Volume 103 | MARCH 2014 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R14
d r o f n a t S Village Scene
Harvest love STANFORD H I L L S ESTAT E
wine tasting * lunches * functions * horseriding * hiking * accommodation * flower sales * flights the tasting room restaurant Open Thurs-Mon 11-5, chalkboard menu changes daily. Child & pet friendly. Stanford Hills...not just a farm, it’s a lifestyle. 028 341 0841
info@stanfordhills.co.za
www.stanfordhills.co.za
R43 Stanford
STANFORD RIVER TALK TA ALK 1
coffee corner Morton Square, Stanford, 028 3410 034
Champagne Breakfast-Brunch Special Friday, 21 March As part of Stanford Food Heroes and the Stanford Fair (weather permitting of course) we will be out in the Morton Square Courtyard, so bring your family (and dogs)! Where possible, fresh ingredients are purchased from our local food heroes. We are even catering for “Banting dieters�.
So we can take you on a delicious travel menu all over the world for only R175.00. BOOKING ESSENTIAL Contact Maureen 082 450 3970
STANFORD RIVER TALK 2
editorial notes The colour of our village is changing as the vines, lawns, veggie patches and flowers finally bow to the summer sun. The grapes are sweet and bursting to transparency, all good news for keen wine tasters (Wine Time, Page 12 & 13 ). Life in Stanford is completely outdoorsy which is why picnicking and basket-packing become a true art form (Kitchen Talk, Page 14). We remember Human Rights Day on 21 March. The young and carefree love a long weekend while older people may remember the horror and confusion on 21 March 1960, when police shot hundreds of bullets into a crowd protesting the Pass Laws. Sixty-nine people died that day, but not in vain. May locals and visitors enjoy the spirit of community at the Stanford Village Fair which hopes to bring people of all races together over the long weekend. The high energy of children in the streets, riding their bikes and flying their kites, is reflected by the commitment and vitality of the adults in this Overberg village. Fairs, markets and live music events are balanced by the charity work and projects which support local children, families and animals (News and Updates, Pages 4-7). Well done Stanford. This is a beautiful life. find our business page on facebook tweet to Stanford River Talk @VillageLife MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Janika Dorland, SJ du Toit, Suzanne Francois-Rossouw, Fred Hatman, Andrew Herriot, Melissie Jolly, Olga Koorts, Don MacIver, Karen McKee, Naas Terblanche and Tania Weich and Bea Whittaker.
CONTACT US www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za Phil Murray – editor, 082 667 0619, philippa.murray@gmail.com Sandra Slabbert – design, design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za, 079 523 8453 Michelle Hardie – All account queries, 079 2911 588 Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor‘s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article. Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission. Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC.
letters to the editor
Please send your letters to ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or to PO Box 228 Stanford, 7210. Try to keep letters as short as possible (100 words or less) and supply your name and address. Anonymous letters will not be published. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any letter.
Lifting the lid During December 2013 the Overstrand Municipality sampled the Klein River Estuary (as is customary in its bi-monthly water sampling programme) in order to determine the level of faecal pollution. Intestinal enterococci (bacteria) is one of the bacterial indicator organisms used to determine faecal pollution. The following numbers are the results of water samples collected for Intestinal Enteroccocci at the following sample points in the Klein River Estuary in December 2013: Hermanus Yacht Club: 5 200 cfu/per 100ml Scout Camp: 1 940 cfu/per 100ml Prawn Flats: 3 100 cfu/per 100ml The SA Water Guideline for Recreational water (2009) states a level in excess of 185 cfu/per 100ml as poor (unacceptable) with a gastro-intestinal (GI) health risk index of 8.5%. Some of the highest readings from the Hermanus Estuary (during this specific period of the year at these sites) represent over 1000 times higher risk factors compared to the official health hazard levels. So why have none of these recordings been published and why has a concerted NO SWIMMING programme not been put in place with signs and information, warning the public of the high health risks at these major tourist venues (Stanford's King Street Jetty recorded 1 100 cfu/per 100ml over same period)? The deathly silence and inactivity from the Council is nothing short of gross irresponsibility and shows a cynical disregard for the environment, let alone the public at large. The last flood occurred on the 16 November last year. These water sample readings were taken on 12 and 19 December. John Williams
Play park dilemma There is a dire need for play areas in the northern side of the village. The jukskeibaan/ ex-tennis court/ unofficial parking area on the Village Green has been earmarked as the most central, and thus ideal area. However, as it is part of a graded heritage site, the design and approval process is dragging its usual heels. Part of the approval process is to determine whether the general public would agree to a playground area on the village green and/or if there are other (additional) sites that could be better utilised. Please send me your comments a.s.a.p. and send them to milkwood@maxitec.co.za Bea Whittaker
STANFORD RIVER TALK 3
letters to the editor
news & updates
Thank you
Meeting held 13 February 2014
When we moved here in January 2013 we were welcomed into this community with open arms. Every day we were reassured that we had made the right decision for our family in moving here from our beautiful and remote farm in the Cederberg. We all made lots of wonderful friends. When my husband Moritz died in a tragic aeroplane crash four months ago, we were overwhelmed by the love and support of the Stanford community. I received so much help in the form of shoulders to lean on, practical advice, meals, organising kids after school when I could not fetch them, and in many more ways. Moritz's parents came from Germany to stay with me for two weeks right after the accident. Knowing that there are so many caring people around us made it easier for them to leave us again when they had to. Ronja's Playschool Buzzy Bees and Kilian's Primary School Okkie Smuts have also been so understanding and supportive. I want to thank you all and let you know how deeply grateful I am to live in such a wonderful village during this difficult time. Andrea, Kilian and Ronja Conrad
Stanford comes up trumps again! When we swallows, Penny and myself, decided to come to the Cape by boat for a change, we made arrangements for Elaine Teague to pick us up at the Cape Town Docks. We asked Elaine if she knew of anyone else who might be on the boat, so we could meet up during the voyage. She told us that Cathy Hornby's sister, Rose, would be on board with Carl, her friend. However, she did not know any surnames, so it would have been impossible to make contact with 2600 passengers on the ship, Still cruising: Penny Findlay at the docks. only knowing first names! The email was forgotten. So it came as a bit of a shock when I was checking what arrangements had been made with Elaine regarding where and when to meet at the docks, and I came across the email which reminded me of the names, Rose and Carl. I realised we had played bridge with them during the voyage several times, and often talked about mutual friends in the UK as we all lived in the east of England. No one mentioned where we would be staying in RSA! It came as a further shock to discover later, that the house we would be renting was immediately behind where Rose and Carl were staying with Cathy in Bezuidenhout Street! Great to see Stanford River Talk is still going strong. We always look forward to reading it when we come here every January for two or three months to enjoy Stanford, it's food and our friends! Stuart Findlay
What's bin stinkin'? While doing battle hosing out my big black refuse bin this morning I remembered my visit to Australia many years ago. They have a wonderful service whereby a properly run service provider calls round to clean the big bin after the refuse had been collected. Everything runs so smoothly. Your big refuse wheelie bin, has to have the correct side of it facing the street, for the automatic truck to lift and empty it. If it faces the wrong way, no problem: they simply leave it where it is! Surely any person with foresight could turn this into a part time lucrative business. No matter how careful I am by lining the bin with a black bag and filling it with refuse tied tightly in yet another plastic bag, that big refuse bin needs periodic washing. Yvonne Ryan STANFORD RIVER TALK 4
