The Stanford Spectator Issue 11

FROM FORK TO FARM

New Harvest Club for Stanford & Surrounds (PAGE 5)

NEW ROOF FOR ST THOMAS CHURCH

Fundraising initiatives have come to the rescue of Stanford’s oldest building (PAGE 9)

STANFORD’S LINK TO CORONATION

Star of Africa’s Sir Thomas Cullinan’s great granddaughter a resident of Stanford (PAGE 7)

Above: Epic cyclists making their way through Stanford. PAGE 3

EMBRACING THE CHANGING TIMES AND SEASONS

Just like that, the Easter holiday has come and gone. We’re well into Autumn now, my favourite season. While the cooler days have brought some relief after the swelteringly hot days of not so long ago, the thought of the looming colder and darker (thanks to Eskom) days ahead, don’t exactly fill one with much hope. Yet, as you will see by paging through this issue of the Stanford Spectator, we have much to be grateful for.

Our little heritage village got some wonderful coverage recently all thanks to the Absa Cape Epic Cycle Race (pg 3). The repair and restoration of our oldest church, St Thomas, is

currently underway after yet another successful fundraising campaign (pg 19). Oh, and I’ve recently learnt a new word: ‘locavore’ thanks to the new and exciting harvest food club initiative (pg 9)!

For our nature and environmental lovers, we have a feel good story on the recent release of a rather large ragged-tooth shark (pg15) by the Two Oceans Aquarium. Remember little Trixie, the Jack Russel? Well, she’s alive and well and living her best life (pg 18). And that’s not all.

Until next time, happy reading!

CONTACT US

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:

Andrew Herriot

Nelly Roodt

Christine Farrington

Lana Coates

Anneline Ferreira

Elma Hunter

Vanessa Tedder

Liz Clarke

The Stanford Spectator is a monthly print and online publication that comes out on the 3rd Friday of every month. Advertisements to reach us by no later than the Friday prior to when the next issue is due. To place an advertisement, please contact: admin@stanfordnewsagency.co.za

www.stanfordnewsagency.co.za

Disclaimer: Great care has been taken in the preparation of this publication. However, Stanford News Agency cannot accept responsibility for any errors which may inadvertently have occurred. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and/or persons interviewed, and do not necessarily reflect the views and values of Stanford News Agency. Any comments, suggestions or complaints may be forwarded to: melissa@stanfordnewsagency.co.za

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Madre and Morne Bester for having their restaurant, Madre’s, featured in the latest Eat Out magazine as one of the best top 250 restaurants in SA!

“Beaware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there.”

— Kristen Dalton

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

CYCLE RACE

ACROSS THE RIVER THE RACERS GO!

By: Andrew Herriot

The 2023 Absa Cape Epic Cycle Race takes in 658 gruelling kilometres, with 15 775 metres of limit-testing climbing through its eight days. Each two-person team is stretched to the absolute limit. These are the statistics:

The 2023 edition of the Absa Cape Epic ensured that charm and challenge existed on a knife’s edge as the route weaved through pristine fynbos, across rivers, and nature reserves where antelope roam free and even skirted a lion sanctuary while moving between vineyards, and the most demanding peaks.

Stages 1 and 2 started and finished in the seaside whale-watching town of Hermanus and showcased the region’s spectacular riding, from the Hemel en Aarde Valley to beyond Stanford and into the Akkadisberg and Paardenberg mountains where limestone trails, steep pitches and gale force winds were rife, blasting directly into one’s face.

The 2nd stage of this gruelling event was welcomed by early Stanford risers to a tumultuous roar and cheers as the cyclists circled the village green. In those early hours, Stanford was alive with the sound of music - whistling, clapping and utter acclimation. Prodigious events don’t happen too often in our village, and we were all hugely grateful.

Happiness and flag waving were in abundance by loyal Stanfordians as they admired the sheer strength of commitment for each person, woman, and man. It must be voiced that it takes sheer guts not on a personal basis for each cyclist but to commit to a partnership of one other cyclist where dual endeavours coexist and are crucial.

At this point, most Stanfordian observers were in awe knowing that there were still five more days ahead in which these two-wheeled cyclists would pursue across and over tracks that even a normal walker would have some serious doubts about traversing. Not these cyclists!

Wild cheers emanated from the hundreds of residents, including the many youngsters. A massive wave sent these stalwarts off while the onlookers loudly yelled “thank you” for stopping by.

“I can do this,” one cyclist was heard muttering as he pedalled towards yet another stage. “Yes, you can,” I thought.

Top: Putting on a good show for the spectators.

Above: Cyclists making their way across the floating bridge. Photos: Richard Randall

DATES TO DIARISE

WEEKLY EVENTS

Every Monday

Painting Classes with Tracy Algar (10am – 12pm)

Egret & The Owl Book Café

R200 per class | Details: 084 584 3757

Meditation Evenings with Maxine Church-Bingley (6.45pm –7.45pm)

No charge but donations are welcome | Details: 082 419 9330

Every Wednesday

Writing Classes with Lesley Beake (10am – 12pm)

Egret & The Owl Book Café

R250 per class & R160 for lunch

Details: 082 646 4420 | lesley@lesleybeake.co.za

Painting Classes with Tracy Algar (10am – 12pm)

Egret & The Owl Book Café

R200 per class | Details: 084 584 3757

Every Thursday

Calligraphy Workshop with Martyn Johnson (2:30pm – 4:30pm)

Details: 082 675 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

Stanford Saturday Morning Market (9am – 12pm)

Stanford Hotel Stoep

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 29 Modderivier Livery Yard Jumping Show (9am)

Contact: Jean-Mari 066 216 2449 or jdevilliers865@gmail.com

30 International Jazz Day Celebration (2pm)

9 Adderley Street (Castle Herriot) | Details: Andrew 072 571 7846

MAY

13 Stanford River Race (details to follow)

17 & 18 Stanford Spookkuier (6pm)

With historian, Janita van Niekerk | R690 / person

Contact: Rene Hartslief 083 648 8700 |

Shuttle available Lori 082 552 5745

18 Neuroplasticity Workshop

Facilitated by Dr Arien van der Merwe

In aid of Overstrand Hospice | Contact: Dr Arien 083 731 2049

18 Panthera Africa 8th Anniversary Fundraiser

Star Dust, Cape Town

Tickets: R550pp | Bookings: projects@pantheraafrica.com

26 – 28 De Hoop Vlei MTB Race https://www.entryninja.com/events/78063-de-hoop

To place an advertisement, please contact: @stanfordnewsagency.co.za

New Harvest Club For Stanford & Surrounds FROM FARMERS & FOODIES TO FAMILIES

By: Melissa Mc Alpine

Just as many hands make light work, many minds come up with better and more creative ideas and solutions. And that is exactly what Robynn De Klerk had in mind, some time ago already, when she first envisioned starting her own food club one day, where likeminded people interested in organically grown and harvested produce can get together to discuss, share, learn and find solutions to common issues. What happened next surpassed Robynn’s wildest expectations because her vision took off the minute she started to share her ideas with others, and there was no turning back from there.

The first Harvest Club event, held on Tuesday 28 March at the very appropriately named venue, ‘The Harvest Fork & Farm Restaurant’, was well attended by around 70 people; far more than the anticipated 10 to 15 that Robynn was initially expecting. Much to the amusement of the audience in the room, Robynn openly professed: “I’m not a farmer, in fact I’m not much of a foodie either. But what I am is an organizer and entrepreneur wanting to collaborate with others and help small local farms become successful.”

Robynn’s passion shone through as she went on to share her thoughts and plans for the new community food club she’s initiated for Stanford and Hermanus, including all the many benefits and opportunities this will have for local farmers, growers and producers.

Jandre and Rachel from Overberg Pastured Poultry stood up and spoke about their tried and tested methods of raising “happy and healthy” chickens out on pasture, and the numerous benefits this has for soil health, and in turn benefiting human health. Terry

Georgiev from Eggcellent Eggs talked about her dilemma of not having nearly enough eggs to meet the ever-growing demand, and how she’d like to start sourcing good quality eggs from other local chicken farmers (and package and sell them under the already existing and successful Eggcellent Eggs brand), because sometimes, putting all your combined eggs into one basket does help!

“Clearly, the idea of gathering with likeminded people to learn, share and find common solutions hit fertile ground,” remarked Robynn later.

Just as Robynn was ending off her presentation, and as if almost on cue, one of the resident pigs from the Harvest Fork & Farm estate (named Piggy), ambled in to see what all the fuss was about, and more importantly, no doubt, to locate the source of all the wonderful aromas. Owner, Lisa Reho, quickly showed a rather disgruntled Piggy the back door. Organic farm life just doesn’t get any more free range than that!

Afterwards, guests were invited to mingle and enjoy the delectable harvest table spread generously laid out by local foodies as part of a big collaborative foodie project to discover how many ‘never-before-tasted’ foodie products could be produced from collaboratively sourced Stanford goods. According to Robynn, “the results were beyond exciting!”

Every single ingredient on the harvest table was locally made, grown and freshly picked (and plucked!) - from the duck that came from Sunset Place Farm, to the chicken from Overberg Pastured Poultry, to all the fresh herbs, cheeses and veggies sourced from local, organic farms and gardens.

Meanwhile, plans are already underway for the second Harvest Club event. At this rate, pretty soon we’ll all be converted locavores!

Top: Neil & Elly Eberhard with John Kelley.

Middle: Rachel & Jandre from Overberg Pastured Poultry.

Above: Harvest Club founder, Robynn De Klerk, with her husband, Neil.

Left: Mike Bird & Julie Taylor.

Photos: Melissa Mc Alpine & Cavy Kelley

Locavore: a person who only eats food that is grown or produced in their local area.

