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Page 3 Mayor opens craft market
Page 5 GlenWood sushi restaurant
Page 14 Q&A: Michelle Roux
FRANSCHHOEK’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AND ADVERTISER SINCE 1994 • DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
La Cotte Farm An Icon Restored
The restored manor house now houses the hotel restaurant and bar
Café BonBon @
la petite dauphine
RESTAURANT & FUNCTION VENUE Breakfast and Lunch Wednesday - Sunday, 08h00 - 17h00 Excelsior Road, Franschhoek, 7690 T. 021 876 3936 • E. cafebonbon@lapetite.co.za
For almost twenty years the manor house and werf on La Cotte Farm, one of the nine original Huguenot farms in the valley, lay neglected. Then, with new owners, came new life as an understated country hotel and restaurant on a working farm right at the edge of the village. Visitors won’t be able resist. They’re bound to be enchanted. Ancient oaks, white-washed walls, simple gabled buildings and rambling Cape Mediterranean gardens combine with unrivalled valley and mountain views to charm all comers. It’s no surprise that old SA master Hugo Naudé chose to paint the view from the manor house more than once. The historic manor house now houses the restaurant, an inviting lounge and an intimate colonial-style sporting bar decorated with vintage prints and etchings, comfortable armchairs and a standout pair of red leather bars stools. Diners can choose between the bright conservatory, the dramatically wallpapered voorkamer and the deep, shady stoep. (Tip: Head straight for the stoep when going for sundowners. The view of sunset over the valley will keep you riveted. Your companions will simply have to forgive you if your mind wanders…) The restaurant is the domain where Executive Chef Neethling du Toit (previously at La Petite Ferme) conjures up heritage-inspired country fare,
much of it from the flourishing vegetable garden a stone’s throw from the manor house, with the rest ethically and preferably locally sourced. Fynbos honey also comes from the farm, as do free-range eggs. Chef Neethling’s farm-to-fork philosophy finds expression in dishes ranging from pickled fish and harvest platters to garden salads and koeksisters. Suffice it to say that whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner your palate will be pleased. Ethical concerns also inform the farm’s involvement in the Together Franschhoek feeding scheme, which sees farm-grown vegetables distributed to local soup kitchens. Ten hotel rooms are housed in two newlybuilt wings flanking the werf. All are individually decorated in a contemporary country style by architect and designer Domenic Touwen, who was also responsible for the garden design executed by Rowena Smuts. Five rooms open to the sheltered pool area while the other five overlook the Franschhoek Mountains. A standout feature is hard to pick, but if pressed the walk-in showers are pretty impressive! Continued on p2...
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2 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
La Cotte Farm AN ICON RESTORED ...Continued from p1
Self-catering accommodation is available in the Forest Cottages – spread along a ridge with wide vistas and individual pools – the Orchard Cottages or a superlative villa higher up on the farm that sleeps 14 guests. La Cotte is also back to being a working wine farm. Beyond the werf plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Viognier flourish in the mostly decomposed granite soils. (Wines are currently made at nearby Dieu Donné). Plans are afoot to possibly convert the historic La Cotte water mill into a cosy wine tasting venue in the near future. Franschhoekers will find some familiar faces at La Cotte. In addition to Chef Neethling du Toit,
Restaurant Manager Eleanor Kerwin (formerly from Le Quartier Français and Leeu Collection) also needs little introduction. Sue Norman cares for the gardens, while General Manager Mark Dendy Young – another Franschhoeker with impeccable professional credentials – leads the team. Mark says their aim at La Cotte Farm is to “create a sense of belonging”. Whether you’re visiting for a meal only or a month we’re sure you’ll feel right at home at this friendly farm. Anyone wishing to arrange a dreamy wedding will want to speak to Marketing Manager Theo Pedro. OPENING TIMES: Daily Breakfast: Mondays - Sundays 09h00 - 11h00 | Leisurely Lunches: Saturdays - Sundays 12h00 - 16h00 | Sundowners On The Stoep: Mondays - Sundays 17h00 - 20h00. www.lacottefarm.com | 021 207 3907 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
Woolworths Franschhoek Now Single-use Plastic Bag Free Woolworths’ Franschhoek store went single-use plastic shopping bag free on 9 November. Despite disruptions caused by the Covid-19 lockdown Woolworths has continued with the rollout of a national 121-store programme in response to Woolworths’ commitment to phase out single-use plastic bags. Since making this commitment Woolworths has launched a ‘low cost’ reusable bag in food stores and a paper bag for its fashion, beauty and home purchases and has already successfully switched 25 stores to being single-use plastic shopping bag free. Both bags are made locally by supplier development beneficiaries and constructed from either fabric made from recycled plastic (PET) or Forest Stewardship Council-certified recycled content, sourced from the same mill where Woolworths (FSC N002141) sends its recyclable cardboard and paper. “Smart, sustainable solutions often take time to get off the ground but when they do, they change our world for the better instantly. While Covid 19
Three Wins for La Motte at Best of Wine Tourism Awards
Woolworths’ new low cost reusable bag
has impacted our roll out, we remain committed in our journey to remove single use plastic from our stores. Together with our customers we are looking forward to removing all single use plastic bags from our stores.” concludes Feroz Koor: Woolworths Holdings Group Head of Sustainability. Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
La Motte Wine Estate was crowned the winner in three of the seven categories of this year’s Best of Wine Tourism Awards. This international annual competition is designed to reward the wineries in each of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network’s member regions for their excellence. Wesgro, the Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape worked closely with Vinpro, a non-profit company that represents 2 500 South African wine producers, cellars and industry stakeholders in finalising these awards. The 2021 winners are: • Accommodation: Lanzerac Wine Estate • Wine Tourism Restaurants: Delaire Graff Estate • Sustainable Wine Tourism Practice: La Motte Wine Estate • Architecture & Landscape: Delaire Graff Estate • Art & Culture: La Motte Wine Estate • Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Creation Wines • Wine Tourism Services: La Motte Wine Estate “We are proud of each of our members who have pushed through the challenges our industry has faced this year by continuing to excel and innovate, and in so doing, showcasing South Africa as a world-class wine tourism destination,” said Marisah Nieuwoudt, Vinpro wine tourism manager. The judging process entailed an in-depth review process during which the applications received scored based on the standard criteria. Roving judges then paid ‘ghost visits’ to the wineries, where
after the expert judges and the roving judges held an adjudication review to determine the winners. The judging panel the competition consisted of three roving judges and seven expert judges facilitated by André Morgenthal, judges included: Rhian van Wyk - Cape Winelands District Municipality, Maryna Calow - Wines of South Africa (WOSA), Unathi Mantshongo - Vinpro Consultant Europe (Speciality Viticulture, Wine Buying & Transformation), Teddy Ntsente - Tourism Grading Council South Africa, Jenny Handley - Gourmet Guide, Shelley Fuller - Fruit & Wine Programme Manager at WWF, Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa - Design Space Africa, Margi Biggs - Specialized Events & Tours, Ilana Clayton CEO at Travel Smart Crew, Spencer Fondaumiere ASI diploma Sommelier and vice chair of the South African Sommeliers Association. “The ‘Best of Wine Tourism’ Awards serve as an industry benchmark for excellence in wine tourism, and we are honoured to have worked closely with Vinpro to recognise the wineries and wine-tourism related businesses with the highest standards. We also thank the judges for their time and effort, and well done to all our winners!” concluded Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris. Text & Image: Editorial Desk
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Council Role Reversal – Again
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FLTR: Deputy Mayor Nyaniso Jindela, Mayor Gesie van Deventer and Speaker Wilhelmina Petersen
At an urgent council meeting held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall on Monday, 02 November 2020, a new speaker and deputy mayor were elected. This followed the resignation of Councillor Nyaniso Jindela as Speaker effective from 31 October 2020.
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Councillor Jindela was elected speaker on 14 November 2019, replacing Councillor Wilhelmina Petersen. Councillor Petersen was elected as executive deputy mayor in Councillor Jindela’s place at the same meeting. In his brief resignation letter Councillor Jindela thanked the municipality for the opportunity to fill the speaker’s chair. He also thanked both municipal councillors and officials for their support. As required by Section 36 of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act, No. 117 of 1998, Municipal Manager Geraldine Mettler presided over the election of the new speaker. The only nominee for the position was executive deputy mayor, Councillor Wilhelmina Petersen. In accepting the nomination as speaker Councillor Petersen also resigned as executive deputy mayor, thus triggering the election of a new executive deputy mayor. As there were no other nominations for the speakership, Councillor
Petersen was elected unopposed. The newly re-elected speaker, Councillor Petersen, then presided over the election of the executive deputy mayor. There was only one nomination for the position too – Councillor Jindela – meaning that he was also elected unopposed. In his acceptance speech Councillor Jindela referred to the fact that his life was endangered at the time when he was elected speaker, but that the threat had now passed. The decisions at the 2 November meeting now sees both councillors back in the positions they occupied before the 14 November 2019 meeting. In a press statement Stellenbosch Municipality thanked both councillors “for their continued commitment to improving the lives of the people of the Greater Stellenbosch region and we wish them well in these new roles.” Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 3
Mayor Opens Art & Craft Market
After officially opening the Franschhoek Art & Craft Market Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer inspected the goods on offer. In the photo above she tries out a tea set sold by one of the traders, Ms Tarauai.
