Franschhoek Tatler - January 2023

At the heart of the pilot project is a technology developed by the Center for Regenerative Design & Collaboration (CRDC). The technology allows plastic to be converted into an eco-additive – RESIN8 –that is added to concrete in the manufacturing of structural and other concrete products.

Replacing up to 20% of natural aggregates with RESIN8 in concrete product manufacture has several advantages: It improves the performance characteristics of concrete products, reduces the amount of quarried material used in the concrete and removes plastic waste from the environment. Best of all, all seven types of plastic can be converted into RESIN8 and it doesn’t have to be clean to be used.

CRDC SA has a processing plant in Cape Town from where the local leg of a global programme titled ‘The Bag That Builds’ is being rolled out. The programme is named after the distinctive green bags that are used to collect plastics for recycling.

Individuals and companies are rewarded per bag of plastic they collect, making it a simple way for anyone to earn a small income while improving the environment. A collection drive in the Langrug community has already led to the coining of the phrase ‘pick up your money’ to inspire residents to

take part in the pilot programme.

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

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

For more information or if you have any form of plastic that you want to get rid of feel free to contact Jocelyn at 073 587 6132.  Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

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

ECD Practitioners Graduate

Sixteen Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners from around the valley graduated from Boland College on Wednesday, 7 December 2022. A graduation ceremony was held for them at the Franschhoek Cellar.

The graduation was the culmination of an initiative led by the Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley (RCFDV) to improve teaching at local ECDs.

centres that provide care and critical developmental activities for children, from birth to 5 years old.

With Rotary International funding the RCFDV, in association with Boland College, initiated a formal

Early Childhood Development, in Franschhoek. Students attended lectures twice a week, from 25 January – 5 December 2022, at the Franschhoek Community Sport Centre in Groendal. Thereafter students returned to their ECD centres to work, complete coursework, practical assignments and demonstrate competence.

Ms Martha Khumalo – Chairperson Franschhoek

centres children’s development is below the primary school expected standards to enter Grade R – so from the start they are disadvantaged”.

The positive impacts of successful completion of the training programme will not be limited to the course participants, but also affect the wider community.

colleagues, and practitioners’ ability to advise their extended families and ECD children’s families.

Facilitate holistic care and early childhood development programmes to support babies, toddlers and young children to maximise

including developing programmes to enhance

Support and counsel children and adults living

Communicate – read, write and speak local

Apply advanced literacy and numeracy skills, statistics and probability to critically

All smiles at the graduation ceremony

interrogate and effectively communicate

families on developmental, social or health

Quality ECD provision, professionalization and

Improved childhood development and

Better education leads to better employment,

exposure to role models and mentors contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty as youth are less likely to be unemployed and turn to crime, drugs, alcohol or violence.

event, reminded the practitioners that achieving success requires courage, resilience and determination. Qualities the successful students have demonstrated in abundance.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

FRANCO’s Thanksgiving Evening

Franschhoek is often heralded as the most beautiful village in the Western Cape, the culinary capital and the best wine producing area in South Africa. What is not often added is that it is populated by the most generous, kind, supporting people.

This was the catalyst for the thanksgiving celebratory dinner which FRANCO recently hosted in the hall of the Dutch Reformed Church. The purpose was twofold – to thank everyone invited for their varying levels of support and to showcase some of our extraordinary local talent. The evening also served as a networking opportunity for the numerous NGOs and other role players who

wonderful nature of Franschhoek’s community. our diverse community through education, we also recognize the importance of creative expression. We were grateful to be able to showcase the wonderful talent that resides across our valley. Barring the soloist, all the performers are somehow well in pursuing both their studies and passions,”

The young talent that performed during the

Caleb Dlamini, a grade 8 pupil at Franschhoek

his drumming skills, The Sinothando Junior Choir with their crystal clear voices delighted the audience with a special musical theatre performance created especially for the FRANCO thanksgiving function, The Born Spartans hip hop dance crew were inspiring

Dineo Mbali who brought tears to many eyes with her

Attendees at FRANCO’s thanksgiving dinner were entertained by the Born Spartans hip hop dance group – amongst others.

(Dineo is a performer we should all watch.)

We are indeed lucky to live in this beautiful valley. We are also lucky to share it with such wonderful people and FRANCO is particularly grateful to be able to assist those in need.

As expressed by Raffaella Goedvolk, FRANCO’s

… the simple truth is that together we can only be stronger, and our reach can only get wider. It is an absolute pleasure working with and for the community of Franschhoek – we are blessed with an abundance of strong and committed individuals who make a difference every day in our community and thanking them through our little event was an absolute pleasure”. The following sponsors contributed hugely to

Dellridge Wines.

Text & Image: FRANCO

Design Award for Checkers Foods

Checkers Foods Franschhoek picked up a retail design award at the 2022 Retail Design & Development Awards (RDDA). In addition to winning in the National Retailers category, it also received the coveted overall Spectrum Award for 2022, which recognises innovation as well as outstanding economic and creative achievements.

Checkers was crowned the overall winner of the 2022 Retail Design & Development Awards (RDDA) after it won several major awards at the event. Besides the awards for Checkers Foods Franschhoek its store in the Drakenstein Sentrum (Paarl) also won in the New Developments category.

Organised by the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SASC), the RDDA’s identify and award South African shopping centres for outstanding design and economic success.

Checkers developed and owns the 9 000m² Drakenstein Sentrum in Paarl which opened its doors late in 2021. “Modern in styling, it is fresh and bright with clean lines. It sits comfortably in its setting taking advantage of the northerly aspect and the views out to

the surrounding landscape,” says the SASC.

Checkers Foods Franschhoek opened in April 2022. It was the first new format Checkers Foods supermarket to open in the Western Cape. The 1 000m² store is designed to honour the style and charm of the village, as well as the architecture of the building in which it is located.

“Checkers Foods Franschhoek makes maximum advantage of a refurbished existing building and mall. The restyled roof and arcade of the mall form the attractive spine of the new food store layout leading the customer into the store in a way which legibly displays the different sections,” states the SASC.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Franschhoek Health Club Celebrates 15 Years

Franschhoek Health Club (FHC) just celebrated its 15th birthday. With its loyal following, one can dare to say it has established itself as an institution in the village over the past decade and a half.

It’s hard to imagine the days when locals had to travel to Paarl to go to a gym or have a trainer come to their homes. That is indeed how it all started. Springbok athlete and fitness trainer, Theo Beyers, had built up a roster of clients in Franschhoek and had a dream of starting his own gym. His path crossed with that of former advertising executive Mike Bosman, who then lived in the valley, and before long they hatched a plan that eventually became the Franschhoek Health Club.

The Tatler first reported on their plans in June 2004. At the time, the plan was to open the gym at the La Gare Centre which was undergoing renovation. This didn’t work out but Mike and Theo came up with a new plan. Fast forward a few years and the Franschhoek Health Club opened its doors on the corner of Cabrière and Fabriek Streets in November 2007.

While many people have crossed FHC’s threshold over the years – both as visitors and staff – it is a testament to its appeal that three of the initial staff are still there. Biokineticist Johan Viljoen is now also the gym manager, while personal trainer Tanja van Lill and cleaner Charmaine Groenewald have also been there through all 15 years.

An overseas visitor sums up his FHC experience as follows: “It’s hard to put into words what is so special about Franschhoek Health Club. I’m not a big fan of gyms but honestly, this place really is different. I get off the plane, I’m tired and exhausted and I can’t wait to go to the gym! I totally love this place!

“From the moment you walk through the door, the staff make you feel welcome. Actually, welcome isn’t the word, it’s more like, comfortable, as though you belong, as though they are really pleased to see you.

“There are corners on different levels that allow you to do your own thing or open spaces for free weights or asymmetric training. There’s even a sauna and a pool! And the Club is light and airy with just the best atmosphere. People of all fitness levels go there, from the young to the old, and everyone feels at home.

“I left Franschhoek Health Club last time and vowed to find something similar overseas, somewhere that inspired me to go to every day and that I loved! No luck! And seriously, I’ve tried everywhere!”

Enough said! Except to wish FHC another 15 successful years!

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

The interior of Checkers Foods Franschhoek

Johann Viljoen, Tanja van Lill and Charmaine Groenewald have been with the Franschhoek Health Club since it opened its doors – 15 years ago!

La Bri Chardonnay 2021

Clean and precise, this wine embraces the fresh flavours of gooseberries, green apple and lemon with a creamy balanced palate all offset against a backdrop of a crisp acidity with a sweetsour finish Cellar Door Price - R160.00 per bottle T 021 876 2593 E info@labri.co.za

Deux Lions’ Onion Tarte Tatin with Soubise, Parmesan Catalan, Grilled Spring Onion

Ingredients

1 roll puff pastry; 15 baby onions, peeled and cut in half; 15ml olive oil; 50g unsalted butter; 2 sprigs thyme; 50g demerara sugar; 50ml sherry vinegar Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 egg, lightly beaten Method

Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Roll out the puff pastry on a flat surface. Cut out a circle to fit the base of a 20cm oven proof pan. Refrigerate until ready to use Heat the pan on a high heat. Once hot add the olive oil and arrange the onions in the pan cut side down. Leave to caramelize until the onions have obtained a dark brown colour. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the butter and thyme sprigs. Once the butter has melted add in the demerara sugar. Once the sugar has melted and a caramel has formed – season with salt and pepper and deglaze the pan with the sherry

vinegar. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. Remove the puff pastry disk from the fridge and place over the onions in the pan, use the back of a fork to gently tuck in the edges around the onions in the pan. Gently prick the pastry a few times with a fork. Place into the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a pastry brush to egg wash the puff pastry, season with salt and place back into the oven for a further 10 minutes. Remove from the oven once baked, and turn out onto a serving plate.

