Franschhoek Tatler - April 2023

The Bag That Builds

Water Warriors

Recycling plastic isn’t nearly as simple as one might think. Not only does plastic that goes to recycling have to be clean, but it must also be separated into one of seven types – not all of which are recyclable. A pilot project currently underway in the valley could help turn conventional wisdom about plastic recycling on its head.

reception@marelisebester.co.za

On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the first 830 bags of plastic waste collected in the valley were sent to a cuttingedge plant in Cape Town to be turned into an innovative eco-aggregate used in concrete product manufacture.

Keen hikers and bikers in early March were shocked to see a tent city emerge on the banks of the Berg River above the Berg River Dam. Thoughts of “Land invasion!” can be safely cast aside though as the people temporarily living there are there for a good cause. They work for the Greater Cape Town Water Fund – a multi-stakeholder programme that “serves as a governance and funding mechanism whereby public and private downstream water users contribute collectively to upstream conservation initiatives aimed at improving water quality or quantity both upstream and downstream.” Or, put simpler, they’re water warriors keeping the ever-looming threat of Day Zero at bay.

At the heart of the pilot project is a technology developed by the Center for Regenerative Design & Collaboration (CRDC). The technology allows plastic to be converted into an eco-additive – RESIN8 –that is added to concrete in the manufacturing of structural and other concrete products.  Replacing up to 20% of natural aggregates with RESIN8 in concrete product manufacture has several advantages: It improves the performance characteristics of concrete products, reduces the amount of quarried material used in the concrete and removes plastic waste from the environment. Best of all, all seven types of plastic can be converted into RESIN8 and it doesn’t have to be clean to be used.

take part in the pilot programme.

Led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) a detailed study and business case was developed in 2018 to show the environmental and financial merit of investing in environmental restoration (green solutions) vs investing in more water infrastructure – such as dams and desalination (grey solutions).

The study concluded that improving water supply through environmental restoration is more than ten times cheaper than the alternative, infrastructureheavy supply options. “An investment of R372 million ($25.5 million) will generate annual water gains of over 55 billion litres (55 Mm3) a year within six years compared to business-as-usual — equivalent to onesixth of the city’s current supply needs — increasing to 100 billion litres (100 Mm3 ) a year within 30 years.”

The study also predicted that water demand in the Greater Cape Town Region would outstrip the assured supply by 2021 due to population growth and changing rainfall patterns – even in the absence of another drought.

According to the study: “Long-term water security in the Greater Cape Town Region, as elsewhere, begins at the source. Healthy water catchments naturally store, filter and transport rainfall to rivers and dams.

CRDC SA has a processing plant in Cape Town from where the local leg of a global programme titled ‘The Bag That Builds’ is being rolled out. The programme is named after the distinctive green bags that are used to collect plastics for recycling.  Individuals and companies are rewarded per bag of plastic they collect, making it a simple way for anyone to earn a small income while improving the environment. A collection drive in the Langrug community has already led to the coining of the phrase ‘pick up your money’ to inspire residents to

The pilot programme will run for three months from 1 January 2023 as part of a larger cleaning and recycling effort that is coordinated by members of the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association (FHRPA). Current initiatives include the privatelyfunded clean-up crew that cleans areas that are outside municipal jurisdiction or that need extra cleaning, the installation (and servicing) of refuse bins where they are lacking and monthly community clean-ups.

As catchments become degraded, however, water users from farmers to industry can expect treatment, pumping, and storage costs to increase.6 In addition, in catchments where the minimum water quality and quantity necessary for sustaining aquatic ecosystems is not met, the health consequences for people and nature can be disastrous.”

Seven sub-catchment areas were identified in the study as priorities for alien plant removal. They cover 54 300 hectares and include the sub-catchments of the Wemmershoek, Theewaterskloof, and Berg River dams. The latter explains the presence of the tent city.

According to TNC’s Louise Stafford once the initial alien clearing is done High Angle Teams (specially trained to reach inaccessible areas, such as rock faces) will continue working in the Berg River Catchment for the next 10 years to ensure reinfestation doesn’t occur.

Irmela Alberts, co-chair of the FHRPA says “We’re excited by both the environmental and economic opportunities this pilot programme presents for the valley. Our challenge now is to find ways to make it sustainable, so that the pilot programme can become a permanent one. We will keep the Franschhoek Valley cleaner, send significantly less rubbish to the landfill and through the involvement of the local schools contribute to creating a mindset where people litter less”

Updates of where teams are working and progress against targets can be found at the following link: https://public.tableau.com/app/ profile/waterfunds#!/

For more information or if you have any form of plastic that you want to get rid of feel free to contact Jocelyn at 073 587 6132.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Roshni Lodhia / TNC

Q&A: Jean-Marie Stander

Controlling alien invasive plants in inaccessible areas often requires specialist skills.

Music under the Stars

In early March, the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy held a fundraising event at Monument House, the magnificent home of Nishan Weerasinghe, Wendy Smith and Janet RivettCarnac. The evening celebrated fine food, wine and music.

Guests were enchanted by magical views of Monument House’s beautiful gardens while enjoying Morena MCC, compliments of Nick Davies, and delicious sushi, sponsored and prepared by Ryan Shell of Yama and Oku Asian eateries. Layla Ochse entertained guests with beautiful renditions of songs from a variety of genres.

An exciting auction in aid of the Academy followed, conducted by the inimitable Doug Gurr. Auction items included:

A three-night stay at Monument House in a luxury cottage with two en-suite bedrooms, a private living and dining area and a beautiful private garden. Included was breakfast at Mon Amour Restaurant and lunch at Smitten Restaurant.

A private dining experience at your home prepared by Chef Ryan Shell, owner of Yama and Oku Asian eateries, with service provided by students of the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy. Entertainment by New York-trained singer Layla Ochse included!

A lavish 12-course dinner at Dusk restaurant in Stellenbosch. Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin’s latest venture is the winner of the Eat Out Retail Capital’s Best New Restaurant Award. Included is a one-night stay at the River Manor Boutique Hotel in Stellenbosch and lunch at Lust Restaurant at Vrede en Lust Estate.

The grand finale of the evening was a magical classical music concert performed by the acclaimed Hungarian Trio from Cape Town. The Academy, currently in its sixth year of operation, provides a one-year, broad-based hospitality industry

Municipality Thwarts Shelter Dream

The dream of a group of local residents to establish a safe home (La Refuge) to shelter abused women and children in Franschhoek is being thwarted by Stellenbosch Municipality.

In 2020 the Town Council voted to grant La Refuge a long term lease on a vacant municipallyowned building. For the past three years La Refuge has been battling to get the municipality to provide it with a rental contract reflecting the council decision. It also hasn’t been able to obtain the building’s plans from the municipality. Without the plans it is impossible to plan, raise funds for and undertake alterations.

wasted years. Instead, the only option those victims have had was to return to their place of abuse.

“What is even more disappointing is that this is happening in a municipality led by a female mayor and municipal manager”, said one of the safe house’s proponents.

Monument House’s magnificent gardens.

training programme aimed at disadvantaged youth. Entrepreneurship training is included as well as principles of management. To date over 100 people have directly benefitted from the training and most importantly, 95% are in full-time employment. In addition, each year two students are selected for a two-year sponsored programme at ITM College in Austria. To date, 10 students have been given this opportunity.

The Academy wishes to thank Wendy, Nishan and Janet for the use of their home and the sponsors and guests who attended the event and made it such a success. It is as a result of evenings like this that the Academy continues to thrive.

Text: Brian Moor | Image: Supplied

More Tech, Less Staff

The local municipality has announced a widespread restructuring of its staff and activities. According to a statement, the restructuring is in response to “post-Covid financial challenges and efforts to deal with loadshedding” and to “position the municipality at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in local government.”

The restructuring includes, amongst other things, wide-ranging cost-cutting and the introduction of technology to replace several levels of staff.

Municipal offices in Franschhoek and Pniël will be closed. Self-service kiosks and video terminals will be installed in supermarkets and other places frequented by the public. The kiosks, designed by Danish architects BIG Group, will be modular allowing each municipal directorate to choose where they want their services to be available.

The restructuring includes a joint venture with Alphabet (the parent company of Google) to develop autonomous refuse collection and street cleaning vehicles. Alphabet’s AI technology will also be used in the kiosks and video terminals. Chatbots will answer all email and telephone enquiries. Only enquiries made in digital formats will henceforth be responded to. This is because “the cost associated with maintaining legacy analogue systems is now larger than that of dealing with complaints from the digitally challenged.”

Law enforcement will be one of the first services to be fully digitised. Widespread use will be made of facial-recognition cameras and autonomous drones. The facial-recognition system will link with SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and commercial bank databases and will be able to not only identify individuals but also their relatives and associates. Traffic offenders and by-law breakers will

be awarded penalty points. Once certain thresholds (still to be determined) are reached offenders will have to pay more for municipal services and can even have their services terminated until they have performed a pre-determined number of hours of community service.

While drones will be used to identify aboveground problems such as broken street lights and lawns in need of mowing, autonomous rovers will be introduced into underground infrastructure to identify, and in some cases repair, problems in sewers and water pipes. The public is advised that the water supply may be interrupted at unpredictable intervals while the rovers undertake repairs. Interruptions will be preceded by the release of a harmless blue dye into the water pipe to inform users that an interruption is imminent.

To promote productivity gains through technological advancement “technology adoption requirements” will be included in all municipal tenders. This is to ensure that “productivity gains in the municipal system are matched by those of its service providers.”

The statement concludes “This initiative leverages top international technology and methodology to address the psychology and chronology of public resistance to force change for the betterment of all.”

Text: Editorial Desk

According to the founder of La Refuge, Christine Loff, numerous telephonic requests and emails have been sent, all of which were copied to the mayor and local councillors. These emails, according to Loff, have been unsatisfactorily responded to and proposed meetings have been consistently defaulted upon.

The municipality did forward a one-year lease agreement to La Refuge. However, contrary to what had been approved by the Town Council, the agreement contained a fully market-related rental amount instead of the 10% of that amount which had been approved by the Council. A market-related rental is unaffordable to La Refuge which will already be required to raise substantial funds to effect necessary alterations and to operate the safe house. The facility would have been able to give shelter to 120 victims of gender-based violence during these

Women and child abuse is on the increase in South Africa. The latest available statistics indicate that instances of grievous bodily harm to women and children increased by 54.7% and 58.4% respectively last year.

Apart from the municipality making available the building plans and a lease agreement in line with the Council decision, La Refuge will be dependent upon local support, both professional and financial. If anyone in the Franschhoek community is interested, please contact La Refuge at management@larefuge.co.za.

Note: A request for comment from Stellenbosch Municipality regarding the delays in implementing the Council decision has gone unanswered since late January. The Tatler has subsequently learned that a safe house has opened in Stellenbosch. This however is of no consequence to local women and children who would have to leave everything familiar behind in order to go there.

Text: Editorial Desk

Monument Lit Up Again

Night time visitors to Huguenot Street will have noticed that since the first week of March the Huguenot Monument is once again lit up. This is thanks to the efforts of the Franschhoek Lions Club. The Huguenot Trust, the custodians of the monument, stopped lighting it some time ago because of the high cost of operating the powerful floodlights. Thanks to the Lions the old floodlights have now been replaced with much more efficient LED floodlights. A spokesperson for the Lions pointed to the importance of maintaining local heritage while the Huguenot Trust thanked the Lions for their interest in and support of the Huguenot Monument.