It’s been a long time coming but the new stalls for informal traders next to the town hall are finally being used. Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer officiated at the opening of what is now dubbed the Franschhoek Art & Craft Market on Friday, 13 November. The site has been used for informal trading for more than 15 years. Historically traders had to erect temporary structures every morning before unpacking their wares – only to have to break down the structures again in the evening. Not only was this cumbersome, but it also led to noise complaints from nearby residents. In 2017, Stellenbosch Municipality as part of its commitment to promote informal trading as a means to increase household income decided to upgrade the trading site and improve aesthetic and operating conditions to the benefit of both the traders and the local community. Rekha Construction was awarded the contract – to a value of R2.226m – for the upgrade of the
trading site in March 2018. Construction started in June 2018 and took 18 months to complete after some unexpected but unavoidable delays. In her opening remarks, the mayor explained the reason for the new contract-based management system to the assembled traders and other interested parties. She also informed them that now that they aren’t simply transient traders any more efforts can be made to enrol them for support courses offered by the Department of Trade and Industry. After cutting the ribbon the mayor, accompanied by the ward councillor and officials, inspected the wares on offer. Text & Image: Editorial Desk
Haleem for Hunger Reports of people going hungry in these difficult times have been unsettling. Sometimes one wonders whether we can solve the problem, and sometimes one finds that someone is solving the problem; like Saira Essa. She has been feeding hungry kids since June when she started ‘Haleem for Hunger’ – named after a popular and nutritious Asian stew that is one of her comfort foods. When she spoke to Edward Morton of La Residence about the idea, he suggested helping at WesEind School. Saira’s team works from a kitchen set up in the garage of her and husband Mark’s home. She sources the ingredients and she and renowned chef Chris Smit do the cooking. Her brother, Imraan Vagar, and Chris live two doors away, so support and collaboration are close. Cooking happens on a Thursday after which J & R Tours collect the big pots and take them to La Residence’s cool room. They collect the pots again on a Friday, take them back to the house to be heated up and then deliver them to the school. About 230 children are served a meal on Fridays and there is plenty for seconds. Mark, Chris and Imraan do the honours. Haleem for Hunger was going to run until the end of August but Saira says, “I fell in love with the children.” Because the project is self-funded she could continue and when spring came she changed the menu from Haleem to Ostrich Mince and Basmati Rice. Chris says she is very specific about all the food being just right. This will also be the case when they cook Persian-inspired Chicken Pilaf for the children in summer. When she talks about her cooking, Saira refers to her ‘street urchin background’ which taught her to identify ingredients and flavours by smell as she still does. Another relevant childhood memory is how her life changed when it was discovered that she did not have a learning problem at school, but needed glasses and the wonder of seeing properly once she got a pair. To make sure that all the learners at Wes-Eind could see properly, she co-opted opticians. Hello Bril is testing 92 learners identified by teachers and will supply a prescription
Serving hearty haleem
pair at no cost to those who need. She is not asking for help from the public but hopes that anyone who wants to offer support would consider paying for school uniforms. Not every child has a clean intact uniform for every day and children need two sets to do so. Saira is a member of Red Carpet Productions and known for her achievements in the television, radio and performing arts world. She is smart, successful and beautiful and cares greatly about others. Her favourite quote is by Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist Monk, “Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” Edward Morton unreservedly supports Saira. He says that he aspires to live according to his heroine, Anne Frank’s survival motto “Be kind, and have courage” which is reflected in Saira’s life, “She has the courage to step out of a comfort zone and she makes time to be kind to others. Haleem for Hunger is all about giving unexpectedly and being kind.” Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
The home of summer & Pierre Jourdan WINE TASTING | BAKERY & DELI |
Daily, 9am - 6pm
LUNCH | Wed - Sun, 11am - 4pm DINNER | Fri & Sat, 6:30pm - 8pm BOOK |
reservations@cabriere.co.za | 021 876 8500
www.cabriere.co.za
FEE COF
7H
SP
L0 ECIA
H00
09 30 -
Restaurant / Deli
the small shop with lots of good things biltong | droëwors | artisan chocolates | home-baked treats | sosaties
La Rue des Roses, 2 Main Rd, Franschhoek, 083 229 9237
Vegan | Gluten Free Vegetarian | Banting Low Carb | Take-aways Homemade Meals Function Platters Fully Licenced
13 Main Rd, Place Vendôme Lifestyle Centre Email: goodfoodco.franschhoek@gmail.com Tel: 021 876 3556
4 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Franschhoek Wine Valley Focus hEADER As we bid farewell to a challenging 2020, let’s make the most of the festive season we are entering. While there may be some who choose to travel to other parts of the country there may be some of us who choose to remain here. Make the most of your holiday season in the valley and enjoy being a tourist for a day. Visit some of your favourite places or discover some new spots and hidden gems. These include the recently opened Asian eatery, Ōku Restaurant (the first of its kind in Franschhoek), Tapasco and Entrée. Have you popped into the relocated Big Dog Café yet? Not forgetting the Wine Tram which is fully operational again. The warmer weather is also the perfect opportunity to rediscover your love for our amazing range of local bubblies by means of our Franschhoek Cap Classique Route. The first of its kind in South Africa, our route boasts more than 20 producers ready to welcome you and showcase their Cap Classique offerings to you. These range from large traditional estates to the smaller lesserknown niche producers. Some of the producers include L’Ormarins, Noble Hill, Colmant, Le Lude, Topiary Wines and My Wyn, to name but a few. One of the unique characteristics of this route is that visitors have the opportunity to tailor make their experience by means of a user-friendly Cap Classique Route map, which can be downloaded via this link https://franschhoek.org.za/routes/ franschhoek_cap_classique_route/. What better excuse to stock up on some of your favourites, especially now that weekend wine sales have been allowed to resume? Make the most of the holiday season exploring the outdoors. The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, with its vast array of spectacular fauna and flora, makes for the perfect hiking excursion. Before making your way to the reserve don’t forget to check that you have your relevant permits, which can be obtained from our tourism office. Topiary’s Fan Aloe Trail runs along the 4 koppies (rocky outcrops) behind the Chardonnay block. The existing baboon trails have been used to get to the koppies and
HAUTE CABRIÈRE Chardonnay Unwooded 2020 At Haute Cabrière, the von Arnim family specialises in wines created from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varietals. This wine pays tribute to the versatility of Chardonnay. This maiden release is a blend of Chardonnay vineyards, coming together and expressing lychee and citrus on the nose with lime and pear on the palate. Well-balanced acidity adds freshness and complexity. Cellar door price - R80
HAUTE CABRIÈRE RESTAURANT Curry-dusted Calamari with Aioli & Smashed Avocado then do a bit of bundu-bashing. Ideal for the more adventurous at heart! For something more leisurely Babylonstoren’s Garden Tour is always a hit with young and old alike. For the ultimate in singular experiences why not visit GlenWood’s Nature’s Window tasting room in the mountains behind the farm? After a 20 minute hike, which passes through the masses of indigenous fynbos, you’ll get to taste their Grand Duc range which has been specially paired with tasty snacks. Alternatively treat yourself to freshly prepared sushi at their new restaurant, which opens to the public on 5 December. During the festive season we’ll be adjusting our office hours slightly. From 1 December our offices will be open from 08h00 to 17h00 Monday to Friday; 09h00 to 16h00 on Saturdays and 09h00 to 14h00 on Sundays. We value your feedback and invite you to pop into our offices. We’re also more than happy to assist with more information on what’s happening in the region. Our website, www.franschhoek.org.za, is also a reliable hub for news.
INGREDIENTS - For the aioli | 2 egg yolks, 300ml canola oil, Juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ clove garlic (finely grated), salt to taste For the smashed avocado | 1 avocado, 1 spring onion (finely chopped), Salt and pepper to taste, Squeeze of lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil. For the calamari | 350 g cleaned calamari tubes and heads, 150 g cake flour, 1 tsp mild curry powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Oil for medium to deep frying METHOD- For the aioli | In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk the egg yolks, half the lemon juice and mustard, when the mixture becomes almost white, start adding the oil in a thin stream. Once all the oil is incorporated add the garlic, salt, and the rest of the lemon juice. Whisk well and set aside. For the avocado | Peel and roughly crush, add the spring onions, and seasoning. Add the lemon juice which ensures the avocado does not discolour. Set aside.
For the calamari | Slice the tubes into 1cm rings. Pat dry with paper towel. In bowl, mix the flour and seasoning, then add the calamari and dust well. Remove from the flour and shake off the excess flour. Heat a pot of oil to 160°C. Fry in batches until the colour is golden brown. To plate | Spoon the avocado on the plate, add the calamari. Generously dollop aioli around. If you are feeling fancy, garnish with some finely chopped chives. 021 876 8500
l
reservations@cabriere.co.za
ANSWER THIS EASY QUESTION! 6 bottles of the featured wine!
Who is the new speaker of Stellenbosch Municipality? Send your answer to tatlercompetition@gmail.com. Winner will be informed by email before 18 November 2020. Prizes to be collected from Franschhoek Info Office before end November 2020 or be forfeited.
Biltong & All Thats Good! Two locals have taken their love for biltong and droëwors and turned it into a small business: Village Biltong & Deli. Owner Herman du Plessis and shop manager Bets TerBlanche decided early on that they would only stock hand-selected, premium biltong products that are ethically sourced. “Our beef product suppliers rear their livestock with care and no steroids or growth hormones are given. You can taste the difference,” says Herman. The same ethical principle applies to the game products. Hunting is conducted in an ethical, sustainable manner, which contributes towards wildlife conservation. The beef and game droëwors are made with 100% meat and no by-products are added, only Persian sheep fat is used for the fat component. In addition to biltong, droëwors and snacks they also stock an extremely popular range of marinated chicken or pork sosaties. We’re told that first-time buyers are soon back for more! Village Biltong & Deli isn’t all about meat though. An enticing range of treats – or handy stocking-fillers – will tempt their way into empty shopping bags. These range from exquisite artisan chocolates to additive free jams, preserves and condiments made only from fresh, natural ingredients. There is also a delicious selection of home-baked sweet treats, chilli- and olive products, spices and even a range of sugar-free confectionary. It really is a case of something for everyone! “We only source high-products and, where possible, we keep it local by sourcing products from producers around the Winelands who create their products with heart and passion,” Herman continues. Village Biltong & Deli is also the local stockist of Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts, a trusted South
Whether sweet or savoury, Village Biltong & Deli caters for all tastes
African brand, known for their delicious and diverse range of snack options for consumers who aspire to lead a healthier lifestyle. Herman says the community has shown them tremendous support during their first few months of trading. “We truly value the support of the village.” Should you still need a reason to visit, we hear their Christmas cakes are superb! Village Biltong & Deli is situated in the Main Rd, next to Franschhoek Cycles. 083 229 9237 Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 5
27203 DGB FHC Tatler Half Page December FA.indd 1
Cellar Chat Mark Tanner
Some folk that we may regard as being ‘primitive’ will offer a prayer for the animal they are about to kill for food. Their culture recognises a bond between living and the necessities of keeping alive. One of my favourites, the poet and philosopher Kahlil Gibran, applies a similar take to wine. “And in the autumn, when you gather the grapes of your vineyards for the winepress, say in your heart: I too am a vineyard, and my fruit shall be gathered for the winepress. And like new wine I shall be kept in eternal vessels. And in winter, when you draw the wine, let there be in your heart a song for each cup; and let there be in the song a remembrance for the autumn days and for the vineyard, and the winepress”. In essence, be thankful for what is in your glass. In the middle ages the Church and wine were seriously connected. The Church was where skills and ‘civilisation’ developed. Monasteries cleared hillsides and built walls around vineyards. Those
winegrowers departing on crusades to the Holy Land often bequeathed their land to the Church. However, there was one region that proved an exception: Bordeaux. Here wine was made specifically for the English trade. A huge slice of western France (Aquitaine) became linked to England by marriage and thereby shipped hogsheads of Claret (vin nouveau) to the thirsty Brits who loved it. By the way, in 1497 English wine measures included a hogshead (63 gallons), a pipe (two hogsheads) and a tonne (two pipes). The size of a ship was gauged by the number of ‘tonnes’ they could carry. Wine made maritime history! When it comes to consumption, we in South Africa come 22nd in a list of 27 wine-consuming countries. The world produces enough wine to give the world’s population five bottles a year each. Hugh Johnson’s The World Atlas of Wine, shows that top of the list of consumers is France followed by Portugal, Italy and Argentina. Then comes Switzerland, Spain and Austria in descending order. We drink less than the UK (major export destination) and more than Finland, the USA and the Russian Federation – not together! Japan sits at the bottom but I think it will be better placed in time to come. Some grape producing countries not listed
include India, Iran, Madagascar and China. I think it is only fair to say that in some instances grapes are not necessarily used for making wine. Time for a little test. These random questions come from a Young Sommelier’s Exam that I adjudicated in 2013. I did not, I repeat not compile them myself. 1. Name the grape varietals used in Champagne? 2. Name the dominant varietal used in a Château Neuf du Pape and what is the minimum percentage that may be used? 3. Name the 5 first growths on the left bank in Bordeaux according to the1855 classification of St Emilion? 4. What is an ‘Estufa’? 5. In which region of Australia and by who was the famous ‘Hill of Grace’ wine made and what
2020/11/13 10:41
cultivars is it made of? 6. What is Clos de Vougeot, where is it, its size and with how many owners? I just thought that with our abundance of fine-dining establishments you might like to know that culinary students study hard. The winner of this exam (total of 63 questions and a practical and oral examination) went on to the national competition in Johannesburg. The winner of that competition represented South Africa at the international competition in Berlin, Germany. This is an annual event. Returning to Kahlil Gibran, I am intrigued by his simple and profound logic. “You can muffle the drums and you can loosen the strings of the lyre, but who shall command the skylark not to sing.” Why not pour a glass and think about it?
