THIS BLOM IS BLOSSOMING BIG TIME

Mention Nedine Blom to a teenager - then close your ears as the shriek is likely to reach 180 decibels and climbing.

This bundle of energy (geen wonder want sy sê “Ek is stapelgek oor Baklava en biltong”)gave generously of her talents to perform in front of 300 primary school children and about 100 adults on Wednesday 24 March in St Helena Bay. I say generously because she reduced the costs substantially, making it possible for those who otherwise would not have been able to attend to do so. The concert was the brainchild of neighbour James de Jager and I was the lucky one to host her and husband/manager Bertie’s stay.

And her pure voice brought the house down. The rafters rang as she sang songs from her hit CD Super Cool vir Jesus which she is planning to turn into a musical hit. That Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn’t discovered her yet is to his disadvantage.

Tonight she’s performing at the Langebaan Lagoonfees and those lucky enough to attend are going to have a right royal time of seeing Nedine on stage.

Oh yes, no trouble to Bertie, he quickly burnt a CD of her repertoire of songs in between breakfast courses and which they presented to me by way of thanks for their two-night stay at Dolphin B&B+S/C. Now who’s the lucky one?

WORKING THE MADIBA MAGIC

Twenty years on and South Africa – nay, the world – celebrated Madiba's release from prison on 11 February 1990.

Julie Murphy, who with husband Malcolm stayed at Dolphin B&B+S/C last year (see my blog posted 20/09/09), has emailed me to tell me that she’s promoting the "Nelson Mandela Bangle" project from her home in the USA. She is also hoping to extend her reach into Canada. The 46664 (prisoner number 466, imprisoned ’64) bangle project is the initiative of Robert Coutts and has the approval of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Its aim is to create jobs in South Africa and raise funds for HIV/AIDS awareness

Writes Julie, “What’s inspiring to me is that the bangles are made by those affected by the virus and Rob specifically chose to keep it local instead of outsourcing the packaging which is also made in South Africa. Money raised supports the Campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which has provided funds to several charities and HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives, like Khululeka, a play performed at schools to educate children about prevention of the virus. When people wear the 46664 Bangle, they wear the embrace of Nelson Mandela and echo his message of social responsibility. (Pic shows digital imprint of Madiba’s hand.)

“Some of the monies raised is channelled back into creating jobs and building skills and in fact each bangle has a unique serial number, which can be registered online, from which people can see what project their bangle purchase supports.

“I’ve known Rob since the 1990s and when he approached me to become part of the project in 2008, I jumped at the idea. After all, it's a link to and has a positive impact in South Africa. My challenge is to drive awareness in the States of Madiba the man and his legacy.”

With the soccer world cup imminent, Invictus doing the rounds of cinemas worldwide (pic of Julie sporting her 46664 t-shirt at the opening night) and the 20th anniversary news articles of Madiba’s release from prison, focus is once again centred on South Africa which all goes towards promoting the campaign.

“Without a budget it becomes a constant challenge to promote the bangle and encourage people to buy it,” says Julie. “There's a fan page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-46664-Bangle/195529711978 which helps spread the word but, to keep the project going, we really need people to BUY THE BANGLES.” Some of the Montblanc stores stock the silver/gold/plat bangles, but many more retailers are needed and Julie’s aim is to get a large retailer like Starbucks to stock the copper bangle and a smaller jewellery chain to carry the other bangles around the country.

Take a look at some of the videos at various pages on the website www.theBangle.com They're short (max 3 mins each) and give a good indication of the project’s vision. Through this Blog I am hoping to spread the word to the international visitors who might like a little souvenir of SA, which they can buy online at http://www.theBangle.com/buybangle.html . “And,” says Julie, we ship worldwide from the States.”

CELEBRATING AT THE SEA

Married on my birthday (24 September) two years ago, Martin and Carike celebrated their second Valentine’s Day together as husband and wife with me yesterday.

The weather played its part and they were able to enjoy their breakfast while overlooking the bay – but sadly no dolphins. She writes, “Martin and I love spending time at the beach andyour B & B was just perfect for Valentine's Day.” I, on the other hand, think it’s perfect every day of the year but then I’m biased.

Their marriage ceremony was conducted on the helipad at Granger Bay and what an interesting wedding day they had – as you will see from the photo, from rain to rainbows and then and a lovely sunset.

http://www.dolphinza.com/

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS KING

… or in my case, queen. That’s how the team at www.have2have.co.za made me feel. This online shopping site is geared to find potential buyers anything their hearts desire – from thermal underwear suitable for scaling Everest to, in my case, an immersion heater, international double adaptor, a 160 GB photo storer - about which my respect for them soared. In trying to fit the battery lid in position, I broke the ‘tits’ off. No problemsch … there in the post came a replacement cover at no charge whatsoever (and I mean postage paid for to boot). Super service. (Now I must just learn to use the darned thing!)

THAT LADY IN RED IS NOW IN THE PINK!

Wrote up about the Corné and Eurika’s stay here in 2006 and their wedding day in July last year. They were in the area over the festive season and popped into bring me up to speed with their lives and to introduce me to Eurika’s daughter, Amoré whom I am told got top marks in school excelling in maths. Reward comes in the form of a trip to Disney World, Florida next December so that they can also take in a bit of skiing in the Utah Mountains. Way to go, guys!

PEREFECT BLISS

Marvin and Nirvana (look it up, you'll see I'm right) (she's a neurosurgeon and he's a pathologist), took time off to experience and explore Britannia Bay for two nights. Now, it’s not always simple to meet guests’ needs, especially when it comes to the availability of rock lobster, but on this occasion Lady Luck smiled on them and they were able to enjoy the fruits of the West Coast in the privacy of the main en suite, a bottle of Rosé being an appropriate accompaniment.

I’ve said it ad nauseum, but this planet is w-a-y too tiny. During our farewells this morning, Nirvana mentioned that her parents lived in Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State and something made me ask whether her Dad perhaps ran a restaurant. You see, on holiday back in 2007 a friend and I took shelter there during a cloudburst and – yes, you’ve guessed it! – where did we dine that night? At Dad’s eaterie. I remember it well; he was a most convivial host and chatted to us at length about their lives in this small but thriving town.

THIS ONE'S A NEAT STORY

I’ve been telling you just how many weddings we’ve had in St Helena Bay. Seems like the town’s becoming marriage destination big time.

Next was the son of Charlene Neat who, with life partner Alf Close, were my guests for the weekend. Byron and Marlene married at Sea Trader on 14 November in a poignant ceremony conducted by the father of Byron’s late girlfriend, which says a great deal about the character of this fine young man and his new bride. I love it when sad occurrences turn belly-up into happy endings such as this.

Here’s Byron with the two women in his life: Marlene, his new wife and his mom, Charlene.