(Wild) Winery of the Year

The intrepid folk making wine at the foot of the ‘wild mountain’ in the furthest corner of the valley are walking a little taller these days. Their consistent efforts have led them to be recognised by Winemag.co.za as the Prescient Winery of the Year 2022.

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. 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

The recognition is based on the farm’s performance in Winemag’s various category reports throughout 2022. In addition to the Wildeberg White (Semillon) 2021 winning its category with a rating of 94, five of their other wines made it into the Top 10 of their categories. They are the Wildeberg Red 2021 (96 points), Coterie by Wildeberg Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (94 points), Coterie by Wildeberg Grenache/Syrah 2021 (94 points), Coterie by Wildeberg Chenin Blanc/Grenache Blanc 2021 (91 points) and the Tea Leaf 2021 (91 points).

Winemaker JD Rossouw says, “We are delighted by this fantastic recognition for our winemaking team as well as for all the amazing vineyard partners who make it happen each year. Without their hard work and attention to detail, we would be just another bottle at the table!” JD, who was appointed in 2017, now has a new 350-ton cellar in the former horse stables allowing

him to keep looking for great grapes from all over the Western Cape. The estate’s plantings of Chardonnay, Semillon, Petite Sirah and Syrah were only planted in 2018 and it will be a few years still before their fruit makes it into Wildeberg wines.

Oenophiles willing to venture off the beaten track will find more than superlative wines, a super-scenic tasting room and a warm welcome at Wildeberg. The manor house offers elegant accommodation with unbeatable views that will have anybody wanting to extend their stay.

At the time of writing, most of the awardwinning wines were still available from the farm and at select retailers around the country. It would however be best if you didn’t delay in establishing a claim to your share!

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Winemag.co.za www.wildeberg.co.za | 079 843 0682

Cellar Chat

Mark Tanner

I have in front of me a bottle of wine from Bordeaux. The label tells me that it is from the Haute Medoc, the area just to the north of the city. The label also tells me that it is produced by Barton & Guestier, the oldest wine house in Bordeaux (1725), at Chateaux Magnol. Being French the label does not tell me what is in the bottle, but no matter, having done our homework we know that it will be an ‘assemblage’ of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and probably a splash of Petit Verdot and Malbec. This is the classic Bordeaux blend, which in the 1400s the French called ‘Claret’ from an old French word meaning that the wine was clean, light and as such was distinguishable from other red wines. At this time the Brits’ however wanted their Claret strengthened and actually fortified it with Spanish wine. How times have changed. It is only in the past 300 years that the wines have gained respect. Before that Mediterranean Muslims forbade drinking and pirates ensured that no new markets were ever reached. All this notwithstanding, Bordeaux’s medieval period set the norm and fame was ensured. Of course, the mention of the name Bordeaux puts one in mind of benchmark wines, the best of the best indeed. But it amazes me that such classic wines can come from that region at all. What happened to the magic of ‘terroir’? Bordeaux’s terroir is pretty dismal with erratic rainfall, topography that is as flat as a billiard table from horizon to horizon and soil of damp, grey gravel that would seemingly be unable to support a bed of weeds let alone a grapevine. So why the hype? Probably because the Medoc also enjoys a redeeming temperate climate well suited to the vine, and the gravelly soil allows excellent drainage as well as forcing the tap-root to descend to better soils below. This in

learned over centuries has made Bordeaux what it is today.

I take another look at the bottle and see a window opening to the past. I recall the world’s largest wine exhibition at Bordeaux’s Parc du Lac where the immense main hall is 1,100m long, i.e. 1.1km, and where I have spent many an educational hour. It is from here that I recognise the French vigneron who, last month, was at the London Wine Trade Fair complaining vociferously that his tasting glass had been cleaned with a ‘dirty’ cloth. Today he has a cigar between his lips as he spits into a spittoon, and misses...

I visit the American pavilion and the ‘Far Niente’ stand from California. On the table is a bottle of Chamonix wine and in the chair a representative with a sly grin. I introduce myself as being familiar with Chamonix and the story is confirmed. Chamonix’s label is almost an exact copy of Far Niente’s. The only difference is the line drawings of the residence or manor house, Chamonix’s being Cape Dutch. The sly grin validates the intention to take Chamonix to Court, but this never happens. The manor house was built in 1947 to the order of the farm’s new owner, a certain Captain Pickering. After a career with the Union Castle Steamship Line, the only regular transport between Cape Town and Southampton, Captain Pickering was nearing retirement when he decided to live in our valley. He was offered two properties for purchase and he chose ‘Waterval’, later to be renamed ‘Chamonix’ (after winter snows). The other property was called L’Ormarins.

The bottle is now tempting me but without a corkscrew immediately to hand I hesitate. An empty bottle cries to be thrown away; a full one beckons adventure.

Purveyor of Fine Handmade Soaps

Established amid the Covid pandemic, Fiona Catherine Botanicals now offers shoppers an array of natural artisanal soaps, bath bombs, creams and bath salts. All of Fiona’s products are crafted with great care, using local olive and essential oils, spring water and a wide variety of botanicals. Her products are sumptuous while remaining

Using the traditional Bastille soap-making method, Fiona has become an expert maker of soaps that are both environmentally friendly and, being made without parabens or preservatives, softer on the skin. The selection of soaps ranges from charcoal-based soaps to citrus or spice-infused soaps, to beer soaps (made from our very own Hey Joe brew).

Fiona’s botanical fusions combine her creative expression with a delicate offering of self-care to create a bar of the finest quality soap. (All her soap bars are handmade and require six weeks to cure after making.)

Not only are the products delightful – the experience of visiting the shop is equally so. Walking past the entrance it is difficult not to

be drawn into the shop by the exquisite aromas. Browsing the shop is a multisensory experience. The displays brim with eye candy: full of textures, botanical arrangements and bath products made to luxuriate in.

La Domicile, which opened at the end of August, is a wonderful addition to Franschhoek. The shop, at 62 Huguenot Road, is a merging of ‘The Persian Loom Lifestyle’, selling contemporary and classic rugs, and ‘Fiona Catherine Botanicals’.

For more information on Fiona’s product range and her approach to soap-making visit https:// www.fionacatherinebotanicals.co.za.

turn, together with huge investments and lessons

aligned with the environmental and creative ethos of the village.

Text & Images: Leila Shirley

Fiona Catherine Botanicals offers a trove of luxury soaps

The unseasonal hail and thunderstorms we have recently experienced have reminded me of the immediate and potentially devastating impact of climate change. Where I normally start the year with a gardening trend forecast, I would like to go back to a wish list that I published a few years ago. As gardeners we have a big role to play in creating green awareness while trying to lower our impact; let’s look at some ways we can help the world in 2023. We first need to stop the damage. On top of my list was the immediate removal of all harmful products from nursery shelves. Almost every gardener I speak to would like to be organic in their gardening methods but is being influenced by the array of industrial poisons packaged in small picture-perfect packets. Many of these chemicals have been banned in agricultural use around the world, but somehow still end up being sprayed in gardens. The organic product offering on shelves must be expanded and packaged to speak to the broader public. We need to get the message about the dangers of garden poisons out to the population through dedicated education campaigns. At the same time, organic alternatives need to be actively developed and promoted.

I would also like to see a ban on all two-stroke engines. A complete move away from fossil fuel to battery-driven landscaping equipment will reduce urban air and noise pollution. This trend should include electrical golf course mowers, garden tractors and utility vehicles. The technology exists, but the consumer demand is not there to justify the mass production we need for it to become affordable and available to all.

The nursery industry is notoriously wasteful. Plastic continues to be used in everything from greenhouse coverings, irrigation piping, seedling trays and final product packaging. Very little recycling is happening. It is up to the

gardening consumer to put pressure on the garden centres to become more aware of this. Let us force the suppliers to look at alternatives like compostable and plant-based materials. Force them to recycle old plant containers and poison vials. And complain about plastic everywhere.

Once we’ve reduced the harm I see a move beyond organic to regenerative principles. Sustainability will not save the earth, we need a mind shift towards restoration. The home gardener has a responsibility towards this healing of the earth. My wish is for a new awareness of the rhythm of the earth and cosmos, the power of the sun and the importance of water and soil. Nature responds to the gratitude of the gardener – let us keep our awe in what we are dealing with. All gardening practices must be done with future generations in mind. Let us ask ourselves the right questions. Are we building or breaking the soil? Are we reducing or building biodiversity? Are we saving or wasting water? Are we energy efficient? Do we embrace and make maximum use of the sun? Do we make responsible plant choices? Do we reduce, reuse or recycle our waste? Do we repair or replace? All of these choices will have an impact on future generations.

The recent pandemic brought new awareness about our role in our healthcare. We have to take responsibility for the biological systems within our bodies. Growing our own organic food has gone beyond trendy to a necessity for vibrant health. This year I am going to go flat out in my mission to grow as much as possible of my family’s food. The kitchen is the altar where we get a chance to offer the work of our hands to those around us. A nearsacred experience. Have an amazing 2023!

Tatler Motoring

GIORDANO LUPINI

Sharper GR86 a Perfect Driving Tool

Toyota’s playful GR86 the perfect blank canvas

The newest addition to Toyota’s performance division, the GR86, sets out to improve on its respectable predecessor’s attempt at a playful, driver-centric sports car. Certainly, no easy task. The original GT86 was a ‘driver’s’ car targeted towards the enthusiast in a no-frills approach to pure driving enjoyment.

