Stanford River Talk February 2017

stanford river talk R14

FEBRUARY 2017 Volume 137 Stanford‘s monthly newspaper

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STANFORD RIVER TALK 1

Our February quote is about happiness and is taken out of a beautiful antique book of quotes belonging to Stanford’s very own Quote Master, Jake Uys of Yum Restaurant.

The author is Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, simply known as Montesquieu. He was born in France on 18 January 1689 and died in Paris on 10 February 1755. He was a lawyer, writer and political philosopher who lived during the Age of Enlightenment. His political theory of separation influenced the founding fathers of North America and indeed many constitutions worldwide. When his father passed away in 1716 Montesquieu became the ward of his uncle and subsequently inherited his fortune and title. He held a number of views that even by today's standards would be judged controversial. He believed that women could head a state but not be effective as head of a family! He advocated meteorological

If one only wished to be happy, it could be readily accomplished: but we wish to be happier than other people; and this is almost always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.

– Montesquieu

climate theory, that climate may influence man and society.

Thank you Jake for this thought provoking quote – I will probably be popping over to Yum to tap into your quote mastery for upcoming editions.

Please note: As from March Issue Stanford

River Talk cover price will be increased to R20.

Lorraine

If the words resonate with you - please cut out the quote, paste it on your mirror, put it on your fridge - these words are yours everyday for the rest of this New Year.

Source: www.weheartparties.com

The Garden Grill

serving “field to fork” Dinner – Saturday | Lunch – Sunday book on 072 160 5486

SEND US YOUR NEWS ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za lorraine@stanfordrivertalk.co.za 082 886 2424 Please send your letters to ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za Try to keep letters as short as possible (100 words or less) and supply your name and address. Anonymous letters will not be published. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any letter.

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Reader's Letters SPECIAL THANKS Fire 12 January 2017

news and updates

Sally's Memorial

A unique village send off for Sally Filmer. By Andrew Herriot

On behalf of my family, the Beetons and the Bauermeisters, I would like to thank Jake Uys for his prompt reaction in reporting the fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. I would also like to send out a special word of thanks to Dirk Johannes Coetzee for standing in as a firefighter until the Stanford and Hermanus fire trucks arrived, from all accounts the quick thinking of these two men most certainly saved my family's home and also ultimately their lives.

To the members of the SAPS who helped to get my mom and dad out of the house and safely to the neighbours, thank you for your patience and understanding in a very stressful situation.

All in all it is wonderful to know that we as South Africans can stand together irrespective of race, colour or creed, in times of emergency.

Cover ImagE BY VIV MC ONIE THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS! Art Director – Mich McGee

Elaine Swart (neé Beeton) PO Box 22183

What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?

Lyttelton 0140 (Centurion, Pretoria)

Dear Lorraine

BRAIN

TEASERS

Many many thanks for placing my ad in River Talk.

It looks so good and I already had a response.

Big hug and kiss,

Anni

What has an eye but can not see?

What has a head and a tail, but no body?

Paul's height is 1.8m, he's an assistant at a butcher's shop, and wears size 9 shoes.

What does he weigh?

How many of each species did Moses take on the ark with him?

solutions on pg.14

Source: www.brainden.com/logic-riddles

Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor‘s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article. Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission. Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC. The Really Famous Publishing Company T/A Stanford River Talk has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within this publication was correct at time of print. The Really Famous Publishing Company T/A Stanford River Talk does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from accident, negligence, or any other cause.

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news and updates

CPF News

By Stuart Anderson

Quarterly Report Back 4th Quarter 2016 Some successes but still lots to do

Rotary Club of Stanford

By Lana Coates On 20th and 21st December 2016 we distributed 276 Bags of Love to desperately poor families in Stanford. Thank you to all who contributed in any way to making the 2016 campaign a success.

Because our Rotary Club has a limited number of members it is essential we concentrate our funding and energy on vital core humanitarian projects, where we feel we are making a difference in the community.

Of the 217 cases reported to SAPS over the last three months of last year, 192 went to court, and, of which 98 convictions were made. Two community members were given jail sentences, namely Pedro 'Pietie Jan' Mars and Albert Prins. Mars received two years for stealing a battery out of a car, and Prins six months for being in possession of stolen goods. The Cop of the Quarter went to Reserve Constable Fernando Damon (pictured below) for making the most arrests in this period. Fernando, who works voluntarily full time for the police, which means no pay, is developing into one of our best policeman. We must not lose him. Is anyone out there who can advise in ways of getting some financial plan or assistance for him? If so, please contact me on stuartandersonza@gmail.com

Soup Kitchens:

Feeding the poor, focussing primarily on children, the sick and the elderly, will always be our main focus in Stanford. We currently support 5 soup kitchens, one of which prepares food solely for very sick people who are being treated at the Clinic, as well as the Okkie Smuts Koshuis. There is a soup kitchen in operation each day from Monday to Thursday, with a small food bank operating from Anchor Ministries on Fridays.

