February Stanford River Talk

Volume 78 | FEBRUARY 2012 | Stanford’s monthly newspaper | R13.20

The fury of fire Stanford pulls together

Stanford Hills Estate Stanford Hills would like to extend our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to the people of Stanford for your help and support during the devastating fires.

There were so many offers of assistance, hands-on helping and deliveries of food and cold drinks for the firefighters. We feel privileged to be part of this community.

Our charming rustic cellar now open for tastings and sales.

Every Saturday 10am -1pm. And any other time you want ‌ just give us a call!

028 341 0841 info@stanfordhills.co.za w w w. s t a n f o r d h i l l s . c o . z a

R43 Stanford

Kiwinet creates bespoke mosquito nets that add elegance to any bedroom décor. Beautifully styled Suspended and Fitted Four-Posters are our speciality.

Special discount for Stanford Residents +(27) 028 341 0209 info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za • 36 Daneel Street Stanford, 7210

picnics, tasting, shop& play-park 7 km outside Stanford on Route 326 028 341 0693 | www.kleinrivercheese.co.za Weekdays 9-5 Saturdays 9-3 Sundays 11-3

Terroir driven wines

Complimentary wine tasting, by appointment www.springfontein.co.za • marketing@springfontein.co.za • tel: +27 (0)28 3410 651 • after hrs 072 371 7546 • fax: +27 (0)28 341 0112 STANFORD RIVER TALK 2

editorial notes Stanford has come through a gruelling few days of runaway fires. People have rallied around those in need and shown what it is to be truly part of this wonderful community.

No sooner had the fires been put out when we heard the terrible news of a family who lost their two-year-old child when their shack burnt down. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they try to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.

Thank you to Sally Hood for her year of writing about life on a game farm just outside Stanford (Heads & Tails, Nature Talk). The antics of Jack the bontebok will be missed! Occasionally, she will update us on any exciting news.

Stanford is a finalist in the SA Destination Awards. The feeling amongst villagers is that we could win this! Please go to page 6 for details on how to vote.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

CORRECTION

Avril Boud’s award-winning shop, Seaweeds Boutique, did not extend across the Cape Flats as was indicated in History talk, December 2011, ‘Keeper of trees and all things green’.

Her shops were situated in Hout Bay, Hermanus, Constantia Village Square, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. We apologise for the error.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Local fireman, Graig Niemand, back burning on the R43.

Photo taken by Michelle Hardie.

CONTACT US Michelle Hardie – editor ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za , 079 2911 588 Sandra Slabbert – layout design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za , 079 523 8453 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.

letters to the editor Please send your letters to ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 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.

Pistol plight

A year ago I decided to join the pistol club in Stanford. All the necessary formalities were completed and the annual subscription paid. I was promised a run-down on the workings at the shooting range and a set of keys to enable access at any suitable time during the year.

Nothing has ever happened.

Despite numerous visits to the office all I have ever had in return is a blank stare and comment that the relevant person ‘is not available at present’. I did once have a promise that keys would be cut in Hermanus and delivered to me personally. E-mails requesting the return of my subscription have never been responded to and I have ceased visiting the office as I have grown weary of the ‘Huh?’ comments and the balance of the ignorant charade.

If you wish to join a pistol club my advice is to go somewhere else and perhaps the Municipality should look into the terms of its lease. Name withheld, Stanford

Ongoing support STANFORD 6’S wish to thank the following for their continued support for the cricket held on the green on Boxing Day: Walsh Acres; Grootbos; Kleinriver Cheese; Oom Steyn’s Pub & Grill; Kiwinet; Edward Snell; KC’s Restaurant; Dean White; Gavin and Jill Carstens; Christiaan Swart; Frans Geldenhuys; Stanford Municipality; Johan Botes and the potjie judges; Botha De Bruyn and Ruan Buys. We also thank the following people who donated prizes for the Animal Welfare raffle held on 26 December: Sara Boshoff; John and Cherry Wyrley Birch; Marianas and Irene Ivy. Mandy Erwee

Monthly ritual

It is on a very rare occasion that I find myself sitting down for any length of time except to read Stanford River Talk from cover to cover. You see, I’m a little obsessive compulsive, (so I’ve been told), and the luxury of a few minutes to myself is an elusive thing in my world. I’m invariably picking up something, rearranging something or cleaning something. But once a month, I revel in the luxury of curling up with Stanford River Talk and shutting out the noise in my head to fill it instead with local news and views. My husband enjoys it when I share my giggles and/or tut-tuts as I delve into the depths of our community dynamics.

So thank you Stanford River Talk for quiet, yet informative time, to myself. Tracey Anderson

Objects in the sky On New Year’s eve (I think) I saw late at night about five shining/burning objects floating high in the sky. I guess they could have been miniature hot-air-type balloons.

Did anyone see them, and what were they?

Hugh Solomon Our astrophysicist, Fred Smith, replies: It’s difficult to comment, not knowing where and when. During the festive season people shoot all sorts of things in the air, and also some send off those small hot-air paper bags, powered by a candle (really good way to start runaway fires!). So sorry, didn’t see anything. Anyone else?

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

letters to the editor

Love in the time of Christmas

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

T

he opening remark in Bea Whittaker’s report is a bit of an enigma to me (Improvement of River Frontage, News & updates, January edition).

She mentions that the wandelpad must remain ‘as unspoilt as possible’, and ‘in keeping with Stanford’s rural sense of place’. Well, this certainly does not refer to the section between King and Quick Streets!

This area has strategically-planted, new, little trees and bright-green garbage bins. Unfortunately, this area is also home (particularly during weekends and holidays) to trailers, dozens of canoes, cars, and a beached flotilla of pleasure boats tied up to the existing trees!

Let me take you on a walk back to the Good Old Days when the waterfront was really natural, rustic and unspoilt.

Twenty-six-years ago in 1986 we built our holiday home on the edge of the river at the bottom of King Street. We fell head-over-heels in love with Stanford, its tranquillity, the charm and the natural rustic atmosphere of the area.

John Carstens (a pioneer of Stanford river front) and I kept our little boats moored between the thick reeds. Often in the early misty winter mornings while clambering into the vessels, we found that the otters had left their calling cards! It was a magical experience to be part of all that beauty and quietness.

Bea Whittaker replies . . .

Nowadays, all the so-called ‘beautifying the frontage’ has certainly had an impact on the flora and fauna. I was very upset one morning a few months back when I heard a weed-eater angrily churning up something some metres from my home. A group of council workers were ruthlessly cutting down everything in their path in the reeds. They were completely unaware or indifferent to the difference between a protected cycad, a wild lily or a disa.

From an environmental point of view, the reeds do a tremendous amount of filtration work and help to cleanse the river water. Because of agricultural farming, phosphates and nitrates are seeping into the water system.

On the opposite side of the river from our home in King Street, a yellow patch is visible. This is Cladophra algae.It cuts off oxygen to all plant and aquatic life and is very dangerous. This alga prevents all cleansing and scouring of the water system.

I believe that there should be a river policy and a boating policy and both should be instigated in conjunction with each other. Ralph Rosen

Mr Rosen is quite correct that things have lately gotten out of hand, especially between King and Quick Streets. This was the reason for getting a plan tabled to identify problems experienced by Stanford residents which would give the municipality guidelines on how the residents would prefer them to be addressed. Hence the launching of power boats from King Street was stopped, but unfortunately commercial canoe operators moved in with trailers and loads of ‘clients’. This problem has now been brought to the municipality’s attention. It is a law enforcement problem that has to be resolved.

Problems were much less in the Good Old Days when there were only 2 000 residents; when ‘weekends away’ were almost unheard of and few people could afford motor boats. Unfortunately times have changed and with this comes related undesirable activities that need to be addressed.

The plan Mr Rosen refers to was updated after the December public meeting and has been submitted to the municipality for further action. It was also sent to everyone who attended both public meetings, and to those who requested more information via email. Our local municipal environmental officer has already responded by walking the entire route, and will meet with all the appropriate officials (including the estuary manager) within the first two weeks of February to decide what is allowed, and what will be detrimental to the fauna and flora. (The otters and a seal are still around.)

The issue of the boats will also be addressed by means of the proposed floating jetty, but this requires an environmental impact assessment that has to be done by a registered practitioner. It then goes through a lengthy public participation process, and will therefore take at least another year. In short, the plan (albeit with its shortcomings) is a way to resolve the issues raised by Mr Rosen.

Anyone wanting a copy of the report(s) can request one from me at milkood@maxitec.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

Stanford Social Services would like to thank everyone who helped and donated food parcels and shoeboxes during December 2011. Your donations were highly appreciated. Special thanks to Bea Whittaker who helped with collections; Sharon Ansara who helped to transport the food parcels from Hermanus to the Dutch Reformed Church; and our ‘Neighbour-HelpNeighbour’ members for distributing the food parcels.

We received 300 food parcels and 20 shoeboxes – let’s see if we can do better in December 2012.

Thank you! Rayvon Joemath

The might of the Smith Since Burns Night (January 25) I have been reflecting upon a conversation about the provenance of the name ‘Smith’. In the clan system of Scotland, ‘SMITH’ is regarded as a ‘sept’ or ‘under the protection’ of MacPherson. My argument, however, is that Smiths have the most ancient of names and heritage, predating the modern Scottish clan system by thousands of years.

