Franschhoek Tatler - May 2023

The Bag That Builds

Unsung, Uncorked

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.

Franschhoek’s local band, Uncorked, has been gracing the valley’s parties and festivals for almost six years now. Loved by the locals and their followers beyond the valley, they are an authentic embodiment of values held dear by the community. Describing themselves as a party band, they truly have built up a reputation as the harbingers of great fun.

The band members play both because of their love of music and to raise money for important local causes. Over the past 6 years, they have raised over R7 million for various charity organisations by performing at various festivals and events. These festivals include the Franschhoek Literary Festival, Bastille Day, Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, the Champagne Festival, and the Grape and Wine Festival. So in addition to being a party band, they may also be described as a community band.

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

If you haven’t met the members yet, they may be introduced as follows: Nick Davies on the banjo; Reg Lascaris on the guitar and vocals; Rowan Smith on the keyboard; Dougie Gurr on vocals; Matt Gordon on drums; Oliver Dresner on guitar and vocals; Leon Coetzee on bass; and Layla Ochse on vocals. They are a diverse bunch, in terms of age (between 26 and 75 years old) and background, most of the members being retired CEOs or businessmen. But they had something in common: a longstanding dream to be part of a band. Inviting still more of the local talent to partake in their fun, they frequently invite guest artists to perform with them. Notably, local cellist, Carol Thorns, has featured in one of Uncorked’s performances.

conduit that creates a spark in the relationship between the band and the audience,” says Nick Davies. Pieter Naudé, who has attended many of their shows, comments that “Attending a performance of Franschhoek’s Uncorked band is musical comfort food. We know and love the songs played not just by any band, but by an assemblage of our favourite people in the

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

take part in the pilot programme.

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

As a charity band, they have also invited learners from the community school, The Kusasa Academy, to sing alongside them in a performance that took place at Hey Joe Brewery. In addition to Kusasa, the other charities that the band has collaborated with include Gratin Primary School, Franschhoek Hospice, Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek (SHARF), the Rhino Foundation, the South African Guide-Dogs Association, and the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy & Learning Centre. Their events have extended to Cape Town, where they have also helped to raise funds for worthy causes, acting as an exciting new attraction.

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

Uncorked is also an incredibly versatile band, performing both covers and originals and matching the mood of a given crowd. As Reg Lascaris phrased it, “Uncorked play songs ranging from Creedence to Coldplay.” Perhaps one evening is more geared toward country music, while blues or rock classics may best suit other occasions. The band’s frontman, Dougie Gurr, moreover, has an incredible ability to engage and involve crowds with his stage presence. He is, in this way, “the

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”

Their next performance will be at the upcoming event in April, hosted at Bridge House Theatre, raising money for the Western Cape Fire Services. Not only is there an exciting performance to look forward to, but also a worthy cause to donate to in appreciation of all their hard work putting out local fires in recent months.

Until then, if you would like to follow their latest news and keep up-to-date with upcoming events, you can follow them on Facebook. You can also listen, at your leisure, to two original Uncorked tracks, ‘Champagne on Ice’ and ‘Hey Today’, which may be found on Spotify or Apple Music.

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

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Matt Gordon

Uncorked performing at a charity event.

Municipal Budget Approved

The municipal budget, or the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) 2023/2024 - 2025/2026 in local government parlance, served before the town council at their March meeting.

The budget for 2023/2024 will be R2,778 billion, consisting of approximately R500 million in capital expenditure and R2,27 billion in operational expenditure.

The budget includes provision for taking up an external loan, “needed for investment in income generating infrastructure to the amount of R560 million of which R200 million will be required in year one, R200 million in year two and R160 million in year three.”

In the upcoming financial year (starting 1 July 2023) the Property Rates Tariff paid by property owners will increase by 7.00% while the municipality’s budgeted total rates income will increase by 8,38%.

Electricity will increase by 17,61% (subject to NERSA approval), water by 6,00% (subject to consumption and City of Cape Town tariffs), sanitation by 6,50% and refuse removal by 9,10%.

Rates relief is available for households registered as indigent in terms of the municipality’s Indigent Policy. The threshold to qualify for the relief is now a household income of R7000 per month. Indigent households receive free refuse removal and sanitation services, a free monthly electricity allocation of 100 kWh per month and a free monthly water allocation of 6 Kl per month.

Some budget provisions for the next three years

New Look Franschhoek

relating to Franschhoek are listed below along with the budgeted amount over the period:

Area Cleaning Depot: R3 000 000

Major Solid Waste Drop‐Off Construction:

R5 500 000

Electrical Cable Network: R500 000

Electricity General System Improvements: R6 000 000

Infrastructure Improvement: R4 500 000

Electricity Switchgear Replacement: R9 5000 000

Franschhoek Mooiwater 236 5 000 000

Bulk Water Supply Pipe Line & Pumpstations: R14 000 000

Bulk Water Upgrades: R16 000 000

Franschhoek Water Treatment Works:

R2 500 000

Reseal Roads: R2 200 000

Main Road Intersection Improvements:

R12 100 000

Freight Strategy for Stellenbosch & Franschhoek:

R500 000

Taxi Rank Franschhoek: R500 000

It should be borne in mind that Franschhoek may also benefit from more general budgetary allocations made for municipality-wide purposes.

Text: Editorial Desk

Municipality Employs Safety Monitors

Stellenbosch Municipality recently announced that its Protection Services have employed 47 Safety Monitors. The monitors will conduct daily patrols in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek CBDs.

The Municipality says these extra boots on the ground will act as the eyes and ears of Law Enforcement by reporting incidents immediately to the Municipal Control Room. Residents will be able to identify these accredited Safety Monitors by their yellow reflective vests. Plans are also already in place to increase the number of Safety Monitors.

All the men and women who form part of the Safety Monitor Initiative are members of accredited neighbourhood watches within Stellenbosch Municipality. The municipality foresees that the heightened visibility brought about by the monitors will deter unlawful actions and prevent criminal activity.

In addition to the Safety Monitors, a further 11 persons have been assigned to the Community Services Department to specifically patrol nature reserves and nature areas as Field Rangers. The Field Rangers will combat illegal entry, illegal dumping, the illegal poaching of wood and any other suspicious or illegal activity. The Field Rangers will be in constant radio contact with the Municipal Control Room to report illegal activity when detected.

Furthermore, 12 persons have been deployed to the Municipal Control Room where they will assist with the monitoring of CCTV cameras. The monitoring of CCTV cameras is one of many functions of the Control Room Operators. The additional staff will assist the municipality in ensuring effective monitoring of all screens, making

Part of the bank of monitors in the municipal control room.

it easier for staff to identify suspicious activity and alert Law Enforcement, SAPS and other security agencies timeously.

“Although crime prevention and policing are not municipal functions, Stellenbosch Municipality is continuously making resources available for safety initiatives such as these to ensure that we create an environment that is safer for all who live and visit here,” the statement concluded.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Stb Municipality

It might not be as revolutionary as Dior’s New Look was back in the 1940s but the Franschhoek sign near the Stiebeuel River at the entrance to Franschhoek does sport a new look.

The sign had been looking shabby for some time. Members of the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association (FHRPA) decided to do something about it.

Paul Silberman of PaintSmiths, who sponsored both the paint and painters, took the lead with the project and was ably assisted by Lily Lofty-Eaton who advised on the sign’s colour scheme, which is a simplified version of the official heraldic colour scheme.

While the painting has been done there is more to come. Hardscaping will be installed in front of

the sign to round off the appearance.

FHRPA Co-chair Irmela Alberts said “It’s wonderful to see our taking the initiative to keep Franschhoek a desirable place to live and visit. When we all do a bit, we can achieve so much!”

Alberts also mentioned that the FHRPA is looking into replacing the Franschhoek sign that used to stand at the other entrance to the village at the bottom of the Franschhoek Pass.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Paul Silberman

No Fool’s Errand

Participants in April’s Community Clean-up pose with some of their litter

April’s Community Clean-up may have taken place on April Fool’s Day but no foolery was evident as the group of volunteers continued with their clean-up of the circus grounds, which they started the previous month.

Turnout at the clean-up was a little lower than usual because of the school holidays. Nevertheless, the eager participants – including a group from the Franschhoek Valley Football Club – got stuck in and collected a bakkie load of litter in the hour they set aside for the purpose.

With lots of conversations going on along with the cleaning most of the participants gathered a good supply of juicy stories along with the litter. Fortunately, PicknPay Franschhoek sponsored

water and rubbish bags, so both story and litter gathering could progress smoothly!

The Community Clean-up is an initiative of the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayers Association and takes place from 08h00 – 09h00 on the first Saturday of every month. Watch local social media channels for the date and location of the next one.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Kim Nicolai

haul.

DGB awarded ‘Best SA Producer’ at ProWein for Second Year Running

For the second consecutive year and third time overall, DGB - South Africa’s largest independent wine and spirit company - has received the acclaimed title of Best South African Producer from the Grand International Wine Award MUNDUS VINI. In addition DGB received the Best SA Red Wine title and 20 Gold Medals.

