A decade of stories, a coastline of character and a community in print – Betty’s Bay’s rich heritage was formally placed on record when Ward 10 Councillor Theresa Els arranged for editor Skip Krige to present copies of the town’s coffee table book at yesterday’s Overstrand Municipality Council meeting.
Completed after 10 months of dedicated work, the publication sold out all 800 printed copies. Three copies have been placed in the Municipality’s libraries in Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond and Hermanus. A further three copies were officially presented for the Executive Mayor, the Speaker and the Municipal Archives Department.
The book captures the voices of more than 100 residents and holidaymakers, reflecting perspectives across the spectrum – from ‘heavy green’ environmental champions to pro-development advocates – painting an honest portrait of the town’s growth.
According to Krige, research also uncovered the story behind the town’s name. In 1936, Arthur Youldon, one of three directors of Hangklip Beach Estates, requested that the area be named after his only child, Betty. She married an Englishman in 1937 and later emigrated from South Africa; a twist of history for the namesake of this coastal village.
