What a year it has been for all. It is more than 7 months now since our last newsletter and we have all been experiencing the drama of the Covid lockdown. It has been tough for everyone, particularly the small businesses of Montagu who have struggled to get through. If there is any good news it is that, owing to the adherence to safety rules of the lockdown, our town and Langeberg in general seem to have escaped the worst effects of this virus.
At last we were able to open up the nature garden to our Tea + Three mornings and we recommenced on Tuesday April 6th at 10:00. We were a bit worried that this day, being one day after the Easter Monday holiday, we might not receive many visitors but we were delighted at the turnout. Queues formed for the tea/coffee and delicious cakes and sandwiches and our helpers were kept very busy. We have had 2 more tea + 3 mornings since and the people of Montagu and other visitors have not let us down. The volunteers on our event on 20th produced a sumptuous spread as can be seen in the picture
Left to right Vanessa Thurlwell – volunteer goodies producer, Jenny Kennedy – indomitable organizer, Bernadette – kitchen assistant and Farhat Anwar Dollie – known to all as The Samosa lady who provided her famous and delicious samosas and other spicy foods. As the Tea + 3 mornings provide a significant part of the annual income by which we are able to maintain the nature garden, the support we are receiving so far is very encouraging to all the volunteers who work hard to keep the gardens as attractive as they are.
Although the spirit at the Tea + 3 mornings is very relaxed and happy, we are still aware of the risks of Covid and so we ask that all visitors wear masks on arrival and sanitize; then they are able to remove masks, if they wish, once they are seated. Tables and chairs are also spaced according to social distancing rules.
The Garden is growing in popularity as a wedding venue and also for other special events and we would like to see this continue. If you wish to book the Nature Garden for any function please contact the Chairman David Bain 082 693 2563 or Curator Hugo De Wet 082 897 9370.
Bearing in mind that Covid is waiting in the wings to spoil our best laid plans we are planning various special events in the coming year such as hitching on to the Montagu Herb Festival which was such a success in 2019, various other Montagu events and other live music shows. Notices of these will be released once details are finalised.
We are halfway through April and the much needed winter rains have not yet arrived, Weather experts will tell you that the rains only really get going in June and the cold as well. Nonetheless both are essential for a vibrant flower display in August/September. We are holding thumbs.
