Experience Overberg Issue 7 by Charmane Kirkland

LIVE WORK PLAY

EXPERIENCE

The Overberg magazine, for the Overberg, about the Overberg, produced in the Overberg and sold throughout the Overberg!

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ISSUE 7 - SUMMER 2015

Visit

Greyton

Paradise preserved ...and our feature town!

Rod and Reel Go FISHING this summer

WEDDING GUIDE INSIDE!

R50 000

worth of prizes to be won!

Find yourself in

Wolwengat

& Caledon

For the hungry...

Padstalle and Pies & Community Gardens

Adventure topRmust-do! 772309 806607 9

ISSN 2309-8066

R30 incl VAT

fly, glide, walk, trot, paddle...

the team PUBLISHER Storyline Studio Registration Number: 2010/ 141205/ 23 P O Box 217, Greyton, Western Cape, 7233 EDITORIAL Editor - Charmane Kirkland charmane@storylinestudio.co.za Cell: +27 83 652 5489 Fax: +27 86 218 2084 Senior Designer - Charmane Kirkland Advertising Designer - Jeremy O’Regan Copy Editor - Erith Harris Proof Reader - Annabelle Bradfield EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS are most welcome and must include high resolution images. Send contributions to The Editor, P O Box 217, Greyton, 7233 or email charmane@storylinestudio.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT Storyline Studio www.storylinestudio.co.za PRINTING Paarlmedia, Paarl Western Cape, South Africa ADVERTISING Senior Advertising Sales Manager Dominique de Saint Clair dominique@experienceoverberg.co.za +27 78 200 5050 ARTWORK artwork@experienceoverberg.co.za DISTRIBUTION Overberg Media Distributors Virgina Jansen admin@experienceoverberg.co.za CONTACT charmane@storylinestudio.co.za www.storylinestudio.co.za www.experienceoverberg.co.za ISSN 2309-8066 DISCLAIMER

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Editor. While every care is taken in preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The news and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publication, the Editor or Storyline Studio.

COVER PHOTO VINCENT VAN OSTEEN

Hi,

Welcome to the Overberg When November comes around you just know that any New Year’s resolutions that remain undone will probably roll over to January! But it’s “Summer time...and the livin’ is easy...” There is so much to do; the weather is fabulous, even on a windy day; the days are longer, the air seems fresher and the mood lighter. Greyton is one of those little places that fills you up. It’s a place where stillness speaks to you, where creativity abounds and where special people gather. Take a historical walk through the village, pop into the market for tea and pancakes, or satisfy your wanderlust with a hike up the mountains. I stumbled upon Wolwengat much the same way I did Baardskeerdersbos; I was headed elsewhere and took a wrong turn! Note - the old fuel pump has not been in service for a l-o-n-g time! Thaya Bedford shares the secrets of her Big Fat County Life. It never ceases to amaze me how much actually happens in little country villages! Do you have a veggie garden? We visit some community gardens where planting, harvesting and giving back are all

part of a day’s work. I may still plant those carrots some day! We went searching for adventure and we found so many that we couldn’t pick a favourite. We did however compile a list of 43 things to do this summer. Best you get started with number 8! When last did you pull over at a padstal for a pick-me-up? There are so many fabulous ones in the Overberg, and so if you are travelling along the N2 this summer be sure stop in at one of them for a delicious pie. We tried about a dozen, and yes, we had a few favourites, but because we kept changing our minds we listed all of them! We have a wonderful selection of fabulous prizes valued at over R45 000. We are so grateful to everyone who made this possible for our readers’ benefit. Be sure to enter to stand a chance to win! Last, but certainly not least, we are thrilled to include our second wedding guide...and our couples look amazing! We hope that you will find inspiration and tips for your wedding and be as adventurous as they were. May 2016 be full, fabulous and fruitful! God bless.

e n a m r a h C

Summer 2015

PHOTO VINCENT VAN OSTEEN

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You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the ﬁeld will clap their hands. NIV Isaiah 55:12

Contents

Our Favourite Town

GREYTON

Paradise Preserved

Play, Lifestyle & Leisure 20 24 32 36 38 42

Caledon The adventure of retirement Wolwengat My big fat country life Community Gardens Go Greyton

ADVENTURE Fatbike Tours Overberg Aviation Adventure Activities Horse Riding 4X4 Cape Canopy Tours Cape Sidecar Adventures Rivers - Loose Yourself Napier Mountain Activities Mounted Archery Feline Encounters Golf Hiking Family Fun Summer Loving - Must Do

56 58 60

Meet our couples

Our Feature Wedding 66

Neal & Julia

Spread the love 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92

Editor's choice Greyton

Paradise Preserved

Rod and Reel Padstals, Padkos, Pit-stops & Pies Cape Mohair

Wedding Guide 65

Celebrating love Wikus & Danelle Wright & Lunique Salvaged Justin & Simone Zach & Laetitia Frank & Annelise Arno & Michelle Jono & Donnalea Matthys & Adele Stephan & Marie-Louise Wedding Wins

24 The Adventure of Retirement

38 Community Gardens

Reader’s Story

Regulars 4 5 6 7 93 114

Subscribe Content What’s on... Country Mail Classifieds Cape Overberg Map

46 Adventure

65 Wedding Guide Summer 2015

CALENDAR

experience over berg

Overberg Calendar DECEMBER OUR FAVORITE THINGS GABRIELSKLOOF 11 -12 December 2015 A market filled with all things handmade, homemade, delicious, fresh and beautiful Friday 5pm to 9pm • Saturday 10am to 6pm www.gabrielskloof.co.za/events/favouritethings-market/ Tel: +27(0)28 284 9865 Email: info@gabrielskloof.co.za

HERMANUS

19-20 DEC 2015

STRANDVELD TRAIL RUN (right) Tuesday, 29 December Strandveld Vineyards, Elim Add a bubbly touch to summer festivities and join winemaker Conrad Vlok of Strandveld Vineyards near Cape Agulhas for the annual Strandveld Trail run, followed by a Méthode Cap Classique breakfast jackie@strandveld.co.za Tel: +27(0)21 462 0520

FEBRUARY

MARCH

CANSA RELAY FOR LIFE CALEDON 20 February 2016 An inspirational non-competitive fundraising event that unites the community and celebrates life and remembers those who have had cancer. www.relayforlife.org.za/

AFRICANX TRAILRUN 11 – 13 March 2016 Let Nature Give You A Run For Your Money with this three-day stage race - teams of two (male/female/mixed). Festival Village on the grounds of the Houw Hoek Inn. entries@stillwatersports.com Stillwater Sports +27(0)86 138 3591 www.stillwatersports.co.za

GOURMET FOOD . FINE WINE CRAFT BEER . GIN BAR . MUSIC

19-20 December 2016 Whalehaven Artisan Winery located at the entrance to the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, will hosting the first Hermanus Food Truck Weekend. A celebration of live music, inspirational food, wine, craft beer and locally produced gin will be a good start to your family holiday. Children’s entertainment and gift ideas for Christmas will ensure that the whole family stays entertained and can pack Christmas stockings with last minute gifts. Children: Free under 12 | Adults: R120 Entrance ticket, for whole weekend, plus coupon for glass of bubbly & food truck voucher. Times: 11-7pm, Saturday & Sunday hermanusfoodtruck.co.za

Summer 2015

MARKETS There are many markets scattered across the overberg which will be selling handmade gifts, decor items, food, wine, toys, fresh produce, delicious bakes and more.

experience over berg

COUNTRY MAIL

Country Mail OUR WINNING LETTER Now that we know the magazine and have bought a number of Issues, we look out for it on a regular basis. As we have retired and have some time available to us, we decided to use your articles and suggestions in the different issues as a guide for the Overberg. We are travelling to the areas and towns one by one and enjoying exploring and getting to know our “backyard” better. We recently visited a number of the wine routes, not just for the superb wines but for the scenic beauty each route has to offer. How about putting some fun itineraries or expeditions together for your readers that include places to eat, stay and visit. We would certainly use the suggestions! Thank you for the lovely stories and interesting features – we keep all our old copies and revisit them often. We would like to

see the magazine more frequently and look forward to the next edition. Vic Hendricks Hermanus We took my mom out for the day to visit Hermanus and do some whale watching. We headed off for a very leisurely stroll along the Cliff Path at your suggestion and were amazed at how many whales were out and about and very close to shore. My mom is getting on in years and we stopped and sat on the benches just taking at the scenery and the sea views. Finally we had a wonderful tea and cake at the Bistro @Just Pure. We enjoyed a special family outing walking along the coastline together. Anne Murray Strand

Send us a letter and you could win a fabulous WILLOW & BAILEY voucher to I may have been one of your very first subscribers the value of R300. and have just renewed my subscription. I still prefer a good old fashioned printed magazine and really look forward to getting my copy every quarter! My wife and I recently attended a wedding in Malgas and frankly did not want to go home. The sunsets were fabulous and our early mornings were spent on the deck overlooking the river while we sipped our coffee. There is quite a story behind the Malgas pont and I hope that you will feature this in your magazine at some stage. Although we don’t have plans to return in the next few months we will be back sooner rather than later. John Fields Bloemfontein We love fan mail! Look out for our next issue for the feature on the Malgas pont. Ed.

Thank you for the lovely feature on the Churches of the Overberg. I have always enjoyed spending time in churches, cathedrals and sacred places in Europe and the UK. I have never really looked at visiting these when travelling in South Africa; the article has really drawn my attention to our own beautiful and historic churches. I am especially looking forward to visiting Genadendal in the near future - it seems a fascinating slice of our history is right on our doorstep. It is a great excuse to visit other towns such as Elim – previously it has always been a name on a map but the Church and history is a real draw card. Georgina De Santos Somerset West

love

WE WOULD TO HEAR FROM YOU We love sharing your beautiful Overberg stories. Keep the letters coming! Ed.

Send your letters, photos and other contributions to: charmane@storylinestudio.co.za P O Box 217, Greyton, 7233

Summer 2015

OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

experience over berg

Greyton Paradise Preserved

...a magic corner of Eden in the heart of the Overberg.

Summer 2015

experience over berg OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

Editor’s choice FEATURE

Story

Greyton, the quaint yet quirky village that nestles at the foothills of the majestic Sonderend mountain range in the Overberg, continues to feature amongst the most popular country destinations in South Africa. The oak-lined avenues and gurgling leiwater channels with cute cottages on either side, beg for closer inspection. Restaurants and cafés cater for all tastes, while shops invite visitors for leisurely browsing. Iconic Von Geusau hand-made chocolates originate here, as do the unique artisan candles found at Gretha Quinlan Gallery and Candle Studio. Greyton is an all-year destination bursting with fragrance in spring, offering long balmy outdoor evenings in summer, turning ablaze with colour in autumn and at times, can sport snow-covered peaks in winter. Add to the mix a nature reserve on its very own doorstep offering numerous walking, hiking and biking trails, including the famous Boesmanskloof trail between Greyton and McGregor. Bubbling streams, waterfalls, prolific birdlife and magnificent fynbos and wildflowers are just some of TEXT the attractions that a visitor will encounter. KARIN DUNCKER

This peaceful, romantic village has preserved the tranquillity of a bygone era, and the sense of really living. Greyton owes much of its special character to its humble roots; as agricultural small-holdings for ordinary folk. When Herbert Vigne laid out the village in 1854, he carved the gentle hillsides and fertile river floodplain into a harmonious crescent-shaped series of very long, narrow plots, through which a network of gravity-fed “leiwater” canals flowed to provide irrigation. The pioneer farmers built humble labourers’ cottages right next to the roads, to better farm their erven and provide vegetables to the larger towns. The small-holdings remained working farms right through to the 60s, yet the leiwater reticulation system still flows gently to this day, feeding gardens and new-vogue organic vegetable patches. Whereas most colonial dorps originally had wide roads so one could turn an ox-wagon, Greyton, hemmed in by the mountain on one side and the river on the other, was laid out with narrow lanes, flanked by leiwater canals, utilising as much of the fertile soil as possible. Then, generation after generation, oak trees were planted, produce was marketed, and smoke gently rose from the abatjies and chimneys, mingling with the gentle mist that settles in the valley. Artists, poets, potters, architects and academics, as well as free-spirited eccentrics, began to adopt as theirs this quaint little village, which slowly morphed into the colourful cosmopolitan tourist node that it is today. As the labourers’ cottages were renovated into retirement homes for seasonal ‘swallows’ and weekenders who escape to the village to ‘re-charge their batteries’ and rediscover a quality of life that is fast disappearing, the like-minded community grew, to cherish Greyton’s olde-world charm and bucolic tranquility. The village owes much to the courage, vision, determination and sensitivity of a small but feisty group of far-sighted

villagers who, over the years, have fought to try and preserve the fragile character that gives this village its rare aura. Some of that is due to the very nature of Greytonians themselves. At the many coffee-shops that dot the village, time and again one hears the story: “I came for the week-end, fell in love with the place, and stayed!”; or: “My family used to come here, so when I decided to kick back and smell the roses, I came back here.” It is that special, un-named, and elusive something that defines Greytonians. They all, individually, recognised the chilled-out, tranquil lifestyle that is to be had in this picturesque corner of the Overberg, and made the decision to opt for that, as opposed to the material hurlyburly of the malls and suburbia in other urban centres. Greyton, in the foothills of the mountains, is at the end of a tar road which goes nowhere else, so the village isn’t strategically important. Consequently, it only has a smattering of precious old buildings, like the Moravian Church, the Post House, the Ou Pastorie and the Smouswinkel, that are in themselves heritage resources worthy of preservation. It is the complete holistic composition that gives Greyton its unique charm – the character of the humble cottages, with their steeppitched corrugated and thatched roofs, the diverse gables and dormer windows, the colonial verandahs and leafy pergolas, the human scale of the outbuildings, the luxuriant gardens, the shady, narrow tree-lined lanes, the babbling lei-water canals, the lush commonage, the mountain backdrop and the nature reserve, with its fynbos-covered hills and flowing rivers - and the silent Milky-Way sky that blankets the village after dusk – is what makes up the precious whole that is Greyton – a magic corner of Eden in the heart of the Overberg. TEXT MICHEL ROUILLARD

Main picture: Idylic early morning walks where life truly does stand still. Photo - Greyton Tourism Summer 2015

A walk down memory lane TEXT DEREK CRABTREE & DOMINIQUE DE SAINT CLAIR

Talking a walk around Greyton is one of the great pleasures of living in or visiting this special town. Steeped in history, it is only by walking down the tree-shaded lanes and past the beautiful homes and gardens that you get a sense of the olde-world charm and the absolute beauty that this spot in the Overberg has to offer. One of the special historic buildings is the Post House; a national monument. The Post House dates back to 1860 when it housed Greyton’s first post office. The building was made with rock foundations, mud-and-straw bricks and almost metre thick walls. Getting mail in those days was a significantly slower process than it is today. Mr Outa Karools made the long journey to Caledon three times a week by horse and cart to fetch the post. In the evening, he used to announce his arrival to the residents by blowing on his horn. Now it is still a fundamental part of village life; a place to meet friends on the stoep for sundowners or to enjoy a meal. Another national monument is the building originally occupied by Ploom’s Pottery – now the charming guesthouse, The Old Potter’s Inn. Going back to 1842, two brothers of Huguenot descent, Henry Vigne (1805 – 1881) and Herbert Vigne (1821 – 1895) emigrated from England to settle in the Cape. They acquired Tijgerhoek, now the town of Riveriersonderend, and settled there. The Vigne brothers were related by marriage to both Lady Anne Barnard, who toured the Overberg in 1798, and the governor-to-be, Sir George Grey. The local farm Weltevreden, bought by Herbert Vigne, has a long history - in 1839, the first British owner of Weltevreden was John Malcolm Stewart. (A few years earlier, Weltevreden had been offered for sale to the Moravian missionaries of Genadendal, but was not accepted). It remained in the hands of the Vigne family for 120 years. Around 1854, Herbert Vigne founded a freehold agricultural village on Weltevreden. He subdivided his farm into 120 plots surrounding a large farm home which he kept for himself. He called the new town Greyton, after Sir George Grey, then the Governor of the Cape. It was the first village in South Africa where people of all races, colours, religions, political affiliations or language groups could own homes and live side by side in harmony. The layout of the village was designed and set out by J G Rietz, a senior surveyor at the time. The plots were long and narrow and were serviced with water running in ‘leiwater’ furrows, which criss-crossed the village. Cottages, in the rural Cape vernacular style, were built close to the streets, leaving the back of the properties free for growing vegetables and fruit. Many of these homes have been renovated, but the sense of history and the layout remains essentially the same today. In the 1860s Herbert married a young girl of British stock named Elizabeth Belshaw - 27 years his junior! They settled on their town farm De Bos, in the village; now the beautifully renovated Victorian home – De Hoop. Vigne Lane was later named after him. The Old Anglican Church has a plaque and monument dedicated to Herbert Vigne; fitting thanks indeed for providing the legacy remaining behind for us to enjoy in the present.

Summer 2015

THE HERITAGE MUSEUM

Heritage is an essential part of the present community we live in, and of the future that we are to leave behind for others to enjoy. To ensure this we embarked on a journey to facilitate the preservation of our heritage by starting the Greyton Heritage Project. Up until now, the closest thing we have had to a heritage museum would be the Genadendal Museum; although not a true heritage museum in the broadest sense, it is based on strong cultural and historical detail depicting the origins and growth of one community. The aim of the new Greyton Heritage Museum is to create a living hub that will depict, exhibit and promote the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region; an area steeped in a history coloured by the many wonderful characters who have lived here, all contributing to the rich diversity of the wider community. The hub and heart of the project is to be centred on the building that will house the collection of Historical and Natural History material and artefacts all depicting the heritage of the area keeping our history and culture alive by having an interactive relationship with both Greyton residents and visitors. 1. Tennis anyone? 2. The Post House 3. The opening of the Heritage Centre with Mr. Lincoln de Bruyn the Overberg District Municipality Mayor, Derek Crabtree and Naomi Herselmann. 4. Tannie Lena Fourie of Greyton this picture of her at the age of 82. She lived in the same house (94 Main Road) for over 50 years 5. Cathy Nel the great-granddaughter of Hertbert Vigne. Miss Cathy was also the postmistress in Greyton.

TEXT NICOLA VERNON

Greyton Transition Town Greyton is probably one of the most environmentally aware communities in South Africa. The people and children of Greyton are leading the way in creating an integrated and sustainable community, so much so that several towns, villages and cities throughout the country are sending representatives to see how it’s done. The drive is led by the non-profit organisation, Greyton Transition Town (GTT), which is part of a global movement of over 3000 communities which has its roots in the UK but has been embraced by the developing world where it’s proving to be a very effective driver of social change. The aim of the transition town movement is to bring the community together to find local solutions to the global challenges of peak oil consumption and climate change. On the ground this means reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, not only in transport, but also the energy that heats or cools our homes, and the petrochemicals which are sprayed on the food we eat. More and more people are now growing their own vegetables. Greyton used to be sustainable, with long erven that provided food for the people who owned and worked on them. Those erven still exist, providing plenty of fertile space in which to ‘grow your own’. GTT has helped all six local schools to create vegetable gardens which not only supply school feeding schemes but generate a surplus which is sold at two weekly markets, thus raising funds for the schools. GTT has initiated a ‘plastic shopping-bag free’ campaign, where hundreds of Greyton residents have purchased longlife bags from local retailers that are made by a team of five seamstresses from Boesmanskloof and Genadendal. Most people in Greyton are now recycling and the municipal dumpsite has reduced in size to such an extent that a large chunk of it has been reclaimed and rehabilitated by GTT to create a Green Park. The park is used by GTT almost daily for after-school

activities, including building an outdoor classroom made of ecobricks – plastic bottles stuffed with non-recyclable waste. Four swop shops in the area provide essential items to people in need who bring their clean, dry recyclable waste to the shop to swop it on-site for food, clothing, blankets, nappies, uniforms, stationery and fresh organic vegetables donated by local farmers. The jewel in Greyton’s crown, as a transition town, is undoubtedly the humane and environmental education programmes which are run both in-school and after school, reaching over 1 000 children every month. A whole generation of children is being raised to be kind to animals and to the environment, and this is leading to reduced rates of truancy, bullying, detention and bad behaviour, and to higher grades, better performance and happier children. GTT recently registered co-operatives (including five new eco-businesses) two of which are ‘The Greyton EcoLodge’ and ‘Pure Cafe’. Greyton has been recognised by the Western Cape government’s ‘110% Green Initiative’ (of which GTT is a flagship project) for its achievements towards becoming a sustainable community. Former USA Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality organisation promoted this initiative; (Al Gore himself trained the Chairperson, Nicola Vernon and the Director, Marshall Rinquest at a workshop in Johannesburg in 2014), and GTT is to be presented at the COP 21 Global Climate Change conference taking place in Paris on December 7th. Greyton is a finalist in three categories of the upcoming Eco-Logic awards to be announced in April 2016. GTT now works as part of a council comprising heads of all organisations in Greyton and is looking forward to continuing to help create a vibrant, sustainable and integrated community that will be emulated throughout South Africa.

1. Marshall Rinquist and children planting school veggie gardens - taken by Candice Mostert. 2. Young children stuffing ecobricks - taken by Candice Mostert 3. Hiking in the Cedarberg - taken by Marshall Rinquest.

Summer 2015

OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

experience over berg

TEXT

VINCENT VAN OOSTEN PHOTOS

VINCENT VAN OOSTEN PHOTOGRAPHY

McGregor to Greyton Hike My 30th birthday was coming up, so my girlfriend asked me what I wanted to do. All I could think about was going on a hike in the mountains and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been bugging her for the last 10 months to go on the McGregor to Greyton hike. My wish came true and we packed our hiking bags. After a long steep gravel road past McGreggor we arrived at Boesmanskloof and immediately felt relaxed among the mountains and wild flowers. Upon arrival we were met by the owners Jape and Sandra Oosthuizen, very friendly hosts that made sure we had everything before we set off on our hike to Greyton the next morning. We stayed in a cosy cottage with electricity, water and everything needed for a short overnight stay. At Boesmanskloof they also have other accommodation options available apart from the various size cottages they also have Eagles Nest, a large self-catering guest house on the edge of the gorge overlooking the valley. The next morning we set off on the 14km Boesmanskloof trail that leads through the spectacular Riviersonderend Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls (the popular Oakes Falls) and lovely Cape wildflowers. There is a great diversity of plant species with different Protea and Erica, and the stream conebush and wild almond growing along the watercourses. Animals found in the area include the duiker, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, baboon, dassie, spotted genet and, rarely, leopards. Birdlife includes the black and booted eagle, cape sugarbird, malachite sunbird and others.

Summer 2015

The trail may be hiked in one day, from either McGregor or Greyton, but a popular option is a 2-day there and back route. Physically the trail requires a reasonable degree of fitness as it continuously ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof. This is winter rainfall area (generally cold and wet) and the summer months are hot and dry. Water may be required during the summer months. The trail winds through the valley crossing streams from which to fill your water bottle, a tranquil experience away from the busy lifestyle so many of us have and time to relax among the fauna and flora. I would recommend packing lightly to enjoy the trail without hauling too weight with you, and if you are staying over at Boesmanskloof, arrangements can be made to have supplies ready for you there when you arrive. On warm summer days, about half way on the trail, you can cool off at Oakes Falls or have a picnic. For hiking permits please contact: CapeNature Call Centre Tel +27 (0)21 483 0190 reservation.alert@capenature.co.za Greyton Tourism Tel +27 (0)28 254 9414/9564 greytoninfo@mweb.co.za McGregor Tourism Tel +27 (0)23 625 1954 info@mcgregor.org.za Boesmanskloof Accommodation Tel +27 (0)23 625 1667 Bernardo Cell +27 (0)82 612 4623 info@boesmanskloofmcgregor.com www.boesmanskloofmcgregor.com

experience over berg OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON TEXT AND PHOTOS

MIKE GOULDING

Nodding in the breeze 1

1. 3. 5. 7.

