Franschhoek Tatler - July 2023

The Bag That Builds

Storms, Storms, Storms!

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

Youth Day 2023 and a few days on either side of it was a good time to be at home, as the Western Cape was battered by a succession of cold fronts. The result was more rain than had fallen in a similar period in several decades and could almost be described as biblical.

The rain, often accompanied by strong winds, started on Monday, 12 June, and did not fully let up until Tuesday, 20 June. The Talter’s ‘rainman’, Jim Caulkin, says the long-term average for June (measured at La Motte since 1920) is 150mm, the wettest recorded June was 2011 with 265mm and the driest was 2003 with 27mm. By 20 June 286mm had already been recorded making it almost certain that the month’s total could be double the longterm average! The heaviest rain was recorded on Thursday, 15 June (75mm in the village).

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.

The heaviest damage in the village took place along the banks of the La Cotte stream between Huguenot Rd and Cabrière Street and along Fabriek St. Long-term Franschhoek residents know that the kink in the La Cotte stream just before it passes under Huguenot Rd is a perennial source of problems when heavy rains fall. The problem is exacerbated by upstream landowners not properly clearing the channel of debris, which then collects in the kink and causes the stream to burst its banks. Particularly hard hit by the flood in Fabriek St was Franschhoek Electric and Franschhoek Storage.

Shaun & Christie Winkler of Franschhoek Storage told the Tatler that they woke up at 05h00 on Thursday to find their home and business premises under 30cm of water and their pets in a panic.

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

The water had short-circuited their entrance gate, which meant they were trapped in their property. Shaun had to ram the gate with their 4x4 bakkie to get his wife and their pets to safety. On his return he promptly got stuck in a massive hole in Fabriek St that was invisible under the torrent of water. Once daylight arrived and the water subsided somewhat the damage to Fabriek St became clear with large sections either washed away or dangerously undercut and services exposed.

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.

Along Huguenot Rd Terbodore Café and The Last Word Guest House bore the brunt of the floods, while properties below Cabrière St also suffered damage. The caretaker of the medicinal garden on the banks of the stream had to be rescued along with his dog. The garden sustained heavy damage.

Farms also suffered damage, particularly one situated on river banks. River bank erosion and damage to irrigation equipment were the biggest problems. At least one farm dam burst, causing flooding on a neighbouring property.

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

Another area that was heavily affected was Hollandsche Molen. Much of the resort was evacuated with residents receiving shelter at the Wemmershoek Camp Site on higher ground when news hit that the sluices of the Wemmershoek Dam were being opened. Continuedonp2...

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.

Executive Mayor Adv. Gesie van Deventer inspected the damage in the worst affected areas.

Storms, Storms, Storms!

...Continuedfromp1

Property damage was extensive and three cars were washed into the river. Further downstream, along the Berg River, parts of Val de Vie were also flooded as the river burst its banks.

The Franschhoek Pass was one of several passes closed for days as a result of toppled trees, mud and rock slides. Other roads in the area, such as the Robertsvlei Rd and R101 to Paarl were also closed at times.

The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve also suffered extensive damage to its hiking trails as a result of the floods and associated landslides.

PicknPay Franschhoek was one of the businesses that donated relief supplies to those in need. The Lord’s Acre and Kamva Lethu soup kitchens and the La Motte Feeding Scheme received soup ingredients and bread, while bread was also distributed at Batho’s Place. The Franschhoek Chamber of Commerce, churches and other NGOs also distributed relief supplies.

Speaking to residents about the floods a continuous theme was how efficiently Stellenbosch

Municipality responded to problem areas and the clean-up. Much work will, however, have to be done to not only repair damaged infrastructure but also address problem areas that have gone largely overlooked for a long time.

Text: Editorial Desk | Images: Stellenbosch

Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Pick n Pay Franschhoek, Shaun Winkler

NEMISA Franschhoek

ICT Centre Re-opens

Much excitement accompanied the reopening of Groendal’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, an affiliate of the non-profit company, the ‘National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa’ (NEMISA). Having been closed since the pandemic, the community has not had access to the centre’s digital services and adult computer training programmes. Now they are once again able to hone the skills needed to participate in the digital economy - and this time with improved facilities at their disposal.

NEMISA CEO, Trevor Rammitlwa, extended a warm welcome to all attending the reopening event, including representatives from ZaDNA (a domain name authority), FPB (Film and Publications Board), and the Western Cape Colab (University of the Western Cape e-skills development host). Most notably, the event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), Philly Mapulane, whose presence was testimony to the importance of the centre to the community. Indeed, it is from the DCDT that NEMISA derives its mandate which was originally to “train previously disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, to equip them with necessary skills to play a significant role in the constantly changing broadcasting environment”, and has been extended to include “the development, training, learning, research and innovation of digital skills”.

NEMISA’s offering is part of the DCDT’s strategy to develop the digital literacy of South Africa’s disadvantaged communities, in line with the National Development Plan (NDP). South Africa was ranked 65th in the 2016 Networked Readiness Index of the World Economic Forum: an indication that South Africa is still not ‘e-ready’. To build a sustainable future, it is necessary to address the digital divide, which reinforces inequality.

In collaboration with a network of stakeholders (government agencies, education providers, businesses, and civil society), centres like NEMISA’s form part of a decentralised system in which digital technology is made available to as many South Africans as possible at a grassroots level.

The centre is not only offering low-cost (and sometimes free) digital skills development; it also

offers other services such as printing facilities, phone repairs, and even help to prepare a CV. Skills development programmes include basic digital literacy, accessing information, communication, creating digital content and collaboration. Accredited courses can also be accessed through the centre, including digital photography, animation, graphic design, radio production, and film and television production.

The NEMISA ICT Centre can be found at 5 Mark Street, Groendal. Send them an email at franschhoek@nemisa.co.za or phone them on 071 890 5340 or 081 258 0400. For more information, visit the NEMISA website: https://www.nemisa.co.za/.

Text & Image: Leila Shirley

soup kitchens.

Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Environmentally conscious residents will be pleased to know that the public waste drop-off facility in Fabriek St, Franschhoek, now also caters for household hazardous waste (HHW). The most common types of HHW are batteries, light bulbs (fluorescent bulbs and tubes), cleaning chemicals (bleach, acids, etc.) paints and solvents, pesticides and herbicides.

Many residents still dispose of HHW in their wheelie bins along with their normal general waste without considering the dangers to public health and the environment that exist. For this reason, Stellenbosch Municipality has now created facilities where residents can drop off their HHW. Once HHW has been collected at these designated drop-off points it will be treated and disposed of in a responsible manner.

Residents can dispose of HHW items when they are empty or when there is simply no further use for these items. The HHW service is free of charge.

A spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality said, “We appeal to the public to help us separate HHW from the normal waste stream by dropping it off at the designated site. Let us all help to protect our environmental resources and make our valley greener and more sustainable.”

The operating hours of the Fabriek St drop-off are:

Monday to Friday 08h00- 16h30, Saturdays and Public Holidays 08h00-13h00, closed on Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Text & Image: Editorial Desk

Stakeholders cutting the ribbon to mark the centre’s re-opening.

Flood water rushing down Fabriek Street

Flood damage to Fabriek Street

Mud and debris blocking the Franschhoek Pass.

PicknPay donated bread and soup ingredients to

Community members repair a footbridge over the Stiebeuel River.

2023 Franschhoek

Literary Festival

The 16th Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) took place from 19 - 21 May 2023. The three-day celebration of books and writers offered a programme featuring over 100 South African and international authors participating in more than 80 sessions.

The FLF offered an array of sessions ranging from thought-provoking discussions on topical issues to lighter and inspirational sessions designed to stimulate the senses. The festival featured poetry readings, book launches and signings, and interactive workshops encouraging attendees to hone their writing skills and explore new literary avenues.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, the festival organises the FLF Schools Library Project and the FLF Book Week for Young Readers, benefiting local schools in the valley. Storytelling, puppetry, word games and book mascots brought books to life in the valley during the lead-up to the festival. Thus far, approximately R1.5m has been spent on staffing, training, supervising and facilitating the operation of the Wemmershoek, Wes-eind, Groendal and Dalubuhle Primary School libraries, including donating over 6000 new books. Friday was filled with thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and inspiring conversations. The morning kicked off with the News24 Breakfast, where prominent figures delved into the state of South Africa’s politics and infrastructure. Meanwhile, aspiring writers joined Melinda Ferguson’s memoir writing workshop in the library. Other events included Nataniël’s lighthearted conversation on storytelling, an exploration of trauma and crime fiction, and a profound discussion on the power of forgiveness. Attendees heard first-hand accounts of resilience, including the remarkable journey of Auschwitz survivor Ella Blumenthal and Françoise MalbyAnthony’s work with troubled elephants. Also most notable was the moving conversation facilitated by Malika Ndlovu between poets Khadija Tracey Heeger and Franschhoek’s own Grant Jefthas, author of “Afvlerkmens”.

Saturday’s offerings also had people eagerly bustling between venues. These included a diverse spread of speakers discussing topics of political

Franschhoek International Film Festival Launched

The Franschhoek International Film Festival was officially launched at a media briefing at the Franschhoek Theatre on Monday, 12 June. The organisers said they are working on creating a respected film event that will be a show window for African and South African talent.

Rowan de Villiers, President of the Franschhoek International Film Festival (FIFF), announced that the event is to take place at several venues in Franschhoek from 20-27 October 2023. He stated that the event – which has been years in the making – hopes to attract worldwide interest.

Regarding the choice of location de Villiers pointed out that Franschhoek has the beauty and prestige that a film festival needs and referenced a number of other festivals based in smaller locations.

“The festival aims to create a collaborative, inclusive and prestigious film event for the African and International markets. It will bring new ideas and new experiences,” he said.

The festival will consist of three individual competitions:

the Official Jury Competition, a Documentary Film Competition and a Short Film Competition. Entries for the festival close on 9 August 2023.

De Villiers added that “FIFF will also host a wide range of competition screenings, panel discussions, workshops, master classes, public screening and an international film mart.”

The jury and the films for the official jury competition will be announced on 2 September 2023.

Beside de Villiers the other festival directors are Success Lekabe (Media & Marketing) and Lawrence Chetty (Finance).

