Weekly diary | Weeklikse dagboek

THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER

Strand: It’s Pensioners’ Day at SUNSET BOOKS in Beach Road and a double dose of community activities awaits! Join the weekly knitting and crochet circle from 13:30 to 14:30 to create squares for blankets and prostheses for breast-cancer survivors, with all materials provided. Then stay for the monthly History of The Strand session from 14:30 to 15:30, which explores old photos and excerpts from Danie Pienaar’s book, discovers tales about Strand’s architecture and people. Entry is free, but the book session is limited to 30 seats. RSVP on 068 385 2563.

FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER

Strand: SUNSET BOOKS hosts a Mom’s Biz Network event for mom entrepreneurs from 10:00 to 12:30. The event includes a goodie bag, light refreshments, lucky draws and a chance to introduce yourself and your business. Entry R250. RSVP to Udine on 078 801 8218.

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER

Strand: Catch talented students, professional artists and teachers in an unforgettable live performance in the end-of-year talent showcase by Allegro Music & Recording Studio. The family-friendly production, features two shows on at THE DRAMA FACTORY at 13:30 and 18:00. Tickets cost R150 per person and can be booked via Quicket. The theatre venue is located at 10 Comprop Square, Henry Vos Close, Alsa Park.

Somerset West: The COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET at Southey’s Vines in Main Road returns from 09:00 to 14:00, celebrating 42 years of bringing the very best handcrafts of exceptional quality to the Helderberg. From humble beginnings in November 1983, the family-friendly market has grown to what it is today, still maintaining the same standard of craftmanship mandated from the start. It attracts a diverse mix of crafters – some developing their skills into thriving businesses, others continuing well into retirement, still passionate about creating and sharing their handmade treasures with appreciative market visitors. Regular newcomers keep the atmosphere fresh and vibrant. The market will take place until Saturday 20 December. Well-behaved pooches on leashes are welcome and there is plenty of safe parking. For more information contact Lesley on 083 590 9197 or [email protected].

Stellenbosch: Die jaarlikse DUITSE KERSMARK vind van 09:00 tot 13:00 by Hofmeyrstraat 26 plaas, met gratis toegang vir alle besoekers. Hierdie unieke geleentheid bied Kersinkopies met ‘n ware Europese inslag, waar besoekers handgemaakte Kersversierings en adventskranse, geskenkartikels, sowel as heerlike Duitse lekkernye soos Bratwurst en aartappelslaai, Kersgebak en ander tradisionele geregte kan geniet. Die mark word aangebied deur die Evangelies-Lutherse Gemeente Stellenbosch–Somerset-Wes en belowe ‘n feestelike atmosfeer. Stuur ‘n e-pos na [email protected] of skakel 021 887 5030 vir meer inligting. Besoek ook www.lutheranstellenbosch.co.za.

Stellenbosch: The first STELLENBOSCH MOM’S BIZ NETWORK CHRISTMAS MARKET will be held at Aunty Sophie se Kombuis in Noordwal Street from 09:00 to 14:00. It offers a festive opportunity to support local female entrepreneurs while finding unique Christmas gifts. The market is hosted by the Mom’s Biz Network, which has grown from eight founding members in 2022 to 1 800 members across eight provincial chapters. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, jewellery, artwork, pantry goods, sweet treats, body products, baby clothing, thrift treasures and books from local creators, while enjoying family-friendly activities, including a children’s play area, face-painting and 15-minute Ensofic Reiki relaxation sessions. The event celebrates creativity, community spirit and the entrepreneurial achievements of local businesswomen, encouraging families to spend a day discovering hidden gems while supporting the season of giving.

MAANDAG 1 DESEMBER

Strand: Die Storie-tannie kuier elke Maandag om 11:30 en 14:00 by SUNSET BOOKS. Kom luister na ‘n storie en kleur ‘n prentjie in.

Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS, of Christians Against Drugs (Cad), nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het na hul byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Strand Moedergemeente, op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Bel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972 vir nog inligting of navrae.

TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER

Somerset West: The PLAYHOUSE THEATRE’S end-of-year production of Scrooge brings Charles Dickens’ classic to life from today (Tuesday 2 December) until Tuesday 16 December with a joyous pantomime adaptation by Darryl Spijkers and Matt Kingwell. The 16-show run features a 50-strong cast of local performers, starring Jarred Pitout as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Kelly Holmes (Ethel Crachit), Tristan Slater (Bob Crachit) and Travis Pitout (Marley). Young performers Emma Montgomery and Lumay Jansen van Vuuren shine as Tiny Tim and Kathy Krachit.True to pantomime tradition, audiences can expect sing-alongs, “he’s behind you” moments, and plenty of “oh yes, it is” fun, plus a resident dame character. The production features foot-tapping dance numbers from hit musicals, including MJ, Back to the Future, Cabaret, and Mary Poppins, choreographed by award-winning Sumé Lotter. Spijkers brings more than 20 years of Playhouse experience to this large-scale production, complete with beautiful costumes and staging that immerses audiences in festive panto-land filled with disco dancers, snowflakes, time machines and ghosts. The production is family-friendly, for all ages from six years old. A special sensory and relaxed performance takes place on 16 December. Bookings can be secured online through Webtickets. The first show will be staged at the local theatre venue at 19:30. Ticket price range from R120 to R160.

SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER

Somerset West: ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Andries Pretorius Street holds a book sale from 09:00 to 12:00. It will feature an extensive selection of quality books alongside offerings such as delicious refreshments, unique Christmas décor, manicure services, car-wash facilities and much more. All proceeds go towards the church’s Christmas feeding scheme which continues into January, when families face financial difficulties. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy freshly-brewed tea or coffee along with a selection of treats. Card-payment facilities are available. To donate books to the sale, call Carole on 084 299 9023.

Somerset West: Preschool ACVV TINKTINKIE holds a community Christmas Flea Market at 8 Dummer Street. For more details on the market, phone 081 579 0458.

Strand: Die Strand Leesfees, ‘n volledige dag van literêre fees, vind vanaf 09:00 tot 17:00 plaas by SUNSET BOOKS met skrywers, boeke, musiek, kuns en geskenke. ‘n Perfekte geleentheid vir boekliefhebbers om hul gunsteling skrywers te ontmoet en unieke items te koop.

SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER

SOMERSET WEST: Local residents can enjoy the holiday season with the screening of Mamma Mia! at LOURENSFORD WINE ESTATE, as the Galileo Open Air Cinema returns for another spectacular season at stunning Winelands venues. Additional Helderberg screenings include: The Greatest Showman on Saturday 3 January 2026; Crazy, Stupid, Love on Saturday 14 February 2026; and The Proposal on Saturday 4 April 2026. Each evening features a picnic experience with local food, sweet treats and award-winning wines while watching blockbuster movies on the big screen at sunset. The events include games, prizes, music and giveaways – perfect for dates, families, and parties. Gates open at 18:00 on weekdays and 17:00 on weekends. Book your place online through Webtickets.