Child Magazine | Cape Town July 2011 by Hunter House Publishing

C a p e

www.childmag.co.za

July 2011

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To w n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

pa r e n t s

indoor crafts adventure camps drama workshops childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opera eco-art writing competition

plus wild & wacky getaways

health

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Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house All that cold, cold, wet day.

Publisher Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za

As the rain poured down last Saturday afternoon, Robyn, who is nine, had a rare but real Cat in the Hat moment. So I reached for my Child magazine, and scoured the adverts for games. I looked for games that were suitable for one, whether that one is nine or 16-years-old, and games that teach, and can then be passed on when we’re done. I had to buy a birthday present for one of Robyn’s friends so we headed to our local toy shop. And there I stopped in my tracks – there were so many games to choose from. Luckily I had a shopping list and managed to buy three great games, one of which I found myself grabbing while I listened to, (among other things), Robyn practising her Afrikaans mondeling: “Hoe om ’n worsrolletjie

Features Editor Anél Lewis • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Lucille Kemp • lucille@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

Art Designers Mariette Barkhuizen • mariette@childmag.co.za Nikki-leigh Piper • nikki@childmag.co.za Alys Suter • studio1@childmag.co.za

Advertising Director Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Client Relations Taryn Copeman • taryn@childmag.co.za PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani

Lisa Waterloo • capetown@childmag.co.za

te maak”. As someone who grew up in Pretoria (yes, English people do live there, and our moms don’t all have perms – well, maybe mine does), I needed a distraction from my daughter’s unflattering pronunciation. But that’s not the point. The point is, that for once it was so nice to spend the afternoon with my daughters playing games. Our weekends are usually so full of hockey, modern dancing and grocery shopping, that we seldom take time out to sit around the table and have some fun. With this in mind, I am looking forward to the winter holidays, where my only plans involve playing with my children. Join me, and arm yourself with our Bumper Holiday issue so that you have all you need to see, do and play too. Have a wonderful, wintry month.

If you love the magazine, you’ll love our website. Visit us at childmag.co.za

To Subscribe Helen Xavier • subs@childmag.co.za

Cape Town’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios, cnr

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Wesley and Canterbury Streets, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 021 465 6093, fax:

Helen Xavier • helen@childmag.co.za

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Nicolene Baldy • admin@childmag.co.za Tel: 021 465 6093 • Fax: 021 462 2680

issues) cost R165, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by Paarl Web. Copyright subsists in all work published in Cape Town’s Child magazineTM. We

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Free requested Jan 11 – Mar 11

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July 2011

contents

july 2011

health 11 beat the sniffs

Tamlyn Vincent gives tips on how to keep colds and flu at bay

regulars

20 upfront 3

wins

10 upfront with paul Paul Kerton admits to occasionally pinching sweets from his children 28 resource – wacky getaways Lucille Kemp compiled a list of outof-the-ordinary family getaways

a note from lisa

34 a good read

6 over to you

new books for the whole family

readers respond 36 what’s on in july

features

50 last laugh

12 staying in touch

Sam Wilson reveals her family’s secret, and sometimes silly, way of communicating

E laine Eksteen looks at ways to stay in touch with faraway family

classified ads

14 winter one-pot wonders

Joanna Farrow inspires you to cook up a storm during the cold season

47 let’s party

16 finding mary poppins what questions to ask, where to go and what to look for when searching for a nanny or an au pair. By Anél Lewis

20 escape to nature

44 family marketplace

Child magazine rounds up some of the best national parks for a family trip

23 boredom-busting indoor crafts

your children need not be bored during the winter holidays. Tamlyn Vincent shows you how

26 shot! Lucille Kemp consults two professionals to find out how to take perfect family holiday pics

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

July 2011

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

shutterstock.com

Accessorize www.accessorize.co.za

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July 2011

letters

over to you new fan I picked up one of your magazines for the first time this weekend and loved it. What a great publication. I am looking for a new bed for my three-year-old and there were so many children’s furniture outlets advertised. Thank you for that. Riza Fouche

best party issue ever

helping hand

for their birthday parties. I think 80 percent of your

to share my thoughts on how awesome your May issue of Child magazine is. Pictured here are my three boys, armed with their pens and their copy of Child magazine, circling all the bits they want advertisements were circled… the neglected 20 percent were unfortunately in pink. I now need a foreign bank account to satisfy their needs. Thank you for a really informative issue – one I will need to keep, as I have three little midgets who seem to have planned their individual parties down to a tee. Send cash! Andrea Carlyle

a gold star for the team

cheers, Paul! I read Paul Kerton’s column (“make mine a gin and tonic”, June 2011) and totally agree with him. I was one of those “shocking” mothers who had the odd glass of wine or a G&T while enjoying my pregnancy. There were a lot of mothers who “tut-tutted” away, while filling their toddler’s bottles with sweet, carbonated cold drinks and feeding them sugar-coated cereals daily, because “it’s all my child will eat”. I also have no problem allowing my children the odd sip of wine or beer, and they are both healthy, doing well in the classroom and on the sports field. I’m no statistician, but I don’t know of any alcoholic, middle-income children. However, I am amazed at the number of obese children there are with rotten teeth and concentration problems. So, think I will raise my glass to that. Claire Douglas

July 2011

I am a passionate and dedicated teacher, I have been an educator for 30 years and I find your magazine interesting and inspirational. Every month, without fail, once it is delivered to our school I hand it out to my pupils. Before packing it into their book bags for Mom or Dad to read, I watch them as they slowly turn each page. It is amazing to see what captures their attention. They spot and like to read difficult words and they then turn to the monthly activities and holiday fun pages. Moms thank me for making sure that each child has a copy and often refer to the articles about raising children and guidelines about learning difficulties. Recently a photograph appeared in your magazine of two children in my class. The boys made wonderful positive comments of “look we are famous!” The book reviews are also most useful and extremely popular. The pupils notice very quickly what the latest available stories are. Your magazine is well planned and easy to read. It makes a huge impact on even young readers and is a great success. Thank you for a bright, bold, brilliant and unbelievable magazine. You and your team have achieved a gold star and a first-class pass. Well done. Debbie Brenner

thumbs up for design Well done to your artist who designed our advertisement. We found a Diamond Dealer for KwaZulu-Natal through your ad. To quote our dealer, Shabbir: “The ad just caught my eye, and it was because of the way it was designed. I don’t usually respond to business opportunity ads.” Your designer deserves a performance bonus or a

promotion. Please convey our gratitude to her. From the advertisement in Child magazine, I received more calls than I could handle. Thanks once again for your excellent magazine. Celia O`Reilly

the importance of books I want to say thanks for the wonderful review of my book. I hope children in South Africa will enjoy it. This month, I’ve read and discussed the book in six public and private schools (in the US). It’s fun and very rewarding when a child touches you on the shoulder, smiles and says, “I like your book”. Leyland Hazlewood, author of Chester goes to Africa, reviewed in our June 2011 issue Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

write to us You can also post a comment online at

Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters to: marina@

childmag.co.za

childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.

reserve

the

right to edit and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

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PHOTOGRAPH: andrea carlyle

I have been receiving a copy of Child magazine from my son’s crèche since last year and I truly appreciate the work done by your team each month. I am a single mom and each copy gives me support, advice, fun stuff to do as well as quick recipes. I also love travelling and your “what’s on” section is a perfect guide. There is always something new for us to do, and places to see. I love each copy and treasure the information that I get from your magazine. It’s much appreciated.   Mahlako

I don’t normally write to magazines, but I just had

magazine cape town

July 2011

wins

giveaways in july prima toys launches new website Prima Toys is at the forefront of the toy industry, stocking a wide range of playthings including electronics, board games and puzzles, stationery, preschool toys and a host of boy- or girl-specific play pieces. From 20 June, log onto the exciting new primatoys.co.za and enter their online win-a-toy-a-day competition. In recognition of their new website, two Cape Town’s Child readers can win a hamper valued at R1 124,99, which includes My Little Pony, AppleJack’s Barn Playset, Monopoly, Lalaloopsy Mini Doll, Transformer Movie 2 Legends 2pk, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Cosmic Ultimatrix, Playdoh Flip & Serve Breakfast and Crayola Pretty Pony. To enter, email your details to win@childmag.co.za with “Prima CT Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Prima CT Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 31 July 2011. Only one entry per reader.

beautiful ones All little girls aged between two and 10 years of age should have a few gorgeous items of clothing from Hush. Unique designs, beautiful styles, and soft fabrics make Hush outfits a little girl’s favourite. You can shop online in the comfort of your home or visit their shop in the boutique shopping area of Kildare Centre in Newlands. Hush is also available at Stuttafords stores and Beluga Bear in Franschhoek. For more information and to shop online, visit hushclothing.co.za Four readers of Cape Town’s Child stand a chance to win a voucher to the value of R500, which will buy you a full Hush outfit. To enter, visit their website at hushclothing. co.za and fill in the entry form before 31 July 2011. Only one entry per reader.

play and create water babies Acornkids, the range that adds a splash of colour to your child’s day and turns bath time into pure enjoyment, offers your child Kaleidofoam, a brightly coloured foam soap that encourages them to wash from head to toe while they explore the sensory magic of its colours, textures and fragrances. They can create wall art with the foam, which rinses off easily. Acornkids has also created Surfs-Up, a highly concentrated foam bath with mystical sea creatures. Pour under a running tap and watch as the bubbles form. Your children can track the little fish in the bath, while at the same time developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. For more information on their products, contact 0861 074 776, info@ acornkids.com or visit acornkids.com Fifteen readers of Cape Town’s Child stand a chance to win Kaleidofoam and Surfs-Up in an Acornkids drawstring gift bag valued at R140. To enter, email your details to competition@ acornkids.com with “Acornkids CT Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Acornkids CT Win, PO Box 50482, Waterfront, 8002 before 31 July 2011. Only one entry per reader.

Megabloks has been a world leader in construction toy design for more than 25 years. They offer children the opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of their creativity by letting them play without boundaries. From Maxi to Mini, their enjoyable building system follows children through their most important developmental stages with the highest safety standards. For more information, visit primatoys.co.za Five readers of Cape Town’s Child stand a chance to win bags of Maxi Bloks (40-piece and 14-piece set) and Mini Bloks (90-piece and 30-piece-set). To enter, email your details to win@childmag. co.za with “Megabloks CT Win” in the subject line or post your entry to Megabloks CT Win, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010 before 31 July 2011. Only one entry per reader.

congratulations to our May winners Anita Fabe who wins a Supakids party; Ehrane Holderness who wins party entertainment from Fairytale Fantacies; Candice Rosslind, Carlene Davidson and Rabia Mohidien who each win a Sand and Water Play Table from Crazy Concepts; Michele Logan who wins a Kidkraft Rocket Ship from Polly Potter’s Toy Store; Claudia Loureiro, Therese van Staden, Leila Metz and Sarin Goott who each win a Kidsonroof from Kiids Boutique and Michelle Jansen van Vuuren who wins a Strawberry Kids Playhouse.

July 2011

magazine cape town

July 2011

upfront with paul

the sweetest thing Sweets are just for children, aren’t they? PAUL KERTON admits that he indulges in the odd craving, sometimes even stealing

sugary treats from his daughters.

ven when my children were babies, and strapped into their prams, they could spot a chocolate bar or bag of sweets across seven supermarket aisles. Nobody taught them how to do this. They instinctively knew how to recognise, and reach for, something that was bad for them. How they distinguished between bags of sweets and other inedible commodities is beyond me. As children go, ours are not that bad. They will eat a strange assortment of sour wriggly worms, Curly Wurlies and Jelly Tots, and they will never refuse chocolate, but they do have a preferred time to eat sweets – after a meal (thank goodness) – and they both have a reasonable quota.

July 2011

Even at seasonal gorge-fests like Easter and Christmas, where the propensity for gluttony is rife, they are quite well-restrained and I’ve actually heard them say “no”, and felt very proud (while picking myself up from the floor) when other children were massacring eight Easter eggs each. Most children will eat sweets all day if not stopped, and many do. Recent research from the University of Washington suggests that this affinity for sweet things is completely natural and based wholly on human biology. The Journal of Physiology & Behavior reports that a “keen preference for sweet foods is related to their high growth rate and as children’s growth slows and eventually stops, their preference for sweets also declines”.

I find it curious that children are never found reaching and nagging for fresh vegetables or cheese. Can you imagine if your child was tugging at your pants and throwing a fit in the supermarket because they couldn’t get more broccoli? Perhaps they should start packaging broccoli and other healthy vegetables in brightly coloured packets endorsed by Barbie or Bratz dolls. “Mom, I want the Bratz dolls’ broccoli and not that awful organic stuff.” Unless the organic stuff comes with a free cuddly toy. At which point organic would suddenly be über-cool. As we know, broccoli is broccoli is broccoli, but children love brands. I keep telling my brood, as they spend hours pondering the attributes of Pooh Bear versus Barbie yoghurt, it’s basically all the

same – curdled milk with a bit of chopped fruit. Who cares? Just put it in the trolley. We tried those sugarless sweets but all agreed that this defeats the object. If the sweet is supposed to be a wicked “treat”, then a sugarless sweet is unsatisfying and very mean-spirited. What’s the point? Contrary to statistics, many adults do continue the sweet eating long into adulthood. I used to have a smallish chocolate bar in the afternoon around slump time, at 3pm, but I have stopped that. However, I still do enjoy the odd piece of chocolate and must confess to stealing my daughters’ Fizzers when they’re not looking. Mmmmm, delicious! Paul Kerton is the author of Fab Dad: A Man’s Guide to Fathering.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

health

beat the sniffs

TAMLYN VINCENT finds out how to up your chances of winning against colds and flu.