They Came From Afar…

The Franschhoek Chamber Music and Art Festival at the end of February drew visitors from far and wide. This wasn’t really a surprise to the organisers as tickets were snapped up online from amongst others France, Canada, the UK and the USA.

Dr Victor Hesse, former chairman of the council of the University of Pretoria, said that he and his wife Gretchen would every year easily travel the 1000 km round-trip between Plettenberg Bay and Franschhoek to attend the exceptional festival.

The Bach for Breakfast concerts were a particular highlight. The famous cellist Pablo Casals said that people should start every day by listening to cello music to get in the right mood for the day, which is precisely what happened with the Bach morning concerts in Franschhoek, Hesse said.

“The fact that the concerts took place in the excellent Dutch Reformed Church in Franschhoek, with its fine interior finishing of woodwork, delivered acoustics of the highest quality. The purest sound of intimate chamber music makes the festival so unique. Even the Japanese master acoustic expert Yasuhisa Toyota would be impressed with the church’s acoustics.”

Exceptional was the performance of Priya Mitchell, the international violinist. Few probably knew that she played a Stradivarius instrument (because of safety reasons). Her impressive cadenza in the Tchaikovsky concert was exceptional... with only the drum rhythm subtle.”

Hesse said it is an excellent festival with uplifting music of such high quality and a superb balance of choice.

Derek Auret, chairman of the world-renowned Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, said it is heartwarming and fills one with pride that the CPO musicians were so comfortable delivering such a top-class performance on their own but also with the invited international stars Priya Mitchell (violinist and guest concertmaster) and her husband, the pianist Dirk Mommertz.

“Giving the appreciative concertgoers live exposure to our best vis-à-vis world masters on the same stage just showed all how proud we should be of our musicians.

“What stood out for me was the formidable concert programme that was so finely curated; that festival-goers could also attend an impressive visual art exhibition with works of eleven renowned local artists, displaying an array of mediums and styles; and that patrons had time between concerts to visit and indulge in the range of lures in the picturesque village. People are already looking forward to next year’s festival.

Load Shedding Relief Efforts

Stellenbosch Municipality explained its loadshedding relief efforts in a press statement on 3 March 2023.

The municipality started researching the potential to mitigate the impact of load shedding on residents in 2018. In January 2021, the Stellenbosch Council gave the green light for a scientific investigation and feasibility study to be conducted into various alternative sources of electricity.

A council item served at the council meeting on 29 March 2023 that included the Energy Master Plan and included details on the findings of these studies and the municipality’s short- and long-term plans.

Many public inputs were received and some practical, environmentally and financially sound ones were incorporated into the item.

The plan that was adopted by the Council in January 2021 is to be able to drop one or two stages of load shedding and to be able to control load shedding in the municipal area – rather than have Eskom do it. This is a two-phased plan, based broadly on the following:

Phase 1 (Expected completion date: 31 December 2023)

included in the Adjustment Budget and Capital Expenditure Framework.

The Municipality encourages consumers to install solar panels at homes and businesses, to reduce the collective load needed from Eskom. Residents who have installed solar units without having been through the formal application and commissioning process are encouraged to do so by contacting the Municipality via WhatsApp: 0769510768 | Email: engineering.services@ stellenbosch.gov.za | Telephone: 021 808 8343, 021 808 8215, 021 808 8345 or 021 808 8957. The application form for the connection of Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) is available on the municipal website. (To date, 3.4MW of solar installations have been successfully registered and installed by the public.)

Phase 2: (Expected duration 2024 - 2026)

Further measures to reduce the impact of load shedding are already underway.

In only two years, the FCMF has made the town home to the best chamber music can offer. We at the CPO are proud of our involvement and the exposure our musicians experience at the festival. We are very grateful for the initiative of the founders, Nic and Ferda Barrow, and their significant sponsorship, said Auret.

Prof Judy Simons from the UK said it was a sensational festival. “We loved being in Franschhoek and loved the concerts even more. A stunning setting for stunning performances with playing of the highest quality. Please do let us know the dates for 2024 and we will book our travel from the UK to make sure we can attend even more [concerts] than this year.”

Adv. Rolf Heheman, a German tourist who regularly visits the Cape, summed up his festival experience by saying: “It was a warm atmosphere and worldclass performance. I periodically follow Priya Mitchell (the guest concertmaster of the FCMF) in Europe. What I experienced here in Franschhoek was worldclass!” Heheman said that next year he would make a point to attend as many of the festival’s concerts as possible, to applause from his group of eight fellow German travellers who all enjoyed the delicious Le Lude Brut after the last concert.

Text: Jacques Domisse | Image: Supplied

Super Swimmers

The Municipality is planning on utilising its own solar generation as well as surplus generation from the public to reduce the offtake from Eskom by 10%.

The first sets of solar panels on several municipal properties were switched on in April 2022. The installation of solar panels on all major municipal buildings has now been completed and 700kW of supply has already been commissioned.

The Energy Master Plan has been completed by the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

A draft Cost of Supply Study has also been completed.

• Stellenbosch University has been appointed and is busy with an Electricity Storage Study for the Municipality. Stellenbosch University is also implementing a project, together with the Western Cape Government, to roll out solar installations at 20 local schools, which will also help reduce our overall load on Eskom.

For the Municipality to be able to physically absorb and control surplus electricity, it is in the process of procuring the telemetry, master station and switching gear to enable it to switch off sections within the municipal area itself. Funding for this infrastructure has already been

The Municipality is preparing to invite external entities to generate electricity in the municipal area through solar farms and battery bank storage. It is also collaborating with other Western Cape municipalities to jointly purchase electricity from existing IPPs.  According to the statement, the Municipality also intends to investigate the construction of a solar/ renewable energy plant within the Stellenbosch Municipal Area.

A project to use methane gas from the municipal landfill site was launched in January of this year. Through this process, the Municipality aims to generate roughly 500kW per day.

Studies are also being performed to look at the employment of gravity storage mechanisms, such as pump-storage schemes as well as green hydrogen generated from landfill sites. The statement concludes by assuring residents “that any decisions taken around ... alternative energy solutions will serve before the open council. The above initiatives will be implemented in stages to ensure [they are] affordable and do not place undue stress on our budget.”

Text: Editorial Desk

(Audiologist)

Audiology (Pret.)

Heidi offers all regular audiological (hearing) assessment, the supply and repair of all types of mainstream hearing aids, auditory processing assessment and therapy, and tinnitus management.

More than 1000 swimmers braved the waters of the Berg River Dam for the Bridge House Mile on Saturday, 11 March 2023.

FCMF performances took place in the Dutch Reformed Church

La Motte Artisanal Bakery

La Petite Ferme Winemakers Edition Variation 2018

54% Shiraz, 37% Grenache Noir, 9% Mourvedre Purple flowers, Violets and Rose petals on the nose. Mourvedre adds savoury notes with spice in the background. Wine is very accessible early in its life with light oak and fine tannins.

Cellar door price: R288 per bottle

T 021 876 3016 E wine@lapetiteferme.co.za

La Petite Ferme’s Slow Roasted Lamb with Baby Marrow Wrapping

Ingredients: 1 x leg of lamb (3kg on the bone); 6 peppercorns; 125ml olive oil; 250ml water; 2 bay leaves; 2 lemons halved; 2 sticks celery, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 3 carrots chopped; 10 baby marrows;

Salt; Vegetable oil

Mint yoghurt: 250ml Bulgarian yoghurt; Coarse black pepper; 125ml chopped fresh mint

Method: Preheat oven to 110C. Place all the ingredients, except the baby marrow, salt, and vegetable oil, into a roasting pan. Cover with foil

6 bottles of the featured wine!

and roast overnight. The next day remove lamb from oven, allow to cool and pick meat from the bone. Cover meat with oven juices.

Slice marrows into 5mm thick strips. Cover with salt to remove bitterness. After 20min rinse thoroughly. Pat dry . Heat vegetable oil in pan and fry marrow slices until golden brown. Drain on paper towel.

Line 6 x 6cm-diameter dariole moulds with the marrow slices. Fill each mould with lamb and the remaining pan juices. Cover with marrow slices. Combine all ingredients for the minted yoghurt. Reheat lamb in the oven for 10min, unmould onto warm plates and serve with lashing of minted yoghurt sauce.

T 021 876 3016 E reception@lapetiteferme.co.za

There’s something very welcoming, familiar and comforting in the smell of freshly baked bread and this is at the heart of the offering at the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café that has opened on La Motte Wine Estate in February.

Sharing some of their fondest memories of growing up and living on the farm, La Motte’s owner, Hanneli RupertKoegelenberg and her family invite guests to enjoy the historic werf sharing in the delight of simple pleasures such as freshlybrewed coffee and artisan bakes, just out of the oven.

Under the guidance of master baker Markus Färbinger, of Knysna’s wellknown Île de Pain Café, this charming day-time spot celebrates bread in all its original beauty. The team of bakers presents a wonderful daily variety of freshly baked options from the on-site wood-fired oven, designed and produced by Four Grand-mere in France. Expect favourites such as the classic sourdough loaf and La Motte’s popular mosbolletjies as well as the crustique (the predecessor of the baguette), the Cederberger (a dark, malty rye sourdough with spices), flatbreads drizzled with salt and olive oil and The Motte loaf created especially for La Motte. Available to purchase and take home, the variety of bread also forms the basis of the café’s daily menu.

The menu is seasonal and starts with simple and original choices such as the classic Croissant 1837, harvest-time mosbolletjies and a cultured slice of bread with farm butter and raw honey. As an invitation to enjoy the splendour of an early morning on the farm, beautiful breakfast options range from Granola, Cinnamon Oats and Mieliepap to everything with eggs, including a special La Motte take on the popular Eggs Benedict. Open sandwiches with hearty toppings, a lovely array of summer salads and lunchtime options such as a ‘plankie’ steak complete the savoury selection. Sweet treats include Lemon Meringue Tart, Melktert and Ystervarkies, to name but a few.

The drinks selection will take you from coffee meetings and meals to afternoon drinks. Alongside freshly-brewed coffees and a choice of teas, the drinks menu features summertime favourites such as spritzers, fresh juices, frappés, cocktails and of

course, award-winning La Motte wines at cellar door prices.

The Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café is situated in the estate’s Jonkershuis, built in 1752. Combining nostalgia with new, the elegant Cape Dutch building has been extended with modern glass and steel to offer both inside and outside seating. Opening into the calm of shaded gardens, scattered with charming oversized wooden acorns, young and old are invited to explore the gardens with their ancient oaks, outstretched lawns, tranquil pond and farm-yard-inspired playground for young ones.

The La Motte Artisanal Bakery and Garden Café is open from Wednesday to Sunday, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and a variety of tempting treats. Hours are from 08h00 to 16h00. The kitchen closes at 15h00, but guests are welcome to enjoy afternoon drinks until 16h00.

Also keep an eye out for curated bread and wine tastings and experiences to be announced soon. While the rest of the estate’s award-winning tourism offering is undergoing renovations (scheduled to reopen in 2024), the La Motte Wine Tasting Room has opened in a temporary format in the Historic Cellar just next door to the La Motte Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café.

bakery@la-motte.co.za | 27 (0)21 876 8825

Culinary Collective Does Well Doing Good

In October 2022 a novel event – called the Franschhoek Culinary Collective – was held at Leopards Leap Family Vineyards. This relaxed lunch showcased Franschhoek’s top artisans, winemakers and produce, giving guests the chance to discuss the origins of good food with the valley’s most respected chefs and suppliers. There was also the opportunity to do good. Ruth McCourt, CEO of event hosts Franschhoek Wine Valley, facilitated the auctioning of the participating chefs’ services in support of Franschhoek SPCA.

