Stanford river talk feb 2016

STANFORD RIVER TALK Volume 125 | FEBRUARY 2016 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R15

r i a e h t f o Heroes

Tasting Room open 7 days a week, 8:30 - 5pm STANFORD RIVER TALK 1

ed's notes While our gardens cry out for water and our vegetables wilt in the sun, fires flare up across the Western Cape. Fire fighters and volunteers work through the days and nights to protect and save all that they can, keeping us safe in our homes. Stanford locals did the village proud by making fresh sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks to show their gratitude to the brave men and women who fought the flames in the heat and wind of mid-January (News and Updates, page 4).

Schools are back in full swing and many charities and individuals helped to provide stationery packs and uniforms for all the local children in need (School Talk, pages 8-9). The excitement and nerves of the first day back at school is painted on their faces.

February is Valentine's month and Suzanne-Francois Roussouw suggests fresh potted plants as gifts rather than red roses (Plant Talk, page 16) but if Valentine's Day is not your thing, why not get into the kitchen and cook up some fried green tomatoes a la Bryan Robertson (Kitchen Talk, page 14). Turn up the volume of your favourite music and remember your old tape collection from the days before CDs, minidiscs and the modern era of iPods, MP3s and live YouTube streaming (Playlist, page 15).

Naas Terblanche suggests ways of calling the wild back into your garden (Nature Talk, page 17) and Dr Wanya van der Walt reminds you to go for your dentist check-up (Page 16). Good luck sticking to your New Year's resolutions (Village Life, page 10) and keep your face tilted upwards. 2016 is picking up momentum and the ride looks fun.

PLEASE NOTE Rain statistics will be included again in our March edition of Stanford River Talk. ☔☔☔

Have you got a therapy or activity that you would like to offer to the public, but no suitable space?

• The Butterfly Centre at 36 Daneel street, Stanford is a beautiful and very upmarket facility with a number of rooms and areas suited to just about any therapy.

• Its central location and visibility are an added benefit, and all areas are wheelchair friendly.

• The venue is also ideal for hosting small workshops.

R800 per month secures you the use of a suitable therapy/ activity room for one afternoon a week (12:30 till 17:00) or Saturday mornings (08:00 till 12:30) For R400 per month you could reserve use of a suitable room/ area from 17:00 till 20:00 any day of the week.

Limited morning spots are also available; please call us for more info.

We help to promote your therapy where possible with our newsletter and schedule sent to members on our database.

Any income generated from rental helps to support the core mission of the Centre, which is a loving learning environment for children who are not coping with mainstream education, due to a variety of special needs.

Tell: 071 751 9621 • info@butterflyfoundation.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 2

Cheese of the Month

Gruberg Klein River Farmstead’s flagship cheese is Gruberg. Klein River Gruberg opens up with rustic earthy notes while presenting nutty and tropical flavours owing to its 6 month maturation period. For the discerning cheese lover!

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

All cheese is made using age-old artisinal methods and pasture-fed cows milk.

028 341 0693

www.kleinrivercheese.co.za R326, 7 km outside Stanford

contact us

• EDITOR – Phil Murray 082 667 0619 philippa.murray@gmail.com

Write to us

• ADVERTSING & LAYOUT Sandra Slabbert 079 523 8453 design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

Please send your letters to philippa.murray@gmail.com. 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.

• ACCOUNTS

Misinformation is malicious

Michelle Hardie ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za

FACEBOOK

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Matt Chancey, Suzanne Francois-Rossouw, Andrew Herriot, Mike Horn, Olga Koorts, Emma Kriel, Karen McKee, Martin Ranger, Bryan Robertson, Naas Terblanche, Wanya van der Walt, Tania Weich, Guy WinchesterGould and James Yeats.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Taken by Catch Caccivio.

Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor‘s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article. Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission.

Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC.

STANFORD RIVER TALK

This letter is, in some ways, overdue, and is written only as a means of addressing and correcting some misconceptions about Stanhaven. Someone in Stanford seems to have an agenda to spread malicious, false information about Stanhaven development. I have been made aware of these stories for at least two years now and have had to answer some outrageous allegations.

In spite of what this person/s has alleged, I would like to make the following facts a public record.

•Stanhaven is not insolvent.

•Stanhaven is not in financial trouble of any kind; on the contrary, it is in sound financial health.

•The 'few' residents of Stanhaven will not have to bail the development out of any debt.

•All 93 plots in Stanhaven have been sold to owners and each owner pays a monthly levy.

•There is no truth in the rumour that the developer is the only approved builder for the estate. The original developer no longer has any role to play in Stanhaven.

•Stanhaven is run by a homeowners' association, comprising at least 5 trustees and a managing agent, based in Cape Town.

•Development has not come to a standstill; there are at least four new homes (that I am aware of) that are planned to be built this year.

If this type of malicious rumour-mongering persists and I am able to identify its source, I will certainly instruct our attorneys to take appropriate action.

Bob Broom Chairman, Stanhaven Homeowners' Association

SEND US YOUR NEWS

philippa.murray@gmail.com 082 667 0619

STANFORD RIVER TALK 3

news and updates

MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Every month the chairpersons (or representatives) of the Ratepayers, Conservation, Heritage and Tourism Committees meet with our local area manager, Petronella Ferreira, to discuss municipal and community issues. This excellent working relationship is where information is exchanged, solutions are found and a platform is created for co-operative management.

This month the Community Police Forum (CPF) joined the group, specifically to discuss the lack of law enforcement during the recent school holidays in Stanford in general, and especially along the river front. The meeting was also attended by our ward councillor, Dudley Coetzee, and Edward Fisher from the municipal law enforcement office.

The following items were discussed. If you are a member of any of the organisations you will receive more detailed information on a regular basis.

• LACK OF PROMISED LAW ENFORCEMENT ALONG THE RIVER FRONT DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS The matter will be taken up by Councillor Coetzee – to be rectified by the Easter holiday season.

Stanford SAPS, in collaboration with the CPF and Neighbourhood Watch will also do more visible patrolling at random times.

• ABLUTION FACILITIES AT KING STREET Temporary facilities need to be provided during holiday seasons. Provision must be made for permanent facilities when the pumping station is built.

• COMMUNITY HALL No loud music allowed after midnight as that is when the lease agreement with the municipality expires (excluding cleaning time). SAPS can be called to shut down music.

• STANFORD REVITALISATION PROJECT A meeting was held in December to discuss the various government funding options available for the tarring of De Bruyn Street – waiting for feedback.

A municipal letter will be sent to all owners adjacent to the village green to gauge their feeling on the various options for traffic flow, and the subsequent road design and surfacing of the affected sections of Longmarket and Shortmarket Streets.

• HERITAGE MATTERS The Stanford Conservation Overlay Zone is being compiled, but there is a difference of opinion between the municipality and Stanford Conservation regarding the Stanford architectural style. Everyone is committed to resolving this issue.

• ENVIRONMENT Due to the co-operative nature of the monthly meetings, the municipality and Stanford Conservation managed to keep the village and wandelpad tidy despite being without the Working for the Coast team since last July.

The design and final placing of the King Street pumping station has apparently not been discussed with the various organisations, as was promised by the consulting engineer and the Overstrand’s engineering services.

• TOURISM The office is in dire need of (free) storage space for events materials and has requested space at the Community Centre but this does not seem possible.

Is there anyone in Stanford who can help?

Bea Whittaker STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

Feed the Firefighters initiative Stanford experienced an early wake-up call to the start of the fire season.

Although the municipality provides basic food and water supplies to their fire fighters, members of the community have always generously supported them and the volunteers with additional food, drinks and yummy goodies. It is our opportunity to show gratitude and extend goodwill to the brave men and women of all the fire services for their dedicated hard work.

On Saturday 9 January, Tabby Robertshaw from Graze Slow Food Café, put out a call on Facebook that was soon answered by many willing volunteers and donors. Sandwiches were made from donated and bought ingredients in the Stanford Hotel kitchen (thank you Penny – Sandwich crew in the hotel also for your skilled aesthetic wrapping!) and kitchen. drinks, biscuits and sweets were delivered by the bagfull. For four days various teams prepared two batches of food daily for the people going on and coming off their 12-hour shifts. Individuals from the village also delivered sandwiches, drinks, water, biscuits, cake and sweets directly to the command centre at Coffee Corner. It was clear that all the contributions were much appreciated!

Thank you to all the different donors and volunteer sandwich makers. People were truly generous.

In any effort like this, effective communication is crucial. Social media played an important role: Tabby started a Feed the Firefighters page on Facebook and via that and the Stanford Notice Board, Stanford Village and Stanford River Talk Facebook pages, people remained informed all the time. There are however many villagers who would like to be informed immediately when/ if assistance is required via phone, sms or email. Anyone wanting to be involved in future, please provide your contact details to Tabby at 076 243 1930 or info@grazecafe.co.za A further effort was launched to support the firefighters at Pearly Beach, and to keep an eye out for any assistance needed at Springfontein. An immediate response was received to a request for donations and assistance via the Facebook page and within two hours Tabby delivered 60 packs of sandwiches, fruit and plenty of cold energy drinks and water!

Feed the Firefighters Volunteers

Veld fire in Stanford

Ready this rumble: Fire fighting services parked at Coffee Corner HQ.

The Stanford fire started on Friday, 8 January 2016. The cause is under investigation. The fire was extremely difficult to contain due to the fuel load, weather conditions and limited vehicle access to the fire through the thick bush.

Overstrand Fire Department and Overberg District Municipality responded to the fire and was assisted by ground teams from Working on Fire, Cape Nature and Volunteer Wildfire Services.

With a strong South Easterly behind the fire it managed to spread over the R43, which had to be closed to traffic for brief periods. Fire fighting efforts were concentrated on the flanks of the fire to ensure it did not spread towards Gansbaai or Stanford while the fire advanced towards the ocean. Aerial resources were deployed on multiple occasions to protect houses, farms and infrastructure in the area. By the fifth day of the fire, it entered the Walker Bay Nature Reserve where fire fighters worked to contain the fire in more favourable conditions.

The Overstrand community has once again proved to be highly supportive and generous. Thank you to all those individuals and companies who have kept the fire fighting teams fed and hydrated and provided needed resources to the Fire department. A special thank you to the goFPA, the landowners who made their resources available and the Stanford community for refreshments for the Stanford fire and other fires in the area.

Lester Smith, Chief Fire & Rescue and Disaster Management

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Stanford Ratepayers’ Association AGM

Thursday, 25 February, 17h30 for 18h00 in the Stanford Municipal Boardroom.

This is an especially important meeting, as not only is it the AGM, where your presence would be welcomed and appreciated, but members will be required to elect new committee members at this meeting. It is vitally important for us to have a good turnout and I urge you to give careful consideration at this time to whom you might believe to be a valuable committee member and to nominate that person by sending the names and contact details by email to either Midge Farquharson or Bob Broom (emails below).

An active and responsible Ratepayers’ Committee is of paramount importance, so that the wishes and aspirations of the greater Stanford community are represented and conveyed to the correct authorities.

Once again, there will be refreshments after the meeting, to which all our members are invited and welcome. Please also note that in order to comply with our constitution, you will be expected to renew your membership by paying the token amount of R20 per member.

Bob Broom, Chairman, Stanford Ratepayers’ Association Midge: Stanhope@telkomsa.net Bob: bobbroom@omail.co.za

The joint was jumping Burns Supper at Stanford Hills Nearly one hundred Friends of Scotland enjoyed a mouthwatering evening of Scottish Fare, humorous speeches and a fine appreciation of the Scottish Bard Robert Burns, 1759 –1796. Rabbie’s main legacy apart from poetic masterpieces ('Tam ‘O Shanter' and 'Cotter’s Saturday Night') and verses that are sung the world over ('Auld Lang Syne' and 'My love is like a red, Guests at the Tasting Room: red rose') is that his memory Waiting for their haggis. continues to be immortalised in villages and towns all over the planet close to 25 January.

Local raconteurs and entertainers such as piper Lincoln Smith, Patrick Campbell, Andy Johnston, Karen McKee and Matt Chancey all contributed to the slick presentations supremely managed by Jami Kastner as the MC. The Stanford Burns group were privileged to have as the main speaker, an International Burns exponent, Rev Howard Haslett from Haddington, Scotland. He theatrically and boldly provided an astounding grandiloquent text of the real Scottish poet and painted a picture of a man of the people, a humanitarian, a lover of the good life and a genius with thoughts and words that reflected the mood of Scotland in the late 18th Century.

Attendees came from many parts of SA and the UK, Europe, the USA and Canada. The international nature of the evening mirrored what Robert Burns, a simple farmer, would have viewed as an essential component of a Supper Night of entertainment. As always the Address to the Haggis formed part of the mirth as well as the various culinary aspects inclusive of Scotch whisky and Athol Brose. The event raised R3 400 from the raffle and donations for The Butterfly Centre, Stanford. Thank you to our faithful Stanford followers and all their friends and contacts.

Andrew Herriot

news and updates

CPF NEWS • Stanford North Neighbourhood Watch – an eyes and ears WhatsApp group Chris Moll is to be commended for setting up a very effective Neighbourhood Watch for Stanford North. It comprises approximately fifteen residents who communicate and report suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhoods to each other, and to their sector leader via WhatsApp texts. In addition, a dedicated Neighbourhood Watch cell phone has been placed in the SAPS charge office to receive calls from Neighbourhood Watch members.

Chris believes that the whole village should eventually be part of this WhatsApp group. Captain Coetzee, our new Station Commander, recently attended a meeting of this group, giving his full support to the project. For those residents who would like to join the group, please contact either Chris Moll on 082 578 1828 or Peter Hochfelden on 082 443 7867.

Please note that this is not a social network set up. It is to be used for our and our neighbours’ security as well as other emergencies such as fires, flooding and medical help. Another effective use could be informing the group if one’s property is going to be vacant for a period of time.

• Crime Feedback At the recently held AGM of the CPF, Sergeant Gouws, the Crime Intelligence Officer, gave feedback on the crime situation for 2015 compared to that of 2014. In summary, he reported that there were large decreases in burglary and theft cases, a moderate increase in assaults, but a large increase in the number of cases regarding drug related crimes, illicit dealings in liquor, drunk driving and illegal possession of firearms.

He also reported that the most prominent days for contact crimes, such as assaults and rapes, to occur were first, Sunday nights, followed by Saturday nights and then Friday nights. Property crimes were mainly committed at holiday houses and vacant homes, which were easy targets for criminals. SAPS advise that residents leaving their homes vacant for some time should inform the police of when they will be away. There is a register in the police station called the ‘Vacant Premises Register’ where one can record that information.

• Promotion Congratulations to Constables Mzamo Mnqwazi and Joseph Daniels on their promotions to Sergeants. Constable Daniels was seriously injured at the end of last year in an accident in a police van whilst apprehending a suspect. He is making good progress whilst convalescing at home. The CPF wishes him a speedy recovery.

Stuart Anderson

PARK PROGRESS Thank you to Francois du Preez (co-ordinator) and Abrie Hickman (Adenco) who provided the manpower to complete the job started by Nicolene Jooste and her daughter, Janke, with her Life Skills school group friends. It took some time, but it is finally getting there thanks to Francois' perseverance. This community project is still short of funds – please email milkwood@maxitec.co.za if you are able to make a donation.

ART IN THE PARK

Art in the Park has held an art exhibition on the last Sunday of every month at the Country Market grounds in Hermanus. We have been asked to vacate the premises and are battling to find alternative venue. Art in the Park will therefore be postponed until we find a suitable venue. Gilly Shreeve, 082 878 9558

Completing the park.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

news and updates

The hills were alive

Stanford Neighbourhood Watch

Bringing the festive spirit to Stanford.

Cool musos: Watershed and Louise Carver.

Tickets for the Louise Carver/ Watershed concert at Stanford Hills sold like hotcakes, and many were disappointed when the allocated 500 tickets sold out. Those that were in attendance will agree that it was a knock out show marking the first time these popular artists appeared together, performing their own hit songs as well as popular covers. Families were spread out below the vines, overlooking the dam to enjoy the sunset performance. Three food stalls kept everyone well fed, and Stanford Hills wines flowed. We have already confirmed a repeat show next year with Louise, and are looking at bringing other artists to our beautiful area. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, and make sure you get your tickets well in advance for our next show.

Jami Kastner

Shipping news

There were about 25 Stanfordians waving best luck to Stanfordian, Captain Mike Boucher on his last command of the frigate, SAS Spioenkop. It was great fun seeing them come within 800m of the shore with the Hermanus NSRI excitedly accompanying the frigate.

Mike set off for a two month overseas deployment to India.

Christmas lunch This event took place on 26 December and was, again, a huge success. There were over 100 children and 20 disabled persons from within our community who attended. The purpose of the lunch is to bring the Christmas spirit to members of the community. Many children do not get to celebrate Christmas and this gesture is our way to bring the Christmas spirit into their lives.

Many thanks go to: • The Christ forum for all the second hand clothes and toys.

• The Community Police Forum for the financial assistance.

• Pastor John Joseph for his prayer and care.

Plans for 2016 • We are hoping to begin a Cadet group for Stanford teenagers.

It will take place once a week for an hour. Dates and times to be decided. If there is anybody in Stanford who has experience in training cadets, please contact Willem McClean on 076 810 8908 • We are also considering starting a Scout Club and would appreciate any and all assistance.

We are blessed to live in Stanford and hope that our efforts bring value to the community.

Willem McClean Chairperson

Monkey business Someone spotted this baboon all dressed up with nowhere to go. It seems that in Stanford, even the wall ornaments know how to enjoy country life.

Have you seen this baboon?

SAS Spioenkop: Photograph by Peter Hochfelden.

Who killed the Sushi Chef?

Conservation treasure hunt, 5 January It was Frikkie the Fishmonger (aka Tony Coates, the mastermind behind this interesting Stanford Conservation fundraiser) who killed the sushi chef.

What a fun-filled morning it was, with many visitors participating who had read about it on various Facebook pages. Most participants came from Gansbaai/ De Kelders, and therefore no wonder that the two most sought-after prizes where won by sleuths from that area. We even had a Nelspruit family participate while on holiday in Hermanus. All in all it was a successful initiative that brought people to Stanford, some of whom had never been here before.

Thank you to Stanford Valley and Panthera Africa for their wonderful prizes. Other sponsors were Birkenhead Galley (x2), Graze, The Vine Restaurant, Die Visserman, Marianna’s, Yum Eat Café, Raka and Don Gelato (x2). Mountain Falls donated the water, which was a life-saver in the January heat.

Bea Whittaker STANFORD RIVER TALK 6

ROTARY STANFORD SWOP SHOP DESPERATELY NEEDS CHILDREN'S CLOTHING. PLEASE CONTACT DENISE ANDERSON ON 028 341 0310 OR 083 553 0663.

STANFORD PROPERTY SALES

Nine properties in Stanford were issued with a sale certificates in January. These figures include name transfers.

The Golden Girls and guys The 'Big Five' loved Stanford again this year. They were just a few of our summer guests this season and were all very well behaved.