Fit for life Exercise can also help to keep children healthy and strong. “The active person is healthier,” says Egner. Sunlight is also a good source of vitamin D, advises Makda.

his is the time of year when cold and flu germs seem to lurk around every corner, ready to pounce. Both colds and flu are airborne viruses, but colds generally cause a runny nose, sore throat and sneezing, while the flu is more likely to affect the whole body, causing fever, aches and headaches. Both are spread when someone comes into contact with droplets from coughing or sneezing, or with saliva, says Johannesburg GP Dr Bibi Aysha Makda. They have a short incubation period, and last anything from three to four days, says Dr Jonathan Egner, a Durban-based paediatrician. Colds and flu are both “highly infectious”, he says. “As long as you are sneezing and coughing you can spread the virus,” adds Makda.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

counter punch Here are a few tips to beat cold and flu germs back from your family’s door this winter: Get the jab Getting the flu vaccine is a good idea, especially for children with respiratory or cardiac problems who may be more at risk of developing complications should they get the flu, says Egner. Children can be vaccinated from six months old; this can be done every year until they develop a stronger immune system. However, not everyone needs the vaccine, so check with your GP first. Note: the vaccine only works for the flu and not for colds.

magazine cape town

fighting rules

Eat right “Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding junk food can help to improve immunity,” says Makda. She says high levels of sugar can bring down the immune system. Try foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, such as berries, pecan nuts and raw peppers. Vitamins for vitality Children who eat a balanced diet shouldn’t need vitamin supplements. Parents “can always up foods containing vitamin C”, suggests Egner. But a multivitamin can help counter infections that are spread at schools. Most vitamins are safe, but taking excessive vitamins A and D can lead to toxicity, so stick to the recommended allowance.

To make sure you win this round, here are some rules to teach children: • Avoid people who are sick, advises Egner. The more exposure children have to sick people, the more danger there is of infection. This isn’t always possible, especially at school or home, but it does help if you keep surfaces clean, and sterilise shared toys. • Children should learn to avoid touching their mouths, noses and eyes as viruses spread when germs pass from hands to mouths or eyes. • Teach children to sneeze or blow their nose into a tissue and then to throw the tissue away. • Get children into the habit of washing hands before dinner and after playtime to avoid spreading germs, says Makda. Try teaching children to sing a song (such as “Row, Row, Row, your Boat”) while they wash their hands, so they stay at the basin long enough to clean their hands properly. If there isn’t a basin nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

July 2011

relationships

staying in touch ELAINE EKSTEEN offers tips for helping your children build relationships with faraway family and friends.

y niece turned four while she and her family were away on her dad’s sabbatical in America. We rang her on Skype, waved a cupcake with a flickering candle in front of the computer and enthusiastically sang “Happy Birthday” to her. She was delighted and blew out the flame as soon as the hip hip hoorays were done… The birthday girl now lives just a few suburbs away so we have since shared her catch-up and fifth birthdays in person, but many families don’t get to attend each other’s parties or linger over Sunday lunch. Instead, spread out across the country and globe, they have to find clever ways of building closeness and sharing life with each other from a distance. If you’re looking for ways to connect across the kilometres, here are a few ideas:

story time

Tell your children tales from your childhood. Entertain them with stories about the hikes you used to enjoy with Grandpa; the Christmas the family dog ate the roast chicken and you had hot dogs for lunch instead; the tree house you and your siblings built. Anecdotes about family traditions can make distant grandparents, aunties and uncles feel much more interesting, fun and close.

photo opportunity

Create a photo album of family and friends and talk through these regularly with your children. Discuss how people are related to you, where they live, and so on. Alternatively, you could create a wall of portraits or family snaps in your home and make it a talking point. If your family

July 2011

is scattered across the world put up a map and mark where cousins and grandparents live by attaching a few photos. These things help make those you love part of your children’s lives.

ps i love you

show time

Buy or make cards or gifts and post them to Granny and Grandpa to celebrate birthdays or other special days – Grandma would love a handprint from your two-yearold on Valentine’s Day.

Most of us are taking video clips of our children, even if only with our cellphones. Instead of simply storing them on your phone or computer, why not make a “Best of the last term/six months” DVD and send a copy to the cousins. Include school sporting events, concerts and the like. You might even like to throw in an interview with your child or a personal message from them. (A positive spin-off is that this should force you to sort through the video footage that’s clogging up your computer.)

read all about it

Publish a family newsletter… you could even get older children to put this together for you. Include images and news about family happenings, outings and accomplishments. Send out via email or post.

voice over

Next time you see Granddad, make an audio clip of him reading your son’s favourite book or take a video of him telling a story your eight-year-old finds hilarious. Listen to or watch these with your child every so often.

talk talk

love letters

giving back

Encourage regular phone calls. You might even choose a set time and commit to calling each other once a week or month. Skype is a great way of making a “phone call”. It costs nothing (though it will use up a bit of your bandwidth) and you can see who you are talking to – now Aunty Judith can be shown the plaster cast on his arm instead of just being told how it got there. Sign up on skype.com. You will also need a cybercam and a microphone if your computer doesn’t have these built in.

Who said pen pals have to be strangers? Grandma may be super keen to correspond via snail mail or email with her grandchild; cousins might like to keep in regular contact this way too. Send postcards or sms a message with a picture attached when you are on weekends away and suggest cousins or grandparents do the same. Even a very young child can dictate a message to their equally carobsessed uncle.

If your daughter is sent a present let her open it when you’re linked up to the present giver on Skype or are chatting to them on the phone – this way the sender gets to share your child’s joy.

prints charming

When you develop photos, make extra copies and include your child in sending these off to family and friends. You could also make a PDF collage after a camping trip and email it to the crew.

virtual viewing

straight chat

Start a family blog or online photo album. Popular free blog publishing applications include WordPress.com and Blogger.com; both are easy to use. If you do decide to keep a blog then carefully consider the privacy settings you choose – you’ll probably want to set up your blog to allow entry to only those you invite. Flickr.com and Snapfish.com are great for sharing pictures and enable you to grant access to a limited number of people. Snapfish allows you to set up a room where a group of specified people can all share their photos. Facebook’s Group for Extended Family Page will also allow you to share posts, pictures and discussions with a select group of people. Of course the usual cautions apply: if you choose to have an open family blog be careful about the sort of images you are posting and the type of information you are sharing. Most social networking sites exclude children under 13, for good reason. So if your young ones want to see the photos Granny posted on Snapfish, then we suggest you log on and off for them – you don’t want them stumbling across unsavoury material by mistake.

Older children with cellphones can be encouraged to text grandparents themselves rather than communicating through you. A few “had enough of Mom + Dad, plse can I come and live with u” smses may head off to Port Alfred but, hey, those receiving the messages weathered your teens, didn’t they? magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

magazine cape town

July 2011

book extract

winter

one-pot wonders When the mercury drops, it’s time to indulge in some hearty, wholesome food. JOANNA FARROW offers three easy recipes that can be cooked in one dish.

Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes • 125g butter • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 garlic clove, crushed or chopped • 1 onion, finely diced • 300g risotto rice • 1 litre hot vegetable stock • 125g green beans, cut into short lengths • 125g peas

July 2011

• 125g broad beans • 125g asparagus, cut into short lengths • 125g baby spinach, chopped • 75ml dry vermouth or white wine • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley • 125g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated • salt and pepper Melt half the butter with the oil in a large saucepan, add the garlic and onion and fry gently for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir well to coat each grain with the butter and oil.

Add enough stock to cover the rice and stir well. Simmer gently, stirring frequently. When most of the liquid is absorbed, add more stock and stir well. Continue adding the stock a little at a time, stirring until it’s absorbed and the rice is tender but retaining a little bite – this will take about 25 minutes. You may not need all the stock. Add the vegetables and vermouth or wine, mix well and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, season and add the remaining butter, the parsley and Parmesan. Mix well and serve.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: lis parsons

green risotto

fish pie Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 1 hour 10 minutes • 300g raw peeled prawns • 2 teaspoons cornflour • 300g skinned white fish, such as haddock cut into small pieces • 2 teaspoons green peppercorns in brine, rinsed and drained • 1 small fennel bulb, roughly chopped • 1 small leek, roughly chopped • 15g fresh parsley • 15g fresh dill • 100g fresh or frozen peas • 350g ready-made or home-made cheese sauce • 750g baking potatoes, thinly sliced • 75g Cheddar cheese, grated • salt and pepper Dry the prawns, if frozen and thawed, by patting between sheets of kitchen paper. Season the cornflour and use to coat the prawns and white fish. Lightly crush the peppercorns using a pestle and mortar. Put the peppercorns in a food processor with the fennel, leek,

dill, parsley and a little salt and blend until very finely chopped, scraping the mixture down from the sides of the bowl if necessary. Tip into a shallow, ovenproof dish. Scatter the prawns and fish over the fennel mixture and mix together a little. Scatter the peas on top. Spoon half the cheese sauce over the filling and spread roughly with the back of a spoon. Layer up the potatoes on top, seasoning each layer as you go. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top, spreading it in a thin layer. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 30 minutes until the surface has turned pale golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C and cook for a further 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are completely tender. Serve with a tomato salad.

3 4

italian chicken with tomato sauce Serves 4 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 1,5 hours • 4 chicken legs, halved through the joints • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large onion, finely chopped • 1 celery stick, finely chopped • 75g pancetta, diced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 3 bay leaves • 4 tablespoons dry vermouth or white wine • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 1 teaspoon caster sugar • 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomato paste • 25g basil leaves, torn into pieces • 8 black olives • salt and pepper

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the chicken pieces on all sides to brown. Drain to a plate. Add the onion, celery and pancetta to the pan and fry gently for 10 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaves and fry for another minute. Add the vermouth/wine, sugar, tomatoes, tomato paste and seasoning and bring to the boil. Return the chicken pieces to the pan and reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Cook very gently, uncovered, for about 1 hour or until the chicken is very tender. Stir in the basil and olives and season to taste and serve.

1 2 3

about the book

Joanna Farrow, author of 200 One Pot Meals (Octopus Publishing Group) says “some of the most delicious dishes imaginable” are cooked in one pot. This nifty, all-colour recipe book offers a variety of meal options. Most of the dishes are cooked slowly, making for tasty melt-in-your-mouth meals. Available at all good bookshops nationwide.

magazine cape town

July 2011

parenting

finding mary poppins Finding the right person to look after your child can be daunting.

our child is precious to you, so finding the right nanny or au pair is one of the more important, and difficult, decisions you may have to make as a parent. I am fortunate to have the nanny who looked after me as a baby now caring for my daughter. I grew up with Jemima, and have no qualms about leaving my baby in her capable care. But most parents have to start the often-daunting search for a suitable person from scratch. Tiffini Wissing of Old School Cool advises parents to follow their gut instincts, irrespective of the person’s qualifications or recommendations, when hiring a childminder. “There is a motherly instinct for a reason,” she cautions. Fortunately there are reputable agencies that will help you find the best nanny, or au pair, to look after your child.

July 2011

Parents must first decide whether they want a nanny or an au pair. South Africa is strewn with “misused terms in this field”, says childcare consultant Stephanie DawsonCosser. A domestic child worker is someone who does

It is important to understand that an au pair does not replace you as a parent. general domestic chores and looks after your children, while someone who only does domestic work directly related to the children is referred to as a childminder or a professional nanny. She says the terms used may vary from

one agency to another. It is best to look at the person’s qualifications when deciding on the correct term to use. Hayley Eaton of Au Pair Professional Placements describes a nanny as a domestic childminder who will also clean, cook and do washing, while an au pair is someone whose only responsibility is to look after and stimulate your child. An au pair is usually more expensive than a nanny. Some students take on au pair work to pay for their studies or to be hosted in another country. The au pair will probably have a driver’s licence, can help with homework and will take your child to activities during the day, says Eaton.

hiring a nanny • Refrain from hiring someone just because she has been recommended to you. Rather look for someone with the

magazine cape town

ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ANÉL LEWIS offers some tips for hiring a nanny or an au pair.

relevant qualifications, such as first-aid training. Also, ask about her nutritional knowledge. Does she know what brain food is, for example? • Follow up all references. “Qualities to look for are a good attitude, honesty, reliability, initiative and a willingness to communicate and to do the tasks the mother’s way,” says Karin Thomsen of Super Nannies. “Skills can always be taught.” • Thomsen recommends that you give yourself at least two months to find a nanny. This includes a one-month trial to build a relationship with her. • Get as much information as possible about the candidate before hiring. If this is not possible for busy parents, or parents needing to replace a nanny at short notice, hire a temp until a suitable candidate is

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found. “Hiring a nanny is such an important decision, as whoever you hire will be responsible for looking after your most precious angels, your children. For this reason, don’t rush the decision,” says Nicky Hartel of Nannies in Training. • Be aware of the legal implications if the person fails to take care of your child properly. • Draw up a proper contract with your nanny and pay her a market-related salary. See box “how much to pay?”. • Find out about the nanny’s previous job and ask her why she left? • Ask the nanny how she will discipline your child. • Find out if she has children of her own, and if there are any health issues you should be aware of. You may ask if she is on chronic medication and whether she visits

the clinic regularly but she is not obliged to disclose her HIV status. See box “HIV/Aids and your carer”. • Test her reading and writing skills, in case she has to take messages or read instructions. Dawson-Cosser says the nanny’s language skills are also important, as they could affect the development of your child’s language. • During the interview, assess whether the nanny is physically capable of handling the job, if she is comfortable and competent with your children and whether she is reliable and can get to work on time. Give her a trial – usually two or three days – at your home to see if she fits in with the family. • Check that the nanny is conscious of hygiene. Does she wash her hands regularly and will she wear gloves if she or your child has an open or bleeding wound?

July 2011

parenting

Qualities to look for are a good attitude, honesty, reliability... Skills can be taught.