Text: Editorial Desk

Africa’s empowerment oligarchy, led by Carol Paton and featuring Pieter du Toit and Chris Bishop; Ferial Haffajee’s exploration of South Africa’s future beyond the 2024 elections with Songezo Zibi, Prince Mashele, and Pieter du Toit; Adriaan Basson’s discussion with world-renowned cartoonist Zapiro, analysing the commentary contained within his latest cartoons; and Kyle Cowan’s discussion with former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter, detailing the corruption and organised crime that has led to South Africa’s power crisis.

Saturday’s explorations also included Robert Marawa’s insightful discussion with Faf du Plessis; a screening of the documentary “Blind Ambition” about four refugees turned sommeliers; Ruby Wax’s candid and revelatory insights on mental health; an exploration of Antjie Krog’s powerful poetry collection “Pillage”; and a performance by John Maytham about using poetry to rewild yourself.

Sunday also offered a diverse programme, from deep dives into historical tragedies to uplifting tales of resilience and forgiveness. This included a riveting conversation between Joanne Joseph and Jonny Steinberg: “Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage,” shedding new light on a union that played a pivotal role in South Africa’s journey to freedom.

Pippa Hudson explored extreme conditions with pioneering explorers Saray Khumalo and Louisa Zondo (and the tragic loss of her son, rap star Riky Rick). Sarah Bullen, meanwhile, offered a novel writing workshop. And Bruce Whitfield conversed with biographers Michael Vlismas and T.J. Strydom about two of South Africa’s savviest sons: Elon Musk and Koos Bekker.

With not a dinner table or guesthouse left unbooked, the festival was a great success, providing visitors with food for thought and plenty of ideas to go around until the next festival!

The event’s primary sponsors are Porcupine Ridge Wines, News24, Yellowwoods Social Investments, Exclusive Books, Jonathan Ball Publishers and Ninety One.

Text & Image: Leila Shirley

FLF 2023 benefitted from bright autumn weather.

The pop-up bookshop was well supported

Allan (Audiologist) M.A. Audiology (Pret.)

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

Franschhoek Wine Valley

Haut Espoir Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc 2022

This old vines, vegan friendly wine has delicate aromas of ripe fruits that carry through to a soft palate with fresh acidity and a rounded finish. Destemmed and lightly crushed, with a few hours skin contact before pressing, settled for 4 days, racked, and fermented in a stainless steel tank.. Cellar door price: R105 per bottle T 021 876 4000 E admin@hautespoir.com

Le Bon Vivant’s Quail breast & leg | king oyster mushroom | red plums | raisin-nut vinaigrette

Ingredients 1 Whole quail, deboned; 2 Quail eggs; 1 King oyster mushroom; 1 Shallot; 1 Red plum; Vegetable stock; A sprig of rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste

For Beetroot purée: 200g cooked beetroot, 1tbsp of sugar and splash of red wine vinegar.

For Vinaigrette: 1 medium onion, 300g oil, 150g sugar and 150g white wine vinegar.

For poaching liquid: 300ml apple juice, 1 cinnamon stick, honey and cumin to taste.

Method: Sear the quail breasts until pink and golden brown and season with salt and pepper.

Confit two quail legs until cooked. Cut one king oyster mushroom in half and score, fry it until golden brown and season with salt and rosemary. Cut one shallot in half and char until you have a dark brown edge along with the mushroom. Deglaze with vegetable stock then cook to your liking. For the beetroot purée, caramelize 1tbls of sugar and deglaze with a splash of red wine vinegar. Add 200g of cooked beetroot, cook until liquid is reduced half way and blend up till smooth. For the vinaigrette, sauté one diced medium onion until brown, add 300g oil, 150g sugar and 150g white wine vinegar and simmer over medium heat for three minutes. Slice one plum and poach in liquid. Plate all above ingredients as illustrated in photo. Garnish two baby cos lettuce leafs on the dish and plate vinaigrette quantity to your liking.

T 021 876 2365/2717 E reservations@lebonvivant.co.za

WINE VALLEY DESK FROM THE FRANSCHHOEK

As the tranquil winter season envelops our village, we find ourselves immersed in the enchanting beauty of our Valley of Dreams!

6 bottles of the featured wine!

Soul Barrel Wins African Celebration Award

Simondium-based Soul Barrel Brewing hit the news again at the 2023 African Beer Cup where their Wild African Soul, made in collaboration with Tolokazi Beer, won the African Celebration Award.

for their invaluable assistance. Additionally, we express our appreciation to the Stellenbosch Municipality Waste Management Team for their swift action in addressing a challenging spot on our Main Road. It is through these moments that we truly recognize the strength and unity within our community!

GET TO KNOW US

As a Tourism Association, a manifesto provides strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and a cohesive identity. It helps guide decision-making, influence change, and foster a strong community of members working towards a shared vision. In 2022, the launch of ‘Valley of Dreams’ as a brand mantra for Franschhoek brought forth an inspiring and empowering manifesto to accompany it:

ASPIRATIONAL:

An unrivalled village, offering the very best in food, wine and art. Internationally acclaimed restaurants and chefs will delight your taste buds with their culinary creations, served together with globally award winning wines grown on the scenic slopes of this beautiful valley.

Alternatively, explore the exclusive shops and boutiques dotted along the picturesque main road, as well as artisanal delights and craft breweries within the valley.

Franschhoek offers unparalleled class and comfort. It’s an elegant escape from the city in a place where international excellence and elegance meet small town charm.

ACCESSIBLE:

Tucked away, but easy to get to, Franschhoek is a small town that sits large on the map. A range of accommodation is available, both within the village itself or in the wider surrounding valley. Enjoy extravagant opulence in some of the best hotels around, or opt for more down-to-earth and quaint accommodation to suit all pockets.

A place to refresh your soul and revive your spirits, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Embrace nature, whether hitting exquisite mountain trails by bike or foot or taking a more serene approach and absorbing the sights, sounds and smells that permeate the valley.

UNIQUE:

As one of SA’s oldest towns and rich in history, it juxtaposes the old and the new – beautiful Cape Dutch Architecture alongside cutting edge wineries – all nestled into a valley of striking natural beauty.

Wonder at the majestic views that the first French settlers saw and stayed to make their home among the rugged mountains on the tip of Africa.

Franschhoek, the Valley of Dreams. A place like no other.

WHERE WE’VE BEEN

From 9 - 11 May, we participated in Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban - an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism. We were thrilled to conduct 53 meetings over the three days, as well as host successful wine activation slots, and a cocktail party for Ms. Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities. We shared a stand with Wesgro, which meant endless networking possibilities and sharing of UAE, Bahrain, Saudi, and Qatar contact leads in setting a platform to bring much needed visitors in our quiet winter months, aligning with our marketing strategy to source new markets.

In June, we had the incredible opportunity to showcase our exceptional wineries at the RMB Latitudes showcase in Johannesburg, followed by the Franschhoek Trade and Media Tasting at the prestigious Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club, where we presented 24 outstanding wine farms from our valley.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO

Celebrates Bastille

Franschhoek

15 - 16 July 2023

The African Beer Cup is the biggest beer competition on the continent. Last year Soul Barrel won Best Beer in Africa at this competition. This year they bagged two medals – a silver medal for Live Culture Cuvee and a gold medal for Wild African Soul.

Wild African Soul went on to also win the African Celebration Award, one of the marquee awards of the competition. This award is awarded to the highest-scoring beer in the competition that showcases traditional African ingredients.

Wild African Soul is a blend of a traditional farmhouse ale and umqombothi (traditional sorghum beer), aged in wine barrels for two years. To make it, Soul Barrel blended a batch of Umqombothi with their mixed-culture farmhouse ale and chardonnay grapes. This blend was refermented and matured in a wine barrel. “The

resulting flavour,” says Soul Barrel’s Nick Smith, “is completely fascinating. We get notes of cream pear, citrus & honey, flavours that meld into a sticky wild-barrel character, balanced by acidity and funky grain notes derived from the wild sorghum malt and spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts.” This year was the fourth edition of the competition, which is held annually in Cape Town. Fifty-two judges from 16 different countries evaluated 232 beers from 20 African countries. Only a small percentage win medals, and there are only two marquee awards, the African Celebration Award and the Best Beer in Africa Award. All beers are judged twice and all judging is blind, with judges knowing the beer style but not the manufacturer or beer name.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Soul Barrel

Don your berets and all things red, white, and blue as you revel in the French ambience of the magnificent Winelands. Stroll through the vibrant Main Road and share in the merriment, bespoke village shopping and lively street entertainment of local drummers, musicians and performance artists. This year, Prescient is the proud partner of the Bastille Festival and all its Main Road festivities and celebrations.

If further incentive to dress up is needed, this year, the best-dressed person will win a dreamy return air ticket to France, generously sponsored by Air France! Fantastic runner-up prizes will also be up for grabs, so be sure to get creative. Visit www.franschhoekbastille.co.za for more information

Let’s raise a glass to savouring the magic that winter bestows upon us!

Franschhoek Wine Valley Team

Soul Barrel’s Nick Smith and brewer Devin Hendricks show off their awards haul.

Cellar Chat

Mark Tanner

The other day I came across an article about wine snobbery which caught my eye. The writer made a parody of a situation where a particular wine was being presented to an adoring audience. It turned out that he had, “gargled a presumptuous little Riesling from Botswana”.

Botswana? We all know that Botswana is not famed for any viticultural expertise, or is it? I decided to look into this seemingly rash statement and what a surprise! An organization called Adventure Life offers tours including wine tastings at Chobe National Park and Chobe River Kasane. I am not sure at all about imbibing Botswana wines, Okavango Wine of Origin or not.

On reflection, however, I am very much aware of wine from Zimbabwe. The late David Hughes was instrumental in establishing vineyards there in the 1960s. I have even enjoyed a bottle of Zimbo wine, even if it was... ‘different’.

Then there are the vineyards in Kenya alongside Lake Naivasha, producing wines in an equatorial climate. One of the hurdles is that there is virtually no winter so the vines do not shed their leaves.

Workers have to go from row to row pulling the leaves off to encourage the next season’s growth!

