Inspirational women from Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond gathered at the Anglican chapel of St Francis of Assisi in Betty’s Bay recently in celebration of Women’s Day.
Organiser Jessica Batts, with fellow women parishioners, reached out to neighbouring denominations and organisations to join the celebrations.
With the chapel adorned with fynbos and tea table covered with delicacies hostesses Hermien van Zyl, Paulette Marinus, Michelle Barry, Diane Nurse and Jowenen le Cordeur ensured the 88 women from the local area and beyond who attended, enjoyed the special event celebrating the importance of friendship in womanhood.
The morning started with a warm welcome by Jessica Batts, followed by a scripture reading by Bernadette Lange and prayer and grace by Stella Watson. Janet Meyer took the audience down memory lane, reflecting on the past 40 years since her parents had initiated the idea of an own church, which today is a reality.
Guest speaker Dr Michele Serfontein, co-owner of the Ocean Basket franchise in Hermanus, shared her experiences of her family exchanging their corporate and academic life in Johannesburg for the hospitality industry in the bustling seaside town Hermanus. She encouraged the women present to embrace and live their God-given purpose every day and trade on their “talents and gifts”. The morning was concluded with a poem read by Jenni Gous, which was adapted from Proverbs 31:10-31.
The event, said Batts, also served as a fundraiser for much-needed improvements in and around the church. Lucky draws added extra fun and enjoyment to the event. Batts expressed pleasure at the overwhelming response and support from local communities and organisations.
She also thanked the various sponsors of the event, and particularly the lucky draw. The big prize, a spa voucher worth R1500 from Arabella Hotel and Spa was awarded to Caroline McPherson, named the best-dressed woman.
