Volume 73 | SEPTEMBER 2011 | Stanford’s monthly newspaper | R13.20
Flock to Stanford S TA N F O R D
HILLS
E S TAT E
Our charming rustic cellar now open for tastings and sales. Every Saturday 10am -1pm. And any other time you want … just give us a call! 028 341 0841
info@stanfordhills.co.za
w w w. s t a n f o r d h i l l s . c o . z a
R43 Stanford
Experience the beautiful Klein River on our boat fitted with Weber-braai and toilet with a view. Treat your family, friends or clients to an unforgettable river cruise. R100 / person for 2-3 hours. Also canoes & kayaks to hire For bookings and info contact Ernie 083 310 0952 • ernieb@netactive.co.za
Terroir driven wines
Complimentary wine tasting, by appointment www.springfontein.co.za • marketing@springfontein.co.za • tel: +27 (0)28 3410 651 • after hrs 072 371 7546 • fax: +27 (0)28 341 0112 STANFORD RIVER TALK
letters to the editor
editorial notes The Stanford Stretton’s Bird Fair ushers in the warmer temperatures of spring – a time in which our hearts are lifted with the unique sounds and smells of this special time of year. In the midst of this heightened activity, a sunbird has taken up residence within our flowering jasmine near our office door. There is continuous buzz around the nest, and, with great anticipation, we wait to see how many chicks will emerge. We wish all the bird fair organisers a good turnout this year. See www.stanfordbirding. co.za for the updated programme and page 14 of this edition for other bird news. This month we welcome a Zimbabwean pensioner to our list of writers on page 19. Jane Ellis gives us a unique insight into wily survival over the border. Last, but not least, congratulations to Stanford Village Properties on their third anniversary! We wish you much success in the forthcoming years.
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 Anonymous letters will not be published.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.
Great kids
The Football Foundation of South Africa and the Grootbos Foundation had the privilege of having 20 Laerskool Okkie Smuts children for the seven-week Dibanisa Environmental Education programme, 16 of whom live in the koshuis. We concluded the programme with an overnight trip to Fynbos Retreat. The children were well-mannered and willing to help with meal preparation and cleaning up. The manager says that he has not come across a single piece of litter! Mrs Annamarie Steensma accompanied us on behalf of the school and told us more about the kids, highlighting each child’s strengths and talents. They also sang us a couple of songs, one of which
was We are the world, we are the children. Most of the adults were close to tears. We would like to congratulate the school and koshuis on a job well done! They are amazing kids, who have shown great resilience in life. They have impressed everyone who has had a stake in the programme and our volunteers cannot stop talking about how remarkable they are! We would like to thank Blessings, Brandon, Tiaan, Eugene, El-Jay, Thys, Johan, Paul, Wilhelm, Ruan, Flora, Sheila, Amber, Suzaan, Kirra, Gailene, Annie, Tanita, Sisipo and Katie for their participation! You were amazing! Lily, Natasha, Amy, Edith, Britta and Tilman
COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Displaying Weaver by Richard Masson. MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Janika Dorland, Howard Donaldson, Sally Hood, Jamie Kastner, DM, Don MacIver, Phil Murray, Ansie Reitsma, Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw, Fred Smith, Naas Terblanche, Bea Whittaker, Aron Gcotyelwa, Tania Weich and Peter Younghusband. CONTACT US
Michelle Hardie – editor ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 079 2911 588 Sandra Slabbert – layout design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 079 523 8453
Young potential: (front left to right) Lily, Natasha, Britta, (far right) Amy; (second row): Wilhelm, Suzaan, Sheila, Gailene; (middle) Tiaan, Flora, Sisipo, Katie, Amber, Kirra, Blessings, Ruan, Eugene, El-Jay, Brandon, Tanita, Johan; (back): Edith and Tilman.
Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor’s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article. Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission. Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC.
STANFORD RIVER TALK
letters to the editor Happy birthday Stanford!
Gefeliciteerd met de 154ste verjaardag van Stanford! Congratulations Stanfordians on your village’s 154th birthday!
Stanford River Talk asked us for a short update, so here goes … Jan’s life-long dream is coming true. He has qualified as a Nautical Supervisor which means he gets to work with boats and ships all day long. He is responsible for controlling the vehicular and shipping traffic at bridges and locks in the North Holland province. My dream is also coming true. As you know I have been working as a nursing assistant for the last 18 months. The only way I can once again work as a nursing sister is to retrain as I have been out of formal nursing for too long. I am happy to say I have been accepted to do the accelerated nursing training (in
Dutch!) as from 2 January. It will take me two and a half years to complete the training and I have already been offered a position on the Neurology (brain injuries/strokes/etc) ward when I have finished the training. So yippee! Many of you saw Amy when she was on holiday in Stanford recently. She has decided to become a doctor and is in her fourth year of high school. She turns 18 next March and plans to get her driver’s license as soon as possible. We are happy and settled, but miss all of you, the warm SA weather and braais! Jan, Janeen & Amy Vallenduuk, Netherlands
Letter from Kazakhstan
S
pring has sprung in Stanford and people are emerging from their winter retreats. And in Almaty the autumn is looming, the snowline is already encroaching on the pine forests above the city and people are hunkering down ready to reflect on a hectic and productive spring and summer season. In Kazakhstan, spring and summer is a time for festivals, to relax in the sun, and a time for eating shashlik in the mountains (a kind of central Asian braai cooked over a slow-burning wood used to flavour the meat). However, in our garden our relaxation time has recently been invaded with a new sound – the call to prayer from the sparkling new mosque near our home. Kazakhstan is re-embracing Islam with a vengeance. Islam originally came to Kazakhstan as early as 8th Century BC and today over 60 per cent of the population describe themselves as Muslim. Although Islam is an integral part of the newfound Kazakh identity, the symbols of fundamentalism are still hard to find. Head scarves (hijabs) are a rarity and the Kazakh relationship with alcohol would turn many Muslim saints in their grave. Last month,
Kazakhs endured the Islamic month of fasting (Ramadan), but, evidence of fasting was hard to find. In spite of this religious confusion, Kazakhstan hosts a truly holy site. In Turkestan, an ancient city situated along the old Silk Road and deep in the south of Kazakhstan, stands a mausoleum constructed in the 13th Century by Timur Victory Day: This year Cath Croxton spent the day at work in in honour of the founder of the nation’s capital, Astana, where the square outside the hotel Sufi mysticism, Khoja Ahmed was the scene of proud celebrations. With old tanks displayed in Yasawi. This UNESCO strategic spots, middle-aged men and women in stiffly pressed heritage site is described by uniforms took their turn to loudly declare their deep gratitude for the sacrifices made during the Great War. This was followed by Kazakhs as the ‘2nd Mecca’ and pious Kazakh’s try to visit rousing traditional songs sung deep from the heart in lament for those who lost their lives. The tone was serious and sombre – the it at least once in their life. audience solemn, but hardly sober. It is claimed Yasawi lived for 120 years, 60 of which were spent writing and praying in I adore hearing the singing from the new a hole in the ground in one of the outlying mosque. It is a melodious reminder of the buildings. beauty of life! A moment to stop and pause I am not sure how much I can identify with and reflect on the joys we all experience, those who wish to dedicate such time and especially on a calm, warm and sunny day. energy to the spiritual aspects of life, but Cath Croxton
STANFORD
Bird Glass Feeder R158.95
Bamboo Single Vertical Nest R95.95
DIY - PAINT - PLUMBING IRRIGATION - NURSERY - ATM Landscaping & irrigation services. Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:00 • Sat, 8:00 - 14:00 Tel: (028) 3410 691 • Fax: (028) 341 0413
028 3410 691 STANFORD RIVER TALK
Gardeners Gold Dust R 29.95 - Helps to retain water in sandy soils
Lavender Stoechas R25.95
African Calabash Feeder R129.95
Assorted Pincushions (Leucospermum) R65.95
WARD COMMITTEE UPDATE September 2011 Master plan for area around community centre After a public meeting with residents of Stanford, certain changes to the master plan were accepted by the ward committee. These include moving the soccer field closer to the R43 in order to build the clubhouse in a more accessible place than originally proposed. The request for a better aligned road to connect Dempers Street with Bezuidenhout Street was also approved. The sports centre will ultimately include a separate rugby and soccer field, two netball fields, a swimming pool, jukskei facilities and a clubhouse for use by all sport bodies. A copy of the master plan can be viewed at the municipal offices. Capital budget / enhancement of river frontage The ward-specific capital budget was revised and provision has now been made for drawing up a master plan for the river front (including the Du Toit Street slipway) and the wandelpad. R150 000 has been allocated to this project. A meeting will be held soon with all interested parties to present their wish list on this matter. Clearing of plots It has been agreed that the indiscriminate clearing of plots by mechanical means (‘bossieslaner’) in fynbos areas will no longer be done. It does, however, remain the responsibility of each plot owner to ensure that their erf does not pose any fire or health risk. All invasive alien vegetation has to be removed. The matter will be discussed in more detail at the next ward committee meeting. 450 RDP houses The previous request that more stringent building regulations be made applicable to this development, when approved, will be followed up by the municipality.
news & updates Mazel tov!
Gansbaai fire
Extended community spirit: Stanfordians gathered to help the Thyala family in Gansbaai whose home and its contents were destroyed by a fire started deliberately on 9 September. Aron Gcotyelwata alerted Rotary Club of Stanford members who rallied around to collect clothes, blankets and food for the stricken family. Seen here is Fundisile Sipaji with baby Siyavuya standing where his house once stood.
Congratulations to Springfontein Wine Estate for winning five medals at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards. Fifteen connoisseurs (one from SA and the rest from across the globe) formed the judging panel. This year 2 500 entrants signed up for the competition of which only 33% qualified for medals. The winning wines were: Terroir Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (Grand D’Or – double gold medal); Springfontein White 2009 (gold medal); Jonathan’s Ridge Pinotage 2007 (gold medal); Jonathan’s Ridge Pinotage 2009 (gold medal); and Jil’s Dune Chenin Blanc 2009 (silver medal)
Stanfordinfo: what we do We are often asked ‘What does Stanfordinfo do for us?’ Well, let me try to enlighten you with a summary of our activities during the last financial year. • Our website www.stanfordinfo.co.za, was given a new look and is updated weekly. A comprehensive ‘What’s on’ calendar has been created, highlighting all events held in Stanford for the year. This is also now available on the website. • We implemented the use of website analytics. This valuable tool gives accurate information as to the number, location and interests of visitors to our website. This information is used to market Stanford more effectively. Website optimisation has led to increased traffic to our website. • The structure of The Grapevine, the e-mail newsletter, designed to share information with members and interested parties, was also updated and given a fresh new look. • We have established a very good media contact list, and information and updates about Stanford are regularly distributed to this database. This has led to an increased number of mentions of Stanford, both in print media and on the internet.
