July 2012 Stanford River Talk

Volume 83 | JULY 2012 | Stanford’s monthly newspaper | R13.20

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editorial notes

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Anonymous letters will not be published.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.

Stanford Country Fair ‘I thought the Stanford Country Fair was better than eating homemade ice-cream on a sunny day! It felt like a mini Grahamstown festival and I want it around for a week, next time!’

This quote by Stanford resident, Thaya Bedford, sums up what most people experienced at the inaugural Stanford Country Fair. Held in a huge tent on the village green over the weekend of 22 June, great concerts by music dudes Arno Carstens, Albert Frost, Valiant Swart, Lutsha Yolelo and Butho Vuthela rocked the town. Dulcet sounds by Thembelihle choir, singer Lucy Kruger and local jazz enthusiast, Andrew Herriot, transfixed the spellbound hoards (see page 13).

All the ingredients of a wholesome village country fair came to fruition and included among others, a pie-eating competition, barrel rolling, pony rides, a fun run (see Sport talk on page 10), a Mr & Miss Stanford, and all this washed down by judicious amounts of delicious local produce!

This was truly an amazing event – well done for organising everything Stanfordinfo, you are doing us proud! We look forward to next year.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Stanford Country Fair MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Janika Dorland, Howard Donaldson, Aron Gcotyelwa, Andrew Herriot, Peter Hood, Alexia Lawson, Jamie Kastner, DM, Don MacIver, Phil Murray, Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw, Fred Smith, Naas Terblanche, Bea Whittaker and Tania Weich.

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

Response to ‘Pistol plight’

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arlier this year Stanford River Talk published a letter regarding the way the shooting club in Stanford is managed (Pistol plight, February edition). The author, whose name was withheld, suggested amongst others that the municipality should look into the terms of the lease of the land used by the Stanford Shooting Club.

Not only did we do this, but we also discussed the matter with the chairperson of the Stanford Shooting Club. The Club is in good standing with the Overstrand Municipality by keeping to the terms of the contract and by paying its dues in terms of rent and services.

What must be kept in mind is that the tenant has certain obligations in

terms of the safety and security of the site. Shooting practices must take place between 09:00 and 18:00 and the safety standards of the SA Bureau of Standards must be maintained.

Members of the Club may not go to practise on their own and must be accompanied by a qualified marksman. These rules have been circulated to the members.

It will be difficult for the Club to exercise control over its rules if individual members have keys and can access the site freely.

The chairperson indicated that he will return members’ subscription fees if they do not want to adhere to the rules and instructions of the Club.

Communications Department, Office of the Mayor, Overstrand

Tantalising stuff

It was fascinating to read the specific references made by Thaya Bedford (Vintage in advance, June Issue) in her comments about ‘female assets’ within the world of fashion and by contrast those points made by Cath Croxton in regard to the artistic infamous (or is it famous?) painting The Spear and ‘the male piece of meat’. I have to applaud the editor and say that this is new and welcome territory and fairly tantalising for a newspaper that has a reputation for providing informative, uncontentious newsy insights that mostly reflect the interests of our diverse village community.

I wish to observe that as a masculine mathematician, I have always held a strong and healthy interest in higher order geometric equations of curves whether they are parabolas, hyperbolas or planetary elliptical motion. Bedford has brought to bear the thesis that, startlingly, other admirable aspects of curvature of a feminine nature still have a very important place in our society as a whole and that strikes a harmonic chord with me. As for Croxton’s line of enquiry, and again as a male, I believe she is of the correct gender to make her cogent observations. Andrew Herriot

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letters to the editor Wake up to reality

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What a fence!

Stanford Heritage Committee has sent the following letter to The Director General, Department of Public Works, National Police Commissioner and Overstrand Municipality.

Dear Sirs, Erf 202, Stanford: Stanford Police Station: Security fencing It has recently become evident that a very high security fence is in the process of being erected around Stanford’s police station, which is under-going renovations. No previous notice or plans have been provided to the local authorities or citizens of Stanford.

The police station is set in Stanford’s proclaimed Heritage Conservation Area, surrounded by charming cottages that reflect a bygone era. This charm is what attracts many people to Stanford, and is the driver for a thriving tourism industry.

The draconian fence is a blot on Stanford’s landscape! It jars with every aspect of the essence of Stanford. It offends every principle of the style of our village.

One also questions why it is necessary. What change has there been in the security situation in the village that makes such an eyesore necessary? Has there been a major escalation in the type of violent crime against which such a fence would provide protection? Or has there been a vast increase in the value of equipment held at the police station? On what rational basis can such a blot on the landscape be justified?

We appeal to the relevant state departments to remove this fence, and if necessary replace it with something which can still provide protection, but without destroying the aesthetic appeal of our village.

We are appealing to Heritage Western Cape to support us by similarly appealing to the relevant authorities.

Yours faithfully, KW Brown, Chairman

s a 35-year resident of Stanford who has seen the crime situation deteriorate steadily in our town over this period, it is with complete amazement that I follow the utterances of the vociferous minority in Stanford with regard to the security fence around the police station. Once again the ill-informed and the small minded in Stanford are waging war against an issue that is in all of our interests to support.

All police stations are security installations. They all contain cash and automatic weapons, they all provide secure holding for hard evidence kept under lock and key for pending criminal cases, and they from time to time hold seriously dangerous criminals, gangsters and others – yes, even in Stanford – pending their removal to more secure facilities. In addition the serving officers themselves are entitled to the protection of a secure facility exactly as the inhabitants of Stanford feel that they are entitled to the protection of the police. Furthermore there is a basic specification for security issued for all police stations nationally. Funds have never previously been provided for the upgrade at this station, one of the few in the country which is left unprotected. Even those of

Trash time

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tanford is lucky to have an ‘Orange Team’ who work hard to keep our village streets clean and presentable so it is really worrying to see how many people still do not heed the Municipality’s request that owners adhere to the proper times to put out rubbish bags.

PLEASE do not put out the bags before Thursday mornings unless you are lucky enough to have another pick-up day on Tuesdays (make sure that you are in fact entitled to HAVE another pick-up day before putting out bags).

If you are an owner letting out your property, please inform your tenants/ guests that Thursdays are pick-up days or tell them to drop their rubbish at the collection point in the industrial area. If you cannot be present to put out the bags on a Thursday, make an arrangement with a neighbour, a friend, a cleaner or a person offering cleaning services.

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you in the community who trash the security being installed, will recall numerous violent service delivery protests across our land which have been prevented from even more violence by the security provided at affected stations. Do they think Stanford is immune? Do they think yet again that Stanford is an exception to national legislation? It would appear so. These same people who trash the fence will also be the first to complain if a serious incident should take place and the station is not adequately protected.

The local police station has to take its place in the Overberg crime fighting network; it has to be able to look after its weapons, personnel, prisoners awaiting transfer and not least the community. Before the fence you could walk around the back of the police station and gain access to the cell area and the station from all points of the compass.

It is high time that the vociferous minority in Stanford – and they are a minority – begin to champion a few worthwhile causes instead of spending their time splashing emotional, ill-informed commentary on the local anti-crime website. I would call on these people to wake up to reality.

Clive Pearce

Great service There are a number of dog owners who let their dogs out early in the morning to take ‘unsupervised walks’ – some of them are the culprits who tear open bags and leave unsavory litter in their wake.

Don’t be so irresponsible and lazy – if you have dogs, please accompany them on their walks and stop them from tearing open trash bags. How would you feel if YOU had to pick up all that horrible rubbish lying around. Spare a thought for the poor guys on the municipal pick-up truck who are expected to clean up the mess.

CLEAN STREETS PLEASE! Resident, Stanford

We recently utilised the services of Upholstery Service Stanford, (Friedel Sauer), and we would just like to thank them for their efficient service, and really superior quality of the workmanship. They transformed our outside couch into the smartest piece of furniture in our home!

Stewart & Annaliese Alcock

Sorry customers

The management and staff of Hennie’s would like to extend a sincere apology to all patrons for the disorder experienced at our new venue, Hennie’s @ Tat Restaurant (Papiesvlei Road) on 16 June. While we expected to have a large number of visitors, we didn’t expect quite so many all at once! Please be assured that we will do our very best to make sure you get top service moving forward. We are truly humbled by the support and encouragement of all our loyal customers, and we thank you for this. We look forward to seeing you again in the near future! Hennie Kotze

The Boons have left the building!

letters to the editor

Yes, we are on our way as we have been afflicted by the bug of risk and adventure. So, we move north beyond the borders of the Limpopo to dear old England; that place that has more bones underground than above it. We do not plan to add to the underground bit just yet!

There are some fine people who we have known during our six years in Stanford. I will mention a few and my memories of them. Thank you for walking our path with us: • Tony Jardine, (and his laugh!), and that Oregon staircase that led me into many woodworking endeavours; • the Fouries will be remembered for most pleasant sounds of voice and guitar and the lessons for Francis and Sarah who still play; • the Duval gem – Nolan, although he is hardly in Stanford, and when he is, I hear more news of this place than I do at any other time!

