THE Addo Rose Fayre will be a blooming feast the Sundays River Valley, where the world’s most loved and acclaimed flower will be celebrated with the theme “Romancing the Rose”.
The three beauties of the Fayre, which will be held on Saturday, October 12, are the roses, the Sundays River Valley Women’s Institute, who organises this annual event and the charities in the Valley who will receive the proceeds.
“It is the most incredible experience to see everyone working together in preparing for the Fayre,” said Marisa Woolley from the Sundowners, a group of younger generation women affiliated to the Sundays River Valley Women’s Institute (SRVWI).
“There are even four generations, all lending a helping hand, as well as the husbands, boyfriends and the children who also help. That is quite unique to watch.”
According to Bianca Woolley, chairlady of the SRVWI, “There is definitely a renewed interest in the growing of roses in the Valley.
This is very exciting, especially to see the younger generation with their creative ideas of taking the Fayre to a next level.”
The Addo Rose Fayre is a relaxed day in the country event, with all things local.
All roses and decor in the famous Valentine Hall’s Rose Café, will be from local gardens and the delicious eats and treats from local kitchens.
“Think ‘The Durrells’ with a mixture of ‘Mamma Mia’ and that is what we are hoping to recreate in the Rose Café,” said Marisa.
A new venture at the 2019 Addo Rose Fayre will be a garden tour to three different beautiful gardens.
The bus trip with Nita Tayler-Smith as the guide, is limited to 30 people. Pre-booking is with her (072 791 9744).
Other activities of the day include live music by Simon Shaw, Neil Pienaar and the Collegiate jazz and orchestra band; various interesting stalls like Bridge Street Brewery (craft beer and gin), Habata Wines, SOGA organic juices, Makoti and even equipment by Nels and Lezmin. Floradale Nursery will offer a variety of roses for sale.
The Addo Township Designs sewing group as well as George’s Nursery will be back for their second consecutive year by popular demand.
“There is something in our soil that is good for citrus and roses. I do not know exactly what. We are also in a valley known for its fossils dating back some millions of years.
“I guess that is the goodness in our soil,” said Rosemary Meiring one of the oldest SRVWI members.
Rosemary has been planting roses for the past 60 years and is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of England as well as the Royal Rose Society.
“You plant a flower like a pansy and it goes, then you have to pull it out and plant again. But if you plant a rose, it is forever and always beautiful to look at. I can’t wait to get up in the morning and see what is opening in my garden,” Rosemary explained.
- The Addo Rose Fayre will be on Saturday, October 12 from 09:00 till 15:00 and the entrance fee is R50. Parking is free.