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Gourmet Sushi Restaurant Opens At Glenwood GlenWood has reprised its history by opening a top-quality gourmet sushi restaurant on the farm. Enjoying authentic sushi accompanied by GlenWood wines in an idyllic outdoor setting promises all the ingredients of a memorable lunch experience. “Alastair and I have long felt the need for a top-quality sushi restaurant in Franschhoek, particularly on a wine farm,” says DP Burger, general manager and cellar master, about the recently-opened restaurant. “So we went and found one of the best sushi chefs in Cape Town, Lungani Ntuli, and gave him licence to prepare a menu of the most popular Japanese dishes which would pair best with our wines.” Lungani worked alongside celebrated chef Arata Koga for sixteen years during which time they established well-known and highly regarded sushi restaurants in Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Green Point. “We are confident that tasting choice, authentic sushi accompanied by GlenWood’s
iconic wines will be a super-special umami experience for our guests,” says DP. “Doing so in a casual and intimate setting surrounded by the natural beauty of GlenWood will make it even more memorable.” The restaurant will initially serve lunches, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, from Thursdays to Sundays. Bookings can be made via Dineplan on GlenWood’s website. www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za | 021 876 2044
6 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Tatler Motoring MICHELE LUPINI
Living Legend We put Toyota’s new Hilux Legend to the test. Many little changes make for a major step forward. It’s seldom that we get excited by the prospect of handing an AMG over for a bakkie. This time it was different. Only just launched, we were itching to get our hands on this all-new Toyota Hilux flagship called Legend. The one with 150kW and 500Nm. And enough spec and luxury to make it a worthy Lexus alternative. Legend certainly looks the part. Its imposing contemporary LED headlamps and LED fog lamps work well with a bold mouth and deeper bumper. Unlike the dog with no bottom teeth it once was, Hilux now has proper attitude. This one’s new Attitude Black hue is more like a bubbly ultra-dark metallic blue. If you don’t like the hassle of a black bakkie, good old Stellies white is one of the many other colours you can have your Legend in. We love the optional power roller shutter and sports bar RS pack. It comes with a dust sealed (yes, at last!) rubberised load bay. And the assisted tailgate’s biggest party trick must be its centrallocking function. The big news is under the bonnet. This uprated 2.8 GD-6 engine now delivers 150kW and 500Nm. It has a larger turbocharger and a new common rail injection system. That’s a full 30 kW and 80 Nm stronger than the old one was. Hilux’s six-speed automatic gearbox also gets improved ratios, while the chassis benefits from new spring rates, shock absorbers and suspension bushes. It keeps its 3.5ton towing ability. We wasted no time in strapping our test kit to it to blast it down our strip. Now there’s a rider here. Our test unit only had 230 km on the clock when we took delivery, 280 km when we tested it. So that 2.8 GD6 lump wasn’t quite run-in yet. Keep that in mind as you read on. The first thing you notice when you fire up this new Hilux is that the diesel clatter is gone. First impressions were just as good on the road. Our Legend chirped those big Dunlop Grandtreks as I pulled away and motored easily and quietly on. Despite the smell of burning Duco off the
manifolds, Legend still delivered record doublecab diesel Hilux performance. Under ten-seconds to 100 km/h is still a tad behind our Triton record and a few hundredths off the biturbo Wildtrak. There are surely a few tenths in there once there’s 2500 or so kilos on the clock. The test figures done, I took to a few local tracks among the spring flowers at the foot of old Simon to play a bit. There’s no need to bother selecting 4×4 or the diff lock, in spite of a few solid challenges. Its off-road credentials are, well, Legend. The little I did was enough to prove that the new one’s extra grunt contributes impressively to its already ample dirt ability. Leaving the old loggers tracks, I turned onto a typically manicured piece of Cape secondary dirt road. Naturally, Legend once again thrived, making a mockery of that road’s corrugations. Back on the tar I was soon on to, up and over Franschhoek Pass. As I’m prone to, I pushed a bit there. And revelled in this bakkie’s surprisingly sorted chassis and able brakes. The stunning flowing regional tar roads on to Elgin only served to reemphasise Legend’s supple and silent ride, decent road holding and fine handling qualities. Steering feel is positive, quick and responsive too. But this new flagship Hilux’s most impressive aspect is the significant step it takes in drivability. It’s far easier — the added power, tweaked gearbox ratios and subtle chassis tweaks may be minuscule in isolation. But they combine to make a huge difference in how this Legend drives. You no longer feel that you’re lugging a big bakkie around. I hooked a left onto the N2 and settled down to a lazy drive back. It left me to revel in Legend’s brilliant JBL 9-speaker sound. That’s top notch for a Benz, never mind a bakkie. Those frisbee-like dashtop speakers add a bit more cabin zing too. I also enjoyed Legend’s updated Lexus-like dials — they add a touch of class. And the 8-inch infotainment is getting better and better. Specific buttons and knobs make it easy to operate and you will soon become fully au fait with it all. Far better than so many of these systems that force you to take your attention off the road. Maybe next time the screen will grow a bit. That’s the trend these days, you know? It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile mirroring. As well as Wireless telephony supported via Bluetooth with a USB input, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Music. All of which I understand. And Waze, Joox, Spotify and SoundCloud which I don’t. I’ll get the kids to explain all that later. It is
mostly all controllable via the tilt-length adjustable multifunction steering. It’s a pleasant place to ride. Legend packs bespoke interior accents and trim panels, switchgear and gear lever. A good few cows went into that perforated leather upholstery. That’s neatly complimented by black roof lining by day. And cool blue mood lighting by night. The featurepacked Legend adds power front pews and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. There is also keyless entry, push-button start and Park Distance Control. Legend has a strong safety suit including side and curtain airbags, Toyota Safety Sense pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise with traction control too. And it comes with Toyota Connect telematics including in-car Wi-Fi and 15Gb complimentary data. Toyota gives you 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan. So, how do we wrap this all up? Well, the Toyota Hilux is the king in its own right. It dominates local new car sales. And Toyota has its recipe spot on. But we have never really rated Hilux as the best bakkie out there over the past three or five years. Firstly, the basic platform is getting on a bit now — I for one have lost count of how many nips, tucks, facelifts and specials there have been. But by the same token, this steady improvement — that continued strive to build on a solid platform, or foundation is right down Toyota’s quality, durability and reliability road.
What this ensemble of little enhancements does however, is to now thrust Hilux right into best bakkie territory. Without it even having to rely on that great Toyota winning recipe. Now add those two together and you have a pretty unbeatable formula. Which is great news for Toyota, not so good for its rivals… Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4x4 Legend RS Engine: 150kW 500Nm 2.8l turbodiesel I4 Drive: 6-speed automatic 4x4 Payload: 750kg Max Towing: 3500kg ROAD TESTED: 0-60km/h: 3.91 sec 0-100km/h: 9.88 sec 0-120km/h: 3.84 sec 400m: 16.9 sec @ 134km/h 80-120km/h: 6.74 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 175km/h Fuel: 7.9 l/100km CO2: 298 g/km Warranty/Service: 3 years 100 000km / 9 services 90 000km LIST PRICE: R819K RATED: 9 Images: Michele Lupini
Catch all Michele’s mad motoring adventures on his new website, theauto.page
Join Hands To Save Animals
THE JAIL CALLED CHAIN Their heads hang, their eyes are lowered; they just lie there, month in, month out... Some have a dilapidated shelter, others not, some have a kennel sponsored by someone. Some have a blanket or two to lie on, some have only the bare soil, cement or kennel floor. Some have water available, others not. In heat they suffer thirst, in rain they suffer cold. Some are being taunted, hurt and abused by children and passers-by. Some are just forgotten yard ornaments: lonely, emaciated, thirsty, hungry, flies swarming on their faces, ears, food, the stench of faeces hanging in the air… and yet they are dreaming... of something better. No matter how you look at it, chaining a dog is cruel and selfish. It has nothing to do with loving your pet, there's no love in a chain! It has nothing to do with security, as the dog is stuck in one place and poison is the new weapon of criminals! It's all about stubborn, uneducated selfishness. Dogs are pack animals: they need
interaction with other dogs or their humans. They crave socialising; that's why most chained dogs turn out to be either depressed or aggressive, biting people and killing other animals. Chaining is the result of self-centred owners who want a dog, but don't have the appropriate space to keep that dog safe, secure and happy. So the dog or puppy must be chained to 'control' it… This poor animal ends up chained for life, with wires cutting into its skin or a heavy, bare chain carving into raw flesh. Some owners claim they can't afford fencing, but they can afford crates of beer, cigarettes, brand name clothes, expensive nails and fancy hairstyles. Sometimes there is a fence, but the gates are always standing open because it's too much effort to close them, or the usual excuse: “The children leave the gates open.” Well, then teach them to close it. But do get your Bullet or Bruno or Killer or whatever off the chain!
It's time that people start asking themselves whether it is fair to chain an innocent dog who just wants to be safe and part of the family. Ask yourself if you would like to be chained permanently? Would you like to try and find a clean spot to lie because the faeces is scattered like confetti where you must stay? Would you like to get your food in a dirt-encrusted bowl between heaps of excrement and flies while a heavy chain is pressing on your neck? Or sleeping on top of rubbish or in a filthy kennel with rotten, flea-invested, soiled, stinking 'bedding' – which never gets washed because it's just the dog's. Chains are for criminals who choose to do harm to others. Dogs are not criminals and should not be imprisoned with life-long sentences. Dogs are man's best friend. They are to be loved, cared for and nurtured in the safe and loving environment of a properly fenced home where everyone who comes there respects your dogs as part of the family pack. To chain your dog is cruel, selfish and nothing short of animal abuse. Teach your children and tell your friends and family to respect dogs, to stop teasing them and irritating them to the point of defensive aggression. If more effort is made to properly fence yards we will see far fewer depressed, hopeless, lonely, aggressive chained four-pawed prisoners!
Bank Details: Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek Bank: FNB Branch: Paarl Branch Code: 200110 Acc No.: 62836203076 NPO No: NPO 235-331
Animals have very sensitive hearing Avoid setting off fireworks around animals Keep pets indoors during festivities Report abuse to Law Enforcement Ensure pets have tags & microchips
SHARF 100 Club As a pro-life, non-profit, rescue and welfare organisation SHARF invites all animal lovers to join the new 100 Club Fund. The fund is dedicated to the rescue, veterinary treatment, basic care, feeding and sterilisation of animals in the low income and farm communities of the valley. The 100 Club consists of all those people who commit to paying the fund R100 or more per month
FESTIVE BRAKFEST Sunday 13 December, 10h00 Venue: Le Petit Manoir Cost: R220 p.p. Exciting raffle prizes RSVP before 8 December Abi: 072 922 407
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 7
OPENING TIMES DECEMBER NEWS
December traditionally brings slightly longer
However, the current times do afford plenty
opening hours to FMM, but in view of the
of opportunity for visitors to safely view the
COVID-19 pandemic, the existing times will
collection in a safe and relaxed manner. See
continue throughout the Christmas season.
Important Information panel for details.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
OILY RAG The Crankhandle Club’s 7th Oily Rag Run took place on 22 November with 18 unrestored cars built before 1966 completing a 112-km scenic route starting and finishing at FMM. After coffee and muffins, the cars set off in weather that was cool at first but brightened as the day progressed. Along with 20 supporters’ cars, mostly classics, all participants, many in period dress, were able to enjoy the drive and scenery in practically ideal conditions. Just after midday, the prizegiving took place after a picnic lunch on FMM’s lawns in the Quadrant. The oldest vehicle was a 1911 Sunbeam entered by John Ryall, who received the event’s main prize, while the Skorokoro Trophy for the
best Oily Rag car as voted for by competitors and supporters went to Dave Alexander’s 1932 Lagonda. Sponsors for this popular annual event were FMM and classic car specialists Crossley& Webb, together with a new sponsor Ravenol Motor Oil, who donated the prizes.
BIKER BITS Riding a pre-war British flat-tank bike is the ultimate experience. One can’t help imagining being a WW1 pilot wearing a cap and goggles racing down a country lane, and riding this 1922 Sunbeam Model 7 inspires this kind of vision. It is by no means the fastest ride you will ever have, but this is where it all started. The Model 7 is powered by a 598 cm3 3 kW engine and was intended to be used as a sidecar bike – which were affectionately dubbed ‘tugs’. This is noticeable by the wider-than-normal handlebars. The Model 7 also has the heavier leaf-spring front suspension that only appeared on the sidecar model. The lack of any rear suspension is nullified by the well-made sprung leather seat. The gearing is strange, with a very short low gear followed by a second gear that could pull a plough, before a massive gap to third. Once you get used to the bike it becomes a pleasure to ride, with plenty of low-down torque to making cruising easy. Sunbeam had the reputation for building its
bicycles and motorcycles to the highest standards and it is clear in this 98-year-old example, finished in the customary gloss black with gold letters and pinstripes. The only place one would fault this remarkable bike is its brakes. They are terrible. For a sidecar machine you would expect good stoppers. But if you ride this machine with that in mind and don’t get too carried away with the accelerator, you are safe to enjoy a totally amazing trip back in time. Visitor note: The Sunbeam is currently on view in Hall A.
FRANSCHHOEK’S SPECIALIST PAINT SHOP
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1974, the Porsche 911 930 was the company’s first turbocharged road car and was given its own series number because of the changes made to the basic floorpan. Using technology learnt from the 917/30 CanAm race car project, a KKK turbocharger was fitted to the fuel-injected Carrera RS 3,0 single overhead-cam flat-six engine. It delivered 191 kW at 5 500 r/min, with peak torque of 354 N.m at 4 000. The now infamous ‘whale tail’ was adopted to improve air flow to the engine as well as adding some aerodynamic downforce. Performance figures suggested 0-100 km/h in 5,5 seconds and a top speed of 246 km/h. No other production car accelerated as quick. In 1978 the engine capacity was increased to 3 299 cm3 and an air-to-air intercooler added under the modified whale tail and peak power was raised to 224 kW. Although heavier, the benchmark 0-100 km/h time dropped to 5,3 seconds while top speed was raised to 260 km/h. The floor-mounted pedals on FMM’s left-hand drive 930 are offset to the right, but the slightly skew driving position is not that apparent once
behind the wheel. It fires up easily and settles into an easy idle. Pottering around is no real hardship but like any performance machine, driving the 930 quickly requires concentration. On a clear stretch of tar, press the accelerator and watch the revs rise as the notorious turbo lag preludes the infamous kick at 4 000. The whoosh effect is electric... The 930 was in production for no less than 14 years, from 1975 to 1989. By today’s standards it is a handful when approaching the limit: no plethora of driver aids to act as a guardian angel here, not even ABS! But it does provide A Brilliant Sensation... Visitor note: FMM”s 1979 one-previous-owner Porsche 930 Turbo is currently on view in Hall D.
