If you would like NOT to receive this e-mail (which is sent text only to keep it very small and easily downloadable) then also advise us at that address. Please pass this e-mail on to your family, friends and colleagues, so that everyone is better informed about what’s on. If you wish to have information included on this newsletter send the information in text-only format to aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw – there is no charge as this is a free service and acts as an anti-clash diary.
Sunday July 24 – FaB Fusion live. Casa Mia from 12 noon.
Tuesday July 26 – Fun quiz night (formerly at one67 and now at The Tin Roof!). Another in the fortnightly series of these quiz evenings, featuring an event for teams. Come along and join a team or bring a team, as newcomers are always welcome to join the ‘old hands.’ Arrivals 6.15pm onwards for a prompt 6.45pm start. No entry fee. Food available and the bar is open. Book by calling 0737 694383. Quizmaster tonight: Alastair Garrard.
Wednesday July 27 to Saturday July 30 – 2016 Zimbabwe International Book Fair. Harare Gardens, between Monomotapa and National Gallery. Theme: Igniting Interest In Reading For Sustainable Development. July 27 is traders’ day and the remainder is open to the public. Indaba Conference at Monomotapa July 25 and 26, writers’ and librarians’ workshops July 29 and 30. These require registration in advance. Book Fair open 10am to 5pm daily. Other attractions: junior achievers, meet the author, children’s reading, digital zone and live literature, 10am to 4pm from July 28 to 30. More information from ZIBFA (04) 702104, 704112, 702108, 702129, or through events@zibfa.org.zw.
Thursday July 28 – July Four Seasons Designer Lunch. Now in a new home, La Finca in Greystone Park. Featuring fashions from Sylvia of Kensington, great food by Hesbe Chivers and music by Mande. Cost $15 per person, includes lunch, fashion show and music. Bookings essential: call 0737 694383 or e-mail aquarius@iafrica.co.zw.
Thursday July 28 to Sunday July 31 – The Dance Trust of Zimbabwe and the Cape Town City Ballet present Ballet Bouquet. Reps Theatre. In the first half of the programme an adaptation of the famous Christmas-themed ballet The Nutcracker, choreographed by Robin van Wyk, Artistic Director of the Cape Town City Ballet. More than 100 Harare-based dancers join the principal dancers and two soloists from the Cape Town City Ballet, as well as senior dancers from Harare, also performing excerpts from other famous ballets in the second half. In order to ensure that as many young people as possible are given the opportunity to view this production, 450 underprivileged and physically or mentally challenged children and young people will be invited to the dress rehearsal. Miracle Missions is assisting by organising transport for the event. The theme is Christmas In July for this, and it is hoped to be able to give every child or young person attending a gift to take home at the end of the performance. If anyone wishes to contribute gifts (maximum value $10), they may be left at the Ballet Centre, 109 East Road, Avondale. If you wish your gifts to be collected, please phone Eve Stranix on 0712 201479. Booking is now open for Ballet Bouquet at The Spotlight. Performances: Thursday, gala show 6.30pm; Friday 6.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm and 6.30pm, Sunday 11am.
Thursday July 28 to Saturday July 30 – Sister Act 2. Chisipite Senior School presents the hilarious comedy popularised on screen. Directed by Jamie McLaren, with musical direction by Nicola Seager. Performances 7pm each night plus matinee July 30 at 2.30pm. Tickets $5 adults and $3 children. Book through the school office or buy tickets at the door.
Friday July 29 – VAWZ Fundraising Golf Day. Wingate Golf Club. For teams of four. Individuals can also be teamed up with others. Call Di Fynn on 0772 357820.
Friday July 29 – Fundraising Absolutely Fabulous Ladies Luncheon. In aid of Island Hospice and Healthcare. Booking essential; please contact Sue Strong 0772 240 299 or disi@springs.co.zw.  Tickets $30 each and include three-course lunch by The Gourmet Girls.  Guest speaker Mrs Zimbabwe, Tracey-Anne Buckley Aggett, plus make up demonstration, fashion show, selection of skin care products, jewellery, selection of wine and a bar. Raffle: first prize: 2 return flights from Harare to Johannesburg with two nights’ accommodation for two bed and breakfast. Tickets are selling very quickly so book right away.
