STANFORD RIVER TALK
Volume 115 | MARCH 2015 | Stanford‘s monthly newspaper | R14
g n o l a p o H d r o f n a t S
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eds notes March bursts through the door like Seinfeld's neighbour, Kramer. A coolth sneaks in through the windows and doorways in the evenings while the vines begin to rust on the mountain slopes. The year has picked up speed as kids get into the homework groove. Parents start checking for the next public holiday and flipping through the travel specials in the newspaper, dreaming of a break after the break-neck holiday season. Work has charged through the gears and settled into fifth, and it is time to spend the weekends doing that long overdue house maintenance before the seasons shuffle past. This month brings a few new changes to our pages as Karen McKee changes tack with her first Village Life (Page 13). James Yeats, long-time Stanford local and short film maker takes over Screen Talk with a nod to the Oscars (Page 15) and local dentist, Dr Wanya van der Walt is back with Health Talk in which she tackles lice (Page 9). Our News and Updates section is bursting with village news from our schools and committees, and we welcome new families to town (Welcome, Page 13 ). We also salute our fellow South Africans on Human Rights Day (Page 7). Why not try to give back to the community on 21 March? Our churches, charities and projects are always grateful for help in any form as they tirelessly serve those in the village who need support. And let's step outside and leave the car at home. Walking or cycling around Stanford allows you the time to appreciate the best of South Africa and her vibrant people.
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Write to us
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 Anonymous letters will not be published.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.
So long, and thanks for all the cheese We have just recently sold our business and it’s been an exciting, if not also an emotional, couple of weeks at Klein River Cheese. Klein River was never just a business to us. It was my Oupa’s farm and my dad's inheritance; it was my mom and dad's first home; it holds my sister and my childhood memories, and later my daughter's too. I think that’s why it’s been so hard for us to let go. The cheesery is 20 years old this year, and is a multi-award-winning company that has been hailed as one of the country’s most successful cheese businesses. If I think back to when it all began, I am really proud of what my parents have accomplished. In 1976 when my mom and dad first moved onto Kleinrivierskloof, it was a little dairy farm with a herd of Friesland cattle supplying Bonnita with fresh milk. Soon they started bottling their own milk and I remember going with my dad in our big truck to deliver milk to the restaurants and cafés in Stanford, Gansbaai and Hermanus. Jenna (my sister) and my December school holidays were spent labelling milk bottles; packing 'sakkies' and building houses out of milk crates. While my dad ran the milk bottling machine, my mom was phoned
orders and did invoices. And my Oupa was commanded the milking parlour along with Wessel, the farm manager. In later years we turned to cheese making, we filled a convoy of vehicles to travel to Franschhoek for the SA Cheese Festival to promote our cheeses. This became an annual practice and a much cherished memory. It was more than just the feedback from the public and their genuine delight with our creations that made these moments special. We enjoyed each other's company as everyone came together to help. It has always been a family business with all hands on deck! During all this time we had the assistance of the most fantastic team of employees, many of whom have been with us since the very start and became our extended family. They played an integral part in the success of our business and will continue to do so under the new ownership. We have also had the most amazing support and encouragement from our customers, business associates and even strangers. However, being a proudly Stanfordian cheesery we mostly appreciated all the local support. It has been a phenomenal journey we have shared with all of you. Ultimately the decision to sell was made easier by meeting the Baleta family who share our passion for tradition. Peter and Maggie together with their three adult children, Hannah, Nicholas, and Mathew,
contact us • EDITOR – Phil Murray 082 667 0619 philippa.murray@gmail.com • ADVERTSING & LAYOUT – Sandra Slabbert 079 523 8453 design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • ACCOUNTS – Michelle Hardie ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za find our business page on FACEBOOK
Klein River Cheese family: (From left) Sandy Jardine, Riaan Lourens, Shelley Lourens, Nicholas Baleta, Jacko Van Beulen, Peter Baleta and Maggie Baleta.
are currently settling into the farmhouse. During the initial year we will remain close at hand to offer guidance, although the Baletas will officially take over from 1 March 2015. The Baleta family are from Tzaneen where they have farmed for the last 32 years. They started a world-class independent high school and maintain a successful atchar business. The Baletas are dedicated, talented, capable and very excited to start their new venture. We believe they are the perfect fit for Klein River Cheese and that the business will prosper under their leadership. We wish them many happy years making their own memories at Klein River Cheese and in Stanford!
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Suzanne Francois-Rossouw, Andrew Herriot, Mike Horn, Olga Koorts, Karen McKee, Don MacIver, Martin Ranger, Bryan Robertson, Tasha Saha, Naas Terblanche Wanya van der Walt, Bea Whittaker and James Yeats.
COVER ART: Kaylin Pieters in the Leap Frog Art Competition. 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.
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letters to the editor
Where have all the weavers gone? When we first settled in Stanford 30 years ago, a few of us living on the waterfront moored our boats in the reeds. There were hundreds of weavers' nests around and the air was filled with the chirping, chattering and fluttering of our beautiful coloured friends. We even named our house 'Weavers Lodge.' Reedy, steady, gone: The banks of the Now there is complete Klein River. silence! All the reeds have been ruthlessly chopped down, some of which still contained newly built nests. The whole area has been flattened and now resembles a huge grassed parkland. More often than not, the visitors utilising the commercial touring boats and others who park their cars indiscriminately anywhere and anyhow on this huge parking, now even park on our front lawn! Why was it necessary to turn this area into such a large parkland? Are the organisers trying to compete with the Durban beachfront? Will swings, waterslides and jumping jacks be following? Apparently, all this is to beautify the Wandelpad. How wide does the Wandelpad have to be to walk a dog, even if you possess a Great Dane? Most of the folks that have houses on the waterfront feel hard done by. We residents would have appreciated being referred to for suggestions when all the planning took place. After all, we will be most affected. How many of us are aware that the reeds also have a cleansing effect on the water? They act as a filtration agent. The absence of reeds must be replaced with a deep-rooted Fynbos. Speak to the experts in this field – I hope that they will correlate my views. By the way, as there is not a public toilet within a mile of this waterfront section, perhaps the organisers can tell us where the visitors with their hot sweaty bodies will go when they want to relieve themselves – in the river? The next time you swim alongside your dog and swallow a mouthful of water, give this some thought. Ralph Rosen
Save Stanford’s trees Many readers will have noticed the sorry state of the trees on the village green, not to mention those on pavements. Many are battling to grow due to the annual drought. Some years ago Stanford Conservation (SCT) used the municipal trailer and mobile water tank to water the trees planted but two years ago we were told that no private person or organisation is allowed to use any municipal asset for insurance reasons. In October 2014, the SCT provided the municipality with a street map, indicating all trees that needed watering but the trees still showed signs of water stress. After contacting the Municipality, the trees were watered once. At the February Ward Committee meeting the subject was heatedly debated. Due to the larger trailer not being available at the moment, the Municipality has been using a very small water container to water the trees. The situation will improve once the larger trailer and container are available, but a more effective and practical solution has to be found. Unfortunately it is not possible to irrigate trees on pavements as the SCT does on the c/o Sillery and Sanie Badenhorst. The Municipality cannot provide multiple water points so the SCT has to rely on the Municipality, who says that it does not have the manpower. The SCT is willing to take on the task with the help of the Green Team, but they may not use a municipal asset. Catch 22! Is there a solution? Does anyone have a water tank on a trailer the SCT may use? Please contact Tracy Paton 073 687 3215 or Basil Whittaker on 028 341 0430. Bea Whittaker Chairperson SCT
Voedsel vir die siel
Woensdag 18 Februarie is die orrel in die NG Kerk gespeel soos in geen jare nie. Internasionaal-bekende Nederlandse orrelspeler Martin Mans en panfluitspeler Carina Boesenbroek het die siel gevoed met hemelse musiek wat tot by die markplein gehoor kon word. Panis Angelicus, ‘n trio met plaaslike sopraan Bea Whittaker, was van die hoogtepunte die aand. Mense het van so ver as Pringlebaai en Swellendam gekom om die uitvoering by te woon. Knap gedaan aan die plaaslike toerismekantoor en die NG Kerk wat op die nippertjie uitgehelp het om die uitvoering in Stanford te hou toe dit in Hermanus gekanselleer is. Phil Pienaar, Hermanus. The organ and panflute performance at the NG Church on 18 February was attended by people as far away as Pringle Bay and Swellendam. Panis Angelicus, a trio with local soprano Bea Whittaker, was the highlight of the evening.