Characterising a ‘Smith’ as a blacksmith displays a poor grasp of history. Iron is a relative newcomer compared to gold, silver and bronze. Pins and broaches dating back thousands of years, with their exquisite designs, testify that gold and silversmiths were an ancient establishment even then.

Simply put, a ‘Smith’, throughout the history of mankind, whatever his nationality, was someone who extracted metals from the earth and fashioned them into items useful to mankind. It was a rare and valuable skill, highly regarded and rewarded by kings and emperors. ‘Smiths’ experimented and were among the first scientists. They were not the philosophers of Greece. They were practical experimenters; trying, testing, observing and developing. ‘Smiths’ were performing scientific experiments thousands of years before Aristotle did a keech in his first nappy.

‘Smiths’, through their skills, have shaped nations and empires from the Ancient Egyptians, the Medes, Persians, Greeks and Romans, and on into the modern world. The works of the ‘Smiths’ have been used by emperors, kings and ordinary people alike.

Perhaps we should have a new tartan, drawn from the following colours: red for the iron ore; the lustre of copper and bronze; gold, silver and the grey of iron and steel; the black of the smithy; the orange of metal drawn from the furnace; the white of the fire; the blue of the water that quenches the steel; and the green and brown of the earth from which we drew our heritage.

We need no ‘protection’ offered by worthy MacPherson. The history and heritage of ‘Smiths’ dwarfs any clan, any nation and any empire, ancient or modern. I am a SMITH, Stanford

Fighting the fury of fire and then . . . glorious rain At the time of going to press, Stanford and the magnificent Klein River mountains are being cooled and drenched in rain after the fires that swept through our land lasting over four days. It will not be long before the first buds of green poke their heads through the soil.

S

tanfordians pulled together yet again after a wisp of smoke that could be seen rising from the Tesselaarsdal area turned into a massive raging fire in the Klein Rivier Mountains, threatening homes, crops and livestock. The fire started on Saturday morning (28 January) and by that evening villagers were witnessing a spectacular red glow of fire outlining the mountains. On Sunday morning they woke up to a thick fog of smoke so dense it was hard to see where the fire was.

Sir Robert Stanford Estate became a centre of activity where the fire department set up their operational centre. People poured onto the estate delivering food and refreshments for tired and hungry firefighters. Villagers were regularly updated by those in the thick of it who were posting messages on facebook.

And just as it seemed as though the fire was calming down, the wind changed direction and the flames could be seen high in the sky again and people started to evacuate their homes.

Local firefighter, Graig Niemand, helped the situation by back burning the bush along the R43. ‘We burnt out this bush to prevent new fires starting and the possibility of it jumping the road,’ he said.

According to him, no one was injured over the period of firefighting, except one of his colleagues who injured his finger when he finally got home. ‘He was getting out of the bakkie when his hat fell off and in the process of trying to catch it, he got his finger stuck in the door!’

To the rescue: Overberg firefighters pose for the camera during their rest time at base camp on Sir Robert Stanford Estate.

* Graig can be seen in the right hand corner of the cover photograph giving us a friendly wave and he lights fires along the R43.

Sir Robert Stanford Estate Many thanks to all Stanfordians who helped to protect our vineyards.

Madre commented that it was a fire with good energy for us. I was convinced of this when I saw that our big signboard was not damaged, even with a massive fire around it.

The newly regrafted vineyard next to the R43 sustained some burn damage to the first rows on the Hermanus side. I hope that the CPR given

by Russell Metcalf’s team and the Birkenhead’s saved them. If they survive; we can drink some Chardonnay soon. Some rows of Pinot Noir at our top vineyards also got some burn damage, but nothing serious.

Soon we will have plenty of sewejaartjies (everlastings)! Jan Malan

Nicky Sanders: ‘A huge thank you to all the firemen, farmers and everyone who helped save our homes. It has been an exhausting and frightening three days watching and waiting as the fire roared its way down the mountain, but an awesomely spectacular event to witness nonetheless...very happy to be back home on my mountain!’

Antoinette Younghusband: ‘The firemen were awesome, unbelievable, so brave, so dedicated. They were so on it …They slept on the property with their water trucks so they could be there. All farmers assisted each other but we would have been “stuffed” if it wasn’t for the firemen’s knowledge and dedication.’

Stanford Hills Although the fire did destroy some fynbos and olive trees on the farm, we were fortunate in that it did not reach any of our cultivated lands or vineyards. So your range of Jackson’s wines remains safe! Due to wind, the smoke cleared quickly once the fire was brought under control.

We will be harvesting soon, and will just have to wait and see. The proof will be in the pudding! Jami Kastner Nina Metcalf: ‘Thank goodness we had no damage to buildings on our farm, but we lost fynbos. The aliens will come up first before the fynbos returns. It’s not all bad though, we need fire to rejuvenate the land.’

Damage control: Farm Manager, Rudolf Kriel, at Sir Robert Stanford Estate.

A quick getaway: Here Gavin Carstens avoids the camera with Mark and Matthew Erwee in the cab. They had just arrived back from a trek into the mountains to save a porta-loo from burning at one of Gavin’s building sites.

Burning energy: Disaster Management Officer, Fransuline Bosch, hands out bananas to tried and hungry firefighters.

The fire of 2006

It was exactly six years ago in February 2006 that the worst fire in the history of the Overberg raged across the country threatening lives and destroying homes for five days. It raged from Caledon, Bredasdorp, Baardskeerdeersbos and Gansbaai.

Helicopters of the 22nd Squadron from Ysterplaats Air Force flew skilfully and tirelessly over powerlines and through dense smoke. It took them only 10 seconds to release the specially designed water buckets and then race back to scoop 2 000 litres of water from the nearest dam.

Major Basson explained the biggest misconception is that the helicopters are there to ‘kill’ the fire. This is not the case; they cool it down so that the men on the ground can get close enough to deal with it. Kerri Brokensha STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

news & updates CRIME UPDATE

As from this edition, Stanford River Talk will not be publishing the monthly crime statistics provided by Stanford Police. According to Media Liaison Officer, Sergeant Gouws, within the last few months there has been a moratorium on publishing these figures. Head office in Pretoria releases statistics annually. Once these are available, they will be published.

At a Community Police Forum held on 12 January, several issues were raised concerning service delivery by Stanford Police, one of which was repeat offenders receiving bail. Sergeant Gouws says that the police compile a bail profile and will oppose bail for repeat offenders but this is not always successful. The court has the final decision. He cited a recent case of juveniles who were arrested on three separate occasions and let go by the court each time before they were sent to a place of safety for the duration of their court case. Asked about cases being thrown out of court because of incorrect paperwork, Sergeant Gouws said: ‘If the prosecutor finds that there is something needed in the docket he/she will make an entry for the investigator who will then rectify the matter. The branch commander also peruses the docket before it goes to court to ensure that all paperwork is indeed in order. The state prosecutor can

also decide that there is no chance of prosecution in a matter and then he/she will withdraw the case on this ground (lack of evidence).’

The good news is that in the last two weeks there has been a major decrease in house burglary and theft due to the fact that arrests have been made by detectives and municipal law enforcement have been working over weekends to help the police. In January there were five arrests for burglary and nine arrests for theft. Bail was successfully opposed against three of the suspects. The other two were released on bail.

Stanfordians can also help to combat crime. Several burglaries have taken place by thieves entering open windows and unlocked doors in the early hours of the morning. One thief even entered through a dog flap. The police encourage everyone to close their windows and lock their doors, especially at night.

The renovations to the police station are ongoing but moving very slowly, according to Sergeant Gouws. An outside contractor was appointed by the Department of Public Works which owns the building.

There are labourers who live in Stanford who have been given work on the site.

If you have any general queries please contact Sergeant Gouws on 028 3410 601. For complaints, please contact Captain Sapepa on 028 3410 807 or Colonel Cetyana, the Cluster Commander in Hermanus on 028 313 8500.

Stanfordinfo update STANFORD A FINALIST Great news! Stanford is a finalist in the SA Destination awards. We encourage you to share this news with friends, family and visitors.

Please go to http://capeinfo.com to vote for our village before 20 February.

WE CAN WIN THIS! Rina de Wet FESTIVE SEASON FEEDBACK At Stanfordinfo we were extremely busy and we dealt with a lot of accommodation requests, mostly telephonic, as well as last minute walk-ins. At one point there was no accommodation available in Stanford and the river cruises were fully booked. Restaurant owners reported that they were fully booked, especially at lunch time after New Year. Our visitor figures to the office have increased as well as the number of accommodation referrals dealt with.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

House fire kills two-year-old

Ansie Reitsma of Stanford Country Cottages reported that they had very few bookings during the early part of December but from 19 December onwards were fully booked. She noted that there was a lot of traffic in the village; restaurants, pubs, Spar, other shops and the Agri were busy and the cricket on Boxing Day had the biggest crowd she’d ever seen in the 12 years that she has lived in the village.

EMERGENCY DETAILS Staff at Stanfordinfo have been approached by a few of the elderly living on their own for a list of emergency numbers.

If you are a Stanford-based nursing sister/ doctor, retired or otherwise who would be willing to make after-hours emergency home visits, please send me your contact details.

Steph Richards, Stanfordinfo

On Thursday 2 February just after 7am a fire broke out at 1396 Blombos street, Stanford. The fire started in the structure (shack) connected to the hop house. A twoyear-old boy who was alone in the shack died in the fire.