Equally equatorial is Tanzania which boasts seven wineries the largest of which, the Robert Paul Winery, is located in Dodama. Their ‘Dompo Red’ is sweetish and fortified at 16% alcohol.

Not quite a fun-in-the-sun wine but it helps to show that we are not alone when it comes to wine production in Africa.

In Uganda, the Vino Platano Winery gives the impression that the comment, “A very excellent banana wine”, came from the banana supplier. The word plantain comes to mind. I would welcome any comment from those who have ventured north and found viticultural sustenance in local labels. I exclude Morocco, etc.

Anyone who has seen the film, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” will be familiar with what at first appears to be an absurdity. Similarly, the idea of vineyards among the arid wastes of the Arabian Peninsula seems ludicrous. And yet, with only 3% of Yemen arable, just over 17,000ha are devoted to grape vines. But there is a catch. Over centuries

Thoughts From My Kitchen

Chantal Lascaris

It’s Time to Go to Pot

I have a confession to make. I’m a messy cook.

Whether I simply cook for my husband and myself or dinner for eight, my kitchen invariably looks like a Jackson Pollock painting.

The worst is, I hate mess, not as much as I love to cook, but almost.

This is why I love one-pot cooking, it’s a pleasure not to have stacks of guilt looming over my kitchen sink after each meal.

Japanese vineyard

grape vines have been revered as being “The Tree of Life” and as such are prized for their fruit which is given as gifts at weddings and other ceremonies. Grape juice is popular, but only as juice.

When one thinks of Japan rice wine comes to mind but that is not quite the right stuff, is it? A quick look at a map will confirm that Japan is situated on Mediterranean latitudes so it might have the right stuff after all. Japan does in fact produce wine as we know it. Wine was being made as far back as the 8th century by Buddhist monks, another example of religion spreading the fruits of the vine. But not very much as it is climatically challenged by having to its west the largest landmass on the planet, and to its east the largest mass of water. Cold Siberian winds make for freezing winters and the summers are humid and mild, not ideal for viticulture but with experience they make it work. To counter awkward growing conditions grape vines are covered in straw for warmth and grown up to head height with trellis wires forming a canopy for ventilation and easy picking. They are allowed to add sugar to otherwise wishy-washy wines and in some instances do not do too badly. Suntory, the largest of only three major producers, has good examples of Chardonnay, Riesling and Semillon, even if reminiscent of Sauternes. Their “Chateau Lion Cabernet” is said to be quite good.

Mind you, a grape variety called Zenkoji, also known as Dragon Eye, does not necessarily make me reach for a corkscrew. Like most wine regions in ‘fragile’ situations, Japan is going ahead and experience is producing increasingly better vintages. Sayonara.

Initially, I first associated one-pot cooking with bachelors, students and camping weekends. Sure there might be less mess to clean up, but the meals weren’t exactly inspiring. I also assumed they were only suitable as midweek dinners, which can be quite stressful. You come home tired from work, the kids are hungry and homework needs to be checked; the last thing you want to think about is preparing a healthy meal for the family. So you turn to throwing everything into one pot and hope for a miracle.

But one-dish cooking is so much more than this. Whether you’re looking for an idea to serve at next month’s book club, or Sunday brunch with your mother-in-law, right through to an elegant dinner party for friends, you can find a one-dish wonder to suit your need.

Eliminating extra pots and pans, yet retaining all the pleasures of home cooking, is certainly an appealing concept even for the most discerning of cooks. A meal as simple as chicken fillets and vegetables can still require something in the oven

and another on the stovetop, as well as serving dishes. But when making a one-dish meal, you’ll be surprised at how tidy your kitchen looks afterwards. Stews, casseroles and soups are typical one-dish meals I bet we’re all enjoying right now, but I also like to combine cooked and fresh food. We all know we need to eat healthily, so why make a salad on the side? I make a sticky chicken dish and serve the salad on top. This brings colour to the meal, looks appealing and is easy to eat. Salsas, garnishes and herbs also all add to the overall flavour and presentation while being nutritious. This allows you to extend the traditional flavour combinations you would normally expect from one-pot meals.

There’s something primal about gathering around a table and sharing from the same bowl of food. It’s how we connect as humans, it’s the time to reflect on the day’s activities and to bond with our family. We’ve been doing this for millennia and still to this day different cultures have their version of a one-pot meal: the Spanish have paella, the French cassoulet and South Africa has potjie.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration why not dip into my book “All Sorts of One Dish Wonders” available at all leading bookstores. You’ll find all sorts of dishes that are low maintenance and simple to prepare, from breakfast, main courses and side dishes, right through to yummy desserts, all only using one dish, one pan or one pot.

Tatler

Motoring

RAV4 Hybrid Reaps Le Mans Rewards

RAV4 Hybrid closer to Toyota’s Le Mans Hypercar than you’d ever believe

We had the choice of one of four Toyotas for our trip. A GR Yaris, a C-HR GR Sport, a RAV4 Trail or a RAV4 GR Sport. We opted for the latter. For two good reasons. One, it was still a GR and we were on our way to support the factory Gazoo Racing effort at the Le Mans 24 Hour. And two, for this trip, practical trumped sporty. So the RAV4 GR Sport was the perfect option.

Not available in South Africa, let’s say yet, we picked our GR Sport up at Toyota’s French headquarters at Versailles. Handsome in its typical GR regalia, our ruby red car balanced its black trim well. Black wheels and a black roof add to the sporty allure. Twin chrome tailpipes and chrome badging soften it subtly at the rear. The black cabin has velvety leather trimmed heated and ventilated sport seats.

Digital dials gain a multifunction display with a dedicated Hybrid window. This one had the latest CarPlay, Auto and button-rich touchscreen cartainment dominating central dash. It has five USBs and two 12-volt ports, and a wireless charger. A convenient reversing camera supplements rear park distance control too. A touch too much touch for our liking, we prefer more buttons, as you may well know, for very good reason.

The GR Sport adds a subtly sportier effect to the RAV4 in markets where it’s available. Like our local Corolla Cross and Hilux GR Sport siblings, it mainly brings those sporty looks.But that’s not all. A GR suspension pack stiffens the dampers and coils up and tweaks the drive modes to deliver, yes, a sportier, yet impressively smooth drive. The rest is much the same as the rest of the RAV4 E-Four Hybrids. Only it’s called Hybrid AWD-i in Euro Toyota speak.

AWD-i Hybrid also takes a few more steps forward over its reinvented font wheel drive Prius Corolla and Corolla Cross Hybrid kid brothers. Like the SA RAV4 E-Four Hybrids, this one’s a petrol-

electric all-wheel drive. In fact, it’s closer to the Le Mans GR010 Hybrid Hypercar we went to behold at Le Mans, than it is to those FWD street siblings. The RAV4 also has petrol drive on one axle, and electric on the other. Only the other way round to the electric front and petrol rear racer.

The RAV4 AWD-I also adds the regular, punchy Prius-like fourth generation front drive hybrid system. So, the front axle is powered by a 131 kW 221 Nm Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder coupled to an 88 kW and 202 Nm e-motor via a CVT transmission. That’s aided and abetted by a second, 40 kW 121 Nm electric motor driving a two-stage reduction gear transaxle at the rear.

AWD-i responsively and automatically optimises torque distribution between the front and rear axles according to driving conditions. The split varies between 100% front, to a 20 to 80 front to rear output. Distribution is rear-oriented when cornering. To inspire driver confidence and enhance steering feel. Maximum combined output is a staunch 163 kW. The mechanically identical GX-R returned impressive performance against our stopwatch when we tested it back home.

Toyota claims a combined 4.8 l/100 km. Expect to use closer to six litres per hundred every day. That’s still impressive in this neck of the woods. Understand that your hybrid is happiest in city or in slower driving and you’ll soon master it.

Driven frugally, you should see 1,000 km on the 55-litre petrol tank. An Auto LSD Trail Assist mode improves traction on the dirt. The driver can further tailor vehicle dynamics via Drive Mode Select. And while we never got round to it, our GR Sport AWD-i is rated to tug up to a 1,000 kg braked trailer.

Our drive out of Paris west to Le Mans took us via a few city areas, through industrial suburbs and on to a country freeway. Pleasing to drive, take your time to exploit this AWD-i Hybrid system’s potential and you soon start to understand its earth saving potential. Super smooth on the freeway, it is however at its best in and around town.

That practicality and space came into its own in the wee hours over the Le Mans 24 Hour race weekend when our RAV4 GR doubled as our bungalow for a few hours. The race was good on track too. Although Ferrari finally broke Toyota GR’s five-year winning streak in an after an epic battle on track to crown an incredible weekend.

FATHERS’ DAY DEFIES THE WEATHER

Leading up to this year’s Fathers’ Day, the Western Cape experienced a lengthy period of early-teen temperatures, strong winds and incessant rain. Situated at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains, FMM was not spared the inclement weather conditions and the forecasts building up to June 18th were far from encouraging. In fact, the executive mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Elna von Schlicht, issued a radio warning asking the public “to stay home over the long weekend so that roads are accessible for emergency and clean-up teams”. She added that” the bad weather over the last few days has had a big impact on residents. The stormy weather is expected to continue over the weekend”.

Nevertheless, a few hundred Dads and their families were not deterred and attended FMM’s celebration event on a day that threatened but thankfully did not deliver stormy conditions. The four display halls were open as usual with some of the 81 cars on view, many with ‘bonnets up’. Hall A features many of the older vehicles in the FMM collection, starting with a

A Local Geological Journey with Nick Norman

While you may know something of the geological forms seen in the Franschhoek Valley, it is no simple task to piece together these features into a story of the valley’s geological history. Local geologist and published author, Nick Norman, speaks and writes accessibly about the otherwise remote world of rocks. Born in Kwa-Zulu Natal where he completed his M.Sc in Geology, Nick has explored far and wide in search of the stories embedded in rocks. After exploring South American and Southern African geological features, Nick settled in Franschhoek in 1981 where he has since continued to write and explore the world of rocks.

1903 Ford Model A and an 1895 Starley rearsteer tricycle. The display includes a number of Bugattis, Rolls-Royces and such rarities as a Lorraine-Dietrich and an Austro-Daimler.