Friday July 29 – Marketers’ Social Cocktails. Joina City, 3pm to 5pm. $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Sponsored by Joina City. A chance to network with other marketers. Keith Heywood will talk on how to make a good marketing presentation. Book by calling Enia Zimunya at MAZ (04) 747031, 747051, 2932213 or e-mail eniaz@mazim.co.zw
Friday July 29 and Sunday July 31 – 60s to the present. Ovation and FaB Fusion band present a stage show that takes guests on a musical journey. Hosted by The Spice Lounge, 23 Lezard Ave, Milton Park. Friday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets $7 adults, $5 children and pensioners. $25 for show including lunch or dinner (three-course meal). Snacks also available. Bar open.
Saturday July 30 – Jazz afternoon and Christmas In July event. Tinkabell restaurant, Ardbennie. There’s music, food and bar specials for the adults and a children’s Christmas-style party – the latter is $5 per child, including lunch. Book by calling (04)661697 or 0774 532184
Saturday July 30 - Christmas In July at Inn On The Vumba. 7pm, with full Christmas fare. All in aid of Mutare SPCA. Tickets available for Mutare people from Fair Fabric, Karen’s Kitchen and Hollands. For people from out of town, why not come down for a weekend: book through (020) 61322 or 0712 865885, or through Armadillo Travel in Avondale, Harare: call (04) 302267.
Saturday July 30 – Family Fun Day. Gateway Primary School, Emerald Hill. Gates open 10am. Entertainment and stalls. Advance family tickets $10 (2 adults and 3 children). Tickets at the gate $3 adults, $2 children and pensioners. Stalls $50, include gazebo, chair and trestle table. Contact 0772 565 990 or 0773 247 203 for more information.
Saturday July 30 – Queen of Hearts Food and Crafts Fair. 11am to 4pm, Queen of Hearts, Enterprise Road/Hurworth Road, Highlands. $2 entry for adults, children under 12 free.
Saturday July 30 – the 2016 Christchurch Borrowdale Book Bonanza. The popular annual sales of books and other items at bargain prices. Open 9am to 2pm. No entry fee. Catering with refreshments available all morning plus lunch special. Entertainment from 12 noon by Alex Fairlie. Anyone wishing to donate books and other items (magazines, CDs, DVDs, board games etc) can drop these off at Christchurch (Crowhill Road, Borrowdale) or call (04) 870306 to arrange collection.
Sunday July 31 – The Verandah Gallery Charity Art Exhibition. The Verandah Gallery invites everyone to celebrate its 25th annual charity art exhibition. 10am to 4pm, 16 Woodholme Road, Emerald Hill. Lots of wonderful paintings by 70 Zimbabwean artists. The Detema Jazz Band will entertain and there will be a wine bar. The Soroptimist Vabatsiri Club will supply refreshments.  25% commission on all sales goes to The Emerald Hill Children’s Home and The Emerald Hill School for the Deaf. The Verandah Gallery 2017 Africa’s Palette calendar will also be on sale. Entry adults $3, children under 12 free. There will no doubt be cash challenges but we will ‘make a plan.’ (info@verandahgallery.co.zw)
Monday August 1 – Learn to speak Shona in just four weeks. Introduction to Basic/ Beginner Level 1 to Elementary Level 2 Shona for adult learners in Harare. Morning, afternoon, evening, weekend and long distance Skype lessons to choose from. Enrolment is in progress for the third intake of 2016 for basic-elementary Shona language learners. Venue: a very quiet private home in Vainona. Small (five students max) class group lessons. Very fun, well thought-out, highly educational lessons. Dedicated native Shona speakers who are trained, qualified and experienced in teaching second/foreign languages. Tuition fees cover all learning materials. Choose a morning, afternoon, evening or weekend class to join. There are nine different class groups to choose from. Classes conducted between 8am and 8.30pm. Tuition costs cover all brand new original and photocopiable learning materials and bottled water. Show up with a pen, notebook and a willingness to learn and we will do the rest. We also offer private one-on-one lessons for children (7-15) and to adults (16-80). We can get a tutor to come to your home, office, school or an agreed meeting place to deliver both private one on one lessons or bespoke class group lessons anytime between 7am and 9pm. Weekend and holiday lessons are available. E-mail generalinquiries@freeyourmind.co.zw Website: www.freeyourmindlanguagetuition.com  Facebook: https://facebook.com/languageITlessons  Twitter: @privatelessons2 (Shona/English Tutor) Call: 0737 924599.
