Stanford River Talk July 2017

R20

JULY 2017 Volume 142

WINTER FUN INSIDE

Stanford Hills welcomes

AFRICAMPS

Your happy p la

ce is get ting

happier!

Opening 1-10-2017

www.stanfordhills.co.za

STANFORD RIVER TALK 1

Cover ImagE BY SARA ABBOTT THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS! Art Director – Mich McGee Mason Cooley was an American aphorist known for his witty aphorisms.

He was professor emeritus of French, speech and world literature at the College of Staten Island. Born USA 1927 - 25 July 2002, Educated at San Diego State University.

SEND US YOUR NEWS ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za lorraine@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 082 886 2424 Please send your letters to ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 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 Anonymous letters will not be published.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 RIVER TALK 2

ART WINE AND LIFESTYLE AUCTION pg.7 A beautiful piece created by a young Okkie Smuts artist

There’s nothing better than snuggling up with a good book in front of the fireplace - especially in Stanford... “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are” this quote reminds me of a beautiful building in Queen Victoria Street, circa 1925, one that I’ve been admiring for quite sometime now.

The other day I ventured inside and it was like stepping back in time, the musty smell of books, the small chairs in the children’s section even some framed prints from long ago stacked up against a wall - the computerised library room in stark contrast to the time capsule I had just entered.

Lorraine x

Let’s build together WHERE TO FIND US GATEWAY CENTRE • HERMANUS • TEL +27 28 312 1131 • FAX +27 28 312 1980 www.buco.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. The Really Famous Publishing Company T/A Stanford River Talk has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within this publication was correct at time of print. The Really Famous Publishing Company T/A Stanford River Talk does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from accident, negligence, or any other cause.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 3

news and updates

CPF News

by Stuart Anderson

Rotary Club

STANFORD SAPS - WE ARE NUMBER ONE! Congratulations go out to all members of Stanford SAPS for being assessed as the best performing police station in the Overberg. The results of a comprehensive provincial assessment recently released, has rated the Stanford Police Station as the best performing one out of all twelve police stations in the Overberg - the others being Napier, Bredasdorp, Gansbaai, Kleinmond, Caledon, Grabouw, Hermanus, Villiersdorp, Riviersonderend, Struisbaai and Genadendal. The assessment covered all of the management of human, physical, and financial resources, as well as detective services and crime prevention over the financial year 2016/2017. Two stand out significant statistics revealed in the assessment, are Stanford’s high conviction rate (70%), as well as the high percentage of cases going to court (Stanford 82% compared to the national average of 30%).

Special mention must go to our Station Commander, Captain Coetzee who as the team leader, is making the difference.

of Stanford

By Lana Coates

Some Snippets and Feedback Our annual Winter Warmth project for 2017 is done and dusted, with 80 blankets and stacks of jerseys and beanies distributed to children, the elderly and the sick. Much fun was to be had as children chose beanies from the stock box, and it’s very comforting to know that those in need have a little warmth this winter. School children in need were also taken care of – we provided a mix of rain jackets, jerseys, some shoes and socks.

We’d like to thank everyone who took part in our Penguin Plunge fundraiser – hats off to those very brave penguins and even the chickens cheering them on.

It is with great pleasure that Malcolm Bury was inducted as our new Club President (even though this is not his first time in the hot seat). We look forward to his leadership and can

SAPS Public Meetings/Imbizo’s

assure him of the support of all members.

Two recent public meetings were held on 18 May and 8 June where residents had the opportunity of asking the police any questions concerning their safety and security. Out of these Q & A sessions the following important points emerged.

As I step down from the Presidential chair I would like to

• SAPS encourages and supports the two Neighbourhood Watches operating in the town. Those who haven’t joined yet, are encouraged to do so immediately. The more eyes and ears the better.

we’ve lost members, we’ve gained new members and in

• There is an urgent need to set up CCTV cameras at certain strategic points throughout the town.

Rotarian.

• To view SAPS performances statistically, visit the website Crime Stats SA, and click on Stanford.

• Warrant Officer Booysen is responsible for overseeing crimes such as thefts, burglaries and liquor/drug abuse in the town, and Constable October for social crimes such as women and children abuse.

• Missing children/persons should be reported immediately to the police. There is no longer any time limit (such as 24 hours before reporting these incidents).

• Anonymity is guaranteed to members of the public, who give information directly to Captain Coetzee, of any drug related activities and/or people involved in drugs.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

thank my fellow Club Members for their support during the past two years. We’ve faced challenges, had to make some tough decisions about the future and direction of our Club, between the hard work we’ve also had fun. Serving our less fortunate and downright poor community is extremely rewarding, and makes me personally very proud to be a

For further information on how you can help with any of our projects, or if you would like to be a part of Rotary, please contact Lana on 082 216 4398 for a chat.