Hall B has on show a range of Buicks and Austins along with a cross-section of pick-ups covering 75 years. Hall C has an assortment of German cars from Auto Union, BMW, Borgward, DKW, Mercedes-Benz, Messerschmitt, Opel, NSU, Porsche and, of course, Volkswagen. Many of the museum’s sports, racing and racing cars are on view in Hall D ranging from a scale Jaguar D-Type kiddie car to the ex-Jody Scheckter Tyrrell 007/1 Formula 1 car. Alfa Romeos feature strongly here, too. .

A line-up of motorcycles were parked outside Hall A, complementing others that were on display in the halls. Many vintage bicycles are on view as well.

While attendees could view all the world class machinery in the halls, a non-stop parade of cars and motorcycles were driven/ ridden around the quad including examples of SA’s own Protea and GSM Dart and Flamingo, a Ford Model T, a V12-engined Lincoln Zephyr, a

Our RAV4 GR Sport proved the perfect companion for that crazy trip. So similar in concept to that race car, Toyota is slowly but surely moving its hybrids in a Gazoo Racing direction. Toyota is of course not only fast growing its GR range, but it is also on a major hybrid push in South Africa. So this sportier version of the RAV4 would be a most welcome addition to the range in our market. All considered, the timing seems perfect. How about it, Toyota South Africa?

Nick tells the fascinating story of how the Franschhoek Valley has taken on its present form after hundreds of millions of years and is still changing. You may know that the Franschhoek Mountains are formed from sandstone, a kind of sedimentary rock, and form part of the Cape Fold Mountains. Nick emphasises that these mountains, despite forming part of the Cape Fold Mountains, do not owe their current form to the process of folding (the convergence of plate tectonics that heaves vast quantities of the Earth’s material upward, forming mountains). Rather, our Franschhoek Mountains and valley were formed from an extremely slow process of erosion, mainly by water.

ROAD TESTED

Engine: 131 kW 221 Nm 2.5-litre petrol I4

Scribante Trouble for Gio

Motors: Front 88 kW 202 Nm, Rear: 40 kW 121 Nm

Combined Max Output: 163 kW Drive: CVT AWD

TESTED:

0-60 km/h: 3.58 sec

0-100 km/h:  7.42 sec

0-120 km/h: 10.00 sec

0-160 km/h: 17.46 sec

400m: 15.5 sec @ 149 km/h

80-120 km/h:  4.96 sec

120-160 km/h: 7.17 sec

CLAIMED:

In accounting for this, Nick takes us back to almost 600 million years ago. He explains that a sedimentation process was underway at this time, followed by folding. Igneous intrusions were being formed (molten rock which pushes its way up from the Earth’s mantle and into sedimentary rock formations). These would form Paarl Rock and the granite rock formations on Montpellier farm (near Bridge House School), exposed to the surface by erosion. The deposition of the sediments would form an impressive basin extending from Clanwilliam to Port Elizabeth and beyond (now removed by Continental Drift).

VMax: 180 km/h

Fuel: 4.8 l/100 km

CO2: 110 g/km

RATED: 9

Road Testing: Giordano Lupini

The folding that would ensue once more, explains Nick, would heave material up to an almost Himalayan scale! This time the erosion of these gigantic mountains would supply sediments extending across the entire Karoo Basin. Millennia of erosive action would give way to a gently undulating plain. At this stage, the supercontinent, Gondwana, would start to break up due to stirrings

Gqeberha’s Aldo Scribante Racetrack wasn’t kind to Franschhoek racer Giordano Lupini and his Tork Craft Volkswagen. “We had great pace in PE,” Gio explained. “But a back marker ruined my hot qualifying lap, so I had to use my last push to pass to fight back into Superpole, which left us without a vital push-to-pass, so it was fifth on the grid. Then a safety car made the short race even shorter and I ended where I started. I fought back to third in the 30 minute second race, but incurred a start penalty to end sixth for the day. No excuses, but it was one of those days where we just couldn’t show our true pace. Now to bounce back at East London on 22 July. Bring it on!”

in the Earth’s mantle. This movement would shape the landscape anew - new continents, mountains, oceans, coastlines, and rivers. This landscape dictated how the water would flow inland, capturing previous headwaters, and finding its way toward the oceans. In so doing, these active young rivers would carve out new valleys. And this is how the Franschhoek Valley and surrounding mountains came into being.

JULY NEWS

rare Tatra T97 and a Bentley 4½ similar to the 1928 Le Mans winning car.

While all this activity was taking place, FMM’s Pitstop Deli kept busy serving refreshments and light snacks while a dedicated food stall served up much-welcomed coffee and other light snacks.

“On one of the wettest weekends in recent history, FMM still held its annual Fathers’ Day event,” said museum curator Wayne Harley. “We were fortunately blessed with a fine winter’s day in amongst all the adverse conditions we have been having lately, so the show could go on. The gents in the workshop got to drive pretty much everything in the store that was running this year, so those who made the effort to brave the cold got to see a couple of rarely seen cars going around the parade loop.

VISITING FMM

FMM’s opening time are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admittance 15h00). Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, R60 pensioners and motor

Traces of this history can be identified in the valley. For example, river stones may be observed near Wemmershoek Primary School, which testify to the fact that the Berg River had meandered from one side of the valley to the other, carving out the valley as it went. The geological foundations described have also set the scene for the ecological systems surrounding us. From the sandy nutrient-poor soil, derived from the extremely hard quartzitic sandstone, the world’s most bio-diverse flora has sprung forth: fynbos. Indeed, the harsh conditions have required our indigenous plant life to be resourceful, adaptive, and evolutionarily creative. It follows that the fauna have also had to acclimatise to this harsh terrain. And yet, the valley’s ecology has provided enough organic matter, mixing with the eroded sedimentary rock and granite, to form soil that is fertile enough to produce some of the world’s finest wines and natural produce. And so we find ourselves entwined in the ongoing geological and ecological story of the land in our valley. If this story piqued your interest, Nick’s books can be purchased or ordered from your local book vendor. His publications include Going to Ground, Box of Rocks, Geology Off the Beaten Track, The Extraordinary World of Diamonds, and Geological Journeys. For more information about Nick, you can visit his website: https://www.nicknormanbook.com/.

“My personal highlight of the drive-byes was the 1936 Cord 810, which made its first public appearance since her re-commissioning, and this beauty sounded absolutely wonderful. Amongst the motorcycles doing their thing around the parade loop was a 1917 Triumph and a 1984 Honda XL500s, yet strangely the Suzuki GT 185 got a lot of attention. A person forgets that two-stroke engines are becoming a rather rare sight these days, but the younger generation still love the sound of these highrevving little motors.

“Father’s Day at FMM will always be a special event for us all at the museum, as it is one of the few days on the calendar that a visitor can get up close to our collection, take a look under the bonnets, and see and hear some of them in action,” Wayne concluded

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

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Nick Norman

Nick Norman with the Wemmershoek Mountains in the background.

Gardening in

Gardening in May

July

NATIE FERREIRA

I’ve often mused in the past on how May is one of the most unpredictable months of the year. Every farmer in the winter rainfall area will tell stories of the years they waited for the rain to sow their crops, with the end of May being the ultimate deadline.

In dry years the joke is that farmers plant on the 50th of May. This year things seem different. We were blessed with abundant early rains, and winter quickly pushed a short autumn out of the way.

My soil is too waterlogged to work already – a pity because I had big plans to prepare new sections for vegetable planting in spring. I will have to go no-till this season and will experiment with sowing a green manure crop in narrow drills in the soil. Adding some radish and other root crops should loosen the soil enough to make up for the lack of deep cultivation. This green manure sowing must be done before the end of the month to ensure enough biomass to dig into the soil in spring. Finding a decent green manure seed mix in small quantities might be difficult and expensive for the home gardener. I’ve successfully used a mix of my expired vegetable and flower seeds combined with a garden bird seed blend from the pet food section. This gives a good variety of grains and green material. Adding some peas to the mix will trap nitrogen in the soil for the next season.

It’s wet out there! As I am writing estimates of recent flood damage are streaming in while we are watching the approach of another monster cold front. According to reports we have had the wettest first 5 months of the year on record in some areas. Our jubilance about full storage dams is tamed by the threat of further damage to low-lying areas as we are entering our main rain season. Gardening might be the last thing on your mind as you look out over the marshland that was your prized lawn and flowerbeds not too long ago.

I’ve learnt to avoid complete hibernation by spending my time in the greenhouse. Creating a weatherproof sanctuary to propagate and grow plants during winter is a great holiday project for the DIY type. Under-cover gardening has developed in strides as technology enabled it and it becomes a great pastime or hobby on its own. The ability to

grow food and medicine throughout the year is crucial for our own food and health security. With a greenhouse you can start seedlings early for your food garden while growing a range of produce out of season.

Out in the garden there is plenty to do if you can get a gap in the weather. Most deciduous fruit trees must be pruned by the end of the month. If this task still seems daunting professional help is available, but why not make this the year you do it yourself. Courses are available for the social types, and the internet and gardening manuals can teach you most of what you need to know. Plants are mostly forgiving, and this year’s mistakes can be rectified next year. The last of the autumn flowering shrubs must also be pruned now. Leave the big oak trees to the professionals – this is the ideal month to do it if you can get an appointment. Roses and grape vines can be left until next month. If your lawn is waterlogged it might need some spiking with a fork or spike roller. Make notes of swamped areas so that you can pay attention to it in summer. Installing underground drainage is an invasive task and best left to professionals, but it might be what’s needed to enjoy your garden all year round. Seeds

Your lawnmower can be set slightly lower. This will allow more sunlight to the lower swards of grass and help against diseases. Lawns should be fed with a high potash feed to ensure good root growth through winter. Applying agricultural lime at a rate of 50g per square meter helps keep winter weeds at bay and will help ensure a lush spring lawn.

Heart Attacks Increasingly Affecting Younger Men

The news of a heart attack claiming the life of cricket legend, Shane Warne at only 52 years of age has sent shockwaves across the world.