Bulldozer of change We heartily endorse the comments of Annie Ranger in the February edition of Stanford River Talk, in which she responded to ‘An Observer’. Further to Annie’s comments, the ‘Observer’ suggested that we should never believe anyone and that we should simply accept change as there is nothing one can do about it. What a sad world it would be if we could never believe anyone. Surely change which impacts on the community should be discussed with those affected? In October 2014 a section of Wandelpad between King and Quick Streets, once an area of natural beauty enjoyed by bathers, fishermen, birders, residents and picnickers, was graded and gravelled for the first time in living memory. This has now become a busy, noisy and dusty thoroughfare even used by sewage vehicles and random speedsters, much to the annoyance and detriment of the aforementioned bathers, picnickers, etc. Stanford definitely lost a slice of its natural charm. This ‘change’ was implemented without any debate or discussion with the residents which is hardly what one would expect in our small village. Then again, it would not be surprising if those responsible for the implementation do not even reside in our village. Butch Zeederberg, 25 Quick Street (on the Wandelpad) STANFORD RIVER TALK 4
Midweek performance: Martin Mans, Carina Bossenbroek and Bea Whittaker played to the delight of Overbergers.
Stanford loves dogs Blonde bombshells: Chris and Wendy Moll had the pleasure of a big family get-together, best friends included.
WARD COMMITTEE FEEDBACK Meeting held 12 February 2015 •DECEMBER LAW ENFORCEMENT The lack of promised visible law enforcement at the riverfront during the December holidays was heatedly discussed, with the undertaking that (a) the matter will be investigated, (b) a telephone number will be provided for immediate response, and (c) there will be discussions between the municipality and the Stanford Police concerning the Police’s co-operation to resolve issues such as the intimidation of fellow recreational users, indecent swimming and language practices, stone-throwing etc. •STANFORD HOUSING PROJECT There is no progress on the new housing project as the environmental requirements still have to be finalised. The municipality promised to provide feedback at the next meeting. These are the reasons for the delay in transferring the properties already occupied into the names of the owners. •PAVEMENT @ COMMUNITY CENTRE PRECINCT The engineering design was discussed with local landscape architect Bernard Oberholzer, who is happy with the design thereof as it fits into the future community centre precinct concept. Although the municipality oversees the project, it is funded by a portion of the Greenest Town prize money (Department of Environmental Affairs) award in 2012 and 2013. Some costly engineering works are required before the pavement can be laid, which may jeopardise the laying of the entire pavement from De Bruyn to Mathilda May Street. The Ward Committee would like the entire project to be completed in one go as this is the busiest vehicular and pedestrian road in Stanford. Is there a person and/ or business out there who can volunteer their professional services, equipment, etc. for requirements such as land surveying, graders, moving electricity poles? Please call Bob Broom 028 341 0297 or Bea Whittaker 028 341 0430 if you can assist. • REGISTRATION OF BOAT LAUNCHING SITES The Department of Environmental Affairs requested the municipality to list all existing boat launching sites, as these need to be registered with the Department. A public meeting was held in January, and was well attended by Stanford residents. Two slipways were listed in Stanford: Du Toit and King Street respectively. The department will now assess each site, determine the facilities required for each site and/or conclude that certain sites may not be suitable. • VISIBLE STREET NUMBERS PLEASE make sure that your street number is visible! This is important for any type of emergency – whether it is required by the SAPS, ambulance, fire brigade or for your visitors. • GRANT-IN AID Organisations that apply for these grants need to note that the applications will probably be available for completion in March. • PLAYGROUND While the erection of the wooden playground equipment on the village green by certain community members is moving very slowly, the municipality will put up the first equipment on the other identified playground area (c/o Moore and Queen Victoria). It has to be noted that this area will not be fenced in, as is the case with all the other playground areas in Stanford. The one on the village green is an exception as it has to prevent vehicular thoroughfare. • WATERING OF TREES ON MUNICIPAL PROPERTY/ SIDEWALKS The annual summer problem of the municipality not watering trees on the market square, on pavements or on municipal land was discussed in detail. Stanford Conservation is prepared to assist the municipality with the help of the Green Team, but is not allowed to use the municipal trailer and mobile water tank. Mr Myburgh promised to look into the matter, but by then it may be too late to save some of our trees. Read more about this on page 4. Bea Whittaker
news and updates
Seats in the upright position Parents of local children say they love the new plane, and possibly even the piles of sand more. This jungle gym is the start of a play area organised by the Ward Committee. If anyone else is willing or able to contribute please liaise with the Municipality or contact Bea Whittaker milkwood@maxitec. co.za Ready for take-off: Local kids love the new park area.
Leap Frog Art Competition Thank you to the schools and 173 pupils who entered the Leap Frog Art Competition. Local artist, Sanette Upton, and frog conservationist, Naas Terblanche, spent hours judging the art which is displayed in the Stanford Tourism Office. Well done to all who participated, and the winners. You will be contacted to receive your WHILENE SPEELMAN prizes. Age 4–9: 1st Rachel Horn, 2nd Erin Dreyer, 3rd Tucker Chancey Age10 – 13:1st Asana Miles, 2nd Sara Walne, 3rd Mitchell Temmers Special acknowledgements: Christolene de Wee, Whilene Speelman, Inatho Tshiseka, Siyamthanda Ngaleka, Jade Coetzee
Office space to let in Morton Square Corner of Daneel and Morton Streets - Stanford
• From 1 April 2015 • Comprises upstairs and downstairs approximately 32m2 • Close to coffee shop
STANFORD PROPERTY SALES
Six properties in Stanford were issued with sales certificates in and February. These figures include name transfers.
• WiFi Contact Peter Wolters for more information 082 449 7496, bookings@stanfordstay.co.za STANFORD RIVER TALK 5
news and updates
CPF NEWS • Shift of the Quarter (October – December 2014) Stanford SAPS arranges its policing units into four teams or shifts. As mentioned in the November edition of the Stanford River Talk, the CPF has introduced a quarterly reward system to the shift that has consistently worked the hardest in their duties. In consultation with senior police officers, the CPF has decided to recognise the team that made the most arrests in the last three months of 2014. This team was responsible for making twenty one arrests, of which seventeen were drug-related crimes. Congratulations to all of Constable Anele Sigwili (team leader), Constable Ashley Prins, Constable Thamsanqa Cekiso and Constable Burnerd Arendse for their efforts. At a recent ceremony, Vice Chairman Sarah Phillips thanked the shift for their work whilst at the same time handing over Pick n Pay vouchers, paid with CPF funds, to each member of the shift. Captain Africa has supported this initiative by sponsoring a floating trophy to be awarded to each winning shift. The CPF now calls on Stanford businesses to come forward to sponsor vouchers for the next quarterly award in April. In this regard, please contact Kevin Husk on 082 809 3585.
To serve and protect: Constable Thamsanqa Cekiso, Constable Ashley Prins, Captain Africa, Constable Anele Sigwili, Constable Burnerd Arendse, Sarah Phillips (Vice Chairman of the CPF) and Warrant Officer Blayi.