Romulea pilosa 2. Sorocephalus alopecurus Romulea pilosa 4. Nerine pudica Pelargonium greytonense 6. Disa spathulata Red disa

Flowering beauty If you are one of the keen cyclists or walkers who visit Greyton and find yourself on the route from Bosmanskloof to Genadendal (or indeed on the long ‘Chicken Rock’ walking loop) you might, at the right time of the year, be lucky enough to see Nerine pudica - a rare flower found only in Greyton. Now, pudica means “pure” and it certainly is that; a pure and beautiful head of dangling pale pink-and-white flowers nodding in the breeze. Another flower which only occurs in Greyton, and is named after our town, is Pelargonium greytonense. Pelargoniums are commonly called geraniums, and this one can be found if you walk up The Gorge in the Nature Reserve during Spring. They are also to be found at the start of the McGregor walk as you tramp along the flat road before beginning the ascent up the zig-zag part of the track. This is a lovely little pelargonium with two large petals above and three skinny little ones below, and heartshaped leaves. Photographed in Greyton before it had even been ‘discovered’ by science, Romulea pilosa is found on the hills near Loerkop on the south side of the Riviersonderend. The plant was first described in 2009 and the accompanying photo was taken in July 2005. The SANBI web page describes this Romulea as ‘critically endangered’ and says, “A single sub-population of fewer than 50 plants survive on a small renosterveld fragment surrounded by crop fields, and continues to decline due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.” Since the above was written, Greyton’s Romulea manifestation has been noted and ‘our’ population numbers well over 500 plants, but it, too, is threatened by overgrazing. And, of course, in Greyton we have Disas. Most famous of these orchids are the red disa (Disa uniflora) and the blue disa (Disa graminifolia). The blue is less common and smaller than the red, yet we have two populations of each. All those wishing to see them require a reasonable level of fitness to reach their location, since they grow above the 600m altitude level and one would preferably need a guide. They flower from late January into February; the blue particularly after fire. Although there is officially no real concern about the survival of these two, the red is susceptible to drought and they are nowhere common. Regrettably, during the last flowering season one of our populations of red disas was vandalised. They do not do well in ‘captivity’ so digging them up is pointless and wasteful. A disa which is threatened by habitat destruction is Disa spathulata a small flower which lives at lower altitudes, and so is prone to being ploughed up or having rubbish dumped on it. The one in the picture is from a population of only four which was found behind the Greyton dump site. It is illegal to dig up a wild flower yet one can freely dump your rubbish on it. The mind boggles at how many have been treated in this manner. There is a larger population on the roadside near Genadendal. This is a curious little disa with a spatula-like tongue sticking out at the observer. Finally, not actually in Greyton, but some 12-15 km from the town, is a farm which has the only known population in existence of a member of the Protea family: Sorocephalus alopecurus. This ability to produce isolated populations of plants is a characteristic of fynbos, and many Overberg villages have their own ‘specials’. Because a Mediterranean climate such as ours has extreme summers, pockets of plants that do survive the harshness, get cut off from the main population and so develop into new species over the centuries. Until someone comes and ploughs them up!

Summer 2015

OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

experience over berg

Meet the locals...

TEXT AND PHOTOS

ERITH HARRIS AND DOMINIQUE DE SAINT

Greyton is filled to the brim with bowlers, knitters, readers, dancers, marketers, crafters, business people and more. A visit will fill you up and you won’t leave without planning a return trip. This little piece of paradise and all its resident personalities is bound to leave a lasting impression. ROSLYN PETERSEN

The very first person most visitors meet when they arrive in the village of Greyton is Roslyn Petersen, the manager of the Information and Tourism office situated right on the Main Road in the centre of the CBD. Not only can they be guaranteed a warm and smiling welcome, but she is the ‘Wikipedia’; the best person to inform one about ‘Who’s Who in the Zoo’. To loosely quote Ratty from ‘The Wind in the Willows’…..’What she doesn’t know about (the town) is not worth knowing’. In fact everything, from finding and booking accommodation, where to

GIELIE VILJOEN

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eat, where the mountain bike and hiking trails can be found, to what’s on in Greyton, where to go for wine tasting, where to find bicycles for hire, where the good schools can be found, to purchasing Computickets for the Music Festival… and so on…and so on...ad infinitum. But it’s not only visitors who beat a path to her door; residents, too, find Ros a mine of information and advice. Roslyn’s passion for her virtual ‘calling’ is clearly evident; she loves engaging with people and giving sincere advice. Her encyclopaedic local knowledge can be attributed to the 30 years she has spent in Greyton since her arrival as a young teenager from Cape Town with her parents, where, since completing her schooling, she has worked in the town as a waitress, restaurant manager, and gift shop proprietor until being asked to help out in the tourism office some eight years ago; the rest is history….

CALEB HENDERSON

For those in the know, Blaaubank Farm is a bit of a secret and ‘Greytonians’, amongst others, would love to keep it that way. Blaauwbank Farm has been part of the Overberg landscape since 1850 or so, and in the Viljoen family since 1976. Gielie has been running the farm since 1994; mainly a dairy, the farm also produces wheat, oats, barley and sheep, and is situated on the scenic R 406, halfway between Caledon and Greyton. Blaauwbank gets its name

from a ridge of very hard, bluish rock that runs the entire length of the farm. But it is for his free-range meat products that Gielie has earned his reputation far and wide. The butchery is run directly from the farm with Gielie doing all the work and preparation of his products himself. The animals are reared on the farm and are slaughtered at the Grabouw abattoir, after which the carcasses are returned to Blaauwbank. He certainly knows his shank from his

Caleb (pictured right) could hardly believe he was granted entry to the Wines2Whales Mountain Bike Ride this year. A challenging 200 km ride from Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands to the finishing point in Hermanus; the ride covers extreme terrain, hills and rough areas that test most riders. 19 year old Caleb is no stranger to challenges. At two, his parents discovered he was deaf. Caleb was fitted with hearing aids and taught to speak before starting school, when it was discovered that he had tuberous sclerosis, where parts of the brain are calcified, which means

that he cannot read, and struggles with reasoning. However, he benefited from mainstream schooling at Greyton House where he helps staff to coach younger children in sports, and assists teachers with various tasks. He is currently working towards his green belt in Jujitsu. Caleb trained around four hours daily for four months in preparation for the Wines2Whales ride. He traversed some rough terrain to prepare for the challenges ahead. His mentor/coach, Corne Barnard has rarely seen someone so committed to the sport. “Last year, I took Caleb to the presentation event and his eyes just lit up at all the riders.” Despite Caleb’s challenges he is being encouraged to find a purpose, and be as independent as possible within his limits. His family and friends are proud that he persevered to the end the race. Out of 537 finishing teams, Corne and Caleb came 100th! Greyton can be very proud of this young man. knuckle, as his satisfied customers will tell you. Gielie says he loves the interaction with his clients, especially when they enjoy his meat and they come back time and again. The farm is open to the public on a Friday from 08h00 to 17h00. Gielie does a brisk trade with his famous hand-made Blaauwbank boerewors because a weekend braai is just not the same without his special trademark wors.

experience over berg OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON JANE DOHLHOFF

When Jane Dohlhoff picked up a compound bow in 2009 in order to tag along with her husband Mike on archery weekends, she was completely unaware that this was to become one of the most profound personal journeys she would undertake. Jane remembers shooting with the top archers in South Africa who had flown down to Cape Town to prepare for the upcoming International World Championships in Germany. She was awestruck by their dedication and vowed to follow in their footsteps. Everything happened so quickly; as less than three months later, Jane was competing with these same archers in Johannesburg and was then selected to join the Protea Team for the following World Championships. The mental preparation was the toughest; Jane had sessions at the Sports Science Centre in Cape Town with leading Sports Psychiatrist Clinton Gahwiler, and

JOHN WILLIAMS

Our resident artisan baker is a recent addition to Greyton village life but

later went on to Eye Gym, Mindfulness Training and The Art of Meditation with Marina Redpath at Limitless. The physical side of archery is mostly about repetition and strength training. Jane’s husband, Mike, motivated her to train and made sure that all of her equipment was tuned and set up perfectly; an ongoing and almost daily chore. Training in all weather conditions, shooting from obscure angles, and stamina control become the aim of the game. “It’s all about discipline” says Jane, “being physically and mentally strong is not easy; as it requires absolute dedication to practice, and the mental control to make a good shot even when the pressure is on. Having the backing of great sponsors, like Magnum Archery, also really makes it all worthwhile.” In addition to her results at the World Championships in Germany; Jane has been capped 4 times with podium finishes at all four of them. As well as winning 2 Gold Medals at the World Championships in Argentina and USA and holding 3 World Records. In the USA last year, the SA ladies team won silver in the team event which means they competed against the men...quite a feat! South Africa is home to some of the best Archers in the world and presently, the training and focus is on the next World Championships taking place in Australia during September 2016. already his ciabatta and rye loaves are quite the hit. John Williams has always made his own bread. Mulling over the question of why he loves doing this, he took some time to answer. “It’s a very ancient human activity. A marvel really! The process of mixing dough and baking your daily bread…almost a meditation in action!” And thankfully for us, he sells his wares at the Saturday and Wednesday morning markets. All the bread is made from natural ingredients and no preservatives are added. “The Breadman”, as he is known, is a man of many talents. John originally hails from Durban, studied sculpture and had a design business in Durban. He has spent some interesting times around South Africa including being a commercial fisherman in Port Alfred before arriving in our neck of the woods. John and Calli were both enamoured with Greyton in recent visits, loved the energy and buzz and relocated to Greyton. They have recently opened a delightful new shop, Willow and Bailey. (named for their daughter Chloe’s dog, Willow and their own dog, Bailey - both African hounds.) Situated at the famous Oak and Vigne courtyard, this small country-chic shop is filled with an eclectic

MARCHEL ABRAHAMS

Marchel started out his career in Pharmacy and after his first year of studies and some time spent as a Pharmacy Assistant in Swellendam – he realised that this was not to be his path in life. A real people’s person, Marchel longed for more interaction with people and being more personally involved in his community. He got involved with the Greyton Red Cross and finally found his purpose in life. He has done a number of courses – Home Base Level 1,2 and 3 and First Aid Course Level 1. The head sister, Naomi Isaacs, gives him a brief and details of the caring jobs he has to undertake and he fulfils these roles with a

“I care for the elderly, bathing the bed ridden, act as a companion or do anything required during an assignment. I love my job and the challenges!” Marchel said, “But it is also really rewarding to be of service.”

smile.

and whimsical mix of vintage pieces, old books, botanical art, an animal skull or two and a fine selection of ceramics and jewellery. John and Calli have a lovely sense of style and talent for mixing old and new objects, adding in a pop of colour for fun. The bright billiard-table green wall was chosen to highlight art and artefacts and as Calli mentioned, “Green is the new Black!” Chloe, who studied art and clearly has an eye for style and new trends, is also involved with sourcing some of these beautiful décor items.

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OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

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Hit the books

This village is fortunate in that it has four co-educational primary schools and a high school serving the local area. Although varying in ethos, and the community elements they cater for, there is a common spirit of co-operation between them. Sports facilities are generously shared; the loan of vehicles and drivers arranged whenever necessary; invitations to special functions and events are exchanged. In addition, as in many communities, there are some parents who choose to home-school their own children themselves. GREYTON PRIMARY is an Afrikaans-medium government school located in Greyton’s Heuwelkroon suburb. It currently has an enrolment of around 400 children ranging from Reception Class through to Grade 7. The present Headmaster is Mr Malloy. Generations of parents contributed towards improving the school through their support and fund-raising efforts. UITKYK PRIMARY was established in 1927; originally named ‘Teen die Bult’ because of its prime position on the high ridge to the north of the town, the first principal was Mr J J du Toit. It grew steadily, reaching its highest enrolment of 204 pupils in 1945. The need for a boarding facility became apparent, so a double-storey Victorian house (now Artists David and Dina Kuijers’ family home) was leased for this purpose. Due to increasing demand from parents living far from town, the ‘Bergsig Koshuis’ was built next to the school in 1961 (now the ‘EcoLodge’). Today Uitkyk is a dualmedium government school with an enrolment of about 100 pupils; Mrs Estelle Groenewald serving as the present principal.

Where to stay Greyton is renowned for being the quintessential weekend get-away spot. Its proximity to the buzz of Cape Town means that it is far enough to have a real break, and yet close enough to travel back to every weekend. Whether you are a couple, a family with small children, a group of friends, or wedding guests, there is suitable accommodation available that caters for everyone. There are many fortunate folk who have a weekend or holiday home in the village, but for those who don’t, there is an amazing array of different types of accommodation on offer. It would be just impossible to list every establishment, but a wide range of places, from self-catering accommodation venues, to a tented camp in the countryside, to cottages and homes in and around the village offering the scope of between one to five bedrooms. The ambience of the village and surrounds offers a perfect get-away from the city and a chance to

THE CAPE COUNTRY MEANDER Get your passport to adventure www.capecountrymeander.co.za 16

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ERITH HARRIS Visitors entering the village will notice a large house on the left. This is GREYTON HOUSE, one of the only two fully English-medium schools in the entire Overberg region. It was founded by local parents wanting an English school for their children, and moved to its current location in 2000. The founding principal was Mrs Gill Gallagher; the current headmaster being Mr Gareth Dry. It is an independent school, affiliated to ISASA, catering for children from 3 years old to Grade 7. All major subjects are taught, including Art, Drama, Music, Design and Technology and Computers. A compulsory sports programme is offered that includes cricket, athletics, rugby, hockey and soccer. There are also non-compulsory sports clubs where pupils can participate in swimming, gymnastics, tennis, hiking and orienteering, mountain-biking and lawn bowls. The school has two very active choirs, including the ‘Owlets’, who sang at the gala concert of the recent Classics for All Music Festival. Exciting plans are afoot to build a state-of-the-art ‘School of the Arts’ by 2018, which will include boarding and secondary school facilities. L R SCHMIDT PRIMARY AND EMIL WEDER HIGH, GENADENDAL These two long-established and wellrenowned government schools play an essential role in this historic community, founded by the Moravian missionary to whom tribute was paid by naming the former school in his memory. The latter boasts a boarding facility.

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unwind, which is why most places specialise in weekend bookings (with the minimum of a 2 night stay) in selfcatering facilities. Some self-catering accommodation will require a minimum of 3 to 4 nights during long weekends and holidays. It is always best to do your homework beforehand; one will find the different accommodation booking services and websites really helpful. From Bed & Breakfasts, to Inns, Lodges and the fabulous Post House – there are beautiful rooms that have been designed with just your peace and relaxation in mind. www.greytontourism.com www.greytonweekends.co.za www.greytonaccommodation.com www.capestay.co.za

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Visitors who come through to Greyton will find Heuwelkroon on their left hand side just as you drive into the village. Greyton was the first town to be laid out where people of all creeds lived together side by side and there were no segregated areas until Heuwelkroon came into being. Although a small village on its own, the residents of Heuwelkroon have always been very closely intertwined with Greyton. There are a quite few business on the outskirts – I suppose one would call this the ”industrial area”. The famous Von Geusau Chocolates has their factory here and you can even visit to see how these are made. Vilko is the place to go for building, agricultural and hardware needs and there is a laundry, Greyton Electrical, and the panel beaters side by side. The Greyton Red Cross run their daily operations efficiently from the offices opposite the laundry. Go beyond this point, explore a little further and there is a wealth of activities, businesses, schools and fascinating people in Heuwelkroon and Boschmanskloof. The main work force in Greyton comes from this area and it is fair to pay tribute to the smiling faces and hard workers we see and work with on a daily basis. Dora van der Burg is tucked away in a side street and runs a restaurant called the Jam Tin from her home. Her traditional home cooked meals are well known from tamatie and bean bredie, bobotie and curries. Dora only cooks to order so reservations are essential - this is a wonderfully unique experience. Connie Silke also runs a catering business from her home opposite the school and caters for the Ladle in Greyton as well as smaller functions and celebrations. Builders, bakers, receptionists, cooks, child-minders, artisans, waiters, cashiers – there are so many talented people who are part of our daily lives in Greyton. Families who have been in the village for many, many years work closely together to support the economic hubb that keeps the Greyton wheels turning. Edward Oliver, for example, has built many a fabulous home and has always been sought after in the village. His daughters are real ladies who take after their mother Rachel. Daphne is the soothing voice on the other end of the phone at Dr. Kargaard’s rooms and Edwina has seen children through Greyton House Village School for many a year. As you drive into Heuwelkroon and up into Boschmanskloof, there is always an assortment of dogs about, children playing in the street and parents chatting in their front gardens. And everyone waves as you pass by – it is a very friendly village. The views of the mountains are quite spectacular from this viewpoint and in the valley; there are a number of community gardens with neat rows of vegetables and produce. The community is small and very closely knit and there are a number of initiatives to create a more organic and sustainable way to sufficiently provide for themselves and their families. There are a few small shops, amenities and schools in the areas. Otherwise most of the services are sourced from nearby Genadendal or Greyton. Some of the horse riding trails lead through Heuwelkroon and Boschmanskloof and it is a chance for visitors to meet the locals. Heuwelkroon is very much a part of the Greyton community and there are future plans to incorporate a lot more of this adjoining suburb in tourist activities - for example, the open gardens during the annual Rose Festival included some lovely gardens from Heuwelkroon. Jam Tin – Dora van der Burg +27 (0)76 875 8737 Connie Silke Catering – +27 (0)82 951 8168 Above: Daphne Alexander’s garden in Boschmanskloof - Dawid has been working here for many, many years.

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Heuwelkroon & Boschmanskloof

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OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

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Fun fabulous food I moved from Germany to Greyton almost 10 years ago and have seen many establishments come and go over that time. At first, everything about Greyton, from the views everywhere one turns, to trying out every restaurant and eating out, is like an exciting box of bonbons - to quote Forrest Gump: “My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’” Thankfully, some of my old favourites are here to stay and have remained on my regular circuit over the past decade. Although Greyton is a small town, we have a good mix of restaurants and venues that cater for just about every taste.

THE POST HOUSE

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9995, 22 Main Road www.theposthouse.co.za Just love the atmosphere and the olde worlde charm. The staff are really attentive and the fillet steak utterly delicious. I particularly like the liver paté and there is a great wine list to choose from.

ABBEY ROSE

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9470, 19 Main Road www.abbeyrose.co.za Such a charming, ‘buzzy’ family restaurant with a firm old-favourite menu that has been perfected over time; lamb shanks, oxtail - and my favourite: the best spare ribs in the Cape! Great attention from host André, while Anita rules the kitchen! They also have an à la carte menu, and cater for functions, special celebrations and weddings

SEARLES

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9550, 36 Main Road www.searles.co.za If I am not running to a work deadline, I will be at Searle’s for Prawn Night! Derek perfects this signature dish, and I attempt a double helping each time – the best prawns ever! I do struggle over the choice of the seared salmon steak, though…! Country-style cooking, great pub and atmosphere and a really popular wedding venue. An unbeatable space for either a boisterous party or a quiet candle-lit dinner on the covered stoep, with live music on most weekends – dancing, and enjoying yourself, are always encouraged.

PURE CAFÉ

Tel: +27 (0)82 558 7752, 3 Greyt Oak Centre, 41 Main www.greytontransition.co.za Pure Café offers a delicious selection of wonderfully inventive dishes, catering for our growing vegetarian and vegan community, but not exclusively so. Also for sale: organic food, coconut, olive, avocado, peanut and sesame oils, spices, organic teas and natural personal products.

1854 RESTAURANT

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9639, 14 Main Road www.1854restaurant.co.za A real Tex-Mex delight with juicy burgers and steaks galore! Great service from owner/host Morné. A fabulous spot to watch rugby or sports, and great

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music on occasion. Be sure to visit on Burger Night as you cannot get a better offer anywhere – ‘two for the price of one’ and a fun atmosphere to boot!

THE HUNGRY MONK

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9680 or +27 (0)82 705 3948, 25 Main Road Excellent wine choices. The Fish & Chips was the best I have ever eaten and there is a great tapas menu. Phone ahead to check availability and what’s on the menu. The ‘All Bar Nun” offers a great atmosphere for a drink and chat with the ‘locals’.

PECCADILLOS

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9066, 23 Main Road www.peccadillos.co.za A real bistro in the heart of Greyton with a small, seasonal but impeccable menu by host/chef Rupert, with each dish lovingly prepared. “Peccadillos invites you to unbutton all resistance!” A carefully-selected wine list offers local Cape wines. This is a small, intimate, cosy space and a great establishment for a romantic night out.

VIAS CAFÉ

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9190, 31 Main Road www.vias.co.za My favourite place for a good cup of coffee – my ‘personal’ barista Soa Delport knows exactly how I like it and also roasts my beans for my daily brew. I couldn’t live without it. The burgers are to-diefor and the toasted tramazini are fabulous for a snack attack. Be sure to visit on a Wednesday for the whacky meal specials and, of course, the Wednesday Table with fresh local produce. A great space to catch up with everyone for a chat.

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VANILLA CAFÉ

Tel: +27 (0) 028 254 9453, 18 Ds Botha Street Breakfast. Yes, fabulous breakfasts! And coffee! A safe space for moms to relax and kids to roam free in the garden playground. It’s a great spot to watch rugby on the big screen with like-minded enthusiasts and there is always a welcome vibe! Eloise is the gracious hostess of this establishment. Tea, cake and the speciality pizzas are served.

OAK & VIGNE CAFÉ

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9037, 13 D.S. Botha Street You cannot visit Greyton without a visit to the Oak & Vigne. With breakfasts all day, light meals and a great vibe, in a beautiful setting. Open 7 days a week and fully licensed; it is still the best sidewalk spot to watch the passing parade.

FIORE’S GARDEN CENTRE

Tel: +27 (0)28 254 9750, 10 Main Road www.fioregardencentre.com Open for breakfast and lunch in a superb garden setting. I love the different pancakes and fillings. Well-known for hosting all sorts of functions from birthdays and kitchen teas, to kiddies’ parties and weddings. Relax in the garden with treats, cake and tea.