• Discuss your views on watching TV, as well as expectations for your baby’s sleep and eating routines. • Ensure that there is constant communication with your nanny. Thomsen suggests a monthly meeting to discuss any issues that may arise.

hiring an au pair • Double-check all references. “We advise that parents personally follow up references and check the information that is given by the agencies. References are easy to forge, as are IDs,” says Wissing. She says most agencies will do a criminal check on someone for you. • If possible, use a reliable agency. While costly, the agency will do thorough background checks and ensure that candidates have a suitable CV. Try to forge a good relationship with the agency, so that it knows exactly what type of person you are looking for. • Families should consider a three-stage interview. First discuss experience and expectations with the au pair alone, and then introduce your children at the second interview. Allow them to ask questions and interact with the au pair. The third interview could be a trial day when the au pair is left alone for a few hours with your children. “Children don’t lie and, after all, it is the children who will be spending their time with the au pair,” says Eaton. If the child is not old enough to communicate with you, Eaton suggests that you observe how the au pair commands your child’s attention. • Ask the au pair about his or her plans for the next year or so to establish how long the person will be able to work with the family, says Clara Brazao of Just Au Pair Recruitment.

July 2011

• Find out how the au pair would discipline your child. Be clear about what forms of discipline you would prefer to be used. • Find out what motivated the candidate to become an au pair. • Ask what activities she will do with the children once their homework is done. • If the au pair is still studying, find out if there will be any future changes to her timetable that could have an impact on the family. • Will the au pair be able to work during the school holidays? • Does it matter if the au pair is not the same religion, ethnicity or nationality as your family? • Find out about the au pair’s driving history, such as recent accidents. Does the au pair have her own transport, or will you be expected to provide a car? • Ask if the au pair is a smoker. • Does she have first-aid or any other relevant qualifications? Eaton says firstaid for someone looking after a baby or toddler is “a must”. • Set up a clear contract of the au pair’s duties, notice period, length of employment, working hours, remuneration and sick leave. “The best advice I can give a family is to always follow their gut. Never take a person you are not 100 percent happy with. Rather take the time to find the right person,” says Brazao. • Communicate regularly with the au pair about your respective needs. “It is important to understand that an au pair does not replace you as a parent. In most cases, au pairs are students and do not have as much life experience as you do,” says Sheli Berger of Au Pairs and House Sitters for Africa. magazine cape town

HIV/Aids and your carer It’s not something parents like to think about, but the health of the person looking after your child is naturally a concern. Many parents worry about the HIV-status of their nannies or au pairs. But legally, an employee does not have to disclose their status. You may also not demand that your nanny or au pair be tested. Debbie de Beer of Edubabe adds that a person may not be refused employment, or dismissed, for being HIV positive. But Dawson-Cosser says you may insist that the person you hire is healthy and you can ask her to go for a general medical examination, at your cost. You can also insist that she gets tested for TB, which is highly contagious. Tania Schrire of Village Nannies says, “If she has TB she will lose the job as she will have to go on treatment for six months and it is not advisable to work with children, even during treatment.” TB is not an “absolute indicator” of HIV, but the two are often linked, cautions Dawson-Cosser. Sugar & Spice Nanny Training suggests that parents speak to their medical practitioners if they have any concerns. HIV is spread by exposure to infected blood, unprotected sex with someone who has the disease or via an infected mother to her baby. It is unlikely that your child will be at risk in the home. “The chances of contracting Aids from a nanny are extremely small, but TB can be easily transferred,” says Schrire. Simple measures, such as keeping a box of latex gloves handy in the house in case of an accident, will provide some peace of mind, says Dawson-Cosser. “It is advisable for the family to have certain hygiene routines in place for everyone, such as washing hands regularly, putting a plaster on an open cut and wearing disposable gloves when changing the baby’s nappy, especially if the baby has nappy rash,” says Schrire. Some placement agencies offer their candidates HIV/TB awareness, and teach protection and prevention as part of their training courses.

how much to pay? The salary depends on the conditions of employment and the person’s qualifications, as well as what the family is able to pay. Dawson-Cosser says a domestic childminder, living in or out the house, should earn between R2 000 and R4 500 per month depending on the hours she works, her qualifications and her job requirements. A professional nanny or au pair, who has a minimum of 18 months training, can expect a salary of between R5 000 and R6 000 per month for an eight- to 10-hour working day. The hourly rate for an au pair is between R35 and R60 depending on her qualifications. A monthly salary would be between R4 000 and R6 000.

For an agency in your area, see childmag.co.za/resources/home-help

magazine cape town

July 2011

getaway

escape to nature outdoor activities — CHILD MAGAZINE recommends a few of the best national parks to visit for a family holiday. Addo Elephant National Park where In the Eastern Cape, 72km from Port Elizabeth. why it’ll be a hit with the family Elaine Eksteen, a Cape Town mother of a two-year old, says, “If you start your game drive from the main camp you are almost certain to spot an elephant (if not 10) within your first five minutes on the road – just what you need if you have a toddler in your travelling party. Although others saw lion and leopard we weren’t as lucky, but we did get up close and personal with a large male warthog who seemed intent on pulling up all the grass growing next to the road, delighting our son with the crunching noises that accompanied this. We also saw kudu (in large numbers), vervet monkeys, zebra, red hartebeest, buffalo, mongoose, dung beetles and plenty of birds, which the youngest twitcher in the family was keen to study, especially if his mom’s binocs were pressed to his face. Since our last visit, a fabulous Interactive Centre has been added at the main camp. Here children can create

July 2011

their own spoor in the sand, learn to identify snake and bird eggs, clamber on an elephant-shaped jungle gym, identify the calls of some of the animals you’ll see on your drive and discover how elephants communicate by whispering into a parabolic dish. Although we didn’t get to explore it, the marine section of Addo means it now boasts access to the Big Seven (the seasonal southern right whale and great white shark are on its list of wildlife). We spent two nights in the main camp in a Forest Cabin (which we think offers the best value for money) and a night at Camp Matyholweni near Colchester, which was more restful.” prices Addo Rest Camp – camping from R219 and the Forest Cabin from R710. Rates per night for a family of four exclude the conservation fees of R35 per day. contact details 042 233 8600, addoenquiries@sanparks.org, sanparks.org or addoelephantpark.com. For reservations: 012 428 9111 or visit sanparks.org

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS: Addo elephant national park, piet heymans, dawid de bruin, shutterstock.com

Wide-open spaces, abundant wildlife and exciting

Bontebok National Park where Located 220km from Cape Town and just 6km from Swellendam, this park is flanked by the Breede River and has stunning views of the Langeberg Mountains. why it’ll be a hit with the family The Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp has lovely open spaces where children can play safely. “Bontebok (do) come into the camp, so this depends on whether mom’s idea of ‘safe’ includes playing among horned beasts,” says Bronwyn Pirrie of Oudtshoorn. “The main attraction is the Breede River, which is perfect for swimming and canoeing. It is also a popular fishing spot.” Children will enjoy exploring the scenic hiking trails and bicycle routes. Birdlife is abundant, so take the binoculars and encourage your children to spot some of the more than 200 bird species living in the area. The ablution facilities are clean and well equipped – there is a bath that will be a great help to parents with younger children. prices The base rate for two people at the chalets is R775, with a charge of R160 for each additional adult and R80 for each additional child. The base rate for two people at the camp sites is R145, with an extra charge of R54 for an additional adult and R27 for an additional child. The base rate for camp sites with power points is R180. contact details 028 514 2735 or visit sanparks.org/parks/bontebok

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park where In the Northern Cape, 250km from Upington, 904km from Johannesburg and approximately 1 000km from Cape Town. why it’ll be a hit with the family “Our children (aged 20, 17, 9 and 3) loved it. It’s the place to go to if you are looking for something wild and remote. The pureness of the area and its nature grows on you – we went in 2005 for the first time, and when we planned our most recent trip none of our children wanted to miss it for the world,” says Charles Jackson, a father from George. “The red dunes, antelope, gemsbok and ancient camel thorn trees are not something you’ll see everywhere in SA. Some highlights include camping alongside hyenas, watching cheetahs hunt, seeing a leopard sleeping on top of a communal weaver nest and getting up close to a pack of 15 lionesses and cubs. Because of the red dunes and the fact that vegetation is sparse, the game is easy to see. Our favourite camp is Mata-Mata on the border of Namibia and South Africa. We love the sand dunes, as well as the fact that it’s smaller, more intimate and less commercial.” prices Mata-Mata – camping from R219, chalets from R970; Twee Rivieren (which is larger, with electricity 24 hours a day and cellphone reception) – camping from R219, family cottages from R925. Rates are low season per night for two adults and two children and exclude conservation fees of R45 per person per day. contact details 054 561 2000, kgalagadi@sanparks.org or visit sanparks.org. For reservations: 012 428 9111

July 2011

getaway

Table Mountain National Park where This natural World Heritage Site stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point. The Eland Cottage is in the Cape of Good Hope section of the park. why it’ll be a hit with the family Deidre Hendricks stayed at the three-bedroomed Eland Cottage, which is fully equipped with all the essential amenities, in 2005 when her children were eight and 10 years old. “They call it a cottage, but it’s so big I think it is more like a house,” she says. “The only thing you won’t find is a TV.” So instead of watching television, her family spent the evenings playing board games and cards, and building puzzles. “What I recall vividly about those few days was the silence; it was deafening. There are no lights for miles around, so it was a darkness like I had never seen before.” The family enjoyed long, quiet walks and bike rides. Another highlight is the funicular tram ride to the tip. “We still go there regularly to take the funicular, or as my daughter calls it, ‘the funny car’.” Deidre says there was abundant wildlife, including zebra, ostriches, eland and baboons. “While on a walk, we encountered tortoises and a snake or two that slithered across the road.” prices The base rate for four people at the family cottages is R750, with a charge of R160 for each additional adult and R80 for each additional child. Each cottage can accommodate six people. contact details 021 701 8692 or the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre: 021 780 9204, tablem@sanparks.org or visit sanparks.org Please note: all rates correct at the time of going to print.

July 2011

magazine cape town

ideas

boredom-busting indoor crafts TAMLYN VINCENT shows how common household items

can be used to keep children entertained during the winter holidays.

s the mid-year holiday gets underway, parents begin preparing for the inevitable: “Mom, it’s raining; there’s nothing to do.” Instead of letting the miserable weather get you and the children down, delve into your cupboards for odds and ends that can be used to keep them entertained indoors.

toddlers

Paint patterns Drop blobs of paint

Music mates Make a tambourine

onto a piece of paper, and get your

for boys

by getting your child to colour in the

child to blow through a straw to make

backs of two paper plates. Staple them

interesting shapes and creatures in

together, putting in beans or rice before

the paint. Or, put paint onto a sheet

sealing it , and add ribbons or streamers.

of paper; fold it in half while the paint

Make drums out of old coffee tins.

is still wet and push the paint around.

Clean them out, then paint them or wind

Unfold it to reveal interesting patterns.

King’s crown Cut a wide strip of cardboard to fit around your boy’s head. Cut out points in the top of the crown, colour it in and decorate. Try making jewels out of coloured paper and sticking them on. Staple the ends together.

PHOTOGRAPHS: tamlyn vincent, shutterstock.com

ribbons around the outside. Put the lid back on and get drumming. Home-made playdough This is edible

for girls

and easy to make. Put one cup of flour

Princess’s crown Draw a crown on a piece of cardboard, then cut out, colour in and decorate it with glitter and stickers. Cut a strip of cardboard to fit around your girl’s head, fix the crown onto this, and staple the ends together. Make a wand to go with the outfit.

and one cup of salt into a plastic mixing bowl. Get your child to mix it before slowly adding one cup of water and a few drops of food colouring. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, but not sticky. Your children can roll it out, cut it with cookie cutters or make any shapes they like.

magazine cape town

July 2011

ideas

children Coffee-can stilts Get two samesized coffee cans and turn them upside down. Ask dad to make holes in each side of both cans. Push the ends of a piece of rope through the holes and tie together inside the can. Make sure the rope is the same length on both cans and that it is long enough to hold onto while walking. Masks These are fun to make and children can use them to put on a play. Cut out holes in a paper plate for eyes and a mouth. Children can create a character of their choice, from a lion to a princess. Colour in the mask and decorate it. Use extra paper to make ears, or wool to make hair. Add some teeth for a monster or a tongue for a frog. Fasten elastic onto the sides of the mask so that it fits onto your child’s head. Maracas Papier-mâché maracas may be messy to make but are loads of fun. Fill a balloon with a few beans or some rice. Blow up the balloon to your desired size and tie it off. Attach a small stick or straw near the knot. Make a papier-mâché mixture by adding one part flour to two parts

July 2011

water and mixing until smooth and sticky. Dip strips of paper into the mixture and use these to cover your balloon. Leave it to dry, then pop the balloon with a pin. Finish off by painting your maracas. Mementos Going away for the holidays? Get your children to make a holiday collage to remember the trip. Collect things like shells along the way. Develop your children’s favourite photos and have them decorate a sheet of cardboard with the memories they collected.

for boys

for girls

Fly a kite Attach two dowel rods at right angles to each other. Cover this frame with thin material and attach it to the ends using wood glue. You could also use strong paper or plastic. Tie some string to the centre of the frame and wind the length of this string around a piece of wood for your child to hold while flying the kite.

Treasure box Create a special box to store precious keepsakes. Girls can cut out pictures from magazines or from old photos, or you can help to cut out pictures they like. Get your child to glue these pictures onto a shoe box. Once the glue is dry, cover the box with a sealant or clear lacquer spray and leave to dry.

magazine cape town

pre-teens To dye for Tie-dyeing is great fun, but can be messy, so do this in the garage. Make your dye in old containers, and keep a bucket of soapy water nearby for rinsing hands. Get some white shirts and tie off wherever you don’t want them to be coloured, using string or elastic bands. Following the instructions, dye the shirt and leave it to set overnight. Then remove your ties, rinse the shirt and wash it separately (the dye will

run for the first few washes). Try making different patterns or using two or more colours. Birdfeeder Cut door-shaped holes out of opposite sides of a cardboard juice carton, and paint the outside. Decorate it with buttons or paint and use sticks to make a roof. Make a small hole underneath each door and pass a stick through them, so there is room for birds to sit on either side. Fill up with birdseed and leave in your garden for the birds to find.

for boys

for girls

Robots These can be as easy or as complex as you like. Use old boxes, tinfoil, toilet or carton roll tubes, and egg boxes. You will also need glue, sticky tape and maybe silver spray paint. Use a larger box for the body, and a smaller one for the head. Add paper rolls to make arms and legs, and to join the head to the body. Egg boxes can be used to make a helmet or hands. Spray paint or cover it in tinfoil, and add eyes and a mouth. Try making a robot dog.