• Complaints Registers Provision has been made for any member of the public to lay a complaint with SAPS in regard to either unsatisfactory police work or violations of the liquor laws. Warrant Officer Booysen and Sergeant Johnson are the policemen to contact respectively. Complaints registers are available in the charge office to record the details of the complaints. • Imbizo Gang-related crime led to an increase in violence in Stanford on Sunday, 22 February. Eventually, the R43 to Gansbaai was also closed. Neighbouring SAPS vehicles assisted the Stanford SAPS in controlling the situation, along with Fire and Rescue volunteers. In this regard, Captain Africa has agreed to hold a public meeting, or Imbizo, on Thursday, 12 March at 18:00 in the Stanford Community Hall. All are welcome to attend and ask questions. Stanford CPF sponsored food for the visiting SAPS and Fire Department members. Thank you to Stanford Motors who sponsored cold drinks. Stuart Anderson
Happy snapping The Cape Town Photographic Society chose to mark their 125th anniversary by visiting Stanford on 20-21 February. Over thirty of their members spent the weekend between Eagleyes Guest House and the Stanford River Lodge. At the welcoming function hosted at Eagleyes, Chantel Oosthuysen Smile for the camera: (From left) from Stanford Tourism Richard Goldschmidt (CT Photographic presented each visitor with Society Council member), Chantel a goodie bag containing a Oosthuysen and Detlef Basel (Council Whale Coast Conservation President). keyring, map of the wandelpad, bottled water and various local brochures. Countless photographs were taken during the weekend when they enjoyed cruises on the Kleinriver, braais at Eagleyes, breakfasts at Coffee Corner and Coffee on the Rocks and a guided Heritage Walk around Stanford. Lindsay Frith
On Saturday 14 February at 17:50, I entered the Milkwood Grove off Queen Victoria Street and was astounded to see a fire in an old, hollow milkwood tree. I ran home to get Lana to call Graig Niemand and fetch my camera. When I got back, Lindy (new Stanford resident) had enlisted the aid of nearby builders to start putting out the fire with buckets of water. Graig arrived soon after to finish the job. Well done and thank you to Lindy, the builders and Graig because it’s possible that we Arson on the Wandelpad: Quick may have lost the entire thinking saved this grand old tree Milkwood Grove! There were no possible culprits to be seen, even though the fire must have been started minutes before I arrived. Arson seems to be Stanford’s new sport! Tony Coates
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STANFORD RIVER TALK 6
French cars on the Green On Friday, 21 February a group of classic Citroens arrived in Stanford. They were on a road trip from the northern tip of South Africa to the southernmost point. That day they were on their way from Agulhas to Cape Town and decided to stop in Stanford for lunch. Stanford Tourism
news and updates
Bent but not broken Here we are (me and my good mate, Smutsie) on Day 2, somewhere about one hour into our six hour, 26km portage from Hippo Rapid. Our joyous day of paddling came to an abrupt end on a small, rather rocky waterfall we were not supposed to attempt to shoot (we only found this out afterwards). In total we took eight and a half hours to complete Day 2 (usually a four hour leg) and carried the boat for 26km which consisted of about 6 hours of 'trapping' up and down the Valley of a Thousand Hills). We made it to the end of Day 2 in last position, had the boat repaired overnight and then had a great three hour final day. This was definitely the most adventurous of the five Dusi Canoe Marathons I have done so far. Sean Privett
It was a real Dusi: Mark Smuts and Sean Privett on their 26km portage.
Tourism Talk ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ International and domestic arrivals in the Western Cape are on the rise. Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, said in a press conference on 23 February 2015 that international arrivals at Cape Town Airport went up by 3.2% in December 2014 compared to the same month last year. January 2015 saw an even bigger increase in arrivals, with 8.2% year-on-year. 'We’re seeing an increase in international and domestic tourists, and we are seeing greater movement of tourists to regions across the province,' said Minister Winde. Visitor numbers have been increasing since 2012. Events are the key drivers in coastal towns, attracting thousands of visitors to festivals and markets. 'The Snoek Derby in Yzerfrontein attracted 10 000 visitors. In Vredendal, the Matzikama Somerfees drew 3 000 visitors. These numbers, which bring huge economic benefit to small towns, illustrate the importance of the events economy,' said Minister Winde. Tourism has been earmarked as a priority sector for the next five years, as part of Project Khulisa, a growth and job creation strategy. Minister Winde stated that it is currently worth R17 billion and employs over 200 000 people formally and hundreds of thousands more informally. A major goal will be addressing seasonality, ensuring traditional off-peak periods have growing numbers. Source: www.dampl.co.za Tourism Committee
Organic Sanitising of: Mattresses • Bedding • Carpets • Curtains • Pet’s Beds Dry and Wet Process Cleaning: • Carpets • Rugs and Mats • Upholstery • Mattresses Neil Billson 084 557 8591 neil.billsoninza@gmail.com www.organicpowerclean.co.za
REST EASILY OLD FRIEND Louisa and Bernie Oberholzer lost their devoted friend, Tigger, who will be missed by all of Stanford.
Human Rights Day, 21 March In 1960, the people of South Africa were classified first by race, and then separated in their schools, towns, public transport and careers by the Apartheid system. Even their relationships with other people were limited by their race classification. The Pass Laws restricted the movement of people and dictated who had permission to live, travel and work where they pleased. On 21 March 1960, people gathered outside the fence of the Sharpeville Police Station in order to publicly burn their 'dompas' books and reject the Pass Laws. The police opened fire with live ammunition, killing 69 and wounding 180. The world looked on in horror as reports of people being shot in their backs as they fled, leaked out. From this point onwards, the peaceful resistance movement took up the armed struggle as South Africa plunged into the darkest part of Apartheid, effectively cutting South Africa off from the eyes of the world as the government tried to silence the resistance. Today, we still honour all the people who risked everything and lost their lives at Sharpeville, as well as those who continued to fight the system until Apartheid ended. What will you do this Human Rights Day? STANFORD RIVER TALK 7
school talk Dr Baerbel Reckhardt (Head of i-MedVision) has found her way to Funimfundo. This highly qualified paediatrician from Berlin visited the school and was immediately taken with both the children and the enthusiastic teachers. She has offered her services in training them to enable them to deal with the most common diseases in children on an ongoing basis for 18 months each time she visits this Shining health: Children country. and teachers benefit from She has already started with her i-MedVision. long term sustainable approach to lower healthcare risks, and improve the quality of care given to our children. She teaches how to treat simple diseases with home remedies which can be grown in the school garden, and to use her much proven medical e-learning platform and diagnostic help application. The carers learn to think about prevention, learn about childhood development, healthy nutrition and how to support the children in a holistic way. The workshop starts with paediatric basics such as childhood pain and moves through lung diseases, stomach disorders, skin diseases, infectious diseases and child neurology including foetal alcohol syndrome. Next year she will concentrate on health prevention such as hygiene, dental health, vaccinations, nutrition, childhood development and special needs such as behaviour disorders, addiction prevention and violence prevention. By the end of this programme our teachers will surely reap the rewards and our children will receive a more rounded and holistic introduction to health and wellness, and will be well equipped to venture out into the world of ‘big school’. How lucky our children, teachers and community are to have such a generous person come into our lives! Lyn Prins