Such a robust and gregarious spirit; • Lexi and Guy, my oldest customers ever, yes, since 1977 when Lexi engaged my skills with wood. Amazing Lady!

• the Dicksons who kept our municipal affairs on the straight and narrow; • Rick and Lyn – Rick and I met in 1974, when we were young and frivolous and led by our dreams.

• The Fry family for engaging us in so many ways that brought nourishment to our home; • Peter G who has kept us warm with his wood; • Don, the ‘Old Boar’ and his lady Caroline – wonderful coffee with all things financial.

Now who of you is going to feel left out if your name might not be here? Please do not feel this, as all of you who crossed our path left something with us. Thank you all. Oh one other thing, our girls say farewell to all the dogs they met on route when walking theirs, they knew those dogs by name but not the owners.

Oh yes, Okkie Smuts, thank you from Esmé, Francis and Sarah for the times there, especially Oom Gerrie. I must stop this soon or Michelle will charge for space, thanks Michelle and the voice, John. Bless you all Stanford!

Michael Boon PS thanks to the white mussel supplier! And all conversations Xhosa. * Please read Michael’s evocative poem on page 19 − Editor

Support through difficult times

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would like to thank each and everyone who have sympathised with me and been so supportive since the sudden death of my brother at the end of March. He was the fifth family member I have lost in the last six years.

Once again, the village ‘family’ gathered around to help me through a particularly difficult time in my life and to start the process of moving on. To all those who had a kind word, and gave support in whatever way possible, your caring attention has re-affirmed my belief in the community spirit of this village and I deeply appreciate your empathy.

To Patti and my Stanford Country Cottages co-workers, thanks for trying to make things easier for me, for putting up with all the tears and mood-swings and for doing that bit extra to keep the

business running smoothly.

To my Rotary ‘mates’, thanks for being there – for taking charge and making sure that our projects did not suffer through this time of distraction – I am honoured to be part of such a special group of people.

A special word of thanks to Beryl and Terry Haw, who, while still trying to cope with their own sadness after losing Juliet in such a brutal way, extended their compassion to me and did their best to help me to cope.

To Lize, Cobus, Mariana and Peter and ‘my’ Beryl – friends who have always stood ready to ‘pick up the pieces’ after something bad happened – I am truly blessed to have you all in my life and will never forget your kindnesses and love.

Ansie Reitsma

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news & updates

Budget details: how are we affected?

Out with the old

Municipality Manager, Petronella Ferreira, reports that after a long wait the Post Office will be removing the old PO Box units, to replace them with new units. This has been scheduled for sometime soon.

STANFORD PROPERTY SALES

Twelve properties in Stanford were issued with sales certificates in June. These figures include name transfers.

STANFORD POLICE UPDATE CRIME IN MAY AND JUNE

The crime situation for Stanford, in general, for May and June has shown a decrease in most categories. Assaults and contactrelated crime are among the crimes that have shown a decrease over this period.

Burglaries and thefts, however, have shown an increase.

Most of the reported incidents took place in the residential area between Bezuidenhout Street and Caledon Street.

Detectives have made several arrests for burglary and theft in the last few weeks. This should have an impact on the current crime situation. Other cases are still under investigation and more arrests are expected.

We would like to urge the public to help us decrease crime by becoming more aware of their own safety. This can be achieved by locking doors and latching windows at night (especially where there are no burglar bars). Vehicles left unattended should be locked and valuables stored out of sight.

Property should not be left unattended, for example, bicycles.

By following these basic steps we can keep our belongings safe and bring down the crime rate in Stanford.

FENCING

Several enquiries have been received about the fencing around the police station.

First of all I would like to state that the renovations and improvements in and around the police station are a project managed by the Department of Public Works. The premises and building are their responsibility and the police, especially at station level, had very little insight into this project.

The reasons for the fencing around the station are as follows: 1. Safety of members on duty (especially during the night).

2. Safety of police equipment on the premises.

3. Protection of large evidence pieces that cannot be placed in a store room (vehicles etc.).

4. Prevention of escapees from custody.

5. Preventing persons from entering the premises illegally.

6. Preventing contraband from reaching prisoners in custody.

In the past the police station was at risk from the points mentioned above. The fencing was therefore deemed necessary for the safety of personnel, property and the general public.

THANKS

The station commander and management of Stanford SAPS thank the community, especially Missio Dei Ministries and the Community Police Forum for funding and some members of the community for knitting scarves for the less privileged community during the winter.

Sergeant Gouws, Media Liaison, Stanford SAPS STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

After the draft budget for 2012/2013 was published for public comment, input from the Ward Committees and the public were considered before the final document was approved by council on 30 May. When presenting the budget the Mayor said that one of the major challenges in compiling the budget was affordability, particularly as many residents are dependent on pensions to make ends meet. For this reason increases in rates and tariffs controlled by Council have been kept as low as possible.

In the water tariff structure another block was added to ensure that the cost of treatment and distribution is covered.

From 1 July the water tariffs will be as follows: 0 – 6 kl per month (free) 7kl – 20kl per month – R8.50 per kl (currently R8.00) 21kl- 30kl per month – R13.68 per kl (currently R8.00) 31kl – 60kl per month – R21.20 per kl (currently R20.00) More than 60kl per month R28.70 per kl (currently R27.00) Sewerage tariffs increase by 6.73% and refuse removal increases from R95.00 to R129.00 per month partly because of the closure of the Karwyderskraal landfill site which has resulted in all the Overstrand refuse having to be transported to Gansbaai.

The basic electricity fee will increase by 4% from R 173.00 to R 180.00 per month; electricity consumption costs will increase by an average of 11.05% across the inclining blocks if approved by the National Electricity Regulator. A discount of 8%, 6% and 4% respectively will be applied to the different tariff blocks for pre-paid meters.

Dudley Coetzee, Ward 11 Councillor

A bus for Okkie Smuts

Okkie Smuts Primary School in Stanford desperately needs sufficient funding for a school bus. There have been many attempts to purchase a bus but due to unforeseen circumstances, the deals went haywire. I believe that a joint effort by the Governing Body, the parents, learners, educators and Samaritans out there, Beautiful bus: Come on Stanford, let’s help the bus can become a reality this year. If you would Okkie Smuts make this a reality. like to make a financial contribution, please contact Amelia de Villiers on 028 341 0611 or send an email to adminokkiesmuts@orcawireless.co.za for the school’s banking details. Non-monetary donations can be used for fundraising activities.

I thank everybody in advance for their support.

Chris Delport (principal)

Water everywhere but not a drop to drink!

During the first week of June Stanford residents experienced what many other SA residents have long become used to – no water in our pipes. In our case, however, this was not because of a lack of service delivery, but because of a main water supply pipe that was not correctly connected by a contractor and eventually perished over a period of time. Unfortunately it took the operational team quite some digging to find the fault in the wetland area, and the pouring rain did not help. Water supply had to be closed off to certain areas at certain times, and by Friday emergency measures had to be taken.

Our greatest appreciation goes to Kat Myburgh who arranged for water to be trucked in from Gansbaai throughout the night and on Saturday to ensure that Stanford had water during the weekend. For more than a week the operational staff also worked non-stop in 12-hour shifts to solve the problem.

Yes, we were inconvenienced, and yes, there could have been better communication. But let’s move on – and ask the local office to add your name to the municipal SMS notice list if you have not yet done so.

Bea Whittaker

news & updates

WARD UPDATE June 2012 WARD 11 BUDGET

Some R16.8 million of capital expenditure has been awarded to our area for the 2012/13 financial year. Ward 11 consists of Stanford, Baardskeerdersbos, Pearly Beach, Buffeljachtsbaai, Viljoenshof and Withoogte – the largest ward in the Overstrand.

The biggest part of the budget has been allocated to Baardskeerdersbos for a muchneeded bulk water supply scheme.

Stanford-specific projects include R1.5 million for the sewerage pipeline from Sillery Estate to the sewerage works; R200 000 for necessary upgrading at The Eye; and R500 000 is allocated for ward-specific projects that have to be identified by the community, via the ward committee. If there are any capital projects (anything from R10 000 to R50 000) that you would like to put forward for consideration, please contact any of the ward committee members: Barry Jones (082 781 8686); Bea Whittaker (028 341 0430); Royd Frith (083 676 2282); Salie Cyster (072 024 8503) or Naas Terblanche (028 341 0170) who represents the farming community. Please keep in mind that the R500 000 has to be shared equally over a large area, and that all projects must be motivated and accompanied by a cost estimate.

INFRASTRUCTURE BACKLOG

Some R2.4 billion is required to address the infrastructure backlog in the entire Overstrand.

This means that approximately R100 million must be spent each year over a 25-year period. Due to the economic climate, this is becoming more and more difficult. In fact, no surplus has been provided for in the 2012/2013 Operating Budget – already increasing the challenge of achieving the 25-year target.

