February 2013 Stanford River Talk

Volume 90 | FEBRUARY 2013 | Stanford’s monthly newspaper | R13.20

A river runs Stanford - in the pink through it S TA N F O R D H I L L S E S TA T E The Tasting Room Open Thursday-Monday 11am-4pm Wine tasting Swimming and boating Gourmet picnic lunches

Book now for the Stanford Stomp

2 March 2013, featuring live music by Lucy Kruger and the Ride Call Bridget on 072 639 6135 for details

Self-catering accommodation, kids and pets welcome!

028 341 0841

info@stanfordhills.co.za

www.stanfordhills.co.za

R43 Stanford

STANFORD RIVER TALK 1

CONTACT US Phil Murray – editor, philippa.murray@gmail.com, 082 667 0619 Sandra Slabbert – design editor design@stanfordrivertalk.co.za , 079 523 8453 Michelle Hardie – managing editor. All account queries, 079 2911 588 www.stanfordrivertalk.co.za MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Churton Collins, Cath Croxton, Janika Dorland, Fred Hatman, Aron Gcotyelwa, Bob Hadley, Andrew Herriot, Melissie Jolly, Alexia Lawson, Jami Kastner, Olga Koorts, DM, Don MacIver, Inez Mallandain, Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw, Naas Terblanche, Bea Whittaker and Tania Weich.

Editorial Contributions & Disclaimer Editorial contributions are welcome and should include top quality photos where relevant. Articles will be printed under the contributor’s name or an accepted nom-de-plume if the full name and address is provided. All contributions are voluntary and not paid for. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any article.

Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor. Copyright All material in this issue is copyrighted, and belongs to The Really Famous Publishing CC unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be reproduced without prior permission. Published and printed by The Really Famous Publishing CC.

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editorial notes February is usually associated with the colour red because of Valentine's Day, but this edition is full of colour. We feature two hot red Valentine columns on page 11 , Aron's Word and Teen Talk, but we also feature a host of green pieces, covering the Green Team, Conservation Matters and Plant Talk. One of our newest columns, Colour Mirrors Talk (page17) scatters a spectrum of colour as Melissie Jolly introduces the concept of colour therapy, and our Covershot shows off Stanford 'in the pink'.

What a myriad of colours for our February edition, in our beloved village, in our rainbow nation.

COVER PICTURE: A sunset over Bagatelle farm in Stanford. Quintin Gilman

Please send your letters to philippa.murray@gmail.com or to PO Box 228 Stanford, 7210. Try to keep letters as short as possible (100 words or less) and supply your name and address.

Anonymous letters will not be published. The editor reserves the right to edit, amend, abridge or reject any letter.

Kicking up a dust storm The dust problem stemming from the unpaved roads surrounding the middle of town is serious. Those of us who have homes and guest houses facing onto Longmarket and Shortmarket Streets, JJ Swart Crescent and Lower Church Street have to live with clouds of dust caused by wind and passing vehicles, day in and day out. The problem is made worse by the increase in traffic over the holiday periods. Furniture is covered in dust, windows are kept permanently closed, and verandas are covered in fine sand. There have been numerous gravel roads which have been tarred in the recent past within the village boundaries. What is the municipality’s plan to complete the tarring of the outstanding roads?

The situation in the winter months is even worse with the surface turning into mud and potholes which are then not repaired for months on end. This causes great inconvenience to guests and home owners alike. Surely there must be a budget available to solve this problem?

Eben Calitz Petronella Ferreira, Manager: Stanford comments Naturally the tarring of streets are dependent on the availability of funds. When funds are available, the identification of streets is done in collaboration with the Ward Committee with technical insets by the Operational Manager regarding the practicality of the proposal. A list of all the untarred roads in Stanford has been handed to the chairperson of the Stanford Ratepayers Association.

Gritting teeth We are bombarded with dust and mud in Shortmarket and Longmarket Streets. These are prominent roads which handle a high frequency of road users, often travelling at speeds well over 60 km per hour. This results in a fine dust surface which blows straight into our houses. In short, in summer we live with dust in our faces, in our clothes, in our beds and in our computers; in winter the powder turns into a 3cm mud layer which also ends up in our houses.

I understand that the two roads are kept gravel to contribute to the heritage conservation objectives of Stanford, but unfortunately it is everything but in its original state. A hundred years ago it was not constructed as per current specifications; it was probably a simple single track road with grass growing on the edges and in the middle.

I’m sure that dust was not a problem in those years. Even as recent as 10 years ago, a hard bare potholed surface with exposed crushed stone was acceptable. But an oversupply of sand and clay in the latter years in order to attempt a smooth surface have proven to be a disaster. The smoother the surface, the faster the cars, and the

more dangerous to the children cycling in the road and the people crossing from the school to the market square. Poor restaurateurs!

They must be serving dust for starters, and mud for dessert!

I’ve attended many meetings regarding the upgrade of the Market Square precinct. This related to solutions from a cobbled and paved road, to a one-way system with parking, to spraying it with a dust reduction layer, to the tarring of the surface. But to date, none of this has materialised. Why? Is it in the name of heritage or due to a lack of drive? All I know is that we need to make a plan: the road in its current state is not a heritage asset or resource.

How about a mixture of the above? Some tar, some paving or some cobble? It needs to be different from an ordinary road but it needs a permanent surface to relieve us from the dust and mud nightmare! Or let it deteriorate to its original state as a hard exposed grit surface with potholes, resulting in natural speed reduction and absolute avoidance.

Paul Slabbert

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letters to the editor

What a load of garbage Why must we, who live in this area, put up with 4 or 5 massive truck-loads of garbage on the R43 causing traffic delays and the great probability of a massive road accident whilst the Overstrand Municipality has deemed it acceptable to send all the rubbish from over-accommodated Hermanus to Gansbaai?

It’s time to question the authorities on this matter and not sit back and allow it to happen. Hermanus can keep its own garbage! THEY allowed the once lovely resort to become burdened with too much traffic, too many people, too many estates and obviously too much rubbish!

Pamela Trevelyan-Bergen Villa di Baia Luxury Guest House Stephen Müller, Director: Infrastructure and Planning, Overstrand Municipality comments It is, unfortunately, a known and well-communicated fact for almost two years now that the ordinary household waste of Hermanus and the HangklipKleinmond areas has to be transported to the Gansbaai land fill, which is the only permitted land fill site in the Overstrand region at this stage.

The Karwyderskraal waste site that is normally used for the disposal of waste from Hermanus, Kleinmond and Hangklip has been closed since January 2012 while the owners (Overberg District Municipality) construct a new waste cell at the facility. We do not yet have an indication when Karwyderskraal will be open again.

All the waste generated in the Overstrand Municipal area will be disposed of at Gansbaai until Karwyderskraal opens again. No hazardous waste is transported or disposed of at Gansbaai, only general waste.

Lauding over lawlessness In response to Fred Hatman's Is Stanfford skating down a slippery slope? in the December edition: Surely these are the ramblings of senility, or the deranged thinking of a befuddled brain! You attempt humour, but succeed only in being irresponsible, thoughtless and rude, considering those at whom your are pointing your finger. You drift from one muddled thought to another.

Yes, ‘Stanford is a village with its own charm’. But ‘its own rules? Children and animals have the right of way’? Surely this is an irresponsible and dangerous statement to put in print. You have suggested and endorsed an ‘anything goes’ situation regarding children and dogs.

Laws and bylaws are there to protect us, hopefully. You want peace and quiet?

Rustic charm? In the October edition of the Stanford River Talk, you suggest how best to lure tourists into our village, to spend their ‘wanton wonga and their wads of moola.’ Along with this comes the ‘hustle and bustle of the SUV-driven motormuscle.’ It is not the law enforcers who are guilty of this, as you suggest, nor their wanting to turn Stanford into another Hermanus.

Forget Baardskeerdersbos. Find a spot in the Karoo where they still use long-drop toilets, have no electricity and no police station.

Lindi Loxton

Dear Lindi I cannot deny that senility and befuddlement do drive dangerously closely along the main road of my mind.

But, with the greatest respect, I think you may have misinterpreted my message.

It is not that people, tourists and locals alike, should not be welcome to drive their SUVs in the village. It is that drivers of any vehicle should pay heed to the fact that our children and dogs use the roads of Stanford on which to walk and play.

I do believe that children and dogs are a vital and delightful part of the social mosaic of Stanford and should be allowed the right to use our roads without fear for their lives.

I was simply using words to illustrate a point about which I am passionate. I write these words, of course, as one who adores children and owns three beautiful dogs of varying personalities and ages. What ages are your SUVs? Fred Hatman

Small irritation

I noticed last month that the 2012 rainfall total was incorrect and still is. The total is reflected as 496 – if it is re-added you’ll note that the total is 706.8. No-one else seems to have noticed.

Carol Beattie Ed: Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Carol.

Apologies for the inaccuracy which was our fault and not that of the Jake Uys who only provides the monthly statistic.

Solar Garden Lights Gorgeous garden solar lights to light up paths, plants and trees.

Path lights from R50 each to Bali lanterns R200. Call Pamela Trevelyan for advice and view lighting at Villa di Baia.

Sales at Warehouse prices direct to the public. You will NOT find prices like this in Cape Town. We import direct from Singapore.

Pamela 082 336 1573 ladyp@iafrica.com

THANK YOU

We would like to thank all the very kind people in Stanford as well as Stanford Rotary who donated clothing, linen, crockery, etc. after we lost our home and all our belongings at Lagoon Rock during the fire. We are very grateful.

Frank, Gift and Memory

Congratulations in the first one!

... and thanks for the ‘a River runs through it’ – THAT should be Stanford’s motto as it is the one unique feature that sets it apart from most other villages in SA. I still have guests arriving that don’t know we have a river!

Bea Whittaker Ed: Thank you, Bea. STANFORD RIVER TALK 4

ERWIN’S Traditional German Meat Products now produced locally Cell 082 441 5533 www.erwins.co.za

news & updates

Stanford burns again On 29 January, a fire broke out on Middleburg, David Abbott's farm. The strong southeaster, and thick groves of rooikrans stoked the fire, making it impossible to fight from the ground. Helicopters and bombers (planes that release fire retardant chemicals) were dispatched to fight the fire from the air. The fire burned towards Die Plaat and was considered under control after the night time rainfall and mist, but not before destroying portions of vineyard at Springfontein.

Stanford ablaze again: Huey refueling on the Market Square.

Teaming with life The Klein River estuary is alive! I believe that due to the Klein River mouth being open for a substantial period of time the lagoon has cleaned up sufficiently and is flourishing. For the past two years it has been in a sad state. Go and see for yourselves. Go down to the water's edge and see the abundant life in and around the lagoon; flamingos in large numbers and all sorts of other aquatic birds abound. There are schools of mullet everywhere, more often than not, jumping and fleeing from birds or a sub-surface predator – an elf (shad), leervis (garrick) or a kabeljou possibly. All three species have been caught in the lagoon over the Christmas period. I chatted to some fellow anglers who mentioned they caught over 80 leervis on fly in two days fishing – nothing particularly big ... but incredibly fun nevertheless. I have not heard of any steenbras coming out but I am sure there is sufficient food for them. In the past three weeks I have caught a 8kg, 6kg and 12kg leervis on live bait as well as a large elf. I favour catch and release. Let us keep this incredible ecosystem of the estuary and river clean, and conserve what we have. Malcolm Bowling

Draft annual report for public scrutiny Overstrand Municipality’s draft annual report for 2011/12 was tabled by the acting mayor, Ald Pieter Scholtz, on 23 January. In his presentation, he highlighted the fact that the municipality received an unqualified audit report for the sixth consecutive year. The report, which is in a very legible format and easier to use for reference purposes, will be open for public scrutiny and comment by other role players until 1 March 2013. It can be accessed on the municipal website www.overstrand.gov.za and hard copies will be available at administrative offices and public libraries.

The Council will consider the annual report together with all comments and representations received, at a meeting scheduled for 27 March 2013.

This meeting will be open to the public.

What a catch: Malcolm Bowling with his 12kg leervis.

Visit our wholesale fynbos and tree nursery at Grootbos for a wide variety of local indigenous waterwise plants at the best prices in the Cape.

Open: Monday – Friday: 8h30 – 16h30

We also do landscaping Contact Susan 082 436 4730 or Sharlene 072 143 8894

+(27) 028 341 0209 • info@kiwinet.co.za • www.kiwinet.co.za 2 Queen Victoria Street STANFORD 7210 STANFORD RIVER TALK 5

news and updates

Bumper season in Stanford Stanford experienced an influx of visitors during the holiday season.

Feedback received from accommodation establishments indicated that visitors arrived later than last year, but stayed for longer periods.

Restaurants reported that they were extremely busy during the period leading up to, and just after, New Year. Our river cruises were very busy, one of the operators reported being 75% up on last season’s figures with an average of 6 trips a day. Local shops also saw an increase in sales as compared to last season. Stanfordinfo experienced an increase in visitor numbers to the office, with more visitors having booked accommodation in advance compared to last season.

STATISTICS Visitors to the office: December 2011 – 1797, December 2012 – 2228 Visitor demographics: SA visitors 2096, international visitors 132 Accommodation reservations booked through Stanfordinfo: December 2011 – 40, December 2012 – 371

Steph Richards, Stanfordinfo

STANFORD PROPERTY SALES

One property in Stanford was issued with a sales certificate in December, and four in January. These figures include name transfers.

Amazing Race in an amazing village Who says children are off your hands and out of your minds when they become adults? It is not so! As proof of that, and to our absolute joy, my son's fiancée decided, with our help, to arrange a surprise Amazing Race 31st birthday party for my son, Rudolf!

Thanks to kindhearted, spirited and fun-loving Stanfordians, we had an eventful, joyous time with 25 crazy youngsters (do you still call them that when they are over 30?) racing all over the village. From diving into Sally Filmer’s pool, to traipsing down the art route to locate paintings done by our talented Sara Abbott; from a musical quiz arranged by our music maestro, Andrew Herriot, to eating foul-tasting snacks laid out at Michael Thomson’s Corgi park, and then jumping into the river to collect balloons; from blind wine-tasting to dancing Gangnam style to complete the race! The day ended very late that night with a braai and at least 17 bodies passed out on every available surface in our house. Once again, we realized that an event like this could only happen in Stanford, the village of the year.

Thank you also to our patient neighbours who had to deal with all the noise! Annaliese Lubowski

The Posing Cyclist

Look who was spotted, taking a breather, in Stanford. The Posing Cyclist, Phillip English (left), rode his bicycle from London to Cape Town to find adventure, and raise money for the Acumen Fund. His brother, Matt, joined him for the last leg of his ride. The Acumen Fund is a NonProfit Organisation which is dedicated to eliminating poverty by using entrepreneurial methods. To make a donation, go to www.crowdrise. com/theposingcyclist or find The Posing Cyclist on Facebook.

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Rotary brings Christmas cheer Rotary Stanford started 2013 with a bang! On Friday, 25 January the Rotary Raffle made a record R1400 for ongoing Rotary projects in the village. The generosity of our villagers is astounding and we congratulate Val Wissema (first prize of a Country Basket), William Stephens (second prize of a Buzzy Beez Recipe Book) and Frans van Klaveren (third prize of cake and coffee at the Stanford Table).

Our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors Graze, Penny & Truth Coffee, Mosaic Private Sanctuary, Klein River Cheese, Mrs Hubbards, Stanford Table, Evergrine and Buzzy Beez.

We would also like to thank everybody who contributed towards helping Rotary to collect an astonishing 209 ‘Bags of Love’ during December to provide the needy with a little Christmas cheer.

Soup kitchen volunteers were taking a well-earned rest after cooking meals for 250 – 300 disadvantaged members of our community right through 2012.

Soup kitchens are back in full operation again and we would like to request your support of the basket at Spar (to the right of the door as one exits) with dried pulses, soya mince, rice, tinned goods, maize and pasta. If you wish to donate fresh vegetables, please call Ansie (082 320 0982) or Stephen (084 705 6719) or Steph at Stanfordinfo (028 341 0340). They will provide you with the contact numbers of Rotary members where vegetables and other fresh goods can be dropped off, or to make arrangements for picking up from your homes.

We also have a ‘soup kitchen book’ at Kobin’s General Dealer that was generously started off by the Duivenstein and Finch families. You can make a difference by either topping up the ‘soup kitchen book’ or pledging food hampers to Rotary Stanford which will be used for those in need.

Two such hampers were recently distributed to a very sick single mother at Die Kop whose nine-year-old daughter is the primary care giver for her two younger siblings. Victims of the devastating fires at the end of 2012 were also supported.

School stationery starter packs will be distributed to local schools in the next week to assist learners without basic stationery items.

The Rotary Club of Stanford would like to thank each and every villager whose support helped us to continue with projects throughout 2012. We hope that we can count on your generosity again in 2013 – we know that you care about making a difference in your community! Ansie Rietsma

Cover Competition

Many readers enjoyed our January Cover Competition and so we have decided to expand the idea.

Keep sending us your photographs of Stanford, and if your picture is chosen as a covershot, you will win a free copy of the Stanford River Talk.

Rural and river retreats in tranquil surroundings, Stanford Country Cottages are situated throughout the village and surrounding area. Perfect getaways from stressed city living, they offer a unique base from which to explore this magical village and the fascinating Cape Whale Coast & Overberg.

Tel: 028 341 0965 • Cell: 082 320 0982 www.stanfordcountrycottages.co.za

A Burns Supper to Remember Wow, what a blast! The skirl o’ the pipes and men wearing skirts; the sound of dance music from a distant land. Coming from inside a wine cellar? Listen, the faint noise of whisky bottles being opened. Naw! Naw! It can’t be! Braveheart, surely not? Yes, it’s the gathering of the clans ready for business in their colourful tartans and sashes. It’s that time of the year when the natives from Caledonia, residing in or near Stanford, meet to celebrate their favourite poet, Robert Burns. Is it possible to bring fifty eight devotees together representing thirteen different nationalities all in one place in Stanford? Of course it is if the promise is to enjoy the tastes and the sounds of Scotland. And that is precisely what happened on 26 January at Stanford Hills wine farm, very ably directed under the culinary direction of Chef Bridget Bartleman.

The evening began with a piper playing two-step rhythms for arrivals at this picturesque farm. Guests came from as far away as Johannesburg and Darling, from the UK, Holland, Australia and Germany, all with a common expectation: to enjoy good food including haggis, to find warm friendship, and taste the pure malts of Scotland and the sweetness of Athol Brose. All of this was to celebrate Scotland’s national poet who lived a short, but fascinating, life and died aged 37 in 1796, having written hundreds of poems and songs that reflected his life and loves.

The guests heard his wonderful music and poetry, and enjoyed the witty and humorous speeches all delivered by our local Stanford talent in memory of the genius, Rabbie Burns. Our village is proud that such an assembly is possible within our community each year. Andrew Herriot

Should auld acquaintance be forgot?: (from left to right) Ian Wilson, Andrew Herriot, Jami Kastner, Peter Kastner, Rasheed Khota, Phil Murray, Ian Pieters, Annaliese Lubowski and Bev Snodgrass.

Winds of change Andre and Hayley worked at Springfontein Wine Estate for 10 years: Andre was Vineyard Manager and Hayley as Administration Manager.

Things being as they are in the wine industry at the moment, we were retrenched in June 2012. We live in Stanford with our grouchy Hayley and Andre Latham.

Jack Russell-Staffie mix and our Boerboel puppy. Not wanting to leave Stanford which we love, Andre has decided to try to make a go of it on his own. He has started a garden/handyman business, which includes amongst other things, irrigation, refuse removal and home repairs. We are holding thumbs for some success as we really don't want to leave this area, which we consider home.

Michelle Hardie’s Farewell

On 9 January, a group of friends met at Mary Troost’s home to surprise Michelle Hardie and her daughters, Lydia and Ursula, with a farewell tea party. Michelle doesn’t like surprises, but she suspected this one was coming. What a beautiful afternoon it was to spend together with this special trio of Hardie women. Good luck in Cape Town, and come and visit us often.

news and updates CONSERVATION MATTERS Stanford Heritage is a sub-committee of the Stanford Conservation Trust. This month the article comes from the Trust.

A jolly good reed – or is it?

‘How do we manage the reeds in the river?’

It’s a simple question.

Unfortunately the answer is not.

The reeds, Phragmites australis, are not indigenous, but they have become naturalised in South Africa and in other countries around the world. They probably found their way here from South-East Asia.

They are a grass, one that spreads by the use of runners (rhizomes), rather like some lawn grasses. Many people regard phragmites to be invasive, particularly in ideal growing environments. The Klein River in Stanford provides such an environment.

On the positive side phragmites offer perfect nesting conditions to certain riverine bird species.

The waterlogged areas around the plants’ roots also provide shelter for numerous aquatic species. In addition these plants perform a filtering role, something that is particularly important given the high levels of nutrients often found in the Klein River. They also contribute significantly to the stabilisation of the river’s banks.

In the past when cattle grazed the river banks in Stanford the reeds provided a useful food source.

Consequently their growth and spread was controlled.

The Stanford Conservation Trust (SCT) is allowed to cut (not remove) 300m2 of reeds on the river bank in any 12-month period. By doing this we limit the spread of rhizomes into the river and the subsequent densification of the reeds within the river channel. Any intention to expand the 300m2 area triggers an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This is a laborious – and expensive – process. The SCT is allowed to prevent the reeds spreading further inland.

Physical removal of the whole plant, roots and all, out of the river channel requires major equipment. It is unlikely that any of the responsible agencies would be prepared to fund such an effort, even in the unlikely event of them supporting the idea in principle.

The SCT is about to commission the design of a master plan for the management of the wandelpad and river bank. Clearly one of the components of that plan must be a realistic approach to reed control.

Residents are urged not to start ad hoc clearing exercises. Aside from being illegal (because the 300m2 limit has already been met) the correct techniques are rarely applied.

Once the river bank management plan has been completed we shall discuss our proposals with the Overstrand Municipality’s environmental team in an effort to find the simplest answer to our question.

Martin Ranger STANFORD RIVER TALK 7

news and updates

The Big Clean Green Machine A new year and new challenges await the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Green Team in Stanford.

One of them is to complete the 'high road' wandelpad next to the river in Sillery Estate. This is necessary due to the official policy to not breach the Klein River estuary ever again; which means that water levels could rise to higher than the existing footpath. The existing footpath is also very slippery when wet and walkers will now have an option to use the higher footpath when necessary.

Many people ask what they actually do, as the team is mainly seen sweeping the streets on Mondays and Fridays. The local supervision of the team is split between the municipality and the Stanford Conservation Trust (SCT). The SCT is responsible for their duties on Wednesdays and Thursdays only; the tasks during the rest of the week are determined by the local municipal office.

So what are the tasks they typically do on the two days they are supervised by the SCT? • Maintain the entire wandelpad and surrounding area: This means (inter alia) picking up litter, cutting the grass/ footpath, preventing inland reed migration, cutting down and/or spraying invasive species (plants & trees), pruning trees where necessary, maintaining the existing bridges and steps, building new bridges and walkways etc. This sounds little, but is a constant job.

• Plant and look after Stanford’s trees: All trees planted last year were planted by the Green Team, supervised by Tracy Paton. With the help of SCT volunteers they were also watered every Thursday. Due to insurance issues, our municipal office took over this responsibility as from October last year. Existing trees (which include trees on pavements and the market square) are pruned when necessary. The team also assists with the trees on Sillery Estate’s greening area.

• Remove invasive vegetation: This has become the sole responsibility of the team. The spreading of Port Jackson, rooikrans, blue gum and pine is specifically targeted, but also other invasive species. Discretion is used when invasive trees on public/ municipal land are cut down. Mainly the following trees are targeted: syringa, Brazilian pepper and pittosporum (spread by seed-eating birds) and grey poplar. Shrubs include Scotch thistle, caster-oil plants, wild tobacco, blue passion flower (a type of granadilla) and Spanish broom.

• Maintain the graveyards: As graveyards are part of our cultural heritage; the team regularly look after the finer touches of the graveyards. The municipality cuts down the grass, but looking after the edges, weeding the graves, removing and poisoning invasive vegetation etc is done by the Green Team.

VOLUNTEERS The SCT members who voluntarily take weekly turns to determine the tasks and oversee the team on Wednesdays and Thursdays, are Anka Esterhuizen, Basil Whittaker and Tony Coats. Peter Hochfelden and Ian Wilson have kindly offered to assist from February and their contribution is greatly appreciated – thank you. However, the SCT is still looking for a volunteer to specifically monitor the watering of the trees on the market square… some of you may have noticed the present sad state of the waterberry trees on the northern side.

If you would like to make a worthy contribution to keep Stanford beautiful please contact Basil on (028) 341 0430 or Tony on (028) 341 0349.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 8

Green Team strikes gold again What was a hell-hole and crime paradise has recently been transformed into an avenue of beauty.

A strip of the wandelpad, 200m up from the end of Vlei Street, was an ugly and dangerous area (13 burglaries on three properties in three months). The increasing encroachment of invasive reeds (on council property, nogal) provided lovely cover for some nefarious activities by people who think the redistribution of goods is a constitutional right. In stepped the Green Team to transform a reedinfested jungle into a French-style landscape of beauty.

It looks GREAT, and will be enjoyed by all strollers and walkers while at the same time adding another element to help combat the horrible, crime rate in this jewel of ours called Stanford.

Thanks go to the magical Green Team, courtesy of the Department of Environmental Affairs, and Basil Whittaker who supervised them that week. Thank you for your continued efforts to make Stanford a place to be enjoyed by all – and show criminals a point or two. Keith Brown & Royd Frith

Standing sentry: Poplars along the Wandelpad.

7 km outside Stanford on Route 326 028 341 0693 | www.kleinrivercheese.co.za Weekdays 9-5 Saturdays 9-1 Picnics: Daily 11 - 3

legal talk

The Wildcat Strikes Churton Collins, experienced lawyer, newspaper sub-editor, and freelance legal editor, kicks off a new Legal Talk column in which he spins legal comment on current issues.

Definition of wildcat: (noun) A small native Eurasian and African cat that is typically grey with black markings and a bushy tail, noted for its ferocity. (adjective) [attributive] (of a strike) sudden and unofficial (Oxford online dictionary)

S

outh Africa has had its fair share of wildcat mining strikes in the past months, resulting in deaths, loss of production, credit downgrades, withdrawal of foreign direct investment and now the possible loss of 14 000 jobs. Add to this the violent farmworker protests in the Western Cape which have shaken local confidence and damaged South Africa's image abroad.

Deputy President of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa has been key in negotiations to resolve these strikes.

But it would appear that he has been disturbed by the nature of recent strikes.

Simply stated, he would have known that illegal, wildcat strikes were a recipe for self-destruction – not only for the participants but for the credibility of labour organisation and the very future of the mining industry itself.

Ramaphosa has come a long way. It was only in 1982 that black people were first allowed to form and join unions. Ramaphosa was a

key figure in the formation of Cosatu, accepted the challenge of recruiting workers and creating bargaining structures with requisite majorities on the shop floor. Cosatu, with notable exceptions, accepted South Africa's legal labour framework which involved taking disputes to arbitration, balloting members for industrial action and giving notice of strike action.

Militant and politically driven as they might have been, they nevertheless followed the basic rules of negotiation and legality.

This is not an apology for Cosatu's excesses and policy failures. However, the recent strikes in the mining (platinum) industry have underlined the destructive potential of wildcat action.

This was clearly recognised by Ramaphosa and most ANC leaders.

The so-called farmworkers’ strike in the Western Cape is an entirely different creature, although the wildcat epithet remains appropriate. While it is difficult to generalise,

one suspects that permanent farmworkers are reasonably paid, decently housed and provided with access to education. Casual workers who depend on harvests for piece-work suffer long periods of unemployment and financial suffering.

The chaotic, violent wildcat actions, often involving outside provocation and terrorisation of permanent workers, were the grim consequence.

Besides being very destructive, the wildcat action in the mining and farming sectors is profoundly sad. People have died and property destroyed. At the end of the day South Africa has a liberal labour law regime, based on long experience of the futility of illegal labour action. Ramaphosa knew that in 1982 and he knows it now.

An interesting footnote is that, at the time of writing, Ramaphosa has resigned from the Lonmin and Mondi boards as such duties would conflict with his return to the ANC as Deputy President.

The wheel is turning.

Tickling fish Don MacIver remembers some 19th century Scottish history through the eyes of his great-great-grandfather, Evander MacIver (1811–1903). Upon Evander's death, a collection of his writings was published as 'Memoirs of a Highland Gentleman'. Here follows a series in which Don shares the best titbits.

'I was born at Gress, in the parish of Stornoway and island of Lewis, on 9 September 1811. My father was Lewis MacIver, tacksman of the farm Gress, and an extensive merchant, fish-curer, shipowner and general dealer in the town of Stornoway.

My mother was Catherine Robertson, eldest daughter of Mr James Robertson, who was for many years Collector of Customs at Stornoway. I was their second child and eldest son.

'On the occasion of my birth, when my mother took ill, she was attended by a well-known wise woman of the profession.

My grandfather, Collector James Robertson of Stornoway, happened to be at Gress on a visit: the wise woman was of the opinion that my father and my grandfather should leave the house and take a walk. My father proposed that they should go to the Gress River, and try to get a salmon in the rock pools, where the fish rested on their way to the loch from which the river issued. The peculiar mode of catching them was by getting into the pool and ascertaining with the naked foot whether any salmon were resting there. The salmon submitted to being touched and scratched by the human foot. A strong or hand-line with a loop on it was procured, and they got the tail of the salmon into the loop, which was drawn by degrees so that it could be hauled out. They found on this occasion that there was more than one salmon, and succeeded in securing two by this strange means of capture; and returning home with them, they found that I had appeared, and it was immediately predicted by the wise woman that I would prove a lucky boy.'

FARMWORKERS' STRIKE FROM THE FARMER'S PERSPECTIVE Jami Kastner and her husband, Peter, spoke to their staff on the morning of the proposed farmworkers' strike. This is an extract from what Jami prepared, and it was published in full in the Cape Times,16 January 2013.

'We have paid for the caskets of your families. We have paid for their funerals. We have carried their caskets in church with you, cried with you and mourned with you... We have paid for any and all education that any of you have asked for...We have bought your childrens' school clothes and their stationery. We have bought dresses for their fashion shows, props for their school plays and equipment for their sports tours. I have personally loaned my wedding dress to staff, and the only ballgown I own has been worn to many of your childrens' matric dances... We have given you bonuses, even when there wasn't money to take bonuses ourselves...We have given you our vehicles without question if there is an emergency, we have given you vehicles to visit family...We have fought for you against debtors who should never have given you loans and against policies that wouldn't pay out...You have been part of our family and part of every celebration we have ever had. If you want to strike today, then don't bother coming back.'

STRAND-VELD HIKING These are the hiking dates for the next two months. Starting time in summer is 07h00 and membership fees will be R50 for new members (free for existing members). Costs per hike will either go towards fuel expenses or entrance fees. Also bring some extra money in case costs are higher than anticipated or when we stop for refreshments en-route, etc.

