Margate Moves: Celebrate the Scottish bard’s birthday

SCOTLAND is probably best known for its vibrant, traditional music and its `water of life’. Therefore the Scots are always up for a celebration to indulge in those two pastimes. They also love the poems of Robert `Rabbie’ Burns. The South Coast Caledonian Society will hold a Burns Lunch at Cafe Munro at Margate Retirement Village on April 7 at 12.30pm to celebrate the Scottish bard’s birthday.

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Although that was on January 25, the Scots are an accommodating lot and in principle, they can hold their celebrations at any time – this enables them to attend more than one Burns Nicht (or lunch). At such events the guests are piped in – so is the traditional haggis and there are many toasts to the lads and lassies and those wonderful poems such as Auld Lang Syne and an Ode to a Mouse are read.

Margate Pipes and Drums will entertain and Jurgen Human will provide a few Celtic airs on his penny whistle. Tickets for this splendid occasion cost R110 and are available from the Elna Shop at the Shelly Centre. Be advised to get yours early.

AGM time

The Ramsgate Conservancy will hold its annual general meeting next week. The venue is the Environmental Centre at the Whale Deck in Ramsgate and the date to diarise Thursday (21st) at 4.45pm for 5pm. Both the chairman and the treasurer will present their annual reports and new office bearers will be elected.

The AGM will be followed by the Moondeckers evening.

Just bin it

Everyone is encouraged to join the Big Beach Clean Up. Hosted by the Ramsgate Lions Club, the litter-busting drive starts in Finnis Road (opposite St Margaret’s Anglican Church) and ends at Ramsgate’s main beach, next Saturday (23rd) from 7.30am. Transport can be arranged from Ramsgate to the start of the pickup. For more information contact Lion Caryn at 083 4457116.

Street party

With coastal schools closing this Friday (15th) it’s time for night shopping and fun at the regular holiday season Mardi Gras evenings.

The first street party in Marine Drive, Margate takes place next Wednesday (20th) from 6pm.

Hosted by the Margate Business Association, the Mardi Gras offers a variety of stalls sells interesting wares and great street food.

Free jabs

It is time to get your pets vaccinated against rabies. Free inoculations begin next week and owners are urged to take their pets for their jabs. There will be a clinic at the Impenjati Town Board offices (Southbroom) on Friday, March 22 from 1.30pm to 2pm. The next stop is Ramsgate beach parking on Monday, March 25, from 8.30m to midday and at the Mzimela Centre in Margate Extension Three from 1pm to 2.30pm. The following day (26th) the venue is the Hibiscus Mall from 8.30am to 12pm and at New Life Ministries Church in Margate from 1pm to 3pm.

Master class

Artists’ Gallery in Marine Drive, Ramsgate is delighted to announce that portrait master, Rob Wareing, will host the next Art Demo. Artists and lovers of art are invited to the gallery next Saturday (23rd) from 9am to noon to watch this inspirational artist at work. Rob will be doing a live pastel portrait. The cost is R100 which includes tea/coffee and a slice of something delectable.

For more details and to book phone 082 4959810.

Musical treat

George Gershwin and his brother Ira were two of the greatest songwriters of the early 20th century. Lovers of good music are in for a special treat at Margate Retirement Village when one of the country’s best pianists, Christopher Duigan will perform. The show, `Christopher plays Gershwin’ which will be staged at the Azalea Hall next Saturday (23rd) will comprise the wonderful music made famous by George. Doors open at 6pm and concert (theatre-style seating) starts at 7pm. Tickets at R85 per person are on sale from the RAC or admin offices.

Magical movie

Film fans are invited to the next classic movie at the village. This month’s offering is the `Student Prince’ starring Mario Lanza and Norma Giusti.

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Get to the Ronnie Baker Hall this Sunday (17th). The film starts at 2.30pm and tea, coffee and biscuits will be served during the intermission. Cost is R5 per person.

Time to rock

Two great musos will entertain at Ramsgate’s iconic music venue Rocky Ridge this weekend.

First up is Doc MacLean who will be on stage this Friday (15th) from 8pm.

Entry R50 and the venue opens at 6pm.

Rowan Stuart entertains on Sunday (17th). Cost is R50 – venue opens at midday and Rowan performs from 2pm.

Something classical

The next Classics at Riverbend takes place on Friday, April 5. Tickets at R120 per person (which includes a free wine tasting) are on sale from the souvenir shop at Riverbend Crocodile Farm. The concert at the conference centre will include works by Mozart and Bach. The wine tasting starts a 5.45pm and the concert begins at 6.30pm.

Fun day

There will be a Bo yoga fun day at 1388 View Road in Ramsgate next Saturday (23rd) from 8.30am to 2pm. Organic food, crystal jewellery and original crafts will also be on offer. For more information contact Cassie at 083 2264579.

Congratulations

Legendary surfer, Ant Brodowicz of Ramsgate, has become a granddad for the second time. His newest `grommet’ Jude Fitzpatrick arrived a week ago – baby brother to Charlie.

Condolences

Deepest sympathy is extended to Tish Willett and family on the recent death of her husband Keith. The family has farmed in the Bushyvales area for many years.

Good wishes

Celebrating birthdays this week are Cath Boylan (13th), Lood Boshoff, Kyla Neaves and Chantelle Maree (15th), twins Josh and James Fourie, Stephen Porteous, Grant Hooper, Marke Meyer, Jeanne Cioffi and Karen Tack (16th), Yvonne Booysen, Krissie Banzon, Dean Kelly, Clayton Curnow, Travis Vetter, Brigham Smith, Calli Allen and Ken Orsmond (17th), Juan Pretorius, Paul Reid-Robertson, Ravella Lambert, D’Rene Hazell, Dale Nathanson, David Holt-Biddle, Dave Watson and Amile Jili (18th), Mandy Tripepi, Gail Doveton and Karsten Lootens (19th) and Precious Jili, Tarryn Krisch, Gary Hazell and Mari Webster (20th).

Happy anniversary wishes go to Eloise and Louis Boshoff (12th), Sarah and Mark van Heerden (13th), Lara and Darrin Boucher and Cath and Ben Boylan (14th), Sean and Ravella Lambert (15th), Peter and Cecilia Snyman (16th), Jochen and Neranze Duffner (17th) and Leigh and Rob Barnsley (19th).

It is St Patrick’s Day this Sunday (17th) – don’t forget to wear green. 

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