Chris and Wendy Moll

Snippets from Rotary We’re into the second month of 2016 which means that schools have re-opened and Starter Packs of stationery have been handed out to local schools. The soup kitchens have been up and running for a couple of weeks, two Swop Shop sessions have taken place and we’ve had our first Sunset Market of the year. With all this having happened in just the first month, the roller-coaster of Rotary Stanford projects has begun.

Sample of what the Starter Packs contain

Our main priority is to provide the soup kitchens and Koshuis with ingredients for meals, but we are involved in a number of other projects. Here are some snippets:

SCHOOL CLOTHES:

WINTER WARMTH: This takes place in May/ June each year. Rotary distributes blankets, jerseys and other warm clothing to the elderly and children in need. Donations of knitted jerseys for children are always welcome.

We have a fund available for donations towards school clothes.

A number of children attend school in uniforms which are tatty or too small, mostly beyond repair.

Worse still is they are being teased for wearing less-than-perfect clothes. The schools assist us in identifying these children. Second hand school clothes in good condition are most welcome.

A little girl we’ve been able to assist, a Grade R pupil at Die Bron.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: We offer support to our local preschools as well as to the Foundation Phase classes at schools (Grade R to 3) on an ongoing basis. A small pre-school in Stanford South will be redecorated this year.

STORK BABY BOXES:

SPORTS:

Stork Baby Boxes are offered to new mothers who live in very small houses or shacks. The boxes take the place of a cot or crib and are large enough for babies up to 6-8 months.

Basic contents of baby clothing and toiletries are included, for which sponsorship is welcome.

Support by way of kit and travelling expenses is offered to various soccer, netball and rugby clubs in Stanford.

BAGS OF LOVE: These are basic food parcels which a distributed just before Christmas, and are meant to provide food for the poor when the soup kitchens are closed during Christmas and New Year.

FUNDRAISERS: We have two regular fundraisers, namely our regular raffle at the Sunset Market each month and the annual Penguin Plunge which takes place in June. There are plans afoot for more exciting events in 2016 – watch this space.

SHOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING IN ANY WAY TO ANY OF OUR PROJECTS, PLEASE CONTACT LANA ON 028 341 0349 / 082 216 4398.

We wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2016 and ask that we keep in mind those less fortunate than ourselves. Very often their poor circumstances are beyond their control, especially for children and the elderly.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

school talk

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

GANSBAAI ACADEMIA Once again Academia achieved good results in the 2015 matric examinations. The pass rate was 88.5% and even more pleasing was the fact that 27 of the learners achieved Bachelor status, which allows them to study at university.

The top student, Simphiwe Yana, was immediately granted a full bursary by the University of the Orange Free State and Caren Kleyn received an NSFAS bursary to study there. They are following in the illustrious footsteps of Bianca De Koning and Andisiwe Wulana, who are both excelling and are in the top ten students of their year.

The latest figures indicate that the school will have 816 learners in 2016, of which 237 are in Grade 8. The matric class this year has 91 learners. The learners per class ratio is of concern, with up to 50 learners in some classes. Unfortunately there is no funding available to employ an additional governing body teacher who would relieve this situation.

If anybody is prepared to assist, please contact the principal.

One of the traditions now firmly entrenched in the school is the Grade 8 induction. The new grade 8 learners gathered the day before the school opened and

OKKIE SMUTS

received training and background about the school to enable them to fit into the school’s culture of achievement. At the end of the proceedings, on the Friday night, they made a pledge by candlelight and graduated to become proud Sharkies.

A very successful athletics day was held on Friday, 22 January.

Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day despite the intermittent rain. Academia will host a triangular athletics meeting at the sportsgrounds on 6 February. The other schools participating will be Swellendam and Swartberg from Caledon.

Gansbaai Academia's top learner, 2015: (From left) Andile Yana (father), Simphiwe Yana and Tommy Wilson (principal).

FYNBOS AKADEMIE EN HOOPLAND AKADEMIE Fynbos Akademie at Papiesvlei and Hoopland Akademie in Stanford industrial opened their doors for 48 children at Fynbos and 35 children at Hoopland. Both schools' children are transported to and from school by bus.

They receive porridge in the morning and a meal in afternoon.

Grade 1 Fynbos Akademie: (Back from left) Goliat Kaptein, Angelique October (Front) Roysten Petersen, Ruby Hess, Jasmine Phillips, Nadia Plaatjies and Tracey-Lee Louw.

Grade 1 English: (Back from left) Megan Murray, Iva Thobelo, Charlotte Withers, Ezrah Matthee, Rachel Hague, Joshua Holloway (Middle) Imange Mthenjana, Miso Mpela, Alex Kastner, Imitha Siwa, Luzuko Gobeni (Front) Mivuyo Apolisi, Sebastiaan de Kock, Zylan Montaqu, Jaydin Mallison and Sinokuhle Mabena.

Grade 1 Hoopland Akademie: (Back) Elmarie van Schoor (Front) Rylee Ali, Eunicia Bernadus, Ruwayne Diedericks and Jody Dreyer.

FUNIMFUNDO

Graad 1 Afrikaans: (Back from leftl) Thomas Hickman, CaywinLee Coetzee, Domonique Volschenk, Caylene Booysen, Cecilia de Villiers, Reesha Barends (Front) Anuck Barkhuizen, El Zyne Swarts, Jayden Dunsdon and Samantha Pasman.

Grade R: (From left) Joyama Putuzo, Ahulele Sidelo, Lilitha Ntweni, Sibabalwe Sodam, Yolisa Lahlani, Mxolisi Sandla and Wanda King.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

DIE BRON The principal, Mr Pedro and rest of the staff welcome all those who joined Die Bron family this year.

Ms B. Mqadaru and Grade 1 C: Owam Valashiya, Ovayo Mqalekana, Unathi Kaalpens, Likhona Mthanyana, Athule Vuka, Kuhle Tsusane, Asenathi Mongameli, Inam Siyo and Sinesihle Ziwele.

school talk

Ms N.Williams and Grade 1B: (Back from left) Lincoln van wyk, Lee-dre Swartland, Willon Mattysi, Norika Meyers, Shanice Mars, (Front from left) Nathon Doty, Joe-Rowan Pietersen, Kyle Engel, Elridge Isaacs, Roberto Davids, Anjlica Ruiters, Taylor Bantom, Will-Nay Minus and Feronique Dunsdon.

Ms C. Gibson and Grade 1A: (Front from left) Germain Plaatjies, Karien Phillips, (2nd row) Aswill Moos, Donavan Steeneveld, Lawrenzo Theunisen, Rudowaan Martienus, Jaydene Kaptein, Ronwin August, (3rd row) Dwayne Messias, Imoraan Jenecke, Razieda Moses, Ugan Pietersen (back) Elgirwin Fouche, Tino de Vos, Jayda-Lee Brandes and Marvinique May.

Ms N. Apleni and her Grade R IsiXhosa class: (Front from left) Mbalentle Mazinywana, Iminathio Qhanqiiso, Soyama Putuzo, Khanyisa Mgengo, Buhle Shologu, (Back from left) Sibahle Shologu, Sinemihle Lose, Iviwe Klaas, Ongeziwe Plamana and Avuyile Foji.

THE BUTTERFLY CENTRE

Ms. R. Dreyer and Grade R: Lutho Sodam, MG Leonard, Ava Jones, Elzaylon Dunsdon,Bronte Hansen, Urick Damon, Hayden May, Simoney Dunstion, Francisco Arendse, Givanne Dyk, Reshaan Plaatjies, Anelle Phillips, Hencia Damon and Jasree Maritz.

Class of 2016: (From left) Vuyokazi Siza, Jack Kastner, JayJay Visser, Teacher Jilly Gilmour and Darryl Bakers.

BUZZY BEES

ST PAUL'S SANDHOOGTE The Principal, Mrs Amanda Appel, thanks everyone for all they've donated and the learners are very grateful for their brand new stationery.

Our thanks goes to Rotary, Judi Brown from the Star Literacy Programme, Caitlin Hague, Ansie Reitsma, Liz Hochfelden, Bea Whittaker, Amelia de Villiers, Martin Volschenk and Melinda Jacobs. All art material will be more than welcome.

Please arrange with Jean-Mari de Villiers at 071 333 6249 or Amanda Appel at New school bags: (From left) Johnay Moos and Jay-Dean 028 341 0222 or Phillips. stpaulslaer@gmail.com

Grade R: (Back from left) Jasper Goss, Ayola Mkolo, Jonisia Swartz, Hellen Haering (2nd row) Gida Roodt, Janco Swart, PJ October, Rokeya Semwayo,Hunter Sullivan (3rd row) Monzay October, Zaylee Appel, Alesha Hendricks, Chaldine Dickson (Front) Dirk De Villiers, Anna De Villiers and Chloe October.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

village lifestyle

Village life and New Year’s resolutions Karen McKee comes clean I know it makes sense to start a new year with some good resolutions.

From experience, there are few stages I go through: 1. Empowerment: Let’s face it, most people make their New Year’s resolutions after a few hits of craft beer or a couple of bottles of bubbly (No? Just me?). There is no better way to set some very lofty and admirable goals than by wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of liquid courage. Two of my (many) goals included cutting out sugar and only watching TV after 19:00.

2. Realisation: Waking up on New Year’s Day, I check my Facebook status and realise that I have committed myself before friends and family to achieve stupefyingly great things. And we all know that once it’s on Facebook it’s the truth, and I will be expected to uphold these promises.

What was I thinking? How the hell am I going to function without sugar and daytime TV? What am I going to do during my coffee breaks?