ART ROUTE 2023Baardskeerdersbos

Art lovers and collectors were treated to a display of artwork at the recent Baardskeerdersbos Art Route held the weekend of 15 to 16 April. Baardskeerdersbos, or “B’bos” as it’s fondly referred to by residents, is a quirky little village situated 20km east of Gansbaai on the Gansbaai–Elim–Bredasdorp road.

For the past 15 years, resident artists from Baardskeerdersbos have opened their homes and studios to art collectors and other artists. Stanford was represented by three artists at the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route, namely Tracy Algar, Val Myburgh and Leli Hoch, who were each chosen and individually invited by resident artists of B’bos.

Tracy Algar – Landscape Painter

“Ultimately, my paintings are a love poem to the land and the place that I’ve chosen to live and work.”

Tracy Algar, guest artist of Jan Vingerhoets, is a landscape painter who mostly enjoys painting outdoors to better connect with nature. Tracy believes the outdoor experience allows for spontaneity and loose brushwork as she chases the ever-changing light.

https://www.tracyalgar.com/

Val Myburgh – Illustrator

“I’m a doodle addict. Officially, I’m an illustrator. Unofficially, I fiddle with everything I possibly can.”

Val Myburgh, guest artist of Pamela Sullivan, has a background in advertising, which developed into medical illustration. Val has freelanced as an illustrator for the past 20 years, working for numerous publishers nationally and internationally. She works both digitally and in traditional media. Her work is varied, engaging, and often has a touch of whimsy to it.

https://www.valmyburghart.co.za/

Leli Hoch – Land Artist & Abstract Painter

“All materials I use collaborate with each other and I with them. I am not the dominating factor, but a conduit in the creative process.”

Leli Hoch, guest artist of Nikki Miles, loves to explore concepts of impermanence and decommodification. Leli spends her time and effort on an object such as a leaf, for example, and combining old-fashioned hand-craft techniques with a fragile material like a leaf shows the delicate nature of it.

https://lelihoch.co.za

Top left: Painting by Tracy Algar. Top right: Part of Leli Hoch’s display. Above: An illustration by Val Myburgh.

A RIGHT ROYAL rumpus

By: Christine Farrington

King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Queen Camilla. The coronation will be rooted in the long-standing traditions, pomp and ceremony that the British do so well.

A coronation is both the symbolic religious ceremony during which a sovereign is crowned through the physical act of placing a crown on a monarch’s head. It formalises the monarch’s role as the head of the Church of England and marks the transfer of their title and powers. Buckingham Palace has said that the coronation will “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future.”

The King and Queen will travel to Westminster Abbey in the King’s procession, and return to Buckingham Palace in a larger procession, where they will be joined by other members of the Royal Family for a glittering appearance on the Palace Balcony. The King will be crowned with the solid gold, 17th Century, St Edward’s Crown (Edward the Confessor), which is exceptionally heavy and only used at the moment of Coronation.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has reignited the debate about how some royal gemstones were obtained by the British Empire and should be returned to their country of origin. Much of the controversy centres around the diamonds found in the crown jewels. One is the Imperial State Crown, which the Monarch will put on towards the end of the coronation ceremony, and wear in the procession back to Buckingham Palace.

The crown contains the Cullinan II diamond. The Cullinan I diamond is

mounted in the Royal Sceptre and is also known as “The Star of Africa”. These stones were cut from the largest diamond ever discovered at the Premier (Transvaal) Diamond Mining Company, South Africa. The stone which weighed 3,106 carats, was named after the mine’s Chairman, Sir Thomas Cullinan, whose great granddaughter lives here in the village of Stanford and has perfect glass replicas of all the stones cut from that one original Cullinan diamond which today remains the largest diamond crystal ever found.

Although the Cullinan remained the wonder of the London diamond market for two years, no-one wanted to buy it. In the end it was bought by the Transvaal government, at the suggestion of General Louis Botha, the Prime Minister, for £150,000 and presented to King Edward VII on his 66th birthday on 9 November 1907. Today the Cullinan, one of the most magnificent and expensive diamonds in the world, has an estimated value of $400 million in the current market.

I wonder if the newly crowned King Charles III in this “right royal rumpus,” will be “looking to the future” and think about those two Cullinan Diamonds, the ever-present showpieces at his Coronation, knowing they are in his possession purely as a result of colonial tenacities that suffocated natives in South Africa and return them.

Stanford’s Queen Victoria Street was named after King Charles III’s great, great, great grandmother; and Linda Swart, the great granddaughter of Sir Thomas Cullinan, is a Stanfordian. Therefore, Stanford is well-heralded in this coronation - a proud occasion for our heritage village.

Left to right: King Charles III & Queen Camilla, The Royal Sceptre, A Glass Replica of the Cullinan I Diamond. Photos: Supplied

BLANKET APPEAL

It’s getting cold outside. Time to get our winter woolies out and keep warm. However, for many children who live in shacks with no safe heating at all, winter is not fun. Imagine getting into a cold bed (often just some planks on the floor with a thin mat-tress) with not even a warm blanket to snuggle into.

On the other hand we have the elderly, who are also very vulnerable in the cold weather, particularly to flu or even pneumonia.