TO KEEP ABREAST OF ALL THAT IS HAPPENING AT THE MUSEUM AND OTHER INTERESTING FEATURES ON LOCAL VETERAN, VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES AS WELL AS UPDATES ON SPORTING EVENTS AND SUCHLIKE, LOGON TO FMM’S WEBSITE, WWW.FMM.CO.ZA, AND SIGN-ON TO RECEIVE THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.
FRANSCHHOEK’S SPECIALIST PAINT SHOP
We stock a full range of Midas, environmentally friendly paints (water and oil based) and Earthcote specialised, textured trowel-on and brush-on products for wall and floor surfaces (300 colours to choose from). We also stock Thales Decontamination Solution for treating fungus and anti-fungal additives to add to all paints. We also stock waterproofing products, Weatherprufe and Eco Rubber, Rolls of torch-on (3mm & 4mm) and various sizes of waterproofing membrane. Plascon water and oil-based paints. Hamilton’s and Academy paint brushes, rollers, trays and tray-sets, crack fillers, sand-paper, masking and buff tapes, turpentine, lacquer thinners, putty and a full range of drop sheets and rolls of plastic to cover floors and furniture. For DIY enthusiasts, we stock ladders, overalls and drop sheets. We also stock a full range of Woodoc ‘food for wood’ in various colours and a full range of Duram products, including Duram Roof paints in various colours and Duram Showfloor Polyurethane floor paint, also in assorted colours.
All paints ordered from us are delivered by this classic!
We can also supply twin pack epoxy paints for specialised applications. All textures and colours are on show in our showroom. Pop in and have a coffee with us, whilst leisurely selecting your paints and colours. For FREE technical advice, paint specifications and quotations contact Paul 082 567 6162
hamilton’s
ENVIROLITE 021 876 2082
SHOWROOM: Unit 80C Village Artisan, Cabrière Street, Franschhoek franschhoek@paintsmiths.co.za
Pop in and meet our team
021 876 2082
SHOWROOM: Unit 80C Village Artisan, Cabrière Street, Franschhoek franschhoek@paintsmiths.co.za
8 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Gardening in December NATIE FERREIRA
2020! And thus we close the book that was the year of lockdown – a year that cannot be compared to any other. Circumstances were different for all, for some it meant intense hardship, for others, it meant a sudden increase in wealth. Many have lost loved ones; both through the disease and the effects of the pandemic. It is at times like these that we find comfort in those things dear to us. I am forever thankful for the therapy that my garden provides. After several months of being holed up in our homes, most of our gardens got the attention they deserved through winter. By now most of you cannot wait to pack your trailers and get to the beach or bush. For those of us who choose to or are forced to stay at home the garden is a great place to reflect on the year past, think about the significance of the moment and dream about the year ahead. The time spent pruning, mulching, feeding, planting, transplanting, and re-planting has paid off and now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Some of us are not happy with only reflection and admiration. We need the therapy that gardening brings. And there is plenty to do around the garden should you require the healing that garden therapy brings. The focus should be on high impact areas and food growing. Get those pots and planter boxes looking really good this year. This is the time to get creative – mix perennials, herbs and grasses with flowering annuals to make for an instant display.
(A hand-crafted pot plant also makes for a great gift.) It is a good idea to mix some water-retaining gel into the soil before planting – most nurseries stock it. Deadhead roses and flowering annuals regularly, strengthen your plants by a weekly feeding with a weak solution of foliar feed, keep on mulching (it is amazing how quickly mulch seem to disappear), mow the lawn at a higher setting, prune wind damaged shrubs and trees, re-tie tree stakes and keep an eye out for pests. Red spider mite can be a problem in this weather, and so can aphids, caterpillars, scale and thrips. I suspected some mildew problems with the regular summer rain, but I have not had any issues yet. I am well on my way to providing the bulk of our Christmas meal from the garden. Most of the summer vegetables are slow to grow and mature this year, but every day I see the promise of green beans, bell peppers, aubergine, tomatoes, squash and okra developing. Salad greens will battle in the heat, but it is still worth persisting with them in shadier parts of the garden. My berries look very promising this year and will be part of the desert. So will plums, apricots, peaches and the last of the strawberries. Vegetable growing is hard work – but it is the most rewarding part of gardening. Few things are more satisfying than bringing food from the garden to the table. Showing off preserves and jams made from homegrown produce is even more rewarding. I try to make some apricot jam every year, those millipede-damaged strawberries will turn into jelly and I might just have enough peaches to can. Preserves and a basket of fresh veggies make the most wonderful Christmas or dinner gift. In this season of giving our gardens are the greatest gift to ourselves. Enjoy it.
mm/year
Rainfall Figures
2011 2012 830mm 1079mm
2010 740mm
Measured at La Cotte/Nerina Street
2015 661mm
mm/month
2019 January February March April May June July August September October November December
2017 501mm
2016 754mm
2013 1471mm
2014 1033mm
2018 867mm
2019 828mm
Dam Levels
2020
MONTH
ACCUMULATIVE
MONTH
ACCUMULATIVE
22 17 51 32 67 121 267 48 39 126 9 29
22 39 90 122 189 310 577 625 664 790 799 828
23 1 3 45 84 164 198 177 84 31
23 24 27 72 156 320 518 695 779 810
As at 16th November 2020 Steenbras Upper
90.2%
Steenbras Lower
96.0%
Wemmershoek
99.9%
Voelvlei
96.2%
Theewaterskloof
101.0%
Berg River Dam
100.1%
Total Storage
99.3%
Total Storage this date last year 83.8%
Dianthus for all seasons Ask any experienced gardener and they’ll tell you that no garden bed is complete without a representative of this group of annuals bringing their particular brand of hardy good cheer. Dianthus is one of those all-rounder’s that satisfies, no matter your priorities. If it’s a colourful show you’re after these little stunners can be coaxed into flowering throughout the year! Dianthus derives its name from the Greek dios, a god or divinity and anthos, a flower. This can then be interpreted as “divine flower” or “flower of the gods”. With its wide range of colours, adaptability and long lasting nature, it is not difficult to see how it came by that name. Dianthus is also very tolerant of both heat and cold so can be planted throughout the year. The delicately fringed blooms, typical of many of the dianthus, lend form and texture to borders, rockeries, small flower beds and balconies while their generosity of flowers, with a little coaxing, promise a bright splash of year-round colour. Plant your seedlings 15cm apart, with a thick layer of mulch between the plants, in a sunny position (although they will tolerate some shade in summer) in compost enriched soil and give them a fortnightly booster of a well-balanced fertilizer to ensure a bumper crop of blooms. Being “water-wise” Dianthus prefer infrequent but deep watering- another plus for this family of favourites. Restricted to pots or simply yearning to bring your garden closer to your home? All of the dianthus group adapt exceptionally well to pots. Once in full bloom Dianthus can be brought inside as a living bouquet. Pay pots on sunny patios a little closer attention than you do the Dianthus in your garden by being more generous and frequent with your watering. This worthy family includes the well-known perennial carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus),
Peaches & Scream
Used & Country Furniture
perfect for picking with its long history of being used as an expression of loving care. All dianthus respond to being picked regularly by upping their yield; one more reason you’ve got to love Dianthus. Giving them a significant haircut – about 10cm – after the first flush of blooms have spent themselves generally results in an even better second show. Regular deadheading is the last step towards helping them give you up to four sets of blooms across the year. There are not many flowering families that can boast such abundance!
tamatie GROWING MASTER GROWERS
CANNABIS CONSULTANCY: limited availability Follow @tamatie.co.za on Facebook for updates on live and online training
www.tamatie.co.za • facebook.com/tamatie.co.za • natie@tamatie.co.za
We buy and sell second-hand furniture, appliances and Cloud 9 mattresses. Shop 4, Franschhoek Centre, Main Rd Main Rd, Pniel - Next to OK 083 464 1413 - Jonathan
Rowena Smuts GARDEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
We create beautiful gardens in the Cape. Our team offers: Ÿ Garden design Ÿ Maintenance Ÿ Installation Ÿ Training to suit your needs.
www.rowenasmuts.co.za rowena.smuts@gmail.com Tel: 064 769 3382
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 9
Men: Start Exercising or Face a Grim Prognosis A South African pharmaceutical company specialising in men’s health, is challenging men to get more active as not doing so could mean succumbing to debilitating diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and even cancer. Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says that while there are men in Mzansi who make exercise a part of their daily lives, almost a third don’t. “The typical modern lifestyle that many men lead, which involves spending eight hours in front of a computer, another two to three hours in traffic and a few more hours in front of the television, is proving fatal. Life expectancy drops significantly and some researchers have even claimed it being worse than smoking and other risk factors combined”. According to a study conducted by cardiologists at Cleveland Clinic (USA) among more than 122 000 participants, doctors found that the risk of death rose substantially among those that led a sedentary lifestyle compared to regular exercisers whose mortality risk dropped substantially. “Many studies have shown that exercise improves the muscle strength, balance, cardio fitness, metabolism, glucose tolerance and psychological health of the elderly, even those in their 80s. Men who are more active have lower rates of prostate cancer, type-2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and stroke, and are less likely to experience high blood pressure, depression and erection problems. In addition, exercise could also decrease the risk of dementia. “It’s best to combine a variety of cardiovascular exercises, such as brisk walking, running or cycling with strength-training using either weights or your own body weight. Other ways men can reduce the time they spend being sedentary include: • standing rather than sitting when taking public transport; • walking to work or the shops • going for a walk during lunch breaks; • standing up every half hour when working at a desk; • spending more time doing chores around the house, instead of watching TV • taking the stairs instead of the lift or escalator and/or walking around while taking phone calls on your cellphone Jennings reminds men that cardiovascular
disease, diabetes and cancer combined affects hundreds of thousands of men in the country and remain among the most expensive diseases to treat. “Instead of paying large sums to treat these diseases, men should be doing more from a prevention point of view as many of these diseases can be curbed by implementing a healthy lifestyle. Considering the overwhelming amount of clinical evidence, exercise should be prescribed by doctors as a rule of thumb to reduce the risk of developing these illnesses. “Daily movement is a key component to good health. There is no better time to start than the present,” she encourages. Text: Editorial Desk
IN FRANSCHHOEK @ 48 VILLAGE ARTISAN
021 876 4234 Bronwen 074 325 5555 · Maans 076 842 6052
chphysiotherapy@gmail.com
021 876 4234 Bronwen Talbot 074 325 5555 · Maans Lintvelt 076 842 6052
WHERE HERITAGE MEETS NATURAL BEAUTY DAILY BREAKFAST Mondays - Sundays I 09h00 - 11h00 LEISURELY LUNCHES Saturdays - Sundays I 12h00 - 16h00 SUNDOWNERS ON THE "STOEP" Mondays - Sundays I 17h00 - 20h00
Farm Reception I +27 21 207 3907 I reception@lacottefarm.com I www.lacottefarm.com
10 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Lions Veggie Boxes
DENDY DOODLES by Neil Dendy Young
g
Fresh veggies are good but they’re even better when you can do good by buying them. If you agree with this statement you may well be interested in buying veggie boxes from the Franschhoek Lions Club.
‘Covert’
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
...the times!!
Here’s the background: During lockdown a number of vegetable gardens were created, amongst others at The Barn Foundation, La Cotte Farm and La Motte. The vegetables grown here are used in the 15 soup kitchens managed by Together Franschhoek – a joint venture by Isabelo, FRANCO and the Franschhoek Lions Club. Leading the growing effort are Suzette de Jongh and Jeanne Roux.
Veggie boxes are available by pre-order from La Cotte
Here’s how it works: Excess vegetables not needed
Inn Wine Sales on Tuesdays and Thursdays. WhatsApp
by the soup kitchens are sold to the public at R50 per
Lodine Maske at 082 372 2333 to order yours.
box. Each box contains a selection of whatever organic
Here’s what to do next: WhatApp Lodine!
veggies is being picked that week – and a small bunch of flowers.
Groot Drak 125 Anniversary Celebration Game th
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
Hospice News COLLEEN DOUGLAS
Franschhoek Hospice would like to thank the donors, individuals and businesses, who made monetary donations to Franschhoek Hospice and items for the shop during 2020. It has not been easy and we have truly appreciated your support during these extremely difficult times. Our shop continues to contribute towards the sustainability of Franschhoek Hospice. We streamlined the running costs of hospice to R160 000 per month. This has been a challenge for all. We have remained positive
that
the
Franschhoek
community
will
continue to support and contribute towards Hospice. Please note that our shop will close at 13h00 on 24 December and reopen on 28 December. We’ll close at 13h00 again on 31 December and reopen on 4 January 2021.