Should you wish to make a monetary contribution our banking details are: The Rotary Club of Stanford FNB Hermanus Branch code: 250 655 Account number: 623 559 796 95

COMMUNITY TALK

STANFORD COMMUNITY FORUM (CPF)

by Nelly Sonderling

Drawing Competition Learners from Die Bron, Ockie Smuts, Hoopland Akademie, Fynbos Akademie and St Peters were requested to participate in a drawing competition to celebrate Children's Week: 29 May to 3 June 2017.

Their brief was to depict copies of Children's Rights so that all learners would understand what it is about.

A total of 883 children submitted their works of art. A panel of judges

under Stanford artist Mary Knight adjudicated the drawings. They were impressed by the talent. They further indicated that the children's art was revealing about the children's lives. Some were happy but many were sad. Among the depictions were many of violence and bullying – making it very clear that the community of Stanford should keep its eyes and ears open regarding neglect and abuse.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

COMMUNITY TALK

By Elma Hunter

SCORE

stanford community recycling Thank you to everyone for making the change over to a Swop Shop session on a Monday go off smoothly and successfully.

We estimated that we had fewer customers at the Swop Shop but nevertheless the roll of 1000 tickets was almost finished by the end of the afternoon!

With Dirk Troost and Jayden du Preez working with the Refuse Team at the weighing scale, this proved to be very successful and as new members to the SCORE Team we thank them for their involvement and enthusiasm.

Customers seemed well pleased with the new way of counting out the tickets, the newly positioned bracket to hold the Fish Scale being an essential part of the procedure.

New volunteers, Sandy Campbell, Anna-Mae Troost and Beulah du Preez, also made a difference in the smooth running of the stationery, toiletry and clothing sections. Linda and Johan on crowd control duty did a good job, with Janet keeping guard at the door to the clothing section to ensure that people acted

STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

in a fair manner and did not buy up all the best items, leaving nothing for those who followed. The Tupperware was very popular and as Janet knows most of the customers, she could ensure that only 1 item per person or family could be allocated.

Thermal socks and Shoe Shine Kits were also in favour. Anyone who can provide Janet with dark material, black preferable, to use with the black shoe polish please let me know.

Another request is for tracksuit pants, for anyone who has a sewing machine and can make these, navy or black, maroon too, would be well received. Just the pants, children's sizes, no pockets, and with elastic at the waist and ankles. These would keep little legs warm during the coming winter months.

Coffee Corner will be asked to re-introduce the nice plastic box with suitable requests for soap and toothpaste at their shop. Donations during the past months kept the Swop Shop fairly well supplied with these toiletries.

ART WINE AND LIFESTYLE AUCTION

news and updates

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS! R102 000 RAISED!

by Shirley Withers Thank you to everyone who came to the Art Wine and Lifestyle Auction in aid of Okkie Smuts School and a huge thank you to all who donated so generously and willingly.

It was a perfect Autumn evening at the truly magnificent Stanford Valley Guest Farm.

While some chatted and enjoyed a glass of bubbly and delicious canapes, others took a final look at the items on offer and secured their bidding cards. Bidders eager and sometimes a little reticent snapped up

the 131 lots on offer, with our professional auctioneer, Erik “doodskoot” Reeder doing an amazing job of getting the crowd into the spending mode.

The range of items on offer was incredible.

From a fine bottle of wine to a collectable work of art, to an outdoor experience, a weekend getaway and even a drop and collect skip offer and beautiful orchids.

There truly was something for everyone.

We had set ourselves a target of R100 000 and exceeded it by R2 000.

This money will go towards a much needed upgrade of the sports facilities and a playground for the foundation phase.

This was the second annual Art, Wine and Lifestyle auction and planning for the third one for May next year has already begun.

A few items have already been pledged, so watch out for that date in May 2018.

We are hoping that this annual event will be something that nobody will not want to miss.

ERWIN'S

Traditional German Meat Products Available at

• Stanford Saturday Morning Market • Route 43 Butcher • Directly from Erwin

www.erwins.co.za Cell 0824415533 STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

school talk

All local schools are invited to send news and photographs each month.

DIE BRON

By Janine Pedro

Die Bron Primary hosted The Overberg Cross Country Event, Stanford – 24.05.2017 17 Schools participated, totaling 321 runners.

It has been great to see many enthusiastic runners taking part. Runners lined up on the start line with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Runners performing well are the ones that train regular. What you put in is what you get out! Hopefully the experience was great and helped to build good character. Congratulations to the winners!!!

A BIG THANK YOU TO Runners and participating schools • Trainers • Parents Mrs. N. Maans (Chairperson) Cross country Overberg Teachers and assistant teachers • WCED: Mr. Kobus Mike and team Overstrand Municipality: Mrs. P. Ferreira

• Law enforcement, traffic

and police officers • First Aid: Ms. J. Paterson

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK to raise Awareness for Rights of Children Art Competition-Learners had to express their rights!!

We must protect our children and must create a safe and secure environment for them. We as parents/ teachers must work together to create a safe and healthy community for our children to live in. Let's praise and cuddle them but most of all love our children.

Thank You Stanford Community Police Forum for organizing the awareness campaign.

A NATIONAL lottery project Guidelines for teaching games.

