Author Archives: mikehampton

The Biggest Microbrewery in South Africa

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Beer enthusiasts will be impressed to know that Knysna’s Mitchell’s Brewery is the biggest micro-brewery in South Africa. If you’re a local and haven’t gone on a tour before, you should…and take a designated driver:) And send every tourist there too. In town, locals certainly know Forester’s Draught and Bosun’s Bitter but Mitchell’s also has the cool sounding labels of Raven Stout and Ninety Shilling Ale. These preservative free, unpasteurized, live ales, are produced with the finest, available ingredients, utilizing British mashing and German lagering processes. The popularity of Mitchell’s … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Free MP3 Download from Pierre Opperman

Mike Hampton Posted on by

South African singer, PIERRE OPPERMAN, has released Diary, a wonderfully mellow compilation of his emotions. It’s 10 acoustic rock tracks are the perfect soundtrack for sunrises and sunsets, lazy Sunday afternoons or for those wishing to unwind and leave the troubles of the world behind them. It’s a perfect representation of his idyllic hometown of Knysna which is located on the Garden Route of South Africa. A highlight is the opening, bluesy track, ‘Slow Train’. Pierre’s voice soothes as a “cool wind takes the leaves for a ride”. ‘Slow Train’ … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Conquering the Knysna Undynamic

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Initially, i began writing this as an introduction to a social project i was proposing to the new mayor of Knysna, the DA’s Georlene Wolmarans. Instead, it became an opinion about the poor state of Knysna and a mission statement for change. We are a society divided by colour, economics and abusers of power. We have to seek union. The mayor never saw me despite her electioneering “open door” policy. It reminded me of my recent, negative experience with Shaun van Eck, the CEO of Knysna Tourism. I will write … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Magdaleentjie’s Pre-Primary School

Mike Hampton Posted on by

It took 2 German tourists, Anneke and Heike, to introduce me to Magdalena (you can call her Maggie, if you like) and her school of younglings. St. Patrick’s Magdaleenjie’s Pre-Primary began in a garage but, thanks to hard work and assistance from the Knysna Education Trust and Irish “samaritans”, it’s grown into a beautiful school. It’s colourful wooden walls will make you smile. It’s location on top of a hill with an incredible view to the sea or forests will take your breath away. The parents i met were warm … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Magdaleentjie's Pre-Primary School

Mike Hampton Posted on by

It took 2 German tourists, Anneke and Heike, to introduce me to Magdalena (you can call her Maggie, if you like) and her school of younglings. St. Patrick’s Magdaleenjie’s Pre-Primary began in a garage but, thanks to hard work and assistance from the Knysna Education Trust and Irish “samaritans”, it’s grown into a beautiful school. It’s colourful wooden walls will make you smile. It’s location on top of a hill with an incredible view to the sea or forests will take your breath away. The parents i met were warm … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Places Every Kid Should See

Mike Hampton Posted on by

One of the goals of the OUR KNYSNA project is for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience the pure beauty of Knysna and surrounding areas. They mustn’t treat their suburb and circumstances as most of their world. That kind of thought imprisons the mind and kills dreams before they are born. We want them to discover a bigger world and no better way to start that than by making them proudly Knysnian. Lately, every time i look at my photos i’m reminded that so many kids haven’t seen these places. … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!