We’re appealing to you, our kind and generous supporters, to once again dig deep and sponsor a few blankets for those in need. We’re estimating the need to be between 150 and 180 blankets this year. The cost of a blanket is only R80.

Deposits can be made directly into our bank account as follows: Rotary Club of Stanford

FNB Hermanus

Account Number: 623559 79695

Branch Code: 250655

Ref: Your Name & Blankets

We are PBO registered for 18A Tax Certificates.

Crocheted or knitted blankets for babies up to two years old are always welcome. We are also happy to accept second-hand blankets, provided they are clean and in good condition. Thank you, your contribution will make a huge difference in the life of a person in need.

CPF WELCOMES EASTER VISITORS TO STANFORD

SAWS is putting out an appeal for anyone willing to join their ‘Lift Club’. One of the greatest challenges they are facing at the moment is transporting sick and injured animals to and from the vets they work with in Hermanus. Most of these cases are not ones they can plan for in advance and their need for transportation is currently going beyond what their team of volunteers can handle. SAWS is desperately looking for people that would be able to assist them in this regard. Having a wider pool of drivers would help them enormously in assisting animals in emergency situations. A SAWS volunteer will meet with you at a convenient location in town, or at your home, to deliver and fetch the dogs and kitties. If you can assist SAWS please be in contact with them. Thank you!

NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FOR BADISA ANNOUNCED

By: Vanessa Tedder

Congratulations to Anchelle Damon who was recently appointed as the new Community Development Officer for BADISA, one of the largest social development organisations in Africa.

By: Vanessa Tedder

Dozens of visitors to Stanford got a special and warm welcome on the Thursday prior to the Easter weekend. SAPS, the Stanford Community Police Forum (CPF), the Community in Blue (CIB) and Stanford Security Services all got together to hand out safety pamphlets to tourists as part of its Welcome to Stanford initiative. And just because we love tourists so much, visitors at the roadblock to an Easter egg each. There’s nothing like a little chocolate to put a smile on someone’s face and to make a visit to Stanford just that little bit sweeter!

Police were out in full force for the entire Easter weekend patrolling the whole area to ensure that all motorists and pedestrians kept to the laws, which paid off as it turned out to be a safe and peaceful Easter period.

BADISA’s mission is to implement and sustain programmes in the Eastern and Western Cape that provide social and residential care to the most vulnerable. BADISA is an NPO that relies on funding from government, churches and other organisations.

Aside from her duties on the CPF, Anchelle will now be further entrenching herself with Stanford’s most vulnerable residents. High on her new job profile is to assist in the fostering of children trapped in drug or domestic abusive homes and creating safe havens for them while also working in schools and training people to become safety parents for when the need arises.

Saving Our Little Church

ST THOMAS CHURCH PACKED TO CAPACITY FOR A SPECIAL CELEBRATION

A FORGOTTEN ONE HAS BEEN FOUND

By: Liz Clarke

Acampaign to restore the one-and-a half-century old St Thomas Anglican church in Stanford is underway.

Like gracious dowagers, slightly frayed but still proud of their heritage, St Thomas Church at the far end of the Stanford Village Green and the old school next door, remain iconic and integral parts of the village’s history, spanning nearly 150 years.

But the ageing dowager with her weather worn limestone façade and thatched roofing are feeling the effects of old Father Time, knowing that if urgent repairs are not carried out soon, they will become a mere memory – a beautiful little church and a legacy school that used to be here, but are no more.

Faced with this bleak scenario, church and heritage leaders in the village got together last year to pave the way forward and rescue the church and the old school from an almost certain demise.

Said Keith Brown, a heritage committee member: “Since we first alerted the village to the state of the Church and due to the urgency of repair work, the response from our community has been amazing. We have enough funds to start some of the urgent roof repairs, but obviously we are going to need a great deal more to finish the job. But at least it is a beginning. We hope to be able to prevent further damage during the rainy season.”

Last month the Church opened its doors for a special Easter Music & Song get together as part of an ongoing fundraising campaign.

“It was such an emotional evening for all of us,” said Bea Whittaker, one of the movers and shakers behind the St Thomas restoration campaign and one of the Village’s most accomplished choristers.

With some gentle persuasion from Bea and her team, the popular Hermanus Choir was invited to become part of the St Thomas’ Church outreach.

The weather wasn’t kind, a howling gale and driving rain. But it didn’t stop the friends and well-wishers of St Thomas from attending this special celebration. The Church with its lofty wooden rafters and interior blessed with a showcase of century old carpentry rang out with the glorious sounds of Easter and the message of goodwill.

But it was the ordinary folk packed row by row, who in silence and praise gave their commitment.

“We will save our Church. Yes, we will!”

Local cemetery care and clean-up crew, The Forgotton Ones, recently uncovered a fascinating tombstone in the north-western cemetery situated in Moore Street. This unusual tombstone, in the shape of a tree trunk, is from the grave of a young lad by the name of Jan de Villiers, who died in 1940 at the tender age of 22. Many of the older graves dating from as far back as the early 1900s have been overgrown by thick shrubbery. Slowly, one by one, these ‘forgotten ones’ are being uncovered as a symbol of a life once lived, and this is all thanks to a group of caring people.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Don’t forget to subscribe!