Thank You to our energetic presenters (Maties Sport), Zukhanye Magwa and Clearance Khumalo

STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

FIND and colour-in ALL the animals 7 x green frog

5 x red crabs

2 x pink hippo

6 x yellow tortoises

ACTIVITY talk

find the 10 differences between these two pictures

5 x brown cats

Colour the elephant in using the numbers

Granny loves making soup, but first she needs to find all the vegetables hidden in her garden! Find the vegetables and then colour the garden.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

TOURISM TALK

by Phil Murray

Stanford is a cosy and snug winter destination, and many of the holiday cottages and restaurants will keep you warm with wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. The fresh produce markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Junktique Markets on Saturday mornings offer wide variety for visitors strolling down Queen Victoria Street, and the antique shops, coffee shops, gelateria, galleries and gift shops offer more than enough choice for those looking for something unique and local.

The winter school holiday is never dull in the village.

Besides the pleasure of walking and riding your bike through the heritage village during the daytime, a variety of events and activities will keep you inspired to stay longer. The Stanford Hotel is hosting a special #StanfordDoesBastille weekend from 14-16 July which includes a 1950s fashion show on 14 July. 1950s originals from Romantiques and 50s recreations from Retrospective Fashion will be on sale at LACE off the hotel verandah, and a museum display will be open to the public from 15 July. From makeovers and photo shoots, to French inspired dinners at Graze and La Tratorria, embrace history and have some fun with French flare in Stanford. For more information, email

reservations@stanfordvillage.co.za.

The Tasting Room at Stanford Hills hosts the much loved ‘Hops at the Hills’ craft beer festival on 15 July.

Local craft beer stalls, live music, food stalls and fun activities for the kids and adults will keep the whole family entertained all afternoon from noon. For more information, call 072 639 6135.

Our beloved Southern Right whales cruise through the relatively warm waters of the Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary, and visitors and locals can watch them in the comfort of their natural habitat from the land, the sea and air. The 4x4 trail to Die Plaat is an added adventure for those looking for a pristine beach from which to watch the mother and calf pairs.

The Stanford Food Heroes are also relaunching their collective brand which identifies Stanford as a food tourism destination. The emphasis is on growers and producers, as well as restaurants that source their ingredients locally. The website has been updated and you can read about each member at www.

stanfordfoodheroes.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

Reviving a Hero Stanford Food Heroes is a collective brand which was created and driven by a small, dedicated group of people a few years ago. Their goal was to link consumers with food growers, food producers, and suppliers in the Stanford area, and to get everyone excited about the excellent fresh produce and artisanal foods in the surrounding area of Stanford.

The Stanford Food Heroes still exists despite falling out of the limelight for two years, but now new energy is being injected into the group. Assisted

by Marcelle du Preez and Robert Bell (White Water Farm), Stanford Tourism means to revive this brand and shout its unique features to the public. This is great news for foodies - both local and visiting. With increased exposure, great Stanford Food Heroes produce will be at your fingertips at local markets, in local restaurants, and even from small local businesses which have expressed interest in stocking Stanford Food Heroes produce.

Produce from the Stanford Food Heroes can be relied upon to be local and fresh, grown and produced in sustainable and environmentallyfriendly ways as far as possible, to support local food initiatives and educational programmes, to be free from harmful chemicals as much as possible, and to be made or grown by dedicated locals who believe first in quality. The Stanford Food Heroes network will include small seasonal growers, larger scale growers, producers and restaurants and it will work in partnership with educational programmes and feeding projects like Green Futures and Food4Thought. Shoppers will no longer have to wait for occasional markets to find the fresh array of produce and prepared items which are so popular in this area, and with the support of Stanford Tourism, local restaurants will also source locally as far as possible.

Stanford Food Heroes does not profit any individual member, and the network means to link everyone for the greater benefit of all members.

Stanford Food Heroes also plans to run an annual charity event which focuses on food, and means to encourage more sustainable growing projects.

The Stanford Food Heroes plan a launch event on Heritage Day, 24 September 2017. Working together with Stanford Conservation Trust, the heroes will bring together an event on the Stanford Market Square, the theme of which will be ‘Heritage on a Plate’. Funds raised will be donated to local charities.

For now, Stanford Food Heroes have upgraded their website and are encouraging local growers and producers from the Stanford region to join the team through Stanford Tourism. Stanford restaurants are encouraged to source locally, or even include a Stanford Food Heroes dish made from only local ingredients.

To enquire about the Stanford Food Heroes, please contact ask@stanfordinfo.co.za. www.stanfordfoodheroes.co.za www.facebook.com/StanfordFoodHeroes/

And in other news...

Investigative journalists admit that in the last few days no new email revelations have appeared. Speaking to astonished guests attending a business breakfast, spokesman Scoop Mashinga told the gathering that there was now a serious chance of retrenchments amongst this elite corps. “We haven’t faced a job crisis like this since after Eschel Rhoodie and the Citizen debacle” whined Mashinga.