DIE BRON On Saturday, 21 February, the Football Foundation and Grootbos team hosted a gardening activity, games and a braai at Die Bron. The 20 Die Bron learners involved with the 11 week Food for Sport programme, were asked to bring their best friends along. After learning more about how the planter boxes work, the learners had a chance to paint their apple boxes before planting a variety of seeds. Thank you to the Grootbos Football Foundation for these generous vegetable boxes. Carina Nicholson, Educator
GANSBAAI ACADEMIA We want to congratulate the principal, Mr Tommy Wilson and a teacher, Mr Wilton Philips, who lives in Stanford, for preparing the successful bid for the Rachel’s Angels market day. Last week the Rachel’s Angels Trust announced that Gansbaai Academia would host the bi-annual event at the Gansbaai sports facilities on 28 March 2015. Winning bid: Mr The Media24 Rachel's Angels Trust is Wilton Philips. recognised by stakeholders as an entity that makes a measurable contribution to excellence in secondary school education in the Western Cape. Through an effective mentorship programme, grade 11 and 12 learners are empowered to make a positive contribution to the South African economy and society. Gansbaai Academia has been part of this family for four years and our second group of seven Angels are going to compete with the other 29 schools participating in the programme on the market day to promote entrepreneurship. Only two of these schools are based in the Overberg area whilst the rest will be transported by bus from over the mountain. The event has been a great success wherever it was held in the past. We expect about 4000 people to visit us on this fun-filled day between 10:00 and 16:00. There will also be a huge kiddie’s play area to cater for the younger ones. The entrance fee will be R20 for adults, R10 for younger ones and those under the age of 6 will be free. Other news is that 770 learners enrolled at Academia this year. It seems that three buses will now be used to transport over two hundred learners from the Stanford area. The new initiatives at the school are all up and running, with all equipment for the maths and science school installed. Our first group of learners with learning difficulties has been identified and they are already receiving specialised teaching. Ernst H Nieuwoudt Chairperson School Governing Body
On Saturday 14 February at Grabouw Stadium it was the South Boland Athletics. Five learners took part and showed that they can compete with the best: Anela Zanempi (GU12) 4th – discus Jayden Dreyer (BU9) 4th – 60m Jomanian Rooi (GU11) 4th – 80m Natalie Kapot (GU11) 3rd – 80m; 4th – 100m Joe Heen Cornelius (GU12) 3rd – shot put On Tuesday 17 February three learners took part in the ASLA Athletics at High School Strand. This was a wonderful opportunity for our learners to measure themselves against 16 of the best schools in the Western Cape. We can proudly report that our learners did very exceptionally well. Well done girls! Anela Zanempi (GU12) 8th – 800m; 7th –100m; 5th – 80m hurdles Jomanian Rooi (GU11) 7th – 800m; 5th – 100m; 5th – 80m hurdles Natalie Kapot (GU11) 3rd – 800m; 3rd – 100m; 4th – 80m hurdles On Saturday 21 February Natalie Kapot and Joe Heen Cornelius represented the South Boland Athletics Team in Paarl. We would like to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements! Natalie Kapot made it to the semi-finals in her event.
Painting the veggie planters: Pupils painted their fruit bin planters which were donated by the Grootbos Football Foundation. STANFORD RIVER TALK 8
Joe Heen Cornelius finished 9th overall in the shot put.
school talk OKKIE SMUTS Okkie Smuts held its Athletics Day on 30 January on the Village Green. It was a glorious hot day and the pupils were most grateful for the shade provided by Andries and Coia de Villiers. Spirits were high, and pupils and families enjoyed a great day outdoors. Congratulations to all who took part, and thank you to all those who helped.
Leap Frog Day Ribbit, ribbit: Buzzy Bees pupils dressed in green and made masks to mark Leap Frog Day on 28 February.
Chook Chook Fete Medal winners: (Back row from left) Mark Kruger, Mnr Koekemoer, Willene Dreyer, Vuyo Mbangeni, Mary Ann Lewies (Middle row) Odwa Jini, Ayesha Apolisi, Nelissa Yana, Alvah Cillie, Matthew Privett, Likho Apolisi (Front Row) Junior Dickson, Emma Privett, Mattheo Barends, Tamson Jaars and Sandise Ngene.
Willene Dreyer het ons skool naam hoog gehou by die volgende sport geleenthede (D/O13): • 6 Februarie, Walkerbaai Atletiek: 1ste –1500m • 21 Februarie, Boland byeenkoms: 16de – 1500m.
Well done to the Okkie Smuts U9 cricket team who travelled to Wellington on 21 February to participate in the KFC Cricket Tournament. They beat their opponents from Paarl.
Chook Chook, the daycare centre behind the garage, has been growing due to the closing of a school year at Buzzy Bees. We have, with the parents' help, been working on a new classroom and making a play area for the children. With this in mind, please support our fund-raising fete on 7 March, 08:00 on the Village Green. There will be face painting, a cake sale, a white elephant table, quad bike rides, boerewors rolls and fun for the whole family. Caitlin Hague
Head lice
health talk
Dr Wanya van der Walt tackles lice head on Head lice are very common parasites which have no preference for any race, age or gender, or financial or social status. There is an enormous stigma attached to head lice. Children are vulnerable and sensitive so please think before you react when your child has lice. Your example might just make or break a child’s self confidence. • How do I recognise if my child has head lice? A giveaway is head scratching and visible small eggs about the size of a needle point that are attached to the hair especially in the area around the back of the ears, base of the neck and the crown of the head. • How do I treat or remove the lice? There are many products on the market. Some products kill the lice on contact; others only the eggs, some create a smear layer that coats the hair and deters any attachment by either lice or egg. In the end it’s all about personal preference. Having helped out a few friends and their children dealing with the problem, here’s my advice. This is hard work and you are going to have to put your back into it.
Winners: Ryan Bantom, Nelissa yana, Sandise Bangani, Kilian Conrad, Liyema Gqirana, Nico Nieuwoudt, Cheikh Cisse, Veronique Moses
Around the World Fiesta! Okkie Smuts is hosting its annual food fair featuring delicious tastes from around the world. Everyone is welcome to relish the international flavours from nine different countries including Spain, Jamaica and Japan while being entertained by the pupils. 27 March, 16h00 – 18h00, R100 per ticket booklet. Ticket booklets for all nine taste sensations will be sold at Okkie Smuts office until 20 March.
• The remedy Wash the hair with warm water and a combination of shampoo mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil. Rinse with white vinegar. Coat the hair with an oil based product, coconut oil seems to work the best and cover the hair with a plastic cap. Spend at least an hour in full sun which makes the lice eggs swell and loosen. Take a fine tooth lice comb, (which is readily available from the pharmacy) and comb through the hair taking a small section at a time. The build-up of the oil on the comb also pushes the eggs out of the hair. After each comb-through rinse the comb thoroughly in warm water with some vinegar. It is very important to try and remove all the lice and all the eggs. One missed louse can lay hundreds of eggs. When removed a lice will die within 12 hours if not reintroduced to a new habitat. Repeat this treatment for five days and then rinse once a week with vinegar. You can also add tea tree oil to your shampoo and conditioner. Do not use any pesticide spray like Doom or pet products on humans. Wash all linen clothes, hats, scarves and pillows in very hot soapy water and leave to dry in direct sunlight. Do not share combs, hats, beanies, elastic bands, etc. Let’s try and break the lice cycle in our community! STANFORD RIVER TALK 9
Our gallery restaurant is on a working sheep farm and the atmosphere is relaxed. Make yourselves at home, and share one of our delicious cheese platters with friends or choose from the menu. The Sunday harvest table is gaining in popularity so booking is highly recommended. Open Wednesday - Sunday. 8:30 - 17:00 FOR DIRECTIONS AND FURTHER INFO: 084 263 6727 • 083 409 8126 TURN UP THE ROAD TO MADRES, GO 300m AND YOU WILL SEE THE SIGN ON THE RIGHT.
