JEFFREYS BAY – Two community initiatives launched by Corine van Dyk at Jeffreys Bay’s Methodist Church are making a significant impact.
Her Monthly Movie Morning brings affordable entertainment to senior citizens, while the Jeffreys Bay Car Boot provides economic opportunities and social connections for residents across the town.
Van Dyk has found a simple solution to a big problem facing Jeffreys Bay’s senior citizens: the lack of affordable entertainment options in a town without its own cinema.
As a movie lover herself, she said that it became very expensive to travel to Gqeberha to watch a movie at the cinema since there is no movie theatre in Jeffreys Bay.
To find a solution to combat this challenge and offer the senior citizens of the town a fun outing, Van Dyk launched her Monthly Movie Morning initiative in January this year.
The monthly gatherings at the Methodist Church Hall at 2 Petunia Avenue, Jeffreys Bay, have quickly become a highlight for the town’s senior residents, offering them somewhere to go and something to do at least once a month.
For just R30, attendees enjoy carefully selected films along with cake, tea, popcorn, chips and tissues for movies that tug at the heartstrings.
“I am very particular about my movie choices. I play good movies with strong messages and no violence,” said Van Dyk.
The screenings have proven highly successful, with Van Dyk noting that attendees demonstrate remarkable engagement, frequently remaining for the entire duration of each film through to the closing credits.
“It is their time out which they look forward to all month long,” said Van Dyk.
To help attendees plan, she provides movie dates and titles months in advance.
The next screenings are scheduled for 13 September, 11 October and 15 November at 11:00.
“I have many regulars at each movie, and people throughout the town are welcome to join us,” said Van Dyk.
She promotes the events through the What’s on in Kouga and Jeffreys Bay Tourism Facebook pages and posts flyers around town.
The events include lucky draws where two people can win free tickets to the next screening, with additional prizes provided by local sponsors.
“The senior citizens thoroughly enjoy the outing. Sometimes they even clap hands after the movie has ended and already look forward to the next month’s movie,” Van Dyk said.
“I want people to come and relax.”
Van Dyk’s community involvement extends beyond movies.
She also founded the monthly Jeffreys Bay Car Boot, also held at the Methodist Church, drawing on experience from hosting similar events at the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West Province before moving to Jeffreys Bay in 2018.
Van Dyk said that the initiative emerged from observing the social and economic challenges facing residents after COVID-19 restrictions.
“Once the Level 5 COVID-19 lockdown was lifted in 2020, I found that many people battled to communicate with others. Sadly, many people also lost their jobs during this time and were battling,” said Van Dyk.
Towards the end of 2020, she decided to host a car boot sale to allow people to socialise and sell items for additional income.
Since then, the car boot sale has flourished, boasting at least 241 members, some of whom have participated since its inception in 2020.
Van Dyk, who has a marketing background, often assists sellers with business strategies.
“Some people do not know how to sell products. I teach them how to sell products and how to operate their business,” said Van Dyk.
She said that the car boot sale maintains strict quality standards, requiring all items to be pre-loved, clean and in working order.
Van Dyk further said that they offer affordable merchandise at prices significantly below retail stores and feature a diverse range of products.
She said that the monthly event has gained official recognition from the Kouga Municipality as a registered tourism attraction.
“With inflation continuing to rise, people’s money is not able to stretch as far anymore,” said Van Dyk.
“It is also great to see how the members all support one another and are always willing to offer assistance when needed.”
The car boot sale takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 07:00 to 13:00, providing families with tables and chairs to relax and enjoy a morning out.
Van Dyk said that the car boot sale also offers a wonderful opportunity for people wanting to scale down and sell their belongings for cash.
The next car boot sales are scheduled for 30 August (special edition) and 6 September.
For movie bookings or car boot sale information, contact Corine van Dyk at 082 922 2260.
