The holiday season appears to have been a bumper one, with holidaymakers seemingly crammed into every nook and cranny. They certainly make a difference to the town’s economy and provide an exciting vibe to the various ‘goings-on’. Although most have returned home by now, the town continues to be a hive of activity.
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RIP ‘Boutes’
Festive season celebrations were marred by the deaths of three much-loved present and former members of the Hibberdene community. Johannes ‘Boutes’ Botha (54) died just before Christmas – a death which stunned the community as it was so sudden and unexpected. ‘Boutes’ was an institution in the town and will be sadly missed – sympathy is extended to his mom Hannetjie and daughter Johné.
John succumbs
John Kirk (83) who died on December 23, was a familiar figure as he walked his beloved dogs, ‘Whisky’ initially and later ‘Lucy’, around town. He was a deeply religious man and would urge all and sundry to read a copy of a religious pamphlet which he brought out from time to time at his own expense. He had been admitted to Genesis Care Centre and died shortly afterwards.
Sincere condolences
Although she had been ill for some time, Maureen Schwegman’s death was extremely sad for many. She was a wonderful person, deeply involved as a Lion Lady and in the Methodist Church, and in fact, she and husband Colin were instrumental in helping establish Reinhardt’s Place in Pumula approximately 20 years ago. She is survived by Colin and two daughters in Pietermaritzburg, where she had moved to a few years ago.
Good luck
All successful matric candidates are warmly congratulated, and those who did not achieve the hoped-for results are urged not to give up, but to try again, depressing as it may seem.
Your scribe is sure the school news pages will have comprehensive results of star pupils, but all are wished well.
She is particularly proud of her granddaughter Shannon Coulson, a former pupil at Curro Bankeveld School in Witbank, who received four distinctions and will go on to study further. A big welcome is extended to newbies starting ‘big school’ and high school for the first time today, as well as to all staff members taking up new or first-time posts.
New school
Plans are very much in the pipeline to establish a Christian-based school, the Grace Academy, on the premises previously known as the Waffle House, adjoining The Top Shop. The school will cater for special needs children at the ‘intervention centre’ and will boast day care facilities for children aged from three months to four years. As it is envisaged to open the school this week, all interested persons are urged to contact Danie Malan at 079 6853951.
On the mend
The power failures endured last were a huge inconvenience to the Coulson family, as Steve’s injured ankle is attached to a ‘vacuum pump drain’ which is powered by electricity, and power only lasts approximately three hours per charge. So, Friday/Saturday’s power outage resulted in him having to make two forays (one at 2.30am!) in search of an emergency power supply, which fortunately, the Engen Garage provided. The ankle is eventually showing signs of healing and it is hoped that after another two weeks, the drain may be disposed of.
Happy occasions
Phyllis Michaelis turned 70 yesterday (Tuesday) and is wished a happy belated birthday. Sharing the day with her were Liz Arkley, Ambi Pillay, Brian Porteous and Lionel Goliath, while Fred Petzer-Moore (9th), Anita York (11th) and Estelle Quinn (14th) celebrate birthdays this week and Heather and Barry Jones an anniversary on the 9th.
Hopefully everyone enjoyed a restful and happy festive season, and is ready to face the new year with renewed vim and vigour. Don’t forget to keep Lizzie busy with all things Hibberdene.
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