Breaking news – Doffie September, a cub reporter with the Citrusdal Courant, has tweeted that he has received a potentially explosive email! However this turned out to be an advice from a Moldovan attorney informing him of the passing of his Great Aunt Svetlana and her unclaimed legacy of $10 million. Phoned for comment Doffie’s office informed us that he was away at Zimbali choosing a sea-facing plot.

Meanwhile, in the Springbok camp, tactical coach Bakkies Baksteen has announced the purchase of personal GPS units for the team. Discussing his purchase BB said that the units would be programmed with the coordinates of the opposing touchline.

SOAP box

by Martin Ranger

Directional instructions would then guide the players. Hugh Bladen has agreed to supply the unit’s voice and has generously offered to donate his fee to the Naas Botha retirement fund.

Yes, it’s all go being a Celeb! Reality star Peaches ‘That Wasn’t Me It Was The Cushion’ Jones has reached out to her Friends and Followers by choosing to have dinner at her local Spur! Sharing a table with three minders and a photographer Peaches managed to eat everything on her plate except for the bun, the patty and the onions. “I just love the way they do their tomatoes” cooed Peaches.

When informed of the troubles affecting investigative journalists she offered to donate some sexy pics for a fund-raising calendar.

“How many do you want?” queried the gushing Celeb.

“One for each month please.”

“Agh no man, just answer the question” Tarra.

HOME GROWN

GARDEN TALK

by Debbie Alexander

Stanford gardens in July July is traditionally the quietest calendar month for gardeners in the Western Cape. Many plants are dormant but if you have

RECIPE OF THE MONTH made with LEYDEN Mild and creamy, the Klein River Leyden is a unique, herbaceous cheese interspersed with caraway seeds which adds a distinctive aniseed-flavour.

This month's recipe is a hearty Farmer’s Cheese (Boerenkaas) soup made with our own Leyden cheese.

To view this recipe and more, visit our website on www.kleinrivercheese.co.za

028 341 0693 www.kleinrivercheese.co.za R326, 7km outside Stanford

wisely chosen to develop a mostly indigenous garden, you will be rewarded with a wonderful display of Aloes, the flowers of which are irresistible to many nectar feeding birds. This is the perfect month to sort out the garden shed, service the lawnmower and have your secateurs and loppers sharpened in preparation for spring.

Late summer/autumn flowering shrubs will now need pruning and shaping. Barleria, Hypoestes (Ribbon Bush), Plectranthus spp (Spur Flower), Leonotis (Wild Dagga), Hydrangea can all be hard pruned by ½ to a 1/3. Take care to make clean cuts just above a growing node. All of these shrubs are easily propagated. Take hard wood cuttings, dip into hormone growth powder and plant in pots. An alternative is to set cuttings directly into a specially prepared furrow where they can take root and can be planted out in early summer.

Shape and prune roses and spray for powdery mildew. Make your own spray by mixing 2 teaspoons of bicarb and ½ a teaspoon of Sunlight liquid soap with 2 litres of water.

Prepare your veggie beds for sowings of summer salads with a good layer of compost and dig in an organic fertilizer and bone meal.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

VET talk

A TASTY TITBIT

by Dr Olga Koorts In a competition of senses, our pets will win paws down. Their hearing, eye sight and sense of smell are so much better than ours. But there is one sense that is better developed in humans - our ability to taste.

Humans have roughly 9000 taste buds compared to about 1700 in dogs and a paltry 470 in cats.

Although animals can taste sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umani (savoury) just like humans, their taste buds are less effective in doing so.

receptors are more sensitive for meat and fat and are even specially adapted to pick up certain amino acids. Fruit and berries make up part of the natural diet of dogs and therefore their taste buds do detect sweet food better than those of cats. As both cats and dogs naturally have a diet

Supplied by Nelly Sonderling

Water is Life!

How much of our world's water is drinkable?

Water covers almost 75% of the earth.

Seems like we should have enough, right?

Think again: 97% of this is undrinkable salt water, and 2% is freshwater glacier ice (too isolated to be usable). Less than 1% of all water on the earth is freshwater - used by humans for drinking, transportation, heating and cooling, industry, and everything else!

A steady stream of water flows from the tap.

You go about your business, washing dishes, watering plants, boiling pasta. You take a relaxing shower, splash water on your face, rinse soap off your hands. You push "start" on the washing machine.

What if you had to walk two hours for a bucket of water? Would you use the same amount? Half as much? A quarter?

Anyone living in Cape Town right now knows about the Level 4 water restrictions currently in place. But water scarcity is a problem with far greater scope than just South Africa. According to charity: water, 663 million people in the world lack access to clean drinking water, and women spend 40 billion hours a year walking for water in Africa alone. Luckily, we can all play a role in conserving this precious resource!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

Don’t feel too sorry for Fido and Kitty, though. They might not be able to taste as well as we do but their superior sense of smell coupled with a special organ at the roof of their mouths that relays smell-tastes to their nose, still enable them to experience nuances in food that are impossible for humans.

