STANFORD RIVER TALK Volume 107 | JULY 2014 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R14
g n i g n u l p s Penguin y t i r a h c for S TANFORD HI L L S ESTAT E Come to the tasting room
to taste
Chef Bridget’s finest winter delights and enjoy our view. Warm yourself by our crackling fireplace while you share a bottle of our delicious wine. Don't forget our Craft Beer Fest on 5 July! Call the office for details.
028 341 0841
info@stanfordhills.co.za
www.stanfordhills.co.za
R43 Stanford
STANFORD RIVER TALK 1
SOLAR POWER SPECIALISTS IN THE OVERBERG From small standby systems, to complete ‘off-grid’ power solutions, we can ensure that YOU make the decisions about when to switch off your lights.
* SOLAR PANELS * BATTERIES * INVERTERS * CHARGE CONTROLLERS * REGULATORS * MOUNTING SYSTEMS * CABLES * INSTALLATIONS * ENERGY AUDITS * SYSTEM DESIGN * TURN-KEY SOLUTIONS * MONITORING * MAINTENANCE * PROJECT MANAGEMENT * REMOTE MANAGEMENT
STANFORD RIVER TALK 2
letters to the editor
editorial notes We have decided to shake things up a little and have a little fun. This July edition is a little topsy turvy as we asked some of our regular columnists to swap columns. It gave them a breath of fresh air, and we hope it gives our readers a giggle. Don't be too surprised to see our wine columnist discussing music (Playing by Ear, page 18), and our resident colour therapist sharing a recipe (Kitchen Talk, page 14). Our special feature is on writers and books this month (Literature Love, page 10-11) and offers an array of words, books, ideas and emotions. We are running a holiday reading competition for local kids too so pop into the library or scour your bookshelf for something new. During winter, folks gravitate to the hearth of the home, usually the kitchen which is warm, cosy and filled with rich aromas. We have featured some quirky, beautiful, snug village kitchens in Kitchen Corners (Page 12-13) which we hope make you feel right at home. As usual, News and Updates (Pages 4 – 6) is filled with community news and we are thrilled to see the big, fat calendar of fun orchestrated by Stanford Tourism (What's On, Page 21). Stanford is the place to be! 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.
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Janika Dorland, SJ du Toit, Suzanne Francois-Rossouw, Andrew Herriot, Mike Horn, Melissie Jolly, Olga Koorts, Karen McKee, Martin Ranger, Bryan Robertson, Tasha Saha, Naas Terblanche, Tania Weich and Bea Whittaker.
COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Taken by Tim Hague.
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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
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.
Finger on the village pulse
I own a cottage in Stanford but only come out once a month, for a weekend. Purchasing a copy of the Stanford River Talk is always an absolute must, to catch up with what is happening in Stanford and to put faces to names. I hate missing an issue. I left the village before the June copy came out and I will only be back in July. Please keep a June copy for me. Hugh Solomon
Herbal healing rekindled
An excellent article by Suzanne Francois-Rossouw (Herbal Healing, June Stanford River Talk) revived my interest in making ointments at home using old fashioned Vaseline as the base. The information given on how to use herbs for winter ills is also very valuable in the bid to keep oneself healthy without resorting to over-the-counter medicines at the drop of a hat. Many thanks to SRT and to Suzanne. Elma Hunter
Rotary rises to the challenge once more
In June I received news of a reliable gardener's shack burning down at Die Kop, along with all his possessions and that of his wife and two-year-old daughter. My immediate response was to contact Rotary. Ansie Reitsma virtially dropped whatever she was doing to put a rescue plan at the top of her priority list. A few frantic hours later, Ansie, Elma Hunter, Lana Coates, Florentina and others delivered blankets, clothing, a substantial food parcel, etc. to the affected family. With what we have been able to contribute to this, it seems that a tragedy has had some of its sting removed. Thank you to Rotary, Ansie, Elma, Lana and Florentina. I would urge fellow Stanfordians to support these remarkable people. Bob Broom, an ex-Rotarian
Bread of life
Strolling around Stanford these days, you hardly recognize people any more because of their weight loss courtesy of Tim Noakes' diet plan! After reading Lyn Prins’ plea in the June Stanford River Talk to donate the equivalent of a loaf of bread or two per week to Vuka bakery, I thought a response by the community of Stanford would surely be in order. Come on you weight losers! Show your gutzpah and challenge each other to donate R50 per kilogram of weight lost to this worthy cause. Rotary Soup Kitchens will be so happy to know that they have a small budget each month with which to buy items for the soup and bread which is given to children and the elderly. Take the challenge! Another Breadaholic
STANFORD RIVER TALK 3
letters to the editor
news & updates
WARD COMMITTEE FEEDBACK Meeting held 15 May 2014
A word of thanks The family of our late o husband and father, Enrico Spandiel, wish to thank the community of Stanford d for all their support during this difficult time. He was blessed with so many great friends. We want to express our heart-felt gratitude and thank each one of you for making this difficult time easier. The flowers, phone calls, home visits and even the attendance at his funeral was deeply appreciated. He will have a special place in all our hearts, and through our cherished memories, he will live on forever. God bless you all. Love Juwene, Nerine and Erin.
Wood for the trees Cutting down a tree always stirs up emotions in a community. In recent times angry voices have been heard on the subject and in some cases, a good solution was found. We feel that some explanation should be given to the community about our decision to remove a large pine tree. For us, it has been a difficult decision to cut down a tree. However, as the new owners of erf 1180 (the plot in Sannie Badenhorst Street), we have decided that the category 2 invader which scores 5 on the invasiveness index must make way for indigenous and other more acceptable trees. We have consulted a highly respected landscape architect, tree people, a forester and members of the community and many people support us in this initiative. The tree depletes the soil around it and will pose a threat to our new house because of its size. We are compelled by the 50 year flood-line to build behind the tree, which would then block out views, and in winter our house will be in shade. The down side is that there are many birds living in it, but we are certain that they will relocate easily (particularly as many are European starlings). We are committed to making the property green and beautiful once we have built our house. The logs and branches will be reduced to wood chips and spread on the dump which will be a ‘green’ action. We are also clearing Port Jackson which is a serious menace. Arguments given for the tree to stay have included ecological, historical and mythological stories, most of these from a small group of wellmeaning activists who wish to save all trees. On Facebook, it was intimated that we are racists of a sort, because we are discriminating against a particular species! In a village it is impossible to please all people all the time. Sorry tree, a few people and birds. But we will make good! Rick and Lyn Prins STANFORD RIVER TALK 4
2014/15 BUDGET The 2014/15 budget was approved by Council. Apart from the 15% increase in residential rates, water tariffs have again increased and residents should be aware that excessive water use will have a huge impact on monthly service fees. Water cost = R3,71/kl for the 1st 6 kilolitres; R9.80 for every kilolitre from 7 – 18 kl; R15.90/kl from 19 – 30kl; R24.48 from 31 – 45 kl; R31.81/kl from 46 – 60kl; and a whopping R42.40 for every kilolitre above 60kl. So PLEASE check your water consumption (clearly stated on your account) to see why your account may be excessively high. Also note that the sewerage fee you are paying is directly linked to the volume of water used. This has another effect on your monthly bill. Other service fees have also increased... so brace yourselves for your next municipal account. DE BRUYN STREET DUST PROBLEM It was agreed that the tarring of De Bruyn Street should be identified as a priority in the next round of the IDP (Integrated Development Plan) process that will start in September. (No item can be placed on the municipal capital budget without it being identified via this public participation process.) As De Bruyn Street is a municipal road providing the only access to a district road it was further agreed that this funding should come from the provincial infrastructure grant fund (known as MIG funding). Since this road carries more traffic than expected from a municipal road, it would qualify for ‘external’ funds such as the MIG. IRRIGATION OF THE MARKET SQUARE All construction has been completed and the municipality is awaiting the delivery of the water cannon. REED MANAGEMENT POLICY In principle the municipality has received the go-ahead from the Department of Environmental Affairs for the reeds to be harvested, but are still awaiting the written confirmation. Once this has been received a plan of action will be put in place. WATERBORNE SEWERAGE UPDATE Sewerage pipes will be laid in Longmarket Street (Queen Victoria to King Street), with some disruption of traffic flow. So far Burmar Civils has done an excellent job in keeping disruption to a minimum. The resident engineer, Richard, is always on site and any queries/ requests/ complaints should be taken up with him directly. R2 million has been allocated in the 2014/15 budget for further sewerage networks upgrades. PAVEMENT IN DREYER STREET R150 000 was approved in the 2014/15 budget for the completion of the sidewalk in Dreyer Street. This is done via a budget allocated for ward-specific projects (i.e. needs identified by the people who represent Stanford on the Ward Committee). RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT Funds have been approved for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the facilities (boardwalk, slipway, jetty, etc.) required to make the riverfront more user-friendly (another ward-specific initiative). This includes a pedestrian walkway over the Willem Appel Dam on the north-western side of Bezuidenhout Street. The EIA will be based on a precinct plan almost completed by Bernard Oberholzer and funded by Stanford Tourism, the Conservation Trust and the Ratepayers Association (all collectively working for the community!). SIDEWALK IN BEZUIDENHOUT STREET Bezuidenhout Street probably carries the heaviest pedestrian traffic in Stanford. As part of the vision to improve the area around the Community Centre, the idea is to have a continuous pedestrian link throughout town. (another Bernard Oberholzer precinct plan funded by the three organisations mentioned above.) The funds allocated to Stanford as a result of the Overstrand winning the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Greenest Municipality Competition in 2011 and 2012 will be used for a sidewalk from Mathilda May Street to the walkway over the Willem Appel Dam. This is another example of how the ward committee works with the municipality to allocate funding to improve Stanford in ways that would not be possible via the normal municipal (capital budget) funding. Bea Whittaker
news & updates
Penguins and Chickens
CPF NEWS The CPF deeply regrets and mourns the recent passing of two well-known and popular community members, Enrico Spandiel and Dezelia Damon, both tragic victims of motor car accidents. Complaints have been received from the community, especially with regard to drivers speeding not only on the highways, but also in and around the village. The CPF has communicated its concerns to the municipality requesting an active and an ongoing traffic law enforcement presence in the town. There are some noisy vehicles in town with smooth tyres, squeaky brakes and holes in exhausts. Spot inspections also need to be carried out checking for valid car licences and drivers’ licences. We need to protect hundreds of pedestrians from these rogues of the road. A simple, sane CPF request to all Stanford drivers: SLOW DOWN!
