Franschhoek Tatler - March 2023

The Bag That Builds

Few Fires. Phew!

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.

Fire season in the Western Cape runs from October to April, with most fires occurring in the latter part of the season when weather conditions are at their hottest, driest, and windiest. Thankfully, Franschhoek has seen relatively few fires thus far into the fire season. The Tatler caught up with Ashley Bauer, Volunteer Chairman of the Winelands Fire Protection Association, to find out what is happening on the fire front.

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.

Ashley says the absence of large veld fires in Franschhoek this season can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the large fires experienced during the previous fire season which means that the fuel load in many areas is relatively low. Work is also continuously done to remove alien invasive species that contribute greatly to heavy fuel loads. Several landowners have also created strategic fire breaks to assist in containing the spread of fires.

take part in the pilot programme.

Disaster Management Centre has also provided additional aerial resources.

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 second factor is the overall ‘fire discipline’ demonstrated by the local community in the prompt reporting of smoke or fire and the adherence to the WFPA notices prohibiting fires at certain times.

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 third is the WFPA QRF (Quick Reaction Force) an aerial resource that once again has been put in place for the fire season in collaboration with multiple insurers and Leading Edge Aviation. This aerial resource, consisting of two Huey helicopters, augments the overall initial attack plans as devised by the District Fire Workgroup. The strategy is based on a Large Scale Initial Attack approach, i.e. getting all the available resources to a fire as soon as possible. The Cape Winelands District Municipality has two additional available, while the Provincial

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.

The result of all these resources is that fires are contained within four hours and do not grow into multi-day fires. While this is certainly good news, the bad news is that when more resources are used for fire suppression there is less left for other community needs such as schools, clinics and roads.

Some recent Franschhoek fire incidents include:

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”

A mountain fire above Langrug on 31 January. This fire was started by Langrug residents, who illegally took over municipal land to burn refuse. (The very next evening the same happened on the other side of Langrug!),

A mountain fire near JanJoubertsgat on the Franschhoek Pass started on 9 February. This fire most likely started due to an illegal braai in the stream below the bridge, The thatched roof of a house in Nerina St caught fire as a result of embers from a braai on 22 January, and

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.

On 15 February a house in Faire Donne Estate in Reservoir St caught fire.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Continuedonpage2...

edge plant in Cape Town to be turned into an innovative eco-aggregate used in concrete product manufacture.

Local resident Norbert Roberts captured this impressive image of the fire above Langrug on 31 January 2023.

Few Fires. Phew!

...Continuedfrompage1

During the first half of February, in the wider Cape Winelands area, major fires were experienced near Ceres, Worcester, Somerset West/Vergelegen and the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. There were also dozens of smaller fires.

Franschhoek will see at least one significant fire this year, but this one is good news rather than bad. A controlled burn is planned on a section of Middagkrans’ slope below the top hairpin bend on the Franschhoek Pass. Ashley explains that this area hasn’t seen a fire for at least 30 years and the resulting heavy fuel load means that it will be a very intense fire if it does burn. Stellenbosch Municipality has therefore decided to stage a controlled burn during the last week of March 2023 – if weather conditions are favourable – to ensure that a fire in this area happens in a controlled rather than uncontrolled way. Preparations for this controlled burn have been underway for some time. These included felling invasive alien trees, creating fire breaks around the area and consulting

with adjoining landowners.

The burn will also be used as an opportunity to share international best practices. A team of highlyexperienced international firefighters, through the Volunteer Wildfire Services, will be joining the incident management team in various roles to facilitate knowledge transfer between all role players.

Ashley reminds readers that fires can be reported to Stellenbosch Municipality’s control room at 021 808 8890 or the Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Service at 021 887 4446. While these two fire services do cooperate, Stellenbosch’s Municipal Fire Service has primary responsibility for house/structural fires and the Winelands District Fire Service for veld fires. Especially in the case of veld fires, assistance is also received from CapeNature teams and contractors such as NCC that are retained by CWDM.

A fundraising event is planned for April 2023 to raise funds for the Franschhoek Conservancy which will use the funds to develop and implement improved fire prevention strategies in the valley.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Norbert Roberts

NG Church History Exhibition

Villagers and visitors will agree that the Dutch Reformed Church grounds are looking resplendent again after the completion of a round of significant restoration work that started in late 2022. What is not obvious – and new – is an exhibition about the history of the church – the oldest remaining building in the village. The Tatler chatted with Ingrid Maritz who researched the exhibition.

The exhibition is installed in the south wing of the church where four pews were removed to make space for it. Wood from the 100-year-old imported English oak pews was used to craft two custommade tables on which some artefacts are displayed, including the church’s original communion cups and two antique bibles.

Ingrid, who worked with well-known cultural historian Prof Matilda Burden on the exhibition, says that if anything struck her during the process it was how the congregation was constantly making improvements to the original building, from converting the original rectangular building to a cruciform one to installing the pews and upgrading the organ. Also notable was the support received from other congregations as far afield as Calvinia and Port Elizabeth for some of these improvements.

Text panels on the walls provide a short history of the French Huguenots, the founding of the village’s own Dutch Reformed congregation and the stages of structural changes to the church building itself. Several old photographs show the church through the years and highlight features such as the bell tower and the first ring wall with the chain that was used to tie up the horses. A rare and charming aerial photo of the church in the 1950s not only shows some classic cars in the street but also the old chapel that once stood where the church hall is today and the outhouse in the parking area!

Ingrid has met many visitors while working on the exhibition and says some visitors are just looking for a quiet moment away from the bustle in Huguenot St, while others are deeply interested in the history, culture and worship habits of the local population. What they almost all share though is a hankering for a spiritual connection of some kind.

The church is open to visitors daily from 10h00 – 15h00. On Sundays, the church opens a bit

Augmenting Water Supply

The Stellenbosch Town Council, at its January 2023 meeting, authorised the municipal manager to enter into an agreement with the Department of Water and Sanitation to take up the municipality’s allocation in terms of the Bergriver-Voëlvlei Augmentation Scheme (BRVAS). Once completed this scheme will supply the municipality with an extra 1.640 million m³/annum water through the Theewaterskloof Dam at a favourable rate.

Stellenbosch Municipality receives water allocations from several sources. The allocations from the Theewaterskloof Dam (3.000 million m³/a) and from the Eerste River (7.224 million m³/a) are fed by gravity and treated by the Paradyskloof Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the Idas Valley WTP, respectively.

The allocation from the City of Cape Town (CoCT) is 6.848 million m³/a and comes into the system from the Wemmershoek Line, Faure Water Treatment Plant and the Blackheath Water Treatment Plant. Water from CoCT mainly supplies the areas outside Stellenbosch town, such as Raithby, Jamestown, Klapmuts, Pniel and Franschhoek.

Parts of Franschhoek also receive water from the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.

The water supply to the municipal area can further be augmented with water from various borehole fields created during the last drought cycle. These fields in the Stellenbosch, Klapmuts and Dwarsriver areas can provide 2.041 million m³/a.

Stellenbosch Municipality’s allowance in terms of the BRVAS is 1.640 million m³/a through the Theewaterskloof Dam. The attraction of this scheme is that in the long term it will make Stellenbosch less dependent on water from the CoCT and do so at a lower cost than will be due to CoCT.

The BRVAS entails the construction of a low-level weir and pump station downstream of Zonkwas Drift on the Berg River and a 6,3km pipeline to deliver the water to the Voëlvlei Dam. During winter approximately 23 million m³/a will be abstracted

to the Voëlvlei Dam, once the ecological water requirements of the river and the estuary have been met. Stellenbosch Municipality’s contribution to the capital cost of the project will be paid through a higher price for its allocated water for the first 20 years, after that the price drops dramatically. Even including the initial capital component, it is still cheaper than buying treated water from the CoCT. The municipality has recently warned that dam levels in the Western Cape are 25% lower than they were at the same time last year and that consumers should use water sparingly. Of further concern is that forecasts suggest the return of the El Nino weather phenomenon in 2023 which leads to lower winter rains in the Western Cape.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Wikimedia Commons

Nominate Provincial Heritage Sites

A new exhibition in the Dutch Reformed Church tells the story of the church and congregation.

later after the morning service. Entrance is free, donations are however welcome.

Text & Image: Editorial Desk

Over the past years Heritage Western Cape has, through this public participation process, declared various Provincial Heritage Sites across the province, including the Rex Trueform building in Salt River, the site of the Trojan Horse massacre in Athlone, the Kaaimans River Bridge in Wilderness

and Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.

Minister Marais said: “Our province is privileged with the diverse and important tangible and intangible heritage that we have. Our heritage is unique and precious, and it cannot be renewed, therefore it is very important that we preserve and protect it to ensure that it is still here to serve future generations by facilitating healing, spiritual wellbeing and economic growth. I call on all people of our province to help us identify these assets to that we can ensure they are protected.”

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, would like to encourage members of the public to nominate heritage resources in the Western Cape as Provincial Heritage Sites. The process of nominations is facilitated through Heritage Western Cape, which is the public entity tasked with preserving and promoting heritage in the province. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate resources that have a particular meaning to their culture, memory and lived experiences. These sites should, amongst other values, either have aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or technological heritage significance. For the full set of criteria and the process for application, members of the public may consult the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999.

To find out more about the nomination criteria, please go to: https://bit.ly/3l0Jlzn

Nomination forms can be downloaded at: https:// bit.ly/3WNDAm4 Nominations close on 31 March 2023.

Text: Editorial Desk

The Voëlvlei Dam during the previous drought cycle.

