Not only will a Minehunter of the Mine Countermeasures Squadron berth at Thesen's Jetty, but the deputy chief of Navy himself, Rear-Admiral Hanno Teuteberg will pay Knysna a visit. He will entertain the mayor to a cocktail reception on board the Navy ship together with other notable personalities. He will also take the salute at the naval parade in the Main Street beside the executive mayor, act as inspecting officer at the Sea Cadets' anniversary parade, be guest of honour at the Admiral's Oyster Ball, attend the Navy band concert on Sunday and read the lesson at the Sea Sunday Service at St George's Church. Everything starts with the arrival of SAS Umhloti, under the command of Commander Brian Short, expected to enter the Knysna Heads at 12:30 on Tuesday, July 8.
This, of course, depends on sea conditions at the time on the day, and the decision to enter or not will be made in consultation with the National Sea Rescue Institute, who will act as pilots for the entry. Should Tuesday prove impossible, another attempt will be made on Wednesday. Members of the public will be invited to visit the ship between 10:00 and 17:00 on Wednesday, July 9, and again on Thursday, July 10. There will be no visits on Friday, July 11 as the crew will be preparing to entertain the mayor at the cocktail reception that evening. The ship will be again open for visits on Saturday and Sunday, between 10:00 and 17:00.
Bondi
In 1931 the bulldog Bondi from a visiting Royal Naval Vessel, HMS Verbena, died on active duty during the ship's visit. He was buried behind the wharf on Thesen's Island and his grave was marked with a headstone and a bras plaque. In 2002 the commander of the visiting task group heard of Bondi and that the tradition had been for visiting Royal Naval ships to tend the grave. He committed the South African Navy to reinstate the tradition. On Thursday, July 10, at 10:00 the grave will be tended by the Navy crew and the Sea Cadets.
It has been the custom for the Navy crew to assist a crèche in the disadvantaged areas with painting, minor repairs and construction. This year the crew will be at the pre-school in Judah's Square in Khayalethu Valley on the Wednesday and Thursday.
The ship's company will march in parade on Saturday, July 12 in Main Road between 10:30 and 11:45, behind the world famous South African Navy Band. The executive mayor of Knysna, Georlene Wolmarans, will be the inspecting officer and will take the salute beside Rear-Admiral Teuteberg. Spectators should gather in the area of Memorial Square to watch a division of the ship's men and women, and a division of Knysna's own Sea Cadets on parade behind the Navy Band.
The Admiral's Oyster Ball will take place on Saturday, July 12 at the Knysna Yacht Club and guest will enjoy a truly excellent four-course dinner complemented by very fine wines and dance until midnight to the sounds of Signature. The ball will commence at 19:00 for 19:30 with a welcome to the admiral and his wife by the mayor. Tickets are available at Sotheby's Woodmill Lane, Huizemark in the Main Road, Rawsons in lower Gray Street and the Knysna Yacht Club. Officers will be resplendent in white mess dress with gold braid on their epaulettes, gentlemen will be in formal attire and the ladies finely dressed in their evening gowns.
On Sunday morning, the admiral will read the second lesson during the Sea Sunday Church Service, and the captain, officers and crew of the ship will be in the congregation. Those wishing to attend should be at St George's Church in Main Road by 07:50.
The high point of the Naval visit to the 31st Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival will be the concert by the renowned SA Navy Band at the Knysna Quays. This band, acknowledged to be one of the world's finest marching bands, has been invited to play and compete at some of the greatest music contests in Europe and the United Kingdom. The band will be in concert from 10:30 until 12:00 on Sunday, July 13. Seating will be limited and concert-goers are advised to take folding chairs in case they become necessary. Should there be inclement weather, the concert will move to the festival pavilion on the high school fields between Hedge and Trotter streets.
The ship will leave the Knysna Heads on Monday afternoon to return to Simon's Town.
The SAS Umhloti, under the command of Commander Brian Short, is expected to enter the Knysna Heads at 12:30 on Tuesday, July 8.
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