Good morning Somerset westers! I hope everyone had a great weekend, personally any weekend the springboks win is a great weekend😁. I would like to start this edition off with some good news, as a thank you for being part of Somerset West Scoop, we're picking one reader to receive a R200 Woolworths gift card.

To enter, simply reply to this email with your name and tell me what you'd buy if you won. (The winner will be revealed in next week Monday’s newsletter)

Now in today’s edition:

Root44 Market Closes Until Further Notice
Spectacular Sunrise Lights Up Helderberg
Restaurant of the week
Somerset West Hockey Club Celebrates 52 Years of Community
Events happening
Monday/ Tuesday’s Weather

-Karl Berger

News

Root44 Market Closes Until Further Notice

The popular Root44 Market between Somerset West and Stellenbosch has announced that it will close until further notice, marking the end of an era for one of the Cape Winelands' best-known attractions.

The closure follows the recent shutdown of the Root44 Restaurant, with management saying the decision will affect jobs, families, and many of the businesses that traded at the market. The owners also cited a lack of support from the Stellenbosch Municipality during a difficult period.

The market, which has attracted thousands of visitors with its food stalls, live entertainment, wine experiences, and family-friendly atmosphere, had received more than R200 million in investment since 2016. Its future remains uncertain, with no reopening date announced.

Click here: to read more about the Root44 market closing

Spectacular Sunrise Lights Up Helderberg

Photographer: Amina Young

Residents across the Helderberg and Strand were treated to a breathtaking winter sunrise as unusual cloud formations and vibrant colours transformed the early morning sky into a spectacular display.

Soft shades of pink, purple, and gold lit up the clouds, while rare looping formations created a surreal scene that caught the attention of photographers and early commuters alike. The striking display was spotted along the R44 near Lord Charles and across Strand, with many stopping to admire and photograph the moment. )

The beautiful sunrise served as a reminder of the natural beauty found right on our doorstep, turning an ordinary winter morning into an unforgettable spectacle for many Helderberg residents.

Click here: to read more

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Strand Golf Club

A Scenic Golf Course in the Heart of the Helderberg

Whether you're an experienced golfer or just looking for a relaxed day outdoors, Strand Golf Club is one of the Helderberg's best-kept secrets.

Set between the Hottentots Holland Mountains and False Bay, this 18-hole course offers beautiful scenery, well-kept fairways, and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels.

Here's what you can expect:

18-hole championship golf course
Scenic mountain and sea views
Driving range, putting green, and practice facilities
Clubhouse and restaurant
Visitors welcome throughout the week

Green fees (visitors):

18 Holes: From R595 per person
9 Holes: From R350 per person
Golf cart, club hire, and trolley hire are available at an additional cost.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a round with friends, it's the kind of course that keeps golfers coming back.

📍 Beach Road, Strand

Click here: To check out strand golf club

Local Sports News

Somerset West Hockey Club Celebrates 52 Years of Community

For more than 52 years, Somerset West Hockey Club has been bringing people together through sport, growing from a small local club into one of the largest hockey clubs in the Western Province.

Founded in 1974 by a handful of hockey enthusiasts, the club now boasts more than 450 members and fields 27 teams, ranging from juniors to masters, with players competing across the Western Province. Despite not having a permanent home ground, the club continues to thrive through partnerships with local schools.

Looking to the future, the club hopes to one day establish its own dedicated astro turf, creating a permanent home that will support player development and strengthen hockey in the Helderberg for generations to come.

Click here: To read more

Helderberg RFC Dominates With Three Big Wins

It was a day to remember for Helderberg Rugby Club, with all three senior teams recording emphatic victories over Van der Stel-Evergreens RFC.

Here are the results:

1st Team: Helderberg 150–5 Van der Stel-Evergreens RFC
2nd Team: Helderberg 112–0 Van der Stel-Evergreens RFC
U20 Team: Helderberg 76–0 Van der Stel-Evergreens RFC

It was a dominant display that gave Helderberg supporters plenty to celebrate.

Events coming up this week (6-12 July)

Botanical Drawing Masterclass | 09:30–16:30, July 8

Location: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West

Description:
Immerse yourself in a full day of botanical drawing at Vergelegen’s beautiful Camellia Garden under the guidance of renowned botanical artist Sally Arnold. This advanced masterclass is designed to help participants refine their observational drawing skills while exploring the beauty and detail of botanical subjects.

Gimme Shelter – A Night of Rolling Stones Music | 19:30, July 9

Location: The Drama Factory, Strand

Description:
Experience the timeless music of The Rolling Stones in this high-energy tribute show at The Drama Factory. Performed by four of Cape Town’s top musicians, the concert celebrates the legendary band's greatest hits with powerful live performances and authentic rock-and-roll energy.

French Fête at Leopard's Leap | 17:00, July 10

Location: Leopard's Leap Wine Estate, Franschhoek

Description:
Celebrate the start of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Weekend with a festive French-inspired evening at Leopard's Leap Wine Estate. Enjoy an atmosphere filled with French flair, exceptional food and wine, live entertainment, and the charm of one of the Cape Winelands' most celebrated events.

Golden Oldies – Performed by Akkedis | 19:00, July 10

Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West

Description:
Enjoy an evening of timeless classics as the legendary Akkedis Band brings its popular Golden Oldies show to the Lourensford Wine Cellar. Featuring beloved hits from decades past, the performance promises a nostalgic journey through some of the greatest songs ever recorded.

Franschhoek Bastille Festival | 12:00, July 11

Location: Franschhoek

Description:
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival, where French heritage meets the best of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy exceptional wine tastings, delicious food, live entertainment, and a lively village filled with French-inspired festivities.

Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament | July 11–12

Location: Dutch Reformed Church, Franschhoek

Description:
Join the annual Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament for a weekend of friendly competition and community spirit. Teams of three will compete in this traditional French game as part of the Franschhoek Bastille Festival celebrations, with all proceeds supporting the SPCA Franschhoek.

Events coming up next week (13 -19 July)

The Honky Tonk Hoedown | 17:30, July 16

Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch

Description:
Pull on your boots for an evening of country and pop-country fun at The Honky Tonk Hoedown. Enjoy live music, line dancing, and even a mechanical bull rodeo in a lively atmosphere that brings a taste of the Wild West to Daisy Jones Bar.

Karen Zoid | 19:00, July 18

Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West

Description:
Experience an intimate live performance by one of South Africa’s most celebrated rock artists as Karen Zoid takes to the stage at Lourensford Estate. Known for her powerful vocals, honest songwriting, and electrifying stage presence, Zoid brings a fresh, stripped-back performance to the atmospheric Lourensford Wine Cellar.

Citrus Festival 2026 | July 18–19

Location: Boschendal, Franschhoek

Description:
Celebrate the return of Boschendal’s much-loved Citrus Festival with a weekend of fresh citrus picking, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment. Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the festival offers visitors the chance to enjoy seasonal produce, outdoor activities, and the vibrant atmosphere of one of the region’s favourite annual events.

Here Be Dragons: Folk 201 | 13:00, July 19