UPGRADE OF STANFORD SEWERAGE WORKS R4.5 million has been earmarked

on the proposed 2013/14 budget to upgrade the Stanford sewerage works. The scope of work will include the ward committee’s request to provide the necessary infrastructure that will allow the municipality to use some of the discharge on sport fields and other green areas. The remainder will still be discharged into the Mill Stream, and from there to the Klein River.

STANFORD TRAFFIC OFFICER

Chancers beware! From October Stanford will have its own dedicated traffic officer.

WATER WOES In the first week of June Stanford experienced unknown water problems due to pipe breakage. As it was pouring with rain, it was extremely difficult to find the source of the problem in the natural wetland in the industrial area. The ward committee have expressed sincere thanks to the Stanford workforce who braved terrible conditions and worked through the nights (yes – plural) to restore the pipe and the water supply to Stanford. (Please read Water everywhere but not a drop to drink on pg 6 – Editor.)

SMS SERVICE

If you have not yet registered to receive notifications on municipal emergencies such as the recent water situation, please do so by phoning the Stanford office on 028 341 8500 and provide them with your mobile number. It is worth it!

GARDEN REFUSE

Jarring visual aspects of our beautiful village are the heaps of garden refuse placed on pavements, and sometimes along the wandelpad. No garden refuse may be put on pavements or on any municipal piece of land unless it is being cleared that very same day. The waste disposal

facility in the industrial area is open six days a week and on Saturdays until 14:00. Tickets for disposing refuse can be obtained from the municipal office. This is to prevent just anyone from dumping their rubbish and garden refuse etc at the facility. Unfortunately, however, new tickets for the period July 2012 – June 2013 have not yet been made available to the Stanford office. Hopefully these will be delivered before the end of June.

RUGBY ON MARKET SQUARE

The request from Okkie Smuts Primary School to use the market square temporarily for rugby matches from 16 July to 3 September was approved on the condition that it is a temporary measure only and the poles must be removed on 4 September. In the meantime a concerted effort must be made to upgrade the existing sports fields at the northern side of the village (from Ponte Haupt Street to the cemetery) so that this can be used by both Die Bron and Okkie Smuts for sport. Anyone who has ideas on how this can be achieved please contact Okkie Smuts directly on 028 341 0611.

GREAT NEWS! The Stanford ‘Orange Team’ has been hailed by the Department of Environmental Affairs, the custodian of this project, as the best Working for Coast team in the Western Cape. We are sure they are the best team in South Africa! Our congratulations go to their supervisor, Zonwabele Pawuli, for his dedication to this project which is making a marked difference in our village.

Bea Whittaker

specials

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

• Hadeco Winter Bulb sale. Less 25% off all Hadeco bulbs.

• Winter Annuals available. R16.95 - Pansy,Viola, Stocks, Primula, Calendula, Cineraria, Bokbaaivygie • Efekto Rosecare 100ml R49.95 • Lime Sulphur 1L R29.95 • New Star 4 Secateur R83.95 • Succulent Sale: mini succulents R4.95 10cm succulents R 11.95 12cm succulents R17.95 15cm succulents R29.95 • Neutrog Seamungus 10kg R82.95 • Cactus Liquid food 250ml R28.95 All prices include VAT • 1 - 31 July 2012 GARDEN TALK Thursday 19 July at 2pm on seed sowing do’s and don’ts. What to sow when. Overberg Agri.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

news and updates

Heritage Matters

By Stanford Conservation Trust

Welcome to Stanford

It begins with a B… International Biodiversity Day passed without much local notice.

Hmm … but what the hang is biodiversity you might ask? Some elitist environmental term that tree-huggers talk about?

We are the Van der Walts and we have four members in our family: Louis, Wanya, Tanique and Jessica (our Maltese poodle). We are originally from Pretoria and decided in November 2011 that we needed a lifestyle change so made our move to the Western Cape. Louis is a landscape architect and works for a company which designs golf courses. I am a dentist.

Tanique is currently in pre-grade R at Buzzy Bees preschool.

We have found Stanford to be full of loving and caring people. Our lives have changed dramatically, and we want to thank all those who have embraced us since we’ve arrived. We look forward to many wonderful years in the Overberg!

Wanya van der Walt

Art winner

Last month we asked Grade 2 pupils from Die Bron and Okkie Smuts to draw a picture for Father’s Day. Akeem Booysen’s picture won a place on the cover.

Proud: Akeem Booysen receives R100 for our Father’s Day art competition.

Back for a visit

Much loved Stanfordian Biddi Lees, who now lives at Onrus Manor, and Stanford resident Bernie Oberholzer enjoying Sunday lunch at ‘the Obbies’ recently.

Sent in by Elma Hunter.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

The scientific definition reads ‘Biodiversity describes the variety of life in an area, including the number of different species, the genetic wealth within each species, the interrelationships between them, and the natural areas where they occur’. And this interrelationship of species is very important in SA where we have1% of the earth’s total land surface, but10% of the world’s total known bird, fish and plant species, and over 6% of the world’s mammal and reptile species.

Since the 17th century, the Cape’s specific treasure trove of fauna and flora species (the Cape Floristic Region’s biodiversity value has been estimated to exceed R10 billion) has particularly fascinated Europe. Explorers first collected specimens, but more permanent settlers hacked down the bush, introduced alien livestock and with the help of fencing and 10 million sheep transformed Karoo grassland to semi-desert.

Many fauna species disappeared in puffs of black gun powder smoke – after all, lions were attracted to horses and larger stock and leopard and jackal threatened sheep.

But it was the ‘sportsmen’ who left a spoor of blood all over our area, and elephant, rhino, hippo, buffalo and antelope species evaporated in the process of satisfying the hunters’ desires.

Try and imagine what Stanford was like more than 300 years ago. Here we had a perfectly functioning estuary where marine fish spawned at the mouth and fingerlings

Did you know that elephants used to cross at the R43 bridge area and calve down on the coastal area? streamed into the lagoon and river system, only to be sealed off and protected in their ‘nursery’ by the closure of the mouth during the summer dry season, and then to be released as emancipated teenagers when the mouth broke open in the rains. In turn, birds were provided food by the healthy fish and crustacean populations – and some avian species were part of a greater food chain for land-based mammals, while others participated in the fynbos seeding and regeneration process.

Pristine fynbos slowed down the potentially erosive effects of mountain rainfall runoff, and indigenous vegetation expanded the food chain (did you know that elephants used to cross at the R43 bridge area and calve down on the coastal area?). Hippo kept the river clear of reeds and flowing at the right time of the year, and the whole area operated in a wonderful natural symphony of interdependence between species.

However, we can’t only blame die oumense for changing this balance for we continue to pressurize Mother Earth locally – intensive cropping removes natural vegetation permanently, crop spraying and fertilizer application not only introduces nitrates and phosphates into the river system, but kills off species (wine grape trellising and farm fencing hinder migration too). Farmers, in a quest to maximize returns on expensive investment, build dams – possibly some illegally – and that slows down and stops water flow into the river, and the flow gets further impeded by vegetation ‘overgrowth’, including aliens. Intensive livestock feeding close to the river line only adds to the river health problem, as does stream bank cultivation. Bird species disappear and different new ones appear, disturbing the traditional food chain. The knock-on effect is felt amongst the regenerative fynbos process where alien trees and shrubs in any case promote hotter than normal, and therefore very damaging, fynbos wildfires.

On top of this, our village development has provided a traditional supply of sewage seepage from septic tank soakaways, leaking conservancy tanks, and the treated effluent from the Stanford wastewater treatment works. Houses get built too close to the river where they shouldn’t be, and people favour park-like river frontages that look neat but have no filtration effects against nitrogen and phosphorus underground inflows. And of course tourism has its dangers too, for it has to be sustainable tourism and not only driven by the bottom line of 4x4 outlets, outdoor clothing manufacturers, boat shops, water ski-manufacturers (do skiers understand river bank bird life?), and accommodation owners.

Mother Earth is a tough old bird, and makes adjustments fairly easily where she can. But to rectify a situation is expensive and takes time – that’s why the world has International Biodiversity Day … to create awareness and to encourage all to play their correct role in protecting precious resources. So yes, biodiversity begins with a B – but ends in U.

business talk

Dentist in town

My name is Wanya van der Walt. I am a qualified dentist and I have been in practice for more than 10 years. I have started a new practice in Stanford, Victoria Centre, Queen Victoria Street. I provide all facets of dental care i.e. dentures, fillings and extractions, oral health education and cleaning, crowns bridges, prosthetics for implants and paediatric dentistry. My practice days and hours are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10am to 2pm unless stated otherwise on the notice board. For the Stanford practice I am not contracted in with medical schemes, but will gladly supply you with an invoice so that you can claim back from your medical aid. For the month of July all first consultations (examinations) are free of charge.

Wanya van der Walt Please see my advert on page 20 and my family on page 8.

Local initiative

Stanfordian Terry Danks has been helping local woman Gertruida Rooy to establish a woodcutting business (kaggel and braai wood).