2023 FLF Dates and New Patron Membership Announced

Franschhoek will again be transformed into a literary hub from Friday 19th - Sunday 21st May 2023, when the Franschhoek Literary Festival celebrates its 16th year since inception.

Running for three days, a content-rich programme packed with informal discussions, lively debates, insightful conversations and inspired talks will bring together a cross-section of South African and international authors.

Now, festival-goers have even more time and space to fully embrace the spirit of the weekend.

The Franschhoek Literary Festival is excited to announce a new patron package that has been added to the membership programme.

Patron members are eligible for a Gold Pass, giving them free access to all sessions, subject to availability.

The programme is also sent to them two days before bookings open to patrons and members – which means that they have additional time to consider the programme carefully and build a unique Festival experience suited to their own interests. A concierge service removes all the fuss out of ticket arrangements, and members’ names are also added to the patron board on the FLF website.

The standard annual membership offers its members priority booking one week before bookings open to the public. Members, who receive a 15% discount on all festival events, also have free access to all recorded sessions and are automatically entered into the annual lucky draw.

“The popularity of the festival means that sessions are booked out quickly - especially the key sessions,” explains Festival Director Elitha van der Sandt. “So it’s a huge benefit for patrons and members to be able to book in advance.”

Patrons will receive the programme on 8th March 2023, advanced booking for members open on 10th March 2023, while public bookings open on 17th March 2023.

“We’ve also introduced membership programme gift vouchers,” says van der Sandt, “because the exciting rewards make it an ideal birthday or special occasion gift for lovers of literature.”

Importantly, supporting the Membership Programme also makes a significant contribution to the Franschhoek Literary Festival CSI initiative, Franschhoek Reading.

It enables us to fund and maintain the FLF school

Browsing for reading matter at FLF 2022

libraries at four primary schools in the Franschhoek Valley and expand our school libraries project to high schools,” explains van der Sandt.

To date, the Franschhoek Reading programme has donated over R1.7 million and put more than 7 500 books into local primary schools, established regular weekly library lessons for 65 classes, and continues to positively influence the reading experience of at least 3 000 learners each year.

The membership programme also assists in providing a platform for new voices, attracting new audiences and curating a more culturally diverse literary experience and enables the festival to celebrate and host some of the greatest contemporary authors and thought leaders from South Africa, Africa and the world.

“We’d like to say a special thank you to our founding sponsor, Porcupine Ridge, whose ongoing support kept Franschhoek Reading libraries going during COVID,” says van der Sandt, “and to News 24, Spier Arts Trust, Exclusive Books, Jonathan Ball Publishers, Pan Macmillan, NB Publishers and Investec who helped to sponsor the revival of the Franschhoek Literary Festival after a three year hiatus.”

Vist flf.co.za for details about the Membership Programme and to purchase the Franschhoek Literary Festival Gift Vouchers.

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Text: Editorial Desk | Image: FLF

Wine Tram Raises R200k for Charities

Annually the Franschhoek Wine Tram makes a donation for each ticket stub deposited throughout each year by passengers into one of the charity boxes located at its Franschhoek and Groot Drakenstein Terminals. For the year 2022, a total of R160 000 was raised from ticket stubs for four local non-profit organisations.

With the launch of the Wine Tram’s new Christmas event, The Festival of Lights, a further R40 000 was raised for The Kusasa Project and FRANCO, two charities that support underprivileged children in the Franschhoek community. Echoing the Kusasa Project mission statement - ‘It’s all about the kids!’ - this was most definitely the Wine Tram team’s motivation behind the addition of this exciting annual event to the Franschhoek calendar.

For 2022, the two charities that received a donation of R40 000 each are ACVV, providing social work and child protection services for children and the elderly, and SPCA Franschhoek, providing a place of safety and care for abused, distressed and abandoned animals.

The two charities that received a donation of R60 000 each are The Kusasa Project, which provides a Grade 0 – 4 academy for disadvantaged children from the area, and FRANCO (Franschhoek Resource And Network Coordinating Organization), which provides funding, education and training programmes to create equal opportunity for growth and success. Giving back to the local community is a big part of the Wine Tram team’s vision. As the owner, David Blyth, says, “Our community has played a big role in the success of the Franschhoek Wine Tram, so giving back to the community by supporting these local charities is an absolute pleasure.”

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Shaun Havenga

The annual Franschhoek Wine Tram Charity Handover. FLTR: Tzilka Watson and Raffaella Corrias (FRANCO), Marianne van der Merwe (ACVV), Debbie Blyth and Bella (Franschhoek Wine Tram), Erika McCormack and Inspector Lily Constable (Franschhoek SPCA), Doug Gurr and Marie-Louise Raymond (The Kusasa Project), David Blyth (Franschhoek Wine Tram MD).

Groot drakenstein Games club

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

Franschhoek Cellar Chenin Blanc 2022

Named after the old mill houses that were once famous landmarks in the Valley, this Chenin Blanc features fleshy peach and pineapple aromas supported by a bright burst of citrus and some leesy intrigue.

Cellar door price: R80

T 0218762086 E fhccellardoor@dgb.co.za

Franschhoek Cellar’s Nectarine Salad

Ingredients

1 fleshy Nectarine, sliced into segments

¼ Red pepper (julienne)

¼ Yellow Pepper (julienne)

¼ Carrot (julienne)

5 Cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

Cucumber (thickly sliced and then quartered)

Feta or Buffalo mozzarella (which ever you prefer)

Mixed greens of your choice

Balsamic and Olive Oil to taste.

Method

Prepare all your fruit and vegetables as to your taste. Toss through your mixed greens and season

Cellar Chat

Mark Tanner

Last Christmas I picked up a statistic from The Champagne Council (Comite Interprofessional du Vin du Champagne) saying that this sector of the market is expected to deliver about 331 million bottles this year and it’s not enough.

Usually, production is as much as 338 million bottles, but thanks to the pandemic production has been lower. Like other businesses, Champagne (and I refer to the real stuff) has fallen behind and producers were actually rationing deliveries before St Valentine’s Day. The global increase in demand, they say, has created “market tensions”. Stocks are “very low” and there just isn’t enough to sell.

Interestingly, or should I say ‘understandably’?, the USA is the largest importer of Champagne, with the UK coming second. Then, in decreasing order, comes Japan, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and China making up the top 10. And guess what? The USA imbibers have more than made up for the collapse of the Russian market.

While I applaud the product and appreciate its versatility (it goes with ice cream and chocolate)

sweetish aperitif made by the addition of brandy to unfermented grape juice – usually Ugni Blanc. It must spend a year in wood and be between 16 and 22 per cent alcohol.

The story they tell, like so many, is of a local farmer who needed every possible barrel for a bumper harvest. He found an overlooked barrel in a corner of his cellar that held some old cognac to which grape juice had accidentally been added. Presto! Pineau was born. I very much appreciate an aperitif or digestif and Pineau de Charantes hits the spot. There used to be a producer in Rawsonville that made a local variety but it no longer does, it seems. Pity, it was really very good.

Getting back to France and the real stuff...

The Union des Maisons de Champagne identify 370 Houses that make the “Grande Marques”, the most prestigious wines.

to taste with balsamic and olive oil. The perfect summer salad to accompany any braaied meats, roasted chicken and grilled fish.

T 0218762086 E fhccellardoor@dgb.co.za

I have never really been a devoted fan... Some years ago, while in France, I made an obligatory pilgrimage to Moët & Chandon but ended up getting more excited with a drink called Pineau de Charantes from the region of Cognac. This is a

I was surprised to learn just how many labels come from that magic region of Reims/Epernay where some 14 000 growers supply grapes to the various Champagne houses. A partial list contains 29 of the best-known lables. These include Krug, Mumm, Taittinger (007’s favourite) Bollinger and Pol Roger (Winston Churchill) and other names we all know well. Ayla, Henriot, Salon and Irray could be some of the lesser known. The whole Champagne industry provides a very complex journey from vineyard to bottle, too labyrinthine to cover in the space available. The winner? The most prestigious? The benchmark of bubbles goes to Moët & Chandon, or simply ‘Moët’ who own the Dom Perignon label, after Dom Perignon, the Benedictine monk (1638 to 1715) who supposedly started it all.

6 bottles of the featured wine!

SHARF was founded by Juani Beukes, Bettina Juling and Abi Norbury in 2018 to assist the Franschhoek community with animal rescue, welfare and veterinary assistance.

We strive to bring relief to abused and neglected animals, and to stop uncontrolled breeding and misconceived animal care through various interventions.

We’re a registered NPO and can issue Section 18A donation certificates. Over the next few months we’ll highlight various aspects of our activities.

A Bountiful Grape Harvest

February and March are significant months for winemakers and wine drinkers alike: they form the harvest season in the Winelands. Viticulturists and wine lovers will know that harvesting conditions determine the quality and flavour of each grape cultivar. It so happens that the conditions accompanying 2023’s harvest season have been conducive to a highquality vintage. Thus, Franschhoek waits with bated breath to discover what this vintage will taste like. Here are some harvest observations from local winemakers:

Craig McNaught, from Stony Brook, says that “While the 2023 harvest is really only beginning at Stony Brook, it has started with a bang. Many of our varieties have ripened at very similar times, which causes some logistical headaches in the cellar, but the quality is looking superb. On the red side, we’ve only harvested Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo so far, but if I were to put money on it, I would say we can expect an epic red wine vintage from 2023.”

DP Burger, from GlenWood Vineyards, says “We are effectively halfway through the 2023 harvest which is roughly 10 to 14 days earlier than the 2022 vintage. The white grapes, especially the Chardonnay, were approximately 30-40% lighter than in 2022 but showed probably the best analyses and quality I have seen in many past vintages. Although we are halfway through in 3 weeks, the remainder of the crop is essentially ready for harvest and the next 10 days will be extremely testing with Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon all ready for the cellar. Excellent vintage at this point.”