On 23 February the successful bidder, Harald Neumann of Les Chambres Guesthouse, had the 5 chefs over to cook for his birthday dinner. Chefs

Reuben Riffel, Darren Badenhorst, Chris Erasmus, David Schneider and Richard Carstens not only donated their time to prepare the meal, but also sponsored the ingredients.

Wines for the dinner were generously sponsored by Holden Manz. These included the estate’s Hiro Rosé 2021, Chardonnay Reserve 2019, Semillon Reserve 2020, Good Sport 2010 and magnums of the Rothko Rosé 2022 and Syrah Reserve 2016.

Alex McCormack and the Franschhoek Beer Company sponsored beer and a barman for the dinner, while Maryke Riffel and Erika McCormack (SPCA Chair) made sure that it all came together in the end.

The nine-course meal presented to the birthday guests consisted of:

• A selection of ancient-grain breads from the wood-fired oven served with lemon roasted gravy

• Corn-based amuse bouche – corn based

• Kapokbos glazed lamb tail, gooseberries, tomato with lovage sauce

• Cold smoked and compressed local yellowtail, citrus, buttermilk emulsion and wild herbs

• Palate cleanser – green apple wasabi sorbet,

yogurt and mint

• Duck with celeriac, buchu, hazelnut, halva & fig

• Goats cheese ice cream, pear, vanilla, honeycomb, Laphroaig-chocolate caramel

• Raspberry sorbet, vanilla crème, pink peppercorn meringue, berries

• Petit Fours – miso millionaire and petite chateaux

The Tatler understands that a very good time was had by all!

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Chefs David Schneider, Chris Erasmus, Reuben Riffel, Darren Badenhorst, and Richard Carstens cooked a birthday dinner for successful charity auction bidder Harald Neumann.

Master baker Markus Färbinger inspects the goods at the La Motte Artisanal Bakery.

Cellar Chat

Mark Tanner

In November I mentioned the possibility of actually finding a wine with sufficient versatility to be paired with a whole range of foods, a sort of ‘one wine fits all’. Last month I was delighted to read a column by Will Lyons who writes for The Times. In a similar vein, he chose six medium-bodied wines to go with ‘any meal’. One of the six was our Journey’s End 2021 Shiraz/ Malbec, from near Sir Lowry’s Pass (£8-50 at Coop). Others included Errazuriz Estate Pino Noir (Chile), Morellino do Scansano Sangiovese blend (Italy) and a Rheingau Pinot Noir from Germany. In all a rather interesting international selection which no doubt goes well with several British platters, including mushy peas. I could not help noticing that his Bargain of the Week was Classic Workhorse Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc with kudos to Ken Forrester, ‘Mr Chenin’. This, by the way, was a special bottling for Marks & Spencer (£8-00).

There was a time when a vineyard’s offering of a cheese and wine tasting was thought quite novel, even exciting. Have you noticed how this trend has evolved? I’m fascinated by some of the pairings on offer today. Chocolate and Ice Cream with red wine sounds interesting, but what about Truffles, Nougat, Fynbos Cup-Cakes, Oysters, Pizza and even Biltong? Some vineyards simply say ‘Various’. I need to get out more…

Overheard in the cellar: “The dry white version will smell of school changing rooms at the end of gym and will taste worse”.

“There are no good wines per se, only good bottles of wine”. “Gobs of fruit, black currants and dark berries, notes of leather and pencil shavings, a hint of liquorice, chocolate and coffee”. Really? Again, the power of suggestion reigns and we end up agreeing.

The other day I stopped at a place that I had frequently driven past. The Simondium

Guild on the R45. It used to be the Drakenstein Co-op and has been made over to house shops and offices while retaining its architecture. At the rear is a complex of interesting outlets from glass painting to off-road camping and vehicle accessories. In between one finds Painted

Wolf Wines, Soul Barrel Brewing and Stillman Distillery. One-stop shopping for the thirsty!

Painted Wolf offer among others an unusual blend of Grenache, Carignan and Shiraz, reminiscent of the southern Rhone, and single varieties of wines like Mourvedre and Rousanne, both lesser-known grapes with important French backgrounds. The Guild complex is also home to the Guild Bistro which offers a range of pizzas and light meals, an ideal stop for the hungry who should try their classic marinated and smoked ribs.

In conclusion a tribute. In February we learned of the passing of David Hughes, an icon of the industry. As a winemaker and distiller, David helped to establish vineyards in Zimbabwe in the 1960s before moving to Durban to represent Stellenbosch Farmers Winery. I had the privilege of meeting him there at tastings and reconnecting with him after his move to the Cape. Like David Attenborough, he had the gift of communicating and he cut through the science of winemaking like a knife through butter.

He was everyone’s friend, nothing was too big for him and he will be remembered for his literary prowess, his encyclopaedic knowledge of wines and spirits and his great sense of humour. Valete.

Thoughts From My Kitchen

Chantal Lascaris

Quality bread for a healthy slice of life

Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread?

Getting a whiff of soft dough rising in the oven creates an immediate subliminal sense of happiness, comfort and feelings of fullness. I guess that’s why during the pandemic so many of us turned to baking bread, we needed comfort.

I recently went to the opening of a new bakery here in Franschhoek where the aromas of bread permeated everywhere, it was heavenly. Then I was struck by the thought that even though bread is one of the oldest and most popular foods in the world, nowadays in modern society, it’s getting a bad rap. “I’m trying not to eat bread” is a mantra I hear over and over again. I almost feel guilty when I reach for a slice myself.

The humble loaf is being blamed for so many dietary ailments, from bloating to less fat loss. But is it really the villain it’s made out to be? It all comes down to the type of bread that you eat and the size of the slice. A small slice of artisanally baked bread is infinitely better for you than a large slice of French toast you eat over the weekend.

It can be quite overwhelming to work out which breads are best. Modern food practices have fundamentally changed the way we grow and process wheat which is why the bread we get today is so different to the bread available to our parents and grandparents.

Let’s investigate the pros and cons of various bread types available to us.

100% Wholegrain and 100% whole wheat bread come out on top, especially in terms of fibre, minerals and vitamins. The fibre helps with feelings of fullness which in turn helps with appetite control. The more grains there are the better it is for controlling our blood glucose and reducing cholesterol levels. But they’re not the same thing. Both products contain all the elements of a grain kernel, namely the bran, the germ and the

New Vintage Haute Collection Unveiled

Haute Cabrière unveiled the 2021 vintage of its elegant and limited-release legacy range, The Haute Collection, in March. Media and partners in attendance were delighted with a vertical tasting of three vintage of the Wooded Chardonnay, Amphora Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot Noir, followed by a luncheon paired with the new vintage releases.

Showcasing the skill, creativity and pioneering spirit of Haute Cabrière’s founding family, the Haute Collection has been masterminded by Takuan von Arnim. Each vintage is released in very limited quantities with as few as 480 bottles available. This range is the least known and publicised of Haute Cabrière’s wine ranges, earning a unique place in the hearts of dedicated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fans who find it.

Following sold-out wines from the 2020 vintage, the 2021 release has been much awaited by those in the know. Crafted from meticulously selected vineyard blocks, the 2021 vintage celebrates the classic Burgundian varietals for which Haute Cabrière is known with a focus on: the phenomenal terroir of Franschhoek, the character of their Certified Old Vines Chardonnay planted in 1983, and the unique qualities of aging premium wines in traditional clay Amphorae.

Minimal intervention practices are followed for the Haute Collection wines, allowing the nature of the grape to shine. The Amphorae used is handmade in Italy and unlike oak, they do not impart any flavour of their own during the fermentation and aging process. This allows for a pure expression of the natural flavours of the fruit and the micro-climates within the chosen vineyard blocks within the wines.

Unlike most flagship ranges, the Haute Collection stands out amongst its peers as an elegant interpretation of premium wines with gently considered oaking. Unexpected in style, each wine is well-rounded, velvety soft, and sultry on the palate. A showcase of terroir, vintage, skill and beauty.

Ranging in price from R360 to R500 per bottle, the Haute Collection 2021 vintage is only available from Haute Cabrière’s tasting room and select restaurants. Wine enthusiasts wishing to sample this range can do so in the comfort of Haute Cabrière’s Vinoteque.

A family-led winery, Haute Cabrière has roots that extend deep into Franschhoek’s wine valley, heritage and community. With a passion for creating moments for people to share in together through quality wines, classic and Burgundian varietals are explored in pioneering blends and single-varietal wines. With two generations of Cellar Masters, our legacy extends back to the Huguenot Pierre Jourdan, the fruition of what we believe to have been his dream and life’s work in the 17th century.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied www.cabriere.co.za | 021 876 8500

Instagram: @hautecabriere

Facebook: Haute Cabrière Hashtag: #myhautecabriere

endosperm. Whole grain means it can include other types of grains like barley, rice or corn but whole wheat only uses wheat grain.

More refined grain products are stripped of their bran and germ which makes them less nutritious. Most white bread falls into this category. We’re often told how bad white bread is for us and that’s correct as it’s low in nutrients and spikes our insulin levels, leaving us feeling sluggish.

We’re also seeing more and more ‘fortified’ bread. I’m cautious of their promises and their cost. They offer added nutrients like calcium and omega threes but if you’re eating whole grain bread you’re already getting your vitamins, good fats and fibre anyway.

Another one I’m wary of is gluten-free bread. They’re not necessarily healthier options as the gluten is stripped away, so sugars and starches are often added to give it texture and taste. If you can’t eat gluten rather opt for wholefood alternatives like buckwheat, flax or rice flour.

Sourdough is a hugely popular bread at the moment and is often seen as an artisanal bread. It’s a true ‘art form’ using a starter of bacteria and wild yeast. This composition starts breaking down the grain starches before you even eat them. Due to the long prep time, the gluten proteins are already broken down into amino acids before you consume them. Added to this the long soaking, rinsing and various other preparations, all contribute to making it easier to digest, especially if you’re mildly sensitive to gluten. However, be aware of the size of the slice as it’s still a calorie-filled bread.

Whichever bread you choose, it’s a staple that has sustained people for thousands of years, and it continues to be an important part of our lives. As we break bread with our friends and family, we are reminded of the power of food to bring people together and the importance of this simple yet essential ingredient in our lives.

Uncontrolled backyard breeding is rampant as people use puppies & kittens to earn money. This results in horrific neglect and abuse as breeders don't care where these babies end up. Sterilisation, therefore, is SHARF's highest priority.

The late Dave Hughes

Haute Cabrière Cellar Master Tim Hoek outside the cellar with some freshly-harvested Chardonnay.

Tatler Motoring

Mercedes’ Impressive EQB Asks Electric Questions

Mercedes’ EQB 350 crossover a fine electric alternative

Whether you like it or not, and if they will ever really be a part of your everyday life or not, battery electric cars are here to stay. Some say that they will never take hold. Yet some countries and states insist they will. That’s for the future to decide, but one thing you can bet your bottom dollar on, is that electric cars are now an alternative. And one most folk can opt for.

Forget for a second all the arguments, Eskom, loadshedding and the rest. If electric cars somehow suit your needs, they can do an awesome job. We have tested a good few now, just go to our Electric page to read all about them. And that from dedicated petrol heads.