WARD COMMITTEE FEEDBACK WORKING FOR THE COAST Known to Stanford as the Green Team, this is one of the most successful poverty relief projects in the area. Stanford is fortunate to have a team working here, and this is only because the river area up to the R43 bridge is classified as an estuary, and hence we are part of the coastline. However, despite having the most successful working team in the Overstrand, Stanford has to date received none of the infrastructure benefits (boardwalks, benches etc) from this specific fund. The issue has been raised numerous times at the ward committee meeting, and hopefully we will have an answer for you after the March meeting. STANFORD LOW-COST HOUSING PROJECT Various layout proposals are on the drawing board at the moment and will be presented to the community during the course of the year. PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN Unfortunately this has become a longer process than expected, as the proposed playground on the Village Green has to fit in with the overall vision for the area, which is being drawn up by renowned landscape architect Bernie Oberholzer on behalf of three Stanford organisations: Conservation, Ratepayers and Tourism. The village green precinct plan should be available by the end May. DE BRUYN STREET DUST PROBLEM With the increase in traffic using De Bruyn Street, residents are up in arms because of the unbearable dust caused by trucks and cars. The answers proposed by residents include traffic calming measures, lowering the speed limit, and tarring the road. Although the tarring of the road is top priority and will be prioritised in the IDP, there are at present no such funds available. It was agreed that the municipality will do a traffic count to determine the volume of traffic using the road, and then come up with a possible interim solution. WATER-BORNE SEWERAGE This month the contractors will complete the laying of pipe infrastructure for the properties along King Street, Quick Street and Adderley Street down to Shortmarket Street. The connection to the network (which includes a pumping station at the bottom of King Street) will probably be done in 2015. Other work to be done is the building of the pumping station at the corner of Caledon and Du Toit Street so that residents in that area will be able to connect to the network (pipes were laid last year). Residents in Buitekant and Abner Streets will also be able to connect to the network soon. STANFORD REED PROBLEM Examples of the eradication of the indigenous invasive reed phragmitis australis in wetlands and Ramsar sites in other parts of South Africa without having to apply for an environmental authorisation, has led to the ward committee agreeing that the municipality’s stand on not allowing the cutting down of this invasive reed along Stanford’s river banks could be erroneous. It was therefore agreed that reeds could be cut down with caution and in those areas where the encroachment thereof into the river could become a flood problem (refer to separate article on this issue) and where it decreases the recreational value of the river front. The bottom line is that no grain of soil must be disturbed, i.e. no mechanical removal of the root system. Bea Whittaker
How to nurse a giant
news & updates
A
s most of you are aware, Burmar Civils is in the process of digging trenches to lay sewage pipes for the northern half of our village. If you know Stanford, you will have admired the majestic 100 year old oak tree in Ralph and Lucy Rosen's garden, just metres from the river. The beauty of this tree is that it has escaped the dreaded rot that sets into most oaks in the warm southern hemisphere as a result of growing too fast. This giant has had a two metre deep trench cut past it, Tree CPR: Dave Morrison helping to save within half a meter of the trunk! an old oak. Just like buildings, trees over Richard Searle from Burmar sixty years old are protected by law. Civils has been most amicable and approachable while we have negotiated saving the tree. The team has done a sterling job in digging underneath the largest roots, as they grow horizontally. The trench is due to be closed soon, and the roots have been spayed with 15 litres of a Kelpak (seaweed) solution. The auxins and cytokinins will do their job to promote new, healthy root growth. Thanks to all the tree huggers for their vigilance, and to Richard. Now we will watch the tunnelling past another oak, 50 metres east of this one. Anka Esterhuizen, Patron of the Stanford Conservation Trust
Aerial support
Working together works: A fire broke out on 11 February just outside Stanford. It was swiftly brought under control by volunteers, farmers, farm workers and the local Fire and Rescue Team. Well done!
Sit down next to me The Stanford Police Station is short of chairs and has no special funding for furniture. If you have any spare chairs lying around, please consider donating them. They will be deeply appreciated. • For collection, contact Steph at the Stanford Tourism Office 028 341 0340 or Kevin Husk of the Community Police Forum 082 809 3585.
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news & updates
Reed clearance
Reader feedback shapes Stanford River Talk Please let us know what you think of Stanford's monthly newspaper. Fill in the questionnaire provided and drop it at the Stanford Tourism Office, complete the short survey on our Facebook Group Page, or email us directly at philippa.murray@gmail.com.
'Feel good' oggend teen geweld
Encroaching reeds on the Klein River bank.
The black line indicates the original bank of a section of the Klein River – the area above the line shows what happens when reeds are left to grow into the river. As silt moves down the river it gets trapped in the reeds that grow in the water. This forms a thick mat on which this type of reed (phragmitis australis, whose rhizomes can grow more than two metres a year) gains a foothold to grow even further into the river. And so the vicious cycle continues until the silt is trapped from the one side of the river to the other to eventually form a type of dam wall in the river. During flood conditions this obstruction in the river channel could have serious consequences upstream and downstream. For many years we were led to believe that the reeds could not be touched as they absorb the nutrients flowing down the river due to upstream farming activities, and that they prevent flooding. We were further told that cutting down these reeds along the Klein River would contravene the National Environmental Management Act which states that no more than 300 square metres of indigenous vegetation can be removed without environmental authorisation. Wrong! The invasive nature of this plant allows it to form dense monospecific stands that give it a competitive advantage over other species. This leads to degradation of wetlands and riverine areas by crowding out other indigenous plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, thus increasing the risk of flooding and reducing access for swimming, fishing and boating. Due to the invasive nature of phragmitis australis it is now regarded as an indigenous invasive species in most countries of the world – needing no environmental approval for it to be cut down (the mechanical removal of the roots being a different kettle of fish) and allowing for the application of approved herbicides to keep the spreading thereof under control. Research into the various acts that protect the environment and our (agricultural) land resources has also shown that the acts focus on the removal of invasive vegetation, with alien invasive vegetation being top priority. Not all aliens are invasive. Furthermore people get confused between indigenous (naturally occurring in an area anywhere in the world) and endemic (only occurring in that specific area in the world). Indigenous can therefore become invasive, as has happened with phragmitis. Man has to intervene in order to keep the balance. However, this has to be done with caution and with the agreement, knowledge and blessing of the environmental bodies in our area. Bea Whittaker STANFORD RIVER TALK 6
'n Groepie jong ma’s van Hermanus is besig om 'n inspirerende damesoggend te reël onder die vaandel van Projek Hoop, 'n projek waarmee hulle graag 'n verskil wil maak in ons gemeenskap. Die klompie vriendinne se harte is aangeraak deur die toestand van gender geweld, en met Projek Hoop wil hulle dié geveg teen geweld teen vroue en kinders in die Overberg ondersteun. Die damestee, Fees van Hoop, vind plaas op Vrydag 21 Maart by die Sir Robert Stanford Landgoed buite Stanford. Die fees is 'n fondsinsameling en die inkomste gaan gebruik word om bestaande nood aan te spreek. Dis 'n oggend met lekker kos deur Madré van Madré’s Kitchen, mooi musiek deur Helene Bester, nuwe modes en 'n praatjie deur Elsabé Aldrich. Dit is R150 per gas, en begin 8:30. Kontak 072 244 0233 of kry kaartjies by Savannah restaurant in Hermanus, Madré’s Kitchen buite Stanford, of NG Kerk Hermanus. Indien jy 'n donasie wil maak of betrokke wil raak, besoek hul blog by feesvanhoop.wordpress.com of hul facebookblad www.facebook. com/ProjekHoop. Vind daar meer uit oor die Bakkies vol Hoop. Marette van Huyssteen
news & updates
At your own pace STANFORD PROPERTY SALES
Thursday, 20 February marked the beginning of a ‘get fit, have Five properties in Stanford were issued with sales certificates in fun’ campaign in Stanford. A four February. These figures include name transfers. and five km course have been marked out and members of our community were invited to join up TOURISM MATTERS for a weekly run/walk programme, which starts at the rugby club at 6pm every Thursday, and runs around and through the village. 19 people arrived for our first event and we know that these numbers With prominent Stanford eateries in the main road closing will grow as the word spreads. Five runners ran the 5km route whilst the or closed, it is time to look at our retail mix and ensure rest did the walk in a respectable time. Andrew Herriott has encouraged that Stanford is making the most of her opportunities. As a the Striders, who meet on a Monday evening at 6pm at the corner business chamber, Stanford Tourism’s efforts go beyond merely of Adderley and Longmarket Streets, to join up with this initiative. In drawing tourists to the village. Stanford needs to maintain the same way we have invited our newly formed group to join the thriving businesses, and an entrepreneurial atmosphere, Monday walkers and runners. All of this could lead to bigger things like and for visiting tourists, there needs to be visibly open and sponsored fun runs and half marathons. operational establishments. Marketing efforts to attract outCome and join us every Monday and Thursday. Meet new people and be sociable. Timekeeping is available so you can track your progress. It of-towners to the village are wasted on days when restaurants can be fun to exercise. Rick Prins and shops are closed. We need tourists to not only support
Focusing on the Main Elements
our local accommodation establishments, but our wineries, restaurants and businesses too – and this cannot happen with closed doors. We are only as good as our members, and it’s time to pull together and put Stanford in her best light. Any members wishing to discuss their retail mix or opening times are welcome to contact Chairman William Stephens for a brainstorm and a cup of tea. Stanford Tourism Committee
On the festive side, come and support the Stanford Village Fair, 20-22 March – a long weekend experience in Stanford. Expect art, jazz soirees, children’s activities, crafts, good food, live music, and a lot more
CONSERVATION MATTERS
Are you a member?
