JUST NUISANCE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS 1st April

In 1939 the British Royal Navy did the unthinkable... Strange but true, they enlisted a dog. Enlisted him with rank, pay, rations and duties!  And it was not just any old dog either. It was a gigantic Great Dane who won the hearts and minds of sailors on two continents and went on to become a legend. To this day, the legend lives on and locals and visitors still pay tribute to Able Seaman Just Nuisance. The life size statue of this truly extraordinary character, who was more human than hound, has pride of place in Jubilee Square, from where he wistfully looks out toward the sailors he served so long and so well. Just Nuisance's birthday is celebrated annually on 1 April with a parade of dogs through Simon's Town to Jubilee Square. For those who would like a walk, dogs and owners are encouraged to join a trip up to Just Nuisance's grave on the hill behind Simon's Town. This event is a lot of fun and this year it promises to be even bigger than last year with a Lucky Draw and Prizes for the best dressed dog and owner, the most and least like Just Nuisance.  Dogs are to be kept on leads and poop bags to be carried by owners. The entry fee is a can of dog food and/or a cash donation to be donated to local dog charities. Dogs from all walks of life are invited to take part in this great-dane-ly day! The walk up the steps to the Just Nuisance grave site starts at 8.00am and the parade starts at 10.30am.

NAVY FESTIVAL 5 - 7 APRIL 2013

This festival is free and the gates are open from 10 am to 6pm and there is a fun-filled programme of activities, displays and vessels to visit. Residents are encouraged to take this opportunity to explore our Naval harbour and learn more about what the Navy does. There will be a parade through Simon's Town on Saturday morning, 6 April from 09h00 - 10h30 when the Main Road will be closed to traffic. (The Main Road will also be closed to traffic on Wednesday evening, 3 April 18h00 - 19h00 for the practice.) Note that there will be gun firing at Noon during the Navy Festival. Enquiries: Sub Lieutenant Benjamin 021 787 4620.

SUPPORT THE ENDANGERED AFRICAN PENGUIN 22 April

On Monday 22 April a group of commited penguin conservationists and representatives from the African Animal Keepers Association start the third annual Penguin Promises walk in Gansbaai. They will walk for a week and reach Boulders on the afternoon on Saturday 27 April. The Simon's Town Business and Civic Associations have commited to support this campaign. We have arranged for children from local Simon's Town and Fish Hoek pre-primary and primary schools to get involved and draw pictures of this famous Simon's Town bird. Their art will be displayed on the walls of shops and public spaces along St George's Street in Simon's Town on 27 April. Judges will decide the winners from various age categories and fantastic vouchers from local restaurants will be awarded to the winners. The Two Ocean's Aquarium Education Outreach Vehicle is also coming to Jubilee Square to entertain and amaze all those interested. There will also be a variety of music. Come and show your support.

Simon's Town Trains Are BACK!

Trains have resumed operating between Fish Hoek and Simon's Town on Monday 21 February 2011.  The stretch of track was inactive since December 2009 when an extraordinary spring tide damaged tracks.

Steam Train Ride

Cape Town's Vintage steam train takes its monthly trip down the Cape Coast.  Passengers can disembark in Kalk Bay or Simon's Town for 2½ hours before the return trip.  Please note that booking are essential.

• Where: Cape Town station to Simon’s Town
• Cost: R220 per adult and R110 per child
• Time: 10h30 to 16h00

Contact: 021 556 1012

Events @ Grosvenor Guest House

Grosvenor caters for special events, intimate dinner parties, BBQ's and delectable Malay seafood dinners.  For that special touch a local Jazz band will keep you swinging the night away as you savour a fabulous feast specially prepared by the personnel of Grosvenor.  Please arrange in advance with managment.

Events in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape