Stanford river talk, february 2014

Volume 102 | FEBRUARY 2014 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R14

d r o f n a t S Village Scene

STANFORD H I L L S ESTAT E

wine tasting * lunches * functions * horseriding * hiking * accommodation * flower sales * flights the tasting room restaurant Open Thurs-Mon 11-5, chalkboard menu changes daily. Child & pet friendly.

Stanford Hills...not just a farm, it’s a lifestyle.

028 341 0841

info@stanfordhills.co.za

www.stanfordhills.co.za

R43 Stanford

STANFORD RIVER TALK TA ALK 1

STANFORD RIVER TALK 2

letters to the editor

editorial notes Cheeks are red and skies are blue – the African sun warms the earth, tinges our faces and shoulders, and puts blushes upon our fruits. Fans oscillate, ice cubes clink, and children plunge into our Klein River on dreamy, lazy afternoons. Stanford basks in the beauty of summer.

In honour of the romance of Valentines Day on 14 February, we have dedicated a page to all things rosey (Valentine's Day in the village, Page 12–13).

Villagers celebrate the beauty of country life (Out of the Hat, Page 11 ) while working hammer and tongs to share the beauty of our town (News and Updates, Page 5–7). Children are back at school, and are still full of beans at the excitement of a new year. (School Talk, Page 16–17).

Team River Talk is venturing into the world of Twitter.

We extend a hand to all other businesses and people from the village to join us in this adventure (Twitter for Twits, Page 9) which will help us to grow passion for the Overberg. Let us embrace the change of the new year, and help mekaar. find our business page on facebook tweet to Stanford River Talk @VillageLife MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Janika Dorland, Marian Ferris, Suzanne Francois-Rossouw, Fred Hatman, Andrew Herriot, Melissie Jolly, Olga Koorts, Don MacIver, Karen McKee, Naas Terblanche and Tania Weich and Bea Whittaker.

CONTACT US www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za Phil Murray – editor, 082 667 0619, philippa.murray@gmail.com Sandra Slabbert – design, design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za, 079 523 8453 Michelle Hardie – All account queries, 079 2911 588 Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor‘s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article. Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission. Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC.

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.

Thank you furry much

On behalf of Stanford Animal Welfare I wish to thank all the participants and spectators who supported our fundraising efforts at the Stanford Sixes Boxing Day Cricket.

We would not be able to do it without generous sponsorship from Cape Herb and Spice, Klein River Cheese, Marianas, and Raka Wine.

Also, a big thank you goes to our helpers, Elizabeth Gilman, Daleen van Rooyen and Hennie Kotze, as well as Mark and Mandy Erwee for organising the event.

All monies raised will be used for our ongoing sterilization campaign in underprivileged areas.

Jill Carstens, Stanford Animal Welfare

Please drive slowly

Many drivers travel far too fast on the un-Macadamed surfaces of many roads in Stanford, especially the un-tarred sections of Longmarket and Shortmarket Streets. A cloud of choking dust results as they pass.

The dust that drivers raise causes a nuisance to both local residents and pedestrians. Traditional houses, that give Stanford its charm, are constructed with old fashioned sliding–casement or local carpenter/ builder-made casement windows, both of which are no match for the dust created by modern passing cars. They can be replaced with modern metal frame windows, but that is against the heritage rule, and would spoil the Stanford charm.

I realize that it is both frustrating and time consuming to drive modern cars slowly but the roads cannot be tarred – for heritage and financial reasons.

So drivers, local and visiting, please slow down and respect the antiquity of the old world. Grey Beard

Passing of time Soon it will be one year since Sam left us. We cannot begin to express our thanks to each and every one of you for your amazing support and love over the past year. Please keep Sam in your thoughts on the 8th of February.

With much love from Peter, Jami, Jack and Alex.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 3

news & updates

letters to the editor Out of sight, out of mind

Treading water: Lagoon-side property photographed by John Williams, water level 2.7 metres above msl.

Between 2010 and 2012 (three years after the Hamilton Atwell report was published) an audit was conducted amongst a group of property owners on the Klein River Estuary consisting of 80% of all the property owners. Of the owners who volunteered to participate, 80% of their conservancy/ septic tanks were found to be chronically faulty and beyond repair in many instances. These tanks and their soak-away pits were found, in many instances, a few meters from the estuary high water levels and some were found to be even below this mark. The picture accompanying this article was taken when the estuary level was 2.7 metres above mean sea level (msl). The natural breaching level of the estuary is estimated at 3 metres above msl.

With these percentages in mind, it is possible that 80% of ALL properties on the water's edge had decrepit tanks with their associated nitrate plumes leading to the water body. The upstream owners on the Klein River did not participate in this audit.

So what does this pollution mean for people using the lagoon and Grotto Beach? They rely on municipal water sampling for an indication as to whether it is safe to swim and wade in these waters. The data is collected first and foremost for Grotto Beach (the only major guarded swimming beach within 20 kilometres of Hermanus) to qualify for Blue Flag status; an international highly prestigious award given to beaches worldwide that conform to strict water quality standards (standards not applied to the estuary or river). Questions have been raised about the validity of this Blue Flag endorsement due to some water sampling anomalies.

The natural resource value of the eco-systems of the Klein River, the estuary and Grotto Beach can be likened to the value which we hold for the blood that runs in our veins – we cannot live without it!

Remember World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2014.

A sign of things to come The heritage sign on the corner of De Bryun and Daneel Streets was initiated by the Tourism Committee, designed by local landscape architect Bernard Oberholzer and paid for by the municipality. This is a fabulous example of what can be achieved if everyone works together. Two more signs are being ordered at the moment – one to be placed on the R43 close to the kennels, and one on the road from Caledon.

Thank you to the municipality for making this possible!

Bea Whittaker

Stormers on the river The Stormers Rugby Squad enjoyed a day of team-building in the Overberg on 17 January, co-ordinated by Walker Bay Adventures. Some of the activities took place on the banks of the Klein River at the bottom of Sillery Street where teams performed unbelievable tasks like rapidly lifting weights, lugging kegs of beer and countless other exhausting relay tasks. Those rugby 'manne' had a splendid time in Stanford, and enjoyed the privacy of their time in our village. May they go on to enjoy a successful season.

Big boys on the Klein River: Seabelo Senatla and Damian de Allende with Rina de Wet and Daleen Cronje.

John Williams

Thank you I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Stanford for your concern, calls and prayers during John's recovery from complications with his foot. It is so amazing how everyone comes to the fore and help is always at hand in this small village. Thank you to Chris Burls, Peter Symington, Clive Gillman and Rhus Erasmus who were just a few of the people who helped by kindly transporting John to and from hospital twice a week when I became too busy in the laundromat.

May you all be abundantly blessed in 2014.

Viv Gravenor

A little River R&R: Ernie Blommaert, Jean de Villiers and Siya Kolisi.

Photos by Keith-Imaging, Hermanus.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

news & updates

The good, the bad and the innocent

NEW PHASE FOR WATER-BORNE SEWERAGE

On 29 December 2013, five tenday-old kittens tied up in a black rubbish bag, were discovered at the Stanford Municipal Dump by Nico Steneveld. Nico couldn’t believe his eyes when he opened the bag – five tiny wriggling kittens still with eyes closed! Our hero took the kittens to the Stanford Veterinary Clinic where they are being cared for by staff, with support from the Stanford Animal Welfare Society.

SAWS condemns this extremely cruel act. It proves that owners Nico Steneveld letting the cats are not sterilizing their pets out of the bag. and are then dealing with the consequences in the most inhumane manner. We applaud Nico for saving the kittens.

Stanfordians should be well aware of the phased implementation of waterborne sewerage in the village. Putting in this type of infrastructure is extremely costly, and hence it can only be done in phases over a number of years. Work to start in February includes the connection of residents living Fence surrounding the Oog: Please in Abner Street, and Buitekant comment if you have alternative suggestions.

Street adjacent to the graveyard. Burmar Civils has been appointed to handle the engineering works and will continue with services as and when funds become available – which might mean that everything which is planned may not come to fruition.

Also on the cards is the connection of houses on the northern side of Queen Victoria Street, between Longmarket and Church Streets. The municipality is aware of the fact that Queen Victoria was recently re-tarred and that digging up the street so soon again could be regarded as fruitless expenditure. However, this might be the opportunity to remodel the street as per the brief given to Bernie Oberholzer. Understandably this plan would have to take into account the approved Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning environmental authorisation for the installation of the sewage infrastructure. The conceptual plan (target date end February 2014) will provide a longer term vision for the development and upgrading of Stanford’s streets and its public and open spaces.

