Homeleigh Halt Guest House

Posts Tagged ‘Eastern Cape’

ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees 2012

When: 29 June – 1 July 2012

Where: Kirkwood School Grounds, Kirkwood

The 2012 ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees is raising the bar on its winning recipe of wild activities, including live performances by top South African artists, a wine, jazz and gourmet food lifestyle expo, Kids Zone fun, adrenaline rides, 300 specialist stalls, a massive beer tent, the Isuzu 4×4 Extreme Challenge, a premier game auction, agricultural and wildlife expos, and much much more…

This is certainly the one event of the year you need to put on your list of things to do….for all the information visit the official website here ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees.

The Eastern Cape offers visitors so much more than you expect.

We hope to see you in Port Elizabeth soon.

For accommodation that is within easy access of all areas of Port Elizabeth, Homeleigh Halt Guest House, Bed & Breakfast style, is ideally located on Main Road, Walmer.

Check availability and book online. For long term stays contact us for a special discounted rate.

“Down the road and around the corner from William Moffet Expressway where you find a host of motor dealerships, Retail Park with Plastics Warehouse, Volpes, Pick n Pay Hyper,Incredible Connection and a host of other stores.

Just a couple of blocks from Moffett on Main (UK Visa application centre plus superb lifestyle shops) and Walmer Park that has everything you need under one roof.

Boardwalk Casino Amphitheatre, Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape

Wednesday 23 November 2011  20h00 (8:00p.m.)

Freshlyground are celebrating TEN YEARS together – a landmark for any band!
After their album “Nomvula” became a multi-platinum smash hit, the band went on
to win 8 South African Music Awards, an MTV Europe Award, perform at the FIFA
world cup and partner with Shakira for the 2010 FIFA official world cup
song.
Catch them on tour at venues all over South Africa, October through
November 2011. The band is performing 29 shows in total nationwide!

Join this multi-award winning band for a very special evening of intimate story telling and dramatic musical performance in this once-off retrospective tour- expect Freshlyground to perform popular material from all four albums, including Jika Jika!

The band have recently returned from a national tour of the United States
and Canada- catch them in a theatre near you before they head off on their European Tour.

Freshlyground have specifically chosen smaller theatre environments in order to retain a sense of intimacy- so please book early to avoid disappointment.

For more details please visit facebook.com/freshlygroundsa

Book online through Computicket

For accommodation in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, phone Lynn or contact us via email.

Homeleigh Halt Guest House offers bed and breakfast and self catering options.

28 – 30 October 2011

A feast of country pleasures

Bedford offers a lot more than one might imagine and whether you are an avid birder or a tree lover, there are many treasures to be found.

The charming, picturesque Settler village of Bedford, cradled at the foot of
the Kagaberg and regarded as the “jewel” of the Eastern Cape will again be
opening its beautiful gardens to the public during its annual Garden
Festival.
The Country Fair which is once again in the grounds of St. Andrew’s Church offers the visitor plenty to tantalise the senses (sight,smell taste - stock up on Christmas gifts.)

The various stalls offer Deli items, biltong, gardenalia, bath & body and culinary products, hand-crafted gifts, jewellery, fresh produce, potted lavenders and other herbs as well as loads of interesting and delicious goodies.
Mix with the locals over a traditional braai and a cold beer or glass
of wine. Teas & Coffees with a range of cakes will also be available.

Bedford is renowned for its beautiful heritage roses. For the avid gardener,
there will a wide variety of Heritage Rose cultivars available for purchase.

For historical buffs, there’s a wealth of history to explore in the area. The
churches and many of the buildings and houses are wonderful examples of early
architecture.

Spring comes early to this area of the Eastern Cape and October is the prime
month for viewing the unique landscaping and the wonderfully-picturesque
settings of the extensive farm and town gardens. Visitors can stroll through
masses of roses, daylilies, hydrangeas and hellebores and other plant varieties
or wander across emerald green lawns to discover some hidden garden treasure – a
water feature or a fascinating plant. There are more than 24 splendid town and
farm gardens to choose from.