3. Denial: The tidal wave of fear, regret, nausea and denial set in. I’m squirming, wondering how to get out of my lofty promises. I urgently post that my Facebook has been hacked and that some nasty person who hates me posted the ridiculous statements.

4. Anger: I’m cross with myself because I denied my goals. I’m livid that I (and some others, definitely my stepmother) don’t have enough faith in me to believe that I can actually achieve these great things. I decide to stick to my lofty resolutions just to prove everyone wrong.

5. Bargaining: No one said New Year's Resolutions needed to happen right in the beginning of the New Year! I just need routine to make it work.

Better to wait until the summer school holidays are over before starting out.

6. Setback: The school holidays are long gone, it is almost February, and I’m still watching 'Dr Phil' at 13:00 with a cup of very sugary coffee. What happened?

From here there are two things I can do: Reset: Perk up and decide to still achieve the goals, but to officially start my new year on 1 February.

Acceptance: Sigh loudly and decide my stepmother was right that I won’t achieve much in life. Tip three teaspoons of sugar into my coffee and watch 'Women who Kill' at 11:00.

I am not sure which it will be this year…

It's a boy!

Suzanne-Francoise and Chris Roussouw-Moss welcomed their first child, Cameron Jules Rossouw-Moss to their family on 11 December 2015.

We wish them quiet nights and fun-filled days as they start this next adventure.

Little boy blue: Chris and Suzanne with their newborn son.

ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE, LAND -USE PAUL SLABBERT B Art ET Scien, EAPSA, APHP, IAIA

phs@orcawireless.co.za www.phsconsulting.co.za Corporate Social Investment Projects www.africanvisionfoundation.co.za

STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

The Villagers Zukisani Keis is a friendly and welcoming face at Stanford's local Coffee Corner. Many villagers pop into the shop for a freshly brewed cup o' joe while they read the paper, or convene a meeting, and Zuki effortlessly serves his best brew to everyone, even without having to place an order. He is cheerful and treats everyone like a true friend.

• When did you come to Stanford? I came to visit my mother from Queenstown during my school holiday in 2002. I found Stanford to be a beautiful place. It was quiet and beautiful and without crime so when I finished school in 2006, I came to live here.

• What do you do for work, and for fun?

I have been working for Coffee Corner since 2011. I was a gardener for one year and then Peter Wolters sent me on a barista course. I love making coffee and all the clients tell me I make the best coffee. I remember what every person drinks, and when I see a car stop, I can immediately start to make the coffee.

I am a big fan of soccer. I play soccer on weekends and try to get to the big games in Cape Town whenever I can.

• What is your favourite part about living in the Overberg?

The people are friendly and I have a lot of friends, including friends of different races. We all mix well and socialise together.

• Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Hopefully being a barista in a big city in Germany or France.

• What do you think South Africa will be like in 10 years?

I just hope for peace and unity between all people in South Africa.

• Do you have any Valentine's Day plans?

I have plans but they are secret because I want to give my girlfriend a surprise.

Welcome to Stanford We have moved to this lovely village on 19 December and we plan to stay here for the rest of our lives. Before, we did not live so far away (Somerset West) but the tranquillity of Stanford called us. It has been my husband's dream to live here for 30 odd years.

We are both creative people. Louw is in construction, but only does Leonie and Louw renovations and maintenance now. Being able to do every thing like building, plumbing and electrical wiring himself makes him very sought after and the people in the Helderberg are all extremely sorry to lose him.

I am a keen sewer and a crafter. My sewing machine is my lifeline. If there is an interest, I would like to start a creative sewing and crafting group in the village.

Louw and I would like to become more involved in Stanford and help people and empower them to take care of themselves.

Leonie van der Mescht

☺☺☺☺ New faces

We love being able to welcome new friends and families to Stanford in the Stanford River Talk. If you are new in the village, please let us know.

Contact the editor, 082 667 0619 or email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

SUMMER FUN Some travelled across the country while others ventured as far as Vloedbos – either way, families and friends made the most of the bright summer days of the school holiday. Stanford River Talk asked locals to send photographs of their December/ January R&R.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

Peace and Goodbye Martin Ranger bids farewell to the Christmas cards on the mantel piece

H

ey, we made it, another festive season done and star-dusted. The visitors have left, taking with them Young Michaela, whose head only lifted from her iPad either to curl a lip at the prospect of yet another family braai or to dream, wistfully, about whichever

member of 'One Direction' her Friends have decided to 'like, like'.

Certainly it made a change to be temporarily immersed in the lives of a large part of our family. To see the cousins joshing and fooling around whilst their children played together was a real pleasure.

Along with many of you we observed plenty of Christmas traditions, including presentgiving. This year we were persuaded to try ‘Secret Santa’ (I thought he was a secret anyway?) This particular version involved an option to claim an already-opened present. Sadly my bra and pants apron and

a set of LED illuminated braai tongs remained steadfastly on my lap!

‘...we stuck it to the computer screen so it would have some company‘ Don’t you think the award in the category 'it’s my party and I'll fry if I want to' has to go to Dubai for their New Year’s Eve alternative pyrotechnics. I mean, what’s the odd towering inferno?

After all they’ve got plenty more.

But at least it was better than watching Sir Reginald ‘Elton’ Dwight tinkling and twinkling his way through a couple of his hits

on 'The Royal Variety Show'.

Sadly, this Christmas had its poignant moment. I think it marked a real passing – of the paper Christmas card.

Remember years ago when the living room was festooned with a veritable washing line of greeting cards? This year just a single ‘tinselled log with robin’ looked so lonely on the shelf that in the end we stuck it to the computer screen so it would have some company.

Did you make any New Year resolutions, I hear you ask? Only one: I will try not to laugh at my own jokes – unless, of course, I’ve not heard them before.

Bonne année

Tales from the Raj This is the eighth article in a series of vignettes by Guy Winchester-Gould and offers an overview of the period until 1947 when India gained Independence from Britain.

The Indian Mutiny of 1857 was a long time coming and when it did it caught the East India Company and British Army in India completely unawares. The event, lasting just over a year, plunged northern India into a maelstrom of savage and brutal violence.

DELHI RELIEVED Because the British Army regarded Delhi as symbolically and strategically important, and believing if it was not soon re-taken other areas of India might join the rebellion, military reinforcements were rushed in from Rangoon, Ceylon and from south India. The first to arrive were forces stationed near Simla, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Others, including horse artillery and a battery of 18-pounders, also answered the call. In due course other regiments arrived, some via Persia (Iran) from the Crimean War. Known as the 'Army of Retribution’ these combined British forces (aided by loyal

sepoys, including Sikh, Gurkha and Punjabi regiments) numbered almost 7 000 but were still no match for the massive enemy behind Delhi’s walls. Cometh the The Emperor's Palace: Found deserted. hour, Cometh the man! History records that Irishman, Brigadiercontinuing to rally those around him and General John Nicholson, with a legendary giving orders. When the great soldier died a reputation, acted decisively upon arriving short while later he was widely mourned and on Delhi Ridge in mid-August. Nicholson to this day rests securely in the pantheon of was so concerned about the situation he Britain’s war heroes. demanded that Delhi be attacked (and taken) The last redoubt of the mutineers was the without delay if British India was to survive.

Emperor’s Palace but when its gates were His demands were heeded and an assault on blown in it was found to be nearly deserted, Delhi got under way. the aged king and most of his retinue having Without detailing the attack, on 14 found refuge several kilometres north of the September 1857 siege guns, heavy mortars city in an ancestor’s tomb. As British forces and howitzers breached the city’s walls while closed in he had realised resistance would gateways were blown up allowing entry to be futile. Badahur Shah II suffered the final British soldiers and loyal sepoys. The carnage ignominy of being tried, found guilty before on both sides was monumental. Once Delhi being exiled to Rangoon, Burma, where he was recaptured, any hopes that the Indians died a few years later. may have had of restoring the Moghul In summary, the Mutiny lasted only 13 or so dynasty were finally shattered. Nicholson, months but the bitter fighting, reprisals and however, did not live to see the refit of Delhi. counter-reprisals, lasted far longer and forever Fighting his way along a narrow alleyway he created a schism between British India and was wounded by a rebel sniper, nevertheless her Indian subjects. (final article next month)

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heritage talk

Rising from ruins The Old Mill – a heritage triumph

The big wooden wheel no longer creaks and turns with the water from Die Oog, and no longer mills the ears of wheat from Overberg farms, but the leiwater still runs down the property of Barry and Adrienne Jones, watering the magnificently restored garden. The five metre diameter water wheel is long gone, but the original quartzite Quernstones still lie under the reclaimed Oregon floorboards of the Old Mill below Caledon Street. Barry teamed up with Jan Biernacki to restore the derelict old building which lay almost in a heap at the bottom of the property.

They painstakingly revealed the inside of the limestone walls by gently chipping away the crumbling plaster, before grinding it up again to make perfectly matching plaster to repoint the walls. Barry and Jan are a well-matched team, equally committed to preserving the heritage of Stanford and they take no short cuts.

Using materials, all locally sourced or reclaimed, Jan laid the downstairs and upstairs floorboards and built a sturdy and elegant staircase from sugar gum which seamlessly connects the downstairs lounge with the upstairs bedroom nestled under the eaves. All the lintels had to be replaced and have been left exposed so that the history of the building remains on show. The staircase effortlessly skirts a downstairs and an upstairs window which look onto the garden which Adrienne Jones and Sakhele Bhadula have coaxed back to life.