1. Wednesday mornings at VIas buzzes with people and local fresh produce on the market table. 2. The old wagon is planted with a welcome array of flowers and a landmark to the entrance of Vanilla Café. 3. You can’t miss Abbey Rose as you drive into Greyton. 4. The bright yellow Tuk Box from Searles will deliver your takeaway pizza in record time. A familiar sight around the village.

experience over berg OUR FAVOURITE TOWN - GREYTON

GreytArt Greyton is a destination known for several annual events including the Greyton Rose Fair, the Classics for All Music Festival and the Heritage Festival. Yet what sets the village apart is its people. Many Greytonians are inspired by the nature and beauty of the Overberg. The recently held Creative Arts Festival saw some 40 artists and highlyskilled crafters of the town showcase their work. Initiated by Adèle Fouché, an artist herself, this festival had visitors streaming into the little Overberg village, to the extent that the cash machines were empty. Apple crates, strategically positioned in the main exhibition hall by Mike Donkin, not only complemented the works, but paid homage to an industry that employs many people in the area. The Anglican Hall displayed exquisite Keiskamma tapestries, fine quilts, local weavers, and saw jaws dropping during demonstrations by mouth artists. Catherine Paynter, whose fabulous themes and deft style have garnered her fans across the world, and David Kuijers, whose quirky paintings on canvas and glass are sold to an ever-increasing group of discerning buyers, are amongst the internationally acclaimed artists living in Greyton. Monique Fagan turns trash into treasure with some of her works exhibited in a café in Salzburg, Austria. A magistrate by day and passionate soap-maker during her leisure time, Caron Lehmann specializes in traditional soap-making. Marshall Rinquest, a master of fynbos appreciation, shares the medicinal and edible secrets of this unique and strikingly beautiful group of flora surrounding the Western Cape, by taking visitors on walks. Elicetone Diedericks, a resident in neighbouring Genadendal, creates exquisite celebratory cakes; the talk of the town in the Helderberg basin. Erna Moolman produces material prints sought after by discerning interior decorators. Book and CD illustrator Alida Bothma, charms many with her ‘imaginative, roguish and evocative paintings’. Besides producing sought-after artisan candles, Gretha Quinlan is also an artist of note, who takes days on end to complete a painting, using a 000 brush, equating the process to meditation or yoga. Helen Crowther creates jewellery using only high quality materials such as genuine gemstones, beads and sterling silver. Gallery owner Michelle Holloway records daily life in acrylics on canvas, often with a nostalgic twist, whereas her partner Carol Gibbs, specialises in assemblage. Using clay, wood, resin, sand and papier maché,

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Colourful glass works exhibited at the Old Potters Inn during the Creative Arts Festival

Caker Elicetone Diedericks sharing tricks of the trade

Mouth painting techniques demonstrated by Martin Sodoms in the Anglican Hall

gallerist Marina Aguiar is known for her unique sculptures. Observant visitors exploring the village might come across Alistair Barnes’ regal owls that are guaranteed to make one look twice. It is said that the converging ley lines close to Greyton result in a high level of natural energy and this is clearly evident in the creative soul of Greyton.

www.greytoncreative.co.za | www.greytontourism.com www.greytontransition.co.za | www.thecapecountrymeander.co.za For a FULL history of Greyton visit: http://greytonconservationsociety.com/history-of-greyton/

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CALEDON

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Caledon A small town with a big heart! Caledon is one of the seven oldest towns in South Africa and lies at the foot of the Klein Swartberg mountain about 100km from Cape Town. It lends itself to an extraordinary history and came into being as a result of the hot water springs gushing from the slopes of the mountain. There are very important archaeological sites near the Caledon resort which date back to the time of the first springs being discovered by the Khoi. Today, the mineral baths form part of the Caledon Casino Hotel & Spa, known over the world for its warm hospitality. The world-renowned wild flower garden and reserve is famed for its splendid wildflower display. The town of Caledon is renowned for its hot and cold springs, discovered by the early Khoi-Khoi people before the Europeans ascribed healing properties to the iron-rich waters and opened a sick house, followed eventually by a sanatorium, which was later destroyed by fire. The seven springs, one of which is cold and the other six thermal, are warmed by contact with rocks heated by pressure deep within the earth to a steady temperature of 49,5Â° Celsius. Cold spring water, which is free of any organic matter, is captured as it gushes out of the ground at nearly 19 degrees Celsius, then finely filtered and bottled. The warm baths of Caledon have been the focus of a preliminary archival survey and three archaeological investigations as well as an archaeological survey of the adjacent area which now constitutes the golf course and estate.

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The organised utilisation of the hot springs for their therapeutic value began in 1710 when Ferdinand Appel erected a guesthouse for visitors. As the demands for accommodation increased, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a guesthouse near the springs in the 1790s. In the pre-historic period, KhoiKhoi herders utilised the hot springs and the surrounding area for their sheep and cattle. Two clans maintained various kraals in the area, the KhoiKhoi (Men of Men) and the Hessequa (Men of the Bushes) and who occupied the landscape for a period of at least 1 500 years before colonial contact. They named the springs the Disporecamma (hot water) and the river catchment the Hacqua (zebra). In 1715 ten hectares of ground surrounding the springs were granted to Ferdinand Appel for the development of a health spa.

Conditions were not favourable and Governor Janssens persuaded the German doctor Johann Frederich Hassner to take control. It was originally known in Dutch as Bad agter de Berg. A bath house was built in 1797 and a village called Zwartberg originated. By the middle of the 19th century Hassner's new guesthouse flourished and the British Government considered it a well-frequented resort on a main route half-way between Cape Town and Swellendam. In 1805, the warm baths were acquired by Dr Hassner, who developed the springs into a more formalised establishment. The town, initially called Klein Swartberg, was renamed in 1813 by by the governor of Caledon, Sir John Cradock, in honour of the Earl of Caledon, and the first British governor of the Cape. The owner of the farm on which Caledon was established was J Rademan who sold it for 10 000 rijksdaalders. The purpose for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founding was mainly administrative, being a subdrostdy for the Drostdy at Swellendam. Initially it grew very slowly until the development of the hot spring reached the height of its popularity in 18791904 when the Walsh brothers built a three storey building comprising hotel and sanatorium facilities able to accommodate up to 300 guests. The establishment was superbly furnished

experience over berg BEGUILING experience over bergBARRYDALE CALEDON

Main photo. Sunset glow over Caledon 1. A rock formation called the Caledon Venster (window) 2. Grain silos in the capital of the Overberg.

and decorated in the Victorian style of the day. In 1946 this glorious place went up in flames. The cause of the fire was never determined, and the complex never rebuilt. Several versions of the baths were built over the years, but only the current bath, built in 1904 has been preserved in situ. The latest site refurbishment was undertaken in 2000 when the Caledon Casino Bid Company established the present-day health spa and casino.

Schools

Caledon has twelve schools. The Alton Public School, built in 1875, is the oldest and smallest still-operating school in Caledon. Originally it was a one-room schoolhouse with one adjoining building. In the early 1900s renovations were carried out to put all the classrooms under one roof. Over the years further extensions were built to accommodate more students.

Caledon Wild Flower Garden and Reserve In 1899 the Municipality of Caledon was given a piece of ground by Queen Victoria for the purpose of establishing a park. In 1925 a reserve was established to ensure the perpetuation of all the local botanical species. In 1927, Mr Cecil Young, an unknown landscape gardener, began with the layout and design of the Victoria Wild Flower Garden. Mr C de Wet Meiring took over from him in 1933 and made a life’s work of the extension and improvement of the gardens. His knowledge and hard work were recognised and honoured by the Queen of England in 1964 when she presented him with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Veitch Gold Medal for Horticulture and Hibridisation of Protea Species and other wild flowers. During 1934 responsibility for the gardens passed to the Caledon Municipality, and in 1964 they were declared a Nature Reserve, thus becoming eligible for subsidisation by the Cape Provincial Administration. The 56 ha garden includes a wonderful variety of indigenous flowers, comprising mostly fynbos species. The renowned ‘Window Rock’ formation is also found here. The reserve offers a 10km walking trail through the fynbos to the the summit of the Klein Swartberg. Along this walk you will find charming pathways and wooden bridges, lawns, picnic spots, indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as prolific birdlife. The Caledon garden has an annual wild-flower show during September, the season for the

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1 and 2 Caledon churches are beautiful at night. Left is the NG Kerk and right the Anglican Church.

best displays of abundant arrays of indigenous blooms. Caledon is very well situated for the production of barley, one of the world’s leading grain crops. A large percentage of the barley grown in the Overberg region is used for brewing malt beverages such as beer. Southern Associated Barley Maltsters. Southern Associated Maltsters (SAM) was established in 1978 as a joint venture between SAB and two cooperatives. Caledon Maltings is now one of the largest malt-producing plants in the southern hemisphere, with an annual capacity of 180 000 tonnes. It is worth visiting the Holy Trinity Anglican church, designed by S Gray and built in 1855 out of sandstone. Caledon House Museum Various artefacts from the Victorian period showing the history of the people living in Caledon at that time, are on display in the museum. The renowned South African artist Peter Clarke lived in Tesselaarsdal, near Caledon, for a period when he was a young man. The Caledon Museum has a collection of his work from this time, depicting Tesselaarsdal people and places. 11 Constitution Street, Caledon Tel: +27 (0)28 212 1511 Caledon Cannon The Caledon Cannon is an artillery piece which was used as a warning signal to the residents if there was an enemy attack on Cape Town. It was stationed at Vuurbakenkop, Klein Swartberg, near Caledon from 1730 until it was moved to the town in 1920. In 1992 it was moved to its present

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position in front of the Post Office. Caledon Golf Club If you are staying in or close to Caledon this is a good place to spend a morning or afternoon playing a relaxing round of golf. The course was designed by members in 1961 and has become a part of the town with its 9 holes being played by locals and visitors alike. Caledon Golf Club is open every day of the week to the public and has facilities which include a halfway house, a boardroom, and a bar. Caddies are available on request and golf carts are available for hire. Ian Toerien Street Tel: +27 (0)28 212 1931

Accommodation

Accommodation in Caledon ranges from hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and award-winning farm accommodation. The Caledon Hotel offers accommodation ranging from superior and deluxe rooms to luxury suites. Most rooms have spectacular views of the Swarberg Mountain. It offers an original Victorian Bath House with therapeutic massages and invigorating pools. 1 Nerina Avenue, Caledon Tel: +27 (0)28 214 5100 Arolela is a guest farm with selfcatering accommodation, situated 18 km from Caledon. It is a working farm, producing wheat, barley, oats and raising sheep. The setting is typical of the Overberg, boasting several blue crane visitors. Cell: +27 (0)387 24166 Leeuwenhof Guest House offers accommodation set in a beautiful, lush garden with a swimming pool, abundant bird life and trees.

6 Gousblom Street, Caledon Tel: +27 (0)28 212 2718 Huckleberry Inn offers affordable, comfortable accommodation in four bedrooms. 22 Meul Street, Caledon Cell: +27 (0)83 286 1343

Restaurants

The Black Sheep Diner and Satellite Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including South African favourites such as beef burgers, line fish, succulent steak and a range of homemade desserts. The 75-seater restaurant is a buzzing assemblage of townsfolk and visitors, accommodating those who want a delicious dinner as well as those up for a fun evening out. 1 Nerina Avenue, Caledon Tel: +27 (0)28 214 5100

Shopping Victoria Mall - Hoop St, Caledon For all your shopping needs - includes Pick’nPay, Clicks, Wimpy and more. Caledon Tourism Bureau http://caledontourism.com | tourism@twk.org.za Tel: +27 (0)28 212 1511 The roads around Caledon offer the best opportunities to spot flocks of the Blue Crane - South Africa’s national bird. • caledontourism.com/tourism/ Special thanks to Leon W. Vorster at the Caledon Museum and archaeologist, Mary Patrick from Cape Archaeological Survey.

Located an hour's drive from Cape Town, in one of the province’s most scenic areas, The Caledon Hotel and Spa is the ideal place for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation.

WIN A MIDWEEK GETAWAY SMS your name and surname and answer the following question: “What is The Caledon Spa’s signature treatment” to 083 652 5489 and stand to win this fabulous getaway! TERMS AND CONDITIONS • The prize consists of a two night MIDWEEK stay for 2 people sharing • This country get-away includes breakfast and access to the natural warm mineral pools • The prize also includes a Rain Spa treatment for two people • The prize must be taken up before the end on March 2016 and the prize winner is advised to book their stay and treatment in advance • This prize does not include any extras and the winner will be billed accordingly • The offer is not transferable and may not be converted to cash • Guests are advised that the Natural Warm Mineral Pools are closed on Monday Standard mobile rates apply. No correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 18 years or older.

THE CALEDON CASINO, HOTEL, SPA AND ENTERTAINMENT 1 Nerina Avenue • Caledon • Western Cape • Tel: +27 28 214 5100 www.thecaledoncasino.co.za GPS 34o 13’31.55”S | 19 o 26’13.76”E

Summer 2015

PEOPLE - THE ADVENTURE OF RETIREMENT

experience over berg

TEXT & PHOTOS HELEN FENWICK

Reader's Story

The adventure of retirement For some retirement is a process of slowing down but for Helen, a reader from Struisbaai, things are just starting to heat up. Join her as she starts testing her limits and embracing life and all she holds dear. Ever since the 1970s my husband has holidayed in Struisbaai and when I joined the family in the 80s there was still no electricity supply and only one shop. Sometimes there were 10 or more of us cramped into our tiny 2 bedroomed house with a nasty little outside room that nobody wanted to sleep in, but we have had years of fun and fascinating memories of those sojourns shared with kids, grandkids and friends! Several renovations have taken place over the decades and although it is still very much a beach house it’s become a comfortable home to which we have now retired. The tiny fishing village has grown. There are now about 2 000 permanent residents and we have a small ‘mall’ with some interesting shops that appeal to its many visitors. One such shop, is a gift shop called ‘Southbound’; it is a must to visit as one will be surprised at what you will find there.

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Of course the sandy beach is a huge attraction to visitors as it stretches for 14 km, making it the longest uninterrupted white beach in the Southern Hemisphere. Swimming here is safe, also attracting surfers and windsurfers and of course kayaking is another popular pastime.

When we retired I decided that it would be an adventurous retirement and that I would embrace every opportunity that came my way; getting out of my comfort zone whenever possible. We bought an off-road

caravan with the idea of exploring the country within and beyond its borders, as well as venturing into every corner of the Overberg, but with Struisbaai as our base. My husband and I are keen on wildlife, especially birds, and Earl is a passionate deep-sea angler; this area satisfies both these needs.

Friends came to stay recently and on the first day of their visit we decided to take them on a birding excursion to nearby Arniston. Our challenge was to find more than 60 bird species, starting in the garden, travelling along the Bredasdorp Road to the turnoff to the dirt road to Arniston, then along that road and back to the garden again. We put out positive vibes into the ether and saw almost everything on our wish list. Earl was determined to find a kingfisher and while we were chatting about the malachite, pied and giant (which were possibles) Tommy reminisced about the first time he’d seen a giant; Megan said she’d never seen one. Seconds later, what should we see but a beautiful giant kingfisher! The Waenhuiskrans Cave was a ‘must go to’ attraction which we visited, upon arrival, at low tide. I had been in the cave a few times before, but I was younger then and more agile. I looked at the route down and

experience over berg PEOPLE - THE ADVENTURE OF RETIREMENT

4 Opposite. A magical sunset in Struisbaai 1. Windsurfers frolic on the waves and in the air 2. An early morning trip to the beach for Josh and Shan 3. Helen enjoys the views while feasting on a breakfast at Pelican Harbour Cafe 4. Explore Struisbaai by foot, car or boat...and bike!

thought, “Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained.” It can, I suppose, be done in slip-slops or even barefoot but a good pair of takkies would be wiser. I was wearing a thin-soled pair of pumps! I descended the stairs from the cliff-top and gingerly negotiated the slippery rocks while an incoming tide crashed almost too close for comfort. If one is reasonably steady on one’s feet it is totally ‘do-able’. Within a few minutes we were at the tunnel entrance and bent over double to slither into the dim, dank cave. Wow! I’d forgotten how exciting it was to be there and just stared out to sea and watched as the tide crept closer and closer into cave. It was indeed a beautiful thing to do. After all our birding activity and the visit to the cave, we made our way to the picturesque fishing harbour and watched the local fishermen clean their catch. Then it was time for a refreshing drink at the beautiful Arniston Hotel. What a great view from the stoep! The birding there and back was fast and fun, and by the time we were back in Struisbaai we’d chalked up 70 species, beating our target by 10! All my life I have avoided sailing out to sea in any floating vessel no matter what size. Yes, I have been on two cruises on ocean-going ships, but they have not scored very highly on my bestholidays-ever list. I don’t much like flying either, and light aircraft are an absolute no-no, but, as part of my ‘retire adventurously’ motto I have had to face my fears, and twice this year I’ve flown in light aircraft. Then on the second day of our guests’ visit I was persuaded to go out to sea on my hubby’s very tiny tub of a boat! Now some would argue that a 6,2 metre ‘Super-Cat’ is not a tub, but I beg to differ! Tommy said, “You must come out with us; the pelagic birds will be so worth the trip! You will see albatross, petrels, prions and terns.” I’d heard so much about the wonderful birdlife at sea, but because of my thalassophobia, or perhaps it’s more of a tachophobia, I had previously avoided ever going out to have such an experience. But now I was tempted, and recklessly agreed to join them all on a little trip out into the wide blue ocean. I was not a happy camper for the first half an hour. The speed and bumping over the waves scared me silly until I gave myself a talking to: “If you die now at your ripe old age of 63 nobody will care; your kids are grown and your grandchildren will get over it, so just relax and enjoy the wind blowing through your hair and the sun shining upon your skin!” So I did, and began to search for the birds. Soon I found I’d been conned, because the only winged creatures that I saw were two kelp gulls, more of which I could have seen on the beach! Finally the engines were cut and we settled down to search for fish, which were on strike and refusing to bite. Then all of a sudden Earl yelled, “Whales!” I looked up and was enthralled to see them breaching, blowing, splashing and playing. There were calves and parents and the guys were just as excited as Megan and I were, but they did not know what species they were. Definitely not

Summer 2015

PEOPLE - THE ADVENTURE OF RETIREMENT

experience over berg

1 Southern Rights, as the shape of their blow was not a V. They might have been Humpback or Bryde’s. Unfortunately my aim-and-shoot Canon Powershot does not have a shutter speed fast enough to capture the breaching, but I did get some piccies that I will treasure all my life. This was the highlight of the trip for me! I was not too keen on actually fishing but my hubby put a rod in my hand. Soon I yelled, “There’s something on my line!” “ Reel in!” yelled Tommy, excitedly. With both Earl and Tom shouting instructions I eventually saw my fish come to the surface. I wanted to yank it aboard but they advised to me to stop reeling. Tom got the net and soon my fish swam into it and was unceremoniously hauled onto the boat. It was a beautiful stompneus and I had to pose with it. “Wind the line around your hand and smile!” said Earl. Oh, the pain of the line cutting into my hand! Do they really call this fun? Well yes; it was great seeing the huge smile on Earl’s face. He thinks I’m going to be

1. The Overberg is a birders paradise 2. Waenhuiskrans is a must-do 3. Fisherman at work 4. Helen proudly displays the “catch of the day” 5. Magnificent whales in the bay 6. Earl’s cob was also rather impressive 7. Lynn Shield owner of Southbound 8. Fun in the surf

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his permanent fishing buddy now!

Megan enjoyed the fishing tremendously and hooked a few fish too. The guys were in their element to have their ladies with them, but were not that thrilled with the final total of fish caught, but Earl landed a good-sized cob. The best part of my catch was in the eating. My chef/husband baked it in the oven and it was delicious. I can’t tell you what the next adventure will be. Just know that I will be out there experiencing as much as I possibly can...Even by boat!

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Send us your Reader’s Story - we would love to hear from you! Submission date 10 February 2016 artwork@experienceoverberg.co.za

Summer 2015

experience over berg

ADVERTORIAL

TEXT AND PHOTOS SILVANA BOTTEGA

Whalehaven Coastal Calligraphy Creating an artisan wine requires craftsmanship and care at all stages of the production process. Whalehaven Winery in Hermanus has collaborated with local calligrapher Andrew van der Merwe to create an extraordinary piece of calligraphy that has not only been incorporated into the labels of their new flagship Conservation Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay range, but into a significant expression of temporary land art that celebrates the Whale Coast. “Working with Andrew is indicative of the ethos of Conservation Coast; a true triumph of nature,” says Silvana Bottega, the creative inspiration behind Whalehaven’s revamped product offerings. The Conservation Coast range celebrates the stretch of pristine Cape South Coast from False Bay to Cape Agulhas, where a number of coastal and offshore conservancy areas offer sanctuary to indigenous fynbos flora and visiting marine life. Hand-crafted with empathy and care for the environment, the set of two Upper Hemel-en-Aarde wines is inspired particularly by the exceptional natural beauty of the nearby Walker Bay and Kogelberg Nature reserves. The calligraphy for Conservation Coast explores the relationship between time, geography, land, sea and the rich heritage of man’s unique communication.

Site specific artwork is something ephemeral that doesn’t impact nature – in particular, sand art can be washed away by the ever-transient tides.

Andrew was a natural choice for this partnership. His work reflects this inevitable natural cycle, and the label is a picture of balance and grace. Subtly inserted into the font is

the nurturing profile of a mother whale and her calf, cleverly echoing the Whalehaven logo,” adds Silvana. “He is a renowned typographer, and specialises in the traditional art and technique of lettering and calligraphy. He is revered by fellow calligraphers and holds a great sentiment for tradition, an appreciation of the abstract form and symbol, and a passion for the written word.” “We tried to capture the raw and unspoilt nature on this idyllic stretch of coast,” continues Silvana. “By working with Andrew to create sand-art on the magnificent stretches of beach in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, we hope to raise awareness for the area. There are so many aspects of the Whale Coast that go unseen and it is really one of the most striking landscapes in the world. Many people default to the Garden Route, but the potential for nature tourism near Hermanus is incredible and is growing.” Kogelberg is a member of UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere’ programme and presents arguably the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape. Walker Bay Nature Reserve includes five coastal areas, stretching from Hermanus to Die Dam near Struisbaai and has an abundance of coastal and marine life. Regarded as the premium land-based whale-watching spot in South Africa, the Walker Bay Reserve also boasts evidence of human beings in the area as far back as 85 000 years ago. The award-winning Conservation Coast limited release, premium, hand-crafted chardonnay and pinot noir set is available from Whalehaven Winery in Hermanus. All bottles are individually numbered and available at Whalehaven Winery at the entrance to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Summer 2015

NACHT WACHT - INTRIGUING FAMILY STORY

experience over berg

TEXT ERITH HARRIS PHOTOS MELANIE ALBERTYN - NACHT WACHT

Nacht Wacht Intriguing Family Story - Vibrant Farm Business The military campaigns and battles which embroiled most of mankind in World War II occurred far distant from the shores of the Overberg; in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. South Africa’s main involvement was in the area of manpower and logistical support; the hundreds of thousands of young men who answered the call to arms, and the supply of foodstuffs and raw materials to replenish the war effort; the provision of training facilities for military personnel, and safe harbours for ships travelling to and from the East Indian and Pacific theatres of battle. The strategic importance of the Cape, originally recognised by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British in the 15th and 16th centuries, once again became a focus for the warring nations. The German Navy was quick to send hunting packs of U-boats to Cape waters to create havoc amongst the shipping lanes. Picture the scene if you will: A dark, still night on the shoreline near Arniston. Not far offshore a faint light

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flashes a brief signal which is then answered by another from someone concealed in the rocks and dunes. After a while the dark shape of a small dinghy is seen approaching the shore. In absolute silence a re-supply of water and fresh victuals is quickly passed from hand to hand. The dinghy makes its way back through the gentle surf to the long low shape lurking on the surface a few hundred metres offshore. It has been many weeks since the submarine left its base in the Baltic; supplies have been running low; the crew is relieved to see fresh food taken aboard. These supplies have supposedly come from Nacht Wacht farm, where the late owner’s widow, herself a German national, is allegedly in secret contact with the Third Reich. This imaginative scenario was the popular story put about, in hushed tones over shoulders and behind hands, round the Bredasdorp/ Arniston/Agulhas communities by local gossips. The story achieved further notoriety thanks to the large swastikas

seen daubed on the walls of a shed close to the entrance of Nacht Wacht farm. Even today, over 70 years since WWII ended, there are those who pass on bastardised versions of the story. The true story of Nacht Wacht’s history is a fascinating one; an intriguing tale woven into the fabric of the Overberg. The origins of the farm date back to 1739 when Pieter de Villiers (from Groot Drakenstein) acquired the land for grazing purposes from the VOC (Dutch East India Company) in terms of the ‘loan farm’ or ‘quit rent’ system whereby persons could have the use of land for a 15 year period in exchange for an annual rental. Then the British invasion in 1795 led to the introduction of a perpetual quit rent system. On this basis Pieter Gerhard van der Byl bought Nacht Wacht in 1805, where he established a racehorse stud; soon gaining an excellent reputation far and wide. He and his firm friend, Lord Charles Somerset, governor of the Colony,

experience over berg NACHT WACHT - INTRIGUING FAMILY STORY

himself a racehorse breeder, periodically exchanged stallions in order to improve their respective stud bloodlines. Even his grandson, Alexander van der Byl, turned out to be a horse breeder of note; responsible for producing ‘Echo’, one of South Africa’s most legendary race horses, who was sold for a veritable fortune to the Indian Government. The farm has always straddled a tight double bend in the main access road between Arniston and the rest of the Overberg, just at the point where the Kars River cuts through the level coastal plain. For most of the year, this stream is somewhat slow-moving and turgid, but is prone to sudden flooding when steady rains fall in the catchment. In the days of horse-drawn carriages there was a ford, or shallow crossing place, at the farm, where people travelling late at night or on dark winter mornings could easily come to grief when the Kars was suddenly in full spate. To avoid any potential tragedy it became a duty of the farm owner to provide a night watchman, equipped with a lantern, to warn approaching travellers of the danger, hence the farm name ‘Nacht Wacht’. The ownership of the farm remained within the van der Byl family for 90 years until purchased by 32 year old Johan Dawid Albertyn in 1895, along with adjoining Bovendrift Farm (a combined total of 4 155 hectares) for the purchase price of £4 225. And so began the Albertyn ‘dynasty’ which has endured for 120 years, up to the present day. Dawid was a very successful and farsighted farmer; ahead of his peers in both his farming methods and his business acumen. He laid the groundwork in building

