Ten months ago, Hout Bay resident Brenda Riddell was quietly going about her business at home when she was suddenly struck by an idea: “Why not do a calendar about Hout Bay?”
Capturing the beauty of the village, its quaint landmarks and the effervescent nature of its residents in a handy planner seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, and so Ms Riddell started calling and emailing her friends to see what they thought.
The result of those conversations is the Maiden Hout Bay – 2017 calendar, which this week was sent to the printers after a final round of editing.
Twelve of Ms Riddell’s closest friends, representing each month of the year, feature alongside well-known landmarks such as the harbour, beach and fort, and are caught in magnificent pro-
file by local photographer, John Maarschalk.
With accompanying artwork by Mark Bolten, each of the women also give a brief insight on why exactly they love Hout Bay. Included among their
number is Hout Bay resident and
South Africa’s first supermodel, Josie Borain.
Speaking to the Sentinel this week, Ms Riddell said she was extremely excited about the project.
“We are hoping raise R100 000 which will be split between DARG (Domestic Animal Rescue Group) and a children’s home still to be decided,” she said.
“We started shooting in February, and I think it has turned out beautifully. We have used some amazing locations around Hout Bay. Very few people outside the ladies involved and our sponsors know about the calendar, so we hope people will be excited to hear about it. We are very proud of it.”
Heartfelt sentiments are expressed by the women alongside their photographs.
“I grew up in JHB and when I came on holiday I used to come and listen to the live music at the Hout Bay hotel on the lawn. I always loved the rural countryside, so when I arrived to settle in the Cape, I was drawn back to Hout Bay. In 1995 it had obviously changed a lot, but somehow has still managed to keep a small village community,” Ms Borain writes.
Pepe Strydom writes: “I first visited Hout Bay as a holidaymaker in the 80s. I fell in love instantly with its beauty and vowed to one day live here. I fulfilled my dream in 1996 and have never looked back. Hout Bay is part of me, from its diversity, its beauty and wonderful community spirit. I can’t imagine living anywhere else!”
Mr Maarschalk said the shoot was a lot of fun although “very different” from what he was used to.
“There was quite a bit of walking to find the right locations, but I think it’s turned out well. I think many of the ladies had never posed for professional photographs before but that was a bit of a challenge,” he quipped.
“Of course with Josie Borain it was the easiest thing ever!”
The calendar, which will sell for R100, will be launched at the Grill Under the Milkwood in Main Road from 5pm on Wednesday November 16. All are invited to attend and a cash bar is available.
For more information you can call Brenda Riddell on 083 292
3985.