Quiz evenings for a good cause
(PAGE 5)
An introduction to Andrew Herriot’s latest book
(PAGE 9)
FAITHFUL PETS
A heartwarming tale about Chico the dog
(PAGE 15)
Looking back to this time last year, many of us were in a completely different space to where we are today. I remember starting the year off with the thought that 2022 just had to be a better year than the previous two years. While the Covid-19 pandemic took a lot from us, it also proved that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And so, we adapted and evolved ourselves accordingly by learning to work, learn, shop, and interact with others from the comfort of our own homes. Then lockdown ended and we slowly emerged from our homely cocoons. Some of us emerged slowly while others hit the ground running – all in anticipation of what the year ahead had in store for us. And what a year it was, ending on an awesome note.
And so, with a new year comes new challenges – the biggest being the rather dim and bleak reality of loadshedding. Once again we’ve been pushed out of our comfort zones as we look at new and alternative ways of keeping the lights on.
The Stanford Spectator continues to go through changes of its own as we venture into 2023. Just as it takes a village to raise a
child, the same can be said for our growing publication which is soon to be six months old! We look forward to building on what we’ve achieved in a very short space of time, all thanks to the support and buy-in from our readers, contributors, advertisers, an amazing community, and a couple of neighbouring towns too. Yes, we’re spreading our wings!
So, what do we have for in store for you in our very first issue of 2023? Well, we have a mix of features – some serious, and some not so serious. We have some feel-good stories too, focusing on people and events that occurred over the festive season. Did you know that quizzing is becoming quite the trend here in Stanford? Read all about that on page 5. And, while we’re on the subject of trends, check out what some of the predictions for the year ahead are on page 7.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead!
MELISSA MC ALPINE
Editor 078 324 5692
melissa@stanfordnewsagency.co.za
MARIKE GROOT
Artwork | Layout | Design design@stanfordnewsagency.co.za
Ad bookings
admin@stanfordnewsagency.co.za
CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE:
Liz Clarke
Dr Arien van der Merwe
Etienne Janse Van Rensburg
Lanie van Reenen
Vanessa Tedder
Nelly Roodt
www.stanfordnewsagency.co.za
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Writer: Liz Clarke
Jaylon Phillips cannot remember a time when drawing and sketching were not part of his life. In many ways pencils and scraps of paper were his “friends” – a way to break away from niggling everyday problems and embrace a world where imagination was king.
“I loved plants and nature, and I would look at things very closely to see how they were put together and draw them as well as I could.”
It was a natural talent that was noticed when he was a junior school learner at Okkie Smuts, around the corner from his Stanford South home.
“I had a really great art teacher called Adana. She taught me about composition, accuracy and the importance of light. More
is less she kept telling me. My biggest dream was to go to art school, but in high school in Gansbaai there was no art subjects, so I had forgotten it for a while.”
But once matric was finished Jaylon, now 26, went back to his favourite pastime, art.
“I began drawing again, using fine nibs, brushes and inks, each work taking weeks to finish. I got quite a few jobs – and that was good. These days, though, I am more into pop art, using acrylics.”
His mission is to complete a set of six paintings featuring major pop artists including Chris Brown, Snoop Dog, 2Pac and Drake. Waiting in the wings are Notorious Big and Dr Dre.
“Once I’ve closed that chapter, I want to do some of the legendary greats like The Beatles and Queen, still using the pop art genre because I think that is what younger people
like and I have to be able to make a living and certainly enough money to buy paints and canvases.”
However, there is another sideroad that Jaylon is exploring – and that is the world of tattooing.
“I have a small business with a friend in Hermanus and we are really busy. I believe that to be a good tattooist you have to be an excellent drawer and know how to do fine artwork. I would like to open a tattoo shop in Stanford, but I am not sure if the village is ready for that,” he says with a knowing smile.
There may be a day, he says, when I don’t want to do any of these things. But that’s what is so exciting about art. You are always learning. You are always thinking about ideas. I say bring on the next chapter – I will be ready.”