Early Childhood Develpment: We focus mainly on pre-schoolers, either in creches or via our Family in Focus group who prepare children for Grade R. We assist with basic stationery items and educational tools, but also we collect certain recyclable materials which are used for teaching basic skills. We ask that folk collect toilet roll and kitchen towel inners, cartons of all sizes from toothpaste, biscuits, etc up to cereal boxes, egg boxes, polystyrene trays, milk bottle tops, and so on. There is a lot more to this project than meets the eye.

Winter Warmth Blankts & Jerseys:

From around mid-March we appeal for warm items – blankets, jerseys, beanies, etc. We also work with the schools to ascertain if there are children who are in need of winter school clothes – rain jackets, shoes, jerseys and tracksuits. An appeal will be sent out nearer the time for this project.

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

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Colonel Nellie Roodt We welcome to our village and new CPF member, Mrs Nellie Roodt, previously known as Colonel Sonderling when she worked for fifteen years at the Paarl police station. She has much to offer the CPF as she is also trained in trauma counselling, besides also being a journalist. She will be able to assist our Victims' Support team which operates out of different homes as well as in the trauma room at the police station.

CPF projects in 2017 A large part of the CPF's role is to uplift the lives of its community. This is done through organising programmes or special events throughout the year. Projects such as Youth Day, Mandela Day, Womens' Month, Marches against drugs, Sixteen Days of Activism and many talks on health and safety issues.

If anyone wants to join anyone or more of these rewarding programmes please contact Constable Ali October, Charlene Volkwyn, Willem Maclean or Sarah Phillips either directly or via the police station 028 341 0601

TOURISM TALK Stanford put on a marvellous summer show during peak season with Stanford hosting top-class live musicians from Anton Goosen and Nick Turner to Louise Carver and Watershed. The Stanford Street Festival saw the ‘Carry your partner’ race and the Stanford 6s had visitors relaxing on the skirtings of the Market Square. Stanford was truly bursting at the seams as visitors road their bikes, licked ice-creams, cruised down the river and tasted local produce from the restaurants and markets. Brides and grooms tied the knot in Stanford, and extended families gathered around tables to enjoy quality time.

The Lighthouse to Lighthouse Mountain Bike Ride takes place between Agulhas and Danger Point lighthouses on 11-12 February, and the MTB Adventures Mountain Bike stage race is returning to Stanford Valley Guest Farm on 18-19 February. We keenly await the arrival of the Cape Epic on 20-21 March! The women’s Global Golf Challenge will be held 24-26 February in Hermanus and this inaugural event puts the Cape Whale Coast firmly on the international golf calendar.

2017 is going to be a full and fun year, and the Tourism Management Committee is fired up to serve the village.

April is been earmarked by the Stanford Canoe Club for a water weekend of rowing and paddling, and September is the month in which Stanford will celebrate its 160 year birthday.

What a lot we’ve got!

Stanford Tourism Committee 028 341 0340 ask@stanfordinfo.co.za

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY

LET US WASH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY 25 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET

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

STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

school talk

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

By Maryanne Ward

FUNIMFUNDO What a joy to see success come the full circle – on the very first day that Funimfundo’s doors opened in 2003 young Monica Badula joined the Grade R class – in 2015 she matriculated from Gansbaai Academia. The happy, bright and caring nature which drew the attention of the teachers at Funimfundo remained with Monica and it is not surprising that she is currently studying Educare N5 at Noordlink College in Parow. This is a 3 year course and includes a 6-month practical period. To our delight Monica has chosen to do this at Funimfundo and with her family living Monica Badula in Stanford we hope to see her often in the future.

On returning to the school Monica was blown away at the growth of Funimfundo over the years. She remembers just one small tatty building with the playground still in its early stages, and the abundant veggie garden but a seed in our thoughts.

Monica shared her fond memories of Funimfundo... like most of our old students, Easter egg hunts and her very first teacher Intomboxolo Jacob (who is no longer teaching but currently has an administration job at our local police station).

However, Intomboxolo is still one of the active directors of Food Four Thought Community Projects (the section 21 company that is Food 4 Thought). Monica completes her Educare course at the end of next year and has already been asked by Noordlink to stay on with them and become a trainer.