Acknowledgements: The writer is most grateful to the vivacious Melanie Albertyn for generously giving of her time to share her knowledge of, and passion for, Nacht Wacht, (and the invitation to sample her outstanding cuisine), and to Mr Dawie Albertyn for giving permission for the publication of excerpts from his history of Nacht Wacht.

up the infrastructure of the enterprise; leaving a wonderful legacy from which his descendants still benefit. He continued the business of breeding race horses, winning many awards at agricultural shows, and at the renowned Rosebank Racing Course in Cape Town. Some of the silverware he won is today still seen on display in the Nacht Wacht manor house. He specialised, highly successfully, in the breeding of mules (popular and sought-after draft animals of the time). In order to make optimal use of such a large farm he made land available for up to 50 families of ‘bysaaiers’; poor folk who did not have the financial resources to purchase their own land. They were allocated plots on which to live, build family homes, and grow crops for their own advantage by being provided with draft power, tools and other inputs. In return, they would pay Johan a percentage of their profits. He became involved in local affairs, was elected to the Provincial Board, and became a founder member of the Bredasdorp/Napier Koöperasie (BNK). He became so engrossed in community and farming affairs that he had no time for personal life; he was well on track to becoming a confirmed, crusty old bachelor! Then came the life-changing bolt from the blue… Dina Beyers (Dawid’s sister) an accomplished local artist in Stellenbosch, decided to further her studies in Germany, so enrolled at the University of Dresden. She was asked by the Headmistress of Bloemhof School in Stellenbosch, to seek a music teacher for the school. Her advertisement, posted on the university noticeboard, was answered by the sophisticated and highlycultured Miss Maria Magareta Petzsch who had studied music at the University. Dina

1. Nacht Wacht Self-catering Accommodation 2. Curious Dohne Lamb 3. Dawie & Melanie Albertyn (Photos: Nacht Wacht Erith Harris)

Summer 2015

NACHT WACHT - INTRIGUING FAMILY STORY

experience over berg

Above: Nacht Wacht Self-catering Accommodation 1. (left to right) Attie, Dawie & Dawie (Jnr) Albertyn 2. Prize Sussex Cows 3. Wedding Celebration at Nacht Venue (on steps of restaurant)

1 interviewed and recommended her; resulting in the offer of a three year teaching contract from Bloemhof. Magareta (also known as ‘Grete’) was a courageous, feisty young woman who knew her own mind; against her parents’ will she accepted the post, and departed for the unknown reaches of ‘darkest South Africa’. Dina took Grete under her wing, and for her first Christmas alone in South Africa, invited her to her brother’s farm. The rest is history; Johan was smitten with Grete, and she with him. They were married in Moyes, Germany (Grete’s family home) in September 1909. Johan was 46 and Grete only 28. He could speak no German, and she no Afrikaans, yet they managed to communicate successfully, enjoying a happy marriage and producing four children. Sadly, Johan passed away in 1928, leaving Grete a widow at 47, with Gideon (18), Arthur (13), Alma (11) and Johan (5). Together with Gideon (at the time a student at Stellenbosch), Grete took over the farming role; an incredibly difficult job, due to the dual challenges of not being able to understand Afrikaans, and coming from a vastly different cultural background. She proved to be a somewhat enigmatic character in the local community. When Grete and daughter Alma went into town they could be mistaken for royalty; she a virtual princess, wearing the finest garments imported from Europe, riding in a beautiful black coach drawn by horses decked out in plumes; their coachman, ‘Oom Sampie’ in a suit and white gloves. This spectacle caused the local populace to come to a standstill. During the hardships of the war years she provided her parents living in Germany with money, using the Moravian missionaries from nearby Elim as couriers

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2 while on their travels between Europe and South Africa for home leave. No wonder that local legends and rumours manifested themselves from the envy, petty jealousies and misconceptions about the mysterious, apparently opulent, Grete Albertyn with her German family connections. As to the swastikas; these had certainly been painted on the shed walls, not out of support for the Nazi cause, but rather as a somewhat tasteless deterrent to the numerous Jewish ‘smouses’ who attempted to ply their wares by arriving at the farm at any time of the day or night. The outraged authorities of the time quickly ordered their removal, but the white circles remained for many years; a talking point for passing travellers. Gideon proved to be intelligent and resourceful; gaining vast knowledge on all subjects under the sun by reading everything he could lay his hands on. Like his father, he embraced new farming techniques, doing research on grazing methods, and introducing a system of crop rotation. He proved to be somewhat of an eccentric recluse; rising late in the day (so unlike most farmers) and riding on horseback round the farm late into the night. He never married. Following Gideon’s death in 1975 the farm was offered for sale, by tender, exclusively to family members. His nephew, Johan Dawid Albertyn, the successful one, purchased Nacht Wacht, inviting his brother Gert to join him. Their company ‘Albertyn Broers’ became the third largest wool producer in South Africa. When they parted ways in 2005, Dawie, together with his two sons, Attie and Dawie Jnr, created the Nacht Wacht Trust, which continues to operate successfully. Each

3 day begins with an early morning management meeting, which all managers and workers attend so that everyone is fully-briefed. Over the years the estate has grown to its present 10 000ha which the brothers farm with passionate dedication, making use of the latest technology. Attie’s main responsibility is running the sheep division (6 000 Dohne ewes), while Dawie’s is managing the Sussex Stud (300 cattle). Together they share the planting and harvesting of the 1 600ha of wheat, canola, barley and oats. Their wives contribute actively to the success of the enterprise and so are able to fulfil their own creative and business talents. Karen, Attie’s wife, has converted two stables into beautifully appointed self-catering units on the estate, while Melanie, Dawie’s wife, has turned an old dilapidated milking parlour into an attractive, eclectic restaurant overlooking the wide open farmland, fynbos and distant hills, and which serves the most divine rack of lamb (one of her signature dishes) along with a host of other tempting, scrumptious choices, all expertly prepared and cooked by chef Melanie herself, assisted and served by ladies living on the farm, and personally trained by her. Melanie is passionate about her cooking; annually travelling abroad to research and sample the best dishes from France, Spain, and Italy. In addition she caters for Arniston Weddings, and has become an artist in her own right. One can view her work in the converted sheep kraal gallery adjacent to the eatery. And on top of all this Karen and Melanie are devoted mothers to their four children (two each!) who thrive in the open air farm environment. Should you feel like indulging yourself to an idyllic country retreat away from frenetic city life, or are seeking a gracious venue with an ‘Old Cape’ ambience for that special wedding, or just hanker after treating friends to a sumptuous culinary experience, then Nacht Wacht must go to the top of your bucket list. We’re certainly making plans to go back at the earliest opportunity! • Contact: Melanie Albertyn Email: enquiry@nachtwachtrestaurant.co.za Telephone: +27 (0)82 927 9706 OUR NEXT STORY: BARRY & NEPHEWS Joseph Barry – the story of the man with a heart for hard work, an engaging personality and his reputation as a man of many scruples enabled him to build a successful business empire and the family that developed the Overberg in the early years.

Summer 2015

WOLWENGAT

experience Over berg

TEXT LESLIE HOWARD PHOTOS LESLIE HOWARD & DOMINIQUE DE SAINT CLAIR

Wolwengat ...the very name conjures up images of a wild, isolated place. And indeed it is. It can be reached only on rough gravel roads from Elim, Gansbaai or Bredasdorp, unless you choose to fly in by helicopter, but don’t expect a helipad! On the gravel road from Gansbaai, near Wolwengat, a small monument honours Matthys Johannes Lourens, who was granted the Ratelrivier farm in 1745. In the early 1900s the farm was still dotted with labourers’ cottages. When the land was split up, people moved in and restored the cottages. This was the beginning of Wolwengat as a village, and the single properties of about 1,7 hectares each soon became home to those in search of an alternative lifestyle. Coming from Elim, one travels through the dusty, dry sandveld and suddenly in the distance an oasis appears. A steep hill, lined by glorious pink March lilies, drops down to lush, planted fields and a colourful garden on the right. This is Elmarie de Wet’s flower farm, where in the barn, ranks of buckets filled with colourful proteas and other fynbos blooms make

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a rich tapestry. A forest of poplar trees lines the road into the little dorp, where one soon comes across an intriguing field of mysterious life-size statues - ‘Star Gazers’ – created by artist Wim de Roubaix, and a sign at the gate declares ‘de Roubaix Gallery, Lillywood’. Stepping into the gallery is like stepping into a light-filled chapel. The first work to absorb one’s attention hangs on the opposite wall. ‘Meeting of the Elders’ is set in a circular gilded frame with a carved inner circle, and the striking glowing work, like a magnificent ancient icon, fills the centre in which the elders meet. Below them are long-horned cattle; a Bushman painting incorporated into the larger work. Ancient cultures are a central theme for Wim, as is dance. In another

work he has magically captured the moment of imbalance, when the dancer commits her body to the next step in a spirit of faith. Wim’s own colourful version of Monet’s garden is inspired by nature and the beauty of Wolwengat, where wild gardens and lily ponds surprise the surrounding drab veld. Magnificent fine bronzes fill a central table, displaying mostly Bushmen figures, miniature star gazers and dancers in motion. The artist snatches a line from the air, he says, and sets it down in paint or in a drawing for a bronze, and that is the beginning. The ending might be a long time in coming, but the finished works capture a sense of something that is still happening; unfinished business travelling on into the Universe, like the Bushman wedding in the sky.

experience over berg

WOLWENGAT

His wife Tina’s works hang on an opposite wall and are filled with her instinct for texture and pattern. They are mostly botanical, but the batik work leaps to another dimension with the additional use of pattern and inset images. The influence of the Victorian botanical artists, of Klimt and William Morris are all there. Students together many years ago at the School for Art, Ballet and Music in Pretoria, Tina and Wim make an eccentric perfect pair! Their search for a green home in green surroundings ended 17 years ago, when their eldest daughter showed them Wolwengat.

Opposite: The Main Road through Wolvengat passes this beautiful property owned by Oom Stompie Heyns. A well known resident and local celebrity, his claim to fame is the banjo player as part of the legendary “Baardskeerdebos (B-bos) Boere Orkes” . He also makes banjos. 1. “De Roubaix Gallery “ at Lillywood Farm – a light filled chapel like gallery 2. An old deserted homestead on the Main road adds to the charm 3. A view of the Herberg – self catering cottage for hire 4. Delicious wares from Sanity Farm 5. Pork Pies from Sanity Farm.

‘It was love at first sight,’ says Tina, ‘the house was a ruin but that could be fixed. What we couldn’t make was our own forest, and there was one, right here.’

Helen is soon to open a bistro that will feed hungry visitors to the village. “‘There’s new blood coming in again now,” says Wim. “People are buying and restoring again. But they have to be self-sufficient. We have no services here – we drink rain-water, sink wells and pump water from the river when there’s enough, and grow our own vegetables. We do have Eskom power though. There’s a simple store down the road, and that’s it.” A place such as Wolwengat naturally attracts artists and crafters. Both Hendrik Rabie and Daniel Griffin are resident potters, although these days Hendrik occupies himself more with the sculptures that adorn his garden. As for Daniel, his other claim to fame is his mounted archery – he is currently competing in Hungary. In 2014 he came 3rd in the European Open Championships. ‘It’s a challenging martial art,’ explained Daniel in a radio interview. ‘It’s a combination of horseback riding and archery, and that’s a challenging sport!’ He runs a training centre for mounted archers on his farm Hebron, where a number of overseas archers have been put through their paces. Daniel’s mother Kalie, who also lives on the farm, is well-known for her fabric and silkscreen painting, selling her work at local markets. Sue Preece of Sanity Farm makes pork and chicken sausages, bacon, pork pies and scotch eggs, all of which she sells at the Hermanus Country Market and sometimes at Stanford. She also runs sausage making courses on the farm. ‘Our products are organic,’ she says. “We source our pork and eggs from small farms and most of our sausages are preservative- and glutenfree. Our range of sausages includes sage and red onion, apple and cranberry, as well as blue cheese, pecan nut and fig. Maple cured fresh and smoked bacon is a new product.” If the very idea has tickled your taste buds, why not pay Sanity Farm a visit on a Sunday for a delicious farm breakfast or lunch, served on the veranda. (Booking is essential)

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1. Wim de Roubaix – artist, sculptor and visionary creator of “The Stargazers” 2. Gerard and Jenny Bleeker own the Handelshuis in Wolvengat 3. De Roubaix Gallery at Lillywood 4. The beautiful statues “The StarGazers” lift their heads to the heavens in the garden at Lillywood. 5. The road into Wolvengat is lined by Poplars and a hedge of huge Bottle Brush Trees. A sight to behold when flowering.

3 Helen and Julian Scott run a dairy farm produce handchurned butter and buffalo mozzarella. Oom Stompie is a village character with an impressive collection of vintage cars. His motto being ‘Get her to the church on time’, his model-T Ford has driven close on 800 brides to their nuptials, he claims!The architecture of Wolwengat homes is varied. There are a number of deserted homesteads; one a Cape Dutch style farmhouse up on a hill, and a thatched cottage of great charm on the edge of the village. Cottages on plots with wild country flowers add to the charm of the place, while modern dwellings in unusual styles show themselves above the trees now and then. At the end of the road through the village are an old store and a few petrol pumps, both owned by Gerard and Jenny Bleeker, who have lived there for 29 years. Gerard, who was born in Holland, has many a story to tell of the old days, and his serene little wife Jenny keeps herself occupied behind the counter of her store making crocheted bags. But first Gerard must show us inside the pink candy

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4 cottage with white icing beside the store. He and Jenny don’t live there, but they let it out to weekenders. The small building, with its old reed ceilings obviously dates back at least 100 or more years, and is decorated with white moulding on the outside pink walls, and a sign reading: ‘Herberg’. It is a striking landmark at the side of the road. The inside of the place is simple and neat – two small bedrooms, a revamped bathroom, and a living room. The attractions are listed as bird-watching (the place is a birder’s delight), and visits to the sea nearby at Die Dam. Then there’s the Strandveld and Black Oystercatcher Wineries not too far distant, and of course the historic mission town of Elim that should not be missed. The store itself is a treasure trove of memorabilia, from sepia photographs and sports equipment, to hats and old radios and sewing machines, and on one wall is a crest that tells the origins of the name of the place. A couple of casuals breeze in to buy cigarettes, but we’re on our way out, filled with wonder at the magic and eccentricity of

1. Gerard Bleeker outside is a delightful character 2. Jenny Bleeker manning the front! 3. The striking pink Herberg cottage 4. Colourful flower pot made with tyres 5. An old Wolwengat homestead...if these walls could speak!

this little hollow in the Strandveld. And on our way in the growing evening light, we meet buzzards and other raptors on the fence posts, and hear the cry of the fish eagle close to Africa’s southernmost point. Last words: Some years ago on a visit to Wolwengat, as I was driving up a narrow lane, I encountered a woman coming towards me with an animal on a lead. As I got closer to her, she picked up her pet protectively. It was a lamb, and she proudly told me through her gap teeth that his name was ‘Wambo’! And the origin of the name Wolwengat? In the years when seal culling still happened on the shores nearby, packs of Strandwolwe, a type of hyena, scavenged on the beaches not too far away.

Useful contacts: ARTS AND CRAFTS de Roubaix Gallery at Lillywood, Wim and Tina de Roubaix: +27 (0)28 482 1773 Daniel Griffin: +27 (0)28 482 1150 Karli Griffin: +27 (0)28 482 1949 FOOD AND WINE Sanity Farm – Sue Preece: +27 (0)28 482 1635 The Berrio Wines: +27 (0)28 482 1880 Black Oystercatcher Winery: +27 (0)28 482 1618 Strandveld Vineyards: +27 (0)28 482 1906 SPORT Griffin’s Mounted Archery Training Centre, Hebron Farm: +27 (0)28 482 1150 ACCOMMODATION Herberg, Jenny and Gerard Bleeker: +27 (0)28 482 1985 • www.discovercapeagulhas.co.za

Summer 2015

MY BIG FAT COUNTRY LIFE

experience over berg

TEXT & PHOTOS THAYA BEDFORD

My big fat country life "I’ve realised that this isn't a 'place' you live in - it's an experience." It’s not all country peachy, you know, living in a tiny village. Sure, there are meadows and deer and bearded men playing acoustic guitar on porches, but there have been times that I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. But in my heart of hearts, I couldn’t bear to leave the mountains, the river, the dirt roads and the community that I have grown to love. After the hazy rose-tinged beauty of the honeymoon period began changing to the kaleidoscopic hues of reality, I realised that ‘country life’ wasn’t just the blissed-out weekend feeling on which I had based my perceptions; living in a small town is a different beast altogether. When I first arrived, I remember writing, with the cadence of a fresh country resident, about the mammoth gifts of living amongst a community. I spoke about a way of life that seemed normal to the locals, but stellar to me, like the first time I called a neighbour to ask for my child to return home for lunch, and he replied, “Don’t worry; I’ve made him lunch”. What? I had no reference for such overtures. Turned out, it was totally standard in the country. I wrote about how free-range children roamed around the village, often popping in for tea or scrabble at our house, before moving on to another (where it was rumoured that someone had just baked cupcakes or had uncapped Wi-Fi). A few months after arriving, I was hellishly ill for a week. My family passed chicken soup and medication deliveries through the window, while a friend offered to take my son to school, feed him and generally look after him while I slept away my ‘black plague’ flu. Community runs thick and deep in many small towns; something I had never come close to experiencing during my childhood in Sea Point. It dawned on me that locals had for so long been a part of these mysterious customs in this place forgotten by time, that memories of life ‘in the big smoke’ had faded away. They’d forgotten about being locked up tight in their suburbs where they had probably never even spoken to their neighbours (never mind received firewood; babysitting;

garden services; fresh vegetables; herbs; egg-laying hens; advice; compost; dinner; shoulders to cry on or freshly baked brownies straight from the oven). This neck of the woods was where a village truly did raise a child, and where wholesome practices were the order of the day. Life out in the country can also be fantastically inspiring. A writer friend of mine reminded me today, “I can see why you love living here – it’s such fertile ground for harvesting stories”, after I had relayed the tale of the time I was reported to Animal Welfare for allowing my son’s bunny to live free-range on our own property. One thing I was unaware of when I was still merely a weekend visitor, was the sheer amount of merrymaking going on in town between the locals. Margarita bashes; themed dress-ups; mad hatters’ dinners; home discos; impromptu jam sessions; house concerts; dinner club; classical music performances; vinyl nights; poetry soirees; biker breakfast runs; folk music evenings; pamper parties; mini Africa Burn weekends; Mexican nights (and that’s just MY town!). We country folk sure know how to party. Four years on I’ve realised that this isn't a 'place' you live in - it's an experience. Some choose to be reclusive over ‘diving in’ to village life and I can understand that. People are attracted to this life for different reasons, but whatever these are, it gets into your bones and changes you. Country life isn’t just about riding on vintage bicycles with a fresh baguette in your bike basket and drinking tea on stoeps all day – it can sting, it can hurt, it can save your life, it can break you and it can reward you with the greatest friendships of your life. These days, my big, fat country life is pretty delicious. I get to work for a cutting-edge digital agency as a Content Strategist, do what I love for a living, travel to glorious places every other weekend and live in the quaintest village in the Cape. Country life: not for everyone, and that’s kinda the way we like it. •

You can follow Thaya’s country life on Instagram @whiskyandwanderlust

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Winter/ Spring 2015

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CELT - SHIP WRECK COMMUNITY GARDENS AND PHOTOS TEXT & PHOTOS

ANNABELLE BRADFIELD CAPTAIN OWEN G. KEEN

Buy LOCAL!

Community Gardens From seed to table - practical, hands on and sustainable gardening From rubbish dumps and open veld to profitable community gardens - it is true, you do reap what you sow. There is something incredibly rewarding in planting your own veggies, plucking them from the soil, giving them a good scrub and then turning them into a nutritious dinner. And more so when it is someone else’s dinner. Incredibly rewarding programmes are being developed to assist communities in growing their own veggies. These programmes are proudly sponsored by Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Company: Catchment-2-Coast Project, BreedeGouritz Catchment Management Agency and Haygrove Tunnels. The new buzzword is ‘food security’ and it is no secret that it is a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The reality is that food sources can become easily disrupted by drought or erratic weather such as the huge hailstorms that cut through Mpumalanga and decimated acres of farms recently. Even more so, we often rely on corporate farming and mega supermarkets for our supplies and these are becoming more expensive and out of reach for the man on the street. One way of making a switch from being dependent consumers is to start thinking about becoming more selfreliant and producing more food for our table in community gardens or in available spaces in back yards or communal areas. Permaculture is based on very creative universal design principles that can be applied to any location, climate or culture. The design system takes into account environmental issues, energy conservation, and ecology and landscape design. These Design Principles enable communities to create food production systems in the most efficient and sustainable way and also to be able to pass on and teach these skills to others. An important aspect of this learning is to understand how the parts of these systems, known

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as elements, interact with each other to create a complex, dynamic, living system. Teaching these principles give communities valuable thinking tools that help them become more resilient in an era of change! The learning also serves as a guide to mirror the patterns and systems found in nature. Permaculture is a practical and hands on journey in teaching and building skills at home and in local communities that help prepare for an uncertain future with less available energy. CHICKENS Chickens fire up any backyard permaculture garden. They provide organic pest control and great compost...not to mention fresh eggs daily. This complex living system allows the birds to rotate from one pasture to the next providing an organic approach to growing and harvesting veggies.

experience over berg COMMUNITY GARDENS

1 2

3 4 Opposite. An early morning harvest is chilly work 1. All miracles need nurturing - from seed to table 2. This community garden located just outside of Greyton has created jobs for the local community. 3. Sweet and juicy carrots 4. Haygrove Tunnel 5. Artichokes 6-7. Green Champions, Oom Jack Johnson & Dianne Simon from Jack Johnson Organics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Slangpark Grabouw. Real â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;old-school' urban farmers making a significant difference in their community.

5 6

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Above 1-3 Green Champion, Anthony Plaatjies from the Thandi Crèche Food Garden at the Lebanon Community. Growing veggies for the children of the Thandi Crèche as well as the Lebanon Community. Pictured with Anthony is Jo Kearney Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Company. Below 1-3 Green Champions, ’Juffrou’ Lillian Krieger and Dalene Slingers from the Nu-Mountain Agricultural Cooperative @ Nuweberg Community on the Villiersdorp Road.

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2 Above 1-2 The Green Champions from Lighthouse Mission. Project Manager, Daz Muir and WESSA students Lenona Nooi, Spell Makhayonke and Nkoliseko Tinto who will be responsible for the growing of high quality vegetables for the Little Rascals CrĂ¨che and surrounding community in Rooidakke. Right Little Julia Quayle harvesting her own carrots

GROW YOUR OWN TEXT VEGGIES MARSHALL RINQUEST As a soil lover I always like to get my hands dirty and what better way to do this than by growing your own food as far as possible. I must say the biggest reward in life is planting a seed, watching it grow, and then eating the fully-grown result, knowing that it is the fruit of your own handiwork. So here are 8 tips towards growing your own veggies successfully: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

7. 8.

