April 2013 - Stanford River Talk

Volume 92 | APRIL 2013 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R13.20

Fire dancing in Stanford

S TA N F O R D H I L L S E S TA T E The Tasting Room @ Stanford Hills is the ideal venue for your next event. Also open daily for tastings and lunches Thursday to Monday 11-5

Check out our Facebook Page for specials and upcoming events. Call Bridget for bookings on 072 639 6135.

Self-catering accommodation, kids & pets welcome!

028 341 0841

info@stanfordhills.co.za

www.stanfordhills.co.za

R43 Stanford

STANFORD RIVER TALK 1

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editorial notes Stanford settles down while it waits for the rains to come. The fire season is over, the grapes have been harvested (page 12), and the first school term is over as children scurry around gardens searching for gifts from the Easter Bunny (page 13). Holidays in the Overberg are a sheer delight as visitors flock, and locals enjoy the markets, music and outdoor activities.

Two of our newest columns, Legal Talk (page 7) and Teen Talk (page 18) comment on the news from the Vatican as the world greets a new Pope.

Although Stanford nestles in the arms of the Klein River Mountains and shelters from the hum of life in the rest of the world, it is not cut off from reality. Stanfordians remember what is important like Marching against Crime, Walking for Water (pages 4 and 6), remembering Freedom Day and living vibrant country lives.

On 27 April, we remember South Africa's first free and fair election in 1994 after the misery of Apartheid. May our readers enjoy a day of peace and optimism for the future.

COVER PICTURE: Herman van Bon. GreenC Productions, Stanford.

Please send your letters to philippa.murray@gmail.com or to PO Box 228 Stanford, 7210. Try to keep letters as short as possible (100 words or less) and supply your name and address. Anonymous letters will not be published. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any letter.

Goodbye paradise I am sitting here watching the sun rise over the hill behind Oak Grove Farm this morning, reflecting on the seven happy years we have had in Stanford Valley. We are selling our 200 acre paradise and will be moving into the village next year. It has grown into a guest farm business and cannot be run from afar.

Penny and I will miss living amongst our friendly neighbours along the Salmonsdam road and beyond. We will still trot along to Hennie's @ Tat restaurant for the best steak or lamb in the Western Cape! I look forward to 'discussions' late into the night about international cricket and rugby with local farmers. We will continue to play bridge with Naas and Elsabie on Wednesdays, and golf with Willy and Geoff at Gansbaai. We may only stay for three months every year but we look forward to them immensely. Penny is keen to live in the village and we have made a number of friends there over the years.

So, it is goodbye for now, Stanford. We will soon be back enjoying the monthly market, bridge, the river, the restaurants and the wine!

And helping fight the odd fire now and again!

Stuart and Penny Findlay CONTACT US www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za Phil Murray – editor, philippa.murray@gmail.com, 082 667 0619 Sandra Slabbert – design editor design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za , 079 523 8453 Michelle Hardie – managing editor. All account queries, 079 2911 588

Cover Competition Please keep your photographs of Stanford coming in to philippa. murray@gmail.com. We love being able to use your captured moments on our front cover. Remember, if we use your photo on our cover, you will get that issue of Stanford River Talk free.

Board Teens?: (from left to right) Teagan Foxcroft, Reuben Burls, Luke Kleinsmidt (hidden) and Axton Green in Queen Victoria Street. Taken by Raquel Bulough.

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Churton Collins, Cath Croxton, Janika Dorland, Marian Ferris, Fred Hatman, Bob Hadley, Andrew Herriot, Melissie Jolly, Alexia Lawson, Jami Kastner, Olga Koorts, DM, Don MacIver, Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw, Naas Terblanche, Bea Whittaker and Tania Weich.

Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor‘s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article.

Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission. Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 3

news & updates

The inspiration for one hour goes beyond one hour WWF’s Earth Hour has concluded another record sweep around our planet from Samoa on one side of the International Date Line to the Cook Islands on the other, with hundreds of millions again uniting to send a clear message – we are determined to create a sustainable future for our planet.

Many South Africans joined in the event, which was observed in more than 7000 cities, towns and municipalities in more than 150 countries and territories, with many of the world’s best known human and natural landmarks – including Table Mountain, one of the New seven Wonders of the World – going dark. A multitude of ’beyond the hour’ activities and initiatives generating outcomes for the movement

WARD COMMITTEE REPORT

and the planet on which we live.

Stanfordians and visitors showed their commitment to the planet and enjoyed an enchanting ‘unplugged’ music line up by Daniel Boshoff and his talented friends from Blue Moon. Geared with picnic baskets and blankets, folks found their spots next to crackling fires and settled in for the evening. Interesting solar items and wonder box cooking methods were on display and ‘glow-in-the-dark’ goodies, attracted old and young. See you all, next year, same time, same place.

Special thanks to Stanford Municipality for their assistance, Mark & Mandy Erwee for the sand and wood and our stall holders.

Rina de Wet

Stanford children are sick of crime!

Meeting held 14 March 2013 OVERSTRAND ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS A zoning scheme regulates town planning and land use issues. It is a legal document which determines the nature of the built and natural environment within the municipality’s area of operation.

In finer detail it regulates the number of units and type of development on farms, the density within urban areas, building height and setback lines, etc. The Overstrand Zoning Scheme, which has been a work-in-progress for many years, is expected to be approved next month. The Stanford guidelines for development in the historically proclaimed area are incorporated into the document, but the urgently requested Stanford Conservation Overlay Zone (requested for the past 10+ years), does unfortunately not form part of this initial document. This means that Stanford residents still have to apply for waivers (and pay the related costs!) to adhere to the historical streetscape when infilling or building a new structure. The good news is that budgetary provision has been made for the conservation overlay zone in the 2013/14 budget.

CHANGE ROOMS AT SOCCER FIELDS The Overstrand Municipality obtained Lotto funding for the erection of change room facilities at the soccer field. Quotations have been called for and it is expected that construction could start in April.

HOUSING SHORTAGE The agreement to purchase land from County Fair for housing has been signed. The next stage is to draw up the plan of how development should take place on the acquired land. County Fair will build a wall on the border of the two properties.

BIRDING FACILITIES AT THE WILLEM APPEL DAM The municipal head of Environmental Services, Liezl Bezuidenhout, addressed the committee on the possibility of developing the area around the dam as a birding destination, and the possible erection of a bird hide and removal of excessive reeds before the Birding Fair in October. All erection of infrastructure and removal of reeds are subject to the regulations of the National Environmental Management Act, and a site meeting will be held between representatives of the Municipality, Ward Committee, Stanford Bird Club and Stanford Conservation Trust to determine what can be done within the legal parameters before October 2013.

Bea Whittaker STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

March against crime: Children and adults joined the march.

300 children from Okkie Smuts and Die Bron Primary Schools took part in a five kilometre ‘March Against Crime’ on Thursday 14 March.

Singing and chanting with banners held high, they made their way though Stanford South’s streets, pleading with local residents to stop all forms of abuse and rape. The march was organised by the Stanford Community Police Forum with support from the schools, the Municipality and the Police. Captain Africa (Stanford’s Acting Police Commissioner) who participated in the march along with other police officers and teachers, maintained that the march had definitely made a strong impact on the community.

Congratulations to Willem McClean (Chairman of the CPF) and Kevin Husk for organising the march, and, special thanks to Chris de Wit and Dr Pepler for sponsoring the ice lollies which were given to the children at the end of their march.

Above all else, the children are to be commended for their spirit and energy on an incredibly hot afternoon. Their serious message was heard loudly and clearly by many. As one of their posters cried out, ‘Enough is enough’! Superbly behaved, they were a credit to the village. Ten out of ten to all those 300 boys and girls!

Stuart Anderson

SARS DATE MOVED TO 9 APRIL

Please note that there is a change in the schedule for the monthly SARS visits to the Overstrand area for dealing with matters such as tax clearance, status checks and tax returns this month. SARS will be available on Tuesday, 9 April 2013, from 11:00 to 18:00 at the Harmony Square Building on the Overstrand Municipal Campus in Hermanus. Future dates remain the same: 7 May and 4 June 2013.

Enquiries may be directed to EngagementCT@sars.gov.za

news & updates STANFORD PROPERTY SALES

Five properties in Stanford were issued with a sales certificates in March. These figures include name transfers.

Tourism & business – the inside story ‘Please could you write a regular column about tourism and business?