Tuesday August 2 – Morning Music Lecture Series – Learn to listen to music. This music lecture series is aimed at enhancing your appreciation of the music you listen to. Discover musical listening skills through a set of themed lectures. The theme of the lectures this term is entitled Men at Work. We will be exploring the impact of the working conditions of the four great composers of the First Viennese School on the music that they composed. Listen to and discuss works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. Speaker: Shirley Warhurst, venue: The Hive, 6A Kenilworth Road, Newlands. Time: 10:30am. Cost: $10 per lecture or $50 for the whole series. Bookings can be made by contacting thehiveharare@gmail.com
Tuesday August 2 – Elizabethan Evening. Chisipite Senior School Madrigals present an hour of madrigal singing, dancing and string playing within a romantic comedy play. 6 pm, in the Chapel at Chisipite Senior School, Hindhead Avenue. Ye olde refreshementes and tastie morsels will be served. Entry by donation at the door. Secure Parking. More information from Di Wright on 0772 336244.
Wednesday August 3 – Harare Show exhibitors’ training. All exhibitors at this year’s Harare Show can come for free to get the lowdown on how to put up the best exhibit with the most returns. Hosted by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society in partnership with ZITF, the event will take place at the Andy Millar Conference Centre within the Harare Exhibition Park from 9am to 12 noon. Contact Heather or Wadzanai on (04) 780963-5 or pr@zas.co.zw / pr1@zas.co.zw . www.zas.co.zw
Wednesday August 3 to Saturday August 6 – The Impro Show. Theatre Upstairs at Reps. The Impro Show is back, and it’s hip-pier than ever! Come to our Peace, Love and Hugs Edition. A prize each night for the best dressed Hippie! Free hugs after the show! 7pm daily. First 20 tickets sold for each night: $5. All other tickets: $8. Book at The Spotlight.
Friday August 5 – Youth Festival, featuring conference and exhibition. Harare Showgrounds’ Rajiv Gandhi Hall. The Zimbabwe Youth Council in partnership with the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society and the Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Zimbabwe host the Inaugural Youth Festival as a build-up to this year’s Harare Show. The festival will be a held on August 5 from 9am to 1pm before the Hurudza Youth Awards the same night, being held to showcase and appreciate youth initiatives in Zimbabwe. The festival will include an exhibition and a conference and will enable young people to get access to information. It allows for increased recognition of young people as key agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. It is an occasion to celebrate the youth of Zimbabwe, an opportunity to contribute and channel youth motivation, energy and creativity towards national development. Exhibition space: contact pr@zas.co.zw / pr1@zas.co.zw (call (04) 780963-6. Entry to the Exhibition is free and the conference fee is $5.
August – the 2016 SPCA Blue Cross. The annual walking, running cycling event that takes participants from Zimbabwe’s lowest point near the confluence of the Save and Runde rivers to the highest point, Nyangani. You start when you need to suit your own pace (visit www.bluecross.com for advice) and everyone finishes together on Monday August 8. More information from Lynne 0772 470657 or Kirsten 0777 055803. E-mail mutarespca@gmail.com.