From the 1st of February 2023, our online publication will be made available at a low subscription rate of R15 per month for one issue:

• 6-Month Subscription: R75

• 12-Month Subscription: R125

Ts&Cs apply. Print copies are available to purchase at our shop: Shop 1, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford.

(Free delivery within Stanford).

Contact: admin@stanfordnewsagency.co.za

Above: The inside of St Thomas Church, Stanford, where friends of the church have gathered to listen to the Hermanus Choir.

Photo: Liz Clarke

Above: Christine Curnow, AKA “Oz”, uncovering an unusual headstone. Photos: Supplied

Fine Dining at Stanford Hills

Let your children experience the joy of discovery, the inspiration of creative play and the opportunity for learning in a nurturing village setting in Stanford.

Small classes. Waldorf-inspired. A wholesome learning experience.

PLAYGROUP 2½-4 YEARS

KINDERGARTEN 4-6 YEARS

info@littlerivercottageschool.co.za

www.littlerivercottageschool.co.za

By: Andrew Herriot

The Stanford Hills Tasting room recently hosted more than 100 food lovers to taste and savour delectable samples of dishes from across the globe, served up by our very own Stanford expert chefs, all of whom prepared rather delicious products representative of nine countries plus one other, which shall be named Butterflyland (aka the Butterfly Centre).

There were mouth-watering soups from Thailand, scrumptious pizzas via the Tasting Room prototypical in variety from Italy, your emblematic Bitterballen from Holland and, if you had any space left, the divine cheese on potato could only be Swiss. Patrons were in constant negotiations with other tasters to exchange “food” cards for ones that attracted them to their favourite. The evening was blessed to have the Butterfly Centre kids singing their hearts out with their latest renditions from Tuesday Music Day: “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” so sang Boniface and Chloe and their cohorts.

The evening progressed with a quick trip to Morocco for chicken stew par excellence and not to be outdone by the best savoury spinach pie from Greece followed by the hot chilli stuff from Texas. The climactic moment came when the sensory evaluators, having negotiated their nine best courses, merged on Butterflyland to obtain generous helpings of Malva Pudding. This was an extraordinarily enjoyable evening where all the gourmet patrons were sufficiently satisfied. Huge thanks of course must be levelled at Jami of Stanford fame to bring together willing foodies (too many to be named) all of whom prepared the most divine samplers.

Normally an evening of this nature would lead to fundraising for our very own Butterfly Centre for all of our wonderful children. Not this time. The Board unanimously agreed that all funds raised would be contributed to St Thomas Anglican Church where extensive building developments are in progress. In total, R15 000 was donated to St Thomas from the Butterfly Centre. Just another classic example of who we are in Stanford, what we believe in and how we do things.

A massive thanks to the chefs, tasting room staff and to all those local tasters who were completely and pleasurably sated by evening’s end.

A fun evening out enjoying food from around the world in support of St Thomas Church. Photos: Supplied

Salwaa’s Chocolate Slab Cake

A very popular and easy chocolate tray bake cake!

Ingredients

5 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 cup oil

1 cup warm water

½ cup cocoa powder

2 cups cake flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

Frosting Ingredients

1 tin Nestle dessert cream

1 slab chocolate

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Grease an oven tray, sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.

3. Using a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, sugar and oil until the sugar has dissolved. Dissolve the cocoa in the warm water. Mix this into the egg mixture. Fold in the flour and baking powder. Pour the mixture into the greased tray and bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean and dry.

4. Cool completely before frosting / decorating.

For the Frosting

1. Warm the tin of dessert cream in a pot and add a slab of chocolate, chopped or broken into small pieces.

2. Allow the chocolate to melt in the warm cream, stir well.

3. Spread mixture over the cake, decorate with chocolate flakes and/or fruit (optional), cut into squares and enjoy.

By: Salwaa Smith

Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Baking Time: 20 Minutes | Serves: 8+ People

OUTER SPACE

WORLD EARTH DAY

World Earth Day: 22 April 2023

We only have one Earth, so World Earth Day is a reminder to us all to take care of our precious planet.

The theme for this year’s World Earth Day is “Invest In Our Planet.” The aim for the year is to encourage public citizens, businesses and governments around the world to #InvestInOurPlanet. If we all do our part, no matter how small, we can make the world a better place to live in – for now as well as for the future. Find ways to save energy, reduce water, buy less, eat less meat, and lower our carbon footprint. The time to do this is now!

How is World Earth Day celebrated?

People across the globe celebrate Earth Day in different ways. Some people participate in clean-ups of parks and beaches. Others arrange public gatherings to raise awareness around climate change and protecting the environment.

What you can do to make a difference:

• Plant a tree.

• Build an insect hotel.

• Volunteer for a neighbourhood or beach clean-up.