FINANCE MATTERS
Do you wanna bet? The Old Boar questions whether or not we can survive the state of our nation SONA is now behind us. Is that the end of parliament as we have known it? By the time you read this the budget will have been digested as well. Its presentation is unlikely to be subject to the interruptions that other parliamentary speeches have been lately but its impact will be with us for a lot longer. For all kinds of reasons from Nkandla to SAA and from Medupi to the Post Office, the fiscus needs money to maintain the corrupt lifestyles of our leaders and their cohorts. The public service unions want a 15% increase this year. The bloated public service probably has twice the number of employees it needs and any increase of this magnitude is plainly unaffordable as tax revenues continue to be eroded. This could portend that we are about to enter an unusually tough or perhaps even violent ‘strike season’. The market has been surprisingly strong so far this year. Does it signify that our country's bonds will soon be downgraded to junk status? Does it foretell of our currency racing down the value stakes to compete with the Zim dollar? Many pundits feel that the low oil price is here to stay for a year or two and that will give us some relief both on the balance of payments (making the rand stronger) and leaving more cash available for the man in the street to spend. That alone could keep the wheels turning – literally and figuratively! Stanford has enough water for its own use, and enough fertile ground to grow a good proportion of its food requirements. What about power? Quite a number of villages in Germany are selfsufficient in electric power, something that we should be possibly belooking at. Twenty years ago Eskom was a world class utility with plans for an Africa-wide power grid. Is anyone prepared to bet on Eskom overcoming its mismanaged recent past in less than five years? STANFORD RIVER TALK 10
Book a delicious picnic lunch to enjoy on the banks of the river or on the lawns in our beautiful country setting. 7 km outside Stanford on Route 326 028 341 0693 | www.kleinrivercheese.co.za | info@kleinrivercheese.co.za VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE SOAPBOX
Shades of ray Martin Ranger squints into the glare You know, I really thought that by the time I reached my sixties I would have answers to most of life’s mysteries. It’s true that I do know that behind the mateyness of ‘Simply click here’ and ‘One easy phone call’ lies a huge labyrinth of complexity. I understand that when a call centre operator enquires as to the state of my health they don’t really care a toss about my reply. However, there remains one great mystery to resolve: how is it that if a pair of perfectly serviceable sunglasses available in pharmacies and supermarkets can be produced to sell for around R90, why does a so-called designer pair retail at ten to twenty times that amount? (And how can a street seller in Bangkok offer fake replicas for $10?) Even if the lenses of these costly pieces of visage enhancement had been hand-ground by Messrs Bausch and Lomb themselves and the composite for the frames is the same material used to make Bradley Wiggin’s bike they can’t possibly be so expensive. How is it possible that a pair of sunglasses consisting of seven components can retail for more than a mid-range smartphone? The mystery deepens when one considers the functionality of a smartphone, most of which have greater computing power than was available to Buzz Aldrin when he lowered Eagle moonwards to create the first lunar parking bay. It wouldn’t be so bad if these profit-rich pieces of facial jewellery could be found vying in the sort of competitive market that exists for white goods or electronics. But no, it seems that the practice of retail price maintenance is at work here, its illegality masked by the caveat – ‘Recommended Retail Price’. But I suppose we’ll all continue to pay a premium to create an aura of cool. With maybe a little air of mystery? Here’s looking at you.
Covet and collect
In days of old, people started collections. Traditionally, postcards and stamps were carefully gathered from around the world, and slotted into scrap books. Some collected rocks and coins, while others collected delicate printer's tray goodies and teaspoons. The young imagined their collections bringing them great wealth when an international antique collector happened across their marble hoard, or sticker stash, but most people collected as a simple hobby. Collecting is still alive and well in Stanford. We asked some locals to share their treasures with us.
STANFORD RIVER TALK 11
nature talk
Suzanne Francois-Rossouw
Naas Terblanche
Our place in the food chain
plant talk
Every breath you take
A conservation perspective All life on earth depends on the sun’s energy. Sunlight is converted to food by plants or small plankton through photosynthesis. This is called primary production. These plants and plankton indirectly support all life on earth. On land, plants are eaten by herbivores, which in turn are eaten by small carnivores. This is called the terrestrial food chain. In the marine food chain, plankton is eaten by small sea animals (zooplankton), like small krill. In turn they are food for small fish like anchovies and pilchards. Bigger fish like mackerel again eat the small fish. Game fish like tuna and yellowtail then feed on mackerel and other medium size fish. It is very important to understand that there is a huge loss of energy in every step of the food chain. The general rule is that 90% of the energy is lost at each transfer from one level in a food chain to the next. Where do we humans fit into the food chain? We are omnivores which means that we can either eat plant products or other animals. We therefore have the choice to eat anything available from the different food chains on earth, depending what our body needs are and what we prefer or believe. If we so choose we can be the top predator on earth, eating mainly meat and fish. This is done by people who are on high protein diets and following the Banting eating plan. On the other end people can choose to be vegans or vegetarians. From an ecological point of view, what humans decide to eat, has an enormous influence on the earth, due to our large population. If we place ourselves high up in the food chain by eating mainly meat and fish, there will not be nearly enough resources in the world to sustain us in the long run. If we decide to eat less meat and fish, and instead eat some of the grains and other plant foodstuffs that we feed to our farm animals, we will effectively find ourselves lower down on the food chain and we would not have to produce as much meat, and would need to harvest less fish. Eating more fish like pilchards lower in the food chain makes sense from an ecological point of view because we can derive more benefit from the ocean.
Creating a fragrant garden Walking through a garden and smelling the sweet scent of fragrant flowers or aromatic leaves in the air always brings a smile to my face. Most of us enjoy fragrance in our daily lives in the form of perfumes, creams, shampoos, air-fresheners and more. Historically, scented plants were used in many of the same ways, just in their natural unprocessed state. Die soet geure van blommende plante kan binne en buite die huis geniet word, afhangende van hoe die aromatiese tuin beplan word. 'n Rankroos of jasmyn kan in potte by die agterdeur geplant word wat dan die geur in die huis sal bring. Die gebruik van kruie soos roosmaryn of laventel langs tuinpaadjies versprei die geur wanneer iemand verbystap. As jy regtig mooi daaroor dink kan jy 'n tuin beplan wat reg deur die jaar vir jou ‘n blommegeur gee. To get the best results when planning a fragrance garden try to and use a space that is warm, sunny and sheltered from the wind. Very few of us will be lucky enough to have a garden with all these attributes, but it can be created by planting hedges or screens. Many bulbs and annual plants, shrubs, trees, climbers and ground covers make brilliant additions to a fragrant garden as their flowers have strong aromas.
The following plants can be used to create fragrance in the garden: Trees: Frangipani, Keurboom, Magnolia, Lavender tree, Lemons & Oranges Shrubs: Abelia, Yesterday Today & Tomorrow, Buddleia, Gardenia, Natal Plum, Lavender, Roses, Sweet Viburnum, Heliotrope Climbers: Clematis, Hoya, Jasmine, Wisteria, Honeysuckle, Star Jasmine, Mandevilla Annuals: Alyssum, Carnation, Dianthus, Nicotiana, Stocks, Sweet William, Wallflowers, Violets, Sweet Peas Bulbs: Freesia, Hyacinth, Narcissus, Lilies Plants with aromatic leaves: Lemon Verbena, Scented Geraniums, Conifers, Myrtle, Mint, Buchu, Thyme
OVERBERG AGRI BIRTHDAY BASH CELEBRATION ON 6 MARCH STANFORD DIY - PAINT - PLUMBING IRRIGATION - NURSERY Landscaping & irrigation services.
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COME AND JOIN US FOR FUN AND LOTS OF SPECIALSH • Orbit valve solenoide with screw cap R135.00 • Kaufmann FP38 38W 2.2m R451.00
Star 4 secateur R114.00
• Kaufmann FP110 18W 1.3M R99.00
Orbit interior 6 station controler R417.00
Kaufman FP50 50W 2.5m R426.00
Prices Valid While Stocks Last. • 1 - 31 MARCH 2015 • All Prices Include Vat.