You will have to utilize the sunny days between the cold fronts to their best, because May is a busy gardening month, with the rewards only coming much later in the season. Your autumn pruning should be well on its way by now, with only the late flowering shrubs such as Solanum, Tecomaria, Leonotis, Lavender, Plumbago and Hibiscus that still needs to be pruned. Tree surgery to deciduous trees also needs to be done sooner rather than later. Pay attention to overgrown evergreen trees and shrubs by cutting away some of the lower branches and opening the canopy to let in more sunlight. Perennials such as Canna’s, Michaelmas daisies, Japanese anenomes, Salvia and Gaura should all be cut back hard this month. Fertilise and mulch afterwards. Lift Dahlia bulbs if you have clay soil; in well-drained soil most bulbs and tubers can be left in the ground over winter. Fertilise all winter flowering shrubs with a balanced fertilizer.

His sudden passing has sparked an important conversation around men’s habits and their impact on cardiovascular health.

Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, SA’s largest provider of cardiovascular medication, says heart attacks are no longer just linked to the aged. Now, one in five heart attack patients are younger than 40.

“What many don’t realise is that there are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol, yet both increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke. That’s why it is so important to have these checked by your GP on a regular basis, especially if you’re 40 and older.” Heart disease is the leading cause of death in South Africa after HIV/AIDS. Every hour five people suffer a heart attack.

Jennings says heart disease is preventable. “The earlier you start to look after your health, the better for your heart. The first place to start is to recognise the risk factors for heart disease.”

These include:

Rainfall Figures

1. Smoking, which damages blood vessels and contributes to heart disease. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than non-smokers. Quitting at any age is beneficial, but the earlier the better.

2. Unhealthy eating leads to excess weight gain and obesity, which both cause cardiovascular disease. It also raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which blocks the walls of blood vessels and increases blood pressure.

3. Excessive salt intake leads to water retention. This increases blood pressure and puts strain on blood vessels, the heart and other organs. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends no more than 5g per person of salt per day. To reduce your salt consumption, try limit the amount of processed food in your diet and cut back on the amount of salt you add to your food. For hearthealthy recipes that are low in salt, make https:// cookingfromtheheart.co.za/ your go-to.

4. Physical inactivity heightens your risk of

The nurseries are stocked with all sorts of winter colour – sweet peas, delphinium, dianthus, foxgloves, Iceland poppies, larkspur, pansies, viola, primula, stocks and lobelia. Patient gardeners can still sow seeds of all of these. The last of the winter and early spring flowering bulbs such as Lachenalia and Watsonia must be planted before the middle of the month. May is probably the best month to establish new Fynbos gardens. Trees planted now will have a chance to establish a decent root system before the summer heat arrives.

developing high blood pressure by 30-50%, as well as other diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Just 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise (brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming) three to four times a week will help to keep your waistline in check, while improving cardiac functioning.

of spring flowering annuals must be sown now. It is too cold for most vegetable seeds, but you can keep up your successional sowing of root crops. The cabbage seedlings piling up in the greenhouse must also be planted out by month end.

For the times that you do feel like hibernating why not revert to some couch gardening. A visit to the local library will equip you with the resources to dream out and plan the garden you’ve always wanted. Libraries are an often-forgotten resource, but you will be amazed at the wealth of knowledge available to us for free. The gardening sections in most libraries are well stocked and you can find plenty of stimulation for your season of armchair gardening. I suggest not only books on pruning and cultivation techniques, but also some journals and biographies of famous gardeners. Nothing to inspire you like the stories of legends like Christopher Lloyd, Piet Oudolf, Vita Sackwell-West, Edith Wharton and Laurence Johnston.

The kitchen is the place to be on dreary days. I love to find new ways to preserve food in a manner that enhances and concentrates the nutritional benefits. Fermenting is a great way to achieve this and once you’ve learned the science of it you can preserve

all sorts of foods in an easy and cost effective way while adding a range of nutritional benefits. Drying and extraction preserves the essence of your herbal and medicinal plants. Few tasks are as rewarding as turning the spoils of your garden into a pantry stacked with jars full of beautiful food. Happy gardening.

5. Heavy drinking can also lead to hypertension, heart failure as it contributes to cardiomyopathy – a disorder that impairs the heart muscle.

In the vegetable garden beetroot, broad beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, Swiss chard, onions, peas and turnips can all be sown now. Winter is also the most successful time of the year to grow salad crops in the Cape; summer is often simply too hot. Sow cover crop on unused beds, even letting weeds grow is better that leaving the soil exposed.

6. Stress, especially long-term stress increases cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which raises blood cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure – all common risk factors for heart disease. Chronic stress could also trigger unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking, smoking and other substance abuse, which are all bad for your heart.

Jennings says making small changes to your diet by eating more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains and reducing salt consumption is a much safer way to lose weight, than resorting to extreme dieting.

In our house cold and rainy autumn days are spent in the kitchen. Soups, broths, stews, and slow roasts are the order of the day. While these are slowly bubbling away on the stove, we will have an abundance of guavas to process into preserves and chutney. I will also be dreaming about next season, and the abundance that I hope for by this time next year. Last year’s lack of planning and timeous action left our pantry quite empty this winter.

“Proactive, preventative care is the best approach to reduce heart attack deaths among middle aged men.

“We urge men 40 years and older to have regular heart checks done. This will inform your doctor about what lifestyle changes you need to make and whether you will benefit from medicines to lower your blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels. Your doctor will also test for diabetes, which is another causal factor of heart disease and needs to be managed carefully,” says Jennings.

Warning signs of a heart attack in men include chest pain and/or discomfort, which can spread to the arms, neck, jaw or back. Dizziness or light-headedness, feeling nauseas, indigestion, unexplained sweating or shortness of breath are also critical signs.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call:

National ambulance response – 10177

Private emergency response, Netcare911 – 082 911

National medical emergency response, ER24 – 084 124

Local paramedic, 082 413 3560

Text: Editorial Desk

Botulinum Toxins | Dermal Fillers | Intravenous Therapy

Rainfall Figures

Hospice News

Colleen Douglas

On the Bastille week-end of 15 and 16 July Franschhoek Hospice will have a stall in the marquee in Church Street.

To raise funds for our activities, we will once again be selling freshly-baked croissants filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese (R50 each), as well as red, white and blue berets and scarves (R100 each) to get help get everyone into a French frame of mind. Please support us.

Bosbou Clean-up

iPads for Kusasa Academy

Thanks to the incredible support their crowdfunding campaign received the Kusasa Academy raised enough funds to purchase 20 tablet computers — 7 more than their initial goal!

“It took a bit of time to procure and setup everything we needed, but we couldn’t be happier and more grateful that these devices are now up and running in our classrooms, yielding fantastic initial results,” says the academy.

When deciding on which brand to choose the academy opted for premium Apple iPads instead of other options primarily because their teachers had already been gifted iPads last year. However, it wasn’t just a practical consideration. The academy says they were genuinely impressed by the functionality of the devices, as well as the educational services and support that Apple offers. To ensure seamless integration of iPads into their

curriculum, the academy enlisted the help of “Apple for Education” trainers to conduct workshops. There are also a few specialised teachers on their team who have undergone training to effectively manage these devices in a classroom setting, accommodating a diverse range of users. Given that the academy has 150 children sharing the 20 iPads, one can imagine the complexity. Fortunately, each device is equipped with a protective cover and screen, and they are all managed through a dedicated platform. The teachers have a clear understanding of who is using the iPads, and they keep tabs on battery levels, security settings, app usage, work time,

Starvation and malnutrition are significant problems for the animals of our valley. Misconceptions and outdated traditions cause many animals to suffer hunger or even death.

SHARF are the hands who try to feed wherever the need arises.

achievements, and much more. The academy’s teachers will be attending ongoing workshops and training to ensure they stay updated with the latest insights and techniques.

“We’re truly excited about the progress we’ve made so far, and we aim to build on this momentum in the coming months and years,” the academy concludes.

Having come this far, the academy is trying to raise additional funds for 6 more iPads. Increasing the total devices from 20 to 26 would provide the ideal number where each student in a class could have their own individual iPad, eliminating the need for sharing during a lesson. If you’re enthusiastic about helping them reach this new target of R40,000, please do donate here:

www.givengain.com/cc/6-more

Please help to empower more learners and make a lasting impact on their education journey!

Text & Image: Kusasa Academy

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

An independent (IEB) Matric examination accepted by universities worldwide

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

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

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

· Extensive facilities on 28 hectares of land

Open Day is any day you want it to be.

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

June’s community clean-up – arranged by the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association – took the volunteers to La Motte-Bosbou. The cleaning efforts focused on the area around the sport fields and yielded another rich haul of rubbish. Watch local social media for the location of the next clean-up. Clean-ups take place on the first Saturday of the month from 08h00 – 09h00.

Footballers Head to Sweden

On 22 July 2023, a coach and two players from The Kusasa Stars football team will be travelling to Sweden at the invitation of IF Elfsborg in Borås to train with their Under-19 team. The invitation is a wonderful achievement in itself and could turn out to be a life-changing experience for the young players and their coach.

Coach Dumisa Molose, who works at Franschhoek BP, Sihle Makhala (19 years old) and Kamva Phillip Sifuba (17 years old) will be training at the academy for three weeks. The academy is recognised as one of the best in the country and as an excellent pathway to senior football in Sweden and Northern Europe.

Kamva and Sihle have fond memories of their previous trips to Sweden to play for The Kusasa Stars in the Gothia Cup. Also known as the World Youth Cup, the Gothia Cup is the world’s largest youth football tournament, with more than 1500 teams taking part.

The organisers of the trip wish to extend a big ‘Thank

Probus Club

MARK TANNER

Our speaker for July is Dr Nareshi Chellan (Scientist at SA Medical Research Council) who will talk on her activities in medical research. This is expected to focus on matters ophthalmic.

For August we have retired SAAF Major Greg Sproule (very experienced and decorated Oryx helicopter pilot and instructor) who will give a presentation about a few of the more hairy and spectacular rescues carried out by 22 Squadron from Airforce Base Ysterplaat over the 20 plus years he spent at the unit.

What is Probus all about?