Saturday 2 March: Steynsbos, Start at Gansbaai Info. Russ Griffith 074 357 4298.

Easter Hike: Klipgat hiking route from Gansbaai to De Plaat. More information on this hike in the March edition.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 9

nature talk

garden talk

The Wonders of Life

How fleas jump so far Best practice gardening in fire-prone areas

Naas Terblanche reminds us of the wonder of fleas at a time when many homeowners are engaged in war with these minute insects.

The incredible distance fleas can jump is made possible by both the strong leg muscles and especially by pads of a rubber-like protein called resilin.

The resilin pads are located in the joints of the flea’s hind legs.

When preparing to jump, the flea first crouches, and in that process squeezes the resilin pads in the joints flat. It then locks the joint in that 'loaded' position. When deciding to jump, a flea relaxes certain muscles. The stored energy in the resilin pad is then released and works like a spring, launching the flea in the air. The strong leg muscles also assist in the jump.

A flea can jump both vertically and horizontally. Some species can jump 150 times their own length. The common flea (Pulex irritans) has been known to jump 33 centimeters in length and 18 centimeters in height.

To match that record, a human would have to jump over the length of two football fields and to height of a 100-story building in a single bound.

The take-off speed of a flea is about 50 km/hour. It reaches that speed in 1/1000 second. To reach that speed in that very short time, the flea subjects itself to a force of 102 gravities. That means that if a human weighing 60 kg would accelerate in a vehicle at that rate, he or she would weigh 6000kg for that split second.

This is what a flea looks like through a microscope (above).

Note the very strong legs and the different parts of the hind leg.

The resilin pads are situated in the joint above the coxa.

Fleas walking around will suddenly stop; tuck up their back legs, pause, and then jump, using the stored energy in the compressed resilin pads, and the muscles of their hind legs.

The scientific name of the order that fleas belong to is Siphonaptera, which is a combination of the two Greek words – siphon meaning siphon and Apteros which means wingless. So we have a wingless insect that siphons blood out of mammals.

And all this jumping and sucking is done without the aid of eyes; they are blind!

What a wonderful evolutionary adaption of a small insect that enables it to utilize an abundant, but very difficult to get, source of food (the blood of animals and humans).

The Western Cape struggles with many veld fires in the summer as we’ve seen in our own backyard over the last two years. In our case, fires start in the mountainous slopes, use dry plant material and invasive alien plants as fuel, and spread to farms and inhabited areas. People in the know recommend that the following steps be taken to make your property more fire-resistant: • Remove as many of the invasive alien plants surrounding your property as possible (Port Jackson, Black Wattle, Eucalyptus, pine trees). They are some of the least fire-resistant plants and easily go up in flames.

• Remove any dead plant material from the garden.

• Try not to have dense planting around your house as this can create an easy fire path directly to the house.

• Avoid any wooden accessories around the house.

• Make use of lots of paving and open grass areas.

• Use succulents, aloes and fire-resistant plants in your garden beds.

• Keep plants in a healthy condition by feeding and watering them regularly. Healthy plants don’t burn as easily.

• If your property is in a high risk area and you do want trees, plant them towards the outer boundary.

• On high risk properties you need to make sure you have enough defensible space. If you stay in a flat, open area, 10m around the house should be enough. This distance increases if you live close to sloped areas, where you will need anything between 30-60m.

Take note that fire resistance does not mean the plants will not burn. If the fire is hot enough and plants are not well maintained, they burn as well.

FIRE-RESISTANT PLANTS Trees: Rhus species, Wild Olive, Milkwood, indigenous Acacia species, White Stinkwood, all oaks, liquid ambers, crab-apples, Silver Birch, lavender trees, citrus trees, flowering apples, peaches, plums and cherries. Maple trees, Alder, White Ash, plane trees.

Shrubs: All succulents, Sage; Protea species: Cape Honeysuckle, Coprosma, Pincushions, Proteas, Strelitzia; Viburnum species: Hibiscus species, roses, aloes, Camellia’s, Natal Plum, wild pomegranate; Rose species: daisies; Viburnum species: Cordyline species: New Zealand flax, lavenders, rock roses; Aloes, Agave, Mockorange, Rhododendron, Cape May, Ground covers: Gaura sp., wild garlic, Arctotis, Gazania, Ajuga, Dymondia, Falkia, Erigeron, Geraniums, Statice, Mondo grasses, asparagus ferns, lamb’s ears, Dianthus, creeping Thyme, honeysuckle, Bromeliads, Salvia sp., Arums, Agapanthus, Yarrow, Irises, Dietes, Watsonia, Sun Roses, Cone Flowers, Scabiosa, Jasmin, wild strawberries, Sedum species, chives, Aqualegia, Delphiniums, day lilies.

We specialize in home-grown vegetable & herb gardens tailored to suit your home requirements.

Whether it’s a wooden box garden, vertical garden, small or large, we can create a functioning and productive food garden for you.

Selected seedlings are mostly heirloom & organic.

For a free quotation call: Nikki @ 072 436 1497 STANFORD RIVER TALK 10

teen talk

Valentine’s Day – Lovesick or just sick of it?

Inez Mallandain decides to ditch the dudes in favour of chocolate.

It’s Valentine month, and everyone’s getting excited except me. I hate Valentine’s Day because it always ends in disaster and disappointment.

Valentine’s Day is a lame excuse for us to make fools of ourselves by telling certain people we like or love them. It’s okay if you are married because then you are celebrating your love for each other. But for children and teens, it’s so stupid. You pour your heart out to that special person and, in return, he calls you ugly, fat or, in my case, ‘chew toy’. So I hope everyone else has a good Valentine’s Day, but I won’t be celebrating the fact that I’m all alone.

I shouldn’t only complain though, as I’ve got a lot for which I should be thankful. There are good parts of my life such as my friends, family and pets.

So I think we should all focus on the chocolate, and indulge in a chocolaty Valentine’s Day without the heartbreak.

ARON'S WORD

Love never dies. Don’t look for love; it will find you.

Aron dedicates his column to real love in the month of St Valentine.

Bayethe my V.I.Ps. I would like to thank you for reading my column every month and for your feedback face-toface with me in shops and on streets; thank you. Wow! It is 2013 – a New Year with new ideas.

February is the month for love, Valentine’s month, and it is not too late to fall in love again or to fix those cracks.

I would like to dedicate this column to Lebo November, my best friend in Cape Town, and to her partner Lwazi. Since it is February, I asked her how they met and want you to listen to what she had to say: 'I fell in love with a man about nine months ago after being his Facebook friend for six months.

We used to confide in each other. Then one day he in-boxed me and said "you are the woman I want to spend my life with".

'I kept thinking to myself, maybe he says this to every woman he chats to and I ignored him.

Then he asked for my BBM pin plus my phone number and I gave him both because he was growing on me. All the time I hid my feelings, and the fact that I was falling for him, until he asked me for a date on my birthday when he held my hands and, looking straight in my eyes, said ‘I love you Lebo’ and I felt butterflies in my stomach. I still shiver, even today, from that memory.

'Two months into the relationship, we went to the Eastern Cape to introduce me to his mother.

His introduction went like this: "Mama, I met her through Facebook. She is a lovely, crazy, friendly, respectful and very talkative woman, all I ever wanted in a wife, and I will marry her". His mom just said, "Welcome to the family my child".

'We are currently in a long distance relationship and so far so good because we trust each other.

We communicate every day and see each other as often as possible. So, where and how you met your partner is not important. Love never dies; don’t look for love, it will find you. Remind your partner how much you love them every day. Don’t hesitate, say "I love you" and show love. Let’s open our hearts to love.'

On that loving note, let me say HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to them and to you, my VIPs, and thank you Lebo for sharing this lovely story with us. All the best for your relationship with Lwazi.

Comments are welcome to my e-mail address: 45465630@mylife.unisa.ac.za

Celebratory hugging for Stanford A friendly hug, a high five or even a chest bump may be the answer to cast aside a gloomy mood, says Andrew Herriot.

There has been an overdose of chest thumping, OTT cuddling and LOL high-fiving celebrations in the past few months largely witnessed during some of the recent international news and sporting events covered by television. They include: the Mars Curiosity landing (scientists), the 2012 London Olympics (athletes), the Proteas beating England (cricketers) and locally at the Stanford Village Fair at the end of the Fun Run (runners). This made me wonder about high fives and more recently chest bumping (currently being practised by men only although Ladies Beach Volleyball has taken this activity to new aerodynamic levels). It seems that the high five started (of course) in the USA when Glenn Burke, a baseball player, gave one of his colleagues a low five showing palms upwardly facing at waist level (which goes way back according to history) to celebrate a home run whereupon his fellow player, Dusty Baker, said ‘higher’ before he made physical contact. This was in 1977 and hence the words high five became folklore and subsequently the verbal salutation entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 1980.

High fiving as a celebratory gesture is now a way of life with the young and old. Chest bumping is more recent and was displayed by

the tennis playing Bryan twins who won the 2012 gold medal for doubles at London 2012. They leapt into the air making chest-to-chest contact to celebrate a winning point before returning back to earth. We also have fist punching or touching in cricket and the very common air punching to celebrate all kinds of achievements. Footballers often make celebratory pyramids of eleven sweaty bodies when a pathetic goal is scored. There are thumbs up and variations with multiple fingers to express agreeable sentiments often pointing to the heavens (some rugby players). There are also a multitude of different celebratory hugs performed by male on male, female on female and the inevitable male on female, all of which have to be carefully choreographed in the public domain to avoid confusing signals and disagreeable suggestions.

The Americans, needless to say, celebrate an Annual High Five Day in April and get very animated about it. Could we perhaps have our own celebratory Hugging Day in Stanford to celebrate the level of friendliness we have for each other and be animated about it? I am willing to give it a try. Any volunteers to pair up with me on an experimental basis? Naturally I won’t hold my breath especially if I am suspended in mid-air!

STANFORD RIVER TALK 11

Summer Holiday Stories

Oops, we did it again...and went on a family holiday From Boeing flights to long car trips, Stanford families went in search of adventure in the summer holiday.

Happy family: (from left to right) Nozipho, Nobu, Vuyo and Tommy Ngwenya.

THE NGWENYAS ROADTRIPPIN' TO ZIMBABWE The Ngwenya family embarked on an epic road trip all the way through Botswana to their hometown of Plumtree, Zimbabwe.