Choose the right layout and design for your garden Start SMALL and extend as you go; this helps with management Make a list of veggies that you often have to buy and then start planting those Make sure that the garden gets at least 4 hours of sunlight per day Layer your garden with plants ranging from ground-cover veggies to shrubs; this is a form of companion planting and helps keep shade for you leafy veggies Make sure not to dig too much in the garden while the plants are growing so as not to disturb the micro-organisms in your soil which aid fertility Make gardening a family activity as this is so much fun VERY IMPORTANT - do not water your garden during the middle of the day as your veggies will be scorched, and the water just evaporate; best to water early in the morning or late afternoon.

SHOOTING GALLERY

experience over berg

TEXT AND PHOTOS JACQUES MARAIS

Go Greyton Our designated outdoor junkie has changed the focus of his regular Adventure Column, and will from now on highlight the best Trails, Outdoor Destinations and Events in the Overberg Region. This month, Jacques Marais visits the gorgeous village of Greyton.

Summer 2015

experience over berg

SHOOTING GALLERY

THE TOWN

Believe me, there is nothing remotely grey about Greyton. Instead, you can expect it to be fully-dialled into style, with equal parts funk, adventure and history. Everything goes in Greyton, from celebrated local wines, kick-ass cafés, historic architecture and quirky curiosity shops, to a bunch of mouth-watering delis and bakeries. The village sprawls along the scenic foothills of the Sonderend ranges, and is blessed with a predominantly winter rainy season. The summer months are relatively mild, but the weather can pack a serious punch from July through August, with muddy trails and icy temperatures a definite possibility. That’s no excuse to not get outside; all you have to do is dress accordingly!

THE TRAILS

The rumour that Greyton has more MTB Trails than roads turns out to not be a rumour, and you’re guaranteed to experience some of SA’s best riding right here. There are a number of routes to check out, with a few options listed on www.thecapecountrymeander.co.za, as well as on the official Greyton MTB site, www.ggmtb.com Here’s the inside info though … if you want a family getaway of note, and with a whole host of cranking options chucked into the mix, there is no reason to go in search beyond the borders of the breathtaking Oewerzicht Farm. Here you get to ride right from your doorstep, and best of all is that you get to ride for free! Their MTB route may be low-key, but it promises a pearler of a ride within the gritty ridges lining the Sonderend River. From the farm office, head onto the public gravel road for a few hundred metres, then get ready to say ‘Howzit!’ to a trippy trail cork-screwing amidst barley fields, fruit orchards and sheep meadows. Gnarly little drops, river crossings, wooden stiles, mud patches, sharpish climbs and looping s-bends are sure to keep you dialled, and you can bet your bottom bracket that you will have to work for every metre gained along the track. The majority of the route is along wellmaintained single-track, with red arrows showing the way. If your legs are still good to go, the trails beyond Oewerzicht are your proverbial oyster. Note that route access is strictly-controlled and you will need to buy temporary permit boards from either the Tourism Offices or Vanilla Café. (The shorter Green Route is open access, but it is only fair to take out an annual permit to support trail-building in the area). As a rule, the Green Route makes for easy riding for rookies, with limited climbing if you take the short cuts (121m over 13,3km). The full distance is 18km in total, but the ascent remains manageable enough, even for average riders. The Blue Route is a step up at a pretty tough 35km (total elevation of 508m), and you can expect to be on the bike for a couple of hours. Head onto the Red Route at your own peril; here you’ll face a solid 768m ascent over 38km, but there are a few judicious short cuts. It is an absolute pearler of a ride, with a calf-cruncher of a climb and superbly slick descending along a sweeping and well-groomed singletrack. The best guys to chat to re trails are: www.rockhopperadventures.co.za Tel: +27 (0)83 235 9612

Summer 2015

SHOOTING GALLERY

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THE PLACE

As far as a family-friendly accommodation option goes, you cannot beat the beauty of the stunning Oewerzicht Farm (www.oewerzicht.co.za). With a well-appointed campsite, safari-style tents, self-catering cottages and a Victorian house to choose from, you can decide on your own level of comfort and budget; just 9km out of Greyton. Head along the N2 from Cape Town until you pick up the first signs to Greyton on your left, just before Caledon. From here, it is 30km along the R406 into town, and a

further 9km on the Riviersonderend Road to Oewerzicht Farm. GPS COORDS - 34°5”57.98’ SOUTH / 19°40”5.07’ EAST

THE RACE

If there is one event in the area you do not want to miss, it is the annual TRANSCAPE MTB Challenge, which passes through town en route from Knysna to Franschhoek every year in February - www.transcapemtb.co.za

THE GEAR

Want to really enjoy your time in the great outdoors here? Then we suggest that you invest in the following incredible gear items:

1) Craft Bike Tech Jacket

This jacket, available in classical black and white, boasts eVent® fabric construction, thus improving breathability whilst simultaneously keeping moisture out. A laser-cut panel design ensures an ergonomic fit and additional waterproofing, while articulated arms and a drop-tail back make for optimum coverage whilst cycling. Reflective strips furthermore ensure an all-round 360-degree of visibility to vehicular road users, especially after sunset. Craft outdoor technical apparel is available from most wellknown national cycling retailers, or on-line from www.supernovabrands.co.za RRP - R1 999

3) Osprey Rev 6 Back Pack

The OSPREY Rev 6 is a panel-loading technical hydration pack ideal for short-duration trail runs and endurance racing. This is a pack designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts who want to cover distance quickly; it features a BioStretchTM body-wrap harness with stabilisation wings as well as a body belt to ensure a figure-hugging fit which lessens pack roll and reduced levels of fatigue. Available from Sportsmans Warehouse, or check out www.adventureinc.co.za for a full list of retailers RRP – R1 200

2) MET Terra MTB Helmet

The MET Terra All-Mountain mountain-biking helmet guarantees supreme comfort as well as excellent protection (courtesy of the In-Mold Shell assembly, combined with a proven Safe-T Twist system for on-the-fly adjustment). No wonder this helmet is rated as one of the most lightweight products of its kind, at only 295g. MET Helmets are distributed by Royalty Sports and are available from quality national cycling retailers, or on-line from www.takealot.com & www.buycycle.co.za RRP – R1 499

4) Anthem Adv 27.5 0

The GIANT Anthem 0 Advanced is a marvel of modern mountain biking technology. This is a rocket-ship of a bike, boasting that legendary combination of a light-weight frame, cutting edge technology and thoroughbred geometry. The new 2016 model boasts a ‘state-of-the art’ full-composite front triangle, mated to an ALUXX SL aluminium rear triangle for rigidity, thus creating a revolutionary and hyper-fast full-suspension MTB with unmatched climbing ability. GO GET IT: Nationwide from Giant Performance Dealers; for a list of national stockists, check out www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za for details RRP – R115 000

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Anthem X 29er Advanced - get there faster!

Summer 2015 45 www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za

ADVENTURE

experience over berg

Adventure

Brace yourself this summer and choose to adventure through the Overberg. Venture forth... Give it horns. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to shoot, fly or glide, neither does it matter if you shriek scream or laugh. Varied terrain, fabulous weather and something for everyone... M TB FATB IK E TO URS Fatbike Tours in De Kelders offers various tours including Beach Trail, Sand Dunes Trail, De Kelders – Hermanus Beach Trial, Sopiesklip Trial and The Epic. Contact: +27 (0)79 514 8386 info@fatbiketours.co.za http://www.fatbiketours.co.za/fatbike-trails/

A I R TOURS OV E RBE RG AV I AT I ON Overberg Aviation, a helicopter and fixed wing service provider operates from Gansbaai but supply aviation services throughout the Western Cape. Spoil yourself with a splendid helicopter tour and experience the beauty of the Overberg from the skies. Especially during whale season, they offer a bird’s eye view on these gentle giants visiting our coastline. They work closely with White Shark Diving operators, Nature Reserves, Golf Estates and Wine Farms to provide clients with the most exciting access to some of these top tourist attractions. For thrill seekers they offer tandem skydiving in association with Walker Bay Skydiving. Contact: +27 (0)83 601 1042 info@overbergaviation.com www.overbergaviation.com/ Photo credit: Christene de Coning Photography

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experience over berg ADVENTURE HORS E RI D I N G D OORNBOS CH GA M E LO D G E

Horse trails throughout the picturesque Overberg fynbos flowers on a 5 000ha game farm. It is the ideal opportunity to view and enjoy game and the pristine countryside. Rides are tailored to fit from novice to experienced riders. Horses are well-schooled and fun to ride. Contact: +27 (0)28 482 1994 doornbosch@orcawireless.co.za http://www.doornbosch.co.za/

A DVENTU R E TOURS A DVENTU R E ACT I VI T I ES

WIN

DADDY â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A DVENTUR ES

Situated in Elgin Valley, they offer the outdoor enthusiast the opportunity to enjoy unique adventure activities. Activities include Archery, where you can explore the art of archery in an exciting and fun way; zorbing, where you climb into inflatable balls and roll on lawn on water; hiking through beautiful forests just waiting to be explored; mountain biking through a beautiful wine farm valley or wine tasting where you an experience the combination between tasting some of the best local wines. Qualified and experienced guides available to assist you to enjoy educational and adventurous hikes in the Cape Pine forests. Contact: 021 844 0241 info@daddysadventures.co.za www.daddysadventures.co.za/

T R I ACTI VE EVENTS MANAGEME NT

Tri Active Events Management are specialists in the field of team-building and adventure tours, operating from their venue Kunguru Lodge, a short distance from Cape Town. They offer a wide range of options for the outdoor enthusiast and have many adventure activities based at the Adventure Centre in the Elgin Valley. Activities include: 4x4 adventure excursions, abseiling, archery, boat cruises, cape canopy tour, clay pigeon shooting, climbing activities, deep sea fishing, fly-fishing, hand gun shooting, horse trails, jet boats, kloofing, mountain-biking, nature trails, para-gliding, quad-biking, river-rafting & canoeing, sailing, sand-boarding, scuba-diving, sea-kayaking, shark cage-diving, sky-diving, sunset cruises, target-shooting, whalewatching and zip-lining. Contact: +27 (0) 21 844 0975 Email: info@triactive.co.za | http://triactive.co.za/

Summer 2015

ADVENTURE

experience over berg

4 X4 GET INTO GEAR TH E F LO WER VAL L EY 4 X4 CIR CU L AR R O U T E

Terrain: Sand, mud (depending on weather conditions), grass, rock Unofficial rating: 2-3 depending on weather conditions. Description: A scenic mountain route. Some sections are technical and should be approached with caution. Please make sure your vehicle is in a good and safe condition. This is a self-driven route, and no guiding is required. The trail is open throughout the year. Please note: during weekdays the farm is open from 08h00 till 17h00. For visits over weekends, pre-bookings are essential and must be made by Friday 12h00. Cost per vehicle: R150.00 Contact Flower Valley Conservation Trust | info@flowervalley.co.za Tel. +27 (0)28 388 0713 | www.flowervalley.org.za

H O NINGKL IP 4 X4 TR AIL S

This route is challenging, adventurous and will allow you to challenge yourself and your vehicle to its limits. The trail consists of one route marked with green arrows. The more challenging sections are marked with red arrows. The route is approximately 12.5 km long and should take around 3 hours to complete. Honingklip offers drivers an obstacle course, where you can practice your skills before attempting the route. Contact: Richard +27 (0)83 287 5112 www.facebook.com/Honingklip-Farm-4x4

Above: This self-driven route through the Flower Valley will leave you breathless. Photo - Flower Valley Conservation Trust

KH O MEESD R IF near Riversonderend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guided 4 x 4 trails. Tel: +27 (0)28 261 1995 or +27 (0)82 937 0053 bookings@khomeesdrif.co.za

CALEDON TOYOTA, 30 PRINS ALFRED ROAD, Insert dealer logo here

Caledon Toyota

CALEDON - Tel:028 2121050 - Email: sales@caledontoyota.co.za - www.caledontoyota.co.za

is located in the Capital of the Overberg, Caledon. At Caledon Toyota we believe in putting you, our

customer first. Our vision is to run a world class dealership, workshop and panel shop with world class standards and a positive and friendly image.

Please come and meet our team and experience the peace of mind we have to offer.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is considered by many to be the most beautiful of CapeNature’s protected areas. The reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape. Kogelberg Nature Reserve earns that reputation largely to the fact that it occupies an area with minimal human interference. The whole area is inspirational and one of more than 400 biosphere reserves worldwide. Kogelberg was South Africa’s first registered biosphere reserve and it encompasses the entire coastal area from Gordon’s Bay to the Bot River vlei, and inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve contact information Reserve office hours: 07h30 - 16h00 Reserve office phone number: +27 (0)28 271 5138 Accommodation and permit bookings: +27 (0)21 483 0190 Email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

www.capenature.co.za

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ADVENTURE

experience over berg

TEXT ANDREW WHITE

WIN

CAPE CANOPY TOUR

Just an hour from Cape Town, the Cape Canopy Tour is situated in a World Heritage Site within Cape Nature’s Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, located in the scenic Elgin Valley.

I had no idea what I was in for when I said yes to a Cape Canopy tour. I didn’t know that I would be flying down an inaccessible gorge in the upper reaches of our very own Riviersonderend, on a cable from one cliff mounted eyrie to another. And that’s probably why I had not been before, and now I’m keen to go again! A ten minute drive into the Hottentots Holland mountains from Grabouw is where you meet your guide and safety officer and go through a quick fear inducing (is THAT what I’m going to be doing!) but actually fear allaying instruction and introduction to zip lining. Anticipation starts to build on the 4x4 trip that takes you to an altitude slightly higher than Table Mountain. For a fearless adventure addict the allure would lie mostly in the immense beauty of what lies ahead but for others stepping off into thin air can be a huge challenge and massive reward in terms of overcoming ones fears. Nici, my partner, was afraid at first and went in tandem with Ongi, our guide, whose infectious enjoyment of being suspended way above the river bed soon got the better of Nici who then went solo. Odie was really scared of heights and she too got into the swing of things and will probably consider this a life changing moment. Standing on the first platform you can see the cables criss-crossing the valley below and the tiny, far in the distance platforms hugging the rocky crags, and looking out over it all you can see the expanse of the Theewaterskloof dam. Time seemed to slow, and slowed even more as I peered over the edge, down into the gorge and far into the distance, with clicks of one, two, three safety clips securing me to the cable from my harness and the nudge and word ‘go’ that opened the valve and allowed time to lurch forward sending me in a flash to the other side. Oh my word, is – that - exhilarating! Even though I consciously know that I’m safe and have nothing to worry about there is still a rush of adrenalin as my body asks me if I’m totally out of my mind to do that! Nici and Ongi come racing towards us in tandem and I can see in Nici’s face the same ‘what on earth am I doing!’ expression and then the relief on slightly wobbly legs. Although the Riviersonderend doesn’t have an end it has a beginning and here we are now zipping down closer to the water as the valley closes in around us. Not long and we start counting down the last few of the eleven slides and I’m glad that I made a point to look around while zipping, and taking in the waterfalls, tannin rich pools and rugged edged kloofs spilling their water into the river. Charlton and Ongi dealt very well with everyone and were sensitive to people’s various levels of fear and their pleasant bubbly personalities entertained us as we sailed through the valley and out at the bottom. The walk back up to the 4x4 gave me some time to reflect and let sink in the experience of the morning, and my body was saying thanks for putting me down again! A light lunch served at their base hit the spot as the round trip took about four hours. At R695 it is definitely a value for money experience which is accessible for a wide age range and a lot of fun and exhilaration for a wide fear range. Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, R321, Elgin, South Africa S34 04.467 E19 03.724 | Tel: +27 (0)21 300 0501 info@capecanopytour.co.za | www.capecanopytour.co.za

WIN A ZIP SLIDE FOR TWO FROM CAPE CANOPY TOUR

Entitles 2 people to hours of fun swinging through the World Heritage site of the Hottentots Holland Mountains! Look forward to a scenic 4x4 trip, a fun and safe nature adventure over 13 elevated platforms, a suspension bridge over a waterfall and slides over 330m long! Includes a light meal on the decks of our Sunbird Café. SMS the words Cape Canopy Green Trail, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize.

Summer 2015

Terms and conditions: Please note this is subject to availability at time of your booking | Excludes public holidays, school holidays and special events | This voucher is not transferable | This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash | This voucher excludes drinks, any gratuities or extras | Activity undertaken at own risk | Closing date for entries 31 March 2016.

experience over berg ADVENTURE C AP E SID ECAR ADVENTU R ES Enjoy a bit on the side! Have your breath taken away in a vintage World War II sidecar. Our fleet of 25 sidecars is available for chauffeured tours, transfers, fun events and much, much, more!

+27 (0)21 434 9855 www.sidecars.co.za

R I VER LO SE YO UR SEL F XA M A A DV ENTUR ES

Beautiful grassed camp on the banks of the Breede River near Swellendam. Clean Ablutions with hot water, central boma with lounge area, tables and benches, braai drums and grids, friendly camp crew, river deck, safe swimming area and a plunge pool for those not wishing to swim in the river. There are 2 x timber chalets with bed and bedding sleeping

2 persons and 3 x safari tents with bed and bedding sleeping 2-4 persons. Open camping ground to suite the needs of your group size and central electrical points. Unfortunately no caravans as the road access is not suited. Contact: +27 (0)83 955 5790 | info@xama.co.za

WI N 2 NIGHT STAY AT XAMA FISH EAGLE RIVER CAMP FOR 2 PEOPLE WITH RAFTING DAY TRIP!

FISH EAGLE RIVER CAMP & CHALETS

Situated on the banks of the Breede River near Swellendam, is the Xama Fish Eagle River Camp. An ideal family and friends destination great for school groups and corporate functions. TO ENTER: SMS your name and surname and answer the following question “ What is the name of our resident Bird of Prey” to 083 6525489 and stand to win this incredible offer. It is subject to availability The offer consists of 2 night stay for 2 people sharing at Xama Fish Eagle River Camp including: dinner/bed/breakfast and rafting day trip. The offer is not transferable and may not be converted to cash. The giveaway includes accommodation, meals, river rafting with qualified and experienced crew. The giveaway excludes transport, beverages and personal expenses. Standard mobile rates apply. Subject to terms and conditions by Sponsor and no correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Closing date 31 March 2016.

www.xama.co.za

M O FAM RIVER LOD GE

Set against the alluring natural mural on the banks of the Palmiet River. Skiers of all abilities, first-timers, novices, advanced and competitive, have long appreciated Mofam’s skiable waters. The river provides a first-rate five-kilometre stretch of waterway well suited for waterskiing and wakeboarding. The best part is that you’re not competing with any water traffic other than fellow guests, as only Mofam boats allowed to be launched or used on the river. Contact: +27 (0)21 846 8345 www.mofam.co.za Summer 2015

ADVENTURE

experience over berg A D RE NA LI NE NA P I E R M OUNTA I N ACT I V I T I E S Napier Mountain Activities bring the mountains to your doorstep and invite you to take the plunge. Abseiling down Devil’s Hole, Gansbaai: A hole in the ceiling of one of the ocean caves at De Kelders, offers a thrilling free-hanging abseil, down onto the rocks and into shallow ocean waves. Abseiling on Napier’s doorstep: The surrounding mountains offer perfect vertical faces for an exciting abseil experience. Day hikes: The hiking experience is slightly less adrenaline-filled, but you will experience the beautiful fynbos and wildlife in the mountain. Overnight Wildnerness Hiking: A qualified off-trail walking guide will introduce you to the magic of compass-navigation, map-reading, setting up camp and sleeping in the wild. This can be combined with an abseil or rock-scramble. Contact: +27 (0)83 644 6861 kingofthehil@mweb.co.za www.napiermountainactivities.co.za

M O U NTED ARCHERY GR IFFIN ’S MOUNT ED ARCHERY TRA I NI NG CE NT RE The training centre is situated in a beautiful green valley alongside a river, just 10km from the seaside and 50km from the southernmost tip of Africa. ‘Griffin’s Mounted Archery’ was established by Daniel Griffin almost five years ago and now boasts a 150m Korean track, a 90m Hungarian track and the new Kassai 99m rotating target track. The Training Centre is open to all who wish to preserve and grow this beautiful, majestic mounted martial art. Griffin’s is an open facility that encourages the use of natural horsemanship and traditional archery only. Here, five experienced horseback archery horses roam freely on 50 hectares of land. The ideal South African Mediterranean climate allows training to take place all year round. Training includes: a world-wide history of mounted archery (up to the present day); archery equipment knowledge; an extensive warm-up exercise programme for the development of mounted archery; instinctive archery (developing speed shooting, aerial and moving target shooting); connecting with one’s horse using the Monte Roberts technique; tacking up and desensitising one’s horse to archery; using mounted archery ground-training aids; learning balance on a horse, and shooting from horseback at different angles. Contact: +27 (0)28 482 1150 info@mountedarchery.co.za | www.mountedarchery.co.za

FELINE ENCOUNT ERS PA N TH ER A AFRI CA BI G CAT S AN CT UA RY

WIN

Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive bred big cats where they will be protected and prosper for the rest of their lives, without any trading or breeding taking place. Panthera Africa has found its 40 hectare paradise in Stanford, South Africa, with a beautiful home for rescued big cats. Educational Visits – Wednesdays to Monday, 10am and 3pm. Price: R 190 per adult, R 120 per child (under 13) • Feeding and Enrichments Visits – pre-booking essential. Time most likely to be in the morning or in the afternoon. Price: R 290 for adults. No children under 16 allowed. Stanford GPS: -34.458942, 19.532096 Win tickets for a family of 4 to visit the sanctuary. Tel +27 (0)76 9743088/ +27 (0)84 866 2665 SMS Big Cat, your name and surname to +27 83 652 5489 to info@pantheraafrica.com stand a change of winning. http://pantheraafrica.co.za Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date March 31, 2016

Summer 2015

experience over berg ADVENTURE G O LF H O LE IN O NE ARABELLA GOLF CLUB (Kleinmond) The 18-hole course borders on the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and is one of the top golf courses in the Western Cape. It has spectacular views across the Botrivier Lagoon and Kogelberg Mountain Range. +27 (0)28 284 0048 acemanager@mweb.co.za

the foot of the Langeberg mountains offers views of the farms and the Hermitage Valley. The mild winter climate makes play possible all year round. The course was founded in 1947, and with permanent irrigation and proper tending, it has become a jewel in the Western Cape crown. +27 (0)28 514 1026

HERMANUS GOLF CLUB Hermanus Golf Club is a popular choice for golfing enthusiasts. It has a challenging 27-hole course with narrow fairways. The gorgeous sea views, mountainous surroundings and classically-designed holes offer an incredible challenge and experience. The club has been blessed with dedicated, professional management over many years and has deservedly gained a reputation for excellent year-round standards. +27 (0)28 312 1954 manager@hgv.co.za

THEEWATERSKLOOF COUNTRY ESTATE The Theewaterskloof Country Estate’s golf course has 9 holes with an oldschool charm, set in a fresh country air environment The course is situated on the Theewaterskloof Dam and is rated one of the top ninehole golf courses in South Africa by the SA Golf Digest. It hosts the Boland Provincial Union-Affiliated Gold Academy in co-operation with De Villiers Graaff School from nearby Villiersdorp. +27 (0)28 840 2213

GANSBAAI GOLF CLUB The 9-hole golf course is situated 3 km outside the town area of Gansbaai. Enjoy the beautiful landscape amongst the fynbos and admire the spectacular views across the ocean. The Gansbaai Golf Club is Africa’s most southerly, and one of the Western Cape’s most affordable courses. +27 (0)28 384 1441 KLEINMOND GOLF CLUB The Kleinmond Golf Club offers mountain scenery over 9 holes. It is rated as one of the best courses in South Africa, due to the excellent maintenance of fairways and greens. +27 (0)28 271 3525 www.kleinmondgolfclub.co.za SWELLENDAM GOLF COURSE The 9-hole golf course at

BREDASDORP GOLF CLUB This 9-hole course is the closest to the southernmost point of Africa. The club was founded in 1919 and golf was played on the old course until 1977. The current course was opened in 1977. The large, curved greens and ample fairways are in excellent condition. In 2003 the Golf Digest magazine ranked it among the 100 greatest 9-hole golf courses in the country. +27 (0)28 424 1855 info@bredasdorpgolf.co.za CALEDON GOLF CLUB This 9-hole course with its beautiful views of the Overberg. With a lush eucalyptus forest in the center of the course which is in play for 5 of the 9 holes you better make sure you have a rough iron in your bag. +27 (0)28 212 1931 calgolf@mtncaledon.co.za

www.daddysadventures.co.za TO ENTER: SMS your name and surname and the answer to the following question “Where will you find Daddys Adventures” to 083 6525489 and stand to win this fun family activity. RULES: Standard mobile rates apply. Activities: Aqua Zorbing, Fat Cat Biking, Archery. Bookings Essential. Subject to terms and conditions by Sponsor. No prize is redeemable for cash. No correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Closing date 31 March 2016.