Visit the website where you will find the full list of planned events and suggested itineraries.

It is a good idea to plan your trip in advance so that you can take in as much as possible and have a truly memorable “Bedford” experience.

For detailed information please visit their website by clicking on the logo :-

Bedford Garden Festival

Bedford Garden Festival

When: 10 – 12 June 2011

Where: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Tickets: From Computicket / link on the Wineshow Website

TOURISM BODY WELCOMES WINE SHOW TO EASTERN CAPE

The Wine Show Road Show Nelson Mandela Bay received a significant boost when it was officially endorsed by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.  

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy the liveliest wine event in the Eastern Cape during The Wine Show Road Show Nelson Mandela Bay from 10-12 June 2011.

 The iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth will host the glitterati of the South African wine industry during a three-day wine extravaganza.

 The most popular wine consumer show in the country will showcase top wineries, estates, private wine merchants, garagistes and small boutique producers from all the major wine producing regions in the country.  Visitors can explore the world of wine by trying some iconic international brands, award-winning local labels and some really hidden gems.  

Over forty exhibitors are waiting to welcome you and present their wines in a fun, interactive and educational format.  Free tutorials in the Wine Theatre will allow visitors to discover new producers and lesser-known varietals in informal tastings with various winemakers.

 Visitors will be able to enjoy the wines at leisure and utilise the Dawn Wing Sip & Ship to ensure that the wines are delivered to their doors.

 Food courts will be located on both levels of the venue with sumptuous sushi, gourmet sandwiches and delicious wraps on the top level of the impressive stadium’s World of Windows and gourmet hot snacks and meals at the inner-bowl food court with a perfect view of the pristine pitch. 

The friendly teams from Goodfellas will also be on standby to chauffeur you home in your own car. 

The event is returning to the Eastern Cape after its hugely successful launch in 2010.

Confirmed exhibitors include Alluvia Specialist Winery and Private Residence Club, Alto Estate, Arumdale, Boland Cellars, Bonnievale Cellar, Capaia, Catchpole & Co, Crystal Direct, Dawn Wing, Durbanville Hills, Fleur du Cap, Frogitt & Vonkel Private Wine Merchants, Gabriëlskloof, Goudini, Hathersage Wines, Idiom Wines, Major’s Hill, Monis, Namaqua Wines, Nietvoorbeij, Nixan Wines, Orange River Cellars, Packwood Estate, Parmalat, Perfectly Cool Wines, Quoin Rock, Rickety Bridge, Robertson Winery, Roodezandt, Simonsvlei International, the company of wine people, The Goose Wines, The House of JC le Roux, The Winery of Good Hope, Theuniskraal, Tukulu, Under Oaks, Vrede en Lust, Welgemeend, Weltevrede Estate, Whalehaven, Yonder Hill and Zonnebloem.

Tickets are available from Computicket for R90 per person.

Weekend passes cost R150 per person and special group rates of R80 per person apply for bookings of ten or more people.

For more information please visit the official website:- The Wineshow

 For your accommodation: Homeleigh Halt Guest House offers you Bed & Breakfast in wonderful Walmer…..be our guest.

Enquire about our winter warming week-end special!

CSA National Mountain Bike National – Nelson Mandela Bay 7-8 May 2011

South Africa’s top mountain bikers will descend on Nelson Mandela Bay as they compete in the second leg of the National Championships series on 7-8 May 2011.

The venue for the Cross Country race on Saturday May 7 is the Baakens Valley, with the Race Village (Start & Finish zone) located at the EP Badminton Hall in Walmer Downs. The Cross Country event sees riders racing head-to-head around the 6km course, completing a preset number of laps. This format makes for great spectator viewing as you will get to see the riders pass the same spot several times.