As Terry says woodcutting is hard work and locals are encouraged to support wood cutters in our community. We wish Gertruida all the best in her enterprise. She can be contacted on 072 149 7146.

FINANCE MATTERS

It’s a Matter of Trust

Penguins plunge

Stanford event

Some 50 brave people jumped into the icy waters of the Klein River in the annual Penguin Plunge held recently. The event started in 2011 and many were ‘plunging’ for the second time. Imbibing of steaming Gluhwein after the dip is a huge attraction at this event … and needless to say it was a jolly affair! Over R5000 was raised which included R2000 pledged by Penguin Tutoring who also gave beaded penguins as medals to swimmers.

A big thank you to everyone (swimmers, sponsors, helpers and caterers) for making the event such a success. Due to space constraints we cannot name everyone who helped to make the occasion, however special mention must be made of John & Valda Finch of Stanford River Lodge who hosted the event.

Anton Duivestein sums it up: ‘I feel really privileged to live amongst such a caring community with such big hearts. Stanford has done us all proud! I look forward to once again allocating 100% of the funds raised for use where it is most needed; The Soup Kitchen and other projects which are currently being discussed.’

Shivers on the jetty: yells of ‘Hurry up photographer!’ could be heard.

The Old Boar asks: ‘What can we bank on?’

It all started way back in the year 1215 with the Magna Carta. By the early 1800s the concept of rights had developed into a system of ‘Law and Order’. Whatever it encompassed was based on a simple premise – TRUST. You could trust the law, trust the politicians, trust your currency, trust your government to ‘do the right thing’ and so on.

In the second decade of the 21st century, 900 years later what remains? Previously inviolate property rights are becoming less so.

Zimbabwe’s ‘land grab’ virtually destroyed the country. Venezuela and Bolivia are in the process of ‘nationalising’ certain mines and minerals. Our own government may or may not follow suit. Almost by definition our politicians are not trustworthy and our parliament seems to be above the law. All over the world government officials have been implicated in bribery and corruption – particularly where armaments are concerned. With the world-wide financial shenanigans at present can we trust our money to maintain a modicum of value?

When one buys a house the seller is obliged by law to provide an ‘electrical compliance certificate’. Receipt of the certificate gives the buyer some comfort but read the small print and you will find that the inspector has opted out of any form of liability as to whether the electric installation is compliant or not. Can you trust this law?

Buy a car and see if you can register it –ENATIS, the national motor vehicle registry, may have other ideas. It is not uncommon for traffic fines which neither relate to your ID number nor your vehicle to be logged against you. Good luck in having them reversed!

Judging from the barricades surrounding our police station, the police seem to trust that we will not attack them with anything less than the latest Abrams battle tank.

Last week I employed a young fellow on a casual basis – he was happy to get work. Normally he works for a ‘church’ but, along with four other ‘employees’, he has not been paid for two months. Now that, my friends, must be faith – because it can’t be trust.

River Rats: Ernie Blommaert and Chanette Paul.

Sleek streaker: Peter Kastner took the plunge in a silver G-string.

Otter mentality: Peter Ground lounging in the Klein River.

No wet hair: Mary Troost.

Still smiling: John Martin.

Mr & Mrs Penguin: Anton Duivestein’s idea to raise funds by asking people to jump into the Klein River has taken off. Here he stands proudly with his wife Tracey at the event. Congratulations to both of them – they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on 21 February and Tracey’s 50th birthday on 1 June.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

sport talk

Stanford Country Fair Fun Run

Stanford to Struisbaai

On 12 May 2012, a group of energetic, intrepid or just plain crazy mountain bikers took to the road from Stanford to Struisbaai – 83 km of gravel roads.

The weather was perfect, the scenery exquisite and the company good – all ingredients for a ride to remember.

After an average of 4½ hours in the saddle admittedly there were more than just one or two pairs of sore legs that night. . . but we’re planning to do it next year and we can hardly wait! Jennimetal

Some 50 runners and walkers took part in the inaugural Country Fair 5km Fun Run in near perfect running conditions on Saturday 24 June.

There were some outstanding performances (see category winners below), but special mention must go to two Stanford youngsters: 10-year-old Kelly May won her category, and came fourth overall; and 13-year-old Hamish Ground also won his category and came third overall. They are definitely two runners to watch in the future.

Another notable performance came from Stanfordian Jannie du Toit who beat off the out-of-town challengers in a sprint finish to win the race overall.

Special thanks to Andrew Herriot for his tireless efforts in At the start: (left to right): Andre van der Vyver, Louis van der Walt, John organising the event together with all those who gave up their warm Burgoyne, Jane Immelman, Belinda Taberham, Nadia van der Vyver, beds to assist with the marshalling.

Anneline Loubser and Jenny Hayes on their way from Stanford to Struisbaai.

Stewart Alcock, Stanford Striders RESULTS: MEN 1st Jannie Du Toit 20:43; 2nd Jean Brummer 20:46; WOMEN: 1st Michelle Straub 24:50; 2nd Tracey Anderson 24:52; JUNIOR BOYS: 1st Hamish Ground 23:02; 2nd JC Loedolf 26:59; JUNIOR GIRLS: 1st Kelly May 23:03; 2nd Hicky Hanekom 24:43.

Strand Veld hiking club The walk scheduled for 2 June was changed from Byeneskrans to the Buffeljagsberg. It was well attended with 45 people joining the hike which was led by Roelof Diener. The hike was about 10 kilometres long; the summit was a gradual climb of about five kilometres along jeep tracks. Much of the fynbos was in bloom giving a beautiful display. Despite a mist which was present on top of Buffeljagsberg, the sun broke through giving us an opportunity to admire the view from Quoin Point back towards Pearly Beach. The village of Buffeljagsbaai and the new aquaculture farm were clearly visible from the top. We descended via a back route, passing the quarry and meeting our transport on the R43.

Roelof Diener 082 552 5444 HIKING DATES Saturday 4 August: Salmonsdam area, near Stanford. Lots of fynbos will be in flower. Start: 08.00 at Gansbaai Info.

Leader: At Roux 083 441 0296. Cost: R50 pp.

Saturday 1 September: Bodhi Khaya. Private nature reserve.

Beautiful indigenous forest. Start: 08.00 at Gansbaai Info.

Leader: Paul Adams 082 218 8738. Cost: R30 pp + entrance fees if applicable.

Stanford Striders time trials This village activity has been operating weekly since 24 October 2011. By the time you read this article, on average more than 25 runners, walkers and cyclists will have met 34 times. This is a magnificent contribution to community village life and we thank Stewart Alcock, a relative newcomer, who proposed the idea of 5km time trials for runners.

The Monday evening weekly event has evolved into a motley collection of fairly serious runners, happy mums and dads, school children – especially the group from Okkie Smuts, health-conscious participants who like to walk and run and young cyclists who hover around excitedly and follow the required 4km and 5km village route. What has emerged is that villagers young and old enjoy the competitive exercise and pit themselves against their own achievement giving rise to an honest interest in Personal Best times or PBs as all athletes like to call them.

Most importantly our weekly meetings encourage potential young athletes to experience the value of involvement in sport. The event is made more worthwhile because we have Sarah Gordon, our own Comrades runner, as timekeeper, and also a weekly report on personal times for comparisons. This report is made available at Stanfordinfo office.

The Striders have already provided support to campaigns such as Walking for Water and the Country Fair Fun Run. Newcomers are welcome. Mondays at 5.30pm, corner of Adderley and Longmarket.

Andrew Herriot

Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

Well balanced diets, love and care.

028 - 3410 961 STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

THE TACKROOM

beauty and wellness centre

Get practising for the next show on the Stanford Market Square! Date will be announced shortly.

Second-hand and new blankets available now.

028 3410 034

JULY AND AUGUST SPECIAL Come for ANY treatment during the months of JULY and AUGUST and your receipt will be entered into a LUCKY DRAW. The winner will receive 50% off her next treatment!

Prize must be taken within ONE month of winning.

028 313 0660

There are new upholstery and curtaining fabric books just arrived. Very reasonably priced. Please sms me on 082 4503970 to make a date to see them.

architect & interiors

info@syringastud.co.za • 082 450 3970

Morton Cottage is a two bedroomed selfcatering cottage.

WiFi connected and with TV etc.

For accommodation enquiries please sms Maureen 082 4503970 or maureen@syringastud.co.za

Hair By Belinda

Architects & Planners Stanford Consultants Development

coffee corner

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

Cell 076 1132 741 Fax 086 7299 123 guywhittle@mweb.co.za

Sunday morning on the Market Square was a sellout.

Our new cheffette, Charmain, had been busy since dawn making trays of egg and bacon tarts, cheese muffins, salmon tarts butternut and mascarpone tarts. We took our induction stove and made fresh scrambled eggs and croissants just out of the oven. Well done to the organisers ... it was great fun!

028 3410 034

Calling all B&B’s and Guest Houses. Are all your blinds working? Do your cushions need recovering? Now is the time to get them spruced up for the new season.

083 358 6365

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

CHRIS AND WENDY We discovered Stanford about a decade ago, fell in love with the place and became regular visitors over weekends and sometimes longer.

We made a decision years back that we would retire here and now we have realised that dream.Thanks to Natalie and Stanford Village Properties for finding us our old world dream home. We love it.

Marianne 072 111 9321 marianne@stanfordvillage.co.za www.stanfordvillageproperties.co.za

DENISE A special thank you to Natalie and Marianne for their hard work and assistance with the smooth sale of my property in Stanford.

NICKY AND BOB We are from Cape Town, semi-retired and looking forward to our new life in Stanford.

Thank you to Natalie and Marianne for assisting us in finding a suitable home.You have made our move so much easier !

Natalie 082 893 2282 natalie@stanfordvillage.co.za www.stanfordvillageproperties.co.za

De Hoop Collection

De Hoop Collection

www.dehoopcollection.co.za

www.dehoopcollection.co.za

Wine, Whales & Music De Hoop Nature Reserve 27- 29 July 2012 Friday Sumptuous Wine and Food pairing

De Hoop Nature Reserve The Jewel of the Cape Winter Special Spend time this winter at de Hoop with whales, warm fires and good food

R995

Saturday Wine tasting hosted by various Overberg wineries

In a cosy 4 sleeper cottage (during June and July 2012)

“Whale Time Serenade” Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Donizetti and Purcell with our famous String and Flute Ensemble from the JPO Gourmet dinner at the Fig Tree Sunday “Welcome the Whales” Spectacular guided Marine walk

Spectacular guided bird and marine walks, tennis, boules, quad biking and mountain biking

Fig Tree Restaurant open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner or picnic baskets Fabulous Sunday Lunches!

Tel: 021 422 4522 www.dehoopcollection.co.za res@dehoopcollection.co.za * Bookings Essential Conservation fee not included

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

Find us on:

Reservations: Samantha Hughes or Fatima Schloss

Tel: 021 422 4522 vnares@dehoopcollection.co.za www.dehoopcollection.co.za

Find us on:

STANFORD COUNTRY FAIR ‘I had an amazing time at the Stanford Country Fair. The people were really awesome and what an audience! I look forward to visiting Stanford again.’ Arno Carstens

‘As far as Rotary is concerned – we made the biggest raffle amount ever – thanks for our good position and we would like to thank all sponsors again as our prizes were the biggest as well. On the accommodation front, we are very happy to report that we were fully booked for the weekend. All in all, I personally think you made a very good start to something that can become a large village attraction in the slow months!’

Ansie Reitsma

STANFORDINFO WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THE STANFORD COUNTRY FAIR SUCH A GREAT SUCCESS! Overstrand Municipality Stanford: Petronella, Craig & Ricco and the Traffic Department; Overstrand Municipality: Sune Greef & Soli Madikane; Safe Security; Rotary Club of Stanford; Stanford River Talk; Villa Isabella; Stanford Hills; Eben & Mari from KC’s Restaurant; Daleen from Oom Steyn’s Pub; Retha Fourie; Whale Coast FM & Janet Marshall; Andrew Herriot; Daniel Stemmet/Cape Studies; John Crighton of The Whalecoast Wanderer; Kevin Husk; Kelly-photographer; Catch; all participating stall holders; restaurants & artists; and Philip & Janna from the Art Cafe for hosting Stanford Country Fair Committee to a complimentary meal in appreciation of their efforts.

Stanfordinfo

‘ It was a great fair, felt like I was in Piccadilly Circus and not Stanford. Well done to all those who worked so hard to make it such a success.’

Trish Hawks, Oak Grove Farm ‘I think it was a great event for our village and all the visitors that were here. Congratulations to the organisers and next time it can only expand and be bigger!’ Retha Fourie ‘Congratulations on such a buzzy and fab weekend for Stanfordians to enjoy and showcase their talents! So well done! You must be exhausted!’ Calli and John of Mokoro.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

IN MEMORIAM Julie Bleach

Gay du Toit

27 October 1924 – 2 June 2012

20 May 1938 – 11 June 2012

Julie Bleach, 88, was born at Morgenster Mission, Southern Rhodesia, where her father the Rev Roux was based. She attended Wellington School and Stellenbosch University. She returned to Salisbury, where she met me and we were married in Salisbury Cathedral in 1949. We moved to Umtali where we had two sons, who both attended UCT. Gordon moved to the USA Florida University where he was appointed a professor and where he sadly died. Ian is in Johannesburg and has two sons and a daughter.

Julie had very wide interests. She was on the board of junior and senior schools, a national floral art judge, a swimming coach, and a member of welfare committees etc. We moved to Stanford in 1983, and lived in our motor home while our house was being built. Julie was very active in local activities and was very happy here. Lofty Bleach

Gay du Toit died in Stanford after a short illness, and is survived by husband Pierre, five children and ten grandchildren. Gay and Pierre moved to Stanford in 2002 after Pierre retired and Gay noticed Stanford in Country Life magazine and decided that the ‘vibe’ of the place looked good. They purchased their house at 45 Bezuidenhout Street, and set about planning and planting a garden and beautifying the house with afdakkies, pergolas and numerous other renovations and improvements – with Gay typically the aesthetic director and Pierre the willing handlanger.

Gay became involved in the local Probus, gardening club, assisted at local schools, and for a number of years participated in various markets in Stanford and Hermanus. All the while she kept on producing her unique brand of pottery, and all her friends will have at least a piece of pottery with a flying ‘Doc Martin’ angel, a fat cat vase or a little mouse to remember her by. And lurking somewhere, her signature trademark – a snail.

Gay was fortunate to spend her last few days in beautiful and peaceful Stanford.

We cannot recommend highly enough the homecare services offered by Martie du Toit and Mariska, in consultation with Dr Marianna Steyn. We also feel enormous gratitude towards Gay’s close Stanford friends, especially Bea Whittaker and Cathie Hornby.

In the end she will be remembered by all as a gentle, kind and loving wife, mother and friend. It always is sad to say goodbye, but… Exultation is the going of an inland soul to sea – past the houses, past the headlands – into deep Eternity.

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 14

history talk

Online love Phil Murray’s historical fix in cyberspace

I

am a history teacher, and my husband is a programmer. I can’t believe that he can think and write in a multitude of techno-languages; and he can’t believe that I can remember people’s names and stories about wonderful historical adventures. He says there is no future in history, and I call him a geek. But my world has been largely swallowed up by his world, and our worlds now live symbiotically.

I have only recently surfaced from the depths of internet deprivation.

Thanks to Telkom hooking me up after 24 days, I have drawn huge gulps of Gmail, Facebook, Pinterest and the worldwide web into my lungs.

Asphyxiation by lack of internet is a tragedy.

I get my history fix from being online, as ironic as that sounds. Social networking highlights events, and staying in touch with friends who feed my greed for a good historic story keeps my belly full. Television keeps me abreast of current events. Even newspapers and magazines are online these days, let alone encyclopaedias and reference books. So my world of stories and people, of the olden days and forgotten times, of music and pictures has a portal into my home through my computer.

Let me show you how clever my computer is: the month of July always reminds me of obvious days in history – 4 July 1776 is the USA’s Independence Day, and 14 July 1789 is Bastille Day in France – important dates to remember for junior history students. But when one looks deeper into the ether, the possibilities are endless – you just need to crossreference, and use your savvy in deciding which websites are worth the effort. Louis Pasteur administered the first successful anti-rabies inoculation to a boy who had been bitten by an infected dog on 6 July 1885. Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918, and July is also the month that South Africa was allowed re-entry into the Olympic Movement in 1991. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was created by a law passed in July 1995, and the Durban July Handicap has been hosted at Greyville Racecourse on the first Saturday of July, every year since 1897. If one picks and chooses, one can skirt the lies, inaccuracies and bigotry, and discover the delights of a library far greater than even the Ancient Library of Alexandria.

So, viva internet, viva! Welcome back into my home for I have missed you.

Letter to Luda

life talk

Cath Croxton our ex-Kazakhstan correspondent now living in Stanford continues her musings to her friend Luda, back in Kazakhstan

Luda my friend, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading last month’s tales of presidents, painters and body parts but the month of June provided an alternative topic.

June 16th is a big day for South Africa. Youth Day. It is the day when we are invited to remember the 1976 Soweto uprising – a day when tens of thousands of South African students marched in protest at a new law forcing them to study in Afrikaans (a language of Dutch origin spoken by those in government at the time). It was the day that 13-year-old Hector Pietersen was shot dead along with many others. It was probably the point of no return for the struggle against Apartheid (the racist regime I referred to in my previous letter) although it took another 18 years before their sacrifice paid off.

But now, 36 years later, South Africa’s youth are still struggling.

Over 50% of people under the age of 25 have no job and many of them experienced an inadequate or meager education leaving them semi-literate at best and with limited skills. And yet the under 25’s make up over 51% of the South African population and their future is this country’s future.