Tuesday August 9 – Fun pub quiz. The Tin Roof, Enterprise Road. Bring a team or come along and join up with a team for this fun event, held every alternate Tuesday evening. Come along 6pm to settle in for a 6.45pm start. No entry fee. Food and drinks on sale.
Friday August 12 – Movie Magic. A focus show and musical gig, featuring Mande Snyman, Tony Palmer and Mike Freeman, no at a new venue, The Mustard Seed, 27 Ridgeway South, Highlands. Showtime 7pm, but come along from 6pm to settle in and get food and drinks organised. $5 entry. Book a table by calling 0737 694383 or e-mailing aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw. A delightful evening in which all great music comes from the movies. Fun for all ages.
Saturday August 13 – Car Boot Sale. Borrowdale Country Club (note change of day because of the holiday weekend). Sellers registration and entry from 7.30am to 8.30am. Stands $5. Large variety of products on sale, including new and used clothing, household equipment, sports equipment, curios, toys, books, catering equipment (includes stoves), sinks, door frames, window frames and many other items. Limited tables available. Buyers entry $1 per person from 8.30am. Contact (04) 861087 or 0772 235115 for further information.
Saturday August 13 – ZAS Fun Run. Zimbabwe Agricultural Society in partnership with the Harare Athletics Club host this event, on a course that starts and finishes at the Glamis Arena, Harare Exhibition Park. There will be 5km and 10km individual races that will be fun for children and adults alike. Friends and family can support the runners during the 8am to 11am competition and they will get a token of appreciation. Adults $5; children under12 $1 and pensioners free. Contact Heather or Wadzanai on 04 780 963-5 or pr@zas.co.zw / pr1@zas.co.zw for registration forms. Online registration closes at 4pm on Friday August 12. There will also be registration on the day from 6am to 6.30am.
Sunday August 14 – Genaro Pereira piano recital. Diarise now, with details to follow. Start time will be 2.30pm and venue Arundel School Chapel. This will be a Celebs subscription concert, with $10 entry for the public.
Monday August 15 – The August restaurateurs and hoteliers luncheon. Open to all owners and managers of restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and lodges, and anyone in the hospitality business. Call 0737 694383 for more information. The group is an informal one that meets for a monthly social and networking luncheon.
Saturday August 16 – IBFF Zimbabwe Classic International Bodybuilding Competition. 7pm, Reps Theatre. Tickets: VIP $20, standard $15 and $10. Booking now open at The Spotlight.
Thursday August 18 – Workshop: New Trends In Marketing Research. 8.30am to 4pm, Cresta Sango Conference Centre. Cost: $110. Registration now open. Book by contacting Enia Zimunya at MAZ, (04) 747031, 747051, 2932213 or e-mail eniaz@mazim.co.zw
Friday August 19 and Saturday August 20 – ZAS Road Show . Contact Cynthia or Moline on 04 780963-5 marketing@zas.co.zw / marketing1@zas.co.zw to be part of the 2016 Harare Agricultural Show Road Show, a new initiative.
Friday August 19 – FaB Fusion live. Main bar at Reps Theatre, from early evening.
Sunday August 21 – VAWZ Vets Dog Walk. 7 am at Wingate Golf Club.
Monday August 22 – ZAS Street Parade. To usher in the 106th Harare Show, running August 22 to 27. The march from Fourth Street to the Glamis Arena in Exhibition Park will attract attention as it showcases products and services before the exhibitors’ cocktail that night. Contact Heather or Wadzanai on 04 780 963-5 or pr@zas.co.zw / pr1@zas.co.zw . www.zas.co.zw. Free for exhibitors.