The old platform was good enough for Toyota not to reinvent the wheel. Other than reinforcing the chassis near its front and rear shock mounting points, this remains largely the same car as the old GT86.

Beyond that playful demeanour and a near perfect balance, the rest of the GT86 wasn’t quite as great. A measly engine, an uninspiring soundtrack, a lack of usable cabin storage compartments and door side arm rests, and more left a bit to be desired.

In true Toyota fashion, the GR division took diligent note of those shortcomings when developing the new 86. The new one now has a welcome 27 kW and 45 Nm stronger 400cc larger

2.4-litre boxer-four. Toyota fixed the noise too, with a trick artificial audio system to improve perceived engine note in the cabin.

In addition to all-new body panels for a refreshed design, they fixed all those practical bits too. So, on paper at least, Toyota has resolved many an underlying GT86 drawback.

But what’s it like to drive? Well, a couple days behind the wheel confidently confirmed that Toyota made a step in the right direction. I pushed the GR86 to its limits on Aldo Scribante – a tight, flowy, fast paced, and undulating racetrack in Gqeberha and it only took a few corners to feel totally at ease behind the wheel.

This car handles beautifully, and its additional power is most welcome on track. Significantly though, GR86 remains ultra-playful. 53/47 front to rear weight distribution and a low centre of gravity bring perfect balance.

Turn into tighter corners confidently, punch it at the apex, and you’re rewarded with a predictable but impressive power slide on corner exit. The GR86 remains pretty well planted up to maximum load, at which point it does begin to lean over itself. That trait becomes understandable on the road. Considering it’s track capability; ride is plush and the seats comfy. I frowned on the artificial engine noise bit, but driving it, I genuinely couldn’t tell if it was fake. The note is easily audible at high RPM. And it’s lovely.

Road noise is rowdy at over 80 km/h, making conversation difficult with the passenger. I’d say passengers, but there’s so little space in the rear.

You also feel

All

So,

Pricing

JANUARY NEWS

FORD MUSTERO

Fifty-eight years ago Ford took the motoring world by storm when it introduced a muscle car for the masses – the Mustang. It was an instant hit, so much so that two years after introduction a pick-up version was developed, and FMM has the only one in South Africa. Called Mustero – an amalgam of MUSTang and RanchERO, which was a Ford mainstream pickup line at the time.

The Mustero was an officially approved, limited edition customised model and the work was carried out by US West Coast custom shop Beverly Hills Mustang. But just how many were made is a matter of debate, the popular belief being that Ford commissioned an initial build of fifty, all of which were to be based on a base-spec 1966 model year Mustang fastback supplied from Ford’s San Jose plant and fitted with either a 3277cc Thriftpower inline six or 4736cc Windsor V8.

However, in 2003 a former employee of Beverly Hills Mustang, Edward Sherwood, went on record as saying “We customised these Mustang pick-ups out of completely restored 1965/66 Mustangs. I believe there were three or four of them during my time, and all had 289ci engines. I did not know there were

BSA S23

BSA – the Birmingham Small Arms Company – first started producing motorcycles in 1906, becoming the largest producer of motorcycles in Britain. Back in its heyday, bikes like this 1923 S23 500cc were one of the reasons that BSA became such a powerful manufacturer.

The S23 sounds different and pulls so differently from many other similar bikes. It has a really good gearbox with nicely-spaced gearing, allowing the torquey 500 whizz you along effortlessly. To ride, you find yourself leaning slightly forward. The handlebars are not too wide and classically swept backwards, making the motorcycle easy to control, but the rider still remains rather busy with the tank-mounted gear lever, throttle

50 but I left soon after we had done the work on the first batch”. Truth of the matter is that in recent times a lot of adverts have appeared offering examples for sale, so there was definitely more than a handful built. Unfortunately, Sherwood did not state which years he was employed at the company, but it seems unlikely that such a radical conversion would be carried out on “completely restored 1965/66 Mustangs”.

On balance, the 50-off commission appears to be the way it was, and this particular Mustero’s VIN number is 6R07C1197991 – 6 denoting the year of production 1966, R denoting it was built in Ford’s plant in San Jose, 07 denoting a hardtop coupé body style, C denoting a 289ci 200hp (149kW) engine, and the rest is its production build number. But the Mustero was not a success, the conversion from coupé to bakkie reportedly costing $6500, more than the price of a brand new Mustang Shelby 350GT at the time.

lever, manual spark advance and the occasional necessary pump on the oiler. With a good sprung saddle and not-too-firm front suspension, this machine handles better than most classics. With an advanced oiling system and a drip glass indicator, lubrication is not a problem.

Compared with other vintage bikes, this S23 really does feel quicker than the rest, yet it is strange that BSA never truly got into motorcycle racing in the early years like many others did. Only much later did they start competing. It is said that even though these S23s were very reliable, they are rather sparse today as guys tended to ride them until there was almost nothing left. FMM’s machine is remarkably well preserved and a valuable member of the twowheeled fleet.

FMM’s example was originally shipped to the UK where, after several owners, it was given a complete nut-and-bolt restoration, in the process upgraded to Shelby GT350 specification. Subsequently, the powertrain was further modified to include a 5424cc V8 ‘Stroker’ motor coupled with a Tremec T5 gearbox, hydraulic clutch and iconic Hurst shifter. On the Shelby works dyno, the motor registered 345kW. Resplendent in a metallic olive green, in 2012 it was entered and featured well at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and two years later it won its category (Class 6) in the prestigious Cartier ‘Style et Lux’. FMM then purchased the car and had it converted to

right-hand drive to allow it to be imported into SA.

The looks do not jar the senses and it managed to retain the classic pony car long bonnet/truncated tail proportions. Along with the charismatic G.T.350 striping, Shelby and Cobra insignia can be found all over the place – even the tyres are 215/60 R15 Cooper Cobras. As for the load bed, it could best be used to hold a heavy load to put weight over the leaf spring-suspended back end that, in turn, would help prevent axle tramp when summoning-up those wild horses under the bonnet. But after twisting the key and becoming engulfed in that rough and ready V8 rumble fanfared through twin exhausts, each exiting just aft of the door – the senses are stirred with rousing vibrations felt through the wood-rim wheel, seat and drilled aluminum pedals.

And the Mustero does not disappoint. The chromed shifter works with mechanical precision, the clutch is weighty in a complimentary way and the steering is precise. Approaching corners, slow in, quick out is the way to go to avoid wheelspin, axle tramp, rubber smoke and armfuls of opposite lock! Muscle car manic…

The Mustero is currently on display in Hall B.

VISITING FMM

FMM’s opening time are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 18h00 (last admittance 17h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00). FMM will be closed on December 2, Christmas Day December 25 and New Year’s Eve December 31. On all other days in December and January, the museum will be open during the usual times. Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, R60 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R40 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. The famed FMM Pitstop Deli is open throughout the visiting hours. For booking tickets and any other information as well as signing on for a free monthly newsletter, logon to www.fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za

They’d be better off replacing the back seat with a half roll cage!

those power gains far more on track than you do on the road. Despite an improved power curve, most of the grunt still lies up top in the rev range, so it still feels a tad underwhelming on the road.

the new Toyota GR86 isn’t perfect. But it’s a major step forward from an already-good

predecessor. It’s still playful and will certainly satisfy a spirited drive on a winding road or track.

that said, most of its flaws can be easily resolved by aftermarket upgrades. Which makes the Toyota GR86 perfect blank canvas for any real driving enthusiast.

Toyota GR86 6 Manual R698K

Toyota GR86 6 Automatic R733K

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Hospice once again sold salmon and cream cheese croissants at the Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in early December. We’d like thank Three Streams Smokehouse for their very generous donation of salmon ribbons and cream cheese towards this effort. We sold more than 250 croissants during the festival!

On 2 December our patients received Christmas boxes and toiletry items. Thank you to the following for their generous donations again towards the boxes: Pat for the boxes and facecloths; Anton for toothpaste and brushes; eats supplied by the following Anel, Ann, Barbara, Carol, Elizabeth, Gundi, Glynda, Heather, Hilary, Liz M, Liz K, Marie-Louise, Moira, Nadia, and Renee. The ladies outdid themselves to create really memorable Christmas boxes.

The Hospice offices will reopen on 10 January 2023. Thank you everyone that supported us during 2022. We hope that we can count on you again this year!

Franschhoek Wine Valley News

RUTH McCOURT

Just like that, we’ve blinked, and the New Year has arrived on our doorstep. Welcome to 2023! We hope it’s been a wonderful festive season and a new year welcomed in with ever-clinking glasses, fully laden tables and family gatherings aplenty.

On the topic of clinking glasses, we were thrilled with another successful year of our Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne festival, presented by Sanlam Private Wealth.

After a two-year absence, this much-loved festival and firm favourite on year-end calendars returned with a bang, wowing all attendees with over twenty local producers on show helping to further shine the spotlight on our abundant valley.

This January, Franschhoek is bursting at the seams with festivities aplenty, all with more pep in their step after a few well-earned days of downtime.

Those searching for activities to help keep the little ones busy and entertained, while enjoying the last few days of school holidays, will be able to take their pick with a range of exciting offerings available at our family-friendly partner venues and

estates.

We’re thrilled to hear accents from around the world in our Main Street, wine estates and dining establishments as the international guests flock back to experience the Valley of Dreams in the season when it shines brightest.

All are welcome to wander our side streets, offering countless local trinkets and treasures – from wine, jewellery and designer clothing boutiques interspersed among charming bookstores and leading galleries – there’s much to be explored and doing so on foot, in our historic Franschhoek’s town, only feels right!

For the Musicophiles among us, be sure to set the calendars for end-February, when the Chamber Music Festival comes to town and wows us with its performances.