• A new Stanford brochure was designed and printed. • A double-page spread about Stanford will appear in the November edition of Country Life magazine. • Stephanie Richards and Le-ann Hoogbaard do a fantastic job running the office smoothly. • Office visits in the year 2009-2010 numbered 6399, while visitors during this financial year total 8671. • On June 30 2010 we had 81 members (66 full, 15 affiliate). Today, we have 128 members (112 full, 16 affiliate). This increase is substantial in a small association such as ours • Two very successful ‘Members Mingles’ were held. • Financial records have been and are kept throughout the year. • Stanfordinfo has been directly involved in the following events: Stanford Stretton’s Bird Fair; Stanford Canoe Race; Stanford Sunset Markets; Stanford Oesfees; Stanford Wine Route; Carols by Candlelight on the village green; restaurant meetings and Valentines at Mosaic. Jami Kastner Chairman, Stanfordinfo
Working for the Coast The 10 people who will assist in the cleaning of Stanford have been appointed. Mr James Janse van Rensburg is the project manager and any suggestions can be forwarded to him on james@hermanus. co.za or call him 082 862 2397. This is a Department of Environmental Affairs project implemented to assist municipalities whilst simultaneously creating temporary employment opportunities for the poor. Bea Whittaker
November issue
September crime, rain and water statistics will be printed in the November issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Stanfordinfo’s new committee: (back left to right) Stewart Alcock (business & sport); Martin Ranger (vice chairman & treasurer); Jami Kastner (chairman); Ansie Reitsma (accommodation & community liaison; Tania Weich (accommodation & wine farms); Jan Malan (agri tourism & wine farms); (front left to right) Stuart Anderson (river liaison & schools); Robyn Lavender (business); Michelle Hardie (media); Dalene Van Rooyen (restaurants); Cato Terblanche (agri tourism & wine farms) and Mariana Esterhuizen (restaurants). Missing from photograph: Natalie Husk (business & community forum). Inset: Rina De Wet (media consultant) and Stephanie Richards (secretary). STANFORD RIVER TALK
news & updates Ansie for President
Ansie Reitsma was inducted as President of Rotary Club of Stanford at a ceremonial dinner held at Mosaic Farm recently. Seen here with her is District Governor, Judge Deon Van Zyl, who conducted the proceedings. Cathie Hornby was also inducted as a member. Natalie Snyman and Jeudi Hunter will be inducted soon. Outgoing president, Tim Hague, wished the new president well.
Rotary elects: Judge Deon van Zyl with Ansie Reitsma (above) and Cathy Hornby (below).
Artificial breaching
By Sue Matthews, Overstrand Estuary Management Coordinator
T
he Klein River estuary was artificially breached on Friday 9 September, largely because the extra 20-centimetre rise in water level that would be needed for a natural breach was unlikely to occur. Although 20 centimetres doesn’t sound that much, it equates to an additional three million cubic metres of water in the estuary! The region is experiencing a relatively dry winter, and there were Middle of the berm: the estuary did not open at all in 2010 and concerns that the water level – the highest recorded in many decades – opened well below the minimum ideal level of 2.6 m in 2008 would start dropping due to seepage and 2009. through the berm and evaporation, Such low levels are not normally recorded in the especially once the spring south-easter starts Klein River estuary, largely because the mouth has making its presence felt. Higher water levels opened most years in the past, either naturally mean better scouring of sediment, but part of this or artificially. If sufficient rainfall did perchance efficiency is lost if the breach begins as a small materialise for a natural breach, the salinity trickle and has to carve open its own channel would fall even lower, posing a real threat to fish. through the berm. This would likely be the case in While most estuarine fish can cope with slowly a natural breach, as well as in an illegal breach, changing salinity levels, a sudden shift puts them which was becoming an increasing risk. It was under potentially fatal physiological stress. This therefore felt that a controlled artificial breach, would occur if the salinity dropped much below under the right sea conditions and in a position 10 ppt and then shot up to 35 ppt when the considered optimal for the mouth staying open mouth opened. longer, was preferable. Historical observations The presence of sand snake eels along the and modelling studies have shown that breaches berm in the fortnight before the breach was on the western side tend to close up faster. considered an early warning sign, as these fish There was also a concern that salinity had were the second species to start dying during declined to unusually low levels. Monthly the mass mortality caused by low salinity in the monitoring conducted by Cape Nature revealed Bot River estuary in 1981. Unfortunately, in that the average salinity had dropped below 10 their attempt to escape the estuary the eels had parts per thousand (ppt). Seawater is 35 ppt. gathered in the shallowest areas in flooded dune (continued on page 23)
Property sales
At the time of going to press four properties were issued with sales certificates in September.
(These figures include name transfers.)
Census alert With the South African census process beginning, people are advised to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. As of 10 October, more than 140 000 census workers will start to count every person in the South Africa and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. So how do you tell the difference between a census worker and a con artist? • They will have a badge, a handheld
device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. • Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. • Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. • Do not give your identity number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the census. Remember, no matter what they ask, you really only need to tell them how many people live at your address. • While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary
range, you don’t have to answer anything at all about your financial situation. The Census Bureau will not ask for bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. The Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that are supposedly from the Census Bureau. Marinda Hartzenberg, Operations Manager SMC – Security Management Consultants
Welcome to Stanford The Johnstone family Win, the twins, Angelica and Andrea, (aged three) and I moved to Stanford at the beginning of August from Natal. Since arriving here the community has been very friendly and welcoming. The twins have settled in well at Buzzy Beez Pre-School and are really enjoying Stanford. Win and I are busy laying the foundations for three different ventures STANFORD RIVER TALK
ranging from making sculptures out of recycled material, lime-washed patio furniture and maintaining and looking after holiday homes for owners who do not live locally. We will be holding an exhibition on the 1 October, between 9am and 2pm, at our home, 8 Church St (diagonally opposite NG Church) to show Stanford folk what we do. All are welcome. Angie Johnstone
Morton Cottage has just been the venue for the birthday party of our very own Stanford Celebrity, Janet Marshall (right). Here’s Peter with two gorgeous girls, Janet and Anneliese.
coffee corner
A romantic two bedroomed self-catering cottage just a stroll away from the historical market square in Stanford. 082 449 7496 • www.syringastud.co.za/accommodation
Leigh-Anne with the Saturday Morning Riding Girls, Michelle, Yvonne and Janice after their ride having their Flat Whites, warm egg mayo ciabattas and cheese muffins. The Tackroom has just had a new order of halters and fly sprays for summer. 028 3410 340
MADRON FARMING CC
Very exciting, the first lettuce harvest at the recently planted Middleberg Farm. 028 313 2474
beauty and wellness centre
reception@madronfarming.co.za
New to Stanford, Annaliese has solved all our beauty problems and now opens La Femme every Tuesday in Morton Square. Here she transforms The Boardroom into a peaceful, cosy, candlelit cocoon of lavender and herbs where you can relax and feel beautiful. She is running a mother / daughter beauty course in October. 028 313 0660
Stanford Guy says, ‘I am so lucky – I love my work’
Architects & Planners Development Consultants
Cell 082 876 0492 Fax 086 7299 123 guywhittle@mweb.co.za
Cait’s busy making things for weddings, parties and Christmas as well as getting us all to fit into those things we were hoping to fit into. She’s extra happy to have finished her first invoice book! 083 358 6365
architect & interiors
Maureen is having fun with Liesje’s old cottage in Longmarket Street. Anton Duivestein has been doing the building and we are now getting to the colours and textures . . . very exciting!!! info@syringastud.co.za • 082 450 3970
Hair By Belinda
Beautiful girls! What would we do without Belinda? Everyone is talking about her new hair product that makes everyone want to touch it. It’s also matric dance month, so good luck matrics. 072 329 7753 Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 16:00 • Saturday 8:30 - 13:00 STANFORD RIVER TALK
business talk Great party launches business
La Femme Beauty and Wellness Centre held a Spring Launch Champagne Party at its Hermanus premises (18 Hope Street) on 16 September. The launch was well attended by Stanfordians and Hermanus residents. Guests were treated to the soothing sounds of flutes played by Janika Dorland and Debbie Engelbrecht, delicious food and champagne as well as salon treatments. Spot prizes were a highlight of the party donated by La Femme’s suppliers. Stanfordians look forward to witnessing Jan Malan’s improving complexion as a result of his win – a Just Pure hamper of beauty products! La Femme, owned and run by Stanfordian, Annaliese Lubowski, also operates every Tuesday from Morton Square in Stanford, for those of us too busy to get to Hermanus. Annaliese thanks everyone who attended the function for making it such a success.
Jolling it up in Hermanus: Rina de Wet and Jan Malan (above) enjoying the Champagne, while therapist Chantelle Frick pampers a guest.
sport talk
Congratulations to Tom Bednall (above) and Chris du Toit who are reaching new heights with their rugby skills. Tom has been selected for the Western Province Rugby Institute for 2012 and Chris is going to the Sharks in Durban. Well done guys, Stanford is proud of you!
The Old Boar on clean water and a dwindling bank balance In my younger days I always had this foreboding feeling about my old age – a feeling that times would be akin to the 1930s depression. Now that I am ‘older’ old age seems to be an unattainable goal, always about ten years in the future. Nevertheless the governments of the world seem hell bent on sending us back to that sort of depression. Not that I have any bright ideas or easy solutions to offer but with the stock market down three per cent as I write today it seems to me that increases in pensions in the next few years will be minimal. Is this called déjà vu? Some months ago my partner-in-life was struck down by a mean case of the trots. She blamed Stanford water. While I naturally prefer some other bottled beverages to water, I fortunately did not suffer the same fate. After a few months I tired of the mounting pile of empty water bottles in the bin and summoned a man of water filters to resolve the problem for us. After watching an impressive scientific experiment which turned Stanford water blue with a brown scum on top I was told that our water had a dissolved solid count of 427 something-or-other. Installation of the whizz-bang filter would reduce this to below 50. I paid my money and took my chance. The water tasted better and the trots dried up. But all was not well in the household. The glass kettle, which did not ‘fur up’ with bottled water was furring up with our new filtered water. The snake-oil salesman was summoned to the scene. He immediately subjected our filtered water to his patented scientific experiment and, you guessed it, the dissolved solid count was still 427 whatevers. After a further deterioration of the dwindling bank balance we have another water filter and, I am happy to say, no more fur in the kettle.
Stanford Mountain Bike race
Stanford Striders
Heading for the top
Finance matters
Runners in Stanford might be interested to know that moves are afoot to start a social running group, which we hope those of you who are already running in and around Stanford, as well as those of you who would like to start/restart running, will join. The idea is to have a group run, once or twice a week, and those more experienced runners can pass on valuable tips and advice. If you are interested in becoming a Stanford Strider please email me on stewart@ perfectprop.co.za We are hoping to have the inaugural run of the Stanford Striders towards the end of this (October) month.