Last month Stanford Conservation asked this question: have you signed up yet? You do know that membership is free!
• SC works tirelessly for the good of Stanford to ensure that your village remains a place of beauty, helping to retain its architectural integrity and street-scape. The Wandelpad along the river from the bridge up to the nature reserve is maintained under the guidance of a team of SC volunteers. • At the February ward committee meeting permission was given by an Overstrand Municipality consultant to start cutting back the reeds that are a dangerous threat to our waterways. At the forthcoming Stanford Conservation AGM, due to be held in April, Alan Liebenberg, (who is Chief Conservation Officer, Intaka Island Wetland at Century City and an expert in managing wetlands) will give a presentation on the maintenance of rivers and wetlands. Also at the AGM proposals will be tabled to amend the constitution regarding the election of office bearers of both Stanford Conservation and the sub-committees. We do hope you care enough to come along and hear what is proposed. • Don’t miss out. Be a part of Stanford, the village that (in the words of a former Mayor) 'serves as a model to all in Overstrand when it comes to preserving its rich heritage – both culturally and environmentally…' Elaine Teague 072 779 3552
Coming soon to Stanford...
STAR DVD Opening in March CNR of Shortmarket str and Queen Victoria Contact Santie 082 923 2610 STANFORD RIVER TALK 7
business news
FINANCE MATTERS
All in a jam
Say 'cheese'
The big cheese: (from left) Sandy Jardine, Riaan and Shelley Lourens.
Klein River Cheesery's Oak Smoked Stanford has been awarded Woolworth's highest cheese accolade in the third annual Cheese Maker’s Challenge, 2014. This year’s entries faced a tough panel of judges comprising of cheese experts and some well-known foodies including Peter Templehoff (Chef at the Greenhouse), Abigail Donnelly (Taste Food Editor), Clare Mack (Spill Editor) and MasterChef South Africa winner Kamini Pather. Congratulations to the Lourens family and cheese maker, Jacko van Beulen.
One of the main reasons we left the ‘big smoke’ was because of the traffic congestion. A week or so ago we visited the Mother City and found ourselves stuck in traffic. To while away the time (and diesel) I got to thinking about Mr Ford. Mr Henry Ford that is, the man who changed the world forever with the concept now known as ‘mass production’ or ‘the assembly line’. During the first month of production (August 1908) only 11 Model Ts were produced. By 1927, when the 15 millionth Model T rolled off the assembly line (93 minutes after starting) they were rolling out at the rate of one every 3 minutes. The last Model Ts were built in 2002, 94 years after the first, to celebrate Ford’s centenary. Meanwhile Henry was expanding his idea into other fields. In 1941, before America entered the war, they were building B-24 Liberators at the Willows Run plant in Michigan - at the time it was the largest building under one roof in the world. The 1 200 000 odd parts were assembled into a B-24 so that they ‘flew’ off the line at the rate of one every 55 minutes! In March 1966 General Motors assembled its 100 millionth car in the USA. A few years ago GM was producing 12 million vehicles a year. Last year Toyota produced the most, closely followed by GM and Volkswagen, each with just under 10 million vehicles. Worldwide vehicle production last year produced one vehicle for every person in South Africa – legal and illegal. Nissan opened their new plant in the UK last month. It only makes the Nissan Qashqai which roll off the line at the rate of one every 61 seconds. And we think we have traffic problems? In what is now probably the biggest building under one roof in Seattle, the Boeing factory produces the 747, 767 and 777 passenger planes at the rate of between 6 and 7 of each model every month. I have no idea about the other manufacturers but they are already saying the skies are crowded. Old Boar
Bang clang ting ting
STANFORD DIY - PAINT - PLUMBING IRRIGATION - NURSERY Landscaping & irrigation services.
Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:00 Sat, 8:00 - 14:00 Tel: (028) 341 0691 Fax: (028) 341 0413
028 3410 691 STANFORD RIVER TALK 8
promotions
March 2014 is Jenny Hayes' (aka Jenny Metal) tenth anniversary in Stanford. She has been banging the anvil and making gates for Stanford folk for a decade.
Stephen Stocks and his computer stock comfortably settled in his new premises at Morton Square. See Compuworld's advert on page 17.
* Heron metal curved neck * Heron metal straight neck * Heron metal s-shaped neck * Agricol Wildbird seed 5kg * Agricol Garden Bird feed Mix * Birdfeeder Nectar * Elaine's Bird Grub Suet Ball * Proteas/Leucodendron/ Leucospermum
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GARDEN WORKSHOPS: How to attract birds in your garden Coming soon: How to plant sweetpea seeds, and a new special collection.
* SunPatiens assorted colours R33.95 Prices Valid While Stocks Last. • 1 - 31 March 2014 • All Prices Include Vat.
Each month local schools are invited to send news and photographs to Stanford River Talk. If you have photographs of school activities, please send them to the school secretary so that they can be included.
Okkie smuts
school talk
Okkie Smuts Sports Day was held on 24 January on the Village Green. On the day, the Red Team won the Spirit Trophy while the Blue Team won by 8 points overall.
Rooi Span: (Agter links na regs) Lee-Ann Prins, Kelley May, Susan Robyn, Andrea Philander, Tiffany Moos, (middel) Vuyo Mbangeni, Dimitri Slingers, Sergio McGear, Kevin Rutzen, en (voor) Annetjie van Wyk.
Blou Span: (Links na regs) Sonja Louw, Aiden Arendse, Amy Hattingh, Coentte Goss, Zander Goss en Jamal Lehman.
Op Saterdag 15 Februarie het die volgende leerders deelgeneem aan die Suid-Boland atletiek byeenkoms: Tamson Hendricks – 2de 1200m Willene Dreyer – 3de 1200m Akheem Booysen – 1ste 80m en 100m Kelley May – 1ste 800m, 2de 100m, 200m en 1500m Matthew Privett – 1ste 80m
Sarah Staples receiving the hamper for her mother, Jeanne Retief, who won the R400 hamper that was raffled for Valentine’s day. The school raised R7 786.10. Thank you to everyone who took part in this raffle.
Ons trots: (links na regs) Willene Dreyer, Mev Christien Haxton, Tamson Hendricks, Kelley May, Akeem Booysen en Mnr Kobus Koekemoer. Inlas Matthew Privett.
Okkie Smuts is also delighted to welcome Edwina Van Blerk to the school as the new Grade 4 teacher.
OKKIE SMUTS PRIMARY IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FOOD GARDENER. 12 months School Governing Body Contract (not a permanent staff member). Salary: R1415.40 p/m and after trial period of 3 months, R2000.00 p/m. Working hours: 08:00 – 17:00 week days Please contact Mr Koekemoer (Principal) 028 341 0611 or apply at the school office.