That’s it for now. Let’s continue to hold onto that festive spirit and full holiday mode well into 2023. Keep an eye out for more summer events and celebrations planned for the first quarter.

www.franschhoek.org.za

Kabouterland Says ‘Thank You’

Kabouterland is one of the oldest early childhood development (ECD) centres in Franschhoek and stands as a symbol of solidarity and social development. The thirty-four-year-old institution in Groendal has survived difficult times over three decades but is now in its prime thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Franschhoek community.

The effort to upgrade and repair Kabouterland gained momentum during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with its committee developing a strategy during the downtime. The first crucial step was to get Kabouterland registered as an ECD. The TEEC team from the Department of Social Development assisted the committee with crucial guidance in this process.

The next key player was the Rhino Trust which was a big help in sourcing the donations required to begin repairs on the building. What followed was a snowball effect in which a growing number of businesses and professionals in and around Franschhoek generously contributed their time, skills and funds upon hearing of Kabouterland’s plight.

“I stepped in to help in 2020. The school was falling apart mostly due to repeated acts of malicious vandalism,” says vice chair Leonora Sullivan. “Today we have four qualified educators working with 60 children. We could not achieve all of this if it wasn’t for the generous acts of goodwill from both the Groendal community and also from the greater Franschhoek.”

The Kabouterland committee would therefore like to extend their sincerest gratitude to key players in Kabouterland’s renaissance such as Julie and Graeme Oliver from the Rhino Trust for their effort in raising much-needed funds. They are also grateful to the ladies from TEEC whose guidance

helped Kabouterland achieve the status of a registered educational centre.

More heartfelt thanks go to Jill Dale of Spiral Systems in Johannesburg, Tertius at GH Building Supplies, Viv and Engela at Franschhoek Engineering for burglar bars, Liam Labuschagne at CABO Electrics and Chris at Cape Winelands Plumbing who throughout 2021 and 2022 came out to fix the water supply when it was damaged through vandalism.

Lastly, Kabouterland is very grateful towards Shaun and Christie Winkler at Franschhoek Trailer Hire who have repeatedly donated a trailer for the transport of gardening equipment. While the committee cannot thank everyone here, they wish to let all who lent a hand know that they are truly, deeply grateful for their help.

Text: Pieter Naudé | Image: Supplied

Christmas Party

Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley, in collaboration with Boschendal Wine Estate, hosted a Christmas Party to celebrate end of term results and personal achievements for the learners of Pniël Primary School. The party included games, performance coaching, wellness exercises and, naturally, some party food! There was also a performance by the young musicians of Mbekweni Community Music Academy.

The Music Academy was founded in May 2022 by members of the Rotary Club in collaboration with Hope Through Action Charity and Salies Music Inn to provide music education opportunities to youngsters from local schools where music is sadly absent from most of the curricula. It is based at the Mbekweni Community Sports Centre with 35 learners, a range of instruments and four tutors. The funding for instruments and tutor time is met by the Rotary Club through grants and donations from local and international benefactors. Instruments include recorders, violins, keyboards, guitars and drums. A trumpet and other wind instruments are on the list for new students in 2023 assuming funding can be raised. There are also plans for a choir.

Further information contact David Anderson davidinvdv@gmail.com

Top of the Karate Pile!

Hospice staff and volunteers sold croissants at the Bubbly Festival

This was the first performance by the Academy students who entertained their peer students from Pniël Primary School and Boschendal visitors with a medley of traditional and Christmas arrangements.

The renovated Kabouterland ECD.

Karate instructor Chris Ensil and two of his students ended 2022 on a high note, or should that be with a high kick? Jayne Wunder was selected as the Boland Amateur Samurai Karate Association (BASKA) Student of the Year for 2022. Kayla Nyamayaro made it a pair by being named BASKA Junior Student of the Year. Both ladies train with Chris at the Franschhoek Health Club. Pictured above are FLTR Johann Viljoen (Franschhoek Health Club manager), Jayne Wunder and Sensei Chris Ensil. Inset: Kayla Nyamayaro.

Games are fun!

Groot drakenstein Games club

Motorcycle Heaven

An overheard conversation between two bikers

First Biker: Hey man – whaddya doing this Sunday?

Second Biker: Cruizin’ to Franschhoek and then a blast on the Pass. Wanna come?

First Biker: Sure. Never ridden the Franschhoek Pass. Whazzit like?

Second Biker: Its great man! You can hit 160 on a straight on the Franschhoek side, drop down a few gears, up the revs and swoop round sweeping bends, tight corners and hairpins on both sides and then open up to 200 to the T on the other side.

First Biker: Sounds great but what about the speed limits?

Second Biker Crazy man. Absolutely crazy. As you come out of the village, there’s an 80 sign.

First Biker: Not great but it could be worse.

Second Biker: Well, if you take any notice of speed limits, it does get worse.

First Biker: Howzat?

Second Biker: Coming out of the village its 60. Then there’s an 80 sign but just after the 80 sign – about 75m, in fact – there’s a sign that says 60 for the next 13km!

First Biker: You mean I’m doing 60 and then for 75m I can do 80 and then I’ve gotta do 60 again! That sure is crazy!

Second Biker: Yeah! Like I said its crazy, man. But then a couple of kms further on, a bit after the first hairpin, there’s a 100 sign!

First Biker: So – let me get this straight. There’s an 80 sign and 75m after it there’s another sign saying 60 for the next 13 kms and 2 kms after that there’s 100kms sign!

Second Biker: That’s it. But then, after you’ve legally or illegally hit 100 going up the straight, there’s an 80 sign followed by a 60 sign where there was a rockfall a year or so back. Can’t see the reason for this myself. There’s a couple of rough patches in the road; nothing serious. But you don’t have to worry about that, ‘coz just after the rockfall section, there’s another 100 sign! That means if you’re crazy enough – and there are some pretty crazy bikers around - you can go round the top hairpin

at anything up to 100 hoping you don’t meet one of the big double trailer lorries come down on the wrong side of the road!!

First Biker: Gee! But does that mean you can do a 100 up to the top and down the other side?

Second Biker: Uh uh! After you’ve dropped down to bottom gear for the top hairpin, you can blast past the tourists at the viewpoint at an ear splitting 100 but then, if you wanna be a law abidin’ citizen, you gotta throttle back ‘coz just after the viewpoint by the entrance to Mont Rochelle – it’s some kinda nature reserve – there’s an 80 sign with a bok in it. Dunno why. I bin riding it for 20 years and I aint never seen a bok on the Franschhoek Pass.

First Biker: So, is it 80 then all the way down the other side?

Second Biker: Yessir but with all its twists and turns you gotta be a bit crazy to ride it at 80. A lotta guys tried and a lotta guys died.

First Biker: And coming back up from the other side?

Second Biker: Well, here’s the thing. Just after bridge at the bottom there’s a sign that says 60 for the next 13km! Just like the one on the Franschhoek side.

First Biker: But I guess, there’s then a sign that says 80 – or even a 100.

Second Biker: There is an 80 sign but it’s not ‘til after the top hairpin going down on the Franschhoek side.

First Biker: So, the speed limit going down the other side is 80 and coming back up its 60.

Second Biker: That’s what the signs say!

First Biker: And coming down on the Franschhoek side?

Second Biker: Well, after the 80 sign after the top hairpin, there’s an 80 sign before the rockfall section followed by another 80 sign after it but no 60 sign and then another 80 sign as you get into the village followed by a 60 sign. Seems like a waste of good 80 signs to me.

First Biker: So, the speed limits going up on the Franschhoek side can be 60, 80 or 100 and coming down its 80.

Second Biker: Crazy, I know, but that’s about it.

First Biker: What about the cops?

Second Biker: Nah! Don’t worry about them. They’re never there and even if they were it would take them all day to work out what the speed limit was in any part of the Franschhoek Pass.

First Biker: Wow! Seeya Sunday then!!

BarryPhillips

Sons of Selassie Bring Good Vibes (and History) to Franschhoek

Franschhoek’s Col’Cacchio frequently hosts a much-loved reggae band, Sons of Selassie, from Cape Town. As those who have watched them perform will testify, they bring exceptional warmth to this corner of town, performing reggae classics that everyone can fondly recall and sing along to, such as Bob Marley hits. They never fail to move the people to sing and dance, as Bro Manchi, their lead vocalist, indiscriminately evokes a sense of carefree joy amongst his audience.

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers,

The awfully astute baseball player Yogi Berra once remarked that “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” No kidding! Despite it being fraught territory, I’m going to go out on the proverbial limb and make a few predictions about… the future!

Franschhoek, thankfully, is back to its preCovid bustling self. Several developments are on the cards that will significantly impact it and, in some cases, the broader valley this year and further into the future.

Train Camp Franschhoek at Franschhoek High School, after several delays and redesigns, is scheduled to open in March – at least in part. This development will bring local and international athletes, coaches and administrators in several sporting codes to Franschhoek for anything from once-off meetings to week-long training camps and year-long residencies. Many of the facilities are multi-functional, so I expect that we’ll also see a fair number of events being hosted ranging from conferences and tournaments to lifestyle events and festivals.

The planned cable car to the top of Middagkrans is a bit further off but could see approvals given this year and possibly even the start of construction. Somewhat divisive in the village, this one has a few hurdles to clear –particularly relating to the volume of vehicular traffic and day trippers it is likely to generate. If the traffic and parking issues can be adequately addressed and visitors encouraged to stay longer than a day – to combat the ills associated with excessive numbers of day trippers – it can grow to be an iconic attraction. They’ll however have to play their cards cleverly to avoid being hated by locals and loved by visitors.