HTH 25 kg dry chlorine R679.00
Village life and Single Mothers Karen McKee feels at home in Stanford, village of the Amazons
One thing that I always found fascinating when I moved to Stanford four years ago was the sheer number of single mothers that reside here. You cannot throw a teacup in any direction in this village without hitting a single mom (or at least a child of a single mom)! They are everywhere, and most of them are damn easy on the eye. There are music teachers, writers, life coaches, artists, therapists, restaurateurs, hairdressers, photographers, bloggers, lodge owners and farmers – and some of the more energetic ones do a
independence, and we don’t want to hide the new shoes we bought from a partner any longer. We do our best to bring up our single household children in a way that will not require extensive therapy or schedule 6 medication at a later stage, and we all know who to call when the third batch of nits invade or when we need to get a snake out of the toilet. We share information and resources, from art classes to running clubs and lifts to the circus. We look after each other and each other’s children.
’not that there is anything wrong with the men here. It is just that they are not that, well, plentiful‘. variety of the above. And they do it very well! The age range is also phenomenal, ranging between pert and fit twentysomethings to handsome and wise older women. One is almost inclined to think that Stanford is in the possession of single Amazons! I know why there are so many of us here, and I can confidently assure you it is not for the men – not that there is anything wrong with the men her. It is just that they are not that, well, plentiful. But that’s OK. We love living here because we are provided with a perfect storm of independence and support. All of us work bloody hard to earn a living and to sustain our
In addition to this we have the substitutes. My son has found substitute grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters to make up for our sadly lacking family structure (my entire family is overseas – was it something I said?). I have found substitute sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, tjommies and tannies, and we all live together in this lekker little village as if we are one big family – which includes all the family drama, feuds, fights and unforgettable parties. I guess the old cliché is never more true; it does indeed take a village to raise a child. I still do feel like a child at times, and I think I found the perfect village to raise me!
ERWIN'S Traditional German Meat Products produced locally Available at Stanford Saturday Morning Market and at Spar. Cell 082 441 5533 • www.erwins.co.za
WELCOME TO STANFORD The van Graans, consisting of Beatle, Thérèsa, Sebastian(6), Adam (3) and Nanna Pat arrived in Stanford in December. The decision to move to Stanford from Cape Town was based on the need to slow down the pace of their super-crazy film industry lives and spend more quality family time together. On a visit to Stanford two years ago the seed was firmly planted and last year, the pull of country living, the likeminded community and the wonderful friends already here, tipped the scales!
Happy family: Beatle, Sebastian, Adam and Theresa.
The villagers Graig Niemand is well known in Stanford and has rushed to the aid of most people in the village. His friendly approachable Graig Niemand en manner and dedication to work has made Vinessa van Heerden the village very fond of, and reliant, on this fearless firefighter and family man. How long have you lived in Stanford? I came to Stanford in August 2007 when I was appointed as a Special Workman at the Water Department. Later that year I became the co-ordinator for the Fire and Rescue Services in Stanford. Last year I was promoted to be an Artisan Plumber and received an award for the Best Reservist Fire Fighter for 2014. What is your average workday like in fire season, and in the rainy season? My average workday in fire season depends on what the weather looks like. Sometimes it's not too busy but at other times it is hectic. During winter months we experience flooding and we support those who are affected. We also deal with motor vehicle accidents and rescues. What is your favourite activity on your off days? We love to go out as a family. I like road trips or taking my fishing rod and just relaxing at the sea with a friend or two. How has Stanford changed over the years? Stanford is starting to get busier than ever with a lot of activities. The workload becomes more as Stanford itself develops. What are your hopes and dreams for your young son? To be the best young man he can be. He is brought up like I was, with respect and discipline. I'll make sure that whatever he wants to be, he'll be able to follow his dream. What will you be doing on Human Rights Day? I think that I'll join up with the role players in Stanford and see if I can make a difference at the end of the day. It's all about team work. ★ Editor's note: Graig married Vinessa van Heerden on 28 February. Team River Talk wishes them every joy and success in their future as a family. STANFORD RIVER TALK 13
By Tasha Saha
5 Ways to Be You(tiful)
holistic health talk
As the shiny New Year starts to tarnish, our good intentions to do better can start to slide. I spent last month in a bit of a slump- disorganised, unproductive and full of the kind of self judgement that only makes me feel worse. For anyone whose good resolutions are tarnishing fast, here are 5 easy suggestions that help you to be more real.
♥ MOVE Dancing, running, swimming, tree-climbing, and other physical activities remind us that our bodies have a much higher purpose than just to be looked at. My own practice of yoga has taught me to appreciate my body for its health, strength, flexibility and vitality, for the places it can take me, and the rich and varied sensory experiences that it allows. As the body positive organization Beauty Redefined says, 'Your reflection does not define your worth.' Look deeper than the 2D version of yourself, and you’ll find lots to love.
♥ NOURISH When you feed yourself in a thoughtful way, attending to your nutritional needs fully, cravings for the comfort foods begin to abate. I reached a turning point in my relationship with food when I stopped regarding foods that didn’t support my body. I treat myself more often than ever these days, but from a different paradigm, and without the added toxicity of guilt. Eating mindfully doesn’t mean depriving myself, but simply choosing foods that will nourish my body. Feed your body, feed your senses, feed your health.
♥ LOVE We are usually far more critical of ourselves than we would ever dream of being of others. The constant media stream of models and celebrities fascinate us with their gloss and polish and set standards of beauty that are almost impossible to attain without a hefty dose of photoshop or an on-call stylist/ makeup artist/ personal trainer. Recognise the beauty in the quirks and particularities that make you uniquely you: not only the crows feet, the gappy teeth, or the knockknees, but the way you sing in the car, your unabashed goofiness, the kind thing you did for a stranger. Take your heart with you wherever you go.
♥ LISTEN Our bodies are highly communicative organisms that quickly let us know when we are unbalanced, if we listen. The uncomfortable and often inconvenient sensations of hunger, pain or tiredness are calls to action, cues to put things right. Continually overriding these messages in favour of working longer hours or getting more done, we push past our limits and drive our bodies and minds to ill health and exhaustion. The simple process of eating when you’re hungry and making some time to catch up on sleep when you’re tired demonstrates a consideration towards yourself and your basic needs that all of us deserve. Care for your simple needs in the same way that you would care for a child.
♥ BE Meet the part of yourself that is not your physical body, your thoughts and feelings, or the ghost of an idealised self – the person you feel you should be. Meet yourself as you are. Meditation, spiritual practice or being out in nature with time to breathe in its balance helps to give us a more expansive sense of ourselves that affirms our strength and heart and sacredness. Feeling deep gratitude for the blessings of our lives is an effective antidote to our insecurities. Live a life beyond the confines of your body.
vet talk By veterinarian, Dr Olga Koorts
Canine Distemper Warning: Killer virus on the loose!