Every Monday
Painting Classes with Tracy Algar (10am – 12pm)
Egret & The Owl Book Café
R200 per class
Details: 084 584 3757
Every Wednesday
Writing Classes with Lesley Beake (10am – 12pm)
Egret & The Owl Book Café
R250 per class & R160 for lunch
Details: 082 6464 420 | lesley@lesleybeake.co.za
Every Thursday
Calligraphy Workshop with Martyn Johnson (2.30 – 4.30pm)
Details: 084 675 1164
Fresh Produce Market (9am – 4pm)
Martin’s Deli, 1 River Road, Business Park
Details: 082 321 0337
Every Saturday
Stanford Square Market (9am – 2pm)
Stanford Square, Queen Victoria Street
Details: Kathryn Gardiner Marshall 083 677 5737
Stanford Saturday Morning Market (9am – 12pm)
Stanford Hotel Stoep
JANUARY 27 Sunset Market
29 An evening of Music and Poetry by Further Ado
Stanford Kitchen, 19 Queen Victoria Street
From 6pm for Dinner, show starts at 7:30pm
R100/per person
Details: 079 975 6211
31 Learn Zen Meditation Online (8pm-9pm)
Details: BornastheEarth.com
FEBRUARY
2 – 5 Women’s Retreat
Bodhi Khaya Retreat, Grootbos Road, Gansbaai
Details: 072 385 6978
www.bodhikhaya.com
9 – 12 Life Alignment Retreat with Jeff Levin
Bodhi Khaya Retreat, Grootbos Road, Gansbaai
Details: 072 385 6978
www.bodhikhaya.com
16 – 19 An Equine Facilitated Regenerative Retreat
With Liesl van Zyl, Kirsten Neke & Their Herd of 8 Horses
Bodhi Khaya Retreat, Grootbos Road, Gansbaai
Details: 072 385 6978
www.bodhikhaya.com
20 – 23 Ecstatic Intuitive Dance Retreat with Andrew
Barnes
Details: 0836791297
rhiannevdl@gmail.com
25 Stanford MTB Classic XCM
Stanford Valley Guest Farm
Details: www.overbergmtbevents.co.za
What makes a good quizmaster? This was the question put to Allen Linden Barnley, Master of Food, hosting and quizzes at the popular country living eatery, The Zesty Lemon. He thought for several seconds and then he replied:
“Quite honestly, I don’t think there is a simple answer to that one. It’s not about the questions you ask, but rather the way you connect to people. Of course, any quiz is about knowledge, what you know and what you don’t and that in itself makes people mega competitive and sometimes pretty raucous. But it’s also about friendship, conviviality and having fun.”
Putting that mixture together takes practice and patience, he says. And Allen should know having had six years of quizzing experience in Cape Town before coming to Stanford.
“You get the serious regular quizzers who make it their business to know everything. It’s almost a career. To be honest, that can be quite stressful. I’ve seen a few angry outbursts.”
“But Stanfordians, they’re the best. They love their quiz evenings and I have enormous fun creating sets of questions that I know they will enjoy. We also support local causes.”
Having said that, he admits that there are certain rules that you, as a quizmaster, have to stick to. Firstly, no cellphones or tablets are allowed at the tables. Secondly, no shouting out of answers and keeping noise levels down. And thirdly, the quizmaster is always right!
“I say this because I have researched the questions thoroughly. If I’m challenged, I will allow that person to google the question. If I’m right, that person will buy me a drink, and if I’m wrong, then I will buy that person a drink. It’s the easiest way to maintain control.”
And by control, Allen means in a firm but fun way. And what makes a good quizzer?
Be curious, suggests Allen, about everything from the hottest planet to the makers of Marmite, the first name of Charlie Chaplin’s wife and the name of a fictional city that is the home of Batman.
And if you’re really serious about improving your quizzing skills, you could try some online sites like quizly.com, for example.
By the way, the hottest planet is Venus, Marmite is made by Unilever, the first name of Charlie Chaplin’s wife is Oona, and Batman lived in Gotham City. Happy quizzing!
Stanford has two regular quiz evenings - one at The Zesty Lemon and a second one at Birkenhead Breweries in aid of the Conservation Trust Association’s various volunteer community projects, including the upkeep of the Wandelpad, Swop Shop and numerous heritage initiatives. Keep an eye out for notices regarding both these events.
The Stanford Business Forum (SBF) was established with the main aim of providing upliftment and support to local businesses in the greater Stanford region. This is done by fostering growth & development, creating awareness, and championing entrepreneurs across the Stanford Valley.
The SBF are in the process of compiling a database of all service providers in the Stanford Valley, including external service providers rendering specific and specialised services to our area.
We hereby invite interested people to register their details on our database by simply completing the form below and forwarding it on to: info@stanfordbf.org
In addition to this initiative, the SBF will be launching an App in February which will enable potential customers to electronically access service provider information specific to the Stanford Valley.