The Berg River Dam eco- and adventure tourism project could also get off the ground this year. Their biggest hurdle is probably getting the lease agreements for the land around the dam signed by the Department of Public Works. Once

the leases are in place the rest of the project should be reasonably straightforward to put in place as a lot of work on the use of the areas in question was done before and during the construction of the dam. This project will greatly assist in building Franschhoek’s outdoor tourism offering – a facet of tourism that has long suffered from small, piecemeal efforts and a lack of a star attraction. It could become to Franschhoek what Jonkershoek is to Stellenbosch – and then some.

Something else that won’t enjoy universal support is a mooted, but I believe unlikely, upgrade of the Robertsvlei Road and widening of the single-lane bridge over the Franschhoek River to address traffic flows related to the cable car and Berg River Dam projects and as a way to get heavy goods vehicles out of the main road.

Nationally, I don’t have much hope that anything will change significantly this year. The ANC will do everything it can to avoid a split and an early election. Expect more blackouts, corruption and economic mismanagement. The ‘good news’ here is the more things stay the same, the worse the ANC is likely to do in the 2024 election.

Global risk management firm Crisis24 has identified some issues to keep an eye on in 2024 – several of them related to the war in Ukraine and (still) Covid-19. They are:

• Growing insecurity and instability across Africa due to the fallouts of the Russia-Ukraine war,

• Economic competition between the US and China likely to reshape supply chains in the Asia Pacific region,

• Economic turmoil to cause political upheaval in the Americas,

• The ongoing conflict in Ukraine with implications throughout Europe,

• Middle East North Africa region’s uptick in social unrest amid rising prices of food and fuel

• Weather and climate changes based on expected La Nina event

• Vaccine-preventable diseases in a postCOVID-19 world

• The future of air travel

• An anticipated increase in low-level piracy Whatever your plans are for 2023, I hope they are fruitful and enjoyable. Until next month.

Tennis Champs!

“Don’t underestimate yourself. You are more capable than you think.” –

Wise words from one of the greatest champions of all time. And how exciting it was to see the children from the Love-All, Tennis Coaching Programme embrace this belief at their recent end-ofyear Singles Championships!

Not only do Sons of Selassie regularly bring their good vibes to 66 Huguenot Road, they are also a band with historical significance. They have been performing since 1985. They started out ‘jamming’ in the bush in Strandfontein village. Amongst the founding members of the band are Charles Jenkins (Bro Manchi) and Clive Hartzenberg (Bro Dali) who are Khoisan descendents. From their humble beginnings, Sons of Selassie went on to achieve world-renown, releasing their first album, Changes, in 1992. Their music was also a vehicle for transformation, as they attended and played music at anti-apartheid political rallies. As a result, they were placed under close government scrutiny during the 1980s, and even potential faced imprisonment. In 1998 they established the ‘Youth Musikal Project’, which continues to provide musical instruction for disadvantaged youths, thus

continuing to give back to the community.

It is fitting, then, that they should have been in Franschhoek on Heritage Day, representing the very rudiments of South Africa’s heritage. Indeed, Sons of Selassie still have a message to share with all those yearning to hear it: Healing is possible through love and liberation from hateful deceit, and taking our places alongside each other as ‘equal citizens of the universe’.

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of enjoying one of their performances over a pizza and beer, you would be well-advised to look out for them next time they are scheduled to perform. If you find their story inspiring, you may also be interested in looking them up at http://www.sonsofselassie.co.za/ or https://www. mzansireggae.co.za/artist/sons-of-selassie/.

Text & Image: Leila Shirley

This year, four trophies were up for grabs: Billie-Jean Cup, Serena Williams Cup, Lloyd Harris Cup and Roger Federer Cup. In each competition, the fledgling tennis players played each other in groups to decide who qualified for a ‘Finals’ Day’ event. Each ‘match’ was a tiebreak, first to 7 points. As every point counted, everybody was treated to an amazing display of competitive tennis. Focus, tenacity and stamina were all needed, as well as all the tennis skills which had been acquired over the year. The young players are also learning to deal with winning and losing and developing the mindsets and attitudes to deal with both. Finals Day – including the semi-finals – was a cauldron of energy and excitement! The semi-finals were hard fought with every single player giving it their best. The shot-making was great, but particularly gratifying to see was the players placing the ball beautifully and patiently constructing points. Those who didn’t make the final emerged with huge credit for what they had contributed to the competition.

The four finals were decided on the basis of the best-of-three sets, where the third set was a tiebreak only. The children of Franschhoek High rose to the challenge delivering four highly competitive and nail-biting matches; three of which needed a third-set tiebreak to decide the winner. Those who had not seen the children play since last year were overcome by how much they had progressed. Every facet of their tennis game had grown as well as their mental capability and confidence. What was also striking was

The

Franschhoek Tennis Club wishes to thank the 2022 sponsors – Croda – and Train Camp for facilitating the sponsorship. The children have done you proud.

Thanks are due to Coach Shaun and his assistant Bayo for what they have achieved with the children, the many tennis club volunteers who made the event a success, and the “wonderful teachers who make this all happen for the children.”

Finally, ‘thank you’ to ‘Trade Wind Umbrellas’ for supplying the club with ‘great brollies’ to keep everyone cool.

If you are interested in sponsoring or donating towards this tennis initiative in 2023, please contact Ross, 078 278 4843, for more information.

‘Sons of Selassie’ performing at Col’Cacchio.

Roger Federer

seeing so much excellent sportsmanship, where brilliant shots from opponents were generously acknowledged. Mr Federer’s belief was certainly seen in action and so was his graciousness.

wonderful winners for 2022 were: Billie-Jean Cup – Caitlyn; Serena Williams Cup – Thieyna; Lloyd Harris Cup – Yolisa and Roger Federer Cup – Tyrique (who was also the Champion last year!)

Happy faces at the end of finals day. Winners one and all!

with Leaticia Alexander Chairperson of Groendal Neighbourhood Watch

When did you start at Groendal Neighbourhood Watch (GNW) and how did you become involved?

I care deeply about my community and I wanted to take an active role in filling the need to make Groendal a safer place to live. I therefore offered GNW voluntary assistance with their administration when I was working at the community centre. In 2017 I was offered a staff position and I joined the team on patrols after receiving my training. About two years later the previous chairperson left and I was voted in to take on the role.

How would you describe your neighbourhood watch and how does your role differ from that of the police?

Unfortunately the police are outnumbered in our area and the neighbourhood watch have taken it upon ourselves to provide them with assistance. We are community humanitarians who operate on the ground and live alongside the people we are trying to protect. We are the eyes, ears and mouthpiece

Poetic

HARRY OWEN

Perhaps it’s the season, the new year, or perhaps it’s just me, but lately I have been contemplating what it is about the creative imagination that makes it so powerful, so compellingly a human force.

Sylvia Plath wrote ((in her Journals, 19501962): “What I fear most, I think, is the death of the imagination. Where the sky outside is merely pink, and the rooftops merely black: that photographic mind which paradoxically tells the truth, but the worthless truth, about the world.” What does she mean? And could she be right that ‘the truth’ – that which we perceive to be self-evident and obvious – might not be all it seems?

Then I found myself reading a wonderful poem by Rebecca Elson, a scientist, and astronomer, called ‘Antidotes to Fear of Death’, which she wrote during the ten-year period after she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1989. I can do no better than to quote a short biography of her from the online site called Brain Pickings: “The astronomer and poet Rebecca Elson (January 2, 1960–May 19, 1999) was twenty-nine when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma — a blood cancer that typically invades people in their sixties and seventies. Throughout the bodily brutality of the treatment, throughout the haunting uncertainty of life in remission, she met reality on its own terms — reality creaturely and cosmic, terms chance-dealt by impartial laws — and made of that terrifying meeting something uncommonly beautiful.

“When she returned her atoms to the universe, not yet forty, Elson bequeathed to this world 56 scientific papers and a slender, stunning book of poetry titled A Responsibility to Awe - verses spare and sublime, drawn from a consciousness pulling the balloon string of the infinite through the loop of its own finitude, life-affirming the way only the most intimate contact with death —

of the police as we not only try to identify illicit activity, but also try to guide the community away from breaking the law.

Can you talk about the ways in which your neighbourhood watch operates?

We are currently twenty-four members who work on a voluntary basis and if we come across criminal activity or potentially dangerous situations during our patrols we report it directly to the police. Our patrols mostly take place during the day and we focus our activity around the school grounds to supervise our children. Sometimes we are called to assist at night in the village when a festival is taking place. We are also trained in the basics of providing first aid in case we encounter injuries.

Is support from the community an important component in the work you do?

It is crucial that the people around us work with the neighbourhood watch in helping to draw our attention to problems. More than that, our members work on a voluntary basis and several of them are unemployed. When local businesses reach out with donations such as food, airtime or uniforms for our members it makes all the difference in the world. I strongly feel that we need more of this where we serve the community, and the community serves us.

What kind of training or strategies do you use to prepare yourselves for patrols?

We receive basic training in neighbourhood security from the Department of Community

which means with nature — can be.

“Elson’s crowning achievement in verse is the poem Antidotes to Fear of Death.”

[Quoted in Brain Pickings, Maria PopovaApril 2020]

Could this overwhelming sense of wonder, this deeply imaginative interpretation of what life is all about, be what Sylvia Plath too recognized as so important? Although neither poet is physically alive today, their words – their imaginations, their poems – live on and, at least in my view, help make the world so much more magical a place for us to inhabit.

Here is Rebecca Elson:

Antidotes to Fear of Death Sometimes as an antidote To fear of death, I eat the stars.

Those nights, lying on my back, I suck them from the quenching dark Til they are all, all inside me, Pepper hot and sharp.