Canine Distemper Virus ('Hondesiekte', 'Hardpad') is currently a very real threat to dogs in the Overstrand area. The number of cases seen daily is enough to classify as an outbreak. Dogs under a year old are at greatest risk and places where dogs mingle are the most dangerous. Closely related to human measles, this virus affects not only pet dogs but also wild animals such as African wild dogs, jackals, primates and big cats like lions. Domestic cats are not affected. A mutated (changed) strain affects seals. In dogs the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems as well as the brain and spinal cord are affected. Common symptoms include a high fever, eye infections, nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, imbalance and weak limbs as well as hardening of the nose and footpads. Neurological (brain) symptoms might appear which could manifest as involuntary twitching of groups of muscles, chewing movements of the jaw or seizures. Brain disease might only show up long after initial infection and once the other signs of Distemper have passed. They might be severe enough that euthanasia is the only option. Distemper is highly contagious through contact with infected body fluids from the eye, nose and droplets from coughing as well as the faeces of infected dogs. Dogs that survive may continue to shed the virus for several months. Outbreaks continue to occur in part because of overpopulation in certain areas as well as owners neglecting to vaccinate their dogs. A puppy should receive at least two vaccinations before the age of 16 weeks. A booster at one year of age is recommended. Annual to three yearly boosters will maintain sufficient antibodies to fight off disease when encountered. STANFORD RIVER TALK 14
Private sale
Three magnificent large plots at upper end of Stanford: ✔ Lovely
views ✔ Level ground, fertile soil, gardens grow lush & tropical LE ✔ Near the nature reserve, over the B road LA from a huge open field VA I A Latmosphere, L ✔ In Buiten Street: rural I T S 1 village values D, L O ✔ Tucked 2 Sin a time warp where chickens are free-range and so are the children
2 plots of 976m2 and 1 plot of 1007m2 ranging from R750 000 to R850 000. P H O N E D I T O V I E W: 0 8 2 5 5 8 3 9 1 6
By Bryan Robertson
kitchen talk
ROSEMARY BREAD (Pane di Rosmarino) 800g bread dough (ready mixed from the supermarket) 1 large sprig Rosemary 250g seedless raisins 4 tbs oil 1 tsp salt 1 tbs castor sugar 2 tbs sugar, dissolved in 4 tbs tepid water
Lenten and Easter Bread Luxuries laden with flavour The rich, festive breads that are enjoyed in the northern hemisphere in early spring are steeped in history, folklore and symbolism. Originally baked as a tribute to the end of winter's sparse fare and later associated with the celebrations that followed periods of religious fasting, Easter's light, yeast-risen loaves are laden with luxurious ingredients, such as cheese, almonds, candied citrus peel, and precious spices like cinnamon and saffron. Easter breads are customarily decorated with coloured eggs, drizzled with icing, studded with bits of candied and dried fruit, divided into ropes of dough and elaborately braided into rounds, or stuffed with rich fillings. This beautiful recipe has its origins in Florence and Tuscany. PLAYING BY EAR By Andrew Herriot
’Trespassing Permitted’ CD review of contemporary jazz composed by Professor Mike Rossi and his Sextet Mike Rossi is one of SA's foremost contemporary jazz musicians and jazz scholars at UCT, and his new CD demonstrates his standing in the world of jazz. He is Professor of Woodwind. Mike is also the current President of SAMRO, the SA Music Rights Organisation. The trumpeter in the Sextet is also a lecturer in the College of Music, UCT. 'Yearning' begins slowly with intent and with excited instrumental conversations and much wizardry as reeds, trumpet, trombone and piano get to know each other. Bass and drums hold the chromatic atonal cocktails and melody lines together. The Sextet Ensemble hits a swing mood and the collective musicians build up climatically to an emotional end of this track with reed and brass competing for the high note. Whether you are listening to and hearing hard bop, modal or contemporary jazz, you have to be patient with those jazz styles and listen carefully for a recognisable melody line because it will inevitably recur. Absorb it as you might a Warhol lithograph. It is 2015 SA ‘free’ jazz and is not everyone’s cup of tea. Track 2 is entitled 'Night Fright' and we have an opportunity for the musicians to journey steadily into hidden spaces and imaginatively call up compellingly new eerie staccato sounds that we may have heard in a game park or isolated forest. The aural atmosphere is certainly dark and nervy. The string bassist, Wesley Rustin, pianist Andrew Ford, Lee Thompson (trumpet), William Haubrich (trombone) and drummer Kesivan Naidoo revel together superbly, orchestrated and composed throughout by Mike Rossi. This CD is worth buying.
DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IN THE APRIL EDITION IS 20 MARCH SANDRA AT 079 523 8453 OR DESIGN@STANFORDRIVERTALK.CO.ZA
Fry the raisins and Rosemary in the oil until the Rosemary is lightly browned (about 5 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat and discard the rosemary. Knead the dough for 5 minutes and then knead in the cooled oil, raisins, salt and castor sugar. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. Shape into two circular or cylindrical loaves or 20 balls. Lay these on buttered baking sheets and leave to prove for about 30 minutes. Bake the loaves or rolls in an oven preheated to 220 degrees C (approximately 30 minutes for the loaves or 20 minutes for the rolls). Halfway through the cooking time, brush the tops with the sugar water to make them shine. Leave the bread to cool on wire racks. MOVIE REVIEW
What's hot, and what's not
Local short-film maker, James Yeats, shares his take on this year's Academy Awards
The 87th Oscars took place on Sunday, 22 February and all of Hollywood was there to witness this prestigious event. We got a peak into the glamorous world of showbiz where actors and actresses get to show off their sense of style (or lack thereof) and the fashion police are on the prowl for anyone who defies the rules. Glitz and glamour aside, the award ceremony is about recognizing the best that cinema has to offer. There are several categories in which a film or actor can win an award but my favourite is Best Film. Which is the very best movie? Was it narrative driven? Was the acting out of this world? Was the cinematography exceptional? Was the editing amazing? Did its music score give me goosebumps? Sometimes, if we are lucky a movie gets to tick one or more of these boxes. On very rare occasions, a movie ticks all the boxes. In 1994, two movies stood out above all others: 'Shawshank Redemption' (1994) Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman 'Forrest Gump'(1994) Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise. In 1995, the Academy had the unfortunate task of choosing between them for Best Film. Depending on the day of the week, I tend to agree that 'Forrest Gump' wins by a hair. These movies stayed with me long after I had left the cinema. Just the experience of going to the cinema and over-salting my popcorn is becoming a thing of the past much like the death of the drive-ins of yesteryear. In 2015, amid stiff competition, the Oscar for Best Film went to... 'Birdman' starring Micheal Keaton and Edward Norton. In 'Birdman', former superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) mounts an ambitious Broadway production. His hope is to prove to the world and to himself that he is more than the superhero he portrayed so many years ago. The majority of the movie is set in a theater and gives the audience the impression of having a backstage pass. It is beautifully made and Keaton and Norton do not disappoint. It is a black comedy drama, but the storyline becomes confusing at times and leaves one feeling a little lost. For me it is a very good movie, but far from a great one. Trivia: 'Birdman' is shot to look like one continuous take. In other words it has very few cuts, so the camera movement and the acting have to be perfectly in sync for the long takes to have a chance of appearing realistic. There are only 16 visible cuts in the whole movie. STANFORD RIVER TALK 15
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
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FOR SALE FREE PEACOCKS to good suitable home. Contact Jason e-mail stonehewerj@gmail.com. GIRLS BICYCLE, pink, suitable for 5 year old R100. p 082 667 0619 INTHUSIASM NATURAL and Organic Make-up orders. p Ruby yokogirls@gmail.com 072 753 8411. QUEEN SIZE BED, good condition, base and matress. R1500. p 084 682 7619.
Call Mike 083 316 1872 • 028 341 0028 overberg@setsa.co.za • www.solsquare.com
AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY
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. PEDICURES: Spoil yourself with a pampering professional pedicure and foot massage for R160. p or sms Robyn on 071 382 9033. PET SITTER, Do you need your pets to be fed or walked or loved while you are out of town? Call Sara (12 years old) 072 276 7906. PILATES CLASSES p Jake Uys 079 468 9060. RELIABLE & HONEST DOMESTIC WORKER p Desiree 079 804 2341.
guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com
RAINFALL STATISTICS 2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
ave
Jan
8.5
19
14
35
37
104
23.4
32.7
Feb
11
17.5
20
16
16
17
18.2
16.5
March
20.5
20
26
28.5
29
25
25.14
April
27.6
30
56
53.3
54
48
41.4
May
55
66.5
83
43.5
55
30
52.7
June
106.3
91.5
88
86
84
139
92
July
97.5
43
56
103
33
91
71
Aug
89
46
74
125
234
41
97
Sept
88
35.5
25.5
73
60.5
42
56.9
Oct
92
50
25
111.5
62
36
59
• Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 17:30
Nov
31
57
42
26
212
43
71.1
• Saturday: 08h00 - 13:00
Dec
6
40
23.5
6
5
13
18.3
• Sunday: 10:00 - 12:00
Year
632
459
533
708
881.5
629
pitter, patter raindrops ☂☂☂ Thank you to Jake Uys who provided our rainfall statistics for many years. We are grateful to Seymour Paterson for taking over this duty.