Youn
We are the only palliative health care service provider in the Franschhoek Valley. The patient load continues to increase, placing more pressure on the clinical staff during these difficult times. The Groot Drak President’s team lost narrowly to the Chairman’s team during the club’s 125th-anniversary celebrations. The team members are: Back Row FLTR: Andri le Roux, Jaco Carstens, Handro Slabber, Sean Petzer, Darren Pitz and Louis Koen. Front Row FLTR: Robert Frater, Adrian Raisbeck, Richard von Hoesslin (President), Colin Myburgh, Dave Johnson and Claude Chantler.
On Saturday, 31 October, the Groot Drakenstein Games Club (Groot Drak) hosted its annual President’s vs Chairman’s cricket fixture. A total of twenty-four players made themselves available for the game. This meant that the teams had to be balanced perfectly to produce a match befitting this historic fixture. The President’s team, captained by the outgoing
Carstens (2/13) and Louis Koen (3/13) saw Hannes
President, Richard von Hoesslin, won the toss and
Langeveldt (sixteen from nineteen), Craig Mc Naught
elected to bat first against the Chairman’s side
(eleven from fifteen) and Hugo Brink (nought from
captained by the Club Chairman, Jonathan Boulton.
two) lose their wickets cheaply, opening the door for
A formidable opening batting pair, consisting of Louis Koen and Colin Myburgh, took guard against Herman Fourie and club debutant, West Maddox, with the new ball.
continue
to
support
our
wonderful
professional organisation. I would like to express my appreciation and say thank you to the staff of Franschhoek Hospice. You have been
Thank you also to our board members who continue to support the organisation. We wish everyone in Franschhoek a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Take care and travel safely. Big Book sale on 8 December in front of the shop!
New Lions Inducted
the Chairman’s captain, Jono Boulton, to stop the flow of dismissals. Jono and Charl put on an epic partnership of quick singles, twos and plenty of threes which saw all players
Both bowlers kept the runs down with Herman only
exhausted by the end of the game. Charl picked up
giving away 16 runs and West just 12, but neither were
the pace and found some serious rhythm, blasting
able to produce a wicket with their opening spells.
boundaries square and straight. Jono, firmly outside
Colin and Louis batted brilliantly, laying down the
of his comfort zone, was forced to keep the foot on
foundation for what looked to be a monster total.
the gas and managed to put the game back in the
Luckily for the Chairs, Bruce Taylor (1/22) managed a
balance. The Chairs required around ten an over with
breakthrough finding the edge of Colin’s bat with his
seven overs remaining. Charl (51* from 57) amassed his
final delivery, Colin falling just four runs short of what
first half-century for the club, joined soon thereafter
would have been a well-deserved fifty. Louis scored a
by Jono (50* from 55), who both retired to bring some
classy and invaluable forty-two from sixty-nine balls for
fresh legs to the middle.
the Presidents.
This precipitated the almost instantaneous demise
Claude Chantler came to the crease looking hungry
of Herman Fourie and Shayne Ayford, allowing Bruce
for runs as he smashed a quick twenty-one from
Taylor (8* from 7) to wield the willow, while Chad
eighteen balls, before being caught on the boundary
Ayford returned as 12th batsman for the Chairs – both
by Chad Ayford off the bowling of Club new boy, Hugo
seriously under pressure.
Brink (1/19 off three).
punched boundaries all over and finally sealed the
eight from twenty-five balls before being bowled by
deal with a pull over square leg to secure victory for
Shayne Ayford on the second bounce.
the Chairman’s team with two balls left.
Even with plenty of chances going begging, the
It could hardly have been scripted any better, with
middle order collapsed for the Presidents although the
the game boasting four hundred and forty runs and
tail saw great cameos from Jaco Carstens (31/17) and
a nail-biting finish. All players thoroughly enjoyed the
Rob Frater (12*/7) resulting in a very tough score of 221
day out and the members kept the coals burning late
being posted for victory in the allotted thirty-five overs.
into the night.
Requiring 6.3 runs an over, the Chairs sent in West
Congratulations to Colin Myburgh, Charl Ackerman
Maddox and Angus Simmers to see the shine off the
and Jono Boulton who walked away with the accolades.
new ball. Gussie (one from five) fell early which brought
Thanks to all the members who made this a highly
young Chad Ayford to the crease. A controversial catch
memorable day and especially Ken Lumb who gave up
saw Chad depart for eight, and suddenly the scales
his Saturday to score so meticulously for the club!
had tilted firmly in favour of the Presidents.
No better honour could have been bestowed upon
West looked solid at the top for his thirty-three from twenty-eight balls, while Charl Ackerman started slowly and attempted to consolidate at number four. bowling
The Lions Club of Franschhoek recently inducted four new members into the Franschhoek Lions Club. FLTR: Johann Smith (Zone Chairman, Maans Lintvelt (new member), Franna Conradie (new member), Hanru de Klerk (new member), Ian Munnik (new member), André Niemand (Franschhoek Lions President) and Jihann Kriek (Membership Chairman).
Lions Club Bowls Day
The match went down to the last over as Chad
Adrian Raisbeck pitched in with a handy twenty-
Noteworthy
Please
Hospice Shop staff amazing and supportive during these difficult times.
performances
from
Jaco
Groot Drak’s 125th-anniversary celebrations. Text: Craig Mc Naught (Club Captain) Image: Colin Myburgh
The Franschhoek Lions Club held a Bowls Day at the Franschhoek Country Club on Sunday, 22 November 2020. The three-a-side event featured twelve teams that competed on a knockout basis. Participating teams were invited to bring along their families while pizzas and a fully stocked bar was available from the Country Club. All in all it made for a fun, family-friendly day of raising funds for the Lions administration account to enable the club to plan future community projects. Some half-decent bowls were even played! The Lions Club plan to make it an annual event.
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 11
Making Dreams Come True. From Groendal to Vienna!
Editor’s Letter Siegfried Schäfer
FLTR: Babalo Phitshana, Ayabulela Noxonywa, Jodine Korkee and Ashwill September).
Who would have believed that four graduates of the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy and Learning Centre (FHALC) would be studying for two years at the internationally accredited ITM College just outside Vienna, Austria! This is reality for Babalo Phitshana, Ayabulela Noxonywa, Jodine Korkee and Ashwill September. Their journey to this dream started when they were
and new strategies. In addition to the core hospitality
accepted as students on the FHALC program. The
skills, additional modules have been added such as
Academy, a nonprofit organisation, opened its doors
“Gardening for my Family”, “Financial Literacy”, “Fitness
in 2018 with the objective of providing disadvantaged
and Nutrition” and “How to Compile a CV and Handle
youth in the area with comprehensive hospitality
an Interview”. The latter course has also been offered
industry skills. This objective was aligned with one of
on a no-cost basis to people in the community who
the strategic goals of the Stellenbosch Municipality
have been retrenched.
which is to break the poverty cycle and to increase employment opportunities in the area.
Evening classes and short courses are offered to the general public in a variety of areas in hospitality where
Now in its third year of operation, the Academy results
employment opportunities exist locally. These courses
have exceeded expectations. To date, 100 students have
are designed to give the broader local community
enrolled on the year-long program which includes
members a skill that will enhance their employability
eight months of classroom training plus a four-month
within the industry. To date, 60 people have benefitted
internship at a Franschhoek hospitality establishment.
from this training.
The vast majority of graduates are employed in full
Going Forward
time positions or studying further.
Dear Readers It has certainly been an eventful year! To name just a few of the more noteworthy events, we’ve had: the Australian & Californian bushfires, Trump’s impeachment, Brexit, the creation of the world’s largest trading bloc without either the US or Europe, Biden’s election, Magashule’s arrest and, of course, Covid-19. At least the end is now in sight – both of 2020 and (with a little luck) of Covid-19. Much of how 2021 pans out will depend on what happens on the vaccine front. As I’m writing clinical trials have shown the first Covid-19 vaccines to be 90% or more effective – seemingly without significant side effects. That means the next challenges are producing them in large quantities, distributing them and administering them. Considering all that is involved – from maintaining the cold chain during transport to ensuring that those who need them most get them first – I’d not be surprised if most of us will still be waiting for our jabs by the second half of next year. At least the prospect of a second lockdown seems pretty remote, irrespective of what the infection numbers look like in the next few months. We’ll just have to double down on masks, distancing and sanitizing for a while longer. Good news was mostly hard to find in 2020, but if there was a bit of light amid the gloom I think it was the breather that economic lockdowns gave the planet. For once smog cleared in some of the most
DEADLINES - FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE Bookings - 15 January 2021 Artwork - 18 January 2021 | Editorial - 15 January 2021
Being a non-profit NGO which receives no official
The relationship with the ITM College in Austria is
governmental funding, the Academy is reliant on the
an exciting one. Each year, two Academy students
generosity of the local community. The support we
are selected for the programme. They are required to
have received has been overwhelming and humbling.
raise sufficient money for their travel costs to and from
Thank you to all concerned.
Austria. Once there, their tuition and accommodation
On 5 December we collaborate with new supporters
costs are covered by the college. Besides the four
for the “Haute Cabrière Music under the Stars”
students who are already there, two members of the
fundraising event at La Roche Estate. Our thanks to
2020 class have been selected and will be winging
La Roche Estate for providing the stunning venue
their way to Vienna very shortly.
SACEE Achievers
and Haute Cabrière for providing the bubbly. Among
It has become customary for Bridge House learners to
We are also immensely proud that one of our
the exciting auction items is a two-night stay for a
do well in the National SACEE (South African Council for
students, Ashwill September, achieved the highest
family of six at the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Cape
English Education) Language Challenge. This year was
overall ITM class mark in 2019.
L’Agulhas. The winning family will be staying in a self-
no different. While every participating grade (Grades 1
catering De Hoop Opstal House and will be treated to
– 7) fared much better than the national average, there
breakfast on one of the days they are there.
were three outstanding achievers. Rothko Holden-
Thousands of lives have been impacted since the inception of the Academy. Each graduate directly supports one to five family members living in their
Should anyone else wish to assist the academy in
Manz (right) achieved second place in Grade 4 and in
households and up to 10 people if extended families
any way, please contact Brian Moor at briansmoor@
Grade 7, Maya Ethelstone (centre) came second and
are included.
gmail.com
Madison le Roux (left) third … in the country!
The impact of Covid-19 has prompted rethinking
or
Michaela
Julian
at
michaela@
franschhoekhospitalityacademy.co.za
In Memoriam - Louise Jackson 20 July 1930 – 26 October 2020
elegant and pretty was always selected to partake. During this time, 40 Commando Royal Marines
Louise always described living her life in “chapters”,
were in Malta for Rest and Recuperation after hostile
depicting them as her “Book of Adventures. Louise
encounters in the Malayan Jungle. Peter Jackson was
lived an adventurous, glamorous, exciting, ultimately
one of the Officers on his R&R on the Maltese islands.
fulfilling and very happy life. She gathered friends
One hot summer day Louise was selected to shoot for
from all over the world on her extensive travels. She
the Royal Navy in an Inter-Services Competition, where
was loved enormously by her family.
she and one other girl shot against several hundred
Louise was born in Leicester, England on 20 July
male competitors, amongst who was Peter Jackson.