Summer 2015

ADVENTURE

experience over berg

WIN

HI KI N G ONE S T E P A H E AD GR EEN MO U NTAIN TR AIL

A four day slackpacking trail around the Green Mountain in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Just one hour from Cape Town International Airport this superb walking trail is an outstanding experience for nature lovers who enjoy the good life. “People love this hike. During the day they get a good cardiac workout while being able to switch off mentally from their normal schedules; plus all the logistics are taken care of by us. When the day’s walking is done clients put up their feet and relax, enjoying good food and wine in comfort,” Alison Green, owner/operator of the trail. Email: info@greenmountaintrail.co.za Cell: +27 (0)28 284 9827 www.greenmountaintrail.co.za

Win a one day taster of the Green Mountain Trail for two people to the value of R2 950.

The itinerary would be as follows: Leopard & Ox Wagon Route (11km/ 4 to 5 hours). Bed and Breakfast at Wildekrans Country House. Head towards Bot River through Biosphere fynbos. Rest stop at Stony Beach and Ledge Rock. Climb up Pincushion Ridge and discover Hawston View. Walk into Bot River and experience Beaumont Wines and lunch in Bot River village. Transfer to Wildekrans Country House, refresh, and collect your car. Question: What star grading is the accommodation on the Green Mountain Trail? SMS your answer, name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize.

Terms and conditions: Please note this is subject to availability at time of your booking The trail is only run from Monday to Friday | Excludes public holidays, school holidays and special events | This voucher is not transferable | This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash | This voucher excludes minibar, any gratuities or extras | Cancellations will only be refunded where replacements can be found | Activity undertaken at own risk | Closing date for entries 31 March 2016.

FA M ILY A R E WE TH ERE YET ? VLO E DBO S R ESOR T

Vloedbos is situated between Bredasdorp and Caledon on the R326. This family orientated holiday resort is an excellent and safe place for families to camp. Activities include supertube, hot and cold pools, dam for fishing, paintball, 4x4 track and mountain bike trails. Contact Lani Tel: +27 (0) 83 359 1505 Email: info@vloedbos.co.za Website: www.vloedbos.co.za

Summer 2015

KAM’BATI

In November three brand new swimming pools and water slides were launched. Make sure you visit them this summer! Off the N2 | GPS Coordinates: 34*04’47.82”S / 20*17’06.66” E Email: admin@kambati.co.za Or info@kambati.co.za Tel: +27 (0)79 200 9098

experience over berg ADVENTURE S UMMER LOV I NG MUS T D O

Suggested holiday activities to stave off boredom and preserve parents’ sanity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Visit the Tractor Museum in Villiersdorp Pack a picnic and head off to Fernkloof Nature Reserve Enjoy a duck and cherry pie at the Greyton market Book a seat or two at a Hope concert at Paul Cluver Book the Perlemoen Trail Visit Caledon Spa for some TLC in their hot baths Visit the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp

8. Give back – support your local Red Cross, bake someone a cake, give your brightest smile, leave only footprints on the beach

1 1. Delicious picnics at Gabriëlskloof 2. Views from the spectacular Tradouw Pass 3. Watch the trains flash past as you enjoy lunch at Wintersdrift Photo: Wintersdrift

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.

Visit the new Heritage Centre in Greyton Feed Parry the stingray at Struisbaai Harbour Stay in a real tipi village at the Blue Hippo Check out the abalone farm in New Harbour, Hermanus Eat fish and chips at Kabeljoes in Kleinmond and watch waves crash ashore Visit the Lavender Farm in Swellendam Book the Greyton-McGregor Trail Drive along Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and stop for a milk shake at Diesel ‘n Crème when you get there Scramble to the top of a mountain peak (Loerkop, Abdolskop, Nooiienskop, Perdekop, Skilpadkop, Uitkyk Kop) Go on a wine tour through the Hemel en Aarde Valley Pick berries at the Wildebraam Berry farm Enjoy bread and jam at Dassiesfontein Take the pontoon across the Breede River at Malgas Be sure to buy some original recipe Grabouw Boerewors in Grabouw Pop in for tea and cake at The Red Windmill Indulge in some ice cream made with love from Camphill Farm Community, Hermanus Go on a shark cage dive with Shark Diving Unlimited Book the Genadendal Trail Enjoy a river cruise in Stanford and while away the afternoon Visit Arniston and stand in a sea cave large enough to accommodate a wagon and span of oxen Visit the Genadendal Museum Explore The Cape Country Meander Route Spend a day at Grotto Beach in Hermanus Visit the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and dare to stand on Africa’s southernmost point For lovely wine and delicious picnics visit Gabriëlskloof Say hello to a penguin at Stony Point Penguin Colony (Betty’s Bay) Join African Wings for a sky tour of the Overberg Celebrate summer with sparkling wine from Domain de Deux Try your luck at the Caledon Casino Count blue cranes, our national bird, along the N2 When in town visist the local Tourism office - they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. Plant a tree when you visit the Fynbos Trail Discover Baardskeerdersbos Enjoy sundowners at the top of Zig-Zags in Greyton Visit the southernmost tip of Africa in the Agulhas National Park where two oceans meet. •

TIPS: SAFETY FIRST! • • •

Pay attention to safety briefings and guidance while enjoying your experience - your life depends on it! Nature needs you - be respectful! Have fun | spread the word!

Summer 2015

ROD AND REEL

experience over berg

TEXT & PHOTOS MIKE DOHLHOFF AND RICHARD VAN RYNEVELD

Rod and Reel Fishing in the Overberg Winding its way down on the Eastern Boundary of the Overberg is a most magnificent and impressive body of water. The Breede River begins its journey high up in the Hex River Mountains and as it flows towards the coast it gathers size and momentum as it is joined by many small streams and medium sized rivers. It eventually swells into a massive estuary, some 40km long before it spills out into the Indian Ocean at Sebastian Bay near the coastal town of Witsand on one side and Infanta on the other. The estuary is home to a spectacular array of marine creatures. Apart from a very healthy population of impressive estuarine fish and birds it is also frequented by dolphins, large sharks, turtles and seals. Even a young whale once entered the system, before returning unharmed back to the ocean. What is not commonly known is this river plays host to a world class fly fishery. Make no mistake it is not for the faint hearted and will test your stamina and endurance when battling

not only the predatory fish species but also the ever present strong winds and currents that one will encounter. Top of the list and probably the most popular fly rod quarry, is the superfast and aggressive Garrick or Leervis as it is locally known. These are targeted at various places from mouth to way upriver, depending on water temperature, tide and time of the year. The pushing tide is recommended and a favorite spot is off the extensive sand bank on the southern side of the river. Fishing into the deep channel with a rapidly retrieved surface fly (popper) or subsurface baitfish imitation will frequently produce positive results. Other species targeted by fly fisherman are the Spotted Grunter which is stalked and sight cast to with a prawn imitating pattern. This usually takes place in one of the numerous shallow bays at or around the low tide. The presence of fish will be obvious by their thrashing tails in the shallows as they attempt to blow the mud prawns out of their holes. This form of fly fishing requires a lot of patience and

stealth, but is well worth the effort. The Dusky Kob is perhaps the trickiest to target and because of its crepuscular habits is only available to the really determined angler who is prepared to put in the long hours at awkward times of the day. These ambush predators are truly impressive and the ever present chance of catching a true giant - they regularly grow in excess of 40kg, is what keeps one on the water when others may have long since run for home. Pursuing a fish in this environment is more rewarding than just the fish one may or may not catch. It’s about challenging oneself in the presence of great creatures and pristine beauty with a fly rod in hand. Just a reminder…this is all here right on your doorstep in the Overberg P.S. It is in the long term interest of this river that as many if not all of the fish caught are safely released, thereby preserving this wonderful ecosystem and also so that others may enjoy what it has to offer for years to come. MIKE DOHLHOFF

Above. The Breede River Mouth and estuary at low tide – an ideal home to an impressive array of marine creatures and a world class fly fishing spot 1. Black Oyster catchers at home in this area 2. The most popular fly rod quarry – the superfast and aggressive Leervis or Garrick 3. Going for the big guns – sailfish catch 4. Mike Dohlhoff doing what he enjoys best – tying flies.

Summer 2015

experience over berg

ROD AND REEL

Where’s Mike?

If Mike Dohlhoff isn’t a Pisces, then astrology is a load of cobblers. Sitting in Mike’s den at his house in Greyton, surrounded by more fishing tackle and gear than I have seen in my life, I managed to delve a bit into his lifelong passion. Mike’s dad was a saltwater fisherman, but Mike, born in Johannesburg, began his own fishing by catching barbel and carp in the local dams and nearby river. Starting with a hand-line in his boyhood, he graduated to fly-fishing in 1981, after his army service. If you know Mike at all you will understand that he doesn’t do anything by half measures; he is an ‘all-or-nothing’ man. He continues his story with a slight smile…“I guess I was hooked, if you will excuse the dreadful pun… this fly-fishing thing evolves as you go along… I started saltwater flyfishing in 1986.” If it’s got scales and fins Mike Dohlhoff most probably caught it. He is a qualified nature conservationist who began his career at the Jonkershoek trout hatchery in Stellenbosch, which, from the way Mike’s eyes light up, was obviously very close to his heart. “I then moved up to Clanwilliam where I was in charge of starting up the yellow-fish hatchery.” It was through the efforts of Mike and his colleagues that the yellow-fish, (probably pound for pound one of the strongest fighting fish) was re-introduced into its natural habitat in the Olifants River. Freshwater fish species, such as trout, bass, yellow-fish, barbel, carp, tiger-fish, and various species of bream, have long been part of Mike’s fly-fishing obsession…so Chobe, the Zambezi and the Gariep are all familiar haunts for him. I tried to phone just now, but guess what?...‘He’s gone fishing!’ RICHARD VAN RYNEVELD

WHERE TO FISH GANSBAAI

The fishing industry is the economic heartbeat of the community. Fleets of fishing boats can be seen heading out to gather their bounty from the sea. Individuals who prefer to cast a line from shore, can be seen dotted along the coastline. Fishing is serious business in this part of the world. www.gansbaai.com

VAALVLEI

Experience excellent fly fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, bass and Mozambique Tilapia (Blue kurper) in two spring fed dams. Kids can fish for bluegill and tilapia in the smaller dam. Float tubes and waders welcome and only barbless hooks should be used. www.vaalvlei.co.za

THEEWATERSKLOOF DAM

The dam is the 7th largest dam in South Africa and a haven for anglers. Black bass, rainbow trout, carp, barbel, blue gill and kurpers are present in the dam. A freshwater angling license is compulsory. www.theewater.co.za

TIDES RIVER LODGE

The Breede River is recognised as one of the best fishing estuaries in South Africa. Tidal action reaches 60km upstream supporting a rich diversity of fish and birdlife. Tides River Lodge lies on the banks of the Breede River, near Malgas. www.tideslodge.co.za

Summer 2015

experience experience experienceover over over berg berg berg

FYNBOS CELT PADSTALLE - SHIP CREATURES &WRECK PIES

TEXT AND & PHOTOS PHOTOS CAPTAIN OWEN KEEN DOMINIQUE DE G. SAINT CLAIR

Padstals, Padkos, Pit-stops & Pies Breaking a day’s outing, a long road trip or a journey, and taking a pit stop at a padstal, is firmly entrenched in our South African culture. The humble pie has become a favourite ‘take away’ for a snack on the run, or a quick, filling meal. Farm stalls and cafés throughout the Overberg make and bake their own versions of the well-known pie encased in flaky pastry. Going back to the origin of a pie, the crust or pastry was formed like a baking dish and for hundreds of years this served as the only form of a baking container for cooking over an open fire, or in a fire oven. The casing acted, also, as a carrying and storage container, and may well have been the forerunner of the Tupperware meal. With the holiday season coming up, travelling on the N2, or anywhere throughout the Overberg, there is a host of fabulous farm stalls. We set out to taste some wares!

H O U W H O EK FAR M STAL L

O RCHA RDS FAR M STALL

DASSIESF O NTEIN

Tel: +27 (0)21 859 2448 • Just off the N2, Oudebrug Road, Grabouw • 07h00 to 18h00 Mon – Sun Just over Sir Lowry’s Pass, this is the first pit-stop on the N2 – to sit down or take away. On offer at the Orchards is a variety of mouth-watering pies, chunky farm breads, old-fashioned apple tart and baked lemon cheesecakes. The shelves are lined with local honey, home-made jams and preserves, including orange marmalade, gifts and crafted goodies.

PE RE G RI NE FAR M S TALL

Tel: +27 (0)21 848 9011 • N2, Grabouw www.peregrinefarmstall.co.za • 07h30 to 18h30 every day Since the 1960s this has been a landmark on the N2 at Grabouw, but it has grown by leaps and bounds since then. After a fire burned down part of the farm stall, a new restaurant was built at the Red Tractor. A wonderful venue to eat their super pies, have a leisurely lunch or buy the usual take away. The bobotie pie was particularly flavourful, with a taste of the traditional spices and mince filling, and as for the selection of freshly-made quiches…they are out of this world!

Summer 2015

Tel: +27 (0)28 284 9015 • www.houwhoekfarmstall.co.za Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 07h30 to 17h30 The sign on the N2 at Houw Hoek says ‘Famous Houw Hoek Pies’ and they certainly are. Big, fat, fully-filled pies are on display in a variety of fillings and flavours. The chicken is particularly juicy. The farm stall is stocked with other delectable delights - biscuits and cakes, freshly-baked bread, local wines, and fruit & vegetables. Tel: +27 (0)28 214 1475 • On the N2 between Botriver and Caledon Take lots of time at Dassiesfontein – there is so much to see; it is like going down the rabbit hole in an Alice-inWonderland story; fascinating items from stoves to wool to décor items. I can’t imagine how they could ever do a stock take! The pies are big. Very big! Enough for 2, and juicy!

P R IEL L A FAR M STAL L

Salandra Farm, on R43 between Botriver and Hermanus next to the Shell Garage • Tel: +27 (0)28 284 9567 08h00 to 17h00 - 7 days a week All the pies are baked on the premises daily; only the freshest ingredients are used. The usual fillings include steak and mushroom, pepper steak, and bobotie, with venison (kudu/springbok) a speciality.

NAP IER FAR M STAL L

Tel: +27 (0)28 423 3440 • Sarel Cilliers Street, Napier This padstal and restaurant is still the old favourite. All the pies are made daily from scratch, using an old, traditional, secret recipe. A wonderful selection of pies is available fresh and/or frozen pure chicken pies, with a yummy crust,

experience over berg CELT - SHIP WRECK

1 2

3 4 Opposite. A delicious Red Windmill Special - Chicken and Butternut Pie 1. The Urban Legend Padstal rocks – Ou Meul Bakery. If you visit Greyton be sure to hook up for a “pie-run” - a MTB ride to Riviersonderend followed by an obligatory Ou Meul pie! 2. Houw Hoek Farmstall is famous for their delicious variety of pies - you may need to stand in line to get yours! 3. The Orchards – a welcome sign on the N2 near Grabouw 4. There are no words! A mouthwatering duck and cherry pie and steak and kidney pie - get yours from the Greyton Saturday Market.

can be made to order for a family of 5, or AN EVEN BIGGER XXL VERSION FOR 8 TO 12 PEOPLE! This is a great option to purchase for holiday and weekend gatherings or big families. Pop it into the oven at home, and hey presto, you are the star of the show!

VA N BRA K EL STOOR

R 326 between Caledon and Napier Tel: +27 (0)28 212 2214 • www.vanbrakelstoor.co.za Whether it’s padkos, a snack or quick bite to eat, Van Brakel Stoor padstal is worth a stop. The home-made pies are worth it too. This old-time country store and coffee shop offers local cuisine, area wines and home-made delicacies. They also act as an events venue and conference facility.

T H E RE D WIN D MILL

Tel: +27 (0)28 423 3576 • On the R 316 to Bredasdorp Stop for a pie – to be sure the butternut and chicken is a firm favourite, served with a tomato relish and green salad. Lots of other goodies, vintage clothing and special gifts are housed in the old gabled house set on a working farm. Dee and Neil Robinson go out of their way, and the extra mile, for their guests. A lovely spot for lunch while the kids dash about.

ANG I E ’S PUD D IN G AN D P IE

Tel: +27 (0)28 271 3214 • 25 Main Road, Kleinmond Mon to Sat (and Sunday only during school holidays) Angie’s pastries have become quite famous along the R 43 on the way to Hermanus, so sit down at her table in Kleinmond for the delectable duck and cherry pie, or any of the other pies with traditional fillings. Light lunches or artisan bread are available. Also available in Hermanus at Yves’ Pudding and pie Tel: +27 (0)28 3122 777 • 87 Marine Drive, Hermanus

O U MEU L BAKKER Y

27 Main Rd, Riviersonderend • Tel: +27 (0)28 261 1568 This establishment has become an urban legend. I have never met anyone throughout the Overberg, on a road trip, who hasn’t stopped off in Riviersonderend and tasted one of their pastries ‘made with real butter’. You cannot eat this big pie on the run – sit at one of the tables with a good cup of coffee and take your time. The steak pie is another good option here.

R O L ANDAL E R ESTAU R ANT & FARM STAL L

Tel: +27 (0)28 512 3383 • 10km outside Swellendam on the N2 towards Riversdale This is a great place to stop off on the N2 and a chance to stretch your legs in a pleasant garden setting while kids and dogs can run about. Although they don’t actually make their pies on the premises, the pies are homemade and freshly baked daily in Swellendam. The usual fillings of steak & kidney, pepper steak, chicken, and feta & spinach are available.

BR EED E R IVER TR AD ING P O ST

Tel: +27 (0)28 542 1055 • On the dirt road just before reaching Malgas. Just off the N2 at Swellendam, take the signposted dirt road to Malgas/Infanta. Tony and Veronica will welcome you to their spot for light meals, preserves, fresh croissants, bread, and more…. They make all the pies on the premises, as well as their own patties and boerewors to boot. Pop in to stock up with treats and goodies on the way to Infanta or Malgas. •

Summer 2015

CAPE MOHAIR

experience over berg

TEXT & PHOTOS DOMINIQUE DE SAINT CLAIR

Cape Mohair Denys Hobson invited us to watch the Angora goats having a haircut on the farm Spinlea, 17 km outside of Greyton. The farm is home to fine Angora goats with beautiful curly shaggy coats. The ‘hair-dressers’ had come all the way from Williston in the Northern Cape to crop the flock. It is fascinating to see how these experienced shearers can clip a goat in such a short space of time using the old-fashioned sheep-shearing clippers. The animal is held between their legs and the fine mohair is expertly sheared off and taken away to be sorted and graded. Over a cup of coffee Denys gives us some background and details of the history of mohair in South Africa. The story of this fine and sought-after fibre starts with humble beginnings in 1838 when the first Angora goats were imported from Turkey for breeding purposes. The original Turkish Angora goat has evolved into a hardy, strong animal that can thrive in all kinds of environments, and has adapted well to South African conditions. It has been a long, hard road to introduce the Angora fibre into the South African market and as recently as 1991, Denys recalls, it was almost impossible to sell. Now, however, the tide has turned and it is a prime product world-wide, with the demand exceeding production. Denys goes on to explain that there were many changes

and adaptations over time, and trial and error experiments with mohair yarn capabilities, and knitting machines. After numerous discussions with the Italians, who had the best knitting machines, and who were already experienced in making knitted garments, the machines were adapted specially to cope with mohair fibre. “We started out small, making socks from a combination of wool and a lot of love,” says Denys. Since then, Cape Mohair has not looked back, and the plant in Epping is a thriving business which has expanded to the biggest mohair sock producer in the world. The plant is a mix of state-of-the-art methods and yet retains some of the old-fashioned machines which knit a range of socks in stocking stitch. This is still the best-selling item for hikers, and all the co-ops throughout the country stock the essential “farmers‘ and workers’” standard sock. At first only mohair was used in making the socks. The sock still bears the name Mohair as a trademark, but now, of course, there are many different fibres and products from cotton school socks to football socks and corporate logo socks. The unique mix of the mohair and wool keeps moisture away from the foot. Even through the toughest hike or activity, the foot is kept dry, comfortable and odourresistant.

“...we’re still proud to be the biggest mohair sock manufacturer in the world. Over the years, through experimentation, wearer trials and our state-of-the-art machinery, we’ve developed our own knowledge capital of the technical processes and fibre capabilities in working with mohair. Our unique blend of mohair and wool gives our socks excellent capillary capability which naturally wicks moisture away from the foot, keeping it dry, comfortable, and odour-resistant even in the most demanding of activities.” Above. Young Angora goats – looking a little forlorn without their curly locks after their shearing session. Frolicking in the sunny pastures at Spinlea Farm Below. The Angora goats with their long mohair locks – almost time for a haircut! Next Page: 1. Shearers from Willistion in the Northern Cape 2. A young shorn goat 3.Grading mohair on the Spinlea Farm

Summer 2015

experience over berg

“Our company makes socks for real people, with real passions. They’ll take you places - hiking to the top of mountains, into underground diamond mines, across finish lines, onto cat walks, or just snuggling in bed on a wintry morning!” There are many reasons why mohair is coveted by the world’s fashion industry elite, as well as by interior designers, designers, craft specialists, industrial fibre specialists and the tourism sector: • The fibre’s natural lustre gives garments a silky sheen. It’s the ideal garment to wear day or night and is luxuriously lightweight and renowned for its versatility; cool in summer and warm in winter. • Mohair responds magnificently to dyes, retaining even the most brilliant colours over time. • Mohair breathes, absorbing and releasing atmospheric moisture and controlling its own ‘climate’ to ensure optimal comfort. • Because of its pliability, mohair is rated as one of the

WIN

WITH CAPE MOHAIR

CAPE MOHAIR

2 world’s most durable natural fibres. Products made from mohair have an innate elasticity, which ensures they hold their shape. • Mohair is virtually non-flammable, keeping you safe and chic all year round. “As a company, we’re passionate about experimenting, developing and expanding our ranges. And while we continue to reach new heights in quality and innovation, our feet remain firmly on the ground.” The next step after the knitting evolved into the weaving industry, the Cape Mohair blanket factory was founded in the Crags near Plettenberg Bay. The mohair and merino wool mix has developed into South Africa’s most loved and trusted mohair blanket brand, bringing Cape Mohair not only onto people’s feet but also into the homes of many happy customers. • •

www.capemohair.co.za • https://mohairmillshop.com info@mohairmillshop.com • +27 (0)44 534 8997

SMS the word Mohair, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to stand a chance of winning a R500 Cape Mohair voucher...just right for the next pair of hiking socks! ** Terms and conditions apply • not redeemable for cash • entries close 31 March 2016

PRIVATE CELLAR | EXCLUSIVE ROMANTIC WEDDINGS

WIN THIS FABULOUS PRIZE 1 lucky couple will win a 50% discount on their venue hire (valued at R8 000) PLUS 2 nights accommodation at the Vleiplaas Cottage including a Deli Alfresco breakfast and lunch, free glass of wine each of their choice with lunch, a bottle of wine and a freshly-baked ciabbata in the cottage when they arrive. As part of this amazing prize you could also win Joubert Tradouw’s new book “Taste the Little Karoo” SMS the word karoo, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 Subject to standard Terms and Conditions. Closing date for entries 31 March 2016

Joubert-Tradauw wingerde en Kelder and Alfresco Deli is situated right in die heart van die Tradouw valley, 12km west of Barrydale and 50km east of Montagu, on the R62 route. www.joubert-tradauw.com Enquiries and menus: beate@joubert-tradauw.co.za | +27 28 572 1619

GET MARRIED

EXPERIENCE

OVERBERG weddings real people | real weddings 2015 - VOLUME TWO

R30 000

worth of prizes to be won!

real weddings Julia and Neal Wikus and Danelle Wright and Lunique Justin and Simone Zach and Laeticia Frank and Annalise Arno and Michelle Jono and Donnalea Matthys and Adele Stephen and Marie-Louise

beautiful people, wonderful love stories, fabulous venues, nibbly centrepieces, super service providers

Swellendam | Western Cape | South Africa

WIN

2 Full nights stay accommodation dinner, bed and breakfast at De Kloof including a spa treatment.

PRIZE IS VALUED AT R6000

To win: SMS the word dekloof, your name and surname to +27 83 652 5489 Closing date for entries 31 March 2016 | Standard mobile rates apply

www.dekloof.co.za Please contact us to make a reservation | Tel +27(0) 28 514 1303 | info@dekloof.co.za S3401020 E 02026372

meet our couples Feature wedding

68 Neal and Julia

Wright and Lunique

82 Zach and Laeticia

Arno and Michell e

Mathys and Adele

74 Wikus and Danelle

Justin and Simone

84 Frank and Annelise

Jono and Donnale a

Stephan and Marie-Louise Summer 2015

NEAL & JULIA

BRIDAL

experience over berg - weddings

Neal & Julia VOLMOED

HERMANUS - 6 SEPTEMBER 2015

Julia met Neal Thorpe online through Dating Buzz. Julia says, “I had never tried online dating before, but it was a good experience and a great platform with safe filters to meet someone special.” They dated for 10 months before he proposed in the mountains of Piketberg. They decided on Hermanus for their special day, as if offers the best of both the mountains and the sea. They chose Volmoed Estate because the entire wedding party could be accommodated for the weekend in a beautiful setting. The original theme was going to be lilac but when Julia went to try on dresses at Bride & Co, the purple dress caught her eye and she immediately fell in love with it. The wedding theme then fell automatically into place. Julia admits,“Before I started dress shopping I slimmed down with Herbalife. Using the products really helped me to shape up and get into the best of health, as I went from a size 12 down to a size 6.” Julia and Neal tied the knot on 6 September 2014 in the lovely chapel at Volmoed Estate. The wedding was small and intimate so that they were able to spend more time with a few of the people who are really close, special and meaningful in their lives. The reception, hosted at ‘The Classroom’, gathered friends and family from around the world. It provided a perfect classical setting for a stress-free event, with a three course meal perfectly put together by Sumien. The venue was filled with the most unique flowers, carefully chosen by the bride. “I am a botanist, so my appreciation and love of flowers in all their natural glory is evident in the type of flowers and colour theme I chose.

