A NEW YEAR BRINGS WITH IT A RENEWED SENSE OF HOPE

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

CONTACT US Melissa

www.stanfordnewsagency.co.za

The Stanford Spectator is proudly brought to you by the Stanford News Agency