They set off on a Sunday morning with the kids, Vuyo and Nozipho, in the back of the bakkie, and parents, Nobu and Tommy, in the front. They rested along the road but basically pushed the whole way through, arriving on the Tuesday afternoon.

The road was long but the holiday was great, and filled with family, cousins playing and generous mealtimes. They attended two weddings, ploughed the family fields, planted millet, maize and potatoes, and even moulded bricks for a building project that was on the go. No one ever said that Christmas time was a holiday!

They are glad to be back in Stanford, and their children are happy to have started school again. But they can't wait to do it again at the end of this year – family is always worth the trip.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 12

THE SLABBERTS GOING NOWHERE SLOWLY Paul and Sandra Slabbert, with daughters Kara and Mia, had booked December plane tickets to Durban on 1time. Little did they know that the airline would go belly-up, and they would end up on a roadtrip across South Africa, going nowhere slowly.

Their primary destination was a family wedding in Van Reenen, Free State. But after the bride and groom had tied the knot, the Slabbert family found themselves with a car, and time on their hands. They meandered down though KwaZulu Natal, aiming for Ifafa on the KZN South Coast, but the house they were supposed to stay in was flooded and full of mud from extended heavy rains. So they whipped out the roadmap and aimed for Pennington. And what a delight Pennington was.

Using the same approach, and a little bit of Zen navigation (following the car in front), they discovered another gem of a village in the Eastern Cape called Rhodes. At the end of a gravel road and the highest public road pass in South Africa (Naude's Nek Pass), they stopped to 'smell the roses' and stayed for two nights, just enjoying stoep-life in a gorgeous village even smaller than Stanford.

Then they trundled home, spending a few nights with friends in Port Alfred and Hartenbos. They surely will not miss the nagging of the children on the backseat, asking, 'Hoe vĂŞr nog?' nor the charms of roadside public toilets. But looking back, they wouldn't swap their car seat tickets for those 1time bookings, no ways.

'Moove' out of our way: Naude's nek.

Summer Holiday Stories KASTNER'S QUICK GETAWAY Being owners of a wine farm, the Kastners can't go very far during the summer school holidays. But as soon as the schools reopened, Peter and Jami dashed off to Montagu for three nights with their children. What a blast they had at the Avalon Springs Hotel. With crystal clear, hot swimming pools, slides and supertubes, braai areas, caves to explore, rivers to throw stones into and a padstal that served the breakfast of champions, Montagu had everything a young family could possibly need.

Shocking good ride: Griffin Nale (second from left) with his cousins.

THE NALES DO DURBAN The words 'We went on holiday by mistake' from the movie Withnail and I, were what we thought might be the case as we headed off to the KZN coast to spend Christmas with family. The plane trip was what I feared the most; the idea of confined toddler Kellan terrified both Grant and me. Imagine our surprise when Kellan nodded off on take-off and awoke just before we landed, on both flights. This is my happy face :) Our time was spent participating in all sorts of water sports, tanning and wine-sipping, not to mention the motherload of food which we guzzled happily. Leaving sunny Durbs and our wonderful family has left us a little sad, yet we were glad to return to our happy hideaway that is Stanford.

Till next time in Durbs, 'Kiff Bru'.

'A plier and a wire': Peter Kastner retrieving keys from locked cab with Alex, Sam and Jack.

THE INGLES' ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME TO NEW YORK AND FLORIDA 'Let the memories begin': the display at the entrance to Disney’s Magical Kingdom ensured that the mood was set for an adventure of a lifetime. A year of preparation and anticipation had finally reached its endpoint! Having spent two awe-inspiring nights in New York, Sean and Fiona Ingles, and their children, Cade and Ryan, arrived in Florida ready to take the Disney and Universal experiences head-on!

We could never have imagined the sheer enormity of each park. Disney’s four parks: Magical Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Resort were filled with fun and awesome adventure.

Watching magical fireworks over the princess castle, being thrilled by the endless rides and '4D' simulated experiences, or drinking in a spectacular lights show – each day brought many highlights.

Through all the fun and laughter we discovered ourselves: Ryan (7) – the adrenalin junkie, Dad – the roller-coaster freak, Cade (9) – the ever-cautious, and Mom – the I’M-NOT-GOING-ON-THAT! reluctant adventurer.

Going Goofy: Sean, Ryan, Cade and Fiona Ingles.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 13

back to school

OKKIE SMUTS

Grade1 Afrikaans: (back left to right) Teacher Joline Swanepoel, Mary-Ann Goss, Annetjie van Wyk, Nico Nieuwoudt, Dino-Lee Barends, Gerhon Goedeman, Veronique Moses, Carli Lourens, Cassey Barends, Genevieve Volschenk, Ryan Bantom, Dalene October; (front left to right) Ischke Loff, Beverley Robyn, Zaid Abrahams, Kim & Kelly Pasman and Neo Hendricks.

Pre Grade R and Grade R Afrikaans: Teacher Nadia van der Vyfer, (back left to right) Matteo Barends, Johan de Villiers, Gregan Baardman, Junior Dickson; (middle left to right) Tasliem Salie, Tamson Jaars, Aldene Mc Thomas, Tanique van der Walt; (front left to right) Zoey-Ree Buys, Liam Lourens and Elridge Isaacs.

Grade1 English: (back left to right) Nonelela Mqalekane, Kilian Conrad, Ms H Barnard, Liyema Gqirana, Leo Don; (middle left to right) Oyola Apolisi, Sandise Bangani, Shane Foxcroft, Vuyo Ngene, Asakhe Mthanjana; (front left to right) Busiswa Apolisi, Esihle Valikho, Kim McKay, Nelissa Yana, Kelsey Montagu and Inam Bandula.

Play Group Buzzy Beez: Teacher Florence Gobeni; (back left to right) Rachel Hague, Afikile Robhana, Charlotte Withers; (middle left to right) Luzuko Gobeni, Gida Roodt, Samantha Horn, Imitha Siwa; (front left to right) Sebastiaan de Kock, Hellen Haering and Zaylon Montagu.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 14

Pre Grade R and Grade R English: (back left to right) Teacher Belinda Taberham, Erin Dreyer, Oyama Mahlasela, Griffin Nale; (middle left to right) Sarah Staples, Nozipho Ngwenya, Oyama Kosi, Matthew Solomons; (front left to right) Emma Privett, Courtney Anderson, Rachel Horn and Taylor Anderson.

back to school

FUNIMFUNDO

This year Funimfundo opened its doors to more than 17 new children and the numbers are still growing.The curriculum starts this year with MY BODY as the theme. A full-length mirror has been put up in the Grade R class so that children can see their entire bodies, identify body parts and draw themselves. 2013 is expected to be the busiest yet for Funimfundo with projected numbers expected to be between 55 and 60 by the middle of the year. (front left to right) Nonkosinathi Apleni (headmistress) and Nokwanda Sandla (teacher); (back left to right) Sibabalwe Sodam, Mila Mgu, Oyamanani Mancoba, Oyama Kani, Sinelizwi Xakani, Feronique Plaatjies, Iyapha Koyi, Ayakha Vimbayo, Charity Mqambeli, Nkosinathi Mgu, Indiphile Mgqibelo, Ovayo Dyasophi, Athule Vuka, Avuyile Foji, Iviwe Klaas, Michel Mafa and Masanda Mshicileli.

Funimfundo means ‘seeking knowledge’ in isiXhosa

E

arly childhood development (ECD) can mean the difference between success or failure later at school and into adult life, and your pre-school experience contributes to this. Without pre-school exposure to games, words, books, play, and social interaction, children starting at primary school are disadvantaged and rarely catch up with their peers.

In Stanford, many English and Afrikaans speakers take pre-schooling for their children for granted. However, prior to 2004; isiXhosa speaking children were lucky to have a place in a pre-school, and if they did, it would be in a different language from their own.

In response to this, the Food 4 Thought committee helped set up Funimfundo (an isiXhosa pre-school on Die Kop – the amaXhosa settlement on the outskirts of Stanford).

However, many in our community know little about the Die Kop settlement on the other side of the hill, and very little about Funimfundo school.

The parents and teachers at the school and the Food 4 Thought committee would like more people to know about Funimfundo.

Its survival is always in question. Without constant fund raising and without the physical support of a few saintly individuals, the

FUNIMFUNDO FEEDBACK

school could easily close.

This column is designed to increase local awareness of this crucial initiative and we will be writing regularly with more information about Funimfundo.

We want to keep you informed. We want you to know what is happening and what has happened. We want you to support our school and to show the amaXhosa community you support our school. We want you to come and visit us!

Cath Croxton * For more information and/or to arrange a visit, please contact Maryanne Ward at 028 341 0401 www.f4t4kids.co.za/index.htm

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STANFORD RIVER TALK 15

MOUTHPIECE

A daily reality In a departure from her regular Letters to Luda, Cath Croxton takes a stand on turds.

O

ne of the issues that forever plagues our family is the juvenile subject of faeces. In English there are many words for this rather offensive waste product and they all vary in acceptability and meaning.

For example, sh*t is a well-understood term, along with k*k, excrement, poo, poop, cr*p, dump and even a number two. The terms we use often depend on the origin of the matter (was it dog or human or bird?) and we even have specialist terms for different consistencies and faecal related events i.e. having the runs or having a dump. Do a search on the Internet and you will be amazed at the limitless number of expressions and phrases that relate to this topic.

And yet I am already embarrassed as I write these words. What is it about this animal product that makes our stomachs turn? Why are some of my readers already dismissing me as an infantile and uncivilised being who should know better than to write about a subject we like to keep behind closed doors?

I believe that as our lives get further removed from nature and our animal roots, we prefer to see ourselves as pure and sanitary beings who are sweet smelling and non-toxic through and through, inside and out.

The problem is that faecal matter is always around to remind us of our internal ugliness, especially in my garden. Two dogs create a lot. Picking it up is a daily ritual. We even had Christmas family tensions over the issue with the introduction of two extra dogs and another person’s opinion on the best way of collecting it. And poor Olga, the vet, has handled far too much of our canine deposits.

And then there is the decision regarding which route to take for the pack walk. This is often determined by the knowledge that one of the hounds will curl its back legs and wobble out a pile, probably in a place where you wish they wouldn’t, on the day when you forgot to bring that plastic bag. What do you do? You stand as far from the dog as possible, look the other way, and imagine you are invisible. I’ve been practising that one for years. It probably doesn’t work but it’s the only way.