Jewellery design Clay beads or flowers can be used to make beautiful, unique jewellery. Get air-drying clay from your local craft shop and use it to make beads or flower shapes. Ask your craft shop about colouring the clay, or what paint you can use on it. Mix different coloured clay to make swirled beads. Make a hole through the beads and leave to dry. Thread them onto string or ribbon making sure it can fit around your child’s neck or wrist.

stock up Before the holiday starts, pop into your local craft shop for a few handy extras. • air-drying clay • cardboard • paint/crayons • dye • ribbons/string • wood glue • clear lacquer or sealant

magazine cape town

July 2011

how to

LUCILLE KEMP gets advice for taking great holiday snaps from two professional photographers.

efore you’re able to tackle the finer details of photography, you need to get to know your camera – play with the aperture, shutter speed and ISO so you know what is where, and why it is there. Also, make sure that you are always equipped with fully charged batteries and empty memory cards so that you are ever-ready to capture that special moment.

cropping Don’t be afraid to crop in close to your subject so you can capture facial expressions and details. However, don’t get too close – about one metre away from your subject is ideal. Note: in order to capture a dramatic, detailed portrait you don’t need to focus on the whole face; cropping into eyebrows for example can emphasise eyes.

lighting Try to use natural light wherever possible and for the most part turn off your flash indoors. A flash is unflattering and often causes the red eye effect. Also, over-flashed shots can kill the ambience of an occasion. You could use light from a window or patio door if you’re inside or you could take some photos under the shade of a tree if you’re outdoors. Lots of point-and-shoot cameras have the option to switch off your flash and up your ISO to best capture the mood of the event. Experiment and see what works best. Avoid shooting in full sunlight as you’ll end up with harsh shadows across faces. The light is best in the early morning and late afternoon. You might decide to take some longer exposure shots at night without using your flash, so you’ll need to steady your camera on a tripod or a flat surface to keep it still and prevent the camera from shaking. If you’re taking pictures of people at night, you’ll have no choice but to use your on-camera flash, so if you have a red eye reduction option on your camera, use it.

background

The most important thing is that you have fun when you take them as this will come across in the photo.

July 2011

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Look behind your subjects, as a tree or a lamppost sticking out of the back of someone’s head, for example, has ruined many a good portrait. If the background is cluttered or messy either move closer to the person you’re photographing to crop it out or find another backdrop.

landscape Composition can make or break a landscape shot, so follow the rule of thirds. This means imagining your viewfinder is divided into three equal sections horizontally and vertically and using this pretend grid to position your subject. For example: if you’re taking a sunset photo, you might include two thirds sky and one third ocean rather than just positioning the horizon in the middle. Also, to do justice to your picturesque landscape, be reminded once again that the best times for good light are morning and afternoon. Try to avoid taking pictures at midday, when the sun is at its highest and the light will be overpowering in your photos.

the action shot Posed shots are great but candid shots, images where your subject is unaware, are often the best, not to mention easiest, when it comes to photographing children. If your children are on the beach building sand castles for example, take some photos while they are busy and haven’t noticed you, then ask them to look up at you. You could also ask your children to run towards you or jump in the air, which is great fun for them and you’ll get some lovely, spontaneous photographs.

the group shot Make sure everyone is included in your viewfinder; watch out for cutting off the top of heads. Get everyone’s attention with a “3, 2, 1 cheese” or “sausages” while you take the photo – a silly but time-honoured tradition that works well. You’ll probably need to take several photos before you get a good one as there are likely to be people looking away or blinking, so be persistent. Information courtesy of professional photographers Emma O’Brien from Johannesburg and Cape Town-based Jules Morgan.

experiment… ...with composition Put your subject in the corner or side of the frame and play with “empty space”. Don’t think that you always have to put your subject in the middle. Photograph things that catch your eye such as colour contrast – green palm trees against blue skies – and things like funny signposts, pictures of places you stayed at or visited and people you met, which will all contribute to a great set of holiday photos. The most important thing is that you have fun when you take them as this will come across in the photo. Play with a slow shutter speed and moving subjects. Hone in on abstract details such as reflections and shadows rather than only focusing on the subject itself. …with perspective Jump on a box or car bonnet so you can get more height and see things from a different angle. This can be a bit distorting but it is often more flattering for subjects because there are no double chins for instance. …with light Don’t be afraid to play with light. Shoot into the sun for creative silhouettes. Late afternoon sunshine at a 45-degree angle to your subject can be soft and beautiful.

edit and store your photos online These sites make it easy, and in most cases, don’t require registration. Picnik: picnik.com FotoFlexer: fotoflexer.com Pixenate: pixenate.com Picasa: picasa.google.com Shutterfly: shutterfly.com Kodak EasyShare Gallery: kodakgallery.com Flickr: flickr.com

magazine cape town

July 2011

resource

wild and wacky

escapes

Looking for somewhere out-of-the-ordinary to stay?

Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve

fancy... a luxury tent on the river? Then you’ll love Buttonquail Camp situated on the banks of the Palmiet River. You sleep in luxurious tents complete with en-suite bathrooms. Without TV, there is plenty of peace and quiet, leaving you to relax or enjoy tranquil walks in the nature reserve. Your children will be happy playing on the jungle gym and swinging, or swimming in the river. When you’re

July 2011

feeling up to it, go for a 4x4 mountain drive, do some trout fishing or bird watching, seek out a rock pool for swimming or go mountain biking. Rates From R475 per adult, from R200 per child per night Contact 072 820 6166 or gfresorts@vodamail.co.za

a night near a ski slope? Then you’ll love Goatherd’s House in the Matroosberg Reserve near Ceres. The Goatherd’s House is more than 100 years old and has no electricity, but it has been restored with a water shower and flushing toilet. The secluded, but fully-equipped house is situated at the foot of the Matroosberg Mountain and sleeps six people. It is also fitted with a gas fridge and hotplate. The inside fireplace, where all the cooking was done in the early years, is now a popular focal point and makes for a great

indoor braai. While there are plenty of interesting things to do, such as 4x4 exploring, kloofing, fun target shooting and cherry picking at Klondyke Farm, there are a few unique activities that make this spot special. It has a private ski slope for snowboarding (bring your own snowboard), and ice climbing for experienced climbers only. Rates From R900 per unit per night Contact 023 312 2282, 082 453 9841, info@matroosberg. com or visit matroosberg.com

a night in a teepee? Then you’ll love Healing Holidays just outside Montagu. Be at peace with all in the world by having a massage or a Reiki session, or by simply doing nothing. There are two durable family teepees, which allow you to sleep “close to the earth” on a wooden platform or grass. You will have

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: die hel Rock pool - CapeNature

LUCILLE KEMP compiled this list of quirky places to visit.

feel like kicking back, there is a saltwater swimming pool. There are various manic adventure options from which to choose, but one of the more idyllic activities has to be the hot-air ballooning (Oudtshoorn Ballooning: 082 784 8539). As you’ve travelled this far, you should also visit the Cango Caves, the Cango Wildlife Ranch that offers crocodile cage diving and the Cango Ostrich Farm. A considerable part of a day can also be spent at Wilgewandel Farm (044 272 0878), which offers donkey cart riding, camel riding and foefie sliding. Rates From R499 per person sharing and R250 per person thereafter Contact 044 272 2299, info@hlangana.co.za or visit hlangana.co.za

a night in a cave? Goatherd’s House

to bring your own bedding. Each teepee has a built-in fire pit in- and outside. They also come with a solar cooler, lanterns and mattresses. Rates R350 for two people in a family teepee; extra guests R100 each (four- to five-sleeper) Contact 023 614 2901, 079 723 4738 or visit healingholidays.co.za

hot-air ballooning in the Klein Karoo? Then you’ll love Hlangana Lodge in Oudtshoorn. All rooms, including the family suites, come with a bed and breakfast option and have a private veranda. When you

magazine cape town

Then you’ll love the Kagga Kamma Game Reserve in Ceres. With its wide-open spaces and unusual rock landscape, you are so close to Mother Nature that it makes sense to call this getaway a spiritual experience. There is no cellphone reception and the only power is from diesel generators. Kagga Kamma carves your holiday home out of the caves, offering you luxury open-air camps where you can sleep under the African stars or in spacious, en-suite thatched rondavels that work well for families. Children will enjoy climbing on the rock formations or going on a guided walk with one of the rangers. Fascinating and dramatic rock formations also adorn the swimming pool. Rates From R1 670 per unit per night Contact 021 424 1037, 021 872 4343 or visit naturereserve.co.za

nappy rafting on a river? Then you’ll love Breede River Bush Lodge situated on the banks of the Breede River. You won’t believe that you can be in the bush when you are this close to Cape Town. The lodge has dormitories, wooden cabins, tents and a camp site for you to bring your own tent. Their entry point will see you onto the river through a maze of channels and into fast-flowing streams through overhanging trees. Along with the many activities offered at the camp site, there is a half-day rafting trip with small waves through “tunnels” of trees that takes about three hours. Half-way through they will take the you on a nappy run. This is where you float safely seated inside your life jacket, which is fitted around your legs like a nappy, through the rapids. Suitable for children from the age of five. Rates From R450 per wooden cabin per night Contact 021 975 9727, info@bundi.co.za or visit bundi.co.za

July 2011

resource

fancy... a night on a floating chalet? Then you’ll love Langebaan Houseboats in the West Coast National Park at Kraalbaai. If you’re invigorated by water and aqua sports, then consider a houseboating holiday. As much as you can relax on board on the calm waters, or fish, you can also swim, ski, tube, walk, hike, birdwatch, or head to the beach. The aptlynamed “Nirvana” houseboat is spacious and cosy, and has a fireplace in the lounge, five rooms with queen-size beds and one with two bunk beds. There is also a massive outside floating platform and a shaded dining area. Rates From R800 per person per night Contact 021 689 9718, langebaanhouseboats @mweb.co.za or visit houseboating.co.za

a night in a trailer park? Then you’ll love Old Mac Daddy in the Elgin Valley. Check out this luxury vintage, ecoconscious airstream trailer park. A private boardwalk leads you onto each of the designer, themed trailers that can sleep two adults and two children up to the age of 18 years, and one child under two years. The Daddy’s Villa, perched on its own hill, is made with Big Daddy and Co. in mind. It has three bedrooms that can sleep up to six people, and has all the amenities a family may need. Practicality has not compromised this trailer’s quirky appeal, and there is a ball and claw bath situated in an outdoor fynbos garden. You can relax in the communal area, called The Barn, swim in the dam or explore the mountain bike tracks. Rates From R675 per adult, from R175 per child Contact 021 447 8105, 0861 4 DADDY (32339), reservations@daddysworld.co.za or visit oldmacdaddy.co.za

Langebaan Houseboats

a shower in nature? Then you’ll love Reflections Eco Reserve between Wilderness and Sedgefield. The carbon-neutral, self-catering lodge is on a 28-hectare rehabilitated pine plantation within the Rondevlei, which is surrounded by the Garden Route National Park. It has only four chalets, offering maximum privacy and exclusivity. Powered by a combination of wind and solar power, the chalets also have outdoor showers. Tranquility is assured by its location, within a national park, and restrictions on boating and noise. A large viewing deck is placed along the lake and has a spectacular view across the water. Look out for the pair of fish eagles that nest a stone’s throw from the chalets every year, and prepare for their morning wake-up calls. There is an organic jungle gym made of wattle trees for younger children, while older children will enjoy gazing at the stars and planets, as well as canoeing on the Swartvlei. Rates From R700 a night for two people Contact 071 683 4133, reflection@ mweb.co.za or visit reflectionsreserve.com

Old Mac Daddy

July 2011

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a night in a tent on the beach? Then you’ll love The Beach Camp in the Columbine Nature Reserve, Paternoster. Wake up to an eye-level view of the ocean from your wooden A-frame hut. The camp is wind-protected and peaceful – there is no electricity and no electronic music is allowed. Enjoy ample shade in the lapa area and sample a Yerba Maté, an imported herbal drink. There is a fully-equipped communal kitchen tent with braai equipment, but if you’d prefer to chill out and not cook, you can always book a boerewors potjie or seafood paella in advance. The children will love the giant catapult, and you can take a guided sea kayak trail or go bouldering. Rates From R207 per night sharing Contact 082 926 2267, info@ratrace.co.za or visit beachcamp.co.za

a rapid adventure?

a night in a forest?