The all-electric outdoor-lifestyle EQB 350

Anyway, we digress. The latest EV to pass though our test system once again made for some virile argument. The pros the cons, the plusses, and the minuses. But one thing Mercedes-EQ’s all-electric outdoor-lifestyle compact crossover EQB 350 did, was impress the lot of us far more than we’d expected. Sure, they are trying really hard to make EV’s attractive, and it may be working.

Basically a regular Mercedes-Benz GLB with an electric transplant, the EQB looks different enough. It’s set apart by a trademark EQ black panel ‘grille’ topped by full width DRL strip connecting it’s

ALFA MONTREAL

The Alfa Montreal’s origins go back 56 years to the 1967 Montreal Expo in Canada for which Alfa Romeo was asked to present a car that interpreted “man’s highest aspiration for automobiles”. Turin based Carrozzeria Bertone was given the task of creating the concept based on the Alfa Series 105 running gear, and renowned designer Marcello Gandini was assigned to the task. Taking ideas from the Giulia Sprint GT, Gandini came up with a design not too dissimilar to the Lamborghini Miura, which he had also designed. A full-size model was made, and from this two prototypes were built that appeared at the Expo and were the stars of the show, a reaction Alfa simply could not ignore.

At that time, Alfa’s technicians were looking at fitting the 90-deg V8 engine from the Alfa 33 Stradale sports racing car into the striking coupé. The installation required some bodywork changes to accommodate the bigger motor, which was increased in capacity from 1995cc to 2593cc. The quad-cam engine featured electronic ignition, Spica mechanical fuel injection and dry sump lubrication, and delivered 149 kW at 6 500 r/min and 235 N.m of torque at 4 750. Transmission was a five-speed ZF.

The running gear comprised coil-spring/

FMM OPENING HOURS CHANGE

With summer coming to a close, FMM’s opening hours have reverted to the April to November schedule.

The new timetable is Monday to Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admittance 15h00).

darkened by day and blue tint by night full-LED headlamps. Still, EQB carries over that familiar boxy, mini G-wagen look. Yet its super streamlined at just 0.28 Cd.

Ours wore one of myriad inside and out themes that you can book your EQB with. They also get full width LED taillights to continue that EQ theme at the back. Studded roof rails and blue trimmed tri-colour design ‘aero’ wheels and a little army of other subtle hints help cry out, “I’m electric!”

EQB carries the GLB’s fine cabin across EQB also carries the GLB’s spacious, practical, and class-leading spacious cabin across. It gets the full widescreen MBUX cockpit, but it’s all shook up with über cool colour finishes and unique trim. Its flat and voluminous boot loses a few litres to its gas kin. But nothing to scoff at. It’s second row is multi-adjustable fore, aft and fold flat. Our EQB lacked them, but you can also get a seven-seat pack in yours.

While it indeed boasts a generous standard specification with much of the expected standard Merc kit, there are a few notable exceptions. Ours for instance lacked power chairs up front and a few other bits and pieces you’d need before you add that kitchen sink. Never fear, it has all the driver aids and all that expected Mercedes-Benz passive safety too.

The big interest here is what lurks under the bonnet. 215 kW 520 Nm asynchronous electric motor turns fully variable torque shift 4MATIC allwheel drive through a single-speed automatic transmission. EQB of course carries over the GLB’s four-wheel independent MacPherson strut and wishbone front, and multilink rear suspension.

Electric motoring has its challenges

Boasting 18.6 kWh/100 km combined energy consumption, EQB’s 66.0 kWh Battery charges up in about eight hours using its 11 kW AC onboard charger. A Mercedes EQ wall box speeds it up, and it will take just half an hour to charge 80% using an albeit far more expensive DC fast-charging station. If you can find one close enough by that’s not already busy, that is. And if the power is actually on. Electric motoring still has its challenges in this part of the world.

Weighing in at 2,175 kg, the EQB’s electric hardware adds more than half a ton to the GLB’s 1,610 kg. Not that you really notice all that extra mass. In fact, it actually runs better than the GLB we already praised so highly a few months back. We’ve come to expect that instantaneous electric thrust as we get to know these vehicles. Still, the EQB

wishbone front suspension with an anti-roll bar, a live rear axle located by radius arms and an anti-roll bar, telescopic dampers, rack-and-pinion steering, servo-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and cast alloy road wheels. While heavy at parking speeds, the unassisted steering is quite lively when on the move.

The Montreal appeared at the Geneva Salon in 1970 and went on sale the following year. FMM’s brilliant orange-coloured example was made in 1972. Although deemed a 2+2, The front seats are adjustable only for rake, while the back seats are in reality a token gesture and are useful only for holding luggage. The engine responds quickly rather than rapidly, and the motor’s tone is quite sophisticated –sporty yet relaxed, perhaps as a result of being front-mounted rather than amidships. With a 0-100 km/h time of just over 10 seconds, it is not supercar fast – and does not pretend to be, but comfortably lives with Alfa’s motto ‘Cuore Sportivo’ – Sporting Heart.

The Alfa Romeo Montreal more than adequately defines a Grand Tourer, and with only 3 925 examples – all left-hand drive – built between 1971 and 1977, remaining examples are scarce, especially in such excellent condition as FMM’s car, which is currently on view in Hall D.

Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, R60 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R40 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. The famed FMM Pitstop Deli is open throughout the visiting hours.

For booking tickets and any other information as well as signing on for a free monthly newsletter, logon to www.fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za

performed even stronger than expected.

Half a second faster than Mercedes’ own claims, it pulls like a train all the way to 160 km/h.

Then it gently edges onto the limiter, to also spoil a fine 0-160 sprint. To tell the truth, we never really noticed the extra weight, except perhaps in an ever so slightly more ‘brittle’ ride, and under heavy braking from higher speeds. Best of all, perhaps, is that a 423 km ultimate range almost eliminates range anxiety. Even if the real number is closer to 370 km.

EQB shouldn’t make you anxious around town. Well, you shouldn’t be anxious around town. EQB will likely run a week or more between charges on the urban commute. Even with load shedding. And it’s pretty care free on the open road. So long as you have adequate charging facilities that side of, say a 350 km drive. It’s the best of the smaller electric cars we’ve driven on range, and by some margin too.

That said, a petrol GLB 250 will happily travel 700 km on a tank and a turbodiesel 1,000 kays at a canter. And there will be a gas station that side, all for three hundred grand less investment. That’s just the long road though. If you are more an urbanite, own a decent domestic solar power system and don’t travel too far away from home too often, you’ll literally drive for free.

Horses for courses. And Mercedes has them all. Which leads us to conclude that if you indeed have a penchant for an electric car, you are happy to pay the premium and you like that green feeling, this fine family Mercedes EQB is a most compelling package.

Lupini’s Wildcard Grand Slam

Giordano’s Polo Cup comeback turns into the dream weekend

Not only did Giordano Lupini make a shock return to CompCare Polo Cup racing in his Tork Craft Tools Polo at Killarney on 18 March, but the Franschhoek racer scored a dominant and rare grand slam victory. “What a perfect weekend! Giordano admitted. “Pole, position, both race wins, and both fastest laps. “And we only decided to drive a week

It’s the pick of the GLB Bunch

Price apart, and your circumstances permitting, we’d even go so far as to say that the EQB is the pick of the GLB bunch.

km/h: 7.84 sec 0-160 km/h: 15.99 sec 400m: 14.0 sec @ 158 km/h 80-120 km/h: 3.68 sec 120-160 km/h: 8.15 sec

CLAIMED: VMax: 160 km/h

Energy: 18.6 kWh/100 km

Range: 420 km

Warranty/Service: 2y unl./5y 100K km

LIST PRICE: R1.32M

RATED: 8

Images & testing: Giordano Lupini

before, after being out of the car since last year!” “It was plain sailing – all our efforts last year just fell into line; it took me a few laps to get back into it and the car was on rails throughout. These weekends do not come often; it was absolutely effortless. “Massive thank you to Tork Craft Tools, Pabar Automotive Pressings, Red Earth Projects, and Bullion IT for helping make it happen, and to Nian Du Toit Racing for an epic car! Maybe we can keep this ball rolling?”

APRIL NEWS

FMM ON THE D-J

This year was the 110th running of the Durban to Johannesburg motorcycle rally, popularly known as simply ‘the D-J’. As always, it was hosted by the VVC and ITOO insurance. Entries from around South Africa made up a field of 95 motorcycles that left Hillcrest on March 17 heading for Newcastle. Some amazing entries took part including a 1910 Dürkopp, two beautiful 1920 ABCs up to the winning 1936 Velocette. In amongst this field, the FMM entered its 800cc 1924 AJS Model D ridden by curator Wayne Harley.

Day one was a wet start and conditions were not good. The roads were in an atrocious state and, to top it all, the route was different to that of the last few years. These factors saw a number of bikes withdrawing, with one rider suffering a rather bad fall because of road conditions. Wayne had his share of problems, almost losing the

carburettor because of the rough terrain, forcing him to stop to tighten everything back together. A clutch issue forced him complete the rest of the rally without that luxury and he arrived over an hour late at the overnight stop.

Day two saw riders leaving Newcastle in thick mist for Johannesburg via Standerton. Once the hill and mountain passes were behind them, the going became a little easier for the riders. However, potholes remained a problem, claiming a few more bikes. By the time Wayne arrived on the Reef he had mastered riding without a clutch and managed to bring the AJS home and cross the finishing line in Benoni in 53rd position out of 67 finishers. Not the best result but he was very relieved to have been able to complete the rally.

The D-J is huge test of man and machine, and this year’s event was won by Mike Ward on a 1936 Velocette MSS.

Unity is diversity!

The reason why we even discuss unity is precisely because of our diversity. Diversity, in fact, is at the heart of unity. If we were all the same, had the same thoughts and interests and did the same things, the subject of unifying would not arise. We would all be clones of each other and therefore would not need unity; our sameness would already have unified us.

How then do we turn our diversity to positive account? It may seem obvious to some and less obvious to others, but the answer lies in striving for the unifying of our diversity.

Being exposed to people of different backgrounds, culture and history forces us to consider our own. If we are surrounded only by those who of the same history and background as our own what will cause us to think differently?

No two people are the same, even if they are twins. We each travel our own unique journey through life. This uniqueness is the genesis of

Budget 2023: How It Affects You

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget contained no major tax proposals, thanks to improved revenue collection from corporate and personal income taxes, and customs duties.

The focus was firmly on the energy crisis. It announced that government will take over R254 billion of Eskom’s debt over the next two years, subject to stringent conditions.

Of the tax relief amounting to R13 billion to be provided to taxpayers in 2023/24, R9 billion is earmarked to encourage taxpayers to invest in renewable energy. More specifically, R4 billion in relief is provided for households that install solar panels and R5 billion to companies through the expansion of the existing renewable energy incentive. These incentives are briefly detailed below, along

diversity at the most intimate level. Obviously, there are much greater differences to be found as we expose ourselves to the wider world and even to people with whom we have no easy ability to communicate as they speak a completely different and foreign tongue to our own.

The energy and fuel for innovation and creativity does not come from sameness; it comes directly from diversity. It is the concatenation of different thinking that is at the heart of innovative and creative thinking.

I have seen it many times in many workshops all over the world. Amazing solutions to apparently almost insurmountable problems are resolved because people of different thought patterns weld their thinking together to produce something beautifully unique. As Mandela said, “It is only impossible until it is done!”

What are the products of unity in diversity?

The most important of these is wisdom. We are all well acquainted with Einstein’s comment about the insanity of expecting the morrow to be different when you have done the same old thing the same old way day after day. His plea is a plea for innovation and change. It is only with the wisdom and understanding of a worldview that could lead someone to make such an observation.