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

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers, I’m an unashamed culture vulture and as such a fan of museums of all kinds. Whether they are little local gems operated by dedicated volunteers or impressive institutions with a large professional staff, whether they have video screens and sensory gadgets or slightly dusty posters with curled corners I find them all charming in their own ways. It certainly would be boring if all museums were cut from the same cloth!

On a smaller scale, Pniel has a charming village museum and the Franschhoek Dutch Reformed Church installed a display about its history during the recent renovations. Could Franschhoek and its environs be home to more museums? I certainly think so. And I’m not alone in thinking this. More than twenty years ago, when the early concepts for what eventually became the Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate were being developed there was talk of all kinds of museums along Lambrechts Street. It would have turned it into a veritable museum precinct.

Footballers Kamva Phillip Sifuba, Dumisa Molose (coach) and Sihle Makhala have been invited to train in Sweden for three weeks.

You’ to local sponsors who have helped make this happen; they include The Hoek Espresso Bar, GEM Shuttle and Transport, Alexander de Vries (Col’Cacchio) and Rob Cox (Tsotsi Streetwear) Franschhoek Market.

Text: George Frett | Image: Editorial Desk

other vocational activity to a calmer way of life. This is achieved through these features of membership:

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

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

• Support in grief and illness.

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

• We are a-political and non-sectarian

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

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

(I wonder how many readers know that the Western Cape is home to 10% of all the museums in Africa!)

Franschhoek and its immediate environs have a substantial number of museums, the best known being the Huguenot Memorial Museum on Lambrechts Street. What many locals probably don’t even know is that their grounds are also home to a perfume museum.

The La Motte Museum is currently closed while much of the estate’s visitor facilities undergo a makeover. We’ll have to wait and see in what incarnation it reopens.

Babylonstoren has a wine museum – in my view a bit light on substance and heavy on design – but then I know my wine quite well and it no doubt is more edifying to wine novices. I also gather that they are working on a farm museum of sorts.

L’Ormarins is, famously, home to the Franschhoek Motor Museum – a fully worldclass destination.

I can’t remember everything that was proposed but do recall a Museum of African Photography – a bit of a stretch for Franschhoek, I thought – and a wine museum. There may also have been a mention of a culinary museum. If any kind of museum would be a perfect fit for Franschhoek, a culinary museum would be it. Not only does it fit well with our valley’s positioning as a centre of culinary excellence, but it’s also something we can all identify with – after all we all eat!

The Cape being a cultural melting pot it is not surprising that we have several culinary traditions represented here and that these traditions influenced each other. Arguably one of the most insightful works on the topic of local cuisine is ‘Cape Winelands Cuisine’, published in 2011. Best of all, the culinary historian behind the book – I hope she doesn’t mind me calling her that – is a local.

I really think the creation of a Cape Culinary Museum/Centre is something the village should explore. If done smartly, the benefits to the village could be significant.

Until September!

PS: Enjoy the Bastille Festival.

DEADLINES - SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE

Bookings - 15 August 2023 | Artwork - 19 August 2023 | Editorial - 15 August 2023

Estate Planning: Act Now To Protect Your Family And Business After You Are Gone.

“The golden rule of all estate planning is: don’t wait.” (missionwealth.com)

Just 20% of South Africans have a valid will (“Last Will and Testament”), resulting in countless heart-breaking stories of griefstricken surviving spouses and children with no income or access to funds, floundering in confusion with no idea where the deceased’s will or important documents are kept, what assets and debts there are, how to access password-protected devices or who to contact for help.

To avoid this sad scenario everyone, regardless of age, health or financial position, should have a valid and properly executed “Last Will and Testament” ready.

If you are a business owner, estate planning is even more important, especially if your business is your family’s only income. Without proper estate planning, your passing may leave them at a most difficult time without any money and possibly trying to manage a business with no experience.

Implement the six steps below to ensure that when you pass away, the legacy you leave behind is maximised, and protects those important to you.

Act now!

Not one of us is assured of tomorrow and the consequences of dying without estate planning and a will are dire.

Act today! Allocate time right now to attend to this most urgent and important responsibility, or contact a trusted professional to help you get the process started.

If you already have an estate plan and will, schedule time to review and update them immediately, and diarise regular reviews – at least quarterly and definitely no later than annually. It is essential to ensure an always up-to-date estate plan to account for any ongoing changes in personal circumstances, business circumstances,

financial structures, laws and taxes.

Call in the experts

Your legacy depends on the quality of your planning, involving a combination of financial planning, wealth planning and estate planning, and therefore requires the expertise of qualified professional advisors such as your accountants.

The issues at stake are too complex and the consequences of mistakes, omissions or oversights too dire to risk going it alone.

For example, a professional should draw up or check your will, which must be properly formatted and worded to reflect your wishes correctly and clearly, and it must be validly executed.

Similarly, specialised advice may be required where there are minor children, or if you have assets in another country.

If one of your assets is an operating business, or an interest in a business, you will need professional advice to ensure the best outcome for your loved ones, business partners, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Draw up a will

The absence of a will; or an invalid will; or a will containing areas of uncertainty or dispute, will almost certainly result in animosity and long delays in winding up your estate.

If you pass away without a valid will:

• You put your grieving loved ones at risk of financial and emotional hardship;

• You forfeit your right to choose who inherits what from you, instead leaving assets to be distributed according to the laws of “intestate succession”; and

• You forfeit your right to nominate someone you trust to administer your deceased estate.

A valid and updated “Last Will and Testament” is the core and foundation of your plan to protect the people you care for. It should communicate precisely your expectations to all concerned and be valid and accurate in every respect.

Proper estate planning

Without a proper estate plan, the assets you have accumulated over a lifetime may be decimated by costs and taxes and the business you worked so hard to build could be lost.

Proper estate planning doesn’t have to be overly complicated or expensive, but must:

• Maximise the assets in the estate, including business assets,

• Reduce estate costs and taxes, and

The Chamber’s Choice

Grant Samson

Grant Samson of Franschhoek, owner of ‘Granson Tours’, organises personalised tours in the Western Cape, mainly around the winelands and the peninsula. He employs several drivers and has built a name as a go-to person for tourists or holiday-makers looking for a friendly driver who can be relied on for a whole day to transport you between venues. Not only is he available to festive clients, but he has also built up a network of corporate clients who use his services in the offseason.

Grant matriculated in 2010 in Franschhoek and started working at the butchery in Groendal - that is, until the building was taken over by Shoprite, and he was forced to consider other avenues. He found work as a driver for ‘Eddie’s Tours & Transfers’ from 2013 to 2014. This is where he learnt the fundamentals of his trade and that his

value offering ultimately lies in building lasting connections with people. Indeed, he built contacts during his time working for Eddy. After leaving Eddy, he was still requested by many clients. This made him realise that a potential opportunity awaited him in the transport industry. He only started to build his own business after gaining another year’s experience working as a driver for Cape Escape Explore until 2015. His warm, patient, and helpful personality makes him a great fit for this industry. He explains that clients can be extremely difficult, but he understands how to manage them professionally, remaining level-headed and understanding. This resilience means that even unpleasant situations have not steered him away from focussing on what he is good at: building up a customer base of repeat clients who trust his services. Recognising his talent for working with people, Grant enrolled in a National Diploma in Human Resource

• Streamline the process of winding up your estate.

For business owners, a well-conceived estate plan will include consideration for the owner’s specific intent, for example, that the business continues to provide income as an ongoing concern; or becomes a source of capital for the surviving family. This may involve handing over to the next generation, or an employee, or an outside buyer.

If you have business partners, a buy-andsell agreement should be drafted in advance and measures put in place to ensure coshareholders are financially able to take over your share of the business when you pass away, and vice versa. A shareholder’s agreement is also necessary to deal with potential conflict and shareholders selling their shares.

Provide liquidity

To protect your family from financial distress, it is essential to provide money for ongoing financial needs during the lengthy winding up of the estate.

As soon as the bank learns of your death, all your bank accounts will be frozen. Pensions and insurance policies will take time to pay out, and your assets will generally be tied up in the estate, inaccessible to your loved ones. This means you need to find other ways to provide your family with immediate funds to live on after you pass on.

Separate bank accounts and investments, businesses held in entities unaffected by your death, and family trusts are some options, while nominating beneficiaries for life policies, annuities and tax-free investments can ensure payouts directly to the chosen recipients.

In addition, your family will need funds to cover significant ‘final expenses’ such as existing debts, medical bills and funeral costs, income taxes and capital gains taxes, estate duties and executor fees.

Similarly, if you have a business, you may need to provide operating capital or liquidity through, for example, key person insurance, life insurance for partners and contingency policies.   If there isn’t enough

money in the estate to meet the various costs and taxes of winding it up, heirs will have to use their own funds or the executor will have to sell an asset, such as the family home or the business, to cover the liabilities.

Create an “Important Information” file

All the relevant parties will require documents and information to settle your affairs quickly and easily.

Create a file for your loved ones that contains all the information they might need, for example, details of funds they can access while the estate is being wound up; the location of your will and important documents such IDs, passports, and power of attorney; bank account numbers, card numbers and PIN numbers; and details and passwords for devices, apps and social media accounts.

The executor will also require a file of documents and details, for all assets, all income and all accounts, insurance policies, loans, agreements, business assets and interests, as well as personal documents, along with the required access codes, PINs and passwords.

Business owners will also have to prepare and keep updated documents such as statutory documents; the succession plan; a power of attorney so business affairs can be taken care of by a nominated person; and professionally drafted buy-sell agreements for partnerships or where there is more than one owner.

Taking these six steps without delay will ensure you have structured a full estate plan that will protect those you care about from unnecessary uncertainty, worry and risk, at the time they most need your protection.

Management and graduated last year.

Grant’s business has become a great success. He registered the business in 2022 and has taken further steps towards professionalism, obtaining the requisite operator’s licence and charter permits. He has just purchased more cars –testimony to the success of his business, especially in the wake of the pandemic. He had weathered the pandemic, even though it had meant that he had to scale down and adapt. Part of this process involved building a more corporate clientele, and employing some people seasonally only, to sustain his business during the off-season, especially when his tourist client base is not around to make the wheels turn.