A little dip for soup: All funds raised at the plunge this year went towards supplies for village soup kitchens.
Thank you all so very much for your valued contribution to the 4th Annual Stanford Penguin Plunge. On the day, contributions totalled R3140 plus R1000 which had been pledged earlier by Stanford River Lodge. Since then we have been notified that two other unnamed donors have also pledged R1000 each bringing our grand total to R6140. The money has been deposited at the General Dealer for use by the soup kitchen which provides vital assistance to the elderly residents in Stanford, under the scrutiny of Rotary Club Stanford. Thank you to Springfontein Winery for providing the gluhwein and the hot chocolate. Thanks also to Peter Ground and Tim Hague for their valued assistance on the day. Thanks to Patti Legg and Penguin Tutoring who sponsored the beaded penguins that were awarded to the participants. Thank you to everyone for being there to support this event. We are looking forward to the 5th Penguin Plunge next year on 20 June which we plan to turn into a memorable event. Anton and Tracey Duivestein.
DETECTIVE UPDATE
The following arrests and convictions were made in the second quarter of the year (April, May, June). There are still a few cases awaiting trial. Sentences varied from one year imprisonment, to fines and community service. One illegal liquor dealer paid a hefty fine of R30 000! Charge Number of cases Drug related cases 13 Illegal selling of liquor 4 Shoplifting 2 Theft 2 Abalone poaching 1 Drunk driving 1 Congratulations to Stanford’s team of alert detectives for their efforts.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
We are grateful to our intrepid Neighbourhood Watch Team (of 13) who do foot patrols on our icy streets, searching for criminals late at night on the weekends when many of us are tucked up warmly in bed. Stuart Anderson
STANFORD PROPERTY SALES
Eight properties in Stanford were issued with sales certificates in June. These figures include name transfers.
ROTARY STANFORD Winter Warmth Project 2014 Our blanket distribution for 2014 is done and dusted! We handed out 50 adult blankets to the elderly, sick and poor as well as 30 small kiddy blankets to babies and children under 4 years of age. Hand-knitted/crocheted blankets were also given to new babies and pregnant moms. This year we included hand-knitted bed socks for the elderly and infirm, which were very well received. Jerseys, scarves and beanies are still to be distributed to needy children in Stanford South. Project co-ordinator Lana Coates would like to thank the following people for their contributions to the project: Beryl Maxwell and the Hermanus Rotary Anns for their assistance with knitting of bed socks; the ‘Sprokies vir Afrika Foundation’ in the Netherlands for sponsoring the kiddy blankets; those who left knitted items at Stanford Tourism or in the Rotary box at the Spar. Thanks toMrs Eberhard for the gorgeous hand-knitted kiddy socks; Margaret Clubb and the group of ladies in Scotland for blankets, jerseys and toys; the unknown benefactor who left knitted items for Rotary at Birkenhead Brewery; the unknown person who left knitted goodies on Lana Coates' verandah and everyone who donated towards this project financially. STANFORD RIVER TALK 5
news & updates
DEAR AGRI CUSTOMER
Some blue, something new Andrew and Cathryn Herriot hosted a flag-raising ceremony with their new Scottish Saltire on 25 June. Their previous flag was pilfered a few months ago. This date also marks the 700th Anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn near Stirling. Villagers met in the garden to share some whiskey, wine and the whail of bagpipes, as they watched the flag go up with the setting sun.
Working for YOU
CONSERVATION MATTERS
Entrance garden: Waterwise plants and the new heritage sign.
Many Stanfordians do not know about the sterling work done by Stanford Conservation Trust (SCT). Established in 1994, it is the custodian of Stanford’s environment and architectural heritage – and instrumental in declaring the ‘old’ Stanford village a heritage area way back in 1996. Due to Stanford’s heritage status, SCT has a sub-committee (the Stanford Heritage Committee) that is endorsed by Heritage Western Cape, and advises them and the municipality on all building plans in the heritage area. It also liaises with the municipality on zoning scheme regulations, conservation-worthy trees, etc. and often mediates controversial issues to assist the municipality in finding a solution. The updated Stanford Style booklet is an extremely useful document for anyone intending to build or renovate, and is available from the municipality. Another sub-committee looks after the walking trail along all Stanford’s water courses, as well as all municipal park areas and cemeteries. This group of five volunteer SCT members supervise the Working for the Coast Team (known as the Green Team) twice a week. They have an excellent working relationship with the municipality, as the work done (and often funded) by SCT allows municipal workers to concentrate on other service-related issues. Some May/June activities • Formal request made that the Stanford Conservation Overlay Zone receive top priority in the 2014/15 financial year, as endorsed by the Ward 11 committee. • Placement of additional dustbins and litter signs along the wandelpad and in Dreyer Street. • Advised municipality on requests for trees to be cut down. • Addressed conflict between the new Overstrand zoning scheme regulations and the intent of title deed restrictions in Sillery Estate. • Assisted with Caledon Street leiwater issue. • Demarcated walking area at Milkwood Grove (below Queen Victoria cemetery). • Weeded entrance garden and old cemetery. Become a member: membership is free, but you have to register. Contact Elaine Teague: elainejteague@hotmail.com. Fundraising: funds are raised by various means – one of them being the Wine & Wisdom evening every first Thursday evening of the month. Phone Annie Ranger 028 341 0984 if you would like to attend. Bea Whittaker STANFORD RIVER TALK 6
Construction on the fuel pumps will commence 1 July 2014 at Overberg Agri Stanford. We apologise for the inconvenience, but sales will take place as normal. Overberg Agri Management
Winter warmers
TOURISM TALK
Winter is here, and for those brave souls who plunged into the Klein River at the Penguin Plunge, you probably know the true chill more than most! With the nip in the air comes time indoors with friends and family, wholesome meals, and a bottle of one of Stanford’s finest (and we’re spoilt for choice). From a tourism perspective, Stanfordians have taken those elements and put together a calendar of events throughout the next month to make sure you don’t spend all your time curled up on the couch, and to give visitors reason to keep returning to our village. We have already kicked off with an Art Auction and Exhibition on 20 June (which will run until the end of July at the Stanford Table) so be sure to visit. ‘Literary Lunches’ with authors will be held throughout July, interesting talks by Peter Chadwick (African Conservation Photography) and Katja Vinding-Petersen (fascinating whale research), and musical evenings will keep you entertained. Keep an eye on the website – www.stanfordtourism.co.za – and the Facebook page (Stanford Tourism) for details. Make time to go out and experience a different kind of winter this year in Stanford. Tourism Committee * If you would like to be added to the Grapevine emailing list, please pop into Stanford Tourism and speak to Chantel.