Sometimes, instead, I stir myself Into a universe still young, Still warm as blood:

No outer space, just space, The light of all the not yet stars Drifting like a bright mist, And all of us, and everything Already there But unconstrained by form.

And sometimes it’s enough To lie down here on earth Beside our long ancestral bones:

To walk across the cobble fields Of our discarded skulls, Each like a treasure, like a chrysalis, Thinking: whatever left these husks Flew off on bright wings.

Rebecca Elson

(from AResponsibilitytoAwe Carcanet, 2001)

Safety which covers everything from managing finances, basic firefighting and first aid. Meeting with various law enforcement entities is also a crucial component where we exchange reports with the police, the community protection forum and other neighbourhood watch groups on criminal activity within in the area. This happens almost on a weekly basis and helps us identify areas that need our focus.

Are there any types of criminal activity that you have to report on a frequent basis?

Illegal establishments that sell alcohol are definitely a recurring problem and they cause many cases where we have to deal with people who drink irresponsibly. There are also many youths in our community who are unemployed and they drift towards misconduct such as drug abuse, theft and bullying of younger children. The steady rise of gangsterism and related dangers are likewise something we encounter more frequently.

Is there any way in which the Franschhoek community at large can be of assistance to GNW?

CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL

Our Missing Hearts

By Celeste Ng. Published by Abacus books. 332 pages

In 1963 the American writer Ray Bradbury published a book called Fahrenheit 451. It described an American society where books were identified as dangerous, subversive and a danger to the state. As a result, “firemen” were ordered to burn any book that could be found (by the way, 451 degrees is the temperature at which paper burns.)

In her new novel “Our Missing Hearts” Celeste Ng transposes the same idea into a post-Trump America. The subtle difference is that in this iteration of mind control libraries are allowed to exist, but only if they contain approved books or classics that have been rewritten. Books that have been rejected are recycled into toilet paper. Furthermore, children that are suspected of not being of pure Aryan American blood (especially Chinese Americans are targeted) are separated from their parents and simply disappear. (There are strong echoes of Trump’s immigration policy and the way it separated Latino children from their parents.)

In this toxic society, all forms of protest and public gatherings have been prohibited and this intellectual and moral oppression has gradually led to the destruction of society and the downfall of the economy. America is in ruins; the United States is as barren and damned as if a foreign power had invaded it.

Already in her previous novel “Little Fires Everywhere” Celeste Ng had analyzed the insidious creep of conformity in suburban America, where even the height of lawn grass was prescribed by law.

However, in this version of history, the Asian American mother in the book, Margaret, decides to rebel against the tyranny of mind control through books. In a brilliantly inventive plot device, the author creates a secret organization that seeks to reunite children and parents and is based in the last remaining libraries. The authorities have decided that it would be to their advantage to keep a few libraries open that are only allowed

We are currently desperately in need of reflective bibs. Visibility to the community is essential so it would be a tremendous help if somebody would be willing to make a donation. The bibs or any other donation can be dropped off at the Franschhoek police station where I will collect them.

to contain approved information on their shelves. Libraries are part of the state’s intellectual control. However, the brave librarians that still work in the libraries have set up a counterintelligence service and have buried in plain sight amidst all the propaganda a communications system to pass on valuable anti-government information. It is a delicious irony that seemingly mild-mannered librarians and dusty shelves of redundant books are a channel of subversion.

Holding together this imaginative world is the story of Bird, Margaret’s son, and the search for his missing mother. He leaves the relative safety of a small-town city for the terrors of New York. He relies on clues from libraries to fight his way through the urban wasteland, to reach his mother. Then, halfway through the story, a virtually new novel begins as he joins her in an imaginative and quite surreal plot to overthrow the regime.

At this stage, the movie that is sure to be made of the novel takes over the narrative, and it becomes a thriller of note - complete with last-minute rescues and heart-stopping emotional moments. However, the novel is thought-provoking and a consistently good read. It makes you look at the upcoming US elections in a new light. And it also makes you appreciate every one of the dwindling numbers of libraries in South Africa…

CPO and Global Stars for Chamber Music Festival

The second Franschhoek Chamber Music and Art Festival with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra musicians and international artists will take place from 23 – 26 February 2023.

Tickets are on sale at Quicket.

Following the success of the inaugural worldclass festival in February 2022, which proved to be a highlight of the town’s calendar, the organisers have increased the number of concerts from 10 to 11, including two global stars, the violinist Priya Mitchell and pianist Dirk Mommertz. Other local stars are pianists Esthea Kruger and Nina Schumann and singer Lynelle Kenned, as well as the CPO’s guest concertmasters Farida Bacharova and Suzanne Martens.

Nic Barrow, FCMF chairman and co-founder with his wife Ferda, says that the town, a drawcard for international visitors, embraced the festival, which also includes art exhibitions, so warmly that people were asking at the close of the first festival when the next would be held. Now we announce that it will become an annual festival, with an extensive programme, according to Barrow, a co-founder of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and Klein Karoo Klassique in Oudtshoorn.

The art exhibition displays various media and features guest artist Jan Vermeiren and contemporary artists Andrea-Desmond Smart, Henk Scholtz, Johannes du Plessis, Jacqueline Crewe-Brown, Kim Tracey, Abe Opperman, Jaco Sieberhagen, Andre Stead and Vuyisa Potina as well as a selection from Bridge House school students.

Highlights of the festival include the Trout Quintet by Schubert, Dvořák’s American Quartet, the Mendelssohn Octet, a Brahms Sextet, Erik Dippenaar and a Baroque concert, all the Bach cello suites, the Clarinet Concerto by Mozart with CPO principal clarinet Fèroll-Jon Davids and the CPO. The British violinist and international star Priya Mitchell will perform in Beethoven violin concertos in versions for strings and kettledrums, as well as an understanding of Arvo Pärt’s creative silence (concert 9 of the programme).

All the performances will be in the Dutch Reformed Church, with its fine acoustics for chamber music. The church is located in the centre

Thicket

The Tatler’s poetry columnist, Harry Owen, recently released his latest poetry collection, Thicket: shades from the Eastern Cape.

Harry, previously resident in ‘leafy Cheshire’, settled in the Eastern Cape in 2007. “Rough, arid, impoverished and intensely beautiful,” he says “it is unlike anywhere I had lived before … I loved it immediately.”

Harry and his wife, an academic at Rhodes University, lived in a delightful house in Grahamstown. Harry’s particular delight was the garden, filled with what was to him ‘exotic’ indigenous vegetation. A Cape coral tree, enormous wild fig and stately tree aloe were prominent features.

The birds were as exotic to him: collared sunbirds, paradise flycatchers, Knysna loeries, black-headed orioles, African green pigeons, laughing doves and many more.

Harry didn’t have to travel far to discover landscapes that left him “stunned by [their] variety and grandeur”. Covering these landscapes is Albany thicket, the dense and thorny local vegetation type that also was home to the big five and many other magnificent animals.

Contrasting with the biological abundance was the economic deprivation still suffered by swathes of the Eastern Cape’s population. “It’s truly shocking.”

For the next twelve years Harry and his wife, Chrissie, lived amid this “uncomfortable ambiguity”. The garden remained a pleasure throughout, as did the local community and monthly open-floor events (Reddits Poetry) where poetry, the spoken word and music were shared.

There was however no hiding from “the prolonged and rapidly worsening ineptitude of the local municipality”. By the time Harry and Chrissie left for the Cape Winelands in early 2021, “it was no longer the place I had loved so spontaneously in 2007.”

Chrissie said it was no longer the place where she could see them growing old…

Now settled in Kylemore, they are happy to report that “Everything works properly here … And we’re right in the centre of one of the world’s great wine lands. Glorious!”

Harry however says, “The romance, the magic of the Eastern Cape remains. It’s still a place I love and must return to regularly, as perhaps many of the

of the town, with ample shaded parking nearby.

Barrow says the festival and concerts are specifically scheduled to give concertgoers enough time between performances to visit the town, restaurants, wine estates and many other attractions within walking distance.

Refreshments and thirst quenchers will be available around the venue, with Le Petite Manoir selling picnic boxes, Roast serving coffee and the internationally acclaimed Le Lude estate’s Méthode Cap Classique pampering concertgoers’ palate.

Louis Heyneman, CEO and Artistic Director of the CPO, says this festival will showcase the more intimate chamber music side of the musicians and proved such a winner earlier this year. Peter Martens, the CPO’s principal cello, musically curated the festival.

Tickets are R240 per person per concert.

The programme booklet is available from the Franschhoek Tourism Office.

For the complete festival programme and more information, contact info@fcmf.co.za

Sensationally Local

My best pre-Christmas present this year was an email from an American friend. It contained a lyrical description of an artist he had just discovered when he found her latest solo cello album on Spotify. He wrote “I know you are going to love this, and for once I’m sure you don’t already have it. It literally just came out. It is sensational.”

My American friend was right. I didn’t have it yet. It is sensational, and I absolutely love it. I have hardly listened to anything else; it guides me through different moods, and I keep on discovering new things.

Its title is ‘Sanctuary’, and the artist is Carol Thorns. For those locals who are reading this, their primary reaction will be: Carol Thorns? Our Carol Thorns? And indeed, she is ours. Not only Proudly South African and a well-liked part of the Franschhoek community, but also a consummate musician and internationally regarded electric cellist.

Her innovative musical concepts and incredible stage presence have made her a sought-after performer at events around the world. Her strikingly clear, strong and mellifluous tone is as much at home in ballads and mood music as in South African favourites such as “Scatterlings of Africa”.