On a brighter note, on 16 June Simon and I were in the middle of a three-week road-trip. We covered over 5 000 kilometres and slept in 12 different locations and Betty the dog came with (bad English I know but South Africans love to drop the pronoun after the preposition ‘with’ and I am trying to blend in).

We had a fantastic time. We drove across deserts, over mountain passes, through storms and rainbows, and along rocky coastlines. We climbed boulder-strewn hills (known as koppies here – a word that originates from the Dutch word kopje) and we fished in rivers. We hiked across cliff tops and we watched eagles flying overhead and whales jumping in the sea. And almost every evening we cooked together and indulged in our current vice – irresistible South African wine.

We arrived back just yesterday, waistlines mildly expanded (might have to reconsider the wine vice), only to walk into our town’s weekend of the year. Great timing. Stanford’s first ‘Country Fair’. Music, food, fun and friends. And notably a lot of young people. My thoughts go out to them and I truly hope they will experience the privileges my life has treated me to.

So, as you often do in Kazakhstan, but with wine not vodka in my hand, I present a toast to all the young people of today.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

nature talk

A n d re w H e rr io t n – S ta n fo rd Ja zz M u si ci a

NIGHT SKY Astrophysicist, Fred Smith on a visitor from another galaxy

Prominent in the north sky in July is the star Arcturus. Arcturus is a star that comes from another galaxy.

Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is surrounded by dozens of dwarf galaxies (we know of two dozen), which are small galaxies containing several billion stars, compared to our 250 billion. As we are larger than them, over hundreds of millions of years the gravitational pull of the Milky Way draws long streams of stars from the dwarf galaxies, and these streams collide with the Milky Way. These streams of stars are moving in different directions to the majority of stars in the Milky Way, and at a much higher speed. Arcturus is about 37 light years away, and we have identified over 50 other stars in the same region sharing the same motion as Arcturus. This is called the Arcturus Stream.

In our region of the Milky Way, stars are infinitesimally small compared to the distances between them, and this stream will probably make a first pass completely through the Milky Way without one star coming anywhere near another. In our region of the Milky Way, galaxies can collide, yet the stars never touch each other.

Andrew is offering a one man keyboard sound with and without suitably selected backing tracks for gigs, parties and special occasions. His main focus is easy listening jazz standards and popular dance tunes by many of the known composers from Cole Porter, Lennon to Stevie Wonder.

Come to 9 Adderley Street, Stanford, any day and join Andrew in his music studio for coffee by prior appointment and listen and learn about Andrew‛s innovative approaches.

Mobile: 072 571 7846 • Land: 028 3410 066 Various CDs available for inspection • Keyboard Jazz tuition

DON’T FORGET! Frog Competition – send us your photos!

As we reported in the June issue, Naas Terblanche came up with a great idea to hold a Frog Photography Competition which will run until October/November to allow keen photographers enough opportunity to find and photograph frogs.

The photos must all be taken in the Stanford area and the competitor must specify where the photo was taken. The artistic element as well as the rarity of the frog and its circumstances will be taken into account.

Vaalvlei Wine Estate will sponsor three prizes for the best photographs. Winners will receive either a case of Vaalvlei Shiraz Reserve 2010, Shiraz 2010 or Sauvignon Blanc 2011. Please email your photographs to Naas Terblanche on ilterblanche@gmail.com

FROGS OF THE MONTH Naas Terblanche has covered all the different frogs in Stanford over the past year in River Talk. We thank him for his time and effort in sharing his knowledge of these extraordinary amphibians. He ends this journey with some fascinating facts.

A

mphibians (the group of organisms to which frogs belong) are believed to have been the first vertebrates to leave the water and live on land.

Approximately 360 million years ago, amphibians left the sea and were successful on the land because of the lack of other vertebrates to hunt them. Over the next 125 million years, 15 major groups of amphibians, including many species of frogs, evolved. However, once birds and other similar predators arrived, this number declined.

As frogs and other amphibians moved to land, they had to adapt in many ways: they needed new limbs that would allow them to travel over ground, lungs and moist skins to deal with the air, skin that would prevent water evaporation and eggs that wouldn’t dry out and die in the air. While frogs did make many of these adaptations, they were not entirely successful. They still need water for breeding because the eggs dry out easily. The tadpoles have gills and not lungs and need water for this stage of their lives. This is why toads (such as the Leopard Toad) which stay in dry areas most

STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

of the year, breed in water. Other species of frog spend most, if not all, of their lives in water. That is why they are such good indicators of pollution in water, air and soil.

We tend to regard wetlands as messy areas and often want to drain them to satisfy our developmental goals. We should however refrain from doing this indiscriminately, because healthy wetlands are necessary for replenishing ground water reserves and help to filter our waters.

Wetlands are also needed for the survival of frogs and some animals.

Like all amphibians, frogs are cold-blooded, which means that they cannot maintain their own body temperature like humans. Frogs can only maintain their body temperature by using their environment.

They also have to be careful of predators, including many fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Notwithstanding their vulnerability they have adapted in remarkable ways, by becoming either very small or very big or by living under ground or high in trees. Some can jump far and others can even glide from tree to tree using their webbed feet as ‘wings’.

Incy wincy: The world’s smallest known frog from Cuba.

Larger than life:The Conraua goliath of Gabon is the world’s largest frog.

The flying frog: it can glide downwards as far as 70 metres.

garden talk

By Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw

Growing succulents and cacti You either love them or you hate them but they are one of the easiest plant types to have in any garden. You can forget to water them for a week or two and they’ll still be alive. Most succulent plants originate from dryer reigns, thus storing water in their leaves or branches to help them to survive in dryer seasons. Watered and fed well in the summer they’ll grow and expand in size like there is no tomorrow.

When planting succulents, make sure that it’s in an area with well-drained soil. If they sit with their roots in wet soil they start to rot. So if you know your garden is very wet in the winter, plant them in a raised bed or construct a rockery. You will need soil that is a mixture with mostly sand as the base. I make a mix of three parts river sand to one part compost or good dark potting soil. Most succulents require a lot of light, but not all of them grow well in full sun. Make sure to find out from your nursery where to plant the ones you buy.

You can feed succulents like most other garden plants with a general fertilizer like 3:1:5 or otherwise a brilliant feed is cactus liquid made by Pokon; it helps to stimulate growth and flowering.

If you want to grow your own there are a few options to consider: you can collect seed off big plants just after flowering season (otherwise Kirchhoffs sell a mixture of cactus seed); you can propagate bushy succulents from healthy tip cuttings; and you can divide or remove baby plants from the base of a large plant.

When sowing your seed or planting the cuttings make sure to use a medium that drains well. Put the cuttings in a warm, dry, well-lit area. Keep them moist but not soaked otherwise they will rot. Cuttings can root within 3 to 4 weeks. Make sure that they have a proper set of roots before transplanting them. If they hold the soil it means they’re ready to be planted.

Cacti and succulents are prone to insect problems and diseases just like other garden plants so keep an eye on this. They are especially liked by snails so put down snail pellets in the evenings to prevent damage.

wine talk

By Tania Weich

It’s winter, it’s winter Care to join me in a glug from a mug?

The sun seems too shy to smile nowadays, while the wind spends more than a little while cracking her chilly whip. Mornings are slow to morph and night time never-ending? The weather is topsy turvy, so I figure that we may as well extend the whacky to wine. Why settle for a glass when it is the legal season to glug from a mug?

Recipe for the winter drink, Gluhwein Pour a bottle and a half of easy drinking red wine into a saucepan.

Add sugar to taste, together with a teaspoon of cloves and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Add the juice of one orange and one lemon – and heat for about 10 minutes, stirring and not allowing the liquid to reach boiling point. Serve and sip warm.

Slices of citrus may be used, either in a muslin cloth or strained out before serving.

Strong spirits may be added by the more adventurous and additional bottles of wine used by those more welcoming of the winter spirit.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

art & culture

Out of The Hat Fred Hatman muses over the fenceii palisada gargantua

…Of Wine, Whales & Music 27−29 July The Cape has two treasures: one widely renowned and the other not nearly renowned enough.

Never a year goes by that the province doesn’t produce magnificent wines and never a year goes by that hundreds of Southern Right whales come to the breeding waters off the coast of De Hoop nature and marine reserve to calve, offering spectacular viewing for tourists on a daily basis.

The first whales of the year have already arrived off De Hoop and in the coming months this reserve will host spectacular displays as more than 40% of the world’s Southern Right whales come into the bay to mate, calve and nurse their young through their first few, vulnerable months.

The management of De Hoop has ingenuously combined these two Cape treasures into an unusual, indulgent and insightful Wine and Whales weekend together with Malané Hofmeyr-Burger and her string and flute ensemble friends from the JPO (Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra) who will be performing the ‘Whale Time Serenade’! They will be performing pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Donizetti and Purcell in the Cloete Room at De Hoop with some more contemporary pieces by Gardel, Mango Groove, and others. Amongst their most famous performances are the annual outdoor concerts in the Kruger National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve in aid of counter-poaching.

