Nieu Bethesda
Info on Lettie de Klerk School
Nestled below the Compassberg, Nieu Bethesda is an oasis in the arid Karoo. This village, left behind in time attracts those seeking peace and tranquility…. An eternal spring bubbles on the plateau just above Nieu Bethesda. Its water rises up from the earth to flow downhill and through the village’s network of furrows, one of the last working furrow systems still operating daily. The babble of moving water is a fitting soundtrack to the serene pace of life in this small town, where the streets remain untarred and locals greet visitors like friends.
Nieu Bethesda is overlooked by Compassberg, the highest mountain in the Eastern Cape, and is lined on either side by hills. In this narrow fertile valley lies a town waiting to enchant and beguile. Night skies are clear, velvety and unforgettable. The air is crisp and enlivening. Ancient pear trees and quince hedges edge the roads and fields. Even though the village has no streetlights, it is safe to walk out at any time of the day and night and parked cars are safe.
Nieu Bethesda is home to a growing number of artists, crafters and other creatives seeking a more conducive way of life. Decades ago, however, writer Athol Fugard chose Nieu Bethesda as his inspirational home from home and the place where many of his world-famous plays were written.
But it is Helen Martins, creator of the mystical and unforgettable Owl House and Camel Yard, who has immortalised Nieu Bethesda. It was here that she gave life and form to her unique vision, by transforming her modest house and garden with glass and cement. Now run as a museum, and known internationally as a remarkable example of outsider art, the Owl House is open to the public every day of the year (except 25 December).
The town’s growing reputation as a place to unwind makes it a popular choice for those wishing to reconnect with nature and with themselves. Wildlife, birds and plants are abundant; physical pursuits are on hand; and there’s the enormous Karoo landscape. All of these – plus an element of mystery – make Nieu Bethesda a great place to be, to just . . . be.
Remember, in keeping with its distinctive pace of life, Nieu Bethesda has no bank, credit card facilities or petrol pump, and mobile phones are discouraged.
Whats Happening in Bethesda
Ten spyte van baie entoesiasme oor Valiant, oom Ollie en Pietman se konsert het die rugby Saterdag aand ons 'n streep getrek ~ skynbaar is Saterdag se twee wedstryde die grootste in rugby heugenis! Maar daar is goeie nuus... hulle gaan nou Sondag middag optree wat almal dan die geleentheid sal gee om die rugby en die konsert te sien. Valiant is self 'n groot rugby fan, so ek dink hy is self heel gelukkig oor die verandering! Because of the rugby matches on Saterday evening (apparently the biggest thing since the World Cup), the show below has been moved to Sunday afternoon.
Hier's die nuwe informasie / new information:
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Valiant Swart & Ollie Viljoen: ‘Wild en Wakker’ toer / tour in Nieu Bethesda
Sondag, 23 Mei / Sunday, 23 May @ 3 nm/pm
@ the Tennis Club, Nieu Bethesda
(braai facilities avaiable)
R 100 pp. Navrae / Enquiries: 082 865 2699 / 049 8411 636
Valiant Swart is ‘n ou bekende in Nieu Bethesda (so 50km van Graaff-Reinet) en het verlede jaar twee baie suksesvolle konserte voor vol sale gehad. Nou bring Valiant sy ou vriende Ollie le Roux en Pietman Geldenhuys saam vir ‘n konsert wat belowe om ‘n unieke belewenis te wees. Ollie speel akkordeon en melodika in ware maestro-styl, terwyl Valiant en Pietman hul akoestiese kitare laat skitter en in harmonie saamsing. Hierdie is 'n eersteklas vertoning wat jy nie durf misloop nie.
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Kühne Boekkooi Kunste
Pienaar Straat, Nieu Bethesda
049 8411 636 / 082 865 2699
chocolate demonstration class & tasting
19 may, ganora, nieu bethesda
mmm... coffee scented chocolate brownie mousse cake, chocolate chili tart with clotted passionfruit cream, hot chocolate & whiskey shot, bitter chocolate cremeaux filled pastries...
demonstration only ~ R 40 / with tea & chocolate treats served afterwards ~ R 95
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nina's @ the post office
'common party' - vrydag, 28 mei - 7 nm
nina's is 1 year old this month and we're celebrating... so
ruk jou commonste klere uit en join ons vir 'n aand van sports en lekker musiek in die poskantoor. R 40 sluit snacks en 'n glas wyn in... toe, ons dare jou! bespreek by die poskantoor of per epos.
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'kekkel & kraai' @ the post office
tuesday, 31 may - from 10 am
join us for a morning of gesels, milktart, scones, drinks and the chance to win a hamper in a lucky draw sponsored by local businesses. (and yes, men are welcome too...) R 25 per person - please book.
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please send any news / events to me and I'll keep everyone in the loop - alle nuus is welkom. Heidi