The cello soars over poignant harmonies of layered strings, piano and orchestra. It is goosebumpinducing stuff.

I wanted to know what gave rise to the birth of this latest creation, so I was lucky to catch up with Carol over a cup of coffee.

She told me that even though, during Covid, the music industry came to a complete standstill, she felt compelled to keep performing. The result was a Lockdown Series of ten performances weekly outside her home in Franschhoek.

“I did this as much for myself as for the community. Music was my sanctuary over this time. We learnt again what is important in life and I wanted to capture the music and memories of this period with a new release” says Thorns. This turned out to be the birth of ‘Sanctuary’.

The album was recorded and produced by composer Helmut Meijer. (Carol’s debut album ‘Fireflies in The Rain’ created with Meijer in 2010 was nominated for the Best Instrumental Album at the South African Music Awards). An interesting backstory is that two of the pieces on the album, ‘Butterflying’ and ‘Dawn’, were performed by

Helmut’s mother, Rina Meijer, who is in her eighties. This was a fully home-grown project. The recordings were done partly at The Sanctuary at La Roche (until the Egyptian Geese flying past interrupted the recordings), and Carol’s video of the first single off her album, ‘Quietly Yours’, was created by The Jupiter Studio Franschhoek. “I’m immensely proud of this group,” says Thorns. “I worked with the very best in the industry – and all are based right here.” The video was produced by Luke Osche and directed by Jade Mulvaney.

You can watch the “Quietly Yours” video on YouTube. The album “Sanctuary” is available on all streaming platforms (Spotify, iTunes, etc.)

The launch of “Sanctuary” is taking place on 18 January 2023 at 19h00 at The Sanctuary, La Roche. For more information and for copies of the album contact Carol at carol@redcello.co.za, 082 480 3964 or buy tickets directly from Quicket.

Charlotte Michielsen | Image: Supplied

poems in this new collection will attest.”

Just before the release of Thicket in e-book form, Harry’s good friend and fellow poet Chris Mann died. “A committed Christian, he was one of South Africa’s most loved and revered poets, his work steeped in African life, landscape and culture.”

Harry recalls that he often spoke with reverence of what he called the ‘Shades’. “By this, I think he meant the deep-rooted sense many African people have that their ancestors continue to influence human affairs even after they have gone, and Chris saw no incompatibility in this with his devout Christian beliefs.”

The subtitle of the book, Harry says, “owes something not just to my profound and abiding sense of connection to the Eastern Cape, but also to Chris Zithulele Mann: Thicket: shades from the Eastern Cape.”

Perhaps, Harry will one day surprise us with: Fynbos: shades from the Western Cape.

The book is currently available from Stellenbosch Books, from the publisher (www,minimalpress. co.za), or directly from Harry (heo@hotmail.co.uk), price R220.

Priya Mitchell

Text:

Local celist Carol Thorns

Business Loan or a Credit Facility –Which Is Right For Your Business?

“I would borrow money all day long, if the cost of borrowing is less than the expected return.” (Brad Schneider, American congressman)

At some point it’s more likely than not that your small business will require a business loan.

A 2021 study done by Fundera (a US financial resource business that sources financing for small businesses) suggested that 56% of all small businesses will need a loan to expand operations, pursue new business or acquire business assets. The same study found that 29% of small businesses fail simply because they run out of capital.

Knowing that you need additional funding is not the same as acquiring it though. Other than angel investors there are two principal ways in which a company gains the financing it needs when cash flow is in short supply: a small business loan or a line of credit. But what are these? What are the differences? And how do you decide which you

need for your business?

An overview

Essentially, small business loans and lines of credit are similar. They are both ways that businesses can borrow money from lenders and approval is determined based on past financial behaviour, the borrower’s credit history and their established relationship with that lender.

A traditional loan is a non-revolving credit limit, which means the borrower will be paid out funds once and will then be required to pay the money back, with interest, at a set rate and over a set period. A loan can be granted either “secured” or “unsecured”, meaning it is either backed by collateral or not, and the interest rate charged will depend on the risk to the lending institution, with lower rates available to those with collateral. With a loan, interest accrues immediately upon pay out either in cash to the company, or through payments to other firms where assets are purchased. Examples of loans that may impact a business include car loans, property financing, debt consolidation and commercial loans, which allow companies to hire extra staff, or continue day-to-day operations.

A line of credit is different in that it offers the borrower a maximum amount that they can withdraw at any given stage and payments are made back based on the amount withdrawn and

the interest accrued. Provided the borrower keeps up with the terms of the arrangement, this amount is available indefinitely and can be topped up and withdrawn at will. Generally, the interest rates on a line of credit are higher, and the amounts smaller than those offered for a small business loan. Interest only accrues when the line of credit is being used. Should it be fully paid up, then nothing is owed.

Which is right for your business?

Determining which of these loan types is best for your business will require you to look at a few factors. How much money do you need?

If the cash injection needed is large or you need to make significant equipment, vehicle or property purchases then a loan will almost always be the correct solution. With lower interest rates and set monthly fees that are easier to account for in a monthly budget, a loan will help you secure what you need, while also keeping costs as low as possible. Credit lines are better when the amounts needed may be smaller, but more frequent. It is therefore vital for you to know exactly what money you need, and what you intend to use it for before you approach the lender.

How do you plan to use that money?

As one-off payments or cash injections, loans don’t allow a lot of space for adjustment after they are issued and rarely offer any form of protection in

difficult conditions.

A line of credit can, however, give you access to extra working capital with no restrictions. Having a line of credit ready to go when needed is a good way to ensure small, unforeseen problems can be negotiated. Late payment by a critical client shouldn’t mean you can’t pay your bills on time.

What kind of flexibility do you need?

Lines of credit offer a great deal of flexibility for you assuming you’re not sure how much money you will need, or if you expect your expenses to be spread out over an extended period. A line of credit also offers options when it comes to monthly payments, as, provided you meet the minimum payment, you can pay back as much or as little as you can afford.

Loans, however, provide the better option when flexibility is not an issue, and your main aim is to limit the amount of debt you take on.

Before applying for any business credit, it’s advisable to speak to your accountant to evaluate just what needs to be accounted for in the financing and what you can reasonably expect to pay back each month. Knowing exactly which potential costs are going to be vital to assist your company’s growth, and which are nice-to-haves, will enable you to make the right decisions when it comes time to choose what kind of financing you are looking for.

TONY FROST

At The End of the Year

The end of one year and the beginning of another is a time of rest and recovery, family, festivities, and celebration.

But it should also be a time of sober reflection on what we have done, and, also, what we have not done, or could have done.

It has been a year! All around us, there are signs of change, of this being a watershed time.

Let us look at some of the events and issues that have assailed us this past year.

Let us start with Britain and its five, or is it six, prime ministers in 6 years! Brexit, Britain’s attempt to de-globalise itself had disastrous consequences. It has an impact on us because the UK is one of our

most influential trading partners with significant socio-political links. Our president, after all, was the first head of state to be invited on a state visit by the newly installed King Charles III. Britain is in chaos, struggling to recreate itself after all the tumult of the last few years.

Then there is Europe. Along with Britain, the US, and other major developed countries, it is struggling to avoid all-out war and find a peaceful way to settle the completely unacceptable attack by Russia on one of its neighbours. Ukraine has taught us all what resilience and determination really mean and their leader has become an icon and an inspiration to all. Russia in its efforts to assert its power and recreate the Soviet Union is rapidly sliding down the slippery slope to failed nation status. We can only feel the pain of the Russian people and offer them our sympathy.

China, our largest trading partner and increasingly influential both here in South Africa and even more so on our continent, is facing challenges at home – unheard of in the recent past. The Chinese

Revian Joseph of TTD Logistics and R. Joseph Transport Services

Given his love of cars it is no surprise that the transport industry bug bit Revian Joseph when he was still in high school.

To earn an income as a teenager Revian worked as a taxi sliding door operator for his uncle’s business which gave him the chance to learn and appreciate how this industry works from the ground up.

After years of making mental notes and rising through the ranks Revian achieved his dream to start his own business in 2012 under the name of R. Joseph Transport. Offering a reliable and safe service meant that he could soon add several additional vehicles to his fleet, but another opportunity was waiting down the line.

Revian’s wife had come into possession of a truck and they decided to start TTD Logistics together. While his new business transported fruit instead of people, he understood that the basics of safety, consistency and professional conduct remained constant standards in every aspect of the transport industry.

It is his constant focus on these standards that leads Revian to believe both his enterprises are a cut above the rest. Both R. Joseph Transport and TTD Logistics offers a service where efficiency and a prompt response to a client’s needs are at the forefront. The only acceptable way to Revian is the best way!

Revian Joseph can be reached at 082 838 5516.

approach to the Covid pandemic has resulted in major protests which have the government scrambling.

In Iran protests against the regime have been going on for weeks and it looks very much like things they are ‘a changing in that part of the world.

The US continues to experience inexplicable mass shootings, pressures from the lunatic right-wing fringe and uncertainty around the global economy.

All over the world people are emigrating, immigrating and migrating; all in search of a better life. Perhaps now that we have passed eight billion souls on this planet we need to realise that there are enough of us.

The urgency around climate change grows by the day. It is not an issue that any government can postpone any longer.

And then at home, it is hardly necessary to comment on the mess that our governing party has dumped all of us into. This mess leaves us all uncertain and worried about the future for us and our children. What makes it somewhat more

uncertain for us is the uneasy state that the world is in now.

South Africans are a tough, resilient lot and at our core we care for and love each other. This is a huge plus.