Monday August 22 to Saturday August 27 – 2016 Harare Show. This year is the 106th annual show, and the theme is: Climate Resilience – The New Agricultural Frontier. Preceded by exhibitors’ training on August 3, international showjumping competition from August 15 to 21. The show itself will feature exhibition stands and many events to educate, inform and entertain. Children’s fun park, daily fireworks displays, police display daily, live performances by entertainers each day. Traders’ Day Monday August 22. WEZ and ZAS agri quiz Tuesday August 23. National agri-business conference Wednesday August 24. Official opening and prizegiving Friday August 26. Leadership for enhancement of Agricultural Development Series each day. Students in uniform free on Tuesday August 23. Learn more through www.zas.co.zw or Facebook/Zimbabwe Agricultural Society. Call (04) 780963-6 or e-mail marketing@zas.co.zw
Friday August 26 – FaB Fusion live. Queen Of Hearts, from 5:30pm.
Wednesday August 31 to Friday September 2 – Association of Christian Schools International Southern Africa Christian Educators Conference. 8am each day at Gateway Primary School. Tickets $15 (includes teas, lunches and conference pack). Line-up of seasoned speakers, including Jacque Anderson (Miracle Missions) and a testimony by Tonderayi Chivhanga (ex Springbok). All parents and educators welcome. Visit acsi.co.zw or call 04335380 for more information.
Thursday September 1 to Saturday September 3 – Harare Chamber Music Festival. An new initiative. Details in due course, but diarise now. Venue will be Hellenic School and Hellenic Academy. More information can be sourced from Bridget Morris, call 0772 202644 or e-mail bsinclairmorris@aol.com.
Friday September 2 to Sunday September 4 – The annual St George’s College 20/20 Cricket Festival. Again sponsored by CABS, this year will see 12 schools  participating, including three from South Africa. Another exciting weekend of “smashing cricket.†More information, including news on corporate tents and the programme, contact Helen White at whiteh@sgc.ac.zw.
Tuesday September 13 and Wednesday September 14 – Feast of Italian Gastronomy. Cresta Lodge, Samora Machel Avenue East. Details in due course for this event, hosted by the Italian Ambassador and Cresta Hotels.
Thursday September 15 – 2016 Combined Senior Schools Concert. Featuring choirs and musical ensembles and orchestras from leading Harare and other schools. An annual treat of music with a line-up of superb young Zimbabwean talent. Arranged and organised this year by Chisipite School. Venue to be confirmed but should be Celebration Centre, home of the event for the past decade.
Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18 – The Annual Garden Show. To be held at Parklands, Greenhithe Lane, Borrowdale, from 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. This year’s theme is All About Flowers. Beautiful garden designs, plants for sale, lots of pots and garden accessories, special talks, great food, plenty of parking, wheelchair access. Entry $3 per adult and $1 per child and pensioner. Enquiries please call Robyn on 0778025742
Thursday September 22 and Friday September 23 – WASHEN, the water, sanitation and energy confex. ZITF, Bulawayo. More info from zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw, or call (09) 884911-6
Friday September 23 to Sunday September 25 – The 2016 Zimbabwe Motor Show. Venue: Old Georgians Sports Club. Previous exhibitors have first option on their exhibition stands and new exhibitors are welcome. Visit Facebook/ZimbabweMotorShow. Enquiries and bookings to Gabriel Ettlin, event organiser, tel. 0774 336376.
Friday September 30 – Tourism Golf Day 2016. In international tourism week, a fundraising event arranged by the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism, to boost the council’s funds to work for the industry. Full details in due course, but diarise now. Enquiries: call Viv Jones on 0772 400448.
Saturday October 1 to Saturday October 8 – Musica 2016. Hosted by the Italian Embassy. Details to follow but watch out for information on this exciting event, which will include a masked ball at the National Gallery, the Battle of the School Bands, collaboration with the Zimbabwe International Film Festival and music at the Italian Embassy and other venues, ending with a major concert at Cresta Lodge, Samora Machel Avenue East.
