THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY
Strand: SUNSET BOOKS at 73 Beach Road, Strand hosts various activities this February, with Thursday as Pensioner’s Day featuring special offers and programs. Weekly events include art therapy sessions every Thursday from 10:00 to 12:00, where participants bring their own materials for free doodling workshops. From 13:30 to 14:30, join the knitting circle creating squares for blankets and prostheses for breast cancer survivors, with all materials provided. Pensioners can enjoy cake and cappuccino for R59 on Thursdays while stocks last. RSVP on 068 385 2563.
FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY
Somerset West: The UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE (U3A) proudly presents the launch of “South Africa Today”, a new monthly initiative offering an open and inclusive platform for knowledgeable speakers to share insights on current South African affairs. This innovative programme focuses on information sharing and perspective exchange, while avoiding contentious debates. It also provides opportunities for community members to suggest topical subjects for future discussions. The inaugural session will feature Anton Bredell, provincial minister of Local Government, Environment Affairs and Development Planning, who will address “The Challenges and Frustrations of Local Governance”. This promises to be an enlightening presentation offering valuable insights into the complexities of local government from someone at the heart of provincial administration. The meeting will be held at Somerset West United church, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Bright streets, from 14:00 to 15:30. Parking is available at the rear of the church building and at the Bright Street entrance, with gates opening automatically upon approach. U3A members are requested to wear their membership cards and contribute R10, while visitors are welcome at R15. For registration and enquiries, contact Danie Schoeman on dschoeman2745@gmail.com or via WhatsApp on 082 783 9582.
FRIDAY 13 AND SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Somerset West: The Cape Classic returns to MORGENSTER ESTATE for two evenings of chamber music featuring internationally acclaimed musicians Thomas Richter (traverse flute), Karlheinz Busch (violoncello), and South African pianist Erika le Roux. Founded over two decades ago by classical music patron Gabi Zahn, the intimate festival combines exceptional performances with philanthropy, as all ticket proceeds support educational initiatives for previously disadvantaged children in the Western Cape, having raised approximately R2,5 million to date. Set against the stunning backdrop of rolling vineyards and mountain views, the concerts will present Classical Era works by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven on Friday evening, followed by Early Romantic pieces by Donizetti, Chopin and Mendelssohn-Bartholdy on Saturday, with tickets priced at R900 per person available via ticket-sa@cape-classic.com or by contacting Judika Nel on 021 852 1738.
SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Somerset West: The COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET takes place at Southey’s Vines, 186 Main Road, from 09:00 to 14:00. Enjoy a morning in the fresh air, browsing through stalls of colourful crafts. This is a genuine craft market, with every item handmade by the artist or artisan selling it. Most crafters are happy to share their extensive knowledge of the various crafts they make. The 1st Somerset West Scout Troop plus other food vendors take care of food cravings, which can be enjoyed while relaxing in the shade. The pet-friendly market has plenty of safe, free parking too. For enquiries, phone Lesley on 083 590 9197 or visit www.countrycraftmarket.org.
Somerset West: VERGELEGEN WINE ESTATE offers a romantic Valentine’s Day sunset picnic from 18:30 to 21:00. The Valentine’s experience features an exclusive gourmet picnic in the Rose Garden at R2 450 per couple, where guests enjoy styled seating among fragrant roses, welcome MMV Cap Classique, canapés, a picnic basket for two, pavlova dessert, and live music against the backdrop of camphor trees and an Aphrodite water feature. Seats are limited, and early booking is essential. For more information or bookings, visit Valentine’s Sunset Picnic in the Rose Garden – Vergelegen Wine Estate.
MAANDAG 16 FEBRUARIE
Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS, of Christians Against Drugs (CAD), nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het na hul byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG kerk Strand Moedergemeente, op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Rig alle navrae aan Gerrie by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972.
SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY
Somerset West: Artist Estelle Kenyon invites painters of all levels to explore mixed media techniques at the conference centre of the HELDERBERG NATURE RESERVE from 09:30 to 15:30. The workshop welcomes beginner to professional artists, offering guidance in acrylics, stencils, spray paint and collage work with optional oils in the reserve’s natural setting. The R750 fee includes all materials, demos, guidance and light refreshments, though participants are advised to take their own lunch. Feel free to book online at www.estellekenyon.com, send a WhatsApp message to 082 928 3797 or email estellekenyon017@gmail.com.
DONDERDAG 26 FEBRUARIE
Somerset West: Sluit aan by Karen Ellis in gesprek met skrywer Etienne Lombard vir die bekendstelling van “Die Oeroue,” ‘n Afrikaanse kosmiese gruwelverhaal wat teen die agtergrond van die Karoo se verlede afspeel. Die geleentheid vind om 17:30 vir 18:00 by die SOMERSET-WES-BIBLIOTEEK, op die hoek van Victoria- en Andries Pretoriusstraat, plaas. Hierdie spesiale boekbekendstelling sal Lombard se jongste werk verken, wat die misteries en donker geskiedenis van die Karoo-streek deur die lens van kosmiese gruwefiksie ondersoek. Die gesprek beloof om insigte te bied in beide die skrywer se kreatiewe proses en die ryk verhaalvertellingstradisies wat in Suid-Afrikaanse landskappe gewortel is. Bywoning is gratis, maar besprekings is noodsaaklik weens beperkte sitplek. RSVP by 021 400 2877 of karen.ellis@capetown.gov.za. Die boek word deur Naledi uitgegee, wat gekontak kan word by 078 648 8616, info@naledi.co.za of besoek www.naledi.co.za vir meer inligting.
- Submit community events, gatherings and meetings for the diary by sending an email to jamey.thomas@novusmedia.co.za.
