tot stilstand geruk!

Museumgroete
Debbie Badenhorst

Prince Albert hosts Heritage South Africa Symposium

- Judy Maguire -

The Prince Albert Cultural Foundation in conjunction with the Fransie Pienaar Museum is hosting the annual Symposium of Heritage South Africa on the 10th and 11th August 2007. This will take place in the N G Church Hall and at other venues around town.

The New South Africa has meant a rebirth and opening up of thinking and ideas across a wide variety of fronts. Democracy has taken the lid off many issues that were previously suppressed almost entirely, and forced many of us to take a fresh look at much that was previously taken totally for granted.

One of these issues is that of cultural identity – what is it, exactly, that constitutes the culture and identity of our different communities?

This abstract concept is often poorly defined even to ourselves, yet it actually enjoys Constitutional protection…but what is it that is being protected? Are we suffering from cultural disorientation?

An added overlay to the rich diversity of cultures and communities in South Africa is the imperative to foster nation-building – a kind of “Public Culture” if you will, if cultural fragmentation is to be avoided. These and other issues will be discussed during the course of the symposium.

The overall theme of the Symposium is "HERITAGE IMPRINTS AND TIMESCALE". This has been divided into four sections:

the base (Rock Art), in this case "Mermaids & Myths of the Karoo";

secondly, the built environment, particularly "Village Life";

a session on intangible heritage made tangible (through two exhibits);
and, finally, the session dealing with "Questions of Culture". A session is devoted to each, and the Symposium ends with an excursion to Klaarstroom - "Outlying Village Culture".

Speakers in the last session will be proponents of their particular culture, and persons well versed in their cultures – a serious more academic expert and a mainstream non-academic proponent - will be paired off to debate this important issue.

This session will be open to a wider audience by advance booking and the payment of a Session Fee. We aim to get local people involved in the discussion.

For those wishing to know more, please contact Judy Maguire @ questar[@]icon.co.za

Ek Blaai deur PA Voortrekker Jaarblad 1939

-Letitia Solomons-

Die buiteblad is effens gehawend en binneblaaie effe geel want 67 jaar is ‘n lang tyd. Die redaksie was Komd JAC Koorts, FJ van J Wiese, Me Van Solms, Joey White en Christie Coetzee. Ek wonder onwikkekeurig hoeveel van hulle nog leef en of hul nasate nog in hierdie geweste is. Volgens die redaksie was hierdie uitgawe hul “eersteling en ouboetie van n groot toekomstige gesin”. Was daar nog uitgawes of slegs die een van 1939 in my besit?

Omdat Afrikaans my moedertaal is, is ek verwonderd oor die taalgebruik en geniet die skrywes. Die tikwerk is beslis nog op ‘n gewone tikmasjien gedoen en wonder ek of een daarvoor verantwoordelik was of verskeie mense. Advertensies sonder enige vertoon is handgeskrewe en was daar verskillende besighede soos National Garage met DN de W Luttig die destydse eienaar. PAJ Swanepoel was die algemene handelaar, JAM Garisch die algemene handelaar en slaghuis en hul leuse was “Om te sien is om te glo”
Daar was self posaflewering op n Maandag en n Donderdag. FADA het radios verkoop en DN Luttig was die agent. JL Koorts was ook algemene handelaar en het alle soorte negosieware verkoop. Hulle leuse was immers “Altyd tot u diens”. JC Forsyth was ook algemene handelaar en was speelgoed, snuisterye en materiaal in wye keuses beskikbaar. Hul leuse belowe jou “Waar u onmiddellike aandag en diens kry.” AP De Wit het windpompe, gearings en roomafskeiers verkoop. En natuurlik is my groot vraag “Waar is die besigheid nou? Het hulle nuwe eienaars of is hulle oorgedra van geslag tot geslag?”

Daar word gepraat van ‘n monument wat op Kruidfontein deur die Ceres kommando gebou is en ook een ver op die Swartbergpas. Dis glo nie van marmer nie en kos ook nie ponde nie maar met klip van die Swartberge self. Hierdie pronkstukke van destyds; wat het daarvan geword? Bestaan hulle nog? Is hulle deel van ons gedenkwaardighede? Word hulle besoek? Wie weet daarvan? Daar was selfs ‘n winkel in die onderdorp met ‘n haarkapperafdeling wat aan DF Marais behoort het. Waar was die onderdorp van ouds? Hoop nie dis soos die storieboeke van destyds dit beskryf het nie.

Sien die Voortrekkers het ook Spangedoentes gehad. Daar was bye, uile, heuningvoëltjies, hasies en blesbokke. Vreemd voorwaar waarmee hulle hul besig gehou het en die kleuryke taalgebruik om dit te beskryf. By die Karoo Slaghuis van JH van Zyl kon jy self boerseep te koop kry bo en behalwe vleis van hoogstaande gehalte. Daar was ook n Fordhandelaar met die oulike advertensie wat sê: “Dis beter om in hom te ry as van hom te lees.” Ek is doodseker H Esterhuizen, die regstreekse handelaar het self een van die nuustes in Kerkstraat bestuur. Hy was mos self die advertensie vir die vuurwa.