You see, deep down it is a topic that raises strong conflicting emotions. It is a thing that binds us (i.e. the thing we all have in common) and a thing that defines us (i.e. represents our health status). But of course we don’t do it and it doesn’t exist (except behind the bushes along the wandelpad).

Time now for coffee, muesli and perfume!

A Farewell (for now) …

Jami Kastner bows out for a brief sojourn.

You may notice my column is missing, but be understanding for my sake.

The truth is, dearest readers, I really need a break.

Although I’ve loved every minute, it’s come to an end, you see for I’m tired of my column and my column is tired of me.

My life, it lacks excitement and therefore I’ve nothing to write It’s work and kids, and kids and work, all day and well into the night.

So I do believe it’s time for me to rest my weary pen when I have something I want to say you’ll hear from me again!

H a n d c r a f t e d W i n e s • W i n e Ta s t i n g b y a p p o i n t m e n t • G u e s t L o d g i n g 028 3410 651 • www.springfontein.co.za • info@springfontein.co.za • Die Plaat Road, Stanford STANFORD RIVER TALK 16

COLOUR MIRRORS

vet talk

Colour clarity Melissie introduces the benefits of colour therapy.

I have a confession to make: it took me until I was forty-two before I knew what I was going to do when I grew up.

I studied Art and Psychology, but until I started researching Colour Therapy, I did not know how to get my two great loves (colour and people) into one passion. It’s now been 21 years and I am still constantly amazed and enthralled by how we respond to colour, and what the implications of that are in terms of self-awareness and growth.

On a scientific level, studies have shown that we have a physiological response to colour. It’s been proven that by putting a man in a red room you increase his blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. Whereas if you put him in a blue room his blood pressure drops, his heart beat slows down and body temperature decreases. We also know that colour has a frequency with red being the lowest frequency and violet being the highest: this means that colour has energy.

So now we know that on a basic level our bodies respond to colour and our colour choices. We’re all aware on an emotional level that blue indicates peacefulness and red, passion or danger. In language we talk about 'seeing red' when we’re angry, 'feeling blue' or being 'green with envy'. We have favourite colours, colours that make us feel great when we wear them and colours we don’t like.

In working with colour we are aware of the positive and negative in each colour and we’ll be looking at each of the colours in more depth over the next few editions.

Next month we start with red – passion and energy as well as survival issues and anger.

Melissie Jollie colourmirrors@orcawireless.co.za, www.colourmirrors.com

What a waste!

By Stanford veterinarian, Dr Olga Koorts

Puppy ABCs Olga gives sound advice on how to train your pup.

Social skills aren’t just important for people. Puppies are often expected to interact appropriately not only with other dogs but also with people, cats and other creatures.

They might also be required to like the car, walk on a leash, follow commands and use the right place for ablutions.

Puppies are at an ideal learning age when they are younger than 16 weeks. Although dogs certainly learn at any age, this is the life stage during which they accept new things most readily. Investing time in a pup at this age creates a great companion for years to come.

Socialising them with other dogs teaches them to respond to doggy body language, when to play with or avoid a certain dog, and how to be gentle with the smaller pooches. It helps eliminate fear of other dogs and could even turn a potential fighter into a softie.

Routine is important to a dog. Teaching them early on to eat at certain times and combining this with a wee stop in the garden will make your life easier. Praise when they get it right, withhold praise when not. Pups don’t understand why they get punished for getting it wrong and wetting the carpet.

Finally, get them used to all the important stuff right away. Puppy schools are available to help you teach the basics. Take them to your vet for 'friendly' visits or just to weigh them. Touch their feet, ears and mouths daily in a gentle way to help with examination of these parts.

Take short, daily car trips if your pup is anxious about travelling.

And always praise good behaviour. Remember that you are the most important dog in their lives!

GREY BEARD TALKS

You can do your bit to stop food wastage.

W

hile watching Carte Blanche, I was horrified to learn how much fresh food we waste. Several million tons are discarded, in a country where many are starving.

Maybe this is our fault, as consumers.

I was lucky enough to work

under Mr ‘ill (Mr David Hill who had been trained in Covent Garden by his dad) the guv’nor from Luton Taahn who ran the fresh produce department of a busy retailer in my local seaside town. He once asked me, in a broad Cockney accent ‘Bobby bhoy, won’t you sort aaht vem Oomedarlins in the aisle...goe on, make a display ov ‘em, so the ole gals ‘ll pick’ em aat’.

I didn’t dare ask what ‘oomedarlins’ were, having just been appointed to the ‘gear team’, but I later found that they were clementines (bit like our naartjie or our euphemistically named ‘easy peelers’) He was passionate about packaging, and insisted that brown paper packets were available for the public to fill

with their mushrooms and tomatoes (which, like bananas, should never see inside a fridge).

I learned a lot from Mr ‘ill, and even now transfer all my veggies from the plastic packet – where they look nice on the shelf, but sweat and go off in the fridge.

Unless they’re kept in paper packets, or airtight ‘snap’ boxes (you can buy these at any good kitchen retailer; I usually use Banks in Woodstock).

You will find that the taste, appearance and flavour of veggies is greatly extended.

Tomatoes are best kept at room temperature (by a shaded window to ripen), while spuds must be kept dark in paper packets in a cupboard.

Eggs go further if they’re allowed to warm to room

temperature before they’re cracked.

Avoid apples and ‘stone’ fruit in ‘thrift packs’. They are a ploy to hide the bruised ones. Quality apples are placed, stalk down in display bins – not tumbled about as retailers in the High Street do.

They bruise!

Avoid limp carrots too, and soft lemons, soft onions and light sweet potatoes.

Keep a stock pot for all the left-overs. Gently heated, they make a wonderful soup base.

Sweetbreads (afval) are cheap and very nutritious. Ask Jamie Oliver!

Fish with sunken eyes are a no-no: but all fish smell ‘fishy’.

This all makes good consumer sense!

Grey Beard STANFORD RIVER TALK 17

PLAYING BY EAR

'It's de limit, it's deluxe, it's de-lovely' Andrew Herriot continues his review of great jazz musicians with this tribute to Cole Albert Porter (1891-1964), an American songwriter.

'A

n unmanned piano!' This iconic utterance was made while Cole Porter (Kevin Kline) and his strikingly beautiful life-long wife, Linda Lee Thomas (Ashley Judd), were walking in a Paris park in the 1920s. The hugely successful film De-Lovely (directed by Irwin Winkler, 2004) portrays the life story of Porter, cleverly seen through flashbacks of his life. This is a ‘mustwatch’ film for enthusiasts of the Cole Porter genre in which you will be able to enjoy a veritable galaxy of songs by an encyclopaedic collection of worldclass jazz artists ranging from Natalie Cole and Robbie Williams, to Diana Krall and Elvis Costello.

So much has been said and reported on this legendary music composer throughout his lifetime, from his early years in the 1920s and for the duration of his highly active and productive years during the 30s, 40s and 50s. It is simply quite impossible to extol him with the eminent credits that he deserves in this short write-up. Suffice to say that

he was a creative genius who penned sublime songs (some quite naughty) underscored by lush fortissimo harmonies and rhythms. They comprised a suffusion of arresting lyrics such as In The Still of the Night, Anything Goes, Well Did You Eva, Let’s Misbehave, Night and Day, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and Begin the Beguine – many of these songs memorably recorded in his musicals: Paris (1928), Gay Divorce (1932), Anything Goes (1934), Jubilee (1935), Kiss Me Kate (1948), CanCan (1953) and High Society (1956) to mention but a few of his stage and film smash hits.

I first came across Porter at the time of Grace Kelly’s elegant fame when she sang in ¾ tempo, True Love (a bit cheesy today!) in High Society. I wanted to fashion my keyboard (piano in those days!) chords accordingly, having purchased the sheet music for 2/6d in my favourite music shop in Edinburgh, and I have been a compulsive fan ever since.

Cole is less well known for the complexities in his life and his homosexual ‘flings’ which formed a backdrop to his very public and seemingly affectionate but sex-less marriage to Linda. Cole also suffered debilitating pain for many years after a horrific accident while out horseriding, the horse having fallen and crushed his legs. Some of his best box office hits occurred during that later period of his life which sadly resulted in a leg amputation, stultifying any further creative achievements.

His timeless legacy to the music industry, however, is that worldwide entertainment giants such as Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Oscar Peterson, Anita O’Day, Satch, George Shearing, Annie Ross, Michael Bublé, Jamie Callum and many more have all made unique recordings of the Cole Porter music. Yes, it must be said with much humility, the Stanford Keyboard Jazz Musician has too.

Graeme and Lana of Mrs Hubbard’s We sell a wide range of preserves, chutney’s and mustards as well as extra virgin olive oil.

Join us for a tasting at the Saturday morning market where we will also be selling our delicious bacon and rocket breakfast rolls.

Fresh juice and iced tea on sale from next week.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 18

wine talk

Storming Stanford

By Tania Weich

Sauvignon, Rugby, Shiraz and the African Queen.

R

emember the jingle, Braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and Chevrolet? It was a powerful play on words to epitomise all things South African. And the tune has been lingering in my mind since my encounter with the Stormers rugby team in Stanford.

The African Queen struck a pose on the Klein River, standing sentry to the VIPs on board namely Sir Robert Stanford Wines and Madre’s Kitchen spread. The rank and title is fitting, considering the forethought and detail involved in the food and wine pairing, especially prepared for the sport heroes.

Chilled Sir Robert Stanford Sauvignon Blanc was classically paired with oysters – but was also served with ruby grapefruit, since the flavor of this particular fruit features prominently in the aroma and taste of the wine. The estate Rosé followed through on its

promise of titillating the taste buds. Playfully deceitful (as any tease can be) the Rosé (dry) gives the impression of being sweet, which is based on the smell of strawberries that threaten to jump out of the glass. The food accompaniment of cream cheese, Habana fun time: Bryan Habana on the strawberries and Franschhoek trout provided Klein River. a complementary medley of sweet and savoury. Shiraz, of the same label (spicy with cherry and berry nuances) was the catalyst that the African Queen directly from their kayaks), the Stormers enjoyed the excursion-with-acaptured the essence of the bobotie spring difference, tasting and sipping on a river boat rolls, which Madre’s served with chutney. For in Stanford. dessert ... cherries and berries were presented Of course the experience was typically on platters with bite-sized fruit cakes, showing Stanford, which is why that old South African the versatility of the layers of flavours, which is jingle is still playing in my head – just the evident in the Sir Robert Stanford Shiraz. words have changed to an updated Stanford According to the charming coach, Allistair version, Sauvignon, Rugby, Shiraz and the Coetzee, and based on the courteous thanks African Queen. from the many men in scants (they boarded

OUT OF THE HAT

The road always leads me back to Stanford Fred Hatman yearns for a ‘natural-high jol’.