FINANCE MATTERS
Martin Ranger
Saving grace Despite good intentions I was never a great saver, always justifying my lack of foresight with the pressures of balancing the family’s budget. Thankfully I did make a reasonable return on the housing market, had a well-run pension fund and enjoyed the benefits of share options. These passive investments did at least allow for a reasonably comfortable retirement. Certainly my financial future became a little rosier when I started taking an active interest in it. No doubt you will be relieved to know that I am not allowed to give financial planning advice. However, I can make suggestions for those who have yet to build their nest egg. Don’t gamble. The Lotto is just dressed-up taxation and whilst casinos are built by corporations their mortgages are paid for by the punters. And when considering a significant purchase remember it’s not the first price you pay – reliability and longevity always cost more. Always pay yourself first. In other words, put your savings amount at the top of your monthly budget, not as a remainder at the end. Obviously your saving strategy will depend on your age but everyone should have accessible reserves to cover unexpected expenses. Selling an asset to fund roof repairs really doesn’t make sense! Cars are a depreciating asset. The simplest way to minimise that loss is to pay cash (not realistic for most) or to pay off the loan over the shortest possible time period and without a residual payment. Avoid short-term debt. Whilst most of us have to borrow to buy a house (or a car) these are long-term debts involving relatively low interest rates. Store or credit card extended payment plans – or worst still pay day lenders – are very expensive ways of delaying payment or covering shortfalls. Remember, you work hard to make your money; make sure it’s working hard for you. Martin Ranger
WELCOME TO STANFORD Welcome to Charlotte Claire Chancey born 26 May 2014. The arrival of a child is always a joyful occasion, but for Matt and Jennie the arrival of their eleventh child and fifth daughter is an exceptional reason to celebrate. Charlotte is their second ‘African/ American’ child, with one other born in Kenya and the remaining nine all born in the USA. Prior to moving to Stanford, the family lived in Nairobi, Kenya, which formed a base for Matt, a marketing consultant and project manager for businesses and NGOs, from whence he'd travel often to serve refugee communities in Sudan. Matt and Jennie recently celebrated their eighteenth wedding anniversary on 22 June, surrounded by all of their children. Born in Virginia, USA, Jennie had always longed to have a large family and found her ideal husband Matt from Alabama, who shared her dream. Matt and Jennie regard each child as a blessing and an asset and agree that, while it is a commitment, it is a chosen lifestyle. The children are homeschooled by Matt and Jennie, who place great emphasis on developing each child’s individual personality and gifts. Amongst the eleven there is John (17) the computer whizz, Alex (15) who is musical and sings with perfect pitch, Thomas (13) the military historian, Isabelle (11) the budding seamstress, Felicity (10) the artist, twin boys and amateur ornithologists Patrick and Tucker (8), Benjamin (6) an authority on dinosaurs …. followed by Maddie (Madison) the extrovert with a passion for flowers, and two-year-old Hero, who is fearless and loves adventure! Charlotte has big shoes to fill, but with parents as committed and dedicated as Jennie and Matt and ten siblings to guide her, she will make her way. We hope to watch her blossom as the Chancey family plans to stay in Stanford for at least two years. Kerri Brokensha
Baby Pieter de Bondt was born 10 May. Nonnie and Guys welcome their first child into the fold.
news & updates
THE
Stanford Hotel EVENTS FOR JULY * Saturday morning market, Saturdays 09:00 - 12noon * Hennie's Pop-up Grill: Saturday 5 July lunch and dinner Friday 11 July dinner Saturday 12 July lunch and dinner Sunday 13 July lunch Big screen rugby: see pub showcase and Stanfordvillage Facebook page for broadcast schedules.
To book for all the above: 082 7811 704 or email: reservations@stanfordvillage.co.za.
Laraine Roodt, daughter #3, arrived on 4 June. Her sisters and parents are delighted she is here, and feel their family is now complete. Glenn and Gianni, Gida and Livia
Suspended Four Poster +(27) 028 341 0209 • info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za 34 Daneel Street STANFORD 7210 STANFORD RIVER TALK 7
school talk DIE BRON Die Bron Primary has had a busy second term and wishes all its learners, staff and families a safe and relaxing holiday.
Learners doing the Sarafina dance for Youth Day, 16 June.
Under 14 Girls Soccer Team are proud of their medals which they received as the winning team in the Dreamfields Competition at Gansbaai on Youth Day. Well done, soccer stars. (From left) Lerato Hermanus, Lingiswa Bhesengile, Asisipho Lubilo, Sisipho Mbuyazwe and Siyamthanda Ngaleka. The male educators enjoying Father's Day at Die Bron Primary (from left): Nicol Dreyer, Graham Stieger, Willem Arendse, Jacob Khoathane, Martin Maasdorp, Ricardel Damon and Willie de Waal.
Mr Dreyer and his learners with their Natural Science and Technology projects.
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 8
school talk OKKIE SMUTS Holiday message
It was a short term for the teachers and learners at Okkie Smuts with all the public holidays. There was lots of work to fit into a very short time and the Senior Primary children wrote exams. We wish our teachers, staff and learners a well deserved break. A new teacher, Mr Jandré Gerber, has been appointed to our school and will be part of the Okkie Smuts Staff from July 2014 in the Intermediate and Senior Phase classes. SOUP AND SHERRY EVENING The PTA hosted a Soup and Sherry Evening with eight delicious soups to choose from and plenty of breads. Guests were welcomed and warmed up with a small glass of sherry donated by Coia and Andries de Villiers (Beloftebos). We enjoyed performances by the school's marimba band and a ballet performance by 'The Stanford Dance School' led by Tracey Anderson and Wanya Van Der Walt. Beautiful art from the learners were auctioned by our talented headmaster, Mr Koekemoer. Rumor has it that one parent was reaching for his drink when the talented auctioneer had him buying a piece of art instead. Great laughs and fun were had during the auction. Andries Laubser sang, and said later, ‘Daar is baie talentvolle kinders in die skool wat kuns en kultuur betref. Julle moes die Pretty in tutus: Stanford Dance School. mooi skilderye gesien het wat hulle opgeveil het. Die oulike dansertjies van Stanford School Of Dance en die skool se eie Marimba Band het my voete laat jeuk met hul weergawe van Stamp daai boude lam. Ek het in my eie vertoning vir 'n slag liedjies gesing wat ek nog nooit van tevore gesing het nie soos Radio dancing (spesiaal vir Felicity Beukes).‘ Baie dankie Andries! Thank you to all the parents and the community for supporting our events. Special thanks to the Van Der Walt Family for the sponsorship of the T-shirts for the Marimba Band, Andries and Coia from Beloftebos and Tracey Anderson and Wanya Van Der Walt from The Stanford School of Dance for their kind and generous donations.
Photographic evidence: This photo from the school archives shows that Okkie Smuts used to go up to Standard 8 (Grade 10) and that the pupils were all white in those days. What other clues does this photo give us about the history of Stanford?
FUNIMFUNDO Donors and supporters of Food4Thought worldwide ask how our children are doing now, ten years after our school, Funimfundo (isiXhosa for 'seeking knowledge'), first opened on 31 May 2004. They are in grade 10 now scattered in schools across South Africa. Those with whom we have managed to keep in contact are confident, ambitious youngsters. We firmly believe this sense of worth was instilled in them in that vital pre-primary stage in preparation for grade 1. This enabled them to compete with their new school mates on an equal footing. Okuhle Apolosi started at Funimfundo in 2004 and graduated from Grade R at the age of 6. She started Grade 1 at Die Bron Primary School. Okhule is currently in Grade 10 and tells us she loved Funimfundo and fondly remembers her teachers. We look forward to her matriculating and leading a successful life. Jane Dowie Dunn
2004 Okuhle Apolosi
2004
2014 2014 STANFORD RIVER TALK 9
LITERATURE LOVE What can be better than a snug lounge, crackling fire, steaming cup of tea and a good book? Stanford is home to some published writers, and will also host some delightful Literary Lunches in July. So if you love a murder mystery, or prefer witty paperbacks, leather bound non-fiction or coffee table artistry, make sure you lay your hands on something pithy this winter and support our local authors.
SPINE POETRY RUGKANT RYMPIES Last month, Royd Frith sent us an example of Spine Poetry. Our readers loved it and a few took a stab at stacking their own verses. Thank you, Royd, for getting the ball rolling.
Henda van Deventer, visitor from Paarl
BOOK REVIEW
Sam and Me and the Hard Pear Tree by Jami Yeats-Kastner I knew Jami as a fellow villager and neighbour for two years before her son, Sam, drowned. I spent days afterwards in floods of tears and posted regular messages to Jami on Facebook, desperately trying to alienate some of her pain. But I knew nobody could, and I wondered how she was going to cope. Three months later, she told me that she had started a blog called TheCrazyButterflyLady, and I avidly dug into every posting. It wasn’t easy subject matter, but I was enthralled by her spontaneous writing style and her extraordinary response to the chaotic madness of unimaginable grief whilst searching for ways to keep herself and her family intact. Drawn in deeper by every post, I felt like I was accompanying Jami on a crucial journey of self-discovery that would ultimately lead somewhere important, and vicariously participated in her quest to find life-changing answers in the aftermath of Sam’s death. When she announced that her blogs were being turned into a book I was elated and couldn’t wait to continue the journey. And it certainly does not disappoint. Jami succeeds in writing throughout her grief and anguish with such strength and humour that her book is difficult to put down. She manages to push through profound sorrow as she starts to notice signs around her that bring her comfort. She experiences vital transcendent moments and finds unmistakeable signs of Sam’s presence and his undying love for his family. Her increasingly spiritual approach opens up a very different view of life which emphasises the importance of self-fulfilment, and she starts to gain clarity. Raw, sad, emotional, hopeless, angry and desperate at times; funny, spontaneous, witty and uplifting at others; yet never depressing, this story delivers a strong message of finding light in an extremely dark place, and emerging – like a butterfly – even better than before. Anyone who has experienced unimaginable loss will find comfort and hope in the journey of this funny, clever and courageous woman. Karen McKee
Bobby by Elizabeth Pienaar
Henda van Deventer, visitor from Paarl
Stephen Stocks STANFORD RIVER TALK 10
Ask a vet to write a book column and you can be sure that it will be a review of a book about a dog. Bobby is a first novel by Elizabeth Pienaar who has had a number of short stories published. Although it is aimed at the teenage market, this book, based on a true story, will touch anybody who has ever loved or lost a dog. When Bobby’s human soul mate, Natasha, is killed in an attack, he is passed on to new owners and is then abandoned into terrible conditions in an animal shelter. Here he has to deal not only with his own heartache, but also that of the other animals. At the same time, another character Jessie is battling to deal with the grief of losing her best friend (her Alsation) Dash who dies from leukaemia. In a different place Natasha and Dash are not giving up hope to bring their friends together. Get out the tissues as you are sure to need them. Knowing that all the events in this book really happened, makes it even more touching. In the end the bond between human and dog conquers sorrow and proves again why, with their loyal understanding and total devotion, dogs really are man’s best friend. Bobby is also available in Afrikaans as Bobbie and is currently being sold at Stanford Vet Clinic in aid of Stanford Animal Welfare Society. Stanford veterinarian, Dr Olga Koorts
Calling all young readers A book prize has been donated to Stanford River Talk which will be awarded to the Stanford pupil who reads in the most unusual place this holiday. Take a picture of yourself reading during the holiday. You could read on a mountain, in a boat, in the garden...anywhere. Email one photo on the first day back at school to philippa.murray@gmail.com The pupil reading in the most unusual place will receive the prize. This competition is open to all Stanford students, including homeschoolers and those who go to school in Hermanus, Gansbaai, etc.
FONDUE ANYONE? We reckon this weather is just perfect for a delicious Klein River Fondue served with mushrooms and blanched veg; pickles; crusty bread wrapped in prosciutto; warm steak strips; or even crispy potato wedges! Visit the Klein River Cheese shop for a special on our Fondue Collection of cheeses with recipe. See the What's on calendar on page 21.
7 km outside Stanford on Route 326 028 341 0693 | www.kleinrivercheese.co.za | info@kleinrivercheese.co.za VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
Writing on a dusty corner Emile Minnie Christmas Cabaret at De Hoop De Hoop Collection's annual Christmas in July takes place on the second weekend of the month to welcome the Southern Right Whales to our shores, and includes a musical and cabaret performance by the talented Emile Minnie! From piano to clarinet, this gifted artist puts on a performance not to be missed! Add in a visit from Santa for the kids, and a High Tea under the Fig Tree, and you're set for a very merry time out at De Hoop Nature Reserve, less than 2 hours from Stanford! * 27 June - 20 July: School Holiday Programme. From eco-explorer challenges to mini chefs! Spend time in nature with the kids and teens these holidays! * 11-13 July: Christmas in July. Welcome both the majestic Southern Right Whales, and star performer Emile Minnie. * 19-20 July: An introduction to birding and wildlife photography. Photographic Weekend with Peter Chadwick. R495 per person. * 1-3 August: A day in the life of an Italian - with Stanford's Jero! Indulge in a workshop dedicated to Italian favourites! * 8-10 August: Potberg & De Hoop Mountain Bike Challenge.
Visit our website for more great events at De Hoop! www.dehoopcollection.co.za • info@dehoopcollection.co.za, 021 422 4522
I feel a bit like Barack Obama must have felt when he was voted into office – all eyes on him for the first 100 days: how he conducts himself, who will be his alliances, will he make the right decisions, what about the life he left behind and then those urgent matters needing attention. Although I have been here for more than 250 days, I still wonder if I did the right thing by moving from Paarl after 12,775 days: will I conduct myself right, who will be my alliances, so many urgent projects needing volunteers, did I buy on the right side of town, finding innovative ways to deal with dust, how I miss the dear people I left behind and they me. Surely I can’t phone them again so soon, it’s only 56 days... Yes, I’ve been lying low, hanging pictures, cataloguing my books, pottering in the garden, doing homework with my 11 year old grandson and helping Giblet write his cookbook – all matters needing my urgent attention. It has been a serious time of change for me. But slowly I am beginning to realise that I was right to love Stanford from the beginning; that the people are truly friendly and care for each other, that they have a wonderful sense of fun and love nothing better than a cup of coffee and a chat and that they do their best to drive slowly down De Bruyn Street (some dear souls even take another route) so as not to kick up dust. Yes, not only have I bought on the right side of town, I have bought in the middle of the town. And you know what? I am even getting to like dust. Emma Kriel Emma is a writer who has published two books. Meet her at the Literary Lunch at the Stanford Table on 20 July. See our What's On calendar on page 21 for more details.
STANFORD RIVER TALK 11
Kitchen Corners From cosy, snug country kitchens, to eclectic corners of colour, from large, gleaming countertops to well-worn wood, from homework tables to soft squishy couches, the heart of the home is always in the kitchen. Here of some of our favourite Stanford kitchens, all perfect for family and friends.
Graze slow-food.
Bednall breakfast table.
Couch comforts.
Cat on a kitchen table.
After book club.
Naturally spicey.
Thanks to all of our fellow Stanfordians for the amazing support in the past season: Without it, we would never have been able master the challenging path we set out on! We have some new wines to share with you all, and we welcome everyone to come visit us, and find out what secrets hide behind „Ulumbaza of Springfontein“, and „Limestone Rocks“. info@springfontein.co.za www.springfontein.co.za - tel. 028 341 0651
SP NGFONTE N WINE SPRINGFONTEIN W NE ESTATE ESTATE EAT DRINK SLEEP BREATHE EAT DRINK SLEEP BREATHE STANFORD RIVER TALK 12
Farmhouse fireplace revived.