Then you’ll love Round The Bend Lodge nestled among the trees on the banks of the Breede River. With its cosy, thatched A-frame, en-suite chalets in a magnificent riverside setting, this lodge offers a complete escape from city life. You can go rafting down the Breede River in their two-man inflatable “crocodiles”. No experience is necessary and full instructions are given. On day two you can paddle to a second stretch of the Breede River. Children from the age of six can join in the day’s rafting activities. Rates From R650 per person Contact 021 702 9400, info@felixunite. com or visit felixunite.com

Then you’ll love the Storms River Guest Lodge in the Tsitsikamma Forest, Knysna. This comfortable thatched-roof doublestorey lodge has 14 en-suite rooms with a large veranda. One room can sleep a family of five. Your pet is welcome with prior arrangement. Storms River is a great base for adventure activities where you can explore the forest’s tree tops from the famed zip-line or bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bungee in the world. The lodge takes care of the bookings. Close to the lodge you can go cycling, river tubing or bird watching. To get your adrenaline levels back to normal, wind down next to the swimming pool or with a relaxing braai. The Copper Kettle Restaurant also serves all-day breakfasts and light meals and in winter you can chill by the log fire. Rates From R325 for adults, children from R162,50 per night, children under two years free Contact 042 281 1703, 082 378 0804 or visit stormsriverguestlodge.co.za

a night at a base camp? Then you’ll love the Sinclair Hut while doing the two-day Harkerville Trail between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. For a hiking family with children nine years and older, this two-day 24km hike is said to be as spectacular as the Otter Trail. It starts and ends at the Harkerville Forest Station and passes through some prime high-forest, crosses sections of coastal fynbos and takes the hiker along some breathtaking natural scenery on a cliff edge. The first overnight stop, after an 11km hike through lush, indigenous forest, is the comfy Sinclair Hut. It has beds and a fireplace. Wood and water are provided, but you will need to carry everything else, including blankets, in your backpack. Chains, bridges and ladders have been fixed to the rock faces for easier hiking. Rates R165 per person Contact 044 302 5600 or visit sanparks.org magazine cape town

Reflections Eco Reserve

July 2011

resource

fancy... a night surrounded by a natural hot spring? Then you’ll love The Baths, situated on a citrus farm in the Olifant’s River Valley near Citrusdal. When they say relaxation and rejuvenation they mean it, and here it comes by the bathful. There are private hot mineral spring water baths, a hot and cold swimming pool

and a spring water rock pool. You can choose to stay in a chalet tucked away in its own kloof, or in an antique-styled flat, a luxury flat, or in duplex flats and outside cottages with views of the Olifant’s Valley. Don’t be put off by the number of units – the resort is spacious. You can choose the self-catering option or dine at MacGregors’ restaurant. Children will love to play on the swings and slide, jump on the trampoline and play pool. There are also hiking trails and a rock pool.

a night in a castle? Then you’ll love Lindsay Castle in the Noetzie cove bordering the Sinclair Nature Reserve between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. With five double bedrooms, all en suite, and a twin room, this is aptly called a “cottage castle”. The castle’s lounge has a fireplace and a direct view of the sparkling ocean and is a mere two-minute walk to the beach, which the children will love. It maintains an old-world charm with its large, heavy wooden table lit by candles and set with wine glasses that you’ll pretend are goblets. A four-poster bed, a room called Hemingway House and a white room encased by classic castle windows add to the allure of this unusual coastal retreat. Rates From R1 000 per night. The castle is currently closed for an upgrade and will not take bookings until September. Visit their website for updated information on their re-opening Contact 011 783 0348 or visit knysnacastles.co.za

July 2011

Rates From R450 per unit per night. There is a mid-week special in October and November Contact 022 921 8026/7, 022 921 8032, reservations2@ thebaths.co.za or visit thebaths.co.za

playing explorer? Then you’ll love Thali-Thali Game Lodge situated about 8km from the West Coast Fossil Park. Although there are self-catering chalets, opt for the unusual and spend a night in one of the luxury tents. The fossil park, where you can show your children fascinating fossils dating back some five million years, will most likely be your family’s main activity. You can also take a slow drive through the West Coast National Park, a boat trip down the Berg River or visit Bokkomlaan in Velddrif where bokkoms, a dry, salted fish biltong, are prepared. For the more active visitor, there are invigorating mountain bike trails and horse riding opportunities around the park.

Die Hel rock pool at Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve

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views of the Winterberg. It has all the basic amenities; such as electricity, hot water, a bath and a shower; a fullyequipped kitchen and three bedrooms with two single beds in each room. There is no TV or cellphone reception. Children can spend most of their time swimming in the nearby river pools, while you braai at the back of the house in the shade of an old oak – unless you are out beating down the tracks of the reserve. Rates From R570 for the first four people and R140 per person thereafter Contact Groot Winterhoek: 022 931 3247 or Cape Nature: 021 483 0000 or visit capenature.co.za

a night in a tree house? The Baths

Rates R350 per person per night sharing Contact 022 766 1606, info@thalithali.co.za or visit thalithali.co.za

a night near one of Africa’s largest rock pools? Then you’ll love Veepos Guest House in the Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve. The one-day hiking trail is lined with waterfalls and boasts the biggest, one of the deepest natural rock pools in Africa, known as Die Hel. Veepos, a spacious self-catering family house located in the mountains near the entrance of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, provides spectacular

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style. You’re not allowed to bring anything other than “good books, good company and a singing voice” (not necessarily a good one). You’ll meet the night before at the start of the trail and be on your way at 9am sharp the next morning. There are stops and a lunch break during the trek for you to enjoy the region’s flora and fauna. Horses can be provided for those who can ride and, for an extra fee, you can escort the wagons on horseback. You will cook supper over a communal fire at the overnight camp site and then sleep inside the wagon or in a tent beneath the stars. Rates From R2 750 per family per night Contact John: 082 575 5669 or Marlene: 074 1400 508, info@ctcco.co.za or visit ctcco.co.za Please note: all rates correct at the time of going to print.

Then you’ll love Vindoux Guest Farm in Tulbagh. This working fruit farm has luxury tree houses built for two (ideal for a romantic breakaway), and a self-catering luxury tree lodge that can accommodate families. The lodge has a private garden with a braai area and pool. A wraparound balcony allows for an outside living area where you can dine alfresco and the children can watch TV in the fresh air. The floor to ceiling windows afford you uninterrupted views of the orchards and the magnificent Saronsberg Mountains. Rates From R1 800 for four adults, R250 per child Contact 023 230 0635, vindouxfarm@gmail.com or visit vindoux.com

a night in a wagon? Then you’ll love the Napier Wagon Trail in the Overberg. It’s time to slow down and get on the wagon, in Voortrekker

Napier Wagon Trail

July 2011

books

a good read for toddlers

(Macmillan Children’s Books, R85) Young swimmers will enjoy this book about one little girl’s quest to become a good enough swimmer to make it to the deep end of the pool on her own. With lots of humour and wit, and very endearing illustrations, we follow our little heroine from the soggy and noisy changing room into the pool. Here the teacher tells the children the only way to become a good swimmer is to keep your head down and your bottom up. They believe that if they make it to the deep end like the good swimmers, they’ll find out if there really is a tunnel that takes you underground all the way to the ocean.

July 2011

childmag.co.za

for preschoolers Sea & Sand By Jonathan Lang

The Deep End By Rebecca Patterson

View our books blog at

(Rubber Duck Press, R195) The book was written as a guide to couples with young children, who are about to go through a divorce. Using advice obtained from counsellors, therapists and teachers, the book’s style was adapted to suit the needs of children aged between three and seven years old. When facing the prospect of a separation, parents also have to deal with the unpleasant task of letting their young children know that their circumstances will change. In telling the story, the focus remains on the children throughout, ensuring they understand that, while the situation will definitely affect them, it is not their fault.

Can’t Sleep Without Sheep By Susanna Leonard Hill and Mike Wohnoutka

best bedtime story

(Walker and Company, R136) Like many children, Ava counts sheep when she can’t fall asleep. But she also takes too long to fall asleep and the sheep are getting tired, so they quit. When the sheep promise to find a replacement Ava can count on, chaos ensues as chickens, cows, pigs, hippos, and more try their hand at jumping over Ava’s fence. Finding the perfectly peaceful replacement for sheep might not be so easy after all. With irresistibly adorable art, this delightful take on a familiar sleep tactic is sure to become a bedtime favourite. The book is recommended for children aged four to eight years old.

for early graders

Kingdom: Micro Monsters and Kingdom: Savage Safari By Nam Nguyen (Kingfisher, R120 each) Micro Monsters is packed with up-close and scary photos of microscopic monsters, plus wild and weird data on their amazing superpowers. There are special foldout sections filled with little-known facts, and profiles of extreme animals – including some that live on you. Savage Safari has close-ups of Africa’s powerful predators, plus fascinating and unusual information about them. There are also special foldout sections filled with interesting facts, and profiles of extreme animals that you might encounter in Africa. Also available in the Kingdom series are Extreme Rainforest and Undersea Creatures.

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for teens and preteens

for us

wake-up call

Jacob’s Badge of Good Character By Gavin Kruger (iThemba, R50) Jacob longs to be a good dad one day, and it is this that motivates him to learn the five important character traits that form the basis of the book. Stephen the painter is a role model for Jacob, and helps him learn these lessons. These character traits will help children make important choices when faced with challenges such as peer pressure or temptation. This book is suitable for children aged seven to 12 years. The author has worked as a family outreach manager for many years and has drawn from his own experiences as a father.

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parenting book

Ecological Intelligence By Daniel Goleman

(Penguin Books, R180) Although we all want to help the environment, our knowledge of “green” choices is often so limited, that we can do more harm than good. But radical transparency, or the availability of complete information about all aspects of a product’s history, is about to transform the power of consumers and the fate of business. Ecological Intelligence shows you why a T-shirt that claims it is 100 percent organic cotton may not be, why it’s good to buy wine from France and how even the type of shampoo you use could affect the future of the planet. By discovering how to tune your eco-intelligence, the international bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman, shows how you can make better decisions.

Silent Predator By Tony Park (Quercus Publishing, R105) British Defence Minister Robert Greeves has vanished without a trace. In a luxury lodge in the Kruger National Park, Detective Sergeant Officer Tom Furey can’t believe this happened on his watch, when he had his eye on a pretty girl rather than the job. Knowing his career is on the line, Furey vows not to stop until Greeves is found – dead or alive. He and his South African counterpart, the attractive Inspector Sannie van Rensburg, go against official orders and start the search for the suspected band of terrorists from the outer limits of the park to the coastal waters of Mozambique. The author’s knowledge of the African continent makes this a very believable read and it’s also a quality thriller.

The Conscious Parent By Shefali Tsabary (Namaste Publishing, R160) In this book, Shefali Tsabary details how our children can only be raised as conscious adults when we as parents allow ourselves to be lifted into a higher state of consciousness. Turning the traditional notion of parenting on its head, Tsabary shifts the epicentre of the parent-child relationship away from the traditional parent-to-child “know it all” approach to a mutual parent-with-child relationship in which the parent learns alongside the child. The author, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, was exposed to Eastern mindfulness at an early age and integrates its teachings with Western psychology.

July 2011

calendar

what’s on in july

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Here’s your guide for what to do, where to go and who to see. Compiled by LUCILLE KEMP

7 thu

special events

FUN for children

only for parents

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

Krása’s Brundibár This is a special kind of opera as the cast comprises children between the ages of seven and 16 years.

July 2011

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Tretchikoff Exhibition Vladimir Tretchikoff’s work is on display at the National Art Gallery until September.

Mom’s tea at Incredible Babies A chance for moms, dads or carers to get together socially and listen to a speaker on a topic of interest.

Streetsmart Winter Restaurant Week Streetsmart uses this week to raise funds through a voluntary R5 donation with each table’s bill at 57 participating restaurants.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Danscape Jazzart Dance Theatre presents the combined talents of Cape Town’s top dance schools and companies.

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July 2011

calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 friday Classical Guitar Festival From concerts to workshops, master classes, competitions and festive celebrations this is a chance to mix with musical maestros. Ends 3 July. Time: starts 9am. Venue: Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Cost: R150–R350. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or for more info visit capetownguitarfestival.com Hansel & Gretel The Canal Walk Theatre stages this classic children’s tale presented by Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyers. 25 June–17 July. Time: 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. Closed Mondays. Venue: Central Court, Canal Walk. Cost: R50. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com

7 thursday Danscape This year’s production sees the combined talents of Cape Town’s top dance schools and companies. Ends 10 July. Time: Thursday–Saturday 8:15pm, Saturday 3pm, Sunday 6pm. Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: R65 or R45 for block bookings of 20 people or more. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

13 wednesday Kylie in concert Australian pop-star Kylie Minogue is including South African fans in her Aphrodite-Les Folies world tour. Kylie has been riding high on the charts for over 20 years with hits like “Loco-motion”, “Spinning Around”, “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”, “Slow”, “Two Hearts” and “All The Lovers”. Also 14 July. Time: 8pm. Venue: GrandWest Arena. Cost: R466– R1 570. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

1 fri

Pick n Pay Oyster Festival There are over 100 sporting and lifestyle events, offering something for everyone from running, cycling and adventure racing to wine and whiskey tastings, cooking competitions, food and wine pairings, gala evenings, live music, a specialised children’s programme and many oyster hot spots. Ends 10 July. Time: starts 9am. Venue: Loerie Park, Knysna. Cost: priced per event, see website for details. Contact: 044 382 5510 or visit oysterfestival.co.za

host of crafty ideas. Ends 18 July. Excluding 16 July. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: the top of St George’s Mall and Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa. Cost: priced per event. Contact Debbie or Alison: 021 422 1418

14 thursday The Nutcracker This ballet gives you a taste of Christmas in July with a performance by the Imperial Russian Ballet Company. Ends 16 July. Time: 7:30pm. Also 3pm on 16 July. Venue: Artscape Opera House. Cost: R135– R225. Contact: 021 410 9800, artscape@ artscape.co.za or visit artscape.co.za

15 friday Ubuntu Festival A highlight for families is Sunday’s charity cook-off where you can chop and slice with chefs as they prepare great bowls of food for the city’s needy. Then it’s out on the street to enjoy music and organic food at the Earth Fair and a

16–17 July – Franschhoek Bastille Festival

16 saturday Franschhoek Bastille Festival Locals and visitors celebrate the town’s centuriesold French Huguenot heritage with a food and wine marquee, a boulle competition, the Franschhoek minstrel parade, as well as the popular barrel-rolling contest. There is also a farmers’ market, craft market stalls, musicians, children’s activities and French movie screenings. Also 17 July. Time: starts 12pm. Venue: Franschhoek Valley. Cost: R100 per person, which includes a tasting glass and a complimentary booklet of tasting coupons. To book: visit webtickets.co.za