We wish her every success in her future career. Funimfundo is so proud to have been the platform for Monica and many of her colleagues to achieve confidence in their lives, by providing a sound curriculum and teachers who are encouraged to continue advancing their studies whilst employed at the school. This year Food 4 Thought will send one teacher for Level 4 Teacher training.

Nokuzola Mketshang A new teacher has started at Funimfundo – Nokuzola Mketshang. Nokuzola was working at White Water but when she heard there was a teaching post available at Funimfundo she immediately applied for the position.

White Water were sad to say goodbye to her but wished her every success in her new chosen career. She will start her training in 2018.

Nandipha Matanyana Nandipha (our Headmistress) is doing a fabulous job at Funimfundo. The grounds are always kept immaculate and the classrooms are looking bright and colourful under her care and attention to detail, and in addition her administration has been excellent.

What a blessing for the school to have her.

DE BRON A Welcome Message January 2017 We are happy to start a new school year of learning and growing.

We look forward to continue building strong relationships with learners, parents and the rest of the community in the upcoming year.

A special welcome to all new learners, teachers, Ms. W. Gongotha (governing body post) and student teacher, Ms. N. Mkiva (ex learner). It is our mission to help every learner, parent and teacher to feel welcome and part of the De Bron Family.

Ms. M. Maans, Ms. K.Dreyer and Grade R’s STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

First day of school: Everything of the best to all our new Grade R and Grade 1 learners. Thank you to our special guests and parents for sharing the day with us.

Mr. J. October(Ex-Teacher), Mr. F. Booysen(Police Warrant Officer), Mr. D. Coetzee(Deputy Mayor), Mr. LJO Pedro(Principal),Mrs. E. Appel, Mr. Koyi(Pastor) and Mr. H. Appel (Ex-learner)

Ms. B. Mqadaru and Grade 1 class

Ms. N. Apleni and Grade R’s

AN ENERGETIC EPICENTRE

ART talk

By Su Wolf

– VIV McONIE –

Marley the Labrador welcomes guests at Stanford Harvest as they sit gazing out over a landscape of mountains and trees, eating their delicious meal and tasting the honey mead – a speciality. No visitor would guess that this relaxing haven has a whirlwind at its centre.

This versatile vortex is Viv McOnie, who wields a wooden spoon in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. When she’s not running the busy restaurant, or catering for an event, Viv can be found in front of her easel, painting the atmospheric rural scenes and beautiful still lifes which hang upon the restaurant’s walls.

‘I only started painting when I was about 30’, says Viv. ‘I had always crafted; painting table cloths, sewing and quilting’. (and yes, fellow quilters, she still has a stash of fabric hidden away!)

Approaching everything with her characteristic zeal, it’s not surprising that Viv ended up needing an operation for tennis elbow as a result of painting too many table cloths.

‘Once I had recovered I thought about moving onto ‘real’ painting but I found the white rectangle of the canvas very daunting’, remembers Viv. ‘So I enrolled for a few lessons in acrylic painting and studied every book and DVD I could get hold of. I found the DVD’s produced by Helen Van Wyk especially helpful. I also did a drawing course which was a turning point; it really taught me how to ‘see’’.

‘I turned to oils much later – only after I had done the ‘canvas mileage’, made mistakes and sold many paintings’.

‘I started with still lifes and I still love painting them, but I am never short of ideas of what to paint! Being a farmer’s wife I’m surrounded by picturesque countryside, by animals, geese, chickens and even an old red tractor.’ Viv has captured all of these in her ‘impressionistic realism’ style. Her landscapes are infused with a gentle luminosity; they depict a peaceful world and echo the tranquillity around her.

Viv has used her paintings as artwork for chalkboards, key racks and greeting cards, all of which are available at Stanford Harvest. The placemats on the restaurant tables are copies of Viv’s paintings and the chair cushions are covered with fabrics she was commissioned to illustrate. All of these allude to her extraordinary energy.

Ms. R. Dreyer, Ms. C. Lucas and Grade R’s

I’m not afraid to jump in the deep end, both in the kitchen and on the canvas’, Viv concludes, ‘My challenge to myself is to keep improving all the time’.

Mrs. C. Gibson and Grade 1 Class STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

SHOP TALK

By Katie Smuts

Valentine's Day Splurge

Valentine's Day is upon us, and while the menfolk can all heave a sigh of relief that the dangers of 2016's leap year have passed, 14 February in any other year is not without its dangers. They're still obliged to get out there and buy us shiny things to show us how much they love us. And woebetide the man who buys ugly, cheap or passe jewellery.