Something light and interesting.’ Light and interesting? Dick Francis is light and interesting; I’m more the heavy and boring type. What do you consider to be light and interesting? Visitor statistics perhaps.

How many and from where? No? I could tell you a horror story related by one of our members…but no, not professional (and possibly libellous.) Maybe hearing about the praise that is often heaped upon the heads of our local serviceproviders is more up your street? Or better still, the rude things that are sometimes said about them…

Entries in the visitor’s book? No, that’s both light and boring! ‘Very nice – Audrey and Dennis, Guildford UK’. ‘Great place, definitely coming back – Wilma and Chuck, Hicksville, NY, USA’. ’Been here for 3 days and haven’t seen a b****y whale, shark or lion. Pubs are great, though! Lleyton and Baz, Burrumbuttock, NSW, Australia.’

Lighter? Here’s a selection of unusual questions: ‘Can I cycle to Cape Town and be back before it gets dark?’

‘What can I throw to the whales to make them come closer?’

‘When is the wine-tasting Happy Hour?’

But not that interesting? Try this from a four-year old celebrating his first Christmas away from London: ’How will Santa know where I am?’

OK, here’s the deal. In future I promise to try and be Light and Interesting but I shall be including a hard-centre, something for you to chew on.

And if anyone’s found Lleyton’s back-pack please could they do his washing and drop everything off at the police station. À bientôt.

Martin Ranger, Stanfordinfo

Two bicycles made for one Stanfordians may have noticed this incredible, colourful bicycle being ridden through the village by its creative builder and owner, Wynand Steeneveld. Having picked up two damaged bikes (one being a child’s) Wynand managed to weld together his ‘new one’!

It has 12 speed gears, and front wheel brakes. Coats of paint of varying colours have added much to its appearance. He now intends to add back wheel brakes and dynamos from which he can run a torch, and a transistor radio. Although it’s not ready for the Argus Cycle Tour just yet, Wynand is extremely happy that he gets to different destinations and places of work with ease.

Stuart Anderson

Welcome to civilisation Seven years ago, we moved from Germany to the Cederberg. We opened a sheep- and guestfarm in a remote area, 65 kilometre outside Clanwilliam towards the mountains (Enjo Nature Farm ). When we saw how much our children were enjoying the company of other children, we decided to move closer to civilisation for schooling. We had heard that Stanford is a beautiful village and we wanted to move somewhere where we could live within walking distance of the school, and still have nature around us. So here we are – enjoying the village, and so happy to have met so many welcoming neighbours and little friends!

Sossusvlei, Namibia: Moritz, Ronja, Kilian and Andrea Conrad on holiday in November 2012.

Marcques and Ezel Kotze are blessed by the birth of their first child, Maks Kotze. He was born on 6 March and his parents instantly adored him.

Baby angel: Maks Kotze.

Tristan Joel van der Walt was born on 13 February 2013, weighing 3,2kg. His sister, Tanique, loves him to bits, and he falls fast asleep instantly in her arms.

This little boy is a miracle baby to his parents Louis and Wanya – congratulations.

Sibling love: Tanique and Tristan.

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news and updates

Be water-aware Walking for Water is an initiative begun in the Netherlands and the Eco-Schools Overberg node was the first node to participate in South Africa. Okkie Smuts and Die Bron Primary Schools achieved Eco-Schools Green Flags in 2011/12; an internationally respected eco-label for schools which include environmental action and responsibility in their curricula. The Troost Home School also joined Eco-Schools in 2011/12 and achieved a Bronze Certificate. We are proud that our Stanford Schools are raising eco-awareness as part of their curricula.

The object of Walking for Water (18 March) was to raise awareness among children (and adults) that people in The Third World and other developing countries still walk kilometres to fetch and carry clean drinking water. Participants walked with the Stanford Striders carrying two litre, or five litre bottles of water.

Wonder about the cell phone tower?

If you would like to help piece together a properly researched and balanced story on the cell phone tower for the Stanford River Talk, please contact philippa. murray@gmail.com.

IN MEMORIAM Dr David Evans 7 August 1939 – 9 February 2013

Husband, father, grandfather, counsellor, councillor, theologian, spiritual being, musician, farmer, conservationist, potter, friend.

David Evans sadly passed on from this life on an out-going tide at the Duiwenhoks River mouth on 9 February while visiting Puntje – a place he loved. At this time, he was, by self-expression ’disgustingly healthy and happy’.

During the early 1990s he was a very involved and respected council and community member of Stanford. He was instrumental in drawing up the Ecoplan for Stanford which ultimately resulted in the Conservation Trust, the Wandelpad and by extension the Heritage Committee later. He is sorely missed by all.

H a n d c r a f t e d W i n e s • W i n e Ta s t i n g b y a p p o i n t m e n t • G u e s t L o d g i n g 028 3410 651 • www.springfontein.co.za • info@springfontein.co.za • Die Plaat Road, Stanford STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

Stanford Food Heroes

FINANCE MATTERS

The land that runs along the Klein River valley has long been known as the ‘pantry of the Cape’ and its fertile potential seems to continually attract and inspire individuals to start up food activities.

But do we all know who these people are? And can we easily purchase their products? We can all go to the Saturday morning market, and now the Wednesday market at Graze, and buy local cheese, eggs, salads, meats, honey, bread, preserves, etc. but what do we do during the rest of the week? Stanford Food Heroes is aimed at bringing the local consumer and food producer together. This should make it easier for consumers to buy locally and could potentially expand the market for food producers.

Remember, the more we purchase locally, the better it is for local economies, and for the environment in general.

We currently have 15 local Food Heroes on the list and this is growing.

Phase 1 of the campaign includes: • The distribution of a brochure with photos, their story, and contact information of the Heroes.

• The launch at the Sunset Market on Friday 29 March.

Contact us to find out more about Stanford Food Heroes.

Cath Croxton 078 254 5693, Jenny Sauer 076 257 9983 STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS After the AGM of the Stanford Conservation Trust when a new Management Committee was appointed, Royd Frith was elected as the new Chairman of the SCT.

The importance of being married

llegall talk lk

Churton Collins ponders the differences between President Zuma and the Pope

Under oath of secrecy, and beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes, cardinals from all over the world are milling around trying to decide who should be the latest mortal to represent the legacy of St Peter. By the time Stanford River Talk hits the light of day, we should probably have a new pope. Significantly, a condition of eligibility to vote for and represent the Roman Catholic Church is the lack of a wife. In the quest for spiritual perfection the cardinals would never have been interrupted in their calling by the insistence that the lawn be mowed or the spurious claim of a headache. Never will they have been woken in the middle of the night to investigate a noise downstairs.

In this altogether more squalid part of the world, the southern part of the Dark Continent, a different situation prevails. Indeed the capacity to lead and govern is not distinguished by the lack of a wife but the number thereof. President Zuma has had his work cut out attending to the needs of six of them; how often has he been called upon to fix a leak in the hut of No 4 or pick up milk and bread for No 2? Perhaps this nation would have been better governed if he had been subject to an oath of celibacy, but then again, would he have been so popular?

The missionaries who descended on Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries focused their energies on saving the people from the grip of paganism, spreading education and literacy – and wiping out polygamy as an offence against the will of the Almighty. They were only partially successful, as our President underlines. It is hard to imagine him in a scarlet cap and gown casting his eyes heavenwards in the Sistine Chapel trying to decide who should next succeed St Peter.

Paying VAT on tax Don MacIver balks at budgeting problems and the cost of fuel

Well there you go – I proved it! Staying with friends for two weeks made a huge impact on my electricity bill. I will obviously have to cultivate some new friends…

With Eskom going up by ONLY 8% it is no surprise that the country is immediately struck with rolling blackouts – revenge for not getting what they want, I am sure.

Nevertheless the situation is far from being resolved. Work at Medupi stopped for at least six weeks due to various strikes and disagreements, delaying the completion date possibly beyond the end of the year.

Originally budgeted at R20 billion, the cost is now approaching R150 billion.

Somewhere the budgeting process in this country has a massive problem. Nothing ever comes in at even double the budget.

Medupi, if it ever comes on stream, will not solve the problem. Other ageing power stations, with a total output greater than that of Medupi, will have to be taken off as they are no longer viable.

How about the fuel situation? With petrol at almost R13 per litre we are on the verge of four figures to fill the tank.

There could be a glow at the end of the tunnel; with new technologies and recovery procedures, the USA is expected to become independent for its oil in about three years’ time. Should this come about, the oil price may fall dramatically and the world will face a new set of problems.