The rain fell non-stop the day before the race on 3 September, making the routes extremely muddy. Those entrants who were not put off by the conditions had a fun and dirty ride! Okkie Smuts supplied refreshments to the cold and hungry and Oom Tats’ outside area was a good place to relax. Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support by volunteering your services and assisting with registration, timekeeping, car park duty, marshalling and much more. Thanks also to our sponsors and the landowners for allowing access to your properties. Mandy Erwee Results 22 km Male 1st Johann Anderson 2nd Jacques Moir 3rd Pat Diederichs Results 52 km Male 1st Jacques van Zyl 2nd Gerard Dirks 3rd Cillie Hamman
01.17.34 01.18.17 01.18.31 02.59.04 03.04.19 03.11.19
22 km Female Mia Mostert Mariette Bouwer Jenny Hays 52 km Female Candice Marsh Helen Davies Lindsay Wilson
01.26.36 01.26.39 01.28.20 04.48.27 04.55.33 04.55.35
Stewart Alcock
Running times
Satori Camel 10 Miler Classic (16km) Sarah Gordon 01:22:15; Anna Tomlinson 01:48:15; Zack Beukman 01:50:54; Stewart Alcock 01:50:55; and Michelle Hardie 01:59:42. Tru-Cape Kogelberg trail run 21km Sarah Gordon 1:45:37:51; Andre Koekemoer 1:53:58:57. 10km Jannie Du Toit 53:10:42; Stewart Alcock 59:10:42; Anna Tomlinson 1:04:55:52; Michelle Hardie 1:10:22:72; and Ronnie MacArthur 1:13:55:55. STANFORD RIVER TALK
Full of energy: A gang of fit young boys cycled the 7km race. They were (back left to right) Ian Altona de Klerk, Luke Moir, Matthew Moir, Hamish Ground, Gabriel Stratford, Matthew Taberham, (front left to right) Marcus Nell,Thomas Vermaak, Tristan Tomlinson and Robert Altona de Klerk. Feisty girl Anna Mae Troost, who missed the photo shoot, also completed the race. Seen here also are Susie Jardine and her daughter.
Marianne 072 111 9321 marianne@stanfordvillage.co.za
Natalie 082 893 2282 natalie@stanfordvillage.co.za
WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR 3RD ANNIVERSARY We say thank you to all our wonderful buyers and sellers who we have been privileged to work with.
Country hospitality and You made us feel so at home exceptional after-sales service. in Stanford. Thanks girls!
Thank you for selling both our homes in Stanford. It’s been a pleasure dealing with you.
Stanford Village Properties is my favourite local agency and over the years I have found ‘the girls’ relaxed, friendly and helpful, a delight to do business with.
You are the people who actually care about their clients.
Congratulations girls. May you go from strength to strength.
If you are a serious seller, I can recommend Natalie & Marianne, for their professional, yet relaxed, service with a positive outcome.
We travelled far and wide before we arrived in Stanford but knew that we were in the right place as soon as we were welcomed by such friendly and professional agents. Geluk met julle 3 jaar! Hou so aan!
Wonderful service from two unpretentious but professional agents.
All the very best for the future. You deserve all the good things that come your way.
STANFORD RIVER TALK
school talk
ARTS & CULTURE AT die bron
Marimba mad: The Marimba group received a gold certificate at the Overberg Eisteddfod. (front left to right) Sybill October; Jade Cornelius; Shariefa Abrahams; Jonika Adams; teacher Joanie Smith; Engela Erasmus; Deorin Plaatjies; Chanté October and (front) Cohen Arries. Beautiful sounds: Choir members from Grade 3 who took part in the Overberg Eisteddfod received a silver certificate. (back left to right) Lungiswa Bhesengile; Andrea Steeneveld; Nadine Ruiters; Gordon Phillips; Catelyn Visser; Shanaaz Dempers, (2nd back left to right) Anela Zanempi; Lerato Hermanus; Thyaliti Sinethemba; Nolutando Gotyeleni; Masixole Sigwiji; Chantel Hendricks; Marion Herman; Zandra Abrahams; Breyton Phillips, (3rd back left to right) Valnay Pieters; Kenu Dreyer; Leandra Swart, Branden Maritz; Hershell Hans; Baxolise Twayiyo; Elmarie Davids, (front left to right) Sybill October (principal); Ubenicia Kapot; Wyzell Fourie; André Moos; Olwethu Vathelu; Lee-roy Richards; Jennedy Dreyer; Sisanda Mqalekana; Nwabisa Khumsha and teacher, Joanie Smith.
ARBOUR DAY ACTIVITIES – planting trees on the playground.
Green fingers: (back left to right) Sedwin Phillips; Justin Groenewald; Nonela Mqalekane; Lu-May Abrahams; Cherwin Tandy; James Adendorf and Denagon Messias, (front left to right) Mihlali Nthala; Gaeby Richter; Ashlee Arendse; Ree-Ano Dreyer; William Pietersen; Mischke Dreyer; Elmarie van Stade; Lee-Ann Jennecke and Mihlali Hermanus with teacher Charisse Lucas.
Gardening is fun: (back left to right) Nadeema Titus; Samkele Mgengo; Samkelisiwe Madinga; Ricardine Damon; Neol October; IG Leonard; Ebenique Plaatjies; Aldonay Alexander; Easton Dreyer; Enslin Dreyer; (front left to right) Anecia Goliath; Lizay Barends; Zaid Abrahams; Breyton Van Heerden; Gert Blik and Jamy Arendse with teacher Rochelle Bantom.
LITERACY IN STANFORD : STAR shining brightly
T
hings are humming in the STAR Literacy Centre at Die Bron Primary School, now nearing the end of its fifth year. Every week, 17 dedicated volunteers mentor ‘their’ children, some 35 in total, individually or in small groups, to help them develop their reading skills. Our qualified teachers, Pam Schutz and Elize Roos, are on hand to assess children and help our volunteers when necessary, in addition to mentoring their own children. Elize is also taking a group of 10 Grade 1 children for a weekly session to give them that extra boost to read confidently. Regina Broenner, a qualified Occupational Therapist, is conducting a case study in the STANFORD RIVER TALK 10
STAR Centre to support her registration with the national body, and is working with a child for three sessions a week. In addition to this, the Book Club was started last year to provide books for children who have passed through the programme and are keen to read. With 96 new books and about 18 patrons weekly, it is thriving under Rose Murray’s guidance. A number of our children have really shone this year. Asandiswa Mkqubezelo, for example, has blossomed under Jill FraserHalkett’s mentorship, and is now top of his class in English. There is great satisfaction in seeing a child flourish from a bit of input. Volunteers
are required to mentor in both English and Afrikaans. Why not come and take part? You can help this effort in many ways: • Sign up as a My School card holder, so that every time you buy at a MySchool supplier (Woolies, Engen, Waltons), a donation is made to STAR, all of which goes to buying books; • Support our book sales either by donating books or buying them at a Saturday Market; • Become a volunteer and make a real difference in a child’s life. Training and support is given. We are very proud of our Literacy Centre, and would love to show it to you. To arrange a visit, contact Judi on 028 3410 502, Rose on 823, Diana on 663 or Elize on 783. Judi Brown
school talk
ARTS & CULTURE AT Okkie smuts
Percussion stars: On Friday 16 September our percussion band took part in the Overberg Eisteddfod in Caledon. They obtained an A+, We are very proud of all of them. Thank you to Mrs Wilma van der Merwe and Miss Naomi Geldenhuys who took the time to coach them. (back left to right) Qhamanande Apolisi; Mitchell Temmers; Oluchi Benjamin; Mar-Lizé Potgieter; Johanné Bester (2nd back left to right) Bonelwa Mgqam; Achwayitile Velem; Jacques Rossouw; Gershwin Hendricks; Khanyisa Zitho; Leonay Plaatjies; (3rd back left to right) Willene Dreyer; Jo-Ann Joseph; Johannely Appel; Michael Lane; Cathleen Blomerus; Justin Williams; Sergio McGear; (front left to right) Marion Pretorius; Jaydene Dreyer; Gretchen Ockhuys; Griffin Foxcroft; Jolyn Fortuin; Chantré Geldenhuys and Jayton Benjamin.
Wel gedaan! Op 26 Augustus het van ons Graad 4-7 leerders aan die Afrikaanse Eisteddfod deelgeneem te Kleinmond. Die uitslae: 5 goud; 8 silwer en 1 eervolle vermelding. Ons bedank graag Mev Annamarie Steensma vir die afrigting van die leerders. (agter links na regs) Annie Reynolds; Nkosi Qikiti (middel links na regs) Tumé Bester; Lee-Ann Prins; Zander Anderson; Tanita Apolisi; Chelaine Dickson; Nicolaas Barkhuizen; Chavern Booysen; Anrika Brand (voor links na regs) Coenette Goss; Wilhelm Goss en Dee-Jay Benzien.
Spelling Tweet Sounds and spelling are part of the National Curriculum. We gave our learners the opportunity to demonstrate their skills by participating in the Spelling Tweet. The following three learners did very well: (from left to right) Rachel Templer (2nd place Grade 6); Katie Gordon (2nd place Grade 7); and Gabriel Stratford (3rd place Grade 5). Katie also won the finals on 25 August 2011 at Zwelihle Primary in the circuit 2 event and Rachel was awarded second place. We are very proud of them.
ENVIROMENTAL NEWS: Collect-a-Can
Laerskool Okkie Smuts het in die 2de kwartaal met ‘n herwinningsprojek begin en die opgewonde kinders het ‘n totaal van 11 779 blikkies ingesamel. Die totaal blikkies het ons ‘n 4e plek in die streek besorg. Die beste 3 Collect-a-Can kandidate is: • Johan Greyling Gr 7 met 1906 • Wilhelm Goss Gr 6 met 1649 • Lorenzo Taute Gr 6 met 1165 Die graad Gr 6 klas het in totaal die meeste blikkies ingesamel, naamlik 3927. Ons as skool het ‘n mikpunt gestel om teen einde Oktober, 10 000 blikkies in te samel, ‘n totaal wat ons reeds verbygesteek het. Ons wil graag die gemeenskap betrek by ons herwinningsprojek en vra dat alle blikkies, glas en koerante /papier/bokse na die skool gebring word. Blikkies kan afgegee word by die kantoor en die glas / papier en bokse by die blou herwinningsdromme aan Kortmarkstraat kant geplaas word. U samewerking behoort dit die moeite werd te maak vir Overstrand Herwinning om dit te kom oplaai.
Well rewarded: Okkie Smuts English, Grade 1-7 learners participated at the recent Overberg Eisteddfod in Bredasdorp. They received one Cum-Laude, six Gold (A+), one Gold, seven Silver, two Silver (B+) and 3 Honorable mentions. (back left to right) Dylan Jonker; Hamish Ground; Ayola Bolani; Muricia Appel; Kirra Jardine; Gabriel Stratford (middle left to right) Nushaan Cornelius; Bonelwa Maqam; Khanyiso Zitho; Shaun Mnganiso; Keané Clarke; Qhamanande Apolisi (front left to right) Lutholwetu Cekiso; Mickyle Ockhuys; Marion Pretorius; Gretchen Ockhuys; Sergio McGear; Daniel Boshier and Jade Coetzee.
Stanford River Talk wishes all the teachers and staff a good break in October. Thank you for educating the children of Stanford! STANFORD RIVER TALK 11
nature talk
Know your African tree essences
NIGHT SKY
By Fred Smith, Astrophysicist
The Moon will be on our side of the sky for the first half of the month, so let’s take a look. Some 400 000 kilometres away and about a quarter the size of the earth, it is the furthest that mankind has ventured into the universe thus far. For those who still think the moon landings were a hoax, try http://tinyurl.com/3sdmh7h and http://tinyurl.com/3bxn2cx. The first link is a resource for examining the latest high definition images from the moon. The second link shows the Apollo landing sites in high detail, including the tracks left by the astronauts. These pictures were taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Launched in 2009, it has been designed to map the moon in unprecedented detail and to search out the resources that will be needed for a permanently manned outpost. It looks like it has found water-ice in some of the craters. LRO is our first step back to the moon, and the moon is mankind’s first step off earth towards Mars and the resources in the solar system that will be needed in the future. September saw the launch of the two Grail spacecraft to the moon to measure its gravity field and get a better understanding of its interior.
heads & tales . . .
