On Monday, 26 August, the 2024 Sedgefield Melodrama cast held their final dress rehearsal in front of a ‘preview’ audience – folk from two old age facilities in the village, and the elderly ‘Forget-Me-Nots’ from Masithandane.
The response from these ‘senior’ members of our community was so overwhelmingly enthusiastic – screams of delight, thunderous applause, dancing in the aisles, not to mention non-stop raucous laughter – that they have set the tone for the six performances.
And judging by the reaction of audiences watching the four shows since, the fun, laughter and all-round entertainment continues to wow everyone who arrives to support this fantastic cause.
Because the annual Melodrama is definitely a win, win, WIN event:- It’s obvious that the close-knit cast and crew have a wonderful time putting on the show, the audiences that come back year after year, not only to buy tickets to watch the show but also to offer even more funds as they bid on their favourite number for an encore.
But the big WIN definitely goes to the local charities who benefit from the Melodrama.
Last year, no less than R185 750 was distributed to local needy causes identified by the show’s production team – and this all came from loads of locals having fun. Could there BE a better recipe?
At time of going to press there are only two show nights left, with the last (Friday night) being fully booked. If you are quick enough you may just secure tickets for a table on Thursday night.
You can book at ‘Pimp my Unicorn’, Amblewood Centre (old Forest Lodge) in Sedgefield, or online via their website at www.sedgefieldmelodrama.co.za
On Monday 19 August the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Knysna tabled a motion to dissolve the Knysna Municipal Council. Should this receive a majority vote when it is brought to council, it will mean fresh local elections will be held in the municipality.
We are overjoyed that Knysna has been announced as the 2024 KFM Best Dorpie, clinching the title for the third year running. This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, visitors and KFM voters.
A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your collective love and passion for our beautiful town. Our very real sense of community spirit is what makes us unique and brings us together. Knysna is only as special as it is because of its people. This win for Knysna is a victory for us all.
Congratulations to all our local finalists in their respective categories. You have represented Knysna with pride and excellence. Together, we continue to showcase the best of what our town and its people have to offer.
Our journey is guided by our core values – #inclusive, #innovative, #inspired. Let’s keep moving forward together as we celebrate Knysna, the 2024 KFM Best Dorpie Winner.
Picture: Members of the Petro SA running club from Mossel Bay traditionally turn out in big numbers to run the Tortoise Tuff. And as can be seen in this photo taken by Emma Rorke they thoroughly enjoy entering into the spirit of the day.
This Saturday will see Sedgefield’s streets bustling with hundreds upon hundreds of runners and race-walkers as Sedgefield Striders host the 25th edition of the Tortoise Tuff. Indeed local drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are being asked to give athletes (and even the not-so-athletic) right of way for just this one special day of the year.
This annual event has traditionally brought athletes and their families and friends bustling into Sedgefield from the Western and Eastern Cape and often further afield, to tackle one of the Tuff courses and experience the ever-popular Sedgefield community spirit.
The original Tortoise Tuff was a 30km event created just for race-walkers, with only twelve people embarking on the first journey. Since then it has grown into a must-do on the running calendar, being the perfect run to test readiness for the Two Oceans Ultra in Cape Town.
This year, as the race had to be postponed from its usual March slot, the race organisers opted to take the Tuff distance down to the popular half-marathon length of 21.1km. Setting off from the NG Church grounds on Swallow Drive, the course includes the flat roads of the Island and then more than a few steep hills and vales as it navigates the Cola Myoli circuit, before going over ‘Spook Hill’ (you will have to ask a runner to explain), through the village and back to the start. There is also a mostly flat 10km race and a 3km fun run.
Though the online entries closed on 5 August, one may still take out a late entry at the NG Church from 5-7pm on Friday 9 August where race registration will be taking place.
The 21.1km Run/Walk will start adjacent to the Church grounds at 07h00, whilst the 10km Run/Walk sets off at 07.15 and the Fun Run at 08h00. Please do come along to take part, or even offer the athletes a warm Sedgefield cheer!
The Striders Club’s grateful thanks go to the sponsors Sedgefield Pick n Pay, Engen/Wimpy and Igmi as well as all other businesses that have given support in any way.
In a time where smiles are few and far between, it was wonderful to see the happy faces at the Masithandane ‘Free on a Tree’ day, held on Saturday 25 May at the village green.
The concept is simple. The popular local charity has an annual collection of winter clothes – mostly jackets and jerseys – which are all donated by kind individuals and businesses in the area.
Then, as Free on a Tree day dawns, there is a flurry of activity on the green as the Masithandane team hangs everything up ‘boutique-style’.
Once this beautiful open-air store is ready, the day is declared officially open and anyone who wants something warm to wear may come along, browse for the best fit, and choose …. for free!
Such was the generosity this year that an estimated 23 black bags / boxes of jackets and jerseys were donated leading up to Saturday, then more dropped off on the day by the Sedgefield Meerkats and Cubs.
Over 100 people came along to ‘shop’, and though the rules were one item per person, a ‘second round’ was declared so people could take another item for someone at home. Many of the jackets were donated by Tony and Candice of SAMS 2nd Hand in Knysna, whilst many others were dropped off at the EDGE, Deo Gratia and Masithandane by churches and members of the public. There was also a fantastic donation of blankets from Sedgefield Lions, and some lovely knitted beanies from a generous lady.
Thank you everyone!