Add to that the fact that they have special taste buds at the tip of their tongue for water and our victory in the sense department becomes a very slim one indeed.

Cats especially lack the ability to taste sweet things clearly as their carnivorous diet does not include carbohydrates (sugar). Their taste

water talk

high in sodium, they seem not to seek out salt and their ability to taste it is limited.

Bitter and sour flavours are detected fairly well as they might indicate poisonous or rancid food.

What are the best ways to save water?

Here's a helpful visual from Now Now Design (right) so you can see exactly how much water you're sending down the drain with each appliance!

Although measures like taking 2-minute showers are important, some of the best ways to save water have to do with largescale production rather than individual use.

Agricultural use accounts for 60% of water use in South Africa, while urban and domestic use only account for 11.5%. You can drastically cut your water usage by reducing your meat intake!

My country isn't water-stressed. Am I still making an impact by saving water?

YES! Although our demand for water increases with population and development, our supply stays constant. It will become

increasingly important to conserve our freshwater supply for future years. Plus, reducing your own H2O usage means you reduce the energy required to process and deliver water to homes, farms, and businesses, helping to lower fuel usage and curb carbon emissions.

Next time you turn on the tap, think about how incredible it is that you have instant access to clean drinking water... and then turn off the tap, collect the grey water, and water your plants!

Water = lewe. Amanzi = ubomi.

Water = life!

SUSTAINABILITY

STRAIGHT TALK

by Patrick Campbell

A pensioner friend who lives in

and recycling. They encourage and

“gentrified’ with upgraded residences.

a retirement centre in Vermont

promote the local arts as well as

While this has brought increases in the

(Overberg) tells me that he is looking

traditional cuisine. Globalisation

overall prosperity of the town much of

forward to the opening soon of the

undermines the distinctiveness and

the spending is at the adjacent out of

new Whale Coast Mall in Onrus

threatens their vitality and culture.

town malls.

Outmigration has typically accounted

Big superstores and chain retailers

for a disproportionate share of the

have become even more influential in

brightest, most energetic, and best-

the economic profile contributing to a

educated young people, leaving aging

decline in locally owned businesses.

because he will no longer have to traipse to “Somer-suid-wes” to do his shopping. I don’t share his enthusiasm because I fear the under attendant consequences.

population that become parochial in

The trend is not just an erosion of

Small towns and Stanford in particular

outlook. Towns that had previously

small local businesses it also narrows

have their own identity and sociable

been regarded as dull and restrictive

consumer choice from the local stores.

and enjoyable way of life for their

have come to be seen as picturesque,

The chains have become the economic

inhabitants. They can be where

peaceful, and affordable by many.

equivalent of invasive species.

pedestrians can stroll untroubled

These towns, along with house

by roaring traffic, with abundant

prices, pace of life, and physical

green spaces in which people can

attractiveness have drawn in retired

breathe clean air. Their municipal

households and second-home owners,

councils support renewable energy

long distance commuters have become

Gentrified = gentile birth, status of social superiority, good manners and upper class habits.

SuDOKU The puzzle consists of a 9 x 9 grid containing given clues in various places. The object is to fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 – 9 appear exactly once in each row, column and irregular shaped box.

(Answer on pg. 14)

easy

By www.puzzles.ca

HARD

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

LIVING SOUNDTRACK

By Andrew Herriot

The Trucial States were a group of sheikhdoms in the south eastern Persian Gulf, previously known to the British as the 'Pirate Coast', which were signatories to treaties with the British government.

This was my next career move, a graceful glissando that would surely lead to exciting and singular musical trills. It was new territory and new sounds with very few recognisable footholds such as the yetto-be-drawn affection from fellow musos.

This momentary epiphany was evanescent.

HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was elected as the new President of the United Arab Emirates on 3 November 2004, to succeed his father, the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President from 1971 to 2004, from whom, he has said, he learned “the need for patience and prudence in all things". And, I am to be attended to at his Palace (car waiting for me at the grand Abu Dhabi international airport dominated

by Etihad Airways) in the form of a small gathering of The Emir’s cognoscenti education advisers, the purpose being to learn about my company’s diligent deliberations in Qatar as far as school improvements and good teaching are concerned.

OK, that is my cinematic day-job! And my darkened night-shift? Since becoming UAE President, HH Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major re-structuring of both the Federal Government’s seven States and the government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi during which he has given instructions for

SuDoKu SOLUTIONS

STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

the building of a number of projects related to housing, education (my italics) and the social services. Clear.

The new project is signed and sealed (2006), the office is set up and recruitment of a substantial expat teaching force underway. That certainly will ensure that I am busy at least during the day. But this is my Soundtrack for Living! One thing is for sure and that is at any time of the day or night, loudspeakers, usually mounted on tall minarets, will be heard five times every twenty-four hours for the call to prayer, often starting as early as 4 a.m., the spirit of the music being molto vivace and only Italian language can convey the meaning.