Once completed, more detailed landscape development plans will be drawn up for four selected precinct areas.

Our welfare kennels are bulging with twelve kittens and five older cats so we are desperately looking for good homes for our furry friends. Or if you cannot provide a home, please come and play with our cats and kittens as they get so bored in their cages.

Please contact the Stanford Veterinary Clinic 028 3410 547 if you can help in any way.

Burns Supper, a bardy party

A Burns Supper to remember: Andrew Herriot addressing the Haggis.

More than sixty fanatics met at the Tasting Room, Stanford Hills to celebrate the memory of Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard (1759-96). It is an annual event that takes place on or around the 25th January all over the world. The Scots and their friends of all persuasions come together to laud the Bard's poetry and songs. Stanford's own local talent helped to make the evening highly convivial with witty speeches, recitations, excellent food including haggis and lilting music that reflected the life of Scotland's greatest humanitarian literary master.

Slainte.

Andrew Herriot

STANFORD PROPERTY SALES

Seven properties in Stanford were issued with a sales certificate in December and seven in January. These figures include name transfers.

SERVICES SURVEYS IN THE ‘VLEILAND’ Another task that will commence soon is the determination of existing services (including the placing of conservancy tank outlets) in the following streets: King (between Longmarket and Shortmarket), Quick (between Daneel and Shortmarket) and Shortmarket (between Adderley and King). Residents in the area will experience some disruption to the normal peace and quiet, but these activities are vital to ensure the effective positioning of the pipelines, as well as the pumping station at the bottom of King Street.

THE ROLE OF RESIDENTS The construction of the pumping station on the corner of Du Toit and Caledon Street is also part of the existing works programme.

The total area required is 5 x 12 metres, and will consist of 2 large manhole covers and a gantry, similar to the set-up at the Mill Stream in De Bruyn Street. The area needs to be fenced in, and the municipality is looking for proposals from the community as to what they would prefer. Please forward your proposal by 28 February to milkwood@maxitec.co.za.

The final works programme has not yet been received, and the municipality has undertaken to keep residents up to date via Stanford River Talk and its Facebook site. Residents directly affected by any other above-mentioned activities will receive letters from the municipality to explain the scope of work in and around their specific area.

The municipality has ensured that sufficient temporary toilet facilities will be available on all sites. Residents are requested to immediately report any lack of, vandalised, badly serviced and/ or non-use of the facilities to office. Please channel all queries and comments through Bea Whittaker (milkwood@maxitec.co.za) who is the contact person for the community on this project.

Bea Whittaker STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

news & updates

Stanford Ratepayers' Association

ROTARY STANFORD STAR STUDENT Siviwe Yuyu, former Head Boy of Gansbaai Academia, has been accepted to study Oceanography at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Rotary is supporting him financially by contributing towards registration fees – we wish Siviwe all the best in his studies and will report back on his progress.

SCHOOL STARTER PACKS Our yearly project of making stationery starter packs available to local children in need included children from Okkie Smuts, Star Literacy at Die Bron and the Fynbos Academy, a private farm initiative which receives very little or no government support. An amount of R5500 was used to fulfil stationery needs as listed by the various schools.

SOUP KITCHENS The volunteers manning the soup kitchens are back in the harness. 250 – 320 children and adults are catered for with hot meals from Mondays – Thursdays at the various soup kitchens. In this hot weather the volunteers try to find alternatives to soup and endeavour to provide a small plate of cooked food to each needy person.

Rotary Stanford would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every person who places donations in our box at the Spar (we are making a plan to avoid it being used as a dustbin); drop off donations of vegetables and cash at Kobin’s Algemene Handelaar; or transfer monthly donations into your bank account. Foodstuffs needed at this time: rice, tinned fish, soya mince; pasta; fresh vegetables. Please call Ansie (082 320 0982) to arrange collection of fresh ingredients.

We would like to request of restaurants, farmers and Food Heroes to help us to supply the soup kitchen volunteers with the means to provide nutritious meals to those less fortunate than ourselves – Mariana's, Graze and The Stanford Table are already contributing on a regular basis as is Laughing Waters Farm. Any leftovers, 'best by' products and surplus produce can be utilised by the kitchens that cook every day from Monday to Thursday.

Please contact Ansie should you wish to become involved.

STANFORD DIY - PAINT - PLUMBING IRRIGATION - NURSERY Landscaping & irrigation services.

Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:00 Sat, 8:00 - 14:00 Tel: (028) 341 0691 Fax: (028) 341 0413

028 3410 691 STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

THE FINAL VERSE The time is upon us, we’ve said it before, To talk about Stanford, to open the door To fresh ideas, far-reaching plans For the life of this village we hold in our hands.

The home of fine vineyards, a river and flowers, It’s his and it’s hers and it’s theirs and it’s ours.

This home we call Stanford has abundant charms, From Victorian dwellings to modern-day farms.

It’s all worth protecting, each road, up and down, For this is the Overberg’s jewel in the crown.

Your committee is ready to take on the task, But in order to do so, we simply must ask For you to attend this auspicious day, So when all’s said and done, we safely can say, We’ve mapped the way forward, that much is true, To make it all work requires just us and you!

The Stanford Ratepayers’ Association AGM takes place on Thursday 20 February at 5.30 pm in the Municipal Boardroom. All ratepayers are urged to attend this meeting.

Further reminders, along with an agenda will be deposited in post boxes and displayed in the village. Proxy voting forms available at Stanford Tourism Office.

For further information, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/stanfordratepayersassociation and don’t forget to 'like us'!

In Stanford every year between October - May

Valentine specials * Indoor Plants * Phalaenopsis Orchids R174 * Begonia elatior * Anthurium in various colours * Kalanchoe * Love Palms * African violets From R25.00 upwards

* Outdoor Colour Pots from R35.00 (10-35cm) * Salvia Hybrids White Red and Pink * Begonias Hybrids 6 pack and Potted * Ivy geraniums * Impatients 6 pack and potted * Hibiscus Lunar * Large Assortment of Ludwigs Roses / Floribunda and Hybrid Tees from R83.95- R103.95 (most colours)

*Great Looking Ceramic glazed pots in funky colours ranging from R19.95 - R70.95 *Heart shaped pots from R18.95 - R37.95 Prices Valid While Stocks Last. 1 - 28 *Little gift ideas February 2014 • All Prices Include Vat.

news & updates

LEAP DAY FOR FROGS

Wandelpad team

Planning for the first National Frog Day (Leap Day) celebration is well underway.

The focus of the Stanford volunteer frog monitoring group will be the Western Leopard Toads of Stanford. Leap Day occurs on Friday 28 February alongside the Stanford Evening Market. There will be an interactive display and information sharing in the municipal building. The Western Leopard Toad Volunteer group of Noordhoek, Toadnuts, has been operating for many years and has established the enviable reputation of being one of South Africa’s most successful citizen science projects, contributing strong local knowledge of the toads to a number of research projects. The group has also taken up custodianship of their toads and have taken measures to protect them by erecting road signs and fences where road kill was high. The visibility and conservation success of the Toadnut efforts has attracted international attention and boosted eco-tourism in the area. A member of the Toadnut group in Noordhoek will speak about his endeavours and lessons learnt at 6:30pm on Leap Day. Naas Terblanche will describe the purpose of the Stanford Frog Group and the Western Leopard Toad project that he has initiated in Stanford. He will show a selection of the photos in his database of different Western Leopard Toads and visitors can practise their photographic skills and sign up to the Stanford volunteer group.

Sheraine van Wyk, sheraine.vanwyk@ocf.org.za

With the Christmas rush past and a brand new year ahead, Stanford Conservation’s Wandelpad team made a resolution to keep Stanford up to date .

The team consists of volunteers Anka Esterhuizen, Basil Whittaker, Ian Wilson, Peter Hochfelden and Tony Coates.

We supervise the 'Green Team' on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as per the agreement with the municipality.

The other days the team’s tasks are determined by the municipality.

We are indeed blessed to have this unique Wandelpad in our village. While we do our best to keep the path in good condition, we also have a few problems.

One of our tasks is to indicate the route by erecting signage. Unfortunately vandalism is rife, particularly from the bottom of Du Toit Street (launching area) to the border of the town at JJ Swart Crescent. During December four green wooden Wandelpad signs were broken, and some stakes were pulled out of the ground. One huge boulder and five smaller rocks with painted footprints on them have also disappeared. We appeal to Stanford Conservation members and the public in general to be on the lookout and report culprits if possible.