Tim Hoek, from Haute Cabrière, says that “It appears to be quite an early, condensed vintage so we anticipate all the grapes will need to be harvested in a short timeframe for optimal fruit. With that in mind, I’m expecting long days in the vineyards and cellar with short nights of sleep during the peak of it. The Pinot Noir grapes are looking especially phenomenal this year.”

Since conditions vary considerably - even across vineyard blocks - winemakers are faced with unique parameters within which to vinify each cultivar optimally. The time at which they choose to harvest depends on the desired style. Indeed, timing is everything, since ripening is dependent on sunlight, water, temperatures, elevation and aspect. This differs between wine farms; hence the different characteristics associated with each farm’s wines. Winemakers truly are engaged in a dedicated and precise process – both art and science – that yields the vinous elixir that our valley

is synonymous with.

While the harvest was in full swing, wine industry people also found time to participate in a joyous occasion. 2 February is regarded as the birthday of the South African wine industry. Jan van Riebeeck pronounced on the same day over 360 years ago: “Today, praise be to God, wine was pressed from Cape grapes for the first time.” And so it was that wine would become an integral part of South African history. As part of the celebrations, a Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is held each year at Groot Constantia Wine Estate. This is a beautiful formal blessing of the year’s harvest, recognising all involved in the winemaking process. So, in your own capacity, you are invited to raise your glass to the industry’s 364th birthday!

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Danielle Comer – Unsplash

Pinot Noir grapes heading for the cellar.

Remodelling the World in Miniature

Rosemarie Evans of Franschhoek village owns an incredible collection of 1/12th miniature furniture, most of which she has hand-crafted with great meticulousness. Rosemarie’s passion for crafting antique furniture in miniature is perhaps best attributed to her love of precision and ‘doing things properly’ - qualities that are consistent with her career in information technology (IT), fundamentally concerned with creativity and problem-solving.

Thoughts From My Kitchen

Chantal Lascaris

Who hasn’t been on a diet?

I bet we all have, with varying degrees of success –a great success for the diet’s promoter, less success for the rest of us.

You can get a lot out of a diet, including all the things you can do without such as added cholesterol, additional rolls around the waist, shaky hands and sweaty palms. What you really want are healthy meals that leave you feeling good.

There is one diet that’s good for you. It’s not actually a diet, but more a way of eating and a lifestyle. It’s called the Mediterranean Diet. It’s surprisingly easy to follow, especially here in the Cape as we have a similar climate to many of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea. This means that we have similar foods available to us locally.

It’s not fancy food; originally it was considered peasant food, so it’s good and wholesome and the cooking techniques are simple. Ingredients that make up a typical Mediterranean meal are close to nature and seasonal, so they’re enjoyed at their tastiest and healthiest.

make perfect snacks.

• Replace butter with olive oil: Flavourful olive oils can be used as a dipping sauce instead of processed dips and sauces. Olive oil should be the predominant fat you consume.

• Use herbs and spices to flavour food: Salt is a very unhealthy way of flavouring food. Rather switch to herbs, spices and garlic to add a delicious taste to your dishes. Herbs also have many health benefits.

• Limit red meat: Limit your intake of red meat to once or twice a week, also ensuring that it’s as lean as possible.

• Eat fish and poultry: They’re high in protein and low in saturated fat. Just remember to ensure the fish is sustainable.

• Drink red wine (optional): A glass of wine a day can aid digestion, but remember, moderation is key.

• Exercise regularly: The easiest way to support the fitness habit is to walk more. Try parking your car further away from the shopping centre entrance. Take the stairs instead of the lift.

So avid is she, that she has travelled over many years to Castine (Maine, USA) for classes and has studied different miniature collections in Chicago and the United Kingdom. In Birmingham in the UK, she sold her miniature creations. She has also given classes of her own – mostly in Johannesburg and the Western Cape – and has been commissioned to produce specific items of personal significance. The process is painstaking and is only for those with considerable patience. Seeking out the plans for specific pieces of furniture is the first step, and then accurately scaling down the measurements by a factor of twelve. Following that, it is the pursuit of suitable materials that allows her to bring the piece into being. This can require the importation of materials from abroad. Sourcing materials locally can require obscure contacts. She has for example been able to make miniature ostrich skin handbags from small offcuts obtained from a professional leather artist. Finally, the crafting process requires delicate skills and machinery –similar to that employed by life-sized furniture manufacturers. This includes carpentry, upholstery,

and even embroidery on a miniature scale.

Remodelling furniture in miniature often offers curious lessons in the history of these objects. Rosemarie has modelled her miniatures after many different styles, including more modern furniture, always gaining insight into the stories that accompany these pieces. Her favourite is the Georgian style, lending her pieces a delicate quality.

Rosemarie’s dedication to her hobby has been hugely rewarding for her and has led her down some interesting avenues. Locally, she has been commissioned to model, in miniature, Boekenhoutskloof’s famous label featuring seven chairs, each one representing one of the founders of the wine estate (captured in the accompanying image). Each chair is fashioned to its original 18th or 19th-century Cape style.

Craftsmanship such as Rosemarie’s offers her opportunities to create, explore, travel, and learn in a unique and focused way. There is so much to be said about following one’s passion – as miniature as it may be.

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Supplied

In the past, eating seasonally was the only way people could eat. Nowadays, it’s the only way we should eat; for our own good and the good of the planet. Countless studies have shown that this traditional diet helps reduce type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure while bringing down elevated levels of cholesterol – all chronic health problems in South Africa.

Sunshine cuisine includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, brown rice, white meat and fish. There is a strong emphasis on good fats such as olive oil and nuts. All these products are readily available in South Africa.

Happily, it’s also an affordable way to eat. In many Mediterranean dishes beans or lentils are the main source of protein and serving plants and whole grains is less expensive than serving packaged or processed food.

Here are my top tips for following this way of eating:

• Eat more plant-based foods: A large part of every meal should consist of fruits and vegetables. Switch to wholegrain bread, pasta and rice. Nuts

• Share meals with others: Sharing a meal is perfect for family bonding and reducing stress.

FREE

Please

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)

It’s a Lifestyle, Not a Diet

The famous ‘Boekenhoutskloof chairs’ in one-twelfth scale.

Tatler

Motoring

Road Tripping The Mercedes Of Minibuses

A minibus is an absolute essential for a road trip. Or so we decided when it worked out that we had a Mercedes-Benz V 300 d on fleet, just when we needed it most.

It proved a dream test. We set off on a late, if hardearned break, through the Karoo and up to the Wild Coast and lived every possible driving environment in this fine executive bus. South Africa is a still stunning place. What better way to experience the best of it, than in this limousine bus?

The Mercedes of Minibuses Fits the Bill

Whether it was gliding down Route 62 oblivious of the heat outside, exploring a road with no name’s port secrets en route to a splendid overnight hideaway, V 300 d did it all in the literal lap of luxury. Then it really came into its own buzzing about the beach resort, driving, just to drive and heading out for a splendid lunch or three.

Our slick silver bus looked the part. Those smart Intelligent LED headlights even adapt to oncoming traffic to leave you to drive on high beam. Striking 10-spoke 19-inch light alloys have pressure monitoring. 19-inch wheels on a bus? Yup, you

MARQUETTE

In the late-1920s, a number of American automobile manufacturers, especially GM, were on a mission to produce ‘companion cars’ to some of their established brands. On 1 June 1929, Buick introduced the Marquette, which was aimed at bridging the price gap between Buick and Oldsmobile. It was not the first automobile to carry the name but was without doubt the most successful, albeit for a very short period.

Billed as a 1930 model with prices ranging from $990 to $1 060, a six-model range of cars was offered. The marketing effort was strong and press reaction was positive. The herringbone-pattern radiator grille was immediately highlighted as the car’s most distinctive feature. On the day of the launch, The Literary Digest wrote, “In appearance, the Marquette expresses the tempo of the age without conforming to an accepted pattern. In

YAMAHA AG175

The motorcycle plays an important commercial role in society, witness the massive increase of small-capacity machines running around delivering online orders for instance. Some 40 years ago it might only have been the butcher or the chemist having an order or prescription dropped off, whereas today these little bikes are everywhere. But there are other places in society where the motorcycle is often overlooked, and this is in humanitarian aid and agricultural sectors. These purpose-built machines had to combine the ruggedness of a foot-up trail bike, have the flexibility of city delivery motorcycle or scooter, be not too difficult to ride plus have a good load carrying capacity. They were usually light, easy to manoeuvre, economical to run and

heard that right! The handsome V 300 d perfectly fits the bill as the Mercedes of minibuses.

V300 d Has it All. And Then Some

To say V 300 d has it all and then some is another understatement of note. A 2019 restyle and refresh brought enhanced luxury and exclusivity. The streamlined cockpit gained elegant new upholstery and turbine air vents as part of its advances. That had hardly gone down before Merc added this latest, powerful four-pot V 300 d turbodiesel to the mix.

Front occupants are spoiled in S Class splendor. Everything is rendered in typical avant-garde Mercedes style. You want for nothing in there. V 300 d packs Mercedes-Benz MBUX ‘My Mercedes’ 10.25 inch touchscreen Infotainment with CarPlay, Bluetooth and Mercedes-Benz hard-disk navigation.

V 300 d the Lap of Luxury Under a Panoramic Roof

Add top-drawer multichannel Burmeister 16-speaker surround sound. It even has integrated voice amplification to ensure that the driver and front passenger can comfortably converse with the rear passengers. All under a neat double rear panoramic roof.