I

grew up in a quiet suburb of Pietermaritzburg in the 60s and 70s. A river ran past the bottom of our garden. My friends and I built a foefie-slide and spent many golden days playing in the river, fearful only of the powerful lashing of a legavaan’s tail.

We collected tadpoles in jam jars and watched frogs evolve. At which point Mom ordered the contents of that ‘filthy jar’ to be emptied back into the river. We were not, it now pains me to say, quite as merciful with the blueheaded lizards, which we shot at with BB pellet-guns. Cringe. We admired all sorts of beautiful little birds and, of course, kept silkworms happily munching on mulberry leaves. Life was a total, nature-high jol.

Much later I became a journalist and, with ambitions of cracking ‘Fleet Street’, went to live in London. For 13 years. Which was a bit excessive. In all that time, living in the innercity grime and grit, I saw only pigeons fighting over some kid’s discarded Burger King fries, and huge rats flitting around rubbish bins as I walked home from the Tube at night. I might have climbed shakily up the career ladder but my soul was plummeting far more quickly.

Since my return to Alan Paton’s beloved country, my passion for nature (rapidly dwindling as it was) has grown faster than a tadpole on creatine. My appreciation of our flora and fauna is only heightened by the privilege afforded me of living on a farm just outside Stanford. Lucky boy.

So, when I get a few days off work, there’s

nothing I would rather do than hop into my old Merc (a grand old lady who goes by the name of Lucille) and go in search of more rural bliss; my road trips preferably involving as many dirt roads as possible. And, being a relative newcomer to the Western Cape, I instinctively seek out small villages which have much in common with our Stanford.

These road trips are largely unplanned, with no accommodation booked in advance, and have so far taken me to Tulbagh, RiebeekKasteel, Piketberg, Elandsbaai, Greyton, McGregor, Suurbraak, Arniston and Malgas, among others. It’s about me and a long and winding, and unknown road, top tunes on the CD player... and, of course, my camera, inside which I record my adventures. It’s about freedom, from the inner-city London of my foggy memory. It’s about rejuvenating my soul. It’s a search for authenticity. It’s about getting away from petty and predictable voices and finding fresh viewpoints. It’s about being surprised by the new and the strange... and the gems hidden in South Africa’s soul.

A by-product of my spirit-soaring road trips is an opportunity to experience conurbations of a similar size to Stanford. So I’ve found hamlets, villages and small towns that offer something different to the Stanford experience. One boasts a small and central maze of cobbled passages that feature an eclectic restaurant, a vibey bar, a designer clothes shop and an outlet showcasing local foods and wines. One village has erected, at its entrance, a large sign politely requesting

visitors to drive at 40km/h and be aware of children and dogs on the roads. One has encouraged local artists to show their work in unusual public spaces. One has tables tumbling out on to the edges of the main street, people and children and dogs (and a long-unsoaped man with a parrot on his shoulder) swilling around in chatty happiness.

Actually, there are a few villages with those tumbling tables – minus, perhaps, ‘The Parrotman’.

And later, when I sit on a strange, but still strangely familiar, stoep after observing and photographing all of this, sipping cold coffee and smoking and staring up at the stars, I get to thinking about Stanford, my hometown.

And I dwell, albeit fleetingly, on why the hell so little of this seems to happen in Stanford.

And I find answers hard to come by.

Then Lucille cruises again, oozing almost effortlessly over the bumps and potholes on hot and dusty roads, with Neil Young, Rodriguez, Patti Smith and Robbie Robertson urging me home. And I take delight in all of these roads. And the birds and snakes and baboons and things that ‘go scuttle in the bush’. But, reassuringly and somewhat unfathomably, no road gives me more pleasure as the one that leads me on to the R43 and points me home to Stanford: The best village in South Africa.

Fred Hatman www.fredhatman.co.za

STANFORD RIVER TALK 19

classifieds

There is an HONESTY BOX at Stanfordinfo where you can pay for your classifieds. Please enclose the amount in an envelope.

SMALL ADS: R1 a word • BOXED ADS: R77 info@stanfordrivertalk.co.za • cell: 079 291 1588

SERVICES

ADULT HORSE RIDING CLASSES. p Jake Uys on 079 468 9060.

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIDGERATION p Deon 082 653 8082.

EXPERIENCED LADY SEEKS FULL OR PART TIME EMPLOYMENT IN STANFORD. 10 years experience in general office, admin, secretarial.

Fast and accurate typing, good command of English language, experienced in Word, Excell and Outlook. Also offering typing services from home. p Hayley on 083 759 5374.

Kinesiology For improving, restoring and maintaining health on a mental, emotional or physical level.

R300 for the first session R250 for any session thereafter Maaike Heger maaikeheger@gmail.com 072 683 5648

SM VERKOELING Tel: 087 808 2175 Sakkie Myburgh: 083 771 0753 Alle huishoudelike herstelwerk

RELIABLE & HONEST PAINTER. No job too small. Contactable references p Wilson on 072 223 2511.

NEED A MULTITASKER? Need some one for cooking, cleaning, driving Au pair / running errands. Got a drivers licence. p Theresa in Stanford 073 7905 383.

SPECIALIZED KEYBOARD JAZZ TEACHING. p Andrew Herriot at 072 5717 846 or aherriot70@gmail.com for more info. First lesson free.

EXCELLENT HOUSE-CLEANING Highly recommended, honest & reliable char. For reference p Lana 028 341 0349.

WANTED

DOG TRAINING CLASSES IN STANFORD We are looking for people who would be interested in joining a dog training group in Stanford. We need a minimum of five committed dogs and their handlers. Once a week for an hour. Day, time and price to be confirmed. If interested, please p Cath Croxton 078 254 5693.

LOOKING HALF DAY RESERVATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT based in Stanford. Salary negotiable. p michelle@privett.co.za.

AFRICAN HORSE COMPANY guided multi-day trails & outrides along the whale coast & through unspoilt nature reserves. +27 (0) 82 667 9232 omstables@telkomsa.net www.africanhorseco.com

VILLAGE LAUNDROMAT Washing • Ironing Tumble Drying Dry Cleaning Services Mon – Fri, 8.00am – 5pm 25 Queen Victoria st, Cell: 072 616 0976

RELIABLE GARDENER for 1 day a week. Must speak some English p Cait 083 358 6365.

Set of white Pipefine garden or patio furniture Oval table large enough for 8 settings. 6 Matching chairs with beautiful, comfortable, upholstered cushions in shades of pink and green. Table feature a hole in middle where sunshade umbrella can be securely inserted.

R2,500. Contact Ralph Rosen 028 3410 766

VACANCY OFFERED IN STANFORD Urgently required. A person with computer skills and good command of the English language required for several afternoons a week to work in the stimulating world of an established online world-wide curio business.

Must have a good technical knowledge of MS Outlook and Word.

Please phone Ralph on 083 252 2740.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 20

Positions Available in Stanford: BOOKKEEPER Requirements: Relevant qualification + 2yrs or 8+ yrs experience to Trial Balance. Proficiency in QuickBooks and/or Pastel, Microsoft Office & Outlook.

SALES ADMINISTRATOR Requirements: 5+ years experience in frontline customer interaction or retail environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office & Outlook.

Both positions will require excellent written & spoken English, an ability to thrive under pressure and strong administrative skills.

Own transport an advantage. e-mail brief CV to robyn@kiwinet.co.za

F E B R UA RY T I D E TA B L E Sunrise Sunset 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

0605 0606 0607 0608 0609 0610 0611 0612 0613 0614 0615 0616 0616 0617 0618 0619 0620 0621 0622 0623 0624 0625 0626 0627 0628 0629 0630 0630

1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1932 1931 1930 1929 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923

HIGH WATER time height 0618 1.76 0702 1.67 0758 1.56 0915 1.46 1049 1.43 1211 1.49 0059 1.48 0153 1.62 0239 1.75 0321 1.85 0400 1.90 0437 1.90 0513 1.85 0547 1.76 0621 1.64 0656 1.51 0739 1.37 0846 1.26 1033 1.22 1159 1.27 0045 1.27 0127 1.39 0201 1.52 0233 1.64 0304 1.76 0335 1.85 0407 1.90 0441 1.91

time 1836 1926 2037 2217 2351 ---1316 1408 1454 1536 1614 1650 1724 1757 1829 1905 1953 2131 2336 ---1256 1338 1414 1447 1519 1552 1625 1659

height 1.57 1.45 1.33 1.28 1.35 ---1.59 1.69 1.77 1.81 1.81 1.77 1.69 1.59 1.47 1.35 1.23 1.14 1.17 ---1.36 1.47 1.58 1.67 1.75 1.79 1.81 1.78

LOW WATER time height 1230 0.54 0035 0.51 0127 0.60 0243 0.68 0428 0.69 0559 0.60 0707 0.46 0800 0.33 0846 0.23 0928 0.18 1007 0.19 1044 0.23 1119 0.32 1153 0.42 1228 0.54 0027 0.58 0104 0.70 0200 0.81 0402 0.87 0551 0.82 0651 0.72 0732 0.61 0806 0.51 0839 0.42 0910 0.35 0942 0.31 1015 0.29 1050 0.30

RAINFALL STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY Jake Uys

time ---1320 1429 1605 1740 1850 1944 2028 2108 2145 2219 2252 2324 2355 ---1306 1355 1517 1708 1825 1912 1948 2019 2049 2119 2150 2222 2257

height ---0.60 0.66 0.67 0.59 0.46 0.32 0.21 0.14 0.12 0.16 0.23 0.33 0.46 ---0.65 0.75 0.82 0.81 0.72 0.60 0.49 0.39 0.32 0.26 0.24 0.24 0.28

Information supplied by the Hydrographer, SA Navy © 2010. Not for navigational purposes. The Hydrographer is not responsible for any transcription errors. The use of the provided information is entirely at the user’s own risk.