The old plum and almond trees still stand, as does the gnarled and wizened grapevine, and the gardening duo have spent three years clearing the seven foot weeds and sensitively replanting the garden which used to yield a prolific vegetable crop in the very first years of Stanford. Deep purple agapanthus and sculptural aloes line the winding pathways which are made with large round steps – a nod at the absent water wheel.

The Old Mill: Photograph by Daniel Ravenscroft.

The Old Mill Cottage.

The Old Mill was originally built by Samuel Parlby in the late 1700s and was a smaller building than what stands today. It has been widened, and the roof has been raised over the years, and the evidence of which has been consciously left visible by Jan and Barry. Milling only stopped in 1930 and the building was repurposed as a garage and left to crumble and degenerate. The Old Mill is now back in use as a peaceful self-catering cottage supporting the Overberg’s tourism industry.

It is a gift of enrichment to the heritage of Stanford when people invest in restoring buildings like this. The work is painstaking, slow and riddled with unexpected difficulties, but when individuals decide to give it a go with the support of architects like Maureen Wolters and Cape Heritage, they make magic, and revive forgotten stories of the past.

Sakhele Bhadula: Master gardener.

Adrienne Jones on the sugar gum staircase.

HISTORICAL STANFORD ON FOOT 'Historical Stanford on Foot' is a booklet which was assembled by the Stanford Conservation Trust with photographs

by Mare Mouton.

Stanford Conservation has organised two village treasure hunts/ whodunnits based on this pamphlet in the last few months, and locals and visitors have been delighted and confounded by the cryptic clues which lead them from heritage site to listed building, searching for the next clue.

HOME

TA L K

Here are some of the buildings featured in the booklet: Dutch Reformed Church (1926) The history of Stanford is intertwined with the history of this church.

Farmers used to come into town to attend 'nagmaal' and spent the night on the Market Kobin's Algemene Handelaar (early Square, another unique 1900s) has gone through some changes in the past. It began life as a historic feature of corrugated iron building used to store Stanford. The sandstone everlasting flowers for export before it for the church building was converted into a brick building and was quarried and transported from a used as a cinema. It was repurposed nearby farm and the as a general dealer, and then rented

by Spar, before finding its way back to original small cross-shaped church became the current hall. being a general dealership.

Do you live in a grand old heritage house or a cheerful bright new build? Have you dolled up your stoep or redecorated your kitchen? Sprawling or tiny, lavish or quaint, we want to celebrate Stanford's hearth and home in 2016. Please contact us if you have a room that reflects you and we shall photograph it to share with our readers.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

kitchen talk

Tomatoes, take two Why wait for them to ripen?

When demand for tomatoes is high, I often find that the ones I find are still very firm and on the greener side of life. A number of my gardening friends are also not sure what to do with the glut of tomatoes in their gardens at this time of year, and so here is a suggestion for how to use them before they ripen.

In 1991, the movie 'Fried Green Tomatoes' was released, before which I'd never heard of a use for green tomatoes. Now I am older and more aware of the myriad of possibilities, and I will share my favourite with you.

By Bryan Robertson

SERVES 2 2 medium to large green (or half-ripe) tomatoes 4 thick rashers speck (from Erwin) 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water Flour Salt and pepper 4 tablespoons cream 2 or 3 spring onions, finely chopped Slowly fry the speck in a heavy skillet or frying pan until semi-crisp. Drain the speck on paper towels and keep it warm. Reserve the fat in the skillet.

Slice the tomatoes vertically, from bottom to blossom end (this keeps the seeds in), about 5 mm thick. Discard the two outer slices.

Dip the slices first in egg, then in flour. Fry over medium heat in the speck fat and season with salt and pepper. Turn the slices once so that both sides are golden-brown and crisp.

Put the slices on a hot platter, pour off any remaining fat from the skillet, deglaze the pan with the cream and pour the sauce over the tomatoes.

Scatter the spring onions on top and put the speck around the tomatoes.

Chocolate fondants This is the perfect pudding. The recipe will serve eight, but it is up to you if you want to invite any guests at all.

INGREDIENTS • melted butter, for greasing • cocoa powder, for dusting • 275g dark chocolate - at least 70% cocoa solids • 225g unsalted butter • 400g caster sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 5 large eggs, beaten • 200g plain flour, sifted

METHOD Heat the oven to 180 C. Brush the ramekins (or teacups) with melted butter in upward strokes. Dust with cocoa powder and shake out the excess. This step is really worth it as the puddings won't stick and will have a wonderfully grown-up bitter crunch on the outside.

Melt the chocolate and butter. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Leave to cool slightly.

Whisk the eggs in a little at a time, then fold in the sifted flour until you have a smooth mixture.

Divide between the 8 moulds. Cook for 12 minutes exactly.

Remove from the oven, run a knife round the edges, and tip out on to serving plates. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe from 'Woman and Home'

'Tis time to sip and sample

wine talk

Tania Weich can't choose between the harvest festivals

I

t’s harvest time in the Cape Winelands, which means festival time! It’s that time when soirees and sipping are synonymous. We flock to food stalls from local restaurants and feast on buffet lunches, plus wine, enjoying the banquet of fun. And it doesn’t end there.

This year’s line-up of giving thanks for harvest yields includes live music, golfing, leisurely vineyard walks and more taxing mountain bike rides. There are activities to appeal to gyrating rock and rollers (rock festival goers and barrel race rollers), to grape stompers, spit braai enthusiasts and cellar tourists, or simply more mellow Méthode Cap Classiques meanderers (sic).

Decisions! Decisions! Shall we pick grapes in the vineyards or sort them back at the cellar. Should we blend wine? Aha! Epiphany strikes – I shall base my event selection on where I would best like to sip.

Now it's your turn to decide which harvest festivals to visit?

STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

HARVEST FESTIVALS IN THE CAPE WINELANDS → Hanepoot Grape Picking at De Krans Wine Cellar, 4 – 28 February, → → → → → →

Route 62 Calitzdorp Stellenbosch Wine Festival, 5 – 7 February, Coetzenburg Sports Ground Robertson Wine Valley’s Hands-on Harvest Festival, 6 February – 27 March, Robertson Wine Valley Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate Harvest Festival, 20 February, Main Road Franschhoek Darling Cellars Crush Day, 27 February, R315 Mamre Weg Station Darling Feast of the Grape, 27– 28 February, Racecourse Road Durbanville Eikendal Weintaufe Harvest Celebration, 6 March, R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West

Go on , diarise the relevant dates… with a reminder. What they sow we shall sip.

Will you be my Valentine?

V

alentine's Day is about romance.

Some argue that Valentine's Day is a commercial scam which cauterises little pieces of teenagers' hearts, and the hearts of some slightly more grown up folk, but if one extracts the essence of the day, it is supposed to be about love.

When I was a pimply awkward teenager at an imposing girls high school, we all gathered in the school hall, and later the hostel lounge, to watch the Valentine's display of affection from the boys' schools in our neck of the woods. Some girls received single roses with anonymous notes, some

received Cardies fluffy bears clutching felt hearts, and some received boxes of mixed chocolates. They were the lucky ones. The less fortunate received wilting posies stolen from grannies' gardens held together by clumps of wet toilet paper, homemade cards with copied poetry and old, sticky sweets from the tearoom or tuckshop. The majority received nothing and held back tears or pooh-poohed the whole affair.

Fortunately, I am now grown up and can see the wood for the trees. I should have posted myself a musical card for everyone to see and hear how much someone loved

me. I should have picked my own posy and hedonistically slurped my way through a whole tin of condensed milk which I had bought especially for the occasion. And I should have celebrated the day with my favourite people who were my girlfriends in my boarding school. We knew and loved each other best. And I reckon those other girls who received the ostentatious gifts with curled ribbons were just more wiley than I was; I bet they posted themselves their own Valentine gifts.

Phil Murray

Here are some suggestions of how to avoid the Valentine's blues:

• Make sure you spoil yourself.

• Fill your day with the things you love – your favourite food, your favourite music, your favourite comfortable jeans and your favourite movie or magazine.

• If you have a nice vase lying around looking dreary, pick or buy yourself some flowers to cheer your vase and yourself up.

• Eat a whole slab of chocolate, cheerfully and without self-reproach.

• If you like being alone, do that and get your Zen on. If you like company, gather your friends around you and laugh a lot.

PLAYLIST Phil Murray makes a farewell tribute tape

Remember the old days when making someone a TDK or BASF cassette was the height of romance and symbolised a deep connection? Some decorated the cardboard pull-out and meticulously wrote the list of titles, all specially chosen and arranged. Some recorded the radio Top 40 and cursed the DJ if he talked over the seams of the songs.

January saw us say goodbye to many musical greats who have been making tunes for five decades. Millions mourn the passing of Lemmie Kilmister, Natalie Cole, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Otis Clay, Colin Vearncombe and Paul Kantner. They leave behind their music as a gift to the world.

'Have you seen the Stars Tonight' Paul Kantner, from the 1970 album 'Blows Against The Empire' 'Ace of Spades' Lemmy Kilmister, Motorhead, from the 1980 album 'Ace of spades' 'This will be' Natalie Cole, from the 1975 album 'Inseparable' 'Let's Dance' David Bowie, from the 1983 album 'Let's Dance' 'Take it Easy' The Eagles (Glenn Frey) from the 1982 album 'The Eagles' 'Trying to live my life without you' Otis Clay, 1972 'It's a wonderful life' Black (Colin Vearncombe) from the 1987 album 'Black'

SPINNING THE DECKS Why not play DJ and send us your own playlist suggestions which pay tribute to your favourite musicians and performers? Let the beat go on.

Email us at philippa.murray@gmail.com or share re your ideas on social media platforms.

