At the Old Harbour Barber (OHB) in Hermanus, customer experience is the number one priority. From the moment you walk in the door to when you leave, the OHB team makes sure that it is a visit you will remember.

Owned by local Luan van Niekerk and his business partner in Potchefstroom, Jaaco Strydom, OHB opened on 1 March 2024. While the two are not in the shop on a permanent basis, OHB patrons are welcomed by skilled barbers Jurgen Marthinus and Enoch Mzukwa, who ensure that clients leave feeling confident.

As with all good stories, the idea was born when Luan, his wife Cassandra, and Jaaco sat next to a braai discussing how to broaden their portfolio when the idea arose of bringing a high end luxury barber shop to Hermanus. They enquired about the rental space and within a week the wheels were in motion. The result of their efforts is a welcoming, contemporary and comfortable space for patrons of all ages.

The duo have gone to great lengths to give their patrons the ultimate experience, purchasing only quality equipment, such as the Wahl Five Star Series, and exclusively using American Crew hair and beard products, which are also available to purchase at OHB.

The barber chairs, waiting room chairs, and even the chair for the wash basin, have been chosen not only for style but most importantly for comfort, with the latter able to give massages while one’s hair is being shampooed. A washer and dryer in-house means that towels are cleaned and dried after each use, and a towel warmer keeps them at the perfect temperature for hot towel shaves.

Also of big importance to Luan and Jaaco is their dedication to cleanliness and hygiene, which sets them apart from the rest. Each day, their equipment undergoes UV sterilisation to ensure a pristine environment for every patron. Plus, they guarantee that a fresh razor blade is used for each individual cut, ensuring a hygienic experience.

OHB offers a variety of services including haircuts, fades, beard trims and shaves, as well as nose and ear waxing. Each patron is welcomed by a complimentary drink of König coffee, an Old Harbour Lager, or a soft drink or water from the fridge, and a small snack station is available for those feeling peckish.

While you are enjoying your drink and waiting for your turn in the barber chair, you are welcome to connect to OHB’s wifi to get some work done. There are charging points at each station for your cellphone if you need it (chargers are available for all makes and models), and a TV in the shop also displays live sports throughout the day.

Luan and Jaaco believe in supporting local and have incorporated a local loyalty system, to be introduced in the next quarter, which people living in the Overberg will be able to benefit from. They also have a Senior’s Day on Mondays where patrons over 60 get 40% off.

OHB is located next to De Jagers on the Main Road in the Hermanus CBD. They are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 – 17:00, and Saturday and public holidays from 08:00 – 14:00. For bookings or queries WhatsApp 072 851 5978. Walk-ins are welcome. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.

David Alston discovered his love for writing in matric when his English class was tasked with composing a humorous essay. Unwisely, he plagiarised a piece by American author James Thurber. Fortunately, his teacher did not recognise it, and found it so entertaining that she read it out loud to the entire class.

“It was the first and last time that I plagiarised a piece of writing,” laughs David. “I was deeply embarrassed, although I was not caught. It taught me to at least try and be original in my scribblings!”

Last year, at the age of 87, David published his first book titled Travels, Trails & Tribulations – an Octogenarian’s Odyssey, which is a collection of short stories based on his own experiences. The jacket of the book describes it as the “cream of the crop of David’s travels in various parts of the globe, the trails undertaken by a group of over-seventies who should have known better and some lighthearted pieces which fall under the category of ‘you can’t make this stuff up’”.

David matriculated in 1953, taking a gap to travel before going on to study law at the University of Cape Town in 1959. It was during that time, in between high school and university, that he met his wife of 60 years, Ann. 

Studying law allowed David to dabble in his interest in writing, thanks to the many assignments they had to do, but he soon realised that the only interest he had in the field of law was the opportunity to say “take him down!” to a guilty individual, which unfortunately never arose.

David completed his studies and forsook the legal profession for an 18-month sabbatical in London. Returning to South Africa in 1963, he married Ann and then went on to get a job at Anglo-American in Johannesburg. The young couple left Cape Town and David spent the next ten years with the company in the insurance and secretarial departments, followed by eight years at the Association of Building Societies as Managing Director, and finally a further eight years with the Insurance Brokers Association as the Executive Director.

In each of his positions, David drew the most enjoyment from the writing of annual reports and other required documents, as well as the travel opportunities which arose, that allowed David and Ann to explore parts of the world in between business conferences, and this further encouraged his love for writing.

In 1988, David left the world of business, deciding to start a monthly finance magazine with Ann called COVER. He contacted the printers who used to print the annual reports from his previous job, and after careful planning and many hours of hard work, released the first edition.

David did most of the writing as well as the editing for COVER, with Ann heading marketing and sales, and responsible for the task of selling adverts for the magazine. Any cartoons required for COVER were outsourced to Dennis Havinga. After three or four years, the magazine really took off with the team growing to include an assistant editor, an administrator and receptionist.