Two climatised black leather command chairs pamper middle row passengers with reclining ability and back massage. With armrests both sides and a centre console drinks cooler, they’re served by tabletops that fold out of the front seat backs. Far easier than those picnic tables all the rage in this neck of the woods.

So Many Special Little V 300 d Touches

Anyway, our V 300 d also had auto-opening

power sliding rear doors with child locks. The boot is proper, too. Closed by a remote power tailgate, it has an easy-pack shelf. The shelf really is a boon that allows you to store and pack smaller items into a pair of collapsible boxes with great ease and in reasonable security.

Powerful and efficient, the 176 kW 500 Nm twolitre four-cylinder OM654 turbodiesel has a 30 Nm overboost. Turning Merc’s tried and trusted paddle shifting 9G-Tronic automatic with Dynamic Select, it switches between comfort and sport as seamlessly as it shifts gears.

A Hoot to Drive With a Little Verve

V 300 d runs and performs as impressively as you’d expect from a Mercedes – like a dream! We were impressed to record a nine second 0-100km/ h run. Overtaking agility is properly elastic for a two-ton plus bus. Performance was considerably better than anticipated and it’s a hoot to drive with a bit of spunk.

Economy is another V 300 d plus. We averaged 8.2 litres per hundred in a fair bit of mixed driving, and over 1,000 km on the open road. That’s better than claimed; despite a load that grew and grew with wine boxes, trinkets, and acquisitions as we progressed. All gobbled up by that voluminous V cabin and boot.

Very Little to Fault on Merc’s V 300 d

The V 300 d doesn’t miss a safety trick. It gets full Driver Assist with Distronic Cruise, Pre-Safe, Lane Keeping, Blind Spot and Active Brake, as well

every phase of performance, it demonstrates abilities that set it apart entirely from all cars of comparable price. In basic value, it embodies the added margin that Buick’s experienced craftsmanship and great production facilities make possible”.

Built on GM’s B-platform, the Marquette was powered by a slightly modified 3 487cc Oldsmobile six-cylinder, the only Buick-built car to have a side-valve engine. The motor developed 50 kW at 3 000 r/min and 198 N.m of torque at a low 1 200. The engine fires up with a healthy rumble, and even sounds powerful. Mated with a sliding-gear three-speed gearbox with a floor gearshift, the Marquette was quite a performer in its day.

The gleaming red Marquette Sport Roadster that is part of the FMM collection is a superb example of the marque. Even though its looks are typical of the period, the painted grille is certainly eye-catching. With spare wheels carried in each front fender and a massive

very simple to repair.

FMM recently acquired one such machine, a lovingly restored 1978 Yamaha AG175 that came from a game farm in the mountains of Graaff Reinet. The AG175 forms part of a line of trail/agricultural-inspired motorcycles to make their way to South Africa from Japan in the early 1980s. The 175cc model made its appearance in 1976 and remained in production until the mid-1990s before being replaced by the current Yamaha AG range.

The AG175 has a double-cradle tubular steel frame housing a basic, single-cylinder 2-stroke engine making 8,6 kW @ 6 500 r/min and 12,8 N.m of torque. Front suspension is by telescopic forks with a 21-inch front wheel and a cable-operated drum brake. The rear suspension features simple, dual, manuallyadjustable shocks along with a steel tubular

boot box mounted at the rear, its profile is far from streamlined, even less so when the dickey-seat – a tight fit for two – is erect. However, interior space is reasonable for average-sized people.

as Active Crosswind, High beam and Attention Assistants. Add a 360 degree camera, driver and codriver front and thorax, front window, A to B and B to D pillar airbags.

It stars on luxury. We found very little to fault on this bus of buses. If you’re looking to shuttle up to seven people in the absolute lap of luxury, there are a few compromises you can make. But what the hell, why not go the whole hog and get the real thing? We did. It made our road trip adventure all that much more of a pleasure…

ROAD TESTED:

Mercedes-Benz V 300 d Avantgarde AMG Line

176 kW 500 Nm 2-litre turbodiesel I4

9-speed Automatic RWD

MARCH NEWS

When put up, the folding hood is low and care is needed to duck under the outer rails when getting in or out. But the seat and driving position are comfortable enough and the floor and footwell is flat. Given the basic nature of the suspension, ride quality is also good, and the mechanical duo-servo drum brakes are well up to their job once given a firm push on the pedal.

However, due to the Great Depression that began with the US stock market crash in October 1929, Buick’s management did not feel that enough Marquettes were being sold

swing arm and an 18-inch wheel. Front and rear brakes are cable-operated drums. The AG175 could reach a speed of 90 km/h.

The single seat is broad and very comfortable. The extras are all based on getting a job done i.e. the loading of equipment or even animals … yes, livestock and pets! Standard on all AG models were the unmistakable sable grip protectors for riding and navigating through

VISITING FMM

to warrant the extra burden on the bottom line given the depressed state of the economy, and the brand was abruptly shut down. It was a sad case of what might have been. FMM’s example is one of the finest around –a classic vintage American automobile with a short-lived yet fascinating background. It is on display in Hall A.

gates, rocky ravines or wooded areas etc. The front carrier was originally intended to carry smaller items such as books, maps and charts. Even with all the extra equipment, the dry weight of the motorcycle is only 108 kg. These tiny workhorses that make deliveries day and night, travel tens of thousands of kilometres on the roughest roads on the planet.

FMM’s opening time are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 18h00 (last admittance 17h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00). Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R80 adults, R60 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R40 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. The famed FMM Pitstop Deli is open throughout the visiting hours.

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

Working together is motivational and a powerful way to innovate.

I facilitated a strategy workshop last month for a division of a big mining group. I have worked in the mining industry for a long time and have come to expect certain behaviours and characteristics.

I love being surprised. Especially when the surprise is as pleasant as it is surprising!

This group certainly gave me pause for thought this past week. Not only about the work we

were engaged in but also about so many of the inaccurate perceptions and beliefs we have about our country, about its people and mostly about what is possible and what is not.

One of the perceptions that persist is that the mining industry is an industry that is conservatively stuck in the past.

The thirty-five people from all corners of the country and its many cultures gave lie to this perception!

Here was a thoroughly diverse group of managers who were focussed on only one thing and that was the improvement of the business in which they operate. There were no visible divisions, no in-group, or special clique; just a group of people working as a closely-knit team with the single-minded purpose of making things better for everyone.

Of course, this did not happen overnight but with

vehicles for business purposes.

• Employees may also be entitled to claim a reduction on the fringe benefit in respect of business kilometres travelled in a company car.

Without a Logbook, You Will Not Be Able to Claim a Travel Deduction.

(Sars Travel Logbook 2022/23)

Even while recovering from the economic impact of COVID and facing the challenges of power blackouts, businesses and their employees are also contending with the costs of travel that have reached historic highs. Thankfully, expenses related to business travel can be deducted from taxable income. Taxpayers should prioritise maximising the available tax deductions by ensuring they can claim for every actual business travel-related expense.

To claim any business travel expenses, it is compulsory to keep an accurate and up-todate SARS-compliant logbook for each vehicle. In addition, there are other tax implications related to travel expenses, travel allowances and travel reimbursements, some of which are briefly highlighted below.

Claiming the business travel deduction – fast facts

• Businesses can claim business travel expenses incurred in the production of income.

• Employees who receive a travel allowance can claim a deduction for the use of their private

• To claim any travel deduction, an accurate, upto-date logbook detailing all business kilometres travelled is required. SARS accepts electronic logbooks.

• There is no deduction allowed for private travel, which is any travel not for business purposes, such as travelling between home and work.

• In addition to a logbook, taxpayers who want to claim actual travel expenses should keep accurate records and proof of all travel expenses, such as fuel and maintenance, incurred during the year.

• A separate logbook and records must be kept for each vehicle used for business purposes.

• SARS reserves the right to query and audit the content or information recorded in any logbook by the taxpayer.

• Logbooks and other records must be kept for at least five years as taxpayers may be required to submit them to SARS for verification of travel claims.

How to claim a business travel tax deduction

• Record the vehicle’s odometer reading on the first day of a tax year (1 March for individuals and also for companies).

• Maintain the logbook all year – SARS requires the following minimum information for every single business trip: date of travel; kilometres travelled; and travel details including where the

The Chamber’s Choice

Cervin Jefthas

Cervin Jefthas is worthy of the community’s admiration. He is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit that stems from an inherently businessminded individual who, in the face of adversity, leans towards opportunities when he sees them. Leaving school early at the age of 16, he was driven to find innovative ways to provide for a family.

Cervin’s first business was a tuck shop in Groendal, followed by a take-away shop, where he learnt a great deal about budgeting, product development and customer service. He has also worked in construction, observing the workings of the property development industry.  Equipped with invaluable skills and knowledge, and recognising the need to ‘make money work for him’, he has discovered ways to use capital more productively. That is why Cervin has moved

into property development, land ownership, and rentals, where, he says, ‘value is more stable’. He has built and owns apartments in Groendal, as well as the property where his tuck shop continues to operate. Most recently, he has purchased a club in Groendal – Club le Roux – which he plans to develop into a safe and friendly space, offering entertainment and enhancing its menu.

Cervin sites his uncle as a great inspiration to him on his journey towards personal and business success. He observed his uncle use determination, savvy, and hard work to navigate harsh circumstances with grace. An optimistic and cheerful character, he believes that success is made, in equal parts, of hard work and remaining true to yourself and your personal strengths.

