VASSA OUTING
EXPLORING THE DEEP SOUTH – VISIT TO KOMMETJIE
Date: Saturday 3rd May 2025
Leader: Anton Roux
Time: Meet at the entrance to ‘The Imhoff’s Gift Farm’ complex @ 9:45 for 10:00.
The entrance to the complex is off the road to Kommetjie (M65) at the traffic light to the main entrance to Ocean View. Ocean View is to the left, Imhoff’s Gift Farm complex to the right. There is ample parking in front of the complex.
(The April outing was delayed due all the public holidays).
This month it’s to the village of Kommetjie, where we will be visiting three sites.
First stop is the original farm, Imhoff’s Gift which was granted in 1743. Although the original structures have been much altered over the years the current complex still retains much of the feel and outlook that it would have when first established.
The second venue is St Joseph’s Chapel and the St Norbert’s Church and Priory which has an amazing outlook over the village and across the valley to Noordhoek. The interior of the chapel has decorations in imported Italian marble carried out by Italian craftsmen.
The third stop will be in the centre of Kommetjie itself from where we will take a short walk to view the four original Seeilger houses which were built by the architect Ernst Seeliger, who is well known for his ornate Victorian villas in the Oranjezicht – Tamboerkloof area and some houses that he designed in Kommetjie for friends as weekend and holiday getaways.
Note that the outing should finish by 12.30pm and we will be parked in the centre of Kommetjie, so that the coffee shops are accessible without further travelling.
Should the weather permit, we will also be within walking distance of the ‘Krom’ which has an extended grass area to allow those who wish to bring their picnics with them to enjoy the outlook over the sea. Please bring something warm to wear as Kommetjie is situated on the cold Atlantic Ocean.
Anton Roux: cell no 071 366 8835
____________________________________________
READ THE LATEST VASSA Newsletter May 2025
or access all newsletters in Publications
____________________________________________
A GENTLE REMINDER / CODE OF CONDUCT
TALKS happen on the third Tuesday of a month, at the Athenaeum in Newlands. All are welcome, free of charge
OUTINGS happen on the last Saturday of a month (usually). Members only
VASSA outings and excursions usually take us onto exclusive properties, and frequently into private homes – which is a privilege deserving our respect and courtesy, and our host’s privacy being safeguarded. Hence our Code of Conduct.
GENERAL
Only paid up members may attend outings. (Visitors pay the annual price of membership to attend an outing.)
Strictly no pets ever, or children without prior arrangement.
Always wear your VASSA name badge with the correct colour tag. It’s a courtesy to fellow members as well as a safety measure to hosts who generously allow us into their homes.
ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Make sure to sign the register.
On arrival stay close to the leader so that the host can be introduced. Do not wander off before the introduction.
On departure, gather around the leader to thank the host. Do not leave before this.
If you have to leave before the end of the outing, inform the outing leader so that others don’t wait or look for you.
PHOTOGRAPH PROTOCOL
We need to safeguard the privacy of our hosts in this digital age.
Before taking interior photographs, check with the outing leader that this is permitted.
Although we may sometimes be allowed to take interior photos if we have permission from the property owner / occupant, we should use them only for personal or research purposes. So do not post photographs of any interior on social media – this is deemed a security risk.
And never post images of a location / farm online with either GPS co-ordinates or the name and location / address attached, nor as a caption or other “tag” such as the “check in” option on Facebook.
Some already “public” exterior shots, such as the gateposts or gables, may be used to illustrate posts to social media or to the VASSA Facebook page.
ON THE PROPERTY
Switch off cell phones or put them on ‘silent’.
Do not … Touch anything / Pick up porcelain to check maker’s mark / Take books out of bookcases, etc. / Open closed doors / Sit on the furniture / Use the toilet without asking the host’s permission / Take plant slips from the garden.
Also do not … Engage the host in private conversations while everyone else is milling around / Use the privilege of an outing to organise private business arrangements or return visits with the host / Voice personal comments while on site.
LIMITING NUMBERS
Vassa outings are usually open for all members to attend. However, certain outings may not be able to accommodate a large group of people, in which case numbers are limited to a first come first served basis, and a contact email address is always provided to secure your spot.
If you cannot attend, let the organiser know so that someone else on the waiting list can.
____________________________________________