Some mosques have loudspeakers that are powerful enough to be heard as far as 5 km (3 mi) away where more than one mosque is present, where they are used for the adhan ("call to prayer") and sometimes for khutbah (sermons).

Our new 5-bedroomed splendid villa on the edge of Abu Dhabi was no different, the mosque sounds permeated the immediate neighbourhood surroundings.

Fortunately other great sounds quickly

easy

came to my attention. Many countries in the Middle East (not all) offer a certain freedom to those non-muslins who enjoy aspects of ‘night-life’ such as the sound of jazz. Exponents of this genre predictably were to be found in hotel licensed bars especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Being fully aware of the many cultural restrictions it was possible to identify like-minded jazz addicts and form a ‘so-called’ ensemble for home-entertainment by the pool-side (cf Castle Herriot in Stanford today!). Also, to cap it all there existed a well-established Caledonian Society and of course my limited talents in the musical world and some previous patronage as a speaker (pix) became of immediate importance at functions that promoted the familiar Gaelic quest to keep ‘the home-fires burning’.

I can never resist enunciating the warm, mildly amusing yet iconic Scottish custom as visitors approach the Croft to be greeted by a thrifty host "Ye'll have had yer tea?" (howls of laughter). "O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us, To see oorsels as ithers see us!" (Burns in 'Tae a Louse' knew a thing or two).

Amazingly I was able to form a semblance of a Scottish country dance band not too dissimilar from my very early experiences as a teenager in Scotland. (ref Volume 119 of SRT). I ponder I am about to enjoy “The Trucial States” and yet another fulsome Movement in my Living Soundtrack. More 'music to me ears' but first next month 'music to my brain'.

I must read more about music, what it means, how it is conveyed, and instilled in one's soul; the writers, fecund scholars and analysts who have impacted on my Living Soundtrack, even Jackie Stewart (pix)...

HARD

activity talk

Colouring can be incredibly relaxing so take a break and let your mind wander

STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

rainfall Supplied by Seymour Paterson

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY JAN

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

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

AVG

8.5

19

14

35

37

104

23.4

22.4

94.1

31.9

FEB

11

17.5

20

16

16

17

18.2

23.1

17

21.4

MARCH

20.5

20

26

28.5

29

25

14

64.7

9.8

32

APRIL

27.6

30

56

53.3

54

48

13.3

35.3

31.6

48.4

MAY

55

66.5

83

43.5

55

30

33.2

18

12.3

56.2

JUNE

106.3

91.5

88

86

84

139

160

101

JULY

97.5

43

56

103

33

91

109.5

143.8

AUG

89

46

74

125

234

41

52.4

73.9

SEPT

88

35.5

25.5

73

60.5

42

42.2

66

OCT

92

50

25

111.5

62

36

23.7

34.5

NOV

31

57

42

26

212

43

49.5

7

DEC

6

40

23.5

6

5

13

15.7

12.7

YEAR

632

459

533

708

881.5

629

554.6

602.4

WORD SEARCH

APPLIED SCIENCE ARTS BIOGRAPHY BOOKS BORROW BRANCH CATALOG CHAIRS STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

CHECKOUT COMPUTERS DICTIONARY DUE DATE ENCYCLOPEDIA FICTION FINES GEOGRAPHY

HARDCOVER HISTORY INFORMATION INTERNET LANGUAGES LIBRARIAN LIBRARY CARD LITERATURE

DRIEST IN THE LAST 16 YEARS

The remaining letters will reveal a hidden message - solution on pg. 19

MAGAZINES MATHEMATICS MOVIES MUSIC NEWSPAPERS NOVELS OVERDUE PAPERBACK

PERIODICALS PHILOSOPHY PHOTOCOPIER PSYCHOLOGY QUIET READ RECREATION RELIGION

RENEW RESEARCH RESERVE SHELVES SOCIAL SCIENCES TABLES TECHNOLOGY

stanford water results reticulated drinking water results MONTH July 2016

E. coli Standard (0/100ml)

RIVER WATER: DETERMINANT (E.COLI)

Total Coliform bacteria (only

Heterotrophic Plate Count (only

5

21

150

142 1158 192

<10/100ml)

0

Supplied by Overstrand Municipality

<1000/100ml)

Under treatment sewerage outlet point (Jetty next to erf 396)

August 2016

0

0

0

1732

September 2016

0

0

0

138

Above treated sewerage outlet point (bridge on R43 to Hermanus)

October 2016

0

0

199

22

26

November 2016

0

0

0

50

108

December 2016

0

0

0

345

38

January 2017

0

0

0

2419

2419

February 2017

0

0

0

921

2419

65

66

March 2017

0

0

0

April 2017

0

0

0

387

2419

May 2017

0

0

0

2419

2419

Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

Well balanced diets, love and care.

028 - 3410 961 STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

CLASSIFIEDS There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanford Tourism where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope or ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or call 081 750 4006 (SMALL ADS: R1 a word)

TO LET Garden Flat available in the heart of Stanford Phone 028 341 0048 | Cell 082 881 9864

business hours • Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 17:30 • Saturday: 08h00 - 13:00

DOMESTIC WORKER Hanley Appel, my honest and reliable domestic worker, is seeking work three days a week. She has completed a few modules of a care-worker course. She loves pets and they adore her and she is a super dog-walker.