Cervin, local entrepreneur and property developer, can be contacted on (078) 085-5937, or emailed at cervinjefthas68@gmail.com for more information about his business, Cervin General Tradings.

a clear vision of what they wanted and the dogged determination to make it happen slowly, step by step the new reality began to unfold. This is a tough industry to work in. The environmental conditions challenge the people every day. Keeping people safe is a continual essential mission and it requires the conscious commitment of every soul. One wrong step can easily result in an injury or worse. These people do not work in a calm, quiet environment with nice lighting, a handy coffee machine and air conditioners that keep things at just the right working temperature. No. This is a tough environment – hot, noisy, dangerous, hi-tech, constantly changing and very competitive.

And yet this team of managers worked together harmoniously and with the single-minded purpose to improve working conditions, ramp up

trip started, the destination and the reason for the trip. It is not necessary to record details of private travel.

• Keep records of all related travel expenses such as fuel, oil, repairs and maintenance, car licence, insurance, vehicle tracking costs, wear-and-tear, and finance charges or lease costs to claim the actual travel costs incurred.

• Record your motor vehicle’s closing odometer reading on the last day of the applicable tax year (end of February for individuals and also for many companies). The difference between the opening odometer reading and the closing odometer reading equals the total kilometres (business and private) travelled for the full year.

• Calculate the total business kilometres for the year using the detailed logbook.

• The travel deduction can then be calculated in one of two ways:

• (A) Use the cost scale table supplied and updated annually by SARS, if you have not kept an accurate record of all travel expenses – the table simply provides a rate per kilometre based on the value of the vehicle, or (B) calculate the claim based on actual costs incurred, determined by the accurate records and proof of all business travel expenses during the year, in addition to the logbook. Tax implications to beware of:

• If an employee receives a travel allowance, 80% of the travel allowance must be included when calculating PAYE. This percentage is reduced to 20%, where the employer is satisfied that at least

the efficiency of the plant, improve the skills of the workforce and generally do their very best to engage each member of that workforce in this process of improvement and development. It is a big ask. But it is not one that they shied away from. Instead, they have embraced the challenge and made it the core and focus of their collective vision of the future.

The entire point of sharing this story is that we will always be much better working together towards clearly enunciated and effectively communicated goals. Surely, we can do this in every corner of our country, in every business, every community. We do not need misguided, self-centred politicians to help us do this. We must just get on with it. There is much to do!

tony@siroccostrategy.com

80% of the motor vehicle use during the tax year will be for business purposes.

• However, if there is any underpayment of PAYE on the travel allowance due to incomplete or incorrect information, the employer is liable for any shortfall.

• Fuel costs can only be claimed if the employee pays the full cost of fuel used in the vehicle, and similarly, maintenance costs can only be claimed if the employee carries the full cost of maintaining the vehicle, for example, if the vehicle is covered by a maintenance plan.

• Where a travel allowance or advance is based on the actual distance travelled by the employee for business purposes (reimbursive travel allowance), it is non-taxable (i.e. no employee’s tax must be deducted) provided that two criteria are met: the rate per kilometre is not higher than the rate published by SARS, and no other compensation in the form of an allowance or reimbursement (except parking or toll fees) is received in respect of the vehicle.

• If the two criteria mentioned above are NOT met, the reimbursive travel allowance is taxable and employees’ tax must be deducted from any amount that exceeds the prescribed rate per kilometre. To maximise the tax deductions related to business travel, make sure that an accurate and up-to-date SARS-compliant logbook is kept current for each vehicle and each employee with a travel allowance, and that you consult with your accountant to understand the many tax implications for all concerned before making decisions regarding business travel.

The year is still young with prospect of new things to come.  Fleur de Lis is ready to take them on with a positive mindset and lots of energy.

Namens ons bestuur wil ons sommer wegval en groot waardering uitspreek aan elke persoon, besigheid, plaas en klub van wie ons soveel skenkings ontvang. Elke vrug of groente, toiletware, items wat dalk nie meer gebruik word en finansiële skenkings word met soveel waardering ontvang. Sonder elkeen se hulp sou ons nie instaat wees om die beste vir ons inwoners te gee nie.  We would also like to thank every Fleur de Lis employee for the amazing work they are doing. We know it is not always easy. We also want to say a special thanks to Anita Gouws, chairman of Fleur de Lis, who always makes time for Fleur de Lis and puts in so many hours to help make sure things run smoothly.

Our yearly Amakierie-kierie sport festival, is taking place on 3 March. Make a note to join in this amazing event, where Fleur-de-Lis competes against some other retirement homes in fun games. It’s a lovely

Hospice News

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Franschhoek Hospice started the year in a wonderful way with our Fab Lunch held at the Domaine des Anges clubhouse. Guests were seated in the magnificent garden, under the shady oaks trees. They enjoyed a most delicious lunch, consisting of an Asian fishcakes starter, followed by SMITTEN chicken curry and delicious desserts. Thank you to the residents of Domaine des Anges for their donation of the clubhouse for this event.

day to spend with family and friends under the trees in front of the church. There’ll be take-aways and entertainment.  See you there!

Daar is tans ‘n woonstel beskikbaar, indien enige iemand sou belangstel. Kom kyk gerus, die woonstelle is oorgedoen en lyk soos nuwe woonhede. Daar is ook kamers binne beskikbaar. Kontak gerus die kantoor, 021 876 2411, kom stap deur en kom skryf u naam op as u wil deel raak van die Fleur de Lis familie.  Ons sien uit om u te verwelkom.

OBITUARY David Walters

David Walters, one of our country’s master potters, most recently moved to Newlands Village in Cape Town, but lived and worked in Franschhoek for over twenty years.

He was born in Durban in 1950 and matriculated in the class of ’68 from Hilton College, where he was known as Taffy. He graduated in 1974 with his wife Michelle from the Fine Arts Department of Natal University (Pietermaritzburg) where they both majored in Ceramics.

David’s flair for finding old buildings with good bones, where they could establish a pottery studio, showroom and home, began in 1984 with the restoration of the 1840 wood-and-iron grinding mill and water wheel at Caversham on the Lions River in Kwazulu Natal.

A year later David, together with several local resident craftspeople, founded The Midlands Meander. This craft route is now well established and has economically uplifted everyone in the area. Serious flooding in 1987 swept away the mill and the wheel and roared through their home. This, the political situation at the time and the chance to offer their learning disabled son, James, better opportunities, sent the family to live in England.

They began the business again in The Particular Baptist Chapel at Kenninghall in Norfolk, creating The Particular Pottery, and converted the 1794 agricultural timber black barn on the property into a home.

After a successful ten year career, David and his family returned to South Africa. He oversaw the restoration of one of Franschhoek’s oldest Victorian buildings – Roubaix House (dated pre 1910) to create a home, pottery studio and gallery. David became a committee member of the Franschhoek Tourism Association and was responsible for marketing the arts sector. His skilled throwing demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, their gallery openings and lively “pop-up” feasts at the long studio table with friends and guests, became sought-after village events.

porcelain dinnerware for restaurants and local chefs including Reuben Riffel, David Higgs and Camil Haas. Many of his bespoke dinner services were shipped to customers all over the world.

Together with Christopher Duigan of Music Revival, David presented classical music concerts regularly in the Dutch Reformed Church and helped raise money to buy a piano for the community.

David was recognized as a Cape Craft Icon and a Fellow of Ceramics SA.

Top Geographer

A huge thank you to our sponsors of the day, SMITTEN, Three Streams Smokehouse, Mont Rochelle, The Franschhoek Farm, Stony Brook Vineyards, Holden Manz, Two in a Bush, Basem, Rina Lotter, Heather Nolting, La Cotte Farm, Red Carpet Productions and the NG Kerk.

endless energy makes it all happen!

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

The staff and volunteers who worked many hours on the Friday and Saturday, before and after, Marelize, Pearl, Cornelia, Evelyn, Lebo, Roger, Elroy, and Alfred. A very big thank you from me, your

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

Probus Club

During this time, David produced hand thrown

Franschhoek

He also curated an annual ceramics exhibition, called “David Walters and Friends”, at the A rated national William Humphries Art Gallery in Kimberley. He leaves Michelle and their daughter Sarah (a graduate of the Norwich School of Art & Design), who are continuing David’s legacy by running The Ceramics Gallery in Newlands.

Franschhoek Leeskring

Leeskring

SUSAN MÖLLER

To Trish Heywood, our very own Hospice Photographer, thank you for always being there for hospice events.

To all our supporters who attended the lunch, thank you for your continued support.

• facilitate social contacts between young people from different countries and in doing so, contribute to the understanding between nations.

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

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

By die volgende byeenkoms van die Franschhoek Leeskring wat op 2 Maart plaasvind, bespreek Elkarien Fourie die bekroonde skrywer Etienne van Heerden se boek “Die swye van Mario Salviati”.

Navrae: 0729325393

MARK TANNER

Our February meeting with Peter Haffenden’s talk on security for the Royal Family was well attended. We have no speaker for 6 March as it is our Annual General Meeting when we elect new Committee members.

Our speaker for April is still to be confirmed. We are hoping to hear from a SAAF helicopter pilot who will explain the intricacies of air-sea rescue. More in next month’s Tatler.

What is Probus all about?

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

• 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.

Dis ‘n roman oor gierigheid en versweë skande; oor die verlede as gevangenis; oor mense wat onder hul andersheid ly. Dit is ook ‘n roman oor kunstenaarskap en oor bevryding.

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

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

• We are a-political and non-sectarian

SA’s top young geographer, Destin Bürgin.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Bridge House School

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

‘Good Life’ in Franschhoek

Gone Cycling!