At the time the fire broke out the boy’s parents were at work. The boy’s grandparents were busy having breakfast in the hop house and were not aware of the fire until neighbours raised the alarm. By the time they reached the shack the flames were already too big and they could not gain access. The police and fire department were on the scene within minutes but there was little they could do as the fire had spread rapidly through the structure.

After the fire was extinguished the body of the little boy was found on the bed. The mother of the boy is Noleen October (23). The deceased is Nolan October (2). Both parents arrived on the scene after the fire had been put out and were in shock. They were assisted by the ambulance service from Hermanus.

At this stage it cannot be confirmed what caused the fire. An inquest docket was opened and the case is under investigation.

For any further details, contact Sergeant Gouws on 072 736 3614.

KRAB update KRAB (Klein River Association of Boating) has recently been able to undertake repairs on the slipway at Du Toit Street, improving Stanford’s facilities for boat launching and the control of unlicensed power boats on the Klein River.

A new lockable boom has been installed and all permit holders have been issued with a key. Concrete has been laid at the slipway to make it easier and safer to launch boats without damaging the river banks.

We will be looking at ways to improve the slipway further to enable boat users to continue to launch there as the water levels rise once the rainy season starts.

We are also looking to obtain a patrol boat which will then be used to police the river during times of peak activity.

Happy and safe boating! The KRAB committee Burns Supper

Recently a group of Stanfordians met at Galashiels Lodge to remember the birthday (25th January, 1759) of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.

An able MC, Fred Smith, set the context by rendering unsighted the whole of Tam O Shanter, an amazing feat since it consists of 1 500 words.

Other local orators such as Jami Kastner, Peter Younghusband, Stewart Alcock, Howard Donaldson and Andrew Herriot all contributed to the immortal memories of Robert Burns.

The evening was brought to a close by a fine piper, Lincoln Smith, playing a well-known international song of Burns, Auld Lang Syne.

The Best Dressed: Andrew Herriot goes the whole Scottish hog.

news & updates

Welcome to Stanford RICK AND LYN Rick Prins and Lyn Mossop moved to Stanford from Fish Hoek and prior to that Misty Cliffs, turning their backs on many years of living on the very edge of the sea. Village life suits them as does living in these beautiful surroundings.

An interest in a farm up the valley lured them here over the years and introduced them to the village over time and it felt like a natural progression to relocate to

Stanford when the time came for a move.

The past few months have been quite hectic as extensive renovations to ‘Bachelor’s Hope’/ ’African Giggles’ in Morton Street have left little time to explore the area. It has been an exciting and busy project, with Rick as the site manager. In addition to work on the house, a double carport has been built, a lap pool and the

THE DE KOCKS Tarryn and I, along with our two young boys, Sebastian (2) and Lucas (5 months), have recently moved to Stanford from Cape Town. We have taken over the running of Blue Gum Country Estate along the R326 and have a great passion for the estate, originally bought and developed by Tarryn’s parents, Zane and Marian Gibson.

Before we came to Blue Gum, Tarryn was in advertising and I was involved in the diamond business.

We are loving our new adventure and country life that

ROGUE GNOME

N

ews of a threat to Stanford residents has just surfaced as several houses have been burgled in the area and neighbours whisper under bated breath that ‘The Gnome’ has struck again. Some report sightings of the mysterious creature, likening it to frightening little monsters from Zulu culture, known as ‘the Tokolosh’.

A resident of Morton Street, and new to Stanford, Richard John said, ‘This morning I spotted one of them in our zen bowl. It was dressed as Father Christmas which was very cunning, given the time of year. The little monster made off with my laptop.

By Jove the little blighters are

double garage converted to an art studio and workshop. Both Lyn and Rick are involved in making art.

They are currently turning a dusty building site into an indigenous garden.

Lyn had a long career in the catering and wine industry, and for many years produced Axehill port. Rick was a teacher and later a senior manager in the corporate world.

goes along with it. Season time has been hectic for us and we are now looking forward to meeting and connecting with our new community. We are hoping to plant more vineyards in the future and develop the estate into a successful and thriving family-oriented guest house and restaurant. We hope to welcome all of you at Blue Gum in the future.

Anton de Kock Stanford River Talk wishes you all the best in your new business – Editor

hostile and dangerous.

Another resident of Morton Street, a psychologist and well-known socialite, Dr Kitty Schwannbeker, who wishes to remain anonymous, has a theory for the gnome’s deviant behaviour.

‘I believe we are seeing anti-social behaviour caused by post-stress syndrome of the New Age, whereby, with the departure of concrete garden ornaments from our gardens, such as Gnomes, GWendies, GFairies and GToads, those remaining in our towns live in fear and isolation. They suffer largely from alienation and rejection.

It’s so sad. And of course it’s 2012, and we all know what that means. It is believed that this particular gnome

was neglected by his owners and deprived of company. Recently he was held in stocks at 15 Morton Street, and this public humiliation could have resulted in his turning rogue.’

She suggested a solution. ‘Take all your painted concrete garden ornaments to number 15 Morton Street and leave them on the front stoep. The Christmas Gnome will have lots of friends and be encouraged to come home. It will be like a commune for wayward and waif garden ornaments. He will soon stop all this nonsense, you’ll see. It will be like ET GO GNOME. ’ Rick Prins

STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

From farm worker to garden services

business talk FINANCE MATTERS

W

hile I suffer from the hangover of the festive season and try to cleanse wine from my system and the overdraft from my bank, I am naturally in a foul mood. This, of course, gets me thinking about things that irritate me and, like a whirlpool, the mood becomes even darker.

I hate being ripped off ...

Top of my hate list is DSTV. By April this will cost over R600/month. Then we have to watch about 12 minutes per hour of DSTV advertising itself. For heaven’s sake! We have paid to watch this rubbish and now they are trying to sell it to us again. What must we do – buy another subscription? If it was possible to choose your own bouquet of programmes that would be fine but they lump all the rubbish onto one good one, so that no bouquet gives you what you want. Another of their wonderful rip-offs is insurance on a DSTV decoder. Cover for house contents from an insurance company runs in the points of a percentage of the value per annum. DSTV offer cover on a decoder at 4% per MONTH! Then there are the cell phone companies.

Their call rates are beyond the pale. I really refer to the poor, many of whom go hungry, but have to pay crippling rates to stay in touch with job opportunities. And the cell phone companies make profits in the hundreds of millions… Until recently they did not sell phones without a contract so that they could really screw the users. Don’t imagine anything has changed. I priced a particular model the other day, then asked my son in Europe to confirm the price over there. An identical phone in Europe is freely available some 45% cheaper than locally and that includes 20% VAT! For $60/month (about R500) a friend in the USA gets the following: over 300 TV channels (cable); free phone calls anywhere on mainland USA; free cell phone calls to numbers with the same provider; and free internet.

Do you think we are getting ripped off?

Hang onto your cash this year – you may need it! The Old Boar

Green fingers: Gert Mclean’s in business.

As from February, Gert Mclean will be offering garden services to homes in Stanford.

Gert has years of gardening and flower farm experience. He worked for many years on the Bednall’s lavender farm.

Recently they provided new machinery for Gert to kick-start his business.

Gert already has several customers and is looking to expand his customer base.

He offers to cut and trim lawns, weedeat, clean plots and any other gardening requirements.

For more information, contact Gert on 072 358 7093.

sport talk STANFORD STRIDER’S TIME TRIAL RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT ISSUE. A boy’s dream: mounted archery

I

n early January we made the long trek all the way to Wolvengat, 14 kilometres inland from Pearly Beach. The purpose of our visit was to watch a mounted archery demonstration by international whiz, Daniel Griffin. Our son, Alexander has always been extremely interested in archery. And ‘mounted archery’ … well the very thought has conjured up dreams of children on ponies racing around playing Cowboys and Indians.

Daniel’s passion for archery began when he first heard his favourite story Robin Hood.

He was four when he received his original bow and a homemade Robin Hood outfit. His love for horses and horse riding began even earlier. He would be taken on long leisurely rides strapped to his mother Kali’s front. Years later Daniel married his two talents together in what seems like a Robin Hood dream come true. In April 2011 he attended a workshop in

Strand-Veld Hiking Club

Johannesburg given by the British Horse Back Archery Association. His talents were recognised and he was invited to compete in an international competition in Biga, southern Turkey in September 2011. Out of the approximately 30 competitors Daniel came 7th. Not bad for a barefooted klonkie!

He has now been invited by the King (yes the KING, no less) of Jordan to compete in the Al Faris International Mounted Archery Competition in Jordan in May 2012.

Daniel is hoping to raise awareness of the sport. He is giving a three-day workshop in April to all ages, beginners and up. He will concentrate on horse-riding techniques. Jonny Snyman, South Africa’s Master Bowyer, will be teaching the archery.

We are also hoping to get enough young

The club has put together a programme for 2012. Details of hikes will be published in Stanford River Talk on a monthly basis.

Sat 4 February 2012: We hike along the coast from Hermanus, Sandbaai to Vermont. This is an easy hike. Start: 07h00 at Gansbaai Tourist office at SPAR centre. Leader: Vincent 084 456 6181. Cost: R50pp.