Hosts from Cape Agulhas region wine estates Black Oyster Catcher; Creation; Jean Daneel; Quoin Rock; The Berrio; Zoetendal; Brunia; Strandveld/First Sighting and Lands End will offer guests several opportunities for tasting and interaction.

On Sunday morning, a marine walk is scheduled at low tide to visit the whales, with our resident guides who have intimate knowledge of the hidden rock pool life of this piece of pristine coastline.

De Hoop Reservations, Samantha Hughes, 021 422 4522 res@dehoopcollection.co.za

EXHIBITION

D

urban is not widely regarded by the loyal citizens of the Republic of the Western Cape as having much to offer.

Except for predictable weather, a nice World Cup stadium, a kiff line in radical rookgoed and um, unsophisticated refugees such as myself. But, on a recent trip there, Durbs: accommodating nature.

I was pleasantly reminded of the lengths its municipality go to in order to preserve the trees that have been standing there long before man had the ‘Eureka moment’ to build ‘drive-thru’ McDonalds. Or conceive of estate agencies. In beautiful old Victorian houses.

Yes, witness the photograph (above) that depicts how roads have been widened to accommodate the magnificent trees that give the old ‘British outpost’ its greenish hue.

But it also served to sadden me that many don’t seem to hold Stanford’s environment in equally high regard. Those who buzz-saw down or ‘trim’ trees when they impede their selfish progress towards building another ugly garage or clearing a more navigable path to their rubbish bin or repairing an electricity service box.

So imagine my almost delirious delight, upon returning from Durban, to find that attitudes towards trees are swiftly changing. There had already been a highly laudable move, by a handful of progressive locals, to introduce the rare (for small Cape villages) fenceii palisada. Why, some brave souls had even gone to the trouble of planting this wonderfully exotic flora all around the border of their properties. And, my wêreld, they grow so well in Stanford’s soil that, in no time at all, varieties of fenceii palisade are now springing up all over the village. How divine.

My hopes and prayers for the continued greening of the third best-preserved Victorian village in the Western Cape have now been further boosted by the very determined planting of a more formidably attractive specimen, the fenceii palisada gargantua. This remarkable row of silver-grey trees adorning the corner of Longmarket and Du Toit streets is already showing signs of bearing an unusual winter blossom which should have botanists and environmentalists agog. Identification of its electrifyingly exciting flower and fruit remains as yet unclear but what I have dubbed wira razorii and its close relative, the wira electrica, surely represents a significant fillip for eco-tourism in our village.

Jolly good job, chaps. Now we must just wait for the summer and a hugely increased influx of tourists, all wanting to closely examine and photograph the weird and wonderful trees that flourish in what is rapidly becoming by far the most charming, not to mention environment-friendly village to visit in South Africa. www.fredhatman.co.za

The Overstrand Artistic Concepts group of artists are presenting their fifth exhibition at the Hornbill House Gallery, Hemel and Aarde Village, Hermanus from 1pm on 16 July until 3pm on 28 July. Call Rita on 028 271 3236.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

art & culture

Aron’s word Madiba’s birthday

Play for Stanford

Join Aron for 67 minutes on 18 July

POET’S PLACE

Bayethe to my V.I.Ps (column readers).

Oh! The year to remember is 1918.

The year brought us wealth in the world. The year brought us a son, a man, a father, a chief/king and a President of the World. The president who went through unforgettable sacrifice for South Africa to be free from the apartheid government system.

If you are confused about what I’m talking about please stand up and salute Doctor Rholihlahla Nelson Mandela, the President of the World!

Madibaaaa!

I would like to say Happy Birthday to tata Nelson Mandela on 18 July. This day has been recognized as Mandela Day. This day is the day to stop ‘Yaba! Yaba! Yaba! and start doing. ‘Ching!

Ching! Ching!’ I mean service delivery in your communities is long overdue. This is a day to sacrifice just 67 minutes of your time and do something good towards improving or maintaining service delivery in your society. Be part of something that makes the history of your community.

I love Madiba, I love Mandela and on that note I’ll sacrifice my 67 minutes for Stanford Community. I’ll be sweeping Queen Victoria Street of Stanford and I invite you to join me to make a difference. Let’s go out in large numbers and give back to our society.

If you want to join me in action on 18 July, please drop me an e-mail at: 45465630@mylife.unisa.ac.za A STORM IS BREWING UNDER MY SKIN A storm is brewing under my skin The bones rattle with this wind A journey, I sense is under way I am confronted by the challenge of it Swept up by it All my ideas, my beliefs, All flesh I touched The complete past Touched by this wind and Hang in the air of question The rules of the road ahead Asks that I lay to one side Used flesh, ideas, beliefs Lay them in the dust Let them be washed By the winter rain And the flowing dance of life And use them as a stepping stone To the new Every new step I take Is the future, seen clearly No way back No exit it tells me To live I leak life The old in me dies daily Then I see the next day And I wonder And I gaze And I think And I marvel At this wondrous thing Called life Michael Boon

A musical comedy coming soon …

A number of thespians, largely from Stanford, have been meeting recently to learn about, audition and cast for an early December musical comedy called The Boy Friend written by Sandy Wilson.

This fun musical was first performed in 1953 in London which set Julie Andrews on a very successful career and much later Twiggy.

The play is set in 1926 in the south of France in a finishing school where there are lots of pretty girls who have boys on their minds.

It is a complete spoof, a comic pastiche of that wonderful era in the Twenties involving Flappers, the Charleston, guys in blazers, gentle humour and memorable songs such as ‘I Could Be Happy With You’ and ‘The “You-Don’t-Want-To-Play-With-Me” Blues’.

Producer, Rina de Wet, is looking for more interested people with front and back stage skills or experience in set design, set building and painting, period furniture and property collectibles, make-up, costume, lighting and sound; and generally committed people who want to join our merry band of actors, singers and dancers.

We are still looking for men and a few more women for the chorus who are light of foot. Under the expert direction of choreographer Laina Lesicnik, those who think they have two left feet will be amazed at the transformation! Musical director Andrew Herriot, will ensure you are in tune.

Readers will not be surprised to learn that there is an abundance of talent in our fair village.

Contact Rina (083 604 0808) or Aron Gcotyelwa, (078 282 7419) for more information about joining the group.

Andrew Herriot

Playing By Ear Andrew Herriot pays tribute to ‘Ol Blue Eyes’

I

promised my readers that a future article would be about the greatest swing/jazz singer who has ever lived. Of course he was ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’, Francis Albert Sinatra. In this short space it is impossible to pay full tribute to this man. He was a megastar and had a 60-year affair with his adoring fans.

12 December 1915 Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey, saw the arrival of someone who would become one of the most formidable entertainers the world has ever witnessed. Sinatra was a dedicated perfectionist, impatient to a high degree of despair, and flawless in his delivery. He invented his own unique style of phrasing and attacking notes and above all he had phenomenal charisma. He worked with Basie, Ellington, Anka (My Way), Nat King Cole, Bennett, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby and of course the famous singing Rat Pack (including Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior).

Memorable songs including New York, New York, The Lady Is A Tramp, Strangers in The Night, All Of Me and Come Fly With Me were all sung when he performed at Sun City and wowed South African audiences over nine performances in July 1981.

Were you there? I know someone who was!

Sinatra’s friends included Reagan, Kennedy, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace Kelly. His biography, All The Way, was written by Michael Freedland (ISBN 0 75281 662 4). The list of his awards and honours include Grammys, Emmys and even an academic doctorate. His first wife, Nancy, bore him three children including his darling Nancy (Something Stupid in 1967 with Dad). He married three more times, one of his wives was the lovely Ava Gardner, the other two, Mia Farrow and Zeppo Marx (Barbara)!

We lost Ol’ Blue Eyes on 14 May, 1998. He did it His Way in the wee small hours, All The Way. We miss him but his music lives on.

Aherriot70@gmail.com STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

classifieds

VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT Washing • Tumble Drying • Ironing Dry Cleaning • Steam Cleaning • Carpets Mon – Fri 8.30am - 5pm

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

25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976

FOR SALE

FILING CABINET – 3 drawers. R150. p 028 3410 203 or 076 698 5272.

RENT

LUXURY STUDIO in the heart of Cape Town. Walk to Artscape, Convention Centre & Waterfront.

Secure parking, pool & gym.

Sleeps 2/3. p Dieter on 082 659 2318

VACANT PLOT HERBERTSDALE: Off-the-beaten-track village, where the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains meet. 60 km inland from Mosselbaai coastline and gateway to the Klein Karoo. R450 000. p Paul 082 7408 046.

VENTER TRAILER. Licensed with papers. New tyres.

Good condition. R4 500. p O79 291 1611.

GARDEN COTTAGE to rent as from July. Single person. No pets.

Fully or 1/2 furnished. R2000/ month, water & electricity included. p Mariët 028 341 0083

SERVICES

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

HOUSE CLEANING Need your house/flat cleaned? Bed linen changed? Washing & ironing? Washing itemised ready for laundry collection? p Desiree on 074 353 1884. Refs available.