Many moons ago, my then boyfriend presented me with a ring box on Valentine's Day. We were too young and foolish for the box to signify a proposal, but the boyfriend had notoriously bad taste (not in girlfriends, obviously).

I recoiled in horror, and spent a good few seconds pondering how quickly I could pretend to lose whatever hideous thing lurked inside. Remarkably the ring was, in fact, stylish and timeless (I suspect a friend had helped), and, as I still wear it to this day, had far better longevity than the relationship. With this near disaster in mind, I set out to find the choicest

PROBUS TALK

colourful to the exquisite and elegant. These two brooches are among my favourites, finely and delicately made, but large and bold enough to make a splash on a formal black jacket or coat. The smaller one, with the blue stones and pearls is R350, while the larger one, set with amethysts, is R795. Buying either of these would warrant also budgeting for an occaison at which to wear them – you have been warned.

pieces of bling with which to navigate the potential pitfalls, pratfalls and faux pas inherent in Valentine's Day. At De Kleine Rivers Valey House Antique Shop, there is a wide selection of jewellery, ranging from the cheerful and

Cosy cattery and

by Sarah James

Probus are visiting Van Brakels Stoor for their January 2017 outing. Judging from the response to our invitation, we have had a record number of people coming to the Probus lunch being held at the Stoor.

We are lucky to have the owner’s wife Ounooi as well as Lizette who are both going to give us a history on the Van Brakels as well as a history about the area which should be truly fascinating. Please note that we are holding our Probus AGM in March 2017 where we hope to welcome new members to our Club.

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At the New Junk Shop, there is a wide selection of amber pieces, imported directly from Poland.

They are all magnificent, and are priced from R275 and up, with the selection comprising rings, earrings, brooches, pendants and bracelets. These bracelets are glorious statement pieces, with beautiful, big chunks of amber; the clear amber bracelet, at R3 350, is delicately filigreed with inclusions, while the milky piece, at R4 750, is fluted, and boldly sculptural.

You can buy me both!

kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

Well balanced diets, love and care.

028 - 3410 961

Probus lunch at van Brakels

The truth about cats and dogs One of my lecturers used to say: “Cats are not small dogs that climb trees”. His aim was to point out the differences in just about anything except four legs between the two species.

Cats are built for stealth, climbing and pouncing. Strength and endurance are sacrificed for lean muscles and speed. Their shoulder anatomy allows for a larger range of motion, giving them longer strides, enabling them to climb and manage tight spaces.

Their sharp, retractable claws are used as weapons. Dogs are built for long distance running and brute strength. Their claws are worn down as they run. Their 42 teeth are able to cut, tear and grind making them better at chewing than felines whose smaller jaw contains 30 teeth and does not allow sideways movement. The dog’s expandable stomach and longer intestines allow him to eat larger meals less often. Cats need to eat frequent small meals and should not fast as their bodies are unable to use stored fat for energy. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need

VET talk

by Dr Olga Koorts

protein rich meat. They cannot process carbohydrates well and are not able to store or make as many essential nutrients as dogs.

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can survive on most diets.

Cats also metabolise doggy safe drugs differently turning them into toxins. Even their drinking habits differ. Dogs scoop up water dropping most of it before swallowing. Cats use the tip of their tongue to flick water upwards, closing their mouths quickly so none is spilled. Domestic cats are loners and are more attached to their territory than to companions. Canines are pack animals who thrive in company. This contributes to their trainability as “pleasing” the pack leader is a priority. Never confuse cat and dog body language. Their ear and tail signals are almost complete opposites.

And finally: They say a dog’s short term memory is just 5min long while a cat can hold a grudge for 16 hours.

DAVID LIVINGSTONE CONTINUED David Livingstone was a ‘giant’ of the Victorian Age. On his shoulders were heaped honours and accolades, his books were bestsellers and the British Nation waited impatiently for news of his exploits in the wilds of Africa. Dying a lonely and painful death in central Africa, he was buried in Westminster Abbey – an honour never before accorded a commoner. Guy Winchester-Gould tells the story of this remarkable

Recall- Part 9 Livingstone’s sorrow, however, was not permitted to interrupt his work and he continued assessing the rivers with a view to fostering trade and, ultimately, destroying the slave trade. The Zambezi Expedition was well into its 5 th year when, in 1863, he received news from the Foreign Office that it had taken the decision to recall him. Government was of the opinion that ‘God’s highway’ to central Africa was no longer feasible. Additionally, Britain’s mainstream press had begun criticising the Expedition for not delivering on its mandate to create trade in the region.