Nelly Roodt 082 7756 476

Wanted ad sales Work at your own pace for commission only – contact Lorraine 082 886 2424

• Sunday: 10:00 - 12:00 • Public holidays: 9:00 - 13:00 clinic hours • Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 16:00 • Saturday: 08:00 - 12:00 • Public holidays: 9:00 - 12:00

t e l: 028 384 0637 fa x: 028 384 0455 epharm.gansbaai1@telkomsa.net h o o f w e f 29 - G a n s ba a i.

WORK WANTED My name is Johanna. I live in Stanford – am a fast learner. Can be a waitress, shop assistant, cashier etc. Tel 081 098 6245

RESTAURANT ART GALLERY FUNCTION VENUE MEADERY

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

What's On email your events to: ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

SATURDAY, 1 JULY 09:00 - 12:00 Junktique Market Stanford Tourism Courtyard For more information, contact ask@stanfordinfo.co.za or call 028 341 0340

SATURDAY, 15 JULY 12:00 - 17:00 Hops at the Hills Stanford Hills It’s time once again for the annual Stanford Hills Craft Beer Festival, Hops at the Hills. Tickets are R80 each. Live music with The Riverstones and Gareth James, activities for the kids, crafted beer, quality wine and artisanal food. For more information contact us on 072 639 6135

SATURDAY, 29 JULY Cape Welsh Choir Birkenhead Brewery The Cape Welsh Choir are returning for Christmas in July including some Christmas carols, log fires and a Christmas supper. Call Paul 082 456 8631

The really Famous Publishing Company

Broadscope Services Marketing Advertising Production Media Design Print LORRAINE 082 886 2424

LET US WASH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY 25 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET

lorraine@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

WORD SEARCH SOLUTION: A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

We are adding our Coffee Corner voices to your chorus of birthday wishes!

If YOU are on this page and enjoy our singing, pop around on your birthday to add a free coffee to your present basket :) All our customers are special but our birthday ones are extra special.

Marisa and the Coffee Corner team

Ronja Conrad 2 July

Peter Ground 2 July

Melinda Jacobs 2 July

Marlize Hickman and Mar-LizĂŠ Potgieter 2 July

Zephan Potgieter 2 July

Ripley Robertshaw 6 July

Tony Roper 7 July

Andrew Herriot 7 July

Bukho Apolosi 9 July

Bukhosi Apolosi 9 July

Rasheed Khota 10 July

Viv Gravenor 12 July

Lindsay Frith 15 July

Craig Templer 20 July

Kilian Conrad 20 July

If your birthday or a special occasion is coming up, please email: ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or send an sms 082 081 886 750 2424 4006

STANFORD RIVER TALK 20

Lukhanyo Qonya 22 July

Wanya van der Walt 24 July

Joe van Huyssteen 26 July

Tina Louw 28 July

Gian Bester 23 July

Belinda Heald 28 July

Tasha Saha 28 July

STANFORD RIVER TALK 21

List your business for just R14.50 a month ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Beloftebos Cottages De Kleine Rivers Valey House Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oom Pietjie se Huisie

Reiersvlei Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Villa on the Bay Walshacres Riverside

082 320 0982 082 391 5331 028 341 0048 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 073 156 9997 028 341 0888 082 213 0512 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 082 336 1573 082 614 6322

ANTIQUES & BOOKS Home of Sir Robert Stanford 028 341 0048

(only R173/year)

ELECTRICIAN HCD Electrical distillery Fynbos Distillery

LOCAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES

084 769 1053

076 320 3092

028 341 0116 028 341 0013 028 341 0272 028 341 0647

028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 ROOF REPAIRS Overberg Roof Repair 072 318 2478

HOTEL Stanford Hotel

082 781 1704

TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages

082 320 0982

VINTAGE ACCESSORIES & DECOR Lace 082 781 1704

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

Wedding venues Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Villa on the Bay

072 364 3694 082 450 3970 082 783 9737

Building Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

Building plans Jan Biernacki

Massage & Health Stanford Health Practice

082 481 8285

072 546 1567

Conference centre Mosaic Farm

028 313 2814

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Klein River Picnics River Rat Boat Cruises

028 3410 693 083 310 0952

083 339 1641

082 609 0809

ESTATE AGENTS Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties

HAIR Jeanne Retief

ARCHITECTURE Grant Anderson Maureen Wolters Gregg Goddard

COUNSELLING Lana Ackermann

PLUMBING PlumbTec

RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Birkenhead Galley Marianas The Royal Oke

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

079 881 4422 028 341 0033 073 160 4495

082 391 5331 028 313 2814 082 336 1573

WINE CELLAR & SALES Stanford Hills Estate 028 3410 841 Sir Robert Stanford Wine Estate 028 341 0441 Wood Walshacres Farm

028 341 0685 082 898 4889

WEEKLY TIMETABLE Monday 09:00, Yoga, 084 685 2641, Viv von der Heyden, 23 Quick Street Monday 09:00, Pilates, 083 339 1641, Lana, NG Church Hall Monday 17:30, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, last Monday of each month at Stanford Hills Estate.

