Potjie-ing away the blues

NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — Thursday evening, 21 June, is officially the date when the Southern Hemisphere experiences the Mid-Winter Solstice.

This is the shortest day of the year when the sun is the furthest away from the middle of the Karoo that it can ever be.

Nieu-Bethesda is cold at the best of times, so every year, Ian and Katrin Alleman of 'The Karoo Lamb' arrange a Mid-Winter Party to chase the winter blues away.

Anyone is welcome to attend, food is free and revellers this year enjoyed live music by the talented duo, 'Nick and Wendy'.

As is a common sight in the village, Ian could be seen outside the Karoo Lamb, deeply involved with several large potjies from early afternoon.

Comestibles, sauces and spices huddled to the side of his giant potjie pots waiting for their turn to be added to a variety of ingredients waiting within. This year Ian cooked fallow deer, chicken, tripe, lamb, pumpkin, samp and veggies in a plethora of pots to the delight of the waiting queues who chatted amicably under the Karoo night sky, plates in hand, with gentle music emanating from the warmth inside.

While waiting for food, a number of fascinating conversations could be heard filtering through the crisp yet smoky air.

Topics ranged from the Owl House to schooling, to the state of the nation to when it will snow again.

The Mid-Winter Party is one to which many people return year after year in a celebration of Bethesda, its food and its people.

The Mid-Winter Party is one to which many people return year after year.