Livingstone was powerless. He had no quarrel with Government but the thought of abandoning his God-given vision of destroying the slave trade disturbed him deeply. He resolved to devote the rest of his life to stopping the slave trade, even if it meant giving his life.

missionary, doctor and explorer

numerous as previously, Livingstone addressed several institutions including the prestigious British Association. While the English may have grown a trifle ‘cold’, the Scottish nation still regarded him as a hero! “The Zambesi River and its Tributaries” appeared in 1865 to widespread acclaim.

Raging throughout Britain at the time was the controversial subject of the Nile’s source. Rivals, John Hanning Speke and Richard Burton, who had explored eastern central Africa in search of the grail some years before, were scheduled to address the British Association on the subject. However, shortly before the debate got under way news was received that Speke had killed himself in a shooting ‘accident’. Many suspected he’d committed suicide rather than face Burton in public debate.

Returning to Britain in 1864, there were few to welcome him in contrast to his spectacular home-coming in 1856. Not a single member of his family was present at Southampton and most likely it was now he realised his surviving children, Agnes (16), Thomas and Oswell had grown estranged from him. In due course he met for the first time - his youngest daughter, Anna Mary, now aged 5!

While Livingstone still felt his life’s work was to enlighten others to the evils of the slave trade and to spread the Christian gospel, his old friend Sir Roderick Murchison, still President of the Royal Geographical Society, persuaded him to ‘change course’ and devote himself to resolving the riddle of the Nile!* (to be continued)

While he may not have been feted as before he was again received by the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston. Invitations were forthcoming from grandees of the day and while public functions were not as

lie in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, possibly in Burundi or

*It remains unresolved! Headwaters of the mighty river are believed to Rwanda STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

HERITAGE TALK

by Bea Whittaker

Proposed Bylaws Will Further Protect Stanford’s Heritage Almost 15 years after Stanford Conservation made the first request to the municipality to proclaim bylaws that will protect Stanford’s architectural and environmental heritage. These bylaws should be proclaimed later this year.

This will be done by means of an overlay zone for Stanford’s proclaimed heritage area that prescribes additional restrictions and/or relaxations from the general Overstrand Zoning Scheme regulations that determine, inter alia, street building lines, building heights and parking requirements. These bylaws will be administered in conjunction with the legal protection already provided by the National Heritage Resources Act and by Heritage Western Cape. Although it may seem, at a first glance, to be an added layer of bureaucracy, it will give the local authority the “teeth” to enforce protections at a local level.

The draft heritage regulations (there are a number and includes, e.g. landscape regulations as well) are out for comment at the moment (deadline 1 March 2017). Anyone interested in reading or commenting on the document can download it from the municipal website: www.overstrand.gov.za/en/documents/

town-planning.

Since 2014, the Stanford Heritage Committee (SHC) has met a few times with the consultants responsible for the draft regulations. The SHC is now scrutinising the Stanford-specific Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (Stanford HPOZ) and the Landscapes HPOZ that affects the rural area around the village, and is challenging some of the proposed bylaws. Some of the most important are listed below. Please note that this is only applicable to the proclaimed heritage area (Daneel – Moore Streets and De Bruyn – Adderley Streets).

More information on the “Stanford Style”, which will be protected by the Stanford HPOZ, is contained in a booklet available on www.stanfordconservation.co.za.

Street Building Line

Parking Requirements

A zero street building line (presently 4m) is requested to

To scrap the 4 parking bays prescribed for every 100m2 of

prevent unnecessary delays in planning permission. Most

commercial space. The global tendency is to rather increase

of Stanford’ historical houses are built 0 – 2 metres from

pedestrian traffic in a commercial area (Hermanus CBD is an

the street, and a present any building work in the 4 metre

example). In addition, the Stanford Revitalisation Plan (in principle

building line has to go through a lengthy and costly waiver

agreed upon by the municipality in 2014 and incorporated into

process.

the 2017 – 2022 IDP and municipal budget process) provides for more than sufficient parking in Shortmarket and Longmarket Streets – adjacent to the zoned commercial area.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

HERITAGE TALK

Leiwater

Municipal Infrastructure

Protection of the leiwater system and channels.

Consideration of streetscape, elimination of ‘hard’ engineering infrastructure and sensitive placement of

Building Heights

necessary infrastructure such as electricity boxes and kerbing.