1930, completing her schooling in Leicester and
The classic love story entailed, a beautiful young
attended Leicester University studying Art and
lady and the dashingly handsome officer met, fell in
Languages, completing her degree in Paris, after
love and embarked on a glamourous and fun-filled
which she worked as a French Interpreter for En-
life whilst courting, and in 1953 married in the Church
Tout-Cas Company in Syston before joining the Wrens
of Holy Trinity, Sliema, Malta. Their first child Neill was
Royal Naval Service in 1948. In the Wrens, she quickly
born in 1954 amidst the sultry, languished but military
excelled in shooting, sailing and hockey - winning several medals during her time in service.
island life. In 1956 Peter resigned from the Royal Marine
In 1951 Louise was selected to serve HMS St Angelo
Corps and joined the Rhodesian Army in Bulawayo,
in Malta, under Admiral Mountbatten, who was
Rhodesia. He flew to the African continent to settle
Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean Fleet. Admiral
in and later that year Louise and Neill travelled by
Mountbatten was a film enthusiast and four films,
ship to the unknowns of Africa to join him. Every
British and American, were produced over the next
opportunity was taken over twelve years to see as
two years of Louise’s arrival on the small island.
much of the continent as possible. During this period,
Mountbatten often held soirées and cocktail parties for visiting royal relatives, aristocratic friends and film stars.
their daughter Peta was born. In 1968 Peter retired from military life and the
On many occasions, men outnumbered the
family moved to the capital Harare, then later to the
ladies at these soirées, and he would invite four or five
Lowveld of Zimbabwe where Peter was employed by
Wrens from his team to attend. Louise being petite,
polluted places in the world, animals were seen in places they hadn’t been seen for years and carbon emissions declined. Now the challenge is how to not give up these gains in the economic recovery process. I wonder what we can do locally to make sure we ‘build back better?’ Franschhoek is heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture – and particularly the food and wine niches within those sectors. I wonder what other niches we can exploit in future without risking the beauty of our environment that underpins tourism and make us all want to be here. Agriculturally speaking plums are a top performer and berry growing is, well, growing – albeit mostly in ugly polytunnels that scar our landscape. While we don’t really want traditional industrial development the old Wemmershoek Sawmill site might be the one place where this could be acceptable. Our natural environment offers many opportunities to attract new types of tourism investment, but – at least for now – most of it will have to wait until certain government departments are woken from their slumber. With fibre having reached Franschhoek this year the village is better placed for telecommuters. (Are we promoting this?) The Train Camp initiative also holds promise to make the valley appealing to a different kind of traveller. Whatever happens between now and 31 December, I remain cautiously optimistic about the valley’s outlook in the year ahead. All that remains for me is to wish everybody a blessed festive season. To quote Oprah Winfrey: “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” Until 2021!
Rhodesian Sugar Sales to export the country’s sugar
around the world. Louise and Peter would most often accompany this sugar to its destination, and they both travelled extensively together. They travelled with the same enthusiasm and excitement every time. Some countries were fraught with danger and others were culturally satisfying or intriguing. From pirates in Algeria and Somalia to KGB in Russia, alligator hunters in Florida to the ballrooms of Monaco – Peter and Louise lived up to their motto to “Live Life as if Today is the Last”. Days in Zimbabwe at their beautiful home nestled in front of a 20-acre lake and 5-acre garden were spent sailing, gardening and having large gatherings of friends for garden party banquets, tennis parties, pool parties, sailing parties – whatever it was, Louise and Peter constantly surrounded themselves with good friends and always had a house full of laughter and enjoyment. Louise quickly became firm friends with many, who were drawn to her by her quick wit and intellect, her joie de vivre, sense of style and generosity. She enthusiastically took part in many club and group activities. In 1992 Louise and Peter left Zimbabwe for life in the Cape Winelands, where Peter was offered a job as the Director of The Franschhoek Water Bottling Company. It was here that Louise started a newspaper called The Franschhoek Tatler with her friends Caron Joubert and Colleen Goosen and she became Editor-in-Chief and publisher of the paper until she sold it in 2004. Life in the Cape was filled with the joys of family and
friends, and Louise, Peter, Neill, Peta Jane and their respective families and friends, would spend sunny Saturday lunches at different wine farms; or winter mornings leaping through the glistening snow on the Franschhoek Mountains. In 2006, Louise and Peter followed their son, Neill to live in Howick. Life for them became a bit more sedate from their norm but they settled into the beauty of their surroundings and a slower pace of life. It was here that Peter died in 2015, closely followed by their beloved son Neill, who died in 2019 of cancer. Broken by her son’s death Louise struggled for a year in Amberglen Frail Care, finally resting after seeing her daughter Peta for the last time. She died on 26 October. Louise is survived by her daughter Peta, and her grandchildren Catherine and Andrew who live in Scotland and Cape Town respectively, and Emma her great-grandchild.
12 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Financial Matters CELIA MCGUINNESS
Your SME and the Economy – Prepare for the Long Way Back The South African economy could take as long as seven years to get back to the size of R5.1 trillion it was at the end of 2019 before Covid-19 and the national lockdown. This forecast is according to Citadel chief economist Maarten Ackerman, who expressed this view during an interview. “We need a Covid-19 vaccine, and we need to ensure that sufficient people get vaccinated. I think we need to be careful about talking about post-Covid. I think we are years away from that,” added Ismail Momoniat, National Treasury Deputy Director-General for tax and financial sector policy. Advice for SMEs Economists suggest that small businesses gear themselves for tough times, keep costs low, and ensure they are highly innovative. Make your plans in the context of the forecasts we discuss below… The local economy has contracted Sanisha Packirisamy, MMI Investments and Savings economist, said during an interview, that she was expecting the local economy to contract by 8.1% this year, followed by a muted rebound of 2% in 2021 when anticipated Eskom power cuts will constrain the economy. Ackerman said that an 8% contraction of the local economy would be the biggest decline since 1920 when there was a 12% contraction. A worrying sign A worrying sign was that the outlook for fixed investment and household consumption, both key to the long-term economic health, were both bleak, Packirisamy added. For 2022 and 2023, she is forecasting growth of about 1.5% for both years. “We are stretched on the fiscal side, and confidence is extremely muted. We face policy uncertainty and slow structural reform. It is that combination of factors that makes it very difficult for us to grow faster,” she added. Mild inflation outlook The inflation outlook is positive. Packirisamy is forecasting inflation to average 3.2% in 2020 and 3.8% in 2021 before rising to 4.5% in both 2022 and 2023. Economists forecast that interest rates will stay low. Packirisamy said that the SARB could cut interest rates further, but interest rates were likely to increase from the second half of 2021. At the end of 2021, Packirisamy expected the prime interest rate to be 7.5%, and by the end of 2023, the prime interest rate maybe 8.5%. Credit rating to fall even further In March this year, Moody’s Investors Service cut the South African government’s credit rating to “junk” status or sub-investment grade, which is the grade that its two rivals, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings had the country on since April 2017. “We are probably going to see more downgrades, and by 2023 the country’s credit rating will be two or three notches lower,” Ackerman said. He said that the government was facing a fiscal crisis, and the only way for the South African state to
avoid that was to embark on big expenditure cuts, but the state was baulking at doing that. Public finances are dangerously overstretched “Public finances are dangerously overstretched. Without urgent action…a debt crisis will follow,” the National Treasury said in July. The government budget deficit, which is the amount by which revenue fails to fund expenditure, will widen to 15% during the fiscal year ending March 2021, according to Ackerman. Then in the fiscal year ending March 2022, the budget deficit will recover to 10%, he expects. In five to seven years, Ackerman forecasts that government debt will climb to 100% of GDP, he said. By comparison, the National Treasury estimates that national debt will reach 81.8% of GDP by the end of March 2021. Unemployment rate to soar According to Packirisamy, the unemployment rate would climb because South Africa was not growing fast enough to absorb the new people entering the labour force. Ackerman predicts that the rate of unemployment would rise to 35% by 2023 from 30%. How to get out of the debt trap? South Africa needs to get out of its debt trap by igniting economic growth. In the meantime, it needs to find international or other funding to plug the gap in the state budget. There are fears that the state might force managers of pension funds to allocate a portion of their clients’ money to fund the running of the government and state-owned enterprises. But Treasury’s Momoniat told the Tax Indaba that the state was not looking to put in place any prescribed asset regime. Could an IMF bailout follow the loan? In July, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a US$4.3 billion loan to the South African government. The state intends to borrow US$7 billion from multilateral finance institutions, including the IMF, the National Treasury said in early July. There is a possibility that the South African government will be forced to go back to the IMF in the future for further debt in the form of a wider-ranging bailout. “I think an IMF bailout would be very positive for markets, because it installs a bit of a policy anchor, and it forces the government to do things that it may not feel comfortable to do otherwise,” Packirisamy said. About the value of the rand, Packirisamy said that she expected the rand would maintain its longterm depreciating bias because of South Africa’s high level of inflation when compared with its major trading partners and the deteriorating local economic fundamentals.
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Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 13
Business Leadership TONY FROST
The Year that Was, the Year to Come As I sit at my desk reflecting on what I would write, my mind stalled on the year passed. 2020 has arguably been the most memorable in my life for several reasons. First and foremost, of course, it has been the year of Covid 19. A mere year ago we had just won the Rugby World Cup. We had never heard of this virus that would sweep the world infect millions upon millions, affect all of the almost 8 billion that inhabit our beleaguered planet and kill hundreds of thousands whose immune systems simply could not cope. That virus is still with us and will be for some time to come. We will need to continue to be vigilant and even more vigilant to stave off the viruses that are still to come which we also have never heard of. At the beginning of 2020, we were battling to turn on the economic turbines. We were battling the aftermath of the Zupta onslaught on our country and the world economy was not being particularly helpful. We had a current running against us. And Covid19 hit. It could not have come at a worse time for our economy. The battle was on. Added to this was the mood of negativism and unhappiness with almost everything. But we have learned to adapt and to grow. We have found new ways of doing old things. We have reestablished links with friends we had all but forgotten. We have learned to be kinder and more caring. We have learned that the only way through this is by collaboration and support. We could never do it on our own. We have learned that we are completely reliant on and subject to, the kindness and generosity of our planet. We have learned that it is more important to listen to the scientists and the science than to believe what the politicians tell us. Most importantly, we have learned how to be more resilient. In the last few weeks, the world has sat on tenterhooks waiting for Americans to show us their true character. It is a relief that we know that they want a kinder, more caring, more engaged, more resilient and a more sustainable America. They do not want the dictator-type strongman who believes Franschhoek(PR).pdf 1 only in his Newspaper rhetoric toAdvert the detriment of all around him, except those closest to him. There is a lesson in this
for all of us, for the world. We need each other; we are better together; we are certainly stronger working together than trying to do it on our own. And what of the year ahead? Covid19 and probably others will still be with us. Vigilance will still be required. The economy which is beginning to show some nice green shoots will not magically spring fully to life and we have heavy debts to repay because of monies we have been forced to borrow to fight the virus. The Zondo Commission will still be busy exposing the rot that the rotter Zuma and his cabal dumped on us. The crooks will continue to be arrested and hopefully, many of them will end in gaol where they belong. So, what is it that we mere mortals should be setting our sights on for 2021? South Africans at all levels and in all walks of life must actively work together to build a better country. This is not pie in the sky. Other countries that have been devastated and riven apart by hatred, lousy government, misleading politicians have pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and not only fixed their countries but taken them to winning country status. Look at Japan, Germany, Korea and others. We must fight hard for direct representation in parliament and scrap the party system that we all know does not work other than to allow the entitled to feed at the trough of corruption and complacency. This is not a job for someone else. This is a job that belongs to each of us. The planet needs our help and love if it is to continue nurturing us and giving to us so generously. We must learn to touch the earth gently; try to give back more than we take; help others understand just how important it is to love all that is alive and to nurture it! It is perfectly attainable to influence the people around you: Create an active community group which cleans the neighbourhood, keeps it safe, cares for the elderly and infirm, installs community-level sustainable power, teaches kids, transfers skills, turns waste into money, helps the municipality to properly serve its citizens, repairs streets, creates soup kitchens, learns to listen carefully to disparate voices not just the ones in your immediate vicinity, and creates job empowerment projects through all of these things. This is not rocket science. Many examples can be followed. What it takes is for us to watch less television and become a much more active, involved and caring citizen. If all our 58 million South Africans were to do this, we would be a winning nation in no time at all. 2021 is a great year to start! 2019/09/10 09:12 tony@siroccostrategy.com
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(First Edition)
Please join us for this FRANCO fundraising event on 8 December 2020 at 17h30 at the Domaine des Anges Clubhouse, Franschhoek. A panel of local speakers share local history over a glass of wine. Entry R200 per person. To book your place email francofranschhoek@gmail.com by no later than 2 December 2020. Limited seats available due to Covid protocols.