Learners Receive Pencil Bags Made From Plastic Bottles

During March, 35,000 primary school learners across South Africa received pencil bags made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles. The now annual initiative by Pick n Pay School Club aims to educate future generations on the importance of sustainability while having an immediate positive environmental impact. Among the schools benefitting from the initiative this year were valley schools Groendal Primary and Wemmershoek Primary.

Since the initiative launched in 2021, over 101,000 learners have received one of these popular accessories for school. This means that, through this donation, 101,000 recycled plastic bottles have been removed from the environment and upcycled to make these pencil bags.

During the handovers at over 200 schools, the learners are educated on how valuable plastic can be if appropriately recycled and educational posters have been created showing how these pencil cases have been made.

One thousand pencil bags have also been donated to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, which provides free comprehensive support to families of children with cancer and lifethreatening blood disorders.

Andre Nel, General Manager: Sustainability at Pick n Pay, says that the pencil bags are a beautiful and practical accessory for learners to store their stationery, but it also promotes environmentally sustainable behaviour. Each pencil bag is made from one 500ml recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate – known as rPET) water bottle – the type of plastic typically used to make plastic bottles and other packaging, such as food and household goods containers.

demonstrate the benefits of a circular economy whereby plastic can be used again and again if recycled,” says Nel.

The awards, now on their 32nd iteration, were presented at the ProWein - International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, in Düsseldorf, Germany, during March 2023. It was here where executive chairman of DGB, Tim Hutchinson, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“This award is testament to DGB’s commitment to producing premium South African wines of prestige. It is an honour to accept the award for the second year running, and we are incredibly proud of our team who are continuously hard at work in the wineries, cellars and vineyards. The award once again affirms our commitment to building South Africa as a premium wine destination on the global stage,” says Hutchinson.

The company - which boasts a portfolio of enviable South African wine brands including Boschendal, Bellingham, Brampton, Backsberg, Franschhoek Cellar, Fryer’s Cove and the Old Road Wine Co – previously took home this coveted award in 2017 and 2022 (the show returning after a twoyear hiatus).

In addition to the pinnacle accolade spot for Best South African Producer, DGB were also awarded the title of Best of Show South African Red Wine for the Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2019. An award given exclusively to the wines that have received the highest rating in their respective category. The award was accepted by Stephan Joubert, group winemaker at DGB.

“It’s incredibly humbling to have received this award, particularly as it’s for our South African variety of Pinotage,” says Joubert. “ South Africa’s red wine continues to go from strength-to-strength in terms of its premium, quality offering, and we couldn’t be prouder to be recognised amongst our esteemed peers in this category.”

The two awards cap off a fantastic show for DGB’s portfolio which performed remarkably well across all categories. In addition to the Grand Gold, the company were awarded a further 20 Gold medals and 15 Silver medals by MUNDUS VINI. An impressive scoreboard which builds on the 11 Golds and eight Silvers received at last year’s show.

Andrew Harris, Marketing Director for Wine at DGB, sees the results received at ProWein as further proof of DGB’s success in establishing and building world-class South African wine brands.

Of the medals received, Boschendal and Bellingham take top spots with six and five Golds respectively – both awarded across a range of styles and varietals. The former showing magnificent range with medals for their Cap Classiques, Red Blends and single varietal Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.

Rounding out DGB’s line-up of Golds are Brampton with three, Backsberg with two and Douglas Green, Franschhoek Cellar, Fryer’s Cove, Old Road Wine Co and Vineyard Friends with a medal each.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: DGB

“Promoting recycling amongst the youth encourages them to conserve resources and reduce the amount of plastic waste in our oceans, landfills or the environment. By giving these pencil bags to school children, we teach them about the importance of recycling and practically

Pick n Pay School Club is one of South Africa’s leading educational platforms, reaching over 3,280 schools and over two million learners. “It is so important we support the school’s curriculum with activations such as this as it helps communicate important lessons to learners in a fun and interactive way. It is incredible to see learners taking recycling more seriously in schools where pencil bags were donated.”

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Heidi Allan (Audiologist) M.A. Audiology (Pret.) Franschhoek Health Care Centre | 18 Dirkie Uys Street

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.

Tim Hutchinson, executive chairman of DGB (left) receiving the Mundus Vini Best Producer award from Robert Joseph, board-member of Mundus Vini.

Keishan Karriem and Gabby Daniels were amongh the Groendal Primary School learners who received recycled plastic pencil bags. With them is Sandra Arendse (Pick n Pay Store HR Manager).

Franschhoek Wine Valley

Boekenhoutskloof Winery Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2022

The nose is enticing and complex, offering an abundance of dark plums, violets, cured meat and black olives. The dark berry fruit of the nose follows through onto the palate with notes of pepper and allspice. The wine is elegant yet juicy, with grippy tannins and ample acidity to create exceptional balance and structure. The violets of the nose linger on the finish with classic hints of white pepper. Cellar door price: R80 per bottle

T 021 876 3320 E info@boekenhoutskloof.co.za

invincible Wine Shoppe/Bar & Ryan Boon Steak & Fries

Free Range Picanha, seasoned and served with house made herb focaccia, olive oil and spice dip

Olive Oil dipping sauce

100g Parsley, 40g Coriander, 30g Origanum, 60g Basil, 30g Mint, 1-2 Chillies, 50g Confit Garlic, 2 Lemons (Zest & Juice), 150 Olive Oil, 1 tsp Salt

Method

Wash herbs and dry with cloth. Chop the chilli and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon. Add the oil and salt to the juice and zest. Season to your liking.

Picanha Steak Recipe

500-600g 3-4 weeks aged Picanha Steak, Salt to taste, Splash of oil for the pan/grill

Method Season the Picanha an hour or two before cooking. Score the fat. Grill for 4 minutes, fat side down. Flip and grill for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and rest it on a dripping rack for at least 5 minutes. Flash it back on the grill before serving to heat and slice thinly against the grain.

6 bottles of the featured wine!

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

ANSWER THIS EASY QUESTION!

WINE VALLEY DESK FROM THE FRANSCHHOEK

GET TO KNOW US

Ever wondered what Franschhoek Wine Valley does for its members and the community? As a Destination Marketing Organisation, our primary purpose is to promote Brand Franschhoek and attract visitors to our beautiful valley. We attend 3/4 trade shows annually, showcasing Franschhoek to local and international markets.

But our work extends beyond marketing. We continue to maintain a strong relationship with Wesgro and the Municipality, and we're extremely proud of our achievements over the last 2 years. These include a special visit from Alan Winde during the Covid pandemic when we achieved an impressive 85% vaccination status, collecting R750 000 from private donors for our Covid Fund to assist restaurants, and being named one of the top 50 destinations in the world by Time Magazine in 2022.

We also take the safety and security of our community seriously. Our successful private security initiative in the Main Road is just one example of how we're working to make Franschhoek a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

WHERE WE’VE BEEN

In February, we attended Meetings Africa 2023, a 2-day trade show owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating a market access platform for African Business Events Products.

From 3 - 5 April, we joined over 6000 travel industry professionals at the World Travel Market Africa 2023 - Africa's premier and only business-to-business (B2B) exhibition for both inbound and outbound travel and tourism markets.

In early April, we introduced 'Explore Franschhoek' to our annual calendar, a tourism educational, in which we hosted 59 tour operators, and shared some of our favorite spots in the valley. The day concluded with an accommodation ‘exhibition’ featuring 16 of our accommodation members. We're thrilled to say it was a tremendous success!

“An enormous thank you to you and your team for an extremely enjoyable and well organized educational to the Franschhoek Valley. What a treat to experience the Wine Tram, oysters and bubbles, wine tastings, platters, great people and fabulous offerings old and new all round! The outing just confirmed again to me why Franschhoek is definitely a preferred destination for Vindigo’s clients in terms of ticking all the boxes.”

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Melissa Sutherland from Vindigo Curated Travel

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO

As we move into May, we welcome the beginning of Autumn, and a change of seasons in our beloved Valley Of Dreams. We are excited to announce that we will be showcasing our exceptional wines at the RMB Latitudes showcase in Johannesburg at month-end, an event which provides a fantastic platform to promote Franschhoek as a whole, as well as our renowned wine estates.

Keeping on our favourite topic of wine; on the 29th of May, our Vigneron producers will also be showcasing their wines to 25 key trade and media.

From varietals and vintages to books and buzz, our charming village is soon to be transformed into a literary hub from Friday 19th – Sunday 21st May 2023, when the Franschhoek Literary Festival celebrates its 16th year since inception.

Three days of content-rich conversations and inspired talks bring together a cross-section of some of the brightest South African and international authors.

In our books - any month that begins with a public holiday should set the tone for what's to follow. The month of May and the start of our quieter season offers the ideal backdrop for a local staycation and a retreat into an idyllic countryside, where the crowds may have dissipated but all the usual gourmet and spoils still await.

At Franschhoek Wine Valley, we're dedicated to serving our members, promoting our brand, and making a positive impact in our community. We're excited to share more with you in the coming months through "From the Franschhoek Wine Valley Desk".

Franschhoek Wine Valley Team

Steven Spurrier was a gentleman, and I mean a real gentleman – always dapper, always wellattired. He championed ‘country wines’ and even wrote a book on the subject. Mr Spurrier was a highly successful wine merchant with businesses in both France and England. His knowledge of French wines was encyclopaedic and his Paris wine shop, Caves de la Madeleine, thrived as did his shop in London. He was regarded by his French customers as an iconic reference for their wines and was admired as an expert on viticulture, a subject dear to all French hearts. Imagine their shock and humiliation when they realised he was English! It was he who arranged the now famous competition between France’s best tasters and California’s best wines!