That’s in the future, but perhaps someone could explain to me how the government can tax petrol and then raise a carbon tax on new vehicles (for using the petrol) and still have the cheek to add VAT on to the carbon tax. If that is not double or triple taxation, I don’t know what is.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

sport talk

Just keep paddling, paddling, paddling

Cape Argus Cycle Tour 2013 Jenny Metal tells of the ups and the downs of this festive event

Perfect paddling: Andries de Villiers, Charlie Jenkins and Sean Privett.

Stanford Canoe Race, 23 March 2013 Every year paddlers from around the Cape converge on Stanford for the annual Stanford canoe race. Being the first major race of the season, it is a favourite amongst the old river dogs as well as novices looking for their first taste of river racing. The Klein River is one of the most beautiful stretches of flat water river paddling in South Africa and has been raced annually since 1962. Peninsula canoe club's Graeme Solomon, has won the race a record 8 times and the race has been completed a record 29 times by Giel van Deventer of Paarl, followed by Stanford’s own Deon Krige (24 times). Until a few years ago, the race started in Hermanus crossing the length of the lagoon with a tricky shallow paddle or portage over the mud flats into the river and then on to Stanford. There are many tales of novice paddlers being sunk or capsized as they battled across the lagoon into gale force south easterlies.

A few years back some dragon boat teams paddled the race. One sunk soon after the start and the others had to haul their hefty craft across the mud flats and up the river into howling winds. The beauty of the finish and the hospitality of Stanfordians has always made up for any hardships on the river. This year the race was paddled in perfect conditions and although the numbers were down on previous years, the morning was enjoyed by all who took part. The race was won by Alasdair Glass (Peninsula Canoe Club) who pipped Stuart McClaren (University of Cape Town) in an exciting finish to the race. The winning time over a course measuring 14,5 km, was 1 hour and 4 minutes. Sean Privett www.walkerbaytrails.co.za Stanfordinfo would like to thank the following for the kind sponsorship of prizes for the Stanford Canoe Race: Klein River Cheese, Beloftebos, Brunia wines, RAKA, Stanford Hills, G&F Restaurant,Hennies @ Tat's Restaurant, White Shark Adventures, Stanford River Lodge and the Birkenhead Brewery. Many thanks to our parking marshalls, Annie Ranger and Mary Knight. Thank you Penny, David & staff of the Stanford Hotel, and Eben Calitz for providing the venue and refreshments for the prizegiving. Special thanks go to Stanford Municipality for their continued support of our events.

After months of training, cyclists in all shapes and sizes lined up at the start of the Cape Argus 2013, many wearing weird or daring costumes. For some it was their first time, for others it was old hat. At the cry of ’Hooplah’ nerves were forgotten as each group, in turn, surged forward to cycle around the Cape Peninsula.

Our first wake-up call came when we entered Hospital Bend and were battered by strong cross winds. The cyclists then wound their way up ’Whine’berg (it’s quite a hill – something to whine about!) to ’Sigh’mon’s Town (a lovely level section of sheer relief). Cheering crowds distracted us from discomforts on the bike and in Noordhoek the crowd serenaded us with the encouraging notes of Suikerbossie wil jou hê. We ground our way relentlessly, in the heat, up Chapman’s Peak, past countless riders pushing their bikes.

After we’d been through Hout Bay, we finally reached the object of the song, and Suikerbossie Hill did indeed claim her share of riders. Soon after it was a fast ride down past ’Cramps’ Bay (you’re near the end and your muscles are in mutiny), and a race along the Sea Point beachfront to the finish at the stadium.

There was a really festive atmosphere: cheering, bands playing, children wanting to high-five you, and ladies with hosepipes spraying cool water over exhausted riders. Each participant was made to feel like a celebrity. Despite a couple of accidents it was an awesome event worth revisiting.

STANFORD CYCLISTS WHO PARTICIPATED Felix Unite 03:44:46; Cal Tomlinson 04:07:52; Chanda Hanel 04:21:16; Brita Unite 04:27:26; John Burgoyne 04:43:44; Jenny Hayes 04:51:08; Dave Morrison 04:58:27; Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw 05:45:41; Neil Swanepoel 05:58:48 Belinda Taberham 06:12:30; Nadia van der Vyver 06:12:30; Marius Boucher (time unknown)

STRAND-VELD HIKING DATES SATURDAY 4 MAY: Napier & Gold mines. Start 08:00 at Gansbaai Info. Leader: Con van Eyssen 083 500 8748. Cost: R40 pp, plus entrance fee.

WATER SAVING PROMOTION 5000L VERTICAL WATER TANK BEIGE OR GREEN R3450 PVC H/R GUTTER 4M R98.50, 6M R135.00

STANFORD

PVC RND DOWNPIPE 3M R49.00 SPERONI CAM 100 PUMP R1050.00 AUTOMATIC PUMP CONTROLLER DSK8 R399.00

DIY - PAINT - PLUMBING IRRIGATION - NURSERY Landscaping & irrigation services.

DLX WEATHERGUARD 20LT WHITE R675.00 SIKA RAINTITE KIT 5L FREE MEMBRANE INCL R89.95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------PANSIES & VIOLA'S NOW AVAILABLE @ R16.95

Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:00 Sat, 8:00 - 14:00 Tel: (028) 341 0691 Fax: (028) 341 0413 STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

RANUNCULUS VALUE PACK OF 200 @ R79.95 HADECO BULB FOOD 1KG @ R59.95; 500G R37.95 Prices valid 1 - 30 April * All prices include VAT

We invite all schools to send us their monthly news

school talk

OKKIE SMUTS FIRST TERM NEWS What a hectic term! Workshops, trials, marches and CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements) to deal with. We're glad to announce that the Okkie Smuts family survived the ordeal.

• Okkie Smuts learners joined learners from Die Bron on 14 March in the March against Crime.

On Saturday 9 March, Mrs Felicity Beukes and her husband took eight of our boys to DHL Newlands for the rugby match between DHL Stormers and the Chiefs. Most of the boys had never been to DHL Newlands before and one boy reported back, ’It is so big!’

Thank you to Caledon Casino who sponsored the tickets and the lunch.

• We are an ECO-school and joined the Walk for Water around the village on 18 March.

•Okkie Smuts is known as the Small School with the Big Heart and we donated clothing for people in need through BADISA (Grade 7 project). Well done guys!

• We would like to thank the community members who are involved at the school hostel. If anyone would like to assist in any area of our school life, please contact us on 028 341 0611.

Promising sportswomen: Andrea Philander and Amy Hattingh made it into the South Boland Netball Team.

Scaring crows: Please support the Grade 7s in their efforts to raise funds for their end of year tour to Mossel Bay. The Scarecrow 'Okkie' is still roaming the gardens of Stanford.

Cheesey grins: (back left to right) Nicolaas Barkhuizen, Darren Paulse, Rafick Bedi, Gian Bester, Ruben May and Gregory Muller, (front left to right) Gershwin Hendricks and Marco Muller.

The annual Go-cart Race and Street Mile on16 March was a huge success. We want to thank the traffic officials for keeping our kids safe. Thank you to the Fire Brigade for their demonstration and for cooling our kids down with the water hose.

COUNTRY & WESTERN DANCE Bring your friends and family, kick up your heels and join us for an evening of dance and fun! Bring your drinks and snacks and of course, come dressed for the occasion!

Friday 12 April, 19h00, at Okkie Smuts School Hall, Cost: R30/person. Tickets available from the school office, or at the door.

On your marks, get set, go!: Jason Mostert, Asana Miles and Graham Johannes in the go-carting race.

FUNIMFUNDO SCHOOL Thank you for the books Something wonderful is happening at Funimfundo school! Books are arriving on a daily basis, as promised by the Se7en Blog ‘Build a Library’ campaign. To date they have received over 500 books, which is a fantastic boost for all involved. The teachers, children and parents are really excited.

How did it happen? Like many things in life, ‘who you know’ opens these doors and instigates change. Our village homeschooler, Mary Troost, met a Cape Town-based home-schooler with Se7en +1 children and an inspirational blog site (www.se7en.org. za). Everything followed from there. (The full story is avaliable on the blog site.)

Having such a well-equipped library will enable great changes in the lives of Funimfundo learners and their wider community. Like William in the true story ‘The boy who harnessed the wind’, the opportunity to read a simple book can take a child from desperate

deprivation to academic success and international recognition.

The books are now piling up on trestle tables waiting for the kind volunteers who are coming during the Easter break to paint the room and build the shelves.

