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Sylvia's Sedgefield Blog
This blog will advise you when I add new pages to my website or update existing ones, post news to my Facebook page, share news from other related sites or to notify my visitors of some event taking place in our village or along the Garden Route.
If you wish to contribute to any of my pages or make any comments please do it through my "contact Me" page.
Jan 24, 2020
SedgeNews
Take a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane with a little newspaper, SEDGENEWS birthed in the late 1980s. During its short lifetime, it served the small village community of under 2000 people informing them of local news and events until the early 1990s. During that period, the Sedgefield population swelled to 3000.
Many of the articles reveal similar concerns to those expressed today – the village charm disappearing, the loss of our natural environment, the lack of amenities, the challenges of unwanted developments, but then also the positives, the value of community spirit and appreciation for this nature-oriented beautiful place and the peace and contentment it engenders for those who enjoy living here…
Jan 08, 2020
Swartvlei Campers
Since the early 1800s and long before Sedgefield had its name on the map, farmers and their families in the area of Ruigtevlei, Elandskraal and further afield like Oudtshoorn, would trek for days by ox-wagon to gather at a place called Swartvlei, i.e. on the sandy shore of the Black River (called this because the colour of the sediment in the water made it look black) to camp for 3-4 weeks over the Christmas season.
The farmers were taking a much-needed break from the rigour and challenges of their physically demanding daily existence to relax and enjoy some camaraderie with family and friends on the banks of the meandering Swartvlei Lagoon.
They would indulge in simple pleasures, swim, fish and play "boere sport" on the beach and in the ocean behind the campsite. Although many had large families, social interaction was minimal in those early days because farms were spread out far and wide. There were no easy ways of communicating and roads were virtually non-existent.
These gatherings were an opportunity to experience a sense of community...
Jan 05, 2020
Ensle Syphus
When Ensle Syphus and her husband Matt retired to Sedgefield in 1979, it wasn’t long before they became involved in the small close-knit community.
When ex-mayor, Fred Hawkins discovered that she had been a high school history teacher and written a number of textbooks, he prevailed upon her to undertake the task of researching and writing the early history of Sedgefield.
He told her that existing records and documentation prior to 1968 had been destroyed in a fire.
Ensle was up to the task and got stuck in with enthusiasm and determination. She visited local libraries, wrote to the Reference Department of the South African Library in Cape Town and interviewed members of several pioneer families such as the Barnards, Elaine Watney, Bob Morris, the Robertsons, Mullers and others.
Dec 13, 2019
Holmes -Talented Smutsville Artist
Studio 42 is currently hosting a Performance Exhibition for local talented Smutsville Artist, Houghmordeen Jansen. It's called "Holmes at Home" since he's returned from a stint at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) where he achieved a diploma in Graphic Design.
Running from 11 to 20 December from 4 pm to 8 pm his exhibition includes, among many other paintings, prints and some originals from his "Sedgefield Collection".
The exhibition is also supported by some live music and a young troupe of Smutsville dancers.
Oct 27, 2019
Rondevlei Learning Centre
Rondevlei Learning Centre is an off-shoot of the Wendy Immelman Foundation, ACTS (A Centre that Serves). Carol Van Zyl and Vinessa Van Rensburg have taken on the project of offering a number of children struggling to learn, an innovative “life skills curriculum” that allows them to find and explore their own innate interests and talents beyond those subjects taught in the over-crowded standardised government classroom.
Ranging in ages from 7 to 16 they are absorbing information easily and finding learning can be fun as they are being taught in this unconventional, practical and experiential way,
Exposed to all kinds of activities inside and outside of the classroom and interacting with different people, all kinds of animals and the environment, these children are blossoming as they are being encouraged to believe that the sky is the limit...
Aug 11, 2019
The Knysna Seahorse
The endearing Knysna Seahorse is the only estuarine seahorse out of nearly 40 seahorse species worldwide and it can be found in only three estuaries along the Garden Route in South Africa.
They are the Keurbooms Estuary at Plettenberg Bay, the Knysna Estuary and the Swartvlei Estuary at Sedgefield. It is also the only seahorse listed in the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red Data List of Vulnerable Species.
Locals need to be made aware of how endangered this seahorse is and be conservation-minded with the activities they pursue in the vicinity of its' habitat.
It would help too if SANParks erected a Knysna Seahorse Information Board on the Island or had prohibited areas demarcated around their eelgrass habitat.
Aug 08, 2019
Meiringspoort Road Trip
The physical drive through Meiringspoort will take you on a historical journey breath-taking in its magnificence as you travel along a road that twists and bends through a narrow gorge for 18kms with the ancient weathered cliffs of the Cape Fold Mountains towering above you.
The gorge is named after Petrus Johannes Meiring who came to live in De Rust, a farming community on the north side of the Swartberg Mountains around 1820. On horseback, he and some friends regularly explored the area.
Eventually, in 1848, he discovered a “bridle path” through the base of this convoluted mountain range. Thereafter he campaigned vigorously for a road to be built through the "poort". A very rough basic road was completed in 1858 but it was frequently rendered impassable by flash floods as it followed the same route as the Groot River through the Swartburg Mountains..
Jun 15, 2019
The Nepaul Shipwreck
An old story with a few extra bits to it that I’ve wanted to put on my website for some time but couldn’t find any historical photos until Sheila Cooper-Collins kindly agreed to do some drawings to illustrate the dramatic event that took place at Swartvlei beach, close to the river mouth on the late afternoon of 11 February 1850.
