Thursday: 22 May  2003

This site will be updated on: 29 May 2003 at 17:00

Lifestyle - Leefstyl

• United against virus
• New Botanical branch
• Skenk bloed, red 'n lewe
• How to deal with drugs
• Hiking permits now at tourism bureau

THEY came from all walks of life and from all over Drakenstein, young and old, to gather in a tent and in the open air in Mbekweni to declare their unity in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Sunday, the International Day of Remembrance for people living with the virus, saw the first joint ecumenical service for all churches in Drakenstein to unite against the virus. About 800 members of more than 40 churches attended the service.

"Apartheid drove us apart, now Aids is

Church in an emotional opening prayer.

Rev Stephen Snyman of the Calvyn Protestant Church in Paarl said the idea is that the church must, through her leaders, show the visible unity of believers in the midst of our diversity, through joint actions such as this.

"This will enhance our witness to those infected and affected by the HIV/Aids virus."

He and Father Wyngaardt of the Anglican Church were approached last year to represent faith-based organisations on the district Aids Forum.

Organisations and people committed to fighting the disease, like World Vision, Iris Cupido Aids Co-ordinator for the district, the Aids Bureau at Huguenot College and Dr Nelis Grobbelaar talked about their work and the reason for the gathering.

"We are a community in unity," said Iris.

Everyone agreed that support for people living with the virus, and their families, was a core necessity.

Mayor Herman Bailey spoke on ways that governments and churches can address the pandemic.

He emphasised the need to practise compassion and to ensure that sufferers feel loved by their friends, family and the community.

Alderman Bailey said the local authority would like to take hands with the Church and assist in the important role it has to play.

A resident of Mbekweni, known only as Joyce, told the audience what it feels like to live with the virus.

She was diagnosed two years ago, after initially being treated for a kidney problem.

With the encouragement of her husband she disclosed her status first to her family and then to the community.

"My family urged me to join a support group and since then I have never been sick. I want to encourage people to talk about their status. By not disclosing, you're killing yourself."

A meeting of clergymen and other roleplayers will be held on 24 June at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Van der Lingen Street, Paarl, to discuss strategies and roleplayers. Enquiries to Rev Snyman (862-2747).

A SUCCESSFUL inaugural meeting for the establishment of a country branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa was held in the council chambers of the Franschhoek Town Hall recently.

People came from as far afield as Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp, Stellenbosch and Paarl to hear Lt Col Etienne van Blerk, the chairman of the Botanical Society Council, introduce the concept of revitalising the dormant Villiersdorp branch to incorporate all the country areas in the vicinity.

Dr Bruce McKenzie, the director of the Botanical Society, traced the history and background of the Society and gave useful examples of ways in which a branch can organise its meetings and outings based on the interests of its members.

An interim steering committee was elected with a wide spread over the areas that would be incorporated into this country branch. Committee members include Fiona Powrie (Klein Drakenstein, 082-409-7415), Ann Sutton (Franschhoek, 876-3538), Doug Jeffrey (Klapmuts, 875-5272), Jacqueline Cole (Franschhoek, 876-2252/082-565-5809) and Wim Tijmens (Stellenbosch, 887-2058).

Members who were unable to attend the meeting, but are interested in hearing more about the branch or wish to become members, are encouraged to contact the committee members in their area.

DIE Westelike Provinsie Bloedoortappingsdiens hou Dinsdag tussen 16:30 en 19:00 'n kliniek by Virgin Active klub in die Paarl en die eerste twintig skenkers sal elk 'n geskenkbewys van R75 van Virgin Active ontvang.

Bloedoortapping bly nog steeds 'n wonderwerk, omdat dit die lewe van 'n persoon kan red wat in die skaduwee van die dood verkeer.

Mense wat in goeie gesondheid verkeer, ten minste 50kg of meer weeg, tussen 17 en 65 jaar oud is en 'n ligte maaltyd inneem 3 tot 4 uur voor die skenking, kan bloed skenk.

Vir meer besonderhede bel Adanaan Arnold by 871-1030 (WP Bloedoortappingsdiens) of Conrad by 872-0630 (Virgin Active).

ARE you someone that has a daughter or son that's addicted to a substance? Is your loved one or friend addicted to a substance?

A two day seminar will be held every weekend from Saturday 31 May in the Helderberg Area. You will learn about the dynamics of addictions, learn practical techniques to cope and make sense of it all.

The two day seminar costs R150 (R250 per couple). Bookings are essential.

Phone 083-324-7437 after 17:00 to find out more about the seminar or e-mail janke@mweb.co.za.

PERMITS to walk in thrise Limietberg, previously only available from Nature Conservation, are now available at the Wellington Tourism Bureau.

This is but one of the achievements of the newly established Friends of Bain's Kloof.

On the committee is chairman Sieg Kröger, treasurer Johann Visser, vice-chairman Clement Cupido, Anthea Bailey, Katrin Steytler, Charl Yates, Deon Rossouw and secretary Sandra Steytler.

The Friends are supported by Wellington Tourism, Ansie van Vuuren of the Wellington Museum and members of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa.

Their aim is to maintain Bain's Kloof as a national monument and to conserve the environment through active participation, for the long-term enjoyment of generations.

A cultural festival in Wellington on 12, 13 and 14 September, will mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the pass.

The festival commences on the Friday evening with the opening of an art exhibition, the theme being The Glories of Bain's Kloof.

On the Saturday at 09:00, a procession of horse-drawn vehicles, a Scottish military band, horse riders and Coon bands will move along Church and Bain Streets.

This will culminate in a prize-giving ceremony, followed by dancing, singing and drama items. Exhibitions will reflect Andrew Geddes Bain's life.

In the afternoon there will be a Wellington Kontreikos lunch in the pass, a guided walk through the pass to look at bridges and drystone walls and a fynbos hike with members of the  Botanical Society.

On the Sunday there will be a hike with the Mountain Club, a cycling event through the pass and more tours and horse trail rides.

A joint church service will be held in Wellington and a Scottish lunch will be served at the Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate.

Artists interested in taking part in the exhibition can contact the Tourism Bureau at 873-4604.