The first day of the festival saw 139 guests attend the dinner and dance. The Editor of the Edge community newspaper, Bomber Webb had the attendees eating out of his hands as he auctioned off various donated items. A total of seven items, ranging from a week’s break-away at the Avalon Springs in Montague to a beautiful planter pot produced by Masithandane, raised a healthy R10 350.
On the Sunday, 91 adults and 72 children streamed through the beerfest gates to join in the fun, including an energetic Happy Dogs agility show, an upcycled fashion showand a children’s foam party to name but a few.
“The foam party was hugely enjoyed by both the children and some of the adults,” smiled Jacky Weaver, programme manager at Masithandane.
The funds raised during this Beerfest are earmarked for Masithandane's Early Childhood Development/ Aftercare Centre. They currently have two small temporary wooden centres – Ikhaya Labantwana (Place of the Child) and Ikhaya Lentliziyo (Place of the Heart).
"Masithandane’s dream is to build a new permanent centre for the early childhood development and care of at least 60 children,” explained Weaver. "Although 43 children are currently being accommodated (split between morning and afternoon classes), others are being accommodated in the local school where the teacher has 48 children in her class instead of 30."
The proceeds from the Sedgefield Slow Town Beerfest will go towards building this centre at an estimated cost of R400 000.
Before the final tally of the beerfest was announced, Masithandane had saved R36 000 for the centre. A further R100 000 has been pledged. "We still need R264 000," explained Weaver.
“We are very grateful to each and all who contributed to the first beerfest and there were a great many people who did that,” concluded a delighted Weaver.
Jacky Weaver, Masithandane programme manager (centre) congratulates David and Shirlee Rogans for their winning bid on a,mid-week break at Montague's Avalon Springs.
The foam party at the Sedgefield Slow Town Beerfest on Sunday 26 October was a hit with all the children and some adults.
Beautiful Keezee aka Kirsten Freiwald (centre) provided great music at the Sedgefield Slow Town Beerfest. Dressed in their best traditional German clothing are Jan Schiebe (left) and his brother Horst.
Guests at the Sedgefield Slow Town Beerfest on Saturday, October 25 enjoyed the music provided by Keezee.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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