Another problem is when people dig out squares of grass along the Wandelpad or next to the river (between King and Quick Street). Apart from it being downright theft, it is also inconsiderate to people walking and the children running across these areas. Again – please phone any of the Wandelpad volunteers if you don’t want to confront the culprits yourself.

There is a lot of litter along the Wandelpad, and especially at the launching area and the milkwood grove between Queen Victoria Street and the river. We have asked the municipality to supply some more refuse bins at strategic places. Although the Green Team does a weekly sweep along the path to pick up refuse, you are kindly requested to assist by picking up small litter items, or reporting incidents to the municipality. Unfortunately we cannot handle the removal of illegally dumped building rubble. This is a municipal law enforcement issue and should be reported to the municipality.

Are you a member?

You may wonder what Stanford Conservation has to do with you. The fact that you live in this delightful village and hopefully enjoy most aspects the village has to offer makes you a candidate for a ‘say’ in the way current and future changes are handled.

During 2013 Stanford Conservation was involved with: • Wandelpad upkeep • the launch of Stanford Wetlands • heritage matters including fundraising for St Thomas’ Church • the launch of SC website – www.stanfordconservation.co.za

Even though the responsibility of clearing invasive vegetation lies with Overstrand Municipality, SC resolved to maintain the area along the Klein River using its own funds. As has long been the case, the biggest problem includes garden escapees such as Grey Poplar and Brazilian Pepper and of course, the ever-present reeds. If you have walked the Wandelpad recently, you will see first hand the amazing work being done for your pleasure.

Plans are afoot for 2014 and it would be wonderful if YOU added your voice. By becoming a member of Stanford Conservation you add weight to the impact we have at Ward Committee level. The stronger our membership the more ‘power to our elbow’.

Unless you desire to become ’hands on’, the only involvement required is completion of a simple membership form, and it is FREE! Please call Elaine Teague (072 779 3552) or Lindsay Frith (083 676 0476) and we will deliver a form to you.

Alternatively, drop into the Stanford Tourism Office and collect your own.

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS . . .

What would you suggest we do to improve the Wandelpad?

Do we need to make improvements to the path’s surface, build bridges, place more benches, plant more trees?

All suggestions will be considered. Please forward your suggestions to tcoates@mweb.co.za.

New baby boy

We are proud to announce the arrival of the latest addition to our family – four month old Othandwayo (The Loved One). We would like to thank everyone in Stanford for their generosity and enthusiasm in welcoming him. It reminds us what a wonderful village and community we belong to. Welcome home baby Thando. Alex, Tabby and Ripley (and now Thando too) STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

business talk

FINANCE MATTERS

Our fate is in the hands of our leaders

Stoep life: Corrado Giovannetti enjoying the good life.

Don Gelato – welcome to Stanford Don Gelato lives in a minty-green house on Queen Vic Street. He is a fictional character who welcomes everyone into his home to enjoy delicious Italian gelato and pastries, in a comfortable, elegant home setting. Everything about Don Gelato is cool – from the cool green exterior paint, to the cool, shaded courtyard garden with a tinkling fountain, to the super-chilled, smooth and creamy gelato ice-cream.

The flavours range from Malaga (rum and raisin) to sweet grape, from peanut butter to peach-and-basil – there is a gelato flavour for everyone.

The gelato maker is Lionello Giovannetti who is just as cool as his ice cream is. Corrado Giovannetti, his father, is the businessman behind Stanford's ice-cream parlour. Although Corrado insists that Don Gelato is a character, one can't help imaging that Don and Corrado are the same man – welcoming, generous, charming and chatty. Grazia, Corrado's wife, decorated the interior of the house, and designed the garden. Her love of roses is evident everywhere, from the prints on the walls to the roses hiding amongst the cosmos and sunflowers in the fairy garden. Lionello's partner, Elena, is fresh-faced and warm, scooping the balls of delectable dessert into sugared cones and cups.

Don Gelato is a family business and is proudly South African. Their ingredients are fresh and local, and show off the best of our harvest.

The Giovannetti family (save one son Edoardo who is still in Europe) is fully committed to the people of Stanford, and of South Africa. Icecream on sultry summer days, and decadent croissants injected with gelato in chilly winter – what a treat. Phil Murray

Consensus among financial gurus is that the world is in for a few years of mediocre growth.

While South Africa may be able to exceed the low growth rates of the first world we will fall far short of any sort of growth that is actually required to get this country on its feet. For us ‘oldies’ the bad news is that this translates into low interest rates. Low interest rates impact directly on the amount we are able to get as a return on our hard-earned savings. Not that I really expect interest rates to drop during the year but if we experience another year like 2013 with the horrendous rise in the petrol price, how will we make ends meet by the end of the year? With difficulty.

I expect production and consequently the rand to suffer in the first half of the year as the country gears up for another election. While each vote has an infinitesimal effect on the overall outcome, it will be interesting to watch new trends develop. Does the general populace realise what is actually happening in this country? What is happening to our legal system? What is happening to our hard-earned taxes?

One of my favourite authors is Michael Connelly, known for his Harry Bosch detective stories and more recently, for his character Mickey Haller, a lawyer who does not play ‘by the book’. His latest novel is ‘The Gods of Guilt’. These gods are the 12 members of the jury who decide on the accused’s guilt or otherwise. The book concludes with the following thoughtprovoking paragraph: Everybody has a jury, the voices they carry inside ... They are there with … my mother, my father … as well. Those I have loved and those I have hurt. Those who bless me and those who haunt me. My gods of guilt. Every day I carry on and I carry them close. Every day I step into the well before them and I argue my case.

I wonder how our leaders deal with their gods of guilt?

OLD BOAR

Now open for lunch.

Lunch: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 3pm Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5pm to 9pm

Please enquire about our Valentines set menu special 30 Shortmarket Street, Stanford • contact Santie or Karl on 028 341 0662 ot 071 287 8823 STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

news & updates

Twitter for twits

‘Storify by Scarlet*Nguni The first ever #discoverOverberg chat was hosted @MariettedTH @beatnikloves @visitStanford and @intheOverberg on Wednesday 15 January at 12. And it trended. Twice. Go team Overberg!‘

Is this more foreign than Greek and more frightening than Hannibal Lecter? Does the Tourism Talk report read like computer code? Here is an explanation that hopes to unravel the scruffy nest of Twitter.

Twitter is useful for marketing and advertising online. News, current issues, large businesses, famous people and also small-time writers and business owners, gather fans, grow their followings and promote their brands online. You can watch other people (follow them) on Twitter by using a smart phone, tablet or a computer. You can simply browse through topics that are 'trending' (top stories of the minute, worldwide) or you can follow your favourites. Your favourites may be your friends, famous people, travel destinations, restaurants or brands you like.

Twitter uses short messages, the length of a standard sms, and photos to link people online. It is like a virtual, interactive 'cocktail party' (Thaya Bedford, Stanford twitterer) in which all the people you really want to meet are all present at the same time.

Recently, Melanie Boender from Stanford Tourism and Skye Leask (local blogger and writer) started discussing an Overberg community initiative. They invited others to host a 'Twitter tea party', a collaboration named #DiscoverOverberg, including Thaya Bedford, Mariette Du Toit Helmbold, Vanessa Swanepoel of Overberg Info and Candice Lombard of Gansbaai Explore. Every Wednesday from 12h00 – 13h00 they start tweeting messages about the Overberg, usually in response to questions about favourite restaurants, favourite activities, favourite wine farms, etc. Everyone can join in and is welcome to promote one's own business, or wares, or experiences in the Overberg. It is a great 'meet-and-greet' and has trended (been one of the top stories) every Wednesday. When it trends, it means that other people in South Africa and the world, can't help but notice that something special is going on here. They can watch and join in the discussion on the twitter feed (live time updates), which exposes them to all that is available in the Overberg. It is free, powerful, wide-reaching marketing and sharing. Skye Leask describes its goal as being to 'create awareness of what’s on offer in the Overberg and help build relationships between individuals, businesses and tourism boards so we can better share information with one another and with the rest of the world.'

The 'cocktail party' happens online. It has been estimated that more than 1.5 million people have followed (read) the #DiscoverOverberg messages. 499 local people and businesses have participated each week, sharing their pictures, comments and websites. The feedback is positive, the discussion is wonderful and the excitement is growing.