18 monday

7–10 July – Danscape

July 2011

Krása’s Brundibár This opera, performed by children between the ages of seven and 16, is a charming tale of two siblings who banish a sinister organ grinder with the help of animal accomplices. Ends 21 July. Time: Monday–Thursday 7pm, Wednesday 3pm. Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: adults R45, scholars R20. Book magazine cape town

through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or Artscape Dial-a-Seat: 021 421 7695

23 saturday Mzansi Magic market day Children have the opportunity to make fun crafts at this product workshop and take it home. For children 7–15 years old. Also 6 August. Time: 9:30am–11am and 12:30pm. Venue: Canal Walk Shopping Centre (next to Primi Piatti). Cost: free, booking essential. Contact Patti: 083 310 9765 or patti@finewomen.co.za

27 wednesday Open day at DSK Join in the experience of getting to know the culture of one of the most innovative countries in Europe – Germany. Learners in Grade 4 and their parents are welcome to attend. Time: 8:40am–2:25pm. Venue: German International School of Cape Town, 28 Bay View Ave, Tamboerskloof. Cost: free entry. Contact Bettina: 021 480 3861 (7:45am–12:30pm), admissions@dsk.co.za or visit dsk.co.za

28 thursday Stellenbosch Wine Festival The festival showcases over 500 Stellenbosch wines for visitors to sample along with gourmet delights from top chefs, educational wine and food workshops, and some of the finest entertainment and artistic talent these famous winelands have to offer, all under one roof. Ends 31 July. Time: varies. Venue: Paul Roos Centre. Cost: R120–R350. Contact: 021 886 4310 or visit wineroute.co.za

30 saturday The Sunflower Fund Winter Charity Ball An elegant black-tie affair that raises money for this fund, which aims to educate and recruit bone marrow stem cell donors to help save the lives of patients suffering from leukaemia or other life-threatening blood disorders. Time 6:30pm. Venue: The Mount Nelson Hotel. Dress code is elegant/ black tie. Cost: R800. To book, contact: 021 701 0661 or events@sunflowerfund.org.za Kidz Discovery open market day Good value children’s books are on sale with a wide variety for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Also gift ideas and educational

27 July – Open day at DSK

toys on sale. Pop in to learn more about their weekly baby and toddler development classes, Brightstart Preschool preparedness and art and crafts for older children. Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: free entry. Contact Kathy: 083 654 2494 or info@kidzdiscovery.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Free two-hour introductory fabric painting workshop For adults and children. 23 July. Time: 8:45am–10:45am. Venue: Pinelands. Cost: R30 per kit. Contact Wendy: 021 531 8076, 082 391 4954 or wendyadriaan@telkomsa.net Iziko Planetarium’s Davy Dragon Goes to the Moon Davy finds a strange bug, which he decides to take back to the moon. For children 5–12 years. 25 June–17 July. Time: Monday–Friday 11am, 12pm, 3pm; weekends 12pm and 3:30pm. Venue: Queen Victoria Rd, Gardens. Cost: adults R25, children R10. Contact: 021 481 3800 Kidz Take Over drama courses These classes help young performers showcase their acting talents, learn new skills and (most importantly) have fun. Ideal for Grades 1–7. 16 July–6 August. Time: 10am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: Milnerton Playhouse, Pienaar Rd, Milnerton (behind the library). Cost: R800 (R200 deposit plus three R200 instalments). Contact: 083 206 3885, fiona@kto.co.za or visit kto.co.za Kirstenbosch Eco-Art holiday workshops Art and environmental educationalist Sue Nepgen offers workshops where children can create and paint their own 3D clay models of landscapes with rivers, including indigenous plants and other modelling materials. 5–7 July.

16 July–6 August – Kidz Take Over drama courses

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July 2011

calendar

holiday activities

Kirstenbosch Eco-Art holiday workshops

Time and cost: Grades 1–3: Tuesday or Wednesday 9:30am–1pm, R90. Grades 4–8: Thursday 9am–1pm, R95. Venue: Gold Fields Environmental Education Centre, Kirstenbosch. Contact Michaela or Sue: 021 794 6609 or snepgen@xsinet. co.za (Enquire about the art classes: term starts 22 July.)

Adventure4U There are parent and child mountain bike fun rides, rock climbing and hiking outings. For children 10 years and older. 16 June and 24 June–18 July. Venue: Table Mountain and surrounds. Cost: R120 per adult, R70 per child. Contact Haadin: 083 356 5591 Blesbok Arts workshop An art, drama and music holiday workshop for children 9–16 year olds. 11–15 July. Time: 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Frank Joubert Art Centre, Newlands. Cost: R500 for the week or enrol two children for only R400 each. Contact Melanie: 084 629 4904 or blesbokartsco@gmail.com

classes, talks and workshops Equal Zeal “Learning to Love Me Workshop” Many children lack a feeling of love and respect for themselves. This workshop helps to boost self-esteem by creating an unconditional belief in self. For children from Grade 1–3. 11 July. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Shelanti Private School, Parklands. Cost: R600. Contact: 082 453 4313 or angelique@equalzeal.com Kids’ extramural classes Programme includes art and crafts, drama, games and life skills. For children 5–15 years old. Time: 3pm–5pm, every Friday. Venue: OIS Centre, Old Strandfontein Rd, Ottery. Cost: R20 per child per week. To register, contact: 021 704 1462 or stages@polka.co.za Kidz Discovery Offers professional programmes for baby and toddler groups and mother and child groups that involve art and tactile exploration, language, fine and gross motor development, visual motor play and experiments. For children 3 months–4½ years old. Time and cost: call to enquire. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Contact Kathy: 083 654 2494, info@ kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit kidzdiscovery.co.za Little Cooks Club northern suburbs Cooking classes for 7–14 year olds. Time: 2:30pm–3:30pm, every Monday. Venue: 3 Vlei St, Aurora, Durbanville. Cost: call to enquire. Contact Lisa: 073 227 3404 or lisab@littlecooksclub.co.za

July 2011

11–15 July – Blesbok Arts workshop

Buffalo Drift Kids Camp Adventure camps, which include activities such as obstacle courses, camp-outs, survival skills, river trips, target shooting and beach volleyball. For 8–13 year olds. Supervised by fun and experienced camp counsellors. Camp one (three-day) 3–5 July, camp two (five-day) 3–8 July. Venue: Ruigtevlei Farm, on the R44 to Porterville. Cost: R1 000–R1 750. Contact Uel: 082 258 3764, info@buffalodrift.co.za or visit buffalodrift.co.za Cape Union Mart Canal Walk Adventure Centre There is a series of interactive nature shows and activities on offer. 28 June: snakes – a show with both local and international snakes. 3 July: tarantulas – get a hands-on experience through assisted tarantula handling. 5 July: birds – meet a collection of big and small feathered friends. 14 July: climbing – children of all ages can learn how to free-climb or race against each other on the seven-metre climbing wall.

Time: 11am–12pm. 14 July 11am–2pm. Venue: Cape Union Mart, Shop 152, Canal Walk. Cost: free. Contact: cwac@ capeunionmart.co.za Carnival at the City At the shop-and-drop zone children are entertained by magic shows, storytelling, balloon modelling, craft activities and much more. 2–10 July. Time: 11am–2pm. Venue: food court, N1 City Mall. 7 and 14 July – Drumkidz holiday workshop Cost: free. Contact Bronwyn: create art and hand-crafted objects from 021 595 1170 burnt remains such as wood. Ideal for Children’s Italian holiday programme children 6–11 years old. 27 June–1 July. Full immersion into Italian play activities for Time: Monday–Friday 9am–4pm. Venue: children 3–10 years old. 27 June–8 July: st Observatory Community Centre. Cost: 7:30am–5:30pm. Venue: 1 floor The R180 per day or R750 per week. Contact Grimley, 14 Tuin Plein St, Gardens. Cost: Tahirih: 084 873 4711 R1 800 per child. Contact: 021 465 8261 Headstart Swim School holiday clinics or info@scuolaitalianadelcapo.co.za Beginner and stroke lessons offered to Clay Café holiday special Children can boost confidence in the water, and improve paint their own pottery. 24 June–18 July. swimming ability. All ages, including Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Main Rd, Hout babies, welcome. 11–15 July. Time: oneBay. Cost: two items plus juice and a on-one 15-minute lessons or 30-minute snack R85. Contact: 021 790 3318 group lessons from 8:30am–5pm. Venue: Dean Street Bookshop “My life in 128 Belvedere Rd, Claremont. Cost: R70 a paragraph” writing competition per lesson. Contact Rochelle: 021 674 Get your child to write about their life, 7681, headstartswim@gmail.com or visit the highs and the lows, what they think headstartswim.co.za makes them special and their hopes Kidz Discovery winter holiday club and dreams. The paragraph should not Offers a fun-filled morning of art and crafts, exceed a three-quarter page and must baking, face painting, dancing, dress-up include their name and age. Children can role play, clambering on climbing walls add drawings to their story. For 7–19 year and jungle gyms, story time and more. olds. Entrants’ work is displayed on the For ages 3–7 years. 27–29 June, 4–8 July bookshop board. Competition opens 27 and 11–12 July. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm, June and closes 11 July. Prizes to be won. early drop-offs from 8:30am for an extra For more info: 021 686 1604 fee. Venue: The Drive, Camps Bay. Cost: Drumkidz holiday workshop Children R120 per morning includes snack, baking drum and sing to stories in their actionand craft materials. Contact: 083 654 packed, high-energy workshop. The cost 2494, info@kidzdiscovery.co.za or visit is R40 for 30 minutes of drumming. 7 and kidzdiscovery.co.za 14 July. Helderberg: 4–14 years old. Time: Kidz Get Wild holiday camps There 1:30pm–3pm. Venue: Church of Christ, are three-day, four-day and seven-day cnr of Irene Ave and Lourensford Rd, camp options for children 7–14 years old. Somerset West. Contact Lana: 071 871 The KGW team incorporates challenging 5839 or lana@drumkidz.co.za. Parklands: adventures with fun activities. 25 June– 3–8 years old. Time: 2pm–2:30pm. Venue: 2 July. Time: departure time is confirmed Little Picasso’s Café, 4 Northumberland on booking. Venue: Waterval, Tulbagh. Rd, Parklands. Contact Melanie: 079 161 Cost: R860–R3 010, depending on length 3999 or melanie@drumkidz.co.za of stay. Siblings pay less. Contact Helen: Elemental Kids winter holiday 021 712 6715 or visit kgw.co.za event The theme is fire, where children

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Kidz Playzone holiday programme 24 June: decorate and eat star cookies. 27 June: wooden butterfly mirrors to paint and decorate. 28 June: key chains for a pants or bag. 29 June: paint and decorate wooden bookmarks. 30 June: snake show 10:30am. 1 July: decorate sun visors. 4 July: create foam pictures. 5 July: fridge magnets. 6 July: animal craft. 7 July: magic show 10:30am. 8 July: paint a canvas. 11 July: Justin Bieber Day. 12 July: change the dog tag to a fashion tag. 13 July: fabric paint a bandana. 14 July: theatre show 10:30am. 15 July: design and paint pet rocks. They have a seven-metre climbing wall. Craft times: Tuesday–Saturday 9am–4:30pm. Venue: 10 Pastorale St, Durbanville Business Park, off Klipheuwel Rd. Cost: from R20, no extra cost for crafts. Contact: 021 979 4872, 084 575 2546, bev@kidzplayzone. co.za or visit kidzplayzone.co.za Kindermusik holiday programme Music, stories and activities are led by a child development educator. 27 June– 1 July. Cost: children 3–14 months R50 for a 45-minute session; children 14 months– 7 years R60 for a one-hour session. Family sessions are R55 per child for an hour. Venues: Gardens and Sea Point. To view the different themes and timetables visit kindermusikwithnats.co.za Kronendal School holiday club Children bake, paint, build, swim, play and go for secure mountain and beach walks. 17, 24 June and 15 July. Time: 7:30am–1pm, 7:30am–3pm, 7:30am– 6pm. Venue: Kronendal Primary School, Hout Bay. Cost: half-day R60, threequarter day R90 or full-day R120. Contact Joanne: 076 402 2333 or joannefrost.s.a@ gmail.com Me-time holiday programme The programme includes art, crafts, baking, hip-hop dancing and drama. For children 18 months–12 years. 27 June–19 July. Time: 8am–1pm, 9am–12pm or 2pm–5pm. Venue: first floor, Somerset Square, 8 Somerset Lane, Green Point. Cost: R130– R1 300, depending on amount of sessions. For more info: 021 418 1573, 082 491 0389 or visit me-time.co Musical Stage School Run by the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. Three hour’s

magazine cape town

daily tuition in singing, dance and drama by experts in the field of musical theatre and a workshop production at the end of the week. 4–8 July. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: The Athenaeum, Boundary Terraces, Newlands. Cost: R900 for the week. Contact: 021 674 7478, info@ dramaafrica.com or visit dramaafrica.com Nice Touch cooking for boys and girls Children make and bake and do box or plate decorating in which to take their goodies home. For ages 4–12 years. 27 June–8 July. Time: 11:30am–1pm. Venue: St James Church Hall, Sea Point. Cost: R90 per child per lesson; pay for four lessons and get one free. Contact Janis: 082 319 9215 or visit nicetouch.co.za Party Playhouse holiday programme Baking, jewellery making, creating miniature gardens and much more. 27 June–15 July. Time: varies, Monday–Friday. Venue: Bella Rosa Street, Rosenpark, Durbanville. Cost: R45–R160, varies per activity. Contact: 072 529 8518 or visit perfectpear.co.za

4–8 July – Musical Stage School

Planet Kids holiday workshop programme 24 June–18 July. Time: Monday–Friday 9am–1pm. Venue: Planet Kids, 3 Wherry Rd, Muizenberg. Cost: see website for details. Contact: 021 788 3070, info@planetkids.co.za or visit planetkids.co.za. Enquire about their Tuesday afternoon modern dance classes.

