Weekly diary | Weeklikse dagboek

WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER

Somerset West: Nine South African women artists are showcasing their festive creations at the KAROO MADONNA ATELIER’S Christmas art exhibition, Kuns vir Kersfees, running until Wednesday 31 December. The group exhibition features works by Juanette Menderoi, Terry Stephens, Christie du Toit, Corietha Muller, Herma Kitching, Hanlie Kotse, Sonja Nel, Maria, and founder Glendine, with each artist presenting original pieces in a unified 30×30 cm format. Drawing inspiration from the Madonna figure, the collection honours the strength, creativity and grace of women while celebrating the joy, color and spirit of a South African summer Christmas. Founded by artist and curator Glendine, the Karoo Madonna Atelier aims to provide a platform for South African women artists’ work while enriching local culture during the festive season. The exhibition offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the unique perspective of local women artists during the Christmas season. Visitors are encouraged to contact the venue for specific opening hours and further details about the showcase.

Strand: SUNSET BOOKS hosts the launch of Cathy Donald’s book Legally Blind at 14:30 for 15:00. Entry is free, but RSVP is required on 068 385 2563.

THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER

Strand: It’s Pensioner’s Day at SUNSET BOOKS in Beach Road, with activities starting with a free knitting circle at 13:30. It is followed by an informative talk by Corlea Viljoen (general manager of Robin Trust) and registered nurse Tia Chivell, who will share their knowledge, stories and practical insights on understanding, managing and finding ways to fight back against dementia. The free talk will be held from 14:30 to 15:30; reservations are essential on 068 385 2563.

SATERDAG 22 NOVEMBER

Stellenbosch: Ná meer as ses jaar se suksesvolle Gesels-aanbiedinge bring Nataniël dié vinnig-groeiende projek uiteindelik na die Kaap, met die leefstylpraatjie wat by die DROSTDY-TEATER aangebied word. Soos vorige jare het Gesels 2025 ‘n unieke tema: “Die Ratkas Van ‘n Keuse”. Op of af? Reg of verkeerd? Links of regs? Eet ek dit of los ek dit? Loop ek of bly ek? Met die maak van elke keuse is daar ‘n masjien met ‘n miljoen ratte wat sy werk moet doen. Van jou ingebore neigings tot jou opvoeding, omgewing, oortuigings, invloed en gesondheid – elkeen speel ‘n rol in elke keuse wat gemaak word. Kyk hoe lyk ons wêreld! Die resultaat van keuses! Hierdie onderskatte daad word van alle kante bekyk met insiggewende, skreeusnaakse en verrassende ontdekkings. Nataniël takel weer eens ‘n yslike onderwerp met stories, deernis, vrae, antwoorde, vermaaklikheid, eerlikheid, persoonlike oortuiging en alle erns. Gehoorlede kan vrae vooraf in ‘n houer plaas en Nataniël bespreek hierdie kwessies dan van die verhoog af – ‘n hoogtepunt vir vele! Die 90-minute-praatjie begin om 15:30. Geen kinders onder 14 jaar word toegelaat nie. ‘n Kaalkopwinkel met boeke, keramiek, geskenke, kerse, musiek en kombuisolies sal in die foyer beskikbaar wees. Bespreek jou plek aanlyn deur Webtickets.

Strand: Head down to SUNSET BOOKS in Beach Road for a free live performance by Sareltjie Bergdwerg from 11:00 to noon. This will be followed by author Francois Verster launching his book Ill at Ease from 14:00 to 15:00. The novel is a based on a true story about the Border War. Entry for the talk is free, but you need RSVP on 068 985 2563.

Somerset West: The FRIENDS OF THE POINSETTIA PARK is hosting a market day from 09:00 to 14:00 to raise funds for park maintenance, as City of Cape Town funding is limited. Locals interested in joining in on the market-day fun, can look forward to a variety of food stalls, clothing vendors, live music, gifts, and tractor rides for the children. Entry is free. Donations are always welcome. The park, with its large dam, is located at the end of Acacia Street in Heldervue adjacent to the R44. It features lovely hiking trails, scenic bridges, a volleyball pitch, and a boules court currently under construction. Well-maintained gardens and shaded areas make it ideal for picnics and events. Visitors can enjoy catch-and-release fishing, while dogs love the open spaces (on leash, of course).

MAANDAG 24 NOVEMBER

Strand: Die Storie-tannie kuier elke Maandag om 11:30 en 14:00 by SUNSET BOOKS. Kom luister na ‘n storie en kleur ‘n prentjie in.

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 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.

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER

Somerset West: The COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET at Southey’s Vines in Main Road takes place in park-like surrounds from 09:00 to 14:00. The family-friendly market is renowned as the place to buy handcrafts of an exceptional quality. Well-behaved pooches on leashes are welcome and there is plenty of safe parking. For more information, call Lesley on 083 590 9197 or send an email to info@countrycraftmarket.org.

Stellenbosch: Die jaarlikse DUITSE KERSMARK vind van 09:00 tot 13:00 by Hofmeyrstraat 26 plaas, met gratis toegang vir alle besoekers. Hierdie unieke geleentheid bied Kersinkopies met ‘n ware Europese inslag, waar besoekers handgemaakte Kersversierings en adventskranse, geskenkartikels, sowel as heerlike Duitse lekkernye soos Bratwurst en aartappelslaai, Kersgebak en ander tradisionele geregte kan geniet. Die mark word aangebied deur die Evangelies-Lutherse Gemeente Stellenbosch–Somerset-Wes en belowe ‘n feestelike atmosfeer. Belangstellendes kan die gemeente vir nog inligting by info@lutheranstellenbosch.co.za kontak, 021 887 5030 skakel of www.lutheranstellenbosch.co.za besoek.

Stellenbosch: The first STELLENBOSCH MOM’S BIZ NETWORK CHRISTMAS MARKET will be held at Aunty Sophie se Kombuis in Noordwal Street place from 09:00 to 14:00. It offers a festive opportunity to support local female entrepreneurs while finding unique Christmas gifts. The market is hosted by the Mom’s Biz Network, which has grown from eight founding members in 2022 to 1 800 members across eight provincial chapters. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, jewellery, artwork, pantry goods, sweet treats, body products, baby clothing, thrift treasures, and books from local creators, while enjoying family-friendly activities, including a kids’ play area, face painting, and 15-minute Ensofic Reiki relaxation sessions. The event celebrates creativity, community spirit, and the entrepreneurial achievements of local businesswomen, encouraging families to spend a day discovering hidden gems while supporting the season of giving.

SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER

.Somerset West: ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Andries Pretorius Street will hold a book sale from 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturday 6 December. It will feature an extensive selection of quality books alongside offerings such as delicious refreshments, unique Christmas décor, manicure services, car-wash facilities and much more. All proceeds go towards the church’s Christmas feeding scheme, which continues into January, when families face financial difficulties. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy freshly-brewed tea or coffee, a selection of treats. Card-payment facilities are available. To donate books to the sale, call Carole on 084 299 9023.