Phil Murray, A Twitter twit

A little blue bird brings the Overberg together 15 January saw the launch of #discoverOverberg – an online twitter-based chat where travel fundi, businesses, tourism bodies, bloggers, journos and interested parties ‘gather’ to discover, and fall in love with, the Overberg.

'For anyone who wants to travel to the Overberg, works in the region, or lives here, #discoverOverberg provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the secret spots, read people’s reactions, and share magical images. It’s a weekly insider’s guide, and it’s a brilliant place to network and showcase your Overberg pride.' says @visitstanford tweeter, Melanie Boender.

Initiated as a joint collaboration between our very own Stanford Tourism (@visitstanford) and local blogger and writer Skye Leask (@intheOverberg), #discoverOverberg invites different co-hosts each week to facilitate discussions around questions designed to showcase the various aspects of the region from wine and food, to the Overberg’s adventurous side. Participation levels have been impressive, with #discoverOverberg trending across South Africa both weeks.

We encourage all Stanford businesses and residents to join in on Wednesdays at noon for an hour to #discoverOverberg and learn something new about your backyard. If you’ld like a set of instructions emailed to you please email online@ stanfordtourism.co.za, or visit www.stanfordtourism.co.za/ discoveroverberg/ Tourism Committee

ERWIN'S Traditional German Meat Products produced locally from only the best cuts of meat and spices Products available at our local Spar Cell 082 441 5533 • www.erwins.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

FYNBOS TRAIL FYNBOS FORESTS FLOWERS BIRDS & EXPERT GUIDING WWW.FYNBOSTRAIL.CO.ZA HIKE THE THREE DAY FYNBOS TRAIL AND EXPERIENCE THE WONDERS OF THE FYNBOS AND FORESTS OF WALKER BAY. ENJOY EXPERT GUIDING, SPECTACULAR SCENERY, FYNBOS COVERED HILLS, FORESTS, BEAUTIFUL SECLUDED WATERFALLS, SCRUMPTIOUS MEALS, LOCAL WINES AND FRIENDLY OVERBERG HOSPITALITY. info@walkerbaytrails.co.za info@fynbostrail.co.za

Tel:0824645115

Join us Sunday 9 February at Beloftebos for our monthly picnic under the oaks. Choose from our Deli Table of eats to make up a picnic crate or dish up a plate of food from our Seasonal Table - yummy desserts, homemade lemonade, wood-fired pizza, cappucinos are just a few of the treats on offer.

Open from 10:30 to 17:00. Live music.

Bookings essential: 072 111 9380 or corneli@beloftebos.co.za

Come Sip with your Sweetheart!

Join Tariro Masayiti and other "Lovers of Limestone" in the Springfontein barrel cellar.

Sup, savor and swallow, in a very special sneak preview of the new Springfontein premium "Limestone Rocks" wines!

Gadda da Vida Wild Yeast Pinotage Child in Time Petit Verdot (barrel tasting)

Dark Side of the Moon Wild Ferment Chardonnay Whole Lotta Love Cape Blend

Nibbles from the garden and some surprise Walker Bay juice!

14 February at 5:30 until 6:30 pm | Cost: R 200 per couple | RSVP: cellar@springfontein.co.za or 079 586 7057 STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

Frolicking in the Fynbos Rambling, strolling or hiking – Stanford has some perfect trails There is no better way to experience the magnificent natural surrounds of Stanford than to put on your walking shoes and head out for some quality time in the veld.

Here are a couple of favourite trails in our area.

The Platbos Forest Trail is great for tree and bird enthusiasts. The gentle terrain and sheltering canopy make it suitable for young and old alike, even in the heat of summer. Visitors are welcome to bring along a picnic, plant an indigenous tree as part of a forest restoration project or visit the forest's labyrinth. Reservations The pleasure of pincushions: Hikers enjoying the required (www.platbos.co.za). fynbos.

The circular Stinkhoutsbos Trail on Flower Valley is six kilometres long and includes diverse mountain fynbos as well as the ancient Stinkhoutsbos Forest.

This trail is characterised by great views across fynbos landscapes, ocean and farmlands, and the shady picnic area towards the end of the walk is perfect for a lazy lunch and perhaps a snooze next to the stream. Reservations required (www. flowervalley.org.za).

The seven kilometre Waterfall Trail at Witvoetskloof takes walkers down a beautiful valley swathed in a fynbos mosaic and alive with bird calls, to the Witvoetskloof forest. This forest patch is probably the most spectacular in the region and, for the brave, can include a bracing shower at the waterfall. Reservation required (info@fynbosretreat.co.za).

For those with a bit more time on their hands who want an unforgettable natural experience there is the three day Fynbos Trail. This 26 kilometre slackpacking trail takes hikers through an amazing diversity of habitat in the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Hikers overnight at Fynbos Retreat on Grootbos Nature Reserve and at Witkrans or Bodhi Khaya, finishing with lunch at Grootbos. Flowers, forests, birds, scrumptious meals, local wines, great guiding and hospitality are all part of the package. (www.fynbostrail.co.za).

Sean Privett

Nature's shower room: The Waterfall Trail.

Ah, this magical (mating) dance of life I love birthdays. There is nothing

untoward about making a right royal fuss of somebody on their birthday, I say.

Especially when it's mine. Hehehe.

So, when I was asked by Lovely One (LO) what I would like to do on my birthday, there was little hesitation in demanding an aroundthe-world cruise.

When her eyes had unglazed themselves, LO pointed out that, even in these modern times, very few maritime circumnavigations of the globe are achieved in one day.

Yes, I'm that old. So we went to the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Cape Town City Ballet production of Les Sylphides and The Firebird instead.

This was huge for me. I don't know about other Stanfordians but I tend to avoid the Big Mummy City like the plague. All that concrete.

And those cars. Trendy people. In a hurry. Yikes.

So I had nearly managed a full year of Cape Townlessness, a record of which I was becoming increasingly proud. It was deepbreath time.

And I certainly had to draw breath very deeply while entranced by the multitude of strange and absurdly colourful marine creatures which swam dutifully around the tanks for me on my birthday. The seahorses, jellyfish and those giant crabs with the facial markings of Samurai

Warriors on their undersides particularly had me gasping like a kid who was turning seven on the day.

Then unfortunately, it was time to act my age. On to Maynardville for the ballet. In the open-air theatre in the middle of a park. It was astoundingly magnificent. Spoiled only by the oversized numptie in a black suit who found it worth all the trouble to trundle down the aisle to tell me I was not allowed to take photographs of the ballet. ´It's my birthday,´ I said nicely, ´and I've come all the way from Stanford.´ ´I don't care if you've come all the way from Buckingham Palace,´ he retorted with irritating wit, his face menacingly contorted in the light of the moon. How rude.

LO emitted a just audible sigh. I behaved.

And relaxed into The Firebird, an explosion of athleticism, grace, colour and mesmerising movement under the stars. And the inevitable mating ritual.

Call me a country bumpkin but is it not the case that all ballet, as with movies, theatre and most other performance art, is really about getting it on? Art imitating life and all that. And nature.

Because the sumptuously sexy dance theme of my birthday was yet to end. Homesick after eight hours in the urban sprawl, we decided against staying over and drove determinedly

towards the mountain.

And through the night, our path home to Stanford guided by the glorious illumination of the moon.

Upon waking the next morning at Hatman Mansions on Blue Moon, the first sound I heard was the mystical ´grottling´ of our resident pair of Blue Crane, swooping down for their daily posing aside the rainwater lake that remains steadfastly pooled on the fields.

I drank coffee and summoned again into my mind's eye the beauty of The Firebird. Just then, the male Blue Crane extended his wings, dropped his head and minced over towards his beautiful ´bokkie´, preening and prancing suggestively before her. She gave him the beady eye, swirled away in mock horror and looked skywards, eyelashes fluttering while she ascertained whether she felt a migraine coming on. They then stood stock-still and checked each other out for what seemed an interminable time before the mating dance began again.

It was just like the ballet of the night before.

Blue Crane in tights. And just as beautiful.

Fred Hatman www.fredhatman.co.za

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

Valentine's Day in the village Hallmark, hearts, chocolates and flowers are the trappings of 14 February.

This Valentine's Day, Team River Talk celebrates the real beauty of enduring love, the pleasure of gardening, the versatility of roses and the Hedonism of fragrant country food and drink. We wish you a lovely Valentine's Day.

Roses for love

'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet' – William Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet.

Roses burst with meaning and tradition. We use them to symbolise love or friendship, we cut their stems long or short, they ramble and prick, or perfume our bodies. We can eat them, or frost them, grow them or pluck their petals; we can even name them. They can be long, slim and almost scentless (Hybrid tea roses) or fat, cheerful and heady with aroma (Damask roses). We write poetry and prose about them, and paint them in vases.