Stanford Valley refers to the entire area of Stanford as seen in the map below:
Derek
Kathryn Gardiner Marshall - 083 677 5737
This is the year of reducing stress levels, finding a better work-life balance, and enhancing the quality of your life. In other words, it’s all about YOU! Here’s a brief overview of what trends we can expect to see this year.
And the colour of the year is… Viva Magenta 18-1750. Symbolising strength, power, bravery and fearlessness, this vibrant colour encourages experimentation and self-expression. So, if you’re looking to make a bold statement this year, majenta is the colour to go for.
Foods trending this year include dates, grains, mushrooms, and CBD-infused foods. Flexitarianism will trend in a big way with more and more people leaning towards a predominantly plant-based diet. And, if butter boards don’t appeal to you, you could
always try (wait for it…) - tinned fish boards! People are placing tins of fish – mostly canned sardines, tuna, and mussels on cutting boards for guests to tuck into.
Since from the lockdown period, our homes have become sanctuaries with calming interiors, a relaxed environment and a spa-like feel to them. Plants will be on trend for 2023, with offices and homes being filled with lots of greenery. Furniture with curves add a softer, more relaxed look and feel. Natural elements such as bamboo and rattan will trend alongside more earthy colour palettes.
Online shopping will continue to trend. With the click of a button, shoppers can buy anything from groceries to furniture without ever leaving the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re shopping for special décor pieces, furniture or clothing, thrifting will thrive in
2023. Repurposing preloved items is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly.
From physical wellbeing to mental health, people are taking stock of their lifestyles and opting for healthier options. Less is more this year with lower intensity workouts such as walking and yoga, mindful drinking (mocktails, non-alcoholic G&Ts, ciders and wine), earlier dinners and bedtimes for improved weight loss and healthier sleeping patterns.
This year’s travel trends are all about relaxation, exploration and inspiration. The main drivers post-covid are wellness spas, retreats and spiritual journeys. Travelers will continue to prefer smaller guest lodges over the bigger chain hotels and a return to nature will trend. Solo travel will be on the rise for those of us seeking a bit of solitude and soul searching, and cruises are also trending since they provide a stress-free vacation.
To the organisers of the Stanford Festival, I would like to express my appreciation for a well-organised event. Pulling together all the strings to get it off the ground is not an easy job to say the least, and then to have to contend with the unknown factor of the weather, for which there is no control! The Kaapse Klopse March through the village was a memorable sight. The only minor missing piece, for me, was that there were no "time slots" given on the posters/flyers for each event throughout the day. Had I known in advance what time the 'Reel Dancers' were to perform, I would have been able to be at that event without having to sit through other events that I was not interested in. As it was, I was unable to get any photos nor a video of them, such a pity for me. Congratulations on a great event, I trust this year’s event year will be just as memorable.
Richard Randall, StanfordWe all want to be independent and in control of our lives for as long as possible—preferably until the day we die. But independence doesn’t always pan out; illness or injury can strike at any time and make life living alone impractical. And, as our worlds shrink, living alone can start to feel lonely—and loneliness, researchers say, can kill.
I thought I would like to share a village community model which combines aging with the type of interdependent living that helps make aging on one’s own possible for longer. It’s an innovative, DIY take on what villages can offer—trusted relationships with neighbours and the wider community.
The idea is to have a non-profit, grassroots solution that’s governed by its members. Although the village model is designed for older adults, choosing to join a village is a vote in favour of intergenerational living. Not everyone wants to live in a large retirement community - sometimes referred to as an “old-age ghetto.” When you live in a village, you’re still part of your larger community.
In the village model, older members of a community are linked with one another, and with a network of volunteers and paid services. There are over 300 villages now in the US and each is governed by a board of directors made up of members. Social events might include game days, lunches and dinners, trips to museums and other places of interest.
The coordinator manages a vetted list of service providers and community partners to call on when a villager needs help: home maintenance and repairs, technology help, health and wellness services, transportation, light housekeeping and shopping assistance. Service providers—from drivers to repair people—will often negotiate special prices when they’re contracted to work for an entire village.
I just thought this sounded like a good idea we might explore as a village that cares.
Elma Hunter, StanfordEskom says that part of the problem of not detecting faults sooner is a result of trees growing over, into and alongside overhead electrical cables. This is especially dangerous, particularly during stormy weather conditions when branches can be knocked onto power lines. Overstrand Municipality has been clearing tree branches on sidewalks away from overhead power lines where necessary and encourages property owners to do the same to reduce the risk of outages. The tree owner is responsible for keeping the trees on their erf or property clear of overhead power lines. Eskom confirmed they notified property owners to prune or trim trees interfering with electricity lines or encroaching on the power supply; but unfortunately, most property owners did not heed the notification because it is costly to trim trees. Neither Eskom, nor the Municipality, can prune trees on private property. It is up to all residents in the suburb to support and encourage their neighbours to prune their trees or face days without electricity. To request pruning of a tree on the sidewalk, an application form can be submitted to enquiries@overstrand.gov.za for the attention of the relevant area manager. Each request will be fully investigated and treated according to its merit, but removal would only be considered as the very last option.