The Saffron ‘Tree of Tears’ The Saffronwood Essence may be helpful for tender-hearted souls who are easily bruised by life and for those who feel their emotions very deeply. The energy of this tree offers comfort for hurt, loss, grief or tearfulness. Saffronwood may assist with voicing one’s troubles or fears and may be beneficial for young children who suffer from homesickness or who struggle to adjust to school. For further information about this tree essence please visit www.africantreeessences.co.za. Made in the traditions of the Bach Flower Remedies, the African Tree Essences are created from the flowers of the main tree species of Platbos – an ancient forest growing in the Uilenkraal Vallei between Gansbaai and Stanford. Known as vibrational remedies, the essences work primarily on the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies where they assist us to release thought patterns, beliefs or emotions that no longer serve us. In this way they can assist us to experience greater well-being and harmony in our lives. Unlike essential oils, flower essences are not aromatic and are safe to take internally. Essences enhance other forms of healing and can work well too on animals and plants.
life on a small game
Back on home ground, Sally Hood updates us on life at a game farm in Stanford
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eturning from a lengthy period away always makes one see home in a new light and with a clearer perspective. After two months in Europe, I returned to find the farm carpeted in purple and yellow … a veritable kaleidoscopic vision of beauty with the mountains covered in verdant green and the dams full to bursting. The joy of returning was tinged with sadness by the absence of the pregnant zebra mare. The sight of only three zebra having their daily morning drink at the dam was a stark reminder of the fact that she would not be coming back. She had gone into labour late in the afternoon of Friday 2 September and Mpangusha had gone to bed in a state of excited anticipation of hearing the pitter-patter of tiny hooves in the morning. However it was obvious on Saturday morning that all was not well and she was unable to deliver the foal. Mpangusha called in a vet who arrived with another vet who had extensive wildlife experience. Mummy zebra was darted and on closer examination it was evident that the foetus was dead and she was simply incapable of delivering it on her own. The vets managed to expel STANFORD RIVER TALK 12
the baby and it was discovered that it had deformed hooves, an outward abnormality which is often accompanied by other internal abnormalities. Mum was given a dose of antibiotics and supplements before the antidote was administered and she got safely back onto her feet. Showing no ill effects after her ordeal she re-joined the herd and proceeded to graze normally. On Sunday morning she still seemed to be recovering well when Mpangusha went off to church, but on his return it was clear that all was far from normal. The herd were gathered around one of the water furrows that lead into the dam and were all showing signs of deep distress. Mrs Zebra was found dead in the furrow where she appeared to have drowned in six inches of water. Perhaps she was just too weak to get up or maybe there were other complications as a result of her prolonged labour. We will never know but we all mourn the loss of such a beautiful and brave animal. On a happier note, the baby Bontebok is growing rapidly into a handsome young buck and although he is developing his darker adult colouring he still has his juvenile furry coat. The bridge of the nose is the
Home sweet home: Sally reconnects with Jack.
badge of maturity in a Bontebok and as his horns lengthen this will turn white with the crisp black borders on the sides of his face that is so distinctive of this species. He is already developing some impressive horns and he loves nothing better than to practise his sparring skills with the juvenile springbok, who are now slightly smaller than him. His favourite partner is one of the white springbok who gives him a good head to head tussle. And so nature and the cycle of life go on. Don’t forget, to keep your sense of proportion you should regularly visit the natural world! Henry David Thoreau said: ‘I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.’
nature talk
Frog of the month Naas Terblanche is a frog fundi. Here he shares his knowledge of these extraordinary amphibians
BRETT MALLORY
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Arum lily frog
he Arum lilies are flowering now, so it is appropriate that the frog of the month should be the Arum lily frog. This frog belongs to the reed frog group. It is named after the Arum lily flower because it likes to call from its cup. My theory is that they use the cup of this flower to direct and amplify their voice. You can hear the male’s harsh, high-pitched call over a distance of more than a kilometre! The Arum lily frog is endemic to the western and southern coastal area of the Cape. Its maximum size is about 43 mm and it is usually ivory in colour with the insides of its legs and toes a bright pink. When it
moves you see flashes of pink. This confuses predators and buys it some time to escape. The females lay clutches of about 10-30 eggs in streams and pools in fynbos areas. Tadpoles hatch from the eggs and then develop into small frogs. If you want to hear and see what the Arum lily frog and other frogs of Stanford look like and sound like, you are welcome to visit our wine tasting room at Vaalvlei farm, where we have a permanent audio-visual display of local frogs. www.vaalvlei.co.za
Gardening for the birds and the bees
garden talk
While spending time outdoors, you soon realize that you are not alone. Somewhere in a tree or on a fence a bird is watching to see what snacks you might provide while you are pulling weeds or having your By Suzanne-Francoise tea in the sun
I
f you have no birds or insects in your garden it means that something is missing – they are not attracted to it. Changing this is not a major operation. It can be as simple as providing bird seed, water and colourful annuals. In nature birds and insects are attracted to areas that provide them with food and shelter. Thus you need a few trees, shrubs and ground cover to provide areas for nesting, shelter and that bear fruit, pollen, nectar, nuts or seeds. Birds enjoy a variety of food so plan well to have a varied menu throughout the year. Plant lots of one variety too; birds and insects enjoy visiting masses of their favorite foods. In winter it is more difficult to provide food; planting grasses are a good source of seed in the winter. To have birds and insects in your garden you need to stop using pesticides as they are harmful to birds. If you provide plants that provide food for them, then they will keep the insect population under control and create a
Rossouw
healthy habitat. If you want to create a sanctuary for birds in your garden, try the wild-garden approach using indigenous as well as exotic plants that suit the climate and will provide the correct diet for your wild birds. A wild flower meadow is also an excellent way to attract wildlife to your garden. If you think you don’t have space just make the lawn smaller! If you really don’t have the space or the time to grow an entire garden for the birds and bees, then an outdoor feeding station is an option. Use hanging bird feeders or even trays on the ground. Fill them with bread crumbs, wild bird food, fresh and dried fruits, suet mixtures and sunflower seeds. You can also provide for sunbirds by hanging a sugar-water feeder from one of your trees. The more variety of food you provide, the more birds you will see in your garden. It is also very important to provide your birds with fresh water. Most would prefer running water but a birdbath cleaned regularly is also fine.
STANFORD LEKKER BEK Fruit, vegetables, cheese, rusks, dried fruit and lots more . . . R43 NEXT TO STANHOPE MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8:00 - 18:00 SATURDAY 8:00 - 14:00 Louise: 084 727 6469 - Piet: 082 856 6651 STANFORD RIVER TALK 13
Stanford Stretton’s Bird Fair 2011
Looking back . . . the winning photographs
2007 Concorde by John Macdonald, Napier.
2008 Cape White Eye on wild dagga by Basie van Zyl, Cape Town.
2009 Little Egret feeding by Basie van Zyl, Cape Town.
2010 Feeding Swallow-tailed Bee-eater by Basie van Zyl, Cape Town. This year Basie van Zyl is stepping down from entering as he has been a winner for the last three years. Philippa will be presenting the prizes at the Stanford Stretton’s Bird Fair gin-tasting event at the Art Café at 5pm on Friday 30 September.
Mover and shaker Thanks go to Philippa Castle (left) who started the Stanford Bird Fair photographic competition in 2007. Each year she organises the prizes, the publicity (all entries are posted on Facebook & Picasaweb) and the judging.
The full programme for the bird fair was published in the September edition of Stanford River Talk. For all updated programme information go to www.stanfordbirding.co.za. You can view the programme on your mobile phone.
Hennie’s pub & grill tel: 028 3410 115 cell: 083 290 7595 / 082 326 8933 henniesspitbraai@gmail.com 20 Queen Victoria Street Stanford - POBox 31 STANFORD RIVER TALK 14
SPECIALS! SPECIALS! SPECIALS! * TUESDAYS Stew & rice, glass of wine R35 * WEDNESDAYS Steak roll & chips, Black Label beer R55
* THURSDAYS Hawaiian burger & chips, Castle Lager R50
Unique! unique!
We have bird species that don’t exist anywhere else in the world . . .
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he Cape Floral Kingdom is rightly recognised as one of the natural wonders of the world, possessing 20 per cent of Africa’s plant species in only 0,5 per cent of its area. The Overberg and the Hermanus/ Stanford area, in particular, are blessed with large tracts of this unique natural system. In fact, the region has been declared a World Heritage Site, so special and remarkable is the biome. Within this very special habitat there reside a number of bird species that are endemic to our region that is to say that they occur nowhere else in the world. These birds have adapted to living, feeding and breeding amongst the proteas, ericas and other unique flora that make up the fynbos floral kingdom. Surely the jewel in the crown of our fynbos species is the stunningly beautiful orangebreasted sunbird? Whilst the male is dazzling in its metallic-feathered plumage, and loses no opportunity to show itself off on the top of the low fynbos shrubs, the female is a drab brown colour, deliberately camouflaged for protection of her nest and chicks. The most obvious and easily seen of these endemics is the noisy and hyper-active Cape sugarbird. With their long, feathered tails blowing in the breeze, the male sugarbirds seem never to tire of chasing each other from protea to protea as they show off to the shorter-
tailed females, and defend their little territories against rival suitors. The shyest and most cryptic of our fynbos dwellers is the tiny Victorin’s warbler. More often heard than seen, this tiny grey and brown songster lives in the riverine gullies that run down from the mountains and through the fynbos. Creeping slowly through the undergrowth, their piercing calls are a typical background sound to a walk along the lower mountain trails. Other interesting species to be found in this wonderful environment are the Cape bulbul, known as the ‘toppie’ from its habit of sitting on the topmost branch of a tree or bush; the southern tchagra – a member of the shrike family that is rarely seen due to its skulking habits; the Cape siskin – a diminutive member of the canary family that feeds on the tiny seeds produced by the myriads of plants and grasses; and last but certainly not least, the Cape rockjumper, which – as its name suggests – lives higher up the mountain where it moves amongst the boulder-strewn slopes in search of insects and grubs. These birds are entirely dependent on a healthy fynbos habitat for their survival. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that this little piece of heaven is preserved for future generations of man and creature alike. Michael Ford
orange-breasted sunbird
Cape sugarbird
Cape rockjumper
About Michael
Michael has been an avid birder for over 50 years, with most of his time spent in KZN. On retirement and moving to the Overberg in 1999, he joined the Hermanus Bird Club (HBC). He is trained and qualified as a bird-ringer, specialising in birds of prey. Michael was Secretary of the HBC for three years and Chairman for four. Photo call: Michael Ford (left) holding a Long Crested Eagle.