Most people delight in a bunch of roses, for their elegance, colour or sheer indulgence. The prices of roses escalate shamelessly in February when the Western world chooses to celebrate Valentine's Day as a day of romance. Twelve longstemmed red roses will set a wooing lad back a hefty sum, hopefully hefty enough to surely secure the love of any maiden.

Stanford is home to many rose enthusiasts – the real kind who grow them in their gardens. Many wine farms show off impossibly pretty roses along the edges of their vineyards, usually in whites or reds. Some cottage fences strain under the weight of prickly but beautiful pink rambling roses, the colour of candyfloss. Grazia Giovennetti from Don Gelato loves old antique roses and has a garden in Italy (Ca' delle Rose) bursting with countless special bushes and climbing roses – some left to wildly festoon archways, and some clipped to grow in sleek long stems. She has planted 75 roses in the courtyard garden at Don Gelato which promise to transform the garden into an exquisite scene of ivory and pink.

How to make your own rosewater Rose water can subtly scent jellies, cakes, and sweets like Turkish Delight and nougat. It is equally wonderful in tall flutes of champagne or sparkling water. Why not have a go at making your own?

Petals must be freshly picked about 2 hours after sunrise when the dew has evaporated. Pesticides or chemicals should not be used while growing them, so it makes sense to use roses that you have grown yourself.

Wash thoroughly.

Place the rose petals in a large pot and cover with just enough distilled water to cover them – not too much or your rosewater will be too diluted.

Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on a low flame. The water should be steaming hot but not boiling.

Allow the water to steam until the petals have lost their colour and the water has taken on the colour of the rose petals. You will see the rose oil floating on the surface.

Strain the water and collect in a container. Store it in a refrigerator.

Add a touch of opulence with rosewater Rosewater is a flavoured water made by steeping rose petals in water.

It has been used as a flavouring for centuries in Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian cuisines. It can be added to jellies and syrups, and it is often sprinkled over cakes.

Avoid the cheap commercial synthetic varieties as these are made for religious ceremonies and may not be edible. Good quality ready made rosewater is available.

Rosewater is mainly used in sweet recipes but here is a recipe to jazz up basmati rice. Delicious with slow roasted lamb.

kitchen talk

By Marian Ferris

FRAGRANT RICE PILAF • 50g butter • 200g basmati rice, washed and drained • 200g whole almonds, toasted dry in the oven for 10 minutes and roughly chopped.

• 2g saffron, soaked in 20ml rosewater for two hours • 30g honey • 200ml light vegetable stock • a pinch of salt if the vegetable stock is bland Add the butter to a pan and melt gently, then stir in the rice and cook for approximately one minute.

Add the soaked saffron with the rosewater, honey and vegetable stock. Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the rice is tender and the liquid is all absorbed. (I like to steam rice, the end result is less sticky) Stir in the toasted almonds.

Garnish with a couple of rose petals.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

To love and to cherish Huipie and Theo Nadel celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 22 December 2013. In 1963, they married in the NG Kerk in Stanford in a small, nofrills ceremony which followed the normal Sunday morning service. Afterwards, their family gathered for lunch on the family farm, Modderrivier, just outside Stanford, which was exactly what they did again on 22 December 2013.

They met in 1960 in Sutherland while both teaching. A twist of fate led to Huipie's plan to go to Malawi as a missionary that year being thwarted. Instead she remained in her teaching post, and met Theo, the new teacher. The pupils in the hostel teased the two young teachers about their 'chemistry' before either of them had even admitted it to themselves. But they were right, and had spotted a match that would last for half a century.

Theo and Huipie have two daughters and one grand daughter. Their eyes still twinkle as they share memories, and tell jokes, and look back over their fifty years together.

Congratulations, Theo and Huipie! Phil Murray

Congratulations to Catch Caccivio and Jero Revett. On the 29 February, they celebrate tying the knot 10 years ago.

Fresh from the garden It is summer and we all wish to be in a swimming pool with something cool to drink. How nice it would be if that drink were made with ingredients from your garden. Ingredients for healthy juices, smoothies and even the cocktail hour can come straight from your backyard garden.

First, look at what you usuallyy buy as fresh ingredients: herbs,, vegetables and fruit and choose some seeds to plant. Some of the seeds you may be able to harvest from fresh fruit that has not been refrigerated (eg. Granadillas).

Second, find an ideal spot to grow them. You may have a great vegetable patch that can easily be converted to include some fresh herbs that are not only great for cooking but are delicious to add to your drinks. You may need to garden in pots but place the pots near your back door for perfectly convenient harvesting. Remember to water and feed your pot plants often.

So if you are planing a dinner party or Valentine's surprise, try to plan your drinks around what you can get out of your garden to create your own signature beverage. Some flowers are edible too, especially those of herbs, so use them to decorate.

Congratulations to Chris and Wendy Moll who will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on 11 February.

plant talk

By Suzanne Francois-Rossouw

BERRY JUICE COCKTAIL 250-300ml apple juice 300g mixed fresh berries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, raspberries or strawberries.

Crushed ice Put the juice in a blender and add the fruit. Blend and then add the ice. Serve immediately.

(Finely chopped mint or rosemary would add a delicious, fresh, earthiness to this drink.)

ROSE PETAL SHERBET Petals from 4 clean organic roses 250ml sugar 15ml rose water 2 litres sparkling water Place the petals, sugar and 325ml water in a pan and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer until a light syrup is formed (7-8min).

Remove any foam that might form on top. When the syrup has cooled down you can add the rose water and stir well. When you're ready pour some of the syrup into chilled glasses and add the sparkling water. Makes up to 8 glasses.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

wine talk

COLOUR MIRRORS

The therapy of colour How do I deal effectively with burn-out and anxiety after the madness of the summer holiday?

Melissie Jolly

Dear Anxious and Burnt-out In situations like this, olive green is very healing. Burnout is caused by giving too much of yourself without replenishing, and olive green will help you set the boundaries you need, which are clearly not in place.

Setting boundaries means that you make decisions about where to spend your energy, rather than it being leached from you by people or situations without your permission.

Olive also indicates hope for the future (new shoots) and will ensure that you feel calm and hopeful for the new year.

The complementary colour to olive is magenta which has red in it to help energise, and blue to bring peace. It also helps connect you to a higher power giving you the perspective to remind you that you don’t have to control or manage the whole world. As Kahlil Gibran said, 'Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.'

Magenta also supports your adrenal glands (where adrenalin is produced). After a fraught holiday season they are more than likely tired and overused.

Armed with this knowledge you could try meditating and visualising using these colours to calm yourself. You could dress in these colours.

Or you could come and get a Colour Mirrors bottle number 24 and bath in it.

I hope this helps and that you can step into 2014 with serenity and joy.

For more information please contact us on 073 172 8239 or go to the website www.colourmirrors.com. * For answers to your questions, readers are invited to email Melissie at colourmirrors@orcawireless.co.za.

The Preferred Wine-of-Time

Tania Weich

Ah February!

It is that time of year when the frivolous festive season melts into the melodrama of the month of romance. And the preferred wine-of-time is tinged pink (salmon in certain rosés) or has bubbles. And etiquette dictates that the correct wine is one which is served in relation to the season and the food served, right?

As the story goes… the country bumpkin (CB) travels over the mountain pass and ends up rubbing shoulders with business associates at one of the Mother City’s trendy restaurants. CB proceeds to order Grilled Chicken Limone for lunch and… wait for it… in the sweltering heat… to complement the white meat….Merlot! The wizened-by-city-life waitress raises one eyebrow and then another, in between jerky glances at the rest of the crew who are engrossed in sipping glasses of cold beer.

The crew evidently is less confused. They remain consumed in animated conversation.

The punchline? Just because we of country origin do not appreciate noise pollution, traffic congestion, etc. does not mean that we are less discerning of what we drink. Top of the list is… we drink what we like, when we like. The City Slicker seated next to me summed it up most succinctly as I spooned dollops of lemon flavoured food into my mouth, 'Merlot is such a versatile wine. Let’s order another bottle or two. It handles meat, poultry and salad equally well.'

Tania Weich

By Naas Terblanche

How frogs breathe Like all animals, frogs need oxygen. Carbon dioxide is then produced as a waste product of body metabolism. Oxygen-rich air is used as a source of oxygen and somehow has to be supplied to the body. Surplus carbon dioxide also has to be removed.