BUSINESS HOURS
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028 313 2814 082 781 1704
ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 Allan Youens 082 903 4432
ESTATE AGENTS Pam Golding 028 341 0708 Stanford Village Properties 082 893 2282 072 111 9321
ALTERATIONS Cait's Sewing Services
083 358 6365
GARDEN SERVICES Earthworm Organics
072 825 7534
ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Grant Anderson Maureen Wolters
076 113 2741 072 364 3694 082 450 3970
HAIR Jeanne Retief
072 318 2478
HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat
082 320 0982 072 616 0976
ART Kunsklas
072 822 9970
BICYCLES Bicycle servicing and repair 073 318 5078
weekly timetable
CUPBOARDS Youre Style Cupboards
076 222 2063 082 327 6518
HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages
082 320 0982
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
083 316 1872
RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Barke Restaurant Marianas Springfontein Eats The Vine
028 313 2814 028 341 0116 028 341 0272 028 341 0651 028 341 0662
TELEVISION/DSTV Rod Dacre Television
073 160 4495
WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Stanford Hotel
082 391 5331 028 313 2814 082 781 1704
WINE CELLAR & SALES Springfontein Wine Estate Stanford Hills Estate
028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841
Tuesday 17:30 & Friday 08:30, Maitri Yoga, Tasha Saha, 076 968 8608. Monday 11:00, 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, The Vine Restaurant. Everyone welcome. Malcolm 084 441 0961. Thursday 18:30 - 21:30 Heal Your Life® Evening Group Sessions 071 382 9033. Friday 08:30, 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. Saturday, 09.30am – 12:00, 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 Str, contact Father Chris Meyer, 028 341 0947, stthomas201@gmail.com Holy Communion Service every Sunday and Wednesday in Afrikaans except the 3rd Sunday (English) Times:1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays of the month at 08:00. 2nd & 4th Sundays 10:30. Wednesdays at 10:00. 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.
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) JAN
46
12
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
JAN
E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)
0
Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)
0
Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 0 STANFORD RIVER TALK 17
WHAT'S ON Every Wednesday, Graze Farmers Market, 09:00-12:00, Graze Restaurant.
A message from the Christian Forum
Every Saturday, Saturday Morning Market, 09:30-12:00, Stoep of Stanford Hotel. Every day in March, Art Exhibition at The Stanford Table Local artists exhibit their best pieces of the season. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Tel: 079 468 9060. Thursday, 5 March, Wine and Wisdom, 19:00 at Birkenhead Brewery, R50 per person, proceeds to Stanford Conservation Trust. Food and drink extra. Booking essential to book. Contact Annie Ranger. ranger@reedcottage. co.za Friday, 6 March, The World Women’s Day of Prayer, 10:00, NG Church, all are welcome. Saturday, 7 March, Chook Chook School Fundraiser, 08:30 Village Green, children’s activities, tombola, food stalls and much more. Fun for the whole family. Stall cost is R50, all styles of stalls are invited. Please contact Caitlin on 083 358 6365 for details. Saturday, 7 March, Stanford Harvest Candle-lit Dinner, Live, easy listening entertainment by Janet and Andrew. Booking essential: 084 595 7758. R170 per person. Saturday, 21 March, Pancakes will be sold by the NG Kerk to raise funds for the community. Stoep of the library. Friday, 27 March, Stanford Sunset Market on the Village Green 18:00 – 20:00. freshly made treats, local wines and beer, deli goodies and arts & crafts. WHAT’S ON IN NAPIER Saturday 21 March, St Paddy’s Green Party at Wokini, 7pm Great music. Bangers & mash or Pie & gravy. Cash bar. R30 entrance. Book 082 554 3327. COMING IN APRIL 2 April, Wine and Wisdom Quiz Evening,19:00 at Birkenhead Estate. R50 per person, proceeds to Stanford Conservation Trust. Food and drink extra. Booking essential Annie Ranger ranger@reedcottage.co.za 8, 10 & 11 April, 'Silver Screen Songs' SSS in cabaret by the Jazzfordians, Raka Wine Farm, 19:00. Booking essential. Wine, beer and food platters available. Bea Whittaker 083 293 5512.
email your events to design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za
To March is to walk to a strict tempo in military style and to progress steadily in a given direction. We have already marched towards the end of the first quarter of this year, well into the school year and into the financial year. It is said that 'time marches on' meaning that we have only a limited allotment of time at our disposal and time not used is time lost. An old sage once said of the saying 'to kill time' that this is the worst thing that we could do. In the Bible Ps 90:12. says: 'Teach us to number our days correctly that we might gain a heart of wisdom.' We should use the time allotted to us fruitfully. Is.55:6. tells us: 'Seek the Lord while He may be found, call unto Him while He is near' with the tremendous implication that there may be a time when the grace and mercy of the Lord has run out, in other words the time to find Him is gone. People may go through days of laziness, emptiness, selfishness, uncleanness, lost opportunities, unaccepted privileges and blessings. Such days are lost days! Days lived in love are precious days and golden memories. True numbering is to gain wisdom, to learn new lessons from situations, and to learn the true meaning of love. We can learn theory from a book, but practice gives experience. Do not let time march us by! Whilst at school there was an old motto above the blackboard in one classroom which read: 'A donkey does not stub its foot against the same stone twice.' We should learn from our mistakes. It is negative to cry over mistakes, it changes nothing except before God. We should not be deceived twice by the same temptation. Life should be cumulative, our experiences teaching us constantly about God and His love, thus equipping us for a more productive action in His service, and true living in the march of life. Another motto in another classroom read: 'A plough that is working does not rust'. We can be bright shining ploughs in this life, serving and learning, utilising our allotment of time and talents to God’s glory. A mission organisation of yesteryear had as its emblem an ox standing between an altar and a plough, ready for service or sacrifice, using time and opportunity as given. Rev. Hildie Pansegrouw
Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere. Qualified dog trainer. Well balanced diets, love and care.
028 - 3410 961
Vintage beauty In Stanford every year between October and May
pedicures, manicures, facials, massages, waxes, make-up Jacolene 082 357 1245 Victoria Centre Stanford
STANFORD RIVER TALK 18
y a d h t r i b y happ Charlotte Withers 1 March
Gertrude Banda 3 March
Shameela Abrahams Jenny Chancey 14 March 13 March
Joackim Nicolas Banda Theresa van Graan 23 March 22 March
Derik de Villiers 7 March
Maryanne Ward 7 March
Alex Chancey 4 March
Shirley Withers 15 March
If your birthday or a special occasion is coming up, please email design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or philippa.murray@gmail.com. We like to keep our photographs fresh and updated so please send us your special picture a month beforehand.
Helen Volschenk 16 March
Val Crocker 25 March
Mari Calitz 19 March
Dylan Jonker 26 March
James Peter Yeats 7 March
Chantel Oosthuizen 20 March
Sara Walne 27 March
Callum Ground 9 March
Felicity Chancey 22 March
Roline Klaasen 28 March
Michelle Privett 31 March
STANFORD RIVER TALK 19