However, we need some librarian expertise. Do you know how to index books for a library and record them on a computer? Do you have some time on your hands? Would you like to contribute to changing a child’s future?

If so, please contact Maryanne on 028 341 0401 or 083 240 8454.

Or go to https://www.facebook.com/ food4thoughtstanford

STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

De Hoop Stanford Bird Fair 2013 We are delighted to announce the renaming of the Stanford Bird Fair as the "De Hoop Stanford Bird Fair" and the "De Hoop Stanford Bird Fair Photographic Competition".

We are proud to welcome our new co-sponsor, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site (www.dehoopcollection.co.za). De Hoop brings enormous benefits to the Stanford Bird Fair and its photographic competition and we believe that our association with them will augur well for the future. The Bird Fair programme, from 3rd to 6th October 2013, was announced at a well-attended brunch in Stanford as seen in the attached photographs.

Peter Hochfelden, Elsa Gebhardt and Liz Hochfelden

William Stephens and Brummer Olivier

Miriam Olivier and Nini Stephens Royd and Lindsay Frith

Royd Frith, William Appel and Bea Whittaker

Stanford Bird Club (SBC) Committee Member, Henry Gibson with Sally Hood

Peter and Jami Kastner

Visit our wholesale fynbos and tree nursery at Grootbos for a wide variety of local indigenous waterwise plants at the best prices in the Cape.

Monday – Friday: 8h30 – 16h30

7 km outside Stanford on Route 326 028 341 0693 | www.kleinrivercheese.co.za Weekdays 9-5 Saturdays 9-1

Picnics season ends on 15 April 2013 STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

We also do landscaping Contact Susan 082 436 4730 or Sharlene 072 143 8894

Stanford Eagle Eyes Initiative Eagle Eyes has been put together to raise R25,000 for SBC to enable them to launch their BirdLife education initiative. This will be in support of developing training courses, supplying tools, literature & manpower.

The first course will focus on bird identification for formerly disadvantaged primary school learners Lindsay Frith

028 341 0896

083 676 0476 lfrith@mweb.co.za

De Hoop Stanford Bird Fair Launch

De hoop stanforD Bird faiR

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

2013 harvest

Picking, punching down and pressing – it's harvest time Late summer in Stanford means two things – grape harvest and veld fire. Stanford wine farmers seem to have weathered this year's fire season with a few singed eyebrows and scorched vines, fought off the birds and baboons, and gathered their cultivars at the perfect moment...all in the pursuit of delighting us with their wines. Here are a few snaps of our local viticulturists toiling over the fruits of 2013. Whether the wine is awardwinning and large-scale, or foot-stomped in a bath, we share in their delight and look forward to the moment of sipping.

PRIVETTS Sean and Michelle Privett have had no luck in their battle to keep the baboons from their vines in Flower Valley. This year, the baboons outmaneuvered the electric fence to help themselves to the pick of the crop, but the Privetts still managed to buy some left-over Merlot grapes from Stanford farms. They are lovingly and tenderly coaxing their grapes into a delicious private 2013 vintage in their new Stanford garage.

ROBERT STANFORD ESTATE Pickers gathering Chardonnay.

STANFORD HILLS This was a good, although difficult, harvest year at Stanford Hills. We struggled to manage our cellar space, as we had a bumper crop (about 25% more than the 2012 harvest). At one point we considered emptying the pool to use for extra winemaking space, but luckily we got through it with a bit of creative space juggling from Peter! The grapes were in good condition, and we managed to stave off the baboons for the most part, although this is always a challenge. Look out for our very first Shiraz which will be on the shelves soon!

CARL NAUHAUS, PRIVATE VINEYARD AT THE TOP OF ADDERLEY STREET Hard at work with the press with the few grapes harvested from my own vineyard. Fortunately, I was able to buy in a few grapes from Stanford growers and supplement my harvest so that the process could go on.

Great fun was had by all who helped.

BRUNIA Challenging, is how BRUNIA experienced the 2013 harvest! Cold wet weather during October/ November affected optimal bud setting, resulting in a lower crop. Rain during harvest caused rot on our Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon! Our first crop of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were harvested and will join our range of wines later this year: very exciting!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

WALKER BAY VINEYARDS A doggone good harvest: Picture of manager's dog, Blue, in the cellar.

RAKA All running smoothly for the 2013 and we are blessed with a very good harvest.

Easter

Easter Sunday is a fun day

Easter is a solemn, serious and spiritual time for Christians. Some families go to church, some go away on holiday, some stay home for picnicking and Easter egg hunts...whatever the activity, Easter Sunday and the following Family Day is always best enjoyed when full of fun, and friends. The Stanford River Talk captures the youthful fun and games of Easter through pictures taken in the village.

Baskets full of fun: Nathan, Daniel and Khanya Dumont, with Rachel and Sam Horn. ’May you all be blessed with the reality of God's love for us in Christ Jesus!’ Veronique (holding Christiano) and Neil (holding Alberto).

Egg hide-and-seek: Gida Roodt searching for chocolate.

End of a long day: Grandpa Johan Vercueil after Gida and Livia Roodt's bedtime story.

Brotherly help: Daniel and Nathan Dumont reaching the high Easter eggs.

Holiday fry-up: Family holiday on the Easter weekend (from left) Reuben, Johanné, Tumé, Gian, Melinda and Werner Jacobs.

Morning song: (from left) Thabisa, Florence Gobeni, Lerato Hermanus, Sinethemba Gobeni, Zandile Mandoyi at the United Church of Southern Africa on Easter morning.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

kitchen talk

COLOUR MIRRORS

by Marian Ferris

Oh-so-Orange

Now bring us some figgy pudding One of the pleasures of living in a village is baking with gifts from friends’ gardens.

Try this easy and unusual pudding using gorgeous black ack figs in season this month.

You will need: Black figs Filo pastry (½ sheet per fig) Honey, (warmed) 50g melted butter Soft goat's cheese, such as Buffeljagsfontein or chevre A few sprigs of fresh thyme Place a sheet of baking paper onto a flat baking sheet, or use a silicone mat.

Heat the oven to 200°C (slightly less if it is fan-assisted).

Open the filo pastry and remove the required number of sheets, keeping them stacked on top of each other.

Cut them in half lengthways.

Brush the top sheet with the melted butter right to the edges.

Drizzle some runny honey over the pastry, keeping the sides and ends free of honey.

Cut a fig in half lengthways and sandwich together again with a teaspoon of goat's cheese, a dash of honey and a few thyme leaves.

Roll up the fig in the filo, lengthwise and tuck the ends of the rolled-up pastry under the fig.

Repeat with your remaining figs and place on the baking tray.

Bake for 15 minutes or longer depending on your oven.

A delicious toffee-like ’goo’ will form from the melted butter, honey and fruit juice. This is why it's important to use the baking paper; otherwise your pastries will stick to the baking sheet.

Allow to cool slightly before eating (but they should still be warm!)

(You could also omit the honey and use the same recipe as a starter. Remember then, to season with salt and pepper.)

Melissie Jolly explores the high and low vibrations of orange In the Hindu Chakra System, orange sits above red in the sacral area of the body just below the naval, and relates to all creativity – babies, art and everything we do in between. Of all the colours, orange has the highest and lowest vibration. It relates to bliss and enlightenment, and it indicates abuse, shock and trauma. It is Agent Orange (a very deadly form of chemical warfare) in the negative and abundant harvest in the positive.

An orange personality is fiery and needs attention. The person who is the life and soul of a party is orange as is the two-year-old who will do anything for attention, even negative attention. These people often need drama to feel alive.

The complementary colour to orange is blue which relates to the throat and is about communication. One of the key messages of orange is the need to be heard or the feeling of not having a voice. It is interesting that orange is successfully used on animals who cannot tell us that they are in pain or suffering.

The choice of orange in clothing or decor indicates a shock that needs healing and the need to take further steps along the spiritual path – it is no coincidence that the Buddhist monastic robes are orange. Once again stories unfold beautifully, telling us that the shock and trauma we experience in our lives allow us to reach understanding and find compassion for one another’s pain, leading the way to bliss and enlightenment.

ERWIN‘S Traditional German Meat Products now produced locally Products available at Saturday morning market Cell 082 441 5533 • www.erwins.co.za

SSTANFORD ROTARY NEWS LIDIA’S WHEELCHAIR The Rotary Club of Stanford would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Irene & Bruce Ivey for their generous donation towards making Lidia Barends’ dream of a new fold-up wheel chair come true. The Iveys are known for their generosity towards the village community and we salute them!