Saturday evening, 11 June, community members gathered to a small but significant achievement for the South cinematic arts and a large achievement for one Franschhoek

The celebration encompassed the resident’s love of animals and love community.

Steyl rented out the Franschhoek Theatre to celebrate movie “Good Life” in plays the role of one of spitting-mad Greek women make the life of a South Greek a misery. Olive, aged by Erica Wessels) goes to unravel the secrets of parents’ lives and to get over the humiliation cheating boyfriend. A young boy of 7, the Albanian refugee, befriends her. In the

Hospice News

• 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.

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Ingi Friedlander, ‘n jong, gefrustreerde kunstenaar wat by ‘n kunsmuseum in Kaapstad werk, word gestuur om ‘n gesogte beeldhouwerk op die dorpie aan die rand van die Moordenaarskaroo te probeer koop.

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

Celebrating Bastille? Franschhoek Hospice will be selling the following items on the 16th and 17th July at the village market and main road: Berets, Red, Royal and Navy – R 50 each, Pancakes – R10 each and freshly-baked Croissants filled with smoke salmon/trout and cream cheese – R50 – available on the veranda of the town hall. Please diarise the following dates:

Tydens haar verblyf word sy geboei deur stories uit die verlede; stories oor water wat opdraand loop, oor fabelagtige rykdom uit volstruisvere, en oor Goudseput, waar die verdwene Kruger-

the sense of community that makes Franschhoek what it is.

filming. As the credits say, no children or animals were harmed in the making of the film.

Duke Coulbanis, a close Greek neighbour of Alex’s, with a calling to the Greek Orthodox Church, quips how he had to teach Alex to swear in Greek so she could appear authentically Greek. “Alex honoured me by asking me to help her with the Greek language. Not that they speak Greek in the movie, but Alex’s character needed to ‘swear under her breath’ at various people, and to add an air of authenticity, she wanted to know how to do so in Greek, and accompany it with any gestures that might be applicable.” Duke also holds the

27 August – Nik Rabinowitz presents – “Unmuted” at Leopard’s Leap – R400 per person, incudes a delicious light supper. Tickets available from the hospice office. Limited seating, 120 seats only.

15 September – Reuben Riffel Golf Day in aid of Franschhoek Hospice at Pearl Valley Golf Estate. For details call hospice office.

7 October – Uncorked – at Leopard’s Leap. An evening of fun and dancing at our fabulous Hospice Hop. R 500 pp includes a delicious meal. Limited seating, 120 seats only.

Franschhoek Hospice patients need the following please: Roll-on deodorant for males and females, soaps, dark face cloths, tooth paste and toothbrushes. Please drop off at either Hospice House or the Hospice shop. There will be a box at both places waiting to

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

ponde glo begrawe le. Sy onttrafel ook meer as een liefdesgeskiedenis, soos dié van die flambojante Meerlust Bergh en sy beeldskone Indonesiese prinses, en die hartseer verhaal van Mario Salviati en die onaansienlike Edit Aandra met haar wondermooi sangstem.

Ingi self raak bevriend met die kunstenaar Jonty Jack, wat soos ‘n kluisenaar in die berg woon. Sy ervaar ook ‘n diep aangetrokkenheid tot die doofstom Mario Salviati, die Italiaanse klipsnyer wat die groot geheim met hom dra.

Die swye van Mario Salviati loop ‘n wye, meevoerende draai- van die vroegste pioniersgeskiedenis af, deur oorloë en ontbering, die volstruisveer tydperk en die koms van Italiaanse krygsgevangenes in die Tweede Wêreldoorlog, tot by die hedendaagse Suid-Afrika.

SHARF

JUANI BEUKES

receive your generous donations. Thank you

We are halfway through 2022 and we would like to thank our wonderful volunteers who have been making sandwiches and soup for our patients so far. You have been amazing.

There are still 6 months to go until the end of the year and many more sandwiches and soup to be made! Why not lend a hand?

Thank you to the community and businesses for your continued support.

Stay safe, warm, and healthy.

Karate Tournament Success

Samurai School of Karate Franschhoek which is housed at the Franschhoek Health Club since 2010 has surfaced again. The Franschhoek karate group hosted the second BASKA

David Walters at work in his studio

Fab Lunch winners, Mr & Mrs Post

Talented cyclist and 2022 Bridge House matriculant, Tyler Lange (19), is following his dream to become a professional cyclist. He has signed for the EF Education Nippo Development Team that is based in Girona, Spain. Tyler headed off to Spain in late February and will take part in his first race for his new team in Croatia in March.

Berg River Dam Cleanup

On Saturday, 4 February, the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association’s monthly community clean-up effort returned to a previously-visited site, the Berg River Dam parking area and amphitheatre.

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers,

In past editor’s letters, I have written about studies linking social media usage/screen time to depression and anxiety and also studies that linked plants and greenery with better mental health, lower crime rates, faster recuperation from medical procedures and several other positive effects – many unexplained. Last month I came across a report about a study that, in a way, links the two aforementioned types of studies.

Bloomberg CityLab reported that researchers at the Kyoto Institute of Technology analysed almost 2 million geotagged tweets from San Francisco and London. They used neural networks to identify which emotions were being expressed while in certain places.

water body. What we do have is the Berg River Dam nearby. Combining the lessons from the tweet data with evidence on the ground, I’d say it suggests the Berg River Dam Project looks like it’s onto something good. (I hear they are close to being awarded the required leases but then I’ve been hearing that for months...)

On a related note: The Bridge House Mile is coming up on 11 March. That should bring joy to the well-prepared!

Sticking with water, I think it’s a shame that our municipality is incapable of keeping the fountain in front of the town hall operational. If they can have veritable lakes with fountains in Las Vegas, surely we can have one fountain while day zero doesn’t quite loom again yet? Perhaps it’s a case of what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?

I believe our hotels and restaurants generally do a good job of eliciting joy. They’d be out of business if they didn’t!

Caption

There was good and bad news… The good news was that the turnout was great! In addition to several regular ‘cleaners,’ there were some new faces and very good representation from Franschhoek United FC and the Franschhoek Rugby Club’s U20 players. The bad news was just how much litter had accumulated since the last clean-up in the area and the discovery that somebody had even constructed a ‘braai’ on the edge of the bone-dry fynbos veld. After pertinent enquiries were made,

the Department of Water and Sanitation indicated that they do not approve of fires being lit on their land and that the braai would be demolished. If you’d like to assist in a clean-up, watch local social media towards the end of every month for the announcement of where the next one will be. Clean-ups take place on the first Saturday of the month from 08h00 to 09h00.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Going (More) Greek

The study found that people expressed more positive emotions in places like “restaurants and parks and more negative ones in offices and sports stadiums.” The most positive emotions were associated with green and recreational spaces. Water seemed to elicit joy with swimming pools, sailing ports, coastlines and boat ramps eliciting tweets with the highest levels of joy. Tweets from restaurants and hotels also showed high levels of joy.

Other than sports stadiums and offices, transport networks also caused lots of negative emotions. According to the study: “Tweets made near train stations, bus stops and bridges congested with car traffic conveyed feelings of disgust and anger.”

“The data does have its limits. The tweets gathered were all exclusively in English, and might not be as applicable to locations with a small digital footprint. Still, researchers believe the findings could help advance the improvement of individual cities’ infrastructure. Knowing what aspects of city living elicit positive or negative reactions from its residents can provide a framework for better urban planning, like structural changes to transit hubs or adding more green spaces.”

Thinking about what might evoke positive emotions in Franschhoek some thoughts occurred. Unlike London and San Francisco, we’re not situated next to or astride a large

On the green front, compared to the Stellenbosch CBD our village looks rather like an afterthought at times. We have no beds with colourful annuals or landscaped road verges or large planters with succulents as abound in Stellenbosch. Our parks are also rather uninspiring compared to those in London and San Francisco. On the positive side, the proximity of our beautiful mountains does to some extent compensate for the shortcomings of our urban green areas and certainly does evoke positive feelings.

We certainly have our fair share of transportrelated woes. Minibus taxis are often a frustration to both commuters and other road users. Unfortunately, they are what passes as a public transport system in South Africa... The R45 into the village is also richly blessed with problems – from speeding to dangerous intersections. One of the few modes of transport that can be expected to elicit joyous tweets in Franschhoek must be the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

What brings you joy in Franschhoek? Please put it out there. We’re far too focused on the negative, let’s put some positive energy out there!

We’re welcoming a new columnist this month. Chantal Lascaris is well-known to many in the valley as, amongst others, the author of several cookbooks including the hugely-successful “All Sorts” series. She’ll regularly share her food experiences, insights, discoveries and more. Welcome to Team Tatler, Chantal!

Until next month,

Taki’s Pub & Restaurant held its more-or-less annual Greek Evening on Saturday, 11 February. The fun-filled evening certainly ticked all the requisite boxes. Greek-inspired menu? Check!

Franschhoek Wine Valley News

RUTH McCOURT

Our Franschhoek Wine Valley is a beautiful destination all year round, but March is a particularly exciting time in the valley. This is when the vineyards are bustling with activity, with harvest season in full swing. It’s a time when many hands make light work and workers tend to the fruits of the earth with great care.

Behind closed cellar doors, winemakers and cellar masters are working tirelessly to craft the exceptional wines, which our Valley Of Dreams is so renowned for. The grapes are harvested, sorted and carefully pressed to begin the process of creating the perfect wine. It’s a process that requires precision, patience and a great deal of expertise.

In the vineyards, you’ll see workers busily tending to the vines. They’ll be picking grapes, pruning in a few months time and generally keeping a close eye on the health of the vines. The Franschhoek Wine Valley is known for its exceptional quality grapes, and the workers take great pride in maintaining the highest standards.