Overstrand Municipality’s Tree Policy can be viewed on the website, www.overstrand.gov.za click on Documents, then Policies and then Urban Tree Policy.
Dean O’Neill – Overstrand Municipal Manager
In Andrew Herriot’s words, his recently compiled 254-page documentary-style personal narrative “My Living Soundtrack” dips into the evolving mindset of a child, a boy, a teen, an adult and a senior citizen over a lifetime of myriad musical experiences.”
That said, his 107-chapter recollection is not one that you can pick up and read from cover to cover in a few sittings, but rather a celebratory collection of anecdotal material spanning many countries and continents, much of it centred on musical events in Stanford, to be explored over time and whenever the mood takes you.
Much of the material appeared in the River Talk, a one-time popular village chronicle.
One could even go as far as to say that the methodology he has used to collate information – over several years - has a unique historical value in terms of study reference.
“That wasn’t my intention” says this 80-something jazz pianist, mathematician and music teacher. “It was compiled for my family and friends, but there might be merit in getting it to a wider audience.”
In essence, the tome celebrates and documents Andrew’s love of jazz, the luminaries of the jazz firmament and his personal place within that genre.
A random “dip” into Andrew’s book delivers some interesting snippets. Here are just a few:
• Jazz pianist, Bill McGuffie, Andrew’s 50s hero, had nine fingers. Another ‘hero’ jazz pianist, George Shearing, was born blind and learnt to play by ear. Other great jazz artists from those early times with infirmities include stone deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who played at the opening of the 2012 London Olympics, and partially blind jazz pianist, Art Tatum.
• Chapter 27 is devoted to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba, singer, civil rights activist who had “nine passports none of which was South African” and who returned to South Africa in 1990 with the help of Madiba.
• A contemporary heroine is Diana Krall, a brilliant swing jazz singer… “the fact that she plays the Steinway par excellence has influenced me hugely.”
• In Chapter 62, Andrew’s introduction to the Butterfly Centre is recalled and his musical interaction “with children who are developmentally different.”
• Most of us know the words, “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.” But few may know the author, Dorothy Fields, who wrote more than 400 songs for Broadway including “The Way You Look Tonight”, “On the Sunny side of the Street” and “Big Spender”. She worked on 15 stage musicals and 26 musicals – a good one for a quiz evening!
“It was compiled for my family and friends, but there might be merit in getting it to a wider audience.”
Writer: Lana Coates, Stanford Rotary
Can you imagine having to go to school with old, broken shoes that are too small for your feet? Or that you have to wear socks and sandals because you don’t have proper school shoes to wear? Sadly, this is the predicament that many of our school children here in Stanford are facing on a daily basis. Added to this is the fact that many of these children are teased as a result of not having the correct shoes, and as a result don’t even want to go to school.
To encourage them to stay in school, and so that they don’t have to feel embarrassed or ashamed, we are appealing to the community to assist us in providing these children with new shoes.
The cost of a pair of shoes is between R160 and R180, depending on the size.
Donations can be made out to:
Rotary Club of Stanford
First National Bank, Hermanus
Account No: 62355979695
Branch Code: 250655
Ref: Your Name & Shoes
Thank you! Your contribution will put a smile on the face of a child and give him/her the much-needed confidence boost.
With rising temperatures, it’s vital that all pets have access to clean and fresh water. Maintaining proper hydration is extremely important to an animal’s health. Like humans, pets can suffer from dehydration, a painful and often deadly condition that can easily be prevented.
Thank you for caring!
Isuppose the country life seed had been germinating somewhere in the back of my mind. It may have happened while sitting in bumper-tobumper traffic noticing the grime and decay and unattractiveness of a big city, internalising the impatient rush and hurry of a metropolis. Or the feeling of being swallowed by anonymity behind the high walls of my apartment, only now and then nodding a hallo to neighbours before they too disappeared behind their own high walls.
I always thought of myself as a city girl, never second-guessing it. Where else would I live?