6.8m to apex of roof and 4.5m wall plate height to be in keeping with the houses built around and before the 1920s.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

LIVING SOUNDTRACK

By Andrew Herriot

Andrew had a dream –

A Hagiographical Sound Pause It is time for an expedient pause during my soundtrack narrative. I dream a lot and have a dream-diary. Many of my dreams, ideally, could be related to music at least that is how I interpret my phantasmal recollections. In my dreams I often call to mind illusory incidents from the past and that memory recall curiously can sometimes be associated to a recent incident.

I was reading about a French jazz pianist André Persiany recently (not yet in my book https://gum.co/KGvlP) who, when accompanying Milton “Mezz” Mezzrow (New Orleans revival in the 30s), kept tempo by stomping both feet. This unusual revelation was unique. However “I Had a Dream” (cf Martin Luther King Jr) continues to be replicated and diarised, the substance of which was, as a child in Scotland with my parents and grandparents, I often found myself listening to stomping next door upstairs and wondered what the thundering was.

I was informed years later by my parents (pix) that it was three brothers practising strict tempo Scottish dance music playing their accordions – the Johnstone brothers. I refer to SRT Volume 118, June 2015 when I first launched my so-called ‘soundtrack of life’.

In my article the nephew Jim Johnstone caught me unawares, as a naïve adolescent, attempting to play rock music on the piano, and opined, “Andrew, would you like to play in a real band”? I spent the next five years gigging; a member of a fivepiece, very disciplined Scottish Country Dance Band. This provided a salutary apprenticeship for what was to be my life’s dream throughout the following six decades – playing in a band especially inflected jazz, my epiphany passion even to this day in Stanford. Not a bad

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

start to the symbolic nature of what images conjure up when asleep. I also must recount my worst nightmare as a young bandsman; arriving at a neglected dance hall in a tiny remote Scottish village that had seen better times to find an old dusty upright piano situated in a corner of a raised stage and on checking the pitch it was one semi-tone out of tune – nightmare! For the rest of the evening, while my four

an intemperate singing patron advised me fortissimo to “play in your key, son, and I’ll sing in mine” – an indelible lesson for any young up-and-coming musician who dreamily enters the risky environs of accompaniments. It is odd how one dream can lead to another with no real natural connection. For many years I have dreamt of tumbling down stairs. We lived in a two up two down house. Concurrently at the end of WW2 the family attended my uncle’s wedding in the north of Scotland and I still dream about him coming down stairs at the railway station.

Subsequently the family met in my aunt’s house in Buckie where I discovered an organ upstairs. Of course I had to strike the keys (I was five) but you had to push a pedal like a bicycle. Someone played a tune (years later I learned it was Wagner’s “Here Comes The Bride”) and many more years later here in Stanford I find myself accompanying one of my JazzFordian associates singing Makin’ Whoopee but before he begins his vocal recitation he relates the linking story between Wagner and Gus Khan’s mildly sexual song about making whoopee.

musical colleagues played insouciantly their way through our dance lists, I had to modulate every vamping chord (that is not a profanity!) eschew the band’s grimaces, ultimately assuaged due to my well-honed skills. Halcyon days.

SRT historians can fast forward to Volume 121. Here I described an incident in a ‘miner’s welfare club’ when

What is very weird is that music can lead to all kinds of coincidences.

Recently I heard my special grandson, Jack, echo a few bars of “Wake Me UP”. I declared “that was a great 80s song” and the mother immediately pointed out that it was a hit by George Michael. The following morning I woke up to the incredible news that George had died peacefully that same evening.

Weird! Maybe it is time to DC al Fine to my musical Pacific sojourn via a musical accidental; get in the groove and postpone day-dreaming.

SOAP BOX

practically useless At a recent dinner party I was asked if I was any good at DIY. Fortunately my wife, who was sitting further down the table, missed this poignant moment. Had she overheard she would probably still be suppressing a chortle. Look, we all have our skills: I can write a bit, cook with reasonable success, make speeches and convene meetings without punctuating my message with ums, errs, you knows and so’s. But regrettably the skill to make or repair something was simply an acquisition too far.

To be honest I’m OK with basic painting and routine maintenance jobs but when the task requires precise measurements or levels I start to come short. No matter how many times I measure and how carefully I check the spirit level that new shelf will always be a little out. ‘Who will notice?’ asks my long-suffering wife. Well I will, every time I walk into the room my eye

by Martin Ranger

will be drawn to THAT shelf and its 185 degree tilt.