To get hold of Grant you can contact him on +27 60 503 2432 or +27 73 860 6932, or email him at gransontours@gmail.com. He will provide for all of your transport needs, whether for corporate or recreational reasons.

List Your Property in the Verdant Season

There’s a perception among sellers that summer is always the best time to put your property on the market, but this may not always be the case, especially in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley and surrounding winelands, which are at their most verdant and beautiful during the wetter winter months.

“Regardless of the season, now is a good time to list your property since there is a shortage of available stock in Franschhoek and the surrounding winelands, while the appetite for properties in the region remains keen,” says Aimee Campbell, Principal at Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate. Aimee adds that would-be buyers are coming into Franschhoek from Cape Town, Gauteng and KZN –many with families looking to relocate and enrol their children at one of the region’s notable schools. Several buyers have embraced the remote working model and have therefore decided to live in an idyllic location and avoid commuting. “For many, buying property in Franschhoek and living here is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream,” says Aimee. “One client recently said she is selling up on the Western Seaboard and has decided that life is too short, so why not live in beautiful Franschhoek.”

Properties currently attracting buyer interest in Franschhoek and its surrounds include investment apartments and well-priced residential homes, particularly those under R7 million. The top end of the market is also active with lifestyle farms priced up to R90 million receiving lots of interest. Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate’s recent sales include a R25 million security estate home and a R19 million lifestyle farm close to Franschhoek.

“The appetite for smallholding properties is huge, with new listings attracting up to 10 viewings a week,” says Aimee. She adds that Stellenbosch listings are attracting many up-country and foreign buyers interested in wine farms.

“Having agents in both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek allows us to share leads so our sellers receive greater exposure for their properties,” explains Aimee, adding that the Christie’s International Real Estate brand also attracts qualified foreign buyers, and of course, topperforming agents, such as Guy Healey who has recently joined Franschhoek Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate. Guy has honed his expertise in real estate by purchasing and developing several of his own properties in South Africa and the UK. This eventually led to a career as a real estate agent in 2010. “It was a match made in heaven, and my love for both people and property came together, and I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the process of pairing people

Best Luxury Real Estate Consultancy

and property,” says Guy.

Aimee Campbell believes it’s not just Guy’s passion and expertise in the property field, but also his appreciation for community and the value of living in a small town, that makes him such a perfect fit for the Franschhoek Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate team. Guy joins real estate professionals, Aimee and Carrick Campbell, whose exceptional track record in real estate sales in Franschhoek speaks for itself.

Having recently opened Greeff Christie’s in Stellenbosch Aimee and Carrick Campbell are proud to have Kobus Smit, Pam Truter and Rozell Roos on board to offer expert professional service to sellers and buyers alike.

Tips To Prepare Your Property For A Winter Listing Real estate expert Aimee Campbell says she always advises sellers to walk around their homes, inside and out, with a critical eye. “Before you consider selling, address all maintenance and problem areas. Peeling paint, dampness, mould or cracks will always set off alarm bells and these need to be attended to by professionals who can provide a warranty for their work. Remember, that any repairs of this nature would need to be disclosed to the agent. Finally, a fresh coat of paint always presents the home in the best light.”

Aimee and Carrick Campbell (seated) with Guy Healey.

How long have you been in the jewellery trade, and when did you move to Franschhoek and open B Spoke? What brought you to this village?

I moved to Franschhoek and opened the shop about 25 years ago, but I have been in the trade for around 50 years. Franschhoek is an excellent place to live. And find a target market for the kinds of jewellery I produce and sell: higher-earning South Africans and tourists for whom bespoke Africaninspired jewellery is intriguing and unusual.

Have you always been interested in designing and crafting jewellery?

I have always been creatively inclined and interested in sculpting 3D designs. As a young boy would make all kinds of miniature objects - surfboards, for example - using whatever materials were at my disposal, like wood or perspex. Almost all of my classmates had something that I had made. And so jewellery production was an avenue that was quite natural and rewarding for me, albeit challenging.

Where did you learn your trade, and what did that entail?

I got an apprenticeship in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), working and training for five years under an Austrian jeweller, Gerald Rathkolb, who arrived in South Africa as part of a vanguard of Austrian and German goldsmiths - experts in handcrafted jewellery. I was paid a pittance during this time. You might regard those years as extremely costly to me - but, to the contrary, my time spent as an apprentice was an essential investment in honing the skills I needed to become a successful jeweller. He was a strict teacher, but instilled in me an appreciation for intuitive precision that has moulded how I think about and see the process of designing and manufacturing a piece of

Book Review

CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL

The Exhibitionist

Charlotte Mendelson

Publ. Picador. 321 pages

This is a bitingly funny novel about a very unhappy family that thinks it is happy. In fact, the head of the family, artist Ray Hanrahan, declares within the first few lines (referring to Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”): “Tolstoy was an idiot…all that stuff about unhappy families…We are famously happy, aren’t we? Aren’t we? And totally unique.”

Actually, as the novel goes on to prove, Ray is the idiot and Tolstoy is right. This unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. The author of “The Exhibitionist” Charlotte Mendelson gets out her paperknife and through a thousand small cuts proves just how wrong Ray is.

It is, of course, not the only thing that Ray gets wrong. Life, he believes, revolves around him. His

Poetic Licence

HARRY OWEN

Late last year I quoted a wonderful poem by Don Pinnock that I wish I’d saved for now. It is called ‘Rain’ – the wet stuff that, as I write, continues to deluge swathes of the Western Cape and shows little sign of relenting. ‘Disruptive rain’ the meteorologists call it. It has been that and more for what seems an eternity. Luckily, it seems no one has yet died as a consequence.

Meanwhile, my wife is enduring a debilitating heatwave in Europe where she is currently working, with hosepipe bans in place.

Whatever the causes may be, the world seems to be suffering more and more periods of destructive, extreme weather, some of it catastrophic. So here are two poems dealing with punishing weather conditions, one famous, the other less well known.

The first, filled with turbulent imagery and tempestuous verve, describes feeling trapped inside a remote moorland farmhouse at night

jewellery. Eventually, perceiving precision without any implements for measuring becomes second nature - essential for producing high-quality handcrafted jewellery.

What inspires your jewellery design and distinguishes Be Spoke stylistically?

The fact that I handcraft the Be Spoke jewellery ranges sold in our shop right here in my studio is a unique selling point that few jewellery shops can boast. I do not mass-produce items in a factory; I pour my labour into producing art pieces that people may prize. This makes these pieces special since they are often commissioned by people with very specific ideas about what they want - and they would like me to pour creative energy into realising it for them. I am also inspired by African art in my designs - a feature that appeals to tourists and locals alike.

Are your smithing skills specific to certain mediums in which you have specialised? Do you have a preferred medium?

I am comfortable using all mediums and enjoy the unique challenges each medium poses. They have different densities and malleabilities and can only be judged in terms of their suitability for a given project. Platinum is certainly a favourite of mine, but I would just as easily enjoy working in silver or gold. African black wood is also a wonderful medium, as it is extremely dense and durable.

Can you describe the typical jewellery production process from the beginning of a project to its completion? Are there any aspects that you outsource?

When someone commissions me to make a piece for them, the first step is to consult them about what is possible, given their budget. The next step is the most time-consuming: the design process. People have ideas - sometimes vague, sometimes fairly clearly defined - about the design of their piece and come to me with concepts that they would like transformed into a piece of jewellery. I work with them to understand how they would like their piece to look, rendering their ideas on paper and offering them several design sketches to choose between. This is a sensitive part of the process, as each commission has a story that clients would like to see encapsulated in the final jewellery piece.

The manufacturing process is typically much faster, sometimes requiring a few adaptations. I must source materials (normally from surrounding African countries) that match the client’s budget

art, he believes, is something that his family owes him. And his upcoming exhibition, he fervently believes, will be the defining moment of his late middle age.

Part of the problem, Mendelson observes, is that there is a difference between the social activity of being an exhibitor and the psychological disorder of being an exhibitionist.  An exhibition requires vision, hard work, dedication and, naturally, a body of artworks, with the emphasis on the hard work. An exhibitionist, on the other hand, requires a number of victims to intimidate or frighten, the more the better, even if it includes his own family.  It is obvious in which camp Ray is. However, Ray and his exhibition is merely the catalyst for the rest of the family to try and adjust their own precarious lives to his constant demands.  The real centre of the narrative is Lucia, his wife, whose potentially successful career as an artist  has been put on hold in service of her husband’ whims. At the beginning of the story she is waiting for a telephone call that might bring her international recognition. And like Chekhov’s gun on the wall in the first act of a play, this gun goes off in the last pages of the book. Lucia, while

by a raging windstorm so powerful that it seems “the roots of the house move”, with the “booming hills … stampeding the fields under the window”. It feels fierce, almost thrilling in its violence.

Wind

This house has been far out at sea all night, The woods crashing through darkness, the booming hills, Winds stampeding the fields under the window Floundering black astride and blinding wet

Till day rose; then under an orange sky

The hills had new places, and wind wielded Blade-light, luminous black and emerald, Flexing like the lens of a mad eye.

At noon I scaled along the house-side as far as The coal-house door. Once I looked upThrough the brunt wind that dented the balls of my eyes

The tent of the hills drummed and strained its guyrope,

The fields quivering, the skyline a grimace, At any second to bang and vanish with a flap;

and use my time as efficiently as possible to craft the piece. I outsource stone-setting, which takes me too long and tends to be uneconomical for me to undertake.

My clients normally feel that I have exceeded their expectations and that what I deliver reflects the ideas they had wished to see transformed into a personalised piece of jewellery.

You explained that your jewellery is handcrafted, which is how you learnt your trade. What challenges do you face as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3-D printing become the standard instruments for jewellery design and manufacture?

While the possibilities that these technological advances afford jewellers now are considerable, I do

(irritatingly) unable to confront her awful husband, does achieve some measure of relief by engaging in a friendship with an Anglo-Indian MP (think Priti Patel). It is an escape of sorts, and the reader heaves a sigh of relief as Lucia blossoms.

The other members of the unhappy family are Leah, the elder daughter, who tends to Ray’s every wish, Gillian the younger daughter who tries to carve out a new life for herself in Edinburgh but is drawn relentlessly back into the family vortex, and then there is Patrick, Lucia’s vulnerable son from a previous marriage and a masterpiece of vapid narcissism.