My friend Johanna Viljoen helped me choose the blooms and arrange the flowers. She also created my wedding bouquet as a gift.” Julia and Neal decided to break away from the tradition of a sweet wedding cake and instead chose a massive tower made of different varieties of Fairview cheese, decorated with berries and nuts, and gorgeous flowers to fit in with the theme. The guests enjoyed some fine cheese while Kitty, the photographer from Vizion Photo, took beautiful wedding photos next to the ocean. Julia and Neal looked fabulous posing on the rocks, with the waves crashing behind them. It was a wedding photographer’s dream to capture this gorgeous bride and her handsome groom in such a stunning location. The sunset splashed out some spectacular colours right on time to create some timeless wedding images. “We chose Kitty especially for her bold use of colour and to avoid the popular stereotyped form of image. Kitty pulled everyone together and was an amazing photographer, interacting with everyone and developing a lovely relationship with us. Her pictures show how talented she is.” “The whole day was like a dream I will remember for a long time. Aside from being engulfed in love, and the complete sense of euphoria, it would probably be Neal’s face I will never forget when he saw me, and his overwhelmed tears as I joined him at the altar.” One of the special moments included the wedding dance. They had been to dancing lessons at Phox Dancing School and it was such an incredible experience to dance

Dress: Bride & Co Event co-ordination: Ronel Nel Catering: The Classroom Other: Johanna Viljoen, Julia’s friend helped with the flower arrangements Service: Rev Barry Wood Photography: Kitty from Vizion Photo

Summer 2015

together perfectly. So many people contributed to making it a perfect day. Ronel Nel, the co-ordinator, who also put together the beautiful wedding cake, Silke Viljoen for hair and make-up, and Johanna Viljoen, who made beautiful bouquets and interesting flower arrangements. Rev Barry Wood had such a beautiful and appropriate message. “It was also a special surprise when Dr Isaac Raj Alanka from India prayed a special blessing for us and presented us with beautiful matching rings. And of course, the purple dress; it was such a fun, easy to wear, striking dress that practically danced by itself. The entire weekend was a fairytale and everything went according to plan.”

Summer 2015

NEAL & JULIA

experience over berg - weddings

“The whole day was like aexperience dream Iover will for bergremember WINE ADVENTURES a long time. Aside from being engulfed in love, and the complete sense of euphoria, it would probably be Neal’s face I will never forget when he saw me, and his overwhelmed tears as I joined him at the altar.” Julia

Summer 2015

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER - ADVERTORIAL

experience over berg - weddings

PHOTOS BLACK OYSTERCATCHER

Celebrating love BLACK OYSTERCATCHER VENUE

Celebrating love surrounded by nature – away from the bustle of the city – surely can’t be beaten. From the golden wheat fields, the luminous yellow of the canola fields, or the creeping vines of the vineyards, many couples choose to get married in a rural setting. The Overberg offers these wedding opportunities above any other region in the country. What’s more, the Overberg provides couples with access to unique and less traditional spaces. Like getting married among the most southerly vineyards on the African continent – as found at the Black Oystercatcher Wines. Situated in the Elim Wine Ward, between Bredasdorp and Elim, this working wine farm has been hosting weddings over the past five years. According to Dirk Human, founder of the Black Oystercatcher Wines, they launched the wedding venue to fill a need. “So many couples are looking for an open, fresh, organic experience found in a more rural setting, and the rustic infrastructure of a farm. We converted a dairy parlour and horse stables, a building that was more than a hundred years old, into the Black Oystercatcher Restaurant. Today this forms part of our wedding venue – creating that authentic country feel.”

Summer 2015

The Black Oystercatcher Wines also has an experienced team who help in planning the wedding day – to make the day relaxed and fun for the couple and their families. Says Dirk, “The Black Oystercatcher’s philosophy is all about friends and family – and celebrating these important moments and relationships. So we know how key it is to create a wonderful, unforgettable day for our couples.” The offering includes the crisp, fresh meals and refreshments served by the Black Oystercatcher Restaurant. The Restaurant makes use of the herbs and vegetables straight out of its garden, and Dirk’s ability to source the freshest fish and game. “Our motto is to live by the season – and that ensures we serve only the best-quality dishes.” Black Oystercatcher’s cottages also provide the bridal party with accommodation – with the four cottages capturing the essence of the biodiversity-rich Agulhas Plain. Dirk says, “The Black Oystercatcher really embodies what the Overberg has to offer – great service and quality, and of course access to exquisite nature. We pride ourselves in the rich agricultural and natural landscapes on show in our region. And in our ability to celebrate love surrounded by this special environment.”

Summer 2015

WIKUS & DANELLE

experience over berg - weddings

Wikus & Danelle THE OAKS

GREYTON - 10 OCTOBER 2015

At the foothills of the mist-shrouded peaks of the Riviersonderend mountain range and under the shade of giant oak trees, Danelle Ehlers and Wikus Venter were married on 10 October. The couple, who live in Johannesburg, met at Stellenbosch University and after an eight year romance tied the knot at The Oaks, the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic family home. After years of hosting weddings on the farm, it was finally Gert and Marianne from The Oaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; turn to be the parents of the bride. Danelle who looked beautiful in her original White Lily Atelier wedding gown was clearly adored by her new husband.

A huge contingent of friends and family converged on the wedding venue from all corners of South Africa and abroad, and after a moving ceremony feasted on an exquisitely presented lunch by Slippery Spoon. The marquee was uniquely set up with crisp white linen and wood, and guests sat under huge pergolas of vine interlaced with sprays of orchids and proteas. Huge bowls of exquisite flowers completed the picture. After the reception, guests were treated to sundowners at the dam, visited by the famous Nguni herd, and huge bonfires kept the chilly night air at bay. They then made their way back to the wedding venue for a dinner-dance which lasted well into the early hours of the morning.

Wedding coordinators: Marianne Ehlers +27 (0)76 034 5994 Bonton +27 (0)71 642 6451 Caterers: The Slippery Spoon +27 (0)71 892 5967 Flowers and furniture: Nico Laubser Nconcepts and Designs +27 (0)83 675 6862 Structures and support: Antoinette Events +27 (0)28 425 2729 Elite Tents: +27 (0)21 976 3413 Make-up and Hair: Sebastine +27 (0)83 511 6885 DJ: Baha +27 (0)83 638 0764 Music with ceremony: Philippus Hugo +27 (0)83 378 0193 World@south Dirkie +27 (0)73 420 4170 Stationery: White Kite Studio Cape town Dress: White Lily Bridal Studio Johannesburg Photography: Lad and Lass emmajane@helloharbour.com

Summer 2015

WRIGHT & LUNIQUE

experience over berg - weddings

Wright & Lunique ELGIN

SOUTH HILL - 22 SEPTEMBER 2015

Do you remember the 22nd night of September? A week before the wedding the heavens opened and a Cape winter cold front brought rain, rain and yet more rain and cold weather. Lunique recalls that as the chairs and tables were being offloaded she prayed for the rain to stop. And suddenly, on the Tuesday morning, the skies cleared and it was the most perfect, beautiful day possible.

Summer 2015

Lunique and Wright had met on an online dating site and started dating in May 2013. Lunique says that her friends bullied her into joining the site, but within a short space of time she had met Wright and was travelling to Johannesburg for their first date. They got on so well, and talked for hours over two bottles of wine. Chatting to their respective friends afterwards, they both declared that they had found â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the special oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Wright made

the big move of transferring down to Cape Town to be with Lunique and her daughter (5 year old Nicah). Only a short time later they were looking at a website featuring the most romantic wedding venues on the internet, and spotted a link to South Hill. They wanted to have a small, intimate wedding for close family and friends, so once they had visited, and seen the ideal venue, and got on so well with proprietors Sandra and Kevin,

they did not visit anyone else. Within six months, their friends and family had pulled together to organise everything for a guest list of only 62. This would make the entire weekend a special occasion with everyone getting to know each other. Lunique’s dear friend, Alana van Heerden, helped with the design of the dress. She wanted something different, and, as her favourite colour is navy blue, they found the chunky navy lace which worked so well with the understated rose-blush tones. The flowers were the focus points, providing big ‘pops’ of pink colour. The florist, who happened to be a friend of the photographer, did an amazing job. Looking out from the venue over the vineyards also added

a pink blush of colour from the fruit blossoms everywhere. The 450 candles lighting the tables enhanced the lovely atmosphere. Added to all this, the weather held, so it turned out to be an absolutely perfect day. And yet more friends helped with makeup. Leo and Liza Mostert from ‘Lilac Photography’ took the most beautiful photos for the entire weekend. Lunique will never forget the emotional moment of walking down the aisle with her daughter Nicah. “The absolute highlight of my day was when Wright bent down to pick Nicah up and she said, ‘You are now my Dad’ - and we were all united as family”.

Photography: Lize and Leo Mostert, Lilac Photography +27 (0)83 782 8123 Flowers: Jeanette Coetzee, Paramithi Flowers +27 (0)82 593 6624 DJ: Christopher Lugg +27 (0)82 892 7019 Make-up: Marieke Krynauw Make-Up & Hair +27 (0)84 429 1028 Hair: Caren Fourie, Caren Make-up & Hair +27 (0)72 621 1236 Dress: Alana Van Heerden Bridal Wear +27 (0)82749 6393

Summer 2015

4 EVERY EVENT - ADVERTORIAL

experience over berg - weddings

Salvaged ...for every event PHOTOS NADIA AND STEFAN STRAUSS

Summer 2015

‘4 Every Event’ is a family business situated in the beautiful Elgin Valley/Grabouw area. We are dedicated to giving our clients outstanding personal service for weddings, functions and celebrations. Our mission is to provide everything needed for any occasion, from beautiful flowers to the smallest practical detail. We started a small business providing flowers and some décor items, and were overwhelmed by the support of the locals, a true Elgin Valley culture, and the references we received. In due course, we were able to develop and grow ‘4 Every Event’ into a successful business and provide our services throughout the Overberg region. We are able to offer our clients a fullyinclusive service, from setting up a venue with a free-form tent, dance floor and lighting, tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and glasses, through to all the décor items and floral design. We have been living the dream in Elgin for 7 years now, with ‘4 Every Event’, building lasting relationships and friendships with the venues that support us in this amazing community. Some of our strengths are that we focus on authentic weddings, specialising in rustic and ecofriendly design and décor elements, and working with seasonal and indigenous flowers; also being mindful of our surroundings, and cognisant of our green footprint. We love to ‘dream big’ with our bridal couples, and make elaborate plans for their wedding - It is like getting married again every weekend! Stefan, my husband and partner,

Why visitors to the Elgin Valley come to South Hill

Wine • Accommodation Art • Functions • Restaurant is practical, creative, and is able to make all of these promises and dreams come true. Often these dreams have to be realised on a shoestring budget, while at the same time keeping our commitment to quality… and so ‘Salvaged’ was born. Stefan has this wonderful ability to see an idea; a useful treasure in almost anything . In our business it helps to be a hoarder, but it became so much more than that. He can get lost for hours on a visit to a scrapyard, and sees potential and a practical use in most of his finds. His dedication to ‘going green’ with his products, and up-cycling, is not only time-consuming but at times a real challenge. The uniqueness of the end-product is something magical. We have started a Facebook page for ‘Salvaged’, and the furniture and décor items that he makes from reclaimed wood and abandoned treasures, will be featured on Facebook, and for sale in our showroom. In between weddings, tents and lighting set-ups, Stefan is developing ‘Salvaged’ and creating his range of products; giving new life and purpose to some unlikely companions. Contact: +27 (0)21 859 4580 stefan@4everyevent.co.za

021 844 0033 | info@southhill.co.za www.southhill.co.za GPS 34˚13’59.48”S 19˚06’44.28”E 113 The Valley Road, Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa

JUSTIN & SIMONE

experience over berg - weddings

Justin & Simone GANSBAAI

DE UIJLENES - 16 JUNE 2015

Justin and Simone met on a Holland America Line cruise ship while travelling to Mexico. She was the spa manager and he the photography manager on board. After completing their contracts, they returned to Cape Town in 2011 for a well-deserved holiday, during which they both decided to stay and start their new life there. Justin started his wedding photography company ‘Justin Davis Photography’ and Simone, also following her passion for photography, began her boudoir photographic company, ‘Golden Fox Boudoir.’ They were together for three years before he proposed, in a rather unique way. Simone was on her way to a picnic with some girlfriends (which Justin had arranged in advance) when they stopped at a beautiful cliff lookout on Chapman’s Peak Drive. One of her friends gave her a note on which was written: This is where you will follow the ﬂowers down this pathway to the love of your life! Simone fondly remembers, “My legs started melting and my heart was beating so fast! As I got to the bottom, Justin was standing dressed in a full tux in the blazing summer sun, with a full lunch prepared for me on the cliff overlooking the beautiful ocean towards Hout Bay.” After enjoying champers and a delicious lunch, Justin told Simone to look up to the mountain behind them, and just there at the top were all their friends, guys and girls, holding a massive banner, emblazoned: ‘Will you marry him?’ “I turned around and there he was on his knees, asking me! All our friends came down and we celebrated our engagement together with some cocktails.” They chose a chic Bohemian-style wedding within a beautiful forest setting. The wedding took place on 16 June 2015. The ‘De Uijlenes’ was the ideal venue, catering perfectly for all the guests to stay over. On Friday night they had a bring-and-braai to meet

and greet all guests. Because they are in the wedding industry themselves, they did all their own décor, from lights to flowers to wedding gifts; all created and arranged by Justin and Simone, and with the help of their friend, Jaco Vermeulen from ‘Vermeulen Crafts’, based in Paarl. All the wreaths over each table were hand-made by their UK friends, and the table flower décor was done by Simone, in conjunction with Justin’s Mom, Dorette; the inspiration being to keep everything green, with only a few interesting flowers as accents, and a variety of succulents in wooden boxes. Different shaped bottles, spray-painted gold and rose gold, and decorated with slang grass, also added to the theme. Because of the Market theme, they decided upon using wooden stalls with different food, thus creating a nice interaction and festive feeling. Food was prepared by Chef Morné from ‘De Uijlenes’ and included beef sliders, chicken bunny chows, peppadew poppers, corn on sticks, chicken skewers, chili cheese samoosas, and stir fry. And to top it all, an Ola ice cream bicycle! Simone relates: “Instead of a wedding cake, we had two piñatas as ‘Fox & Wolf’, filled with sweets, and made by our friend, Janine. These represented our meeting in Mexico. As we entered our reception, we were blind-folded by our bridesmaids and groomsmen and then started hitting the piñatas until they broke!” Simone designed her wedding dress herself, which was then handmade by her two aunts, Rozelle and Carin, and her 85-year old gran, Lettie. “All the lace pattern and beading had to be sewn onto the dress while I stood wearing it. I wore my gran’s 200 year old veil down the aisle. It was amazing to be able to wear such a special piece which has been in our family for generations.” They had their own ‘Poen’ craft

Photographer: Tiffany B Photographer - http://tiffanyb.co.za/ - hello@tiffanyb.co.za Video: Epitome - http://thisisepitome.com Make up & Hair: Simone Grooms suite & shoes: Top Shop

Summer 2015

beer, made by Righardt. (The name originated from their nick names for one another, ‘Poensie’.) The groomsmen were all part of The Wolf Pack and so wore handmade badges with a wolf’s face, and special handmade belts engraved with the wolf pack logo. Being wedding photographers themselves, it was difficult to choose someone else for the job, but they finally decided on ‘Tiffany B Photographer’, as she had a similar style to theirs. “We loved her documentary style, and the really awesome moments she captured, such as the shots she took of the dam and the boat; they being great symbols for us, as we had met on a boat and then moved to the land to start our life together,” say the newlyweds. Simone’s brother took care of the music which he played from the list they had made containing all their favourite songs. Tegan, a chef at Jason’s Bakery in Bree Street in Cape Town, made customised fortune cookies for each guest. Inside each one was a personal thank you note. “Justin and I had chosen my wedding entry song years ago, and every time we listened to it we envisioned that moment! For me

walking down the aisle to that song, was so emotional and special; seeing Justin’s face was a once in a life time experience. Everyone who was part of our lives had a part in the wedding; it was priceless!”

Summer 2015

ZACH AND LAETITIA

experience over berg - weddings

Zach & Laetitia MURASIE

Summer 2015

GANSBAAI

Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Gansbaai coastline lay sheltered the former settlement, Moerasiekloof. Today only the magnificent stone ruins is witness of this and it forms the cornerstone of the Murasie Function Venue experience. Murasie is situated in the heart of the fynbos district on the banks of a beautiful pond that perfectly captures the unforgettable sunsets over the Strandveld. http://www.murasie.com/

Hair: Mari Verwey 072 061 2176 Catering: Alida (Bitter Lekker) Décor: Carin +27 (0)72 341 1425 Ds. Braam, Bredasdorp “SOOOO oulike boodskap oorgedra.” Music: Willem Steenkamp, Jebo Afrika +27 (0)79 523 3699 Photographer: Lilac Photography

Summer 2015

FRANK & ANNELISE

experience over berg - weddings

Frank & Annelise MOSAIC

24 JANUARY 2015

Summer 2015

Mosaic is the perfect place for your perfect wedding celebration. The true essence of the bride and groom is center stage, Mosaic is the backdrop: majestic mountain views, fynbos gardens, ancient milkwood groves and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Hermanus Lagoon. http://www.mosaicsouthafrica.com/

Dress: Elizna @ Lunar Photos: Jules Morgan - contact@julesmorgan.com +27 73 804 4059 Hair & Make-up: Helga Bridal Flowers: The Flower Scene in Hermanus +27 28 312 4998

ARNO & MICHELLE

experience over berg - weddings

Arno & Michelle SWELLENDAM

KLUITJIESKRAAL - 29 NOVEMBER 2014

Michelle and Arno met five years ago in Stellenbosch while Arno was busy studying for an agricultural degree, and Michelle was completing a course at Isa Carsten’s Beauty School. Just three months before concluding their studies, they met at a local Opskop dance venue and it was love at first sight. They continued a long distance courtship while Arno was farming in Swellendam and Michelle worked at Evergreen Manor as a Spa Manager in Stellenbosch. Michelle and Arno were married on 29 November 2014; the wedding ceremony took place in the historic N.G. church in Swellendam, with their reception being held on the family farm Kluitjieskraal, also in Swellendam. Because the wedding was in November (one of the hottest times of the year) all the guests were each given an ice cold ginger beer to quench their thirst after the church service and to refresh them on their way to the farm; a very traditional way of doing things! The farm has a beautiful setting all along the Breede River, with the Langeberg mountains in the background; ideal for picture perfect moments. Joe Dreyer, well-known

Cape Town photographer, took the photos at several scenic points on the farm; in the beautiful maize fields, with dairy cows and sheep in attendance. Another traditional element for this farm wedding was to hold the reception in a barn, set out and decorated like a farm kitchen. The décor, conceptualised and arranged by wedding planners Isabel and Gerda from ‘Le Chic’, had elements of blue and white Delft ceramics, and old gold. The family was very involved with the wedding, with Michelle’s sister, Corlene, making the ‘naked’ wedding cake and tannie Monica Cloete doing the catering. Music was provided by Gideon Smit, a DJ from Stellenbosch. Michelle’s bridesmaids were her nieces Lienke and Mia. Michelle no longer has grandparents of her own, so felt blessed to have gained two new grandmothers, one of whom wore her own wedding dress in a lovely peach colour. Michelle says, “The wedding

was such a special day for us, where we were so privileged to spend it with our family, friends and loved ones on our farm. This will be our home for ever.”