Someone stuck in the same rut for years will not feel the urge to change; indeed, he may feel totally safe in

with some of the other announcements that will impact individuals and businesses.

Budget announcements that will impact you personally

• A new tax incentive to install rooftop solar panels: For one year from 1 March 2023, individuals will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of installing rooftop solar panels, up to a maximum of R15,000, to reduce their tax liability in the 2023/24 tax year.

• The personal income tax brackets will be fully adjusted for inflation, increasing the tax-free threshold from R91,250 to R95,750.

• Medical tax credits per month will be increased by inflation to R364 for the first two members, and to R246 for additional members.

• The retirement tax tables for lump sums withdrawn before and at retirement, will be adjusted upwards by 10%, increasing the tax-free amount at retirement to R550,000.

• Revised draft legislation on the ‘two-pot’ retirement system will be published, including the amount available at implementation from 1 March 2024. Withdrawals from the accessible “savings pot” would be taxed as income in the year of withdrawal.

• Social grants will increase in line with CPI inflation.

The Chamber’s Choice

Irene Pieterson

Irene Pieterson is a hairdresser in Groendal, Franschhoek – a title that does not fully capture the role she plays in her clients’ lives. Irene has created a nurturing and accepting environment in her salon, where her clients feel that they are lent an understanding ear and comforted by Irene’s incredible compassion. Her clients leave feeling renewed – with a head of healthy and vibrant hair, and rid of dead ends.

Irene’s love for hairdressing and beauty started long before she started her own salon. Irene grew up in Franschhoek, always enjoying styling others’ hair and lifting their spirits with beauty care. She went on to work at Salon Donay for a few years. This experience she views as invaluable training, where she learned a great many skills essential to her trade. Realising that she needed to open her own salon in the community, Irene capitalised on opportunities and embarked on the challenging

journey of starting her own business. She has built up a loyal clientele, developed relationships with her suppliers and built up a sound understanding of how to run a sustainable business. It is from experience that she came to understand that to succeed in her trade she needs to not only keep abreast of new trends and product developments but also develop a special kind of social capital and profound interpersonal skills. Indeed, she explains, there is a deeply spiritual component to her work. These skills have led to the continued success of her hair salon – “Irene’s Talking Heads Salon” – which is operating for 10 years now.

Even as she enjoys great success as a trusted community hairdresser, she continues to develop her skills and provide her clients with the care they are looking for. Irene is a hard worker and committed to the betterment of her community. Inspired to make an even greater impact in the lives of women and children in her community, Irene has, most recently, enrolled in studies in

his insecure sameness. This same person confronted by some unexpected, and, probably, unwanted event, or information, outside his knowledge base will be forced to change. Diversity does the same, it forces change. If one reflects on how the world, across all cultures, philosophies, ideologies, and religions, collaborated to find solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic, we see unity in diversity hard at work.

It is diversity in union that develops wisdom. Wisdom is the capacity to keep all things in perspective, to reflect on all the available information relevant to the issue at hand and to make decisions that transcend the present and positively impact the future.

You do not find business schools offering Wisdom

101 on any curricula. Developing wisdom requires exposure, a great deal of varied exposure, over a period of time. Wisdom does not happen quickly, it is mostly developed in the University of Life, with all its ups and downs. Here are some of the characteristics that you will find demonstrated by the wise:

• You do not develop wisdom overnight. It takes time and patience. It is interesting to note that the wise amongst us are also the most patient. They have learned in their journey that impatience leads to rash decisions and often costly mistakes.

• It is impossible to develop wisdom without

The R350 grant will continue until 31 March 2024.

• Increases in the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco of 4.9%, in line with expected inflation. Budget announcements that will impact your business

• Expanding the section 12B tax allowance for renewable energy, businesses will now be allowed to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of an investment in renewables for two years from 1 March 2023. There will be no thresholds on the size of the projects that qualify. Where a renewable energy investment of R1 million is made by a business, that business will qualify for a deduction of R1,25 million, which could reduce the corporate income tax liability of a company by R337,500 in the first year of operation.

• The existing Bounce Back Loan Guarantee Scheme will become the Energy Bounce Back Scheme, to be launched in April 2023. Government will guarantee solar-related loans for SMMEs on a 20% first-loss basis.

• The research and development tax incentive will be extended for 10 years and will be refined to make it simpler and more effective.

• The urban development zone tax incentive will also be extended, by two years.

experiencing many and thoroughly diverse experiences. At the outset we pointed out that strength in unity comes from strength in diversity. The same applies to the development of wisdom. It will not spring from life experiences that repeat themselves over and over again.

• Diversity means exposure to, and the experience of, different peoples and cultures. It is the interaction with these differences that builds both unity and wisdom.

• The journey to an abundance of wisdom and greater unified strength in diversity is not a straight line. It is a journey which meanders seeking out the differences, seeking out that which is the opposite of the potential daily sameness that many seek. The cosy cocoon of the comfort zone is a false security as it leaves the individual completely unprepared for the black swan event which life has a habit of throwing at us. It is the meandering exposure to the widest range of diversity the builds resilience and broadens the base of wisdom. It is the generator of true strength and resilience.

“The Differences in Diversity are in the ways that bind us together, like the pieces of a puzzle. They complete the picture, make it whole.” From a sermon at Christ Church, Midrand tony@siroccostrategy.com

• Manufacturers of foodstuffs will for two years (from 1 April 2023) also qualify for the refund on the Road Accident Fund levy for diesel used in the manufacturing process, such as for generators, to ease the impact of the electricity crisis on food prices. Budget announcements that will impact all

• Providing tax relief of R4 billion, the general fuel levy and the Road Accident Fund levy will not be increased this year. However, the carbon fuel levy will increase by 1c to 10c/l for petrol and 11c/l for diesel from 5 April 2023.

• The health promotion (sugar) levy will remain unchanged for the following two fiscal years.

• The brackets of the transfer duty table will also be increased by 10%, allowing properties below R1.1 million to avoid any transfer duty payments. How to manage these changes and their impact?

In addition to the announcements detailed above, there were other technical amendments proposed in the Budget review that will require professional advice. As tax collection remains government’s main source of income, you and your business would do well to rely on the expertise and advice of tax professionals as you determine the impact of the Budget 2023 announcements on your tax affairs.

social auxiliary work, an important step towards opening a centre to help traumatised women and children in Groendal overcome abuse and setbacks.

Irene can be reached on 076 189 9139, or by visiting her Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/IrenesTalkingHeads).

2022

Probus Club

MARK TANNER

Our Annual General Meeting was held on 6 March and was well attended with new faces in our committee.

The speaker for April will be Ian Laxton and not the aviation treat mentioned earlier. Ian Laxton was Zola Budd’s coach. We doubtless remember Zola as our barefoot athlete so Ian’s talk should not be missed. In May we will have the talk on marine rescue.  What is Probus all about?

• In South Africa, there is a rapidly growing number of Probus Clubs, which offer retirees the facility to manage successfully the transition from a high-pressure executive, professional and

other vocational activity to a calmer way of life.

• This is achieved through these valuable features of membership:

• Opportunities to extend compatible social contacts and maintain an interest in the topical issues of the day.

• Nurturing positive attitudes to ageing through group recreation and the sharing of information on issues of concern to Senior Citizens.

• Support in grief and illness.

• Speakers at monthly luncheons who provide a fresh mental challenge and stimulation.

• We are a-political and non-sectarian

• We are mindful of the fact that costs are an important consideration. Membership fees, therefore, are kept to a minimum; while monthly luncheon costs vary.

• Probus is not a Service/Fund Raising organization. For more information please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

Milestone Birthday

Fleur de Lis resident, Richard Simons, celebrated his 95th birthday on Friday, 3 March 2023. His family provided the following tribute to his rich life thus far.

Richard Simons was born in Cape Town in 1928. In 2005, together with his wife Phillida, he moved to Franschhoek to live with his stepson and daughter, Richard and Kathie von Hoesslin. Phillida, a teacher and author, after spending a few months in Fleur de Lis, died in 2013. In October

2020 Richard was also accepted by Fleur de Lis.

Richard celebrated his 95th birthday with family, residents and staff on Friday, 3 March 2023.

Richard attended Rondebosch Boys High where he passed his matric and played for its 1st XV rugby team. He then went to Cape Town University where he qualified with an MSc in Botany. He joined the Civil Service and was soon promoted to Head of the SA Seaweed Laboratory where he remained until he retired at 65. He was a keen singer (bassbaritone) and besides participating in many choirs in Cape Town and being involved in operas, was active in the Franschhoek Christmas Choir that performed annually in the Dutch Reformed Church. In later years he regularly played both tennis and

Local Kids Visit Formula E

golf, often doing rounds with one or other of his grandsons. He is one of seven siblings, two of whom are still alive, and has three daughters from his first marriage and two stepsons from his second.

Congratulations to you Richard from your whole family on reaching this milestone!

Text: Richard von

Hoesslin | Image: Supplied

Local Peloton Takes on CTCT 2023 for Charity

E-Movement, the local organizers of the inaugural ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, invited the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to coordinate the participation of young South Africans in the pre-race day activities at the DHL Green Point Stadium on Friday, 24 February. Fifty-four Franschhoek kids and six managers/coaches benefitted from the opportunity.

Children from four local schools – Groendal Primary School, Groendal High School, Wes-End Primary School and Franschhoek High School – were identified to take part in this once-in-alifetime trip.

The children got to have an up-close and personal engagement with key components of the Formula E race. The visit to the street track and surrounding fan park also included a walk to the pit lane and paddock as well as engagement with the engineers, drivers and event organizers. The outing proved to be both inspirational and educational, particularly since some of the children had never

SHARF JUANI BEUKES

been to Cape Town or seen the sea!

The Franschhoek children even became social media stars for a while, when SuperSport captured them singing the national anthem in front of South African driver Kelvin van der Linde’s garage.

On ePrix race day, Saturday, 25 February, the Franschhoek community group was on the grandstands to feel, see and experience a fulfilling day of racing.

Busses for the event were sponsored by Ludus Magnus and FRANCO.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

sponsors for making this possible. We are planning to do five more areas after winter: Lanquedoc (very much needed), Simondium, Sawmills & surrounding farms (incl. Waterworks at the dam), Bohoek area (all farms) and the Val de Vie farm area. Thank you to every responsible owner who chose to sterilise for a better life for their pets. You played an important role in the fight against animal abuse and neglect.

Bürgin, a Bridge House School Grade 12 learner, achieved first place in the 2022 South National Geography Olympiad. He will be one of four SA learners to represent South the International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) later this month.

International Geography Olympiad will online and hosted by France from 12 to under the auspices of the International Geographical Union Olympiad Task Force.

an annual competition for the best 16 year-old Geography students from all over Students chosen to represent their are the very best, chosen from thousands who participate enthusiastically in their National Geography Olympiads. of the Olympiad are to: active interest in geographical and environmental studies among young people; contribute positively to debate about the importance geography as a senior secondary school subject drawing attention to the quality of geographical knowledge, skills and interests among young people;

Some of the animals that were sterilised at Groendal Secondary School

Franschhoek Leeskring

Leeskring

SUSAN MÖLLER

By die volgende byeenkoms van die Franschhoek Leeskring, wat op 7 Julie plaasvind, bespreek Danie du Toit Francois Smith se “Die getuienis”. Die byeenkoms word gehou in die NG Kerksaal. Lede en besoekers geniet vooraf n koffie koffie/tee met verrigtinge wat om 15h00 begin.