Ratanga Junction is open 1–17 July. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Century City. Cost: children over 1,3m R142; under 1,3m R70 and non-riders R45. For more info: visit ratanga.co.za Roly Polyz holiday programme There is cookie decorating, T-shirt painting, spindle art, beading and more. Details to be confirmed. Venue: Cape Town CBD. For more info: 021 418 8181 or 072 625 4649 SA Golf Institute junior sessions Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during school holidays. An interactive golf clinic incorporating other sports to enhance muscle action and hand-eye coordination. Sessions by appointment only with six juniors to a class. For more info: info@ sagolfinstitute.com Snowman building at The Ice Station Children can create their own masterpieces entirely from snow. The Ice Station is looking for the biggest, most colourfully decorated and original Frosty the Snowman. Cool prizes are up for grabs. 29 June, 6, 13 July. Time: 10am–12:30pm every Wednesday. Venue: The Ice Station, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, Goodwood. Cost: skating entry fee applies, see website. If your child is not skating, snowman building is R5. Contact: 021 535 2260 or visit icerink.co.za Sporting Chance holiday clinic Choose from hockey, soccer or rugby. 27 June–1 July and 11–15 July. Time: 9am. Venues: Constantia Sports Complex and Kelvin Grove, Newlands; Kenridge Primary School, Durbanville; Beaumont Primary, Somerset West; Astro Hockey, Bellville. Cost: R340–R500 per week, R120–R160 per day. Contact: 021 683 7299, admin@sportingchance.co.za or visit sportingchance.co.za The CapeGate Toy Shop Includes building blocks, playing snakes and ladders, face-painting, jumping castles, crafts and a playhouse area with dress up costumes. 27 June–10 July. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: Centre Court, CapeGate Centre, Brackenfell. Cost: free. Contact: 021 981 2288 The Playshed holiday hours You can have a coffee and cake while your children enjoy the huge climbing gym and dressup area. Time: Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm

29 June, 6 and 13 July – Snowman building at The Ice Station

during the school holiday for play with parents’ supervision. Drop-off mornings on Tuesday and Thursday until 12pm. Phone ahead to book. Contact: 021 801 0141/2 Tots n Pots Constantia holiday programme A fun-filled, hands-on cooking and baking workshop experience for ages 2–10 years. Dates, time and venue to be confirmed. Cost R125 per 1,5-hour class. Contact Chene: 083 649 7405 or chene@totsnpots.com Winter School holiday activities Children 6–17 years are kept busy with interactive and creative workshops, from art classes to guided walks in the garden. 27 June–15 July. Time: call to enquire. Venue: Sanlam Hall, next to the Kirstenbosch Tea Room. Cost: free for children. Contact: 021 799 8686 or visit sanbi.org Winter workshop with JellyBean Events Activities include art and crafts such as T-shirt painting, Pilates, ballet, hiphop and modern dancing. For ages 7–13 years. 27 June–1 July. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Claremont Civic Centre. Cost: R150 per day, including snacks, juice, T-shirt and cap. Contact Amanda: 083 392 9593 or jellybeanevents@gmail.com Wynberg Library holiday activities Wednesday art and crafts and story hour. 24 June–18 July. Time: 10:30am–12pm. Venue: off Church St. Cost: free. Contact Anita or Charmaine: 021 797 9178

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family outings Wijnland Auto Museum Visit the museum to see cars that are widely used by the film industry. Time: Monday– Sunday 9am–4pm. Venue: 60 Tarentaal St, Oostenberg. Cost: adults R50, children 10 years and younger free. Contact: 021 988 4203

finding nature and outdoor play Born2fish Junior Champions Club Clinic The clinics cover rock, surf and estuary fishing, knot tying, casting and deep sea fishing for children 8–18 years old. Time: 9am–4pm, every weekend. Venues: Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. Cost: R200 per child. Contact: troy@born2fish. co.za or visit born2fish.co.za Graceland Venues Has numerous fun activities such as indoor and outdoor play

Born2fish Junior Champions Club Clinic

July 2011

parks, farm animal encounters and pony rides. Time: Tuesday–Saturday 9am–4pm. Venue: Paarl. Cost: R75 per adult, R65 per child. Contact Conny: 021 863 4109

markets City Bowl Market on Hope This foodie market stocks everything from oysters and champagne to sushi. Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: 14 Hope St, Gardens. Cost: free entry. Contact: 073 270 8043, citybowlmarket@gmail. com or visit citybowlmarket.co.za Earth Fair Market Time: the Tokai market is open every Saturday 9am–2pm and every Wednesday 3pm–8pm. St George’s Mall is open every Thursday 11am–5pm. Venues: St George’s Mall market is situated off Wale St and Church St. Tokai market is situated in South Palms Centre. Cost: free entry. For more info: visit earthfairmarket.co.za Elkanah Schoolyard Market Enjoy the many sights and food while browsing through the diverse stalls. There are plenty of fun activities for children. 30 July. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Elkanah House, 85 Sunningdale Dr, Sunningdale. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 554 8586, michellej@ elkanah.co.za or visit elkanah.co.za Hout Bay Market The market has a wide variety of stalls and pony rides for the children. Time: 9am–4pm, every Sunday. Venue: Village Green, Main Rd, Hout Bay. Cost: free. Contact: 082 850 9752

Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market

Nitida’s Farmer’s Market Enjoy breakfast, home-roasted coffee, freshly squeezed juice, pancakes, home-baked British pies and muffins, jams and preserves, freshly baked bread, cheeses, and Italian and Thai cuisine. 30 July. Time: 8am–12:30pm. Venue: M13, Old Tygervalley Rd, Durbanville. Cost: free entry. Contact Getha: 083 651 0699, getha@nitida.co.za or visit nitida.co.za Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market You can find everything from stroopwafels, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, wine, spices, cakes, free-range meats and local produce.

Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, cnr Adam Tas and Oude Libertas Rd, Stellenbosch. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 809 7473 or visit slowmarket.co.za The Alphen Antiques and Collectables Fair A variety of items, including jewellery, glass, ceramics, silver, toys, books, and paintings is on sale. 10 and 24 July. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Alphen Centre, Main Rd, Constantia. Cost: free. Contact: 084 626 7499, desd@cybersmart.co.za or visit antiqueking.co.za

magazine cape town

The Bay Food and Wine night market The new night market has all the regular food and drink vendors with some special additions selling cocktails, spit-roasted lamb and exclusive craft vendors. There is also a supervised movie and popcorn room for the children. 1 July. Time: 5pm–9pm. Venue: Victoria Mall, Hout Bay. Cost: free entry. The weekly market runs as usual every Saturday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Contact Claire: 082 385 0915, Philippa: 079 553 9320, info@ thebayfoodandwinemarket.co.za or visit thebayfoodandwinemarket.co.za.

on stage and screen Cars 2 premieres Star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to new places in Cars 2 when they head

14–16 July – The Nutcracker

magazine cape town

overseas to compete in the first World Grand Prix to determine the fastest car. Also starring Michael Caine as Finn McMissile. 8 July. Showing at all major cinemas Jock of the Bushveld premieres The film features the voice talents of singer Bryan Adams as well as those of Hollywood stars Helen Hunt, Donald Sutherland, and our own Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 29 July. Showing at all major cinemas Krása’s Brundibár An opera with children as the stars. 18–21 July. Time: Monday–Thursday 7pm, Wednesday 3pm. Venue: Artscape Theatre. Cost: adult R45, scholars R20. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or Artscape Dial-a-Seat: 021 421 7695 Pedro the Music Man performs in Mermaid from Zanzibar Pedro is a teacher, musician, composer and storyteller and became very well-known as “Pedro the Music Man” from the children’s television series. 10–13 July. Time: 11am. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R45. Contact: 073 220 5430 The Nutcracker 14–16 July. Time: 7:30pm. Also 3pm on 16 July. Venue: Artscape Opera House. Cost: R135– R225. Contact: 021 410 9800, artscape@artscape.co.za or visit artscape.co.za The Three Little Pigs The three little pigs leave their farm in the Karoo to build houses of their own. 25 June– 13 July. Time: Monday–Saturday

River of Life An African fairy tale about a rural tribe of villagers and a special princess who all live near a beautiful river full of magical creatures. Ideal for 5–10 year olds. 4–9 July. Time: 11am. Venue: Masque Theatre. Cost: R30 per ticket. Contact: 021 788 1898

10:30am. Venue: Baxter Theatre Centre. Cost: R38 per person. Contact Elton: 083 364 8284 or elton@lilliputplayers. co.za or book through Computicket: visit computicket.com Zeke and Luther season three launch The boys are back. Saturday 9 July at 8:50am. DStv Channel 309

playtime and story time Bizzy Bodies indoor play park For children 1–12 years old. Time: Monday– Saturday 10am–5pm. Venue: Bizzy Bodies,

23 Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, Tokai. Cost: R40 for one hour. Contact: 021 702 0505 or visit bizzybodies.co.za Book Lounge Children’s story time takes place every Saturday. Time: 11am. Venue: 71 Roeland St. Cost: free. Contact: 021 462 2425 Bugz Family Playpark An indoor and outdoor park with sandpits, pedal cars, jumping castles, rowing boats, jungle gyms and a choo-choo train. Time: Monday– Sunday 9am–5pm. Venue: Bugz Playpark, Kraaifontein. Cost: R20; babies that

July 2011

calendar can’t yet walk enter free. Contact: 021 988 8836 or bugzparty@mwebbiz.co.za Little Birdy Bookshop story time Time: 12:30pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Main Rd, Greyton. Cost: free. Contact: 079 350 9658 Millstone Farmstall and Café There is an outside area and horse riding. Time: Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm. Venue: Alexandra Rd, Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 447 8226 Mondeor Garden and Life This nursery and restaurant offers a tranquil setting for adults as well as a play park with a supervised splash pond, play gyms and a grassed playground. Time:

Millstone Farmstall and Café

Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm. Venue: smallholding 22, Mondeor Rd, Somerset West. Cost: free entry. Contact Annette: 021 858 1608, 082 565 0615 or visit mondeorgardens.co.za Noordhoek Farm Village Saturday activities and entertainment for children. 2 July: wacky wizard magic show. 9 July: making hot chocolate and baking cookies. 16 July: a pick-a-box show. 23 July: medley of puppet shows and fun games. 30 July: winter craft fun. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm. Venue: the Bandstand, Noordhoek Farm Village. Cost: free. Contact: 021 789 2812, 021 782 9356, info@noordhoekvillage. co.za or visit noordhoekvillage.co.za Rondebosch Library story time Every Wednesday and Friday for preschoolers 3–5 years old. Time: 10am. Venue: St Andrews Rd. Contact: 021 689 1100 Slatterys This restaurant has an outdoor play area and inside play corner. Time: Tuesday–Saturday 9am–10pm, Sunday 9am–4pm. Venue: Unit 4, Oude Westhof Village Square, Van Riebeeckshof Rd, Durbanville. Cost: free entry. Contact: 021 913 7753/4, info@slatterys.co.za or visit slatterys.co.za Supafun An indoor play venue with scooters and animal bouncers, a jungle gym, trampoline, play houses, fantasy dress-up and more. Time: Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–3pm, public holidays 10am–2pm. Venue: shop 23, The Paddocks, Racecourse

Kylie in concert 13 and 14 July. Time: 8pm. Venue: GrandWest Arena. Cost: R466–R1 570. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.co.za

Rd, Milnerton. unlimited play R40 per child shop. Contact: supafun.co.za

Cost: R40 per child − supervised by parent; per hour − drop-and021 552 4776 or visit

sport and physical activities Capoeira for children Exercise for children while having fun. Exercises adapted according to each child’s age and ability, run by professional instructors. Time: Tuesday 2pm–3pm (for ages 5–7) and 4pm–5:30pm (for ages 8 and older); Saturday 9am–10am (for ages 5–7) and

10am–11am (for ages 8 and older). Venue: Capoeira Cordão de Ouro Academy, first floor, 53 Castle St, Cape Town. Cost: R70 per class (reduced monthly rate available). Contact: 071 107 0973, cdo.co.za@gmail. com or visit capoeiracdo.co.za Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge There are four routes available and the 15km route is great for children. Mom and dad can ride alongside for a family day of mountain biking in the picturesque suburb of Stellenbosch. Ideal for children 6–12 years. 30 July. Time: 9:20am. Venue: Markötter Fields, Paul Roos Gymnasium,

family marketplace

July 2011

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Stellenbosch. Cost: R65. Contact Nicolene: 021 884 4752, theteam@dirtopia.co.za, visit dieburgermtbchallenge.co.za or visit dirtopia.co.za Y is for Yoga children’s workshops For children aged 24 months–14 years. 27 June–2 July. Time: sessions vary. Venue: Karma Shala Yoga Studio and Yoga Way Yoga Studio. Cost: R55 per session, discounts for three or more bookings. Contact: 082 642 5256 or 079 137 4249

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Breathe Pilates Studio The morning gathering includes a 45-minute Pilates class and a brief intro to life coaching and connecting to your essential self.