Cosy and eclectic.
Country style at Seconds.
Hatman's wall of condiments.
Duck egg blue.
Copper splash-back.
Vintage florals.
Neat in blue and white.
Salad days.
Cosy atmosphere • Warm fire • Take aways available Great coffee, cakes and muffins • Country breakfasts and light lunches
coffee corner and
028 3410 034 Morton Square cnr Daneel & Morton Street Tuesday - Friday 7:30 - 16:00 Saturday 7:30 - 14:30 We are licenced • Free WiFi STANFORD RIVER TALK 13
Home Bru
beer talk
Here's one for the boys. In the recent upswing of all things artisanal and crafty, from the revival of crocheted doilies to the sprouting of mung beans, brewing one's own hooch stands out as a manly craft. The internet is full of online starter kits, Q&A forums for how to perfect your pilsener and micro-brewery festivals. We even have our very own brewery right here in Stanford which for many a visitor, is the primary reason to visit. Having never brewed my own beer save the occasional batch of ginger beer and pineapple beer, I took a squizz around the interweb and this is what I found: • There are loads of full starter kits available from homebrew shops or the internet. The kit is the most expensive part of starting out, but is a one-off cost. You will need a large pot (much like granny's marmalade pot), a large bucket with a lid, a cooler box, a funnel, a syphoning tube, a sieve, a thermometer and later, a hydrometer, for when you are a real pro. Chances are you have much of this stuff at home already so take your time when purchasing a starter kit. • Bottles and cappers are available online too but you can reuse the bottles, or recycle those old Grolsh bottles your wife has lying around. • Kit beer, extracts, malt, grains and yeast are easily available from homebrew shops or online. • Kit beer is a great place to start but the skill involved is much the same as baking a cake from a bag of ready-mix. Once you've mastered the knack – allow yourself to progress to extract brewing and finally, all-grain brewing! Then you will be the brewmeister! • Beer can take as little as two weeks to make, and is a fairly inexpensive process once you are kitted out. Benson Macupe has been the brewmaster at the Birkenhead Brewery for eight years. He is an oldfashioned gentlemen whose favourite beer is Premium Lager. He says the perfect lager is slightly bitter, never sweet, made with malted barley from Caledon, crystal malt for colour and a secret mixture of Saaz hops, Perle hops and Southern Promise hops from George. Benson knows a good brew and takes pride in his craft. Home brewing is legal if you have less than 150 litres of beer on your property at any given time. And beer brewing is not seasonal – you can lay your hands on the ingredients any time of year. So join the revival of old crafts and try this one out for a new hobby. Cheers! Phil Murray
Benson Macupe
kitchen talk
Some like it raw
Melissie Jolly
I have a fool proof-party dish that I often spring on my more carnivorous guests: Steak Tartare! In case you didn’t know, it’s raw chopped steak with various accoutrements that make it delicious. I love it because it’s unusual, a little bit fancy, and people can decide how they want to spruce it up to suit their tastes. (Although I have been to a dinner party where a friend asked for his to be cooked and ended up with something that looked like a hamburger patty – such a waste!) INGREDIENTS (for 2 greedy types like Gilly and me) 500g beef fillet finely chopped so that it looks like mince. 1 onion finely chopped Capers chopped Gherkins chopped Salt Black pepper mustard Worcestershire sauce Tabasco sauce Chillis chopped Homemade mayo Anchovies (optional) METHOD The only vaguely time-consuming thing is the chopping of the fillet. You need a super sharp knife and a bit of patience, but eventually you want something that looks like a slightly chunky mince. Then you put all the other little bits in ramekins so that the guests can help themselves. Traditionally it’s served with an egg yolk which makes the mixture creamy and stick together, but Gilly leaves this out and loves it anyway. I serve it with a big bowl of crispy skinny fries that we dip into the mayo, a green salad and a large glass of pink bubbles. Bliss! *Hint: I’ve also tried an Asian version which is divine – I just use soya sauce, sesame oil and add chopped coriander to the mix.
STANFORD RIVER TALK 14
holistic health talk
Tasha Saha
Detoxification vacation
I
have just returned from a detox retreat in the Magaliesburg mountains – seven days of funnelling only juice, nutritional supplements and clear broth in at one end and coffee, garlic and herbal enemas at the other. Not an ideal getaway, you might think, but this seemingly radical approach is a whole lot more life-changing than your average beach holiday. People I have met previously at these retreats have suffered with cancer, fibromyalgia, debilitating
migraines, celiac disease, lupus, and other chronic illnesses. Do they leave cured? Occasionally, yes, but more often they leave with the tools to make necessary long-term changes to their diet, their lifestyle, and their minds. This is not a quick fix – there is no magic pill. But for those who have found that the pills of modern medicine are far from a miracle cure, those longterm changes offer a wonderful wake-up call to a longer, lighter life. Nutrient-dense, enzyme-rich juices and supplements sustain us so well that during a detox rumbling tummies are rare. They
offer easily assimilated support for our healing and resolve the deficiencies caused by diets high in processed, refined and chemically grown foods. Coffee enemas stimulate the liver to cleanse the blood of chemical toxins, heavy metals and other waste. The colon is able to release matter that it may have been holding onto for many years. As the yoga instructor for the week and one of the alternative therapists on hand to work with the participants, I see the processing of profound mental and emotional shifts: the release of long- standing limiting beliefs, stifled feelings and traumatic experiences, and it is
this that seems to power the long walk to wellness. On the last day of the retreat, the changes are quite apparent. Tangible transformations include slimmer waists, reduced pain, more mobility, brighter eyes and healthier skin. A change of heart is not quite as easy to identify, but is no less evident. We leave lit up, inspired by the possibility of a different way of life, and by our own potential. Tasha Saha is a yoga teacher, alternative health therapist and the owner of an organic skincare company maitri@mioja.co.za 076 968 8608.
plant talk
Lollipop trees and lemonade springs O
ne of the marvels of the movie Edward Scissor Hands was the living plant sculptures Edward created out of overgrown trees and shrubs. Topiary is an art form that has survived the ages thanks to formal gardening and human creativity. The fun part of growing topiary is that they can be made in any shape, you just need a frame as a guide. Topiary can be free-standing or grown in the ground. Known forms are lollipops, standards, hedges, knot gardens, and espalier. Begin by growing your own lollipops. Start with a plant with a healthy and straight stem. Remove the lower
branches leaving a few branches at the tip of the stem from which to develop the lollipop head. Stake the plant to help support the head. Pruning the tips will encourage the branches to bush and to grow in a lollipop shape. Continue to remove the lower branches sprouting from the stem. As the top branches grow prune them at least twice in the growing season until they form a ball shape. Regular pruning after the lollipop is fully grown will retain the plant’s shape. Another idea is to trail a climber over a frame. Plant six cuttings of ivy or jasmine into a pot. Then make a frame out of stiff wire into a heart, ball
or pyramid. Use pins to anchor it into the pot. Push the frame into the soil making sure it fits snugly into the pot. When secure, wrap the climber's branches round it, securing them with raffia. As the plant grows continue wrapping the stems around the frame, supporting the branches with more raffia. As the branches thicken they will start holding their shape and you will be able to remove the raffia. If you require more branches to develop remove the growing tip of the main branches. Continue wrapping and securing branches as they develop till they have covered the frame completely. Maintain
the shape of the frame topiary by pruning away branches that are growing the wrong way. The more you prune the climber the fuller and thicker the framed topiary can be grown. Water the topiary well with a hand sprayer, mixing liquid fertilizer into the water every few weeks. Make sure not to let the plants get dry as they will not survive. As the plants grow they will hold the soil in place. Allow the plants to cover the frame to create your free standing green sculpture. No doubt success will encourage you to attempt more adventurous shapes! Suzanne Francois-Rossouw
Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere. Qualified dog trainer. Well balanced diets, love and care.
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The villagers
SJ du Toit
geskiedenis stories
Dries Erwee onthou ...