Sat 3 March 2012: Coastal hike, Gansbaai harbour past Romansbaai to Danger Point Light House. Easy hike, sand and rocky coastline, but on fisherman’s paths [8 km]. Start 07.00: Gansbaai Info. Leader: Rob Koppel 028 388 0846. Cost: R20 pp. * Please bear in mind that hikes can change without prior notice, as weather, tides etc. is taken into consideration. For more details please contact the respective leaders.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

Robin Hood scene: Daniel Griffin leads while Alex Hamel takes a shot.

children (and adults) together in the Stanford, Gansbaai and Hermanus area to warrant Daniel coming through to this area to give archery lessons. Email Daniel at info@firepot. co.za or phone 072 933 4524.

Chanda Hanel

Oom Steyn’s Pub & Grill Where the party never ends ...

No smoking permitted until 09:30 each night.

BEER GARDEN The pub has a secret outdoor chill area.

Meet Bridget, our energetic, young chef.

Keeping things fresh, new and delicious.

• Tapas menu • Outside catering menu • Friday night happy hour • Saturday breakfast

SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST ON THE HOTEL’S FRONT VERANDA enjoy the Queen Victoria Street buzz. Saturday 11 Feb 2012. Kitchen opens at 9am.

No smoking permitted until 09:30 each night.

18 Queen Victoria, Stanford, 082 893 7615, daleenc62@gmail.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

nature talk

FROG OF THE MONTH

T Well captured: Thank you to Andrea Altona-de Klerk for sending in this hilarious photograph. Andrea writes ‘I took this picture recently in my house of my son, Ian, and his pony. Dream Girl has taken to letting herself into the house to scout for titbits!’

NIGHT SKY

By Fred Smith, Astrophysicist

How many people saw what I saw on the morning of December 24? Arriving home at an early hour I saw a searchlight being shone into the sky from just over a hill to the south. I realised, with shock, that it was actually Comet Lovejoy. Its tail extended about 10 degrees (20 times the size of the full moon) and was by far the brightest comet I have seen.

Lovejoy should never have been. A comet is a giant lump of ice with pieces of rock within it, and Lovejoy is a ‘SunGrazer’, going too close to the sun to survive. Draw a circle of 1cm diameter. That is the sun. Measure out 1mm – that is how close the comet got to the sun. On this scale the earth is one metre away. The comet went through the sun’s thin atmosphere where the temperature is one million degrees centigrade, and to everyone’s surprise, it came out the other side. Its structure was changed by this, and it came out blazing.

Google ‘Comet Lovejoy’ and you’ll see pictures and a video from Chile and from the space station.

Lovejoy is now well below visibility levels.

Know your African tree essences THE BLADDER NUT TREE OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE The bladder nut teaches us that being our authentic self is all that is required. By removing the need to be other than who we truly are, our life force is liberated. The bladder nut can assist us with centering and enhances the sense of feeling at home in your own skin. Bladder nut essence may be helpful for mood swings, poor body-image, negative peer pressure and the challenges of puberty.

Made in the traditions of the Bach Flower Remedies, African Tree Essences are created from the flowers of the main tree species of Platbos – an ancient forest growing in the Uilenkraal Vallei between Gansbaai and Stanford. Known as vibrational remedies, the essences work primarily on the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies where they assist us to release thought patterns, beliefs or emotions that no longer serve us. In this way they can assist us to experience greater well-being and harmony in our lives. Unlike essential oils, flower essences are not aromatic and are safe to take internally. Essences enhance other forms of healing and can also work well on animals and plants.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

Naas Terblanche is a frog fundi. Here he shares his knowledge of these extraordinary amphibians

here are five species of ghost frogs in South Africa. The Cape Ghost frog only occurs in swift flowing mountain streams of the Southern Cape and SouthWestern Cape and is a good swimmer.

The frog has discs on its fingertips which help it to cling to the slippery rocks in the perennial mountain streams. Its big eyes with a cross through the pupil give it an eerie appearance which probably led to the name ghost frog.

These frogs develop little spines on their arms in the breeding season. Prior to mating, males and females engage in a courtship of mutual rubbing of the

head and body parts. It is believed that this is important in identifying suitable partners of the same species.

The females lay yellow eggs encapsulated in a jellylike substance. The tadpoles are strong swimmers with mouths like suckers to pull the algae off the rocks. They cannot survive in streams that are not perennial as the tadpoles take more than a year to develop into frogs.

The male frogs call at dusk with a loud high-pitched ringing note produced at a rate of about one per second which can be heard above the sound of falling water.

Ghostly appearance: This Cape Ghost Frog (also known as Kaapse spookpadda in Afrikaans) was taken by Georgio Lombardi of Vogelgat private nature reserve near Hermanus.

wine talk

by Tania Weich

carstairs max & I

Harvest – from vine to wine It is a vital period in the vine-to-wine process right now. And we, in the southern hemisphere, hold a collective breath until the phase ends around April.

The harvest this year is especially challenging because of the heat wave that has rhythmically rolled into our region. At our vineyard site the berries are smaller precisely because of the early heat and unusually dry conditions. Accordingly to our vineyard manager, Andre du Toit, we are likely to harvest a week earlier than normal.

It is customary to harvest sparkling wine grapes first, namely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, because lower sugar levels are a necessity for making wine in this style. The usual order is to then harvest white grapes, followed by the later maturing red grape varieties. However, at Springfontein, we harvest Pinotage before Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. So, evidently there are no hard and fast rules when the forces of nature play such a dominant role in the quality of the end product. Reason enough for viticulture and viniculture staff to be a tad tense during this season. Reason enough for us to be concerned. Reason enough to unwind with a glass of the natural product that undertook the complex journey from vine to wine.

Clearly, harvest season is the season to sip!

By Peter Younghusband

The process of ageing

M

ax is getting old, and it is sad to see the ebbing of his beauty as a fine show specimen of the proud German Shepherd breed.

Watching the process of ageing also leaves us filled with sympathy for all dog lovers who have to live with the fading of such a special friend.

As Carstairs puts it: ‘Poor old chap, he can’t even lift a leg to pee anymore. Has to do it puppy fashion, all four legs tremblingly spread. Then he forgets what he’s doing and limps away still doing it. Most unfortunate.’

Carstairs likens it to the weariness of some old men who upon relieving themselves, walk off forgetting to zip up or button up their flies, not even noticing the signs inside public toilets which plead: ‘Gentlemen are requested to adjust their dress when departing.’

Trust Carstairs to relate dog experiences to people experiences. On the other hand, there are similarities. The same tendency to totter (especially German Shepherds, who develop back leg lameness in old age). The life movements slowing down. The arthritis setting in. The same ‘seen-it-all, done-it-all’ facial expression mixed with a grumpy frustration as he tries to crank the body back into its youthful vigour, snarling sometimes and gnashing all four of his remaining stumpy teeth at the sight of old adversaries. And there’s also a certain appeal in the eyes as he looks at you, as if saying: ‘What the hell is going wrong with me?’ That’s the problem with dogs dependent on humans.

They can’t talk and ask the question. And you can’t explain it to them. You can only give what comfort you can.

Life for them happens faster than it does for us. One year of a dog’s life is equal to seven years of a human life. Max is 13 now; he’ll be 14 in March. There are slight signs of incontinence, which we are heading off with a helpful muti from the vet called pseudoephedrine (don’t even try to pronounce it after the second whiskey).

Oh yes, and on the subject of that medicine you should hear Carstairs explode into fury! It’s getting hard to obtain because the local junkies are using it in the illegal manufacture of tik – the drug that drives you insane quicker than cocaine. So the medical authorities are trying to ban its distribution ‘What’s crime coming to in this bloody country!’ roars Carstairs as he stuffs Rum & Maple into his pipe and exudes clouds of smoke. ‘Now you can’t even de-urinate your dog!’

I try to comfort him with the news that in America wheel chairs are being made for elderly dogs that will support their back legs while they trot or lurch along on their front legs.

It doesn’t help. ‘WHAT?’ howls Carstairs. ‘A contraption like that for Max? Forget it. Every other dog will be gossiping about it and laughing at him. You know what Stanford’s like.’

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

St Valentine’s Day – celebrating love . . .

Stanford’s Scottish clan recently honoured their beloved poet Robert Burns on the anniversary of his death on 25 January 1796. He is remembered well for his beautiful words mostly to his loved ones and admirers such as Highland Mary below. These are some of his finest and most memorable words which would be highly appropriate for the one you love on St Valentine’s Day.

O My luve’s like a Red, Red Rose That’s newly sprung in June O My luve’s like a melodie That’s sweetly played in tune As fair art thou my bonnie lass So deep in luve am I And I will luve thee still my dear Till a’ the seas gang dry

Aron’s word Bayethe! You Lovers! You Heart Breakers!

It’s time for love renovation – Bend the Irons while they are still Hot! The inspiring month is ‘February’ of the inspiring year ‘2012’. Xhosa people like to say, ‘The year just begins but is already finished.’ This simply means, ‘There is no time to waste. If there is a dream you are chasing, you should be online already not in bed or chilling with friends.’

February is a popular month for the spirit of loving; for red and white colours symbolising love. It is the month to renovate those cracking relationships; refresh the boring ones; or break up to start a new chapter; or take your relationship to the next level on Valentine’s Day. It is time for you to Bend the Irons while they are still Hot!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

Jamie Kastner shares her hilarious poetry to entertain us on Valentine’s Day. ‘One of the great Scottish romantics was Robert Burns, often referred to as Rabbie. He had his fair share of women, and was pretty fond of a drink or two. One of the traditional speeches at a Burns Night is a Toast to the Lassies. This is followed by a reply from the lassies, in which it is customary to make fun of the men folk. Luckily this is one of my favourite pastimes.