Frogs use three methods of gas exchange: • Breathing through their skin.

• Mouth breathing (moving air in and out of their mouths through the nose and absorbing oxygen in the mouth).

• Lung breathing.

Different frogs’ species use these three methods to varying degrees for their gas exchange. For skin breathing, the skin must be thin and be kept moist which is easy for aquatic or semi-aquatic frog species. However, frogs like toads spend most of their time on dry land and have thick, rough skins. They depend more on mouth breathing and lung breathing, except when hibernating in moist soil.

Frogs are a very ancient group of animals and they do not have the negative pressure system of all higher vertebrates where the diaphragm, that separates the chest cavity from the rest of the body cavity, is lowered to pull air into the lungs. Frogs fill their lungs by forcing air into them with mouth movements.

The breathing sequence and explanation is shown in the diagram. One can easily follow this sequence in a frog at rest: rhythmical throat movements of mouth breathing continue for some time before contractions of the flanks indicate that the lungs are being emptied.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

Floor of mouth is lowered, drawing air in through nostrils.

With nostrils closed and glottis open, the frog pumps air to the lungs with throat.

Mouth cavity ventilates for a time.

Lungs are emptied by contracting body.

Treat your loved ones this Valentine's Day to a romantic picnic lunch.

Fri 14th, Sat 15th & Sun 16th.

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+(27) 028 341 0209 • info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za 2 Queen Victoria Street STANFORD 7210

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

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

R 2 195 000 Income generating spacious home with original features - wooden floors, sash windows, high ceilings, & internal shutters. Large living area, kitchen with pantry. 3 Bedrooms upstairs with bathroom and lounge. Main bedroom en-suite downstairs.

The shady entertainment area overlooks a verdant garden with a sparkling pool plus extra cottage for guests. Double plot.

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R1 290 000 Delightful country cottage, perfect lock up and go. Positioned in a tranquil part of Stanford with lovely mountain views. Main bedroom and en-suite in the loft . 2 Bedrooms and bathroom downstairs. Cutest kitchen and lounge leads to the stoep.

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STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

school talk Each month local schools are invited to send news and photographs to Stanford River Talk. If you have photographs of school activities, please send them to the school secretary so that they can be included.

OKKIE SMUTS

Grade 1E: (Front from left) Iviwe Jolimvaba, Onako Mancoba, Ivayo Jolimvaba, Oyama Mahlasela, (back from left) Erin Dreyer, Thimna Mancoba, Inam Bedula, Busiswa Apolisi, Nozipho Ngwenya and Sarah Staples. Teacher: Mrs Marna Beets.

Graad 1A: (Voor links na regs) Johan de Villiers, Matteo Barends, Peter Linde, Gregan Baartman (agter links na regs) Chantel vd Poll, Tanique vd Watt, Claudia Jafta, Felicia Filander, Tamson Jaars, Aldene Mc Thomas en Carla du Toit. Onderwyseres: Mev Liekie Lourens

BUZZY BEES

Pre-R and Grade R English: (back from left) Courtney Anderson, Rachel Horn, Luzuko Gobeni, Zylan Montagu, Lamla Mkentane (middle from left) Sebastian de Kock, Iva Thobelo, Belinda Taberham (teacher) Vuyolwethu Mgqatsa, Taylor Anderson, (front from left) Imitha Siwa, Charlotte Withers, Rachel Hague and Mivuyo Apolisi.

Playgroup: (back from left) Samantha Horn, Gida Roodt, (middle from left) Ripley Robertshaw, Jasper Goss, Florence Gobeni (teacher), Lucas de Kock, (front from left) Hellen Haering and Sarah-Joy Spence.

NUWE SKOOLHOOF Mnr Kobus Koekemoer is as hoof van Laerskool Okkie Smuts aangestel.

Sy onderwysloopbaan het in 1992 by die Hoërskool in Swakopmund, Namibië begin en was hy sedert 1994 onderwyser by Laerskool Gansbaai waar hy in 1997 tot departementshoof bevorder is.

Mnr Koekemoer het die onderwys in 2006 vir die privaatsektor verruil en 'n maatskappy met ongeveer 2000 kliënte en 50 werknemers te bestuur. Hy glo dat STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

Pre-R and Grade R Afrikaans: (back from left) Walden Williams, Joshua Burls, Ruben Jacobs, Ruwayne Diedericks, (middle from left) Thomas Hickman, Nadia van der Vyver (onderwyseres), Junior Dickson, (front from left) Sinead Zaal and Mellisa Mhlontlo.

hierdie bestuursondervinding hom baie gebaat het en het in 2012 teruggekeer na die onderwys om as adjunkhoof by Gansbaai Academia te dien.

Volgens Mnr Koekemoer beskik Okkie Smuts oor ongelooflike potensiaal en het die tyd aangebreek om dit ten volle te ontwikkel. Met uitstekende personeel en toegewyde betrokkenheid van ouers kan Okkie Smuts met die beste in die Wes-Kaap kompeteer.

school talk

FUNIMFUNDO PRE-SCHOOL

Grade R: (from left) Lilo Lunda, Lizalise Dulile, Avuyile Foji, Ayabonga Velaphi, Imakhe Nqinileyo, Soyama Putuzo, Abigelo Mthini, Buhle Shologu, Lithemba Mlungu and Sibahle Shologu.

Here at THE LAST RESORT we are opening our TANTALIZING TEA GARDEN & SHOP

Capturing our hearts

vet talk

It is February again and everywhere you go shops have hearts in their windows and on their shelves punting Valentine’s Day sales. This month let us look at real hearts in our pets.

Older dogs commonly develop some kind of heart defect. Many will never show symptoms of disease and we regard those hearts as simply showing the 'wear and tear' of years of hard work.

Others will show signs of enlarged hearts or a heart murmur, or some less common anomalies. Even young animals may have congenital defects. These last two groups are the patients that require maintenance treatment.

Fewer cats are diagnosed with heart disease than dogs. The first symptoms of heart disease in cats are often subtle and could be due to other ailments. A slight cough or growing tired on a walk might not be due to a cardiac problem. Cyanosis (showing up as a blue tongue), a harsh, dry cough or even fainting spells are, however, strongly suspicious of heart involvement. Cats may show sudden paralysis in one or both back legs due to an embolus in a major blood vessel.

A vet will need to examine your pet by listening to its chest and possibly performing extra tests such as radiographs or scans. If available an ECG or even a blood pressure measurement may be done.

After diagnosis medication might be given to control blood pressure, heart rhythm and the strength of the cardiac contractions. Drugs to control coughing or even antibiotics may be added. Remember that heart disease is permanent and treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and slowing down the rate of deterioration.

on Friday 14 February.

Toddler-safe, children friendly and very rustic.

Various selections of teas, coffees and juices. Cakes & cookies too.

Fridays to Mondays 9:00am – 5:00pm Bluemoon Farm, R43 towards Hermanus – 2kms from Stanford.

071 482 9425 or 082 051 2447

A furry friend , Muffy (2001 – 2014)

Seeing Muffy was the most wonderful thing, as I got to see the essence of my Creator in living form. No judgement, no animosity, no prejudice, no fear. Comforter extraordinaire in heartbreaking moments and pure joy in seeing love. Muffy 'personified' the instructions of St Francis to go and preach the love of God, and if necessary, speak. Am I ascribing too much power to a small bundle of happiness? You decide: 'Ask the animals, and they will teach you...In God’s hand is the life of every creature, and the breath of all mankind.' (Job 12:7 and10) Bryan Robertson for Sally Filmer

GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE

Half day position available at a small holding in beautiful & tranquil surroundings 11km from Stanford. * Do you have good Managerial Skills? * Do you have a love for growing a variety of organic produce including vegetables, herbs & fruit? * Are you good at liaising & communicating with staff & motivating them? * Do you have great organisational skills & the ability to delegate work?

We are looking for an enthusiastic & passionate, inspired & innovative person to run our exciting produce project which supplies the kitchens of two 5star Grootbos Lodges.

We are looking for someone to lead the project who is able to improve on all aspects of production as well as introduce a greater variety of desirable, unusual & interesting produce.

This is a fun project run as part of the Grootbos Foundation.

To apply, or for further information please email: project@grootbos.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

art & culture

PLAYING BY EAR

Swinging Thru’ The Rye

Visit our wholesale fynbos and tree nursery at Grootbos for a wide variety of local indigenous waterwise plants at the best prices in the Cape.