SM VERKOELING

MULLER CLEANING SERVICES Home, office, window cleaning.

Call Magrieta on 078 468 6010. For great ref email reginajac@yahoo.com

Nuwe kontaknommer: Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh: 083 771 0753

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. First lesson free.

Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk

THE TIDE TABLE WILL RESUME IN THE AUGUST ISSUE.

SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys

RAINFALL STATISTICS

*

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY

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

16

21.5

March

14

49

27

20.5

20

26

28.5

26.4

April

45

70

21.5

27.6

30

56

53.3

43.3

May

78.5

45

31.5

55

66.5

83

43.5

57.6

June

45

75.5

50.5

106.3

91.5

88

86

77.5

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

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

Dr Wanya van der Walt BChD(Pret)Dip Odont(Pret) PR No 0540000291552

TANDARTS DENTAL SURGEON For Appointment 082 681 8955 Victoria Centre, Queen Victoria Road, Stanford

This sign, of huge sentimental value to the owner and almost 100 years old, was stolen off the front wall of a property in J J Swart St. The theft has been reported to SAPS and they are investigating. The owner has offered R1000 as reward for the return of the sign. Please contact SAPS (028 341 0601) with any info.

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

Thanks to a very successful Country Fair Rotary Raffle, which raised more than R2000 (the largest amount ever!) Rotary’s latest project, WoolWorx, is off to a flying start.

Twenty starter packs with size 4mm knitting needles, a 4mm crochet hook and enough Chick DK wool to knit a garment has been sponsored by Rotary for teaching the disadvantaged ladies at Die Kop to knit and crochet. Lana Coates and Clare Stocks will start teaching on 30 June. They aim to use these skills to empower the ladies of Die Kop to make all kinds of knitted items, not only for themselves and their families, but also to sell in our community and at other outlets.

Anybody who wants to get involved with this worthwhile project, whether by donating wool, knitting equipment or cash to the Rotary WoolWorx fund, please call Lana Coates on 028 341 0349 or 082 216 4398.

Our heartfelt thanks to those who have already made donations (personal thank yous on the way!) and also to the businesses who sponsored the wonderful prizes for the Country Fair Raffle: Compuword SMB Solutions, Platanna River Trips, Stanford Hotel, Stanford Hills Estate, Raka Wines, Kleinriver Cheese Farm, Evergrine and Lana Coates.

What’s on in July?

WINE & WISDOM Thursday 5 July. 7pm, R40 pp, Stanford Art Café. Contact Annie Ranger on 028 341 0984.

HERITAGE BUILDINGS WORKSHOP Tuesday10 July 16.30 at the Art Cafe. Contact Keith Brown 028 341 0502.

MANDELA DAY Wednesday 18 July. Use 67 minutes during the day to serve your community.

GARDEN TALK Thursday 19 July at 2pm on seed sowing do’s and don’ts. What to sow when. Overberg Agri.

800KM ON FOOT

Margot Carstens is inviting interested persons to join her on a trip to the West Coast on Saturday 4 August. She will be attending a talk on the Camino de Santiago 800km on foot trip which her sisterin-law, Cynthia Rauch has just completed. The entrance is free, snacks will be served and the event is hosted by Bronwen Rauch at Oliphantskop in aid of the local St Helena Sandveld Hospice, so a donation will be appreciated. To find out more, contact Margot at 082 697 9212.

RIDDLES

1. This thing devours all, gnaws iron, bites steel, grinds hard stones to meal, slays kings, ruins towns, and beats high mountains down.

JRR Tolkein 2. What is put on a table and cut, but never eaten?

1. Time 2. A pack of cards.

ROTARY CLUB OF STANFORD WOOLWORX!

DEADLINE FOR AUGUST EDITION IS 20 JULY Please email Sandra design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or phone 079 523 8453.

Stanford I C A R E TLC @ the Country Shop Wednesdays 10h00 — 12hoo BP, Health issues etc.

Giving − that’s what life is all about!

Your health is your life!

weekly timetable

Martie Du Toit • 028 3410 846 • 076 254 0993

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

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

Monday 5h30, Running Time Trials 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, The old Beauty Spot Studio, above Tops Bottle Store, 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 Beloftebos Cottages B’s Cottage De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oak Grove Farm Reiersvlei Farm Lodge Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford Country Cottages Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Upton House Villa di Baia

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

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

082 391 5331 028 341 0430 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 091 3914 082 213 0512 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

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

079 182 8825

PLUMBING John Hardie

079 291 1611

082 732 1284 028 341 0929 083 225 7367 028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321

PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588

DRIVING SCHOOL Drive with Cait

083 358 6365

ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical ESTATE AGENTS Marlene’s Properties Michael Thompson Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties FIREWOOD Walshacres

028 341 0685 082 898 4889 082 324 6799 079 395 1763

Stanford Chippers

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

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

SOLAR South Coast Solar

079 291 1611

028 341 0048

GARDENS & NURSERIES Helen’s Garden Service Krige Tree Services Walshacres Willowdale Nursery

TAXI SERVICE Anytime Transfers

082 858 6765

082 450 3970

HAIR Jeanne Retief

072 318 2478

TRUCKS & TRANSPORT Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS Ons Winkel Traderoots

028 341 0647 084 643 4504

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme

028 313 0660

HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages

082 320 0982

WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Sir Robert Stanford Estate Stanford Hotel

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

BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford

028 341 0048

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

028 341 0410 071 219 9212

NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk

079 291 1588

ARCHITECTURE Maureen Wolters

CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke

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

028 313 2814

CONSTRUCTION Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

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

WATER TESTING 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)

MAY

6212 152

STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

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

STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS

STANFORD - RIVER WATER RESULTS

APRIL

028 312 2225

WINE CELLAR & SALES Brunia Wines

8121 44

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

APRIL

MAY

E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

0

0

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml)

1612

2992

Celebrations in Stanford

Tony Roper 7 July

Viv Gravenor 12 July

Ripley Robertshaw 6 July

Joe van Huyssteen 26 July Christo Damon – 13 Julie. Jou tweede verjaardag weg van ons en die verlange is altyd daar. God het jou vir ons geleen vir 33 jaar. Van ma Cathy, Fernando, Ouma, Lydia, Caitlin, Kealin, tannies en oom.

Belinda van der Merwe 28 July

Congratulations to Billy Sullivan on turning 60 on 18 June.

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

Belated congratulations to Nonnie and Gys of Evergrine who tied the knot on 4 February.

* Jean-Mari de Villiers 21 on 8 July * Chris de Villiers 17 on 11 July * Madiba 94 on 18 July * Susan Robyn 20 July

Welcome to baby Leo, a beautiful boy for Judy and Leo Upton. Born on 4 April 2012.

Hennie‛s @ Tat Restaurant WILLOWDALE FARM. PAPIESVLEIROAD. STANFORD

Where the party is, Before, After, Always RESTAURANT TRADING HOURS • MONDAY: Closed • TUESDAY: 11:00 – 20:00 • WEDNESDAY: 11:00 – late •THURSDAY: 11:00 – 20:00 • FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11:00 – late • SUNDAY: 11:00 – 20:00

* CATERING ANYWHERE WITHIN THE OVERBERG * JUST CALL ON HENNIE, THE SPITBRAAI SPECIALIST

RESERVATIONS & INFO: Tel: 028 3410 115 / 082 326 8933 / 083 290 7595 • Email: henniesspitbraai@gmail.com Like our Facebook page: Hennie’s Pub & Grill STANFORD RIVER TALK 23

MICHAEL THOMPSON

ESTATES

stewart@alcock.co.za OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY - OLD PASTORIE

EIENDOMME

R5 400 000

FULLY RESTORED AND IMPROVED, 5 BEDROOMS, POOL, POOL HOUSE/TEEN PAD, WINE CELLAR, COVERED STOEP WITH RIVER/ MOUNTAIN VIEWS

LIFESTYLE LIVING

R3 950 000

WEEKEND GETAWAY

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

GUESTHOUSE PLUS SEPARATE COTTAGE

R 2 500 000

STYLISH B&B, MOUNTAIN VIEWS, 4 BEDROOMS EN SUITE, SWIMMING POOL,ADDITIONAL 2 BEDROOM OWNER/MANAGERS COTTAGE, DOUBLE GARAGE, OFF STREET GUESTS PARKING.

R1 395 000

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

LIVE/WORK IN THE VILLAGE R2 350 000

5 BEDS, 3 BATHS, SWIMMING POOL, CHEF’S QUALITY KITCHEN, GARAGE AND ESTABLISHED GARDEN.

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

JULY AND AUGUST SPECIAL Come for ANY treatment during the months of JULY and AUGUST and your receipt will be entered into a LUCKY DRAW. The winner will receive 50% off her next treatment!!

Prize must be taken within ONE month of winning.

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

ALSO AT MORTON SQUARE STANFORD ON TUESDAYS