In 2006, David and Ann sold the magazine and prepared to settle into retirement. This allowed David to freelance as a journalist, editing and proofreading for various NGOs, and to spend more time focusing on his passions for jazz and steam trains. Retirement also meant that David and Ann had more time to travel, and the couple spent many years exploring South Africa and beyond.

That same year, David heard of an old schoolmate Doug, who had gone on to publish his own book based on his experiences on a boat with his young family. This sparked an idea in David, who reached out to Doug to find out more about how he had gone about publishing his book. Doug recommended that David talk to the publisher who had helped him, and little by little, the idea of writing a book of his own grew.

From 2006 to 2023, David spent time compiling stories, combing through his years of travel and life experiences, carefully writing and rewriting each piece until he was happy. “My wife, Ann, then went through each story to make them more ‘readable’,” says David. Each completed chapter was then either paired with photos of where they had travelled or, if it was one of David’s more amusing stories, sent to Dennis to create a cartoon to “enhance the funnies”. 

David and Ann made the move to Hermanus in 2022 where they have settled down and are enjoying all the beautiful walks and trails that the Overstrand has to offer. David says that while steam trains are now hard to find, he and his wife still enjoy jazz and keep an eye out for any local music events.

Travels, Trails & Tribulations – an Octogenarian’s Odyssey is available from The Book Cottage in High Street, Hermanus, or directly from David. Please contact him at alston@global.co.za.

Bodyboarding team announced 

The Cape Winelands Bodyboarding (CWB) team was announced recently, with many of the bodyboarders coming from the Overstrand.

The CWB team will compete at the National South African Championships in Port Alfred from 23 to 28 September 2024.

• Pro Division: Marc Webster, Luke Staniforth, Teegan Coulonval, Jamie Bischoff and Victor Holloway.

• Junior Division: Liam Profitt, Pieter Malan, Gaspard Camille, Luca Potgieter, Tony Martins and Henre du Plessis.

• Boys Division: Thomas Hen and Sebastian Mostert.

• Mens Division: Roland Jack and Werner Joubeert.

• Masters Division: Hugo Lambrechts and Pieter Janse van Rensburg.

• Ladies Division: Lezandre Joubert.

• Dropknee Division: Liam Profitt.

• Grand Masters Division: Riaan du Preez.

• Development Division: Caleb Esterhuizen, Eduart Kleinloog, Leah Esterhuizen and Zian Jansen van Rensburg.

Each team member is responsible for raising their own fund to get to the championships in September. If you would like help by becoming a sponsor or making a donation, please contact CWB chairperson, Jacques, on 074 129 1975 or jkleinloog1@gmail.com. For more information and updates follow Cape Winelands Bodyboarding on Facebook. 

The case of Baroness von Munchen 

Romantiques recently hosted their second Murder Mystery where guests were required to solve the fictional murder of Baroness van Munchen. The theme for the evening was ‘Romantiques Abbey’ and participants came dressed to suit the part.

On arrival, guests were welcomed with a variety of canapés and wine, and given an opportunity to meet and mingle with each other before Romantiques owner, James Ludick (looking dashing in his top hat and tails), called everyone into the theatre to provide the dialogue for the murder.

James gave each guest an envelope containing information about their respective characters, including statements to be made and other characters to talk to. Each guest was also privately assigned their own objective within the game and this resulted in much bribing, double-crossing and fits of laughter.

While some guests were initially a little reserved about getting into character, it wasn’t long before the rooms at Romantiques were occupied with people engaged in secret conversations. They exchanged information, clues, and suspicions as they attempted to uncover the identity of the murderer. 

At the end of the evening, guests were separated into teams and had to write down their opinion as to who the murderer was. Teams also voted for “Best Dressed Character’ and ‘Best Actor’.

Whether you are 18 or 80, the murder mystery party is a fun and entertaining way to spend a winter’s evening and should definitely be added to your bucket list. Jol Emporium has a fantastic selection of outfits to rent for any dress-up occasion. Visit them at 1 Long Street, Hermanus.

For more information or to book for the next murder mystery contact James on 079 682 2887.

Rugby boys chosen for Boland 

Congratulations to three boys from Hermanus High School who have been selected for the following Boland teams: Gideon Scheepers (Academy Week Boland U18), Joshua Arnoldus (Grant Khomo Boland U16), and Liam Prodehl (Grant Khomo Boland U16).

We wish you the best of luck for the season ahead.

By Barbara Lindop

Intethe Gallery

Hermanus, the ever growing ‘village’, keeps hidden surprises for the curious, and thanks to the little nooks and crannies that still do exist, the explorer will never be disappointed. High Street, converted during that mysterious time of Covid into a pedestrian welcoming stroll, presents with many unexpected treats. 

In the middle of High Street, one finds an original old fisherman’s cottage, painted in cerulean blue, its decorative cornices enhanced in white. Lured by the gaiety of this façade, the inquisitive will not be disappointed as one is enticed into a glassed portico where splashes of colour painted onto a variety of canvases, decorate the walls, inviting both examination and introspection. 