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

ave

37

22.4

Jan

11.5

12

8.5

19

14

35

Feb

39.5

25

11

17.5

20

16

21.5

March

49

27

20.5

20

26

28.5

26.4

April

70

21.5

27.6

30

56

53.3

43.3

May

45

31.5

55

66.5

83

43.5

57.6

June

75.5

50.5

106.3

91.5

88

86

77.5

July

102.5

76

97.5

43

56

103

87.8

Aug

66.5

71.5

89

46

74

125

76.6

Sept

49.8

74

88

35.5

25.5

73

53.2

Oct

73

39.5

92

50

25

111.5

64.5

Nov

89.5

91

31

57

42

26

58.8

Dec

37

35

6

40

23.5

6

33

Year

708.8

554.5

632.4

459

533

708

41.3

ANDRE’S GARDEN, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES (based in and operating from Stanford)

* Irrigation installation, maintenance & repair * Garden Services * Clearing, weeding & weed control, pruning * Refuse removal * General handyman services ANDRE DU TOIT 083 276 6614 Email: andre.p.dutoit@gmail.com

Cosy cattery and kennel in lovely country atmosphere.

Qualified dog trainer.

028 - 3410 961

Well balanced diets, love and care.

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN STANFORD

weekly timetable

NG GEMEENTE STANFORD Sondae 9:30 in die kerkgebou. Office, tel 028 3410 966.

ST THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH Morton St, contact Father Joseph Gabriëls 028 3410588 First Sunday of the month 10:30 Communion (Afr).

Second Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) Third Sunday of the month 08:00 Communion (Eng) Fourth Sunday of the month 10:30 Service (Afr) FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD cnr Queen Victoria & Bezuidenhout St. 09:30 Sunday service. Pastor Johnny van der Schyff • 028 3410 422.

VG KERK (next to De Bron School) 10:00 Sunday morning. Maureen Diedericks 028 3410 691.

STANFORD UNITED CHURCH ST THOMAS CHURCH, meets at St Thomas Church, Morton St. Interdenominational.

English service at 6pm Sunday. Bible Study, 7pm Tuesday night at 45 Queen Victoria St. Secretary Kerri Brokensha 028 341 0077.

Monday 5h30 to 6h45pm Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, Studio @ Art Café, Leli, 082 350 0253.

Monday 6h00, Running Time Trials 5km, corner Adderley and Longmarket, Andrew 072 5717846.

Monday & Wednesday, 5pm, Canoeing, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

Tuesday (5pm to 6pm) & Thursday (5pm to 6pm), Tae Bo, Okkie Smuts school hall, Ronnie 083 655 4521.

Tuesday 8:45 to 10am, Iyengar Yoga with Marianne, Studio @ Art Café.

Thursday 8:45 to 10am, Vinyasa Yoga with Leli, Studio @ Art Café, Leli 082 3500 253.

Cycling, Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm cnr de Bruin & Moore Sts, Sunday 6am Caltex Garage David Morrison 082 321 7996, John Finch 082 378 1935 Wednesday, 6.30pm, Stanford Rotary Club Meeting, Art Café. Everyone welcome.

Friday, 5pm, Canoe Time Trials, Slipway Church St, John Finch 028 341 0444, Jan Malan 082 452 9877.

Saturday, 10am – 12pm, Stanford Saturday Morning Market, Art Gallery Courtyard from Enquiries call Art Café (028) 3410 591.

STANFORD RIVER TALK 21

local services & facilities ACCOMMODATION

A Country Escape

Beloftebos Cottages B’s Cottage Blue Gum Country Estate De Klein Rivers Valley Fairhill Nature Reserve Morton Cottage Mosaic Farm Oak Grove Farm Reiersvlei Farm Lodge Reed Cottage Walshacres Riverside Stanford River Lodge The Country Cottage Villa di Baia

082 320 0982 082 391 5331 028 341 0430 028 341 0116 028 341 0048 079 495 2971 082 450 3970 028 313 2814 082 091 3914 082 213 0512 028 341 0984 082 614 6322 028 341 0444 083 553 0663 082 336 1573

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES Maryke Brandt 072 172 9545 ALTERATIONS Caitlin’s Dressmaking ANTIQUES/FURNITURE Sir Robert Stanford

083 358 6365

083 358 6365

ELECTRICIAN H.C.D Electrical

079 182 8825

ENGINEERS Jardine Consulting Engineers 082 359 2287 ESTATE AGENTS Marlene’s Properties Michael Thompson Estates Pam Golding Stanford Village Properties FIREWOOD Walshacres

028 341 0708 082 893 2282 072 111 9321 028 341 0685 082 898 4889

028 341 0961 028 341 0961

PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Really Famous Publishing CC 079 291 1588 RESTAURANTS 1892 Stanford Spookhuis Art Café Stanford Gallery Barke Restaurant Havercroft’s Madré’s Kitchen

028 313 2814 028 3410 591 028 341 0116 028 3410 603 028 341 0647

SECURITY JSK Wrought Iron Safe Security

083 591 9600 028 341 0801

072 318 2478

STORAGE Stanford Storage

082 950 6007

028 313 0660

HOUSE MANAGEMENT Stanford Country Cottages Village Laundromat

082 320 0982 072 616 0976

TAXI SERVICE Anytime Transfers

082 858 6765

084 728 7345

HOME MAINTENANCE Stanford Country Cottages

TRUCKS & TRANSPORT Stanford Bricks

028 341 0685

028 341 0048

INTERIORS Kiwinet Maureen Wolters

WEDDING VENUES Beloftebos Mosaic Farm Sir Robert Stanford Estate Stanford Hotel

082 542 9556 028 313 2814 028 341 0647 082 781 1704

COMPUTERS Compuworld SMB Solutions 028 341 0718 084 705 6719

082 320 0982 028 341 0209 082 450 3970

LEGAL Alcock & Associates, Attorneys & Conveyancers 074 126 7770

WINE CELLAR & SALES Brunia Wines

NEWSPAPER Stanford River Talk

Sir Robert Stanford Estate Springfontein Wine Estate

079 291 1588

028 313 2814

WATER TESTING

Stanford Hills Estate

028 341 0432 082 783 7257 028 3410 647 028 341 0651 072 371 7546 028 3410 841

STANFORD - RETICULATED DRINKING WATER RESULTS

STANFORD - RIVER WATER RESULTS

The treated sewerage outlet point into the Kleinriver is at the slipway at the end of Du Toit Street. The stream in the middle of town, starting in the dip in De Bruyn Street, is partly fed by the treated effluent from the waste water treatment works which gets complemented only in winter, by the overflow of the two dams in the middle of town. The two sampling points for the river are thus respectively known as under and above the treated sewerage outlet point.

Determinant (e. Coli) Under treated Above treated Sewerage Standard Sewerage Outlet poin Outlet point (Bridge R43 0-130/100ml (Jetty next to erf 396) to Hermanus) NOV

n/a

n/a

DEC

1046

20

STANFORD RIVER TALK 22

082 732 1284 028 341 0929 074 126 7770

PETS & PET CARE Stanford Kennels Syringa Country Kennels

HAIR Jeanne Retief

028 341 0410 071 219 9212

CONFERENCE CENTRE Mosaic Farm

DRIVING SCHOOL Drive with Cait

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES African Queen River Cruises 082 732 1284 028 3410 929 Klein River Picnics 028 3410 693 Platanna 073 318 5078 River Rat Boat Cruises 083 310 0952

SEPTIC TANK TREATMENT Bob Hadley 082 901 9011

028 341 0647 084 643 4504

CAR CARE J & J Motorwerke

028 341 0685

082 658 0427 028 341 0685 082 899 1172

ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS Ons Winkel Traderoots

BOOKS Sir Robert Stanford

CONSTRUCTION Stanford Bricks

GARDENS & NURSERIES Krige Tree Services Walshacres Willowdale Nursery

076 113 2741 082 450 3970

BONDS/ HOME LOANS Tania Weich

Email: info@stanfordrivertalk.co.za or telephone 07929 11588.

028 341 0048

ARCHITECTURE Guy Whittle Maureen Wolters

BEAUTY AND WELLNESS La Femme

List your business for just R12 a month (only R144/year).

Escherichia coli (E.coli) – bacteria that is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine. Its presence in a sample indicates pollution from human faeces.

Total Coliform bacteria – is the name for all the bacteria that produce gas and acid from the fermentation of lactose and its presence in a sample indicates pollution from the intestines of both humans and animals.

Heterotrophic Plate Count – is a standard microbiological method used to determine the efficiency of operations to remove or destroy organisms, good and bad, during the treatment process.

DETERMINANT

NOV

DEC

E. coli STANDARD (0/100ml)

0

0

Total Coliform bacteria STANDARD (10/100ml)

0

0

Heterotrophic Plate Count STANDARD (5000/100ml) 0

0

Celebrations in Stanford

Peter Whitelaw 20 January

Ivan May 17 February

Terry Danks 2 February

Michelle Hardie 23 February

Annaliese Lubowskwi 6 February

Gida Roodt 23 February

Steward Alcock 7 February

Catch Caccivio 9 February

Stuart Findlay 23 February

If there is a birthday coming up or special occasion you want to share with the village please email ed@stanfordrivertalk.co.za

Tayana Dorland 10 February

Suzanne-Francoise Rossouw 25 February

Shaheida Phillips 12 February

Janelle Damon 28 February

STANFORD RIVER TALK 23

MICHAEL THOMPSON

ESTATES

stewart@alcock.co.za OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY - OLD PASTORIE

EIENDOMME

R5 400 000

FULLY RESTORED AND IMPROVED, 5 BEDROOMS, POOL, POOL HOUSE/TEEN PAD, WINE CELLAR, COVERED STOEP WITH RIVER/ MOUNTAIN VIEWS

ON VILLAGE GREEN

R1800 000

GRACIOUS FAMILY HOME

R4 300 000

5 BEDS-3BATHROOMS-STUDY-POOL-DOUBLE GARAGE – WORKROOM-LARGE ERF –VIEWS OF MOUNTAINS/RIVER

RARE RIVER FRONTAGE

R2 300 000

SOLE MANDATE A RENOVATOR’S DREAM TRANSFORM THIS HISTORICAL HOME TO ITS FORMER GLORY. 3 BEDS, 2 BATH, GARAGE, & GRANNY FLAT, SEPARATE 2 BED COTTAGE, LARGE ERF

www.mtestates.co.za

2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, LARGE LIVING SPACES, GARAGE & CARPORT, SPECTACULAR VIEWS

WEEKEND RETREAT R1 290 000

SOLE MANDATE 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, ORIGINAL WOODEN FLOORS, GARAGE, LARGE SECURE GARDEN

PLOTS – large selection, from as little as R295 000 LOOKING FOR HOUSES TO RENT TO A+ TENANTS. STEWART 074 126 7770

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