Our stalwart, Bea Whittaker, who started off the wheelchair fund on the Rotary Stanford FB page, managed to purchase the wheelchair at a very good price in Stellenbosch – Bea, thank you so much.

Our thanks go to Elma Hunter who made us aware of Lidia’s plight. Elma has her ear to the ground!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

MEGA BUILDING BLOCKS The excitement and joy with which Funimfundo children unpacked colourful giant ‘Lego-like’ building blocks was a sight to behold.

Thank you Stephen and Clare Stocks for the donation – many a child at Funimfundo will be playing with those blocks in the years to come. Because there are 58 children at Funimfundo and a set of blocks comprises 22 in all, Rotary Stanford decided to donate another set of blocks so that more of the children can play at the same time.

HURRAY FOR THE USA Serve A Village volunteers from the USA visited our village in August 2011 and worked at a variety of projects. They tiled floors in Koshuis bathrooms, helped out at Anchor Ministries and Missio Dei’s soup kitchens, planted trees along our streets, cleared aliens on the Wandelpad, and painted the newly constructed store room at Funimfundo.

The second group of SAV volunteers will be in the village from 18 – 27 May 2013 – once again to serve our community. Ros Nale is planning a busy programme to make sure that the volunteers fit in not only many service-orientated tasks, but also experience total cultural immersion and return home with a good understanding of our village and community.

OPEN FOR LUNCH ON MONDAYS

Tel: 028 3410059 THURSDAY - MONDAY COFFEE & TEA from 10h00 LUNCH from 12h00 - 15h00 DINNER FRIDAY & SATURDAY from 18h30

Simply Sage +(27) 028 341 0209 • info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za 2 Queen Victoria Street STANFORD 7210

19 Queen Victoria Street Stanford E mail reservations@thestanfordtable.co.za www.the stanfordtable.co.za

.za

Natalie & Marianne wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Easter

www.stanfordvillageproperties.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

By Mwandishi (Sally Hood)

HEADS & TALES

Life on a small game farm Sally bids farewell to Sunset Place and Jack

T

he season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is well and truly upon us. The days are drawing in as the sun moves steadily northwards. With the end of summer comes an end to our time at Sunset Place.

On our final morning it was almost as if the animals knew we were leaving … we had a spectacular morning parade. The wildebeest came first with the new baby, all soft fluffy sandy coat and huge eyes. The dominant male has huge impressive horns which sweep forward in an impressive arch. Within seconds, as the wildebeest passed to the side, the zebra ambled past stopping to graze on the new green shoots sprouting forth after the recent morning drizzle. The springbok brought up the rear … so many babies last year that the nursery herd had split into two, whilst the young boys were in various manly groups.

Here in the shadow of the magnificent Klein River Mountains, the cycle of life and death, and the trials of nature are acted out on a daily basis, and these memories will stay with us forever. We have had the joy of babies of

all sorts from springbok and wildebeest, to ducks and guinea fowl. We suffered the heartbreak of finding the bodies of the two carefully nurtured Blue Crane chicks entangled in wire. We enjoyed the day that a puff adder swam across the dam to the noisy consternation of all the resident ducks, to find a shady spot under a bush in our garden. There was Çharlie Drake, a splendid Indian Runner, who nearly lost his leg to a voracious terrapin, dragging the dastardly attacker well out of the dam before he was able to free himself … and the fascinating saga of a baby lamb who imprinted on the broody zebra mare.

And then there was Jack ….I first met him in December 2010 on my first day at Sunset Place. I had arrived at the farm with a car load of boxes prior to the major move of all the furniture the next day. He came to introduce himself in his own inimitable way – a soft muzzle and some warm breath on the back of my neck when I was reaching into the car for a box. It was love at first sight!

vet talk

By Stanford veterinarian, Dr Olga Koorts

Itching, itching, itching!

Our local vet scratches below the surface of itching pets Permanently itchy skins have many causes. Parasites like fleas or ticks, mange, bacterial infections, ringworm, allergic dermatitis, a poor diet or even just bathing your dog too often will all result in itchiness.

Diagnosing the exact origin of a particular pet’s skin problem is often quite difficult. Your vet might do special tests like skin scrapings, a biopsy or an allergy test before a diagnosis can be made.

In most cases, with the exception of allergies, the correct treatment will cure the skin disease completely. Using the correct flea and tick products will eliminate these parasites; mange is treated by using a prescribed dip and injections; and ringworm and bacterial infections are treated by oral medication and skin applications.

A balanced diet which includes essential fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A and E will add to the health of your pet’s skin. Stretching the interval between baths; using gentle, pet-only shampoo; and rinsing the coat well after a bath will prevent the skin from drying out too much, and itching as a result thereof.

Allergies resulting in scratching are more difficult to control as we seldom know the exact trigger involved. Following the general guidelines above should increase the skin’s ability to heal but the itchiness will not resolve unless you are able to avoid the specific allergen. Your vet will be able to prescribe medication, shampoo and even a diet which might lessen the effect of the allergy.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

Having been hand-reared by Mpangusha, this Bontebok bovver boy thrust his way into our lives and would play a large part over the next two years.

It seemed almost prophetic that his last day was our last day on the farm. Sadly he had become what nature had always destined him to be, a fine strong head of the herd.

He had decided that Mpangusha, whom he had loved and respected for his entire life, was a challenge to him. In any dual with two strong males, one has to go and it had to be Jack. Mpangusha and his Memsahib were distraught but it was for the safety of everyone on the farm. Farewell Jack and farewell Sunset Place … We will never forget you.

* SWAHILI TERMS: Mpangusha – landlord Memsahib – devoted wife!

nature talk

Pollywog, pollywog, you will grow into a bullfrog

B

ullfrogs do not occur in our area at all. The reason why I decided to write about these frogs is that so many people ask me about them, and whether they can be found around here.

The Giant Bullfrog is endangered because agricultural and urban development in the highveld has destroyed most of its natural breeding areas.

There are two species of bullfrog in South Africa: the Giant Bullfrog and the African Bullfrog. The smaller African Bullfrog is found in the far north-eastern parts of the country and the Giant Bullfrog in the central part of the summer rainfall area of South Africa. I will stick to the Giant Bullfrog. They are really large and can weigh as much as 1.4kg. They feed on insects, lizards, snakes, small mammals like mice and also other frogs.

They spend most of the year buried more than a metre underground. As soon as the first good summer rains fall, they dig themselves out and assemble in shallow rain-filled pans and depressions. The males emit their deep bellowing call throughout the breeding season and attack each other and anything else viciously, biting with the tooth-like projections on their lower jaws.

After mating and the fertilisation of about 4 000 eggs, the tadpoles hatch quickly in the warm shallow water (within 36 hours). After

two days the different clusters of tadpoles congregate in one big school. The tadpoles are reasonably safe from predators in the temporary shallow water because predators tend to hang around the more permanent waters and also because the adult male frogs protect them. The tadpoles develop extremely fast in the warm shallow water and complete the total metamorphosis from tadpole to little frog in 18-33 days.

The biggest threat to the tadpoles during this time is that the shallow water might dry up in the highveld summer heat. This potential threat is addressed by the adult bullfrog male by digging a trench to connect the water of the trapped tadpoles to a deeper body of water so that the tadpoles can swim out safely.

The photo shows how a male bullfrog frees the tadpoles by digging a canal from the dryingup shallow water to deeper water.

Naas Terblanche www.vaalvlei.co.za

SPOTLIGHT ON ALIENS

Know your invasive plants

WATER LETTUCE – no good at all!

The recent occurrence of water lettuce in the Klein River within the municipal boundaries is a great cause of concern. Water lettuce is a free-floating aquatic plant that is an officially declared weed in South Africa – meaning it HAS to be removed and is NOT allowed to grow in open waters.

The plants rapidly form dense mats that can completely cover a dam or river, or even our leiwater canals. These mats, with their long roots, can restrict the flow of water, prevent oxygen from getting into the water, and reduce light infiltration that is necessary for photosynthesis in submerged aquatic plant life.

Large infestations of water lettuce stop the passage of boats by clogging the propellers. The mats of weed also interfere with swimming and make fishing impossible. The natural beauty of an open waterbody can be spoilt and further degraded as native aquatic plants, birds and animals are displaced. Water lettuce mats also create a haven for mosquitoes.