• Avoid wasting food.

• Make a bird feeder for your garden.

• Turn off the lights that don’t need to be on.

• Learn how to make your own compost heap.

• Make an Earth Day pledge.

• Stick to the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Why can’t the moon live without Because the moon’s life revolves around the Earth.

Why is Earth considered the best among all planets? Because Earth rocks.

What did Earth say to the rocket?

You’re a blast.

ENVIRONMENT

Dané The Ragged-tooth shark

returns to sea

By: Melissa Mc Alpine

There was much excitement among community members gathered at Struisbaai’s main beach on 29 March 2023, when Dané, a large ragged-tooth shark weighing in at around 200kgs was successfully released back into the ocean after having spent the last five years in the ‘Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit’ at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

Dané was collected off the coast of East London in 2017 by the Two Oceans Aquarium with the assistance of a local angler, Mike Dedericks, who gave the ragged-tooth shark her name.

Dr Ilse Jenkinson, a vet for the Two Oceans Aquarium, explained: “Catch and release is a central component of the Ragged-Tooth Shark Conservation Programme at the Two Oceans Aquarium. The reason for including them in our exhibits is for them to be an ambassador species for sharks, educating our visitors on the wonder of what is under the ocean. The message these sharks deliver is not to be scared of them, but rather to be in awe and wonder of these complex animals.”

During her time at the Aquarium, Dané became a true ambassador for her species, educating visitors and highlighting the importance sharks play in the marine environment.

“Dané grew into a large adult weighing 202kg and measuring 275cm in length. Given her weight of 69.4kg and length of 251cm on her arrival to the Aquarium, her growth was significant. She is now sexually mature, so we would like her to have the opportunity to reproduce and contribute off-spring to the wild population,” said Dr Jenkinson.

In the days and weeks leading up to her release, Dané was thoroughly checked and monitored. When the big day came to transport her from the Two Oceans Aquarium to Struisbaai, she was cautiously placed in a secure tank on the back of a large truck, accompanied by six curatorial staff members from the Aquarium to ensure a calm and safe return to the ocean.

Dané was tagged with a spaghetti tag so her movements along the coast can be tracked and scientists can learn more about her species. Dr Nathalie Viljoen, Head of Research at the Two Oceans Aquarium, mentioned that the reason Dané was released at Struisbaai is because

there’s an existing population of ragged-tooth sharks just off the coast of Struisbaai currently that are slowly making their way towards the warmer waters of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Once Dané was carefully lifted out of her holding tank supported by a large stretcher, the Two Oceans Aquarium curatorial team carried her into the ocean where they remained by her side for a few minutes while she acclimatised. The team knew Dané was ready to be released when she started to push against the constraints of the stretcher. Two divers then accompanied the ragged-tooth shark a little deeper into the ocean so that she could swim off on her own. The release was declared a success by Dr Jenkinson and the curatorial team.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in this extraordinary release, especially the Two Oceans Aquarium curatorial team for their ongoing dedication, passion and commitment to the preservation of our marine environment. May Dané go on to live many more years in the deep blue sea.

Raggie Facts:

• They’re referred to as ‘Raggies’ because of their protruding, ragged teeth.

• Despite their scary appearance, raggies are generally harmless to humans.

• Their pointy, needle-like teeth are used for gripping onto slippery fish.

• They’re the only species of shark that swallow air bubbles for buoyancy.

• Raggies are critically endangered due to over-fishing, a slow reproductive process and getting caught up in fishing nets.

• Ragged-tooth sharks are found in oceans across the globe and go by many names, i.e., grey nurse sharks, and sand tiger sharks.

• They’re long-distance swimmers and can travel up to 3 000 kms in a year.

• Raggies grow to about 3.2m and can live up to around 30 years.

Top left: Ragged-tooth shark, Dane, being carefully lifted out of the holding tank by a crane. Above: Aquarium curatorial team accompanying Dane into the ocean. Main: Dané at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Photos: Jean Tresfon

HUIS LETTIE THERON BAZAAR

By: Elma Hunter

Stanford’s oldest living citizen of the family Dreyer, after whom a street was named, Aunty Emmie Dreyer, who will be turning 94 years old in July, has been looked after by staff at Huis Lettie Theron in Hermanus where she’s been living for the last 15 years.

Many qualified carers who live in Stanford travel to Hermanus to Huis Lettie where they are employed on a shift basis, day and night shifts. These women have many skills, lots of experience and patience, and bring much comfort and laughter into the lives of the residents of the elderly care home.

Huis Lettie Theron is under the auspices of the Nederlandse Gemeente Church and take people in who are on the old age pension. The costs for one person receiving care, feeding, accommoda-

tion and toiletries far exceed this pension. Fundraising is imperative and therefore a request has been made to donate items suitable for selling at the Huis Lettie Bazaar happening on 29 July 2023.

Aunty Emmie has been a keen supporter of the Stanford Recycling Swop Shop by knitting mittens for children in the colours (dark blue or maroon) of the local schools. Knitted mittens, beanies and scarves are always welcome in the cold winter months which are fast approaching. Aunt Emmie’s pattern for mittens is available on request from keen crafters.