Die jaarblad word afgesluit “ Mag die Nuwejaar aanvang met die verdrywing van die oorlogswolke en ‘n nuwe son wêreldvrede u beskryf.” 1939 was oorlogsjare en ek wonder hoe het hul nuwe jaar geeindig. Ek maak die jaarblad toe en onthou dat ook my eie familie gaan veg het in die Tweede Wêreldoorlog.

Gelukkig het hulle die gegewe kans gehad om terug te kom en te vertel wat hul wedervaringe was.

Dalene Theron trou met Bruce Butler


- Miems Theron -

Saterdag, 28 April 2007, is Dalene, dogter van Pieter en Miems Theron van die plaas Swartrivier, in die huwelik bevestig met Bruce, enigste seun van Robin en Charlene Butler van Jeffreysbaai.

Die dag het maar grou aangebreek, maar die son het later besluit om die spreekwoord “elke donker wolk het ‘n silwer randjie”, waar te maak.

Met ‘n hele paar akrobatiese en logistiese spronge tussen die Pluimbalklub, die Olyffees en saalversierder Lenie Otto deur, was alles uiteindelik in plek en die bruid kon haar rok, gemaak deur die ontwerper Johan Wolmarans van Port Elizabeth, aantrek.

In haar eg vleinde roomkleurige tabbert met sy skouerlose geborduurde korset van rou sy, oorgetrek met Franse Chantilly-kant en ‘n viervalleromp met ses sy-chiffon lae, het Dalene soos ‘n regte prinses gelyk en gevoel.
Die foto’s is geneem deur Johannesburger Greg Reynolds en sy vrou Collet het die grimering gedoen. Adriana van Salon Petite in Oudtshoorn was op haar pos om die bruidsgroep se hare te doen.

Die seremonie in die NG-Kerk is behartig deur ds. André de Villiers van Mosselbaai en dr. Noël-Jean Kriel het die orrel laat jubel tydens die feestelike geleentheid waar Therese Smith (met Brent Koza op ghitaar) die paartjie toegesing het. Johanna Luttig en die “blommense” van Prince Albert het die kerk in ‘n blommeparadys omskep vir die Olyffees - ‘n bonus waarop nie vooraf gereken is nie! Natuurlik het ook die skousaal onder Johanna se “blom-mechanic”-hande ‘n metamorfose ondergaan.

Wat ‘n plesier was dit nie om met die professionele spyseniers Arona Weideman en Cecilia Erasmus van Oudtshoorn saam te werk nie. Die geurige sangria, gemarineerde mossels, vis op pynappelstokkies en snoektertjies wat hulle op die stoep voorgesit het, kon niemand enigsins voorberei het op wat in die saal gewag het nie... Die gestolde hoendervoorgereg en die vark-en skaapboude was treffers - om nie te praat van die rooiwynpere in yoghurtroomsous nie.

Warren Wilkinson, Bruce se neef, het op paslike wyse saam met Therese “The Prayer” as gebed voor ete gesing. Nadat die bruidspaar die dansbaan geopen het op maat en woorde van “My babe cares for me”, het die Ginger Burns van Jeffreysbaai die res van die aand die dansmusiek verskaf.

Na ‘n genotvolle troue kon die gaste as bonus ook deel hê aan die heerlike Olyffees... Voorwaar ‘n wonderlike naweek om weg te bêre in die onthoulêer!

A Real African Safari

- André Jaquet –

Prince Albert’s Rudi and Imke Maeyer and their children Emma (11) Oscar (10), and Jacob (3), left on 20 May 2007 on an adventure: a three-month trip through Africa, in a second hand Land Cruiser. I spoke to them shortly before their departure.

The first thing that struck me when I sat down to speak to the couple is how calm and relaxed they were about the whole enterprise. “Why Africa?”, I ask, to get the conversation going.

Imke thinks. “We see this as a family bonding experience. It will be tough at times but we’ll also have many new experiences, lots of fun and in years to come, fond memories. It will draw us closer together and teach us not to take each other for granted. We think it will open our minds and help us develop more ideas of what we in Prince Albert can do. You know, when you travel abroad you learn a lot about your own country and where it fits into the world.”

“We’ve travelled quite a bit and enjoy it. We know our own country and want to get to know Africa now that we are welcome,” explains Rudi. “Many of us in South Africa lead incredibly privileged lives and I want my children to understand that. Also it’s a fun thing to do.”