And so, I surprised myself when my son Nicolaas asked me, holding up a picture of a white-washed cottage on the Property24 App, “Mom could you live in Stanford?” And me saying, “Yes!” with conviction and certainty. Just like that!
We had not been looking for a house in Stanford. We were doing what we always did after a happy family holiday, idly thinking about acquiring our own “huisie by die see.” This time we qualified the location; it should be within a two-hour drive from Cape Town - which leaves you with Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Betties. All lovely, expensive and windy! For good measure, the Property24 App threw Stanford into the search. Clever algorithms!
I remember the day in early October 2020, when my friend and I drove into Stanford on a late afternoon. A halo of soft pink and gold light hung above the village, the mountains beyond hazy and green. A couple were walking their dog, children were playing in the street, a few fishermen on the bank of the river had their lines in the water. A benevolent hand on my back had moved me here. The cottage advertised on Property24 was perfect – a fixer-upper at a price we could afford. I knew instinctively what renovations it needed.
The project went smoothly thanks to a local builder, Andrew Dunsdan, whose brother-in-law at the local Buco had recommended him, upon my enquiry after a builder in Stanford. My children and grandchildren came over on weekends to help. And after five months, over a happy weekend in early August 2021, we unpacked everything that had been sitting in storage in the loft and I moved in.
I have to admit to a moment of panic though, upon waking up on the first Monday in my new house, in my country life, in a village where I knew no-one. Anticipating a little wobble, I had had the foresight to find out about yoga classes and had booked the early morning session. Yoga people are my people. After the class I heard the teacher discussing the 12 o’ clock pick-up for swimming in a dam on a nearby farm. Grabbing her arm I asked, please can I come along? I would have pleaded.
So began my happy life in Stanford; yoga leading to swimming, leading to paddling, leading to hiking, leading to book clubs (two!), leading to music evenings, leading to a garden-club, leading to sewing circles and a full moon walk around a labyrinth. And all along making new friends and revelling in all the goodwill and kindness, the easy pace, and the gentle flow of things. But, most importantly, a lot of exquisite alone time, often with a glass of wine pondering chance and benevolence and making acquaintance with the best version of myself to date.
I read these two random Instagram quotes, and they resonated: “It happens. One day you wake up and you are in this place, this place where everything seems right. Your head is calm, your soul is lit, your thoughts are positive, your vision is clear. You are at peace – at peace with where you’ve been, at peace with what you’ve been through and at peace with where you are headed.”
“I wasn’t unhappy before, but I am so much happier here.”
- Sophie Grigson for the Daily Mail 20 07 21
Up until joining the ranks of Stanford Community Police Forum (CPF) recently, I have to confess I had little to no knowledge of who its members were and what exactly they were doing. And I am willing to wager there are probably many more inhabitants of our village who would claim the same. The brutal attack on an elderly woman in December 2022, in Stanford brought home the reality that even seemingly serene little villages are not immune to violent crime. As horrific as that incident was, it also summed up succinctly the power and the need for entities like CPF’s. It was thanks to the combined efforts of local security, private citizens, Stanford CPF and SAPS that those behind the violent home invasion were behind bars barely three hours after the victim was discovered.
So, first things first: what exactly is the CPF? The CPF is a legal and legitimate arm of the South African Police service. Its mandate is to ensure an honest and transparent relationship between the community and police with an aim of creating an environment for a better quality of life, reducing fears of crime and most importantly to reduce and eradicate crime causing conditions in a community. Here in Stanford, we should never be so facile to think crime more especially violent crime is a rot and evil reserved only for cities. Many in our community are battling unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse and poverty – all key ingredients to a recipe for trouble and tragedy.
And it is here in this treacherous terrain of socio-economic challenges and the historical disadvantages of a sector of our community, which we cannot and should never ignore or brush off, that Stanford CPF has been working not just to strengthen safety and security of all villagers, but to also provide support and empowerment to those of us whose lives and circumstances are nothing short of desperate and despairing. A seemingly insurmountable task but not for Stanford CPF.
We have ongoing programmes aimed at guiding and supporting underprivileged boys from our community and mentoring them as they journey into adulthood, to becoming men with purpose and promise. Tackling bullying, teenage pregnancies and gender violence at school level means our members can often be found delivering talks in the classrooms. Sport has always been a unifier of people and a powerful tool when it comes to instilling a sense of pride and purpose in people. The CPF has been conducting sporting programmes to entice youth off the streets and onto the fields away from crime and drugs.
Much of what we do is largely dependent on the financial assistance from our community. In the interest of transparency, the CPF’s financial records are always open to scrutiny. And no money is spent without the approval and consent of each and every member and the final thumbs up from our police station commander.