If we revert to this column of last month on the topic of being positive, now is the time for us to all behave positively. Positively within ourselves, positively towards each other and positively about the future. It is not good enough just to intellectualise about this. We must act. Close to us in our immediate neighbourhood, there are things we can do and people we can interact with, all with the view to making the future better than the past. We must not let politicians run our lives. They are inherently dishonest and self-serving and distant from our day-to-day pressures and needs. We must hold them to account but also get on ourselves with making our own neighbourhoods places that we love living in!

tony@siroccostrategy.com

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

DOMESTIC POSITION WANTED: My honest and reliable domestic, Bettie, would like a job on a Wednesday and/or Thursday. She has worked for me for 6 years, but we are relocating. Please call or text her on 071 322 4096 - not WhatsApp. For a reference, please contact me on penny@landsberglaw.co.za.

DOMESTIC: My honest and reliable domestic lady, Betty, is available for char work on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays. She has been working for me for 6 years. We are relocating and would like to find her another job in Franschhoek. Please contact me, Penny, via WhatsApp on 083 456 4750 for further details. Betty can also be contacted on 071 322 4096.

DOMESTIC: My name is Mercy and I am a 39 year old Zimbabwean lady looking for a full time or part time house cleaning job. I have 5 years of experience. Please contact me via WhatsApp or phone call on 084 094 5592.

DOMESTIC / NANNY: My name is Mamatebele Malingoana. I am 30 years old and from Lesotho. I am looking for a job as stay in or stay out domestic / nanny. My mobile phone number is 0694668524.

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

Need BASIC COMPUTER Services?

SECRETARIAL or BOOKKEEPING Services? Contact Ronelle Pinard 0736461687

RE-THINKING YOUR GARDEN? For Garden Consulting call Susan at 072 932 5393

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

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

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

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

STUFF WANTED: All manner of clothing and household items needed for our ‘First Friday of The Month’ jumble sales. Please help us to help

the animals of the valley. Please drop off at the SPCA clinic in La Provence Street, Groendal, or phone for us to collect. 021 876 4808

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

DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT POOL LEAK? Losing water all the time? Let us quote and take care of the problem! Call RiaPools: 072 347 5355

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

Community Events

SPORT

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

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

CHURCH SERVICES

METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service 10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509.

NG KERK: Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Ds Peet Bester. 021 876 2431. Besoekers welkom.New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sundays 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion and Sunday School 10h00. Revd Wilfred Meyer 084 407 1280. Office - 021 874 4008. willowdale@cybersmart.co.za

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

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

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

GENERAL

Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings 19:00, Groendal Community Centre, Contact David +27 83 305 5159

Useful Numbers

ACCOUNTANTS

Tax Shop 021 876 2676

Bookkeeping Services Winelands 076 321 5274

ATTORNEYS

Susan Charlesworth 021 876 2592/072 402 9469

Snipelisky & Killian 083 250 0943/021 876 2084

BURGLAR ALARMS

Pepler Alarms 021 876 3308

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

Boland Bridge Club 021 876 3031

Franschhoek Tennis Club 078 278 4843

FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass. 083 441 8280

Groot Drakenstein Games Club 021 874 1906

- Craig Mc Naught: Captain 080 845 1014

- Lejean Pieterse, Hiring 082 490 0405

Lions 021 876 3775

Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris) 072 211 9991

Franschhoek Rotary Club 082 891 4613

Franschhoek Probus Club 021 876 3179

ELECTRICAL

Franschhoek Electric 074 313 7829/021 876 3640

Rensburg Electrical 021 876 2120/083 309 2923

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Franschhoek Pharmacy 021 876 2261

Franschhoek Health Club 021 876 3310

HOUSE & GARDEN

Clock Repairs 028 840 1716

Lighting & Accessories 021 876 3640

Ria Pools (Franschhoek) 021 876 2612/072 347 5355

Sue’s Gardens 083 321 3442

Valley Garden Service 071 591 0342

INTERNET ACCESS

PostNet 021 876 3025

OPTOMETRIST

Marelise Bester 021 872 3530

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Claire Horn 021 876 4234/082 582 1029

PLUMBERS

Franschhoek Plumbing 021 876 3759

PSYCHOLOGIST

Danielle Smith 082 812 1476

PUBLIC SERVICES Hospice 021 876 3085 Library 021 808 8406 Post Office 021 876 2342 Welfare (ACVV) 021 876 2670 SPCA 083 745 5344

SHARF 076 327 4939

SCHOOLS

Bridge House School 021 874 8100

Franschhoek High School 021 876 2079

Groendal Primary School 021 876 2448

Groendal Secondary School 021 876 2211

Wes-Eind Primary School 021 876 2360

Dalubuhle Primary School 021 876 3957

STORAGE

Franschhoek Storage 021 876 2174

TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office 021 876 3603

Winelands Experience 021 876 4042

Huguenot Memorial Museum 021 876 2532

VETERINARY

Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) 021 876 2504

Emergencies/Weekends 021 863 3187/082 8089 100

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings) 021 808 8888

District Municipality(Bush & veld) 021 887 4446 021 886 9244

Police 10111/021 876 8061

Eskom 086 003 7566

Omnipage Farm Watch 021 852 3318

Plaaswag 021 876 2346

N1, N2 & R300 Emergency number: 021 946 1646

DENTISTS

Dr Schalk du Plessis 021 876 3070

DOCTORS

Dr Alexander Heywood 021 876 2474

Dr Hannes Van der Merwe 021 876 2304

Dr Nicolas Els 021 876 2561

Dr Bernard Fisher 021 876 4622

AUDIOLOGIST

a Property Scam Victim

Property scams are real and they are happening every day. Scamsters are inventive, resourceful and persistent. Keeping up with their tricks takes time and effort but you can take steps to make sure you are not their next victim.

A property scam may involve any one of a number of tricks. You may be scammed out of your money by email interception, you may be a victim of phishing or spoofing, or you may find yourself buying or renting a property that does not actually exist. The scam may even involve identity theft or a fake agent or developers who fail to deliver.

According to Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa, “Fraud and investment scams thrive in all degrees in the real estate market, from developers who expect payment for work not done or a pretend agent who embezzles money.”

When it comes to estate agents and legal practitioners (both attorneys and conveyancers), check their accreditation and that their Fidelity Fund certification is current. Your property transaction is probably your

As the problem increases, there are more blogs and articles on property scams in South Africa. One such blog is on the website www.onrockyground.co.za.

Useful Numbers

The Legal Practitioners Insurance Indemnity Fund protects the attorney if funds are stolen from them. Find them on www.lpiif.co.za, telephone (012) 622 3900. Here you can check that the attorney’s Fidelity Fund Certificate is current and valid.

To check if an estate agent has a valid licence and a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate, contact the Property Professionals’ Affairs Board at https://theppra.org.za.

A Lightstone Report (costs about R100) will give details of the current registered owner of a property. Go to www.lightstone.co.za for all their contact details.

FIVE BEDROOM HOME – SECURE ESTATE

Exclusive Mandate. Gorgeous 5 bedroom home on the La Ferme Chantelle Estate offers secure living amongst vineyards. Large double-volume living areas, country-style kitchen, spacious enclosed terrace, separate tv/media room, his-and-hers home offices. Gorgeous views. Heated pool and double garage.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R13 999 000

DELIGHTFUL TWO BEDROOM TOWN HOUSE

Compact double storey terraced home in tree-lined street. Living room with fireplace, generous kitchen area, private walled garden with mature shrubs and trees. Upstairs are two compact bedrooms both en-suite, and a small balcony with stunning views over the Franschhoek Valley. Well worth viewing.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R2 995 000

CHARMING TWO BEDROOM TOWN HOUSE

Hidden gem located in a quiet residential street and commanding stunning views of the Franschhoek Valley. Spacious light bright open plan ground floor with generous living room with fireplace, dining area, well equipped kitchen and downstairs cloakroom. Very private walled garden. Upstairs two good sized bedrooms en-suite. Ideal as a lock up and leave or as a more permanent home.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R3 750 000

EQUESTRIAN FARM

Remarkable

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

PRIME HIGH STREET LOCATION

Exclusive Mandate. Prime High Street location on a 1300 sq m plot this older property has tremendous potential. Currently a four bedroom, three bathroom residential property with separate spacious tasting room and garagiste winery. Scope to rezone to business use to match its upmarket neighbours.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R10 950 000

CHARMING THATCH COTTAGE.

Cape Dutch style cottage with thatch roof and terracotta floors offers openplan lounge and dining room, a separate kitchen and adjoining scullery/laundry. The living areas lead out to a private garden with mountain views, heated pool and entertaining area. A terrace above the garage provides gorgeous sunset views. The house offers two generous-sized bedrooms with two bathrooms (main en-suite). Includes a single garage, a borehole and water storage tank.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R5 500 000

FRANSCHHOEK HIGH STREET OPPORTUNITY

Exclusive Mandate. Prime High Street on approx 800 sqm this older style single storey property is ripe for renovation. Currently a residential property but with excellent scope to rezone to business use to match its upmarket neighbours. Spacious open plan living/dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms with a family bathroom. Period features include high ceilings and suspended wooden floors. Garden areas to the front and rear with mature trees.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R7 950 000 plus VAT

IDYLLIC 7 HECTARE PLOT

This 7 hectare land portion on the Dwars River has sweeping mountain views. The ultimate in agricultural life style. The area surrounding this property includes two well known hospitality wine farms. The land is planted to pear orchards but otherwise undeveloped and invites you to build your dream home. Water security is excellent. Asking price excludes VAT, no transfer duty will apply. The neighbouring boutique equestrian estate on 7.5 hectares is also currently available to purchase for an additional R30m.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R15 000 000

DELTA CREST

Well

Tom Clode 079 955 3114