Charlotte Mendelson is a multiple-awardwinning writer and her previous three books have all garnered praise. Her critical eye observes the manners and speech of a certain part of English society stretching from around Hampstead Heath to North Oxford. Her style is razor-sharp. She writes in short sentences that carry immense energy.

The magic of “The Exhibitionist” is that, in spite of the awful Ray, and in spite of all the dysfunctional members of the family, it is a very funny book.  I can’t wait to catch up with her previous books “Daughters of Jerusalem”, “When we were Bad” and “Almost English.”

The wind flung a magpie away and a blackBack gull bent like an iron bar slowly. The house Rang like some fine green goblet in the note That any second would shatter it. Now deep In chairs, in front of the great fire, we grip Our hearts and cannot entertain book, thought, Or each other. We watch the fire blazing, And feel the roots of the house move, but sit on, Seeing the window tremble to come in, Hearing the stones cry out under the horizons.

Ted Hughes

(from New Selected Poems, Faber, 1995)

The second, much darker, poem considers the possible aftermath of sustained torrential rainfall so powerful and prolonged – perhaps the consequence of climate change – that it produces an inundation of truly cataclysmic proportions. The poem takes the form of a sonnet, a 14-line poem whose name derives from the Italian ‘sonetto’ or ‘little song’. Ironically, though, this particular sonnet of threatened ruin does not seem much like a song. Despite being expertly and meticulously composed, it is deliberately one

not feel I need to invest in these skills at this stage in my career. My trade is in handcrafted items that speak to an audience whose aesthetic is quainter. After all, it is becoming increasingly rare to craft jewellery by hand in such a mechanised world. Where can people find you and how can they get in touch?

We welcome people to our store: Shop 4, Huguenot Square, Franschhoek. We can be contacted at +27 82 557 0787. Alternatively, email us at adriaanandbrenda@gmail.com or adriaandutoit60@gmail.com to set up a consultation. You can also follow us on Instagram (@ adriaandt) and find us on Facebook to keep abreast of new designs and jewellery ranges.

of warning rather than celebration. Reminding the reader of the biblical injunction that it is “the meek” who will “inherit the earth”, the poem wonders, via its title, whether it is in fact “we, who thought we’d thought of everything” who are likely to be the true inheritors. The final line is quite chilling.

The Inheritors

Again the sun rose hidden by thick cloud which spread like a false ceiling over fields of unreflective black – what light there was not strong enough to raise a single gleam. Up against our brand-new five-barred gate the dog stood howling on the kennel’s roof, the whole thing wallowing as he clung on. Then, slowly, the inheritors moved in: we started seeing cormorants in trees and window ledges occupied by gulls. Before that week was out the gannets came, their dives aligned exactly with the rain. And we, who thought we’d thought of everything, ate the last biscuit as the water rose.

Bill

Milner (from Daybreak, Woodlands Press, 2010)

with Adriaan du Toit from B Spoke

FRANSCHHOEK

Discover Franschhoek’s Pristine Mountainland

Situated high above the Franschhoek Valley the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (established 1983) is part of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site - the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas (2004) and linked to the UNESCO-designated Boland Biosphere Reserve.

Ever since 1823 mountain springs in the reserve have provided Franschhoek with high quality drinking water. The reserve is known for its spectacular views of the valley diverse plant and small animal life and well-maintained network of hiking trails. It is also a popular jumping-off point for paragliders and is becoming a favoured destination for trail runners.

The Franschhoek mountainland consists of Table Mountain sandstone that was raised as a mountain range more than 265 million years ago. The present mountain and valley landscape is the result of erosion over the past 140 million years.

Three large peaks dominate the reserve: Perdekop (1575 m), DuToitskop (1418m) and Middagkrans (1029 m) In summer s o u t h - e a s t e r l y w i n d s c a n f o r m i m p re s s i v e c l o u d f a l l s ov e r Middagkrans.

Both summer and winter weather conditions in the reserve can be challenging to the uninitiated - the former being hot and dry and the later wet and cold with occasional snow on the higher ground.

The reserve's flora consists of montane fynbos established on leached acidic sandy soils. Fynbos (the world's smallest and most diverse plant kingdom) is primarily characterised by four types of plants: Proteas, Ericas, Restios (reed-like plants resembling grass) and geophytes (bulbs).

www.montrochellehiking.co.za

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FRANSCHHOEK SUPPORTS

RESPONSIBLE GIVING

FREE AND SAFE PARKING is provided throughout the Village. Please respect the integrity of our security standards and DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING TO ‘CAR GUARDS’ or CHILDREN.

Please rather contribute to the upliftment of vulnerable children in our community by making a donation to FRANCO, a Franschhoek non-prot organisation. You can donate here with the SnapScan App using the reference “CHILDREN”.

Please report any problem to the following numbers (with location pin and photo if applicable)

Law Enforcement

Road safety and crime issues.

WhatsApp 24/7 079 622 4722 or call 021 808 8890 (24 hour Emergency Line)

Infrastructure

Roads, water, electricity, sewage, refuse removal.

WhatsApp 24/7 076 951 0768

or call 021 808 8632 (ofce hours)

BABYSITTING SERVICES: I am Clare Marsh, I am offering babysitting services in Franschhoek. I love working with children and I’m very accommodating. I charge an hourly rate of R120. If you’re interested please contact me on 060 918 4125

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

Need BASIC COMPUTER Services? SECRETARIAL or BOOKKEEPING Services? Contact Ronelle Pinard 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

Useful Numbers

Property Showcase

Idyllically located in the L’Avenue Estate, this country home invites luxurious living on a grand scale. Set over 1,455 m², the property enjoys awe inspiring mountain views. With a new solar back up system and compressive security in place, this secure and sustainable property is ideal as a permanent residence or seasonal get-away.

Charming, furnished two bedroom cottage in the Roubaix Estate in Franschhoek. The home has an open-plan kitchen, diner and lounge, with double volume, with fully folding doors to one of the patios and double doors to the other that bring in the wonderful views and the country feel of the small estate. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a further room that could be a third bedroom or a study.

First floor apartment located in the secure, vineyard estate of La Petite Provence, just a short drive or walk to Franschhoek village. The apartment is comprised of an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen with oven, hob and extractor fan. The lounge has a fireplace for those chilly winter evenings and French doors that open to exceptional mountain views. This apartment is located in a prime area of the estate, which is guarded round-the-clock.

For a complimentary market related valuation, please contact me.

Jeanine Allen GoldClub 10-year Elite | Emerald Circle Agent +27 (0)82 410 6837

jeanine.allen@pamgolding.co.za

Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC

Pam Golding Properties (Pty) Ltd - Franschhoek Winelands.

Registered with the PPRA. Holder of a Business Property Practitioner FFC. Operating a Trust Account.

W: +27 21 876 2100 | E: winelandsint@pamgolding.co.za

SOLD BY US

FRANSCHE HOEK ESTATE

This grand five bedroom home with separate two bedroom cottage has a stunning location nestled amongst vineyards with some of the best views in Franschhoek. Also includes two living rooms, dining room, kitchen/diner, steam room and sauna, 4 car garage, large stoep, sparkling pool, landscaped gardens and large wine cellar.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R27 500 000

SOLD BY US

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Agricultural 12.5 hectare smallholding situated in a beautiful secluded valley on the outskirts of Franschhoek surrounded by nature and mountains, and with the Wemmershoek River running through the property. This lovely property includes main dwelling, 3 logwood cabins for short term rentals, event venue, staff accommodation, and four lined dams stocked with trout, bass, carp and tilapia for day guest fishing. For peace, tranquility, nature and views this property is hard to beat. Erf size 12.5 Hectares

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

SOLD BY US

R17 500 000

LOCAL EXPERTISE

SOLD BY US

NATIONAL PRESENCE INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE

SOLD BY US

FIVE BEDROOM HOME – SECURE ESTATE

Exclusive Mandate. Gorgeous 5 bedroom home on the La Ferme Chantelle Estate offers secure living amongst vineyards. Large doublevolume 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

L’AVENUE

Classically designed recently built 4 bedroom home on the prestigious L’Avenue de Franschhoek Estate offering am ideal lifestyle combining timeless styling with space, security, and luxurious living. High ceilings, wooden floors and views define this home. The living area is designed for inside/outside living including a large covered stoep overlooking the pool and lawned gardens. Three luxurious bedrooms en-suite downstairs and a large upstairs master bedroom. A spectacular home.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R20 000 000

6 BEDROOM HOME – BOUTIQUE VILLAGE ESTATE

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R19 950 000 plus VAT

SOLD BY US

A selection of properties sold by Fine & Country Franschhoek so far this year.

Experience – selling property in Franschhoek since 2009

Judgment – Insightful, informed advice Service – Consistently applauded for service excellence

We look forward to working with you!

Tom, Heidi and Terry-Lee

SOLD BY US

FRANSCHE HOEK ESTATE

Sole Mandate. This classic beautifully finished double-storey home is ideally situated overlooking vines and boasts wonderful views across the Franschhoek valley. Consisting of 4 en-suite bedrooms, spacious double volume open plan living/dining room and large open plan family kitchen. The spacious covered stoep area is the perfect place to sit and admire the expansive views of the valley. Also includes large pool, landscaped gardens and double garage.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

SOLD BY US

R14 950 000

ON CABRIERE STREET.

This imposing home, built in a Cape Georgian style, has grand proportions throughout. A truly outstanding and unique home intelligently laid out and in one of Franschhoek’s most prestigious streets. Must be viewed.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

CONTEMPORARY CAPE DUTCH COTTAGE

This immaculate home presents as a calm sanctuary in neutral shades as well as a creative canvas for vibrant street art and contemporary design. The interior, with cement screed floors, sash windows and doublevolume thatch living areas, comprises open-plan lounge, dining room and bespoke kitchen spilling out to a covered patio overlooking a parterre garden, pool and mountain views. Three en-suite bedrooms (no thatch), a home office, two garages and off-street parking complete this sought after village home within walking distance to the village.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

R12 500 000

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R8,750,000

4 BEDROOM HOME