Open: Monday – Friday: 8h30 – 16h30

We also do landscaping Contact Susan 082 436 4730 or Sharlene 072 143 8894 STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

While recently researching for one of my paramount annual events that takes place in Stanford every January, namely the Burns (1759-96) Supper, I came across some different and interesting interpretations of Scottish Folk music played in swing jazz, which for those who do not know is my real raison d’être for life. I thought no, no, no…this can’t be. What would the Scottish bard have thought if he heard sultry Julie London sing Comin’ Thru The Rye or Maxine Sullivan (1911-87) tripping through the glens and across the lochs while singing Loch Lomond? She Americanizes it with her cool contralto and sends shivers down my spine – such a staggeringly agreeable intrusion of Scottish culture that was founded before ‘blues’ ever hit the 'jazz street' in New York (nick name for 52nd Street).

Well, Mr Burns, it was not too bad. If you had had access to a Phillips record player in 1780 in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, Scotland, (not too far from where I once lived) and you were able to play this new genre of music to your ‘Bachelor Club’ mates, I rather think you might approve. Julie London’s version is raw, jazzy and sexy and very pleasing to the ear. However, I can’t imagine kilted highlanders striding across the glens listening to the John Kirby (Maxine’s husband) Sextet on their earphones to frighten the English (like in Brave Heart), humming an old Scottish folk song Annie Laurie. Sullivan was a proponent of ‘swing folk’, particularly those great tunes from another era which the writers of the Harlem Renaissance (Billy Holliday, Maxine and Louis Armstrong) often compared to their very own music ‘blues and jazz’ – we were first in Caledonia! The jury is out for me, however.

In an earlier revue I articulated on John Dankworth’s playing of Three Blind Mice and approved his superlative extemporisations (Issue No. 87). Hence there is probably a place for this kind of musical fusion between folk and swing.

Have a listen to Maxine as she sings her unique version of Molly Malone (Irish), It Was a Lover and his Lass (Shakespeare and English) and If I had a Ribbon Bow (American Folk). It is 1930s stuff, supported by distinctive bands often with a simplistic soulful light touch sometimes mournful but certainly expansively representative of the sounds during the pre-World War 2 era.

My favourite Sullivan track is Tain’t No Use (Cook My Goose) supported by Glenn Zottola’s squealing trumpet where she ruminates over a romance that has run its course (probably Kirby her first husband) and pays tribute to the writer Burton Lane (Finian’s Rainbow and On a Clear Day, two massive Broadway hits). I am inclined to feel modestly pleased that exceptional swing artists recognized potential jazz rhythms contained in folklore and used this musical tie to ’Flow Gently Sweet Rhythm’, Maxine’s Radio Variety Show. This is undoubtedly a commendatory acknowledgement to Robert Burns who wrote the iconic poem Flow Gently Sweet Afton. Please listen to Jo Stafford singing this beautiful song.

Did you know the 1930s show Swinging the Dream is based on Shakespeare’s ’Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and that Maxine played Titania and Louis Armstrong played Bottom? The show failed after 13 performances!

In his play Invisible Man (1970), Ralph Ellison the black American author wrote, 'while a complete mastery of life is mere illusion, the real secret of the game is to make life swing'.

Andrew Herriot

MOVIE REVIEW

The Great Gatsby – directed by Baz Luhrmann If visual spectacle is what you want, you will find it in this version of Fitzgerald’s famous novel. It is always difficult to portray the essence of this novel on screen. In the novel the great Mr Gatsby is described by the protagonist, Nick Carraway, as ‘the most hopeful man I'm ever likely to meet’. The complexity of this sentiment is very challenging Leonardo Di Caprio and Carey to portray on film. Robert Mulligan.

Redford managed it barely; this production doesn’t. There is a very thin line between creepily obsessive and ‘most hopeful’ – which is tough to direct successfully. Unfortunately Luhrmann didn’t manage to toe that (exquisitely important) line. Gatsby ends up looking sweaty, desperate, obsessive and pretentious rather than hopeful. There is very little spontaneity and every frame feels directed.

However it is not a disaster! The strange direction is rescued admirably by superb acting by Leonardo Di Caprio (Gatsby) and Tobey Maguire (Carraway), and the kaleidoscopic carnival feast will make you wish you had more eyes in your head. It is an epic melodrama that fuses old-movie theatrics and subjective filmmaking, period music and modern pop and rap, real sets and unreal landscapes, psychological drama and speeded-up slapstick in typical Lurhmann style. Recommended for being spectacularly beautiful! Karen McKee

BOOK REVIEW

Karen McKee

Gone Girl – Gillian

Flynn

This taut psychological thriller tells the story of Amy, a woman who disappears without a trace in eerie, almost undetectably evolving detail. The story is set against the intriguing backdrop of a disintegrating marriage, financial problems and significant emotional influences.

It is unnervingly disturbing in its faceted lack of clarity; the sense that something has gone terribly wrong permeates throughout, although it is difficult to figure out quite what it is. The story is written in diary-style prose, which allows the reader to enter the realm of both characters. Until Amy goes missing, and her entries cease, and her husband’s entries continue...

Amy’s husband, Nick, arrives at home to find signs of struggle in the living room and Amy missing. Of course Nick is a suspect – as husbands often are. But the most disturbing thing is that he doesn’t act like a murderer, nor does he act like a distressed husband.

Amy’s parents and friends are interested and fretful, and, as with most wonderful murder mysteries, the truth is hidden in plain sight. Figure it out yourself. This is a really good ride!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

classifieds

There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanfordinfo where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope or design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • cell: 079 523 8453 SMALL ADS: R1 a word • BOXED ADS: R85

FOR SALE VARIETY OF QUALITY COTTAGE FURNITURE pieces including dressing table, chest of drawers, bookshelf, etc. Garden pots in concrete & terracotta in excellent condition. What offers for 64square meters Italian tiles Antigua Coffee 450x450, were R120pm2. Unopened new 5L Maxicare for window frames. p 078 8864418 after 9am.

CORNING-WARE CASSEROLE, new 3 litre corn flower motif R200 p Diana 028 341 0663, 072 492 5039.

CORNING-WARE COFFEE PERCOLATOR R250 p Diana 028 341 0663, 072 492 5039.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE p 082 324 6799 or 079 395 1763.

TABLE TOP 240 X 84cm white press board R250, p Diana 028 341 0663, 072 492 5039.

Drama?!

You say there is enough of it. I say it can never be enough.

Funfilled storymaking and spontaneous acting develops creativity, communication skills and confidence, improves speech and expression as much as listening (lessons in English), grows teams and stars and balances right/left brainsides.

Thursdays at the municipal boardroom.

2.30 • for ± 4 to 6yr olds • R40/45mins 3.30pm • for 7+ •R45/1hr Beatrice 082 481 8285

SERVICES

‘On Broadway’ DVD

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

AFTER SCHOOL CARE I am a qualified pre-school teacher & available every weekday afernoon from 2-5pm. I will give the children a snack and supervise homework. There will be no TV, TV games or internet games. There will be painting, puzzles or books and outside play. Please p Lin ASAP on 079 219 8033 to book your child,s place.

on sale at Stanfordinfo

ART LESSONS p Sanette Upton 072 822 9970.

- R150

CAPTURE YOUR 35MM slides digitally. R1 per slide. p Dirk Troost 084 643 4504.

DRUMMING LESSONS in Stanford. p Sheldon 0825967814 FOOT TREATMENTS Battling to reach your toes to cut your toenails?

I will trim them for you. Pensioners special. Need a pampering foot massage & beautiful coloured toenails? Please p Lin at 079 219 8033.

HEAL YOUR LIFE® FACILITATOR offering weekly group and one-onone sessions. Are you ready to change your thoughts and change your life? p 071 382 9033.

RELIABLE & HONEST PAINTER. No job too small. Contactable references p Wilson on 072 223 2511.

SEWING clothing or decor – alterations, repairs and upcyclying p Robyn 082 404 8840.

SPECIALIZED KEYBOARD JAZZ TEACHING. p Andrew Herriot at

072 571 7846.