During this busy time in the vineyards, there is a sense of camaraderie and community hanging in the air. A time for both hard work and celebration; everyone comes together, united by their love of the land and their shared passion for creating (and

(Yummy Moussaka!) Ouzo? Check! Extra plates? Check! Live Bouzouki music? Check! Pictured above are the inimitable Taki and bouzouki player, Demitri.

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

enjoying) exceptional wines.

Visitors to our picturesque slice of paradise can expect to see the valley in full swing and whether you’re a wine lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of the vineyards, March is an exciting time to visit with countless opportunities to celebrate fine living, wonderful weather and unrivalled views.  Make sure you’re making the most of these summer days and join us as we continue to support local at a time where generosity of spirit and sense of community have never been more apparent.

· 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

I love this time of year! Longer nights and cooler mornings brings some refreshment to the hot sunny days characteristic of our Mediterranean autumn. There’s even been some dew on the lawn this morning and a very dry summer has been interrupted by welcome, if unseasonal, rain this past week. Autumn is also harvest season in the Boland. This comes with a sense of abundance as seasonal workers bring in the crops and fully-laden tractor trailers fill the wine cellars and pack stores.

If you managed to maintain your garden through the summer you will be well rewarded now. Get out there and enjoy it. The autumn rose flush often beats the spring flush in our climate. Deciduous trees are slowly turning their leaves into the bronze colours of fall. Your vegetable and fruit garden should be bursting with food. Cannabis home growers will want to spend as many hours as possible staring at their flowers ripening. It is also a great time of year for pictures, make sure you take your phone along to capture those rewarding moments.

March is however not only about long garden strolls, there is quite a bit to do out there. As your fruits and vegetables are ripening garden hygiene becomes important. Pick up fallen fruit, remove damaged fruit and scout for pests and disease daily. March is a big feeding month. You want to get around a third of your yearly fertiliser requirements onto vines and summer fruit trees now. Keep an eye on the weather report and wait for a cool and rainy day to apply a few spades full of kraal manure and a cup of fertiliser around every tree. Look for a balanced fertiliser like 2:3:2 and always go for the organic options, especially in the food garden. Your lawn will love some fertiliser. It is especially important to look at higher phosphorous feeding to ensure proper root development during winter. Camellias and Azaleas can do with some high potash feeding to ensure that they hang on to their flowers in spring. Get a load of manure delivered and apply to all beds. As soon as we have had the first proper rain this can be covered by a thick layer of your preferred mulch.

Our main landscaping season starts as soon as the first rains have fallen. Start planning and preparing

for those revamps you have in mind. Autumn is the best time to establish Fynbos and other indigenous plants. Bring some colour to you winter garden by looking at the range of indigenous flower bulbs available in the garden centres now. Don’t skip the seed packets – we’ve had great effect by scattering those mixed flower pack seeds in bare patches of the garden. Beds should be well prepared with rotten manure or good compost. Dig planting holes as wide as possible – a large dish is better than a deep hole. Never plant in dry soil and water well and regularly after planting.

Your food and medicine garden will keep you busy on its own. While we are harvesting and processing the fruit of our labour, we also need to plan our winter and spring plantings. All brassicas can be started from seed now. We do these in a combination of seed trays and open ground seedbeds. The same goes for spinach, chard and lettuces. The first root crops can be sown in situ –plan for proper succession this year to avoid the glut/famine that often comes with home growing. Remember that your root crops should follow a well composted crop, but they don’t like any fresh manure or compost in the soil. Don’t hang onto spent summer vegetable plants – rather clear the beds and prepare for a green manure sowing if you don’t plan to use the bed in winter.

The farm kitchen should be a hive of activity this time of year with all the vegetables and fruit coming in. Try your hand at something new this season – I want to start experimenting with making my own cordials for instance. The internet is awash with homesteading sites and groups giving information on different fermentation and preservation methods. Food dehydration makes for a captivating kitchen hobby – a small biltong maker is inexpensive and will be a good introduction to the world of dried foods and medicine.

Happy gardening!

Rainfall Figures

Hearing Healthcare for Every Age

On 3 March every year, we acknowledge the importance of hearing healthcare, but this should not be limited to one day of the year.

Hearing forms a critical part of our development and functioning throughout our lives. As infants and children, good hearing allows us to learn language, build relationships, engage with our world and create thought patterns. It allows us to create emotional bonds with our families and friends. As we become older, it is the key to learning in the school environment, on the playground and at home. Our hearing is critical as we go on to function efficiently in the workplace and our social pursuits, be it in meetings, oneto-one conversations, training programmes and recreational activities. As we age, it is the sense that helps us stay connected with our community and family, and mentally stimulated.

Many factors affect how we use our hearing effectively. Most of us are aware that with age or ill health, our ability to hear sound efficiently can be affected. However, from infancy, conditions such as ear infections can affect hearing, which in turn affects the ability to hear and acquire language and good listening skills. Difficulties with auditory processing (how the brain deals with what the ear hears or what we often refer to as listening) affect our ability to use auditory information at any stage in our lives, making it harder to communicate effectively. Exposure to excessive noise, certain medications and genetic factors can also affect hearing at any time.

An audiologist is a professional equipped and trained to assess hearing, balance and auditory processing issues at any stage of life. Early and thorough diagnostic assessment enables the audiologist to identify the areas of difficulty and make the appropriate recommendations, whether they are medical, technological or rehabilitative, thus limiting the life-changing effects that changes in hearing and auditory processing can have.

Find out more about your and your family’s hearing health this World Hearing Day by visiting an audiologist.

Text: Heidi Allan | Image: Pexels

When did you start working at Essence Cafe and what brought you here?

I started working at Essence Café in 2016. I have worked here up to the present, except for 3 months when I worked at Burgundy Bourgogne Cottages. I started as a cleaner, as I came to work here straight out of school, seeking an opportunity to develop my skills and gain experience in the industry. How has working at Essence Café helped you develop your skills and qualities as a professional?

“I have learnt a great deal working at Essence. After working as a cleaner for my first six months, I was trained as a barista, and then as a waitress, and now I have been promoted to manager of the café. Not only can I make a great cup of coffee, I can also make a range of cocktails. I know the workings of the restaurant and its menu inside-out.

Poetic Licence

It has been a week of extremes – of local and international news, of temperatures, highs and lows. Although not by any means always bad, extremes can certainly prove uncomfortable. Much depends upon one’s circumstances, one’s point of view. And perhaps on one’s health.

The forty-degree temperatures of recent days, for example, can seem horribly oppressive, and people with respiratory difficulties must pray for relief. Yet our UK visitors, fresh from the dark and freezing depths of winter, are reveling in the heat. For them it’s a welcome escape.

They and I have just returned from another extreme – this time one of geography. We took a meandering road trip down to the southern tip of the African continent, the superbly inspiring Cape Agulhas where two oceans, the Indian and Atlantic, meet, producing some enormous winter storms and notoriously powerful ‘rogue’ waves, which can approach 30 metres in height, enough to swamp even large vessels. Extreme indeed.

For us, though, in high summer, the coast’s cooling breezes were actually a relief from the torrid weight of our local temperatures.

Through this process I have developed my people skills. I am a very calm person and this helps me to communicate clearly and work closely with my colleagues. I am also very good at handling customers, both praising and complaining. I have developed business skills and like to consider new ideas to draw in customers in.

What do you most enjoy about working at Essence?

I love working with people – whether customers or co-workers. The owners of Essence have been so kind to their employees. We really work as a team at Essence and this has made working here a pleasure.

As newly-appointed manager of Essence, what is your role in ensuring that the café is successful?

In addition to communication between staff, coordinating activities and keeping customers happy, it is my responsibility to promote our menu with specials and new products to enhance our offerings. There is scope to mix up the menu and offer our home-made mushroom and pepper sauces to accompany our excellent mains. In this way, it is my job to put Essence on the map. I also need to ensure that our customers are satisfied with their experience at all times, following up after they have received their meals and serving them

Watching the surf roll in deceptively placidly across thousands of miles of southern ocean, I found myself remembering a wonderful poem by Welsh poet Sheenagh Pugh. Featured in my 2013 international anthology called For Rhino in a Shrinking World (https://rhinoanthology.wordpress. com), it celebrates the natural world’s incredible ability to survive, and even flourish, in some of earth’s most inhospitable places:

Extremophile

Two miles below the light, bacteria live without sun, thrive on sulphur in a cave of radioactive rock, and, blind in the night of the ocean floor, molluscs that feed only on wood wait for wrecks. White tubeworms heap in snowdrifts around hydrothermal vents, at home in scalding heat. Lichens encroach on Antarctic valleys where no rain ever fell. There is nowhere life cannot take hold, nowhere so salt, so cold, so acid, but some chancer will be there, flourishing on bare stone, getting by, gleaning a sparse living from marine snow, scavenging light from translucent quartz, as if lack and hardship could do nothing but quicken it, this urge to cling on in the cracks of the world, or as if this world

sophistication of the British upper classes, despite all the Etons and Oxfords and London clubs.

Spare

By Prince Harry (Ghostwriter: J.R. Moehringer)

Publ. Bantam

402 pages

It is quite a list, and it is not even complete:

“Revenge - Meghan and Harry and The War

Between the Windsors”, by Tom Bower

“Harry: Conversations with the Prince”, by Angela Levin

“Meghan and Harry: the real story”, by Lady Colin Campbell

“Meghan – A Hollywood Princess”, by Andrew Morton

“Meghan And the Unmasking of The Monarchy”, by Andrew Morton, again

“Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Family”, by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand

How many books on Harry and Meghan can we possibly deal with?