I have always liked the term ‘country wines’. It puts me in mind of something warm and cosy, like country cooking. However such wines are not always easy to define. In France, with its multiplicity of wine identities, it becomes awkward in the choice of which “Vin d’Appellation”. We all know the AOC (vin d’appellation d’origine contrôlée) but we have to consider VDOS (vin délimité de qualité supérieure) and of course Vin de Pays and Vin de Table. Essentially a country wine should be made by country folk, for country folk.

France offers volumes of prestigious Grand Cru wines as well as lesser-known wines of quality and character. They are the ‘country wines’.

Sure, the French sometimes treat their country wines like 97 octane as they fill their plastic containers in the yard behind the cellar, but the wine is well matched with country foods like an onion tart. We can leave the Grand Cru wines to haute cuisine where it belongs. Here it is easier. We are awash with good quality medium and low-priced wines from numerous co-ops and cellars. Hovering around two to three stars one can find good country wines ideally matched to our own home cooking. A vineyard cheese platter with a simple Sauvignon Blanc is hard to beat. A meticulously prepared Coq au Vin deserves a

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Thoughts From My Kitchen

Climate Conscious Eating

balanced blend further up the ladder. Wine writers are supposed to come up with descriptions of wine that tickle the tastebuds. Would you run out and buy a bottle because you had read that it had, “overtones of pencil shavings”, or “The bouquet of a sweaty saddle”? On the other hand, such words as ‘phenolic’, ‘esters’, or ‘integrated tannins’ probably won’t help much either.

Interpreting descriptions can become a minefield. I got into trouble once for designing a wine label that suggested that the wine was “excellent with casseroles and pasta dishes”. This referred to a shipment of 400 cases of wine to Hamburg in Germany. After arrival, I received a very, very long fax from an organisation called the “Gesundheitsligasverbraucherschutz”, a sort of consumer watchdog (No need for long words!).

I was advised that the wine was impounded in a bonded warehouse because the information on the label was misleading. With Teutonic correctness, I was told that one may not assume “excellence”. This was up to the consumer, not me! There were two options. One was to ship back to South Africa for amended labelling, the other was to print amended labels in Germany, paying the labour costs of replacing the offending labels. Both were financially unacceptable. I pleaded with them explaining that we were a small familyowned vineyard unable to afford either option. I promised never to err again, thanking them for so kindly pointing out my blunder. They relented and allowed release. It pays to check the small print in all its meaning!

Image: RD Law from Pixabay

Pam Golding Properties a Proud FLF Sponsor

Pam Golding Properties is delighted to be one of the venue sponsors of the 2023 Franschhoek Literary Festival, which celebrates its 16th year with a bumper lineup of more than 100 authors.

The historic town of Franschhoek will be abuzz with writers, thought leaders, literary enthusiasts and bibliophiles from Friday 19 May to Sunday 21 May.

A highlight on the national literary calendar, the Franschhoek Literary Festival was established in 2007 to encourage a culture of reading in the Franschhoek Valley and to raise funds for the local school libraries.  With the support of festival goers and sponsors the festival’s CSI initiative, Franschhoek Reading, has invested in four primary school libraries over the years.

They also plan to expand the school libraries project to high schools in the area, says Festival Director Elitha van der Sandt. “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.”

“Education has long been a focus of Pam Golding Properties’ CSI initiatives, we therefore welcome the opportunity to sponsor the Hospice Hall sessions of this much-loved literary festival,” says Surina du Toit, area manager of Pam Golding Properties Franschhoek. “A recent study revealed that a worrying 82% of South African children are unable to read for meaning. Our country is facing a deepening literacy crisis and unless we instil a love for reading from an early age, the situation will continue to worsen. This festival enables communities in the area to have access to reading resources.”

The three-day programme is packed with informal discussions, lively debates, insightful conversations and inspired talks by a plethora of South African and international authors. These include Johnny Steinberg, whose Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage, is one of the most anticipated reads of 2023; Zimbabwe’s critically acclaimed Siphiwe

Gloria Ndlovu; Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase who writes of his escape from Rwanda to South Africa; international award-winning author, Rachel Joyce and popular crime writer Margie Orford.  Pam Golding Properties has sponsored all the events in Hospice Hall for the duration of the festival. Highlights include writer C.A. Davids in conversation with Vernon R.L Head about his new novel, ‘On the Wave of Gulls’. Also on the programme in this venue is Melinda Ferguson talking to Robert Gentle about his memoir ‘Scholarship Kids’. Lawyer and land restitution expert Bulelwa Mabasa will share more about her memoir, ‘My Land Obsession’, with journalist and broadcaster, Koketso Sachane.

The festival has been curated with a focus on books published in the past year and will feature several writers who won literary awards in the past 12 months. These include Joanne Joseph, whose ‘Children of Sugarcane’ won the Adult Fiction Prize at the SA Book Awards 2022; Mignonne Breier, who won the 2022 Sunday Times Literary Award for nonfiction for ‘Bloody Sunday’, Tshidiso Moletsane, whose Junx won the 2022 Sunday Times Fiction Award, and Maddie Mortimer who won the Desmond Elliott Prize 2022 for ‘Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies’.

To view the full programme, visit www.flf.co.za.  Tickets can be purchased online from www. webtickets.co.za

Text: Supplied | Image: Geena Wilkinson

Every time we make a food decision, we make an impact on the environment. Our vegetables, fruits, grains, and meat depend on air, water and soil. Unfortunately, producing these items has become a major driver of climate change, pollution and deforestation. All is not lost though; we can all change our impact on the environment, one plate at a time. Here are some climate conscious tips you can use in your kitchen to help you cook with kindness.

Enjoy the local flavours of the season

Seasonal eating is more than just a tasty way to celebrate the changing seasons; it’s also a great way to take better care of ourselves. Eating local produce in season is tastier, more nutritious and is better for you and the planet.

When our favourite foods are grown out of season the resources ramp up significantly; instead of using the natural sunlight and rain to grow produce, out-of-season farming uses a huge amount of extra resources. More water, more fertilisers and more energy for artificial lighting, storage and refrigeration take their toll. Instead, where possible, try to adopt a farm-to-fork policy by supporting local farmers’ markets. Since seasonal fruit and veg are often harvested near you, buying local fresh food will cut down on the carbon footprint from long distance transportation. A simple change to the way you buy food will ensure less waste and promote sustainable food production, leaving you with a clear cooking conscience.

Less meat makes for a happier planet

Whether you want to hear it or not, overconsumption of red meat is a huge environmental problem. If you want a greener kitchen but enjoy meat, there’s no need to cut the meat out of your life altogether. Eat meat, but eat less of it. Choose organic beef and chicken and try introducing ostrich into your repertoire as they use 1/50 of the land that grass fed beef does. When cooking, remember that flavour is your friend. If your dish is loaded with spices and home-made sauces and packed with flavour you won’t mind as much that there’s less, or no beef.

Eat sustainably grown food

It’s important to eat less-resource-intensive food. Lentils, legumes and beans are super-foods when it comes to sustainability and pack a protein punch. Legumes especially are ‘nitrogen fixers’, storing nitrogen in the soil, thereby helping with soil fertility and drastically reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers.

If you’re looking for another protein replacement why not try mussels. Unlike other seafood, they can be farmed sustainably, require no feeding and they remove carbon dioxide from the sea in order to grow their shells.

Eat more mushrooms. They’re excellent at removing pollutants from the soil, take very little land to grow and can actually grow in agricultural waste. Making your home kitchen more climate conscious doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small steps can lead to meaningful change. It gets said over and over again but it really is true – if we all do a little it turns into a lot. Kindness (and conscientiousness) starts at home. So do your part for a better planet right in your own kitchen and cook with a conscience!

Our veterinary care costs are enormous. Cases range from panga, knife and axe injuries to dog fight or vehicle accident injuries to all kinds of illness and disease. SHARF assists these animals with much-needed day and night emergency care.

Mark Tanner

C.A. Davids

Tatler Motoring

City Slicker. Corolla Hybrid Xr Stars in Town

Buzzing about the city brings out very best of Toyota Corolla Xr Hybrid

A trip to Jozi a few weeks back required a fair bit of running around. So we were more than happy when Toyota handed us a Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Xr for our time there. Not only did this white Uber spec machine allow us to cruise around incognito, but it also slammed home just how effective hybrid motoring is in the city.

It’s already significant that Toyota’s world bestselling medium sedan now kicks off with bargain basement Hybrid models. Hybrid model cars traditionally came at a premium. No more. Now not only has Toyota upped the ante by delivering this more powerful 103 KW Hybrid Corolla, but a 500 grand petrol electric option is also the entry models to the range.

