WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Somerset West: HEARTLANDS BABY SANCTUARY holds its 10th annual general meeting from 14:00 to 16:00 at 794 Old Paardevlei Road. The board invites the public to join the organisation as it celebrates its journey from survival to growth. RSVP to Tarryn via email on reception@heartlandsbaby.org.

Somerset West: The Party — A Big Fat Greek Experience is on at THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE. Be transported to the Greek islands, where you can sing along, dance, drink wine and have the time of your life! As the sun rises on the gleaming white houses you’ll meet the performers at a family-run taverna and be taken on a foot-tapping journey of 80s hits. The production is the ultimate Greek disco experience to remember and the perfect way to kick off your summer. Directed by Darryl Spijkers, with musical direction by Jon-Paul Ruschenbaum and choreography by Tanya Erasmus. Catch evening shows at 19:30 on Wednesday 16, Thursday 17, Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September. Matinée shows are at 15:00 on Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 September. Tickets cost R180 or R220 via Webtickets.

THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

Somerset West: CHILD WELFARE SOUTH AFRICA HELDERBERG holds its annual meeting at the United Church in Bright Street at 10:00. The organisation will be celebrating 70 years of service to children, families and communities, and invites everyone to come and enjoy the morning with them. For more information, call 021 852 3126.

Somerset West: The REACH FOR RECOVERY breast-cancer support group invites residents of the Helderberg to a free talk by specialist surgeon Dr Dewald Coolen on “The role of robotics in breast cancer surgery”. The talk will be held at 09:30 for 10:00 in the Training and Development Room at Mediclinic Vergelegen. All welcome. Refreshments will be served after the talk. For enquiries, call 082 357 0497.

Strand: SUNSET BOOKS at 73 Beach Road hosts a weekly line-up of activities every Thursday. Pensioners can enjoy a cappuccino and a slice of cake for only R69. Art enthusiasts are invited to bring their own supplies and create a project in a cosy vibe between the books from 10:00. Knit & Crochet sessions (from 10:00 to 12:00) see participants knitting and crocheting squares for blankets and prostheses for breast-cancer survivors, with all materials provided. RSVP is essential for this session. On the first Thursday of every month, from 13:30 to 14:30, poets are invited to share their original work or a favourite poet’s poem at Open Mic Poetry. RSVP is essential. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sunset Books on 068 385 2563.

FRIDAY 18 AND SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Somerset West: Wela Kapela’s acclaimed musical theatre production Damsel in Distress will be staged at THE DRAMA FACTORY at 19:30 on Friday and at 15:00 on Saturday. Starring Kiruna-Lind Devar in her debut solo cabaret alongside pianist Samantha Riedel, the production uses iconic hits like “I Love Paris” and “You Don’t Own Me” to explore fear, survival and gender-based violence. Written by Amanda Bothma, directed by Daniel Anderson, and co-choreographed by Devar and Hugo Madelyn, the story follows Griselda, a reclusive librarian drawn out of her isolation and haunted past by a mysterious library visitor.

MAANDAG 21 SEPTEMBER

Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDS­DIENS nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het na ‘n byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Moedergemeente op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Rig alle navrae aan Gerrie by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972.

THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

Somerset West: The COACHMAN’S COTTAGE MUSEUM, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Victoria streets, marks its 19th exhibition on Heritage Day, shining a light on the history of the Helderberg basin. A special feature this year is the history of the Khoi tribes who inhabited Somerset West and the Lourens River Valley long before the Dutch occupation in 1652. The museum will display photographs, texts and artefacts from the Khoi and San era as it shaped the basin. The Khoi were migrant herders of cattle and sheep, and the exhibition will explore their way of life. A real Khoi hut will be constructed outside the museum as one of the display’s standout features. The event runs from 10:00 to 15:00. Refreshments will be served free of charge and the public is invited to attend – including people from churches, schools and community organisations across the Helderberg, from Somerset West and Strand to Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Raithby, Firgrove and adjacent communities. This will be the first exhibition of Khoi heritage in the area and promises to be a fascinating experience.

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Somerset West: ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Andries Pretorius Street hosts its next book sale from 09:00 to 12:00. Spring may be playing hide and seek, but they are not! Browse a wide variety of good reads and lovely eats, with a car wash available on the day. All proceeds of the sale go to the church’s feeding programme. For more information, send an email to Carole Gambrell on carole.gambrell1958@yahoo.com.