Imke adds: “It’s a trip I have wanted to make for a long time and it’s now or never, before our children get into the difficult school years. Sure they may not remember everything, but even if they get a vague sense of what happened and what they saw, they will certainly benefit.”

I ask how the children feel about the trip. “They are looking forward to it. Jacob doesn’t really know much about it at all and initially thought that it would be like going for a picnic on the mountain! Emma and Oscar love camping. They will be keeping a journal and drawing what they see”. Imke will also be home schooling the two older children.

Rudi explains with the help of a map, that they will stick to safe countries and not drive the entire way to Europe as they had originally planned. “That would have meant going through unstable places like the Sudan and Somalia and that would not be a good idea”. Rudi points to Namibia on the map and his chiselled finger glides across main roads though the Okavango in Botswana, where they will stay for a while to look up friends from the days they lived in that magical setting.

The finger then moves on across the map to Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya, where they plan to stop at the Island of Lamu, the most northern point of their trip. After that it will be down through Mozambique and back home. “We would love to visit Zimbabwe, which is such a beautiful country, and Uganda to see Lake Victoria,” sighs Imke, “but that will depend on time and the conditions when we make a final decision”.

What about communications, I ask. “Well, we want to do it the simple way. We’re taking along a satellite phone to let our families know we’re okay. We’ll camp most of the time and stay in hotels when we feel we want to spoil ourselves a little. We will avoid like the plague the luxury lodges that are built for the rich and famous and don’t really capture Africa as it really is.”

In answering my last question, both Rudi and Imke display the essence of their approach: Imke muses, “We all have dreams and this has been mine for a long time. If you don’t work at them, you won’t achieve them.” Down-to-earth Rudi chuckles: “And that is not as difficult to organise as you think.”

I for one can’t wait to hear their stories when they get back. I am sure we all wish them a safe trip, rich in fun and experiences which they will relive with us.

Leeu-Gamka hou Dankfeesbasaar

- Ds Willem Burger -

Die N G Kerk Leeu-Gamka met sy 101 lidmate het op Saterdag 9 Junie 2007 hul jaarlikse dankfeesbasaar gehad en besoekers van heinde en verre het dit bygewoon. Daar was 'n groot groep besoekers vanaf Worcester en ook al die omringende dorpe rondom Leeu-Gamka. Baie mense het ook vanaf die N1 gestop en die heerlike Karoovleis kom geniet.

Soos gewoonlik was die tafels oorlaai met koeke, terte, brood en beskuit en al die gewone goed wat jy by 'n basaar kry. Die vleistafel was veral 'n treffer. Vooraf is 144 skaap, 5 beeste, 21 varke, 4 koedoes en 1 gemsbok bewerk. As 'n mens dink aan die droogte wat in die omgewing beleef word, was dit verstommend dat die getalle en ook die gradering van die vleis die beste ooit was. Die waarde van vooraf verkope en vooraf bestellings by die vleistafel het sedert die vorige jaar gestyg vanaf R45000 na R85000.

'n Nuutjie was 'n jagpakket vir 'n gemsbok wat opgeveil is en dat daar van vroegdag af braaivleis en slaaie beskikbaar was wat jy per item kon koop. Die omset vir die basaar was 'n rekordbedrag van net meer as R200 000. Soos gewoonlik het van die gemeente se vriende en oud-lidmate ook ruim bydraes gemaak en selfs gehelp agter die tafels.

Besoekers het die teetuin by die kwekery geniet en daar was ook 'n opelug uitstalling van kunswerke van Engela Alberts. Daar is tot laat die middag saam gekuier. Dit was werklike 'n besondere dag uit die hand van die Here en die gemeente is nie net dankbaar teenoor die Here vir 'n wonderlike dag nie, maar ook vir elkeen wat 'n bydrae gemaak het.

Leeu Gamka Openbare Biblioteek

- Pieter Hugo -

Op 11 Junie 2007 het die groot dag vir Leeu Gamka uiteindelik aangebreek: vir die eerste keer ooit het die klein verbyrydorpie langs die N1 'n openbare biblioteek gekry. Vir die N1 gebruikers wat dink Leeu Gamka is net 'n vulstasie en hamburgerstop tussen niks en nêrens, die eintlike dorpie lê net noord van die hoofpad, agter die bult.

Daar is al 6 of 7 jaar gelede begin dink aan 'n biblioteek vir Leeu Gamka, maar weens verskeie faktore is daar eers teen einde verlede jaar met die bouwerk begin.

Al wag ons nog vir die elektrisiteit-aansluiting, het ons besluit om nie langer te wag nie. Die Gamkaners het al lank genoeg gewag vir hulle biblioteek. Die laaste tyd is ons al verskeie kere by die padwerkstoppe op die N1 deur die padwerkers genader wat vra wanneer hulle biblioteek dan nou eendag oopmaak.