Slick, smart Corolla Xr cockpit

Not that there’s much entry level once you step inside. Ours was the step-up Xr model so it comes with it all. Its more an executive sedan in there these days anyway. Those erstwhile concerns of a dash that looked like an elephant’s bum lying on its side are long confined to history. This latest Corolla’s cabin is well presented, smart and slick. No there’s even LED interior lighting in the silver and black finished black trim cabin the plain black. The easy to read dials gain a bigger 7-inch multi-Info display, while new capacitive switchgear

TOURING IN A SPYDER

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 but the company always struggled financially and was subjected to a number of takeovers prior to WW2. In 1947 it was bought by industrialist David Brown, and business started to improve. The DB line of cars began to emerge and in an effort to reach new markets, Brown looked at new ways to promote the brand, including sending bare chassis to various coachbuilders to create distinctive design concepts.

One such recipient was Carrozzeria

Touring of Milan, which in 1955 received three DB2/4 Mk.II chassis with which to apply its innovative and patented Superleggera body construction. Simply put, Superleggera construction involves attaching lightweight aluminium panels over a strong framework made up of thin-diameter steel tubing.

The three chassis were numbered AM300/1161, AM300/1162 and AM300/1163.

The DB2/4 Mk.II was introduced in 1955 and the trio sent to Touring must have been some of the earliest Mk.IIs to be produced. Brown’s brief to the carrozzeria was to develop a two-seater roadster more dramatic-looking than Aston’s own drophead.

Painted a light metallic leaf green, AM300/1162 (body number 4344) appeared at the Paris Motor Show, which opened at the Grand Palais

CarPlay, Auto and built-in navigation functional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment gains different display modes.

Hybrid for the masses is big news

Ours had voice recognition, wireless phone charging and additional USB ports including a C jack for those of us blighted with MacBooks. Any accessory cable will be useful. Add Toyota Connect telematics, and the rest. Look, it’s sharp face was also tweaked and looks important enough, but you can happily hide amongst the bland Ubers. But Corolla is great inside.

The big news here is hybrid for the masses. Now with 14 percent more engine power for a 13% hike in total output, this new fifth-gen hybrid engine jumps thirteen kilowatts from 90 to 103 kW. Fuel consumption drops to a measly 3.9 litres at 81 g/km CO2.

Corolla Xr Hybrid thrives in the city

That thanks to the brand new fifth-generation 1.8-litre Petrol-Electric Hybrid powertrain’s enhanced performance, refinement, and efficiency. Core to the upgrade, the electric motor is also powered by new Lithium-Ion battery with enhanced cooling capacity. Like all Corollas now, the Hybrid retains Toyota’s step-shift-capable CVT transmission.

This latest hybrid system’s extra grunt is evident on the road. Both in the butt and on the fuel readout. We drove all around Jo’burg, in every kind of urban driving and until we got on the freeway, it delivered mid-3 litre per hundred economy. So if your school or daily commute is bumper to bumper, it’s pretty well unbeatable.

Easy to live with in so many ways

If the freeway is flowing, the economy suffers a little, so our overall average exactly matched Toyota’s claims. The fuel gauge took 150 km of urban driving to even budge. Corolla Hybrid goes well enough too, we’d even go as far as to say it’s brisk. Even if that CVT drone can get your goat.

The Toyota Corolla Xr sedan is easy to live with in other ways too. We enjoyed the intuitive infotainment, dials, and energy flow dioramas on both the dash and centre screen in the sharp and smart cabin. The climate control keeps you fresh and its comfy in there too. Access front and rear was easy, even for physically challenged passengers. The boot is huge.

We’ve always liked this latest Corolla. Now its smarter, sharper, and still well-priced. Not least of all, this Xr Hybrid model delivers otherworldly

on 10 October 1956. After the show, 1162 was sold to Aston Martin’s Paris agent, Garage Mirabeau, which seems to have later sold the car to George S Livanos, uncle of the Greek shipping tycoon Peter G Livanos who, as fate would have it, went on to purchase the Aston Martin company in 1983.

A photo exists of a Touring Spyder alongside the factory team entries for the 1956 Le Mans 24-Hour held on July 28-29, but which Spyder has not been confirmed. However, in the race, the Walker/ s twin-cam 2922cc inline-6 engine was upgraded to DB3S specification with triple Weber 35DCOE carburettors, high-performance camshafts and a finned aluminium sump. It was the only Spyder to have this modification, allegedly carried out in Paris by Garage Mirabeau, which surely is more than a coincidence. As a result, 1162’s peak power output was raised to 133kW at 5500 r/min, and top speed to 212 km/h.

Quite what happened to 1162 for the next 10 years of its life is unknown. However, blackand-white photos exist of one of the three cars parked in London in 1957 with left-hand drive and the Paris registration number 796-TTB75.

In 1966, Dr John Spriggs of Philadelphia found the car on a used car lot in Camden, New Jersey.

The Aston Martin Quarterly magazine quoted Spriggs as saying, “It seemed so unusual that I bought it and decided to restore it”. In 1968, he took the revamped car, now painted maroon, to the New Hope Auto Show in Pennsylvania, and

economy on the commute, which is where most people drive every day. Yes, it certainly is a city slicker. So much so that were on more than one pedestrian hailed us thinking we were their Uber!

ROAD TESTED: Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Xr Engine: 103 kW 2142+e Nm 1.8-litre petrol I4 + e-motor

Gio’s Historic Moment

When wildcard Giordano Lupini scored a shock CompCare Polo Cup grand slam victory at Killarney’s recent Extreme Festival, the spoils became all that more poignant when he was handed the Dunlop Sport Maxx John Love Floating Trophy. “That was such an emotional moment for me,” fourth generation race driver Giordano confessed. “Six-time South African racing champion, Rhodesian John Love won the Van Riebeek trophy driving my great grandfather Gigi’s Scuderia Lupini Cooper Maserati right here at Killarney 62 years ago. “So my heart skipped a beat when I realised that I was holding the John Love Floating Trophy!” Lupini and his team are working hard behind the scenes to secure the budget allow Franschhoek flier Giordano to race the rest of the CompCare Polo Cup season.

MAY NEWS

in the September to an Aston Martin meet in Harrisburg, Eastern Pennsylvania, where it took second place in the concours. Whitman Ball was at this event and fell in love with its shape, saying “I think it’s the prettiest of the post-war custom-built Astons”. The car was by now for sale but Whit could not then afford the asking price of $6 000, so it went to a new owner in the Midwest before being sold on again to someone in Fort Collins, Colorado, after which its trail of ownership again goes cold.

Until it was found in 1983 – under a tarpaulin in a wrecking yard in Salt Lake City, Utah where, astonishingly, it had been languishing since 1971. On this occasion, Whit did not hesitate to buy the car, which was “in

MOUNTAIN KING

In 2022, FMM was honoured to receive the donation of the Renault R8 Gordini 1300 with which the late Hennie Mostert dominated the challenging Paarl Hillclimb from 1968 to 1972, earning the title ‘King of the Paarlberg’. Last month, family, friends and members of the Cape Town Renault Club gathered at the museum’s Hall D for the unveiling of a special permanent display stand for the car. Hennie’s brothers and other close friends gave short speeches relating to his motor sport career before the wrap was taken off the gleaming blue-and-white Gordini,

VISITING FMM

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

a pretty rough state”. A four-year renovation was undertaken, including repainting it in its original light green.

In August 1987 Whit took the car to the Pebble Beach Concours and won second in class. Over the next five years the car won numerous concours events, races, speed trials, autocross, rallies and enduros. Whit kept the car until 1998 when he sold it by private auction to a Chicago collector, Dennis J Machul, who then passed it on to the Blackhawk Collection in Danville, California in 2004. FMM purchased the car in November 2006, where it is currently on display in Hall D. condition as FMM’s car, which is currently on view in Hall D.

which is still in original condition. Posed in front of a giant poster showing Hennie at full throttle on the Paarl Mountain, the car is a victorious part of Cape motor sport history and a fine addition to the museum’s collection.

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

Gio with the spoils

Riding For Good

I am writing this in the middle of the 13th edition of the 1965 Ride 850km cycle tour from Johannesburg to Queenstown/Komani. The tour started in 2011 with the clear purpose of raising funds for bursaries for talented youngsters who just need a hand-up to be able to enjoy a decent education. Thirteen years later the efforts of more than 100 cyclists and countless donors and supporters have enabled more than 200 bursaries to be awarded to kids in Queenstown. The 1965Ride and the custodian of the monies it raises, the Education Endowment Fund, work with a consortium of schools in Queenstown which operate under the umbrella of the Queenstown Education Foundation which sources the candidates to nominate for bursaries.

During the time that the 1965Ride operated some clear and valuable lessons have been learnt which can be replicated with success anywhere. Our country needs grassroots activism, not protest, to grow a positive forward-looking mindset and

5 Business Plan Mistakes To Avoid

“Proper business planning demands that you focus on the self-interest of the customer at all times.” – (Brian Tracy, author and speaker)

Writing a business plan can feel like a daunting process, and making mistakes is part of the package, even if you follow the online guides and templates. To make this process simpler, we have made a short list of common errors that somehow keep creeping into these vital documents. Making it too long

As Amazon founder Jeff Bezos once said, “You know the business plan won’t survive its first encounters with reality. It will always be different.

one which acknowledges, indeed one which nurtures and empowers an inclusive value system that is good for all. This has been at the heart of the success of this initiative.

Here then are some of the important lessons learned.