LIMESTONE ROCKS IN THE SPRINGFONTEIN BAR(N) VALENTINES DAY HARVEST PARTY 5:00pm - 8:30 pm, Sunday, 14 Feb

BENEFIT EVENING FOR FOOD 4 THOUGHT AND THE OVERBERG FPA EAT & DRINK: German Harvest Fare and "Federweißer Bowle" MUSIC: Special musical act STRAIGHT OUTTA CAPE TOWN, Simon van Gend TICKETS: R280 pp, children under 12 R80.

Food, drinks and live music included!

Families Welcome!

For tickets, please contact: hospitality@springfontein.co.za or call 028 341 0571.

5% of the proceeds for Food 4 Thought School in Stanford and 5% of the proceeds to the Overberg FPA

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR MARCH EDITION STANFORD RIVER TALK IS 20 FEBRUARY. Please contact Sandra at design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or 079 523 8453 STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

For the love of plants

By Suzanne Francois-Rossouw

plant talk

Why not buy a pot instead of a bunch?

Valentines Day is around the corner and not everyone has time to make something special for their significant other. The easy way out would be to give red roses, but I think we can do better with some special potted plants that will last much longer.

Something interesting I saw in the local nursery last month is the Pink Quill (Tillandsia Cyanea). Part of the bromeliad family, this plant feeds and nourishes itself through its leaves as it has no roots. It would normally be found growing on trees or rocks in its natural habitat. The plant grows well in light areas but must be sheltered from the afternoon sun. The central funnel of the plant must be kept full of water always and make sure to keep the growing medium moist in the summer months.

The first pot plant that comes to mind is the Love Palm (Chamaedorea elegans). This elegant, slow-growing, miniature palm works wonderfully in a well-lit room on a table or desk. It can survive lower light conditions. Keeping it moist and out of the full sun will ensure a beautiful plant for years.

My next choice for a Valentine’s gift would be the Flamingo lily (Anthurium scherzerianum). This lily has heart-shaped leaves and very attractive flowers in red, pink or white. This is also a slowgrowing plant, but the wonderful thing is that the flowers last for a few months. For the plant to thrive it needs strong indirect light, temperatures of about 15 – 25 °C, being kept moist and being fertilised at least once a month.

Finally, keeping close to tradition, how about potted pygmy or miniature roses (Rosa Chinensis)? They make wonderful gifts and can be planted out in the garden when the have finished flowering. If you keep these roses indoors make sure it’s in an area that gets direct sunlight. Alternatively place the plant outside in the sun for a few hours every day. Keep it moist but not too wet as they can pick up root rot very easily if over-watered.

AFRAID OF THE DENTIST? By Dr Wanya van der Walt

health talk

TIPS FOR PARENTS • Talk to your child about going to the dentist, but limit the amount of detail given. Answer questions with simple, to-thepoint answers.

• Avoid using words like 'pain','sting','shot', or 'hurt' • Try to take your child for a few non-treatment visits or check-ups, so that they can get to know the dentist and will not always associate a visit to the dentist with pain or discomfort.

Impress on your child that the dentist is there to help and that they care.

• Don't promise a reward for going to the dentist.

• Look after your children’s teeth and teach them the importance of visiting the dentist regularly. In the end prevention is better than cure. They will benefit for the rest of their lives and you will save them from unnecessary trauma.

Unfortunately there is no magic wand when it comes to treating fearful patients. It all comes down to the dentist being able to assess the situation and to try and accommodate the emotional and psychological state of the patient. It is not always easy, and sometimes it doesn’t go according to plan.

It is quite normal for children

to be fearful in a strange environment. In exceptional cases one might consider intervention by a child psychologist.

Here are some techniques the dentist will use: • Speaking in a calm, firm, reassuring voice.

• Using simple words or examples. Demonstrating or play acting.

• Talking a lot, keeping the child’s mind in conversation to distract from the procedure.

• Positive feedback with the use of body language. Praise and

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• Sedation in the form of nitrous oxide or an oral sedative like Valium (not suitable for children with ADD) may be used. Alternatively conscious sedation, where an anaesthetist uses Ketamine intravenously, may be used. Not all children are candidates for this type of sedation.

• Natural remedies like Rescue are often successful.

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vet talk

Cool tips for hot dogs Dr Olga Koorts shares her tips for keeping cool

It's summer. It's hot! Dogs don’t sweat much. They primarily cool down by panting – and sometimes that is just not enough. So how can you help Fido keep his cool?

He’ll still want to go for his walk, right? Rather make it an early morning or night walk which will be more comfortable for both of you. And cut down a bit on the intensity and distance at this time of the year. Incorporate a swim or replace the walk with a swim. Always take water on a walk – for yourself and your dog. If he pants a lot or starts lagging, find a shady spot and offer him some cool water. You can always pour it over his head if he does not want to drink.

Actually, water is great for cooling down so set up a wading pool – those plastic shell shaped ones are perfect. Make sure that it is not too deep and that your pooch can easily get out. Kids love playing in the sprinklers and a lot of dogs do too, or wet them with the hose or sponge. Concentrate especially on the inside of their legs, belly and neck.

Indoor dogs have it good. Keep them in the coolest part of the house during the hottest part of the day. Turn on the fan or air conditioning. Wet towels on tiles are great to laze on. Outdoor dogs should have shade and shelter from the sun in the way of trees, a covered porch or a cool kennel.

Ice cubes in the water bowl or frozen treats made from tinned food cool pets down from the inside. Some breeds need to be clipped in summer to keep cool while others have an insulating coat which should be kept long.

Be inventive, have fun while keeping cool.

By Naas Terblance

nature talk

CREATING A WILDLIFE HABITAT The process of urbanisation has destroyed many natural wildlife habitats by draining wetlands for agricultural and urban development. Natural wildlife areas have been replaced by agricultural lands, built-up areas and roads. These changes cut off old migration routes and destroy foraging areas for wild animals.

We still have conservation areas but they are often separated by urbanized zones and roads, so that animals cannot move freely and breed in their previous habitat.

This severely restricts their feeding and breeding.

What can we, as individuals, do to help our wild mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds to survive in this new urbanized world that we have created?

In fact we can help a lot, by creating wildlife habitats within our homes. You don’t need a big garden to do this.

In a small garden you can create elements of wildlife habitats even if you just have a balcony. Plant a few bird attracting flowers like Cape honeysuckle or Wild dagga (Leonotus) in pots or against a wall. Whether you have a big yard or tiny space, you can do something small to support wildlife.

After you have created your own wildlife support area, make sure your system is connected to your neighbour’s garden or front road. By leaving small openings in your containing wall or fence, small ground dwelling animals like mongoose and toads can move around and get to their breeding sites or feeding areas. In such a way we can actually recreate the wider wildlife habitat that existed before we built towns and roads.

You can also create breeding sites for some animals, ponds for frogs and nest boxes for owls and bats. If you have frogs breeding in your pond or an owl breeding in your owl box you will find that you have a host of allies in your battle against insects.

KEEP IN MIND THAT:

BUSINESS HOURS • Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 17:30 • Saturday: 08h00 - 13:00 • 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

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• A barn owl catches up to 30 mice per night to feed its hungry chicks.

• Frogs and toads live on insects.

• A single bat can eat as many as 1 000 mosquitoes in one night. Imagine what impact that can have on your mosquito problem if you have one.

To return the favour of our allies, please restrict the use of insecticides on your area so that our friends stay alive and healthy.

For any extra information on bat boxes or owl boxes, contact Ecosolutions info@ecosolutions.co.za or go to their website www.ecosolutions.co.za ATTRACTING OWLS TO YOUR GARDEN

Owls control the mice and rat populations. They prefer to nest in hollow trees, and as they are mostly nocturnal, they need to feel safe during the daytime. They can easily share a garden with daytime birds but will not eat bird seed or use small birdbaths.

• Owls often like a high perch and an open space for their take-offs.

• Owl boxes are a great way to attract them. Make sure you place them high up and in a shaded spot.

• Mice and rats will be attracted to your compost heap, and owls will follow.

• Large bare branches or dead trees make excellent perches for owls.

• Spotlights at night will deter owls.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

NO SMOKING!

I

n 2008, I found myself in the town of Malakal, which sits on the east- side of the beautiful White Nile. At the time South Sudan was basically autonomous, but still united with the North. In order to facilitate peace and reconciliation a brilliant diplomat thought it would be a good idea to create Joint Integrated Units (JIU) containing northern and southern soldiers who had spent more than 20 years trying to kill each other. And Malakal was one of the JIU garrison towns.

Booze + soldiers + Kalashnikovs = time to go.

I was advised that fighting had broken out in the barracks, and safety dictated I leave

the premises -- now now. The problem was the absence of commercial flights. So, I had to find out if a private charter was coming through, and then beg for a seat.

'But I smoke – the whooooooole flight.'

Thankfully, one 10-passenger Cessna caravan was scheduled to land sometime that day and it had two seats available for me and my colleague. We quickly left our camp and drove to the airport to wait ... and wait … and wait.

At last, late in the afternoon, the plane landed and we rushed out to the runway. When we

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• Using the Boggle board on the left, make as many words as you cand. No Proper Names permitted.

No single letter or two letter words accepted.

• Once you use a letter in a word, you cannot reuse that letter, for example, if the letters D E R were in sequence, you can't spell out DEER by using the letter E twice.

RIDDLES FOR KIDS 1. What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs?

2. What has a thumb and four fingers but is not alive?

3. What has to be broken before you can use it?

4. What gets wetter as it dries?

5. What belongs to you but is used more by others?

6. It's been around for millions of years, but it's no more than a month old. What is it?

7. What room can no one enter?

TRIVIAL PURSUIT 1. What animal has the longest lifespan in captivity?