The Downhill race will be held on Sunday May 8 at the Loerie Ruskamp resort, which is just a 40-minute drive from Port Elizabeth. The Downhill discipline takes the form of a time-trial with riders starting at the top of the mountain at one-minute intervals. They race down a purpose-built course filled with features like jumps, berms and drop-offs, reaching speeds in excess of 60km/h. This event is an adrenaline-feast for riders and spectators alike.

This major event on the mountain biking calendar will provide plenty of action for spectators, casual riders and hard-core racers, and the  Race Village in Walmer Downs (signs from William Moffett Expressway) will come alive with activity and entertainment for all. There will be races for novices and experts, with great spectator viewing points on both the Cross Country and Downhill courses.

The CSA (Cycling South Africa) Mountain Bike Super Series consists of four XC (Cross country) and DH (Downhill) events throughout the year. These events are geographically spread throughout South Africa in order to give all the riders a fair opportunity to compete and earn points towards the title of CSA Super Series Champion as well as vying for selection for the South African team. This year CSA decided to award the second leg of the Series to Mountain Events in the Nelson Mandela Bay.

 “The course is brand new and has been built in spectacular surroundings with the Finish line alongside a waterfall. It is the first permanent downhill course in the region and we believe this venue will become a favourite for downhill riders in the Eastern Cape” says Event Co-ordinator, Julie Briggs.

Cross Country and Downhill racing in particular are spectator-friendly disciplines of mountain biking and will provide for some great entertainment. Spectator access is free and there are designated spectator viewing points at the most interesting and challenging sections of the courses. “We’d like to see the public coming out to support the riders” says Julie Briggs. “In order to cover these expenses we are inviting companies to come on board as sponsors. Our intention is to host a top class event and to ensure that we remain a host venue of choice for future years” says Brad Jackson.

 We wish all competitors well!

Homeleigh Halt Buest Houe bed and breakfast provides superb accommodation to meet all budgets and is around the corner from the Baakens Valley.

We invite you to “be our guest…”

We are pleased to announce the opening of two backpacker units which can accommodate a maximum of  6 people each.

These comfortable, spacious open plan accommodation units will delight any backpacker, irrespective of age.

Each unit has its own seperate entrance, satellite TV, basic self catering facilities and own bathroom.

Each has  braai facilities, so buy some wood and relax around the fire at the end of an interesting, wonderful day spent exploring all that Port Elizabeth and surrounding area has to offer.

With the aroma of sizzling steaks or boerewors permeating the air, what better way to round off an otherwise perfect day?

Come and experience the friendly city of Port Elizabeth.

Visit the second oldest suburb in South Africa, view architectural masterpieces, take a day trip “surf and turf” to spot the big 7!

Visit local artists.

Take short day trips to experience the highest bungee jump in the world – 216m of pure adrenalin or a 200m foofie slide.

Backpackers at Homeleigh Halt Guest House, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Province, South Africa

The South Africa National anthem pulls together two anthems, five languages – and over 47 million people.

Enoch Sontonga (1873-1905) is the composer of Nkosi Sikelel‘ iAfrica (God Bless Africa), which has been part of the South African national anthem since 1994. He was born in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape.

It was also the official African National Congress (ANC) anthem and is still the national anthem of Tanzania and Zambia.

KNOW OUR ANTHEM

Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Africa.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee.

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.

Accommodation Port Elizabeth South Africa at Homeleigh Halt Guest House

 When:  27 & 28 February 2010          Venue:  Cuyler Hofstede Farm  
 
16 tonnes of bristling fruit makes this a prime prickly pageant! But this spiky little Mexican fruit hasn’t always had a smooth history in South Africa.

Initially introduced as fodder for stock and hedging, these fruity fellas thrived under the South African sun and went forth and multiplied. So much so, that in 1937 the Eastern Cape Agricultural Board declared the crop an ‘alien undesirable’ that had to be erradicated. Half a century later there was an about turn and now the prickly ‘cactus pear’ or ‘Indian fig’ enjoys a legitimate crop status.