Funimfundo MORTON UNDER THE MOON
Everyone is a moon – strong and full of light (Tahereh Mafi) – and so we encourage our 55 pre-schoolers at Funimfundo to aim for the moon by providing them with the best start possible. On Saturday night (15 February) 50 Stanfordians gathered at Rick and Lyn Prins’ house in Morton Street for the rising of the full moon. They came bearing plates of snacks and sweet things, shared a welcome drink and yummy Thai Green curry and, most importantly, donated generously to Funimfundo. The weather was beautiful, the garden enchanting and the company happy. This was a teaser for the MORTON UNDER THE APRIL MOON event which will take the form of a street party with live music, entertainment and dancing. The generous donations from 15 February are earmarked to assist Occupational Therapist, Regina Broenner. She has written her South African exams and has volunteered to do her community service here in Stanford at Funimfundo, Die Bron and other facilities in need of services for early childhood development. The money will go towards her needs to assist the pupils who are struggling, and to give them the extra encouragement that they need to become stars. A lot of happy things truly do happen when the moon shines. Lyn Prins
Bright shiny futures: (From left to right) Olwethu Qosha, Anitha Gwija, and Ayola Sidelo. STANFORD RIVER TALK 9
STANFORD RIVER TALK 10
Many new faces have been spotted around the village. Please contact philippa.murray@gmail.com so that our local paparazzo (our editor) can welcome you in our next edition.
WELCOME TO THREE GENERATIONS!
The Villagers
If you have ever wandered towards the Village Green, beckoned by the mellow, dulcet tones of man-and-guitar, it is most likely that you have found yourself enjoying the Sunset Market mariachi, Gerry. Gerry's friendly greetings, and his soothing songs make him a firm favourite in the village. Your name: Gerry Fourie, but also known to some friends as Pappa Jer, a pet name Danie Niehaus used for me.
Three generations, one family: (Back from left) Cheryl and Ken Garrod, Cindy, Darren and Mike Moody; (front) Shannon Moody. Ken and Cheryl Garrod moved to Stanford in September 2013 to enjoy their retirement, after living in Franschhoek for 35 years. The quaint, quiet village atmosphere reminded them of Franschhoek all those years ago and undoubtedly drew them here after a few passing visits. Cheryl has been involved in numerous self-employed business activities over the years including wedding co-ordination, flower arrangement and wine tours. Ken's latter years have been taken up with agricultural vehicle and implement repairs, show pigeons and enjoying retirement. Mike and Cindy Moody and their two children, Darren(14), Shannon (10) and their Springer Spaniel, Jessey, arrived at the beginning of the year after 12 years living in Devon, England. Mike has been in the property maintenance and plumbing industry for years after leaving a wildlife/ tourism career in SA. He is eager to enter into the renewable energy sector soon, once refurbishment of Ken and Cheryl’s property has been completed. Cindy was involved in catering/management in the UK but has now entered into retail, currently working in a clothing boutique in Hermanus. We all enjoy wildlife, sports, travelling and a good braai! Cindy, Mike and Family
whats on in March * 15 March Saturday, Stanford Canoe Race, Stanfordinfo, 028 341 0340. * 16 March Sunday, Beloftebos Summer Sundays, Bookings Beloftebos, 028 341 0683. See page 15. * 20 March Thursday, Jazz Soriee- Don Gelato, R160pp, Bookings Stanfordinfo 028 341 0340. * 21 March Friday, Human Rights Day
* 21 March Friday, Women’s 'Fees van Hoop'. See page 6. * 22 March Saturday, Stanford Village Fair, all day activites, stalls, dog show, vintage cars, Viva Art, Scarecrow competition. Live music & dancing with Late Final in the evening: special reserved tables of 10 pax, R800. Contact Stanfordinfo to book. 028 341 0340. See page 10. * 23 March Sunday, Art Stroll Route, 028 341 0340. * 28 March Friday, Sunset Market, on the Village Green. * 29 March Saturday, Earth Hour, Stanford Village Green 20:3021:30, Relax on the village green with your own picnic baskets. The municipality will switch the lights off 20:30-21:30. * 27/ 28 March, Flight for Birders Course, R500 pp. Book with Elaine Odendal at birding@overberg.co.za or 082 455 8402.
What made you move to Stanford? After having had a very active roller-coaster life we decided to find a place not too far away from the hustle and bustle of the Big City! We discovered Stanford by total chance about eight years ago in our quest for a place to live. We drove into the village and looked at one another, and decided this was it! We moved into our house almost six years ago and here we will stay! What makes you remain in Stanford? I guess we have become real Country Bumpkins. We have made some wonderful friends and meet new people all the time. The clean air and beautiful countryside, going out with my doggies for an early morning run down Queen Victoria (which I couldn't do in the city) and the weekly get-togethers with the Stanford Striders – these are things I love. I wrote a song 'Stanford my Home' and I think that says it all! Do you make music for work or for pleasure, and how did you get into it? I had an exciting musical career performing 5 – 7 nights per week at various venues (hotels, clubs, pubs, private and corporate functions). Through the years I also wrote songs for various artists, television and my own recordings. I also had a music school working with young talent and arranging charity shows where my pupils performed. Since becoming a Stanfordian I make music for pleasure but never ever thought that music would take me in so many different directions again, or that I would become so busy. I thank everybody for the tremendous support! What is your idea of a perfect weekend in the Overberg? There are so many different things to do and experience but these are a few of my favourite things: Spending time with all our overseas visitors who all just LOVE Stanford. My daughter, Michelle, and her friends come to visit, and sometimes she performs with Dad at a gig. (I’m sure many of you have heard her.) Old friends and groupies come to spend an enjoyable weekend in Stanford. We show them around and enjoy everything the village has to offer. Playing my guitar and entertaining guests on Ernie’s River Rat (Chanette you are always a star hostess!) What more can I say? I just love this place! If there were funds available, how would you suggest the Overberg promote music, arts and culture? This is a difficult question to answer but one idea would be that a platform/ venue should be made available where young people would have the opportunity to display their talents once a month. These artists should be nurtured by capable professionals to bring their talents to the fore.
STANFORD RIVER TALK 11
Wine time
February is harvest time in Stanford. A mixture of chemistry, luck, timing, patience and real passion culminates in the summer harvest and marks the start of the wine-making process. Villagers and visitors lap up our local wines and sip, quaff or spit to their heart's content. Thank you winemakers, and grape-pickers for keeping our glasses full. And we can hardly wait to taste the rumoured Method Cap Classique that three of our local farmers are delicately designing.
Pinotage juice: The first step in making Springfontein's first MCC, ready in 2016.
Early morning vine inspection: Cows and grapes at Raka.
Pinotage and chardonnay: Walker Bay grapes lining up to be the first MCC.
2014 Harvest: Boshrivier.
Lunch: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 3pm Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5pm to 9pm
LI VE S PORT 30 Shortmarket Street, Stanford • contact Santie or Karl on 028 341 0662 ot 071 287 8823 STANFORD RIVER TALK 12
Crunch time at Vaalvlei: Destemming the 2014 harvest.
All hands in deck: Everyone clubbing together to harvest the grapes at Brunia.
A family business: Stanford Hills hard at work making wine, including their first MCC.
Blessing the harvest: Friends and family shared a drink and blessed the 2014 harvest at Sir Robert Stanford Estate.
wine talk
Bottled up questions about bubbly! W
hat’s in a name? Specifically, what is the name of the wine that has bubbles, and why all the fuss regarding the proper terminology? If your location is South Africa, the correct answer is: not champagne. Champagne is a region in France where the first sparkling wine was made. Let's start at the very beginning: French Huguenots and German settlers arrived on our shores in the late seventeenth century. Rather wisely, they included in their luggage their skill and knowledge of winemaking, which they put into practice on the farms that they
established viz La Provence and La Champange – named after their hometowns and regions. These names were also used for their products… until the mid twentieth century. In 1935 a rather ‘fishy’ situation arose on our homeground when South Africa found itself in the unfavourable position of having a surplus of crayfish. France stepped in and absorbed the crayfish that exceeded our local needs. In exchange SA agreed to protect certain appellations of origin of wines, among them burgundy… and champagne. Hence, legislation
dictates that we may not call our sparkling wine ‘that word’. We refer to our bubbly as MCC, or Method Cap Classique. What do the following funny words have in common: frizzante, pétillant and spritzig? It is all semisparkling wine. Frizzante is Italian, pétillant in French and spritzig in German. Why the hoo-hah about sparkling wine anyway? Because rumour has it that three wine farms are in the process of producing it locally. That’s right, on our doorstep. Hah! Any further questions?