2. What film was Marilyn Monroe fired from just before her death?

3. Who told his hotel staff, 'Don't mention the War'?

4. In which state is the Presidential holiday home Camp David?

5. What is a group of bears called?

6. How many official languages does Switzerland recognise?

7. What was the name of Charles Darwin's survey ship?

8. Who played the leading role in the film 'Room at the Top'?

9. Which country is alphabetically first in South America?

10. Who was the Sun God of Ancient Egypt?

11. How many hoops are there on an association Croquet court?

12. What settlers were the forebearers of the Boers of South Africa?

13. Who was the 1st non human to win an Oscar?

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

TALES FROM THE SUD

met the pilot, my colleague and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows. She was a short, Bulgarian woman with a paralyzed right arm.

'Hi, uh, I'm Matt, and we're your additional passengers.'

'I have no passengers to pick,' she replied.

'Oh, yes you do,' I responded.

'I spoke to your boss.'

'That's what all say!' she quipped. 'If I take you, I lose job.'

'No, please call your boss on my sat phone and she'll confirm.'

A few minutes later, our captain came back. 'Okay,' said she, 'you can come. But I smoke – the whooooooole flight.'

'That's not a problem,' says I, 'just get us out of here.'

I was very curious to see how our handicapped friend was going to manage. To my amazement, she was a crack pilot! She took off like a fighter jet and, true to her word, as soon as she cleared the airstrip, she lit up. The Whole Flight.

But I was too relieved to think about the emphysema I was sure to contract. And I was also a little distracted by a big red NO SMOKING sign posted right above her head. Hey, this lady had saved my life, I wasn't going to snitch!

In my last story, I told you this one-armed, chain-smoking Bulgarian lady pilot saved my life twice. Next time, I'll share that story. Until then, no smoking!

STANFORD RIVER TALK

BOGGLE

ANSWERS ON PAGE 20

By Matt Chancey

We love receiving letters, columns and photos from our readers.

Write to us in the language of your choice and we will gladly print your ideas. Stanford River Talk is a community newspaper which represents all the villagers, neighbouring friendly folk from farms and outlying areas, and sometimes even out-of-town visitors.

SCREEN TALK

LIVING SOUNDTRACK

Khotso, Pula, Nala

SPECTRE

Andrew is inspired by Lesotho

James Yeats asks whether the audience was shaken or stirred

A

rriving in Moshoeshoe’s Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho has a melodic alliterative ring to it and the English translation of the Basotho motto is 'Peace, Rain, Prosperity'. How can one not be enchanted to learn a new National Anthem ('The Land of Our Fathers') sung in perfect three- part harmony by warm-hearted people on ponies, who wear blankets and live in rondavels?

My libretto for the 3rd symphonic movement was about to begin, and it took thirteen years to complete a musical soundtrack that offered numerous modulations during which I integrated into various musical diversifications.

The fact that an independent Lesotho was completely encircled

by South Africa, notorious for its apartheid policies in 1975, only served to enhance one’s belief that this former British Crown colony was a safe haven in which to live, work and enjoy what this small country had to offer. Using British Government funding, my job was to work with Basotho colleagues in the new National Teacher’s Training College (NTTC) helping to develop the education system. Back then it struggled under severe financial constraints, largely caused by the country’s landlocked position. Hence my pursuits during the day were precisely determined.

However, I hastily discovered that after hours, my kind of music was alive in Maseru. As a family we spent the first days in the Holiday Inn where a live band, 'Scott Free', played a veritable montage of 70s/ 60s/ 50s music to suit all ages (not too dissimilar from what the now popular Stanford JazzFordians proffer locally.) I learnt that many ‘expats’ living in Maseru had formed various clubs, some of which had a musical accent. Maseru Players

here I come! My estranged relationship with my piano was about to be consummated. I promptly found myself attending rehearsals for a Christmas show, listening and pondering whether to contribute my keyboard skills.

The danger with these ill-judged motives is that, if you offer, the opportunities pour in. 'We do need a second accompanist for the next show', opined one of the local sophisticates. The first, Robert, being a classically trained pianist, admitted to me that he did not have the kind of riff-based rhythms to meet the needs of amateur stage performers. They were often somewhat loose with tempos, missed beats, the pitch and the score arrangements to which a caring instrumentalist could respond. Step in the newcomer, Stanford’s Jazzman Andrew. Robert and I learnt a lot from each other and formed a strong, harmonious, musical bond where his skills for 'Warsaw Concerto' were exemplary and my maverick theatricality for 'We’ll Meet Again' fused amazingly well for a 'Wartime Blitz', one of my early stage performances. I even played a minor acting and speaking role in 'Lock Up Your Daughters' to prove my dauntless interest in amateur theatre. The exposition of my third symphonic movement in Lesotho was beginning to take on an Allegro form wherein I found myself being caught up in the local intrigues of the Maseru 'luvvies'.

Wait, I had pledged to improve my jazz playing skills. 'Join a band or better still form one of my own and try and influence the ‘darlings’ in order to segue towards swing', I reflected. In the next Issue I relate experiential memories of my third Movement and close encounters of a different kind. The imperative was to acquire a piano.

When novelist Ian Fleming created British spy James Bond back in 1953, he could never have imagined the character would grow into one of the biggest film franchises, spanning over half a century and counting.

We have all debated who was the best James Bond of all time and who played the best villain. James Bond is the epitome of cool, and most men have wanted to be him and most women have dreamt of shaking his martini or at the very least stirring it.

My favourite Bond is Roger Moore; Sean Connery was a bit more suave and Pierce Brosnan had the right 'look'. They each brought something different to the character and all of them had viewers glued to their screens, fascinated by their equal share of masculinity and manners.

Like many others I had my doubts when Daniel Craig was announced as the new Bond. Firstly, he has blonde hair and his looks are a bit more rugged and less conventional than the previous MI6 agents… a bit like a modern day Steve McQueen. However, Craig totally blew away critics with his performance in the 2006 'Casino Royale' and continued to do so in the next two installments, 'Quantum of Solace' and 'Skyfall'. In November 2015 the latest Bond film 'Spectre' was released.

The movie has been met with mixed reviews; people either love it or hate it. For me 'Spectre' contains all the elements that make for a great Bond movie: the girls, the cars, the gadgets and the villains. There is a new head of National Security in England and this threatens the existence of the 00 programme.

This forces James Bond to go rogue and take certain matters into his own hands. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of a sinister organisation known only as SPECTRE. The more he uncovers, the more he realizes that there is a connection between him personally and this invisible enemy.

As it is the 24th film from the franchise there are very few surprises in store, but this is not a negative thing – it brings a sense of familiar comfort to reconnect with the Bond we know so well.

TRIVIA: With an estimated $300 to $350 million dollars (US) budget, this is the most expensive James Bond movie ever made.

ERWIN'S Traditional German Meat Products Available at • Stanford Saturday Morning Market • Ou Meul • Directly from Erwin Life in the Mountain Kingdom.

Cell 082 441 5533 • www.erwins.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

classifieds There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanford Tourism 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: R95

FOR SALE INTHUSIASM NATURAL and Organic Make-up orders. p Ruby yokogirls@gmail.com 072 753 8411.

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

COMPUTER HELP Are you struggling with technology? Don’t know how to upload photos, use Windows, Facebook, etc? Call Ruby and I’ll happily come to your house to help! R50/hour. p 072 753 8411.

DOMESTIC WORKER, p Salome 071 946 1073. Reference Sandra Slabbert 079 5238453.

FOR SALE COLDROOM USED FOR WILD FLOWERS 10.8 x 7.5 x 2.45m. Condensing Unit Model CSM 4568Z-C3. Blower coils (x2) Model HSR-303-4R-6F Cell 072 345 9057 jan@traderoots.co.za

Vintage Beauty pedicures, manicures, facials massages, waxes, make-up Jacolene 082 357 1245, Victoria Centre Stanford

• hedge trimming • tree felling & pruning • chainsaw & operator hire 25 years exp. Relocated from Cape Town Free quotes & advice Call Aidan on 079 984 7646

BOXED ADVERT R95

TO LET

Ann’s Kitchen creates home style meals, which can be delivered to your home or self-catering cottage. Meals are prepared with free range chicken / eggs and where possible, locally sourced ingredients.

Menus are available on request or can be found on the Ann’s Kitchen facebook page.

Ann 076 3327 490 • annskitchencooking@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anns-Kitchen/1629489837298579

SOLAR RENEWABLE ENERGY Solar Geysers, Heat Pumps INTEGRATORS SPECIALISING IN: Solar Panels, Energy Audits Solar Electric Power (Grid tied, off grid & hybrid systems) Save up to 40% on energy costs Solar Geysers, Energy Audits

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

INDUSTRIAL SPACE Stanford Business Park

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY

Prominent position on the R43 Sizes from 330m2 up to 1200m2

Cell 072 345 9057

jan@traderoots.co.za

BOGGLE ANSWERS PAGE 18: else, espy, hen, hens, hint, hit, hoe, hot, hype, hyphen, hyphens, into, ley, lye, nee, neo, nit, phi, ply, see, seen, sent, slept, sly, spy, the, thee, then, thin, thy, tin, toe, type, yep, yelp, yelps RIDDLE ANSWERS PAGE 18: 1) A clock. 2) A glove. 3) An egg. 4) A towel. 5) Your name 6) The moon. 7) A mushroom.