The Community in Blue (CIB) which is a branch of the CPF is a team of volunteers
from the community, most of them women, including mothers and grandmothers, who after a hard day’s work can be found patrolling the streets at night, on the frontlines of drug and alcohol abuse and other risks to their lives to ensure that the rest of us can sleep a little more soundly.
A partnership between Food for Thought Stanford, SAPS and the CPF has borne a brilliant concept called the Social Employment Fund (SEF) which seeks to recruit and train unemployed community members in various spheres from cleaning to maintenance to gardening amongst other things.
The SEF recruits will then be assigned to various jobs within Stanford aimed at improving the aesthetics of our Village. All this exceptional and hard work, which means constantly engaging with the community, to sometimes being among the first responders at crime scenes, to providing support for SAPS to empowering those in need, requires not only a commitment and love of Stanford, not just the time of a team that truly embodies and is reflective of our beautiful and diverse community but also people with the innate desire and dedication to make this village a place we are all proud to call home.
“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power do it.”
Filling the night air with joyous carols and honouring the cultural heritage of Stanford – what more could you ask for on the eve of a village’s Christmas festivities?
Paula Bouwer led her ‘Stanford Sings’ informal, social singing group in a selection of favourite Carols interspersed with the telling of the nativity story. But the community carols’ celebratory gathering in the Market Square – the first since Covid – had an extra special message, which chorister and heritage custodian, Keith Brown, shed some light on.
“The thatched roof of our beautiful old St Thomas Anglican Church – across the Stanford village common is in dire need of repair. Our concern is that if we don’t do the necessary repairs before the winter rainy season sets in, the roof won’t stand up to the weather conditions with much of the interior is at risk of being damaged.”
It was the unanimous decision of the singers and the Stanford Conservation Association that whatever money was collected during the evening would go to the Anglican Church roof repair fund.
In all, nearly R4 000 was raised, which everyone agreed was a great start to the campaign.
St Thomas Anglican Church proudly sits at the far end of the Stanford Village Green. It is the oldest church in Stanford and was built around 1880. The Moore family carved some of the pews and pulpit, and the material for the thatch roof came for the surrounding area. In 1892 the Bishop of Cape Town gave permission for weddings to be performed in the chapel. The small building next to the church served as the St Thomas Mission School. By 1914, the school had two classrooms and more space was needed. In 1939, the school was moved to the present site of Die Bron primary school in Stanford South.
A large adult tortoise discovered walking up Thistle Downs Street last month, just before New Year, caused a flurry of concern when its photograph and whereabouts was posted on local chat platforms. Although it was safely returned to its owner, it prompted many people to ask questions about licensing, keeping wild tortoises in captivity, etc.
In Stanford, walking in the Wandelpad areas at the top of Queen Victoria Street it’s not unusual to see small tortoises walking in the grass and undergrowth. While there’s always a temptation to remove them, local nature conservationists urge people to leave them where they are, in their natural habitat.
“Captivity can be a death sentence for a tortoise” say Cape Nature’s wildlife specialists.
“Wild animals seldom adapt well to captivity, even if they do live long or breed. Captivity can mean a slow death for some animals, particularly those with a specialised diet or habitat requirements.”
Explained Cape Nature: “Often when pet tortoises escape or are relocated, they can land up in an area they are not accustomed to. This false sense of freedom can be fatal because pet tortoises have become accustomed to captivity and battle to fend for themselves in their new environment. That is why keeping tortoises in captivity in the first place is not a good idea.”
All species of tortoises in the Western Cape are protected by the Nature Conservation Ordinance (Ord. no 19 of, 1974). Accordingly, no tortoise or part thereof (i.e., the shell) or tortoise eggs may be collected, transported, sold, received as a gift, given, kept in captivity, possessed, imported or exported. Species such as the geometric tortoise, which is classified as a threatened wild animal, have special protection. Although Cape Nature Conservation discourages keeping tortoises in captivity, people who wish to keep tortoises and who have suitable facilities, may apply for a permit.
Tortoises are adapted to a specific natural habitat. Their survival is dependent on the correct food and climate associated with that particular habitat. When a tortoise is removed from its natural habitat, it can die because of the different conditions. Tortoises are then often released in areas that are ecologically unsuitable and which fall beyond the species’ natural distribution. In these areas it is difficult for them to survive. In such cases these strange tortoises can transmit diseases to tortoises which naturally occur. Tortoises released beyond their natural distribution range can inter-breed with local tortoises. Furthermore, pet tortoises suffer from parasites such as ticks and worms and may spread virus-borne diseases to healthy, natural populations.
Keeping a tortoise without a permit is illegal. They’re a protected species in South Africa. Anyone with unwanted tortoises can contact Cape Nature Conservation to ensure that a suitable home is found for the animals. Please contact your local CAPE NATURE CONSERVATION offices for advice.
hen Stanfordian, Martiens Maans passed away in July 2019, he had a large family mourning him – his wife, Norma, six children and 13 grandchildren.
And then there was Chico, Martiens’ muchloved, 15-month-old mongrel.
Chico, a short little guy with golden hair and basset-style feet pointing slightly outwards, was not to attend the funeral. He stayed home.
When the family returned, Chico was waiting for them. Not long afterwards, he disappeared, only to come back hours later.
This became a pattern. Norma and her children were mystified. Until one day someone told her that Chico was regularly seen lying on Martiens’ grave at the Stanford cemetery. They had no idea how he had come to know about the grave, nobody had ever taken him there.
News of Chico’s devotion travelled far. A person in Johannesburg offered to adopt Chico. Norma, naturally, refused. The same person, who wished to remain anonymous, then offered to assist with Chico’s monthly upkeep. Norma accepted gratefully as her financial means were limited.
Sadly, Chico, had a short life. On the 14th of January 2022 he succumbed following a serious illness. Norma maintained that Martiens had decided to fetch his loyal chappie.
Chico was cremated and his ashes, kept in a pretty little casket, stayed at home until Martiens’ date of birth, 29 December 2022. On that day, Norma and her family took the ashes to the cemetery to be buried at Martiens’ grave.
“We celebrate their lives, and the lesson Chico has taught us about love. They remain together” says Norma.
We’re at a point in human consciousness development where we, often unknowingly to our conscious minds, are searching for deeper meaning and understanding about the source of light and love that we are. On the surface it manifests and can be ascribed to post-Covid stress, uncertainty, fear, job losses, breakdowns of relationships, and the list goes on. Our ancient stress survival response is constantly being triggered. We need to learn to utilise our neocortex, prefrontal cortex of the brain, and superconscious mind. We can learn to have an inner locus of control through mindfulness, alignment, anchoring, breathing, meditation, prayer, and soul-based psychotherapy and Attitudinal Healing.
Many young people today are overcome with feelings of hopelessness – a sense of insecurity and safety of old world and are in dire need of coping skills. An ancient inner default mode of bias towards survival fear drives our stress reaction, which ultimately lowers immunity and causes renegade inflammation.
Imagine feeling transformed, courageous, resilient, empowered and in a state of complete clarity, calmness, and centeredness?
Willingness and mind training are essential to find a better way towards healing and wholeness. Amidst all the wild things happening in the world, we all need a new perspective, something to shake us up a little and remind
us how amazing and strong we truly are. Some coping mechanisms for holistic support
• Listen to your body and be aware of any feelings associated with anxiousness, overthinking, overanalysing, and extreme tiredness.
• Start a gratitude journal and each day write down three things you are grateful for. Through this, you will be able to ground yourself and connect to your calm.
• Practice mindfulness. Centre yourself and be still for a while, focusing on being in the moment using all your senses.
• Add superfoods to your diet – seeds and nuts (e.g., pecans and walnuts, shaped like the brain), rainbow coloured fruit & veggies, bananas, fatty fish, herbal teas, blueberries, chia seeds, and raw honey, to name a few.
• Burn candles and use essential oils like lavender, orange, sandalwood and bergamot.
• Use colours to balance your mood (lilac,
aqua, teal and hues of blue to calm and soothe; fiery colours for drive and more energy).
• Listen to soothing music and let your body move to the rhythm.
• Change your focus - take a short break, call a friend, get out for some fresh air and listen to the birds.
• Attend meditation and/or yoga classes, or anything else that will help you connect to your calm.
• Tap into your happy chemicals (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphin).
• Take Nootropic supplements (natural, non-addictive, safe, very effective brain, heart and immune system modulating support), which work on all the neurotransmitters, hormones, informational substances to calm, optimise and support integration and cooperation for a happier and more whole human experience.
• Don’t be afraid to seek help if you find it difficult to cope. You are not alone. There are many therapists out there that you can turn to.