Ivan May Ivan is often one of the first faces people see when they come to Stanford. His friendly smile and politeness make him a favourite among many villagers so it is a good thing that he works at Stanford Country Stop – a popular stopping place for visitors to refuel, buy firewood and padkos. He has a special ability to remember everyone's name, his enthusiasm and his energy make him an ambassador for our village. How long have you and your family lived in Stanford? I had to ask my mom as I didn't know at first. She said our family has lived in Stanford for 55 years. What keeps you in Stanford? This village has a nice atmosphere. Everybody knows each other so we are all like one big family. What is your favourite thing to do in the Overberg? I love to go to Hermanus. It is beautiful there and I like to sit near the beach and eat junk food – that's my favourite thing. If you could change something about our village, what would it be? I want more opportunities for our people because there are so many in our village who sit in the streets all day long. It is not nice to see them so crushed and battered every day – I would like to see them able to seize opportunities. Where do you see yourself in ten years time? Since I was in primary school I have always had a dream to work in a bank. I think I'll get there.
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Oudskolier Dries Erwee onthou die ballasmandjies hanepoot wat van die skoolplaas af skool toe gekom het – heerlike na-trossies wat mnr Ponté Haupt (landbou-onderwyser) gestuur het. Die huishoudkundeklas se koek is pouses na die personeelkamer gestuur en moes skoliere maar tevrede wees met die lekker geure wat hulle kon ruik. Hy onthou ook die versuikerde vrugte wat skoliere gekry het as hulle ’n dop nare lewertraan moes drink. ‘n Ou bekende was Jan ‘Piepie‘ Groenewald wat met sy bakkies vol vis van Gansbaai gekom het – Dries Erwee se pa het by hom vis gekoop terwyl hy hom verluister het aan sy stories. Hy het Saterdae Stanford se voetbal- en netbal-spanne met sy lorrie na ander dorpe geneem. Erwee onthou ook Hansie Fourie se winkel met heerlike borssuikers – een jaar het muise sy borssuikers bygekom en het Erwee se pa een dag met ’n doos vol lekkers tuis gekom – hulle het ’n hele maand aan die gevrete borssuikers gesmul. Jan Willebul Erwee het met sy wa en osse gereeld vragte hout dorp toe gery. Hy het eenkeer ‘n jong getroude paartjie van Hermanus na Gansbaai op sy ossewa vervoer. Hulle het gedink dis ’n baie romantiese rit om vir hulle wittebrood te kies en was maar taamlik moeg en vuil toe hulle uiteindelik op Gansbaai aangekom het. Nog ’n bekende figuur was Jan 'Skottelbek' Swart. Hy het met vee gesmous. Dan was daar Jan Willemse wat elke Vrydagoggend van Tesselaarsdal oor die Kleinrivierberge gestap het. (Hy’t sy skoene oor sy skouer gedra om dit te spaar, en net voor die dorp dit weer aan te trek). Hy het in oom Japie Schoonwinkel se stoepkamer met ‘n skaapskêr hare gesny. Die mans het in stringe gekom om hulle hare daar te laat sny en na sy stories te luister. Dries Erwee remembers characters and their stories. He mentions sweet hanepoot grapes from the school farm, Jan 'Piepie Groenewald' with his bakkie full of fish, Hansie Fourie's sweets which were nibbled by mice, Jan Willebul Erwee with his ox-wagon, and Jan 'Skottelbek' Swart. Jan would walk all the way from Tesselaarsdal carrying his shoes, and cut people's hair with his sheep sheers.
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Karen McKee
What's new, pussycat?
pet talk
Feline AIDS in cats was first diagnosed in 1986 Most people are not aware that cats can contract AIDS! Feline AIDS (FAIDS) is a viral disease very similar to the HIV virus in humans. Domestic cats, lions, tigers, cheetahs and other large cats can be infected. Humans cannot by infected by this virus. After contracting the Feline IV (or FIV) virus, the immune system of the cat is attacked. In similar fashion to the HIV virus, a severely compromised immune system may lead to FAIDS later, and the cat may contract or succumb to secondary infections. Carried in the cat’s saliva, the virus is transmitted via bite wounds. Occasionally it is transmitted to kittens by a FIV positive queen while pregnant or through infected milk. It isn’t transmitted through mating, although the vigorous biting that accompanies mating may result in transmission. Unneutered male cats are most at risk as they are more likely to be involved in territorial fighting. There are no obvious symptoms of FIV, but once it has progressed into FAIDS, symptoms such as listlessness, weight loss, poor coat, anaemia, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, skin or eye infections and cancer may become noticeable. Vets are able to detect the virus through blood tests, and a vaccine is available for prevention. FIV can be effectively treated with a high quality diet, stress-free living, and parasite control. It is unnecessary to euthanize an FIV positive cat – as with humans, they are able to enjoy a long, quality life if the disease is discovered early and managed properly through nutrition, supplements and/or certain drugs. The best prevention is to have your cat vaccinated and neutered, and tested regularly. Speak to your vet for more information.
frog news
Naas Terblanche
The only frog that I hear calling in Stanford now is the Clicking Stream Frog which continuously keeps clicking day and night. Its Afrikaans name is Langtoon padda because it has very long toes. The other frog calling now here on our farm is the De Villiers Moss Frog, named after Prof. Con de Villiers who grew up near Stanford. We are still waiting for the first calls of the Leopard Toad. They should start calling in late July. Let me know when you hear them, please! To help you identify the calls of the frogs you can go to our website where you can see and hear the different frogs. www.vaalvlei.co.za, or you are welcome to visit me. We have a permanent audio-visual display in our tasting room. Naas Terblanche
STANFORD RIVER TALK 17
art & culture
Tania Weich
Deon Krige's Tondos During the recent Hermanus Fyn Arts Festival, Deon Krige submitted three Tondos for the Tollman Buchard Finlayson Art Award Competition, of which one was selected from over 180 entries for the exhibition at the sponsor's wine cellar in Hemel and Aarde Valley. The theme of the competition was Origins. The work had to be in Tondo format, i.e. a circular painting of 600mm in diameter to enable it to be mounted on a wine barrel head. Deon’s successful work entitled GAIA MOTHER EARTH: ORIGINS of EARTH and SKY was executed in mixed media, which included pen, pastel, watercolour and collage. COLOUR MIRRORS
Paint a rainbow So, The Peanut, as a 6 year old, was given homework that required him to colour in a picture of a garden scene with a kid in it. Well, that was way too detailed and time consuming for him, so he coloured the entire page black and told me it was night time! That was 14 years ago, and while the story is often retold, the lessons that spring from it are always new. There is no doubting that we are all influenced by colour, both physiologically and psychologically, but to see colour, and feel colour, we have to first ensure that we are in the light, or have access to light when we find ourselves in dark places. Have you ever seen a rainbow without light? To experience the full beautiful spectrum of the colours of the rainbow, we need to face the darkness of the rain and have the light behind us. The full glory of the light is revealed to us as it refracts through the raindrops. To enjoy the fullness of a colourful life, it therefore becomes vital that we treasure the light in our lives. And that light is different for every person. It could be family, a spouse, faith, goals or any number of other sources. What is the source of your light that needs to be treasured and preserved? Bryan Robertson
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STANFORD RIVER TALK 18
PLAYING BY EAR
Feel the Music According to Bob Marley, 'One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.' Evidently, the honourable Mr Marley never heard me sing. My song is synonymous with tone deafness, that lack of relative pitch, which has nothing to do with lack of musical training. My differentiation between musical notes is minimal. Simply stated, I am told that to listen to me, even from a safe distance away from the shower, is torture. But, I cannot, not-sing. I mean, 'If music be the food of life…' it follows that I have a moral obligation to play on, right? Being deaf in the traditional sense of the word has certainly not prevented musicians from making valuable contributions to the world of music. Quite frankly, I have no excuse. • Ludwig van Beethoven contributed to the magic of musical sound despite being totally deaf. • Mandy Harvey planned to become a vocal music professor although she had to sit in the front of her class during her early school years due to her waning sense of hearing. And she successfully went on to launch her music career despite losing hearing in both her ears in her freshman year. • Sean Forbes pursued a musical career after becoming deaf in his toddler years. His attraction to the vibrations of the beat resulted in his victory of being noticed by Eminem studio and BMI, the latter who went on to sign a record contract with him. • Janine Roebuck never saw her hearing deficiency as a drawback even though deafness ran in her family. She was told, 'Sing while you can, because you will never have a career in music.' Today she is known as one of the most respected proponents for the deaf community of Britain and has a thriving career. • Dame Evelyn Glennie may be the best-known deaf musician in the world yet she is famous for being the first professional solo percussionist. Few of her fans are even aware that she is deaf. The good Dame hardly refers to her hearing challenge, since 'it is an irrelevant part of the equation'. Wow! As a member of the non-musically-inclined, common-folk, I applaud the musicians who, despite their challenges, hearing and otherwise, persevere with the sole purpose of enriching the lives of others. And I take solace is the words of Eddie van Halen who is confident that at some point I may sing without giving my listeners cause to run for cover. ‘If you want to be a rock star or just be famous, then run down the street naked, you’ll make the news or something. But if you want music to be your livelihood, then play, play, play and play! And eventually you’ll get to where you want to be.‘
Stellar art Kara Slabbert won third prize for her space painting in the children's art competion hosted by Hermanus Fynarts held in the Sansa centre.