Tydens die volgende byeenkoms van die Franschhoek Leeskring op 13 April behandel Karin Roux, die debuutroman “Moer” van Michelle Meyer.

Die byeenkoms vind plaas in die NG Kerksaal om 15h00. Besoekers is welkom om saam met lede vooraf ‘n koppie koffie/tee te geniet.

Michèle Meyer het in 2017 die aandag getrek as die wenner van die Woordfees kortverhaalkompetisie.

Navrae: 0729325393

The Kusasa Cycling Team completed their inaugural ride at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, 12 March. The team, with many first-timers amongst them, completed the challenging 109-kilometre course, buoyed by great weather, beautiful scenery, and enthusiastic crowds. After crossing the finish line, the riders gathered for lunch to share experiences, a few aches and pains and plenty of smiles.

The Kusasa Project expressed its gratitude for the support of all participants. “Your enthusiasm and individual fundraising efforts will make a meaningful difference to the children of the Kusasa Academy. We do hope to see you back next year!” said a spokesperson.

Francois Smith se derde roman, “Die getuienis”, slaan ’n interessante nuwe rigting in, weg van sy twee vorige romans “Kamphoer” en “Die kleinste ramp denkbaar” waarmee hy reeds vir hom ’n beduidende plek in die Afrikaanse lettere oopgeskryf het.

If you are interested in joining the team in 2024, please send an email to Saskia Blaisse at donate@ thekusasaproject.org.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Bridge House School SA’s top young geographer, Destin Bürgin.

Hospice News

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Bastille? Franschhoek Hospice will be selling the following items on the 16th and 17th July at the

In “Moer” neem sy ons op ’n reis saam met Kylie deur die flarde van haar lewe as kind en as jong ma van twee dogtertjies. Ons beleef die invloed wat ’n ondraaglike huwelik, vrou-wees en ma-wees op haar psige het.

jou

Jy as leser word deel van hierdie

beklemmende reis.

“Die getuienis” vertel die verhaal van Retha en Gerbrand wat saam met hulle twee seuns by ’n Christelike bedieningsentrum êrens tussen Naboomspruit en Bela-Bela woon en werk. Retha behartig die sentrum se administrasie, spyseniering en kommunikasie op sosiale media; Gerhard bedien die Woord en lei seminare. Hulle beland per toeval daar nadat hulle lewe in Pretoria ineengestort het en hulle al hulle aardse besittings verloor het. Die woord “toeval” pas egter nie in hulle manier van dink en praat nie; wat hulle betref, is alles voorbeskik en deel van God (na wie hulle deurentyd verwys as “Vader”) se plan met hulle lewens. Celebrating

Members of the Kusasa Cycling Team celebrate their efforts after completing the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

A group of the Franschhoek kids that visited the Formule E track prior to the race in Cape Town.

Richard Simons (seated) with Richard and Kathy von Hoesslin, his stepson and daughter-in-law.

SHARF kicked off 2023 with three mass sterilisation days in three of the communities of the Franschhoek Valley. We sterilised 222 cats and dogs. We wish to thank Annette Phillips and all her

Time for a Franschhoek Special Rating Area (SRA)?

It is a privilege to call Franschhoek home and be surrounded by such spectacular scenery. Our valley remains a destination of choice for many, both locally and globally, offering worldclass cuisine, award-winning wines, artisanal delights and craft breweries. The main street offers a cosmopolitan shopping and cultural experience that creates entrepreneurial and business opportunities that lead to much-needed local job creation.

Franschhoek has a unique character. Time magazine recognized this by listing Franschhoek as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Places in July 2022. To quote Franschhoek Wine Valley “a small town that sits large on the map”.

However, we are currently faced with critical challenges that need to be addressed to maintain the economic sustainability, public safety and general ambience of Franschhoek.

Crime is increasing and needs constant monitoring and intervention as public safety is a priority. General maintenance around the village needs more attention, parks and gardens require more cleaning and care, litter and grime are becoming evident. ATM scamming is an increasing problem.

Semigration to the Western Cape continues at pace and Franschhoek is a destination of choice for many. This influx has placed our Municipalities under additional strain trying to cope with the rapid urban growth and to deliver sufficient services to ward off urban decay and general degeneration. We are fortunate to currently enjoy functional supportive Municipalities, but they need our assistance.

The privately-funded main street security project initiated by Franschhoek Wine Valley has thankfully proved to be a major success and highlighted that additional intervention measures are required. However, volunteer projects are not sustainable in the long term as a few generously donate while the results are enjoyed by all.

It is my strong opinion that we are at a crossroads and a few critical intervention decisions are required to maintain the appeal and sustainability of Franschhoek for residents, businesses and tourists alike.

Urban decay and security challenges are not unique to Franschhoek as many towns face similar issues and have successfully introduced the Special Rating Area (SRA) model to positively manage these challenges.

An SRA is a public-private partnership, established and managed by local property owners as set out in the Stellenbosch Special Rating Area (SRA) Policy aimed at preventing the degeneration of areas and facilitating their upliftment, economic growth and sustainable development.

Public safety and security is a major focus point of an SRA.

An SRA is funded by additional rates contributed by the property owners within a defined area to enhance and supplement current Municipal services as prescribed in the SRA business plan that covers security, cleaning, maintenance and social services.

Delivery on the SRA goals is determined and managed by the property owners and affords them to directly engage and deal with the negative issues that may be impacting their area. There are many successful SRAs in the Western Cape. Those that are currently operational are in Cape Town, the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Peninsula, Northern suburbs, the Overstrand area and Southern Cape Coast. Stellenbosch has two SRAs operating in Jonkershoek and the Techno Park. All are reporting positive results.

I suggest that it is time for all residents and business owners to be proactive to keep Franschhoek as a “small town that sits large on the map”.

An SRA model can deliver.

Contact Pat Jacobs at 073 535 0007 should you wish to have more information on SRAs.

Amakierie-kierie Sukses

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers, A recent CityLab article, entitled “To Build a Healthier City, Begin at the Sidewalk”, caught my eye. I suppose it was of interest for two reasons: Firstly, because most people these days lead extremely unhealthy lifestyles (reflected in the pandemic-like numbers of people suffering so-called ‘lifestyle diseases’) and, secondly, the fact that the number of tripping hazards on our village sidewalks just never seems to go down. Uneven paving, missing bricks, dodgy kerbs and random obstacles lying around – the dangers are multitudinous…

The article, by Linda Poon, reported on a new study that “analysed Google Street View images of neighbourhood infrastructure to explore how the built environment affects physical and mental health.”

She used the example of Oklahoma City, which had one of the highest adult obesity rates in the US. In 2008, then-mayor Mick Cornett challenged his city’s residents to collectively lose one million pounds. It wasn’t just a slogan though. “The city built parks, added sidewalks and invested in new running and biking trails, as part of a nearly $800 million tax-funded investment to improve walkability and get residents moving.”

The million pound goal was reached in 2012 and “between 2014 and 2017, wellness reports showed declines in deaths from stroke and cardiovascular disease, as well as improvements in overall mortality rates.” The challenge and the related public investments tapped into something researchers have known for some time, namely that our built environment has a significant impact on our physical and mental health – and even on crime rates.

Bookings

Poon quotes Quynh Nguyen, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Her study involved a team of architects, computer science students and public health experts to break down the link between individual elements of the built environment – such as fences, sidewalks or streetlights – and various health and behavioural outcomes.

The study analysed 164 million Google Street View images and cross-referenced them with public health information from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. It was found that “neighbourhoods equipped with markers of urban development like sidewalks and crosswalks were linked to reductions in obesity and high blood pressure, for example. Similarly, more road signs and street lights correlated with lower prevalence of high cholesterol and even cancer, as well as reduced depression and smoking.”

On the negative side, narrow roads and chainlink fences correlated with more poor mental health days.

Generally speaking, the study found, “Pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods tend to be associated with better community health and active lifestyles, which lowers risks for chronic disease and improves mental health, while noisy environments with little green space are linked to stress and anxiety.”

In a previous editor’s letter, I had taken a look at Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. This widely-applied approach uses environmental design principles to discourage crime. The point here is simply that our physical environments not only affect our mental and physical health but also on our crime rates. Yet, I doubt these considerations feature at the local government level in SA, as local governments here are not responsible for policing or public health. The effect of this silo-mentality is that we’re systematically losing out on opportunities to improve the lives of people. A little unblinkering can go a long way towards better health and safety outcomes…

Until next month!

DEADLINES - MAY 2023 ISSUE

Deelnemers geniet lafenis in die koelte

’n Jolige fees met speletjies en lewendige musiek het nou al vir die sewende jaar ’n vaste plek op Fleur de Lis se jaarprogram gekry en op Woensdag 15 Maart was dit weer sulke tyd. Altesaam 11 spanne van omliggende tehuise het al vroegoggend voor die NG kerksaal van Franschhoek uit bussies geklim in vrolike luim en in eenvormige drag waarin deelnemers van elke span uitgeken kon word. Behalwe die plaaslike tehuis Fleur de Lis het Huis Lafras Moolman, Soeterus van Paarl, Huis Groenland, Oase- en Wellington- Dienssentrum, Huis van Niekerk van Benadéhof, Chrismar Villas, Nuwerus, La Belle en Edelweiss deelgeneem. Daar was Mickey Muise, ’n span geklee in pienk T-hemde, ander met geel serpe en nog ’n span met donkerblou hoede opgetooi met veelkleurige blomme terwyl Fleur de Lis se deelnemers in rooi gepronk het.

Al heet hierdie sportfees Amakierie-kierie, was daar min kieries (indien enige) te sien. Riaan Wessels het die deelnemers getrakteer op lewendige musiek en hulle het hul nie twee maal laat nooi om litte los te maak op die “dansbaan” nie. Gou het die stof gestaan met ou treffers soos “If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?”

Chrismar Villas se Annatjie en Roseley van Oase is as die beste danser aangewys terwyl Mariette en Piet Groenewald as die Liefdesduifies gekroon is.

Soos gewoonlik was die vroue in die meerderheid, maar die beskikbare manne het ook hul kant gebring. Mnr Gert Olivier van Belville, wat ’n plek in die bokdrolspoeg losgespoeg het, is die bokdroldief genoem omdat hy kort-kort ’n paar gegaps en ook aan gretige omstanders uitgedeel het. Oom Jorrie van La Belle en Tannie Gouws van Huis Lafras Moolman het pryse gekry omdat hulle

die oudste man en vrou was wat deelgeneem het. Die manlike en vroulike beste presteerders was onderskeidelik mnr Veater en mev. Van Bosch, albei van Huis van Niekerk-Benadéhof. Ander kompetisies was die boontjiesakkiegooi, die wasgoedpennetjie-knyp en boules. Tussendeur was daar pannekoek en koffie te koop. Uiteindelik het Chrismar Villas as die algehele wenner met ’n yslike trofee weggestap en Wellington Dienssentrum met die trofee vir die beste spangees. Bellingham was die grootste borg met ‘n aantal kleiner borge was ook bygedra het. Die maatskaplike werkers wat die geleentheid gereël het, me. Leigh Reabow en Shirleen Ludick en ander vrywilligers wat gehelp het, was beïndruk met die geesdrif en energie van die deelnemers.

Teks & Foto: Elkarien Fourie

in April

As I am writing this article it seems like the weather is playing an early April fool prank on us. Whatever is causing it, but we are seeing some anomalies forming in our weather systems that are not only confusing to the gardener, but also challenging to the commercial farmer. In other years I would be speculating and hoping and praying for some autumn rain by now, this year some unseasonal harvest rain and overcast conditions brought new challenges to Western Cape farmers.