The Spotlight is Harare’s central booking office. It is situated in the Reps Theatre foyer, Belgravia Shopping Centre. Tel (04) 308159 or 0771 357204. It is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, and on Saturday between 9am and 12 noon. It is also able to host online bookings and payments: visit www.thespotlight.co.zw. The Spotlight also accepts debit cards for payments; very useful in this time of cash shortages. To have your event placed on sale in The Spotlight call (04) 336706 or 335850
Some helpful information about school terms in 2016: Second term – ends: Thursday August 4. Third term: starts Tuesday September 6, ends:Â Thursday December 8;, half term: October 14 to 17. First term 2017 starts Tuesday January 10.
Dogs and cat looked after when owners are on holidays: the Friend Animal Foundation has boarding kennels and rates are good. Contact (04) 2930442, 2000607 or 0773 429152 or 0733 816804, or e-mail friendanimalfoundationzim@gmail.com. Don’t forget the Foundation needs your support to keep on doing the valuable work it does in looking after animals in need, too.
Maasdorp Avenue Market. Each Wednesday and Saturday at 11 Maasdorp Avenue (opposite Bottom Drawer- OUR NEW VENUE). 7.45am to lunchtime. A morning of shopping in a relaxed environment, with a variety of fresh and homemade products: Banting products, gluten-free products, goats’ cheese and milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, savoury muffins, quail eggs, a variety of chocolate including Banting and sugar free, fresh juices, farm-fresh chicken, duck products, pickles, frozen pies and samosas, pita bread, homemade jams, free range eggs, Mozambican prawns and fish, Homemade Sausages, Indian Spices, Honey, Mushrooms, a large variety of beans and lentils to add to your winter soups and stews….Gorgeous plants and bulbs in season. Woven baskets and table cloths. Free tasters will be available of a variety of produce. Enter our competition to win a hamper. Ecocash and Meikles cash cards welcome.
Every Wednesday and Saturday – Upmarket Food Market. 12 Maasdorp Avenue (next door to the Bottom Drawer restaurant), 9am to 12 noon every Wednesday and Saturday. We have wonderful food and handmade crafts – fresh produce, organic veg, amazing bread, banting products, baked goods, delicious fudge, sugar-free sweets, nougat, yoghurt, cheese, ethnic food, fresh juices, chicken, sausages, smoked bacon, pickles, samosas, eggs, woollen items, jewellery, beadwork, paintings, handmade soap and so much more.
Enjoy the crisp winter mornings with a healthy walk or run through the Mukuvisi Woodlands this and every Sunday. By the time you have been to the rock pool and back you will be ready for a bacon and egg roll and a cup of coffee from our friendly breakfast gazebo. You may start your walk any time from 7am to 11am.Depending on the trail that you take, from 3km to 10km. you can be out in the fresh air for one or two hours or more. Entry fees are $5 per adult (visitor/runner/walker/biker), while children from five to 12 are $2, and there is a $1 per dog charge; senior citizens over 65: no charge. Dogs must be on leashes. Children on mountain bikes very welcome. With an annual (12 month) Woodland Walker membership ($50 single, $80 double, $120 per family, including children and dogs!) you can walk on any weekend at no further charge. Get more details when you book in with our reception staff. Food is placed for the animals at the Viewing Platform around 10am – see eland, zebra, giraffe and impala; guinea fowl, Egyptian geese, grey heron and more. Advice for walkers: best to wear a hat and take some water with you. You can buy bottled water before you start. The trails take you near the bird hide and small dam and then into the wild game area. Visitors with dogs must ensure their dogs are firmly secured and leashed. Having dogs on the leash is not only for the protection of your dog, but to stop them disturbing our wild animals. Anyone letting their dog off the lead in the wild game area will be banned from The Woodlands. Mukuvisi Woodlands is 5km from centre of Harare on Glenara Avenue/Hillside Road. Call (04) 747111/123 or 0774 198009.
The Epicurean writes a restaurant review each Sunday in The Standard, Zimbabwe’s leading Sunday newspaper. Check out this review for information about restaurants old and new.
Post published in: Entertainment