Monday & Wednesday, Canoeing, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877 Tuesday 08:30 – 10:00, Iyengar Yoga, Birkenhead Brewery, Marianne 082 2919 638.

Tuesday 17:30 & Friday 08:30, Maitri Yoga, Tasha Saha, 076 968 8608.

Tuesday & Thursday 17:00 -18:00, Tae Bo, Okkie Smuts School Hall, Ronnie 083 655 4521.

Tuesday & Thursday 17:30, Cycling, cnr de Bruin & Moore Streets, Sunday 08:00 Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935.

Wednesday 16:00 & Saturday 09:00 Canoe Club Training. Time Trial notices will appear from August 2017. Chris Wolf 083 455 3605 Wednesday, 18:30, Rotary Stanford Club Meeting, Graze. Everyone welcome. Lana 082 216 4398.

Wednesdays 10:00 – 10:30, 'War Room' Prayer Meeting, NG Church Hall. All Welcome Thursday 18:30 - 21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions, 071 382 9033 Thursday 08:00 Pilates, 083 339 1641, Lana, NG Church Hall Thursday 09:00 -10:15 Yoga, Leli 082 350 0253 Friday 09:00, Yoga, 084 685 2641, Viv von der Heyden, 23 Quick Street.

Fridays: 19:30 – 20:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Overstrand Municipality Boardroom, Queen Victoria Street, Call Peter 082 7888 630 or Theo 082 635 3193 Saturday 09:00 Canoe Club Training. Time Trial notices will appear from August 2017. Chris Wolf 083 455 3605

WORSHIP IN STANFORD Christen Gemeenskaps Bediening 10:00 NG Kerksaal Almal welkom

NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:00 in die kerkgebou Office tel 028 3410 966

ST THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH Morton St, Father Joseph Gabriëls 028 3410588 1st Sunday of the month 10:30 Communion (Afr) 2nd Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) 3rd Sunday of the month 08:00 Communion (Eng) 4th Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr)

Stanford United Church Interdenominational, St Thomas Church, Morton Str 6pm Sunday (English service) Bible Study 7pm Tuesday night, 45 Queen Victoria Str Jan Troost 072 3459057

STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

VG KERK (next to De Bron School) 10:00 Sunday morning Maureen Diedericks 028 3410 691 FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service Pastor Johnny van der Schyff 028 3410 422

Creative Spirit

ART talk

By Su Wolf

SARA ABBOTT ‘Untrained, unschooled and undisciplined!’ Sara Abbott replies when I ask her to describe her art.

Being well aware how some art teachers can curb a scholar’s natural creativity, I would say being untrained is often a distinct advantage. Sara is an artistic free spirit.

Although her father insisted she attend secretarial school (‘so you’ll always have a real job to fall back on’), rather than follow her dream to go to St Martin’s College of Art in London, he was very encouraging of her free, expressionist drawing style.

‘My father, a famer in Kenya, was an artist himself; he was always doing drawings of the farm animals.’ says Sara. ‘We used to have a long table in the nursery and because there was nothing to do in the evenings on the farm my sister and I would sit there and draw. I, too, would draw the farm animals – as well as the usual teenage drawings of Elvis and movie stars’.

The horses Sara now keeps on a paddock just outside Stanford are constant models for her current work, as are Vita and Smudge, her two dogs. The household cats, along with various farm cows, goats and pigs, also appear in her artworks – a veritable menagerie of subjects all wonderfully and originally executed. And, like their creator, the artworks have a delightfully quirky edge.

‘One should always persevere and push through with a piece, even if you think it’s hopeless – don’t give up. It’s the history beneath the painting which gives it, its patina and it is always relevant’.

Sara continues ‘I have had some wonderful teachers over the years; Lukas van Vuuren, André Naude and Greg Kerr have been particularly inspirational. Greg Kerr (once Professor in Fine Arts at Stellenbosch University) holds yearlong courses where he takes one on a wondrous art journey. He takes you right out of your box!’

Along with a strong drawing talent, being experimental and inventive are among Sara’s strong points. She uses sharpened sticks of bamboo to draw with, plays with Jik and Quink ink and applies chalk pastels over monoprints she has created. ‘I love the element of surprise and embrace happy accidents. I like cutting into the paper and rubbing in charcoal. Glazes of transparent jewel-like colours add transparent layers. They all form part of the magical patina I mentioned.’

The works, like the artist, are never conventional or humdrum. There is an excitement and energy in each unique work. Experience Sara’s creations at Through the Looking Glass Gallery in Queen Victoria Street.

‘I like to have a sense of movement in my drawings and paintings, not just a static portrait of an animal.

And when all else fails I use mixed media', Sara quips.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 23