April is traditionally the month signalling the start of our rainy season. That makes this an important gardening month. As the earth softens up it is the best time to prepare new beds and rejuvenate sad looking garden spaces. Your soil will not be too water logged to work and compost and manure can be properly dug into the soil. Use this time to address all those deficiencies you noticed during summer – agricultural lime, Epsom salts, bone meal and chicken manure pellets are all good amendments. A soil test will bring a scientific edge to your guesswork. Work the new beds to a fine tilth and sow a mixed cover crop to be dug in in early spring as a green manure. This will give you beautifully prepared beds for your summer plantings that have all the nourishment you need already in the soil. And that nourishment is for the soul as much as the body. I think the psychological benefit of just sitting and staring at my garden often outweighs the physiological benefit of consuming the produce of my garden. I am going to sow and plant even more flowers this year!

While speaking of nourishment it is a good time to look at your medicinal garden. The colder weather forces us indoors into overcrowded confined spaces. I want my immune system to be super strong this season. Not only do I want to feed my body with optimal nutrition from my garden, I also want the comfort of having a medicine chest at hand should something go wrong. No better place to find that medicine chest than in the garden. Many of our popular culinary herbs have immune boosting and healing benefits – thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley all have therapeutic use. A step further would be to investigate the list of indigenous medicinal herbs available from

nurseries and grow your own farmacy. Some readily available plants with strong medicinal uses include Artemisia, Pelargonium, Boegoe, Helichrysum, Bulbine, Lobostomon, Sutherlandia, Aloe ferox and Eriocephalus. These have different ways of administering and best would be to equip yourself with the knowledge and experience to develop your own intuition. The medicinal garden can form part of your existing vegetable garden but can also be a great addition to the main garden.

Cannabis is one of the world’s miracle plants. As more and more scientific research on the human endocannabinoid system comes to the fore it is apparent that this plant is the most important immune system modulator on earth. With our constitution allowing personal cultivation and consumption in South Africa no garden should be without some Dagga trees, even if smoking the herb is something you would never do. Fresh pressed cannabis juice is such a health booster that it will probably be the next big super food. Fresh leaves can be eaten in salads, deep fried or stir fried, and as a garnish will always make for an interesting conversation starter. Cannabis tea before bedtime will not only aid sleep but will also be anti-inflammatory and boost the immune system. What’s left of the plant can be turned into anything from building materials to pet bedding; you might even grow your own shirt one day!

Rainfall Figures

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Department of Social Development, Paarl local o ce, is requesting Mr Kelvin Joubert last seen around the Franschhoek area to urgently contact the social worker, Mrs Sharon Collins, at 079 247 8881 / 021 8711 682 during o ce hours (07:30-16:00).

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Win a tranquil one-night stay for two, including a threecourse dinner prepared by Chef Kyle Norris, in Sauvage Restaurant

R200 per ticket or three for R400

SHARF FNB Account: 6283-6203-076

Branch Code: 20-01-10

Email PoP, name & cell number to: info@safehandsanimalrescue.org.za

The monthly draws will be held on the last Friday of each month at 11h00 at The Hoek Espresso Bar.

Please support our animals in need.

ARINA WILSON

Your guesthouse officially opened recently. How did the event go and when did The Belmont officially open?

Yes. The Belmont’s media launch took place at the end of February after officially opening for bookings and to the public on 1 February 2023, after renovating since October 2022. All went well, despite load shedding!

You and your husband, CJ, come from diverse backgrounds. Could you share something about what inspired you to enter the tourism industry and open a guesthouse?

Hahaha, it actually happened quite organically. We loved renovating our home in Ireland in 2017. So when CJ was searching for properties for sale in the Franschhoek area, he came across this beautiful old house. We went to view it and immediately had a feeling that we wanted to restore this beauty to its former glory. The location of the house, its size, and the fact that it was run as a guesthouse already prior to our purchasing were some of the factors that motivated us to open a guesthouse after the renovation project. Franschhoek is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, with so much to explore in the vicinity, so it only made sense to enter the industry in such a lovely village. Could you tell me about the name ‘The Belmont’

Poetic Licence

I entreat your forbearance this month in allowing a touch of self-indulgence to slip into this column.

I promise not to make a habit of it!

April, according to T.S. Eliot in The Waste Land, “is the cruelest month”, while Geoffrey Chaucer, introducing his Canterbury Tales, views it differently: “Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote/ The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,/ […]/ Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages.”

For me, April has never seemed an especially cruel month and nor have I been inclined to go on pilgrimages during it, but it certainly holds considerable meaning for me.

In both the above cases the poets refer to April in the northern hemisphere, which occurs in springtime following the freezing rigours of winter. Here, of course, things are different – April

State of Terror

By Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny Publ: Macmillan. 494 Pages.

The heroine is blonde, feisty, and smart. She crisscrosses the world, her pantsuits as immaculate as her make-up, trying to solve the problems of its most powerful nation. Sounds familiar?

You might remember that a few years ago, ex-President Bill Clinton, with some time on his hands, decided to start writing political thrillers together with James Patterson. His experience of international political intrigues meshed well with the crime writer’s expertise.

Now his wife, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has followed suit by teaming up with prize-winning Canadian crime writer Louise Penny, to produce a political thriller with a different slant.

Hillary C. has an acute sense of the internal threats in the US, emanating from within the very

and if this name has any particular significance?

We lived in Ireland for 9 years where CJ pursued his professional rugby career, culminating in more than 50 international matches for our adopted country. In 2017 we bought our home in Castleconnell, Ireland, on a street named Belmont Hill. She had hardwood floors, high ceilings and dado rail mouldings. It was our first home as a married couple, and also where we started our family.

Following CJ’s retirement in 2021, we moved back to South Africa, leaving behind friends, memories and a chapter of our lives that had been written at 10 Belmont Hill. In September 2022, when we stepped through the front door for the very first time, we saw the same hardwood floors, high ceilings and dado rail mouldings that had adorned our Irish abode. She only needed a bit of TLC to restore her to her former glory. We knew we wanted to name her in honour of our Castleconnell home. And so started a new chapter for us in a familiar yet different setting, in Franschhoek. The Belmont is an extension of who we are and where we come from.

What kind of renovations were necessary for The Belmont to be ready for the public, and are there further developments that prospective guests may anticipate?

We really wanted to update the interiors of the house and so we incorporated a lot of colour on the walls, as well as wallpaper and statement headboards. We updated all the bathrooms; all but one suite’s bathroom has both a shower and a bathtub now (whereas before most only had a bathtub). We brought in beautiful patterned tiles on the porch and stairs leading up the house as the concrete stairs were so brittle when we started renovating – in fact, that was one of the first things we had to do.

We are currently busy finishing up our communal living and kitchen area where guests will be able to relax, watch TV, and cook their own meals. This area will be ideal especially when guests decide to book the entire house.

is autumnal, heralding those very rigours.

I am fortunate to have known both of these Aprils and memories of them are overwhelmingly (though not entirely) good ones. Here are a couple.

In April 2004 I accompanied my elderly father to Australia to visit his youngest son, my brother, in New South Wales. This was a huge undertaking for Dad because he was increasingly frail, had not flown anywhere before and had certainly never expected to go to Australia. It was an escape for both of us, for my first marriage was rapidly disintegrating at the time.

Shortly before we left UK, I wrote this sonnet:

Autumn Song

I am waltzing towards Australia, to a meeting and reluctance to meet, two lines no longer parallel, complete with crepuscular blurrings of failure to define our segregation. I see how distances dissolve, the hot red clay entering my veins, now and yesterday fabricating what tomorrow will be.

There it is morning; here a sharp March night

bowels of power. She evokes a state of terror within the US, caused by collaboration between the altright forces associated with Donald Trump, and an Iranian terrorist group only too eager to assist in the destruction of the most powerful nation on earth. Obviously, Hillary has an axe to grind. The Orange One denied her the chance to become the first female President of the US. She clearly abhors him and his politics. Trump is re-created in the figure of Eric Dunn, the sinister ex-president lurking in the depths of Washington.

The task of averting the State of Terror rests on the shoulders of the Hillary-like figure, Secretary of State Ellen Adams (a fine name, traceable to the Founding Fathers). Ellen faces three threats. The current President is setting her up to fail, especially since she supported his rival in the presidential run-up. He frustrates and undermines her at every opportunity. Secondly, the evidence of a sinister and demonic plot created by the ultra-right is becoming more believable by the day and, thirdly, there is the ever-present threat of an Iranian nuclear bomb factory, led by the sinister Doctor Shah.

The plot itself relies on the ticking-bomb story. She learns that multiple nuclear devices might have been planted in various American

What is your greatest challenge in running a guest house and what goes into managing such an establishment?

For me, the greatest challenge in running a guesthouse is trying to create the perfect environment every single day for each and every new guest. That is, trying to keep every guest that chooses to stay with us, happy. Ultimately, we want our guests to feel at home at The Belmont. CJ and I are both perfectionists, so it is quite a challenge to have everything run absolutely smoothly and problem-free each and every day. However, we are extremely lucky to have a very efficient team running the show when we aren’t there. Are you optimistic about South Africa’s tourism industry post-COVID? What do you anticipate with the greatest excitement?

that drifts towards springtime and exposes everything – how a moment’s acid white petal smoulders with the musk of roses and how our rich confusion teaches this: we have already kissed…or shall not kiss.

Harry Owen from the collection The Music of Ourselves (Cheshire CC, 2004)

Dad celebrated his 82nd birthday there on 30 April – the first time ever in autumn.

Times moved on and my marriage ended. Fast forward three years or so and, following a series of the most unlikely coincidences, I found myself reunited with Chrissie, my first girlfriend from schooldays in Liverpool, whom I had not seen or heard from in four decades. She was living in South Africa, a senior academic at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

I joined her in January 2008 and we were married that April (of course!), a couple of weeks before her birthday on the 29th.

Cruel, then? Not for me.

So thank you all for indulging me in wishing both Happy Birthday and Happy 15th Anniversary

cities. Detonation of these devices will create panic and fear, allowing the alt-right to come back into position with its “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Ellen relies on her institutional knowledge, and her instinctive reactions allow her to tie together the links between Shah and the traitors within the White House. She is assisted by her fearless journalist son, who ventures behind the lines in Afghanistan, her devoted personal assistant and a junior officer who has relations in the Middle East.

This is an unusual, fastpaced, and tightly written thriller with a credible plot and, for obvious reasons, a likeable heroine. Reading it reminds one of watching a gripping Netflix series.

An interesting question is: what will the theme of

We are very excited. I think COVID and the lockdowns made everyone realise that you don’t have to travel abroad for a holiday. We live in a beautiful country with unbelievable tourist attractions and great weather most of the time. International guests we’ve spoken to cannot stop talking about the breathtaking attractions and the value for money.

How can people contact you if they’d like to book accommodation with you?

We are currently busy getting our website up and running within the coming weeks. In the meantime, we can be contacted via email at stay@thebelmontfh. com. We can also be found on Instagram @thebelmont and can be reached via telephone on (082) 707-6787. Bookings can also be made via platforms such as Booking.com and Lekkeslaap.

to my lovely wife, Chrissie, this autumnal April.

Forty Years On

How an hour stays forever: down this back staircase in the rich darkness of Wales, a silver river singing outside, air filled with moss and foreign grasses, and I bear my heart to the door like a boulder, erratic and massive as mountainsides.