For 3 days and nights, people watched anxiously from the shoreline, helpless in the face of strong winds and gigantic waves that ripped the lifeboats from the decks of 546-ton cargo ship, the Nepaul and tossed them in splinters on the beach.
Nobody on land knew how many people were on board the luckless ship that had come into the bay near Gerickes Point and been becalmed for 2 days...
Jun 15, 2019
Dr Anuska Viljoen
Local animal lovers are fortunate to have Dr Anuska Viljoen, a veterinary surgeon, who is highly qualified and experienced in a number of different modalities relating to both conventional and alternative veterinary practices living right here in Sedgefield.
After qualifying from Onderstepoort in 1993, she completed a 2-year post graduate Honours degree in Animal Medicine, Anaesthesiology and Clinical Pathology while working for a PDSA in Soweto.
After that, she spent 10 years overseas gaining a broad range of experience at different practices.
During that time she extended her knowledge by exploring the merits of homeopathy, homotoxicology, veterinary acupuncture, Chinese medicine and crystal healing among others.
She returned to South Africa in 2005 with a powerful arsenal of techniques equipping her to provide a fully integrated veterinary service for all animals presented to her care...
Jan 05, 2019
Sedgefield Coffee Shops
It's also time for me to update my list of Sedgefield Coffee Shops. There has always been a good number of them and generally everyone has their own favourite.
Ownership has changed significantly in the nearly 12 years we have lived in Sedgefield and in a few instances, the shop itself has moved to a different premises. However I think I'm current with all of these and if I'm not you can let me know...
Jan 04, 2019
Sedgefield Restaurants
Things are looking up in Sedgefield that is besides the popular Sedgeview paragliding site being open again in time for the December holidays, we have a number of really good restaurants to enjoy and that I am thrilled to create a page for on my website...
Whether its steak, pizza, fish, Mexican or vegetarian we now have a number of great choices without having to leave town. In fact one has to book ahead to be sure of getting a table if you really want to get in at your favourite restaurant.
Dec 29, 2018
Sedgefield Beaches
Glorious sunshine arrived in-sync with the December holidays and dished up perfect beach weather for our visitors to enjoy the sand and the sea.
The recently opened river mouth has also provided safe bathing with some fortuitous sand banks in the right places and wonderful opportunities to surge in and out with the tide along the estuary near the mouth which is exhilarating, good exercise and great fun!
Walking, picnicking, surfing, fishing, swimming -its all here - with our wonderful beaches being the space for families and friends to enjoy these rejuvenating activities.
Dec 03, 2018
Zanne's Small Art Studio
Zanne's December 2018 Art Exhibition
Zanne is a very talented Watercolour Artist now living in Sedgefield.
She has held a number of workshops at her "Small Art Studio" hosting other South African artists this year.
However, Remax have asked her to allow them to host a solo exhibition of her own work this week.
It will be worth attending as she will have a wide range of quality work available to look at and to purchase.
Sep 08, 2018
Travelling Tips
Whether you are leaving Sedgefield to visit family, friends or going on holiday...
Whether you're travelling by plane, train, bus, boat, car or caravan, or even backpacking...
Here are some valuable tips to help you make the most of your travelling experience.
Furthermore if you think something has been left out, you can add your own tip to the page.
Jul 04, 2018
Mark Dixon
While running his own "Garden Route Trail' business Mark Dixon has had the opportunity to conduct surveys for various interest groups and companies.
With a MSc qualification, many diverse interests in natural history, and a broad range of experience under his belt, Mark has the where-with-all to undertake scientific studies and achieve quantifiable outcomes.
Mark has carved out a niche for himself on the Garden Route while living a quality life on his terms imbuing it with a sense of freedom and purpose.
Jul 04, 2018
Tony Cox - Guitar Maestro
Tony Cox has dedicated his life to his passion, his musical instrument of choice, the guitar.
Exploring every genre he could, to extricate the best sounds he could, he has achieved acclaim as a unique artist with his instrument, winning fans from as far afield as the USA, Canada, UK and many countries in Africa.
It has earned him the coveted title of "Guitar Maestro" and won him international recognition as a performer, songwriter and recording artist.
He now lives in Sedgefield and we are pleased to welcome here.
Jun 17, 2018
Holidays in Sedgefield 1954 -1980's
In 1954 my grandparents, Gabriel & Lettie de Wet from Williston in the Northern Cape, bought a plot in Swallow Drive. They built a small cottage which
Apr 29, 2018
Garden Route Walking Festival
Over the Easter weekend the Garden Route Walking Festival gives visitors and locals alike, the opportunity to walk many wonderful trails along the length of the Garden Route with a knowledgeable guide.
From easy to strenuous, from beaches, to mountains, to forests and sometimes all of that in one walk, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Even if you are a walker, there's a good chance you'll find a walk you haven't done before. So, take the opportunity to put your hiking boots on and step out to explore the best of the Garden Route on foot...
Apr 15, 2018
Tootsie Tourist Train
The Tootsie Tourist Train that was introduced to the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe line in December 1983 could return to work once the railway line has been repaired.
Another of the old locomotives was jointly purchased by private investers, Ian Welch and Dylan Knott and refurbished at Voorbaai, Mossel Bay. This was completed in September 2016 and it has passed its steam and "roadworthy" test.
All that's needed now is for Classic Rail to get the go-ahead for its business plan from the Transnet governance structures so that it can be presented to the Minister of Public Enterprises for final approval.