PRINTED CANDLES
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LIFE EASIER
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021 876 2676 | franschhoek@taxshop.co.za | www.taxshop.co.za
LUXURY PRE-OWNED GOODS Susan Charlesworth ATTORNEY NOTARY CONVEYANCER
Areas of practice:
Estate and succession planning | Commercial Law Administration of estates, trusts & curatorships Engineering & Construction Law Antenuptial contracts | Conveyancing The Franschhoek Cellar Offices, Main Road, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel: +27 (0)21 876 2592 Fax: +27 (0)21 863 1495 Email: susan@sgclaw.co.za Also at 342 Val De Vie, Paarl www.susancharlesworth.co.za
Michelle 072 622 5192 Erika 082 905 2606
Shop 1, Centre du Village, Main Road, Franschhoek
info@atticinthehoek.co.za
AtticintheHoek
14 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Book Review
CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL
This Is Happiness Niall Williams Bloomsbury. 380 pages
Michelle Roux (centre) with assistants Jay-Lee Hartnick (left) and Annie Hoffman (right)
Why did you acquire The the country. We want to Little Shop Around The remain relevant in the Corner at the time and market in South Africa why have you just opened not just in Franschhoek, The Craft Room? so we kept our yarn prices We were in the process similar to what you would of looking for a shop space pay online. for The Craft Room when Who do you anticipate we found that a little will be you clients at The yarn shop had opened in Craft Room? Franschhoek. We met the The Craft Room is a previous owner and on our modern take on crafting, first meeting she asked or more specifically if we wanted to buy the making traditional crafts shop. Four months later we done traditionally relevant with Michelle Roux owner of started trading in January and accessible to a new The Little Shop Around The Corner 2020. The Craft Room was generation. The ‘“long’” and The Craft Room planned from the start but way of doing things is has been delayed in opening due to the pandemic, becoming trendy. The Craft Room is for anyone but we are excited to open its doors this month. who enjoys knowing how to make things from How did you managed to keep your shop open scratch, knowing what is in the products you during the Covid lockdown? use in your house. Those that want to live more We were closed for during the Level 1hard sustainably but still enjoy the beautiful things in lockdown restrictions but could start with limited life. It has everything from bespoke gardening trading at Level 2 selling baby clothing and yarn. supplies, plants and flowers to art supplies. These products were categorised as essential What was your job in Durban before you moved products since it could be used to make winter to Franschhoek? clothing and bedding. We really saw the community My husband and I worked as Hydrogeologists rallying and supporting local businesses. Most of on a project in Durban before we moved to our sales in Level 2 were selling charity yarn for Franschhoek. I have been working as a specialist making beanies and blankets. We were grateful for hydrogeologist for twelve years on a project where the support from all the local knitters and those we used microorganisms to clean contaminated taking up the hobby. groundwater, so using sustainable, responsibly You have a variety of stock in your yarn shop. sourced products is close to my heart. What is your take on natural fibre like wool or What is the most challenging item you have bamboo versus artificial fibre like polyester? knitted? I love natural fibres such as wool, alpaca and My first knitting project. My fingers got all tangled cotton. Our heart is to support sustainable practices and frustration was high! But it also was the first that are good for nature and the community. I hand made gift I gave to my husband, which also stock man-made fibres such as polyester makes it my favourite, even though it was not a and acrylic. The man-made fibres are often piece of art. affordable and accessible to a larger portion of the What is the most satisfying thing you have created? community. I saw in during lockdown how access This is interesting,interesting; I give away most of the to more affordable acrylic/polyester yarns gave things away that I make. The satisfaction is in learning many people the opportunity to knit and make a something as I am doing it. I will say that the thing I significant difference in the community members’ find most satisfying of all craft is seeing others learn it lives. I think both have a function and place. too. The realisation that something they thought was Retail space locally can be expensive; how do impossible to do,do was now achievable. It has not you manage to keep prices competitive? been my own creations that I find most satisfying but We made the decision to remain competitively seeing Annie do her first granny square and then a priced with the online shops. Online shopping is few days later she made a bag. a major player in the retail market and physical What are your hobbies or favourite pastimes? shop prices now compete with shops from across Gardening!
Theatre! Theatre! On the list of what-to do-this-evening events at the Franschhoek Theatre last month, were the screening of the movies Resistance with an impressive cast which included Jesse Eisenberg, The High Note with Dakota Johnson and that old John Travolta favourite, Saturday Night Fever. There was also a successful fundraiser and a sold out screening of a Royal Ballet performance of Sylvia with Darcey Bussell.
There is something about Ireland that makes authors lean towards the sentimental and the picturesque. Thank goodness for the more toughminded Niall Williams, whose latest novel “This Is Happiness” follows his Booker-long listed “History of the Rain.” It is an exquisitely written novel that succeeds in avoiding every cliché while at the same time being typically, lyrically and wittily Irish. It is the sort of book that makes you stop at least once every page, reread a sentence, and then say to anyone within earshot “Just listen to this! Isn’t this great?” There are three interlinked stories all set in the tiny, entirely negligible village of Faha, hidden in the deepest valley of rural Ireland. The stories are told by the elderly Noel Crowe, who looks back affectionately and compassionately to the 1970s when electricity first came to his birthplace and he was still called “Noe.” This memory serves two purposes. It records a historical moment and it also provides the backdrop for two love stories. Electricity will transform the lives of the largely impoverished farmers and change the centuriesold attitudes of innkeepers and shop-owners. It will also pass others by, at least for the foreseeable future. Noe’s grandparents, the highly eccentric Ganga and Doady, decide to stay with their smoky coal stove and primitive cooler. Noel understands why. “It was fear of what world they would be hurtled into the moment a switch was flicked.” The author takes his time as he carefully observes the interactions between the predatory electrical appliance salesmen and the at-first sceptical inhabitants. Torn between desire for the marvellous, shining machines and their profound lack of cash, the villagers are ultimately persuaded by the magical words “On tick” thereby ushering in a new age of greedy banks and the never-never system. The advent of electricity sets in motion the two love stories, profoundly different, yet also very alike. They involve the love lives of 17-year old Noe and that of his friend and mentor, the middle-aged Christy MacMahon. They take place during a seemingly never-ending summer when long, warm days suddenly replace the usual, ever-persistent rain. Williams is a master at describing the myriads of forms and shapes of rain and mist and cloud. This summer, however, without anybody really noticing at first, the atmosphere changes. There is sun. There is warmth. There is light. There is dry air. The birds sing. The flowers bloom. Dresses are short. Thoughts turn to love, old and new. What happens next can be summed up perfectly in the older Noel Crowe’s view that “Life is a comedy with sad bits.” Christy MacMahon widens
Niall Williams
his search for the woman he left at the altar many years before. Noe discovers a burning passion for all three of the local doctor’s beautiful daughters. Funny as well as thoughtful, the author describes how both men deal with love’s ups and downs, dreams and delusions, foolishness and wisdom in very different ways – as befits their difference in age and experience. Don’t try to underline all those passages you want to come back to. There are too many of them. Just reread this extraordinary novel, in its entirety.
A PROUD SPONSOR OF...
Groot drakenstein Games club
The ballet evening was arranged for the benefit of the Franschhoek Culture Vultures who have for 10 years being attending theatre productions in Cape Town by bus. They had not been audience members of anything since February and were bordering on being culture starved. The other event that attracted quite a bit of attention was the NOTED evening just before the November schedule kicked in. It was all about Pink Floyd and their album Wish You Were Here. To start proceedings Pieter, the theatre manager knowledgeable of things filmic and musical, spoke about Pink Floyd the band. He told how they were moderately successful until the release of Dark Side of the Moon in 1973 after which they became superstars. He went on to talk about the members of the band including the contribution and departure of Syd Barrett. Pieter screened
photos of the band and relevant places on the big screen and highlighted interesting points by asking pointed questions. A reward of a bottle of bubbly was given to the only person who knew from where the name Pink Floyd originated (the names of two jazz musicians). Pink Floyd’s follow up album, Wish You Were Here, went straight to Number One on the charts and became the favourite of many a diehard fan. A documentary of the making of this album was then screened. Included were the discussions, agreements and disagreements by the band members, the song-writing, the inspiration and the music. No wonder this documentary was described as a masterpiece by reviewers. Judging by the reaction of the local audience, they loved it too. Text: Editorial Desk
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 15
Smalls
Paarl. Contact Len van der Walt – 082
072 347 5355 STUFF
WANTED:
All
manner
of
579 2994. Booking essential.
TRINITY
CHURCH:
Worship
every
Claire Horn
with
PLUMBERS
Holy
Communion.
Weekday
clothing and household items needed
THE PERFECT PANCAKE PLACE Bel:
for an apartment/flat/cottage available
for our ‘First Friday of The Month’ jumble
073 663 1232 Bestel: Voor Donderdae,
service Thursday at 10h30 at Fleur de Lis.
on a month-to-month rental basis
Contact Gavin – 083 799 0726.
18h00 @ R8 elk Optel: Vrydae vanaf
of the valley. Please drop off at the
12h00 by DeWetstraat 7.
and self-catering facilities in region of R11
clinic in La Provence Street, Groendal,
Sunday
000 - R12 000 per month from middle
or phone for us to collect. 021 876 4808
Burrows. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.
area. We are also available to pet sit/ house sit, as my partner works 100% from home and will be home all day. Contact: chrisvdheever1@gmail.com LOOKING FOR A JOB as a housekeeper. I am a 34 year old Malawian living in Groendal. Please contact Mercy on 061 827 6751 For reference contact Teresa on 084 777 7898
CHANGING
TO
A
SALT
WATER
SYSTEM? Let us advise & quote for you! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 FRESH, ORGANIC FARM PRODUCE: Delivered
weekly
to
including
vegetables
Franschhoek,
UNITING
Community Events SPORT
in
FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUB: Social
season, chicken, eggs, cheese, honey,
tennis is played at the club on Fridays,
etc. Lists of available produce received
Sundays and Public Holidays from
on Monday, orders placed on Tuesday
08h00. For more information contact
for Wednesday delivery. A number of
Ross. 078 278 4843.
and
fruit
LOOKING FOR A JOB as a driver,
Franschhoekers are already receiving
maintenance, general duties. I am able
PARKRUN: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge
weekly deliveries. To be added to the list
to work without supervision. I have
Wine Estate. Time: 08h00. Cost: Free.
contact Sue Norman on 083 321 3442 or
good communication skills and am self-
Register at www.parkrun.co.za
suenorman50@outlook.com.
motivated. Please contact me, Mona Nkambule on 067 984 7524/060 526 9788 References 082 873 5082 or 083 302 2726 LOOKING FOR A JOB AS a domestic worker/babysitter. I am a 30 year old Malawian. I am a hard worker, friendly and trustworthy. Please contact Mercy on 083 523 6288. Reference 083 700 4036 HOUSE TO RENT: In Franschhoek village. Fully furnished. R34k p/m. Please call 083 348 1230 GATEHOUSE TO RENT: In Franschhoek village. Fully furnished. R10k p/m. Please call 083 348 1230 THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER: Yarns,
needles,
beautiful
baby
threads, clothes
etc. and
Also hand-
knitted gifts. 1a Bordeaux Street. 021 300 5668.
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 RE-FIBRE GLASS YOUR POOL in any colour you like. Call RiaPools for a quote: 072 347 5355 PROFESSIONAL
POOL
SERVICE
REQUIRED? Keep it local! Get a quote. Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355 RE-THINKING
YOUR
GARDEN?
For
Garden Consulting call Susan at 072 932 5393 PUBLIC SPEAKING / LEADERSHIP: Paarl Communicators, part of Agora International, assists in the development of public speaking, communication and leadership skills. Once-off joining fee of R200, then R65 per meeting, which
POOL PUMP PROBLEMS? Noise? We
included a light dinner & tea/coffee.
quote and help you out! Call RiaPools:
Meetings held as Villa Visaggio outside
REFORMED
service
09h30.
Franschhoek Plumbing
CHURCH: Dr
Shaun
GENERAL
021 876 4234/082 582 1029 021 876 3759
PSYCHOLOGIST Danielle Smith
sales. Please help us to help the animals
preferably, furnished with good Wi-Fi
021 872 3530
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Sunday at 09h30 at L’Ermitage Chapel,
ACCOMMODATION WANTED: Looking
of December onwards in Franschhoek
Marelise Bester
082 812 1476
PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice
021 876 3085
Library
021 808 8406
Post Office
021 876 2342
Welfare (ACVV)
021 876 2670
SPCA
021 876 4808
SCHOOLS Bridge House School
021 874 8100
Franschhoek High School
021 876 2079
19:00, Groendal Community Centre,
Groendal Primary School
021 876 2448
Contact David +27 83 305 5159
Groendal Secondary School
021 876 2211
Wes-Eind Primary School
021 876 2360
Dalubuhle Primary School
021 876 3957
Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings
Useful Numbers
STORAGE Franschhoek Storage
021 876 2174
TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES
ACCOUNTANTS
Info Office
021 876 3603
Winelands Experience
021 876 4042
Huguenot Memorial Museum
021 876 2532
TRANSPORT GOODS
Tax Shop
021 876 2676
ATTORNEYS
Gerald Fourie
021 876 2940/082 821 5234
VETERINARY
Susan Charlesworth
021 876 2592/072 402 9469
Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) 021 876 2504
Snipelisky & Killian
083 250 0943/021 876 2084
Emergencies/Weekends
CHURCH SERVICES
BURGLAR ALARMS
METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
Pepler Alarms
021 863 3187/082 8089 100
EMERGENCY NUMBERS 021 876 3308
Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings)
021 808 8888
District Municipality(Bush & veld) 021 887 4446
Boland Bridge Club
021 876 3031
021 886 9244
Franschhoek Tennis Club
078 278 4843
Police
10111/021 876 8061
FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass. 082 496 8749
Eskom
086 003 7566
Groot Drakenstein Games Club 021 874 1906
Omnipage Farm Watch
021 852 3318
- Craig Mc Naught: Captain
080 845 1014
Plaaswag
021 876 2346
- Lejean Pieterse, Hiring
082 490 0405
2431. Besoekers welkom.New Apostolic
N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646
Lions
021 876 3775
DENTISTS
Church:
Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris)
072 211 9991
Dr Schalk du Plessis
Franschhoek Rotary Club
082 773 9217
DOCTORS
Franschhoek Probus Club
021 876 3179
Dr Karin Eksteen
021 876 4622
Dr Shelley Hellig
021 871 1063
10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. NG
KERK:
Sondagdienste
09h30.
