THURSDAY 25 JUNE

Somerset West: ART STUDIO@15 in Upper Mountain Road offers a weekly open studio for adults every Thursday from 09:30 to 12:00, and 18:00 to 20:30. Aimed at beginner and intermediate painters, participants can take unfinished work or start something new under the guidance of artist and teacher Marusa Sheel. Basic paints, easels, brushes, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided; participants are asked to take their own canvas and preferred paints. Cost is R200. The studio also offers weekly Young Artists classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Painting the Word workshops on Saturdays or Tuesdays, and private lessons for adults and children by appointment. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sheel on 084 705 4828 or marusa.mason@gmail.com.

Strand: SUNSET BOOKS by 73 Beach Road bied ‘n opwindende reeks geleenthede aan vir die gemeenskap. Op 25 Junie van 14:30 tot 15:30 deel André Rautenbach op Pensioenarisdag die inspirerende verhaal agter sy boek Fifteen minutes that changed everything – hoe ‘n noodoproep hom op ‘n lewenslange missie van diens en geloof geplaas het. Gratis toegang. Die Gordonsbaaise skrywer Tanya O’Connor stel Saterdag (27 Junie) tussen 14:00 en 15:00 haar boek Ag Fok, Tanya – ‘n eerlike en onbeskaamde verhaal oor broosheid, onvolmaaktheid en genade – bekend. Julian Jansen stel sy boek Op die Spoor van die Stasiemoordenaar op Saterdag 4 Julie van 14:00 tot 15:00 bekend en werp lig op die donker ­raaisel van die Stasiemoordenaar wat die Kaapse Vlakte tussen 1986 en 1994 geterroriseer het. RSVP vir al die boekbekendstellings is noodsaaklik. Elke Donderdag vier Sunset Books Pensioenarisdag met ‘n vol program: ‘n gratis kunsterapie-doodle-sessie van 10:00 tot 12:00 (bring eie materiaal; RSVP noodsaaklik), ‘n brei- en hekelsessie van 13:30 tot 14:30 waar deelnemers vierkante vir komberse en prostetiese borste vir borskankeroorlewendes maak (alle materiaal voorsien), en ‘n cappuccino met ‘n sny koek vir slegs R65 vir 60-plussers.

Somerset West: Local families are invited to a free NIGHT MARKET hosted by Helderberg Primary School PTA at Helderberg College in Annandale Drive, with stalls opening at 17:00. The evening promises food, market stalls, family fun, games and a Family Movie Night Galileo-style, all while supporting local businesses. Arrive early to join the fun. Free entry.

SOMERSET WEST: Raise your glass to the winemakers behind great wines at the WINE SOCIETY event at Magnolia Social Dining Lounge at Erinvale Hotel & Spa from 18:30 to 22:00. Enjoy a tasting of up to 10 wines paired with a new menu at R495 per person. Visit www.erinvale.everygift.co.za for essential bookings.

SATURDAY 27 JUNE

Somerset West: The ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (AWS) HELDERBERG holds its annual general meeting for members at the Erinvale Hotel & Spa. For more information, phone Moira on 021 852 2268.

Strand: KLIPWERFKUIERS elke Saterdag vir ‘n bring-en-braai. Ouderdom 70 en ouer welkom. Vir meer inligting, skakel 084 989 6712.

MAANDAG 29 JUNIE

Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS, of Christians Against Drugs, nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het na hul weeklikse byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Strand Moedergemeente, op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Bel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972 vir nog inligting of navrae.

TUESDAY 30 JUNE

Somerset West: A beloved classic comes alive on THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE stage with The Jungle Book, a vibrant family theatrical production inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale. Follow Mowgli – a brave girl raised by wolves – alongside loyal companions Baloo and Bagheera, as she navigates the wild, discovers her identity and learns that family is defined by those who stand beside you. Packed with energetic musical numbers, dazzling costumes and larger-than-life characters, this spectacular production promises a roaring good time for audiences of all ages. Performances run from 30 June to Saturday 11 July, with morning (11:00), matinee (15:00) and evening (18:00) shows available across selected dates. Tickets are available online via Webtickets. For more information, visit www.theplayhouse.org.za.

WEDNESDAY 1 JULY

Somerset West: Long before 1652, sophisticated societies thrived across southern Africa – and economist Paul Zille is on a mission to tell their story. Zille will be the guest speaker at the July meeting of the UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE (U3A) Helderberg. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Helderberg Dutch Reformed church, 82 Firmount Road, at 10:00. Zille’s talk centres on Thulamela, what he describes as South Africa’s best-kept archaeological secret. Located in Pafuri, the most biodiverse region of the Kruger National Park, Thulamela is one of more than 560 stone-walled sites scattered across southern Africa, once home to kings and chiefs whose influence spanned a region the size of France. With a lifelong interest in Africa’s wildlife and tourism economies, Zille has helped research and develop guiding narratives for archaeological sites across the country, weaving together origin and archaeology safaris that bring this deep history to life. His talk promises a compelling look at the ancient trading empire that shaped this region, long before it appeared in mainstream history books. U3A Helderberg members attend free of charge; visitors pay R20 at the door. For enquiries, phone Denise Fourie on 072 211 1173.

FRIDAY 3 JULY

Strand: Young artists are invited to get creative this winter school holiday with two hands-on art workshops hosted by KUNSHUIS located on the corner of Beukes and Birkenhead streets. On 3 July from 10:00 to 13:00, children can enjoy a draw and paint morning, while Thursday 16 July from 10:00 to 13:00 offers a lino design, carving and print session. Workshops cost R330 per child or R600 for both, with all art materials and snacks included. WhatsApp teacher and artist Melissa Slingerland on 084 548 5441 to book or for more information.

SATURDAY 11 JULY

Strand: BOUNCEBACK BUNGEE FITNESS invites the community to help celebrate one incredible year of growth, strength and flying high with a Crazy Hattress Affair High Tea hosted by actress Lindie Strydom. Guests are encouraged to wear their most creative, colourful or funniest hat to stand a chance to win one of five hat competition categories, including Best Crazy Hat, Most Creative Hat, Best Winter Hat, Funniest Hat and the BounceBack Spirit Award. A goodie bag is included in the price and a morning of fun and laughter is guaranteed. Tickets cost R265 per person or R2 500 for a table of 10. Book your ticket by calling or send a WhatsApp message to 062 517 6365.