SM VERKOELING Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk

RAINFALL STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys

Jan

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

ave

12

8.5

19

14

35

37

104

32.7

Feb

25

11

17.5

20

16

16

17.6

March

27

20.5

20

26

28.5

29

25.2

April

21.5

27.6

30

56

53.3

54

40.4

May

31.5

55

66.5

83

43.5

55

55.8

June

50.5

106.3

91.5

88

86

84

84.4

July

76

97.5

43

56

103

33

68.1

Aug

71.5

89

46

74

125

234

106.6

Sept

74

88

35.5

25.5

73

60.5

59.4

Oct

39.5

92

50

25

111.5

62

63.3

Nov

91

31

57

42

26

212

76.5

Dec

35

6

40

23.5

6

5

19.3

Year

554.5

632.4

459

533

708

881.5

STANFORD RIVER TALK 20

Stanford

Irrigation installation, pruning, weeding, clearing Refuse removal Handyman small building jobs, paving etc Andre Du Toit 083 276 6614

TO RENT

BACH PIANO TO RENT on a 6 monthly or yearly basis, R200 per month. p 079 219 8033.

SHOP/OFFICE to let in main road Stanford. R2200p/m p Jason 072 890 4317.

ANDRE'S GARDEN & MAINTENANCE

VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY

Washing Ironing Tumble Drying Dry Cleaning Services Mon – Fri, 8.00am – 5pm 25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976

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

Holiday Home Specialists

Are you the proud owner of a piece of heaven in our village?

Do you need someone reliable to take care of your property?

Contact us to discuss your house management.

We can take care of all aspects of your home while you are away.

We will market and let your property for weekends and holidays, or prepare it for your arrival.

Contact Ansie : 082 3200 982 or 028 341 0965 ansierei@gmail.com / enquiries@stanfordcountrycottages.co.za www.stanfordcountrycottages.co.za

Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

weekly timetable

Well balanced diets, love and care.

028 - 3410 961

Monday 8h30am, Monday & Wednesday 5h30pm, Friday 10h30am Maitri Yoga, 35 Longmarket, Tasha Saha, 076 968 8608.

Monday 6pm, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, last Monday of each month at Stanford Hills Estate.

Monday & Wednesday, 5pm, Canoeing, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

Tuesday & Thursday 5pm to 6pm, Tae Bo, Okkie Smuts school hall, Ronnie 083 655 4521.

Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm, Cycling, cnr de Bruin & Moore Sts, Sunday 6am Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935.

Tuesdays 8h30 - 9h45pm Iyengar Yoga with Marianne, Stanford Hotel, Conference Room in Courtyard, Leli 082 35 0253 Wednesday, 6.30pm, Stanford Rotary Club Meeting, The Vine Restaurant. Everyone welcome. Stephen 084 705 6719.

Wednesday Wednesday Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, 082 350 0253.

Thursdays 18:30-21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions 071 382 9033 Thursdays 8h30 - 9h45am Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, Leli 082 35 0253 Thursdays 10 - 11h00 Yoga Light for Seniors with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, Leli 082 35 0253 Friday, 5pm, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

Saturday, 10am – 12pm, Stanford Saturday Morning Market, StanfordHotel Veranda, 028 3410 591.

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:30 in die kerkgebou. Office, tel 028 3410 966.

ST THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH Morton St, contact Father Joseph Gabriëls 028 3410588 First Sunday of the month 10:30 Communion (Afr) Second Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) Third Sunday of the month 08:00 Communion (Eng) Fourth Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service. Pastor Johnny van der Schyff • 028 3410 422.

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

STANFORD UNITED CHURCH, meets at St Thomas Church, Morton St. Interdenominational.

English service at 6pm Sunday. Bible Study, 7pm Tuesday night at 45 Queen Victoria St. Secretary Kerri Brokensha 028 341 0077.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 21

local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Beloftebos Cottages B‘s Cottage Blue Gum Country Estate De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oak Grove Farm Reiersvlei Farm Lodge Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford River Lodge Stanford Hotel The Country Cottage Villa di Baia Country Retreat

082 320 0982 082 391 5331 028 341 0430 028 341 0116 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 091 3914 082 213 0512 028 341 0984 082 614 6322 028 341 0444 082 781 1704 083 553 0663 082 336 1573

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 ALTERATIONS Caitlin‘s Dressmaking ANTIQUES/FURNITURE Sir Robert Stanford ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Maureen Wolters ART Kunsklas BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme BONDS/ HOME LOANS Tania Weich BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford

CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke

CONSTRUCTION Stanford Bricks ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical

028 341 0685

PEST CONTROL Overberg Pest Control

028 312 2225

079 182 8825

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

ENGINEERS Jardine Consulting Engineers 082 359 2287 ESTATE AGENTS Marlene‘s Properties Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties FIREWOOD Walshacres

082 732 1284 028 341 0929 028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 028 341 0685 082 898 4889

083 358 6365

082 658 0427 028 341 0685 082 899 1172

028 341 0048

HAIR Jeanne Retief

072 318 2478

076 113 2741 082 450 3970

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

072 822 9970

HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages

028 313 0660

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

084 728 7345

076 222 2063 082 327 6518 028 341 0410 071 219 9212

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

Email: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 079 523 8453 Stanford Hotel 082 781 1704

GARDENS & NURSERIES Krige Tree Services Walshacres Willowdale Nursery

028 341 0048

CUPBOARDS Youre Style Cupboards

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

PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588 RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Art Café Stanford Gallery Barke Restaurant Graze Havercroft‘s Madré‘s Kitchen Marianas Springfontein Eats The Stanford Table The Vine

028 313 2814 028 341 0301 028 341 0116 076 243 1930 028 341 0603 028 341 0647 028 341 0272 028 341 0651 073 553 0676 028 341 0059 028 341 0662

SECURITY Safe Security

028 341 0801

SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT Bob Hadley 082 901 9011 STORAGE Stanford Storage

082 950 6007

082 320 0982

TAXI SERVICE Anytime Transfers

082 858 6765

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television

LEGAL Alcock & Associates, Attorneys & Conveyancers 074 126 7770 NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk

079 291 1588

MARKETS Sunset Market

083 604 0808

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES African Queen River Cruises 082 732 1284 028 3410 929 Klein River Picnics 028 3410 693 Platanna River Cruises 073 318 5078 River Rat Boat Cruises 083 310 0952

073 160 4495 028 312 1890

TRUCKS & TRANSPORT Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Sir Robert Stanford Estate Stanford Hotel

082 391 5331 028 313 2814 028 341 0647 082 781 1704

WINE CELLAR & SALES Sir Robert Stanford Estate Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate

028 3410 647 028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841

028 313 2814

WATER TESTING

STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS

STANFORD - RIVER WATER RESULTS

Escherichia coli (E.coli) – bacteria that is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine. Its presence in a sample indicates pollution from human faeces.

Total Coliform bacteria – is the name for all the bacteria that produce gas and acid from the fermentation of lactose and its presence in a sample indicates pollution from the intestines of both humans and animals.

Heterotrophic Plate Count – is a standard microbiological method used to determine the efficiency of operations to remove or destroy organisms, good and bad, during the treatment process.

Determinant (e. Coli) Under treated Above treated Sewerage Standard Sewerage Outlet poin Outlet point (Bridge R43 0-130/100ml (Jetty next to erf 396) to Hermanus)

DETERMINANT E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

DECEMBER

20

13

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

0

0

NOVEMBER

72

70

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 4

The treated sewerage outlet point into the Kleinriver is at the slipway at the end of Du Toit Street. The stream in the middle of town, starting in the dip in De Bruyn Street, is partly fed by the treated effluent from the waste water treatment works which gets complemented only in winter, by the overflow of the two dams in the middle of town. The two sampling points for the river are thus respectively known as under and above the treated sewerage outlet point.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

DEC

NOV

3124

Celebrations in Stanford

Peter Whitelaw 20 January

Shaheida Phillips 12 February

Thaya Bedford 21 February

Terry Danks 2 February

Steward Alcock 7 February Annaliese Lubowskwi 6 February

John Withers 12 February

Linda Apolosi 22 February

Regina Jacoby 17 February

Anton de Kock 23 February

Jade Raine Coetzee 8 February

Ivan May 17 February

Michelle Hardie 23 February

whats on in Feb 9 February, Sunday Beloftebos Summer Sundays Seasonal Lunch Table - Relaxing on the lawns, see page 10.

14 February, Friday Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate @ one of our restaurants 20 February, Thursday The Stanford Ratepayers’ Association AGM, 5.30 pm in the Municipal Boardroom, see page 6.

21 February, Friday Emile Minnie Live in Stanford, see page 9.

28 February, Friday Stanford Sunset Market on the Village Green.

Melanie Lourens 27 February

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

Catch Caccivio 9 February

Tayana Dorland 10 February

Laina Lesicnik 16 February Erwin Lesicnik 24 February

Gida Roodt 23 February

Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw 25 February

Janelle Damon 28 February

STANFORD RIVER TALK 23