he Facebook group, SOMERSET1, is
causing quite a stir in the Helderberg
basin. The group, a mammoth melting pot of activists, do-gooders and free radicals, conservatives and liberals, provides
a platform where ordinary citizens from the Helderberg and surrounds can share their views, their opinions and their beliefs in an open transparent, non-judgemental virtual environment.
SOMERSET1’s charismatic founder and spokesperson, Stephen Leppan, started the group in December 2013. Within only 6 months of existence it now has almost
4000 members and grows daily.
SOMERSET1 as a social networking site, appeals to the diverse citizens of Somerset West and surrounding areas for many reasons. It has two rules: 1) Do something and 2) Have fun doing it. This espouses the group’s conduct – encouraging active participation in the community and projects that better the lives
of its citizens, and having fun while doing it.
A large number of community projects and individuals in the Helderberg basin have subsequently benefited from the involvement and donations of members of SOMERSET1, from a short-lived project like collecting and donating for the evictees from Nomzamo and Lwandle, to braaiing for the Sir Lowry's Pass citizens, or protesting the poisoning of pets (supporting a SOMERSET1 member) or protesting the destruction of our Biosphere by foreign landowners. Other longer-life projects include:
HOSPICE
A ‘80s Themed Party saw the group raise
R25 000 to renovate the Hospice kitchen
and office. A few weeks later the SOMERSET1 community collected gifts and treated the nurses during National Nurses & Hospice week to gift packs and a small tea in appreciation of their loving service and heartfelt efforts. SOMERSET1 also donated a substantial amount towards the Hospice Cyclathon fundraising event in May.
STREET PEOPLE – GIVING RESPONSIBLY
Under the leadership of Vanessa Willis-Schoeman SOMERSET1 collected warm blankets and clothes, some donated soup or
BABY REECE - HOPE RISING
Baby Reece, a little 18 month old charmer, crept deep into the heart of SOMERSET1. He was diagnosed with cancer tumours in December, and underwent several bouts of chemo. The community, though representative of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds, came together to pray for Reece's healing, prayers that were repeated in hundreds of comments and support given to Reece's parents, Ashleigh and Stuart. The SOMERSET1 community further set out to help them financially and donated whatever they could afford. Then came the news: the scans came back absolutely clear of any cancer! Little Hero Reece was miraculously cured! The doctors had hoped that the tumours would calcify in order to remove them but the scans revealed that they had completely disappeared! In true SOMERSET1 FUN FASHION, a SUPER HERO PARTY to celebrate Reece's miracle will take place on the 5 July 2014 - proceeds going to Reece's family to help with their medical bills! (See info on p. 13)
SOMERSET1 has grown into a number of other groups. The Somerset1 Recruitment page for instance, has helped many members find employment or employees, while the Parents' page allows parents to share information and advice. A business network, auction house and adverts page provide entrepreneurs in the group with a platform to market their products while the bonsai and garden clubs allow interested members to share their experiences, achievements and lesson learnt. A super-secret cage is even alleged to exist for late night revellers - but this rumour has yet to be confirmed.
Specific ebbs and flows characterise the discussion on SOMERSET1. Some nights especially over weekends, heated discussions and intense debating is the order of the day, topics ranging from religion to judgementalism, or how giving should occur between group members and whether a formal structure should be imposed. In the end though, the groups’ character resembles that of a loving family that argue and disagree with each other, but rally around a single goal and purpose in a committed and dedicated way.
The Facebook Group with the Heart
Somerset 1
ONLINE NEWS
T
16 - JULY 2014
The Nomzamo Nightmare
An eyewitness account of the gas chambers of power