Below are two such toasts. The first was done in 2011, and while I was heavily pregnant with our third son. The second was done this year.

Both were delivered with much pointing and gesturing, and an atrocious attempt at a Scottish accent.’

Burns Night 2011 Thank you, Sir, for your kind words, But frankly, lads are for the birds If you give me a minute, I’ll tell you why, I’ll start with a young Scottish guy.

Your Dear old Burns was quite the lad…

11 bastard kids he had.

Had he not died early, but lived to 91, Imagine the damage he could have done!

He loved the ladies, loved his liquor, Was quite obsessed with lasses knickers For his love was like a red, red rose, But for whom this love was, no one knows.

Men today are much the same, I’ll give an example, but not use his name.

Suffice to say that he makes wine, Then drinks it all, the lazy swine.

Well, I’m a lass who never learns, Already I have two wee bairns But for my husband, not enough, For once again I’m up the duff He likes to keep me big with child, So I’ll stay home while he goes wild I give up drinking, What’s he do? He tells me that he’ll drink for two.

He’s doon the pub, getting frisky, While my poor throat cries out for whisky!

I run that farm myself you know.

With these two hands, and one old hoe.

He comes in late, says he’s been working, When it’s down the village pubs he’s lurking.

I don’t know who he thinks he’s foolin’, He bloody reeks of Lagavulin But it’s only right we toast the lads, For all their faults, they’re not so bad.

They have some excellent qualitites, too, And now I’ll try to name a few.

They take us on such scenic trips To lands remote and wide.

They never ask directions, They just trust their ‘inner guide’ And helpful? Where else can you find Such creatures who excel At eating, drinking, watching sports, And taking naps so well!

So, before another minute passes, Let’s all stand and raise our glasses In a toast to lads from lasses, And get them all up off their asses!

Burns Night 2012 It’s the second time I’m here before ye, To present a little verse You’d think my accent would be better, but I suspect it’s gotten worse.

Now, remember, lads and lasses, Where we were this time last year.

Working me fingers to the bone, And a belly out to here!

No sooner had I had that sprog, Than he wanted to try again.

Oh no, my dear, I don’t think so, I’m not your battery hen!

The world has moved along a bit, But one thing still holds true, There’s one set of rules for lassies, And a different set for you.

For every lass that Rabbie had, The Scotsmen yelled ‘Hoorah!’

And for every one that he knocked up, They said ‘What a clever lad you are!’

To illustrate the difference, Imagine, if you will, That young Robbie Burns was not a lad, But instead had been a girl.

They’d say ‘Och, you dirty slapper!’

And they’d shake their ginger heads.

‘You ought to be ashamed, you ought, To share so many beds.’

When young Burns had had a skinfull The Scotsmen thought him charming.

But if they see a lass whose had a few, They find it quite alarming.

But yet, we dearly love our lads, And even Himself ain’t all bad.

But please don’t try to hold us down, Oh, not the women of THIS town.

For times, they change, The wheel, it turns, Next year we’ll celebrate MRS BURNS! To the lads, our partners and our friends.

Slange.

Thank you to these Stanfordians who gave us their stories in recognition of love on February 14 School sweethearts

Glenn and I met each other more or less 11 years ago. He was the new boy at school – everyone had an eye on him, but I was the lucky girl he chose.

Neither of us was looking for a serious relationship, but it just so happened that we were quite in love! I went to France for a year, he followed and went to England and then I joined him there for another two years. When we came back to South Africa together we realised that our relationship was getting more serious than what we initially planned. In 2009 we got married and not long after had a lovely baby girl. We never thought that high-school sweethearts ended up together, but we did!

We will probably just take Valentine’s Day easy and have supper at home. Hopefully we’ll get Gida to bed early enough for us to spend some quality time together. Gianni Roodt

Young love

I met Sarel Olivier in Gansbaai.

We were close friends for a long time and then started dating. On my birthday on 12 February, we will have been together for a year and I hope there will be many more years after that. He makes me feel so special and he’s very romantic. He is the boy of my dreams and I love him so much. We plan to go away for the weekend over Valentine’s to spend some time together.

Shaheida Phillips

Married moons ago

Mike and Rose Murray met 47 years ago while students at Rhodes University. One Saturday, Mike’s rugby match was cancelled due to a flooded field so instead he ventured down to the squash courts for a game, and while looking down into the court, saw these long tanned legs playing. Some astute analysis of the court booking list and some equally keen detective work, and Rose was identified and invited to a residence ball. ‘Of course the Rhodesian charm worked wonders,’ Mike brags. It must have, because they have experienced, survived and enjoyed a lot together.

Rose explains:‘Valentine’s Day was not really a big deal back then, but on every special anniversary I have always given Mike a few sticks of biltong – quite a chunk of money out of a student R10 monthly allowance in those days.’ The gift of biltong has never stopped (‘It’s always been a chunk of money, but worth it!’).

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

art & culture Strauss at its best!

WORDS OF WISDOM Confucius wrote: ‘What you do not wish done to yourself, do not do to others.’

He died in 479 B.C. at the age of 72. He was not the first nor will he be the last to teach this important principle. Zoroaster from Persia (now Iran) taught it possibly 6 000 years before him!

The Mahabharata (‘The Great Story of India’) – written between 300 BC and 300 AD worded it like this: ‘This is the sum of true righteousness: deal with others as thou wouldst thyself be dealt by.’

Jesus preached it 500 years after Confucius and changed it from its negative form to positive: ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.’

(Mathew 7:12) Confucius lived during the Chow Dynasty in China in a time of disorder, violence, poverty and cruelty. He was born into a poor family and as a young man was put in charge of stock and land. At the age of 22 he established a school to teach the history and literature of China. He felt the need for better order, and a system of morality and ethics by which people could live, so he created a philosophy that

STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

CONFUCIUS

Overstrand music lovers will have a unique opportunity to experience one of the finest Viennese ensembles in concert on Saturday, 11 February at 19h00 when the Johann Strauss Ensemble Wien performs in Hermanus.

Virtuoso violinist and leader, Alfred Pfleger, Anmarie van der Westhuizen (cello) and Ilse Schumann (piano) will delight you with Viennese waltzes, polkas and marches in an authentic display of typical Viennese charm.

In addition soprano Janelle Visagie will enchant you with operetta-arias and Viennese songs. The concert will be held in the Civic Auditorium in Hermanus. Book at BELLINI on 028 312 4988. Tickets are R100 and R50 Virtuoso violinist: Alfred Pfleger of the Johann Strauss Ensemble.

changed the nation’s destiny and influenced the entire world.

Today almost a quarter of the world believes in Confucianism and it has become one of the greatest cults in history. Millions of Chinese know the Confucian verse by heart and they live by its moral and ethical messages. After 2 500 years it remains one of the world’s strongest moral forces and it is based on this simple rule: ‘What you do not wish done to yourself, do not do to others.’

Other wise sayings of Confucius, based on this rule, include: ‘Ask yourself constantly: What is the right thing to do?’ ‘Beware of doing anything which you may regret later.’

‘It is better to live in peace than in bitterness and strife’ ‘Consideration for other people’s feelings and their property is the basis of a good life and a good society.’

If you would like an expanded version of this principle, please email win.tufftex@gmail.com

By Win Johnstone

Playing By Ear Andrew Herriot educates and entertains Many jazz and blues enthusiasts across the world were saddened to learn of (Miss Peaches) Etta James’ (1938-2012) death on 20 January. She had been battling with leukaemia. This multi-award winning artist (Autobiography: Rage to Survive) is seen here (right) performing at the Hollywood Bowl in 2004. She did not come to the fore until about 1987 and she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001. James was noted for her earthy husky voice and her unusual phrasing. She will be remembered especially, but much, much more, for her very own interpretation of At Last, 1999, (Gordon and Warren, 1941).

This great iconic song has been covered and sung by a host of wonderful blues singers like Lena Horne, Ella and Nat King Cole.

It was also sung in 2009 at the first Inaugural Ball for President Obama and first lady Michelle, as they danced in celebration.

As the story goes, it was performed by Beyoncé which displeased an un-well Etta who was truly miffed to put it politely (‘Is this my President?’ she was heard to remark).

Many readers will be aware that Beyoncé starred in the film Cadillac Records in 2008 where she portrayed the rise and fall of the short professional life of Etta James with Chess Records.

The film was acclaimed by critics and Beyoncé’s rendition of At Last was polished but could never be compared to the original.

Shortly after the performance at the President’s Neighbourhood Ball, Etta sang At Last for the ‘last’ time at a concert in Seattle.

She sat throughout the performance and gave her best and most passionate outpouring, perhaps to prove a point to you know who! You have to listen to the recording. Go to (http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=9sgXWQPGGJo). Good listening! aherriot70@gmail.com

beauty and wellness centre We at La Femme are here to ensure you spoil yourself after a stressful festive season having to cope with an influx of family and visitors. So how about spoiling yourself with a luxurious 75min Strawberry Deluxe hot wax pedicure for a special price of R260/ mani for R200 or if you prefer a facial see the back page for specials for February and March.