Behalwe vir die onophoudelike stroom kinders (weens die staking by die skole was hulle al van die oggend af daar!) en ma's (en ouma's met kleinkinders), was dit wonderlik om ook heelwat pa's met hulle kinders daar te sien aansluit.

In die 4 ure wat die biblioteek Maandag oop was, het ons meer as 100 lede ingeskryf EN 350 boeke is uitgeleen. Dit is meer as 10% van die voorraad van 3000 boeke in die bibliotekie. Op die eerste dag! Teen Woendag, op die derde dag, was daar al 260 lede en is meer as 700 boeke uitegeneem.

Veels geluk aan Gertruida Deelman en haar aflos, Viola Petoos, met hoe hulle die eerste dae die leesbelustigde Gamkaners gehelp het. Ons sal maar net kan wonder hoeveel kospotte het hierdie week al aangebrand!

Wat ons wel weet, is dat Leeu Gamka nie meer agter die bult is nie, maar wel op die leessnelweg!

St John’s Jeugkamp te Klaarstroom

- Hekkie Piedt, Kerkraadlid en Jeugleier -

St John’s se jeug het ’n vrolike naweek in Klaarstroom vanaf 31 Mei tot 2 Junie geniet. Hulle het baie geleer terwyl hulle Jesus se boodskap van liefde met die Klaarstroom gemeenskap gedeel het.

Die lang wag was uiteindelik verby. Almal het vol verwagting opgedaag vir die naweek. Toe ons uiteindelik in Klaarstroom aankom het die seuns fluks gehelp om alles uit die bus te laai. Gou was die formaliteite afgehandel, huisreëls en verwagtinge. Die jeug is daarna vermaak met ysbrekers wat hulle in die "Lovelife" klas geleer het. Die aand kon die seuns soos gewoonlik nie slaap nie. Die opgewondenheid van die kamp was duidelik te bespeur op hul gesigte. Die oggend so by twee uur het die slaap hul uiteindelik oorval!

Vroeg opgestaan om “gim trim” oefeninge to doen. Na ontbyt het die program gevolg. Juffrou Emmie het ons toege-spreek oor Leierskap. Leiers uit die Bybel is as voorbeelde gebruik. Groepe moes leiers uit die Bybel identifiseer en kyk watter rolle hulle gespeel het. Middagete het gevolg en groepe het leierskap prakties toegepas.

Daarna was hulle in die veld om die boodskap van die konsert en die diens van die volgende dag aan die gemeenskap van Klaarstroom oor te dra. Na aandete het die span hulle gereed gemaak om konsert te hou. Jy kon jou ‘n papie lag vir al die akteurs en aktrise wat opgetree het! Ons het ons eie kunstenaars van Sewende Laan ook op die planke gehad.

Sondag het ons ‘n bietjie later geslaap. Ontbyt geëet en reggemaak vir die diens. Juffrou Emmie het die boodskap gebring oor Simson, ook een van die leiers waaroor die Saterdag gepraat is.

Die diens was geseënd, en gou het ons jeug die waarde van Christenskap beleef. Die samesang, die getuienis, alles wat uitgegaan het, was tot stigting. Middagete het gevolg en daarna het ons opgepak en was dit terug na Prince Albert.

Die jeug is baie dankbaar vir die St John’s Kerkraad wat vir hulle die geleentheid gebied het om hierdie wonderlike ervaring te kon meemaak.

loveLife Games Come to Town!

- Linda Jaquet -

Die loveLife Spele sal Saterdag, 4 Augustus, vir die eerste keer in Prince Albert gehou word. Die Spele is 'n gesamentlike poging van die organisasie loveLife en die Suid Afrikaanse regering, en sluit die jeug van Prince Albert, Klaarstroom en Leeu-Gamka in. Dit behels 'n reeks sport en ander aktiwiteite wat nie slegs groot spiere en ‘n vinnige paar bene verg nie.

Daar sal debat, drama, sang en trom-poppies wees, asook twee opwindende nuwe aktiwiteite: “Ultimate Frisbee” en “Ultimate Dance”!

Daar is ook ‘n afdeling wat toegewy word aan inheemse speletjies, en die plaaslike organiseerders is gretig om hul behendigheid met kleilat, jukskei en kennetjie met ons tieners te deel. Wenners gaan deur om op Distriksvlak te kompeteer, en kan gekeur word om die Provinsie te verteenwoordig by die Nasionale loveLife Spele.

loveLife is a nationwide organisation that encourages young people to adopt healthy lifestyles, make informed choices and love life rather than waste it; thereby preventing HIV/AIDS, sexually-transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy.

The local loveLife Games organising committee, which is chaired by Joey van Rooyen, with Jakoba Visagie as Vice Chairperson, is already hard at work on the Games. Information sessions and posters at schools and community organisations will keep the public informed of where, who and how the Games will take place.