Clear Purpose and Direction

When embarking on an initiative such as this it is essential to have and project a very clear sense of purpose and direction. It is this which enables those not directly involved to decide to participate and support the cause. In the beginning, there was only one school beneficiary. Now there are eleven. This means that these schools have bought into the value system and purpose of the 1965Ride.

When the tour finishes each year, it finishes in the Queens College Stadium and all the learners of all the schools line the track as the cyclists enter. They experience in real time the story and purpose of the tour. This has an impact on the entire community. Some of those students from previous years are participating in this year’s tour as a way of giving back and spreading the message that doing good is good for everyone.

An Inclusive Approach

For any initiative like this to become sustainable it must live in the beneficiary community which must be an active player and participant. Without

The reality will never be the plan.” He did, however then go on to stress that writing a business plan is essential to understanding what will make your business tick. It’s important to realise that your business plan will never be able to cover every contingency and every possible incident that can occur and should rather be focused on revealing the core business. Once you understand your core business implicitly, you will be able to write it down in a much more succinct fashion. A long business plan is therefore only evidence that you don’t yet understand what’s going on.

Understand your target market

No product is for everyone. Understanding who you are selling to and what will motivate them to buy is the first thing any investor will look for, and the most fundamental thing you will need to understand to be successful. It will shape who you hire, what your marketing looks like, and even what

The Chamber’s Choice

Selvyn Hendricks

Selvyn Hendricks grew up in Franschhoek and is now an entrepreneur, running successful businesses in transport and laundry. Selvyn is an inspiring individual, having made careful observations during his time working at a local florist since his matriculation in 1989. Delivering flowers allowed him to understand the importance of meticulous record-keeping, sound business management, developing relationships with clients and working hard to create enduring value. When unfavourable economic circumstances led to Selvyn’s retrenchment was he forced to be innovative and change tack. His inherent business sense meant that he was ready to start a local transport business in 2008, which started with transporting children to and from school: filling an essential gap in the local market. This was fruitfully expanded into providing transport for people working on Franschhoek’s wine farms and at guest houses.

Having established himself with local employers as the transport provider for their valued workers, Selvyn now employs several drivers whose responsibility is to provide transport services for the community.

In addition, Selvyn runs a successful laundry business with his wife, catering mainly to local guesthouses. He has established himself as a reliable business partner for these guesthouses, catering to their need for constant laundry services. Given his success, and finding himself operating at capacity, Selvyn is looking for ways to sustainably expand his business to meet the incoming demand for his trusted services. Selvyn continues to work conscientiously, as the committed professional that he is, finetuning his business at every opportunity. In 2011, Selvyn formally registered his business: “Aunt Mandy’s Travelling and Laundry Basket Pty Ltd.” Selvyn is well aware of the kinds of threats that he must

this involvement at the grassroots, it will likely fail in the long run. The bursary awarded to a young learner does not just change the life of just that one youngster, but also that of the family, of the community. It creates hope. Hope is an essential ingredient if communities wish to flourish and grow. The very first recipient of a bursary in 2011 is also cycling this year as a way of giving back and emphasising the importance of being involved. This message spreads.

Strong Values

From the beginning the tour has espoused a very strong value system which has at its core the sense that cause is greater than the individual; that you build communities by contributing to community well-being; that we support each other to be the best that we can be; that none of us is as good as all of us working together.

Persistence

Success does not come in one smooth linear trajectory. There are many ups and downs. The tour itself has experienced this each year. Every year it has experienced setbacks from having the tour route changed at the very last minute by the authorities, to having to dodge the many potholes along the way; and, of course, there are always human disagreements that need to be dealt with. Persistence and a clear view of the end goal are

your startup’s logo will be. Simply believing you will market to everyone is putting your business on the path to failure.

Ignoring competitors

It is extremely common for companies to exclude business competitors from their business plan. Many believe that their new product is so superior, cheap or well-supported that competitors won’t stand a chance once it is marketed correctly or simply don’t have as much understanding of the market they are entering as they think they do. Having a sound, realistic competitor analysis shows investors you understand the market and know where your unique differentiators lie.

Neglecting a financial forecast

Many business plans ignore financial forecasts as they either don’t have the experience necessary or don’t believe they are important – of what use is guessing things that don’t exist? The truth is that

essential to keep the initiative on track.

Courage

Yes, courage is needed. Courage to take the first step; courage to stick to your guns when everything seems to be against you; courage to fail and to recognise your failure; courage to move beyond the failure.

An Objective Bigger Than Oneself

All of us need meaning in our lives. This meaning will not come from introspection or a self-indulgent and selfish existence. It comes from being involved in something bigger than one’s self. It comes from being part of something important; something that adds value to the community of which one is part. This is the essence of the 1965Ride and the youngster it has given a hand up to. The very first recipients of 1965Ride bursaries are now an accountant teaching commercial subjects in a South African school and a medical doctor working in a state hospital respectively.

We can build our country by being involved in it. By being involved in changing things at the grassroots level where the biggest need exists but also where the biggest opportunity is offered to create a myriad of initiatives such as this one which brings hope to communities; changes lives positively; and demonstrates that we can do this together for the good of all! tony@siroccostrategy.com

a good financial planner or accountant should be able to help with these forecasts which need to include profit and loss, but also, essentially, cash flow and balance sheet. This area of the business plan will reveal to potential investors whether your plan has been carefully thought out, and takes realistic rates of growth into account, or whether it’s simply pie in the sky. No investor is going to work with someone who believes they will sell a million items in the first three months.

Being too strict

The business plan should always be viewed as a guide and not as a set of hard and fast rules. Any business plan that locks a business into a specific course of action is a bad one. You should always have the ability to pivot and make changes as necessary based on the latest feedback. Your ability to research new information and change direction will make it much more likely that your business will meet its long-term goals and needs.

navigate to remain sustainable. He cites load shedding and rising fuel prices as two such threats. His ability to weather the ravages of the pandemic is undoubtedly testimony to his ability to build a business that is resilient to the challenges that lie ahead. Contact Selvyn on (082) 682-2280, or email him at selvyn1@vodamail.co.za.

Top Geographer

Cricket and Youth Development a Big Hit

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

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

Franschhoek Leeskring

Franschhoek Leeskring

SUSAN MÖLLER

SUSAN MŐLLER

By die

Cricket has taken off in a big way in the greater Drakenstein Valley. It is believed that the Groot Drakenstein Games Club’s under-12 initiative has given definite impetus to this upsurge.

• facilitate social contacts between young people

volgende byeenkoms

van die

Franschhoek

Tydens die Franschhoek Leeskring se byeenkoms op Donderdag 4 Mei, bespreek Hester Strumpfer Maria Dermoût se Tien duisend Dinge soos vertaal deur Ena Jansen.

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.

Navrae: 0729325393

se Boeddhistiese ingesteldheid: ‘n sprankelende viering van die natuur en die lewe, en tegelyk ‘n gelatenheid oor die verbygaan van tyd.

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:

This year’s tournament got off the ground on 31 January. Despite having to cope with unseasonably high rain in March, it was completed eight weeks later on 16 March 2023. A round-robin of four logs merged into three logs on a strength vs strength basis. The winners of each log take home a trophy and a sought-after medal for each player. The 2023 results are as follows:

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;

The Bowl: Wemmershoek Primary vs Wes Eind Primary. The game was washed out by rain with both schools sharing the trophy.

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.

De tienduizend dingen (1955) is Maria Dermoût se beroemdste boek en is in vyftien tale vertaal. Dit is die sintuiglike en kaleidoskopiese verhaal van Felicia, “mevrou van Kleyntjies”, wat woon op ‘n oënskynlik paradyslike Molukse eiland, in ‘n huis aan die binnebaai.

Die titel is ontleen aan ‘n uitspraak van Ts’ên

Shên: “Wanneer die ‘tienduisend dinge’ in hulle eenheid gesien is, keer ons terug na die begin en bly waar ons altyd was.” Hieruit blyk Dermoût

Hospice News

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Hospice News

COLLEEN DOUGLAS

Where Does The Shop Income Go?

where twelve teams now clash over a period of eight weeks to win one of three trophies up for grabs.

Income from the Hospice Shop enables Hospice to provide at home palliative care services to patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

‘Good Life’ in Franschhoek

The Shield: Groendal Primary vs The Invitational Team (IT). The IT team in the tournament is made up of developing players from Bridge House, PC Pietersen, Pniel and Paarl Boys Junior, with the winners being IT.

the sense of community that makes Franschhoek what it is.

The Cup: Pniel Primary vs Simondium Primary, with Simondium being the winner.

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

Both the Shield and the Cup were disturbed by rain but were adequately accommodated at the Games Club a week later. This is the first time Simondium has won the coveted Cup award. We congratulate them on their success!

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 possible way, theirs is a friendship that helps both.

‘Where to go?’ has been the question posed after each successful tournament. Well, looking at the success of the Provincial, Veterans, Friendly, Vlakkie and Sunday leagues in the valley, it seems that the under-12 programme has not only introduced the game to many potential players but motivated a love of the game encouraging these extensions to take off and be successful. And long may it remain so.