And now we have “Spare’, by the Prince himself –ghostwritten by J.R. Moehringer. This unexpectedly well-written memoir reminds me of a satirical novel, written by Nancy Mitford in 1959, called “The Blessing”. A young high-born English lady marries a French aristocrat and goes to live with him in Paris. It all ends in tears. What Mitford (herself a member of British high society) explores here is the lack of

And yes, if there is one quality that Prince Henry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, Baron Kilkeel singularly lacks, it’s sophistication. This results in his referring to himself as Prince Harry, and creating a kind of every day “Game of Thrones” in which (amongst others) he consistently calls the heir “Willy”, the present King ”Pa”, and the late Queen Mother “Gan-Gan.”

It is also this lack of sophistication that diminishes the three-act tragedy (Childhood, Army and Meghan) that Harry tries to present to us. Far from being the tragic, troubled Prince Hamlet that he would like to be, he is far more like the simple Snout in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, which he played in a production at Eton. (Apparently, Pa laughed loudly – at all the wrong places, as Harry ruefully notes. That takes a right royal talent!)

What took me by surprise was that all those years at Eton, all those shooting parties and Christmases at Balmoral, and all that hobnobbing and high jinks in high society on both sides of the Atlantic did not leave the smallest patina of style and decorum.

The First Act is simply a tale of the scampish events in the life of a young boy growing up in a privileged society, no different to any other not-especiallybright kid. Even the death of Diana does not affect him at that time, because he cannot bring himself to believe that she is dead. The actuality is that he was an eleven-year-old boy, walking behind the coffin of his mother, watched by the eyes of millions of people all over the world. There is a curious void around his relationship with Diana, apart from his hatred of the paparazzi that he thinks drove her to

with a smile. These are behaviours and qualities that I must instil in my co-workers. What do you anticipate will be the greatest challenge for you?

Loadshedding is definitely our greatest challenge. It affects the card machines and coffee machines. It is difficult to plan around this uncertainty and keep customers happy in the midst of a crisis. Tourists are not always as forgiving of circumstances.

In your opinion, what makes Essence a special café?

Essence is on the main road and has been here for a long time. People know about the café and we have regulars. On Sundays, bikers stop at the café for breakfast – which has been a longstanding tradition. This sort of regularity puts Essence on the map and helps us to build a good reputation and client base. Which item on the menu would you highly recommend for breakfast?

Although it is not the only spectacular option, I can highly recommend the Eggs Benedict. It is served on an English muffin, with bacon or salmon and Hollandaise sauce. It is loved by many of our regular customers.

itself, so various, so not to be spared as it is, were the impetus never to leave it.

Sheenagh Pugh from the collection Short Days, Long Shadows (Seren Books, 2013)

And another famous poem, by Sylvia Plath, makes a similar argument from a different standpoint: that of simple, “bland-mannered” mushrooms growing unobtrusively in absolute darkness. Their “[s]oft fists insist on/ heaving the needles,/ the leafy bedding,/ even the paving” yet “shall by morning/ inherit the earth”.

Mushrooms

Overnight, very whitely, discreetly, very quietly our toes, our noses take hold on the loam, acquire the air.

Nobody sees us, stops us, betrays us; the small grains make room.

Soft fists insist on heaving the needles, the leafy bedding,

her death. He does not attempt to understand her star quality and her victimhood. Possibly Meghan’s star quality has eclipsed the image of the most iconic woman in the world?

The Second Act is even less enlightening in his royal adult education. Adventures in the Okavango, work in Australia, aid in Lesotho and training as a helicopter pilot… It is as if his attention is wandering.

However, the Third Act is where all the action is. Drama turns into soap opera. Meeting Meghan Markle brings out some spark of selfhood in Prince Harry. He grows a beard. He begins his feud with the tabloid press. He begins his feud with the Windsors. His trophy is a Hollywood star. And then, a curious thing begins to happen. His memoir, or confessional, call it what you will, begins to do the work of the paparazzi. He (unwittingly?) provides his greatest enemies, the tabloid press and the “paps” with intimate details of the royal life that they could only dream of. A fistfight with William resulting in a broken necklace and a back injury from a dog bowl. Meghan’s problems with her father. Meghan collapsing in tears on the floor. Anguished royal family confabs. Siblings ignoring each other. Meghan again collapsing in tears on the floor. The birth and public reception of the H&M kids. Et voilà! The champion of privacy has abolished his own.

What is missing is any sense that he might have of his exceptionalism, an awareness of his royal point of view and his seat on the lofty perch. His complaints are those of royalty and his fights with the royal family are often open to ridicule.

However, interviews with Oprah and the alwayshungry public will keep feeding the TV stations.

even the paving.

Our hammers, our rams, earless and eyeless, perfectly voiceless, widen the crannies, shoulder through holes. We diet on water, on crumbs of shadow, bland-mannered, asking little or nothing. So many of us! So many of us!

We are shelves, we are tables, we are meek, we are edible, nudgers and shovers in spite of ourselves. Our kind multiplies: we shall by morning inherit the earth. Our foot’s in the door.

Sylvia Plath from Collected Poems (Faber & Faber, 1981)

The multi-million-dollar Netflix deal will ensure further episodes in the seemingly endless soap opera – and additions to the list of books above. Will they return one day to reclaim their royal titles when King Willy is on the throne? Who knows?

Tune in, stream and read – all will be revealed in the next 36 instalments.

with Akhona Nodlela Danster, manager of Essence Café

Smalls

JOB WANTED: My name is Veronica and I am looking for a two- or three-day job. I have 7 years of experience. My contact number is 078 539 7689. For a reference, please call 072 777 3992.

JOB WANTED: My name is Motsie and I am looking for a two-day job on Monday and Friday. I have 5 years of experience. For a reference, please call 076 832 0908. My contact number is 073 866 6708.

DOMESTIC / NANNY: My name is Mathato Julia Sentle. I am a Mosotho lady looking for a job as a domestic or nanny. I am experienced in both jobs and carry a valid work permit. I am 30 years old and from Lesotho. I am looking for a job as stay in or stay out domestic / nanny. Please contact me on WhatsApp or phone call at 065 661 4759.

JOB WANTED: My name is Justina and I am looking for a three-day job on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I have 6 years of experience. For a reference, please call 084 408 2582. My contact number is 063 322 9917.

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

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

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

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

Need BASIC COMPUTER Services?

SECRETARIAL or BOOKKEEPING Services?

Contact Ronelle Pinard 073 646 1687

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Events

SPORT

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

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

CHURCH SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

GENERAL

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

Useful Numbers

EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

Ref: FWI1590770

FRANSCHHOEK

Farm / 121 hectares / 3 Titles

The most magnificent opportunity to obtain 3 titles on +-121 hectares agricultural land, at the entrance to Franschhoek Village boasting some of the most spectacular 360 degree views of the Franschhoek Valley. Most of the land is vacant with old un-managed vineyards with a Cape Dutch Home, farm shed, a second home and 3 footprints of old cottages.

EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

Ref: FWI1599175

4 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 2 Garages

R6.95 MILLION

EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

Ref: FWI1582696

FRANSCHHOEK

R35

Smallholding / 18.35 hectares / Approx 10 hectares plums

An approximately 18 hectare farm with a stunning setting and fantastic potential to design and build your own dream home. Set on the slopes of the Franschhoek mountains in a tranquil position where the valley ends. With approximately 10.43 hectares fully irrigated plum orchards, 2 strong boreholes, and a 3 bedroom family home.

EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

Ref: FWI1582743

1 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1 Parking

R3.75 MILLION

Set on the banks of the dam within L’Ermitage, offered furnished, with spectacular mountain views, frameless glass doors, open-plan living and outside entertainment patio. A very special lock-up-and go, with the tranquility of the water and beauty of the mountains, but only a two minute drive from the village.

MILLION EXCL. VAT

R45 MILLION

PRIVATE COUNTRY ESTATE

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R65 000 000

SMALLHOLDING

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

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

BEDROOM HOME WITH COTTAGE

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

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

6 BEDROOM HOME – BOUTIQUE VILLAGE ESTATE

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R19 950 000 plus VAT

FRANSCHHOEK HERITAGE PROPERTY ON 2,000m2

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R16 970 000

CONTEMPORARY CAPE DUTCH COTTAGE

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R8 750 000

FRANSCHHOEK HUGE POTENTIAL

Very large 8 bedroom, 8 bathroom property on 2,500 sq m plot. Located on a tranquil tree-lined residential street this property offers many options. Previously operated as a guest house and more recently as staff accommodation the property would also suit redevelopmen. Price excludes VAT.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R10 800 000 plus VAT

FYNBOS FRANSCHE HOEK ESTATE

Immaculately presented 3 bedroom home. Large double volume living area with exposed beams and log-burning fire open plan to spacious countrystyle kitchen/dining room with wine storage wall. The living room extends to 2nd living area with stacking doors leading to terraced garden with pool and stunning views. Upstairs, the main bedroom has double windows with valley views, generous bathroom, and two further en-suite bedrooms. Upstairs landing includes study area. Double garage. Erf Size: 480m2

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R8 500 000

LARGE FIVE BEDROOM FAMILY HOME

The best of both worlds! Spacious family living in a countryside setting with breath-taking views a short distance from Franschhoek Village. Huge open plan double volume light filled kitchen/ breakfast/living room. Five spacious bedrooms. Formal living and dining rooms. Large swimming pool, vineyards, two bedroom cottage Price excludes VAT. Erf size approximately 1 heactare.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R29 950 000 plus VAT

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