Geen aanddiens. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 Le
Roux
Street,
Groendal.
Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt.
ELECTRICAL
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School
021 876 3070
Franschhoek Electric
074 313 7829/021 876 3640
Dr Alexander Heywood
021 876 2474
Rensburg Electrical
021 876 2120/083 309 2923
Dr Hannes Van der Merwe
021 876 2304
Dr Nicolas Els
021 876 2561 021 876 4622
EXCAVATIONS Andrew Schmidt
021 876 4431/082 972 5755
Dr Bernard Fisher
Burger Excavations
072 3408518
AUDIOLOGIST
10h00. Revd Wilfred Meyer 084 407
HEALTH & BEAUTY
1280. Office - 021 874 4008. willowdale@
Franschhoek Pharmacy
021 876 2261
EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE
Franschhoek Health Club
021 876 3310
Medicare EMR
cybersmart.co.za
HOUSE & GARDEN
SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services: 09h00 English service at 7 Lambrechts Street.
18h00
Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris
Afrikaanse
diens
by
Franschhoek Rugbyklub, Groendal. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome!
084 264 0000 074 363 7744/021 876 4316
MUNICIPALITY
Clock Repairs
028 840 1716
(Ward 1) Clr Frazenburg (DA)
021 808 8490
Lighting & Accessories
021 876 3640
(Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA)
082 404 5055
Ria Pools (Franschhoek)
021 876 2612/072 347 5355
(Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA)
074 686 2364
Sue’s Gardens
083 321 3442
(Ward 4) Clr Johnson (DA)
021 808 8019
Municipality (Office Hours)
021 808 8700
Municipality (afternoon only)
021 808 8890
Municipality 24hr Service
021 808 8700
INTERNET ACCESS PostNet OPTOMETRIST
021 876 3025
We are here for all your accounting and tax needs
Tel: 064 653 4763 Email: schermanacc@outlook.com Uitkyk Street, Les Chenes, Franschhoek, 7690
FOR SALE
Fust NOVAMATIC
FRANSCHHOEK’S
Party Grill for 8 Persons Swiss Made | Never Used Guide Price CHF 120.00
FOR BUILDING • GARDENING • RENO VATING SITUATED BEHIND BP GARAGE • WE SPECIALISE IN:
SERVICING & RE PAIR Light Industrial Equipment RUBBLE & REFUSE REMOV AL DELIVERIE S
As good as new 10-seater dining set. Bespoke steel design table base. Cast aluminium armchairs with natural colour removable seat cushions. Solid 30mm granite top. Size: 3000mm long x 1100mm wide. Price R50 000 O.N.O. Contact 082 920 1191
LIGHT DOMESTIC MOVES PORTABLE LOOS CLEANING of businesses and other premises
always at your service
072 378 1916 or 021 876 4123 Email: onhireo@gmail.com
WE MANAGE ALL RELATED HOMEOWNER SERVICES WITHIN THE BOLAND, HELDERBERG, WINELANDS AND SURROUNDS
Our Services
TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIRE Brush Cutters, Lawn Mowers , Chain Saws, Concrete Mixers, Drills , Compressors, Pumps, Jackhammer s
01 02 03 04
Now Only R1199!!
MAINTENANCE Overseeing all property maintenance. WEEKLY CHECKS Weekly/security checks are available on request. CLEANING Interior and exterior professional cleaning / Pre and post visits. PAYMENTS Recovery of all utility charges and attending to payments if requested.
kate@silverliningpm.co.za +27 (0)79 068 2130 www.silverliningpm.com
Email: info@franschhoektatler.co.za or WhatsApp: 082 391 5327
16 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
FRANSCHHOEK
STORAGE For short and long term storage solutions. We offer lockable bays, containers and floor space.
OCW
Restoration Carpentry Joinery
SAFE. SECURE. AFFORDABLE.
PACKAGING TRAILER HIRE 6 Fabriek Street 0218762174 0823206523
Our Services Now Include: C: 071 9219 • C: 082 390 8191 Spraying &990Built-in Cupboards ocwcarpentry@gmail.com • PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7690 C: 071 990 9219 • C: 079 961 1671 • ocwcarpentry@gmail.com Old Simondium Winery, R45 • PO Box 5, Groot Drakenstein, 7680
DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL CLEANING Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Once-off and we can do WINDOW CLEANING, IRONING, CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Vicky Cell: 082 975 2494 Email: vjmuscroft@iafrica.com
FLOOR MASTER STELLENBOSCH Wooden floor repairs, sanding & polishing. Since 1992. Also solid wood & laminated flooring installations. Call Tim for a free quotation. Cell: 082 442 5244 Email: floormasterstell @gmail.com Tel: 021 - 887 6707 www.floormaster stellenbosch.co.za
Our service wood floor you!
+27 (0)21 876 3640 Unit A, Fabriek Nationale No 1, 9 Fabriek street, Franschhoek 7690 herman@franschhoekelectric.co.za www.franschhoekelectric.co.za
ssuesR300
verseas R600
Copyright: All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part prohibited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of editorial or advertising matter does not imply endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therin described. 074 313 7829
Sue’s Gardens Sue Norman Landscaping and maintenance of gardens, all sizes! Mulching services available. R NE W EMAIL PLEASE NOTE OU tlook.com ou @ suenorman50
cell 083 321 3442 tel/fax: 021 876 2510
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 17 Promotional article
FRANSCHHOEK
Discover Franschhoek’s Pristine Mountainland Situated high above the Franschhoek Valley the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (established 1983) is part of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site - the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas (2004) and linked to the UNESCO-designated Boland Biosphere Reserve. Ever since 1823 mountain springs in the reserve have provided Franschhoek with high quality drinking water. The reserve is known for its spectacular views of the valley, diverse plant and small animal life and wellmaintained network of hiking trails. It is also a popular jumping-off point for paragliders and is fast becoming a favoured destination for trail runners. The Franschhoek mountainland consists of Table Mountain sandstone that was raised as a mountain range more than 265 million years ago. The present mountain and valley landscape is the result of erosion over the past 140 million years. Three large peaks dominate the reserve: Perdekop (1575 m), DuToitskop (1418m) and Middagkrans (1029 m). In summer south-easterly winds can form impressive 'cloudfalls' over Middagkrans. Both summer and winter weather conditions in the reserve can be challenging to the uninitiated - the former being hot and dry and the later wet and cold with occasional snow on the higher ground. The reserve's flora consists of montane fynbos established on leached acidic sandy soils. Fynbos (the world's smallest and most diverse plant kingdom) is primarily characterised by four types of plants: Proteas, Ericas, Restios (reed-like plants resembling grass) and geophytes (bulbs). www.montrochellehiking.co.za
Day Hiking Permit: R50 per person Hiking Trails Map: R20 Hiking permits and maps available at: Tourist Information Centre Tel. 021 876 3603 www.webtickets.co.za Keep the permit with you. | Always put safety first Do not hike alone. | Enter and hike at own risk.
STANDING OUT FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS Boys and girls from Playschool to Grade 12 (boarders from Grade 7 to 12) experience the warm relationships which make this distinctive, vibrant, independent school unique. Add an emphasis on future-thinking and global relevance and you have a school which will realise your child’s potential to lead, innovate and serve with confidence in a changing world.
For an appointment to visit the school, please contact Gill Malcolm gilmal@bridgehouse.org.za or 021 874 8100 www.bridgehouse.org.za R45, Franschhoek, Western Cape
When Selling A Home, Do You Price It To Leave Room For Negotiations? Correctly pricing a home is one of the top three important things to consider when selling your home. But, incorrectly pricing a home can be the “kiss of death”. There are several real estate pricing mistakes that sellers commonly make. One of these common pricing mistakes also happens to be a very common real estate myth as well – pricing a home higher so that there is room for negotiations with a potential buyer. This real estate myth, if believed by a seller, can lead to tonnes of frustration and potentially to a property that sits on the market for a long time. And that’s the last thing you need when you want your property to be seen as a great investment that has value. If you are selling your home, you need to understand who today’s buyers are and what The Chas Everitt Franschhoek office they are all about. The internet has greatly impacted the real estate industry a top producing real estate agent suggests to leave because buyers are now more savvy and educated room for “negotiating,” you need to understand than ever before, due to the amount of information that most buyers will know it’s over priced and may available online. For instance they can see some pass on looking at your home. of the property portals where your house is listed. As a rule of thumb, the more your house is When they believe it has been there for too long, it overpriced when going onto the market, the greater is a certain indication that the house is overpriced. the chances are that you will realise exponentially A tip in this regard is to ask the estate agency that less than if it was put on the market at a fair price. has the oldest listing date to remove the listing. At Chas Everitt Franschhoek, we will give you When you use a new agency they will obviously honest and realistic feedback on what the right have a more recent listing date with the added price is that your property should be marketed at, benefit that a new round of SMS and emails will be to ensure that your property doesn’t become an sent out to potential buyers. ‘old’ listing and so that it sells to the right buyer A buyer will not waste their time looking at a within a reasonable period of time. home that is overpriced by millions of rands. So before you list your home R1 000 000 higher than 62 Huguenot St | Tel: 021 203 3020
18 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Dec 2020 / Jan 2021 | 19
20 | Dec 2020 / Jan 2021
Local expertise, national presence and international audience
LE
TE DA N A
M
SO
FRANSCHHOEK
R7 950 000
IDEAL VILLAGE LOCATION This 3 bedroom Cape Victorian style property, within easy walking distance of the village, has great kerb appeal, with mature trees & gardens brimming with white roses and lavender. Inside the period feel continues with a spacious open plan living/dining area, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and large double garage. Lots of potential and viewing is highly recommended.
E AT D N
LE
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
MA
SO
FRANSCHHOEK
R13 600 000
FOUR BEDROOM HOME ON DOMAINE DES ANGES This immaculate home has been designed and built with meticulous attention to detail and a grand sense of place nestled among mature oak trees. With a focus on indoor/outdoor living and a country house feeling this home, situated on one of the largest plots on the estate, has many special features including, wood panelled study, large wine cellar, walled gardens and stunning mountain views. Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
LE
TE DA N A
M
SO
FRANSCHHOEK
R7 250 000
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE This 3 bedroom masterpiece of architectural design is breathtaking. A period cottage is married to the best of contemporary design to create a unique property in the heart of Franschhoek.The property is an ideal lock up and go and has been successfully rented out on short term holiday lets for many years, but would also work well as a permanent home . Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
LE
TE DA N A
E AT D N
M
LE
SO
FRANSCHHOEK
SO
R5 500 000
L’AVENUE DE FRANSCHHOEK ESTATE
CHARMING SINGLE-LEVEL HOME IN SOUGHT AFTER CABRIERE STREET This quaint property, with wrap-around front porch and single level floor plan takes design cues from a traditional farmhouse with the benefit of a prime village address.The main house offers large open-plan lounge/dining, separate kitchen and two bedrooms/ two bathrooms. A private, self-contained one-bedroom cottage is ideal for extended family or income-producing rental. Also includes a garden studio.
Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
23 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690 +27 (0)21 876 3322
Regionally Nationally Internationally
globally
R3 150 000
NORTH FACING PLOT ON PRESTIGIOUS ESTATE This stunning 1,539m2 north-facing plot offers elevated, uninterrupted Franschhoek valley views on the last available site of the exclusive L’Avenue de Franschhoek estate. With only 18 homes on 8 hectares, this boutique estate offers low density living amongst vineyards and olive groves and surrounded by picturesque mountains of the Mont Rochelle. Tom Clode 079 955 3114 | Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194
119/121 Park Lane, London, W1 +44 (0)207 079 1515
MA