The schools’ cricket tournament started in 2006. It grew organically from the initial four schools to

More than 2000 players have participated in this cricket initiative over the past 17 years. It is clear from the comments received that not only the objective to learn the game of cricket, its various skills, disciplines, traditions and nuances has been successful but an all-round youth development influence has been brought about by having youth from various backgrounds, religions, languages, races and economic levels competing and having fun together.

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:

Patient care costs include: Petrol; Transport of patients and families; Medication; Medical equipment and supplies; Food parcels

Operating costs include: Municipal charges;

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

Probus Club

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.

None of this can happen without the support of the community at large, the coaches, members and their families, the schools and sponsors. Here our grateful thanks go to the Oyster Collection and Stellenbosch Municipality’s Grant-in-Aid programme for both providing the funds to run this year’s tournament. Angus Simmers - the senior coach, Bridge House School and the Games Club for the use of their facilities and Sarah Boulton for her hard work behind the scenes encouraging resident sponsors to procure clothing, kit and food.

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

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.

Our speaker for May will be Ryan Joubert, General Manager of The Franschhoek Wine Tram. He will take us through the Tram from conception to the present day. Here is a chance to learn more about this tourist favourite and how it has helped to put Franschhoek on the map.

What is Probus all about?

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

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

entry requirement for the evening was of cat or dog food for SHARF (Safe Animal Rescue Franschhoek), a charity enthusiastically supported by Alex. Wine and –made instantly in an air fryer – made for evening. Once everyone was seated, and manager Pieter started the movie, there warm cheers and enthusiastic clapping at Alex’s appearances. movie, ‘Good Life’, was written and directed Rodini. The movie took fourteen years to the bulk of the shooting taking place Covid pandemic. The whole movie was around the Cape peninsula, with the Castle of transformed into a Greek village. Clever with stock footage makes the scenery very there were gasps of empathy at the very the actors had to brave while pretending warm water off the coast of Greece!

According to Alex, the movie was a project of love shoestring budget. Don’t expect special movie relies on good storytelling and

teeth; the wheelie bin affair keeps cropping up as an ongoing amusement; the ladies in the purported aquatics group in their flowery caps link the venomous attacks against Olive. ‘Good Life’ is fun; a well-told story with all the elements to keep you entertained for its duration. Watch it on Netflix.

Die opvallendste tema in Dermoût se werk is verlies: verdriet oor die dood en die afwesigheid van geliefdes, oor geweld en wreedheid, en oor eensaamheid. Verdriet word getemper deur ‘n omvattende liefde vir ‘dinge’: plante, skulpe, korale, golfies wat breek. Ook deur berusting en aanvaarding van jou lot.

Die byeenkoms word in die NG Kerksaal om 14h30 gehou. Besoekers is welkom. Skakel 072 932 5393 vir navrae.

“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.

Water and electricity; Telephone and connectivity costs; Housekeeping expenses; Maintenance and insurance of assets; Staff Salaries; Maintenance / license of vehicles; Staff development and training Quite simply, your donations and support allow us to provide care and comfort to patients and their families. Hospice does not receive any funds from Government.

This is achieved through these valuable features of membership:

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

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

receive your generous donations. Thank you

• Support in grief and illness.

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.

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

• We are a-political and non-sectarian

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.

• We are mindful of the fact that costs are an important consideration. Membership fees, therefore, are kept to a minimum; while monthly luncheon costs vary. Probus is not a Service/Fund Raising organization. For more information please contact Mark Tanner on 082 773 9217.

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 development tournament on Saturday 28 May 2022.

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.

FLTR: Franschhoek Health Club Manager Johan Viljoen, Champion and gold medalist Jayne Wunder and National Coach Sensei Chris Ensil.

An independent (IEB) Matric examination accepted by universities worldwide

Amelie, Kayla, Melo, Ethan, Joda-Rose, Emiru and Curstley. Back row: Johan

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

second and third places. SA National Coach, Sensei Chris Ensil says: “We are proud to see that our new

For more information on karate in Franschhoek

PAARL-FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA

Text: Barbara Spaanderman | Image: Netflix

19 & 20 May Franschhoek Literary Festival

The best achievement from the Franschhoek contingent came from Jayne Wunder, who placed third at the first development tournament and first at the second development tournament after beating all her opponents to claim the gold medal. Other Franschhoek students also achieved first,

Hospice will be selling freshly baked croissants filled with smoked salmon/trout and cream cheese in the parking area in front of Hospice House.

Also for sale will be a large selection of books.

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

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

· Extensive facilities on 28 hectares of land

Open Day is any day you want it to be.

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

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Bridge House School

SA’s top young geographer, Destin Bürgin.

FLTR: Front row: Sensei Chris Ensil,

MARK TANNER

Text: Richard von Hoesslin | Image: Supplied

The U12 Cup winners, Simondium Primary, with their senior coach, Mr Ronwin Leibrandt.

Groot drakenstein Games club

Special Rating Area FAQ

What is a Special Rating Area (SRA)?

A Special Rating Area (SRA) is a clearly defined geographical area in which property owners pay additional rates to enhance and supplement Municipal services as described in the SRA business plan.

The enhanced services usually relate to:

• safety and security;

• maintenance and area cleaning; and

• social services and community building.

It is a public-private partnership; established and managed by local property owners in terms of the Stellenbosch Special Rating Area Policy updated 2022/2023.

An SRA is always initiated by the community and not by the Municipality. The Stellenbosch Municipality SRA Policy requires the support of a minimum of 60% + 1 of the property owners within the proposed SRA area to establish an SRA.

An SRA is mandatory for 5 years once agreed upon and is renewable by Stellenbosch Municipality if the required 60% + 1 support is again obtained.

What is the purpose of an SRA?

The Stellenbosch Municipality Special Rating Area Policy states that an SRA is aimed at preventing “the degeneration of towns and the consequential urban decay, and facilitating the upliftment, economic growth and sustainable development of the defined area.”

In addition, it facilitates a cooperative approach between Stellenbosch Municipality and the private sector in the provision of enhanced municipal services and encouraging investment within the special rating area.

What are the benefits of an SRA?

The benefits of an SRA include:

• Creating a safer public environment that benefits property and business owners, residents and visitors;

• Maintaining Franschhoek as a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike;

• Giving property owners the opportunity to be directly involved in dealing with problem issues in the area;

• Helping to protect and enhance property values;

• Fostering economic growth and job creation;

• Helping to address some of the social issues in the SRA;

• There is a fair and equitable distribution of the costs incurred for the provision of the supplementary and additional services to all the property owners, i.e. no freeloaders.

What is the regulatory framework governing SRAs?

SRAs are governed by the SA Constitution; Section 22 of the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA); the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Companies Act (Non-Profit Company – NPC). An SRA in Franschhoek is also governed by the Stellenbosch Municipality Special Rating Area By-Law and the Stellenbosch Municipality Special Rating Area Policy – updated 2022/2023 – also applies.

According to the SA Constitution (Sections 152 & 153), the objective of a local authority is to provide all its residents with certain basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal, etc.  For communities who wish to enjoy municipal services of a higher standard, an SRA provides them with the option of paying for these additional services, which should be affordable and sustainable.

Who manages and administers the SRA?

The steering committee must establish a NonProfit Company (NPC) as per the Companies Act, Act 71 of 2008 to provide governance and manage the SRA.

A board is elected by the NPC members. The board then appoints a management team to manage the NPC. Stellenbosch Municipality is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SRA but merely exercises financial oversight and legal compliance.  The 5-year SRA business plan and budget application that is submitted by the NPC to the Municipality must include and meet all the SRA guidelines as set out in the Stellenbosch Municipality SRA Policy.

Do members have a say in an SRA?

Absolutely.

In fact, only members/property owners have a say. They do however have to apply in writing to the SRA Board for membership in the NPC before they are able to participate in SRA activities.

Who manages and monitors the finances?

The board of the SRA NPC manages its finances and appoints its own independent auditors. The audited financial statements form part of the Stellenbosch Municipal Council’s consolidated accounts. Monthly financial reports are submitted to the Chief Financial Officer of the Municipality to monitor that the expenditure incurred is in accordance with the approved business plan and budget.

How is an SRA funded?

An SRA is funded entirely from the additional rates paid by all the property owners in the SRA and it does not receive any subsidies from the Municipality. It can solicit and receive additional sponsorships and donations.

All additional rates raised are for the benefit of those in the SRA area only.

How is the SRA rate determined?

The SRA rate is determined by the NPC’s 5-year budget and business plan as approved by the Municipal Council, after allowing for comments and objections.

Do all property owners in the SRA pay the same amount?

No.

The amount due for each property is determined by applying the SRA rate to the municipal valuation of each property. Thus the rate is the same for all property owners, but the amount due varies based on the municipal valuation of each property. The result is a fair and equitable distribution of the costs of the enhanced services.

Are any ratepayers exempted from paying the SRA rate?

Yes.

Ratepayers receiving rates relief in terms of Stellenbosch Municipality’s Rates Policy are exempt from paying the additional SRA rate. This particularly applies to senior citizens, disabled persons and non-profit organisations.

Anyone registered as indigent in terms of Stellenbosch Municipality’s Indigent Policy is likewise exempted from the SRA rate.

How is the SRA rate collected?

The Municipality collects the rates on behalf of the SRA – it is included in each property’s monthly municipal account. The SRA rates portion is paid over to the SRA for the services it provides. The NPC manages these funds.