Originally from Asia, water lettuce was introduced as an aquarium and water garden specimen due to its preference for stationary or slow-moving water. Like other floating plants, water lettuce can survive for long periods when stranded on mud banks or in other damp situations.

The presence of this weed in our river is therefore of great concern. The only way in which the water lettuce could have landed in the river is from overflowing dams (both on farms and from leiwater dams in the village). The presence of water lettuce has been reported to the Overstrand estuaries manager, and it is his responsibility to stop any further spreading of the weed as soon as possible.

Prevention is better than cure. Please remove all the water lettuce plants from any water area where it can flow into the river. Spread the word, or please report such occurrences to either the municipality (municipal area) or CapeNature (rural area). Bea Whittaker

garden talk

by Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw

How many gardeners does it take to plant a bulb?

Flower bulbs are easy and fun to grow. They grow well in ordinary garden soil or containers and are seen as being water-wise because they don't require tons of water. When you plant your bulbs, make sure the soil drains well as bulbs rot if they get too wet. Prepare the soil well and work in lots of compost and manure. Make a hole in the ground in the prepared area or pot, and plant your bulbs at a depth of two to three times the height of the bulb. The bulbs must be placed right side up, so make sure the root plate always faces down. After covering the bulb with soil, place a nice layer of mulch over to keep the weeds at bay and to keep the moisture in. When selecting your bulbs make sure you give them the correct growing conditions. If they require sun to flower they will not do well in a shady area. Water them well every 4-5 days. If the bulbs dry out while they are actively growing they will not produce flowers. Feed your bulbs regularly with a slow-release bulb fertilizer to ensure healthy plants and better flowers. The right bulbs will be on sale at your favourite nursery, at the correct time for planting.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

art & culture PLAYING BY EAR

The King of Tin Pan Alley – Irving Berlin Andrew Herriot honours this camerashy superstar Jerome Kern (Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man and Smoke Gets in Your Eyes), an eminent songsmith, proclaimed ‘Irving Berlin has no place in American Music – he is American Music’. Praise indeed. The cognoscenti of the day could add no words to extol further the virtues of this camera-shy superstar of music and song. His musical career spanned six decades and he lived to be 101. He composed more than 1500 songs, 19 Broadway musicals Cheers!: Marilyn Monroe and Irving Berlin. and 18 Hollywood films. He is best remembered as the lyricist and composer of White Christmas in 1940 (film release in 1954), an alltime favourite to this day. As for awards, nominations and recognitions, Irving garnered the lot. He is probably THE most prolific writer of popular music ever to be born and, having lived to the venerable age of 101, he had the time to do this.

While I was in the Solomon Islands some years ago plying my hobby of music-making in my spare time, I had the dubious honour to be invited to entertain the visiting US Ambassador on 4 July. I decided, together with a few snatches of dialogue from my betterhalf collaborator, that a review with musical accompaniment of the cross-generational Tin Pan Alley era (New York City Music Publishers and Songwriters, 1880-1953) would be appropriate, embracing contemporary virtuosos and their music: Joplin (Entertainer), Armstrong (Lazy River), Ellington (Satin Doll), Porter (Night and Day), Gershwin (Summertime), Warren (At Last) and of course the Tin Pan Alley King, Berlin (Alexander’s Ragtime Band) and many more, are all personal preferences. Finding the sheet music for such an evening ten years ago, however, was challenging enough in the middle of the South Pacific, but obtaining a copy of Berlin’s music even today is tricky.

Copies are protected and are not frequently included in the usual song sheet albums.

Nevertheless, we all roll out the same Bing Crosby Christmas song every year regardless of the ensuing weather. More than 500 artists have recorded and sung a host of his songs (82 recorded How Deep Is the Ocean?). My favourite (and Marilyn Monroe’s, it is said) is the swing number Cheek to Cheek (60 different recordings) sung by those legendary dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (Top Hat, 1935).

Like Cole Porter, Berlin was unique in that he wrote AND composed all of his songs. It is often said that there is one song that provides a soundtrack for your special moment in life. It could be that the song was written by Irving Berlin.

Kenny Ball dies 22/05/1930 – 07/03/2013

Kenny was very much part of that great era of Trad Jazz in the 60s and continued gigging until very recently. He associated with other legendary British Jazzmen such as Humphrey Lyttleton, Alex Welsh, Sid Phillips, Acker Bilk, Terry Lightfoot, Chris Barber, Don Lusher, John Dankworth and that croaky jazz singer, George Melly. They all frequented student unions during those early days where many of us spent our time instead of attending lectures. It is a sad day when musicians of this calibre depart. Remember Midnight in Moscow; – a hit in 1962 and still popular with Dixieland enthusiasts. RIP, Kenny.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

TEEN TALK

Youth of little faith Brosnan Robertson mulls over religion, teenagers and the Pope

Many teenagers in this day and age, when asked about religion, almost always answer that they believe in some form of god, or say with great vigour that they are Christian. Yet, ask them for details of their faith, and they soon find their mouths to be as dry and barren as a desert. I find myself to be in the privileged position of being in a group of friends from an array of different faiths and denominations (Roman Catholic, Jewish, Anglican, NGKerk, Charismatic) and each is as true to his/her religion as the next.

One of the most significant recent events was the election of a new Pope. In the past two weeks my friends and I have discussed how Pope Francis will influence the world. Many of my teen friends are not really phased by the events, but there are some who truly take it to heart. I was told to keep quiet in class on more than one occasion – my friends and I were in constant discussion on the matter! This makes me think that while religion may not be the most important topic in the majority of teenagers' lives nowadays, it does not mean its significance and influence is lost on the youth.

I strongly believe that with guidance, support and example from the elders of our community, we will see an increase in faith and belief, not just amongst teenagers but also amongst the children of today.

Aron’s word

Bayethe Mzansi Review and amend SA constitution in order to have good governance I would like to take this opportunity to greet you; welcome to Aron’s column. We are in April, Freedom month, but I think we are in Free-Dom country. During the last two months, criminals have taken this country into I.C.U. So many girls were raped and killed and, while I was still in shock after hearing all the horrible news, the police took over.

I am able to fathom the ’movie’ of police shooting at a mob of armed people in Marikana but can’t understand how they can kill an unarmed person. You cannot kill violence with violence.

I mean you cannot fight crime by committing crime as our police do, and I am pointing at the Dobsonville cops (Gauteng).

What I do understand is that we have had nineteen years of democracy which I think is rather nineteen years of Government Demo-crazy. How can it be that an estimated R240 million of our tax money is spent on someone’s private property and we are told to sing ’Hallelujah Jesus came down’? We are not allowed to ask anything and no explanation is given – no man, this is daylight robbery. I’d understand if this money was spent on someone’s education, preferably to improve speech and reading skills.

Before we realise that we have a problem with our government leaders, this country will be written off and beyond repair. Perhaps our constitution needs to be reviewed and amended in order to have good governance.

For your thoughts send them to (e-mail: 45465630@mylife.unisa. ac.za )

OUT OF THE HAT

When bliss dropped in for tea

art & culture

Fred Hatman shares his not-quite-Beatrix-Potter morning I STEP out of the shower I share with large frogs, even bigger spiders, any size and number of exquisitely painted moths and am immediately enveloped by the heat once more.

Sipping the dark, bitter remnants of last night's sweet, black tea, I feel the cooling breeze diffusing through the fly-defying mesh of the screen door and on to my chest, prickling my still-damp skin with its early autumn creep.

The vista from my front door is the same, as always. In that is is constantly changing. The aimlessly scudding clouds, the groping, gripping mist and the love of the light all conspire to create new mountain edges, resketching a familiar landscape in my mind. Doves clatter inconsiderately through the leaves into the tree, just outside my wonky gate, where they have chicks to feed.

The Outside Dogs, wee wild Archibald and stout and sensitive Dodney, wag their tails furiously at the fence while watching the daily ’Bunny Ballet’, in which the semi-feral rabbits I once fed gather around my old Merc to bounce and flounce, munch and mince. My rapscallions are mesmerised and gaze with rapt attention, unbarkingly. I always laugh at this. And I laugh quite loudly now. While Leonard Cohen gargles on his prose from the hi-fi behind me. Inside Dog, the indefatigable and ageing dogmatrix, Scrappy, mewls with failing eyes at the rabbitshaped show from fully 30 feet away, not at all in applause.

Parts of a dead bee lie at my feet, being assiduously disassembled by the relentless labour of a multitude of ants. I step over this floorshow in search of tea that is more alive. ’Well, the mouse ate the crumb, Then the cat ate the crust; Now they've fallen in love, they're talking in tongues...’growl-warbles the ’lazy bastard living in a suit’. I turn up the volume a touch as I head for the kitchen.

I forget to put the kettle on and, instead, look out of my back door. Many birds, the usual suspects, feather-flap over the feeding table. And, indeed, last night's crumbs have been eaten by my fearless friend Frank, the field mouse. There is a raptor sitting on the telephone pole, its head swivelling like a surveillance camera while seeking out the mice that eat my crumbs. The fish eagles are crying a thousand feet over somewhere else today.

But, as always, Howard's horses forage in the field. Pasture-sharing with a grabble of guineafowl and a solitary and elegant blue crane, a beautiful bird living in a suit. And, beyond this, over the reed-rooted river that separates me from Stanford, I see gables and windows sunshining for me.

I realise that I haven't gone to the village for five days. In fact, when I think about it, I haven't left the farm for five days. I haven't had milk for two days. I'm living on my rainy-day stocks of pasta, yoghurt and tea. And gorging on bliss.

Ah, tea! That is why I am in the kitchen. But I

know I need water now. I leave the teabag to release fully its tannin and take the dogs to the dam.

Grasshoppers bop and boiinnng on the dirt road. I have to tongue-lash Archie for hunting down a tortoise in the fynbos. I return it, scaly legs still wiggling. Ah, we have water.

I am drawn into the sparkle that leaps in the light. The dogs splash after a stick, squabbling over chewing rights. I can hear a car carrying an alarmingly busy person along the R43.

Maybe two. I look over their busyness at that chopped-out cleft in the mountains, where the sentinel tree once stood, and am allowed to see again the near-full moon which hung almost garishly above it last night. And, for a single and sublime moment, I hear last night. I hear nothing. Nothing but the strange inner-ear ringing one hears when there is nothing to hear but silence.

An impossibly red dragonfly alights on a twig at the water's edge. It waves its veined wings in greeting to my camera. I bask in its reflection.

And the dragonfly, shimmering wetly and redly in the sun, throws a light into my reflection. I am bound by the beauty. Leonard Cohen comes back to paint it for me. ’The waters are blessed while a shadowy guest... kindles a light for the lost...’

Fred Hatman www.fredhatman.co.za

STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

classifieds

There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanfordinfo where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope.

SMALL ADS: R1 a word • BOXED ADS: R77 info@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • cell: 079 291 1588

FOR SALE

SET OF ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITTANNICA, one book missing. p 082 899 1172.

SERVICES

ADULT HORSE RIDING CLASSES. p Jake Uys on 079 468 9060.

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION p Deon 082 653 8082.

RELIABLE & HONEST PAINTER. No job too small. Contactable references p Wilson on 072 223 2511.

EXCELLENT HOUSE-CLEANING Highly recommended, honest & reliable char. For reference p Lana 028 341 0349.

HOUSE CLEANER SEEKS EMPLOYMENT Honest, reliable and thorough. Highly recommended! p Sarah for reference 082 820 2231.

SPECIALIZED KEYBOARD JAZZ TEACHING. p Andrew Herriot at 072 5717 846 or aherriot70@gmail.com for more info. First lesson free.

TO RENT

COTTAGE TO RENT One- bedroomed cottage with garage in Victoria close. Avail 1 June 2013. p Elzaine 028 341 0436 / 082 770 9654.

WANTED

CARER WANTED for partially disabled lady p 074 300 5955.

WE HAVE BEEN LIVING IN CAGES FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND WOULD LOVE TO LIVE IN YOUR HOME SNUZIE – Pure white, female 1½ years, I am very friendly, fluffy and gorgeous. I do not like direct sunlight so I will LAPPIES – Siamese Cross, be a very good female 1½ years. I am friendly, indoor cat. lively and love playing with children.

Also needing homes, eight kittens, all lively and full of character.

Please contact Stanford Vet Clinic 028 3410 547 if you are interested in homing our lovely cats.

SM VERKOELING Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com

VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT Washing • Ironing • Tumble Drying Dry Cleaning Services Mon – Fri, 8.00am – 5pm 25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976

Solar Garden Lights Gorgeous garden solar lights to light up paths, plants and trees.

Path lights from R50 each to Bali lanterns R200. Call Pamela Trevelyan for advice and view lighting at Villa di Baia.

Sales at Warehouse prices direct to the public. You will NOT find prices like this in Cape Town. We import direct from Singapore.

Pamela 082 336 1573 ladyp@iafrica.com

Rod Dacre Television For all your DSTV & TV problems call THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IN MAY EDITION IS 20 APRIL

design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • 079 523 8453 STANFORD RIVER TALK 20

EUGENE ANY TIME ON: 028 312 1890 • 073 160 4495 10 Mimosa Street, Hermanus, Industria, 7200

A P R I L T I D E TA B L E Sunrise Sunset 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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HIGH WATER time height 0628 1.62 0728 1.46 0853 1.34 1035 1.31 1156 1.37 0028 1.50 0117 1.61 0158 1.69 0235 1.75 0309 1.78 0342 1.77 0414 1.73 0445 1.67 0515 1.59 0547 1.50 0624 1.41 0712 1.31 0829 1.24 1012 1.23 1130 1.30 1225 1.40 0041 1.55 0119 1.67 0157 1.78 0236 1.87 0316 1.91 0358 1.91 0443 1.85 0530 1.74 0623 1.60

time 1902 2017 2157 2325 ---1254 1340 1419 1455 1529 1600 1631 1700 1730 1803 1843 1942 2120 2255 2356 ---1308 1347 1425 1505 1545 1628 1713 1803 1901

height 1.49 1.37 1.33 1.39 ---1.46 1.55 1.62 1.67 1.69 1.69 1.66 1.61 1.54 1.46 1.37 1.29 1.26 1.31 1.42 ---1.51 1.61 1.71 1.78 1.81 1.81 1.75 1.66 1.55

LOW WATER time height 0011 0.44 0114 0.57 0242 0.66 0426 0.65 0549 0.57 0649 0.46 0734 0.35 0812 0.28 0846 0.24 0918 0.23 0949 0.25 1018 0.30 1047 0.37 1118 0.45 1151 0.55 0005 0.65 0053 0.74 0210 0.82 0401 0.83 0526 0.76 0621 0.64 0702 0.52 0739 0.39 0816 0.28 0853 0.20 0932 0.16 1013 0.17 1057 0.23 1146 0.33 0013 0.43

RAINFALL STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys

time 1246 1355 1534 1711 1821 1910 1950 2025 2058 2128 2158 2227 2257 2329 ---1230 1324 1447 1627 1739 1828 1908 1946 2023 2102 2143 2228 2317 ---1241

height 0.48 0.60 0.66 0.62 0.52 0.42 0.34 0.29 0.28 0.29 0.33 0.39 0.47 0.56 ---0.64 0.74 0.80 0.79 0.71 0.60 0.48 0.38 0.29 0.23 0.22 0.26 0.33 ---0.45

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

ave

Jan

11.5

12

8.5

19

14

35

37

22.4

Feb

39.5

25

11

17.5

20

16

16

20.7

March

49

27

20.5

20

26

28.5

29

27.8

April

70

21.5

27.6

30

56

53.3

43.3

May

45

31.5

55

66.5

83

43.5

57.6

June

75.5

50.5

106.3

91.5

88

86

77.5

July

102.5

76

97.5

43

56

103

87.8

Aug

66.5

71.5

89

46

74

125

76.6

Sept

49.8

74

88

35.5

25.5

73

53.2

Oct

73

39.5

92

50

25

111.5

64.5

Nov

89.5

91

31

57

42

26

58.8

Dec

37

35

6

40

23.5

6

33

Year

708.8

554.5

632.4

459

533

708

41.3

Rural and river retreats in tranquil surroundings, Stanford Country Cottages are situated throughout the village and surrounding area. Perfect getaways from stressed city living, they offer a unique base from which to explore this magical village and the fascinating Cape Whale Coast & Overberg.

Information supplied by the Hydrographer, SA Navy © 2010. Not for navigational purposes. The Hydrographer is not responsible for any transcription errors. The use of the provided information is entirely at the user‘s own risk.

Tel: 028 341 0965 • Cell: 082 320 0982 www.stanfordcountrycottages.co.za

Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

028 - 3410 961

Well balanced diets, love and care.

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD

weekly timetable

NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:30 in die kerkgebou. Office, tel 028 3410 966.

ST THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH Morton St, contact Father Joseph Gabriëls 028 3410588 First Sunday of the month 10:30 Communion (Afr).

Second Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) Third Sunday of the month 08:00 Communion (Eng) Fourth Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service. Pastor Johnny van der Schyff • 028 3410 422.

VG KERK (next to De Bron School) 10:00 Sunday morning. Maureen Diedericks 028 3410 691.

STANFORD UNITED CHURCH, meets at St Thomas Church, Morton St. Interdenominational.

English service at 6pm Sunday. Bible Study, 7pm Tuesday night at 45 Queen Victoria St. Secretary Kerri Brokensha 028 341 0077.

Monday 5h30 to 6h45pm Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, Studio @ Art Café, Leli, 082 350 0253.

Monday 6pm, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, Andrew 072 5717846.

Monday & Wednesday, 5pm, Canoeing, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

Tuesday (5pm to 6pm) & Thursday (5pm to 6pm), Tae Bo, Okkie Smuts school hall, Ronnie 083 655 4521.

Tuesday 8:45 to 10am, Iyengar Yoga with Marianne, Studio @ Art Café.

Thursday 8:45 to 10am, Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, Studio @ Art Café, Leli 082 3500 253.

Cycling, Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm cnr de Bruin & Moore Sts, Sunday 6am Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935 Wednesday, 6.30pm, Stanford Rotary Club Meeting, Art Café. Everyone welcome.

Friday, 5pm, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

Saturday, 10am – 12pm, Stanford Saturday Morning Market, Art Gallery Courtyard from Enquiries call Art Café (028) 3410 591.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 21

local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION

A Country Escape

Beloftebos Cottages B‘s Cottage Blue Gum Country Estate De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oak Grove Farm Reiersvlei Farm Lodge Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Villa di Baia

082 320 0982 082 391 5331 028 341 0430 028 341 0116 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 091 3914 082 213 0512 028 341 0984 082 614 6322 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 082 336 1573

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 ALTERATIONS Caitlin‘s Dressmaking ANTIQUES/FURNITURE Sir Robert Stanford

083 358 6365

List your business for just R12 a month (only R144/year).

Email: info@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 07929 11588.

CONSTRUCTION Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

DRIVING SCHOOL Drive with Cait

083 358 6365

ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical

079 182 8825

ENGINEERS Jardine Consulting Engineers 082 359 2287 ESTATE AGENTS Marlene‘s Properties Michael Thompson Estates Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties FIREWOOD Walshacres

076 113 2741 082 450 3970

ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS Ons Winkel Traderoots

028 341 0647 084 643 4504

028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 028 341 0685 082 898 4889

028 341 0048

ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Maureen Wolters

082 732 1284 028 341 0929 074 126 7770

GARDENS & NURSERIES Krige Tree Services Walshacres Willowdale Nursery

082 658 0427 028 341 0685 082 899 1172

HAIR Jeanne Retief

072 318 2478

BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme

028 313 0660

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

BONDS/ HOME LOANS Tania Weich

084 728 7345

HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages

082 320 0982

BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford

028 341 0048

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke

028 341 0410 071 219 9212

COMPUTERS Compuworld SMB Solutions 028 341 0718 084 705 6719 CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588 RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Art Café Stanford Gallery Barke Restaurant Havercroft‘s Madré‘s Kitchen The Stanford Table

028 313 2814 028 3410 591 028 341 0116 028 3410 603 028 341 0647 028 341 0059

SECURITY JSK Wrought Iron Safe Security

083 591 9600 028 341 0801

SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT Bob Hadley 082 901 9011 STORAGE Stanford Storage

082 950 6007

TAXI SERVICE Anytime Transfers

082 858 6765

TRUCKS & TRANSPORT Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Sir Robert Stanford Estate Stanford Hotel

082 542 9556 028 313 2814 028 341 0647 082 781 1704

079 291 1588

028 313 2814

WINE CELLAR & SALES Brunia Wines Sir Robert Stanford Estate Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate

WATER TESTING

028 341 0432 082 783 7257 028 3410 647 028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841

STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS

STANFORD - RIVER WATER RESULTS

The treated sewerage outlet point into the Kleinriver is at the slipway at the end of Du Toit Street. The stream in the middle of town, starting in the dip in De Bruyn Street, is partly fed by the treated effluent from the waste water treatment works which gets complemented only in winter, by the overflow of the two dams in the middle of town. The two sampling points for the river are thus respectively known as under and above the treated sewerage outlet point.

Determinant (e. Coli) Under treated Above treated Sewerage Standard Sewerage Outlet poin Outlet point (Bridge R43 0-130/100ml (Jetty next to erf 396) to Hermanus) JAN

11

3

FEB

0

0

STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

LEGAL Alcock & Associates, Attorneys & Conveyancers 074 126 7770 NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES African Queen River Cruises 082 732 1284 028 3410 929 Klein River Picnics 028 3410 693 Platanna 073 318 5078 River Rat Boat Cruises 083 310 0952

Escherichia coli (E.coli) – bacteria that is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine. Its presence in a sample indicates pollution from human faeces.

Total Coliform bacteria – is the name for all the bacteria that produce gas and acid from the fermentation of lactose and its presence in a sample indicates pollution from the intestines of both humans and animals.

Heterotrophic Plate Count – is a standard microbiological method used to determine the efficiency of operations to remove or destroy organisms, good and bad, during the treatment process.

DETERMINANT

JAN

FEB

E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

0

0

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 0

0

Celebrations in Stanford

Hentia Damon 2 April

John Hardie 4 April

Peter Kastner 4 April

Ansie Reitsma 6 April

Marna Beets 8 April, Lisa was born on 10 February 2013.

Brothers Fabio and Luca Revett are turning five on 14 April.

Paulette Whitelaw 17 April

Adanne Geldenhuys 21 April

If there is a birthday coming up or special occasion you want to share with the village please email ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

Johannes Pieterson 12 April

MadrĂŠ Malan 22 April

Tim Hague 3 April Rachel Hague14 April

Belinda Taberham 28 April

Derik & Amelia de Villiers married for 26 years on 4 April. Derik, your family adores you.

ANDRE‘S GARDEN, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES (based in and operating from Stanford)

* Irrigation installation, maintenance & repair * Garden Services * Clearing, weeding & weed control, pruning * Refuse removal * General handyman services * Pool maintenance ANDRE DU TOIT 083 276 6614 Email: andre.p.dutoit@gmail.com STANFORD RIVER TALK 23

MICHAEL THOMPSON

stewart@alcock.co.za 074 126 7770 GRACIOUS FAMILY HOME

ESTATES R4 300 000

EIENDOMME

RARE RIVER FRONTAGE

R2 300 000

SOLE MANDATE 5 BEDS 3 BATHROOMS, STUDY, POOL, DOUBLE GARAGE, WORKROOM, LARGE ERF, VIEWS OF MOUNTAINS/RIVER

www.mtestates.co.za

2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, LARGE LIVING SPACES, GARAGE & CARPORT, SPECTACULAR VIEWS

WEEKEND RETREAT R1 290 000

SOLE MANDATE 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, ORIGINAL WOODEN FLOORS, GARAGE, LARGE SECURE GARDEN

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR RENTAL REQUIREMENTS. OWNERS, WE HAVE A LIST OF A-GRADE TENANTS WAITING TO MOVE TO STANFORD. • 2 BED FURN, AVAIL IMMED R 5 500PM • 1 BED FURN, AVAIL 1 JUNE R 4 500PM • 2 BED, (COMM RIGHTS) AVAIL IMMED R 4 500PM • OFFICE (MAIN ROAD), AVAIL 1 MAY R 2 500PM

STEWART 074 126 7770 MARY 083 270 7488 stewart@perfectprop.co.za

Stewart 074 126 7770 stewart@alcock.co.za Annaliese 083 4605470 annaliese@alcock.co.za STANFORD’S attorneys, ALCOCK & ASSOCIATES, are pleased to announce that ANNALIESE LUBOWSKI has joined the firm offering her legal experience of over 20 years.

We specialise in drafting Wills and Trust Deeds, administering deceased Estates, Mediation in family matters, General Litigation, Commercial Contracts and Conveyancing.

For the month of April, Alcock & Associates is offering to draft your Will for free (terms and conditions apply).

We now also have a branch in Cape Town, but will still service Stanford and will be available on the same emails and cell numbers. We have a NEW landline: 021 762 0092.