You are something without me, cool and clean, a crystal devil-gift beneath the night sky as we walk (go on! go on!) these half-turned shoulders of hills, the kingdoms of the world. Inviolate as a new planet, lost, forbidden, you hover there like a moon, this moment truer than my face, my hand.

For I loved you then, I loved you then. Still do. Harry Owen from the collection Five Books of Marriage (Authorhouse, 2008)

the next collaborative novel be, post the Ukrainian War? Will Russian Minister Putin be the stand-in for Iranian Doctor Shah? The commercial success of “State of Terror” probably means the answer is around the corner.

Jean-Marie Stander of ‘The Belmont’ Guesthouse

Jean-Marie & CJ Stander on the steps of The Belmont Guesthouse

Smalls

TANGO AFRICANO: Every Monday night starting 20 March - 1 hour Argentine Tango lesson followed by guided practice, starting 18h30. R150 per person. Venue: Die Boekklub (beautiful venue!) https://dieboekklub. com/ Address: Plaas (Farm) 1210, R310 – Helshoogte Pass, Johannesdal, Pniel (between Franschhoek & Stellenbosch) Contact Wikus +27 64 172 0120 for more info

DOMESTIC / NANNY: My name is Vongai Mubayiwa and I am a Zimbabwean lady looking for a job as a stay in or stay out domestic or nanny from Monday to Friday. I have 5 years of experience. Please contact me on 074 852 5420. For a reference, please call 082 647 7215.

DOMESTIC / NANNY: My name is Mamhase Christinah Matete and I am a Mosotho lady looking for domestic or nanny work. I have experience in both fields and carry a valid work permit. Please contact me on 072 070 2083 via WhatsApp or phone call.

WANTED TO BUY: Crockery – pretty pieces. Cutlery. Tablecloths. Any vintage items. Debbie 082 825 5666 | Nicky 072 871 9103

THE NURSERY at Tea Under The Trees! Nicky can be reached at 072 871 9103.

CARER / BABYSITTER / HOUSESITTER: Available after business hours for any of the aforementioned. Jennipher Duthie, 071 705 6331. (I work at The Hoek Coffee Shop.)

TIMBER DECKING, Pergolas and Lapas of the highest quality. References available. Brainstorm Creations. Call Gunther for quote on 083 461 6649 brainstormcreations1@gmail.com

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES WINELANDS: We provide affordable accounting, payroll and tax services to individuals, small to medium sized entities and trusts. We also offer cloud accounting and are certified partners with Sage, Xero & QuickBooks for cloud accounting and registered member of SAIT. Call LeeAnn 076 321 5274

Need BASIC COMPUTER Services? SECRETARIAL or BOOKKEEPING Services? Contact Ronelle Pinard 073 646 1687

RE-THINKING YOUR GARDEN? For Garden

Consulting call Susan at 072 932 5393

RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355

WESTERN CAPE HOUSE SITTERS: We have many mature, kind, responsible, animal loving, live-in house sitter members who would love to care for your home and pets. Your furry children may miss you but their environment and routines remain intact which is why we at Western Cape House Sitters will provide a perfect win-win for everyone... Peter Walsingham 082 822 4200 info@westerncapehousesitters.co.za

CHANGING TO A SALT WATER SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for you! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise? We quote and help you out! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

STUFF WANTED: All manner of clothing and household items needed for our ‘First Friday of The Month’ jumble sales. Please help us to help the animals of the valley. Please drop off at the SPCA clinic in La Provence Street, Groendal, or phone for us to collect. 021 876 4808

FRESH, ORGANIC FARM PRODUCE: Delivered weekly to Franschhoek, including vegetables and fruit in season, chicken, eggs, cheese, honey, etc. Lists of available produce received on Monday, orders placed on Tuesday for Wednesday delivery. A number of Franschhoekers are already receiving weekly deliveries. To be added to the list contact Sue Norman on 083 321 3442 or suenorman50@outlook.com.

DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT POOL LEAK? Losing water all the time? Let us quote and take care of the problem!

Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

PROFESSIONAL POOL SERVICE REQUIRED? Keep it local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

Community Events

SPORT

FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUB: Social tennis is played at the club on Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 08h30. For more information contact Ross. 078 278 4843.

PARKRUN: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate. Time: 08h00. Cost: Free. Register at www. parkrun.co.za (May not take place, depending on Covid regulations)

CHURCH SERVICES

METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service

10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509.

NG KERK: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Besoekers welkom.New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Revd Wilfred Meyer 084 407 1280. Office - 021 874 4008. willowdale@cybersmart.co.za

SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services - 09h00 & 18h00 English services at 7 Lambrechts Street. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome!

TRINITY CHURCH: Worship Sundays at 09h30 at L’Ermitage Chapel, with Holy Communion. Weekday service Thursday at 10h30 at Fleur de Lis. Contact Gavin – 083 799 0726.

UNITING REFORMED CHURCH: Sunday service 09h30. Dr Shaun Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.

Useful Numbers

Pinard on 073 646 1687

FWV is Hiring

N e w h a l f d a y S a l e s a n d M a r k e t i n g position available at Franschhoek Wine Valley starting 1 May 2023.

C a n d i d a t e s n e e d t o h a v e m a t r i c , a minimum of two years' experience in sales and marketing, strong English and Afrikaans communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, detail oriented and a s e l f - s t a r t e r C a n d i d a t e n e e d s t o b e committed and driven and must have own reliable vehicle and valid driver's licence.

T o a p p l y p l e a s e s e n d y o u r C V & r e c e n t p h o t o o f y o u r s e l f t o accounts@franschhoek.org.za

APPLICATION IN TERMS OF THE NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT, 1999, ACT 25 OF 1999 (THE NHRA)

Please note that an application is to be made in terms of SECTION 27 of the NHRA regarding the following Provincial Heritage Site (former National Monument): Grande Provence Franschhoek.

Grand Provence is on the R45

Short Description: Proposed alterations to increase guest accommodation in two existing outbuildings

A copy of the report and plans can be obtained from:

AIKMAN ASSOCIATES: HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

e-mail: aikman@wol.co.za Telephone: 083 306 6768

Postal Address: PO BOX 140 TULBAGH 6820

And may be viewed at the Franschhoek Municipal Offices

Any person wishing to object or comment on heritage grounds to the application must make such comment /objection in writing to the above address on or before 30 April 2023.

young minds are inspired; where individual care and attention is combined with a distinctive, progressive education and where changemakers are equipped with skills for a world beyond our imagination. Bridge House is a leading independent, co-ed day and boarding school, situated in a beautiful, safe setting in the Franschhoek Valley.

An independent (IEB) Matric examination accepted by universities worldwide

· An excellent academic track record – 100% pass rate to date

· A wide variety of traditional team and individual sports and cultural activities

· Four, spacious, modern boarding houses for students from Grade 6 to 12

· Extensive facilities on 28 hectares of land

Open Day is any day you want it to be.

Contact Gill Malcolm gilmal@bridgehouse.org.za or +27 (0) 874 8100 for a bespoke tour of the school or an online interview with the Head. www.bridgehouse.org.za

DINA BOSHOFF MARIANNE VAN DER MERWE TANIA VAN DEEMTER VIVIEN LOUW MOIRA ATKINSON

AGENT: TANIA VAN DEEMTER

AGENT: TANIA VAN DEEMTER

AGENT: MARIANNE VAN DER MERWE

IMMACULATE VILLAGE TOWN HOUSE PERFECT SETTING AND VIEWS!

SOLE MANDATE

Groot drakenstein Games club

Groot drakenstein Games club

PRIVATE COUNTRY ESTATE

Architect designed and master built home nestled in 3.8 hectares of landscaped gardens with some of the finest views in the Franschhoek Valley but within a few minutes drive of Franschhoek Village. Seven bedroom main house staff cottage and 3 garages adjacent to the main house. Extensive grounds including pavilion, 20m pool and tennis court. Erf size 3.8 hectares

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

2 HECTARE FRANSCHHOEK SMALLHOLDING

Idyllic 2 hectare smallholding in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley. This remarkable property consists of 4 separate dwellings nestled amongst manicured gardens, vineyards, orchards, and a private lake, cradled by the Franschhoek Mountains. The heart of this property is the beautifully appointed main house (Lake Cottage). Secluded, intimate, and surrounded by nature this smallholding is one of a kind. Currently run as up-market accommodation the property is ideal as a permanent home, an accommodation offering, or as a flexible combination of the two. Price excludes VAT.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

R65 000 000

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R55 000 000 plus VAT

6 BEDROOM HOME – BOUTIQUE VILLAGE ESTATE

Sole Mandate. Exceptional secluded but central location. Significant 1857 heritage property sensitively restored to fuse period and contemporary features to create an elegant classic feel throughout. With 6 en-suite bedrooms, 5 living rooms and 5 verandahs, there is ample room for hosting and entertaining large groups in spacious luxury. Tranquil gardens, sparkling pool, ancient oak trees. Sectional Title. Price excludes VAT

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R17 950 000 plus VAT

FRANSCHHOEK HERITAGE PROPERTY ON 2,000m2

Sole Mandate. Historic gem sensitively updated to present charming original features with a fresh, contemporary twist. This unique four bedroom home is a rare find even by Franschhoek standards. Period features includes high ceilings and sash windows. Wonderful flow to the swimming pool area with outdoor lounge/dining terrace space for entertaining with gorgeous mountain views and charming garden outlook. Sold with furnishings.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R16 970 000

3 BEDROOM HOME WITH COTTAGE

Marvellous opportunity to acquire a character three bedroom family home with studio cottage in one of Franschhoek’s finest tree-lined residential streets. Wonderful spaces inside and out. Double volume living/dining area semi-open plan to kitchen and media/library area. Three bedroom, two bathroom main house. Mezzanine level with separate tv area. Two verandas, low maintenance garden, pool with rock feature and a studio cottage. Large double garage and a full solar power system

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R8 950 000 plus VAT

CONTEMPORARY CAPE DUTCH COTTAGE

Sole Mandate. This immaculate home is a calm sanctuary in neutral shades as well as a creative canvas for street art and contemporary design. The interior, with cement screed floors, sash windows and double-volume thatch living areas, comprises open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen spilling out to a covered patio overlooking a garden, pool and mountain views. 3 en-suite bedrooms, a home office, 2 garages and off-street parking.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R8 750 000

L’AVENUE DE FRANSCHHOEK

This stunning 5 bedroom home is located in the prestigious L’Avenue de Franschhoek Estate. Boasting an elevated position with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. This home offers an enviable combination of space, security, and luxurious living. High end designer finishes throughout the property, including gorgeous wooden floors and double volume beamed living areas

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R23 500 000

CHARACTER 3 BEDROOM VILLAGE PROPERTY

This 1863 character property was once the original barn and orchards to the neighbouring manor house. It now presents as a barn-style cottage with some contemporary finishes and plenty of historic charm. An extensive garden of over 1,000 sqm offers stunning north-facing mountain views, a reservoir pool and a variety of fruit trees , some of which are likely descended from the original farmstead orchards. Erf Size: 1 688 sqm

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

IDEAL HOLIDAY RENTAL INVESTMENT PROPERTY

This character three bedroom Victorian style cottage is currently run as a highly successful holiday rental and would make an attractive investment property. Solid wood floors, sash windows and french doors create a warm and inviting feel throughout. VAT is applicable on top of the asking price but would qualify for zero-rating. No transfer duties.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

R9 950 000

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R6 500 000 plus VAT