The Municipality pays over a twelfth of the budget every month after retaining a small percentage as a provision for bad debts.

Is the SRA rate mandatory for all properties within the defined SRA area?

Yes.

Once the Municipality has approved an SRA all property owners in the SRA must pay the SRA rate.

Some property classes are exempt from the additional rate, i.e. municipally-owned properties, churches, etc.

Does the formation of the SRA mean that the Municipality can reduce the quality and frequency of its services?

No.

The municipality is obligated to maintain existing service levels and to provide basic services as per the Constitution.

The SRA income empowers the community, through the NPC, to provide the additional services as set out in the business plan.

Are there other established SRAs?

Yes. There are many successful SRAs in the Western Cape.

Over 20 SRAs are operational in Cape Town, the Atlantic Sea Board and Cape Peninsula, Northern suburbs, Overstrand and Southern Cape Coast. Stellenbosch currently has two SRAs in operation – in Jonkershoek and the Techno Park.

Some SRAs are on their second 5-year term and continue to show positive results and maintain committed resident and business support and active participation.

How is the SRA established?

• Form a Steering Committee

• Input and learning from existing SRAs

• Meet with Municipal CFO and inform of intent to establish an SRA

• Determine the SRA geographic area

• Meet with Ward Councillors

• Conduct a perception survey

• Draft business plan informed by the survey

• Meet with CFO and Directorates to consider and discuss the business plan

• Hold public meetings

• Obtain a minimum of 60%+1 public consent for the proposed SRA

• Public communication and feedback

• Submit the application, consider objections and await Municipal approval

• Establish NPC

• Elect NPC board members

• NPC board members hold a meeting and take over from the Steering Committee

• On Council approval, NPC holds an implementation meeting

• Communicate the implementation date

• NPC begins service delivery and reporting

• Annual reporting and revaluation of projects

• Application to extend the project Contact Pat Jacobs at 073 535 0007 should you wish to have more information on SRAs.

Editor’s Letter

Siegfried Schäfer

Dear Readers, Do you enjoy low-alcohol or alcohol-free wine?

I can’t say that I do. I’ve come across a couple of low-alcohol wines that I found palatable, but can’t say the same of the alcohol-free kind…

Give me alcoholic wine with my Sunday roast (or braai)!

Don’t get me wrong, though. I understand the thinking behind these products, both from a producer and consumer perspective. I just haven’t found any that will even remotely entice me to give up the standard alcoholic versions.

I’m not much of a hard liquor or cocktail drinker, but earlier this year I noticed a number of reports about a new compound that might entice even me onto the cocktail circuit. The new alcohol alternative making all the fuss is called Alcarelle and was developed by a team under the leadership of Imperial College London’s Prof David Nutt – an expert in neuropsychopharmacology.

Alcarelle, which is still awaiting regulatory approval, promises the relaxed buzz of alcohol, but without the health implications, loss of control or hangovers.

According to Nutt, “alcohol mimics a chemical called GABA which is produced in the brain. We now know there are 15 subtypes of GABA receptor present in lots of different parts of the brain and that alcohol will bind to all of them and cause lots of side-effects.” Nutt’s Alcarelle only binds to a selected number of these receptors, thus only creating some of the effects of alcohol consumption. For example, it will “stimulate the receptors that cause tipsiness, but not headaches, memory impairment,

aggression or longer term liver problems.” Also, unlike alcohol, Alcarelle was developed in such a way that regardless of how much of it you consume you won’t get wasted, just tipsy. “It’s like having two or so glasses of wine,” says Nutt – who happens to co-own a bar in Ealing with his daughter!

Nutt explains that Alcarelle is a small molecule “so you don’t need much of it to feel the effect when it’s mixed into a drink, and it clears from your body within hours and it doesn’t metabolise in the liver like alcohol. Hence, the lack of side-effects.”

As expected from a bar owner, he’s not proposing Alcarelle as a replacement for alcohol. “It’s about giving people a choice other than abstinence and alcohol. Currently, people only have two choices; to drink or not to drink, but this could give people the sociability they want from alcohol without them having to drink.” Or go to work with a hangover.

It will probably be another five years before Alcarelle is available to the public as it hasn’t yet been tested by regulators in Europe or the US. This means Nutt and his team are the only people to have tried it. It’s a small sample, but if the results hold in large-scale testing, I suspect they make a big bundle from their creation.

Sticking to the topic of small samples: Who has tried orange wine? Not in colour, but made from oranges. I’m one of the – I hope – unfortunate few that has. I seem to recall it having been made in the Free State… Awful stuff! The next time I feel like alcoholic experimentation I’d much rather try something containing Alcarelle. As long as they don’t add it to de-alcoholised fermented grape juice and call it wine. In my mind anything not containing alcohol and not made from fermented grape juice shouldn’t be called wine. Regardless of what the technical definition of wine says!

Until next month!

DEADLINES - JUNE 2023 ISSUE

Bookings - 15 June 2023

Artwork - 17 June 2023 | Editorial - 17 June 2023

A Local Geological Journey with Nick

Norman

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

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

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

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

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

Traces of this history can be identified in the valley. For example, river stones may be observed near Wemmershoek Primary School, which testify to the fact that the Berg River had meandered from one side of the valley to the other, carving out the valley as it went. The geological foundations described have also set the scene for the ecological systems surrounding us. From the sandy nutrient-poor soil, derived from the extremely hard quartzitic sandstone, the world’s most bio-diverse flora has sprung forth: fynbos. Indeed, the harsh conditions have required our indigenous plant life to be resourceful, adaptive, and evolutionarily creative. It follows that the fauna have also had to acclimatise to this harsh terrain. And yet, the valley’s ecology has provided enough organic matter, mixing with the eroded sedimentary rock and granite, to form soil that is fertile enough to produce some of the world’s finest wines and natural produce. And so we find ourselves entwined in the ongoing geological and ecological story of the land in our valley.

If this story piqued your interest, Nick’s books can be purchased or ordered from your local book vendor. His publications include Going to Ground, Box of Rocks, Geology Off the Beaten Track, The Extraordinary World of Diamonds, and Geological Journeys. For more information about Nick, you can visit his website: https://www.nicknormanbook.com/.

I’ve often mused in the past on how May is one of the most unpredictable months of the year. Every farmer in the winter rainfall area will tell stories of the years they waited for the rain to sow their crops, with the end of May being the ultimate deadline. In dry years the joke is that farmers plant on the 50th of May. This year things seem different. We were blessed with abundant early rains, and winter quickly pushed a short autumn out of the way.

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

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

Rainfall Figures

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

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

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

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

Text: Leila Shirley | Image: Nick Norman

Nick Norman with the Wemmershoek Mountains in the background.

When did Wemmershoek Primere Skool open and what factors enable it to succeed in uplifting children through education?

Wemmershoek Primary was established on 19 May 1928. Over time the school has become a success by making the following available for learners: expanded technology (computers), Greenshoots Mathematics, Reading Eggs - English activities, as well as WiFi and internet resources for all school subjects.

When did you join the Wemmershoek Primary School’s staff and become the school’s principal?

I started my career in January 1987 and become the acting principal in February 2023.

Poetic Licence

HARRY OWEN

The distinguished American poet Gary Snyder celebrates his ninety-third birthday on 8 May. Born in San Francisco in 1930, he was associated with the Beat Poets of the 1950s, counting Allen Ginsberg, Lew Welch and Lawrence Ferlinghetti among his friends, but moving in a different direction thereafter.

Moved by Zen Buddhism, by the belief systems of numerous indigenous peoples, and always by rapidly increasing threats to the natural world, Snyder has become a poetic spokesperson for ecological consciousness. Widely travelled and never afraid of hard physical effort – he has been a logger, trail builder and mountaineer, for example – he combines a sensitive spirituality with real and uncomplicated ‘earthiness’.

As one reviewer wrote at the turn of the century, he has always given his voice to “the ferocious energy of nonhuman beings”.

In Snyder’s own words: “I hold the most archaic values on earth. They go back to the late Paleolithic: the fertility of the soil, the magic of animals, the

Book Review

CHARLOTTE VAN ZYL

Cleopatra and Frankenstein

By Coco Mellors

Publ: 4th Estate. 368 pages

Shouts like “The Hottest New Book!”, “A stellar debut!”, “Luminous!”, “Inhalable!”, “Muscular!”, “The Most Talked About Book On Instagram!” worry me deeply at the best of times. The ugliest cover I have seen for a long time doesn’t help either. Only insistent nudging from overseas relatives and friends (mostly female) made me finally cave in, buy the book, and enjoy it far more than I had thought possible.

The title “Cleopatra and Frankenstein” ensures a frisson of anticipation: two legendary figures who would be uncomfortable bedfellows. The many bedfellows in this novel, however, of all genders, ages and persuasions are not uncomfortable. They are just impossibly beautiful, blindingly handsome, and highly neurotic. And rich.

In Chapter 1, we meet Cleo – an adorable, slender, 24-year-old Londoner who finds herself in New York trying to start her art career. Looks and talent she has, a green card she has not.

On New Year’s Eve 2006, succour appears in the shape of Frank, a highly successful advertising executive, twenty years her senior. They jokingly call each other Cleopatra and Frankenstein.