If not already seduced, a bright yellow door centres the room with a large unforgiving sign “PRIVATE”. If one is lucky enough to be invited over this threshold, one enters a space of mysterious and magical creativity. It is here that the magician blends and weaves spells of beauty, thought-provoking images embracing light, colour, delight, contemplation, experimentation and consideration. The resident magician is a sprightly octogenarian, Jenny Jackson, softly spoken, elegant and engaging and it is she who crafts this wizardry behind her closed yellow door! However, she is not alone. As one may expect, she has an assistant. 

Her silent, not overly social companion, the feline Elsa, is her trustworthy aide and most loyal admirer. Elsa’s infinite patience and ongoing tolerance enable Jenny to impose modelling duties on her cat, who will sit uncomplainingly for as long as is needed, for colour, form, composition and enchantment to be concocted by Jenny. No wonder the result is magical. 

Artist Jenny Jackson is entirely self- taught, having launched herself into her painting career in her mid-60’s. Born in Suffolk, UK, and beginning this new vocation mid-life, she suffered (as no doubt most artists do) with a sense of insecurity and lack of self-confidence. However, her burning energy persisted and early on in her career, she left a few paintings in the window of a small shop in Woodbridge, a little town in east Suffolk. There, her first sale materialised, giving her that much needed boost of self- confidence and determination to persist.

Life circumstances persuaded Jenny to emigrate to South Africa where she chose Stanford as her new home. Persuaded initially by her son’s enthusiasm, she chose to settle by buying what she describes as the "ugliest" house in the town, situated however on the river. Whilst converting the house, she entered an art competition held in the Stanford Hotel. A prize for the ‘most interesting artwork’ was awarded to Jenny and so the foundations for her creative potions were settled. An advertisement in the local paper, advertising a house for sale in Hermanus appeared, and destiny calling, Jenny moved to live in Hermanus where she began to seriously focus on her artistic career.

Both Jenny’s children are hugely supportive and encouraging of their mother’s creativity, proffering their ideas and advice long distance and, unlike Elsa, the mystery cat, are outspoken but constructive with their criticism.

Jenny's wand would appear to the ordinary layman as a palette knife. It is the only instrument she uses to apply her oil paints to her canvas. On examination of the effects this magical instrument creates, a rich textural feeling emanates from the delicately applied layers of colour. 

Jenny retains two exquisite portraits she made of her ‘muse’: the first, a beautiful, young woman black-haired with a porcelain skin, marine blue eyes encircled in thick dark lashes, quietly gazing into a faraway distance with a soft suggested smile implying a certain peace and contentment. An island of serenity, encircled by a background of soft blues, aquamarine and grey embraces not only the sitter, but also invites the viewer into the expanding waves emerging from the tangible calm.

A second portrait reveals a slightly uncertain mood, leaving the observer to probe and question the suggested message. A sparkling sky of yellow stars and blue flowers embraces the vulnerability of the delicate young woman’s form, dressed in a patterned floral gown of crimson reds and orange. The marine blue eyes are now downcast, and the mouth pensive, the porcelain skin and long neck protected by the curtain of her shining hair. A thoughtful sadness emanates reminding one of recognisable moments in one’s own personal life, and this, the self-identification, creates the unspoken understanding and bond. 

All artists need a gallerist to promote their production and Jenny picked her preferred source long before the love affair was mutual. However inherent talent and persistence pays off, and she proudly recounts how after three patient years, when the seduction finally proved successful, three paintings were placed in the gallery and within half an hour of their arrival, the first sold. As magic enables, the spell was powerful, and with it, success guaranteed.

Jenny’s cat paintings emerged from her own discomfort, when thrown forwards unexpectedly in a plane landing, she suffered a shoulder injury, and the ongoing pain such an injury implies. Elsa, the comfort cat, is forever venerated, crouched, possibly impatiently, on the floor, set against a bright yellow background. She stares, unblinking, through a haze of colour reflection, her tail centre stage, its point lined towards the unforgiving eyes, suggesting an understanding of what pain can inflict. 

As in all stories, there is always a twist, and here it is necessary to introduce Titch, a half Siamese, and Jenny’s former companion, whose influence on Jenny is recorded in an enchanting composition of a suggested self-portrait of Artist and Cat. A sky-blue background, a flowery blue butterfly and palette knife fly over the profile of a curious cat looking at his mistress, swathed in a floral headscarf. A vase of flowers, a bottle of wine and a bowl of pineapple and lemons sets a scene of lyricism and peaceable existence. 

This portrait summarises the creative gift and life that Jenny has harnessed, mastered and in so doing, triumphed. She has built, from her own personal life crises, a fountain of enchantment and delight. Her paintings have given many of her devoted followers enrichment and ongoing pleasure. It is highly recommended for those who wish to learn more, to stop on their meanderings along High Street and take some time to discover the magic that awaits.