Dr Arien van der Merwe is a Medical Doctor, Specialist Holistic Health Counsellor, and author who will be working alongside the Overstrand Hospice throughout 2023 facilitating workshops on neuroplasticity, epigenetic, holistic spirit-soul-mind-body stress release and topics such as gut health, heart health, bone and joint health, care for the carers and loved ones, and many more. www.ArianiHealth.com
THE BODY IS THE BAROMETER OF THE SOUL
There are many reasons why stress levels are at an all-time high…
It gives me great pleasure to be able to inform you that Hilton Temmers has been officially appointed as the Principal of Okkie Smuts from 1 January 2023.
Hilton Temmers was appointed in the role of Head of Department at Okkie Smuts in November 2021 and immediately stepped into the role as Acting Principal of our school. He has shown himself to be energetic, enthusiastic, patient and approachable as a leader who is respected by the staff, the School Governing Body, the children and their parents. His passion for education, his involvement in sport, his commitment to the area, and his focus on making Okkie Smuts and Buzzy Bees the very best school to serve our community, makes this young father and family man a true asset for our school.
Thank you to the staff members who stepped up to the role of Acting Principal during the long process of finding and appointing a suitable principal for our school. The School Governing Body is grateful to Mrs Haxton, Mr Gerber, Mrs Beukes and Mr Temmers for serving the school in the Acting Principal position. It has been worth the wait to finally be able to announce that our school has a wonderful new principal.
Mr Hilton Temmers has the support of the whole Okkie Smuts family and we are excited for what 2023 has in store for the school.
Yours sincerely
Phil Murray School Governing Body ChairpersonThis page is sponsored by Seeff Stanford.
Summer is in full swing now with many hot, sweltering days and nights. Remember to water your plants during these hot spells, especially any newly-planted shrubs and trees.
Some tips to keep your garden in tip-top shape this month:
• Continue to mulch flower beds.
• Avoid cutting the lawn too short to give it a growing chance.
• Cut back petunias and pinch out the growing tips of poinsettias.
• Treat weeds growing on paved and gravel areas.
• Feed and tidy up your climbing plants.
• Deadhead and feed roses.
• Pick strawberries regularly.
• Turn your compost heap every couple of weeks.
• Keep scale and aphids at bay with organic pesticides.
• Remember to be water-wise!
Happy gardening!
(Remember to stay hydrated and put a hat and sunscreen on)
KEY:
Full sun
Full Sun / Semi Shade
Shade
Semi Shade
Shade / Semi Shade
FLOWER SEEDS TO PLANT:
Alyssum
Antirrhinum
Bellis Perennis
Calendulas
California Poppies
Candytufts
Carnations
Chrysanthemum
Cornflowers
Cosmos
Dianthus
Felicia
Foxgloves
Gazania
Gerbera
Gypsophyla
Helichrysum
Hollyhocks
Marigold
Nasturtiums
Pansy
Petunia
Phlox
Poppy
Sunflower
Sweet Williams
Verbena
HERBS TO PLANT:
Basil
Coriander
Chives
Chamomile
Echiacea
Lavender
Oregano
Parsley
Rocket
Thyme
Watercress
VEGGIES TO PLANT:
Beans
Beetroot
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflowers
Celery
Cucumbers
Eggplants
Lettuce
Maize
Okra
Peppers
Pumpkins
Radish
Squash
Sweetcorn
Sweetmelons
Swisschard
Tomatoes
Turnips
Watermelons
Writer: Etienne Janse Van Rensburg
as anyone submitted an application for Stanford to run for the Town of The Year award?
I really think we should.
I was watching all the festivities from afar, as I wasn't in town for most of it. The village looked so alive with magical events, wearing her best to impress tourists and friends. It filled my bucket with optimism until I came back.
But more about the award… Who would be the person to submit such an application? I don't know, because it's hard to see who exactly is in charge of what.
There are the ones who think they're in charge, the ones who wish they were in charge, and then the ones that are in charge but don't know if they want to be in charge anymore.
I know for certain that if there was a subdivision called Gossip Town of The Year, that we would take first prize. I for instance hear things about myself from people I know and others I don't know, mainly about things I didn't know about, that was told to them by unhappy people about deals I had no idea I made or did not
make. It's amazing and entertaining all at the same time.
Since my arrival in town, I have developed a stiff neck while watching my back.
I had a banana-flavoured Steri Stumpie the other day and while drinking it, I thought of something. You know that the flavour should be banana, but it doesn't quite taste like real banana. Therefore, some kinda banana-ish tasting flavour was added to it. Some things aren't always as the label says, I thought.
It's not as real as you would like it to be. But I guess we'll always have the choice. We can either buy it or eat real bananas.
On that note, have an awesome year all.
Go bananas!