028 313 0660

coffee corner

Coffee Corner is also the meeting place for canine regulars. Well behaved ones, that is!

Pam may have to get her baking gloves out and think of some “doggie treats“ to add to the menu.

028 3410034

Are you looking for a little precious something for a new member in your family?

Handmade in beautiful Liberty embroidered cotton with just the right amount of trim.

083 358 6365

SYRINGA SPARKLE 04 December 1985 – 17 Jan 2012

THE TACKROOM

Hair By Belinda

I saw his soul gallop off happy & content As I whispered in his ear ‘Goodbye my friend‘

USEFULL HINTS If your toddler has cradlecap: Rub in Elizabeth Anne baby shampoo daily. This will sooth and ease the problem.

To prevent lice: Rinse you or your child’s hair with one part brown vinegar to one part water.

To remove lice: Use medicated shampoo.

072 329 7753 Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 16:00 • Saturday 8:30 - 13:00

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Cell 082 876 0492 Fax 086 7299 123 guywhittle@mweb.co.z a

I have just been to a fairy party.

Most grannies know about them but this is the first time I saw a real one.

Glad to be back in Stanford though!

It’s a fairy village compared to Cape Town. info@syringastud.co.za • 082 450 3970 Sister ‘Cobbler’s Cottage’ has these great freestanding handmade ceramic fireplaces.

They are so hard to choose because they are all beautiful.

A visit to Lesley-Anne in Sedgefield is a must.

See www.hotart.co.za info@syringastud.co.za • 082 450 3970 STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

school talk OKKIE SMUTS: first day at school

Grade 1 Afrikaans: (back from left) teacher Joline Swanepoel; Alvah Cillie; Rushaan May; Matilda Blomerus; Shaan-Lee Pillay; Cayde Moos; (middle from left) Keaton Damon; Zane Constance; MonrĂŠ Philander; Jade Dreyer; Paula Dreyer; (front from left) Chanel Dickson; Carey-Leigh Cornelius; Hayley Swart; Kirsten Marshall and Franscois Nieuwoudt (absent Nathan Dunsdon).

Buzzy Beez Play Group: (back from left) Taylor Anderson; Andrea Potter; Courtney Anderson; (front from left) Alex Kastner; Rachel Horn; Angelica Potter and Rachel Hague.

Grade 1 English: (back from left) Nonelela Mqalekane; Zinathi Mancoba; Jake Shapiro; Aaron Bates; Abongile Ngqokoqwane; (front from left) Cleo Ockhuys; Nicholas Von Wichtingen Graf Im; Ababalwe Molisi; teacher Marna Beets; Asithandile Dlapo; Bussiswa Thetheni and Inganathi Jacob.

Buzzy Beez Pre-grade R and Grade R: (back from left) Jack Kastner; Liyema Gqirana; Nelissa Yana; (middle from left) Vuyo Ngene; Oyola Apolisi; Nozipho Ngwenya; Matthew Solomons; Sarah Staples; Erin Dreyer; (front from left) Bususwa Apolisi; Griffin Nale; Shane Foxcroft; Oyama Kosi and Kelsey Montaqu.

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Buzzy Beez Pre-grade R and Grade R Afrikaans: (back from left) Veronique Moses; Megan Murray; Mattheo Barends; Aldene McThomas; Marilyn Appel; Ische Loff; (front from left) Neo Hendricks; Carli Lourens; Gehron Goedeman; Dalene October and Tanique van der Walt.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

Lexi Lawson, your registered Environ consultant, is only a phone call away. Contact her on 082 4959391 for a consultation or to place your orders.

school talk DIE BRON: first day at school Graad 1 A: (front from left) Yvonne Anta; Lizay Barends; Angel Davids; Cyra Hansen; Anecia Goliath; Magdell Leonard; Gert Blok; Ashlee Arends; Antonio Prins; IG Leonard; Keenan Pitcher; (2nd row from left) Breyton Van Heerden; Markwin Kapot; William Pieterse; Neol October; Ricardine Damon; Keana Plaatjies; Ebernique Plaatjies; Catherina Lewies; Mischke Dreyer; (3rd row from left) prinsipal S.G.October; Sinothando Sodam; Cha-Nell Robyntjies; Jesslien Stuart; Gaeby Richter; Enslin Dreyer; Ree-ano Dreyer; Aldonay Alexander; Easton Dreyer and teacher Caren Gibson.

Grade 1 C: (front from left) Mkhohli Phumelela; Madinga Samkelisiwe; Tuwani Amahle; Matikinca Liyema; MguViwe; Nqinileyo Asithandile; Mdoyi Zandile; (2nd row from left) Ntlahla Mihlali; Maqhula Awethu; Mazonke Andisiwe; Xeliwe Lwazi; Twayiyo Akha; Sofuthe Onele; (3rd row from left) principal S.G. October; Mhluthwa Likhaya; Poma Asisipho; Mbangeni Enele; Siza Endinako; (4th row from left) Nkqubezelo Ayavuya; Lahlani Asonele; Letsie Morena; Ngxaka Khanyisa and teacher N.C. Kosi.

Grade 1B: (front from left) Lee-Ann Jennecke; Zasseline Plaatjies; Jammy Anta; Zaid Abrahams; Justin Groenewald; Sedwin Phillips; Jamy Arendse; Stevan Klaassen; Brenwill Brander; (2nd row from left) prinsipal S.G. October; Elmarie van Stade; Nadia Lee Block; Nadia Solani; Nicholas Jonas; James Adendorf; Dillon Hoogbaard; Dehagon Messias; (3rd row from left) Kiara-Leigh Barends; Ruby Slamat; Monique Sadie; Jay-Lee Frans; Nadeema Titus; Heidre Barends; teacher Carina Nicholson; (4th row from left) Lu-May Abrahams; Kenrickco Davids; Adriaan Rooi; Caleb Booysen; teacher-assistant C.Barends and Glenwin Manuel.

Grade R: (front from left) Way-Maree Mitchells; Mariessa Kubu; Tia-Lee October; Tashney Richter; Berenice Damon; Carmen Lottering; Kim and Kelly Pasman; Nigel Kammies; Wayllen Brandes; Kyle Lewis; (2nd row from left) Dealen Benjamin; Elnite Fouche; Sherelle Johannes; Johnique Robyntjies; Roxzaan Maritz;Raywin Benjamin; Ulin Hendricks; Doney Goodman; L`Riquen Damon; Ryan Bantom; Reynold October; teacher Rochelle Bantom (3rd row from left) prinsipale Sybill October; Gailion Benjamin; Romae Bantom; Delicia Adams; Willeem Pieters; Dealen Kapot; Denwhill Jantjies; Fanwill Manuers; Aidan-Lind Johnston; Charlton Richards; Jay-Jay Salo; Rehlann Montaque; Cassey Barends (4th row from left) Abigail Tobias; Greatha Cupido; Zuraida Niewenhuys; Anthony Ruiters; Geneve Hansen; Haneke Rooi, Ferlin Titus; Elxander Rooi; Benito Dunston; Karla Hoffman (5th row from left) teacher Charisse Lucas and Mihlali Hermanus.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

history talk

Stand fast, women and children first 160th commemoration of the sinking of HMS Birkenhead

T

he sinking of the HMS Birkenhead in the small hours of 26 February 1852 is a dark, terrifying and poignant story. It forms part of our heritage, and links the lives and stories of British and Irish soldiers, officers, women and children with the Overberg, specifically with Danger Point near Gansbaai.

The ship was commanded by Captain Robert Salmond who was racing against time to transport troops to assist in the 8th Xhosa War in South Africa. Many of the troops were young, inexperienced and simply desperate for paying jobs. The ship docked at Simon’s Town to replenish supplies and drop off many of the women and children, and set off again for Algoa Bay on 25 February

into a beautifully calm summer’s evening. At 2am the following morning, the HMS Birkenhead slammed into a submerged rock off Danger Point, tearing open one of her watertight compartments.

In a rapid series of dire events, further watertight compartments were torn open as the sea repeatedly dragged the ship onto, and off, the rocky reef.

Some of the lifeboats were not serviceable as the winches and pulleys were jammed with paint.

Hundreds of men were drowned in their hammocks, while others tried to swim for land and drowned. Scores of men were taken by sharks while a lucky few managed to cling onto pieces of Birkenhead debris. Seven women

By Phil Murray

and 13 children were rowed away from the wreck to safety, and a further 173 men, and eight horses either made it to shore or were rescued from the sea the next day. Approximately 449 men and a baby died that night, as the Birkenhead sank in just 25 minutes.

The ordeal was not over for the survivors who hauled themselves out of the sea and onto the rocky beaches. They trekked along the coast line for miles until they found water and help, first in Stanford Cove and then on a farm in Stanford owned by Captain and Mrs Smailes. The first Cape Town heard of the sinking was two days later when one of the horses from the ship, arrived back at his stables in

Cape Town.

The sinking of the Birkenhead has become a tale of heroic chivalry as the soldiers stood back and let the women and children climb into the scarce lifeboats first, and be rowed to safety. Such bravery and gallantry has set the protocol for all consequent maritime disasters.

Rumours of gold coins to the value of ₤240 000 having gone down with the ship have never been assuaged. Maybe this and the horrifying tale of yet another ship wrecked off the Cape of Storms, but not due to high seas, is the reason behind our fascination with the HMS Birkenhead.

Surviving the sinking of HMS Birkenhead Family member, Sue Wilson, shares her family story entwined in such a heroic and dramatic piece of history

M

y first knowledge of HMS Birkenhead sinking and our ancestors’ involvement was eleven years ago. It was a throwaway comment by a great aunt who mentioned it while recalling a childhood memory.

Her mother had shown her a newspaper article about the sinking and said that her grandmother, my great-great-great grandmother had survived the sinking.

This started my research which resulted in discovering the story.

My great-great-great grandparents Private Mark Hudson of the 91st Regiment and his wife Sarah were on the ship. Sarah gave birth on the journey from Portsmouth to John Hudson born 5 February 1852. I have a copy of his birth certificate which records his name as John Birkenhead Hudson. Mark and Sarah had been married for six years and had another son Asher. A mystery for me is what happened to Asher. I have no idea if he was

on the Birkenhead or if he was left in England when Mark and Sarah went off to South Africa. I have been unable to find any trace of him in death or military records in the UK. We also have no idea why Mark, who was only a private in the army, had his wife with him on the ship. This was unusual for a lowly private.

We know that Mark was one of the soldiers who trekked with Captain Wright through the gorse bush to Stanford Cove and then on to the farmhouse in Stanford where he and the others were clothed and cared for before going back to Simon’s Town to be reunited with his wife and newborn son.

Mark and family eventually continued to Fort Beaufort where they stayed for some time.

Another son Edward was born there.

The family were then posted with the regiment to Scotland, and then to India where my great-great grandmother, Mary Ann, was born.

Mark retired from the army and the family settled in Thame near Oxford, UK. He worked

as an agricultural labourer and died in 1885.

Sarah died as a pauper in1909. What a tragic end for a woman who had travelled the world with her husband’s regiment. I am very sad that neither she nor son John Birkenhead were aware of the King’s appeal in 1902 to contact all surviving people from the tragedy.

My son, husband and I were honoured to visit the area in 2005.We spent time meeting locals and being shown the memorial, museum, farmhouse and the cove. This was arranged by Major Tony Gordon who was a great friend to us.

My mum and I visited again in February 2006. We attended the service at the memorial and went on a boat to the site of the sinking. We then had a wonderful time at the Birkenhead Brewery!

I feel a close affinity with South Africa having discovered our links through the Birkenhead and I am most grateful to everyone who ensures that the story is not forgotten.

Honouring those who lost their lives

On Saturday 25 February 2012 at approximately 9am a few boats will depart from Kleinbaai launching harbour to lay wreathes on the Birkenhead rock. A small remembrance ceremony will be conducted at sea. Members of the public, who’d like to participate in this ceremony, should advise the Gansbaai Tourism Office at gansbaaimanager@telkomsa.net.

On Sunday 26 February 2011 at 10am a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at Danger Point Lighthouse to honour all those who perished in the Birkenhead tragedy. For more information, please contact Glenda Kitley on 028 384 1439 or fax: 028 384 0955.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

IN MEMORIAM DAVID DOWIE-DUNN

BOET AND MARGARET HEESE

26 April1936 – 16 January 2012

15 July1928 – 27 January 2012 11 September 1928 – 10 January 2012

I would like to convey deep-felt thanks to the entire community of Stanford. Your support, sympathy, compassion and love during this time have been really overwhelming. You are all absolutely amazing! My parents and I have loved this beautiful town since we first bought the barren erf in Caledon Street in 1988. It’s been an incredible journey of love, joy, tears and hard work. I thank both my mother and father for the person I am today. Jake Heese

PONK WISSEMA 10 December 1930 – 11 January 2012

The Stanford community mourns the passing of a generous man.

It is with great sadness that we record the passing of David Dowie-Dunn who was genuinely one of Stanford’s stalwarts.

He and his wife Jane moved to Stanford twelve years ago from Cape Town and immediately made their impact felt in the local community. Educated at St Andrew’s College, Grahamstown, David graduated from the University of Cape Town with a BSc. During his time in Stanford, he involved himself in a wide variety of civic activities including being a founder member of Stanplan and playing a role in Stanford tourism. One of David’s major achievements included playing an active role in the Stanford Bird Fair, an event attracting attention in birding circles throughout South Africa. Perhaps most of all David will be remembered for his role in Food4Thought which he helped to establish in 2003 and in which he retained a keen interest.

He and Jane also ran Dowies for four years from mid 2000, selling a range of South African artefacts and ceramics that they sourced on their travels around SA. His other pursuits included golf (he was a past-captain of Nomads Golf Society), bridge, philately and wildlife. A devoted family man, David will be sorely missed by his wife Jane, son Davey, daughter Abi, his grandchildren and extended family.

A gentleman to the last, his passing was aptly saluted by Aron Gcotyelwa at his wake: ‘Bayete David!’

Royd and Lindsay Frith In September last year David was informed that he had a unique and quite aggressive medical condition and in all likelihood he had only six months left to live as there was no known treatment that would improve the prognosis. David’s reaction to this news was remarkably positive. He thanked the messenger for being completely candid and decided there and then to forego further treatment but live the remainder of his life as fully as possible.

In a village where we are often defined by our ailments, David never complained of his lot and continued to show a positive and cheerful face to the world. Both Jane and he attended Maureen Wolters’ 60th birthday where they were seen on the dance floor together. Alas David succumbed to his condition on 16 January, some four weeks later.

David faced his future with courage and dignity. He will be sadly missed. David Fursman

* EFEKTO KUNSMIS VIT ALLPURPOSE 3.2.1 5KG – R75.95 Use for new planting with superphosphate and as a feed twice in the growing season. Can cover 166m2 .

* WONDER VITALIZER ROSE & FLOWER 8.1.5(17)+C(8) 5KG – R56.95 For constant healthy blooms feed roses and flowering plants every 4 weeks.

* EFEKTO KUNSMIS K.A.N 10KG – R110.94 Green the lawn quickly. * EFEKTO ROSECARE 100ML – R55.95

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

Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:00 • Sat, 8:00 - 14:00 Tel: (028) 3410 691 • Fax: (028) 341 0413

028 3410 691

* ALOE NUBIGENA 15CM – R25.95 * BRACHYLEANA DISCOLOR (KUSVAALBOS) 4L – R39.95 * ALOE DUMETORUM 12.5CM – R35.96 A small aloe that works brilliant as a container plant or in rockeries.

* SYZIGIUM PONDOENSE (PONDOWATERHOUT)4KG – R22.95

Hardy indigenous shrub to replace the Australian brush cherry with. Grows in full sun and can be planted as a wind break.

* SALVIA CHAMALAGNEA – R25.95 Hardy indigenous shrub with beautiful blue flowers in summer, grows in full sun and can survive in the wind.

* HOME COMPOSTER GREEN GENIE – R475.95 * ITALIAN FLOWER POT 31CM – R53.95 STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

classifieds

VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT

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

BALL & CLAW BEDROOM SET. Photos available by email. p Phillip 083 326 6920, e-mail: tora@worldonline.co.za

OFFERING

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

DOMESTIC WORKER. Hard working and reliable p Serika 073 967 1629. For reference p Sandra 079 523 8453.

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

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

SERVICES

HOUSE CLEANING Need you house/flat cleaned? Bed linen changed? Washing & ironing?

Washing itemised ready for laundry collection? p Desiree on 074 353 1884. Refs available.

FOUND

DARK GLASSES in black case, corner of Bezuidenhout & Adderley Street p Hester Venter O82 601 9961/028 3410 195.

RENT

STORAGE 250 SQUARE METRES. Secure locked storage on farm 1km from town. Electronic alarm installed and my personal supervision.

Better monthly rates. p John 082 950 6007.

Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

Well balanced diets, love and care.

028 - 3410 961

Washing • Tumble Drying • Ironing Dry Cleaning • Steam Cleaning • Carpets Mon – Fri 8.30am - 5pm 25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976

Kinesiology

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY

For improving, restoring and maintaining health on a mental, emotional or physical level.

R300 for the first session (2 hrs), R250 for any session thereafter (90 min) Maaike Heger maaikeheger@gmail.com 072 683 5648

BLOM BUILD Following Michael’s retirement from going up ladders, his building work will now be available from ‘Mr Blom’ (076 858 8067,) Michael’s foreman for many years. Blom is an excellent bricklayer/ plasterer/roofer. Guy Whittle (082 876 0492) and/or Ansie Reitsma (082 320 0982) have volunteered to give references for his work.

Suidsee Verkoeling Nuwe kontaknommer: Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh: 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk

guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com

SOUTH COAST

SOLAR Solar and renewable energy specialists

John Hardie • 079 29 11611 john@southcoastsolar.co.za www.southcoastsolar.co.za

Insurance approved PIRB Registered and Licensed Plumbing contractors

FREE RANGE ORGANIC LAMB JOHN 082 950 6007

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD 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 ST THOMAS 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.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 20

Stanford Sunset Market Friday 24 February. 6pm to 8pm.

Village Green. Contact Rina on 083 604 0808.

Rotary Car Boot Sale 25 February, 9am to 1pm, Village Green.

Contact Jeudi Hunter on 082 839 4541.

HMS Birkenhead Commemoration 25 & 26 February.

See page18 for details.

SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys

Valentine’s Dinner 14 & 17 February, Blue Gum Country Estate.

Contact 028 341 0116.

RAINFALL STATISTICS

What’s on in February?

Wine & Wisdom Thursday 1 March 7pm, R40 pp, Stanford Art Café. Contact Annie Ranger on 028 341 0984.

Little town, Big Blue Friday & Saturday 2 – 3 March.

Blues music festival. Kleinmond.

Stanford street mile Saturday 3 March. Okkie Smuts fundraiser.

8:30 am. Village Green. R10/adult, R5/scholar Go-cart races Saturday 3 March. Okkie Smuts fundraiser. 9am to 1pm. Village Green. Food & refreshments.

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

ave

Jan

17

11.5

12

8.5

19

14

35

16.7

Feb

22

39.5

25

11

17.5

20

22.5

March

14

49

27

20.5

20

26

26

April

45

70

21.5

27.6

30

56

41.6

May

78.5

45

31.5

55

66.5

83

59.6

June

45

75.5

50.5

106.3

91.5

88

76.13

July

137

102.5

76

97.5

43

56

85.3

Aug

65

66.5

71.5

89

46

74

68.6

Sept

27

49.8

74

88

35.5

25.5

45.7

Oct

61

73

39.5

92

50

25

56.7

Nov

41.5

89.5

91

31

57

42

58.8

Dec

20.5

37

35

6

40

23.5

27

Year

573.5

708.8

554.5

632.4

459

533

THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IN MARCH EDITION IS 18 FEBRUARY 2011 design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • 079 523 8453

F E B R UA RY T I D E TA B L E Sunrise Sunset

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) NOV

7

4

DEC

150

0

STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS

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

DEC

NOV

E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

0

0

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml)

528

0

weekly timetable

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

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

0605 0606 0607 0608 0609 0610 0611 0612 0613 0614 0615 0616 0616 0617 0618 0619 0620 0621 0622 0623 0624 0625 0626 0627 0628 0629 0630 0630 0631

1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1932 1931 1930 1929 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922

HIGH WATER time height 0940 1.29 1115 1.29 0013 1.23 0107 1.34 0148 1.47 0224 1.61 0259 1.74 0334 1.85 0410 1.93 0447 1.96 0525 1.94 0606 1.85 0651 1.72 0746 1.56 0904 1.41 1046 1.34 1215 1.38 0059 1.41 0149 1.53 0230 1.64 0305 1.73 0338 1.79 0409 1.81 0438 1.81 0507 1.76 0535 1.69 0604 1.60 0636 1.49 0717 1.37

time 2241 ---1225 1315 1357 1435 1512 1549 1626 1704 1744 1827 1917 2026 2208 2350 ---1318 1405 1444 1518 1550 1620 1649 1716 1744 1814 1848 1936

height 1.16 ---1.36 1.46 1.57 1.68 1.77 1.83 1.85 1.82 1.75 1.63 1.48 1.33 1.25 1.30 ---1.47 1.56 1.64 1.69 1.72 1.72 1.69 1.64 1.56 1.46 1.35 1.24

LOW WATER time height 0249 0.87 0454 0.87 0617 0.79 0709 0.68 0750 0.57 0827 0.46 0904 0.37 0940 0.31 1017 0.28 1056 0.29 1137 0.33 1221 0.41 0027 0.42 0120 0.55 0237 0.66 0427 0.70 0604 0.63 0710 0.51 0758 0.40 0837 0.32 0911 0.28 0942 0.27 1011 0.29 1040 0.33 1109 0.39 1139 0.47 1210 0.56 0009 0.61 0045 0.72

time 1625 1754 1852 1934 2010 2044 2117 2152 2227 2304 2343 ---1312 1419 1556 1739 1853 1943 2022 2055 2124 2152 2219 2245 2311 2339 ---1247 1337

height 0.82 0.75 0.64 0.52 0.40 0.30 0.23 0.19 0.19 0.23 0.31 ---0.51 0.62 0.67 0.63 0.52 0.40 0.31 0.26 0.24 0.25 0.28 0.34 0.42 0.51 ---0.65 0.75

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.

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

Monday 6pm, Running Time Trails 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket.

Monday & Thursday, 5.15pm - 6pm, Pilates, The old Beauty Spot Studio, above Tops Bottle Store, Tracy: 082 441 8307.

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

Tuesday (5pm to 6pm) & Friday (8.30am to 9.30am), Tae Bo, Stanford Conference Centre, 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.

Tuesday & Thursday, 4pm, Cycling, Meet at Caltex Garage, Dave Morrison 082 321 7996.

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 Beloftebos Cottages B’s Cottage De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oak Grove Farm Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford Country Cottages Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Upton House Villa di Baia

082 391 5331 028 341 0430 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 091 3914 028 341 0984 082 614 6322 082 320 0982 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 079 777 5983 082 336 1573

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 ALTERATIONS Caitlin’s Dressmaking

083 358 6365

ANTIQUES/FURNITURE Sir Robert Stanford

028 341 0048

ARCHITECTURE Maureen Wolters

082 450 3970

ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS Ons Winkel Traderoots BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm CONSTRUCTION Stanford Bricks DRIVING SCHOOL Drive with Cait

028 341 0647 084 643 4504 028 313 0660 028 341 0048 028 341 0410 071 219 9212 028 313 2814 028 341 0685 083 358 6365

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

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

ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical

079 182 8825

ESTATE AGENTS Graham Property Consultants 028 341 0641 Marlene’s Properties 082 732 1284 028 341 0929 Michael Thompson 083 225 7367 Pam Golding 028 341 0708 Stanford Village Properties 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 FIREWOOD Walshacres 028 341 0685 082 898 4889 GARDENS & NURSERIES Helen’s Garden Service Krige Tree Services Walshacres Willowdale Nursery

082 977 7080 082 658 0427 028 341 0685 082 899 1172

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages

082 320 0982

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk

079 291 1588

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 PEST CONTROL Overberg Pest Control

028 312 2225

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

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.

Tel: 028 341 0965 • Cell: 082 320 0982 enquiries@stanfordcountrycottages.co.za www.stanfordcountrycottages.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

PLUMBING John Hardie

079 291 1611

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

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

SECURITY JSK Wrought Iron Safe Security

083 591 9600 028 341 0801

SOLAR South Coast Solar

079 291 1611

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

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

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

police: 028 3410 601 / 10177 ambulance: 10177 municipality: 028 341 8500 fire & rescue: 079 5077 326 overstrand emergency: 028 313 8000 / 313 8186

Celebrations in Stanford

Terry Danks 2 February

Annaliese Lubowskwi 6 February

Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw 25 February

Steward Alcock 7 February

Catch Caccivio 9 February

Tayana Dorland 10 February

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

Shaheida Phillips 12 February

Ivan May 17 February

Janelle Damon 28 February Double digits: Jethro Biernacki turned 10 on 27 January. His dad organised a festive treasure hunt around the village. Jethro and his friends found their way to a treat at Kobin’s General Dealer Store, ice-cream at the Art Café, trifle and cake at Grandad Terry and Grandma Beryl’s and then a cool off in the Hardie’s pool. (from left) Karuna Pook, Rachel Templer, Benjamin Alberts, Thaddeus Biernacki, Daniel Alberts (behind), Jethro Biernacki, Aaron Templer, Bryn Templer (behind), Fabio Lombardi, Tayana Dorland and Indica Squires.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 23

MICHAEL THOMPSON

ESTATES

stewart@alcock.co.za ‘ONE-OF A KIND’ IN THE VILLAGE

EIENDOMME

R2 790 000.00

LIVE & WORK IN THE VILLAGE

‘MICHAEL SUTTON’ DESIGNED 3 BEDROOM HOME, HISTORICAL COTTAGE. HEATED POOL, DOUBLE GARAGE PLUS PLUS PLUS...

LIFESTYLE LIVING

R3 950 000

10 KMS FROM STANFORD, 5 BED HOME, ALL THE MOD CONS. PLUS 1 BED GUEST/ MANAGER’S COTTAGE. 37 HECTARES UNSPOILT FYNBOS. OWN WATER SUPPLY.

www.mtestates.co.za

WEEKEND GETAWAY

R1 950 000.00

3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 3 RECEPTION ROOMS, 1 GUEST COTTAGE, DOUBLE GARAGE, ADDITIONAL STUDIO/3RD GARAGE, LAUNDRY. IN HISTORIC PART OF VILLAGE WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS.

R1 395 000

SIMPLY STUNNING!

3 BED, 2 BATH HISTORIC COTTAGE ON LARGE ERF (1200M2) WOODEN FLOORS, DOVER STOVE.

R1 595 000

3 BEDS, 3 BATHROOMS. AWARD WINNING GARDEN. NEXT TO VINEYARD.

Struggling to sell? Why not put an A+ tenant in your property – we have prequalified tenants waiting to move in. STEWART 074 126 7770

beauty and wellness centre

POST HOLIDAY SPECIAL ! For February and March!

Have one of our facials, Gatineau, RegimA, Theravine or Just Pure and receive a FREE lash/brow tint as well as a hand massage ALL for the price of your normal facial!

Book your appointment TODAY 028 313 0660 1 8 H O P E ST R E E T, H E R MA NU S • 0 2 8 3 1 3 0 6 6 0 • i nfo @ l afe m m e h e r m a n u s .c o .za