 In 1987 the Cuyler Manor Museum held the first Prickly Pear Festival and attendance has grown to over 15 000 visitors. Today the Uitenhage Museum (comprising Drostdy Museum, Old Railway Station Museum and the Cuyler Manor Museum) is also the only institution with a licence to distill raw spirit from the prickly pear.

This fun family festival is usually held in late February or early March at Cuyler Hofstede farm near Uitenhage, just outside of Port Elizabeth (The Eastern Cape’s Nelson Mandela Bay).

Kids will find plenty of cool things to do.

Grumbling tummies won’t go hungry and you will be spoilt for choice with an array of yummy traditional food such as ginger beer, pancakes, potjiekos, home-made jam, a spit braai and fish braai, bunnychow and home-made puddings on offer.

Of course the star of the show features as a prime ingredient and you can buy all manor of ‘pear products’ ranging from pickles and jams to prickly pear witblits, the local moonshine distilled in 19th Century copper stills.

Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Eastern Cape’s and the Metro’s diverse and remarkable past.
The nomadic San were the earliest group of indigenous people known to live in the Eastern Cape. The Khoi displaced the San into the mountains and semi-desert, early in the second millennium AD. The forefathers of the Xhosa speaking people arrived on the banks of the Kei River in about 800AD.
While on his epic voyage of discovery searching for a sea route to the East, the Portuguese, Bartolomeu Dias, rounded the “Cabo da Roca” in February 1488 and entered “Baia da Roca” – Cape and Bay of the Rock (now Cape Recife and Algoa Bay). Dias also gave the name “Ilheus Chaos” (Flat Islands) to the Bird Islands. In 1497, Vasco da Gama, successor to Dias, entered Algoa Bay and noted the Bird Islands on his voyage to India. His charts gave Cape Recife it’s name – “Cabo do Arricife” – Cape of the Reef. The “Bay” was later named “Baia de Lagoa”, by navigator and cartographer Manuel de Mesquita Perestrelo in 1576, which referred to the lagoon situated at the mouth of the Baakens River.

By the middle of the 18th century, the number of ships passing the “Bay” had increased and occasionally survivors of the shipwrecks were given hospitality by Dutch Trekboers (farmers) who had trekked from the Cape in search of good farmland.

 At the end of 1799 the English, fearing that the French would render military assistance to the Graaff Reinet rebels, decided to construct Fort Frederick, overlooking the mouth of the Baakens River as a permanent military post.
4 000 British Settlers arrived by sea in 1820, to become the first permanent British residents in the Albany District. On 6 June 1820, Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, named the new sea port in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth.
Before the up-country gold and diamond booms, PE developed as one of the major commercial cities in SA, trading in wool, mohair and ostrich feathers. As a result, the harbour became a bustling port. People traveled to the city in search of trade and labour opportunities.

Early Port Elizabeth was characterized by the settlement of European, Cape Malay and immigrant communities. The diverse community lived together according to economic and social status, rather than on an ethnic basis. Some folk were already residing in New Brighton since 1903. However, when the Group Areas Act was legislated in 1960, this resulted in forced relocation under the “apartheid law” among the non-white population and the so-called townships came into being.
Port Elizabeth was the first city in SA to establish a fully integrated, democratic local authority and has long been a leader in the political transformation of the country.

 Presently, Port Elizabeth is fondly referred to as “Ibhayi” by Xhosa speakers, “Die Baai” by Afrikaners and “The Bay” by English speakers.

Port Elizabeth Opera House: Fostering a love of the performing arts.

The Opera House is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.

This special piece of World History is right here in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province.

The P.E. Dramatic Society was formed in the 1840′s .

On 6 June 1860 land was granted to “P.E. Dramatic Amateurs” on condition a theatre was erected.

The Theatre remains active and locals and visitors are often able to visit the theatre for a grand performance.