News from Darling22nd October 2013 Voorkamerfest 2013 ‘An event like no other, darling’ by Illa Thompson - The Mecury I experienced the most amazing festival encounter a few weeks ago in the chocolate-box beautiful, quaintly named Darling in the heart of the Western Cape – exploring pocket-sized performances in the comfort of the front rooms of homes of enthusiastsic residents across the length and breadth of the small town. The concept is simple and profound, but involves a logical game of chess to pull off seamlessly. It is thrilling, efficient, exciting and ticks more boxes than a bumper cross word puzzle; social cohesion; nation-building; community engagement; affirmation and pride. It educates while it entertains and smashed social and economic barriers irreparably. The Voorkamerfest is an intimate lucky dip of a festival. The concept is easy: you buy a ticket for a ‘route’ – seven in total all of which are colour-coded. You queue up at the local minibus taxi rank and when the taxi with your colour sticker comes along, you hop on – destination unknown. You travel with a minibus load of strangers, who by the end of the route, are your new best friends. The minibus drops you off at three different voorkamers during the course of one route – you could end up at a modest RDP house in the dusty but impressively neat and tidy townshop or at the posh schoolmaster’s grand Cape Dutch house in the centre of town. Each route offers three stops; three homes with three entertainment options – from stand-up comedy to music; poetry to rap; drumming to physical theatre; storytelling to dance. Each show lasts 40 minutes and each is totally different in style, texture and content. I gather that the concept came out of an inspired chat between Pieter-Dirk Uys – the patron of Darling- and WIm Visser and Inge Bos, two creative souls from Amsterdam who spend a fair amount of time in the Cape. They adapted and evolved a quaint Dutch tradition of visiting friends’ voorkamers, where live entertainment is hosted, adapted it to a South African context and formalised it in a community festival. A whole bunch of their associates from Holland come out too, resulting in the entertainment having a strong collaborative spirit. It has been taking place for 10 years and has developed a strong educational component with school workshops and activities. The hub is, of course, the delightful Evita se Perron - the old Darling station and now community theatre venue — and the preferred performance “platform” for Tannie Evita. The Voorkamerfest is intrinsically linked to the Darling community in such a fundamental, meaningful way that all parties benefit. Homeowners become venue managers; taxi drivers become festival hosts; and townsfolk make the meals, sell their crafls and accommodate visitors. Everyone gets involved, takes ownership and feels responsible. The Voorkamerfest has so got it right. It is cutting edge and adventurous, distinctive and fun, bold and exciting— all in all, it is everything an arts festival should be. Further details can be found at www.voorkamerfest-darling.co.za
News from The West Coast Bird Club Hopefield presents a “River Month” in October and the events will include: Bird Ringing on Saturday morning 19th October by the Zout River in Hopefield for a close-up view of how bird ringing works, see birds “in the hand” and learn about how information in bird books is gathered. Further information: Colin 083 250 5217 West Coast Bird Club’s monthly meeting on Wednesday evening 23rd October when Peter Ryan, Head of the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, will share with us his take on the 57 bird species endemic to the West Coast. Meet at Windstone Centre on the R45 to Hopefield, 18:30 for 19:00, R20 gets you this fascinating talk and home-made soup and bread afterwards. Further information: Jeannie 082 571 6367
NATIONAL BOWLS AWARENESS DAY DARLING BOWLS CLUB, JACARANDA STREET DARLING SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2OT3 Never bowled before? Want to bowl? Are you young at heart? This day is for you ! !! Entry fee: R20.00 - Bowls provided Arrive at 10h00 Boerewors rolls on sale at lunch time. Casual clothes, flat-soled shoes, or barefoot. Teams will be made up for a fun competition - so come and enjoy the day. Contact: Moira on 0832821361
Darling does Delhifood Greetings once again from the Taste of Darling!! The last Saturday of the month is approaching and Taste of Darling once again presents you with a fabulous evening opportunity The theme is DARLING DOES DELHIFOOD….The presenter is none other than MICHAEL RANGASAMMY – cook, TV entertainer, entrepreneur and politician! That in itself makes the ingredients for a splendid evening. DATE: Saturday 26th October 2013 ADDRESS: 28 Somerset Circle, Darling COST: R120.00 for a three course meal (Bring your own wine, and purchased from you know where, of course !!) Space is limited so please book soonest at the Darling Wine Shop or by emailing: taste@tasteofdarling.co.za Community News • FRESH – ORGANIC – LOCAL In response to a growing desire in our community for healthy, fresh and locally grown produce at reasonable prices, The Family Tree will be making available fresh produce from the Darling Veggie Garden starting this THURSDAY, 17 October, so do spread the word so that this can grow and serve us all. And do bring your own basket so we can reduce the plastic pollution. • FEEDBACK from the Free Veggie Gardening Demo held on Monday 7 October: A bunch of mixed ‘veggies’ attended the two hour free demo where Alex of the Foodbasket for Africa gave of his knowledge and expertise with great enthusiasm and passion – such a pity there were not more interested parties present. After listening intently, asking questions and sharing advice, free seedlings were given out to be taken home and planted, and seedlings were also planted in the tunnel which had already been prepared by Phillip and his assistant, by some of the participants who stayed on to get down to the practical aspect, and also to contribute their time and labour. Some came back later in the week to check on the progess of ‘their’ seedlings. Let’s keep planting people.... when we can eat or gardens, we will have changed more than we can imagine! Make a note of the next demo and bring your staff, your friends and your family for some valuable tips! • Free Vegie garden demonstration Free Vegetable seedlings, free demonstration and free advice Monday 4th November 10:00 – 12:00 SAVE AND MAKE MONEY Where: at the garden next to Focus
Warm Regards, Dianne Darling Tourism +27 (0) 22 492 3361 info@darlingtourism.co.za www.darlingtourism.co.za
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