Wedding Planners: Isabel and Gerda - Le Chic, Swellendam +27 (0)83 561 8981 Dress: Didi Couture +27(0)21 975 8738 Catering: Monica Cloete +27 (0)82 412 8745 DJ: Gideon Smit Stellenbosch +27 (0)82 444 3054 Honeymoon night - De Kloof Country Estate http://www.dekloof.co.za/ Photographer: Joe Dreyer +27 (0)82 549 9885

Summer 2015

JONO & DONNALEA

experience over berg - weddings

Jono & Donnalea DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE Jono and Donnalea met at a friend’s birthday party in Cape Town. They had been together for six years before he proposed while staying at the private game reserve, Kwandwe, in the Eastern Cape. Donnalea fondly remembers, “Jono arranged a private dinner in our room, beautifully decorated by the staff with candles and rose petals. We had champers and starters and just before the main meal, a very emotional Jono literally leapt out from the other side of our room in one huge jump, dropped onto one knee and shakily presented me the box with the beautiful diamond ring; I was so overwhelmed with emotion.” They planned their wedding for 28 March at the De Hoop Nature Reserve; celebrating their day with 105 guests. It is such a magnificent venue where everyone could get together for the weekend, just let their hair down and relax in the beautiful environment, without having to think about driving anywhere. The wedding ceremony took place in front of the main Opstal under the huge fig tree. They chose a bush chic shabby/rustic country-style theme with the soft, neutral shades of champagne, cream and colours of the natural surroundings. They planned everything

28 MARCH 2015

to be as natural as possible and used the surroundings to create the scene. Local flowers such as natural fynbos, proteas, soft flowers and succulents indigenous to the Western Cape, were chosen for the arrangements on the tables, and done by ‘Flowers in the Foyer’. These were then intermixed with various candles, pots, cans, jars, etc. Decorations included chandeliers, milk canisters, buckets and flowerwatering cans which were all decorated in white. To create an aura of non-conformity a variety of flower arrangements was placed every table. Donnalea’s dress was inspired by Lazaro and locally made. “My amazing sister has an eye for great detail and she sourced my shoes in Durban. I accessorised with pearl earrings and a bracelet.” Jono’s suit was inspired by Tom Ford and specially made by a local tailor from a family-run business established more than fifty years ago. The bridesmaids’ dresses were carefully selected for each sister, with consideration given for each individual’s unique style and form, and also made locally. The delicious wedding menu was prepared by ‘Zest Catering’ from Botrivier The wedding cake was a two-

Venue: De Hoop Nature Reserve – www.dehoopcollection.com Catering: Zest Catering – info@zestcatering.co.za Flowers: Flowers In The Foyer – info@flowersinthefoyer.co.za Decor: Wade & Co – wade@wadeandco.co.za Event Co-ordinator: Antoinette Events – admin@antoinetteevents.co.za Music: DJ Renee – kayembe@mweb.co.za Hair & make-up: Danel Skin & Healthcare tel: +27 (0)28 425 2746

Summer 2015

tiered, white chocolate-covered ganache, beautifully decorated with flowers. “It was made by Nini, the manager of De Hoop Nature Reserve (a confectionary artist herself) who so kindly offered to do our cake. It was beautiful and we were so happy!” The well-known French DJ, Renee, who lives in Cape Town, accompanied by his two assistants (who also play bongo drums and act as backup singers), provided entertainment with eclectic mixes of Afro/South American house music. The table décor was done by ‘Antoinette Events’, but the seating plan was designed by the wedding couple themselves, with every guest’s name being placed beneath the table labels (all named after various birds indigenous to the area). Donnalea enthuses,“There were many special moments, but being whisked off for photographs and getting to spend a few moments together as brand new newlyweds; having a glass of champagne, while enjoying each other and taking in the moment, was amazing. Our wedding was quite surreal, but absolutely incredible and amazing. Everything was so beautiful and turned out to be wholly perfect.”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our wedding was quite surreal, but absolutely incredible and amazing. Everything was so beautiful and turned out absolutely perfect.â&#x20AC;? Donnalea

Summer 2015

MATTHYS & ADELE

experience over berg - weddings

Matthys & Adele MALGAS

21 MARCH 2015

On 12 September 2014 Matthys Streicher set the stage when he traced a pre-planned route between magnificent yellow canola fields, and led a blindfolded Adele to a picnic spot where he asked for her hand in marriage. Adele says, “What made it even more special, was that he picked aandblomme (gladiolus tristis) in the ravine. The part of the farm where he proposed is also named ‘Aandblom’.” The couple chose Malgas as their wedding venue. Malgas has a particular significance for them because not only was Adele’s mother, Dalene Broeze, born here, but this is also where she met Matthys, and where they spent many wonderful holidays; so they have many memories of the area. Says Adele,“We literally went back to where everything started, like a full circle. It was very special to me.” Malgas (formerly called Malagas, and which boasts the only remaining pont in South Africa) is a remote village. It therefore proved a challenging wedding venue, as every single item, from knives to toilet rolls, had to be brought from Swellendam. Planning all of this would have been impossible without the help of all the ‘angels’ in Adele’s life. The marquee came from Cape Town, the mobile kitchen was brought in from Swellendam. Local caterer Monica Cloete, who cooks brilliantly, managed to bring in and prepare absolutely everything on site. The wedding ceremony took place

on 21 March 2015 in the old stone chapel which dates back to the mid1800s. The ring bearer, was Matthys’ border collie, ‘Flaffie’, who is always by his side. The reception was held next to the Breede River on Matthys’ family holiday plot. A huge marquee was erected and set out with the most beautiful flower arrangements and amazingly detailed décor. 175 guests celebrated the couple’s wedding day. Adele says, “Every now and again, during the night’s celebrations, I had to stop for a minute just to take in everything; it had all come together so perfectly to create the simple farmfeel that we wanted. Lucia Streicher from ‘The Ivy League’ was wonderful with planning. All the detail that she included made it feel personal; our own little wonder-world. Looking around and knowing that every person I saw was here because they loved us, and wanted to share this day with us, made me feel so humble and extremely loved.” The boys got ready for the ceremony in Matthys’ family holiday home, while the girls completed their preparations at the Malgas Hotel. The wedding reception was a very informal and comfortable occasion, with many family members and friends being involved; particularly Adele’s parents-in-law, Andries and Alet, who helped a great deal with planning and décor. Dancing is a special part of their lives so Matthys and his dad built the dance floor in the marquee. While the wedding photos were being taken,

Theme: Farm Wedding Colour scheme: Light pastel colours in combination with brown (wood & hessian) Dress: Frances Hauman (from Caledon) Photographer: Selma & Andre (from Expressions) Hair: Sanet Williams (from Scissors & Style in Swellendam) Make-up: Marisa Havinga (Cape Town) & Megan Sands (Swellendam) Wedding planner: Lucia Streicher (from ‘The Ivy League’) Flowers: Lucia Streicher (from ‘The Ivy League’) Food: Monica Cloete (Swellendam) Wedding cake: Elmarie Pretorius Wedding invitations: Cinnamon Creations Marquee: Tentickels (Cape Town) Décor hired from: La Flor (Swellendam), Le Chic (Swellendam), The Ivy League Boat cruises: ‘Fish Eagle Boat Cruises’ (Malgas) Music: (at pre-drinks) Dewald van der Merwe, (also known as Forest for Music) (at the ceremony) Schalk van Zyl, DJ Co-ordinator: Christie Conradie (from La Flor in Swellendam)

Summer 2015

guests enjoyed cold drinks, canapés, lawn games and a boat cruise down the Breede River. The windmill that had been used as a logo feature on the wedding décor and stationery, stood proud on the banks of the river. “The night before the wedding, my sister told me that this would be the day where I would feel like the most beautiful woman alive, and she was right. When I walked down the aisle, and my groom gave me the biggest smile, I’ve never felt more beautiful and special. Enjoy every moment of your wedding and take particular note of everything, because it passes so quickly.” The wedding was really very special and exactly what Adele and Matthys had hoped it would be. “It was personal and romantic, and because everyone contributed to even the finest detail, it was perfect. There is not one thing we would have changed.”

“When I was walking down the aisle and my groom gave me the biggest smile, I’ve never felt more beautiful and special.” Adele

floral & decor design events . planning www.ivysleague.co.za

Summer 2015

STEPHAN AND MARIE-LOUISE

experience over berg - weddings

Stephan & Marie-Louise OEWERZICHT

Summer 2015

GREYTON 11 APRIL 2015

Brides Dress: Kintie Mocke Groom Suit: Country Road Bridesmaids Dresses: Amanda van der Merwe (Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mother) Decor + Flowers: Karlien Walker & Marie Krige Entertainment: Wynberg Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; High School Jazz Band Wedding Planner: Fransie Solms DJ: DJ Dean Videographer: Brendan Watson Make-up: Koba Solms Caterers: Herman de Kock & Philippus Hugo, Driefontein Bridal Suite: Greyton Lodge Venue: Oewerzicht, Greyton Tel: +27 (0) 28 254 9831 | www.oewerzicht.co.za Photographer: Lindie Meyer

Summer 2015

WEDDING WINS

experience over berg - weddings

GIFTS

Wedding Wins Compliment your wedding plans with these fantastic prizes from delicious cakes, award winning wines, romantic getaways and jewellery from Peter Gilder Jewellers.

A GIFT JUST FOR YOU

TO ENTER: SMS your name and surname and the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;Muishuisâ&#x20AC;? to 083 652 5489 and stand a chance of winning a R1500 voucher to spend at the Muishuis or to put towards an item of your choice.

RULES: Standard mobile rates apply. Subject to terms and conditions by sponsor. No prize is redeemable for cash. No correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Closing date 31 March 2016.

WIN FABULOUS EARRINGS FROM PETER GILDER

Win beautiful Peter Gilder earrings to the value of R10 200

Pair 14ct White Gold Diamond drops Huggie earrings, pave set with 14 x Brilliant cut Diamonds with a combined mass of 0.07ct and 2 x 7-7.5mm Freshwater Pearls

Tel: 021 794 2116 | Fax: 021 794 2302 | www.petergilder.com To Enter: SMS the name of the Jeweller to 083 652 5489 and stand a chance to win this pair of bespoke earrings. RULES: Standard mobile rates apply. Subject to terms and conditions by sponsor. No prize is redeemable for cash. No correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Closing date 31 March 2016.

Summer 2015

SERVICES

Win a wedding gift voucher to the value of R5000 Redeem your voucher for flowers, lighting and more!

TO ENTER: SMS Your name and surname and answer the following question: Where can you find 4 Every Events Showroom to 0836525489 and stand to win this awesome prize. RULES: Standard mobile rates apply. Subject to terms and conditions by sponsor. No prize is redeemable for cash. No correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Closing date 31 March 2016.

ď&#x192;ť

CAKE

Krummels sugar art

CELEBRATION CAKES & COOKIES WIN A 2 TIER WEDDING CAKE to the value of R2000!

SMS krummels, name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize. Terms and conditions: This prize is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash | Closing date for entries 31 March 2016.

Contact Charlotte: +27 (0) 82 494 5236 www.krummels.co.za Facebook: Krummels Sugar Art Summer 2015

WINE WEDDING WINS

experience over berg - weddings

HOME OF HEMEL-EN-AARDE MCC Distinctive wines from the cool-tip of Africa

Get married at the Black Oystercatcher, where you can seal your love for each other under our historical tree a Protected Tree in South Africa. To enter: SMS the name of this tree to 083 652 5489 and stand a chance to win a case of Black Oystercatcher Methode Cap Classique, worth more than R1000.

DECOR

GIVEAWAY R1500 VOUCHER Pieter Deon Interiors has established itself as a benchmark in the Overberg for stylish furniture and gorgeous décor. 082 309 4487 www.pieterdeoninteriors.co.za

Question: Where is Pieter Deon Interiors? SMS the answer, your name and surname to +27 (0)82 309 4487 to win this fabulous prize. Closing date for entries 31 March 2015 * Standard mobile rates apply | Standard Terms and Conditions apply | This voucher is non-transferable The voucher cannot be redeemed for cash

Trendy | Elegant | Affordable | Functional 94

Summer 2015

To Enter: SMS the name of the farm to 083 652 5489 and stand a chance to win a case of Rose of Sharon Methode Cap Classique, worth more than R1000.

BEAUTY Spoil yourself...

WIN WITH RAIN

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Langberg Mountains, lies the beautiful town of Swellendam, home of Rain. Rain Africa is a South African company creating handmade eco-ethical bath and body products. In celebration of a new couple’s life together, we are giving away a metamorphosis couples treatment to one lucky couple. Just answer this simple question: What is Rain’s signature treatment called? SMS the answer, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win. Closing date for entries 31 March 2016 Standard mobile rates apply Subject to terms and conditions as per every prize sponsor | Prize is not redeemable for cash

WEDDING CLASSIFIEDS

experience over berg - weddings

Wedding Finds SERVICES

ALAN CAMERON BAND

EAGLE ENCOUNTERS

What better way to say I love you than by flying your ring to your bride? Contact us for this unique experience and we will help you set up a truly remarkable moment in time. Tracy +27 (0)21 858 1826 www.eagleencounters.co.za

Need a sax player for your wedding? Looking for live music for your corporate function or private party?

tel: +27 72 906 3237 jazz.piano.sa@gmail.com www.alancameron.bandcamp.com

WEDDING & PARTY MATTERS -

Planning and Coordination Florist Decor Hiring

ISABEL BECKER Cell +27 (0) 83 561 8981 Email isabel@wpmatters.co.za GERDA VAN ZYL Cell +27 (0) 82 747 0492 Email gerda@wpmatters.co.za www.wpmatters.co.za

Summer 2015

WEDDING CLASSIFIEDS

experience over berg

VENUES & ACCOMMODATION

圀攀搀搀椀渀最猀漀渀琀栀攀圀愀琀攀爀ᤠ猀䔀搀最攀 ⬀㈀㜀㈀㠀㌀㄀㌀㈀㠀㄀㐀椀渀昀漀䀀䴀漀猀愀椀挀匀漀甀琀栀䄀昀爀椀挀愀⸀挀漀洀

Summer 2015

䈀爀椀搀攀愀渀搀最爀漀漀洀愀爀攀挀攀渀琀攀爀猀琀愀最攀Ⰰ 䴀漀猀愀椀挀椀猀琀栀攀戀愀挀欀搀爀漀瀀⸀ 䴀愀最渀椀ǻ挀攀渀琀洀漀甀渀琀愀椀渀瘀椀攀眀猀愀渀搀戀爀攀愀琀栀琀愀欀椀渀最猀甀渀猀攀琀猀漀瘀攀爀琀栀攀氀愀最漀漀渀⸀ 匀栀愀爀攀瘀漀眀猀Ⰰ 攀愀琀Ⰰ猀氀攀攀瀀愀渀搀瀀氀愀礀椀渀渀愀琀甀爀攀琀漀挀爀攀愀琀攀洀攀洀漀爀椀攀猀琀漀猀愀瘀漀甀爀愀氀椀昀攀攀洀攀⸀

Summer 2015

Charming, romantic, intimate WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS The charming Post House is situated in the heart of Greyton surrounded by the Riviersonderend mountains in the beautiful Overberg region. With customised menus, locally sourced wine, a romantic honeymoon suite and beautiful landscaped gardens, The Post House has become the desired wedding location for all.

www.theposthouse.co.za

Contact: 028 254 9995 20-22 Main Road, Greyton, Overberg, 7233 GPS: 34° 3’ 4.68” S / 19° 36’ 24.94” E

Summer 2015

The alluring village, with its humble cottages and unusual houses, hugging the soft sand cliff above a majestic bay set an ever-changing canvas of brilliant whites and blues. Set above a pristine beach, the Arniston Spa Hotel is the pearl on this rugged coastline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a haven of tranquillity and old-world charm. All 60 en-suite rooms are elegantly decorated with breathtaking views. The two restaurants offer mouth-watering meals which are complimented by an award-winning wine list of top local wine producers. The renowned Ginkgo Spa will definitely rejuvenate oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body and mind and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. This is the perfect conference and wedding venue. Situated 200km from Cape Town, the hotel provides guests with a convenient base from which to venture on journeys of discovery into the surrounding countryside. Here the majesty of the last vestiges of the southern Indian and is truly a peaceful hamlet. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply the best

Ocean, in all its moods, holds an ethereal appeal way to unwind from the whirl of the outside world.

Tel (028) 445 9000 Email info@arnistonhotel.com www.arnistonhotel.com

WEDDING CLASSIFIEDS

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experience over berg - weddings

experience over berg WEDDING

CLASSIFIEDS

Natural Beauty Exquisite, affordable wedding venue. Beautiful farm venue, 4 kms from Greyton, with a lovely wooden building for the ceremony or reception. Fun accommodation in American-Indian style teepees, eco houses and explorer tents. Orchards, dam, fields and mountains for stunning photographs. Play area for kids and dam to swim in. Our weekend package includes full accommodation and use of the facilities. This venue is also ideal for family holidays, retreats, birthday celebrations and corporate workshops.˚

Lilac Photography

Murasie offer a wide variety of facilities for events such as weddings, self-catering cottages, camping, 4x4 trails, fynbos viewing and many more. It is situated in the heart of the fynbos district on the banks of a beautiful pond that perfectly captures the unforgettable sunsets. 34°36'10.92"S19°32'27.94"E

For more details visit: www.bluehippofarm.com

Tel: 028 388 0277 E-mail: info@murasie.com Website: www.murasie.com

“Life here is relaxed, quiet and unspoiled...” Napier / Baardscheerdersbos Rd 1219 Tel 028 482 1994 | Cell 078 447 5625 Fax 028 482 1993 | Email doornbosch@orcawireless.co.za

www.doornbosch.co.za Summer 2015

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GIFTS

WILLOW & BAILEY

GIFTS & DECOR Willow & Bailey Shop Oak & Vigne Courtyard, Ds Botha Street, Greyton Tel: 071 640 5845

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MARRIAGE OFFICER

Domaine des Dieux_experience overberg_FA_HR.pdf

2015/11/10

9:04 AM

WINE

CMY

Home of Hemel-en-Aarde MCC +27 28 313 2126. www.domainedesdieux.co.za. info@domainedesdieux.co.za. Hemel en Aarde Ridge.

sijnn

W I N E S

O F

M A L G A S

2015#7-4of4

Off the Beaten Track an Incredible Pioneering Vineyard and Winery

Tel 021 880 1611 | info@sijnn.co.za | www.sijnn.co.za | Open: Saturday 10:00-15:00

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CLASSIFIEDS

experience over berg

Classifieds

Your voice in the Overberg

At the Southern Tip of Africa

you will find the beginning of your adventure... struisbaaiholidays@mweb.co.za

Elim

Napier

Bredasdorp

Arniston

Struisbaai

L’Agulhas

028-424 2584 • info@discovercapeagulhas.co.za web: http://www.xplorio.com/en/regions/cape-agulhas/...

Together we can make a difference!!

WELCOME TO THE TIP OF AFRICA! FILL UP IN STRUISBAAI AT THE TIP OF AFRICA

Beautiful lion fish on display in our new aquarium Experience home-grown Tip of Africa hospitality, professional service, valuable travel information and more… Fill up your vehicle, check out the Information Centre and plan your trip while you enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee. We have informative, exciting short videos of the immediate surrounding area and can provide professional assistance regarding your travel plans. Branded Tip of Africa curios are available like post cards, t-shirts, golf shirts, towels, hats, caps, buffs, stickers, arts and crafts. Need a place to sleep? Accommodation arrangements can also be made from this office. Free Wi-Fi available.

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1 Main Road, Struisbaai +27 28 435 6700 mwbenb@iafrica.com www.tipofafricatourism.co.za

GIFTS DECOR

THE JOSHUA TREE

2015#7-3of4

Beautifully hand-crafted furniture and dĂŠcor items made from recycled french oak wine barrels. Contact us Simon 082 762 5259 info@thejoshuatree.co.za Find us Cnr All Saints & Rothmans street, Bredasdorp

WWW.THEJOSHUATREE.CO.ZA

Suidpunt Potpourri DECOR, COFFEE SHOP, ACCOMMODATION

25 Main Road, Cape Agulhas, Telephone: 082 862 5577 https://www.facebook.com/SuidpuntPotpourri Summer 2015

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GARDEN

HAYGROVE FARMS-IN-A-BOX PROJECTS Haygrove Tunnels have been providing tunnels to commercial farmers worldwide for many years, but believes the best way to address the food insecurity issue, is by empowering individual households to grow food. Haygroveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solution is supplying a small, affordable tunnel kit with all the required items to produce food in a protected environment. This initial kit is called the Farm-in-a-box kit and consists of a Haygrove Grow House, farming equipment, organic components, practical training and 12 month mentorship. The proposed kit comes in different sizes to fit the individual requirements and can also be a combination of different farming practices combined in one tunnel. Similar kits for broiler chicken farmers and chicken egg farmers is also available. Each of these kits can also be farmed as a combination under one structure. The tunnel is divided in two - one section can be used to produce vegetables and the other for egg / broiler production. Haygrove mentorship support package: A Haygrove extension officer will visit Farm-in-a-box projects at their site 3 times during a 12 month period to consult, advice and address any agricultural issues that may need attention. During these visits the emerging farmers will be exposed to new technologies, growing techniques, products and markets available. Continued offsite telephonic and online / email support is offered during this period.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JANA: admin@haygrove.co.za 021 859 1026 | www.haygrove.co.za

ADVENTURE

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CLASSIFIEDS - YOUR VOICE IN THE OVERBERG

Theewater Sports Club

This unique haven is surrounded by a vast expanse of water, majestic mountains and scenic views of beautiful, rustic farmlands as far as the eye can see. Bring friends and family for a breakaway experience that will rejuvenate your soul.

Tel: 028 840 1334/8 • Email: info@theewater.co.za Website: www.theewater.co.za GPS: S34° 01.559’ E19’15.76

A watersports mecca ... the perfect getaway for the whole family

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CLASSIFIEDS - YOUR VOICE IN THE OVERBERG

experience over berg

PADSTALLE | FARMSTALLS

HOUW HOEK FARM STALL On the national road (N2) that leads you from Cape Town to the Overberg, just before the famous Houw Hoek Pass leads you down the mountains, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the Houw Hoek Farm Stall. The Farm Stall is stocked with delectable delights - Famous Houw Hoek pies baked all day long, biscuits and cakes, freshly baked bread, local wines and baskets filled with fruit and vegetables fresh from the farms in the Elgin Valley. Relax in the coffee shop and enjoy an excellent meal in the peace and quiet of this tranquil mountain setting.

Breakfast: Monday - Sunday 7:30am - 5pm | Lunch: Monday - Sunday 12noon - 5pm Tel: 028 284 9015 | www.houwhoekfarmstall.co.za | info@houwhoekfarmstall.co.za

experience over berg

CLASSIFIEDS - YOUR VOICE IN THE OVERBERG

NAPIER FARMSTALL AND RESTAURANT Great preserves, home-bakes and deli items We are famous for our hearty Chicken and Winter Soups , Tomato Bredie and Traditional Afal . As always, we serve the Black Pan breakfast and home baked breads. 106 Sarel Cilliers Street, Napier | 028 423 3440 Open 7 days a week 8am to 5pm

Advertise in EXPERIENCE OVERBERG and receive:

High quality production • Retail Distribution Subscription Distribution • Online Digital Distribution Complementary Distribution to Cape Town International Airport, Lodges, B&B’s and Guest Houses, Medical centres

Est. 2003

Overberg and Western Cape Tourism Distribution A targeted, like minded, dedicated audience of close on 10 000 readers (LSM 7-10) • 3500 printed copies Out and about in the overberg...24/7, 365 days a year.

Call Dominique +27 (0)78 200 5050 to book

SIR ROBERT STANFORD DISTILLERY

Capturing the fine art of garagiste winemaking

Greyton, South Africa S34° 2’ 26.3” E 019° 37’ 2.6” http://www.andymitchellwines.com | olivia@andymitchellwines.co.za Contact: 084 588 1309

For Brandy and Grappa tasting, exotic cocktails and beautiful views For more information: GiGi on 082 441 0709 or Email gigi.gigi@mweb.co.za

DISTILLERY

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THE

Aphrodisiac Shack SMOKEHOUSE

spread love through your table

2015#7-2of 4

Sean: +27 83 682 5030 • Jeanette: +27 71 165 9806 Email: info@ashack.co.za • www.ashack.co.za Waterfal Farm, Villiersdorp • Location: -34.013072, 19.262580

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CLASSIFIEDS

From story to print... write your own success

Storyline Studio Design | Create | Write Publish | Print We make self-publishing simple and affordable - Editing - Book Cover Designs - Book Layout - eBook Conversion and Distribution - Printing - Book Distribution - Book Promotion Contact: Charmane Kirkland Email: charmane@storylinestudio.co.za Cell: +27 83 652 5489

www.storylinestudio.co.za Storyline Studio also produce, publish and promote Experience Overberg magazine www.experienceoverberg.co.za

Huckleberry Inn Shared Self‐Catering Lodge:‐ Affordable; Comfortable; Flexible Options

22 Mill Street, Caledon, 7230. huckleberryinn@netactive.co.za Tel: 083 286 1343 Fax: 086 685 5743 www.wikivillage.co.za/huckleberry‐inn TGCSA Graded W.C.G.T. Accredited

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Out and about in the overberg...24/7, 365 days a year, from mountains to valleys, vineyards to oceans, rivers to farms... Relax, chill and enjoy!

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the next issue - digital and print on sale March 2016!

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