By Chapter 2 the green card problem is easily solved, and their June wedding ushers her into a

What inspires you about being the principal at Wemmershoek and what do you envisage for the school?

My inspiration springs from finding ways to run the school efficiently, paving the way for progress along all academic and developmental avenues so that all children are afforded the opportunity to succeed.

What are the greatest challenges in running a school, and in providing children with education more generally?

There are many challenges that I face in trying to steer the school toward greater levels of success. I think one of my priorities is trying to involve parents more and encourage them to participate in their children’s education in order to improve learners’ results. This can offer children the emotional support needed to succeed in other areas of their lives, particularly academics. Can you talk about any exciting events or initiatives at Wemmershoek?

There are many events and initiatives at Wemmershoek that enhance learners’ educational experiences and inspire learning. Amongst these are: learner participation in Quizzes, passage reading on IPads, as well as competitions such as ‘Spelling Bee’ and ‘Art & Culture’. The Grade 5 to 7 learners have, over the last year, won various prizes for their beautiful artworks.

power-vision in solitude, the terrifying initiation and rebirth; the love and ecstasy of the dance, the common work of the tribe. I try to hold both history and wilderness in mind, that my poems may approach the true measure of things and stand against the unbalance and ignorance of our times.”

Riprap

Lay down these words

Before your mind like rocks. placed solid, by hands

In choice of place, set Before the body of the mind in space and time:

Solidity of bark, leaf, or wall riprap of things: Cobble of milky way, straying planets, These poems, people, lost ponies with Dragging saddles— and rocky sure-foot trails.

The worlds like an endless four-dimensional Game of Go.

ants and pebbles

In the thin loam, each rock a word

life of frantic loft parties, endless cocaine-fueled gatherings and a continuous stretch of sexual diversions and inversions. In other words: normal, magical New York life, with talent and neuroses available in equal quantities.

Gradually the cast of exotic characters increases. Zoe, Frank’s black half-sister, a talented drama student, Santiago, a weight-challenged, Peruvian Master Chef, Anders, a drop-dead gorgeous Scandinavian filmmaker.

And then there is Eleanor. She is Frank’s executive producer at the advertising agency. She is highly competent, nicely eccentric, and inevitably in love with him. The Outsider’s outsider – not particularly attractive, tied to her hysterical (and hysterically funny) Jewish mother, and a quiet martyr to her love.

By Chapter 4, the Cleo/Frank marriage is in trouble, and we are in for an angst-fest of note. But the plot does not develop into a conventional love triangle. New Yorkers are too smart for that. Affairs whizz off at unexpected angles, and rescuers appear in the strangest guises. The unexpected becomes the norm.

This novel is destined to become a successful TV series. The plot is episodic, with the unresolvable Cleo/Frank relationship as its binding factor. To its great credit, the final chapter (episode?) is unexpectedly satisfying and feel-good.

Coco Mellors certainly knows her New York scene and leaves no Korean Barbecue joint, snappy cocktail bar and rooftop restaurant unexplored. The glitterati seldom sleeps or rather seldom sleeps alone.

Some of the sexual passages are unambiguously inventive and, as BBC News warns: “Some

Is there scope for community involvement?

How can the public get involved and contribute towards the school’s success?

There are a great many ways in which parents and the general public can get involved in Wemmershoek Primary in order to help learners. These programmes include a feeding scheme (which involves parents preparing meals for the learners), children’s readings by authors at the local Literary Festival, participating in ‘Yeboneers’ (which involves assisting learners in class and at home with their academics), and a range of sponsors that help with admin fees, uniforms, and transport. FRANCO, for example, helps with school shoes. We are very thankful for this community involvement and it is possible for anyone to reach out and get involved in these programmes that help to uplift learners and facilitate their learning experience. We have also invited members of the public to help learners who cannot afford to pay admin fees of only R100 per annum. This makes a massive difference to the lives and prospects of children in the community.

Where would you direct people who want to know more about the school?

You can get in touch with Wemmershoek Primary School via our Facebook page. You can also call us on (021) 867 0166 or email us at admin@whps.wcape.school.za.

a creek-washed stone Granite: ingrained with torment of fire and weight Crystal and sediment linked hot all change, in thoughts, As well as things. from RiprapandColdMountain Poems (Shoemaker & Hoard, 2003)

But the yearning sensitivity of a love poem from 1968 is also quintessential Snyder, expressing a human longing that most of us must have felt at some time. I certainly have:

December at Yase

You said, that October, In the tall dry grass by the orchard When you chose to be free, “Again someday, maybe ten years.”

After college I saw you One time. You were strange. And I was obsessed with a plan.

Now ten years and more have Gone by: I’ve always known where you were—

I might have gone to you

Hoping to win your love back. You still are single.

I didn’t.

I thought I must make it alone. I Have done that.

Only in dream, like this dawn, Does the grave, awed intensity

Of our young love Return to my mind, to my flesh.

We had what the others

All crave and seek for; We left it behind at nineteen.

I feel ancient, as though I had Lived many lives.

And may never now know If I am a fool Or have done what my karma demands.

From TheBackCountry (New Directions Publishing, 1968)

So happy birthday, Gary Snyder, and thank you.

sensitive viewers might find the following images disturbing”. But generally, the tone of the novel is more breathless than steamy.

One curious fact is that this love story plays out in post-Aids, pre-Pandemic, pre-Trump, and preRecession New York. Its own metaphoric pandemic consists of highly transmissible sexual desire, for which there was no vaccination.

The book is highly readable, with witty, clever, wry lines that remind one of the stand-up comedy routines.

I urge you to read it before the inevitable TV series comes out. The visual version will never be intense as the verbal. Just ignore the shouts and the cover.

with Nerine Parks, principal of Wemmershoek Primere Skool

Smalls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Events

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

PARKRUN: Saturdays at Rickety Bridge Wine

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

CHURCH SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful Numbers

Tomorrow’s path is created by today’s footsteps in the sand.

Building a stronger community through literature.

The charming village of 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 its inception.

winelandsint@pamgolding.co.za

To find out more about this event, please follow QR link

PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES, PROUD SPONSOR OF THE FRANSCHHOEK LITERARY FESTIVAL

- Pam Golding

FOUR BEDROOM VILLAGE HOME

Sole Mandate. The heart of this delightful home is the spacious living/ dining room with fireplace, open plan to a well-appointed kitchen. Large master-bedroom with garden views and en-suite bathroom. Further 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite, 1 family). The living area flows out onto a covered verandah with breathtaking mountain views and small pool. Large double garage. Full solar installation. Furniture and non-personal contents are included in the price. Erf size 800m2

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R7 500 000

LOCAL EXPERTISE NATIONAL PRESENCE INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE

THREE BEDROOM VILLAGE HOME

Sole mandate. This well-appointed home is part of a small development within a quick stroll to the village. A generous double-volume open plan lounge/dining room/kitchen leads out to the private courtyard garden with mountain views, a beach pool and outside dining area. The master bedroom downstairs has an en-suite bathroom, while upstairs are 2 further bedrooms sharing a bathroom. Single garage with off-street parking. Inverter with batteries for loadshedding. A charming property suitable for both permanent and holiday living.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R4 950 000

CONTEMPORARY CAPE DUTCH COTTAGE

Sole Mandate. This immaculate home presents as a calm sanctuary in neutral shades as well as a canvas for vibrant 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 bespoke kitchen spilling out to a covered patio overlooking a parterre garden, pool and mountain views. 3 En-suite bedrooms, home office, 2 garages and off-street parking complete this sought after home within walking distance to the village.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

L’AVENUE DE FRANSCHHOEK

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

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

R8 750 000

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R23 500 000

TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT

Sole Mandate. Fully renovated first floor apartment on La Petite Provence secure estate. Offering an easy lifestyle for either permanent or lock-upand-go living. Well-appointed kitchen provides counter seating and an open-plan layout. The lounge/ living area enjoys plenty of light, a fireplace and a private balcony. The two bedrooms with built in cupboards share a full bathroom. Also includes a dedicated, covered parking bay.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R2 999 000

LA DEMEURE

Rare opportunity to build your dream home on one of the last 3 plots in this exclusive boutique estate. Nestled on the lower slopes of the Franschhoek Pass with breath taking views across the valley but within easy walking distance to Franschhoek Village. Plot sizes range from 3107 sqm to 3,932 sqm with pricing from R9.4m up to R9.6m including VAT. No transfer duties are payable.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194 R9,4M - R9,6M inc VAT

FRANSCHHOEK HERITAGE PROPERTY ON 2000m2

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

TWO HECTARE FRANSCHHOEK SMALLHOLDING

Idyllic 2ha 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, all cradled by the Franschhoek Mountains. The heart is the beautifully appointed main house (Lake Cottage). Secluded, intimate, and surrounded by nature this is genuinely one of a kind. Currently run as up-market accommodation its ideal as a permanent home, accommodation or a flexible combination. Price excludes VAT.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

300 offices globally 40 offices nationally

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, 20 meter pool and tennis court. Erf size 3.8 hectares.

Tom Clode 079 955 3114

R55 000 000 plus VAT

Terry-Lee George 082 650 9194

R65 000 000