TRIVIAL PERSUIT ANSWERS PAGE 18: 1) Giant Tortoise. 2) Something's Got to Give. 3) Basil Fawlty. 4) Maryland 5) Sleuth. 6) 4. 7) Beagle. 8) Laurence Harvey. 9) Argentina. 10) Rah 11) 6. 12) The Dutch. 13) Mickey Mouse STANFORD RIVER TALK 20

guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.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: R850 000 CONTACT DI ON 082 558 3916 OR di.mohr@iafrica.com

local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Bambi Cottage Beloftebos Cottages Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Reiersvlei Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Villa on the Bay Walshacres Riverside

.

082 320 0982 082 781 1704 082 391 5331 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 213 0512 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 082 336 1573 082 614 6322

List your business for just R12.50 a month (only R150/year).

Email: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 079 523 8453 ESTATE AGENTS Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties

028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321

GARDEN SERVICES Earthworm Organics

072 825 7534

HAIR Jeanne Retief

072 318 2478

HOTEL Stanford Hotel

082 781 1704

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 Allan Youens 082 903 4432

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Grant Anderson Maureen Wolters

076 113 2741 072 364 3694 082 450 3970

HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages

082 320 0982

BICYCLES Bicycle servicing and repair

073 318 5078

BUILDING Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

CUPBOARDS Your Style Cupboards

076 222 2063 082 327 6518

COMPUTERS Compuworld SMB Solutions 084 705 6719

028 313 2814

ELECTRICIAN HCD Electrical

084 769 1053

weekly timetable

CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

028 341 0209 082 450 3970

MASSAGE & HEALTH Stanford Health Practice

082 481 8285

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Klein River Picnics Platanna River Cruises River Rat Boat Cruises

028 3410 693 073 318 5078 083 310 0952

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

PLUMBING Mike Moody PlumbTec

083 316 1872 082 609 0809

RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Barke Restaurant

Birkenhead Galley

KC's Restaurant Marianas Springfontein Eats The Vine

REMOVALS The Little Removals Company

028 313 2814 028 341 0116 028 341 0013 028 341 0719 028 341 0272 028 341 0651 028 341 0662

074 381 1111

TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television

073 160 4495

WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel Villa on the Bay

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

WINE CELLAR & SALES Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate

028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841

WOOD

Walshacres Farm

028 341 0685 / 082 898 4889

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday 18:30 - 21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions 071 382 9033.

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

Friday, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:00 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. Jan Troost 072 3459057.

WATER TESTING

STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS

STANFORD - RIVER WATER RESULTS

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.

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) DEC

71

48

JAN

2

6

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

DEC

JAN

E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

2

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 120

0 150

STANFORD RIVER TALK 21

February A message from the Christian Forum

We already into the second month of the year! Just a short while ago we were worrying about Christmas and now we are facing the new school year. For many children going to a new school for the first time, it is a time of excitement, or worry and so it is also for the parents.

Maybe we should stop and evaluate whether we are on track with the New Year resolutions we made last year. When I studied planning and programming there was a technique called PERT which stood for 'Programmed evaluation and review technique' but many people used 'sport' instead, which stood for 'Sommer press on regardless technique'. Let us think and evaluate; how are we shaping up? Have we left our good intentions by the wayside, or are we on track?

The bigger question is have we kept God in our plans? Have we consulted His manual for directions? I am assured that there is no problem or question for which God does not have an answer, if we would only give Him a chance. Some years ago I met a man who told me how he had been rewarded for being the top salesman in the country and had been given the prize of an overseas holiday.

On returning from that holiday he was declared bankrupt by the same instance together with the bank and lost everything he had.

He had to start out anew, but declared that that experience led him to the feet of the Lord and a new life altogether, and he concluded by telling me that he did not want to be rehabilitated (financially) for fear of wandering away from the Lord. We can learn a lot from the experiences of people like that. We need to hold on to the Lord and lean on Him for guidance.

In Ecclesiastes the writer constantly states that everything is meaningless but comes to the final conclusion to 'Honour God and obey His commands, because this is all that man must do.' Another translation states, 'For this is man's all.'

Only God can give us complete guidance, wisdom and strength.

The promise Jesus gave still stands Mat. 28:20b: 'I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'

Good with names A message from Neil Olwagen, minister of the NGChurch I'm Neil Olwagen and I'm blessed to be one of God's servants in Stanford. It's interesting how we have no problem connecting certain people with certain names.

We do so even more with churches, e.g. when people see the NGK they make many different connections to the doctrine, people and lifestyle. This is pretty much the way your name reflects you.

That is why those of us who worship at the familiar NGK have a clear vision of our identity and how we want to be known.

Our identity is in Christ and our calling in Stanford is to live in Christ and carry His name above all names. We don`t want any other name but the name of Jesus to reflect who we are. We want our identity as Christians to glorify God instead of a specific denomination.

We are not interested in membership but are interested in every member of the Stanford community becoming a member of the body of Christ. We would like to extend this invitation to all in Stanford to feel free to worship with us Sunday mornings at 09h00 in Afrikaans, or in English at the Stanford United Church at 18h00 in the Anglican Church.

Have a blessed 2016 in the Name of Christ Jesus!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

WHAT'S ON • Every Wednesday, Graze Farmers Market, 09:00 – 12:00, get your fresh veggies at Graze Restaurant.

• Every Saturday Morning Market, 9:30 – 12:00, home-made and home-baked goodies from the heart!

• 14 February, 17:00 - 20:30, Limestone Rocks! At The Springfontein Bar(n). Springfontein Valentines Day Harvest Benefit for Food 4 Thought School. Food, Drinks and Live Music. Food 4 Thought School will receive 5% of the proceeds. All inclusive tickets R280pp children U12 R80pp. Bookings hospitality@springfontein. co.za or call 028 341 0571.

• 14 February, Lover’s Picnic at Mosaic Lagoon Café Celebrate your love with an outdoor Picnic at Mosaic Lagoon Café this Valentine’s Day. R500/couple, Bookings: 028 313 2814.

• 26 February, Stanford Sunset Market It’s time for the Stanford Sunset Market again! Whether you love the smell of freshly made treats, sipping local wines and beer, deli goodies, browsing for arts and crafts, or just good ol’ family fun.

• 28 February, Beloftebos Summer Sunday Picnics Relax under the oaks. Live music. Mouth watering food. Horse riding for kids. Tractor trips. Booking recommended: corneli@beloftebos.co.za or phone 072 111 9380.

COMING SOON • 13 March, Beloftebos Summer Sunday Picnics Relax under the oaks. Live music. Mouth watering food. Horse riding for kids. Tractor trips. Booking recommended: corneli@beloftebos.co.za or phone 072 111 9380.

• 25 March, Stanford Sunset Market Stanford Village Green, 18:00 - 20:00.

IN KLEINMOND • 18 March – 4 April, Hangklip-Kleinmond Big Blue Events Various venues and various activities. Watch the press and social media for more details.

IN GANSBAAI 2 March, Rouel Beukes Live in the Pretorius Hall, 19:00 Tickets available at Gansbaai Tourism Bureau, R100pp, call 028 384 1439.

HERMANUS • 14 February, OAK Concert, 15:30, Duo Zappa-Mainolfi chamber music from Switzerland and Italy, Civic Auditorium, Hermanus. Tickets are R120 (R60 for students). This will be the only performance in the Western Cape! Book at BELLINI GALLERY on 028 312 4988 or phone René du Plooy on 082 940 4238.

• 24 February, Dutch Reformed Church Hermanus, 19:00, Martin Mans and Carina Bossenbroek, the well-known organist and pan flutist from the Netherlands. Don’t expect heavy organ music: instead the ability of a master organist will utilise his skills to make the organ sound like a bagpipe, cello or whatever instrument he needs to portray. Carina is unfaultable on the pan flute – definitely a night of sheer entertainment. The Pro Musica choir will also be participating in a few items. Cost: R80. Bookings: HermanusProMusica@gmail.com or phone: 082 897 4320.

WHAT'S ON IN GANSBAAI • 14 February, Gansbaai Family Church Golf Day, Gansbaai Golf Club. Entrance only R130. There will be a Valentine's dinner and dance at the Golf club from 19:30 in the evening. The tickets for the dinner are only R85.00 each. Golf can be booked at the club while the dinner- and dance tickets can be obtained from Melissa 081 389 3817.

HARVEST FESTIVALS IN THE CAPE WINELANDS SEE PAGE 14

email your events to design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

happy birthday Peter Whitelaw turned 60 on 20 January

Di Mohr 1 February

Jade Raine Coetzee 8 February

Catch Caccivio 9 February

Laina Lesicnik 16 February Erwin Lesicnik 24 February

Michelle Hardie 23 February

Gida Roodt 23 February

Ian Pieters 1 February

Khanya Dumont 4 February

Tayana Dorland 10 February

Ivan May 17 February

Anton de Kock 23 February

If your birthday or a special occasion is coming up, please email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or sms 079 523 8453.

Regina Jacoby 17 February

John Withers 12 February

Thaya Bedford 21 February

Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw 25 February

Mark Jardine 5 February

Marilise van den Berg 4 February

Abri Hickman 25 February

Shaheida Phillips 12 February

Lizette Parkin 15 February

Leli Hoch 22 February

Linda Apolosi 22 February

Melanie Lourens 27 February

Janelle Damon 28 February

Aquarius 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY Aquarius is symbolised by the water carrier, Ganymede in the constellation Aquarius.

Aquarius-born can be quiet but they are also fiercely independent and fun-loving.

This is the eleventh sign of the zodiac calendar and those born under this sign are often described as teachers, thinkers and philosophers.

Steampunk party: Thomas Chancey celebrated his birthday on 30 January at Romantiques.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 23