Home » News » Book adventure at Lourensford delights young readers with African tales

Book adventure at Lourensford delights young readers with African tales

District Mail and Helderberg Gazette

|

25 Jun 2025

Share this post:

Beaumont prefects Boshoff, Dach and Higgs with authors Williams and Manser at Lourensford book reading. — Beaumont Primary prefects Briah Boshoff, Sophie Dach and Kate Higgs standing behind authors Murray Williams and Riaan Manser at Lourensford.

Beaumont prefects Boshoff, Dach and Higgs with authors Williams and Manser at Lourensford book reading. — Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West hosted a children’s book reading at the Millhouse Kitchen on Saturday (21 June). At the reading, local authors Riaan Manser and Murray Williams retold stories from their co-authored books My First African Adventure and My First Wild Island Adventure to the delight of both children and adults. The reading launched the estate’s Winter Culture Festival Celebration of Books, which started on Saturday 21 June and runs until Friday 4 July. In this period, locals are encouraged to donate books. Following the collection period, a book sale will be held at the Millhouse Kitchen, hosted by the prefects of Beaumont Primary School. All proceeds from the sales will go to the Helderberg Animal Rescue Team (HART) and the crèche at Lourensford. At the reading, behind (from left) are Beaumont Primary prefects Briah Boshoff, Sophie Dach and Kate Higgs. Front: Murray Williams (left) and Riaan Manser. Credit: Barend Williams

Riaan Manser sharing adventure stories at Millhouse Kitchen, inspired by his cycling and kayaking expeditions. — Explorer Riaan Manser enthralled the audience at Millhouse Kitchen with stories of his adventures cycling around Africa and kayaking around Madagascar, which inspired the books ‘My First African Adventure’ and ‘My First Wild Island Adventure’ Manser used his exploration experiences to motivate children to chase their dreams. He captured their imaginations with fascinating facts that are illustrated throughout the books.

Murray Williams showing an illustration from 'My First African Adventure' to the audience at Millhouse Kitchen. — Journalist Murray Williams showing an illustration from ‘My First African Adventure’ to the audience at Millhouse Kitchen

Oliver Borchard and his mother Danette from Wellington attending the Lourensford book reading event. — Oliver Borchard came all the way from Wellington to attend the book reading with his mother, Danette.

Reagan Komlosy meeting his hero Riaan Manser at the Lourensford book reading. — Reagan Komlosy, a Grade 5 learner at Beaumont Primary, jumped at the opportunity to see his hero Riaan Manser read My First African Adventure.

Riaan Manser and Murray Williams signing copies of their adventure books for young fans at Lourensford. — After the reading, Riaan Manser and Murray Williams personally signed copies of ‘My First African Adventure” and ‘My First Wild Island Adventure’ Credit: Barend Williams

Millhouse Kitchen staff who hosted the book reading, with co-owner Boshoff and head chef Abrahams. — The staff of Millhouse Kitchen, where the book reading was hosted. Front from left: Gustaaf Boshoff (co-owner), Leticia Kiddo, Petronella Chingwaru and Johan Abrahams (head chef). Back: Nelson Phiri and Patrick Gangazha.

NovaNews WhatsApp Channel is LIVE!

Get the stories that matter, straight to your phone. Click here to join NovaNews on WhatsApp or scan the QR code for instant access.

Categorised:News

Tagged:Books, Community Events, Riaan Manser

Share this post:

Related Articles

Leave a comment

You need to be Logged In to leave a comment.

Read the Latest E-Edition