Hennie’s pub & grill
Victorin’s warbler
SPECIALS! SPECIALS! SPECIALS! FRIDAYS - STEAK SPECIALS **Happy hour 18:00 - 20:00**
Double brandy/vodka & Coke for only R18 Glass of wine R13 * Beer of the day R10
SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER: SPITBRAAI
SALADS,VEGGIES, DESSERTS, LIVE MUSIC - CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR REGULAR UPDATES OF WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING
POP IN FOR A DRINK AND FILL IN A LOYALTY CARD AND YOU’LL STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A SPITBRAAI MEAL AND BOTTLE OF WINE FOR 2! STANFORD RIVER TALK
15
Travels with my Satnav Andrew Herriot’s technological travails on the motorways of Britain
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ecently I had reason to visit the UK. UGH! Riots, theft, sarcastically pyrotechnics, incredibly bad behaviour, suspects, arrests and advised and ‘try convictions were the order of the day and breakfast TV. It was and get me off messy. What a relief to return to a peaceful village. Sublime. this frigging m However to get around these days in the UK in a hired car, one has way before we do to resort to technology. My itinerary included trips across London and end up in Calais’. I was already dreaming of Satnav errors where we going up north to Scotland. I found my way to the latter with the aid end up in a lagoon with a cricket field nearby and people with picnic of an Easy Jet’s GPS or Garmin. Lovely people, the Scots. No riots. baskets and ice-cold French Champagne. But moving successfully from north London to the south, and its ‘Are you listening to this woman?’ choked my driver and possibly variants proved, to say the least, challenging in the extreme even the person that might be divorcing me before long. ‘Take a U turn’ with an expensive Satnav. I immediately thought that Travels with my the voice screeched. ‘What?’ I bellowed. She is mad, my blood Ageing Aunt, a simple map and friendly conversation would definitely pressure reaching new heights. ‘How can you take a U turn in the be much more pleasurable and I might even reach South America middle of a traffic jam on the M25?’ I yelled at the machine stuck fast with or without electronic aids. to the window. I had a plan. ‘Take the first left,’ I surreptitiously said My Aunt would never shout at me ‘Take the ramp!’ I missed it to my co-driver thinking soon the car will stop and it (the driver that whatever a ‘ramp’ is supposed to be. ‘Recalculating.’ This e-woman is) will say ‘OK smartie pants, you take over!’ She didn’t. My plan was irritating me. I was revenge on the ‘voice’. We took an unsolicited left turn. I hasten to add that my revengefully, ‘That will sort you out.’ What happened to those halcyon thought soul mate was driving ‘Recalculating!’ The retaliation was sweet but achieved as she always does nothing. ‘Take a right’ intoned the ‘voice’ which my patient days when we planned well in because she does not performed with amazing skill and good humour. advance and carried large maps driver trust male drivers but ‘Recalculating.’ ‘What,’ I growled, ‘how can you recalculate to guide us through leafy lanes? I offered to prompt. ‘I something that is already recalculating?’ I was furious. The don’t understand her ‘voice’ was winning and England were losing (my Scottish accent!’ I shouted. ‘Why can’t Satnav speak in English?’ I howled. heritage questioned my concern). OK I do support England but not at ‘If you had not been listening to cricket you would have heard her Newlands. My random thoughts were irrational and I was becoming instructions in plenty of time, my soul mate retorted as she sped much insane. I was losing my mind. I said nothing and my lip dropped 25 degrees. I was recalculating too fast down the outside lane of an unknown motorway. How can three lanes be traversed to the left on an instruction ‘in 500 metres’ my life and in desperate need of Scottish malts. I would travel with my was my considered question? 88-year-old aunt any day and read Graham Greene, before tackling ‘Take the fourth exit’ our commentator instructed. What does she a foreign voice that has never been to London. ‘Recalculating.’ mean ‘take the fourth exit’? Where was the first one? ‘Driver,’ I began pleading ‘just get us out of this mess and stop at What happened to those halcyon days when we planned well in the nearest pub!’ advance and carried large maps to guide us through leafy lanes? Health warning: Be careful with technology … where is my ‘Phone the AA or the RAC in your case’ my South-African born driver Blackberry?
STANFORD RIVER TALK 16
WINE AND WORD GAMES
wine talk
by Tania Weich
Would you or wood you not?
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ecessity, it has been said, is the mother of invention. Similarly our need for enhanced, advanced and superior has set in motion the incessant wheels of innovation. Where once we were content to sip an easy drinking Sauvignon Blanc for sundowners, it is so no more. Oak barrels have been added to the winemaking equation for ‘another dimension of flavour’. The discovery of this complexity factor, afforded by the wood during ageing or fermenting, has been the catalyst for specialist coopers sprouting up all over Europe. And that is not the end of our options. One may order oak barrels from a particular country or a particular part of a country. If your preference leans towards the spicy, tighter flavours and aromas afforded by French oak, would that be from the region of Nevers, Alliers or Limousin? If the required characteristic vying for your attention is sweeter, with notes of vanilla, then a good option would be to employ American oak. ENOUGH ALREADY! Recently I had a wine tasting with visitors from Cape Town who categorically stated that they do not drink wooded Chenin Blanc.
What? But taking into account the variety of oak available for winemaking and the levels of toast that provide different flavour profiles, it is almost sensible to stay with ‘easy drinking’. However, that said, many of SA’s award-winning white wines have been exposed to barrel ageing – sometimes previously used barrels (2nd fill) or 100% new. The latter imparting maximum oaky flavours to the wine and a bouquet that is best described as multi-layered. But never mind that. Turn your attention instead to the marriage of these complex whites with slow food. Think creamy, spicy, compounded flavours and succulent roasted meats. Would you rather not complement your cuisine on occasion with wooded wines? The irony is, less often, and in more of a whisper, that we admit innovation is, for the most part, not initiated. Quite like the invention of using oak in the wine making process, success was stumbled upon. Wine barrels were originally used for transportation and storage only because of its convenience as a container.
Enter the star of our word game, meritocracy. Meritocracy is the system in which progress is based on ability and talent, not on privilege or perceived status. Players, decide … should one stick with sipping simple tipple and ignore the mouthwatering benefits of more complex fruits of the grape, because the basis of innovation, in this instance, has been unintentional? And while you ponder that point … pass me a glass of wooded Chenin Blanc please!
history talk
Stanford’s vanilla queen Owner of The New Junk Shop, Erwin Esterhuizen, starts her engine every day. He points out that he doesn’t get emotionally attached to stuff, but on this occasion he is in danger of falling in love . . .
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hat grand old gal parked outside Erwin’s shop on Queen Victoria Street is a vision in vanilla. She looks like she was made 1948 Oldsmobile: This beauty was a to deliver a bride to the 1970 bestseller. church on time, but she may just upstage her matrimonial passenger. Her sleek curves, shiny chrome grill and fender (bumper just doesn’t sound right), and two-tone tyres are understated, yet as classy as Sophia Loren in It Started in Naples. And although she is American, she shrugs off any hint of being ostentatious or loud, like moonshine off a duck’s back. She’s a 1948 Oldsmobile, with original engine and chassis, but she doesn’t lie about having had a little work done on her. Oldsmobile is an American brand made by General Motors for most of its existence. It was founded by Ransom Eli Olds (can you hear the Yankee twang?) in 1897 and enjoyed a life of almost 100 years. Oldsmobile pioneered many automobile firsts like the fully automatic transmission, one of the first real hardtops and first wraparound windscreen. Affectionately named Oldsmobiles, they have weathered the winds of changing history, seen two world wars, the space race, and the boom and collapse of the automotive industry in Detroit. They were the best selling American cars in the 1970s, and yet, were discontinued in 2004. Stanford’s vanilla queen has seen a lot through her
By Phil Murray
unblinking eyes. She captures the history of America’s rollercoaster automotive industry, but she also began her life in 1948, the year the National Party came to power in South Africa. She has had three owners in her life, the second being Dieter P. Radel, President of the Oldsmobile Club in Port Elizabeth. She’s for sale because she really is just a machine, but she’s special, isn’t she? And she looks comfortable parked on Queen Victoria Street reminding us of the grace and charm of a bygone era.
HOUSE WANTED TO RENT IN STANFORD OR SURROUNDS Retired couple looking for long term lease agreement with option to buy. - Large stand with good views - Established garden - 3 bedrooms plus - 2 bathrooms - Garages - Guest Cottage and Workshop/Studio would be a big advantage. Occupation January 2012 (or earlier) Contact Laina 082 441 5532 or e mail laina@lsd.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 17
art & culture
Aron’s word
Let the Springboks rise like the sun from the sea and fly in the sky like eagles In the name of our Springboks, the Rugby World Cup defenders, I would like to greet you and welcome you to my democracy. I’m writing this column from New Zealand in spirit but my body is in South Africa. I was doing a blood test a few weeks ago in one of our health centres. I was interested to find out what colour my blood is. I was told that my blood is GREEN and as the Springboks keep on winning their games it will get greener and thicker! ‘Go Bokke!’ I’m sorry people, I love my country, I’m proudly South African. It is just a pity about those people who were born, raised and live in South Africa but still have a negative mind set about their nation. South Africa has come a long way to be here today. I would like to say may the Springboks rise like the sun from the sea and fly in the sky like eagles; they must bring the light to the nation. Today we, South Africa, are famous in the world because of them. Rugby is our game, we feel it and touch it! I’ll see you on the 24 October 2011 at OR Tambo International airport when the Springbok boys will be landing with the 2011 Rugby World Cup. If it is also your game write to me and share your feelings, my e-mail is: 45465630@mylife.unisa.ac.za
Stanford swayed
Once again on Friday 23 September the Art Café was buzzing to the sounds of the new local jazz band SWAY. Stanfordians especially (Sally Filmer, Moira Hofmeyr, Sarah James, Judi and Keith Brown and other stalwarts) are turning out to these unique occasions to let their hair down and enjoy the rhythms. Even Jan Malan (Sir Robert Stanford) got onto the dance floor without his walking stick! Willie and Annetia du Preez (Brunia) and Peter and Jami Kastner (Stanford Hills) also joined the party. The glamorous Vanessa Marawa was the MC. She kept order as the 40-pluses leapt to dizzy heights in competition to John Hardie’s version of Mustang Sally. This event could be a feature for our fair village.
This book will make an excellent Christmas gift! Stockists include: The Mokoro shop, Stanford The Art Café, Stanford Oupa se winkel, Stanford Coffee Corner, Stanford Stanfordinfo, Stanford Bookmark, Hermanus
Only R80!
S WAY October events Craft in the Courtyard Looking for a special birthday or Christmas gift? Support Stanford crafters. Stanford Hotel Courtyard, Saturday 1 October. 10am – 2pm. Market in Kleinmond The Fresh Market in Harbour Road is on the first and last Sunday of every month. Bring the kids along for a fun day under one roof and the unique opportunity to meet our mascot - the African Penguin - who will receive a portion of the proceeds to hand over to the Stony Point Penguin colony in Betty’s Bay. Contact events manager, Dieter Odendaal, on events@harbourroad.co.za. HERMANUS BOOK FAIR The Overstrand Hospice will be hosting the very first Hermanus Book Fair on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October 2011 at the Fernkloof Hall in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve from 10am to 4pm. The Overstrand Hospice would like to encourage all charities, local booksellers and independent collectors to participate. Contact The Hospice Shop 028 3131 884 or Liza van Coppenhagen on 072 8833 894 or email hospice@hermanus.co.za ART IN THE HARBOUR The Overstrand Artistic Concepts (OAC) group of artists will be presenting their third exhibition at Harbour Road in Kleinmond from 1 October to 9 October 2011, 10am to 4pm. For more information contact Rita Brown on kriki@sonicmail.co.za or Troets on 082 781 6776. STANFORD RIVER TALK 18
Swing Jazz Band in Stanford SWAY, the name of a new local band, is available for bookings at any location for Special Occasions, Gigs, Dinner Dances and other functions. The swing duo consists of John Hardie (vocal) and Andrew Herriot (keyboard) plus full backing sounds. Call Andrew on 072 5717 846 for more information and details.
life talk
Riding on a loose rein with Jane Ellis
Adapting to the times – a Zimbabwean pensioner’s perspective on living in an indefensible dictatorship. One way in which white Zimbabweans (only 15-20 000 remain) survived the tsunami effects of the country’s world record beating inflation was to become consultants. Last month I met two who started consulting in those bad old days and who continue in the currently calmer fiscal waters: Zimbabwe’s currency is now the US$ (ironically making us one of the luckiest countries in Africa). One of the consultants, a woman, looked so young it was impossible to imagine she was an authority on anything except the warmth of her mother’s milk. The other so exhausted, so, well ‘er, OLD, one doubted if he had a grip on anything except placid, post-luncheon snoozy dreams of supper. But they soon proved the truth of that old cliché about appearances being deceptive. Both were making a satisfactory living; both drove new cars; both claimed they had a client list unlikely to diminish and both said their success was due to ‘taking a positive attitude, being optimistic, moving on.’ In fact their particular skills, and perhaps that should be ‘skills’, seemed to take a back seat to their approach to the actual work to be tackled. Ummmm. I’ve certainly heard those perky words before, perhaps most vividly from a farmer under siege who shouted from behind his barricades: ‘The situation is tough but you have to remain positive and move on.’ He was moved on alright. Still in spite of a sceptical nature – definitely a glass half empty rather than a glass half full sort of person – I do find the idea of being a consultant appealing. The kudos, the boodle, the sense of power would all be so much better than crawling along in the gutters of life worried sick about boring things like You-Know-Who, the utility bills, the next meal, the loose tooth, the worn out clothes and the rapid jellification of the formerly stiff upper lip. Interestingly the cult of consulting is filtering through to surprising levels as I realized this weekend when a very small, very old man lugging a very frail, old ladder arrived at my gate and appealed for work-for-food. Asked what he could do: a painter? a hedge cutter? he replied with enormous and enviable dignity: ‘I am a gutter consultant.’ The enthusiastic optimists whose endorphins seem to be easily fooled do, however, have a point or two for those who live in Zimbabwe. Endless worry rots not only the body but also the soul as living through a revolution is not as much fun as watching a film or reading a book about it and that applies to many Zimbabweans not just the few remaining whites. Revolutions are not enjoyable except perhaps in our case for the 300 families who have acquired unimaginable wealth in a very short time thanks to You-Know-Who. (At this stage let’s be generous and not go into the problems of great wealth or even think of naughty words like come-uppance). So what approach? What to do about one’s attitude? The answer for some of us on the tricky switch-back of survival is to ride life with a loose rein – and to never look back.
A poolside holiday
By Jami Kastner
As I am still hardly in a position to travel (three sprogs under five), I am using my column inches to tell you about the last holiday we did have. Coincidentally, also the last holiday we are likely to have in the foreseeable future. It is an interesting experience boarding an aeroplane with two young toddlers in tow. People look up and then stare in fear as you progress up the aisle towards them. If you listen very carefully, you can almost hear the chorus of thoughts …Oh lord, please don’t let them sit next to me! You hear the sighs of relief from each aisle as you pass them by, and they realise they have dodged the bullet this time. But alas, not everyone can be so lucky. When you finally reach your seats, there is often an audible gasp of dismay. The toddler on my hip may just as well be a package of Semtex strapped around my middle. It is not a great feeling to be persona non grata, but cheers me up to think that these selfish souls will soon experience the joy of my two-year-old sprog. He is, in fact, not far off from a weapon of mass destruction. And to teach these unwelcoming souls a lesson, I simply plonked both sprogs down in the aisle and let them go about their business. I nodded off and slept peacefully on the two-hour flight to Durban, being used to the antics of my offspring. The air-hostesses, however, were visibly rattled. I think I saw a few of them writing letters of resignation upon landing. Fellow passengers practically caused a stampede in their eagerness to leave the plane. Some people’s hair had turned quite white from the experience. But we are used to causing this sort of reaction by now, and I smiled broadly at everyone as my young cherubs attempted to pry open all their suitcases on the luggage belt. We had hired a car, and sped off to our destination, a lovely hotel on Umhlanga Beach, which very bravely advertise themselves as child friendly. Yes, indeed, but are they Stanford-farm child friendly? Kids in our neck of the woods do not sit quietly watching DVD’s of Princess Barbie, nor do they sit meekly at their parents’ sides during the breakfast buffet. Sprog two, especially, likes to get involved in the kitchen wherever possible, and his listed hobbies include furniture climbing and scrambled egg shotput. Hubby and I plonked ourselves on deck chairs next to the pool, and that was, aside from the daily beach excursion, pretty much where we stayed. Daily entertainment was provided at the poolside by a particularly grating bunch of young people. Bless them, they do try, but is there any person more annoying than the over-the-top friendly and childish entertainer at a family resort? The head of this troop further endeared himself to me by insisting that he be addressed as Pumba. A grown man. True story. The games began with a very simple treasure hunt. The first item needing to be found was a blue towel. Despite a veritable mound of said item on the nearest deck chair, my poor oldest poppet was last to arrive back with his. He proudly took it back to where his chair had been, only to discover that his seat had been removed. This was, after all, how the game was played. He looked so distraught at this discovery that I decided to take matters into my own hands. Lugging my sizeable bulk (I was, I must explain, 8 months’ pregnant, and in a particularly vicious mood) I called the head entertainer aside. ‘Now just you listen here, Pumba,’ I snarled menacingly into his ear. ‘My child may not be the most athletic here, but he WILL play this game to the end. And, let me inform you, he may even win it. Kapeesh?’ I twisted his (continued on page 23) STANFORD RIVER TALK 19
.
Art cafe New menu launch beginning October!
we do: breakfast, pizza, pasta, steak, ribs, seafood Year-end functions Kiwinet creates bespoke mosquito nets that add elegance to any bedroom décor. Beautifully styled Suspended and Fitted Four-Posters are our speciality.
Tues day - S unday 8am - 9pm
Special discount for Stanford Residents +(27) 028 341 0209 info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za • 36 Daneel Street Stanford, 7210
stanford art cafe
028 341 0591 artcafe@omail.co.za
Stanford Bricks For all your requirements of Cement Bricks, Blocks, Stone, Mix, Crusher Dust, Filling, Sand, Gravel
Braai & Fireplace Wood Russell Metcalf: 082 898 4889 Lerouxna: 028 341 0685 russell@walshacres.co.za
STANFORD RIVER TALK 20
Walshacres
Out of The Hat
Wheelie-bin ballet
Fred Hatman has returned to work in the mother city. Here he entertains us on life over the mountain
T
hree weeks into my Cape Town enslavement at the Cape Argus and my Stanford mellow has been steamrollered into submission by noisy traffic, trains, tooting taxis and more self-centred people than I can shake a fist at (and that’s usually quite a lot). My country karma has been crushed. And I’m tired. Really, really tired. I’ve been working nights. Some journalists do. And Cape Town keeps finding inventive new ways to wake me up just as my eyelids are shivering with the first refreshing waves of REM. Yesterday, it was the turn of an alien outfit which makes money by cleaning the innards of emptied wheelie-bins. I was just slipping into a blissful dream involving a freshly-breached river, lunch at Graze, jazz at the Arts Café and Jessica Alba in soft-focus, when it started up; the sound of wheelie-bins pirouetting on tarmac and their wheels ramping over pavements. Now, when I last looked, rubbish bins were exactly that. Bins with the express purpose of having rubbish stored in them until those nice chaps come along and magic the trash out of them. Then the bins remain undisturbed until one starts chucking one’s refuse into them again. Not in Cape Town. Here, the good burghers want their bins to be sterile enough so that, should little Storm stub a toe on a mislaid
PlayStation, a lifesaving operation could be conducted inside The Wheelie-bin Emergency Surgery Unit. I confronted the stout, blonde woman overseeing a team of blue-overalled men scouring the bins – and flossing those hard-toget-to cracks which seduce grime and grease. ‘Hello, can you give me any idea of what time this incessant noise that you are making might abate? I asked politely. Blonde Overseer blinked and stared at her clipboard. ‘Um, sir, residents pay for this service and it is our (read “Royal Our” as she was doing nothing but caressing her clipboard) duty to clean the wheelie-bins.’ ‘You’re cleaning rubbish bins? What for?’ I asked, a little more noisily, slightly more unsmilingly and a lot more directly. ‘Well, people like us to keep them clean,’ she said, a little more loudly and a lot more testily. ‘Aren’t rubbish bins meant to be dirty?’ I riposted, very snappily. ‘They’re rubbish bins, not wash basins.’ Before she could enlighten me, I decided to get to the heart of the matter. ‘Some of us (“Royal Us”, of course) work at night and sleep during the day and I can’t sleep with you throwing around those bins like Bakkies Botha in a Springbok ruck.’