Tania Weich
STANFORD RIVER TALK 13
kitchen talk
Picnic treats SCOTCH EGGS
POTATO & BEETROOT SALAD Dressing
50 ml white vinegar salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp creamed horseradish (1/2 tsp fresh grated is best but it is very hard to find) a handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (you can add a bit more after tossing if you want)
Salad
1 kg new potatoes, boiled, peeled and diced 1 jar sliced beetroot, drained 1 red onion, finely sliced 1 small green pepper, finely diced 3 eggs, boiled and diced 1 small stick celery
Garnish
1 hard boiled egg sliced paprika
What to do next
Mix all salad dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Toss remaining ingredients into the bowl with dressing. Chill for an hour, or overnight. Top with sliced egg and sprinkle with paprika.
600 g minced pork ½ onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1½ Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp thyme 1 tsp Tabasco, or to taste 6 eggs, at room temperature plus 2 extra eggs, lightly beaten, for eggwash
For dusting: seasoned plain flour 150 gm (3 cups) fine white dry breadcrumbs For deep-frying: vegetable oil Lemon mayonnaise 2 egg yolks 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1½ Tbsp Dijon mustard 350 ml olive oil Finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
What to do next: • Combine pork, onion, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, thyme and Tabasco in a bowl. Season to taste and refrigerate until required. • For lemon mayonnaise, process yolks, vinegar and mustard in a food processor to combine. With motor running, add oil in a thin steady stream until thick and emulsified. Add rind and juice, season to taste and refrigerate until required. •Bring a saucepan of water to the simmer over medium heat, carefully add eggs and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cooked to your liking (8 minutes for soft-boiled, or 10 minutes for hard-boiled). Drain, refresh under cold water, drain and peel. Dust in flour, shaking off any excess. •Shape one-sixth of pork mixture into a cup in your hand, place a boiled egg in the indent and carefully mould mince around to enclose. Repeat with remaining pork mixture and eggs. • Dust each egg ball in seasoned flour, then eggwash, then dip in breadcrumbs, and refrigerate until required. • Heat oil in a deep-fryer or deep-sided frying pan to 180˚C. Deep-fry eggs, turning occasionally, until breadcrumbs are golden and pork is cooked through (6-7 minutes; be careful as hot oil will spit). Drain on absorbent paper, season to taste and serve warm or cold with lemon mayonnaise. Cathryn Herriot
geskiedenis stories SJ du Toit
OUPA JAN EN DIE DRENKELING (‘n Ware verhaal)
Die see was onstuimig daardie nag toe Oupa Jan Vermeulen by die Klipgat was om galjoen te gaan vang. Na ‘n maal van vis en koffie, hou hy godsdiens en kruip onder sy kombers in vir die nag. Skielik word hy wakker van 'n geroep. "Help, help!' Hy hardloop see toe en sien iemand in die vlak water spartel. Gou is Oupa by, gryp hom en trek hom uit op die sand. Die arme man was baie verbouereerd en moeg. Oupa Jan rol die kêrel om van die meeste water ontslae te raak. Die man beduie aanhoudend na die water maar sy maat kon nie oorleef nie. Hy het later uitgespoel en Oupa het hom 'n waardige begrafnis gegee. Met groot gesukkel het Oupa die oorlewende tot by die grot gekry waar hy hom langs die warm kole neergelê het. Na 'n koppie warm koffie en 'n stukkie vis het Oupa hom in die kombers toegewikkel en gou was die man vas aan die slaap. Na 'n dag se rus is Oupa met sy nuwe vriend die kranse uit na waar sy perd gekniehalter was. Die Engelsman, soos dit later geblyk het, word bo-op die perd gelaai en toe gaan hulle deur die duinesand. Bo-op die rand beduie hy vir die man dat hy die skilpad-bessies vir water kan eet. Op Stanford neem Oupa hom na die Moore-familie wat goed Engels kon praat. Hulle het hom gehelp om in die Kaap te kom en vandaar na Engeland. Soos belowe kom daar toe 'n brief uit Engeland met beloning vir Oupa se reddingsdaad. Ongelukkig was die beloning nie meer in die koevert nie. STANFORD RIVER TALK 14
Oupa Jan was fishing near Klipgat Cave. After supper he crawled under his blanket. Suddenly he heard a voice crying for help and he found a man in the shallow water. He dragged him to the cave, gave him fish and coffee, and rolled him in a blanket. The next morning he loaded the man onto his horse and set off for Stanford. Oupa could not understand English but he knew the Moores would help him. The man was so grateful that he promised Oupa money. When the envelope arrived there was no money in it; only a letter to say thank you.
Join us Sunday 16 March at Beloftebos for our monthly picnic under the oaks. Choose from the Deli Table of eats to make up a picnic crate or dish up a plate of food from the Seasonal Table - yummy desserts, homemade lemonade, wood-fired pizza, cappucinos and gelato on sugarcones are just a few of the treats on offer.
WONDERFUL NEWS: We have won the Woolworths Cheese Makers Challenge with our Oak Smoked Stanford! Visit us for cheese tastings on weekdays from 9-5, Saturdays 9-1. Picnic lunches daily from 11-3. 7 km outside Stanford on Route 326 028 341 0693 | www.kleinrivercheese.co.za | info@kleinrivercheese.co.za VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
Open from 10:30 to 17:00. Live music. Bookings essential: 072 111 9380 or corneli@beloftebos.co.za
Once a week delivery within 25km radius from Springfontein, Stanford. To place orders via email or telephone contact: info@springfontein.co.za | 028 341 0651
CELLAR OPEN DAILY FOR TASTINGS & SALES W I N E M A K E R TA R I R O M A S AY I T I t a r i ro. m a s ay i t i @ s p r i n g f o n t e i n . c o. z a FAC E B O O K : S p r i n g f o n t e i n W i n e E s t a t e w w w. s p r i n g f o n t e i n . c o. z a
Suspended Four Poster +(27) 028 341 0209 • info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za 2 Queen Victoria Street STANFORD 7210 STANFORD RIVER TALK 15
COLOUR MIRRORS
One sheep, two sheep … no sleep
By Suzanne Francois-Rossouw
Melissie Jolly
Melissie Jolly answers readers' questions.
What can I do to help my children fall asleep, and sleep better? Would the solution be the same for children and for adults? Dear Insomniac/ Tired mom Blue and violet are the most calming colours in the spectrum, whereas red is the most energising. So for starters, make sure the children are not in a red room or wearing red pyjamas. Blue pillow cases or jarmies are a good idea as well as lavender oil on the pillow. I’ve also found with my clients that a blue Colour Mirrors bottle next to the bed helps with night horrors and waking up. For adults it is often stress levels that need to be managed, but again blue would be very calming. Parents must also remember that kids are super sensitive to their moods, so if the parents are stressed and not sleeping, the children will often pick up on it and not sleep themselves thereby causing a vicious cycle. The best bet would be for the whole family to find a way to de-stress and have a calm and calming bedtime routine. A good trick would be to get the children to close their eyes and visualise blue things before bed, slowly visualising darker and darker blue things. For example a blue pool, an indigo velvet dress, and finally a night sky. Hope that helps and you start getting some sleep. * For answers to your questions, readers are invited to email Melissie at colourmirrors@orcawireless.co.za.
plant talk
March Lily, or the Naked Lady
I am a big fan of bulbs. One wonderful, no nonsense, easy-to-grow variety that will be showing its beautiful flowers soon (if it has not already) in your garden is the Belladonna or the March lily. What makes it a brilliant garden specimen is that it can be planted in sun, shade, dry and cold gardens. The bulb when established will produce a flower crop even if they are growing in rock hard soil. Clusters of large pink to white trumpet shaped flowers normally just appear suddenly in February or March before any of the leaves are even showing, making a brilliant show in the veld or garden. The flowers keep well when cut for the vase. Overseas many hybrid varieties are grown for the floral industry. The leaves appear with or just after the flowers have gone off and look very similar to that of the Agapanthus. Leaves are present all through the winter and only disappear round the middle to end of spring. If you want to plant them in the garden make sure to mark the spot where they are standing as you can easily put a spade through one if you forget where they are. Plant them in masses under trees or sunny borders between your ground-covers. They also do well when grown in pots and planters. The plant grows at its best in rich well-drained soils. They don't want much water when they are flowering and yet, want lots when the leaves are out, working brilliantly in our climatic conditions. The bulb is found naturally all over the southern and western cape which would explain the growing requirements. Plant them in your garden, or give them to your friends and family as they would be an absolute joy to whoever grows them. By Naas Terblanche
Along came a spider Spiders are another reminder that we live in a wonderful world worth cherishing. • The excessive fear of spiders is called arachnophobia. It is truly amazing that such small and helpless creatures have generated such unreasoned fear in humans. • The venom used to kill a spider's prey is usually harmless to humans. 'In reality very few South African spiders are dangerous to man and media reports exaggerating the dangers of spider bites are far out of proportion to the actual threat they pose' – The Spider Club of South Africa. • Only four groups of spiders are of medical importance: button spiders, violin spiders, sac spiders and six-eyed sand spiders. Of the four groups the only ones that are sometimes found in houses are the sac and violin spiders. They are both relatively small (only as big as a 5c coin) • Probably 99% of all spiders are harmless to humans because the venom of spiders is designed to kill or paralyze cold blooded insects. Some of the most feared spiders are completely harmless like the big hairy rain spider (Huntsman) that you often find in houses. Orb spiders with their beautiful webs and most others are harmless. STANFORD RIVER TALK 16
• There are more than 3800 species of spiders in South Africa. They are very important to us as they prey on insects and eliminate large numbers of flies and mosquitoes and problem insects on our plant crops. • Spiders have eight legs, two body parts and an exoskeleton (muscles inside their hard body skeleton). They moult about eight times in their life. • Many (not all) spiders spin silk threads that they use for draglines to hang from, webs to capture insects and silk bags to protect their eggs. The silk strings are stronger than steel for their weight and can stretch 20% before breaking. What must I do if I suspect that I have been bitten by a spider? • Keep the spider in a glass or plastic container for identification (try not to stamp on it) • Get medical attention. Most spider bites look insignificant at first. If ignored the bites develop into nasty wounds as a result of the venom and bacterial infection.
SOAPBOX
Martin Ranger
Myths understood Recently I watched a trailer for the latest Hobbit movie, an experience that confirmed my preference for real-life situations, not fantasies and myths. Of course South Africa is adept at replacing real-life with myths. Let’s consider some: • January 2nd is a public holiday in the Western Cape. This is a myth perpetuated by many organisations (including our own municipality). Tweede Nuwe Jaar ceased to be a public holiday with the publication of a new act in 1994. • SAPS members do not have to wear seatbelts. There is no exception in the National Road Traffic Act for policemen, although the Police Directorate rarely acts on non-wearing during times of ‘operational stress’. (Normally why wouldn’t you want the protection of a seatbelt?) • If an issue is before a court then it automatically becomes sub-judice and cannot be discussed. This is a favourite myth used by spokesmen placed in difficult situations to avoid comment. However, it is now common practice for courts to accept public debate on matters before them since it is argued that as we do not have a jury system our judges are far less likely to be prejudiced by comment and opinion, balanced or not. An exception is when the bench rules that there might be ‘demonstrable and substantial’ prejudice if such comment was allowed. • It is spokesperson and chairperson, not spokesman or chairman. This demonstrates a bit of overly sensitive political correctness. The English language has a natural gender order so references to chairman do not denote a masculine gender. Taken to the extreme one day might we get our milk from a she-bull or even a bullette? As this is an election year I am sure we shall not be disappointed by our politicians’ myth-creating talents. Milk and honey, anyone?
vet talk By Stanfordveterinarian, Dr Olga Koorts
Slip-slopslap for pets People nowadays are more sun wise than before. We realise the dangers of excessive sun exposure and take precautions to prevent sunburn. Isn’t it strange then that, when we take our dogs to the beach or on a hike, we forget that they are exposed to the sun too? Some animals are more sensitive to the harmful effects of sun exposure. Hairless, white and thin-coated breeds, dogs that have been clipped and animals with light coloured noses are especially at risk. Collie type dogs often have sunburnt noses while Jack Russell Terriers love sunbathing belly up. Cats enjoy nothing better than lazing in the sun. Besides the obvious risk of sunburn, other more serious diseases occur in animals that are exposed to ultra-violet rays for long periods at a time. Skin cancer is often difficult to treat and requires radical surgery. Chronically burnt skin is prone to bacterial infections which may require long term medical treatment. Always provide a shaded area for your pet. Keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. Remember that a sunny spot inside poses as much of a risk as being outside. Pet clothing that covers the entire body is available for animals, as is special pet sun block. Always check that a product is safe for use on dogs and especially cats as they are likely to lick the treated areas. Never mistake a small cancer lesion on your cat’s nose or ears for a fight wound. If it is present for more than a few days, it is likely to be cancer and leaving it for too long reduces the chance of a cure. In Australia, the campaign to educate people about the risks of sun exposure is called SLIP (on a shirt) SLOP (on some suncream) and SLAP (on a hat).
STANFORD RIVER TALK 17
art & culture PLAYING BY EAR
Shirley Temple Andrew Herriot
Some of the great song writers This month I am dwelling on lyricists - those lesser known but immensely significant contributors to the world of jazz standards such as Ira Gershwin (George Gershwin), Hal David (Burt Bacharach), Oscar Hammerstein II (Jerome Kern for the 'Song is You'), Dorothy Fields ('The Way You Look Tonight', Jerome Kern) and Lorenz Hart (Richard Rodgers) to mention a few writers with their tunesmith partners. Of course there are other great pairings of composers and lyricists such as Lerner and Lowe (My Fair Lady), Lloyd Weber and Rice (Cats and Evita), and Bernstein and poet Richard Wilber (Candide – Make Our Garden Grow), the lyricist usually being mentioned second in the listing. There were other renowned lyricists such as Vernon Duke who actually wrote and composed 'Autumn in New York' (he also wrote 'April in Paris'). Duke’s claim to fame as a lyricist before Kander and Ebb ascended to Chicago (1975) and elevated to further heights in New York, New York (1977), was his ability to fashion the adroit phrase that raised the level of the song to that of being superlatively memorable. Can you imagine searching for a rhyme for 'inviting' and coming up with 'thrill of first-nighting' and 'dreamers with empty hands' linked to 'exotic lands' to evoke autumnal thoughts in the Big Apple, as revealed by Ted Gioia in his seminal book, 'The Jazz Standards'? Most of these popular jazz-type songs have stood the test of time notably as jazz and swing standards for musicians who are oriented towards bepop, improvisations and scat but equally acclaimed, due to clever words and phrases, are the lyricists who provide the vocalists with unforgettable stanzas to ensure the song and melody are uniquely fused. * Look out for the Jazz Soiree Evenings to take place at Don Gelato, the ice-cream parlour in Stanford this month, where many of the songs highlighted here will be heard and sung by some of your favourite Stanfordian crooners.
1928-2014
– The Little Princess Many will mourn the loss of this great child star. Those of you lucky enough to be around in the 1940s/50s will recollect some of her early hits, 'Curly Top' and 'Heidi'. I was lucky because my mother was a cinema usherette who accompanied cinema goers to their seats through the smoke screen at that time (not quite the silver screen). All youngsters in those days knew her signature tune from Bright Eyes 'On The Good Ship Lollipop'. She was charming, lovable and successful but not good enough to be Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz*; Judy Garland got the job. Shirley and I had one thing in common. We both lived in Ghana in 1974, she as the highly positioned USA American Ambassador and me on my first stint as a youthful British overseas educator. We never met! Shirley had graduated from a young coquette to a respectable politician and humanitarian. Graham Greene opined that she was 'too nubile' for her age. However she re-branded herself first in television, dealt with breast cancer, then dealt in large enterprises and corporate bodies, married a rich guy and finally moved into public life, a long way from Candy Land on the Good Ship (actually an aircraft). RIP, Shirley. *Over The Rainbow will be sung at the Jazz Soiree.
ERWIN'S Traditional German Meat Products produced locally from only the best cuts of meat and spices Products available at our local Spar Cell 082 441 5533 • www.erwins.co.za
Vernon Duke: Composer and Lyricist rolled into one. For a fuller and more detailed copy of this and any of my other 25 articles, please request to aherriot70@gmail.com.
Visit our wholesale fynbos and tree nursery
Spinal Massage The Breuss Massage is a very gentle 30 minute spinal massage.
It will safely: • heal back problems • energize sore or tired back • realign and nurture spine • relax you totally
at Grootbos for a wide variety of local indigenous waterwise plants at the best prices in the Cape.
Open: Monday – Friday: 8h30 – 16h30 Henri Theron (MA Counselling Psychology, Qualified DORN Method and BREUSS Massage practitioner)
078 284 4042 • Mobile service available STANFORD RIVER TALK 18
We also do landscaping Contact Susan 082 436 4730 or Sharlene 072 143 8894
Valentine's vocals The Tasting Room at Stanford Hills hosted Lucy Kruger and the Ride on 14 February. Local couples and families relished the groovy tunes, sumptuous oysters and relaxed atmosphere. BOOK REVIEW
Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver
Dellarobia Turnbow is a restless farmer's wife who gave up her own plans early in life when she fell pregnant. Now, a decade later, disillusioned and disappointed on a failing farm, she finds light relief through a dalliance with a young lover. She walks up the mountain behind her house to their tryst, and encounters an astonishing scene: a valley filled with what appears to be a lake of fire. She interprets this unusual arrival of vast colonies of butterflies as a miracle, but her opinion is discarded in favour of explanations by scientists, religious leaders, and media. In the end they are all faced with a single truth – that change is the only solution. Barbara Kingsolver remains the high mistress of prose – her writing is always dense, luscious and literary. The clever title speaks not only of the butterflies but also of flight or fleeing in numerous contexts. This is a must read for greenies who love the earth and aficionados of striking prose and solid characters.
art & culture Dinner and a show Emile Minnie, cabaret performer, played at the Birkenhead Brewery on 21 February. The event was hosted by Stanford Tourism, and was well-supported by a local crowd. Here are some online comments from the audience: 'Loved Emile. The Entertainer! Great evening at the Birkenhead. More please!' Maria Smith 'What a stunning show; we loved every minute of it, wish he could have performed for a bit longer. Thank you Stanford Tourism for a fab evening out.' Barbara and Joe van Huyssteen
In Stanford every year between October - May
Karen McKee
Stanford... sucking them in and spitting them out since 1857
S
TANFORD often has me scratching my head. So it was that I was sitting here at Hatman Mansions, looking over the fields where the horses and blue crane share pastures, and scratching my head over what it was that I should pull out of the hat this time, when it dawned on me that this month marks four years since I stumbled, all wide-eyed and rather dishevelled, after that ridiculous 58day unicycle marathon from Durban to Cape Town, into this remarkable village. Please indulge my reflective mood as I look back on four years spent in this most enigmatic place. Enigmatic? Yes. I'll cut to the chase. It may only be me but I get a sense that Stanford, despite what its inhabitants do or don't do, continues at its own pace and in its own time, floating fairly aimlessly along in a gently babbling brook of timelessness. I love it. I remember a village veteran saying to this newcomer of nearly four years ago, as I sat sipping a cappuccino on that once
sunblessed stoep at the old Art Cafe, that 'Stanford kind of sucks you in and then, if it doesn't like you, spits you out again'. Well, I certainly got sucked in. And, probably like many of you, very nearly got spat out. On a number of occasions. Not least when, after enjoying an excessive number of months of the post-unicycle tour 'soft landing' offered by this kindly old village, it occurred to me that, like anywhere else in the world, one had to pay the rent. And I was indisputably unemployed. I thought of asking for work as a barman at Hennie's (or was it then Jannie's?) pub at Stanford House but remembered how I always got the drinks mixed up at that dodgy Irish bar at which I very briefly worked in London. I scratched my head until the Klein Karoo hair-desert on top of my bonce took on Sahara-like proportions. And scratched some more. And some more. And felt myself being gently rolled back on the village's tongue in preparation for swift expectoration. There was nothing for it but to go to Cape
Town and, tail betwixt old journo's legs, ask the newspapers to re-employ me on a freelance basis. It looked like I was a goner, reduced to visiting the village of my softest landing on the occasional weekend. How many have passed this way, I wonder. But then, mercy of all magnificent mercies and courtesy of incomprehensibly (to me) clever technology, I was given a "magic card" and told I could sub-edit their newspaper stories from anywhere in the world. So I looked down my nose at all manner of tropical islands winking most suggestively to me and returned to 'The Special Village'. I am happy. I am settled. I love Stanford. And its enigmatic vibe. And the fact that it bumbles along, despite the best efforts of some, in that bubble of timelessness, sucking in those people blessed enough to be able to somehow sustain themselves within the beauty of it all. Fred Hatman www.fredhatman.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 19
classifieds
There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanfordinfo where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope or design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • cell: 079 523 8453 SMALL ADS: R1 a word • BOXED ADS: R85
FOR SALE • Simmonds Pocket Spring Mattress Queen Size Extra Length. Very good condition R1,000 • Single Bed Slatted Base and Mattress R300 • Therapy Bed adjustable headrest, good condition R300 • AEG Glass Hob as new R1,000 • Oak Bedside Pedestal R300 • Large Oil Heater R350. p Cynthia Hilton, 083 441 0105 / 028 341 0397 FIREWOOD FOR SALE p 082 324 6799 or 079 395 1763.
SERVICES
ADULT HORSE RIDING CLASSES. p Jake Uys on 079 468 9060.
KIWINET REQUIRES A MOTIVATED SALES PERSON Minimum requirements : • Matric • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook • Excellent written & spoken English • Passionate about selling • Strong administrative skills • Attention to detail & accuracy • An ability to thrive under pressure • Willingness to learn • Creative thinking Please email a short CV to: admin@kiwinet.co.za
ART LESSONS p Sanette Upton 072 822 9970. CAPTURE YOUR 35MM slides digitally. R1 per slide. p Dirk Troost 084 643 4504. DRUMMING LESSONS in Stanford. p Sheldon 0825967814 HEAL YOUR LIFE® FACILITATOR offering weekly group and one-onone sessions. Are you ready to change your thoughts and change your life? p 071 382 9033. HOUSE SITTER p Lynn 072 023 8188 with references. RELIABLE & HONEST PAINTER. No job too small. Contactable references p Wilson on 072 223 2511. SEWING clothing or decor – alterations, repairs and upcyclying p Robyn 082 404 8840. SPECIALIZED KEYBOARD JAZZ TEACHING. p Andrew Herriot at
072 571 7846.
SM VERKOELING Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk
SHOP/OFFICE to let in main road Stanford. R2200p/m p Jason 072 890 4317. HOUSESITTER WANTED for rural property between Stanford and Hermanus. Occasional two to three week periods as well as single nights. Must be reliable and practical. Email response to robinlapping@gmail.com. CATERERS The Fynbos Trail (www.fynbostrail.co.za) is looking for caterers. For more information please email info@fynbostrail.co.za.