‘Their garage walls are lined with tools displaying the symmetry and neatness of the Tate Modern’ To make it worse I have two brothersin-law, call them Black and Dec, who rebuild vintage cars for fun and in their remaining spare time regularly construct working steam engines and illuminated dolls houses for their grandchildren.

Their garage walls are lined with tools displaying the symmetry and neatness of the Tate Modern. All sixty-four of their Whitworth and Metric spanners are ranked in ascending order. Yellow-handled screwdrivers form circles of conformity that would shame a Busby Berkeley troupe. No wonder I am always embarrassed when Black and Dec visit Stanford and I catch them peering pityingly at my Checkers’

101-piece tool set, scattered, like pick-up sticks, across my (slightly sloping) garage shelf.

All of this is made even more ridiculous by the fact that I specialised in metalwork and technical drawing at school, and went on to study electrical engineering science.

To this day my educational choices have remained a mystery, not just to me, but to my wife and children as well!

I believe that a sign of maturity is to know, and accept, one’s limitations. Also I appreciate that there are others who specialise in fixing those things that I find to be challenging. So why should I deprive them of a living?

Now if it’s a row of paintings or a new door you want hung, do yourself a favour, ask my dinner companion. He’d clearly love to be your handyman.

Belle maison. easy

Klein River Havarti won a bronze while the deliciously smoky Klein River

medium

Oak Smoked Stanford won gold!

Klein River Farmstead offers an array of exceptional and award-winning South African cheeses.

All cheese is made using age-old artisinal methods using pasture-fed cow’s milk.

SuDOKU

The velvety smooth, nutty and creamy

solutions on pg.14

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

Source: www.puzzles.ca

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

SOLUTIONS easy

medium

BRAIN TEASER ANSWERS

1. A stamp 2. A needle 3. A coin

4. He weighs meat 5. None, Moses wasn't on the ark Noah was.

ERWIN'S

Traditional German Meat Products Available at

• Stanford Saturday Morning Market • Ou Meul • Directly from Erwin

www.erwins.co.za Cell 0824415533

Solar Renewable Energy Solar Geysers, Heat Pumps INTEGRATORS specialising in: SolarElectric Panels, Solar PowerEnergy (Grid tied,Audits off grid & up hybrid systems) Save to 40% on energy costs Solar Geysers, Energy Audits

Call Mike 083 316 1872 • 028 341 0028 overberg@setsa.co.za • www.solsquare.com

Private sale A large, magnificent plot is for sale in Buiten Street which retains the rural charm of Stanford’s farming days, with the convenience of being part of this wonderful village.

size: 976m2 Price: R750 000 contact di on 082 558 3916 or di.mohr@iafrica.com

The really Famous Publishing Company

Broadscope Services Marketing Advertising Production Media Design Print LORRAINE 082 886 2424 lorraine@stanfordrivertalk.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

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

TYDELIKE OORNAGVERBLYF GESOEK Janna van der Linde is 'n House Sitter en Skrywer uit die vyftiger jare, met sober gewoontes wat baie min tuis is. Hy soek asb 'n bekostigbare buitekamer, spaar of gastekamer vir die tye hy nie House Sitting take het nie. Sms of WA vir Janna by 072 630 0253 of bel hom op 082 694 5001.

Baiedankie by voorbaat.

RESTAURANT ART GALLERY FUNCTION VENUE MEADERY OPEN WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY

TO LET Charming old Stanford cottage, fully furnished, well equipped kitchen and laundry. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite).

Suitable for long let, R7500 per month.

Rent includes garage and off street parking, garden service and water. Max 2 people, no pets. Contact 084 4203754.

business hours • Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 17:30 • Saturday: 08h00 - 13:00 All shapes and sizes | Made with great care

Call Anni in Stanford 076 461 1850 Small alterations, hems & zips also done

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

Angelreading & Angelhealing (A.E.P. certified)

New! Aquarius Angels Healing - this healing works on a deep level, mentally & physically for chronic as well as acute problems.

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

Contact Marga: itstheangels@gmail.com Cell: 079 8139554

STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

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

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

Marisa and the Coffee Corner team

Di Mohr 1 February

Ian Pieters 1 February

Thokozile Ntwayiyo 2 February

Khanya Dumont 4 February

Marilise van den Berg 4 February

Jade Raine Coetzee 8 February

Catch Caccivio 9 February

Tayana Dorland 10 February

John Withers 12 February

Shaheida Phillips 12 February

Lizette Parkin 15 February

Laina Lesicnik 16 February

Ivan May 17 February

Regina Jacoby 17 February

Thaya Bedford 21 February

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

STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

Coffee Corner a Stanford Village Experience

Local hospitality at its best!