For the bazaar, items marked ‘Huis Lettie’ can be dropped off at the Stanford Tourism Office for delivery to Hermanus. Bric-a-brac is very welcome, so please clear out your cupboards and donate good secondhand items. Please put your name on donations so that a note of appreciation may be sent to you.

STANFORD ROTARY VISITS SILWERJARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY

By: Lana Coates

There is a centre for the elderly in Gansbaai called Silwerjare Dienssentrum which has 14 live-in residents. A number of Stanfordians have, over the years, spent their autumn years at Silwerjare. Around Easter each year, Stanford Rotary make up gift and treat packs for the elderly residents there who generally don’t receive much in the way of treats. Some don’t even get visits from their own families after literally being dumped at the front door with nothing more than a tiny suitcase.

We were very blessed this year with donations of Easter eggs, homebaked cookies, rusks and fabric with which to make up toiletry bags. We added some basic toiletries, sweets and chocolates, as well as a beanie and a pair of gloves to each pack. The six carers also received a treat pack to acknowledge all their hard work and dedication to the elderly folk. This group of women genuinely care for the well-being of their elderly residents.

Silverjare is always in need of clothing and linen (sheets, towels, etc.), so if you’re having a clear-out, please do consider passing some things on to them (via Rotary).

- 12-Hour Service

- 24-Hour Service

- Half Day Service

- Wellness Pop-In - Shop-Stop Service

Above: Stanford’s oldest living resident, Emmie Dreyer. Photo: Supplied

CHASING LIFERS…

a rewarding pursuit

It can take decades of birding to find your first Painted Snipe, but for Lester van Groeningen, it turned out to be one of the first major ticks on a reluctant trip to Botswana, with absolutely no interest in birding whatsoever. But, encouraged by his wife, Cheryl, Lester soon found himself noticing that the Hornbills along the way were all different. Some Greater Kestrels appeared, and his interest was stirring.

Once in Gaborone, they borrowed a pair of binoculars for walks on the golf course and that’s when things got really interesting. “We kept seeing more and more ‘colourful little birds’ and soon visited the nature reserve,” Lester recalls. “One startling crescendo of a Woodland Kingfisher and that Painted Snipe in a roadside puddle… we were hooked!”

Life soon turned to chasing new lifers, new pairs of binoculars, bird clubs and outings and everything birding. Lester’s job at the time involved overseas travel and he soon had a network of global birding friends. This included Eastern and Western USA, the UK and parts of Europe, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. Work opportunities in north-eastern Brazil enabled many trips into the Atlantic Rain Forests, and also further afield to Panama and Mexico.

During this time, Lester and Cheryl had sold their house in KZN and upon their return to SA in 2014, they found themselves effectively homeless. Looking for the ultimate retirement spot, they explored every place from St Lucia in northern KZN right through to St Helena on the West Coast. In the end it was Hermanus that caught their fancy and the family settled there in late 2017.

Today Lester is an expert birder and professional guide. “From early on our birding activities involved guiding and education,” Lester explains. “As Vice Chairman of the Natal Bird Club, my focus was bird education involving courses and guiding at club outings. Guiding took a back seat while we were overseas, but soon after returning to SA, we joined the Dias Bird Club in Kentonon-Sea. Here we set up an ‘atlassing’ group with a bunch of keen birders which involved many outings from Mpekweni in the Northeast to San Souci near the Sundays River. We amassed a huge amount of data, and this ultimately enabled us to put together a 90-page bird finding document for this bird rich area.

“Since our move to Hermanus, we’ve joined the Stanford Bird Club and have explored the wonderful birding opportunities in the Overberg and beyond. During this time, I also completed the requirements as a FGASA nature guide and regional bird guide.”

According to Lester, birding in the Overberg is great, but very different from what they were used to in KZN. “The number of

resident birds is lower, but this has made up for in the seemingly continuous arrival of scarce or ‘stray’ birds. And the excitement of shooting off to see some completely out of range bird can become rather addictive.”

“One area where the Overberg really shines, is the relative ease to find pelagic birds from the shore. This was a big surprise for us, and we have had many wonderful sightings of Albatrosses, Shearwaters and Petrels. Clearly, shorebird pelagic bird watching has been underrated and overlooked in the Overberg. Diversity of habitat is another strong feature of the Overberg and the large number of Southern African endemic species found here. One never knows what to expect next, and tracking down mega vagrants such as the Whinchat and Grey Wagtail have been highlights for us. Of course, finding Southern Africa’s first White Wagtail tops our list.”

With this wealth of experience, what is still on his wish list? “I guess the wish list becomes never-ending and that is the fun and excitement of birding. We have never birded in Mozambique nor the eastern part of Zimbabwe. There’s a lot of birds there that we’d love to chase.”

Lester knows just about every backroad in the Overberg and in Stanford Bird Club alone, his experience is invaluable as he guides us to the best spots at the most opportune time. When he joins an outing, his enthusiasm is simply infectious.