RAINFALL STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys
Jan
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
ave
12
8.5
19
14
35
37
104
32.7
17
Feb
25
11
17.5
20
16
16
March
27
20.5
20
26
28.5
29
17.5 25.2
April
21.5
27.6
30
56
53.3
54
40.4
May
31.5
55
66.5
83
43.5
55
55.8
June
50.5
106.3
91.5
88
86
84
84.4
July
76
97.5
43
56
103
33
68.1
Aug
71.5
89
46
74
125
234
106.6
Sept
74
88
35.5
25.5
73
60.5
59.4
Oct
39.5
92
50
25
111.5
62
63.3
Nov
91
31
57
42
26
212
76.5
Dec
35
6
40
23.5
6
5
19.3
Year
554.5
632.4
459
533
708
881.5
STANFORD RIVER TALK 20
Stanford
Irrigation installation, pruning, weeding, clearing Refuse removal Handyman small building jobs, paving etc Andre Du Toit 083 276 6614
TO RENT
WANTED
ANDRE'S GARDEN & MAINTENANCE
VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT
AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY
Washing Ironing Tumble Drying Dry Cleaning Services Mon – Fri, 8.00am – 5pm 25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976
guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com
ANSWERS: 1.Shane Foxcroft 2.Callum Ground 3.Kirra Jardine 4.Indica Squires 5.Arron Templer 6.Griffin Foxcroft 7.Vuyo Ngene 8.Amber Robertson 9.Hamish Ground 10.Asana Miles 11.Teagan Foxcroft
DEADLINE FOR APRIL ADVERTISING 20 MARCH email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or 079 523 8453
Holiday Home Specialists
Are you the proud owner of a piece of heaven in our village? Do you need someone reliable to take care of your property? Contact us to discuss your house management. We can take care of all aspects of your home while you are away. We will market and let your property for weekends and holidays, or prepare it for your arrival. Contact Ansie : 082 3200 982 or 028 341 0965 ansierei@gmail.com / enquiries@stanfordcountrycottages.co.za www.stanfordcountrycottages.co.za
Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere. Qualified dog trainer.
weekly timetable
Well balanced diets, love and care.
028 - 3410 961
Monday 8h30am, Monday & Wednesday 5h30pm, Friday 10h30am Maitri Yoga, Tasha Saha, 076 968 8608. Monday 6pm, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, last Monday of each month at Stanford Hills Estate. Monday & Wednesday, 5pm, Canoeing, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877. Tuesday & Thursday 5pm to 6pm, Tae Bo, Okkie Smuts school hall, Ronnie 083 655 4521. Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm, Cycling, cnr de Bruin & Moore Sts, Sunday 6am Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935. Tuesdays 8h30 - 9h45pm Iyengar Yoga with Marianne, Stanford Hotel, Conference Room in Courtyard, Leli 082 35 0253 Wednesday, 6.30pm, Stanford Rotary Club Meeting, The Vine Restaurant. Everyone welcome. Stephen 084 705 6719. Wednesday Wednesday Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, 082 350 0253. Thursdays 18:30-21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions 071 382 9033 Thursdays 8h30 - 9h45am Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, Leli 082 35 0253 Thursdays 10 - 11h00 Yoga Light for Seniors with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, Leli 082 35 0253 Friday, 5pm, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877. Saturday, 09.30am – 12pm, Stanford Saturday Morning Market, Stanford Hotel Veranda, 028 3410 591.
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, 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 21
local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Beloftebos Cottages B‘s Cottage Blue Gum Country Estate De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oak Grove Farm Reiersvlei Farm Lodge Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford River Lodge Stanford Hotel The Country Cottage Villa di Baia Country Retreat
082 320 0982 082 391 5331 028 341 0430 028 341 0116 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 091 3914 082 213 0512 028 341 0984 082 614 6322 028 341 0444 082 781 1704 083 553 0663 082 336 1573
ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545
List your business for just R12 a month (only R144/year). Email: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 079 523 8453 Stanford Hotel 082 781 1704 CONSTRUCTION Stanford Bricks
028 341 0685
ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical
079 182 8825
ENGINEERS Jardine Consulting Engineers 082 359 2287 ESTATE AGENTS Marlene‘s Properties Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties FIREWOOD Walshacres
028 341 0685 082 898 4889
ALTERATIONS Caitlin‘s Dressmaking
083 358 6365
GARDENS & NURSERIES Krige Tree Services Walshacres Willowdale Nursery
ANTIQUES/FURNITURE Sir Robert Stanford
028 341 0048
GARDEN SERVICES Earthworm Organics
ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Maureen Wolters
076 113 2741 082 450 3970
082 732 1284 028 341 0929 028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321
082 658 0427 028 341 0685 082 899 1172 072 825 7534
PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588 RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis 028 313 2814 Art Café 028 341 0301 Barke Restaurant 028 341 0116 Graze 076 243 1930 Havercroft‘s 028 341 0603 Madré‘s Kitchen 028 341 0647 Marianas 028 341 0272 Springfontein Eats 028 341 0651 073 553 0676 The Vine 028 341 0662 SECURITY Safe Security
028 341 0801
082 950 6007
TAXI SERVICE Anytime Transfers
082 858 6765
HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages
082 320 0982
BONDS/ HOME LOANS Tania Weich
084 728 7345
INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters
028 341 0209 082 450 3970
BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford
028 341 0048
CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm
028 341 0961 028 341 0961
STORAGE Stanford Storage
028 313 0660
COMPUTERS Compuworld SMB Solutions 028 341 0718 084 705 6719
PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels
082 320 0982 072 616 0976
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme
028 341 0410 071 219 9212
028 312 2225
SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT Bob Hadley 082 901 9011
072 822 9970
CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke
PEST CONTROL Overberg Pest Control
072 318 2478
HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat
076 222 2063 082 327 6518
073 318 5078 083 310 0952
HAIR Jeanne Retief
ART Kunsklas
CUPBOARDS Youre Style Cupboards
Platanna River Cruises River Rat Boat Cruises
TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television
073 160 4495 028 312 1890
LEGAL Alcock & Associates, Attorneys & Conveyancers 074 126 7770
TRUCKS & TRANSPORT Stanford Bricks
028 341 0685
NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk
079 291 1588
MARKETS Sunset Market
WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel
082 391 5331 028 313 2814 082 781 1704
083 604 0808
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES African Queen River Cruises 082 732 1284 028 3410 929 Klein River Picnics 028 3410 693
WINE CELLAR & SALES Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate
028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841
028 313 2814
WATER TESTING
STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS
STANFORD - RIVER WATER RESULTS
Escherichia coli (E.coli) – bacteria that is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine. Its presence in a sample indicates pollution from human faeces. Total Coliform bacteria – is the name for all the bacteria that produce gas and acid from the fermentation of lactose and its presence in a sample indicates pollution from the intestines of both humans and animals. Heterotrophic Plate Count – is a standard microbiological method used to determine the efficiency of operations to remove or destroy organisms, good and bad, during the treatment process.
Determinant (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)
DETERMINANT
DEC'13
JAN '14
E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)
0
0
DECEMBER '13
13
Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)
0
0
1986
Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 0
0
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.
JANUARY '14
20 866
STANFORD RIVER TALK 22
Celebrations in Stanford
Derik de Villiers 7 March
James Peter Yeats 7 March
Callum Ground 12 on 9 March
Helen Volschenk 16 March
Louis Pieters 26 March
Shameela Abrahams 13 March
Shirley Withers 15 March
Dylan Jonker 26 March
Michelle Privett 31 March
Dean White 28 March
Roline Klaasen 28 March
Sara Walne 27 March
Inez Mallandain 15 March
Val Crocker 25 March
Mari Calitz 19 March
Natalie and Peter Grounds 19th wedding anniversary on 17 March.
If there is a birthday coming up or special occasion you want to share with the village please email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za
Who are, who are, who are we? Loyal Stanford River Talk readers have told us how much they love looking at photographs in each edition. Our younger readers often only scan our birthday page (Page 23) and School Talk page (Page 9 ) to spot themselves and their friends, while our older readers enjoy a healthy mix of photos and interesting commentary. Here is a challenge for all of our local readers: these lovely baby photos are of Stanford children who have grown up on our streets. They are all now at 'big school' in Stanford and in Hermanus. Do you know who they are? (Answers on page 22)
7
4
3
2
8
9
1
5
10
6
11
STANFORD RIVER TALK 23