Come join us for fabulous coffee, all day breakfast, light meals and our famous home baked cakes!

AND REMEMBER...

HAPPY HOUR!

Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 8:30am

25% OFF ALL COFFEES

TECH TUESDAY Steve’s Tech Talk at 2:00pm

WARM & WONDROUS

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL!

Every Wednesday we prepare a great value, home cooked meal

028 341 0034

Corner of Daneel & Morton Street

Leli Hoch 22 February

Abri Hickman 25 February

Linda Apolosi 22 February

Gida Roodt 23 February

Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw 25 February

Anton de Kock 23 February

Melanie Lourens 27 February

Erwin Lesicnik 24 February

Janelle Damon 28 February

STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

List your business for just R14.50 a month (only R173/year) ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Beloftebos Cottages Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oom Pietjie se Huisie

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

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

Accounting & Tax Services Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 Allan Youens 082 903 4432

LOCAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES

ELECTRICIAN HCD Electrical ESTATE AGENTS Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties

HAIR Jeanne Retief

084 769 1053 028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 072 318 2478

RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Barke Restaurant Birkenhead Galley Marianas Springfontein Eats The Royal Oke

028 341 0116 028 341 0013

028 341 0272 028 341 0651 028 341 0647

082 781 1704

TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television

073 160 4495

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages

082 320 0982

VINTAGE & LINEN Lace

082 781 1704

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

Massage & Health Stanford Health Practice

082 481 8285

Wedding venues Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel Villa on the Bay

082 391 5331 028 313 2814 082 781 1704 082 336 1573

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Klein River Picnics River Rat Boat Cruises

028 3410 693 083 310 0952

WINE CELLAR & SALES Fynbos Distillery Springfontein Wine Estate

028 341 0961 028 341 0961 082 609 0809

HOTEL Stanford Hotel

ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Grant Anderson Maureen Wolters Gregg Goddard

076 113 2741 072 364 3694 082 450 3970 082 783 9737

Building Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

Building plans Jan Biernacki

072 546 1567

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

Conference centre Mosaic Farm

028 313 2814

PLUMBING PlumbTec

076 320 3092 028 341 0651/ 072 371 7546 Stanford Hills Estate 028 3410 841 Sir Robert Stanford Wine Estate 028 341 0441 Wood Walshacres Farm

028 341 0685 / 082 898 4889

WEEKLY TIMETABLE Monday 09:00, Yoga, 084 685 2641, Viv von der Heyden, 23 Quick Street.

Monday 17:30, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, last Monday of each month at Stanford Hills Estate.

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

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

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

Tuesdays 08:30: Canoe Club Social paddle (any craft), 17:30: Canoe Club10 km and 6 km time trials. Chris Wolf 083 455 3605 Tuesday & Thursday 17:30, Cycling, cnr de Bruin & Moore Streets, Sunday 08:00 Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935.

Wednesday, 18:30, Rotary Stanford Club Meeting, Graze. Everyone welcome. Lana 082 216 4398.

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

Fridays: 19:30 – 20:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Overstrand Municipality Boardroom, Queen Victoria Street, Call Peter 082 7888 630 or Theo 082 635 3193 Saturdays 08:00: Canoe Club 10 km and 6 km time trials. Contact Chris Wolf 083 455 3605

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

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

VG KERK (next to De Bron School) 10:00 Sunday morning Maureen Diedericks 028 3410 691

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

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

FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service Pastor Johnny van der Schyff 028 3410 422

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

Art Publishers presents

BOOK TALK

Princess Pincushion After a long and successful career in media, (including stints as editor of ZEST, Hearst U.K.'s Health and Beauty Title, South African Cosmopolitan magazine and a long and happy period as content director of multiple titles,) Vanessa Raphaely took a sabbatical to "do something different."

With the publication of the first in her series of 3 children's books, Princess Pincushion, she has certainly done that. A children's book starring a mighty, majestic royal warthog, about human body image, is definitely different!

Her Majestic Highness Princess Pincushion, African Warthog Princess of Rains, Plains and Sky Above (to give her her official title,) is a delightful companion for parents and children, grappling with the challenges of modern life.

In the first book she deals with social media and the Take Princess Pincushion home with you.

pressure to " look beautiful," the second is about loneliness and wanting to fit in and the third is about bullying.

You can order from Art Publishing and she is

While the subject matter is quite challenging the books are

also found at select Bargain Books, Exclusive

funny, original and beautifully illustrated by the very talented

Books, Africa Lively and Art at Constantia.

Karen Vermeulen.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 19