Lester and Cheryl operate Abundant Birding from Vermont, so if it’s an expert, or an ever-enthusiastic guide you’re after, look no further.

Phone 078 593 8977

Top: Birding enthusiasts, Lester and Cheryl van Groeningen.

Above: The ever-elusive Painted Snipe.

THAT NEVER LET HER DOWN TRIXIE AND THE VILLAGE ANIMALS

By: Nelly Roodt

Trixie, or Pickle as she is now fondly called, is alive and well and living in nirvana. This is all thanks to Stanford Animal Welfare Society (SAWS), the Village Vet Clinic in Hermanus, and Trixie’s foster-guardians, including Eril Wiehahn who offered Craniosacral Therapy (CST), free of charge and the many other dear hearts and kind people who donated generously towards her recovery.

On a sweltering hot day in mid-January, a pedestrian spotted a small body with a mangled head lying on the tar on the corner of Quick and Bezuidenhout Streets. Neil Bilson and his wife, Trudy, rushed to the rescue. Trudy gathered the Jack Russel in her arms, no matter the blood pouring from the wounds. The injured victim gazed into her eyes for the entire trip to the vet in Hermanus.

Stanford WhatsApp group honed in on her predicament at the speed of the internet. Trixie became the January’s newsmaker of the month on that platform.

Poor Trixie was in a bad way and had sustained a broken jaw and lost one eye. The Stanford Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) appealed to the public for donations to cover the vet bills, and within two days there were sufficient funds to pay for all treatment, hospitalisation, and planned plastic surgery. On her discharge, Wendy and Gill Gauntlet offered their home as a revival haven.

Enter Eril, a CST practitioner, who had settled in the village recently. She treated Trixie twice. CST is a gentle, non-invasive form of massage or bodywork that relieves compression in the bones, and realigns the head, sacrum and spinal column. It is said to be equally effective on people and animals.

Trixie’s healing was extraordinary following CST, Wendy commented. “She just turned. She became a normal dog. Playing, running around ... If I hadn’t witnessed it myself, I would not have believed it.”

Dixie (Sarah Dickson) then adopted her. “My daughters, Maggie Lou and Lilly Rose and I, renamed her Pickle as we couldn’t have a Dixie and a Trixie in the house, and she had really gotten herself into quite a pickle, so her new name seemed appropriate. We love her endlessly, and she’s an esteemed member of the family now.”

Joy still does come along and surprise us.

PRIDE PANTHERA BIDS FAREWELL TO OBI

A Tribute to Obi

He spreads his warmth like the sun in the sky, and every creature he passes by, feels the radiance of his golden fur and can’t help but feel his spirit stir.

You walked amongst us, with grace and might, a true beacon of hope, shining so bright.

Your roar echoed through the grassy lands, reminding us to always take a stand.

Though we must part, our dear friend, your memory will never come to an end.

Obi, a much-loved, 12-year-old lion with a heart of gold, sadly passed away on Saturday 1 April. The team at Panthera noticed that Obi was not quite himself a week before his passing, so Dr Peter Caldwell from Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic was flown in to assess and treat him. Unfortunately, his renal failure was too far advanced and a decision was made to euthanize him.

Known as the Sunshine Lion, Obi touched many hearts across the globe during his time at Panthera. Catherine, Lizaene and the rest of Panthera’s pride are grateful to everyone for the care, support and donations received over the years.

For you have left an everlasting mark, a legacy that will continue to spark.

Obi, we bid you farewell with tears in our eyes, but we know that in the heavens, you will rise.

So, rest easy our beloved Lion of Sunshine, your memory will forever be divine.

The sunshine lion, that’s his name, and his light will never wane. For as long as the sun shines high and bright, Obi will continue to spread his light.

(Ajla Mujacic)

Top: Dixie & Eril holding “ Pickle” the Jack Russel.

Above: Dixie’s daughter, Lilly Rose & Gill, with furbaby friends, Ubble, Larry & Pickle.

F R E E

BECOME A PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE

CULTURAL SITE GUIDE LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE

Upon successful completion of this course, you will automatically be contractually employed by Stanford Adventures!

Course (15 May to 31 October 2023)

12 modules of theory +- 1 hour each

12 discussion periods after each module +- 1 hour each

+- 19 weeks of self-study / research

Completion of portfolio of evidence

Ongoing assessments with a final written and verbal (guiding) assessment

Requirements

18 years or older

Must be able to communicate in English

A valid education certificate - Gr11 or higher equivalent (NQF3)

A drivers license would be an advantage

Upon completion

Conduct guided tours & experiences

Customer care & safety

South African general knowledge

How to apply?

Prepare a short CV* with relevant information such as your educational and employment history

Place your CV in an envelope and mark it “Tour Guide Course Application ”

Drop the envelope off at Stanford Tourism

Closing date for applications: 22 April 2023

*If you ’ re not sure how to create a CV, please collect a CV Form and envelope from Stanford Tourism (17 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford)