Page 166 - Bulletin 7 2003

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A CENTURY OF KOMMETJIE

Talk to the AGM of the Kalk Bay Historical Association, 1 April 2003
Denise Joubert

Background details of the book

In 1998 the Committee members of the Friends of the Kommetjie Library organized a

photographic competition as a fund-raiser and were very impressed by the enthusiastic
response from the community, and the high standard of entries received for each of the

6 categories. These included pre-1945 photos, as well as scenic views, flora & fauna,

and many other features typical of Kommetjie.

All the photographs were displayed in our community hall, where the judging took

place. We had by then accumulated some very attractive donated prizes, thanks to the
generosity of local business folk and individual members of the public, and because

several entrants were non-residents of Kommetjie we were pleasantly surprised by the
turn-out for this event and the interest shown, particularly in the old views of the

village. We were fortunate in having several “old-timer” residents present, who were
able to provide background information and to answer many questions from the

younger generation and newcomers to the area, and that was when the idea of

compiling a book arose. Initially we thought of putting together a “coffee table” type of
publication using a selection of photographs from each category. But once we started

working on the project it soon became clear that far more interest could be generated if
we combined the photographs with some historical information, leading up to features

of present day life in the community.

A book sub-committee was appointed and thus began what seemed like an impossible

dream (or nightmare) at times, particularly when we became aware of printing and
publishing costs. It was to be four long years before we achieved our goal and, frankly,

had we known at the start just how much work this project would entail, especially as