The Closing Of The Art’s Café In Aberdeen

After an exciting and lucrative two years of trading, the Art’s Café in Aberdeen closed its doors on Saturday 28th March. The sociable evenings which the locals enjoyed, and which visitors to Aberdeen were entranced by, are no more. This was a restaurant where a single Aberdonian could dine and never feel they were dining alone. The Art’s Café was more like a club where the local people of Aberdeen gathered and where visitors were always made to feel welcome and part of the community. The engaging parrot Sam was a great feature. He strutted his way around the art gallery and restaurant, occasionally sitting on some patron’s shoulder for a while.
The Art Gallery will continue to operate as such, but the rest of the building will be taken over by the exciting ceramics project called “Divue Kilae” meaning “Earth and Fire” which is soon to be established here in Aberdeen
Dallis Graham will soon be fully occupied by the “Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism” project. This is going to be a momentous undertaking, hence Dallis’ decision to close the restaurant and focus her attention fully on this venture.
In the beautifully restored old municipal building, Aberdeen’s heritage and archives will be given their rightful exposure. Here the historical treasures will be kept fully secured against theft and illegal exploitation.
Dallis has been overwhelmed by the good wishes, grateful thanks and beautiful floral bouquets she has received from the residents and local farmers in appreciation for all the happy times they spent at The Art’s Café.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Hosts Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society

On 22nd March 2009, Aberdeen was host to the Graaff-Reinet and Districts Heritage Society and their guests. The visitors began their tour of heritage sites at the ‘Kerk-Saal’ where Mrs Estelle Snyman gave an instructive explanation of the beautifully constructed ‘Wall Hangings’ designed by Johanna Konig, who with Estelle, and other committed woman members of the NG Kerk had made. These ‘Wall Hangings’ completed in 1999 depict scenes from the Old and New Testament, and deserve an entire detailed article of intense subject matter.
The visitors were then shown the NG Kerk which is built in the centre of Aberdeen Town. This Church, the building of which was instigated by the Rev Andrew Murray, and finally completed in 1908, as it was built in two stages, has a steeple which can be seen from 27kms outside Aberdeen on the road from Graaff-Reinet. This imposing church is able to seat 2000 people and has an austere beauty.
The next heritage site visited was Pagel House which is now a B&B. Owned and run by Lynn Dugmore, this stately Victorian Home with beautifully designed and comfortable rooms was built in 1897 and has a magical garden with long sloping lawns shaded by overhanging willow trees.
Tea was served in the home of David Miller. This recently restored home was used by the British Garrison during the Boer War. It was here that the British horses were stabled and it was here that the Boer’s successfully made a raid, stealing all the horses and so leaving the British soldiers without transport.
The next port of call was another Victorian/Edwardian Home which used to be known as ‘De Denne’. This gracious homestead is now a well-known restaurant and B&B.
Here in the elegant dining-room of the ‘Karoomoons’ a delicious finger luncheon of Indian delicacies was presented to the visitors. The setting of this homestead and the stunning facilities, all lovingly restored by Ernest and Ramsay, deserve the ‘four stars’ recently granted to this establishment.
The visitors were then shown another Victorian masterpiece, ‘Carmen Villa’. The exterior and the interior of this beautiful old home, depicts an era of graciousness, wealth and immaculate taste.

Coffee was served at ‘Moer-Toe’. This restaurant will prove to be a traveler’s delight when driving through the Karoo. These heritage sites mentioned are only a few of the many Aberdeen has to offer, and hopefully these friendly Graaff-Reinet visitors will return to view all the other wonderful heritage sites as yet unseen by them, of which Aberdeen is very proud.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen Bowls Club “Steak & Chips” Night

On Saturday 21st March 2009 the Aberdeen Bowls Club had a ‘steak and chips’ night to raise funds for their forthcoming bowls tournament. The event was well attended and the steak was braaied to perfection. It was generally hoped by all the ‘steak-fanatics’ that this would become a regular event.

Pictured above enjoying their meal are Meredith and Colin Kraut with Dominee Abi Meyers, Christa Meyers and their son.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Co-Operation Between Aberdeen & Beaufort-West SAPS Secures Arrests

On Tuesday 3rd March 2009 a robbery was committed in Aberdeen Town. This incident, which took place at a local banking institution, was staged by a criminal waiting in the queue of clients who were there to deposit money.
Money was seen to fall on the floor next to a man. A woman, who was standing alongside him, claimed rights to this money. An argument then started between the two and the woman suggested that they discontinue arguing and that they should go outside the bank and count the money. The woman then said that there were too many people outside the bank, and that they should go to a quieter area in the street to count the money.
She led him to a quieter area where he was robbed and assaulted by three males with short hair and dressed in blue overalls.
The incident was reported to the Aberdeen police who immediately began a search for these men and the woman. Information was given to the police, that in the same street where this robbery had been committed, three men in blue overalls had been off-loaded onto the street out of a red Mazda car. A strange woman was also seen in that vicinity in very friendly conversation with an Aberdeen resident.
This valuable information of a car description and of the suspects was given to all local police stations and not minutes later the Beaufort–West SAPS were able to apprehend and arrest all five suspects in the red Mazda car.
Congratulations to the Aberdeen and Beaufort-West SAPS on their quick and decisive actions.
Article By: Joan Tinker

Steak Braai & Aberdeen Classic Tournament

The Aberdeen Bowls Club is holding its annual Steak Braai on Saturday 21st March 2009 from 6pm onwards. Tickets are R40.00 per person. This fee includes a delicious meal of steak, chips and salad. Tickets may be purchased from Piet Botes at 0729559096. The funds raised from this Steak Braai go towards sponsoring The Aberdeens Bowls Classic which takes place on Saturday & Sunday 4th and 5th April 2009. Please come and and cheer on your local Aberdeen bowlers by joining us at this tournament as well.

Submitted By: Michael Brown (Bowls Secretary)