Pittery Pattery Pottery Henpecked husbands in Stanford be on the lookout! There's a new chick in town and more are to follow from Patres Anguli Studio. Bryan Robertson
art & culture Movie review
SOAPBOX
Andrew Herriot
A Pain in the Neck
By Karen McKee
Enjoy Star DVD for a new movie experience! I am sure everybody has by now noticed the arrival of Star DVD shop in Queen Victoria Street. They stock a wonderful variety of movies and there is a wide range of new releases, children’s movies and old(er) movies to rent. The service is friendly and you can even book your movies online and collect later! From July, all Movie Talk reviews will be sponsored by Star DVD, and you can book your copy at www.stardvd.co.za. Thank you to owners, Carl and Santie, for the movies.
The Book Thief, 2013 Based on an international bestseller by Markus Zusak, this is the story of Liesl, a young girl who is adopted by a Bavarian couple in the advent of World War 2. Directed by Brian Percival of Downton Abbey fame, it is a moving film, but the real horrors of war have mostly been glossed over to pretty it up and give it a family feel, which can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. Initially Liesl is illiterate, but soon learns to read with the help of her adoptive father (played by the most excellent Geoffrey Rush), and another unexpected ally who provides her with valuable reading material in a time when books were banned and burned as a matter of public spectacle. This starts a journey on which she manages to touch the lives of everybody around her through her love of literature. She finds loyal friends in Rudi, the neighbour’s son, and Max, a sickly Jew hidden from Nazi persecution in the family’s basement. Pitched against an omnipresent sense of dread, the storyline is languid rather than harsh, and it unfolds like a flower – silently and beautifully, to the climactic end. Highly recommended for families and lovers of beautifully told stories of human endurance, rather than for realists or avid fans of gritty war movies.
And all that jazz A motley group, known as The Jazzfordians, was spawned to sing what is often referred to as Jazz Standards, songs with syncopated rhythms, memorable and recognisable melodies and pleasing harmonies. The Jazzfordians are developing a repertoire of popular music to raise awareness of the many facets of this musical style locally and perhaps beyond. They hope to institutionalise jazz in association with other musical ventures within Stanford to encourage vocalists and instrumentalists alike to join and engage with this group. It is a not-for-profit group. Jazzman Andrew Herriot 072 571 7846
There are all kinds of corporeal idiomatic references that dubiously assist the listener or speaker to achieve clarity, eg. bad-mouthing a person, being legless, not batting an eyelid, having the bit between your teeth, etc. For me the ultimate pronouncement of one’s supreme earthly annoyance is a 'pain in the neck' or some other equivalent body part depending on the Lingua Franca country you are most familiar with (another pet vexation of mine – someone who misplaces the preposition; my rule is ‘up with which I will not be put’). Sorry, I should have said 'Lingua Franca country with which you are most familiar'. I digress. From where do these pains emanate? Certain PEOPLE can be a right PITN. (Oh dear, another of my annoyances – ACRONYMS! LOL – what on earth does that mean? I thought it meant 'Lots of love'.) Let us consider PITNs – people who laugh at their own jokes, people who phone me and expect me to know who they are even when they say 'this is Horace' (I know ten commonly-named Horaces), people who enjoy listening to their own tedious voices and can’t see the point of an interjection from a bored listener and a quick WTF (I don’t know that one, but I am informed by a younger generation that it is a modern-day profanity). Then there are the ‘when-we’ lot who have been everywhere, done everything and have a global and detailed encyclopaedic dull knowledge. Of course it is not just people; there are chores that are a PITN. Emptying the dishwasher has got to be high on the list of the PITN activity; clearing the leaves from my street leiwater caused by a friendly neighbour who does not clear the leaves up-stream – another right PITN. And dog-poo! Those droppings of varying dimensions and proportions that one finds neatly piled up at one’s front door with an uncanny mathematical exactitude. This is truly a PITB (USA version, I am reliably informed). But the worst one that assaults my sensitive hearing is the roar of an accelerative motorcycle loudly distributing more decibels than the most sonorous of Highveld thunderstorms. I wish I could have a ‘change of heart’ and eliminate the ‘chip on my shoulder’. However I do feel much less aggrieved now that I have downloaded (I hate those know-alls and their techy language) all of my PITN whingeing and maybe now I shall ‘put on a brave face’ and just ‘zip my lip’ to re-emerge to normality by ‘playing by ear’.
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www.stardvd.co.za CNR of Shortmarket and Queen Victoria streets Contact Santie 082 923 2610 STANFORD RIVER TALK 19
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SERVICES
Call Mike 083 316 1872 • 028 341 0028 overberg@setsa.co.za www.setsa.co.za
ART LESSONS p Sanette Upton 072 822 9970. CAPTURE YOUR 35MM slides digitally. R1 per slide. p Dirk Troost 084 643 4504. DRUMMING LESSONS in Stanford.p Sheldon 082 596 7814 HEAL YOUR LIFE® group workshop sessions starting in Stanford at the end of July, on Thursday evenings, running for 8 weeks. R1000 upfront for the full course. All welcome. For more info, contact Robyn 071 3829033. POOL CARE I can look after your pool for R200 per month. Contactable references. p Dirk 084 643 4504. RELIABLE & HONEST PAINTER. No job too small. Contactable references p Wilson on 072 223 2511. SEWING clothing or decor – alterations, repairs and upcyclying Robyn 082 404 8840. PILATUS CLASSES p Jake Uys 079 468 9060.
VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT Washing Ironing Tumble Drying Dry Cleaning Services Mon – Fri, 8.00am – 5pm
WANTED
HOUSE TO RENT for 6-8 weeks in Feb/March 2015. Must be in the village and clean with usual facilities. Willing to pay R12 000 – R14 000. Contact Stuart.findlay@internetbuilders.com
25 Queen Victoria 072 616 0976
TRADITIONAL ARTIST STRETCH FRAMES Obeche or Pine frames All canvases primed with Gesso Various sizes available Contact Sebastian: 072 348 7435 Email: sebastianvye72@gmail.com
WORKSHOP TO RENT on farm 1.5 km out of Stanford. Fully equiped, tools, work benches, etc. Security alarms R2000/month. tel John 082 950 6007 STANFORD RIVER TALK 20
AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY
guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com
SM VERKOELING Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk
STORAGE Single garage size. R500 /month tel John 082 950 6007
flock of sheep Entire flock: - 23 mature eves, - 24 lambs 4 months old just weaned. - 2 large rams 3 years old. Dormer breed R50 000 to take all. John 082 950 6007
WHAT'S ON
email your events to design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za
11 JULY STORY: MAKING EXERCISE HOLIDAY SPECIAL, 11:00 4-6 year olds, 14:00 7+ year olds, Phone Beatrice to book space 082 481 8285 18 JULY STORY: MAKING EXERCISE HOLIDAY SPECIAL, 11:00 4-6 year olds, 14:00 7+ year olds, Phone Beatrice to book space 082 481 8285 28 JULY: STANFORD ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY AGM, 13:30, Stanford Hotel Conference Centre. All welcome. Contact Annie Ranger 028 3410 984 WINTER IN STANFORD Stanford Tourism are hosting a wealth of events this Winter at The Stanford Table. For updates, keep your eyes on the Stanford Tourism website www.stanfordtourism.co.za and facebook page 'Stanford Tourism'. For more information and to book, email book@stanfordinfo.co.za or 028 341 0340. The schedule is subject to change. Cash bar available.
weekly timetable
27 JUNE - 31 JULY: ART EXHIBITION, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 -15:00, Sunday 10:00 -13:00, free entry, Stanford Table. SATURDAY 28 JUNE: ART AUCTION, Speaker: Harry Poortman,18:00, Free entry, Stanford Table. SATURDAY 28 JUNE: GERMAN CUISINE, guest chef: Martin Sauer,19:00, R95-R135, Stanford Table. THURSDAY 3 JULY: TALK – VITAL VILLAGES WILL SURVIVE, Harry Poortman South African Cuisine, guest chef: William from Mosaic Private Sanctuary 18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table FRIDAY 4 JULY: SAX, SOUP & SHERRY, Miso Markovina on saxophone and Andrew Herriot on keyboard18:30, R150, Stanford Table SATURDAY 5 JULY: CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL & LIVE MUSIC 12:00, R80 Stanford Hills Estate. SUNDAY 6 JULY: LITERARY LUNCH:Diane AwerbuckGuest chef: Madre’s Country Kitchen Chef, 12:15, R180, Madre’s Country Kitchen. TUESDAY 8 JULY: SOUL FOOD AND BANTING (Tim Noake's style food)10:00-15:00, Stanford Table. TUESDAY 8 JULY: SPICY FOOD AND SWINGING 70 SONGS, Curry, Stanford Musicians take you back to the swinging 70s, 18:30, R180 Stanford Table. WEDNESDAY 9 JULY: TALK – PETER CHADWICK ON BIRDING, 18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table. FRIDAY 11 JULY: SOUL FOOD AND BANTING (Tim Noakes)10:00-15:00, cost TBC, Stanford Table. SATURDAY 12 JULY: AN EVENING WITH VIOLINIST IVO IVANOV, cost TBC, Stanford Table. SUNDAY 13 JULY: LITERARY LUNCH – Daniel Jardim, 12:00, cost TBC, Stanford Table. TUESDAY 15 JULY: SOUL FOOD AND BANTING (Tim Noake's style food) 10:00-15:00, cost TBC, Stanford Table WEDNESDAY 16 JULY: TALK – PETER CHADWICK ON THE WONDERS OF DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE,18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table. THURSDAY 17 JULY: TALK – PANTHERA AFRICA, Cathrine Nyquist and Lizaene Cornwall, 18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table FRIDAY 18 JULY: SOUL FOOD AND BANTING (Tim Noake's style food)10:00-15:00, cost TBC, Stanford Table. FRIDAY 18 JULY: TALK – JAMES GRAY ON SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON: A snowball’s hope in hell, 18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table. SUNDAY 20 JULY: LITERARY LUNCH – EMMALEEN KRIEL, guest chef Marcelle du Preez, 12:00, R175, Stanford Table.. TUESDAY 22 JULY: SOUL FOOD AND BANTING (Tim Noake's style food) 10:00-15:00, cost TBC, Stanford Table. TUESDAY 22 JULY: STANFORD CONSERVATION: Queen Victoria Street rejuvenation project. Community feedback,18:00, free, Stanford Table. FRIDAY 25 JULY: DINNER – CHRISTMAS IN JULY, guest Chef Sanity Farm,18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table. TUESDAY 29 JULY: TALK – WHALES KATJA VINDING-PETERSEN,18:30, cost TBC, Stanford Table.
Monday 8h30am, Monday & Wednesday 5h30pm, Friday 10h30am Maitri Yoga, Tasha Saha, 076 968 8608. Monday 5.30pm, 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. Malcolm 084 441 0961. Wednesday Wednesday Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, 082 350 0253. Thursdays 18:30-21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions 071 382 9033 Thursdays 8h30 - 9h45am Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, Leli 082 35 0253 Thursdays 10 - 11h00 Yoga Light for Seniors with Leli, 36 Longmarket St,´The Pink House´, Leli 082 35 0253 Friday, 5pm, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877. Saturday, 09.30am – 12pm, Stanford Saturday Morning Market, Stanford Hotel Veranda, 028 3410 591.
WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:30 in die kerkgebou. Office, tel 028 3410 966. ST THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH Morton St, contact Father Joseph Gabriëls 028 3410588 First Sunday of the month 10:30 Communion (Afr) Second Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) Third Sunday of the month 08:00 Communion (Eng) Fourth Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service. Pastor Johnny van der Schyff • 028 3410 422. VG KERK (next to De Bron School) 10:00 Sunday morning. Maureen Diedericks 028 3410 691. STANFORD UNITED CHURCH, meets at St Thomas Church, Morton St. Interdenominational. English service at 6pm Sunday. Bible Study, 7pm Tuesday night at 45 Queen Victoria St. Secretary Kerri Brokensha 028 341 0077. STANFORD RIVER TALK 21
Email: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 079 523 8453
ACCOMMODATION A Stanford Country Cottage Beloftebos Cottages Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage
082 320 0982 082 391 5331 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 028 341 0444 083 553 0663
ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 Allan Youens 082 903 4432 ARCHITECTURE Maureen Wolters Grant Anderson
082 450 3970 072 364 3694
ART Kunsklas
072 822 9970
BONDS/ HOME LOANS Tania Weich CUPBOARDS Youre Style Cupboards
084 728 7345 076 222 2063 082 327 6518
COMPUTERS Compuworld SMB Solutions 028 341 0718 084 705 6719 CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel
028 313 2814 082 781 1704
ENGINEERS Jardine Consulting Engineers 082 359 2287 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
HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat
082 320 0982 072 616 0976
HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages
082 320 0982
INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters
028 341 0209 082 450 397
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Klein River Picnics
028 3410 693
PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels
028 341 0961 028 341 0961
PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588 RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Barke Restaurant Marianas Springfontein Eats The Vine TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television
073 160 4495 028 312 1890
WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel
WATER TESTING
Free telephone listing and advertising bookings The Stanford River Talk Directory will list personal and business telephone numbers in and around the village. This A5 booklet is used daily by Stanford residents, thus ensuring maximum coverage for your business. 3000 copies of Stanford River Talk Directory 2014/2015 will be printed and distributed for free throughout Stanford, in tourism bureaus and selected guesthouses in Hermanus, Gansbaai, Napier, Bredasdorp, Caledon, Hangklip Kleinmond and Cape Town.
For any enquiries please contact Sandra: design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or phone 079 523 8453.
082 391 5331 028 313 2814 082 781 1704
WINE CELLAR & SALES Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate
028 313 2814 028 341 0116 028 341 0272 028 341 0651 073 553 0676 028 341 0662
028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841
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)
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
APRIL
MAY
E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)
0
0
0
APRIL
78
66
Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)
MAY
1553
1414
Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 46
STANFORD RIVER TALK 22
2014/2015
List your business for just R12.50 a month (only R150/year). Please update your details and renew your listing.
telephone directory
.
Stanford
local services & facilities
0 0
Celebrations in Stanford
Ronja Conrad 2 July
Rasheed Khota 10 July
Peter Ground 2 July
Viv Gravenor 12 July
Melinda Jacobs 2 July
Craig Templer 20 July
If there is a birthday coming up or special occasion you want to share with the village please email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za
Ripley Robertshaw 6 July
Andrew Herriot 7 July
Tony Roper 7 July
Kilian Conrad 20 July
Gian Bester 23 July
Wanya van der Walt 24 July
Flip en Tina Louw celebrate their 14th anniversary on 1 July.
Joe van Huyssteen 26 July
Belinda Heald 28 July
Tasha Saha 28 July
RAINFALL STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
ave
Jan
12
8.5
19
14
35
37
104
32.7
Feb
25
11
17.5
20
16
16
17
17.5
March
27
20.5
20
26
28.5
29
25
25.14
April
21.5
27.6
30
56
53.3
54
48
41.4
May
31.5
55
66.5
83
43.5
55
30
52.7
June
50.5
106.3
91.5
88
86
84
139
92
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 23