Presented by life coach Gillian Scott, who was trained by Martha Beck, Oprah’s in-house life coach. Linger, if you like, and have some tea/coffee and cake with them. Great specials on the day. 23 July. Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Breathe Pilates Studio, Bergvliet. Cost: R250. Contact Zinta: studio@breathepilates.co.za Freedom Fitness classes Offers a free 45- to 60-minute consultation for people looking to get into shape and improve fitness levels using a personal trainer. All fitness levels catered for. 2, 16, 23, 30 July. To arrange a time, contact Paul: 079 173 6414 Practical strategies for managing common conditions in children This one-day course is aimed at managing all five of the most common conditions affecting children today: Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD/ ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and sensory

integration difficulties. A panel of experts in each sphere explains each diagnosis providing insight into the behaviour, strength and deficit associated with each one, and offers practical strategies for their management. For therapists, doctors, parents, teachers and principals. 24 July. Time: 8am–4:30pm. Venue: Dimension Data Conference Centre, Mowbray. Cost: R950–R1 050. Contact Haley: 084 581 7557, Gabi: 083 700 3644 or bookings@professionalminds.co.za The Work of Byron Katie – workshop for stress Using a simple yet effective process of self-realisation and empowerment, learn to question thoughts that create stress and fear. For 14 years and older. 30 July. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: 76 De Bron Ave, Kenridge, Durbanville. Cost: R700. Contact Jocelyn: 072 202 6198 or theworkbodytalk@gmail.com

on stage and screen

Freedom Fitness classes

magazine cape town

Pink Floyd – A Singular History with Alan Day Described as more of a history show than a greatest hits show, Day performs Pink Floyd tunes. 3 July. Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R80. Contact: 073 220 5430 Rose with Fiona York First performed at the National Theatre in London, Rose is a sharply drawn portrait of a feisty Jewish woman and the events that shaped a century. 14 July–6 August. Time: Wednesday–Saturday 8:30pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R110. Contact: 073 220 5430

1–3 July – Classical Guitar Festival

Shadow of Brel Jacques Brel, a legendary composer and singer, is captured in this solo show by Fleur du Cap award-winning musician Godfrey Johnson. 29 June– 9 July. Time: Wednesday–Saturday 8:30pm. Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre. Cost: R110. Contact: 073 220 5430 Vodacom Funny Festival The master of ceremonies is Alan Committie and the line-up includes performances by Kalki Henenberg, Miss Ro, Eugene Khoza, Kev Orkian and Shimmy Isaacs. 13 June–10 July. Time: 8pm daily. Venue: Baxter Concert Hall. Cost: R130. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

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out and about Classical Guitar Festival 1–3 July. Time: starts 9am. Venue: Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Cost: R150–R350. Book through Computicket: 083 915 8000 or for more info visit capetownguitarfestival.com Sarda Classical Music Recital Matthew Reid, an internationally trained clarinetist, is joined by fellow musicians Klezmer and Benny Goodman. 23 July. Time: 7pm–10pm. Venue: Steenberg Golf Estate. Cost: R250. To book, contact Henrietta: 021 794 6191, 072 583 5919, capetown-pr@sarda.co.za or visit sarda.co.za The Sunflower Fund Winter Charity Ball 30 July. Time 6:30pm. Venue: Mount Nelson Hotel. Dress code is elegant/black tie. Cost: R800. To book, contact Adi: 021 701 0661 or events@sunflowerfund.org.za Tretchikoff exhibition Vladimir Tretchikoff has become a cultural icon with sales of his work having recently reached record levels at auction. Works such as “Chinese Girl” and “Fighting Zebras”, which he made affordable for all, have become a vital part of popular culture. 26 May–25 September. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Iziko South African National Gallery. Cost: R20 for adults; free for children under 18. Contact: alewis@iziko.org.za or tretchikoffcurator@gmail.com

Tretchikoff exhibition

support groups Allergy Society of South Africa The organisation advances the knowledge and practice of allergy and immunology through educational publications, meetings, and conferences. Contact: 021 447 9019 or visit allergysa.org

21 June–19 July – BabyGym workshops

July 2011

Victoria Rd, Plumstead. Cost: R50. Contact Andy: 021 761 9623, Cred: 083 303 5552 or info@birthoptions.co.za Parent Centre moms-to-be and momsand-babies group Time: 10am–12pm, every Thursday. Venue: Kingsbury Maternity Hospital, maternity section, second floor, Wilderness Rd, Claremont. Cost: R40 including refreshments. Contact: 021 762 0116 or zaiboe@theparentcentre.org.za

playtime and story time

SPCA book sale The SPCA hosts a three-day book sale, courtesy of the Canal Walk Foundation. 29–31 July. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Canal Walk. Contact Natasha: 021 700 4155, awareness@spca-ct.co.za or visit spca-ct.co.za

Angelman Syndrome support If you are living with Angelman Syndrome or your child has Angelman please contact Shawn or Alida: 039 737 4613, 083 635 0237 or phiz@mweb.co.za Epilepsy South Africa They have counselling services for individuals and their families, and support groups have been formed in response to common needs. The Share and Care Programme aims to help people with epilepsy to obtain information about surgery for epilepsy. Contact: 021 703 9420, wcape@epilepsy. org.za or visit epilepsy.org.za Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa They offer emotional support and genetic counselling. Through newsletters, members are kept informed of all activities and receive research updates, nationally and internationally. Goodwood. Contact: 021 592 7306 (weekday mornings), cape@mdsa.org.za or visit mdsa.org.za. For the Parent Project contact Maxine: 083 662 2189 or maxine@ riverhillprop.com Sms information service for disabled people Helps anyone via text message to find their nearest rehabilitation centre or other disability services. Please send a short text to 072 172 2623 with your name, town, disability and the info you need. They then reply and tell you how

to contact your nearest resource. You may also send an email to the.sponge.project@ gmail.com or visit http://thespongeproject. yolasite.com South African Inherited Disorders Association (SAIDA) An umbrella organisation for support groups of most inherited disorders. SAIDA is also actively involved in promoting the understanding of and education about the many inherited disorders that occur in South Africa. For more info: visit saida.org.za

Mom’s Club For moms and babies. At least once a month there is a speaker on a baby-related topic. Time: 10am–11:30am, every Tuesday during term. Venue: Medway Youth Centre, cnr Medway and Milford Rds, Plumstead. Cost: free. Contact Barbara: 074 580 4480 or eachus.rosemary@ gmail.com Music, movement and percussion classes for babies and toddlers Small classes combine singing, movement and rhythm using percussion instruments. For children 6–18 months and 18 months– 3 years. Time: 9am and 10:30am. Venues: Wriggle and Rhyme Bergvliet, Constantia, Sun Valley and Wynberg. Cost: R390 per term plus once-off joining fee. Contact Kirsty: 079 740 4561, info@wriggleandrhyme.co.za or visit wriggleandrhyme.co.za Sea Point Library story time Every Wednesday 10am–11am for preschoolers and younger. Contact: 021 439 7440/1 SuperStars baby and toddler activity workshops Aimed at providing your baby or toddler with a safe and

For more support groups visit childmag.co.za/resources/supportgroups

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops BabyGym workshops An interactive brain and body development workshop for babies 2 months and older. 21 June– 19 July. Time: 10am, every Tuesday. Venue: Fish Hoek. Cost: R630. Contact Marlise: 073 145 4367, marlise.howell@babygym. co.za or visit babygym.co.za Birth Options and Incredible Babies antenatal classes During the course some topics covered include stages of labour, pain, newborn care and breast-feeding. 22 June–27 July. Time: 7:30pm–9:30pm. Venue: 12 Victoria Rd, Plumstead. Cost: R750 per couple. Contact Andrea: 021 761 9623, info@birthoptions.co.za or visit birthoptions.co.za Managing single parenting workshop Time: 19 July 7:30pm–9pm or 20 July 10am–11:30am. Venue: Family Wellness Consulting, 51D Belvedere Square, Claremont. Cost: R100. Contact: 083 567 5572, steph@familywellnessconsulting. co.za or visit familywellnessconsulting.co.za Mom’s tea at Incredible Babies A chance for moms, dads or carers to get together socially and listen to a speaker on a topic of interest. 29 July. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm, speaker at 11am. Venue: Birth Options, 12

La Leche League’s breastfeeding support groups Panorama: Monday 4 July. Contact Carol: 021 558 5319 or Irma: 084 258 8203. Durbanville: Tuesday 12 July. Contact Trudy: 021 913 2816 or Tiffany: 021 913 3586. Parow: Wednesday 13 July. Contact Dilshaad: 021 930 2475. Milnerton Medi-Clinic: Tuesday 5 July. Contact Juliet: 021 556 0693 (9:30am). Parklands Intercare: Wednesday 24 July. Contact Simela: 021 553 1664 (10:30am). Rondebosch: Tuesday 12 July. Contact Elizabeth: 021 689 9308. All meetings start at 10am, entry is free and pregnant and nursing mothers are welcome to attend.

magazine cape town

it’s party time

Children’s story time at a library near you

supported environment in which to play and explore. Time: varies according to age group. Venue: Little Picasso’s Café, Northumberland Close, Parklands. Cost: R550–R650 per term, eight lessons per term. Contact Angelique: 082 431 3608 or superstarsworkshops@gmail.com The Playshed baby coupé Offers a separate play area for toddlers. Time: Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm, during the school holiday, for play with parents’ supervision. Drop-off mornings on Tuesday and Thursday until 12pm. Phone ahead to book. Contact: 021 801 0141/2

support groups Cleft Friends Support group For parents with babies born with cleft lips and palates. Contact: helena@cleftfriends.co.za or visit cleftfriends.co.za Hi Hopes Offers families of deaf babies home-based, family-centred support and information. Contact Renee: 021 949 9388, 076 891 8188 or devilliers.renee@gmail.com Little Miracle support group For parents of premature babies. Contact: 0861 548 853, info@littlemiracle.co.za or visit littlemiracle.co.za Postnatal Depression Support Association The organisation offers help for moms and their families. You can also join the chat group. Contact the national helpline: sms “help” and your name to 082 882 0072 for them to contact you. Head office: 021 797 4498 or visit pndsa.org.za

how to help StreetSmart Winter Restaurant Week Some of the region’s finest restaurants are offering special menus at affordable prices. The participating restaurants in

Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Strand, Franschhoek, Paarl and Citrusdal are all supporters of StreetSmart SA, an organisation dedicated to helping street children rebuild their lives. StreetSmart uses this week to raise funds through a voluntary R5 donation with each table’s bill. StreetSmart Winter Restaurant Week is 18–24 July. For a full list of participating restaurants and their special menus, contact: 021 418 0621, streetsmart@ eqweb.co.za or visit streetsmartsa.org.za Tears A pro-life, non-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates, reunites and re-homes lost, abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs and cats. Some of the things they need are volunteers, foster homes for animals, dog and cat food, kennels, blankets, towels, bedding, baskets, bowls, plastic dog beds, toys, hooves, chews, leads, collars, half check chain collars, exhibition cages, plastic animal travel boxes, as well as various items for their clinic/hospital. Contact: 021 785 7014, 084 805 8185, marge@tears.org.za or visit tears.org.za Umthombo Wesizwe children’s project They have developed a unique Cultural Diversity Intelligence (CDI) programme. They train community members and students to be facilitators at their camps and empower children and facilitators to lead cultural diversity in their communities. They need a laptop for the project coordinator, food and transportation for their next facilitator training sessions in August and their children’s leadership camp in September. They also require stationery and volunteers from Hout Bay and Muizenberg to register for their future facilitator training sessions. Contact: 021 465 5655, info@uwfund.org or visit uwfund.org

don’t miss out! For a free listing, email your event to lucille@childmag.co.za or fax it to 021 462 2680. Information must be received by 6 July for the August issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

magazine cape town

July 2011

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party time continued...

July 2011

magazine cape town

July 2011

last laugh

the (quirky) things families say SAM WILSON adores the silliness of made-up words and malapropisms,

Joe, Sam and Benj

very family develops its own vocabulary, a secret lexicon that has brought joy, for no apparent reason, for generations. I don’t know why we all don’t just leave the language as it was meant to be spoken, but I am glad we don’t, because it is one of my favourite bits of family life. My parents, brothers and I, for example, call a specific type of takeout pizza the “one with extra nose squeakers”. I have no idea why. It may be because of the peppadews or because it’s a bit more expensive, but I do know that we chuckle every time we order it. We also say “cheerio folks” every time someone orders a steak, because it’s what my late grandmother used to say.

July 2011

I know this is not peculiar to my family. My twitter friend, Gus Silber, recently shared that he and his daughter have hit upon the deliciousness of the word “swag”. They yell it out randomly, by all accounts, and it gives them so much satisfaction. (Being particularly delighted by the word myself – so plummy and inextricably associated with that perennial corker “swashbuckle” – I tried to get this practice to catch on in my own family, but alas, it appears a family’s verbal quirks can’t be transplanted.) The Silber Swag rhymes with another one of my family’s word idiosyncrasies. My boys and I often say “blag”, consciously mispronouncing “blog” and tipping a cap to the web cartoonists xkcd, who started that joke. Sounds silly? It is. “Have you read my blag? No? You should link to it from your

website.” Have I ever mentioned how much I adore silly? Unfortunately, once you find a more fun way of pronouncing a word, it’s very hard to go back. I now say “ronts” instead of “rands” for example, and “Canadia” instead of “Canada”. I once heard someone lean over to my older brother and whisper, “Oh how embarrassing for you. You don’t say ‘fox pax’; faux pas is pronounced ‘fou paah’.” Naturally, we continue to “fox pax” with relish at every opportunity. When not deliberately mispronouncing words, we are often adding them to others. “Do you want to go to the shops with me?” I’ll ask my son, Benj. “Absofruitly,” he’ll reply. Then of course, there are family movie words. Ever seen The Castle? If you have seen it, no doubt the phrases “aah, the serenity” and “this is going straight to the pool room” feature in your family’s lexicons

too. And I am sure many of your homes have also embraced bon mots (nope, just pronounced bon mots) from the legendary shows of Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and Eddie Izzard. And then there’s just the making of pleasing noises at each other. Like when Andreas sees Benj, he breaks into a soft smile and says, “Hello my Schneegle Feegle Beagle!” “Hello my Daddy Paddy Faddy!” Benj will say back. Why do we do all this? I really have no idea, but I do know that it’s one of the weird aspects of family life that amuses me the most. Which is why I wrote a whole colombe about it. Sam Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief of Women24, Parent24 and Food24.com... and has just been struck by the absurdity of her enjoyment of misspoken words, when her job is ostensibly to check others’ spelling and grammar.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: Andreas SpÄth

especially when they form part of your kin’s secret language.