As Fraulein Wheelie-bin-Scrubber opened her mouth to interrupt my tirade, I did what we (‘Royal We’, yes) all do when we desire the upper hand over somebody who is doing something that doesn’t fit into our personal plans. I slammed the front door shut and retreated to the back garden to drink a cup of tea in peace, quiet and the great satisfaction one fleetingly feels after an outburst of selfrighteous anger. But then it started again. Wheelie-bin ballet. Only, what had been Swan Lake had now transmutated into some seriously mental avant garde piece powered by a Rammstein industrial guitars riff. I lowered my exhausted head into my hands. For crying in a wheelie-bin. I have resolved to return post-haste to The Special Village, where rubbish bins are allowed to be rubbish bins and stand contentedly behind the garage in peace and quiet, steadily accumulating a thick film of scum. Something only a hungry rat would dare to operate in. Fred Hatman fred@fredhatman.co.za
KLEIN RIVER cheese
tasting, shop and play-park Weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 9-1 Picnics closed for winter, opening November
T 028 341 0693 • 7km outside Stanford on Route 326 kleinriver@telkomsa.net • www.kleinrivercheese.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 21
• • • •
Tyres & Exhaust Motor Car Service Centre Wheel Alignment Shocks, Brakes & CV Joints
tel/fax: 028 341 0104 A/H: 072 369 8264 Deadline November edition – 18 September
advertising: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or p 079 523 8453 editorial: ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or p 028 3410 333
STANFORD RIVER TALK 22
O C TO B E R T I D E TA B L E Sunrise Sunset High Water
1 0622 1846 2 0621 1847 3 0619 1848 4 0618 1849 5 0617 1849 6 0616 1850 7 0615 1851 8 0613 1851 9 0612 1852 10 0611 1853 11 0609 1854 12 0608 1855 13 0607 1855 14 0605 1856 15 0604 1857 16 0603 1858 17 0601 1859 18 0600 1900 19 0559 1900 20 0557 1901 21 0556 1902 22 0555 1903 23 0554 1904 24 0552 1905 25 0551 1906 26 0550 1907 27 0549 1907 28 0548 1908 29 0547 1909 30 0546 1910 31 0545 1911
Low Water
time
height time
height time
height time
height
0533 0622 0725 0858 1044 1156 0025 0107 0140 0210 0239 0307 0335 0402 0430 0500 0534 0617 0719 0859 1036 1138 0005 0054 0139 0223 0306 0350 0435 0521 0611
1.68 1.53 1.39 1.29 1.30 1.39 1.32 1.41 1.50 1.57 1.63 1.66 1.68 1.67 1.64 1.59 1.52 1.43 1.35 1.33 1.41 1.55 1.48 1.61 1.72 1.80 1.85 1.84 1.79 1.70 1.59
1.70 1.49 1.31 1.21 1.24 ---- 1.49 1.58 1.66 1.73 1.76 1.78 1.76 1.73 1.67 1.59 1.49 1.39 1.30 1.29 1.36 ---- 1.71 1.85 1.96 2.01 2.00 1.93 1.81 1.65 1.48
0.38 0.41 0.57 0.70 0.74 0.68 0.61 0.53 0.47 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.42 0.46 0.51 0.59 0.68 0.62 0.71 0.77 0.75 0.65 0.52 0.38 0.27 0.20 0.18 0.22 0.31 0.43 0.57
---0.54 0.68 0.75 0.71 0.62 0.53 0.46 0.39 0.34 0.31 0.31 0.33 0.37 0.44 0.52 ---0.77 0.86 0.86 0.75 0.59 0.42 0.27 0.16 0.10 0.10 0.17 0.28 0.43 ----
1749 1841 1952 2139 2322 ---- 1243 1319 1350 1419 1447 1515 1543 1610 1639 1711 1748 1836 1951 2140 2305 ---- 1226 1310 1352 1434 1518 1602 1648 1736 1828
1132 0008 0106 0230 0420 0545 0637 0713 0743 0809 0835 0901 0927 0954 1022 1053 1129 0001 0055 0220 0403 0518 0611 0656 0738 0820 0903 0947 1034 1124 1221
---- 1228 1345 1535 1716 1821 1903 1935 2003 2029 2056 2122 2149 2217 2247 2321 ---- 1216 1335 1540 1709 1807 1852 1934 2014 2055 2137 2220 2305 2352 ----
Information supplied by the Hydrographer, SA Navy © 2010. Not for navigational purposes. The Hydrographer is not responsible for any transcription errors. The use of the provided information is entirely at the user’s own risk.
A poolside holiday (continued from page 19)
ear violently at this last bit, for good measure. Sprog 1’s chair was rapidly returned to its place and, very sensibly, he decided it was safer not to leave it again for the duration of the game. How proud I was to see him win, the last child with his chair still in place. My heart melted when he proudly brought us his prize, a rather useful voucher for the games centre. Other families looked on in confusion as my children dominated the poolside games, despite seldom participating correctly, if at all. Prizes were regularly delivered to dad and I at our deck chairs, and each time we smiled proudly at our beaming angels. Every now and again I would shoot Pumba a menacing Marlon Brando-style glare, just to ensure things kept running smoothly. Some of the other children seemed quite upset and there were daily tears, but not from my two. And let me tell you, it’s a mom-eat-mom world out there.
Artificial breaching (continued from page 6)
hollows, where they burrowed into the sand. Many were stranded when the water receded during the artificial breach, and at least 150 died. The estuary was opened in the middle of the berm, as stipulated in the Mouth Management Plan, which was developed with expert input and approved by the provincial environmental authorities in lieu of conducting an EIA for each breaching. The period that the mouth will stay open is mainly determined by the following factors: • River inflow, which is directly related to runoff in the catchment area; • The amount of sediment flushed from the mouth during breaching, which is linked to higher water levels at breaching; • The rate at which sediments are transported back into the estuary, which is influenced by the prevailing wave regime; • The formation of separate ebb and flood tidal channels. It must also be noted, however, that the mouth area had become very sedimented recently because the estuary did not open at all in 2010 and opened well below the minimum ideal level of 2.6 m in 2008 and 2009. Furthermore, a radiometric survey conducted in 1998 proved that sediments between the mouth and Maanskynbaai are marine sands rather than catchment soils. Much of the sedimentation in the lower reaches can therefore be attributed to previous sub-optimal openings in terms of water level, position and sea conditions. While this particular artificial breach was equivalent to a 1:50 year flood, and a large plume of sediment was swept eastward - well away from the mouth area – it cannot be expected to cure all the ills of the past in one swoop. Several more such breachings will be necessary over the coming years to remedy the situation.
carstairs, max & I
A real clanger Carstairs comments on Stanford’s tjoekie
‘W
ell,’ said Carstairs grimly, as he prodded his Rum & Maple into his pipe, ‘who’s next?’ I replied cautiously: ‘I don’t know. But there they are.’ We were in the safe confines of the Art Café, but could see the police vehicle as it cruised past. We felt vulnerable. The windows of the restaurant were large and wide and faced directly onto Queen Victoria Street. So the cop van looked big and close. The feeling was like being in a shark-dive cage off Gansbaai and being eyeballed by a Great White. The vehicle paused at the stop street right opposite and the feeling intensified, the way it does when the shark slows down as it passes the cage and you know you have been noticed, and have become suddenly concerned about the size of its teeth and the fragility of the cage. Carstairs put down his pipe and tobacco, stood up and unbuckled his belt. ‘What the hell are you doing?’ I demanded. ‘I’m going to moon them!’ ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ I grabbed his arm and slammed him back into his seat. Max, alarmed, and fearing the worst, yelped and fled from the scene. We had become part of the hysteria that has gripped our village since our commendable and well-intentioned police decided to curb our drinking habits where they came into conflict with the traffic laws. The police were merely doing their duty – catching drink drivers before they could do any harm, either to themselves or to others. This was widely appreciated. After all the Stanford cops are widely respected as good cops. The only grief that’s being expressed is the methods being used to sober up our village – at least on the streets. It seemed a bit much against the background of Stanford as a small, quiet country village where drunken driving incidents are about as rare as collisions between Martian space ships. The way it works is that police vans circle and watch favourite watering holes such as the Art Café, Oom Steyn’s, Joe’s Pub, Hennie’s Pub & Grill and KCs. Good village folk, the elderly and the young are,
allegedly, closely observed as they leave the pubs. Those who might stagger, lurch, fail to walk a straight line or have difficulty finding their car keys or, perhaps, the car itself, are followed and apprehended when they set the vehicle in motion. Questions, statements, sniffs, breathalyser tests and, finally the inevitable trip in the back of the van to Hermanus for a blood test at the local hospital follow. Reactions of suspects have been varied, ranging from protestation and argument to, even, friendly repartee. One well known resident who fell out of his car when the police opened the door pleaded that he always did it that way. ‘It’s called the Mexican Roll,’ he claimed. ‘It’s the only gym I do.’ One of the most respected dowagers of the village was incensed at being stopped and arrested but had great difficulty convincing the police of her innocence. She had recently suffered and endured a serious operation to her mouth and tongue which had left her with a pronounced slur. That of course did not help her situation. She ended up sharing facilities at the Stanford police station with a neighbour and a bergie. Another Stanfordian declared irritably: ‘One may as well emigrate to Australia. They do the same sort of thing there, but at least the beer’s better.’ Much comment has been heard on the matter. One of the most interesting was that police should warn likely offenders, take possession of their car keys and impose a spot fine before they get into their car rather than after they set it in motion. Perhaps, however that could cause procedural difficulties. Meantime life in the village has become slowed by Stanfordians drawing lots before attending parties to choose who should be restricted to non-alcoholic beverages to qualify as luckless chauffeurs to drive others back home. Carstairs suggests we build a dog cart and put Max into service. ‘Thus a new industry can begin,’ he says. ‘For that the police can be complimented.’ Good old Carstairs. Knew he would think of something. STANFORD RIVER TALK 23
classifieds There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanfordinfo where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope. SMALL ADS: R1 a word • BOXED ADS: R77 info@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • cell: 079 291 1588
FOR SALE
AMANA DOUBLE-DOOR fridge/freezer, mechanics recently overhauled. R1500. p Mary 084 643 4504. CAR SEAT ages 0-1 year. Excellent condition built-in shade cover R600. p Caitlin 083 358 6365. CORRICRAFT PETITE LOUNGE SUITE. 2 couches and 2 matching chair with loose covers, cream, washable. R9 500. p Lesley 078 4512 622. DININGROOM SUITE light wood, table with 2 extension leaves plus 6 chairs with rush seats, excellent condition. R6 000. p Lesley 078 4512 622. Kayaks and Canoes from R200 to R600 p Ernie 083 310 0952. METAL GATES 2 x 233 cm wide sold individually for R600 or together for R1 100. p Caitlin 083 358 6365. PLASTIC 2-PART DOG KENNEL medium R400. p Caitlin 083 358 6365. SIX CANVAS DIRECTOR CHAIRS (Boardmans) R300, 1 square glass top cane coffee table R50. p Diana 072 4925 039. ROUND IMBUYIA COFFEE TABLE. Solid wood, very good condition, R5 500. p Lesley 078 4512 622.
Found
SET OF WOODEN PEPPER AND SALT GRINDERS. These were flung over my hedge in Stanford a few months ago, along with bottles of condiments. p 082 5790 380.
LOST
WEDDING RING with patterned edge. Reward if found R500. Call 072 267 6198.
OFFERING
Adult horse riding classes. p Jake Uys on 079 468 9060.
VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT Washing • Tumble Drying • Ironing Dry Cleaning • Steam Cleaning • Carpets Mon – Fri 8.30am - 5pm 25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976
Kinesiology
AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY
For improving, restoring and maintaining health on a mental, emotional or physical level. R300 for the first session (2 hrs), R250 for any session thereafter (90 min) Maaike Heger maaikeheger@gmail.com 072 683 5648
Suidsee Verkoeling Nuwe kontaknommer: Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh: 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk
Blom Build
Following Michael’s retirement from going up ladders, his Reliable & honest painter. No job too small. Contactable building work will now be references p Wilson on 072 223 2511. available from ‘Mr Blom’ (076 858 8067,) Michael’s SPECIALIZED KEYBOARD JAZZ TEACHING. Andrew Herriot will be foreman for many years. Blom available beginning October for those interested. is an excellent bricklayer/ Contact 072 5717 846 or aherriot70@gmail.com for more info. plasterer/roofer. Guy Whittle (082 876 0492) and/or Ansie RENT STORAGE 250 SQUARE METRES. Secure locked storage on farm 1km Reitsma (082 320 0982) have volunteered to give references from town. Electronic alarm installed and my personal supervision. for his work. Better monthly rates. p John 082 950 6007.
guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com
SOUTH COAST
SOLAR Solar and renewable energy specialists
John Hardie • 079 29 11611 john@southcoastsolar.co.za www.southcoastsolar.co.za
Insurance approved PIRB Registered and Licensed Plumbing contractors
carpet care we clean carpets:
fitted - persian - oriental kelims - woolen etc
we clean upholstery:
couches - chairs - mattresses pillows - padded head boards
ken 079 885 6777 carpetcare@hermanus.co.za
Where to worship in Stanford NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:30 in die kerkgebou. Office, tel 028 3410 966. ST THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH Morton St, contact Father Joseph Gabriëls 028 3410588 First Sunday of the month 10:30 Communion (Afr). Second Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) Third Sunday of the month 08:00 Communion (Eng) Fourth Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service. Pastor Johnny van der Schyff • 028 3410 422. VG KERK (next to De Bron School) 10:00 Sunday morning. Maureen Diedericks 028 3410 691. Stanford United Church St Thomas Church, Morton St. Inter-denominational. English service at 6pm Sunday. Bible Study, 7pm Wednesday at 45 Queen Victoria St. Secretary Kerri Brokensha 028 341 0077. STANFORD RIVER TALK 24
crossword
ACROSS 1 What’s produced after, for example, tea’s digested (6) 5 Stein is German? Correct without a hint of doubt (8) 9 Former almsman with Tory whip accepting nothing (8) 10 Former primates have the last word about a primate being beheaded (6) 11 Art has left wife, after split-up, to acquire new - now he’ll have two of them? (7-2-3) 13 Drink brings a good man to the edge of insanity (4) 14 Lands from boat in Norfolk town (8) 17 It allows unimpeded capital movement (8) 18 It’s wrong for a Leftie to move right of centre (4) 20 He’s to lend out sums of money, we hear - they’re required for performance of 23’s works (12) 23 Robert Lindsay (6) 24 Where arch is providing support? (8) 25 Race to follow the intruder (5,3) 26 Order unpleasant old woman to come round to observe last respects (6)
SEPTEMBER SOLUTION
Set by Alberich, www.freecrosswords.net
DOWN 2 See 7 3 Eponymous hero of part of the 22 dies with grief? Not exactly (9) 4 Foster’s reportedly put work into lead parts of The Accused, Sommersby and finally Maverick (6) 5 Right away, city has millions invested into new grunge arrangement of part of the 22 (5) 6 Foolish woman, so to speak, about to be put in front of judge again (8) 7,2 In the 22 the timeless old treasure which gives name to a part of it (9) 8 Pass away stroll by river with part of the 22 (3,7) 12 Solemnly declare: “The fool’s always worried!” (10) 15 The opposite of immunising fluid? Yes and no (9) 16 Pentagon is thus fivefold put in difficulty (8) 19 Former Foreign Secretary, being short, had to climb to get to the seat on a Jumbo (6) 21 Star turn for Ben Elton’s first daughter (5) Entries for the crossword should be sent to Box 228, Stanford, 7210 by 20 October 2010.
what’s on in October? Stanford Stretton’s Bird Fair Friday 30 September – Sunday 2 October. Go to www.stanfordbirding.co.za for the weekend programme. Rotary Car Boot Sale, Soup Sherry and Song Wine & Wisdom Sway Jazz & Swing Band Democratic Alliance AGM
weekly timetable
Stanford Sunset Market
Saturday 1 October on the Village Market Square. 9am to 12pm. Call Peter Bysshe on 082 622 8452. Saturday 1 October. Pro Musica Choir with Bea Whittaker at the NG church hall. 6.30pm for 7pm. Thursday 6 October 7pm, R40 pp, Stanford Art Café. Contact Bea 028 341 0430. Saturday 8 October. 7.30 pm to late. Birkenhead Brewery. For more information call Andrew Herriot on 072 5717 846. Thursday 27 October. 6.30pm. Community Hall. Friday 28 October. 6pm to 8pm. Village Green. Contact Rina on 083 604 0808.
Monday & Thursday, 5.15pm - 6pm, Pilates, The old Beauty Spot Studio, above Tops Bottle Store, Tracy: 082 441 8307. Monday & Wednesday, 5pm, Canoeing, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877. Tuesday (5pm to 6pm) & Friday (9am to 10am), Tae Bo, Stanford Conference Centre, Ronnie 083 655 4521. Tuesday 8:45 to 10am, Iyengar Yoga with Marianne, Studio @ Art Café. Wednesday 9 to 10am, Nia Dancing with Nikki, Studio @ Art Café, Nikki 072 436 1497. Thursday 8:45 to 10am, Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, Studio @ Art Café, Leli 082 3500 253. Tuesday & Thursday, 4pm, Cycling, Meet at Caltex Garage, Dave Morrison 082 321 7996. Wednesday, 6.30pm, Stanford Rotary Club Meeting, Art Café. Everyone welcome. Friday, 5pm, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877. Saturday, 10am – 12pm, Stanford Saturday Morning Market, Art Gallery Courtyard from Enquiries call Art Café (028) 3410 591.
Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere. Qualified dog trainer. Well balanced diets, love and care.
028 - 3410 961 STANFORD RIVER TALK 25
local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION B’s Cottage De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Galashiels Lodge Hadeda’s Guest Lodge LIGHT Cottage Melk & Heuning Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford Country Cottages Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Upton House Villa di Baia
List your business for just R12 a month (only R144/year). Email: info@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 07929 11588.
028 341 0430 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 028 341 0181 082 498 4905 082 391 5331 082 391 5331 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 028 341 0984 082 614 6322 082 320 0982 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 079 777 5983 082 336 1573
Accounting & Tax Services Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 ALTERATIONS Caitlin’s Dressmaking
083 358 6365
ANTIQUES/FURNITURE Sir Robert Stanford
028 341 0048
ARCHITECTURE Maureen Wolters
082 450 3970
ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical ESTATE AGENTS Graham & Swart Marlene’s Properties Michael Thompson Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties FIREWOOD Walshacres GARDENS & NURSERIES Green Futures Nursery Helen’s Garden Service Krige Tree Services Stanford Chippers Walshacres Willowdale Nursery HOUSE MANAGEMENT @ Your Service Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat
079 182 8825 028 341 0641 082 732 1284 028 341 0929 083 225 7367 028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 028 341 0685 082 898 4889 028 384 8043 082 735 7153 082 658 0427 082 324 6799 028 341 0685 082 899 1172 074 587 1380 082 320 0982 072 616 0976
HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages
082 320 0982
INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters
028 341 0209 082 450 3970
ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS Ons Winkel Stanford Galleries Traderoots
028 341 0647 028 341 0591 084 643 4504
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme
028 313 0660
IMMIGRATION SERVICES Assured Immigration Services 082 629 5442
BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford
028 341 0048
NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk
CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke PRO-FIT
028 341 0410 071 219 9212 072 369 8264
Conference centre Mosaic Farm
028 313 2814
Construction Stanford Bricks
028 341 0685
Driving School Drive with Cait
083 358 6365
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES African Queen River Cruises 082 732 1284 028 3410 929 Klein River Picnics 028 3410 693 Platanna 073 318 5078 River Rat Boat Cruises 083 310 0952 PEST CONTROL Overberg Pest Control
028 312 2225
PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels
028 341 0961 028 341 0961
Rural and river retreats in tranquil surroundings, Stanford Country Cottages are situated throughout the village and surrounding area. Perfect getaways from stressed city living, they offer a unique base from which to explore this magical village and the fascinating Cape Whale Coast & Overberg. Tel: 028 341 0965 • Cell: 082 320 0982 enquiries@stanfordcountrycottages.co.za www.stanfordcountrycottages.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 26
079 291 1588
PLUMBING John Hardie
079 291 1611
PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588 RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Art Café Stanford Gallery Evergrine Havercroft’s Madré’s Kitchen
028 313 2814 028 3410 591 028 341 0386 028 3410 603 028 341 0647
SECURITY JSK Wrought Iron Safe Security
083 591 9600 028 341 0801
SOLAR South Coast Solar
079 291 1611
Taxi Service Anytime Transfers
082 858 6765
TRUCKS & TRANSPORT Stanford Bricks
028 341 0685
Wedding venues Beloftebos Galashiels Lodge Mosaic Farm Sir Robert Stanford Estate Stanford Hotel
082 542 9556 028 341 0181 028 313 2814 028 341 0647 082 781 1704
WINE CELLAR & SALES Brunia Wines Sir Robert Stanford Estate Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate
028 341 0432 082 783 7257 028 3410 647 028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841
police: 028 3410 601 / 10177 ambulance: 10177 municipality: 028 341 8500 fire & rescue: 079 5077 326 overstrand emergency: 028 313 8000 / 313 8186
Celebrations in Stanford
Lydia Hardie 9 October
Ursula Hardie 15 October
Congratulations to Renato Armanni who turns 40 on 21 October
Basil Whittaker 10 October
Sarah Atkinson celebrates her 18th birthday on 15 October
Tom Bednall 24 October
If there is a birthday coming up or special occasion you want to share with the village please email ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za
Denise writes: ‘Thank you to all Stanfordians for the love and support, the phone calls, the texts, the visits and the prayer groups while I was in hospital. They were all so appreciated. I am on the road to recovery, although somewhat thinner and with less hair! I will be visiting Stanford soon and I look forward to catching up with all of you.’ Cade Ingles 13 October
Seymour Paterson 20 October
Ros Nale 26 October
Denise Inkson 14 October
Chanette Paul 20 October
Julie Bleach 27 October
Werner Jacobs 21 October
Antony Walsh 27 October
Janice Gilman 29 October
Okkie Smuts birthdays: (back) Johan van Wyk 25/10; Chelaine Dickson 31/10; Simon Kronk 27/10; (middle) Japie Louw 16/10; Kelley May 23/10; Lee-Ann Prins 10/12; Zander Anderson 5/10; Luke Taberham 17/10; Beyano Braaf 16/10; Gershwin Hendricks 6/10; (front) Romano de Waal 5/10; Jamal Lehman 11/10; Stiaan Vrous 23/10; Inganathi Jacob 2/10; Paula Dreyer 17/10; Cayde Moos 23/10; Hayley Swart 24/10 and Azenathi Mani 29/10
STANFORD RIVER TALK 27
MICHAEL THOMPSON
ESTATES
stewart@alcock.co.za
EIENDOMME
www.mtestates.co.za
LIFESTYLE LIVING AT ITS BEST LIVE THE LIFE. R4 300 000
Only 10 kms from Stanford, enjoy the delights of country living in this 5 bedroomed home, with all the mod cons. plus 1 bedroom guest/manger’s cottage. set on 37 hectares of unspoilt fynbos.
SOLE MANDATE R 2 900 000
STYLISH & SECURE R 1 495 000
SIMPLY STUNNING! R1 595 000
‘One-of a kind’ in the Village, ‘Michael Sutton’ designed 3 bedroom home PLUS historical cottage.
2 Beds, 2 baths large living areas
3 beds, 3 bathrooms. Award winning garden.
CALL STEWART 074 126 7770
beauty and wellness centre
mother & daughter workshop La Femme, Gatineau and Carmen Garcia invite you to join us for a fun filled morning specially designed for you and your teenage daughter. Have you ever wondered: What is my skin type? How do I use skincare products? Eye Creams, do I need to use it? Why? How do I clean my skin? Carmen, a well-known Image consultant, will share with us her specially designed workshop: 7 Secrets every woman should know! Saturday 8 October 10:00 - 13:00.R50 pp including refreshments, a lucky draw to win products from all three hosts. At La Femme. Bookings: 028 313 0660. Limited seats so do so before Friday 30th September
Thank you to all Stanfordians for your loyal support at our new salon in Stanford. You make it all worthwhile. 18 HO P E ST R E E T, H E R M A N U S • 0 2 8 3 1 3 0 6 6 0 • i nfo @ l afe m m e h e r m a n u s . co . za